Wikivoyage enwikivoyage https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Main_Page MediaWiki 1.39.0-wmf.21 first-letter Media Special Talk User User talk Wikivoyage Wikivoyage talk File File talk MediaWiki MediaWiki talk Template Template talk Help Help talk Category Category talk TimedText TimedText talk Module Module talk Gadget Gadget talk Gadget definition Gadget definition talk 0 357 4488150 4458214 2022-07-22T08:49:57Z HumDekhengeNews 2273533 /* News */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ahmedabad banner for Wikivoyage.jpg|caption=Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad}} {{printDistricts}} [[File:Amdavad Aerial.jpg|thumbnail|400px|Aerial view of central Ahmedabad]] '''Ahmedabad''' or '''Amdavad''' (also spelled ''Ahmadabad'') ([[Gujarati phrasebook|Gujarati]]: અમદાવાદ, [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]: अहमदाबाद) is the fifth largest city in [[India]] with a population of 6.5 million. Although it is the commercial hub of one of the most prosperous states of India, [[Gujarat]], it's not the state capital, which is its twin city of [[Gandhinagar]], {{km|30}} to the north. Ahmedabad is a good example of contrast between the materialistic attitude and the spirituality of self-renunciation. One of the fastest growing cities in India, Ahmedabad is a centre for information technology, education and industries. Bhadra Fort, Shaking Minarets and Tran Darwaja are the foremost historical sites of the city. Kankaria Lake and Vastrapur Lake are places which let you feel the pleasure of nature. If you want to enjoy the colourful side of this area, then pay a visit during the major festivals of Ahmedabad: Uttarayan and Navratri are two festivals that are celebrated with great zeal and gusto. Winter is considered the best time to visit the city. ==Districts== [[File:Ahmedabad Wikivoyage map in png.png|thumbnail|400px|Districts of Ahmedabad]] The classification below is according to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The West Zone and New West Zone are on the west side of the Sabarmati River while all other zones are on the east side. {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Central Zone]] | region1color=#dcdc71 | region1items=Girdharnagar, Madhupura, Dudheshvar, Shahpur, Dariapur, Kalupur, Raikhad, Jamalpur, Khadia | region1description= This zone mostly consists of the Walled City areas of Ahmedabad and the famous Mughal architecture of the old times. The main Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI) is in Kalupur. | region2name=[[Ahmedabad/North Zone|North Zone]] | region2color=#cc66cc | region2items=Sardarnagar, Nobalnagar, Naroda, Kubernagar, Meghaninagar, Asarva, Shahibaug, Naroda Road, Thakkarbapanagar, Saraspur, Nava Naroda | region2description= SVP International Airport (AMD) is in Hansol. Asarva is well known for the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and Naroda is the industrial area now developing rapidly. | region3name=[[Ahmedabad/South Zone|South Zone]] | region3color=#e8ba37 | region3items=Behrampura, Kankariya, Indrapuri, Khokhra, Maninagar, Narol, Danilimda, Lambha, Isanpur, Ghodasar, Vatva | region3description= Kankariya Lake is a very popular and relaxing place here. Maninagar Railway Station serves this region of the city, as an alternative station to the main railway station in Kalupur in Central Zone. The prestigious Ahmedabad - Vadodara National Expressway - 1 starts from the C.T.M. | region4name=[[Ahmedabad/East Zone|East Zone]] | region4color=#de6e6e | region4items=Nikol, Bapunagar, Gomtipur, Rakhial, Odhav, Vastral, Hatkeshwar, Ramol, Hathijan | region4description= Mostly industrial areas. | region5name=[[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]] | region5color=#c5a0c6 | region5items=Motera, Chandkheda, Sabarmati, Vadaj, Usmanpura, Navrangpura, Ambawadi, Paldi, Vasna | region5description= Motera, Chandkheda and Vasna are rapidly developing suburbs. Motera-Chandkheda, in Northern portion, serve as exits to the capital and twin city of [[Gandhinagar]] via Visat-Gandhinagar Intercity Highway (up to Infocity Gandhinagar). Sabarmati is one of the oldest areas of Ahmedabad, having the Sabarmati Railway Station (SBI) for North India-bound trains (as an alternative station to the main railway station (ADI) in Kalupur in Central Zone). Ashram Road and C G Road are core business and commercial areas. Vasna is quite in Southern portion and is an industrial area. | region6name=[[Ahmedabad/New West Zone|New West Zone]] | region6color=#817cc0 | region6items=Gota, Chandlodiya, Kali, Ranip, Thaltej, Bodakdev, Sarkhej, Vastrapur, Vejalpur, Juhapura, Memnagar, Jodhpur Gaam | region6description= Most of them are developing suburbs. IIM-Ahmedabad, one of the best business schools in India, is in Vastrapur. Vastrapur Lake is newly built artificial lake. Ranip is close to Sabarmati and has the Sabarmati Railway Station (SBT) for trains to/from Central India (as an alternative station to the main railway station (ADI) in Kalupur in Central Zone). Bodakdev and Vastrapur are well-known for commercial centres. Sarkhej is the Ahmedabad end of SG Highway that connects to [[Gandhinagar]] on the Western side. }} == Understand == [[File:Ahmedabad Panorama 1.jpg|thumb|400px|Panorama of Ahmedabad]] ===History=== The city was founded by King Karandev (Karna) in the 11th century and originally called "Karnavati". The Hindu kingdom of Karnavati retained its importance until 1411 when Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered Gujarat and created a new city nearby, naming it Ahmedabad, after himself. The city was built in an open and spacious plain to the east of the Sabarmati River. It included a smaller known fort as Bhadra Fort. The city wall had twelve gates. The city gradually expanded in every direction, with well laid out beautiful buildings, lakes and mosques on both sides of the river. In 1753 the combined armies of Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad took the fort, ending Mughal rule in Ahmedabad. During the 64 years of rule by Gaekwad and Peshwa, the city became cleaner. In 1818 the British annexed Ahmedabad. During this period the municipality committee was founded and a railway link was established. [[File:IIM Panorama Ahmedabad .JPG|400px|thumb|The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Vastrapur, Ahmedabad]] The British restricted themselves to the cantonment area and didn't take much interest in the city. Nor did they get around to colonising Ahmedabad culturally; they didn't set up schools, churches and clubs all over the city as they did in other cities they integrated to their way of life. Ahmedabad was a cradle of the non-violent movement for India's independence, being host to the Sabarmati ''ashram'' of Mahatma Gandhi. Ahmedabad poses a mixture of rich tradition and modern feel. [[File:Jama Masjid Panorama Ahmedabad .JPG|thumb|400px|Jama Masjid Ahmedabad]] ===Today=== The Gujarati community is known for its hospitality and for being shrewd businessmen. Ahmedabad is a big industrial city long reputed for its textile industry, and today more so for its chemical, petroleum, international trade & IT industries. It is also known for its financial services industry, and as the modern hub of the Jain Religion. The city has institutions such as the Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information & Communication Technology, IHM, MICA, EDI, Nirma University, Swaminarayan Gurukul, CEPT (Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology) University and NIFT. ===Climate=== Summer starts by mid-March and lasts up to mid-June. The typical temperature on a hot, sunny day in May would be 34-44°C (93-111°F) It's advisable not to visit during the summer. With the arrival of the monsoon by mid-June, the city becomes a fun place. You'll be able to enjoy the various monsoon specialities of the city like boiled or roasted corn dishes on road-side stalls or some special local dishes like. There are also some famous Hindu festivals like Rakshabandhan (or Rakhi) and Janmastam, the birth date of Lord Krishna, which fall during this season. You may sometimes end up in floods. Winter is the best season to visit the city when the typical temperature is 5-20°C (41-68°F). == Get in == ===By plane=== [[File:AMD2.jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|Terminal 2]] *{{listing|type=go| name=Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport | lat=23.073693 | long=72.626582 | wikipedia=Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport | wikidata=Q401700 |alt={{IATA|AMD}}|directions=is in the area of Hansol, just {{km|15}} north-east from the city-centre | content= The airport is expanding with permissions for many international air lines being given and development of new terminals. |url=http://www.ahmedabadairport.com/}} [[File:Terminal 2 from inside.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Terminal 2 (Inside view)]] International flight connections include Muscat, [[London Heathrow]] (Air India), Kuwait (Kuwait Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), [[Sharjah]] (Air Arabia) and [[Singapore]] (Singapore Airlines). Domestic destinations with daily flights include [[Mumbai]], [[Delhi]], [[Indore]], [[Chennai]], [[Bangalore]], [[Goa]], [[Kolkata]], [[Jaipur]], [[Pune]], [[Coimbatore]], [[Hyderabad]], [[Nagpur]], [[Kandla]] and [[Surat]]. Most domestic airlines have a flight in and out of Ahmedabad. Passengers arriving in the morning are advised that the international terminal is not open 24 hours, and may not open until the late afternoon. As at other Indian airports, you will likely be denied entry until approximately three hours before your scheduled flight even if the terminal is open. Therefore, connecting between a domestic and an international flight will often involve waiting outside for hours with the throngs of touts and hustlers. There are several options for getting from the airport to the city: * By '''car''': The Hansol area where the airport is lies near the river banks, between the areas of Shahibaug and Naroda that give access to Ahmedabad. For travelling to most of the main areas of Ahmedabad, head in the direction of '''Shahibaug'''. To the opposite of the river banks is the area of '''Motera - Chandkheda''' which are the northern ends of Ahmedabad and are better accessible through '''Koteshwar - Bhat Road''' (enters Motera through Koteshwar) or '''Ring Road''' (leading to '''Visat''', turning left at Tapovan Circle); both these roads branch at different points on the road from Airport Circle (in direction of Naroda from the airport) to Koba Circle (take left from Airport Circle onto Indira Bridge). Also the SG Highway can be accessed by heading straight on the Ring Road, instead of turning left for Visat. * An '''auto rickshaw''' or a '''taxi''' should cost roughly ₹ 200 or 300 respectively. Save yourself considerable hassle by using the prepaid booth, or preferably arrange a pickup in advance with your hotel. * '''AMTS buses''' serve the airport directly. These buses have an extensive network all over the city. * '''BRTS bus''' no 1000 runs between the airport and Karnavati club with 29 stops. The maximum fare is ₹50. The buses have AC and arrive every 30 minutes. ===By train=== [[File:Ahmedabad Station.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Main entrance of Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI), one of the busiest in India]] [[File:Ahmedabad Railway Station.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Platform 1, Ahmedabad Railway Station (ADI)]] Indian Railways has a very wide network all over India and '''Ahmedabad (Central) Railway Station''' (Station code: '''ADI''') is connected with Mumbai (500&nbsp;km), Vadodara Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi with trains several times a day. Daily connections (or multiple weekly connections) are also available to several other major cities including Bikaner, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Indore, Pune, Bhopal, Kolkata, Nagpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Chennai, Nagarcoil, [[Trivendram]], Bangaluru, and Coimbatore. Direct trains are also available for Jammu, Patna, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Kolhapur, Goa, Mangalore, Cochin, [[Trivandrum]], Hyderabad and Bangalore. {{listing| name=Ahmedabad Central Railway Station | alt=Kalupur Railway Station | lat=23.025504 | long=72.601430 | wikipedia=Ahmedabad Junction railway station | content= | wikidata=Q4696124 }} (Station code: '''ADI'''), the main railway station serving the city is in Kalupur ([[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Central Zone]]). The other stations serving Ahmedabad are Maninagar, Vatva, Gandhigram, Asarva, Chandlodia, Chandkheda, Saij, Kalol Jn, Kali Gam, Vastrapur, Sabarmati, Sarkhej, Naroda, Gandhinagar, Khodiyar, Aamli. Although the important and well-connected ones are only '''Sabarmati Junction''' ({{listing | name=for West & South-bound trains | alt=Ranip | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.071845 | long=72.587134 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }}Station code: '''SBI''', {{listing | name=for North-bound trains | alt=Dharmnagar | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.076406 | long=72.588787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }}Station code: '''SBT''') in the neighbourhood of Sabarmati (Northern [[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]) and {{listing | name=Maninagar Railway Station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.998730 | long=72.611512 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} (Station code: '''MAN''') in Maninagar ([[Ahmedabad/South Zone|South Zone]]). [[File:Sabarmati Railway Station.JPG|300px|thumbnail|right| Sabarmati Junction (SBI), a station in the suburb of Sabarmati (West Zone, Ahmedabad)]] The website of '''[http://www.indianrail.gov.in Indian Railways]''' will show you trains from a particular station to your destination along with days, timings, fares and availability. This will help you find trains from individual stations of Ahmedabad (separate searches) as '''NOT''' all trains stop at all stations except of course, the '''main''' Ahmedabad Railway Station (Station code: '''ADI''') where each train halts (and for longer durations than any other station). '''''Booking''''' can be done through the website of '''[https://www.irctc.co.in IRCTC]''', a subsidiary of Indian Railways '''or''' through any of the railway reservation centres throughout India. ====From railway stations to city==== =====Ahmedabad Railway Station===== It is in the area of Kalupur ([[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Central Zone]]). It has a road-side Janmarg BRTS stand within the campus of the railway station, which is just outside the main entrance of the railway station. It is directly served by BRTS buses on the '''Line no. 9''' '''('''towards RTO Circle [Northern [[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]] and towards Ellisbridge [Central [[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]]''')''' and '''Line no. 10''' '''('''towards Vasna [Southern [[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]]''')''' and AMTS also directly serves the station to various parts of the city. =====Sabarmati Junction===== It is in the neighbourhood of Sabarmati (Northern [[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]), is served by BRTS buses through the BRTS stations of either '''''Sabarmati Powerhouse''''' (closer to the railway station) or '''''Sabarmati Police station''''', both on '''Line no. 8''' '''('''towards Maninagar ([[Ahmedabad/South Zone|South Zone]]) and towards Visat Junction (serving the suburb of Chandkheda)''')'''. It is also served by AMTS buses directly. =====Maninagar Railway Station===== It is in Maninagar ('''''South''''' Ahmedabad) is directly served by BRTS buses on the '''Line no. 1''' '''('''towards RTO Circle [Northern [[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]]''')''', '''Line no. 5''' '''('''towards Iskcon [[Ahmedabad/New West Zone|New West Zone]]''')''' and '''Line no. 8''' '''('''towards Visat Junction [Northern [[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]]''')'''. AMTS buses also serve the railway station. ===By state bus=== '''[http://www.gsrtc.in Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC)]''' has buses from all the parts of the Gujarat state entering into the city. The central bus terminus at Geeta Mandir, with other terminals at Subhash Bridge and Naroda; minor stops include Paldi and Sabarmati Tollnaka. It is advisable to pre-book seats due to the likelihood of crowding. ====From bus terminals/stops to city==== {{marker|type=listing | name=GSRTC Central Bus Terminus | alt=Geeta Mandir | lat=23.015628 | long=72.591827 }} ([[Ahmedabad/Central Zone|Central Zone]]) is served by BRTS buses through the '''Aastodia Darwaja''' station on '''Line 9''' (towards RTO Circle <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> and towards Ellisbridge <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>) and AMTS buses serve through the stop of '''''Astodia Darwaja'''''. The GSRTC stop of {{marker|type=listing | name=Sabarmati Tollnaka | lat=23.085551 | long=72.591878 }} is accessible through the BRTS station of '''Sabarmati Police station''', both on '''Line 8''' (towards Maninagar <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Ahmedabad/South Zone|South Zone]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> and towards Visat Junction [serving the suburb of Chandkheda]''')'''. AMTS buses also have a stop nearby. ===By car=== ====From South Gujarat/Maharashtra==== [[File:Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway-2.jpg|215x215px|thumbnail|right|Ahmedabad - Vadodara Expressway]] Driving to Ahmedabad from Mumbai on the new highway ('''NH-8''') takes around 8 hours (without traffic) to travel 550 km. You'll pass Vapi, Valsad, '''[[Surat]]''', Bharuch, '''[[Vadodara]]''', Anand, and Nadiad on your way. Driving on the NH-8 is an energy sapper and no fun as there is a huge amount of truck traffic. Broken down trucks on the highway regularly cause traffic jams for hours on end. The journey from Vadodara to Ahmedabad can also be done via the dedicated express way ('''NE-1''') which does not pass through any towns, rather than NH-8. The expressway from Vadodara ('''''South''''' Gujarat) to Ahmedabad ends at C.T.M. ([[Ahmedabad/South Zone|South Zone]]). =====Via East===== Turning right at C.T.M. is the Narol - Naroda Road leading you to Naroda in North East Ahmedabad, while passing through the areas of Vastral, Odhav, Nikol, etc. on the right side of the road and the areas of Maninagar, Shastri Nagar, Hansol (Airport Area) on the left side of the road. For the northern areas of Sabarmati, Motera, Chandkheda, etc.rcle, where the Narol - Naroda Road ends, head straight on NH-8 and turn left at Ranasan Circle onto Ring Road. Turn left at Tapovan Circle, after a few km, Motera will be on the left side of the highway, Chandkheda on the right. The highway ends at Visat, from where turning left will lead you to Sabarmati. =====Via West===== Turning left at C.T.M. is the Narol - Sarkhej Road which passes through Nehrunagar, Narol, Vatwa, Ghodasar, etc. ending at a T-junction on Vasna Road (or Jawaharlal Nehru Road). From here turn left, pass through the areas of Juhapura, Makarba, etc. till a Y-junction arrives. The right arm will lead you to Sarkhej Cross Roads, from where you turn right onto the S G Highway. The left arm at the Y-junction will lead you via Sarkhej, at Santhal Circle, turn right onto the Ring Road. Ring Road is preferable if your destination is far (near Northern Ahmedabad) otherwise use S G Highway. Also for Bopal, use only Ring Road. The major entry points from S G Highway are the areas of Prahladnagar, Shilaj, Vastrapur, Satellite, Bodakdev, Thaltej, Sola, Ognaj, Gota, etc. ====From Gandhinagar/North Gujarat/Rajasthan==== [[File:National Highway 8 (India).png|300px|thumbnail|right|National Highway 8 (Mumbai to New Delhi) passing through Ahmedabad]] =====Via North and East===== You can enter Ahmedabad by passing through Gandhinagar. The inter - city highway starts at Indroda Circle (CH 0) ('''''South''''' Gandhinagar), passing through Koba Circle and Tapovan Circle and ends at Visat (Northern [[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]), the junction to the suburbs of Sabarmati, Motera and Chandkheda. Rather than going to Visat, you can also choose to join Ring Road: From Koba Circle head on the road to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) International Airport, but turn left at Rajasthan Hospital Circle and you're on Ring Road. From here you can connect to the areas of '''''East''''' Ahmedabad such as Nikol, Odhav, Vastral, etc. Also the Southern areas of Ahmedabad, such as Ramol, CTM, Ahmedabad - Vadodara Expressway, Narol, Vatwa, etc. are accessible through Ring Road. =====Via West===== Another option is to bypass Gandhinagar using Mahatma Mandir Road, then turning right at Sargasan Circle onto S G Highway. You may stay on the S G Highway or turn right at SGVP Circle (also known as Vaishnodevi Circle) onto Ring Road. There are several entry points along the border of extreme Western Ahmedabad, such as Gota, Ognaj, Sola, Thaltej, Bodakdev, Satellite, Vastrapur, Shilaj, Bopal, Prahladnagar, Sarkhej (where S G Highway ends) and Juhapura. For getting to Bopal, use Ring Road rather than S G Highway. Also if you've to go to Southern Ahmedabad, choose Ring Road as it'll be a much faster option than S G Highway. == Get around == [[Image:Ahmedabad City Tourist Map.png|thumb|right|Tourist Map of Ahmedabad]] The services of AMTS and BRTS run from 6AM to 11PM. ===By AMTS city bus=== The local city buses are run by {{listing| name=Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service | alt=AMTS | wikipedia=Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service | content= | wikidata=Q4696119 }} since 1947, forming a wide network covering almost all the points of Ahmedabad. Any destination in the city can be reached from anywhere in the city by AMTS.UTTAR PRADESH [[File:Ahmedabad AMTS Bus.JPG|thumbnail|300px|Older buses of AMTS]] [[File:AHMEDABAD AMTS BUS yohaan.jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|New AMTS buses employed under JnNURM]] To identify them and distinguish them from the state transport GSRTC buses or the private luxury buses here is the key: The older buses in this service are painted in ''red and white'' or in ''red and yellow'', whereas new bright red ones put up under '''JnNURM''' are having electronic display boards. You may easily ask around the people esp. those waiting at one of the AMTS stops about the route, time, etc. as the information displayed is in Gujarati. Also, Public Transit option on Google Maps will show you the nearest AMTS stop while searching directions from your location to the destination and it also gives information about the bus numbers, transfer points, etc. though timings might not be reliable. Also you may install an unofficial app named 'Ahmedabad AMTS Info', available on Google Play Store for Android devices, which guides you regarding travel routes, transfers, etc. {{listing | name=AMTS Central Bus Terminus | alt=Lal Darwaja | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.024944 | long=72.578251 | directions=at Lal Darwaja in Central Zone | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} There are other terminals at Kalupur, Sarangpur, Old Vadaj (Juna Vadaj), Maninagar, Akhbarnagar (Nava Vadaj), Vasna and Naroda and the depots at Jamalpur, Memco (Naroda Patiya) and Memnagar. In total, AMTS has around 1200 stops with 210 routes. It is mandatory to board the bus from the rear end door and alight from the front end one. The conductor on the bus will issue you a ticket according to your destination stop. Keep handy some notes of ₹ 10/20/50 denominations rather than the higher ones as the fares are very low (''these buses are the cheapest means to travel in the city''). A ''pay - per - ride'' fare will cost you a minimum fare of ₹ 3, while the maximum fare is only '''₹ 25'''). You may also opt to buy a ''Man Pasand'' ticket worth ₹ 45 (available from the bus conductor) which entitles you to unlimited rides for a single day, though it is not preferable to purchase the ₹ 45 ticket as you can complete the journey of going around 4-5 places in just ₹ 30–35. As buses are the most common transport facility for many in the city they are often overcrowded. During the journey you may request your co-passengers or the conductor to inform you when the destination arrives/is about to arrive so that you don't miss getting off at your stop and then have to take a reverse trip. Also keep moving towards the front end door as the bus will be crowded with people standing in the corridor between seats and it might be difficult to quickly rush to the door and get off, when your destination arrives (the bus won't halt at a stop more than 10-12 sec, unless it's the AMTS Central Terminus at Lal Darwaja or the last stop of the journey). Routes can be found at [https://sites.google.com/site/indiabus/amtsbus '''AMTS bus routes''' (''English'')] ====Heritage/Pilgrim Tours (Dekho Amdavad)==== AMTS has a special programme Dekho Amdavad, i.e. See Ahmedabad for sight-seeing in Ahmedabad. The buses are air-conditioned. The starting point is Law Garden Civic Centre. +18002337951, +917926589172 * '''Morning Tour''': 7:45AM start at Law Garden Civic Centre, visiting Siddi Saiyyed Mosque (Jali), passing through Jhulta Minara (Shaking Minarets), Prem Darwaja (Love Gate), Delhi Darwaja (Delhi Gate), visiting Hutheesingh Jain Temple, Sardar Patel Memorial, Gandhi Ashram-Museum and returning at 1PM. * '''Afternoon Tour''': 1:45PM start at Law Garden Civic Centre, passing through IIM, {{ft|132}} Ring Road, APMC, visiting Sarkhej Roza, Vaishnodevi, Adalaj Stepwell, Gandhi Ashram-Museum, Hutheesingh Jain Temple, passing through Prem Darwaja (Love Gate), Jhulta Minara (Shaking Minarets), visiting Kankaria Lake and returning at 8:15PM. * '''Sunday Special Pilgrim Tour''': 8AM to 8PM. Visits at Jalaram Temple (Paldi), Bhadrakali Temple (Bhadra/Lal Darwaja), Siddhivinayak Temple (Lal Darwaja), Jagannath Temple (Jamalpur), Hutheesingh Jain Temple (Shahibaug), Swaminarayan Temple (Shahibaug), Gayatri Temple (Shahibaug), Camp Hanuman Temple (Shahibaug), Dholeshwar Mahadev Temple (Gandhinagar), Akshardham Temple (Gandhinagar), Trimandir (Adalaj), Vaishnodevi Temple (S G Highway), Balaji Temple (SG Highway), Bhagwat Vidyapeeth (Gota), ISKCON Temple (S G Highway). ===By BRTS city bus=== [[File:Janmarg Ahmedabad BRTS Network Map August 2015.png|thumb|BRTS Network Map (August 2015)]] [[File:Ahmedabad BRTS.jpg|thumbnail|400px|Nehru Nagar - Shivranjani Crossroad BRTS Corridor (on Line nos. 2 and 8)]] [[File:Ahm BRTS2.jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|A BRTS bus during halt at a station, at night]] [http://www.ahmedabadbrts.com Ahmedabad BRTS] (bus rapid transit system) has silver and blue-coloured buses running on dedicated corridors in the centre of the roads. BRTS does not cover the entire city, but wherever available it is the best way to commute as it is '''remarkably faster''' than other modes (as no other vehicle can ply on BRTS corridor) and all the stations are marked well, in both English and Hindi. One can also travel using a combination of BRTS, AMTS and/or auto rickshaw. The ticket systems of BRTS and AMTS are not integrated. The fares are only slightly higher than AMTS (min. fare ₹ 4, max. fare ₹ 36) [[File:Ahmedabad BRTS3.jpg|thumb|250px|Dedicated BRTS corridor in the centre of road]] The BRTS stations are elevated shelters in the dedicated central corridor of the city roads, from where you can purchase your ticket. Keep the ticket with you until you get off at your destination, where you show the ticket to the checker and then leave the station on to the road. Buses are equipped with central automatic doors that open up automatically when the bus halts at a station. While the bus is about to arrive at a station, there are announcements with name of the station along with display on the electronic board inside the bus. Inside the stations, there are boards displaying real-time information about arrivals or upcoming buses, along with the routes and estimated time remaining for the arrivals. The name of the station will be printed in white letters on blue strips on the sides (horizontal) and on the roof of the station (vertical). All BRTS buses and stations are wheelchair accessible '''except''' those of RTO Circle and Kalupur Railway Station, which are roadside shelters unlike the standard BRTS stations. For information on all the BRTS stations, visit the above-linked website, which shows them according to the line, or install an unofficial [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.hammerapps.brts&hl=en Android app], which provides information such as travel options, routes, fare, time, station names, etc. (NThe Public Transit option on Google Maps ''doesn't'' show BRTS services, only the AMTS ones) There are 12 BRTS lines and 126 stations, with more under construction. The current lines are: *'''Line 1''' RTO Circle - Maninagar *'''Line 2''' Anjali (Vasna) - Naroda *'''Line 3''' RTO Circle - Naroda *'''Line 4''' RTO Circle - Sarkari Litho Press (Delhi Darwaja) *'''Line 5''' Bopal - Iskcon - Maninagar *'''Line 6''' Soni Ni Chali - Odhav - S P Ring Road *'''Line 7''' Sarkari Litho Press (Delhi Darwaja) - Science City Approach *'''Line 8''' Chandkheda - Visat Junction - Maninagar *'''Line 9''' RTO Circle - Town Hall (Ellisbridge) *'''Line 10''' Anjali (Vasna) - Kalupur Railway Station (Ahmedabad Central) *'''Line 12''' RTO Circle - Nehrunagar - Kalupur - RTO Circle *'''Line 13''' [http://www.jquell.com Anjali (Vasna) - Kalupur - Akhbarnagar - Anjali (Vasna)] ===By metro=== The Gujurat Metro is probably the most convenient way to get around the few areas it serves. There is only an east–west line, which runs through the city and stops at some places of interest, including the domestic cricket stadium and Ahmedabad Junction railway station. ===By auto rickshaw=== [[File:Autorickshaw in New Delhi 2005.jpg|thumb|An autorickshaw in New Delhi similar to the ones in Ahmedabad]] These yellow and green three-wheeled noise machines, known as auto-rickshaws or simply rickshaws, are always cheaper than taxis, and much costlier than AMTS or BRTS when distance is longer than 3&nbsp;km. They are not very comfortable and spacious. The drivers might ride very roughly, in which case you might request him to drive smoothly and slowly. Shouting 'auto' or 'rickshaw' at a passing rickshaw should be enough to catch the drivers attention. In most cases, the drivers will be able to understand Hindi and maybe even a few words of English. They are normally quite helpful, but some will try to cheat tourists. As always, agree on a fare before getting in. Day and night fares are different. If you look an out-of-the-town person, you may end up getting overcharged. For example, he might insist on a fare based on meter and take you to your destination through a longer route. Having some understanding about the distances can be helpful. ===By taxi=== Since auto rickshaws are the dominant travel mode apart from BRTS and AMTS, there are few taxis in Ahmedabad. So you will hardly find a taxi on the roads to hail whenever needed, though you may either book a taxi from a hotel or directly book one outside the railway station. There is a government authorized taxi stand. ₹ 950 per day for 12 hours. It may be more costly to book through hotels, and it is better to negotiate with the driver directly. Online bookings are also possible at various websites. == Talk == The local language is [[Gujarati phrasebook|Gujarati]]. Hindi is understood by almost everyone and English understood by well-educated people and most people in the tourism industry. == See == {{Movetodistrict}} Ahmedabad has several floridly carved historic monuments including the Stepwell at Adalaj and the Rani Mosques (dedicated to Rani Sipri and Rani Rupmati). There are some museums and art galleries. Modern office buildings and malls dot the more recently developed areas. Important places to see include: [[File:GANDHI ASHRAM 03.jpg|thumb|Gandhi Ashram]] * {{see | name=Gandhi Aashram | alt=Sabarmati Ashram | url=http://www.gandhiashramsabarmati.org | email=admin@gandhiashramsabarmati.org | address=Gandhi Ashram, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Road | lat=23.06 | long=72.580833 | directions= | phone=+91 79 27557277 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 27560569 | hours=8AM-7PM | price= | wikidata=Q1410702 | content=The Sabarmati Aashram was once the house of Mahatma Gandhi and he founded the ashram in 1915. Today, without doubt, it is the biggest visitor attraction in Ahmedabad. It lies on the tranquil stretch of the Sabarmati river and was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It was from here that the Mahatma began his famous 'Dandi March' in 1930 to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings at the ashram premises. The ashram today continues the work started by the Mahatma and houses a handicrafts centre, a handmade paper factory and a spinning wheel factory. There are several other attractions. }} [[File:Bhadra fort gate from inside.JPG|thumb|Bhadra Fort Gate (inside view)]] * {{see | name=Bhadra Fort | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.023611 | long=72.581111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3544561 | content=To add special charm to the varied sights of the city there is the Bhadra Fort, which once housed royal palaces and well-laid gardens. It boasts the temple of Bhadrakali and was built in 1411 during the Maratha rule. }} * {{see | name=Calico Museum of Textiles | alt= | url=http://www.calicomuseum.com/ | email= | address=Sarabhai Foundation, Opposite Shahibagh Underbridge | lat=23.054409 | long=72.592137 | directions= | phone=+91 79 22868172 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 22865759 | hours=Th-Tu 10:30AM-12:30PM, 2:30-5:30PM | price= | content=Has a magnificent collection of rare textiles dating back to the 17th century. There is also an excellent reference library on textiles. It's in the Sarabhai Foundation, in Shahibagh the Calico Museum of Textiles, widely regarded as one of the finest textile museums in the world was constructed in 1949. It has a fines collection of textiles, clothes, furniture, temple artefacts and crafts. Also has a collection of marble, sandstone and bronze icons. }} * {{see | name=Dada Harir ni Vav | alt= | url= | email= | address=Asarva | lat=23.0407 | long=72.605442 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16251479 | content=A stepwell. }} * {{see | name=Darpana Academy of Performing Arts | alt= | url=http://www.darpana.com/ | email= | address= | lat=23.047774 | long=72.572794 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the oldest performing arts academies in the city. Its amphitheatre Natarani has a fabulous performance venue overlooking the Sabarmati river, and is one of the few places to bring internationally acclaimed performing artists to the city. }} [[Image:HutheesingJainTemple79.jpg|thumb|Hathi Singh Jain Temple]] * {{see | name=Hutheesing Jain Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shahibaugh Road, Madhupura | lat=23.041088 | long=72.589611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2776493 | content=An impressive white structure, the Jain temple built of white marble and elaborately carved is dedicated to Dharmanath: the 15th Jina or Jain Apostle. Similar to all Jain temples, this temple to is rich in intricate carvings displaying, among other things, musicians. }} [[File:Pole 44.jpg|thumb|A typical 'Pol' in Ahmedabad]] * '''Heritage Houses of poles''', A living heritage, the structures are 200–400 years old and the residents people are old Ahmedabadi families who still follow age old traditions. Souvenir shop offering local crafts. Has an old world in a large house which is like a palace. * {{see | name=Indian Institute of Management | alt=IIM-A | url=http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/ | email= | address=IIM Ahmedabad, Vastrapur | lat=23.030646 | long=72.535991 | directions=Accessible easily from Andhjan Mandal/IIM BRTS bus station, near IIM Cross Roads on {{ft|132}} Inner Ring Road | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | wikidata=Q46027 | content=A Business School of Management housed in an architecturally impressive building. }} * {{see | name=International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temple | alt=ISKCON Temple | url=https://www.iskconahmedabad.org/ | email=iskcon.ahmedabad@pamho.net | address=ISKCON, Satellite Road, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway Crossing | lat=23.028609 | long=72.506719 | directions=Accessible easily by BRTS bus station and AMTS bus stop named 'ISKCON Temple' or 'ISKCON Cross Roads' | phone=+91 79 26861945 | tollfree= | hours=4:30AM-1PM, 4-9PM | price= | content=This Hindu temple depicts Krishna, and his lover, Radha, who is regarded as the personification of love. }} * {{see | name=Auto World Vintage Car Museum | alt= | url=http://www.vccci.com/vintage-car-museum | email=dasco@vsnl.com | address=Dastan Estate, Eastern Sardar Patel AUDA Ring Road, Kathwada | lat=23.057177 | long=72.684831 | directions=The Ring Road encircles the city of Ahmedabad, get onto the eastern part of it | phone=+91 79 22820699 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 22820699 | hours= | price= | content=Shri Pranlal Bhogilal has a converted his private collection of vintage cars into a museum. It has a collection of more than 100 cars including Rolls Royce, Bentley, Maybach, Jaguar, Cadillacs, Austin, Chrysler, Lincoln, Ford and many many more. You can drive some of them for ₹500 for 3.5&nbsp;km. }} [[Image:Ahmedabad Jama Masjid pillars.jpg|thumb|Jama Masjid pillars]] * {{see | name=Jama Masjid | alt=Jama Mosque | url= | email= | address=Jama Masjid, Manek Chowk, Gandhi Road, Khadia | lat=23.023822 | long=72.587222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2758009 | content=It is amongst the most popular tourist sights in the city. Built of yellow sandstone this mosque stands on 260 pillars which support 15 domes at varying elevations. The mosque was built by Ahmad Shah in 1423. It is easily accessible as it stands in the centre of the old city. This imposing structure reflects the Muslim architecture of that period. }} [[File:Shaking Minarets.jpg|thumb|Jhulta Minara (Shaking Minarets) at Sidi Bashir Mosque, Sarangpur]] * {{see | name=Jhulta Minara | alt=Shaking Minarets | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.0277 | long=72.6012 | directions=near the central railway station in Kalupur area | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2669049 | content=Quite an unusual structure, Jhulta Minara or swaying minarets are a part of the mosque of Siddi Bashir and can be moved back and forth by applying a little force at the topmost arch. One of the minarets was partly demolished by an Englishman in his endeavours to unravel the mystery of the swaying minarets. The mosque was built by master craftsmen and the crucial mechanism that leads to the vibration is still a mystery. }} * {{see | name=Kankaria Lake | alt= | url=http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/5/30 | email= | address=Kankaria Lake, Kankaria | lat=23.006355 | long=72.602541 | directions=Accessible easily by BRTS bus station 'Kankaria Lake' and AMTS bus stop of the same name | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su | price=₹10 | wikipedia=Kankaria Lake | image=Kankaria Carnival 2 Ahmedabad.JPG | wikidata=Q16384 | content=A circular lake built in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In the centre of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi. It has a beautiful Musical Fountain show, although the music isn't too good the lights and fountain are worth the visit. 'Bal Vatika' - an aquarium, a boat club, a toy train, a natural history museum and a zoo. ₹10 entrance fee. }} * {{see | name=Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden | alt=Kankaria Zoo | url=http://www.ahmedabadzoo.in/ | email=kankaria@ahmedabadzoo.in | address=Kankaria Zoo, Kankaria | lat=23.009811 | long=72.600501 | directions=Accessible easily by BRTS bus station 'Kankaria Lake' and AMTS bus stop of the same name | phone=+91 79 25463415, +91 79 32984115 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 25463818, +91 79 25350926 | hours=Tu-Su 10AM-6PM | price= | content=It is near to Kankaria Lake and one of the best zoos in India. }} * {{see | name=Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum | alt=L D Institute of Indology | url=http://www.ldmuseum.co.in | email= | address=Near Gujarat University, Navrangpura | lat=23.2 | long=72.33 | directions= | phone=+91 79 26302463 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6480225 | content=Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology was established in Ahmedabad by Muni Shri Punyavijayji and Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai. The museum houses priceless collection of books, manuscripts and other reference material from ancient India.The museum is a treasure trove of manuscripts relating to Jainism. In all there are about 45,000 printed books with 75,000 manuscripts including out of which 500 are illustrated ones. These documents from the past cover a wide range of subjects like Vedas, Agamas, Buddhism, Tantras, Jain Darshana, System of Indian Philoshy, Jaina Philoshpy, Grammar and Poetics etc.The institute has also published seven volumes of catalogues in Hindi, Sanskrit, Old Gujrati, Prakrit and Rajasthani. The institute also conducts periodical workshops on manuscriptology and palaeography. }} * {{see | name=Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum | alt=L D Museum/N C Mehta Gallery | url=http://www.ldmuseum.co.in/ | email=mail@ldmuseum.co.in | address=Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Nr. Gujarat University, Navarangpura | lat=23.033708 | long=72.550605 | directions=Accessible by 'L D Engineering College' BRTS bus station and 'St. Xavier's College' AMTS bus stop | phone=+91 79 26306883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the best art museums in the city. It has a wide collection of Indian miniature paintings, stone sculptures, terracotta, paintings of Tagore, art of Nepal and Tibet, bronzes, textiles, wood work, cloth paintings, metal sculptures, coins. }} * {{see | name=Law Garden | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.026607 | long=72.560773 | directions=accessible by 'Law College' AMTS bus stop | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered the main centre of activity in Ahmedabad, one can purchase handicrafts and traditional Gujarati outfits, amongst other things }} * {{see | name=National Institute of Design | alt=NID Ahmedabad | url=http://www.nid.edu/ | email=info@nid.edu | address=National Institute of Design, Paldi | lat=23.011155 | long=72.569597 | directions= | phone=+91 79 26629500, +91 79 26629600 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 26621167 | hours= | price= | content=A design institute with over 16 disciplines of design. In Paldi in West Zone. }} [[File:Parimal Garden.jpg|thumb|Parimal Garden, C G Road]] * {{see | name=Parimal Garden | alt= | url= | email= | address=C G Road, Panchavati Society, Gulbai Tekra | lat=23.020126 | long=72.556343 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A public park with nice green surroundings. A good place to jog and relax. }} [[File:Ahmedabad Riverfront.JPG|thumb|Sabarmati Riverfront (Day)]] [[File:View of Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad.jpg|thumb|Sabarmati Riverfront (Evening)]] * {{see | name=Sabarmati Riverfront | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.034137 | long=72.572326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16377 | content=Across the city on both the banks of the Sabarmati River, is a refreshing place in the mornings; a very relaxing atmosphere in the evening. A must-visit place. It can be accessed by a narrow road on the right, a few metres ahead from the point where Subhash Bridge ends on the Shahibaug side. Also a road to the left, just a little ahead of Income Tax on Ashram Rd (from RTO side), leads to the Riverfront on the opposite bank to that of the Subhash Bridge one. }} * {{see | name=Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address=Balvantrai Mehta Road, Shahibagh, Ahmedabad - 380004 | lat=23.061 | long=72.591 | directions=accessible by 'Circuit House' AMTS bus stop, it's on the Airport Road | phone= | tollfree=+91 1800 233 7951 | hours=M-Sa 9AM-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q7423740 | content=It is a memorial and museum dedicated to the National Activist and first Home Minister of independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Museum is opposite the Circuit House in the Moti Shahi Mahal Complex in Shahibaug. }} * {{see | name=Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium | alt=Motera Stadium | url= | email= | address=Motera Stadium Road, Motera-Sabarmati | lat=23.091667 | long=72.5975 | directions=accessible by 'Sabarmati Police Station' & 'Motera Cross Road' BRTS station and 'Gujarat Stadium' AMTS bus stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3531421 | content=Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium is an international cricket stadium. Watching Team India play here is a wonderful sight as thousands of fans cheer for them. Rebuilt in 2020. }} * {{see | name=Sarkhej Roza | alt= | url=http://www.sarkhejroza.org | email=info@sarkhejroza.org | address=Makarba, Post Jeevraj Park | lat=22.992136 | long=72.504573 | directions=accessible by S G Highway | phone=+91 79 6828675 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15697211 | content=Known for its architectural complexes. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gujarat Science City | alt= | url=https://ahmedabadtourism.in/gujarat-science-city-ahmedabad | email=mail@scity.org | address=Gujarat Science City, Science City Road | lat=23.079852 | long=72.494779 | directions=accessible by Western Sardar Patel AUDA Ring Road, Sola Cross Roads on S G Highway. Accessible by 'Science City Approach' BRTS bus station and 'Science City' AMTS bus stop | phone=+91 79 65220111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5617014 | content=The Government of Gujarat has established the Gujarat Council of Science City, a registered society, to achieve the Gujarat Science City mandate. Further expansion of Science City & related projects is planned. }} [[File:Mosque of Sidi Sayed Jaali.JPG|thumb|Siddi Saiyed Jali Mosque]] *'''Sidi Sayed Mosque''' is unique for its exquisite screens. The screen carved out of one rock is exceptional. *'''Swaminarayan Gurukul''', a residential and day boarding school run by the Swaminarayan faith of Hinduism. It teaches not only formal education but also provides training in horse-riding, archery, dairy development. *'''SG Highway''', or Sarkhej - Gandhinagar Highway, a hub of entertainment in Ahmedabad. The same road leads to Gandhinagar as well, where there is Akshardham temple and other places of interest. [[File:Teen-Darwaza.jpg|thumb|Teen Darwaja, Central Zone Ahmedabad]] *'''Teen Darwaja''' (Three Gates) south of Shahpur near Lal Darwaja. It is composed of 3 arched entrances was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah to serve as a royal entrance to Maidan Shahi. Mughal emperor Jehangir and his wife Nur Jahan used to watch the Tazia procession of Mahuram from over these gates. *'''Vaishnodevi Temple''', replica of famous Vaishnodevi temple at Sola Gandhinagar Highway. *'''Vastrapur Lake''', artificial lake. *'''Veechar Utensil Museum''', an odd museum with over 3,000 old, traditional household items. It is based on one man's personal collection. The lack of signs or explanation limits the understanding, and for many the interest, for visitors. The museum is a part of the Vishalla restaurant which serves ethnic Gujarati food. [[File:Ancient well at Adlaj (Ahmadabad) India.jpg|thumb|Ancient well at Adlaj (Ahmadabad) India]] == Do == {{Movetodistrict}} [[File:Sunset Drive in.jpg|333px|thumb|Watch Bollywood movie at Drive-In Theatre]] === Films === ''Only some of the cinemas are listed here. For more, visit individual pages of different zones.'' '''Watch a Gujarati film''' * {{do | name=Gauri Cinema | alt= | url= | email= | address=Near Soni ni Chali, National Highway - 8, Odhav | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 22872444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Ashok Cinema | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gheekanta Char Rasta | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 25356598 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Sapna Cinema | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sarkhej Highway (National Highway - 8A), Sarkhej | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 26820750 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} '''Watch a Bollywood (Hindi) or Hollywood film''': * {{do | name=Cinépolis | alt= | url=http://www.cinepolisindia.com | email= | address=Cinepolis India Pvt. Ltd., 3rd floor, Alpha One Mall, Vastrapur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Mexican cinema theatre chain, one of the best quality screens in Ahmedabad. }} * {{do | name=Sunset Drive-In Cinema | alt= | url=http://www.sunsetdriveincinema.com | email=info@sunsetdriveincinema.com | address=Drive-In Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 27454600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Evening | price=Cheaper than most. | content=The largest screen in Asia. One can watch film sitting in your car, on the grass or in the balcony seats. }} * {{do | name=Mukta A2 Cinema | alt= | url=http://muktaarts.com | email=parvez@muktaarts.com | address=4th floor, Gulmohar Mall, Ramdevnagar, Satellite| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 30464500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A venture by film maker Subhash Ghai. The quality of viewing and the seats (esp. legroom) is among the best in Ahmedabad. }} * {{do | name=PVR Cinemas | alt=PVR Acropolis | url=http://www.pvrcinemas.com | email= | address=PVR Cinemas, 2nd floor, Acropolis Mall, Thaltej Cross Roads, S G Highway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A premier cinema chain in India. }} * {{do | name=Grand Cinemas | alt=Cine Grand | url=http://www.cinegrand.com | email=assistantmanager.agora@cinegrand.com | address=Balaji Agora Mall, Nr. Tapovan Circle, SP Ring Road (Outer), Sughad (Near Motera), Ahmedabad - 382424 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 65211889 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dubai - fame Grand Cinemas. Very good quality screens, on North - Western periphery of Ahmedabad in a high-end mall (Agora Mall). }} === Festivals === [[File:Motera Stadium Ahmedabad Panorama.jpg|thumb|400px|Sardar Patel Gujarat International Cricket Stadium, Motera]] * '''Diwali'''is one of the popular festival in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It's called the festival of light. People make many sweets and meet each other on this day. It is a festival of Lord Rama and belongs to Ramayana. * '''Makar Sankranti or festival of kites or "Uttarayan"''', 14 January, in the festival of Makar Sankranti or festival of kites or "Utarayan". The festival marks the end of winter and return of the sun to northern hemisphere and hence is named "Uttar ayan". On this day, many in the city start the day with kite flying, and continue into night with the flying of lamps (Tukkal) attached to kites. The sky is dotted with colourful kites throughout the day. * '''RakshaBandhan''' - A festival celebrated by sisters and brothers. The festival consists of a sister tying a rakhi on the brother's hand. They ask to be by their side forever and also save them from all the problems they might face in the future. The festival is generally celebrated in the month of August. * '''Holi''' - Better known as festival of colours, where people apply colour on their beloved very well known as 'gulaal', which was ideally made of 'Kesuda' a flowering plant. But, now people use the powdered form. People gather at one place forgetting all their problems and have fun in this festival. It is also very well associated with myth or Holika - Phrlad & Hirnayakashyapu. * '''Navratri (festival of nine nights)''', Navratri or the festival of nine nights is devoted to Goddess Shakti. The festival also has the famous folk dance of Gujarat "Garba". The festival continues for nine nights, everybody takes part into it with same emphasis. Each night starts with ceremonial "Aarti" and is followed by Garba until midnight. The Garba dance is carried out around the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is also played with Dandiyas in hand. During these nights, the city is beautifully decorated and nights become short. * '''Eid-Ul-Fitr OR Ramdhan Eid''' is celebrated on the first day of Shaw'waal, at the completion of Ramadan. Shaw'waal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The Eid-al-Fitr is a joyous day when Muslims express joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which they believe Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the month of Ramadan. The Muslims of Ahmedeabad and surrounding villages come to Eidgah (a holy place to perform Eids' Namaz (prayer) and Shahi Jam-E-Masjid. The people decorate their homes, shops, buildings, greet each other etc. ==Buy== [[File:Ahmedabad Mall.jpg|thumbnail|Crowd at Himalaya Mall, Drive-In Road, Gurukul (Ahmedabad)]] Ahmedabad is known for its textile industries including traditional hand embroidered and tie-dyed clothes. If you buy from the roadside shops, be prepared to [[haggle]]. It would not be advisable to try these without a local guide. The city's main market area is situated at Teen Darwaja, Dhalgarwad, Ratan Pole, Manek Chowk(old areas)near Lal Darwaja and newer markets such as CG Road and Sarkhej - Gandhinagar highway near Vastrapur & Gurukul. It is generally a crowded area, and very crowded during festival seasons, although with a wide variety of clothes. The street side shops near Law Garden also offers good choices. Some shops such as Bandhej and Sanskruti offer these traditional items at fixed (and maybe overpriced) rates. But now the big shopping malls are offering almost all the things at a very cheap rate. Local sweet shops, where traditional Gujarati sweets will catch your attention: some the more famous are Bhogilal Mulchand Kandoi, Jai Hind and Ras Ranjan. ==Eat== {{Movetodistrict}} [[File:The Gujarati Thali.jpg|thumbnail|Lunch in Ahamedabad means roti, puri, vegetables, mango sweets, gulab jamun and butter milk.]] Ahmedabad is a gastronomic paradise, and there are many restaurants. Gujaratis are fond of eating and the food generally tends to be on the sweeter side. Gujaratis are mostly vegetarians hence most local dishes are vegetarian. However, with the recent advent of international and domestic food chains non-vegetarian food has become popular. Ahmedabad is famous for its ice-creams because of abundance of dairy products in the state and Gujaratis' penchant for sweets. Local specialities include Dhokla, Khandvi, Srikhand, Haandvo, Bhajiya amongst others. A famous food from Ahmedabad and/or Gujarat is the 'Cheese and Pineapple Jam sandwich which is sold by most sandwich vendors in Gujarat, especially in Ahmedabad, despite this dish being famous in Gujarat, the other parts of India find this dish to be disgusting, wait till you actually try the sandwhich! There are lots of Gujarati dining halls where you can get unlimited "thali" meals for around ₹250. A thali consists of variety of concoctions including salads, appetizers, snacks, breads, pulses, vegetable curries and sweets. If you have not stayed in India for long, select a food place which is famous and well organised (hotels, big restaurants). Otherwise, its fun to eat at one of the road side stalls, especially at the Khau Galli in Law Garden area and Khan Pan Bazaar in Manekchawk. Various stalls open in the evening until late at night. You may enjoy Paani - Puri (Gol Gappa), Indian Chat, Indian Sandwiches, North Indian, Indian-Chinese and some continental cuisines, amazingly at road-side stalls and for less than a ₹60 item. Recently, SG Road in the western part of city has transformed into an restaurant strip. It has over 100 restaurants in a five-mile stretch offering most varieties in all price ranges. *'''Amazo Restaurant, Gelateria, Cafeteria (Area: Prahladnagar, St Xavier's College crossroads, Paldi)''' Specialised vegetarian Italian and Mexican food. *'''Vishala''' (Area: Vasna Toll Naka): Best Dish: Thali Meals. Average food, but unusual because of its village-like decor and rather strange utensils museum. It has several pre-dinner activities like puppet-show for children, folk music and dance, snake-charmers, etc. *'''Tadka Punjabi''' (Area: Opp. Vastrapur Lake, Vastrapur) Serves authentic Punjabi food specialities such as Amritsari Kulcha, Bathure-chhole, stuffed parathas and lassi. *'''Sankalp''' (Area: CG Road, SG Road) A chain with outlets across them city that specialises in South Indian food. It set an Guinness World Record for the "longest dosa (thin-crepe) in the World" (25 feet) *'''Havmor''' (Area: Panchwati, Stadium Circle) Known for its Chola Bhatura, a north Indian dish. Novelty ice creams such as Raja Rani, Cassata Roll Cut, Tall Beauty are specialities *'''Choice Snacks''' (Area: CG Road) Excellent Chaat items including Bhel, Indian-style pizza and sandwiches. *'''Bardo'''(Area: C.G Road, Near Choice) Excellent ''Kathiyawadi Food'' with good staff and value for money. *'''Honest''' (Area: Panchwati, SG Road, etc.) A well-known fast-food chain that started as road-side stall serving Pav-Bhaji and Pulav in Law Garden area and now a fledging restaurant chain [[File:Khaman.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|'Khaman', the popular Gujarati breakfast]] *'''Asarfi Kulfi (Area: Panchwati & Law Garden & Gurukul) They only serve dessert. Try any of the Kulfis''' *'''Bhagwati Chat''' (Area: Panchwati) The best dish is the paneer tikka. Try the gulab jamun or jabeli for dessert. *'''Oswal''' (Area: Ashram Road Nr. Statue of Mahatma Gandhi) Snack shop specialising in Gujarati snacks and sweets such as Jalebis (sweet-syrup filled pretzels), Fafda (flat chick-pea biscuits served with spicy papaya chutney). *'''Raipur Bhajia House''' (Area: Raipur Darwaja) Famous for Bhajias (much better taste & quality than the Astodia Bhajia) * '''Cafe Upper Crust''' (Area: Vijay Char Rasta, Vastrapur) A popular cafe with teenagers. Dishes including veg/non-vegetarian sizzlers, pastas, sandwiches, cakes and desserts. Hosts occasional food festivals. *'''Mirch Masala''' (Area: CG Road, SG Road) Serves North-Indian food in a typical highway "dhaba" setting. Excellent food but more interesting for its decor. *'''King's Food Factory''' (Area: Panchwati cross road, CG Road) It is new restaurant chain. They serve Indian cuisine as well as some Spanish, Italian, Chinese and American food. Very nice dessert are available in the coffee parlour and there is a possibility to play some scrabble or uno upstairs. It is clean, all staff speak English; Wi-Fi, A/C and two plasma TV screens. * '''ZK'''(Area: Relief Road). One of the best and oldest non-veg restaurant in the city *'''Ras Ranjan''' (Area: Vijay Char Rasta). Great place for sweets, Bislari Paani Puri, Paneer Tikka w/famous chutney, vaada pav. *'''Pudding''' Good veg and non-veg food, and in particular the Hydrabadi Biryani. *'''Seva Cafe''' is a gift economy restaurant, serving meals made by volunteers. The meals are offered as gifts to the guests who are asked to ‘Pay Forward’ as a chain of kindness. The guests and volunteers have continued this chain have provided more than 85,000 meals. Other than these that are several other restaurants that serve excellent food for example (Swati Snacks, House of MG both famous for Gujarati food in chic setting, Bawarchi for Punjabi food, etc.) For western palates, a good way to find new restaurants is to ask a local, especially someone young who would certainly know about such places. International chains like Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Subway are present throughout the city. For some street food following places are quite famous: *'''R. K. Vadapau''', Vijay Char Rasta, Vada Pau at its best, it is also known as Anna's Vada Pau *'''Karnavati Dabeli''', Opp. Hirabhai Tower, Uttam Nagar, Maninagar, Best Kachhi Dabeli == Drink == Gujarat is one of the few Indian states where alcohol is prohibited. But this applies only to Indians. If you have a non-Indian passport / green card holder/ PR status, you can get an alcohol permit valid for one month by going to an alcohol shop in a large hotel and purchasing one. Hotels that have alcohol shops include: Cama Hotel in Khanpur, Hotel Inder Residency, Opp. to Gujarat College, Comfort Inn President Hotel at CG Road among others open Monday to Saturday noon-8PM, ph no. +91 79 26467575. Many local people will be able to direct you because they can purchase alcohol on a 'health' licence. If you are non-resident of Gujarat, then one can get alcohol permits issued at alcohol shops on showing proof of travel to Ahmedabad like (1) Air/Train/Bus ticket,(2) any Identity proof by Govt. with Photo, Address & birthdate preferably driving licence and (3a) your Ahmedabad address proof such as Residence Address of Local friend/relatives electric/telephone bill/ driving licence or (3b) Proof of stay at hotel. However, if you are staying longer you will need a non-resident permit. For that, you will need: a photocopy of passport including your entry stamps, a photocopy of visa, a photocopy of a local resident's ID card (drivers licence will probably be easiest). As of January 2009, ₹1000 (although the person may ask for ₹50 extra as a bribe but should not be given). If you can get a local person to go with you, the entire experience will be a lot easier. Directions 1 Get your copies notarized as ‘true’ copies. If you don't have easy access to someone who can do this, the Prohibition and Excise Department will direct you to a nearby office. This will cost about ₹10 per copy. 2. Go to Prohibition and Excise Department which is just off the Ellis bridge on the Victoria garden side of old city . 3. Pick up the bank payment form, and get copies notarized if you haven't already done this. 4. Fill in the name and local address for the permit holder 5. Get a rickshaw and go to the State Bank of India which is very near by. If a rickshaw is not available, the bank is in walking distance. 6. Pay ₹1050 (or the asked fee) at the State Bank of India 7. Get an ink stamp on form from bank 8. Take your copies, your payment slip and your forms back to the Prohibition and Excise Department. 9. The Department office will provide you with form F.L. /A-1. Fill out form and ask for more than the maximum allowed (ask for about 6 units) to ensure you get the maximum. 10. Pay ₹2 at the Department office. Receive two stamps which are to be stuck onto get form F.L. / A-1 form to show you have paid. You will either be able to pick up the license immediately, or in a few days. Once you have your licence, you take it to a large hotel where they have an alcohol shop, and make your purchases. Bootlegging is rampant, but it carries a risk as well. Decent brands of Indian whisky start around ₹200 as do rum, vodka and gin. Premium brands range from ₹600 to ₹1,800 for 12-year-old Scotch. It is difficult to find beer, wine, champagne and imported spirits. Booze is strictly a private affair and don't expect to order a drink at a restaurant, and there are no pubs or bars, and you will have to drink in your hotel room or at someone's home. If someone invites you to a party, there is a good chance you will be offered a drink there. Under a new amendment to the law prohibiting alcohol, you cannot be arrested or detained for consuming alcohol illegally unless you misbehave under influence or are bootlegging. However, it is best to consume alcohol at your hotel room or at a very close friends place. Consumption of alcohol in hotel rooms has implied consent from the hotel who will serve you ice, glasses and mixers. Many small shops sell lassi, a yogurt drink. Lassi choices include: sweet, salty, with almonds. Farki, Girish Cold Drinks and Krishna Dairy are some of the famous ones. Apart from this, Janta Ice Cream and Cold Drinks offers a delicious drink cold Chocolate Coco, a chocolate flavoured thick shake. Janta has its shops across Ahmedabad. There is also a very wide variety of fruit juices available. Most large places like Havmor are reputable and use good water, but you should exercise care when drinking at smaller places. == Sleep == {{Movetodistrict}} ===Budget=== Cheaper hotels are available on the Eastern side of the Sabarmati in the old town area. More expensive and newer hotels are available in the more affluent Navrangpura area. In case you don't have an idea where to go when you arrive to the city, you could ask a rickshaw driver to take you to Relief Road which has plenty of budget accommodation available and is pretty close to the main train station. * {{sleep | name=Ginger Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.gingerhotels.com/ahmedabad/hotel_profile.aspx | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Off Drive-in road, close to the SG Road Business district. A no-frills, business class hotel, similar to the other Gingers. From ₹1000/night. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Caspia Pro | alt= | url=http://www.caspiahotels.com/ | email= | address=Plot 38/1, Prahladnagar Road, Besides Venus Atlantis, Prahlad Nagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 4900 4141 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=The chain opened in July 2012. }} ===Mid-range=== *'''[https://www.lemontreehotels.com/lemon-tree-hotel/ahmedabad/hotel-ahmedabad.aspx Lemon Tree Hotel, Ahmedabad]''' in Ahmedabad's downtown shopping and commercial area of CG Road in Navrangpura, this is an attractive and airy hotel. *'''Hotel Royal Highness''' is in the heart of business and shopping areas at Lal Darwaja. This hotel charges a premium mid range hotel tariff, with around 50 rooms and 8 conference rooms. *'''Hotel Cama Park Plaza''' is a landmark of culture and comfort in the city of Ahmedabad. It is in the heart of business and shopping areas. It combines old-world charm with 21st century amenities. *'''Hotel Comfort Inn Sunset''' has a unique architectural design. Its close proximity from Airport is another advantage. *'''Hotel Fortune''' is an economy hotel of Ahmedabad around 10&nbsp;km from the Airport. Ammeneties include large meeting rooms, business facilities and food & beverage options. Close to the city centre, government houses and major business center in the city. *'''Hotel Comfort Inn President''', on C.G. Road, sells a wide range of brands of whisky, wine and beer. Liquor permits issued in the liquor shop to non-residents of Gujarat and foreigners against photo ID. *'''Hotel Quality Inn''' is a business class hotel in the commercial district on the banks of Sabarmati River. Hotel provides an excellent view of the river at dawn and in the evening. Has 69 rooms & suites, multi-cuisine restaurant, health club and business centre. *'''Hotel Westend''' is in the commercial area. *'''Hotel Country Inn''' is a hotel suited for business travellers in the business and shopping areas, off Drive-In Road. *'''Hotel Ramada''' is suited for business travellers in Prahladnagar, near the SG Road, which is a business and shopping area ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Ahmedabad | alt= | url=http://ahmedabad.hyatthotels.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= In city centre adjacent to the Vastrapur Lake. }} * {{sleep | name=Gateway Hotel | alt=formerly Taj Residency | url=http://www.thegatewayhotels.com/TAMDTR_cityfacts.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Close to the airport and 15-minute drive from the central business district and state capital, Gandhinagar. }} *'''Hotel Le Meridien'''. From ₹3750/night *'''Hotel Pride''' is in the Judge's Bungalows area by Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway. *'''Hotel Fortune Landmark''' on Ashram Road. *'''Hotel Inder Residency''' is in calm and quiet western suburbs of Ahmedabad close to main commercial roads: C.G & Ashram road. Easy accessibility to the Railway Station and Airport. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Courtyard by Marriott | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/amdcy-courtyard-ahmedabad/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=On Satellite Road. }} * {{sleep | name=Royal Orchid Central | alt= | url=http://www.royalorchidhotels.com/regenta-ahmedabad/overview | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 80 4127 6667 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Gujarat College. }} * '''House of MG''' - in the old historic city is a 5-star Heritage Hotel * {{sleep | name=The Grand Bhagwati | alt= | url=http://www.thegrandbhagwati.com/ahmedabad | email=infoahmd@tgbhotels.com | address=301, Circle P, Prahaladnagar Garden Road, S.G. Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7926841000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bodakdev, SG Road }} *'''Cambay Grand''' - Thaltej, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway *'''Hotel St Laurn''' is in the city centre, Ashram Road ==Connect== International code for India is +91 The local area code is 79. Thus in total, +91 79 must be prefixed to a phone number. ===Buy pre-paid SIM=== To buy a SIM card foreign nationals need to provide a photocopy of their passport, Indian visa page, a passport-sized photo and a proof of residence in India. As with much in India, the associated bureaucracy can be slow and frustrated. Activation of a SIM card can take a number of days. The top mobile phone networks in India are: * {{listing | name=Bharti Airtel | alt= | url=http://www.airtel.in | email=121@in.airtel.com | address=Bharti House, Nr. Income Tax Office, Ashram Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 20 44448080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very good connectivity and service. Although the main office is at Ashram Road as listed, there are several shops where you can buy SIM. }} * {{listing | name=Vodafone India | alt= | url=http://www.vodafone.in | email=nodal.guj@vodafone.com | address=Vodafone West Limited, 6th floor, Sakar - II, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad - 380006 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 26577228 | tollfree= | fax=+91 9879903036 | hours= | price= | content=Among the best networks in India. }} * {{listing | name=Bharti Sanchar Nigam Limited | alt=BSNL | url=http://www.bsnl.co.in | email= | address=BSNL Central Exchange Office, Mirzapur, Shahpur, Ahmedabad | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The state - owned cellular network. }} * {{listing | name=Reliance Communications | alt=RCOM | url=http://www.rcom.co.in | email=customercare@relianceada.com | address=Maradia Plaza, Nr. Associated Petrol Pump, C G Road, Ahmedabad - 380006 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax=+91 22 30388005 | hours= | price= | content=Owned by the Reliance ADA Group. }} * {{listing | name=Idea Cellular | alt= | url=http://www.ideacellular.com | email=ccare.gj@idea.adityabirla.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9824012345 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 23232240 | hours= | price= | content=It has outlets across the site. Network coverage is the worst of the major providers. }} ===Emergency information=== * Emergency Help (at any time) - '''108''' * Police - 100 * Fire - 101 * Ambulance - 102 / 108 * Airport Inquiry - 141 * Railways I.V.R.S. - 139 * Railways General Enquiry - 131 * Telephone Directory Inquiry - 197 * Telephone Local Assistance - 199 ==Cope== The railway reservation office, and tourist booking window, are in an air conditioned building just outside and to the right (when looking from the street) of the Kalupur Railway station. Other railways stations are able to book tourist quota, but often refuse to serve you and refer you to Kalupur Railway station after a lengthy wait. *'''Canada and United States Visa Facilitation Centre''' Gujarat Chambers Building, Shri Ambika Mills, Ashram Road (Ellis Bridge) ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Civil Hospital | alt=General Hospital | url=http://civilhospitalamdavad.org/ | email=ms.health.ahmedabad.civil@gmail.com | address=Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Asarwa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 22683721 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 22683421 | hours= | price= | content=It is Asia's largest hospital. One of the oldest and most modern hospitals in India. }} The main Apollo Hospital is in the twin city of [[Gandhinagar]], but very close to the airport. The Apollo City Centre is in Ellisbridge area ([[Ahmedabad/West Zone|West Zone]]). * {{listing | name=Apollo Hospital (Main) | alt=Near Airport | url=http://www.apolloahd.com | email=info@apolloahd.com | address=Plot No.1 A, Bhat GIDC Estate, Gandhinagar| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 66701800 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 66701843 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Apollo Hospital City Center | alt=Ellisbridge | url=http://www.apolloahd.com | email=info_ahcc@apolloahd.com | address=1, Tulsibaug Society, Opp. Doctor House, Nr. Parimal Garden, Ellisbridge | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 66305800 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 66305803 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Shalby Hospital (Main)| alt=S G Highway | url=http://www.shalby.org | email=info@shalby.org | address=Opp. Karnavati Club, S G Highway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 40203000 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 40203109 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Shalby Hospital (City Center Unit) | alt=Navrangpura | url=http://www.shalby.org | email=info@shalby.org | address=Vijay Cross Road, Nr. Fire Station, Navrangpura | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 27910700 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 27911322 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Krishna Shalby Hospital | alt=Ghuma | url=http://www.krishnaheart.org/ | email=info@krishnaheart.org | address=319 - Green City, Ghuma, Via Bopal | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 2717 230877 | tollfree= | fax=+91 2717 230876 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Krishna Shalby Hospital | alt=Maninagar | url=http://www.krishnaheart.org/ | email=info@krishnaheart.org | address=Siddhi Vinayak Complex, Balvatika - Maninagar Road, Kankaria, Maninagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9724355522 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Care Institute Of Medical Sciences | alt=CIMS | url=http://www.cims.me | email= | address=CIMS Hospital, Nr. Shukan Mall, Off Science City Road, Sola | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 27712771 | tollfree= | fax= +91 79 27712770 | hours= | price= | content=CIMS Hospital is accredited by various national bodies. }} * {{listing | name=Sterling Hospital | alt= | url=http://www.sterlinghospitals.com | email=info@sterlinghospitals.com | address=Sterling Addlife India Limited, Sterling Hospital Road, Memnagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 40011111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-01-01| content=Has a range of specialities. }} * {{listing | name=Sanjivani Hospital | alt= | url=http://www.sanjivanihospitals.com | email=vgb.sanjivani@gmail.com | address=Sanjivani Super Speciality Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, 1, Uday Park Society, Nr. Sunrise Park, Vastrapur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 26306341 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 26307165 | hours= | price= | content=A multi-speciality hospital founded in 1987. }} * {{listing | name=Retina Foundation and Eye Research Centre | alt=Dr Nagpal's | url=http://www.retinafoundation.com | email=myeyes@retinafoundation.com | address=Retina Foundation and Eye Research Centre, AsoPalov Eye Hospital, Near the Underbridge, Old Raj Bhavan Road, Shahibaug | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 79 22865537 | tollfree= | fax=+91 79 22866381 | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-01-01| content=One of the most renowned eye care hospitals in India. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Radiance Hospitals | alt= | url=https://www.radiancehospitals.org | email=radiancehospitals@gmail.com | address=Shital Varsha Mall, Drive In Rd, Memnagar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 70432 11118 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===News=== Stay updated with local news. *Newspapers in Ahmedabad include [[Hindi]] dailies as ''Herald Young Leader'', ''Metro Herald'', and English dailies such as ''[http://www.timesofindia.com The Times of India (TOI)]'', ''[http://www.indianexpress.com The Indian Express]'', ''[http://www.dnaindia.com Daily News & Analysis (DNA)]'', ''[http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com The Economic Times]'' and ''[http://www.financialexpress.com The Financial Express]'', ''[http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com Ahmedabad Mirror (AM)]''. Newspapers in other languages (Gujarati and Hindi) include ''[http://www.divyabhaskar.co.in Divya Bhaskar]'', Akila [https://www.akilanews.com/ Gujarati News], ''[http://www.gujaratsamachar.com Gujarat Samachar]'', ''[http://www.sandesh.com Sandesh]'',''[http://www.sukansamachar.com Sukan Samachar]'', ''[http://www.rajasthanpatrika.com Rajasthan Patrika]'', ''[http://www.sambhaav.com Sambhaav Metro]'' and ''[http://www.aankhodekhinews.com Aankhodekhi]'', ''[https://humdekhenge.in/ Hum Dekhenge News]''. *The state-owned All India Radio Ahmedabad is broadcast both on the medium wave and FM bands (96.7&nbsp;MHz) in the city. It competes with five private local FM stations: Radio City 91.1 (91.1&nbsp;MHz), Red FM 93.5 (93.5&nbsp;MHz), 94.3 My FM (94.3&nbsp;MHz), Radio One (95.0&nbsp;MHz), Radio Mirchi 98.3 (98.3&nbsp;MHz). Gyan Vani (104.5&nbsp;MHz) is an educational FM radio station run under media co-operation model. ==Stay safe== People are friendly and the police will help you when you have an emergency. Ahmedabad is relatively safe because alcohol is not permitted: no late-night rowdyism as seen in other cities. ===Police stations=== '''[http://www.ahmedabadcitypolice.org/ Ahmedabad City Police]''' has around 35 major police stations besides the minor police chowkis. For emergency, dial '''100'''. '''[http://ahmedabadcitypolice.org/police-stations/ Find your police station]''' depending on the area. Contact details (e-mail IDs and phone numbers) can be found when clicking on the respective station. == Go next == * Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar - a 35&nbsp;km ride from Ahmedabad is not to be missed. They have various shows throughout the day showing the rich Indian heritage and the legend of Lord Swaminarayan. The water show in the evening is one of the best you will find in India. [[Image:Stepwell, Ahmedabad.jpg|thumb|350px|Stepwell]] * '''Adalaj Step-Well''' - a remarkable structure, dug five stories deep underground and full of intricate carvings. 15 km north of Ahmedabad. See [[Gandhinagar]] article for details. * '''Nal Sarovar - Bird Sanctuary''' About 65&nbsp;km southwest of Ahmedabad, spread over 120&nbsp;km², the lake - Nal Sarovar - the extensive reed beds and marshes are an ideal habitat for aquatic plants and animals. The lake attracts a large variety of birds like plovers, sandpipers, stints, cormorants, grebes and openbill storks among others. The best season to visit the sanctuary is November to February. * '''Thol Bird Sanctuary''' This sanctuary is about 30&nbsp;km west of the city centre. Just as Nal Sarovar, this lake attracts a large variety of bird species. It has become more preferable for the amdavadis to take an early morning trip. Although it does not have any facilities like boating, it has turned out more favourable as this is a lesser known place. It will be best to rent a taxi for a morning as there is no public transport available here. November to March is the best time to visit. {{routebox | image1=NE1-IN.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Vadodara]] | minorr1=[[Nadiad]] | image2=NH47-IN.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=Merges with NH 27 | minorl2=[[Bagodara]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Indore]] | minorr2=[[Godhra]] | image3=NH48-IN.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Delhi]] | minorl3=[[Jaipur]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Mumbai]] | minorr3=[[Vadodara]] | image4=NH64-IN.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=END | minorl4=Merge with NH 47 | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Anand]] | minorr4=[[Nadiad]] | image5=NH147-IN.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Gandhinagar]] | minorl5= | directionr5=S | majorr5=END | minorr5= }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Central Gujarat}} {{geo|23.02619|72.57946|zoom=13}} 8cs8klokuxsohbss2umfxl20n94jgiu 0 711 4487778 4486810 2022-07-21T14:52:40Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Splurge */ alphabetical wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in Allentown. Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. * {{go | name=[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109 | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Bear Creek Resort | alt= | url=https://www.bcmountainresort.com/ | email= | address=101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie | lat=47.77244 | long=-115.46045 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-754-2822 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area | wikidata=Q112027576 | content=A sizable recreation facility comprising 330 acres, Bear Creek is the go-to resort for Allentown-area skiing and snowtubing in the snow season. In snow season, Bear Creek offers 21 slopes for every level from amateurs to the highly advanced skiers. Snowtubing slopes also exist. In the rest of the year, it offers tours, mountain trails for hiking and biking, archery, a newly-revamped 18-hole golf course, and even axe-throwing. Bear Creek also has an extraordinary, award-winning resort hotel with pools, hot tubs, an indoor aracade, and a spa. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=-75.484081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must. }} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-4000 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $125 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} 654mk3iadjmu0xku308j00vgg7u1b41 4487779 4487778 2022-07-21T14:53:05Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Splurge */ alphabetical wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in Allentown. Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. * {{go | name=[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109 | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Bear Creek Resort | alt= | url=https://www.bcmountainresort.com/ | email= | address=101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie | lat=47.77244 | long=-115.46045 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-754-2822 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area | wikidata=Q112027576 | content=A sizable recreation facility comprising 330 acres, Bear Creek is the go-to resort for Allentown-area skiing and snowtubing in the snow season. In snow season, Bear Creek offers 21 slopes for every level from amateurs to the highly advanced skiers. Snowtubing slopes also exist. In the rest of the year, it offers tours, mountain trails for hiking and biking, archery, a newly-revamped 18-hole golf course, and even axe-throwing. Bear Creek also has an extraordinary, award-winning resort hotel with pools, hot tubs, an indoor aracade, and a spa. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=-75.484081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-4000 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $125 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} 5zbbvv3ppmiryykk9w4uobd0h2u6f3e 4487787 4487779 2022-07-21T15:07:17Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Splurge */ + wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in Allentown. Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. * {{go | name=[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109 | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Bear Creek Resort | alt= | url=https://www.bcmountainresort.com/ | email= | address=101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie | lat=47.77244 | long=-115.46045 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-754-2822 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area | wikidata=Q112027576 | content=A sizable recreation facility comprising 330 acres, Bear Creek is the go-to resort for Allentown-area skiing and snowtubing in the snow season. In snow season, Bear Creek offers 21 slopes for every level from amateurs to the highly advanced skiers. Snowtubing slopes also exist. In the rest of the year, it offers tours, mountain trails for hiking and biking, archery, a newly-revamped 18-hole golf course, and even axe-throwing. Bear Creek also has an extraordinary, award-winning resort hotel with pools, hot tubs, an indoor aracade, and a spa. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=-75.484081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} p4qjtmegqdqwz27b58dez9gb5a74nf5 4487789 4487787 2022-07-21T15:09:12Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Sleep */ + photo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in Allentown. Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. * {{go | name=[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109 | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Bear Creek Resort | alt= | url=https://www.bcmountainresort.com/ | email= | address=101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie | lat=47.77244 | long=-115.46045 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-754-2822 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area | wikidata=Q112027576 | content=A sizable recreation facility comprising 330 acres, Bear Creek is the go-to resort for Allentown-area skiing and snowtubing in the snow season. In snow season, Bear Creek offers 21 slopes for every level from amateurs to the highly advanced skiers. Snowtubing slopes also exist. In the rest of the year, it offers tours, mountain trails for hiking and biking, archery, a newly-revamped 18-hole golf course, and even axe-throwing. Bear Creek also has an extraordinary, award-winning resort hotel with pools, hot tubs, an indoor aracade, and a spa. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=-75.484081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Renaissance Allentown Hotel at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} 4o82z2mlvtwrfa3kg3iwkn01ggaqgo7 4487790 4487789 2022-07-21T15:09:25Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Sleep */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in Allentown. Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. * {{go | name=[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109 | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Bear Creek Resort | alt= | url=https://www.bcmountainresort.com/ | email= | address=101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie | lat=47.77244 | long=-115.46045 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-754-2822 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area | wikidata=Q112027576 | content=A sizable recreation facility comprising 330 acres, Bear Creek is the go-to resort for Allentown-area skiing and snowtubing in the snow season. In snow season, Bear Creek offers 21 slopes for every level from amateurs to the highly advanced skiers. Snowtubing slopes also exist. In the rest of the year, it offers tours, mountain trails for hiking and biking, archery, a newly-revamped 18-hole golf course, and even axe-throwing. Bear Creek also has an extraordinary, award-winning resort hotel with pools, hot tubs, an indoor aracade, and a spa. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=-75.484081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Renaissance Allentown Hotel at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} mgcgxm8gds9dsw2qsttkiwfmtxizywh 4487799 4487790 2022-07-21T15:28:04Z Ibaman 195012 /* Eat */ geo fix wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in Allentown. Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. * {{go | name=[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109 | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Bear Creek Resort | alt= | url=https://www.bcmountainresort.com/ | email= | address=101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie | lat=47.77244 | long=-115.46045 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-754-2822 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area | wikidata=Q112027576 | content=A sizable recreation facility comprising 330 acres, Bear Creek is the go-to resort for Allentown-area skiing and snowtubing in the snow season. In snow season, Bear Creek offers 21 slopes for every level from amateurs to the highly advanced skiers. Snowtubing slopes also exist. In the rest of the year, it offers tours, mountain trails for hiking and biking, archery, a newly-revamped 18-hole golf course, and even axe-throwing. Bear Creek also has an extraordinary, award-winning resort hotel with pools, hot tubs, an indoor aracade, and a spa. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Renaissance Allentown Hotel at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} hp05oqdv47w72py11fdv7eiq07od9uj 4487800 4487799 2022-07-21T15:28:52Z Ibaman 195012 /* Do */ this is not in Allentown wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in Allentown. Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. * {{go | name=[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109 | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Renaissance Allentown Hotel at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} 6zewvaggqypyn1vlyfvwdpgeshc2jru 4487802 4487800 2022-07-21T15:30:53Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Sleep */ caption link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in Allentown. Lehigh Valley International Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. * {{go | name=[[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109 | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} et8o17of9kj7eq0f90rhioqgmr79c4n 4487945 4487802 2022-07-21T20:31:57Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* By plane */ Merged from former [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] stub article. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} kauz60749nbjn8ggcmunuyckdjbxgjj 4487946 4487945 2022-07-21T20:32:12Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* By plane */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} fa1uie2r16jgc4ywk1cuzh9qsikr2nf 4487948 4487946 2022-07-21T20:32:37Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* By plane */ No need to link twice. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in Allentown]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. *{{go | name=Philadelphia International Airport | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} pfd7szu5cs81i5l8j4w8mvyfoelosdp 4487955 4487948 2022-07-21T20:35:23Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles (112.654 km) south-southeast. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop internal flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. *{{go | name=Philadelphia International Airport | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} k8s0qp6coav97jagh4a08zvqzfsnrmq 4488073 4487955 2022-07-22T02:54:20Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Get in */ duplicates entry below wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} *{{go | name=Philadelphia International Airport | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} oquo2y2xb7kkd7yw2nmbmrte3sbt41d 4488074 4488073 2022-07-22T03:10:19Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Understand */ + photo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The skyline of Allentown (in the foreground), the third largest city in [[Pennsylvania]] and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]], is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== [[File:2016 - Blizzard - North Seventh Street Arts Walk - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A winter snow storm in Allentown, 2016]] Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} *{{go | name=Philadelphia International Airport | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} 9u7n4b5ymm25a4hsi5oeyno91lt9r41 4488079 4488074 2022-07-22T03:23:40Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Understand */ shorten caption wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Allentown (in the foreground) is situated in an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== [[File:2016 - Blizzard - North Seventh Street Arts Walk - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A winter snow storm in Allentown, 2016]] Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} *{{go | name=Philadelphia International Airport | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} hn1q0l86iw600fv337bix5us99d6vmt 4488080 4488079 2022-07-22T03:24:18Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Understand */ + wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Allentown (in the foreground) is situated in the [[Lehigh Valley]], an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== [[File:2016 - Blizzard - North Seventh Street Arts Walk - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A winter snow storm in Allentown, 2016]] Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} *{{go | name=Philadelphia International Airport | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} p2okcmj4qwpa0b91uidsxpvs85wba97 4488081 4488080 2022-07-22T03:24:41Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Understand */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Allentown (in the foreground) is situated in the [[Lehigh Valley]], an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== [[File:2016 - Blizzard - North Seventh Street Arts Walk - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A winter snow storm in Center City Allentown, 2016]] Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} *{{go | name=Philadelphia International Airport | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} 14gxuwknu1s4aais3u9vyfeop45h9a5 4488159 4488081 2022-07-22T09:10:54Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* By plane */ No reason not to link this, since it has its own article. We're probably providing too much information about it here. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Allentown (in the foreground) is situated in the [[Lehigh Valley]], an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== [[File:2016 - Blizzard - North Seventh Street Arts Walk - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A winter snow storm in Center City Allentown, 2016]] Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. Primary commercial airlines arriving and departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport include [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express]. Cities served include [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], and multiple [[Florida]] airports, including [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (128.748 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} etxu3nqpoc9m7noowh4q4mz3hcwmaob 4488192 4488159 2022-07-22T10:50:43Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* By plane */ we don't need so much detail on an airport that isn't in Allentown wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Allentown WV Banner.jpg|caption=Allentown from Keck Park|disambig=yes}} [[File:Allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Allentown skyline]] [https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play '''Allentown'''] is the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], the county seat and largest city in [[Lehigh County]], and the third largest city in Pennsylvania (after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]) with a population of 125,845 as of 2020. Founded in 1762, Allentown has deep roots in American history. The city was among the first to support American independence, establishing a Committee of Observation as early as 1774. During the American Revolutionary War, the Liberty Bell was hidden under the floor boards of an Allentown church for nine months from September 1777 to June 1778 to avoid its capture by British troops. Later, after the Confederate victory at Fort Sumter in April 1861, Allentown deployed the Allen Infantry to aid the Union Army and protect the nation's capital from Confederate attack. Allen Infantry and its associated regiment proved among the Union Army's most effective and bold fighting forces, leading attacks on Confederate bases in the deep southern states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. In the early part of the 19th century, Allentown was among the first U.S. cities to emerge as a hub for industrialization with significant mining and heavy manufacturing industries that helped spark America's Industrial Revolution. The late 20th century erosion of these industries in the area was captured in the 1982 Billy Joel single "Allentown," which elevated the city globally as a symbol of [[Industrial tourism|industrial]] decay and the devastating social effects of the [[Rust Belt]]'s spread across the northeastern United States. ==Understand== Allentown was founded in 1762 by William Allen and was initially known as "Northampton Town." It was renamed Allentown in 1838 and was incorporated as a city on March 12, 1867. ===Geography=== [[File:Allentown viewed from Egypt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Allentown (in the foreground) is situated in the [[Lehigh Valley]], an actual valley located between two [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian]] mountain tips, South Mountain and Blue Mountain]] Allentown lies on the Lehigh River, and the river has historically been a centerpiece of the city's economy, serving as a means of transport for the region's mining and manufacturing products. The city is {{ft|338}} above sea level. It is {{mi|52}} north-northwest of [[Philadelphia]], {{mi|92}} west of [[New York City]], and {{mi|15}} west of the New Jersey state line. ===Climate=== [[File:2016 - Blizzard - North Seventh Street Arts Walk - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A winter snow storm in Center City Allentown, 2016]] Allentown's climate is highly seasonal. July is the warmest month with an average high-temperature of 83.8°F (28.8°C). January is the coldest month with an average low-temperature of 21.6°F (-5.8°C). The city experiences an annual average of 145.1 days of rain with 27.24 inches (692mm) of average annual rain precipitation and 20.4 days of snowfall with an average of 13.82 inches (351mm) of annual snow accumulation. July is the month with the most rain with a monthly average of 15.7 days of rain and monthly rain precipitation of 3.03 inches (77mm). March has the most snow with a monthly average of 5.3 days of snowfall and 4.37 inches (111mm) of snow precipitation. September is the driest month in Allentown with 11.5 days of rain and a monthly average of 1.61 inches (41mm) of precipitation. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Allentown at AllentownPA.gov | alt=Allentown city government website | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Play | email= | address=435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101 | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions=between 4th Street and 5th Street | phone=+1-610-439-5999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown city government website. }} ===Talk=== English is the dominant language, but Spanish is also widely used. On outskirts, you can find people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect. Other languages found here include Arabic, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. *"Down the shore" is a common local reference to the [[New Jersey]] beaches, approximately 75 miles southeast. *"Hoagie" refers to a submarine or sub sandwich. *"Soda" is used to refer to cola, pop, or any soft drink. *"Youse" is used to say "you all", similar to "y'all" in the south. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of Lehigh Valley International Airport]] The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Allentown and other Lehigh Valley locations is '''Lehigh Valley International Airport'''. * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Road | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This airport has nine gates, six aircraft holding spots, and two runways. [https://www.allegiantair.com/ Allegiant Air], [https://www.alternativeairlines.com/american-eagle American Eagle], [https://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection], and [https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/company/united-express-partners.html United Express] fly from [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Nashville]], [[Fort Lauderdale]], [[Myrtle Beach]], [[Orlando]], and [[Clearwater]], and [[St. Petersburg (Florida)|St. Petersburg]]. Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. }} *{{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. American Airlines operates flights from destinations throughout the U.S., and Canada, and from some European and Latin American cities. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] competes with American Airlines on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} However, for international travelers, New Jersey's '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}), roughly 80 miles (129 km) east, is sometimes the best option, especially if flying from abroad. Both PHL and EWR offer bus service to Allentown. ===By car=== [[File:I-78 East Sign - Near PA33 (29882418558).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|I-78 in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, approaching Allentown]] * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of [[Lehigh Valley]] except in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible, but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous, and only adds about half a mile to the trip (assuming you don't get easily lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Allentown, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== The Allentown bus terminal is located at 325 Hamilton Street in center city Allentown. Service commerical bus companies offer transportation to and from Allentown, including: * '''[https://transbridgelines.com/ Trans-Bridge Lines]''' offers daily service from Allentown to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark, New Jersey]]. There are several express buses per day into New York City. *'''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/ Trailways]''' offers service to and from Allentown from most major Northeastern cities. * '''[https://www.ourbus.com/ OurBus]''' offers daily service to New York City and weekend service to Philadelphia, [[Baltimore]], [[Washington, DC]], [[Binghamton]], and [[Ithaca (New York)|Ithaca]], departing from the I-476 Allentown Service Plaza near Wescosville. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Allentown is relatively easy to navigate. Most of the city is easily walkable or bikeable. The main east-west streets are listed from north to south: Sumner, Whitehall, Greenleaf, Cedar, Washington, Green, Tilghman, Allen, Liberty, Gordon, Chew, Turner, Linden, Hamilton, Walnut, and Union. Numbered streets run from north to south. They begin towards the west at 1 and continue to 42. ===By bus=== Extensive public bus service provided by ''' [http://lantabus.com Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority]''' (LANTA). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Allentown and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * '''Lehigh Valley Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-867-6000}} * '''Quick Service Taxi''', {{phone|+1 610-434-8132}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Sedan of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''Premium Taxi LLC''', {{phone|+1 610-433-7550}} * '''Anytime Taxi by J&J''', {{phone|+1 610-439-9241}} ===By limo=== * '''[http://www.aalimousine.com/ A&A Limousine Service]''', {{phone|+1 610-261-3838}} or {{phone|+1-800-281-5911}} * '''[http://www.cooper-limo.com Cooper Limo Service]''', {{phone|+1-866 433 1738}} or {{phone|+1 856 449 4279}} * '''[http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limo of Allentown]''', {{phone|+1 610-266-9770}} or {{phone|+1-888-550-CAR1}} * '''[http://www.jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation]''', {{phone|+1 610-776-1516}}, {{phone|+1-800-726-5466}} * '''[http://www.royalstretch.com/ Royal Limousine]''', {{phone|+1 610-439-4800}}, {{phone|+1-800-671-8511}} ===By car=== [[File:PA 145 7th street.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|7th St. in Center City with the Sailors and Soldiers Monument in the background]] Most visitors to [[Lehigh Valley]] will want to either rent a car or drive their own. * Because 7th street in Allentown is one-way, if you aim to go north to Whitehall, you will want to be on 6th street. Route 145 turns off 6th Street at Greenleaf Street for one block, and then joins 7th Street (begins as two ways). Continuing on 6th will bring you to the same place, but will not carry the PA-145 designation. * Hamilton Street is a continuation of US 222/ Hamilton Boulevard and provides easy access for travelers from [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]. Hamilton Street continues into nearby [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] as Hanover Avenue, providing direct access to its downtown as well. * Tilghman Street is also a useful east-west urban thoroughfare that also provides access to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], as Union Boulevard, and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] as well. * US Route 22 is a four-lane limited-access freeway across the north side of the city, and is often the best route of approach. However, this road is prone to minor traffic jams and accidents, especially during rush hour. Don't panic, though; most traffic jams are only a mile or so long, and usually take less than half an hour before opening up into freer travel. * Interstate 78 is a better bet during rush hours as it is as wide as eight lanes in some areas. ===By bike=== Riding a bike can also get you around in Allentown and its fabulous park system. Allentown is known for its extensive trail and park systems. Of special interest to visitors will be the Bridle Path in Lehigh Parkway (stop to feed the fish in the Fish Hatchery, go to the Museum of Indian Culture or pedal along a trail that takes you to a covered bridge). ===On foot=== The main Allentown downtown area is small and easy to walk. You may want to park your car in one of the many garages and walk downtown. ==See== [[File:1962 - Liberty Bell Shrine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The Liberty Bell shrine inside [http://libertybellmuseum.org/ Liberty Bell Museum] at 622 W. Hamilton St., where the Liberty Bell was hidden from the British Army for nine months in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War]] * {{see | name=Allentown Art Museum | alt= | url=http://www.allentownartmuseum.org/ | email= | address=31 N 5th St | lat=40.6043 | long=-75.468 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4333 | tollfree= | hours=Wednesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: Noon-4pm, third Thursday each month: Open until 8PM | price=Adult $12; senior (60+), student $10 or child 6 and older $10, child 5 and under free; free admission Su noon–4PM and 3rd Th 4PM–8PM | wikipedia=Allentown Art Museum | wikidata=Q3612510 | lastedit=2018-12-29 | content=World-class permanent art collection with changing exhibits. }} * {{see | name=America On Wheels Museum | alt= | url=http://www.americaonwheels.org | email= | address=5 N Front Street | lat=40.6156 | long=-75.4528 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-4200 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=America on Wheels | wikidata=Q4742783 | content=Museum showing the history of wheeled transportation. }} * {{see | name=Cedar Beach Park | alt= | url=https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Cedar-Creek-Parkway | email= | address=2600 Parkway Blvd | lat=40.594975 | long=-75.510414 | directions= | phone=+1-610-437-7757 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Swimming pool, two beach and two hard volleyball courts, four lighted basketball courts, 2.3 miles of multi-use trails, playground. }} * {{see | name=Da Vinci Science Center | alt= | url=http://www.davincisciencecenter.org | email= | address=3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass | lat=40.5839 | long=-75.5221 | directions= | phone=+1 484 664-1002 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10am-5pm, Sunday: Noon-5pm | price=Ages 3+ $12.95, Toddlers free | wikipedia=Da Vinci Science Center | wikidata=Q5207326 | lastedit=2021-05-29 | content=Da Vinci is a hands-on children's science center featuring two stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. Highlights include a dark tunnel, shadow-room, seawater touch tank, and Keva building blocks. }} * {{see | name=Lehigh County Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org | email= | address=432 W Walnut St | lat=40.60219 | long=-75.46592 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1074 | tollfree= | hours=Tu.-Sa.: 10AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh County Historical Society | wikidata=Q15242209 | content=Exhibit galleries, library and area archives. }} * {{see | name=Liberty Bell Museum | alt=Liberty Bell Shrine Museum | url=http://www.libertybellmuseum.org | email= | address=622 W Hamilton St | lat=40.6023 | long=-75.4704 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-4232 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Liberty Bell Museum | wikidata=Q6541604 | content=See special exhibits and ring a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was hidden from the British in this historic church for nine months during the Revolutionary War. }} * {{see | name=Mack Experience Center | alt= | url=https://www.macktrucks.com/about-mack/customer-center/ | email= | address=2402 Lehigh Pkwy. S | lat=40.572149 | long=-75.49454 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-8800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Mack Trucks Historical Museum, in Lehigh Valley, PA, is the repository of historical documents and artifacts from Mack’s long and storied history as the leading American truck manufacturer and world-renowned brand name. There are more than 80,000 photos in the collection, many dating back to 1905. Mack has records for nearly every chassis it manufactured since 1905, all of which are filed here. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Indian Culture | alt= | url=http://www.museumofindianculture.org/ | email= | address=2825 Fish Hatchery Rd | lat=40.5728 | long=-75.5043 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2121 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of Indian Culture | wikidata=Q6940884 | content=Museum that preserves the history of the Lenape tribe and other regional Native Americans. }} ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Steel Force rollercoaster, the 10th longest rollercoaster in the world, at [https://www.dorneypark.com/ Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom], 4000 Dorney Park Rd.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley/ballpark/coca-cola-park Coca-Cola Park] at 1050 Ironpigs Way in East Allentown hosts the [https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Lehigh Valley IronPigs], the AAA-affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who play at the stadium from early April through early September]] * {{do | name=Allentown Municipal Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.allentowngolf.org/ | email= | address=3400 Tilghman St | lat=40.595242 | long=-75.536469 | directions= West End | phone=+1 610-395-5108 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=A public golf course. Great course at great value. }} * {{do | name=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | alt= | url=http://www.allentownsymphony.org | email= | address=23 N. Sixth St | lat=40.603771 | long=-75.469688 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-6715 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Allentown Symphony Orchestra | wikidata=Q4732079 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Major regional symphony orchestra. }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=3830 Dorney Park Rd | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions=on the west end of Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78 | phone=+1 610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=This popular amusement park and water park is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, including the 200-foot-tall Steel Force, multi-looping coasters Talon and Hydra: The Revenge, and antique wooden roller coaster Thunderhawk. The park is open from early May to the end of October, and the waterpark is open from late May to early September. During the times that the waterpark is open, waterpark admission is included in the price of admission to the regular park, and guests can move freely back and forth between the two interconnected parks. }} *{{do | name=Haja Rose Bowl | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/ | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.609061 | long=-75.493499 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=36 bowling lanes. Also hosts bowling leaks. Attached to the Mixx Nightclub & Lounge, a self-described "high-energy haunt," with live music, karaoke, and high resolution televisions for sporting events. }} * {{do | name=High school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat=40.601203 | long=-75.481273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (PIAA) | wikidata=Q17155916 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Allentown's three high schools compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is widely recognized as one of the highest quality high school athletic divisions in the nation. The conference has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes and is especially known for its quality football and wrestling programs. All three of Allentown's large high schools play their home football games at J. Birney Stadium, the second largest high school football stadium in Pennsylvania, located at 2027 Linden Street in Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Grand Prix | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com | email=sales@lehighvalleygrandprix.com | address=649 S. 10th St | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-RACE | tollfree=+1 866 577-5278 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Indoor karting with vehicles that reach speeds nearing 45 mph on an indoor 1/4 mile road course style track. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt=Triple A Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=1050 Ironpigs Way | lat=40.59426 | long=-75.47494 | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The AAA-level minor league baseball team of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies play their home games from early April through early September at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. }} *{{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt=American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers | url=http://lehighvalleyphantoms.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.602771 | long=-75.472672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, competing in the American Hockey League, and playing at the PPL Center in center city Allentown from September through May. }} *{{do | name=MunOpCo Music Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.munopco.org | email= | address=1533 Hamilton St | lat=40.597454 | long=-75.489316 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-2441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Allentown's Municipal Opera and community theatre. }} * {{do | name=Nineteenth Street Theatre | alt=Civic Theatre of Allentown | url=http://www.civictheatre.com | email= | address=527 N. 19th St | lat=40.6032 | long=-75.5 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-8943 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nineteenth Street Theater | wikidata=Q5124339 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Oldest cinema theatre with art movies and foreign films in between productions. }} ===Events=== [[File:2018 - Center Square - Looking Northeast - 12 Oct - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.pplcenter.com/ PPL Center], a 10,000-seat indoor arena at 701 Hamilton St. in Center City Allentown, hosts the [http://www.phantomshockey.com/ Lehigh Valley Phantoms] of the American Hockey League and major concert and entertainment events]] * {{do | name=Great Allentown Fair | alt= | url=http://www.allentownfairpa.org/ | email=fair@allentownfair.com | address=302 N 17th St | lat=40.600895 | long=-75.494395 | directions=at Chew St | phone=+1 610-433-7541 | tollfree= | hours=Annually late August/early September - just before Labor Day | price= | wikipedia=Great Allentown Fair | wikidata=Q5598616 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Annual event for over 150 years. It includes everything from family-owned food stands to a bill of national musical acts. The fair brings the world of the county fair and the street carnival together. At other times of the year, various events are held at the fairgrounds, including concerts, gigantic flea markets, antique sales, computer shows, and an assortment of many other shows and expos. }} * {{do | name=Mayfair | alt= | url=http://mayfairfestival.org/ | email= | address=100 College Dr | lat=40.6001 | long=-75.5003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800-360-1222 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mayfair | wikidata=Q6797116 | content=Mayfair Festival of the Arts takes place over Memorial Day weekend. It brings performers and artisans to Cedar Beach Park to put their talents on display with six performance stages, over 100 artists and craftspeople, roving entertainers, and more than two dozen vendors offering authentic regional foods. }} * {{do | name=PPL Center | alt= | url=https://www.pplcenter.com/ | email= | address=701 Hamilton St | lat=40.6025 | long=-75.4728 | directions=Center city Allentown on Hamilton St. between 7th and 8th Sts. | phone=+ 1 610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=PPL Center | wikidata=Q7120126 | content=Known more for being the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms ice hockey team, this 10,000-seat arena hosts regular major concerts and other entertainment events. Also has various indoor stadium food locations. }} ==Learn== Allentown is home to '''[http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''', '''[http://www.cedarcrest.edu/Redesign/homepage5/index.htm Cedar Crest College]''' and the '''Donley Center''', the downtown Allentown campus of '''Lehigh Carbon Community College''' (LCCC). ==Work== The largest employer in Allentown is '''[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital]''', with over 7,800 workers. Other companies headquartered here are '''[https://www.airproducts.com/ Air Products & Chemicals]''', '''[https://www.slhn.org/allentown-campus St. Lukes Hospital]''', '''[https://www.capbluecross.com/ Capital Blue Cross]''', and '''[https://www.pplelectric.com/ PPL]'''. Throughout most of the 20th century until the 1980s, Allentown and the [[Lehigh Valley]] were gobally-recognized leaders in heavy manufacturing, especially steel, coal, and iron. But those industries faced multiple challenges and diminished or dissolved completely beginning in the late 1970s,. Today, small scale manufacturing is still an important part of the local economy. Allentown is the county seat for Lehigh County. '''[https://www.citycenterallentown.com/ Center City Allentown]''' is an important employment center with approximately 15,000 people working there. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Entrance to [https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall] in [[Whitehall]], the Allentown area's largest shopping mall]] [[File:South Mall, Allentown PA 06.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main entrance to [https://shopsouthmall.com/ South Mall] at 3300 Lehigh St.]] *Much of the Allentown area's shopping is actually located in neighboring Whitehall, which is about five minutes north of downtown via PA Route 145, which is also Whitehall's main commercial street. Shopping malls in and around Allentown include: * {{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday: Noon-6:00pm | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Largest shopping mall in the [[Lehigh Valley]] anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, and Barnes & Noble. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+ 1 610 791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: Noon-5pm | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=Shopping mall located south of Allentown on the border with [[Emmaus]]. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shoppes at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions=outside of Allentown in Upper Saucon Township | phone=+1 610-791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=Sunday-Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 11am-6pm | price= | wikipedia=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=A newer and very upscale shopping destination, which also includes restaurants and [[Lehigh Valley]]'s largest movie theater. Anchor stores include Ann Taylor, Sage, Banana Republic, and Brooks Brothers. }} * {{buy | name=Whitehall Mall | alt= | url=https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx | email= | address=1259 Whitehall Mall, Whitehall | lat=40.6353 | long=-75.4833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+ 1 800 837-6255 | hours=Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm Sunday: Noon-6pm | price= | wikipedia=Whitehall Mall | wikidata=Q7995993 | content=Shopping mall in [[Whitehall|Whitehall Township]], next to Lehigh Valley Mall. }} Other shopping locations include: *The 19th Street area near '''[https://www.muhlenberg.edu/ Muhlenberg College]''' is a funky little commercial district with a coffee shop and art house movie theatre. *A small commercial district is also available on the eastern portion of Union Blvd., near Plymouth Street, Club Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue. This area houses Giant Food, Marshalls, '''[http://www.danschantzgreenhouse.com Dan Schantz Greenhouse]''', Wells Fargo, Staples, HomeGoods, a Big Lots and other stores. *For an original shopping experience, try the '''[http://www.fairgroundfarmersmkt.com Allentown Farmers Market]''' at 17th and Chew Streets, this farmers market features everything from fresh meat and produce to local gifts. * For local produce, go to the Plaza Growers Market on Wednesdays at lunch over the growing season, May through October. It's on Hamilton Street in the downtown between 8th and 9th. *More shopping is available at '''Crest Plaza''' on the west side of Allentown, on Cedar Crest Boulevard, including Weis Markets, Fashion Bug and Target Greatland. *{{buy | name=Weil Antique Center | url=http://www.weilantiquecenter.com | email= | address=2200 31st St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-791-7910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{buy | name=Josh Early Candies | url=http://www.joshearlycandies.com | email= | address=4640 W. Tilghman St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-4321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family owned and operated. Home-made chocolate and other sweets. }} *{{buy | name=Dan's Camera City | url=http://www.danscamera.com | email= | address=1439 W. Fairmont St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-434-2313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Print digital prints while you wait. Create cool gifts using your own photos. Camera equipment for sale and rent. }} *From the area of Cedar Beach Park to Dorney Park there are a slew of shops along Hamilton Street/Hamilton Boulevard/PA-222 (same street, three names). Heading from downtown Allentown going north toward Interstate 78, there's '''[http://www.phoebefloral.com Phoebe Floral & Home Decor]''', PopCorn To Go, and the shops at 3900 [http://www.3900hamilton.com Hamilton Center], like a Robbin's Jewelers. *{{buy | name=Warner Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.warnerstainedglass.com | email= | address=795 Roble Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-1100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== [[File:2020 - Allentown CBD at Night - 11 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Center City Allentown at night]] Allentown offers numerous family-run eateries featuring authentic ethnic cuisine. These include Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, Mexican, Jamaican, Dominican and Puerto Rican restaurants. A variety of casual dining and fast food restaurants are available around the Whitehall and Cedar Crest Boulevard business districts, as well as in Center City. You can even catch a hot dog on the street from a vendor on Hamilton Street or 7th Street. ===Budget=== [[File:Yocco's, Trexlertown, PA (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[http://www.yoccos.com/ Yocco's], a regionally famous hot dog and cheesesteak restaurant chain founded in 1922, has four locations in Allentown and its suburbs]] *{{eat | name=Cali Burrito | alt= | url=http://www.caliburrito.com/ | email= | address=3104 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.582082 | long=-75.519048 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-1791 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=California-style Mexican cuisine. Organic, vegetarian, vegan. Laid-back vibe. }} *{{eat | name=Charles Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.charlespizzapa.com/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd. # 5 | lat=40.626055 | long=-75.42453 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-9990 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9:15pm daily | price= | content=Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Cheesesteak Louie's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1207 W. Chew St | lat=40.603735 | long=-75.484081 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am-9pm, Closed Sundays | price= | content=Cheesesteaks, owned by proprietor of the successful Louie's restaurant on 31st Street. }} *{{eat | name=China Moon | alt= | url=https://www.restaurantji.com/pa/allentown/china-moon-restaurant-/ | email= | address=2102 Union Blvd | lat=40.604081 | long=-75.423921 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-8883 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Kids Castle | alt= | url=http://www.kidscastlelv.com | email= | address=1193 Airport Rd | lat=40.628491 | long=-75.442036 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-1432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Kid-friendly fast food. }} *{{eat | name=La Dolce Vita Italian Bakery | alt= | url=http://www.ladolcevitapa.com | email= | address=5531 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-8875 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably priced Italian. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=http://www.wallysdeli.com | email= | address=711 N. 17th St | lat=40.60703 | long=-75.497075 | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7177 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 7AM-6PM, Th F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content=A popular, locally owned place with several [[Lehigh Valley]] locations. In Allentown, it is on 17th street. }} *{{eat | name=Willy Joe's | alt= | url=http://www.willyjoes.com/ | email= | address=2407 Lehigh St | lat=40.568902 | long=-75.48238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-7009 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite for hot dogs, steak sandwiches, fries. Family dining. }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=This small hot dog chain is considered to be a local favorite, and is a must-try for first time visitors to Allentown. There are four Yocco's locations in Allentown and its surrounding suburbs. }} * {{eat | name=Zandy's Steak Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zandysteaks/ | email= | address=813 St. John St | lat=40.591189 | long=-75.470512 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-7874 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Another must try for anyone coming to [[Lehigh Valley]]. A local version of the Philly steak sandwich. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Asia | alt= | url=http://www.asiaorientalcuisine.com/ | email= | address=1102 E. Susquehanna St | lat=40.592519 | long=-75.430359 | directions= | phone=+1 610-798-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Bellissimo Restaurante | alt= | url= | email= | address=1243 Tilghman St | lat=40.608717 | long=-75.488285 | directions= | phone=+1 610-770-7717 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Traditional Italian cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Bull & Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.62021 | long=-75.452532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=American style food. }} *{{eat | name=Damascus | alt= | url=http://www.damascusrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=449 N. 2nd St | lat=40.612468 | long=-75.462766 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-2036 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Foo Joy Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.foojoyallentown.com/ | email= | address=3229 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-1800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A family-owned Chinese food restaurant near Dorney Park with free delivery. }} *{{eat | name=Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse | alt= | url=https://grumpysbbq.net/ | email= | address=3000 Mauch Chunk Rd | lat=40.617517 | long=-75.498442 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Wood-pit bar-b-que. Southern cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Henry's Salt of the Sea | alt= | url=https://henryssaltofthesea.com/ | email= | address=1926 W. Allen St | lat=40.603211 | long=-75.501171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-2628 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seafood. }} *{{eat | name=Ichiban Japanese Steak House | alt= | url=https://ichibanpa.net/ | email= | address=1914 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.640931 | long=-75.42879 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-7781 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hibachi-style Japanese steak house. }} *{{eat | name=On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderAllentownAirportRd/ | email= | address=909 Airport Center Dr | lat=40.625845 | long=-75.442754 | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5972 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Casual, Mexican cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Pines Dinner Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.pinesdinnertheatre.com | email= | address=448 N 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://www.pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Allentown | email= | address=4595 Broadway | lat=40.589307 | long=-75.525171 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-2532 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Famous for wings and pub fare. }} :* {{eat | name=PJ Whelihan's | alt= | url=http://pjspub.com/about.php?loc=Walbert | email= | address=1658 Hausman Rd | lat=40.609948 | long=-75.568588 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-4077 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Slice of Italy Delivery | alt= | url=https://www.sliceofitalydelivery.com/ | email= | address=1860 Catasauqua Rd | lat=40.63974 | long=-75.42976 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-8011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sunset Grille | alt= | url=http://www.sunset-grille.com/ | email= | address=6751 Ruppsville Rd | lat=40.5803 | long=-75.601125 | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-9622 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Mexican cuisine. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Grille 3501 | alt= | url=http://www.grille3501.com | email= | address=3501 Broadway | lat=40.586937 | long=-75.529842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-706-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Fine fusion cuisine with an eclectic martini bar. }} *{{eat | name=Morgan's | alt= | url=http://www.morgansrest.net | email= | address=3079 Willow St, Coplay | lat=40.589861 | long=-75.504483 | directions= | phone=+1 610-769-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Penn Pizza Restaurant | alt= | url=https://pennpizzarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd | lat=40.586407 | long=-75.523613 | directions=Across from Lehigh Valley Hospital on Cedar Crest | phone=+1 610 434 7366 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Simple pizzeria offering a variety of pies, pastas and salads for delivery or dining in with BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Youell's Oyster House | alt= | url=http://www.youellsoysterhouse.com | email= | address=2249 W. Walnut St | lat=40.591888 | long=-75.504037 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent seafood. Reservations a must.}} ==Drink== Allentown is well known for its nightlife, and many Allentown clubs feature major [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and Allentown DJs and live bands. They include: *{{drink | name=Allentown Brew Works | alt= | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com | email= | address=812-816 Hamilton St | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant is a second location modeled after the Bethlehem Brew Works also owned by the Fegley Family. A micro brewery, the four-level restaurant serves upscale bar fare, with bars on three levels, including the Silk Lounge on the lower level. Live comedy. }} * {{drink | name=Bull and Bear Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.bullnbearrestaurant.com/order | email= | address=462 Union Blvd | lat=40.620228 | long=-75.452591 | directions= | phone=+1 610-432-5230 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant and bar. Live music. }} * {{drink | name=Chicken Lounge | alt= | url=http://www.thechickenlounge.com/ | email= | address=3245 Hamilton Blvd | lat=40.591002 | long=-75.51156 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=In existence for 40 years, a reliable lounge and bar open until 2AM daily. Grill open until 1:30AM. }} * {{drink | name=Club Gravity | alt= | url=https://chicagorestaurantlv.com/events | email= | address=1179 Airport Rd | lat=40.628359 | long=-75.439663 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-2090 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Lounge and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Deja Vu | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Deja-Vu-Sport-Bar/1534748616796699 | email= | address=343 West Hamilton St | lat=40.604685 | long=-75.463112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-439-1707 | tollfree= | hours=11AM to 2AM daily | price= | content=Nightclub. }} * {{drink | name=Greg's West End Saloon | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gregswestendsaloon101/ | email= | address=1839 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.605356 | long=-75.500083 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-7127 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar and Mexican bar food. }} * {{drink | name=Maingate Nightclub | alt= | url=http://maingateclub.com/ | email= | address=448 N. 17th St | lat=40.602823 | long=-75.495308 | directions= | phone=+1 610-776-7711 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Large and festive nightclub with modern dance and hip hop music, large dance floor, outside bars open in summer. Dance and hip hop music spun by top [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]] and Allentown DJs. Also has periodic under 21 nights. }} * {{drink | name=MIXX Nightclub and Sports | alt= | url=https://www.hajarosebowl.com/Mixx-Night-Club | email= | address=801 N. 15th St | lat=40.607769 | long=-75.49279 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-3970 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=High energy sports bar with multiple televisions attached to a bowling alley. Jam-packed for most [[Philadelphia]] Eagles games. DJs, periodic live bands. }} * {{drink | name=Platinum Plus | alt= | url=https://platinumplusallentown.com/ | email= | address=1251 Airport Rd | lat=40.629238 | long=-75.44179 | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-3311 | tollfree= | hours=Mondays through Saturdays: 11AM to 2AM, Sundays: 4PM to 2AM | price= | content=A gentleman's club. }} * {{drink | name=Ringers Roost | alt= | url=https://ringersroostpa.com/ | email=ringersroost1801@gmail.com | address=1801 W. Liberty St. | lat=40.603140 | long=-75.497900 | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-4941| tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 11AM-2AM, Su: 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Tavern and tap room, built in 1920. }} *{{drink | name=Sam Adams Brew Brewhouse | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/sam-adams-brewhouse | email= | address=7880 Penn Dr., Breinigsville | lat=40.574781 | long=-75.621878 | directions=off Rt. 100 S in Fogelsville | phone=+1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | content=Sam Adams and microbeers. Daily specials. DJ every Saturday Night. Pub menu available. }} *{{drink | name=Stooges | alt= | url=http://strangebrewtavern.co/ | email=info@allentownstooges.com | address=2101 Liberty St | lat=40.601294 | long=-75.50411 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-9210 | tollfree= | hours=M: 4PM-11PM, Tu. and Wed.: Closed. Thur-Sa.: 11AM-midnight. Sun.: Noon-11PM | price= | content=Bar with bar menu. }} *{{drink | name=Strange Brew Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.allentownstooges.com/ | email= | address=1996 S 5th St | lat=40.577252 | long=-75.455842 | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-3610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and entrees. 24 craft and macro taps, and extensive selection of bottled beer. Live music 3-4 nights per week. }} *{{drink | name=Tavern on Liberty | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheTavernOnLiberty | email=tavernbeerlists@gmail.com | address=2246 W. Liberty St | lat=40.60843 | long=-75.49018 | directions= | phone=+1 484-221-8765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Bar food and Italian cuisine, Taco Tuesdays, Wide selection of bottled microbrews and imported beers. }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=1926 W. Tilghman St | lat=40.53256 | long=-75.49224 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Like its [[Emmaus]] counterpart, a go to location for affordable drinks, cold beer, and televised sports (including out of town games). Over 10 large screen plasma televisions. Broad food and beer selections. Several large rooms, including the bar area. }} ==Sleep== [[File:2021 - Center Square from Renaissance Allentown Hotel - 02 - Allentown PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|[https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ Renaissance Allentown Hotel] at 12 N. 7th St.]] ===Budget === * {{sleep | name=Econo Lodge | url=http://www.econolodge.com | email= | address=2115 Downyflake Ln. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Knights Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.redlion.com/knights-inn/pa/allentown/knights-inn-allentown | email= | address=1880 Steelstone Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-9070 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Near Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. Pet-friendly. }} *{{sleep | name=Red Carpet Inn | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/red-carpet-inn-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=731 Hausman Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3377 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Royal Motel | url= | email= | address=1117 N. Irving St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-6423 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn | url=http://redroof.com | email= | address=1846 Catasaqua Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Scottish Inns & Suites Airport | alt= | url=https://www.stayhihotels.com/property/scottish-inns-suites-allentown-pa/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=MyBusiness | email= | address=1701 Catasaqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-264-7531 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | alt= | url=http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $125 a night | content= }} ===Mid-range === *{{sleep | name=Allentown Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/ascend-hotels/pa817?mc=llgoxxpx | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 a night | content=Part of the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn - Lehigh Valley West | alt= | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel/pa140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=Noon | price= | content=Has lounge/bar and 24/7 fitness center. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa117 | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/ | email= | address=2622 Lehigh St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.allentownairport.stayhgi.com/ | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-1400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | alt= | url=https://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-garden-inn-allentown-west-ABEAWGI/index.html | email= | address=230 Sycamore Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Allentown Center City | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/abehs | email= | address=904 W Hamilton St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-433-2221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It hosts Made in Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse. Plentiful parking. }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/abedp?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults | email= | address=3620 Hamilton Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-437-9255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA629 | email= | address=1151 Bulldog Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-395-3731 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motel | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/allentown-pennsylvania/super-8-allentown/overview | email= | address=1033 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-9550 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Allentown West/Kutztown | alt= | url=http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03735&cid=carat_search-Super_8 | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd, Kutztown | lat= | long= | directions=on I-78 exit 45 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amenities include an in-room micro-fridge, hi-speed internet, hair dryer, free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Wingate Inn | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wingate/allentown-pennsylvania/wingate-by-wyndham-allentown/overview?CID=LC:WG::GGL:RIO:National:12912&iata=00065402 | email= | address=4325 Hamilton Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Glasbern | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email=innkeeper@glasbern.com | address=2141 Pack House Rd., [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax=+1-610-285-2862 | checkin=4PM | checkout=Noon | price=From $239 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hawthorn-extended-stay/fogelsville-pennsylvania/hawthorn-suites-by-wyndham-allentown-fogelsville/overview | email= | address=7720 Main St, [[Fogelsville]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-366-9422 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $139 a night | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/allentown/abepz/hoteldetail | email= | address=1715 Plaza Ln. (15th St Exit Off Rt 22) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-435-7880 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $129 a night | content=Indoor swimming pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-allentown-west-fogelsville-pa-ABEHWHW/index.html | email= | address=7686 Industrial Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-336-4860 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= 3PM | checkout= 11AM| price=$109–179 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Howard Johnson Inn & Suites | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hojo/allentown-pennsylvania/howard-johnson-inn-and-suites-allentown-dorney-park/rooms-rates | email= | address=3220 Hamilton Blvd. | lat=40.578970 | long=-75.522560| directions= | phone=+1 484-268-2124 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $110 a night | content=Close proximity to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom }} *{{sleep | name=Renaissance Allentown Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/abebr-renaissance-allentown-hotel/overview/ | email= | address=12 N. 7th St. | lat=40.602580 | long=-75.472140 | directions=N. | phone=+1 484-273-4001| tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $215 a night | content=Luxurious suites, on-site restaurant (The Dime), fitness center, meeting space, center city location }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown Airport | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownpa | email= | address=1787 Airport Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-443-5000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $132 a night | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites Allentown West | alt= | url=http://www.staybridge.com/allentownwest | email= | address=327 Star Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $208 a night | content= }} ==Stay safe== Allentown has a crime rate almost twice the national average in every category, including rape, robbery, theft, auto theft, murder, assault, and burglary. Rougher areas include parts of East Allentown and some neighborhoods of Center City north of Linden St. and south of Tilghman St. as well as the area between the American Parkway and Lehigh River, just east of Center City. Random acts of violence and crime against visitors is rare - much of the crime in the area involves people involved in drugs, gangs, or other illicit activities. It would be unwise to try to buy drugs or other contraband in the city. It is fairly easy to stay safe by following common sense. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of poorer areas at night. Prostitution and street racing are also issues in Allentown. Don't walk alone late at night or on dimly lit streets. The most likely victim of a mugging on an Allentown street is someone who is alone and intoxicated, so keep your wits about you. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you don't want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but don't flash around your money. There is a large police presence in the neighborhoods most frequented by visitors, especially Hamilton Street. Many officers in Center City use bicycles. ==Stay healthy== [[File:Lehigh-Valley-Hospital.x.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.lvhn.org/locations/lehigh-valley-hospital-cedar-crest Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest] at 1200 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. is the third largest hospital in [[Pennsylvania]]]] ===Hospitals=== If you are in need of medical attention, here are the primary hospitals in the area: * '''[http://www.lvh.org/17thandchew Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th Street]''', 1627 W Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.lvh.org/lvh/Locations/Cedar_Crest Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest]''', 1200 S Cedar Crest Blvd. {{phone|+1 610-402-CARE}} * '''[http://www.shh.org/ Sacred Heart Hospital]''', 421 Chew St. {{phone|+1 610-776-4500}} * '''[http://www.mystlukesonline.org/locations/stl-allentown-campus/index.aspx St. Luke's Hospital]''', 1736 Hamilton St. {{phone|+1 610-628-8300}} ==Respect== As in many parts of the country, residents may not want to share religious or political views. ==Connect== In Allentown, you must dial an area code when you place a call. Area codes in the Lehigh Valley are 610 and 484. You may still find some payphones on the street. ==Cope== ===Religious services=== Website for the '''[http://www.allentowndiocese.org/ Diocese of Allentown]'''<br/> Catholic churches: * '''[http://www.cathedral-church.org/ Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena]''' is the home of the bishop of the Allentown diocese. {{phone|+1 610-433-6461}}. * '''[http://immaculateconceptionallentown.org/ Immaculate Conception]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4404}}. * '''[https://www.olhcparish.net/ Our Lady Help of Christians]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-9384}}. * '''[https://www.stfrancisallentown.org/ St. Francis of Assisi]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6102}}. * '''[https://www.facebook.com/stJohnBaptistAllentown/ St. John the Baptist Slovak Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-0034}}. * '''[http://www.lehighvalleylatinmass.org/ St. Stephen of Hungary]'''. {{phone|+1 610-439-0111}}. * '''[http://www.stmchurchallentown.org/ St. Thomas More]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-7413}}. * '''[http://www.sspeterpaul.com/ SS. Peter and Paul]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-2252}}. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: * '''Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-3523}}. Episcopal churches: * '''[http://www.episcopalmediator.org/ The Episcopal Church of the Mediator]'''. {{phone|+1 610-434-0155}}. * '''[http://graceallentown.org/ Grace Episcopal Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-0782}}. Hindu: * '''[https://www.hindutemple-lehighvalley.org/ Hindu Temple Society]'''. {{phone|+1 484-616-9001}}. Jewish: * '''[http://www.sonsofisrael.net Congregation Sons of Israel]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-6089}}. Lutheran: * '''[http://www.christ-atown.org/ Christ Lutheran Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-433-4271}}. * '''[http://www.stjohnsallentown.org/ St. John's Evangelical Church]'''. {{phone|+1 610-435-1587}}. * '''[http://www.stpetersallentown.com St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America]'''. {{phone|+1 610-432-8762}}. Muslim: * '''[https://malv.org/ Lehigh Valley Islamic Center]'''. {{phone|+1 610-799-6224}}. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28.3|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|6|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|10.5|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|8.1|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15.1|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|4.6|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|125.8|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|84|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|93.1|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|59.3|mi|km}} *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] - {{convert|37|mi|km}} {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Fogelsville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Hellertown]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Scranton]] | minorl2=[[Lehighton]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2=[[Kulpsville]] | image3=US 222.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=S | majorl3=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] | minorl3=[[Kutztown]] | directionr3=N | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} paitbpyu0hjh7ebemtl5xcq4x5yheg4 0 1013 4487880 4479553 2022-07-21T18:35:19Z Surfman49 2273515 /* Taxi */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Amman banner.JPG}} '''Amman''' ([[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]: عمان ''ʻammān'') is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of [[Jordan]] with a population of about 4 million as of 2020. Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, despite popular belief, hold a few items of interest to the traveler. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveller, reasonably well-organized, and the people are very friendly. Although not seen as much when in the air over Amman, the city holds many surprises for the visitor. Anything can be found in Amman if one asks. Visit Amman's Roman Amphitheatre or stay in a luxurious hotel. Shopping malls are abundant in Jordan. With new construction in Abdali, in a few years the high-end traveller could eat in the most high-end restaurant, stay in a five star hotel or shop in massive malls, all a few metres from one another. Much less is being done to cater to the budget traveller, although urban beautification in the city centre (old town) is cleaning it up and making it more pedestrian-friendly. Amman is experiencing a massive (some would say: reckless) change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis, some of whose neighbourhoods seem hell-bent on wanting to imitate Dubai. Amman's roads have a reputation of being very steep and narrow in some of the underdeveloped parts of the city but now the city has state of the art highways and paved avenues. The steep terrain and heavy traffic remains challenging for pedestrians and for the rare cyclist. New resorts and hotels dot the city and there are many things for the traveller to see and do. Use Amman as a staging point for travels to nearby cities and settlements in Jordan. ==Understand== A city built of white stone, Amman's growth has skyrocketed since it was made the capital of Trans-Jordan in the early 1920s, but especially after the 1948 and 1967 wars with Israel when hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees settled there. Another wave arrived after the second Iraq war, with Iraqi refugees forming the majority of newcomers. [[File:An Ammonite-era watchtower in Amman, Jordan.jpg|thumb|Ammonite watchtower]] Its history, however, goes back many millennia. The settlement mentioned in the Bible as Rabbath Ammon was the capital of the Ammonites, which later fell to the Assyrians. It was dominated briefly by the Nabataeans before it became a great Roman trade center and was renamed Philadelphia. After the Islamic conquests, Amman became part of the Islamic Empire, until the Ottomans were forced out by the Allies, with the help of the Hashemites, who formed a monarchy that continues to rule until the present. Today, ''West'' Amman is a lively, modern city. The eastern part of the city, where the majority of Amman's residents live, is predominantly the residential area of the working class and is much older than the west. While possessing few sites, Amman makes a comfortable base from which to explore the northwestern parts of the country. Amman is a very diverse city. Palestinian, Iraqi, Circassian, Armenian, and many other ethnic groups reside in Amman. Amman never stops growing. Despite the common assertion that most Jordanians understand English, that knowledge is quite limited. Charmingly, the most commonly known English phrase seems to be "Welcome to Jordan". The only non-Arabic language used in signposting is English, and you will find "Tourist Police" near the major monuments. It never hurts to know a few useful phrases and come prepared with a translation book, or to have the names and addresses of places you are going written in Arabic for use with a taxi driver. Remember if you're [[Travelling during Ramadan|travelling during the holy month of Ramadan]], it is almost impossible to buy food from sunrise to sundown even for tourists. Big shopping malls like City Mall don't let food stores like McDonald's, Sunset and Starbucks sell food during these hours. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Most travellers to Amman (and to Jordan) will arrive via {{listing |type=go | name=Queen Alia International Airport | alt={{IATA|AMM}} | url=http://www.qaiairport.com/en | email= | address= | lat=31.7225 | long=35.993333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Queen Alia International Airport | image=Queen Alia International Airport - New Terminal - 2013.JPG | wikidata=Q721494 | content= }} Very occasionally, regional or charter flights use Marka Airport, centrally located in east Amman a few kilometers beyond the railway station. You may also want to consider arriving and departing in the airport of [[Aqaba]] and then continue with an intercity bus. First because there are low-cost flights (as of June 2021) from Athens, Milan, Rome, Cologne, Berlin, Geneva and London. Second because you may be entitled to a [https://aqaba.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/PDFs/visa%20practicalities.pdf free visa]. Either for entering in Aqaba or Amman see the [[Jordan#Visa|Jordan article]] for comprehensive and complete visa details – and possibilities to waive your visa fee. ====Arrival in the Amman airport==== Money exchange is available before passport control along with a single ATM (which doesn't take MasterCard); more ATMs are available after customs. This ATM might charge you an '''additional fee''' to your regular bank fees (up to 7&nbsp;JD), so if you have to pay the 40&nbsp;JD visa fee, you may want to exchange for it before you arrive. If you have bought the '''Jordan Pass''' (70-80&nbsp;JD) online before arrival, the 40&nbsp;JD are waived. For the Jordan Pass, you need to stay at least 3 consecutive nights in the country. At the immigration line you will pay for the visa at the first counter, and then pass through to the second counter to receive the stamp. Payment by credit card is accepted; however, the credit card machines can be unreliable so you may have to pay in cash. ====Early arrival==== If you have an early arrival flight and don't want to pay a full-day hotel for just 4 or 5&nbsp;hr staying there, you can wait in the baggage claim hall at the airport. There are some 50 seats or so available - not too comfortable but acceptable. ====Taxi==== Taxi transportation from the airport to Amman should cost around 20&nbsp;JD. Airport taxi fares are fixed. The fare is only fixed from airport to city: the taxi driver might try to secure a ride from you from the city back to the airport, often with a massive inflated price. It is not hard to get a ride from city to airport for 20&nbsp;JD. If the driver is trying to charge more, make your stand and say no. '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' operate in the city, and while the fare is usually around 15&nbsp;JD, rides have to be caught upstairs at the departures level. It can be quite expensive and unpredictable to catch an Uber from the city back to the airport. A ride at certain times of day, such as rush hour in the morning, may cost upwards of 25 JOD. Furthermore, a driver may accept the fare, take a some time to arrive, and then decline the fare upon arrival after realizing that the destination is the airport. Repeatedly searching for a driver could cause a significant delay to your arrival at the airport for your flight. ====Bus==== The [https://sariyahexpress.com/airport-express/ Sariyah Airport Express bus] leaves from a marked bus stop on Level 1 (Arrivals) and costs 3.30&nbsp;JD. It runs ''from'' the airport around the clock every hour on the hour, with additional half-hourly departures between 8:30 and 17:30. Note that during night time there is no service ''to'' the airport. The [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Queen+Alia+International+Airport,+Queen+Alia+Airport+Road,+Amman,+Jordanien/31.9591382,35.8582597/31.9603854,35.8709591/31.9606641,35.8811646/4th+Cir.,+Amman,+Jordanien/31.9710973,35.9077735/Tabarbour+BUS+Station,+Amman,+Jordanien/@31.9509146,35.8616355,22815m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m24!4m23!1m5!1m1!1s0x151b5402e149d31b:0x1b38522aafb395fc!2m2!1d35.9864651!2d31.7223312!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x151ca060532058f7:0x44dda05a30e053c7!2m2!1d35.8965177!2d31.9559682!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x151b600369e0fdef:0x6bdb3b76075ef54a!2m2!1d35.9197083!2d31.994726!3e0!5m1!1e4 route is]: QAIA - 7th Circle (after 20-30 min) - Six Circle - Fifth Circle - Fourth Circle - Housing Bank Complex - Tabarbour North Bus Station (after 45-60 min). From the 4th Circle, where the bus will turn north, it is possible to catch a taxi (1-1.5&nbsp;JD) from the bus stop to your hotel, but beware of taxis drivers trying to rip off the newly arrived traveler. Or just walk the last 1-2&nbsp;km. ====Post office==== There is only one post office and no postbox in the airport, in arrivals hall of Terminal 1 near the Lost and Found office. If closed, you can put your letters and postcards under the curtain. ===By bus=== The Abdali bus station is now closed; however, as of October 2018, JETT ("Jordan Express Tourist Transport", a bus operator) still has its office ({{Marker|type=around|name=JETT bus office, Abdali|lat=31.9666|long=35.909947}}) in the Abdali area, on King Hussein street, and many JETT buses leave and arrive directly outside the office. The new bus station is called {{marker|name=Tabarbour Bus Station|type=around|lat=31.994708|long=35.919719}} and is in the northern fringes of Amman. Most of the buses to the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and the various cities ('Ajloun, [[Jerash]], [[Irbid]]) in Northern Jordan arrive here, as do the buses from [[Madaba]] (1.20 JD, 1 hr, Oct 2018). Coming from the south ([[Kerak]], airport, etc.), non-tourist buses will go through the {{marker|name=7th circle|type=around|lat=31.959436|long=35.857587}} and even a little further into town from there. From the bus station/stop, you can take a taxi to the city center. As a guide, it never costs more than 2&nbsp;JD on the meter from the bus station to most places in town, so either go by the meter, or pay a maximum of 2&nbsp;JD. From Tabarbour to downtown, take Serviis (a sedan car that works like a bus) #6 to the {{marker|name=Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha)|type=around|lat=31.953615|long=35.945861}}, which is next to the Colosseum. There are 2 Raghadan stations in Amman, the one near the Roman Theater (which is relevant to most tourists) is Raghadan Al Seyaha, make sure you tell the taxi driver this otherwise you will wind up at the wrong Raghadan station and will have to catch another serviis back! In the late afternoon, when everyone is trying to get into the city, it can be difficult to get a taxi to the city, especially along the busy highway downtown. Tourist buses will stop at the South Bus Station. Also, there are numerous buses pulling into the city of Amman operated by JETT ([http://www.jett.com.jo Jordan Express Tourist Transport]) which operates from the JETT office in Abdali. The JETT bus from the [[Palestinian territories#Go next|Palestinian border]] bridge costs 7.5&nbsp;JD and takes about 1 hour. JETT also runs several buses per week from [[Baghdad]] ([[Iraq]]). As of December 2019 there are no longer bus services from Jeddah or Riyadh. Bus services from [[Damascus]] are cancelled indefinitely due to the ongoing Syrian civil war. ===By train=== Scheduled services within Jordan and to Damascus have been suspended by [http://www.jhr.gov.jo Hedjaz Jordan Railway], and they are unlikely to resume. Train excursions run occasionally, as do local services to Zarqa. Neither operate more often than once per week, if at all. Amman's tiny, charming railway station (Mahatta) with its museum is worth a look even if you do not (or cannot) take a train. === By taxi === A taxi from the Palestinian border crossing bridge can cost 25&nbsp;JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|31.955|35.925|zoom=14|name=The city center of Amman}} <!-- {{Mapshape}} no boundaries in OSM --> ===On foot=== Some areas of Amman are not easily navigated on foot. Be aware when walking through areas of Amman that are not familiar to you because the walkable route might be inconvenient. Unlike other cities frequented by tourists, tools such as Google Maps may not provide an easily traversable route even when used in walking mode. In this case, a walk that appears to be only a few minutes on Google Maps my take half an hour or longer due to unforeseen obstacles. For example, in some areas of Amman you may encounter roads that quickly become highways/expressways, roads up very steep hills, roads that lack a functional sidewalk, roads that have sidewalks but not functional pedestrian crossings at busy intersections, parts of sidewalks that are heavily obstructed by vegetation, and crossings that require the use of an overpass that is far away. It is not impossible to walk in Amman, but some areas of the city are designed primarily for vehicle traffic and it is better to arrange for a ride. ===By taxi=== Yellow and grey taxis are readily available and can be easily found anywhere in Amman. Hail them in the street as Jordanians do. Taxis for Amman will have a green logo on the driver and passenger doors. The grey ones have an advertisement on top of the car. Resist hailing cabs with another color logo; these cabs are based in other cities and it is illegal for them to pick up fares in Amman. White taxis are shared, and the driver can pick up other fares along the way, which can lead to confusion. Taxis in Amman are required by law to use meters and most drivers will reset the meter as soon as a fare is picked up. Most trips within Amman should be under 2&nbsp;JD, and even a ride from one end of town to the other should not cost more than 5&nbsp;JD. Taxis are not required to use meters after midnight and drivers often expect double the normal fare for late night trips. '''Beware''' of drivers offering to give you a short ride "for free" as a "Welcome to Jordan", especially if you're walking between the Citadel and the Roman Theater; they will then offer to wait for you to take you to your next stop, and will use the "free" ride as an excuse not to start the meter. They will then charge you exorbitantly when you arrive at your next stop. Also, be wary of the private cars posing as taxis around the bus stands and stations. They will offer their services asking you to pay as much as you want but later on insist on pocketing more money from you. In case you get one, insist paying the standard price which should not be more than 2&nbsp;JD, anything more is a rip-off. The base rate for the taxi meter is 250 fils, however, some taxis may use old meters which charge 150 fils, it is legitimate for the driver to ask you for 10 extra piasters (100 fils) on top of the quoted meter fare. Make sure though that you note the initial fare as soon as the driver turns the meter on in order not to have the driver ask you for "the 10 piasters" when he has a new meter. Drivers are not normally tipped, instead the fare is simply rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 piasters. Many drivers do not carry much change, so exact change should be given when possible. If a driver is pretending he has no change, it is likely that he just wants to keep it, so that you'll have to pay more. If you mind this, ask the driver to find a nearby shop and get change or get the change yourself from a shop or (if you don't mind being rude) look into their money box to find the change yourself. The going, negotiated rate for a taxi from Amman to the airport is 20&nbsp;JD or more, although some drivers can be talked down to 15&nbsp;JD or even 10&nbsp;JD (which would be close to the metered rate). All taxis are allowed to take passengers to the airport; only special Airport Taxis may take passengers from the airport into town. If you are visiting the Citadel, call it al'Aqal. The driver may try to convince you that the Roman theater is nicer so that he can drop you off there at the bottom of the hill. It's best to be dropped off at the Citadel and walk down the hill to the Roman theater. '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' operate in Amman. Until May 2018, they were illegal, but ride-hailing companies are now being licensed. In any case, it is still good etiquette to sit in the front seat, to make it less obvious that the driver is transporting a fare rather than just, say, a friend. ===By car rental=== There are several car rental companies located in Jordan some will even give you a driver for free if you book a car rental with them. Some of these are [http://www.hertz.qa/rentacar/car-rent/jordan/amman Hertz], [http://www.sixt.com/ Sixt Rental Cars], and [https://www.nationalcar.com/ National]. ===By bus=== Big, municipal buses serve many parts of Amman. They are used by low-income workers, working-class youth and foreign workers, but are perfectly safe. As of January 2011, the fare was 380 fils. Pay the exact fare (or overpay); bus drivers have no change! You can also load a bus fare cash card with a few JD and swipe the card past a reader as you enter the bus, but places to buy and recharge the card are rare. Most buses are numbered; some display their destination in Arabic only. Bus no. 26 conveniently travels between the old town (Balad) and the 7th Circle along Zahran Street. No. 27 goes from the old town towards the posh Abdoun neighbourhood. No. 43 passes near Shmeisani (as does no. 46) and continues along Mecca Street towards Mecca Mall. Many bus stops are marked by bus shelters, but buses also drop passengers at unmarked spots wherever it is safe to stop. Private minibuses shadow the municipal buses. They do not display route numbers, but a conductor usually shouts out their destination. ===By bicycle=== Bike tours are a good way to see the local scenery and meet local cyclists. There are a couple of bicycling tour firms in Amman. * {{do | name=Tareef Cycling Club | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TareefCyclingClub/ | email=tareef.cycling.club@hotmail.com | address= | lat= 32.005840 | long=35.855042 | directions= | phone=+962 797253641 (Montaser), +962 797601625 (Baraa) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-16 | content=It was founded in 1982 and developed into an active group in August 2007 by a former Jordanian National Team cyclist. They provide fun active weekend cycling and hiking trips, supporting all levels of fitness all around Jordan. }} * {{do | name=Cycling Jordan | alt= | url=http://cyclingjordan.co/ | email=cycling.jordan@gmail.com | address= | lat= 31.975033 | long=35.849508 | directions= | phone=+962 785552525 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-16 | content=Offers tours and weekly trips to the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. }} ==See== [[File:Amman Roman theatre.jpg|thumb|Roman theater in Amman]] [[File:AmmanCitadel.jpg|thumb|Umayyad Palace]] [[File:Mosque of the people of the Cave.jpg|thumb|Mosque of the people of the Cave]] Although the capital of a diverse kingdom, Amman is not what one would call "packed" with things to see, making it a great gateway to explorations further afield. Even so, the city does hold a few items of historical and cultural interest (allow maximum 2 days to see them). ===In the city=== * {{see | name=Amman Citadel | alt=جبل القلعة, Jabal al-Qal'a | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.9547 | long=35.9343 | directions=If you don't want to go the whole way back to the entrance when getting out, try the southern end of the fence at the very west of the citadel complex | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=3&nbsp;JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass]]) | wikipedia=Amman Citadel | image=Amman BW 5.JPG | wikidata=Q3157009 |lastedit=2019-11-13| content=A national historic site at the center of downtown Amman. Its history represents significant civilizations that stretched across continents and prospered for centuries, as one empire gave rise to the next. Settlement at the Citadel extends over 7,000 years. }} ** {{see | name=Jordan Archaeological Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.954185 | long=35.934279 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum hosts a small but interesting collection of antiquities from all over Jordan. Fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls which used to be housed here are now being transferred to the new National Museum of Jordan (see below). }} ** {{see | name=Temple of Herakles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.9538 | long=35.9349 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Temple of Hercules (Amman) | image=The Temple of Hercules010.JPG | wikidata=Q20423672 | content=Roman period remains. }} ** {{see | name=Umayyad Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.955500 | long=35.934200 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Umayyad Palace | wikidata=Q21188319 | content=In the northern portion of the Citadel, it offers a great view of Amman. }} ** {{see | name=Byzantine Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dating to the 5th-6th centuries. }} * {{see | name=Roman Theater | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.951693 | long=35.939305 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=2&nbsp;JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass]]) | wikipedia=Roman theater (Amman) | image=Roman theater of Amman 01.jpg | wikidata=Q2634316 | content=Built during the reign of Antonius Pius, 138-161AD, this impressive theater could seat up to 6,000 people. Next to it are a folklore museum and a popular culture museum which the entrance fee also covers. Next to it is the Odeon theater, a smaller theater built at the same time. There are two small museums (Folklore and Popular Traditions) to the right and left as you enter. }} * {{see | name=Roman Nymphaeum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.951692 | long=35.939306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nymphaeum (Amman) | wikidata=Q22948574 | content=A partly-preserved Roman fountain. }} * {{see | name=Ammonite Watchtower | alt=Rujm Al-Malfouf | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.957778 | long=35.904722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rujm Al-Malfouf | lastedit= | content=A circular watchtower built by the Ammonite kingdom some time between 500-1000 BC. | wikidata=Q7378836}} * {{see | name=Rainbow Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949586 | long=35.925919 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rainbow Street | wikidata=Q7284718 | content=Near the 1st Circle in Jabal Amman, this is an interesting area to walk around and explore, it is named after the old Rainbow Cinema which is now out of use, but the area has experienced a revival with many of the old houses being restored and put into use, in the area there are some cafes and bars including '''Books@cafe''' and '''Wild Jordan''', both with great views, a Caribbean restaurant, an Indian restaurant, a sushi joint, and an ice cream shop. There is a hammam, and the Royal Film Commission which sometimes holds outdoor screenings on its patio and some interesting small shops. Across the street from the British Council on Rainbow St., there is the refreshing '''Turtle Green Tea Bar''' where everything is in English and you can borrow a laptop to access the internet while enjoying your snack. }} * {{see | name=Darat al Funun | alt=The Khalid Shoman Foundation | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.953592 | long=35.930486 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=The 'small house of the arts' in Jabal el Weibdeh, overlooking the heart of Amman, is housed in three adjacent villas from the 1920s (and the remains of a sixth-century Byzantine church built over a Roman Temple), it has a permanent collection and also holds changing exhibitions. In the same area there are other small art galleries and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. }} * {{see | name=Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts | alt= | url=http://www.nationalgallery.org/ | email= | address=Hosni Fareez St. | lat=31.957977 | long=35.915086 | directions=near King Abdullah I Mosque | phone=+962 6-463-0128 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th Sa-M 09:00-17:00/19:00 (winter/summer) | price=5&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=Situated in two separate buildings and in between a (open to the) public park of sculptures, it is showing international, contemporary art with a focus though on regional work. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Jordan Museum | alt=Jordan National Museum | url=http://jordanmuseum.jo/en | email=info@jordanmuseum.jo | address=Ali Ben Abi Taleb St. 10 | lat=31.945834 | long=35.927341 | directions=right next to Palm Square | phone=+962 6-462-9317 | tollfree= | hours=W Th Sa-M 10:00-18:00 | price=5&nbsp;JD (locals 1&nbsp;JD, Jordan Pass is ''not'' valid) | lastedit=2018-10-06 | content=This is a modern and well-preserved museum. Many of the artifacts from the citadel have been moved here. A great summary of Jordan's history. The entrance to the museum can be hard to find as the pedestrian entrance is sometimes closed so you must enter through the parking entrance. The current Google Maps location is slightly inaccurate: the museum and entrance are just south of the mosque. }} * {{see | name=Abu Darwish Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abu Darwish St., Jabal | lat=31.941584 | long=35.937502 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Built in the 1920s by a private donor called Hasan Mustafa Sharkas and situated on a hill, this mosque impresses through its black and white striped walls. }} * {{see | name=King Abdullah I Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.96158 | long=35.91312 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5&nbsp;JD | wikipedia=King Abdullah I Mosque | image=Amman BW 29.JPG | wikidata=Q1574587 | content=Impressive new mosque, with a church opposite. Together, they give an interesting view. }} * {{see | name=Al Bishara Greek Orthodox Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.960175 | long=35.915038 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mosque of the people of the Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.8945 | long=35.9991 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Royal Automobile Museum | alt= | url=http://www.royalautomuseum.jo/default.aspx?id=4&fl=4_2&lang=en | email= | address= | lat=31.984107 | long=35.825973 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Royal Automobile Museum | image=Jordan Royal Automobile Museum 3.JPG | wikidata=Q1796169 | lastedit=2018-06-01 | content=A collection of cars, from the 100-year-old royal dynasty vehicles, to modern sports cars, to the Rover from the movie ''The Martian''. }} ===Around the city=== * {{see | name=Wadi al-Seer | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.856155 | long=35.796433 | directions=To reach Wadi al-Seer, head to the minibus station on al-Quds Street, just south of al-Husseini Mosque. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A region to the west of Amman, it is a small valley leading down towards the [[Dead Sea (Jordan)|Dead Sea]]. Nearby is the al-Bassa Springs, the source of the valley's river. Above the spring is the al-Deir monastery. It's a 20-minute climb up to the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Iraq Al-Amir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=15&nbsp;km from Wadi al-Seer, the {{marker|name=Caves of the Prince|type=see|lat=31.917080|long=35.751076}}, close to {{marker|name=Al Qasr|type=see|lat=31.912821|long=35.751980}}, are southwest of Amman and are great for a day tour. }} Day trips can be done to the [[Desert Castles]] '''Amra''', '''Kharaneh''' and '''Azraq''' in the east, about 30-50&nbsp;km from Amman around the nearby city of [[Azraq]]. ==Do== {{mapframe|name=Map of the region around Amman}} * See the '''sunset''' from the view point near the Citadel. But pay also your attention to the time of the muezzin call. If you listen to it from the view point, where the whole city lies before you, you get the unforgettable acoustic impression. * Due to accelerated growth the past several decades, the styles of living differs considerably as one travels from east to west throughout Amman. Visitors desiring a more exotic and traditional experience should explore "Old Amman", the central downtown, or {{marker|name=Balad|type=do|lat=31.950181|long=35.934615}}, which features many souqs, shops, and street vendors. Also known as the ''Souq'' with traditional sights and smells of the spice market, and shop for authentic souvenirs. Take a walk through the narrow alleyways and corners and negotiate (haggle) the price with friendly vendors. A maze of streets with everything from a fruit market to spices, souvenirs, clothes, hardware. Drink a cool glass of Sugar Cane juice, watch the talented young men make artistic sand designs inside the glass bottles, go and smoke a shisha (hubbly bubbly) in any of the numerous street cafes. Enjoy some tasty falafel in the famous Hashem cafe, enjoy a mansaf dish at Jerusalem restaurant or a nice slice of tasty Kanafe from Habibeh sweets. Busy crowded streets with the real taste of Jordan. * '''Abdali''', a section of downtown Amman, is being transformed into a modern center for tourists and natives. The plan includes a broad pedestrian boulevard where visitors can shop, eat, or do numerous other activities. New office buildings and residential hi-rises have been built, and more are on the way. The massive, modern Abdali Mall draws Amman's young and monied. * The '''cultural scene''' in Amman has seen some increased activities, notably cultural centers and clubs such as Makan House, Al Balad Theater, the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative, Remall, and Zara gallery. Around the 1st of September the Jordan Short Film Festival takes place. * {{do | name=Amman Waves Aqua Park and Resort | alt= | url=http://www.ammanwaves.com | email= | address= 15, Amman 00962 | lat=31.861532 | long=35.888997 | directions=12&nbsp;km from the 7th circle along the airport road | phone=+962 6 412 1704 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-18:00 | price= | lastedit= | content=The biggest water park in Jordan (80,000&nbsp;m²), opened in 2004. }} ===Learn=== There are many universities one can study in. Irbid, Madaba, and Aqaba also hold many educational institutes for foreigners. Jordan's universities are world-renowned and respected for their hospitality and methods of instruction. ==Buy== All ATMs charge a relatively high fee for withdrawing money. In Jordan you can withdraw money from your credit card in various currency exchange places. A reliable and low-priced currency exchange service is Alawneh Exchange. They have multiple locations in the city, including downtown. They charge a low percentage fee for withdrawing money from your credit card. Many locals use that agency. You need to show your passport. [[File:AmmanWakalatStreet.jpg|thumb|Wakalat Street]] If it's '''shopping''' you're after, then the pedestrian {{marker|name="Sharia'a Al Wakalat" (Brands Street)|type=buy|lat=31.957118|long=35.860740}} offers a wide selection of international brand names to choose from. Furthermore, there are the {{marker|name=City Mall|type=buy|lat=31.980525|long=35.837928}}, Jordan's biggest shopping mall, the older and huge {{marker|name=Mecca Mall|type=buy|lat=31.977447|long=35.843481}} aimed at women (walking distance from City Mall), the {{marker|name=Abdoun Mall|type=buy|lat=31.941529|long=35.880641}} (also aimed at women), the {{marker|name=Park Plaza|type=buy|lat=31.958640|long=35.869306}}, and {{marker|name=Baraka Mall|type=buy|lat=31.955336|long=35.866190}}, for those seeking indulgence and the odd US$500 to spare - all designer names. &ndash; all large shopping centers scattered across Amman. Amman has numerous antique dealers littered throughout the city. Those in the western parts of the city will most likely be served by those with a competent grasp of the English language, but you run the risk of the items being a bit overpriced. [[File:AmmanClothesMarked.jpg|thumb|clothes market at bus station]] Some interesting, original ''souvenir items'' that one may consider taking home are: * a keffiyeh, the traditional checkered headpiece of Jordanian men * an antique brass tea/coffee pot, distinctly Middle Eastern with its artistic etching and curved spout * olive wood carvings of various objects or figures can be purchase nearly everywhere * hand-crafted Jordanian daggers * hand-made Bedouin-style embroidered clothing * spices. Also '''Rainbow Street''' is populated with small antique stores, clothing, restaurants, sheesha tea shops and the well-known Falafel al-Quds, reputedly the "best" falafel in the Middle East (some Saudis even financed the opening of one in Saudi Arabia). Further down the street you will find a small park that overlooks the city. Further still on a side street, during the warmer months, is a side-walk flea market. At the end of this street and down some stairs you will find Wild Jordan. ==Eat== Amman features many different styles of restaurants, from traditional Middle Eastern fare to more familiar Western fast food and franchises. Prices range from ultra-cheap to moderate, depending on one's taste buds. For those on a budget, Arabic food is very affordable and can be obtained everywhere. Arabic food generally consists of several general basic groups. Meat dishes will generally consist of lamb or chicken; beef is more rare and pork is never offered. Shwarma, which is cooked lamb meat with a special sauce rolled in piece of flat bread, is a local favorite. Rice and flat bread are typical sides to any meal. Jordan's specialty, ''mansaf'', is a delicious lamb and rice meal, typically eaten with your hands. Arabs serve plenty of cucumbers and tomatoes, many times accompanied by a white yoghurt sauce. Another favorite is chick pea-based foods such as falafel, hummus, and fuul. One of Amman's most famous local foods restaurant is '''Hashem''' in the downtown. This restaurant is one of the favourites of the Royal family and you will see a lot of photographs of the Royal family of Jordan dining in this literal hole-in-the-wall. See the listing below. In an alley off King Faisal St. is '''Habibah''', which serves traditional east Mediterranean sweets such as baklava, but is most famous for serving a traditional dessert known as ''knafeh nabelseyyeh'' in reference to its origin from the Palestinian city of Nablus. 800 fils for a "half quarter kilo", which is enough for one person (Oct 2018). The original store is easy to spot with the long queue spilling onto the street: if you're just there for the food rather than the vibe, try the new extension that opened 100 m further up on King Hussein St. Do not forget the good surprises coming from the countless shawarma outlets and other very cheap places. ===Budget=== All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name=Zahret Al Madaen Restaurant & Butchery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Complex No 116, Quraish St 116 | lat=31.9509065 | long= 35.9365170 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Pizza Roma Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Amman Pasha Hotel, Al Shabsugh St 4 | lat= 31.9525292| long= 35.9377079| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Rouhi AlAqili Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=MadhhAr-Reslan St. | lat=31.9525207 | long= 35.9363792| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name= Shahrazad Restaurant| alt= | url= | email= | address=Basman St. | lat= 31.9515387| long= 35.9322825| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Auberge restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mu'Ath Bin Jabal Street | lat= 31.9510252| long= 35.9321172 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Shawermat Reem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the 2nd Circle | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=The allegedly best shawarma in Amman is found in this street-side kiosk. It is very famous and there are even lines at 02:00. }} * {{eat | name=Lebnani snack | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=This is a great place to eat Middle Eastern sandwiches, delicious ice cream and cocktails. }} * '''Books@Cafe''' - a beautiful old house turned into the then-first bookstore/internet/cafe. Opened in 2000 and a hot spot ever since. This cafe is on Rainbow street overlooking all of the old city (Balad) and has two wonderful terraces with the best views in Amman. Boasting a very funky interior in contrast with the classical exterior, this café offers lite fare, water pipes (argheeleh), wine, beer and the best pizza in Amman. Free wireless network and three Internet terminals. A must see. (updated May 2022) * {{eat | name=Hashem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the post office at King Faisal Street, where most of the budget hotels are near its intersection with King Hussein St. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=For 3&nbsp;JD per person (Oct 2018), you get the "mix" -- bowls of hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, fuul, fries, salad and pita | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=During meal times, the place is swarming with locals and tourists. Wash this classic Arab meal down with a glass of mint tea. }} * {{eat |name=Jafra Restaurant & Cafe |url= |email= |address= |lat= |long= | directions=Opposite the main post office |phone=+962 6 4622551-2 | tollfree= |fax= |hours=|price=| lastedit=2022-05-01 |content=A quaint Lebanese restaurant that also offers pizza and shisha. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=La Maison Verte | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=An impressive French restaurant, with excellent food and excellent ambience. A must go to place. Moderate to pricey, but it's worth it; the atmosphere alone is worth it, it's quite fancy yet very cozy. Their house specialities include "Entrecote", various steaks and a variety of sea food. }} * {{eat | name=Levant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle Behind Le Royal Hotel | phone=+962 6 46 28 948 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A very comfortable restaurant with excellent service, excellent English and excellent food. They serve "gourmet" Arabic food, which means fresh local ingredients in surprising and delicious combinations. For more information you can view their website. }} * {{eat | name=Cantaloupe | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Rainbow Street, 1 Juqa Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 7777 333 33 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A fairly trendy restaurant and cocktail bar with terrace impressively overlooking the city. Salads and fish are good, steaks are excellent. Regional and local wines are remarkably good. Service is excellent and unobtrusive. A little loud as the evening progresses. }} * {{eat | name=Fakhr al Din | alt=فخر الدين | url=http://www.fakhreldin.com | email= | address=40 Taha Hussein, St Jabal | lat= | long= | directions=when going from 1st to 2nd circle, turn right after the Iraqi embassy, then turn right at the end of this street, go past the lot on your left and then turn left again -- "Fakhr al Din" is written in Arabic on the wall of last building on the block | phone=+962 6 4652399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=15-30&nbsp;JD for a complete meal | content=A real classical of Amman's Lebanese-oriented restaurant. Quite pricey but worth it, especially if you're in the terrace on a warm evening. For local wine, try their "Gerasa" red wine. Reservation highly advised. Great place, but beware of waiters who deliver unordered food to your table. Don't accept anything you don't order. }} * {{eat | name=Noodasia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= on Abdoun Circle, in front of the Big Fellow pub | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Nothing to do with Arabic food, as the menu handles the whole map of Asia, from Thailand to China, through Japan (good sushis) and Indonesia. Nice place, excellent service and good food for the money, but no alcohol served. }} * {{eat | name=Kan Zaman | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=around 10&nbsp;km south of Amman: on the highway to the airport, you'll see a sign; Leave the highway, go under the bridge and follow the small road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=| lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Impressive medieval castle on a hilltop turned into a beautiful restaurant. The place is worth the visit. The food is pretty basic but ok. Ask for their local "Kan Zaman" red wine. Hopefully, the prices are not proportional to the size of the hall. }} ==Drink== For the coffee lover, Amman's '''Starbucks''' locations (Swefieh, Abdoun, Taj Mall, City Mall, Mecca Mall, Abdali Mall) offer various mugs, tumblers, and to-go cups with distinctive Jordanian and Middle Eastern flair. Those who crave '''gourmet coffee''' have a number of choices along Rainbow St. off of First Circle in Jabal Amman with other shops sprinkled throughout the city. '''Alcoholic beverages''' (beer, wine, liquor), can be purchased in liquor stores across the city. Most are distinguishable by an advertisement for Amstel or some like beverage outside. There are also bars up and down Rainbow St. in Jabal Amman and throughout Abdoun. Drinking age is 18 but some bars and cafes might card you and admit 21+ customers only. Jordan's national beer is aptly called '''Petra Beer''', and there are many liquor shops and kiosks around Amman where you can find it. There are two types: 'black' and 'red', which have 8% and 10% alcohol percentage respectively. The red is usually slightly more expensive than the black, but you should expect to pay 2-2.5&nbsp;JD for a {{convert|500|ml|0|abbr=on}} can at a shop. You will often find that bars prefer Amstel and other international brands and do not have Petra beer available. The local spirit is '''arak''', an aniseed or licorice flavoured spirit similar to the Greek ouzo. At 50% alcohol by volume, it is usually served with water and ice, causing the clear liquid to become milky white. For '''night clubs''' and bars visit the cosmopolitan West Amman where many Western and American franchises operate here. The nightlife in Amman is not as vibrant as other Middle Eastern cities like Beirut or Tel Aviv, however, there are a few clubs and bars in Amman. * {{drink | name=Picadelli Pub | alt=Piccadilly Pop | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.959185 | long=35.917745 | directions=At Abdali Bus Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=3&nbsp;JD for beer and wine | content=Friendly place that serves alcohol, food, and complimentary snacks }} * {{drink | name=La Calle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949441 | long=35.930832 | directions= on Rainbow street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=This multi-level bar is known for its half-price happy hour specials. }} [[File:AmmanDowntown.jpg|thumb|new and old downtown]] * {{drink | name=Jafra Café | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.952259 | long=35.930714 | directions= across from the post office on King Faisal Street (near Hashems), it is upstairs from the DVD store of the same name | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A great spot right in the heart of the downtown area. It has an old, rustic feel to it with more young locals than tourists. They have a great selection of nargileh (water pipe) and the entire menu is reasonably priced. Expect to pay about 10&nbsp;JD for dinner, including an appetizer, kebab, fresh juice and nargileh. Live music starts at 21:00 most night. There is another one near Paris circle in Jebel Al Webdeh. }} * {{drink | name=Maestro Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.958266 | long=35.921468 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Jazz and pub. There have been complaints about their entry policy. }} The main places people who live in Amman spend time during the evenings are hookah shops. * {{drink | name=Al-Mawardi | alt=Al-Mawardi Coffee and Hooka Cafe | url= | email= | address=15, Siqilya St. | lat=31.973047 | long=35.883996 | directions=South of Al-Rabia circle | phone=+962 6 5532010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5&nbsp;JD for a coffee and hookah | content=Coffee shop with traditional hookah, a wide selection of coffee and beverages. Offers Backgammon boards but no card games. }} ==Sleep== Amman has the full range of accommodation options from very basic 1-star accommodation to luxurious 5-star facilities. ===Budget=== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Cliff Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.952099 | long=35.931989 | directions=in one of the alleys in the souq nearby the central post office -- there's a small and old sign | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=5&nbsp;JD dorm | content=An option for low budget travellers. In the winter it can get very chilly, make sure that you ask for more blankets. Sometimes they heat your room if you ask for that. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Farah Hotel | alt= | url=https://farahhotel.info/ | email=info@farahhotel.com.jo | address=6 King Ghazi Street | lat=31.953011 | long=35.932929 | directions= | phone=+962 64651 443 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout=From 4&nbsp;JD for a dorm | price= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=Good backpacker option, has common area with satellite TV & movies, organises tours & very friendly English speaking staff. }} * {{sleep | name=Jordan Tower Hotel | url= | email=jordantowerhotel@yahoo.com | address= | lat=31.951787 | long=35.937440 | directions=next to Roman Amphitheatre | phone=+962-6-4614161 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From 9&nbsp;JD incl breakfast and free WiFi | checkin= | checkout= | content=Shared trips at reasonable rates to all tourist sites. Dorm rooms male & female - 2-, 3- & 4-bed rooms some with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning and satellite TV. Friendly English-speaking staff. Cheap light snacks and airport pick ups. }} * {{sleep | name=Sun Rise Hotel | url= | email=sun-rise-hotel@hotmail.com | address= | lat=31.960391 | long=35.918083 | directions=Abdali station, King Hussein Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm from 3.50&nbsp;JD, different rooms available from 8-20&nbsp;JD (depending on the mood of the manager, so take care) | checkin= | checkout= | content=One-star hotel with good location near Abdali station. Safe area, near Capitol Police Center. TV, free internet, free WiFi and air cond or fan in the room; rooms are very basic, those in the back are colder. }} * {{sleep | name=Sydney Hotel | url= | email=sydney_hotel@yahoo.com | address= | lat=31.951643 | long=35.928304 | directions=Prince Mohammad St, Downtown | phone=+962 6 4641122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=10&nbsp;JD for a single, 14&nbsp;JD for a double. Breakfast is 2&nbsp;JD | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice people, clean and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Normas Hotel | url= | email=info@normashotel.com | address= | lat=31.952057 | long=35.931636 | directions=King Faisal St. - in front of Hashem Restaurant, Downtown | phone=+962 6 465 1 465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=10&nbsp;JD for a single, 12&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Super friendly and helpful, clean and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Zidian Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949507 | long=35.917273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single from 15&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=Wi-Fi, hot shower, great view from the rooms on the back side. }} * {{sleep | name=Palace Hotel | url= | email=palacehotel8@hotmail.com | address=King Faisal St, Downtown | lat=31.951155 | long=35.933849 | directions= | phone=+962 6 4624326 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=30&nbsp;JD (with shower & satellite TV), 18&nbsp;JD (shared facilities) for a double with breakfast included | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Canary Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.957365 | long=35.918823 | directions=on Jebel Amman near the Jett Bus Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=30&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Abbasi Palace Hotel | url= | email=qaser.abbasi@gmail.com | address=Saqf Al Sail at Quraysh st | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown | phone=+962 6 4611686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=6&nbsp;JD for a dorm, incl. breakfast | lastedit= 2011-06 | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Clean and well-run. Good staff, knowledgeable and helpful. Price includes breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and internet. Free tea. }} * {{sleep | name=Al-Harmin Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=7&nbsp;JD for double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Castle Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=4.5&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Seems to be more catered to males and locals }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Al Fanar Palace Hotel | url=http://www.alfanarpalacehotel.com | email= | address=Queen Rania Al Abdullah Street | lat=31.997190 | long=35.883748 | directions=North of city centre and West of Sports City | phone=+962 6 5100 400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=60&nbsp;JD | checkin= | checkout= | content=Standard hotel with reasonable facilities. Wi-Fi in reception (3&nbsp;JD/hour). Indoor swimming pool, restaurant (but no bar). You can easily take a taxi down the road to the Regency Palace if you want a bar. Taxi cost is less than 1&nbsp;JD. Hot water can be a problem. }} * {{sleep | name=Beirut International | url= | email= | address=King Hussein Street | lat=31.964055 | long=35.913299 | directions=Near the Abdil bus station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=70&nbsp;JD, but you can get a discount | checkin= | checkout=noon | content= Good location, nice big rooms, including middle eastern breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Beity Rose Suites Hotel | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Bed-and-Breakfast/Beity-Rose-Suites-Hotel-383243130481/ | email=info@hotelbeity.com | address=Ibn Hayyan Street | lat=31.978127 | long=35.902089 | directions=Near the Specialty Hospital | phone=+962 6 5663706 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5663703 | hours= | price=from 85&nbsp;JD | checkin=14:00 | checkout=noon | content= In the progressive district of Shmeisani, next to the Royal Cultural Centre and the Amman Stock Market. Friendly hotel in an attractive setting. }} * {{sleep | name=Crystal Suites Hotel | url=http://www.crystal.com.jo | email=crystal@go.com.jo | address=Al Kindi Street | lat=31.962517 | long=35.882766 | directions=Fifth Circle | phone=+962 6 5692672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=50&nbsp;JD with breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content= Nice suites hotel in a prestigious area opposite to the Four Seasons and Sheraton, comfortable for short and long stays, mainly one and two bedroom suites, some studios }} * {{sleep | name=Gardenia Hotel | url=http://www.gardenia.com.jo/ | email=info@gardenia.com.jo | address=Abdulhameed Sharaf Street | lat=31.980387 | long=35.893298 | directions=near Safeway | phone=+962 6 5667790 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=45&nbsp;JD with breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Friendly hotel in nice and very quiet neighbourhood }} * {{sleep | name=New Park Hotel | url= | email=newparkhotel@hotmail.com | address=King Hussein Str | lat=31.955952 | long=35.931460 | directions=opposite the old court | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Two-star hotel offering rooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air-con, and central heating. }} * {{sleep | name=Gallery Guest House | alt= | url=https://gallery-guest-house.amman-hotels-jo.com/en/ | email= | address=Omar Al khayyam 28, Amman | lat=31.953382 | long=35.929994 | directions= | phone=+962 776761001 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Nice small hotel in a good location, only a few meters to the old center. The host speaks English and takes care of his guests. Roof terrace for the evening, WiFi, air conditioning and airport shuttle. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Bristol Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.bristolamman.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat=31.958867 | long=35.876406 | directions=near to 5th Circle | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very good hotel if you can put up with the ever present smell of cigarette smoke (even in the non-smoking rooms). Wireless internet works well. }} * {{sleep | name=Four Seasons Amman | url=http://www.fourseasons.com/amman/ | email= | address=5th Circle, Al-Kindi Street | lat=31.961682 | long=35.881035 | directions= | phone=+962 6 550-5555 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 550-5556 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A wonderful luxury hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Hyatt Amman | url=https://amman.grand.hyatt.com/ | email=info.ammgh@hyattintl.com | address=Hussein Bin Ali Street, Jabal Amman | lat=31.955751 | long=35.909864 | directions=in the business district at 3rd Circle | phone=+962 6 465 1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=noon | checkout=15:00 | content=A favourite of the expat set for its laid back ambiance, terrace views and quality restaurants. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Intercontinental Amman | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/amman/ammha/hoteldetail | email= | address=Islamic College St | lat=31.953282 | long=35.914017 | directions=located between the 2nd and 3rd Circles | phone=+962-6-4641361 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q20768441 | content=Another hotel popular with foreign professionals. }} * {{sleep | name=Kempinski Amman | url=http://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel/index.htm?country_group=4&id=111 | email= | address=Abdul Hameed Shouman Street | lat=31.968419 | long=35.897367 | directions= | phone=+962 6 5200 200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All the luxury of a 5-star with interesting modern art features in the designer building. }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Marriott Hotel | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ammjr-amman-marriott-hotel | email= | address= | lat=31.973074 | long=35.905800 | directions=Shmeisani Area Issam Ajluni Street | phone=+962 6 5607 607 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5697799 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Amman | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/A7F2/index.en.shtml | email= | address= | lat=31.970155 | long=35.905903 | directions=in the Shmeisani district, not far from the 4th circle | phone=+962 6 569 6511 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Regency Palace Hotel | url= | email= | address=Queen Alia Street | lat=31.976102 | long=35.906491 | directions= | phone=+962 6 5607000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Popular 4-star hotel. Some areas need updating, but rooms are comfortable. There is a very good breakfast buffet. Internet access is available in the rooms. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Le Royal Hotel Amman | alt= | url=https://www.leroyal.com/en/MIDDLE-EAST/amman | email= | address=3rd Circle, Zahran Street | lat=31.953333 | long=35.909167 | directions= | phone=+962 6 460-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 460-3002 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q6507622 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Sheraton Amman | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ammsi-sheraton-amman-al-nabil-hotel/ | email= | address= | lat=31.960596 | long=35.880181 | directions=on the 5th Circle | phone=+962 6 593 4111 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Another five-star. }} ==Cope== ===Stay safe=== Compared with other capital cities, Amman is a very safe place to visit. Jordanian police and the military maintain a tight grip on law and order. Personal safety is high in Amman - it is safe to walk anywhere in the city at any time of day or night. Serious crime is extremely rare. In 2005, some major hotels were targeted by bombers (connected with the conflict in Iraq). Security measures at all major hotels were increased as a result. ===Embassies=== Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/jordan * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Australia | alt= | url=http://www.jordan.embassy.gov.au/ | email=amman.austremb@dfat.gov.au | address=Embassy of the Commonwealth of Australia. Visitors address: 3 Yousef Abu Shahhout, Deir Ghbar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 580-7000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5807001 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | alt= | url=https://jordan.diplomatie.belgium.be | email=amman@diplobel.fed.be | address=Jabal Amman, 4th Circle (near Prime Ministry), Saad Juma Street 17 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 465 57 30 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-20 | content= }} * {{flag|Canada}} {{listing | name=Canada | alt= | url=http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/jordan-jordanie/index.aspx?lang=eng | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China (People's Republic of) | url=http://jo.chineseembassy.org/eng/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | url=http://www.mfa.cz/amman/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/arabic/embassies/Egyptian_Embassy_Jordan/Pages/Default.aspx/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Europe}} {{listing | name=Delegation of the European Union to Jordan | url=https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/jordan_en | email=Delegation-jordan@eeas.europa.eu | address=Al-Ameerah Basma Street, North Abdoun | lat= 31.957179 | long=35.881250 | directions= | phone=+962 64607000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=French Embassy | url=https://jo.ambafrance.org/ | email= | address=40 Rue Al Mutanabbi, Jabal Amman | lat= 31.953888 | long=35.904199 | directions= | phone=+962 64604630 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | alt= | url=http://www.amman.diplo.de/ | email=info@amman.diplo.de | address=Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Visitors address: Benghasi 25, Jabal Amman | lat= 31.955371 | long=35.890236 | directions= | phone=+962 6 593-0351, +962 6 593-0367, +962 6 593-1379, +962 79 553 4261 (emergency mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 592-9413 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url= | email=gremb.amn@mfa.gr | address=7, Suleiman Youssef Sukkar Str. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 592 2724, +962 6 592 2725, +962 777 230 260 (Emergencies) | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 592 7622 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Hungary | alt= | url=https://amman.mfa.gov.hu/ | email=mission.amm@kum.hu | address=A Magyar Köztársaság ammani nagykövetsége. Visitors address: Abdoun, Jaqoub Ammari Str. 13. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 592-5614 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 593-0836 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/amman/ | email=amman.kbri@kemlu.go.id​ | address=13 Ali Seedo Al-Kurdi Street, Sweifieh Amman | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5926908, +962 6 5926798, +962 7791 50407 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5926796 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iran}} {{listing | name=Iran | url=http://www.iranembassyjordan.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | alt= | url=http://www.ambamman.esteri.it/ | email=info.amman@esteri.it info | address=Ambasciata della Repubblica Italiana. Visitors address: Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Hafiz Ibrahim 5 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 463-8185 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 4659730 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/jordan/about-us/embassy-in-amman | email=amm-info@minbuza.nl | address=Abu Bakr Siraj Al-Din Street 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5902200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-20 | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway | url=http://www.norway.jo/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Philippines}} {{listing | name=Philippines | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://amman.mae.ro/en | email=amman@mae.ro | address=35, Al-Madeenah Al-Munawarah St., PO BOX 2869 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5813423 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5812521 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-06 | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url=http://www.jordan.mid.ru/ | email=rusembjo@mail.ru | address=(22) Zahran St. 3rd Circle, Jabal | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+9626 464 1158, +9626 464 2532 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 08:00 - 14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | url=http://www.swedenabroad.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland | url=http://www.eda.admin.ch/content/amman_emb/en/home.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | url= | email=tcammanbedort@index.com.jo | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 464 1251 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 464 2353 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url=http://ukinjordan.fco.gov.uk/en/ | email=info@britain.org.jo | address= Abdoun | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5909200 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 590 9279 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | type=listing | name=USA | alt= | url=http://jo.usembassy.gov | email=ResponseAmman@state.gov | address=Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5906000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5920121 | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== The bus stop at the '''7th circle''' is less than 100 m south of the circle. This stop serves the airport, Madaba (0.75&nbsp;JD), Kerak and others. The small yellow "airport express" labeled bus is easily recognized and the driver will also stop on other places if you wave at him. To reach the 7th circle from downtown take bus 41 or any headed to Wadi As-Seir and ask to be dropped of at Dawaar As-Saabe'a (7th circle). Many buses going by the 7th circle also take a turn at the 4th circle coming from Trababour Bus Station. The '''Trababour Bus Station''' serves all destinations to the north and to the western border. To get there from downtown, take Serviis (a sedan car that works like a bus) #6 from Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha) which is located right next to the Colosseum. The Trababour Bus Station is the last stop on the Serviis' route. Many budget hotels like Palace or Farah organize day tours for about 16-18&nbsp;JD which seems a sensible price, but they do not include entrance fees which could be important. These tours are open to people who don't sleep at the hotel. Classical tours are Jerash, Ajlun, Um Qais, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Baptism site, Dead Sea, and Castles. * [[Madaba]] &mdash; Just 45&nbsp;min away and known as the 'City of Mosaics' for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of Palestine and the Nile delta at St. George Church. 0.75&nbsp;JD by bus from the 7th circle. * [[Jerash]] (and [[Ajlun]] (Ajloun) Castle) &mdash; An ancient Roman City. Besides Petra and Wadi Rum, the most famous site in Jordan. 1&nbsp;h, 0.75&nbsp;JD from Trababour Bus Station. Get off right before the Hippodrome, 1&nbsp;km before the bus station, and enter down the side road through the museum. A private taxi from Amman can be hired for 8-10 JD one-way. Expect to pay as much as 40&nbsp;JD for a return trip and taxi driver staying on site while you look around. Ajlun Castle is only a short side trip from Jerash, either by bus from the junction south of the Hippodrome or by Taxi. * [[Umm Qais]] &mdash; A town north, close to the ruins of the ancient Gadara. Best reached by (rental) car or taxi. * [[Dead Sea (Jordan)|Dead Sea]] &mdash; Mt. Nebo (1&nbsp;JD) and Jesus' Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) on the Jordan River are essentially on the way, so consider them as well if you have your own car or taxi. The Dead Sea Amman City Resort is about 20&nbsp;JD with free showers and swimming pools, but no lockers, towels or mud. Taxi services for travel to the Dead Sea can be purchased for the day 20&nbsp;JD if you hail a cab from downtown, down town hotels charge 35&nbsp;JD for the same service. There are a handful of bus lines that also run from Amman on a daily basis. Bus from Mujaharin bus station to Rame costs 1&nbsp;JD. A taxi from Rame to Amman Tourist Beach 4&nbsp;JD or less. JETT offers a daily shuttle from Amman (7th circle) to the Dead Sea and back for 7&nbsp;JD oneway. * [[Petra]] &mdash; The most famous site in Jordan. JETT buses, both ordinary and all-inclusive guided tour, connect via the fast (but boring) Desert Highway. It leaves at 6:30 from the JETT bus office at Abdali and in 3.5&nbsp;hr you'll get to the bus station not even 5 minutes from the entrance of Petra. At 17:00 the JETT bus takes off again to go back to Amman. The price is 8-10&nbsp;JD one way. Time tables of the JETT Bus: http://www.jett.com.jo/SubPage.aspx?PageId=230 Also, from the South Bus Station Petra can be reached by tourist buses: they tend to leave when they are full, from 08:30 onwards (3½ hr, 4-5&nbsp;JD). Another option, go via Ma'an (7&nbsp;JD) into Wadi Musa (0.5&nbsp;JD) (town of Petra). Furthermore, for 75&nbsp;JD or less (depending on how much you haggle) you may be able to get a private taxi from Amman to Petra and back, including the driver waiting around for 6 hr. * '''King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) and border''' &mdash; The border crossing from Jordan to West Bank is King Hussein Bridge (called Allenby Bridge in Israel, but using this name in Amman is likely to cause perplexion or even hostility). The JETT bus to the border costs 11&nbsp;JD (as of October 2018), departs once daily around 06:30 from the JETT office at Abdali, and takes about 1&nbsp;hr. A taxi to the border crossing bridge can cost 25&nbsp;JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. Though the KH/Allenby Bridge crosses from Jordan to the [[West Bank]], the checkpoint on the western side is operated by [[Israel]], and plan your travel documents accordingly. Also bear in mind that the border can be closed with relatively little warning, especially if the security situation in the West Bank escalates. Once at the border crossing, you must switch to another bus (operated by JETT, 7.5 JD [Oct 2018] on its own, plus extra for luggage; or included if you have bought the 11 JD [Oct 2018] ticket from Amman) to cross over the bridge, pass through the checkpoint, then take a bus or shared taxi to travel onwards on the Israeli side. Exiting the Israeli border building, transport to Israeli destinations is more or less outside the entrance, and for Palestinian destinations turn right and go to the red buses. Expect travel from Amman to the old city of Jerusalem to take at least 3&nbsp;hr. * [[Syria]] &mdash; There were two operators (one of them called Challenge) each providing two daily services to Damascus (Sumariya-Terminal) from Amman for SYP500 (SYP50 student discount). The tour took at least 4 to 5 hr, depending on border formalities. '''However''', considering the current situation in Syria, it is not recommended you head into this direction. {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Northern_Jordan}} {{geo|31.95114|35.92409|zoom=14}} 5n4ob45qihv7lc25e7oevme8kdz02am 4487881 4487880 2022-07-21T18:38:11Z Surfman49 2273515 /* Bus */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Amman banner.JPG}} '''Amman''' ([[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]: عمان ''ʻammān'') is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of [[Jordan]] with a population of about 4 million as of 2020. Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, despite popular belief, hold a few items of interest to the traveler. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveller, reasonably well-organized, and the people are very friendly. Although not seen as much when in the air over Amman, the city holds many surprises for the visitor. Anything can be found in Amman if one asks. Visit Amman's Roman Amphitheatre or stay in a luxurious hotel. Shopping malls are abundant in Jordan. With new construction in Abdali, in a few years the high-end traveller could eat in the most high-end restaurant, stay in a five star hotel or shop in massive malls, all a few metres from one another. Much less is being done to cater to the budget traveller, although urban beautification in the city centre (old town) is cleaning it up and making it more pedestrian-friendly. Amman is experiencing a massive (some would say: reckless) change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis, some of whose neighbourhoods seem hell-bent on wanting to imitate Dubai. Amman's roads have a reputation of being very steep and narrow in some of the underdeveloped parts of the city but now the city has state of the art highways and paved avenues. The steep terrain and heavy traffic remains challenging for pedestrians and for the rare cyclist. New resorts and hotels dot the city and there are many things for the traveller to see and do. Use Amman as a staging point for travels to nearby cities and settlements in Jordan. ==Understand== A city built of white stone, Amman's growth has skyrocketed since it was made the capital of Trans-Jordan in the early 1920s, but especially after the 1948 and 1967 wars with Israel when hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees settled there. Another wave arrived after the second Iraq war, with Iraqi refugees forming the majority of newcomers. [[File:An Ammonite-era watchtower in Amman, Jordan.jpg|thumb|Ammonite watchtower]] Its history, however, goes back many millennia. The settlement mentioned in the Bible as Rabbath Ammon was the capital of the Ammonites, which later fell to the Assyrians. It was dominated briefly by the Nabataeans before it became a great Roman trade center and was renamed Philadelphia. After the Islamic conquests, Amman became part of the Islamic Empire, until the Ottomans were forced out by the Allies, with the help of the Hashemites, who formed a monarchy that continues to rule until the present. Today, ''West'' Amman is a lively, modern city. The eastern part of the city, where the majority of Amman's residents live, is predominantly the residential area of the working class and is much older than the west. While possessing few sites, Amman makes a comfortable base from which to explore the northwestern parts of the country. Amman is a very diverse city. Palestinian, Iraqi, Circassian, Armenian, and many other ethnic groups reside in Amman. Amman never stops growing. Despite the common assertion that most Jordanians understand English, that knowledge is quite limited. Charmingly, the most commonly known English phrase seems to be "Welcome to Jordan". The only non-Arabic language used in signposting is English, and you will find "Tourist Police" near the major monuments. It never hurts to know a few useful phrases and come prepared with a translation book, or to have the names and addresses of places you are going written in Arabic for use with a taxi driver. Remember if you're [[Travelling during Ramadan|travelling during the holy month of Ramadan]], it is almost impossible to buy food from sunrise to sundown even for tourists. Big shopping malls like City Mall don't let food stores like McDonald's, Sunset and Starbucks sell food during these hours. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Most travellers to Amman (and to Jordan) will arrive via {{listing |type=go | name=Queen Alia International Airport | alt={{IATA|AMM}} | url=http://www.qaiairport.com/en | email= | address= | lat=31.7225 | long=35.993333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Queen Alia International Airport | image=Queen Alia International Airport - New Terminal - 2013.JPG | wikidata=Q721494 | content= }} Very occasionally, regional or charter flights use Marka Airport, centrally located in east Amman a few kilometers beyond the railway station. You may also want to consider arriving and departing in the airport of [[Aqaba]] and then continue with an intercity bus. First because there are low-cost flights (as of June 2021) from Athens, Milan, Rome, Cologne, Berlin, Geneva and London. Second because you may be entitled to a [https://aqaba.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/PDFs/visa%20practicalities.pdf free visa]. Either for entering in Aqaba or Amman see the [[Jordan#Visa|Jordan article]] for comprehensive and complete visa details – and possibilities to waive your visa fee. ====Arrival in the Amman airport==== Money exchange is available before passport control along with a single ATM (which doesn't take MasterCard); more ATMs are available after customs. This ATM might charge you an '''additional fee''' to your regular bank fees (up to 7&nbsp;JD), so if you have to pay the 40&nbsp;JD visa fee, you may want to exchange for it before you arrive. If you have bought the '''Jordan Pass''' (70-80&nbsp;JD) online before arrival, the 40&nbsp;JD are waived. For the Jordan Pass, you need to stay at least 3 consecutive nights in the country. At the immigration line you will pay for the visa at the first counter, and then pass through to the second counter to receive the stamp. Payment by credit card is accepted; however, the credit card machines can be unreliable so you may have to pay in cash. ====Early arrival==== If you have an early arrival flight and don't want to pay a full-day hotel for just 4 or 5&nbsp;hr staying there, you can wait in the baggage claim hall at the airport. There are some 50 seats or so available - not too comfortable but acceptable. ====Taxi==== Taxi transportation from the airport to Amman should cost around 20&nbsp;JD. Airport taxi fares are fixed. The fare is only fixed from airport to city: the taxi driver might try to secure a ride from you from the city back to the airport, often with a massive inflated price. It is not hard to get a ride from city to airport for 20&nbsp;JD. If the driver is trying to charge more, make your stand and say no. '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' operate in the city, and while the fare is usually around 15&nbsp;JD, rides have to be caught upstairs at the departures level. It can be quite expensive and unpredictable to catch an Uber from the city back to the airport. A ride at certain times of day, such as rush hour in the morning, may cost upwards of 25 JOD. Furthermore, a driver may accept the fare, take a some time to arrive, and then decline the fare upon arrival after realizing that the destination is the airport. Repeatedly searching for a driver could cause a significant delay to your arrival at the airport for your flight. ====Bus==== The [https://sariyahexpress.com/airport-express/ Sariyah Airport Express bus] leaves from a marked bus stop on Level 1 (Arrivals) and costs 3.30&nbsp;JD. It runs ''from'' the airport around the clock every hour on the hour, with additional half-hourly departures between 8:30 and 17:30. It is necessary to purchase the ticket from a kiosk located outside the airport exit. Note that during night time there is no service ''to'' the airport. Additionally, this service may be run by a minibus with extremely limited seating and space for baggage. The [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Queen+Alia+International+Airport,+Queen+Alia+Airport+Road,+Amman,+Jordanien/31.9591382,35.8582597/31.9603854,35.8709591/31.9606641,35.8811646/4th+Cir.,+Amman,+Jordanien/31.9710973,35.9077735/Tabarbour+BUS+Station,+Amman,+Jordanien/@31.9509146,35.8616355,22815m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m24!4m23!1m5!1m1!1s0x151b5402e149d31b:0x1b38522aafb395fc!2m2!1d35.9864651!2d31.7223312!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x151ca060532058f7:0x44dda05a30e053c7!2m2!1d35.8965177!2d31.9559682!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x151b600369e0fdef:0x6bdb3b76075ef54a!2m2!1d35.9197083!2d31.994726!3e0!5m1!1e4 route is]: QAIA - 7th Circle (after 20-30 min) - Six Circle - Fifth Circle - Fourth Circle - Housing Bank Complex - Tabarbour North Bus Station (after 45-60 min). From the 4th Circle, where the bus will turn north, it is possible to catch a taxi (1-1.5&nbsp;JD) from the bus stop to your hotel, but beware of taxis drivers trying to rip off the newly arrived traveler. Or just walk the last 1-2&nbsp;km. ====Post office==== There is only one post office and no postbox in the airport, in arrivals hall of Terminal 1 near the Lost and Found office. If closed, you can put your letters and postcards under the curtain. ===By bus=== The Abdali bus station is now closed; however, as of October 2018, JETT ("Jordan Express Tourist Transport", a bus operator) still has its office ({{Marker|type=around|name=JETT bus office, Abdali|lat=31.9666|long=35.909947}}) in the Abdali area, on King Hussein street, and many JETT buses leave and arrive directly outside the office. The new bus station is called {{marker|name=Tabarbour Bus Station|type=around|lat=31.994708|long=35.919719}} and is in the northern fringes of Amman. Most of the buses to the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and the various cities ('Ajloun, [[Jerash]], [[Irbid]]) in Northern Jordan arrive here, as do the buses from [[Madaba]] (1.20 JD, 1 hr, Oct 2018). Coming from the south ([[Kerak]], airport, etc.), non-tourist buses will go through the {{marker|name=7th circle|type=around|lat=31.959436|long=35.857587}} and even a little further into town from there. From the bus station/stop, you can take a taxi to the city center. As a guide, it never costs more than 2&nbsp;JD on the meter from the bus station to most places in town, so either go by the meter, or pay a maximum of 2&nbsp;JD. From Tabarbour to downtown, take Serviis (a sedan car that works like a bus) #6 to the {{marker|name=Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha)|type=around|lat=31.953615|long=35.945861}}, which is next to the Colosseum. There are 2 Raghadan stations in Amman, the one near the Roman Theater (which is relevant to most tourists) is Raghadan Al Seyaha, make sure you tell the taxi driver this otherwise you will wind up at the wrong Raghadan station and will have to catch another serviis back! In the late afternoon, when everyone is trying to get into the city, it can be difficult to get a taxi to the city, especially along the busy highway downtown. Tourist buses will stop at the South Bus Station. Also, there are numerous buses pulling into the city of Amman operated by JETT ([http://www.jett.com.jo Jordan Express Tourist Transport]) which operates from the JETT office in Abdali. The JETT bus from the [[Palestinian territories#Go next|Palestinian border]] bridge costs 7.5&nbsp;JD and takes about 1 hour. JETT also runs several buses per week from [[Baghdad]] ([[Iraq]]). As of December 2019 there are no longer bus services from Jeddah or Riyadh. Bus services from [[Damascus]] are cancelled indefinitely due to the ongoing Syrian civil war. ===By train=== Scheduled services within Jordan and to Damascus have been suspended by [http://www.jhr.gov.jo Hedjaz Jordan Railway], and they are unlikely to resume. Train excursions run occasionally, as do local services to Zarqa. Neither operate more often than once per week, if at all. Amman's tiny, charming railway station (Mahatta) with its museum is worth a look even if you do not (or cannot) take a train. === By taxi === A taxi from the Palestinian border crossing bridge can cost 25&nbsp;JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|31.955|35.925|zoom=14|name=The city center of Amman}} <!-- {{Mapshape}} no boundaries in OSM --> ===On foot=== Some areas of Amman are not easily navigated on foot. Be aware when walking through areas of Amman that are not familiar to you because the walkable route might be inconvenient. Unlike other cities frequented by tourists, tools such as Google Maps may not provide an easily traversable route even when used in walking mode. In this case, a walk that appears to be only a few minutes on Google Maps my take half an hour or longer due to unforeseen obstacles. For example, in some areas of Amman you may encounter roads that quickly become highways/expressways, roads up very steep hills, roads that lack a functional sidewalk, roads that have sidewalks but not functional pedestrian crossings at busy intersections, parts of sidewalks that are heavily obstructed by vegetation, and crossings that require the use of an overpass that is far away. It is not impossible to walk in Amman, but some areas of the city are designed primarily for vehicle traffic and it is better to arrange for a ride. ===By taxi=== Yellow and grey taxis are readily available and can be easily found anywhere in Amman. Hail them in the street as Jordanians do. Taxis for Amman will have a green logo on the driver and passenger doors. The grey ones have an advertisement on top of the car. Resist hailing cabs with another color logo; these cabs are based in other cities and it is illegal for them to pick up fares in Amman. White taxis are shared, and the driver can pick up other fares along the way, which can lead to confusion. Taxis in Amman are required by law to use meters and most drivers will reset the meter as soon as a fare is picked up. Most trips within Amman should be under 2&nbsp;JD, and even a ride from one end of town to the other should not cost more than 5&nbsp;JD. Taxis are not required to use meters after midnight and drivers often expect double the normal fare for late night trips. '''Beware''' of drivers offering to give you a short ride "for free" as a "Welcome to Jordan", especially if you're walking between the Citadel and the Roman Theater; they will then offer to wait for you to take you to your next stop, and will use the "free" ride as an excuse not to start the meter. They will then charge you exorbitantly when you arrive at your next stop. Also, be wary of the private cars posing as taxis around the bus stands and stations. They will offer their services asking you to pay as much as you want but later on insist on pocketing more money from you. In case you get one, insist paying the standard price which should not be more than 2&nbsp;JD, anything more is a rip-off. The base rate for the taxi meter is 250 fils, however, some taxis may use old meters which charge 150 fils, it is legitimate for the driver to ask you for 10 extra piasters (100 fils) on top of the quoted meter fare. Make sure though that you note the initial fare as soon as the driver turns the meter on in order not to have the driver ask you for "the 10 piasters" when he has a new meter. Drivers are not normally tipped, instead the fare is simply rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 piasters. Many drivers do not carry much change, so exact change should be given when possible. If a driver is pretending he has no change, it is likely that he just wants to keep it, so that you'll have to pay more. If you mind this, ask the driver to find a nearby shop and get change or get the change yourself from a shop or (if you don't mind being rude) look into their money box to find the change yourself. The going, negotiated rate for a taxi from Amman to the airport is 20&nbsp;JD or more, although some drivers can be talked down to 15&nbsp;JD or even 10&nbsp;JD (which would be close to the metered rate). All taxis are allowed to take passengers to the airport; only special Airport Taxis may take passengers from the airport into town. If you are visiting the Citadel, call it al'Aqal. The driver may try to convince you that the Roman theater is nicer so that he can drop you off there at the bottom of the hill. It's best to be dropped off at the Citadel and walk down the hill to the Roman theater. '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' operate in Amman. Until May 2018, they were illegal, but ride-hailing companies are now being licensed. In any case, it is still good etiquette to sit in the front seat, to make it less obvious that the driver is transporting a fare rather than just, say, a friend. ===By car rental=== There are several car rental companies located in Jordan some will even give you a driver for free if you book a car rental with them. Some of these are [http://www.hertz.qa/rentacar/car-rent/jordan/amman Hertz], [http://www.sixt.com/ Sixt Rental Cars], and [https://www.nationalcar.com/ National]. ===By bus=== Big, municipal buses serve many parts of Amman. They are used by low-income workers, working-class youth and foreign workers, but are perfectly safe. As of January 2011, the fare was 380 fils. Pay the exact fare (or overpay); bus drivers have no change! You can also load a bus fare cash card with a few JD and swipe the card past a reader as you enter the bus, but places to buy and recharge the card are rare. Most buses are numbered; some display their destination in Arabic only. Bus no. 26 conveniently travels between the old town (Balad) and the 7th Circle along Zahran Street. No. 27 goes from the old town towards the posh Abdoun neighbourhood. No. 43 passes near Shmeisani (as does no. 46) and continues along Mecca Street towards Mecca Mall. Many bus stops are marked by bus shelters, but buses also drop passengers at unmarked spots wherever it is safe to stop. Private minibuses shadow the municipal buses. They do not display route numbers, but a conductor usually shouts out their destination. ===By bicycle=== Bike tours are a good way to see the local scenery and meet local cyclists. There are a couple of bicycling tour firms in Amman. * {{do | name=Tareef Cycling Club | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TareefCyclingClub/ | email=tareef.cycling.club@hotmail.com | address= | lat= 32.005840 | long=35.855042 | directions= | phone=+962 797253641 (Montaser), +962 797601625 (Baraa) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-16 | content=It was founded in 1982 and developed into an active group in August 2007 by a former Jordanian National Team cyclist. They provide fun active weekend cycling and hiking trips, supporting all levels of fitness all around Jordan. }} * {{do | name=Cycling Jordan | alt= | url=http://cyclingjordan.co/ | email=cycling.jordan@gmail.com | address= | lat= 31.975033 | long=35.849508 | directions= | phone=+962 785552525 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-16 | content=Offers tours and weekly trips to the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. }} ==See== [[File:Amman Roman theatre.jpg|thumb|Roman theater in Amman]] [[File:AmmanCitadel.jpg|thumb|Umayyad Palace]] [[File:Mosque of the people of the Cave.jpg|thumb|Mosque of the people of the Cave]] Although the capital of a diverse kingdom, Amman is not what one would call "packed" with things to see, making it a great gateway to explorations further afield. Even so, the city does hold a few items of historical and cultural interest (allow maximum 2 days to see them). ===In the city=== * {{see | name=Amman Citadel | alt=جبل القلعة, Jabal al-Qal'a | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.9547 | long=35.9343 | directions=If you don't want to go the whole way back to the entrance when getting out, try the southern end of the fence at the very west of the citadel complex | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=3&nbsp;JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass]]) | wikipedia=Amman Citadel | image=Amman BW 5.JPG | wikidata=Q3157009 |lastedit=2019-11-13| content=A national historic site at the center of downtown Amman. Its history represents significant civilizations that stretched across continents and prospered for centuries, as one empire gave rise to the next. Settlement at the Citadel extends over 7,000 years. }} ** {{see | name=Jordan Archaeological Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.954185 | long=35.934279 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum hosts a small but interesting collection of antiquities from all over Jordan. Fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls which used to be housed here are now being transferred to the new National Museum of Jordan (see below). }} ** {{see | name=Temple of Herakles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.9538 | long=35.9349 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Temple of Hercules (Amman) | image=The Temple of Hercules010.JPG | wikidata=Q20423672 | content=Roman period remains. }} ** {{see | name=Umayyad Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.955500 | long=35.934200 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Umayyad Palace | wikidata=Q21188319 | content=In the northern portion of the Citadel, it offers a great view of Amman. }} ** {{see | name=Byzantine Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dating to the 5th-6th centuries. }} * {{see | name=Roman Theater | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.951693 | long=35.939305 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=2&nbsp;JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass]]) | wikipedia=Roman theater (Amman) | image=Roman theater of Amman 01.jpg | wikidata=Q2634316 | content=Built during the reign of Antonius Pius, 138-161AD, this impressive theater could seat up to 6,000 people. Next to it are a folklore museum and a popular culture museum which the entrance fee also covers. Next to it is the Odeon theater, a smaller theater built at the same time. There are two small museums (Folklore and Popular Traditions) to the right and left as you enter. }} * {{see | name=Roman Nymphaeum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.951692 | long=35.939306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nymphaeum (Amman) | wikidata=Q22948574 | content=A partly-preserved Roman fountain. }} * {{see | name=Ammonite Watchtower | alt=Rujm Al-Malfouf | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.957778 | long=35.904722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rujm Al-Malfouf | lastedit= | content=A circular watchtower built by the Ammonite kingdom some time between 500-1000 BC. | wikidata=Q7378836}} * {{see | name=Rainbow Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949586 | long=35.925919 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rainbow Street | wikidata=Q7284718 | content=Near the 1st Circle in Jabal Amman, this is an interesting area to walk around and explore, it is named after the old Rainbow Cinema which is now out of use, but the area has experienced a revival with many of the old houses being restored and put into use, in the area there are some cafes and bars including '''Books@cafe''' and '''Wild Jordan''', both with great views, a Caribbean restaurant, an Indian restaurant, a sushi joint, and an ice cream shop. There is a hammam, and the Royal Film Commission which sometimes holds outdoor screenings on its patio and some interesting small shops. Across the street from the British Council on Rainbow St., there is the refreshing '''Turtle Green Tea Bar''' where everything is in English and you can borrow a laptop to access the internet while enjoying your snack. }} * {{see | name=Darat al Funun | alt=The Khalid Shoman Foundation | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.953592 | long=35.930486 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=The 'small house of the arts' in Jabal el Weibdeh, overlooking the heart of Amman, is housed in three adjacent villas from the 1920s (and the remains of a sixth-century Byzantine church built over a Roman Temple), it has a permanent collection and also holds changing exhibitions. In the same area there are other small art galleries and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. }} * {{see | name=Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts | alt= | url=http://www.nationalgallery.org/ | email= | address=Hosni Fareez St. | lat=31.957977 | long=35.915086 | directions=near King Abdullah I Mosque | phone=+962 6-463-0128 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th Sa-M 09:00-17:00/19:00 (winter/summer) | price=5&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=Situated in two separate buildings and in between a (open to the) public park of sculptures, it is showing international, contemporary art with a focus though on regional work. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Jordan Museum | alt=Jordan National Museum | url=http://jordanmuseum.jo/en | email=info@jordanmuseum.jo | address=Ali Ben Abi Taleb St. 10 | lat=31.945834 | long=35.927341 | directions=right next to Palm Square | phone=+962 6-462-9317 | tollfree= | hours=W Th Sa-M 10:00-18:00 | price=5&nbsp;JD (locals 1&nbsp;JD, Jordan Pass is ''not'' valid) | lastedit=2018-10-06 | content=This is a modern and well-preserved museum. Many of the artifacts from the citadel have been moved here. A great summary of Jordan's history. The entrance to the museum can be hard to find as the pedestrian entrance is sometimes closed so you must enter through the parking entrance. The current Google Maps location is slightly inaccurate: the museum and entrance are just south of the mosque. }} * {{see | name=Abu Darwish Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abu Darwish St., Jabal | lat=31.941584 | long=35.937502 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Built in the 1920s by a private donor called Hasan Mustafa Sharkas and situated on a hill, this mosque impresses through its black and white striped walls. }} * {{see | name=King Abdullah I Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.96158 | long=35.91312 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5&nbsp;JD | wikipedia=King Abdullah I Mosque | image=Amman BW 29.JPG | wikidata=Q1574587 | content=Impressive new mosque, with a church opposite. Together, they give an interesting view. }} * {{see | name=Al Bishara Greek Orthodox Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.960175 | long=35.915038 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mosque of the people of the Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.8945 | long=35.9991 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Royal Automobile Museum | alt= | url=http://www.royalautomuseum.jo/default.aspx?id=4&fl=4_2&lang=en | email= | address= | lat=31.984107 | long=35.825973 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Royal Automobile Museum | image=Jordan Royal Automobile Museum 3.JPG | wikidata=Q1796169 | lastedit=2018-06-01 | content=A collection of cars, from the 100-year-old royal dynasty vehicles, to modern sports cars, to the Rover from the movie ''The Martian''. }} ===Around the city=== * {{see | name=Wadi al-Seer | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.856155 | long=35.796433 | directions=To reach Wadi al-Seer, head to the minibus station on al-Quds Street, just south of al-Husseini Mosque. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A region to the west of Amman, it is a small valley leading down towards the [[Dead Sea (Jordan)|Dead Sea]]. Nearby is the al-Bassa Springs, the source of the valley's river. Above the spring is the al-Deir monastery. It's a 20-minute climb up to the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Iraq Al-Amir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=15&nbsp;km from Wadi al-Seer, the {{marker|name=Caves of the Prince|type=see|lat=31.917080|long=35.751076}}, close to {{marker|name=Al Qasr|type=see|lat=31.912821|long=35.751980}}, are southwest of Amman and are great for a day tour. }} Day trips can be done to the [[Desert Castles]] '''Amra''', '''Kharaneh''' and '''Azraq''' in the east, about 30-50&nbsp;km from Amman around the nearby city of [[Azraq]]. ==Do== {{mapframe|name=Map of the region around Amman}} * See the '''sunset''' from the view point near the Citadel. But pay also your attention to the time of the muezzin call. If you listen to it from the view point, where the whole city lies before you, you get the unforgettable acoustic impression. * Due to accelerated growth the past several decades, the styles of living differs considerably as one travels from east to west throughout Amman. Visitors desiring a more exotic and traditional experience should explore "Old Amman", the central downtown, or {{marker|name=Balad|type=do|lat=31.950181|long=35.934615}}, which features many souqs, shops, and street vendors. Also known as the ''Souq'' with traditional sights and smells of the spice market, and shop for authentic souvenirs. Take a walk through the narrow alleyways and corners and negotiate (haggle) the price with friendly vendors. A maze of streets with everything from a fruit market to spices, souvenirs, clothes, hardware. Drink a cool glass of Sugar Cane juice, watch the talented young men make artistic sand designs inside the glass bottles, go and smoke a shisha (hubbly bubbly) in any of the numerous street cafes. Enjoy some tasty falafel in the famous Hashem cafe, enjoy a mansaf dish at Jerusalem restaurant or a nice slice of tasty Kanafe from Habibeh sweets. Busy crowded streets with the real taste of Jordan. * '''Abdali''', a section of downtown Amman, is being transformed into a modern center for tourists and natives. The plan includes a broad pedestrian boulevard where visitors can shop, eat, or do numerous other activities. New office buildings and residential hi-rises have been built, and more are on the way. The massive, modern Abdali Mall draws Amman's young and monied. * The '''cultural scene''' in Amman has seen some increased activities, notably cultural centers and clubs such as Makan House, Al Balad Theater, the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative, Remall, and Zara gallery. Around the 1st of September the Jordan Short Film Festival takes place. * {{do | name=Amman Waves Aqua Park and Resort | alt= | url=http://www.ammanwaves.com | email= | address= 15, Amman 00962 | lat=31.861532 | long=35.888997 | directions=12&nbsp;km from the 7th circle along the airport road | phone=+962 6 412 1704 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-18:00 | price= | lastedit= | content=The biggest water park in Jordan (80,000&nbsp;m²), opened in 2004. }} ===Learn=== There are many universities one can study in. Irbid, Madaba, and Aqaba also hold many educational institutes for foreigners. Jordan's universities are world-renowned and respected for their hospitality and methods of instruction. ==Buy== All ATMs charge a relatively high fee for withdrawing money. In Jordan you can withdraw money from your credit card in various currency exchange places. A reliable and low-priced currency exchange service is Alawneh Exchange. They have multiple locations in the city, including downtown. They charge a low percentage fee for withdrawing money from your credit card. Many locals use that agency. You need to show your passport. [[File:AmmanWakalatStreet.jpg|thumb|Wakalat Street]] If it's '''shopping''' you're after, then the pedestrian {{marker|name="Sharia'a Al Wakalat" (Brands Street)|type=buy|lat=31.957118|long=35.860740}} offers a wide selection of international brand names to choose from. Furthermore, there are the {{marker|name=City Mall|type=buy|lat=31.980525|long=35.837928}}, Jordan's biggest shopping mall, the older and huge {{marker|name=Mecca Mall|type=buy|lat=31.977447|long=35.843481}} aimed at women (walking distance from City Mall), the {{marker|name=Abdoun Mall|type=buy|lat=31.941529|long=35.880641}} (also aimed at women), the {{marker|name=Park Plaza|type=buy|lat=31.958640|long=35.869306}}, and {{marker|name=Baraka Mall|type=buy|lat=31.955336|long=35.866190}}, for those seeking indulgence and the odd US$500 to spare - all designer names. &ndash; all large shopping centers scattered across Amman. Amman has numerous antique dealers littered throughout the city. Those in the western parts of the city will most likely be served by those with a competent grasp of the English language, but you run the risk of the items being a bit overpriced. [[File:AmmanClothesMarked.jpg|thumb|clothes market at bus station]] Some interesting, original ''souvenir items'' that one may consider taking home are: * a keffiyeh, the traditional checkered headpiece of Jordanian men * an antique brass tea/coffee pot, distinctly Middle Eastern with its artistic etching and curved spout * olive wood carvings of various objects or figures can be purchase nearly everywhere * hand-crafted Jordanian daggers * hand-made Bedouin-style embroidered clothing * spices. Also '''Rainbow Street''' is populated with small antique stores, clothing, restaurants, sheesha tea shops and the well-known Falafel al-Quds, reputedly the "best" falafel in the Middle East (some Saudis even financed the opening of one in Saudi Arabia). Further down the street you will find a small park that overlooks the city. Further still on a side street, during the warmer months, is a side-walk flea market. At the end of this street and down some stairs you will find Wild Jordan. ==Eat== Amman features many different styles of restaurants, from traditional Middle Eastern fare to more familiar Western fast food and franchises. Prices range from ultra-cheap to moderate, depending on one's taste buds. For those on a budget, Arabic food is very affordable and can be obtained everywhere. Arabic food generally consists of several general basic groups. Meat dishes will generally consist of lamb or chicken; beef is more rare and pork is never offered. Shwarma, which is cooked lamb meat with a special sauce rolled in piece of flat bread, is a local favorite. Rice and flat bread are typical sides to any meal. Jordan's specialty, ''mansaf'', is a delicious lamb and rice meal, typically eaten with your hands. Arabs serve plenty of cucumbers and tomatoes, many times accompanied by a white yoghurt sauce. Another favorite is chick pea-based foods such as falafel, hummus, and fuul. One of Amman's most famous local foods restaurant is '''Hashem''' in the downtown. This restaurant is one of the favourites of the Royal family and you will see a lot of photographs of the Royal family of Jordan dining in this literal hole-in-the-wall. See the listing below. In an alley off King Faisal St. is '''Habibah''', which serves traditional east Mediterranean sweets such as baklava, but is most famous for serving a traditional dessert known as ''knafeh nabelseyyeh'' in reference to its origin from the Palestinian city of Nablus. 800 fils for a "half quarter kilo", which is enough for one person (Oct 2018). The original store is easy to spot with the long queue spilling onto the street: if you're just there for the food rather than the vibe, try the new extension that opened 100 m further up on King Hussein St. Do not forget the good surprises coming from the countless shawarma outlets and other very cheap places. ===Budget=== All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name=Zahret Al Madaen Restaurant & Butchery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Complex No 116, Quraish St 116 | lat=31.9509065 | long= 35.9365170 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Pizza Roma Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Amman Pasha Hotel, Al Shabsugh St 4 | lat= 31.9525292| long= 35.9377079| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Rouhi AlAqili Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=MadhhAr-Reslan St. | lat=31.9525207 | long= 35.9363792| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name= Shahrazad Restaurant| alt= | url= | email= | address=Basman St. | lat= 31.9515387| long= 35.9322825| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Auberge restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mu'Ath Bin Jabal Street | lat= 31.9510252| long= 35.9321172 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Shawermat Reem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the 2nd Circle | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=The allegedly best shawarma in Amman is found in this street-side kiosk. It is very famous and there are even lines at 02:00. }} * {{eat | name=Lebnani snack | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=This is a great place to eat Middle Eastern sandwiches, delicious ice cream and cocktails. }} * '''Books@Cafe''' - a beautiful old house turned into the then-first bookstore/internet/cafe. Opened in 2000 and a hot spot ever since. This cafe is on Rainbow street overlooking all of the old city (Balad) and has two wonderful terraces with the best views in Amman. Boasting a very funky interior in contrast with the classical exterior, this café offers lite fare, water pipes (argheeleh), wine, beer and the best pizza in Amman. Free wireless network and three Internet terminals. A must see. (updated May 2022) * {{eat | name=Hashem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the post office at King Faisal Street, where most of the budget hotels are near its intersection with King Hussein St. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=For 3&nbsp;JD per person (Oct 2018), you get the "mix" -- bowls of hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, fuul, fries, salad and pita | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=During meal times, the place is swarming with locals and tourists. Wash this classic Arab meal down with a glass of mint tea. }} * {{eat |name=Jafra Restaurant & Cafe |url= |email= |address= |lat= |long= | directions=Opposite the main post office |phone=+962 6 4622551-2 | tollfree= |fax= |hours=|price=| lastedit=2022-05-01 |content=A quaint Lebanese restaurant that also offers pizza and shisha. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=La Maison Verte | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=An impressive French restaurant, with excellent food and excellent ambience. A must go to place. Moderate to pricey, but it's worth it; the atmosphere alone is worth it, it's quite fancy yet very cozy. Their house specialities include "Entrecote", various steaks and a variety of sea food. }} * {{eat | name=Levant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle Behind Le Royal Hotel | phone=+962 6 46 28 948 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A very comfortable restaurant with excellent service, excellent English and excellent food. They serve "gourmet" Arabic food, which means fresh local ingredients in surprising and delicious combinations. For more information you can view their website. }} * {{eat | name=Cantaloupe | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Rainbow Street, 1 Juqa Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 7777 333 33 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A fairly trendy restaurant and cocktail bar with terrace impressively overlooking the city. Salads and fish are good, steaks are excellent. Regional and local wines are remarkably good. Service is excellent and unobtrusive. A little loud as the evening progresses. }} * {{eat | name=Fakhr al Din | alt=فخر الدين | url=http://www.fakhreldin.com | email= | address=40 Taha Hussein, St Jabal | lat= | long= | directions=when going from 1st to 2nd circle, turn right after the Iraqi embassy, then turn right at the end of this street, go past the lot on your left and then turn left again -- "Fakhr al Din" is written in Arabic on the wall of last building on the block | phone=+962 6 4652399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=15-30&nbsp;JD for a complete meal | content=A real classical of Amman's Lebanese-oriented restaurant. Quite pricey but worth it, especially if you're in the terrace on a warm evening. For local wine, try their "Gerasa" red wine. Reservation highly advised. Great place, but beware of waiters who deliver unordered food to your table. Don't accept anything you don't order. }} * {{eat | name=Noodasia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= on Abdoun Circle, in front of the Big Fellow pub | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Nothing to do with Arabic food, as the menu handles the whole map of Asia, from Thailand to China, through Japan (good sushis) and Indonesia. Nice place, excellent service and good food for the money, but no alcohol served. }} * {{eat | name=Kan Zaman | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=around 10&nbsp;km south of Amman: on the highway to the airport, you'll see a sign; Leave the highway, go under the bridge and follow the small road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=| lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Impressive medieval castle on a hilltop turned into a beautiful restaurant. The place is worth the visit. The food is pretty basic but ok. Ask for their local "Kan Zaman" red wine. Hopefully, the prices are not proportional to the size of the hall. }} ==Drink== For the coffee lover, Amman's '''Starbucks''' locations (Swefieh, Abdoun, Taj Mall, City Mall, Mecca Mall, Abdali Mall) offer various mugs, tumblers, and to-go cups with distinctive Jordanian and Middle Eastern flair. Those who crave '''gourmet coffee''' have a number of choices along Rainbow St. off of First Circle in Jabal Amman with other shops sprinkled throughout the city. '''Alcoholic beverages''' (beer, wine, liquor), can be purchased in liquor stores across the city. Most are distinguishable by an advertisement for Amstel or some like beverage outside. There are also bars up and down Rainbow St. in Jabal Amman and throughout Abdoun. Drinking age is 18 but some bars and cafes might card you and admit 21+ customers only. Jordan's national beer is aptly called '''Petra Beer''', and there are many liquor shops and kiosks around Amman where you can find it. There are two types: 'black' and 'red', which have 8% and 10% alcohol percentage respectively. The red is usually slightly more expensive than the black, but you should expect to pay 2-2.5&nbsp;JD for a {{convert|500|ml|0|abbr=on}} can at a shop. You will often find that bars prefer Amstel and other international brands and do not have Petra beer available. The local spirit is '''arak''', an aniseed or licorice flavoured spirit similar to the Greek ouzo. At 50% alcohol by volume, it is usually served with water and ice, causing the clear liquid to become milky white. For '''night clubs''' and bars visit the cosmopolitan West Amman where many Western and American franchises operate here. The nightlife in Amman is not as vibrant as other Middle Eastern cities like Beirut or Tel Aviv, however, there are a few clubs and bars in Amman. * {{drink | name=Picadelli Pub | alt=Piccadilly Pop | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.959185 | long=35.917745 | directions=At Abdali Bus Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=3&nbsp;JD for beer and wine | content=Friendly place that serves alcohol, food, and complimentary snacks }} * {{drink | name=La Calle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949441 | long=35.930832 | directions= on Rainbow street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=This multi-level bar is known for its half-price happy hour specials. }} [[File:AmmanDowntown.jpg|thumb|new and old downtown]] * {{drink | name=Jafra Café | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.952259 | long=35.930714 | directions= across from the post office on King Faisal Street (near Hashems), it is upstairs from the DVD store of the same name | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A great spot right in the heart of the downtown area. It has an old, rustic feel to it with more young locals than tourists. They have a great selection of nargileh (water pipe) and the entire menu is reasonably priced. Expect to pay about 10&nbsp;JD for dinner, including an appetizer, kebab, fresh juice and nargileh. Live music starts at 21:00 most night. There is another one near Paris circle in Jebel Al Webdeh. }} * {{drink | name=Maestro Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.958266 | long=35.921468 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Jazz and pub. There have been complaints about their entry policy. }} The main places people who live in Amman spend time during the evenings are hookah shops. * {{drink | name=Al-Mawardi | alt=Al-Mawardi Coffee and Hooka Cafe | url= | email= | address=15, Siqilya St. | lat=31.973047 | long=35.883996 | directions=South of Al-Rabia circle | phone=+962 6 5532010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5&nbsp;JD for a coffee and hookah | content=Coffee shop with traditional hookah, a wide selection of coffee and beverages. Offers Backgammon boards but no card games. }} ==Sleep== Amman has the full range of accommodation options from very basic 1-star accommodation to luxurious 5-star facilities. ===Budget=== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Cliff Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.952099 | long=35.931989 | directions=in one of the alleys in the souq nearby the central post office -- there's a small and old sign | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=5&nbsp;JD dorm | content=An option for low budget travellers. In the winter it can get very chilly, make sure that you ask for more blankets. Sometimes they heat your room if you ask for that. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Farah Hotel | alt= | url=https://farahhotel.info/ | email=info@farahhotel.com.jo | address=6 King Ghazi Street | lat=31.953011 | long=35.932929 | directions= | phone=+962 64651 443 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout=From 4&nbsp;JD for a dorm | price= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=Good backpacker option, has common area with satellite TV & movies, organises tours & very friendly English speaking staff. }} * {{sleep | name=Jordan Tower Hotel | url= | email=jordantowerhotel@yahoo.com | address= | lat=31.951787 | long=35.937440 | directions=next to Roman Amphitheatre | phone=+962-6-4614161 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From 9&nbsp;JD incl breakfast and free WiFi | checkin= | checkout= | content=Shared trips at reasonable rates to all tourist sites. Dorm rooms male & female - 2-, 3- & 4-bed rooms some with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning and satellite TV. Friendly English-speaking staff. Cheap light snacks and airport pick ups. }} * {{sleep | name=Sun Rise Hotel | url= | email=sun-rise-hotel@hotmail.com | address= | lat=31.960391 | long=35.918083 | directions=Abdali station, King Hussein Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm from 3.50&nbsp;JD, different rooms available from 8-20&nbsp;JD (depending on the mood of the manager, so take care) | checkin= | checkout= | content=One-star hotel with good location near Abdali station. Safe area, near Capitol Police Center. TV, free internet, free WiFi and air cond or fan in the room; rooms are very basic, those in the back are colder. }} * {{sleep | name=Sydney Hotel | url= | email=sydney_hotel@yahoo.com | address= | lat=31.951643 | long=35.928304 | directions=Prince Mohammad St, Downtown | phone=+962 6 4641122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=10&nbsp;JD for a single, 14&nbsp;JD for a double. Breakfast is 2&nbsp;JD | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice people, clean and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Normas Hotel | url= | email=info@normashotel.com | address= | lat=31.952057 | long=35.931636 | directions=King Faisal St. - in front of Hashem Restaurant, Downtown | phone=+962 6 465 1 465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=10&nbsp;JD for a single, 12&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Super friendly and helpful, clean and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Zidian Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949507 | long=35.917273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single from 15&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=Wi-Fi, hot shower, great view from the rooms on the back side. }} * {{sleep | name=Palace Hotel | url= | email=palacehotel8@hotmail.com | address=King Faisal St, Downtown | lat=31.951155 | long=35.933849 | directions= | phone=+962 6 4624326 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=30&nbsp;JD (with shower & satellite TV), 18&nbsp;JD (shared facilities) for a double with breakfast included | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Canary Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.957365 | long=35.918823 | directions=on Jebel Amman near the Jett Bus Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=30&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Abbasi Palace Hotel | url= | email=qaser.abbasi@gmail.com | address=Saqf Al Sail at Quraysh st | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown | phone=+962 6 4611686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=6&nbsp;JD for a dorm, incl. breakfast | lastedit= 2011-06 | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Clean and well-run. Good staff, knowledgeable and helpful. Price includes breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and internet. Free tea. }} * {{sleep | name=Al-Harmin Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=7&nbsp;JD for double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Castle Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=4.5&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Seems to be more catered to males and locals }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Al Fanar Palace Hotel | url=http://www.alfanarpalacehotel.com | email= | address=Queen Rania Al Abdullah Street | lat=31.997190 | long=35.883748 | directions=North of city centre and West of Sports City | phone=+962 6 5100 400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=60&nbsp;JD | checkin= | checkout= | content=Standard hotel with reasonable facilities. Wi-Fi in reception (3&nbsp;JD/hour). Indoor swimming pool, restaurant (but no bar). You can easily take a taxi down the road to the Regency Palace if you want a bar. Taxi cost is less than 1&nbsp;JD. Hot water can be a problem. }} * {{sleep | name=Beirut International | url= | email= | address=King Hussein Street | lat=31.964055 | long=35.913299 | directions=Near the Abdil bus station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=70&nbsp;JD, but you can get a discount | checkin= | checkout=noon | content= Good location, nice big rooms, including middle eastern breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Beity Rose Suites Hotel | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Bed-and-Breakfast/Beity-Rose-Suites-Hotel-383243130481/ | email=info@hotelbeity.com | address=Ibn Hayyan Street | lat=31.978127 | long=35.902089 | directions=Near the Specialty Hospital | phone=+962 6 5663706 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5663703 | hours= | price=from 85&nbsp;JD | checkin=14:00 | checkout=noon | content= In the progressive district of Shmeisani, next to the Royal Cultural Centre and the Amman Stock Market. Friendly hotel in an attractive setting. }} * {{sleep | name=Crystal Suites Hotel | url=http://www.crystal.com.jo | email=crystal@go.com.jo | address=Al Kindi Street | lat=31.962517 | long=35.882766 | directions=Fifth Circle | phone=+962 6 5692672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=50&nbsp;JD with breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content= Nice suites hotel in a prestigious area opposite to the Four Seasons and Sheraton, comfortable for short and long stays, mainly one and two bedroom suites, some studios }} * {{sleep | name=Gardenia Hotel | url=http://www.gardenia.com.jo/ | email=info@gardenia.com.jo | address=Abdulhameed Sharaf Street | lat=31.980387 | long=35.893298 | directions=near Safeway | phone=+962 6 5667790 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=45&nbsp;JD with breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Friendly hotel in nice and very quiet neighbourhood }} * {{sleep | name=New Park Hotel | url= | email=newparkhotel@hotmail.com | address=King Hussein Str | lat=31.955952 | long=35.931460 | directions=opposite the old court | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Two-star hotel offering rooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air-con, and central heating. }} * {{sleep | name=Gallery Guest House | alt= | url=https://gallery-guest-house.amman-hotels-jo.com/en/ | email= | address=Omar Al khayyam 28, Amman | lat=31.953382 | long=35.929994 | directions= | phone=+962 776761001 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Nice small hotel in a good location, only a few meters to the old center. The host speaks English and takes care of his guests. Roof terrace for the evening, WiFi, air conditioning and airport shuttle. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Bristol Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.bristolamman.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat=31.958867 | long=35.876406 | directions=near to 5th Circle | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very good hotel if you can put up with the ever present smell of cigarette smoke (even in the non-smoking rooms). Wireless internet works well. }} * {{sleep | name=Four Seasons Amman | url=http://www.fourseasons.com/amman/ | email= | address=5th Circle, Al-Kindi Street | lat=31.961682 | long=35.881035 | directions= | phone=+962 6 550-5555 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 550-5556 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A wonderful luxury hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Hyatt Amman | url=https://amman.grand.hyatt.com/ | email=info.ammgh@hyattintl.com | address=Hussein Bin Ali Street, Jabal Amman | lat=31.955751 | long=35.909864 | directions=in the business district at 3rd Circle | phone=+962 6 465 1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=noon | checkout=15:00 | content=A favourite of the expat set for its laid back ambiance, terrace views and quality restaurants. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Intercontinental Amman | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/amman/ammha/hoteldetail | email= | address=Islamic College St | lat=31.953282 | long=35.914017 | directions=located between the 2nd and 3rd Circles | phone=+962-6-4641361 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q20768441 | content=Another hotel popular with foreign professionals. }} * {{sleep | name=Kempinski Amman | url=http://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel/index.htm?country_group=4&id=111 | email= | address=Abdul Hameed Shouman Street | lat=31.968419 | long=35.897367 | directions= | phone=+962 6 5200 200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All the luxury of a 5-star with interesting modern art features in the designer building. }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Marriott Hotel | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ammjr-amman-marriott-hotel | email= | address= | lat=31.973074 | long=35.905800 | directions=Shmeisani Area Issam Ajluni Street | phone=+962 6 5607 607 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5697799 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Amman | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/A7F2/index.en.shtml | email= | address= | lat=31.970155 | long=35.905903 | directions=in the Shmeisani district, not far from the 4th circle | phone=+962 6 569 6511 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Regency Palace Hotel | url= | email= | address=Queen Alia Street | lat=31.976102 | long=35.906491 | directions= | phone=+962 6 5607000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Popular 4-star hotel. Some areas need updating, but rooms are comfortable. There is a very good breakfast buffet. Internet access is available in the rooms. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Le Royal Hotel Amman | alt= | url=https://www.leroyal.com/en/MIDDLE-EAST/amman | email= | address=3rd Circle, Zahran Street | lat=31.953333 | long=35.909167 | directions= | phone=+962 6 460-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 460-3002 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q6507622 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Sheraton Amman | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ammsi-sheraton-amman-al-nabil-hotel/ | email= | address= | lat=31.960596 | long=35.880181 | directions=on the 5th Circle | phone=+962 6 593 4111 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Another five-star. }} ==Cope== ===Stay safe=== Compared with other capital cities, Amman is a very safe place to visit. Jordanian police and the military maintain a tight grip on law and order. Personal safety is high in Amman - it is safe to walk anywhere in the city at any time of day or night. Serious crime is extremely rare. In 2005, some major hotels were targeted by bombers (connected with the conflict in Iraq). Security measures at all major hotels were increased as a result. ===Embassies=== Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/jordan * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Australia | alt= | url=http://www.jordan.embassy.gov.au/ | email=amman.austremb@dfat.gov.au | address=Embassy of the Commonwealth of Australia. Visitors address: 3 Yousef Abu Shahhout, Deir Ghbar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 580-7000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5807001 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | alt= | url=https://jordan.diplomatie.belgium.be | email=amman@diplobel.fed.be | address=Jabal Amman, 4th Circle (near Prime Ministry), Saad Juma Street 17 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 465 57 30 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-20 | content= }} * {{flag|Canada}} {{listing | name=Canada | alt= | url=http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/jordan-jordanie/index.aspx?lang=eng | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China (People's Republic of) | url=http://jo.chineseembassy.org/eng/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | url=http://www.mfa.cz/amman/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/arabic/embassies/Egyptian_Embassy_Jordan/Pages/Default.aspx/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Europe}} {{listing | name=Delegation of the European Union to Jordan | url=https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/jordan_en | email=Delegation-jordan@eeas.europa.eu | address=Al-Ameerah Basma Street, North Abdoun | lat= 31.957179 | long=35.881250 | directions= | phone=+962 64607000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=French Embassy | url=https://jo.ambafrance.org/ | email= | address=40 Rue Al Mutanabbi, Jabal Amman | lat= 31.953888 | long=35.904199 | directions= | phone=+962 64604630 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | alt= | url=http://www.amman.diplo.de/ | email=info@amman.diplo.de | address=Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Visitors address: Benghasi 25, Jabal Amman | lat= 31.955371 | long=35.890236 | directions= | phone=+962 6 593-0351, +962 6 593-0367, +962 6 593-1379, +962 79 553 4261 (emergency mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 592-9413 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url= | email=gremb.amn@mfa.gr | address=7, Suleiman Youssef Sukkar Str. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 592 2724, +962 6 592 2725, +962 777 230 260 (Emergencies) | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 592 7622 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Hungary | alt= | url=https://amman.mfa.gov.hu/ | email=mission.amm@kum.hu | address=A Magyar Köztársaság ammani nagykövetsége. Visitors address: Abdoun, Jaqoub Ammari Str. 13. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 592-5614 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 593-0836 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/amman/ | email=amman.kbri@kemlu.go.id​ | address=13 Ali Seedo Al-Kurdi Street, Sweifieh Amman | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5926908, +962 6 5926798, +962 7791 50407 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5926796 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iran}} {{listing | name=Iran | url=http://www.iranembassyjordan.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | alt= | url=http://www.ambamman.esteri.it/ | email=info.amman@esteri.it info | address=Ambasciata della Repubblica Italiana. Visitors address: Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Hafiz Ibrahim 5 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 463-8185 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 4659730 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/jordan/about-us/embassy-in-amman | email=amm-info@minbuza.nl | address=Abu Bakr Siraj Al-Din Street 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5902200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-20 | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway | url=http://www.norway.jo/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Philippines}} {{listing | name=Philippines | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://amman.mae.ro/en | email=amman@mae.ro | address=35, Al-Madeenah Al-Munawarah St., PO BOX 2869 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5813423 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5812521 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-06 | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url=http://www.jordan.mid.ru/ | email=rusembjo@mail.ru | address=(22) Zahran St. 3rd Circle, Jabal | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+9626 464 1158, +9626 464 2532 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 08:00 - 14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | url=http://www.swedenabroad.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland | url=http://www.eda.admin.ch/content/amman_emb/en/home.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | url= | email=tcammanbedort@index.com.jo | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 464 1251 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 464 2353 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url=http://ukinjordan.fco.gov.uk/en/ | email=info@britain.org.jo | address= Abdoun | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5909200 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 590 9279 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | type=listing | name=USA | alt= | url=http://jo.usembassy.gov | email=ResponseAmman@state.gov | address=Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5906000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5920121 | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== The bus stop at the '''7th circle''' is less than 100 m south of the circle. This stop serves the airport, Madaba (0.75&nbsp;JD), Kerak and others. The small yellow "airport express" labeled bus is easily recognized and the driver will also stop on other places if you wave at him. To reach the 7th circle from downtown take bus 41 or any headed to Wadi As-Seir and ask to be dropped of at Dawaar As-Saabe'a (7th circle). Many buses going by the 7th circle also take a turn at the 4th circle coming from Trababour Bus Station. The '''Trababour Bus Station''' serves all destinations to the north and to the western border. To get there from downtown, take Serviis (a sedan car that works like a bus) #6 from Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha) which is located right next to the Colosseum. The Trababour Bus Station is the last stop on the Serviis' route. Many budget hotels like Palace or Farah organize day tours for about 16-18&nbsp;JD which seems a sensible price, but they do not include entrance fees which could be important. These tours are open to people who don't sleep at the hotel. Classical tours are Jerash, Ajlun, Um Qais, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Baptism site, Dead Sea, and Castles. * [[Madaba]] &mdash; Just 45&nbsp;min away and known as the 'City of Mosaics' for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of Palestine and the Nile delta at St. George Church. 0.75&nbsp;JD by bus from the 7th circle. * [[Jerash]] (and [[Ajlun]] (Ajloun) Castle) &mdash; An ancient Roman City. Besides Petra and Wadi Rum, the most famous site in Jordan. 1&nbsp;h, 0.75&nbsp;JD from Trababour Bus Station. Get off right before the Hippodrome, 1&nbsp;km before the bus station, and enter down the side road through the museum. A private taxi from Amman can be hired for 8-10 JD one-way. Expect to pay as much as 40&nbsp;JD for a return trip and taxi driver staying on site while you look around. Ajlun Castle is only a short side trip from Jerash, either by bus from the junction south of the Hippodrome or by Taxi. * [[Umm Qais]] &mdash; A town north, close to the ruins of the ancient Gadara. Best reached by (rental) car or taxi. * [[Dead Sea (Jordan)|Dead Sea]] &mdash; Mt. Nebo (1&nbsp;JD) and Jesus' Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) on the Jordan River are essentially on the way, so consider them as well if you have your own car or taxi. The Dead Sea Amman City Resort is about 20&nbsp;JD with free showers and swimming pools, but no lockers, towels or mud. Taxi services for travel to the Dead Sea can be purchased for the day 20&nbsp;JD if you hail a cab from downtown, down town hotels charge 35&nbsp;JD for the same service. There are a handful of bus lines that also run from Amman on a daily basis. Bus from Mujaharin bus station to Rame costs 1&nbsp;JD. A taxi from Rame to Amman Tourist Beach 4&nbsp;JD or less. JETT offers a daily shuttle from Amman (7th circle) to the Dead Sea and back for 7&nbsp;JD oneway. * [[Petra]] &mdash; The most famous site in Jordan. JETT buses, both ordinary and all-inclusive guided tour, connect via the fast (but boring) Desert Highway. It leaves at 6:30 from the JETT bus office at Abdali and in 3.5&nbsp;hr you'll get to the bus station not even 5 minutes from the entrance of Petra. At 17:00 the JETT bus takes off again to go back to Amman. The price is 8-10&nbsp;JD one way. Time tables of the JETT Bus: http://www.jett.com.jo/SubPage.aspx?PageId=230 Also, from the South Bus Station Petra can be reached by tourist buses: they tend to leave when they are full, from 08:30 onwards (3½ hr, 4-5&nbsp;JD). Another option, go via Ma'an (7&nbsp;JD) into Wadi Musa (0.5&nbsp;JD) (town of Petra). Furthermore, for 75&nbsp;JD or less (depending on how much you haggle) you may be able to get a private taxi from Amman to Petra and back, including the driver waiting around for 6 hr. * '''King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) and border''' &mdash; The border crossing from Jordan to West Bank is King Hussein Bridge (called Allenby Bridge in Israel, but using this name in Amman is likely to cause perplexion or even hostility). The JETT bus to the border costs 11&nbsp;JD (as of October 2018), departs once daily around 06:30 from the JETT office at Abdali, and takes about 1&nbsp;hr. A taxi to the border crossing bridge can cost 25&nbsp;JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. Though the KH/Allenby Bridge crosses from Jordan to the [[West Bank]], the checkpoint on the western side is operated by [[Israel]], and plan your travel documents accordingly. Also bear in mind that the border can be closed with relatively little warning, especially if the security situation in the West Bank escalates. Once at the border crossing, you must switch to another bus (operated by JETT, 7.5 JD [Oct 2018] on its own, plus extra for luggage; or included if you have bought the 11 JD [Oct 2018] ticket from Amman) to cross over the bridge, pass through the checkpoint, then take a bus or shared taxi to travel onwards on the Israeli side. Exiting the Israeli border building, transport to Israeli destinations is more or less outside the entrance, and for Palestinian destinations turn right and go to the red buses. Expect travel from Amman to the old city of Jerusalem to take at least 3&nbsp;hr. * [[Syria]] &mdash; There were two operators (one of them called Challenge) each providing two daily services to Damascus (Sumariya-Terminal) from Amman for SYP500 (SYP50 student discount). The tour took at least 4 to 5 hr, depending on border formalities. '''However''', considering the current situation in Syria, it is not recommended you head into this direction. {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Northern_Jordan}} {{geo|31.95114|35.92409|zoom=14}} tw24yon4zmx69xzgsqgo2zfxfzujvne 4487884 4487881 2022-07-21T18:46:50Z Surfman49 2273515 /* Budget */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Amman banner.JPG}} '''Amman''' ([[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]: عمان ''ʻammān'') is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of [[Jordan]] with a population of about 4 million as of 2020. Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, despite popular belief, hold a few items of interest to the traveler. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveller, reasonably well-organized, and the people are very friendly. Although not seen as much when in the air over Amman, the city holds many surprises for the visitor. Anything can be found in Amman if one asks. Visit Amman's Roman Amphitheatre or stay in a luxurious hotel. Shopping malls are abundant in Jordan. With new construction in Abdali, in a few years the high-end traveller could eat in the most high-end restaurant, stay in a five star hotel or shop in massive malls, all a few metres from one another. Much less is being done to cater to the budget traveller, although urban beautification in the city centre (old town) is cleaning it up and making it more pedestrian-friendly. Amman is experiencing a massive (some would say: reckless) change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis, some of whose neighbourhoods seem hell-bent on wanting to imitate Dubai. Amman's roads have a reputation of being very steep and narrow in some of the underdeveloped parts of the city but now the city has state of the art highways and paved avenues. The steep terrain and heavy traffic remains challenging for pedestrians and for the rare cyclist. New resorts and hotels dot the city and there are many things for the traveller to see and do. Use Amman as a staging point for travels to nearby cities and settlements in Jordan. ==Understand== A city built of white stone, Amman's growth has skyrocketed since it was made the capital of Trans-Jordan in the early 1920s, but especially after the 1948 and 1967 wars with Israel when hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees settled there. Another wave arrived after the second Iraq war, with Iraqi refugees forming the majority of newcomers. [[File:An Ammonite-era watchtower in Amman, Jordan.jpg|thumb|Ammonite watchtower]] Its history, however, goes back many millennia. The settlement mentioned in the Bible as Rabbath Ammon was the capital of the Ammonites, which later fell to the Assyrians. It was dominated briefly by the Nabataeans before it became a great Roman trade center and was renamed Philadelphia. After the Islamic conquests, Amman became part of the Islamic Empire, until the Ottomans were forced out by the Allies, with the help of the Hashemites, who formed a monarchy that continues to rule until the present. Today, ''West'' Amman is a lively, modern city. The eastern part of the city, where the majority of Amman's residents live, is predominantly the residential area of the working class and is much older than the west. While possessing few sites, Amman makes a comfortable base from which to explore the northwestern parts of the country. Amman is a very diverse city. Palestinian, Iraqi, Circassian, Armenian, and many other ethnic groups reside in Amman. Amman never stops growing. Despite the common assertion that most Jordanians understand English, that knowledge is quite limited. Charmingly, the most commonly known English phrase seems to be "Welcome to Jordan". The only non-Arabic language used in signposting is English, and you will find "Tourist Police" near the major monuments. It never hurts to know a few useful phrases and come prepared with a translation book, or to have the names and addresses of places you are going written in Arabic for use with a taxi driver. Remember if you're [[Travelling during Ramadan|travelling during the holy month of Ramadan]], it is almost impossible to buy food from sunrise to sundown even for tourists. Big shopping malls like City Mall don't let food stores like McDonald's, Sunset and Starbucks sell food during these hours. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Most travellers to Amman (and to Jordan) will arrive via {{listing |type=go | name=Queen Alia International Airport | alt={{IATA|AMM}} | url=http://www.qaiairport.com/en | email= | address= | lat=31.7225 | long=35.993333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Queen Alia International Airport | image=Queen Alia International Airport - New Terminal - 2013.JPG | wikidata=Q721494 | content= }} Very occasionally, regional or charter flights use Marka Airport, centrally located in east Amman a few kilometers beyond the railway station. You may also want to consider arriving and departing in the airport of [[Aqaba]] and then continue with an intercity bus. First because there are low-cost flights (as of June 2021) from Athens, Milan, Rome, Cologne, Berlin, Geneva and London. Second because you may be entitled to a [https://aqaba.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/PDFs/visa%20practicalities.pdf free visa]. Either for entering in Aqaba or Amman see the [[Jordan#Visa|Jordan article]] for comprehensive and complete visa details – and possibilities to waive your visa fee. ====Arrival in the Amman airport==== Money exchange is available before passport control along with a single ATM (which doesn't take MasterCard); more ATMs are available after customs. This ATM might charge you an '''additional fee''' to your regular bank fees (up to 7&nbsp;JD), so if you have to pay the 40&nbsp;JD visa fee, you may want to exchange for it before you arrive. If you have bought the '''Jordan Pass''' (70-80&nbsp;JD) online before arrival, the 40&nbsp;JD are waived. For the Jordan Pass, you need to stay at least 3 consecutive nights in the country. At the immigration line you will pay for the visa at the first counter, and then pass through to the second counter to receive the stamp. Payment by credit card is accepted; however, the credit card machines can be unreliable so you may have to pay in cash. ====Early arrival==== If you have an early arrival flight and don't want to pay a full-day hotel for just 4 or 5&nbsp;hr staying there, you can wait in the baggage claim hall at the airport. There are some 50 seats or so available - not too comfortable but acceptable. ====Taxi==== Taxi transportation from the airport to Amman should cost around 20&nbsp;JD. Airport taxi fares are fixed. The fare is only fixed from airport to city: the taxi driver might try to secure a ride from you from the city back to the airport, often with a massive inflated price. It is not hard to get a ride from city to airport for 20&nbsp;JD. If the driver is trying to charge more, make your stand and say no. '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' operate in the city, and while the fare is usually around 15&nbsp;JD, rides have to be caught upstairs at the departures level. It can be quite expensive and unpredictable to catch an Uber from the city back to the airport. A ride at certain times of day, such as rush hour in the morning, may cost upwards of 25 JOD. Furthermore, a driver may accept the fare, take a some time to arrive, and then decline the fare upon arrival after realizing that the destination is the airport. Repeatedly searching for a driver could cause a significant delay to your arrival at the airport for your flight. ====Bus==== The [https://sariyahexpress.com/airport-express/ Sariyah Airport Express bus] leaves from a marked bus stop on Level 1 (Arrivals) and costs 3.30&nbsp;JD. It runs ''from'' the airport around the clock every hour on the hour, with additional half-hourly departures between 8:30 and 17:30. It is necessary to purchase the ticket from a kiosk located outside the airport exit. Note that during night time there is no service ''to'' the airport. Additionally, this service may be run by a minibus with extremely limited seating and space for baggage. The [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Queen+Alia+International+Airport,+Queen+Alia+Airport+Road,+Amman,+Jordanien/31.9591382,35.8582597/31.9603854,35.8709591/31.9606641,35.8811646/4th+Cir.,+Amman,+Jordanien/31.9710973,35.9077735/Tabarbour+BUS+Station,+Amman,+Jordanien/@31.9509146,35.8616355,22815m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m24!4m23!1m5!1m1!1s0x151b5402e149d31b:0x1b38522aafb395fc!2m2!1d35.9864651!2d31.7223312!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x151ca060532058f7:0x44dda05a30e053c7!2m2!1d35.8965177!2d31.9559682!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x151b600369e0fdef:0x6bdb3b76075ef54a!2m2!1d35.9197083!2d31.994726!3e0!5m1!1e4 route is]: QAIA - 7th Circle (after 20-30 min) - Six Circle - Fifth Circle - Fourth Circle - Housing Bank Complex - Tabarbour North Bus Station (after 45-60 min). From the 4th Circle, where the bus will turn north, it is possible to catch a taxi (1-1.5&nbsp;JD) from the bus stop to your hotel, but beware of taxis drivers trying to rip off the newly arrived traveler. Or just walk the last 1-2&nbsp;km. ====Post office==== There is only one post office and no postbox in the airport, in arrivals hall of Terminal 1 near the Lost and Found office. If closed, you can put your letters and postcards under the curtain. ===By bus=== The Abdali bus station is now closed; however, as of October 2018, JETT ("Jordan Express Tourist Transport", a bus operator) still has its office ({{Marker|type=around|name=JETT bus office, Abdali|lat=31.9666|long=35.909947}}) in the Abdali area, on King Hussein street, and many JETT buses leave and arrive directly outside the office. The new bus station is called {{marker|name=Tabarbour Bus Station|type=around|lat=31.994708|long=35.919719}} and is in the northern fringes of Amman. Most of the buses to the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and the various cities ('Ajloun, [[Jerash]], [[Irbid]]) in Northern Jordan arrive here, as do the buses from [[Madaba]] (1.20 JD, 1 hr, Oct 2018). Coming from the south ([[Kerak]], airport, etc.), non-tourist buses will go through the {{marker|name=7th circle|type=around|lat=31.959436|long=35.857587}} and even a little further into town from there. From the bus station/stop, you can take a taxi to the city center. As a guide, it never costs more than 2&nbsp;JD on the meter from the bus station to most places in town, so either go by the meter, or pay a maximum of 2&nbsp;JD. From Tabarbour to downtown, take Serviis (a sedan car that works like a bus) #6 to the {{marker|name=Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha)|type=around|lat=31.953615|long=35.945861}}, which is next to the Colosseum. There are 2 Raghadan stations in Amman, the one near the Roman Theater (which is relevant to most tourists) is Raghadan Al Seyaha, make sure you tell the taxi driver this otherwise you will wind up at the wrong Raghadan station and will have to catch another serviis back! In the late afternoon, when everyone is trying to get into the city, it can be difficult to get a taxi to the city, especially along the busy highway downtown. Tourist buses will stop at the South Bus Station. Also, there are numerous buses pulling into the city of Amman operated by JETT ([http://www.jett.com.jo Jordan Express Tourist Transport]) which operates from the JETT office in Abdali. The JETT bus from the [[Palestinian territories#Go next|Palestinian border]] bridge costs 7.5&nbsp;JD and takes about 1 hour. JETT also runs several buses per week from [[Baghdad]] ([[Iraq]]). As of December 2019 there are no longer bus services from Jeddah or Riyadh. Bus services from [[Damascus]] are cancelled indefinitely due to the ongoing Syrian civil war. ===By train=== Scheduled services within Jordan and to Damascus have been suspended by [http://www.jhr.gov.jo Hedjaz Jordan Railway], and they are unlikely to resume. Train excursions run occasionally, as do local services to Zarqa. Neither operate more often than once per week, if at all. Amman's tiny, charming railway station (Mahatta) with its museum is worth a look even if you do not (or cannot) take a train. === By taxi === A taxi from the Palestinian border crossing bridge can cost 25&nbsp;JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|31.955|35.925|zoom=14|name=The city center of Amman}} <!-- {{Mapshape}} no boundaries in OSM --> ===On foot=== Some areas of Amman are not easily navigated on foot. Be aware when walking through areas of Amman that are not familiar to you because the walkable route might be inconvenient. Unlike other cities frequented by tourists, tools such as Google Maps may not provide an easily traversable route even when used in walking mode. In this case, a walk that appears to be only a few minutes on Google Maps my take half an hour or longer due to unforeseen obstacles. For example, in some areas of Amman you may encounter roads that quickly become highways/expressways, roads up very steep hills, roads that lack a functional sidewalk, roads that have sidewalks but not functional pedestrian crossings at busy intersections, parts of sidewalks that are heavily obstructed by vegetation, and crossings that require the use of an overpass that is far away. It is not impossible to walk in Amman, but some areas of the city are designed primarily for vehicle traffic and it is better to arrange for a ride. ===By taxi=== Yellow and grey taxis are readily available and can be easily found anywhere in Amman. Hail them in the street as Jordanians do. Taxis for Amman will have a green logo on the driver and passenger doors. The grey ones have an advertisement on top of the car. Resist hailing cabs with another color logo; these cabs are based in other cities and it is illegal for them to pick up fares in Amman. White taxis are shared, and the driver can pick up other fares along the way, which can lead to confusion. Taxis in Amman are required by law to use meters and most drivers will reset the meter as soon as a fare is picked up. Most trips within Amman should be under 2&nbsp;JD, and even a ride from one end of town to the other should not cost more than 5&nbsp;JD. Taxis are not required to use meters after midnight and drivers often expect double the normal fare for late night trips. '''Beware''' of drivers offering to give you a short ride "for free" as a "Welcome to Jordan", especially if you're walking between the Citadel and the Roman Theater; they will then offer to wait for you to take you to your next stop, and will use the "free" ride as an excuse not to start the meter. They will then charge you exorbitantly when you arrive at your next stop. Also, be wary of the private cars posing as taxis around the bus stands and stations. They will offer their services asking you to pay as much as you want but later on insist on pocketing more money from you. In case you get one, insist paying the standard price which should not be more than 2&nbsp;JD, anything more is a rip-off. The base rate for the taxi meter is 250 fils, however, some taxis may use old meters which charge 150 fils, it is legitimate for the driver to ask you for 10 extra piasters (100 fils) on top of the quoted meter fare. Make sure though that you note the initial fare as soon as the driver turns the meter on in order not to have the driver ask you for "the 10 piasters" when he has a new meter. Drivers are not normally tipped, instead the fare is simply rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 piasters. Many drivers do not carry much change, so exact change should be given when possible. If a driver is pretending he has no change, it is likely that he just wants to keep it, so that you'll have to pay more. If you mind this, ask the driver to find a nearby shop and get change or get the change yourself from a shop or (if you don't mind being rude) look into their money box to find the change yourself. The going, negotiated rate for a taxi from Amman to the airport is 20&nbsp;JD or more, although some drivers can be talked down to 15&nbsp;JD or even 10&nbsp;JD (which would be close to the metered rate). All taxis are allowed to take passengers to the airport; only special Airport Taxis may take passengers from the airport into town. If you are visiting the Citadel, call it al'Aqal. The driver may try to convince you that the Roman theater is nicer so that he can drop you off there at the bottom of the hill. It's best to be dropped off at the Citadel and walk down the hill to the Roman theater. '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' operate in Amman. Until May 2018, they were illegal, but ride-hailing companies are now being licensed. In any case, it is still good etiquette to sit in the front seat, to make it less obvious that the driver is transporting a fare rather than just, say, a friend. ===By car rental=== There are several car rental companies located in Jordan some will even give you a driver for free if you book a car rental with them. Some of these are [http://www.hertz.qa/rentacar/car-rent/jordan/amman Hertz], [http://www.sixt.com/ Sixt Rental Cars], and [https://www.nationalcar.com/ National]. ===By bus=== Big, municipal buses serve many parts of Amman. They are used by low-income workers, working-class youth and foreign workers, but are perfectly safe. As of January 2011, the fare was 380 fils. Pay the exact fare (or overpay); bus drivers have no change! You can also load a bus fare cash card with a few JD and swipe the card past a reader as you enter the bus, but places to buy and recharge the card are rare. Most buses are numbered; some display their destination in Arabic only. Bus no. 26 conveniently travels between the old town (Balad) and the 7th Circle along Zahran Street. No. 27 goes from the old town towards the posh Abdoun neighbourhood. No. 43 passes near Shmeisani (as does no. 46) and continues along Mecca Street towards Mecca Mall. Many bus stops are marked by bus shelters, but buses also drop passengers at unmarked spots wherever it is safe to stop. Private minibuses shadow the municipal buses. They do not display route numbers, but a conductor usually shouts out their destination. ===By bicycle=== Bike tours are a good way to see the local scenery and meet local cyclists. There are a couple of bicycling tour firms in Amman. * {{do | name=Tareef Cycling Club | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TareefCyclingClub/ | email=tareef.cycling.club@hotmail.com | address= | lat= 32.005840 | long=35.855042 | directions= | phone=+962 797253641 (Montaser), +962 797601625 (Baraa) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-16 | content=It was founded in 1982 and developed into an active group in August 2007 by a former Jordanian National Team cyclist. They provide fun active weekend cycling and hiking trips, supporting all levels of fitness all around Jordan. }} * {{do | name=Cycling Jordan | alt= | url=http://cyclingjordan.co/ | email=cycling.jordan@gmail.com | address= | lat= 31.975033 | long=35.849508 | directions= | phone=+962 785552525 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-16 | content=Offers tours and weekly trips to the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. }} ==See== [[File:Amman Roman theatre.jpg|thumb|Roman theater in Amman]] [[File:AmmanCitadel.jpg|thumb|Umayyad Palace]] [[File:Mosque of the people of the Cave.jpg|thumb|Mosque of the people of the Cave]] Although the capital of a diverse kingdom, Amman is not what one would call "packed" with things to see, making it a great gateway to explorations further afield. Even so, the city does hold a few items of historical and cultural interest (allow maximum 2 days to see them). ===In the city=== * {{see | name=Amman Citadel | alt=جبل القلعة, Jabal al-Qal'a | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.9547 | long=35.9343 | directions=If you don't want to go the whole way back to the entrance when getting out, try the southern end of the fence at the very west of the citadel complex | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=3&nbsp;JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass]]) | wikipedia=Amman Citadel | image=Amman BW 5.JPG | wikidata=Q3157009 |lastedit=2019-11-13| content=A national historic site at the center of downtown Amman. Its history represents significant civilizations that stretched across continents and prospered for centuries, as one empire gave rise to the next. Settlement at the Citadel extends over 7,000 years. }} ** {{see | name=Jordan Archaeological Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.954185 | long=35.934279 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum hosts a small but interesting collection of antiquities from all over Jordan. Fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls which used to be housed here are now being transferred to the new National Museum of Jordan (see below). }} ** {{see | name=Temple of Herakles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.9538 | long=35.9349 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Temple of Hercules (Amman) | image=The Temple of Hercules010.JPG | wikidata=Q20423672 | content=Roman period remains. }} ** {{see | name=Umayyad Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.955500 | long=35.934200 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Umayyad Palace | wikidata=Q21188319 | content=In the northern portion of the Citadel, it offers a great view of Amman. }} ** {{see | name=Byzantine Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dating to the 5th-6th centuries. }} * {{see | name=Roman Theater | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.951693 | long=35.939305 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=2&nbsp;JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass]]) | wikipedia=Roman theater (Amman) | image=Roman theater of Amman 01.jpg | wikidata=Q2634316 | content=Built during the reign of Antonius Pius, 138-161AD, this impressive theater could seat up to 6,000 people. Next to it are a folklore museum and a popular culture museum which the entrance fee also covers. Next to it is the Odeon theater, a smaller theater built at the same time. There are two small museums (Folklore and Popular Traditions) to the right and left as you enter. }} * {{see | name=Roman Nymphaeum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.951692 | long=35.939306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nymphaeum (Amman) | wikidata=Q22948574 | content=A partly-preserved Roman fountain. }} * {{see | name=Ammonite Watchtower | alt=Rujm Al-Malfouf | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.957778 | long=35.904722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rujm Al-Malfouf | lastedit= | content=A circular watchtower built by the Ammonite kingdom some time between 500-1000 BC. | wikidata=Q7378836}} * {{see | name=Rainbow Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949586 | long=35.925919 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rainbow Street | wikidata=Q7284718 | content=Near the 1st Circle in Jabal Amman, this is an interesting area to walk around and explore, it is named after the old Rainbow Cinema which is now out of use, but the area has experienced a revival with many of the old houses being restored and put into use, in the area there are some cafes and bars including '''Books@cafe''' and '''Wild Jordan''', both with great views, a Caribbean restaurant, an Indian restaurant, a sushi joint, and an ice cream shop. There is a hammam, and the Royal Film Commission which sometimes holds outdoor screenings on its patio and some interesting small shops. Across the street from the British Council on Rainbow St., there is the refreshing '''Turtle Green Tea Bar''' where everything is in English and you can borrow a laptop to access the internet while enjoying your snack. }} * {{see | name=Darat al Funun | alt=The Khalid Shoman Foundation | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.953592 | long=35.930486 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=The 'small house of the arts' in Jabal el Weibdeh, overlooking the heart of Amman, is housed in three adjacent villas from the 1920s (and the remains of a sixth-century Byzantine church built over a Roman Temple), it has a permanent collection and also holds changing exhibitions. In the same area there are other small art galleries and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. }} * {{see | name=Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts | alt= | url=http://www.nationalgallery.org/ | email= | address=Hosni Fareez St. | lat=31.957977 | long=35.915086 | directions=near King Abdullah I Mosque | phone=+962 6-463-0128 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th Sa-M 09:00-17:00/19:00 (winter/summer) | price=5&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=Situated in two separate buildings and in between a (open to the) public park of sculptures, it is showing international, contemporary art with a focus though on regional work. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Jordan Museum | alt=Jordan National Museum | url=http://jordanmuseum.jo/en | email=info@jordanmuseum.jo | address=Ali Ben Abi Taleb St. 10 | lat=31.945834 | long=35.927341 | directions=right next to Palm Square | phone=+962 6-462-9317 | tollfree= | hours=W Th Sa-M 10:00-18:00 | price=5&nbsp;JD (locals 1&nbsp;JD, Jordan Pass is ''not'' valid) | lastedit=2018-10-06 | content=This is a modern and well-preserved museum. Many of the artifacts from the citadel have been moved here. A great summary of Jordan's history. The entrance to the museum can be hard to find as the pedestrian entrance is sometimes closed so you must enter through the parking entrance. The current Google Maps location is slightly inaccurate: the museum and entrance are just south of the mosque. }} * {{see | name=Abu Darwish Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abu Darwish St., Jabal | lat=31.941584 | long=35.937502 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Built in the 1920s by a private donor called Hasan Mustafa Sharkas and situated on a hill, this mosque impresses through its black and white striped walls. }} * {{see | name=King Abdullah I Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.96158 | long=35.91312 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5&nbsp;JD | wikipedia=King Abdullah I Mosque | image=Amman BW 29.JPG | wikidata=Q1574587 | content=Impressive new mosque, with a church opposite. Together, they give an interesting view. }} * {{see | name=Al Bishara Greek Orthodox Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.960175 | long=35.915038 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mosque of the people of the Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.8945 | long=35.9991 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Royal Automobile Museum | alt= | url=http://www.royalautomuseum.jo/default.aspx?id=4&fl=4_2&lang=en | email= | address= | lat=31.984107 | long=35.825973 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Royal Automobile Museum | image=Jordan Royal Automobile Museum 3.JPG | wikidata=Q1796169 | lastedit=2018-06-01 | content=A collection of cars, from the 100-year-old royal dynasty vehicles, to modern sports cars, to the Rover from the movie ''The Martian''. }} ===Around the city=== * {{see | name=Wadi al-Seer | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.856155 | long=35.796433 | directions=To reach Wadi al-Seer, head to the minibus station on al-Quds Street, just south of al-Husseini Mosque. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A region to the west of Amman, it is a small valley leading down towards the [[Dead Sea (Jordan)|Dead Sea]]. Nearby is the al-Bassa Springs, the source of the valley's river. Above the spring is the al-Deir monastery. It's a 20-minute climb up to the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Iraq Al-Amir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=15&nbsp;km from Wadi al-Seer, the {{marker|name=Caves of the Prince|type=see|lat=31.917080|long=35.751076}}, close to {{marker|name=Al Qasr|type=see|lat=31.912821|long=35.751980}}, are southwest of Amman and are great for a day tour. }} Day trips can be done to the [[Desert Castles]] '''Amra''', '''Kharaneh''' and '''Azraq''' in the east, about 30-50&nbsp;km from Amman around the nearby city of [[Azraq]]. ==Do== {{mapframe|name=Map of the region around Amman}} * See the '''sunset''' from the view point near the Citadel. But pay also your attention to the time of the muezzin call. If you listen to it from the view point, where the whole city lies before you, you get the unforgettable acoustic impression. * Due to accelerated growth the past several decades, the styles of living differs considerably as one travels from east to west throughout Amman. Visitors desiring a more exotic and traditional experience should explore "Old Amman", the central downtown, or {{marker|name=Balad|type=do|lat=31.950181|long=35.934615}}, which features many souqs, shops, and street vendors. Also known as the ''Souq'' with traditional sights and smells of the spice market, and shop for authentic souvenirs. Take a walk through the narrow alleyways and corners and negotiate (haggle) the price with friendly vendors. A maze of streets with everything from a fruit market to spices, souvenirs, clothes, hardware. Drink a cool glass of Sugar Cane juice, watch the talented young men make artistic sand designs inside the glass bottles, go and smoke a shisha (hubbly bubbly) in any of the numerous street cafes. Enjoy some tasty falafel in the famous Hashem cafe, enjoy a mansaf dish at Jerusalem restaurant or a nice slice of tasty Kanafe from Habibeh sweets. Busy crowded streets with the real taste of Jordan. * '''Abdali''', a section of downtown Amman, is being transformed into a modern center for tourists and natives. The plan includes a broad pedestrian boulevard where visitors can shop, eat, or do numerous other activities. New office buildings and residential hi-rises have been built, and more are on the way. The massive, modern Abdali Mall draws Amman's young and monied. * The '''cultural scene''' in Amman has seen some increased activities, notably cultural centers and clubs such as Makan House, Al Balad Theater, the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative, Remall, and Zara gallery. Around the 1st of September the Jordan Short Film Festival takes place. * {{do | name=Amman Waves Aqua Park and Resort | alt= | url=http://www.ammanwaves.com | email= | address= 15, Amman 00962 | lat=31.861532 | long=35.888997 | directions=12&nbsp;km from the 7th circle along the airport road | phone=+962 6 412 1704 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-18:00 | price= | lastedit= | content=The biggest water park in Jordan (80,000&nbsp;m²), opened in 2004. }} ===Learn=== There are many universities one can study in. Irbid, Madaba, and Aqaba also hold many educational institutes for foreigners. Jordan's universities are world-renowned and respected for their hospitality and methods of instruction. ==Buy== All ATMs charge a relatively high fee for withdrawing money. In Jordan you can withdraw money from your credit card in various currency exchange places. A reliable and low-priced currency exchange service is Alawneh Exchange. They have multiple locations in the city, including downtown. They charge a low percentage fee for withdrawing money from your credit card. Many locals use that agency. You need to show your passport. [[File:AmmanWakalatStreet.jpg|thumb|Wakalat Street]] If it's '''shopping''' you're after, then the pedestrian {{marker|name="Sharia'a Al Wakalat" (Brands Street)|type=buy|lat=31.957118|long=35.860740}} offers a wide selection of international brand names to choose from. Furthermore, there are the {{marker|name=City Mall|type=buy|lat=31.980525|long=35.837928}}, Jordan's biggest shopping mall, the older and huge {{marker|name=Mecca Mall|type=buy|lat=31.977447|long=35.843481}} aimed at women (walking distance from City Mall), the {{marker|name=Abdoun Mall|type=buy|lat=31.941529|long=35.880641}} (also aimed at women), the {{marker|name=Park Plaza|type=buy|lat=31.958640|long=35.869306}}, and {{marker|name=Baraka Mall|type=buy|lat=31.955336|long=35.866190}}, for those seeking indulgence and the odd US$500 to spare - all designer names. &ndash; all large shopping centers scattered across Amman. Amman has numerous antique dealers littered throughout the city. Those in the western parts of the city will most likely be served by those with a competent grasp of the English language, but you run the risk of the items being a bit overpriced. [[File:AmmanClothesMarked.jpg|thumb|clothes market at bus station]] Some interesting, original ''souvenir items'' that one may consider taking home are: * a keffiyeh, the traditional checkered headpiece of Jordanian men * an antique brass tea/coffee pot, distinctly Middle Eastern with its artistic etching and curved spout * olive wood carvings of various objects or figures can be purchase nearly everywhere * hand-crafted Jordanian daggers * hand-made Bedouin-style embroidered clothing * spices. Also '''Rainbow Street''' is populated with small antique stores, clothing, restaurants, sheesha tea shops and the well-known Falafel al-Quds, reputedly the "best" falafel in the Middle East (some Saudis even financed the opening of one in Saudi Arabia). Further down the street you will find a small park that overlooks the city. Further still on a side street, during the warmer months, is a side-walk flea market. At the end of this street and down some stairs you will find Wild Jordan. ==Eat== Amman features many different styles of restaurants, from traditional Middle Eastern fare to more familiar Western fast food and franchises. Prices range from ultra-cheap to moderate, depending on one's taste buds. For those on a budget, Arabic food is very affordable and can be obtained everywhere. Arabic food generally consists of several general basic groups. Meat dishes will generally consist of lamb or chicken; beef is more rare and pork is never offered. Shwarma, which is cooked lamb meat with a special sauce rolled in piece of flat bread, is a local favorite. Rice and flat bread are typical sides to any meal. Jordan's specialty, ''mansaf'', is a delicious lamb and rice meal, typically eaten with your hands. Arabs serve plenty of cucumbers and tomatoes, many times accompanied by a white yoghurt sauce. Another favorite is chick pea-based foods such as falafel, hummus, and fuul. One of Amman's most famous local foods restaurant is '''Hashem''' in the downtown. This restaurant is one of the favourites of the Royal family and you will see a lot of photographs of the Royal family of Jordan dining in this literal hole-in-the-wall. See the listing below. In an alley off King Faisal St. is '''Habibah''', which serves traditional east Mediterranean sweets such as baklava, but is most famous for serving a traditional dessert known as ''knafeh nabelseyyeh'' in reference to its origin from the Palestinian city of Nablus. 800 fils for a "half quarter kilo", which is enough for one person (Oct 2018). The original store is easy to spot with the long queue spilling onto the street: if you're just there for the food rather than the vibe, try the new extension that opened 100 m further up on King Hussein St. Do not forget the good surprises coming from the countless shawarma outlets and other very cheap places. ===Budget=== All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name=Zahret Al Madaen Restaurant & Butchery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Complex No 116, Quraish St 116 | lat=31.9509065 | long= 35.9365170 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Pizza Roma Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Amman Pasha Hotel, Al Shabsugh St 4 | lat= 31.9525292| long= 35.9377079| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Rouhi AlAqili Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=MadhhAr-Reslan St. | lat=31.9525207 | long= 35.9363792| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name= Shahrazad Restaurant| alt= | url= | email= | address=Basman St. | lat= 31.9515387| long= 35.9322825| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Auberge restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mu'Ath Bin Jabal Street | lat= 31.9510252| long= 35.9321172 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Shawermat Reem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the 2nd Circle | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=The allegedly best shawarma in Amman is found in this street-side kiosk. It is very famous and there are even lines at 02:00. }} * {{eat | name=Lebnani snack | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=This is a great place to eat Middle Eastern sandwiches, delicious ice cream and cocktails. }} * '''Books@Cafe''' - a beautiful old house turned into the then-first bookstore/internet/cafe. Opened in 2000 and a hot spot ever since. This cafe is on Rainbow street overlooking all of the old city (Balad) and has two wonderful terraces with the best views in Amman. Boasting a very funky interior in contrast with the classical exterior, this café offers lite fare, water pipes (argheeleh), wine, beer and the best pizza in Amman. Free wireless network and three Internet terminals. A must see. (updated May 2022) * {{eat | name=Hashem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the post office at King Faisal Street, where most of the budget hotels are near its intersection with King Hussein St. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=For 3&nbsp;JD per person (Oct 2018), you get the "mix" -- bowls of hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, fuul, fries, salad and pita | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=During meal times, the place is swarming with locals and tourists. Wash this classic Arab meal down with a glass of mint tea. }} * {{eat |name=Jafra Restaurant & Cafe |url= |email= |address= |lat= |long= | directions=Opposite the main post office |phone=+962 6 4622551-2 | tollfree= |fax= |hours=|price=| lastedit=2022-05-01 |content=A quaint Lebanese restaurant that also offers pizza and shisha. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=La Maison Verte | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=An impressive French restaurant, with excellent food and excellent ambience. A must go to place. Moderate to pricey, but it's worth it; the atmosphere alone is worth it, it's quite fancy yet very cozy. Their house specialities include "Entrecote", various steaks and a variety of sea food. }} * {{eat | name=Levant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle Behind Le Royal Hotel | phone=+962 6 46 28 948 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A very comfortable restaurant with excellent service, excellent English and excellent food. They serve "gourmet" Arabic food, which means fresh local ingredients in surprising and delicious combinations. For more information you can view their website. }} * {{eat | name=Cantaloupe | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Rainbow Street, 1 Juqa Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 7777 333 33 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A fairly trendy restaurant and cocktail bar with terrace impressively overlooking the city. Salads and fish are good, steaks are excellent. Regional and local wines are remarkably good. Service is excellent and unobtrusive. A little loud as the evening progresses. }} * {{eat | name=Fakhr al Din | alt=فخر الدين | url=http://www.fakhreldin.com | email= | address=40 Taha Hussein, St Jabal | lat= | long= | directions=when going from 1st to 2nd circle, turn right after the Iraqi embassy, then turn right at the end of this street, go past the lot on your left and then turn left again -- "Fakhr al Din" is written in Arabic on the wall of last building on the block | phone=+962 6 4652399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=15-30&nbsp;JD for a complete meal | content=A real classical of Amman's Lebanese-oriented restaurant. Quite pricey but worth it, especially if you're in the terrace on a warm evening. For local wine, try their "Gerasa" red wine. Reservation highly advised. Great place, but beware of waiters who deliver unordered food to your table. Don't accept anything you don't order. }} * {{eat | name=Noodasia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= on Abdoun Circle, in front of the Big Fellow pub | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Nothing to do with Arabic food, as the menu handles the whole map of Asia, from Thailand to China, through Japan (good sushis) and Indonesia. Nice place, excellent service and good food for the money, but no alcohol served. }} * {{eat | name=Kan Zaman | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=around 10&nbsp;km south of Amman: on the highway to the airport, you'll see a sign; Leave the highway, go under the bridge and follow the small road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=| lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Impressive medieval castle on a hilltop turned into a beautiful restaurant. The place is worth the visit. The food is pretty basic but ok. Ask for their local "Kan Zaman" red wine. Hopefully, the prices are not proportional to the size of the hall. }} ==Drink== For the coffee lover, Amman's '''Starbucks''' locations (Swefieh, Abdoun, Taj Mall, City Mall, Mecca Mall, Abdali Mall) offer various mugs, tumblers, and to-go cups with distinctive Jordanian and Middle Eastern flair. Those who crave '''gourmet coffee''' have a number of choices along Rainbow St. off of First Circle in Jabal Amman with other shops sprinkled throughout the city. '''Alcoholic beverages''' (beer, wine, liquor), can be purchased in liquor stores across the city. Most are distinguishable by an advertisement for Amstel or some like beverage outside. There are also bars up and down Rainbow St. in Jabal Amman and throughout Abdoun. Drinking age is 18 but some bars and cafes might card you and admit 21+ customers only. Jordan's national beer is aptly called '''Petra Beer''', and there are many liquor shops and kiosks around Amman where you can find it. There are two types: 'black' and 'red', which have 8% and 10% alcohol percentage respectively. The red is usually slightly more expensive than the black, but you should expect to pay 2-2.5&nbsp;JD for a {{convert|500|ml|0|abbr=on}} can at a shop. You will often find that bars prefer Amstel and other international brands and do not have Petra beer available. The local spirit is '''arak''', an aniseed or licorice flavoured spirit similar to the Greek ouzo. At 50% alcohol by volume, it is usually served with water and ice, causing the clear liquid to become milky white. For '''night clubs''' and bars visit the cosmopolitan West Amman where many Western and American franchises operate here. The nightlife in Amman is not as vibrant as other Middle Eastern cities like Beirut or Tel Aviv, however, there are a few clubs and bars in Amman. * {{drink | name=Picadelli Pub | alt=Piccadilly Pop | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.959185 | long=35.917745 | directions=At Abdali Bus Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=3&nbsp;JD for beer and wine | content=Friendly place that serves alcohol, food, and complimentary snacks }} * {{drink | name=La Calle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949441 | long=35.930832 | directions= on Rainbow street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=This multi-level bar is known for its half-price happy hour specials. }} [[File:AmmanDowntown.jpg|thumb|new and old downtown]] * {{drink | name=Jafra Café | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.952259 | long=35.930714 | directions= across from the post office on King Faisal Street (near Hashems), it is upstairs from the DVD store of the same name | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A great spot right in the heart of the downtown area. It has an old, rustic feel to it with more young locals than tourists. They have a great selection of nargileh (water pipe) and the entire menu is reasonably priced. Expect to pay about 10&nbsp;JD for dinner, including an appetizer, kebab, fresh juice and nargileh. Live music starts at 21:00 most night. There is another one near Paris circle in Jebel Al Webdeh. }} * {{drink | name=Maestro Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.958266 | long=35.921468 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Jazz and pub. There have been complaints about their entry policy. }} The main places people who live in Amman spend time during the evenings are hookah shops. * {{drink | name=Al-Mawardi | alt=Al-Mawardi Coffee and Hooka Cafe | url= | email= | address=15, Siqilya St. | lat=31.973047 | long=35.883996 | directions=South of Al-Rabia circle | phone=+962 6 5532010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5&nbsp;JD for a coffee and hookah | content=Coffee shop with traditional hookah, a wide selection of coffee and beverages. Offers Backgammon boards but no card games. }} ==Sleep== Amman has the full range of accommodation options from very basic 1-star accommodation to luxurious 5-star facilities. ===Budget=== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Cliff Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.952099 | long=35.931989 | directions=in one of the alleys in the souq nearby the central post office -- there's a small and old sign | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=5&nbsp;JD dorm | content=An option for low budget travellers. In the winter it can get very chilly, make sure that you ask for more blankets. Sometimes they heat your room if you ask for that. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Farah Hotel | alt= | url=https://farahhotel.info/ | email=info@farahhotel.com.jo | address=6 King Ghazi Street | lat=31.953011 | long=35.932929 | directions= | phone=+962 64651 443 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout=From 4&nbsp;JD for a dorm | price= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=Good backpacker option, has common area with satellite TV & movies, organises tours & very friendly English speaking staff. }} * {{sleep | name=Jordan Tower Hotel | url= | email=jordantowerhotel@yahoo.com | address= | lat=31.951787 | long=35.937440 | directions=next to Roman Amphitheatre | phone=+962-6-4614161 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From 9&nbsp;JD incl breakfast and free WiFi | checkin= | checkout= | content=Shared trips at reasonable rates to all tourist sites. Dorm rooms male & female - 2-, 3- & 4-bed rooms some with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning and satellite TV. Friendly English-speaking staff. Cheap light snacks and airport pick ups. }} * {{sleep | name=Sun Rise Hotel | url= | email=sun-rise-hotel@hotmail.com | address= | lat=31.960391 | long=35.918083 | directions=Abdali station, King Hussein Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm from 3.50&nbsp;JD, different rooms available from 8-20&nbsp;JD (depending on the mood of the manager, so take care) | checkin= | checkout= | content=One-star hotel with good location near Abdali station. Safe area, near Capitol Police Center. TV, free internet, free WiFi and air cond or fan in the room; rooms are very basic, those in the back are colder. }} * {{sleep | name=Sydney Hotel | url= | email=sydney_hotel@yahoo.com | address= | lat=31.951643 | long=35.928304 | directions=Prince Mohammad St, Downtown | phone=+962 6 4641122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=10&nbsp;JD for a single, 14&nbsp;JD for a double. Breakfast is 2&nbsp;JD | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice people, clean and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Normas Hotel | url= | email=info@normashotel.com | address= | lat=31.952057 | long=35.931636 | directions=King Faisal St. - in front of Hashem Restaurant, Downtown | phone=+962 6 465 1 465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=10&nbsp;JD for a single, 12&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Super friendly and helpful, clean and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Zidian Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949507 | long=35.917273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single from 15&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=Wi-Fi, hot shower, great view from the rooms on the back side. }} * {{sleep | name=Palace Hotel | url= | email=palacehotel8@hotmail.com | address=King Faisal St, Downtown | lat=31.951155 | long=35.933849 | directions= | phone=+962 6 4624326 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=30&nbsp;JD (with shower & satellite TV), 18&nbsp;JD (shared facilities) for a double with breakfast included | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Canary Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.957365 | long=35.918823 | directions=on Jebel Amman near the Jett Bus Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=30&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Abbasi Palace Hotel | url= | email=qaser.abbasi@gmail.com | address=Saqf Al Sail at Quraysh st | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown | phone=+962 6 4611686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=6&nbsp;JD for a dorm, incl. breakfast | lastedit= 2011-06 | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Clean and well-run. Good staff, knowledgeable and helpful. Price includes breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and internet. Free tea. }} * {{sleep | name=Al-Harmin Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=7&nbsp;JD for double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Castle Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=4.5&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Seems to be more catered to males and locals }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Pasha Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Al Shabsugh St 4 | lat= 31.9525292| long= 35.9377079| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Organizes free walking tours of Amman, and paid group tours to Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany Baptism site, Dead Sea, and Jerash. Tours are open to non-guests.}} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Al Fanar Palace Hotel | url=http://www.alfanarpalacehotel.com | email= | address=Queen Rania Al Abdullah Street | lat=31.997190 | long=35.883748 | directions=North of city centre and West of Sports City | phone=+962 6 5100 400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=60&nbsp;JD | checkin= | checkout= | content=Standard hotel with reasonable facilities. Wi-Fi in reception (3&nbsp;JD/hour). Indoor swimming pool, restaurant (but no bar). You can easily take a taxi down the road to the Regency Palace if you want a bar. Taxi cost is less than 1&nbsp;JD. Hot water can be a problem. }} * {{sleep | name=Beirut International | url= | email= | address=King Hussein Street | lat=31.964055 | long=35.913299 | directions=Near the Abdil bus station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=70&nbsp;JD, but you can get a discount | checkin= | checkout=noon | content= Good location, nice big rooms, including middle eastern breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Beity Rose Suites Hotel | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Bed-and-Breakfast/Beity-Rose-Suites-Hotel-383243130481/ | email=info@hotelbeity.com | address=Ibn Hayyan Street | lat=31.978127 | long=35.902089 | directions=Near the Specialty Hospital | phone=+962 6 5663706 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5663703 | hours= | price=from 85&nbsp;JD | checkin=14:00 | checkout=noon | content= In the progressive district of Shmeisani, next to the Royal Cultural Centre and the Amman Stock Market. Friendly hotel in an attractive setting. }} * {{sleep | name=Crystal Suites Hotel | url=http://www.crystal.com.jo | email=crystal@go.com.jo | address=Al Kindi Street | lat=31.962517 | long=35.882766 | directions=Fifth Circle | phone=+962 6 5692672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=50&nbsp;JD with breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content= Nice suites hotel in a prestigious area opposite to the Four Seasons and Sheraton, comfortable for short and long stays, mainly one and two bedroom suites, some studios }} * {{sleep | name=Gardenia Hotel | url=http://www.gardenia.com.jo/ | email=info@gardenia.com.jo | address=Abdulhameed Sharaf Street | lat=31.980387 | long=35.893298 | directions=near Safeway | phone=+962 6 5667790 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=45&nbsp;JD with breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Friendly hotel in nice and very quiet neighbourhood }} * {{sleep | name=New Park Hotel | url= | email=newparkhotel@hotmail.com | address=King Hussein Str | lat=31.955952 | long=35.931460 | directions=opposite the old court | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Two-star hotel offering rooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air-con, and central heating. }} * {{sleep | name=Gallery Guest House | alt= | url=https://gallery-guest-house.amman-hotels-jo.com/en/ | email= | address=Omar Al khayyam 28, Amman | lat=31.953382 | long=35.929994 | directions= | phone=+962 776761001 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Nice small hotel in a good location, only a few meters to the old center. The host speaks English and takes care of his guests. Roof terrace for the evening, WiFi, air conditioning and airport shuttle. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Bristol Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.bristolamman.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat=31.958867 | long=35.876406 | directions=near to 5th Circle | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very good hotel if you can put up with the ever present smell of cigarette smoke (even in the non-smoking rooms). Wireless internet works well. }} * {{sleep | name=Four Seasons Amman | url=http://www.fourseasons.com/amman/ | email= | address=5th Circle, Al-Kindi Street | lat=31.961682 | long=35.881035 | directions= | phone=+962 6 550-5555 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 550-5556 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A wonderful luxury hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Hyatt Amman | url=https://amman.grand.hyatt.com/ | email=info.ammgh@hyattintl.com | address=Hussein Bin Ali Street, Jabal Amman | lat=31.955751 | long=35.909864 | directions=in the business district at 3rd Circle | phone=+962 6 465 1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=noon | checkout=15:00 | content=A favourite of the expat set for its laid back ambiance, terrace views and quality restaurants. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Intercontinental Amman | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/amman/ammha/hoteldetail | email= | address=Islamic College St | lat=31.953282 | long=35.914017 | directions=located between the 2nd and 3rd Circles | phone=+962-6-4641361 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q20768441 | content=Another hotel popular with foreign professionals. }} * {{sleep | name=Kempinski Amman | url=http://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel/index.htm?country_group=4&id=111 | email= | address=Abdul Hameed Shouman Street | lat=31.968419 | long=35.897367 | directions= | phone=+962 6 5200 200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All the luxury of a 5-star with interesting modern art features in the designer building. }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Marriott Hotel | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ammjr-amman-marriott-hotel | email= | address= | lat=31.973074 | long=35.905800 | directions=Shmeisani Area Issam Ajluni Street | phone=+962 6 5607 607 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5697799 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Amman | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/A7F2/index.en.shtml | email= | address= | lat=31.970155 | long=35.905903 | directions=in the Shmeisani district, not far from the 4th circle | phone=+962 6 569 6511 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Regency Palace Hotel | url= | email= | address=Queen Alia Street | lat=31.976102 | long=35.906491 | directions= | phone=+962 6 5607000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Popular 4-star hotel. Some areas need updating, but rooms are comfortable. There is a very good breakfast buffet. Internet access is available in the rooms. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Le Royal Hotel Amman | alt= | url=https://www.leroyal.com/en/MIDDLE-EAST/amman | email= | address=3rd Circle, Zahran Street | lat=31.953333 | long=35.909167 | directions= | phone=+962 6 460-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 460-3002 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q6507622 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Sheraton Amman | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ammsi-sheraton-amman-al-nabil-hotel/ | email= | address= | lat=31.960596 | long=35.880181 | directions=on the 5th Circle | phone=+962 6 593 4111 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Another five-star. }} ==Cope== ===Stay safe=== Compared with other capital cities, Amman is a very safe place to visit. Jordanian police and the military maintain a tight grip on law and order. Personal safety is high in Amman - it is safe to walk anywhere in the city at any time of day or night. Serious crime is extremely rare. In 2005, some major hotels were targeted by bombers (connected with the conflict in Iraq). Security measures at all major hotels were increased as a result. ===Embassies=== Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/jordan * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Australia | alt= | url=http://www.jordan.embassy.gov.au/ | email=amman.austremb@dfat.gov.au | address=Embassy of the Commonwealth of Australia. Visitors address: 3 Yousef Abu Shahhout, Deir Ghbar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 580-7000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5807001 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | alt= | url=https://jordan.diplomatie.belgium.be | email=amman@diplobel.fed.be | address=Jabal Amman, 4th Circle (near Prime Ministry), Saad Juma Street 17 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 465 57 30 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-20 | content= }} * {{flag|Canada}} {{listing | name=Canada | alt= | url=http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/jordan-jordanie/index.aspx?lang=eng | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China (People's Republic of) | url=http://jo.chineseembassy.org/eng/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | url=http://www.mfa.cz/amman/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/arabic/embassies/Egyptian_Embassy_Jordan/Pages/Default.aspx/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Europe}} {{listing | name=Delegation of the European Union to Jordan | url=https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/jordan_en | email=Delegation-jordan@eeas.europa.eu | address=Al-Ameerah Basma Street, North Abdoun | lat= 31.957179 | long=35.881250 | directions= | phone=+962 64607000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=French Embassy | url=https://jo.ambafrance.org/ | email= | address=40 Rue Al Mutanabbi, Jabal Amman | lat= 31.953888 | long=35.904199 | directions= | phone=+962 64604630 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | alt= | url=http://www.amman.diplo.de/ | email=info@amman.diplo.de | address=Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Visitors address: Benghasi 25, Jabal Amman | lat= 31.955371 | long=35.890236 | directions= | phone=+962 6 593-0351, +962 6 593-0367, +962 6 593-1379, +962 79 553 4261 (emergency mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 592-9413 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url= | email=gremb.amn@mfa.gr | address=7, Suleiman Youssef Sukkar Str. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 592 2724, +962 6 592 2725, +962 777 230 260 (Emergencies) | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 592 7622 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Hungary | alt= | url=https://amman.mfa.gov.hu/ | email=mission.amm@kum.hu | address=A Magyar Köztársaság ammani nagykövetsége. Visitors address: Abdoun, Jaqoub Ammari Str. 13. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 592-5614 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 593-0836 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/amman/ | email=amman.kbri@kemlu.go.id​ | address=13 Ali Seedo Al-Kurdi Street, Sweifieh Amman | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5926908, +962 6 5926798, +962 7791 50407 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5926796 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iran}} {{listing | name=Iran | url=http://www.iranembassyjordan.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | alt= | url=http://www.ambamman.esteri.it/ | email=info.amman@esteri.it info | address=Ambasciata della Repubblica Italiana. Visitors address: Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Hafiz Ibrahim 5 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 463-8185 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 4659730 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/jordan/about-us/embassy-in-amman | email=amm-info@minbuza.nl | address=Abu Bakr Siraj Al-Din Street 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5902200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-20 | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway | url=http://www.norway.jo/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Philippines}} {{listing | name=Philippines | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://amman.mae.ro/en | email=amman@mae.ro | address=35, Al-Madeenah Al-Munawarah St., PO BOX 2869 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5813423 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5812521 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-06 | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url=http://www.jordan.mid.ru/ | email=rusembjo@mail.ru | address=(22) Zahran St. 3rd Circle, Jabal | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+9626 464 1158, +9626 464 2532 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 08:00 - 14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | url=http://www.swedenabroad.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland | url=http://www.eda.admin.ch/content/amman_emb/en/home.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | url= | email=tcammanbedort@index.com.jo | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 464 1251 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 464 2353 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url=http://ukinjordan.fco.gov.uk/en/ | email=info@britain.org.jo | address= Abdoun | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5909200 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 590 9279 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | type=listing | name=USA | alt= | url=http://jo.usembassy.gov | email=ResponseAmman@state.gov | address=Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5906000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5920121 | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== The bus stop at the '''7th circle''' is less than 100 m south of the circle. This stop serves the airport, Madaba (0.75&nbsp;JD), Kerak and others. The small yellow "airport express" labeled bus is easily recognized and the driver will also stop on other places if you wave at him. To reach the 7th circle from downtown take bus 41 or any headed to Wadi As-Seir and ask to be dropped of at Dawaar As-Saabe'a (7th circle). Many buses going by the 7th circle also take a turn at the 4th circle coming from Trababour Bus Station. The '''Trababour Bus Station''' serves all destinations to the north and to the western border. To get there from downtown, take Serviis (a sedan car that works like a bus) #6 from Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha) which is located right next to the Colosseum. The Trababour Bus Station is the last stop on the Serviis' route. Many budget hotels like Palace or Farah organize day tours for about 16-18&nbsp;JD which seems a sensible price, but they do not include entrance fees which could be important. These tours are open to people who don't sleep at the hotel. Classical tours are Jerash, Ajlun, Um Qais, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Baptism site, Dead Sea, and Castles. * [[Madaba]] &mdash; Just 45&nbsp;min away and known as the 'City of Mosaics' for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of Palestine and the Nile delta at St. George Church. 0.75&nbsp;JD by bus from the 7th circle. * [[Jerash]] (and [[Ajlun]] (Ajloun) Castle) &mdash; An ancient Roman City. Besides Petra and Wadi Rum, the most famous site in Jordan. 1&nbsp;h, 0.75&nbsp;JD from Trababour Bus Station. Get off right before the Hippodrome, 1&nbsp;km before the bus station, and enter down the side road through the museum. A private taxi from Amman can be hired for 8-10 JD one-way. Expect to pay as much as 40&nbsp;JD for a return trip and taxi driver staying on site while you look around. Ajlun Castle is only a short side trip from Jerash, either by bus from the junction south of the Hippodrome or by Taxi. * [[Umm Qais]] &mdash; A town north, close to the ruins of the ancient Gadara. Best reached by (rental) car or taxi. * [[Dead Sea (Jordan)|Dead Sea]] &mdash; Mt. Nebo (1&nbsp;JD) and Jesus' Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) on the Jordan River are essentially on the way, so consider them as well if you have your own car or taxi. The Dead Sea Amman City Resort is about 20&nbsp;JD with free showers and swimming pools, but no lockers, towels or mud. Taxi services for travel to the Dead Sea can be purchased for the day 20&nbsp;JD if you hail a cab from downtown, down town hotels charge 35&nbsp;JD for the same service. There are a handful of bus lines that also run from Amman on a daily basis. Bus from Mujaharin bus station to Rame costs 1&nbsp;JD. A taxi from Rame to Amman Tourist Beach 4&nbsp;JD or less. JETT offers a daily shuttle from Amman (7th circle) to the Dead Sea and back for 7&nbsp;JD oneway. * [[Petra]] &mdash; The most famous site in Jordan. JETT buses, both ordinary and all-inclusive guided tour, connect via the fast (but boring) Desert Highway. It leaves at 6:30 from the JETT bus office at Abdali and in 3.5&nbsp;hr you'll get to the bus station not even 5 minutes from the entrance of Petra. At 17:00 the JETT bus takes off again to go back to Amman. The price is 8-10&nbsp;JD one way. Time tables of the JETT Bus: http://www.jett.com.jo/SubPage.aspx?PageId=230 Also, from the South Bus Station Petra can be reached by tourist buses: they tend to leave when they are full, from 08:30 onwards (3½ hr, 4-5&nbsp;JD). Another option, go via Ma'an (7&nbsp;JD) into Wadi Musa (0.5&nbsp;JD) (town of Petra). Furthermore, for 75&nbsp;JD or less (depending on how much you haggle) you may be able to get a private taxi from Amman to Petra and back, including the driver waiting around for 6 hr. * '''King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) and border''' &mdash; The border crossing from Jordan to West Bank is King Hussein Bridge (called Allenby Bridge in Israel, but using this name in Amman is likely to cause perplexion or even hostility). The JETT bus to the border costs 11&nbsp;JD (as of October 2018), departs once daily around 06:30 from the JETT office at Abdali, and takes about 1&nbsp;hr. A taxi to the border crossing bridge can cost 25&nbsp;JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. Though the KH/Allenby Bridge crosses from Jordan to the [[West Bank]], the checkpoint on the western side is operated by [[Israel]], and plan your travel documents accordingly. Also bear in mind that the border can be closed with relatively little warning, especially if the security situation in the West Bank escalates. Once at the border crossing, you must switch to another bus (operated by JETT, 7.5 JD [Oct 2018] on its own, plus extra for luggage; or included if you have bought the 11 JD [Oct 2018] ticket from Amman) to cross over the bridge, pass through the checkpoint, then take a bus or shared taxi to travel onwards on the Israeli side. Exiting the Israeli border building, transport to Israeli destinations is more or less outside the entrance, and for Palestinian destinations turn right and go to the red buses. Expect travel from Amman to the old city of Jerusalem to take at least 3&nbsp;hr. * [[Syria]] &mdash; There were two operators (one of them called Challenge) each providing two daily services to Damascus (Sumariya-Terminal) from Amman for SYP500 (SYP50 student discount). The tour took at least 4 to 5 hr, depending on border formalities. '''However''', considering the current situation in Syria, it is not recommended you head into this direction. {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Northern_Jordan}} {{geo|31.95114|35.92409|zoom=14}} 4q8tj6mlsa1fmvd13i8ky7z7u1oyei4 4487885 4487884 2022-07-21T18:47:34Z Ibaman 195012 /* Bus */ [[Words to avoid]]: located wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Amman banner.JPG}} '''Amman''' ([[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]]: عمان ''ʻammān'') is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of [[Jordan]] with a population of about 4 million as of 2020. Amman forms a great base for exploring the country and does, despite popular belief, hold a few items of interest to the traveler. The city is generally well-appointed for the traveller, reasonably well-organized, and the people are very friendly. Although not seen as much when in the air over Amman, the city holds many surprises for the visitor. Anything can be found in Amman if one asks. Visit Amman's Roman Amphitheatre or stay in a luxurious hotel. Shopping malls are abundant in Jordan. With new construction in Abdali, in a few years the high-end traveller could eat in the most high-end restaurant, stay in a five star hotel or shop in massive malls, all a few metres from one another. Much less is being done to cater to the budget traveller, although urban beautification in the city centre (old town) is cleaning it up and making it more pedestrian-friendly. Amman is experiencing a massive (some would say: reckless) change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis, some of whose neighbourhoods seem hell-bent on wanting to imitate Dubai. Amman's roads have a reputation of being very steep and narrow in some of the underdeveloped parts of the city but now the city has state of the art highways and paved avenues. The steep terrain and heavy traffic remains challenging for pedestrians and for the rare cyclist. New resorts and hotels dot the city and there are many things for the traveller to see and do. Use Amman as a staging point for travels to nearby cities and settlements in Jordan. ==Understand== A city built of white stone, Amman's growth has skyrocketed since it was made the capital of Trans-Jordan in the early 1920s, but especially after the 1948 and 1967 wars with Israel when hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees settled there. Another wave arrived after the second Iraq war, with Iraqi refugees forming the majority of newcomers. [[File:An Ammonite-era watchtower in Amman, Jordan.jpg|thumb|Ammonite watchtower]] Its history, however, goes back many millennia. The settlement mentioned in the Bible as Rabbath Ammon was the capital of the Ammonites, which later fell to the Assyrians. It was dominated briefly by the Nabataeans before it became a great Roman trade center and was renamed Philadelphia. After the Islamic conquests, Amman became part of the Islamic Empire, until the Ottomans were forced out by the Allies, with the help of the Hashemites, who formed a monarchy that continues to rule until the present. Today, ''West'' Amman is a lively, modern city. The eastern part of the city, where the majority of Amman's residents live, is predominantly the residential area of the working class and is much older than the west. While possessing few sites, Amman makes a comfortable base from which to explore the northwestern parts of the country. Amman is a very diverse city. Palestinian, Iraqi, Circassian, Armenian, and many other ethnic groups reside in Amman. Amman never stops growing. Despite the common assertion that most Jordanians understand English, that knowledge is quite limited. Charmingly, the most commonly known English phrase seems to be "Welcome to Jordan". The only non-Arabic language used in signposting is English, and you will find "Tourist Police" near the major monuments. It never hurts to know a few useful phrases and come prepared with a translation book, or to have the names and addresses of places you are going written in Arabic for use with a taxi driver. Remember if you're [[Travelling during Ramadan|travelling during the holy month of Ramadan]], it is almost impossible to buy food from sunrise to sundown even for tourists. Big shopping malls like City Mall don't let food stores like McDonald's, Sunset and Starbucks sell food during these hours. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Most travellers to Amman (and to Jordan) will arrive via {{listing |type=go | name=Queen Alia International Airport | alt={{IATA|AMM}} | url=http://www.qaiairport.com/en | email= | address= | lat=31.7225 | long=35.993333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Queen Alia International Airport | image=Queen Alia International Airport - New Terminal - 2013.JPG | wikidata=Q721494 | content= }} Very occasionally, regional or charter flights use Marka Airport, centrally located in east Amman a few kilometers beyond the railway station. You may also want to consider arriving and departing in the airport of [[Aqaba]] and then continue with an intercity bus. First because there are low-cost flights (as of June 2021) from Athens, Milan, Rome, Cologne, Berlin, Geneva and London. Second because you may be entitled to a [https://aqaba.jo/EchoBusV3.0/SystemAssets/PDFs/visa%20practicalities.pdf free visa]. Either for entering in Aqaba or Amman see the [[Jordan#Visa|Jordan article]] for comprehensive and complete visa details – and possibilities to waive your visa fee. ====Arrival in the Amman airport==== Money exchange is available before passport control along with a single ATM (which doesn't take MasterCard); more ATMs are available after customs. This ATM might charge you an '''additional fee''' to your regular bank fees (up to 7&nbsp;JD), so if you have to pay the 40&nbsp;JD visa fee, you may want to exchange for it before you arrive. If you have bought the '''Jordan Pass''' (70-80&nbsp;JD) online before arrival, the 40&nbsp;JD are waived. For the Jordan Pass, you need to stay at least 3 consecutive nights in the country. At the immigration line you will pay for the visa at the first counter, and then pass through to the second counter to receive the stamp. Payment by credit card is accepted; however, the credit card machines can be unreliable so you may have to pay in cash. ====Early arrival==== If you have an early arrival flight and don't want to pay a full-day hotel for just 4 or 5&nbsp;hr staying there, you can wait in the baggage claim hall at the airport. There are some 50 seats or so available - not too comfortable but acceptable. ====Taxi==== Taxi transportation from the airport to Amman should cost around 20&nbsp;JD. Airport taxi fares are fixed. The fare is only fixed from airport to city: the taxi driver might try to secure a ride from you from the city back to the airport, often with a massive inflated price. It is not hard to get a ride from city to airport for 20&nbsp;JD. If the driver is trying to charge more, make your stand and say no. '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' operate in the city, and while the fare is usually around 15&nbsp;JD, rides have to be caught upstairs at the departures level. It can be quite expensive and unpredictable to catch an Uber from the city back to the airport. A ride at certain times of day, such as rush hour in the morning, may cost upwards of 25 JOD. Furthermore, a driver may accept the fare, take a some time to arrive, and then decline the fare upon arrival after realizing that the destination is the airport. Repeatedly searching for a driver could cause a significant delay to your arrival at the airport for your flight. ====Bus==== The [https://sariyahexpress.com/airport-express/ Sariyah Airport Express bus] leaves from a marked bus stop on Level 1 (Arrivals) and costs 3.30&nbsp;JD. It runs ''from'' the airport around the clock every hour on the hour, with additional half-hourly departures between 8:30 and 17:30. It is necessary to purchase the ticket from a kiosk outside the airport exit. Note that during night time there is no service ''to'' the airport. Additionally, this service may be run by a minibus with extremely limited seating and space for baggage. The [https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Queen+Alia+International+Airport,+Queen+Alia+Airport+Road,+Amman,+Jordanien/31.9591382,35.8582597/31.9603854,35.8709591/31.9606641,35.8811646/4th+Cir.,+Amman,+Jordanien/31.9710973,35.9077735/Tabarbour+BUS+Station,+Amman,+Jordanien/@31.9509146,35.8616355,22815m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m24!4m23!1m5!1m1!1s0x151b5402e149d31b:0x1b38522aafb395fc!2m2!1d35.9864651!2d31.7223312!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x151ca060532058f7:0x44dda05a30e053c7!2m2!1d35.8965177!2d31.9559682!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x151b600369e0fdef:0x6bdb3b76075ef54a!2m2!1d35.9197083!2d31.994726!3e0!5m1!1e4 route is]: QAIA - 7th Circle (after 20-30 min) - Six Circle - Fifth Circle - Fourth Circle - Housing Bank Complex - Tabarbour North Bus Station (after 45-60 min). From the 4th Circle, where the bus will turn north, it is possible to catch a taxi (1-1.5&nbsp;JD) from the bus stop to your hotel, but beware of taxis drivers trying to rip off the newly arrived traveler. Or just walk the last 1-2&nbsp;km. ====Post office==== There is only one post office and no postbox in the airport, in arrivals hall of Terminal 1 near the Lost and Found office. If closed, you can put your letters and postcards under the curtain. ===By bus=== The Abdali bus station is now closed; however, as of October 2018, JETT ("Jordan Express Tourist Transport", a bus operator) still has its office ({{Marker|type=around|name=JETT bus office, Abdali|lat=31.9666|long=35.909947}}) in the Abdali area, on King Hussein street, and many JETT buses leave and arrive directly outside the office. The new bus station is called {{marker|name=Tabarbour Bus Station|type=around|lat=31.994708|long=35.919719}} and is in the northern fringes of Amman. Most of the buses to the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and the various cities ('Ajloun, [[Jerash]], [[Irbid]]) in Northern Jordan arrive here, as do the buses from [[Madaba]] (1.20 JD, 1 hr, Oct 2018). Coming from the south ([[Kerak]], airport, etc.), non-tourist buses will go through the {{marker|name=7th circle|type=around|lat=31.959436|long=35.857587}} and even a little further into town from there. From the bus station/stop, you can take a taxi to the city center. As a guide, it never costs more than 2&nbsp;JD on the meter from the bus station to most places in town, so either go by the meter, or pay a maximum of 2&nbsp;JD. From Tabarbour to downtown, take Serviis (a sedan car that works like a bus) #6 to the {{marker|name=Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha)|type=around|lat=31.953615|long=35.945861}}, which is next to the Colosseum. There are 2 Raghadan stations in Amman, the one near the Roman Theater (which is relevant to most tourists) is Raghadan Al Seyaha, make sure you tell the taxi driver this otherwise you will wind up at the wrong Raghadan station and will have to catch another serviis back! In the late afternoon, when everyone is trying to get into the city, it can be difficult to get a taxi to the city, especially along the busy highway downtown. Tourist buses will stop at the South Bus Station. Also, there are numerous buses pulling into the city of Amman operated by JETT ([http://www.jett.com.jo Jordan Express Tourist Transport]) which operates from the JETT office in Abdali. The JETT bus from the [[Palestinian territories#Go next|Palestinian border]] bridge costs 7.5&nbsp;JD and takes about 1 hour. JETT also runs several buses per week from [[Baghdad]] ([[Iraq]]). As of December 2019 there are no longer bus services from Jeddah or Riyadh. Bus services from [[Damascus]] are cancelled indefinitely due to the ongoing Syrian civil war. ===By train=== Scheduled services within Jordan and to Damascus have been suspended by [http://www.jhr.gov.jo Hedjaz Jordan Railway], and they are unlikely to resume. Train excursions run occasionally, as do local services to Zarqa. Neither operate more often than once per week, if at all. Amman's tiny, charming railway station (Mahatta) with its museum is worth a look even if you do not (or cannot) take a train. === By taxi === A taxi from the Palestinian border crossing bridge can cost 25&nbsp;JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|31.955|35.925|zoom=14|name=The city center of Amman}} <!-- {{Mapshape}} no boundaries in OSM --> ===On foot=== Some areas of Amman are not easily navigated on foot. Be aware when walking through areas of Amman that are not familiar to you because the walkable route might be inconvenient. Unlike other cities frequented by tourists, tools such as Google Maps may not provide an easily traversable route even when used in walking mode. In this case, a walk that appears to be only a few minutes on Google Maps my take half an hour or longer due to unforeseen obstacles. For example, in some areas of Amman you may encounter roads that quickly become highways/expressways, roads up very steep hills, roads that lack a functional sidewalk, roads that have sidewalks but not functional pedestrian crossings at busy intersections, parts of sidewalks that are heavily obstructed by vegetation, and crossings that require the use of an overpass that is far away. It is not impossible to walk in Amman, but some areas of the city are designed primarily for vehicle traffic and it is better to arrange for a ride. ===By taxi=== Yellow and grey taxis are readily available and can be easily found anywhere in Amman. Hail them in the street as Jordanians do. Taxis for Amman will have a green logo on the driver and passenger doors. The grey ones have an advertisement on top of the car. Resist hailing cabs with another color logo; these cabs are based in other cities and it is illegal for them to pick up fares in Amman. White taxis are shared, and the driver can pick up other fares along the way, which can lead to confusion. Taxis in Amman are required by law to use meters and most drivers will reset the meter as soon as a fare is picked up. Most trips within Amman should be under 2&nbsp;JD, and even a ride from one end of town to the other should not cost more than 5&nbsp;JD. Taxis are not required to use meters after midnight and drivers often expect double the normal fare for late night trips. '''Beware''' of drivers offering to give you a short ride "for free" as a "Welcome to Jordan", especially if you're walking between the Citadel and the Roman Theater; they will then offer to wait for you to take you to your next stop, and will use the "free" ride as an excuse not to start the meter. They will then charge you exorbitantly when you arrive at your next stop. Also, be wary of the private cars posing as taxis around the bus stands and stations. They will offer their services asking you to pay as much as you want but later on insist on pocketing more money from you. In case you get one, insist paying the standard price which should not be more than 2&nbsp;JD, anything more is a rip-off. The base rate for the taxi meter is 250 fils, however, some taxis may use old meters which charge 150 fils, it is legitimate for the driver to ask you for 10 extra piasters (100 fils) on top of the quoted meter fare. Make sure though that you note the initial fare as soon as the driver turns the meter on in order not to have the driver ask you for "the 10 piasters" when he has a new meter. Drivers are not normally tipped, instead the fare is simply rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 piasters. Many drivers do not carry much change, so exact change should be given when possible. If a driver is pretending he has no change, it is likely that he just wants to keep it, so that you'll have to pay more. If you mind this, ask the driver to find a nearby shop and get change or get the change yourself from a shop or (if you don't mind being rude) look into their money box to find the change yourself. The going, negotiated rate for a taxi from Amman to the airport is 20&nbsp;JD or more, although some drivers can be talked down to 15&nbsp;JD or even 10&nbsp;JD (which would be close to the metered rate). All taxis are allowed to take passengers to the airport; only special Airport Taxis may take passengers from the airport into town. If you are visiting the Citadel, call it al'Aqal. The driver may try to convince you that the Roman theater is nicer so that he can drop you off there at the bottom of the hill. It's best to be dropped off at the Citadel and walk down the hill to the Roman theater. '''Uber''' and '''Careem''' operate in Amman. Until May 2018, they were illegal, but ride-hailing companies are now being licensed. In any case, it is still good etiquette to sit in the front seat, to make it less obvious that the driver is transporting a fare rather than just, say, a friend. ===By car rental=== There are several car rental companies located in Jordan some will even give you a driver for free if you book a car rental with them. Some of these are [http://www.hertz.qa/rentacar/car-rent/jordan/amman Hertz], [http://www.sixt.com/ Sixt Rental Cars], and [https://www.nationalcar.com/ National]. ===By bus=== Big, municipal buses serve many parts of Amman. They are used by low-income workers, working-class youth and foreign workers, but are perfectly safe. As of January 2011, the fare was 380 fils. Pay the exact fare (or overpay); bus drivers have no change! You can also load a bus fare cash card with a few JD and swipe the card past a reader as you enter the bus, but places to buy and recharge the card are rare. Most buses are numbered; some display their destination in Arabic only. Bus no. 26 conveniently travels between the old town (Balad) and the 7th Circle along Zahran Street. No. 27 goes from the old town towards the posh Abdoun neighbourhood. No. 43 passes near Shmeisani (as does no. 46) and continues along Mecca Street towards Mecca Mall. Many bus stops are marked by bus shelters, but buses also drop passengers at unmarked spots wherever it is safe to stop. Private minibuses shadow the municipal buses. They do not display route numbers, but a conductor usually shouts out their destination. ===By bicycle=== Bike tours are a good way to see the local scenery and meet local cyclists. There are a couple of bicycling tour firms in Amman. * {{do | name=Tareef Cycling Club | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TareefCyclingClub/ | email=tareef.cycling.club@hotmail.com | address= | lat= 32.005840 | long=35.855042 | directions= | phone=+962 797253641 (Montaser), +962 797601625 (Baraa) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-16 | content=It was founded in 1982 and developed into an active group in August 2007 by a former Jordanian National Team cyclist. They provide fun active weekend cycling and hiking trips, supporting all levels of fitness all around Jordan. }} * {{do | name=Cycling Jordan | alt= | url=http://cyclingjordan.co/ | email=cycling.jordan@gmail.com | address= | lat= 31.975033 | long=35.849508 | directions= | phone=+962 785552525 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-16 | content=Offers tours and weekly trips to the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. }} ==See== [[File:Amman Roman theatre.jpg|thumb|Roman theater in Amman]] [[File:AmmanCitadel.jpg|thumb|Umayyad Palace]] [[File:Mosque of the people of the Cave.jpg|thumb|Mosque of the people of the Cave]] Although the capital of a diverse kingdom, Amman is not what one would call "packed" with things to see, making it a great gateway to explorations further afield. Even so, the city does hold a few items of historical and cultural interest (allow maximum 2 days to see them). ===In the city=== * {{see | name=Amman Citadel | alt=جبل القلعة, Jabal al-Qal'a | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.9547 | long=35.9343 | directions=If you don't want to go the whole way back to the entrance when getting out, try the southern end of the fence at the very west of the citadel complex | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=3&nbsp;JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass]]) | wikipedia=Amman Citadel | image=Amman BW 5.JPG | wikidata=Q3157009 |lastedit=2019-11-13| content=A national historic site at the center of downtown Amman. Its history represents significant civilizations that stretched across continents and prospered for centuries, as one empire gave rise to the next. Settlement at the Citadel extends over 7,000 years. }} ** {{see | name=Jordan Archaeological Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.954185 | long=35.934279 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum hosts a small but interesting collection of antiquities from all over Jordan. Fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls which used to be housed here are now being transferred to the new National Museum of Jordan (see below). }} ** {{see | name=Temple of Herakles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.9538 | long=35.9349 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Temple of Hercules (Amman) | image=The Temple of Hercules010.JPG | wikidata=Q20423672 | content=Roman period remains. }} ** {{see | name=Umayyad Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.955500 | long=35.934200 | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Umayyad Palace | wikidata=Q21188319 | content=In the northern portion of the Citadel, it offers a great view of Amman. }} ** {{see | name=Byzantine Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the citadel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Dating to the 5th-6th centuries. }} * {{see | name=Roman Theater | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.951693 | long=35.939305 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=2&nbsp;JD (free with [[Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass]]) | wikipedia=Roman theater (Amman) | image=Roman theater of Amman 01.jpg | wikidata=Q2634316 | content=Built during the reign of Antonius Pius, 138-161AD, this impressive theater could seat up to 6,000 people. Next to it are a folklore museum and a popular culture museum which the entrance fee also covers. Next to it is the Odeon theater, a smaller theater built at the same time. There are two small museums (Folklore and Popular Traditions) to the right and left as you enter. }} * {{see | name=Roman Nymphaeum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.951692 | long=35.939306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nymphaeum (Amman) | wikidata=Q22948574 | content=A partly-preserved Roman fountain. }} * {{see | name=Ammonite Watchtower | alt=Rujm Al-Malfouf | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.957778 | long=35.904722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rujm Al-Malfouf | lastedit= | content=A circular watchtower built by the Ammonite kingdom some time between 500-1000 BC. | wikidata=Q7378836}} * {{see | name=Rainbow Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949586 | long=35.925919 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rainbow Street | wikidata=Q7284718 | content=Near the 1st Circle in Jabal Amman, this is an interesting area to walk around and explore, it is named after the old Rainbow Cinema which is now out of use, but the area has experienced a revival with many of the old houses being restored and put into use, in the area there are some cafes and bars including '''Books@cafe''' and '''Wild Jordan''', both with great views, a Caribbean restaurant, an Indian restaurant, a sushi joint, and an ice cream shop. There is a hammam, and the Royal Film Commission which sometimes holds outdoor screenings on its patio and some interesting small shops. Across the street from the British Council on Rainbow St., there is the refreshing '''Turtle Green Tea Bar''' where everything is in English and you can borrow a laptop to access the internet while enjoying your snack. }} * {{see | name=Darat al Funun | alt=The Khalid Shoman Foundation | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.953592 | long=35.930486 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=The 'small house of the arts' in Jabal el Weibdeh, overlooking the heart of Amman, is housed in three adjacent villas from the 1920s (and the remains of a sixth-century Byzantine church built over a Roman Temple), it has a permanent collection and also holds changing exhibitions. In the same area there are other small art galleries and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. }} * {{see | name=Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts | alt= | url=http://www.nationalgallery.org/ | email= | address=Hosni Fareez St. | lat=31.957977 | long=35.915086 | directions=near King Abdullah I Mosque | phone=+962 6-463-0128 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th Sa-M 09:00-17:00/19:00 (winter/summer) | price=5&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=Situated in two separate buildings and in between a (open to the) public park of sculptures, it is showing international, contemporary art with a focus though on regional work. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Jordan Museum | alt=Jordan National Museum | url=http://jordanmuseum.jo/en | email=info@jordanmuseum.jo | address=Ali Ben Abi Taleb St. 10 | lat=31.945834 | long=35.927341 | directions=right next to Palm Square | phone=+962 6-462-9317 | tollfree= | hours=W Th Sa-M 10:00-18:00 | price=5&nbsp;JD (locals 1&nbsp;JD, Jordan Pass is ''not'' valid) | lastedit=2018-10-06 | content=This is a modern and well-preserved museum. Many of the artifacts from the citadel have been moved here. A great summary of Jordan's history. The entrance to the museum can be hard to find as the pedestrian entrance is sometimes closed so you must enter through the parking entrance. The current Google Maps location is slightly inaccurate: the museum and entrance are just south of the mosque. }} * {{see | name=Abu Darwish Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address=Abu Darwish St., Jabal | lat=31.941584 | long=35.937502 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Built in the 1920s by a private donor called Hasan Mustafa Sharkas and situated on a hill, this mosque impresses through its black and white striped walls. }} * {{see | name=King Abdullah I Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.96158 | long=35.91312 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5&nbsp;JD | wikipedia=King Abdullah I Mosque | image=Amman BW 29.JPG | wikidata=Q1574587 | content=Impressive new mosque, with a church opposite. Together, they give an interesting view. }} * {{see | name=Al Bishara Greek Orthodox Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.960175 | long=35.915038 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mosque of the people of the Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.8945 | long=35.9991 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Royal Automobile Museum | alt= | url=http://www.royalautomuseum.jo/default.aspx?id=4&fl=4_2&lang=en | email= | address= | lat=31.984107 | long=35.825973 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Royal Automobile Museum | image=Jordan Royal Automobile Museum 3.JPG | wikidata=Q1796169 | lastedit=2018-06-01 | content=A collection of cars, from the 100-year-old royal dynasty vehicles, to modern sports cars, to the Rover from the movie ''The Martian''. }} ===Around the city=== * {{see | name=Wadi al-Seer | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.856155 | long=35.796433 | directions=To reach Wadi al-Seer, head to the minibus station on al-Quds Street, just south of al-Husseini Mosque. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A region to the west of Amman, it is a small valley leading down towards the [[Dead Sea (Jordan)|Dead Sea]]. Nearby is the al-Bassa Springs, the source of the valley's river. Above the spring is the al-Deir monastery. It's a 20-minute climb up to the monastery. }} * {{see | name=Iraq Al-Amir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=15&nbsp;km from Wadi al-Seer, the {{marker|name=Caves of the Prince|type=see|lat=31.917080|long=35.751076}}, close to {{marker|name=Al Qasr|type=see|lat=31.912821|long=35.751980}}, are southwest of Amman and are great for a day tour. }} Day trips can be done to the [[Desert Castles]] '''Amra''', '''Kharaneh''' and '''Azraq''' in the east, about 30-50&nbsp;km from Amman around the nearby city of [[Azraq]]. ==Do== {{mapframe|name=Map of the region around Amman}} * See the '''sunset''' from the view point near the Citadel. But pay also your attention to the time of the muezzin call. If you listen to it from the view point, where the whole city lies before you, you get the unforgettable acoustic impression. * Due to accelerated growth the past several decades, the styles of living differs considerably as one travels from east to west throughout Amman. Visitors desiring a more exotic and traditional experience should explore "Old Amman", the central downtown, or {{marker|name=Balad|type=do|lat=31.950181|long=35.934615}}, which features many souqs, shops, and street vendors. Also known as the ''Souq'' with traditional sights and smells of the spice market, and shop for authentic souvenirs. Take a walk through the narrow alleyways and corners and negotiate (haggle) the price with friendly vendors. A maze of streets with everything from a fruit market to spices, souvenirs, clothes, hardware. Drink a cool glass of Sugar Cane juice, watch the talented young men make artistic sand designs inside the glass bottles, go and smoke a shisha (hubbly bubbly) in any of the numerous street cafes. Enjoy some tasty falafel in the famous Hashem cafe, enjoy a mansaf dish at Jerusalem restaurant or a nice slice of tasty Kanafe from Habibeh sweets. Busy crowded streets with the real taste of Jordan. * '''Abdali''', a section of downtown Amman, is being transformed into a modern center for tourists and natives. The plan includes a broad pedestrian boulevard where visitors can shop, eat, or do numerous other activities. New office buildings and residential hi-rises have been built, and more are on the way. The massive, modern Abdali Mall draws Amman's young and monied. * The '''cultural scene''' in Amman has seen some increased activities, notably cultural centers and clubs such as Makan House, Al Balad Theater, the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative, Remall, and Zara gallery. Around the 1st of September the Jordan Short Film Festival takes place. * {{do | name=Amman Waves Aqua Park and Resort | alt= | url=http://www.ammanwaves.com | email= | address= 15, Amman 00962 | lat=31.861532 | long=35.888997 | directions=12&nbsp;km from the 7th circle along the airport road | phone=+962 6 412 1704 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-18:00 | price= | lastedit= | content=The biggest water park in Jordan (80,000&nbsp;m²), opened in 2004. }} ===Learn=== There are many universities one can study in. Irbid, Madaba, and Aqaba also hold many educational institutes for foreigners. Jordan's universities are world-renowned and respected for their hospitality and methods of instruction. ==Buy== All ATMs charge a relatively high fee for withdrawing money. In Jordan you can withdraw money from your credit card in various currency exchange places. A reliable and low-priced currency exchange service is Alawneh Exchange. They have multiple locations in the city, including downtown. They charge a low percentage fee for withdrawing money from your credit card. Many locals use that agency. You need to show your passport. [[File:AmmanWakalatStreet.jpg|thumb|Wakalat Street]] If it's '''shopping''' you're after, then the pedestrian {{marker|name="Sharia'a Al Wakalat" (Brands Street)|type=buy|lat=31.957118|long=35.860740}} offers a wide selection of international brand names to choose from. Furthermore, there are the {{marker|name=City Mall|type=buy|lat=31.980525|long=35.837928}}, Jordan's biggest shopping mall, the older and huge {{marker|name=Mecca Mall|type=buy|lat=31.977447|long=35.843481}} aimed at women (walking distance from City Mall), the {{marker|name=Abdoun Mall|type=buy|lat=31.941529|long=35.880641}} (also aimed at women), the {{marker|name=Park Plaza|type=buy|lat=31.958640|long=35.869306}}, and {{marker|name=Baraka Mall|type=buy|lat=31.955336|long=35.866190}}, for those seeking indulgence and the odd US$500 to spare - all designer names. &ndash; all large shopping centers scattered across Amman. Amman has numerous antique dealers littered throughout the city. Those in the western parts of the city will most likely be served by those with a competent grasp of the English language, but you run the risk of the items being a bit overpriced. [[File:AmmanClothesMarked.jpg|thumb|clothes market at bus station]] Some interesting, original ''souvenir items'' that one may consider taking home are: * a keffiyeh, the traditional checkered headpiece of Jordanian men * an antique brass tea/coffee pot, distinctly Middle Eastern with its artistic etching and curved spout * olive wood carvings of various objects or figures can be purchase nearly everywhere * hand-crafted Jordanian daggers * hand-made Bedouin-style embroidered clothing * spices. Also '''Rainbow Street''' is populated with small antique stores, clothing, restaurants, sheesha tea shops and the well-known Falafel al-Quds, reputedly the "best" falafel in the Middle East (some Saudis even financed the opening of one in Saudi Arabia). Further down the street you will find a small park that overlooks the city. Further still on a side street, during the warmer months, is a side-walk flea market. At the end of this street and down some stairs you will find Wild Jordan. ==Eat== Amman features many different styles of restaurants, from traditional Middle Eastern fare to more familiar Western fast food and franchises. Prices range from ultra-cheap to moderate, depending on one's taste buds. For those on a budget, Arabic food is very affordable and can be obtained everywhere. Arabic food generally consists of several general basic groups. Meat dishes will generally consist of lamb or chicken; beef is more rare and pork is never offered. Shwarma, which is cooked lamb meat with a special sauce rolled in piece of flat bread, is a local favorite. Rice and flat bread are typical sides to any meal. Jordan's specialty, ''mansaf'', is a delicious lamb and rice meal, typically eaten with your hands. Arabs serve plenty of cucumbers and tomatoes, many times accompanied by a white yoghurt sauce. Another favorite is chick pea-based foods such as falafel, hummus, and fuul. One of Amman's most famous local foods restaurant is '''Hashem''' in the downtown. This restaurant is one of the favourites of the Royal family and you will see a lot of photographs of the Royal family of Jordan dining in this literal hole-in-the-wall. See the listing below. In an alley off King Faisal St. is '''Habibah''', which serves traditional east Mediterranean sweets such as baklava, but is most famous for serving a traditional dessert known as ''knafeh nabelseyyeh'' in reference to its origin from the Palestinian city of Nablus. 800 fils for a "half quarter kilo", which is enough for one person (Oct 2018). The original store is easy to spot with the long queue spilling onto the street: if you're just there for the food rather than the vibe, try the new extension that opened 100 m further up on King Hussein St. Do not forget the good surprises coming from the countless shawarma outlets and other very cheap places. ===Budget=== All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name=Zahret Al Madaen Restaurant & Butchery | alt= | url= | email= | address=Complex No 116, Quraish St 116 | lat=31.9509065 | long= 35.9365170 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Pizza Roma Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Amman Pasha Hotel, Al Shabsugh St 4 | lat= 31.9525292| long= 35.9377079| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Rouhi AlAqili Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=MadhhAr-Reslan St. | lat=31.9525207 | long= 35.9363792| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name= Shahrazad Restaurant| alt= | url= | email= | address=Basman St. | lat= 31.9515387| long= 35.9322825| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Auberge restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Mu'Ath Bin Jabal Street | lat= 31.9510252| long= 35.9321172 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Shawermat Reem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the 2nd Circle | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=The allegedly best shawarma in Amman is found in this street-side kiosk. It is very famous and there are even lines at 02:00. }} * {{eat | name=Lebnani snack | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=This is a great place to eat Middle Eastern sandwiches, delicious ice cream and cocktails. }} * '''Books@Cafe''' - a beautiful old house turned into the then-first bookstore/internet/cafe. Opened in 2000 and a hot spot ever since. This cafe is on Rainbow street overlooking all of the old city (Balad) and has two wonderful terraces with the best views in Amman. Boasting a very funky interior in contrast with the classical exterior, this café offers lite fare, water pipes (argheeleh), wine, beer and the best pizza in Amman. Free wireless network and three Internet terminals. A must see. (updated May 2022) * {{eat | name=Hashem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near the post office at King Faisal Street, where most of the budget hotels are near its intersection with King Hussein St. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=For 3&nbsp;JD per person (Oct 2018), you get the "mix" -- bowls of hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, fuul, fries, salad and pita | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=During meal times, the place is swarming with locals and tourists. Wash this classic Arab meal down with a glass of mint tea. }} * {{eat |name=Jafra Restaurant & Cafe |url= |email= |address= |lat= |long= | directions=Opposite the main post office |phone=+962 6 4622551-2 | tollfree= |fax= |hours=|price=| lastedit=2022-05-01 |content=A quaint Lebanese restaurant that also offers pizza and shisha. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=La Maison Verte | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=An impressive French restaurant, with excellent food and excellent ambience. A must go to place. Moderate to pricey, but it's worth it; the atmosphere alone is worth it, it's quite fancy yet very cozy. Their house specialities include "Entrecote", various steaks and a variety of sea food. }} * {{eat | name=Levant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Jabal Amman, 3rd Circle Behind Le Royal Hotel | phone=+962 6 46 28 948 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A very comfortable restaurant with excellent service, excellent English and excellent food. They serve "gourmet" Arabic food, which means fresh local ingredients in surprising and delicious combinations. For more information you can view their website. }} * {{eat | name=Cantaloupe | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Rainbow Street, 1 Juqa Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 7777 333 33 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A fairly trendy restaurant and cocktail bar with terrace impressively overlooking the city. Salads and fish are good, steaks are excellent. Regional and local wines are remarkably good. Service is excellent and unobtrusive. A little loud as the evening progresses. }} * {{eat | name=Fakhr al Din | alt=فخر الدين | url=http://www.fakhreldin.com | email= | address=40 Taha Hussein, St Jabal | lat= | long= | directions=when going from 1st to 2nd circle, turn right after the Iraqi embassy, then turn right at the end of this street, go past the lot on your left and then turn left again -- "Fakhr al Din" is written in Arabic on the wall of last building on the block | phone=+962 6 4652399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=15-30&nbsp;JD for a complete meal | content=A real classical of Amman's Lebanese-oriented restaurant. Quite pricey but worth it, especially if you're in the terrace on a warm evening. For local wine, try their "Gerasa" red wine. Reservation highly advised. Great place, but beware of waiters who deliver unordered food to your table. Don't accept anything you don't order. }} * {{eat | name=Noodasia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= on Abdoun Circle, in front of the Big Fellow pub | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Nothing to do with Arabic food, as the menu handles the whole map of Asia, from Thailand to China, through Japan (good sushis) and Indonesia. Nice place, excellent service and good food for the money, but no alcohol served. }} * {{eat | name=Kan Zaman | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=around 10&nbsp;km south of Amman: on the highway to the airport, you'll see a sign; Leave the highway, go under the bridge and follow the small road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=| lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Impressive medieval castle on a hilltop turned into a beautiful restaurant. The place is worth the visit. The food is pretty basic but ok. Ask for their local "Kan Zaman" red wine. Hopefully, the prices are not proportional to the size of the hall. }} ==Drink== For the coffee lover, Amman's '''Starbucks''' locations (Swefieh, Abdoun, Taj Mall, City Mall, Mecca Mall, Abdali Mall) offer various mugs, tumblers, and to-go cups with distinctive Jordanian and Middle Eastern flair. Those who crave '''gourmet coffee''' have a number of choices along Rainbow St. off of First Circle in Jabal Amman with other shops sprinkled throughout the city. '''Alcoholic beverages''' (beer, wine, liquor), can be purchased in liquor stores across the city. Most are distinguishable by an advertisement for Amstel or some like beverage outside. There are also bars up and down Rainbow St. in Jabal Amman and throughout Abdoun. Drinking age is 18 but some bars and cafes might card you and admit 21+ customers only. Jordan's national beer is aptly called '''Petra Beer''', and there are many liquor shops and kiosks around Amman where you can find it. There are two types: 'black' and 'red', which have 8% and 10% alcohol percentage respectively. The red is usually slightly more expensive than the black, but you should expect to pay 2-2.5&nbsp;JD for a {{convert|500|ml|0|abbr=on}} can at a shop. You will often find that bars prefer Amstel and other international brands and do not have Petra beer available. The local spirit is '''arak''', an aniseed or licorice flavoured spirit similar to the Greek ouzo. At 50% alcohol by volume, it is usually served with water and ice, causing the clear liquid to become milky white. For '''night clubs''' and bars visit the cosmopolitan West Amman where many Western and American franchises operate here. The nightlife in Amman is not as vibrant as other Middle Eastern cities like Beirut or Tel Aviv, however, there are a few clubs and bars in Amman. * {{drink | name=Picadelli Pub | alt=Piccadilly Pop | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.959185 | long=35.917745 | directions=At Abdali Bus Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=3&nbsp;JD for beer and wine | content=Friendly place that serves alcohol, food, and complimentary snacks }} * {{drink | name=La Calle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949441 | long=35.930832 | directions= on Rainbow street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=This multi-level bar is known for its half-price happy hour specials. }} [[File:AmmanDowntown.jpg|thumb|new and old downtown]] * {{drink | name=Jafra Café | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.952259 | long=35.930714 | directions= across from the post office on King Faisal Street (near Hashems), it is upstairs from the DVD store of the same name | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A great spot right in the heart of the downtown area. It has an old, rustic feel to it with more young locals than tourists. They have a great selection of nargileh (water pipe) and the entire menu is reasonably priced. Expect to pay about 10&nbsp;JD for dinner, including an appetizer, kebab, fresh juice and nargileh. Live music starts at 21:00 most night. There is another one near Paris circle in Jebel Al Webdeh. }} * {{drink | name=Maestro Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.958266 | long=35.921468 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Jazz and pub. There have been complaints about their entry policy. }} The main places people who live in Amman spend time during the evenings are hookah shops. * {{drink | name=Al-Mawardi | alt=Al-Mawardi Coffee and Hooka Cafe | url= | email= | address=15, Siqilya St. | lat=31.973047 | long=35.883996 | directions=South of Al-Rabia circle | phone=+962 6 5532010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=5&nbsp;JD for a coffee and hookah | content=Coffee shop with traditional hookah, a wide selection of coffee and beverages. Offers Backgammon boards but no card games. }} ==Sleep== Amman has the full range of accommodation options from very basic 1-star accommodation to luxurious 5-star facilities. ===Budget=== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Cliff Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.952099 | long=35.931989 | directions=in one of the alleys in the souq nearby the central post office -- there's a small and old sign | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=5&nbsp;JD dorm | content=An option for low budget travellers. In the winter it can get very chilly, make sure that you ask for more blankets. Sometimes they heat your room if you ask for that. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Farah Hotel | alt= | url=https://farahhotel.info/ | email=info@farahhotel.com.jo | address=6 King Ghazi Street | lat=31.953011 | long=35.932929 | directions= | phone=+962 64651 443 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout=From 4&nbsp;JD for a dorm | price= | lastedit=2019-02-27 | content=Good backpacker option, has common area with satellite TV & movies, organises tours & very friendly English speaking staff. }} * {{sleep | name=Jordan Tower Hotel | url= | email=jordantowerhotel@yahoo.com | address= | lat=31.951787 | long=35.937440 | directions=next to Roman Amphitheatre | phone=+962-6-4614161 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From 9&nbsp;JD incl breakfast and free WiFi | checkin= | checkout= | content=Shared trips at reasonable rates to all tourist sites. Dorm rooms male & female - 2-, 3- & 4-bed rooms some with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning and satellite TV. Friendly English-speaking staff. Cheap light snacks and airport pick ups. }} * {{sleep | name=Sun Rise Hotel | url= | email=sun-rise-hotel@hotmail.com | address= | lat=31.960391 | long=35.918083 | directions=Abdali station, King Hussein Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm from 3.50&nbsp;JD, different rooms available from 8-20&nbsp;JD (depending on the mood of the manager, so take care) | checkin= | checkout= | content=One-star hotel with good location near Abdali station. Safe area, near Capitol Police Center. TV, free internet, free WiFi and air cond or fan in the room; rooms are very basic, those in the back are colder. }} * {{sleep | name=Sydney Hotel | url= | email=sydney_hotel@yahoo.com | address= | lat=31.951643 | long=35.928304 | directions=Prince Mohammad St, Downtown | phone=+962 6 4641122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=10&nbsp;JD for a single, 14&nbsp;JD for a double. Breakfast is 2&nbsp;JD | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice people, clean and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Normas Hotel | url= | email=info@normashotel.com | address= | lat=31.952057 | long=35.931636 | directions=King Faisal St. - in front of Hashem Restaurant, Downtown | phone=+962 6 465 1 465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=10&nbsp;JD for a single, 12&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Super friendly and helpful, clean and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Zidian Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.949507 | long=35.917273 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single from 15&nbsp;JD | lastedit= | content=Wi-Fi, hot shower, great view from the rooms on the back side. }} * {{sleep | name=Palace Hotel | url= | email=palacehotel8@hotmail.com | address=King Faisal St, Downtown | lat=31.951155 | long=35.933849 | directions= | phone=+962 6 4624326 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=30&nbsp;JD (with shower & satellite TV), 18&nbsp;JD (shared facilities) for a double with breakfast included | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Canary Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.957365 | long=35.918823 | directions=on Jebel Amman near the Jett Bus Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=30&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Abbasi Palace Hotel | url= | email=qaser.abbasi@gmail.com | address=Saqf Al Sail at Quraysh st | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown | phone=+962 6 4611686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=6&nbsp;JD for a dorm, incl. breakfast | lastedit= 2011-06 | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Clean and well-run. Good staff, knowledgeable and helpful. Price includes breakfast. Free Wi-Fi and internet. Free tea. }} * {{sleep | name=Al-Harmin Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=7&nbsp;JD for double | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Castle Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=4.5&nbsp;JD for a double | checkin= | checkout= | content=Seems to be more catered to males and locals }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Pasha Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Al Shabsugh St 4 | lat= 31.9525292| long= 35.9377079| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Organizes free walking tours of Amman, and paid group tours to Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany Baptism site, Dead Sea, and Jerash. Tours are open to non-guests.}} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Al Fanar Palace Hotel | url=http://www.alfanarpalacehotel.com | email= | address=Queen Rania Al Abdullah Street | lat=31.997190 | long=35.883748 | directions=North of city centre and West of Sports City | phone=+962 6 5100 400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=60&nbsp;JD | checkin= | checkout= | content=Standard hotel with reasonable facilities. Wi-Fi in reception (3&nbsp;JD/hour). Indoor swimming pool, restaurant (but no bar). You can easily take a taxi down the road to the Regency Palace if you want a bar. Taxi cost is less than 1&nbsp;JD. Hot water can be a problem. }} * {{sleep | name=Beirut International | url= | email= | address=King Hussein Street | lat=31.964055 | long=35.913299 | directions=Near the Abdil bus station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=70&nbsp;JD, but you can get a discount | checkin= | checkout=noon | content= Good location, nice big rooms, including middle eastern breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Beity Rose Suites Hotel | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Bed-and-Breakfast/Beity-Rose-Suites-Hotel-383243130481/ | email=info@hotelbeity.com | address=Ibn Hayyan Street | lat=31.978127 | long=35.902089 | directions=Near the Specialty Hospital | phone=+962 6 5663706 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5663703 | hours= | price=from 85&nbsp;JD | checkin=14:00 | checkout=noon | content= In the progressive district of Shmeisani, next to the Royal Cultural Centre and the Amman Stock Market. Friendly hotel in an attractive setting. }} * {{sleep | name=Crystal Suites Hotel | url=http://www.crystal.com.jo | email=crystal@go.com.jo | address=Al Kindi Street | lat=31.962517 | long=35.882766 | directions=Fifth Circle | phone=+962 6 5692672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=50&nbsp;JD with breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content= Nice suites hotel in a prestigious area opposite to the Four Seasons and Sheraton, comfortable for short and long stays, mainly one and two bedroom suites, some studios }} * {{sleep | name=Gardenia Hotel | url=http://www.gardenia.com.jo/ | email=info@gardenia.com.jo | address=Abdulhameed Sharaf Street | lat=31.980387 | long=35.893298 | directions=near Safeway | phone=+962 6 5667790 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=45&nbsp;JD with breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Friendly hotel in nice and very quiet neighbourhood }} * {{sleep | name=New Park Hotel | url= | email=newparkhotel@hotmail.com | address=King Hussein Str | lat=31.955952 | long=35.931460 | directions=opposite the old court | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Two-star hotel offering rooms with en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, air-con, and central heating. }} * {{sleep | name=Gallery Guest House | alt= | url=https://gallery-guest-house.amman-hotels-jo.com/en/ | email= | address=Omar Al khayyam 28, Amman | lat=31.953382 | long=35.929994 | directions= | phone=+962 776761001 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Nice small hotel in a good location, only a few meters to the old center. The host speaks English and takes care of his guests. Roof terrace for the evening, WiFi, air conditioning and airport shuttle. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Bristol Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.bristolamman.com/en/ | email= | address= | lat=31.958867 | long=35.876406 | directions=near to 5th Circle | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Very good hotel if you can put up with the ever present smell of cigarette smoke (even in the non-smoking rooms). Wireless internet works well. }} * {{sleep | name=Four Seasons Amman | url=http://www.fourseasons.com/amman/ | email= | address=5th Circle, Al-Kindi Street | lat=31.961682 | long=35.881035 | directions= | phone=+962 6 550-5555 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 550-5556 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A wonderful luxury hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Hyatt Amman | url=https://amman.grand.hyatt.com/ | email=info.ammgh@hyattintl.com | address=Hussein Bin Ali Street, Jabal Amman | lat=31.955751 | long=35.909864 | directions=in the business district at 3rd Circle | phone=+962 6 465 1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=noon | checkout=15:00 | content=A favourite of the expat set for its laid back ambiance, terrace views and quality restaurants. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Intercontinental Amman | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/amman/ammha/hoteldetail | email= | address=Islamic College St | lat=31.953282 | long=35.914017 | directions=located between the 2nd and 3rd Circles | phone=+962-6-4641361 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q20768441 | content=Another hotel popular with foreign professionals. }} * {{sleep | name=Kempinski Amman | url=http://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel/index.htm?country_group=4&id=111 | email= | address=Abdul Hameed Shouman Street | lat=31.968419 | long=35.897367 | directions= | phone=+962 6 5200 200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All the luxury of a 5-star with interesting modern art features in the designer building. }} * {{sleep | name=Amman Marriott Hotel | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ammjr-amman-marriott-hotel | email= | address= | lat=31.973074 | long=35.905800 | directions=Shmeisani Area Issam Ajluni Street | phone=+962 6 5607 607 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5697799 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Amman | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/A7F2/index.en.shtml | email= | address= | lat=31.970155 | long=35.905903 | directions=in the Shmeisani district, not far from the 4th circle | phone=+962 6 569 6511 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Regency Palace Hotel | url= | email= | address=Queen Alia Street | lat=31.976102 | long=35.906491 | directions= | phone=+962 6 5607000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Popular 4-star hotel. Some areas need updating, but rooms are comfortable. There is a very good breakfast buffet. Internet access is available in the rooms. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Le Royal Hotel Amman | alt= | url=https://www.leroyal.com/en/MIDDLE-EAST/amman | email= | address=3rd Circle, Zahran Street | lat=31.953333 | long=35.909167 | directions= | phone=+962 6 460-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 460-3002 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q6507622 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Sheraton Amman | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ammsi-sheraton-amman-al-nabil-hotel/ | email= | address= | lat=31.960596 | long=35.880181 | directions=on the 5th Circle | phone=+962 6 593 4111 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Another five-star. }} ==Cope== ===Stay safe=== Compared with other capital cities, Amman is a very safe place to visit. Jordanian police and the military maintain a tight grip on law and order. Personal safety is high in Amman - it is safe to walk anywhere in the city at any time of day or night. Serious crime is extremely rare. In 2005, some major hotels were targeted by bombers (connected with the conflict in Iraq). Security measures at all major hotels were increased as a result. ===Embassies=== Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/jordan * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Australia | alt= | url=http://www.jordan.embassy.gov.au/ | email=amman.austremb@dfat.gov.au | address=Embassy of the Commonwealth of Australia. Visitors address: 3 Yousef Abu Shahhout, Deir Ghbar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 580-7000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5807001 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | alt= | url=https://jordan.diplomatie.belgium.be | email=amman@diplobel.fed.be | address=Jabal Amman, 4th Circle (near Prime Ministry), Saad Juma Street 17 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 465 57 30 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-20 | content= }} * {{flag|Canada}} {{listing | name=Canada | alt= | url=http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/jordan-jordanie/index.aspx?lang=eng | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China (People's Republic of) | url=http://jo.chineseembassy.org/eng/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | url=http://www.mfa.cz/amman/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/arabic/embassies/Egyptian_Embassy_Jordan/Pages/Default.aspx/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Europe}} {{listing | name=Delegation of the European Union to Jordan | url=https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/jordan_en | email=Delegation-jordan@eeas.europa.eu | address=Al-Ameerah Basma Street, North Abdoun | lat= 31.957179 | long=35.881250 | directions= | phone=+962 64607000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=French Embassy | url=https://jo.ambafrance.org/ | email= | address=40 Rue Al Mutanabbi, Jabal Amman | lat= 31.953888 | long=35.904199 | directions= | phone=+962 64604630 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=}} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | alt= | url=http://www.amman.diplo.de/ | email=info@amman.diplo.de | address=Botschaft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Visitors address: Benghasi 25, Jabal Amman | lat= 31.955371 | long=35.890236 | directions= | phone=+962 6 593-0351, +962 6 593-0367, +962 6 593-1379, +962 79 553 4261 (emergency mobile) | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 592-9413 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url= | email=gremb.amn@mfa.gr | address=7, Suleiman Youssef Sukkar Str. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 592 2724, +962 6 592 2725, +962 777 230 260 (Emergencies) | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 592 7622 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Hungary | alt= | url=https://amman.mfa.gov.hu/ | email=mission.amm@kum.hu | address=A Magyar Köztársaság ammani nagykövetsége. Visitors address: Abdoun, Jaqoub Ammari Str. 13. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 592-5614 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 593-0836 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/amman/ | email=amman.kbri@kemlu.go.id​ | address=13 Ali Seedo Al-Kurdi Street, Sweifieh Amman | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5926908, +962 6 5926798, +962 7791 50407 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5926796 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iran}} {{listing | name=Iran | url=http://www.iranembassyjordan.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | alt= | url=http://www.ambamman.esteri.it/ | email=info.amman@esteri.it info | address=Ambasciata della Repubblica Italiana. Visitors address: Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Hafiz Ibrahim 5 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 463-8185 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 4659730 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/jordan/about-us/embassy-in-amman | email=amm-info@minbuza.nl | address=Abu Bakr Siraj Al-Din Street 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5902200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-20 | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway | url=http://www.norway.jo/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Philippines}} {{listing | name=Philippines | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://amman.mae.ro/en | email=amman@mae.ro | address=35, Al-Madeenah Al-Munawarah St., PO BOX 2869 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5813423 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5812521 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-06 | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url=http://www.jordan.mid.ru/ | email=rusembjo@mail.ru | address=(22) Zahran St. 3rd Circle, Jabal | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+9626 464 1158, +9626 464 2532 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 08:00 - 14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | url=http://www.swedenabroad.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing | name=Switzerland | url=http://www.eda.admin.ch/content/amman_emb/en/home.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | url= | email=tcammanbedort@index.com.jo | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 464 1251 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 464 2353 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url=http://ukinjordan.fco.gov.uk/en/ | email=info@britain.org.jo | address= Abdoun | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5909200 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 590 9279 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | type=listing | name=USA | alt= | url=http://jo.usembassy.gov | email=ResponseAmman@state.gov | address=Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+962 6 5906000 | tollfree= | fax=+962 6 5920121 | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== The bus stop at the '''7th circle''' is less than 100 m south of the circle. This stop serves the airport, Madaba (0.75&nbsp;JD), Kerak and others. The small yellow "airport express" labeled bus is easily recognized and the driver will also stop on other places if you wave at him. To reach the 7th circle from downtown take bus 41 or any headed to Wadi As-Seir and ask to be dropped of at Dawaar As-Saabe'a (7th circle). Many buses going by the 7th circle also take a turn at the 4th circle coming from Trababour Bus Station. The '''Trababour Bus Station''' serves all destinations to the north and to the western border. To get there from downtown, take Serviis (a sedan car that works like a bus) #6 from Raghadan Tourist Service Station (Raghadan Al Seyaha) which is located right next to the Colosseum. The Trababour Bus Station is the last stop on the Serviis' route. Many budget hotels like Palace or Farah organize day tours for about 16-18&nbsp;JD which seems a sensible price, but they do not include entrance fees which could be important. These tours are open to people who don't sleep at the hotel. Classical tours are Jerash, Ajlun, Um Qais, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Baptism site, Dead Sea, and Castles. * [[Madaba]] &mdash; Just 45&nbsp;min away and known as the 'City of Mosaics' for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of Palestine and the Nile delta at St. George Church. 0.75&nbsp;JD by bus from the 7th circle. * [[Jerash]] (and [[Ajlun]] (Ajloun) Castle) &mdash; An ancient Roman City. Besides Petra and Wadi Rum, the most famous site in Jordan. 1&nbsp;h, 0.75&nbsp;JD from Trababour Bus Station. Get off right before the Hippodrome, 1&nbsp;km before the bus station, and enter down the side road through the museum. A private taxi from Amman can be hired for 8-10 JD one-way. Expect to pay as much as 40&nbsp;JD for a return trip and taxi driver staying on site while you look around. Ajlun Castle is only a short side trip from Jerash, either by bus from the junction south of the Hippodrome or by Taxi. * [[Umm Qais]] &mdash; A town north, close to the ruins of the ancient Gadara. Best reached by (rental) car or taxi. * [[Dead Sea (Jordan)|Dead Sea]] &mdash; Mt. Nebo (1&nbsp;JD) and Jesus' Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) on the Jordan River are essentially on the way, so consider them as well if you have your own car or taxi. The Dead Sea Amman City Resort is about 20&nbsp;JD with free showers and swimming pools, but no lockers, towels or mud. Taxi services for travel to the Dead Sea can be purchased for the day 20&nbsp;JD if you hail a cab from downtown, down town hotels charge 35&nbsp;JD for the same service. There are a handful of bus lines that also run from Amman on a daily basis. Bus from Mujaharin bus station to Rame costs 1&nbsp;JD. A taxi from Rame to Amman Tourist Beach 4&nbsp;JD or less. JETT offers a daily shuttle from Amman (7th circle) to the Dead Sea and back for 7&nbsp;JD oneway. * [[Petra]] &mdash; The most famous site in Jordan. JETT buses, both ordinary and all-inclusive guided tour, connect via the fast (but boring) Desert Highway. It leaves at 6:30 from the JETT bus office at Abdali and in 3.5&nbsp;hr you'll get to the bus station not even 5 minutes from the entrance of Petra. At 17:00 the JETT bus takes off again to go back to Amman. The price is 8-10&nbsp;JD one way. Time tables of the JETT Bus: http://www.jett.com.jo/SubPage.aspx?PageId=230 Also, from the South Bus Station Petra can be reached by tourist buses: they tend to leave when they are full, from 08:30 onwards (3½ hr, 4-5&nbsp;JD). Another option, go via Ma'an (7&nbsp;JD) into Wadi Musa (0.5&nbsp;JD) (town of Petra). Furthermore, for 75&nbsp;JD or less (depending on how much you haggle) you may be able to get a private taxi from Amman to Petra and back, including the driver waiting around for 6 hr. * '''King Hussein Bridge (Allenby Bridge) and border''' &mdash; The border crossing from Jordan to West Bank is King Hussein Bridge (called Allenby Bridge in Israel, but using this name in Amman is likely to cause perplexion or even hostility). The JETT bus to the border costs 11&nbsp;JD (as of October 2018), departs once daily around 06:30 from the JETT office at Abdali, and takes about 1&nbsp;hr. A taxi to the border crossing bridge can cost 25&nbsp;JD and takes one hour, depending on which of the three border crossing points you use. Though the KH/Allenby Bridge crosses from Jordan to the [[West Bank]], the checkpoint on the western side is operated by [[Israel]], and plan your travel documents accordingly. Also bear in mind that the border can be closed with relatively little warning, especially if the security situation in the West Bank escalates. Once at the border crossing, you must switch to another bus (operated by JETT, 7.5 JD [Oct 2018] on its own, plus extra for luggage; or included if you have bought the 11 JD [Oct 2018] ticket from Amman) to cross over the bridge, pass through the checkpoint, then take a bus or shared taxi to travel onwards on the Israeli side. Exiting the Israeli border building, transport to Israeli destinations is more or less outside the entrance, and for Palestinian destinations turn right and go to the red buses. Expect travel from Amman to the old city of Jerusalem to take at least 3&nbsp;hr. * [[Syria]] &mdash; There were two operators (one of them called Challenge) each providing two daily services to Damascus (Sumariya-Terminal) from Amman for SYP500 (SYP50 student discount). The tour took at least 4 to 5 hr, depending on border formalities. '''However''', considering the current situation in Syria, it is not recommended you head into this direction. {{usablecity}} {{isPartOf|Northern_Jordan}} {{geo|31.95114|35.92409|zoom=14}} 6nghyklt25xrorbrxtwh20gjzkk9r44 0 1223 4488120 4486422 2022-07-22T07:14:07Z wikitext text/x-wiki 4488124 4488120 2022-07-22T07:28:45Z SHB2000 2248002 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/109.42.115.124|109.42.115.124]] ([[User talk:109.42.115.124|talk]]) to last version by [[User:Antandrus|Antandrus]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:TaMokLake.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Ta Mok's eerie lake looms on the edge of Anlong Veng]] '''Anlong Veng''' is a district and small town in the Oddar Meanchey Province of northwest Cambodia. Its sole claim to notability is its connection to the later days of the Khmer Rouge. Pol Pot, Ta Mok, Son Sen, and Khieu Samphan, the leaders of the organisation, all had homes here. The district also holds the graves of Pol Pot and Ta Mok, as well as the remnants of the structure where Pol Pot was convicted of crimes against the Cambodian people. What might otherwise be an overly morbid itinerary is redeemed by the stunning mountain scenery. There is a border crossing with [[Thailand]]'s [[Si Saket (province)|Si Saket Province]] 13 km north of Anlong Veng town. ==Understand== Anlong Veng is at a crossroads, literally and perhaps metaphorically. Once its inaccessibility made it attractive to Khmer Rouge fugitives, it is now at the hub of four glorious asphalt highways which blaze trails through the undeveloped hinterland of [[North-western Cambodia]]. Hwy 67 runs north to Choam and the border with Chong Sa-Ngam in [[Thailand]] bringing an influx of traders. It continues south to [[Siem Reap]] and its temples. The east-west highway connects the town with its provincial capital, [[Samraong]], in the west and the disputed [[Preah Vihear]] temples in the east. The town of 70,000 people (2018) is centred on a roundabout near the market. This is where the road to Preah Vihear meets Hwy 67. The town spreads north towards the man-made lake (see below) and the junction of the road to [[Samraong]]. ==Get in== ===By bus=== Next to the roundabout are the offices of '''G.S.T''' and '''Angkor Paramount Transport''' which both run buses to and from [[Siem Reap]] (2 hr, US$4, twice daily), and [[Sra Em]] (2 hr, once daily) for [[Preah Vihear]]. ===By taxi=== Share-taxis and pick-up trucks connect with [[Siem Reap]] (2 hr), [[Samraong]] (1 hr), Tbeng Meanchey (2 hr) and others. The four main roads to Anlong Veng are now all sealed. On the [[Thailand| Thai]] side, the international border crossing is at the border of [[Surin (province)|Surin Province]] and [[Si Saket (province)|Si Saket Province]] and is accessible from either. The nearest town is Khu Khan in Si Saket Province. From [[Surin]] train station to the border takes about 1½ hr. On the Cambodian side, moto-taxis and pick-up trucks are available in the tiny bazaar. ==Get around== The town is easy enough to cover on foot. Moto-taxis are eager to take the town's few visitors to the sites listed below for US$7-15. If haggling isn't your strong point and you're not desperate to see every last heap that has a connection with the Khmer Rouge, better prices can be had by taking on a motorbike driver for one-way journeys only. A motorbike to or from the border area should only be US$3-4. The sights in town can be reached on foot. Plenty of drivers hang about at the border, so don't fear being stranded. ==See== The below sights are either within the town or about 14 km up in the hills near the Choam border point. ===In Anlong Veng=== * {{see | name=Anlong Veng Lake and Spillway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 500 m N of the roundabout, the road comes very close to the lake | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This man-made lake was conceived and carried out by Ta Mok. Many large trees were killed by the flooding, and their trunks jut skywards like huge grey bones. The lake is unsettling to look at, but local people love the spillway created in the rainy season. Fishing, boating and the general splashing around are available, with just as many spectators as participants.}} * {{see | name=Ta Mok's Town House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=the track to the house is about 1 km N of roundabout on the road to the border | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The best-preserved of the Khmer Rouge houses, Ta Mok's house in town overlooks the eerie lake that Brother Number Four created himself. Murals of [[Angkor Wat]] and [[Preah Vihear]], as well as a map of Cambodia and a strangely bucolic scene of bathing elephants decorate the walls and are, as yet, undamaged by graffiti.}} ===In the hills=== [[Image:Graf pol pot.JPG|thumb|right|Grave of Khmer Rouge dictator Pol Pot.]] * {{see | name=Pol Pot's Grave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Prepare to be underwhelmed. A tin roof and a sign urging visitors to keep the area clean are all the tribute given to Brother Number One by his country. Oddly enough a Thai lottery winner has erected a spirit house on the site in honour of the former Khmer Rouge leader, who he claims, appeared to him in a dream with the winning numbers. A small pack of children often materialises when visitors arrive.}} * {{see | name=Pol Pot's House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not much left here but a shell of a house, overgrown with foliage and 'decorated' with profane graffiti. Water storage tanks, an underground chamber and a nearby pond round off the excitement. The motorcycle ride to the site is the real attraction, passing through fields and jungle in the Damrek Mountains. You will see Cambodia's iconic 'Danger! Mines!' signs on many of the trees. Do not, under any circumstances, venture off the road. Unfortunately, these mines are still regularly killing and maiming Cambodians.}} * {{see | name=Ta Mok's Mountain House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Graffiti artists have been at it again with this little shell although this time, it's mostly young lovers proclaiming their eternal fidelity. Considering the amazing views from this site, it's not surprising that it should have become a regular make-out hill. Oddly enough, there are not one but two tiny spirit houses nearby, ostensibly, recent additions. A guesthouse has also been built less than 100 m away, taking advantage of the view. Those who don't fancy a night up here can relax with a beer in one of the many hammocks. The landmine warning applies to the road here as well.}} ===Between the two=== * {{see | name=Ta Mok's Grave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 7 km N of town | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ta Mok's gravesite seems poised to become a much grander monument than Pol Pot's.}} ==Do== An interesting few hours can be spent touring all the above sites, with plenty of vista stops and little encounters with surprisingly friendly local people. Moto-taxi drivers can arrange an itinerary. Over Pol Pot's dead body will there be a casino in Anlong Veng. And so there is: in Choam, opposite brother number one's final resting place (give or take relic looters) is a '''casino resort'''. The casino is up and running, the adjoining resort is still under construction. ==Buy== The market has the requisite cheap clothing, rambutans, and motorcycle parts. There are a few pharmacies. There is an ATM at the ACLeda Bank, east of the central roundabout. It accepts only Visa, not MasterCard. ==Eat== Khmer rice plates can be bought in various places. Just look for the lidded silver cook pots, have a peek inside them and point at your favourite. ==Drink== Places selling soft drinks and coconut water often have beer in their coolers as well. ==Sleep== There are a few guesthouses in town, in addition to the place near Ta Mok's mountain house. Ask the moto-taxi drivers for advice. ===In town=== *{{sleep | name=Monrom Guesthouse and Restaurant | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite the hospital, north of the roundabout | phone=+855 11 884736 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$8 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The king of Khmer kitsch with ostentatious furniture complemented with fairy lights. Rooms are clean and spacious. Air-con rooms are available for US$15. Has a restaurant.}} *{{sleep | name=New Lucky Star Guesthouse and Restaurant | url= | email= | address=Ochinchean Village | lat= | long= | directions=200 m east of the roundabout | phone=+855 11 407585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$7.50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Clean, spacious and secure. Has plenty of polished wooden furniture. Air-con rooms are available. Has a restaurant.}} *{{sleep | name=Raksmey Angkor Guesthouse | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions=Next to the Paramount Angkor Transport offices, not far north of the roundabout | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$5 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit small and run-down, but run by a very nice family. Fan and en suite toilet.}} *{{sleep | name=Sokhaith Guesthouse | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite the man-made lake, about 600 m north of the roundabout | phone=+855 11 407585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$5 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Clean and spacious. It lacks the pretentious adornments that Monrom and New Lucky Star boast, making it less appealing to Khmer politicians and businessmen, and therefore more appealing to anyone who doesn't like watching fat, rich men with prostitutes. Haggling is necessary to get a room for US$5, and the initial US$7 for a room with a fan is not worth it given what else is in town. Air-con rooms are available from US$10. The lakeside setting is a plus, but comes at the price of being a little way from the centre.}} ===In the hills=== *{{sleep | name=Heng Heng Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=follow the signposts in Choam Market | phone=+855 65 6782121, +855 12 426678 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$9 | content=A set of rooms in Choam. Air-con rooms are available (US$15).}} ==Connect== There is Internet cafe. It is about 50 m north of the roundabout at the market. US$0.75/hr. ==Go next== * [[Preah Vihear]] * [[Samraong]] * [[Siem Reap]] and [[Angkor Archaeological Park]] * [[Thailand]] - in Choam, near Pol Pot's cremation site, one can cross to Chong Sa-Ngam in Thailand. The crossing is open to foreigners (07:00-20:00). On the Thai side, transport connections are fairly informal (i.e., hitching a lift with anything going is standard practice). More formal transport can be supplied by a Thai border guard called Iing, who can arrange taxis. Call him on {{phone|+66 81 9271191}}. The best option appears to be the minibuses and pickup trucks that take Thais to the casino in Choam. They should be able to get travellers to Khu Khan, the closest Thai town. Khu Khan has accommodation, banks, ATMs, and direct bus services to [[Bangkok]], [[Nakhon Ratchasima|Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)]], [[Pattaya]], [[Rayong]], [[Si Saket]] and [[Ubon Ratchathani]]. Westbound and Ubon-bound buses can be boarded at the junction of Hwy 24 and 2201, about 30 km from the border and about 15 km from Khu Khan. On the Cambodian side, motorbike drivers loiter near immigration and will get travellers into Anlong Veng for US$3-4. Choam has at least one guesthouse, so do not worry about arriving at the border late, unless you get stuck on the Thai side, which has very little to offer, except an excellent swimming spot at a reservoir behind the shabby looking market. {{geo|14.2333|104.0833}} {{IsPartOf|North-western Cambodia}} {{usablecity}} t2yvd769fiks3qe5rnp7698d185pmbj 4488132 4488124 2022-07-22T07:42:17Z SHB2000 2248002 link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:TaMokLake.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Ta Mok's eerie lake looms on the edge of Anlong Veng]] '''Anlong Veng''' is a district and small town in the Oddar Meanchey Province of [[north-western Cambodia]]. Its sole claim to notability is its connection to the later days of the Khmer Rouge. Pol Pot, Ta Mok, Son Sen, and Khieu Samphan, the leaders of the organisation, all had homes here. The district also holds the graves of Pol Pot and Ta Mok, as well as the remnants of the structure where Pol Pot was convicted of crimes against the Cambodian people. What might otherwise be an overly morbid itinerary is redeemed by the stunning mountain scenery. There is a border crossing with [[Thailand]]'s [[Si Saket (province)|Si Saket Province]] 13 km north of Anlong Veng town. ==Understand== Anlong Veng is at a crossroads, literally and perhaps metaphorically. Once its inaccessibility made it attractive to Khmer Rouge fugitives, it is now at the hub of four glorious asphalt highways which blaze trails through the undeveloped hinterland of [[North-western Cambodia]]. Hwy 67 runs north to Choam and the border with Chong Sa-Ngam in [[Thailand]] bringing an influx of traders. It continues south to [[Siem Reap]] and its temples. The east-west highway connects the town with its provincial capital, [[Samraong]], in the west and the disputed [[Preah Vihear]] temples in the east. The town of 70,000 people (2018) is centred on a roundabout near the market. This is where the road to Preah Vihear meets Hwy 67. The town spreads north towards the man-made lake (see below) and the junction of the road to [[Samraong]]. ==Get in== ===By bus=== Next to the roundabout are the offices of '''G.S.T''' and '''Angkor Paramount Transport''' which both run buses to and from [[Siem Reap]] (2 hr, US$4, twice daily), and [[Sra Em]] (2 hr, once daily) for [[Preah Vihear]]. ===By taxi=== Share-taxis and pick-up trucks connect with [[Siem Reap]] (2 hr), [[Samraong]] (1 hr), Tbeng Meanchey (2 hr) and others. The four main roads to Anlong Veng are now all sealed. On the [[Thailand| Thai]] side, the international border crossing is at the border of [[Surin (province)|Surin Province]] and [[Si Saket (province)|Si Saket Province]] and is accessible from either. The nearest town is Khu Khan in Si Saket Province. From [[Surin]] train station to the border takes about 1½ hr. On the Cambodian side, moto-taxis and pick-up trucks are available in the tiny bazaar. ==Get around== The town is easy enough to cover on foot. Moto-taxis are eager to take the town's few visitors to the sites listed below for US$7-15. If haggling isn't your strong point and you're not desperate to see every last heap that has a connection with the Khmer Rouge, better prices can be had by taking on a motorbike driver for one-way journeys only. A motorbike to or from the border area should only be US$3-4. The sights in town can be reached on foot. Plenty of drivers hang about at the border, so don't fear being stranded. ==See== The below sights are either within the town or about 14 km up in the hills near the Choam border point. ===In Anlong Veng=== * {{see | name=Anlong Veng Lake and Spillway | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 500 m N of the roundabout, the road comes very close to the lake | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This man-made lake was conceived and carried out by Ta Mok. Many large trees were killed by the flooding, and their trunks jut skywards like huge grey bones. The lake is unsettling to look at, but local people love the spillway created in the rainy season. Fishing, boating and the general splashing around are available, with just as many spectators as participants.}} * {{see | name=Ta Mok's Town House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=the track to the house is about 1 km N of roundabout on the road to the border | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The best-preserved of the Khmer Rouge houses, Ta Mok's house in town overlooks the eerie lake that Brother Number Four created himself. Murals of [[Angkor Wat]] and [[Preah Vihear]], as well as a map of Cambodia and a strangely bucolic scene of bathing elephants decorate the walls and are, as yet, undamaged by graffiti.}} ===In the hills=== [[Image:Graf pol pot.JPG|thumb|right|Grave of Khmer Rouge dictator Pol Pot.]] * {{see | name=Pol Pot's Grave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Prepare to be underwhelmed. A tin roof and a sign urging visitors to keep the area clean are all the tribute given to Brother Number One by his country. Oddly enough a Thai lottery winner has erected a spirit house on the site in honour of the former Khmer Rouge leader, who he claims, appeared to him in a dream with the winning numbers. A small pack of children often materialises when visitors arrive.}} * {{see | name=Pol Pot's House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not much left here but a shell of a house, overgrown with foliage and 'decorated' with profane graffiti. Water storage tanks, an underground chamber and a nearby pond round off the excitement. The motorcycle ride to the site is the real attraction, passing through fields and jungle in the Damrek Mountains. You will see Cambodia's iconic 'Danger! Mines!' signs on many of the trees. Do not, under any circumstances, venture off the road. Unfortunately, these mines are still regularly killing and maiming Cambodians.}} * {{see | name=Ta Mok's Mountain House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Graffiti artists have been at it again with this little shell although this time, it's mostly young lovers proclaiming their eternal fidelity. Considering the amazing views from this site, it's not surprising that it should have become a regular make-out hill. Oddly enough, there are not one but two tiny spirit houses nearby, ostensibly, recent additions. A guesthouse has also been built less than 100 m away, taking advantage of the view. Those who don't fancy a night up here can relax with a beer in one of the many hammocks. The landmine warning applies to the road here as well.}} ===Between the two=== * {{see | name=Ta Mok's Grave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=about 7 km N of town | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ta Mok's gravesite seems poised to become a much grander monument than Pol Pot's.}} ==Do== An interesting few hours can be spent touring all the above sites, with plenty of vista stops and little encounters with surprisingly friendly local people. Moto-taxi drivers can arrange an itinerary. Over Pol Pot's dead body will there be a casino in Anlong Veng. And so there is: in Choam, opposite brother number one's final resting place (give or take relic looters) is a '''casino resort'''. The casino is up and running, the adjoining resort is still under construction. ==Buy== The market has the requisite cheap clothing, rambutans, and motorcycle parts. There are a few pharmacies. There is an ATM at the ACLeda Bank, east of the central roundabout. It accepts only Visa, not MasterCard. ==Eat== Khmer rice plates can be bought in various places. Just look for the lidded silver cook pots, have a peek inside them and point at your favourite. ==Drink== Places selling soft drinks and coconut water often have beer in their coolers as well. ==Sleep== There are a few guesthouses in town, in addition to the place near Ta Mok's mountain house. Ask the moto-taxi drivers for advice. ===In town=== *{{sleep | name=Monrom Guesthouse and Restaurant | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite the hospital, north of the roundabout | phone=+855 11 884736 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$8 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The king of Khmer kitsch with ostentatious furniture complemented with fairy lights. Rooms are clean and spacious. Air-con rooms are available for US$15. Has a restaurant.}} *{{sleep | name=New Lucky Star Guesthouse and Restaurant | url= | email= | address=Ochinchean Village | lat= | long= | directions=200 m east of the roundabout | phone=+855 11 407585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$7.50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Clean, spacious and secure. Has plenty of polished wooden furniture. Air-con rooms are available. Has a restaurant.}} *{{sleep | name=Raksmey Angkor Guesthouse | url= | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions=Next to the Paramount Angkor Transport offices, not far north of the roundabout | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$5 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit small and run-down, but run by a very nice family. Fan and en suite toilet.}} *{{sleep | name=Sokhaith Guesthouse | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=opposite the man-made lake, about 600 m north of the roundabout | phone=+855 11 407585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$5 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Clean and spacious. It lacks the pretentious adornments that Monrom and New Lucky Star boast, making it less appealing to Khmer politicians and businessmen, and therefore more appealing to anyone who doesn't like watching fat, rich men with prostitutes. Haggling is necessary to get a room for US$5, and the initial US$7 for a room with a fan is not worth it given what else is in town. Air-con rooms are available from US$10. The lakeside setting is a plus, but comes at the price of being a little way from the centre.}} ===In the hills=== *{{sleep | name=Heng Heng Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=follow the signposts in Choam Market | phone=+855 65 6782121, +855 12 426678 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$9 | content=A set of rooms in Choam. Air-con rooms are available (US$15).}} ==Connect== There is Internet cafe. It is about 50 m north of the roundabout at the market. US$0.75/hr. ==Go next== * [[Preah Vihear]] * [[Samraong]] * [[Siem Reap]] and [[Angkor Archaeological Park]] * [[Thailand]] - in Choam, near Pol Pot's cremation site, one can cross to Chong Sa-Ngam in Thailand. The crossing is open to foreigners (07:00-20:00). On the Thai side, transport connections are fairly informal (i.e., hitching a lift with anything going is standard practice). More formal transport can be supplied by a Thai border guard called Iing, who can arrange taxis. Call him on {{phone|+66 81 9271191}}. The best option appears to be the minibuses and pickup trucks that take Thais to the casino in Choam. They should be able to get travellers to Khu Khan, the closest Thai town. Khu Khan has accommodation, banks, ATMs, and direct bus services to [[Bangkok]], [[Nakhon Ratchasima|Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)]], [[Pattaya]], [[Rayong]], [[Si Saket]] and [[Ubon Ratchathani]]. Westbound and Ubon-bound buses can be boarded at the junction of Hwy 24 and 2201, about 30 km from the border and about 15 km from Khu Khan. On the Cambodian side, motorbike drivers loiter near immigration and will get travellers into Anlong Veng for US$3-4. Choam has at least one guesthouse, so do not worry about arriving at the border late, unless you get stuck on the Thai side, which has very little to offer, except an excellent swimming spot at a reservoir behind the shabby looking market. {{geo|14.2333|104.0833}} {{IsPartOf|North-western Cambodia}} {{usablecity}} 46td0tmpkbyntpzyxseeaeaxlrfxzr9 0 1811 4487902 4415397 2022-07-21T19:38:08Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* By plane */ convert bullet to Go template, add wikidata ID wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gordon K. Bush Airport | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url= | email= | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url= | email= | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} *'''Burrito Buggy''' A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} *'''Stephen's''' End of Court St. Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 1u9ctkbijie5b1ne4yqf5zkvp2yoscp 4487903 4487902 2022-07-21T19:38:24Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* By plane */ Updated listing for John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport - fetch data from wikidata wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gordon K. Bush Airport | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url= | email= | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url= | email= | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} *'''Burrito Buggy''' A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} *'''Stephen's''' End of Court St. Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} bhhdqhllt7e3xm200pn1jqv15124pao 4487904 4487903 2022-07-21T19:39:06Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* By plane */ Updated listing for Gordon K. Bush Airport - fetch image from wikidata wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url= | email= | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url= | email= | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} *'''Burrito Buggy''' A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} *'''Stephen's''' End of Court St. Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 765bsgvo8iui4iufbvn4aeccrlkn9w6 4487906 4487904 2022-07-21T19:47:10Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Eat */ Updated listing for O'Betty's Red Hot - add website and details wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url= | email= | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} *'''Burrito Buggy''' A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} *'''Stephen's''' End of Court St. Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} bjbc1oocyeqf95s50er90ha2b3zwkbm 4487907 4487906 2022-07-21T19:49:54Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Avalanche Pizza - add website and phone wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url= | email= | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} *'''Burrito Buggy''' A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} *'''Stephen's''' End of Court St. Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} rp9k4egggtcrv9vhcf3z59z3lwcn1n3 4487908 4487907 2022-07-21T19:51:05Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Bagel Street Deli - add website, telephone, and email wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url= | email= | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} *'''Burrito Buggy''' A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} *'''Stephen's''' End of Court St. Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} o7nl5lcrcyng8zweskmas1kv8rstt90 4487910 4487908 2022-07-21T19:52:50Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Donkey Coffee - add website, phone, email wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} *'''Burrito Buggy''' A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} *'''Stephen's''' End of Court St. Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 5cgzm4hpy79loai0zsak5rsegek0ujk 4487911 4487910 2022-07-21T19:55:13Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Big Mamma's Burritos - add website and phone wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} *'''Burrito Buggy''' A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} *'''Stephen's''' End of Court St. Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} rlnxq0vel1umquvjryscn6ja6942ozq 4487929 4487911 2022-07-21T20:15:30Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Eat */ convert bullet points to template, add website and details to Stephen's wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 1p4qvu67miybxwau7b459du67o99mzz 4487932 4487929 2022-07-21T20:17:15Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Pubs */ Updated listing for Pigskin Bar and Grill - add website, address, phone wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 12pbdpcf9l9xlhldcszd1o5hb77c24m 4487934 4487932 2022-07-21T20:19:08Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Pubs */ Updated listing for Casa Nueva & Cantina - add website, phone, and email wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 7afal0byqv04zkoatttme9985wmt8pe 4487935 4487934 2022-07-21T20:21:17Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Bars */ Updated listing for The C.I. - add website and phone wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} grvwndrjlo237crb85kqpeo48v0xyun 4487937 4487935 2022-07-21T20:22:01Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Bars */ Updated listing for Cat's Eye - add website and phone wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 3hbxpw1l43mwx3vr12vzhw31ss535mj 4487939 4487937 2022-07-21T20:23:10Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Bars */ Updated listing for Broney's - add website and phone wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 9yb9qdjl013fn8x201oc96b7et3lhli 4487940 4487939 2022-07-21T20:24:28Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Bars */ Updated listing for Courtside - add address, website, phone, email wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/facilities/golf-course/index.cfm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url=https://courtsidepizza.com/ | email=courtsidepizza@yahoo.com | address=85 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-9999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} ngqew1fxdrj3hzx1ofs0hnsmvsmihj6 4487941 4487940 2022-07-21T20:28:51Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Sports */ Updated listing for Ohio University Golf Course - fix website link, add address, phone wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/golf | email= | address=106 South Green Dr | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-4669 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=http://ohiobobcats.collegesports.com/facilities/wren-stadium.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url=https://courtsidepizza.com/ | email=courtsidepizza@yahoo.com | address=85 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-9999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} exy6iubxpx3xbihjfvr5fozqwkbkz9o 4487943 4487941 2022-07-21T20:31:31Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Sports */ Updated listing for Bob Wren Stadium - fix website and add address wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url=http://www.athensskatepark.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/golf | email= | address=106 South Green Dr | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-4669 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/building-directory/wren-stadium | email= | address=140 S. Shafer St | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url=https://courtsidepizza.com/ | email=courtsidepizza@yahoo.com | address=85 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-9999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} ap9sryrwkor5qpmpuuz017szfuw1v4i 4487947 4487943 2022-07-21T20:32:24Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Do */ Updated listing for Athens Skate Park - remove dead link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * '''[[Wayne National Forest]]'''. * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url= | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/golf | email= | address=106 South Green Dr | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-4669 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/building-directory/wren-stadium | email= | address=140 S. Shafer St | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url=https://courtsidepizza.com/ | email=courtsidepizza@yahoo.com | address=85 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-9999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} fq3oh3bcib7mluivqx4ud5khq6zyhnq 4487950 4487947 2022-07-21T20:33:09Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Do */ convert bullet to do template wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=[[Wayne National Forest]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url= | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/golf | email= | address=106 South Green Dr | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-4669 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/building-directory/wren-stadium | email= | address=140 S. Shafer St | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url=https://courtsidepizza.com/ | email=courtsidepizza@yahoo.com | address=85 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-9999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 6pyy9sqmkubxzcs5edylcv4brns9n1f 4487953 4487950 2022-07-21T20:34:07Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Do */ Updated listing for [[Wayne National Forest]] - link to wikidata and sync from wikidata wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * (740)-594-7433 (RIDE) Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. * (740)-594-4686 (GOTO) Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. ===By bus=== '''[http://www.athenstransit.org/ Athens Transit]''' provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=[[Wayne National Forest]] | alt= | url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne/ | email= | address= | lat=39.05 | long=-82.05 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3079164 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url= | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/golf | email= | address=106 South Green Dr | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-4669 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/building-directory/wren-stadium | email= | address=140 S. Shafer St | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url=https://courtsidepizza.com/ | email=courtsidepizza@yahoo.com | address=85 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-9999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} 3slrvjcojapike07uh9wpxfb2it4v26 4487958 4487953 2022-07-21T20:38:00Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Get around */ convert bullets to use go templates wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== '''[https://www.ridegobus.com GoBus]''' provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * {{go | name=RIDE | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7433 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. }} * {{go | name=GOTO | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4686 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Athens Transit | alt= | url=https://hapcap.org/transportation/athens-public-transit/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. }} ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=[[Wayne National Forest]] | alt= | url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne/ | email= | address= | lat=39.05 | long=-82.05 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3079164 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url= | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/golf | email= | address=106 South Green Dr | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-4669 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/building-directory/wren-stadium | email= | address=140 S. Shafer St | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url=https://courtsidepizza.com/ | email=courtsidepizza@yahoo.com | address=85 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-9999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} rkt17xyuxqag11wzi0zd3ktbm4atyge 4487963 4487958 2022-07-21T20:39:36Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* By bus */ convert bullet to go template wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Athens Ohio WV Banner.jpg|caption=Athena Theatre|pgname=Athens}} {{confused|[[Athens]], a city in [[Greece]]}} '''[https://www.athensohio.com/ Athens]''' is a city with a major university (population 26,000 -2010) and county seat of [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]] (population 68,000 2010 [[Southeast Ohio]], best known for being home to over 29,000 Ohio University students. Athens was settled in 1797, and the university was the first to be founded in the Northwest Territory in 1803. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|39.329|-82.102|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{go | name=John Glenn [[Columbus]] International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.998056 | long=-82.891944 | directions=take US-33, approximately {{mi|70}}, from Columbus. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name=Gordon K. Bush Airport | alt={{IATA|ATO}} Snyder Field | url=https://www.ohio.edu/airport/ | email= | address=747 Columbia Rd | lat=39.211944 | long=-82.229167 | directions= | phone=+1 740-597-2600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3913448 | lastedit=2018-12-12 | content=A [[General aviation]] airport operated by Ohio University. }} ===By car=== SR 33 and SR 50 intersect at Athens. ===By bus=== * {{go | name=GoBus | alt= | url=https://www.ridegobus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Provides intercity between smaller cities in western Ohio, [[Cincinnati]] and Columbus. '''[http://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''' with partner companies serves the city with several daily departures from nearby larger cities. Many local taxi companies in Athens also offer shuttle service. Long distance buses stops at {{marker|type=go|name=Athens Community Centre station|lat=39.337089|long=-82.074232}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Athens - Ohio University station|lat=39.324899|long=-82.102407}}. It is possible to change to local buses at both stations. }} ==Get around== ===By foot=== *Athens is a small town that can be easily traversed by foot. ===By taxi=== *There are many different taxi companies servicing Athens, all with easy numbers to remember. * {{go | name=RIDE | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7433 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Has been servicing Athens for over 10 years. The types of car include 2007-2008 Aveos and Limos. Great service. }} * {{go | name=GOTO | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4686 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Fast service, but GOTO only has mini-vans, which are in very poor condition. }} ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Athens Transit | alt= | url=https://hapcap.org/transportation/athens-public-transit/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Provides a small bus network with departures every 30 minutes, buses does not run on Sundays. A single fare is $1. }} ==See== * {{see | name=Ohio University | alt= | url=http://www.ohio.edu | email= | address= | lat=39.3235 | long=-82.1000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University | image=CampusOU.jpg | wikidata=Q1075339 | content= }} ===Arts and culture=== [[File:Athena_Theatre.JPG|thumb|Athena Cinema]] * {{see | name=Ohio University School of Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/finearts/theater/ | email=theater@ohio.edu | address=307 Kantner Hall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-4818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Features six mainstage productions a year as well as a series of Lab Shows }} * {{see | name=The Seabury Quinn, Jr. Playwrights' Festival | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Graduate playwrights' festival held each year, usually at the end of May. Features readings, staged readings, and full productions of graduate work. }} * {{see | name=Midnight Madness | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=The Hahne Theater, School of Theatre Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every Friday at midnight | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Each week the graduate playwrights write a ten minute play based on a theme they receive that Monday. }} * {{see | name=Lost Flamingo Company | alt= | url=http://lostflamingotheatre.wixsite.com/lfctheatre | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Ohio University's student run theatre company. Features nine to twelve productions a year, as well as yearly productions of ''The Rocky Horror Picture Show'' (Fall Quarter), The Vagina Monologues (Winter Quarter), and Short Stack, a collection of ten minute plays written by Ohio University students (Spring Quarter). }} * {{see | name=Comedy for the Masses | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= Ohio University's student sketch comedy group. Features six shows a year, as well as an annual Stand-Up Showcase. Founded in 2001, in part by Michael Busch (An actor who worked on Conan and Glee). }} * {{see | name=The 48-Hour Shoot Out | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=An annual competition sponsored by the School of Telecommunications in which students are given two days to write, film, and edit a short movie based on a line of dialogue, a prop, and a genre. }} * {{see | name=Athena Cinima | alt= | url=http://www.athenacinema.com | email= | address= | lat=39.3284 | long=-82.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athena Cinema | image=Athena Cinema, Athens, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q14716360 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=[[Wayne National Forest]] | alt= | url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne/ | email= | address= | lat=39.05 | long=-82.05 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3079164 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Athens Skate Park | alt= | url= | email=info@athensskatepark.com | address=701 East State Street | lat=39.3356 | long=-82.0758 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-3325 | tollfree= | hours=Open dawn to dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Athens Skate Park | image=Athens Skate Part Athens OH USA.JPG | wikidata=Q4813516 | content={{ft2|18,000}} skate park. Skateboards and inline skates only. }} * {{do | name=Athens County Fair | alt= | url=https://athenscofair.org/ | email= | address= | lat=39.3313 | long=-82.1163 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-1991 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111361235 | lastedit=2018-11-29 | content=Has a tractor pull, demolition derby, and a livestock showcase. }} * {{do | name=Pawpaw Festival | alt= | url=https://www.ohiopawpawfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pawpaw Festival | wikidata=Q7156316 | lastedit=2018-12-26 | content=A festival dedicated to the PawPaw, a fruit native to Ohio. }} ===Sports=== [[File:2011_DiamondOhio.JPG|thumb|The Ohio University marching band]] * {{do | name=Ohio Bobcats | alt= | url=http://www.ohiobobcats.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio Bobcats | wikidata=Q2908034 | lastedit=2018-12-04| content=The Bobcats compete in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I-A College Athletics. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Golf Course | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/recreation/golf | email= | address=106 South Green Dr | lat=39.3194 | long=-82.0977 | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-4669 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=OhioUniversityGolfCourse.jpg | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Peden Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3211 | long=-82.1028 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Peden Stadium | image=Peden Stadium Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q7159081 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The football stadium for the Bobcats. }} * {{do | name=Ossian C. Bird Arena | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323819 | long=-82.102274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ossian C. Bird Arena | wikidata=Q7107457 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The Ohio University Ice Arena. }} * {{do | name=Ohio University Aquatic Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.323274 | long=-82.102196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio University Aquatic Center | wikidata=Q7081002 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Hosts the Bobcats swim team and regional swim meets. }} * {{do | name=Bob Wren Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.ohio.edu/building-directory/wren-stadium | email= | address=140 S. Shafer St | lat=39.324491 | long=-82.10895 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bob Wren Stadium | image=OU Wren Stadium.JPG | wikidata=Q4934465 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The Ohio University baseball stadium. }} * {{do | name=Pruitt Field | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3256 | long=-82.11 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pruitt Field | image=OU Pruitt Field.JPG | wikidata=Q7253023 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Pruitt Field hosts the Bobcats Field Hockey team. It is surrounded by the Goldsberry Track for the Bobcats track teams. }} * {{do | name=Convocation Center | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.3231 | long=-82.1056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Convocation Center (Ohio University) | image=OHIOConvoCenter1.jpg | wikidata=Q5166595 | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=The basketball arena for Ohio University. A distinctive building in its own right, its dome is a good landmark. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Companion Plants | alt= | url=http://companionplants.com/ | email=sales@companionplants.com | address=7247 N Coolville Ridge Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-4643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=A plant store with a variety of plants and helpful staff. }} ==Eat== [[File:Food Carts Athens OH USA.JPG|thumb|Food Carts in Athens]] * {{eat | name=Casa Nueva | alt= | url=http://www.casanueva.com | email= | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great "Mexican" (non-authentic) food, vegan and vegetarian options, dedicated to using local resources. Restaurant has been worker-owned since 1984. }} * {{eat | name=China Panda | alt= | url= | email= | address=965 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740 593-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | content=Sitdown & takeout. Excellent American Chinese cuisine (includes General Tso's Chicken and California Rolls.) }} * {{eat | name=Lui Lui's | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 Station St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Decent Asian and American fusion. }} * {{eat | name=O'Betty's Red Hot | alt= | url=http://www.obettys.com/ | email=obettys@gmail.com | address=15 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-589-6111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Burlesque-themed hot dog joint. }} * {{eat | name=Court Street Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=18 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greasy spoon diner, only restaurant in Athens that serves Cherry Kool-Aid. }} * {{eat | name=Peking Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Commonly known to locals and college students as "$3.95 Chinese", it is precisely that, a giant heap of Chinese food, although now it'll cost you about $4.50. }} * {{eat | name=Avalanche Pizza | alt= | url=https://avalanchepizza.net/ | email= | address=329 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-4664 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap, internationally award winning pizza. Insanely great deals (especially if you pick-up rather than get delivery) and an obscene amount of topping choices and specialty pizzas. }} * {{eat | name=Bagel Street Deli | alt= | url=https://www.order-bsd.com/ | email=bagelstreetdeli@gmail.com | address=23 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-3838 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Charming deli featuring nearly 200 different bagel sandwiches and other fares, ranging from vegan to ultra-carnivore. Walls are decorated with tin foil sculptures and chalk signatures of past customers. Home of the annual Pickle Fest (pickle eating contest). }} * {{eat | name=Donkey Coffee | alt= | url=https://donkeycoffee.com/ | email=info@donkeycoffee.com | address=1/2 W. Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7353 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=17 rated best coffeehouse in the state by ''Ohio Magazine''. Features calming music, great coffee, board games, open mic nights, poetry nights, local art, and is open 24 hours during finals week. }} * {{eat | name=Souvlaki's Restaurant and Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Late night gyros and baklava. }} * {{eat | name=Big Mamma's Burritos | alt= | url=https://www.bigmammasburritos.com/ | email= | address=10 S. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-566-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A local option for those who loathe Chipotle. Many burrito and salsa options. Chipotle Ranch is a customer favorite. }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Buggy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A stand that sells amazing burritos at the intersection of Court St. and Union St. It's bright orange, yellow, and purple; you can't miss it. }} * {{eat | name=Grand China Buffet | alt= | url= | email= | address=1002 E. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amazingly great buffet with waitresses who glare at you in every attempt to will you to your own death. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Howie's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 W. Union St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not just a national chain, but the only Hungry Howie's with an official bus and $5 mediums being sold on the sidewalk. }} * {{eat | name=Stephen's | alt= | url=https://stephens66.com/ | email=Stephensoncourt@gmail.com | address=66 N. Court St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-7132 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Amazing restaurant with a constantly changing menu }} *{{eat | name=Zoe | url=https://facebook.com/pages/category/New-American-Restaurant/Zoe-Fine-Dining-177989910295/ | email= | address=24 1/2 East State Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-592-4443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Zoe features New American cuisine in a contemporary Setting. The ever changing a la carte menu features meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings half price wine, and Friday evenings prime rib. Reservations recommended but not required. }} *{{eat | name=Village Bakery & Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.dellazona.com/ | email= | address=268 E. State St., Athens | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 740-594-7311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Uses locally grown organic vegetables, non-GMO meats, and free-range eggs. Serves Fair Trade organic coffee, Herbal Sage teas, and bake with organic dairy, flour and sugar to create a variety of freshly baked hand crafted loaves, flaky quiches, sweet and savory pastries, breakfast pizza and a selection of tasty soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. For dessert, they serve cookies, brownies, tarts, and cakes. The Sunday brunch menu includes individual omelettes, French toast, and sides of locally produced sausages, ham, polenta or home fries. They offer no espresso-based drinks. }} *{{eat | name=Fluff Bakery | url=http://fluffbakery.com/ | email= | address=8 North Court St. Athens, Ohio 45701 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 740-249-4286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fresh-baked goods and sanchwiches. }} ==Drink== [[File:Athens Block Party.jpg|thumb|A block party in Athens]] There are many bars on Court Street located near Ohio University's College Green. ===Pubs=== * {{drink | name=Union Bar & Grill | alt= | url=https://www.theunionbaroh.com/ | email= | address=18 W Union St | lat=39.327737 | long=-82.102143 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-5060 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Voted one of the best dive bars in America by ''Maxim Magazine''. Features $1 Pabst Blue Ribbon, live indie rock of varying volumes, and Dance or Die, a monthly dance party. They shut down the grille, and the roaches left in protest. }} * {{drink | name=The Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thepubathens.com | email= | address=39 N Court St | lat=39.330440 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-2699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Well known for their Beer Cheese Soup, Aquarium Night (beer in obscenely huge glasses), and for being massively packed during the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=Pigskin Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.thepigskin.com/ | email= | address=38 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-5002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Very well known for their signature drink The Black Widow, a one of a kind dark purple concoction that is a must have for any visitor to Athens. }} * {{drink | name=Red Brick Sports Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=14 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Many flat screen TVs and a pretty decent menu. }} * {{drink | name=Tony's Tavern | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Considered a "townie bar." Tony's is very well known for their 'Hot Nuts' shot. Daily specials on Killian's and a very laid-back, friendly dive bar atmosphere. Be there on Friday night for Tony's happy hour (free food!). }} * {{drink | name=Casa Nueva & Cantina | alt= | url=https://casanueva.com/ | email=food@casanueva.com | address=4 W. State St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-2016 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Great food, warm and friendly bar. The nation's oldest co-op restaurant. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=The Smiling Skull Saloon | alt= | url= | email= | address=108 W. Union St | lat=39.329298 | long=-82.105141 | directions= | phone=+1 740-589-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Known as Athens' biker bar. Great jukebox ranging from Johnny Cash to Dylan to The Clash. Open 365 days a year. Very reasonable drinks and nearly guaranteed to be free of frat and sorority types. Two dollar "Black and Tans" on Tuesdays. Your (well-behaved) dog is welcome to come inside! }} * {{drink | name=Jackie O's | alt= | url=http://www.jackieos.com/ | email= | address=22-24 W Union St | lat=39.327745 | long=-82.102348 | directions= | phone=+1 740-592-9686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Home of the only micro brewpub in Athens, offering live music, food and outdoor patio. A great alternative to the typical Athens bar scene. }} * {{drink | name=The J Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 N Court St | lat=39.330524 | long=-82.101224 | directions= | phone=+1 740-249-4015 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content=Features the signature drink Junction Punch. Gin is probably an ingredient and one is more than enough. }} * {{drink | name=Pawpurr's | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A "dive bar" with a small (and mostly unused) dance floor. }} * {{drink | name=The Crystal | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 N. Court St | lat=39.330172 | long=-82.100886 | directions= | phone=+1 740-593-3679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very easily the #1 frat/sorority bar. }} * {{drink | name=The C.I. | alt= | url=https://www.gethighattheci.com/ | email= | address=32 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-593-5709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Hockey Bar. Crowded on weekends, College to Locals. }} * {{drink | name=Cat's Eye | alt= | url=https://www.catseyesaloon.com/ | email= | address=12 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-9676 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A mix of locals and college kids. }} * {{drink | name=Lucky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 N. Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The official Steelers bar of Athens. Very good daily specials. }} * {{drink | name=Broney's | alt= | url=https://www.broneysbarandgrill.com/ | email= | address=7 W. Carpenter St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-592-5900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=At the very end of Court Street. Kind of sterile compared to the rest of the bars in town. }} * {{drink | name=Courtside | alt= | url=https://courtsidepizza.com/ | email=courtsidepizza@yahoo.com | address=85 N Court St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-740-594-9999 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Sports bar that has a beer garden ideal for day drinking on a spring day. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Burr Oak State Park Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohio University Inn & Conference Center | alt= | url=http://www.ouinn.com/ | email= | address=331 Richland Ave | lat=39.316814 | long=-82.106478 | directions= | phone=+1 866-593-6661 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-08-19 | content= }} ===Bed & Breakfast=== ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Athens Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.myacpl.org/athens/ | email= | address=30 Home St | lat=39.3344 | long=-82.0842 | directions= | phone=+1 740 592-4272 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Athens County Public Libraries | wikidata=Q4813477 | lastedit=2018-11-05 | content=Offers public computers and WiFi. Rents free bicycles for three hours a day for library card holders. }} ==Go next== *'''Burr Oak State Park and Resort Lodge''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], north of Glouster and east/adjacent to the [[Wayne National Forest]] off of Route 13. A variety of overnight accommodations, cottages and campground. Cottages: 30 family cottages, air conditioning, cable TV, sleeps six people, bath/shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area, screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking, eating utensils are furnished. Camping: 100 non-electric campsites, showers, flush toilets, 21 primitive sites, pet camping. Fishing, hunting, swimming, beach, bathhouse, showers, changing booths, snack bar, twenty-eight miles of hiking trails, Burr Oak Backpack Trail, horseshoe court and playground. *'''Lake Hope State Park''', eastern [[Vinton County]], approx. 20 miles west of Athens. Lake Hope State Park is entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest and adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. Dining lodge. Cottages: 72 cottages, all cottages have linens, towels, complete kitchens, microwave ovens, heat, air conditioning, outdoor grills and fire rings. Camping: 219-site campground, heated showerhouses, pit latrines, waste disposal, laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, 46 sites have electric hookups, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp units, one camper-cabin, one Rent-A-Tepee. Boats with electric motors only, 120-acre lake, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, available for rent. Swimming beach, beachhouse, sun deck, restrooms, concession building, fishing, hunting, seventeen miles of hiking trails, 21-mile backpack trail with primitive campsites, 33 miles of bridle trail and 23-mile singletrack bike trail. *'''Stouds Run State Park''', [[Athens County (Ohio)|Athens County]], east of Athens, on Route 690, inside of [[Wayne National Forest]] on Dow Lake. 75 non-electric campsites, picnic tables and fire rings, pet camping, three Rent-A-Camp sites, boating, fishing, hunting, 15 miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, nature study, 8½ mile bridle trail, 900-foot sand beach, change booths, drinking water, restrooms, scuba diving with proper equipment, picnic tables, cooking grates, three shelterhouses, basketball court, playground equipment, boat rentals, volleyball court and another playground. Go to [[Cleveland]], [[Columbus]], [[Cincinnati]], [[Pittsburgh]] or [[West Virginia]]. {{routebox | image1=US 33.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Columbus]] | minorl1=[[Nelsonville (Ohio)|Nelsonville]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Weston (West Virginia)|Weston]] | minorr1=Jct [[Parkersburg|N]] [[File:I-77.svg|18px]] [[Charleston (West Virginia)|S]] → [[Spencer (West Virginia)|Spencer]] | image2=US 50.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Chillicothe (Ohio)|Chillicothe]] | minorl2=[[McArthur (Ohio)|McArthur]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | image3=OH-13.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Newark (Ohio)|Newark]] | minorl3=[[Heath (Ohio)|Heath]] ← Jct [[Hebron (Ohio)|W]] [[File:I-70.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] ← Jct [[Lancaster (Ohio)|W]] [[File:US 22.svg|18px]] [[Zanesville|E]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=OH-32.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Cincinnati]] | minorl4=[[Jackson (Ohio)|Jackson]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Parkersburg]] | minorr4=[[Belpre]] → becomes [[File:WV-618.svg|18px|West Virginia Route 618]] }} {{geo|39.329167|-82.096111}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{usablecity}} bl5qrpe2cm033y0i11u9mtbkms5hg9u 0 2001 4488102 4486121 2022-07-22T06:06:50Z 203.54.239.50 /* Car rental */ Added/mentioned local & international operators that have bases in australia. Additionally under transport to AU added the same for new carriers (air canada & united) wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Uluru-Kata_Tjuta_banner_Uluru_Sunset.jpg | caption=Uluru glowing at sunset, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory|origin=0.3,0}} {{COVID-19 box|Australia has ended all remaining COVID-related entry restrictions. Facial coverings are still required on all flights to Australia, and on most public transport settings in the country, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, see [https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts/coronavirus.html Tourism Australia's COVID-19 Travel Advice and Border Status page.]| lastedit=2022-07-06}} There is nowhere else quite like '''[http://www.australia.com Australia]''', the only country that has a whole continent to itself. With Indigenous cultures for over 65,000 years and truly global immigration in modern times, the country is famous for its natural wonders, wide open spaces, beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "the [[Outback]]". However, it is also highly urbanised, with an array of cosmopolitan cities &ndash; the largest and most famous being [[Sydney]], situated on one of the most famous harbours in the world. ==Regions== Australia has six states, five on the mainland with the sixth being the island state of Tasmania along with nine or ten territories but with the exception of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, the others are largely trivial. Visiting all at once would be nearly impossible, as the states in Australia are much much larger than the states in the United States and are more comparable in size to provinces in Canada – with almost {{km|5000}} separating Brisbane and Shark Bay, the country is vast, about the distance from Madrid to Murmansk, Cairo to Nairobi or Maine to California. {{Regionlist | regionmap=Australia regions map.png | regionmaptext=Australia's states/territories and major highways | regionmapsize=376px | region1name=[[New South Wales]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]] ''(NSW) & (ACT)'' | region1color=#c8aa92 | region1items= | region1description=Australia's most populous state also has [[Sydney]], the oldest and largest city, and surrounds the purpose built capital city of [[Canberra]]. The coast of New South Wales is lined with beach-side communities; a little inland are the mountain ranges of the [[Blue Mountains|Blue]] and [[Snowy Mountains|Snowy]] mountains; further inland still are sweeping agricultural plains giving way to the outback. | region2name=[[Northern Territory]] ''(NT)'' | region2color=#acc2a6 | region2items= | region2description=From the red deserts surrounding [[Uluru]] and [[Alice Springs]] up to the tropics of [[Darwin]] and [[Kakadu National Park]], the Northern Territory is stunningly beautiful, and easier to access than you might think. | region3name=[[Queensland]] ''(Qld)'' | region3color=#c3bea3 | region3items= | region3description=Famous for its sunny warm weather, Queensland offers coastal exploration from the vibe of the [[Gold Coast]] to the tropics of the [[Great Barrier Reef]] to the bustling city of [[Brisbane]]. It is also home to tropical rainforests of the [[Daintree National Park]], and the island resorts of the Whitsundays. Inland lies the ranges of the hinterland, and further on the vast expanses and beauty of outback Australia. | region4name=[[South Australia]] ''(SA)'' | region4color=#bcb491 | region4items= | region4description=Renowned for the internationally recognised fine wines of the [[Barossa Valley]], the beauty of the [[Flinders Ranges]] and the outback and events and culture of the ''City of Churches'', [[Adelaide]]. | region5name=[[Tasmania]] ''(Tas.)'' | region5color=#b69eb3 | region5items= | region5description=Separated from the mainland by Bass Strait, the mountainous state of Tasmania has the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain in the west, the beaches of the east, and the wilderness of the south. [[Hobart]] was the site of the second European settlement in Australia, and many historic sites are well preserved. | region6name=[[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] ''(Vic.)'' | region6color=#c3d099 | region6items= | region6description=Small, vibrant and with something for everyone, Victoria has dramatic surf beaches along the southwest and central coast, green rolling farmland and photogenic national parks. Australia and Victoria's sporting, shopping, fashion and food capital is [[Melbourne]]. | region7name=[[Western Australia]] ''(WA)'' | region7color=#cfcf94 | region7items= | region7description=A vast state. The southwest contains the state capital and major city of [[Perth]]. The wine growing and scenic destinations of [[Margaret River]] and [[Albany (Western Australia)|Albany]] are towards the southern region. In the far north are the tropics and the beachside destination of [[Broome]]. Small townships, roadhouses, mining communities and national parks are scattered around the long distances between.}} ===Islands=== [[Tasmania]] is the most significant island of Australia and a state in its own right. There are over 800 islands in Australia, other main islands include: * {{marker|name=[[Lord Howe Island]]|wikidata=Q104784}} — a showcase for nature two hours flying time from Sydney, administered as part of the state of New South Wales. * {{marker|name=[[Norfolk Island]]|wikidata=Q31057}} — halfway to New Zealand, with nature and beaches * {{marker|name=[[Christmas Island]]|wikidata=Q31063}} — famous for its red crab migration. Flights from Perth and [[Kuala Lumpur]]. * {{marker|name=[[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]]|wikidata=Q36004}} — coral atolls, populated, accessible by flights from Perth. * {{marker|name=[[Torres Strait Islands]]|wikidata=Q1059258}} — Indigenous culture between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, and requires permission from the traditional owners to visit. Flights from [[Cairns]]. * {{marker|name=[[Kangaroo Island]]|wikidata=Q210371}} — the third-largest island in Australia containing wildlife, natural scenery, wineries and beaches. * {{marker|name=[[Rottnest Island]]|wikidata=Q585317}} — a nature reserve with 63 beaches and 20 bays, located near Perth and home to the infamous Quokka * {{marker|name=[[King Island]]|wikidata=Q794502}} — in the Bass Straight above Tasmania. * {{marker|name=[[Whitsunday Islands]]|wikidata=Q1646461}} — a famous tourist destination renowned for its white beaches There are quite a few uninhabited islands including the [[Coral Sea Islands]], some islands of the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]], the [[Ashmore and Cartier Islands]] and the remote Antarctic islands of [[Heard Island and McDonald Islands]] and [[Macquarie Island]]. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[New South Wales]] and [[Australian Capital Territory]] ''(NSW) & (ACT)''|wikidata=Q3224}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#acc2a6|title=[[Northern Territory]] ''(NT)''|wikidata=Q3235}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c3bea3|title=[[Queensland]] ''(Qld)''|wikidata=Q36074}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#bcb491|title=[[South Australia]] ''(SA)''|wikidata=Q35715}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b69eb3|title=[[Tasmania]] ''(Tas)''|wikidata=Q34366}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c3d099|title=[[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] ''(Vic)''|wikidata=Q36687}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#cfcf94|title=[[Western Australia]] ''(WA)''|wikidata=Q3206}} ==Cities== [[File:Sydney Harbour Bridge night.jpg|thumb|350px|Sydney cityscape at night]] <!-- Only a maximum of nine cities can be listed here. Please discuss changes to this list on the Talk page first. --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Canberra]]|wikidata=Q3114}} — the relatively small, purpose-built national capital of Australia is home to plenty of museums * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Adelaide]]|wikidata=Q5112}} — the "City of Churches", a relaxed South Australian alternative to the big eastern cities close to world-renowned wineries * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Brisbane]]|wikidata=Q34932}} — capital of sun-drenched Queensland and gateway to beautiful sandy beaches * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Cairns]]|wikidata=Q189133}} — gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Daintree National Park, and many beautiful beaches and resorts; a great place for people to get away and relax * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Darwin]]|wikidata=Q11568}} — Australia's tropical northern capital, at the top end of the Northern Territory * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hobart]]|wikidata=Q40191}} — picturesque and quiet capital of Tasmania, the site of the second convict settlement in Australia * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Melbourne]]|wikidata=Q3141}} — Australia's second largest city, Melbourne is the country's sporting, shopping, food and cultural capital, while also being regarded as Australia's most European city * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Perth]]|wikidata=Q3183}} — the most remote continental city on Earth, on the south-western edge of Western Australia * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sydney]]|wikidata=Q3130}} — Australia's oldest and largest city, famous for its picturesque harbour and natural beauty ==Other destinations== [[File:Apostles 3 GOR.JPG|thumb|250px|The Twelve Apostles]] <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Blue Mountains National Park]]|wikidata=Q885558}} — a mountainous national park in New South Wales, including the "Three Sisters" natural feature * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park]]|wikidata=Q1138453}} — most popular national park in Tasmania, home Australia's deepest lake and one of its most scenic mountains * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Daintree Rainforest]]|wikidata=Q5209517}} — the world's oldest living rainforest and a well preserved tropical rainforest, home to the largest groups of cassowaries. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Great Barrier Reef]]|wikidata=Q7343}} — see first hand this natural wonder, off the coast of Queensland and the world's largest coral reef system * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Great Ocean Road]]|wikidata=Q74046}} — a spectacular coastal drive in Victoria past many scenic icons including the "[[Port Campbell National Park|Twelve Apostles]]" rocks standing in the ocean and the world's largest war memorial * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Kakadu National Park]]|wikidata=Q189657}} — tropical adventure travel, Aboriginal culture and nature activities in the Northern Territory. Second largest national park in Australia about the size of Wales * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park]]|wikidata=Q426073}} – South Australia's most iconic national park containing a naturally formed amphitheatre and many fossils dating back from the Ediacaran era * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Purnululu National Park]]|wikidata=Q679568}} – includes the Bungle Bungle Range, a spectacularly incised landscape of sculptured rocks rising over 250 metres high * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park]]|wikidata=Q251999}} — Uluru (also known as ''Ayers Rock'') and Kata Tjuta (''The Olgas'') are iconic rock formations in the "Red Centre" in the middle of the Australian outback ==Understand== {{quote|We are one but we are many and from all the lands of Earth we come. We'll share a dream and sing with one voice: I am, you are, we are Australian|author=The Seekers - I am Australian}} {{quickbar|location=Australia with AAT (orthographic projection).svg}} The sixth largest country in the world by area, Australia has a relatively small (but growing) population of 25 million. A G20 member, it has high living standards and quality of life. It is a significant player in the economic and political spheres of the Indo-Pacific region. ===History=== {{seealso|Indigenous Australian culture|British Empire|Australian Convict Sites}} Aboriginal people have been living in Australia for at least 65,000 years. They arrived in successive waves from [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. With rising sea levels after the last Ice Age, Australia became largely isolated from the rest of the world and the Aboriginal groups developed a variety of cultures, based on a close spiritual relationship with the land and nature, and extended kinship. For thousands of years Australian Aboriginal people maintained a hunter-gatherer culture, or (in some areas) a semi-sedentary culture, in association with a complex artistic and cultural life, including a very rich tradition of story and song. The modern impression of Australian Aboriginal people is largely built around an image of the "desert people" who have adapted to some of the harshest conditions on the planet (equivalent to the bushmen of the Kalahari), but many others lived in forested and well-watered regions. Australia provided a comfortable living for the bulk of the Aboriginal people among the bountiful flora and fauna on the Australian coast – until the arrival of Europeans. Although a lucrative [[China|Chinese]] market for shells and ''bêche de mer'' (sea cucumber) had encouraged Indonesian fishermen to visit [[Northern Australia]] for centuries, it was unknown to Europeans until the 1600s, when [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] traders to Asia began to "bump" into the northwestern coast. The Makassan contact from [[Sulawesi]] also brought many Indonesian cultural elements to the Indigenous people living in [[Northern Australia]], making Islam the first foreign religion brought in – and quite a few rock artworks seen in Arnhem Land and the Kimberley depict many Islamic elements. Early Dutch impressions of this extremely harsh, dry country were unfavourable, and Australia remained for them somewhat of a marker sign pointing north to the much richer (and more lucrative) East Indies (modern day Indonesia). Deliberate exploration of the Australian coast was then largely taken over by the French and the British. Consequently, place names of bays, headlands and rivers around the coastline reflect a range of Dutch, French, or English names, however many place names are also from Aboriginal languages with places that were previously having Dutch, French, or English names renamed to Indigenous names, or dual named. In 1770, the expedition of the Endeavour under the command of [[Voyages of James Cook|Captain James Cook]] navigated and charted the east coast of Australia, making first landfall at [[Sydney/Sutherland Shire#History|Botany Bay]] on 29 April 1770. Cook continued northwards, and before leaving put ashore on [[Possession Island]] in the Torres Strait off Cape York on 22 August 1770. Here he formally claimed the eastern coastline he had explored for the British Crown, naming it New South Wales. Given that Cook's so-called discoveries would lead to the first European settlement of Australia, he is often popularly conceived as its European discoverer, although he had been preceded by more than 160 years by the Dutch. [[File:PortArthurPenitentiary.jpg|thumb|Part of the former [[Port Arthur (Tasmania)|Port Arthur]] convict settlement in Tasmania. The remains of the settlement form part of the [[Australian Convict Sites]] entry on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]].]] Following the exploration period, the first British settlement in Australia was founded in 1788 at what is today [[Sydney]], led by Captain Arthur Philip who became the first governor of the colony of New South Wales. The process of colonisation led to conflict with indigenous Australians as well as diseases to which they had no immunity. Their populations declined throughout much (though not all) of the land, and were displaced by the British settlers. Originally comprising the eastern two-thirds of the continent, the colony of New South Wales was later split into several separate colonies. [[Tasmania]] (then known as Van Diemen's Land) became a separate colony in 1825, which was followed by [[South Australia]] in 1836, [[New Zealand]] in 1841, [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] in 1851 and [[Queensland]] in 1859. The western third of the continent was not settled by Europeans until the British established a naval base in [[Albany (Western Australia)|Albany]], then known as King George Sound in 1826. The Swan River Colony was formally established in 1829 at what is today [[Perth]]. The Swan River Colony was renamed "[[Western Australia]]" in 1832. While Australia began its modern history as a British penal colony, the most people who came to Australia after 1788 were free settlers, mainly from Britain and [[Ireland]], and to a less extent other European countries such as France and what is now Germany. Convict settlements were mostly along the east coast, with scattered pockets of convict settlements in Western Australia. The state of South Australia, on the other hand, was settled entirely by free settlers. Many Asian and Eastern European people also came to Australia in the 1850s, during the Gold Rush that started Australia's first resource boom. Although such diverse immigration diminished greatly during the xenophobic years of the White Australia policy, from the Postwar Period Australia welcomed a successive series of immigration from continental Europe, the Mediterranean and later Asia and the rest of the world, becoming a highly diverse and multicultural society by the late 20th century. The system of separate colonies federated to form the self-governing British dominion of Australia in 1901, each colony now becoming a state of Australia, with New Zealand opting out of the federation. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and made a significant contribution (considering its small population) to the Allied war effort in [[World War I|World War I]] and [[World War II in Europe]] as part of the British Commonwealth forces. Australia was directly attacked in the [[Pacific War]]. Australian troops also made a valuable, if sometimes controversial, contribution to the [[Korean War]], the [[Indochina Wars|Vietnam War]], the [[Iraq]] War and the Afghanistan War. Australian Diggers retain a reputation as some of the hardest fighting troops along with a great social spirit. Australia and Britain passed the Australia Act in 1986, ending any remnant power the British parliament may have had to pass laws for Australia. Similar to Canada, the British Queen remains as the head of state with an (Australian) appointed Governor-General as her representative in Australia. During the second half of the 20th century, there was growth in Aboriginal activism, accompanied by a greater willingness by the general community to acknowledge both the Indigenous cultural heritage (particularly in the visual arts) and the darker side of colonial history. Significant areas of the country have been returned to Indigenous ownership as a result of the land rights movement. In 2008, then-prime minister Kevin Rudd delivered an official apology to the Aboriginal people in Parliament for the atrocities committed against them by the white majority. An Aboriginal ceremony has also been incorporated into Australia's State Opening of Parliament since 2008 as homage to its indigenous heritage. ===Geography=== {{infobox|Does Australia border two oceans, or three?|The number of oceans that Australia borders, is a little bit of an ambiguous one. The Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean boundaries are fairly unambiguous, but the third one, the Southern Ocean is. In most international contexts, the Southern Ocean begins only south of the 60°S point, but in Australia (including in government), the Southern Ocean begins at Australia's southern coastline, but at the 60° everywhere else. On most Australian maps, you will see "Southern Ocean" marked, particularly on South Australian diving maps and so unless otherwise indicated, the Southern Ocean on Wikivoyage's Australian articles follow the Australian context, not the international definition.}} [[File:Macropus rufus 01 - Christopher Watson.jpg|thumbnail|Red kangaroos in the Northern Territory]] The landmass of Australia is both the world's smallest continent and the world's largest island; making up most of [[Oceania]]'s land area. The nation of Australia includes the Australian mainland, and some smaller islands (such as [[Tasmania]]). It is the world's sixth largest country, with a land area of 7,682,300 km² (2,966,152 square miles). It is comparable in size to the 48 contiguous [[United States]] (which has an area of 7,663,941.7 km²) although it has less than one tenth the population, with the distances between cities and towns easy to underestimate. Australia is bordered to the west by the Indian Ocean, to the south by the Southern Ocean, and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. The Tasman Sea lies to the southeast, separating it from [[New Zealand]], while the Coral Sea lies to the northeast. [[Papua New Guinea]], [[East Timor]] and [[Indonesia]] are Australia's northern neighbours, all much closer than New Zealand, and are separated from Australia by the Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea with Papua New Guinea only being {{km|4}} away from Australia. Australia is highly urbanised with most of the population heavily concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts. Most of the inland areas of the country are semi-arid. The most populous states are [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] and [[Queensland]], but the largest in terms of area is [[Western Australia]]. Large parts of Australia have been deforested to make way for agriculture but many native forest areas survive in extensive [[National parks in Australia|national parks]] and other undeveloped areas. Long term environmental concerns in Australia include water management, salinity, pollution, threats to biodiversity from invasive species, and conserving coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. ===Climate=== As a large country, Australia has a wide variety of climates. Most of the country receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Generally, the north is hot and tropical, while the south tends to sub-tropical and temperate. Most rainfall is around the coast, and much of the centre is '''arid''' and '''semi-arid'''. The daytime maximum temperatures in the tropical city of [[Darwin]] rarely drop below 30°C (86°F) even in winter while night temperatures in winter usually hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F). Australian winters tend to be milder than those at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere and snow never falls in most parts of the country. Temperatures in high altitude areas of some southern regions can drop below freezing in winter (and sometimes even in the summer) and the Snowy Mountains in the southeast experience metres of winter snow. Parts of [[Tasmania]] have a temperature range more similar to [[Oregon]] and snow is very common to fall in the central and western mountainous parts of the state. As Australia is in the southern hemisphere the winter is June–August while December–February is summer. The winter is the dry season in the tropics and the summer is the wet. In the southern parts of the country, the seasonal temperature variation is greater. The rainfall is more evenly distributed throughout the year in the southern parts of the East Coast while in the rest of the south beyond the [[Great Dividing Range]], the summers are dry with the bulk of the rainfall occurring in winter. ===Economy=== Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP on par with other advanced economies. The service industries, including tourism, education, and financial services, account for just over half of the Australian Gross Domestic Product – about 60%. Within the service sector, tourism is one of the most important industries in Australia, as it provides employment, contributes $73 billion to the economy each year and accounts for at least 11% of total exports. Primary industry - mining and agriculture - has accounted for most of Australia's exports in the 20th and 21st centuries. Iron ore and coal are by far the largest exports, along with wheat, beef and wool. The mining sector is sensitive to global demand for iron ore, with events in the Chinese and Indian economies having direct impacts. Australia has a comprehensive social security system, and the minimum wage is higher than the United States or the United Kingdom. Manual labourers and tradesmen are well-paid in Australia, often more so than white-collar professionals. ===Politics=== [[File:Parliament House Canberra 2.jpg|thumb|250px|Parliament House in Canberra]] Australia has a federal system of government, with six state and two territory governments, as well as a national government. It also has several overseas territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, which are given considerable autonomy, and often not fully integrated with the rest of Australia. Laws vary slightly from state to state, but are for the most part fairly uniform. The national parliament is based on the British Westminster system, with some elements being drawn from the American congressional system. At the federal level it consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Each Member of the House of Representatives (colloquially known as a Member of Parliament (MP)) represents an electoral division, with more populous states having more electoral divisions and hence, more MPs. On the other hand, similar to the US Senate, each Australian state has an equal number of senators, with 12 senators being directly elected by the people in each state, and 2 senators each from the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. The Prime Minister is head of the national government, and is the leader of the political party (or coalition of parties) which has the most Members in the House of Representatives. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is also Queen of Australia and the head of state, and is represented in Australia by the Governor-General. The roles of the Queen and Governor-General are largely ceremonial, and the Prime Minister wields the most authority in government. A referendum to change Australia to a republic was defeated in 1999 (the idea to replace the Queen with a political appointee wasn't to the liking of most Australians). Republicanism in Australia remains a regular conversation point, albeit low on the list of real priorities. The Cabinet of Australia serves as the executive branch, and is headed by the Prime Minister, who appoints his Cabinet ministers from among the members of both houses of Parliament. The judicial branch is topped by the High Court of Australia, which replaced the UK Privy Council as the highest court of appeal in 1986. State and territory governments are organised similarly to the national government with a state parliament serving as the legislature, a Premier (Chief Minister in the territories) serving as the head of the state government, and its own judiciary. There is also a Governor for each state serving as the Queen's representative in a mostly ceremonial role. The two major political parties in Australia are the Australian Labor Party (ALP or just "Labor") and the Liberal Party (Australian slang: ''The Libs''), which operates in coalition with the National Party (referred to as the "Coalition"). There are smaller parties such as the Greens, the United Australia Party (UAP) and independents. The Liberal Party is a centre-right conservative party, with the term "liberal" referring to a free market economy. The centre-left Labor Party spells its name "Labor" instead of "Labour" to differentiate it from other Commonwealth countries that used "Labour Party" but also because of the American labor movement. ===Culture=== Australia has a multicultural population practising almost every religion and lifestyle. Over one-quarter of Australians were born outside Australia, and another quarter have at least one foreign-born parent. Virtually every large Australian city and town reflects the immigration from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific that occurred after World War II and continued into the 1970s. In the half century after the war Australia's population boomed from roughly 7 million to just over 20 million people. The cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are culturally very diverse, and home to communities originating from all corners of the globe. In all major cities you will find a variety of quality of global foods available in many restaurants. Sydney mainly promotes itself as the urban nature capital, Melbourne especially promotes itself as a centre for the arts and culture, while Brisbane promotes itself through various, multicultural urban villages. Adelaide is known for being a centre for festivals, and for German cultural influences, while Perth is known for its food and wine culture, pearls, gems and precious metals, and the international fringe arts festival and finally Hobart mainly promotes itself for the convict history. Smaller rural settlements generally still reflect a majority Anglo-Celtic culture often with a small indigenous population. Most rural centres still welcome visitors and generally have a history and local produce to share. [[File:Melbournes Chinatown (6760134067).jpg|thumb|Melbourne's Chinatown]] There are approximately one and a half a million Australians who identify as Aboriginal people who live throughout the country in cities and in rural Aboriginal communities, which is about three percent of the population. Although not particularly obvious to a new visitor, there are many opportunities and cultural activities for people wanting to explore Aboriginal culture. Contrary to popular mythology, descendants from the original fleets of British convicts are a minority, and even during the years of transportation free settlers outnumbered convict migrants by at least five to one. Nevertheless, it is seen as a badge of honour for someone to be 'Australian Royalty' in having been descended from a convict, however tenuous that connection may be. Australians can be more socially conservative than some European cultures, but tend to be relaxed in their religious observance. Modes of address are casual and familiar and most Australians will tend to address you by your first name from first contact, and will expect that you do the same to them. ====Holidays==== [[File:Lotto Skyworks Applecross.jpg|thumb|250px|Fireworks over Perth to mark Australia Day]] The national holidays in Australia are: * '''1 January''': New Year's Day * '''26 January''': Australia Day, marking the anniversary of the First Fleet's landing in Sydney Cove in 1788. * '''Easter weekend''' ("Good Friday", "Easter Saturday", "Easter Sunday" and "Easter Monday"): a four day long weekend in March or April set according to the Western Christian dates. Very few go to church, but instead many Australians travel on Easter weekend, so expect hotel rooms and airtickets to sell out months in advance. * '''25 April''': ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), honouring military veterans * '''Second Monday in June''': Queen's birthday holiday (celebrated in Western Australia in September, with WA observing '''Western Australia Day''' a week earlier) * '''25 December''': Christmas Day * '''26 December''': Boxing Day Many states observe '''Labour Day''', but on different days. Most states have one or two additional statewide holidays, with [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] and [[South Australia]] having a day off for a horse race (The Melbourne Cup and The Adelaide Cup). Western Australia has Western Australia Day typically the first Monday in June (recognising the founding of the state since 1829) but also celebrates the Queen's Birthday at a different date to the rest of the country, either at the end of September or early October, due to the usual June date is such close proximity to Western Australia Day. Victoria also has a day off for the AFL grand final friday. When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday (and Tuesday if necessary) are usually declared holidays in lieu, although the celebrations and the retail closures will occur on the day itself. Most tourist attractions are closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Supermarkets and other stores may open for limited hours on some public holidays and on holidays in lieu, but are almost always closed on Christmas Day (25 December), Good Friday, Easter Sunday and ANZAC Day morning. Other than official holidays, there are also days of national or regional cultural significance that might as well be holidays such as: * '''AFL Grand Final''': The championship game of the Australian Football League, and the most watched event perennially on the Australia sporting calendar. Expects all pubs to be packed full of people watching the game, while many people will hold big watching parties in their homes. Held on the last Saturday of September or first Saturday of October. * '''NRL Grand Final''': The championship game of the National Rugby League. Particularly popular in Queensland and New South Wales. Usually held on the last Sunday of September or first Sunday of October. ===Peak holiday times=== Most attractions in Australia remain open year-round, some operating at a reduced frequency or shorter hours during the off-peak season. Many attractions (but not all) are closed on Christmas and New Year's day. '''Summer school holidays''' start before Christmas and last the whole of January, and it is considered the busiest and most expensive time to visit (unless you're visiting [[Northern Australia]]). Holiday homes on beaches are often booked out months in advance as well as charging a significant premium. The long '''Easter weekend''' can also be busy as parents take their kids out for a last time before Winter arrives. Australian teenagers celebrate the end of school at the end of November and early December for the 3 weeks known as ''schoolies''. The volume of teen revellers can completely change the nature of some of the cities and towns they choose to visit, especially coastal towns like [[Byron Bay]] in New South Wales, the [[Gold Coast]] in Queensland, [[Rottnest Island]] in Western Australia, and various localities along the [[Mornington Peninsula]] in Victoria. ===Time=== [[File:Central time zone sign.jpg|thumb|200px|A road sign near Broken Hill reminding the time zone difference]] Australia can have up to seven different time zones during the daylight savings period, and five at other times. Time zone boundaries do not always follow state boundaries. For instance, the towns of [[Broken Hill]] and Silverton, although in New South Wales, follows South Australia time, Norfolk Island has its own time zone despite being a part of New South Wales and a number of outback communities officially follow NT time. [[File:Australia-states-timezones.png|thumbnail|Time zones in Australia from GMT]] In the east, Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria always have the same time. [[Queensland]] doesn't observe daylight saving, so it is an hour behind the other eastern states during that period. In the centre, Broken Hill and Silverton (NSW), South Australia and the [[Northern Territory]] are half an hour behind during the winter, but the Northern Territory doesn't observe daylight saving while South Australia, Broken Hill and Silverton do. During daylight saving South Australia remains half an hour behind New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, but moves half an hour ahead of Queensland. The Northern Territory remains half an hour behind Queensland at all times of they year, but moves an hour and a half behind New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania during daylight savings. In the west, Western Australia is two hours behind the eastern states in winter, and also doesn't observe daylight saving. It moves three hours behind the eastern states that observe daylight saving (remaining two hours behind Queensland), 2.5 hours behind South Australia, Broken Hill and Silverton while remaining 1.5 hours behind the Northern Territory. There is also the unusual +8:45 time zone, also known as Australian Central West Standard Time (ACWST or CWST) followed in some towns near the South Australian/Western Australian border. While not an official time used, it's generally the time used, and not the time zone used in either the rest of WA nor SA. There are even highway signs telling you to change your clocks, and Apple has a separate region (which can be found under "Eucla"). What makes this case even more confusing, is that the only South Australian town in the CWST zone; Border Village, meaning it would follow daylight savings, follows +9:45, one hour ahead of Eucla, and 45 minutes behind the rest of SA. On the contrary, the chances of being impacted on Border Village is next to zero given that all commercial activity is on the WA side in the town of Eucla which follows UTC+8:45. Although the chances of a traveller going to the extremely remote Outback WA towns of Blackstone, Irrunytju, Warakurna, Wanarn, Kiwirrkurra, and Tjukurla are very low, whilst all of these towns are in WA, they follow ACST (NT time), 1.5 hours ahead of the rest of WA, and since the NT does not follow DST, these remote towns also don't follow DST. There are no official abbreviations or names for Australian time zones, and you may see a few variations used. EST, CST, WST along with EDT, CDT are sometimes used. Sometimes AEST, etc., with the 'A' prefix distinguishing them from the North American time zones with the same names. <!-- In conversation, the abbreviations aren't used. People tend to say ''Sydney time'', ''Brisbane time'', or ''Perth time''. Expect blank stares from most if you start talking about ''Central Summer Time''. --> In those states which observe daylight saving, it commences on the first Sunday in October and ends on the first Sunday in April. {| class="wikitable" |- ! State/Territory !! Standard Time !! Daylight Saving Time |- | [[Heard Island and McDonald Islands]] || UTC+5 || N/A |- | [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]] || UTC+6.5 || N/A |- | [[Christmas Island]] ||UTC+7 || N/A |- | [[Western Australia]] || UTC+8 || N/A |- | [[Eucla]], Cocklebiddy, Madura, Mundrabilla || UTC+8.45 || N/A |- | Border Village, SA || UTC+8.45 || UTC+9.45 |- | [[South Australia]], [[Broken Hill]] and [[Silverton (New South Wales)|Silverton]] || UTC+9.5 || UTC+10.5 |- | [[Northern Territory]], Blackstone, Irrunytju, Warakurna, Wanarn, Kiwirrkurra, and Tjukurla || UTC+9.5 || N/A |- | [[Queensland]] || UTC+10 || N/A |- | [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]], [[Tasmania]], the [[Canberra|ACT]] and [[Jervis Bay Territory]] | UTC+10 || UTC+11 |- | [[Lord Howe Island]] ||UTC+10.5 || UTC+11 |- | [[Norfolk Island]] || UTC+11 || N/A |} ===Power=== [[File:Australian electric outlet type.png|thumb]] The mains supply voltage standard is 230 V with a type I plug (angled live/neutral pins with a straight earth). Popularly referred to as a "two-forty volt socket". Hotel bathrooms will often have a type C and A socket marked "for shavers only" that will down-convert to 110 V for a North American style socket for shavers. Voltage is compatible with Europe and you'll just need a conversion plug that can be obtained from supermarkets and convenience stores (as well as the airport). From North America or other 110 V countries, check your appliance for voltage tolerances before using a conversion plug. === See also === {{topicsin|Australia|0}} ==Talk== {{seealso|English language varieties}} {{infobox|Australian terminology |Although Australian English is both heavily influenced by both American and British English, Australia also has its own set of terminology. Unlike [[Australian slang]], these are also used in formal conversations, on the TV and even in government. Most of these are also used in neighbouring [[Papua New Guinea]], and for those in neighbouring [[New Zealand]] or [[Singapore]], some of these will be familiar, but they generally are unheard of in the U.S., the UK, Canada or any other English speaking country outside Oceania or Southeast Asia. ;the bush:the woods. This includes derivatives of the word "bush", so a wildfire would be called a bushfire ;capsicum: bell pepper or (green/red) pepper ;esky:cooler box ;doona:comforter or duvet ;fairy floss:cotton candy (U.S.); candy floss (UK) ;footpath:sidewalk (U.S.); pavement (UK) ;icy pole:popsicle, popsicle stick ;lollies:candy (U.S.); sweets (UK) ;peak hour:rush hour ;powerpoint:electrical outlet ;road train:a very long truck ;service station (or a servo):gas station (U.S.); petrol station (UK); petrol shed (South Asia) ;ute:pickup truck ;yabby:crayfish; crawfish ;yiros:gyro (U.S.) ;crayfish: rock lobster }} [[File:Multilingual road safety sign (3565389671).jpg|thumb|200px|A multilingual road sign in German, Italian, Japanese and Pitjantjatjara. Quite an unusual sight for Australia.]] The '''English''' language is universally spoken and understood in Australia. Australian English as generally spoken is distinctive in accent and idiom. It mostly developed from the speech of the United Kingdom and Ireland in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, however, the 20th century brought a lot of American influence, giving Australia its own unique variety of English. Nevertheless, as Australia is a global melting pot, particularly in the major cities, you will encounter cultures and hear languages from all around the world, and you will often find areas and suburbs that predominately reflect the language of their respective immigrant communities. Foreign languages are taught at school, but students rarely progress past the basics. Australia follows mostly British spelling and an eclectic mix of American and British terminology, such as ''eggplant'' (not aubergine), ''boot'' (not trunk), ''toll-free'' (not freephone), ''take-away'' (not takeout) and ''truck'' (not lorry). American terminology is understood everywhere, while British terminology isn't well understood apart from South Australia and the elderly. In all that, some terminology is uniquely Australian, and is unlikely to be heard anywhere else, except maybe in neighbouring New Zealand, Singapore or Papua New Guinea. In a culinary context, "chips" refers to both the British and American senses of the word in Australia, which can be confusing for visitors. Australians typically infer the meaning from context. So what would be called "crisps" in the UK is called "chips" in Australia, while what would be called "fries" in the U.S. is called "hot chips" in Australia, but usually shortened to "chips". However, "fries" is used in American fast food chains, and is beginning to see some use outside of that. Some words also have different meanings in Australia. For example, thongs in Australia would refer to flip-flops, ''not'' underwear or the term ''dual carriageway'' would just mean there needs to be two lanes in each way, regardless of whether it's divided or not while ''divided highway'' can be a divided single lane highway. The same applies for opposites as well. People in rural areas may have a broader accent, using some of the slang words that have become outmoded in metropolitan areas, while highly educated urban dwellers sometimes use a cultivated accent similar to that of their British equivalents. [[Australian slang]] should not present a problem for tourists except possibly in some isolated outback areas. Australians understand different varieties of English, and you may look foolish in your attempts at the local slang. There is little regional variation in Australian English, although accents tend to be broader outside of the large cities, and the pronunciation of certain words like "dance" and "renaissance" varies between regions. Most regional differences come down to word usage. For example, swimming clothes are known as ''cossies'' or ''swimmers'' in New South Wales, ''togs'' in Queensland, and'' bathers'' elsewhere. Many indigenous communities around Australia and the [[Torres Strait Islands]] speak English as a second language. It is rare to find signs in a second language, except in urban areas with a high population of Asian immigrants and students, where signs and restaurant menus in [[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]] and [[Chinese phrasebook|Chinese]] are a common sight; and also around [[Cairns]] and the [[Gold Coast]] in Queensland where some signs (but not road signs) are written in [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] or [[Chinese phrasebook|Chinese]], due to the large number of tourists. Some warning signs at beaches are written in several foreign languages. Visitors who do not speak basic English will find communicating with Australians difficult, and should do some advance planning. Some tour companies specialise in offering package deals for Australian tours complete with language guides, but mostly in Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, German, Italian, French, Indonesian and Korean. Some tours also give tours in Spanish, Malay and Portuguese, although this isn't as common. Only a very small minority of tours give tours in Hindi, Arabic and Swahili, and finding one of these is once in a blue moon. Fewer than 150 '''indigenous''' languages are still in daily use, spoken day to day by as little as 42,300 people, particularly those living in rural outback communities, and those in the Torres Strait Islands. There are initiatives to revive the languages within Australia's large Aboriginal community, however given the significant differences between the languages (many can't be proven to relate to one another) that continues to prove a challenge. Learning an Aboriginal language will be useful only in specific local areas. Almost all Indigenous Australians speak English as well, although residents of some remote communities may not be fluent in the language. On top of the Aboriginal languages spoken, various creole-based languages are spoken such as [[Australian Kriol phrasebook|Australian Kriol]] or [[Torres Strait Creole phrasebook|Torres Strait Creole]]. The standard sign language is '''Auslan''' (standing for Australian Sign Language). When a sign interpreter is present for a public event, he or she will use Auslan. Users of British and New Zealand Sign Languages will be able to understand much, though not all, of the language. Auslan and NZSL are largely derived from BSL, and all three languages use the same two-handed manual alphabet. Users of sign languages that have different origins (such as the French Sign Language family, which also includes American and Irish Sign Languages) will not be able to understand Auslan. {{clear}} ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of Australia.svg|thumb|450px| {| |{{legend|#00C0FF|Australia}} {{legend|#FF8080|Special Category Visa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;}} {{legend|#00A040|eVisitor}} ||{{legend|#00E040|eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority}} {{legend|#A0FF00|Electronic Travel Authority}} {{legend|#B0B0B0|Visa required}} |}]] ===Entry requirements=== All visitors - apart from citizens of New Zealand - require a [[visa]] in advance of travel. If you are visiting for a holiday of less than 90 days, there are three types of visas you may apply for, depending on your nationality. * '''[https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/ETAS3/etas Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) subclass 601]''' is available online to nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[Hong Kong]] (SAR or BN(O)), [[Japan]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[South Korea]] (ROK) and the [[United States]]. In addition, citizens of [[Taiwan]] are also eligible for an ETA, but must apply through an approved Taiwanese travel agent, or by email through the relevant Australian diplomatic mission if living abroad. A service fee of $20 applies. This fee can sometimes be avoided if you obtain your ETA through a travel agent when booking your travel with them. Some online agents may also sell ETAs. * '''[https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651 eVisitor (subclass 651)]''' for citizens of the [[European Union]], [[Norway]], [[Iceland]], [[Switzerland]], the [[United Kingdom]] (British Citizens only, other types of British nationality not eligible) and a few [[European microstates]]. These visas are free, but otherwise effectively identical to the ETA. You must apply online. * '''Visitor Visa (subclass 600)'''. Passport holders of 55 countries, including all the ETA and eVisitor eligible countries and [[Argentina]], [[Bahrain]], [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Kuwait]], [[Maldives]], [[Oman]], [[Qatar]], [[Saudi Arabia]] and the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] can make applications online. Other nationalities must apply using the paper form, and may need to visit an embassy or visa processing centre. :: Like the ETA and eVisitor, a Visitor 600 is by default issued for a three month stay. Unlike the other options however, a 600 visa ''can'' be issued for a longer stay of up to one year. For more than a three month stay, you will likely be asked for supporting documentation about the reason for your visit and your ties to your country of origin and may need to attend an interview. Depending on your nationality, the embassy or visa processing centre may also require you to have an Australian sponsor before issuing the visa. The fee is $140. ETAs and eVisitors are valid for multiple entries within a 12-month period. If you're eligible for either, it may be easier to stay the three months you're allowed, go to [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]] or some other country reachable by a low cost airline for a few days and come back - restarting the 90-day clock. Doing this more than once, however, may cause immigration authorities to become suspicious, so proceed with caution if you pursue this route. :: There is a special arrangement for parents of Australians, including Australian permanent residents. The 600 visa can be valid for 18 months, three years, or five years and allow a maximum stay of 12 months during an 18-month period, depending on the circumstances. In most cases, ETAs and eVisitors are approved instantly and the visa will be issued and available for use immediately. If further enquiries are needed you may be asked to return to the application system later to see if you've been approved. Over 90% are processed the same day. In the worst-case scenario your application can be diverted for manual checks that can take months. if you have a complex national history, or any criminal record (including minor offences) you should allow plenty of time for the application. If you are visiting Australia to work, study or for medical treatment, check to make sure you have the right kind of visa, as a tourist visa may not be sufficient. Breaching the conditions or planning to breach the conditions of your visa will result in visa cancellation, deportation, and/or a period of exclusion. For all tourist visa classes you must be able to demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially for the time you intend to spend in Australia and meet character requirements. If you have a criminal conviction, contact an Australian Embassy or visa processing centre before applying or making travel arrangements. New Zealand citizens may travel to Australia without a pre-arranged visa. When they arrive, they will be automatically granted a Special Category New Zealand Citizen visa (subclass 444) if they have no criminal conviction or tuberculosis. This visa allows them to travel, live, work and study in Australia for as long as they like. New Zealand citizens with criminal convictions or tuberculosis may be denied this visa and should seek advice from an Australian diplomatic mission before travel. Non-citizen permanent residents of New Zealand are ''not'' eligible for this visa and should apply for a visa based on the passport they hold. {{infobox|Inorganic powder limitation|Passengers on transit through Australia are prohibited to carry more than 350 ml or 350 grams of inorganic powder into aircraft's cabins.}} If you are transiting through Australia, remain airside for a maximum of 8 hours, have a confirmed onward booking, have the correct entry documentation for the onward destination and are a citizen of New Zealand, the '''[[European Union]]''', [[Andorra]], [[Argentina]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[Cyprus]], the [[Federated States of Micronesia]], [[Fiji]], [[Iceland]], [[Indonesia]], [[Japan]], [[Kiribati]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mexico]], [[Monaco]], [[Nauru]], [[Norway]], [[Palau]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Philippines]], [[South Africa]], the [[Republic of Marshall Islands]], [[Samoa]], [[San Marino]], [[Singapore]], [[Slovakia]], [[Slovenia]], [[Solomon Islands]], [[South Korea]] (ROK), [[Switzerland]], [[Taiwan]], [[Thailand]], [[Tonga]], [[Tuvalu]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[United Kingdom]] (regardless of nationality status), the [[United States]], [[Vanuatu]] or [[Vatican City]], you do '''not''' need to apply for any advance visa. All other passengers who transit through Australia '''must''' apply for a free-of-charge Transit Visa (subclass 771) before travel. At selected airports, visitors who are citizens of [[Canada]], [[Ireland]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Switzerland]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]] may make use of the SmartGate for automated immigration clearance when entering Australia. Being able to use SmartGate does not exempt you from visa requirements. Australia no longer stamps passports or issues visa stickers; all visas, entries and exits are recorded electronically. ====Customs and quarantine==== Australia has strict quarantine requirements regarding importing '''animal and plant''' derived products (any food, wooden products, seeds, etc.) '''You must declare all such material''', even if the items are permitted. Baggage is frequently scanned and may be examined by dogs. You may be fined $220 on-the-spot if you accidentally fail to declare, or even prosecuted in serious cases. Declared material will be examined and, depending on the circumstances, may be retained, disposed of, returned to you, or treated by quarantine at your expense. (You may have to pick the item up at a later time.) Processed and sealed chocolates and other confectionery are usually permitted after being declared and examined, as are reasonable quantities of infant formula with an accompanying infant. Different rules apply depending on the origin country of foods, and the state in which you are entering Australia. Check with the '''[http://www.agriculture.gov.au/travelling/bringing-mailing-goods Department of Agriculture and Water Resources]''' for more details. Travellers who are 18 years old or older are allowed to bring up to 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages and up to 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of other tobacco products (including cigars) into Australia duty-free. These items may not be imported by anybody under the age of 18, and travellers who exceed their duty free allowance are liable to tax on all goods of that category, not just the amount in excess of the limit. Some shells, coral and items made from a protected species are also prohibited to discourage the trade in items that may originate from a threatened ecosystem or species. While there are no restrictions on the amount of '''money''' that can be brought in or out, Australian customs also requires you to declare if you are travelling with $10,000 or more (AUD or its equivalent in foreign currency) and you will be asked to complete some paperwork. Not declaring may expose you to a fine, possible seizure of the cash, or in the worst case even arrest. ===By plane=== [[File:Qantas 747 Landing.JPG|thumb|Qantas 747 landing at [[Sydney Airport]]]] Australia is a long way from anywhere else in the world, so for most visitors the only practical way of getting into Australia is by air. Australia's major points of entry, in decreasing order of importance, are the airports in [[Sydney]] ({{IATA|SYD}}), [[Melbourne]] ({{IATA|MEL}}), [[Brisbane]] ({{IATA|BNE}}) and [[Perth]] ({{IATA|PER}}). There are also limited international services into Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin and the Gold Coast. Sydney is a 3-hour flight from [[Auckland]], New Zealand, a 7-11 hour flight from many countries in Asia, a 14-hour flight from the west of the United States and Canada, a 14-hour flight from [[Johannesburg]], a 13-16 hour flight from [[South America]], and up to a 24-hour flight from western [[Europe]] (including a stopover). On account of long journey times from some destinations, most travellers from Europe must have a stop-over, commonly in [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]], [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok]] or [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur]]. Since March 2018, Qantas operates a nonstop flight from [[London Heathrow]] to Perth taking "only" 17 hours — the first ever regular nonstop route between Europe and Australia. Qantas also has plans to introduce more ambitious non-stop routes from Sydney to London and New York later. If you have to change to a domestic flight in a gateway city, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth all have separate domestic terminals, requiring some time and complexity to transit: check the guides. Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Cairns and the Gold Coast all have gates in the '''one''' terminal building or within easy walking distance of each other. Australia's national carrier is '''[http://qantas.com.au/ Qantas]''', which together with its low-cost subsidiary '''[http://www.jetstar.com/ Jetstar]''' operate many flights into Australia from all 6 inhabited continents of the world. '''[http://www.virginaustralia.com/ Virgin Australia]''' flies several routes from North America, south-east Asia and the Pacific islands into Australia. For those coming from Europe, '''[http://www.singaporeair.com Singapore Airlines]''' and Hong Kong's '''[http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific]''' make good alternatives to Qantas, British Airways or the Gulf airlines for flights into Australia. Some routes into Australia are operated by '''[[Discount airlines in Australasia|discount airlines]]''' such as AirAsia X, AirAsia Indonesia, Scoot and [http://www.jetstar.com Jetstar Airways]. Post covid, several additional airlines in partnership with Australian carriers have started operating services to Australia. These include [https://www.aircanada.com Air Canada] & [https://www.united.com United Airlines]. ==== Private aviation ==== Private aviation companies such as '''[http://www.australiajetcharter.com Australia Jet Charter]''' and '''[http://www.jetcorpaustralia.com/ JetCorpAustralia]''' offer direct private flights year-round using a variety of aircraft. Popular airports for charter jets include Sydney Bankstown Airport, [[Gold Coast|Gold Coast Airport]], and Melbourne Essendon Airport. ===By boat=== Cruise ships are available mostly in the November to February cruising season, and there are usually about 10 ships that arrive in Australia from other countries during this time. You can cruise to Australia, and then fly home. Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all offer cruises to Australia across the Pacific. You may sail to Australia in your own yacht, just make sure you submit the right paperwork to Border Force, and arrive at an approved [https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea/ports-of-entry port of entry]. There are no international ferry services operating. ===By overland transport=== There was a time when a couple of tour operators offered overland trips from London to Sydney, with only a short hop by air from [[Southeast Asia]] to Northwestern Australia while the bus went by barge. The only such tour operator is Madventure which runs 4 different routes: 26 weeks through Iran, Pakistan, and India; 26 weeks through the Caucasus & Central Asia; 64 weeks around Africa, the Middle East, & South Asia; and 64 weeks through Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, & Central Asia. For those determined to travel overland as much as possible from Europe, you can travel independently to Singapore from Europe by train and/or bus on scheduled services, and fly from there to Perth (3,500 flight kilometres). For the truly determined overland traveller, you can get a ferry from Singapore to Indonesia and make your way across to Bali, where you can fly to Darwin (2,000 flight kilometres). For the intrepid, ferries to West Timor, a bus to Dili and a flight to Darwin will mean only 700 km in the air. Travel to Darwin by cargo ship/ barge by ANL and Swire (the only two routine cargo haulers between Dili and Darwin) is '''not permitted''' (June 2016). For determined travellers, you may be able to obtain passage from Singapore by freighter vessel, organized through a travel agent. ==Get around== Australia is ''huge'' but sparsely populated over much of its area and is larger than the contiguous US, and you can sometimes travel many hours before finding the next trace of civilization, especially once you leave the south-eastern coastal fringe. Its mainland is the sixth largest country by area, which means that it will take you a few days (around 6) to fully appreciate just ten percent of a state or territory. Almost all modern Australian maps, including street directories, use the Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA) as their grid reference, which is for all purposes identical to the WGS84 used by the GPS. You can locate most things on an Australian map or street directory if you just have the "GPS coordinates". ===Quarantine=== There are restrictions on carrying fruit and vegetables (including honey) between states and even between regions of states that are involved in fruit growing. If you are driving over 100-150 km outside large metropolitan areas or interstate, or flying between states, don't stock up on fruits and vegetables. ===By car=== {{See also|Driving in Australia}} [[File:Great Ocean Road, Lorne, Australia - Feb 2012.jpg|thumb|The Great Ocean Road]] [[File:Stuart Highway, Australia.jpg|thumb|Part of the Stuart Highway in Central Australia]] Australia has a generally well-maintained system of roads and highways, and cars are a commonly used method of transport. All the mainland state capitals are linked to each other by good undivided highways. Some parts are divided highways but many sections are one lane each way with occasional overtaking lanes around every 5-20 km depending on the state. Roads linking minor centres (or what can look like short-cuts on the map) can be narrow or gravel roads and are generally slower. In general, unlike Europe, South Africa or the US, there are no freeways connecting major centres, and divided dual carriageways that link major centres don't go for very long, and you could get roundabouts or traffic lights at random areas with only 1km notice. While Sydney to Melbourne can be fully achieved on divided dual carriageways, however, particularly in the NSW section, there are plenty of flat junctions. Sydney to Brisbane can also be achieved on 99% divided dual carriageways, with plans to upgrade the remaining one percent to motorways, on that one percent, there are still plenty of roundabouts and traffic lights along the route. Other routes like Melbourne to Adelaide are only partial divided freeways, but yet there's still towns to be bypassed, and there's not much expressway section in the South Australian section. Drives like Sydney to Perth or Adelaide to Darwin would be much better off achieved by a plane, and journeying here often takes around half a week, and these are routes that Australians themselves only do about once or twice in their lifetime. Distances are huge, and if you put it onto a European perspective: is the distance between Madrid and Moscow, and on a North American perspective, the distance from Miami to Los Angeles. Major hazards on Australian roads are wildlife and large trucks. Be sure to take extra care when driving at dusk or in the dark, as the risk of animal collisions increases significantly. Major regional areas have paved (sealed) dual-lane roads, but isolated areas may have poorly maintained dirt roads or even tracks. Distances and speeds are specified in kilometres and fuel is sold by the litre. There are no tolls on roads or bridges outside of the urban areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Toowoomba. While public transport is usable in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, a car is handy, sometimes even essential, to get around anywhere else. Australia drives on the left. Overseas visitors who are used to driving on the right should take care when they first drive, and again when they are driving on country roads with little traffic. Generally, overseas licenses are valid for driving in Australia for three months after arrival. If the licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to your licence. Licensing regulations and road rules vary slightly from state to state. Australia's low population density and large size makes for long driving times between major centres. The default speed limit in most of Australia is 50km/h in built-up areas, and 100 km/h on rural roads, unless signed otherwise except in the NT where urban defaults are 60 km/h, and in WA and the NT, rural defaults are 110 km/h. Many major rural roads have a posted speed limit of 110 km/h especially in the Outback. Average speed is seldom above 80 km/h due to the poor road conditions and limited overtaking opportunities. On some national highways that traverse mountain ranges and travel through small towns, even averaging 60&nbsp;km/h can be a challenge. Speed limits are strictly enforced in Australia, and even creeping ever so slightly above the speed limit could earn you a ticket with a hefty fine. While major highways are well serviced, anyone '''leaving well-maintained roads''' in inland Australia should take advice from local authorities, check weather and road conditions, and carry sufficient spare fuel, spare parts, spare tyres, matches, food and water. Some remote roads might see one car per month or less. Cellular coverage is non-existent outside of national highways and towns and you should take some precautions in case of emergency. Heat and dehydration at any time of year can kill you. If stranded, stay with your vehicle and do what you can to improve your visibility from the air. Do not take this advice lightly; even local people die out there when their car breaks down and they are not reported missing. If you do have to abandon your car (say you break down and then get a lift), call in quickly to the local police station, to avoid the embarrassment and cost of a search being started for you. ====Car rental==== Major cities around Australia have multiple outlets providing a wide range of rental vehicles from major international rental companies. Several major international providers with bases in Austraia include [https://www.enterpriserentacar.com.au/en/car-rental/locations/australia.html Enterprise], [https://alamo.com.au/ Alamo], [https://nationalcar.com.au/ National], Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt & Europcar. In smaller towns car rental can be difficult to find. One-way fees often apply from smaller regional outlets. Australia also hosts many national brands including [https://www.redspot.com.au/ Redspot], East Coast, Jucy & Nobirds. Smaller cars you can hire can be manual (stick-shift), whereas anything larger will mostly be automatic. If you do not hold an Australian driving licence, some rental vehicle companies will require you to take a free [http://www.driverknowledgetests.com/learners-permit/tourist/ driver knowledge test], aimed at tourists, that covers the basic road rules, or will take you on a short drive to assess whether you are competent behind the wheel. ====Campervans ==== A '''campervan''' is a vehicle, usually a minivan, converted into a motorhome (recreational vehicle), most often catering to the vast number of young European and American backpackers traversing the country. The East Coast from Sydney to Cairns is especially abundant with happy, hungover youths travelling around in these vehicles. [[Driving in Australia]] has more information on renting or buying a campervan. ===By taxi=== Larger towns and cities have taxi services, and can be hailed on the street in most CBDs. [https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/ Uber], [https://www.didiglobal.com/ Didi] and [https://www.olacabs.com/ Ola Cabs] are available in major cities. There are several smartphone taxi booking applications such as [https://www.mydriver.com/en myDriver], [http://www.gocatch.com/ GoCatch] that make finding a licensed taxi simple. Outside of cities, towns may have a limited taxi service, and smaller or remote towns may have no service at all. When travelling alone, it is customary for a passenger to sit in the front passenger seat, next to the driver. However, if you prefer to sit in the back then it isn't a problem. ===By plane=== [[File:Melbourne Airport T1 with Qantas and Jetstar jets.jpg|thumb|250px|Qantas and Jetstar aircraft at Melbourne Airport]] Due to the large distances involved, flying is a well-patronised form of travel in Australia. Services along the main business travel corridor (Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane) are run almost like a bus service, with flights leaving every 15 minutes during the day. The best fares are almost always available on the most competitive routes, whereas routes to remote destinations with fewer flights tend to be more expensive. Qantas actually do often offer competitive prices, so don't ignore that option just because they are the national carrier. There are only a handful of main airlines in Australia, so it won't take long to compare their prices on domestic routes: * '''[http://www.qantas.com.au/ Qantas]''', the full-service national carrier, flying to major cities and some larger regional towns; * '''[http://www.virginaustralia.com/ Virgin Australia]''', a nationwide full-service airline, flying to major cities and a few larger regional towns; * '''[http://www.jetstar.com.au/ Jetstar]''', Qantas's discount arm with limited service and assigned seating. Several airlines service regional destinations. Expect discounts on these airlines to be harder to come by, and for standard airfares to be above what you would pay for the same distance between major centres. * '''[http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/home/qualifier-country-au Qantaslink]''', the regional arm of Qantas, covering the smaller cities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia; * '''[http://www.rex.com.au/ Regional Express]''', covering larger towns & cities on the eastern seaboard and in country South Australia; * '''[http://www.skywest.com.au Skywest]''', covering regional Western Australia, Bali and Darwin; * '''[http://www.airnorth.com.au Airnorth]''', covering the Northern Territory; * '''[http://www.skytrans.com.au Skytrans Airlines]''', covering regional Queensland. * '''[http://www.sharpairlines.com.au/ Sharp Airlines]''', covering several regional towns in Victoria and South Australia. ====Charters==== {{seealso|General aviation}} Scheduled aviation only flies to a handful of the thousands of airports around Australia. There are numerous options to charter aircraft that may take you direct to smaller country towns or even offshore islands. The costs can be comparable to scheduled airlines if there are 3 or more people flying in a group. The Australian Private Pilots Licence permits private pilots to carry passengers and to recover the cost of the plane hire and fuel from passengers, but not to advertise for passengers or fly commercially. That said, if you check the web pages of local flying clubs, there are always private pilots willing to fly on a fine weekend if someone is willing to put in for the cost of the plane and fuel. ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in Australia|Across Australia by train}} [[File:Passenger rail services in Australia en.png|thumb|upright=2.1|Map of the main inter-city rail lines in Australia]] Visitors from areas with well-developed long distance rail systems such as Europe and Japan may be surprised by the lack of high-speed, inter-city rail services in Australia. A historical lack of cooperation between the states, combined with sheer distances and a relatively small population to service, have left Australia with a national rail network that is relatively slow and used mainly for freight. Nevertheless, train travel between cities can be very scenic and present opportunities to see new aspects of the country, and can be a cost-effective way to get to regional towns and cities, which tend to have more expensive flights than those between the state capitals. The long-distance rail services that do exist are mainly used to link regional townships with the state capital, such as [[Bendigo]] to Melbourne, or Cairns to Brisbane. In Queensland, a tilting train operates from Brisbane to [[Rockhampton]] and Brisbane to Cairns (''Spirit of Queensland''). Queensland also has passenger services to inland centres including [[Longreach]] (''The Spirit of the Outback''), [[Mount Isa]] (''The Inlander''), [[Charleville]] (''The Westlander'') and [[Forsayth]] (''The Savannahlander''). There are also inter-city train services operated by Great Southern Railways on the Melbourne-[[Adelaide]] (''The Overland''), Sydney-Adelaide-[[Perth (Western Australia)|Perth]] (''Indian Pacific'') and Adelaide-Alice Springs-Darwin (''[[The Ghan]]''). However, these are not "high-speed" services and actually cost more than flying, so if you do not enjoy train travel as part of your holiday then this is probably not for you. Tasmania has no passenger rail services. The Northern Territory has the rail line linking Darwin to Adelaide through Alice Springs only, and the Australian Capital Territory has a single railway station close to the centre of Canberra. ====Long distance train operators==== [[File:Indian Pacific Bellevue, Western Australia-small.jpg|thumb|Indian Pacific]] * '''[http://www.gsr.com.au/ Great Southern Railways]''' - A private train operator running luxury tourist train services, The Ghan, The Indian Pacific and The Overland between Sydney, [[Broken Hill]], Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, Perth and Melbourne. * '''[http://www.nswtrainlink.info NSW Trainlink Regional]''' - Links Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra, and regional connections to most New South Wales towns, including [[Dubbo]], [[Coffs Harbour]], and [[Wagga Wagga]]. * '''[http://www.vline.com.au V/Line]''' - Train & coach services in Victoria, including combined Train and Coach services between Melbourne and Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra. * '''[https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/ Queensland Rail]''' - Long distance passenger train services in Queensland, including its flagship Spirit of Queensland service between Brisbane and [[Cairns]]. * '''[http://www.savannahlander.com.au The Savannahlander]''' - A privately-run train service that links Cairns with the outback town of [[Forsayth]], using old heritage trains, and providing overnight accommodation and tours on the way. * '''[http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au TransWA]''' - State government run, operating train services to [[Kalgoorlie]] and [[Bunbury]]. TransWA also operates coach services to much of the state where former rail services operated in the past, especially the southwest of the state. ====Rail passes==== No rail pass includes all train travel throughout Australia. However, if you are a train buff that intends travelling extensively by rail, there are some passes that may save you money. Plan your trip carefully before investing in a rail pass. Country train services are infrequent and can arrive at regional destinations at unsociable hours. * '''[http://www.nswtrainlink.info/deals/discovery Discovery Pass]'''. Use any NSW Trainlink services (trains and coaches). Get anywhere in NSW, and north to Brisbane and south to Melbourne. * Queensland Rail Coastal Pass and Queensland Rail Explorer Pass. ====Local public transport==== [[File:Cityrail-millennium-M32-ext.jpg|thumb|A suburban train in Sydney]] [[File:D2.5007 + C2.5111 bourke.JPG|thumb|Melbourne is well served by the world's largest tram network]] Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, [[Wollongong]] and [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] have commuter rail and bus services integrated into the city public transport, with trams also running in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, and ferries in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Sydney is home to Australia's sole Metro line. The remaining capital cities have bus services only. See those city guides articles for public transport details. Some regional cities and towns have local bus services, but see the destination guides for service information, as frequency can be poor and weekend and evening services non-existent. ===By motorail=== Australia had a tradition of motorail, allowing you to carry carry your car with you on special car carriages attached to the back of the train. This service is now only available on Great Southern Railways between Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin. You cannot remove your car at any of the intermediate stations. ===By bus=== Bus travel in Australia is cheap and convenient, although the distances involved for interstate connections are daunting. Greyhound has the largest bus route network. There are no bus services from the other capital cities to Perth. * {{listing | name=Firefly Express | url=http://www.fireflyexpress.com.au | email=enquiries@fireflyexpress.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1300 730 740 (local rate), +61 3 8318 0318 (international callers) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Firefly Express has services connecting Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. }} * {{listing | name=Greyhound | url=http://www.greyhound.com.au | email=info@greyhound.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1300 473 946 (local rate) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greyhound travels to over 1100 destinations in Australia daily every day of the year. It has a variety of ticketing options allow you to travel at your own pace, hopping on and off as many times as your ticket allows. }} * {{listing | name=Murrays | url=http://www.murrays.com.au | email=reservations@murrays.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 13 22 51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Murrays has services connecting Canberra with Sydney, the [[South Coast (New South Wales)|NSW South Coast]] and [[Snowy Mountains|snowfields]]. }} ===By boat=== [[File:Spirit of Tasmania Port Melbourne.jpg|thumb|The ''Spirit of Tasmania II'' at Port Melbourne]] Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth have ferries as part of their public transport system. Some smaller roads in the regional areas still have punts to carry cars across rivers and canals. The islands of the Barrier Reef have some scheduled services, and there are a few cruises that cross the top of Australia as well. However, large inter city ferry services are not common. * '''[http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/ The Spirit of Tasmania]'''. The only long distance ferry route connects Tasmania to the mainland and carries cars and passengers on the route across Bass Strait daily between Melbourne and [[Devonport]]. * '''[https://www.sealink.com.au/ Sealink]''' connects Kangaroo Island, Australia's second largest southern island to mainland South Australia with regular car ferries. * '''[http://seasa.com.au/ Sea SA]''' offers an short cut across the Spencer Gulf between Adelaide (Wallaroo) and the Lucky Bay on the [[Eyre Peninsula]]. The service has been suspended frequently, but is operating as of Dec 2018. ===By thumb=== It is legal to hitch hike in some states in Australia, so long as certain guidelines are followed. However, it is less commonly done than in neighbouring New Zealand. In Australia hitch hiking is often frowned upon by locals and police, especially in metropolitan areas. Hitch hiking is illegal in Victoria and Queensland. It is also illegal to stand on the verge or walk along freeways (often called "motorways" in New South Wales and Queensland) in all states (effectively making hitch hiking illegal in many practical places, in all states). If forced to hitch hike due to an emergency you may find a motorist willing to take you to the nearest town to obtain help. (Many major inter-city highways and freeways have emergency telephone units to request help.) It is common to see a tourist hitching in rural areas. The best time to hitch hike is early morning. The best location is near, but not on, the main exit from the town you are in. ===By bicycle=== Cycling the long distances between towns in Australia is not common, and most long distance highways in Australia have poorly developed facilities for cyclists. for example, to cycle between Sydney and Brisbane you would have to allow 2–3 weeks with around 80–100&nbsp;km per day. Intrepid travellers do manage to cover the longer distances by bicycle, and have a different experience of Australia. Long distance cyclists can be encountered on the Nullarbor and other isolated highways. In some states, former railway lines have been changed into rail trails. [https://www.railtrails.org.au/ Rail Trail Australia] website has good material of routes off the main highways, with the Murray to the Mountains Train being the best quality trail with the most to see and do along the route. In Western Australia long distance cycle trails have been developed for mountain bikers. The Munda Biddi trail is many days through bushland, with huts provided for camping along the route. Wherever you cycle - if you leave the urban sprawl of the capital cities, plan carefully and carry supplies. ===Hiking=== {{main|Hiking and bushwalking in Australia}} Walking through some parts of Australia is the only way to experience some particular landscapes. In Tasmania the Central Highland [[Overland Track]] and the South Coast Track are good examples of walking/hiking holiday ''to do'' items. The Bicentennial National Trail is one of the longest trails in the world, stretching from [[Cooktown]] in Northern Queensland, to [[Healesville]] in [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]. ==See== ===Wildlife=== [[File:Koala climbing tree.jpg|thumb|A koala]] {{seealso|Australasian wildlife}} Australian flora and fauna is unique to the island continent, the result of having been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years. Amongst Australian animals are a large group of marsupials (mammals with a pouch) and monotremes (mammals that lay eggs). Just some of the animal icons of Australia are the kangaroo (national symbol) and the koala. A visit to Australia would not be complete without taking the chance to see some of these animals in their natural environment. ====Wildlife parks and zoos==== * '''Wildlife parks and zoos''' are in every state capital city, but also check out the animal parks if you are passing through smaller towns, like [[Mildura]] or [[Mogo]], or staying on [[Hamilton Island]]. See the Warrawong Fauna Sanctuary if you are in South Australia, or visit the koalas with best view in the world, at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. ====In the wild==== [[File:Tassy Devil.jpg|thumb|A Tasmanian devil]] * '''Kangaroos''' and '''wallabies''' are in national parks all around Australia. You won't see any kangaroos hopping down the street in [[Sydney/City|Central Sydney]], but they're common on the outskirts of most urban areas. * '''Wombats''' and '''echidnas''' are also common, but harder to find due to their camouflage and tunnelling. See lots of echidnas on Kangaroo Island. * '''Koalas''' are present in forests around Australia, but are notoriously very hard to spot, and walking around looking upwards into the boughs of trees will usually send you sprawling over a tree root. Best seen during the day, there is a thriving and friendly population on Raymond Island near [[Paynesville (Victoria)|Paynesville]] in Victoria. You have a good chance on Otway Coast, on the [[Great Ocean Road]], or even in the National Park walk near [[Noosa]] on the Sunshine Coast. * '''Emus''' are more common in central Australia. You will certainly see some if you venture into the outback national park at [[Currawinya National Park|Currawinya]] * '''Platypus''' are found in reedy, flowing creeks with soft river banks in Victoria, Southern New South Wales, and the very southern region of Queensland - seen at dusk and dawn - you have to have a bit of luck to see one. Try the platypus reserves in [[Bombala]] or [[Delegate]] in New South Wales, or in Emu Creek at [[Skipton (Victoria)|Skipton]] just out of [[Ballarat]]. ===Convict sites=== Much of Australia's modern history was as a penal colony for convicts from the United Kingdom, and there are many historical sites that still stand as a reminder of the days of convict transportation. Perhaps the most famous of these sites are [[Port Arthur (Tasmania)|Port Arthur]] in [[Tasmania]] and Fremantle Prison in [[Perth/Fremantle|Fremantle]], located near [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]]. There are also many other sites scattered throughout the country. ===Landmarks=== [[File:07 Sydney Opera House in black and white, Australia.jpg|thumb|Sydney Opera House, one of Australia's most recognised landmarks]] Australia has many landmarks, famous the world over. From [[Uluru]] in the red centre, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Sydney. Small Australian towns have a tradition of making big sculptures as landmarks. See [[Big things in Australia]]. Australia has thousands of heritage-registered sites, with 20 [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] ===National parks=== {{see also|National parks in Australia}} [[File:Beech Forest (AU), Great Otway National Park, Beauchamp Falls -- 2019 -- 1271.jpg|thumb|Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park, Victoria]] Perhaps the best of what can be found in the natural side of Australia is best found in its national parks. Australia has more than 500 or so national parks, which makes Australia the country having the most number of national parks in the world. Although that number can make it somewhat hard to pick, there are some particular national parks in particular that stand out to travelers more than others. Some national parks (including [[Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park|Australia's largest]]) are located in very remote areas with no roads leading there, and the only way to access them is off-road driving in a four-wheel drive; be sure to make ample preparations and stock up on food, water and fuel before you attempt to visit one of these, and it is highly recommended that you rent a [[Mobile_phones#Satellite_phones|satellite phone]] despite the high cost in case of emergencies. In New South Wales, a trip is never complete without going to [[Blue Mountains National Park]], just west of Sydney and a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]], home to several indigenous sacred sites, along with several lookouts, mountains and plateaus. Other national parks in New South Wales that are popular include [[Royal National Park]], a popular beachside spot and the world's second oldest national park just south of Sydney, [[Kosciuszko National Park]] for being home to Australia's tallest mountain on the mainland, [[Dorrigo National Park]] or [[New England National Park]] for its Gondwana Rainforests, or a more isolated [[Mungo National Park]] home to the unusual but yet great "Walls of China" formation. In the Northern Territory, the two most famous parks by far are [[Kakadu National Park]] and [[Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park]], two icons of Australia which are both pretty self explanatory. Other popular national parks include [[Litchfield National Park]] home to several waterfalls, [[Nitmiluk National Park|Nitmiluk]] for the Katherine Gorge, [[Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park]] and [[Watarrka National Park]] for their gorges and canyons. In Queensland, similar to the Northern Territory, the two most famous and internationally recognized parks are the [[Daintree Rainforest]] and the [[Great Barrier Reef]], one for being the world's oldest living rainforest while the latter for being the world's largest reef system. Other popular national parks include [[Lamington National Park]] for its Gondwana Rainforests or [[Fraser Island|Great Sandy National Park]] for being the world's largest sand island and the only place in the world where forest grows on sand or the [[Whitsunday Islands]], home to some of the world's whitest beaches. Other important but relatively unknown national parks include [[Boodjamulla National Park]], a world heritage site for its fossils or [[Carnarvon National Park]] for its landscape and rock art. In South Australia, national parks tend to be of different quality, and by far the most recognised one is [[Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park]], what first comes in mind for many who think about South Australia. Others include [[Naracoorte Caves National Park]], a world heritage site for its fossils, or [[the Coorong]], the world's longest beach. Tasmania has by far the most wilderness, and with almost a little less than 50% of [[Tasmanian national parks|its national parks]] as world heritage sites, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. [[Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park]] is by far its most iconic national park, while [[Southwest National Park]] is the largest in the state. For those interesting in mountains that are easily accessible, [[Hartz Mountains National Park]] or [[Mount Field National Park]] is generally the national park to go, with the latter along with [[Ben Lomond National Park]] known for skiing and snowsports. For the parks of other kinds, [[Freycinet National Park]] is known for its beaches while [[Tasman National Park]] has some of the world's highest ocean cliffs. Victoria, despite being the smallest mainland state has quite a lot more to offer than you might think. Its most iconic one is [[Port Campbell National Park]], and although the name of the park is not well known, one of its main features – the 12 Apostles is what brings so much visitors to it. Others include [[Wilsons Promontory]], home to the southernmost point of the Australian mainland, or [[Murray Sunset National Park]], home to a pink lake. Western Australia, being the world's second largest jurisdictions has plenty to offer. In particular, the one that's most known is [[Nambung National Park]] for its Pinnacles Desert, but others include [[Kalbarri National Park]] or [[Karijini National Park]] both home to several unique geological formations, or [[Murujuga National Park]] for being home to some of the world's densest collections of rock art. [[Purnululu National Park]] or [[Shark Bay]] both tend to be a bit far from [[Perth]], but both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both offering something unique in sight. And if you thought that everything that's scenic has to be on land – you could be hardly ever more wrong. The Ningaloo Marine Park (and [[Exmouth (Western Australia)|Exmouth]] and [[Coral Bay]]) have a lot to offer, especially for those keen in marine life. ===Space=== {{main|Astrotourism in Australia}} The vast open outback in Australia makes Australia a prime destination for space-enthusiasts. However, unlike the Northern Hemisphere, the constellations here are very different, owing to the fact that Australia is in the southern hemisphere. There are plenty of [[Astrotourism in Australia|astrotourism]] sites, ranging from a cities, to as far deep in the outback as you can go. ===Sports=== [[File:Ball is in dispute in Hawthorn-Essendon AFL match.jpg|thumb|Part of an AFL match between the Hawthorn and Essendon teams]] Sport is an integral part of the Australian culture from the capital cities to country towns. As a testament to this, Australia has a track record of being one of the best performing teams at the Olympics despite its relatively small population. The majority of games are played over the weekend period (from Friday night to Monday night). Australian sports fans are generally well behaved, and it is not uncommon for fans of two opposing teams to sit together during a match, even if the teams are bitter rivals. While the cheering can get really passionate, actual crowd violence is extremely rare. {{Infobox|Football|The term "football" can be ambiguous in Australia, and differs in meaning depending on where you are and who you are talking to. However, the term on its own is almost never used to refer to association football, which is known as "soccer" in Australia. In general, "football", or the slang term "footy", refers to '''rugby league''' in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, while it refers to '''Australian rules football''' anywhere else in Australia.}} * In the winter in Victoria '''[[Australian rules football]]''' (Aussie Rules, or in some areas just "footy") is more than just a sport, it is a way of life. Catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Although originating from and most popular in the state of Victoria, the premier national competition, known as the '''[https://www.afl.com.au/ Australian Football League (AFL)]''', has teams from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast as well. The '''AFL Grand Final''', held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground either in late September or early October each year, is the most watched event on the Australian sporting calendar. The AFL now runs a women's league, known as '''[https://womens.afl AFL Women's]''', during the summer. While obviously not as popular as the men's game, it still enjoys a decent following. The next women's season in 2020 will feature 14 teams from all of the current men's AFL markets. * In summer, international '''[[cricket]]''' is played between Australia and at least two touring sides. The games rotate around all the capital cities. To experience the traditional game catch the New Year's test match at the Sydney cricket ground played for 5 days starting from the 2nd of January, or the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne. Or for a more lively entertaining form, that only takes a few hours, try a twenty-twenty match. The final form is "One Day" Cricket, international matches generally start at 13:00 and finish at 22:00 or 23:00 (a "Day-Nighter"), with most domestic and occasional international matches played from 11:00 to 18:00. The '''Australia Day''' One Day International is held in Adelaide every 26 January. '''The Ashes''' is a series of five test matches played between the Australian and English national teams. It is held in Australia every three or four years, and is one of the highlights of the cricket calendar. Whenever Australia hosts the series, the five matches are held in the five largest cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. * The '''[http://www.ausopen.com/index.html Australian Open]''', one of the '''tennis''' Grand Slams, is played annually at '''[https://mopt.com.au/ Melbourne Park]''', including the main stadium of '''[http://www.rodlaverarena.com.au/ Rod Laver Arena]''', near the [[Melbourne]] city centre. Or the Medibank International in [[Sydney/Sydney Olympic Park|Sydney Olympic Park]] in January. [[File:Hunter Stadium Day.JPG|thumb|Hunter Stadium in Newcastle]] * Catch a '''[[Rugby Football#Rugby union|rugby union]]''' Super Rugby game, with teams playing from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Japan in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney during late Summer/Autumn. The Australian national team, the Wallabies, also host international teams during winter, including New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina for The Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri Nations tournament). * '''[[Rugby Football#Rugby league|Rugby League]]''' is a winter game played mainly in New South Wales and Queensland, with the '''[https://www.nrl.com/ National Rugby League (NRL)]''' competition being the premier competition. Teams include Melbourne in Victoria, Brisbane, North Queensland and the Gold Coast in Queensland, a team from New Zealand, with the rest of the teams coming from suburban areas in Sydney, and some in regional areas of New South Wales such as Newcastle and Canberra. The competition culminates in the '''NRL Grand Final''', which is held every year in the Stadium Australia in Sydney. The biggest event in the rugby league calendar of Australia is the '''State of Origin''' series between teams representing the states of New South Wales and Queensland, which consists of an annual series of three matches of which two are played in Sydney and Brisbane, and the third is played in either of those cities or sometimes, Melbourne or Perth. Many fans consider the level of play in the State of Origin series to be even higher than that in the Rugby League World Cup. * '''Netball''' is Australia's largest female sport, and there are weekly games in the domestic Super Netball league (which replaced a previous transnational league that also included New Zealand sides). The Australian national team is arguably the strongest in the world, with England, New Zealand and Jamaica usually posing the biggest challenge to Australian dominance. * '''Soccer''' is a growing sport that is aspiring to reach European levels. Many immigrants and second-generation Australians hail from European countries where passion for the sport is very high. The Australia national team (the Socceroos) won the Asia Cup for the first time in 2015 and have raised the sport's profile significantly. There is a national A-League, which is a fully professional league involving teams from Australia and one from New Zealand, with games played weekly during the summer. Most cities have a semi-professional "state league" played during winter, with most clubs being built around a specific ethnic/migrant community, for example a [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] league side Broadmeadow Magic, which was built around the cities' Macedonian population. While women's soccer is less popular as a spectator sport, it enjoys a decent following, with the national team (the Matildas) regularly participating in the World Cup. The women's counterpart to the A-League is the W-League. * '''[[Formula One|F1 Grand Prix]]''' The Melbourne Grand Prix in March takes place on a street circuit around Albert Park Lake, only a few kilometres south of central Melbourne. It is used annually as a racetrack for the Australian Grand Prix and associated support races. * The '''Supercars Championship''' is a popular form of motor racing unique to Australia involving powerful cars, comparable to NASCAR racing in the United States—though unlike NASCAR, which races almost exclusively on oval tracks, the Supercars series uses road courses and street circuits. Events are held all over the country between March and early December. The famous Bathurst 1000 is traditionally held in October. * '''[[Horse racing]]''' is Australia's third most popular spectator sport after Australian rules football and rugby league, and races are held regularly in all of Australia's state capitals. The premier event in Australia's horse racing calendar is the annual '''[https://www.flemington.com.au/melbournecupcarnival Melbourne Cup]''', which also ranks among the most prestigious races in the world. * '''Greyhound racing''', although less popular than horse racing, also has a significant following in Australia, which has the world's largest greyhound racing industry. Greyhound racing tracks can be found in all of Australia's state capitals, as well as in many small towns throughout the country. ===Itineraries=== * [[Anne Beadell Highway]] * [[Gibb River Road]] * [[Grand Pacific Drive]] * [[Great Ocean Road]] * [[Gunbarrel Highway]] * [[Oodnadatta Track]] * [[Stuart Highway]]: crossing Australia north-south * [[Tourist Drive 33]] * [[Waterfall Way]] * [[Military museums and sites in Australia]] ==Do== [[File:Bondi 1.jpg|thumb|Australia is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Bondi Beach pictured)]] [[File:Gold-Coast-Skyline-at-Night.jpg|thumb|Surfers Paradise, located in the Gold Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, boasting some of the world's greatest beaches and located near an array of theme parks]] ===Swim=== * '''in the surf'''. Australia has seemingly endless sandy beaches. Follow the crowds to the world-famous [[Sydney/Bondi|Bondi Beach]] in Sydney, or [[Surfers Paradise]] on the Gold Coast. Or find a stretch all for yourself (but beware of dangerous rips on beaches, it is considerably safer to find a patrolled beach). The surf is smaller and warmer in the Tropical North, where the reef breaks the swell, and larger and colder in the south with waves rolling in from the Southern Ocean. (And yes, in the middle it is ''just right''). * '''in calm tropical oceans'''. Cable Beach in [[Broome]] is swept pristine daily by the tide, has perfect sand, and warm water - go in winter. * '''in thermal pools'''. South of Darwin there are many natural thermal pools such as Berry Springs & Mataranka, surrounded by palms and tropical foliage. The most expensive resort in the world couldn't dream of making a pool this good. * '''in freshwater lakes'''. Inland Australia tends to be dry, but there are freshwater lakes where you would least expect them. Explore inland of Cairns at the Atherton Tablelands, or head outback to the [[Currawinya National Park]]. Watch out for crocodiles. * '''in rivers'''. If its hot, and there is water, there will be a place to swim. Wherever you are, just ask around for the favourite swimming spot, with a waterhole and rope to swing on. Watch out for crocodiles. * '''in man-made pools'''. The local swimming pool is often the hub of community life on a summer Sunday in the country towns of New South Wales and Victoria. Many of the beachside suburbs of Sydney and Newcastle have man made rock/concrete pools called 'baths' where you can swim beside the ocean beaches. * '''on the beach'''! Find your spot by the water, and get out the towel. Tropical north in the winter, down south in the summer. As always when in Australia, protect yourself from the sun. ===Bushwalking=== {{main|Hiking in Australia}} Bushwalking is a popular Australian activity. You can go bushwalking in the many national parks and rainforests. Some areas also have guided bush walks by the local Aboriginal people, and these are an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture of the local Aboriginal ethnic group. ===Diving=== [[File:Giant clam with diver.jpg|thumb|A scuba diver looking at a giant clam on the Great Barrier Reef]] * '''Snorkelling''' take a trip out to the [[Great Barrier Reef]] on the Queensland coast, or the [[Exmouth (Western Australia)|Ningaloo Reef]] off the coast of Western Australia. Or take a trip out to Julian rocks off [[Byron Bay]], or just dive in off the beach to see the tropical fish in [[Bundaberg]]. * [[Scuba diving in Australia|Scuba Diving]] ===Sports=== * [[Golf in Australia|Golf]] * '''Rock Climbing''' * '''Mountain Biking'''. Try the trails in the [[Snowy Mountains]] or black mountain in Canberra, or cycle for days along the Munda Biddi Mountain Bike trail in Western Australia. * '''Horse Riding'''. The horse has a rich tradition in the settlement of Australia since the arrival of the first European settlers. Relying on the horse to travel the vast distances and harsh environments of Australia was the foundation of a strong and lasting relationship between Australians and their horses. Today horse riding in Australia includes many recreational and occupational activities from cattle musters on vast stations, to the multimillion-dollar racing industry. On the outskirts of towns and cities and out in the rural landscape, you will see the many pony paddocks and much loved horses that are a testament to the ongoing passion and commitment Australian horse owners have to their horses and the enjoyment they bring. ===Ski=== * Skiing. New South Wales and Victoria have well developed ski facilities. Tasmania can also have skiing for a few months of the year, given the right weather. See [[Winter sports in Australia]] ===Surf=== * Surfing. If you think Australia is the most unpopulated and most remote place on earth where you can go to escape any trace of human contact, just find a good surf break in the most remote corner of Australia and you will be guaranteed to find someone surfing it. Australians love to surf and wherever there is surf there are Aussie surfers, any time and under any conditions. Virtually every coastline, except along the top end from Cairns across to Karatha has surf and surfers there to ride it. ===Thrill activities=== * '''Sky Diving''', all around Australia * '''Hot Air Ballooning''', in Canberra, Brisbane or in the [[Red Centre#Do|Red Centre]]. *''' Kitesurfing''' and '''windsurfing''' in and around Geraldton, Western Australia and at '''Coronation Beach''', the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of Australia === Gamble === [[File:2008BerriganCup1.JPG|thumb|Horse racing at the Berrigan Cup race meeting in the small New South Wales town of Berrigan]] It has been said that if there are two flies crawling up a wall, then you just need to look around to find the Aussie who will be running a book. * '''Casinos'''. Crown Casino in Melbourne is Australia's largest, located at Southbank, but there are others scattered in every capital city and in Cairns, [[Launceston]], Alice Springs, the Gold Coast and [[Townsville]]. * '''[[Horse racing|Day at the races]]'''. All capital cities have horse racing every weekend, with on-track and off-track betting available. They are usually family occasions, and fashion and being seen are part of the event. Just about every pub in New South Wales will have a tab, where you can place a bet without leaving your chair at the bar. Greyhound racing and trotting happens in the evenings, usually with smaller crowds, more beer, and less fashion. Smaller country towns have race meetings every few months or even annually. These are real events for the local communities, and see the smaller towns come to life. Head outback to the [[Birdsville]] races, or if you find the streets deserted it is probably ten past three on the first Tuesday in November (the running of the Melbourne cup). * '''The unusual'''. Lizard races, cane toad races, camel races, crab races. Betting on these races is totally illegal and you'll find the TIB (Totally Illegal Betting) around the back of the shed. * '''Two up'''. If you are around for Anzac Day (25 April), then betting on coins thrown into the air will be happening at your local RSL club, wherever you are. * Australia has almost a quarter of all the '''slot machines''' (locally known as "pokies" or "poker machines") in the world, and more than half of these are in New South Wales, where most pubs and clubs have gaming rooms (labelled "VIP lounges" for legal reasons) where one can "have a slap" and go for the feature. * If none of this appeals, and you just have too much money in your pocket, '''every town and suburb in Australia has a TAB''' (Totalisator Agency Board – betting shop). Pick your sport, pick a winner, and hand over your money at the counter. Gambling is illegal for under-18's. This can often restrict entry to parts of pubs, clubs, and casinos for children. ===Royal shows=== Each of Australia's states and mainland territories is home to a '''royal show''', which are agricultural fairs that also feature amusement rides and other forms of entertainment, and serve as Australia's equivalent of state fairs in the United States. These shows are held in the respective state and territory capitals, usually during the spring or autumn months. ==Buy== [[File:Pitt Street Mall February 2016.jpg|thumb|Pitt Street Mall in Sydney is one of Australia's busiest shopping districts]] {{see also|Shopping in Australia}} ===Money=== <!--{{exchange rate AUD|currencies=USD,GBP,EUR,NZD,JPY,ZAR}}--> {{exchange rates | currency=Australian dollar | currencyCode=A$ | date=January 2022 | USD=1.4 | EUR=1.6 | GBP=1.9 | NZD=0.95 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/aud-australian-dollar XE.com] }} {{infobox|Gold coins|No, it's not coins made out of gold, it's just an informal way of what Australians call a $1 or a $2 coin. It is mostly used in the terms of when donating, often for not-for-profit museums or charities. However, unlike Canada's loonie and toonie, Australians do not distinguish between $1 and $2 coins, and so if you do see a place that requests for a gold coin donation, you could give either $1 or $2 (or nothing, as it's a donation), but most give $2.}} The Australian currency is known as the '''dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''$'''" or "'''A$'''" (ISO code: '''AUD'''). It is divided into 100 '''cents (c)'''. In this guide, the "$" sign denotes Australian dollars unless otherwise noted. Coins come in denominations of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, the 12-sided 50¢, $1 and the tiny $2. The pre-2006 New Zealand 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢ coins were virtually identical to their Australian counterparts, save for a different tails side, so it's not uncommon to come across them among your Australian change and you may also encounter SGD coins, particularly 20c coins. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 (all in distinctive colours). $100 notes are rare and sometimes hard to use in shops. Australian notes are printed on plastic polymer rather than paper. If the total of a transaction is not a multiple of 5 cents the amount will be rounded to the nearest five cents if you are paying in cash. The exact amount will be charged if paying by card. The dollar is not pegged to any other currency, and is highly traded on world foreign exchange markets, particularly by currency speculators. Its exchange value to other currencies can be quite volatile, and 1-2% changes in a day are reasonably regular occurrences. ===Currency exchange=== [[File:Australian banknotes in wallet.jpg|thumb|Australian dollar banknotes in a wallet]] As the Australian dollar is considered to be a major world currency, it is widely available at money changers and banks throughout the world. Money changers in Australia operate in a free market, and charge a range of flat commissions, percentage fees, undisclosed fees built into the exchange rate, or a combination of all three. You can avoid rip-off rates by using banks in major centres, and staying clear of airports and tourist centres. However, both the best and worst rates come from the small private sellers, and you can certainly save money over the banks by shopping around. Always get a quote before changing money. You'll usually need to have photo identification with you, although you may be exempt if only changing a small amount. Dedicated currency exchange outlets are widely available in major cities, and banks can also exchange most non-restricted currencies. These exchange outlets - especially the ones at the airport - can charge 10% over the best exchange that can be obtained from shopping around. Australian banks usually offer an exchange rate around 2.5% from the current exchange midpoint. A flat commission of $5–8 can be charged on top. Some outlets advertise commission free exchange, usually accompanied by a worse rate of exchange. Don't assume every bank will offer the same exchange. There are vouchers for commission free exchange at American Express available in the tourist brochure at Sydney Airport. International airport terminals will have teller machines that can dispense Australian currency with Cirrus, Maestro, MasterCard or Visa cards. ===Banking=== Opening an Australian bank account is fairly straightforward if you have a residential address in Australia. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, such as a passport, to the bank in order for your application to be processed. The largest retail banks in Australia are '''[http://www.nab.com.au National Australia Bank (NAB)]''', '''[http://www.anz.com Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)]''', '''[https://www.commbank.com.au/ Commonwealth Bank]''' and '''[http://www.westpac.com.au/ Westpac]'''. Cash dispensing Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available in almost every Australian town. Australian ATMs are deregulated and may impose a surcharge over what is charged by your bank or card issuer. The fees can vary between institutions and between locations, but are usually around $2. The ATM will display the charges and you will have the option to stop the transaction before you are charged. Check with your bank as to what additional fees they apply to withdrawals in Australia. ===Costs=== {{infobox|Fast changing currency valuations|The Australian dollar is one of the world's more dynamic currencies, partly because of its relation to commodity prices such as iron and coal. Within the past 10 years the 'Aussie' has swung between 50¢ to $1.50 to the United States dollar, making the cost of visiting range from reasonable to very expensive depending on exactly when you are there.}} Australia is generally an expensive place to visit, with some surveys<!-- Any notable ones, peer reviewed etc?--> having ranked Australia as the third most expensive country in the world in terms of consumer prices, only behind Norway and Switzerland. Dorm accommodation in a capital city is around $30, but can run as low as $15 in Cairns or cheaper backpacker centres. A basic motel in the country or in the capital city suburbs would cost around $100 for a double. City Centre hotel accommodation in capital cities can be obtained for around $150 upwards for a double. Formule 1/Motel 6 style hotels (which are not common) can be around $60–90 for a double. Car hire will cost around $65 a day. Public transport day passes from $9–20 per day depending on the city. A cafe meal costs around $10–15, and a main course in a restaurant goes from around $17 upwards. A basic takeaway meal - a burger, sandwich, or couple of slices of pizza cost $5–10, a Big Mac costs $4.50, and you can usually grab a pie or sausage roll for around $4. A takeaway pizza from Pizza Hut big enough to feed two costs around $10. A middy/pot (285mL) of house beer will cost you around $5, and a glass of house wine around $8 in a low end pub. To take away, a case of 24 cans of beer will cost around $45, or a bottle of wine around $10. An airfare between neighbouring eastern capitals is around $120 each way but can get as low as $60 if you book at the right time, or around $350 to cross the country assuming that you are flexible with dates and book in advance. A train trip on the state run trains will usually cost slightly less. A bus trip, a little less again. A train trip on the private trains will be the most expensive way to travel. There is usually no admission charge to beaches or city parks. Some popular National Parks charge between $6 and $20 per day (per car, or per person depending on the state) while more out of the way National Parks are free. Art Galleries and some attractions are free. Museums generally charge around $10 per admission. Theme parks charge around $70 per person. ===Tax=== Australia has a 10% ''Goods and Services Tax (GST)'' that applies to all goods and services except unprocessed foods, education and medical services. GST is always ''included'' in the displayed price of any consumer purchases. Receipts (tax invoices) will contain the GST amount. ==== Tourist Refund Scheme ==== If you buy goods over $300 at one place at one time you can obtain a refund of the GST if you take the items out of Australia within 60 days and unlike in many other countries, this applies to both Australian citizens and foreigners. Make sure you get a tax invoice from the supplier (which will have the goods itemised, the GST paid, and the ABN of the supplier). Pack the items in hand luggage, and present the item(s) and the receipt at the TRS, after immigration and security when leaving Australia. If any of the items have to be checked in for whatever reason, make sure that you locate the customs office and let customs officers sight the goods before checking-in your bags. Also allow at least an extra 30 minutes before departure, and if possible enter the details online before you arrive at the airport. The refund payment can be made by either cheque, credit to an Australian bank account, or payment to a credit card. There is no refund available for GST on services. Remember the goods are now considered duty-free, and you'll have to pay GST on them if you bring them back into Australia and they are in excess of your duty-free allowances. ===Credit cards=== Credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Almost all large vendors such as supermarkets accept cards, as do many small stores. '''Visa''' and '''MasterCard''' are the most universally accepted cards, then American Express, then Diners Club with other cards either never or very rarely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are accepted at major supermarket and department store chains. Any card showing the Cirrus or Maestro logos can be used at any terminal displaying those logos. Australian debit cards can also be used via a system known as EFTPOS. Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless credit cards are accepted at virtually all terminals. You will only need to enter a PIN if the purchase is over $200. All Australian credit cards are issued with a PIN. If you have an overseas card without a PIN you can still sign for purchases, however shopkeepers unused to dealing with overseas cards may not be aware of this. Try to have a PIN on your card if your bank allows it. If not, you may have to explain that you have an overseas card and wait while the shopkeeper finds a pen. '''Credit card surcharges''' are imposed at all car rental agencies, travel agents, airlines, and at some discount retailers (such as Aldi) and service stations. They are increasingly common in cafes, bars and restaurants. Surcharges are far more common and higher for American Express and Diners Club (typically 2%-4%) than they are for Visa and MasterCard (typically 1.5%). Businesses are legally required to put a sign up indicating the size of any surcharge they impose. UnionPay credit cards as well as AliPay and WeChat Pay are becoming more common in tourist shops and restaurants due to the rising number of Chinese visitors. It is difficult to use them in other businesses however. ===Haggling=== Bargaining is uncommon in Australian stores, though vendors are usually willing to meet or beat a quote or advertised price from a competing retailer. It's also worth asking for a "best price" for high-value goods or purchases involving several items. For example, it would not be unusual to get 10% off an item of jewelry that was not already reduced in price. The person you are dealing with may have limited authority to sell items at anything other than the marked price. Attempting to haggle without a reason will most likely be perceived as rude in Australia and will be unsuccessful. ===Tipping=== [[Tipping]] is ''not'' customary in Australia, although tips are accepted if you freely choose to give one. Restaurants are required to include the cost of service and taxes in posted prices. You may, however, choose to leave a small tip if the service was exemplary. When paying by credit card, some restaurants give the option of adding a tip to your payment, although it is completely optional. Other places provide a coin jar or bowl by the cashier labelled "Tips", but the vast majority of Australian diners do not leave one. Bartenders are rarely tipped. Other types of service personnel, including hotel staff, porters, tour guides, food delivery drivers and hairdressers do not expect to receive tips. Tipping is also not expected in taxis, and drivers will typically return your change to the last 5 cents, unless you indicate that they should round the fare to the nearest dollar. It is not unusual for passengers to instruct the driver to round up to the next whole dollar. Casinos in Australia generally prohibit tipping of gaming staff, as it is considered bribery. Similarly, offering to tip government officials will usually be interpreted as bribery and can potentially be treated as a criminal offence. ===Trading hours=== [[File:17 Open sign - free stock photo.jpg|thumb|A sign indicating that a shop is open]] [[File:OIC alex hts shops 1b.jpg|thumb|A shopping centre in Perth]] Australia's '''base trading hours''' are Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Shops usually have a single night of late night trading, staying open until 21:00 on Fridays in most cities and on Thursdays in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Sunday trading is common in the main cities but does not exist in all rural areas. Opening hours beyond these base hours vary by the type of store, by location, and by state. See our localised guides for more local information. Major supermarket chains in main centres are generally open at least until 21:00 on weekdays (and often until midnight), but generally have reduced hours on weekends. Convenience stores such as 7/11 are open 24 hours in major centres. Fast food restaurant chains are commonly open 24 hours or at least very late. Many food courts in city centres typically close by 4PM and completely close on weekends if targeting office workers, but other eateries and food courts in shopping centres have longer hours. Fuel/service stations are open 24 hours in major centres, but often close at 6pm and on Sundays in country towns. Australia's '''weekend''' is on Saturday and Sunday of each week. Retail trading is now almost universal in larger cities on weekends, although with slightly reduced hours. Again, Western Australia is an exception with restrictions on large stores opening on Sundays. In smaller country towns shops are closed on Sundays and often also on Saturday afternoons. Tourist-oriented towns and shops may stay open longer hours. Tourist areas within cities, such as [[Sydney/Darling Harbour|Darling Harbour]] in Sydney have longer trading hours every night. Australian banks are open Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00 only, often closing at 17:00 on Fridays. Cash is available through Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) 24 hours, and currency exchange outlets have extended hours and are open on weekends. ==Eat== {{see also|Australian cuisine}} Australian cuisine was mainly influenced by its British and Irish colonial heritage until the 1960s and 70s, but with a history of immigration from other parts of Europe like Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland, the influence of these cultures has become more evident in Australian cuisine than its British and Irish beginnings. The large influx of Asian migrants has also left its mark on Australian cuisine, with many Australian chefs incorporating Asian influences in nominally Western dishes. The various Aboriginal ethnic groups have their own distinctive cuisines, though due to the fact that they make extensive use of exotic ingredients, these have for the most part not become a part of mainstream Australian cuisine. Generally speaking, table manners in Australia conform to [[Europe]]an norms. ===Places to eat=== {{infobox|BYO - Bring Your Own|BYO stands for ''Bring Your Own'' (alcohol). In many of the urban communities of Australia you will find small low-cost restaurants that are not licensed to serve but allow diners to bring their own bottle of wine purchased elsewhere. This is frequently much cheaper than ordering a bottle of wine in a restaurant. Beer can be taken to some BYO restaurants, others allow only wine. Expect to pay a corkage fee which can vary from $2–15, or may be calculated by head. BYO is not usually permitted in restaurants that are licensed to sell alcohol.}} {{infobox|Where has Burger King gone?|You'd be surprised to find out that there are zilch Burger Kings in Australia, or at least, zero Burger Kings operating under the name "Burger King". Instead, in Australia, Burger King is called "Hungry Jack's". The name was chosen as there was already a small takeaway called "Burger King" in Queensland, and so for trademark reasons, "Burger King" had to choose another name. In 2001, Hungry Jack's did win the rights to use the name "Burger King" as the trademark had expired, but as the name had become established, the chain instead chose to keep its name "Hungry Jack's".}} There is no shortage of places to eat out in the cities and towns. In addition to good restaurants offering cuisine from around the world, there are also the following: * '''Pubs''', the counter lunch is the name for a lunch served in the bar of a pub. Traditionally served only at lunchtime in the lounge. Today most pubs provide lunch and dinner and many have a separate bistro or restaurant. Steak, chicken parmigiana and nachos are common. * '''Clubs''', clubs, such as bowling clubs, leagues clubs, RSLs are in many towns and cities. They are most common in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Most allow visitors, and sometimes offer good value meals. A membership fee is often required. * '''Cafes''', most towns and suburbs have a cafe or coffee shop, serving breakfast and light meals and cakes throughout the day. Not unusual for them to close after 4PM. * '''Bakeries''', usually a good place to buy bread rolls, a pie or a sausage roll. * '''Fast food restaurants''', McDonald's (or ''Macca's''), Subway and KFC are common. Burger King is rebranded as Hungry Jack's. Red Rooster is an Australian chain, offering barbecued chicken and other mostly chicken-based items and Oporto is an Australian version of Nando's. * '''Take-away''', milk bars, sushi stores and other take-away stores usually sell sushi, pies, barbecued (rotisserie) chicken, hamburgers, fish and chips, gyros, and kebabs. * '''Food courts''', most shopping centres have a food court, even in country towns. * '''Picnic''', the Australian climate is usually amenable to getting whatever food you can, and heading to the nearest park, river, lake or beach. Electric BBQ facilities are often available. * '''Barbecue''', is a popular Australian pastime and many parks in Australia provide free barbecues for public use. Contrary to the stereotype, Australians rarely "Throw a shrimp on the barbie" (also, in Australia a shrimp is more commonly referred to as a prawn). Steaks, chops, sausages, chicken fillets, fish, and kebabs are popularly barbecued. * '''Wineries''', many of Australia's wineries have restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine that overlook their vineyards, where you can also purchase their wines to go with your meal. Typically only open for lunch, though an exception is Penfolds' Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide, which only opens for dinner. [[File:Jackadder Lake barbecues.jpg|thumb|Outdoor barbecues at Jackadder Lake, Woodlands, Western Australia. Similar facilities can be found in many parks across Australia.]] [[File:Centre Place Dec 2012.jpg|thumb|Centre Place in Melbourne's CBD is lined with cafes]] ===Native foods=== [[File:Kangaroo fillet.JPG|thumb|Kangaroo fillet at a restaurant in Sydney]] {{see also|Australian cuisine#Indigenous food (bush tucker)}} It may come as a disappointment that native foods are not actually available that much in Australian restaurants, nor consumed by Australians much themselves. They are available in supermarkets and in some of the remoter parts of the country. Traditional Aboriginal diets can include endangered species, the consumption of which is strictly restricted to specific communities and unlikely to be available to you. * '''Kangaroo''', if you fancy some, it is available from many supermarkets and butchers shops. Barbecue it until medium rare, but best not to overcook as it may become quite ''tough''. It tastes much like beef. It occasionally makes it onto the menu in restaurants, mostly in tourist areas. Kangaroos are abundant, do far less damage to the sensitive Australian environment than hoofed animals, and produce far fewer carbon emissions as well. Kangaroo is a great environmental statement to make whilst barbecuing. * '''Crocodile''', meat from farms in the Northern Territory and Queensland is widely available around the top end, and occasionally elsewhere. At Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia, you can see the ancient reptile on a farm while munching on a croc burger. * '''Emu''', yes, you can eat the other half of the Australian Coat of Arms as well. Emu is low in fat and available in specialty butchers. Try the Coat of Arms in a pie in [[Maleny]] or on a pizza in [[Sydney/The Rocks|The Rocks]]. * '''Bush tucker''', many tours may give you an opportunity to try some bush tucker, the berries, nuts, roots, ants, and grubs from Australia's native bush. '''Macadamia nuts''' are the only native plant to Australia that is grown for food commercially. Some of the other bush foods can be an acquired taste, though native seasonings are certainly worth trying, and are increasingly being featured in Australian fine dining restaurants. Bush tucker ice cream can sometimes be found at farmers' markets and outdoor festivals. ===Beyond cuisine=== [[File:Pavlova Dessert.jpg|thumb|A pavlova garnished with cream and raspberries]] Australia has a good deal of British inspired food that is not well known internationally. Definitely worth a try. '''Vegemite''', a salty yeast-based spread, best spread thinly on toast. If you aren't up for buying a jar, any coffee shop will serve vegemite on toast at breakfast time. It may not even be on the menu, but the vegemite will be out the back in the jar next to the marmalade. If you do buy a jar, the secret is it to spread it very thin, and don't forget the butter as well. It tastes similar to Marmite in the UK or Cenovis in Switzerland. Australians are quite used to the taste, and may spread the Vegemite very thick; but this is not recommended for first-timers. The '''Tim-Tam''' is a chocolate fudge-filled sandwich of two chocolate biscuits, all dipped in chocolate. You can buy a packet (or two) from any supermarket or convenience store. Tim-Tams are required to perform the ''Tim-Tam Slam'' manoeuvre. This requires biting off both ends of the Tim-Tam, then using it as a straw to drink your favourite hot beverage, typically coffee. The hot drink melts the fudge centre and creates an experience hard to describe. Finesse is needed to suck the whole biscuit into your mouth in the microseconds between being fully saturated and dissolving. Tim-Tams are sold in packs of 11, so be sure to agree on the sharing arrangements before buying a packet with your travel partner, or onward travel arrangements may be disrupted. During summer Tim-Tams are often stored in the freezer and eaten ice cold. The '''lamington''' is a cube of sponge cake covered in chocolate icing and dipped in desiccated coconut. It's named after Lord Lamington, who served as Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. The home-baked form can be found at a local Saturday morning market, or you can buy one from a bakery if you are desperate. Avoid at all costs the plastic wrapped varieties sold in supermarkets. The '''pavlova''' is a meringue cake with a cream topping usually decorated with fresh fruit. Served on special occasions, or after a lunchtime barbecue. Often the source of dispute with [[New Zealand#Eat|New Zealand]] over the original source of the recipe. '''ANZAC biscuits''' are a mix of coconut, oats, flour, sugar and golden syrup. They were reputedly sent by wives and care organisations to world war I soldiers in care packages, but the story is likely apocryphal. They are available from bakeries, cafes and supermarkets, and are popular in the lead up to ANZAC day (25 April). '''Damper''' is a traditional soda bread that was baked by drovers and stockmen. It has basic ingredients (flour, water and perhaps salt) and usually cooked in the embers of a fire. It is not routinely available in bakeries and only commonly served to tourists on organised tours. Best eaten with butter and jam or golden syrup as it is dry and bland. A '''Chiko roll''' is a deep-fried snack inspired by the egg roll or the spring roll. Despite the name, it contains no chicken. Its filling is boned mutton, vegetables, rice, barley, and seasonings. Its shell is thicker than an egg roll, meant to survive handling at football matches. Available anywhere you can buy fish and chips. The '''Australian Meat Pie''' is considered to be the national dish by many. A variation is the '''pie floater''' from Adelaide which is a pie inverted in a bowl of thick mushy pea soup. ===Other cuisines=== Cuisines widely available in Australia, often prepared by members of the relevant culture, include: * '''British''', Australia's colonial heritage is perhaps best represented by the ubiquity of '''fish and chips''', and virtually every neighbourhood and small town in a coastal area will have a local fish and chips shop. Common types of fish used in Australia include flake (various types of small shark), flathead, barramundi and King George whiting. Unlike in the UK, fish and chips is typically served with ketchup and tartar sauce in Australia. British and Irish style pubs are common throughout populated areas of Australia, although they feature Australian staples such as chicken parmas, schnitzels and pasta. * '''Chinese''', synonymous with the term "takeaway" in the past generations. Many Chinese restaurants still cater to takeaway addicts today, mostly of the Australianised Chinese variety, but major cities have small "Chinatowns" or suburbs with a large number of ethnic Chinese residents, that have excellent restaurants serving authentic Chinese food. Cantonese Dim Sum is available in dedicated restaurants in most large shopping malls. * '''Thai''' restaurants have exploded in number over the past decade. Sydney in particular is known as one of the best destinations for Thai food in the world. * '''Italian''', the Italian community is one of the largest ethnic communities of non Anglo-Saxon origin in Australia, and they have contributed greatly to the cafe culture that has flourished across the major cities over the past few decades. Restaurants either serve Italian food that has been adapted to suit Australian tastes, or authentic regional Italian food, with the latter tending to be pricier and in more upmarket surrounds. Head to Lygon street in Melbourne or Leichhardt in Sydney if you're a fan. * '''Greek''' is not quite as widespread as Italian above, but good options exist in every city and town. * '''Lebanese''' and other Middle Eastern, especially in Sydney. A '''Manoosh''' is a tasty pizza variation that is somewhat more healthy as well. ** A fusion dish that's becoming increasingly popular nationwide is the '''halal snack pack''' (also known by many alternate names). It consists of halal-certified doner kebab meat (originating from Turkey) and chips, covered by any of a wide variety of sauces and often cheese. Typically served in styrofoam containers as a takeaway dish. In Adelaide, the AB is similar to the halal snack pack of the eastern states, but it usually not halal. * '''Indian''' is available in most cities, and often represent a good mid-range restaurant option. * '''Japanese''', including bento takeaway shops, udon restaurants and sushi trains. They are often operated by '''Koreans''', whose own cuisine is also well represented in the major cities. * '''Vietnamese''', Pho and Cha Gio (spring rolls) are easy to find in the major cities. * '''German''', South Australia and Queensland in particular have had a long history of German settlement, and German restaurants can be found in major cities and in country towns that were historically settled by Germans. The '''schnitzel''' is a German dish that has been Australianised and is widely available in pubs and cafes throughout the country, though unlike German schnitzels, which are usually made of pork, Australian schnitzels are usually made of chicken or beef. A good selection of German or German-inspired sausages is also available at many butchers. * '''Asian fusion''' refers generally to Asian-inspired dishes. ===Modern Australian=== Modern Australian is a recently developed cuisine that is often seen in [[fine dining]] establishments, analogous to Modern American cuisine in the United States. This cuisine mixes cooking styles and flavours from different parts of Europe and Asia, paying homage to the diverse origins of Australia's population, and often incorporates native Australian flavours from the bush as well. ===Vegetarian=== Eating vegetarian is available in Australia and many restaurants offer at least one or two vegetarian dishes. Some will have an entire vegetarian menu section. Vegans may have more difficulty but any restaurant with a large vegetarian menu should offer some flexibility. In large cities and in the coastal backpacker-friendly towns along the east coast, you will find vegetarian and vegan restaurants. The market town of [[Kuranda]] or the seaside towns of [[Byron Bay]] are a vegetarian's paradise. In other regional areas especially in the Northern Territory, North Western Australia and north Queensland vegetarians are often poorly catered-for, but most towns will have a Chinese or Thai restaurant that will provide steamed rice and vegetables. Sydney and Melbourne in particular cater well for vegans and vegetarians with a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, vegan clothing stores and vegan supermarkets. Quick vegetarian options include: * 'Smashed Avo' is a mix of avocado and feta cheese, served on toast and with an egg. A popular breakfast option and (unfairly) associated with free spending millennials. * Sushi rolls and tofu pockets, available at sushi shops everywhere * Vietnamese spring rolls (Bahn Mi) are also readily available with vegetarian fillings * Korean restaurants offer rice bowls (such as Bibimbap) with no meat * Pie shops of spinach rolls (filled with spinach and ricotta cheese) * Most food halls have a dedicated salad counter More remote outback areas may have very few vegetarian options (lots of processed meat pies and little else), so it is worth packing some vegetarian supplies before you go. ===Religious diets=== People observing kosher or halal will easily be able to find specialist butchers in the capital cities, and will also find a number of restaurants with appropriate menus and cooking styles. Outside the capital cities, it will be much more difficult to find food prepared in a strict religious manner. Fast food chains often offer Halal certified meals in areas with high Muslim populations in Western Sydney and Melbourne. ===Allergies=== Australian restaurants generally provide options for people with common allergies such as nuts and seafood. Ask the waitstaff if in doubt. The '''gluten free''' diet fad has spread to Australia, and there is no shortage of gluten free products in supermarkets, bakeries and restaurants, albeit often at higher prices than the regular versions of those products. ===Markets=== [[File:SydFishMarkets.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Seafood at the Sydney Fish Markets]] Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market, Adelaide's Central Market and the Fremantle Markets near Perth are perhaps Australia's best known examples of traditional European-style food markets. The Sydney Fish Market is one of the most iconic traditional seafood markets in the world. All of the capital cities and most regional towns in Australia host a "farmer's market", which is generally held each week in a designated area on a Saturday or Sunday. These markets mostly sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as hygiene regulations in Australia forbid the selling of meat directly from market stalls. Butchers who set up shop at a farmer's market would usually trade their wares from a display cabinet within their boot (trunk). The attraction of markets is the lower prices and freshness of the produce. The attraction for the traveller will be the cheap and excellent fruits on offer - depending on the region and season (in places like Queensland or the Northern Territory, you're more likely to find mangoes while down in Tasmania you're much more likely to find apples). In regional areas the market is usually held outside the town itself in an empty paddock or sports field, markets in capital cities are easier to reach but the prices are typically more in line with those you would find in supermarkets. See the destination guides for details. ==Drink== ===Beer=== Drinking '''beer''' is ingrained in Australian culture. Although Fosters is promoted as an Australian beer overseas, it is rarely consumed by Australians in Australia, and is almost impossible to find. Beers are strongly regional and every state has its own brews: Coopers and West End in South Australia, Carlton and VB in Victoria, Tooheys in NSW, XXXX (pronounced "fourex") in Queensland, Boags and Cascade in Tasmania, and Swan in Western Australia. There are also local microbrew choices, which can be harder to find, but are often worth seeking out. A range of imported European and American bottled beers are available in all but the most basic pub. [[File:XXXX Brewery Milton.jpg|thumb|The XXXX Brewery in Brisbane]] Light (Lite) beer refers to lower alcoholic content, and not lower calories. It has around half the alcohol of full strength beer, and is taxed at a lower rate, meaning it is also cheaper than full strength beer. Low calorie beer is sold as ''low carb''. Because Australians like their beer to stay cold while they drink it, draft beer glasses come in a multitude of sizes, so that you can drink a whole glass before it warms up in the summer heat. The naming of beer glasses varies widely from state to state, often in confusing ways: a '''schooner''' is 425mL everywhere except South Australia, where it's only 285mL, a size that's known elsewhere as a '''middy''' or '''pot''', except in Darwin where it's a '''handle''', but in Adelaide a "pot" means a 570mL full pint, and a ''pint'' means what a ''schooner'' does elsewhere, and... you get the idea. The local beers and the local descriptions are covered in detail in the state guides. Bottle naming is a little easier: the standard sizes across Australia are the 375 ml '''stubby''' and the 750mL '''long neck''', or '''tallie'''. Cans of beer are known as '''tinnies''', and 24 of them make up a '''slab''', '''box''', '''carton''', '''bag''' or '''case'''. ===Wine=== Australia produces quality wine on a truly industrial scale, with large multinational brands supplying Australian bottleshops and exporting around the world. There are also a multitude of boutique wineries and smaller suppliers. Very good red and white wine can be bought very cheaply in Australia, often at less than $10 a bottle, and even the smallest shop could be expected to have 50 or more varieties to choose from. The areas of the [[Barossa Valley]] (near Adelaide), [[Hunter Valley]] (near Sydney), [[Yarra Valley]] (near Melbourne) and [[Margaret River]] (near Perth) are particularly renowned for their wineries and opportunities for cellar door sampling, but northern Victoria and [[Mudgee]] also have a large variety. You are never too far from a wine trail anywhere in southern Australia. Try the local wines wherever you can find them, and ask for local recommendations. Try not to get taken in by the label, or the price tag. The best wine is rarely the one with the best artwork, or the most expensive price. However, it is probably wise to avoid the house wine if it comes straight from a cask (4-litre container). Wines at the cellar door are almost invariably sold at around 20% premium to the same wine in the shops in the local town. If you still prefer overseas wines, the [[Marlborough (New Zealand)|Marlborough]] region of New Zealand is usually well represented on wine lists and in bottle shops in Australia. See also [[Grape grazing in Australia]]. ===Spirits=== Bundaberg Rum (''Bundy'') is an Australian dark rum particularly popular in Queensland and many Queenslanders will not touch any other brand of rum. It is probably the most famous Australian made spirit, mass-produced in [[Bundaberg]] and available everywhere. For many years one had to search to find other Australian distilled spirits, mostly from niche players, but there are distilleries in every state of Australia if you look hard enough and more are popping up all the time&ndash;Adelaide gin distilleries 75° and the Adelaide Gin Company have grown in esteem over the past few years. The tiny Sullivan's Cove distillery in Tasmania made waves in 2014 when one of their whiskies was named the World's Best Single Malt, kicking off a mini-boom in Australian whisky, and they repeated the feat in 2018 and 2019. If $8,000 for a bottle of their 2014 French Oak is a bit steep, drop into the Lark Distillery on the scenic [[Hobart]] waterfront precinct, book a gin blending experience at Archie Rose in Sydney, pick up a bottle of 151 East Vodka in [[Wollongong]] or after a few days in [[Kununurra]] you are definitely going to need an Ord River Rum. Mixed drinks are also available, particularly vodka, scotch, bourbon and other whiskey mixers. Spirits are also available as pre-mixed bottles and cans but are subject to higher taxation in this form, so it is cheaper to mix them yourself. Spirits are served in all pubs and bars, but not in all restaurants. A basic spirit and mixer (vodka and orange juice for example) will cost you about $7 at a bar or nightclub, but can vary ~$5–12. ===Legal aspects=== The legal drinking age throughout Australia is '''18 years'''. It is illegal either to purchase alcohol for yourself if you are under 18 years of age or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18 years of age. The only legally acceptable proof-of-age is an Australian drivers licence, state-issued proof-of-age card, [https://auspost.com.au/id-and-document-services/apply-for-a-keypass-id Keypass card] or a passport, and it would be wise to carry one if you want to purchase alcohol or tobacco and look under 25 - vendors will frequently ask for ID for anybody who looks to be 25 or younger. In Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, foreign drivers licences and foreign ID cards are '''NOT''' legally acceptable as proof of age documentation, and people who are unable to produce a passport or valid Australian ID will be refused service. It is illegal to go into a gambling area of a pub or club when under 18. Often there is a lounge, restaurant or bistro area in a pub or club that permits under-age people provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult over 18 and don't approach the bar or wander around. Some city pubs even have video games and playgrounds for children. Some country pubs have large open areas out in the back where kids can run and play. In general, you can take alcohol (say a bottle of wine or beer) to consume at a park or beach. Alcohol consumption is banned in some public places as 'street drinking'. These are often indicated by signs and is particularly the case in parks and footpaths where public drunkenness has been a problem. However, if you are a family with your picnic basket and blanket out at lunchtime with a bottle of wine, you are unlikely to encounter any problems. Alcohol can be purchased for consumption on premises only in '''licensed venues''': pubs, clubs and many restaurants. You can purchase alcohol for private consumption in '''bottle shops''', which are separate stores selling bottled alcohol. In some states you can buy alcohol in '''supermarkets'''. In those states where you can't, bottle shops and major supermarkets are often found in very close proximity. Although licensing laws and hours vary from state to state, and individual stores have different trading hours, as a rule of thumb, alcohol is generally available in towns to take-away seven days a week, 08:00-23:00, from bottle shops, supermarkets, licensed grocers/milk-bars and pubs. Outside of these hours though, it is almost impossible to buy alcohol to take home; unless you're in the middle of Sydney or Melbourne, so if you're planning on a party at home; it's a good idea to stock up and check on the local trading hours so you don't run out at 00:30 with no opportunity to buy more. Alcohol is not available at petrol stations or 24-hour convenience stores anywhere in Australia. Public drunkenness varies in acceptability. You will certainly find a great deal of it in close proximity to pubs and clubs at night time but much less so during the day. Public drunkenness is an offence but you would only likely ever be picked up by the police if you were causing a nuisance. You may spend the night sobering up in a holding cell or be charged. '''Driving while affected by alcohol''' is stigmatized, policed by random breath-testing police patrols in Australia, and inherently dangerous. Drink driving is a very serious offence in Australia, punishable by a range of mechanisms including loss of licence. The acceptable maximum blood alcohol concentration is 0.05% Australia-wide, often lower or not allowed for operators of heavy vehicles and young or novice drivers. Police officers are also empowered to randomly test drivers for the recent use of prohibited drugs. Refusing any of these tests is a criminal offence. The operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of prohibited drugs or alcohol will always result in arrest and a required court appearance many weeks from the date of arrest and it can comprehensively disrupt travel plans. Random breath-testing is common early Saturday and Sunday mornings, and many people are caught the morning after. ===A shout=== [[File:Birdsville Hotel.jpg|thumb|The Birdsville Hotel in far western Queensland]] Buying a round of drinks is a custom in Australia, as in many corners of the world. It is generally expected in a pub that when you arrive and make your first trip to the bar that you will offer to buy a drink for others you are drinking with. Similarly this will likely be done to you when someone else joins the group. This is called ''a shout'', and incurs an obligation that you will generally return the favour in a following round, and that also you will generally maintain the same drinking pace as your associates in the round throughout the evening. If someone in the same round as you has an empty glass, who is ahead of you in drinks bought, you should declare that it is your shout, and make your way to the bar. If someone offers to buy you a drink, but does not offer to buy for the person who already has bought you a drink, you should say you are already in a shout, and decline. If they buy you and the people in your round a drink, they have joined the shout. Its generally not polite to switch between shouts during an evening. It you are in a large shout, and you decline a drink, you still have to buy a drink for the round when it comes to your turn. You are well advised if you wish to skip a round, to do so on your shout. It is generally poorly received to buy a round, and then to refuse a drink when one is purchased for you. Often the drink will just be bought for you without even asking. Don't be surprised if someone who bought you a drink earlier in the night, later says that it is your shout. Not joining a shout can be awkward in some groups. The best way is to say you are driving, and you will buy your own drinks. This is also an acceptable way to drop out after one round, when the score is even. ===Non-alcoholic=== '''Milo''' is a malt and chocolate drink now made by Nestlé that was invented in Australia, and has since become immensely popular in parts of [[Southeast Asia]]. It can be found in any Australian supermarket. Australia has a strong coffee culture, especially Melbourne, a city with extensive Italian immigration. The joke is that Italians visiting Melbourne think the coffee is worse than their home city's, but better than every other city in Italy. Even service stations and fast food places will sell decent coffee. However, because of the strong preference for local coffee shops, many of the major chains in other countries don't exist -- Starbucks has a tiny handful of stores in Melbourne and Sydney, and none elsewhere in the country. Don't be taken aback by the lack of chains; try the local flavour instead! ==Learn== {{Main|Studying abroad#Australia}} Australia is a popular destination for University students, especially from [[East Asia]], [[Southeast Asia]] and [[India]]. Australia offers world class universities in an English speaking environment, along with potential opportunities to actually gain resident and work visas on a path to citizenship. If you are intending to study in Australia, you will need to be on a visa class that allows this. Students and academics invited to visit Australian universities will generally also need an appropriate visa, even if their visit is of a short enough period to be covered by a tourist electronic visa. For very short term or part-time courses, check with your Australian consulate or embassy. Australia also happens to be a great place to get Barista certification, with graduates being maybe able to command higher wages in coffee shops back in their home countries. Such courses can usually be conducted on a standard tourist visa. ==Sleep== [[File:Camping by the Yarrangobilly River - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Camping by the Yarrangobilly River, NSW]] Accommodation is readily available in most Australian cities and tourist destinations. As with everything else in Australia, it tends to be on the expensive side by international standards. ===Hotels=== {{infobox|When is a hotel not a hotel?|In Australian English, a '''hotel''' can also refer to what most of the rest of the world would call a '''pub'''. While country hotels (pubs) tend to have accommodation on site, most city hotels do not. A country hotel that does not have a public bar is typically called a '''motel'''.}} All state capitals have a number of 4 or 5 star standard hotels, often with upmarket restaurants, bars, room-service, and other premium hospitality services. Other 2 or 3 star hotels are scattered around the inner-cities and inner suburbs. Best to check local guides and reviews to know what you are in for. Most hotels offer internet connectivity, occasionally for an inflated fee. Most hotels (distinct from the country pubs known as hotels) have private bathroom facilities. It isn't unknown for all options to run out during major events in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. ===Pubs=== [[File:BendigoShamrockHotel.JPG|thumb|Bendigo's Shamrock Hotel]] Most pubs in Australia offer some form of accommodation. It can vary from very basic shabby rooms, to newly renovated boutique accommodation. The price is usually a good reflection of what you are in for. It is still quite unusual to have a private bathroom, even in the nicer pubs. The rooms are often on the second floor directly above the bar area and can be noisy, particularly on Fri/Sat nights. Outside of the major centres, the pub is called a '''Hotel'''. A motel won't have a public bar. A motel that does have a bar attached is called a Hotel/Motel. In very small towns local pubs offer the only accommodation available to travellers. Accommodation in these pubs tends to be budget-style with shared bathrooms but private rooms. Pub accommodation is even available in the centre of [[Sydney]], making getting back to your room after a beer a simple endeavour. If you travel as a single, and want a private room, pubs usually have single rooms at a discount over a double room. Most motels will charge the same price for one or two people sharing a room. ===Motels=== Typically, motel-style accommodation will have a private room with a bed or number of beds, and a private shower and toilet. Many motels have family rooms, that will usually have a double bed and two single beds in the one room. Motel rooms in the cities will generally cost upwards from $80. Usually the cost is the same for one or two adults, with any extra people charged an additional fee. Prices for additional children can range from free to $20 per child. During quiet times its not unusual for motels to offer standby discounts. Most motels will serve a cooked or continental breakfast to your room in the morning, for an additional charge. Some may have a restaurant or serve an evening meal. Some may have a toaster in the room and kettles are widely provided. Some motels however, do not have a private bathroom. For one, a little bit of an upgrade will get you this. ===Hostels and backpackers=== [[Hostels|Budget hostel-style accommodation]] with shared bathrooms and often with dormitories is approximately $20–30 per person per night. Facilities usually include a fully equipped kitchen with adequate refrigeration and food storage areas. Most hostels also have living room areas equipped with couches, dining tables, and televisions. There are several backpacker hostel chains in Australia. If you are staying many nights in the same brand of hostel, consider their discount cards, which usually offer a loyalty bonus on accommodation, and other attraction and tour discounts negotiated by the chain. ===Holiday parks=== Holiday parks are an Australian holiday institution and a great way to stay if you have your own wheels. These are basically an upgraded version of '''caravan parks''', but as the new marketing indicates, they now cater to regular travellers as well. A typical holiday park offers the following types of accommodation: * '''Cabins''' fully equipped with bedding, kitchens, TV, wifi and more, for travellers without their own home on wheels. Most can house 4 or more people with rates starting from around $100/night. * '''Powered sites''' for parking your caravan/campervan/motorhome/RV. Some parks offer '''ensuite sites''' featuring a little bathroom with shower & toilet. * '''Unpowered sites''' are for those intending to pitch their own tent, starting from around $20/night. Regardless of where you stay, the price includes access to communal facilities including BBQs, showers, kitchens, self-service laundries, pools, tennis courts and jumping pillows. The largest park chains covering the country are [https://topparks.com.au Top Parks/Discovery Parks] and [https://www.big4.com.au/ Big 4], but there are also plenty of independent options. There are a couple of caveats to holiday parks: * They're typically located on the outskirts of towns, so they're not very practical unless you have your vehicle. * Most cater to families, which is great if you have kids, but not so much if you're looking for peace and quiet. * During school holidays, parks tend to jack up their rates and require multiple-night minimum stays, and the best ones sell out anyway. * If you change your mind, too bad, since reservations are typically nonrefundable. ===Camping=== Camping is a popular pastime. In addition to camping at [[#Holiday parks|holiday parks]], national parks often provide cheap or free camping sites, which expect you to be more self-sufficient. Often toilets are provided and sometimes cold showers. Paid camping permits are sometimes required at popular parks, with some popular spots filling up during the holidays in summer. In Australia it is common to be within an hour's drive of a national park or recreation area that will permit some form of camping, even in the capital cities. Expect to pay around $5–10 per night per person for a camping permit, and national park admission fees in the more popular national parks (e.g.: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Kosciuszko National Park, etc.), however entry and camping is free in the majority of national parks further from population and tourist centres. Some other camping areas are run by government or even local landowners. Expect around $10 per person per night, depending on the time of year. You can try your luck sleeping on a beach or pitching a tent overnight in a highway rest area, or out in the bush for a free bed. Most rest areas and beaches prohibit camping and many even prohibit overnight parking to discourage this. Generally the closer you are to civilization or a tourist area, the greater the chance of being hassled by the authorities. Camping in state forests is often preferable to national parks if you're after a camping experience over sightseeing, as collecting of your own fire wood is allowed (sometimes felling of trees is permissible dependent on the area) and camping is not restricted to camp sites. Some other activities that are generally allowed in state forests that are not allowed in national parks are: bringing in dogs/pets, open fires, motorbikes and four-wheel driving. State forests are generally free to stay in, although you will need to check locally if public access is allowed. ===Farm stay=== Much as the name suggests, this usually involves a cabin or homestead accommodation on a working property. Suited for a stay of two or more days, this accommodation usually allows you to get a little involved in the running of the farm if you wish. It is common for dinner to be provided in the homestead, and a breakfast pack to be provided to your cabin. ===Holiday home=== Holiday homes are homes rented by their owners, often using local real estate agents or specialised web sites. Sometimes located in prime positions, but also sometimes in the residential sections of cities and towns. Minimum rental periods of at least 2 days usually apply, rising to a week during periods when they are busy. At a minimum will have bedrooms, a lounge, bathroom. ===[[Bed and Breakfasts]]=== [[File:HentyCentralHotel.JPG|thumb|250px|The Henty Central Hotel in the New South Wales town of Henty provides bed and breakfast accommodation. Many country towns have similar hotels.]] Bed and Breakfasts tend to be a premium form of accommodation in Australia, often focused on weekend accommodation for couples. They certainly don't offer the discount form of accommodation they do in part of the [[United Kingdom]], and the local motel will usually be cheaper. Sometimes extra rooms in a person's home, but often a purpose built building. You should expect a cosy, well kept room, a common area, and a cooked breakfast. Possibly private facilities. Substantial discounts often apply for mid-week stays at bed and breakfasts. ===Resorts=== There are many true resorts around Australia. Many have lagoon pools, tennis, golf, kids clubs, and other arranged activities. The island of the [[Whitsundays]] have a choice of resorts, some occupying entire islands. [[Port Douglas]] also has many resorts of a world standard. ===Serviced apartments=== Serviced apartments are a very popular form of accommodation in Australia, with all capital and most regional cities having multiple such hotels. These often include hotels located in prime positions in the centre of town. Guests are typically able to stay for as little as one night, and discounts are often available for bookings of a week and over. Rooms tend to be larger than in standard hotels, and amenities typically include a kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate bedrooms. Apartment hotels generally don't offer breakfast or have a restaurant, but there are usually cafes located nearby (often next door) which cater to guests. ===Houseboats=== Houseboats are available to rent on some scenic rural rivers, and provide an excellent opportunity to spend time in the wilderness. These usually have kitchens in them so you can bring your own food to cook. ===Station wagons and vans=== In most parts of Australia it is illegal to sleep in your vehicle but it is possible to get around this by simply rigging up curtains all around the windows so no one can see in from the outside. Trade vans can be picked up for as little as $1,000, with a more trustworthy van setting you back no more than $3,000-4,000. Add a mattress, pillow, portable gas cooker, cookware and a 20 L water container and you are off. If you get caught the fine could be as much as $150 each, so do it at you own risk. But if you are strategic in where you stay you probably won't get caught. Just be sensible and don't disturb the locals. Also, be aware of parking restrictions in certain parts of the cities and town, although overnight parking restrictions are rare. The parking inspectors can be ruthless and a $100+ fine is not uncommon. All cities and towns in Australia have free public toilets. Many parks, and most beaches have free electric barbecues as well. Popular beaches have fresh water showers to wash the salt water off after you swim, so for those on a tight budget (or for those that just love waking up at the beach) simply wash in the ocean (please do not pollute the ocean or waterways by using detergents or soaps) and rinse off at the showers. Almost all taps in Australia are drinking water, the ones that aren't will be marked. Service stations (petrol/gas) almost always have taps, so these are a good place to refill the water containers each time you refuel. Some of the best experiences you may have in Australia will be by taking that road on the map that looks like it heads to a beach, creek, waterfall or mountain and following it. You may just find paradise and not another soul in sight. And lucky you, you've got a bed, food and water right there with you. Travelling in a small group lowers the fuel bill per head, as this will likely be your biggest expense. Enjoy, and respect the land by taking your rubbish/bottles/cigarette butts with you and disposing of them properly. ==Work== Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of Australia can work in Australia without any further permits, but others will require a work visa. It is illegal for foreigners to undertake paid work in Australia on a tourist visa. Be aware that any form of compensation for services performed, monetary or otherwise (e.g. room and board), counts as payment in Australia, meaning that such work would be illegal on a tourist visa. Volunteer work is allowed provided it is incidental to the trip (i.e. not the main purpose for the trip). Foreigners in Australia on a student visa are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time, and full-time during the school holidays. Working illegally in Australia runs a very real risk of arrest, imprisonment, deportation and being permanently banned from re-entering Australia. All visitors who do not hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship (including New Zealand citizens who aren't also Australian permanent residents or citizens) are not allowed to access Australian social security arrangements for the unemployed, and will have limited, or more usually, no access to the Australian government's health care payment arrangements. ===Payment and taxes=== Most Australian employers pay via direct deposit to Australian bank accounts and therefore you should open a bank account as soon as possible. Some banks allow you to open account from abroad, for example Commonwealth Bank and HSBC. You should also apply for a '''[http://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/ Tax File Number (TFN)]''' as soon as possible. You can apply on-line for free at the [http://www.ato.gov.au/ Australian Tax Office website], though you can generally get it quicker if you just go to one of their offices. You can start working without one, but you are advised to get one as soon as possible as your employer would have to withhold tax from your salary at the highest rate should you not provide one. Register your TFN with your bank as soon as possible, otherwise any interest you accrue will be taxed at the highest rate. The Australian financial year runs from 1st July to 30th June, and tax returns for each financial year are due on 30th October, four months after the accounting period ends. Check with Australian tax agents about Australian tax liability and filing an Australian tax return. Australian employers will make compulsory payments out of your earnings to an Australian superannuation (retirement savings) fund on your behalf. Visitors on temporary working visas who are not citizens of Australia or New Zealand should claim this money when they leave Australia. This payment is known as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) and you can [https://applicant.tr.super.ato.gov.au/applicants/default.aspx?pid=1 apply online]. New Zealand citizens can transfer their superannuation money to their New Zealand KiwiSaver account; contact your provider to arrange this. ===Working holidaymaker scheme=== [[File:CSIRO ScienceImage 4714 CSIRO Precision Viticulture Trial site in the Eden Valley SA March 2004.jpg|thumb|Vineyards in South Australia]] Australia has a working holidaymaker program for citizens of certain countries between 18 and 30 years of age. It allows you to stay in Australia for 12 months from the time you first enter. You may work during that time, but only for 6 months at any one employer. The idea is for you to take a holiday subsidised by casual or short-term jobs. If you're interested in a working holiday, some useful skills and experience might be: office skills to be used for temp work; or hospitality skills to be used for bar or restaurant work. An alternative is seasonal work like fruit picking, although much seasonal work will require that you work outside the major cities. Working for 3 months in seasonal work will allow you to apply for a second 12-month visa. You can apply online for a '''[https://www.ecom.immi.gov.au/visas/jsp/index.jsp?visaType=WORKING_HOLIDAY working holiday visa]''', but you must ''not'' be in Australia at the time. It takes just a few hours to process usually and it costs about $440 (as of March 2017). On arriving in Australia ask for the working holiday visa to be "evidenced", so you can show your future employer. It's recommended to arrive in Australia with sufficient funds which is a minimum of $5000 if you are on a working holiday visa. The cost of living in Australia is quite high and it may take a few days or weeks to get a job. ===Work visas=== Work visas in Australia change frequently and sometimes without any notice, so always check with your local Australian High Commission, Consulate or Embassy and the [http://www.immi.gov.au/ Immigration Department's website]. The most straightforward way to get a work visa (subclass 457, 186 & 187) is to find an Australian employer who will sponsor you. Your employer will need to demonstrate that they cannot hire anyone with your skills in Australia. Locally advertised jobs are usually explicit in requiring a valid work visa before your application can be considered. Getting the visa might take a couple of months from the beginning of the application process and you will need a medical examination by a doctor approved by the immigration officials before it can be granted (among other things, you will need a chest x-ray to show that you do not have tuberculosis). An employer with a good background and efficient immigration lawyers could get your 457 approved within a week. Your work visa will only be valid for the employer who sponsored you and you will have to leave within 30 days of your employment ending. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) is the easiest employer nominated visa to acquire, although you will have to live and work in a designated 'regional' area. These areas are mostly rural and far removed from the larger cities, although [[Adelaide]] does count in this scheme. Skilled independent visas (subclass 189, 190, 489) may be pursued if you have a valuable specialised skill and don't want to be tied to a specific employer. There is also a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows graduates of Australian universities to stay on and work in Australia, and is usually valid anywhere from 18 months to 4 years depending on your level of education, and your major. Your major must be from a list of skilled occupations for which there is a labour shortage in Australia. This list is updated every year, and whether or not you qualify for this visa is dependent on the list at the time of your graduation, ''not'' at the time you begin your studies. ===Immigration=== You can apply to immigrate as a skilled person or business person, but this process will take longer than receiving a work visa. You can also apply for permanent residency as the holder of a work or study visa, but your application will not be automatically accepted. If you have a lot of money, there are several investor's visas available which allow you to live in Australia with a view of obtaining permanent residency. After four years of legal residency which must include one year as a permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. ===Volunteering=== There are several volunteer opportunities in Australia. Many worldwide organisations offer extended travel for those wanting to volunteer their time to work with locals on projects such as habitat restoration, wildlife sanctuary maintenance & development, scientific research, & education programs such as [http://www.australianvolunteers.com '''Australian Volunteers'''], [http://www.wwf.org.au '''World Wildlife Fund'''], [http://www.gap360.com '''Gap 360'''], [https://www.godiscoverabroad.com/ '''Go Discover Abroad''']and [http://www.xtremegapyear.co.uk '''Xtreme Gap Year''']. ==Respect== Unless you are actively trying to insult someone, a traveller is unlikely to insult or cause offence to an Australian through any kind of cultural ignorance. Australian modes of address tend towards the familiar. It is acceptable and normal to use first names in all situations, even to people many years your senior. Many Australians are fond of using and giving nicknames - even to recent acquaintances. It is likely being called such a name is an indication that you are considered a friend and as such it would be rare they are being condescending. It is generally acceptable to wear revealing clothing in Australia. Bikinis and swimming attire are okay on the beach, and usually at the kiosk across the road from the beach. It is normal to wear at least a shirt and footwear before venturing any further. Most beaches are effectively top optional (topless) while sunbathing. Just about all women wear a top while walking around or in the water. There are some clothing optional (nude) beaches, usually a little further removed from residential areas. Thong bikinis (more commonly called g-string bikinis in Australia as thongs refer to flip-flop footwear) are fine on all beaches and some outdoor pools for women and men, although they are not as common as conventional beachwear. Some outdoor pools have a "top required" policy for women. Cover up a little more when visiting places of worship such as churches. In warm conditions casual "t-shirt and shorts" style clothing predominates except in formal situations. Business attire, however, is considered to be long sleeved shirt, tie, and long trousers for men, even in the hottest weather. Using [[Australian slang|Australian stereotypical expressions]] may be viewed as an attempt to mock, rather than to communicate. If you pull it off well, you might raise a smile. Australians are often self-deprecating; however, it is rude to ever agree with a self-deprecating remark. Boasting about achievements is rarely received well. Social classes do not feature as prominently in Australia as they do in many other countries, and you will notice that tradespeople and manual labourers are very well paid and accorded a lot more respect in Australia than elsewhere. Be careful not to imply that you are looking down on people whose jobs may be considered menial by the standards of other countries. Service workers, including hotel staff, waiters, cleaners, taxi drivers and shop employees, expect that customers will treat them as equals. Most Australians are happy to help out a lost traveller with directions, however many urban dwellers will assume that someone asking "excuse me", is asking for money, and may brush past. Looking lost, holding a map, looking like a backpacker or getting to the point quickly helps. ===Indigenous Australians === [[File:Ayers Rock 2004 - panoramio (2).jpg|thumb|Uluru]] [[Indigenous Australian culture|Aboriginal Australians]] likely arrived in the Australian landmass 65,000 years ago and number over half a million people today. They have faced significant discrimination over the years since European settlement took their traditional lands, and sensitivity should be given at all times. Aboriginal people actually come from many different 'nations' with distinctive cultures and identities that spoke up to 250 different languages before European settlement. Many areas of Aboriginal land are free to enter. Some areas carry a request from the Aboriginal people not to enter, and you may choose yourself whether or not to honour or respect that request. Uluru holds great spiritual significance to the Anangu people, who live in the area; while climbing it used to be a popular tourist activity, it has been '''illegal''' since October 2019. The Anangu feel themselves responsible if someone is killed or injured on their land (as has happened many times during the climb), so please keep off. Some Aboriginal land requires permission or a permit, and some areas are protected and illegal to enter. You should check before making plans to travel off the beaten track. Permits are usually just a formality for areas which regularly see visitors, or if you have some other business in the area you are travelling through. Often they are just an agreement to respect the land you are travelling on as Aboriginal land. Some Aboriginal Land Councils make them available online. If you need to refer to race, the politically correct term is ''Indigenous Australians''. ''Aboriginal people'' is usually okay and referring to sacred sites and land as Aboriginal sites, or Aboriginal land is okay too, though these terms only refer to people indigenous to mainland Australia or Tasmania. Avoid using ''Aboriginal'' as a noun to describe a person, as some people see negative connotations in this. The terms "Aborigine" or "Abo" are deeply offensive and should never be used. The word ''native'' generally not a preferred term, but reasonably acceptable – just use ''indigenous'' instead. People indigenous to the [[Torres Strait Islands]] do not identify as "Aboriginal", as they are more ethnically Melanesian than their southern neighbours; just stick to the term ''Torres Strait Islander''. Other areas to consider when interacting with indigenous Australians are: * Australia Day is considered a day of invasion by many Aboriginal people, and consequential protests against that day is frequent. * It is best not to mention the name, nor show any image of a deceased person to an indigenous Australian. Though Aboriginal custom varies, it is best to avoid the possibility of offence. * Permission to photograph an Aboriginal person should always be asked, but in particular in the more remote areas such as [[Arnhem Land]] and [[Northern Territory]]. * Avoid disrespecting sacred Aboriginal places like climbing on Uluru or the Three Sisters etc. While this may sound obvious that it's disrespectful, the number of indigenous sites that have been damaged, vandalised, or even destroyed by tourists is quite unimaginable. * While indigenous Australians have been given equal rights on paper, they are still often arrested or pulled over by a cop for things that a non-indigenous person wouldn't usually get arrested for. Talking about this subject may be highly sensitive, and to this day, there's a case every now and then of Aboriginal people, particularly children getting assaulted by police. This topic should be '''avoided whenever possible'''. ===Religion=== Contemporary Australian society is rather secular, and only a minority of Australians go to church regularly. Most Australians are tolerant towards people of all faiths, and people wearing religious attires such as hijabs, kippahs or crucifixes will in general not face harassment although Islamophobia does exist. Attempting to proselytise or inconveniencing others with your religion, however, will more often than not result in a negative response. This includes diets, and often people who have dietary restrictions get given a frown, particularly in rural Australia, although in urban areas, it is more tolerated. ===British legacy=== It can be very offensive to some, saying that Australia is or was a British country or that the culture is based solely on that of the UK. Australia is an independent country and Australians have many origins from all over the world, including most of the locals. It has a culture a bit similar to that of Europe, but there are a lot of things that are uniquely Australian and some that are brought from other countries of the world, not to forget the heavy American influence. ==Stay safe== ===Emergencies=== The number '''[tel:000 000]''' (called 'triple zero' or 'triple oh') can be dialled from any telephone in Australia free of charge. This number will connect you with the police, fire brigade, coastguard or ambulance service after you tell the emergency operator which service you need. If you want to contact these services but the situation is not an emergency, don't call 000: you can call the police assistance line on [tel:131444 131 444]. This includes requesting a call out for noise complaints. Poisons information advice, which can also advise on snake, spider and insect bites, is available on [tel:131126 131 126]. Information on locating the nearest medical services can be obtained by calling [tel:1800022222 1800 022 222] (except for Tasmania). If you require assistance during a flood, storm, cyclone, tsunami, earthquake or other natural disaster you can contact the State Emergency Service in each state (except for Northern Territory) on [tel:132500 132 500]. You will be connected with your local unit and help can be organised from there. If the emergency is life-threatening, call 000 instead. You can dial 000 from all mobile phones. Mobile phones sold in Australia recognise it as the emergency number and will use any available network to place the call. However, if you have a phone obtained outside Australia, using the universal emergency number '''[tel:112 112]''' is a better idea. Using 112 will use any available network, will work even if your phone is not roaming, and will work even if the phone does not have a SIM. 112 works from Australian purchased phones too. Hearing or speech impaired people with TTY equipment can dial '''[tel:106 106]'''. Those with Internet connectivity can use the [http://www.relayservice.com.au Internet Relay Service, via the website]. Calls from fixed line (landline) phones may be traced to assist the emergency services to reach you. The emergency services have limited ability to trace the origin of emergency calls from mobile phones, especially outside of urban areas, so be sure to calmly and clearly provide details of your location. Because of the number sequence for emergency calls, around 60% of calls to the emergency numbers are made in error. Nobody will likely respond to your call unless you can effectively communicate to the operator that you need assistance. If you are in need of assistance, but cannot speak, you will be diverted to an IVR and asked to press '''55''' to confirm that you are in need of assistance and have not called by accident. Your call will then be connected to the police. Except for 112 from a mobile, emergency numbers from other countries (for example, '911', '17' or '100') '''do not work''' in Australia. ===Driving=== Keep a sense of perspective. Tourists are far more likely to be killed or injured as pedestrians, drivers or passengers on Australian roads than all the other causes of death and injury combined. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Most states use a prescribed standard of alcohol in the blood to determine whether driving is criminal. The prescribed (allowed) content ranges from zero to 0.05. Random breath testing for blood and alcohol is carried out. Australia is a huge country and driving between cities and towns can take longer than you expect, especially if you are used to freeway or motorway driving in Europe, Asia or North America. While the major highways are comparable to those overseas, secondary highways in rural areas need to be treated with some care. Speed limits vary by location, road and by state. Avoid the stresses of fatigue by not planning to drive too far in a day. Authorities strongly recommend a break (with some walking outside the car) every two hours. Often, there are designated rest stops on numbered M, A routes as well as National Highways and Routes, but they are almost non existent on unpaved highways, state routes, B or C highways. Driving between towns and cities comes with a risk of hitting or crashing due to swerving to avoid wildlife. Kangaroos have a habit of being spooked by cars and then, bewilderingly, jumping in front of them. Take extra care when driving through areas with vegetation close to the road and during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. Wildlife is not usually an issue in major urban areas (with the exception of Canberra where a series of parks provides ample habitat for kangaroos, which often cross major roads). Urban Australians jaywalk, dodge cars, and anticipate the sequence of lights. Although most drivers will stop for a red light, running the amber light is common, so ensuring the traffic has stopped before stepping from the curb is always a good idea. People from countries that drive on the right will take a while to get used to looking the correct way when crossing. ===Beaches=== [[File:Lifeguard, Sydney, Australia.jpg|thumb|A lifeguard at Bondi Beach in Sydney]] <!-- There are links to this section from other beach going sections in Australia city and district articles. Please leave this heading intact, unless there is a good reason to change it. Please add information here that is common to beaches across Australia --> Around 10–20 overseas travellers drown in Australia each year. Most of these drownings occur at ocean beaches, where statistics put visitors at significantly higher risk than locals. Check the [http://www.beachsafe.org.au Beach Safety website]. Beach goers should '''swim between the red and yellow flags''' which designate patrolled areas. Beaches are not patrolled 24-hours a day or even during all daylight hours. In most cases the local volunteer surf lifesavers or professional lifeguards are only available during certain hours, and at some beaches only on weekends, and often only during summer. If the flags aren't up, then there's no one patrolling. Many beaches in rural areas aren't patrolled at all. If you choose to swim, be aware of the risks, check conditions, stay within your depth, and don't swim alone. Many beaches in Australia have a sudden drop off which can take non-swimmers by surprise. If in doubt, ask the locals. Hard surfboards and other water craft such as surf skis, kayaks etc., are '''not''' permitted between the red and yellow flags. These craft must only be used outside of the blue 'surfcraft permitted' flags. Australian ocean beaches can sometimes have strong rips that even the strongest swimmers cannot swim against. Rips are almost-invisible channels of water flowing away from the beach. Many locals can spot rips, so if in doubt, ask. These channels take out the water which the incoming surf waves bring into shore. Beach goers can mistakenly use these channels or areas since they can appear as calm water and look to be an easier area into which to swim. Problems arise when the swimmer tries to swim back into shore against the outgoing current or rip, tire quickly, and end up drowning. Rips can be recognised by one or more of these signs: a rippled appearance when the surrounding water is fairly calm; foam that extends beyond the break zone; brown, sandy coloured water; waves breaking further out on either side of the rip. If you are caught in a rip at a patrolled beach, conserve your energy, float or tread water and raise one hand. The surf lifesavers will come out to you. Don't wait until you are so tired you can't swim any more. You will probably find that local swimmers or surfers will also quickly come to your aid. Usually the flags are positioned where there are no rips, but this isn't always the case as rips can move. If you are caught in a rip at an unpatrolled beach stay calm to conserve energy and swim '''parallel''' to the beach (not against the pull of the current). Most rips are only a few metres wide, and once clear of the undertow, you will be able to swim or catch a wave to return to shore. '''Never swim alone.''' Don't think that the right technique will get you out of every situation. In the surf out the back of the beach, treading water can be hard with waves pounding you every few seconds. Unless you have seen it happen, it's hard to appreciate how quickly a rip can take you 50 m out to sea and into much larger wave breaks. If you are at an unpatrolled surf beach, proceed with great caution and never go out of your depth. Beach signs often have a number or an alphanumeric code on them. This code can be given to emergency services if required so they can locate you quickly. [[#Crocodiles|Crocodiles]] and [[#Jellyfish|Box Jellyfish]] are found on tropical beaches, depending on the time of year and area. Sharks occur on many of Australia's beaches. See the section below on dangerous creatures. Patrolled beaches will be monitoring the ocean for any shark activity. If you hear a continuous siren go off at the beach and a red and a red and white quartered flag is waved or held out of the tower, it indicates a shark sighting, so make your way to shore. Once it is clear, a short blast of the siren will be sounded, which usually means that it is safe to return to the water. ===Natural disasters=== As a large country, Australia is affected by a range of natural disasters. ====[[Cyclones]]==== Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) occur in the tropics (the northern part) of Australia between November and April, and you should understand how a tropical cyclone may impact you during the tropical wet season. The impact of cyclones varies with their intensity and your proximity to them. Weak cyclones may just cost you a day or two of your holiday to rain and wind while you stay indoors in your hotel, and an hour's drive from the cyclone's centre can still have good weather. More severe tropical cyclones can be deadly to the unprepared, may force you to evacuate and can seriously disrupt your travel plans. Even low intensity cyclones or tropical depressions in more remote areas can close roads for days to weeks at a time. On average, a town in the tropics experiences a tropical cyclone every 30 years or so. The sparseness of population in Australia's north and north-west (where cyclones are most prevalent) means that many cyclones pass the coast with little impact on towns. Still, if you are planning to travel to the tropics during cyclone season, you should understand and review the [http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml Bureau of Meteorology's information page] before you set out, and keep a general eye on the page while you travel for early alerts of any problems developing. ====Floods==== In the tropical north the ''Wet Season'' occurs over the summer months of December, January and February, bringing torrential rains and frequent floods to those regions. It is not unusual for some coastal areas to be cut off for a day or two while the water recedes. It can still be a good time to visit some of the well populated, tourist-oriented areas, and, except in unusually heavy flooding, you can still get to see the pounding waterfalls and other attractions that can make this an interesting time to visit. Floods in outback and inland Australia are rare, occurring decades apart, so you would be unlucky to encounter them. However, if you are planning to visit the inland or the outback and the area is flooded, then you should reconsider. The land is flat, so the water can take weeks to move on, leaving the land boggy. Insects and mosquitoes go crazy with all the fresh water pooling around, and these things eat insect repellent for breakfast and are still hungry. Roads close, often adding many hours to driving times. Many attractions often lie on a short stretch of dirt road off the main highways, and these sections become impassable, even if the main road remains open. Plan to return in a few weeks, and the land will still be green, the lakes and rivers will still be flowing, and the bird life will still be around. The wettest period for the south of the country is usually around the winter months of June, July, and August. There is rarely enough rain at one time to cause flooding. The capital cities are rarely, if ever, significantly affected by floods. ====== Flash floods ====== Flash flooding occurs in many eastern cities at least once a year, generally in summer, and is a nuisance. However, stay inside and follow the advice of SES and ABC local radio. Never attempt to drive in flood waters, dozens of cars are destroyed every year by the thought "it's not that deep". You don't want to be the person floating under that bridge waiting for the police to rescue you. Flash flooding often brings large hail, which can damage cars. Seek undercover (not underground) car parking. It is usually predictable. You'll generally hear grumblings about a storm coming from locals, and [http://www.bom.gov.au/ bom.gov.au] will list a severe weather warning. ====Water supply==== Australia is a very dry country with large areas of '''desert''', and can also get very hot. When travelling in remote areas, away from paved roads, where the potential to become stranded for up to a week without seeing another vehicle is very real, it is vital that you carry your own water supply (4 gal or 7 L per person per day). Do not be misled by entries on maps such as 'well' or 'spring' or 'tank' (or any entry suggesting that there is a body of water). Nearly all are dry, and most inland lakes are dry salt pans. Many cities and towns have water restrictions, limiting use of water in activities like washing cars, watering gardens, or public showers. It is common to see signs in accommodation asking visitors to limit the length of their showers. It is common for many regional towns public bathrooms water supply to be non-potable. Do not drink from a tap labeled "Do not drink" or "Non-potable", as this is generally just untreated groundwater. ====[[Earthquakes]]==== Although Australia is not located on any plate boundaries, earthquakes occur from time to time. These are usually minor and very rarely cause major damage or fatalities. ===Bushfires=== '''[[Wildfires|Bushfires]]''' are a seasonal danger in many parts of Australia - and if you're venturing out into the bushland or rural areas it pays to check the fire danger and the status of any bushfire activity first. Although most fires are quickly controlled, on very hazardous fire days, bushfires can be life-threatening - especially if on foot, or not having the protection of a substantial building. If you are caught in a bushfire, most fires will pass over quickly. You need to find shelter that will protect you from the smoke and radiant heat. A house is best, then a car, then a clearing, a cave, or on the beach is the best location. Wet everything that you can. Stay low and cover your mouth. Cover yourself with non-flammable (woollen) clothing or blankets, and reduce the skin directly exposed to the heat. If you have access to a tap gather water early; don't rely on water pressure as the fire front approaches. The Fire Danger Rating (pictured to the right) tells you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. '''It is not a predictor of how likely a bushfire is to occur.'''[[File:WA fire danger sign Wyalkatchem.jpg|thumb|Fire danger signs are located across Australia]] * Severe: Hot, dry and windy conditions. A fire that starts in these conditions may be uncontrollable. Only well prepared buildings that are actively defended can provide safety. Leave at the first sign of fire. * Extreme: Hot dry and windy conditions. Any fires that start and take hold will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Only homes & buildings built to withstand bushfires that are well prepared and actively defended may provide safety. Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass, It is recommended to leave such areas to ensure you are not caught up in a bushfire. * Catastrophic/code red: These are the worst conditions possible for a bush or grass fire. Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass. It is highly advisable to leave forested and bushy areas. It is worth noting that many locals will leave their outback homes to seek refuge in large towns for the entire day, on the few days per year designated as "Catastrophic". ==== National parks and state forests ==== If the fire risk is extreme or higher, national parks may be closed, especially the backcountry areas, so you will need to have an alternative plan if you intend to camp or hike in parks during summer. If there is a fire in a park, it will usually be closed entirely. If you are staying in a park or forest during an extreme fire danger period the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day. If you learn of a fire, or see smoke, take action quickly. ==== Travelling during active fires or during the fire season ==== If you are driving outside of cities during bushfire season, tune in to [https://www.abc.net.au/local/ local ABC radio]. During a bushfire or any other ongoing emergency, every thirty minutes a warning siren will sound, followed by an update on the current bushfire situation in that area. You may receive evacuation warnings on your phone. Emergency and bushfire management is a state responsibility in Australia - so find the website or app appropriate for the state you are in. Websites such as [https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/ Emergency WA] and [https://emergency.vic.gov.au/ VicEmergency] list all current emergencies in their respective states and are often the most up-to-date method of getting information about a current emergency. '''It is possible that you will get yourself into a situation where it becomes too late to leave.''' During the bushfire season, have a plan consisting of two escape routes, and the ability to pack what you need quickly. Shopping Centres or Main streets of built up towns are safe locations to be in during Extreme or Code Red days, unless you hear otherwise via radio. Entire country towns can sometimes be evacuated when there is a bushfire threatening them. Often there can be no signs of the fire at evacuation time, but you should leave early, as evacuating through a fire front is dangerous. The best advice is just to move on, and not stay around to watch. ==== Lighting fires ==== Make sure any fires you light are legal and kept under control. The fire service operates a '''total fire ban''' system during periods of extreme fire danger. When a total fire ban is in place all outdoor fires are forbidden. Most parks will advertise a ban, and it is your responsibility to check the local fire danger levels. Fines or even jail terms apply for lighting fires that get out of control, not to mention the feeling you may get at being responsible for the property, wildlife, and person damage that you may cause. ===Venomous and dangerous creatures=== {{seealso|Pests}} Although Australia is home to many of the deadliest species of insects, reptiles and marine life on the planet, the traveller is unlikely to encounter any of these in an urban environment, and even in the bush these creatures try to avoid humans for the most part. The vast majority of deaths from bites and stings in Australia are due to allergic reactions to bees and wasps. Some of the information spread about Australia's dangerous wildlife is blown out of proportion, often jokingly by Australians themselves. However, you should take warnings about jellyfish and crocodiles seriously in the tropics, and keep your distance from snakes in the national parks and bushland. If travelling in rural areas it would be a good idea to carry basic first aid equipment including compression bandages and to learn what to do after a snake or spider bite. ====Snakes ==== It's not common to encounter snakes in urbanised areas in Australia, but they are common in grassland, national parks and other bushland. Snakes will generally try to put as much distance between themselves and you as possible, so if you see a snake while out walking, simply go around it or walk the other way. Walking blindly into dense bush and grassy areas is not advisable, as snakes may be hiding there. For the most part, snakes fear humans and will be long gone before you ever get the chance to see them. '''Never''' try to pick up any snake, even if you believe it to be a non-venomous species. Most people bitten by snakes were trying to pick up the snake or kill the creature, or inadvertently step on one while out walking. Australia has some snakes that are deadly. So treat all snakes with respect, and seek medical treatment urgently for any snake bite. Take a first-aid kit suitable for snake-bites if you are going off the beaten track. If bitten you should immobilise the wound by wrapping the affected area tightly with strips of clothing or bandages and seek immediate medical help. Do not clean the wound as venom residues can be tested to determine the anti-venom to use. If you are in an isolated area send someone else for help. The venom of some snakes (the taipan in particular) can take effect within fifteen minutes, but if the wound is immediately immobilised and you rest it is possible to delay the onset of the venom spreading by one to a few hours. Polyvalent anti-venoms are available in most hospitals that contain anti-venom for all dangerous Australian snakes. ====Spiders==== [[File:Atrax robustus.jpg|thumb|Sydney funnel-web spider in a warning posture]] Although famous for its arachnids, fatalities from spiders in Australia are extremely rare. It is common to see spiders in Australia, and most will do you no harm. Wear gloves while gardening or handling leaf litter. Check or shake out clothing, shoes, etc. that have been left outside before putting them on. Don't put your fingers under rocks or into tree holes, where spiders might be. Some spiders are commonly found inside buildings and homes, including the large and hairy Huntsman spiders, that are generally harmless, and reduce insect pests like cockroaches. The large spider webs strung between trees occupied by garden or orb weaving spiders are more an annoyance than a danger. However, some spiders are also very dangerous. The world's most venomous spider is the '''Sydney Funnel-Web spider''', found in and around Sydney and eastern New South Wales - usually under rocks and leaf litter. The spider is anywhere up to 5&nbsp;cm large, and is usually black. If you are in an area that is known for having Funnel-Web spiders and you are bitten by a spider that you believe could be a Funnel-Web it is important you get to hospital as quickly as possible. The Funnel-Web spends most of its time underground (it can typically live for only 30 minutes outside a humid hole) and therefore you are very unlikely to encounter one walking around. The last confirmed fatality was in 1979. The '''Red Back spider''' (usually easily identified by a red mark on its abdomen) is common and after a bite it is important to seek medical attention, although it is not as urgent as with a Funnel-Web. Red Backs typically hide in dark places and corners. It is highly unusual to see them indoors; however, they can hide in sheds, around outdoor tables and chairs and under rocks or other objects sitting on the ground. First aid treatment for spider bites may vary in Australia compared to other areas of the world. Always seek medical advice after a bite has occurred. If possible, you should attempt to identify the creature that bit you. Take a photo or trap it so that the appropriate anti-venom can be administered swiftly. But don't risk getting bitten again. ====Jellyfish==== Travellers in northern [[Queensland]], the [[Northern Territory]], or northern [[Western Australia]] should be aware of the risk of fatal stings from the '''Box Jellyfish''' if swimming in the ocean between October and May. They are very hard to detect and can be found in very shallow water. Stings from these jellyfish are 'excruciating' and often fatal. Vinegar applied immediately to adhering tentacles will lessen the amount of venom injected, but immediate medical assistance will be required. The danger season varies by location. In general the jellyfish are found close to shore, as they reproduce in the estuaries. They are not generally found out on the Great Barrier Reef, and many people swim on the reef without taking any precautions. Seek out reliable local information. Some locals at the beach can be cavalier to the risks. '''Irukandji''' are another species of tiny (fingernail sized) jellyfish that inhabit the waters off Northern Australia and the surrounding Indo-Pacific islands. They are also very hard to see, and can be dangerous, although stings are rare. Unlike the box jellyfish they are found out on the reef. The initial sting can go unnoticed. There is debate as to whether they can be fatal, but they certainly can place a victim in hospital, and cause extreme pain lasting days. If you have nausea or shooting pains shortly after emerging from the water seek medical treatment. A "stinger-suit" that is resistant to jellyfish stings costs around $100 or can be hired for around $20 a week. ====Blue ring octopus==== Found in rock pools around the coasts of Australia is the tiny Blue Ring Octopus. Usually a dull sandy-beige colour, the creature has bright blue circles on its skin if threatened. The Blue Ring Octopus is rare and shy. Avoid placing your hand under rocks or in crevaces in rock pools or near the shore as this is where they tend to hide. Most locals do the same. It has a powerful paralysing toxin which can cause death unless artificial respiration is provided. In the history of Australia there are only two confirmed deaths by Blue Ring Octopus. ====Crocodiles==== [[File:Crocodylus porosus - Daintree River.jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodile]] Travellers in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory or north Western Australia should be aware of the risk of fatal attacks by '''saltwater crocodiles''' in and adjacent to northern waters (ocean, estuarine and fresh water locations) between King Sound, Western Australia, and Rockhampton, Queensland. Saltwater crocodiles in these areas can reach 25 feet in length and can attack in water without warning. Despite what their name implies, they can be found in both salt and fresh water. On land, crocodiles usually lie motionless, but they have the ability to move with extraordinary speed in short bursts. There are relatively few attacks causing injury – most attacks are fatal. Dangerous swimming areas will usually have prominent warning signs. In these regions only swim in inland waters if you are specifically advised that they are safe. Since 1970 there has been about one crocodile attack on a human each year. The smaller '''freshwater crocodile''' is, unlike the saltwater, timid and will avoid humans if possible. The freshwater may attack to defend itself or its eggs or if startled. They can inflict a nasty bite but due to their small jaws and teeth this will rarely cause death in humans. ====Dangerous flora==== '''The Gympie bush''' (''Dendrocnide moroides''), also known as the stinging tree, is a stinging plant, whose microscopic stinging hairs on leaves and branches can cause severe pain for up to several weeks. They are mostly found in northeast Queensland, especially in rain forest clearings. However, the Gympie bush and other closely related species (there are about five) of stinging tree can be found in southeast Queensland, and further south in eastern Australia. People bushwalking in such areas are advised not to touch the plant for any reason. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates in Australia are roughly comparable with other developed countries: few travellers will be victims of crime. You should take normal precautions against bag snatching, pick pocketing and the like. Some cities and towns have areas that can be dangerous at night, but these are generally off the tourist trail and highly unlikely for you to wander into by accident. Australian police are approachable and trustworthy, and you should report assaults, theft or other crime to the police as soon as possible. There are two types of police in Australia; the state/territorial police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Typically you will only interact with the state police, with the AFP being largely dedicated to very specific government-related roles, the exception being the Australian Capital Territory where the AFP is the main police force, operating under the name of ACT Policing. Under no circumstances should you offer an Australian police officer (or for that matter, any other government official such as a customs officer) a bribe or gratuity, as this is a crime and they will enforce the laws against it. When leaving your car alone, make sure it is locked, that the windows are rolled up, and that there are no obvious targets for theft in the vehicle, as thieves will often smash windows to get at a phone, GPS or bag that is visible in the car. ===Racism=== Australia is outwardly a multicultural and racially tolerant society and there are strong laws that prohibit hate speech and other forms of discrimination on grounds of race. Nevertheless, racism is still a sensitive subject for a nation still not fully reconciled to its history of colonial occupation. Forced appropriation of Aboriginal lands along with formal discrimination, state-sanctioned racism and even forced separation of Aboriginal children (known as the Stolen Generations) from their families extended well into the 20th century. Gradual change throughout the last century saw the abandonment of the white-only immigration policy, citizenship for the Aboriginal people, and the establishment of large communities of Asian, Middle Eastern and African origin. However, to this day, Aboriginal people are still discriminated against, and while on paper, they have equal rights, they are often charged for things that a white person would usually not. Visitors to Australia are fortunately unlikely to encounter random incidents of racial abuse. If it does happen then you can report it to the police and expect action to be taken. Violent incidents are even rarer. Words referring to racial background can be used between friends of different ethnic groups, but it is '''strongly advised not to try them out yourself'''. You may well hear Pom (British), Yank (American), Paki (Indian sub-continent), Wog (of southern European or middle-eastern) and Curry Muncher (South Indian) being used. In particular British people would regard some of these terms as particularly racist, but they are used far more casually in Australia. '''''Never''''' refer to Aboriginal people as "Abo's", "native tribes" or "Noogas" - as it is regarded as a highly racist term. There are anti-immigration and anti-multicultural groups that operate in Australian society, for the most part agitating against the immigration of people from Muslim and African countries. As a visitor you would be unlikely to come into contact with them, although if it's late at night in a pub, and you start prodding people for their racial views, then all bets are off - be prepared for anything. The western suburbs of Melbourne has experienced some violent crime involving youths of African descent, which in turn has been greatly exaggerated by much of the local media and many politicians, fuelling racist sentiments. It is not offensive to use ''Aussie'' (Ozzie) to describe Australian people, but it isn't a term Australians generally use to self-identify. They are more likely to apply it to things (Aussie Rules, etc.) than to themselves. When the chant of Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oi Oi Oi goes up at an international sporting event, some Australians will cringe, and others will join in. Often this depends on their own perceived social standing, or their state of inebriation, or both. And while Australia may seem multicultural in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Hobart or Canberra; rural areas are usually less so and stick to their Anglo-Celtic roots. People who do not look Aussie on the outside are often subject to racism, though this is usually targeted at immigrants (often those of Vietnamese, Middle Eastern or Somali descent) rather than tourists. ===Scams=== Attempts to [[Common scams|scam]] tourists are not prevalent in Australia; take normal precautions such as finding out a little bit about your destination. There have been rare instances of criminals tampering with ATMs so that cash is trapped inside them, or so that they record card details for thieves. You should check your transaction records for odd transactions after using an ATMs and immediately contact the bank controlling the ATM if a transaction seems to be successful but the machine doesn't give you any cash. Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent any skimming devices which have cameras recording your PIN. ATM Skimming is rare and easily avoided by using ATMs from trusted banks (ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac, Nab), or ATMs located inside a bank "gallery" which are generally open 24/7 but are more secure than an outdoor ATM. Additionally, the ATO will never try and ask you to pay off your debts with Spotify or iTunes gift cards, and this ongoing scams have been targeting especially the elderly and those who are unaware of it. If you go to a Coles, Woolies, Myer, Target, Big W, Kmart etc. there will be warning notices at all checkouts, and it can never hurt to read it. ===Illegal drugs=== Opium, heroin, amphetamines (speed), cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, marijuana and hashish among other drugs are all illegal to possess and to sell in all jurisdictions of Australia. Trafficking offences carry a long jail term, and in serious cases can even lead to life imprisonment. Australia shares information on drug trafficking with other countries, even those with the death penalty. Penalties for possession or sale of small amounts of marijuana are typically lower than for other drugs, and vary between states. In South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory jail terms do not apply to first time marijuana offences. Some states can issue on-the-spot fines for small amounts of marijuana whereas others always require a court appearance. Foreigners should not expect more lenient treatment than locals from Australian police for drug offences. Driving while under the influence of drugs is a serious offence, and doing so will invariably lead to arrest and prosecution, and in serious cases even a jail sentence. '''Do not under any circumstances attempt to bring illicit drugs into Australia''', including marijuana; this is strictly illegal and punishable with long jail terms of up to life in prison, and customs officers often employ dogs to sniff drugs out of arriving passengers' luggage. Dogs can even tell that you smoked marijuana from the day before you flew to Australia, so you may be held back for some long questioning. Australia's proximity to [[Asia]] means that heroin is a far more commonly used illicit drug than cocaine or crack cocaine. In some areas of large cities you will need to be careful of discarded needles: however these will generally be found in back streets rather than in popular tourist spots. ===Firearms=== Firearm ownership is rare in Australia, with strict licensing requirements resulting in gun ownership being typically limited to hunters and farmers in rural areas, as well as sport shooters. Criminal gangs sometimes carry illegal firearms in urban areas, although it is unlikely that travellers will run into them. It is very difficult to bring firearms into Australia, with a police permit required for each federal state to be visited ''before'' arrival. ===Gay and lesbian travellers=== {{see also|LGBT travel}} Australia has an equal age of consent set at 16 for all states except Tasmania and South Australia where the age is 17. Same sex marriage is legal in Australia, having been passed into law in December 2017 after the nation strongly voted for it (with 61% choosing change) in a national postal survey. Attitudes to homosexuality are similar to those found in most Western countries. Although inner Sydney is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, caution is still advisable in conservative rural areas, including rural parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Australia has outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and legal recourse may be available should you experience discrimination. Police assistance may be difficult to obtain in remote and rural areas for discrimination. Sydney is Australia's gay capital, and hosts one of the world's most famous gay pride festivals - the [http://www.mardigras.org.au Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras] - annually during February and March. The festival culminates in a huge parade through central Sydney which attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators. [[Alice Springs]] celebrates the "Alice Is Wonderland Festival", a gay and lesbian pride festival in late April/early May. [[Melbourne]] has a "[http://www.pridemarch.com.au/ Pride March]" every year on the first Sunday of February. ==Stay healthy== ===Skin=== [[File:Sunbaker maxdupain nga76.54.jpg|thumbnail|"Sunbaker" from 1937 is one of the most widely recognised of all Australian photographs.]] Exposure to the sun at Australian latitudes frequently results in '''[[sunburn]]''', and Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Getting sunburnt can make you feel feverish and unwell and may take a few days or weeks to heal depending on the severity. It means you can't go back out into the sun until the sunburn fades, so getting sunburnt on the first day of your beach holiday can seriously reduce the fun of your trip. It can take as little as 15 minutes to burn in Australia on a fine summer's day, even in shaded outdoor areas. You should wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), clothing, and a hat to shade the sun. Re-apply sunscreen every 2–3 hours throughout the day as it wears off quickly if you are sweating or swimming. Make sure to cover all parts of your body. UV radiation in the middle of the day can be double what it is in the early morning or later afternoon, so if possible avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day. [http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/uv/index.shtml Daily UV forecasts] are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology online. '''Spray On Sunscreen''' from an aerosol bottle is popular because of its ease of use, however it is far less effective than tradition sunscreen. If you are heading to the beach, consider buying a sun-tent (less than $20 from discount and hardware stores). You generally can't hire beach umbrellas at Australian beaches, and they are very exposed. ===Food preparation=== Australia has high hygiene standards, with restaurants required to observe strict food preparation standards. [[Food poisoning]] rates are comparable to other first world nations. ===Water=== The '''[[tap water]]''' in urban Australia is always safe to drink. Occasionally you may encounter recycled water taps which are for watering plants and not drinking; these should be coloured purple. Public drinking fountains and bottle refill stations are common in cities and at tourist attractions. The taste and hardness of the tap water will vary considerably across the country. Some cities such as Adelaide rely on ground water supplies that have an unpleasant taste, but are perfectly safe. Many households use water purifier jugs. Bottled water is also widely available. Carrying water on hot days is a good idea in urban areas, and it is a necessity if hiking or driving out of town. Remoter areas in the outback may not have treated drinking water on tap. At sites where tap water is untreated, water sterilization tablets may be used as an alternative to boiling. If driving long distances on infrequently trafficked roads it is essential to carry drinking water. This is absolutely necessary in hotter areas and on dirt roads or tracks. It is rare that someone does not die of thirst in outback Australia in any year. It is recommended that in event of a breakdown you stay with the car for shade and to increase your chances of being found. Before long-distance touring seek specific advice on calculating how much water to carry for the proposed journey and allowing for breakdowns. ===Vaccinations=== Australia does not have endemic communicable diseases that will require non-standard vaccinations. Like many other countries, it will require evidence of [[yellow fever]] vaccinations on entry if you will have been in a country with a risk of infection within 6 days before your arrival in Australia. ===Mosquitoes=== Mosquitoes are present all year round in the tropics, and during the summer in southern areas. Screens on windows and doors are common, and repellent is readily available. Ross River Virus is spread by mosquitoes in the tropics, and can make you sick for a few weeks. There have been cases of [[dengue fever]], for which no specific treatment exists. Malaria is not present in mainland Australia. ===Medical care=== [[File:VH-FDE (16640399301).jpg|thumb|Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft]] As described above, '''000''' is the Australian emergency services number and in any medical emergency you should call this number and ask for an ambulance and other emergency services as necessary, to attend. Australia has first world medical standards. In particular, it is safe to receive blood transfusions in Australia, as donors are screened for HIV, hepatitis and many other blood borne illnesses. Australia's population density is low; parts of Australia are a long way from medical facilities of any kind. Many of these areas are served by the '''[http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/ Royal Flying Doctor Service]'''. Small towns with populations of 5,000 or more will have a small hospital capable of giving emergency treatment. Larger towns will have a base hospital capable of routine and some kinds of emergency surgery. In some cases you may need to be evacuated to one of the capital cities for specialist treatment. Capital cities will have medical centres where you can drop in, often open on weekends or until late. In country towns you may have to make an appointment and may have no alternative other than the closest hospital after hours and weekends. You can also expect to wait a few hours if your condition isn't urgent. * {{listing | name=Poisons Information Hotline | phone=13 11 26 (in country only) | content=Give free advice if any medication or poisons are taken inadvertently. They will also give advice on what treatment is necessary for things like a spider bite. However, if you think you are in any immediate danger, call '000' for an ambulance. }} ==== Medical costs and travel insurance ==== Australian citizens and permanent residents who live in Australia can receive health care through the taxpayer funded Medicare. Foreigners working or studying in Australia and without a reciprocal agreement are generally required to take up private health insurance as part of their visa conditions. Foreigners on a short visit will want to make sure their travel insurance is in order, as medical costs can be expensive for those not entitled to Medicare benefits. Medicare does not cover private hospitals or dental care, so you will need to obtain private health insurance to pay for these. Travellers from [[Belgium]], [[Finland]], [[Ireland]], [[Italy]], [[Malta]], the [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Norway]], [[Slovenia]], [[Sweden]] and the [[United Kingdom]] are entitled to free reciprocal Medicare treatment for medical problems that occur during their visit. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the conditions of the [http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/health-care-for-visitors-to-australia reciprocal arrangement with your country]. For example, Irish people and New Zealanders are only entitled to free treatment at a hospital, whereas the other reciprocal nationalities are entitled to subsidised treatment at general practitioners as well. No reciprocal programs cover private hospitals, and the full cost will have to be met by yourself or with [[travel insurance]]. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of a reciprocal agreement country then travel insurance is highly recommended. You can expect to pay around $80 to see a general practitioner, plus any additional costs for any pathology or radiology required. The charge to visit a local hospital can be much more expensive, private hospitals even more so. You can pay up to $500 even if you are not admitted, and possibly several thousand dollars if you are. Rescue and Royal Flying Doctor Services are provided for free, but evacuation or ambulance services can cost many thousands of dollars from a country town to a capital city, or from an island to the mainland. Even if you are an Australian citizen, ambulance and evacuation services are not provided free of charge. If an air-ambulance is required this can still cost thousands of dollars. Most health-insurance companies sell ambulance only cover valid Australia-wide. Ambulance membership programs may only cover you in your own state - check before travelling interstate. Domestic travel insurance does not usually cover medical or ambulance expenses. Medicare cover does not include ambulance costs (at least several hundred dollars) in the event of an emergency; only private insurance ''with ambulance cover'' will pay for this. Snake and spider bite anti-venom is very expensive. The cost can be well over $10,000 even if you don't need a stay in hospital. ==Connect== ===Internet=== Australia offers many Internet access options for travellers: '''Internet cafes''' are available in most tourist areas and normally cost $4–5 per hour. However, many internet cafes have 12-20 computers sharing a single broadband connection, sometimes making the internet painfully slow. If possible, ask if you can check the speed of a cafe's connection before forking out $4–5 for an hour. '''Public libraries''' usually offer some form of Internet access to travellers, either free or for a small fee. Some prohibit access to email, promoting research use of their facilities. Others offer Wi-Fi and terminals, with Wi-Fi usually being free of restrictions. '''Major hotels''' offer Internet access, usually for an exorbitant fee. Most youth hostels and backpacker accommodation have at least an Internet terminal at reception. Some other accommodation providers offer Wi-Fi to their guests, almost always with a charge. It is still common to find motels and other smaller hotels without any Internet offering to customers. * Many '''coffee shops''' offer Wi-Fi free to their customers. * McDonald's has free Wi-Fi in just about all their stores. * [https://hotspot.internode.on.net/coverage/index.php Internode] has free Wi-Fi hotspots, including much of Adelaide city centre. * Telstra has partnered with Fon to create an extensive network of WiFi hotspots around Australia that utilise Telstra telephone boxes and Telstra broadband customers to create hotspots that go by the name Telstra Air with the slogan 'Australia's largest WiFi Network'. Look for a distinctive white WiFi logo on solid pink and the words 'Telstra Air' to indicate major hotspots. The networks appear in WiFi lists as 'Telstra Air' or 'Fon WiFi'. Expect good coverage in city centre areas although it may require some searching to locate a hot spot outside of CBD areas. Hot spot maps are available on the Telstra and Fon websites. :*Access can be purchased for $6.60 for 1 hour, $10 for 1 day or $23 for 5 days. In major urban centres, you'll find free Wi-Fi in shopping malls and other large shops and increasingly on public transport: Sydney's ferries offer free Wi-Fi as do Adelaide's trams. ====3G/4G/5G wireless==== There are three mobile networks in Australia. All of them provide 3G/UMTS, 4G/LTE, and 5G mobile data services. As the data is carried over the mobile network, the advice about frequencies, obtaining SIMs and using a foreign device in the [[#Mobile Cellular Phones|Mobile Cellular Phones]] section applies. If you intend to use your phone with your home carrier, check with them for data roaming fees (likely quite expensive). If your handset isn't locked, it may be much cheaper to buy a local SIM. Several carriers offer prepaid mobile data access with no contract from around $20-30 per month with various bundles and inclusions. For around $50 you can get a USB modem or Wi-Fi dongle. There are thousands of plans available through hundreds of resellers. Using an internet comparison site will direct you to the best deals. === Radio and television === Australia has 2 national public broadcasters, the [http://www.abc.net.au/ ABC] and [https://www.sbs.com.au/ SBS]. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (or ABC) broadcasts Local Radio, Triple J (Youth/Indie music) and ABC Classic on AM/FM Radio as well as 5 TV channels. The Special Broadcasting Service (or SBS) broadcasts more ethnic, bilingual and cultural content on 6 TV channels and 2 analog radio stations. Both broadcasters are available in most populous areas but the ABC has a greater radio coverage. There are 3 free-to-air commercial TV networks, namely [https://au.tv.yahoo.com/ Seven], [https://www.nine.com.au/ Nine] and [https://tenplay.com.au/ Ten]; all or most are available in a majority of areas. In regional areas, affiliates such as WIN, Imparja, and Prime will carry feeds from major networks along with some local programming. You should expect to be able to receive and watch all these channels in almost all accommodation in towns and cities across Australia. On Pay TV operator is also available called Foxtel - transmitted by Cable, Satellite, and Internet. Some hotels will advertise free Foxtel, which means you should also be able to view the main international news channels and lots of light entertainment reruns. hey may also subscribe to a range of sports and movies, but you should check first. The bigger the city, the more radio stations you'll find. Country towns will often just have one commercial radio station and the [https://www.abc.net.au/local/ ABC]. If you're driving the distances between country towns, you can often lose all radio coverage. Download some music or podcasts for the trip before you leave. It's advisable to stay tuned to the ABC if travelling during emergencies or high bushfire risk periods. DAB+ Digital Radio is available in capital cities, but receivers aren't installed in cars or most accommodation. If you have a digital radio, you'll get a handful of extra music channels. ===Newspapers=== The main national broadsheet newspaper is '''[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ The Australian]''', with '''[http://www.afr.com/ The Australian Financial Review]''' focussing on financial and business news. There are also other newspapers that are published locally within their respective states, the most notable ones being ''[http://www.smh.com.au/ The Sydney Morning Herald]'' and ''[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ The Daily Telegraph]'', both based in Sydney, and ''[https://www.theage.com.au/ The Age]'' and ''[http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ Herald Sun]'', both based in Melbourne. ===Telephone=== ====Calling overseas from Australia==== The main international access code or prefix is '''0011'''. (When using a mobile phone the plus symbol "+" can be used instead of the 0011 prefix.) ====Dialling codes==== The country code for international calls to Australia is +61. When dialling from overseas, omit any leading '0' in the area code. The area code is optional when calling from the same area code area. [[Norfolk Island]] and Australian-Antarctic bases use the +672 code, not Australia's country code. See the specific articles. The "+" stands for the ''international dialling prefix'', 0011 if calling overseas from Australia, 00 in most of Europe, 011 in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]], substituted automatically on mobile phones and most other smart dialling devices. Australian area code list: * 02 = Central East (New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and north-eastern fringe of Victoria) * 03 = South East (Southern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania) * 04 = Mobile phones Australia-wide (higher call charges apply) * 07 = North East (Queensland and parts of Northern NSW) * 08 = Central & West (Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western New South Wales) There is also the "05" calling code which is for mobile numbers, but to this date, none have ever been implemented to this day. Local calls are free of charge. * If calling an Australian number from outside Australia, use the format +61880803300 (no "0" area code prefix; substitute the relevant international dialling prefix for the "+" if needed). * If making an international call from within Australia dial the ''international dialling prefix'' or "+", followed by the ''country code'', followed by destination ''area code'', followed by the ''local number'' at the destination. For most countries you need to omit the area code prefix (usually "0" as in Australia). For example, the local number for the [[Moree (New South Wales)|Moree]] tourist information is {{nowrap|6757-3350}}. The area code is 02 as Moree is in the Central East area code region. To dial the number from [[Sydney]] or anywhere else ''inside'' the same area code, just dial {{nowrap|6757-3350}}. To dial the number from [[Brisbane]] or anywhere in Australia ''outside'' the area code region, you will need to dial {{nowrap|02 6757-3350}}. If you don't know your area code region, you can include the area code, and it will work regardless of from where you are calling. To dial the number from overseas you will need to dial {{nowrap|+61 2 6757-3350}}. ====Special numbers==== * Numbers commencing with '''13''' are charged at a local call rate, and what they connect you to can vary according to your location. They can be 10 or 6 digit numbers. For example, 1300 796 222, will connect you with the [[Albury]] tourist information, no matter where you are in Australia. However, 131 008 will connect you with a different local taxi service depending on where you are. 13 22 32 will connect you to New South Wales Railways in Sydney or Victorian Railways in Melbourne. Calling these numbers internationally can be problematic. * Numbers commencing with '''18''' are free when dialled from a payphone or fixed phone, and commonly used for hotel reservation numbers, or tourist information numbers. * Numbers commencing with '''19''' are premium numbers, often with ''very'' hefty call charges (make sure you check before dialling). * Numbers commencing with '''12''' are carrier services, and are dependent on what network you are connected to. For example, '''12 456''' is a general information number for Telstra. Vodafone offer a similar services on '''123'''. These numbers can be premium services as well. Calling special numbers internationally can often work - just try dialling the number prefixed with the +61 country code. Many locations will give an alternative direct number for use in international dialling. Making reverse charge (collect) calls is very expensive and can be problematic. You can use 12550 from a Telstra public phone, or 1800 NO CASH from any phone. But you have to be calling a number that will accept the charges (usually a landline or mobile on a mainstream telco). ====Mobile cellular phones==== {{anchor|Mobile Cellular Phones}} Australia has cellular networks operated by [http://www.telstra.com.au Telstra], [http://www.optus.com.au Optus] and [http://www.vodafone.com.au Vodafone], and each of the networks have several resellers with different price plans. All three operate UMTS/HSPA (3G), LTE (4G), and 5G networks. There are no restrictions on overseas residents obtaining Australian prepaid SIM cards, although you may require some form of photo ID such as your passport for identification. 2G-only and CDMA phones (phones without a SIM card) will not work in Australia. All '''2G''' networks in Australia have been shut down. Telstra and Vodafone have '''3G HSPA+''' services on 850/2100&nbsp;MHz, and Optus on 900/2100&nbsp;MHz. These are still the greatest geographical range of service. '''4G LTE''' is widely available most centres on all carriers. Support for 4G band 28 (700 MHz) on newer phones is necessary to get good 4G coverage outside of major centres and better coverage in them. On '''5G''' Networks, all of Australia's networks run on the n78 frequencies with Optus running on n40 mid-band, n257 for high-band, and n1 for low-band; Telstra at n258 and n5, and Vodafone at n28. With foreign SIM cards, international roaming is generally seamless onto Australia's 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA) and 4G networks, depending on agreements between operators. 5G networks are different with frequencies and can vary with the compatibility of your phone. Check with your home operator before you leave. All major cities and their suburbs have decent coverage on all three networks, as do most significant country towns and inter-capital links. Telstra's 850&nbsp;MHz 3G network provides the best rural coverage (though it is also the most expensive), but unpopulated or sparsely populated areas away from major roads are unlikely to have service at all. If you are heading way out into the bush then a '''satellite phone''' may be your only option. Remember all mobile phones can be used for emergency calls on all networks, even if they don't have a local SIM or aren't roaming. This applies to satellite phones too. A cheap prepaid mobile phone with a SIM retails for around $40 in most Australian retail outlets, supermarkets, and post offices; a SIM alone for an existing phone is around $2–3. Prepaid credit is added using recharge cards available at all supermarkets, newsagents, some ATMs, and other outlets. You can buy a seemly infinite variety of packages, SIM cards, and phone bundles, with varied combinations of data, SMS and call time. Some carriers make calculating included calls difficult, by giving you a dollar "value" that is included in your package, and you then need to find the call, sms and data rates to calculate what is included. These rates can differ from plan to plan. Make sure the plan you choose includes what you need, because using data or making calls outside of the package allowance is often orders of magnitude more expensive. ===Satellite phones=== [[File:Telstra phonebox at Quinns.jpg|thumb|A typical Telstra payphone]] If you need comprehensive coverage in rural and remote areas, you can use a satellite phone. Iridium, Globalstar and Thuraya satellite services are available in Australia. Expect to pay around $120 per week to hire a satellite phone, plus call costs. Satellite messaging units, which send your location and a help SMS or email, can be hired for around $80 per week. These units are only available from specialist dealers, often only in major cities (away from the remote areas you may be visiting). You should be able to acquire or hire these units in your home country before departure if you wish. Satellite phones can be used to make emergency calls without a SIM card or subscription plan. The cheapest cost around $300, or just a little more than a PLB. === Public phones === Most towns and suburbs have at least one public phone. Most railway stations will have a public phone. All public phones in Australia are free for local calls to landlines and mobiles. International calls may be made using Telstra or third-party calling cards available from newsagents. Free text messages can be sent from any Telstra public phone, using the keypad in much the same way as an old-style mobile phone. Follow the instructions on the phone display. ===Post=== [[File:Australia Post boxes.jpg|thumb|Express (yellow) and normal (red) Australia Post street posting boxes]] '''[http://www.auspost.com.au Australia Post]''' runs Australia's postal service. Letters can be posted in any red Australia Post posting box, which are found at all post offices and many other locations. All stamps can be purchased from post offices, and some stamps can be purchased from newsagents and hotels. Posting a standard letter or postcard costs $1.10 within Australia (up to 250g), and between $2.50 and $3.70 internationally (up to 20g). Sending international letters up to 50g is cheaper in November & December, at $2.40, but the letter must have "card only" written on the front. 'Domestic' and 'international' stamps are different, as international is tax free, therefore, so make sure you use the right stamp. Parcels, express post and other services are also available. Addresses in Australia are generally formatted in the following way, which is similar to addresses in the United States and Canada <blockquote>Name of recipient<br/>(If needed) Unit number or building name<br/>House number and street name<br/>City or town, two or three-letter state abbreviation, postcode</blockquote> You can receive mail via ''Poste Restante'' in any city or town. Mail should be addressed to your full name c/o Post Restante. ID is needed to pick up your mail. {{isPartOf|Oceania}} {{guidecountry}} {{geo|-28|137|zoom=5}} pl8eizeqt7rbkfawwt14qb79f8tvluk 4488154 4488102 2022-07-22T09:06:06Z Ikan Kekek 36420 We haven't seen "post-COVID" yet! wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Uluru-Kata_Tjuta_banner_Uluru_Sunset.jpg | caption=Uluru glowing at sunset, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory|origin=0.3,0}} {{COVID-19 box|Australia has ended all remaining COVID-related entry restrictions. Facial coverings are still required on all flights to Australia, and on most public transport settings in the country, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, see [https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts/coronavirus.html Tourism Australia's COVID-19 Travel Advice and Border Status page.]| lastedit=2022-07-06}} There is nowhere else quite like '''[http://www.australia.com Australia]''', the only country that has a whole continent to itself. With Indigenous cultures for over 65,000 years and truly global immigration in modern times, the country is famous for its natural wonders, wide open spaces, beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "the [[Outback]]". However, it is also highly urbanised, with an array of cosmopolitan cities &ndash; the largest and most famous being [[Sydney]], situated on one of the most famous harbours in the world. ==Regions== Australia has six states, five on the mainland with the sixth being the island state of Tasmania along with nine or ten territories but with the exception of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, the others are largely trivial. Visiting all at once would be nearly impossible, as the states in Australia are much much larger than the states in the United States and are more comparable in size to provinces in Canada – with almost {{km|5000}} separating Brisbane and Shark Bay, the country is vast, about the distance from Madrid to Murmansk, Cairo to Nairobi or Maine to California. {{Regionlist | regionmap=Australia regions map.png | regionmaptext=Australia's states/territories and major highways | regionmapsize=376px | region1name=[[New South Wales]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]] ''(NSW) & (ACT)'' | region1color=#c8aa92 | region1items= | region1description=Australia's most populous state also has [[Sydney]], the oldest and largest city, and surrounds the purpose built capital city of [[Canberra]]. The coast of New South Wales is lined with beach-side communities; a little inland are the mountain ranges of the [[Blue Mountains|Blue]] and [[Snowy Mountains|Snowy]] mountains; further inland still are sweeping agricultural plains giving way to the outback. | region2name=[[Northern Territory]] ''(NT)'' | region2color=#acc2a6 | region2items= | region2description=From the red deserts surrounding [[Uluru]] and [[Alice Springs]] up to the tropics of [[Darwin]] and [[Kakadu National Park]], the Northern Territory is stunningly beautiful, and easier to access than you might think. | region3name=[[Queensland]] ''(Qld)'' | region3color=#c3bea3 | region3items= | region3description=Famous for its sunny warm weather, Queensland offers coastal exploration from the vibe of the [[Gold Coast]] to the tropics of the [[Great Barrier Reef]] to the bustling city of [[Brisbane]]. It is also home to tropical rainforests of the [[Daintree National Park]], and the island resorts of the Whitsundays. Inland lies the ranges of the hinterland, and further on the vast expanses and beauty of outback Australia. | region4name=[[South Australia]] ''(SA)'' | region4color=#bcb491 | region4items= | region4description=Renowned for the internationally recognised fine wines of the [[Barossa Valley]], the beauty of the [[Flinders Ranges]] and the outback and events and culture of the ''City of Churches'', [[Adelaide]]. | region5name=[[Tasmania]] ''(Tas.)'' | region5color=#b69eb3 | region5items= | region5description=Separated from the mainland by Bass Strait, the mountainous state of Tasmania has the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain in the west, the beaches of the east, and the wilderness of the south. [[Hobart]] was the site of the second European settlement in Australia, and many historic sites are well preserved. | region6name=[[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] ''(Vic.)'' | region6color=#c3d099 | region6items= | region6description=Small, vibrant and with something for everyone, Victoria has dramatic surf beaches along the southwest and central coast, green rolling farmland and photogenic national parks. Australia and Victoria's sporting, shopping, fashion and food capital is [[Melbourne]]. | region7name=[[Western Australia]] ''(WA)'' | region7color=#cfcf94 | region7items= | region7description=A vast state. The southwest contains the state capital and major city of [[Perth]]. The wine growing and scenic destinations of [[Margaret River]] and [[Albany (Western Australia)|Albany]] are towards the southern region. In the far north are the tropics and the beachside destination of [[Broome]]. Small townships, roadhouses, mining communities and national parks are scattered around the long distances between.}} ===Islands=== [[Tasmania]] is the most significant island of Australia and a state in its own right. There are over 800 islands in Australia, other main islands include: * {{marker|name=[[Lord Howe Island]]|wikidata=Q104784}} — a showcase for nature two hours flying time from Sydney, administered as part of the state of New South Wales. * {{marker|name=[[Norfolk Island]]|wikidata=Q31057}} — halfway to New Zealand, with nature and beaches * {{marker|name=[[Christmas Island]]|wikidata=Q31063}} — famous for its red crab migration. Flights from Perth and [[Kuala Lumpur]]. * {{marker|name=[[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]]|wikidata=Q36004}} — coral atolls, populated, accessible by flights from Perth. * {{marker|name=[[Torres Strait Islands]]|wikidata=Q1059258}} — Indigenous culture between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, and requires permission from the traditional owners to visit. Flights from [[Cairns]]. * {{marker|name=[[Kangaroo Island]]|wikidata=Q210371}} — the third-largest island in Australia containing wildlife, natural scenery, wineries and beaches. * {{marker|name=[[Rottnest Island]]|wikidata=Q585317}} — a nature reserve with 63 beaches and 20 bays, located near Perth and home to the infamous Quokka * {{marker|name=[[King Island]]|wikidata=Q794502}} — in the Bass Straight above Tasmania. * {{marker|name=[[Whitsunday Islands]]|wikidata=Q1646461}} — a famous tourist destination renowned for its white beaches There are quite a few uninhabited islands including the [[Coral Sea Islands]], some islands of the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]], the [[Ashmore and Cartier Islands]] and the remote Antarctic islands of [[Heard Island and McDonald Islands]] and [[Macquarie Island]]. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[New South Wales]] and [[Australian Capital Territory]] ''(NSW) & (ACT)''|wikidata=Q3224}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#acc2a6|title=[[Northern Territory]] ''(NT)''|wikidata=Q3235}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c3bea3|title=[[Queensland]] ''(Qld)''|wikidata=Q36074}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#bcb491|title=[[South Australia]] ''(SA)''|wikidata=Q35715}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b69eb3|title=[[Tasmania]] ''(Tas)''|wikidata=Q34366}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c3d099|title=[[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] ''(Vic)''|wikidata=Q36687}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#cfcf94|title=[[Western Australia]] ''(WA)''|wikidata=Q3206}} ==Cities== [[File:Sydney Harbour Bridge night.jpg|thumb|350px|Sydney cityscape at night]] <!-- Only a maximum of nine cities can be listed here. Please discuss changes to this list on the Talk page first. --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Canberra]]|wikidata=Q3114}} — the relatively small, purpose-built national capital of Australia is home to plenty of museums * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Adelaide]]|wikidata=Q5112}} — the "City of Churches", a relaxed South Australian alternative to the big eastern cities close to world-renowned wineries * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Brisbane]]|wikidata=Q34932}} — capital of sun-drenched Queensland and gateway to beautiful sandy beaches * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Cairns]]|wikidata=Q189133}} — gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Daintree National Park, and many beautiful beaches and resorts; a great place for people to get away and relax * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Darwin]]|wikidata=Q11568}} — Australia's tropical northern capital, at the top end of the Northern Territory * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hobart]]|wikidata=Q40191}} — picturesque and quiet capital of Tasmania, the site of the second convict settlement in Australia * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Melbourne]]|wikidata=Q3141}} — Australia's second largest city, Melbourne is the country's sporting, shopping, food and cultural capital, while also being regarded as Australia's most European city * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Perth]]|wikidata=Q3183}} — the most remote continental city on Earth, on the south-western edge of Western Australia * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sydney]]|wikidata=Q3130}} — Australia's oldest and largest city, famous for its picturesque harbour and natural beauty ==Other destinations== [[File:Apostles 3 GOR.JPG|thumb|250px|The Twelve Apostles]] <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Blue Mountains National Park]]|wikidata=Q885558}} — a mountainous national park in New South Wales, including the "Three Sisters" natural feature * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park]]|wikidata=Q1138453}} — most popular national park in Tasmania, home Australia's deepest lake and one of its most scenic mountains * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Daintree Rainforest]]|wikidata=Q5209517}} — the world's oldest living rainforest and a well preserved tropical rainforest, home to the largest groups of cassowaries. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Great Barrier Reef]]|wikidata=Q7343}} — see first hand this natural wonder, off the coast of Queensland and the world's largest coral reef system * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Great Ocean Road]]|wikidata=Q74046}} — a spectacular coastal drive in Victoria past many scenic icons including the "[[Port Campbell National Park|Twelve Apostles]]" rocks standing in the ocean and the world's largest war memorial * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Kakadu National Park]]|wikidata=Q189657}} — tropical adventure travel, Aboriginal culture and nature activities in the Northern Territory. Second largest national park in Australia about the size of Wales * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park]]|wikidata=Q426073}} – South Australia's most iconic national park containing a naturally formed amphitheatre and many fossils dating back from the Ediacaran era * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Purnululu National Park]]|wikidata=Q679568}} – includes the Bungle Bungle Range, a spectacularly incised landscape of sculptured rocks rising over 250 metres high * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park]]|wikidata=Q251999}} — Uluru (also known as ''Ayers Rock'') and Kata Tjuta (''The Olgas'') are iconic rock formations in the "Red Centre" in the middle of the Australian outback ==Understand== {{quote|We are one but we are many and from all the lands of Earth we come. We'll share a dream and sing with one voice: I am, you are, we are Australian|author=The Seekers - I am Australian}} {{quickbar|location=Australia with AAT (orthographic projection).svg}} The sixth largest country in the world by area, Australia has a relatively small (but growing) population of 25 million. A G20 member, it has high living standards and quality of life. It is a significant player in the economic and political spheres of the Indo-Pacific region. ===History=== {{seealso|Indigenous Australian culture|British Empire|Australian Convict Sites}} Aboriginal people have been living in Australia for at least 65,000 years. They arrived in successive waves from [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. With rising sea levels after the last Ice Age, Australia became largely isolated from the rest of the world and the Aboriginal groups developed a variety of cultures, based on a close spiritual relationship with the land and nature, and extended kinship. For thousands of years Australian Aboriginal people maintained a hunter-gatherer culture, or (in some areas) a semi-sedentary culture, in association with a complex artistic and cultural life, including a very rich tradition of story and song. The modern impression of Australian Aboriginal people is largely built around an image of the "desert people" who have adapted to some of the harshest conditions on the planet (equivalent to the bushmen of the Kalahari), but many others lived in forested and well-watered regions. Australia provided a comfortable living for the bulk of the Aboriginal people among the bountiful flora and fauna on the Australian coast – until the arrival of Europeans. Although a lucrative [[China|Chinese]] market for shells and ''bêche de mer'' (sea cucumber) had encouraged Indonesian fishermen to visit [[Northern Australia]] for centuries, it was unknown to Europeans until the 1600s, when [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] traders to Asia began to "bump" into the northwestern coast. The Makassan contact from [[Sulawesi]] also brought many Indonesian cultural elements to the Indigenous people living in [[Northern Australia]], making Islam the first foreign religion brought in – and quite a few rock artworks seen in Arnhem Land and the Kimberley depict many Islamic elements. Early Dutch impressions of this extremely harsh, dry country were unfavourable, and Australia remained for them somewhat of a marker sign pointing north to the much richer (and more lucrative) East Indies (modern day Indonesia). Deliberate exploration of the Australian coast was then largely taken over by the French and the British. Consequently, place names of bays, headlands and rivers around the coastline reflect a range of Dutch, French, or English names, however many place names are also from Aboriginal languages with places that were previously having Dutch, French, or English names renamed to Indigenous names, or dual named. In 1770, the expedition of the Endeavour under the command of [[Voyages of James Cook|Captain James Cook]] navigated and charted the east coast of Australia, making first landfall at [[Sydney/Sutherland Shire#History|Botany Bay]] on 29 April 1770. Cook continued northwards, and before leaving put ashore on [[Possession Island]] in the Torres Strait off Cape York on 22 August 1770. Here he formally claimed the eastern coastline he had explored for the British Crown, naming it New South Wales. Given that Cook's so-called discoveries would lead to the first European settlement of Australia, he is often popularly conceived as its European discoverer, although he had been preceded by more than 160 years by the Dutch. [[File:PortArthurPenitentiary.jpg|thumb|Part of the former [[Port Arthur (Tasmania)|Port Arthur]] convict settlement in Tasmania. The remains of the settlement form part of the [[Australian Convict Sites]] entry on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]].]] Following the exploration period, the first British settlement in Australia was founded in 1788 at what is today [[Sydney]], led by Captain Arthur Philip who became the first governor of the colony of New South Wales. The process of colonisation led to conflict with indigenous Australians as well as diseases to which they had no immunity. Their populations declined throughout much (though not all) of the land, and were displaced by the British settlers. Originally comprising the eastern two-thirds of the continent, the colony of New South Wales was later split into several separate colonies. [[Tasmania]] (then known as Van Diemen's Land) became a separate colony in 1825, which was followed by [[South Australia]] in 1836, [[New Zealand]] in 1841, [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] in 1851 and [[Queensland]] in 1859. The western third of the continent was not settled by Europeans until the British established a naval base in [[Albany (Western Australia)|Albany]], then known as King George Sound in 1826. The Swan River Colony was formally established in 1829 at what is today [[Perth]]. The Swan River Colony was renamed "[[Western Australia]]" in 1832. While Australia began its modern history as a British penal colony, the most people who came to Australia after 1788 were free settlers, mainly from Britain and [[Ireland]], and to a less extent other European countries such as France and what is now Germany. Convict settlements were mostly along the east coast, with scattered pockets of convict settlements in Western Australia. The state of South Australia, on the other hand, was settled entirely by free settlers. Many Asian and Eastern European people also came to Australia in the 1850s, during the Gold Rush that started Australia's first resource boom. Although such diverse immigration diminished greatly during the xenophobic years of the White Australia policy, from the Postwar Period Australia welcomed a successive series of immigration from continental Europe, the Mediterranean and later Asia and the rest of the world, becoming a highly diverse and multicultural society by the late 20th century. The system of separate colonies federated to form the self-governing British dominion of Australia in 1901, each colony now becoming a state of Australia, with New Zealand opting out of the federation. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and made a significant contribution (considering its small population) to the Allied war effort in [[World War I|World War I]] and [[World War II in Europe]] as part of the British Commonwealth forces. Australia was directly attacked in the [[Pacific War]]. Australian troops also made a valuable, if sometimes controversial, contribution to the [[Korean War]], the [[Indochina Wars|Vietnam War]], the [[Iraq]] War and the Afghanistan War. Australian Diggers retain a reputation as some of the hardest fighting troops along with a great social spirit. Australia and Britain passed the Australia Act in 1986, ending any remnant power the British parliament may have had to pass laws for Australia. Similar to Canada, the British Queen remains as the head of state with an (Australian) appointed Governor-General as her representative in Australia. During the second half of the 20th century, there was growth in Aboriginal activism, accompanied by a greater willingness by the general community to acknowledge both the Indigenous cultural heritage (particularly in the visual arts) and the darker side of colonial history. Significant areas of the country have been returned to Indigenous ownership as a result of the land rights movement. In 2008, then-prime minister Kevin Rudd delivered an official apology to the Aboriginal people in Parliament for the atrocities committed against them by the white majority. An Aboriginal ceremony has also been incorporated into Australia's State Opening of Parliament since 2008 as homage to its indigenous heritage. ===Geography=== {{infobox|Does Australia border two oceans, or three?|The number of oceans that Australia borders, is a little bit of an ambiguous one. The Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean boundaries are fairly unambiguous, but the third one, the Southern Ocean is. In most international contexts, the Southern Ocean begins only south of the 60°S point, but in Australia (including in government), the Southern Ocean begins at Australia's southern coastline, but at the 60° everywhere else. On most Australian maps, you will see "Southern Ocean" marked, particularly on South Australian diving maps and so unless otherwise indicated, the Southern Ocean on Wikivoyage's Australian articles follow the Australian context, not the international definition.}} [[File:Macropus rufus 01 - Christopher Watson.jpg|thumbnail|Red kangaroos in the Northern Territory]] The landmass of Australia is both the world's smallest continent and the world's largest island; making up most of [[Oceania]]'s land area. The nation of Australia includes the Australian mainland, and some smaller islands (such as [[Tasmania]]). It is the world's sixth largest country, with a land area of 7,682,300 km² (2,966,152 square miles). It is comparable in size to the 48 contiguous [[United States]] (which has an area of 7,663,941.7 km²) although it has less than one tenth the population, with the distances between cities and towns easy to underestimate. Australia is bordered to the west by the Indian Ocean, to the south by the Southern Ocean, and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. The Tasman Sea lies to the southeast, separating it from [[New Zealand]], while the Coral Sea lies to the northeast. [[Papua New Guinea]], [[East Timor]] and [[Indonesia]] are Australia's northern neighbours, all much closer than New Zealand, and are separated from Australia by the Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea with Papua New Guinea only being {{km|4}} away from Australia. Australia is highly urbanised with most of the population heavily concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts. Most of the inland areas of the country are semi-arid. The most populous states are [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] and [[Queensland]], but the largest in terms of area is [[Western Australia]]. Large parts of Australia have been deforested to make way for agriculture but many native forest areas survive in extensive [[National parks in Australia|national parks]] and other undeveloped areas. Long term environmental concerns in Australia include water management, salinity, pollution, threats to biodiversity from invasive species, and conserving coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. ===Climate=== As a large country, Australia has a wide variety of climates. Most of the country receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Generally, the north is hot and tropical, while the south tends to sub-tropical and temperate. Most rainfall is around the coast, and much of the centre is '''arid''' and '''semi-arid'''. The daytime maximum temperatures in the tropical city of [[Darwin]] rarely drop below 30°C (86°F) even in winter while night temperatures in winter usually hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F). Australian winters tend to be milder than those at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere and snow never falls in most parts of the country. Temperatures in high altitude areas of some southern regions can drop below freezing in winter (and sometimes even in the summer) and the Snowy Mountains in the southeast experience metres of winter snow. Parts of [[Tasmania]] have a temperature range more similar to [[Oregon]] and snow is very common to fall in the central and western mountainous parts of the state. As Australia is in the southern hemisphere the winter is June–August while December–February is summer. The winter is the dry season in the tropics and the summer is the wet. In the southern parts of the country, the seasonal temperature variation is greater. The rainfall is more evenly distributed throughout the year in the southern parts of the East Coast while in the rest of the south beyond the [[Great Dividing Range]], the summers are dry with the bulk of the rainfall occurring in winter. ===Economy=== Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP on par with other advanced economies. The service industries, including tourism, education, and financial services, account for just over half of the Australian Gross Domestic Product – about 60%. Within the service sector, tourism is one of the most important industries in Australia, as it provides employment, contributes $73 billion to the economy each year and accounts for at least 11% of total exports. Primary industry - mining and agriculture - has accounted for most of Australia's exports in the 20th and 21st centuries. Iron ore and coal are by far the largest exports, along with wheat, beef and wool. The mining sector is sensitive to global demand for iron ore, with events in the Chinese and Indian economies having direct impacts. Australia has a comprehensive social security system, and the minimum wage is higher than the United States or the United Kingdom. Manual labourers and tradesmen are well-paid in Australia, often more so than white-collar professionals. ===Politics=== [[File:Parliament House Canberra 2.jpg|thumb|250px|Parliament House in Canberra]] Australia has a federal system of government, with six state and two territory governments, as well as a national government. It also has several overseas territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, which are given considerable autonomy, and often not fully integrated with the rest of Australia. Laws vary slightly from state to state, but are for the most part fairly uniform. The national parliament is based on the British Westminster system, with some elements being drawn from the American congressional system. At the federal level it consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Each Member of the House of Representatives (colloquially known as a Member of Parliament (MP)) represents an electoral division, with more populous states having more electoral divisions and hence, more MPs. On the other hand, similar to the US Senate, each Australian state has an equal number of senators, with 12 senators being directly elected by the people in each state, and 2 senators each from the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. The Prime Minister is head of the national government, and is the leader of the political party (or coalition of parties) which has the most Members in the House of Representatives. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is also Queen of Australia and the head of state, and is represented in Australia by the Governor-General. The roles of the Queen and Governor-General are largely ceremonial, and the Prime Minister wields the most authority in government. A referendum to change Australia to a republic was defeated in 1999 (the idea to replace the Queen with a political appointee wasn't to the liking of most Australians). Republicanism in Australia remains a regular conversation point, albeit low on the list of real priorities. The Cabinet of Australia serves as the executive branch, and is headed by the Prime Minister, who appoints his Cabinet ministers from among the members of both houses of Parliament. The judicial branch is topped by the High Court of Australia, which replaced the UK Privy Council as the highest court of appeal in 1986. State and territory governments are organised similarly to the national government with a state parliament serving as the legislature, a Premier (Chief Minister in the territories) serving as the head of the state government, and its own judiciary. There is also a Governor for each state serving as the Queen's representative in a mostly ceremonial role. The two major political parties in Australia are the Australian Labor Party (ALP or just "Labor") and the Liberal Party (Australian slang: ''The Libs''), which operates in coalition with the National Party (referred to as the "Coalition"). There are smaller parties such as the Greens, the United Australia Party (UAP) and independents. The Liberal Party is a centre-right conservative party, with the term "liberal" referring to a free market economy. The centre-left Labor Party spells its name "Labor" instead of "Labour" to differentiate it from other Commonwealth countries that used "Labour Party" but also because of the American labor movement. ===Culture=== Australia has a multicultural population practising almost every religion and lifestyle. Over one-quarter of Australians were born outside Australia, and another quarter have at least one foreign-born parent. Virtually every large Australian city and town reflects the immigration from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific that occurred after World War II and continued into the 1970s. In the half century after the war Australia's population boomed from roughly 7 million to just over 20 million people. The cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are culturally very diverse, and home to communities originating from all corners of the globe. In all major cities you will find a variety of quality of global foods available in many restaurants. Sydney mainly promotes itself as the urban nature capital, Melbourne especially promotes itself as a centre for the arts and culture, while Brisbane promotes itself through various, multicultural urban villages. Adelaide is known for being a centre for festivals, and for German cultural influences, while Perth is known for its food and wine culture, pearls, gems and precious metals, and the international fringe arts festival and finally Hobart mainly promotes itself for the convict history. Smaller rural settlements generally still reflect a majority Anglo-Celtic culture often with a small indigenous population. Most rural centres still welcome visitors and generally have a history and local produce to share. [[File:Melbournes Chinatown (6760134067).jpg|thumb|Melbourne's Chinatown]] There are approximately one and a half a million Australians who identify as Aboriginal people who live throughout the country in cities and in rural Aboriginal communities, which is about three percent of the population. Although not particularly obvious to a new visitor, there are many opportunities and cultural activities for people wanting to explore Aboriginal culture. Contrary to popular mythology, descendants from the original fleets of British convicts are a minority, and even during the years of transportation free settlers outnumbered convict migrants by at least five to one. Nevertheless, it is seen as a badge of honour for someone to be 'Australian Royalty' in having been descended from a convict, however tenuous that connection may be. Australians can be more socially conservative than some European cultures, but tend to be relaxed in their religious observance. Modes of address are casual and familiar and most Australians will tend to address you by your first name from first contact, and will expect that you do the same to them. ====Holidays==== [[File:Lotto Skyworks Applecross.jpg|thumb|250px|Fireworks over Perth to mark Australia Day]] The national holidays in Australia are: * '''1 January''': New Year's Day * '''26 January''': Australia Day, marking the anniversary of the First Fleet's landing in Sydney Cove in 1788. * '''Easter weekend''' ("Good Friday", "Easter Saturday", "Easter Sunday" and "Easter Monday"): a four day long weekend in March or April set according to the Western Christian dates. Very few go to church, but instead many Australians travel on Easter weekend, so expect hotel rooms and airtickets to sell out months in advance. * '''25 April''': ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), honouring military veterans * '''Second Monday in June''': Queen's birthday holiday (celebrated in Western Australia in September, with WA observing '''Western Australia Day''' a week earlier) * '''25 December''': Christmas Day * '''26 December''': Boxing Day Many states observe '''Labour Day''', but on different days. Most states have one or two additional statewide holidays, with [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] and [[South Australia]] having a day off for a horse race (The Melbourne Cup and The Adelaide Cup). Western Australia has Western Australia Day typically the first Monday in June (recognising the founding of the state since 1829) but also celebrates the Queen's Birthday at a different date to the rest of the country, either at the end of September or early October, due to the usual June date is such close proximity to Western Australia Day. Victoria also has a day off for the AFL grand final friday. When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday (and Tuesday if necessary) are usually declared holidays in lieu, although the celebrations and the retail closures will occur on the day itself. Most tourist attractions are closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Supermarkets and other stores may open for limited hours on some public holidays and on holidays in lieu, but are almost always closed on Christmas Day (25 December), Good Friday, Easter Sunday and ANZAC Day morning. Other than official holidays, there are also days of national or regional cultural significance that might as well be holidays such as: * '''AFL Grand Final''': The championship game of the Australian Football League, and the most watched event perennially on the Australia sporting calendar. Expects all pubs to be packed full of people watching the game, while many people will hold big watching parties in their homes. Held on the last Saturday of September or first Saturday of October. * '''NRL Grand Final''': The championship game of the National Rugby League. Particularly popular in Queensland and New South Wales. Usually held on the last Sunday of September or first Sunday of October. ===Peak holiday times=== Most attractions in Australia remain open year-round, some operating at a reduced frequency or shorter hours during the off-peak season. Many attractions (but not all) are closed on Christmas and New Year's day. '''Summer school holidays''' start before Christmas and last the whole of January, and it is considered the busiest and most expensive time to visit (unless you're visiting [[Northern Australia]]). Holiday homes on beaches are often booked out months in advance as well as charging a significant premium. The long '''Easter weekend''' can also be busy as parents take their kids out for a last time before Winter arrives. Australian teenagers celebrate the end of school at the end of November and early December for the 3 weeks known as ''schoolies''. The volume of teen revellers can completely change the nature of some of the cities and towns they choose to visit, especially coastal towns like [[Byron Bay]] in New South Wales, the [[Gold Coast]] in Queensland, [[Rottnest Island]] in Western Australia, and various localities along the [[Mornington Peninsula]] in Victoria. ===Time=== [[File:Central time zone sign.jpg|thumb|200px|A road sign near Broken Hill reminding the time zone difference]] Australia can have up to seven different time zones during the daylight savings period, and five at other times. Time zone boundaries do not always follow state boundaries. For instance, the towns of [[Broken Hill]] and Silverton, although in New South Wales, follows South Australia time, Norfolk Island has its own time zone despite being a part of New South Wales and a number of outback communities officially follow NT time. [[File:Australia-states-timezones.png|thumbnail|Time zones in Australia from GMT]] In the east, Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria always have the same time. [[Queensland]] doesn't observe daylight saving, so it is an hour behind the other eastern states during that period. In the centre, Broken Hill and Silverton (NSW), South Australia and the [[Northern Territory]] are half an hour behind during the winter, but the Northern Territory doesn't observe daylight saving while South Australia, Broken Hill and Silverton do. During daylight saving South Australia remains half an hour behind New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, but moves half an hour ahead of Queensland. The Northern Territory remains half an hour behind Queensland at all times of they year, but moves an hour and a half behind New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania during daylight savings. In the west, Western Australia is two hours behind the eastern states in winter, and also doesn't observe daylight saving. It moves three hours behind the eastern states that observe daylight saving (remaining two hours behind Queensland), 2.5 hours behind South Australia, Broken Hill and Silverton while remaining 1.5 hours behind the Northern Territory. There is also the unusual +8:45 time zone, also known as Australian Central West Standard Time (ACWST or CWST) followed in some towns near the South Australian/Western Australian border. While not an official time used, it's generally the time used, and not the time zone used in either the rest of WA nor SA. There are even highway signs telling you to change your clocks, and Apple has a separate region (which can be found under "Eucla"). What makes this case even more confusing, is that the only South Australian town in the CWST zone; Border Village, meaning it would follow daylight savings, follows +9:45, one hour ahead of Eucla, and 45 minutes behind the rest of SA. On the contrary, the chances of being impacted on Border Village is next to zero given that all commercial activity is on the WA side in the town of Eucla which follows UTC+8:45. Although the chances of a traveller going to the extremely remote Outback WA towns of Blackstone, Irrunytju, Warakurna, Wanarn, Kiwirrkurra, and Tjukurla are very low, whilst all of these towns are in WA, they follow ACST (NT time), 1.5 hours ahead of the rest of WA, and since the NT does not follow DST, these remote towns also don't follow DST. There are no official abbreviations or names for Australian time zones, and you may see a few variations used. EST, CST, WST along with EDT, CDT are sometimes used. Sometimes AEST, etc., with the 'A' prefix distinguishing them from the North American time zones with the same names. <!-- In conversation, the abbreviations aren't used. People tend to say ''Sydney time'', ''Brisbane time'', or ''Perth time''. Expect blank stares from most if you start talking about ''Central Summer Time''. --> In those states which observe daylight saving, it commences on the first Sunday in October and ends on the first Sunday in April. {| class="wikitable" |- ! State/Territory !! Standard Time !! Daylight Saving Time |- | [[Heard Island and McDonald Islands]] || UTC+5 || N/A |- | [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]] || UTC+6.5 || N/A |- | [[Christmas Island]] ||UTC+7 || N/A |- | [[Western Australia]] || UTC+8 || N/A |- | [[Eucla]], Cocklebiddy, Madura, Mundrabilla || UTC+8.45 || N/A |- | Border Village, SA || UTC+8.45 || UTC+9.45 |- | [[South Australia]], [[Broken Hill]] and [[Silverton (New South Wales)|Silverton]] || UTC+9.5 || UTC+10.5 |- | [[Northern Territory]], Blackstone, Irrunytju, Warakurna, Wanarn, Kiwirrkurra, and Tjukurla || UTC+9.5 || N/A |- | [[Queensland]] || UTC+10 || N/A |- | [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]], [[Tasmania]], the [[Canberra|ACT]] and [[Jervis Bay Territory]] | UTC+10 || UTC+11 |- | [[Lord Howe Island]] ||UTC+10.5 || UTC+11 |- | [[Norfolk Island]] || UTC+11 || N/A |} ===Power=== [[File:Australian electric outlet type.png|thumb]] The mains supply voltage standard is 230 V with a type I plug (angled live/neutral pins with a straight earth). Popularly referred to as a "two-forty volt socket". Hotel bathrooms will often have a type C and A socket marked "for shavers only" that will down-convert to 110 V for a North American style socket for shavers. Voltage is compatible with Europe and you'll just need a conversion plug that can be obtained from supermarkets and convenience stores (as well as the airport). From North America or other 110 V countries, check your appliance for voltage tolerances before using a conversion plug. === See also === {{topicsin|Australia|0}} ==Talk== {{seealso|English language varieties}} {{infobox|Australian terminology |Although Australian English is both heavily influenced by both American and British English, Australia also has its own set of terminology. Unlike [[Australian slang]], these are also used in formal conversations, on the TV and even in government. Most of these are also used in neighbouring [[Papua New Guinea]], and for those in neighbouring [[New Zealand]] or [[Singapore]], some of these will be familiar, but they generally are unheard of in the U.S., the UK, Canada or any other English speaking country outside Oceania or Southeast Asia. ;the bush:the woods. This includes derivatives of the word "bush", so a wildfire would be called a bushfire ;capsicum: bell pepper or (green/red) pepper ;esky:cooler box ;doona:comforter or duvet ;fairy floss:cotton candy (U.S.); candy floss (UK) ;footpath:sidewalk (U.S.); pavement (UK) ;icy pole:popsicle, popsicle stick ;lollies:candy (U.S.); sweets (UK) ;peak hour:rush hour ;powerpoint:electrical outlet ;road train:a very long truck ;service station (or a servo):gas station (U.S.); petrol station (UK); petrol shed (South Asia) ;ute:pickup truck ;yabby:crayfish; crawfish ;yiros:gyro (U.S.) ;crayfish: rock lobster }} [[File:Multilingual road safety sign (3565389671).jpg|thumb|200px|A multilingual road sign in German, Italian, Japanese and Pitjantjatjara. Quite an unusual sight for Australia.]] The '''English''' language is universally spoken and understood in Australia. Australian English as generally spoken is distinctive in accent and idiom. It mostly developed from the speech of the United Kingdom and Ireland in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, however, the 20th century brought a lot of American influence, giving Australia its own unique variety of English. Nevertheless, as Australia is a global melting pot, particularly in the major cities, you will encounter cultures and hear languages from all around the world, and you will often find areas and suburbs that predominately reflect the language of their respective immigrant communities. Foreign languages are taught at school, but students rarely progress past the basics. Australia follows mostly British spelling and an eclectic mix of American and British terminology, such as ''eggplant'' (not aubergine), ''boot'' (not trunk), ''toll-free'' (not freephone), ''take-away'' (not takeout) and ''truck'' (not lorry). American terminology is understood everywhere, while British terminology isn't well understood apart from South Australia and the elderly. In all that, some terminology is uniquely Australian, and is unlikely to be heard anywhere else, except maybe in neighbouring New Zealand, Singapore or Papua New Guinea. In a culinary context, "chips" refers to both the British and American senses of the word in Australia, which can be confusing for visitors. Australians typically infer the meaning from context. So what would be called "crisps" in the UK is called "chips" in Australia, while what would be called "fries" in the U.S. is called "hot chips" in Australia, but usually shortened to "chips". However, "fries" is used in American fast food chains, and is beginning to see some use outside of that. Some words also have different meanings in Australia. For example, thongs in Australia would refer to flip-flops, ''not'' underwear or the term ''dual carriageway'' would just mean there needs to be two lanes in each way, regardless of whether it's divided or not while ''divided highway'' can be a divided single lane highway. The same applies for opposites as well. People in rural areas may have a broader accent, using some of the slang words that have become outmoded in metropolitan areas, while highly educated urban dwellers sometimes use a cultivated accent similar to that of their British equivalents. [[Australian slang]] should not present a problem for tourists except possibly in some isolated outback areas. Australians understand different varieties of English, and you may look foolish in your attempts at the local slang. There is little regional variation in Australian English, although accents tend to be broader outside of the large cities, and the pronunciation of certain words like "dance" and "renaissance" varies between regions. Most regional differences come down to word usage. For example, swimming clothes are known as ''cossies'' or ''swimmers'' in New South Wales, ''togs'' in Queensland, and'' bathers'' elsewhere. Many indigenous communities around Australia and the [[Torres Strait Islands]] speak English as a second language. It is rare to find signs in a second language, except in urban areas with a high population of Asian immigrants and students, where signs and restaurant menus in [[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]] and [[Chinese phrasebook|Chinese]] are a common sight; and also around [[Cairns]] and the [[Gold Coast]] in Queensland where some signs (but not road signs) are written in [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] or [[Chinese phrasebook|Chinese]], due to the large number of tourists. Some warning signs at beaches are written in several foreign languages. Visitors who do not speak basic English will find communicating with Australians difficult, and should do some advance planning. Some tour companies specialise in offering package deals for Australian tours complete with language guides, but mostly in Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, German, Italian, French, Indonesian and Korean. Some tours also give tours in Spanish, Malay and Portuguese, although this isn't as common. Only a very small minority of tours give tours in Hindi, Arabic and Swahili, and finding one of these is once in a blue moon. Fewer than 150 '''indigenous''' languages are still in daily use, spoken day to day by as little as 42,300 people, particularly those living in rural outback communities, and those in the Torres Strait Islands. There are initiatives to revive the languages within Australia's large Aboriginal community, however given the significant differences between the languages (many can't be proven to relate to one another) that continues to prove a challenge. Learning an Aboriginal language will be useful only in specific local areas. Almost all Indigenous Australians speak English as well, although residents of some remote communities may not be fluent in the language. On top of the Aboriginal languages spoken, various creole-based languages are spoken such as [[Australian Kriol phrasebook|Australian Kriol]] or [[Torres Strait Creole phrasebook|Torres Strait Creole]]. The standard sign language is '''Auslan''' (standing for Australian Sign Language). When a sign interpreter is present for a public event, he or she will use Auslan. Users of British and New Zealand Sign Languages will be able to understand much, though not all, of the language. Auslan and NZSL are largely derived from BSL, and all three languages use the same two-handed manual alphabet. Users of sign languages that have different origins (such as the French Sign Language family, which also includes American and Irish Sign Languages) will not be able to understand Auslan. {{clear}} ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of Australia.svg|thumb|450px| {| |{{legend|#00C0FF|Australia}} {{legend|#FF8080|Special Category Visa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;}} {{legend|#00A040|eVisitor}} ||{{legend|#00E040|eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority}} {{legend|#A0FF00|Electronic Travel Authority}} {{legend|#B0B0B0|Visa required}} |}]] ===Entry requirements=== All visitors - apart from citizens of New Zealand - require a [[visa]] in advance of travel. If you are visiting for a holiday of less than 90 days, there are three types of visas you may apply for, depending on your nationality. * '''[https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/ETAS3/etas Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) subclass 601]''' is available online to nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[Hong Kong]] (SAR or BN(O)), [[Japan]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[South Korea]] (ROK) and the [[United States]]. In addition, citizens of [[Taiwan]] are also eligible for an ETA, but must apply through an approved Taiwanese travel agent, or by email through the relevant Australian diplomatic mission if living abroad. A service fee of $20 applies. This fee can sometimes be avoided if you obtain your ETA through a travel agent when booking your travel with them. Some online agents may also sell ETAs. * '''[https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651 eVisitor (subclass 651)]''' for citizens of the [[European Union]], [[Norway]], [[Iceland]], [[Switzerland]], the [[United Kingdom]] (British Citizens only, other types of British nationality not eligible) and a few [[European microstates]]. These visas are free, but otherwise effectively identical to the ETA. You must apply online. * '''Visitor Visa (subclass 600)'''. Passport holders of 55 countries, including all the ETA and eVisitor eligible countries and [[Argentina]], [[Bahrain]], [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Kuwait]], [[Maldives]], [[Oman]], [[Qatar]], [[Saudi Arabia]] and the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] can make applications online. Other nationalities must apply using the paper form, and may need to visit an embassy or visa processing centre. :: Like the ETA and eVisitor, a Visitor 600 is by default issued for a three month stay. Unlike the other options however, a 600 visa ''can'' be issued for a longer stay of up to one year. For more than a three month stay, you will likely be asked for supporting documentation about the reason for your visit and your ties to your country of origin and may need to attend an interview. Depending on your nationality, the embassy or visa processing centre may also require you to have an Australian sponsor before issuing the visa. The fee is $140. ETAs and eVisitors are valid for multiple entries within a 12-month period. If you're eligible for either, it may be easier to stay the three months you're allowed, go to [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]] or some other country reachable by a low cost airline for a few days and come back - restarting the 90-day clock. Doing this more than once, however, may cause immigration authorities to become suspicious, so proceed with caution if you pursue this route. :: There is a special arrangement for parents of Australians, including Australian permanent residents. The 600 visa can be valid for 18 months, three years, or five years and allow a maximum stay of 12 months during an 18-month period, depending on the circumstances. In most cases, ETAs and eVisitors are approved instantly and the visa will be issued and available for use immediately. If further enquiries are needed you may be asked to return to the application system later to see if you've been approved. Over 90% are processed the same day. In the worst-case scenario your application can be diverted for manual checks that can take months. if you have a complex national history, or any criminal record (including minor offences) you should allow plenty of time for the application. If you are visiting Australia to work, study or for medical treatment, check to make sure you have the right kind of visa, as a tourist visa may not be sufficient. Breaching the conditions or planning to breach the conditions of your visa will result in visa cancellation, deportation, and/or a period of exclusion. For all tourist visa classes you must be able to demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially for the time you intend to spend in Australia and meet character requirements. If you have a criminal conviction, contact an Australian Embassy or visa processing centre before applying or making travel arrangements. New Zealand citizens may travel to Australia without a pre-arranged visa. When they arrive, they will be automatically granted a Special Category New Zealand Citizen visa (subclass 444) if they have no criminal conviction or tuberculosis. This visa allows them to travel, live, work and study in Australia for as long as they like. New Zealand citizens with criminal convictions or tuberculosis may be denied this visa and should seek advice from an Australian diplomatic mission before travel. Non-citizen permanent residents of New Zealand are ''not'' eligible for this visa and should apply for a visa based on the passport they hold. {{infobox|Inorganic powder limitation|Passengers on transit through Australia are prohibited to carry more than 350 ml or 350 grams of inorganic powder into aircraft's cabins.}} If you are transiting through Australia, remain airside for a maximum of 8 hours, have a confirmed onward booking, have the correct entry documentation for the onward destination and are a citizen of New Zealand, the '''[[European Union]]''', [[Andorra]], [[Argentina]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[Cyprus]], the [[Federated States of Micronesia]], [[Fiji]], [[Iceland]], [[Indonesia]], [[Japan]], [[Kiribati]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mexico]], [[Monaco]], [[Nauru]], [[Norway]], [[Palau]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Philippines]], [[South Africa]], the [[Republic of Marshall Islands]], [[Samoa]], [[San Marino]], [[Singapore]], [[Slovakia]], [[Slovenia]], [[Solomon Islands]], [[South Korea]] (ROK), [[Switzerland]], [[Taiwan]], [[Thailand]], [[Tonga]], [[Tuvalu]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[United Kingdom]] (regardless of nationality status), the [[United States]], [[Vanuatu]] or [[Vatican City]], you do '''not''' need to apply for any advance visa. All other passengers who transit through Australia '''must''' apply for a free-of-charge Transit Visa (subclass 771) before travel. At selected airports, visitors who are citizens of [[Canada]], [[Ireland]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Switzerland]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]] may make use of the SmartGate for automated immigration clearance when entering Australia. Being able to use SmartGate does not exempt you from visa requirements. Australia no longer stamps passports or issues visa stickers; all visas, entries and exits are recorded electronically. ====Customs and quarantine==== Australia has strict quarantine requirements regarding importing '''animal and plant''' derived products (any food, wooden products, seeds, etc.) '''You must declare all such material''', even if the items are permitted. Baggage is frequently scanned and may be examined by dogs. You may be fined $220 on-the-spot if you accidentally fail to declare, or even prosecuted in serious cases. Declared material will be examined and, depending on the circumstances, may be retained, disposed of, returned to you, or treated by quarantine at your expense. (You may have to pick the item up at a later time.) Processed and sealed chocolates and other confectionery are usually permitted after being declared and examined, as are reasonable quantities of infant formula with an accompanying infant. Different rules apply depending on the origin country of foods, and the state in which you are entering Australia. Check with the '''[http://www.agriculture.gov.au/travelling/bringing-mailing-goods Department of Agriculture and Water Resources]''' for more details. Travellers who are 18 years old or older are allowed to bring up to 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages and up to 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of other tobacco products (including cigars) into Australia duty-free. These items may not be imported by anybody under the age of 18, and travellers who exceed their duty free allowance are liable to tax on all goods of that category, not just the amount in excess of the limit. Some shells, coral and items made from a protected species are also prohibited to discourage the trade in items that may originate from a threatened ecosystem or species. While there are no restrictions on the amount of '''money''' that can be brought in or out, Australian customs also requires you to declare if you are travelling with $10,000 or more (AUD or its equivalent in foreign currency) and you will be asked to complete some paperwork. Not declaring may expose you to a fine, possible seizure of the cash, or in the worst case even arrest. ===By plane=== [[File:Qantas 747 Landing.JPG|thumb|Qantas 747 landing at [[Sydney Airport]]]] Australia is a long way from anywhere else in the world, so for most visitors the only practical way of getting into Australia is by air. Australia's major points of entry, in decreasing order of importance, are the airports in [[Sydney]] ({{IATA|SYD}}), [[Melbourne]] ({{IATA|MEL}}), [[Brisbane]] ({{IATA|BNE}}) and [[Perth]] ({{IATA|PER}}). There are also limited international services into Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin and the Gold Coast. Sydney is a 3-hour flight from [[Auckland]], New Zealand, a 7-11 hour flight from many countries in Asia, a 14-hour flight from the west of the United States and Canada, a 14-hour flight from [[Johannesburg]], a 13-16 hour flight from [[South America]], and up to a 24-hour flight from western [[Europe]] (including a stopover). On account of long journey times from some destinations, most travellers from Europe must have a stop-over, commonly in [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]], [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok]] or [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur]]. Since March 2018, Qantas operates a nonstop flight from [[London Heathrow]] to Perth taking "only" 17 hours — the first ever regular nonstop route between Europe and Australia. Qantas also has plans to introduce more ambitious non-stop routes from Sydney to London and New York later. If you have to change to a domestic flight in a gateway city, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth all have separate domestic terminals, requiring some time and complexity to transit: check the guides. Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Cairns and the Gold Coast all have gates in the '''one''' terminal building or within easy walking distance of each other. Australia's national carrier is '''[http://qantas.com.au/ Qantas]''', which together with its low-cost subsidiary '''[http://www.jetstar.com/ Jetstar]''' operate many flights into Australia from all 6 inhabited continents of the world. '''[http://www.virginaustralia.com/ Virgin Australia]''' flies several routes from North America, south-east Asia and the Pacific islands into Australia. For those coming from Europe, '''[http://www.singaporeair.com Singapore Airlines]''' and Hong Kong's '''[http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific]''' make good alternatives to Qantas, British Airways or the Gulf airlines for flights into Australia. Some routes into Australia are operated by '''[[Discount airlines in Australasia|discount airlines]]''' such as AirAsia X, AirAsia Indonesia, Scoot and [http://www.jetstar.com Jetstar Airways]. As of 2022, several additional airlines in partnership with Australian carriers have started operating services to Australia. These include [https://www.aircanada.com Air Canada] & [https://www.united.com United Airlines]. ==== Private aviation ==== Private aviation companies such as '''[http://www.australiajetcharter.com Australia Jet Charter]''' and '''[http://www.jetcorpaustralia.com/ JetCorpAustralia]''' offer direct private flights year-round using a variety of aircraft. Popular airports for charter jets include Sydney Bankstown Airport, [[Gold Coast|Gold Coast Airport]], and Melbourne Essendon Airport. ===By boat=== Cruise ships are available mostly in the November to February cruising season, and there are usually about 10 ships that arrive in Australia from other countries during this time. You can cruise to Australia, and then fly home. Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all offer cruises to Australia across the Pacific. You may sail to Australia in your own yacht, just make sure you submit the right paperwork to Border Force, and arrive at an approved [https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea/ports-of-entry port of entry]. There are no international ferry services operating. ===By overland transport=== There was a time when a couple of tour operators offered overland trips from London to Sydney, with only a short hop by air from [[Southeast Asia]] to Northwestern Australia while the bus went by barge. The only such tour operator is Madventure which runs 4 different routes: 26 weeks through Iran, Pakistan, and India; 26 weeks through the Caucasus & Central Asia; 64 weeks around Africa, the Middle East, & South Asia; and 64 weeks through Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, & Central Asia. For those determined to travel overland as much as possible from Europe, you can travel independently to Singapore from Europe by train and/or bus on scheduled services, and fly from there to Perth (3,500 flight kilometres). For the truly determined overland traveller, you can get a ferry from Singapore to Indonesia and make your way across to Bali, where you can fly to Darwin (2,000 flight kilometres). For the intrepid, ferries to West Timor, a bus to Dili and a flight to Darwin will mean only 700 km in the air. Travel to Darwin by cargo ship/ barge by ANL and Swire (the only two routine cargo haulers between Dili and Darwin) is '''not permitted''' (June 2016). For determined travellers, you may be able to obtain passage from Singapore by freighter vessel, organized through a travel agent. ==Get around== Australia is ''huge'' but sparsely populated over much of its area and is larger than the contiguous US, and you can sometimes travel many hours before finding the next trace of civilization, especially once you leave the south-eastern coastal fringe. Its mainland is the sixth largest country by area, which means that it will take you a few days (around 6) to fully appreciate just ten percent of a state or territory. Almost all modern Australian maps, including street directories, use the Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA) as their grid reference, which is for all purposes identical to the WGS84 used by the GPS. You can locate most things on an Australian map or street directory if you just have the "GPS coordinates". ===Quarantine=== There are restrictions on carrying fruit and vegetables (including honey) between states and even between regions of states that are involved in fruit growing. If you are driving over 100-150 km outside large metropolitan areas or interstate, or flying between states, don't stock up on fruits and vegetables. ===By car=== {{See also|Driving in Australia}} [[File:Great Ocean Road, Lorne, Australia - Feb 2012.jpg|thumb|The Great Ocean Road]] [[File:Stuart Highway, Australia.jpg|thumb|Part of the Stuart Highway in Central Australia]] Australia has a generally well-maintained system of roads and highways, and cars are a commonly used method of transport. All the mainland state capitals are linked to each other by good undivided highways. Some parts are divided highways but many sections are one lane each way with occasional overtaking lanes around every 5-20 km depending on the state. Roads linking minor centres (or what can look like short-cuts on the map) can be narrow or gravel roads and are generally slower. In general, unlike Europe, South Africa or the US, there are no freeways connecting major centres, and divided dual carriageways that link major centres don't go for very long, and you could get roundabouts or traffic lights at random areas with only 1km notice. While Sydney to Melbourne can be fully achieved on divided dual carriageways, however, particularly in the NSW section, there are plenty of flat junctions. Sydney to Brisbane can also be achieved on 99% divided dual carriageways, with plans to upgrade the remaining one percent to motorways, on that one percent, there are still plenty of roundabouts and traffic lights along the route. Other routes like Melbourne to Adelaide are only partial divided freeways, but yet there's still towns to be bypassed, and there's not much expressway section in the South Australian section. Drives like Sydney to Perth or Adelaide to Darwin would be much better off achieved by a plane, and journeying here often takes around half a week, and these are routes that Australians themselves only do about once or twice in their lifetime. Distances are huge, and if you put it onto a European perspective: is the distance between Madrid and Moscow, and on a North American perspective, the distance from Miami to Los Angeles. Major hazards on Australian roads are wildlife and large trucks. Be sure to take extra care when driving at dusk or in the dark, as the risk of animal collisions increases significantly. Major regional areas have paved (sealed) dual-lane roads, but isolated areas may have poorly maintained dirt roads or even tracks. Distances and speeds are specified in kilometres and fuel is sold by the litre. There are no tolls on roads or bridges outside of the urban areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Toowoomba. While public transport is usable in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, a car is handy, sometimes even essential, to get around anywhere else. Australia drives on the left. Overseas visitors who are used to driving on the right should take care when they first drive, and again when they are driving on country roads with little traffic. Generally, overseas licenses are valid for driving in Australia for three months after arrival. If the licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to your licence. Licensing regulations and road rules vary slightly from state to state. Australia's low population density and large size makes for long driving times between major centres. The default speed limit in most of Australia is 50km/h in built-up areas, and 100 km/h on rural roads, unless signed otherwise except in the NT where urban defaults are 60 km/h, and in WA and the NT, rural defaults are 110 km/h. Many major rural roads have a posted speed limit of 110 km/h especially in the Outback. Average speed is seldom above 80 km/h due to the poor road conditions and limited overtaking opportunities. On some national highways that traverse mountain ranges and travel through small towns, even averaging 60&nbsp;km/h can be a challenge. Speed limits are strictly enforced in Australia, and even creeping ever so slightly above the speed limit could earn you a ticket with a hefty fine. While major highways are well serviced, anyone '''leaving well-maintained roads''' in inland Australia should take advice from local authorities, check weather and road conditions, and carry sufficient spare fuel, spare parts, spare tyres, matches, food and water. Some remote roads might see one car per month or less. Cellular coverage is non-existent outside of national highways and towns and you should take some precautions in case of emergency. Heat and dehydration at any time of year can kill you. If stranded, stay with your vehicle and do what you can to improve your visibility from the air. Do not take this advice lightly; even local people die out there when their car breaks down and they are not reported missing. If you do have to abandon your car (say you break down and then get a lift), call in quickly to the local police station, to avoid the embarrassment and cost of a search being started for you. ====Car rental==== Major cities around Australia have multiple outlets providing a wide range of rental vehicles from major international rental companies. Several major international providers with bases in Austraia include [https://www.enterpriserentacar.com.au/en/car-rental/locations/australia.html Enterprise], [https://alamo.com.au/ Alamo], [https://nationalcar.com.au/ National], Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt & Europcar. In smaller towns car rental can be difficult to find. One-way fees often apply from smaller regional outlets. Australia also hosts many national brands including [https://www.redspot.com.au/ Redspot], East Coast, Jucy & Nobirds. Smaller cars you can hire can be manual (stick-shift), whereas anything larger will mostly be automatic. If you do not hold an Australian driving licence, some rental vehicle companies will require you to take a free [http://www.driverknowledgetests.com/learners-permit/tourist/ driver knowledge test], aimed at tourists, that covers the basic road rules, or will take you on a short drive to assess whether you are competent behind the wheel. ====Campervans ==== A '''campervan''' is a vehicle, usually a minivan, converted into a motorhome (recreational vehicle), most often catering to the vast number of young European and American backpackers traversing the country. The East Coast from Sydney to Cairns is especially abundant with happy, hungover youths travelling around in these vehicles. [[Driving in Australia]] has more information on renting or buying a campervan. ===By taxi=== Larger towns and cities have taxi services, and can be hailed on the street in most CBDs. [https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/ Uber], [https://www.didiglobal.com/ Didi] and [https://www.olacabs.com/ Ola Cabs] are available in major cities. There are several smartphone taxi booking applications such as [https://www.mydriver.com/en myDriver], [http://www.gocatch.com/ GoCatch] that make finding a licensed taxi simple. Outside of cities, towns may have a limited taxi service, and smaller or remote towns may have no service at all. When travelling alone, it is customary for a passenger to sit in the front passenger seat, next to the driver. However, if you prefer to sit in the back then it isn't a problem. ===By plane=== [[File:Melbourne Airport T1 with Qantas and Jetstar jets.jpg|thumb|250px|Qantas and Jetstar aircraft at Melbourne Airport]] Due to the large distances involved, flying is a well-patronised form of travel in Australia. Services along the main business travel corridor (Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane) are run almost like a bus service, with flights leaving every 15 minutes during the day. The best fares are almost always available on the most competitive routes, whereas routes to remote destinations with fewer flights tend to be more expensive. Qantas actually do often offer competitive prices, so don't ignore that option just because they are the national carrier. There are only a handful of main airlines in Australia, so it won't take long to compare their prices on domestic routes: * '''[http://www.qantas.com.au/ Qantas]''', the full-service national carrier, flying to major cities and some larger regional towns; * '''[http://www.virginaustralia.com/ Virgin Australia]''', a nationwide full-service airline, flying to major cities and a few larger regional towns; * '''[http://www.jetstar.com.au/ Jetstar]''', Qantas's discount arm with limited service and assigned seating. Several airlines service regional destinations. Expect discounts on these airlines to be harder to come by, and for standard airfares to be above what you would pay for the same distance between major centres. * '''[http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/home/qualifier-country-au Qantaslink]''', the regional arm of Qantas, covering the smaller cities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia; * '''[http://www.rex.com.au/ Regional Express]''', covering larger towns & cities on the eastern seaboard and in country South Australia; * '''[http://www.skywest.com.au Skywest]''', covering regional Western Australia, Bali and Darwin; * '''[http://www.airnorth.com.au Airnorth]''', covering the Northern Territory; * '''[http://www.skytrans.com.au Skytrans Airlines]''', covering regional Queensland. * '''[http://www.sharpairlines.com.au/ Sharp Airlines]''', covering several regional towns in Victoria and South Australia. ====Charters==== {{seealso|General aviation}} Scheduled aviation only flies to a handful of the thousands of airports around Australia. There are numerous options to charter aircraft that may take you direct to smaller country towns or even offshore islands. The costs can be comparable to scheduled airlines if there are 3 or more people flying in a group. The Australian Private Pilots Licence permits private pilots to carry passengers and to recover the cost of the plane hire and fuel from passengers, but not to advertise for passengers or fly commercially. That said, if you check the web pages of local flying clubs, there are always private pilots willing to fly on a fine weekend if someone is willing to put in for the cost of the plane and fuel. ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in Australia|Across Australia by train}} [[File:Passenger rail services in Australia en.png|thumb|upright=2.1|Map of the main inter-city rail lines in Australia]] Visitors from areas with well-developed long distance rail systems such as Europe and Japan may be surprised by the lack of high-speed, inter-city rail services in Australia. A historical lack of cooperation between the states, combined with sheer distances and a relatively small population to service, have left Australia with a national rail network that is relatively slow and used mainly for freight. Nevertheless, train travel between cities can be very scenic and present opportunities to see new aspects of the country, and can be a cost-effective way to get to regional towns and cities, which tend to have more expensive flights than those between the state capitals. The long-distance rail services that do exist are mainly used to link regional townships with the state capital, such as [[Bendigo]] to Melbourne, or Cairns to Brisbane. In Queensland, a tilting train operates from Brisbane to [[Rockhampton]] and Brisbane to Cairns (''Spirit of Queensland''). Queensland also has passenger services to inland centres including [[Longreach]] (''The Spirit of the Outback''), [[Mount Isa]] (''The Inlander''), [[Charleville]] (''The Westlander'') and [[Forsayth]] (''The Savannahlander''). There are also inter-city train services operated by Great Southern Railways on the Melbourne-[[Adelaide]] (''The Overland''), Sydney-Adelaide-[[Perth (Western Australia)|Perth]] (''Indian Pacific'') and Adelaide-Alice Springs-Darwin (''[[The Ghan]]''). However, these are not "high-speed" services and actually cost more than flying, so if you do not enjoy train travel as part of your holiday then this is probably not for you. Tasmania has no passenger rail services. The Northern Territory has the rail line linking Darwin to Adelaide through Alice Springs only, and the Australian Capital Territory has a single railway station close to the centre of Canberra. ====Long distance train operators==== [[File:Indian Pacific Bellevue, Western Australia-small.jpg|thumb|Indian Pacific]] * '''[http://www.gsr.com.au/ Great Southern Railways]''' - A private train operator running luxury tourist train services, The Ghan, The Indian Pacific and The Overland between Sydney, [[Broken Hill]], Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, Perth and Melbourne. * '''[http://www.nswtrainlink.info NSW Trainlink Regional]''' - Links Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra, and regional connections to most New South Wales towns, including [[Dubbo]], [[Coffs Harbour]], and [[Wagga Wagga]]. * '''[http://www.vline.com.au V/Line]''' - Train & coach services in Victoria, including combined Train and Coach services between Melbourne and Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra. * '''[https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/ Queensland Rail]''' - Long distance passenger train services in Queensland, including its flagship Spirit of Queensland service between Brisbane and [[Cairns]]. * '''[http://www.savannahlander.com.au The Savannahlander]''' - A privately-run train service that links Cairns with the outback town of [[Forsayth]], using old heritage trains, and providing overnight accommodation and tours on the way. * '''[http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au TransWA]''' - State government run, operating train services to [[Kalgoorlie]] and [[Bunbury]]. TransWA also operates coach services to much of the state where former rail services operated in the past, especially the southwest of the state. ====Rail passes==== No rail pass includes all train travel throughout Australia. However, if you are a train buff that intends travelling extensively by rail, there are some passes that may save you money. Plan your trip carefully before investing in a rail pass. Country train services are infrequent and can arrive at regional destinations at unsociable hours. * '''[http://www.nswtrainlink.info/deals/discovery Discovery Pass]'''. Use any NSW Trainlink services (trains and coaches). Get anywhere in NSW, and north to Brisbane and south to Melbourne. * Queensland Rail Coastal Pass and Queensland Rail Explorer Pass. ====Local public transport==== [[File:Cityrail-millennium-M32-ext.jpg|thumb|A suburban train in Sydney]] [[File:D2.5007 + C2.5111 bourke.JPG|thumb|Melbourne is well served by the world's largest tram network]] Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, [[Wollongong]] and [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] have commuter rail and bus services integrated into the city public transport, with trams also running in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, and ferries in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Sydney is home to Australia's sole Metro line. The remaining capital cities have bus services only. See those city guides articles for public transport details. Some regional cities and towns have local bus services, but see the destination guides for service information, as frequency can be poor and weekend and evening services non-existent. ===By motorail=== Australia had a tradition of motorail, allowing you to carry carry your car with you on special car carriages attached to the back of the train. This service is now only available on Great Southern Railways between Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin. You cannot remove your car at any of the intermediate stations. ===By bus=== Bus travel in Australia is cheap and convenient, although the distances involved for interstate connections are daunting. Greyhound has the largest bus route network. There are no bus services from the other capital cities to Perth. * {{listing | name=Firefly Express | url=http://www.fireflyexpress.com.au | email=enquiries@fireflyexpress.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1300 730 740 (local rate), +61 3 8318 0318 (international callers) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Firefly Express has services connecting Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. }} * {{listing | name=Greyhound | url=http://www.greyhound.com.au | email=info@greyhound.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1300 473 946 (local rate) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greyhound travels to over 1100 destinations in Australia daily every day of the year. It has a variety of ticketing options allow you to travel at your own pace, hopping on and off as many times as your ticket allows. }} * {{listing | name=Murrays | url=http://www.murrays.com.au | email=reservations@murrays.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 13 22 51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Murrays has services connecting Canberra with Sydney, the [[South Coast (New South Wales)|NSW South Coast]] and [[Snowy Mountains|snowfields]]. }} ===By boat=== [[File:Spirit of Tasmania Port Melbourne.jpg|thumb|The ''Spirit of Tasmania II'' at Port Melbourne]] Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth have ferries as part of their public transport system. Some smaller roads in the regional areas still have punts to carry cars across rivers and canals. The islands of the Barrier Reef have some scheduled services, and there are a few cruises that cross the top of Australia as well. However, large inter city ferry services are not common. * '''[http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/ The Spirit of Tasmania]'''. The only long distance ferry route connects Tasmania to the mainland and carries cars and passengers on the route across Bass Strait daily between Melbourne and [[Devonport]]. * '''[https://www.sealink.com.au/ Sealink]''' connects Kangaroo Island, Australia's second largest southern island to mainland South Australia with regular car ferries. * '''[http://seasa.com.au/ Sea SA]''' offers an short cut across the Spencer Gulf between Adelaide (Wallaroo) and the Lucky Bay on the [[Eyre Peninsula]]. The service has been suspended frequently, but is operating as of Dec 2018. ===By thumb=== It is legal to hitch hike in some states in Australia, so long as certain guidelines are followed. However, it is less commonly done than in neighbouring New Zealand. In Australia hitch hiking is often frowned upon by locals and police, especially in metropolitan areas. Hitch hiking is illegal in Victoria and Queensland. It is also illegal to stand on the verge or walk along freeways (often called "motorways" in New South Wales and Queensland) in all states (effectively making hitch hiking illegal in many practical places, in all states). If forced to hitch hike due to an emergency you may find a motorist willing to take you to the nearest town to obtain help. (Many major inter-city highways and freeways have emergency telephone units to request help.) It is common to see a tourist hitching in rural areas. The best time to hitch hike is early morning. The best location is near, but not on, the main exit from the town you are in. ===By bicycle=== Cycling the long distances between towns in Australia is not common, and most long distance highways in Australia have poorly developed facilities for cyclists. for example, to cycle between Sydney and Brisbane you would have to allow 2–3 weeks with around 80–100&nbsp;km per day. Intrepid travellers do manage to cover the longer distances by bicycle, and have a different experience of Australia. Long distance cyclists can be encountered on the Nullarbor and other isolated highways. In some states, former railway lines have been changed into rail trails. [https://www.railtrails.org.au/ Rail Trail Australia] website has good material of routes off the main highways, with the Murray to the Mountains Train being the best quality trail with the most to see and do along the route. In Western Australia long distance cycle trails have been developed for mountain bikers. The Munda Biddi trail is many days through bushland, with huts provided for camping along the route. Wherever you cycle - if you leave the urban sprawl of the capital cities, plan carefully and carry supplies. ===Hiking=== {{main|Hiking and bushwalking in Australia}} Walking through some parts of Australia is the only way to experience some particular landscapes. In Tasmania the Central Highland [[Overland Track]] and the South Coast Track are good examples of walking/hiking holiday ''to do'' items. The Bicentennial National Trail is one of the longest trails in the world, stretching from [[Cooktown]] in Northern Queensland, to [[Healesville]] in [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]. ==See== ===Wildlife=== [[File:Koala climbing tree.jpg|thumb|A koala]] {{seealso|Australasian wildlife}} Australian flora and fauna is unique to the island continent, the result of having been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years. Amongst Australian animals are a large group of marsupials (mammals with a pouch) and monotremes (mammals that lay eggs). Just some of the animal icons of Australia are the kangaroo (national symbol) and the koala. A visit to Australia would not be complete without taking the chance to see some of these animals in their natural environment. ====Wildlife parks and zoos==== * '''Wildlife parks and zoos''' are in every state capital city, but also check out the animal parks if you are passing through smaller towns, like [[Mildura]] or [[Mogo]], or staying on [[Hamilton Island]]. See the Warrawong Fauna Sanctuary if you are in South Australia, or visit the koalas with best view in the world, at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. ====In the wild==== [[File:Tassy Devil.jpg|thumb|A Tasmanian devil]] * '''Kangaroos''' and '''wallabies''' are in national parks all around Australia. You won't see any kangaroos hopping down the street in [[Sydney/City|Central Sydney]], but they're common on the outskirts of most urban areas. * '''Wombats''' and '''echidnas''' are also common, but harder to find due to their camouflage and tunnelling. See lots of echidnas on Kangaroo Island. * '''Koalas''' are present in forests around Australia, but are notoriously very hard to spot, and walking around looking upwards into the boughs of trees will usually send you sprawling over a tree root. Best seen during the day, there is a thriving and friendly population on Raymond Island near [[Paynesville (Victoria)|Paynesville]] in Victoria. You have a good chance on Otway Coast, on the [[Great Ocean Road]], or even in the National Park walk near [[Noosa]] on the Sunshine Coast. * '''Emus''' are more common in central Australia. You will certainly see some if you venture into the outback national park at [[Currawinya National Park|Currawinya]] * '''Platypus''' are found in reedy, flowing creeks with soft river banks in Victoria, Southern New South Wales, and the very southern region of Queensland - seen at dusk and dawn - you have to have a bit of luck to see one. Try the platypus reserves in [[Bombala]] or [[Delegate]] in New South Wales, or in Emu Creek at [[Skipton (Victoria)|Skipton]] just out of [[Ballarat]]. ===Convict sites=== Much of Australia's modern history was as a penal colony for convicts from the United Kingdom, and there are many historical sites that still stand as a reminder of the days of convict transportation. Perhaps the most famous of these sites are [[Port Arthur (Tasmania)|Port Arthur]] in [[Tasmania]] and Fremantle Prison in [[Perth/Fremantle|Fremantle]], located near [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]]. There are also many other sites scattered throughout the country. ===Landmarks=== [[File:07 Sydney Opera House in black and white, Australia.jpg|thumb|Sydney Opera House, one of Australia's most recognised landmarks]] Australia has many landmarks, famous the world over. From [[Uluru]] in the red centre, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Sydney. Small Australian towns have a tradition of making big sculptures as landmarks. See [[Big things in Australia]]. Australia has thousands of heritage-registered sites, with 20 [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] ===National parks=== {{see also|National parks in Australia}} [[File:Beech Forest (AU), Great Otway National Park, Beauchamp Falls -- 2019 -- 1271.jpg|thumb|Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park, Victoria]] Perhaps the best of what can be found in the natural side of Australia is best found in its national parks. Australia has more than 500 or so national parks, which makes Australia the country having the most number of national parks in the world. Although that number can make it somewhat hard to pick, there are some particular national parks in particular that stand out to travelers more than others. Some national parks (including [[Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park|Australia's largest]]) are located in very remote areas with no roads leading there, and the only way to access them is off-road driving in a four-wheel drive; be sure to make ample preparations and stock up on food, water and fuel before you attempt to visit one of these, and it is highly recommended that you rent a [[Mobile_phones#Satellite_phones|satellite phone]] despite the high cost in case of emergencies. In New South Wales, a trip is never complete without going to [[Blue Mountains National Park]], just west of Sydney and a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]], home to several indigenous sacred sites, along with several lookouts, mountains and plateaus. Other national parks in New South Wales that are popular include [[Royal National Park]], a popular beachside spot and the world's second oldest national park just south of Sydney, [[Kosciuszko National Park]] for being home to Australia's tallest mountain on the mainland, [[Dorrigo National Park]] or [[New England National Park]] for its Gondwana Rainforests, or a more isolated [[Mungo National Park]] home to the unusual but yet great "Walls of China" formation. In the Northern Territory, the two most famous parks by far are [[Kakadu National Park]] and [[Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park]], two icons of Australia which are both pretty self explanatory. Other popular national parks include [[Litchfield National Park]] home to several waterfalls, [[Nitmiluk National Park|Nitmiluk]] for the Katherine Gorge, [[Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park]] and [[Watarrka National Park]] for their gorges and canyons. In Queensland, similar to the Northern Territory, the two most famous and internationally recognized parks are the [[Daintree Rainforest]] and the [[Great Barrier Reef]], one for being the world's oldest living rainforest while the latter for being the world's largest reef system. Other popular national parks include [[Lamington National Park]] for its Gondwana Rainforests or [[Fraser Island|Great Sandy National Park]] for being the world's largest sand island and the only place in the world where forest grows on sand or the [[Whitsunday Islands]], home to some of the world's whitest beaches. Other important but relatively unknown national parks include [[Boodjamulla National Park]], a world heritage site for its fossils or [[Carnarvon National Park]] for its landscape and rock art. In South Australia, national parks tend to be of different quality, and by far the most recognised one is [[Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park]], what first comes in mind for many who think about South Australia. Others include [[Naracoorte Caves National Park]], a world heritage site for its fossils, or [[the Coorong]], the world's longest beach. Tasmania has by far the most wilderness, and with almost a little less than 50% of [[Tasmanian national parks|its national parks]] as world heritage sites, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. [[Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park]] is by far its most iconic national park, while [[Southwest National Park]] is the largest in the state. For those interesting in mountains that are easily accessible, [[Hartz Mountains National Park]] or [[Mount Field National Park]] is generally the national park to go, with the latter along with [[Ben Lomond National Park]] known for skiing and snowsports. For the parks of other kinds, [[Freycinet National Park]] is known for its beaches while [[Tasman National Park]] has some of the world's highest ocean cliffs. Victoria, despite being the smallest mainland state has quite a lot more to offer than you might think. Its most iconic one is [[Port Campbell National Park]], and although the name of the park is not well known, one of its main features – the 12 Apostles is what brings so much visitors to it. Others include [[Wilsons Promontory]], home to the southernmost point of the Australian mainland, or [[Murray Sunset National Park]], home to a pink lake. Western Australia, being the world's second largest jurisdictions has plenty to offer. In particular, the one that's most known is [[Nambung National Park]] for its Pinnacles Desert, but others include [[Kalbarri National Park]] or [[Karijini National Park]] both home to several unique geological formations, or [[Murujuga National Park]] for being home to some of the world's densest collections of rock art. [[Purnululu National Park]] or [[Shark Bay]] both tend to be a bit far from [[Perth]], but both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both offering something unique in sight. And if you thought that everything that's scenic has to be on land – you could be hardly ever more wrong. The Ningaloo Marine Park (and [[Exmouth (Western Australia)|Exmouth]] and [[Coral Bay]]) have a lot to offer, especially for those keen in marine life. ===Space=== {{main|Astrotourism in Australia}} The vast open outback in Australia makes Australia a prime destination for space-enthusiasts. However, unlike the Northern Hemisphere, the constellations here are very different, owing to the fact that Australia is in the southern hemisphere. There are plenty of [[Astrotourism in Australia|astrotourism]] sites, ranging from a cities, to as far deep in the outback as you can go. ===Sports=== [[File:Ball is in dispute in Hawthorn-Essendon AFL match.jpg|thumb|Part of an AFL match between the Hawthorn and Essendon teams]] Sport is an integral part of the Australian culture from the capital cities to country towns. As a testament to this, Australia has a track record of being one of the best performing teams at the Olympics despite its relatively small population. The majority of games are played over the weekend period (from Friday night to Monday night). Australian sports fans are generally well behaved, and it is not uncommon for fans of two opposing teams to sit together during a match, even if the teams are bitter rivals. While the cheering can get really passionate, actual crowd violence is extremely rare. {{Infobox|Football|The term "football" can be ambiguous in Australia, and differs in meaning depending on where you are and who you are talking to. However, the term on its own is almost never used to refer to association football, which is known as "soccer" in Australia. In general, "football", or the slang term "footy", refers to '''rugby league''' in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, while it refers to '''Australian rules football''' anywhere else in Australia.}} * In the winter in Victoria '''[[Australian rules football]]''' (Aussie Rules, or in some areas just "footy") is more than just a sport, it is a way of life. Catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Although originating from and most popular in the state of Victoria, the premier national competition, known as the '''[https://www.afl.com.au/ Australian Football League (AFL)]''', has teams from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast as well. The '''AFL Grand Final''', held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground either in late September or early October each year, is the most watched event on the Australian sporting calendar. The AFL now runs a women's league, known as '''[https://womens.afl AFL Women's]''', during the summer. While obviously not as popular as the men's game, it still enjoys a decent following. The next women's season in 2020 will feature 14 teams from all of the current men's AFL markets. * In summer, international '''[[cricket]]''' is played between Australia and at least two touring sides. The games rotate around all the capital cities. To experience the traditional game catch the New Year's test match at the Sydney cricket ground played for 5 days starting from the 2nd of January, or the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne. Or for a more lively entertaining form, that only takes a few hours, try a twenty-twenty match. The final form is "One Day" Cricket, international matches generally start at 13:00 and finish at 22:00 or 23:00 (a "Day-Nighter"), with most domestic and occasional international matches played from 11:00 to 18:00. The '''Australia Day''' One Day International is held in Adelaide every 26 January. '''The Ashes''' is a series of five test matches played between the Australian and English national teams. It is held in Australia every three or four years, and is one of the highlights of the cricket calendar. Whenever Australia hosts the series, the five matches are held in the five largest cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. * The '''[http://www.ausopen.com/index.html Australian Open]''', one of the '''tennis''' Grand Slams, is played annually at '''[https://mopt.com.au/ Melbourne Park]''', including the main stadium of '''[http://www.rodlaverarena.com.au/ Rod Laver Arena]''', near the [[Melbourne]] city centre. Or the Medibank International in [[Sydney/Sydney Olympic Park|Sydney Olympic Park]] in January. [[File:Hunter Stadium Day.JPG|thumb|Hunter Stadium in Newcastle]] * Catch a '''[[Rugby Football#Rugby union|rugby union]]''' Super Rugby game, with teams playing from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Japan in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney during late Summer/Autumn. The Australian national team, the Wallabies, also host international teams during winter, including New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina for The Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri Nations tournament). * '''[[Rugby Football#Rugby league|Rugby League]]''' is a winter game played mainly in New South Wales and Queensland, with the '''[https://www.nrl.com/ National Rugby League (NRL)]''' competition being the premier competition. Teams include Melbourne in Victoria, Brisbane, North Queensland and the Gold Coast in Queensland, a team from New Zealand, with the rest of the teams coming from suburban areas in Sydney, and some in regional areas of New South Wales such as Newcastle and Canberra. The competition culminates in the '''NRL Grand Final''', which is held every year in the Stadium Australia in Sydney. The biggest event in the rugby league calendar of Australia is the '''State of Origin''' series between teams representing the states of New South Wales and Queensland, which consists of an annual series of three matches of which two are played in Sydney and Brisbane, and the third is played in either of those cities or sometimes, Melbourne or Perth. Many fans consider the level of play in the State of Origin series to be even higher than that in the Rugby League World Cup. * '''Netball''' is Australia's largest female sport, and there are weekly games in the domestic Super Netball league (which replaced a previous transnational league that also included New Zealand sides). The Australian national team is arguably the strongest in the world, with England, New Zealand and Jamaica usually posing the biggest challenge to Australian dominance. * '''Soccer''' is a growing sport that is aspiring to reach European levels. Many immigrants and second-generation Australians hail from European countries where passion for the sport is very high. The Australia national team (the Socceroos) won the Asia Cup for the first time in 2015 and have raised the sport's profile significantly. There is a national A-League, which is a fully professional league involving teams from Australia and one from New Zealand, with games played weekly during the summer. Most cities have a semi-professional "state league" played during winter, with most clubs being built around a specific ethnic/migrant community, for example a [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] league side Broadmeadow Magic, which was built around the cities' Macedonian population. While women's soccer is less popular as a spectator sport, it enjoys a decent following, with the national team (the Matildas) regularly participating in the World Cup. The women's counterpart to the A-League is the W-League. * '''[[Formula One|F1 Grand Prix]]''' The Melbourne Grand Prix in March takes place on a street circuit around Albert Park Lake, only a few kilometres south of central Melbourne. It is used annually as a racetrack for the Australian Grand Prix and associated support races. * The '''Supercars Championship''' is a popular form of motor racing unique to Australia involving powerful cars, comparable to NASCAR racing in the United States—though unlike NASCAR, which races almost exclusively on oval tracks, the Supercars series uses road courses and street circuits. Events are held all over the country between March and early December. The famous Bathurst 1000 is traditionally held in October. * '''[[Horse racing]]''' is Australia's third most popular spectator sport after Australian rules football and rugby league, and races are held regularly in all of Australia's state capitals. The premier event in Australia's horse racing calendar is the annual '''[https://www.flemington.com.au/melbournecupcarnival Melbourne Cup]''', which also ranks among the most prestigious races in the world. * '''Greyhound racing''', although less popular than horse racing, also has a significant following in Australia, which has the world's largest greyhound racing industry. Greyhound racing tracks can be found in all of Australia's state capitals, as well as in many small towns throughout the country. ===Itineraries=== * [[Anne Beadell Highway]] * [[Gibb River Road]] * [[Grand Pacific Drive]] * [[Great Ocean Road]] * [[Gunbarrel Highway]] * [[Oodnadatta Track]] * [[Stuart Highway]]: crossing Australia north-south * [[Tourist Drive 33]] * [[Waterfall Way]] * [[Military museums and sites in Australia]] ==Do== [[File:Bondi 1.jpg|thumb|Australia is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Bondi Beach pictured)]] [[File:Gold-Coast-Skyline-at-Night.jpg|thumb|Surfers Paradise, located in the Gold Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, boasting some of the world's greatest beaches and located near an array of theme parks]] ===Swim=== * '''in the surf'''. Australia has seemingly endless sandy beaches. Follow the crowds to the world-famous [[Sydney/Bondi|Bondi Beach]] in Sydney, or [[Surfers Paradise]] on the Gold Coast. Or find a stretch all for yourself (but beware of dangerous rips on beaches, it is considerably safer to find a patrolled beach). The surf is smaller and warmer in the Tropical North, where the reef breaks the swell, and larger and colder in the south with waves rolling in from the Southern Ocean. (And yes, in the middle it is ''just right''). * '''in calm tropical oceans'''. Cable Beach in [[Broome]] is swept pristine daily by the tide, has perfect sand, and warm water - go in winter. * '''in thermal pools'''. South of Darwin there are many natural thermal pools such as Berry Springs & Mataranka, surrounded by palms and tropical foliage. The most expensive resort in the world couldn't dream of making a pool this good. * '''in freshwater lakes'''. Inland Australia tends to be dry, but there are freshwater lakes where you would least expect them. Explore inland of Cairns at the Atherton Tablelands, or head outback to the [[Currawinya National Park]]. Watch out for crocodiles. * '''in rivers'''. If its hot, and there is water, there will be a place to swim. Wherever you are, just ask around for the favourite swimming spot, with a waterhole and rope to swing on. Watch out for crocodiles. * '''in man-made pools'''. The local swimming pool is often the hub of community life on a summer Sunday in the country towns of New South Wales and Victoria. Many of the beachside suburbs of Sydney and Newcastle have man made rock/concrete pools called 'baths' where you can swim beside the ocean beaches. * '''on the beach'''! Find your spot by the water, and get out the towel. Tropical north in the winter, down south in the summer. As always when in Australia, protect yourself from the sun. ===Bushwalking=== {{main|Hiking in Australia}} Bushwalking is a popular Australian activity. You can go bushwalking in the many national parks and rainforests. Some areas also have guided bush walks by the local Aboriginal people, and these are an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture of the local Aboriginal ethnic group. ===Diving=== [[File:Giant clam with diver.jpg|thumb|A scuba diver looking at a giant clam on the Great Barrier Reef]] * '''Snorkelling''' take a trip out to the [[Great Barrier Reef]] on the Queensland coast, or the [[Exmouth (Western Australia)|Ningaloo Reef]] off the coast of Western Australia. Or take a trip out to Julian rocks off [[Byron Bay]], or just dive in off the beach to see the tropical fish in [[Bundaberg]]. * [[Scuba diving in Australia|Scuba Diving]] ===Sports=== * [[Golf in Australia|Golf]] * '''Rock Climbing''' * '''Mountain Biking'''. Try the trails in the [[Snowy Mountains]] or black mountain in Canberra, or cycle for days along the Munda Biddi Mountain Bike trail in Western Australia. * '''Horse Riding'''. The horse has a rich tradition in the settlement of Australia since the arrival of the first European settlers. Relying on the horse to travel the vast distances and harsh environments of Australia was the foundation of a strong and lasting relationship between Australians and their horses. Today horse riding in Australia includes many recreational and occupational activities from cattle musters on vast stations, to the multimillion-dollar racing industry. On the outskirts of towns and cities and out in the rural landscape, you will see the many pony paddocks and much loved horses that are a testament to the ongoing passion and commitment Australian horse owners have to their horses and the enjoyment they bring. ===Ski=== * Skiing. New South Wales and Victoria have well developed ski facilities. Tasmania can also have skiing for a few months of the year, given the right weather. See [[Winter sports in Australia]] ===Surf=== * Surfing. If you think Australia is the most unpopulated and most remote place on earth where you can go to escape any trace of human contact, just find a good surf break in the most remote corner of Australia and you will be guaranteed to find someone surfing it. Australians love to surf and wherever there is surf there are Aussie surfers, any time and under any conditions. Virtually every coastline, except along the top end from Cairns across to Karatha has surf and surfers there to ride it. ===Thrill activities=== * '''Sky Diving''', all around Australia * '''Hot Air Ballooning''', in Canberra, Brisbane or in the [[Red Centre#Do|Red Centre]]. *''' Kitesurfing''' and '''windsurfing''' in and around Geraldton, Western Australia and at '''Coronation Beach''', the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of Australia === Gamble === [[File:2008BerriganCup1.JPG|thumb|Horse racing at the Berrigan Cup race meeting in the small New South Wales town of Berrigan]] It has been said that if there are two flies crawling up a wall, then you just need to look around to find the Aussie who will be running a book. * '''Casinos'''. Crown Casino in Melbourne is Australia's largest, located at Southbank, but there are others scattered in every capital city and in Cairns, [[Launceston]], Alice Springs, the Gold Coast and [[Townsville]]. * '''[[Horse racing|Day at the races]]'''. All capital cities have horse racing every weekend, with on-track and off-track betting available. They are usually family occasions, and fashion and being seen are part of the event. Just about every pub in New South Wales will have a tab, where you can place a bet without leaving your chair at the bar. Greyhound racing and trotting happens in the evenings, usually with smaller crowds, more beer, and less fashion. Smaller country towns have race meetings every few months or even annually. These are real events for the local communities, and see the smaller towns come to life. Head outback to the [[Birdsville]] races, or if you find the streets deserted it is probably ten past three on the first Tuesday in November (the running of the Melbourne cup). * '''The unusual'''. Lizard races, cane toad races, camel races, crab races. Betting on these races is totally illegal and you'll find the TIB (Totally Illegal Betting) around the back of the shed. * '''Two up'''. If you are around for Anzac Day (25 April), then betting on coins thrown into the air will be happening at your local RSL club, wherever you are. * Australia has almost a quarter of all the '''slot machines''' (locally known as "pokies" or "poker machines") in the world, and more than half of these are in New South Wales, where most pubs and clubs have gaming rooms (labelled "VIP lounges" for legal reasons) where one can "have a slap" and go for the feature. * If none of this appeals, and you just have too much money in your pocket, '''every town and suburb in Australia has a TAB''' (Totalisator Agency Board – betting shop). Pick your sport, pick a winner, and hand over your money at the counter. Gambling is illegal for under-18's. This can often restrict entry to parts of pubs, clubs, and casinos for children. ===Royal shows=== Each of Australia's states and mainland territories is home to a '''royal show''', which are agricultural fairs that also feature amusement rides and other forms of entertainment, and serve as Australia's equivalent of state fairs in the United States. These shows are held in the respective state and territory capitals, usually during the spring or autumn months. ==Buy== [[File:Pitt Street Mall February 2016.jpg|thumb|Pitt Street Mall in Sydney is one of Australia's busiest shopping districts]] {{see also|Shopping in Australia}} ===Money=== <!--{{exchange rate AUD|currencies=USD,GBP,EUR,NZD,JPY,ZAR}}--> {{exchange rates | currency=Australian dollar | currencyCode=A$ | date=January 2022 | USD=1.4 | EUR=1.6 | GBP=1.9 | NZD=0.95 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/aud-australian-dollar XE.com] }} {{infobox|Gold coins|No, it's not coins made out of gold, it's just an informal way of what Australians call a $1 or a $2 coin. It is mostly used in the terms of when donating, often for not-for-profit museums or charities. However, unlike Canada's loonie and toonie, Australians do not distinguish between $1 and $2 coins, and so if you do see a place that requests for a gold coin donation, you could give either $1 or $2 (or nothing, as it's a donation), but most give $2.}} The Australian currency is known as the '''dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''$'''" or "'''A$'''" (ISO code: '''AUD'''). It is divided into 100 '''cents (c)'''. In this guide, the "$" sign denotes Australian dollars unless otherwise noted. Coins come in denominations of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, the 12-sided 50¢, $1 and the tiny $2. The pre-2006 New Zealand 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢ coins were virtually identical to their Australian counterparts, save for a different tails side, so it's not uncommon to come across them among your Australian change and you may also encounter SGD coins, particularly 20c coins. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 (all in distinctive colours). $100 notes are rare and sometimes hard to use in shops. Australian notes are printed on plastic polymer rather than paper. If the total of a transaction is not a multiple of 5 cents the amount will be rounded to the nearest five cents if you are paying in cash. The exact amount will be charged if paying by card. The dollar is not pegged to any other currency, and is highly traded on world foreign exchange markets, particularly by currency speculators. Its exchange value to other currencies can be quite volatile, and 1-2% changes in a day are reasonably regular occurrences. ===Currency exchange=== [[File:Australian banknotes in wallet.jpg|thumb|Australian dollar banknotes in a wallet]] As the Australian dollar is considered to be a major world currency, it is widely available at money changers and banks throughout the world. Money changers in Australia operate in a free market, and charge a range of flat commissions, percentage fees, undisclosed fees built into the exchange rate, or a combination of all three. You can avoid rip-off rates by using banks in major centres, and staying clear of airports and tourist centres. However, both the best and worst rates come from the small private sellers, and you can certainly save money over the banks by shopping around. Always get a quote before changing money. You'll usually need to have photo identification with you, although you may be exempt if only changing a small amount. Dedicated currency exchange outlets are widely available in major cities, and banks can also exchange most non-restricted currencies. These exchange outlets - especially the ones at the airport - can charge 10% over the best exchange that can be obtained from shopping around. Australian banks usually offer an exchange rate around 2.5% from the current exchange midpoint. A flat commission of $5–8 can be charged on top. Some outlets advertise commission free exchange, usually accompanied by a worse rate of exchange. Don't assume every bank will offer the same exchange. There are vouchers for commission free exchange at American Express available in the tourist brochure at Sydney Airport. International airport terminals will have teller machines that can dispense Australian currency with Cirrus, Maestro, MasterCard or Visa cards. ===Banking=== Opening an Australian bank account is fairly straightforward if you have a residential address in Australia. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, such as a passport, to the bank in order for your application to be processed. The largest retail banks in Australia are '''[http://www.nab.com.au National Australia Bank (NAB)]''', '''[http://www.anz.com Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)]''', '''[https://www.commbank.com.au/ Commonwealth Bank]''' and '''[http://www.westpac.com.au/ Westpac]'''. Cash dispensing Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available in almost every Australian town. Australian ATMs are deregulated and may impose a surcharge over what is charged by your bank or card issuer. The fees can vary between institutions and between locations, but are usually around $2. The ATM will display the charges and you will have the option to stop the transaction before you are charged. Check with your bank as to what additional fees they apply to withdrawals in Australia. ===Costs=== {{infobox|Fast changing currency valuations|The Australian dollar is one of the world's more dynamic currencies, partly because of its relation to commodity prices such as iron and coal. Within the past 10 years the 'Aussie' has swung between 50¢ to $1.50 to the United States dollar, making the cost of visiting range from reasonable to very expensive depending on exactly when you are there.}} Australia is generally an expensive place to visit, with some surveys<!-- Any notable ones, peer reviewed etc?--> having ranked Australia as the third most expensive country in the world in terms of consumer prices, only behind Norway and Switzerland. Dorm accommodation in a capital city is around $30, but can run as low as $15 in Cairns or cheaper backpacker centres. A basic motel in the country or in the capital city suburbs would cost around $100 for a double. City Centre hotel accommodation in capital cities can be obtained for around $150 upwards for a double. Formule 1/Motel 6 style hotels (which are not common) can be around $60–90 for a double. Car hire will cost around $65 a day. Public transport day passes from $9–20 per day depending on the city. A cafe meal costs around $10–15, and a main course in a restaurant goes from around $17 upwards. A basic takeaway meal - a burger, sandwich, or couple of slices of pizza cost $5–10, a Big Mac costs $4.50, and you can usually grab a pie or sausage roll for around $4. A takeaway pizza from Pizza Hut big enough to feed two costs around $10. A middy/pot (285mL) of house beer will cost you around $5, and a glass of house wine around $8 in a low end pub. To take away, a case of 24 cans of beer will cost around $45, or a bottle of wine around $10. An airfare between neighbouring eastern capitals is around $120 each way but can get as low as $60 if you book at the right time, or around $350 to cross the country assuming that you are flexible with dates and book in advance. A train trip on the state run trains will usually cost slightly less. A bus trip, a little less again. A train trip on the private trains will be the most expensive way to travel. There is usually no admission charge to beaches or city parks. Some popular National Parks charge between $6 and $20 per day (per car, or per person depending on the state) while more out of the way National Parks are free. Art Galleries and some attractions are free. Museums generally charge around $10 per admission. Theme parks charge around $70 per person. ===Tax=== Australia has a 10% ''Goods and Services Tax (GST)'' that applies to all goods and services except unprocessed foods, education and medical services. GST is always ''included'' in the displayed price of any consumer purchases. Receipts (tax invoices) will contain the GST amount. ==== Tourist Refund Scheme ==== If you buy goods over $300 at one place at one time you can obtain a refund of the GST if you take the items out of Australia within 60 days and unlike in many other countries, this applies to both Australian citizens and foreigners. Make sure you get a tax invoice from the supplier (which will have the goods itemised, the GST paid, and the ABN of the supplier). Pack the items in hand luggage, and present the item(s) and the receipt at the TRS, after immigration and security when leaving Australia. If any of the items have to be checked in for whatever reason, make sure that you locate the customs office and let customs officers sight the goods before checking-in your bags. Also allow at least an extra 30 minutes before departure, and if possible enter the details online before you arrive at the airport. The refund payment can be made by either cheque, credit to an Australian bank account, or payment to a credit card. There is no refund available for GST on services. Remember the goods are now considered duty-free, and you'll have to pay GST on them if you bring them back into Australia and they are in excess of your duty-free allowances. ===Credit cards=== Credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Almost all large vendors such as supermarkets accept cards, as do many small stores. '''Visa''' and '''MasterCard''' are the most universally accepted cards, then American Express, then Diners Club with other cards either never or very rarely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are accepted at major supermarket and department store chains. Any card showing the Cirrus or Maestro logos can be used at any terminal displaying those logos. Australian debit cards can also be used via a system known as EFTPOS. Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless credit cards are accepted at virtually all terminals. You will only need to enter a PIN if the purchase is over $200. All Australian credit cards are issued with a PIN. If you have an overseas card without a PIN you can still sign for purchases, however shopkeepers unused to dealing with overseas cards may not be aware of this. Try to have a PIN on your card if your bank allows it. If not, you may have to explain that you have an overseas card and wait while the shopkeeper finds a pen. '''Credit card surcharges''' are imposed at all car rental agencies, travel agents, airlines, and at some discount retailers (such as Aldi) and service stations. They are increasingly common in cafes, bars and restaurants. Surcharges are far more common and higher for American Express and Diners Club (typically 2%-4%) than they are for Visa and MasterCard (typically 1.5%). Businesses are legally required to put a sign up indicating the size of any surcharge they impose. UnionPay credit cards as well as AliPay and WeChat Pay are becoming more common in tourist shops and restaurants due to the rising number of Chinese visitors. It is difficult to use them in other businesses however. ===Haggling=== Bargaining is uncommon in Australian stores, though vendors are usually willing to meet or beat a quote or advertised price from a competing retailer. It's also worth asking for a "best price" for high-value goods or purchases involving several items. For example, it would not be unusual to get 10% off an item of jewelry that was not already reduced in price. The person you are dealing with may have limited authority to sell items at anything other than the marked price. Attempting to haggle without a reason will most likely be perceived as rude in Australia and will be unsuccessful. ===Tipping=== [[Tipping]] is ''not'' customary in Australia, although tips are accepted if you freely choose to give one. Restaurants are required to include the cost of service and taxes in posted prices. You may, however, choose to leave a small tip if the service was exemplary. When paying by credit card, some restaurants give the option of adding a tip to your payment, although it is completely optional. Other places provide a coin jar or bowl by the cashier labelled "Tips", but the vast majority of Australian diners do not leave one. Bartenders are rarely tipped. Other types of service personnel, including hotel staff, porters, tour guides, food delivery drivers and hairdressers do not expect to receive tips. Tipping is also not expected in taxis, and drivers will typically return your change to the last 5 cents, unless you indicate that they should round the fare to the nearest dollar. It is not unusual for passengers to instruct the driver to round up to the next whole dollar. Casinos in Australia generally prohibit tipping of gaming staff, as it is considered bribery. Similarly, offering to tip government officials will usually be interpreted as bribery and can potentially be treated as a criminal offence. ===Trading hours=== [[File:17 Open sign - free stock photo.jpg|thumb|A sign indicating that a shop is open]] [[File:OIC alex hts shops 1b.jpg|thumb|A shopping centre in Perth]] Australia's '''base trading hours''' are Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Shops usually have a single night of late night trading, staying open until 21:00 on Fridays in most cities and on Thursdays in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Sunday trading is common in the main cities but does not exist in all rural areas. Opening hours beyond these base hours vary by the type of store, by location, and by state. See our localised guides for more local information. Major supermarket chains in main centres are generally open at least until 21:00 on weekdays (and often until midnight), but generally have reduced hours on weekends. Convenience stores such as 7/11 are open 24 hours in major centres. Fast food restaurant chains are commonly open 24 hours or at least very late. Many food courts in city centres typically close by 4PM and completely close on weekends if targeting office workers, but other eateries and food courts in shopping centres have longer hours. Fuel/service stations are open 24 hours in major centres, but often close at 6pm and on Sundays in country towns. Australia's '''weekend''' is on Saturday and Sunday of each week. Retail trading is now almost universal in larger cities on weekends, although with slightly reduced hours. Again, Western Australia is an exception with restrictions on large stores opening on Sundays. In smaller country towns shops are closed on Sundays and often also on Saturday afternoons. Tourist-oriented towns and shops may stay open longer hours. Tourist areas within cities, such as [[Sydney/Darling Harbour|Darling Harbour]] in Sydney have longer trading hours every night. Australian banks are open Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00 only, often closing at 17:00 on Fridays. Cash is available through Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) 24 hours, and currency exchange outlets have extended hours and are open on weekends. ==Eat== {{see also|Australian cuisine}} Australian cuisine was mainly influenced by its British and Irish colonial heritage until the 1960s and 70s, but with a history of immigration from other parts of Europe like Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland, the influence of these cultures has become more evident in Australian cuisine than its British and Irish beginnings. The large influx of Asian migrants has also left its mark on Australian cuisine, with many Australian chefs incorporating Asian influences in nominally Western dishes. The various Aboriginal ethnic groups have their own distinctive cuisines, though due to the fact that they make extensive use of exotic ingredients, these have for the most part not become a part of mainstream Australian cuisine. Generally speaking, table manners in Australia conform to [[Europe]]an norms. ===Places to eat=== {{infobox|BYO - Bring Your Own|BYO stands for ''Bring Your Own'' (alcohol). In many of the urban communities of Australia you will find small low-cost restaurants that are not licensed to serve but allow diners to bring their own bottle of wine purchased elsewhere. This is frequently much cheaper than ordering a bottle of wine in a restaurant. Beer can be taken to some BYO restaurants, others allow only wine. Expect to pay a corkage fee which can vary from $2–15, or may be calculated by head. BYO is not usually permitted in restaurants that are licensed to sell alcohol.}} {{infobox|Where has Burger King gone?|You'd be surprised to find out that there are zilch Burger Kings in Australia, or at least, zero Burger Kings operating under the name "Burger King". Instead, in Australia, Burger King is called "Hungry Jack's". The name was chosen as there was already a small takeaway called "Burger King" in Queensland, and so for trademark reasons, "Burger King" had to choose another name. In 2001, Hungry Jack's did win the rights to use the name "Burger King" as the trademark had expired, but as the name had become established, the chain instead chose to keep its name "Hungry Jack's".}} There is no shortage of places to eat out in the cities and towns. In addition to good restaurants offering cuisine from around the world, there are also the following: * '''Pubs''', the counter lunch is the name for a lunch served in the bar of a pub. Traditionally served only at lunchtime in the lounge. Today most pubs provide lunch and dinner and many have a separate bistro or restaurant. Steak, chicken parmigiana and nachos are common. * '''Clubs''', clubs, such as bowling clubs, leagues clubs, RSLs are in many towns and cities. They are most common in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Most allow visitors, and sometimes offer good value meals. A membership fee is often required. * '''Cafes''', most towns and suburbs have a cafe or coffee shop, serving breakfast and light meals and cakes throughout the day. Not unusual for them to close after 4PM. * '''Bakeries''', usually a good place to buy bread rolls, a pie or a sausage roll. * '''Fast food restaurants''', McDonald's (or ''Macca's''), Subway and KFC are common. Burger King is rebranded as Hungry Jack's. Red Rooster is an Australian chain, offering barbecued chicken and other mostly chicken-based items and Oporto is an Australian version of Nando's. * '''Take-away''', milk bars, sushi stores and other take-away stores usually sell sushi, pies, barbecued (rotisserie) chicken, hamburgers, fish and chips, gyros, and kebabs. * '''Food courts''', most shopping centres have a food court, even in country towns. * '''Picnic''', the Australian climate is usually amenable to getting whatever food you can, and heading to the nearest park, river, lake or beach. Electric BBQ facilities are often available. * '''Barbecue''', is a popular Australian pastime and many parks in Australia provide free barbecues for public use. Contrary to the stereotype, Australians rarely "Throw a shrimp on the barbie" (also, in Australia a shrimp is more commonly referred to as a prawn). Steaks, chops, sausages, chicken fillets, fish, and kebabs are popularly barbecued. * '''Wineries''', many of Australia's wineries have restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine that overlook their vineyards, where you can also purchase their wines to go with your meal. Typically only open for lunch, though an exception is Penfolds' Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide, which only opens for dinner. [[File:Jackadder Lake barbecues.jpg|thumb|Outdoor barbecues at Jackadder Lake, Woodlands, Western Australia. Similar facilities can be found in many parks across Australia.]] [[File:Centre Place Dec 2012.jpg|thumb|Centre Place in Melbourne's CBD is lined with cafes]] ===Native foods=== [[File:Kangaroo fillet.JPG|thumb|Kangaroo fillet at a restaurant in Sydney]] {{see also|Australian cuisine#Indigenous food (bush tucker)}} It may come as a disappointment that native foods are not actually available that much in Australian restaurants, nor consumed by Australians much themselves. They are available in supermarkets and in some of the remoter parts of the country. Traditional Aboriginal diets can include endangered species, the consumption of which is strictly restricted to specific communities and unlikely to be available to you. * '''Kangaroo''', if you fancy some, it is available from many supermarkets and butchers shops. Barbecue it until medium rare, but best not to overcook as it may become quite ''tough''. It tastes much like beef. It occasionally makes it onto the menu in restaurants, mostly in tourist areas. Kangaroos are abundant, do far less damage to the sensitive Australian environment than hoofed animals, and produce far fewer carbon emissions as well. Kangaroo is a great environmental statement to make whilst barbecuing. * '''Crocodile''', meat from farms in the Northern Territory and Queensland is widely available around the top end, and occasionally elsewhere. At Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia, you can see the ancient reptile on a farm while munching on a croc burger. * '''Emu''', yes, you can eat the other half of the Australian Coat of Arms as well. Emu is low in fat and available in specialty butchers. Try the Coat of Arms in a pie in [[Maleny]] or on a pizza in [[Sydney/The Rocks|The Rocks]]. * '''Bush tucker''', many tours may give you an opportunity to try some bush tucker, the berries, nuts, roots, ants, and grubs from Australia's native bush. '''Macadamia nuts''' are the only native plant to Australia that is grown for food commercially. Some of the other bush foods can be an acquired taste, though native seasonings are certainly worth trying, and are increasingly being featured in Australian fine dining restaurants. Bush tucker ice cream can sometimes be found at farmers' markets and outdoor festivals. ===Beyond cuisine=== [[File:Pavlova Dessert.jpg|thumb|A pavlova garnished with cream and raspberries]] Australia has a good deal of British inspired food that is not well known internationally. Definitely worth a try. '''Vegemite''', a salty yeast-based spread, best spread thinly on toast. If you aren't up for buying a jar, any coffee shop will serve vegemite on toast at breakfast time. It may not even be on the menu, but the vegemite will be out the back in the jar next to the marmalade. If you do buy a jar, the secret is it to spread it very thin, and don't forget the butter as well. It tastes similar to Marmite in the UK or Cenovis in Switzerland. Australians are quite used to the taste, and may spread the Vegemite very thick; but this is not recommended for first-timers. The '''Tim-Tam''' is a chocolate fudge-filled sandwich of two chocolate biscuits, all dipped in chocolate. You can buy a packet (or two) from any supermarket or convenience store. Tim-Tams are required to perform the ''Tim-Tam Slam'' manoeuvre. This requires biting off both ends of the Tim-Tam, then using it as a straw to drink your favourite hot beverage, typically coffee. The hot drink melts the fudge centre and creates an experience hard to describe. Finesse is needed to suck the whole biscuit into your mouth in the microseconds between being fully saturated and dissolving. Tim-Tams are sold in packs of 11, so be sure to agree on the sharing arrangements before buying a packet with your travel partner, or onward travel arrangements may be disrupted. During summer Tim-Tams are often stored in the freezer and eaten ice cold. The '''lamington''' is a cube of sponge cake covered in chocolate icing and dipped in desiccated coconut. It's named after Lord Lamington, who served as Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. The home-baked form can be found at a local Saturday morning market, or you can buy one from a bakery if you are desperate. Avoid at all costs the plastic wrapped varieties sold in supermarkets. The '''pavlova''' is a meringue cake with a cream topping usually decorated with fresh fruit. Served on special occasions, or after a lunchtime barbecue. Often the source of dispute with [[New Zealand#Eat|New Zealand]] over the original source of the recipe. '''ANZAC biscuits''' are a mix of coconut, oats, flour, sugar and golden syrup. They were reputedly sent by wives and care organisations to world war I soldiers in care packages, but the story is likely apocryphal. They are available from bakeries, cafes and supermarkets, and are popular in the lead up to ANZAC day (25 April). '''Damper''' is a traditional soda bread that was baked by drovers and stockmen. It has basic ingredients (flour, water and perhaps salt) and usually cooked in the embers of a fire. It is not routinely available in bakeries and only commonly served to tourists on organised tours. Best eaten with butter and jam or golden syrup as it is dry and bland. A '''Chiko roll''' is a deep-fried snack inspired by the egg roll or the spring roll. Despite the name, it contains no chicken. Its filling is boned mutton, vegetables, rice, barley, and seasonings. Its shell is thicker than an egg roll, meant to survive handling at football matches. Available anywhere you can buy fish and chips. The '''Australian Meat Pie''' is considered to be the national dish by many. A variation is the '''pie floater''' from Adelaide which is a pie inverted in a bowl of thick mushy pea soup. ===Other cuisines=== Cuisines widely available in Australia, often prepared by members of the relevant culture, include: * '''British''', Australia's colonial heritage is perhaps best represented by the ubiquity of '''fish and chips''', and virtually every neighbourhood and small town in a coastal area will have a local fish and chips shop. Common types of fish used in Australia include flake (various types of small shark), flathead, barramundi and King George whiting. Unlike in the UK, fish and chips is typically served with ketchup and tartar sauce in Australia. British and Irish style pubs are common throughout populated areas of Australia, although they feature Australian staples such as chicken parmas, schnitzels and pasta. * '''Chinese''', synonymous with the term "takeaway" in the past generations. Many Chinese restaurants still cater to takeaway addicts today, mostly of the Australianised Chinese variety, but major cities have small "Chinatowns" or suburbs with a large number of ethnic Chinese residents, that have excellent restaurants serving authentic Chinese food. Cantonese Dim Sum is available in dedicated restaurants in most large shopping malls. * '''Thai''' restaurants have exploded in number over the past decade. Sydney in particular is known as one of the best destinations for Thai food in the world. * '''Italian''', the Italian community is one of the largest ethnic communities of non Anglo-Saxon origin in Australia, and they have contributed greatly to the cafe culture that has flourished across the major cities over the past few decades. Restaurants either serve Italian food that has been adapted to suit Australian tastes, or authentic regional Italian food, with the latter tending to be pricier and in more upmarket surrounds. Head to Lygon street in Melbourne or Leichhardt in Sydney if you're a fan. * '''Greek''' is not quite as widespread as Italian above, but good options exist in every city and town. * '''Lebanese''' and other Middle Eastern, especially in Sydney. A '''Manoosh''' is a tasty pizza variation that is somewhat more healthy as well. ** A fusion dish that's becoming increasingly popular nationwide is the '''halal snack pack''' (also known by many alternate names). It consists of halal-certified doner kebab meat (originating from Turkey) and chips, covered by any of a wide variety of sauces and often cheese. Typically served in styrofoam containers as a takeaway dish. In Adelaide, the AB is similar to the halal snack pack of the eastern states, but it usually not halal. * '''Indian''' is available in most cities, and often represent a good mid-range restaurant option. * '''Japanese''', including bento takeaway shops, udon restaurants and sushi trains. They are often operated by '''Koreans''', whose own cuisine is also well represented in the major cities. * '''Vietnamese''', Pho and Cha Gio (spring rolls) are easy to find in the major cities. * '''German''', South Australia and Queensland in particular have had a long history of German settlement, and German restaurants can be found in major cities and in country towns that were historically settled by Germans. The '''schnitzel''' is a German dish that has been Australianised and is widely available in pubs and cafes throughout the country, though unlike German schnitzels, which are usually made of pork, Australian schnitzels are usually made of chicken or beef. A good selection of German or German-inspired sausages is also available at many butchers. * '''Asian fusion''' refers generally to Asian-inspired dishes. ===Modern Australian=== Modern Australian is a recently developed cuisine that is often seen in [[fine dining]] establishments, analogous to Modern American cuisine in the United States. This cuisine mixes cooking styles and flavours from different parts of Europe and Asia, paying homage to the diverse origins of Australia's population, and often incorporates native Australian flavours from the bush as well. ===Vegetarian=== Eating vegetarian is available in Australia and many restaurants offer at least one or two vegetarian dishes. Some will have an entire vegetarian menu section. Vegans may have more difficulty but any restaurant with a large vegetarian menu should offer some flexibility. In large cities and in the coastal backpacker-friendly towns along the east coast, you will find vegetarian and vegan restaurants. The market town of [[Kuranda]] or the seaside towns of [[Byron Bay]] are a vegetarian's paradise. In other regional areas especially in the Northern Territory, North Western Australia and north Queensland vegetarians are often poorly catered-for, but most towns will have a Chinese or Thai restaurant that will provide steamed rice and vegetables. Sydney and Melbourne in particular cater well for vegans and vegetarians with a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, vegan clothing stores and vegan supermarkets. Quick vegetarian options include: * 'Smashed Avo' is a mix of avocado and feta cheese, served on toast and with an egg. A popular breakfast option and (unfairly) associated with free spending millennials. * Sushi rolls and tofu pockets, available at sushi shops everywhere * Vietnamese spring rolls (Bahn Mi) are also readily available with vegetarian fillings * Korean restaurants offer rice bowls (such as Bibimbap) with no meat * Pie shops of spinach rolls (filled with spinach and ricotta cheese) * Most food halls have a dedicated salad counter More remote outback areas may have very few vegetarian options (lots of processed meat pies and little else), so it is worth packing some vegetarian supplies before you go. ===Religious diets=== People observing kosher or halal will easily be able to find specialist butchers in the capital cities, and will also find a number of restaurants with appropriate menus and cooking styles. Outside the capital cities, it will be much more difficult to find food prepared in a strict religious manner. Fast food chains often offer Halal certified meals in areas with high Muslim populations in Western Sydney and Melbourne. ===Allergies=== Australian restaurants generally provide options for people with common allergies such as nuts and seafood. Ask the waitstaff if in doubt. The '''gluten free''' diet fad has spread to Australia, and there is no shortage of gluten free products in supermarkets, bakeries and restaurants, albeit often at higher prices than the regular versions of those products. ===Markets=== [[File:SydFishMarkets.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Seafood at the Sydney Fish Markets]] Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market, Adelaide's Central Market and the Fremantle Markets near Perth are perhaps Australia's best known examples of traditional European-style food markets. The Sydney Fish Market is one of the most iconic traditional seafood markets in the world. All of the capital cities and most regional towns in Australia host a "farmer's market", which is generally held each week in a designated area on a Saturday or Sunday. These markets mostly sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as hygiene regulations in Australia forbid the selling of meat directly from market stalls. Butchers who set up shop at a farmer's market would usually trade their wares from a display cabinet within their boot (trunk). The attraction of markets is the lower prices and freshness of the produce. The attraction for the traveller will be the cheap and excellent fruits on offer - depending on the region and season (in places like Queensland or the Northern Territory, you're more likely to find mangoes while down in Tasmania you're much more likely to find apples). In regional areas the market is usually held outside the town itself in an empty paddock or sports field, markets in capital cities are easier to reach but the prices are typically more in line with those you would find in supermarkets. See the destination guides for details. ==Drink== ===Beer=== Drinking '''beer''' is ingrained in Australian culture. Although Fosters is promoted as an Australian beer overseas, it is rarely consumed by Australians in Australia, and is almost impossible to find. Beers are strongly regional and every state has its own brews: Coopers and West End in South Australia, Carlton and VB in Victoria, Tooheys in NSW, XXXX (pronounced "fourex") in Queensland, Boags and Cascade in Tasmania, and Swan in Western Australia. There are also local microbrew choices, which can be harder to find, but are often worth seeking out. A range of imported European and American bottled beers are available in all but the most basic pub. [[File:XXXX Brewery Milton.jpg|thumb|The XXXX Brewery in Brisbane]] Light (Lite) beer refers to lower alcoholic content, and not lower calories. It has around half the alcohol of full strength beer, and is taxed at a lower rate, meaning it is also cheaper than full strength beer. Low calorie beer is sold as ''low carb''. Because Australians like their beer to stay cold while they drink it, draft beer glasses come in a multitude of sizes, so that you can drink a whole glass before it warms up in the summer heat. The naming of beer glasses varies widely from state to state, often in confusing ways: a '''schooner''' is 425mL everywhere except South Australia, where it's only 285mL, a size that's known elsewhere as a '''middy''' or '''pot''', except in Darwin where it's a '''handle''', but in Adelaide a "pot" means a 570mL full pint, and a ''pint'' means what a ''schooner'' does elsewhere, and... you get the idea. The local beers and the local descriptions are covered in detail in the state guides. Bottle naming is a little easier: the standard sizes across Australia are the 375 ml '''stubby''' and the 750mL '''long neck''', or '''tallie'''. Cans of beer are known as '''tinnies''', and 24 of them make up a '''slab''', '''box''', '''carton''', '''bag''' or '''case'''. ===Wine=== Australia produces quality wine on a truly industrial scale, with large multinational brands supplying Australian bottleshops and exporting around the world. There are also a multitude of boutique wineries and smaller suppliers. Very good red and white wine can be bought very cheaply in Australia, often at less than $10 a bottle, and even the smallest shop could be expected to have 50 or more varieties to choose from. The areas of the [[Barossa Valley]] (near Adelaide), [[Hunter Valley]] (near Sydney), [[Yarra Valley]] (near Melbourne) and [[Margaret River]] (near Perth) are particularly renowned for their wineries and opportunities for cellar door sampling, but northern Victoria and [[Mudgee]] also have a large variety. You are never too far from a wine trail anywhere in southern Australia. Try the local wines wherever you can find them, and ask for local recommendations. Try not to get taken in by the label, or the price tag. The best wine is rarely the one with the best artwork, or the most expensive price. However, it is probably wise to avoid the house wine if it comes straight from a cask (4-litre container). Wines at the cellar door are almost invariably sold at around 20% premium to the same wine in the shops in the local town. If you still prefer overseas wines, the [[Marlborough (New Zealand)|Marlborough]] region of New Zealand is usually well represented on wine lists and in bottle shops in Australia. See also [[Grape grazing in Australia]]. ===Spirits=== Bundaberg Rum (''Bundy'') is an Australian dark rum particularly popular in Queensland and many Queenslanders will not touch any other brand of rum. It is probably the most famous Australian made spirit, mass-produced in [[Bundaberg]] and available everywhere. For many years one had to search to find other Australian distilled spirits, mostly from niche players, but there are distilleries in every state of Australia if you look hard enough and more are popping up all the time&ndash;Adelaide gin distilleries 75° and the Adelaide Gin Company have grown in esteem over the past few years. The tiny Sullivan's Cove distillery in Tasmania made waves in 2014 when one of their whiskies was named the World's Best Single Malt, kicking off a mini-boom in Australian whisky, and they repeated the feat in 2018 and 2019. If $8,000 for a bottle of their 2014 French Oak is a bit steep, drop into the Lark Distillery on the scenic [[Hobart]] waterfront precinct, book a gin blending experience at Archie Rose in Sydney, pick up a bottle of 151 East Vodka in [[Wollongong]] or after a few days in [[Kununurra]] you are definitely going to need an Ord River Rum. Mixed drinks are also available, particularly vodka, scotch, bourbon and other whiskey mixers. Spirits are also available as pre-mixed bottles and cans but are subject to higher taxation in this form, so it is cheaper to mix them yourself. Spirits are served in all pubs and bars, but not in all restaurants. A basic spirit and mixer (vodka and orange juice for example) will cost you about $7 at a bar or nightclub, but can vary ~$5–12. ===Legal aspects=== The legal drinking age throughout Australia is '''18 years'''. It is illegal either to purchase alcohol for yourself if you are under 18 years of age or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18 years of age. The only legally acceptable proof-of-age is an Australian drivers licence, state-issued proof-of-age card, [https://auspost.com.au/id-and-document-services/apply-for-a-keypass-id Keypass card] or a passport, and it would be wise to carry one if you want to purchase alcohol or tobacco and look under 25 - vendors will frequently ask for ID for anybody who looks to be 25 or younger. In Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, foreign drivers licences and foreign ID cards are '''NOT''' legally acceptable as proof of age documentation, and people who are unable to produce a passport or valid Australian ID will be refused service. It is illegal to go into a gambling area of a pub or club when under 18. Often there is a lounge, restaurant or bistro area in a pub or club that permits under-age people provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult over 18 and don't approach the bar or wander around. Some city pubs even have video games and playgrounds for children. Some country pubs have large open areas out in the back where kids can run and play. In general, you can take alcohol (say a bottle of wine or beer) to consume at a park or beach. Alcohol consumption is banned in some public places as 'street drinking'. These are often indicated by signs and is particularly the case in parks and footpaths where public drunkenness has been a problem. However, if you are a family with your picnic basket and blanket out at lunchtime with a bottle of wine, you are unlikely to encounter any problems. Alcohol can be purchased for consumption on premises only in '''licensed venues''': pubs, clubs and many restaurants. You can purchase alcohol for private consumption in '''bottle shops''', which are separate stores selling bottled alcohol. In some states you can buy alcohol in '''supermarkets'''. In those states where you can't, bottle shops and major supermarkets are often found in very close proximity. Although licensing laws and hours vary from state to state, and individual stores have different trading hours, as a rule of thumb, alcohol is generally available in towns to take-away seven days a week, 08:00-23:00, from bottle shops, supermarkets, licensed grocers/milk-bars and pubs. Outside of these hours though, it is almost impossible to buy alcohol to take home; unless you're in the middle of Sydney or Melbourne, so if you're planning on a party at home; it's a good idea to stock up and check on the local trading hours so you don't run out at 00:30 with no opportunity to buy more. Alcohol is not available at petrol stations or 24-hour convenience stores anywhere in Australia. Public drunkenness varies in acceptability. You will certainly find a great deal of it in close proximity to pubs and clubs at night time but much less so during the day. Public drunkenness is an offence but you would only likely ever be picked up by the police if you were causing a nuisance. You may spend the night sobering up in a holding cell or be charged. '''Driving while affected by alcohol''' is stigmatized, policed by random breath-testing police patrols in Australia, and inherently dangerous. Drink driving is a very serious offence in Australia, punishable by a range of mechanisms including loss of licence. The acceptable maximum blood alcohol concentration is 0.05% Australia-wide, often lower or not allowed for operators of heavy vehicles and young or novice drivers. Police officers are also empowered to randomly test drivers for the recent use of prohibited drugs. Refusing any of these tests is a criminal offence. The operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of prohibited drugs or alcohol will always result in arrest and a required court appearance many weeks from the date of arrest and it can comprehensively disrupt travel plans. Random breath-testing is common early Saturday and Sunday mornings, and many people are caught the morning after. ===A shout=== [[File:Birdsville Hotel.jpg|thumb|The Birdsville Hotel in far western Queensland]] Buying a round of drinks is a custom in Australia, as in many corners of the world. It is generally expected in a pub that when you arrive and make your first trip to the bar that you will offer to buy a drink for others you are drinking with. Similarly this will likely be done to you when someone else joins the group. This is called ''a shout'', and incurs an obligation that you will generally return the favour in a following round, and that also you will generally maintain the same drinking pace as your associates in the round throughout the evening. If someone in the same round as you has an empty glass, who is ahead of you in drinks bought, you should declare that it is your shout, and make your way to the bar. If someone offers to buy you a drink, but does not offer to buy for the person who already has bought you a drink, you should say you are already in a shout, and decline. If they buy you and the people in your round a drink, they have joined the shout. Its generally not polite to switch between shouts during an evening. It you are in a large shout, and you decline a drink, you still have to buy a drink for the round when it comes to your turn. You are well advised if you wish to skip a round, to do so on your shout. It is generally poorly received to buy a round, and then to refuse a drink when one is purchased for you. Often the drink will just be bought for you without even asking. Don't be surprised if someone who bought you a drink earlier in the night, later says that it is your shout. Not joining a shout can be awkward in some groups. The best way is to say you are driving, and you will buy your own drinks. This is also an acceptable way to drop out after one round, when the score is even. ===Non-alcoholic=== '''Milo''' is a malt and chocolate drink now made by Nestlé that was invented in Australia, and has since become immensely popular in parts of [[Southeast Asia]]. It can be found in any Australian supermarket. Australia has a strong coffee culture, especially Melbourne, a city with extensive Italian immigration. The joke is that Italians visiting Melbourne think the coffee is worse than their home city's, but better than every other city in Italy. Even service stations and fast food places will sell decent coffee. However, because of the strong preference for local coffee shops, many of the major chains in other countries don't exist -- Starbucks has a tiny handful of stores in Melbourne and Sydney, and none elsewhere in the country. Don't be taken aback by the lack of chains; try the local flavour instead! ==Learn== {{Main|Studying abroad#Australia}} Australia is a popular destination for University students, especially from [[East Asia]], [[Southeast Asia]] and [[India]]. Australia offers world class universities in an English speaking environment, along with potential opportunities to actually gain resident and work visas on a path to citizenship. If you are intending to study in Australia, you will need to be on a visa class that allows this. Students and academics invited to visit Australian universities will generally also need an appropriate visa, even if their visit is of a short enough period to be covered by a tourist electronic visa. For very short term or part-time courses, check with your Australian consulate or embassy. Australia also happens to be a great place to get Barista certification, with graduates being maybe able to command higher wages in coffee shops back in their home countries. Such courses can usually be conducted on a standard tourist visa. ==Sleep== [[File:Camping by the Yarrangobilly River - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Camping by the Yarrangobilly River, NSW]] Accommodation is readily available in most Australian cities and tourist destinations. As with everything else in Australia, it tends to be on the expensive side by international standards. ===Hotels=== {{infobox|When is a hotel not a hotel?|In Australian English, a '''hotel''' can also refer to what most of the rest of the world would call a '''pub'''. While country hotels (pubs) tend to have accommodation on site, most city hotels do not. A country hotel that does not have a public bar is typically called a '''motel'''.}} All state capitals have a number of 4 or 5 star standard hotels, often with upmarket restaurants, bars, room-service, and other premium hospitality services. Other 2 or 3 star hotels are scattered around the inner-cities and inner suburbs. Best to check local guides and reviews to know what you are in for. Most hotels offer internet connectivity, occasionally for an inflated fee. Most hotels (distinct from the country pubs known as hotels) have private bathroom facilities. It isn't unknown for all options to run out during major events in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. ===Pubs=== [[File:BendigoShamrockHotel.JPG|thumb|Bendigo's Shamrock Hotel]] Most pubs in Australia offer some form of accommodation. It can vary from very basic shabby rooms, to newly renovated boutique accommodation. The price is usually a good reflection of what you are in for. It is still quite unusual to have a private bathroom, even in the nicer pubs. The rooms are often on the second floor directly above the bar area and can be noisy, particularly on Fri/Sat nights. Outside of the major centres, the pub is called a '''Hotel'''. A motel won't have a public bar. A motel that does have a bar attached is called a Hotel/Motel. In very small towns local pubs offer the only accommodation available to travellers. Accommodation in these pubs tends to be budget-style with shared bathrooms but private rooms. Pub accommodation is even available in the centre of [[Sydney]], making getting back to your room after a beer a simple endeavour. If you travel as a single, and want a private room, pubs usually have single rooms at a discount over a double room. Most motels will charge the same price for one or two people sharing a room. ===Motels=== Typically, motel-style accommodation will have a private room with a bed or number of beds, and a private shower and toilet. Many motels have family rooms, that will usually have a double bed and two single beds in the one room. Motel rooms in the cities will generally cost upwards from $80. Usually the cost is the same for one or two adults, with any extra people charged an additional fee. Prices for additional children can range from free to $20 per child. During quiet times its not unusual for motels to offer standby discounts. Most motels will serve a cooked or continental breakfast to your room in the morning, for an additional charge. Some may have a restaurant or serve an evening meal. Some may have a toaster in the room and kettles are widely provided. Some motels however, do not have a private bathroom. For one, a little bit of an upgrade will get you this. ===Hostels and backpackers=== [[Hostels|Budget hostel-style accommodation]] with shared bathrooms and often with dormitories is approximately $20–30 per person per night. Facilities usually include a fully equipped kitchen with adequate refrigeration and food storage areas. Most hostels also have living room areas equipped with couches, dining tables, and televisions. There are several backpacker hostel chains in Australia. If you are staying many nights in the same brand of hostel, consider their discount cards, which usually offer a loyalty bonus on accommodation, and other attraction and tour discounts negotiated by the chain. ===Holiday parks=== Holiday parks are an Australian holiday institution and a great way to stay if you have your own wheels. These are basically an upgraded version of '''caravan parks''', but as the new marketing indicates, they now cater to regular travellers as well. A typical holiday park offers the following types of accommodation: * '''Cabins''' fully equipped with bedding, kitchens, TV, wifi and more, for travellers without their own home on wheels. Most can house 4 or more people with rates starting from around $100/night. * '''Powered sites''' for parking your caravan/campervan/motorhome/RV. Some parks offer '''ensuite sites''' featuring a little bathroom with shower & toilet. * '''Unpowered sites''' are for those intending to pitch their own tent, starting from around $20/night. Regardless of where you stay, the price includes access to communal facilities including BBQs, showers, kitchens, self-service laundries, pools, tennis courts and jumping pillows. The largest park chains covering the country are [https://topparks.com.au Top Parks/Discovery Parks] and [https://www.big4.com.au/ Big 4], but there are also plenty of independent options. There are a couple of caveats to holiday parks: * They're typically located on the outskirts of towns, so they're not very practical unless you have your vehicle. * Most cater to families, which is great if you have kids, but not so much if you're looking for peace and quiet. * During school holidays, parks tend to jack up their rates and require multiple-night minimum stays, and the best ones sell out anyway. * If you change your mind, too bad, since reservations are typically nonrefundable. ===Camping=== Camping is a popular pastime. In addition to camping at [[#Holiday parks|holiday parks]], national parks often provide cheap or free camping sites, which expect you to be more self-sufficient. Often toilets are provided and sometimes cold showers. Paid camping permits are sometimes required at popular parks, with some popular spots filling up during the holidays in summer. In Australia it is common to be within an hour's drive of a national park or recreation area that will permit some form of camping, even in the capital cities. Expect to pay around $5–10 per night per person for a camping permit, and national park admission fees in the more popular national parks (e.g.: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Kosciuszko National Park, etc.), however entry and camping is free in the majority of national parks further from population and tourist centres. Some other camping areas are run by government or even local landowners. Expect around $10 per person per night, depending on the time of year. You can try your luck sleeping on a beach or pitching a tent overnight in a highway rest area, or out in the bush for a free bed. Most rest areas and beaches prohibit camping and many even prohibit overnight parking to discourage this. Generally the closer you are to civilization or a tourist area, the greater the chance of being hassled by the authorities. Camping in state forests is often preferable to national parks if you're after a camping experience over sightseeing, as collecting of your own fire wood is allowed (sometimes felling of trees is permissible dependent on the area) and camping is not restricted to camp sites. Some other activities that are generally allowed in state forests that are not allowed in national parks are: bringing in dogs/pets, open fires, motorbikes and four-wheel driving. State forests are generally free to stay in, although you will need to check locally if public access is allowed. ===Farm stay=== Much as the name suggests, this usually involves a cabin or homestead accommodation on a working property. Suited for a stay of two or more days, this accommodation usually allows you to get a little involved in the running of the farm if you wish. It is common for dinner to be provided in the homestead, and a breakfast pack to be provided to your cabin. ===Holiday home=== Holiday homes are homes rented by their owners, often using local real estate agents or specialised web sites. Sometimes located in prime positions, but also sometimes in the residential sections of cities and towns. Minimum rental periods of at least 2 days usually apply, rising to a week during periods when they are busy. At a minimum will have bedrooms, a lounge, bathroom. ===[[Bed and Breakfasts]]=== [[File:HentyCentralHotel.JPG|thumb|250px|The Henty Central Hotel in the New South Wales town of Henty provides bed and breakfast accommodation. Many country towns have similar hotels.]] Bed and Breakfasts tend to be a premium form of accommodation in Australia, often focused on weekend accommodation for couples. They certainly don't offer the discount form of accommodation they do in part of the [[United Kingdom]], and the local motel will usually be cheaper. Sometimes extra rooms in a person's home, but often a purpose built building. You should expect a cosy, well kept room, a common area, and a cooked breakfast. Possibly private facilities. Substantial discounts often apply for mid-week stays at bed and breakfasts. ===Resorts=== There are many true resorts around Australia. Many have lagoon pools, tennis, golf, kids clubs, and other arranged activities. The island of the [[Whitsundays]] have a choice of resorts, some occupying entire islands. [[Port Douglas]] also has many resorts of a world standard. ===Serviced apartments=== Serviced apartments are a very popular form of accommodation in Australia, with all capital and most regional cities having multiple such hotels. These often include hotels located in prime positions in the centre of town. Guests are typically able to stay for as little as one night, and discounts are often available for bookings of a week and over. Rooms tend to be larger than in standard hotels, and amenities typically include a kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate bedrooms. Apartment hotels generally don't offer breakfast or have a restaurant, but there are usually cafes located nearby (often next door) which cater to guests. ===Houseboats=== Houseboats are available to rent on some scenic rural rivers, and provide an excellent opportunity to spend time in the wilderness. These usually have kitchens in them so you can bring your own food to cook. ===Station wagons and vans=== In most parts of Australia it is illegal to sleep in your vehicle but it is possible to get around this by simply rigging up curtains all around the windows so no one can see in from the outside. Trade vans can be picked up for as little as $1,000, with a more trustworthy van setting you back no more than $3,000-4,000. Add a mattress, pillow, portable gas cooker, cookware and a 20 L water container and you are off. If you get caught the fine could be as much as $150 each, so do it at you own risk. But if you are strategic in where you stay you probably won't get caught. Just be sensible and don't disturb the locals. Also, be aware of parking restrictions in certain parts of the cities and town, although overnight parking restrictions are rare. The parking inspectors can be ruthless and a $100+ fine is not uncommon. All cities and towns in Australia have free public toilets. Many parks, and most beaches have free electric barbecues as well. Popular beaches have fresh water showers to wash the salt water off after you swim, so for those on a tight budget (or for those that just love waking up at the beach) simply wash in the ocean (please do not pollute the ocean or waterways by using detergents or soaps) and rinse off at the showers. Almost all taps in Australia are drinking water, the ones that aren't will be marked. Service stations (petrol/gas) almost always have taps, so these are a good place to refill the water containers each time you refuel. Some of the best experiences you may have in Australia will be by taking that road on the map that looks like it heads to a beach, creek, waterfall or mountain and following it. You may just find paradise and not another soul in sight. And lucky you, you've got a bed, food and water right there with you. Travelling in a small group lowers the fuel bill per head, as this will likely be your biggest expense. Enjoy, and respect the land by taking your rubbish/bottles/cigarette butts with you and disposing of them properly. ==Work== Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of Australia can work in Australia without any further permits, but others will require a work visa. It is illegal for foreigners to undertake paid work in Australia on a tourist visa. Be aware that any form of compensation for services performed, monetary or otherwise (e.g. room and board), counts as payment in Australia, meaning that such work would be illegal on a tourist visa. Volunteer work is allowed provided it is incidental to the trip (i.e. not the main purpose for the trip). Foreigners in Australia on a student visa are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time, and full-time during the school holidays. Working illegally in Australia runs a very real risk of arrest, imprisonment, deportation and being permanently banned from re-entering Australia. All visitors who do not hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship (including New Zealand citizens who aren't also Australian permanent residents or citizens) are not allowed to access Australian social security arrangements for the unemployed, and will have limited, or more usually, no access to the Australian government's health care payment arrangements. ===Payment and taxes=== Most Australian employers pay via direct deposit to Australian bank accounts and therefore you should open a bank account as soon as possible. Some banks allow you to open account from abroad, for example Commonwealth Bank and HSBC. You should also apply for a '''[http://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/ Tax File Number (TFN)]''' as soon as possible. You can apply on-line for free at the [http://www.ato.gov.au/ Australian Tax Office website], though you can generally get it quicker if you just go to one of their offices. You can start working without one, but you are advised to get one as soon as possible as your employer would have to withhold tax from your salary at the highest rate should you not provide one. Register your TFN with your bank as soon as possible, otherwise any interest you accrue will be taxed at the highest rate. The Australian financial year runs from 1st July to 30th June, and tax returns for each financial year are due on 30th October, four months after the accounting period ends. Check with Australian tax agents about Australian tax liability and filing an Australian tax return. Australian employers will make compulsory payments out of your earnings to an Australian superannuation (retirement savings) fund on your behalf. Visitors on temporary working visas who are not citizens of Australia or New Zealand should claim this money when they leave Australia. This payment is known as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) and you can [https://applicant.tr.super.ato.gov.au/applicants/default.aspx?pid=1 apply online]. New Zealand citizens can transfer their superannuation money to their New Zealand KiwiSaver account; contact your provider to arrange this. ===Working holidaymaker scheme=== [[File:CSIRO ScienceImage 4714 CSIRO Precision Viticulture Trial site in the Eden Valley SA March 2004.jpg|thumb|Vineyards in South Australia]] Australia has a working holidaymaker program for citizens of certain countries between 18 and 30 years of age. It allows you to stay in Australia for 12 months from the time you first enter. You may work during that time, but only for 6 months at any one employer. The idea is for you to take a holiday subsidised by casual or short-term jobs. If you're interested in a working holiday, some useful skills and experience might be: office skills to be used for temp work; or hospitality skills to be used for bar or restaurant work. An alternative is seasonal work like fruit picking, although much seasonal work will require that you work outside the major cities. Working for 3 months in seasonal work will allow you to apply for a second 12-month visa. You can apply online for a '''[https://www.ecom.immi.gov.au/visas/jsp/index.jsp?visaType=WORKING_HOLIDAY working holiday visa]''', but you must ''not'' be in Australia at the time. It takes just a few hours to process usually and it costs about $440 (as of March 2017). On arriving in Australia ask for the working holiday visa to be "evidenced", so you can show your future employer. It's recommended to arrive in Australia with sufficient funds which is a minimum of $5000 if you are on a working holiday visa. The cost of living in Australia is quite high and it may take a few days or weeks to get a job. ===Work visas=== Work visas in Australia change frequently and sometimes without any notice, so always check with your local Australian High Commission, Consulate or Embassy and the [http://www.immi.gov.au/ Immigration Department's website]. The most straightforward way to get a work visa (subclass 457, 186 & 187) is to find an Australian employer who will sponsor you. Your employer will need to demonstrate that they cannot hire anyone with your skills in Australia. Locally advertised jobs are usually explicit in requiring a valid work visa before your application can be considered. Getting the visa might take a couple of months from the beginning of the application process and you will need a medical examination by a doctor approved by the immigration officials before it can be granted (among other things, you will need a chest x-ray to show that you do not have tuberculosis). An employer with a good background and efficient immigration lawyers could get your 457 approved within a week. Your work visa will only be valid for the employer who sponsored you and you will have to leave within 30 days of your employment ending. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) is the easiest employer nominated visa to acquire, although you will have to live and work in a designated 'regional' area. These areas are mostly rural and far removed from the larger cities, although [[Adelaide]] does count in this scheme. Skilled independent visas (subclass 189, 190, 489) may be pursued if you have a valuable specialised skill and don't want to be tied to a specific employer. There is also a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows graduates of Australian universities to stay on and work in Australia, and is usually valid anywhere from 18 months to 4 years depending on your level of education, and your major. Your major must be from a list of skilled occupations for which there is a labour shortage in Australia. This list is updated every year, and whether or not you qualify for this visa is dependent on the list at the time of your graduation, ''not'' at the time you begin your studies. ===Immigration=== You can apply to immigrate as a skilled person or business person, but this process will take longer than receiving a work visa. You can also apply for permanent residency as the holder of a work or study visa, but your application will not be automatically accepted. If you have a lot of money, there are several investor's visas available which allow you to live in Australia with a view of obtaining permanent residency. After four years of legal residency which must include one year as a permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. ===Volunteering=== There are several volunteer opportunities in Australia. Many worldwide organisations offer extended travel for those wanting to volunteer their time to work with locals on projects such as habitat restoration, wildlife sanctuary maintenance & development, scientific research, & education programs such as [http://www.australianvolunteers.com '''Australian Volunteers'''], [http://www.wwf.org.au '''World Wildlife Fund'''], [http://www.gap360.com '''Gap 360'''], [https://www.godiscoverabroad.com/ '''Go Discover Abroad''']and [http://www.xtremegapyear.co.uk '''Xtreme Gap Year''']. ==Respect== Unless you are actively trying to insult someone, a traveller is unlikely to insult or cause offence to an Australian through any kind of cultural ignorance. Australian modes of address tend towards the familiar. It is acceptable and normal to use first names in all situations, even to people many years your senior. Many Australians are fond of using and giving nicknames - even to recent acquaintances. It is likely being called such a name is an indication that you are considered a friend and as such it would be rare they are being condescending. It is generally acceptable to wear revealing clothing in Australia. Bikinis and swimming attire are okay on the beach, and usually at the kiosk across the road from the beach. It is normal to wear at least a shirt and footwear before venturing any further. Most beaches are effectively top optional (topless) while sunbathing. Just about all women wear a top while walking around or in the water. There are some clothing optional (nude) beaches, usually a little further removed from residential areas. Thong bikinis (more commonly called g-string bikinis in Australia as thongs refer to flip-flop footwear) are fine on all beaches and some outdoor pools for women and men, although they are not as common as conventional beachwear. Some outdoor pools have a "top required" policy for women. Cover up a little more when visiting places of worship such as churches. In warm conditions casual "t-shirt and shorts" style clothing predominates except in formal situations. Business attire, however, is considered to be long sleeved shirt, tie, and long trousers for men, even in the hottest weather. Using [[Australian slang|Australian stereotypical expressions]] may be viewed as an attempt to mock, rather than to communicate. If you pull it off well, you might raise a smile. Australians are often self-deprecating; however, it is rude to ever agree with a self-deprecating remark. Boasting about achievements is rarely received well. Social classes do not feature as prominently in Australia as they do in many other countries, and you will notice that tradespeople and manual labourers are very well paid and accorded a lot more respect in Australia than elsewhere. Be careful not to imply that you are looking down on people whose jobs may be considered menial by the standards of other countries. Service workers, including hotel staff, waiters, cleaners, taxi drivers and shop employees, expect that customers will treat them as equals. Most Australians are happy to help out a lost traveller with directions, however many urban dwellers will assume that someone asking "excuse me", is asking for money, and may brush past. Looking lost, holding a map, looking like a backpacker or getting to the point quickly helps. ===Indigenous Australians === [[File:Ayers Rock 2004 - panoramio (2).jpg|thumb|Uluru]] [[Indigenous Australian culture|Aboriginal Australians]] likely arrived in the Australian landmass 65,000 years ago and number over half a million people today. They have faced significant discrimination over the years since European settlement took their traditional lands, and sensitivity should be given at all times. Aboriginal people actually come from many different 'nations' with distinctive cultures and identities that spoke up to 250 different languages before European settlement. Many areas of Aboriginal land are free to enter. Some areas carry a request from the Aboriginal people not to enter, and you may choose yourself whether or not to honour or respect that request. Uluru holds great spiritual significance to the Anangu people, who live in the area; while climbing it used to be a popular tourist activity, it has been '''illegal''' since October 2019. The Anangu feel themselves responsible if someone is killed or injured on their land (as has happened many times during the climb), so please keep off. Some Aboriginal land requires permission or a permit, and some areas are protected and illegal to enter. You should check before making plans to travel off the beaten track. Permits are usually just a formality for areas which regularly see visitors, or if you have some other business in the area you are travelling through. Often they are just an agreement to respect the land you are travelling on as Aboriginal land. Some Aboriginal Land Councils make them available online. If you need to refer to race, the politically correct term is ''Indigenous Australians''. ''Aboriginal people'' is usually okay and referring to sacred sites and land as Aboriginal sites, or Aboriginal land is okay too, though these terms only refer to people indigenous to mainland Australia or Tasmania. Avoid using ''Aboriginal'' as a noun to describe a person, as some people see negative connotations in this. The terms "Aborigine" or "Abo" are deeply offensive and should never be used. The word ''native'' generally not a preferred term, but reasonably acceptable – just use ''indigenous'' instead. People indigenous to the [[Torres Strait Islands]] do not identify as "Aboriginal", as they are more ethnically Melanesian than their southern neighbours; just stick to the term ''Torres Strait Islander''. Other areas to consider when interacting with indigenous Australians are: * Australia Day is considered a day of invasion by many Aboriginal people, and consequential protests against that day is frequent. * It is best not to mention the name, nor show any image of a deceased person to an indigenous Australian. Though Aboriginal custom varies, it is best to avoid the possibility of offence. * Permission to photograph an Aboriginal person should always be asked, but in particular in the more remote areas such as [[Arnhem Land]] and [[Northern Territory]]. * Avoid disrespecting sacred Aboriginal places like climbing on Uluru or the Three Sisters etc. While this may sound obvious that it's disrespectful, the number of indigenous sites that have been damaged, vandalised, or even destroyed by tourists is quite unimaginable. * While indigenous Australians have been given equal rights on paper, they are still often arrested or pulled over by a cop for things that a non-indigenous person wouldn't usually get arrested for. Talking about this subject may be highly sensitive, and to this day, there's a case every now and then of Aboriginal people, particularly children getting assaulted by police. This topic should be '''avoided whenever possible'''. ===Religion=== Contemporary Australian society is rather secular, and only a minority of Australians go to church regularly. Most Australians are tolerant towards people of all faiths, and people wearing religious attires such as hijabs, kippahs or crucifixes will in general not face harassment although Islamophobia does exist. Attempting to proselytise or inconveniencing others with your religion, however, will more often than not result in a negative response. This includes diets, and often people who have dietary restrictions get given a frown, particularly in rural Australia, although in urban areas, it is more tolerated. ===British legacy=== It can be very offensive to some, saying that Australia is or was a British country or that the culture is based solely on that of the UK. Australia is an independent country and Australians have many origins from all over the world, including most of the locals. It has a culture a bit similar to that of Europe, but there are a lot of things that are uniquely Australian and some that are brought from other countries of the world, not to forget the heavy American influence. ==Stay safe== ===Emergencies=== The number '''[tel:000 000]''' (called 'triple zero' or 'triple oh') can be dialled from any telephone in Australia free of charge. This number will connect you with the police, fire brigade, coastguard or ambulance service after you tell the emergency operator which service you need. If you want to contact these services but the situation is not an emergency, don't call 000: you can call the police assistance line on [tel:131444 131 444]. This includes requesting a call out for noise complaints. Poisons information advice, which can also advise on snake, spider and insect bites, is available on [tel:131126 131 126]. Information on locating the nearest medical services can be obtained by calling [tel:1800022222 1800 022 222] (except for Tasmania). If you require assistance during a flood, storm, cyclone, tsunami, earthquake or other natural disaster you can contact the State Emergency Service in each state (except for Northern Territory) on [tel:132500 132 500]. You will be connected with your local unit and help can be organised from there. If the emergency is life-threatening, call 000 instead. You can dial 000 from all mobile phones. Mobile phones sold in Australia recognise it as the emergency number and will use any available network to place the call. However, if you have a phone obtained outside Australia, using the universal emergency number '''[tel:112 112]''' is a better idea. Using 112 will use any available network, will work even if your phone is not roaming, and will work even if the phone does not have a SIM. 112 works from Australian purchased phones too. Hearing or speech impaired people with TTY equipment can dial '''[tel:106 106]'''. Those with Internet connectivity can use the [http://www.relayservice.com.au Internet Relay Service, via the website]. Calls from fixed line (landline) phones may be traced to assist the emergency services to reach you. The emergency services have limited ability to trace the origin of emergency calls from mobile phones, especially outside of urban areas, so be sure to calmly and clearly provide details of your location. Because of the number sequence for emergency calls, around 60% of calls to the emergency numbers are made in error. Nobody will likely respond to your call unless you can effectively communicate to the operator that you need assistance. If you are in need of assistance, but cannot speak, you will be diverted to an IVR and asked to press '''55''' to confirm that you are in need of assistance and have not called by accident. Your call will then be connected to the police. Except for 112 from a mobile, emergency numbers from other countries (for example, '911', '17' or '100') '''do not work''' in Australia. ===Driving=== Keep a sense of perspective. Tourists are far more likely to be killed or injured as pedestrians, drivers or passengers on Australian roads than all the other causes of death and injury combined. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Most states use a prescribed standard of alcohol in the blood to determine whether driving is criminal. The prescribed (allowed) content ranges from zero to 0.05. Random breath testing for blood and alcohol is carried out. Australia is a huge country and driving between cities and towns can take longer than you expect, especially if you are used to freeway or motorway driving in Europe, Asia or North America. While the major highways are comparable to those overseas, secondary highways in rural areas need to be treated with some care. Speed limits vary by location, road and by state. Avoid the stresses of fatigue by not planning to drive too far in a day. Authorities strongly recommend a break (with some walking outside the car) every two hours. Often, there are designated rest stops on numbered M, A routes as well as National Highways and Routes, but they are almost non existent on unpaved highways, state routes, B or C highways. Driving between towns and cities comes with a risk of hitting or crashing due to swerving to avoid wildlife. Kangaroos have a habit of being spooked by cars and then, bewilderingly, jumping in front of them. Take extra care when driving through areas with vegetation close to the road and during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. Wildlife is not usually an issue in major urban areas (with the exception of Canberra where a series of parks provides ample habitat for kangaroos, which often cross major roads). Urban Australians jaywalk, dodge cars, and anticipate the sequence of lights. Although most drivers will stop for a red light, running the amber light is common, so ensuring the traffic has stopped before stepping from the curb is always a good idea. People from countries that drive on the right will take a while to get used to looking the correct way when crossing. ===Beaches=== [[File:Lifeguard, Sydney, Australia.jpg|thumb|A lifeguard at Bondi Beach in Sydney]] <!-- There are links to this section from other beach going sections in Australia city and district articles. Please leave this heading intact, unless there is a good reason to change it. Please add information here that is common to beaches across Australia --> Around 10–20 overseas travellers drown in Australia each year. Most of these drownings occur at ocean beaches, where statistics put visitors at significantly higher risk than locals. Check the [http://www.beachsafe.org.au Beach Safety website]. Beach goers should '''swim between the red and yellow flags''' which designate patrolled areas. Beaches are not patrolled 24-hours a day or even during all daylight hours. In most cases the local volunteer surf lifesavers or professional lifeguards are only available during certain hours, and at some beaches only on weekends, and often only during summer. If the flags aren't up, then there's no one patrolling. Many beaches in rural areas aren't patrolled at all. If you choose to swim, be aware of the risks, check conditions, stay within your depth, and don't swim alone. Many beaches in Australia have a sudden drop off which can take non-swimmers by surprise. If in doubt, ask the locals. Hard surfboards and other water craft such as surf skis, kayaks etc., are '''not''' permitted between the red and yellow flags. These craft must only be used outside of the blue 'surfcraft permitted' flags. Australian ocean beaches can sometimes have strong rips that even the strongest swimmers cannot swim against. Rips are almost-invisible channels of water flowing away from the beach. Many locals can spot rips, so if in doubt, ask. These channels take out the water which the incoming surf waves bring into shore. Beach goers can mistakenly use these channels or areas since they can appear as calm water and look to be an easier area into which to swim. Problems arise when the swimmer tries to swim back into shore against the outgoing current or rip, tire quickly, and end up drowning. Rips can be recognised by one or more of these signs: a rippled appearance when the surrounding water is fairly calm; foam that extends beyond the break zone; brown, sandy coloured water; waves breaking further out on either side of the rip. If you are caught in a rip at a patrolled beach, conserve your energy, float or tread water and raise one hand. The surf lifesavers will come out to you. Don't wait until you are so tired you can't swim any more. You will probably find that local swimmers or surfers will also quickly come to your aid. Usually the flags are positioned where there are no rips, but this isn't always the case as rips can move. If you are caught in a rip at an unpatrolled beach stay calm to conserve energy and swim '''parallel''' to the beach (not against the pull of the current). Most rips are only a few metres wide, and once clear of the undertow, you will be able to swim or catch a wave to return to shore. '''Never swim alone.''' Don't think that the right technique will get you out of every situation. In the surf out the back of the beach, treading water can be hard with waves pounding you every few seconds. Unless you have seen it happen, it's hard to appreciate how quickly a rip can take you 50 m out to sea and into much larger wave breaks. If you are at an unpatrolled surf beach, proceed with great caution and never go out of your depth. Beach signs often have a number or an alphanumeric code on them. This code can be given to emergency services if required so they can locate you quickly. [[#Crocodiles|Crocodiles]] and [[#Jellyfish|Box Jellyfish]] are found on tropical beaches, depending on the time of year and area. Sharks occur on many of Australia's beaches. See the section below on dangerous creatures. Patrolled beaches will be monitoring the ocean for any shark activity. If you hear a continuous siren go off at the beach and a red and a red and white quartered flag is waved or held out of the tower, it indicates a shark sighting, so make your way to shore. Once it is clear, a short blast of the siren will be sounded, which usually means that it is safe to return to the water. ===Natural disasters=== As a large country, Australia is affected by a range of natural disasters. ====[[Cyclones]]==== Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) occur in the tropics (the northern part) of Australia between November and April, and you should understand how a tropical cyclone may impact you during the tropical wet season. The impact of cyclones varies with their intensity and your proximity to them. Weak cyclones may just cost you a day or two of your holiday to rain and wind while you stay indoors in your hotel, and an hour's drive from the cyclone's centre can still have good weather. More severe tropical cyclones can be deadly to the unprepared, may force you to evacuate and can seriously disrupt your travel plans. Even low intensity cyclones or tropical depressions in more remote areas can close roads for days to weeks at a time. On average, a town in the tropics experiences a tropical cyclone every 30 years or so. The sparseness of population in Australia's north and north-west (where cyclones are most prevalent) means that many cyclones pass the coast with little impact on towns. Still, if you are planning to travel to the tropics during cyclone season, you should understand and review the [http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml Bureau of Meteorology's information page] before you set out, and keep a general eye on the page while you travel for early alerts of any problems developing. ====Floods==== In the tropical north the ''Wet Season'' occurs over the summer months of December, January and February, bringing torrential rains and frequent floods to those regions. It is not unusual for some coastal areas to be cut off for a day or two while the water recedes. It can still be a good time to visit some of the well populated, tourist-oriented areas, and, except in unusually heavy flooding, you can still get to see the pounding waterfalls and other attractions that can make this an interesting time to visit. Floods in outback and inland Australia are rare, occurring decades apart, so you would be unlucky to encounter them. However, if you are planning to visit the inland or the outback and the area is flooded, then you should reconsider. The land is flat, so the water can take weeks to move on, leaving the land boggy. Insects and mosquitoes go crazy with all the fresh water pooling around, and these things eat insect repellent for breakfast and are still hungry. Roads close, often adding many hours to driving times. Many attractions often lie on a short stretch of dirt road off the main highways, and these sections become impassable, even if the main road remains open. Plan to return in a few weeks, and the land will still be green, the lakes and rivers will still be flowing, and the bird life will still be around. The wettest period for the south of the country is usually around the winter months of June, July, and August. There is rarely enough rain at one time to cause flooding. The capital cities are rarely, if ever, significantly affected by floods. ====== Flash floods ====== Flash flooding occurs in many eastern cities at least once a year, generally in summer, and is a nuisance. However, stay inside and follow the advice of SES and ABC local radio. Never attempt to drive in flood waters, dozens of cars are destroyed every year by the thought "it's not that deep". You don't want to be the person floating under that bridge waiting for the police to rescue you. Flash flooding often brings large hail, which can damage cars. Seek undercover (not underground) car parking. It is usually predictable. You'll generally hear grumblings about a storm coming from locals, and [http://www.bom.gov.au/ bom.gov.au] will list a severe weather warning. ====Water supply==== Australia is a very dry country with large areas of '''desert''', and can also get very hot. When travelling in remote areas, away from paved roads, where the potential to become stranded for up to a week without seeing another vehicle is very real, it is vital that you carry your own water supply (4 gal or 7 L per person per day). Do not be misled by entries on maps such as 'well' or 'spring' or 'tank' (or any entry suggesting that there is a body of water). Nearly all are dry, and most inland lakes are dry salt pans. Many cities and towns have water restrictions, limiting use of water in activities like washing cars, watering gardens, or public showers. It is common to see signs in accommodation asking visitors to limit the length of their showers. It is common for many regional towns public bathrooms water supply to be non-potable. Do not drink from a tap labeled "Do not drink" or "Non-potable", as this is generally just untreated groundwater. ====[[Earthquakes]]==== Although Australia is not located on any plate boundaries, earthquakes occur from time to time. These are usually minor and very rarely cause major damage or fatalities. ===Bushfires=== '''[[Wildfires|Bushfires]]''' are a seasonal danger in many parts of Australia - and if you're venturing out into the bushland or rural areas it pays to check the fire danger and the status of any bushfire activity first. Although most fires are quickly controlled, on very hazardous fire days, bushfires can be life-threatening - especially if on foot, or not having the protection of a substantial building. If you are caught in a bushfire, most fires will pass over quickly. You need to find shelter that will protect you from the smoke and radiant heat. A house is best, then a car, then a clearing, a cave, or on the beach is the best location. Wet everything that you can. Stay low and cover your mouth. Cover yourself with non-flammable (woollen) clothing or blankets, and reduce the skin directly exposed to the heat. If you have access to a tap gather water early; don't rely on water pressure as the fire front approaches. The Fire Danger Rating (pictured to the right) tells you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. '''It is not a predictor of how likely a bushfire is to occur.'''[[File:WA fire danger sign Wyalkatchem.jpg|thumb|Fire danger signs are located across Australia]] * Severe: Hot, dry and windy conditions. A fire that starts in these conditions may be uncontrollable. Only well prepared buildings that are actively defended can provide safety. Leave at the first sign of fire. * Extreme: Hot dry and windy conditions. Any fires that start and take hold will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Only homes & buildings built to withstand bushfires that are well prepared and actively defended may provide safety. Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass, It is recommended to leave such areas to ensure you are not caught up in a bushfire. * Catastrophic/code red: These are the worst conditions possible for a bush or grass fire. Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass. It is highly advisable to leave forested and bushy areas. It is worth noting that many locals will leave their outback homes to seek refuge in large towns for the entire day, on the few days per year designated as "Catastrophic". ==== National parks and state forests ==== If the fire risk is extreme or higher, national parks may be closed, especially the backcountry areas, so you will need to have an alternative plan if you intend to camp or hike in parks during summer. If there is a fire in a park, it will usually be closed entirely. If you are staying in a park or forest during an extreme fire danger period the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day. If you learn of a fire, or see smoke, take action quickly. ==== Travelling during active fires or during the fire season ==== If you are driving outside of cities during bushfire season, tune in to [https://www.abc.net.au/local/ local ABC radio]. During a bushfire or any other ongoing emergency, every thirty minutes a warning siren will sound, followed by an update on the current bushfire situation in that area. You may receive evacuation warnings on your phone. Emergency and bushfire management is a state responsibility in Australia - so find the website or app appropriate for the state you are in. Websites such as [https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/ Emergency WA] and [https://emergency.vic.gov.au/ VicEmergency] list all current emergencies in their respective states and are often the most up-to-date method of getting information about a current emergency. '''It is possible that you will get yourself into a situation where it becomes too late to leave.''' During the bushfire season, have a plan consisting of two escape routes, and the ability to pack what you need quickly. Shopping Centres or Main streets of built up towns are safe locations to be in during Extreme or Code Red days, unless you hear otherwise via radio. Entire country towns can sometimes be evacuated when there is a bushfire threatening them. Often there can be no signs of the fire at evacuation time, but you should leave early, as evacuating through a fire front is dangerous. The best advice is just to move on, and not stay around to watch. ==== Lighting fires ==== Make sure any fires you light are legal and kept under control. The fire service operates a '''total fire ban''' system during periods of extreme fire danger. When a total fire ban is in place all outdoor fires are forbidden. Most parks will advertise a ban, and it is your responsibility to check the local fire danger levels. Fines or even jail terms apply for lighting fires that get out of control, not to mention the feeling you may get at being responsible for the property, wildlife, and person damage that you may cause. ===Venomous and dangerous creatures=== {{seealso|Pests}} Although Australia is home to many of the deadliest species of insects, reptiles and marine life on the planet, the traveller is unlikely to encounter any of these in an urban environment, and even in the bush these creatures try to avoid humans for the most part. The vast majority of deaths from bites and stings in Australia are due to allergic reactions to bees and wasps. Some of the information spread about Australia's dangerous wildlife is blown out of proportion, often jokingly by Australians themselves. However, you should take warnings about jellyfish and crocodiles seriously in the tropics, and keep your distance from snakes in the national parks and bushland. If travelling in rural areas it would be a good idea to carry basic first aid equipment including compression bandages and to learn what to do after a snake or spider bite. ====Snakes ==== It's not common to encounter snakes in urbanised areas in Australia, but they are common in grassland, national parks and other bushland. Snakes will generally try to put as much distance between themselves and you as possible, so if you see a snake while out walking, simply go around it or walk the other way. Walking blindly into dense bush and grassy areas is not advisable, as snakes may be hiding there. For the most part, snakes fear humans and will be long gone before you ever get the chance to see them. '''Never''' try to pick up any snake, even if you believe it to be a non-venomous species. Most people bitten by snakes were trying to pick up the snake or kill the creature, or inadvertently step on one while out walking. Australia has some snakes that are deadly. So treat all snakes with respect, and seek medical treatment urgently for any snake bite. Take a first-aid kit suitable for snake-bites if you are going off the beaten track. If bitten you should immobilise the wound by wrapping the affected area tightly with strips of clothing or bandages and seek immediate medical help. Do not clean the wound as venom residues can be tested to determine the anti-venom to use. If you are in an isolated area send someone else for help. The venom of some snakes (the taipan in particular) can take effect within fifteen minutes, but if the wound is immediately immobilised and you rest it is possible to delay the onset of the venom spreading by one to a few hours. Polyvalent anti-venoms are available in most hospitals that contain anti-venom for all dangerous Australian snakes. ====Spiders==== [[File:Atrax robustus.jpg|thumb|Sydney funnel-web spider in a warning posture]] Although famous for its arachnids, fatalities from spiders in Australia are extremely rare. It is common to see spiders in Australia, and most will do you no harm. Wear gloves while gardening or handling leaf litter. Check or shake out clothing, shoes, etc. that have been left outside before putting them on. Don't put your fingers under rocks or into tree holes, where spiders might be. Some spiders are commonly found inside buildings and homes, including the large and hairy Huntsman spiders, that are generally harmless, and reduce insect pests like cockroaches. The large spider webs strung between trees occupied by garden or orb weaving spiders are more an annoyance than a danger. However, some spiders are also very dangerous. The world's most venomous spider is the '''Sydney Funnel-Web spider''', found in and around Sydney and eastern New South Wales - usually under rocks and leaf litter. The spider is anywhere up to 5&nbsp;cm large, and is usually black. If you are in an area that is known for having Funnel-Web spiders and you are bitten by a spider that you believe could be a Funnel-Web it is important you get to hospital as quickly as possible. The Funnel-Web spends most of its time underground (it can typically live for only 30 minutes outside a humid hole) and therefore you are very unlikely to encounter one walking around. The last confirmed fatality was in 1979. The '''Red Back spider''' (usually easily identified by a red mark on its abdomen) is common and after a bite it is important to seek medical attention, although it is not as urgent as with a Funnel-Web. Red Backs typically hide in dark places and corners. It is highly unusual to see them indoors; however, they can hide in sheds, around outdoor tables and chairs and under rocks or other objects sitting on the ground. First aid treatment for spider bites may vary in Australia compared to other areas of the world. Always seek medical advice after a bite has occurred. If possible, you should attempt to identify the creature that bit you. Take a photo or trap it so that the appropriate anti-venom can be administered swiftly. But don't risk getting bitten again. ====Jellyfish==== Travellers in northern [[Queensland]], the [[Northern Territory]], or northern [[Western Australia]] should be aware of the risk of fatal stings from the '''Box Jellyfish''' if swimming in the ocean between October and May. They are very hard to detect and can be found in very shallow water. Stings from these jellyfish are 'excruciating' and often fatal. Vinegar applied immediately to adhering tentacles will lessen the amount of venom injected, but immediate medical assistance will be required. The danger season varies by location. In general the jellyfish are found close to shore, as they reproduce in the estuaries. They are not generally found out on the Great Barrier Reef, and many people swim on the reef without taking any precautions. Seek out reliable local information. Some locals at the beach can be cavalier to the risks. '''Irukandji''' are another species of tiny (fingernail sized) jellyfish that inhabit the waters off Northern Australia and the surrounding Indo-Pacific islands. They are also very hard to see, and can be dangerous, although stings are rare. Unlike the box jellyfish they are found out on the reef. The initial sting can go unnoticed. There is debate as to whether they can be fatal, but they certainly can place a victim in hospital, and cause extreme pain lasting days. If you have nausea or shooting pains shortly after emerging from the water seek medical treatment. A "stinger-suit" that is resistant to jellyfish stings costs around $100 or can be hired for around $20 a week. ====Blue ring octopus==== Found in rock pools around the coasts of Australia is the tiny Blue Ring Octopus. Usually a dull sandy-beige colour, the creature has bright blue circles on its skin if threatened. The Blue Ring Octopus is rare and shy. Avoid placing your hand under rocks or in crevaces in rock pools or near the shore as this is where they tend to hide. Most locals do the same. It has a powerful paralysing toxin which can cause death unless artificial respiration is provided. In the history of Australia there are only two confirmed deaths by Blue Ring Octopus. ====Crocodiles==== [[File:Crocodylus porosus - Daintree River.jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodile]] Travellers in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory or north Western Australia should be aware of the risk of fatal attacks by '''saltwater crocodiles''' in and adjacent to northern waters (ocean, estuarine and fresh water locations) between King Sound, Western Australia, and Rockhampton, Queensland. Saltwater crocodiles in these areas can reach 25 feet in length and can attack in water without warning. Despite what their name implies, they can be found in both salt and fresh water. On land, crocodiles usually lie motionless, but they have the ability to move with extraordinary speed in short bursts. There are relatively few attacks causing injury – most attacks are fatal. Dangerous swimming areas will usually have prominent warning signs. In these regions only swim in inland waters if you are specifically advised that they are safe. Since 1970 there has been about one crocodile attack on a human each year. The smaller '''freshwater crocodile''' is, unlike the saltwater, timid and will avoid humans if possible. The freshwater may attack to defend itself or its eggs or if startled. They can inflict a nasty bite but due to their small jaws and teeth this will rarely cause death in humans. ====Dangerous flora==== '''The Gympie bush''' (''Dendrocnide moroides''), also known as the stinging tree, is a stinging plant, whose microscopic stinging hairs on leaves and branches can cause severe pain for up to several weeks. They are mostly found in northeast Queensland, especially in rain forest clearings. However, the Gympie bush and other closely related species (there are about five) of stinging tree can be found in southeast Queensland, and further south in eastern Australia. People bushwalking in such areas are advised not to touch the plant for any reason. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates in Australia are roughly comparable with other developed countries: few travellers will be victims of crime. You should take normal precautions against bag snatching, pick pocketing and the like. Some cities and towns have areas that can be dangerous at night, but these are generally off the tourist trail and highly unlikely for you to wander into by accident. Australian police are approachable and trustworthy, and you should report assaults, theft or other crime to the police as soon as possible. There are two types of police in Australia; the state/territorial police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Typically you will only interact with the state police, with the AFP being largely dedicated to very specific government-related roles, the exception being the Australian Capital Territory where the AFP is the main police force, operating under the name of ACT Policing. Under no circumstances should you offer an Australian police officer (or for that matter, any other government official such as a customs officer) a bribe or gratuity, as this is a crime and they will enforce the laws against it. When leaving your car alone, make sure it is locked, that the windows are rolled up, and that there are no obvious targets for theft in the vehicle, as thieves will often smash windows to get at a phone, GPS or bag that is visible in the car. ===Racism=== Australia is outwardly a multicultural and racially tolerant society and there are strong laws that prohibit hate speech and other forms of discrimination on grounds of race. Nevertheless, racism is still a sensitive subject for a nation still not fully reconciled to its history of colonial occupation. Forced appropriation of Aboriginal lands along with formal discrimination, state-sanctioned racism and even forced separation of Aboriginal children (known as the Stolen Generations) from their families extended well into the 20th century. Gradual change throughout the last century saw the abandonment of the white-only immigration policy, citizenship for the Aboriginal people, and the establishment of large communities of Asian, Middle Eastern and African origin. However, to this day, Aboriginal people are still discriminated against, and while on paper, they have equal rights, they are often charged for things that a white person would usually not. Visitors to Australia are fortunately unlikely to encounter random incidents of racial abuse. If it does happen then you can report it to the police and expect action to be taken. Violent incidents are even rarer. Words referring to racial background can be used between friends of different ethnic groups, but it is '''strongly advised not to try them out yourself'''. You may well hear Pom (British), Yank (American), Paki (Indian sub-continent), Wog (of southern European or middle-eastern) and Curry Muncher (South Indian) being used. In particular British people would regard some of these terms as particularly racist, but they are used far more casually in Australia. '''''Never''''' refer to Aboriginal people as "Abo's", "native tribes" or "Noogas" - as it is regarded as a highly racist term. There are anti-immigration and anti-multicultural groups that operate in Australian society, for the most part agitating against the immigration of people from Muslim and African countries. As a visitor you would be unlikely to come into contact with them, although if it's late at night in a pub, and you start prodding people for their racial views, then all bets are off - be prepared for anything. The western suburbs of Melbourne has experienced some violent crime involving youths of African descent, which in turn has been greatly exaggerated by much of the local media and many politicians, fuelling racist sentiments. It is not offensive to use ''Aussie'' (Ozzie) to describe Australian people, but it isn't a term Australians generally use to self-identify. They are more likely to apply it to things (Aussie Rules, etc.) than to themselves. When the chant of Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oi Oi Oi goes up at an international sporting event, some Australians will cringe, and others will join in. Often this depends on their own perceived social standing, or their state of inebriation, or both. And while Australia may seem multicultural in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Hobart or Canberra; rural areas are usually less so and stick to their Anglo-Celtic roots. People who do not look Aussie on the outside are often subject to racism, though this is usually targeted at immigrants (often those of Vietnamese, Middle Eastern or Somali descent) rather than tourists. ===Scams=== Attempts to [[Common scams|scam]] tourists are not prevalent in Australia; take normal precautions such as finding out a little bit about your destination. There have been rare instances of criminals tampering with ATMs so that cash is trapped inside them, or so that they record card details for thieves. You should check your transaction records for odd transactions after using an ATMs and immediately contact the bank controlling the ATM if a transaction seems to be successful but the machine doesn't give you any cash. Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent any skimming devices which have cameras recording your PIN. ATM Skimming is rare and easily avoided by using ATMs from trusted banks (ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac, Nab), or ATMs located inside a bank "gallery" which are generally open 24/7 but are more secure than an outdoor ATM. Additionally, the ATO will never try and ask you to pay off your debts with Spotify or iTunes gift cards, and this ongoing scams have been targeting especially the elderly and those who are unaware of it. If you go to a Coles, Woolies, Myer, Target, Big W, Kmart etc. there will be warning notices at all checkouts, and it can never hurt to read it. ===Illegal drugs=== Opium, heroin, amphetamines (speed), cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, marijuana and hashish among other drugs are all illegal to possess and to sell in all jurisdictions of Australia. Trafficking offences carry a long jail term, and in serious cases can even lead to life imprisonment. Australia shares information on drug trafficking with other countries, even those with the death penalty. Penalties for possession or sale of small amounts of marijuana are typically lower than for other drugs, and vary between states. In South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory jail terms do not apply to first time marijuana offences. Some states can issue on-the-spot fines for small amounts of marijuana whereas others always require a court appearance. Foreigners should not expect more lenient treatment than locals from Australian police for drug offences. Driving while under the influence of drugs is a serious offence, and doing so will invariably lead to arrest and prosecution, and in serious cases even a jail sentence. '''Do not under any circumstances attempt to bring illicit drugs into Australia''', including marijuana; this is strictly illegal and punishable with long jail terms of up to life in prison, and customs officers often employ dogs to sniff drugs out of arriving passengers' luggage. Dogs can even tell that you smoked marijuana from the day before you flew to Australia, so you may be held back for some long questioning. Australia's proximity to [[Asia]] means that heroin is a far more commonly used illicit drug than cocaine or crack cocaine. In some areas of large cities you will need to be careful of discarded needles: however these will generally be found in back streets rather than in popular tourist spots. ===Firearms=== Firearm ownership is rare in Australia, with strict licensing requirements resulting in gun ownership being typically limited to hunters and farmers in rural areas, as well as sport shooters. Criminal gangs sometimes carry illegal firearms in urban areas, although it is unlikely that travellers will run into them. It is very difficult to bring firearms into Australia, with a police permit required for each federal state to be visited ''before'' arrival. ===Gay and lesbian travellers=== {{see also|LGBT travel}} Australia has an equal age of consent set at 16 for all states except Tasmania and South Australia where the age is 17. Same sex marriage is legal in Australia, having been passed into law in December 2017 after the nation strongly voted for it (with 61% choosing change) in a national postal survey. Attitudes to homosexuality are similar to those found in most Western countries. Although inner Sydney is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, caution is still advisable in conservative rural areas, including rural parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Australia has outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and legal recourse may be available should you experience discrimination. Police assistance may be difficult to obtain in remote and rural areas for discrimination. Sydney is Australia's gay capital, and hosts one of the world's most famous gay pride festivals - the [http://www.mardigras.org.au Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras] - annually during February and March. The festival culminates in a huge parade through central Sydney which attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators. [[Alice Springs]] celebrates the "Alice Is Wonderland Festival", a gay and lesbian pride festival in late April/early May. [[Melbourne]] has a "[http://www.pridemarch.com.au/ Pride March]" every year on the first Sunday of February. ==Stay healthy== ===Skin=== [[File:Sunbaker maxdupain nga76.54.jpg|thumbnail|"Sunbaker" from 1937 is one of the most widely recognised of all Australian photographs.]] Exposure to the sun at Australian latitudes frequently results in '''[[sunburn]]''', and Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Getting sunburnt can make you feel feverish and unwell and may take a few days or weeks to heal depending on the severity. It means you can't go back out into the sun until the sunburn fades, so getting sunburnt on the first day of your beach holiday can seriously reduce the fun of your trip. It can take as little as 15 minutes to burn in Australia on a fine summer's day, even in shaded outdoor areas. You should wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), clothing, and a hat to shade the sun. Re-apply sunscreen every 2–3 hours throughout the day as it wears off quickly if you are sweating or swimming. Make sure to cover all parts of your body. UV radiation in the middle of the day can be double what it is in the early morning or later afternoon, so if possible avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day. [http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/uv/index.shtml Daily UV forecasts] are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology online. '''Spray On Sunscreen''' from an aerosol bottle is popular because of its ease of use, however it is far less effective than tradition sunscreen. If you are heading to the beach, consider buying a sun-tent (less than $20 from discount and hardware stores). You generally can't hire beach umbrellas at Australian beaches, and they are very exposed. ===Food preparation=== Australia has high hygiene standards, with restaurants required to observe strict food preparation standards. [[Food poisoning]] rates are comparable to other first world nations. ===Water=== The '''[[tap water]]''' in urban Australia is always safe to drink. Occasionally you may encounter recycled water taps which are for watering plants and not drinking; these should be coloured purple. Public drinking fountains and bottle refill stations are common in cities and at tourist attractions. The taste and hardness of the tap water will vary considerably across the country. Some cities such as Adelaide rely on ground water supplies that have an unpleasant taste, but are perfectly safe. Many households use water purifier jugs. Bottled water is also widely available. Carrying water on hot days is a good idea in urban areas, and it is a necessity if hiking or driving out of town. Remoter areas in the outback may not have treated drinking water on tap. At sites where tap water is untreated, water sterilization tablets may be used as an alternative to boiling. If driving long distances on infrequently trafficked roads it is essential to carry drinking water. This is absolutely necessary in hotter areas and on dirt roads or tracks. It is rare that someone does not die of thirst in outback Australia in any year. It is recommended that in event of a breakdown you stay with the car for shade and to increase your chances of being found. Before long-distance touring seek specific advice on calculating how much water to carry for the proposed journey and allowing for breakdowns. ===Vaccinations=== Australia does not have endemic communicable diseases that will require non-standard vaccinations. Like many other countries, it will require evidence of [[yellow fever]] vaccinations on entry if you will have been in a country with a risk of infection within 6 days before your arrival in Australia. ===Mosquitoes=== Mosquitoes are present all year round in the tropics, and during the summer in southern areas. Screens on windows and doors are common, and repellent is readily available. Ross River Virus is spread by mosquitoes in the tropics, and can make you sick for a few weeks. There have been cases of [[dengue fever]], for which no specific treatment exists. Malaria is not present in mainland Australia. ===Medical care=== [[File:VH-FDE (16640399301).jpg|thumb|Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft]] As described above, '''000''' is the Australian emergency services number and in any medical emergency you should call this number and ask for an ambulance and other emergency services as necessary, to attend. Australia has first world medical standards. In particular, it is safe to receive blood transfusions in Australia, as donors are screened for HIV, hepatitis and many other blood borne illnesses. Australia's population density is low; parts of Australia are a long way from medical facilities of any kind. Many of these areas are served by the '''[http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/ Royal Flying Doctor Service]'''. Small towns with populations of 5,000 or more will have a small hospital capable of giving emergency treatment. Larger towns will have a base hospital capable of routine and some kinds of emergency surgery. In some cases you may need to be evacuated to one of the capital cities for specialist treatment. Capital cities will have medical centres where you can drop in, often open on weekends or until late. In country towns you may have to make an appointment and may have no alternative other than the closest hospital after hours and weekends. You can also expect to wait a few hours if your condition isn't urgent. * {{listing | name=Poisons Information Hotline | phone=13 11 26 (in country only) | content=Give free advice if any medication or poisons are taken inadvertently. They will also give advice on what treatment is necessary for things like a spider bite. However, if you think you are in any immediate danger, call '000' for an ambulance. }} ==== Medical costs and travel insurance ==== Australian citizens and permanent residents who live in Australia can receive health care through the taxpayer funded Medicare. Foreigners working or studying in Australia and without a reciprocal agreement are generally required to take up private health insurance as part of their visa conditions. Foreigners on a short visit will want to make sure their travel insurance is in order, as medical costs can be expensive for those not entitled to Medicare benefits. Medicare does not cover private hospitals or dental care, so you will need to obtain private health insurance to pay for these. Travellers from [[Belgium]], [[Finland]], [[Ireland]], [[Italy]], [[Malta]], the [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Norway]], [[Slovenia]], [[Sweden]] and the [[United Kingdom]] are entitled to free reciprocal Medicare treatment for medical problems that occur during their visit. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the conditions of the [http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/health-care-for-visitors-to-australia reciprocal arrangement with your country]. For example, Irish people and New Zealanders are only entitled to free treatment at a hospital, whereas the other reciprocal nationalities are entitled to subsidised treatment at general practitioners as well. No reciprocal programs cover private hospitals, and the full cost will have to be met by yourself or with [[travel insurance]]. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of a reciprocal agreement country then travel insurance is highly recommended. You can expect to pay around $80 to see a general practitioner, plus any additional costs for any pathology or radiology required. The charge to visit a local hospital can be much more expensive, private hospitals even more so. You can pay up to $500 even if you are not admitted, and possibly several thousand dollars if you are. Rescue and Royal Flying Doctor Services are provided for free, but evacuation or ambulance services can cost many thousands of dollars from a country town to a capital city, or from an island to the mainland. Even if you are an Australian citizen, ambulance and evacuation services are not provided free of charge. If an air-ambulance is required this can still cost thousands of dollars. Most health-insurance companies sell ambulance only cover valid Australia-wide. Ambulance membership programs may only cover you in your own state - check before travelling interstate. Domestic travel insurance does not usually cover medical or ambulance expenses. Medicare cover does not include ambulance costs (at least several hundred dollars) in the event of an emergency; only private insurance ''with ambulance cover'' will pay for this. Snake and spider bite anti-venom is very expensive. The cost can be well over $10,000 even if you don't need a stay in hospital. ==Connect== ===Internet=== Australia offers many Internet access options for travellers: '''Internet cafes''' are available in most tourist areas and normally cost $4–5 per hour. However, many internet cafes have 12-20 computers sharing a single broadband connection, sometimes making the internet painfully slow. If possible, ask if you can check the speed of a cafe's connection before forking out $4–5 for an hour. '''Public libraries''' usually offer some form of Internet access to travellers, either free or for a small fee. Some prohibit access to email, promoting research use of their facilities. Others offer Wi-Fi and terminals, with Wi-Fi usually being free of restrictions. '''Major hotels''' offer Internet access, usually for an exorbitant fee. Most youth hostels and backpacker accommodation have at least an Internet terminal at reception. Some other accommodation providers offer Wi-Fi to their guests, almost always with a charge. It is still common to find motels and other smaller hotels without any Internet offering to customers. * Many '''coffee shops''' offer Wi-Fi free to their customers. * McDonald's has free Wi-Fi in just about all their stores. * [https://hotspot.internode.on.net/coverage/index.php Internode] has free Wi-Fi hotspots, including much of Adelaide city centre. * Telstra has partnered with Fon to create an extensive network of WiFi hotspots around Australia that utilise Telstra telephone boxes and Telstra broadband customers to create hotspots that go by the name Telstra Air with the slogan 'Australia's largest WiFi Network'. Look for a distinctive white WiFi logo on solid pink and the words 'Telstra Air' to indicate major hotspots. The networks appear in WiFi lists as 'Telstra Air' or 'Fon WiFi'. Expect good coverage in city centre areas although it may require some searching to locate a hot spot outside of CBD areas. Hot spot maps are available on the Telstra and Fon websites. :*Access can be purchased for $6.60 for 1 hour, $10 for 1 day or $23 for 5 days. In major urban centres, you'll find free Wi-Fi in shopping malls and other large shops and increasingly on public transport: Sydney's ferries offer free Wi-Fi as do Adelaide's trams. ====3G/4G/5G wireless==== There are three mobile networks in Australia. All of them provide 3G/UMTS, 4G/LTE, and 5G mobile data services. As the data is carried over the mobile network, the advice about frequencies, obtaining SIMs and using a foreign device in the [[#Mobile Cellular Phones|Mobile Cellular Phones]] section applies. If you intend to use your phone with your home carrier, check with them for data roaming fees (likely quite expensive). If your handset isn't locked, it may be much cheaper to buy a local SIM. Several carriers offer prepaid mobile data access with no contract from around $20-30 per month with various bundles and inclusions. For around $50 you can get a USB modem or Wi-Fi dongle. There are thousands of plans available through hundreds of resellers. Using an internet comparison site will direct you to the best deals. === Radio and television === Australia has 2 national public broadcasters, the [http://www.abc.net.au/ ABC] and [https://www.sbs.com.au/ SBS]. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (or ABC) broadcasts Local Radio, Triple J (Youth/Indie music) and ABC Classic on AM/FM Radio as well as 5 TV channels. The Special Broadcasting Service (or SBS) broadcasts more ethnic, bilingual and cultural content on 6 TV channels and 2 analog radio stations. Both broadcasters are available in most populous areas but the ABC has a greater radio coverage. There are 3 free-to-air commercial TV networks, namely [https://au.tv.yahoo.com/ Seven], [https://www.nine.com.au/ Nine] and [https://tenplay.com.au/ Ten]; all or most are available in a majority of areas. In regional areas, affiliates such as WIN, Imparja, and Prime will carry feeds from major networks along with some local programming. You should expect to be able to receive and watch all these channels in almost all accommodation in towns and cities across Australia. On Pay TV operator is also available called Foxtel - transmitted by Cable, Satellite, and Internet. Some hotels will advertise free Foxtel, which means you should also be able to view the main international news channels and lots of light entertainment reruns. hey may also subscribe to a range of sports and movies, but you should check first. The bigger the city, the more radio stations you'll find. Country towns will often just have one commercial radio station and the [https://www.abc.net.au/local/ ABC]. If you're driving the distances between country towns, you can often lose all radio coverage. Download some music or podcasts for the trip before you leave. It's advisable to stay tuned to the ABC if travelling during emergencies or high bushfire risk periods. DAB+ Digital Radio is available in capital cities, but receivers aren't installed in cars or most accommodation. If you have a digital radio, you'll get a handful of extra music channels. ===Newspapers=== The main national broadsheet newspaper is '''[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ The Australian]''', with '''[http://www.afr.com/ The Australian Financial Review]''' focussing on financial and business news. There are also other newspapers that are published locally within their respective states, the most notable ones being ''[http://www.smh.com.au/ The Sydney Morning Herald]'' and ''[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ The Daily Telegraph]'', both based in Sydney, and ''[https://www.theage.com.au/ The Age]'' and ''[http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ Herald Sun]'', both based in Melbourne. ===Telephone=== ====Calling overseas from Australia==== The main international access code or prefix is '''0011'''. (When using a mobile phone the plus symbol "+" can be used instead of the 0011 prefix.) ====Dialling codes==== The country code for international calls to Australia is +61. When dialling from overseas, omit any leading '0' in the area code. The area code is optional when calling from the same area code area. [[Norfolk Island]] and Australian-Antarctic bases use the +672 code, not Australia's country code. See the specific articles. The "+" stands for the ''international dialling prefix'', 0011 if calling overseas from Australia, 00 in most of Europe, 011 in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]], substituted automatically on mobile phones and most other smart dialling devices. Australian area code list: * 02 = Central East (New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and north-eastern fringe of Victoria) * 03 = South East (Southern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania) * 04 = Mobile phones Australia-wide (higher call charges apply) * 07 = North East (Queensland and parts of Northern NSW) * 08 = Central & West (Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western New South Wales) There is also the "05" calling code which is for mobile numbers, but to this date, none have ever been implemented to this day. Local calls are free of charge. * If calling an Australian number from outside Australia, use the format +61880803300 (no "0" area code prefix; substitute the relevant international dialling prefix for the "+" if needed). * If making an international call from within Australia dial the ''international dialling prefix'' or "+", followed by the ''country code'', followed by destination ''area code'', followed by the ''local number'' at the destination. For most countries you need to omit the area code prefix (usually "0" as in Australia). For example, the local number for the [[Moree (New South Wales)|Moree]] tourist information is {{nowrap|6757-3350}}. The area code is 02 as Moree is in the Central East area code region. To dial the number from [[Sydney]] or anywhere else ''inside'' the same area code, just dial {{nowrap|6757-3350}}. To dial the number from [[Brisbane]] or anywhere in Australia ''outside'' the area code region, you will need to dial {{nowrap|02 6757-3350}}. If you don't know your area code region, you can include the area code, and it will work regardless of from where you are calling. To dial the number from overseas you will need to dial {{nowrap|+61 2 6757-3350}}. ====Special numbers==== * Numbers commencing with '''13''' are charged at a local call rate, and what they connect you to can vary according to your location. They can be 10 or 6 digit numbers. For example, 1300 796 222, will connect you with the [[Albury]] tourist information, no matter where you are in Australia. However, 131 008 will connect you with a different local taxi service depending on where you are. 13 22 32 will connect you to New South Wales Railways in Sydney or Victorian Railways in Melbourne. Calling these numbers internationally can be problematic. * Numbers commencing with '''18''' are free when dialled from a payphone or fixed phone, and commonly used for hotel reservation numbers, or tourist information numbers. * Numbers commencing with '''19''' are premium numbers, often with ''very'' hefty call charges (make sure you check before dialling). * Numbers commencing with '''12''' are carrier services, and are dependent on what network you are connected to. For example, '''12 456''' is a general information number for Telstra. Vodafone offer a similar services on '''123'''. These numbers can be premium services as well. Calling special numbers internationally can often work - just try dialling the number prefixed with the +61 country code. Many locations will give an alternative direct number for use in international dialling. Making reverse charge (collect) calls is very expensive and can be problematic. You can use 12550 from a Telstra public phone, or 1800 NO CASH from any phone. But you have to be calling a number that will accept the charges (usually a landline or mobile on a mainstream telco). ====Mobile cellular phones==== {{anchor|Mobile Cellular Phones}} Australia has cellular networks operated by [http://www.telstra.com.au Telstra], [http://www.optus.com.au Optus] and [http://www.vodafone.com.au Vodafone], and each of the networks have several resellers with different price plans. All three operate UMTS/HSPA (3G), LTE (4G), and 5G networks. There are no restrictions on overseas residents obtaining Australian prepaid SIM cards, although you may require some form of photo ID such as your passport for identification. 2G-only and CDMA phones (phones without a SIM card) will not work in Australia. All '''2G''' networks in Australia have been shut down. Telstra and Vodafone have '''3G HSPA+''' services on 850/2100&nbsp;MHz, and Optus on 900/2100&nbsp;MHz. These are still the greatest geographical range of service. '''4G LTE''' is widely available most centres on all carriers. Support for 4G band 28 (700 MHz) on newer phones is necessary to get good 4G coverage outside of major centres and better coverage in them. On '''5G''' Networks, all of Australia's networks run on the n78 frequencies with Optus running on n40 mid-band, n257 for high-band, and n1 for low-band; Telstra at n258 and n5, and Vodafone at n28. With foreign SIM cards, international roaming is generally seamless onto Australia's 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA) and 4G networks, depending on agreements between operators. 5G networks are different with frequencies and can vary with the compatibility of your phone. Check with your home operator before you leave. All major cities and their suburbs have decent coverage on all three networks, as do most significant country towns and inter-capital links. Telstra's 850&nbsp;MHz 3G network provides the best rural coverage (though it is also the most expensive), but unpopulated or sparsely populated areas away from major roads are unlikely to have service at all. If you are heading way out into the bush then a '''satellite phone''' may be your only option. Remember all mobile phones can be used for emergency calls on all networks, even if they don't have a local SIM or aren't roaming. This applies to satellite phones too. A cheap prepaid mobile phone with a SIM retails for around $40 in most Australian retail outlets, supermarkets, and post offices; a SIM alone for an existing phone is around $2–3. Prepaid credit is added using recharge cards available at all supermarkets, newsagents, some ATMs, and other outlets. You can buy a seemly infinite variety of packages, SIM cards, and phone bundles, with varied combinations of data, SMS and call time. Some carriers make calculating included calls difficult, by giving you a dollar "value" that is included in your package, and you then need to find the call, sms and data rates to calculate what is included. These rates can differ from plan to plan. Make sure the plan you choose includes what you need, because using data or making calls outside of the package allowance is often orders of magnitude more expensive. ===Satellite phones=== [[File:Telstra phonebox at Quinns.jpg|thumb|A typical Telstra payphone]] If you need comprehensive coverage in rural and remote areas, you can use a satellite phone. Iridium, Globalstar and Thuraya satellite services are available in Australia. Expect to pay around $120 per week to hire a satellite phone, plus call costs. Satellite messaging units, which send your location and a help SMS or email, can be hired for around $80 per week. These units are only available from specialist dealers, often only in major cities (away from the remote areas you may be visiting). You should be able to acquire or hire these units in your home country before departure if you wish. Satellite phones can be used to make emergency calls without a SIM card or subscription plan. The cheapest cost around $300, or just a little more than a PLB. === Public phones === Most towns and suburbs have at least one public phone. Most railway stations will have a public phone. All public phones in Australia are free for local calls to landlines and mobiles. International calls may be made using Telstra or third-party calling cards available from newsagents. Free text messages can be sent from any Telstra public phone, using the keypad in much the same way as an old-style mobile phone. Follow the instructions on the phone display. ===Post=== [[File:Australia Post boxes.jpg|thumb|Express (yellow) and normal (red) Australia Post street posting boxes]] '''[http://www.auspost.com.au Australia Post]''' runs Australia's postal service. Letters can be posted in any red Australia Post posting box, which are found at all post offices and many other locations. All stamps can be purchased from post offices, and some stamps can be purchased from newsagents and hotels. Posting a standard letter or postcard costs $1.10 within Australia (up to 250g), and between $2.50 and $3.70 internationally (up to 20g). Sending international letters up to 50g is cheaper in November & December, at $2.40, but the letter must have "card only" written on the front. 'Domestic' and 'international' stamps are different, as international is tax free, therefore, so make sure you use the right stamp. Parcels, express post and other services are also available. Addresses in Australia are generally formatted in the following way, which is similar to addresses in the United States and Canada <blockquote>Name of recipient<br/>(If needed) Unit number or building name<br/>House number and street name<br/>City or town, two or three-letter state abbreviation, postcode</blockquote> You can receive mail via ''Poste Restante'' in any city or town. Mail should be addressed to your full name c/o Post Restante. ID is needed to pick up your mail. {{isPartOf|Oceania}} {{guidecountry}} {{geo|-28|137|zoom=5}} 9t6kw7pk42a9vgkv04anqurk2rwghcm 4488162 4488154 2022-07-22T09:21:55Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Car rental */ cars are usually rented in Aus, not hired wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Uluru-Kata_Tjuta_banner_Uluru_Sunset.jpg | caption=Uluru glowing at sunset, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory|origin=0.3,0}} {{COVID-19 box|Australia has ended all remaining COVID-related entry restrictions. Facial coverings are still required on all flights to Australia, and on most public transport settings in the country, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, see [https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts/coronavirus.html Tourism Australia's COVID-19 Travel Advice and Border Status page.]| lastedit=2022-07-06}} There is nowhere else quite like '''[http://www.australia.com Australia]''', the only country that has a whole continent to itself. With Indigenous cultures for over 65,000 years and truly global immigration in modern times, the country is famous for its natural wonders, wide open spaces, beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "the [[Outback]]". However, it is also highly urbanised, with an array of cosmopolitan cities &ndash; the largest and most famous being [[Sydney]], situated on one of the most famous harbours in the world. ==Regions== Australia has six states, five on the mainland with the sixth being the island state of Tasmania along with nine or ten territories but with the exception of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, the others are largely trivial. Visiting all at once would be nearly impossible, as the states in Australia are much much larger than the states in the United States and are more comparable in size to provinces in Canada – with almost {{km|5000}} separating Brisbane and Shark Bay, the country is vast, about the distance from Madrid to Murmansk, Cairo to Nairobi or Maine to California. {{Regionlist | regionmap=Australia regions map.png | regionmaptext=Australia's states/territories and major highways | regionmapsize=376px | region1name=[[New South Wales]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]] ''(NSW) & (ACT)'' | region1color=#c8aa92 | region1items= | region1description=Australia's most populous state also has [[Sydney]], the oldest and largest city, and surrounds the purpose built capital city of [[Canberra]]. The coast of New South Wales is lined with beach-side communities; a little inland are the mountain ranges of the [[Blue Mountains|Blue]] and [[Snowy Mountains|Snowy]] mountains; further inland still are sweeping agricultural plains giving way to the outback. | region2name=[[Northern Territory]] ''(NT)'' | region2color=#acc2a6 | region2items= | region2description=From the red deserts surrounding [[Uluru]] and [[Alice Springs]] up to the tropics of [[Darwin]] and [[Kakadu National Park]], the Northern Territory is stunningly beautiful, and easier to access than you might think. | region3name=[[Queensland]] ''(Qld)'' | region3color=#c3bea3 | region3items= | region3description=Famous for its sunny warm weather, Queensland offers coastal exploration from the vibe of the [[Gold Coast]] to the tropics of the [[Great Barrier Reef]] to the bustling city of [[Brisbane]]. It is also home to tropical rainforests of the [[Daintree National Park]], and the island resorts of the Whitsundays. Inland lies the ranges of the hinterland, and further on the vast expanses and beauty of outback Australia. | region4name=[[South Australia]] ''(SA)'' | region4color=#bcb491 | region4items= | region4description=Renowned for the internationally recognised fine wines of the [[Barossa Valley]], the beauty of the [[Flinders Ranges]] and the outback and events and culture of the ''City of Churches'', [[Adelaide]]. | region5name=[[Tasmania]] ''(Tas.)'' | region5color=#b69eb3 | region5items= | region5description=Separated from the mainland by Bass Strait, the mountainous state of Tasmania has the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain in the west, the beaches of the east, and the wilderness of the south. [[Hobart]] was the site of the second European settlement in Australia, and many historic sites are well preserved. | region6name=[[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] ''(Vic.)'' | region6color=#c3d099 | region6items= | region6description=Small, vibrant and with something for everyone, Victoria has dramatic surf beaches along the southwest and central coast, green rolling farmland and photogenic national parks. Australia and Victoria's sporting, shopping, fashion and food capital is [[Melbourne]]. | region7name=[[Western Australia]] ''(WA)'' | region7color=#cfcf94 | region7items= | region7description=A vast state. The southwest contains the state capital and major city of [[Perth]]. The wine growing and scenic destinations of [[Margaret River]] and [[Albany (Western Australia)|Albany]] are towards the southern region. In the far north are the tropics and the beachside destination of [[Broome]]. Small townships, roadhouses, mining communities and national parks are scattered around the long distances between.}} ===Islands=== [[Tasmania]] is the most significant island of Australia and a state in its own right. There are over 800 islands in Australia, other main islands include: * {{marker|name=[[Lord Howe Island]]|wikidata=Q104784}} — a showcase for nature two hours flying time from Sydney, administered as part of the state of New South Wales. * {{marker|name=[[Norfolk Island]]|wikidata=Q31057}} — halfway to New Zealand, with nature and beaches * {{marker|name=[[Christmas Island]]|wikidata=Q31063}} — famous for its red crab migration. Flights from Perth and [[Kuala Lumpur]]. * {{marker|name=[[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]]|wikidata=Q36004}} — coral atolls, populated, accessible by flights from Perth. * {{marker|name=[[Torres Strait Islands]]|wikidata=Q1059258}} — Indigenous culture between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, and requires permission from the traditional owners to visit. Flights from [[Cairns]]. * {{marker|name=[[Kangaroo Island]]|wikidata=Q210371}} — the third-largest island in Australia containing wildlife, natural scenery, wineries and beaches. * {{marker|name=[[Rottnest Island]]|wikidata=Q585317}} — a nature reserve with 63 beaches and 20 bays, located near Perth and home to the infamous Quokka * {{marker|name=[[King Island]]|wikidata=Q794502}} — in the Bass Straight above Tasmania. * {{marker|name=[[Whitsunday Islands]]|wikidata=Q1646461}} — a famous tourist destination renowned for its white beaches There are quite a few uninhabited islands including the [[Coral Sea Islands]], some islands of the [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]], the [[Ashmore and Cartier Islands]] and the remote Antarctic islands of [[Heard Island and McDonald Islands]] and [[Macquarie Island]]. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[New South Wales]] and [[Australian Capital Territory]] ''(NSW) & (ACT)''|wikidata=Q3224}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#acc2a6|title=[[Northern Territory]] ''(NT)''|wikidata=Q3235}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c3bea3|title=[[Queensland]] ''(Qld)''|wikidata=Q36074}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#bcb491|title=[[South Australia]] ''(SA)''|wikidata=Q35715}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b69eb3|title=[[Tasmania]] ''(Tas)''|wikidata=Q34366}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c3d099|title=[[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] ''(Vic)''|wikidata=Q36687}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#cfcf94|title=[[Western Australia]] ''(WA)''|wikidata=Q3206}} ==Cities== [[File:Sydney Harbour Bridge night.jpg|thumb|350px|Sydney cityscape at night]] <!-- Only a maximum of nine cities can be listed here. Please discuss changes to this list on the Talk page first. --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Canberra]]|wikidata=Q3114}} — the relatively small, purpose-built national capital of Australia is home to plenty of museums * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Adelaide]]|wikidata=Q5112}} — the "City of Churches", a relaxed South Australian alternative to the big eastern cities close to world-renowned wineries * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Brisbane]]|wikidata=Q34932}} — capital of sun-drenched Queensland and gateway to beautiful sandy beaches * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Cairns]]|wikidata=Q189133}} — gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Daintree National Park, and many beautiful beaches and resorts; a great place for people to get away and relax * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Darwin]]|wikidata=Q11568}} — Australia's tropical northern capital, at the top end of the Northern Territory * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hobart]]|wikidata=Q40191}} — picturesque and quiet capital of Tasmania, the site of the second convict settlement in Australia * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Melbourne]]|wikidata=Q3141}} — Australia's second largest city, Melbourne is the country's sporting, shopping, food and cultural capital, while also being regarded as Australia's most European city * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Perth]]|wikidata=Q3183}} — the most remote continental city on Earth, on the south-western edge of Western Australia * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sydney]]|wikidata=Q3130}} — Australia's oldest and largest city, famous for its picturesque harbour and natural beauty ==Other destinations== [[File:Apostles 3 GOR.JPG|thumb|250px|The Twelve Apostles]] <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Blue Mountains National Park]]|wikidata=Q885558}} — a mountainous national park in New South Wales, including the "Three Sisters" natural feature * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park]]|wikidata=Q1138453}} — most popular national park in Tasmania, home Australia's deepest lake and one of its most scenic mountains * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Daintree Rainforest]]|wikidata=Q5209517}} — the world's oldest living rainforest and a well preserved tropical rainforest, home to the largest groups of cassowaries. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Great Barrier Reef]]|wikidata=Q7343}} — see first hand this natural wonder, off the coast of Queensland and the world's largest coral reef system * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Great Ocean Road]]|wikidata=Q74046}} — a spectacular coastal drive in Victoria past many scenic icons including the "[[Port Campbell National Park|Twelve Apostles]]" rocks standing in the ocean and the world's largest war memorial * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Kakadu National Park]]|wikidata=Q189657}} — tropical adventure travel, Aboriginal culture and nature activities in the Northern Territory. Second largest national park in Australia about the size of Wales * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park]]|wikidata=Q426073}} – South Australia's most iconic national park containing a naturally formed amphitheatre and many fossils dating back from the Ediacaran era * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Purnululu National Park]]|wikidata=Q679568}} – includes the Bungle Bungle Range, a spectacularly incised landscape of sculptured rocks rising over 250 metres high * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park]]|wikidata=Q251999}} — Uluru (also known as ''Ayers Rock'') and Kata Tjuta (''The Olgas'') are iconic rock formations in the "Red Centre" in the middle of the Australian outback ==Understand== {{quote|We are one but we are many and from all the lands of Earth we come. We'll share a dream and sing with one voice: I am, you are, we are Australian|author=The Seekers - I am Australian}} {{quickbar|location=Australia with AAT (orthographic projection).svg}} The sixth largest country in the world by area, Australia has a relatively small (but growing) population of 25 million. A G20 member, it has high living standards and quality of life. It is a significant player in the economic and political spheres of the Indo-Pacific region. ===History=== {{seealso|Indigenous Australian culture|British Empire|Australian Convict Sites}} Aboriginal people have been living in Australia for at least 65,000 years. They arrived in successive waves from [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. With rising sea levels after the last Ice Age, Australia became largely isolated from the rest of the world and the Aboriginal groups developed a variety of cultures, based on a close spiritual relationship with the land and nature, and extended kinship. For thousands of years Australian Aboriginal people maintained a hunter-gatherer culture, or (in some areas) a semi-sedentary culture, in association with a complex artistic and cultural life, including a very rich tradition of story and song. The modern impression of Australian Aboriginal people is largely built around an image of the "desert people" who have adapted to some of the harshest conditions on the planet (equivalent to the bushmen of the Kalahari), but many others lived in forested and well-watered regions. Australia provided a comfortable living for the bulk of the Aboriginal people among the bountiful flora and fauna on the Australian coast – until the arrival of Europeans. Although a lucrative [[China|Chinese]] market for shells and ''bêche de mer'' (sea cucumber) had encouraged Indonesian fishermen to visit [[Northern Australia]] for centuries, it was unknown to Europeans until the 1600s, when [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]] traders to Asia began to "bump" into the northwestern coast. The Makassan contact from [[Sulawesi]] also brought many Indonesian cultural elements to the Indigenous people living in [[Northern Australia]], making Islam the first foreign religion brought in – and quite a few rock artworks seen in Arnhem Land and the Kimberley depict many Islamic elements. Early Dutch impressions of this extremely harsh, dry country were unfavourable, and Australia remained for them somewhat of a marker sign pointing north to the much richer (and more lucrative) East Indies (modern day Indonesia). Deliberate exploration of the Australian coast was then largely taken over by the French and the British. Consequently, place names of bays, headlands and rivers around the coastline reflect a range of Dutch, French, or English names, however many place names are also from Aboriginal languages with places that were previously having Dutch, French, or English names renamed to Indigenous names, or dual named. In 1770, the expedition of the Endeavour under the command of [[Voyages of James Cook|Captain James Cook]] navigated and charted the east coast of Australia, making first landfall at [[Sydney/Sutherland Shire#History|Botany Bay]] on 29 April 1770. Cook continued northwards, and before leaving put ashore on [[Possession Island]] in the Torres Strait off Cape York on 22 August 1770. Here he formally claimed the eastern coastline he had explored for the British Crown, naming it New South Wales. Given that Cook's so-called discoveries would lead to the first European settlement of Australia, he is often popularly conceived as its European discoverer, although he had been preceded by more than 160 years by the Dutch. [[File:PortArthurPenitentiary.jpg|thumb|Part of the former [[Port Arthur (Tasmania)|Port Arthur]] convict settlement in Tasmania. The remains of the settlement form part of the [[Australian Convict Sites]] entry on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]].]] Following the exploration period, the first British settlement in Australia was founded in 1788 at what is today [[Sydney]], led by Captain Arthur Philip who became the first governor of the colony of New South Wales. The process of colonisation led to conflict with indigenous Australians as well as diseases to which they had no immunity. Their populations declined throughout much (though not all) of the land, and were displaced by the British settlers. Originally comprising the eastern two-thirds of the continent, the colony of New South Wales was later split into several separate colonies. [[Tasmania]] (then known as Van Diemen's Land) became a separate colony in 1825, which was followed by [[South Australia]] in 1836, [[New Zealand]] in 1841, [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] in 1851 and [[Queensland]] in 1859. The western third of the continent was not settled by Europeans until the British established a naval base in [[Albany (Western Australia)|Albany]], then known as King George Sound in 1826. The Swan River Colony was formally established in 1829 at what is today [[Perth]]. The Swan River Colony was renamed "[[Western Australia]]" in 1832. While Australia began its modern history as a British penal colony, the most people who came to Australia after 1788 were free settlers, mainly from Britain and [[Ireland]], and to a less extent other European countries such as France and what is now Germany. Convict settlements were mostly along the east coast, with scattered pockets of convict settlements in Western Australia. The state of South Australia, on the other hand, was settled entirely by free settlers. Many Asian and Eastern European people also came to Australia in the 1850s, during the Gold Rush that started Australia's first resource boom. Although such diverse immigration diminished greatly during the xenophobic years of the White Australia policy, from the Postwar Period Australia welcomed a successive series of immigration from continental Europe, the Mediterranean and later Asia and the rest of the world, becoming a highly diverse and multicultural society by the late 20th century. The system of separate colonies federated to form the self-governing British dominion of Australia in 1901, each colony now becoming a state of Australia, with New Zealand opting out of the federation. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and made a significant contribution (considering its small population) to the Allied war effort in [[World War I|World War I]] and [[World War II in Europe]] as part of the British Commonwealth forces. Australia was directly attacked in the [[Pacific War]]. Australian troops also made a valuable, if sometimes controversial, contribution to the [[Korean War]], the [[Indochina Wars|Vietnam War]], the [[Iraq]] War and the Afghanistan War. Australian Diggers retain a reputation as some of the hardest fighting troops along with a great social spirit. Australia and Britain passed the Australia Act in 1986, ending any remnant power the British parliament may have had to pass laws for Australia. Similar to Canada, the British Queen remains as the head of state with an (Australian) appointed Governor-General as her representative in Australia. During the second half of the 20th century, there was growth in Aboriginal activism, accompanied by a greater willingness by the general community to acknowledge both the Indigenous cultural heritage (particularly in the visual arts) and the darker side of colonial history. Significant areas of the country have been returned to Indigenous ownership as a result of the land rights movement. In 2008, then-prime minister Kevin Rudd delivered an official apology to the Aboriginal people in Parliament for the atrocities committed against them by the white majority. An Aboriginal ceremony has also been incorporated into Australia's State Opening of Parliament since 2008 as homage to its indigenous heritage. ===Geography=== {{infobox|Does Australia border two oceans, or three?|The number of oceans that Australia borders, is a little bit of an ambiguous one. The Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean boundaries are fairly unambiguous, but the third one, the Southern Ocean is. In most international contexts, the Southern Ocean begins only south of the 60°S point, but in Australia (including in government), the Southern Ocean begins at Australia's southern coastline, but at the 60° everywhere else. On most Australian maps, you will see "Southern Ocean" marked, particularly on South Australian diving maps and so unless otherwise indicated, the Southern Ocean on Wikivoyage's Australian articles follow the Australian context, not the international definition.}} [[File:Macropus rufus 01 - Christopher Watson.jpg|thumbnail|Red kangaroos in the Northern Territory]] The landmass of Australia is both the world's smallest continent and the world's largest island; making up most of [[Oceania]]'s land area. The nation of Australia includes the Australian mainland, and some smaller islands (such as [[Tasmania]]). It is the world's sixth largest country, with a land area of 7,682,300 km² (2,966,152 square miles). It is comparable in size to the 48 contiguous [[United States]] (which has an area of 7,663,941.7 km²) although it has less than one tenth the population, with the distances between cities and towns easy to underestimate. Australia is bordered to the west by the Indian Ocean, to the south by the Southern Ocean, and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. The Tasman Sea lies to the southeast, separating it from [[New Zealand]], while the Coral Sea lies to the northeast. [[Papua New Guinea]], [[East Timor]] and [[Indonesia]] are Australia's northern neighbours, all much closer than New Zealand, and are separated from Australia by the Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea with Papua New Guinea only being {{km|4}} away from Australia. Australia is highly urbanised with most of the population heavily concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts. Most of the inland areas of the country are semi-arid. The most populous states are [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] and [[Queensland]], but the largest in terms of area is [[Western Australia]]. Large parts of Australia have been deforested to make way for agriculture but many native forest areas survive in extensive [[National parks in Australia|national parks]] and other undeveloped areas. Long term environmental concerns in Australia include water management, salinity, pollution, threats to biodiversity from invasive species, and conserving coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. ===Climate=== As a large country, Australia has a wide variety of climates. Most of the country receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Generally, the north is hot and tropical, while the south tends to sub-tropical and temperate. Most rainfall is around the coast, and much of the centre is '''arid''' and '''semi-arid'''. The daytime maximum temperatures in the tropical city of [[Darwin]] rarely drop below 30°C (86°F) even in winter while night temperatures in winter usually hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F). Australian winters tend to be milder than those at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere and snow never falls in most parts of the country. Temperatures in high altitude areas of some southern regions can drop below freezing in winter (and sometimes even in the summer) and the Snowy Mountains in the southeast experience metres of winter snow. Parts of [[Tasmania]] have a temperature range more similar to [[Oregon]] and snow is very common to fall in the central and western mountainous parts of the state. As Australia is in the southern hemisphere the winter is June–August while December–February is summer. The winter is the dry season in the tropics and the summer is the wet. In the southern parts of the country, the seasonal temperature variation is greater. The rainfall is more evenly distributed throughout the year in the southern parts of the East Coast while in the rest of the south beyond the [[Great Dividing Range]], the summers are dry with the bulk of the rainfall occurring in winter. ===Economy=== Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP on par with other advanced economies. The service industries, including tourism, education, and financial services, account for just over half of the Australian Gross Domestic Product – about 60%. Within the service sector, tourism is one of the most important industries in Australia, as it provides employment, contributes $73 billion to the economy each year and accounts for at least 11% of total exports. Primary industry - mining and agriculture - has accounted for most of Australia's exports in the 20th and 21st centuries. Iron ore and coal are by far the largest exports, along with wheat, beef and wool. The mining sector is sensitive to global demand for iron ore, with events in the Chinese and Indian economies having direct impacts. Australia has a comprehensive social security system, and the minimum wage is higher than the United States or the United Kingdom. Manual labourers and tradesmen are well-paid in Australia, often more so than white-collar professionals. ===Politics=== [[File:Parliament House Canberra 2.jpg|thumb|250px|Parliament House in Canberra]] Australia has a federal system of government, with six state and two territory governments, as well as a national government. It also has several overseas territories in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, which are given considerable autonomy, and often not fully integrated with the rest of Australia. Laws vary slightly from state to state, but are for the most part fairly uniform. The national parliament is based on the British Westminster system, with some elements being drawn from the American congressional system. At the federal level it consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Each Member of the House of Representatives (colloquially known as a Member of Parliament (MP)) represents an electoral division, with more populous states having more electoral divisions and hence, more MPs. On the other hand, similar to the US Senate, each Australian state has an equal number of senators, with 12 senators being directly elected by the people in each state, and 2 senators each from the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. The Prime Minister is head of the national government, and is the leader of the political party (or coalition of parties) which has the most Members in the House of Representatives. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is also Queen of Australia and the head of state, and is represented in Australia by the Governor-General. The roles of the Queen and Governor-General are largely ceremonial, and the Prime Minister wields the most authority in government. A referendum to change Australia to a republic was defeated in 1999 (the idea to replace the Queen with a political appointee wasn't to the liking of most Australians). Republicanism in Australia remains a regular conversation point, albeit low on the list of real priorities. The Cabinet of Australia serves as the executive branch, and is headed by the Prime Minister, who appoints his Cabinet ministers from among the members of both houses of Parliament. The judicial branch is topped by the High Court of Australia, which replaced the UK Privy Council as the highest court of appeal in 1986. State and territory governments are organised similarly to the national government with a state parliament serving as the legislature, a Premier (Chief Minister in the territories) serving as the head of the state government, and its own judiciary. There is also a Governor for each state serving as the Queen's representative in a mostly ceremonial role. The two major political parties in Australia are the Australian Labor Party (ALP or just "Labor") and the Liberal Party (Australian slang: ''The Libs''), which operates in coalition with the National Party (referred to as the "Coalition"). There are smaller parties such as the Greens, the United Australia Party (UAP) and independents. The Liberal Party is a centre-right conservative party, with the term "liberal" referring to a free market economy. The centre-left Labor Party spells its name "Labor" instead of "Labour" to differentiate it from other Commonwealth countries that used "Labour Party" but also because of the American labor movement. ===Culture=== Australia has a multicultural population practising almost every religion and lifestyle. Over one-quarter of Australians were born outside Australia, and another quarter have at least one foreign-born parent. Virtually every large Australian city and town reflects the immigration from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Pacific that occurred after World War II and continued into the 1970s. In the half century after the war Australia's population boomed from roughly 7 million to just over 20 million people. The cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are culturally very diverse, and home to communities originating from all corners of the globe. In all major cities you will find a variety of quality of global foods available in many restaurants. Sydney mainly promotes itself as the urban nature capital, Melbourne especially promotes itself as a centre for the arts and culture, while Brisbane promotes itself through various, multicultural urban villages. Adelaide is known for being a centre for festivals, and for German cultural influences, while Perth is known for its food and wine culture, pearls, gems and precious metals, and the international fringe arts festival and finally Hobart mainly promotes itself for the convict history. Smaller rural settlements generally still reflect a majority Anglo-Celtic culture often with a small indigenous population. Most rural centres still welcome visitors and generally have a history and local produce to share. [[File:Melbournes Chinatown (6760134067).jpg|thumb|Melbourne's Chinatown]] There are approximately one and a half a million Australians who identify as Aboriginal people who live throughout the country in cities and in rural Aboriginal communities, which is about three percent of the population. Although not particularly obvious to a new visitor, there are many opportunities and cultural activities for people wanting to explore Aboriginal culture. Contrary to popular mythology, descendants from the original fleets of British convicts are a minority, and even during the years of transportation free settlers outnumbered convict migrants by at least five to one. Nevertheless, it is seen as a badge of honour for someone to be 'Australian Royalty' in having been descended from a convict, however tenuous that connection may be. Australians can be more socially conservative than some European cultures, but tend to be relaxed in their religious observance. Modes of address are casual and familiar and most Australians will tend to address you by your first name from first contact, and will expect that you do the same to them. ====Holidays==== [[File:Lotto Skyworks Applecross.jpg|thumb|250px|Fireworks over Perth to mark Australia Day]] The national holidays in Australia are: * '''1 January''': New Year's Day * '''26 January''': Australia Day, marking the anniversary of the First Fleet's landing in Sydney Cove in 1788. * '''Easter weekend''' ("Good Friday", "Easter Saturday", "Easter Sunday" and "Easter Monday"): a four day long weekend in March or April set according to the Western Christian dates. Very few go to church, but instead many Australians travel on Easter weekend, so expect hotel rooms and airtickets to sell out months in advance. * '''25 April''': ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), honouring military veterans * '''Second Monday in June''': Queen's birthday holiday (celebrated in Western Australia in September, with WA observing '''Western Australia Day''' a week earlier) * '''25 December''': Christmas Day * '''26 December''': Boxing Day Many states observe '''Labour Day''', but on different days. Most states have one or two additional statewide holidays, with [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] and [[South Australia]] having a day off for a horse race (The Melbourne Cup and The Adelaide Cup). Western Australia has Western Australia Day typically the first Monday in June (recognising the founding of the state since 1829) but also celebrates the Queen's Birthday at a different date to the rest of the country, either at the end of September or early October, due to the usual June date is such close proximity to Western Australia Day. Victoria also has a day off for the AFL grand final friday. When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday (and Tuesday if necessary) are usually declared holidays in lieu, although the celebrations and the retail closures will occur on the day itself. Most tourist attractions are closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Supermarkets and other stores may open for limited hours on some public holidays and on holidays in lieu, but are almost always closed on Christmas Day (25 December), Good Friday, Easter Sunday and ANZAC Day morning. Other than official holidays, there are also days of national or regional cultural significance that might as well be holidays such as: * '''AFL Grand Final''': The championship game of the Australian Football League, and the most watched event perennially on the Australia sporting calendar. Expects all pubs to be packed full of people watching the game, while many people will hold big watching parties in their homes. Held on the last Saturday of September or first Saturday of October. * '''NRL Grand Final''': The championship game of the National Rugby League. Particularly popular in Queensland and New South Wales. Usually held on the last Sunday of September or first Sunday of October. ===Peak holiday times=== Most attractions in Australia remain open year-round, some operating at a reduced frequency or shorter hours during the off-peak season. Many attractions (but not all) are closed on Christmas and New Year's day. '''Summer school holidays''' start before Christmas and last the whole of January, and it is considered the busiest and most expensive time to visit (unless you're visiting [[Northern Australia]]). Holiday homes on beaches are often booked out months in advance as well as charging a significant premium. The long '''Easter weekend''' can also be busy as parents take their kids out for a last time before Winter arrives. Australian teenagers celebrate the end of school at the end of November and early December for the 3 weeks known as ''schoolies''. The volume of teen revellers can completely change the nature of some of the cities and towns they choose to visit, especially coastal towns like [[Byron Bay]] in New South Wales, the [[Gold Coast]] in Queensland, [[Rottnest Island]] in Western Australia, and various localities along the [[Mornington Peninsula]] in Victoria. ===Time=== [[File:Central time zone sign.jpg|thumb|200px|A road sign near Broken Hill reminding the time zone difference]] Australia can have up to seven different time zones during the daylight savings period, and five at other times. Time zone boundaries do not always follow state boundaries. For instance, the towns of [[Broken Hill]] and Silverton, although in New South Wales, follows South Australia time, Norfolk Island has its own time zone despite being a part of New South Wales and a number of outback communities officially follow NT time. [[File:Australia-states-timezones.png|thumbnail|Time zones in Australia from GMT]] In the east, Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria always have the same time. [[Queensland]] doesn't observe daylight saving, so it is an hour behind the other eastern states during that period. In the centre, Broken Hill and Silverton (NSW), South Australia and the [[Northern Territory]] are half an hour behind during the winter, but the Northern Territory doesn't observe daylight saving while South Australia, Broken Hill and Silverton do. During daylight saving South Australia remains half an hour behind New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, but moves half an hour ahead of Queensland. The Northern Territory remains half an hour behind Queensland at all times of they year, but moves an hour and a half behind New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania during daylight savings. In the west, Western Australia is two hours behind the eastern states in winter, and also doesn't observe daylight saving. It moves three hours behind the eastern states that observe daylight saving (remaining two hours behind Queensland), 2.5 hours behind South Australia, Broken Hill and Silverton while remaining 1.5 hours behind the Northern Territory. There is also the unusual +8:45 time zone, also known as Australian Central West Standard Time (ACWST or CWST) followed in some towns near the South Australian/Western Australian border. While not an official time used, it's generally the time used, and not the time zone used in either the rest of WA nor SA. There are even highway signs telling you to change your clocks, and Apple has a separate region (which can be found under "Eucla"). What makes this case even more confusing, is that the only South Australian town in the CWST zone; Border Village, meaning it would follow daylight savings, follows +9:45, one hour ahead of Eucla, and 45 minutes behind the rest of SA. On the contrary, the chances of being impacted on Border Village is next to zero given that all commercial activity is on the WA side in the town of Eucla which follows UTC+8:45. Although the chances of a traveller going to the extremely remote Outback WA towns of Blackstone, Irrunytju, Warakurna, Wanarn, Kiwirrkurra, and Tjukurla are very low, whilst all of these towns are in WA, they follow ACST (NT time), 1.5 hours ahead of the rest of WA, and since the NT does not follow DST, these remote towns also don't follow DST. There are no official abbreviations or names for Australian time zones, and you may see a few variations used. EST, CST, WST along with EDT, CDT are sometimes used. Sometimes AEST, etc., with the 'A' prefix distinguishing them from the North American time zones with the same names. <!-- In conversation, the abbreviations aren't used. People tend to say ''Sydney time'', ''Brisbane time'', or ''Perth time''. Expect blank stares from most if you start talking about ''Central Summer Time''. --> In those states which observe daylight saving, it commences on the first Sunday in October and ends on the first Sunday in April. {| class="wikitable" |- ! State/Territory !! Standard Time !! Daylight Saving Time |- | [[Heard Island and McDonald Islands]] || UTC+5 || N/A |- | [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]] || UTC+6.5 || N/A |- | [[Christmas Island]] ||UTC+7 || N/A |- | [[Western Australia]] || UTC+8 || N/A |- | [[Eucla]], Cocklebiddy, Madura, Mundrabilla || UTC+8.45 || N/A |- | Border Village, SA || UTC+8.45 || UTC+9.45 |- | [[South Australia]], [[Broken Hill]] and [[Silverton (New South Wales)|Silverton]] || UTC+9.5 || UTC+10.5 |- | [[Northern Territory]], Blackstone, Irrunytju, Warakurna, Wanarn, Kiwirrkurra, and Tjukurla || UTC+9.5 || N/A |- | [[Queensland]] || UTC+10 || N/A |- | [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]], [[Tasmania]], the [[Canberra|ACT]] and [[Jervis Bay Territory]] | UTC+10 || UTC+11 |- | [[Lord Howe Island]] ||UTC+10.5 || UTC+11 |- | [[Norfolk Island]] || UTC+11 || N/A |} ===Power=== [[File:Australian electric outlet type.png|thumb]] The mains supply voltage standard is 230 V with a type I plug (angled live/neutral pins with a straight earth). Popularly referred to as a "two-forty volt socket". Hotel bathrooms will often have a type C and A socket marked "for shavers only" that will down-convert to 110 V for a North American style socket for shavers. Voltage is compatible with Europe and you'll just need a conversion plug that can be obtained from supermarkets and convenience stores (as well as the airport). From North America or other 110 V countries, check your appliance for voltage tolerances before using a conversion plug. === See also === {{topicsin|Australia|0}} ==Talk== {{seealso|English language varieties}} {{infobox|Australian terminology |Although Australian English is both heavily influenced by both American and British English, Australia also has its own set of terminology. Unlike [[Australian slang]], these are also used in formal conversations, on the TV and even in government. Most of these are also used in neighbouring [[Papua New Guinea]], and for those in neighbouring [[New Zealand]] or [[Singapore]], some of these will be familiar, but they generally are unheard of in the U.S., the UK, Canada or any other English speaking country outside Oceania or Southeast Asia. ;the bush:the woods. This includes derivatives of the word "bush", so a wildfire would be called a bushfire ;capsicum: bell pepper or (green/red) pepper ;esky:cooler box ;doona:comforter or duvet ;fairy floss:cotton candy (U.S.); candy floss (UK) ;footpath:sidewalk (U.S.); pavement (UK) ;icy pole:popsicle, popsicle stick ;lollies:candy (U.S.); sweets (UK) ;peak hour:rush hour ;powerpoint:electrical outlet ;road train:a very long truck ;service station (or a servo):gas station (U.S.); petrol station (UK); petrol shed (South Asia) ;ute:pickup truck ;yabby:crayfish; crawfish ;yiros:gyro (U.S.) ;crayfish: rock lobster }} [[File:Multilingual road safety sign (3565389671).jpg|thumb|200px|A multilingual road sign in German, Italian, Japanese and Pitjantjatjara. Quite an unusual sight for Australia.]] The '''English''' language is universally spoken and understood in Australia. Australian English as generally spoken is distinctive in accent and idiom. It mostly developed from the speech of the United Kingdom and Ireland in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, however, the 20th century brought a lot of American influence, giving Australia its own unique variety of English. Nevertheless, as Australia is a global melting pot, particularly in the major cities, you will encounter cultures and hear languages from all around the world, and you will often find areas and suburbs that predominately reflect the language of their respective immigrant communities. Foreign languages are taught at school, but students rarely progress past the basics. Australia follows mostly British spelling and an eclectic mix of American and British terminology, such as ''eggplant'' (not aubergine), ''boot'' (not trunk), ''toll-free'' (not freephone), ''take-away'' (not takeout) and ''truck'' (not lorry). American terminology is understood everywhere, while British terminology isn't well understood apart from South Australia and the elderly. In all that, some terminology is uniquely Australian, and is unlikely to be heard anywhere else, except maybe in neighbouring New Zealand, Singapore or Papua New Guinea. In a culinary context, "chips" refers to both the British and American senses of the word in Australia, which can be confusing for visitors. Australians typically infer the meaning from context. So what would be called "crisps" in the UK is called "chips" in Australia, while what would be called "fries" in the U.S. is called "hot chips" in Australia, but usually shortened to "chips". However, "fries" is used in American fast food chains, and is beginning to see some use outside of that. Some words also have different meanings in Australia. For example, thongs in Australia would refer to flip-flops, ''not'' underwear or the term ''dual carriageway'' would just mean there needs to be two lanes in each way, regardless of whether it's divided or not while ''divided highway'' can be a divided single lane highway. The same applies for opposites as well. People in rural areas may have a broader accent, using some of the slang words that have become outmoded in metropolitan areas, while highly educated urban dwellers sometimes use a cultivated accent similar to that of their British equivalents. [[Australian slang]] should not present a problem for tourists except possibly in some isolated outback areas. Australians understand different varieties of English, and you may look foolish in your attempts at the local slang. There is little regional variation in Australian English, although accents tend to be broader outside of the large cities, and the pronunciation of certain words like "dance" and "renaissance" varies between regions. Most regional differences come down to word usage. For example, swimming clothes are known as ''cossies'' or ''swimmers'' in New South Wales, ''togs'' in Queensland, and'' bathers'' elsewhere. Many indigenous communities around Australia and the [[Torres Strait Islands]] speak English as a second language. It is rare to find signs in a second language, except in urban areas with a high population of Asian immigrants and students, where signs and restaurant menus in [[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]] and [[Chinese phrasebook|Chinese]] are a common sight; and also around [[Cairns]] and the [[Gold Coast]] in Queensland where some signs (but not road signs) are written in [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] or [[Chinese phrasebook|Chinese]], due to the large number of tourists. Some warning signs at beaches are written in several foreign languages. Visitors who do not speak basic English will find communicating with Australians difficult, and should do some advance planning. Some tour companies specialise in offering package deals for Australian tours complete with language guides, but mostly in Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, German, Italian, French, Indonesian and Korean. Some tours also give tours in Spanish, Malay and Portuguese, although this isn't as common. Only a very small minority of tours give tours in Hindi, Arabic and Swahili, and finding one of these is once in a blue moon. Fewer than 150 '''indigenous''' languages are still in daily use, spoken day to day by as little as 42,300 people, particularly those living in rural outback communities, and those in the Torres Strait Islands. There are initiatives to revive the languages within Australia's large Aboriginal community, however given the significant differences between the languages (many can't be proven to relate to one another) that continues to prove a challenge. Learning an Aboriginal language will be useful only in specific local areas. Almost all Indigenous Australians speak English as well, although residents of some remote communities may not be fluent in the language. On top of the Aboriginal languages spoken, various creole-based languages are spoken such as [[Australian Kriol phrasebook|Australian Kriol]] or [[Torres Strait Creole phrasebook|Torres Strait Creole]]. The standard sign language is '''Auslan''' (standing for Australian Sign Language). When a sign interpreter is present for a public event, he or she will use Auslan. Users of British and New Zealand Sign Languages will be able to understand much, though not all, of the language. Auslan and NZSL are largely derived from BSL, and all three languages use the same two-handed manual alphabet. Users of sign languages that have different origins (such as the French Sign Language family, which also includes American and Irish Sign Languages) will not be able to understand Auslan. {{clear}} ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of Australia.svg|thumb|450px| {| |{{legend|#00C0FF|Australia}} {{legend|#FF8080|Special Category Visa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;}} {{legend|#00A040|eVisitor}} ||{{legend|#00E040|eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority}} {{legend|#A0FF00|Electronic Travel Authority}} {{legend|#B0B0B0|Visa required}} |}]] ===Entry requirements=== All visitors - apart from citizens of New Zealand - require a [[visa]] in advance of travel. If you are visiting for a holiday of less than 90 days, there are three types of visas you may apply for, depending on your nationality. * '''[https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/ETAS3/etas Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) subclass 601]''' is available online to nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[Hong Kong]] (SAR or BN(O)), [[Japan]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[South Korea]] (ROK) and the [[United States]]. In addition, citizens of [[Taiwan]] are also eligible for an ETA, but must apply through an approved Taiwanese travel agent, or by email through the relevant Australian diplomatic mission if living abroad. A service fee of $20 applies. This fee can sometimes be avoided if you obtain your ETA through a travel agent when booking your travel with them. Some online agents may also sell ETAs. * '''[https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651 eVisitor (subclass 651)]''' for citizens of the [[European Union]], [[Norway]], [[Iceland]], [[Switzerland]], the [[United Kingdom]] (British Citizens only, other types of British nationality not eligible) and a few [[European microstates]]. These visas are free, but otherwise effectively identical to the ETA. You must apply online. * '''Visitor Visa (subclass 600)'''. Passport holders of 55 countries, including all the ETA and eVisitor eligible countries and [[Argentina]], [[Bahrain]], [[Brazil]], [[Chile]], [[Kuwait]], [[Maldives]], [[Oman]], [[Qatar]], [[Saudi Arabia]] and the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] can make applications online. Other nationalities must apply using the paper form, and may need to visit an embassy or visa processing centre. :: Like the ETA and eVisitor, a Visitor 600 is by default issued for a three month stay. Unlike the other options however, a 600 visa ''can'' be issued for a longer stay of up to one year. For more than a three month stay, you will likely be asked for supporting documentation about the reason for your visit and your ties to your country of origin and may need to attend an interview. Depending on your nationality, the embassy or visa processing centre may also require you to have an Australian sponsor before issuing the visa. The fee is $140. ETAs and eVisitors are valid for multiple entries within a 12-month period. If you're eligible for either, it may be easier to stay the three months you're allowed, go to [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]] or some other country reachable by a low cost airline for a few days and come back - restarting the 90-day clock. Doing this more than once, however, may cause immigration authorities to become suspicious, so proceed with caution if you pursue this route. :: There is a special arrangement for parents of Australians, including Australian permanent residents. The 600 visa can be valid for 18 months, three years, or five years and allow a maximum stay of 12 months during an 18-month period, depending on the circumstances. In most cases, ETAs and eVisitors are approved instantly and the visa will be issued and available for use immediately. If further enquiries are needed you may be asked to return to the application system later to see if you've been approved. Over 90% are processed the same day. In the worst-case scenario your application can be diverted for manual checks that can take months. if you have a complex national history, or any criminal record (including minor offences) you should allow plenty of time for the application. If you are visiting Australia to work, study or for medical treatment, check to make sure you have the right kind of visa, as a tourist visa may not be sufficient. Breaching the conditions or planning to breach the conditions of your visa will result in visa cancellation, deportation, and/or a period of exclusion. For all tourist visa classes you must be able to demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially for the time you intend to spend in Australia and meet character requirements. If you have a criminal conviction, contact an Australian Embassy or visa processing centre before applying or making travel arrangements. New Zealand citizens may travel to Australia without a pre-arranged visa. When they arrive, they will be automatically granted a Special Category New Zealand Citizen visa (subclass 444) if they have no criminal conviction or tuberculosis. This visa allows them to travel, live, work and study in Australia for as long as they like. New Zealand citizens with criminal convictions or tuberculosis may be denied this visa and should seek advice from an Australian diplomatic mission before travel. Non-citizen permanent residents of New Zealand are ''not'' eligible for this visa and should apply for a visa based on the passport they hold. {{infobox|Inorganic powder limitation|Passengers on transit through Australia are prohibited to carry more than 350 ml or 350 grams of inorganic powder into aircraft's cabins.}} If you are transiting through Australia, remain airside for a maximum of 8 hours, have a confirmed onward booking, have the correct entry documentation for the onward destination and are a citizen of New Zealand, the '''[[European Union]]''', [[Andorra]], [[Argentina]], [[Brunei]], [[Canada]], [[Cyprus]], the [[Federated States of Micronesia]], [[Fiji]], [[Iceland]], [[Indonesia]], [[Japan]], [[Kiribati]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mexico]], [[Monaco]], [[Nauru]], [[Norway]], [[Palau]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Philippines]], [[South Africa]], the [[Republic of Marshall Islands]], [[Samoa]], [[San Marino]], [[Singapore]], [[Slovakia]], [[Slovenia]], [[Solomon Islands]], [[South Korea]] (ROK), [[Switzerland]], [[Taiwan]], [[Thailand]], [[Tonga]], [[Tuvalu]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[United Kingdom]] (regardless of nationality status), the [[United States]], [[Vanuatu]] or [[Vatican City]], you do '''not''' need to apply for any advance visa. All other passengers who transit through Australia '''must''' apply for a free-of-charge Transit Visa (subclass 771) before travel. At selected airports, visitors who are citizens of [[Canada]], [[Ireland]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]], [[Switzerland]], the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[United States]] may make use of the SmartGate for automated immigration clearance when entering Australia. Being able to use SmartGate does not exempt you from visa requirements. Australia no longer stamps passports or issues visa stickers; all visas, entries and exits are recorded electronically. ====Customs and quarantine==== Australia has strict quarantine requirements regarding importing '''animal and plant''' derived products (any food, wooden products, seeds, etc.) '''You must declare all such material''', even if the items are permitted. Baggage is frequently scanned and may be examined by dogs. You may be fined $220 on-the-spot if you accidentally fail to declare, or even prosecuted in serious cases. Declared material will be examined and, depending on the circumstances, may be retained, disposed of, returned to you, or treated by quarantine at your expense. (You may have to pick the item up at a later time.) Processed and sealed chocolates and other confectionery are usually permitted after being declared and examined, as are reasonable quantities of infant formula with an accompanying infant. Different rules apply depending on the origin country of foods, and the state in which you are entering Australia. Check with the '''[http://www.agriculture.gov.au/travelling/bringing-mailing-goods Department of Agriculture and Water Resources]''' for more details. Travellers who are 18 years old or older are allowed to bring up to 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages and up to 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of other tobacco products (including cigars) into Australia duty-free. These items may not be imported by anybody under the age of 18, and travellers who exceed their duty free allowance are liable to tax on all goods of that category, not just the amount in excess of the limit. Some shells, coral and items made from a protected species are also prohibited to discourage the trade in items that may originate from a threatened ecosystem or species. While there are no restrictions on the amount of '''money''' that can be brought in or out, Australian customs also requires you to declare if you are travelling with $10,000 or more (AUD or its equivalent in foreign currency) and you will be asked to complete some paperwork. Not declaring may expose you to a fine, possible seizure of the cash, or in the worst case even arrest. ===By plane=== [[File:Qantas 747 Landing.JPG|thumb|Qantas 747 landing at [[Sydney Airport]]]] Australia is a long way from anywhere else in the world, so for most visitors the only practical way of getting into Australia is by air. Australia's major points of entry, in decreasing order of importance, are the airports in [[Sydney]] ({{IATA|SYD}}), [[Melbourne]] ({{IATA|MEL}}), [[Brisbane]] ({{IATA|BNE}}) and [[Perth]] ({{IATA|PER}}). There are also limited international services into Adelaide, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin and the Gold Coast. Sydney is a 3-hour flight from [[Auckland]], New Zealand, a 7-11 hour flight from many countries in Asia, a 14-hour flight from the west of the United States and Canada, a 14-hour flight from [[Johannesburg]], a 13-16 hour flight from [[South America]], and up to a 24-hour flight from western [[Europe]] (including a stopover). On account of long journey times from some destinations, most travellers from Europe must have a stop-over, commonly in [[Singapore Changi Airport|Singapore]], [[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok]] or [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur]]. Since March 2018, Qantas operates a nonstop flight from [[London Heathrow]] to Perth taking "only" 17 hours — the first ever regular nonstop route between Europe and Australia. Qantas also has plans to introduce more ambitious non-stop routes from Sydney to London and New York later. If you have to change to a domestic flight in a gateway city, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth all have separate domestic terminals, requiring some time and complexity to transit: check the guides. Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Cairns and the Gold Coast all have gates in the '''one''' terminal building or within easy walking distance of each other. Australia's national carrier is '''[http://qantas.com.au/ Qantas]''', which together with its low-cost subsidiary '''[http://www.jetstar.com/ Jetstar]''' operate many flights into Australia from all 6 inhabited continents of the world. '''[http://www.virginaustralia.com/ Virgin Australia]''' flies several routes from North America, south-east Asia and the Pacific islands into Australia. For those coming from Europe, '''[http://www.singaporeair.com Singapore Airlines]''' and Hong Kong's '''[http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific]''' make good alternatives to Qantas, British Airways or the Gulf airlines for flights into Australia. Some routes into Australia are operated by '''[[Discount airlines in Australasia|discount airlines]]''' such as AirAsia X, AirAsia Indonesia, Scoot and [http://www.jetstar.com Jetstar Airways]. As of 2022, several additional airlines in partnership with Australian carriers have started operating services to Australia. These include [https://www.aircanada.com Air Canada] & [https://www.united.com United Airlines]. ==== Private aviation ==== Private aviation companies such as '''[http://www.australiajetcharter.com Australia Jet Charter]''' and '''[http://www.jetcorpaustralia.com/ JetCorpAustralia]''' offer direct private flights year-round using a variety of aircraft. Popular airports for charter jets include Sydney Bankstown Airport, [[Gold Coast|Gold Coast Airport]], and Melbourne Essendon Airport. ===By boat=== Cruise ships are available mostly in the November to February cruising season, and there are usually about 10 ships that arrive in Australia from other countries during this time. You can cruise to Australia, and then fly home. Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all offer cruises to Australia across the Pacific. You may sail to Australia in your own yacht, just make sure you submit the right paperwork to Border Force, and arrive at an approved [https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea/ports-of-entry port of entry]. There are no international ferry services operating. ===By overland transport=== There was a time when a couple of tour operators offered overland trips from London to Sydney, with only a short hop by air from [[Southeast Asia]] to Northwestern Australia while the bus went by barge. The only such tour operator is Madventure which runs 4 different routes: 26 weeks through Iran, Pakistan, and India; 26 weeks through the Caucasus & Central Asia; 64 weeks around Africa, the Middle East, & South Asia; and 64 weeks through Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, & Central Asia. For those determined to travel overland as much as possible from Europe, you can travel independently to Singapore from Europe by train and/or bus on scheduled services, and fly from there to Perth (3,500 flight kilometres). For the truly determined overland traveller, you can get a ferry from Singapore to Indonesia and make your way across to Bali, where you can fly to Darwin (2,000 flight kilometres). For the intrepid, ferries to West Timor, a bus to Dili and a flight to Darwin will mean only 700 km in the air. Travel to Darwin by cargo ship/ barge by ANL and Swire (the only two routine cargo haulers between Dili and Darwin) is '''not permitted''' (June 2016). For determined travellers, you may be able to obtain passage from Singapore by freighter vessel, organized through a travel agent. ==Get around== Australia is ''huge'' but sparsely populated over much of its area and is larger than the contiguous US, and you can sometimes travel many hours before finding the next trace of civilization, especially once you leave the south-eastern coastal fringe. Its mainland is the sixth largest country by area, which means that it will take you a few days (around 6) to fully appreciate just ten percent of a state or territory. Almost all modern Australian maps, including street directories, use the Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA) as their grid reference, which is for all purposes identical to the WGS84 used by the GPS. You can locate most things on an Australian map or street directory if you just have the "GPS coordinates". ===Quarantine=== There are restrictions on carrying fruit and vegetables (including honey) between states and even between regions of states that are involved in fruit growing. If you are driving over 100-150 km outside large metropolitan areas or interstate, or flying between states, don't stock up on fruits and vegetables. ===By car=== {{See also|Driving in Australia}} [[File:Great Ocean Road, Lorne, Australia - Feb 2012.jpg|thumb|The Great Ocean Road]] [[File:Stuart Highway, Australia.jpg|thumb|Part of the Stuart Highway in Central Australia]] Australia has a generally well-maintained system of roads and highways, and cars are a commonly used method of transport. All the mainland state capitals are linked to each other by good undivided highways. Some parts are divided highways but many sections are one lane each way with occasional overtaking lanes around every 5-20 km depending on the state. Roads linking minor centres (or what can look like short-cuts on the map) can be narrow or gravel roads and are generally slower. In general, unlike Europe, South Africa or the US, there are no freeways connecting major centres, and divided dual carriageways that link major centres don't go for very long, and you could get roundabouts or traffic lights at random areas with only 1km notice. While Sydney to Melbourne can be fully achieved on divided dual carriageways, however, particularly in the NSW section, there are plenty of flat junctions. Sydney to Brisbane can also be achieved on 99% divided dual carriageways, with plans to upgrade the remaining one percent to motorways, on that one percent, there are still plenty of roundabouts and traffic lights along the route. Other routes like Melbourne to Adelaide are only partial divided freeways, but yet there's still towns to be bypassed, and there's not much expressway section in the South Australian section. Drives like Sydney to Perth or Adelaide to Darwin would be much better off achieved by a plane, and journeying here often takes around half a week, and these are routes that Australians themselves only do about once or twice in their lifetime. Distances are huge, and if you put it onto a European perspective: is the distance between Madrid and Moscow, and on a North American perspective, the distance from Miami to Los Angeles. Major hazards on Australian roads are wildlife and large trucks. Be sure to take extra care when driving at dusk or in the dark, as the risk of animal collisions increases significantly. Major regional areas have paved (sealed) dual-lane roads, but isolated areas may have poorly maintained dirt roads or even tracks. Distances and speeds are specified in kilometres and fuel is sold by the litre. There are no tolls on roads or bridges outside of the urban areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Toowoomba. While public transport is usable in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, a car is handy, sometimes even essential, to get around anywhere else. Australia drives on the left. Overseas visitors who are used to driving on the right should take care when they first drive, and again when they are driving on country roads with little traffic. Generally, overseas licenses are valid for driving in Australia for three months after arrival. If the licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in addition to your licence. Licensing regulations and road rules vary slightly from state to state. Australia's low population density and large size makes for long driving times between major centres. The default speed limit in most of Australia is 50km/h in built-up areas, and 100 km/h on rural roads, unless signed otherwise except in the NT where urban defaults are 60 km/h, and in WA and the NT, rural defaults are 110 km/h. Many major rural roads have a posted speed limit of 110 km/h especially in the Outback. Average speed is seldom above 80 km/h due to the poor road conditions and limited overtaking opportunities. On some national highways that traverse mountain ranges and travel through small towns, even averaging 60&nbsp;km/h can be a challenge. Speed limits are strictly enforced in Australia, and even creeping ever so slightly above the speed limit could earn you a ticket with a hefty fine. While major highways are well serviced, anyone '''leaving well-maintained roads''' in inland Australia should take advice from local authorities, check weather and road conditions, and carry sufficient spare fuel, spare parts, spare tyres, matches, food and water. Some remote roads might see one car per month or less. Cellular coverage is non-existent outside of national highways and towns and you should take some precautions in case of emergency. Heat and dehydration at any time of year can kill you. If stranded, stay with your vehicle and do what you can to improve your visibility from the air. Do not take this advice lightly; even local people die out there when their car breaks down and they are not reported missing. If you do have to abandon your car (say you break down and then get a lift), call in quickly to the local police station, to avoid the embarrassment and cost of a search being started for you. ====Car rental==== Major cities around Australia have multiple outlets providing a wide range of rental vehicles from major international rental companies. Several major international providers with bases in Austraia include [https://www.enterpriserentacar.com.au/en/car-rental/locations/australia.html Enterprise], [https://alamo.com.au/ Alamo], [https://nationalcar.com.au/ National], Avis, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Sixt & Europcar. In smaller towns car rental can be difficult to find. One-way fees often apply from smaller regional outlets. Australia also hosts many national brands including [https://www.redspot.com.au/ Redspot], East Coast, Jucy & Nobirds. Smaller cars you can rent can be manual (stick-shift), whereas anything larger will mostly be automatic. If you do not hold an Australian driving licence, some rental vehicle companies will require you to take a free [http://www.driverknowledgetests.com/learners-permit/tourist/ driver knowledge test], aimed at tourists, that covers the basic road rules, or will take you on a short drive to assess whether you are competent behind the wheel. ====Campervans ==== A '''campervan''' is a vehicle, usually a minivan, converted into a motorhome (recreational vehicle), most often catering to the vast number of young European and American backpackers traversing the country. The East Coast from Sydney to Cairns is especially abundant with happy, hungover youths travelling around in these vehicles. [[Driving in Australia]] has more information on renting or buying a campervan. ===By taxi=== Larger towns and cities have taxi services, and can be hailed on the street in most CBDs. [https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/ Uber], [https://www.didiglobal.com/ Didi] and [https://www.olacabs.com/ Ola Cabs] are available in major cities. There are several smartphone taxi booking applications such as [https://www.mydriver.com/en myDriver], [http://www.gocatch.com/ GoCatch] that make finding a licensed taxi simple. Outside of cities, towns may have a limited taxi service, and smaller or remote towns may have no service at all. When travelling alone, it is customary for a passenger to sit in the front passenger seat, next to the driver. However, if you prefer to sit in the back then it isn't a problem. ===By plane=== [[File:Melbourne Airport T1 with Qantas and Jetstar jets.jpg|thumb|250px|Qantas and Jetstar aircraft at Melbourne Airport]] Due to the large distances involved, flying is a well-patronised form of travel in Australia. Services along the main business travel corridor (Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane) are run almost like a bus service, with flights leaving every 15 minutes during the day. The best fares are almost always available on the most competitive routes, whereas routes to remote destinations with fewer flights tend to be more expensive. Qantas actually do often offer competitive prices, so don't ignore that option just because they are the national carrier. There are only a handful of main airlines in Australia, so it won't take long to compare their prices on domestic routes: * '''[http://www.qantas.com.au/ Qantas]''', the full-service national carrier, flying to major cities and some larger regional towns; * '''[http://www.virginaustralia.com/ Virgin Australia]''', a nationwide full-service airline, flying to major cities and a few larger regional towns; * '''[http://www.jetstar.com.au/ Jetstar]''', Qantas's discount arm with limited service and assigned seating. Several airlines service regional destinations. Expect discounts on these airlines to be harder to come by, and for standard airfares to be above what you would pay for the same distance between major centres. * '''[http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/home/qualifier-country-au Qantaslink]''', the regional arm of Qantas, covering the smaller cities in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia; * '''[http://www.rex.com.au/ Regional Express]''', covering larger towns & cities on the eastern seaboard and in country South Australia; * '''[http://www.skywest.com.au Skywest]''', covering regional Western Australia, Bali and Darwin; * '''[http://www.airnorth.com.au Airnorth]''', covering the Northern Territory; * '''[http://www.skytrans.com.au Skytrans Airlines]''', covering regional Queensland. * '''[http://www.sharpairlines.com.au/ Sharp Airlines]''', covering several regional towns in Victoria and South Australia. ====Charters==== {{seealso|General aviation}} Scheduled aviation only flies to a handful of the thousands of airports around Australia. There are numerous options to charter aircraft that may take you direct to smaller country towns or even offshore islands. The costs can be comparable to scheduled airlines if there are 3 or more people flying in a group. The Australian Private Pilots Licence permits private pilots to carry passengers and to recover the cost of the plane hire and fuel from passengers, but not to advertise for passengers or fly commercially. That said, if you check the web pages of local flying clubs, there are always private pilots willing to fly on a fine weekend if someone is willing to put in for the cost of the plane and fuel. ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in Australia|Across Australia by train}} [[File:Passenger rail services in Australia en.png|thumb|upright=2.1|Map of the main inter-city rail lines in Australia]] Visitors from areas with well-developed long distance rail systems such as Europe and Japan may be surprised by the lack of high-speed, inter-city rail services in Australia. A historical lack of cooperation between the states, combined with sheer distances and a relatively small population to service, have left Australia with a national rail network that is relatively slow and used mainly for freight. Nevertheless, train travel between cities can be very scenic and present opportunities to see new aspects of the country, and can be a cost-effective way to get to regional towns and cities, which tend to have more expensive flights than those between the state capitals. The long-distance rail services that do exist are mainly used to link regional townships with the state capital, such as [[Bendigo]] to Melbourne, or Cairns to Brisbane. In Queensland, a tilting train operates from Brisbane to [[Rockhampton]] and Brisbane to Cairns (''Spirit of Queensland''). Queensland also has passenger services to inland centres including [[Longreach]] (''The Spirit of the Outback''), [[Mount Isa]] (''The Inlander''), [[Charleville]] (''The Westlander'') and [[Forsayth]] (''The Savannahlander''). There are also inter-city train services operated by Great Southern Railways on the Melbourne-[[Adelaide]] (''The Overland''), Sydney-Adelaide-[[Perth (Western Australia)|Perth]] (''Indian Pacific'') and Adelaide-Alice Springs-Darwin (''[[The Ghan]]''). However, these are not "high-speed" services and actually cost more than flying, so if you do not enjoy train travel as part of your holiday then this is probably not for you. Tasmania has no passenger rail services. The Northern Territory has the rail line linking Darwin to Adelaide through Alice Springs only, and the Australian Capital Territory has a single railway station close to the centre of Canberra. ====Long distance train operators==== [[File:Indian Pacific Bellevue, Western Australia-small.jpg|thumb|Indian Pacific]] * '''[http://www.gsr.com.au/ Great Southern Railways]''' - A private train operator running luxury tourist train services, The Ghan, The Indian Pacific and The Overland between Sydney, [[Broken Hill]], Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, Perth and Melbourne. * '''[http://www.nswtrainlink.info NSW Trainlink Regional]''' - Links Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra, and regional connections to most New South Wales towns, including [[Dubbo]], [[Coffs Harbour]], and [[Wagga Wagga]]. * '''[http://www.vline.com.au V/Line]''' - Train & coach services in Victoria, including combined Train and Coach services between Melbourne and Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra. * '''[https://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/ Queensland Rail]''' - Long distance passenger train services in Queensland, including its flagship Spirit of Queensland service between Brisbane and [[Cairns]]. * '''[http://www.savannahlander.com.au The Savannahlander]''' - A privately-run train service that links Cairns with the outback town of [[Forsayth]], using old heritage trains, and providing overnight accommodation and tours on the way. * '''[http://www.transwa.wa.gov.au TransWA]''' - State government run, operating train services to [[Kalgoorlie]] and [[Bunbury]]. TransWA also operates coach services to much of the state where former rail services operated in the past, especially the southwest of the state. ====Rail passes==== No rail pass includes all train travel throughout Australia. However, if you are a train buff that intends travelling extensively by rail, there are some passes that may save you money. Plan your trip carefully before investing in a rail pass. Country train services are infrequent and can arrive at regional destinations at unsociable hours. * '''[http://www.nswtrainlink.info/deals/discovery Discovery Pass]'''. Use any NSW Trainlink services (trains and coaches). Get anywhere in NSW, and north to Brisbane and south to Melbourne. * Queensland Rail Coastal Pass and Queensland Rail Explorer Pass. ====Local public transport==== [[File:Cityrail-millennium-M32-ext.jpg|thumb|A suburban train in Sydney]] [[File:D2.5007 + C2.5111 bourke.JPG|thumb|Melbourne is well served by the world's largest tram network]] Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, [[Wollongong]] and [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] have commuter rail and bus services integrated into the city public transport, with trams also running in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, and ferries in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Sydney is home to Australia's sole Metro line. The remaining capital cities have bus services only. See those city guides articles for public transport details. Some regional cities and towns have local bus services, but see the destination guides for service information, as frequency can be poor and weekend and evening services non-existent. ===By motorail=== Australia had a tradition of motorail, allowing you to carry carry your car with you on special car carriages attached to the back of the train. This service is now only available on Great Southern Railways between Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin. You cannot remove your car at any of the intermediate stations. ===By bus=== Bus travel in Australia is cheap and convenient, although the distances involved for interstate connections are daunting. Greyhound has the largest bus route network. There are no bus services from the other capital cities to Perth. * {{listing | name=Firefly Express | url=http://www.fireflyexpress.com.au | email=enquiries@fireflyexpress.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1300 730 740 (local rate), +61 3 8318 0318 (international callers) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Firefly Express has services connecting Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. }} * {{listing | name=Greyhound | url=http://www.greyhound.com.au | email=info@greyhound.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1300 473 946 (local rate) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Greyhound travels to over 1100 destinations in Australia daily every day of the year. It has a variety of ticketing options allow you to travel at your own pace, hopping on and off as many times as your ticket allows. }} * {{listing | name=Murrays | url=http://www.murrays.com.au | email=reservations@murrays.com.au | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 13 22 51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Murrays has services connecting Canberra with Sydney, the [[South Coast (New South Wales)|NSW South Coast]] and [[Snowy Mountains|snowfields]]. }} ===By boat=== [[File:Spirit of Tasmania Port Melbourne.jpg|thumb|The ''Spirit of Tasmania II'' at Port Melbourne]] Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth have ferries as part of their public transport system. Some smaller roads in the regional areas still have punts to carry cars across rivers and canals. The islands of the Barrier Reef have some scheduled services, and there are a few cruises that cross the top of Australia as well. However, large inter city ferry services are not common. * '''[http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/ The Spirit of Tasmania]'''. The only long distance ferry route connects Tasmania to the mainland and carries cars and passengers on the route across Bass Strait daily between Melbourne and [[Devonport]]. * '''[https://www.sealink.com.au/ Sealink]''' connects Kangaroo Island, Australia's second largest southern island to mainland South Australia with regular car ferries. * '''[http://seasa.com.au/ Sea SA]''' offers an short cut across the Spencer Gulf between Adelaide (Wallaroo) and the Lucky Bay on the [[Eyre Peninsula]]. The service has been suspended frequently, but is operating as of Dec 2018. ===By thumb=== It is legal to hitch hike in some states in Australia, so long as certain guidelines are followed. However, it is less commonly done than in neighbouring New Zealand. In Australia hitch hiking is often frowned upon by locals and police, especially in metropolitan areas. Hitch hiking is illegal in Victoria and Queensland. It is also illegal to stand on the verge or walk along freeways (often called "motorways" in New South Wales and Queensland) in all states (effectively making hitch hiking illegal in many practical places, in all states). If forced to hitch hike due to an emergency you may find a motorist willing to take you to the nearest town to obtain help. (Many major inter-city highways and freeways have emergency telephone units to request help.) It is common to see a tourist hitching in rural areas. The best time to hitch hike is early morning. The best location is near, but not on, the main exit from the town you are in. ===By bicycle=== Cycling the long distances between towns in Australia is not common, and most long distance highways in Australia have poorly developed facilities for cyclists. for example, to cycle between Sydney and Brisbane you would have to allow 2–3 weeks with around 80–100&nbsp;km per day. Intrepid travellers do manage to cover the longer distances by bicycle, and have a different experience of Australia. Long distance cyclists can be encountered on the Nullarbor and other isolated highways. In some states, former railway lines have been changed into rail trails. [https://www.railtrails.org.au/ Rail Trail Australia] website has good material of routes off the main highways, with the Murray to the Mountains Train being the best quality trail with the most to see and do along the route. In Western Australia long distance cycle trails have been developed for mountain bikers. The Munda Biddi trail is many days through bushland, with huts provided for camping along the route. Wherever you cycle - if you leave the urban sprawl of the capital cities, plan carefully and carry supplies. ===Hiking=== {{main|Hiking and bushwalking in Australia}} Walking through some parts of Australia is the only way to experience some particular landscapes. In Tasmania the Central Highland [[Overland Track]] and the South Coast Track are good examples of walking/hiking holiday ''to do'' items. The Bicentennial National Trail is one of the longest trails in the world, stretching from [[Cooktown]] in Northern Queensland, to [[Healesville]] in [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]]. ==See== ===Wildlife=== [[File:Koala climbing tree.jpg|thumb|A koala]] {{seealso|Australasian wildlife}} Australian flora and fauna is unique to the island continent, the result of having been isolated from the rest of the world for millions of years. Amongst Australian animals are a large group of marsupials (mammals with a pouch) and monotremes (mammals that lay eggs). Just some of the animal icons of Australia are the kangaroo (national symbol) and the koala. A visit to Australia would not be complete without taking the chance to see some of these animals in their natural environment. ====Wildlife parks and zoos==== * '''Wildlife parks and zoos''' are in every state capital city, but also check out the animal parks if you are passing through smaller towns, like [[Mildura]] or [[Mogo]], or staying on [[Hamilton Island]]. See the Warrawong Fauna Sanctuary if you are in South Australia, or visit the koalas with best view in the world, at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. ====In the wild==== [[File:Tassy Devil.jpg|thumb|A Tasmanian devil]] * '''Kangaroos''' and '''wallabies''' are in national parks all around Australia. You won't see any kangaroos hopping down the street in [[Sydney/City|Central Sydney]], but they're common on the outskirts of most urban areas. * '''Wombats''' and '''echidnas''' are also common, but harder to find due to their camouflage and tunnelling. See lots of echidnas on Kangaroo Island. * '''Koalas''' are present in forests around Australia, but are notoriously very hard to spot, and walking around looking upwards into the boughs of trees will usually send you sprawling over a tree root. Best seen during the day, there is a thriving and friendly population on Raymond Island near [[Paynesville (Victoria)|Paynesville]] in Victoria. You have a good chance on Otway Coast, on the [[Great Ocean Road]], or even in the National Park walk near [[Noosa]] on the Sunshine Coast. * '''Emus''' are more common in central Australia. You will certainly see some if you venture into the outback national park at [[Currawinya National Park|Currawinya]] * '''Platypus''' are found in reedy, flowing creeks with soft river banks in Victoria, Southern New South Wales, and the very southern region of Queensland - seen at dusk and dawn - you have to have a bit of luck to see one. Try the platypus reserves in [[Bombala]] or [[Delegate]] in New South Wales, or in Emu Creek at [[Skipton (Victoria)|Skipton]] just out of [[Ballarat]]. ===Convict sites=== Much of Australia's modern history was as a penal colony for convicts from the United Kingdom, and there are many historical sites that still stand as a reminder of the days of convict transportation. Perhaps the most famous of these sites are [[Port Arthur (Tasmania)|Port Arthur]] in [[Tasmania]] and Fremantle Prison in [[Perth/Fremantle|Fremantle]], located near [[Perth]], [[Western Australia]]. There are also many other sites scattered throughout the country. ===Landmarks=== [[File:07 Sydney Opera House in black and white, Australia.jpg|thumb|Sydney Opera House, one of Australia's most recognised landmarks]] Australia has many landmarks, famous the world over. From [[Uluru]] in the red centre, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Sydney. Small Australian towns have a tradition of making big sculptures as landmarks. See [[Big things in Australia]]. Australia has thousands of heritage-registered sites, with 20 [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] ===National parks=== {{see also|National parks in Australia}} [[File:Beech Forest (AU), Great Otway National Park, Beauchamp Falls -- 2019 -- 1271.jpg|thumb|Beauchamp Falls, Great Otway National Park, Victoria]] Perhaps the best of what can be found in the natural side of Australia is best found in its national parks. Australia has more than 500 or so national parks, which makes Australia the country having the most number of national parks in the world. Although that number can make it somewhat hard to pick, there are some particular national parks in particular that stand out to travelers more than others. Some national parks (including [[Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park|Australia's largest]]) are located in very remote areas with no roads leading there, and the only way to access them is off-road driving in a four-wheel drive; be sure to make ample preparations and stock up on food, water and fuel before you attempt to visit one of these, and it is highly recommended that you rent a [[Mobile_phones#Satellite_phones|satellite phone]] despite the high cost in case of emergencies. In New South Wales, a trip is never complete without going to [[Blue Mountains National Park]], just west of Sydney and a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]], home to several indigenous sacred sites, along with several lookouts, mountains and plateaus. Other national parks in New South Wales that are popular include [[Royal National Park]], a popular beachside spot and the world's second oldest national park just south of Sydney, [[Kosciuszko National Park]] for being home to Australia's tallest mountain on the mainland, [[Dorrigo National Park]] or [[New England National Park]] for its Gondwana Rainforests, or a more isolated [[Mungo National Park]] home to the unusual but yet great "Walls of China" formation. In the Northern Territory, the two most famous parks by far are [[Kakadu National Park]] and [[Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park]], two icons of Australia which are both pretty self explanatory. Other popular national parks include [[Litchfield National Park]] home to several waterfalls, [[Nitmiluk National Park|Nitmiluk]] for the Katherine Gorge, [[Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park]] and [[Watarrka National Park]] for their gorges and canyons. In Queensland, similar to the Northern Territory, the two most famous and internationally recognized parks are the [[Daintree Rainforest]] and the [[Great Barrier Reef]], one for being the world's oldest living rainforest while the latter for being the world's largest reef system. Other popular national parks include [[Lamington National Park]] for its Gondwana Rainforests or [[Fraser Island|Great Sandy National Park]] for being the world's largest sand island and the only place in the world where forest grows on sand or the [[Whitsunday Islands]], home to some of the world's whitest beaches. Other important but relatively unknown national parks include [[Boodjamulla National Park]], a world heritage site for its fossils or [[Carnarvon National Park]] for its landscape and rock art. In South Australia, national parks tend to be of different quality, and by far the most recognised one is [[Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park]], what first comes in mind for many who think about South Australia. Others include [[Naracoorte Caves National Park]], a world heritage site for its fossils, or [[the Coorong]], the world's longest beach. Tasmania has by far the most wilderness, and with almost a little less than 50% of [[Tasmanian national parks|its national parks]] as world heritage sites, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. [[Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park]] is by far its most iconic national park, while [[Southwest National Park]] is the largest in the state. For those interesting in mountains that are easily accessible, [[Hartz Mountains National Park]] or [[Mount Field National Park]] is generally the national park to go, with the latter along with [[Ben Lomond National Park]] known for skiing and snowsports. For the parks of other kinds, [[Freycinet National Park]] is known for its beaches while [[Tasman National Park]] has some of the world's highest ocean cliffs. Victoria, despite being the smallest mainland state has quite a lot more to offer than you might think. Its most iconic one is [[Port Campbell National Park]], and although the name of the park is not well known, one of its main features – the 12 Apostles is what brings so much visitors to it. Others include [[Wilsons Promontory]], home to the southernmost point of the Australian mainland, or [[Murray Sunset National Park]], home to a pink lake. Western Australia, being the world's second largest jurisdictions has plenty to offer. In particular, the one that's most known is [[Nambung National Park]] for its Pinnacles Desert, but others include [[Kalbarri National Park]] or [[Karijini National Park]] both home to several unique geological formations, or [[Murujuga National Park]] for being home to some of the world's densest collections of rock art. [[Purnululu National Park]] or [[Shark Bay]] both tend to be a bit far from [[Perth]], but both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both offering something unique in sight. And if you thought that everything that's scenic has to be on land – you could be hardly ever more wrong. The Ningaloo Marine Park (and [[Exmouth (Western Australia)|Exmouth]] and [[Coral Bay]]) have a lot to offer, especially for those keen in marine life. ===Space=== {{main|Astrotourism in Australia}} The vast open outback in Australia makes Australia a prime destination for space-enthusiasts. However, unlike the Northern Hemisphere, the constellations here are very different, owing to the fact that Australia is in the southern hemisphere. There are plenty of [[Astrotourism in Australia|astrotourism]] sites, ranging from a cities, to as far deep in the outback as you can go. ===Sports=== [[File:Ball is in dispute in Hawthorn-Essendon AFL match.jpg|thumb|Part of an AFL match between the Hawthorn and Essendon teams]] Sport is an integral part of the Australian culture from the capital cities to country towns. As a testament to this, Australia has a track record of being one of the best performing teams at the Olympics despite its relatively small population. The majority of games are played over the weekend period (from Friday night to Monday night). Australian sports fans are generally well behaved, and it is not uncommon for fans of two opposing teams to sit together during a match, even if the teams are bitter rivals. While the cheering can get really passionate, actual crowd violence is extremely rare. {{Infobox|Football|The term "football" can be ambiguous in Australia, and differs in meaning depending on where you are and who you are talking to. However, the term on its own is almost never used to refer to association football, which is known as "soccer" in Australia. In general, "football", or the slang term "footy", refers to '''rugby league''' in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, while it refers to '''Australian rules football''' anywhere else in Australia.}} * In the winter in Victoria '''[[Australian rules football]]''' (Aussie Rules, or in some areas just "footy") is more than just a sport, it is a way of life. Catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Although originating from and most popular in the state of Victoria, the premier national competition, known as the '''[https://www.afl.com.au/ Australian Football League (AFL)]''', has teams from Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast as well. The '''AFL Grand Final''', held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground either in late September or early October each year, is the most watched event on the Australian sporting calendar. The AFL now runs a women's league, known as '''[https://womens.afl AFL Women's]''', during the summer. While obviously not as popular as the men's game, it still enjoys a decent following. The next women's season in 2020 will feature 14 teams from all of the current men's AFL markets. * In summer, international '''[[cricket]]''' is played between Australia and at least two touring sides. The games rotate around all the capital cities. To experience the traditional game catch the New Year's test match at the Sydney cricket ground played for 5 days starting from the 2nd of January, or the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne. Or for a more lively entertaining form, that only takes a few hours, try a twenty-twenty match. The final form is "One Day" Cricket, international matches generally start at 13:00 and finish at 22:00 or 23:00 (a "Day-Nighter"), with most domestic and occasional international matches played from 11:00 to 18:00. The '''Australia Day''' One Day International is held in Adelaide every 26 January. '''The Ashes''' is a series of five test matches played between the Australian and English national teams. It is held in Australia every three or four years, and is one of the highlights of the cricket calendar. Whenever Australia hosts the series, the five matches are held in the five largest cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. * The '''[http://www.ausopen.com/index.html Australian Open]''', one of the '''tennis''' Grand Slams, is played annually at '''[https://mopt.com.au/ Melbourne Park]''', including the main stadium of '''[http://www.rodlaverarena.com.au/ Rod Laver Arena]''', near the [[Melbourne]] city centre. Or the Medibank International in [[Sydney/Sydney Olympic Park|Sydney Olympic Park]] in January. [[File:Hunter Stadium Day.JPG|thumb|Hunter Stadium in Newcastle]] * Catch a '''[[Rugby Football#Rugby union|rugby union]]''' Super Rugby game, with teams playing from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Japan in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney during late Summer/Autumn. The Australian national team, the Wallabies, also host international teams during winter, including New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina for The Rugby Championship (formerly the Tri Nations tournament). * '''[[Rugby Football#Rugby league|Rugby League]]''' is a winter game played mainly in New South Wales and Queensland, with the '''[https://www.nrl.com/ National Rugby League (NRL)]''' competition being the premier competition. Teams include Melbourne in Victoria, Brisbane, North Queensland and the Gold Coast in Queensland, a team from New Zealand, with the rest of the teams coming from suburban areas in Sydney, and some in regional areas of New South Wales such as Newcastle and Canberra. The competition culminates in the '''NRL Grand Final''', which is held every year in the Stadium Australia in Sydney. The biggest event in the rugby league calendar of Australia is the '''State of Origin''' series between teams representing the states of New South Wales and Queensland, which consists of an annual series of three matches of which two are played in Sydney and Brisbane, and the third is played in either of those cities or sometimes, Melbourne or Perth. Many fans consider the level of play in the State of Origin series to be even higher than that in the Rugby League World Cup. * '''Netball''' is Australia's largest female sport, and there are weekly games in the domestic Super Netball league (which replaced a previous transnational league that also included New Zealand sides). The Australian national team is arguably the strongest in the world, with England, New Zealand and Jamaica usually posing the biggest challenge to Australian dominance. * '''Soccer''' is a growing sport that is aspiring to reach European levels. Many immigrants and second-generation Australians hail from European countries where passion for the sport is very high. The Australia national team (the Socceroos) won the Asia Cup for the first time in 2015 and have raised the sport's profile significantly. There is a national A-League, which is a fully professional league involving teams from Australia and one from New Zealand, with games played weekly during the summer. Most cities have a semi-professional "state league" played during winter, with most clubs being built around a specific ethnic/migrant community, for example a [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] league side Broadmeadow Magic, which was built around the cities' Macedonian population. While women's soccer is less popular as a spectator sport, it enjoys a decent following, with the national team (the Matildas) regularly participating in the World Cup. The women's counterpart to the A-League is the W-League. * '''[[Formula One|F1 Grand Prix]]''' The Melbourne Grand Prix in March takes place on a street circuit around Albert Park Lake, only a few kilometres south of central Melbourne. It is used annually as a racetrack for the Australian Grand Prix and associated support races. * The '''Supercars Championship''' is a popular form of motor racing unique to Australia involving powerful cars, comparable to NASCAR racing in the United States—though unlike NASCAR, which races almost exclusively on oval tracks, the Supercars series uses road courses and street circuits. Events are held all over the country between March and early December. The famous Bathurst 1000 is traditionally held in October. * '''[[Horse racing]]''' is Australia's third most popular spectator sport after Australian rules football and rugby league, and races are held regularly in all of Australia's state capitals. The premier event in Australia's horse racing calendar is the annual '''[https://www.flemington.com.au/melbournecupcarnival Melbourne Cup]''', which also ranks among the most prestigious races in the world. * '''Greyhound racing''', although less popular than horse racing, also has a significant following in Australia, which has the world's largest greyhound racing industry. Greyhound racing tracks can be found in all of Australia's state capitals, as well as in many small towns throughout the country. ===Itineraries=== * [[Anne Beadell Highway]] * [[Gibb River Road]] * [[Grand Pacific Drive]] * [[Great Ocean Road]] * [[Gunbarrel Highway]] * [[Oodnadatta Track]] * [[Stuart Highway]]: crossing Australia north-south * [[Tourist Drive 33]] * [[Waterfall Way]] * [[Military museums and sites in Australia]] ==Do== [[File:Bondi 1.jpg|thumb|Australia is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Bondi Beach pictured)]] [[File:Gold-Coast-Skyline-at-Night.jpg|thumb|Surfers Paradise, located in the Gold Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, boasting some of the world's greatest beaches and located near an array of theme parks]] ===Swim=== * '''in the surf'''. Australia has seemingly endless sandy beaches. Follow the crowds to the world-famous [[Sydney/Bondi|Bondi Beach]] in Sydney, or [[Surfers Paradise]] on the Gold Coast. Or find a stretch all for yourself (but beware of dangerous rips on beaches, it is considerably safer to find a patrolled beach). The surf is smaller and warmer in the Tropical North, where the reef breaks the swell, and larger and colder in the south with waves rolling in from the Southern Ocean. (And yes, in the middle it is ''just right''). * '''in calm tropical oceans'''. Cable Beach in [[Broome]] is swept pristine daily by the tide, has perfect sand, and warm water - go in winter. * '''in thermal pools'''. South of Darwin there are many natural thermal pools such as Berry Springs & Mataranka, surrounded by palms and tropical foliage. The most expensive resort in the world couldn't dream of making a pool this good. * '''in freshwater lakes'''. Inland Australia tends to be dry, but there are freshwater lakes where you would least expect them. Explore inland of Cairns at the Atherton Tablelands, or head outback to the [[Currawinya National Park]]. Watch out for crocodiles. * '''in rivers'''. If its hot, and there is water, there will be a place to swim. Wherever you are, just ask around for the favourite swimming spot, with a waterhole and rope to swing on. Watch out for crocodiles. * '''in man-made pools'''. The local swimming pool is often the hub of community life on a summer Sunday in the country towns of New South Wales and Victoria. Many of the beachside suburbs of Sydney and Newcastle have man made rock/concrete pools called 'baths' where you can swim beside the ocean beaches. * '''on the beach'''! Find your spot by the water, and get out the towel. Tropical north in the winter, down south in the summer. As always when in Australia, protect yourself from the sun. ===Bushwalking=== {{main|Hiking in Australia}} Bushwalking is a popular Australian activity. You can go bushwalking in the many national parks and rainforests. Some areas also have guided bush walks by the local Aboriginal people, and these are an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture of the local Aboriginal ethnic group. ===Diving=== [[File:Giant clam with diver.jpg|thumb|A scuba diver looking at a giant clam on the Great Barrier Reef]] * '''Snorkelling''' take a trip out to the [[Great Barrier Reef]] on the Queensland coast, or the [[Exmouth (Western Australia)|Ningaloo Reef]] off the coast of Western Australia. Or take a trip out to Julian rocks off [[Byron Bay]], or just dive in off the beach to see the tropical fish in [[Bundaberg]]. * [[Scuba diving in Australia|Scuba Diving]] ===Sports=== * [[Golf in Australia|Golf]] * '''Rock Climbing''' * '''Mountain Biking'''. Try the trails in the [[Snowy Mountains]] or black mountain in Canberra, or cycle for days along the Munda Biddi Mountain Bike trail in Western Australia. * '''Horse Riding'''. The horse has a rich tradition in the settlement of Australia since the arrival of the first European settlers. Relying on the horse to travel the vast distances and harsh environments of Australia was the foundation of a strong and lasting relationship between Australians and their horses. Today horse riding in Australia includes many recreational and occupational activities from cattle musters on vast stations, to the multimillion-dollar racing industry. On the outskirts of towns and cities and out in the rural landscape, you will see the many pony paddocks and much loved horses that are a testament to the ongoing passion and commitment Australian horse owners have to their horses and the enjoyment they bring. ===Ski=== * Skiing. New South Wales and Victoria have well developed ski facilities. Tasmania can also have skiing for a few months of the year, given the right weather. See [[Winter sports in Australia]] ===Surf=== * Surfing. If you think Australia is the most unpopulated and most remote place on earth where you can go to escape any trace of human contact, just find a good surf break in the most remote corner of Australia and you will be guaranteed to find someone surfing it. Australians love to surf and wherever there is surf there are Aussie surfers, any time and under any conditions. Virtually every coastline, except along the top end from Cairns across to Karatha has surf and surfers there to ride it. ===Thrill activities=== * '''Sky Diving''', all around Australia * '''Hot Air Ballooning''', in Canberra, Brisbane or in the [[Red Centre#Do|Red Centre]]. *''' Kitesurfing''' and '''windsurfing''' in and around Geraldton, Western Australia and at '''Coronation Beach''', the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of Australia === Gamble === [[File:2008BerriganCup1.JPG|thumb|Horse racing at the Berrigan Cup race meeting in the small New South Wales town of Berrigan]] It has been said that if there are two flies crawling up a wall, then you just need to look around to find the Aussie who will be running a book. * '''Casinos'''. Crown Casino in Melbourne is Australia's largest, located at Southbank, but there are others scattered in every capital city and in Cairns, [[Launceston]], Alice Springs, the Gold Coast and [[Townsville]]. * '''[[Horse racing|Day at the races]]'''. All capital cities have horse racing every weekend, with on-track and off-track betting available. They are usually family occasions, and fashion and being seen are part of the event. Just about every pub in New South Wales will have a tab, where you can place a bet without leaving your chair at the bar. Greyhound racing and trotting happens in the evenings, usually with smaller crowds, more beer, and less fashion. Smaller country towns have race meetings every few months or even annually. These are real events for the local communities, and see the smaller towns come to life. Head outback to the [[Birdsville]] races, or if you find the streets deserted it is probably ten past three on the first Tuesday in November (the running of the Melbourne cup). * '''The unusual'''. Lizard races, cane toad races, camel races, crab races. Betting on these races is totally illegal and you'll find the TIB (Totally Illegal Betting) around the back of the shed. * '''Two up'''. If you are around for Anzac Day (25 April), then betting on coins thrown into the air will be happening at your local RSL club, wherever you are. * Australia has almost a quarter of all the '''slot machines''' (locally known as "pokies" or "poker machines") in the world, and more than half of these are in New South Wales, where most pubs and clubs have gaming rooms (labelled "VIP lounges" for legal reasons) where one can "have a slap" and go for the feature. * If none of this appeals, and you just have too much money in your pocket, '''every town and suburb in Australia has a TAB''' (Totalisator Agency Board – betting shop). Pick your sport, pick a winner, and hand over your money at the counter. Gambling is illegal for under-18's. This can often restrict entry to parts of pubs, clubs, and casinos for children. ===Royal shows=== Each of Australia's states and mainland territories is home to a '''royal show''', which are agricultural fairs that also feature amusement rides and other forms of entertainment, and serve as Australia's equivalent of state fairs in the United States. These shows are held in the respective state and territory capitals, usually during the spring or autumn months. ==Buy== [[File:Pitt Street Mall February 2016.jpg|thumb|Pitt Street Mall in Sydney is one of Australia's busiest shopping districts]] {{see also|Shopping in Australia}} ===Money=== <!--{{exchange rate AUD|currencies=USD,GBP,EUR,NZD,JPY,ZAR}}--> {{exchange rates | currency=Australian dollar | currencyCode=A$ | date=January 2022 | USD=1.4 | EUR=1.6 | GBP=1.9 | NZD=0.95 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/aud-australian-dollar XE.com] }} {{infobox|Gold coins|No, it's not coins made out of gold, it's just an informal way of what Australians call a $1 or a $2 coin. It is mostly used in the terms of when donating, often for not-for-profit museums or charities. However, unlike Canada's loonie and toonie, Australians do not distinguish between $1 and $2 coins, and so if you do see a place that requests for a gold coin donation, you could give either $1 or $2 (or nothing, as it's a donation), but most give $2.}} The Australian currency is known as the '''dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''$'''" or "'''A$'''" (ISO code: '''AUD'''). It is divided into 100 '''cents (c)'''. In this guide, the "$" sign denotes Australian dollars unless otherwise noted. Coins come in denominations of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, the 12-sided 50¢, $1 and the tiny $2. The pre-2006 New Zealand 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢ coins were virtually identical to their Australian counterparts, save for a different tails side, so it's not uncommon to come across them among your Australian change and you may also encounter SGD coins, particularly 20c coins. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 (all in distinctive colours). $100 notes are rare and sometimes hard to use in shops. Australian notes are printed on plastic polymer rather than paper. If the total of a transaction is not a multiple of 5 cents the amount will be rounded to the nearest five cents if you are paying in cash. The exact amount will be charged if paying by card. The dollar is not pegged to any other currency, and is highly traded on world foreign exchange markets, particularly by currency speculators. Its exchange value to other currencies can be quite volatile, and 1-2% changes in a day are reasonably regular occurrences. ===Currency exchange=== [[File:Australian banknotes in wallet.jpg|thumb|Australian dollar banknotes in a wallet]] As the Australian dollar is considered to be a major world currency, it is widely available at money changers and banks throughout the world. Money changers in Australia operate in a free market, and charge a range of flat commissions, percentage fees, undisclosed fees built into the exchange rate, or a combination of all three. You can avoid rip-off rates by using banks in major centres, and staying clear of airports and tourist centres. However, both the best and worst rates come from the small private sellers, and you can certainly save money over the banks by shopping around. Always get a quote before changing money. You'll usually need to have photo identification with you, although you may be exempt if only changing a small amount. Dedicated currency exchange outlets are widely available in major cities, and banks can also exchange most non-restricted currencies. These exchange outlets - especially the ones at the airport - can charge 10% over the best exchange that can be obtained from shopping around. Australian banks usually offer an exchange rate around 2.5% from the current exchange midpoint. A flat commission of $5–8 can be charged on top. Some outlets advertise commission free exchange, usually accompanied by a worse rate of exchange. Don't assume every bank will offer the same exchange. There are vouchers for commission free exchange at American Express available in the tourist brochure at Sydney Airport. International airport terminals will have teller machines that can dispense Australian currency with Cirrus, Maestro, MasterCard or Visa cards. ===Banking=== Opening an Australian bank account is fairly straightforward if you have a residential address in Australia. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, such as a passport, to the bank in order for your application to be processed. The largest retail banks in Australia are '''[http://www.nab.com.au National Australia Bank (NAB)]''', '''[http://www.anz.com Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)]''', '''[https://www.commbank.com.au/ Commonwealth Bank]''' and '''[http://www.westpac.com.au/ Westpac]'''. Cash dispensing Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available in almost every Australian town. Australian ATMs are deregulated and may impose a surcharge over what is charged by your bank or card issuer. The fees can vary between institutions and between locations, but are usually around $2. The ATM will display the charges and you will have the option to stop the transaction before you are charged. Check with your bank as to what additional fees they apply to withdrawals in Australia. ===Costs=== {{infobox|Fast changing currency valuations|The Australian dollar is one of the world's more dynamic currencies, partly because of its relation to commodity prices such as iron and coal. Within the past 10 years the 'Aussie' has swung between 50¢ to $1.50 to the United States dollar, making the cost of visiting range from reasonable to very expensive depending on exactly when you are there.}} Australia is generally an expensive place to visit, with some surveys<!-- Any notable ones, peer reviewed etc?--> having ranked Australia as the third most expensive country in the world in terms of consumer prices, only behind Norway and Switzerland. Dorm accommodation in a capital city is around $30, but can run as low as $15 in Cairns or cheaper backpacker centres. A basic motel in the country or in the capital city suburbs would cost around $100 for a double. City Centre hotel accommodation in capital cities can be obtained for around $150 upwards for a double. Formule 1/Motel 6 style hotels (which are not common) can be around $60–90 for a double. Car hire will cost around $65 a day. Public transport day passes from $9–20 per day depending on the city. A cafe meal costs around $10–15, and a main course in a restaurant goes from around $17 upwards. A basic takeaway meal - a burger, sandwich, or couple of slices of pizza cost $5–10, a Big Mac costs $4.50, and you can usually grab a pie or sausage roll for around $4. A takeaway pizza from Pizza Hut big enough to feed two costs around $10. A middy/pot (285mL) of house beer will cost you around $5, and a glass of house wine around $8 in a low end pub. To take away, a case of 24 cans of beer will cost around $45, or a bottle of wine around $10. An airfare between neighbouring eastern capitals is around $120 each way but can get as low as $60 if you book at the right time, or around $350 to cross the country assuming that you are flexible with dates and book in advance. A train trip on the state run trains will usually cost slightly less. A bus trip, a little less again. A train trip on the private trains will be the most expensive way to travel. There is usually no admission charge to beaches or city parks. Some popular National Parks charge between $6 and $20 per day (per car, or per person depending on the state) while more out of the way National Parks are free. Art Galleries and some attractions are free. Museums generally charge around $10 per admission. Theme parks charge around $70 per person. ===Tax=== Australia has a 10% ''Goods and Services Tax (GST)'' that applies to all goods and services except unprocessed foods, education and medical services. GST is always ''included'' in the displayed price of any consumer purchases. Receipts (tax invoices) will contain the GST amount. ==== Tourist Refund Scheme ==== If you buy goods over $300 at one place at one time you can obtain a refund of the GST if you take the items out of Australia within 60 days and unlike in many other countries, this applies to both Australian citizens and foreigners. Make sure you get a tax invoice from the supplier (which will have the goods itemised, the GST paid, and the ABN of the supplier). Pack the items in hand luggage, and present the item(s) and the receipt at the TRS, after immigration and security when leaving Australia. If any of the items have to be checked in for whatever reason, make sure that you locate the customs office and let customs officers sight the goods before checking-in your bags. Also allow at least an extra 30 minutes before departure, and if possible enter the details online before you arrive at the airport. The refund payment can be made by either cheque, credit to an Australian bank account, or payment to a credit card. There is no refund available for GST on services. Remember the goods are now considered duty-free, and you'll have to pay GST on them if you bring them back into Australia and they are in excess of your duty-free allowances. ===Credit cards=== Credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Almost all large vendors such as supermarkets accept cards, as do many small stores. '''Visa''' and '''MasterCard''' are the most universally accepted cards, then American Express, then Diners Club with other cards either never or very rarely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are accepted at major supermarket and department store chains. Any card showing the Cirrus or Maestro logos can be used at any terminal displaying those logos. Australian debit cards can also be used via a system known as EFTPOS. Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless credit cards are accepted at virtually all terminals. You will only need to enter a PIN if the purchase is over $200. All Australian credit cards are issued with a PIN. If you have an overseas card without a PIN you can still sign for purchases, however shopkeepers unused to dealing with overseas cards may not be aware of this. Try to have a PIN on your card if your bank allows it. If not, you may have to explain that you have an overseas card and wait while the shopkeeper finds a pen. '''Credit card surcharges''' are imposed at all car rental agencies, travel agents, airlines, and at some discount retailers (such as Aldi) and service stations. They are increasingly common in cafes, bars and restaurants. Surcharges are far more common and higher for American Express and Diners Club (typically 2%-4%) than they are for Visa and MasterCard (typically 1.5%). Businesses are legally required to put a sign up indicating the size of any surcharge they impose. UnionPay credit cards as well as AliPay and WeChat Pay are becoming more common in tourist shops and restaurants due to the rising number of Chinese visitors. It is difficult to use them in other businesses however. ===Haggling=== Bargaining is uncommon in Australian stores, though vendors are usually willing to meet or beat a quote or advertised price from a competing retailer. It's also worth asking for a "best price" for high-value goods or purchases involving several items. For example, it would not be unusual to get 10% off an item of jewelry that was not already reduced in price. The person you are dealing with may have limited authority to sell items at anything other than the marked price. Attempting to haggle without a reason will most likely be perceived as rude in Australia and will be unsuccessful. ===Tipping=== [[Tipping]] is ''not'' customary in Australia, although tips are accepted if you freely choose to give one. Restaurants are required to include the cost of service and taxes in posted prices. You may, however, choose to leave a small tip if the service was exemplary. When paying by credit card, some restaurants give the option of adding a tip to your payment, although it is completely optional. Other places provide a coin jar or bowl by the cashier labelled "Tips", but the vast majority of Australian diners do not leave one. Bartenders are rarely tipped. Other types of service personnel, including hotel staff, porters, tour guides, food delivery drivers and hairdressers do not expect to receive tips. Tipping is also not expected in taxis, and drivers will typically return your change to the last 5 cents, unless you indicate that they should round the fare to the nearest dollar. It is not unusual for passengers to instruct the driver to round up to the next whole dollar. Casinos in Australia generally prohibit tipping of gaming staff, as it is considered bribery. Similarly, offering to tip government officials will usually be interpreted as bribery and can potentially be treated as a criminal offence. ===Trading hours=== [[File:17 Open sign - free stock photo.jpg|thumb|A sign indicating that a shop is open]] [[File:OIC alex hts shops 1b.jpg|thumb|A shopping centre in Perth]] Australia's '''base trading hours''' are Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Shops usually have a single night of late night trading, staying open until 21:00 on Fridays in most cities and on Thursdays in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Sunday trading is common in the main cities but does not exist in all rural areas. Opening hours beyond these base hours vary by the type of store, by location, and by state. See our localised guides for more local information. Major supermarket chains in main centres are generally open at least until 21:00 on weekdays (and often until midnight), but generally have reduced hours on weekends. Convenience stores such as 7/11 are open 24 hours in major centres. Fast food restaurant chains are commonly open 24 hours or at least very late. Many food courts in city centres typically close by 4PM and completely close on weekends if targeting office workers, but other eateries and food courts in shopping centres have longer hours. Fuel/service stations are open 24 hours in major centres, but often close at 6pm and on Sundays in country towns. Australia's '''weekend''' is on Saturday and Sunday of each week. Retail trading is now almost universal in larger cities on weekends, although with slightly reduced hours. Again, Western Australia is an exception with restrictions on large stores opening on Sundays. In smaller country towns shops are closed on Sundays and often also on Saturday afternoons. Tourist-oriented towns and shops may stay open longer hours. Tourist areas within cities, such as [[Sydney/Darling Harbour|Darling Harbour]] in Sydney have longer trading hours every night. Australian banks are open Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00 only, often closing at 17:00 on Fridays. Cash is available through Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) 24 hours, and currency exchange outlets have extended hours and are open on weekends. ==Eat== {{see also|Australian cuisine}} Australian cuisine was mainly influenced by its British and Irish colonial heritage until the 1960s and 70s, but with a history of immigration from other parts of Europe like Germany, Italy, Greece and Poland, the influence of these cultures has become more evident in Australian cuisine than its British and Irish beginnings. The large influx of Asian migrants has also left its mark on Australian cuisine, with many Australian chefs incorporating Asian influences in nominally Western dishes. The various Aboriginal ethnic groups have their own distinctive cuisines, though due to the fact that they make extensive use of exotic ingredients, these have for the most part not become a part of mainstream Australian cuisine. Generally speaking, table manners in Australia conform to [[Europe]]an norms. ===Places to eat=== {{infobox|BYO - Bring Your Own|BYO stands for ''Bring Your Own'' (alcohol). In many of the urban communities of Australia you will find small low-cost restaurants that are not licensed to serve but allow diners to bring their own bottle of wine purchased elsewhere. This is frequently much cheaper than ordering a bottle of wine in a restaurant. Beer can be taken to some BYO restaurants, others allow only wine. Expect to pay a corkage fee which can vary from $2–15, or may be calculated by head. BYO is not usually permitted in restaurants that are licensed to sell alcohol.}} {{infobox|Where has Burger King gone?|You'd be surprised to find out that there are zilch Burger Kings in Australia, or at least, zero Burger Kings operating under the name "Burger King". Instead, in Australia, Burger King is called "Hungry Jack's". The name was chosen as there was already a small takeaway called "Burger King" in Queensland, and so for trademark reasons, "Burger King" had to choose another name. In 2001, Hungry Jack's did win the rights to use the name "Burger King" as the trademark had expired, but as the name had become established, the chain instead chose to keep its name "Hungry Jack's".}} There is no shortage of places to eat out in the cities and towns. In addition to good restaurants offering cuisine from around the world, there are also the following: * '''Pubs''', the counter lunch is the name for a lunch served in the bar of a pub. Traditionally served only at lunchtime in the lounge. Today most pubs provide lunch and dinner and many have a separate bistro or restaurant. Steak, chicken parmigiana and nachos are common. * '''Clubs''', clubs, such as bowling clubs, leagues clubs, RSLs are in many towns and cities. They are most common in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Most allow visitors, and sometimes offer good value meals. A membership fee is often required. * '''Cafes''', most towns and suburbs have a cafe or coffee shop, serving breakfast and light meals and cakes throughout the day. Not unusual for them to close after 4PM. * '''Bakeries''', usually a good place to buy bread rolls, a pie or a sausage roll. * '''Fast food restaurants''', McDonald's (or ''Macca's''), Subway and KFC are common. Burger King is rebranded as Hungry Jack's. Red Rooster is an Australian chain, offering barbecued chicken and other mostly chicken-based items and Oporto is an Australian version of Nando's. * '''Take-away''', milk bars, sushi stores and other take-away stores usually sell sushi, pies, barbecued (rotisserie) chicken, hamburgers, fish and chips, gyros, and kebabs. * '''Food courts''', most shopping centres have a food court, even in country towns. * '''Picnic''', the Australian climate is usually amenable to getting whatever food you can, and heading to the nearest park, river, lake or beach. Electric BBQ facilities are often available. * '''Barbecue''', is a popular Australian pastime and many parks in Australia provide free barbecues for public use. Contrary to the stereotype, Australians rarely "Throw a shrimp on the barbie" (also, in Australia a shrimp is more commonly referred to as a prawn). Steaks, chops, sausages, chicken fillets, fish, and kebabs are popularly barbecued. * '''Wineries''', many of Australia's wineries have restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine that overlook their vineyards, where you can also purchase their wines to go with your meal. Typically only open for lunch, though an exception is Penfolds' Magill Estate Restaurant in Adelaide, which only opens for dinner. [[File:Jackadder Lake barbecues.jpg|thumb|Outdoor barbecues at Jackadder Lake, Woodlands, Western Australia. Similar facilities can be found in many parks across Australia.]] [[File:Centre Place Dec 2012.jpg|thumb|Centre Place in Melbourne's CBD is lined with cafes]] ===Native foods=== [[File:Kangaroo fillet.JPG|thumb|Kangaroo fillet at a restaurant in Sydney]] {{see also|Australian cuisine#Indigenous food (bush tucker)}} It may come as a disappointment that native foods are not actually available that much in Australian restaurants, nor consumed by Australians much themselves. They are available in supermarkets and in some of the remoter parts of the country. Traditional Aboriginal diets can include endangered species, the consumption of which is strictly restricted to specific communities and unlikely to be available to you. * '''Kangaroo''', if you fancy some, it is available from many supermarkets and butchers shops. Barbecue it until medium rare, but best not to overcook as it may become quite ''tough''. It tastes much like beef. It occasionally makes it onto the menu in restaurants, mostly in tourist areas. Kangaroos are abundant, do far less damage to the sensitive Australian environment than hoofed animals, and produce far fewer carbon emissions as well. Kangaroo is a great environmental statement to make whilst barbecuing. * '''Crocodile''', meat from farms in the Northern Territory and Queensland is widely available around the top end, and occasionally elsewhere. At Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia, you can see the ancient reptile on a farm while munching on a croc burger. * '''Emu''', yes, you can eat the other half of the Australian Coat of Arms as well. Emu is low in fat and available in specialty butchers. Try the Coat of Arms in a pie in [[Maleny]] or on a pizza in [[Sydney/The Rocks|The Rocks]]. * '''Bush tucker''', many tours may give you an opportunity to try some bush tucker, the berries, nuts, roots, ants, and grubs from Australia's native bush. '''Macadamia nuts''' are the only native plant to Australia that is grown for food commercially. Some of the other bush foods can be an acquired taste, though native seasonings are certainly worth trying, and are increasingly being featured in Australian fine dining restaurants. Bush tucker ice cream can sometimes be found at farmers' markets and outdoor festivals. ===Beyond cuisine=== [[File:Pavlova Dessert.jpg|thumb|A pavlova garnished with cream and raspberries]] Australia has a good deal of British inspired food that is not well known internationally. Definitely worth a try. '''Vegemite''', a salty yeast-based spread, best spread thinly on toast. If you aren't up for buying a jar, any coffee shop will serve vegemite on toast at breakfast time. It may not even be on the menu, but the vegemite will be out the back in the jar next to the marmalade. If you do buy a jar, the secret is it to spread it very thin, and don't forget the butter as well. It tastes similar to Marmite in the UK or Cenovis in Switzerland. Australians are quite used to the taste, and may spread the Vegemite very thick; but this is not recommended for first-timers. The '''Tim-Tam''' is a chocolate fudge-filled sandwich of two chocolate biscuits, all dipped in chocolate. You can buy a packet (or two) from any supermarket or convenience store. Tim-Tams are required to perform the ''Tim-Tam Slam'' manoeuvre. This requires biting off both ends of the Tim-Tam, then using it as a straw to drink your favourite hot beverage, typically coffee. The hot drink melts the fudge centre and creates an experience hard to describe. Finesse is needed to suck the whole biscuit into your mouth in the microseconds between being fully saturated and dissolving. Tim-Tams are sold in packs of 11, so be sure to agree on the sharing arrangements before buying a packet with your travel partner, or onward travel arrangements may be disrupted. During summer Tim-Tams are often stored in the freezer and eaten ice cold. The '''lamington''' is a cube of sponge cake covered in chocolate icing and dipped in desiccated coconut. It's named after Lord Lamington, who served as Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. The home-baked form can be found at a local Saturday morning market, or you can buy one from a bakery if you are desperate. Avoid at all costs the plastic wrapped varieties sold in supermarkets. The '''pavlova''' is a meringue cake with a cream topping usually decorated with fresh fruit. Served on special occasions, or after a lunchtime barbecue. Often the source of dispute with [[New Zealand#Eat|New Zealand]] over the original source of the recipe. '''ANZAC biscuits''' are a mix of coconut, oats, flour, sugar and golden syrup. They were reputedly sent by wives and care organisations to world war I soldiers in care packages, but the story is likely apocryphal. They are available from bakeries, cafes and supermarkets, and are popular in the lead up to ANZAC day (25 April). '''Damper''' is a traditional soda bread that was baked by drovers and stockmen. It has basic ingredients (flour, water and perhaps salt) and usually cooked in the embers of a fire. It is not routinely available in bakeries and only commonly served to tourists on organised tours. Best eaten with butter and jam or golden syrup as it is dry and bland. A '''Chiko roll''' is a deep-fried snack inspired by the egg roll or the spring roll. Despite the name, it contains no chicken. Its filling is boned mutton, vegetables, rice, barley, and seasonings. Its shell is thicker than an egg roll, meant to survive handling at football matches. Available anywhere you can buy fish and chips. The '''Australian Meat Pie''' is considered to be the national dish by many. A variation is the '''pie floater''' from Adelaide which is a pie inverted in a bowl of thick mushy pea soup. ===Other cuisines=== Cuisines widely available in Australia, often prepared by members of the relevant culture, include: * '''British''', Australia's colonial heritage is perhaps best represented by the ubiquity of '''fish and chips''', and virtually every neighbourhood and small town in a coastal area will have a local fish and chips shop. Common types of fish used in Australia include flake (various types of small shark), flathead, barramundi and King George whiting. Unlike in the UK, fish and chips is typically served with ketchup and tartar sauce in Australia. British and Irish style pubs are common throughout populated areas of Australia, although they feature Australian staples such as chicken parmas, schnitzels and pasta. * '''Chinese''', synonymous with the term "takeaway" in the past generations. Many Chinese restaurants still cater to takeaway addicts today, mostly of the Australianised Chinese variety, but major cities have small "Chinatowns" or suburbs with a large number of ethnic Chinese residents, that have excellent restaurants serving authentic Chinese food. Cantonese Dim Sum is available in dedicated restaurants in most large shopping malls. * '''Thai''' restaurants have exploded in number over the past decade. Sydney in particular is known as one of the best destinations for Thai food in the world. * '''Italian''', the Italian community is one of the largest ethnic communities of non Anglo-Saxon origin in Australia, and they have contributed greatly to the cafe culture that has flourished across the major cities over the past few decades. Restaurants either serve Italian food that has been adapted to suit Australian tastes, or authentic regional Italian food, with the latter tending to be pricier and in more upmarket surrounds. Head to Lygon street in Melbourne or Leichhardt in Sydney if you're a fan. * '''Greek''' is not quite as widespread as Italian above, but good options exist in every city and town. * '''Lebanese''' and other Middle Eastern, especially in Sydney. A '''Manoosh''' is a tasty pizza variation that is somewhat more healthy as well. ** A fusion dish that's becoming increasingly popular nationwide is the '''halal snack pack''' (also known by many alternate names). It consists of halal-certified doner kebab meat (originating from Turkey) and chips, covered by any of a wide variety of sauces and often cheese. Typically served in styrofoam containers as a takeaway dish. In Adelaide, the AB is similar to the halal snack pack of the eastern states, but it usually not halal. * '''Indian''' is available in most cities, and often represent a good mid-range restaurant option. * '''Japanese''', including bento takeaway shops, udon restaurants and sushi trains. They are often operated by '''Koreans''', whose own cuisine is also well represented in the major cities. * '''Vietnamese''', Pho and Cha Gio (spring rolls) are easy to find in the major cities. * '''German''', South Australia and Queensland in particular have had a long history of German settlement, and German restaurants can be found in major cities and in country towns that were historically settled by Germans. The '''schnitzel''' is a German dish that has been Australianised and is widely available in pubs and cafes throughout the country, though unlike German schnitzels, which are usually made of pork, Australian schnitzels are usually made of chicken or beef. A good selection of German or German-inspired sausages is also available at many butchers. * '''Asian fusion''' refers generally to Asian-inspired dishes. ===Modern Australian=== Modern Australian is a recently developed cuisine that is often seen in [[fine dining]] establishments, analogous to Modern American cuisine in the United States. This cuisine mixes cooking styles and flavours from different parts of Europe and Asia, paying homage to the diverse origins of Australia's population, and often incorporates native Australian flavours from the bush as well. ===Vegetarian=== Eating vegetarian is available in Australia and many restaurants offer at least one or two vegetarian dishes. Some will have an entire vegetarian menu section. Vegans may have more difficulty but any restaurant with a large vegetarian menu should offer some flexibility. In large cities and in the coastal backpacker-friendly towns along the east coast, you will find vegetarian and vegan restaurants. The market town of [[Kuranda]] or the seaside towns of [[Byron Bay]] are a vegetarian's paradise. In other regional areas especially in the Northern Territory, North Western Australia and north Queensland vegetarians are often poorly catered-for, but most towns will have a Chinese or Thai restaurant that will provide steamed rice and vegetables. Sydney and Melbourne in particular cater well for vegans and vegetarians with a lot of purely vegetarian restaurants, vegan clothing stores and vegan supermarkets. Quick vegetarian options include: * 'Smashed Avo' is a mix of avocado and feta cheese, served on toast and with an egg. A popular breakfast option and (unfairly) associated with free spending millennials. * Sushi rolls and tofu pockets, available at sushi shops everywhere * Vietnamese spring rolls (Bahn Mi) are also readily available with vegetarian fillings * Korean restaurants offer rice bowls (such as Bibimbap) with no meat * Pie shops of spinach rolls (filled with spinach and ricotta cheese) * Most food halls have a dedicated salad counter More remote outback areas may have very few vegetarian options (lots of processed meat pies and little else), so it is worth packing some vegetarian supplies before you go. ===Religious diets=== People observing kosher or halal will easily be able to find specialist butchers in the capital cities, and will also find a number of restaurants with appropriate menus and cooking styles. Outside the capital cities, it will be much more difficult to find food prepared in a strict religious manner. Fast food chains often offer Halal certified meals in areas with high Muslim populations in Western Sydney and Melbourne. ===Allergies=== Australian restaurants generally provide options for people with common allergies such as nuts and seafood. Ask the waitstaff if in doubt. The '''gluten free''' diet fad has spread to Australia, and there is no shortage of gluten free products in supermarkets, bakeries and restaurants, albeit often at higher prices than the regular versions of those products. ===Markets=== [[File:SydFishMarkets.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Seafood at the Sydney Fish Markets]] Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market, Adelaide's Central Market and the Fremantle Markets near Perth are perhaps Australia's best known examples of traditional European-style food markets. The Sydney Fish Market is one of the most iconic traditional seafood markets in the world. All of the capital cities and most regional towns in Australia host a "farmer's market", which is generally held each week in a designated area on a Saturday or Sunday. These markets mostly sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as hygiene regulations in Australia forbid the selling of meat directly from market stalls. Butchers who set up shop at a farmer's market would usually trade their wares from a display cabinet within their boot (trunk). The attraction of markets is the lower prices and freshness of the produce. The attraction for the traveller will be the cheap and excellent fruits on offer - depending on the region and season (in places like Queensland or the Northern Territory, you're more likely to find mangoes while down in Tasmania you're much more likely to find apples). In regional areas the market is usually held outside the town itself in an empty paddock or sports field, markets in capital cities are easier to reach but the prices are typically more in line with those you would find in supermarkets. See the destination guides for details. ==Drink== ===Beer=== Drinking '''beer''' is ingrained in Australian culture. Although Fosters is promoted as an Australian beer overseas, it is rarely consumed by Australians in Australia, and is almost impossible to find. Beers are strongly regional and every state has its own brews: Coopers and West End in South Australia, Carlton and VB in Victoria, Tooheys in NSW, XXXX (pronounced "fourex") in Queensland, Boags and Cascade in Tasmania, and Swan in Western Australia. There are also local microbrew choices, which can be harder to find, but are often worth seeking out. A range of imported European and American bottled beers are available in all but the most basic pub. [[File:XXXX Brewery Milton.jpg|thumb|The XXXX Brewery in Brisbane]] Light (Lite) beer refers to lower alcoholic content, and not lower calories. It has around half the alcohol of full strength beer, and is taxed at a lower rate, meaning it is also cheaper than full strength beer. Low calorie beer is sold as ''low carb''. Because Australians like their beer to stay cold while they drink it, draft beer glasses come in a multitude of sizes, so that you can drink a whole glass before it warms up in the summer heat. The naming of beer glasses varies widely from state to state, often in confusing ways: a '''schooner''' is 425mL everywhere except South Australia, where it's only 285mL, a size that's known elsewhere as a '''middy''' or '''pot''', except in Darwin where it's a '''handle''', but in Adelaide a "pot" means a 570mL full pint, and a ''pint'' means what a ''schooner'' does elsewhere, and... you get the idea. The local beers and the local descriptions are covered in detail in the state guides. Bottle naming is a little easier: the standard sizes across Australia are the 375 ml '''stubby''' and the 750mL '''long neck''', or '''tallie'''. Cans of beer are known as '''tinnies''', and 24 of them make up a '''slab''', '''box''', '''carton''', '''bag''' or '''case'''. ===Wine=== Australia produces quality wine on a truly industrial scale, with large multinational brands supplying Australian bottleshops and exporting around the world. There are also a multitude of boutique wineries and smaller suppliers. Very good red and white wine can be bought very cheaply in Australia, often at less than $10 a bottle, and even the smallest shop could be expected to have 50 or more varieties to choose from. The areas of the [[Barossa Valley]] (near Adelaide), [[Hunter Valley]] (near Sydney), [[Yarra Valley]] (near Melbourne) and [[Margaret River]] (near Perth) are particularly renowned for their wineries and opportunities for cellar door sampling, but northern Victoria and [[Mudgee]] also have a large variety. You are never too far from a wine trail anywhere in southern Australia. Try the local wines wherever you can find them, and ask for local recommendations. Try not to get taken in by the label, or the price tag. The best wine is rarely the one with the best artwork, or the most expensive price. However, it is probably wise to avoid the house wine if it comes straight from a cask (4-litre container). Wines at the cellar door are almost invariably sold at around 20% premium to the same wine in the shops in the local town. If you still prefer overseas wines, the [[Marlborough (New Zealand)|Marlborough]] region of New Zealand is usually well represented on wine lists and in bottle shops in Australia. See also [[Grape grazing in Australia]]. ===Spirits=== Bundaberg Rum (''Bundy'') is an Australian dark rum particularly popular in Queensland and many Queenslanders will not touch any other brand of rum. It is probably the most famous Australian made spirit, mass-produced in [[Bundaberg]] and available everywhere. For many years one had to search to find other Australian distilled spirits, mostly from niche players, but there are distilleries in every state of Australia if you look hard enough and more are popping up all the time&ndash;Adelaide gin distilleries 75° and the Adelaide Gin Company have grown in esteem over the past few years. The tiny Sullivan's Cove distillery in Tasmania made waves in 2014 when one of their whiskies was named the World's Best Single Malt, kicking off a mini-boom in Australian whisky, and they repeated the feat in 2018 and 2019. If $8,000 for a bottle of their 2014 French Oak is a bit steep, drop into the Lark Distillery on the scenic [[Hobart]] waterfront precinct, book a gin blending experience at Archie Rose in Sydney, pick up a bottle of 151 East Vodka in [[Wollongong]] or after a few days in [[Kununurra]] you are definitely going to need an Ord River Rum. Mixed drinks are also available, particularly vodka, scotch, bourbon and other whiskey mixers. Spirits are also available as pre-mixed bottles and cans but are subject to higher taxation in this form, so it is cheaper to mix them yourself. Spirits are served in all pubs and bars, but not in all restaurants. A basic spirit and mixer (vodka and orange juice for example) will cost you about $7 at a bar or nightclub, but can vary ~$5–12. ===Legal aspects=== The legal drinking age throughout Australia is '''18 years'''. It is illegal either to purchase alcohol for yourself if you are under 18 years of age or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18 years of age. The only legally acceptable proof-of-age is an Australian drivers licence, state-issued proof-of-age card, [https://auspost.com.au/id-and-document-services/apply-for-a-keypass-id Keypass card] or a passport, and it would be wise to carry one if you want to purchase alcohol or tobacco and look under 25 - vendors will frequently ask for ID for anybody who looks to be 25 or younger. In Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, foreign drivers licences and foreign ID cards are '''NOT''' legally acceptable as proof of age documentation, and people who are unable to produce a passport or valid Australian ID will be refused service. It is illegal to go into a gambling area of a pub or club when under 18. Often there is a lounge, restaurant or bistro area in a pub or club that permits under-age people provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult over 18 and don't approach the bar or wander around. Some city pubs even have video games and playgrounds for children. Some country pubs have large open areas out in the back where kids can run and play. In general, you can take alcohol (say a bottle of wine or beer) to consume at a park or beach. Alcohol consumption is banned in some public places as 'street drinking'. These are often indicated by signs and is particularly the case in parks and footpaths where public drunkenness has been a problem. However, if you are a family with your picnic basket and blanket out at lunchtime with a bottle of wine, you are unlikely to encounter any problems. Alcohol can be purchased for consumption on premises only in '''licensed venues''': pubs, clubs and many restaurants. You can purchase alcohol for private consumption in '''bottle shops''', which are separate stores selling bottled alcohol. In some states you can buy alcohol in '''supermarkets'''. In those states where you can't, bottle shops and major supermarkets are often found in very close proximity. Although licensing laws and hours vary from state to state, and individual stores have different trading hours, as a rule of thumb, alcohol is generally available in towns to take-away seven days a week, 08:00-23:00, from bottle shops, supermarkets, licensed grocers/milk-bars and pubs. Outside of these hours though, it is almost impossible to buy alcohol to take home; unless you're in the middle of Sydney or Melbourne, so if you're planning on a party at home; it's a good idea to stock up and check on the local trading hours so you don't run out at 00:30 with no opportunity to buy more. Alcohol is not available at petrol stations or 24-hour convenience stores anywhere in Australia. Public drunkenness varies in acceptability. You will certainly find a great deal of it in close proximity to pubs and clubs at night time but much less so during the day. Public drunkenness is an offence but you would only likely ever be picked up by the police if you were causing a nuisance. You may spend the night sobering up in a holding cell or be charged. '''Driving while affected by alcohol''' is stigmatized, policed by random breath-testing police patrols in Australia, and inherently dangerous. Drink driving is a very serious offence in Australia, punishable by a range of mechanisms including loss of licence. The acceptable maximum blood alcohol concentration is 0.05% Australia-wide, often lower or not allowed for operators of heavy vehicles and young or novice drivers. Police officers are also empowered to randomly test drivers for the recent use of prohibited drugs. Refusing any of these tests is a criminal offence. The operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of prohibited drugs or alcohol will always result in arrest and a required court appearance many weeks from the date of arrest and it can comprehensively disrupt travel plans. Random breath-testing is common early Saturday and Sunday mornings, and many people are caught the morning after. ===A shout=== [[File:Birdsville Hotel.jpg|thumb|The Birdsville Hotel in far western Queensland]] Buying a round of drinks is a custom in Australia, as in many corners of the world. It is generally expected in a pub that when you arrive and make your first trip to the bar that you will offer to buy a drink for others you are drinking with. Similarly this will likely be done to you when someone else joins the group. This is called ''a shout'', and incurs an obligation that you will generally return the favour in a following round, and that also you will generally maintain the same drinking pace as your associates in the round throughout the evening. If someone in the same round as you has an empty glass, who is ahead of you in drinks bought, you should declare that it is your shout, and make your way to the bar. If someone offers to buy you a drink, but does not offer to buy for the person who already has bought you a drink, you should say you are already in a shout, and decline. If they buy you and the people in your round a drink, they have joined the shout. Its generally not polite to switch between shouts during an evening. It you are in a large shout, and you decline a drink, you still have to buy a drink for the round when it comes to your turn. You are well advised if you wish to skip a round, to do so on your shout. It is generally poorly received to buy a round, and then to refuse a drink when one is purchased for you. Often the drink will just be bought for you without even asking. Don't be surprised if someone who bought you a drink earlier in the night, later says that it is your shout. Not joining a shout can be awkward in some groups. The best way is to say you are driving, and you will buy your own drinks. This is also an acceptable way to drop out after one round, when the score is even. ===Non-alcoholic=== '''Milo''' is a malt and chocolate drink now made by Nestlé that was invented in Australia, and has since become immensely popular in parts of [[Southeast Asia]]. It can be found in any Australian supermarket. Australia has a strong coffee culture, especially Melbourne, a city with extensive Italian immigration. The joke is that Italians visiting Melbourne think the coffee is worse than their home city's, but better than every other city in Italy. Even service stations and fast food places will sell decent coffee. However, because of the strong preference for local coffee shops, many of the major chains in other countries don't exist -- Starbucks has a tiny handful of stores in Melbourne and Sydney, and none elsewhere in the country. Don't be taken aback by the lack of chains; try the local flavour instead! ==Learn== {{Main|Studying abroad#Australia}} Australia is a popular destination for University students, especially from [[East Asia]], [[Southeast Asia]] and [[India]]. Australia offers world class universities in an English speaking environment, along with potential opportunities to actually gain resident and work visas on a path to citizenship. If you are intending to study in Australia, you will need to be on a visa class that allows this. Students and academics invited to visit Australian universities will generally also need an appropriate visa, even if their visit is of a short enough period to be covered by a tourist electronic visa. For very short term or part-time courses, check with your Australian consulate or embassy. Australia also happens to be a great place to get Barista certification, with graduates being maybe able to command higher wages in coffee shops back in their home countries. Such courses can usually be conducted on a standard tourist visa. ==Sleep== [[File:Camping by the Yarrangobilly River - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Camping by the Yarrangobilly River, NSW]] Accommodation is readily available in most Australian cities and tourist destinations. As with everything else in Australia, it tends to be on the expensive side by international standards. ===Hotels=== {{infobox|When is a hotel not a hotel?|In Australian English, a '''hotel''' can also refer to what most of the rest of the world would call a '''pub'''. While country hotels (pubs) tend to have accommodation on site, most city hotels do not. A country hotel that does not have a public bar is typically called a '''motel'''.}} All state capitals have a number of 4 or 5 star standard hotels, often with upmarket restaurants, bars, room-service, and other premium hospitality services. Other 2 or 3 star hotels are scattered around the inner-cities and inner suburbs. Best to check local guides and reviews to know what you are in for. Most hotels offer internet connectivity, occasionally for an inflated fee. Most hotels (distinct from the country pubs known as hotels) have private bathroom facilities. It isn't unknown for all options to run out during major events in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. ===Pubs=== [[File:BendigoShamrockHotel.JPG|thumb|Bendigo's Shamrock Hotel]] Most pubs in Australia offer some form of accommodation. It can vary from very basic shabby rooms, to newly renovated boutique accommodation. The price is usually a good reflection of what you are in for. It is still quite unusual to have a private bathroom, even in the nicer pubs. The rooms are often on the second floor directly above the bar area and can be noisy, particularly on Fri/Sat nights. Outside of the major centres, the pub is called a '''Hotel'''. A motel won't have a public bar. A motel that does have a bar attached is called a Hotel/Motel. In very small towns local pubs offer the only accommodation available to travellers. Accommodation in these pubs tends to be budget-style with shared bathrooms but private rooms. Pub accommodation is even available in the centre of [[Sydney]], making getting back to your room after a beer a simple endeavour. If you travel as a single, and want a private room, pubs usually have single rooms at a discount over a double room. Most motels will charge the same price for one or two people sharing a room. ===Motels=== Typically, motel-style accommodation will have a private room with a bed or number of beds, and a private shower and toilet. Many motels have family rooms, that will usually have a double bed and two single beds in the one room. Motel rooms in the cities will generally cost upwards from $80. Usually the cost is the same for one or two adults, with any extra people charged an additional fee. Prices for additional children can range from free to $20 per child. During quiet times its not unusual for motels to offer standby discounts. Most motels will serve a cooked or continental breakfast to your room in the morning, for an additional charge. Some may have a restaurant or serve an evening meal. Some may have a toaster in the room and kettles are widely provided. Some motels however, do not have a private bathroom. For one, a little bit of an upgrade will get you this. ===Hostels and backpackers=== [[Hostels|Budget hostel-style accommodation]] with shared bathrooms and often with dormitories is approximately $20–30 per person per night. Facilities usually include a fully equipped kitchen with adequate refrigeration and food storage areas. Most hostels also have living room areas equipped with couches, dining tables, and televisions. There are several backpacker hostel chains in Australia. If you are staying many nights in the same brand of hostel, consider their discount cards, which usually offer a loyalty bonus on accommodation, and other attraction and tour discounts negotiated by the chain. ===Holiday parks=== Holiday parks are an Australian holiday institution and a great way to stay if you have your own wheels. These are basically an upgraded version of '''caravan parks''', but as the new marketing indicates, they now cater to regular travellers as well. A typical holiday park offers the following types of accommodation: * '''Cabins''' fully equipped with bedding, kitchens, TV, wifi and more, for travellers without their own home on wheels. Most can house 4 or more people with rates starting from around $100/night. * '''Powered sites''' for parking your caravan/campervan/motorhome/RV. Some parks offer '''ensuite sites''' featuring a little bathroom with shower & toilet. * '''Unpowered sites''' are for those intending to pitch their own tent, starting from around $20/night. Regardless of where you stay, the price includes access to communal facilities including BBQs, showers, kitchens, self-service laundries, pools, tennis courts and jumping pillows. The largest park chains covering the country are [https://topparks.com.au Top Parks/Discovery Parks] and [https://www.big4.com.au/ Big 4], but there are also plenty of independent options. There are a couple of caveats to holiday parks: * They're typically located on the outskirts of towns, so they're not very practical unless you have your vehicle. * Most cater to families, which is great if you have kids, but not so much if you're looking for peace and quiet. * During school holidays, parks tend to jack up their rates and require multiple-night minimum stays, and the best ones sell out anyway. * If you change your mind, too bad, since reservations are typically nonrefundable. ===Camping=== Camping is a popular pastime. In addition to camping at [[#Holiday parks|holiday parks]], national parks often provide cheap or free camping sites, which expect you to be more self-sufficient. Often toilets are provided and sometimes cold showers. Paid camping permits are sometimes required at popular parks, with some popular spots filling up during the holidays in summer. In Australia it is common to be within an hour's drive of a national park or recreation area that will permit some form of camping, even in the capital cities. Expect to pay around $5–10 per night per person for a camping permit, and national park admission fees in the more popular national parks (e.g.: Wilsons Promontory National Park, Kosciuszko National Park, etc.), however entry and camping is free in the majority of national parks further from population and tourist centres. Some other camping areas are run by government or even local landowners. Expect around $10 per person per night, depending on the time of year. You can try your luck sleeping on a beach or pitching a tent overnight in a highway rest area, or out in the bush for a free bed. Most rest areas and beaches prohibit camping and many even prohibit overnight parking to discourage this. Generally the closer you are to civilization or a tourist area, the greater the chance of being hassled by the authorities. Camping in state forests is often preferable to national parks if you're after a camping experience over sightseeing, as collecting of your own fire wood is allowed (sometimes felling of trees is permissible dependent on the area) and camping is not restricted to camp sites. Some other activities that are generally allowed in state forests that are not allowed in national parks are: bringing in dogs/pets, open fires, motorbikes and four-wheel driving. State forests are generally free to stay in, although you will need to check locally if public access is allowed. ===Farm stay=== Much as the name suggests, this usually involves a cabin or homestead accommodation on a working property. Suited for a stay of two or more days, this accommodation usually allows you to get a little involved in the running of the farm if you wish. It is common for dinner to be provided in the homestead, and a breakfast pack to be provided to your cabin. ===Holiday home=== Holiday homes are homes rented by their owners, often using local real estate agents or specialised web sites. Sometimes located in prime positions, but also sometimes in the residential sections of cities and towns. Minimum rental periods of at least 2 days usually apply, rising to a week during periods when they are busy. At a minimum will have bedrooms, a lounge, bathroom. ===[[Bed and Breakfasts]]=== [[File:HentyCentralHotel.JPG|thumb|250px|The Henty Central Hotel in the New South Wales town of Henty provides bed and breakfast accommodation. Many country towns have similar hotels.]] Bed and Breakfasts tend to be a premium form of accommodation in Australia, often focused on weekend accommodation for couples. They certainly don't offer the discount form of accommodation they do in part of the [[United Kingdom]], and the local motel will usually be cheaper. Sometimes extra rooms in a person's home, but often a purpose built building. You should expect a cosy, well kept room, a common area, and a cooked breakfast. Possibly private facilities. Substantial discounts often apply for mid-week stays at bed and breakfasts. ===Resorts=== There are many true resorts around Australia. Many have lagoon pools, tennis, golf, kids clubs, and other arranged activities. The island of the [[Whitsundays]] have a choice of resorts, some occupying entire islands. [[Port Douglas]] also has many resorts of a world standard. ===Serviced apartments=== Serviced apartments are a very popular form of accommodation in Australia, with all capital and most regional cities having multiple such hotels. These often include hotels located in prime positions in the centre of town. Guests are typically able to stay for as little as one night, and discounts are often available for bookings of a week and over. Rooms tend to be larger than in standard hotels, and amenities typically include a kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate bedrooms. Apartment hotels generally don't offer breakfast or have a restaurant, but there are usually cafes located nearby (often next door) which cater to guests. ===Houseboats=== Houseboats are available to rent on some scenic rural rivers, and provide an excellent opportunity to spend time in the wilderness. These usually have kitchens in them so you can bring your own food to cook. ===Station wagons and vans=== In most parts of Australia it is illegal to sleep in your vehicle but it is possible to get around this by simply rigging up curtains all around the windows so no one can see in from the outside. Trade vans can be picked up for as little as $1,000, with a more trustworthy van setting you back no more than $3,000-4,000. Add a mattress, pillow, portable gas cooker, cookware and a 20 L water container and you are off. If you get caught the fine could be as much as $150 each, so do it at you own risk. But if you are strategic in where you stay you probably won't get caught. Just be sensible and don't disturb the locals. Also, be aware of parking restrictions in certain parts of the cities and town, although overnight parking restrictions are rare. The parking inspectors can be ruthless and a $100+ fine is not uncommon. All cities and towns in Australia have free public toilets. Many parks, and most beaches have free electric barbecues as well. Popular beaches have fresh water showers to wash the salt water off after you swim, so for those on a tight budget (or for those that just love waking up at the beach) simply wash in the ocean (please do not pollute the ocean or waterways by using detergents or soaps) and rinse off at the showers. Almost all taps in Australia are drinking water, the ones that aren't will be marked. Service stations (petrol/gas) almost always have taps, so these are a good place to refill the water containers each time you refuel. Some of the best experiences you may have in Australia will be by taking that road on the map that looks like it heads to a beach, creek, waterfall or mountain and following it. You may just find paradise and not another soul in sight. And lucky you, you've got a bed, food and water right there with you. Travelling in a small group lowers the fuel bill per head, as this will likely be your biggest expense. Enjoy, and respect the land by taking your rubbish/bottles/cigarette butts with you and disposing of them properly. ==Work== Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of Australia can work in Australia without any further permits, but others will require a work visa. It is illegal for foreigners to undertake paid work in Australia on a tourist visa. Be aware that any form of compensation for services performed, monetary or otherwise (e.g. room and board), counts as payment in Australia, meaning that such work would be illegal on a tourist visa. Volunteer work is allowed provided it is incidental to the trip (i.e. not the main purpose for the trip). Foreigners in Australia on a student visa are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time, and full-time during the school holidays. Working illegally in Australia runs a very real risk of arrest, imprisonment, deportation and being permanently banned from re-entering Australia. All visitors who do not hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship (including New Zealand citizens who aren't also Australian permanent residents or citizens) are not allowed to access Australian social security arrangements for the unemployed, and will have limited, or more usually, no access to the Australian government's health care payment arrangements. ===Payment and taxes=== Most Australian employers pay via direct deposit to Australian bank accounts and therefore you should open a bank account as soon as possible. Some banks allow you to open account from abroad, for example Commonwealth Bank and HSBC. You should also apply for a '''[http://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/ Tax File Number (TFN)]''' as soon as possible. You can apply on-line for free at the [http://www.ato.gov.au/ Australian Tax Office website], though you can generally get it quicker if you just go to one of their offices. You can start working without one, but you are advised to get one as soon as possible as your employer would have to withhold tax from your salary at the highest rate should you not provide one. Register your TFN with your bank as soon as possible, otherwise any interest you accrue will be taxed at the highest rate. The Australian financial year runs from 1st July to 30th June, and tax returns for each financial year are due on 30th October, four months after the accounting period ends. Check with Australian tax agents about Australian tax liability and filing an Australian tax return. Australian employers will make compulsory payments out of your earnings to an Australian superannuation (retirement savings) fund on your behalf. Visitors on temporary working visas who are not citizens of Australia or New Zealand should claim this money when they leave Australia. This payment is known as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) and you can [https://applicant.tr.super.ato.gov.au/applicants/default.aspx?pid=1 apply online]. New Zealand citizens can transfer their superannuation money to their New Zealand KiwiSaver account; contact your provider to arrange this. ===Working holidaymaker scheme=== [[File:CSIRO ScienceImage 4714 CSIRO Precision Viticulture Trial site in the Eden Valley SA March 2004.jpg|thumb|Vineyards in South Australia]] Australia has a working holidaymaker program for citizens of certain countries between 18 and 30 years of age. It allows you to stay in Australia for 12 months from the time you first enter. You may work during that time, but only for 6 months at any one employer. The idea is for you to take a holiday subsidised by casual or short-term jobs. If you're interested in a working holiday, some useful skills and experience might be: office skills to be used for temp work; or hospitality skills to be used for bar or restaurant work. An alternative is seasonal work like fruit picking, although much seasonal work will require that you work outside the major cities. Working for 3 months in seasonal work will allow you to apply for a second 12-month visa. You can apply online for a '''[https://www.ecom.immi.gov.au/visas/jsp/index.jsp?visaType=WORKING_HOLIDAY working holiday visa]''', but you must ''not'' be in Australia at the time. It takes just a few hours to process usually and it costs about $440 (as of March 2017). On arriving in Australia ask for the working holiday visa to be "evidenced", so you can show your future employer. It's recommended to arrive in Australia with sufficient funds which is a minimum of $5000 if you are on a working holiday visa. The cost of living in Australia is quite high and it may take a few days or weeks to get a job. ===Work visas=== Work visas in Australia change frequently and sometimes without any notice, so always check with your local Australian High Commission, Consulate or Embassy and the [http://www.immi.gov.au/ Immigration Department's website]. The most straightforward way to get a work visa (subclass 457, 186 & 187) is to find an Australian employer who will sponsor you. Your employer will need to demonstrate that they cannot hire anyone with your skills in Australia. Locally advertised jobs are usually explicit in requiring a valid work visa before your application can be considered. Getting the visa might take a couple of months from the beginning of the application process and you will need a medical examination by a doctor approved by the immigration officials before it can be granted (among other things, you will need a chest x-ray to show that you do not have tuberculosis). An employer with a good background and efficient immigration lawyers could get your 457 approved within a week. Your work visa will only be valid for the employer who sponsored you and you will have to leave within 30 days of your employment ending. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) is the easiest employer nominated visa to acquire, although you will have to live and work in a designated 'regional' area. These areas are mostly rural and far removed from the larger cities, although [[Adelaide]] does count in this scheme. Skilled independent visas (subclass 189, 190, 489) may be pursued if you have a valuable specialised skill and don't want to be tied to a specific employer. There is also a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) which allows graduates of Australian universities to stay on and work in Australia, and is usually valid anywhere from 18 months to 4 years depending on your level of education, and your major. Your major must be from a list of skilled occupations for which there is a labour shortage in Australia. This list is updated every year, and whether or not you qualify for this visa is dependent on the list at the time of your graduation, ''not'' at the time you begin your studies. ===Immigration=== You can apply to immigrate as a skilled person or business person, but this process will take longer than receiving a work visa. You can also apply for permanent residency as the holder of a work or study visa, but your application will not be automatically accepted. If you have a lot of money, there are several investor's visas available which allow you to live in Australia with a view of obtaining permanent residency. After four years of legal residency which must include one year as a permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. ===Volunteering=== There are several volunteer opportunities in Australia. Many worldwide organisations offer extended travel for those wanting to volunteer their time to work with locals on projects such as habitat restoration, wildlife sanctuary maintenance & development, scientific research, & education programs such as [http://www.australianvolunteers.com '''Australian Volunteers'''], [http://www.wwf.org.au '''World Wildlife Fund'''], [http://www.gap360.com '''Gap 360'''], [https://www.godiscoverabroad.com/ '''Go Discover Abroad''']and [http://www.xtremegapyear.co.uk '''Xtreme Gap Year''']. ==Respect== Unless you are actively trying to insult someone, a traveller is unlikely to insult or cause offence to an Australian through any kind of cultural ignorance. Australian modes of address tend towards the familiar. It is acceptable and normal to use first names in all situations, even to people many years your senior. Many Australians are fond of using and giving nicknames - even to recent acquaintances. It is likely being called such a name is an indication that you are considered a friend and as such it would be rare they are being condescending. It is generally acceptable to wear revealing clothing in Australia. Bikinis and swimming attire are okay on the beach, and usually at the kiosk across the road from the beach. It is normal to wear at least a shirt and footwear before venturing any further. Most beaches are effectively top optional (topless) while sunbathing. Just about all women wear a top while walking around or in the water. There are some clothing optional (nude) beaches, usually a little further removed from residential areas. Thong bikinis (more commonly called g-string bikinis in Australia as thongs refer to flip-flop footwear) are fine on all beaches and some outdoor pools for women and men, although they are not as common as conventional beachwear. Some outdoor pools have a "top required" policy for women. Cover up a little more when visiting places of worship such as churches. In warm conditions casual "t-shirt and shorts" style clothing predominates except in formal situations. Business attire, however, is considered to be long sleeved shirt, tie, and long trousers for men, even in the hottest weather. Using [[Australian slang|Australian stereotypical expressions]] may be viewed as an attempt to mock, rather than to communicate. If you pull it off well, you might raise a smile. Australians are often self-deprecating; however, it is rude to ever agree with a self-deprecating remark. Boasting about achievements is rarely received well. Social classes do not feature as prominently in Australia as they do in many other countries, and you will notice that tradespeople and manual labourers are very well paid and accorded a lot more respect in Australia than elsewhere. Be careful not to imply that you are looking down on people whose jobs may be considered menial by the standards of other countries. Service workers, including hotel staff, waiters, cleaners, taxi drivers and shop employees, expect that customers will treat them as equals. Most Australians are happy to help out a lost traveller with directions, however many urban dwellers will assume that someone asking "excuse me", is asking for money, and may brush past. Looking lost, holding a map, looking like a backpacker or getting to the point quickly helps. ===Indigenous Australians === [[File:Ayers Rock 2004 - panoramio (2).jpg|thumb|Uluru]] [[Indigenous Australian culture|Aboriginal Australians]] likely arrived in the Australian landmass 65,000 years ago and number over half a million people today. They have faced significant discrimination over the years since European settlement took their traditional lands, and sensitivity should be given at all times. Aboriginal people actually come from many different 'nations' with distinctive cultures and identities that spoke up to 250 different languages before European settlement. Many areas of Aboriginal land are free to enter. Some areas carry a request from the Aboriginal people not to enter, and you may choose yourself whether or not to honour or respect that request. Uluru holds great spiritual significance to the Anangu people, who live in the area; while climbing it used to be a popular tourist activity, it has been '''illegal''' since October 2019. The Anangu feel themselves responsible if someone is killed or injured on their land (as has happened many times during the climb), so please keep off. Some Aboriginal land requires permission or a permit, and some areas are protected and illegal to enter. You should check before making plans to travel off the beaten track. Permits are usually just a formality for areas which regularly see visitors, or if you have some other business in the area you are travelling through. Often they are just an agreement to respect the land you are travelling on as Aboriginal land. Some Aboriginal Land Councils make them available online. If you need to refer to race, the politically correct term is ''Indigenous Australians''. ''Aboriginal people'' is usually okay and referring to sacred sites and land as Aboriginal sites, or Aboriginal land is okay too, though these terms only refer to people indigenous to mainland Australia or Tasmania. Avoid using ''Aboriginal'' as a noun to describe a person, as some people see negative connotations in this. The terms "Aborigine" or "Abo" are deeply offensive and should never be used. The word ''native'' generally not a preferred term, but reasonably acceptable – just use ''indigenous'' instead. People indigenous to the [[Torres Strait Islands]] do not identify as "Aboriginal", as they are more ethnically Melanesian than their southern neighbours; just stick to the term ''Torres Strait Islander''. Other areas to consider when interacting with indigenous Australians are: * Australia Day is considered a day of invasion by many Aboriginal people, and consequential protests against that day is frequent. * It is best not to mention the name, nor show any image of a deceased person to an indigenous Australian. Though Aboriginal custom varies, it is best to avoid the possibility of offence. * Permission to photograph an Aboriginal person should always be asked, but in particular in the more remote areas such as [[Arnhem Land]] and [[Northern Territory]]. * Avoid disrespecting sacred Aboriginal places like climbing on Uluru or the Three Sisters etc. While this may sound obvious that it's disrespectful, the number of indigenous sites that have been damaged, vandalised, or even destroyed by tourists is quite unimaginable. * While indigenous Australians have been given equal rights on paper, they are still often arrested or pulled over by a cop for things that a non-indigenous person wouldn't usually get arrested for. Talking about this subject may be highly sensitive, and to this day, there's a case every now and then of Aboriginal people, particularly children getting assaulted by police. This topic should be '''avoided whenever possible'''. ===Religion=== Contemporary Australian society is rather secular, and only a minority of Australians go to church regularly. Most Australians are tolerant towards people of all faiths, and people wearing religious attires such as hijabs, kippahs or crucifixes will in general not face harassment although Islamophobia does exist. Attempting to proselytise or inconveniencing others with your religion, however, will more often than not result in a negative response. This includes diets, and often people who have dietary restrictions get given a frown, particularly in rural Australia, although in urban areas, it is more tolerated. ===British legacy=== It can be very offensive to some, saying that Australia is or was a British country or that the culture is based solely on that of the UK. Australia is an independent country and Australians have many origins from all over the world, including most of the locals. It has a culture a bit similar to that of Europe, but there are a lot of things that are uniquely Australian and some that are brought from other countries of the world, not to forget the heavy American influence. ==Stay safe== ===Emergencies=== The number '''[tel:000 000]''' (called 'triple zero' or 'triple oh') can be dialled from any telephone in Australia free of charge. This number will connect you with the police, fire brigade, coastguard or ambulance service after you tell the emergency operator which service you need. If you want to contact these services but the situation is not an emergency, don't call 000: you can call the police assistance line on [tel:131444 131 444]. This includes requesting a call out for noise complaints. Poisons information advice, which can also advise on snake, spider and insect bites, is available on [tel:131126 131 126]. Information on locating the nearest medical services can be obtained by calling [tel:1800022222 1800 022 222] (except for Tasmania). If you require assistance during a flood, storm, cyclone, tsunami, earthquake or other natural disaster you can contact the State Emergency Service in each state (except for Northern Territory) on [tel:132500 132 500]. You will be connected with your local unit and help can be organised from there. If the emergency is life-threatening, call 000 instead. You can dial 000 from all mobile phones. Mobile phones sold in Australia recognise it as the emergency number and will use any available network to place the call. However, if you have a phone obtained outside Australia, using the universal emergency number '''[tel:112 112]''' is a better idea. Using 112 will use any available network, will work even if your phone is not roaming, and will work even if the phone does not have a SIM. 112 works from Australian purchased phones too. Hearing or speech impaired people with TTY equipment can dial '''[tel:106 106]'''. Those with Internet connectivity can use the [http://www.relayservice.com.au Internet Relay Service, via the website]. Calls from fixed line (landline) phones may be traced to assist the emergency services to reach you. The emergency services have limited ability to trace the origin of emergency calls from mobile phones, especially outside of urban areas, so be sure to calmly and clearly provide details of your location. Because of the number sequence for emergency calls, around 60% of calls to the emergency numbers are made in error. Nobody will likely respond to your call unless you can effectively communicate to the operator that you need assistance. If you are in need of assistance, but cannot speak, you will be diverted to an IVR and asked to press '''55''' to confirm that you are in need of assistance and have not called by accident. Your call will then be connected to the police. Except for 112 from a mobile, emergency numbers from other countries (for example, '911', '17' or '100') '''do not work''' in Australia. ===Driving=== Keep a sense of perspective. Tourists are far more likely to be killed or injured as pedestrians, drivers or passengers on Australian roads than all the other causes of death and injury combined. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. Most states use a prescribed standard of alcohol in the blood to determine whether driving is criminal. The prescribed (allowed) content ranges from zero to 0.05. Random breath testing for blood and alcohol is carried out. Australia is a huge country and driving between cities and towns can take longer than you expect, especially if you are used to freeway or motorway driving in Europe, Asia or North America. While the major highways are comparable to those overseas, secondary highways in rural areas need to be treated with some care. Speed limits vary by location, road and by state. Avoid the stresses of fatigue by not planning to drive too far in a day. Authorities strongly recommend a break (with some walking outside the car) every two hours. Often, there are designated rest stops on numbered M, A routes as well as National Highways and Routes, but they are almost non existent on unpaved highways, state routes, B or C highways. Driving between towns and cities comes with a risk of hitting or crashing due to swerving to avoid wildlife. Kangaroos have a habit of being spooked by cars and then, bewilderingly, jumping in front of them. Take extra care when driving through areas with vegetation close to the road and during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. Wildlife is not usually an issue in major urban areas (with the exception of Canberra where a series of parks provides ample habitat for kangaroos, which often cross major roads). Urban Australians jaywalk, dodge cars, and anticipate the sequence of lights. Although most drivers will stop for a red light, running the amber light is common, so ensuring the traffic has stopped before stepping from the curb is always a good idea. People from countries that drive on the right will take a while to get used to looking the correct way when crossing. ===Beaches=== [[File:Lifeguard, Sydney, Australia.jpg|thumb|A lifeguard at Bondi Beach in Sydney]] <!-- There are links to this section from other beach going sections in Australia city and district articles. Please leave this heading intact, unless there is a good reason to change it. Please add information here that is common to beaches across Australia --> Around 10–20 overseas travellers drown in Australia each year. Most of these drownings occur at ocean beaches, where statistics put visitors at significantly higher risk than locals. Check the [http://www.beachsafe.org.au Beach Safety website]. Beach goers should '''swim between the red and yellow flags''' which designate patrolled areas. Beaches are not patrolled 24-hours a day or even during all daylight hours. In most cases the local volunteer surf lifesavers or professional lifeguards are only available during certain hours, and at some beaches only on weekends, and often only during summer. If the flags aren't up, then there's no one patrolling. Many beaches in rural areas aren't patrolled at all. If you choose to swim, be aware of the risks, check conditions, stay within your depth, and don't swim alone. Many beaches in Australia have a sudden drop off which can take non-swimmers by surprise. If in doubt, ask the locals. Hard surfboards and other water craft such as surf skis, kayaks etc., are '''not''' permitted between the red and yellow flags. These craft must only be used outside of the blue 'surfcraft permitted' flags. Australian ocean beaches can sometimes have strong rips that even the strongest swimmers cannot swim against. Rips are almost-invisible channels of water flowing away from the beach. Many locals can spot rips, so if in doubt, ask. These channels take out the water which the incoming surf waves bring into shore. Beach goers can mistakenly use these channels or areas since they can appear as calm water and look to be an easier area into which to swim. Problems arise when the swimmer tries to swim back into shore against the outgoing current or rip, tire quickly, and end up drowning. Rips can be recognised by one or more of these signs: a rippled appearance when the surrounding water is fairly calm; foam that extends beyond the break zone; brown, sandy coloured water; waves breaking further out on either side of the rip. If you are caught in a rip at a patrolled beach, conserve your energy, float or tread water and raise one hand. The surf lifesavers will come out to you. Don't wait until you are so tired you can't swim any more. You will probably find that local swimmers or surfers will also quickly come to your aid. Usually the flags are positioned where there are no rips, but this isn't always the case as rips can move. If you are caught in a rip at an unpatrolled beach stay calm to conserve energy and swim '''parallel''' to the beach (not against the pull of the current). Most rips are only a few metres wide, and once clear of the undertow, you will be able to swim or catch a wave to return to shore. '''Never swim alone.''' Don't think that the right technique will get you out of every situation. In the surf out the back of the beach, treading water can be hard with waves pounding you every few seconds. Unless you have seen it happen, it's hard to appreciate how quickly a rip can take you 50 m out to sea and into much larger wave breaks. If you are at an unpatrolled surf beach, proceed with great caution and never go out of your depth. Beach signs often have a number or an alphanumeric code on them. This code can be given to emergency services if required so they can locate you quickly. [[#Crocodiles|Crocodiles]] and [[#Jellyfish|Box Jellyfish]] are found on tropical beaches, depending on the time of year and area. Sharks occur on many of Australia's beaches. See the section below on dangerous creatures. Patrolled beaches will be monitoring the ocean for any shark activity. If you hear a continuous siren go off at the beach and a red and a red and white quartered flag is waved or held out of the tower, it indicates a shark sighting, so make your way to shore. Once it is clear, a short blast of the siren will be sounded, which usually means that it is safe to return to the water. ===Natural disasters=== As a large country, Australia is affected by a range of natural disasters. ====[[Cyclones]]==== Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) occur in the tropics (the northern part) of Australia between November and April, and you should understand how a tropical cyclone may impact you during the tropical wet season. The impact of cyclones varies with their intensity and your proximity to them. Weak cyclones may just cost you a day or two of your holiday to rain and wind while you stay indoors in your hotel, and an hour's drive from the cyclone's centre can still have good weather. More severe tropical cyclones can be deadly to the unprepared, may force you to evacuate and can seriously disrupt your travel plans. Even low intensity cyclones or tropical depressions in more remote areas can close roads for days to weeks at a time. On average, a town in the tropics experiences a tropical cyclone every 30 years or so. The sparseness of population in Australia's north and north-west (where cyclones are most prevalent) means that many cyclones pass the coast with little impact on towns. Still, if you are planning to travel to the tropics during cyclone season, you should understand and review the [http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml Bureau of Meteorology's information page] before you set out, and keep a general eye on the page while you travel for early alerts of any problems developing. ====Floods==== In the tropical north the ''Wet Season'' occurs over the summer months of December, January and February, bringing torrential rains and frequent floods to those regions. It is not unusual for some coastal areas to be cut off for a day or two while the water recedes. It can still be a good time to visit some of the well populated, tourist-oriented areas, and, except in unusually heavy flooding, you can still get to see the pounding waterfalls and other attractions that can make this an interesting time to visit. Floods in outback and inland Australia are rare, occurring decades apart, so you would be unlucky to encounter them. However, if you are planning to visit the inland or the outback and the area is flooded, then you should reconsider. The land is flat, so the water can take weeks to move on, leaving the land boggy. Insects and mosquitoes go crazy with all the fresh water pooling around, and these things eat insect repellent for breakfast and are still hungry. Roads close, often adding many hours to driving times. Many attractions often lie on a short stretch of dirt road off the main highways, and these sections become impassable, even if the main road remains open. Plan to return in a few weeks, and the land will still be green, the lakes and rivers will still be flowing, and the bird life will still be around. The wettest period for the south of the country is usually around the winter months of June, July, and August. There is rarely enough rain at one time to cause flooding. The capital cities are rarely, if ever, significantly affected by floods. ====== Flash floods ====== Flash flooding occurs in many eastern cities at least once a year, generally in summer, and is a nuisance. However, stay inside and follow the advice of SES and ABC local radio. Never attempt to drive in flood waters, dozens of cars are destroyed every year by the thought "it's not that deep". You don't want to be the person floating under that bridge waiting for the police to rescue you. Flash flooding often brings large hail, which can damage cars. Seek undercover (not underground) car parking. It is usually predictable. You'll generally hear grumblings about a storm coming from locals, and [http://www.bom.gov.au/ bom.gov.au] will list a severe weather warning. ====Water supply==== Australia is a very dry country with large areas of '''desert''', and can also get very hot. When travelling in remote areas, away from paved roads, where the potential to become stranded for up to a week without seeing another vehicle is very real, it is vital that you carry your own water supply (4 gal or 7 L per person per day). Do not be misled by entries on maps such as 'well' or 'spring' or 'tank' (or any entry suggesting that there is a body of water). Nearly all are dry, and most inland lakes are dry salt pans. Many cities and towns have water restrictions, limiting use of water in activities like washing cars, watering gardens, or public showers. It is common to see signs in accommodation asking visitors to limit the length of their showers. It is common for many regional towns public bathrooms water supply to be non-potable. Do not drink from a tap labeled "Do not drink" or "Non-potable", as this is generally just untreated groundwater. ====[[Earthquakes]]==== Although Australia is not located on any plate boundaries, earthquakes occur from time to time. These are usually minor and very rarely cause major damage or fatalities. ===Bushfires=== '''[[Wildfires|Bushfires]]''' are a seasonal danger in many parts of Australia - and if you're venturing out into the bushland or rural areas it pays to check the fire danger and the status of any bushfire activity first. Although most fires are quickly controlled, on very hazardous fire days, bushfires can be life-threatening - especially if on foot, or not having the protection of a substantial building. If you are caught in a bushfire, most fires will pass over quickly. You need to find shelter that will protect you from the smoke and radiant heat. A house is best, then a car, then a clearing, a cave, or on the beach is the best location. Wet everything that you can. Stay low and cover your mouth. Cover yourself with non-flammable (woollen) clothing or blankets, and reduce the skin directly exposed to the heat. If you have access to a tap gather water early; don't rely on water pressure as the fire front approaches. The Fire Danger Rating (pictured to the right) tells you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. '''It is not a predictor of how likely a bushfire is to occur.'''[[File:WA fire danger sign Wyalkatchem.jpg|thumb|Fire danger signs are located across Australia]] * Severe: Hot, dry and windy conditions. A fire that starts in these conditions may be uncontrollable. Only well prepared buildings that are actively defended can provide safety. Leave at the first sign of fire. * Extreme: Hot dry and windy conditions. Any fires that start and take hold will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Only homes & buildings built to withstand bushfires that are well prepared and actively defended may provide safety. Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass, It is recommended to leave such areas to ensure you are not caught up in a bushfire. * Catastrophic/code red: These are the worst conditions possible for a bush or grass fire. Avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass. It is highly advisable to leave forested and bushy areas. It is worth noting that many locals will leave their outback homes to seek refuge in large towns for the entire day, on the few days per year designated as "Catastrophic". ==== National parks and state forests ==== If the fire risk is extreme or higher, national parks may be closed, especially the backcountry areas, so you will need to have an alternative plan if you intend to camp or hike in parks during summer. If there is a fire in a park, it will usually be closed entirely. If you are staying in a park or forest during an extreme fire danger period the safest option is to leave the night before or early in the day. If you learn of a fire, or see smoke, take action quickly. ==== Travelling during active fires or during the fire season ==== If you are driving outside of cities during bushfire season, tune in to [https://www.abc.net.au/local/ local ABC radio]. During a bushfire or any other ongoing emergency, every thirty minutes a warning siren will sound, followed by an update on the current bushfire situation in that area. You may receive evacuation warnings on your phone. Emergency and bushfire management is a state responsibility in Australia - so find the website or app appropriate for the state you are in. Websites such as [https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/ Emergency WA] and [https://emergency.vic.gov.au/ VicEmergency] list all current emergencies in their respective states and are often the most up-to-date method of getting information about a current emergency. '''It is possible that you will get yourself into a situation where it becomes too late to leave.''' During the bushfire season, have a plan consisting of two escape routes, and the ability to pack what you need quickly. Shopping Centres or Main streets of built up towns are safe locations to be in during Extreme or Code Red days, unless you hear otherwise via radio. Entire country towns can sometimes be evacuated when there is a bushfire threatening them. Often there can be no signs of the fire at evacuation time, but you should leave early, as evacuating through a fire front is dangerous. The best advice is just to move on, and not stay around to watch. ==== Lighting fires ==== Make sure any fires you light are legal and kept under control. The fire service operates a '''total fire ban''' system during periods of extreme fire danger. When a total fire ban is in place all outdoor fires are forbidden. Most parks will advertise a ban, and it is your responsibility to check the local fire danger levels. Fines or even jail terms apply for lighting fires that get out of control, not to mention the feeling you may get at being responsible for the property, wildlife, and person damage that you may cause. ===Venomous and dangerous creatures=== {{seealso|Pests}} Although Australia is home to many of the deadliest species of insects, reptiles and marine life on the planet, the traveller is unlikely to encounter any of these in an urban environment, and even in the bush these creatures try to avoid humans for the most part. The vast majority of deaths from bites and stings in Australia are due to allergic reactions to bees and wasps. Some of the information spread about Australia's dangerous wildlife is blown out of proportion, often jokingly by Australians themselves. However, you should take warnings about jellyfish and crocodiles seriously in the tropics, and keep your distance from snakes in the national parks and bushland. If travelling in rural areas it would be a good idea to carry basic first aid equipment including compression bandages and to learn what to do after a snake or spider bite. ====Snakes ==== It's not common to encounter snakes in urbanised areas in Australia, but they are common in grassland, national parks and other bushland. Snakes will generally try to put as much distance between themselves and you as possible, so if you see a snake while out walking, simply go around it or walk the other way. Walking blindly into dense bush and grassy areas is not advisable, as snakes may be hiding there. For the most part, snakes fear humans and will be long gone before you ever get the chance to see them. '''Never''' try to pick up any snake, even if you believe it to be a non-venomous species. Most people bitten by snakes were trying to pick up the snake or kill the creature, or inadvertently step on one while out walking. Australia has some snakes that are deadly. So treat all snakes with respect, and seek medical treatment urgently for any snake bite. Take a first-aid kit suitable for snake-bites if you are going off the beaten track. If bitten you should immobilise the wound by wrapping the affected area tightly with strips of clothing or bandages and seek immediate medical help. Do not clean the wound as venom residues can be tested to determine the anti-venom to use. If you are in an isolated area send someone else for help. The venom of some snakes (the taipan in particular) can take effect within fifteen minutes, but if the wound is immediately immobilised and you rest it is possible to delay the onset of the venom spreading by one to a few hours. Polyvalent anti-venoms are available in most hospitals that contain anti-venom for all dangerous Australian snakes. ====Spiders==== [[File:Atrax robustus.jpg|thumb|Sydney funnel-web spider in a warning posture]] Although famous for its arachnids, fatalities from spiders in Australia are extremely rare. It is common to see spiders in Australia, and most will do you no harm. Wear gloves while gardening or handling leaf litter. Check or shake out clothing, shoes, etc. that have been left outside before putting them on. Don't put your fingers under rocks or into tree holes, where spiders might be. Some spiders are commonly found inside buildings and homes, including the large and hairy Huntsman spiders, that are generally harmless, and reduce insect pests like cockroaches. The large spider webs strung between trees occupied by garden or orb weaving spiders are more an annoyance than a danger. However, some spiders are also very dangerous. The world's most venomous spider is the '''Sydney Funnel-Web spider''', found in and around Sydney and eastern New South Wales - usually under rocks and leaf litter. The spider is anywhere up to 5&nbsp;cm large, and is usually black. If you are in an area that is known for having Funnel-Web spiders and you are bitten by a spider that you believe could be a Funnel-Web it is important you get to hospital as quickly as possible. The Funnel-Web spends most of its time underground (it can typically live for only 30 minutes outside a humid hole) and therefore you are very unlikely to encounter one walking around. The last confirmed fatality was in 1979. The '''Red Back spider''' (usually easily identified by a red mark on its abdomen) is common and after a bite it is important to seek medical attention, although it is not as urgent as with a Funnel-Web. Red Backs typically hide in dark places and corners. It is highly unusual to see them indoors; however, they can hide in sheds, around outdoor tables and chairs and under rocks or other objects sitting on the ground. First aid treatment for spider bites may vary in Australia compared to other areas of the world. Always seek medical advice after a bite has occurred. If possible, you should attempt to identify the creature that bit you. Take a photo or trap it so that the appropriate anti-venom can be administered swiftly. But don't risk getting bitten again. ====Jellyfish==== Travellers in northern [[Queensland]], the [[Northern Territory]], or northern [[Western Australia]] should be aware of the risk of fatal stings from the '''Box Jellyfish''' if swimming in the ocean between October and May. They are very hard to detect and can be found in very shallow water. Stings from these jellyfish are 'excruciating' and often fatal. Vinegar applied immediately to adhering tentacles will lessen the amount of venom injected, but immediate medical assistance will be required. The danger season varies by location. In general the jellyfish are found close to shore, as they reproduce in the estuaries. They are not generally found out on the Great Barrier Reef, and many people swim on the reef without taking any precautions. Seek out reliable local information. Some locals at the beach can be cavalier to the risks. '''Irukandji''' are another species of tiny (fingernail sized) jellyfish that inhabit the waters off Northern Australia and the surrounding Indo-Pacific islands. They are also very hard to see, and can be dangerous, although stings are rare. Unlike the box jellyfish they are found out on the reef. The initial sting can go unnoticed. There is debate as to whether they can be fatal, but they certainly can place a victim in hospital, and cause extreme pain lasting days. If you have nausea or shooting pains shortly after emerging from the water seek medical treatment. A "stinger-suit" that is resistant to jellyfish stings costs around $100 or can be hired for around $20 a week. ====Blue ring octopus==== Found in rock pools around the coasts of Australia is the tiny Blue Ring Octopus. Usually a dull sandy-beige colour, the creature has bright blue circles on its skin if threatened. The Blue Ring Octopus is rare and shy. Avoid placing your hand under rocks or in crevaces in rock pools or near the shore as this is where they tend to hide. Most locals do the same. It has a powerful paralysing toxin which can cause death unless artificial respiration is provided. In the history of Australia there are only two confirmed deaths by Blue Ring Octopus. ====Crocodiles==== [[File:Crocodylus porosus - Daintree River.jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodile]] Travellers in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory or north Western Australia should be aware of the risk of fatal attacks by '''saltwater crocodiles''' in and adjacent to northern waters (ocean, estuarine and fresh water locations) between King Sound, Western Australia, and Rockhampton, Queensland. Saltwater crocodiles in these areas can reach 25 feet in length and can attack in water without warning. Despite what their name implies, they can be found in both salt and fresh water. On land, crocodiles usually lie motionless, but they have the ability to move with extraordinary speed in short bursts. There are relatively few attacks causing injury – most attacks are fatal. Dangerous swimming areas will usually have prominent warning signs. In these regions only swim in inland waters if you are specifically advised that they are safe. Since 1970 there has been about one crocodile attack on a human each year. The smaller '''freshwater crocodile''' is, unlike the saltwater, timid and will avoid humans if possible. The freshwater may attack to defend itself or its eggs or if startled. They can inflict a nasty bite but due to their small jaws and teeth this will rarely cause death in humans. ====Dangerous flora==== '''The Gympie bush''' (''Dendrocnide moroides''), also known as the stinging tree, is a stinging plant, whose microscopic stinging hairs on leaves and branches can cause severe pain for up to several weeks. They are mostly found in northeast Queensland, especially in rain forest clearings. However, the Gympie bush and other closely related species (there are about five) of stinging tree can be found in southeast Queensland, and further south in eastern Australia. People bushwalking in such areas are advised not to touch the plant for any reason. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates in Australia are roughly comparable with other developed countries: few travellers will be victims of crime. You should take normal precautions against bag snatching, pick pocketing and the like. Some cities and towns have areas that can be dangerous at night, but these are generally off the tourist trail and highly unlikely for you to wander into by accident. Australian police are approachable and trustworthy, and you should report assaults, theft or other crime to the police as soon as possible. There are two types of police in Australia; the state/territorial police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Typically you will only interact with the state police, with the AFP being largely dedicated to very specific government-related roles, the exception being the Australian Capital Territory where the AFP is the main police force, operating under the name of ACT Policing. Under no circumstances should you offer an Australian police officer (or for that matter, any other government official such as a customs officer) a bribe or gratuity, as this is a crime and they will enforce the laws against it. When leaving your car alone, make sure it is locked, that the windows are rolled up, and that there are no obvious targets for theft in the vehicle, as thieves will often smash windows to get at a phone, GPS or bag that is visible in the car. ===Racism=== Australia is outwardly a multicultural and racially tolerant society and there are strong laws that prohibit hate speech and other forms of discrimination on grounds of race. Nevertheless, racism is still a sensitive subject for a nation still not fully reconciled to its history of colonial occupation. Forced appropriation of Aboriginal lands along with formal discrimination, state-sanctioned racism and even forced separation of Aboriginal children (known as the Stolen Generations) from their families extended well into the 20th century. Gradual change throughout the last century saw the abandonment of the white-only immigration policy, citizenship for the Aboriginal people, and the establishment of large communities of Asian, Middle Eastern and African origin. However, to this day, Aboriginal people are still discriminated against, and while on paper, they have equal rights, they are often charged for things that a white person would usually not. Visitors to Australia are fortunately unlikely to encounter random incidents of racial abuse. If it does happen then you can report it to the police and expect action to be taken. Violent incidents are even rarer. Words referring to racial background can be used between friends of different ethnic groups, but it is '''strongly advised not to try them out yourself'''. You may well hear Pom (British), Yank (American), Paki (Indian sub-continent), Wog (of southern European or middle-eastern) and Curry Muncher (South Indian) being used. In particular British people would regard some of these terms as particularly racist, but they are used far more casually in Australia. '''''Never''''' refer to Aboriginal people as "Abo's", "native tribes" or "Noogas" - as it is regarded as a highly racist term. There are anti-immigration and anti-multicultural groups that operate in Australian society, for the most part agitating against the immigration of people from Muslim and African countries. As a visitor you would be unlikely to come into contact with them, although if it's late at night in a pub, and you start prodding people for their racial views, then all bets are off - be prepared for anything. The western suburbs of Melbourne has experienced some violent crime involving youths of African descent, which in turn has been greatly exaggerated by much of the local media and many politicians, fuelling racist sentiments. It is not offensive to use ''Aussie'' (Ozzie) to describe Australian people, but it isn't a term Australians generally use to self-identify. They are more likely to apply it to things (Aussie Rules, etc.) than to themselves. When the chant of Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oi Oi Oi goes up at an international sporting event, some Australians will cringe, and others will join in. Often this depends on their own perceived social standing, or their state of inebriation, or both. And while Australia may seem multicultural in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Hobart or Canberra; rural areas are usually less so and stick to their Anglo-Celtic roots. People who do not look Aussie on the outside are often subject to racism, though this is usually targeted at immigrants (often those of Vietnamese, Middle Eastern or Somali descent) rather than tourists. ===Scams=== Attempts to [[Common scams|scam]] tourists are not prevalent in Australia; take normal precautions such as finding out a little bit about your destination. There have been rare instances of criminals tampering with ATMs so that cash is trapped inside them, or so that they record card details for thieves. You should check your transaction records for odd transactions after using an ATMs and immediately contact the bank controlling the ATM if a transaction seems to be successful but the machine doesn't give you any cash. Always cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent any skimming devices which have cameras recording your PIN. ATM Skimming is rare and easily avoided by using ATMs from trusted banks (ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac, Nab), or ATMs located inside a bank "gallery" which are generally open 24/7 but are more secure than an outdoor ATM. Additionally, the ATO will never try and ask you to pay off your debts with Spotify or iTunes gift cards, and this ongoing scams have been targeting especially the elderly and those who are unaware of it. If you go to a Coles, Woolies, Myer, Target, Big W, Kmart etc. there will be warning notices at all checkouts, and it can never hurt to read it. ===Illegal drugs=== Opium, heroin, amphetamines (speed), cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, marijuana and hashish among other drugs are all illegal to possess and to sell in all jurisdictions of Australia. Trafficking offences carry a long jail term, and in serious cases can even lead to life imprisonment. Australia shares information on drug trafficking with other countries, even those with the death penalty. Penalties for possession or sale of small amounts of marijuana are typically lower than for other drugs, and vary between states. In South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory jail terms do not apply to first time marijuana offences. Some states can issue on-the-spot fines for small amounts of marijuana whereas others always require a court appearance. Foreigners should not expect more lenient treatment than locals from Australian police for drug offences. Driving while under the influence of drugs is a serious offence, and doing so will invariably lead to arrest and prosecution, and in serious cases even a jail sentence. '''Do not under any circumstances attempt to bring illicit drugs into Australia''', including marijuana; this is strictly illegal and punishable with long jail terms of up to life in prison, and customs officers often employ dogs to sniff drugs out of arriving passengers' luggage. Dogs can even tell that you smoked marijuana from the day before you flew to Australia, so you may be held back for some long questioning. Australia's proximity to [[Asia]] means that heroin is a far more commonly used illicit drug than cocaine or crack cocaine. In some areas of large cities you will need to be careful of discarded needles: however these will generally be found in back streets rather than in popular tourist spots. ===Firearms=== Firearm ownership is rare in Australia, with strict licensing requirements resulting in gun ownership being typically limited to hunters and farmers in rural areas, as well as sport shooters. Criminal gangs sometimes carry illegal firearms in urban areas, although it is unlikely that travellers will run into them. It is very difficult to bring firearms into Australia, with a police permit required for each federal state to be visited ''before'' arrival. ===Gay and lesbian travellers=== {{see also|LGBT travel}} Australia has an equal age of consent set at 16 for all states except Tasmania and South Australia where the age is 17. Same sex marriage is legal in Australia, having been passed into law in December 2017 after the nation strongly voted for it (with 61% choosing change) in a national postal survey. Attitudes to homosexuality are similar to those found in most Western countries. Although inner Sydney is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, caution is still advisable in conservative rural areas, including rural parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Australia has outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and legal recourse may be available should you experience discrimination. Police assistance may be difficult to obtain in remote and rural areas for discrimination. Sydney is Australia's gay capital, and hosts one of the world's most famous gay pride festivals - the [http://www.mardigras.org.au Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras] - annually during February and March. The festival culminates in a huge parade through central Sydney which attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators. [[Alice Springs]] celebrates the "Alice Is Wonderland Festival", a gay and lesbian pride festival in late April/early May. [[Melbourne]] has a "[http://www.pridemarch.com.au/ Pride March]" every year on the first Sunday of February. ==Stay healthy== ===Skin=== [[File:Sunbaker maxdupain nga76.54.jpg|thumbnail|"Sunbaker" from 1937 is one of the most widely recognised of all Australian photographs.]] Exposure to the sun at Australian latitudes frequently results in '''[[sunburn]]''', and Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Getting sunburnt can make you feel feverish and unwell and may take a few days or weeks to heal depending on the severity. It means you can't go back out into the sun until the sunburn fades, so getting sunburnt on the first day of your beach holiday can seriously reduce the fun of your trip. It can take as little as 15 minutes to burn in Australia on a fine summer's day, even in shaded outdoor areas. You should wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), clothing, and a hat to shade the sun. Re-apply sunscreen every 2–3 hours throughout the day as it wears off quickly if you are sweating or swimming. Make sure to cover all parts of your body. UV radiation in the middle of the day can be double what it is in the early morning or later afternoon, so if possible avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day. [http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/uv/index.shtml Daily UV forecasts] are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology online. '''Spray On Sunscreen''' from an aerosol bottle is popular because of its ease of use, however it is far less effective than tradition sunscreen. If you are heading to the beach, consider buying a sun-tent (less than $20 from discount and hardware stores). You generally can't hire beach umbrellas at Australian beaches, and they are very exposed. ===Food preparation=== Australia has high hygiene standards, with restaurants required to observe strict food preparation standards. [[Food poisoning]] rates are comparable to other first world nations. ===Water=== The '''[[tap water]]''' in urban Australia is always safe to drink. Occasionally you may encounter recycled water taps which are for watering plants and not drinking; these should be coloured purple. Public drinking fountains and bottle refill stations are common in cities and at tourist attractions. The taste and hardness of the tap water will vary considerably across the country. Some cities such as Adelaide rely on ground water supplies that have an unpleasant taste, but are perfectly safe. Many households use water purifier jugs. Bottled water is also widely available. Carrying water on hot days is a good idea in urban areas, and it is a necessity if hiking or driving out of town. Remoter areas in the outback may not have treated drinking water on tap. At sites where tap water is untreated, water sterilization tablets may be used as an alternative to boiling. If driving long distances on infrequently trafficked roads it is essential to carry drinking water. This is absolutely necessary in hotter areas and on dirt roads or tracks. It is rare that someone does not die of thirst in outback Australia in any year. It is recommended that in event of a breakdown you stay with the car for shade and to increase your chances of being found. Before long-distance touring seek specific advice on calculating how much water to carry for the proposed journey and allowing for breakdowns. ===Vaccinations=== Australia does not have endemic communicable diseases that will require non-standard vaccinations. Like many other countries, it will require evidence of [[yellow fever]] vaccinations on entry if you will have been in a country with a risk of infection within 6 days before your arrival in Australia. ===Mosquitoes=== Mosquitoes are present all year round in the tropics, and during the summer in southern areas. Screens on windows and doors are common, and repellent is readily available. Ross River Virus is spread by mosquitoes in the tropics, and can make you sick for a few weeks. There have been cases of [[dengue fever]], for which no specific treatment exists. Malaria is not present in mainland Australia. ===Medical care=== [[File:VH-FDE (16640399301).jpg|thumb|Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft]] As described above, '''000''' is the Australian emergency services number and in any medical emergency you should call this number and ask for an ambulance and other emergency services as necessary, to attend. Australia has first world medical standards. In particular, it is safe to receive blood transfusions in Australia, as donors are screened for HIV, hepatitis and many other blood borne illnesses. Australia's population density is low; parts of Australia are a long way from medical facilities of any kind. Many of these areas are served by the '''[http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/ Royal Flying Doctor Service]'''. Small towns with populations of 5,000 or more will have a small hospital capable of giving emergency treatment. Larger towns will have a base hospital capable of routine and some kinds of emergency surgery. In some cases you may need to be evacuated to one of the capital cities for specialist treatment. Capital cities will have medical centres where you can drop in, often open on weekends or until late. In country towns you may have to make an appointment and may have no alternative other than the closest hospital after hours and weekends. You can also expect to wait a few hours if your condition isn't urgent. * {{listing | name=Poisons Information Hotline | phone=13 11 26 (in country only) | content=Give free advice if any medication or poisons are taken inadvertently. They will also give advice on what treatment is necessary for things like a spider bite. However, if you think you are in any immediate danger, call '000' for an ambulance. }} ==== Medical costs and travel insurance ==== Australian citizens and permanent residents who live in Australia can receive health care through the taxpayer funded Medicare. Foreigners working or studying in Australia and without a reciprocal agreement are generally required to take up private health insurance as part of their visa conditions. Foreigners on a short visit will want to make sure their travel insurance is in order, as medical costs can be expensive for those not entitled to Medicare benefits. Medicare does not cover private hospitals or dental care, so you will need to obtain private health insurance to pay for these. Travellers from [[Belgium]], [[Finland]], [[Ireland]], [[Italy]], [[Malta]], the [[Netherlands]], [[New Zealand]], [[Norway]], [[Slovenia]], [[Sweden]] and the [[United Kingdom]] are entitled to free reciprocal Medicare treatment for medical problems that occur during their visit. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the conditions of the [http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/health-care-for-visitors-to-australia reciprocal arrangement with your country]. For example, Irish people and New Zealanders are only entitled to free treatment at a hospital, whereas the other reciprocal nationalities are entitled to subsidised treatment at general practitioners as well. No reciprocal programs cover private hospitals, and the full cost will have to be met by yourself or with [[travel insurance]]. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of a reciprocal agreement country then travel insurance is highly recommended. You can expect to pay around $80 to see a general practitioner, plus any additional costs for any pathology or radiology required. The charge to visit a local hospital can be much more expensive, private hospitals even more so. You can pay up to $500 even if you are not admitted, and possibly several thousand dollars if you are. Rescue and Royal Flying Doctor Services are provided for free, but evacuation or ambulance services can cost many thousands of dollars from a country town to a capital city, or from an island to the mainland. Even if you are an Australian citizen, ambulance and evacuation services are not provided free of charge. If an air-ambulance is required this can still cost thousands of dollars. Most health-insurance companies sell ambulance only cover valid Australia-wide. Ambulance membership programs may only cover you in your own state - check before travelling interstate. Domestic travel insurance does not usually cover medical or ambulance expenses. Medicare cover does not include ambulance costs (at least several hundred dollars) in the event of an emergency; only private insurance ''with ambulance cover'' will pay for this. Snake and spider bite anti-venom is very expensive. The cost can be well over $10,000 even if you don't need a stay in hospital. ==Connect== ===Internet=== Australia offers many Internet access options for travellers: '''Internet cafes''' are available in most tourist areas and normally cost $4–5 per hour. However, many internet cafes have 12-20 computers sharing a single broadband connection, sometimes making the internet painfully slow. If possible, ask if you can check the speed of a cafe's connection before forking out $4–5 for an hour. '''Public libraries''' usually offer some form of Internet access to travellers, either free or for a small fee. Some prohibit access to email, promoting research use of their facilities. Others offer Wi-Fi and terminals, with Wi-Fi usually being free of restrictions. '''Major hotels''' offer Internet access, usually for an exorbitant fee. Most youth hostels and backpacker accommodation have at least an Internet terminal at reception. Some other accommodation providers offer Wi-Fi to their guests, almost always with a charge. It is still common to find motels and other smaller hotels without any Internet offering to customers. * Many '''coffee shops''' offer Wi-Fi free to their customers. * McDonald's has free Wi-Fi in just about all their stores. * [https://hotspot.internode.on.net/coverage/index.php Internode] has free Wi-Fi hotspots, including much of Adelaide city centre. * Telstra has partnered with Fon to create an extensive network of WiFi hotspots around Australia that utilise Telstra telephone boxes and Telstra broadband customers to create hotspots that go by the name Telstra Air with the slogan 'Australia's largest WiFi Network'. Look for a distinctive white WiFi logo on solid pink and the words 'Telstra Air' to indicate major hotspots. The networks appear in WiFi lists as 'Telstra Air' or 'Fon WiFi'. Expect good coverage in city centre areas although it may require some searching to locate a hot spot outside of CBD areas. Hot spot maps are available on the Telstra and Fon websites. :*Access can be purchased for $6.60 for 1 hour, $10 for 1 day or $23 for 5 days. In major urban centres, you'll find free Wi-Fi in shopping malls and other large shops and increasingly on public transport: Sydney's ferries offer free Wi-Fi as do Adelaide's trams. ====3G/4G/5G wireless==== There are three mobile networks in Australia. All of them provide 3G/UMTS, 4G/LTE, and 5G mobile data services. As the data is carried over the mobile network, the advice about frequencies, obtaining SIMs and using a foreign device in the [[#Mobile Cellular Phones|Mobile Cellular Phones]] section applies. If you intend to use your phone with your home carrier, check with them for data roaming fees (likely quite expensive). If your handset isn't locked, it may be much cheaper to buy a local SIM. Several carriers offer prepaid mobile data access with no contract from around $20-30 per month with various bundles and inclusions. For around $50 you can get a USB modem or Wi-Fi dongle. There are thousands of plans available through hundreds of resellers. Using an internet comparison site will direct you to the best deals. === Radio and television === Australia has 2 national public broadcasters, the [http://www.abc.net.au/ ABC] and [https://www.sbs.com.au/ SBS]. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (or ABC) broadcasts Local Radio, Triple J (Youth/Indie music) and ABC Classic on AM/FM Radio as well as 5 TV channels. The Special Broadcasting Service (or SBS) broadcasts more ethnic, bilingual and cultural content on 6 TV channels and 2 analog radio stations. Both broadcasters are available in most populous areas but the ABC has a greater radio coverage. There are 3 free-to-air commercial TV networks, namely [https://au.tv.yahoo.com/ Seven], [https://www.nine.com.au/ Nine] and [https://tenplay.com.au/ Ten]; all or most are available in a majority of areas. In regional areas, affiliates such as WIN, Imparja, and Prime will carry feeds from major networks along with some local programming. You should expect to be able to receive and watch all these channels in almost all accommodation in towns and cities across Australia. On Pay TV operator is also available called Foxtel - transmitted by Cable, Satellite, and Internet. Some hotels will advertise free Foxtel, which means you should also be able to view the main international news channels and lots of light entertainment reruns. hey may also subscribe to a range of sports and movies, but you should check first. The bigger the city, the more radio stations you'll find. Country towns will often just have one commercial radio station and the [https://www.abc.net.au/local/ ABC]. If you're driving the distances between country towns, you can often lose all radio coverage. Download some music or podcasts for the trip before you leave. It's advisable to stay tuned to the ABC if travelling during emergencies or high bushfire risk periods. DAB+ Digital Radio is available in capital cities, but receivers aren't installed in cars or most accommodation. If you have a digital radio, you'll get a handful of extra music channels. ===Newspapers=== The main national broadsheet newspaper is '''[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ The Australian]''', with '''[http://www.afr.com/ The Australian Financial Review]''' focussing on financial and business news. There are also other newspapers that are published locally within their respective states, the most notable ones being ''[http://www.smh.com.au/ The Sydney Morning Herald]'' and ''[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ The Daily Telegraph]'', both based in Sydney, and ''[https://www.theage.com.au/ The Age]'' and ''[http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ Herald Sun]'', both based in Melbourne. ===Telephone=== ====Calling overseas from Australia==== The main international access code or prefix is '''0011'''. (When using a mobile phone the plus symbol "+" can be used instead of the 0011 prefix.) ====Dialling codes==== The country code for international calls to Australia is +61. When dialling from overseas, omit any leading '0' in the area code. The area code is optional when calling from the same area code area. [[Norfolk Island]] and Australian-Antarctic bases use the +672 code, not Australia's country code. See the specific articles. The "+" stands for the ''international dialling prefix'', 0011 if calling overseas from Australia, 00 in most of Europe, 011 in the [[USA]] and [[Canada]], substituted automatically on mobile phones and most other smart dialling devices. Australian area code list: * 02 = Central East (New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and north-eastern fringe of Victoria) * 03 = South East (Southern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania) * 04 = Mobile phones Australia-wide (higher call charges apply) * 07 = North East (Queensland and parts of Northern NSW) * 08 = Central & West (Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western New South Wales) There is also the "05" calling code which is for mobile numbers, but to this date, none have ever been implemented to this day. Local calls are free of charge. * If calling an Australian number from outside Australia, use the format +61880803300 (no "0" area code prefix; substitute the relevant international dialling prefix for the "+" if needed). * If making an international call from within Australia dial the ''international dialling prefix'' or "+", followed by the ''country code'', followed by destination ''area code'', followed by the ''local number'' at the destination. For most countries you need to omit the area code prefix (usually "0" as in Australia). For example, the local number for the [[Moree (New South Wales)|Moree]] tourist information is {{nowrap|6757-3350}}. The area code is 02 as Moree is in the Central East area code region. To dial the number from [[Sydney]] or anywhere else ''inside'' the same area code, just dial {{nowrap|6757-3350}}. To dial the number from [[Brisbane]] or anywhere in Australia ''outside'' the area code region, you will need to dial {{nowrap|02 6757-3350}}. If you don't know your area code region, you can include the area code, and it will work regardless of from where you are calling. To dial the number from overseas you will need to dial {{nowrap|+61 2 6757-3350}}. ====Special numbers==== * Numbers commencing with '''13''' are charged at a local call rate, and what they connect you to can vary according to your location. They can be 10 or 6 digit numbers. For example, 1300 796 222, will connect you with the [[Albury]] tourist information, no matter where you are in Australia. However, 131 008 will connect you with a different local taxi service depending on where you are. 13 22 32 will connect you to New South Wales Railways in Sydney or Victorian Railways in Melbourne. Calling these numbers internationally can be problematic. * Numbers commencing with '''18''' are free when dialled from a payphone or fixed phone, and commonly used for hotel reservation numbers, or tourist information numbers. * Numbers commencing with '''19''' are premium numbers, often with ''very'' hefty call charges (make sure you check before dialling). * Numbers commencing with '''12''' are carrier services, and are dependent on what network you are connected to. For example, '''12 456''' is a general information number for Telstra. Vodafone offer a similar services on '''123'''. These numbers can be premium services as well. Calling special numbers internationally can often work - just try dialling the number prefixed with the +61 country code. Many locations will give an alternative direct number for use in international dialling. Making reverse charge (collect) calls is very expensive and can be problematic. You can use 12550 from a Telstra public phone, or 1800 NO CASH from any phone. But you have to be calling a number that will accept the charges (usually a landline or mobile on a mainstream telco). ====Mobile cellular phones==== {{anchor|Mobile Cellular Phones}} Australia has cellular networks operated by [http://www.telstra.com.au Telstra], [http://www.optus.com.au Optus] and [http://www.vodafone.com.au Vodafone], and each of the networks have several resellers with different price plans. All three operate UMTS/HSPA (3G), LTE (4G), and 5G networks. There are no restrictions on overseas residents obtaining Australian prepaid SIM cards, although you may require some form of photo ID such as your passport for identification. 2G-only and CDMA phones (phones without a SIM card) will not work in Australia. All '''2G''' networks in Australia have been shut down. Telstra and Vodafone have '''3G HSPA+''' services on 850/2100&nbsp;MHz, and Optus on 900/2100&nbsp;MHz. These are still the greatest geographical range of service. '''4G LTE''' is widely available most centres on all carriers. Support for 4G band 28 (700 MHz) on newer phones is necessary to get good 4G coverage outside of major centres and better coverage in them. On '''5G''' Networks, all of Australia's networks run on the n78 frequencies with Optus running on n40 mid-band, n257 for high-band, and n1 for low-band; Telstra at n258 and n5, and Vodafone at n28. With foreign SIM cards, international roaming is generally seamless onto Australia's 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA) and 4G networks, depending on agreements between operators. 5G networks are different with frequencies and can vary with the compatibility of your phone. Check with your home operator before you leave. All major cities and their suburbs have decent coverage on all three networks, as do most significant country towns and inter-capital links. Telstra's 850&nbsp;MHz 3G network provides the best rural coverage (though it is also the most expensive), but unpopulated or sparsely populated areas away from major roads are unlikely to have service at all. If you are heading way out into the bush then a '''satellite phone''' may be your only option. Remember all mobile phones can be used for emergency calls on all networks, even if they don't have a local SIM or aren't roaming. This applies to satellite phones too. A cheap prepaid mobile phone with a SIM retails for around $40 in most Australian retail outlets, supermarkets, and post offices; a SIM alone for an existing phone is around $2–3. Prepaid credit is added using recharge cards available at all supermarkets, newsagents, some ATMs, and other outlets. You can buy a seemly infinite variety of packages, SIM cards, and phone bundles, with varied combinations of data, SMS and call time. Some carriers make calculating included calls difficult, by giving you a dollar "value" that is included in your package, and you then need to find the call, sms and data rates to calculate what is included. These rates can differ from plan to plan. Make sure the plan you choose includes what you need, because using data or making calls outside of the package allowance is often orders of magnitude more expensive. ===Satellite phones=== [[File:Telstra phonebox at Quinns.jpg|thumb|A typical Telstra payphone]] If you need comprehensive coverage in rural and remote areas, you can use a satellite phone. Iridium, Globalstar and Thuraya satellite services are available in Australia. Expect to pay around $120 per week to hire a satellite phone, plus call costs. Satellite messaging units, which send your location and a help SMS or email, can be hired for around $80 per week. These units are only available from specialist dealers, often only in major cities (away from the remote areas you may be visiting). You should be able to acquire or hire these units in your home country before departure if you wish. Satellite phones can be used to make emergency calls without a SIM card or subscription plan. The cheapest cost around $300, or just a little more than a PLB. === Public phones === Most towns and suburbs have at least one public phone. Most railway stations will have a public phone. All public phones in Australia are free for local calls to landlines and mobiles. International calls may be made using Telstra or third-party calling cards available from newsagents. Free text messages can be sent from any Telstra public phone, using the keypad in much the same way as an old-style mobile phone. Follow the instructions on the phone display. ===Post=== [[File:Australia Post boxes.jpg|thumb|Express (yellow) and normal (red) Australia Post street posting boxes]] '''[http://www.auspost.com.au Australia Post]''' runs Australia's postal service. Letters can be posted in any red Australia Post posting box, which are found at all post offices and many other locations. All stamps can be purchased from post offices, and some stamps can be purchased from newsagents and hotels. Posting a standard letter or postcard costs $1.10 within Australia (up to 250g), and between $2.50 and $3.70 internationally (up to 20g). Sending international letters up to 50g is cheaper in November & December, at $2.40, but the letter must have "card only" written on the front. 'Domestic' and 'international' stamps are different, as international is tax free, therefore, so make sure you use the right stamp. Parcels, express post and other services are also available. Addresses in Australia are generally formatted in the following way, which is similar to addresses in the United States and Canada <blockquote>Name of recipient<br/>(If needed) Unit number or building name<br/>House number and street name<br/>City or town, two or three-letter state abbreviation, postcode</blockquote> You can receive mail via ''Poste Restante'' in any city or town. Mail should be addressed to your full name c/o Post Restante. ID is needed to pick up your mail. {{isPartOf|Oceania}} {{guidecountry}} {{geo|-28|137|zoom=5}} 7ygsfeujwg7nzj21a5qngzidoyeg8jw 0 2297 4488042 4478459 2022-07-22T01:30:55Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Mid-range & splurge */ Updated listing for AIM Conference Center Baguio wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baguio banner.jpg|caption=}} '''[http://www.baguio.gov.ph/ Baguio]''' is a highland city of 345,000 people (2015) in the province of [[Benguet]], Philippines. Due to its cool mountain weather relative to the rest of the country, it is considered the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." The city is abundant in pine trees, so it is nicknamed the ''City of Pines''. ==Understand== Baguio, to many, is best known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines", with its cool climate making this a spot to escape the chaotic scenes in Manila. The city is also home to tropical pine forests, lending the city the nickname "City of Pines". It serves as a tourist hub in the Cordilleras, serving as a jumping point to other tourist spots like [[Mount Pulag]], [[Sagada]] and [[Banaue]]. Baguio is considered a city separate from the province of Benguet, but it is considered part of Benguet practically, and it is the economic center for both the province and the Cordillera region. Some of the city's tourism promotions also point to nearby La Trinidad, which is both administratively and geographically in Benguet, and is the provincial capital. ===History=== The city originated as a hill outpost by the Americans in the 1900s. Road connection is provided by the zigzagging Kennon Road, and the city is planned by the renowned American architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham. Originally intended to be the summer capital of the Philippines, then an American colony, it soon gained its position as a popular tourist destination to many Manila residents escaping the heat, noise, and crowds of the metropolis. The city has been badly damaged by the destructive Central Luzon earthquake in 1990, but the city since recovered. ===Climate=== {{climate chart |[[Baguio]] |12.9 |23.3 |15.3 |13.4 |24.1 |23.4 |14.5 |25.2 |46 |15.9 |25.8 |104.1 |16.4 |25 |341.1 |16.5 |24.4 |475.8 |16.3 |23.4 |781.9 |16.2 |22.6 |905 |16 |23.4 |570.9 |15.7 |23.9 |452.3 |15.1 |24.1 |97.4 |13.7 |23.3 |26.4 |maxprecip=905 |float=right |clear=right }} Lying at {{m|1,540}} in the Cordilleras, Baguio has milder temperatures, and is quite temperate than the rest of Luzon and the country as well. The climate is highland subtropical, with temperatures {{C|7-8}} cooler than the lowlands, and conditions reminiscent of spring. The coldest temperatures ever recorded in the city is {{C|6.3}}. Chilly northeastern monsoon winds from Siberia can cause nighttime lows to drop almost near freezing, with frost forming from moisture turning into ice due to wind chill. Despite its altitude, Baguio has not experienced any snowfall. The city is best visited during the dry season between November and April, when the northeast monsoon blows through northern Luzon, and rainfall is at its lowest. The cool dry season is Baguio's peak season for tourists. The rest of the year is rather rainy, and it is the off season for tourists. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|16.41097|120.59316|zoom=13|height=470|width=470}} [[File:Baguio mountains at Mines View Park.JPG|thumb|300px|Baguio mountains, as seen from Mines View Park]] To get to Baguio from outside of [[Luzon]], you still have to pass through [[Metro Manila]] or Clark airport and from there get to Baguio by either of the following ways: ===By bus=== ====From Manila==== *This is the most common and economical way to get to Baguio from Metro Manila. Several bus lines ply the Metro Manila to Baguio route with terminals scattered across the metro. It generally takes about 5-7 hr to get to Baguio by bus. An hour longer than it would by car due to stopovers along the way. * {{listing |type=go | name=Victory Liner | alt= | url=http://www.victoryliner.com/ | email= | address= | lat=16.4062376 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone=+63 2 727 4534, +63 2 833 5019 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31| content=Victory has hourly bus service to Baguio from its Monumento Main terminal in [[Caloocan City]], Cubao and Pasay terminals. Buses are generally modern and air-conditioned but seats are sized generally for Filipinos and tall people would need to take advantage of the various stopovers to stretch their legs. Cost is {{PHP|450}} per person one way (most expensive among Aircon buses going to Baguio). A non-stop deluxe bus service is also available for {{PHP|750}} per person one way, water and snack are served during the trip. Semi-deluxe buses are now included with one stop at Tarlac Shell station, costs around {{PHP|650}}, no toilet inside the bus. Some buses have free WiFi. }} * {{listing |type=go | name=Dagupan Bus | url= | email= | address=New York St., Cubao, Quezon City | lat=16.4086768 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone=+63 2 929 6123 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Also serves the Manila to Baguio route via its Cubao Terminal. Buses leave on an hourly basis. |alt=|wikidata=|wikipedia=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31}} * {{listing | type=go | name=Genesis | alt= | url=http://www.phbus.com/genesis-bus/ | email= | address= | lat=16.4086768 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-15 | content=Buses depart every hour from Cubao, Pasay, and Avenida bus stations. Since July 15, 2019, they operate a premium bus service (via the expressways) from [[Parañaque]] with stops at all terminals of [[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]], between 5AM and 9PM. }} ====From Clark airport==== * '''Partas Bus''' operates a bus service that stops at Clark airport and heads north from there, departing the airport at 5PM. Get off at [[Sison|Sison, Pangasinan]] (arrival there around 8PM) and cross the road to the restaurant stop opposite and get on a Victory Liner bus that does a dinner stop there. The fare from Clark airport to Sison on Partas Bus is {{PHP|193}}, then from there by Victory Liner to Baguio is an additional {{PHP|90}}. Travel time is 3 hours Clark to Sison, then 1½ hours Sison to Baguio, plus some waiting time at Sison. ====From Angeles City==== * '''Philippine Rabbit''' operates from Dau Terminal. {{PHP|306}}. Journey takes about 4-5 hr. ===By plane=== Baguio has an airport, the {{listing | type=go | name=Loakan Airport | alt={{IATA|BAG}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.375 | long=120.619444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Loakan Airport | wikidata=Q1931154 | lastedit=2019-01-24 | content=Visibility challenges, its high altitude, and the short runway affect operations to this airport. '''Platinum Skies''' is the only commercial operator that serves Baguio, and the rest are mostly small propeller-operated aircraft and helicopters. }} ===By car=== From Manila to Baguio by car, the fastest route is through the expressways. Take the North Luzon Expy (NLEX) up to [[Angeles]], then exit to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), then continue to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expy (TPLEX) up to Rosario. From there, you can take '''Kennon Rd''' (Rte 54) or '''Marcos Hwy''' (officially Aspiras-Palispis Highway, Rte 208) via Pugo-Rosario Rd (Rte 209). Kennon Rd is the shortest, taking only three-quarters to one hour from the foot of the mountains in Rosario, La Union. Marcos Hwy starts at Agoo, La Union (a little further to the northwest from Rosario) and takes about one hour but is a wider, less winding road with a more gradual uphill incline and is safer in the rainy season. It has spectacular vistas of the South China Sea on a clear day. From Ilocos, Naguillan Rd (Rte 54) is usually taken by travelers from the north and will take longer. All three roads can get blocked by landslides and Kennon Road with its long winding stretches is both scenic and dangerous. If you want to drive to Baguio, it would be best to hire a Filipino driver for this purpose. Most rental car companies in the Philippines offer chauffeur driven rentals in addition to the usual self-driven rentals. As anywhere in the Philippines when traveling by land, don't underestimate the distance, as while it is over {{km|250}} as the crow flies, it is a 4-5 hr drive if you account the traffic and road conditions on the route. From [[Cagayan Valley]], the primary route is '''Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Rd''' (Rte 110). It starts at the junction at Aritao in [[southern Nueva Vizcaya]] and ends at the vicinity of SM Baguio. ==Get around== ===By jeepney=== [[File:Jeepney.jpg|350px|thumbnail|right|Jeepney - public transportation]] Similar to Manila, jeepneys ply various routes within Baguio and its immediate surroundings. Majority of jeepneys going out of the city (P.M.A., Country Club, etc.) are stationed in Burnham Park where they normally load passengers to their destinations. It is possible to a rent a jeepney but it is not advisable when trekking long distances. ===By taxi=== More convenient for tourists perhaps, taxis are also common but once you are in the outskirts may be a bit hard to come by. Taxis abound in Baguio. The rate is {{PHP|35}} for the first {{m|500}}, with {{PHP|1.50}}/{{m|100}} increments thereafter. All Baguio taxi cabs are painted white and have the proper identification markings on them. Maximum capacity in each taxi is 5 persons (4 passengers, 1 driver). Taxis can also be booked for a whole day tour at {{PHP|1800-2000}} for a 8-9 hr tour of all the main attractions in and around town. Find a taxi at the Tourist Information Counter at the Victory Liner terminal or through your place of accommodation. ===By car=== Car rental in Baguio is a good option for short out-of-town trips and traveling around the city. There are several agencies offering car hire in Baguio and there are self-drive and with driver options available. To rent a car in Baguio you should have an international driver's license. Baguio usually involves navigating a series of winding mountain roads.The traffic is on the right side of the road. As the Session Road and the public market have a very limited parking space, consider leaving your car outside the city center. Rates for car rental Baguio companies can go by the hour, the day or by the week. ==See== * {{see | name=Burnham Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41067| long=120.59480| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Go for a walk or go rowing on Burnham Lake. Visit the Rose Garden or have fun with the kids in the Burnham Park Playground. }} *{{see | name=Camp John Hay | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.40278 | long=120.61639 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This former R&R facility for American military personnel during the American occupation was turned over to the Philippine Government in 1991. Now under the auspices of the Bases Conversion & Development Authority (BCDA), Camp John Hay is a sort of country club complete with an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding and camping, among other activities. A condotel is in operation. Renovations in the resort have added different activities such as a paintball arena and zip-lining. This place can get very crowded on weekends. }} *{{see | name=Mines View Park| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41970| long=120.62707| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Enjoy the view of the beautiful mountain scenery with other various attractions. If you're looking for the special "Man-In-A-Barrel" souvenir and other phallic souvenirs you will find them here. }} * {{see | name=Philippine Military Academy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.36672| long=120.61967| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Philippines' premier military cadet training center. It is recommended to visit P.M.A. during Saturdays as this is where the cadet groups practice field activities. The "Hundred Night Show" is a yearly play conducted by cadets and officers during December. }} * {{see | name=Session Road | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41083 | long=120.5995 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Session Road | image=Session Road, Baguio.JPG | content=The main thoroughfare of Baguio, where most of the city activity is centered. SM mall and Burnham Park are walking distance. }} * {{see | name=Lion's Head | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kennon Road, Camp 6 | lat=16.367556 | long=120.605899 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lion's Head (Kennon Road) | image= | lastedit=2018-02-05 | content=Limestone sculpture of a lion by the Baguio chapter of the Lions Club. It is carved by Ifugao artist Anselmo Bayang Day-ag and is considered as the Baguio's "entrance marker" for tourists coming from south of the city. | wikidata=Q3738349}} * {{see | name=Igorot Stone Kingdom | alt= | url= | email= | address=Long-long Road, Pinsao Proper | lat=16.43165 | long=120.575274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=A contemporary stone attraction made through the traditional method of riprap and reinforced with concrete. Made from the concept of an Igorot child's fantasy of castles, the Igorot Stone Kingdom is meant to showcase Igorot culture and folklore. }} ==Do== * '''Panagbenga''': The Baguio Flower Festival is held every February. Street parades, colorful floats and costumes and native dance displays have drawn huge crowds to Baguio every year. * '''Horse back riding''': Wright Park and its surroundings. It costs {{PHP|300}} per hour ({{PHP|150}} for half an hour), plus a guide fee if you want to ride beyond the park. * {{do | name=North Haven Spa | url= | email= | address=21 Avelino Street, Ferguson Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 3005022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-10PM | price= | content=Aside from the usual Thai, Swedish and combination massage, you can have a Baguio strawberry, Benguet coffee or Cordillera rice scrub, an indigenous head massage or the Dagdagis or Kolkolis, the region’s traditional foot massage using runo sticks to stimulate the soles of the feet. }} * {{do | name=Spa de belles fleurs | url= | email= | address=5th floor ES Clemente Bldg. Otek St | lat= | long= | directions=Chowking Burnham, in front of Baguio Orchidarium | phone=+63 74 424 1230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 10AM-10PM; F-Su 10AM-midnight | price={{PHP|300-1000}} | content=Body and facial treatments. “Spa de Belles Fleurs” means spa with beautiful flowers in English. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Good Shepherd Convent | alt= | url= | email= | address=15 Gibraltar Rd | lat=16.4199497 | long=120.6182139 | directions= | phone=+63 74 442 3865 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2018-12-31| content=Baguio City. Peanut brittle, strawberry jam, sesame crunch and ube (purple yam) jam. }} * {{buy | name=Baguio City Night Market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Harisson Road, Session Road, and surrounding streets | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-12-21 | content=Around 11PM, when the normal hustle of the city cools down, the night market takes to the street. Buy clothes, shoes, and accessories at low prices. Make sure to bring a tumbler of coffee to fight off the cold as you peruse their goods. }} ===Malls=== * {{buy | name=Porta Vaga Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/PortaVagaMall/ | email= | address=Session Road | lat=16.4122357 | long=120.5984366 | directions= | phone=+63 74 304-0109 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9am-8pm | price= | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Also hosts a Robinsons Supermarket. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=SM City Baguio | alt= | url=https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-locator/sm-city-baguio/information | email= | address=Luneta Hill, Upper Session Road | lat=16.4089372 | long=120.5993915 | directions= | phone=+63 74 6197838 42 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9pm | price= | wikipedia=SM City Baguio | image=Burnham Park lagoon in 2004 sm.jpg | wikidata=Q7391452 | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=A large shopping mall in Baguio. It hosts a SM Supermarket. This mall is unusual among most Philippine malls you generally find because it lacks air conditioning; instead, cooling is provided by Baguio's naturally cool air. }} * {{buy | name=Baguio Center Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/baguiocentermall/ | email=bgoctrmall@gmail.com | address=421 Magsaysay Avenue | lat=16.416677 | long=120.596178 | directions= | phone=+63 923 595 3213 | tollfree= | hours=9am-7pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Mall in Baguio city. }} ===Specific products=== * '''Woven articles''' - various articles ranging from wristbands and bookmarks through hand bags and rucksacks to slippers, all hand woven. * '''Wood carvings''' - rice god figurines, traditional Ifugao houses and other nice carvings made from hard wood. ==Eat== Baguio has the usual fastfood joints that are so ubiquitous in major Philippine cities. For a true taste of Baguio, have a bite at the following establishments: ===Budget=== All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name=Edsyl Canteen and Refreshment | alt= | url= | email= | address=Queen of Peace Rd | lat=16.4122350 | long=120.5901177 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Good Taste Café & Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Otek St | lat= 16.4118285| long= 120.5920281| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Chinese cuisine }} * {{eat | name=Jamil kebab house halal | alt= | url= | email= | address=assumption road | lat=16.4136080 | long=120.5974858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Rose Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=35 Diego Silang St | lat=16.4126306 | long=120.5963036 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mang Inasal | alt= | url= | email= | address=102 Upper GF | lat=16.4082923 | long=120.5998769 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Café by the Ruins |alt=| url= | email= | address=23 Chuntug St. | lat=16.4105509 | long=120.5933254 | directions= | phone=+63 74 4424010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Quaint ambience, hearty salads, pastas and juices and good coffee or tea. }} * {{eat | name=New Good Taste Cafe & Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 2600 Lapu Lapu St | lat=16.41176 | long=120.59206 | directions=behind Center Mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} *{{eat|name=Pizza Volante|alt=|url=|email=|address=Session Theatre Building, Session Road|lat=16.4124002|long=120.5959902|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Mon-Sun 24 hrs|price={{PHP|100-250}} per person (Dec 2018) | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Traditional Italian pizza and pasta.}} ===Splurge=== <br> ==Sleep== Baguio has a fine selection of accommodations, mostly cozy pension houses and small hotels that reflect this Philippine province's delightful homey atmosphere. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name= Darlyn's Transient House| alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/DarlynsTransientHouse/?_rdr | email= | address= AB028 SLU Subdivision, Ambiong, La Trinidad| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +63 918 520 8006 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|350-500}} per person in shared rooms | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content=Five huge rooms that could accommodate three to five guests each. A 20-minute taxi ride away from the different points of interests in Baguio. }} * {{sleep | name=Upstairs Bed and Bath Hostel. | alt= | url= | email= | address=Leonard Wood Road. | lat= | long= | directions=near the Sm Mall. | phone=+63 74-4464687, +63 9328784687 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=dorm bed {{PHP|320}} per person. | content=has 90 beds in dorms. common hot and cold water bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. A nice place for backpackers. }} * {{sleep | name=Babs Place Baguio Transient Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=508 Hillside road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9233498481 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|250}} per person. | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Single/double rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Harisson Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Harrison Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 744427803 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Double room with own bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Mount Ainside Lodging House. | alt= | url= | email= | address=51 Bokawkan Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9273395888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|300}} per person. | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Single/double rooms with outside bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Village Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=355 Magsaysay Road | lat= | long= | directions=Approximately 20 min walk from down town (Session Road). | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=single {{PHP|400}}, double {{PHP|750}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Clean single/double rooms with common bathroom. It has free wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=456 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Session Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|700}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Fan single/double room with own bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=City Light Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=245 Upper General Luna Road. | lat= | long= | directions=near Baguio Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Safari Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Leonard Wood Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 4422419 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|500}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Single/double rooms with own bathroom }} * {{sleep | name=YMCA Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Post office Loop | lat= | long= | directions=just off session road. opposite SM mall | phone=+63 74 4424766 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed {{PHP|390}} per person. | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Baguio City Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pinesville Subdivision Kias block 10 Lot 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=₱340 per person | lastedit=2019-06-04 | content=A bed in a dorm, free Wi-Fi, terrace. }} ===Mid-range & splurge=== * {{sleep | name=AIM Conference Center Baguio | alt= | url= | email=accm@aimonline.org | address=Igorot Lodge, Camp John Hay | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 442-8878 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|2800}} | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=27 hotel rooms and 6 cottages. Does not have a restaurant. Temporarily closed as of July 2022. }} * {{sleep | name=Atenara House | alt= | url=http://www.atenara.com/ | email= | address=40 Navy Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 446 9808 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from {{PHP|1980}} | content=Deluxe and 2-bedroom suite with balcony, living area and kitchen. Coffee shop, lobby lounge, tour services, spa and massage services. }} * {{sleep | name=Azalea Residences | url=http://www.azalea.com.ph | email= | address=No. 7 Leonard Wood Loop, Barangay M. Roxas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 535 0519 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|3600}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Deluxe and two bedroom suites with balcony, living area and kitchen. Coffee shop, lobby lounge, tour services, spa and massage services. }} * {{sleep | name=Burnham Hotel Baguio | url=http://www.burnhamhotelbaguio.com/ | email= | address=20 Calderon St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 442 2331 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$20 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Friendly staff and cool lobby. The location is quite noisy, the rooms are old and broken down, and it is much more expensive than other choices.<!-->3days<--> }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Burnham Suites Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.burnhamsuitesbaguio.com/#1 | email= | address=No.6 Kisad Road, Baguio City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74-4242211,+632-5844137, +632-9150055 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74-4242216 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|4300}} | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Golden Pine Hotel and Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.goldenpinehotel.net/ | email= | address=Corner of Carino Sreet and Yandoc Street, Baguio City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 740 8975, +63 2 732 1919 | tollfree= | fax=+ 63 2 74 444 9965 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double room {{PHP|1895}} ({{PHP|2600}} in peak season) | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content=24-hr room service, business center, car park, coffee shop, laundry service, dry cleaning, restaurant, shops, tours, Wi-fi in public areas, massage services }} * {{sleep | name=Mount Tepeyac Residences | alt=Chalet Tepeyac | url=http://tepeyacresidences.webs.com/ | email=info@mount-tepeyac.com | address=177 Leonard Wood Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9063715532, +63 74 4423772 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|1860}} | content=1940s vacation house nestled amid a well-preserved pine-clad hill. Accessible by public transport or by foot. There are 20 clean and cozy rooms, each with cable TV, telephone, private toilet & bath with 24 hr hot shower, and room service. }} * {{sleep | name=City Travel Hotel Baguio | alt= | url=http://www.citytravelhotelbaguio.com/ | email= | address=15 Kisad Rd | lat= | long= | directions=across Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 445 0456 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 4450 4574 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ₱1200 | content=Efficient and courteous staff. }} * {{sleep | name=El Cielito Inn Hotel | url=http://www.elcielito-baguio.com/ | email= | address=50 North Drive | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 7 443 4846 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 250 6020 | hours= | price=From US$42 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ferionnil Pension House and Dormitory | url= | email= | address=140 T. Alonzo St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 443 6763 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1400}} depending on room type, including breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Near the Lizardo Trans bus terminus. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Cosmopolitan | alt= | url=http://thehotelcosmopolitan.com/ | email=cosmopolitanbgo@gmail.com | address=1 Bokawkan Road cor. Naguilian Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 917 578-3273 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|2080}} | content=A boutique hotel on top of one of the Baguio mountains. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Elizabeth | alt= | url=http://www.hotelelizabeth.com.ph/he/baguio/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=reservations@hotelelizabeth.com.ph | address=#1 J. Felipe Street corner Gibraltar Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 912 2691 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=A/C rooms and suites equipped with private balcony and internet. Room and massage services and fitness room/gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Veniz | url=http://www.hotelveniz.com/ | email= | address=One Abanao St. | lat= | long= | directions=at the foot of Session Road, across Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 446 0700 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 446 0704 | hours= | price=From {{PHP|1290}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Over 100 A/C rooms and suites within Baguio's main shopping district. }} * {{sleep | name=Lyn's Baguio Transient Homes | url= | email= | address=79B City Camp Alley | lat= | long= | directions=very near Burnham Park and town | phone=+63 91 58133144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1000-3500}} for 12 persons | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Hot shower, 24-hr running water, Wi-Fi zone, complete cooking utensils, refrigerator, sala, fan, veranda with scenic view, garage. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Microtel Inns and Suites Baguio | alt=Wyndham | url=https://www.microtel-baguio.com/ | email= | address=Upper Session Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 619-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 619 3344 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$36 | content=Clean and comfortable rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Paladin Hotel Baguio | url=http://www.paladinhotelbaguio.com | email= | address=136 Abanao Extension, Corner Carino St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 4422408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1750}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Also provides a venue for business meetings or conferences and events. }} * {{sleep | name=Ridgewood Residence | alt= | url=http://www.ridgewoodhotel.com/ | email= | address=17 Julian Felipe St, Barangay Lualhati | lat= | long= | directions=near The Mansion | phone=+63 2 2996411, +63 74 4466295 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=| price={{PHP|1999}} | content=Apartelle rooms aside from its standard and suite rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Sevilla I. Gammad | alt= | url=http://transienthomesbaguio,multiply,com | email= | address=79-B City Camp Alley, Barangay City Camp | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 92 28313352, +63 91 58133144 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price={{PHP|1000-3000}} | content=Apartments can accommodate from 2-15 people/apartment. Each has its own private CR with hot shower, sala with TV, kitchen with LPG cooker. Scenic view from terrace. }} * {{sleep | name=Tiptop Vacation Homes | url=http://tripvillas.com/property/27344462/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Each of the guest rooms and apartments in Tiptop Vacation Homes include fully-furnished home equipment such as cooking facilities and cable TV. Wireless Internet access is available in some areas. Barbecue grille is also available, perfect for the cold weather. }} ==Drink== Most of the night life is centered at '''Nevada Square''' where numerous bars are clustered ranging from "hot-babe" hotspots to chill-out bars, this is the place to be. There are some good bars outside the square like '''Urban Sessions''' and '''Purple''' which is a stone's throw away from Nevada Square. '''18 BC''' (Fridays - Reggae Night, Saturdays - Acoustic Night) and '''Padi's Point''' draws out bargoers with their regular band. ==Cope== ===Internet access (computer shops)=== Baguio has its fair share of Internet cafes scattered around Session Road with '''Netgear Internet Shop''' being the closest from Session Road. Many of the malls within the area also have their own Internet cafes but it is generally expensive. Expect to pay around {{PHP|15-30}} per hour when going to internet shops outside malls. Hotels, restaurants, and malls are now offering free WiFi nowadays so if you're able to find a nice spot you can just waste your time surfing the web. ===Laundry=== Many of the hotels do not have laundry service and finding a place to get your clothes washed can be difficult. * {{listing | name=Elegant Washers Laundry Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address=#31 Bonifacio St | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Bonifacio St. and Magsaysay Ave. 10 min walk from Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 423-0432 | tollfree= | hours=Open 7 days a week from 8AM-7PM | price={{PHP|35}}/kilo for two day service or {{PHP|50}} for next day rush service | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Ring the bell at the front desk if you don't see an assistant. }} * {{listing | name=Lala Laundry | alt= | url= | email= | address=Luna Ave. | lat= | long= | directions=on the corner of Mabini St and Luna Ave. There is no sign on the outside of the building, but you can identify the correct building by the Mang Inasal restaurant on the second floor. Go up the stairs and you’ll see a sign near the staircase for Lala Laundry on the third floor. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=You may have to let out a howler if no one is at the front desk. }} ==Stay healthy== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center | alt=BGH | url=http://bghmc.doh.gov.ph/ | email= | address=Marcos Highway Rotunda, BGH Compound | lat=16.401079 | long=120.593801 | directions= | phone=+63 74 661 7910 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center | wikidata=Q60787332 | lastedit=2018-12-31 | content=Government Hospital }} * {{listing|name=Benguet General Hospital|alt=|url=https://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php/product-services/economic-eterprise/benguet-general-hospital|email=|address=Halsema Highway, La Trinidad|lat=16.4507702|long=120.5869442|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 3165|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Government Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital|alt=|url=https://notredamebaguio.com/|email=ndch2003@gmail.com|address=General Luna Road|lat=16.414439|long=120.5963152|directions=|phone=+63 74 424-3361, +63 74 619-8530 |tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Saint Louis University-Hospital of the Sacred Heart|alt=|url=|email=|address=Assumption Road|lat=16.4171597|long=120.5953265|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 5700|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Pines City Doctor's Hospital|alt=|url=|email=|address=Magsaysay Avenue|lat=16.4270157|long=120.5922579|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 4308|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Sto. Niño Jesus Medical Center|alt=|url=|email=|address=#28, Lower P. Burgos Street|lat=16.4211142|long=120.5904421|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} ==Stay safe== As a number one rule, always secure your belongings. Keep your passports/visas/important papers at the hotel safe (if there is one available at your hotel) or in a safe place. Cellphone snatching and purse dippers are a problem but common sense and safety can keep you safe. Crime normally increases during the holidays and Panagbenga as thousands of people visit Baguio City. ==Go next== *[[La Trinidad (Benguet)]] *[[San Fernando (La Union)]] *[[Vigan]] *[[Dagupan]] *[[Sagada]] *[[Mount Pulag]] in [[Benguet]] is the highest mountain in Luzon (2922 MASL) and a very popular hiking destination with its stunning scenery and "sea of clouds" views of the Cordillera mountain range. Different trails offer a diverse range of difficulty and days required. A must-visit trekking destination for outdoor enthusiasts travelling in the Philippines. TrailAdventours (''[mailto:info@trailadventours info@trailadventours]'') arranges trips to Mt. Pulag either from Manila or Baguio City. Take a bus heading north to [[Sagada]] from the Lizardo Trans bus terminal. The first bus is at 6AM and there are several services afterward. The fare is {{PHP|220}} and the ride takes 6-8 hours. {{routebox | placename=Baguio | image1=N54 (Philippines).svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Bauang]] | minorl1=[[Sablan]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Rosario (La Union)|Rosario]] | minorr1= | link1= | caption1= | image2=N110 (Philippines).svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=E | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=W | majorr2=[[Southern Nueva Vizcaya|Aritao]] | minorr2=Bokod | link2= | caption2= | image3=N204 (Philippines).svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Bontoc]] | minorl3=[[La Trinidad (Benguet)|La Trinidad]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | link3= | caption3= }} {{isPartOf|Benguet}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|16.4166667|120.6}} gn749axl7w5a91dt2u65c5j216goolu 4488043 4488042 2022-07-22T01:34:41Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Mid-range & splurge */ Updated listing for Hotel Elizabeth wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baguio banner.jpg|caption=}} '''[http://www.baguio.gov.ph/ Baguio]''' is a highland city of 345,000 people (2015) in the province of [[Benguet]], Philippines. Due to its cool mountain weather relative to the rest of the country, it is considered the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." The city is abundant in pine trees, so it is nicknamed the ''City of Pines''. ==Understand== Baguio, to many, is best known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines", with its cool climate making this a spot to escape the chaotic scenes in Manila. The city is also home to tropical pine forests, lending the city the nickname "City of Pines". It serves as a tourist hub in the Cordilleras, serving as a jumping point to other tourist spots like [[Mount Pulag]], [[Sagada]] and [[Banaue]]. Baguio is considered a city separate from the province of Benguet, but it is considered part of Benguet practically, and it is the economic center for both the province and the Cordillera region. Some of the city's tourism promotions also point to nearby La Trinidad, which is both administratively and geographically in Benguet, and is the provincial capital. ===History=== The city originated as a hill outpost by the Americans in the 1900s. Road connection is provided by the zigzagging Kennon Road, and the city is planned by the renowned American architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham. Originally intended to be the summer capital of the Philippines, then an American colony, it soon gained its position as a popular tourist destination to many Manila residents escaping the heat, noise, and crowds of the metropolis. The city has been badly damaged by the destructive Central Luzon earthquake in 1990, but the city since recovered. ===Climate=== {{climate chart |[[Baguio]] |12.9 |23.3 |15.3 |13.4 |24.1 |23.4 |14.5 |25.2 |46 |15.9 |25.8 |104.1 |16.4 |25 |341.1 |16.5 |24.4 |475.8 |16.3 |23.4 |781.9 |16.2 |22.6 |905 |16 |23.4 |570.9 |15.7 |23.9 |452.3 |15.1 |24.1 |97.4 |13.7 |23.3 |26.4 |maxprecip=905 |float=right |clear=right }} Lying at {{m|1,540}} in the Cordilleras, Baguio has milder temperatures, and is quite temperate than the rest of Luzon and the country as well. The climate is highland subtropical, with temperatures {{C|7-8}} cooler than the lowlands, and conditions reminiscent of spring. The coldest temperatures ever recorded in the city is {{C|6.3}}. Chilly northeastern monsoon winds from Siberia can cause nighttime lows to drop almost near freezing, with frost forming from moisture turning into ice due to wind chill. Despite its altitude, Baguio has not experienced any snowfall. The city is best visited during the dry season between November and April, when the northeast monsoon blows through northern Luzon, and rainfall is at its lowest. The cool dry season is Baguio's peak season for tourists. The rest of the year is rather rainy, and it is the off season for tourists. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|16.41097|120.59316|zoom=13|height=470|width=470}} [[File:Baguio mountains at Mines View Park.JPG|thumb|300px|Baguio mountains, as seen from Mines View Park]] To get to Baguio from outside of [[Luzon]], you still have to pass through [[Metro Manila]] or Clark airport and from there get to Baguio by either of the following ways: ===By bus=== ====From Manila==== *This is the most common and economical way to get to Baguio from Metro Manila. Several bus lines ply the Metro Manila to Baguio route with terminals scattered across the metro. It generally takes about 5-7 hr to get to Baguio by bus. An hour longer than it would by car due to stopovers along the way. * {{listing |type=go | name=Victory Liner | alt= | url=http://www.victoryliner.com/ | email= | address= | lat=16.4062376 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone=+63 2 727 4534, +63 2 833 5019 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31| content=Victory has hourly bus service to Baguio from its Monumento Main terminal in [[Caloocan City]], Cubao and Pasay terminals. Buses are generally modern and air-conditioned but seats are sized generally for Filipinos and tall people would need to take advantage of the various stopovers to stretch their legs. Cost is {{PHP|450}} per person one way (most expensive among Aircon buses going to Baguio). A non-stop deluxe bus service is also available for {{PHP|750}} per person one way, water and snack are served during the trip. Semi-deluxe buses are now included with one stop at Tarlac Shell station, costs around {{PHP|650}}, no toilet inside the bus. Some buses have free WiFi. }} * {{listing |type=go | name=Dagupan Bus | url= | email= | address=New York St., Cubao, Quezon City | lat=16.4086768 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone=+63 2 929 6123 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Also serves the Manila to Baguio route via its Cubao Terminal. Buses leave on an hourly basis. |alt=|wikidata=|wikipedia=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31}} * {{listing | type=go | name=Genesis | alt= | url=http://www.phbus.com/genesis-bus/ | email= | address= | lat=16.4086768 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-15 | content=Buses depart every hour from Cubao, Pasay, and Avenida bus stations. Since July 15, 2019, they operate a premium bus service (via the expressways) from [[Parañaque]] with stops at all terminals of [[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]], between 5AM and 9PM. }} ====From Clark airport==== * '''Partas Bus''' operates a bus service that stops at Clark airport and heads north from there, departing the airport at 5PM. Get off at [[Sison|Sison, Pangasinan]] (arrival there around 8PM) and cross the road to the restaurant stop opposite and get on a Victory Liner bus that does a dinner stop there. The fare from Clark airport to Sison on Partas Bus is {{PHP|193}}, then from there by Victory Liner to Baguio is an additional {{PHP|90}}. Travel time is 3 hours Clark to Sison, then 1½ hours Sison to Baguio, plus some waiting time at Sison. ====From Angeles City==== * '''Philippine Rabbit''' operates from Dau Terminal. {{PHP|306}}. Journey takes about 4-5 hr. ===By plane=== Baguio has an airport, the {{listing | type=go | name=Loakan Airport | alt={{IATA|BAG}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.375 | long=120.619444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Loakan Airport | wikidata=Q1931154 | lastedit=2019-01-24 | content=Visibility challenges, its high altitude, and the short runway affect operations to this airport. '''Platinum Skies''' is the only commercial operator that serves Baguio, and the rest are mostly small propeller-operated aircraft and helicopters. }} ===By car=== From Manila to Baguio by car, the fastest route is through the expressways. Take the North Luzon Expy (NLEX) up to [[Angeles]], then exit to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), then continue to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expy (TPLEX) up to Rosario. From there, you can take '''Kennon Rd''' (Rte 54) or '''Marcos Hwy''' (officially Aspiras-Palispis Highway, Rte 208) via Pugo-Rosario Rd (Rte 209). Kennon Rd is the shortest, taking only three-quarters to one hour from the foot of the mountains in Rosario, La Union. Marcos Hwy starts at Agoo, La Union (a little further to the northwest from Rosario) and takes about one hour but is a wider, less winding road with a more gradual uphill incline and is safer in the rainy season. It has spectacular vistas of the South China Sea on a clear day. From Ilocos, Naguillan Rd (Rte 54) is usually taken by travelers from the north and will take longer. All three roads can get blocked by landslides and Kennon Road with its long winding stretches is both scenic and dangerous. If you want to drive to Baguio, it would be best to hire a Filipino driver for this purpose. Most rental car companies in the Philippines offer chauffeur driven rentals in addition to the usual self-driven rentals. As anywhere in the Philippines when traveling by land, don't underestimate the distance, as while it is over {{km|250}} as the crow flies, it is a 4-5 hr drive if you account the traffic and road conditions on the route. From [[Cagayan Valley]], the primary route is '''Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Rd''' (Rte 110). It starts at the junction at Aritao in [[southern Nueva Vizcaya]] and ends at the vicinity of SM Baguio. ==Get around== ===By jeepney=== [[File:Jeepney.jpg|350px|thumbnail|right|Jeepney - public transportation]] Similar to Manila, jeepneys ply various routes within Baguio and its immediate surroundings. Majority of jeepneys going out of the city (P.M.A., Country Club, etc.) are stationed in Burnham Park where they normally load passengers to their destinations. It is possible to a rent a jeepney but it is not advisable when trekking long distances. ===By taxi=== More convenient for tourists perhaps, taxis are also common but once you are in the outskirts may be a bit hard to come by. Taxis abound in Baguio. The rate is {{PHP|35}} for the first {{m|500}}, with {{PHP|1.50}}/{{m|100}} increments thereafter. All Baguio taxi cabs are painted white and have the proper identification markings on them. Maximum capacity in each taxi is 5 persons (4 passengers, 1 driver). Taxis can also be booked for a whole day tour at {{PHP|1800-2000}} for a 8-9 hr tour of all the main attractions in and around town. Find a taxi at the Tourist Information Counter at the Victory Liner terminal or through your place of accommodation. ===By car=== Car rental in Baguio is a good option for short out-of-town trips and traveling around the city. There are several agencies offering car hire in Baguio and there are self-drive and with driver options available. To rent a car in Baguio you should have an international driver's license. Baguio usually involves navigating a series of winding mountain roads.The traffic is on the right side of the road. As the Session Road and the public market have a very limited parking space, consider leaving your car outside the city center. Rates for car rental Baguio companies can go by the hour, the day or by the week. ==See== * {{see | name=Burnham Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41067| long=120.59480| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Go for a walk or go rowing on Burnham Lake. Visit the Rose Garden or have fun with the kids in the Burnham Park Playground. }} *{{see | name=Camp John Hay | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.40278 | long=120.61639 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This former R&R facility for American military personnel during the American occupation was turned over to the Philippine Government in 1991. Now under the auspices of the Bases Conversion & Development Authority (BCDA), Camp John Hay is a sort of country club complete with an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding and camping, among other activities. A condotel is in operation. Renovations in the resort have added different activities such as a paintball arena and zip-lining. This place can get very crowded on weekends. }} *{{see | name=Mines View Park| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41970| long=120.62707| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Enjoy the view of the beautiful mountain scenery with other various attractions. If you're looking for the special "Man-In-A-Barrel" souvenir and other phallic souvenirs you will find them here. }} * {{see | name=Philippine Military Academy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.36672| long=120.61967| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Philippines' premier military cadet training center. It is recommended to visit P.M.A. during Saturdays as this is where the cadet groups practice field activities. The "Hundred Night Show" is a yearly play conducted by cadets and officers during December. }} * {{see | name=Session Road | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41083 | long=120.5995 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Session Road | image=Session Road, Baguio.JPG | content=The main thoroughfare of Baguio, where most of the city activity is centered. SM mall and Burnham Park are walking distance. }} * {{see | name=Lion's Head | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kennon Road, Camp 6 | lat=16.367556 | long=120.605899 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lion's Head (Kennon Road) | image= | lastedit=2018-02-05 | content=Limestone sculpture of a lion by the Baguio chapter of the Lions Club. It is carved by Ifugao artist Anselmo Bayang Day-ag and is considered as the Baguio's "entrance marker" for tourists coming from south of the city. | wikidata=Q3738349}} * {{see | name=Igorot Stone Kingdom | alt= | url= | email= | address=Long-long Road, Pinsao Proper | lat=16.43165 | long=120.575274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=A contemporary stone attraction made through the traditional method of riprap and reinforced with concrete. Made from the concept of an Igorot child's fantasy of castles, the Igorot Stone Kingdom is meant to showcase Igorot culture and folklore. }} ==Do== * '''Panagbenga''': The Baguio Flower Festival is held every February. Street parades, colorful floats and costumes and native dance displays have drawn huge crowds to Baguio every year. * '''Horse back riding''': Wright Park and its surroundings. It costs {{PHP|300}} per hour ({{PHP|150}} for half an hour), plus a guide fee if you want to ride beyond the park. * {{do | name=North Haven Spa | url= | email= | address=21 Avelino Street, Ferguson Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 3005022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-10PM | price= | content=Aside from the usual Thai, Swedish and combination massage, you can have a Baguio strawberry, Benguet coffee or Cordillera rice scrub, an indigenous head massage or the Dagdagis or Kolkolis, the region’s traditional foot massage using runo sticks to stimulate the soles of the feet. }} * {{do | name=Spa de belles fleurs | url= | email= | address=5th floor ES Clemente Bldg. Otek St | lat= | long= | directions=Chowking Burnham, in front of Baguio Orchidarium | phone=+63 74 424 1230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 10AM-10PM; F-Su 10AM-midnight | price={{PHP|300-1000}} | content=Body and facial treatments. “Spa de Belles Fleurs” means spa with beautiful flowers in English. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Good Shepherd Convent | alt= | url= | email= | address=15 Gibraltar Rd | lat=16.4199497 | long=120.6182139 | directions= | phone=+63 74 442 3865 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2018-12-31| content=Baguio City. Peanut brittle, strawberry jam, sesame crunch and ube (purple yam) jam. }} * {{buy | name=Baguio City Night Market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Harisson Road, Session Road, and surrounding streets | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-12-21 | content=Around 11PM, when the normal hustle of the city cools down, the night market takes to the street. Buy clothes, shoes, and accessories at low prices. Make sure to bring a tumbler of coffee to fight off the cold as you peruse their goods. }} ===Malls=== * {{buy | name=Porta Vaga Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/PortaVagaMall/ | email= | address=Session Road | lat=16.4122357 | long=120.5984366 | directions= | phone=+63 74 304-0109 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9am-8pm | price= | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Also hosts a Robinsons Supermarket. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=SM City Baguio | alt= | url=https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-locator/sm-city-baguio/information | email= | address=Luneta Hill, Upper Session Road | lat=16.4089372 | long=120.5993915 | directions= | phone=+63 74 6197838 42 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9pm | price= | wikipedia=SM City Baguio | image=Burnham Park lagoon in 2004 sm.jpg | wikidata=Q7391452 | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=A large shopping mall in Baguio. It hosts a SM Supermarket. This mall is unusual among most Philippine malls you generally find because it lacks air conditioning; instead, cooling is provided by Baguio's naturally cool air. }} * {{buy | name=Baguio Center Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/baguiocentermall/ | email=bgoctrmall@gmail.com | address=421 Magsaysay Avenue | lat=16.416677 | long=120.596178 | directions= | phone=+63 923 595 3213 | tollfree= | hours=9am-7pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Mall in Baguio city. }} ===Specific products=== * '''Woven articles''' - various articles ranging from wristbands and bookmarks through hand bags and rucksacks to slippers, all hand woven. * '''Wood carvings''' - rice god figurines, traditional Ifugao houses and other nice carvings made from hard wood. ==Eat== Baguio has the usual fastfood joints that are so ubiquitous in major Philippine cities. For a true taste of Baguio, have a bite at the following establishments: ===Budget=== All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name=Edsyl Canteen and Refreshment | alt= | url= | email= | address=Queen of Peace Rd | lat=16.4122350 | long=120.5901177 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Good Taste Café & Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Otek St | lat= 16.4118285| long= 120.5920281| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Chinese cuisine }} * {{eat | name=Jamil kebab house halal | alt= | url= | email= | address=assumption road | lat=16.4136080 | long=120.5974858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Rose Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=35 Diego Silang St | lat=16.4126306 | long=120.5963036 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mang Inasal | alt= | url= | email= | address=102 Upper GF | lat=16.4082923 | long=120.5998769 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Café by the Ruins |alt=| url= | email= | address=23 Chuntug St. | lat=16.4105509 | long=120.5933254 | directions= | phone=+63 74 4424010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Quaint ambience, hearty salads, pastas and juices and good coffee or tea. }} * {{eat | name=New Good Taste Cafe & Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 2600 Lapu Lapu St | lat=16.41176 | long=120.59206 | directions=behind Center Mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} *{{eat|name=Pizza Volante|alt=|url=|email=|address=Session Theatre Building, Session Road|lat=16.4124002|long=120.5959902|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Mon-Sun 24 hrs|price={{PHP|100-250}} per person (Dec 2018) | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Traditional Italian pizza and pasta.}} ===Splurge=== <br> ==Sleep== Baguio has a fine selection of accommodations, mostly cozy pension houses and small hotels that reflect this Philippine province's delightful homey atmosphere. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name= Darlyn's Transient House| alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/DarlynsTransientHouse/?_rdr | email= | address= AB028 SLU Subdivision, Ambiong, La Trinidad| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +63 918 520 8006 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|350-500}} per person in shared rooms | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content=Five huge rooms that could accommodate three to five guests each. A 20-minute taxi ride away from the different points of interests in Baguio. }} * {{sleep | name=Upstairs Bed and Bath Hostel. | alt= | url= | email= | address=Leonard Wood Road. | lat= | long= | directions=near the Sm Mall. | phone=+63 74-4464687, +63 9328784687 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=dorm bed {{PHP|320}} per person. | content=has 90 beds in dorms. common hot and cold water bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. A nice place for backpackers. }} * {{sleep | name=Babs Place Baguio Transient Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=508 Hillside road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9233498481 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|250}} per person. | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Single/double rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Harisson Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Harrison Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 744427803 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Double room with own bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Mount Ainside Lodging House. | alt= | url= | email= | address=51 Bokawkan Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9273395888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|300}} per person. | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Single/double rooms with outside bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Village Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=355 Magsaysay Road | lat= | long= | directions=Approximately 20 min walk from down town (Session Road). | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=single {{PHP|400}}, double {{PHP|750}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Clean single/double rooms with common bathroom. It has free wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=456 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Session Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|700}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Fan single/double room with own bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=City Light Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=245 Upper General Luna Road. | lat= | long= | directions=near Baguio Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Safari Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Leonard Wood Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 4422419 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|500}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Single/double rooms with own bathroom }} * {{sleep | name=YMCA Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Post office Loop | lat= | long= | directions=just off session road. opposite SM mall | phone=+63 74 4424766 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed {{PHP|390}} per person. | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Baguio City Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pinesville Subdivision Kias block 10 Lot 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=₱340 per person | lastedit=2019-06-04 | content=A bed in a dorm, free Wi-Fi, terrace. }} ===Mid-range & splurge=== * {{sleep | name=AIM Conference Center Baguio | alt= | url= | email=accm@aimonline.org | address=Igorot Lodge, Camp John Hay | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 442-8878 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|2800}} | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=27 hotel rooms and 6 cottages. Does not have a restaurant. Temporarily closed as of July 2022. }} * {{sleep | name=Atenara House | alt= | url=http://www.atenara.com/ | email= | address=40 Navy Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 446 9808 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from {{PHP|1980}} | content=Deluxe and 2-bedroom suite with balcony, living area and kitchen. Coffee shop, lobby lounge, tour services, spa and massage services. }} * {{sleep | name=Azalea Residences | url=http://www.azalea.com.ph | email= | address=No. 7 Leonard Wood Loop, Barangay M. Roxas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 535 0519 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|3600}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Deluxe and two bedroom suites with balcony, living area and kitchen. Coffee shop, lobby lounge, tour services, spa and massage services. }} * {{sleep | name=Burnham Hotel Baguio | url=http://www.burnhamhotelbaguio.com/ | email= | address=20 Calderon St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 442 2331 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$20 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Friendly staff and cool lobby. The location is quite noisy, the rooms are old and broken down, and it is much more expensive than other choices.<!-->3days<--> }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Burnham Suites Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.burnhamsuitesbaguio.com/#1 | email= | address=No.6 Kisad Road, Baguio City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74-4242211,+632-5844137, +632-9150055 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74-4242216 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|4300}} | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Golden Pine Hotel and Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.goldenpinehotel.net/ | email= | address=Corner of Carino Sreet and Yandoc Street, Baguio City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 740 8975, +63 2 732 1919 | tollfree= | fax=+ 63 2 74 444 9965 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double room {{PHP|1895}} ({{PHP|2600}} in peak season) | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content=24-hr room service, business center, car park, coffee shop, laundry service, dry cleaning, restaurant, shops, tours, Wi-fi in public areas, massage services }} * {{sleep | name=Mount Tepeyac Residences | alt=Chalet Tepeyac | url=http://tepeyacresidences.webs.com/ | email=info@mount-tepeyac.com | address=177 Leonard Wood Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9063715532, +63 74 4423772 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|1860}} | content=1940s vacation house nestled amid a well-preserved pine-clad hill. Accessible by public transport or by foot. There are 20 clean and cozy rooms, each with cable TV, telephone, private toilet & bath with 24 hr hot shower, and room service. }} * {{sleep | name=City Travel Hotel Baguio | alt= | url=http://www.citytravelhotelbaguio.com/ | email= | address=15 Kisad Rd | lat= | long= | directions=across Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 445 0456 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 4450 4574 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ₱1200 | content=Efficient and courteous staff. }} * {{sleep | name=El Cielito Inn Hotel | url=http://www.elcielito-baguio.com/ | email= | address=50 North Drive | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 7 443 4846 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 250 6020 | hours= | price=From US$42 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ferionnil Pension House and Dormitory | url= | email= | address=140 T. Alonzo St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 443 6763 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1400}} depending on room type, including breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Near the Lizardo Trans bus terminus. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Cosmopolitan | alt= | url=http://thehotelcosmopolitan.com/ | email=cosmopolitanbgo@gmail.com | address=1 Bokawkan Road cor. Naguilian Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 917 578-3273 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|2080}} | content=A boutique hotel on top of one of the Baguio mountains. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Elizabeth | alt= | url=https://www.hotelelizabeth.com.ph/official/baguio/ | email=reservations@hotelelizabeth.com.ph | address=1 Julian Felipe Street corner Gibraltar Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 912 2691 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=A/C rooms and suites equipped with private balcony and internet. Room and massage services and fitness room/gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Veniz | url=http://www.hotelveniz.com/ | email= | address=One Abanao St. | lat= | long= | directions=at the foot of Session Road, across Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 446 0700 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 446 0704 | hours= | price=From {{PHP|1290}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Over 100 A/C rooms and suites within Baguio's main shopping district. }} * {{sleep | name=Lyn's Baguio Transient Homes | url= | email= | address=79B City Camp Alley | lat= | long= | directions=very near Burnham Park and town | phone=+63 91 58133144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1000-3500}} for 12 persons | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Hot shower, 24-hr running water, Wi-Fi zone, complete cooking utensils, refrigerator, sala, fan, veranda with scenic view, garage. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Microtel Inns and Suites Baguio | alt=Wyndham | url=https://www.microtel-baguio.com/ | email= | address=Upper Session Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 619-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 619 3344 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$36 | content=Clean and comfortable rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Paladin Hotel Baguio | url=http://www.paladinhotelbaguio.com | email= | address=136 Abanao Extension, Corner Carino St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 4422408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1750}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Also provides a venue for business meetings or conferences and events. }} * {{sleep | name=Ridgewood Residence | alt= | url=http://www.ridgewoodhotel.com/ | email= | address=17 Julian Felipe St, Barangay Lualhati | lat= | long= | directions=near The Mansion | phone=+63 2 2996411, +63 74 4466295 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=| price={{PHP|1999}} | content=Apartelle rooms aside from its standard and suite rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Sevilla I. Gammad | alt= | url=http://transienthomesbaguio,multiply,com | email= | address=79-B City Camp Alley, Barangay City Camp | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 92 28313352, +63 91 58133144 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price={{PHP|1000-3000}} | content=Apartments can accommodate from 2-15 people/apartment. Each has its own private CR with hot shower, sala with TV, kitchen with LPG cooker. Scenic view from terrace. }} * {{sleep | name=Tiptop Vacation Homes | url=http://tripvillas.com/property/27344462/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Each of the guest rooms and apartments in Tiptop Vacation Homes include fully-furnished home equipment such as cooking facilities and cable TV. Wireless Internet access is available in some areas. Barbecue grille is also available, perfect for the cold weather. }} ==Drink== Most of the night life is centered at '''Nevada Square''' where numerous bars are clustered ranging from "hot-babe" hotspots to chill-out bars, this is the place to be. There are some good bars outside the square like '''Urban Sessions''' and '''Purple''' which is a stone's throw away from Nevada Square. '''18 BC''' (Fridays - Reggae Night, Saturdays - Acoustic Night) and '''Padi's Point''' draws out bargoers with their regular band. ==Cope== ===Internet access (computer shops)=== Baguio has its fair share of Internet cafes scattered around Session Road with '''Netgear Internet Shop''' being the closest from Session Road. Many of the malls within the area also have their own Internet cafes but it is generally expensive. Expect to pay around {{PHP|15-30}} per hour when going to internet shops outside malls. Hotels, restaurants, and malls are now offering free WiFi nowadays so if you're able to find a nice spot you can just waste your time surfing the web. ===Laundry=== Many of the hotels do not have laundry service and finding a place to get your clothes washed can be difficult. * {{listing | name=Elegant Washers Laundry Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address=#31 Bonifacio St | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Bonifacio St. and Magsaysay Ave. 10 min walk from Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 423-0432 | tollfree= | hours=Open 7 days a week from 8AM-7PM | price={{PHP|35}}/kilo for two day service or {{PHP|50}} for next day rush service | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Ring the bell at the front desk if you don't see an assistant. }} * {{listing | name=Lala Laundry | alt= | url= | email= | address=Luna Ave. | lat= | long= | directions=on the corner of Mabini St and Luna Ave. There is no sign on the outside of the building, but you can identify the correct building by the Mang Inasal restaurant on the second floor. Go up the stairs and you’ll see a sign near the staircase for Lala Laundry on the third floor. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=You may have to let out a howler if no one is at the front desk. }} ==Stay healthy== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center | alt=BGH | url=http://bghmc.doh.gov.ph/ | email= | address=Marcos Highway Rotunda, BGH Compound | lat=16.401079 | long=120.593801 | directions= | phone=+63 74 661 7910 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center | wikidata=Q60787332 | lastedit=2018-12-31 | content=Government Hospital }} * {{listing|name=Benguet General Hospital|alt=|url=https://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php/product-services/economic-eterprise/benguet-general-hospital|email=|address=Halsema Highway, La Trinidad|lat=16.4507702|long=120.5869442|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 3165|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Government Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital|alt=|url=https://notredamebaguio.com/|email=ndch2003@gmail.com|address=General Luna Road|lat=16.414439|long=120.5963152|directions=|phone=+63 74 424-3361, +63 74 619-8530 |tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Saint Louis University-Hospital of the Sacred Heart|alt=|url=|email=|address=Assumption Road|lat=16.4171597|long=120.5953265|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 5700|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Pines City Doctor's Hospital|alt=|url=|email=|address=Magsaysay Avenue|lat=16.4270157|long=120.5922579|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 4308|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Sto. Niño Jesus Medical Center|alt=|url=|email=|address=#28, Lower P. Burgos Street|lat=16.4211142|long=120.5904421|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} ==Stay safe== As a number one rule, always secure your belongings. Keep your passports/visas/important papers at the hotel safe (if there is one available at your hotel) or in a safe place. Cellphone snatching and purse dippers are a problem but common sense and safety can keep you safe. Crime normally increases during the holidays and Panagbenga as thousands of people visit Baguio City. ==Go next== *[[La Trinidad (Benguet)]] *[[San Fernando (La Union)]] *[[Vigan]] *[[Dagupan]] *[[Sagada]] *[[Mount Pulag]] in [[Benguet]] is the highest mountain in Luzon (2922 MASL) and a very popular hiking destination with its stunning scenery and "sea of clouds" views of the Cordillera mountain range. Different trails offer a diverse range of difficulty and days required. A must-visit trekking destination for outdoor enthusiasts travelling in the Philippines. TrailAdventours (''[mailto:info@trailadventours info@trailadventours]'') arranges trips to Mt. Pulag either from Manila or Baguio City. Take a bus heading north to [[Sagada]] from the Lizardo Trans bus terminal. The first bus is at 6AM and there are several services afterward. The fare is {{PHP|220}} and the ride takes 6-8 hours. {{routebox | placename=Baguio | image1=N54 (Philippines).svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Bauang]] | minorl1=[[Sablan]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Rosario (La Union)|Rosario]] | minorr1= | link1= | caption1= | image2=N110 (Philippines).svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=E | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=W | majorr2=[[Southern Nueva Vizcaya|Aritao]] | minorr2=Bokod | link2= | caption2= | image3=N204 (Philippines).svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Bontoc]] | minorl3=[[La Trinidad (Benguet)|La Trinidad]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | link3= | caption3= }} {{isPartOf|Benguet}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|16.4166667|120.6}} h22helvk5q1l5rkz5sgvb6hk3lpi8g1 4488044 4488043 2022-07-22T01:34:59Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Mid-range & splurge */ Updated listing for Hotel Elizabeth Fersal - update link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baguio banner.jpg|caption=}} '''[http://www.baguio.gov.ph/ Baguio]''' is a highland city of 345,000 people (2015) in the province of [[Benguet]], Philippines. Due to its cool mountain weather relative to the rest of the country, it is considered the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." The city is abundant in pine trees, so it is nicknamed the ''City of Pines''. ==Understand== Baguio, to many, is best known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines", with its cool climate making this a spot to escape the chaotic scenes in Manila. The city is also home to tropical pine forests, lending the city the nickname "City of Pines". It serves as a tourist hub in the Cordilleras, serving as a jumping point to other tourist spots like [[Mount Pulag]], [[Sagada]] and [[Banaue]]. Baguio is considered a city separate from the province of Benguet, but it is considered part of Benguet practically, and it is the economic center for both the province and the Cordillera region. Some of the city's tourism promotions also point to nearby La Trinidad, which is both administratively and geographically in Benguet, and is the provincial capital. ===History=== The city originated as a hill outpost by the Americans in the 1900s. Road connection is provided by the zigzagging Kennon Road, and the city is planned by the renowned American architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham. Originally intended to be the summer capital of the Philippines, then an American colony, it soon gained its position as a popular tourist destination to many Manila residents escaping the heat, noise, and crowds of the metropolis. The city has been badly damaged by the destructive Central Luzon earthquake in 1990, but the city since recovered. ===Climate=== {{climate chart |[[Baguio]] |12.9 |23.3 |15.3 |13.4 |24.1 |23.4 |14.5 |25.2 |46 |15.9 |25.8 |104.1 |16.4 |25 |341.1 |16.5 |24.4 |475.8 |16.3 |23.4 |781.9 |16.2 |22.6 |905 |16 |23.4 |570.9 |15.7 |23.9 |452.3 |15.1 |24.1 |97.4 |13.7 |23.3 |26.4 |maxprecip=905 |float=right |clear=right }} Lying at {{m|1,540}} in the Cordilleras, Baguio has milder temperatures, and is quite temperate than the rest of Luzon and the country as well. The climate is highland subtropical, with temperatures {{C|7-8}} cooler than the lowlands, and conditions reminiscent of spring. The coldest temperatures ever recorded in the city is {{C|6.3}}. Chilly northeastern monsoon winds from Siberia can cause nighttime lows to drop almost near freezing, with frost forming from moisture turning into ice due to wind chill. Despite its altitude, Baguio has not experienced any snowfall. The city is best visited during the dry season between November and April, when the northeast monsoon blows through northern Luzon, and rainfall is at its lowest. The cool dry season is Baguio's peak season for tourists. The rest of the year is rather rainy, and it is the off season for tourists. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|16.41097|120.59316|zoom=13|height=470|width=470}} [[File:Baguio mountains at Mines View Park.JPG|thumb|300px|Baguio mountains, as seen from Mines View Park]] To get to Baguio from outside of [[Luzon]], you still have to pass through [[Metro Manila]] or Clark airport and from there get to Baguio by either of the following ways: ===By bus=== ====From Manila==== *This is the most common and economical way to get to Baguio from Metro Manila. Several bus lines ply the Metro Manila to Baguio route with terminals scattered across the metro. It generally takes about 5-7 hr to get to Baguio by bus. An hour longer than it would by car due to stopovers along the way. * {{listing |type=go | name=Victory Liner | alt= | url=http://www.victoryliner.com/ | email= | address= | lat=16.4062376 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone=+63 2 727 4534, +63 2 833 5019 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31| content=Victory has hourly bus service to Baguio from its Monumento Main terminal in [[Caloocan City]], Cubao and Pasay terminals. Buses are generally modern and air-conditioned but seats are sized generally for Filipinos and tall people would need to take advantage of the various stopovers to stretch their legs. Cost is {{PHP|450}} per person one way (most expensive among Aircon buses going to Baguio). A non-stop deluxe bus service is also available for {{PHP|750}} per person one way, water and snack are served during the trip. Semi-deluxe buses are now included with one stop at Tarlac Shell station, costs around {{PHP|650}}, no toilet inside the bus. Some buses have free WiFi. }} * {{listing |type=go | name=Dagupan Bus | url= | email= | address=New York St., Cubao, Quezon City | lat=16.4086768 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone=+63 2 929 6123 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Also serves the Manila to Baguio route via its Cubao Terminal. Buses leave on an hourly basis. |alt=|wikidata=|wikipedia=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31}} * {{listing | type=go | name=Genesis | alt= | url=http://www.phbus.com/genesis-bus/ | email= | address= | lat=16.4086768 | long=120.598281 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-15 | content=Buses depart every hour from Cubao, Pasay, and Avenida bus stations. Since July 15, 2019, they operate a premium bus service (via the expressways) from [[Parañaque]] with stops at all terminals of [[Ninoy Aquino International Airport]], between 5AM and 9PM. }} ====From Clark airport==== * '''Partas Bus''' operates a bus service that stops at Clark airport and heads north from there, departing the airport at 5PM. Get off at [[Sison|Sison, Pangasinan]] (arrival there around 8PM) and cross the road to the restaurant stop opposite and get on a Victory Liner bus that does a dinner stop there. The fare from Clark airport to Sison on Partas Bus is {{PHP|193}}, then from there by Victory Liner to Baguio is an additional {{PHP|90}}. Travel time is 3 hours Clark to Sison, then 1½ hours Sison to Baguio, plus some waiting time at Sison. ====From Angeles City==== * '''Philippine Rabbit''' operates from Dau Terminal. {{PHP|306}}. Journey takes about 4-5 hr. ===By plane=== Baguio has an airport, the {{listing | type=go | name=Loakan Airport | alt={{IATA|BAG}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.375 | long=120.619444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Loakan Airport | wikidata=Q1931154 | lastedit=2019-01-24 | content=Visibility challenges, its high altitude, and the short runway affect operations to this airport. '''Platinum Skies''' is the only commercial operator that serves Baguio, and the rest are mostly small propeller-operated aircraft and helicopters. }} ===By car=== From Manila to Baguio by car, the fastest route is through the expressways. Take the North Luzon Expy (NLEX) up to [[Angeles]], then exit to Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), then continue to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expy (TPLEX) up to Rosario. From there, you can take '''Kennon Rd''' (Rte 54) or '''Marcos Hwy''' (officially Aspiras-Palispis Highway, Rte 208) via Pugo-Rosario Rd (Rte 209). Kennon Rd is the shortest, taking only three-quarters to one hour from the foot of the mountains in Rosario, La Union. Marcos Hwy starts at Agoo, La Union (a little further to the northwest from Rosario) and takes about one hour but is a wider, less winding road with a more gradual uphill incline and is safer in the rainy season. It has spectacular vistas of the South China Sea on a clear day. From Ilocos, Naguillan Rd (Rte 54) is usually taken by travelers from the north and will take longer. All three roads can get blocked by landslides and Kennon Road with its long winding stretches is both scenic and dangerous. If you want to drive to Baguio, it would be best to hire a Filipino driver for this purpose. Most rental car companies in the Philippines offer chauffeur driven rentals in addition to the usual self-driven rentals. As anywhere in the Philippines when traveling by land, don't underestimate the distance, as while it is over {{km|250}} as the crow flies, it is a 4-5 hr drive if you account the traffic and road conditions on the route. From [[Cagayan Valley]], the primary route is '''Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Rd''' (Rte 110). It starts at the junction at Aritao in [[southern Nueva Vizcaya]] and ends at the vicinity of SM Baguio. ==Get around== ===By jeepney=== [[File:Jeepney.jpg|350px|thumbnail|right|Jeepney - public transportation]] Similar to Manila, jeepneys ply various routes within Baguio and its immediate surroundings. Majority of jeepneys going out of the city (P.M.A., Country Club, etc.) are stationed in Burnham Park where they normally load passengers to their destinations. It is possible to a rent a jeepney but it is not advisable when trekking long distances. ===By taxi=== More convenient for tourists perhaps, taxis are also common but once you are in the outskirts may be a bit hard to come by. Taxis abound in Baguio. The rate is {{PHP|35}} for the first {{m|500}}, with {{PHP|1.50}}/{{m|100}} increments thereafter. All Baguio taxi cabs are painted white and have the proper identification markings on them. Maximum capacity in each taxi is 5 persons (4 passengers, 1 driver). Taxis can also be booked for a whole day tour at {{PHP|1800-2000}} for a 8-9 hr tour of all the main attractions in and around town. Find a taxi at the Tourist Information Counter at the Victory Liner terminal or through your place of accommodation. ===By car=== Car rental in Baguio is a good option for short out-of-town trips and traveling around the city. There are several agencies offering car hire in Baguio and there are self-drive and with driver options available. To rent a car in Baguio you should have an international driver's license. Baguio usually involves navigating a series of winding mountain roads.The traffic is on the right side of the road. As the Session Road and the public market have a very limited parking space, consider leaving your car outside the city center. Rates for car rental Baguio companies can go by the hour, the day or by the week. ==See== * {{see | name=Burnham Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41067| long=120.59480| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Go for a walk or go rowing on Burnham Lake. Visit the Rose Garden or have fun with the kids in the Burnham Park Playground. }} *{{see | name=Camp John Hay | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.40278 | long=120.61639 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This former R&R facility for American military personnel during the American occupation was turned over to the Philippine Government in 1991. Now under the auspices of the Bases Conversion & Development Authority (BCDA), Camp John Hay is a sort of country club complete with an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding and camping, among other activities. A condotel is in operation. Renovations in the resort have added different activities such as a paintball arena and zip-lining. This place can get very crowded on weekends. }} *{{see | name=Mines View Park| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41970| long=120.62707| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Enjoy the view of the beautiful mountain scenery with other various attractions. If you're looking for the special "Man-In-A-Barrel" souvenir and other phallic souvenirs you will find them here. }} * {{see | name=Philippine Military Academy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.36672| long=120.61967| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Philippines' premier military cadet training center. It is recommended to visit P.M.A. during Saturdays as this is where the cadet groups practice field activities. The "Hundred Night Show" is a yearly play conducted by cadets and officers during December. }} * {{see | name=Session Road | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=16.41083 | long=120.5995 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Session Road | image=Session Road, Baguio.JPG | content=The main thoroughfare of Baguio, where most of the city activity is centered. SM mall and Burnham Park are walking distance. }} * {{see | name=Lion's Head | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kennon Road, Camp 6 | lat=16.367556 | long=120.605899 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lion's Head (Kennon Road) | image= | lastedit=2018-02-05 | content=Limestone sculpture of a lion by the Baguio chapter of the Lions Club. It is carved by Ifugao artist Anselmo Bayang Day-ag and is considered as the Baguio's "entrance marker" for tourists coming from south of the city. | wikidata=Q3738349}} * {{see | name=Igorot Stone Kingdom | alt= | url= | email= | address=Long-long Road, Pinsao Proper | lat=16.43165 | long=120.575274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=A contemporary stone attraction made through the traditional method of riprap and reinforced with concrete. Made from the concept of an Igorot child's fantasy of castles, the Igorot Stone Kingdom is meant to showcase Igorot culture and folklore. }} ==Do== * '''Panagbenga''': The Baguio Flower Festival is held every February. Street parades, colorful floats and costumes and native dance displays have drawn huge crowds to Baguio every year. * '''Horse back riding''': Wright Park and its surroundings. It costs {{PHP|300}} per hour ({{PHP|150}} for half an hour), plus a guide fee if you want to ride beyond the park. * {{do | name=North Haven Spa | url= | email= | address=21 Avelino Street, Ferguson Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 3005022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-10PM | price= | content=Aside from the usual Thai, Swedish and combination massage, you can have a Baguio strawberry, Benguet coffee or Cordillera rice scrub, an indigenous head massage or the Dagdagis or Kolkolis, the region’s traditional foot massage using runo sticks to stimulate the soles of the feet. }} * {{do | name=Spa de belles fleurs | url= | email= | address=5th floor ES Clemente Bldg. Otek St | lat= | long= | directions=Chowking Burnham, in front of Baguio Orchidarium | phone=+63 74 424 1230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 10AM-10PM; F-Su 10AM-midnight | price={{PHP|300-1000}} | content=Body and facial treatments. “Spa de Belles Fleurs” means spa with beautiful flowers in English. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Good Shepherd Convent | alt= | url= | email= | address=15 Gibraltar Rd | lat=16.4199497 | long=120.6182139 | directions= | phone=+63 74 442 3865 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2018-12-31| content=Baguio City. Peanut brittle, strawberry jam, sesame crunch and ube (purple yam) jam. }} * {{buy | name=Baguio City Night Market | alt= | url= | email= | address=Harisson Road, Session Road, and surrounding streets | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-12-21 | content=Around 11PM, when the normal hustle of the city cools down, the night market takes to the street. Buy clothes, shoes, and accessories at low prices. Make sure to bring a tumbler of coffee to fight off the cold as you peruse their goods. }} ===Malls=== * {{buy | name=Porta Vaga Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/PortaVagaMall/ | email= | address=Session Road | lat=16.4122357 | long=120.5984366 | directions= | phone=+63 74 304-0109 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9am-8pm | price= | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Also hosts a Robinsons Supermarket. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=SM City Baguio | alt= | url=https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-locator/sm-city-baguio/information | email= | address=Luneta Hill, Upper Session Road | lat=16.4089372 | long=120.5993915 | directions= | phone=+63 74 6197838 42 | tollfree= | hours=10am-9pm | price= | wikipedia=SM City Baguio | image=Burnham Park lagoon in 2004 sm.jpg | wikidata=Q7391452 | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=A large shopping mall in Baguio. It hosts a SM Supermarket. This mall is unusual among most Philippine malls you generally find because it lacks air conditioning; instead, cooling is provided by Baguio's naturally cool air. }} * {{buy | name=Baguio Center Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/baguiocentermall/ | email=bgoctrmall@gmail.com | address=421 Magsaysay Avenue | lat=16.416677 | long=120.596178 | directions= | phone=+63 923 595 3213 | tollfree= | hours=9am-7pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Mall in Baguio city. }} ===Specific products=== * '''Woven articles''' - various articles ranging from wristbands and bookmarks through hand bags and rucksacks to slippers, all hand woven. * '''Wood carvings''' - rice god figurines, traditional Ifugao houses and other nice carvings made from hard wood. ==Eat== Baguio has the usual fastfood joints that are so ubiquitous in major Philippine cities. For a true taste of Baguio, have a bite at the following establishments: ===Budget=== All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name=Edsyl Canteen and Refreshment | alt= | url= | email= | address=Queen of Peace Rd | lat=16.4122350 | long=120.5901177 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Good Taste Café & Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Otek St | lat= 16.4118285| long= 120.5920281| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Chinese cuisine }} * {{eat | name=Jamil kebab house halal | alt= | url= | email= | address=assumption road | lat=16.4136080 | long=120.5974858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Rose Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=35 Diego Silang St | lat=16.4126306 | long=120.5963036 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mang Inasal | alt= | url= | email= | address=102 Upper GF | lat=16.4082923 | long=120.5998769 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Café by the Ruins |alt=| url= | email= | address=23 Chuntug St. | lat=16.4105509 | long=120.5933254 | directions= | phone=+63 74 4424010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Quaint ambience, hearty salads, pastas and juices and good coffee or tea. }} * {{eat | name=New Good Taste Cafe & Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=8 2600 Lapu Lapu St | lat=16.41176 | long=120.59206 | directions=behind Center Mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content= }} *{{eat|name=Pizza Volante|alt=|url=|email=|address=Session Theatre Building, Session Road|lat=16.4124002|long=120.5959902|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Mon-Sun 24 hrs|price={{PHP|100-250}} per person (Dec 2018) | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Traditional Italian pizza and pasta.}} ===Splurge=== <br> ==Sleep== Baguio has a fine selection of accommodations, mostly cozy pension houses and small hotels that reflect this Philippine province's delightful homey atmosphere. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name= Darlyn's Transient House| alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/DarlynsTransientHouse/?_rdr | email= | address= AB028 SLU Subdivision, Ambiong, La Trinidad| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +63 918 520 8006 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|350-500}} per person in shared rooms | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content=Five huge rooms that could accommodate three to five guests each. A 20-minute taxi ride away from the different points of interests in Baguio. }} * {{sleep | name=Upstairs Bed and Bath Hostel. | alt= | url= | email= | address=Leonard Wood Road. | lat= | long= | directions=near the Sm Mall. | phone=+63 74-4464687, +63 9328784687 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=dorm bed {{PHP|320}} per person. | content=has 90 beds in dorms. common hot and cold water bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi. A nice place for backpackers. }} * {{sleep | name=Babs Place Baguio Transient Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=508 Hillside road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9233498481 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|250}} per person. | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Single/double rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Harisson Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Harrison Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 744427803 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Double room with own bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Mount Ainside Lodging House. | alt= | url= | email= | address=51 Bokawkan Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9273395888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|300}} per person. | lastedit=2015-09-22 | content=Single/double rooms with outside bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Village Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=355 Magsaysay Road | lat= | long= | directions=Approximately 20 min walk from down town (Session Road). | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=single {{PHP|400}}, double {{PHP|750}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Clean single/double rooms with common bathroom. It has free wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=456 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Session Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|700}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Fan single/double room with own bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=City Light Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=245 Upper General Luna Road. | lat= | long= | directions=near Baguio Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Safari Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Leonard Wood Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 4422419 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=from {{PHP|500}} | lastedit=2016-09-21 | content=Single/double rooms with own bathroom }} * {{sleep | name=YMCA Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Post office Loop | lat= | long= | directions=just off session road. opposite SM mall | phone=+63 74 4424766 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm bed {{PHP|390}} per person. | lastedit=2016-10-13 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Baguio City Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pinesville Subdivision Kias block 10 Lot 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=₱340 per person | lastedit=2019-06-04 | content=A bed in a dorm, free Wi-Fi, terrace. }} ===Mid-range & splurge=== * {{sleep | name=AIM Conference Center Baguio | alt= | url= | email=accm@aimonline.org | address=Igorot Lodge, Camp John Hay | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 442-8878 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|2800}} | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=27 hotel rooms and 6 cottages. Does not have a restaurant. Temporarily closed as of July 2022. }} * {{sleep | name=Atenara House | alt= | url=http://www.atenara.com/ | email= | address=40 Navy Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 446 9808 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from {{PHP|1980}} | content=Deluxe and 2-bedroom suite with balcony, living area and kitchen. Coffee shop, lobby lounge, tour services, spa and massage services. }} * {{sleep | name=Azalea Residences | url=http://www.azalea.com.ph | email= | address=No. 7 Leonard Wood Loop, Barangay M. Roxas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 535 0519 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|3600}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Deluxe and two bedroom suites with balcony, living area and kitchen. Coffee shop, lobby lounge, tour services, spa and massage services. }} * {{sleep | name=Burnham Hotel Baguio | url=http://www.burnhamhotelbaguio.com/ | email= | address=20 Calderon St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 442 2331 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$20 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Friendly staff and cool lobby. The location is quite noisy, the rooms are old and broken down, and it is much more expensive than other choices.<!-->3days<--> }} * {{sleep | name=Baguio Burnham Suites Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.burnhamsuitesbaguio.com/#1 | email= | address=No.6 Kisad Road, Baguio City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74-4242211,+632-5844137, +632-9150055 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74-4242216 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|4300}} | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Golden Pine Hotel and Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.goldenpinehotel.net/ | email= | address=Corner of Carino Sreet and Yandoc Street, Baguio City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 740 8975, +63 2 732 1919 | tollfree= | fax=+ 63 2 74 444 9965 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double room {{PHP|1895}} ({{PHP|2600}} in peak season) | lastedit=2017-03-17 | content=24-hr room service, business center, car park, coffee shop, laundry service, dry cleaning, restaurant, shops, tours, Wi-fi in public areas, massage services }} * {{sleep | name=Mount Tepeyac Residences | alt=Chalet Tepeyac | url=http://tepeyacresidences.webs.com/ | email=info@mount-tepeyac.com | address=177 Leonard Wood Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9063715532, +63 74 4423772 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|1860}} | content=1940s vacation house nestled amid a well-preserved pine-clad hill. Accessible by public transport or by foot. There are 20 clean and cozy rooms, each with cable TV, telephone, private toilet & bath with 24 hr hot shower, and room service. }} * {{sleep | name=City Travel Hotel Baguio | alt= | url=http://www.citytravelhotelbaguio.com/ | email= | address=15 Kisad Rd | lat= | long= | directions=across Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 445 0456 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 4450 4574 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From ₱1200 | content=Efficient and courteous staff. }} * {{sleep | name=El Cielito Inn Hotel | url=http://www.elcielito-baguio.com/ | email= | address=50 North Drive | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 7 443 4846 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 250 6020 | hours= | price=From US$42 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ferionnil Pension House and Dormitory | url= | email= | address=140 T. Alonzo St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 443 6763 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1400}} depending on room type, including breakfast | checkin= | checkout=noon | content=Near the Lizardo Trans bus terminus. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Cosmopolitan | alt= | url=http://thehotelcosmopolitan.com/ | email=cosmopolitanbgo@gmail.com | address=1 Bokawkan Road cor. Naguilian Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 917 578-3273 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|2080}} | content=A boutique hotel on top of one of the Baguio mountains. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Elizabeth Fersal | alt= | url=https://www.hotelelizabeth.com.ph/official/baguio/ | email=reservations@hotelelizabeth.com.ph | address=1 Julian Felipe Street corner Gibraltar Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 912 2691 | tollfree= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=A/C rooms and suites equipped with private balcony and internet. Room and massage services and fitness room/gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Veniz | url=http://www.hotelveniz.com/ | email= | address=One Abanao St. | lat= | long= | directions=at the foot of Session Road, across Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 446 0700 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 446 0704 | hours= | price=From {{PHP|1290}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Over 100 A/C rooms and suites within Baguio's main shopping district. }} * {{sleep | name=Lyn's Baguio Transient Homes | url= | email= | address=79B City Camp Alley | lat= | long= | directions=very near Burnham Park and town | phone=+63 91 58133144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1000-3500}} for 12 persons | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Hot shower, 24-hr running water, Wi-Fi zone, complete cooking utensils, refrigerator, sala, fan, veranda with scenic view, garage. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Microtel Inns and Suites Baguio | alt=Wyndham | url=https://www.microtel-baguio.com/ | email= | address=Upper Session Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 619-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+63 74 619 3344 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$36 | content=Clean and comfortable rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Paladin Hotel Baguio | url=http://www.paladinhotelbaguio.com | email= | address=136 Abanao Extension, Corner Carino St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 74 4422408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|1750}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Also provides a venue for business meetings or conferences and events. }} * {{sleep | name=Ridgewood Residence | alt= | url=http://www.ridgewoodhotel.com/ | email= | address=17 Julian Felipe St, Barangay Lualhati | lat= | long= | directions=near The Mansion | phone=+63 2 2996411, +63 74 4466295 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=| price={{PHP|1999}} | content=Apartelle rooms aside from its standard and suite rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Sevilla I. Gammad | alt= | url=http://transienthomesbaguio,multiply,com | email= | address=79-B City Camp Alley, Barangay City Camp | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 92 28313352, +63 91 58133144 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price={{PHP|1000-3000}} | content=Apartments can accommodate from 2-15 people/apartment. Each has its own private CR with hot shower, sala with TV, kitchen with LPG cooker. Scenic view from terrace. }} * {{sleep | name=Tiptop Vacation Homes | url=http://tripvillas.com/property/27344462/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Each of the guest rooms and apartments in Tiptop Vacation Homes include fully-furnished home equipment such as cooking facilities and cable TV. Wireless Internet access is available in some areas. Barbecue grille is also available, perfect for the cold weather. }} ==Drink== Most of the night life is centered at '''Nevada Square''' where numerous bars are clustered ranging from "hot-babe" hotspots to chill-out bars, this is the place to be. There are some good bars outside the square like '''Urban Sessions''' and '''Purple''' which is a stone's throw away from Nevada Square. '''18 BC''' (Fridays - Reggae Night, Saturdays - Acoustic Night) and '''Padi's Point''' draws out bargoers with their regular band. ==Cope== ===Internet access (computer shops)=== Baguio has its fair share of Internet cafes scattered around Session Road with '''Netgear Internet Shop''' being the closest from Session Road. Many of the malls within the area also have their own Internet cafes but it is generally expensive. Expect to pay around {{PHP|15-30}} per hour when going to internet shops outside malls. Hotels, restaurants, and malls are now offering free WiFi nowadays so if you're able to find a nice spot you can just waste your time surfing the web. ===Laundry=== Many of the hotels do not have laundry service and finding a place to get your clothes washed can be difficult. * {{listing | name=Elegant Washers Laundry Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address=#31 Bonifacio St | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Bonifacio St. and Magsaysay Ave. 10 min walk from Burnham Park | phone=+63 74 423-0432 | tollfree= | hours=Open 7 days a week from 8AM-7PM | price={{PHP|35}}/kilo for two day service or {{PHP|50}} for next day rush service | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Ring the bell at the front desk if you don't see an assistant. }} * {{listing | name=Lala Laundry | alt= | url= | email= | address=Luna Ave. | lat= | long= | directions=on the corner of Mabini St and Luna Ave. There is no sign on the outside of the building, but you can identify the correct building by the Mang Inasal restaurant on the second floor. Go up the stairs and you’ll see a sign near the staircase for Lala Laundry on the third floor. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=You may have to let out a howler if no one is at the front desk. }} ==Stay healthy== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center | alt=BGH | url=http://bghmc.doh.gov.ph/ | email= | address=Marcos Highway Rotunda, BGH Compound | lat=16.401079 | long=120.593801 | directions= | phone=+63 74 661 7910 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center | wikidata=Q60787332 | lastedit=2018-12-31 | content=Government Hospital }} * {{listing|name=Benguet General Hospital|alt=|url=https://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php/product-services/economic-eterprise/benguet-general-hospital|email=|address=Halsema Highway, La Trinidad|lat=16.4507702|long=120.5869442|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 3165|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Government Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital|alt=|url=https://notredamebaguio.com/|email=ndch2003@gmail.com|address=General Luna Road|lat=16.414439|long=120.5963152|directions=|phone=+63 74 424-3361, +63 74 619-8530 |tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Saint Louis University-Hospital of the Sacred Heart|alt=|url=|email=|address=Assumption Road|lat=16.4171597|long=120.5953265|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 5700|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Pines City Doctor's Hospital|alt=|url=|email=|address=Magsaysay Avenue|lat=16.4270157|long=120.5922579|directions=|phone=+63 74 442 4308|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} *{{listing|name=Sto. Niño Jesus Medical Center|alt=|url=|email=|address=#28, Lower P. Burgos Street|lat=16.4211142|long=120.5904421|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-12-31|content=Private University Hospital}} ==Stay safe== As a number one rule, always secure your belongings. Keep your passports/visas/important papers at the hotel safe (if there is one available at your hotel) or in a safe place. Cellphone snatching and purse dippers are a problem but common sense and safety can keep you safe. Crime normally increases during the holidays and Panagbenga as thousands of people visit Baguio City. ==Go next== *[[La Trinidad (Benguet)]] *[[San Fernando (La Union)]] *[[Vigan]] *[[Dagupan]] *[[Sagada]] *[[Mount Pulag]] in [[Benguet]] is the highest mountain in Luzon (2922 MASL) and a very popular hiking destination with its stunning scenery and "sea of clouds" views of the Cordillera mountain range. Different trails offer a diverse range of difficulty and days required. A must-visit trekking destination for outdoor enthusiasts travelling in the Philippines. TrailAdventours (''[mailto:info@trailadventours info@trailadventours]'') arranges trips to Mt. Pulag either from Manila or Baguio City. Take a bus heading north to [[Sagada]] from the Lizardo Trans bus terminal. The first bus is at 6AM and there are several services afterward. The fare is {{PHP|220}} and the ride takes 6-8 hours. {{routebox | placename=Baguio | image1=N54 (Philippines).svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Bauang]] | minorl1=[[Sablan]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Rosario (La Union)|Rosario]] | minorr1= | link1= | caption1= | image2=N110 (Philippines).svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=E | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=W | majorr2=[[Southern Nueva Vizcaya|Aritao]] | minorr2=Bokod | link2= | caption2= | image3=N204 (Philippines).svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Bontoc]] | minorl3=[[La Trinidad (Benguet)|La Trinidad]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | link3= | caption3= }} {{isPartOf|Benguet}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|16.4166667|120.6}} jazgq6pa6zy0ywamjwlntzkr4k97p93 0 2663 4487956 4487424 2022-07-21T20:36:28Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Bangor}} '''Bangor''' is a city in the [[Lehigh Valley]] of [[Pennsylvania]]. It is located in [[Northampton County]]. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} === By car === '''From Interstate 80''' * Route 33 South to Route 512 East * Route 191 South * Route 611 South to Route 512 West '''From Interstate 78 and Route 22''' * Routh 33 North to Route 512 East * Route 611 North to Route 512 West '''From the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 476)''' * Route 22 East to Route 33 North to Route 512 East === By plane=== The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Bangor and [[Lehigh Valley]] is '''[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]]. Various airlines operate out of this airport. [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. === By bus === Regional bus services is provided by '''[http://www.lantabus.com/ LANta]'''. Route 217 runs about every second hour on weekdays from [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] via [[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], where there are connecting buses from [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. ==Get around== [[File:Bangoria.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|First and Broad Sts.]] ==See== ==Do== *{{do | name=Columcille Megalith Park | url=http://www.columcille.org/ | email= | address=2155 Fox Gap Road | lat=40.926759 | long=-75.202372 | directions= | phone =+1 610 588-1174 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Dawn to dusk. Call or check website for special events. | price= | content=A beautiful walking park with "megaliths", giant celtic stones similar to the ones at Stonehenge, strategically placed. Periodic celtic celebrations like Maypoles, group meditations, "pageants", concerts and other events on equinox days and other special events. }} *{{listing | type=do | name=Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center | alt=a place for rest and renewal | url=http://www.kirkridge.org/ | email= | address=2495 Fox Gap Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 588-1793 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The web site calls it "rooted in Christ", but it's not fundamentalist at all. Programs for Lesbian/Gay, etc. groups, therapeutic recovery groups, yoga, peace activist groups, Native American spiriualism and more programs like that. Very beautiful mountain, with "tarn" to swim in, a memorial garden, and a meditative "labyrynth". }} *{{listing | type=do | name=Tentrr at O'Krekk Farm | alt= | url=https://tentrr.com/sites/aa636bfe-27fa-11e8-8999-0a932d599b6f/O'Krekk-Farm/?number_of_people=2&seed=99mal8 | email= | address=7525 Hahn Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 588-5510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Camp at the 42 acre farm. }} For more things to do near Bangor, check the listings on the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Buy== There's the [http://www.artmusicemporium.com Art & Music Emporium] on Main Street, which has some cool artwork by local artists. For more places to shop near Bangor, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. * {{buy | name=Catamount Tattoo | url=http://www.facebook.com/catamounttattoostudio | email= | address=28 S 1st St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 484 515-5553 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th appointment only, F-Su walk in 1PM-9PM | price= | content=Custom tattoos. Commissioned portraits and prints in art and photography for sale. }} ==Eat== [[File:Colonial Hotel, Bangor PA 02.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|Broadway Pub at 62 Broadway]] For other places to eat near Bangor, check the listings on the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. *{{eat | name=The Broadway Pub | url=http://www.thebroadwaypub.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=62 Broadway | lat=40.865663 | long=-75.206191 | directions= | phone =+1 610 452-9226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content=A great pub in the heart of downtown Bangor, on the first floor the historic Colonial Hotel. Features a diverse food menu and a good selection of major label and craft beers. Food and drink specials daily. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Belle Reve Bed & Breafast | url=http://www.bellereveriverside.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=7757 Martins Creek-Belvidere Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 610 498-2026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Tranquil b&b along the west bank of the Delaware River. }} For more places to stay near Bangor, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. The [[Poconos]] resort area, located north of Bangor, is not far away either. ==Connect== ===Tourist information=== *[https://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/ Discover Lehigh Valley] *Bethlehem Visitor Center, 505 Main St, Bethlehem, +1 610 691-6055. Hours: Tu-Sa 10AM-PM, Su noon-5PM. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]], {{convert|31|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|25|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|37|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|38|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|28|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|12|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|27|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall]], {{convert|30|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|32|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - 152 miles *[[Harrisburg]] - 110 miles *[[New York City]] - 74 miles *[[Philadelphia]] - 91 miles {{geo|40.86556|-75.20667}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{outlinecity}} r98upshcsia8178g11dwbjfwchczql9 0 3465 4487838 4355311 2022-07-21T17:26:29Z Andree.sk 2166688 /* See */ Updated listing for Berchtesgaden Salt Mine wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} : ''See also [[Berchtesgaden National Park]].'' [[Image:St. Bartholomä flip666.jpg|thumb|240px|St. Bartolomä Church, on the Königsee near Berchtesgaden]] '''[http://www.berchtesgaden.de/ Berchtesgaden]''' is a small, picturesque and historic town (population 7,700 in 2019) in the southeast of the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Bavaria]], within a small enclave surrounded on three sides by the [[Austria|Austrian]] border. The town lies some 30 km south of the Austrian city of [[Salzburg]] and some 180 km south-east of [[Munich]]. ==Understand== The town is located in a valley at 500 to 1100 m altitude in the south-eastern part of the German [[Alps]] and is surrounded by high mountains called Untersberg in the North, Obersalzberg in the east and further south by the Watzmann. Berchtesgaden and neighbouring [[Bad Reichenhall]] are famous for their salt mines. The production of table salt guaranteed in the medieval ages a safe source of revenue and it still does today. Therefore, a visit to the salt mine of Berchtesgaden is definitely on the to do list. In the 20th century, the name of Berchtesgaden became well known to the general public for more unfortunate reasons: the Nazi dictator of Germany, Adolf Hitler, had his summer getaway on the peak in a complex of buildings known as the Berghof at Obersalzberg. A house was built for him at the peak of the mountain above Obersalzberg, but he only visited it a couple of times. It is known in German as the Kehlsteinhaus, and was dubbed “The Eagles Nest” by the occupying American forces after the war. All the buildings and bunkers of the Berghof were destroyed at the end of the World War II and nowadays a documentation centre can be found close to the place on the Obersalzberg. The Kehlsteinhaus is accessible via bus from Obersalzberg, and has now been converted to a restaurant. Berchtesgaden has its fair share of tourism all around the year, and has retained its original charming character. House fronts around the market place, palace and elsewhere in Berchtesgaden are decorated with murals. ===Talk=== Standard German is well understood in [[Bavaria]]; most local people, however, speak their local dialect between themselves. This being a tourist destination, English and French are often understood. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== International travellers wishing to visit [[Bavaria]] and Berchtesgaden should have no problems to book a flight to [[Munich]], home to a large international airport. Alternatively, if there is no direct flight to Munich with your airline, you could book a flight via [[Frankfurt]] and travel to [[Munich]] with the ICE high speed train. Alternatively you can fly to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] in [[Austria]] and travel then to Berchtesgaden via train (70 minutes) or bus (~40 minutes), both direct connections. The distances are only 20 km from Salzburg and about 190 km from Munich Airport. Crossing the German-Austrian border is no problem due to the Schengen Treaty. ===By train=== Berchtesgaden has a train station and is well connected to [[Munich]] and [[Frankfurt]]. From Austria, a train from Salzburg is likely the best option. * {{go | name=Berchtesgaden Main railway station | alt=Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof | url= | email= | address=Bahnhofplatz 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q818813 | lastedit=2020-12-01 | content= }} ===By road=== Driving from [[Munich]] on the A8 to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] you find Berchtesgaden sign posted shortly before the Austrian border and it is another 20 km from there to Berchtesgaden. (If you travel in a hire car make sure that you pre-order winter equipment since most of the rental car companies in Germany provide you only with “summer wheels” which are most unsuitable in and around Berchtesgaden from October to April). Note also that in order to drive on a motorway in Austria it is necessary to purchase and display a 'vignette', or tax disk. These can be bought from roadside service stations. ==Get around== The bus system in Berchtesgaden is as good as in the rest of Bavaria: buses run twice or once an hour and you can reach the outermost places with them. Be sure to get a timetable (”Busfahrplan“). As a guest in Berchtesgaden you have to pay a tourist-tax (”Kurtaxe“) which will give you a tourist-card (”Kurkarte“). With this card you can use most local buses for free and you also get a reduction for some public parking sites. ==See== * {{see | name=Kehlsteinhaus | alt=the "Eagle's Nest" | url=http://www.kehlsteinhaus.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located at 1,834 m altitude on top of Berchtesgaden and provides a marvellous and unforgettable view over the eastern alps. You can reach it by foot, public transport, but it is not accessible by car. The Kehlsteinhaus was constructed as a present for Hitler on his 50th birthday, although he visited relatively few times. However, the house is interesting as a historical site because it remains with only minor alterations from its original state. At the end of the war, the famed American 101st Airborne Division took control of the house, and it was spared from the destruction suffered by other Nazi leadership buildings in Berchtesgaden, although most of the Nazi era artifacts were looted. Tickets for this attraction can be purchased at the tour center above Berchtesgaden in the village of Obersalzberg. }} * {{see | name=Königssee | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.55 | long=12.975 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Königssee | image=Königssee mirror view from Malerwinkel.jpg | wikidata=Q156715 | content=It is 5 km south of Berchtesgaden and is famous for the lake Königsee, which is the deepest lake in the alps and is surrounded by very steep mountain that raise up 2000 m above the lake level. You can make a boat trip to the other side of the lake to visit the world famous “Kloster St. Bartolomä”, the smaller lake “Obersee” and enjoy the wildlife of the national park. Hiking is very popular in summer and tours around the lake are sign posted. Routes are prepared by the “Deutsche Alpenverein” and they indicate usually how long it takes to get to your destination and they indicate how difficult they are. [[Image:Germany, Berchtesgaden, Walking on frozen Lake Konigsee.jpg|thumb|240px|Lake Konigsee 2006]] }} * {{see | name=Jenner Mountain | alt= | url=http://www.jennerbahn.de | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is on the east side of the Königssee and due to the cable car an easy possibility to have an excellent view over the Berchtesgaden valley. }} *The '''Hintersee''' is a small lake in nearby [[Ramsau b. Berchtesgaden]]. * {{see | name=Berchtesgaden Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://www.salzwelt.de/salzbergwerk-berchtesgaden/en/default.asp | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2215893 | content=It is one of the two saltmines in the Salzberg. The other one is on the Austrian side. }} * '''Rossfeld''' is 5 km from Berchtesgaden and 1600 m high a very beautiful spot for walks in the sunshine and above the clouds or skiing. There are several restaurants that offer local food at reasonable pricing and you can rest there and take a bath in the sun on chairs that are provided on a rental bases. The Rossfeld can be reached on a toll road or by bus. The toll road is very well maintained and free of snow and ice all around the year. [[Image:Fastnacht_Schlittenennen_Obersalzberg.JPG|thumb|240px|Sledding at Obersalzburg during carnival]] * {{see | name=Obersalzbergbahn | alt= | url=http://www.obersalzbergbahn.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is the second, smaller cable car in Berchtesgaden and will bring you onto the Obersalzberg but not upon its top. The upper station you can enjoy a summer bob sledding run. }} ==Do== Despite being in a remote location, Berchtesgaden and nearby Königsee possess world class sport facilities. The bobsleigh run (Bobbahn) at Königssee is regular venue for world-cup races, but tourists also can run it down in guest-bobs. The ice arena (“Eishalle”) in Berchtesgaden is opened half the year and popular among locals and sportsmen from nearby Austria. There's a cheap combi-ticket for ice arena and “Watzmanntherme”. The Therme is just a few meters away and probably unmatched for being embedded in a spectacular scenic landscape, surrounded by mountains and snow caped peaks and features as giant action whirl pool, hydro massage facilities, salt water pools, 80m slide with light and sound effects [http://www.watzmanntherme.de www.watzmanntherme.de]. Around Berchtesgaden are several slopes for skiing such as Golf and Ski am Obersalzberg, Götschen, Rossfeld and Jenner. First one is fitted for beginners, the Jenner is for advanced skiers. There are also several runs for cross-country skiing and very advanced skiers might be interested in ski touring in the Berchtesgaden Alps. From late January on sunny weather is common but the risk of avalanches is rising. If you stay in Berchtesgaden you will have significant reduction of most entrance fees via the “Kurtaxe”. *'''Wilderness trail''' *Horse drawn sleigh in Berchtesgaden, Germany 2005 ==Eat== {{see also|Bavarian cuisine}} You will find plenty of nice and original Bavarian restaurants as well as Greek, Chinese, Turkish and Italian restaurants. The pricing in most places is modest by German standards and international visitors will often view that as a bargain. Obviously being in Bavaria and in the middle of the alps you should try the local specialities such as Knödel, Schweinehaxe, wild deer (very seldom), Bratwurst, Leberkase, Weisswurst, Kartoffelsalat, Gulasch Bratkartoffeln, Kaiserschmarn, fish - and lots of more things. ===Budget=== *'''Berggaststätte Kehlsteinhaus''' 1.834 m 83471 Berchtesgaden Obersalzberg +49(0)8652/2969. Enjoy your drink and food above the clouds. *'''Braustüberl Berchtesgaden''' Brauhausstraße 13 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/976724. This is local beer brewery and a possibility to taste Berchtesgadener beer. *'''[http://www.cafe-lockstein.de/en/ Café Lockstein]''' Am Lockstein 1 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2122. Probably the best view over Berchtesgaden *'''Gasthaus Bier-Adam''' Marktplatz 22 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2390. If you like to enjoy dinner in a smoke free atmosphere go here. *'''Gasthof Goldener Bär''' Weihnachtsschützenplatz 4 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2590. Good local food, a bit smoky though. * '''Euphoria ''', Grolmanstraße 52, Phone [0[8652 / 27540, German food, you get served for €5-10/person, * '''Blockhaus ''', Bergmannstraße 94, Phone [0[8652 / 18897, German food, value for money €15 Euro, * '''Rani ''', Waidmannsluster 10, Phone [0[8652 / 26034, this place serves international food, >€30, * '''Cueva ''', Lorchheimer-Str 52, Phone [0[8652 / 15327, Spanish food - paella rica, >€15, * '''Zum See Wirt''', Mühlbauerstr. 64, Phone [0[8652 / 20334, German food, voted best deli in town ==Drink== Bavarians love their beer and one of the most beloved is the wheat beer (Weißbier). It is a cloudy, unfiltered beer commonly consumed earlier in the day with a Weißwurst and sweet mustard. In the cold wintertime it is nice to finish your dinner with a local “Schnaps” from the Enzian Brauerei Grassl. It makes you feel nice and warm after a long day out on slopes. ==Sleep== There is a good range of accommodation ranging from budget to moderately expensive. Many local people enjoy “bed and breakfast” for a very good price. You can spot those places by searching for the signs that read “Zimmer frei” or “Zimmer zu vermieten”, or use the web link from Berchtesgadener Land. In the last years holiday flats became very popular, you will find them via “Ferienwohnung”. ===Mid-range=== *'''Treff Alpenhotel Kronprinz Berchtesgaden''', am Brandholz. Near the city center. ===Splurge=== * '''Hotel InterContinental Resort Berchtesgaden''', situated high above Berchtesgaden on the Obersalzberg. The hotel is a modern building and offers rooms and suites for up to €2500/day and is therefore Berchtesgaden's most expensive place to sleep. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden | url=http://www.edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com/en | email=info@edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com | address=Maximilianstraße 2, 83471 Berchtesgaden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+49 8652-97990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Stay safe== *Berchtesgaden is thankfully largely free of crime, mugging or travel scams. *Avalanches can occur in remote areas when the temperature rises in February till April and at steep slopes above 30%. The Lawinenlagebericht [http://www.bayern.de/lfw/lwd/lagebericht.htm] will give you detailed information: level 3 and higher is dangerous but you should always have a local guide with you. *Having lots of snow on a road with 15% slope can be dangerous. ==Go next== * [[Schönau a.Königssee]] * [[Bad Reichenhall]] * [[Munich]] (3 hours by train) * [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] home of Mozart (1 hour by train) * [[Berchtesgaden National Park]] {{geo|47.631389|13.004167}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Bavaria}} {{usablecity}} {{translate|de}} h51vsuhtz886miyt9xtuo1pnysyy8od 4487841 4487838 2022-07-21T17:27:26Z Andree.sk 2166688 /* See */ Updated listing for Berchtesgaden Salt Mine wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} : ''See also [[Berchtesgaden National Park]].'' [[Image:St. Bartholomä flip666.jpg|thumb|240px|St. Bartolomä Church, on the Königsee near Berchtesgaden]] '''[http://www.berchtesgaden.de/ Berchtesgaden]''' is a small, picturesque and historic town (population 7,700 in 2019) in the southeast of the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Bavaria]], within a small enclave surrounded on three sides by the [[Austria|Austrian]] border. The town lies some 30 km south of the Austrian city of [[Salzburg]] and some 180 km south-east of [[Munich]]. ==Understand== The town is located in a valley at 500 to 1100 m altitude in the south-eastern part of the German [[Alps]] and is surrounded by high mountains called Untersberg in the North, Obersalzberg in the east and further south by the Watzmann. Berchtesgaden and neighbouring [[Bad Reichenhall]] are famous for their salt mines. The production of table salt guaranteed in the medieval ages a safe source of revenue and it still does today. Therefore, a visit to the salt mine of Berchtesgaden is definitely on the to do list. In the 20th century, the name of Berchtesgaden became well known to the general public for more unfortunate reasons: the Nazi dictator of Germany, Adolf Hitler, had his summer getaway on the peak in a complex of buildings known as the Berghof at Obersalzberg. A house was built for him at the peak of the mountain above Obersalzberg, but he only visited it a couple of times. It is known in German as the Kehlsteinhaus, and was dubbed “The Eagles Nest” by the occupying American forces after the war. All the buildings and bunkers of the Berghof were destroyed at the end of the World War II and nowadays a documentation centre can be found close to the place on the Obersalzberg. The Kehlsteinhaus is accessible via bus from Obersalzberg, and has now been converted to a restaurant. Berchtesgaden has its fair share of tourism all around the year, and has retained its original charming character. House fronts around the market place, palace and elsewhere in Berchtesgaden are decorated with murals. ===Talk=== Standard German is well understood in [[Bavaria]]; most local people, however, speak their local dialect between themselves. This being a tourist destination, English and French are often understood. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== International travellers wishing to visit [[Bavaria]] and Berchtesgaden should have no problems to book a flight to [[Munich]], home to a large international airport. Alternatively, if there is no direct flight to Munich with your airline, you could book a flight via [[Frankfurt]] and travel to [[Munich]] with the ICE high speed train. Alternatively you can fly to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] in [[Austria]] and travel then to Berchtesgaden via train (70 minutes) or bus (~40 minutes), both direct connections. The distances are only 20 km from Salzburg and about 190 km from Munich Airport. Crossing the German-Austrian border is no problem due to the Schengen Treaty. ===By train=== Berchtesgaden has a train station and is well connected to [[Munich]] and [[Frankfurt]]. From Austria, a train from Salzburg is likely the best option. * {{go | name=Berchtesgaden Main railway station | alt=Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof | url= | email= | address=Bahnhofplatz 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q818813 | lastedit=2020-12-01 | content= }} ===By road=== Driving from [[Munich]] on the A8 to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] you find Berchtesgaden sign posted shortly before the Austrian border and it is another 20 km from there to Berchtesgaden. (If you travel in a hire car make sure that you pre-order winter equipment since most of the rental car companies in Germany provide you only with “summer wheels” which are most unsuitable in and around Berchtesgaden from October to April). Note also that in order to drive on a motorway in Austria it is necessary to purchase and display a 'vignette', or tax disk. These can be bought from roadside service stations. ==Get around== The bus system in Berchtesgaden is as good as in the rest of Bavaria: buses run twice or once an hour and you can reach the outermost places with them. Be sure to get a timetable (”Busfahrplan“). As a guest in Berchtesgaden you have to pay a tourist-tax (”Kurtaxe“) which will give you a tourist-card (”Kurkarte“). With this card you can use most local buses for free and you also get a reduction for some public parking sites. ==See== * {{see | name=Kehlsteinhaus | alt=the "Eagle's Nest" | url=http://www.kehlsteinhaus.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located at 1,834 m altitude on top of Berchtesgaden and provides a marvellous and unforgettable view over the eastern alps. You can reach it by foot, public transport, but it is not accessible by car. The Kehlsteinhaus was constructed as a present for Hitler on his 50th birthday, although he visited relatively few times. However, the house is interesting as a historical site because it remains with only minor alterations from its original state. At the end of the war, the famed American 101st Airborne Division took control of the house, and it was spared from the destruction suffered by other Nazi leadership buildings in Berchtesgaden, although most of the Nazi era artifacts were looted. Tickets for this attraction can be purchased at the tour center above Berchtesgaden in the village of Obersalzberg. }} * {{see | name=Königssee | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.55 | long=12.975 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Königssee | image=Königssee mirror view from Malerwinkel.jpg | wikidata=Q156715 | content=It is 5 km south of Berchtesgaden and is famous for the lake Königsee, which is the deepest lake in the alps and is surrounded by very steep mountain that raise up 2000 m above the lake level. You can make a boat trip to the other side of the lake to visit the world famous “Kloster St. Bartolomä”, the smaller lake “Obersee” and enjoy the wildlife of the national park. Hiking is very popular in summer and tours around the lake are sign posted. Routes are prepared by the “Deutsche Alpenverein” and they indicate usually how long it takes to get to your destination and they indicate how difficult they are. [[Image:Germany, Berchtesgaden, Walking on frozen Lake Konigsee.jpg|thumb|240px|Lake Konigsee 2006]] }} * {{see | name=Jenner Mountain | alt= | url=http://www.jennerbahn.de | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is on the east side of the Königssee and due to the cable car an easy possibility to have an excellent view over the Berchtesgaden valley. }} *The '''Hintersee''' is a small lake in nearby [[Ramsau b. Berchtesgaden]]. * {{see | name=Berchtesgaden Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://www.salzwelt.de/salzbergwerk-berchtesgaden/en/default.asp | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2215893 | content=It is one of the two saltmines in the Salzberg. The other one is on the Austrian side. The oldest active salt mine in Germany - since 13th century. The tour takes the visitors on a mini-rail and boat ride, as well as showcasing various techniques used for the mining. }} * '''Rossfeld''' is 5 km from Berchtesgaden and 1600 m high a very beautiful spot for walks in the sunshine and above the clouds or skiing. There are several restaurants that offer local food at reasonable pricing and you can rest there and take a bath in the sun on chairs that are provided on a rental bases. The Rossfeld can be reached on a toll road or by bus. The toll road is very well maintained and free of snow and ice all around the year. [[Image:Fastnacht_Schlittenennen_Obersalzberg.JPG|thumb|240px|Sledding at Obersalzburg during carnival]] * {{see | name=Obersalzbergbahn | alt= | url=http://www.obersalzbergbahn.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is the second, smaller cable car in Berchtesgaden and will bring you onto the Obersalzberg but not upon its top. The upper station you can enjoy a summer bob sledding run. }} ==Do== Despite being in a remote location, Berchtesgaden and nearby Königsee possess world class sport facilities. The bobsleigh run (Bobbahn) at Königssee is regular venue for world-cup races, but tourists also can run it down in guest-bobs. The ice arena (“Eishalle”) in Berchtesgaden is opened half the year and popular among locals and sportsmen from nearby Austria. There's a cheap combi-ticket for ice arena and “Watzmanntherme”. The Therme is just a few meters away and probably unmatched for being embedded in a spectacular scenic landscape, surrounded by mountains and snow caped peaks and features as giant action whirl pool, hydro massage facilities, salt water pools, 80m slide with light and sound effects [http://www.watzmanntherme.de www.watzmanntherme.de]. Around Berchtesgaden are several slopes for skiing such as Golf and Ski am Obersalzberg, Götschen, Rossfeld and Jenner. First one is fitted for beginners, the Jenner is for advanced skiers. There are also several runs for cross-country skiing and very advanced skiers might be interested in ski touring in the Berchtesgaden Alps. From late January on sunny weather is common but the risk of avalanches is rising. If you stay in Berchtesgaden you will have significant reduction of most entrance fees via the “Kurtaxe”. *'''Wilderness trail''' *Horse drawn sleigh in Berchtesgaden, Germany 2005 ==Eat== {{see also|Bavarian cuisine}} You will find plenty of nice and original Bavarian restaurants as well as Greek, Chinese, Turkish and Italian restaurants. The pricing in most places is modest by German standards and international visitors will often view that as a bargain. Obviously being in Bavaria and in the middle of the alps you should try the local specialities such as Knödel, Schweinehaxe, wild deer (very seldom), Bratwurst, Leberkase, Weisswurst, Kartoffelsalat, Gulasch Bratkartoffeln, Kaiserschmarn, fish - and lots of more things. ===Budget=== *'''Berggaststätte Kehlsteinhaus''' 1.834 m 83471 Berchtesgaden Obersalzberg +49(0)8652/2969. Enjoy your drink and food above the clouds. *'''Braustüberl Berchtesgaden''' Brauhausstraße 13 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/976724. This is local beer brewery and a possibility to taste Berchtesgadener beer. *'''[http://www.cafe-lockstein.de/en/ Café Lockstein]''' Am Lockstein 1 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2122. Probably the best view over Berchtesgaden *'''Gasthaus Bier-Adam''' Marktplatz 22 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2390. If you like to enjoy dinner in a smoke free atmosphere go here. *'''Gasthof Goldener Bär''' Weihnachtsschützenplatz 4 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2590. Good local food, a bit smoky though. * '''Euphoria ''', Grolmanstraße 52, Phone [0[8652 / 27540, German food, you get served for €5-10/person, * '''Blockhaus ''', Bergmannstraße 94, Phone [0[8652 / 18897, German food, value for money €15 Euro, * '''Rani ''', Waidmannsluster 10, Phone [0[8652 / 26034, this place serves international food, >€30, * '''Cueva ''', Lorchheimer-Str 52, Phone [0[8652 / 15327, Spanish food - paella rica, >€15, * '''Zum See Wirt''', Mühlbauerstr. 64, Phone [0[8652 / 20334, German food, voted best deli in town ==Drink== Bavarians love their beer and one of the most beloved is the wheat beer (Weißbier). It is a cloudy, unfiltered beer commonly consumed earlier in the day with a Weißwurst and sweet mustard. In the cold wintertime it is nice to finish your dinner with a local “Schnaps” from the Enzian Brauerei Grassl. It makes you feel nice and warm after a long day out on slopes. ==Sleep== There is a good range of accommodation ranging from budget to moderately expensive. Many local people enjoy “bed and breakfast” for a very good price. You can spot those places by searching for the signs that read “Zimmer frei” or “Zimmer zu vermieten”, or use the web link from Berchtesgadener Land. In the last years holiday flats became very popular, you will find them via “Ferienwohnung”. ===Mid-range=== *'''Treff Alpenhotel Kronprinz Berchtesgaden''', am Brandholz. Near the city center. ===Splurge=== * '''Hotel InterContinental Resort Berchtesgaden''', situated high above Berchtesgaden on the Obersalzberg. The hotel is a modern building and offers rooms and suites for up to €2500/day and is therefore Berchtesgaden's most expensive place to sleep. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden | url=http://www.edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com/en | email=info@edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com | address=Maximilianstraße 2, 83471 Berchtesgaden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+49 8652-97990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Stay safe== *Berchtesgaden is thankfully largely free of crime, mugging or travel scams. *Avalanches can occur in remote areas when the temperature rises in February till April and at steep slopes above 30%. The Lawinenlagebericht [http://www.bayern.de/lfw/lwd/lagebericht.htm] will give you detailed information: level 3 and higher is dangerous but you should always have a local guide with you. *Having lots of snow on a road with 15% slope can be dangerous. ==Go next== * [[Schönau a.Königssee]] * [[Bad Reichenhall]] * [[Munich]] (3 hours by train) * [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] home of Mozart (1 hour by train) * [[Berchtesgaden National Park]] {{geo|47.631389|13.004167}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Bavaria}} {{usablecity}} {{translate|de}} f56bemepsk105u255zi90lfbk1f5s6l 4487843 4487841 2022-07-21T17:32:37Z Andree.sk 2166688 /* See */ +markers wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} : ''See also [[Berchtesgaden National Park]].'' [[Image:St. Bartholomä flip666.jpg|thumb|240px|St. Bartolomä Church, on the Königsee near Berchtesgaden]] '''[http://www.berchtesgaden.de/ Berchtesgaden]''' is a small, picturesque and historic town (population 7,700 in 2019) in the southeast of the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Bavaria]], within a small enclave surrounded on three sides by the [[Austria|Austrian]] border. The town lies some 30 km south of the Austrian city of [[Salzburg]] and some 180 km south-east of [[Munich]]. ==Understand== The town is located in a valley at 500 to 1100 m altitude in the south-eastern part of the German [[Alps]] and is surrounded by high mountains called Untersberg in the North, Obersalzberg in the east and further south by the Watzmann. Berchtesgaden and neighbouring [[Bad Reichenhall]] are famous for their salt mines. The production of table salt guaranteed in the medieval ages a safe source of revenue and it still does today. Therefore, a visit to the salt mine of Berchtesgaden is definitely on the to do list. In the 20th century, the name of Berchtesgaden became well known to the general public for more unfortunate reasons: the Nazi dictator of Germany, Adolf Hitler, had his summer getaway on the peak in a complex of buildings known as the Berghof at Obersalzberg. A house was built for him at the peak of the mountain above Obersalzberg, but he only visited it a couple of times. It is known in German as the Kehlsteinhaus, and was dubbed “The Eagles Nest” by the occupying American forces after the war. All the buildings and bunkers of the Berghof were destroyed at the end of the World War II and nowadays a documentation centre can be found close to the place on the Obersalzberg. The Kehlsteinhaus is accessible via bus from Obersalzberg, and has now been converted to a restaurant. Berchtesgaden has its fair share of tourism all around the year, and has retained its original charming character. House fronts around the market place, palace and elsewhere in Berchtesgaden are decorated with murals. ===Talk=== Standard German is well understood in [[Bavaria]]; most local people, however, speak their local dialect between themselves. This being a tourist destination, English and French are often understood. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== International travellers wishing to visit [[Bavaria]] and Berchtesgaden should have no problems to book a flight to [[Munich]], home to a large international airport. Alternatively, if there is no direct flight to Munich with your airline, you could book a flight via [[Frankfurt]] and travel to [[Munich]] with the ICE high speed train. Alternatively you can fly to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] in [[Austria]] and travel then to Berchtesgaden via train (70 minutes) or bus (~40 minutes), both direct connections. The distances are only 20 km from Salzburg and about 190 km from Munich Airport. Crossing the German-Austrian border is no problem due to the Schengen Treaty. ===By train=== Berchtesgaden has a train station and is well connected to [[Munich]] and [[Frankfurt]]. From Austria, a train from Salzburg is likely the best option. * {{go | name=Berchtesgaden Main railway station | alt=Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof | url= | email= | address=Bahnhofplatz 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q818813 | lastedit=2020-12-01 | content= }} ===By road=== Driving from [[Munich]] on the A8 to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] you find Berchtesgaden sign posted shortly before the Austrian border and it is another 20 km from there to Berchtesgaden. (If you travel in a hire car make sure that you pre-order winter equipment since most of the rental car companies in Germany provide you only with “summer wheels” which are most unsuitable in and around Berchtesgaden from October to April). Note also that in order to drive on a motorway in Austria it is necessary to purchase and display a 'vignette', or tax disk. These can be bought from roadside service stations. ==Get around== The bus system in Berchtesgaden is as good as in the rest of Bavaria: buses run twice or once an hour and you can reach the outermost places with them. Be sure to get a timetable (”Busfahrplan“). As a guest in Berchtesgaden you have to pay a tourist-tax (”Kurtaxe“) which will give you a tourist-card (”Kurkarte“). With this card you can use most local buses for free and you also get a reduction for some public parking sites. ==See== * {{see | name=Kehlsteinhaus | alt=the "Eagle's Nest" | url=http://www.kehlsteinhaus.de/ | email=|wikidata=Q162082 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located at 1,834 m altitude on top of Berchtesgaden and provides a marvellous and unforgettable view over the eastern alps. You can reach it by foot, public transport, but it is not accessible by car. The Kehlsteinhaus was constructed as a present for Hitler on his 50th birthday, although he visited relatively few times. However, the house is interesting as a historical site because it remains with only minor alterations from its original state. At the end of the war, the famed American 101st Airborne Division took control of the house, and it was spared from the destruction suffered by other Nazi leadership buildings in Berchtesgaden, although most of the Nazi era artifacts were looted. Tickets for this attraction can be purchased at the tour center above Berchtesgaden in the village of Obersalzberg. }} * {{see | name=Königssee | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.55 | long=12.975 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Königssee | image=Königssee mirror view from Malerwinkel.jpg | wikidata=Q156715 | content=It is 5 km south of Berchtesgaden and is famous for the lake Königsee, which is the deepest lake in the alps and is surrounded by very steep mountain that raise up 2000 m above the lake level. You can make a boat trip to the other side of the lake to visit the world famous “Kloster St. Bartolomä”, the smaller lake “Obersee” and enjoy the wildlife of the national park. Hiking is very popular in summer and tours around the lake are sign posted. Routes are prepared by the “Deutsche Alpenverein” and they indicate usually how long it takes to get to your destination and they indicate how difficult they are. [[Image:Germany, Berchtesgaden, Walking on frozen Lake Konigsee.jpg|thumb|240px|Lake Konigsee 2006]] }} * {{see | name=Jenner Mountain | alt= | url=http://www.jennerbahn.de | email=|wikidata=Q315611 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is on the east side of the Königssee and due to the cable car an easy possibility to have an excellent view over the Berchtesgaden valley. }} *The '''Hintersee''' is a small lake in nearby [[Ramsau b. Berchtesgaden]]. * {{see | name=Berchtesgaden Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://www.salzwelt.de/salzbergwerk-berchtesgaden/en/default.asp | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2215893 | content=It is one of the two saltmines in the Salzberg. The other one is on the Austrian side. The oldest active salt mine in Germany - since 13th century. The tour takes the visitors on a mini-rail and boat ride, as well as showcasing various techniques used for the mining. }} * {{see|name=Rossfeld panoramatic road|lat=47.6406|long=13.0954|directions=5 km from Berchtesgaden and 1600 m high|content=A very beautiful spot for walks in the sunshine and above the clouds or skiing. There are several restaurants that offer local food at reasonable pricing and you can rest there and take a bath in the sun on chairs that are provided on a rental bases. The Rossfeld can be reached via a toll road or by bus. The toll road is very well maintained and free of snow and ice all around the year.|url=https://www.rossfeldpanoramastrasse.de/en/}} [[Image:Fastnacht_Schlittenennen_Obersalzberg.JPG|thumb|240px|Sledding at Obersalzburg during carnival]] * {{see | name=Obersalzbergbahn | alt= | url=http://www.obersalzbergbahn.de/ | email= | address= | lat=47.6213 | long=13.0206 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is the second, smaller cable car in Berchtesgaden and will bring you onto the Obersalzberg but not upon its top. The upper station you can enjoy a summer bob sledding run. }} ==Do== Despite being in a remote location, Berchtesgaden and nearby Königsee possess world class sport facilities. The bobsleigh run (Bobbahn) at Königssee is regular venue for world-cup races, but tourists also can run it down in guest-bobs. The ice arena (“Eishalle”) in Berchtesgaden is opened half the year and popular among locals and sportsmen from nearby Austria. There's a cheap combi-ticket for ice arena and “Watzmanntherme”. The Therme is just a few meters away and probably unmatched for being embedded in a spectacular scenic landscape, surrounded by mountains and snow caped peaks and features as giant action whirl pool, hydro massage facilities, salt water pools, 80m slide with light and sound effects [http://www.watzmanntherme.de www.watzmanntherme.de]. Around Berchtesgaden are several slopes for skiing such as Golf and Ski am Obersalzberg, Götschen, Rossfeld and Jenner. First one is fitted for beginners, the Jenner is for advanced skiers. There are also several runs for cross-country skiing and very advanced skiers might be interested in ski touring in the Berchtesgaden Alps. From late January on sunny weather is common but the risk of avalanches is rising. If you stay in Berchtesgaden you will have significant reduction of most entrance fees via the “Kurtaxe”. *'''Wilderness trail''' *Horse drawn sleigh in Berchtesgaden, Germany 2005 ==Eat== {{see also|Bavarian cuisine}} You will find plenty of nice and original Bavarian restaurants as well as Greek, Chinese, Turkish and Italian restaurants. The pricing in most places is modest by German standards and international visitors will often view that as a bargain. Obviously being in Bavaria and in the middle of the alps you should try the local specialities such as Knödel, Schweinehaxe, wild deer (very seldom), Bratwurst, Leberkase, Weisswurst, Kartoffelsalat, Gulasch Bratkartoffeln, Kaiserschmarn, fish - and lots of more things. ===Budget=== *'''Berggaststätte Kehlsteinhaus''' 1.834 m 83471 Berchtesgaden Obersalzberg +49(0)8652/2969. Enjoy your drink and food above the clouds. *'''Braustüberl Berchtesgaden''' Brauhausstraße 13 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/976724. This is local beer brewery and a possibility to taste Berchtesgadener beer. *'''[http://www.cafe-lockstein.de/en/ Café Lockstein]''' Am Lockstein 1 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2122. Probably the best view over Berchtesgaden *'''Gasthaus Bier-Adam''' Marktplatz 22 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2390. If you like to enjoy dinner in a smoke free atmosphere go here. *'''Gasthof Goldener Bär''' Weihnachtsschützenplatz 4 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2590. Good local food, a bit smoky though. * '''Euphoria ''', Grolmanstraße 52, Phone [0[8652 / 27540, German food, you get served for €5-10/person, * '''Blockhaus ''', Bergmannstraße 94, Phone [0[8652 / 18897, German food, value for money €15 Euro, * '''Rani ''', Waidmannsluster 10, Phone [0[8652 / 26034, this place serves international food, >€30, * '''Cueva ''', Lorchheimer-Str 52, Phone [0[8652 / 15327, Spanish food - paella rica, >€15, * '''Zum See Wirt''', Mühlbauerstr. 64, Phone [0[8652 / 20334, German food, voted best deli in town ==Drink== Bavarians love their beer and one of the most beloved is the wheat beer (Weißbier). It is a cloudy, unfiltered beer commonly consumed earlier in the day with a Weißwurst and sweet mustard. In the cold wintertime it is nice to finish your dinner with a local “Schnaps” from the Enzian Brauerei Grassl. It makes you feel nice and warm after a long day out on slopes. ==Sleep== There is a good range of accommodation ranging from budget to moderately expensive. Many local people enjoy “bed and breakfast” for a very good price. You can spot those places by searching for the signs that read “Zimmer frei” or “Zimmer zu vermieten”, or use the web link from Berchtesgadener Land. In the last years holiday flats became very popular, you will find them via “Ferienwohnung”. ===Mid-range=== *'''Treff Alpenhotel Kronprinz Berchtesgaden''', am Brandholz. Near the city center. ===Splurge=== * '''Hotel InterContinental Resort Berchtesgaden''', situated high above Berchtesgaden on the Obersalzberg. The hotel is a modern building and offers rooms and suites for up to €2500/day and is therefore Berchtesgaden's most expensive place to sleep. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden | url=http://www.edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com/en | email=info@edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com | address=Maximilianstraße 2, 83471 Berchtesgaden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+49 8652-97990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Stay safe== *Berchtesgaden is thankfully largely free of crime, mugging or travel scams. *Avalanches can occur in remote areas when the temperature rises in February till April and at steep slopes above 30%. The Lawinenlagebericht [http://www.bayern.de/lfw/lwd/lagebericht.htm] will give you detailed information: level 3 and higher is dangerous but you should always have a local guide with you. *Having lots of snow on a road with 15% slope can be dangerous. ==Go next== * [[Schönau a.Königssee]] * [[Bad Reichenhall]] * [[Munich]] (3 hours by train) * [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] home of Mozart (1 hour by train) * [[Berchtesgaden National Park]] {{geo|47.631389|13.004167}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Bavaria}} {{usablecity}} {{translate|de}} gpffzlmk5uwz69xhx1auknd7fse0ymi 4487845 4487843 2022-07-21T17:40:40Z Andree.sk 2166688 /* See */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} : ''See also [[Berchtesgaden National Park]].'' [[Image:St. Bartholomä flip666.jpg|thumb|240px|St. Bartolomä Church, on the Königsee near Berchtesgaden]] '''[http://www.berchtesgaden.de/ Berchtesgaden]''' is a small, picturesque and historic town (population 7,700 in 2019) in the southeast of the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Bavaria]], within a small enclave surrounded on three sides by the [[Austria|Austrian]] border. The town lies some 30 km south of the Austrian city of [[Salzburg]] and some 180 km south-east of [[Munich]]. ==Understand== The town is located in a valley at 500 to 1100 m altitude in the south-eastern part of the German [[Alps]] and is surrounded by high mountains called Untersberg in the North, Obersalzberg in the east and further south by the Watzmann. Berchtesgaden and neighbouring [[Bad Reichenhall]] are famous for their salt mines. The production of table salt guaranteed in the medieval ages a safe source of revenue and it still does today. Therefore, a visit to the salt mine of Berchtesgaden is definitely on the to do list. In the 20th century, the name of Berchtesgaden became well known to the general public for more unfortunate reasons: the Nazi dictator of Germany, Adolf Hitler, had his summer getaway on the peak in a complex of buildings known as the Berghof at Obersalzberg. A house was built for him at the peak of the mountain above Obersalzberg, but he only visited it a couple of times. It is known in German as the Kehlsteinhaus, and was dubbed “The Eagles Nest” by the occupying American forces after the war. All the buildings and bunkers of the Berghof were destroyed at the end of the World War II and nowadays a documentation centre can be found close to the place on the Obersalzberg. The Kehlsteinhaus is accessible via bus from Obersalzberg, and has now been converted to a restaurant. Berchtesgaden has its fair share of tourism all around the year, and has retained its original charming character. House fronts around the market place, palace and elsewhere in Berchtesgaden are decorated with murals. ===Talk=== Standard German is well understood in [[Bavaria]]; most local people, however, speak their local dialect between themselves. This being a tourist destination, English and French are often understood. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== International travellers wishing to visit [[Bavaria]] and Berchtesgaden should have no problems to book a flight to [[Munich]], home to a large international airport. Alternatively, if there is no direct flight to Munich with your airline, you could book a flight via [[Frankfurt]] and travel to [[Munich]] with the ICE high speed train. Alternatively you can fly to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] in [[Austria]] and travel then to Berchtesgaden via train (70 minutes) or bus (~40 minutes), both direct connections. The distances are only 20 km from Salzburg and about 190 km from Munich Airport. Crossing the German-Austrian border is no problem due to the Schengen Treaty. ===By train=== Berchtesgaden has a train station and is well connected to [[Munich]] and [[Frankfurt]]. From Austria, a train from Salzburg is likely the best option. * {{go | name=Berchtesgaden Main railway station | alt=Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof | url= | email= | address=Bahnhofplatz 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q818813 | lastedit=2020-12-01 | content= }} ===By road=== Driving from [[Munich]] on the A8 to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] you find Berchtesgaden sign posted shortly before the Austrian border and it is another 20 km from there to Berchtesgaden. (If you travel in a hire car make sure that you pre-order winter equipment since most of the rental car companies in Germany provide you only with “summer wheels” which are most unsuitable in and around Berchtesgaden from October to April). Note also that in order to drive on a motorway in Austria it is necessary to purchase and display a 'vignette', or tax disk. These can be bought from roadside service stations. ==Get around== The bus system in Berchtesgaden is as good as in the rest of Bavaria: buses run twice or once an hour and you can reach the outermost places with them. Be sure to get a timetable (”Busfahrplan“). As a guest in Berchtesgaden you have to pay a tourist-tax (”Kurtaxe“) which will give you a tourist-card (”Kurkarte“). With this card you can use most local buses for free and you also get a reduction for some public parking sites. ==See== * {{see | name=Kehlsteinhaus | alt=the "Eagle's Nest" | url=http://www.kehlsteinhaus.de/ | email=|wikidata=Q162082 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located at 1,834 m altitude on top of Berchtesgaden and provides a marvellous and unforgettable view over the eastern alps. You can reach it by foot, public transport, but it is not accessible by car. The Kehlsteinhaus was constructed as a present for Hitler on his 50th birthday, although he visited relatively few times. However, the house is interesting as a historical site because it remains with only minor alterations from its original state. At the end of the war, the famed American 101st Airborne Division took control of the house, and it was spared from the destruction suffered by other Nazi leadership buildings in Berchtesgaden, although most of the Nazi era artifacts were looted. Tickets for this attraction can be purchased at the tour center above Berchtesgaden in the village of Obersalzberg. }} * {{see | name=Königssee | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.55 | long=12.975 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Königssee | image=Königssee mirror view from Malerwinkel.jpg | wikidata=Q156715 | content=It is 5 km south of Berchtesgaden and is famous for the lake Königsee, which is the deepest lake in the alps and is surrounded by very steep mountain that raise up 2000 m above the lake level. You can make a boat trip to the other side of the lake to visit the world famous “Kloster St. Bartolomä”, the smaller lake “Obersee” and enjoy the wildlife of the national park. Hiking is very popular in summer and tours around the lake are sign posted. Routes are prepared by the “Deutsche Alpenverein” and they indicate usually how long it takes to get to your destination and they indicate how difficult they are. [[Image:Germany, Berchtesgaden, Walking on frozen Lake Konigsee.jpg|thumb|240px|Lake Konigsee 2006]] }} * {{see | name=Jenner Mountain | alt= | url=http://www.jennerbahn.de | email=|wikidata=Q315611 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is on the east side of the Königssee and due to the cable car an easy possibility to have an excellent view over the Berchtesgaden valley. }} *The '''Hintersee''' is a small lake in nearby [[Ramsau b. Berchtesgaden]]. * {{see | name=Berchtesgaden Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://www.salzwelt.de/salzbergwerk-berchtesgaden/en/default.asp | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2215893 | content=It is one of the two saltmines in the Salzberg. The other one is on the Austrian side. The oldest active salt mine in Germany - since 13th century. The tour takes the visitors on a mini-rail and boat ride, as well as showcasing various techniques used for the mining. }} * {{see|name=Rossfeld panoramatic road|lat=47.6406|long=13.0954|directions=5 km from Berchtesgaden and 1600 m high|content=A very beautiful spot for walks in the sunshine and above the clouds or skiing. There are several restaurants that offer local food at reasonable pricing and you can rest there and take a bath in the sun on chairs that are provided on a rental bases. The Rossfeld can be reached via a toll road or by bus. The toll road is very well maintained and free of snow and ice all around the year.|url=https://www.rossfeldpanoramastrasse.de/en/}} [[Image:Fastnacht_Schlittenennen_Obersalzberg.JPG|thumb|240px|Sledding at Obersalzburg during carnival]] * {{see | name=Obersalzbergbahn | alt= | url=http://www.obersalzbergbahn.de/ | email= | address= | lat=47.6213 | long=13.0206 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is the second, smaller cable car in Berchtesgaden and will bring you onto the Obersalzberg but not upon its top. The upper station you can enjoy a summer bob sledding run. }} * {{see|name=Almbachklamm|lat=47.6704|long=13.0304|content=A 3km (and 200m height difference) gorge with many steps, footbridges and paths. |wikidata=Q2649636|price=6€, free from Ettenberg|hours=Open May-October}} * {{see|name=Wimbachklamm|wikidata=Q2582709|content=A 200m long gorge.|hours=Open May-October}} ==Do== Despite being in a remote location, Berchtesgaden and nearby Königsee possess world class sport facilities. The bobsleigh run (Bobbahn) at Königssee is regular venue for world-cup races, but tourists also can run it down in guest-bobs. The ice arena (“Eishalle”) in Berchtesgaden is opened half the year and popular among locals and sportsmen from nearby Austria. There's a cheap combi-ticket for ice arena and “Watzmanntherme”. The Therme is just a few meters away and probably unmatched for being embedded in a spectacular scenic landscape, surrounded by mountains and snow caped peaks and features as giant action whirl pool, hydro massage facilities, salt water pools, 80m slide with light and sound effects [http://www.watzmanntherme.de www.watzmanntherme.de]. Around Berchtesgaden are several slopes for skiing such as Golf and Ski am Obersalzberg, Götschen, Rossfeld and Jenner. First one is fitted for beginners, the Jenner is for advanced skiers. There are also several runs for cross-country skiing and very advanced skiers might be interested in ski touring in the Berchtesgaden Alps. From late January on sunny weather is common but the risk of avalanches is rising. If you stay in Berchtesgaden you will have significant reduction of most entrance fees via the “Kurtaxe”. *'''Wilderness trail''' *Horse drawn sleigh in Berchtesgaden, Germany 2005 ==Eat== {{see also|Bavarian cuisine}} You will find plenty of nice and original Bavarian restaurants as well as Greek, Chinese, Turkish and Italian restaurants. The pricing in most places is modest by German standards and international visitors will often view that as a bargain. Obviously being in Bavaria and in the middle of the alps you should try the local specialities such as Knödel, Schweinehaxe, wild deer (very seldom), Bratwurst, Leberkase, Weisswurst, Kartoffelsalat, Gulasch Bratkartoffeln, Kaiserschmarn, fish - and lots of more things. ===Budget=== *'''Berggaststätte Kehlsteinhaus''' 1.834 m 83471 Berchtesgaden Obersalzberg +49(0)8652/2969. Enjoy your drink and food above the clouds. *'''Braustüberl Berchtesgaden''' Brauhausstraße 13 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/976724. This is local beer brewery and a possibility to taste Berchtesgadener beer. *'''[http://www.cafe-lockstein.de/en/ Café Lockstein]''' Am Lockstein 1 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2122. Probably the best view over Berchtesgaden *'''Gasthaus Bier-Adam''' Marktplatz 22 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2390. If you like to enjoy dinner in a smoke free atmosphere go here. *'''Gasthof Goldener Bär''' Weihnachtsschützenplatz 4 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2590. Good local food, a bit smoky though. * '''Euphoria ''', Grolmanstraße 52, Phone [0[8652 / 27540, German food, you get served for €5-10/person, * '''Blockhaus ''', Bergmannstraße 94, Phone [0[8652 / 18897, German food, value for money €15 Euro, * '''Rani ''', Waidmannsluster 10, Phone [0[8652 / 26034, this place serves international food, >€30, * '''Cueva ''', Lorchheimer-Str 52, Phone [0[8652 / 15327, Spanish food - paella rica, >€15, * '''Zum See Wirt''', Mühlbauerstr. 64, Phone [0[8652 / 20334, German food, voted best deli in town ==Drink== Bavarians love their beer and one of the most beloved is the wheat beer (Weißbier). It is a cloudy, unfiltered beer commonly consumed earlier in the day with a Weißwurst and sweet mustard. In the cold wintertime it is nice to finish your dinner with a local “Schnaps” from the Enzian Brauerei Grassl. It makes you feel nice and warm after a long day out on slopes. ==Sleep== There is a good range of accommodation ranging from budget to moderately expensive. Many local people enjoy “bed and breakfast” for a very good price. You can spot those places by searching for the signs that read “Zimmer frei” or “Zimmer zu vermieten”, or use the web link from Berchtesgadener Land. In the last years holiday flats became very popular, you will find them via “Ferienwohnung”. ===Mid-range=== *'''Treff Alpenhotel Kronprinz Berchtesgaden''', am Brandholz. Near the city center. ===Splurge=== * '''Hotel InterContinental Resort Berchtesgaden''', situated high above Berchtesgaden on the Obersalzberg. The hotel is a modern building and offers rooms and suites for up to €2500/day and is therefore Berchtesgaden's most expensive place to sleep. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden | url=http://www.edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com/en | email=info@edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com | address=Maximilianstraße 2, 83471 Berchtesgaden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+49 8652-97990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Stay safe== *Berchtesgaden is thankfully largely free of crime, mugging or travel scams. *Avalanches can occur in remote areas when the temperature rises in February till April and at steep slopes above 30%. The Lawinenlagebericht [http://www.bayern.de/lfw/lwd/lagebericht.htm] will give you detailed information: level 3 and higher is dangerous but you should always have a local guide with you. *Having lots of snow on a road with 15% slope can be dangerous. ==Go next== * [[Schönau a.Königssee]] * [[Bad Reichenhall]] * [[Munich]] (3 hours by train) * [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] home of Mozart (1 hour by train) * [[Berchtesgaden National Park]] {{geo|47.631389|13.004167}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Bavaria}} {{usablecity}} {{translate|de}} fzogmto2vh35orbnnatbzimspsm74uh 4487847 4487845 2022-07-21T17:45:46Z Andree.sk 2166688 /* See */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} : ''See also [[Berchtesgaden National Park]].'' [[Image:St. Bartholomä flip666.jpg|thumb|240px|St. Bartolomä Church, on the Königsee near Berchtesgaden]] '''[http://www.berchtesgaden.de/ Berchtesgaden]''' is a small, picturesque and historic town (population 7,700 in 2019) in the southeast of the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Bavaria]], within a small enclave surrounded on three sides by the [[Austria|Austrian]] border. The town lies some 30 km south of the Austrian city of [[Salzburg]] and some 180 km south-east of [[Munich]]. ==Understand== The town is located in a valley at 500 to 1100 m altitude in the south-eastern part of the German [[Alps]] and is surrounded by high mountains called Untersberg in the North, Obersalzberg in the east and further south by the Watzmann. Berchtesgaden and neighbouring [[Bad Reichenhall]] are famous for their salt mines. The production of table salt guaranteed in the medieval ages a safe source of revenue and it still does today. Therefore, a visit to the salt mine of Berchtesgaden is definitely on the to do list. In the 20th century, the name of Berchtesgaden became well known to the general public for more unfortunate reasons: the Nazi dictator of Germany, Adolf Hitler, had his summer getaway on the peak in a complex of buildings known as the Berghof at Obersalzberg. A house was built for him at the peak of the mountain above Obersalzberg, but he only visited it a couple of times. It is known in German as the Kehlsteinhaus, and was dubbed “The Eagles Nest” by the occupying American forces after the war. All the buildings and bunkers of the Berghof were destroyed at the end of the World War II and nowadays a documentation centre can be found close to the place on the Obersalzberg. The Kehlsteinhaus is accessible via bus from Obersalzberg, and has now been converted to a restaurant. Berchtesgaden has its fair share of tourism all around the year, and has retained its original charming character. House fronts around the market place, palace and elsewhere in Berchtesgaden are decorated with murals. ===Talk=== Standard German is well understood in [[Bavaria]]; most local people, however, speak their local dialect between themselves. This being a tourist destination, English and French are often understood. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== International travellers wishing to visit [[Bavaria]] and Berchtesgaden should have no problems to book a flight to [[Munich]], home to a large international airport. Alternatively, if there is no direct flight to Munich with your airline, you could book a flight via [[Frankfurt]] and travel to [[Munich]] with the ICE high speed train. Alternatively you can fly to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] in [[Austria]] and travel then to Berchtesgaden via train (70 minutes) or bus (~40 minutes), both direct connections. The distances are only 20 km from Salzburg and about 190 km from Munich Airport. Crossing the German-Austrian border is no problem due to the Schengen Treaty. ===By train=== Berchtesgaden has a train station and is well connected to [[Munich]] and [[Frankfurt]]. From Austria, a train from Salzburg is likely the best option. * {{go | name=Berchtesgaden Main railway station | alt=Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof | url= | email= | address=Bahnhofplatz 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q818813 | lastedit=2020-12-01 | content= }} ===By road=== Driving from [[Munich]] on the A8 to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] you find Berchtesgaden sign posted shortly before the Austrian border and it is another 20 km from there to Berchtesgaden. (If you travel in a hire car make sure that you pre-order winter equipment since most of the rental car companies in Germany provide you only with “summer wheels” which are most unsuitable in and around Berchtesgaden from October to April). Note also that in order to drive on a motorway in Austria it is necessary to purchase and display a 'vignette', or tax disk. These can be bought from roadside service stations. ==Get around== The bus system in Berchtesgaden is as good as in the rest of Bavaria: buses run twice or once an hour and you can reach the outermost places with them. Be sure to get a timetable (”Busfahrplan“). As a guest in Berchtesgaden you have to pay a tourist-tax (”Kurtaxe“) which will give you a tourist-card (”Kurkarte“). With this card you can use most local buses for free and you also get a reduction for some public parking sites. ==See== * {{see | name=Kehlsteinhaus | alt=the "Eagle's Nest" | url=http://www.kehlsteinhaus.de/ | email=|wikidata=Q162082 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located at 1,834 m altitude on top of Berchtesgaden and provides a marvellous and unforgettable view over the eastern alps. You can reach it by foot, public transport, but it is not accessible by car. The Kehlsteinhaus was constructed as a present for Hitler on his 50th birthday, although he visited relatively few times. However, the house is interesting as a historical site because it remains with only minor alterations from its original state. At the end of the war, the famed American 101st Airborne Division took control of the house, and it was spared from the destruction suffered by other Nazi leadership buildings in Berchtesgaden, although most of the Nazi era artifacts were looted. Tickets for this attraction can be purchased at the tour center above Berchtesgaden in the village of Obersalzberg. }} * {{see | name=Königssee | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.55 | long=12.975 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Königssee | image=Königssee mirror view from Malerwinkel.jpg | wikidata=Q156715 | content=It is 5 km south of Berchtesgaden and is famous for the lake Königsee, which is the deepest lake in the alps and is surrounded by very steep mountain that raise up 2000 m above the lake level. You can make a boat trip to the other side of the lake to visit the world famous “{{marker|type=see|name=Kloster St. Bartolomä|wikidata=Q176502}}”, the smaller lake “{{marker|type=see|name=Obersee|wikidata=Q2010974}}” and enjoy the wildlife of the national park. Hiking is very popular in summer and tours around the lake are sign posted. Routes are prepared by the “Deutsche Alpenverein” and they indicate usually how long it takes to get to your destination and they indicate how difficult they are. One of the possible targets is the {{marker|type=see|name=Landtalbach|lat=47.5080529|long=13.0111689}} waterfall, located in a valley above Obersee. [[Image:Germany, Berchtesgaden, Walking on frozen Lake Konigsee.jpg|thumb|240px|Lake Konigsee 2006]] }}. * {{see | name=Jenner Mountain | alt= | url=http://www.jennerbahn.de | email=|wikidata=Q315611 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is on the east side of the Königssee and due to the cable car an easy possibility to have an excellent view over the Berchtesgaden valley. }} *The '''Hintersee''' is a small lake in nearby [[Ramsau b. Berchtesgaden]]. * {{see | name=Berchtesgaden Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://www.salzwelt.de/salzbergwerk-berchtesgaden/en/default.asp | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2215893 | content=It is one of the two saltmines in the Salzberg. The other one is on the Austrian side. The oldest active salt mine in Germany - since 13th century. The tour takes the visitors on a mini-rail and boat ride, as well as showcasing various techniques used for the mining. }} * {{see|name=Rossfeld panoramatic road|lat=47.6406|long=13.0954|directions=5 km from Berchtesgaden and 1600 m high|content=A very beautiful spot for walks in the sunshine and above the clouds or skiing. There are several restaurants that offer local food at reasonable pricing and you can rest there and take a bath in the sun on chairs that are provided on a rental bases. The Rossfeld can be reached via a toll road or by bus. The toll road is very well maintained and free of snow and ice all around the year.|url=https://www.rossfeldpanoramastrasse.de/en/}} [[Image:Fastnacht_Schlittenennen_Obersalzberg.JPG|thumb|240px|Sledding at Obersalzburg during carnival]] * {{see | name=Obersalzbergbahn | alt= | url=http://www.obersalzbergbahn.de/ | email= | address= | lat=47.6213 | long=13.0206 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is the second, smaller cable car in Berchtesgaden and will bring you onto the Obersalzberg but not upon its top. The upper station you can enjoy a summer bob sledding run. }} * {{see|name=Almbachklamm|lat=47.6704|long=13.0304|content=A 3km (and 200m height difference) gorge with many steps, footbridges and paths. |wikidata=Q2649636|price=6€, free from Ettenberg|hours=Open May-October}} * {{see|name=Wimbachklamm|wikidata=Q2582709|content=A 200m long gorge.|hours=Open May-October}} ==Do== Despite being in a remote location, Berchtesgaden and nearby Königsee possess world class sport facilities. The bobsleigh run (Bobbahn) at Königssee is regular venue for world-cup races, but tourists also can run it down in guest-bobs. The ice arena (“Eishalle”) in Berchtesgaden is opened half the year and popular among locals and sportsmen from nearby Austria. There's a cheap combi-ticket for ice arena and “Watzmanntherme”. The Therme is just a few meters away and probably unmatched for being embedded in a spectacular scenic landscape, surrounded by mountains and snow caped peaks and features as giant action whirl pool, hydro massage facilities, salt water pools, 80m slide with light and sound effects [http://www.watzmanntherme.de www.watzmanntherme.de]. Around Berchtesgaden are several slopes for skiing such as Golf and Ski am Obersalzberg, Götschen, Rossfeld and Jenner. First one is fitted for beginners, the Jenner is for advanced skiers. There are also several runs for cross-country skiing and very advanced skiers might be interested in ski touring in the Berchtesgaden Alps. From late January on sunny weather is common but the risk of avalanches is rising. If you stay in Berchtesgaden you will have significant reduction of most entrance fees via the “Kurtaxe”. *'''Wilderness trail''' *Horse drawn sleigh in Berchtesgaden, Germany 2005 ==Eat== {{see also|Bavarian cuisine}} You will find plenty of nice and original Bavarian restaurants as well as Greek, Chinese, Turkish and Italian restaurants. The pricing in most places is modest by German standards and international visitors will often view that as a bargain. Obviously being in Bavaria and in the middle of the alps you should try the local specialities such as Knödel, Schweinehaxe, wild deer (very seldom), Bratwurst, Leberkase, Weisswurst, Kartoffelsalat, Gulasch Bratkartoffeln, Kaiserschmarn, fish - and lots of more things. ===Budget=== *'''Berggaststätte Kehlsteinhaus''' 1.834 m 83471 Berchtesgaden Obersalzberg +49(0)8652/2969. Enjoy your drink and food above the clouds. *'''Braustüberl Berchtesgaden''' Brauhausstraße 13 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/976724. This is local beer brewery and a possibility to taste Berchtesgadener beer. *'''[http://www.cafe-lockstein.de/en/ Café Lockstein]''' Am Lockstein 1 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2122. Probably the best view over Berchtesgaden *'''Gasthaus Bier-Adam''' Marktplatz 22 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2390. If you like to enjoy dinner in a smoke free atmosphere go here. *'''Gasthof Goldener Bär''' Weihnachtsschützenplatz 4 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2590. Good local food, a bit smoky though. * '''Euphoria ''', Grolmanstraße 52, Phone [0[8652 / 27540, German food, you get served for €5-10/person, * '''Blockhaus ''', Bergmannstraße 94, Phone [0[8652 / 18897, German food, value for money €15 Euro, * '''Rani ''', Waidmannsluster 10, Phone [0[8652 / 26034, this place serves international food, >€30, * '''Cueva ''', Lorchheimer-Str 52, Phone [0[8652 / 15327, Spanish food - paella rica, >€15, * '''Zum See Wirt''', Mühlbauerstr. 64, Phone [0[8652 / 20334, German food, voted best deli in town ==Drink== Bavarians love their beer and one of the most beloved is the wheat beer (Weißbier). It is a cloudy, unfiltered beer commonly consumed earlier in the day with a Weißwurst and sweet mustard. In the cold wintertime it is nice to finish your dinner with a local “Schnaps” from the Enzian Brauerei Grassl. It makes you feel nice and warm after a long day out on slopes. ==Sleep== There is a good range of accommodation ranging from budget to moderately expensive. Many local people enjoy “bed and breakfast” for a very good price. You can spot those places by searching for the signs that read “Zimmer frei” or “Zimmer zu vermieten”, or use the web link from Berchtesgadener Land. In the last years holiday flats became very popular, you will find them via “Ferienwohnung”. ===Mid-range=== *'''Treff Alpenhotel Kronprinz Berchtesgaden''', am Brandholz. Near the city center. ===Splurge=== * '''Hotel InterContinental Resort Berchtesgaden''', situated high above Berchtesgaden on the Obersalzberg. The hotel is a modern building and offers rooms and suites for up to €2500/day and is therefore Berchtesgaden's most expensive place to sleep. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden | url=http://www.edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com/en | email=info@edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com | address=Maximilianstraße 2, 83471 Berchtesgaden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+49 8652-97990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Stay safe== *Berchtesgaden is thankfully largely free of crime, mugging or travel scams. *Avalanches can occur in remote areas when the temperature rises in February till April and at steep slopes above 30%. The Lawinenlagebericht [http://www.bayern.de/lfw/lwd/lagebericht.htm] will give you detailed information: level 3 and higher is dangerous but you should always have a local guide with you. *Having lots of snow on a road with 15% slope can be dangerous. ==Go next== * [[Schönau a.Königssee]] * [[Bad Reichenhall]] * [[Munich]] (3 hours by train) * [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] home of Mozart (1 hour by train) * [[Berchtesgaden National Park]] {{geo|47.631389|13.004167}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Bavaria}} {{usablecity}} {{translate|de}} s9gmzsb5but4xk5qlgkqmzm8w5334ta 4487848 4487847 2022-07-21T17:46:48Z Andree.sk 2166688 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} : ''See also [[Berchtesgaden National Park]].'' [[Image:St. Bartholomä flip666.jpg|thumb|240px|St. Bartolomä Church, on the Königsee near Berchtesgaden]] '''[http://www.berchtesgaden.de/ Berchtesgaden]''' is a small, picturesque and historic town (population 7,700 in 2019) in the southeast of the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Bavaria]], within a small enclave surrounded on three sides by the [[Austria|Austrian]] border. The town lies some 30 km south of the Austrian city of [[Salzburg]] and some 180 km south-east of [[Munich]]. ==Understand== The town is located in a valley at 500 to 1100 m altitude in the south-eastern part of the German [[Alps]] and is surrounded by high mountains called Untersberg in the North, Obersalzberg in the east and further south by the Watzmann. Berchtesgaden and neighbouring [[Bad Reichenhall]] are famous for their salt mines. The production of table salt guaranteed in the medieval ages a safe source of revenue and it still does today. Therefore, a visit to the salt mine of Berchtesgaden is definitely on the to do list. In the 20th century, the name of Berchtesgaden became well known to the general public for more unfortunate reasons: the Nazi dictator of Germany, Adolf Hitler, had his summer getaway on the peak in a complex of buildings known as the Berghof at Obersalzberg. A house was built for him at the peak of the mountain above Obersalzberg, but he only visited it a couple of times. It is known in German as the Kehlsteinhaus, and was dubbed “The Eagles Nest” by the occupying American forces after the war. All the buildings and bunkers of the Berghof were destroyed at the end of the World War II and nowadays a documentation centre can be found close to the place on the Obersalzberg. The Kehlsteinhaus is accessible via bus from Obersalzberg, and has now been converted to a restaurant. Berchtesgaden has its fair share of tourism all around the year, and has retained its original charming character. House fronts around the market place, palace and elsewhere in Berchtesgaden are decorated with murals. ===Talk=== Standard German is well understood in [[Bavaria]]; most local people, however, speak their local dialect between themselves. This being a tourist destination, English and French are often understood. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} ===By plane=== International travellers wishing to visit [[Bavaria]] and Berchtesgaden should have no problems to book a flight to [[Munich]], home to a large international airport. Alternatively, if there is no direct flight to Munich with your airline, you could book a flight via [[Frankfurt]] and travel to [[Munich]] with the ICE high speed train. Alternatively you can fly to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] in [[Austria]] and travel then to Berchtesgaden via train (70 minutes) or bus (~40 minutes), both direct connections. The distances are only 20 km from Salzburg and about 190 km from Munich Airport. Crossing the German-Austrian border is no problem due to the Schengen Treaty. ===By train=== Berchtesgaden has a train station and is well connected to [[Munich]] and [[Frankfurt]]. From Austria, a train from Salzburg is likely the best option. * {{go | name=Berchtesgaden Main railway station | alt=Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof | url= | email= | address=Bahnhofplatz 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q818813 | lastedit=2020-12-01 | content= }} ===By road=== Driving from [[Munich]] on the A8 to [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] you find Berchtesgaden sign posted shortly before the Austrian border and it is another 20 km from there to Berchtesgaden. (If you travel in a hire car make sure that you pre-order winter equipment since most of the rental car companies in Germany provide you only with “summer wheels” which are most unsuitable in and around Berchtesgaden from October to April). Note also that in order to drive on a motorway in Austria it is necessary to purchase and display a 'vignette', or tax disk. These can be bought from roadside service stations. ==Get around== The bus system in Berchtesgaden is as good as in the rest of Bavaria: buses run twice or once an hour and you can reach the outermost places with them. Be sure to get a timetable (”Busfahrplan“). As a guest in Berchtesgaden you have to pay a tourist-tax (”Kurtaxe“) which will give you a tourist-card (”Kurkarte“). With this card you can use most local buses for free and you also get a reduction for some public parking sites. ==See== * {{see | name=Kehlsteinhaus | alt=the "Eagle's Nest" | url=http://www.kehlsteinhaus.de/ | email=|wikidata=Q162082 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Is located at 1,834 m altitude on top of Berchtesgaden and provides a marvellous and unforgettable view over the eastern alps. You can reach it by foot, public transport, but it is not accessible by car. The Kehlsteinhaus was constructed as a present for Hitler on his 50th birthday, although he visited relatively few times. However, the house is interesting as a historical site because it remains with only minor alterations from its original state. At the end of the war, the famed American 101st Airborne Division took control of the house, and it was spared from the destruction suffered by other Nazi leadership buildings in Berchtesgaden, although most of the Nazi era artifacts were looted. Tickets for this attraction can be purchased at the tour center above Berchtesgaden in the village of Obersalzberg. }} * {{see | name=Königssee | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.55 | long=12.975 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Königssee | image=Königssee mirror view from Malerwinkel.jpg | wikidata=Q156715 | content=It is 5 km south of Berchtesgaden and is famous for the lake Königsee, which is the deepest lake in the alps and is surrounded by very steep mountain that raise up 2000 m above the lake level. You can make a boat trip to the other side of the lake to visit the world famous “{{marker|type=see|name=Kloster St. Bartolomä|wikidata=Q176502}}”, the smaller lake “{{marker|type=see|name=Obersee|wikidata=Q2010974}}” and enjoy the wildlife of the national park. Hiking is very popular in summer and tours around the lake are sign posted. Routes are prepared by the “Deutsche Alpenverein” and they indicate usually how long it takes to get to your destination and they indicate how difficult they are. One of the possible targets is the {{marker|type=see|name=Landtalbach|lat=47.5080529|long=13.0111689}} waterfall, located in a valley above Obersee. [[Image:Germany, Berchtesgaden, Walking on frozen Lake Konigsee.jpg|thumb|240px|Lake Konigsee 2006]] }}. * {{see | name=Jenner Mountain | alt= | url=http://www.jennerbahn.de | email=|wikidata=Q315611 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is on the east side of the Königssee and due to the cable car an easy possibility to have an excellent view over the Berchtesgaden valley. }} *The '''Hintersee''' is a small lake in nearby [[Ramsau b. Berchtesgaden]]. * {{see | name=Berchtesgaden Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://www.salzwelt.de/salzbergwerk-berchtesgaden/en/default.asp | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2215893 | content=It is one of the two saltmines in the Salzberg. The other one is on the Austrian side. The oldest active salt mine in Germany - since 13th century. The tour takes the visitors on a mini-rail and boat ride, as well as showcasing various techniques used for the mining. }} * {{see|name=Rossfeld panoramatic road|lat=47.6406|long=13.0954|directions=5 km from Berchtesgaden and 1600 m high|content=A very beautiful spot for walks in the sunshine and above the clouds or skiing. There are several restaurants that offer local food at reasonable pricing and you can rest there and take a bath in the sun on chairs that are provided on a rental bases. The Rossfeld can be reached via a toll road or by bus. The toll road is very well maintained and free of snow and ice all around the year.|url=https://www.rossfeldpanoramastrasse.de/en/}} [[Image:Fastnacht_Schlittenennen_Obersalzberg.JPG|thumb|240px|Sledding at Obersalzburg during carnival]] * {{see | name=Obersalzbergbahn | alt= | url=http://www.obersalzbergbahn.de/ | email= | address= | lat=47.6213 | long=13.0206 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is the second, smaller cable car in Berchtesgaden and will bring you onto the Obersalzberg but not upon its top. The upper station you can enjoy a summer bob sledding run. }} * {{see|name=Almbachklamm|lat=47.6704|long=13.0304|content=A 3km (and 200m height difference) gorge with many steps, footbridges and paths. |wikidata=Q2649636|price=6€, free from Ettenberg|hours=Open May-October}} * {{see|name=Wimbachklamm|wikidata=Q2582709|content=A 200m long gorge.|hours=Open May-October}} ==Do== Despite being in a remote location, Berchtesgaden and nearby Königsee possess world class sport facilities. The bobsleigh run (Bobbahn) at Königssee is regular venue for world-cup races, but tourists also can run it down in guest-bobs. The ice arena (“Eishalle”) in Berchtesgaden is opened half the year and popular among locals and sportsmen from nearby Austria. There's a cheap combi-ticket for ice arena and “Watzmanntherme”. The Therme is just a few meters away and probably unmatched for being embedded in a spectacular scenic landscape, surrounded by mountains and snow caped peaks and features as giant action whirl pool, hydro massage facilities, salt water pools, 80m slide with light and sound effects [http://www.watzmanntherme.de www.watzmanntherme.de]. Around Berchtesgaden are several slopes for skiing such as Golf and Ski am Obersalzberg, Götschen, Rossfeld and Jenner. First one is fitted for beginners, the Jenner is for advanced skiers. There are also several runs for cross-country skiing and very advanced skiers might be interested in ski touring in the Berchtesgaden Alps. From late January on sunny weather is common but the risk of avalanches is rising. If you stay in Berchtesgaden you will have significant reduction of most entrance fees via the “Kurtaxe”. *'''Wilderness trail''' *Horse drawn sleigh in Berchtesgaden, Germany 2005 ==Eat== {{see also|Bavarian cuisine}} You will find plenty of nice and original Bavarian restaurants as well as Greek, Chinese, Turkish and Italian restaurants. The pricing in most places is modest by German standards and international visitors will often view that as a bargain. Obviously being in Bavaria and in the middle of the alps you should try the local specialities such as Knödel, Schweinehaxe, wild deer (very seldom), Bratwurst, Leberkase, Weisswurst, Kartoffelsalat, Gulasch Bratkartoffeln, Kaiserschmarn, fish - and lots of more things. ===Budget=== *'''Berggaststätte Kehlsteinhaus''' 1.834 m 83471 Berchtesgaden Obersalzberg +49(0)8652/2969. Enjoy your drink and food above the clouds. *'''Braustüberl Berchtesgaden''' Brauhausstraße 13 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/976724. This is local beer brewery and a possibility to taste Berchtesgadener beer. *'''[http://www.cafe-lockstein.de/en/ Café Lockstein]''' Am Lockstein 1 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2122. Probably the best view over Berchtesgaden *'''Gasthaus Bier-Adam''' Marktplatz 22 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2390. If you like to enjoy dinner in a smoke free atmosphere go here. *'''Gasthof Goldener Bär''' Weihnachtsschützenplatz 4 83471 Berchtesgaden +49(0)8652/2590. Good local food, a bit smoky though. * '''Euphoria ''', Grolmanstraße 52, Phone [0[8652 / 27540, German food, you get served for €5-10/person, * '''Blockhaus ''', Bergmannstraße 94, Phone [0[8652 / 18897, German food, value for money €15 Euro, * '''Rani ''', Waidmannsluster 10, Phone [0[8652 / 26034, this place serves international food, >€30, * '''Cueva ''', Lorchheimer-Str 52, Phone [0[8652 / 15327, Spanish food - paella rica, >€15, * '''Zum See Wirt''', Mühlbauerstr. 64, Phone [0[8652 / 20334, German food, voted best deli in town ==Drink== Bavarians love their beer and one of the most beloved is the wheat beer (Weißbier). It is a cloudy, unfiltered beer commonly consumed earlier in the day with a Weißwurst and sweet mustard. In the cold wintertime it is nice to finish your dinner with a local “Schnaps” from the Enzian Brauerei Grassl. It makes you feel nice and warm after a long day out on slopes. ==Sleep== There is a good range of accommodation ranging from budget to moderately expensive. Many local people enjoy “bed and breakfast” for a very good price. You can spot those places by searching for the signs that read “Zimmer frei” or “Zimmer zu vermieten”, or use the web link from Berchtesgadener Land. In the last years holiday flats became very popular, you will find them via “Ferienwohnung”. ===Mid-range=== *'''Treff Alpenhotel Kronprinz Berchtesgaden''', am Brandholz. Near the city center. ===Splurge=== * '''Hotel InterContinental Resort Berchtesgaden''', situated high above Berchtesgaden on the Obersalzberg. The hotel is a modern building and offers rooms and suites for up to €2500/day and is therefore Berchtesgaden's most expensive place to sleep. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Edelweiss Berchtesgaden | url=http://www.edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com/en | email=info@edelweiss-berchtesgaden.com | address=Maximilianstraße 2, 83471 Berchtesgaden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+49 8652-97990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Stay safe== *Berchtesgaden is thankfully largely free of crime, mugging or travel scams. *Avalanches can occur in remote areas when the temperature rises in February till April and at steep slopes above 30%. The Lawinenlagebericht [http://www.bayern.de/lfw/lwd/lagebericht.htm] will give you detailed information: level 3 and higher is dangerous but you should always have a local guide with you. *Having lots of snow on a road with 15% slope can be dangerous. ==Go next== * [[Schönau a.Königssee]] * [[Bad Reichenhall]] * [[Munich]] (3 hours by train) * [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] home of Mozart (1 hour by train) * [[Berchtesgaden National Park]] {{geo|47.631389|13.004167}} {{IsPartOf|Upper Bavaria}} {{usablecity}} {{translate|de}} c93yi0dk4cxdzdp1iddwe98t6por2da 0 3613 4487960 4487421 2022-07-21T20:38:57Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Edited because there is no longer a separate article for this airport. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Bethlehem Pennsylvania Historic District.jpg|pgname=Bethlehem}} [[File:Bethlehem Pennsylvania Main Street.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Main Street in Bethlehem, January 2007]] [[File:Bethlehem Steel.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Bethlehem Steel was one of the world's leading steel manufacturers for most of the 20th century. In 1982, it discontinued most of its operations, declared bankruptcy in 2001, and was dissolved in 2003]] '''Bethlehem''' is one of three cities, along with [[Allentown]] and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], that are the urban population centers of the [[Lehigh Valley]] in eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]] in the [[Mid-Atlantic]] region of the [[United States of America]]. ==Understand== In 1741, the town was settled by a small group of Moravians (a persecuted Protestant religious group from modern-day Germany and Czech Republic) led by Count Nicolaus von Zinzendorf. Bethlehem was founded on Christmas Eve and named for Jesus' birthplace, [[Bethlehem]], [[Israel]] – presumably because it was mentioned in the Christmas carols that were sung by the Moravians. During the [[Industrialization of the United States|Industrial Revolution]], Bethlehem Steel became one of the largest steel companies in the world; its principal rival at the time was Andrew Carnegie's U.S. Steel in [[Pittsburgh]]. [[San Francisco]]'s Golden Gate Bridge was built from Bethlehem steel, as were many of [[New York City]]'s skyscrapers. Through two [[World War I|world]] [[World War II in Europe|wars]], Bethlehem's steel was strategically vital for shipbuilding. By the early 1980s, local coal and steel makers were struggling as prices were undercut by imports; in 1982, Billy Joel sang "Out in Bethlehem they're killing time, Filling out forms, Standing in line" in a popular tune named for nearby [[Allentown]]. In a pattern typical of the [[American Industry Tour|US rust belt]], huge factories built for economies of scale when times were good were being out-manoeuvred by smaller, more modern competitors with lower costs and more advanced technology. By 2001, the factories had closed; the bankrupt company was disbanded in 2003.<!-- http://www.mcall.com/all-bethsteel-c1p1-story.html through http://www.mcall.com/all-bethsteel-c8p15-story.html is a good description of the industrial history --> In 2019, the city had a population of about 76,000, and is a thriving with a beautiful historic district, many cultural events, two colleges, an [[industrial tourism|industrial museum]] and a large casino/entertainment complex. The official '''Visitor's Center''' is in the Historic District at 505 Main St., offering general information along with walking tours, literature, and the general gamut of tourist office services. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The main terminal of [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in neighboring [[Allentown]]]] '''Lehigh Valley International Airport''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) serves the greater Lehigh Valley metropolitan area and is about 10 to 15 minutes north of downtown Bethlehem by car. It is served by several legacy carriers, including '''[http://www.delta.com/ Delta Connection]''', '''[http://www.united.com/ United Express]''', and '''[http://www.aa.com/ American Airlines]'''. Each offers several daily flights from their Eastern U.S. hubs. '''[http://www.aircanada.ca Air Canada Express]''' offers flights from [[Toronto]], and the airport has low-cost service from [[Orlando|Orlando-Sanford]] on '''[http://www.allegiantair.com Allegiant Air]'''. The airlines flying this route tend to change fairly often; when one budget startup goes out of business, the airport tends to replace it with another one within a few months. To get to Bethlehem from there, take Airport Road south and get on Route 22 east; get off at the next exit for Schoenersville Road. Make a left at the end of the ramp, and follow the road until it becomes Elizabeth Avenue, at which point you are in Bethlehem. To get to the south side, take the Route 378 exit instead of Schoenersville. When the expressway ends, make a left at the light onto S. 4th St; you are now in the south side neighborhood. Other airports in the general vicinity are '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) and '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}). As these are hubs for major airlines, and generally speaking much larger airports, flying into Philly or New York can save you a bundle. Expect a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia and about 2 hours from Newark, depending on traffic. ===By car=== Bethlehem is easily accessible by car from virtually any direction. * '''From New York City & Newark, New Jersey''': Take I-78 East to Exit 67. Turn right into PA-412 North. PA-412 terminates four miles later in Bethlehem's South Side. * '''From Philadelphia''': Take I-476 (toll) to "Lehigh Valley Exit" to US-22 East, to PA-378 South. Expressway ends at bridge between Downtown & South Side Bethlehem. * '''From Bucks County''': Take PA-309 North to PA-378 North. * '''From Harrisburg''' to the West: Take I-78 West to Exit 67. Turn right into PA-412 North. PA-412 terminates four miles later in Bethlehem's South Side. * '''From the Poconos''': Take PA-33 South to its terminus to I-78 East to Exit 67. Turn right into PA-412 North. PA-412 terminates four miles later in Bethlehem's South Side. ===By bus=== Trans-Bridge Lines offers daily coach service to Bethlehem. Buses depart from the Park & Ride at I-78 in North Bethlehem, which can be reached by local mass transit. * {{listing | name=Trans-Bridge Lines | url=http://www.transbridgelines.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-6001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} Trans-Bridge operates buses from several points in New York. The "New York" bus stops at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, but there are also services to the major airports. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} There are several ways to get around Bethlehem, depending on where you are and where you're intending to go. If you're sticking to the downtown areas, you can easily cover it on foot. It's important to realize that there are two downtown areas. "Downtown" usually refers to the historic district on the northern side of the River, centered along Main Street. However, it can also refer to the area on the south side along 3rd/4th St. on the other side of the Lehigh River, usually referred to as "South Side". Both can be covered on foot, but to go between them probably requires a car/bus. You can walk it, but it is a little more than a mile walk, most of it over the Hill-to-Hill bridge. Your best bet for parking downtown is the North Street garage, a short walk from the historic district (downtown). If your travel involves going to other residential neighborhoods or neighboring towns, it's probably best to go by car, bus, or taxi. ===By car=== Driving is relatively easy in the Allentown/Bethlehem area, when compared to Philadelphia or New York City roads. The highways and expressways can be very congested at rush hour, and local drivers on US 22, I-78, PA 33, PA 309 and PA 378 can be reckless and exceed the speed limit at times. Local streets can be clogged at rush hour, mostly on the South Side. Some roads are not for an inexperienced driver. Rental car companies can be found at the Lehigh Valley International Airport. ====Parking==== Bethlehem has many lots and a few public garages to park in. The North Street and Walnut Street garages are located in Center City, and the Riverport garage is on the South Side. The rate is $1 per hour, or $6 maximum rate (all day). For details, including directions and a complete list of parking lots and garages, the Bethlehem Parking Authority's website is listed [http://www.bethpark.org/ here.] In addition to garages and lots, metered parking is available throughout the city. The rate is $0.50 per hour from 8AM-9PM. ===By bus=== * '''Lehigh and Northampton County Transportation Authority (LANTA)''' provides affordable bus transportation in and around Bethlehem and the surrounding cities of [[Allentown]] and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. LANTA provides a Metro Plus service for those who are unable to ride the regular Metro due to disability or requirement of special attention. Schedules are [http://www.lantabus.com/ available online]. The majority of LANTA buses serve mainly to link the three downtown areas of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, and if you're not staying/going in these areas, the bus service can be impractical. Service centers around the main depot at Broad & Guetter Streets, and fans out in every direction. The cost is $2 a ride, $3 for a day pass, with discounts if you buy in bulk. ===By taxi=== Several taxicab companies are in the Lehigh Valley. Taxis do not often drive around the streets, like in New York City. In the Lehigh Valley, you will often need to call ahead and arrange for the taxicab to pick you up. * '''Quick Service Taxi Co.''' provides service throughout Allentown and Bethlehem. They can be called at +1 610 434-8132. * '''Lehigh Valley Taxicab Co.''' operates out of Bethlehem and serves the Lehigh Valley. They can be contacted at +1 610 867-5855. ===On foot=== The best way to see Bethlehem's Historic District is on foot. Just about all its notable landmarks are on Main St., or close to it. When referring to places along Main, "the top" of Main is at the intersection of Main and Broad, which is on top of a hill; "the bottom" is at the Brethren's House, and all points past there. If you want to walk to the South Side (not recommended; save your feet by forking over the two bucks for the bus), go over the bridge at the bottom of Main next to the Hotel Bethlehem. Make a left when you reach another bridge, the Hill-to-Hill Bridge. When you get to the end of the bridge, turn left on 3rd or 4th St. to reach the South Side. There are also several pathways which lead to the Monocacy Creek from Main St. ==See== [[File:Central Bethlehem Historic District Oct 11.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Central Bethlehem's Historic District]] [[File:1810 GoundieHouse Bethlehem PA Summer 2018.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Groundie House, built in 1810 in Bethlehem's Historic Moravian District at 501 Main St.]] [[File:Star of Bethlehem Main Street 2382px.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Replica of the Star of Bethlehem on Main St. with [https://www.hotelbethlehem.com/ Historic Hotel Bethlehem] (437 Main St.) on the right]] [[File:Bell House (1746), Moravian Bethlehem.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Bell House, a Moravian seminary built in Germanic style in 1745, at 56 W Church St.]] [[File:Bethlehem Silk Mill Oct 11.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Bethlehem Silk Mill, built in 1886, at 38 W. Goepp St.]] * {{listing | type=see | name=1751 Old Chapel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Church St. & Heckewelder Pl | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-6055 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This Moravian Chapel was the second place of worship in Bethlehem's colonial era. }} * {{see | name=1758 Sun Inn | url=http://www.suninnbethlehem.org | email= | address=564 Main St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-1758 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The 1758 Sun Inn is a restored 18th-century inn that once hosted guests such as George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette. It has been fully restored and now offers guided tours, which provide a rich history of 1700s Bethlehem. It can also can be rented and catered for private gatherings. The courtyard also hosts a summer concert series. }} * {{see | name=Banana Factory | alt= | url=http://www.bananafactory.org | email= | address=25 W. 3rd St | lat= 40.6124 | long= -75.3796 | directions= | phone=+1 610 332-1300 | tollfree= | hours=Gallery hours: 11AM-4PM | price= | content=The Banana Factory is a community center for the arts located on Bethlehem's south side. What was once a banana warehouse has been renovated into space for two art galleries, classrooms and artists' studios. Offers daily guided tours and the Lehigh Valley's only glassblowing studio, and on the first Friday of every month there is an art showing. Unless you love art it's probably not worth a trip to the South Side by itself but if you're there already be sure to stop by. }} * {{see | name=Burnside Plantation | alt= | url=https://historicbethlehem.org/?historic-site=burnside-plantation | email= | address=1461 Schoenersville Rd | lat=40.631111 | long=-75.389444 | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-6055 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5000140 | content=This local plantation affords an excellent look at rural life in the Lehigh Valley beginning in the mid-18th century. The restored Moravian homestead highlights farm life and the region's industrial development through the mid-19th century. It not only makes the past come alive but provides a showcase for agriculture and craftsmanship of the era. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Central Moravian Church | alt= | url=http://www.centralmoravianchurch.org/ | email= | address=73 W. Church St | lat= 40.6189 | long= -75.3818 | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-5661 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Recognized as the country's oldest Moravian Church. }} * {{see | name=Colonial Industrial Quarter | alt= | url=https://historicbethlehem.org/?historic-site=colonial-industrial-quarter | email= | address=459 Old York Rd | lat=40.6207 | long=-75.3836 | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-6055 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | content=This area contains a few of Bethlehem's early buildings, like the 1761 Tannery, 1762 Waterworks (a National Historic Landmark), the 1869 Luckenbach Mill, and the Miller's House Garden (an 1870 Victorian garden). The area is right along the Monocacy Creek, so it's a great place to take a walk or even fish, right downtown (if you have a license). }} * {{see | name=Goundie House | alt= | url=https://historicbethlehem.org/?historic-site=goundie | email= | address=501 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-6055 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q96379749 | content=If you're on Main St., you'll probably walk by here. A nice little place to stop by with a few rotating exhibits, but not a destination itself. Beer enthusiasts take note though - Goundie was the town brewer back in the day. }} * {{see | name=Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts | alt= | url=https://historicbethlehem.org/?historic-site=kemerer-museum | email= | address=427 New St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-6055 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | wikidata=Q111913874 | content=An interior designer's dream come true, the Kemerer Museum is dedicated to the history of decorating. There are various rooms dedicated to periods in history, with textiles, china, paintings and more. The Victorian gardens on the ground provide a welcome spot to relax. }} * {{see | name=Moravian Museum of Bethlehem | alt= | url=https://historicbethlehem.org/?historic-site=moravian-museum | email= | address=66 W. Church St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=F-Su noon-4PM | price= | content=For those interested in learning a bit about the history of Bethlehem, or the Moravian people or faith, this should be a stop on your tour. It's housed in the oldest building in Bethlehem, the 1741 Gemeinhaus. It's only open on the weekends, however. }} * {{see | name=National Museum of Industrial History | alt= | url=http://www.nmih.org/ | email= | address=602 E. Second St | lat=40.6128 | long=-75.371 | directions= | phone=+1 610-694-6644 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 10AM-5PM | price=$12 | wikidata=Q27890243 | content=A Smithsonian affiliate dedicated to preserving America's rich industrial heritage. Exhibits on steel-making and manufacturing. }} * {{see | name=SteelStacks | alt= | url=http://www.artsquest.org/steelstacks/ | email= | address=101 Founders Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 332-1300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A venue for performing arts and cinema on the former Bethlehem Steel property. Attractions include the '''[https://www.artsquest.org/ ArtsQuest Center]''', the performing arts center; the '''[https://www.steelstacks.org/about/venues-at-steelstacks/td-community-stage-on-the-air-products-town-square/ Air Products Town Square]''', with over 400 free musical performances annually; '''[https://www.musikfest.org/lineup/venues/wind-creek-steel-stage/ PNC Plaza]''', which will host festivals, a farmers market, and will also serve as a stage for Musikfest; and the '''[http://www.levittsteelstacks.org/ Levitt Pavilion]''', which will host free concerts. }} * {{see | name=The Star of Bethlehem | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.5968 | long=-75.3846 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Star of Bethlehem on top of South Mountain is lit year-round. It is visible from most parts of Bethlehem. }} ===Tours=== * Self-guided tour books are available for purchase at the Visitor's Center at 505 Main St. * {{see | name=Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour | alt= | url=https://historicbethlehem.org/bethlehem-by-night-christmas-hours/ | email= | address=505 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-6055 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This seasonal tour runs throughout December on Th F Sa and Su at 5:30PM, 6:30PM, and 7:30PM. Tour includes a display of the Christmas City by bus. }} * {{see | name=Historic Bethlehem Walking Tours | alt= | url=https://historicbethlehem.org/visit/historic-bethlehem-tours/ | email= | address=505 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Nov 24: Tu-Su 2:30PM | price= | content=Tours begin at the Visitor's Center and highlight the important historic sites. }} * {{see | name=First Friday Southside Tours | alt= | url=https://southsideartsdistrict.com/first-friday/ | email= | address=Banana Factory | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=May-Oct: First F 6PM | price= | content=Tours begin at the Banana Factory and highlight the churches, architecture, and multiculturalism of the South Side. }} * {{see | name=Old Bethlehem Walking Tour | alt= | url=https://store.historicbethlehem.org/2021-old-bethlehem-wt/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-6055 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Tours run Nov 26-Dec 30. Sights include 18th-century buildings and other historic sites. }} * {{see | name=Old Fashioned Horse Drawn Carriage Rides | alt= | url=https://historicbethlehem.org/carriage-rides-christmas-hours/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Carriage rides last about 15 minutes and run from Nov 27-Dec 30. }} * {{see | name=Segway Tours | alt= | url=https://www.segwayguidedtours.com/tour.cfm?Tour=53&City=BETHLEHEM&State=PENNSYLVANIA&Country=USA | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Oct: Sa 9AM | price= | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Sands Casino Resort bridge with sign.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://windcreek.com/bethlehem Wind Creek Bethlehem], a large casino with restaurants and shopping, at 77 Wind Creek Blvd.]] If you were to give a typical building in each of Bethlehem's two main destinations, the Historic district would be "18th-century industrial museum" and the South Side would be "college bar" (or as of late, "casino"). If you don't fit either of those (and especially if you have kids) you'll still find stuff to do; you'll just need a car and maybe a GPS to get there. Most of the city's parks, recreational facilities, sports teams, etc. are on the outskirts of the city, and the bus system leaves a lot to be desired here. * {{do | name=Bethlehem Municipal Golf Club | url=http://www.bethlehemgc.com/ | email= | address=400 Illick's Mill Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-7079 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Public golf course within the city. For those looking for just a round on the links on the cheap, the city course will do the trick. Also see Saucon Valley Country Club below. }} * {{do | name=Bethlehem Skateplaza | alt= | url=https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Recreation/Recreation-Activities/Skate-Plaza | email= | address=1325 Steel Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A 750-ft-long skateplaza offers BMX riders and skateboarders a safe place to ride across from Wind Creek Resort. }} * {{do | name=Dutch Springs | alt= | url=http://www.dutchsprings.com | email= | address=4733 Hanoverville Rd | lat=40.6845 | long=-75.3556 | directions= | phone=+1 610 759-2270 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5317389 | content=Dutch Springs is an water/adventure park located on a 50-acre lake. It offers scuba diving, an Aqua Park filled with large inflatable objects, and rock climbing. There are campgrounds on-site and they host picnics and parties. }} * {{do | name=Illick's Mill Park | alt= | url=https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Recreation/Rental-Facilities/Illicks-Mill | email= | address=100 Illick's Mill Rd | lat=40.641667 | long=-75.380833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5999179 | content=One of Bethlehem's city parks, Illick's Mill Park offers ice skating (seasonal), pool (seasonal), the Bethlehem Municipal Golf Club (see above), a driving range, baseball fields, and a nature trail that runs along the Monocacy Creek. }} * {{do | name=Local high school athletics | alt= | url=https://epc18.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free-$2 | wikidata=Q17155916 | content=Bethlehem's three largest high schools, Bethlehem Catholic, Freedom, and Liberty, all participate in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which includes the 18 largest high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] and is often ranked as one of the best in the state and nation. In 2008, Liberty High School won Pennsylvania's Division AAAA state championship in football. Although Liberty won in 2008, Freedom Football and Freedom Family have raised some of the biggest football stars, including Joe Young and Dwyane Johnson, and have beat Liberty for many years in a row. In addition to football, Bethlehem's girls and boys basketball and wrestling events are also very highly attended. All three of Bethlehem's high schools play their home football games at Frank Banko Field at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium, one of the largest high school stadiums in the state, located at 1115 Linden St. }} * {{do | name=Rose Garden Park | alt= | url=https://www.visitpa.com/region/lehigh-valley/rose-garden-park | email= | address=8th Ave. & Union Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Rose Garden Park is on 8th Ave and offers playgrounds, a bandshell where the Music in the Park concerts are held, and the DAR House, a replica of the first log cabin built in Bethlehem. }} * {{do | name=Sand Island Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=River & Main Sts | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Sand Island Park is along the Lehigh River and offers playgrounds, hiking trails, basketball and tennis courts, and plenty of room for fishing. }} * {{do | name=Wind Creek Bethlehem | alt=formerly Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem | url=https://www.windcreekbethlehem.com/ | email= | address=77 Sands Blvd | lat=40.6148 | long=-75.3591 | directions= | phone=+1 484 777-7777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7416891 | content=A casino (established 2009) with 3,000 slot machines, 89 tables, a 300-room hotel (May 2011) and 200,000 square feet of retail space on the formerly-industrial South Side. Part of a larger complex which includes the Museum of Industrial History (opened mid-2016) and which, when completed, will have over 40 stores at The Shoppes at Sands, 6 restaurants, 2 night clubs, a cineplex, 46,000 square feet of convention space, 18 meeting rooms and a concert hall. }} * {{do | name=Saucon Valley Country Club | alt= | url=http://www.sauconvalleycc.org | email= | address=2050 Saucon Valley Rd | lat=40.5537 | long=-75.3771 | directions= | phone=+1 610 758-7150 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7427027 | content=Saucon Valley Country Club is a world-class golf course just south of the city. The club's courses have been named among the best in the state, and the Old Course played host to the 2009 U.S. Women's Open. Inquire within for information on tee times and greens fees. }} * {{do | name=Steel Ice Center | url=http://www.steelicecenter.com | email= | address=320 E. 1st St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 625-4774 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$3-6 | content=The Steel Ice Center houses daily public indoor ice skating on the South Side, along with open hockey sessions. }} ===Events=== [[File:Weezer Bethlehem 2019 5.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.musikfest.org/ Musikfest], a 10-day music festival held annually every August in Bethlehem, is the largest free music festival in the nation, and draws over a million attendees annually]] * {{do | name=Annual Bethlehem Bach Festival | url=http://bach.org/ | email= | address=Lehigh University | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-743-3100 | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Takes place during the first weekends in May. }} * {{do | name=Bethlehem Restaurant Week | url=http://bethlehemrestaurantweek.com/ | email= | address=Downtown Bethlehem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-5831 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=January 31 through February 6. }} * {{do | name=Blueberry Festival | url=http://www.historicbethlehem.org/index.cfm?organization_id=127&section_id=1920 | email= | address=Burnside Plantation | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 882-0450 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8 | content=The Blueberry Festival is held each July and features a classic car show and various products made from blueberries. }} * {{do | name=Celtic Classic | url=http://www.celticfest.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Celtic Classic is an annual festival in Bethlehem celebrating Celtic heritage. The festival is host to the U.S. National Highland Games and provides an environment filled with a wide variety of traditional elements. Included are traditional musicians, food vendors, clothing vendors, artists, and more. If you have a kilt, wear it. For the adventurous, taste the haggis, a traditional Scottish dish. }} * {{do | name=Christmas in July Sidewalk Sale | alt= | url=https://getdowntownbethlehem.com/christmas-in-july/ | email= | address=Historic District & South Side | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-5831 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=July 23–25, 2010. Stores feature many discounts and bargains during this three-day event. }} * {{do | name=Fireworks | url= | email= | address=Sand Island Park | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-7081 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fireworks are shot off from Sand Island Park on July 4th, the end of Musikfest, and New Year's Eve. }} * {{do | name=Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show | url=http://glvautoshow.org/ | email= | address=Stabler Center | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 758-9691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8 | content=The Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show runs from March 31-April 3, 2011. It is an annual display of over 200 vehicles. }} * {{do | name=Harvest Festival | url=http://bethlehemharvestfestival.com/ | email= | address=Downtown Bethlehem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-5831 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Takes place at the beginning of October. }} * {{do | name=Historic Bethlehem ArtWalk | url= | email= | address=Downtown Bethlehem | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-5831 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Held on the last Saturday of the month, May–August. Local artists and musicians line the sidewalks during each ArtWalk. }} * {{do | name=Historic Haunts of Downtown Bethlehem | url=http://www.moravianbookshop.com | email= | address=428 Main St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-5461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Held Saturdays and Sundays in October. Hour-long ghostly walking tour. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival | alt= | url=http://lehighvalleyfoodandwine.com/ | email= | address=77 Sands Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-726-3777 | hours= | price= | content=Held in June. }} * {{do | name=Loop-a-palooza | url= | email= | address=City-wide | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 751-4979 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=September. Hop-on and off the Bethlehem Loop and enjoy refreshments and music. }} * {{do | name=Musikfest | alt= | url=http://www.musikfest.org | email= | address=Downtown Bethlehem | lat=40.6148 | long=-75.3719 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q6942665 | content=Musikfest is an annual 10-day music festival that takes place in the beginning of August. Over a million people visit the festival every year. All of the hundreds of concerts, save the headlining acts, are free of charge, and take place at various "platzes" set up around the historic district. Past performers include Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Clinton and Ludacris. The food is top-notch (if expensive) as well, with everything from fried Oreos to gyros, and there are activities for children as well. Check out the polka tent for the festival's only dance floor and the famous "Chicken Lady," a local legend. }} * {{do | name=Rooftop Beach Party | url= | email= | address=North St Parking Garage | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-5831 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tickets are $10 to get you into this party, bringing the beach to Bethlehem. }} * {{do | name=Rooftop Fancy Flea Market | url= | email= | address=North St Parking Garage | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-5831 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This flea market, in July, features many items at a small price. }} * {{do | name=Russian Days Festival | alt= | url=https://doepa.org/news_160822_9 | email= | address=980 Bridle Path Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-0402 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Celebrated at the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, this festival includes Russian food and beer, arts and crafts, and desserts. Admission is free. Held September. }} * {{do | name=SouthSide Film Festival | alt= | url=http://southsidefilmfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat=40.611733 | long=-75.377599 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7565323 | content= }}The South Side Film Festival started in 2004, and takes place every June. Films of all genres are accepted from any type of filmmaker. The film screenings are at several venues on the Lehigh University campus. * {{do | name=St. Nicholas Fall Greek Food Festival | url= | email= | address=1607 W. Union Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-1327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Local church festival featuring authentic Greek food. Held in September. }} ==Buy== [[File:SauconValley1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ The Promenade Shops] in nearby Center Valley]] Shopping (at least the outdoor, non-chain store variety) in Bethlehem centers on two streets; Main Street in the Historic District and 3rd Street on the South Side. Expect a fair share of mom-and-pop stores and art galleries. If you're just looking for a mall, Bethlehem has two, the Promenade Shops and the Westgate Mall. The former is new and somewhat ritzy; the latter is dead most of the time. * {{buy | name=Apotheca Salon & Boutique | url=http://www.apothecasalon.com/ | email= | address=101 E. Third St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 484 821-1497 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 9AM-5PM; Tu-Th 9AM-8PM; F 9AM-6PM; Sa 9AM-3PM | price= | content=Features facials, waxing, a color bar and products from Somme Institute, Davines, and USpa, and other accessories. }} * {{buy | name=Christkindlmarkt | url=http://www.christmascity.org/christkindlmarkt/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th-Sa 10AM-8PM; Su 10AM-6PM | price=$8; 12 and under admitted free | content=Christkindlmarkt is a holiday market, named among the world's best, open on weekends during the Christmas season. Handmade arts and crafts are for sale, as well as German and Austrian food, a celebration of the town's heritage. }} * {{buy | name=Donegal Square | alt= | url=http://www.donegal.com | email= | address=534 Main St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-3244 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 10AM-5:30PM; F 10AM-8PM; Sa 10AM-6PM; Su 11AM-4PM | price= | content=Celtic jewelry, music, food and other Irish and British items. }} * {{buy | name=Moravian Book Shop | alt= | url=http://www.moravianbookshop.com/ | email= | address=428 Main St | lat=40.6194 | long=-75.3818 | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-5481 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 868-8330 | hours=M-W 10AM-6PM, Th-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | wikidata=Q6909335 | content=Moravian Book Shop is the oldest bookstore in the country, open since 1745. They sell mostly books, but also souvenirs and Moravian stars, which are popular during the Christmas season. }} * {{buy | name=The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | alt= | url=http://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/ | email= | address=2845 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | lat=40.5597 | long=-75.4114 | directions= | phone=+1 610 791-9707 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | image=SauconValley1.jpg | wikidata=Q7758520 | content=The Promenade Shops is an outdoor mall and "lifestyle center." The stores are located just south of Bethlehem in a wealthy suburban area. The stores cater to an upscale taste and budget, with stores such as Coldwater Creek, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers and Fresh Market. The complex also contains restaurants and a movie theater. }} * {{buy | name=Seasons Olive Oil & Vinegar Taproom | url=http://www.seasonstaproom.com/ | email= | address=504 Main St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-2615 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Carries a collection of olive oils and vinegars that you can taste before you buy. }} * {{buy | name=Westgate Mall | alt= | url=http://www.westgatemall.com | email= | address=2285 Schoenersville Rd | lat=40.6419 | long=-75.4033 | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-3333 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | wikidata=Q7988834 | content=Westgate Mall is an indoor shopping mall, hosting anchors Bon-Ton and Weis Markets. It features over 40 stores and services. It is, to put it lightly, undercrowded, and probably not worth your time. }} ==Eat== Downtown is where most of Bethlehem's most popular restaurants are located, but for the best bargains, you'll have to venture into the residential neighborhoods of the town. Generally speaking, the closer to the Historic District, the more expensive the restaurant, although you will find a few quirky cafes on Main St. Bethlehem's most popular upscale restaurants can be found on W. Broad St., known as "Restaurant Row." ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Becky's Corner Deli | url= | email= | address=3 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 317-8077 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$3-10 | content=A deli inside the Plaza Mall that has coffee, tea, and deli sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Bethlehem Book Loft & Caffeine Cafe | url= | email= | address=501 E. Fourth St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-5989 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2-6 | content=A great place on the South Side to read and drink a cup of coffee. }} * {{eat | name=Billy's Downtown Diner | url=http://www.billysdiner.com/ | email= | address=10 E. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-0105 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-15 | content=One of the best diners in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley, located in Center City. }} * {{eat | name=Black Forest Deli | url=http://bethlehemdeli.com/ | email= | address=745 7th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-3036 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$6-13 | content=Sandwiches as well as a Russian and Ukrainian menu. }} * {{eat | name=The Cup at the Bethlehem Dairy Store | url=http://www.bethlehemdairystore.com | email= | address=1430 Linden St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-8422 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2-5 | content=The Dairy Store, sometimes called "The Cup" is the hot spot for ice cream, with 80 years of history and over 25 flavors. Lines can get long in the summertime, but it's well-worth the wait. }} * {{eat | name=Carl's Corner | url= | email= | address=2 W. Elizabeth Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-1541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10:30AM-9PM | price= | content=Located down the street from Moravian College's football field, steak sandwiches and subs offer an inexpensive postgame (or anytime) meal. }} * {{eat | name=Carlos's Spanish & American Food | url= | email= | address=515 Keystone Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 317-0677 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 9AM-6PM | price= | content=Carlos's features Puerto Rican cuisine at a budget price. Located on the West Side, 2 blocks from Allentown. }} * {{eat | name=Darto's Restaurant | url= | email= | address=46 W. North St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-5005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-10 | content=Simple breakfasts and lunches. Limited seating. }} * {{eat | name=Deja Brew | url= | email= | address=101 W. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-2739 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price=$2-8 | content=Deja Brew is Lehigh U's local coffeeshop, frequented by students and staff alike. Penn State fans, watch the football game here; the owners are die-hard fans. }} * {{eat | name=Francisco's Salvadoreño Restaurant | url= | email= | address=100 E. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-3556 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 2-8PM | price=$2-9 | content=Francisco's Salvadoreño Restaurant features Salvadoran food at a lower price. }} * {{eat | name=Fu Lai | url= | email= | address=1903 W. Broad St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-8388 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$6-9 | content=Small neighborhood Chinese restaurant with good but inexpensive eats. }} * {{eat | name=George's Light Lunch | url= | email= | address=308 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-1866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Known for steak sandwiches and cheeseburgers. }} * {{eat | name=Goosey Gander II | url=http://thegoose.com | email= | address=102. W. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-0176 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$4-6 | content=A student favorite, the Goose offers delicious subs at great prices. Make sure to look at the various "specials" posted on signs behind the counter. }} * {{eat | name=Hard Bean | url=http://www.hardbeancoffee.com/ | email= | address=201 E. Third St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 419-9833 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2-7 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Java's Brewin' | url= | email= | address=1 E. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 419-9712 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2-9 | content=Located in Center City in the newly built East Broad Building. }} * {{eat | name=The Java Mill | url= | email= | address=81 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-3901 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2-6 | content=Located in Center City, just east of Main Street. }} * {{eat | name=La Lupita | url= | email= | address=4 W. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-5733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-10PM | price=$2-9 | content=Located on the South Side near Lehigh University, this family-run Mexican restaurant is known for guacamole and tortillas. }} * {{eat | name=Lehigh Pizza | url=http://www.lehighpizza.com | email= | address=13 W. 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-1088 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$7-21 per pie | content=Lehigh Pizza is one of many Bethlehem pizzerias, but it is one of the best on the South Side. Located next to the Banana Factory. }} * {{eat | name=Mayflower Lunch | url= | email= | address=622 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-8111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-15 | content=Located on the West Side, just a few blocks west of the Downtown area. Offers breakfast and lunch in a "Brooklyn Diner" type setting. }} * {{eat | name=MachPiccu Peruvian Restaurant | url= | email= | address=1330 E. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-5838 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$3-9 | content=Located on the South Side, MachPiccu brings a piece of Peru to Bethlehem with this authentic restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Potts' Hot Dogs | url= | email= | address=114 W. Fairview St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-6644 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$1-5 | content=Potts' (pronounced "Pott-zees") is, as anyone in Bethlehem will tell you, probably the best hot dog in the Lehigh Valley. The dogs are super cheap too. }} * {{eat | name=Tasty Garden | url= | email= | address=524 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-8909 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very inexpensive Chinese cuisine. Exceptionally fresh and delicious. }} * {{eat | name=Tulum | url= | email= | address=17 W. Morton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-8300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa noon-9PM | price= | content=Tulum is good for Mexican eats on the cheap, and they also have many vegetarian options. }} * {{eat | name=Wired Gallery and Cafe | url= | email= | address=520 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 317-8010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 7AM-9PM, F 7AM-11PM, Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 9AM-6PM | price= | content=Cafe featuring drinks an desserts. }} * {{eat | name=The Wise Bean Coffee & Espresso Bar | url=http://www.wisebean.com | email= | address=634 N. New St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-5010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$1-6 | content=The Wise Bean is a very relaxed coffeehouse downtown. It's a great place to get some work done; they'll even pop in your favorite CD if you ask. }} * {{eat | name=Vegan Treats | alt= | url=http://www.vegantreats.com/ | email= | address=1444 Linden St | lat=40.633488 | long=-75.368710 | directions= | phone=+1 610 861-7660 | tollfree=+1 610 861-7660 | fax= | hours=10AM - 9PM | price=$4-10 | lastedit=2018-02-03 | content=Bakery offering 100% vegan fare. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Alando | url=http://alandoscuisine.com | email= | address=520 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 317-2009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, noon-8PM | price=$10-19 | content=Alando features Kenyan cuisine. Also offers catering. }} * {{eat | name=Anna Bella Ristorante | url=http://www.annabellaristorante.com | email= | address=4505 Bath Pike | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 317-8405 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$13-23 | content=Anna Bella's has some pretty darned good Italian food on the outskirts of town. The pizzas are recommended, and they do takeout too. }} * {{eat | name=Old Belmont Inne | alt= | url= | email= | address=3750 Old Philadelphia Pike | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-0140 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$15-25 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Bethlehem Brew Works | url=http://www.thebrewworks.com/bethlehem-brew-works/ | email= | address=569 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 882-1300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-2AM | price=$9-20 | content=The Brew Works is an industrial-themed restaurant with its own microbrewery on site. Serves standard American fare, but with a German influence, such as Wiener schnitzel and sauerkraut. }} * {{eat | name=Cactus Blue | url=http://cactusblue.biz/ | email= | address=2915 Schoenersville Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 814-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM, closed Sunday | price=$9-15 | content=Cactus Blue has been voted as one of the best Mexican restaurants in the Lehigh Valley. }} * {{eat | name=Confetti Cafe | url=http://www.confetticafe.net | email= | address=462 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 861-7484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$7-15 | content=Confetti Cafe is a traditional cafe featuring soups, lunch and dinner entrees, and 28 flavors of ice cream. }} * {{eat | name=Europa Barbeque | url= | email= | address=954 Pembroke Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 814-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-9PM | price=$7-14 | content=Europa Barbeque features Portuguese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=The Greek Isles Cafe Restaurant | url= | email= | address=1267 Birchwood Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-5562 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-11PM | price=$9-20 | content=The Greek Isles Cafe has an extensive all-Greek menu. }} * {{eat | name=Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet | url=http://www.hibachigrillbuffetpa.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=3811 Nazareth Pike | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 419-8388 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$10 | content=Fantastic buffet and hibachi at an inexpensive price. }} * {{eat | name=The Melting Pot | url=http://www.meltingpot.com | email=mpbethlehem@gmail.com | address=1 E. Broad St. Suite 100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 484 241-4939 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-10PM, F 5-11PM, Sa 4-11PM, Su 4-9PM | price= | content=Popular chain of fondue restaurants. }} * {{eat | name=Nawab Indian Restaurant | url= | email= | address=13 E. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-0388 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-7:30PM | price=$9-15 | content=Nawab is one of only a handful of local Indian restaurants. Eat in at the buffet, or takeout if you prefer. }} * {{eat | name=Petra Mediterranean | url= | email= | address=81 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-3901 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Features moderately prices Mediterranean cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Starter's Pub & Grille | url=http://www.starterspub.com {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=3731 Route 378 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 997-5454 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-25 | content=Starter's original location on route 378, just over the South Mountain. Offering sports bar atmosphere and pub fare. Also has another location at the Bethlehem Golf Club. }} * {{eat | name=The Vineyard Restaurant | url=http://www.thevineyardrestaurant.net | email= | address=605 Fiot St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-2441 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Italian restaurant. Don't let limited parking, limited seating, and a not-so-pretty neighborhood fool you; the food here is worth it. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Apollo Grill | url=http://www.apollogrill.com | email= | address=85 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-9600 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 865-9800 | hours=11AM-10PM | price=$20-40 | content=The Apollo Grill has been consistently rated as one of the Lehigh Valley's top restaurants. They serve contemporary American cuisine, and reservations are recommended. }} * {{eat | name=blue Grillhouse | url=http://www.bluegrillhouse.com | email= | address=4431 Easton Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-8400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-midnight, Sa 4PM-midnight, Su noon-9PM | price=$20-30 | content=blue Grillhouse is an upscale-casual restaurant with an extensive wine bar, serving steaks and seafood. Located outside of Bethlehem in neighboring Bethlehem Township, it is a 15-minute drive from city center which will lead you to its strip-mall location. Don't be fooled by the surroundings; it is one of the best. Patio seating available. }} * {{eat | name=Edge | url=http://www.edgerestaurant.net | email= | address=74 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 814-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa opening at 5PM, bar opens at 4PM | price=$26-30 | content=Asian fusion is what's on the menu at Edge, a great place for a swanky dinner date. Or, grab a martini at the lounge. Located inside the Liberty Place building at Broad and Main Streets. }} * {{eat | name=Emeril's Chop House | alt= | url=https://www.pasands.com/dining/emerils-chop-house.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=77 Sands Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 484 777-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 6-10PM | price=$26-40 | content=Emeril Lagasse's first restaurant in the Northeast features steaks, seafood, and signature appetizers and sides. Despite all the glitz and the big name, the food isn't exactly worth all you pay for it. Take note, if you are under 21 you will be escorted to the restaurant and from the restaurant by security, since the restaurant is located inside the Sands Casino Resort. }} * {{eat | name=Shula's Steak House | url=http://www.donshula.com/locations.php?l=1&restid=172 | email= | address=2960 Center Valley Pkwy. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 841-5600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 4-11PM, Lunch Sundays 11:30AM-4PM. | price=$27-35 | content=Don Shula's famous steakhouse is located at the Promenade Shops. Great for beef and football lovers, but otherwise a "pay-for-the-name" sort of place. }} * {{eat | name=Starfish Brasserie | url=http://www.starfishbrasserie.com | email= | address=51 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 332-8888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5-9:30PM, F Sa 5-10PM, Su 5-8PM | price=$21-30 | content=Starfish serves up seafood like no other spot in the Valley, as evidenced by its many local awards. }} ==Drink== If you're new to Pennsylvania, you will learn that there is always a place to drink, no matter where you are. There are many more bars than those listed here. With thousands of college students attending Lehigh University, Moravian College, and Northampton Community College, Bethlehem has its fair share of bars. Most are located on the South Side (close to the school) on 3rd and 4th Sts. You can find places to have a drink downtown too, but these cater more towards a more touristy, older crowd. The Historic District, particularly Main St., is well-preserved and clean, and the city government prefers to keep it that way; head to the South Side for a more uptempo scene, and stick to downtown for a more relaxed atmosphere. * {{drink | name=Beef Baron | url=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063819452482 | email= | address=2366 Catasauqua Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-8995 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Simple bar known for their roast beef sandwiches. }} * {{drink | name=Essence Hookah Lounge | url=https://essencehookahlounge.com/ | email= | address=203 E. 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 882-3888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Funhouse Pub | url=http://www.thefunhousepub.com/home.html | email= | address=5 E. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-5311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For the best local bands, The Funhouse Pub is the place to go. Located a block down from Lehigh University. }} * {{drink | name=Godfrey Daniels | url=http://www.godfreydaniels.org | email= | address=7 E. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-2390 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Godfrey Daniels is a non-profit, member-supported listening club on the south side. The acts focus on folk, but jazz, early rock-and-roll, and blues are also sometimes offered. }} * {{drink | name=The Happy Tap | alt= | url=https://bethlehempa.org/listing/the-happy-tap-bar/ | email= | address=601 E. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-2790 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Ironic name, located in one of the worst areas of the city. }} * {{drink | name=Keystone Pub | url=http://www.keystonepub.com/ | email= | address=3259 Easton Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 814-0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-2AM | price= | content=A pub remodeled from a historic inn. Monday night is Wing Night, featuring 40 cent wings. Good bar food. Great place for a drink. }} * {{drink | name=Looper's Bar and Grille | url= | email= | address=313 E. 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 882-2424 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-10 | content=Looper's is a golf-themed, business casual upscale bar with cigar and wine bars, and over 150 martinis available. }} * {{drink | name=New Street Pub | url= | email= | address=728 N New St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-9733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Old Brewery Tavern | url= | email= | address=138 W Union Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 691-9406 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you are looking for a dive, this is definitely the place. }} * {{drink | name=Pacino's Cigar Bar | url=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pacinos-Cigar-Bar/140378479331460?sk=info | email= | address=515 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-1100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Su 7AM-midnight, Tu-Sa 7AM-2AM | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Ripper's Pub | url= | email= | address=77 W. Broad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-6466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-2AM | price=Average drink: $2 | content=If you're just looking for a hole-in-the-wall to grab a beer near Main St., Ripper's is probably your best bet. }} * {{drink | name=Roosevelt's 21st | url=http://www.roosevelts21st.com/ | email= | address=21 E Elizabeth Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-1950 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Sands Casino Resort | url=http://www.pasands.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=77 Sands Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 484 777-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Sands features the '''Molten Lounge''', '''St. James Gate''', '''Coil''', and '''Infusion'''. }} * {{drink | name=Steelgaarden | url= | email= | address=569 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$4-16 | content=Steelgaarden is a lounge located inside the Bethlehem Brew Works, with a large drink menu and six beers brewed onsite. }} * {{drink | name=Sultana Hookah Lounge | url= | email= | address=3 E. 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extensive hookah tobacco flavors. }} * {{drink | name=Tally-Ho Tavern | url=https://www.tallyho610.com/| email= | address=205 W. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-2591 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$9-15 | content=The Tally-Ho's motto is "We try to be all things to all people," and they cater to locals, Lehigh students, and everyone else at this charming pub. While anyone is admitted at the Tally-Ho, this place is best if you are drinking shots. Lots of them. }} * {{drink | name=Your Welcome Inn | url= | email= | address=325 S. New St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-8887 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Your Welcome Inn is the local scene/dive bar, close to downtown. }} ==Sleep== A number of hotels are located on Airport Road near LVIA and the immediate areas surrounding it. Most hotels are located on the outskirts of town along Route 22. If you're going downtown figure about a 10-15 minute drive, cab, or bus ride. For those who would prefer to stay downtown, the Comfort Suites on the SouthSide of downtown Bethlehem and the Hotel Bethlehem on the North side are your two options; the locations are great and are some of the best places to stay in the entire city. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Golden View Motel | url= | email= | address=5090 Bath Pike | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 837-6300 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$80 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Best Western Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center | url=http://www.lehighvalleyhotel.com/ | email= | address=300 Gateway Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-5800 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 867-9120 | price=$99 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Bethlehem Inn | alt= | url=http://www.thebethleheminn.com/ | email= | address=476 N. New St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-4985 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 974-8019 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=$99-175 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-bethlehem-pennsylvania-PA400 | email= | address=3191 Highfield Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-6300 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 861-5074 | price=$90 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Suites | url=http://www.comfortsuitesbethlehem.com | email= | address=120 W. 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 882-9700 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 882-4389 | price=$129 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content= }} The Comfort Suites is one of the few hotels on the South Side, and it is located close to Lehigh University. * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Marriott Allentown Bethlehem/Route 22 | url=https://www.marriott.com/ABECY | email= | address=2160 Motel Drive, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 317-6200 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$132-169 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Courtyard Marriott Bethlehem/I-78 | url=http://www.bethlehemcourtyard.com | email=bethleheminfo@bethlehemcourtyard.com | address=2220 Emrick Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 625-9500 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$140-190 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Courtyard by Marriott Bethlehem Lehigh Valley / I-78 is a hotel in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with deluxe lodging and suites, indoor swimming pool, wireless Internet access and meeting space. Located at the Route 33 and Freemansburg Ave. interchange, close to Interstate 78. }} * {{sleep | name=Extended StayAmerica | url=http://www.extendedstayamerica.com | email= | address=3050 Schoenersville Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 866-8480 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$119 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} Extended StayAmerica is located close to the Lehigh Valley International Airport. * {{sleep | name=Fairfield Inn & Suites | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/abefi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-allentown-bethlehem-route-22/ | email= | address=2140 Motel Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 865-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$119 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Fifth Street Hotel | url= | email= | address=716 E. 5th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-8681 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 758-9000 | price=$109 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hampton Inn & Suites | url=http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=BLMPAHX | email= | address=200 Gateway Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 868-2442 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$99-159 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express and Suites Bethlehem | alt=hiesales3375@aol.com | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/blmrt?_requestid=332928 | email= | address=3375 High Point Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 882-2255 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 882-1381 | price= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Opened in 2007, this hotel is one mile from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE). Complimentary airport shuttle available. Hotel features an adjacent restaurant and lounge. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express and Suites | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com | email= | address=2201 Cherry Ln | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 838-6110 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$110 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | url=http://www.bethlehemairport.homewoodsuites.com | email= | address=2031 Avenue C | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 264-7500 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$110 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Residence Inn by Marriott Allentown Bethlehem/Route 22 | url=https://www.marriott.com/ABERI | email= | address=2180 Motel Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 317-2662 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$167 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Value Place | url=http://www.valueplace.com/extended-stay-hotels/locations/location-search/# | email= | address=4016 Christian Spring Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Located just off the 22/191 interchange. }} * {{sleep | name=Wydnor Hall Inn | url=http://www.bedandbreakfast.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 867-6851 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$75-150 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bethlehem | alt= | url=http://www.hotelbethlehem.com/ | email=info@hotelbethlehem.com | address=437 Main St | lat=40.620147 | long=-75.382329 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-607-2384 | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$169 | wikidata=Q96381270 | lastedit=2018-02-03 | content=Hotel Bethlehem is downtown Bethlehem's largest hotel. Its prime location means it fills up quickly in the wintertime, so book well in advance. }} * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Place Bethlehem | alt= | url=http://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/pennsylvania/hyatt-place-bethlehem/abezb | email= | address=45 W North St | lat=40.623171 | long=-75.379999 | directions= | phone=+1 610 625-0500 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 625-0503 | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140+ | lastedit=2018-02-03 | content=Hyatt Place is a new addition to Downtown Bethlehem. It is located only 2 blocks from Main Street, at the corner of North and Guetter Streets. }} * {{sleep | name=The Sayre Mansion | url=http://www.sayremansion.com | email= | address=250 Wyandotte St | lat=40.612170 | long=-75.384493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-345-9019 | fax= | price=$160 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | lastedit=2018-02-03 | content=The Sayre Mansion is a quaint former mansion that has been refurbished into a 21-room bed-and-breakfast in the city's Fountain Hill section. Meals are included in the room rates. }} ==Stay safe== Bethlehem by most accounts is relatively safe for a city of its size. Most visitors to the downtown areas or the Sands Casino won't encounter any sort of crime or danger. Some areas of the Southside off of 3rd St. can be sketchy at night, and Lehigh students have a notorious reputation for drinking, so be wary of visiting at night if you'd rather not deal with inebriated college kids. The same type of drunken misconduct can also break out late at night during Musikfest as patrons make more trips to the beer tent, and it occasionally results in scuffles on and around Main St. (which gets extremely crowded around at closing). If you use common sense and don't stray from the main attractions you should have no problems, and Bethlehem is far safer than neighboring Allentown or Easton. ==Connect== * Seasonal greeting cards may be sent with a "Bethlehem" postmark, one of about a hundred US towns with Christmas or holiday-themed names (others include places like "Antler", "St. Mary" and "North Pole"). Holiday wellwishers outside the Bethlehem community can get the postmark by affixing postage to individual cards and then placing them all in a larger stamped envelope addressed to “Christmas Re-Mailing, Bethlehem, PA 18016". The cards must arrive in Bethlehem by December 15 to be postmarked and get to their destinations before Christmas. ==Go next== Bethlehem's central location in the [[Lehigh Valley]] make it a good starting point for exploring the region and visiting other cities in the U.S. Northeast. ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]], {{convert|7|mi|km}} *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|22|mi|km}} *[[Easton]], {{convert|12|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|11|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|9|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|14|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|21|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall]], {{convert|12|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|11|mi|km}} ===Regional locations=== * [[Atlantic City]], a popular seaside resort known for its beaches and casinos, 120 miles south of Bethlehem. * [[Harrisburg]], the state's capital, 85 miles west. * [[New York City]], the largest city in the United States, 80 miles to the east. * [[Philadelphia]], the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth-largest in the United States, 50 miles to the south. * [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|The Poconos]], skiing and snowboarding resorts in Eastern Pennsylvania, mostly 60-90 minutes north of Bethlehem by car. Outlet mall, casinos, waterpark in summer. * [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]], 40 miles to the southwest. * [[Scranton]], 70 miles to the north. {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Allentown]] | minorl1=[[Hellertown]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] }} {{Guidecity}} {{geo|40.626111|-75.375556}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} ll0sck3n9t61mn5lo49kwd9fmxsy6rs 0 4287 4488039 4409197 2022-07-22T00:59:17Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Buy */ Updated listing for Agência de Turismo - previous location closed wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|S-amer africa default banner.jpg|pgname=Bonito}} '''Bonito''' is a city nestled on the Pantanal region of [[Mato Grosso do Sul]], [[Brazil]]. The city is of little note, but the surrounding region is known for spectacular clearwater river snorkeling, overall natural beauty and lush fauna & flora, and it is often regarded as a model case of sustainable tourism in Brazil. ==Understand== Rich in calcium carbonate, which sticks to floating particles and makes them sink, the river waters of Bonito are crystal clear, often regarded as natural aquariums. ===Climate=== The region has two main seasons: dry and wet. The wet season goes from December to March and sees lush green vegetation, high rivers, abundant flow on the waterfalls, and plenty of food for wild animals. However, rain makes the river water murky and there are less fish on the rivers due to their yearly migration known locally as ''piracema''. Intense rain might close attraction sites and make roads difficult to pass. Also, this period coincides with the local summer and temperatures easily reach 35°C. From late December to early February the sun shines directly inside the Gruta Azul, making for a postcard-grade spectacular sight. The dry season lasts from May to August and sees the crystal-clear river waters that made Bonito famous. Temperatures drop to milder figures, with warm days and fresh nights. However, waterfalls are not as exuberant and haze from nearby farms might be a passing issue. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} * {{listing | type=go | name=Bonito Airport | alt={{IATA|BYO}} | url=http://dixempreendimentos.com.br/ | email= | address= | lat=-21.229444 | long=-56.456111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Bonito Airport | wikidata=Q3813415 | content=[https://www.latam.com/ LATAM] and Azul airlines serve the local airport, but there are only a handful of flights available every week. }} The airport in Campo Grande ({{IATA|CGR}}), some 300 km away, might be a more affordable connection. From [[Campo Grande]], bus company Cruzeiro do Sul runs four services a day, departing the bus station at 08:00, 09:00, 13:00 and 16:00 (no 08:00 bus on Sunday). The trip lasts about 5 hours, R$65. It's usually possible to organize a Campo Grande airport pickup through your accommodation, as the service is available even on the hostels. From [[Foz do Iguaçu]], in the past it was possible to take a bus to Dourados (2 buses a day, 10 hr) and then continue onwards to Bonito (2 buses a day, 6 hr), but the service on the first leg apparently was discontinued. The same can be achieved using a shortcut through Paraguay, leaving from [[Ciudad del Este]] to [[Pedro Juan Caballero]], and then from Ponta Porã to Bonito. From [[Corumbá]], there's a daily bus at 14:30 operated by Cruzeiro do Sul. Apart from buses, 15-seater-vans (e.g. by vanzellatransportes) operate between the Pantanal (e.g. Passo de Lontro), Bonito and Campo Grande (e.g. R$ 100 for the trip Buraco de Piranhas - Bonito). ==Fees and permits== Most of the attractions in and around Bonito are in private land. The entry fees and maximum number of daily visitors are set yearly by local governing bodies, and there are two types of prices: low- and high-season. The [http://www.turismo.bonito.ms.gov.br/bonito/calendario-at-bt table of high season dates] is published yearly, but in short it corresponds to the main Brazilian holidays, of which the most notable are: * Summer school holidays: late December & January * Carnival * Holy Week * Winter school holidays: July All the entry tickets must be purchased through a licensed travel agency, which are linked to the main governmental system. There are reports this system goes off for the night, which makes last minute arrangements a challenge. You need a permit to fish in the Pantanal region. The paperwork can be arranged with help of your hotel, and the fee should be paid at the local Banco do Brasil branch. ==Get around== The town is small and walkable. However, most attractions are out in the countryside, usually accessible only by dirt roads. Travel agencies operate shuttle services to the attractions, but sometimes the transport fee costs as much as the entry ticket. Consider renting a car if you're not traveling alone. Otherwise, moto-taxis are available to most destinations. ==See== *{{listing | type=see | name=Gruta do Lago Azul | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-21.1447 | long=-56.5915 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=R$36 + transport | wikidata=Q22687920 | content=A big cave ({{m|100}} deep) with a lake at the bottom of an incredible blue colour. Approximately {{km|20}} from the city. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Sucuri River | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-08-13 | content=Similar to Rio da Prata; more beautiful landscape, less fish }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Buraco de Araras | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-08-13 | content=huge sinkhole (diameter 500 m) with some 60-70 pairs of macaws populating the sinkhole; one can also observe armadillos, anteaters and falcons. }} ==Do== There are nice places to do snorkeling, explore caves, ride horses, and hike. While transportation and a guide is not always necessary, those wishing to use a guide should know that not all guides speak English, or in some cases, Spanish. *{{do | name=Rio da Prata | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=R$140 | content=Snorkel in the "Silver River". Amazing underwater landscapes and fishes. }} *{{do | name=Rio Formoso | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{listing | type=do | name=Balneário Municipal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-21.147 | long=-56.459 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=R$40 | content=Rent bikes in the town center and go with the locals to sunbathe, play volleyball and swim in a river with a lot of fish. }} ==Buy== The central area of Bonito offers supermarkets, pharmacies and stores with articles for adventure sports. * {{buy | name=Agência de Turismo | alt=Viva Bonito | url=https://www.vivabonito.com.br | email= | address=Rua Antonio Ale 2471, sala 01, Jardim Andrea, Bonito | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 32553898 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Tourist agency, provides information and organises tours. }} ==Eat== There are several places in the town centre for eating at reasonable prices. You also can try out local game such as jacaré (cayman) and fish from the local rivers. ==Drink== The central area of Bonito has some nice places to relax and have a cold beer or some fresh natural juices. A recommended spot is the "Taboa" bar, in the main street, famous for its cachaça and creative drinks made out of cachaça mixed with local fruits. ==Sleep== Bonito is a popular destination inside Brazil, and it can be difficult to find rooms during Brazilian holidays. It is recommended to book your accommodation as soon as you are sure to go, especially if your stay includes a weekend. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Eco Pousada Villa Verde | alt= | url=http://www.pousadavillaverde.com.br | email=reservas@pousadavillaverde.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-1818 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Saida para Bodoquena, ''MS-178''. Double rooms: R$70/90 }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Pousada Calliandra | alt= | url=http://www.calliandra.com.br | email=calliandra@calliandra.com.br | address=Rua 29 de Maio, 799 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-1139 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Centro. Double rooms: R$62-100 }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Rio Formosa | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=next to the balneario municipal | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=R$10 per person | checkin= | checkout= | content= Behind the camping there is a small track of 200 meters to the Rio Formosa, where you can snorkel if you have your own equipment, or just take a bath next to the gorgeous waterfall in the crystal clear water. }} *{{sleep | name=HI Bonito | url=http://www.bonitohostel.com.br/ | email= | address=Rua Lúcio Borralho, 716 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=R$30 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice hostel, you can prepare most of your excursions from here. }} * {{sleep | name=Eco Pousada Villa Verde | url=http://www.pousadavillaverde.com.br | email=reservas@pousadavillaverde.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-1818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Australian/Brazilian owners - English speaking. Tour agency in the Pousada to book your tours and transport around Bonito. }} * {{sleep | name=Jubaia Lodge | url=http://www.pousadajubaia.com.br | email=reservas@pousadajubaia.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Muito Bonito Lodge | alt= | url=https://www.pousadamuitobonito.com.br/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-1645 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=R$45 | content=Very nice lodge, with friendly atmosphere, close to the city center. The lodge is built around a court yard, where breakfast is offered. They are also very helpful when organizing transportation. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Pousada Surucua | alt= | url=http://www.pousadasurucua.com.br | email=reservas@pousadasurucua.com.br | address= Rua Bongiovani, 860 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-2337 | tollfree= | fax= | price=Double rooms: R$280/325 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Pousada Bonsai | alt= | url=http://www.hotelbonsai.com.br | email=passeios@hotelbonsai.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Double rooms: R$100/125 }} * {{sleep | name=Wetiga Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.wetigahotel.com.br | email=reservas@wetigahotel.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-1699 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rua Cel. Pilad Rebuá, 679 Vila Donária. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Pirá Miúna | alt= | url=http://www.piramiunahotel.com.br | email=piramiunahotel@terra.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-1058 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Pousada Rancho Jarinu | alt= | url=http://www.pousadaranchojarinu.com.br | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 3255-2094 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= r. 24 de Fevereiro- 1985, Centro. }} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hotel Lago Azul|phone=+55 67 255-1502}} * {{sleep | name=Resort Hotel Zagaia | alt= | url= | email=reservas@zagaia.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 2551280, +55 67 255-1290 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rodovia Bonito/Três Morros Km 0 Cx. Pos. 36. }} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hotel Fazenda Cachoeira|address=|phone=+55 67 255-1213}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Pousada do Grilo|address=Rua Luís da Costa Leite, 2457|phone=+55 67 255-1174}} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Pousada do Estudante|address=R. Luís da Costa Leite, Nº 2.100 - Centro|phone=+55 67 255-1822}} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Tapera | alt= | url= | email=taperahotel@zaz.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 255-1700 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rod. Bonito/Guia Lopes da Laguna, Km 01. }} * {{listing|type=sleep|name=Hotel Paraíso Das Águas|address=Av. Cel. Pílad Rebuá, Nº 1.884|phone=+55 67 255-1296}} * {{sleep | name=Pousada Olho D'água | alt= | url= | email=bonito@pousadaolhodagua.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 255-1430 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rodovia Bonito/Três Morros Km 01. }} * {{sleep | name=Cabana do Pescador | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rua Bahia, 1462 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 241-2407 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Anastácio (correspondência) - Vila Flôr - Rodovia Anastácio/Bonito Km 53. }} * {{sleep | name=Gemila Palace Hotel | alt= | url= | email=gemila@zaz.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 255-1421 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rua Luiz da Costa Leite, 2085 - Centro. }} * {{sleep | name=Pousada Bonsai | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rua 15 de Novembro, 564 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 255-1814 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Centro. }} * {{sleep | name=Pousada Segredo | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rua 24 de Fevereiro, 2079 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 255-1872 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Centro. }} * {{sleep | name=Marruá Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rua Joana Sorta, 1173 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 255-1040 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Vila Donária. }} * {{sleep | name=Água Azul Pousada Hotel | alt= | url= | email=aguaazulpousada@zaz.com.br | address=Rua Santana do Paraíso, 554 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 255-1261 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Centro, R$80 and R$55 }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Fazenda Cachoeira | alt= | url=http://hotel-fazenda-cachoeira-bonito.brasilvive.com/ | email=alaor.vilela@zipmail.com.br | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+55 67 341-4753, +55 67 9957-4655 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== *[[Campo Grande]] *[[Corumbá]] *[[Dourados]] *[[Foz do Iguaçu]] - possible connection through Paraguay: from Bonito to Ponta Porã/[[Pedro Juan Caballero]] (5 hr), and onward to [[Ciudad del Este]] (6 hr), from where one can take a city bus to either the Brazilian or the Argentinian sides of the falls {{IsPartOf|Mato Grosso do Sul}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|-21.1208|-56.4819}} hynivi7a5xefqj9fu56ljht19qz7b53 0 4309 4488045 4438240 2022-07-22T01:41:56Z Sgroey 2240936 update dead links, removed closed locations wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Boquete (Panama) banner Hummingbird feeding.jpg|caption=A Green Violet-ear at Finca Lerida}} '''Boquete''' is a cozy mountain town in Chiriqui province, in the [[Pacific West]] of [[Panama]]. It is famous for its coffee planations and the world famous '''geisha coffee'''&mdash;so wake up and smell the coffee! ==Understand== For some information, there is the '''[http://www.atp.gob.pa/ Official Authority of Tourism, Panama (ATP)]''' located a few minutes drive up the road back towards David, next to the Kotowa Coffee Shop, not in downtown Boquete. They have a small museum including some old photos of Boquete, as well as a beautiful view of the valley of Boquete. The main features of Boquete include: * A year-round temperature in the low seventies Fahrenheit / mid twenties in Celsius. * A significant North American expat community and tourist destination, which brings with it a wide range of amenities from which to choose, ranging from hostels to luxury, health spas, reliable infrastructure, with English very widely spoken. * Fresh mountain air. * A small town, with a small town atmosphere, surrounded by relatively untouched natural beauty. * The ability, if you choose to venture away from the town, to visit rural, traditional Panama. * An abundance of outdoor activities, including zip lining, bird watching, rafting (certain times of year), hiking, and limited golf. * World famous coffee plantations. Up until the early 2000s, Boquete was a sleepy, almost completely unknown and unremarkable agriculture-based mountain village with almost zero tourism and very few people living in the area whose families hadn’t been there for generations. That changed with a series of events starting with the creation of Valle Escondido, a large residential development aimed at expats. Right around the same time, several magazines devoted to people considering becoming expats began to flourish, with one of the most popular very regularly touting Boquete as “the land of eternal springtime”. As a result of the publicity and the natural beauty and temperate climate of Boquete, it became, arguably, the best-known North American expat destination in the world, as a large expat community developed. That community now dominates the town, which, depending on what you’re looking for, could be good or bad. A most comprehensive, organized treatment of Boquete can be found in [http://bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/boquete-chiriqui-province Best Places in the World to Retire: Boquete]. Because of its temperate climate, moderate prices and relaxed living, it has also become a favorite with expats and retirees. ==Get in== ===By bus=== * From [[David (Panama)|David]]: there are regular big white and several refurbished school buses leaving roughly every 45 min until 9:45PM. Travel time is a little over 1 hr and cost is [[Panama#Money|$]]1.75 which you pay when getting off. * From [[San Jose (Costa Rica)|San Jose]] in Costa Rica: there is one morning bus leaving from the Tracopa terminal at 7:30AM ($21). It takes about 8 hours to get to David, including the Costa Rica-Panama border crossing, and arrives at the David Bus Terminal. Panama immigration officers can be strict, and tourists must often provide proof of onward ticket out of Panama, at least $500 cash or bank statements, and credit cards. From David see above. * From [[Panama City]] by bus: There are regular buses from the Albrook Bus Terminal, run by at least three companies (Panafrom, Padafront, and Terminales David); between them, there is a bus leaving about every hour. Daytime fares (as of February 2011) are $15; there are also nighttime express buses for $18.50. It is an air conditioned bus and gets very very cold. The bus makes one 30-min meal and bathroom stop in Santiago, halfway in between Panama City and David. It takes roughly eight hours to get there, as there is construction on the Pan-American Highway between Santiago and David as they are widening it to 4 lanes. Construction can sometimes delay traffic. * From [[Bocas del Toro]]: Take a boat to Almirante ($4-6), a bus from there to David ($8.45), and another bus from David to Boquete ($1.75). 5-6 hr. Many connections. Takes about 1 hr longer than the private shuttle. ===By private shuttle=== Also, from [[Bocas del Toro]] there is a twice-daily, $30-35 private shuttle (including water taxi to Almirante), 4 hr. The shuttle is way overpriced for Panama standards, and you are better off spending 1 hr more, just paying $15 and experience the real Panama. ===By plane=== * From [[Panama City]] by airplane: [http://www.flyairpanama.com/ AirPanama] has daily flights from the Albrook Domestic Airport in Panama City to the David Airport. The flight takes about 40-50 min, prices range from $100 (retired discount) to $150 each way. ==Get around== ===On foot=== Boquete is a very cosy mountain village so you won't have problems exploring the city on foot. The central plaza, in the middle of town on Main Street, is where the David-Boquete bus drops off incoming visitors and locals. ===By taxi or bus=== In the surroundings you can also use taxi (one dollar brings you quite far) or the local area vans/buses which leave from the La Bruna Super Market 200 m up the main road from the bus stop. Each local van/bus has written on the front window the areas that they cover, which are normally large loops up in the mountains in areas of Bajo Mono, Alto Quiel, Arco Iris, or Volcancito. ===By car=== But if you want to rent a car and explore the area around Boquete, a four wheel drive may be safer, because the mountain roads do get washed out. Also be aware that there are no safe shoulders and no place for pedestrians to walk but the highway, so take caution traveling at night. ===By organized tour=== There are also many tour companies that offer guided trips through the mountains to see waterfalls, coffee plantations, the cloud forest, white water rafting, and the Volcan Baru National Park. ===By scooter=== For the smell and feel of the area there are scooter rentals at $25 for 4 hr as your means of transportation. ==See== Boquete is known as the '''Valley of the Flowers'''. Nestled in the western highlands of Panama, near the border to Costa Rica, Boquete shares some of the same mountain ranges and some of the incredible wildlife and rain forests. However, because it is not as well known, and a 'road less traveled', prices are lower, and it is not as commercial. You can hike for 1/2 a day, or all day, and still have a rare chance to see the resplendent '''quetzal''', or a '''howler monkey''' in the wild. * {{listing | type=see | name=Los Ladrillos | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=8.803074 | long=-82.452330 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=A beautiful huge wall with volcanic tubes. Great for some pictures and to actually understand that you are on top of a volcano. }} ==Do== [[File:Whitewater Rafting in Boquete Panama.JPG|thumb|Whitewater Rafting in Boquete Panama]] [[Image:Horsemountaintoursboquete.JPG|thumb|Horseback Riding in the Mountains of Boquete]] * {{listing | type=do | name=White-water Rafting | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Rafting ranges from $65-90, kayak $85-100 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=The Chiriquí (Viejo) River has the best '''white-water kayaking''' and '''rafting''' in the country. Luckily for enthusiasts, the spot is relatively undiscovered, so no fighting over space here. Several rafting companies in the area offer Class II-V tours with rides ranging from 2-6 hr. The river offers continuous rapids on a jungle run with warm water. A few companies offer full day rafting excursions or (when the conditions are right) whitewater kayaking and inflatable kayaking for all levels on several rivers around Boquete. The full day trip leaves in the morning and returns in the afternoon, with lunch and drinks usually included at the river. Because of the many rivers running off the volcano, the river kayaking can be very fast, Class V. But it also has beginner level, if you are trying it for the first time. As of June 2010 there are at least 11 hydroelectric projects being planned or in the process of bring built on the Chiriqui Viejo river. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Dirtbike riding | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+507 6974-7722 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Starts at $125 for a half-day tour. | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-04-26 | content=There are great trails around boquete for enduro/dirtbike riding. The company Panama Enduro Tours offers half-day, full-day and multi-day tours. The guide is a very experienced rider and speak English natively. He will adapt the tour to your previous offroad experience with surfaces ranging from fireroads to gnarly trails. The price includes the rent of the motorcycle (Husqvarna TE 250i 2019), protective gear (helmet, boots, gloves, goggles, pants, socks, knee braces, shirt, chest, shoulder back and ellbow protectors), and hydration pack. The guide will also pick you up at your accomodation and take videos and photos at no extra cost. He also offers great advice to improve your riding. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Coffee plantation tours | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Cost for most coffee tours around town is usually $30 per person and take 2 to 4 hr | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=Panama has become synonymous with some of the best coffee in the world. It has always been a coffee producing region. Boquete is known for the excellent coffee-growing conditions. You can visit a coffee estate for a tasting and explanation of the coffee process. You can visit a single estate or a tour of multiple estates, like a wine tour. Even if you aren't an avid coffee fan, a coffee tour is a great way to understand the culture and recent history of Boquete. Many small and large coffee producers in the region offer tours, just ask around or stop while driving by. }} * {{do | name=Boquete Tree Trek | alt= | url=http://boquetetreetrek.com/tour-canopy/?lang=en | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Cost $65 pp which can be combined with a whitewater rafting trip for $99 pp for both activities | content=A zip line experience in the cloud forest with 12 lines of over 5 km in total. It is located on a coffee farm, with beautiful views of Boquete, and an adrenaline rush from soaring through the cloud forest. The office is located in the Kotowa Coffee Shop in Plaza Los Establos. }} [[Image:YellowJeepCrossingRiver.JPG|thumb|Yellow Jeep Tours crossing river on the way to the Caldera Hot Springs]] * {{listing | type=do | name=Horseback riding in the mountains | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=Horses are a way of life in Panama. It is not unusual to look out the window of your casita, and have a horse looking back. Horseback riding in Panama is mostly Western horses and Western saddles. Privately owned horses can vary from Quarter Horse to a mix of Columbian or Peruvian Paso. By breeding the two, you get a larger horse, than the traditional Paso Fino, with the smooth and lovely gait of the Paso.<br/>Most horseback riding tours are located in Caldera, 20 min drive back down toward David from Boquete. It is best for beginners up to experienced riders, and offers a nice trail ride with beautiful views of Volcan Baru. This tour is normally $35, but can usually be combined with the Caldera Hot Springs for a $55 half-day activity. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Golf | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=Take advantage of the year-round spring-like weather and golf at the two golf courses at any time of the day. Lucero Golf and Country Club and Quebrada Grande Golf Course are open to the public. }} ===Hiking=== There are many hiking trails in Boquete; some in the National Parks, and some off the beaten path. Most are accessible and easy enough to traverse without a guide. However, due to the density of some of the rainforests, staying on the designated trail is recommended, if you don’t have a guide. To increase your chance of actually seeing wildlife, birds, or Quetzal’s, hiring a guide is recommended. * {{listing | type=do | name=Boquete Viewpoint | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=8.7737884 | long=-82.4253069 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=A nice and not too long hike of 20-30 min for a good view of the town. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Pianista Trail | alt= | url=https://www.journeyera.com/el-pianista-trail-boquete/ | email= | address= | lat=8.8084802 | long=-82.4275738 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q31731439 | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=Try this uncommercial trail if you fed up with paying for even a little trail. However, you should bring a proper map and GPS not to get lost. }} The following three trails can be reached via minibus from Boquete to ''Bajo Mono'', $1.50-2.50&mdash;tourist prices, bargain if you can. * {{listing | type=do | name=The Quetzal Trail | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=8.84688 | long=-82.48866 | directions=Along the northern slopes of the volcano. From Volcan get off at the Bajo Grande junction beyond Cerro Punta. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Generally $5 on the Boquete side, but not charge consequently, maybe just during weekends | content=Hike the Quetzal Trail, so named because it is one of the homes of the rare resplendent quetzal. You can hike from Boquete to Cerro Punta (4 hr one-way gradual elevation gain), or the reverse. Most hikers will hike from Boquete to the "Mirador Las Rocas" and then return to avoid the more than 3-hr return by bus from Cerro Punta back down through David, and then back to Boquete. It is about a 4-5 hr one way hike (8 hr out and back), so it can be completed in one day. Nevertheless, it is best to go from David to Cerro Punta, and from there hike to Boquete. Otherwise from Boquete to Cerro Punta you climb from 1,800 m to 2,500 m and back to 2,100 m (the range hut at the end). Also, walking from Cerro Punta, you might be even luckier, arriving late on the Boquete side when no guard is there anymore. The trail is perhaps the most famous hiking trail in all of Panama. Visitors come from all over the world to have an opportunity to see the Resplendent Quetzal. Although the trail is easy enough to hike by yourself, unless you are an experienced birder, it is difficult to spot a Quetzal, and a guide is almost necessary in helping to locate a nest. But between December and May you might be out of luck either way. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Pipeline Trail | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=8.8300886 | long=-82.4803578 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$3 | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=A nice and huge waterfall at the end of this trail, but only worth it during wet season. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=The Lost Waterfalls Trail | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=8.84172 | long=-82.48148 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$10 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-04-24 | content=A little overpriced. }} [[Image:VolcanBaruNationalPark.JPG|thumb|Entrance Sign for the Volcan Baru National Park]] * {{do | name=Volcan Baru National Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=8.8074314 | long=-82.5409024 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5 | wikidata=Q9055968 | content=Panama's highest point, is literally the easiest place in the world to see both of the world's great oceans, on a clear day. The park is 14,325 ha in size, and Panama's highest peak at 3,475 m. The Volcano has been dormant for over 600 years; but with the bubbling Hot Springs and frequent seismic activity, it might not be entirely extinct. You can climb the Baru from the [[Boquete]] side, which is an all day event; or you can camp overnight near the ranger station, and watch the sunrise. Dress in layers, as the higher you go, temperatures will change dramatically. It's a tough climb that can be done by hiking or jeep tour. The is a camping place near the park entrance. }} **'''Jeep tour to the top of Volcan Baru'''. There are a number of companies in the Boquete area that provide jeep transport to the top of the local volcano for around $150 per adult, $75 per child. Levels of service vary, as do their commitment to the environment. It is possible to book a jeep through tour operators in town. ** '''Hiking to the top of the Volcan Baru'''. Though there are other options, but ANAM (Panama's Environmental Protection Organization) has encouraged local tour guides to recommend the more environmentally friendly method of hiking to the top of Panama's highest point. Expert guides can be found by stopping by the offices of many tour operators in town. If you prefer to go without a guide, Hola Panama Travel, located in the Mamallena Hostel has a cheap daily shuttle (minimum 3 people) to the Volcan Baru trailhead at around 11PM, so hikers can get to the top of the Volcano by the morning sunrise. The hike is around 6 hr, strenuous, one-way hike to the top up a steep dusty dirt road. Then 6 hr back down, which is challenging on the knees. The climb is very difficult because of the length and steepness of the trail.<br/>Take into consideration the dramatic change in climates as you summit and be prepared with warm clothes, food, and water. This is the only place in Panama that temperatures occasionally drop below freezing and two people have died on the top due to hypothermia. A guide is not necessary for hikers in groups as it is difficult to get lost on the road to the top, however Panama has been enforcing guided-only hikes in National Parks for the safety and prevention of lost tourists. At that time in the night no one will check or sell you a ticket. And back out, also no one will do so. Note, there is also a trail from the western side of the volcano, checkout [https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=15/8.8144/-82.5649 OpenStreetMap] (used with Osmand and MapsMe).<br/>Given the above mentioned time of transport, many people arrive two hours before sunset at the top. Considering the freezing temperature, be prepared&mdash;either walk slow, start late or bring enough warm cloths. ===Around Boquete=== Checkout the [[Pacific West|other sights around the region]], which can be reached from Boquete or David. ===Annual events=== * There are two fairs to celebrate Boquete's floral culture. The '''Festival of Flowers and Coffee''' is for 2 weeks between January 12th and the 22nd (the dates change sometimes by a few days) and the '''Expos Orchid Fair''' in March. * {{listing | name=Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival | alt= | url=http://www.boquetejazzandbluesfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+507-6519-7876 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=February | price= | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Market Stalls | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=8.77708 | long=-82.43185 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-19 | content=A fairly new covered market is right next to the central square. Not all stalls are open yet. Most of the existing stalls sell vegetables and fruits. }} * {{buy | name=Plaza Los Establos | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=8.77532 | long=-82.43294 | directions=located on main street just south of the Main Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A nice shopping area with lots of little stores to browse through. Boquete Outdoor Adventures, Kotowa Coffee Shop, Habla Ya Spanish School, and the Transport Company (to Bocas), as well as several small family shops with eclectic souvenirs and great deals are all located in the Plaza. }} * The Boquete Valley is rich with agriculture as well; strawberries, oranges, and coffee come from this region. Boquete is known as a prime coffee-growing region, with many farms exporting high-end coffee to Europe and Asia. The famous '''geisha coffee''' that was sold at auction for $130 a pound can be found growing on the rich volcanic slopes. ==Eat== This is the bread basket of the country, so the food that is served in the restaurants is very fresh, and quite varied, reflecting its early European beginning and its gaining international popularity. [http://bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com/questions-and-answers/595-how-are-the-restaurants-in-boquete-chiriqui-province] *{{eat | name=Bistro Boquete | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the main drag, several blocks up from the square on the left | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$8-13 for a meal plus tip | content= This bar and restaurant which is run by Panamanians has an excellent chef and gives great value. The tortilla soup, watercress salad, and pesto salad are nice starters (each for around $4), and the salads can be turned into a meal by adding an accompaniment of trout for less than $3. The flavors here are interesting but not overpowering. }} *{{eat | name=Fonda de la Merry | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Walk South from the town square one block--at the corner near bridge, where Duran Coffee is | phone=+507-6519-3209 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM to 7PM | price=$3 for breakfast, $4-5 for lunch | content= For a real local experience, this bright green restaurant is the place. Don't be put off by the spartan atmosphere. The warmth of the owner/server Maria, and the quick serving of excellent local food capture one's focus. The hojaldres, deep-fried pancakes, are a nice accompaniment to the vegetarian scrambled eggs, and the papaya, pineapple, and banana fruit salad is enough for two people. As a bonus, Maria speaks Spanish slowly and clearly, and cheerfully helps those who are learning. }} *{{eat | name=El Casona Mexicana | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Walk South from the town square for about 8 minutes. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-8 main | content=Very good Mexican food and large portion sizes. Various Mexican folk tunes play in the background. Good value. }} *{{eat | name=The Rock | alt= | url=http://www.therockboquete.com | email= | address=Ave. 11 de Abril Palo Alto | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+507-720-2516 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon - 9:30PM | price=from $9 |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=Wide international menu including pasta and suckling pig. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Big Daddy's Grill | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/bigdaddysboquete | email= | address=Main Street | lat= | long= | directions=1 minute walk down from Main Plaza | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su noon-9PM | price=$7.95 |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=Fresh fish tacos, buffalo wings, margaritias, organic salads. }} ==Drink== {{drink | name=Zanzibar | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This chilled bar offers live music at weekends, and is extremely popular.<br />'''La Cabaña''' Late night bar, open Fridays and Saturdays only. }} ==Sleep== There are several inexpensive hostels around and within a few blocks the central park. * '''Hostal Palacio''', right opposite the bus station and the central park. It is a bit noisy since it's right on the street, and it's important to mind your belongings. Be aware about the owners and the hostel as many tourists have had some troubles. 20 US for dorm. Across from the main plaza, but there are many much better places to stay. 8.50 US for dorm. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hostal Nomba | alt=Adventure Backpackers | url=http://www.nombapanama.com | email=ryan@miradoradventures.com | address=Primera calle oeste, arriba escuela Josefa Montero de Vazquez | lat= | long= | directions=One block north and one block west of central park | phone=+507 720-2864, +507 6497-5672 | tollfree= | checkin=1PM | checkout=11AM | price=Dorm rooms starting $8, privates starting $18 | content=Cheap, friendly micro-hostel just off the main street. Run by an extremely welcoming young couple. Poker nights, table football, and comfy hammocks in the common area. They also rent a full range of outdoor equipment for local expeditions, and organize a wide range of adventure tours in the region. WiFi, Free breakfast, backpacker bar with happy hour, two kitchens and 3 baths over just a few rooms. Adjacent is the office of [http://www.miradoradventures.com Mirador Adventures] }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hostal Gaia | alt= | url= | email= | address=Boquete | lat= | long= | directions=On main street across from Roxane´s restaurant, next to Sugar & Spice. | phone=+507 7201952 | tollfree= | checkin=noon | checkout=noon | price=from $10 |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=Here at our hostel you will find a pleasant atmosphere, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining room, WiFi, camping area, and laundry facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=Boquete Paradise | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+507-720-2278 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$60-189 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Next to a roaring mountain stream and walking out with a view of the 11,500 ft. Volcan Baru right out of your front door. Each unit has a two bedrooms suite with full kitchen, that sleeps eight people. Breakfast is served in the morning }} * {{sleep | name=Hostel Mamallena | alt= | url=http://www.mamallena.com | email= | address=Parque Central | lat=8.77621 | long=-82.43212 | directions=Right on the Central Park, 30 metres from the bus stop | phone=+507 720 1260 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This new hostel (sister to the established Mamallena in Panama City) is already extremely popular with travellers.Free breakfast, WiFi internet, lounge, patio, laundry. Also has private rooms with private bathrooms.Information and tours are available. }} * {{sleep | name=Panamonte Inn & Spa | url=http://panamonte.com | email= | address=Ave 11 de Abril, Boquete | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+507-720-1327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Famous for its gracious hospitality, charm and exquisite cuisine, The Panamonte is the true definition of a country inn: a warm and friendly place for travelers seeking a pleasurable ambiance and personalized attention, a home away from home. Located at the foot of Barú Volcano, the Panamonte is the perfect base for exploring the Chiriquí Highlands, and it is the only full-service lodging option in Boquete, offering a deluxe spa, fireside lounge, excursion planning, and a regionally renowned gourmet restaurant. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Valle Primavera | alt= | url=http://www.valleprimavera.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=8 min, walking, heading South from the central square | phone=+507 6674-5761 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout=11AM | price=$38 (inc taxes) for 1-3 person room | content=Offers bed-and-breakfast style accommodations in a tranquil atmosphere. Rooms are comfortable and include private entrance, private bathrooms with hot water, cable television and WiFi. Breakfast included. Ideal for families, though it becomes noisy around 8AM every morning, so do not expect to lie-in. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Isla Verde | url=http://www.islaverdepanama.com/ | email= | address=Calle 5a Sure | lat= | long= | directions=Behind the School Josefa Vasquez | phone=+507 720-2533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$80-100 | checkin=1PM | checkout=11AM | content=Isla Verde offers six roundhouse cabins and four suites, all fully equipped, next to the river in a tropical garden with mountain views. Walking distance to town but peaceful. On-Site massage available. }} * {{sleep | name=Bambuda castle | alt= | url=http://bambuda.net/boquete/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=The only castle in Central America is open for lodging with terrific vista views and has a hot tub. }} ==Go next== * '''[[David (Panama)|David]]''' &ndash; Even though David is not particular interesting, it is an excellent transport hub for trips to Boca Chica, the western side of the volcano, and other smaller but equally [[Pacific_West#Do|interesting destinations in the region]]. Take one of the frequent (hourly) buses to David from the Boquete Main Plaza, near the old train car and next to Baru Restaurant. * '''[[Boca Chica]]''' &ndash; Swimming, sport fishing, sea kayaking, and island snorkeling in the cool, aqua-marine clear waters of the Gulf of Chiriqui, a National Marine Park just an hour and a half drive away from Boquete. Go for a day trip or stay overnight in the charming fishing village of [[Boca Chica]], or on one of the island resorts on [[Boca Brava]] or [[Isla Palenque]]. * '''[[Bocas del Toro]]''' &ndash; The biggest town on Isla Colon and party and tourist capital of the region. Bocas del Toro offers diving, beach horseback riding, starfish safari and lots of beaches on the other islands around. *'''[[Panama City]]''' &ndash; From the David bus station (see how to get to David above), there are buses hourly providing the 8 hr transport to Panama City for $15-20, with a 30-min meal and bathroom break in Santiago. The David Airport offers flights with Air Panama to Panama City for around $150+ one-way. *'''[[San José (Costa Rica)|San Jose, Costa Rica]]''' &ndash; If you are at the end of your trip to Panama, there are a few buses a day for direct transport to San José. But you might just head to the border and start you trip of Costa Rica there, because there are already many interesting destinations directly beyond the border. {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Pacific West}} {{Geo|8.78|-82.44}} 80l0aq05to03otk1qe1abpty9rw2pxd 0 4313 4488047 4390688 2022-07-22T01:44:41Z Sgroey 2240936 /* Kiteboarding */ Updated listing for Pinas Kite Boarding wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Boracay banner.jpg|dotm=yes}} [[File:Boracay White Beach in day (985286231).jpg|300px|thumb|White Beach]] [http://www.boracayisland.org/ '''Boracay'''] is a tropical island about an hour's flight from [[Metro Manila]] in the [[Philippines]]. It has superb long white sand beaches and is one of the country's most developed tourist destinations. White Beach, Boracay placed 2nd in Condé Nast Traveler's 25 Best Island Beaches in the World: Readers' Choice Awards in 2020. Facilities are available to suit different levels of activity. Facilities for the usual water sports activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling, diving and jet skiing are also widely available for those in search of more active pursuits. The fun in Boracay also doesn't end when the sun sets. Boracay nightlife is pulsating with many bars and restaurants serving food, drink and fun until the very late evening. Boracay is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a full range of facilities in a prime tropical location and can pay for it. However, it is not a good bet for bargain hunters; prices are relatively high by Philippines standards, though moderate by Japanese or Western standards and lower than many places in the [[Mediterranean]], [[Caribbean]] or [[South Pacific]]. Since reopening in October 2018, there are new rules and regulations, and a limit to the number of tourists allowed on the island. You must have a hotel pre-booked before they will let you get on the boat to Boracay. There is no eating or drinking on the beach, no smoking, no fire dancing, and no commercial sandcastles. In addition, no chairs, loungers or umbrellas are allowed on the beach, so think carefully about whether to visit if you are disabled, elderly or just want to avoid direct sunlight and sit on the beach. Be prepared to be offered a massage, boat ride, parasailing, kite surfing, sail boating, hair braiding, island hopping, and henna tattoo every 20 steps on the beach's "sidewalk" path. ==Understand== ===Orientation=== There are dozens of beaches on the island, and White Beach being the longest and the most popular of them, where all life goes on, it occupies roughly all western part of the island. On the opposite side of the island (eastern) there is a main kitesurfer's beach - Bulabog. Other beaches are much smaller and tranquil. All parts of Boracay are interconnected with the help of the Main Boracay road which runs from South to North through all island. White Beach is several kilometers long and thus it's divided into three parts (from south to north): Station 1, Station 2, Station 3. ===Climate=== During the dry season (November-April; the northeast monsoon or ''amihan'' blows from December to March), White Beach is calm and very suitable for swimming, etc. The other side of the island has large winds and waves making it suitable for wind surfing, wave running, etc. During the rainy season (June-October), when the southwest monsoon (''habagat'') blows, this is reversed, with a risk of typhoons. White Beach often gets large winds and waves which sometimes makes it unsuitable for swimming. Current weather conditions can be found [http://www.boracayweatherstation.com online]. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|11.95949|121.92671|zoom=13|height=550|width=470}} Whether you go by plane or by boat, the port of entry for Boracay Island is the small town of Caticlan on the mainland. Outrigger boats (''bancaa'') leave every few minutes from {{marker|type=go|name=Caticlan's jetty port|lat=11.9277 | long=121.9495}}. The short boat trip to {{marker|type=go|name=Boracay's jetty port at Cagban|lat=11.9406 | long=121.9392}} costs {{PHP|25}}. There are two jetty ports in Caticlan (Caticlan and Tabon) and two jetty ports on Boracay (Cagban and Tambisaan). Because of the wind during September (or low season months), the jetty port furthest from the airport (Tabon) will be used to take you to Tambisaan port. Tourists have to pay a terminal fee of {{PHP|100}} and an environmental fee of {{PHP|75}}. Tricycles are available at Cagban to bring passengers to their hotels. Tricycle fare is from {{PHP|20}} per pax up to {{PHP|150}} per trip depending where your resort is. ===By plane=== There are two airports serving Boracay. {{listing | type=go | name=Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport | alt={{IATA|MPH}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9248 | long=121.9530 | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 7111 | tollfree= |fax=| hours= | price= |wikidata=| lastedit=2016-07-23 | content=Much smaller and closer airport, only a few kilometers away from Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port. It now handles jet flights to [[MNL|Manila]] operated by [http://www.philippineairlines.com Philippines Airlines] and [http://www.cebupacificair.com Cebu Pacific], as well as turboprop aircraft from Cebu operated by Cebgo, PAL Express and [http://www.flyskyjetair.com SkyJet]. <!--there is also talk of '''Air Asia''' using this airport soon.--> The airline will drop you off at the east side of the airport. After exiting the airport on at east side, find the tricycle stand across the street, past the various resort offerings. A tricycle from the airport to the Tabon jetty is {{PHP|50}} per person. <br /><br />''Ground transportation.'' From the Caticlan airport, you can either take a tricycle ({{PHP|50}}) or walk (10 minutes) to Caticlan Jetty Port. Besides, Cebu Pacific offers hotel transfer for {{PHP|350}} per person. }} {{go | name=Kalibo International Airport| alt={{IATA|KLO}}| url= | email= | address=2 km away from [[Kalibo#By plane|Kalibo]] and 70 km away from Caticlan Jetty | lat=11.6869416 | long=122.3793 | directions= | phone=+63 36 262 3264 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-23 | content=This airport can handle jet aircraft such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, however it is much farther from Boracay than Caticlan airport. Its international destinations include [[Beijing]], [[Busan]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Taipei]], [[Singapore]], [[Shanghai]] and [[Seoul]], operated by Cebu Pacific, [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines], [http://www.philippineairlines.com/ Philippine Airlines] and [http://www.airasia.com AirAsia]. Domestic flights are from both [[CEB|Cebu]] and [[MNL|Manila]]. There is a {{PHP|200}} terminal fee for domestic flights and {{PHP|700}} for international (2016).<br />''Ground transportation.'' There are vans, minibus shuttles and buses that serve travellers between Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port. A van and ferry ride takes 1½-2 hours and costs {{PHP|250}}, and {{PHP|300}} for an AC bus. Additionally you will be asked to pay environmental taxes and terminal fees of {{PHP|175}} on top of the fare. Besides, AirAsia offers hotel transfers for {{PHP|520}} per person. }} ===By boat=== '''Ferry from [[Batangas City]] to Caticlan port'''. Operated by 2GO travel. Departs Batangas port at 9PM and gets to Caticlan port at 6AM. Departs Caticlan port at 8AM and gets to Batangas port at 6PM. One way fares from {{PHP|995}}. '''Ferry from [[Batangas City]] port to Caticlan port'''. Another option is to start your journey with Philtranco, Alps, Dimple, Ceres or Rodastco coaches which leave at regular intervals throughout the day from Cubao, serving the Manila-Caticlan route for {{PHP|1200}}. Rodastco also offers a door-to-door service with pick-ups anywhere in Metro Manila. The contact numbers for trip booking are +63 2-7326891 or +63 917-3820426, or +63 919-3820426. The more challenging '''do-it-yourself''' version goes as follows: The easiest way would be to book a straight trip that allows you to purchase just one ticket from Cubao terminal to Caticlan Port. The cost is {{PHP|1000-1200}}. But if you really want to save money, you can also commute from Cubao bus terminal station (near Alimall). There is really no difference except for the fact that you need to purchase tickets at every stop. Cubao-Batangas: best leave between 7-8PM so you arrive in Batangas Port before 10PM. Batangas-Calapan: the trip takes 2 hours via cargo ship or an hour to one hour and a half via supercat. Do not purchase tickets for the Calapan to Roxas van as this can either be a scam or you end up squeezed in one van along with several other passengers with tickets. Calapan-Roxas: takes about 4 hours. Make sure you leave early so you arrive before 4AM. In the morning, the ship to Caticlan usually leaves at 2AM and 4AM and the next trip won't be until 10AM. The 10AM trip usually leaves late. This is the best time to leave travel via Cubao to Roxas. You arrive in Caticlan at 8AM and you are left to enjoy the rest of your day in Boracay. '''[http://www.7107islandscruise.net/ 7107 Islands Cruise]''' offers a cruises from Boracay to Puerto Galera to Boracay, prices range from {{PHP|2000-10000}}, children below than 3 years old are free to travel who is accompanied by 2 adults, children from 5 to 12 years old are given a 50% discount, who are accompanied also by 2 adults while senior citizens can avail a 20% discount. The cruise will tour around the Philippines in islands such as [[Boracay]] and [[Coron]] Island. ===By road and ferry (RoRo) === The "Nautical Highway" is a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allow you to bring your vehicle up to [[Panay]] Island and visit key cities like [[Kalibo]]. Taking your car all the way to Boracay, though, is not possible. Public transport also operates on the same route, and is the most cost-effective way of traveling between Manila and Boracay. Assuming good connections, the total journey time is around 12 hours. The easiest way of arranging this is to book a van in Manila by contacting private operators such as Angel Star (+63 2 783-0886 c/o Abner) and Gope (+63 2 732-6891 c/o Cesar). This will enable you to book a straight trip from [[Metro Manila]] to Caticlan at the cost of {{PHP|1200}}, more or less. Their group operates several passenger vans which can load 10-14 or 15-18 persons. You book the trip exclusively or share with fellow travellers. The van leaves at 9PM daily from Manila, travelling through Batangas-Calapan-[[Roxas (Capiz)|Roxas]] (arrives Roxas at 5AM or 6AM) to catch the 8AM or 10AM ferry/boat to Caticlan, where you are expected to arrive between noon to 2PM. Before proceeding to Boracay Island though, be sure to get your return ticket (Roxas-Manila) at the Caticlan Ferry Terminal (inquire about the updated schedule from the staff of the van operators). Take an early dinner before boarding the van and bring water and something to eat while in transit. Riding a van gives you a more relaxed pace to Caticlan because you do not have to stop in many sub-destinations which lengthen your trip and therefore can be truly tiresome. ==Get around== * Most visitors opt for motorized '''tricycles''', which act as the island's taxis and make up most of its traffic. Rides are inexpensive, usually no more than {{PHP|100}} for individual (per tricycle, not shared with other people) ride to any point on the island, and can be found almost anywhere along the main road. As the tricycle seats are right above the vehicle exhausts, there can be a little pollution however - bring a handkerchief if you tend to be easily bothered by this sort of thing. :From Cagban Port to Station 1, the most that you should pay is {{PHP|25}} per head. That is, if you don't mind sharing the tricycle with other tourists. If you don't want to rent the tricycle and allow the driver to pick up other passengers along the way, say you just want the "Individual" price and not "Special". : Short rides on busy routes, say from D'Mall to Station 3 or from Station 1 to Station 3, are a standard rate of {{PHP|20}} per passenger, but expect the tricycle driver to ask for {{PHP|40}} or more if you look like a foreigner. Long rides, like Puka beach to D'Mall, should cost around {{PHP|40}}. Drivers waiting near beaches, hotels, etc., generally ask higher price like {{PHP|150-200}}, even if you're alone. It may be worth [[bargaining]] if there are a few people with you and you want an individual ride - otherwise, better catch a passing tricycle on the main road. From Tambisaan jetty port to Station 2 D'Mall, the most that you should pay is ₱20 per head on the solar bus. * '''Scooters''' provide the best flexibility at a reasonable price. The downside is having to deal with island traffic which can be unnerving for visitors unused to the aggressive tricycle drivers. Prices are exorbitant, starting at {{PHP|1200}} per day rental (2016). * '''Mountain bikes''' are also available for rent at several locations along White Beach, which is off limits to motorized vehicles. * To explore around the island, rent a native '''sailboat''' (paraw) or motorized '''outrigger''' (banca) and visit the many beaches of Boracay. ==See== [[File:White Beach at Boracay.jpg|thumb|White Beach]] * {{listing | type=see | name=White Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9594 | long=121.9250 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This is what most people are here for, but there are environmental rules and the beach is a challenge for people with disabilities. It is a lovely stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, it's also the commercial center of the island. The long beach is divided into three sections, Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 is the northernmost and has the widest beachfront, where prime hotels and resorts are located. Accommodations are pricier, but quality is generally the best as well. Station 2 is the commercial and geographical center of white beach. This is the center of it all for shopping, eating, partying, and etc. That said, the beach here is also the most crowded, and the area the nosiest. Station 3 is the southernmost section; quieter than station 2, it is the least developed, and also the lowest priced. All of White Beach from the northernmost tip of Station 1 to the southernmost of Station 3 (~4&nbsp;km) is open to the public, so one can relax and/or swim wherever they like, regardless of hotel location.<br /><br />In every station, there are two lifeguards patrolling on foot equipped with whistle, life buoy and hand-held radio. The boat station 2 is the lifeguard and rescue command center. }} [[File:Puka beach.jpg|thumb|Puka Beach]] * {{see | name=Puka Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9961 | long=121.9148 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A quiet stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island, Puka Beach is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island so expect the sand to be more coarse than on White Beach. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter. Similarly, there are fewer services—there are only a couple of restaurants, but you likely won't have a problem getting a cold drink or an ice cream as there are a few vendors that patrol the beach. The main road in Boracay terminates at Puka Beach therefore you'll be able to hire a tricycle to get there in less than 10–15 minutes from central White Beach. Make sure you arrange a pickup if it is a quiet day and no tricycles are hanging around the beach. Most people experience Puka as one of their sailboat or banca stops during a day trip. This is a good spot for a picnic, but be sure to bring your trash home with you. }} * {{see | name=Baling Hai Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9797 | long=121.9095 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views from the clifftop restaurant. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour. }} * {{see | name=Bulabog Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9638 | long=121.9302 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Come there on a windy days to see kiteboarders doing high jumps and crazy tricks. }} * {{see | name=The Bat Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You will see in several tour guides and maps of Boracay something called the Bat Cave, which houses many small insectivorous bats (the larger fruit bats roost in the trees on the hillside above Punta Bunga Beach), and locals will be more than happy to accompany you there for a fee, or "tip". The cave is on the western-end of the island and down several dirt roads. The guide will then take you on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave, which drops down at a very steep angle. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders, and is extremely difficult to enter and walk down. There is no visible path, no handrail, and the stones are extremely slippery with slime and bat guano, as well as extremely dangerous, since the cave is at such an extreme angle. Also, the air inside the cave is very warm and humid, and in addition to the amount of guano, is very difficult to breathe. Additionally, several snakes live inside the cave. Caution should be taken by those visiting and entering the cave. There are bats in the cave, but down at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won't see them. The ceiling of the cave is interesting, however, with multiple, small stalactites. Just nearby, you can find another cave, called "crystal" cave which has a lot of stalactites and a hole on the opposite site of the entrance, from which you can watch out to the sea if you dare to climb up to it. You will have to pay {{PHP|50}} entry-fee to visit both caves for the family that owns the land, in addition to paying your guide. Visiting both caves can cost up to {{PHP|2500}} for the guide, but this is the "rich tourist price", so try to bargain if you like. }} ==Do== ===Scuba diving=== For those interested in [[scuba diving]], there are literally dozens of dive centers along White Beach; it is a good place to learn or to improve your skills. Cost is typically {{PHP|1600}} per dive for certified divers which includes rental of all equipment. The dive centers, under the Boracay Business Administration of Scuba Schools (BBASS), have agreed on standard prices amongst themselves so prices will be the same at all centers. This is to ensure that dive centers could focus on quality and scuba diving safety rather than price wars. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10–20 minutes boat ride from the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. Dives range from 'Angol Point' (10m), through 'Crocodile Island' (22-25m), a straightforward wall dive, up to 'Yapak'- a deep wall dive suitable for only the most experienced divers due to strong currents, although there is the possibility of seeing sharks and stingrays. ===Boat tours=== [[File:Boracay boat sunset.jpg|thumb|300px|Boat trip on a sunset]] The best way to see the beauty of Boracay and its various beaches is by Paraw (native outrigger sailboat). You will be constantly asked if you want to take a boat trip, as there are literally dozens of companies offering this service. It is better to go with a reputable and established group such as Allen Fun Tours (motorized banca boat tours) or Red Pirates (paraw sailing) to ensure your safety and avoid being overcharged. ===Kiteboarding=== [[File:Boracay kitesurfing.jpg|thumb|300px|Kites on Bulabog beach]] Boracay's Bulabog beach claims to be the best kitesurfing destination in Asia. The season runs from November through to April with onshore winds varying between 12-30 knots. A small lagoon (2&nbsp;km wide) is protected from waves by a coral reef. The water becomes almost flat at low tide, making it easy to start learning kitesurfing and continue with freestyle tricks. Because of its nice conditions, the spot becomes overcrowded with riders in high season. A serious disadvantage is sewage pollution of the lagoon, so smell from water and infections from even small injuries are common. * {{do | name=Freestyle Academy Kitesurfing School | url=http://www.freestyle-boracay.com | email=info@freestyle-boracay.com | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9155593080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Graykite | alt= | url=http://boracay.graykite.surf/ | email=team@graykite.surf | address=Ibabaw Street, Pinaungon, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 928 397 6249 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$80-200 | lastedit=2017-01-09 | content=Graykite provides kitesurfing lessons in Boracay to kitesurfers of all levels. Advice on travel, accommodation, etc., on request. }} * {{do | name=Hangin Kite Center | alt= | url=http://kite-asia.com/ | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The island's first kite center. Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Isla Kiteboarding school | alt= | url=http://www.islakitesurfing.com | email=info@islakitesurfing.com | address=Bulabog Beach | lat=11.966626 | long=121.928219 | directions= | phone=+63 362885352 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers courses from beginners to advanced level. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Pinas Kite Boarding | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 945 480 9370 | tollfree= | hours=06:30-17:30 daily | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Locally owned kite-boarding shop, offers courses from level 1 to 3. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} ===Skimboarding=== Skimboarding in Boracay has been a new fun sport for kids and entertainment for older for people for several years. It is a welcome new attraction and a pleasure to watch. Skimboards are available for rent at several places along White Beach. But be sure to hire an expert to teach you the skills; a one-hour lesson from a local rider is usually around {{PHP|300}}. ===Massage and spa=== ====Budget==== * Along White Beach you will be approached frequently by women offering to give you a massage, which they will do on the spot or on a towel laid out on the beach - your choice. * A bit more organized, White Beach also has several "Massage Stations": collections of masseurs that have their mats set up. The stations are typically open as long as there are customers around but in general start to shut down just after sunset. * For Swedish, Accupressure, Shiatsu, etc., visit Abe (pronounced Abby) the blind masseur who operates outside Cocoloco restaurant in Angol (south of boat station 3). Only {{PHP|300}} per hour. * There is a great outdoor massage station in the beach area of Nigi Nigi Beach Resort, where they have two tables set up. The booth is draped with curtains which they will close if you wish, or leave open if you want to watch the people on the beach. They offer every massage in the book, and charge {{PHP|500}} for one hour. ====Mid-range==== * {{do | name=Bella Isa Salon & Spa | alt= | url=http://bellaisaboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A little spot on the beach in Station 3 with upscale decor and professional staff. They provide a full range of services including massage, facials, foot spa, and hair services. }} * There are several smaller/mid-range spas in Boracay that offer a menu including massages, scrubs and facials but don't quite have the facilities to be considered a full spa. Most hotels in Boracay offer a limited spa menu that falls into this category. ====Splurge==== * '''Caesar's''', found along the main road near boat station 3, specializes in Thai massage and uses two masseurs simultaneously to deliver the service. A 90-minute massage is priced at US$50. * {{do | name=Tirta SPA | alt= | url=http://www.tirtaspa.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=&mdash; found in Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc, area. Indian treatments in a stunning environment. Friendly and helpful staff. It is a good idea to compare prices between Tirta Spa, Mandala Spa, and Shangri-La Boracay to find the best deal. }} ===Other=== * {{do | name=Ariel's Point | url=http://www.arielspoint.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2000}} for round-trip boat transfer, a BBQ buffet, unlimited drinks (bottled water, beer, soda, rum), and access to cliff diving, snorkeling, kayaking | content=Ariel’s Point is an affordable eco-adventure destination for Boracay travellers who want to experience the natural splendor of the Philippines and meet fellow travellers. Located 30 minutes away from Station 1 by outrigger boat, Ariel’s Point allows travelers to enjoy a wide array of adventurous activities such as cliff diving (the destination has five different platforms ranging in height from 3 meters to 15 meters), snorkeling, and paddling in an unspoiled setting with volcanic caves, mangrove forests, turquoise coves, and remote beaches. Visitors can reach Ariel’s Point by purchasing tickets at Ariel's House (along the White Beach in front of the Boracay Beach Club) before 11AM on the day of departure. }} * {{do | name=Parasailing | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Take a parasailing tour around the island, to explore quiet beaches and snorkel sites. Ask your crew to organize a romantic BBQ on the beach with fresh grilled seafood, if you like. Cruise back at sunset to experience breathtaking views. }} * {{do | name=Motorbiking | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is worth hiring motorbikes or scooters out to explore the island, as there are other beautiful beaches on the other side of the island that are even better for snorkeling that will be completely deserted. Hire them for a couple of days and you should get a discount. The roads are a bit dodgy, and some are still being constructed, but it's a good laugh and better than plunking yourself on a patch of white sand and seeing nothing. }} * {{do | name=Horseriding | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Horse riding is a fun activity in Boracay. Get off the beaten path and experience villages and scenery most other visitors don't get to see. All levels of experience are catered to. Ask a tricycle to take you to the Boracay Horse Riding Stables. }} ==Buy== Along White Beach, especially around Station 2, there is a wide variety of gift shops and boutiques along the beach path. In addition to the crowded stalls that you expect in Asia, Boracay also has several high-end stores including clothing, art and household items. Some places will permit you to [[haggle]], others have a fixed pricing system with price tags. Shop around as prices vary. Outside of White Beach, the shopping becomes sparse or non-existent. D'Mall at Station 2 and D'Talipapa at Station 3, between the main road and White Beach, have many shops. D'Mall is larger but D'Talipapa features a number of shops, vegetable merchants and a large meat market also selling a large selection of live seafood. Prices at D'Talipapa (including those for basic necessities such as milk, vegetables and meat) are about 25% below those of D'Mall. While walking or laying on the sand, anywhere on Boracay, you'll be approached to buy a variety of items including jewelry made of shells, fresh fruit, ice cream, sunglasses or a nice massage. * '''Shell jewelry''' &mdash; similar to what you can find elsewhere in the world, the jewelry made of shells is popular as for the most part it is made locally from shells found on Puka Beach. * {{buy | name=Paulo Collection BodyWear | url=http://www.paulocollection.com {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=D'Mall, Bamboo Beach Resort, PC Main | lat= | long= | directions=near Cocomangas Beach Resort | phone=+63 36 288 3448 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Variety of beach wear and other souvenir items. }} ===Malls and supermarkets=== * {{buy | name=CityMall Boracay | alt= | url=http://citymall.com.ph | email= | address=Tambisaan Jetty Port Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=A new shopping mall with a big '''Savemore''' supermarket and many fast food outlets. }} ===ATMs=== There are about 10 ATMs of the following banks: PNB, Metrobank, BPI, and RCBC, on the entire island for the 16,000 inhabitants plus tourists, and when they run out of cash, they are not refilled until the next business day. On weekends and holidays ATMs might go several days without being refilled. Almost all of them accept Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay cards. Maximum one time withdrawal is {{PHP|10000}} with compulsory fee for overseas cards of {{PHP|250}}. Many establishments, including the tricycles, cannot break a bill over {{PHP|500}}, so it pays to always have small bills. Foreign money (U.S. dollars, UK pounds, euros, Korean won, Japanese yen, etc.) can be exchanged at several locations around the island. It's worth checking around for the best exchange rate, as all places don't offer the same rate. You're best off heading away from the beach for better rates. ==Eat== Because of its wide draw of international travelers, Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat, including a surprising number of bakeries. Majority of the restaurants are located on the White beach and a short pedestrian street called {{marker|type=eat|name=D'Mall|lat=11.9628 | long=121.9260}}, nearly all of these places are quite expensive (average meal costing {{PHP|300-500}}). Cheaper options can be found near ''D'Talipapa Market'', at the {{marker|type=eat|name=D'Mall Palenke|lat=11.96230 | long=121.92636}} (street run parallel to D'Mall in 50 m of it), and perhaps about half of the restaurants along the Main road. As a side note, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy '''one of the best mangoes''' in the world. Climate in Philippines is perfect for mangoes, so you always get them mellow and sweet. {{eatpricerange|Under {{PHP|200}}|{{PHP|200-400}}|Over {{PHP|400}}}} ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Kolai Mangyan Fudhaus | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KolaiMangyanBoracay/ | email= | address=Main Road | lat=11.96063 | long=121.92830 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Majority of meals {{PHP|60-120}} | lastedit=2016-07-31 | content=Good local cafe serving Filipino cuisine. The price asked for this kind of good quality food is unbeatable on Boracay. Good reviews. }} * {{eat | name=Andok's | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Andoks-Boracay-176860492349809/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|50-300}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Andok's, which has 5 locations, sells rotisserie and fried chicken as well as favorite Filipino dishes. }} *'''Sunset View Restaurant and Hotel''', near Station 3, serves a 3-5PM snack buffet (soup, ham and cheese sliders, fried fish, pasta, meatballs, pancit, and macaroons) for ₱189 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=D'Talipapa Market| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.95826 | long=121.92872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= scallops {{PHP|300}}/kg, lobster {{PHP|1000}}, fish steak {{PHP|150}}. Cooking prices {{PHP|100-200}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Fresh seafood market with relatively cheap prices. Around the place are a variety of food stores that offer to cook for you. You can buy fresh seafood, etc., right near the stores, then have the stores cook it for you however you like. For example, you can get crabs for {{PHP|400}} for 1 kg opposed to buying in restaurants that charge {{PHP|200}} per 100 grams. However, most of the seller are quite pushy and anyone buying needs to be prepared to bargain hard to get a good deal. }} *'''Bamboo Bar Buffet''', near Station 3, serves a 6-9PM Filipino buffet with pineapple juice for ₱295 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting. * {{eat | name=Blue Jade Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/BLUE-JADE-CAFE-Authentic-Restaurant-1554754431478404/ | email= | address=in D'Talipapa | lat=11.95727 | long=121.92821 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|100}} per kilogram grilled | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers Asian and European cuisine. Customers can also shop in the market for fresh seafood and have it cooked for them at the restaurant. }} * {{eat | name= Smoke | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Smoke-Resto-1474540196153136/ | email= | address=down one of the alleys opposite Lemon cafe in D'Mall| lat= 11.96212| long=121.92618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|120-180}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A very good budget eatery. Local dishes, meat and seafood dishes, omeletes and excellent sandwiches are on offer. Most meals cost around {{PHP|120}} and are all cooked fresh. If you are around between 11AM and 2PM you get a free drink of iced lemon tea with every rice meal. }} * {{eat | name=Jammers | alt= | url= | email= | address= on the front beach of D'Mall| lat=11.96197 | long=121.92477 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24/7| price=Food {{PHP|150-250}}, shakes {{PHP|50-70}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Up and running for more than 8 years, amazing burgers, hotdogs, fruit shakes, etc. A lot of negative reviews, people say it's overrated. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=True Food | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TruefoodBoracay/ | email= | address=Station 2| lat=11.96078 | long=121.92522 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11 AM–midnight | price=Mains from {{PHP|250}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers fiery Indian cuisine that will awaken the tastebuds. The place is cozy with straw mats and over-sized cushions. The staff is polite and very accommodating. For those who enjoy the spicier side of life, try the tandoori chicken. }} * {{eat | name=The Sunny Side Cafe Restaurant| alt= | url=http://www.thesunnysideboracay.com | email= | address= | lat=11.95321 | long=121.92964| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Pancakes around {{PHP|300}} | lastedit=2016-07-30 | content=Good place to have a breakfast. Very high ratings on rating sites. }} * {{eat | name=Lemon Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.lemonicafeboracay.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=D' Mall| lat=11.9619466 | long=121.92507| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Cakes {{PHP|30-160}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This place serves a variety of breakfasts, lunches and light meals. The service and presentation is excellent. }} * {{eat | name=Dos Mestizos | alt= | url=http://dosmestizos.com | email= | address= | lat=11.9561407 | long=121.926868| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-midnight | price=From {{PHP|350}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This restaurant is the brainchild of respected Boracay chef & restaurateur Binggoy Remedios and his close childhood friend, Jose Ramon Valdes Nieto. Both owners have Spanish ancestors, hence the name "Dos Mestizos". This restaurant serves a selection of excellent tapas and is located between stations 2 and 3, behind the Tourist Center. }} * {{eat | name=Aria | alt= | url=http://www.aria.com.ph/#_=_ | email= | addressD' Mall= | lat=11.96173 | long=121.92463 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price={{PHP|400-600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Delicious Italian food. If they don't give you the spicy olive oil bottle on the side for your custom made pizza, make sure you ask for it. }} * {{eat | name=Hama | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.96234 | long=121.92550 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|400}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A Japanese restaurant located at the D'Mall and just across The Hobbit House. }} * {{eat | name=Fridays Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.fridaysboracay.com | email= | address= | lat=11.9724155 | long=121.91399| directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6200 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-6222 | hours=6AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=All day dining, themed dinner, Friday night buffet, seafood grill, plus 3 cultural dance shows every week with fire dance. }} * {{eat | name=Heidiland Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.96263 | long=121.92575 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Next to the main plaza at the D'Mall Phase IV is a fully air-conditioned European style deli selling all kinds of deli food as cheeses, cold cuts, salami, yoghurt, wines, etc. Locally famous for reasonably priced sandwiches, other stuff is usually expensive. }} * {{eat | name=The Hobbit Tavern | alt=Also located in D'Mall | url=https://www.facebook.com/HobbitTavernBoracay/ | email= | address= | lat=11.96200 | long=121.92529 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=With great food, drinks and live music, this place is the best of the Hobbit House chain. The main draw is the midget staff, however. }} * {{eat | name=Valhalla Bar & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.valhallabarandgrill.com/ | email= | address= | lat=11.96206 | long=121.92554 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=In the mall is a refurbished steakhouse with a varied and interesting menu. }} * {{eat | name=Kasbah | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/kasbah.boracay/ | email= | address=Next to Discovery Shores, Station 1| lat=11.97164 | long=121.91665| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Authentic Moroccan cuisine serving exquisite tagines and couscous. }} * {{eat | name=Bamboo Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.964392 | long=121.92263 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves a good selection of Chinese food in a relaxed beachfront setting. Quite average reviews. }} * {{eat | name=Manana | alt= | url=http://www.mananamexicancuisine.webs.com/#_=_ | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96332 | long=121.92355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves large portions of tasty Mexican food. Guacamole is only available when avocados are in-season despite what the menu says. Average reviews left by customers. }} * {{eat | name=Obama Grill Bar-Restaurant | alt=Station 1 | url=https://www.facebook.com/bamagrillboracay/ | email= | address=Beachfront & Main Road Frontage | lat=11.96639 | long=121.92109 | directions=across from Andok's Station 1 and Shore Time Hotel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|300-600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Steak restaurant, opened April 2009. Some say it's expensive and the portions are small. }} * {{eat | name=Ole | alt= | url=http://www.oleinboracay.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=D'Mall| lat=11.96237 | long=121.92514 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|400-1000}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A great place to go for Spanish tapas and other specialties. Beware - the main courses are enormous! }} * {{eat | name=Tilapia 'N Chips | url=https://www.facebook.com/tilapianchips | email= | address=G/F Kamayan Bldg. Station 2, Boracay | lat=11.96242 | long=121.92672 | directions=Beside Crafts | phone=+63 36 288 2283 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Visit this place for good beer-battered fish and chips. They also serve Asian and Western style fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches and soup at this modern, airconditioned restaurant. Take out also available. }} * {{eat | name=Titos (Resto & Grill) | alt= | url=https://titosboracay.business.site/ | email= | address=station 2| lat=11.96152 | long=121.92475 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Price range {{PHP|250-700}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serve modern Filipino cuisine that combines the casual comfort of a home cooked meal with the relaxed sophistication of fine dining. Drop by for a quick snack or a delicious meal and enjoy the live music coming from Pat's Creek and Bom Bom Bar. }} * {{eat | name=Deparis Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=White Beach | lat=11.959924 | long=121.92565| directions=beside Le Soleil and The Mandarin | phone=+63 36 288-3233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=One of the first European restaurants on the island, the first in fact to have chocolate mousse and Italian pizza when the island was without electricity in the early 1980s. Owned by the infamous and eccentric Frenchman Roger Deparis who has lived on the island since his backpacking days, it is a throwback to the old island style of mismatched decorations and heavy foliage. }} * {{eat | name=Cowboy Cocina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Cowboy-Cocina-Boracay-245481375571349/ | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.949133 | long=121.93129| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves tasty steaks, ribs and other grilled dishes, and arguably the best burgers in Boracay. }} * {{eat | name=Cyma | alt= | url=http://www.cymarestaurants.com | email= | address=in the new part of the D'mall |lat=11.96203 | long=121.92554| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Mezes {{PHP|180-250}}, gyros {{PHP|330-400}}, mains from {{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Excellent food and service at this Greek restaurant. Try the mezedes combination, the spinach and artichoke fondue and the chicken souvlaki. }} ===Coffee shops=== * {{eat | name=Real Coffee | alt= | url= https://www.facebook.com/RealCoffeeAndTeaCafe/| email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.95987 | long=121.92565 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-7PM, take away shop downstairs works till 9PM | price=Coffee {{PHP|60-160}}, muffins & brownie cakes {{PHP|40-70}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves a variety of pancakes, sandwiches, omelettes, baked goods and salads as well as freshly brewed coffee. The mother-and-daughter owners also get repeat customers who have been going there for years. They are also famous for their lemon muffin cupcakes, which are very much in demand. }} * {{eat | name=Starbucks| alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96470 | long=121.9226| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-12:30AM | price=Coffee from {{PHP|120}} | lastedit=2016-07-30 | content=Of the coffee shops of this famous chain. On the other side, it's extremely small cafe without even places to seat. }} * {{eat | name=Jonas Fruitshake | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jonahs-fruitshake-Boracay/380924605282175 {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96681 | long=121.92075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Shakes and juices {{PHP|95-120}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Their fruit shakes are to die for! }} ==Drink== If you like to party, there are plenty of places to choose from. The livelier bars are situated near Stations 1 and 2. There are plenty of places to party all night! Station 3 has a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere, with small local bars and restaurants popular with backpackers. * {{drink | name=Bom Bom Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=near D 'Mall | lat=11.95 | long=121.933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=A native-style beach bar that often has live music. It's a popular hang out for artists and musicians. }} * {{drink | name= Charlie's Steakhouse & Diner Restaurant | url= | email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.96482 | long=121.9252 | directions=Right in the middle of the beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=This bar is a long-time favorite on Boracay with live bands that play covers. Customers are invited to sing with the bands. }} * {{drink | name=Cocoloco Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=near boat station 3| lat=11.949285 | long=121.93112| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=An attractive beach bar and restaurant that also serves tasty food. You can enjoy your drink by the beach, under the coconut trees, and there's a pool table in the bar too. Several years ago it started offering bungalows for rent as well. }} * {{drink | name=Cocomangas | alt= | url= | email= | address=station 1| lat=11.970993 | long=121.919871| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=Famous for its "Still standing after 15" challenge. Drink 15 ferocious shots and win a t-shirt and a plaque on the wall. This bar is popular with the younger crowd but a few "working girls" are around for lonely men. Try the Jam Jar, a pineapple and vodka cocktail. }} * {{drink | name=Juice Bar| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/JuiceBarBoracay#_=_ | email= | address=right between Boracay Regency and Boat Station 2| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers top notch cocktails and a variety of "sneaky smoothies". with a wide open courtyard opening up to the beach it tends to fill up by around 11PM but still very comfortable. The crowd is a nice mix of locals and foreigners. Great staff and charming bartenders. There was a report in 2016 that it was closed. }} * {{drink | name=Bei Kurt und Magz Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Bei-Kurt-und-Magz-129933397082423/ | email= | address=station 3| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Run by friendly Bavarian Kurt and his wife Mags. It's a very popular spot to meet and chat, and one of the few places on the island serving draft beer. Serve German and Filipino food. }} * {{drink | name=Nigi Nigi Nu Noos | alt= | url=http://niginigi.com | email= | address=between boat stations 2 and 3, three minutes walk north of the tourist center| lat=11.956988 | long=121.9273618| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A popular, centrally located spot to have a cool drink and enjoy a little people-watching. The manager is an expat. It is a hotel as well. }} * {{drink | name=Red Pirates Pub | alt= | url= https://www.facebook.com/RedPiratesPub#_=_| email= | address= | lat= 11.9486429| long=121.9312922| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A native style beach bar (Angol, near boat station 3) with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and good selection of fruity cocktails as well as affordable ice cold beer. It's a good place to meet other travelers and chat, and on weekends, selected weekdays and full moon nights there is live music and an all-you-can-eat beach BBQ and buffet (Fridays). }} * {{drink | name=Rumbas Sports Bar & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RumbasSportsBar?ref=br_rs#_=_ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=D' Mall Plaza | lat=11.96224 | long=121.92505 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Mains {{PHP|350-450}} | wikidata= | lastedit=2016-07-30 | content=An English-style pub that attracts a friendly crowd. The menu is pretty good too, especially the sirloin steaks, pies and other English-style dishes. Enjoy curry, fish and chips and sausage sandwiches while watching live sports on big screens. }} * {{drink | name=Shantal's Resto Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/SHANTALs-RESTO-BAR-129316940424357/ | email= | address=Station 3 at the pathway to Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Morenos, and Escurel| lat=11.95989 | long=121.92618| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Revered, family-owned cantina on the beach with great value homemade food. The menu offers a bit of everything and the friendly staff will go out of their way to make you feel right at home. Has a popular Happy Hour from 2PM-8PM, offers one of the best beachside and sunset views on the island, and bumps a non-stop soundtrack of the best in electronic, hip-hop, R&B/soul, and reggae music. }} ==Sleep== Accommodation varies from top-of-the-line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. Whatever your budget, you can easily find a suitable place to stay. During peak periods such as Holy Week, Christmas and New Year, rooms are more difficult to find and more expensive, so book in advance. Staying along White Beach gets you closer to the bars, lounging and food, while staying closer to Bulabog beach gives you better access to the popular wind and kiteboarding areas. Boracay is '''notorious''' for travel agents (many in Manila) passing themselves off as the resorts, often through websites. When you call them to get a room rate or make a reservation, you will be quoted much more than if you called the resort itself. The travel agents simply take your request, call the hotel and make reservations and charge you extra for the service, up to double the original rate. Meanwhile, the traveler has no idea he wasn't talking to the resort. This can often lead to frustration, as the traveler will show up at his hotel or resort and see he was charged double the rate that the hotel is listing, even though the hotel had nothing to do with it! So the advice is, try your best to ignore the many travel agencies and make your reservation with the resort or hotel directly. Better yet, don't make advance reservations in the low season. Just go to White Beach or the region you want to stay and negotiate deals with the places you want to stay at. Many street touts will offer to show you the rooms first and then you can negotiate. [[File:Boat on boracay beach.jpg|thumb|300px|White beach on Boracay Island]] If you prefer peace and quiet, avoid accommodation at the center of White Beach, as this is the most crowded area. Head further north or south instead. The area south of Stations 1 & 3 has a more relaxed and peaceful vibe - no pounding disco till 4AM. Accommodation is more reasonably priced, and there are some friendly little bars and restaurants where you can meet people and chat. North of Station 1 you'll find many of the more luxurious (and expensive) establishments. The beach is at its widest here, and the area is usually relatively peaceful. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=W Hostel Boracay | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd floor Gill & Park Bldg Zone 5 Bolabag Road | lat= | long= | directions=D mall is 350 yards from the W hostel. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=Dorm bed from {{PHP|350}} per person | content=Backpackers' hostel with 4- to 6-bed dorms. Free breakfast and free Wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Escurel Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.950011 | long=121.932358 | directions= | phone=+63-36288-3611, +63-999-551-2335 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= from {{PHP|800}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amidst the vast complex of station 3 accommodations tucked behind the pathway next to Arwana's cafe, this is a friendly Filipino-owned establishment. Spacious, private rooms with fan, Hot and cold shower, cable TV, kitchenette, fridge, and unlimited free Wifi close to the beach access. All rooms have a nice balcony to lounge out and laze on; the fan-only huts also each have a nice hammock out front. Rooms are priced according to season; either peak or off-peak. }} * {{sleep | name=Little Corner of Italy | alt=Da Mario's | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions=Just across Red Pirates Bar | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from {{PHP|300}} pp | content=Better known as "Da Mario's" as it is owned and run by an Italian businessman. The hotel offers budget common rooms which can be shared by a maximum of 4 persons which have a fan and common shower and toilet, while rooms with bungalows are slightly expensive and can be shared by a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 4 persons. Rooms are priced according to stay and per person. If you don't plan to sleep there, consider trying their lasagna. }} * {{sleep | name=Moreno's Place | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Run by a different owner of the same family as Escurel's, one will find similar accommodations and friendliness here. Prices are roughly similar to Escurel better publicized (read: Lonely Planet listed) accommodations. It's a 15-second walk to the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Dive Gurus Boracay Beach Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/DGBBR/ | email= | address=Angol Station 3 | lat=11.9487864 | long=121.931355 | directions=Southern part of white Beach. | phone=+63 36 288 3809 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dormitory (sleeps 1-2 people in bunk beds) {{PHP|200}}/{{PHP|250}}/{{PHP|300}} for low season/mid season/high season | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Treffpunkt | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.9493188 | long=121.929574| directions=along the same pathway to Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Morenos, and Escurel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rates range from {{PHP|500}} a night | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=One of the best budget options on the island. Clean, simple, quiet rooms with television, A/C, private bathroom and shower, and patio. There is also a boarding house upstairs, a general store, a treehouse kitchen, and the cheapest breakfast and sandwiches in Boracay. Friendly, accommodating staff. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Romero Boracay | url=http://www.villaromeroboracay.com | email= | address=Station 3, Manoc Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4421 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|600}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Villa Romero Boracay is a 26-room hotel located just a few steps from the front beach of Boracay Island. The hotel also has a restaurant, guest lounge, coffee shop and a convenience store. It is far from the hustle and bustle of central Boracay but at the same time, close to the beachfront bars, souvenir shops, the market, restaurants, and dive shops. }} * {{sleep | name=Dormitels Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.dormitels.ph | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Boat Station 1 | phone=+63 36-2282198 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=From {{PHP|320}} a night | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Fan single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Has 20 rooms. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=Alta Vista De Boracay | alt= | url=https://altavistadeboracay.com.ph/ | email= | address= | lat=11.993351 | long=121.91146 | directions=Close to Puka Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=Starts from US$60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beautiful resort. }} * {{sleep | name=Baling Hai Beach Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/balinghai/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=Starts from US$50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Baling Hai Beach Resort has a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs located on the northern part of Boracay, two coves away from the main White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Coral Resort Boracay | url=http://www.bluecoral-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Angol| lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, behind Cocoloco Bar | phone=+63-36-2885220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$33 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small resort with six rooms equipped with AC, hot water, minibar, modern bathroom, safe, cable TV, wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Prince Resort | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Main Road, Station 1, Bolabog Road, Barangay Balabag | lat= | long= | directions=at the crossing of the main road and the road leading to Bolabog Beach | phone=+63 36 506-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=The resort draws its ambiance from the past and contemporary art echoed in the 36 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Beach Resort | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Beachfront, Station 3, Ambulong, Barangay Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-1888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=This 41-unit resort has beautiful sunset views. It also has an infinity pool at the deck. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center | alt= | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Main Road, Station 2, Sitio Manggayad | lat= | long= | directions=Across Allied Bank | phone=+63 36 506-3111 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | content=It includes an impressive 1,800-m² wave swimming pool with kiddie pool and a country's first wave rider (a pool you can surf on); 479 elegant units; a 1,600-guest conference center; restaurants; an adventure park; and Pricelite Outlet Store, where you can find many US brand items at {{PHP|99}}, from personal care items to liquors. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Mango | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=In Angol, at the southern end of White Beach. A friendly, family run establishment. The location is peaceful - less crowded than at station 2. }} * {{sleep | name=Fat Jimmys Boracay Resort | url=https://fatjimmysresort.com/ | email= | address=Station 2, D'Mall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5562 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$25 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sundown Resort Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.sundownresortboracay.com/ | email= | address=Angol, Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, behind Cocoloco Bar | phone=+63-36-2883406 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$23 | content=Nice resort right on the beach at the nicest part of Boracay with new rooms equipped with ac, hot water, fridge, modern bathroom, cable tv, wifi. Great restaurant on the beach. Austrian management. }} * {{sleep | name=Argonauta Boracay- Boutique Hotel with Villas and Apartments | url=http://www.argonauta-boracay.com/ | email=info@argonauta-boracay.com | address=Hagdan, Yapak, 272 Balinghai Road | lat= | long= | directions=follow main road direction to Shangri La, Turn right after Grand Vista Hotel | phone=+63 36 288 2746 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=room rates start at {{PHP|4000}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Boutique hotel situated on a 5,000-m² hillside property facing west (sunsets) over Punta Bunga Beach. Rooms are equipped with AC, hot water, mini-bar, cable TV, wifi. DVD Players and Ipod Doc ins are available on request. The Argonauta-Mobil brings guests to the White Beach and to Puka Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Artista Boracay Beach Villas | url=http://www.artistaboracay.com/ | email= | address=Diniwid Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-6235 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Cottage Island Resort | url= | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.9646174 | long=121.923 | directions=Station 1 Beach Front | phone=+63 36 288 2155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2700}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=The rooms are in Filipino-inspired design with walls made of Banig and bamboo furniture. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Terraces Resort | url=http://www.boracayterracesresort.com | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.9744464 | long=121.91468 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|5500}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content= has its own swimming pool and offers deluxe accommodation and fully-furnished suites and apartelles. Activities like swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, diving and parasailing can be enjoyed. }} * {{sleep | name=Asya Premier Suites | alt= | url=http://www.asyapremier-boracay.com | email= | address=Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 1790 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|13500}} | content=It offers premier and executive suites, all of which have views of the sea, and is equipped with cable TV with DVD player, mini-bar, and NDD/IDD phone service. Some of its amenities include private shuttle speedboat and van, nanny & butler service, a fitness center, and Wi-fi internet services. }} * {{sleep | name=Bamboo Bungalows | url=http://www.bbboracay.com/ | email=reservation@bamboo-bungalows-boracay.net | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 63 24 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=4000 m² of beachfront property. Offers various categories of rooms, ranging from aircon and hot water-equipped hotel rooms to basic fan-cooled cold-shower bungalows. }} * {{sleep | name=Beachcomber Resort Boracay | url=http://www.beachcomberboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=11-room resort across the road from the beachfront. Sun loungers on the beach, pool, roof deck, spa, complimentary breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Beach Chalets | url= | email= | address=Near Boat Station 2, Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-3993 | tollfree= | fax=+63-36-288-6313 | hours= | price=US$50/100 low/high season | checkin= | checkout= | content=Air-conditioned cottages. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Beach Club | alt=Station 1 | url=http://boracaybeachclub.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern 30-room resort featured in ''Travel + Leisure'' magazine. Amenities include a rooftop deck, swimming pool, and beachfront lounge. Special packages with discounts to Ariel's Point and complimentary breakfast included. Family-owned and managed. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Gold Crowne Resort | url=http://www.boracaygoldcrowneresort.com | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|3500}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront rooms with private balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Grand Vista Resort | url=http://www.egrandvista.com | email= | address=Barangay Yapak, Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Claims the largest swimming pool in Boracay. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Hills Resort | url=http://www.boracayhills.com | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-3315 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|3000}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Sandcastles | url=http://www.boracaysandcastles.com | email= | address=White Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2-752-7575 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2-755-6849 | hours= | price=From US$85 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Sunset Resort | url=http://www.villasunsetresort.com | email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.95894 | long=121.92633 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|4100}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Villa Sunset is an 8-room apartment type hotel located at the heart of Boracay's White Beach at Station 2. The rooms are fully-furnished with their own balcony overlooking the swimming pool. The hotel offers day tour activities to those that would like to explore Boracay and its neighboring islands. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Sands Hotel | alt= | url=http://sandshotelboracay.com/ | email= | address=White Beach, Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884966 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rates start at US$120 | content=It offers suites that are equipped with a DVD player, cable TV, Internet connection, refrigerator, IDD phone, writing desk and chair, safe, and hair dryer. Some of its facilities include a spa, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, café, and function rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Erus Hotel and Restaurant Boracay Island | url=https://www.erussuitehotel.com/ | email=erushotel@gmail.com | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-3441, | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A new hotel located right at the heart of station 2. }} * {{sleep | name=Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Boracay | url=http://www.fairwaysandbluewater.com.ph/ | email= | address=Newcoast | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rates start at {{PHP|3655}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Boracay offers rooms equipped with air conditioning, cable television, minibar, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer and baby cot (subject to availability). Some of its facilities and services are clubhouse, restaurant, golf course on site, swimming pool, spa, parking, full service health spa, complimentary area shuttle and room service. }} * {{sleep | name=Fridays Boracay | url=http://www.fridaysboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Comfortable cottages. }} * {{sleep | name=Hey Jude! Resort Boracay | url=http://www.heyjude-boracay.com/ | email= | address=D’ Mall D’ Boracay Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5401 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2885403 | hours= | price=From US$46 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Jay Jays Club Boracay Resort | alt=Jay Jays Boracay Resort | url=http://www.jayjaysclub.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A hilltop private resort above Boat Station 1 with incredible ocean and beach views. Apartments have aircon, hot water, kitchens, cable TV and wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Jony's Beach Resort Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.jonysboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6119 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 3119 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$75 | content=One of the oldest family-run establishments on the island. }} * {{sleep | name=La Isla Bonita Resort & Spa Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/La-Isla-Bonita-Boracay/100008608002510 | email=laislabonitaboracy@yahoo.com | address=Boat Station No. 3 Manggayad, Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 3433 7532 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-3501 | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|2000}} during high season | content=Nice, basic, aircon room with cable TV and private bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay La Reserve | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Beach-Resort/Boracay-La-Reserve-1601439286774604/ | email= | address=Station 1 Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883020 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|3000}} | content=Elegant rooms, private balcony with garden views. }} * {{sleep | name=Lingganany | url=http://www.lingganay.com/ | email= | address=manoc manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5734 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$50 | checkin= | checkout= | content= Located on a hillside, 22 apartments available, with views, a pool, and free shuttle service to and from the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Microtel Inn and Suites Boracay | url=http://www.microtel-boracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6931 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$105 | checkin= | checkout= | content=51-room beachfront hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Monaco Suites de Boracay | url=http://www.monacosuitesboracay.com/ | email= | address=manoc manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$300 | checkin= | checkout= | content= all-suite hotel, 40 apartments available, with ocean view, an infinity pool, and free shuttle service to and from the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Nami Resort | alt= | url=http://www.namiresorts.com | email= | address=Diniwid Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6753 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|7500}} | content=A/C rooms equipped with cable television, minibar, coffee and tea maker, jacuzzi and king-size bed. Some of its facilities and services are restaurant and bar, water sports, airport and city transfers. }} * {{sleep | name=Nigi Nigi Nu Noos | url=http://www.boracaysand.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Good "traditional" cottages that look great. Food is good there too. }} * {{sleep | name=One Azul Boracay Resort | alt= | url=https://www.oneazulboracay.com.ph/ | email= | address=North Station 1, White Beach, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 917 308 8262 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|2700}} | content=A/C suites equipped with cable tv, private toilet and bath, deluxe bathroom amenities and free continental breakfast. Some of its facilities and services are wireless internet, safety deposit box, massage service, laundry and dry cleaning service and airport, land, and boat transfers. }} * {{sleep | name=Orinda Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/orinda.boracay | email= | address=Angol| lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, | phone=+63-3400303 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$59 | checkin= | checkout= | content=resort right on the beach of Boracay with rooms equipped with AC, hot water, fridge, modern bathroom, cable tv, wifi. Hotel restaurant on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=One Crescent Place Hotel | url=http://www.onecrescentplace.com | email= | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5429 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The resort is in Station 1 of Boracay Island, a two-minute walk to the powdery white sands and crystal-blue waters of White Beach. Each guestroom features a deck, dining area, kitchenette, microwave oven, refrigerator, private toilet and shower, mini-bar, and Internet access. It is also fitted with a DVD player, writing desk and chair, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Soleil de Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.lingganay.com.ph/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5734 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$100 | content=Right in the center of White Beach, near Boat Station 2. The resort as a whole has a nice ambiance, rooms are also brightly decorated. Lounging area available right on the beach front as you step out of the hotel. Breakfast is served a la carte and portions aren't that impressive so if your package doesn't come with breakfast, you might as well have it outside of the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Panoly Resort Hotel | url=http://www.thepanoly.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=45 bungalows and 55 veranda-equipped hotel rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Garden Resort Hotel & Convention Center Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/paradisegardenresortboracay/ | email= | address=Manggayad | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3728 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$100 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Patio Pacific Boracay | url=http://www.patiopacificboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 845 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 8452233 | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Formerly known as Pink Patio Resort. Facilities include a gym, pool and climbing wall. The 65 aircon rooms are adequate if a bit bland in decor. Breakfast is served buffet style though choices may be limited at times. Three-minute walk to White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Pearl of the Pacific - Beach Resort Boracay | url=http://www.pearlofthepacific.ph | email= | address=Pearl of the Pacific, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-2883220, +63-2-9260162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$60-180 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=At Boat Station one with ocean view suites right on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Punta Rosa Boracay Resort | url=http://www.puntarosa.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 6 288 6740 | tollfree= | fax=+63 6 288 6740 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Northern end of White Beach. Breakfast included. }} * {{sleep | name=Sea Wind Boracay | url= | email=seawind@pacific.net.ph | address=1 R&G Tirol Park, Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 4164010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=50-room luxury resort. Spacious, Filipino-style rooms with pseudo-antique furniture. }} * {{sleep | name=Serendipity Resort Boracay | url=http://www.serendipityboracay.com/ | email= | address=Main Road, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5411 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$35 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Simple but tastefully-fitted aircon rooms with hot water and cable TV. Fan-cooled cottages, inspired by huts in the Philippine highlands, are also available. Additional features include a commercial arcade, a guest’s lounge and landscaped gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Mito's Palace Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/mbonedestination/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884343, +633 6 5063172 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A cozy hotel located at station 1, White Beach. All rooms air conditioned, with hot and cold shower, cable television, patios, minibar, 24-hour room service. Newer hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Shore Time Boracay Resort | url=https://shoretimehotelboracay.com/home/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions=next door to Andok's- Station 1 & across from Obama Grill Restaurant) | phone=+63 6 288 4968, | tollfree= | fax=+63 6 288 4765 | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=In station 1, across from the beach with their own private guests sun loungers on the beachfront. }} * {{sleep | name=The Strand Boracay Resort | url=http://www.boracaystrand.com/ | email= | address=Sinagpa, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small 13-room resort in a fusion Asian-Scandinavian style, one minute away from the beach. Salt-water pools. }} * {{sleep | name=Sur Beach Resort | url=http://www.surboracay.com/ | email=surboracay@gmail.com | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6844, +63 928 781 1233 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 6843 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the smaller but charming hotels in the Station 1 area. }} * {{sleep | name=The Tides Hotel Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel-Resort/The-Tides-Hotel-Boracay-Philippines-2163377983759206/ | email=reservation@tidesboracay.com | address=D'Mall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4517 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 4518 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Boracay's most notable boutique hotel located at the heart of D'Mall. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Camilla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice and quiet beachfront hotel with a swimming pool in Boat Station 3. Can be quite a bargain in low season. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Sunset Resort Boracay | url=http://www.villa-sunset-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5666 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-5324 | hours= | price=From US$51 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Eight apartments with own terrace/balcony, cable TV, telephone, kitchenette, shower, air conditioning and a fully stocked fridge. }} * {{sleep | name=Willy's Beach Club Hotel Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel/Willys-Beach-Resort-180016828679313/ | email= | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-3395 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 3016 | hours= | price=From US$88 | checkin= | checkout= | content=40 Mediterranean-style villas with aircon. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Swiper's Inn | url=https://www.facebook.com/SwipersBoracay/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.971654 | long=121.916956 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|6000}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Swipers Inn has an amazing view of the white sandy beach. The suites have their own kitchen and dining area. }} ===Bulabog Beach=== Bulabog Beach runs parallel with White Beach and is on the east side of the island. It is approximately {{km|1.5}} long and has white sand similar to that on White Beach. It is protected from strong seas by a coral reef located {{m|500}} offshore, and from late October to April the ''amihan'' (northeast monsoon winds) makes this beach very popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders. Bulabog Beach has the "old" Boracay atmosphere, being less developed than the White Beach area, quieter, more laid back, with onshore breezes most of the year, and a number of foreign residents have made it their home. In addition, resorts are starting to appear and the various types of water-sports (parasailing, banana boats, jetskis, waterskiing, etc.) are using this area during the White Beach off-season (May-October, when the ''habagat'' or the southwest monsoon wind blows). Access to D'Mall is only a 5 minute walk and a couple of minutes later you are on White Beach with all the crowds, restaurants, bars, discos, etc. Water on Bulabog is much polluted with sewage water of the whole island. You can see few pipes and "rivers" are emptying to sea. Since the lagoon is semi-closed and shallow, and water circulation is limited, you can feel the smell from the water. The color of it will block all your thoughts about swimming there and lot of kiters will simply not allow you to. If you plan to spend your time lying on the beach, swimming and getting a tan, Bulabog is certanly not the best choice. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Blue Bayou Bungalows | url=http://bluebayouboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4740 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Offers spacious bungalows with loft bedroom, kitchenette and veranda. }} * {{sleep | name=Islakite Center | url=http://www.islakitesurfing.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5352 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Room rates start at {{PHP|970}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Offers 9 nice fan rooms, private bathroom with hot shower, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Perfectly located, right on the beach. Kitesurf as soon as you wake up. Good breakfast and free storage for the gear are included in the rate. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=7Stones Boracay Suites | url=http://www.7stonesboracay.com/ | email=salesmanila@7stonesboracay.com | address=Bulabog Beach, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 16 01 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=is a boutique hotel situated on a 4,000-m² beachfront property located at the famous water sports paradise otherwise known as Bulabog Beach. This new and modern boutique hotel has of stunning roomy suites and breathtaking sights. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Gems | url=http://www.boracaygems.net/ | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9082781983 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=New villas on Bulabog Beach, furnished in a modern designer style complete with a private Zen garden and a great view of the ocean. }} * {{sleep | name=The Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast | alt= | url=http://www.lazydogboracay.com | email=info@lazydogboracay.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9209 454 845, +63 36 288 4128 | tollfree= | fax= | price={{PHP|2600}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content=This B&B offers 15 fully air conditioned rooms, hot showers, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Set inside a private garden enclave and conveniently located at the center of the island. On-site cafe offers breakfast and lunch. Dogs are welcome. }} * {{sleep | name=Reef Retreat Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.reefretreatboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9173 493 060 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A nice cozy 12 room hotel owned by a couple from the UK. It's right near windsurf/kiting schools and breakfast is also served in one of these schools. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, aircon, mini bar, hot/ cold shower and ceiling fan. Bulabog beach is only 1min walk away from the hotel. The walk to White beach takes about 10 min and the same goes for the walk to D*Mall. The hotel is clean and newly built with comfortable rooms. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Boracay Butterfly Garden Cottages | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2886701 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Cottages with kitchens, separate air conditioned bedrooms, hot showers, cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and sea view patios. 10 min from beach, 7 min from D'Mall. }} * {{sleep | name=Palm Breeze Villa Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.palmbreezeboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9155352625 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= A small luxury resort in a slightly elevated position at the north end of Bulabog Beach. The resort features a swimming pool with swim-up bar. Free wifi throughout. Stunning views over the swimming pool and ocean from all rooms. En-suite bathrooms feature modern fixtures and oversized shower-heads. They also include quiet split-system air-conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=Cohiba Villas Boracay Resort | alt= | url=http://www.cohibaboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36-288-4792 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Tel. Furnished villas intended for families staying a week or more, located on a cliff overlooking Bulabog Beach. Quiet split-system air-conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar. }} ===Near White Beach=== Some hotels and resorts are located along roads and footpaths off of White Beach, generally within just a few minutes walk from the beach. Room rates in these may be a bit lower than prices for comparable rooms located in resorts which have beach-front entrances, and the rooms may be a bit quieter than rooms located right on the beach. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Ocean Breeze Inn | alt= | url=http://oceanbreezeinn.info/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Offers budget cottages or air conditioned guesthouse rooms (various room sizes for single travellers or families) at affordable rates. Guest kitchen also available. Ocean Breeze Inn is located at Station 3, around 2-3 minutes walk to White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Trafalgar Cottages | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 Manggayad | lat=11.9562355 | long=121.930488 | directions=behind the New souvenir shops at D original talipapa. | phone=+63-36-2883711 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|480}} | content=Double fan rooms, shared bathroom. Nice garden. }} ====Mid-range==== ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa | url=http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/boracay/boracayresort | email= | address=Barangay Yapak | lat=11.988305 | long=121.904 | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884988 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 5088 | hours= | price=From US$500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Boracay's first international branded resort. 219 rooms, suites and villas, with 350m of dedicated beach and 12 hectares of grounds. They also offer airport transfers through their private speedboat. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Holiday Resort | alt= | url=http://www.boracayholidayresort.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884086 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2884085 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A Mediterranean inspired resort located at the heart of Manggayad (Station 2), a three-minute leisurely walk to white beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Boracay Resort | alt= | url=http://www.grandboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 7315971 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 7426272 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Grand Boracay is in the center of Boracay island. Known for its wide space and quiet atmosphere with its affordable prices. }} * {{sleep | name=Mandala Spa and Villas Boracay | url=https://mandalaspaboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5858 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$250 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A sanctuary for the body and soul where a culture of respect for the individual and an atmosphere of beauty, wellness and personal growth pervades. Relax and revive in a romantic and secluded resort villa with spa therapies, yoga or natural foods, walking distance from Boracay’s famous White Beach in this award winning Boracay resort and spa. }} * {{sleep | name=Turtle Inn | alt= | url=http://www.turtleinnboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4206 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This is one of the island's newer establishments. Located just a couple of minutes walk from the beach near boat station 3, this hotel has a high standard of accommodation at surprisingly reasonable rates. }} ===Balabag and other areas=== ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Fat Jimmy's Resort | url=https://fatjimmysresort.com/ | email= | address=0221, Station 2, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5562 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|1200}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Fat Jimmy's Resort in Boracay, Philippines offers the best quality and friendly service with neat, clean and comfortable accommodations at a price everyone can afford and make the best Boracay experience in their life. }} * {{sleep | name=La Bella Casa | url=http://www.labellacasaboracay.com | email= | address=Station 1 near Cocomangas Bar of Boracay | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2885846 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It offers air-conditioned rooms, all of which are equipped with a cable TV, mini-fridge, and private shower and bathtub. Superb room service is also offered to guests. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=Beachcomber Resort Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/Beachcomber-Boracay-305412729665372/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|4211}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=11 accommodations, all equipped with Cable TV, Air-conditioning and Private veranda. Facilities and services are Spa, Outdoor swimming pool, Restaurant and bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Holiday Resort | url=http://www.boracayholidayresort.com | email= | address=Station 2, Corner Main Rd. & Tirol Rd., Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884085 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|2200}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Sprawling Mediterranean inspired resort located right at the heart of Manggayad (Station 2) and affords its guests with a 3-minute leisurely walk to the famous white beach. Just by walking alone through the resort's breezy corridors and airy verandas is enough to make you feel the holiday ambience. Boracay Holiday Resort is an affordable luxury. It surely will be a part of your memorable experience here in the island, not just a place to stay }} * {{sleep | name=Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway | url=http://www.granprixhotels.com/Boracay | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883548 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|3500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=A cool beach retreat nicely tucked a few meters away from the buzz of the Boracay coastline. Offers an oasis of calm and understated luxury with its wonderfully modern ambience. }} * {{sleep | name=Real Maris Resort | url=http://www.realmarisresort-boracay.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxurious hotel for more bliss in paradise. Their air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a cable TV, DVD player, Internet access, room safe, mini-bar, and refrigerator. Some of their facilities are restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a beach bar, and massage services }} * {{sleep | name=Roque’s Place Boracay | url= | email= | address=Station 3, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-33-56 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= From {{PHP|2500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=It offers 15 rooms, all of which have air-conditioning, cable TV, and a mini-bar. Some of its amenities include bar and restaurant, beauty parlor, and water sports facilities. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like Diamond Sea Sports, Boracay Scuba, and Willy's Rock. }} * {{sleep | name=The Sitio Boracay | url=http://panayisland.com/hotels-resorts/boracay/the-sitio-boracay/ | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 4144065 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rates start at {{PHP|4500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content= From the native cogon roofing to the endearing Filipino-Balinese theme, your air-conditioned Boracay villa is a place rife with comfort and charm. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Boracay Hills Resort | alt= | url=http://www.boracayhills.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883315 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2883768 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the most exclusive places to stay on Boracay Island. Located in the lush and hilly hammock of Bantud 10 minutes walk from the beach; free shuttle service available. }} * {{sleep | name=Lorenzo's Villa | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/villalorenzoresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 928-0719 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=At the southern tip of Boracay, 10-15 min to White Beach by free hotel shuttle. All rooms feature ocean view balconies. There is a pool and spa services on site, but beach access to a small stretch of sand is limited due to the resort being perched on a cliff. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Bay Resort Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.paradisebayresortboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5124, +63 36 288 5071 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36-288 5127 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Tulubhan is popular with German travellers. It offers a middle range accommodation rate with a small pool, a free van-ride to anywhere on the island and a billiard table. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Amor Apartments | alt= | url=http://www.boracayamor.com | email=reservation@boracayamor.com | address=Diniwid, Balabag | lat=11.9760592 | long=121.912277 | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 9063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|5000}} | lastedit=2016-02-07 | content=Serviced apartment built on top of a limestone cliff giving good view over Boracay Island. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Lagoon | url=http://bluemangoinn.com/ | email= | address=Tulubhan Beach | lat=11.9543946 | long=121.9374 | directions=3-minute walk North from Boat Station 3 | phone=+63 36 288 5170 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$38-165 per room/suite | checkin=| checkout= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This is the south end of White Beach which is quieter, cleaner and less busy than station 1 or 2. The Inn has 4 standard rooms, 4 deluxe garden rooms, 3 ocean view suites and two large family rooms. The inn also has a highly regarded restaurant and dive center, and there is a designated area with lounge chairs. If you get the opportunity, spend some time with the owner, Vaughn, an exceedingly friendly and accommodating American expat. All the rooms also have air-conditioning, hot water, cable TV, wireless Internet connection and come with free bottled water, beach towels, and breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Balaihara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=A cluster of villas sprawled over the resort community of Fairways and Bluewater in the Newcoast area. Each villa has roomy and cozy rooms furnished with modern amenities. Recreational facilities include an 18-hole Graham Marsh-designed golf course and a swimming pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel | url=http://www.boracaymandarin.com/ | email= | address=Beachfront, Station 2, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|8000}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Set in the heart of Boracay’s vibrant culture and warm atmosphere is Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, a AAA beachfront resort with 52 luxurious rooms and suites, an in-house restaurant by the sea, hotel spa, swimming pool, kiddie pool and convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=Argonauta Boracay - Boutique Hotel with Villas and Apartments | url=http://www.argonauta-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Hagdan, Yapak, Overlooking quiet Punta Bunga | lat= | long= | directions=tunr left on the main road going to Balinghai | phone=+63 36 288 2746 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= From {{PHP|4000}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=At a hillside near Punta Bunga Beach overlooking the ocean to the west, near Shangri La Resort. Available are Boutique Hotel Rooms, Apartments good for 4 guests and Villas good for 6 guests. 2 small swimming pools on site. }} ==Stay safe== '''Sewage water pollution''' is one of the biggest problems of Boracay: lots of sewage pipes can be seen pouring water-carried waste directly into the sea. Some areas, like Bulabog beach, has been made completely unswimmable due to this problem. Other areas suffered less. However, it puts swimming safety of the entire island under the serious threat. '''Power outages''' still happen pretty often (2016) and can last from several minutes to several hours. On a bright side however, substantial part of more expensive resorts have back-up generators which solve the problem almost entirely. ==Connect== '''Internet connections''' are pretty slow anywhere on the island. Wi-Fi can be found everywhere from splurge hotels to small guesthouses but again it's pretty crappy. Small Internet cafes exist but not widespread. 3G/4G is provided by mobile operators Smart and Globe. ==Cope== {{listing | name=Bureau of Immigration | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration/home?ref=page_internal | email= | address=Villa Camella, Boat Station 2, Main Road| lat=11.95256| long=121.93293| directions=near Budget Mart and opposite Boracay Isle Hotel | phone=+63 36 288 5267| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-08-09 | content=Same-day visa extension is possible here. First 29-day extension costs {{PHP|3130}}. They require 2×2 cm photo and photocopies of several passport pages. }} Tips: # Paperwork submission and payment cut off time is 3PM, so get there at least an hour before that. # Hold on to the paper receipt you are given - if you lose it, there is a {{PHP|500}} fine. # Pickup on date given after 3PM-5PM or up to 5 days after (anytime). After that, there is a {{PHP|200}} passport hold fee per day. # If you stay in the Philippines more than 6 months, you must get clearance to fly out. # It takes 10 working days to get it - for free, or 3 days processing for {{PHP|500}}, or 1 day processing (actually 5 minutes) for {{PHP|1000}}. # Clearance is valid for 30 days but not exceeding last visa date (clearance is 1 month maximum if visa ends in 1 month from now). # You cannot get clearance when doing extension - only one transaction at a time (as you need submit a copy of your last visa extension & your passport, but in this office essentially you can get both done in 30 min if you pay extra). # You will need 3 photos - 2x2 inches - which can be done in marketing agency upstairs for {{PHP|75}} pesos - includes DSLR shot and print of 8 photos. You also need copy front​+back of your ACR card. Copies can be done upstairs at {{PHP|5}} each. ==Go next== * [[Kalibo]] &mdash; the closest major airport located in this town * [[Iloilo]] {{geo|11.969444|121.927222}} {{IsPartOf|Aklan}} {{usablecity}} eatckiuhdjhqzq38axog7gi7mk27q24 4488065 4488047 2022-07-22T02:29:20Z Sgroey 2240936 removed closed places and updated links wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Boracay banner.jpg|dotm=yes}} [[File:Boracay White Beach in day (985286231).jpg|300px|thumb|White Beach]] [http://www.boracayisland.org/ '''Boracay'''] is a tropical island about an hour's flight from [[Metro Manila]] in the [[Philippines]]. It has superb long white sand beaches and is one of the country's most developed tourist destinations. White Beach, Boracay placed 2nd in Condé Nast Traveler's 25 Best Island Beaches in the World: Readers' Choice Awards in 2020. Facilities are available to suit different levels of activity. Facilities for the usual water sports activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling, diving and jet skiing are also widely available for those in search of more active pursuits. The fun in Boracay also doesn't end when the sun sets. Boracay nightlife is pulsating with many bars and restaurants serving food, drink and fun until the very late evening. Boracay is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a full range of facilities in a prime tropical location and can pay for it. However, it is not a good bet for bargain hunters; prices are relatively high by Philippines standards, though moderate by Japanese or Western standards and lower than many places in the [[Mediterranean]], [[Caribbean]] or [[South Pacific]]. Since reopening in October 2018, there are new rules and regulations, and a limit to the number of tourists allowed on the island. You must have a hotel pre-booked before they will let you get on the boat to Boracay. There is no eating or drinking on the beach, no smoking, no fire dancing, and no commercial sandcastles. In addition, no chairs, loungers or umbrellas are allowed on the beach, so think carefully about whether to visit if you are disabled, elderly or just want to avoid direct sunlight and sit on the beach. Be prepared to be offered a massage, boat ride, parasailing, kite surfing, sail boating, hair braiding, island hopping, and henna tattoo every 20 steps on the beach's "sidewalk" path. ==Understand== ===Orientation=== There are dozens of beaches on the island, and White Beach being the longest and the most popular of them, where all life goes on, it occupies roughly all western part of the island. On the opposite side of the island (eastern) there is a main kitesurfer's beach - Bulabog. Other beaches are much smaller and tranquil. All parts of Boracay are interconnected with the help of the Main Boracay road which runs from South to North through all island. White Beach is several kilometers long and thus it's divided into three parts (from south to north): Station 1, Station 2, Station 3. ===Climate=== During the dry season (November-April; the northeast monsoon or ''amihan'' blows from December to March), White Beach is calm and very suitable for swimming, etc. The other side of the island has large winds and waves making it suitable for wind surfing, wave running, etc. During the rainy season (June-October), when the southwest monsoon (''habagat'') blows, this is reversed, with a risk of typhoons. White Beach often gets large winds and waves which sometimes makes it unsuitable for swimming. Current weather conditions can be found [http://www.boracayweatherstation.com online]. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|11.95949|121.92671|zoom=13|height=550|width=470}} Whether you go by plane or by boat, the port of entry for Boracay Island is the small town of Caticlan on the mainland. Outrigger boats (''bancaa'') leave every few minutes from {{marker|type=go|name=Caticlan's jetty port|lat=11.9277 | long=121.9495}}. The short boat trip to {{marker|type=go|name=Boracay's jetty port at Cagban|lat=11.9406 | long=121.9392}} costs {{PHP|25}}. There are two jetty ports in Caticlan (Caticlan and Tabon) and two jetty ports on Boracay (Cagban and Tambisaan). Because of the wind during September (or low season months), the jetty port furthest from the airport (Tabon) will be used to take you to Tambisaan port. Tourists have to pay a terminal fee of {{PHP|100}} and an environmental fee of {{PHP|75}}. Tricycles are available at Cagban to bring passengers to their hotels. Tricycle fare is from {{PHP|20}} per pax up to {{PHP|150}} per trip depending where your resort is. ===By plane=== There are two airports serving Boracay. {{listing | type=go | name=Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport | alt={{IATA|MPH}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9248 | long=121.9530 | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 7111 | tollfree= |fax=| hours= | price= |wikidata=| lastedit=2016-07-23 | content=Much smaller and closer airport, only a few kilometers away from Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port. It now handles jet flights to [[MNL|Manila]] operated by [http://www.philippineairlines.com Philippines Airlines] and [http://www.cebupacificair.com Cebu Pacific], as well as turboprop aircraft from Cebu operated by Cebgo, PAL Express and [http://www.flyskyjetair.com SkyJet]. <!--there is also talk of '''Air Asia''' using this airport soon.--> The airline will drop you off at the east side of the airport. After exiting the airport on at east side, find the tricycle stand across the street, past the various resort offerings. A tricycle from the airport to the Tabon jetty is {{PHP|50}} per person. <br /><br />''Ground transportation.'' From the Caticlan airport, you can either take a tricycle ({{PHP|50}}) or walk (10 minutes) to Caticlan Jetty Port. Besides, Cebu Pacific offers hotel transfer for {{PHP|350}} per person. }} {{go | name=Kalibo International Airport| alt={{IATA|KLO}}| url= | email= | address=2 km away from [[Kalibo#By plane|Kalibo]] and 70 km away from Caticlan Jetty | lat=11.6869416 | long=122.3793 | directions= | phone=+63 36 262 3264 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-23 | content=This airport can handle jet aircraft such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, however it is much farther from Boracay than Caticlan airport. Its international destinations include [[Beijing]], [[Busan]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Taipei]], [[Singapore]], [[Shanghai]] and [[Seoul]], operated by Cebu Pacific, [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines], [http://www.philippineairlines.com/ Philippine Airlines] and [http://www.airasia.com AirAsia]. Domestic flights are from both [[CEB|Cebu]] and [[MNL|Manila]]. There is a {{PHP|200}} terminal fee for domestic flights and {{PHP|700}} for international (2016).<br />''Ground transportation.'' There are vans, minibus shuttles and buses that serve travellers between Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port. A van and ferry ride takes 1½-2 hours and costs {{PHP|250}}, and {{PHP|300}} for an AC bus. Additionally you will be asked to pay environmental taxes and terminal fees of {{PHP|175}} on top of the fare. Besides, AirAsia offers hotel transfers for {{PHP|520}} per person. }} ===By boat=== '''Ferry from [[Batangas City]] to Caticlan port'''. Operated by 2GO travel. Departs Batangas port at 9PM and gets to Caticlan port at 6AM. Departs Caticlan port at 8AM and gets to Batangas port at 6PM. One way fares from {{PHP|995}}. '''Ferry from [[Batangas City]] port to Caticlan port'''. Another option is to start your journey with Philtranco, Alps, Dimple, Ceres or Rodastco coaches which leave at regular intervals throughout the day from Cubao, serving the Manila-Caticlan route for {{PHP|1200}}. Rodastco also offers a door-to-door service with pick-ups anywhere in Metro Manila. The contact numbers for trip booking are +63 2-7326891 or +63 917-3820426, or +63 919-3820426. The more challenging '''do-it-yourself''' version goes as follows: The easiest way would be to book a straight trip that allows you to purchase just one ticket from Cubao terminal to Caticlan Port. The cost is {{PHP|1000-1200}}. But if you really want to save money, you can also commute from Cubao bus terminal station (near Alimall). There is really no difference except for the fact that you need to purchase tickets at every stop. Cubao-Batangas: best leave between 7-8PM so you arrive in Batangas Port before 10PM. Batangas-Calapan: the trip takes 2 hours via cargo ship or an hour to one hour and a half via supercat. Do not purchase tickets for the Calapan to Roxas van as this can either be a scam or you end up squeezed in one van along with several other passengers with tickets. Calapan-Roxas: takes about 4 hours. Make sure you leave early so you arrive before 4AM. In the morning, the ship to Caticlan usually leaves at 2AM and 4AM and the next trip won't be until 10AM. The 10AM trip usually leaves late. This is the best time to leave travel via Cubao to Roxas. You arrive in Caticlan at 8AM and you are left to enjoy the rest of your day in Boracay. '''[http://www.7107islandscruise.net/ 7107 Islands Cruise]''' offers a cruises from Boracay to Puerto Galera to Boracay, prices range from {{PHP|2000-10000}}, children below than 3 years old are free to travel who is accompanied by 2 adults, children from 5 to 12 years old are given a 50% discount, who are accompanied also by 2 adults while senior citizens can avail a 20% discount. The cruise will tour around the Philippines in islands such as [[Boracay]] and [[Coron]] Island. ===By road and ferry (RoRo) === The "Nautical Highway" is a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allow you to bring your vehicle up to [[Panay]] Island and visit key cities like [[Kalibo]]. Taking your car all the way to Boracay, though, is not possible. Public transport also operates on the same route, and is the most cost-effective way of traveling between Manila and Boracay. Assuming good connections, the total journey time is around 12 hours. The easiest way of arranging this is to book a van in Manila by contacting private operators such as Angel Star (+63 2 783-0886 c/o Abner) and Gope (+63 2 732-6891 c/o Cesar). This will enable you to book a straight trip from [[Metro Manila]] to Caticlan at the cost of {{PHP|1200}}, more or less. Their group operates several passenger vans which can load 10-14 or 15-18 persons. You book the trip exclusively or share with fellow travellers. The van leaves at 9PM daily from Manila, travelling through Batangas-Calapan-[[Roxas (Capiz)|Roxas]] (arrives Roxas at 5AM or 6AM) to catch the 8AM or 10AM ferry/boat to Caticlan, where you are expected to arrive between noon to 2PM. Before proceeding to Boracay Island though, be sure to get your return ticket (Roxas-Manila) at the Caticlan Ferry Terminal (inquire about the updated schedule from the staff of the van operators). Take an early dinner before boarding the van and bring water and something to eat while in transit. Riding a van gives you a more relaxed pace to Caticlan because you do not have to stop in many sub-destinations which lengthen your trip and therefore can be truly tiresome. ==Get around== * Most visitors opt for motorized '''tricycles''', which act as the island's taxis and make up most of its traffic. Rides are inexpensive, usually no more than {{PHP|100}} for individual (per tricycle, not shared with other people) ride to any point on the island, and can be found almost anywhere along the main road. As the tricycle seats are right above the vehicle exhausts, there can be a little pollution however - bring a handkerchief if you tend to be easily bothered by this sort of thing. :From Cagban Port to Station 1, the most that you should pay is {{PHP|25}} per head. That is, if you don't mind sharing the tricycle with other tourists. If you don't want to rent the tricycle and allow the driver to pick up other passengers along the way, say you just want the "Individual" price and not "Special". : Short rides on busy routes, say from D'Mall to Station 3 or from Station 1 to Station 3, are a standard rate of {{PHP|20}} per passenger, but expect the tricycle driver to ask for {{PHP|40}} or more if you look like a foreigner. Long rides, like Puka beach to D'Mall, should cost around {{PHP|40}}. Drivers waiting near beaches, hotels, etc., generally ask higher price like {{PHP|150-200}}, even if you're alone. It may be worth [[bargaining]] if there are a few people with you and you want an individual ride - otherwise, better catch a passing tricycle on the main road. From Tambisaan jetty port to Station 2 D'Mall, the most that you should pay is ₱20 per head on the solar bus. * '''Scooters''' provide the best flexibility at a reasonable price. The downside is having to deal with island traffic which can be unnerving for visitors unused to the aggressive tricycle drivers. Prices are exorbitant, starting at {{PHP|1200}} per day rental (2016). * '''Mountain bikes''' are also available for rent at several locations along White Beach, which is off limits to motorized vehicles. * To explore around the island, rent a native '''sailboat''' (paraw) or motorized '''outrigger''' (banca) and visit the many beaches of Boracay. ==See== [[File:White Beach at Boracay.jpg|thumb|White Beach]] * {{listing | type=see | name=White Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9594 | long=121.9250 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This is what most people are here for, but there are environmental rules and the beach is a challenge for people with disabilities. It is a lovely stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, it's also the commercial center of the island. The long beach is divided into three sections, Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 is the northernmost and has the widest beachfront, where prime hotels and resorts are located. Accommodations are pricier, but quality is generally the best as well. Station 2 is the commercial and geographical center of white beach. This is the center of it all for shopping, eating, partying, and etc. That said, the beach here is also the most crowded, and the area the nosiest. Station 3 is the southernmost section; quieter than station 2, it is the least developed, and also the lowest priced. All of White Beach from the northernmost tip of Station 1 to the southernmost of Station 3 (~4&nbsp;km) is open to the public, so one can relax and/or swim wherever they like, regardless of hotel location.<br /><br />In every station, there are two lifeguards patrolling on foot equipped with whistle, life buoy and hand-held radio. The boat station 2 is the lifeguard and rescue command center. }} [[File:Puka beach.jpg|thumb|Puka Beach]] * {{see | name=Puka Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9961 | long=121.9148 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A quiet stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island, Puka Beach is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island so expect the sand to be more coarse than on White Beach. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter. Similarly, there are fewer services—there are only a couple of restaurants, but you likely won't have a problem getting a cold drink or an ice cream as there are a few vendors that patrol the beach. The main road in Boracay terminates at Puka Beach therefore you'll be able to hire a tricycle to get there in less than 10–15 minutes from central White Beach. Make sure you arrange a pickup if it is a quiet day and no tricycles are hanging around the beach. Most people experience Puka as one of their sailboat or banca stops during a day trip. This is a good spot for a picnic, but be sure to bring your trash home with you. }} * {{see | name=Baling Hai Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9797 | long=121.9095 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views from the clifftop restaurant. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour. }} * {{see | name=Bulabog Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9638 | long=121.9302 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Come there on a windy days to see kiteboarders doing high jumps and crazy tricks. }} * {{see | name=The Bat Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You will see in several tour guides and maps of Boracay something called the Bat Cave, which houses many small insectivorous bats (the larger fruit bats roost in the trees on the hillside above Punta Bunga Beach), and locals will be more than happy to accompany you there for a fee, or "tip". The cave is on the western-end of the island and down several dirt roads. The guide will then take you on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave, which drops down at a very steep angle. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders, and is extremely difficult to enter and walk down. There is no visible path, no handrail, and the stones are extremely slippery with slime and bat guano, as well as extremely dangerous, since the cave is at such an extreme angle. Also, the air inside the cave is very warm and humid, and in addition to the amount of guano, is very difficult to breathe. Additionally, several snakes live inside the cave. Caution should be taken by those visiting and entering the cave. There are bats in the cave, but down at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won't see them. The ceiling of the cave is interesting, however, with multiple, small stalactites. Just nearby, you can find another cave, called "crystal" cave which has a lot of stalactites and a hole on the opposite site of the entrance, from which you can watch out to the sea if you dare to climb up to it. You will have to pay {{PHP|50}} entry-fee to visit both caves for the family that owns the land, in addition to paying your guide. Visiting both caves can cost up to {{PHP|2500}} for the guide, but this is the "rich tourist price", so try to bargain if you like. }} ==Do== ===Scuba diving=== For those interested in [[scuba diving]], there are literally dozens of dive centers along White Beach; it is a good place to learn or to improve your skills. Cost is typically {{PHP|1600}} per dive for certified divers which includes rental of all equipment. The dive centers, under the Boracay Business Administration of Scuba Schools (BBASS), have agreed on standard prices amongst themselves so prices will be the same at all centers. This is to ensure that dive centers could focus on quality and scuba diving safety rather than price wars. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10–20 minutes boat ride from the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. Dives range from 'Angol Point' (10m), through 'Crocodile Island' (22-25m), a straightforward wall dive, up to 'Yapak'- a deep wall dive suitable for only the most experienced divers due to strong currents, although there is the possibility of seeing sharks and stingrays. ===Boat tours=== [[File:Boracay boat sunset.jpg|thumb|300px|Boat trip on a sunset]] The best way to see the beauty of Boracay and its various beaches is by Paraw (native outrigger sailboat). You will be constantly asked if you want to take a boat trip, as there are literally dozens of companies offering this service. It is better to go with a reputable and established group such as Allen Fun Tours (motorized banca boat tours) or Red Pirates (paraw sailing) to ensure your safety and avoid being overcharged. ===Kiteboarding=== [[File:Boracay kitesurfing.jpg|thumb|300px|Kites on Bulabog beach]] Boracay's Bulabog beach claims to be the best kitesurfing destination in Asia. The season runs from November through to April with onshore winds varying between 12-30 knots. A small lagoon (2&nbsp;km wide) is protected from waves by a coral reef. The water becomes almost flat at low tide, making it easy to start learning kitesurfing and continue with freestyle tricks. Because of its nice conditions, the spot becomes overcrowded with riders in high season. A serious disadvantage is sewage pollution of the lagoon, so smell from water and infections from even small injuries are common. * {{do | name=Freestyle Academy Kitesurfing School | url=http://www.freestyle-boracay.com | email=info@freestyle-boracay.com | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9155593080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Graykite | alt= | url=http://boracay.graykite.surf/ | email=team@graykite.surf | address=Ibabaw Street, Pinaungon, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 928 397 6249 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$80-200 | lastedit=2017-01-09 | content=Graykite provides kitesurfing lessons in Boracay to kitesurfers of all levels. Advice on travel, accommodation, etc., on request. }} * {{do | name=Hangin Kite Center | alt= | url=http://kite-asia.com/ | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The island's first kite center. Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Isla Kiteboarding school | alt= | url=http://www.islakitesurfing.com | email=info@islakitesurfing.com | address=Bulabog Beach | lat=11.966626 | long=121.928219 | directions= | phone=+63 362885352 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers courses from beginners to advanced level. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Pinas Kite Boarding | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 945 480 9370 | tollfree= | hours=06:30-17:30 daily | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Locally owned kite-boarding shop, offers courses from level 1 to 3. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} ===Skimboarding=== Skimboards are available for rent at several places along White Beach. But be sure to hire an expert to teach you the skills; a one-hour lesson from a local rider is usually around {{PHP|300}}. ===Massage and spa=== ====Budget==== * Along White Beach you will be approached frequently by women offering to give you a massage, which they will do on the spot or on a towel laid out on the beach - your choice. * A bit more organized, White Beach also has several "Massage Stations": collections of masseurs that have their mats set up. The stations are typically open as long as there are customers around but in general start to shut down just after sunset. * For Swedish, Accupressure, Shiatsu, etc., visit Abe (pronounced Abby) the blind masseur who operates outside Cocoloco restaurant in Angol (south of boat station 3). Only {{PHP|300}} per hour. * There is a great outdoor massage station in the beach area of Nigi Nigi Beach Resort, where they have two tables set up. The booth is draped with curtains which they will close if you wish, or leave open if you want to watch the people on the beach. They offer every massage in the book, and charge {{PHP|500}} for one hour. ====Mid-range==== * {{do | name=Bella Isa Salon & Spa | alt= | url=http://bellaisaboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A little spot on the beach in Station 3 with upscale decor and professional staff. They provide a full range of services including massage, facials, foot spa, and hair services. }} * There are several smaller/mid-range spas in Boracay that offer a menu including massages, scrubs and facials but don't quite have the facilities to be considered a full spa. Most hotels in Boracay offer a limited spa menu that falls into this category. ====Splurge==== * '''Caesar's''', found along the main road near boat station 3, specializes in Thai massage and uses two masseurs simultaneously to deliver the service. A 90-minute massage is priced at US$50. * {{do | name=Tirta SPA | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=&mdash; found in Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc, area. Indian treatments in a stunning environment. Friendly and helpful staff. It is a good idea to compare prices between Tirta Spa, Mandala Spa, and Shangri-La Boracay to find the best deal. }} ===Other=== * {{do | name=Ariel's Point | url=http://www.arielspoint.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2000}} for round-trip boat transfer, a BBQ buffet, unlimited drinks (bottled water, beer, soda, rum), and access to cliff diving, snorkeling, kayaking | content=Ariel’s Point is an affordable eco-adventure destination for Boracay travellers who want to experience the natural splendor of the Philippines and meet fellow travellers. Located 30 minutes away from Station 1 by outrigger boat, Ariel’s Point allows travelers to enjoy a wide array of adventurous activities such as cliff diving (the destination has five different platforms ranging in height from 3 meters to 15 meters), snorkeling, and paddling in an unspoiled setting with volcanic caves, mangrove forests, turquoise coves, and remote beaches. Visitors can reach Ariel’s Point by purchasing tickets at Ariel's House (along the White Beach in front of the Boracay Beach Club) before 11AM on the day of departure. }} * {{do | name=Parasailing | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Take a parasailing tour around the island, to explore quiet beaches and snorkel sites. Ask your crew to organize a romantic BBQ on the beach with fresh grilled seafood, if you like. Cruise back at sunset to experience breathtaking views. }} * {{do | name=Motorbiking | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is worth hiring motorbikes or scooters out to explore the island, as there are other beautiful beaches on the other side of the island that are even better for snorkeling that will be completely deserted. Hire them for a couple of days and you should get a discount. The roads are a bit dodgy, and some are still being constructed, but it's a good laugh and better than plunking yourself on a patch of white sand and seeing nothing. }} * {{do | name=Horseriding | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Horse riding is a fun activity in Boracay. Get off the beaten path and experience villages and scenery most other visitors don't get to see. All levels of experience are catered to. Ask a tricycle to take you to the Boracay Horse Riding Stables. }} ==Buy== Along White Beach, especially around Station 2, there is a wide variety of gift shops and boutiques along the beach path. In addition to the crowded stalls that you expect in Asia, Boracay also has several high-end stores including clothing, art and household items. Some places will permit you to [[haggle]], others have a fixed pricing system with price tags. Shop around as prices vary. Outside of White Beach, the shopping becomes sparse or non-existent. D'Mall at Station 2 and D'Talipapa at Station 3, between the main road and White Beach, have many shops. D'Mall is larger but D'Talipapa features a number of shops, vegetable merchants and a large meat market also selling a large selection of live seafood. Prices at D'Talipapa (including those for basic necessities such as milk, vegetables and meat) are about 25% below those of D'Mall. While walking or laying on the sand, anywhere on Boracay, you'll be approached to buy a variety of items including jewelry made of shells, fresh fruit, ice cream, sunglasses or a nice massage. * '''Shell jewelry''' &mdash; similar to what you can find elsewhere in the world, the jewelry made of shells is popular as for the most part it is made locally from shells found on Puka Beach. * {{buy | name=Paulo Collection BodyWear | url=http://www.paulocollectionboracay.business.site | email= | address=D'Mall, Bamboo Beach Resort, PC Main | lat= | long= | directions=near Cocomangas Beach Resort | phone=+63 36 288 3448 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=Variety of beach wear and other souvenir items. }} ===Malls and supermarkets=== * {{buy | name=CityMall Boracay | alt= | url=http://citymall.com.ph | email= | address=Tambisaan Jetty Port Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=A new shopping mall with a big '''Savemore''' supermarket and many fast food outlets. }} ===ATMs=== There are about 10 ATMs of the following banks: PNB, Metrobank, BPI, and RCBC, on the entire island for the 16,000 inhabitants plus tourists, and when they run out of cash, they are not refilled until the next business day. On weekends and holidays ATMs might go several days without being refilled. Almost all of them accept Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay cards. Maximum one time withdrawal is {{PHP|10000}} with compulsory fee for overseas cards of {{PHP|250}}. Many establishments, including the tricycles, cannot break a bill over {{PHP|500}}, so it pays to always have small bills. Foreign money (U.S. dollars, UK pounds, euros, Korean won, Japanese yen, etc.) can be exchanged at several locations around the island. It's worth checking around for the best exchange rate, as all places don't offer the same rate. You're best off heading away from the beach for better rates. ==Eat== Because of its wide draw of international travelers, Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat, including a surprising number of bakeries. Majority of the restaurants are located on the White beach and a short pedestrian street called {{marker|type=eat|name=D'Mall|lat=11.9628 | long=121.9260}}, nearly all of these places are quite expensive (average meal costing {{PHP|300-500}}). Cheaper options can be found near ''D'Talipapa Market'', at the {{marker|type=eat|name=D'Mall Palenke|lat=11.96230 | long=121.92636}} (street run parallel to D'Mall in 50 m of it), and perhaps about half of the restaurants along the Main road. As a side note, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy '''one of the best mangoes''' in the world. Climate in Philippines is perfect for mangoes, so you always get them mellow and sweet. {{eatpricerange|Under {{PHP|200}}|{{PHP|200-400}}|Over {{PHP|400}}}} ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Kolai Mangyan Fudhaus | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KolaiMangyanBoracay/ | email= | address=Main Road | lat=11.96063 | long=121.92830 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Majority of meals {{PHP|60-120}} | lastedit=2016-07-31 | content=Good local cafe serving Filipino cuisine. The price asked for this kind of good quality food is unbeatable on Boracay. Good reviews. }} * {{eat | name=Andok's | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Andoks-Boracay-176860492349809/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|50-300}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Andok's, which has 5 locations, sells rotisserie and fried chicken as well as favorite Filipino dishes. }} *'''Sunset View Restaurant and Hotel''', near Station 3, serves a 3-5PM snack buffet (soup, ham and cheese sliders, fried fish, pasta, meatballs, pancit, and macaroons) for ₱189 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=D'Talipapa Market| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.95826 | long=121.92872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= scallops {{PHP|300}}/kg, lobster {{PHP|1000}}, fish steak {{PHP|150}}. Cooking prices {{PHP|100-200}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Fresh seafood market with relatively cheap prices. Around the place are a variety of food stores that offer to cook for you. You can buy fresh seafood, etc., right near the stores, then have the stores cook it for you however you like. For example, you can get crabs for {{PHP|400}} for 1 kg opposed to buying in restaurants that charge {{PHP|200}} per 100 grams. However, most of the seller are quite pushy and anyone buying needs to be prepared to bargain hard to get a good deal. }} *'''Bamboo Bar Buffet''', near Station 3, serves a 6-9PM Filipino buffet with pineapple juice for ₱295 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting. * {{eat | name=Blue Jade Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/BLUE-JADE-CAFE-Authentic-Restaurant-1554754431478404/ | email= | address=in D'Talipapa | lat=11.95727 | long=121.92821 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|100}} per kilogram grilled | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers Asian and European cuisine. Customers can also shop in the market for fresh seafood and have it cooked for them at the restaurant. }} * {{eat | name= Smoke | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Smoke-Resto-1474540196153136/ | email= | address=down one of the alleys opposite Lemon cafe in D'Mall| lat= 11.96212| long=121.92618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|120-180}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A very good budget eatery. Local dishes, meat and seafood dishes, omeletes and excellent sandwiches are on offer. Most meals cost around {{PHP|120}} and are all cooked fresh. If you are around between 11AM and 2PM you get a free drink of iced lemon tea with every rice meal. }} * {{eat | name=Jammers | alt= | url= | email= | address= on the front beach of D'Mall| lat=11.96197 | long=121.92477 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24/7| price=Food {{PHP|150-250}}, shakes {{PHP|50-70}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Up and running for more than 8 years, amazing burgers, hotdogs, fruit shakes, etc. A lot of negative reviews, people say it's overrated. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=True Food | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TruefoodBoracay/ | email= | address=Station 2| lat=11.96078 | long=121.92522 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11 AM–midnight | price=Mains from {{PHP|250}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers fiery Indian cuisine that will awaken the tastebuds. The place is cozy with straw mats and over-sized cushions. The staff is polite and very accommodating. For those who enjoy the spicier side of life, try the tandoori chicken. }} * {{eat | name=The Sunny Side Cafe Restaurant| alt= | url=http://www.thesunnysideboracay.com | email= | address= | lat=11.95321 | long=121.92964| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Pancakes around {{PHP|300}} | lastedit=2016-07-30 | content=Good place to have a breakfast. Very high ratings on rating sites. }} * {{eat | name=Lemoni Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=D' Mall| lat=11.9619466 | long=121.92507| directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Cakes {{PHP|30-160}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This place serves a variety of breakfasts, lunches and light meals. The service and presentation is excellent. }} * {{eat | name=Dos Mestizos | alt= | url=http://dosmestizos.com | email= | address= | lat=11.9561407 | long=121.926868| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-midnight | price=From {{PHP|350}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This restaurant is the brainchild of respected Boracay chef & restaurateur Binggoy Remedios and his close childhood friend, Jose Ramon Valdes Nieto. Both owners have Spanish ancestors, hence the name "Dos Mestizos". This restaurant serves a selection of excellent tapas and is located between stations 2 and 3, behind the Tourist Center. }} * {{eat | name=Aria | alt= | url=http://www.aria.com.ph/#_=_ | email= | addressD' Mall= | lat=11.96173 | long=121.92463 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price={{PHP|400-600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Delicious Italian food. If they don't give you the spicy olive oil bottle on the side for your custom made pizza, make sure you ask for it. }} * {{eat | name=Hama | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.96234 | long=121.92550 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|400}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A Japanese restaurant located at the D'Mall and just across The Hobbit House. }} * {{eat | name=Fridays Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.fridaysboracay.com | email= | address= | lat=11.9724155 | long=121.91399| directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6200 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-6222 | hours=6AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=All day dining, themed dinner, Friday night buffet, seafood grill, plus 3 cultural dance shows every week with fire dance. }} * {{eat | name=Heidiland Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.96263 | long=121.92575 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Next to the main plaza at the D'Mall Phase IV is a fully air-conditioned European style deli selling all kinds of deli food as cheeses, cold cuts, salami, yoghurt, wines, etc. Locally famous for reasonably priced sandwiches, other stuff is usually expensive. }} * {{eat | name=The Hobbit Tavern | alt=Also located in D'Mall | url=https://www.facebook.com/HobbitTavernBoracay/ | email= | address= | lat=11.96200 | long=121.92529 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=With great food, drinks and live music, this place is the best of the Hobbit House chain. The main draw is the midget staff, however. }} * {{eat | name=Valhalla Bar & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.valhallabarandgrill.com/ | email= | address= | lat=11.96206 | long=121.92554 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=In the mall is a refurbished steakhouse with a varied and interesting menu. }} * {{eat | name=Kasbah | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/kasbah.boracay/ | email= | address=Next to Discovery Shores, Station 1| lat=11.97164 | long=121.91665| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Authentic Moroccan cuisine serving exquisite tagines and couscous. }} * {{eat | name=Bamboo Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.964392 | long=121.92263 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves a good selection of Chinese food in a relaxed beachfront setting. Quite average reviews. }} * {{eat | name=Manana | alt= | url=http://www.mananamexicancuisine.webs.com/#_=_ | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96332 | long=121.92355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves large portions of tasty Mexican food. Guacamole is only available when avocados are in-season despite what the menu says. Average reviews left by customers. }} * {{eat | name=Obama Grill Bar-Restaurant | alt=Station 1 | url=https://www.facebook.com/bamagrillboracay/ | email= | address=Beachfront & Main Road Frontage | lat=11.96639 | long=121.92109 | directions=across from Andok's Station 1 and Shore Time Hotel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|300-600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Steak restaurant, opened April 2009. Some say it's expensive and the portions are small. }} * {{eat | name=Ole | alt= | url= | email= | address=D'Mall| lat=11.96237 | long=121.92514 | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5940 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|400-1000}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A great place to go for Spanish tapas and other specialties. Beware - the main courses are enormous! }} * {{eat | name=Tilapia 'N Chips | url=https://www.facebook.com/tilapianchips | email= | address=G/F Kamayan Bldg. Station 2, Boracay | lat=11.96242 | long=121.92672 | directions=Beside Crafts | phone=+63 36 288 2283 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Visit this place for good beer-battered fish and chips. They also serve Asian and Western style fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches and soup at this modern, airconditioned restaurant. Take out also available. }} * {{eat | name=Titos (Resto & Grill) | alt= | url=https://titosboracay.business.site/ | email= | address=station 2| lat=11.96152 | long=121.92475 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Price range {{PHP|250-700}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serve modern Filipino cuisine that combines the casual comfort of a home cooked meal with the relaxed sophistication of fine dining. Drop by for a quick snack or a delicious meal and enjoy the live music coming from Pat's Creek and Bom Bom Bar. }} * {{eat | name=Deparis Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=White Beach | lat=11.959924 | long=121.92565| directions=beside Le Soleil and The Mandarin | phone=+63 36 288-3233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=One of the first European restaurants on the island, the first in fact to have chocolate mousse and Italian pizza when the island was without electricity in the early 1980s. Owned by the infamous and eccentric Frenchman Roger Deparis who has lived on the island since his backpacking days, it is a throwback to the old island style of mismatched decorations and heavy foliage. }} * {{eat | name=Cowboy Cocina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Cowboy-Cocina-Boracay-245481375571349/ | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.949133 | long=121.93129| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves tasty steaks, ribs and other grilled dishes, and arguably the best burgers in Boracay. }} * {{eat | name=Cyma | alt= | url=http://www.cymarestaurants.com | email= | address=in the new part of the D'mall |lat=11.96203 | long=121.92554| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Mezes {{PHP|180-250}}, gyros {{PHP|330-400}}, mains from {{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Excellent food and service at this Greek restaurant. Try the mezedes combination, the spinach and artichoke fondue and the chicken souvlaki. }} ===Coffee shops=== * {{eat | name=Real Coffee | alt= | url= https://www.facebook.com/RealCoffeeAndTeaCafe/| email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.95987 | long=121.92565 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-7PM, take away shop downstairs works till 9PM | price=Coffee {{PHP|60-160}}, muffins & brownie cakes {{PHP|40-70}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves a variety of pancakes, sandwiches, omelettes, baked goods and salads as well as freshly brewed coffee. The mother-and-daughter owners also get repeat customers who have been going there for years. They are also famous for their lemon muffin cupcakes, which are very much in demand. }} * {{eat | name=Starbucks| alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96470 | long=121.9226| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-12:30AM | price=Coffee from {{PHP|120}} | lastedit=2016-07-30 | content=Of the coffee shops of this famous chain. On the other side, it's extremely small cafe without even places to seat. }} * {{eat | name=Jonas Fruitshake | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96681 | long=121.92075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Shakes and juices {{PHP|95-120}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content= }} ==Drink== If you like to party, there are plenty of places to choose from. The livelier bars are situated near Stations 1 and 2. There are plenty of places to party all night! Station 3 has a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere, with small local bars and restaurants popular with backpackers. * {{drink | name=Bom Bom Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=near D 'Mall | lat=11.95 | long=121.933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=A native-style beach bar that often has live music. It's a popular hang out for artists and musicians. }} * {{drink | name= Charlie's Steakhouse & Diner Restaurant | url= | email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.96482 | long=121.9252 | directions=Right in the middle of the beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=This bar is a long-time favorite on Boracay with live bands that play covers. Customers are invited to sing with the bands. }} * {{drink | name=Cocoloco Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=near boat station 3| lat=11.949285 | long=121.93112| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=An attractive beach bar and restaurant that also serves tasty food. You can enjoy your drink by the beach, under the coconut trees, and there's a pool table in the bar too. Several years ago it started offering bungalows for rent as well. }} * {{drink | name=Cocomangas | alt= | url= | email= | address=station 1| lat=11.970993 | long=121.919871| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=Famous for its "Still standing after 15" challenge. Drink 15 ferocious shots and win a t-shirt and a plaque on the wall. This bar is popular with the younger crowd but a few "working girls" are around for lonely men. Try the Jam Jar, a pineapple and vodka cocktail. }} * {{drink | name=Juice Bar| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/JuiceBarBoracay#_=_ | email= | address=right between Boracay Regency and Boat Station 2| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers top notch cocktails and a variety of "sneaky smoothies". with a wide open courtyard opening up to the beach it tends to fill up by around 11PM but still very comfortable. The crowd is a nice mix of locals and foreigners. Great staff and charming bartenders. There was a report in 2016 that it was closed. }} * {{drink | name=Bei Kurt und Magz Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Bei-Kurt-und-Magz-129933397082423/ | email= | address=station 3| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Run by friendly Bavarian Kurt and his wife Mags. It's a very popular spot to meet and chat, and one of the few places on the island serving draft beer. Serve German and Filipino food. }} * {{drink | name=Nigi Nigi Nu Noos | alt= | url=http://niginigi.com | email= | address=between boat stations 2 and 3, three minutes walk north of the tourist center| lat=11.956988 | long=121.9273618| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A popular, centrally located spot to have a cool drink and enjoy a little people-watching. The manager is an expat. It is a hotel as well. }} * {{drink | name=Red Pirates Pub | alt= | url= https://www.facebook.com/RedPiratesPub#_=_| email= | address= | lat= 11.9486429| long=121.9312922| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A native style beach bar (Angol, near boat station 3) with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and good selection of fruity cocktails as well as affordable ice cold beer. It's a good place to meet other travelers and chat, and on weekends, selected weekdays and full moon nights there is live music and an all-you-can-eat beach BBQ and buffet (Fridays). }} * {{drink | name=Shantal's Resto Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/SHANTALs-RESTO-BAR-129316940424357/ | email= | address=Station 3 at the pathway to Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Morenos, and Escurel| lat=11.95989 | long=121.92618| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Revered, family-owned cantina on the beach with great value homemade food. The menu offers a bit of everything and the friendly staff will go out of their way to make you feel right at home. Has a popular Happy Hour from 2PM-8PM, offers one of the best beachside and sunset views on the island, and bumps a non-stop soundtrack of the best in electronic, hip-hop, R&B/soul, and reggae music. }} ==Sleep== Accommodation varies from top-of-the-line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. Whatever your budget, you can easily find a suitable place to stay. During peak periods such as Holy Week, Christmas and New Year, rooms are more difficult to find and more expensive, so book in advance. Staying along White Beach gets you closer to the bars, lounging and food, while staying closer to Bulabog beach gives you better access to the popular wind and kiteboarding areas. Boracay is '''notorious''' for travel agents (many in Manila) passing themselves off as the resorts, often through websites. When you call them to get a room rate or make a reservation, you will be quoted much more than if you called the resort itself. The travel agents simply take your request, call the hotel and make reservations and charge you extra for the service, up to double the original rate. Meanwhile, the traveler has no idea he wasn't talking to the resort. This can often lead to frustration, as the traveler will show up at his hotel or resort and see he was charged double the rate that the hotel is listing, even though the hotel had nothing to do with it! So the advice is, try your best to ignore the many travel agencies and make your reservation with the resort or hotel directly. Better yet, don't make advance reservations in the low season. Just go to White Beach or the region you want to stay and negotiate deals with the places you want to stay at. Many street touts will offer to show you the rooms first and then you can negotiate. [[File:Boat on boracay beach.jpg|thumb|300px|White beach on Boracay Island]] If you prefer peace and quiet, avoid accommodation at the center of White Beach, as this is the most crowded area. Head further north or south instead. The area south of Stations 1 & 3 has a more relaxed and peaceful vibe - no pounding disco till 4AM. Accommodation is more reasonably priced, and there are some friendly little bars and restaurants where you can meet people and chat. North of Station 1 you'll find many of the more luxurious (and expensive) establishments. The beach is at its widest here, and the area is usually relatively peaceful. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=W Hostel Boracay | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd floor Gill & Park Bldg Zone 5 Bolabag Road | lat= | long= | directions=D mall is 350 yards from the W hostel. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=Dorm bed from {{PHP|350}} per person | content=Backpackers' hostel with 4- to 6-bed dorms. Free breakfast and free Wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Escurel Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.950011 | long=121.932358 | directions= | phone=+63-36288-3611, +63-999-551-2335 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= from {{PHP|800}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amidst the vast complex of station 3 accommodations tucked behind the pathway next to Arwana's cafe, this is a friendly Filipino-owned establishment. Spacious, private rooms with fan, Hot and cold shower, cable TV, kitchenette, fridge, and unlimited free Wifi close to the beach access. All rooms have a nice balcony to lounge out and laze on; the fan-only huts also each have a nice hammock out front. Rooms are priced according to season; either peak or off-peak. }} * {{sleep | name=Little Corner of Italy | alt=Da Mario's | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions=Just across Red Pirates Bar | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from {{PHP|300}} pp | content=Better known as "Da Mario's" as it is owned and run by an Italian businessman. The hotel offers budget common rooms which can be shared by a maximum of 4 persons which have a fan and common shower and toilet, while rooms with bungalows are slightly expensive and can be shared by a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 4 persons. Rooms are priced according to stay and per person. If you don't plan to sleep there, consider trying their lasagna. }} * {{sleep | name=Moreno's Place | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Run by a different owner of the same family as Escurel's, one will find similar accommodations and friendliness here. Prices are roughly similar to Escurel better publicized (read: Lonely Planet listed) accommodations. It's a 15-second walk to the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Dive Gurus Boracay Beach Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/DGBBR/ | email= | address=Angol Station 3 | lat=11.9487864 | long=121.931355 | directions=Southern part of white Beach. | phone=+63 36 288 3809 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dormitory (sleeps 1-2 people in bunk beds) {{PHP|200}}/{{PHP|250}}/{{PHP|300}} for low season/mid season/high season | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Treffpunkt | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.9493188 | long=121.929574| directions=along the same pathway to Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Morenos, and Escurel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rates range from {{PHP|500}} a night | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=One of the best budget options on the island. Clean, simple, quiet rooms with television, A/C, private bathroom and shower, and patio. There is also a boarding house upstairs, a general store, a treehouse kitchen, and the cheapest breakfast and sandwiches in Boracay. Friendly, accommodating staff. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Romero Boracay | url=http://www.villaromeroboracay.com | email= | address=Station 3, Manoc Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4421 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|600}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Villa Romero Boracay is a 26-room hotel located just a few steps from the front beach of Boracay Island. The hotel also has a restaurant, guest lounge, coffee shop and a convenience store. It is far from the hustle and bustle of central Boracay but at the same time, close to the beachfront bars, souvenir shops, the market, restaurants, and dive shops. }} * {{sleep | name=Dormitels Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.dormitels.ph | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Boat Station 1 | phone=+63 36-2282198 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=From {{PHP|320}} a night | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Fan single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Has 20 rooms. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=Alta Vista De Boracay | alt= | url=https://altavistadeboracay.com.ph/ | email= | address= | lat=11.993351 | long=121.91146 | directions=Close to Puka Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=Starts from US$60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beautiful resort. }} * {{sleep | name=Baling Hai Beach Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/balinghai/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=Starts from US$50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Baling Hai Beach Resort has a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs located on the northern part of Boracay, two coves away from the main White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Coral Resort Boracay | url=http://www.bluecoral-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Angol| lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, behind Cocoloco Bar | phone=+63-36-2885220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$33 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small resort with six rooms equipped with AC, hot water, minibar, modern bathroom, safe, cable TV, wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Prince Resort | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Main Road, Station 1, Bolabog Road, Barangay Balabag | lat= | long= | directions=at the crossing of the main road and the road leading to Bolabog Beach | phone=+63 36 506-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=The resort draws its ambiance from the past and contemporary art echoed in the 36 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Beach Resort | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Beachfront, Station 3, Ambulong, Barangay Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-1888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=This 41-unit resort has beautiful sunset views. It also has an infinity pool at the deck. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center | alt= | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Main Road, Station 2, Sitio Manggayad | lat= | long= | directions=Across Allied Bank | phone=+63 36 506-3111 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | content=It includes an impressive 1,800-m² wave swimming pool with kiddie pool and a country's first wave rider (a pool you can surf on); 479 elegant units; a 1,600-guest conference center; restaurants; an adventure park; and Pricelite Outlet Store, where you can find many US brand items at {{PHP|99}}, from personal care items to liquors. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Mango | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=In Angol, at the southern end of White Beach. A friendly, family run establishment. The location is peaceful - less crowded than at station 2. }} * {{sleep | name=Fat Jimmys Boracay Resort | url=https://fatjimmysresort.com/ | email= | address=Station 2, D'Mall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5562 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$25 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sundown Resort Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.sundownresortboracay.com/ | email= | address=Angol, Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, behind Cocoloco Bar | phone=+63-36-2883406 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$23 | content=Nice resort right on the beach at the nicest part of Boracay with new rooms equipped with ac, hot water, fridge, modern bathroom, cable tv, wifi. Great restaurant on the beach. Austrian management. }} * {{sleep | name=Argonauta Boracay- Boutique Hotel with Villas and Apartments | url=http://www.argonauta-boracay.com/ | email=info@argonauta-boracay.com | address=Hagdan, Yapak, 272 Balinghai Road | lat= | long= | directions=follow main road direction to Shangri La, Turn right after Grand Vista Hotel | phone=+63 36 288 2746 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=room rates start at {{PHP|4000}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Boutique hotel situated on a 5,000-m² hillside property facing west (sunsets) over Punta Bunga Beach. Rooms are equipped with AC, hot water, mini-bar, cable TV, wifi. DVD Players and Ipod Doc ins are available on request. The Argonauta-Mobil brings guests to the White Beach and to Puka Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Artista Boracay Beach Villas | url=http://www.artistaboracay.com/ | email= | address=Diniwid Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-6235 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Cottage Island Resort | url= | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.9646174 | long=121.923 | directions=Station 1 Beach Front | phone=+63 36 288 2155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2700}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=The rooms are in Filipino-inspired design with walls made of Banig and bamboo furniture. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Terraces Resort | url=http://www.boracayterracesresort.com | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.9744464 | long=121.91468 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|5500}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content= has its own swimming pool and offers deluxe accommodation and fully-furnished suites and apartelles. Activities like swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, diving and parasailing can be enjoyed. }} * {{sleep | name=Asya Premier Suites | alt= | url=http://www.asyapremier-boracay.com | email= | address=Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 1790 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|13500}} | content=It offers premier and executive suites, all of which have views of the sea, and is equipped with cable TV with DVD player, mini-bar, and NDD/IDD phone service. Some of its amenities include private shuttle speedboat and van, nanny & butler service, a fitness center, and Wi-fi internet services. }} * {{sleep | name=Bamboo Bungalows | url=http://www.bbboracay.com/ | email=reservation@bamboo-bungalows-boracay.net | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 63 24 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=4000 m² of beachfront property. Offers various categories of rooms, ranging from aircon and hot water-equipped hotel rooms to basic fan-cooled cold-shower bungalows. }} * {{sleep | name=Beachcomber Resort Boracay | url=http://www.beachcomberboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=11-room resort across the road from the beachfront. Sun loungers on the beach, pool, roof deck, spa, complimentary breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Beach Chalets | url= | email= | address=Near Boat Station 2, Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-3993 | tollfree= | fax=+63-36-288-6313 | hours= | price=US$50/100 low/high season | checkin= | checkout= | content=Air-conditioned cottages. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Beach Club | alt=Station 1 | url=http://boracaybeachclub.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern 30-room resort featured in ''Travel + Leisure'' magazine. Amenities include a rooftop deck, swimming pool, and beachfront lounge. Special packages with discounts to Ariel's Point and complimentary breakfast included. Family-owned and managed. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Gold Crowne Resort | url=http://www.boracaygoldcrowneresort.com | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|3500}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront rooms with private balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Grand Vista Resort | url=http://www.egrandvista.com | email= | address=Barangay Yapak, Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Claims the largest swimming pool in Boracay. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Hills Resort | url=http://www.boracayhills.com | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-3315 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|3000}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Sandcastles | url=http://www.boracaysandcastles.com | email= | address=White Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2-752-7575 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2-755-6849 | hours= | price=From US$85 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Sunset Resort | url=http://www.villasunsetresort.com | email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.95894 | long=121.92633 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|4100}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Villa Sunset is an 8-room apartment type hotel located at the heart of Boracay's White Beach at Station 2. The rooms are fully-furnished with their own balcony overlooking the swimming pool. The hotel offers day tour activities to those that would like to explore Boracay and its neighboring islands. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Sands Hotel | alt= | url=http://sandshotelboracay.com/ | email= | address=White Beach, Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884966 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rates start at US$120 | content=It offers suites that are equipped with a DVD player, cable TV, Internet connection, refrigerator, IDD phone, writing desk and chair, safe, and hair dryer. Some of its facilities include a spa, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, café, and function rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Erus Hotel and Restaurant Boracay Island | url=https://www.erussuitehotel.com/ | email=erushotel@gmail.com | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-3441, | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A new hotel located right at the heart of station 2. }} * {{sleep | name=Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Boracay | url=http://www.fairwaysandbluewater.com.ph/ | email= | address=Newcoast | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rates start at {{PHP|3655}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Boracay offers rooms equipped with air conditioning, cable television, minibar, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer and baby cot (subject to availability). Some of its facilities and services are clubhouse, restaurant, golf course on site, swimming pool, spa, parking, full service health spa, complimentary area shuttle and room service. }} * {{sleep | name=Fridays Boracay | url=http://www.fridaysboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Comfortable cottages. }} * {{sleep | name=Hey Jude! Resort Boracay | url=http://www.heyjude-boracay.com/ | email= | address=D’ Mall D’ Boracay Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5401 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2885403 | hours= | price=From US$46 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Jay Jays Club Boracay Resort | alt=Jay Jays Boracay Resort | url=http://www.jayjaysclub.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A hilltop private resort above Boat Station 1 with incredible ocean and beach views. Apartments have aircon, hot water, kitchens, cable TV and wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Jony's Beach Resort Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.jonysboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6119 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 3119 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$75 | content=One of the oldest family-run establishments on the island. }} * {{sleep | name=La Isla Bonita Resort & Spa Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/La-Isla-Bonita-Boracay/100008608002510 | email=laislabonitaboracy@yahoo.com | address=Boat Station No. 3 Manggayad, Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 3433 7532 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-3501 | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|2000}} during high season | content=Nice, basic, aircon room with cable TV and private bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay La Reserve | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Beach-Resort/Boracay-La-Reserve-1601439286774604/ | email= | address=Station 1 Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883020 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|3000}} | content=Elegant rooms, private balcony with garden views. }} * {{sleep | name=Lingganany | url=http://www.lingganay.com/ | email= | address=manoc manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5734 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$50 | checkin= | checkout= | content= Located on a hillside, 22 apartments available, with views, a pool, and free shuttle service to and from the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Microtel Inn and Suites Boracay | url=http://www.microtel-boracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6931 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$105 | checkin= | checkout= | content=51-room beachfront hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Monaco Suites de Boracay | url=http://www.monacosuitesboracay.com/ | email= | address=manoc manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$300 | checkin= | checkout= | content= all-suite hotel, 40 apartments available, with ocean view, an infinity pool, and free shuttle service to and from the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Nami Resort | alt= | url=http://www.namiresorts.com | email= | address=Diniwid Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6753 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|7500}} | content=A/C rooms equipped with cable television, minibar, coffee and tea maker, jacuzzi and king-size bed. Some of its facilities and services are restaurant and bar, water sports, airport and city transfers. }} * {{sleep | name=Nigi Nigi Nu Noos | url=http://www.boracaysand.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Good "traditional" cottages that look great. Food is good there too. }} * {{sleep | name=One Azul Boracay Resort | alt= | url=https://www.oneazulboracay.com.ph/ | email= | address=North Station 1, White Beach, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 917 308 8262 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|2700}} | content=A/C suites equipped with cable tv, private toilet and bath, deluxe bathroom amenities and free continental breakfast. Some of its facilities and services are wireless internet, safety deposit box, massage service, laundry and dry cleaning service and airport, land, and boat transfers. }} * {{sleep | name=Orinda Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/orinda.boracay | email= | address=Angol| lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, | phone=+63-3400303 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$59 | checkin= | checkout= | content=resort right on the beach of Boracay with rooms equipped with AC, hot water, fridge, modern bathroom, cable tv, wifi. Hotel restaurant on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=One Crescent Place Hotel | url=http://www.onecrescentplace.com | email= | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5429 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The resort is in Station 1 of Boracay Island, a two-minute walk to the powdery white sands and crystal-blue waters of White Beach. Each guestroom features a deck, dining area, kitchenette, microwave oven, refrigerator, private toilet and shower, mini-bar, and Internet access. It is also fitted with a DVD player, writing desk and chair, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Soleil de Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.lingganay.com.ph/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5734 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$100 | content=Right in the center of White Beach, near Boat Station 2. The resort as a whole has a nice ambiance, rooms are also brightly decorated. Lounging area available right on the beach front as you step out of the hotel. Breakfast is served a la carte and portions aren't that impressive so if your package doesn't come with breakfast, you might as well have it outside of the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Panoly Resort Hotel | url=http://www.thepanoly.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=45 bungalows and 55 veranda-equipped hotel rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Garden Resort Hotel & Convention Center Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/paradisegardenresortboracay/ | email= | address=Manggayad | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3728 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$100 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Patio Pacific Boracay | url=http://www.patiopacificboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 845 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 8452233 | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Formerly known as Pink Patio Resort. Facilities include a gym, pool and climbing wall. The 65 aircon rooms are adequate if a bit bland in decor. Breakfast is served buffet style though choices may be limited at times. Three-minute walk to White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Pearl of the Pacific - Beach Resort Boracay | url=http://www.pearlofthepacific.ph | email= | address=Pearl of the Pacific, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-2883220, +63-2-9260162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$60-180 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=At Boat Station one with ocean view suites right on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Punta Rosa Boracay Resort | url=http://www.puntarosa.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 6 288 6740 | tollfree= | fax=+63 6 288 6740 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Northern end of White Beach. Breakfast included. }} * {{sleep | name=Sea Wind Boracay | url= | email=seawind@pacific.net.ph | address=1 R&G Tirol Park, Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 4164010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=50-room luxury resort. Spacious, Filipino-style rooms with pseudo-antique furniture. }} * {{sleep | name=Serendipity Resort Boracay | url=http://www.serendipityboracay.com/ | email= | address=Main Road, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5411 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$35 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Simple but tastefully-fitted aircon rooms with hot water and cable TV. Fan-cooled cottages, inspired by huts in the Philippine highlands, are also available. Additional features include a commercial arcade, a guest’s lounge and landscaped gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Mito's Palace Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/mbonedestination/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884343, +633 6 5063172 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A cozy hotel located at station 1, White Beach. All rooms air conditioned, with hot and cold shower, cable television, patios, minibar, 24-hour room service. Newer hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Shore Time Boracay Resort | url=https://shoretimehotelboracay.com/home/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions=next door to Andok's- Station 1 & across from Obama Grill Restaurant) | phone=+63 6 288 4968, | tollfree= | fax=+63 6 288 4765 | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=In station 1, across from the beach with their own private guests sun loungers on the beachfront. }} * {{sleep | name=The Strand Boracay Resort | url=http://www.boracaystrand.com/ | email= | address=Sinagpa, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small 13-room resort in a fusion Asian-Scandinavian style, one minute away from the beach. Salt-water pools. }} * {{sleep | name=Sur Beach Resort | url=http://www.surboracay.com/ | email=surboracay@gmail.com | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6844, +63 928 781 1233 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 6843 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the smaller but charming hotels in the Station 1 area. }} * {{sleep | name=The Tides Hotel Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel-Resort/The-Tides-Hotel-Boracay-Philippines-2163377983759206/ | email=reservation@tidesboracay.com | address=D'Mall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4517 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 4518 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Boracay's most notable boutique hotel located at the heart of D'Mall. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Camilla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice and quiet beachfront hotel with a swimming pool in Boat Station 3. Can be quite a bargain in low season. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Sunset Resort Boracay | url=http://www.villa-sunset-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5666 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-5324 | hours= | price=From US$51 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Eight apartments with own terrace/balcony, cable TV, telephone, kitchenette, shower, air conditioning and a fully stocked fridge. }} * {{sleep | name=Willy's Beach Club Hotel Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel/Willys-Beach-Resort-180016828679313/ | email= | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-3395 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 3016 | hours= | price=From US$88 | checkin= | checkout= | content=40 Mediterranean-style villas with aircon. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Swiper's Inn | url=https://www.facebook.com/SwipersBoracay/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.971654 | long=121.916956 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|6000}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Swipers Inn has an amazing view of the white sandy beach. The suites have their own kitchen and dining area. }} ===Bulabog Beach=== Bulabog Beach runs parallel with White Beach and is on the east side of the island. It is approximately {{km|1.5}} long and has white sand similar to that on White Beach. It is protected from strong seas by a coral reef located {{m|500}} offshore, and from late October to April the ''amihan'' (northeast monsoon winds) makes this beach very popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders. Bulabog Beach has the "old" Boracay atmosphere, being less developed than the White Beach area, quieter, more laid back, with onshore breezes most of the year, and a number of foreign residents have made it their home. In addition, resorts are starting to appear and the various types of water-sports (parasailing, banana boats, jetskis, waterskiing, etc.) are using this area during the White Beach off-season (May-October, when the ''habagat'' or the southwest monsoon wind blows). Access to D'Mall is only a 5 minute walk and a couple of minutes later you are on White Beach with all the crowds, restaurants, bars, discos, etc. Water on Bulabog is much polluted with sewage water of the whole island. You can see few pipes and "rivers" are emptying to sea. Since the lagoon is semi-closed and shallow, and water circulation is limited, you can feel the smell from the water. The color of it will block all your thoughts about swimming there and lot of kiters will simply not allow you to. If you plan to spend your time lying on the beach, swimming and getting a tan, Bulabog is certanly not the best choice. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Blue Bayou Bungalows | url=http://bluebayouboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4740 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Offers spacious bungalows with loft bedroom, kitchenette and veranda. }} * {{sleep | name=Islakite Center | url=http://www.islakitesurfing.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5352 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Room rates start at {{PHP|970}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Offers 9 nice fan rooms, private bathroom with hot shower, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Perfectly located, right on the beach. Kitesurf as soon as you wake up. Good breakfast and free storage for the gear are included in the rate. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=7Stones Boracay Suites | url=http://www.7stonesboracay.com/ | email=salesmanila@7stonesboracay.com | address=Bulabog Beach, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 16 01 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=is a boutique hotel situated on a 4,000-m² beachfront property located at the famous water sports paradise otherwise known as Bulabog Beach. This new and modern boutique hotel has of stunning roomy suites and breathtaking sights. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Gems | url=http://www.boracaygems.net/ | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9082781983 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=New villas on Bulabog Beach, furnished in a modern designer style complete with a private Zen garden and a great view of the ocean. }} * {{sleep | name=The Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast | alt= | url=http://www.lazydogboracay.com | email=info@lazydogboracay.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9209 454 845, +63 36 288 4128 | tollfree= | fax= | price={{PHP|2600}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content=This B&B offers 15 fully air conditioned rooms, hot showers, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Set inside a private garden enclave and conveniently located at the center of the island. On-site cafe offers breakfast and lunch. Dogs are welcome. }} * {{sleep | name=Reef Retreat Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.reefretreatboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9173 493 060 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A nice cozy 12 room hotel owned by a couple from the UK. It's right near windsurf/kiting schools and breakfast is also served in one of these schools. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, aircon, mini bar, hot/ cold shower and ceiling fan. Bulabog beach is only 1min walk away from the hotel. The walk to White beach takes about 10 min and the same goes for the walk to D*Mall. The hotel is clean and newly built with comfortable rooms. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Boracay Butterfly Garden Cottages | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2886701 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Cottages with kitchens, separate air conditioned bedrooms, hot showers, cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and sea view patios. 10 min from beach, 7 min from D'Mall. }} * {{sleep | name=Palm Breeze Villa Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.palmbreezeboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9155352625 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= A small luxury resort in a slightly elevated position at the north end of Bulabog Beach. The resort features a swimming pool with swim-up bar. Free wifi throughout. Stunning views over the swimming pool and ocean from all rooms. En-suite bathrooms feature modern fixtures and oversized shower-heads. They also include quiet split-system air-conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=Cohiba Villas Boracay Resort | alt= | url=http://www.cohibaboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36-288-4792 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Tel. Furnished villas intended for families staying a week or more, located on a cliff overlooking Bulabog Beach. Quiet split-system air-conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar. }} ===Near White Beach=== Some hotels and resorts are located along roads and footpaths off of White Beach, generally within just a few minutes walk from the beach. Room rates in these may be a bit lower than prices for comparable rooms located in resorts which have beach-front entrances, and the rooms may be a bit quieter than rooms located right on the beach. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Ocean Breeze Inn | alt= | url=http://oceanbreezeinn.info/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Offers budget cottages or air conditioned guesthouse rooms (various room sizes for single travellers or families) at affordable rates. Guest kitchen also available. Ocean Breeze Inn is located at Station 3, around 2-3 minutes walk to White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Trafalgar Cottages | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 Manggayad | lat=11.9562355 | long=121.930488 | directions=behind the New souvenir shops at D original talipapa. | phone=+63-36-2883711 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|480}} | content=Double fan rooms, shared bathroom. Nice garden. }} ====Mid-range==== ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa | url=http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/boracay/boracayresort | email= | address=Barangay Yapak | lat=11.988305 | long=121.904 | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884988 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 5088 | hours= | price=From US$500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Boracay's first international branded resort. 219 rooms, suites and villas, with 350m of dedicated beach and 12 hectares of grounds. They also offer airport transfers through their private speedboat. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Holiday Resort | alt= | url=http://www.boracayholidayresort.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884086 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2884085 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A Mediterranean inspired resort located at the heart of Manggayad (Station 2), a three-minute leisurely walk to white beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Boracay Resort | alt= | url=http://www.grandboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 7315971 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 7426272 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Grand Boracay is in the center of Boracay island. Known for its wide space and quiet atmosphere with its affordable prices. }} * {{sleep | name=Mandala Spa and Villas Boracay | url=https://mandalaspaboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5858 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$250 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A sanctuary for the body and soul where a culture of respect for the individual and an atmosphere of beauty, wellness and personal growth pervades. Relax and revive in a romantic and secluded resort villa with spa therapies, yoga or natural foods, walking distance from Boracay’s famous White Beach in this award winning Boracay resort and spa. }} * {{sleep | name=Turtle Inn | alt= | url=http://www.turtleinnboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4206 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This is one of the island's newer establishments. Located just a couple of minutes walk from the beach near boat station 3, this hotel has a high standard of accommodation at surprisingly reasonable rates. }} ===Balabag and other areas=== ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Fat Jimmy's Resort | url=https://fatjimmysresort.com/ | email= | address=0221, Station 2, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5562 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|1200}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Fat Jimmy's Resort in Boracay, Philippines offers the best quality and friendly service with neat, clean and comfortable accommodations at a price everyone can afford and make the best Boracay experience in their life. }} * {{sleep | name=La Bella Casa | url=http://www.labellacasaboracay.com | email= | address=Station 1 near Cocomangas Bar of Boracay | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2885846 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It offers air-conditioned rooms, all of which are equipped with a cable TV, mini-fridge, and private shower and bathtub. Superb room service is also offered to guests. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=Beachcomber Resort Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/Beachcomber-Boracay-305412729665372/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|4211}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=11 accommodations, all equipped with Cable TV, Air-conditioning and Private veranda. Facilities and services are Spa, Outdoor swimming pool, Restaurant and bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Holiday Resort | url=http://www.boracayholidayresort.com | email= | address=Station 2, Corner Main Rd. & Tirol Rd., Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884085 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|2200}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Sprawling Mediterranean inspired resort located right at the heart of Manggayad (Station 2) and affords its guests with a 3-minute leisurely walk to the famous white beach. Just by walking alone through the resort's breezy corridors and airy verandas is enough to make you feel the holiday ambience. Boracay Holiday Resort is an affordable luxury. It surely will be a part of your memorable experience here in the island, not just a place to stay }} * {{sleep | name=Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway | url=http://www.granprixhotels.com/Boracay | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883548 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|3500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=A cool beach retreat nicely tucked a few meters away from the buzz of the Boracay coastline. Offers an oasis of calm and understated luxury with its wonderfully modern ambience. }} * {{sleep | name=Real Maris Resort | url= | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=Their air-conditioned rooms are equipped with cable TV, DVD player, Internet access, room safe, mini-bar. Some of their facilities are restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a beach bar, and massage services }} * {{sleep | name=Roque’s Place Boracay | url= | email= | address=Station 3, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-33-56 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= From {{PHP|2500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=It offers 15 rooms, all of which have air-conditioning, cable TV, and a mini-bar. Some of its amenities include bar and restaurant, beauty parlor, and water sports facilities. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like Diamond Sea Sports, Boracay Scuba, and Willy's Rock. }} * {{sleep | name=The Sitio Boracay | url=http://panayisland.com/hotels-resorts/boracay/the-sitio-boracay/ | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 4144065 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rates start at {{PHP|4500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content= From the native cogon roofing to the endearing Filipino-Balinese theme, your air-conditioned Boracay villa is a place rife with comfort and charm. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Boracay Hills Resort | alt= | url=http://www.boracayhills.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883315 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2883768 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the most exclusive places to stay on Boracay Island. Located in the lush and hilly hammock of Bantud 10 minutes walk from the beach; free shuttle service available. }} * {{sleep | name=Lorenzo's Villa | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/villalorenzoresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 928-0719 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=At the southern tip of Boracay, 10-15 min to White Beach by free hotel shuttle. All rooms feature ocean view balconies. There is a pool and spa services on site, but beach access to a small stretch of sand is limited due to the resort being perched on a cliff. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Bay Resort Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.paradisebayresortboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5124, +63 36 288 5071 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36-288 5127 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Tulubhan is popular with German travellers. It offers a middle range accommodation rate with a small pool, a free van-ride to anywhere on the island and a billiard table. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Amor Apartments | alt= | url=http://www.boracayamor.com | email=reservation@boracayamor.com | address=Diniwid, Balabag | lat=11.9760592 | long=121.912277 | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 9063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|5000}} | lastedit=2016-02-07 | content=Serviced apartment built on top of a limestone cliff giving good view over Boracay Island. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Lagoon | url=http://bluemangoinn.com/ | email= | address=Tulubhan Beach | lat=11.9543946 | long=121.9374 | directions=3-minute walk North from Boat Station 3 | phone=+63 36 288 5170 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$38-165 per room/suite | checkin=| checkout= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This is the south end of White Beach which is quieter, cleaner and less busy than station 1 or 2. The Inn has 4 standard rooms, 4 deluxe garden rooms, 3 ocean view suites and two large family rooms. The inn also has a highly regarded restaurant and dive center, and there is a designated area with lounge chairs. If you get the opportunity, spend some time with the owner, Vaughn, an exceedingly friendly and accommodating American expat. All the rooms also have air-conditioning, hot water, cable TV, wireless Internet connection and come with free bottled water, beach towels, and breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Balaihara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=A cluster of villas sprawled over the resort community of Fairways and Bluewater in the Newcoast area. Each villa has roomy and cozy rooms furnished with modern amenities. Recreational facilities include an 18-hole Graham Marsh-designed golf course and a swimming pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel | url=http://www.boracaymandarin.com/ | email= | address=Beachfront, Station 2, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|8000}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Set in the heart of Boracay’s vibrant culture and warm atmosphere is Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, a AAA beachfront resort with 52 luxurious rooms and suites, an in-house restaurant by the sea, hotel spa, swimming pool, kiddie pool and convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=Argonauta Boracay - Boutique Hotel with Villas and Apartments | url=http://www.argonauta-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Hagdan, Yapak, Overlooking quiet Punta Bunga | lat= | long= | directions=tunr left on the main road going to Balinghai | phone=+63 36 288 2746 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= From {{PHP|4000}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=At a hillside near Punta Bunga Beach overlooking the ocean to the west, near Shangri La Resort. Available are Boutique Hotel Rooms, Apartments good for 4 guests and Villas good for 6 guests. 2 small swimming pools on site. }} ==Stay safe== '''Sewage water pollution''' is one of the biggest problems of Boracay: raw sewage is piped directly into the sea. Some areas, like Bulabog beach, has been made completely unswimmable due to this problem. However, it puts swimming safety of the entire island under the serious threat. '''Power outages''' still happen often (2016) and can last from several minutes to several hours. On a bright side however, substantial part of more expensive resorts have back-up generators which solve the problem almost entirely. ==Connect== '''Internet connections''' are pretty slow anywhere on the island. Wi-Fi can be found everywhere from splurge hotels to small guesthouses but again it's pretty crappy. Small Internet cafes exist but not widespread. 3G/4G is provided by mobile operators Smart and Globe. ==Cope== {{listing | name=Bureau of Immigration | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration/home?ref=page_internal | email= | address=Villa Camella, Boat Station 2, Main Road| lat=11.95256| long=121.93293| directions=near Budget Mart and opposite Boracay Isle Hotel | phone=+63 36 288 5267| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-08-09 | content=Same-day visa extension is possible here. First 29-day extension costs {{PHP|3130}}. They require 2×2 cm photo and photocopies of several passport pages. }} Tips: # Paperwork submission and payment cut off time is 3PM, so get there at least an hour before that. # Hold on to the paper receipt you are given - if you lose it, there is a {{PHP|500}} fine. # Pickup on date given after 3PM-5PM or up to 5 days after (anytime). After that, there is a {{PHP|200}} passport hold fee per day. # If you stay in the Philippines more than 6 months, you must get clearance to fly out. # It takes 10 working days to get it - for free, or 3 days processing for {{PHP|500}}, or 1 day processing (actually 5 minutes) for {{PHP|1000}}. # Clearance is valid for 30 days but not exceeding last visa date (clearance is 1 month maximum if visa ends in 1 month from now). # You cannot get clearance when doing extension - only one transaction at a time (as you need submit a copy of your last visa extension & your passport, but in this office essentially you can get both done in 30 min if you pay extra). # You will need 3 photos - 2x2 inches - which can be done in marketing agency upstairs for {{PHP|75}} pesos - includes DSLR shot and print of 8 photos. You also need copy front​+back of your ACR card. Copies can be done upstairs at {{PHP|5}} each. ==Go next== * [[Kalibo]] &mdash; the closest major airport located in this town * [[Iloilo]] {{geo|11.969444|121.927222}} {{IsPartOf|Aklan}} {{usablecity}} bubj9h9nsrqlz2mgtx2uzayxa1c7iox 4488067 4488065 2022-07-22T02:36:08Z Sgroey 2240936 Edits for style wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Boracay banner.jpg|dotm=yes}} [[File:Boracay White Beach in day (985286231).jpg|300px|thumb|White Beach]] [http://www.boracayisland.org/ '''Boracay'''] is a tropical island about an hour's flight from [[Metro Manila]] in the [[Philippines]]. It has superb long white sand beaches and is one of the country's most developed tourist destinations. White Beach, Boracay placed 2nd in Condé Nast Traveler's 25 Best Island Beaches in the World: Readers' Choice Awards in 2020. Facilities are available to suit different levels of activity. Facilities for the usual water sports activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling, diving and jet skiing are also widely available for those in search of more active pursuits. The fun in Boracay also doesn't end when the sun sets. Boracay nightlife is pulsating with many bars and restaurants serving food, drink and fun until the very late evening. Boracay is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a full range of facilities in a prime tropical location and can pay for it. However, it is not a good bet for bargain hunters; prices are relatively high by Philippines standards, though moderate by Japanese or Western standards and lower than many places in the [[Mediterranean]], [[Caribbean]] or [[South Pacific]]. Since reopening in October 2018, there are new rules and regulations, and a limit to the number of tourists allowed on the island. You must have a hotel pre-booked before they will let you get on the boat to Boracay. There is no eating or drinking on the beach, no smoking, no fire dancing, and no commercial sandcastles. In addition, no chairs, loungers or umbrellas are allowed on the beach, so think carefully about whether to visit if you are disabled, elderly or just want to avoid direct sunlight and sit on the beach. Be prepared to be offered a massage, boat ride, parasailing, kite surfing, sail boating, hair braiding, island hopping, and henna tattoo every 20 steps on the beach's "sidewalk" path. ==Understand== ===Orientation=== There are dozens of beaches on the island, and White Beach being the longest and the most popular of them, where all life goes on, it occupies roughly all western part of the island. On the opposite side of the island (eastern) there is a main kitesurfer's beach - Bulabog. Other beaches are much smaller and tranquil. All parts of Boracay are interconnected with the help of the Main Boracay road which runs from South to North through all island. White Beach is several kilometers long and thus it's divided into three parts (from south to north): Station 1, Station 2, Station 3. ===Climate=== During the dry season (November-April; the northeast monsoon or ''amihan'' blows from December to March), White Beach is calm and very suitable for swimming, etc. The other side of the island has large winds and waves making it suitable for wind surfing, wave running, etc. During the rainy season (June-October), when the southwest monsoon (''habagat'') blows, this is reversed, with a risk of typhoons. White Beach often gets large winds and waves which sometimes makes it unsuitable for swimming. Current weather conditions can be found [http://www.boracayweatherstation.com online]. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|11.95949|121.92671|zoom=13|height=550|width=470}} Whether you go by plane or by boat, the port of entry for Boracay Island is the small town of Caticlan on the mainland. Outrigger boats (''bancaa'') leave every few minutes from {{marker|type=go|name=Caticlan's jetty port|lat=11.9277 | long=121.9495}}. The short boat trip to {{marker|type=go|name=Boracay's jetty port at Cagban|lat=11.9406 | long=121.9392}} costs {{PHP|25}}. There are two jetty ports in Caticlan (Caticlan and Tabon) and two jetty ports on Boracay (Cagban and Tambisaan). Because of the wind during September (or low season months), the jetty port furthest from the airport (Tabon) will be used to take you to Tambisaan port. Tourists have to pay a terminal fee of {{PHP|100}} and an environmental fee of {{PHP|75}}. Tricycles are available at Cagban to bring passengers to their hotels. Tricycle fare is from {{PHP|20}} per pax up to {{PHP|150}} per trip depending where your resort is. ===By plane=== There are two airports serving Boracay. {{listing | type=go | name=Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport | alt={{IATA|MPH}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9248 | long=121.9530 | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 7111 | tollfree= |fax=| hours= | price= |wikidata=| lastedit=2016-07-23 | content=Much smaller and closer airport, only a few kilometers away from Caticlan Jetty Port and Tabon Port. It now handles jet flights to [[MNL|Manila]] operated by [http://www.philippineairlines.com Philippines Airlines] and [http://www.cebupacificair.com Cebu Pacific], as well as turboprop aircraft from Cebu operated by Cebgo, PAL Express and [http://www.flyskyjetair.com SkyJet]. <!--there is also talk of '''Air Asia''' using this airport soon.--> The airline will drop you off at the east side of the airport. After exiting the airport on at east side, find the tricycle stand across the street, past the various resort offerings. A tricycle from the airport to the Tabon jetty is {{PHP|50}} per person. <br /><br />''Ground transportation.'' From the Caticlan airport, you can either take a tricycle ({{PHP|50}}) or walk (10 minutes) to Caticlan Jetty Port. Besides, Cebu Pacific offers hotel transfer for {{PHP|350}} per person. }} {{go | name=Kalibo International Airport| alt={{IATA|KLO}}| url= | email= | address=2 km away from [[Kalibo#By plane|Kalibo]] and 70 km away from Caticlan Jetty | lat=11.6869416 | long=122.3793 | directions= | phone=+63 36 262 3264 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-23 | content=This airport can handle jet aircraft such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, however it is much farther from Boracay than Caticlan airport. Its international destinations include [[Beijing]], [[Busan]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[Taipei]], [[Singapore]], [[Shanghai]] and [[Seoul]], operated by Cebu Pacific, [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines], [http://www.philippineairlines.com/ Philippine Airlines] and [http://www.airasia.com AirAsia]. Domestic flights are from both [[CEB|Cebu]] and [[MNL|Manila]]. There is a {{PHP|200}} terminal fee for domestic flights and {{PHP|700}} for international (2016).<br />''Ground transportation.'' There are vans, minibus shuttles and buses that serve travellers between Kalibo International Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port. A van and ferry ride takes 1½-2 hours and costs {{PHP|250}}, and {{PHP|300}} for an AC bus. Additionally you will be asked to pay environmental taxes and terminal fees of {{PHP|175}} on top of the fare. Besides, AirAsia offers hotel transfers for {{PHP|520}} per person. }} ===By boat=== '''Ferry from [[Batangas City]] to Caticlan port'''. Operated by 2GO travel. Departs Batangas port at 9PM and gets to Caticlan port at 6AM. Departs Caticlan port at 8AM and gets to Batangas port at 6PM. One way fares from {{PHP|995}}. '''Ferry from [[Batangas City]] port to Caticlan port'''. Another option is to start your journey with Philtranco, Alps, Dimple, Ceres or Rodastco coaches which leave at regular intervals throughout the day from Cubao, serving the Manila-Caticlan route for {{PHP|1200}}. Rodastco also offers a door-to-door service with pick-ups anywhere in Metro Manila. The contact numbers for trip booking are +63 2-7326891 or +63 917-3820426, or +63 919-3820426. The more challenging '''do-it-yourself''' version goes as follows: The easiest way would be to book a straight trip that allows you to purchase just one ticket from Cubao terminal to Caticlan Port. The cost is {{PHP|1000-1200}}. But if you really want to save money, you can also commute from Cubao bus terminal station (near Alimall). There is really no difference except for the fact that you need to purchase tickets at every stop. Cubao-Batangas: best leave between 7-8PM so you arrive in Batangas Port before 10PM. Batangas-Calapan: the trip takes 2 hours via cargo ship or an hour to one hour and a half via supercat. Do not purchase tickets for the Calapan to Roxas van as this can either be a scam or you end up squeezed in one van along with several other passengers with tickets. Calapan-Roxas: takes about 4 hours. Make sure you leave early so you arrive before 4AM. In the morning, the ship to Caticlan usually leaves at 2AM and 4AM and the next trip won't be until 10AM. The 10AM trip usually leaves late. This is the best time to leave travel via Cubao to Roxas. You arrive in Caticlan at 8AM and you are left to enjoy the rest of your day in Boracay. '''[http://www.7107islandscruise.net/ 7107 Islands Cruise]''' offers a cruises from Boracay to Puerto Galera to Boracay, prices range from {{PHP|2000-10000}}, children below than 3 years old are free to travel who is accompanied by 2 adults, children from 5 to 12 years old are given a 50% discount, who are accompanied also by 2 adults while senior citizens can avail a 20% discount. The cruise will tour around the Philippines in islands such as [[Boracay]] and [[Coron]] Island. ===By road and ferry (RoRo) === The "Nautical Highway" is a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allow you to bring your vehicle up to [[Panay]] Island and visit key cities like [[Kalibo]]. Taking your car all the way to Boracay, though, is not possible. Public transport also operates on the same route, and is the most cost-effective way of traveling between Manila and Boracay. Assuming good connections, the total journey time is around 12 hours. The easiest way of arranging this is to book a van in Manila by contacting private operators such as Angel Star (+63 2 783-0886 c/o Abner) and Gope (+63 2 732-6891 c/o Cesar). This will enable you to book a straight trip from [[Metro Manila]] to Caticlan at the cost of {{PHP|1200}}, more or less. Their group operates several passenger vans which can load 10-14 or 15-18 persons. You book the trip exclusively or share with fellow travellers. The van leaves at 9PM daily from Manila, travelling through Batangas-Calapan-[[Roxas (Capiz)|Roxas]] (arrives Roxas at 5AM or 6AM) to catch the 8AM or 10AM ferry/boat to Caticlan, where you are expected to arrive between noon to 2PM. Before proceeding to Boracay Island though, be sure to get your return ticket (Roxas-Manila) at the Caticlan Ferry Terminal (inquire about the updated schedule from the staff of the van operators). Take an early dinner before boarding the van and bring water and something to eat while in transit. Riding a van gives you a more relaxed pace to Caticlan because you do not have to stop in many sub-destinations which lengthen your trip and therefore can be truly tiresome. ==Get around== * [[File:Boracay Tricycles.jpg|thumb|Motorised tricycle taxis]]Most visitors opt for motorized '''tricycles''', which act as the island's taxis and make up most of its traffic. Rides are inexpensive, usually no more than {{PHP|100}} for individual (per tricycle, not shared with other people) ride to any point on the island, and can be found almost anywhere along the main road. As the tricycle seats are right above the vehicle exhausts, there can be a little pollution however - bring a handkerchief if you tend to be easily bothered by this sort of thing. :From Cagban Port to Station 1, the most that you should pay is {{PHP|25}} per head. That is, if you don't mind sharing the tricycle with other tourists. If you don't want to rent the tricycle and allow the driver to pick up other passengers along the way, say you just want the "Individual" price and not "Special". : Short rides on busy routes, say from D'Mall to Station 3 or from Station 1 to Station 3, are a standard rate of {{PHP|20}} per passenger, but expect the tricycle driver to ask for {{PHP|40}} or more if you look like a foreigner. Long rides, like Puka beach to D'Mall, should cost around {{PHP|40}}. Drivers waiting near beaches, hotels, etc., generally ask higher price like {{PHP|150-200}}, even if you're alone. It may be worth [[bargaining]] if there are a few people with you and you want an individual ride - otherwise, better catch a passing tricycle on the main road. From Tambisaan jetty port to Station 2 D'Mall, the most that you should pay is ₱20 per head on the solar bus. * '''Scooters''' provide the best flexibility at a reasonable price. The downside is having to deal with island traffic which can be unnerving for visitors unused to the aggressive tricycle drivers. Prices are exorbitant, starting at {{PHP|1200}} per day rental (2016). * '''Mountain bikes''' are also available for rent at several locations along White Beach, which is off limits to motorized vehicles. * To explore around the island, rent a native '''sailboat''' (paraw) or motorized '''outrigger''' (banca) and visit the many beaches of Boracay. ==See== [[File:White Beach at Boracay.jpg|thumb|White Beach]] * {{listing | type=see | name=White Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9594 | long=121.9250 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This is what most people are here for, but there are environmental rules and the beach is a challenge for people with disabilities. It is a lovely stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, it's also the commercial center of the island. The long beach is divided into three sections, Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 is the northernmost and has the widest beachfront, where prime hotels and resorts are located. Accommodations are pricier, but quality is generally the best as well. Station 2 is the commercial and geographical center of white beach. This is the center of it all for shopping, eating, partying, and etc. That said, the beach here is also the most crowded, and the area the nosiest. Station 3 is the southernmost section; quieter than station 2, it is the least developed, and also the lowest priced. All of White Beach from the northernmost tip of Station 1 to the southernmost of Station 3 (~4&nbsp;km) is open to the public, so one can relax and/or swim wherever they like, regardless of hotel location.<br /><br />In every station, there are two lifeguards patrolling on foot equipped with whistle, life buoy and hand-held radio. The boat station 2 is the lifeguard and rescue command center. }} [[File:Puka beach.jpg|thumb|Puka Beach]] * {{see | name=Puka Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9961 | long=121.9148 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A quiet stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island, Puka Beach is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island so expect the sand to be more coarse than on White Beach. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter. Similarly, there are fewer services—there are only a couple of restaurants, but you likely won't have a problem getting a cold drink or an ice cream as there are a few vendors that patrol the beach. The main road in Boracay terminates at Puka Beach therefore you'll be able to hire a tricycle to get there in less than 10–15 minutes from central White Beach. Make sure you arrange a pickup if it is a quiet day and no tricycles are hanging around the beach. Most people experience Puka as one of their sailboat or banca stops during a day trip. This is a good spot for a picnic, but be sure to bring your trash home with you. }} * {{see | name=Baling Hai Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9797 | long=121.9095 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views from the clifftop restaurant. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour. }} * {{see | name=Bulabog Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.9638 | long=121.9302 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Come there on a windy days to see kiteboarders doing high jumps and crazy tricks. }} * {{see | name=The Bat Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You will see in several tour guides and maps of Boracay something called the Bat Cave, which houses many small insectivorous bats (the larger fruit bats roost in the trees on the hillside above Punta Bunga Beach), and locals will be more than happy to accompany you there for a fee, or "tip". The cave is on the western-end of the island and down several dirt roads. The guide will then take you on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave, which drops down at a very steep angle. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders, and is extremely difficult to enter and walk down. There is no visible path, no handrail, and the stones are extremely slippery with slime and bat guano, as well as extremely dangerous, since the cave is at such an extreme angle. Also, the air inside the cave is very warm and humid, and in addition to the amount of guano, is very difficult to breathe. Additionally, several snakes live inside the cave. Caution should be taken by those visiting and entering the cave. There are bats in the cave, but down at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won't see them. The ceiling of the cave is interesting, however, with multiple, small stalactites. Just nearby, you can find another cave, called "crystal" cave which has a lot of stalactites and a hole on the opposite site of the entrance, from which you can watch out to the sea if you dare to climb up to it. You will have to pay {{PHP|50}} entry-fee to visit both caves for the family that owns the land, in addition to paying your guide. Visiting both caves can cost up to {{PHP|2500}} for the guide, but this is the "rich tourist price", so try to bargain if you like. }} ==Do== ===Scuba diving=== For those interested in [[scuba diving]], there are dozens of dive centers along White Beach. Cost is typically {{PHP|1600}} per dive for certified divers which includes rental of all equipment. The dive centers, under the Boracay Business Administration of Scuba Schools (BBASS), have agreed on standard prices amongst themselves so prices will be the same at all centers. This is to ensure that dive centers could focus on quality and scuba diving safety rather than price wars. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10–20 minutes boat ride from the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. Dives range from 'Angol Point' (10m), through 'Crocodile Island' (22-25m), a straightforward wall dive, up to 'Yapak'- a deep wall dive suitable for only the most experienced divers due to strong currents, although there is the possibility of seeing sharks and stingrays. ===Boat tours=== [[File:Boracay boat sunset.jpg|thumb|300px|Boat trip on a sunset]] The best way to see the beauty of Boracay and its various beaches is by Paraw (native outrigger sailboat). You will be constantly asked if you want to take a boat trip, as there are literally dozens of companies offering this service. It is better to go with a reputable and established group such as Allen Fun Tours (motorized banca boat tours) or Red Pirates (paraw sailing) to ensure your safety and avoid being overcharged. ===Kiteboarding=== [[File:Boracay kitesurfing.jpg|thumb|300px|Kites on Bulabog beach]] Boracay's Bulabog beach claims to be the best kitesurfing destination in Asia. The season runs from November through to April with onshore winds varying between 12-30 knots. A small lagoon (2&nbsp;km wide) is protected from waves by a coral reef. The water becomes almost flat at low tide, making it easy to start learning kitesurfing and continue with freestyle tricks. Because of its nice conditions, the spot becomes overcrowded with riders in high season. A serious disadvantage is sewage pollution of the lagoon, so smell from water and infections from even small injuries are common. * {{do | name=Freestyle Academy Kitesurfing School | url=http://www.freestyle-boracay.com | email=info@freestyle-boracay.com | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9155593080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Graykite | alt= | url=http://boracay.graykite.surf/ | email=team@graykite.surf | address=Ibabaw Street, Pinaungon, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 928 397 6249 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$80-200 | lastedit=2017-01-09 | content=Graykite provides kitesurfing lessons in Boracay to kitesurfers of all levels. Advice on travel, accommodation, etc., on request. }} * {{do | name=Hangin Kite Center | alt= | url=http://kite-asia.com/ | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The island's first kite center. Offers lessons from beginner to advanced. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Isla Kiteboarding school | alt= | url=http://www.islakitesurfing.com | email=info@islakitesurfing.com | address=Bulabog Beach | lat=11.966626 | long=121.928219 | directions= | phone=+63 362885352 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers courses from beginners to advanced level. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} * {{do | name=Pinas Kite Boarding | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 945 480 9370 | tollfree= | hours=06:30-17:30 daily | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Locally owned kite-boarding shop, offers courses from level 1 to 3. All instructors are IKO-certified. }} ===Skimboarding=== Skimboards are available for rent at several places along White Beach. But be sure to hire an expert to teach you the skills; a one-hour lesson from a local rider is usually around {{PHP|300}}. ===Massage and spa=== ====Budget==== * Along White Beach you will be approached frequently by women offering to give you a massage, which they will do on the spot or on a towel laid out on the beach - your choice. * A bit more organized, White Beach also has several "Massage Stations": collections of masseurs that have their mats set up. The stations are typically open as long as there are customers around but in general start to shut down just after sunset. * For Swedish, Accupressure, Shiatsu, etc., visit Abe (pronounced Abby) the blind masseur who operates outside Cocoloco restaurant in Angol (south of boat station 3). Only {{PHP|300}} per hour. * There is a great outdoor massage station in the beach area of Nigi Nigi Beach Resort, where they have two tables set up. The booth is draped with curtains which they will close if you wish, or leave open if you want to watch the people on the beach. They offer every massage in the book, and charge {{PHP|500}} for one hour. ====Mid-range==== * {{do | name=Bella Isa Salon & Spa | alt= | url=http://bellaisaboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A little spot on the beach in Station 3 with upscale decor and professional staff. They provide a full range of services including massage, facials, foot spa, and hair services. }} * There are several smaller/mid-range spas in Boracay that offer a menu including massages, scrubs and facials but don't quite have the facilities to be considered a full spa. Most hotels in Boracay offer a limited spa menu that falls into this category. ====Splurge==== * '''Caesar's''', found along the main road near boat station 3, specializes in Thai massage and uses two masseurs simultaneously to deliver the service. A 90-minute massage is priced at US$50. * {{do | name=Tirta SPA | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=&mdash; found in Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc, area. Indian treatments in a stunning environment. Friendly and helpful staff. It is a good idea to compare prices between Tirta Spa, Mandala Spa, and Shangri-La Boracay to find the best deal. }} ===Other=== * {{do | name=Ariel's Point | url=http://www.arielspoint.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2000}} for round-trip boat transfer, a BBQ buffet, unlimited drinks (bottled water, beer, soda, rum), and access to cliff diving, snorkeling, kayaking | content=Ariel’s Point is an affordable eco-adventure destination for Boracay travellers who want to experience the natural splendor of the Philippines and meet fellow travellers. Located 30 minutes away from Station 1 by outrigger boat, Ariel’s Point allows travelers to enjoy a wide array of adventurous activities such as cliff diving (the destination has five different platforms ranging in height from 3 meters to 15 meters), snorkeling, and paddling in an unspoiled setting with volcanic caves, mangrove forests, turquoise coves, and remote beaches. Visitors can reach Ariel’s Point by purchasing tickets at Ariel's House (along the White Beach in front of the Boracay Beach Club) before 11AM on the day of departure. }} * {{do | name=Parasailing | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Take a parasailing tour around the island, to explore quiet beaches and snorkel sites. Ask your crew to organize a romantic BBQ on the beach with fresh grilled seafood, if you like. Cruise back at sunset to experience breathtaking views. }} * {{do | name=Motorbiking | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is worth hiring motorbikes or scooters out to explore the island, as there are other beautiful beaches on the other side of the island that are even better for snorkeling that will be completely deserted. Hire them for a couple of days and you should get a discount. The roads are a bit dodgy, and some are still being constructed, but it's a good laugh and better than plunking yourself on a patch of white sand and seeing nothing. }} * {{do | name=Horseriding | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Horse riding is a fun activity in Boracay. Get off the beaten path and experience villages and scenery most other visitors don't get to see. All levels of experience are catered to. Ask a tricycle to take you to the Boracay Horse Riding Stables. }} ==Buy== Along White Beach, especially around Station 2, there is a wide variety of gift shops and boutiques along the beach path. In addition to the crowded stalls that you expect in Asia, Boracay also has several high-end stores including clothing, art and household items. Some places will permit you to [[haggle]], others have a fixed pricing system with price tags. Shop around as prices vary. Outside of White Beach, the shopping becomes sparse or non-existent. D'Mall at Station 2 and D'Talipapa at Station 3, between the main road and White Beach, have many shops. D'Mall is larger but D'Talipapa features a number of shops, vegetable merchants and a large meat market also selling a large selection of live seafood. Prices at D'Talipapa (including those for basic necessities such as milk, vegetables and meat) are about 25% below those of D'Mall. While walking or laying on the sand, anywhere on Boracay, you'll be approached to buy a variety of items including jewelry made of shells, fresh fruit, ice cream, sunglasses or a nice massage. * '''Shell jewelry''' &mdash; similar to what you can find elsewhere in the world, the jewelry made of shells is popular as for the most part it is made locally from shells found on Puka Beach. * {{buy | name=Paulo Collection BodyWear | url=http://www.paulocollectionboracay.business.site | email= | address=D'Mall, Bamboo Beach Resort, PC Main | lat= | long= | directions=near Cocomangas Beach Resort | phone=+63 36 288 3448 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=Variety of beach wear and other souvenir items. }} ===Malls and supermarkets=== * {{buy | name=CityMall Boracay | alt= | url=http://citymall.com.ph | email= | address=Tambisaan Jetty Port Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-02-12 | content=A new shopping mall with a big '''Savemore''' supermarket and many fast food outlets. }} ===ATMs=== There are about 10 ATMs of the following banks: PNB, Metrobank, BPI, and RCBC, on the entire island for the 16,000 inhabitants plus tourists, and when they run out of cash, they are not refilled until the next business day. On weekends and holidays ATMs might go several days without being refilled. Almost all of them accept Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay cards. Maximum one time withdrawal is {{PHP|10000}} with compulsory fee for overseas cards of {{PHP|250}}. Many establishments, including the tricycles, cannot break a bill over {{PHP|500}}, so it pays to always have small bills. Foreign money (U.S. dollars, UK pounds, euros, Korean won, Japanese yen, etc.) can be exchanged at several locations around the island. It's worth checking around for the best exchange rate, as all places don't offer the same rate. You're best off heading away from the beach for better rates. ==Eat== Because of its wide draw of international travelers, Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat, including a surprising number of bakeries. Majority of the restaurants are located on the White beach and a short pedestrian street called {{marker|type=eat|name=D'Mall|lat=11.9628 | long=121.9260}}, nearly all of these places are quite expensive (average meal costing {{PHP|300-500}}). Cheaper options can be found near ''D'Talipapa Market'', at the {{marker|type=eat|name=D'Mall Palenke|lat=11.96230 | long=121.92636}} (street run parallel to D'Mall in 50 m of it), and perhaps about half of the restaurants along the Main road. As a side note, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy '''one of the best mangoes''' in the world. Climate in Philippines is perfect for mangoes, so you always get them mellow and sweet. {{eatpricerange|Under {{PHP|200}}|{{PHP|200-400}}|Over {{PHP|400}}}} ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Kolai Mangyan Fudhaus | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KolaiMangyanBoracay/ | email= | address=Main Road | lat=11.96063 | long=121.92830 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Majority of meals {{PHP|60-120}} | lastedit=2016-07-31 | content=Good local cafe serving Filipino cuisine. The price asked for this kind of good quality food is unbeatable on Boracay. Good reviews. }} * {{eat | name=Andok's | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Andoks-Boracay-176860492349809/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|50-300}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Andok's, which has 5 locations, sells rotisserie and fried chicken as well as favorite Filipino dishes. }} *'''Sunset View Restaurant and Hotel''', near Station 3, serves a 3-5PM snack buffet (soup, ham and cheese sliders, fried fish, pasta, meatballs, pancit, and macaroons) for ₱189 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=D'Talipapa Market| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.95826 | long=121.92872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= scallops {{PHP|300}}/kg, lobster {{PHP|1000}}, fish steak {{PHP|150}}. Cooking prices {{PHP|100-200}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Fresh seafood market with relatively cheap prices. Around the place are a variety of food stores that offer to cook for you. You can buy fresh seafood, etc., right near the stores, then have the stores cook it for you however you like. For example, you can get crabs for {{PHP|400}} for 1 kg opposed to buying in restaurants that charge {{PHP|200}} per 100 grams. However, most of the seller are quite pushy and anyone buying needs to be prepared to bargain hard to get a good deal. }} *'''Bamboo Bar Buffet''', near Station 3, serves a 6-9PM Filipino buffet with pineapple juice for ₱295 per person in a relaxed beachfront setting. * {{eat | name=Blue Jade Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/BLUE-JADE-CAFE-Authentic-Restaurant-1554754431478404/ | email= | address=in D'Talipapa | lat=11.95727 | long=121.92821 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|100}} per kilogram grilled | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers Asian and European cuisine. Customers can also shop in the market for fresh seafood and have it cooked for them at the restaurant. }} * {{eat | name= Smoke | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Smoke-Resto-1474540196153136/ | email= | address=down one of the alleys opposite Lemon cafe in D'Mall| lat= 11.96212| long=121.92618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|120-180}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A very good budget eatery. Local dishes, meat and seafood dishes, omeletes and excellent sandwiches are on offer. Most meals cost around {{PHP|120}} and are all cooked fresh. If you are around between 11AM and 2PM you get a free drink of iced lemon tea with every rice meal. }} * {{eat | name=Jammers | alt= | url= | email= | address= on the front beach of D'Mall| lat=11.96197 | long=121.92477 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24/7| price=Food {{PHP|150-250}}, shakes {{PHP|50-70}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Up and running for more than 8 years, amazing burgers, hotdogs, fruit shakes, etc. A lot of negative reviews, people say it's overrated. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=True Food | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TruefoodBoracay/ | email= | address=Station 2| lat=11.96078 | long=121.92522 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11 AM–midnight | price=Mains from {{PHP|250}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers fiery Indian cuisine that will awaken the tastebuds. The place is cozy with straw mats and over-sized cushions. The staff is polite and very accommodating. For those who enjoy the spicier side of life, try the tandoori chicken. }} * {{eat | name=The Sunny Side Cafe Restaurant| alt= | url=http://www.thesunnysideboracay.com | email= | address= | lat=11.95321 | long=121.92964| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Pancakes around {{PHP|300}} | lastedit=2016-07-30 | content=Good place to have a breakfast. Very high ratings on rating sites. }} * {{eat | name=Lemoni Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=D' Mall| lat=11.9619466 | long=121.92507| directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6781 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Cakes {{PHP|30-160}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This place serves a variety of breakfasts, lunches and light meals. The service and presentation is excellent. }} * {{eat | name=Dos Mestizos | alt= | url=http://dosmestizos.com | email= | address= | lat=11.9561407 | long=121.926868| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-midnight | price=From {{PHP|350}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This restaurant is the brainchild of respected Boracay chef & restaurateur Binggoy Remedios and his close childhood friend, Jose Ramon Valdes Nieto. Both owners have Spanish ancestors, hence the name "Dos Mestizos". This restaurant serves a selection of excellent tapas and is located between stations 2 and 3, behind the Tourist Center. }} * {{eat | name=Aria | alt= | url=http://www.aria.com.ph/#_=_ | email= | addressD' Mall= | lat=11.96173 | long=121.92463 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price={{PHP|400-600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Delicious Italian food. If they don't give you the spicy olive oil bottle on the side for your custom made pizza, make sure you ask for it. }} * {{eat | name=Hama | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.96234 | long=121.92550 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|400}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A Japanese restaurant located at the D'Mall and just across The Hobbit House. }} * {{eat | name=Fridays Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.fridaysboracay.com | email= | address= | lat=11.9724155 | long=121.91399| directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6200 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-6222 | hours=6AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=All day dining, themed dinner, Friday night buffet, seafood grill, plus 3 cultural dance shows every week with fire dance. }} * {{eat | name=Heidiland Deli | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=11.96263 | long=121.92575 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Next to the main plaza at the D'Mall Phase IV is a fully air-conditioned European style deli selling all kinds of deli food as cheeses, cold cuts, salami, yoghurt, wines, etc. Locally famous for reasonably priced sandwiches, other stuff is usually expensive. }} * {{eat | name=The Hobbit Tavern | alt=Also located in D'Mall | url=https://www.facebook.com/HobbitTavernBoracay/ | email= | address= | lat=11.96200 | long=121.92529 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=With great food, drinks and live music, this place is the best of the Hobbit House chain. The main draw is the midget staff, however. }} * {{eat | name=Valhalla Bar & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.valhallabarandgrill.com/ | email= | address= | lat=11.96206 | long=121.92554 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=In the mall is a refurbished steakhouse with a varied and interesting menu. }} * {{eat | name=Kasbah | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/kasbah.boracay/ | email= | address=Next to Discovery Shores, Station 1| lat=11.97164 | long=121.91665| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Authentic Moroccan cuisine serving exquisite tagines and couscous. }} * {{eat | name=Bamboo Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.964392 | long=121.92263 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves a good selection of Chinese food in a relaxed beachfront setting. Quite average reviews. }} * {{eat | name=Manana | alt= | url=http://www.mananamexicancuisine.webs.com/#_=_ | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96332 | long=121.92355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves large portions of tasty Mexican food. Guacamole is only available when avocados are in-season despite what the menu says. Average reviews left by customers. }} * {{eat | name=Obama Grill Bar-Restaurant | alt=Station 1 | url=https://www.facebook.com/bamagrillboracay/ | email= | address=Beachfront & Main Road Frontage | lat=11.96639 | long=121.92109 | directions=across from Andok's Station 1 and Shore Time Hotel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|300-600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Steak restaurant, opened April 2009. Some say it's expensive and the portions are small. }} * {{eat | name=Ole | alt= | url= | email= | address=D'Mall| lat=11.96237 | long=121.92514 | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5940 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|400-1000}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A great place to go for Spanish tapas and other specialties. Beware - the main courses are enormous! }} * {{eat | name=Tilapia 'N Chips | url=https://www.facebook.com/tilapianchips | email= | address=G/F Kamayan Bldg. Station 2, Boracay | lat=11.96242 | long=121.92672 | directions=Beside Crafts | phone=+63 36 288 2283 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Visit this place for good beer-battered fish and chips. They also serve Asian and Western style fish dishes, burgers, sandwiches and soup at this modern, airconditioned restaurant. Take out also available. }} * {{eat | name=Titos (Resto & Grill) | alt= | url=https://titosboracay.business.site/ | email= | address=station 2| lat=11.96152 | long=121.92475 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Price range {{PHP|250-700}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serve modern Filipino cuisine that combines the casual comfort of a home cooked meal with the relaxed sophistication of fine dining. Drop by for a quick snack or a delicious meal and enjoy the live music coming from Pat's Creek and Bom Bom Bar. }} * {{eat | name=Deparis Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=White Beach | lat=11.959924 | long=121.92565| directions=beside Le Soleil and The Mandarin | phone=+63 36 288-3233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=One of the first European restaurants on the island, the first in fact to have chocolate mousse and Italian pizza when the island was without electricity in the early 1980s. Owned by the infamous and eccentric Frenchman Roger Deparis who has lived on the island since his backpacking days, it is a throwback to the old island style of mismatched decorations and heavy foliage. }} * {{eat | name=Cowboy Cocina | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Cowboy-Cocina-Boracay-245481375571349/ | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.949133 | long=121.93129| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves tasty steaks, ribs and other grilled dishes, and arguably the best burgers in Boracay. }} * {{eat | name=Cyma | alt= | url=http://www.cymarestaurants.com | email= | address=in the new part of the D'mall |lat=11.96203 | long=121.92554| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Mezes {{PHP|180-250}}, gyros {{PHP|330-400}}, mains from {{PHP|600}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Excellent food and service at this Greek restaurant. Try the mezedes combination, the spinach and artichoke fondue and the chicken souvlaki. }} ===Coffee shops=== * {{eat | name=Real Coffee | alt= | url= https://www.facebook.com/RealCoffeeAndTeaCafe/| email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.95987 | long=121.92565 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-7PM, take away shop downstairs works till 9PM | price=Coffee {{PHP|60-160}}, muffins & brownie cakes {{PHP|40-70}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Serves a variety of pancakes, sandwiches, omelettes, baked goods and salads as well as freshly brewed coffee. The mother-and-daughter owners also get repeat customers who have been going there for years. They are also famous for their lemon muffin cupcakes, which are very much in demand. }} * {{eat | name=Starbucks| alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96470 | long=121.9226| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-12:30AM | price=Coffee from {{PHP|120}} | lastedit=2016-07-30 | content=Of the coffee shops of this famous chain. On the other side, it's extremely small cafe without even places to seat. }} * {{eat | name=Jonas Fruitshake | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 1| lat=11.96681 | long=121.92075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Shakes and juices {{PHP|95-120}} | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content= }} ==Drink== If you like to party, there are plenty of places to choose from. The livelier bars are situated near Stations 1 and 2. There are plenty of places to party all night! Station 3 has a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere, with small local bars and restaurants popular with backpackers. * {{drink | name=Bom Bom Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=near D 'Mall | lat=11.95 | long=121.933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=A native-style beach bar that often has live music. It's a popular hang out for artists and musicians. }} * {{drink | name= Charlie's Steakhouse & Diner Restaurant | url= | email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.96482 | long=121.9252 | directions=Right in the middle of the beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=This bar is a long-time favorite on Boracay with live bands that play covers. Customers are invited to sing with the bands. }} * {{drink | name=Cocoloco Beach Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=near boat station 3| lat=11.949285 | long=121.93112| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=An attractive beach bar and restaurant that also serves tasty food. You can enjoy your drink by the beach, under the coconut trees, and there's a pool table in the bar too. Several years ago it started offering bungalows for rent as well. }} * {{drink | name=Cocomangas | alt= | url= | email= | address=station 1| lat=11.970993 | long=121.919871| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2011-07-27 | content=Famous for its "Still standing after 15" challenge. Drink 15 ferocious shots and win a t-shirt and a plaque on the wall. This bar is popular with the younger crowd but a few "working girls" are around for lonely men. Try the Jam Jar, a pineapple and vodka cocktail. }} * {{drink | name=Juice Bar| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/JuiceBarBoracay#_=_ | email= | address=right between Boracay Regency and Boat Station 2| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Offers top notch cocktails and a variety of "sneaky smoothies". with a wide open courtyard opening up to the beach it tends to fill up by around 11PM but still very comfortable. The crowd is a nice mix of locals and foreigners. Great staff and charming bartenders. There was a report in 2016 that it was closed. }} * {{drink | name=Bei Kurt und Magz Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Bei-Kurt-und-Magz-129933397082423/ | email= | address=station 3| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Run by friendly Bavarian Kurt and his wife Mags. It's a very popular spot to meet and chat, and one of the few places on the island serving draft beer. Serve German and Filipino food. }} * {{drink | name=Nigi Nigi Nu Noos | alt= | url=http://niginigi.com | email= | address=between boat stations 2 and 3, three minutes walk north of the tourist center| lat=11.956988 | long=121.9273618| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A popular, centrally located spot to have a cool drink and enjoy a little people-watching. The manager is an expat. It is a hotel as well. }} * {{drink | name=Red Pirates Pub | alt= | url= https://www.facebook.com/RedPiratesPub#_=_| email= | address= | lat= 11.9486429| long=121.9312922| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=A native style beach bar (Angol, near boat station 3) with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and good selection of fruity cocktails as well as affordable ice cold beer. It's a good place to meet other travelers and chat, and on weekends, selected weekdays and full moon nights there is live music and an all-you-can-eat beach BBQ and buffet (Fridays). }} * {{drink | name=Shantal's Resto Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/SHANTALs-RESTO-BAR-129316940424357/ | email= | address=Station 3 at the pathway to Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Morenos, and Escurel| lat=11.95989 | long=121.92618| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Revered, family-owned cantina on the beach with great value homemade food. The menu offers a bit of everything and the friendly staff will go out of their way to make you feel right at home. Has a popular Happy Hour from 2PM-8PM, offers one of the best beachside and sunset views on the island, and bumps a non-stop soundtrack of the best in electronic, hip-hop, R&B/soul, and reggae music. }} ==Sleep== Accommodation varies from top-of-the-line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. Whatever your budget, you can easily find a suitable place to stay. During peak periods such as Holy Week, Christmas and New Year, rooms are more difficult to find and more expensive, so book in advance. Staying along White Beach gets you closer to the bars, lounging and food, while staying closer to Bulabog beach gives you better access to the popular wind and kiteboarding areas. Boracay is '''notorious''' for travel agents (many in Manila) passing themselves off as the resorts, often through websites. When you call them to get a room rate or make a reservation, you will be quoted much more than if you called the resort itself. The travel agents simply take your request, call the hotel and make reservations and charge you extra for the service, up to double the original rate. Meanwhile, the traveler has no idea he wasn't talking to the resort. This can often lead to frustration, as the traveler will show up at his hotel or resort and see he was charged double the rate that the hotel is listing, even though the hotel had nothing to do with it! So the advice is, try your best to ignore the many travel agencies and make your reservation with the resort or hotel directly. Better yet, don't make advance reservations in the low season. Just go to White Beach or the region you want to stay and negotiate deals with the places you want to stay at. Many street touts will offer to show you the rooms first and then you can negotiate. [[File:Boat on boracay beach.jpg|thumb|300px|White beach on Boracay Island]] If you prefer peace and quiet, avoid accommodation at the center of White Beach, as this is the most crowded area. Head further north or south instead. The area south of Stations 1 & 3 has a more relaxed and peaceful vibe - no pounding disco till 4AM. Accommodation is more reasonably priced, and there are some friendly little bars and restaurants where you can meet people and chat. North of Station 1 you'll find many of the more luxurious (and expensive) establishments. The beach is at its widest here, and the area is usually relatively peaceful. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=W Hostel Boracay | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd floor Gill & Park Bldg Zone 5 Bolabag Road | lat= | long= | directions=D mall is 350 yards from the W hostel. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=Dorm bed from {{PHP|350}} per person | content=Backpackers' hostel with 4- to 6-bed dorms. Free breakfast and free Wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Escurel Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.950011 | long=121.932358 | directions= | phone=+63-36288-3611, +63-999-551-2335 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= from {{PHP|800}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Amidst the vast complex of station 3 accommodations tucked behind the pathway next to Arwana's cafe, this is a friendly Filipino-owned establishment. Spacious, private rooms with fan, Hot and cold shower, cable TV, kitchenette, fridge, and unlimited free Wifi close to the beach access. All rooms have a nice balcony to lounge out and laze on; the fan-only huts also each have a nice hammock out front. Rooms are priced according to season; either peak or off-peak. }} * {{sleep | name=Little Corner of Italy | alt=Da Mario's | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions=Just across Red Pirates Bar | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from {{PHP|300}} pp | content=Better known as "Da Mario's" as it is owned and run by an Italian businessman. The hotel offers budget common rooms which can be shared by a maximum of 4 persons which have a fan and common shower and toilet, while rooms with bungalows are slightly expensive and can be shared by a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 4 persons. Rooms are priced according to stay and per person. If you don't plan to sleep there, consider trying their lasagna. }} * {{sleep | name=Moreno's Place | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Run by a different owner of the same family as Escurel's, one will find similar accommodations and friendliness here. Prices are roughly similar to Escurel better publicized (read: Lonely Planet listed) accommodations. It's a 15-second walk to the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Dive Gurus Boracay Beach Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/DGBBR/ | email= | address=Angol Station 3 | lat=11.9487864 | long=121.931355 | directions=Southern part of white Beach. | phone=+63 36 288 3809 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dormitory (sleeps 1-2 people in bunk beds) {{PHP|200}}/{{PHP|250}}/{{PHP|300}} for low season/mid season/high season | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Treffpunkt | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 | lat=11.9493188 | long=121.929574| directions=along the same pathway to Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Morenos, and Escurel | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rates range from {{PHP|500}} a night | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=One of the best budget options on the island. Clean, simple, quiet rooms with television, A/C, private bathroom and shower, and patio. There is also a boarding house upstairs, a general store, a treehouse kitchen, and the cheapest breakfast and sandwiches in Boracay. Friendly, accommodating staff. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Romero Boracay | url=http://www.villaromeroboracay.com | email= | address=Station 3, Manoc Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4421 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|600}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Villa Romero Boracay is a 26-room hotel located just a few steps from the front beach of Boracay Island. The hotel also has a restaurant, guest lounge, coffee shop and a convenience store. It is far from the hustle and bustle of central Boracay but at the same time, close to the beachfront bars, souvenir shops, the market, restaurants, and dive shops. }} * {{sleep | name=Dormitels Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.dormitels.ph | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Boat Station 1 | phone=+63 36-2282198 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=noon | price=From {{PHP|320}} a night | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=Fan single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Has 20 rooms. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=Alta Vista De Boracay | alt= | url=https://altavistadeboracay.com.ph/ | email= | address= | lat=11.993351 | long=121.91146 | directions=Close to Puka Beach | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=Starts from US$60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beautiful resort. }} * {{sleep | name=Baling Hai Beach Resort | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/balinghai/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=Starts from US$50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Baling Hai Beach Resort has a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs located on the northern part of Boracay, two coves away from the main White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Coral Resort Boracay | url=http://www.bluecoral-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Angol| lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, behind Cocoloco Bar | phone=+63-36-2885220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$33 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small resort with six rooms equipped with AC, hot water, minibar, modern bathroom, safe, cable TV, wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Prince Resort | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Main Road, Station 1, Bolabog Road, Barangay Balabag | lat= | long= | directions=at the crossing of the main road and the road leading to Bolabog Beach | phone=+63 36 506-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=The resort draws its ambiance from the past and contemporary art echoed in the 36 rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Beach Resort | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Beachfront, Station 3, Ambulong, Barangay Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-1888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=This 41-unit resort has beautiful sunset views. It also has an infinity pool at the deck. }} * {{sleep | name=Crown Regency Resort & Convention Center | alt= | url=http://www.crownregency.com | email= | address=Main Road, Station 2, Sitio Manggayad | lat= | long= | directions=Across Allied Bank | phone=+63 36 506-3111 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | content=It includes an impressive 1,800-m² wave swimming pool with kiddie pool and a country's first wave rider (a pool you can surf on); 479 elegant units; a 1,600-guest conference center; restaurants; an adventure park; and Pricelite Outlet Store, where you can find many US brand items at {{PHP|99}}, from personal care items to liquors. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Mango | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=In Angol, at the southern end of White Beach. A friendly, family run establishment. The location is peaceful - less crowded than at station 2. }} * {{sleep | name=Fat Jimmys Boracay Resort | url=https://fatjimmysresort.com/ | email= | address=Station 2, D'Mall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5562 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$25 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sundown Resort Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.sundownresortboracay.com/ | email= | address=Angol, Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, behind Cocoloco Bar | phone=+63-36-2883406 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$23 | content=Nice resort right on the beach at the nicest part of Boracay with new rooms equipped with ac, hot water, fridge, modern bathroom, cable tv, wifi. Great restaurant on the beach. Austrian management. }} * {{sleep | name=Argonauta Boracay- Boutique Hotel with Villas and Apartments | url=http://www.argonauta-boracay.com/ | email=info@argonauta-boracay.com | address=Hagdan, Yapak, 272 Balinghai Road | lat= | long= | directions=follow main road direction to Shangri La, Turn right after Grand Vista Hotel | phone=+63 36 288 2746 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=room rates start at {{PHP|4000}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Boutique hotel situated on a 5,000-m² hillside property facing west (sunsets) over Punta Bunga Beach. Rooms are equipped with AC, hot water, mini-bar, cable TV, wifi. DVD Players and Ipod Doc ins are available on request. The Argonauta-Mobil brings guests to the White Beach and to Puka Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Artista Boracay Beach Villas | url=http://www.artistaboracay.com/ | email= | address=Diniwid Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-6235 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Cottage Island Resort | url= | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.9646174 | long=121.923 | directions=Station 1 Beach Front | phone=+63 36 288 2155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|2700}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=The rooms are in Filipino-inspired design with walls made of Banig and bamboo furniture. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Terraces Resort | url=http://www.boracayterracesresort.com | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.9744464 | long=121.91468 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|5500}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content= has its own swimming pool and offers deluxe accommodation and fully-furnished suites and apartelles. Activities like swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, diving and parasailing can be enjoyed. }} * {{sleep | name=Asya Premier Suites | alt= | url=http://www.asyapremier-boracay.com | email= | address=Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 1790 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|13500}} | content=It offers premier and executive suites, all of which have views of the sea, and is equipped with cable TV with DVD player, mini-bar, and NDD/IDD phone service. Some of its amenities include private shuttle speedboat and van, nanny & butler service, a fitness center, and Wi-fi internet services. }} * {{sleep | name=Bamboo Bungalows | url=http://www.bbboracay.com/ | email=reservation@bamboo-bungalows-boracay.net | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 63 24 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=4000 m² of beachfront property. Offers various categories of rooms, ranging from aircon and hot water-equipped hotel rooms to basic fan-cooled cold-shower bungalows. }} * {{sleep | name=Beachcomber Resort Boracay | url=http://www.beachcomberboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=11-room resort across the road from the beachfront. Sun loungers on the beach, pool, roof deck, spa, complimentary breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Beach Chalets | url= | email= | address=Near Boat Station 2, Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-3993 | tollfree= | fax=+63-36-288-6313 | hours= | price=US$50/100 low/high season | checkin= | checkout= | content=Air-conditioned cottages. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Beach Club | alt=Station 1 | url=http://boracaybeachclub.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern 30-room resort featured in ''Travel + Leisure'' magazine. Amenities include a rooftop deck, swimming pool, and beachfront lounge. Special packages with discounts to Ariel's Point and complimentary breakfast included. Family-owned and managed. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Gold Crowne Resort | url=http://www.boracaygoldcrowneresort.com | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|3500}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content=Beachfront rooms with private balconies. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Grand Vista Resort | url=http://www.egrandvista.com | email= | address=Barangay Yapak, Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Claims the largest swimming pool in Boracay. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Hills Resort | url=http://www.boracayhills.com | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-3315 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|3000}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Sandcastles | url=http://www.boracaysandcastles.com | email= | address=White Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2-752-7575 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2-755-6849 | hours= | price=From US$85 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Sunset Resort | url=http://www.villasunsetresort.com | email= | address=Station 2 | lat=11.95894 | long=121.92633 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|4100}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Villa Sunset is an 8-room apartment type hotel located at the heart of Boracay's White Beach at Station 2. The rooms are fully-furnished with their own balcony overlooking the swimming pool. The hotel offers day tour activities to those that would like to explore Boracay and its neighboring islands. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Sands Hotel | alt= | url=http://sandshotelboracay.com/ | email= | address=White Beach, Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884966 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Rates start at US$120 | content=It offers suites that are equipped with a DVD player, cable TV, Internet connection, refrigerator, IDD phone, writing desk and chair, safe, and hair dryer. Some of its facilities include a spa, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, café, and function rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Erus Hotel and Restaurant Boracay Island | url=https://www.erussuitehotel.com/ | email=erushotel@gmail.com | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-288-3441, | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A new hotel located right at the heart of station 2. }} * {{sleep | name=Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Boracay | url=http://www.fairwaysandbluewater.com.ph/ | email= | address=Newcoast | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rates start at {{PHP|3655}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Fairways & Bluewater Newcoast Boracay offers rooms equipped with air conditioning, cable television, minibar, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer and baby cot (subject to availability). Some of its facilities and services are clubhouse, restaurant, golf course on site, swimming pool, spa, parking, full service health spa, complimentary area shuttle and room service. }} * {{sleep | name=Fridays Boracay | url=http://www.fridaysboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Comfortable cottages. }} * {{sleep | name=Hey Jude! Resort Boracay | url=http://www.heyjude-boracay.com/ | email= | address=D’ Mall D’ Boracay Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5401 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2885403 | hours= | price=From US$46 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Jay Jays Club Boracay Resort | alt=Jay Jays Boracay Resort | url=http://www.jayjaysclub.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A hilltop private resort above Boat Station 1 with incredible ocean and beach views. Apartments have aircon, hot water, kitchens, cable TV and wifi. }} * {{sleep | name=Jony's Beach Resort Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.jonysboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6119 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 3119 | checkin= | checkout= | price=From US$75 | content=One of the oldest family-run establishments on the island. }} * {{sleep | name=La Isla Bonita Resort & Spa Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/La-Isla-Bonita-Boracay/100008608002510 | email=laislabonitaboracy@yahoo.com | address=Boat Station No. 3 Manggayad, Manoc-Manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 3433 7532 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-3501 | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|2000}} during high season | content=Nice, basic, aircon room with cable TV and private bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay La Reserve | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Beach-Resort/Boracay-La-Reserve-1601439286774604/ | email= | address=Station 1 Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883020 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|3000}} | content=Elegant rooms, private balcony with garden views. }} * {{sleep | name=Lingganany | url=http://www.lingganay.com/ | email= | address=manoc manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5734 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$50 | checkin= | checkout= | content= Located on a hillside, 22 apartments available, with views, a pool, and free shuttle service to and from the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Microtel Inn and Suites Boracay | url=http://www.microtel-boracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6931 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$105 | checkin= | checkout= | content=51-room beachfront hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Monaco Suites de Boracay | url=http://www.monacosuitesboracay.com/ | email= | address=manoc manoc | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$300 | checkin= | checkout= | content= all-suite hotel, 40 apartments available, with ocean view, an infinity pool, and free shuttle service to and from the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Nami Resort | alt= | url=http://www.namiresorts.com | email= | address=Diniwid Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6753 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|7500}} | content=A/C rooms equipped with cable television, minibar, coffee and tea maker, jacuzzi and king-size bed. Some of its facilities and services are restaurant and bar, water sports, airport and city transfers. }} * {{sleep | name=Nigi Nigi Nu Noos | url=http://www.boracaysand.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Good "traditional" cottages that look great. Food is good there too. }} * {{sleep | name=One Azul Boracay Resort | alt= | url=https://www.oneazulboracay.com.ph/ | email= | address=North Station 1, White Beach, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 917 308 8262 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From {{PHP|2700}} | content=A/C suites equipped with cable tv, private toilet and bath, deluxe bathroom amenities and free continental breakfast. Some of its facilities and services are wireless internet, safety deposit box, massage service, laundry and dry cleaning service and airport, land, and boat transfers. }} * {{sleep | name=Orinda Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/orinda.boracay | email= | address=Angol| lat= | long= | directions=right at the White Beach, | phone=+63-3400303 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$59 | checkin= | checkout= | content=resort right on the beach of Boracay with rooms equipped with AC, hot water, fridge, modern bathroom, cable tv, wifi. Hotel restaurant on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=One Crescent Place Hotel | url=http://www.onecrescentplace.com | email= | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5429 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The resort is in Station 1 of Boracay Island, a two-minute walk to the powdery white sands and crystal-blue waters of White Beach. Each guestroom features a deck, dining area, kitchenette, microwave oven, refrigerator, private toilet and shower, mini-bar, and Internet access. It is also fitted with a DVD player, writing desk and chair, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and safe. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Soleil de Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.lingganay.com.ph/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5734 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$100 | content=Right in the center of White Beach, near Boat Station 2. The resort as a whole has a nice ambiance, rooms are also brightly decorated. Lounging area available right on the beach front as you step out of the hotel. Breakfast is served a la carte and portions aren't that impressive so if your package doesn't come with breakfast, you might as well have it outside of the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Panoly Resort Hotel | url=http://www.thepanoly.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=45 bungalows and 55 veranda-equipped hotel rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Garden Resort Hotel & Convention Center Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/paradisegardenresortboracay/ | email= | address=Manggayad | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3728 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$100 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Patio Pacific Boracay | url=http://www.patiopacificboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 845 2222 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 8452233 | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Formerly known as Pink Patio Resort. Facilities include a gym, pool and climbing wall. The 65 aircon rooms are adequate if a bit bland in decor. Breakfast is served buffet style though choices may be limited at times. Three-minute walk to White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Pearl of the Pacific - Beach Resort Boracay | url=http://www.pearlofthepacific.ph | email= | address=Pearl of the Pacific, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63-36-2883220, +63-2-9260162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$60-180 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=At Boat Station one with ocean view suites right on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Punta Rosa Boracay Resort | url=http://www.puntarosa.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 6 288 6740 | tollfree= | fax=+63 6 288 6740 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Northern end of White Beach. Breakfast included. }} * {{sleep | name=Sea Wind Boracay | url= | email=seawind@pacific.net.ph | address=1 R&G Tirol Park, Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 4164010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=50-room luxury resort. Spacious, Filipino-style rooms with pseudo-antique furniture. }} * {{sleep | name=Serendipity Resort Boracay | url=http://www.serendipityboracay.com/ | email= | address=Main Road, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5411 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$35 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Simple but tastefully-fitted aircon rooms with hot water and cable TV. Fan-cooled cottages, inspired by huts in the Philippine highlands, are also available. Additional features include a commercial arcade, a guest’s lounge and landscaped gardens. }} * {{sleep | name=Mito's Palace Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/mbonedestination/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884343, +633 6 5063172 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A cozy hotel located at station 1, White Beach. All rooms air conditioned, with hot and cold shower, cable television, patios, minibar, 24-hour room service. Newer hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Shore Time Boracay Resort | url=https://shoretimehotelboracay.com/home/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions=next door to Andok's- Station 1 & across from Obama Grill Restaurant) | phone=+63 6 288 4968, | tollfree= | fax=+63 6 288 4765 | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=In station 1, across from the beach with their own private guests sun loungers on the beachfront. }} * {{sleep | name=The Strand Boracay Resort | url=http://www.boracaystrand.com/ | email= | address=Sinagpa, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-6900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small 13-room resort in a fusion Asian-Scandinavian style, one minute away from the beach. Salt-water pools. }} * {{sleep | name=Sur Beach Resort | url=http://www.surboracay.com/ | email=surboracay@gmail.com | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 6844, +63 928 781 1233 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 6843 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the smaller but charming hotels in the Station 1 area. }} * {{sleep | name=The Tides Hotel Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel-Resort/The-Tides-Hotel-Boracay-Philippines-2163377983759206/ | email=reservation@tidesboracay.com | address=D'Mall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4517 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 4518 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Boracay's most notable boutique hotel located at the heart of D'Mall. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Camilla | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice and quiet beachfront hotel with a swimming pool in Boat Station 3. Can be quite a bargain in low season. }} * {{sleep | name=Villa Sunset Resort Boracay | url=http://www.villa-sunset-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-5666 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288-5324 | hours= | price=From US$51 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Eight apartments with own terrace/balcony, cable TV, telephone, kitchenette, shower, air conditioning and a fully stocked fridge. }} * {{sleep | name=Willy's Beach Club Hotel Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel/Willys-Beach-Resort-180016828679313/ | email= | address=Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-3395 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 3016 | hours= | price=From US$88 | checkin= | checkout= | content=40 Mediterranean-style villas with aircon. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Swiper's Inn | url=https://www.facebook.com/SwipersBoracay/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat=11.971654 | long=121.916956 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price={{PHP|6000}} | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Swipers Inn has an amazing view of the white sandy beach. The suites have their own kitchen and dining area. }} ===Bulabog Beach=== Bulabog Beach runs parallel with White Beach and is on the east side of the island. It is approximately {{km|1.5}} long and has white sand similar to that on White Beach. It is protected from strong seas by a coral reef located {{m|500}} offshore, and from late October to April the ''amihan'' (northeast monsoon winds) makes this beach very popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders. Bulabog Beach has the "old" Boracay atmosphere, being less developed than the White Beach area, quieter, more laid back, with onshore breezes most of the year, and a number of foreign residents have made it their home. In addition, resorts are starting to appear and the various types of water-sports (parasailing, banana boats, jetskis, waterskiing, etc.) are using this area during the White Beach off-season (May-October, when the ''habagat'' or the southwest monsoon wind blows). Access to D'Mall is only a 5 minute walk and a couple of minutes later you are on White Beach with all the crowds, restaurants, bars, discos, etc. The sea at Bulabog is polluted with raw sewage from the whole island. You can see seawge pipes emptying into sea. Since the lagoon is semi-closed and shallow, and water circulation is limited, this produces a bad smell. The color of it will block all your thoughts about swimming there and lot of kiters will simply not allow you to. As a result, staying on Bulabog beach is not recommended if you want to enjoy the beach. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Blue Bayou Bungalows | url=http://bluebayouboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4740 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Offers spacious bungalows with loft bedroom, kitchenette and veranda. }} * {{sleep | name=Islakite Center | url=http://www.islakitesurfing.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5352 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Room rates start at {{PHP|970}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Offers 9 nice fan rooms, private bathroom with hot shower, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Perfectly located, right on the beach. Kitesurf as soon as you wake up. Good breakfast and free storage for the gear are included in the rate. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=7Stones Boracay Suites | url=http://www.7stonesboracay.com/ | email=salesmanila@7stonesboracay.com | address=Bulabog Beach, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 16 01 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=is a boutique hotel situated on a 4,000-m² beachfront property located at the famous water sports paradise otherwise known as Bulabog Beach. This new and modern boutique hotel has of stunning roomy suites and breathtaking sights. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Gems | url=http://www.boracaygems.net/ | email= | address=Bulabog Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9082781983 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=New villas on Bulabog Beach, furnished in a modern designer style complete with a private Zen garden and a great view of the ocean. }} * {{sleep | name=The Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast | alt= | url=http://www.lazydogboracay.com | email=info@lazydogboracay.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9209 454 845, +63 36 288 4128 | tollfree= | fax= | price={{PHP|2600}} and up | checkin= | checkout= | content=This B&B offers 15 fully air conditioned rooms, hot showers, cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Set inside a private garden enclave and conveniently located at the center of the island. On-site cafe offers breakfast and lunch. Dogs are welcome. }} * {{sleep | name=Reef Retreat Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.reefretreatboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9173 493 060 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A nice cozy 12 room hotel owned by a couple from the UK. It's right near windsurf/kiting schools and breakfast is also served in one of these schools. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, aircon, mini bar, hot/ cold shower and ceiling fan. Bulabog beach is only 1min walk away from the hotel. The walk to White beach takes about 10 min and the same goes for the walk to D*Mall. The hotel is clean and newly built with comfortable rooms. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Boracay Butterfly Garden Cottages | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2886701 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Cottages with kitchens, separate air conditioned bedrooms, hot showers, cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and sea view patios. 10 min from beach, 7 min from D'Mall. }} * {{sleep | name=Palm Breeze Villa Boracay | alt= | url=http://www.palmbreezeboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 9155352625 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= A small luxury resort in a slightly elevated position at the north end of Bulabog Beach. The resort features a swimming pool with swim-up bar. Free wifi throughout. Stunning views over the swimming pool and ocean from all rooms. En-suite bathrooms feature modern fixtures and oversized shower-heads. They also include quiet split-system air-conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=Cohiba Villas Boracay Resort | alt= | url=http://www.cohibaboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36-288-4792 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Tel. Furnished villas intended for families staying a week or more, located on a cliff overlooking Bulabog Beach. Quiet split-system air-conditioning, cable TV, mini-bar. }} ===Near White Beach=== Some hotels and resorts are located along roads and footpaths off of White Beach, generally within just a few minutes walk from the beach. Room rates in these may be a bit lower than prices for comparable rooms located in resorts which have beach-front entrances, and the rooms may be a bit quieter than rooms located right on the beach. ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Ocean Breeze Inn | alt= | url=http://oceanbreezeinn.info/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Offers budget cottages or air conditioned guesthouse rooms (various room sizes for single travellers or families) at affordable rates. Guest kitchen also available. Ocean Breeze Inn is located at Station 3, around 2-3 minutes walk to White Beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Trafalgar Cottages | alt= | url= | email= | address=Station 3 Manggayad | lat=11.9562355 | long=121.930488 | directions=behind the New souvenir shops at D original talipapa. | phone=+63-36-2883711 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price={{PHP|480}} | content=Double fan rooms, shared bathroom. Nice garden. }} ====Mid-range==== ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa | url=http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/boracay/boracayresort | email= | address=Barangay Yapak | lat=11.988305 | long=121.904 | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884988 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 288 5088 | hours= | price=From US$500 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Boracay's first international branded resort. 219 rooms, suites and villas, with 350m of dedicated beach and 12 hectares of grounds. They also offer airport transfers through their private speedboat. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Holiday Resort | alt= | url=http://www.boracayholidayresort.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884086 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2884085 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A Mediterranean inspired resort located at the heart of Manggayad (Station 2), a three-minute leisurely walk to white beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Boracay Resort | alt= | url=http://www.grandboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 7315971 | tollfree= | fax=+63 2 7426272 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Grand Boracay is in the center of Boracay island. Known for its wide space and quiet atmosphere with its affordable prices. }} * {{sleep | name=Mandala Spa and Villas Boracay | url=https://mandalaspaboracay.com/ | email= | address=Station 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5858 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From US$250 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A sanctuary for the body and soul where a culture of respect for the individual and an atmosphere of beauty, wellness and personal growth pervades. Relax and revive in a romantic and secluded resort villa with spa therapies, yoga or natural foods, walking distance from Boracay’s famous White Beach in this award winning Boracay resort and spa. }} * {{sleep | name=Turtle Inn | alt= | url=http://www.turtleinnboracay.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4206 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This is one of the island's newer establishments. Located just a couple of minutes walk from the beach near boat station 3, this hotel has a high standard of accommodation at surprisingly reasonable rates. }} ===Balabag and other areas=== ====Budget==== * {{sleep | name=Fat Jimmy's Resort | url=https://fatjimmysresort.com/ | email= | address=0221, Station 2, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5562 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|1200}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Fat Jimmy's Resort in Boracay, Philippines offers the best quality and friendly service with neat, clean and comfortable accommodations at a price everyone can afford and make the best Boracay experience in their life. }} * {{sleep | name=La Bella Casa | url=http://www.labellacasaboracay.com | email= | address=Station 1 near Cocomangas Bar of Boracay | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2885846 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=It offers air-conditioned rooms, all of which are equipped with a cable TV, mini-fridge, and private shower and bathtub. Superb room service is also offered to guests. }} ====Mid-range==== * {{sleep | name=Beachcomber Resort Boracay | url=https://www.facebook.com/Beachcomber-Boracay-305412729665372/ | email= | address=Station 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 4465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|4211}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=11 accommodations, all equipped with Cable TV, Air-conditioning and Private veranda. Facilities and services are Spa, Outdoor swimming pool, Restaurant and bar. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Holiday Resort | url=http://www.boracayholidayresort.com | email= | address=Station 2, Corner Main Rd. & Tirol Rd., Manggayad, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884085 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|2200}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Sprawling Mediterranean inspired resort located right at the heart of Manggayad (Station 2) and affords its guests with a 3-minute leisurely walk to the famous white beach. Just by walking alone through the resort's breezy corridors and airy verandas is enough to make you feel the holiday ambience. Boracay Holiday Resort is an affordable luxury. It surely will be a part of your memorable experience here in the island, not just a place to stay }} * {{sleep | name=Gran Prix Boracay Hideaway | url=http://www.granprixhotels.com/Boracay | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883548 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|3500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=A cool beach retreat nicely tucked a few meters away from the buzz of the Boracay coastline. Offers an oasis of calm and understated luxury with its wonderfully modern ambience. }} * {{sleep | name=Real Maris Resort | url= | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2884144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=Their air-conditioned rooms are equipped with cable TV, DVD player, Internet access, room safe, mini-bar. Some of their facilities are restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a beach bar, and massage services }} * {{sleep | name=Roque’s Place Boracay | url= | email= | address=Station 3, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288-33-56 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= From {{PHP|2500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=It offers 15 rooms, all of which have air-conditioning, cable TV, and a mini-bar. Some of its amenities include bar and restaurant, beauty parlor, and water sports facilities. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like Diamond Sea Sports, Boracay Scuba, and Willy's Rock. }} * {{sleep | name=The Sitio Boracay | url=http://panayisland.com/hotels-resorts/boracay/the-sitio-boracay/ | email= | address=Station 1, Balabag| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 4144065 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rates start at {{PHP|4500}} | checkin= | checkout= | content= From the native cogon roofing to the endearing Filipino-Balinese theme, your air-conditioned Boracay villa is a place rife with comfort and charm. }} ====Splurge==== * {{sleep | name=Boracay Hills Resort | alt= | url=http://www.boracayhills.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 2883315 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36 2883768 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=One of the most exclusive places to stay on Boracay Island. Located in the lush and hilly hammock of Bantud 10 minutes walk from the beach; free shuttle service available. }} * {{sleep | name=Lorenzo's Villa | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/villalorenzoresort/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 2 928-0719 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=At the southern tip of Boracay, 10-15 min to White Beach by free hotel shuttle. All rooms feature ocean view balconies. There is a pool and spa services on site, but beach access to a small stretch of sand is limited due to the resort being perched on a cliff. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradise Bay Resort Boracay | alt= | url=https://www.paradisebayresortboracay.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5124, +63 36 288 5071 | tollfree= | fax=+63 36-288 5127 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Tulubhan is popular with German travellers. It offers a middle range accommodation rate with a small pool, a free van-ride to anywhere on the island and a billiard table. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Amor Apartments | alt= | url=http://www.boracayamor.com | email=reservation@boracayamor.com | address=Diniwid, Balabag | lat=11.9760592 | long=121.912277 | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 9063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|5000}} | lastedit=2016-02-07 | content=Serviced apartment built on top of a limestone cliff giving good view over Boracay Island. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Lagoon | url=http://bluemangoinn.com/ | email= | address=Tulubhan Beach | lat=11.9543946 | long=121.9374 | directions=3-minute walk North from Boat Station 3 | phone=+63 36 288 5170 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$38-165 per room/suite | checkin=| checkout= | lastedit=2016-07-27 | content=This is the south end of White Beach which is quieter, cleaner and less busy than station 1 or 2. The Inn has 4 standard rooms, 4 deluxe garden rooms, 3 ocean view suites and two large family rooms. The inn also has a highly regarded restaurant and dive center, and there is a designated area with lounge chairs. If you get the opportunity, spend some time with the owner, Vaughn, an exceedingly friendly and accommodating American expat. All the rooms also have air-conditioning, hot water, cable TV, wireless Internet connection and come with free bottled water, beach towels, and breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Balaihara | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=A cluster of villas sprawled over the resort community of Fairways and Bluewater in the Newcoast area. Each villa has roomy and cozy rooms furnished with modern amenities. Recreational facilities include an 18-hole Graham Marsh-designed golf course and a swimming pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel | url=http://www.boracaymandarin.com/ | email= | address=Beachfront, Station 2, Balabag | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+63 36 288 3444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From {{PHP|8000}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=Set in the heart of Boracay’s vibrant culture and warm atmosphere is Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, a AAA beachfront resort with 52 luxurious rooms and suites, an in-house restaurant by the sea, hotel spa, swimming pool, kiddie pool and convention center. }} * {{sleep | name=Argonauta Boracay - Boutique Hotel with Villas and Apartments | url=http://www.argonauta-boracay.com/ | email= | address=Hagdan, Yapak, Overlooking quiet Punta Bunga | lat= | long= | directions=tunr left on the main road going to Balinghai | phone=+63 36 288 2746 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= From {{PHP|4000}} | checkin= | checkout= | content=At a hillside near Punta Bunga Beach overlooking the ocean to the west, near Shangri La Resort. Available are Boutique Hotel Rooms, Apartments good for 4 guests and Villas good for 6 guests. 2 small swimming pools on site. }} ==Stay safe== [[File:Boracay algal bloom April 2018.jpg|thumb|Algal bloom caused by raw sewage entering the ocean around Boracay]] '''Sewage water pollution''' is one of the biggest problems of Boracay: raw sewage is piped directly into the sea. Some areas, like Bulabog beach, has been made completely unswimmable due to this problem. However, it puts swimming safety of the entire island under the serious threat. '''Power outages''' still happen often (2016) and can last from several minutes to several hours. On a bright side however, substantial part of more expensive resorts have back-up generators which solve the problem almost entirely. ==Connect== '''Internet connections''' are pretty slow anywhere on the island. Wi-Fi can be found everywhere from splurge hotels to small guesthouses but again it's pretty crappy. Small Internet cafes exist but not widespread. 3G/4G is provided by mobile operators Smart and Globe. ==Cope== {{listing | name=Bureau of Immigration | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration/home?ref=page_internal | email= | address=Villa Camella, Boat Station 2, Main Road| lat=11.95256| long=121.93293| directions=near Budget Mart and opposite Boracay Isle Hotel | phone=+63 36 288 5267| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-08-09 | content=Same-day visa extension is possible here. First 29-day extension costs {{PHP|3130}}. They require 2×2 cm photo and photocopies of several passport pages. }} Tips: # Paperwork submission and payment cut off time is 3PM, so get there at least an hour before that. # Hold on to the paper receipt you are given - if you lose it, there is a {{PHP|500}} fine. # Pickup on date given after 3PM-5PM or up to 5 days after (anytime). After that, there is a {{PHP|200}} passport hold fee per day. # If you stay in the Philippines more than 6 months, you must get clearance to fly out. # It takes 10 working days to get it - for free, or 3 days processing for {{PHP|500}}, or 1 day processing (actually 5 minutes) for {{PHP|1000}}. # Clearance is valid for 30 days but not exceeding last visa date (clearance is 1 month maximum if visa ends in 1 month from now). # You cannot get clearance when doing extension - only one transaction at a time (as you need submit a copy of your last visa extension & your passport, but in this office essentially you can get both done in 30 min if you pay extra). # You will need 3 photos - 2x2 inches - which can be done in marketing agency upstairs for {{PHP|75}} pesos - includes DSLR shot and print of 8 photos. You also need copy front​+back of your ACR card. Copies can be done upstairs at {{PHP|5}} each. ==Go next== * [[Kalibo]] &mdash; the closest major airport located in this town * [[Iloilo]] {{geo|11.969444|121.927222}} {{IsPartOf|Aklan}} {{usablecity}} 3jwqlvziyzt88kcqswh5qbjs44mes9w 0 5453 4488004 4286840 2022-07-21T22:29:33Z Metropolitan90 135429 /* By plane */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Cabo San Lucas''' is a city at the southern tip of [[Baja California Sur]], [[Mexico]]. Cabo is a varied destination that captures the essence of Baja Peninsula in its many resorts, hotels, golf courses, dining and amazing outdoor activities. Cabo San Lucas is a bustling hub for sport fishermen, cruise ships, handicraft vendors, water sport aficionados and nightlife seekers. The area is considered the second fastest growing resort destination in all of Mexico and particularly busy with visitors during the winter high season, November to February. With some of the best all-around sport fishing in the world and every water sport imaginable, Cabo is the ultimate destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventure. [[File:021CaboSanLucas30.1.JPG|thumb]] There are three districts in "Cabo": # '''San Jose del Cabo''', the "Old Town", which is nearest to the airport. San Jose has old Mexico charm and some shining new resorts. # '''Cabo San Lucas''', the "Main Town", which is 20-some miles from the airport, and the entertainment hub of Cabo. The famous arch is in Cabo San Lucas. # '''The Corridor''', the highway which connects San Jose and Cabo San Lucas, which is now lined with golf courses, condos and resorts situated along the coastline. By night, Cabo San Lucas is one of the hottest party towns in Mexico with a glittering nightlife and a plethora of dining options that make energetic Cabo San Lucas an all-time favorite. Also called Cabo San “Loco” or just plain “Cabo”, the town’s reputation as the wild party center of the Baja Peninsula has brought fame and infamy to its many bars and nightclubs. ==Get in== ===By plane=== If you'll be staying for more than a day (e.g., not as a passenger on a cruise ship), flying is the preferred means of travel to Cabo. The regional airport, '''Los Cabos International Airport''' ({{IATA|SJD}}), (624) 146-5111, is outside of [[San Jose del Cabo]] and will take approximately 30–45 minutes to travel to Cabo San Lucas. For general aviation or private jets, Terminal 2 is used. It has 14 gates: 7-20. Air taxi and air charter companies such as '''[http://www.jscharter.com Jetset Charter]''' fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstreams down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. All the major American airlines fly to the airport, as well as Aereo Calafia, Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Interjet, Volaris, and the Canadian Air Transat & WestJet. If you plan on arriving to Cabo by plane, a transfer bus is the cheapest method to get to your hotel if you do not plan on renting a car. Also private transportation is available like [https://www.loscabosairporttransportation.com Los Cabos Airport Transportation]. A reservation for a transfer can be made before arrival and is significantly cheaper than a taxi. There are buses at the airport charging per person for a ride to the resorts of Cabo which can be had without prior reservation. Public bus Ruta Del Desierto is the cheapest means to get to Cabo San Lucas, boarding the bus will be from Terminal 1 (domestic). Bus will stop at Puerto Paraiso Plaza (mall) in Cabo San Lucas. It also services the opposite direction. Boarding is at Puerto Paraiso Mall, the difference is that the bus will stop at both Terminal 1 and 2 (domestic and international passengers, respectively). Cost is M$80 ([[Mexico#Currency|pesos]]) per person from Puerto Paraiso to the airport. ===By boat=== '''Cruise ships''' call very frequently. All must anchor/moor offshore, so passengers must be ferried to shore. Those who plan to arrange independent tours need to consider the time that ferrying takes for tour start, and for tour end to ensure they can return to ship on time. ===By bus=== Regional bus service is provided by '''[https://autobusesaguila.com/ Autotransportes Aguila]''' with frequent departures from [[La Paz (Mexico)|La Paz]], [[San Jose del Cabo]] and several other nearby cities. {{marker|type=go|name=Cabo San Lucas Bus Terminal|lat=22.898502|long=-109.926476}} is on Carr. Todos Santos, north of the city centre. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} Taxis are readily available and rates are negotiable. One of the best and most exciting ways to travel around Cabo is to rent a BMW motorcycle. '''Cabo BMW Rentals''' rents BMW motorcycles as well as scooters and they will provide helmets. You can ride north out of the tropics to Los Barriles which is a great stop for a bite to eat or walk on the beach. It's called the "Cabo Loop" which consists of a 320-km (200-mile) paved ride, starting in Cabo San Lucas and going through the larger cities of San José del Cabo, Los Barriles, Todos Santos and returns to Cabo San Lucas. There are many car rental agencies in Los Cabos, most of which have names familiar to travelers in the Americas. If you are staying in a villa or plan on many day-trips that are not covered by a resort or timeshare shuttle, then a rental will likely be the most cost effective. ==See== [[File:Cabo san lucas.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of Baja California]] Filled with natural landmarks and a number of prominent monuments, the city of Cabo San Lucas has plenty of character, particularly around its coastline. From January to March, a must see is the whales, they come to Cabo during this period of time and many boats can take you out to sea to watch them. In early March, they are particularly abundant. [[File:Arco de Cabo San Lucas - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Los Arcos]] * '''Land's End'''&mdash; Known for its exceptional views and photo taking opportunities, this area is comprised of a large cluster of rock formations that were carved into fantastic shapes by wind and sea. During low tide, many visitors like to walk here along Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) because it allows for a better view of an eroded passageway called the Arch of Poseidon. You can also observe Los Frailes, two rock islets that are frequented by sea lions. * {{see | name=Church of San Lucas | alt=Iglesia de San Lucas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Boasting many original features, this church, almost 300 years old, has been well maintained }} * {{see | name=Cultural Center | alt=Casa de la Cultura | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Features a tall mirador tower and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks all of Cabo. }} ==Do== [[File:Cabo2 001.jpg|thumb]] === Scuba diving & watersports=== Scuba diving Is especially good in Cabo, because you can watch the sandfalls under the water. It is an amazing spectacle provided by nature. If you are looking for something more relaxed perhaps you want to go to Lover's Beach or to one of the multiple romantic restaurants in Cabo. Cabo is also a good surfing destination, since many of the beaches on the east cape road pick up the southern swells. The beaches are accessible through the coastal road on the way to cabo pulmo. Particularly, shipwrecks beach is a favorite spot during the summer months. * {{do | name=Cabo Submarine | url=http://www.cabosubmarine.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This is an easy way to see the fish and aquarium world without getting wet. The office is in the marina, and they have special pricing for contacting them directly from the website. The Semi Submersible is 18 m (60 feet) long and air conditioned. }} * {{do | name=Picante Bluewater Sports | url= | email=sales@picantesportfishing.com | address=Puerto Paraiso Local 39-A Cabo San Lucas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 624 143-2474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=US$325-3850 | content=American-owned with English-speaking crews; yachts ranging in size from 24' to 68'. }} * {{do | name=Cabo Surf Safari | alt= | url=http://www.bestoncabo.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 888 557-3330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Lessons available courtesy of professional surfing instructors. Surf tours are arranged with hotel pick-up and lunch included. }} * {{do | name=JT Watersports | url=http://www.jtwatersports.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=They offer parasailing, wave runners, kayaks and snorkeling. They also have a sunset cruise that will take you out to explore Lovers Beach or "El Arco". They have new top of the line equipment and they are completely mobile, so they can cater to your needs anywhere in the East Cape area of Baja California Sur. They are on Playa Medano in Cabo San Lucas. }} === Fishing=== Cabo is known around the world as a top fishing destination. The meeting of the waters of the Pacific ocean and the Sea of Cortez creates a nutrient rich environment where sport fish thrive. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado and wahoo are the most commonly targeted species. Cabo boasts one of the largest sport fishing charter fleets in Mexico. Charters range from pangas, open "semi-dorry" type skiffs, to 18 m (60 foot) or more luxury sport fishing yachts. Prices for a day of fishing start around US$175 for 5-hour panga trips, from US$450 for 8-hour trips on 26- to 30-footers and into the US$1,000 to $5,000 per day for boats from 34–60 feet. * {{do | name=Minerva's Baja Tackle and Charters | url=http://www.minervas.com | email=minerva@minervas.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 888 480-7826 (from US & Canada) | fax= | hours= | price= | content=English speaking crews, boats ranging in size from 31' to 40' with bare boat or all-inclusive rates. Charter prices run from US$600 to $900. }} * {{do | name=Checkmate Sportfishing | url=http://www.checkmatesportfishing.com {{dead link|May 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 703 203-1008 (from US) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=31' Bertram. Charter rates from US$475. English-speaking crew. }} * {{do | name=Slippery Lizzard Sportfishing | alt= | url=http://www.slipperylizzardsportfishing.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=inquiries@slipperylizzardsportfishing.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 770 573 0334 (from US) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Upscale charter boats and sportfishing yachts from 28' - 68'. Full service charters with everything included (licenses, bait, drinks, beer, ice, lunches, tackle and equipment) with rates from US$550 for a full 8 hr day. English-speaking crews and American guides. }} === Cruises === * {{do | name=Reggae Jungle Cruise | url=http://www.cabobooze-cruise.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=jungletours@prodigy.net.mx | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Continental breakfast, snorkeling, lunch and whale watching while cruising along two different reefs that are astoundingly beautiful. Children under 10 go free. }} * {{do | name=Jazz and Wine Tour aboard the Tropicat | url=http://www.tropicatcabo.com | email=pezsail@prodigy.net.mx | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 624 143-3797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sail the Pacific on a large sailing catamaran. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset while listening to the contemporary jazz music. International bar serves premium wines and hor d'ouvres. }} === Other activities === * {{do | name=ATV offroad adventures | url= | email=sales@bajawild.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 624 142-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the more popular ways to see and explore Cabo. Discover the sights from the seat of an ATV or a mountain bike, on a guided tour through sand dunes, desert, mountain and beach. Half-day trip costs US$85 and includes an ATV or mountain bike, rappelling gear, expert tour guide, rappel instructor, energy bars, all beverages and round trip transportation in an air conditioned van. }} * {{do | name=Sierra Buggies | alt=Road Runner Tour | url=http://www.sierrabuggies.com {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=Calle Nopal 19 Colonia Magisterial | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 624 1307623 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00 and 14:00 | price=US$230 double and US$150 single | content= Buggy rides in the Boca de la sierra mountain range along mountain trails lined with all kinds of cacti and rocky dry river beds that will test your driving skills, and onto to one of the few UNESCO protected biosphere reserves in México and a swim in one of the Sierra's hidden freshwater pools. }} * {{do | name=The Cabo San Lucas Glass Factory | url=http://www.glassfactorycabo.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A really fun place for the entire family to visit. Touring the glass factory, you get to witness a first hand glimpse into the centuries-old art of glass blowing. }} ==Buy== With boutiques as easy to come by in Cabo as restaurants, its a shoppers delight. The plazas of '''Puerto Paraiso Shopping and Entertainment Plaza''' and the adjacent '''Marina Cabo San Lucas''' offer a variety of shops and goods with an affable ambiance. '''Shoppes At Palmilla''' offer a selection of high-end boutiques. The stores here include day spas, art galleries, fine restaurants, coffee shops, an amazing bakery and homemade crafts. * '''San Jose del Cabo''' features traditional Mexican speciality stores which offer furniture, hand blown glass, ceramics, artwork, cigars and local souvenirs. * {{buy | name=Golden Cactus Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.goldencactusgallery.com/ | email=celyne@GoldenCactusGallery.com | address=Hidalgo street | lat= | long= | directions=corner Zapata, one block from Wyndham Tesoro Hotel | phone=+52 624 143-6399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 12:00-19:00 | price= | content=The Golden Cactus Gallery opened in 1997 as a fine art gallery and artist studio. The gallery showcases hundreds of works of art from artists from Baja, Mexico, USA and Canada. In 2009, the gallery was acquired by long-time resident Marie Celyne Poupart. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Alexander's Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.alexandercabo.com/ | email= | address=Blvd. Marina s/n | lat=22.885959 | long=-109.910942 | directions=On the Cabo San Lucas Marina at the Plaza Bonita Mall | phone=+52 624 143 2022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-15 | content=It's hard to miss this lively restaurant that is always packed and upon dining here, you'll understand why it has maintained its popularlity for so long. With the chef combining French-influenced cuisine of Swiss origin with hints of the tropics and Mediterranean, the menu offers something for just about any palate and craving. Be sure to try the shrimp tempura with a Thai coconut-chile sauce, its taste and freshness will satisfy. }} * {{eat | name=La Dolce | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | tags=italian | content=Italian restaurant and pizzeria serving authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Cabo. Open for dinner only and contains standard Italian fare. Also located in San Jose del Cabo. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurante Mi Casa | alt= | url=https://www.micasarestaurantcabo.com/ | email= | address=Av. Cabo San Lucas s/n | lat=22.882594 | long=-109.914832 | directions= | phone=+52 624 143 1933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-15 | content=Popular Mi Casa is well-known for its Mexican dining experience and provides a taste of old Mexico. The atmosphere is friendly and funky and the staff are efficient and quick. The restaurant does allow street vendors to peddle their fares at your table though. | tags=mexican }} * {{eat | name=El Coral | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | tags=mexican | content=Mexican and seafood. Oldest restaurant in Cabo. On the west end of the main street. Good prices and good food. }} * {{eat | name=La Casa Country | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | tags=mexican | content=Mexican food. The best fajitas in town. Line dancing show included. }} * {{eat | name=Mariscos de Mazatlan | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on the right (west), south bound, between the airport and Cabo on the main highway | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Very good seafood with good value pricing. It has an open-air palapa at least in part. }} * {{eat | name=Tacqueria Marissa | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | tags=Mexican | content=Tasty steak tacos and the best condiments to accompany them, including whole roasted jalapenos, caramelized onions, guacamole, and every color and variety of salsa imaginable. Great to meet the locals as well. }} * {{eat | name=Nicksan | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | tags=Japanese | content=Some of the freshest sushi in the area. Make sure to sit at the sushi bar and ask the sushi chef what is good that night. }} * {{eat | name=Poncho's | url=http://www.panchos.com/ | email= | address=Hidalgo & Emiliano Zapata | lat= | long= | directions=downtown Cabo | phone=+52 624 143-2891 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great Mexican and seafood and the largest collection of tequilas in the world with over 500 labels. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Mango Deck Beach Club | url=http://www.mangodeckcabo.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= If you're looking for a "Spring Break" type atmosphere with bass-thumping music and bikini clad girls dancing on stage for a bucket of beer, then the Mango Deck is your spot. However, be mindful that the drinking age in Mexico is 18 and most of those girls on stage (especially in the summer) are pre-college high schoolers either on spring break or celebrating graduation. Adults may find The Office more appropriate. }} * {{drink | name=The Office | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located right next door to the Mango Deck, The Office is a more adult setting offering big blue umbrellas to shield you from the sun and an assortment of appetizers to accompany your margarita or Modelo Especial. With tables and chairs right in the sand, the office has become a famous watering hole in Cabo. The Office does not allow beach vendors to solicit you at your table. }} * {{drink | name=Slim's Elbo Room | url= | email= | address=Just down the street from the Giggling Marlin. Hole in the wall so it's easy to miss | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Size does matter at this bar, which claims to be the world's smallest bar with four seats only and standing room for two. Drinks are served straight up as well as beer. Visitors like to tack a dollar to the wall with a stamp that says 'I was here'. }} * {{drink | name=The Giggling Marlin | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Gotta check it out. They hang you upside down by your ankles and you drink a shot. Great lunch and dinner menu. Try the fish tacos and house-made salsa! }} * {{drink | name=El Squid Roe | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The best bar in the town. Loud, obnoxious, but thats why it's fun. Very touristy; people of all ages get up on tables and dance. Cocktail waitresses walk around with a whistle in their mouth to get your attention while they sell jello shots. This bar is multi-level and plays a variety of music. Very popular bar; if others are not hoppin' this one will be! }} * {{drink | name=Cabo Wabo | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Owned by Sammy Hagar, who performs occasionally, Cabo Wabo is famed for consistently providing patrons with a good time. They play the rock loud, and with attitude, but thankfully the staff are friendly and quick to serve. }} * {{drink | name=Poncho's | url=http://www.panchos.com/ | email= | address=Hidalgo & Emiliano Zapata | lat= | long= | directions=downtown Cabo | phone=+52 624 143-2891 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great Mexican and seafood and the largest collection of Tequilas in the world with over 500 labels. }} * {{drink | name=Two For The Road | alt=Live Jazz Spot | url= | email=nightheat_21@yahoo.com | address=Hotel Tesoro ~ Cabo San Lucas | lat= | long= | directions=On the Marina Facing M-O Dock | phone=+52 624 143-7759 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=20:00-00:00 | price= | content=A jazz night spot for the over-30 crowd and for those searching for a place to go in Cabo, either before or after dinner to enjoy great cocktails, wine and Jazz Martinis with sophisticated live entertainment and pleasant conversation. Unique ambience and intimate Jazz Night Spot like no other in Cabo San Lucas located on the Marina side of The Hotel Tesoro Monday through Saturday, 8PM to midnight. Live music nightly, 9PM to midnight. It is located between Solomon’s Landing & "No Worry's" Lighthouse Restaurant. Validated one hour free parking in Hotel Tesoro parking lot. }} * {{drink | name=Happy Ending Cantina | alt=Rated the Best Bar in Cabo | url=http://www.HappyEndingCantina.com | email= | address=Marina Blvd 22 | lat= | long= | directions=Between Cabo Wabo & Hard Rock | phone=+52 624 143-0404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-3AM | price=Best in Cabo | content=Happy Ending is located on the "50 yard line" in the middle of Cabo's action. Cheap drinks. Three bars, stripper poles, beer pong tables, pool tables, dancing, music, satellite TV for sporting events, delicious food all day and all night, cleanest bathrooms in Mexico, handicap access. ATM on the premises. Opens at 10:00 and closes at 3AM everyday. }} * {{drink | name=The Usual Suspects | url= | email= | address=Main Street across Puerto Paraiso Mall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 555 102 4500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Usual Suspects is the only bar with a High Definition 100 inch screen in Cabo showing every NFL, NHL game, PPV, etc. Its oval shaped bar invites everybody to meet everybody, friendly and English speaking bartenders, clean bathrooms and a dance floor under the stars will make your Cabo nights unforgettable. }} * {{drink | name=UNOMAS | url=http://www.unomascabo.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The best margaritias in Cabo. The drinks are US$3.50 each and beers are US$2. The beers are cold and the company is warm and friendly. This place is hard to find but a great place to hang out. Owned by Fernando and Gina, also the bar tenders, these two ensure the success of the bar by tasting, with their own straw of course, every drink prior to serving them. This ensures that their mix is always right. }} * {{drink | name=The Sandbar | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Next to the Office | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Very nice place to spend a day on the beach drinking cold Pacificos (sold in an ice filled bucket) People are very nice and the service is great. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * '''[http://www.ercsl.com/ Estancia Real Los Cabos]''', 20 de Noviembre and Leona Vicario, Cabo San Lucas 23410 - A charming, bohemian and clean hotel with communal kitchen, BBQ, and a small rooftop pool. The management are friendly and helpful, and the guests tend to be as well. It is a few blocks from the beach, marina, and many of the drinking establishments. The two "honeymoon suites" are double the price of the average room here but still a bargain. There are large open air palapas, one of which has a private jacuzzi. * '''[https://www.sevencrownhotels.com/ Seven Crown Express & Suites]''', Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas y 16 de Septiembre | Col. Centro - Nestled in between a gas station, a liquor store, and a strip club. Across the street is the hospital. Has four locations. A great deal, its the closest hotel to all the bars, and you can just walk to the Riu Resort and get free drinks every day. ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Casa Piedra | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 661-296-1946 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Within the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park. An all native stone house with a palm frond (palapa) roof, located with the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, directly on a white sand beach. It has 2100 sq ft of living space with an equal amount of outdoor patios. }} * '''El Nido Hacienda Escondida''', Road towards Sunset Beach | Blvd. Miguel Angel Herrera & Callejon el Dorado, Cabo San Lucas 23450 - Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, three blocks away from the original town square and five blocks away from the marina. Six spacious decorated rooms, each with its own bathroom, are located around a central courtyard. Full breakfast, jacuzzi, gardens, roof-top sun deck, barbecue facilities, and a spectacular sunrise-sunset vista. There is also a beauty salon on premises. * {{sleep | name=Royal Solaris Los Cabos | alt= | url=https://clubsolaris.com/resort/Royal-solaris-los-cabos | email= | address=Boulevard San Jose Mz. 22 Lote 10, Zona Hotelera, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 624 145 6800 | tollfree= | fax= | price=$ 150 USD Double occupancy | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2018-05-09| content=Blvd San Jose Lote #10 Campo de Golf, Z.H. . 390 rooms Mexican hacienda-style resort a five-story building in a U-shaped enclosing gardens and pools. Unlimited meal and beverages in 5 restaurants. Dinner shows and theme nights. 3 pools with heather system (including relaxes & kids pools). Spa and beauty salon. Beach front and indoor jacuzzi. Fitness center. Tennis and basketball courts, also beach volleyball court. Scuba diving demo at the diving pool. Kids club & Mini Water park. Weekly activities program for all ages. }} * {{sleep | name=Marina Sol | alt= | url= | email=info@marinasolresort.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 624 143-3231 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=One block from Medano Beach and the Marina and just two blocks from Downtown Cabo. Marina Sol offers one to five bedroom condos with partial ocean, pool &courtyard, and town & sunset views. Family oriented condominium resort. }} * '''RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas''', Camino Viejo a San Jose, Cabo San Lucas 23410 - Has impressive architecture and 642 deluxe rooms are set in a spectacular enclave facing one of Los Cabo's famous landmarks. Amenities include mini-bar and liquor dispenser, while some suites boast hydro-massage bathtubs and a jacuzzi on the terrace. This resort includes all-inclusive holidays, with facilities and a full range of sports and leisure alternatives, and on-site dining. The hotel was just certified an AAA Four-diamond hotel. [http://www.riu.com/en-us/Paises/mexico/los-cabos/hotel-riu-palace-cabo-san-lucas/index.jsp] * '''[http://www.tesororesorts.com/los-cabos/ Tesoro Resorts Los Cabos]''', Marina Lotes 9Y10, Col Centro, Telephone: US/Canada: 1 866 998 3767 or Mexico:1 800 837 6767. All inclusive Mexico resort hotel. Looks onto the marina, lighthouse or the Sea of Cortés from your balcony. No airport shuttle service. Internet, fitness center, spa, activities desk, large pool, parking, air conditioning. All inclusive packages are offered. ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa | alt= | url=http://www.fiestamericanagrand.com | email= | address=Carretera Transpeninsular, km 10.3 | lat=22.921156 | long=-109.828951 | directions= | phone=+52 624 145 6200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=249 rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the hotel's private beach and the Sea of Cortez. Guests can enjoy five swimming pools, a fitness center, the SOMMA WineSPA, a variety of on-site restaurants, and a championship golf course. }} * {{sleep | name=Pueblo Bonito Pacifica | alt= | url=http://www.pueblobonitopacifica.com/ | email=reservations@pueblobonito.com | address=Cabo Pacifica S/N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52-624-142-9696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This oceanfront, boutique adults-only resort with minimalist style sits by itself on a rugged 4-km (2.5-mi) stretch of sand beach on the Pacific side of Cabo. }} * {{sleep | name=Marquis Los Cabos | alt= | url=http://www.marquisloscabos.com/ | email=reservations@marquisloscabos.com | address=Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 21.5 | lat=22.986060 | long=-109.757658 | directions=In the Corridor between El Dorado and Cabo Real golf courses | phone=+52-624-144-2000 | tollfree= | fax=+52-624-144-2001 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Ocean view, contemporary Mexican decor. Junior suite, master suite or cabana (''casita'') with private pool. }} * {{sleep | name=ME Cabo | alt= | url=https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/mexico/los-cabos/me-cabo/index.html | email= | address=Playa El Medano | lat=22.889049 | long=-109.904071 | directions= | phone=+52 624 1457800 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=ME Cabo steps down to the sea, its 150 rooms and suites arranged in a terraced embrace of free-form pools and gardens, Bali beds and sunshine. }} * {{sleep | name=Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa | url=http://dreamsresorts.com | email= | address=Carretera Transpeninsular, KM 18.5, Cabo San Lucas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Open-air hacienda-style architecture offers spacious suites in varying sizes, all with ocean views from your private, furnished terrace. Twice daily maid service, premium stocked mini-bar, and satellite TV. Three pools, two with swim up bars, one snack bar, a full-service spa and fitness center, and five restaurants, plus lounges. Nearby, eight championship golf courses. }} * {{sleep | name=Paradisus Los Cabos | alt= | url=https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/mexico/los-cabos/paradisus-los-cabos/index.htm | email= | address=Carretera Transpeninsular km 19.5, Sector 5, Cabo San Lucas | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 800 918 0347 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All-inclusive style resort. Contemporary interior, pool, and other luxury amenities. Receives media attention and praise from celebrities. }} * {{sleep | name=Krystal Grand Los Cabos | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/KrystalGrandLosCabos/ | email= | address=Km 29, Carr Tranpeninsular Highway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 624 163 4750 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Playa del Sol Los Cabos is on a white sand beach. Exclusive beach club environment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort | alt= | url=http://www.hiltonloscabos.com | email= | address=Carretera Transp. Km. 19.5 | lat=22.981250 | long=-109.764545 | directions= | phone=+52 624 145-6500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Featuring one of the only swimmer-friendly beaches in town, this resort was designed to reflect the Spanish heritage of Mexico, featuring tiled roofs and a hacienda-style courtyard with a large, elevated cascading pond. }} * {{sleep | name=Marquis Los Cabos | alt= | url=http://www.marquisloscabos.com/ | email= | address=Carr Transpeninsular Km 21.5 | lat= | long= | directions=Los Cabos, Baja California Sur | phone=+52 624 144-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Hotel and resort overlooking the Sea of Cortes, featuring oceanfront suites, spa, dining, meeting/event facilities, seaside pools. }} * {{sleep | name=Prana del Mar Retreat & Wellness Center | url=http://pranadelmar.com/ | email= | address=Playas Migriño, Carretera a Todos Santos, KM 105 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 415 310-2909 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=This boutique eco-resort focuses primarily on yoga retreats, yoga vacations, and spa holidays. 15 rooms and suites, swimming pool and hot tub, delicious cuisine, solar-powered, very serene. }} ===Ultra high-end=== * {{sleep | name=The Resort at Pedregal | url=http://www.theresortatpedregal.com | email=info@theresortatpedregal.com | address=Camino Del Mar 1 | lat=22.874828 | long=-109.912336 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 844-733-7342 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= A five-star resort featuring villas with private plunge pools, restaurants, a full-service spa and elegant beachfront space for weddings and meetings. This resort is set on a private beach near the downtown retail district. }} * {{sleep | name=Las Ventanas Al Paraiso | url=http://www.lasventanas.com | email=lasventanas@rosewoodhotels.com | address=KM 19.5 Carretera Transpeninsular, San Jose del Cabo | lat=22.977410 | long=-109.768711 | directions= | phone=+52 624 1442800, +1 888 767-3966 (Res) | tollfree= | fax=+52 624 1442801 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= World renowned five-star resort that offers expansive suites, spa, meeting and wedding facilities, horseback riding, sailing, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Esperanza, An Auberge Resort | alt= | url=http://www.esperanzaresort.com/ | email= | address=Carretera Transpeninsular km 7 Manzana 10, Punta Ballena | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Five-star Auberge Baja-style resort featuring 50 oceanview casitas and six luxury suites with large outdoor terraces and Sea of Cortez views. Luxurious touches include fine linens, plush robes and over-sized bathrooms. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=One and Only Palmilla | alt= | url=https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/palmilla | email= | address=5 carretera Transpeninsular SJC | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+52 624 146-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=This five-star resort is a splurge, but well worth it with exceptional accommodations all with ocean views, and an exceptional golf course. }} ==Stay safe== Do not beach walk at the water's edge on the Pacific side. This area is very treacherous, and huge waves can come ashore with little to no notice. This danger does not end at the "El Arco" point, but extends to all south-facing beaches as well, including the Pueblo Bonito and Riu Palace resorts. As a general note, avoid back alleyways, especially at nighttime. Watch for pick pockets in the nightlife areas. Only accept rides from licensed taxi drivers. ==Go next== The main beach of Cabo San Lucas, called "El Medano" (Medano Beach) is located near the marina in the bay. On the beach there are some great places to eat and drink including The Office, along with many others most of the places have outdoor tables on the beach. The beach overlooks Lands End. You can also take a ride to Lands End by boat and also Lover's Beach, one of the best beaches in the world. Explore small towns surrounding Cabo: [[San Jose del Cabo]], [[Todos Santos]] and [[La Paz (Mexico)|La Paz]] are rich with history and make a great excursion. The nearby town of [[Todos Santos]] is a perfect side trip from Cabo. Todos Santos is a small community with approximately 4000 people. The town is filled with art and culture. The town is a tribute to the Eagles 'Hotel California', with its old colonial architecture and centuries old monastery one is transported back through time to a land of mystery and adventure. Stop at Elias Calles on your way home and pick a basket of organic strawberries. [[La Paz (Mexico)|La Paz]] is an old Mexican port with an 'old Baja' feel. It features in John Steinbeck's novel ''The Pearl'' based on a Mexican folk tale about the areas most valuable natural resource. Its anthropology museum offers insights into the first inhabitants, 10,000 years ago. You can also see rock paintings dating back to these early settlers. {{routebox | image1=Carretera federal 1.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[La Paz (Mexico)|La Paz]] | minorl1=[[San José del Cabo]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=Carretera federal 19.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[La Paz (Mexico)|La Paz]] via [[File:Carretera federal 1.svg|18px]] | minorl2=[[Todos Santos]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} {{isPartOf|Baja California Sur}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|22.889722|-109.915556}} 4d59tbpr98cesuyuavehr767lhg2qnx 0 5522 4488152 4487107 2022-07-22T09:03:27Z Marsupium 148223 /* Other sites */ Updated listing for The Postal Museum - +WD ID wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Cairo - Downtown (WV banner).jpg}} [[File:Talaat harb at night by tinou bao.jpg|thumb|350px|Midan Talaat Harb]] '''Downtown''' Cairo is the commercial heart of the modern city of [[Cairo]]. In addition to hosting the Egyptian Museum, Downtown is the convenient location of many smaller hotels, retail outlets, travel agencies and restaurants. Its central location makes it a natural "jumping off point" for exploration of the city. ==Understand== ===History=== Downtown Cairo's wide boulevards and streets were laid out in the late 19th century on the orders of Ismail the Magnificent, the [[Paris]] of Baron Hausmann being the obvious model for a ruler wishing to Europeanise his capital and his country. The architecture of many buildings is clearly redolent of Paris in the 1870s, if now somewhat run down from neglect and dusty from the Cairene climate. ===Orientation=== Downtown Cairo is centered on {{marker|type=listing|name=Midan Talaat Harb | lat=30.04759 | long=31.23859 }}, at the intersection of Talaat Harb St (southwest-northeast) and Qasr El-Nil (west-east). The southern end of Downtown is '''Midan Tahrir''' (Tahrir Square). The east end is marked by {{marker|type=listing|name=Midan Ataba|lat=30.05063|long=31.24696}}, the starting point of [[Cairo/Islamic Cairo|Islamic Cairo]]. If you are a confident traveler and used to navigating your way around cities, then Cairo should be no different for you. Talaat Harb St was known as Soliman Pasha St before 1964. The statue of the French General Jean Anthelme Seve, also known as Soliman Pasha Al Faransawi, stood where the statue of Talaat Harb, founder of the Banque Misr now stands. Cairienes know this street by both names. ==Get in== {{mapframe|30.05137|31.23982|zoom=14}} {{Mapmask |30.041100,31.230863 |30.040150,31.235318 |30.038843,31.241453 |30.041207,31.242123 |30.043946,31.242949 |30.044791,31.245868 |30.049839,31.250626 |30.052736,31.250556 |30.054083,31.250191 |30.055545,31.247471 |30.056446,31.246731 |30.057681,31.246388 |30.059873,31.246881 |30.060941,31.247697 |30.062166,31.249328 |30.064330,31.248630 |30.062900,31.244403 |30.058303,31.241689 |30.051134,31.233857 |30.049991,31.231292 |30.049888,31.230909 |30.044859,31.231333 |30.041100,31.230863}} {{mapshapes|Q685381}} ===By train=== All long-distance trains arrive at the {{marker|type=listing|name=Midan Ramses|lat=30.06298|long=31.24637}} station, at the north edge of downtown. Midan Ramses is notorious for swirling, raucous traffic, massive overpasses and crowds at peak hour - it is basically the central traffic hub into and out of Cairo. Just below the square in front of the train station is '''Martyrs''' (الشهداء, ''Al-Shohadaa'') metro station, which is an interchange between lines 1 and 2. From here it is a 25-minute walk to [[Cairo/Midan Tahrir|Midan Tahrir]], on the other side of downtown. ===By metro === Cairo's three metro lines converge in downtown. The Sadat metro station is at Midan Tahrir, right beside the Egyptian Museum. This is at the south end of downtown, a 10-minute easy walk to the center of the district, via Talaat Harb Street. However, walking in that area especially at night is dangerous, as Tahrir Square has become one of the most dangerous spots in Greater Cairo, since 2011 (see [[Cairo/Downtown#Stay safe]]). Sadat metro station is closed on occasion for security reasons because of demonstrations at Midan Tahrir. Downtown is accessed through two additional stations, Mohamed Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser. ===By bus=== The '''Abdel Mo'nem Riyad Coach Station''': a 5-minute walk from Tahrir Sq and behind the Egyptian Museum has four coach stations: *One is the micro-bus station. *Beside it is the local bus station serving the areas of Giza, Ma'adi, Helwan, Sheikh Zayid City. *The third serves the East of Cairo, i.e., Heliopolis, Medinet Nasr, Cairo Airport, and El Rehab. *The fourth station is across the road from the other three stations and this is where you can board the intercity coaches. The offices and bookings of Superjet, East Delta, West Delta, and El Gouna are here with destinations including Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Ras Sidr, El Gouna, Alexandria, Delta Cities, Marsa Matrouh, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, El Tur, El Arish, Nuweiba, Dahab, Rafah. ===By taxi=== From downtown, taxis from Zamalek should cost around LE5, and from Citadel, Coptic Cairo or Islamic Cairo around LE10. For more general information on Taxis in Cairo, see [[Cairo#By taxi]]. ==Get around== ==See== ===The Egyptian Museum=== [[File:Egyptian Museum in Cairo in May 2015.JPG|thumb|300px|Egyptian Museum facade]] [[File:Khafre statue.jpg|thumb|300px|Statue of pharaoh Khafre ("Chephren"), approx 4,500 years old]] They've got the removals men in at the {{marker|type=see|name=Egyptian Museum | url=https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/museums/egyptian-museum | lat=30.047778 | long=31.233333 }}! Shelves are being cleared, and exhibits photographed, labelled and crated, ready for their transfer to a new '''Grand Egyptian Museum''' near the [[Cairo/Giza|Giza Pyramids]]. It is scheduled to open in 2022. The present building will continue to be used to display some of the massive collections now stored in the basement. It remains one of the world's great museums. The lighting and labelling are poor, but the fabulous exhibits speak for themselves. The following account describes what has traditionally been displayed here, but this is changing day by day as the transfer gathers momentum. The museum (officially, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, and often called the "Cairo Museum") is in a pink neoclassical building on the northern edge of Midan Tahrir. It's the product of the Egyptian Antiquities Service, established by the Egyptian government in 1835, to try to curb the looting of antiquities sites and artefacts. It opened in 1858 with a collection assembled by Auguste Mariette Pasha, the French archaeologist employed by Isma'il Pasha. After residing in an annex of the Bulaq palace in Giza from 1880, the museum moved in 1900 to its present location. It's a glorious ramshackle treasure-house that evokes Dylan Thomas' famous line about "The museum which should have ''been'' in a museum!" There are seven sections within the museum that are arranged in chronological order: # Tutankhamen's treasures # Pre-dynasty and Old Kingdom monuments # First intermediate period and Middle Kingdom monuments # Monuments of the Middle Kingdom # Monuments of the late period and the Greek and Roman periods # Coins and papyri # Sarcophagi and scarabs The museum is open daily, 9AM&ndash;7PM. General admission is adults LE200, students LE100 (Nov 2021), which does not include the Royal Mummies room. Tickets for photography (personal use, without flash) are available at LE50 per camera (LE300 for video), but no photography is allowed in the Tutankhamen exhibition or in the Royal Mummies room. There are three separate checkpoints that have x-ray machines. There is one outside the courtyard, then there is one before the steps of the museum and a third right inside the doors. {{Phone|+20 2 33777263}} ====Highlights==== [[File:Tutanchamon (js) 1.jpg|thumb|200px|Cairo Museum: Funerary mask of Tutankhamen]] * '''Objects from the Tomb of Tutankhamen''', ''Upper Floor'' - discovered in 1922 and gradually revealed over the next few years, many of the objects from the tomb of the "boy king" were brought to the Egyptian Museum for display. A small number of objects found their way into foreign collections, whilst several, including the inner sarcophagus and the body of Tutankhamen himself, remained in the small tomb in the [[Valley of the Kings]]. The most famous objects from the tomb are the funerary mask of Tutankhamen and the inner coffin. The mask is made of solid gold, inlaid with lapis lazuli, cornelian, quartz, obsidian, turquoise, and colored glass. The inner coffin is made of solid gold. It is {{in|74}} long, {{in|20}} wide, and {{in|20}} high. The king is shown as Osiris holding the crook and flail, traditional symbols of kingship. Many items from the Tutankhamen collection are on tour to museums in Europe and North America, and the chariots have been moved to the new museum, which is not open as of Nov 2018. The complete collection of items found in the tomb has yet to be fully documented. It took almost ten years for the founder of the tomb, Howard Carter, to finish excavating the tomb. * The '''Royal Mummies''': To see the Royal Mummies room, you can either buy a combination ticket at the ticket office at the main gate for LE300, or a separate ticket at the mummies room for LE180 (Nov 2018). No photography is allowed. There are two rooms you can enter using same ticket so make sure that you see both of them: many of the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom period and later are displayed here in the Royal Mummy Hall, which is at the corner of the first floor lobby. Mummies of eleven kings and queens are kept in temperature- and pressure-controlled glass cabinets on display. Unfortunately, some mummies are not even identified by the name or the period to which they belong to and other chronological information. * '''Jewelry''': there is a large collection of Egyptian jewelry on display in the museum. Egyptians were concerned with creating harmonious forms and color combinations. To a large extent, the majority of Egyptian jewelry was made with gold and semi-precious stones. Silver was used but it much less popular than gold in the creation of jewelry. The majority of the jewelry found on display in the museum were found on the mummy of Tutankhamen himself. * '''Egyptian Museum Library''': created in the year 1902, the library specializes in ancient Egyptian civilization and houses some 42,500 books on the topic. However, the library is not open to the general public, with access restricted to accredited researchers and students. Only the Gold Room and the Mummy Room are air-conditioned. A bookstore and several small gift stores are open during museum hours within the main entrance hall to the museum. Prices are often somewhat inflated. Be careful also that the proprietors do not pass on a dusty, grimy equivalent of the display copy you think you are purchasing. ===Midan Tahrir=== {{marker|type=listing|name=Midan Tahrir | lat=30.04438| long=31.23566 }} (''Arabic:'' ميدان التحرير, "Liberation Square", also commonly known as '''Tahrir Square''') is the name given to the large public square at the epicentre of modern [[Cairo]], and (as a city district) to the streets and institutions located nearby. The Egyptian Museum, the American University in Cairo, the Arab League, and the Hilton and Intercontinental Hotels are all located here, as are several important government offices. The metro also has its main nexus under Midan Tahrir, and a great many buses and taxis make Tahrir Square a key part of their services. The square was known as Midan Ismaili until 1954, when President Nasser gave it its current name. The relatively open vista of Tahrir Square affords the confused traveler a great opportunity to look about and gain some bearings within the bustling city center. Perhaps the most prominent building bordering Tahrir Square is the now somewhat jaded-looking '''Nile Hilton''', which was Africa's first Hilton hotel, between the Square and the Nile Corniche. Immediately to the north and perpendicular to the hotel is the unmissable '''Egyptian Museum''' in reddish-pink stone. South of the Hilton Hotel stands the dingy '''Arab League Building'''. Somewhat further southeast, across the busy thoroughfare of '''Tahrir street''', is the brutal Stalinist-looking '''Mogamma Building''' which houses 18,000 Egyptian government bureaucrats. This building is the most convenient place for tourists to renew or extend their Egyptian visas. From here, Sharia Tahrir heads due west to cross the Nile over the Tahrir Bridge and into [[Cairo/Gezira|Gezira]] (the island suburb), and beyond to [[Cairo/Giza|Giza]] and the Pyramids (several miles away) Next to the Mogamma Building is a small but attractive '''Mosque of Omar Makram''', in which many state and business funerals are held. Only slightly further south can be found the '''Intercontinental Hotel'''. Bordering Tahrir Square to the east is a sizable frontage of large office buildings and stores, topped with neon signs. The downtown campus of the '''American University of Cairo''' lies across the busy Qasr al-Ainy. Midan Tahrir is served by the Sadat metro stop, but it is occasionally closed at times of expected demonstrations, and some entrances seem to be permanently closed. There is a bus stop near the area at Talaat Harb Square. Probably one of the easiest ways to negotiate the busy Tahrir Square area is to use the interconnecting underground pedestrian tunnels linking the Metro station with various points in and around the square. This can save a great deal of time and prevent much negotiation of crazy traffic and the ongoing remodelling of the square. ===Other sites=== [[File:Midan tahrir by Daveness 98.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Midan Tahrir before the revolution]] * {{see | name=Abdeen Palace Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.0423 | long=31.246743 | directions=accessible from Midan Tahrir via Mohammad Mahmoud Street or Al-Tahrir Street, or via Naguib metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q113163254 | content=Collections are showcased on the lower floors in the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, and the Presidential Gifts Museum, and the Historical Documents Museum was added in 2006. The palace, designed in the 1800s by a French architect, is worth seeing including the fountain courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Karim Francis Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.karimfrancis.com/ | email= | address=1 Sharia El-Sherifein | lat=30.04663 | long=31.24110 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2391 63 57 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An art gallery }} * {{see | name=Museum of Islamic Art | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bab El Khalk Square | lat=30.04421 | long=31.252622 | directions=near Abdeen Palace | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price={{EGP|120}}, photo permit {{EGP|50}} | wikidata=Q3330629 | lastedit=2018-11-11 | content=Established in 1858 under authority of Khedive Tawfiq, the museum showcases pieces from mosques, homes, and palaces in Islamic Cairo. }} * {{see | name=The Postal Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Al-Ataba Square | lat= | long= | directions=Ataba metro station exit Ataba Sq | phone=+20 2 2391-0011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q13142168 | content=This museum holds a plethora of historical exhibits relating to all things postal, from the history of the post system dating back to the time of the Pyramids to extensive stamp collections. }} * {{see | name=Yacoubian Building | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 Talaat Harb St Downtown | lat=30.05096 | long=31.24043 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1756487 | content=For readers of Alaa al Aswani's best-selling book ''The Yacoubian Building''. You can see the Yacoubian Building on Talaat Harb St where it still stands and where the story was based, although in the book it is referred to by its old name of Soliman Pasha St. }} * {{see | name=Prince Said Halim's Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address=Champollion Street | lat=30.04873 | long=31.23702 | directions=off Midan Falaki | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q63439485 | content=Now almost derelict and often misleadingly called the Champollion Palace, this once beautiful building is worth a look for its beautiful architecture, baroque and classical archways. Built in 1896 by designer Antonio Lasciac from imported Italian marbles and stone. This once beautiful palace and gardens are a reminder of the 'Glory days of Cairo'. The building was nationalized by President Nasser, and eventually transformed into Al Nassareya Boys School, which quickly destroyed the beautiful building. Today it is a temporary art gallery. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Egyptian National Railways Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Midan Ramses | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2575-3555 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 8:30AM-1PM | price=LE20 (LE10 for students) | content=At the eastern end of Ramses Station, this museum houses an amazing collection of steam locomotives, including that used by Empress Eugenie during her opening of the Suez Canal in 1863. }} * {{see | name=Al Fath Mosque | alt=El Fatah | url= | email= | address=South end of Midan Ramses | lat=30.05983 | long=31.24606 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Completed in the early 1990s, this beautiful mosque is worth taking a look at. }} * {{see | name=Sha'ar Hashamayim Synagogue | alt= | url= | email= | address=17 Adly Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2919031 | lastedit=2022-01-30 | content=This large synagogue opened in 1899 and was built in a style evoking ancient Egyptian temples. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Cinema Metro | url= | email= | address=35 Talaat Harb | lat=30.052541| long=31.241874 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=LE10-20 | content=Once one of Cairo's most opulent movie palaces, the Metro has fallen on sadly disheveled, dusty, almost squalid times. }} * {{do | name=Cairo Puppet Theatre | url= | email=info@cairopuppettheatre.org | address=Azbakia Park | lat=30.053038 | long=31.246447 | directions=near the Ataba metro station. | phone=+20 2 2268-5241 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A fantastic way to spend an afternoon with the kids. The Cairo Puppet Theatre puts on a variety of shows including myths, fairy tales and fun children's stories. }} * {{do | name=Ramses Hilton Cinema | alt= | url= | email= | address=1115 Corniche El Nil | lat=30.05133 | long=31.23303 | directions=Ramses Hilton Mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Theater at the Ramses Hilton shows modern, mainstream movies. Best to get there by taxi. }} * {{do | name=Midan Falaki | alt=Falaki Square | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=from Midan Tahrir take Tahrir St heading to Abdeen Palace and Falaki is approx a 5-minute walk | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A public square surrounded by coffee merchants and coffee shops. During the day you can sit and enjoy one of the many blends and play a game of backgammon with the more intellectual Egyptians who frequent the cafes during the day. However, a more raucous clientèle tends to congregate later in the evening. A nice place to people watch, and buy some unusual blends of coffee. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=American Research Center Egyptology, art and culture illustrated lectures | alt= | url=https://www.arce.org/events | email=arce@internetegypt.com | address=Garden City | lat= | long= | directions=close to Tahrir Square at 2 Midan Simon Bolivar (known locally as ''Midan Qasr al-Dubara'') | phone=+20 2 2794 8239, +20 2 2795 3052 (fax) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-04-06 | content=Lectures are held every Wednesday evening at 6PM during the academic year, open to all visitors, admission free. }} ==Buy== [[File:Flickr - Daveness 98 - Midan Talaat Harb.jpg|thumb|300px|Midan Talaat Harb]] The Downtown district of Cairo features a number of Egyptian '''department stores'''. They were fantastic emporiums, full of the world's best products — until July 1961 when every one of Egypt's great department stores were nationalized. Those days are long gone, and quality shopping has moved to upmarket malls in Heliopolis, Nasr City, Maadi and other upscale neighborhoods. Today, Downtown is the place to go for cheap fakes and local produce of variable quality and the full range of Arabic pop music (and films). The Midan Ataba area is home to large bookseller markets, where you can find inexpensive books, as well as electronics and clothing markets. Near the main post office, there are vendors selling stationary and cards. Talaat Harb Street is the place to find shoes, with one shoe store after another. * {{buy | name=Madbouli | url= | email= | address=6 Midan Talaat Harb | lat=30.047819 | long=31.238223 | directions=near Sadat Metro station | phone=+20 2 2575-6421 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Mostly Arabic bookstore with a range of political literature and other books. }} * {{buy | name=Omar Effendi | url=http://omareffendi.com.eg/ | email= | address=25 Adly St | lat=30.051101 | long=31.243792 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2392-5011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A large iconic Egyptian, 150-year-old department store. Sadly, filled with Chinese and poorly made Egyptian clothing even now since its privatization and takeover by the Gulf Kuwaiti Sultan Centre Company. }} * {{buy | name=Sednaoui Department Store | url= | email= | address=On Khazindar Square | lat= | long= | directions=near Al-Ataba Square-near Ataba Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This once family-owned department store was nationalized in 1961 and now has the neglected feeling of an East German department store. It has 3 floors and has a grand sweeping staircase, and a glass roofed atrium worth seeing for that alone, if you like old architectural building designs. Sells very cheap fabrics on the 2nd floor where you can buy shirts, blouses, and curtain material and have made up by one of Cairo's many tailors. }} * {{buy | name=El Shawarby St | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Sadat Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The best street to bargain hunt for music, DVDs and clothes, don't be afraid to haggle, watch how the locals do it for tips. }} * {{buy | name=Shorouk Bookshop | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Talaat Harb Square | lat=30.04726 | long=31.23862 | directions=near Sadat Metro station | phone=+20 2 2391-2480 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on Midan Talaat Harb, Shorouk has two floors with a good selection of Arabic- and English-language books. }} * {{buy | name=Talaat Harb Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.05019 | long=31.23998 | directions=close to Yacoubian Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Most famous for its downstairs fast food restaurants. Many cheap clothes stores are also in the vicinity of the mall which is located just above Midan Talaat Harb. }} * {{buy | name=Attaba Bookstalls | url= | email= | address=Attaba Downtown | lat= | long= | directions=take metro to Attaba station and take Attaba Sq exit | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Everyday including Fridays | price= | content=Over 100 new and second hand book stalls all displayed in little Arabesque kiosks. Every type of book and magazine available in many languages. Usually hassle free and sellers are content to let you browse in peace. Always bargain, and the price will come down the more you buy. Very old books and classics up to newly released novels and magazines. A great place to find treasures and find a few books for your trip. Visit Mahmoud at kiosks 83 and 84 for a great selection of used English books and a fair price. Many books are under LE10 each. }} * {{buy | name=AUC Bookstore | alt=Hill House Campus AUC Tahrir | url=http://www.aucpress.com/t-aucbookstores.aspx | email= | address=Kasr el Aini St | lat= | long= | directions=few minutes walk from Tahrir Sq | phone=+20 2 7975900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Sa-Th 9AM-6PM| price= | content=Great bookstore just minutes away from Cairo Museum in the AUC Hill House campus. Excellent selection of new books and all the usual Egyptian authors' works can be found there amongst the latest releases. }} * {{buy | name=Al Bostan Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Al Bostan St | lat=30.04574 | long=31.23862 | directions=from Tahrir Sq, take Talaat Harb St 200 m and turn right into Bostan St; the mall is the large pink building facing you | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Early till late everyday, after 1PM Fridays | price= | content=Large old mall mainly selling computers, second-hand PCs and laptops, and computer accessories with some clothing and footwear stores and a few airline offices. Toilets on each of the 4 floors. }} ==Eat== Downtown is not the main haunt for the greatest of culinary treats, although quality eating does exist. It is however heaven for Egyptian snacks, sweets and fast food. All restaurants under "splurge" serve alcohol unless otherwise noted. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Hardees | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sadat Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=On Midan Tahrir Sq. Delivery 19066. Free Wifi. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sadat Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=On Midan Tahrir Sq. Delivery 19991. Free Wifi. }} * {{eat | name=K.F.C. | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sadat Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=On Midan Tahrir Sq. Delivery 19019. Free Wifi. }} * {{eat | name=Quick Sandwich | url= | email= | address=2 El Fawala Street | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown, Opera Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A pioneer in the Egyptian based chains offers some of the best shawerma rolls and shish-kebab sandwiches, excellent value meals and great taste- delivery is an option by calling 16013. Relatively cheap. }} * {{eat | name=Kushari al-Tahrir | url= | email= | address=Abdel Khaleq Tharwat St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=GAD | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, 26th of July St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2-2576-35-83 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fast food restaurant, done Egyptian style. Usually very busy packed with locals, but very good food at a very non-tourist price. Good fuul and falafel for about LE1.5 a sandwich. Large restaurant on 26th July St, just off Talaat Harb St, in downtown Cairo. A large schawerma 'Doner kebab sandwich' costs LE8. }} * {{eat | name=Al Tazaj Fakieh | alt= | url= | email= | address=30 Talaat Harb St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 19018 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kebab with a chicken twist, this Cairo chain serves up chicken in all its oriental varieties. }} * {{eat | name=Fatari Pizza Tahrir | url= | email= | address=el-Tahrir Street | lat= | long= | directions=around the corner from AUC | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=~LE10 | content=Serves sweet fatirs, and varieties with cheese and meat toppings. Has a small sitting area, or is good for take away. }} * {{eat | name=Koshari el-Tahrir | url= | email= | address=el-Tahrir Street | lat= | long= | directions=around the corner from AUC's Greek Campus, corner of Youssef el-Guindi and el-Tahrir Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Popular koshari chain, serves koshari in various sizes though the small (1.4 kg/3 lb) is a good size portion. You can add hot sauce or a lemon sauce. For LE5.50, you can get a small koshari and a can of Coca-Cola. Eat-in or takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Koshari Achmat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.05820 | long=31.24862 | directions=10 min south of Ramses Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Koshari LE10, small salad LE3, rise with milk LE5 | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Decent and inexpensive Koshari. }} * {{eat | name=Koshary Abou Tarek | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.05019 | long=31.23784 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Medium LE20, Large LE25, Special LE30, rice with milk LE5 | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Koshary is a filling pasta, tomato sauce, dried onions, chickpeas, lenses dish, and this restaurant is quite famous beyond Cairo for it and its speedy waiters. Rice with mild seems to be quite famous in combination (after) koshary. }} * Directly opposite the gates of the American University in Cairo (AUC) in the south-eastern corner of the square are to be found all the central Cairo branches of '''McDonalds''', '''Pizza Hut''' and '''KFC'''. ===Mid-range=== [[File:Flickr - dlisbona - The famous Groppi's cafe in Talaat Harb square.jpg|thumb|right|Groppi's cafe in Talaat Harb]] * {{eat | name=Alfi Bey | url= | email= | address=3 Al-Alfi Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Egyptian cuisine is served in this small restaurant, including kofta, kabobs, stuffed pigeon, lamb, and chicken. }} * {{eat | name=The Greek Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=28 Mahmoud Bassyouni St | lat=30.049229 | long=31.239815 | directions=Just north off Talaat Harb, enter via Mahmoud Bassiouni | phone=+20 2 2575 0822 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=LE5 entrance fee, open from 7PM. Mostly frequented by liberal and leftist Egyptians rather than Greeks, this is one of the best restaurants in Downtown Cairo. The Greek food offered is limited and the menu often erratic, but the dishes they do have in supply are very good and cheap. Alcohol (including imported spirits) is served and it's possible to just have a drink. Some of the best Kofte in Cairo. Closes down completely during Ramadan. }} * {{eat | name=Felfela | url= | email= | address=15 Sharia Hoda Sharaawi | lat=30.046626 | long=31.238168 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2392 2833 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=open daily 7:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=A Cairo institution, this restaurant represents the original flagship of the now burgeoning Felfela chain of restaurants throughout Cairo. Long wooden tables and eclectic, somewhat kitschy décor: aquariums, clocks, half-lit grottos complete with mini-waterfalls. Somehow it all works. Specializes in classic Egyptian cuisine. The vegetarian dishes are better than the meat. Try the lemonade - perfect refreshment on a hot day! Also serves beer. Credit cars not accepted. }} * {{eat | name=Groppi's | url= | email= | address=Midan Talaat Harb | lat=30.047600 | long=31.238127 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sitting on the square is the once opulent Groppi's, which used to be the most famous café, tearoom and patisserie in Egypt. Between the 1920s and early 1950s, Groppi's was the place to be seen by Cairene society. Its former glories stripped away to dusty memories, Groppi's is nonetheless still just open for business. Be sure to check out the ornate mosaics around the doorway, a relic of former times. }} * {{eat | name=La Chesa | alt= | url= | email= | address=21 Adly St. | lat=30.051257 | long=31.243818 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2393 9360 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serving fondues, and other traditional Swiss dishes, pizza, salads and patisseries, this is one of the better continental restaurants in Downtown Cairo. }} The basement of the Annex to the Hilton Hotel on Tahrir Square has a lot of internationally flavored eateries in a mall-type setting, everything from Egyptian to Thai and hamburgers. Prices are reasonable and the setting comfortable. * {{eat | name=Beano's | url= | email= | address=Mohamed Mahmoud | lat= | long= | directions=next to AUC Greek Campus | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Modern coffee chain, serves salad, sandwiches, etc. }} * {{eat | name=Cilantro | url= | email= | address=31 Mohamed Mahmoud St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Modern coffee-chain that also serves sandwiches, salads, etc. Wi-Fi available, credit cards accepted. }} * {{eat | name=Costa Coffee | url= | email= | address=Mohamed Mahmoud | lat= | long= | directions=next to AUC Greek Campus | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Modern coffee chain that also serves desserts and some sandwiches }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Café Riche | alt= | url= | email= | address=17 Talaat Harb St | lat=30.046974 | long=31.23823 | directions=near Sadat metro station | phone=+20 2 2392-9793, +20 122 401 1256 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-midnight | price= | content=Another place of forlorn glory. Very popular with tourists, but the reasons for fame are questionable, it's rather expensive for what you get and service is slow and unsatisfying, even for Cairo. However, this might just be cause of all the tourists visiting here. So, come here if you fit in, and skip it if you just in for the thrill and pictures. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Peking | alt= | url=http://www.peking-eg.com/ | email= | address=14 Saray el Azbakia St | lat= | long= | directions=off Emad El Din St | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Branch of the Cairo Peking restaurant chain. All their branches offer relatively predictable, but very good Chinese food. }} * {{eat | name=Da Mario Italian restaurant | alt=Nile Hilton Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sadat metro station on Midan Tahrir | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Italian cuisine and good service.}} * {{eat | name=Maharajah restaurant | alt=Ramsis Hilton | url= | email= | address=1115 Corniche El-Nil St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2577-7444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 1PM-midnight | price= | content=Exotic Indian dining experience. }} * {{eat | name=Windows on the World restaurant | alt=Ramsis Hilton Hotel | url= | email= | address=1115 Corniche El Nil St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 5PM-2AM | price= | content=International cuisine with cocktails and evening entertainment served in the 36th floor restaurant with stunning panoramic views over the Nile and to the pyramids beyond }} * {{eat | name=Bird Cage | alt= | url= | email= | address=Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, Corniche El Nil | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2795 7171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 1PM&ndash;4PM, 7PM&ndash;late. | price= | lastedit=2018-01-29 | content=Reportedly the best Thai food in Cairo. }} ==Drink== ===Coffee houses=== Downtown is a primary walk for coffee houses and almost every side-street has one. However, some areas and street have clusters of small places which makes for a very lively atmosphere. * {{drink | name=Bursa | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This cluster of coffee shops in carless streets are accessed from Qasr-El-Nil/Sherif. It is a very popular place among young democracy activists and members of oppositional movements and lively until late night.}} * {{drink | name=Tawfiqiyya Souq | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=north of 26th July in Downtown | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This is another street with lots of coffee shops and lots of atmosphere. }} * '''Ta'kiba Coffee''' shop is a short walk away from Midan Falaki by the wrongly named Champollion Palace, on Champollion Street, and round the corner from the Townhouse Gallery and Theater. The gallery has a clean toilet for public use. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Houria | url= | email= | address=Bab-Al-Louq | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This place doubles as coffee shop and bar, making it unique in Cairo. Some of the cheapest beer you can get in Cairo and given that this is also one of the least sleazy of the cheap downtown bars, there's no reason not to rave about the place. Reopened in May 2010 and as busy as always. LE11 for a bottle of Stella; amazingly good service, but the waiters are equally insistent on a spot of baksheesh. }} * {{drink | name=Odeon | alt= | url= | email= | address=6 Abdel Hamid Said St | lat= | long= | directions=Odeon Palace Hotel, off Tala'at Harb St | phone=+20 2 767-971 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=This roof-top open-air hotel bar is also a restaurant, but most visitors prefer just to drink or have shisha. Beer (Stella or Saqqara) is LE15. Very popular among backpackers and foreign students. Open during Ramadan. Nice place to sit and have a drink, but poor service.}} * {{drink | name=Sherlock Holmes pub | alt=Ramsis Hilton Hotel | url= | email= | address=1115 Corniche El Nil | lat= | long= | directions=behind and five minutes walk from Egyptian museum | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Atmospheric British-style pub with warm cosy atmosphere. Local and imported alcohol, moderate prices.}} * {{drink | name=Windsor Hotel | url= | email= | address=19 Alfi Bei Street | lat= | long= | directions=a few blocks east of Midan Ramses | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The bar at the Windsor Hotel is where the flotsam and jetsam of the expat world hang out. A place where Somerset Maugham meets Mr. Mulliner, it is the perfect place to meet odd characters!}} * {{drink | name=El Horreya Cafe and Bar | alt=كافيه وبار الحرية | url= | email= | address=El Mazloum St, 2 | lat=30.045291 | long=31.240391 | directions= | phone=+20 2 23920397 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-12-12 | content=While noisy and crowded, this classic ''baladi bar'' (the Cairene take on a dive bar) is one of very few left in the city centre. }} ==Sleep== Downtown Cairo is full of cheap but often dirty hostels and hotels. There are upscale options as well. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Arabian Nights Hostel | url=http://www.arabiannightshotel.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=arabiannightshotel@yahoo.com | address=10 Al Aded St. | lat=30.048624 | long=31.267438 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2924 0924 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A very fun hotel next to Khan el Khalily and near the Citadel. Staff are very friendly and helpful. There is a great view from the roof, with an Arabian style tent set up. They are now having a free Sufi dancing show on their roof every Sunday. Comfortable clean rooms, good help with trip ideas and Cairo tips. Free wifi, air conditioning, breakfast and as many hot drinks as you want. Rooms start from LE80. }} * {{sleep | name=Cairo Moon Hostel | alt= | url= | email=cairomoonhotel@yahoo.com | address=28 Adly Street | lat=30.051 | long=31.2421 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2390 5119 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorms are LE60 and rooms start from LE100 | lastedit=2022-01-30 | content=A beautifully designed hotel with lots of open space and a gorgeous terrace where you can have breakfast overlooking Cairo. The rooms are large with high ceilings and lots of light. They offer free breakfast, wireless internet and hot drinks throughout the day. }} * {{sleep | name=Cecilia Hostel | alt= | url= | email=Ceciliahotelcairo@gmail.com | address= | lat=30.04309 | long=31.23922 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q111119478 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Things are not particularly clean, but the staff is generally nice. Free wifi. Rooms with and without bathroom available. A nice terrace is a meeting point especially in the night. }} * {{sleep | name=Dahab Hostel | alt=Dahab Hotel | url=http://www.DahabHostel.com/ | email= | address=26 Mahmoud Bassioui | lat=30.04813 | long=31.23698 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2579-9104 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Beds starting at ca. {{EGP|100}} | wikidata=Q109908700 | content=This low-key, basic hostel is popular with the "no frills" travelers who want a basic room redolent of a [[Dahab]] beach experience in the big city and not much else. The Dahab is basically a collection of rooms on a rooftop in the Downtown area. WiFi is Free! }} * {{sleep | name=Museum House Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.museumhousegroup.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@museumhousegroup.com | address=2 Champollion Road | lat=30.0470 | long=31.2351 | directions= | phone=+20 109 108 8968 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Comfortable air-conditioned accommodation for long or short term stay for work or study. Free WiFi, and laundry and kitchen facilities, are provided. Many rooms have balconies with partial view of the Nile. }} * {{sleep | name=Ramses Palace Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=80 El Gomhoria Street | lat=30.05914 | long=31.24602 | directions=3 min southwest of the Ramses Station | phone=+20 102 373 7790 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm from LE89 (incl. breakfast) | lastedit=2018-01-08 | content=Highly recommended, but the private rooms are probably better than the dorm. Nevertheless, good value for money. Small and nice but not overly comfortable lobby. The advantage is the good location near the Ramses Station and bus companies going to Hurghada and Sharm. }} * {{sleep | name=Wake UP! Cairo Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.wakeupcairohostel.com/ | email= | address= | lat=30.05043 | long=31.23596 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ====''without GPS tag''==== * {{sleep | name=Australian Hostel | url=http://www.theaustralianhostel.com | email= | address=23 Abd El khaleq Sarwat | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2395 8892 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorms from LE50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice clean rooms, Friendly staff and AlTahrir Kosheri is just around the corner. Centrally located but hard to find. Just past the KFC and Radioshack, on the third floor. }} * {{sleep | name=Berlin Hotel | alt= | url= | email=berlinhotelcairo@hotmail.com | address=2 El Shawarby St - 4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Opposite to the Central Bank of Egypt | phone=+20 2 2395 7502 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin=7AM | checkout=noon | content=Budget style hotel on the lower end of the scale. Lift broken, no bathroom in room. Central Cairo, WiFi is available free of charge }} * {{sleep | name=Brothers Hostel/Hotel | url=http://www.hostelbrothers.com | email=hostelbrothers@yahoo.com | address=34 Talaat Harb St, 4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2579 6946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Extremely friendly atmosphere, very comfortable beds, clean, the staff is always willing to help, including booking affordable trips, bus tickets and explaining/giving recommendations about their city. This hotel-hostel is in the famous Yacoubian Building. Dorms from LE50, central location, 24-hour reception and security, free wifi and internet access, air conditioning, airport transfers and breakfast included. }} * {{sleep | name=Canadian Hostel | url=http://www.thecanadianhostel.com/ | email=info@thecanadianhostel.com | address=#5 Talat Harb Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2392 5794 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2017-04-02 | content=Located in the centre of downtown Cairo, across the street from the metro and a 5-minute walk to the Egyptian Museum. Friendly atmosphere, great service and hospitality. Breakfast is included (Egyptian & Continental). Almost all rooms have air conditioning, including the dorm room. }} * {{sleep | name=Concorde Hotel | url= | email= | address=146 Tahrir Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A simple hotel with all the basics, located near Bab El-Shariaa Metro. }} * {{sleep | name=Egyptian Night Hotel | url= | email=egyptiannighthotel@yahoo.com | address=13 Merit Basha St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2576 0604 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm rooms LE125. Private rooms starting from LE285. | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2017-04-02 | content=This is a cozy new hostel located directly across from the Egyptian Museum, with views of the Nile. The inside is colorful, with very friendly staff. Many of the rooms come with balconies. Free WiFi. They offer a good continental breakfast with drip coffee. }} * {{sleep | name=Jasmine Hostel | url=https://m.facebook.com/Jasmine-Hostel-158940200825752/ | email=jasminehostel@yahoo.com | address=26 Sherief St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 11 1411 454 <!-- number is wrong -->| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Very clean hostel in downtown. Rooms are nice and big. Friendly staff and free WiFi. }} * {{sleep | name=Cairo Egypt Hostel (formerly King Tut Hostel) | url=http://www.kingtuthostel.com {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=37 Talaat Harb St., 8th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2-2391 7897 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Single/double LE45/70 with shared bathroom, LE75/100 en suite | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Lialy Inn | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/lialy.inn.7 | email=lialyinn@gmail.com | address=8 Talaat Harb Sq., Second Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2575 2802 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=One of the best hostels in Cairo, clean rooms with breakfast, cheap, friendly staff and a great location. They have free WiFi and a free airport pick-up service if you going to stay for two nights or more or if you are in a group of two of more people. The new owner is a really cool and laid back guy. Also all artists are welcome to come and practice their art. }} * {{sleep | name=Luna Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.hotellunacairo.com | email= | address=27 Talaat Harb St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2396-1020 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=midnight | price= | content=One of the best hostels in Cairo, Hostel/Hotel Luna offers both quiet and noisy rooms (depending on the orientation towards Sharia Talaat Harb, incredibly noisy street below), for prices that soared lately, but the cleanliness of rooms is beyond comparison. }} * {{sleep | name=New Minerva Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Palace Hotel | url=http://www.newpalacehotel.com | email= | address=17, Soliman El Halaby st, From Emad El Din st | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2575 1283 or +20 2 2575 1322 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorms from $6.50, private rooms from $9 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Friendly staff, breakfast included, internet and printer access, free WiFi, rooms with bathroom and AC. 24h/day rooftop restaurant with a peaceful atmosphere, billard table and satellite TV. }} * {{sleep | name=Nubian Hostel | url=http://www.nubianhostel.hostel.com/ | email=nubianhostel@hotmail.com | address=4 Elwy St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Private rooms start from LE70. | checkin= | checkout= | content= Comfortable and clean hostel in downtown. On a side street so it's relatively quiet. The staff are friendly and relaxed. Free WiFi. }} * {{sleep | name=Rotana Palace Hostel | url= | email= | address=37 Talaat Harb St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Don't confuse it with luxury Rotana ''Hotel''. Still, clean rooms, Satellite TV, free WiFi, modern rooms, breakfast included single ensuite LE120. }} * {{sleep | name=Sara Inn Hostel | url=http://www.sarainnhostel.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sultan Hotel | url= | email= | address=Tawfiqqya Souq | lat= | long= | directions=near Nasser metro station, north of Sharia 26th of July | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorms from LE20 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Homely family atmosphere, satellite TV, kitchen. Popular with Japanese. In the same building are also the Safary Hotel and the Venice Hosokawaya Hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Traveler's House Hotel | url= | email=travelershousehotel@yahoo.com | address=43 Sherief Street | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown | phone=+20 2 2396 4362 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=dorm room is LE45 and rooms start at LE75 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A new hotel in Cairo. Situated in downtown near the Orabi Metro station. Nice clean rooms with high ceilings and large windows. A large common room with a balcony is perfect for hanging out at the end of the day. Free breakfast, wireless internet and hot drinks throughout the day. }} * {{sleep | name=Venice Hosokawaya | alt= | url=http://www.venicehosokawaya.net | email= | address=4 Souk El-Tawfikia Street, 4th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2773 5307 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=1PM | checkout=noon | price=Dorm room is LE35, Private room from LE95 | content= Popular with Japanese and the owner is Japanese national, staff can speak English, Japanese, Arabic. Clean and comfortable. Free breakfast, free wireless internet, free kitchen. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Arabesque Hotel | url=http://www.arabesquehostel.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=arabesquehotel@yahoo.com | address=11 Ramses St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2579 9681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Private bathroom/shared bathroom: single US$23/16.75, twin US$26/21, triple US$29/26. Breakfast included, eighth night is free | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-01-05 | content=It's next to the Egyptian Museum and Nile, and a great place to start exploring the city. The rooms are comfortable and the staff are friendly though somewhat unprofessional. The common room offers fantastic floor to ceiling windows for wonderful views of the city. You may be able to haggle for better prices. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Osiris | url= | email= | address=49 Nubar St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$20-40 | content=Hotel Osiris is a small, 17-room hotel on the top floor of a building near Bab el-Louk Square, and is a five minute walk from Midan Tahrir. The hotel provides clean rooms, some with private bathrooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Paris Hostel | url= | email= | address=15 Talat Harb St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$50 | content=Walid and his staff are great. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Hotel | alt= | url= | email=grandhotel@link.net | address=26 July St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 25757700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$40 | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Conrad Cairo | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/caicici-conrad-cairo/ | email= | address=1191 Nile Corniche | lat=30.065540 | long=31.228088 | directions= | phone=+20-2-25808000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-12-11 | content=A 24-story hotel along the Nile. }} * {{sleep | name=The Nile Ritz-Carlton | alt= | url=http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/middle-east/cairo | email= | address=1113 Corniche El Nil | lat=30.045920 | long=31.232227 | directions= | phone=+20 2 25778899 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q56506795 | lastedit=2016-12-11 | content=It's on the western edge of Midan Tahrir, close to the Egyptian Museum. It was built on the site of the former barracks of the British garrison of Empire days. This branch of the Hilton chain was the first major international hotel to be built in Cairo after the war. Very convenient for transport connections, for the Egyptian Museum and for Downtown. }} * {{sleep | name=Semiramis InterContinental Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/cairo/croha/hoteldetail | email=cairo@interconti.com | address=Corniche El Nil | lat=30.043017 | long=31.232356 | directions= | phone=+20-2-27957171 | tollfree= | fax=+20-2-27963020 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q20949716 | lastedit=2018-01-29 | content=Opened in 1987, the Semiramis is one of Cairo's premier hotels. Contains the Bird Cage Thai restaurant and Sabaya Lebanese restaurant. }} * {{sleep | name=Talisman Hotel de Charme | alt= | url= | email=info@talisman-hotel.com | address=39 Talaat Harb St., 5th floor | lat=30.047225 | long=31.238220 | directions=tucked away in a small alley | phone=+20 2 2393 9431 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$61 | content=The outside of the hotel may not be impressive, but this 25-room hotel provides clean, nicely decorated rooms, private marble bathrooms, air conditioning, free internet, and breakfast. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing high-end service. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Ramses Hilton | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/egypt/ramses-hilton-CAIRHTW/index.html | email= | address=1115 Corniche el-Nil | lat=30.05049 | long=31.23196 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2574-4000 | tollfree= | fax=+20 2 2575-7152 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q63341790 | content=Housed in a large, modern, purpose-built tower, the Ramses Hilton has great views from its upper floors, but lacks any real character. Still, the standards are what you would expect from the Hilton chain - as are the prices! Contains a business center, fitness center, outdoor pool, various restaurants and bars. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Fontana Hotel | url= | email= | address=Midan Ramses | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2592-2321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Victoria Hotel | url= | email= | address=66 al-Gomhuriyya | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2589-2290 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Windsor Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.windsorcairo.com | email= | address=19 Alfi Bei St | lat= | long= | directions=a few blocks east of Midan Ramses | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q8024637 | lastedit=2020-09-07 | content=Historic 1983 hotel, complete with colonial furnishes. Popular with those that wishes to have flair of the. Some would however say it's overpriced for what you get. As of 2020, it is closed due to structural damage from nearby subway construction. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Happyton Hotel | url= | email= | address=10 Ali al-Kassar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2592-8600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Connect== There are a handful of '''internet cafes''' around Midan Talaat Harb. Free wi-fi is available at Pottery Cafe. Free wi-fi (Orange) is also available at modern coffee shops such as Cilantro and Costa Coffee, where you obtain access by getting a 2-hour "promotional" card from the waiter. McDonalds restaurants also offer free wi-fi. ==Stay safe== Be extra careful crossing the roads in and around Tahrir Square. Egyptian motorists drive fast and seldom obey red lights. Tahrir Square has become one of the most dangerous spots in Greater Cairo, as many political demonstrations have been held there, since 2011. The danger arises not only from the unfortunate escalation of demonstrations into violence, but also because thugs exploit the situation when security forces evacuate the area which makes it easier for them to steal, rob under the threat of injury and even rape. These incidents are usually made by a group of people riding motorcycles. Be careful at Midan Tahrir and Midan Ataba, as these seem to be epicentres for the touts and pretentious helpful locals. They will pretend to innocently ask you where you where you are from and then point you in the wrong direction in direct you towards a friend's business. Only at [[Cairo/Giza|the pyramids]] does this happen more often. Ataba is always crowded and has a very high incidence of pickpocketing, in a scenario such as getting in the metro station from there. ==Cope== All hotels/hostels and people who work the street in downtown will try to sell you vastly overpriced tours around Egypt. They can be very forceful at times, as the competition for tourists is strong and they want to take money from you before the next one gets to you. Do not let yourself be bullied into taking one of these, until you have spoken to fellow travelers who can give you a more neutral opinion. In fact there are very few places in Egypt where it would be necessary to organize tours from the capital, and fewer where it would be financially advantageous. Downtown has many small tourist-oriented tour kiosks. The problem that visitors face is these tours often are inflated in price and always include at least 2 stops to "uncle's" perfume, papyrus, or handicraft shops. This takes away many hours from the tour and time at monuments in the hope that at least a few from the coach will buy something. The better option would be negotiate a taxi for the day. Stop a few taxis and ask what the price would be for a whole day of sightseeing at the places you want to visit. If the price is mutual, a taxi driver will be happy to escort you around town and wait hours in the shade outside for you if they are sure of a good fare at the end of the day instead of driving around Cairo looking for fares. {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Cairo}} {{geo|30.0475|31.2383}} 96b3q37nw7wbhxqtczzs07o46a6qnun 4488172 4488152 2022-07-22T09:42:54Z Marsupium 148223 /* Other sites */ Updated listing for Egyptian National Railways Museum - +WD ID wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Cairo - Downtown (WV banner).jpg}} [[File:Talaat harb at night by tinou bao.jpg|thumb|350px|Midan Talaat Harb]] '''Downtown''' Cairo is the commercial heart of the modern city of [[Cairo]]. In addition to hosting the Egyptian Museum, Downtown is the convenient location of many smaller hotels, retail outlets, travel agencies and restaurants. Its central location makes it a natural "jumping off point" for exploration of the city. ==Understand== ===History=== Downtown Cairo's wide boulevards and streets were laid out in the late 19th century on the orders of Ismail the Magnificent, the [[Paris]] of Baron Hausmann being the obvious model for a ruler wishing to Europeanise his capital and his country. The architecture of many buildings is clearly redolent of Paris in the 1870s, if now somewhat run down from neglect and dusty from the Cairene climate. ===Orientation=== Downtown Cairo is centered on {{marker|type=listing|name=Midan Talaat Harb | lat=30.04759 | long=31.23859 }}, at the intersection of Talaat Harb St (southwest-northeast) and Qasr El-Nil (west-east). The southern end of Downtown is '''Midan Tahrir''' (Tahrir Square). The east end is marked by {{marker|type=listing|name=Midan Ataba|lat=30.05063|long=31.24696}}, the starting point of [[Cairo/Islamic Cairo|Islamic Cairo]]. If you are a confident traveler and used to navigating your way around cities, then Cairo should be no different for you. Talaat Harb St was known as Soliman Pasha St before 1964. The statue of the French General Jean Anthelme Seve, also known as Soliman Pasha Al Faransawi, stood where the statue of Talaat Harb, founder of the Banque Misr now stands. Cairienes know this street by both names. ==Get in== {{mapframe|30.05137|31.23982|zoom=14}} {{Mapmask |30.041100,31.230863 |30.040150,31.235318 |30.038843,31.241453 |30.041207,31.242123 |30.043946,31.242949 |30.044791,31.245868 |30.049839,31.250626 |30.052736,31.250556 |30.054083,31.250191 |30.055545,31.247471 |30.056446,31.246731 |30.057681,31.246388 |30.059873,31.246881 |30.060941,31.247697 |30.062166,31.249328 |30.064330,31.248630 |30.062900,31.244403 |30.058303,31.241689 |30.051134,31.233857 |30.049991,31.231292 |30.049888,31.230909 |30.044859,31.231333 |30.041100,31.230863}} {{mapshapes|Q685381}} ===By train=== All long-distance trains arrive at the {{marker|type=listing|name=Midan Ramses|lat=30.06298|long=31.24637}} station, at the north edge of downtown. Midan Ramses is notorious for swirling, raucous traffic, massive overpasses and crowds at peak hour - it is basically the central traffic hub into and out of Cairo. Just below the square in front of the train station is '''Martyrs''' (الشهداء, ''Al-Shohadaa'') metro station, which is an interchange between lines 1 and 2. From here it is a 25-minute walk to [[Cairo/Midan Tahrir|Midan Tahrir]], on the other side of downtown. ===By metro === Cairo's three metro lines converge in downtown. The Sadat metro station is at Midan Tahrir, right beside the Egyptian Museum. This is at the south end of downtown, a 10-minute easy walk to the center of the district, via Talaat Harb Street. However, walking in that area especially at night is dangerous, as Tahrir Square has become one of the most dangerous spots in Greater Cairo, since 2011 (see [[Cairo/Downtown#Stay safe]]). Sadat metro station is closed on occasion for security reasons because of demonstrations at Midan Tahrir. Downtown is accessed through two additional stations, Mohamed Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser. ===By bus=== The '''Abdel Mo'nem Riyad Coach Station''': a 5-minute walk from Tahrir Sq and behind the Egyptian Museum has four coach stations: *One is the micro-bus station. *Beside it is the local bus station serving the areas of Giza, Ma'adi, Helwan, Sheikh Zayid City. *The third serves the East of Cairo, i.e., Heliopolis, Medinet Nasr, Cairo Airport, and El Rehab. *The fourth station is across the road from the other three stations and this is where you can board the intercity coaches. The offices and bookings of Superjet, East Delta, West Delta, and El Gouna are here with destinations including Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Ras Sidr, El Gouna, Alexandria, Delta Cities, Marsa Matrouh, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, El Tur, El Arish, Nuweiba, Dahab, Rafah. ===By taxi=== From downtown, taxis from Zamalek should cost around LE5, and from Citadel, Coptic Cairo or Islamic Cairo around LE10. For more general information on Taxis in Cairo, see [[Cairo#By taxi]]. ==Get around== ==See== ===The Egyptian Museum=== [[File:Egyptian Museum in Cairo in May 2015.JPG|thumb|300px|Egyptian Museum facade]] [[File:Khafre statue.jpg|thumb|300px|Statue of pharaoh Khafre ("Chephren"), approx 4,500 years old]] They've got the removals men in at the {{marker|type=see|name=Egyptian Museum | url=https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/museums/egyptian-museum | lat=30.047778 | long=31.233333 }}! Shelves are being cleared, and exhibits photographed, labelled and crated, ready for their transfer to a new '''Grand Egyptian Museum''' near the [[Cairo/Giza|Giza Pyramids]]. It is scheduled to open in 2022. The present building will continue to be used to display some of the massive collections now stored in the basement. It remains one of the world's great museums. The lighting and labelling are poor, but the fabulous exhibits speak for themselves. The following account describes what has traditionally been displayed here, but this is changing day by day as the transfer gathers momentum. The museum (officially, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, and often called the "Cairo Museum") is in a pink neoclassical building on the northern edge of Midan Tahrir. It's the product of the Egyptian Antiquities Service, established by the Egyptian government in 1835, to try to curb the looting of antiquities sites and artefacts. It opened in 1858 with a collection assembled by Auguste Mariette Pasha, the French archaeologist employed by Isma'il Pasha. After residing in an annex of the Bulaq palace in Giza from 1880, the museum moved in 1900 to its present location. It's a glorious ramshackle treasure-house that evokes Dylan Thomas' famous line about "The museum which should have ''been'' in a museum!" There are seven sections within the museum that are arranged in chronological order: # Tutankhamen's treasures # Pre-dynasty and Old Kingdom monuments # First intermediate period and Middle Kingdom monuments # Monuments of the Middle Kingdom # Monuments of the late period and the Greek and Roman periods # Coins and papyri # Sarcophagi and scarabs The museum is open daily, 9AM&ndash;7PM. General admission is adults LE200, students LE100 (Nov 2021), which does not include the Royal Mummies room. Tickets for photography (personal use, without flash) are available at LE50 per camera (LE300 for video), but no photography is allowed in the Tutankhamen exhibition or in the Royal Mummies room. There are three separate checkpoints that have x-ray machines. There is one outside the courtyard, then there is one before the steps of the museum and a third right inside the doors. {{Phone|+20 2 33777263}} ====Highlights==== [[File:Tutanchamon (js) 1.jpg|thumb|200px|Cairo Museum: Funerary mask of Tutankhamen]] * '''Objects from the Tomb of Tutankhamen''', ''Upper Floor'' - discovered in 1922 and gradually revealed over the next few years, many of the objects from the tomb of the "boy king" were brought to the Egyptian Museum for display. A small number of objects found their way into foreign collections, whilst several, including the inner sarcophagus and the body of Tutankhamen himself, remained in the small tomb in the [[Valley of the Kings]]. The most famous objects from the tomb are the funerary mask of Tutankhamen and the inner coffin. The mask is made of solid gold, inlaid with lapis lazuli, cornelian, quartz, obsidian, turquoise, and colored glass. The inner coffin is made of solid gold. It is {{in|74}} long, {{in|20}} wide, and {{in|20}} high. The king is shown as Osiris holding the crook and flail, traditional symbols of kingship. Many items from the Tutankhamen collection are on tour to museums in Europe and North America, and the chariots have been moved to the new museum, which is not open as of Nov 2018. The complete collection of items found in the tomb has yet to be fully documented. It took almost ten years for the founder of the tomb, Howard Carter, to finish excavating the tomb. * The '''Royal Mummies''': To see the Royal Mummies room, you can either buy a combination ticket at the ticket office at the main gate for LE300, or a separate ticket at the mummies room for LE180 (Nov 2018). No photography is allowed. There are two rooms you can enter using same ticket so make sure that you see both of them: many of the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom period and later are displayed here in the Royal Mummy Hall, which is at the corner of the first floor lobby. Mummies of eleven kings and queens are kept in temperature- and pressure-controlled glass cabinets on display. Unfortunately, some mummies are not even identified by the name or the period to which they belong to and other chronological information. * '''Jewelry''': there is a large collection of Egyptian jewelry on display in the museum. Egyptians were concerned with creating harmonious forms and color combinations. To a large extent, the majority of Egyptian jewelry was made with gold and semi-precious stones. Silver was used but it much less popular than gold in the creation of jewelry. The majority of the jewelry found on display in the museum were found on the mummy of Tutankhamen himself. * '''Egyptian Museum Library''': created in the year 1902, the library specializes in ancient Egyptian civilization and houses some 42,500 books on the topic. However, the library is not open to the general public, with access restricted to accredited researchers and students. Only the Gold Room and the Mummy Room are air-conditioned. A bookstore and several small gift stores are open during museum hours within the main entrance hall to the museum. Prices are often somewhat inflated. Be careful also that the proprietors do not pass on a dusty, grimy equivalent of the display copy you think you are purchasing. ===Midan Tahrir=== {{marker|type=listing|name=Midan Tahrir | lat=30.04438| long=31.23566 }} (''Arabic:'' ميدان التحرير, "Liberation Square", also commonly known as '''Tahrir Square''') is the name given to the large public square at the epicentre of modern [[Cairo]], and (as a city district) to the streets and institutions located nearby. The Egyptian Museum, the American University in Cairo, the Arab League, and the Hilton and Intercontinental Hotels are all located here, as are several important government offices. The metro also has its main nexus under Midan Tahrir, and a great many buses and taxis make Tahrir Square a key part of their services. The square was known as Midan Ismaili until 1954, when President Nasser gave it its current name. The relatively open vista of Tahrir Square affords the confused traveler a great opportunity to look about and gain some bearings within the bustling city center. Perhaps the most prominent building bordering Tahrir Square is the now somewhat jaded-looking '''Nile Hilton''', which was Africa's first Hilton hotel, between the Square and the Nile Corniche. Immediately to the north and perpendicular to the hotel is the unmissable '''Egyptian Museum''' in reddish-pink stone. South of the Hilton Hotel stands the dingy '''Arab League Building'''. Somewhat further southeast, across the busy thoroughfare of '''Tahrir street''', is the brutal Stalinist-looking '''Mogamma Building''' which houses 18,000 Egyptian government bureaucrats. This building is the most convenient place for tourists to renew or extend their Egyptian visas. From here, Sharia Tahrir heads due west to cross the Nile over the Tahrir Bridge and into [[Cairo/Gezira|Gezira]] (the island suburb), and beyond to [[Cairo/Giza|Giza]] and the Pyramids (several miles away) Next to the Mogamma Building is a small but attractive '''Mosque of Omar Makram''', in which many state and business funerals are held. Only slightly further south can be found the '''Intercontinental Hotel'''. Bordering Tahrir Square to the east is a sizable frontage of large office buildings and stores, topped with neon signs. The downtown campus of the '''American University of Cairo''' lies across the busy Qasr al-Ainy. Midan Tahrir is served by the Sadat metro stop, but it is occasionally closed at times of expected demonstrations, and some entrances seem to be permanently closed. There is a bus stop near the area at Talaat Harb Square. Probably one of the easiest ways to negotiate the busy Tahrir Square area is to use the interconnecting underground pedestrian tunnels linking the Metro station with various points in and around the square. This can save a great deal of time and prevent much negotiation of crazy traffic and the ongoing remodelling of the square. ===Other sites=== [[File:Midan tahrir by Daveness 98.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Midan Tahrir before the revolution]] * {{see | name=Abdeen Palace Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.0423 | long=31.246743 | directions=accessible from Midan Tahrir via Mohammad Mahmoud Street or Al-Tahrir Street, or via Naguib metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q113163254 | content=Collections are showcased on the lower floors in the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, and the Presidential Gifts Museum, and the Historical Documents Museum was added in 2006. The palace, designed in the 1800s by a French architect, is worth seeing including the fountain courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Karim Francis Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.karimfrancis.com/ | email= | address=1 Sharia El-Sherifein | lat=30.04663 | long=31.24110 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2391 63 57 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An art gallery }} * {{see | name=Museum of Islamic Art | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bab El Khalk Square | lat=30.04421 | long=31.252622 | directions=near Abdeen Palace | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price={{EGP|120}}, photo permit {{EGP|50}} | wikidata=Q3330629 | lastedit=2018-11-11 | content=Established in 1858 under authority of Khedive Tawfiq, the museum showcases pieces from mosques, homes, and palaces in Islamic Cairo. }} * {{see | name=The Postal Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Al-Ataba Square | lat= | long= | directions=Ataba metro station exit Ataba Sq | phone=+20 2 2391-0011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q13142168 | content=This museum holds a plethora of historical exhibits relating to all things postal, from the history of the post system dating back to the time of the Pyramids to extensive stamp collections. }} * {{see | name=Yacoubian Building | alt= | url= | email= | address=34 Talaat Harb St Downtown | lat=30.05096 | long=31.24043 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1756487 | content=For readers of Alaa al Aswani's best-selling book ''The Yacoubian Building''. You can see the Yacoubian Building on Talaat Harb St where it still stands and where the story was based, although in the book it is referred to by its old name of Soliman Pasha St. }} * {{see | name=Prince Said Halim's Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address=Champollion Street | lat=30.04873 | long=31.23702 | directions=off Midan Falaki | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q63439485 | content=Now almost derelict and often misleadingly called the Champollion Palace, this once beautiful building is worth a look for its beautiful architecture, baroque and classical archways. Built in 1896 by designer Antonio Lasciac from imported Italian marbles and stone. This once beautiful palace and gardens are a reminder of the 'Glory days of Cairo'. The building was nationalized by President Nasser, and eventually transformed into Al Nassareya Boys School, which quickly destroyed the beautiful building. Today it is a temporary art gallery. }} * {{see | name=Egyptian National Railways Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Midan Ramses | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2575-3555 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 8:30AM-1PM | price=LE20 (LE10 for students) | wikidata=Q254086 | content=At the eastern end of Ramses Station, this museum houses an amazing collection of steam locomotives, including that used by Empress Eugenie during her opening of the Suez Canal in 1863. }} * {{see | name=Al Fath Mosque | alt=El Fatah | url= | email= | address=South end of Midan Ramses | lat=30.05983 | long=31.24606 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Completed in the early 1990s, this beautiful mosque is worth taking a look at. }} * {{see | name=Sha'ar Hashamayim Synagogue | alt= | url= | email= | address=17 Adly Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2919031 | lastedit=2022-01-30 | content=This large synagogue opened in 1899 and was built in a style evoking ancient Egyptian temples. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Cinema Metro | url= | email= | address=35 Talaat Harb | lat=30.052541| long=31.241874 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=LE10-20 | content=Once one of Cairo's most opulent movie palaces, the Metro has fallen on sadly disheveled, dusty, almost squalid times. }} * {{do | name=Cairo Puppet Theatre | url= | email=info@cairopuppettheatre.org | address=Azbakia Park | lat=30.053038 | long=31.246447 | directions=near the Ataba metro station. | phone=+20 2 2268-5241 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A fantastic way to spend an afternoon with the kids. The Cairo Puppet Theatre puts on a variety of shows including myths, fairy tales and fun children's stories. }} * {{do | name=Ramses Hilton Cinema | alt= | url= | email= | address=1115 Corniche El Nil | lat=30.05133 | long=31.23303 | directions=Ramses Hilton Mall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Theater at the Ramses Hilton shows modern, mainstream movies. Best to get there by taxi. }} * {{do | name=Midan Falaki | alt=Falaki Square | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=from Midan Tahrir take Tahrir St heading to Abdeen Palace and Falaki is approx a 5-minute walk | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A public square surrounded by coffee merchants and coffee shops. During the day you can sit and enjoy one of the many blends and play a game of backgammon with the more intellectual Egyptians who frequent the cafes during the day. However, a more raucous clientèle tends to congregate later in the evening. A nice place to people watch, and buy some unusual blends of coffee. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=American Research Center Egyptology, art and culture illustrated lectures | alt= | url=https://www.arce.org/events | email=arce@internetegypt.com | address=Garden City | lat= | long= | directions=close to Tahrir Square at 2 Midan Simon Bolivar (known locally as ''Midan Qasr al-Dubara'') | phone=+20 2 2794 8239, +20 2 2795 3052 (fax) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-04-06 | content=Lectures are held every Wednesday evening at 6PM during the academic year, open to all visitors, admission free. }} ==Buy== [[File:Flickr - Daveness 98 - Midan Talaat Harb.jpg|thumb|300px|Midan Talaat Harb]] The Downtown district of Cairo features a number of Egyptian '''department stores'''. They were fantastic emporiums, full of the world's best products — until July 1961 when every one of Egypt's great department stores were nationalized. Those days are long gone, and quality shopping has moved to upmarket malls in Heliopolis, Nasr City, Maadi and other upscale neighborhoods. Today, Downtown is the place to go for cheap fakes and local produce of variable quality and the full range of Arabic pop music (and films). The Midan Ataba area is home to large bookseller markets, where you can find inexpensive books, as well as electronics and clothing markets. Near the main post office, there are vendors selling stationary and cards. Talaat Harb Street is the place to find shoes, with one shoe store after another. * {{buy | name=Madbouli | url= | email= | address=6 Midan Talaat Harb | lat=30.047819 | long=31.238223 | directions=near Sadat Metro station | phone=+20 2 2575-6421 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Mostly Arabic bookstore with a range of political literature and other books. }} * {{buy | name=Omar Effendi | url=http://omareffendi.com.eg/ | email= | address=25 Adly St | lat=30.051101 | long=31.243792 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2392-5011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A large iconic Egyptian, 150-year-old department store. Sadly, filled with Chinese and poorly made Egyptian clothing even now since its privatization and takeover by the Gulf Kuwaiti Sultan Centre Company. }} * {{buy | name=Sednaoui Department Store | url= | email= | address=On Khazindar Square | lat= | long= | directions=near Al-Ataba Square-near Ataba Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This once family-owned department store was nationalized in 1961 and now has the neglected feeling of an East German department store. It has 3 floors and has a grand sweeping staircase, and a glass roofed atrium worth seeing for that alone, if you like old architectural building designs. Sells very cheap fabrics on the 2nd floor where you can buy shirts, blouses, and curtain material and have made up by one of Cairo's many tailors. }} * {{buy | name=El Shawarby St | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Sadat Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The best street to bargain hunt for music, DVDs and clothes, don't be afraid to haggle, watch how the locals do it for tips. }} * {{buy | name=Shorouk Bookshop | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Talaat Harb Square | lat=30.04726 | long=31.23862 | directions=near Sadat Metro station | phone=+20 2 2391-2480 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located on Midan Talaat Harb, Shorouk has two floors with a good selection of Arabic- and English-language books. }} * {{buy | name=Talaat Harb Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.05019 | long=31.23998 | directions=close to Yacoubian Building | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Most famous for its downstairs fast food restaurants. Many cheap clothes stores are also in the vicinity of the mall which is located just above Midan Talaat Harb. }} * {{buy | name=Attaba Bookstalls | url= | email= | address=Attaba Downtown | lat= | long= | directions=take metro to Attaba station and take Attaba Sq exit | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Everyday including Fridays | price= | content=Over 100 new and second hand book stalls all displayed in little Arabesque kiosks. Every type of book and magazine available in many languages. Usually hassle free and sellers are content to let you browse in peace. Always bargain, and the price will come down the more you buy. Very old books and classics up to newly released novels and magazines. A great place to find treasures and find a few books for your trip. Visit Mahmoud at kiosks 83 and 84 for a great selection of used English books and a fair price. Many books are under LE10 each. }} * {{buy | name=AUC Bookstore | alt=Hill House Campus AUC Tahrir | url=http://www.aucpress.com/t-aucbookstores.aspx | email= | address=Kasr el Aini St | lat= | long= | directions=few minutes walk from Tahrir Sq | phone=+20 2 7975900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Sa-Th 9AM-6PM| price= | content=Great bookstore just minutes away from Cairo Museum in the AUC Hill House campus. Excellent selection of new books and all the usual Egyptian authors' works can be found there amongst the latest releases. }} * {{buy | name=Al Bostan Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Al Bostan St | lat=30.04574 | long=31.23862 | directions=from Tahrir Sq, take Talaat Harb St 200 m and turn right into Bostan St; the mall is the large pink building facing you | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Early till late everyday, after 1PM Fridays | price= | content=Large old mall mainly selling computers, second-hand PCs and laptops, and computer accessories with some clothing and footwear stores and a few airline offices. Toilets on each of the 4 floors. }} ==Eat== Downtown is not the main haunt for the greatest of culinary treats, although quality eating does exist. It is however heaven for Egyptian snacks, sweets and fast food. All restaurants under "splurge" serve alcohol unless otherwise noted. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Hardees | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sadat Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=On Midan Tahrir Sq. Delivery 19066. Free Wifi. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sadat Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=On Midan Tahrir Sq. Delivery 19991. Free Wifi. }} * {{eat | name=K.F.C. | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sadat Metro station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=On Midan Tahrir Sq. Delivery 19019. Free Wifi. }} * {{eat | name=Quick Sandwich | url= | email= | address=2 El Fawala Street | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown, Opera Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A pioneer in the Egyptian based chains offers some of the best shawerma rolls and shish-kebab sandwiches, excellent value meals and great taste- delivery is an option by calling 16013. Relatively cheap. }} * {{eat | name=Kushari al-Tahrir | url= | email= | address=Abdel Khaleq Tharwat St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=GAD | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, 26th of July St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2-2576-35-83 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fast food restaurant, done Egyptian style. Usually very busy packed with locals, but very good food at a very non-tourist price. Good fuul and falafel for about LE1.5 a sandwich. Large restaurant on 26th July St, just off Talaat Harb St, in downtown Cairo. A large schawerma 'Doner kebab sandwich' costs LE8. }} * {{eat | name=Al Tazaj Fakieh | alt= | url= | email= | address=30 Talaat Harb St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 19018 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kebab with a chicken twist, this Cairo chain serves up chicken in all its oriental varieties. }} * {{eat | name=Fatari Pizza Tahrir | url= | email= | address=el-Tahrir Street | lat= | long= | directions=around the corner from AUC | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=~LE10 | content=Serves sweet fatirs, and varieties with cheese and meat toppings. Has a small sitting area, or is good for take away. }} * {{eat | name=Koshari el-Tahrir | url= | email= | address=el-Tahrir Street | lat= | long= | directions=around the corner from AUC's Greek Campus, corner of Youssef el-Guindi and el-Tahrir Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Popular koshari chain, serves koshari in various sizes though the small (1.4 kg/3 lb) is a good size portion. You can add hot sauce or a lemon sauce. For LE5.50, you can get a small koshari and a can of Coca-Cola. Eat-in or takeaway. }} * {{eat | name=Koshari Achmat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.05820 | long=31.24862 | directions=10 min south of Ramses Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Koshari LE10, small salad LE3, rise with milk LE5 | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Decent and inexpensive Koshari. }} * {{eat | name=Koshary Abou Tarek | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.05019 | long=31.23784 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Medium LE20, Large LE25, Special LE30, rice with milk LE5 | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Koshary is a filling pasta, tomato sauce, dried onions, chickpeas, lenses dish, and this restaurant is quite famous beyond Cairo for it and its speedy waiters. Rice with mild seems to be quite famous in combination (after) koshary. }} * Directly opposite the gates of the American University in Cairo (AUC) in the south-eastern corner of the square are to be found all the central Cairo branches of '''McDonalds''', '''Pizza Hut''' and '''KFC'''. ===Mid-range=== [[File:Flickr - dlisbona - The famous Groppi's cafe in Talaat Harb square.jpg|thumb|right|Groppi's cafe in Talaat Harb]] * {{eat | name=Alfi Bey | url= | email= | address=3 Al-Alfi Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Egyptian cuisine is served in this small restaurant, including kofta, kabobs, stuffed pigeon, lamb, and chicken. }} * {{eat | name=The Greek Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=28 Mahmoud Bassyouni St | lat=30.049229 | long=31.239815 | directions=Just north off Talaat Harb, enter via Mahmoud Bassiouni | phone=+20 2 2575 0822 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=LE5 entrance fee, open from 7PM. Mostly frequented by liberal and leftist Egyptians rather than Greeks, this is one of the best restaurants in Downtown Cairo. The Greek food offered is limited and the menu often erratic, but the dishes they do have in supply are very good and cheap. Alcohol (including imported spirits) is served and it's possible to just have a drink. Some of the best Kofte in Cairo. Closes down completely during Ramadan. }} * {{eat | name=Felfela | url= | email= | address=15 Sharia Hoda Sharaawi | lat=30.046626 | long=31.238168 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2392 2833 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=open daily 7:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=A Cairo institution, this restaurant represents the original flagship of the now burgeoning Felfela chain of restaurants throughout Cairo. Long wooden tables and eclectic, somewhat kitschy décor: aquariums, clocks, half-lit grottos complete with mini-waterfalls. Somehow it all works. Specializes in classic Egyptian cuisine. The vegetarian dishes are better than the meat. Try the lemonade - perfect refreshment on a hot day! Also serves beer. Credit cars not accepted. }} * {{eat | name=Groppi's | url= | email= | address=Midan Talaat Harb | lat=30.047600 | long=31.238127 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sitting on the square is the once opulent Groppi's, which used to be the most famous café, tearoom and patisserie in Egypt. Between the 1920s and early 1950s, Groppi's was the place to be seen by Cairene society. Its former glories stripped away to dusty memories, Groppi's is nonetheless still just open for business. Be sure to check out the ornate mosaics around the doorway, a relic of former times. }} * {{eat | name=La Chesa | alt= | url= | email= | address=21 Adly St. | lat=30.051257 | long=31.243818 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2393 9360 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serving fondues, and other traditional Swiss dishes, pizza, salads and patisseries, this is one of the better continental restaurants in Downtown Cairo. }} The basement of the Annex to the Hilton Hotel on Tahrir Square has a lot of internationally flavored eateries in a mall-type setting, everything from Egyptian to Thai and hamburgers. Prices are reasonable and the setting comfortable. * {{eat | name=Beano's | url= | email= | address=Mohamed Mahmoud | lat= | long= | directions=next to AUC Greek Campus | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Modern coffee chain, serves salad, sandwiches, etc. }} * {{eat | name=Cilantro | url= | email= | address=31 Mohamed Mahmoud St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Modern coffee-chain that also serves sandwiches, salads, etc. Wi-Fi available, credit cards accepted. }} * {{eat | name=Costa Coffee | url= | email= | address=Mohamed Mahmoud | lat= | long= | directions=next to AUC Greek Campus | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Modern coffee chain that also serves desserts and some sandwiches }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Café Riche | alt= | url= | email= | address=17 Talaat Harb St | lat=30.046974 | long=31.23823 | directions=near Sadat metro station | phone=+20 2 2392-9793, +20 122 401 1256 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-midnight | price= | content=Another place of forlorn glory. Very popular with tourists, but the reasons for fame are questionable, it's rather expensive for what you get and service is slow and unsatisfying, even for Cairo. However, this might just be cause of all the tourists visiting here. So, come here if you fit in, and skip it if you just in for the thrill and pictures. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Peking | alt= | url=http://www.peking-eg.com/ | email= | address=14 Saray el Azbakia St | lat= | long= | directions=off Emad El Din St | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Branch of the Cairo Peking restaurant chain. All their branches offer relatively predictable, but very good Chinese food. }} * {{eat | name=Da Mario Italian restaurant | alt=Nile Hilton Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Sadat metro station on Midan Tahrir | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Italian cuisine and good service.}} * {{eat | name=Maharajah restaurant | alt=Ramsis Hilton | url= | email= | address=1115 Corniche El-Nil St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2577-7444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 1PM-midnight | price= | content=Exotic Indian dining experience. }} * {{eat | name=Windows on the World restaurant | alt=Ramsis Hilton Hotel | url= | email= | address=1115 Corniche El Nil St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 5PM-2AM | price= | content=International cuisine with cocktails and evening entertainment served in the 36th floor restaurant with stunning panoramic views over the Nile and to the pyramids beyond }} * {{eat | name=Bird Cage | alt= | url= | email= | address=Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, Corniche El Nil | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2795 7171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 1PM&ndash;4PM, 7PM&ndash;late. | price= | lastedit=2018-01-29 | content=Reportedly the best Thai food in Cairo. }} ==Drink== ===Coffee houses=== Downtown is a primary walk for coffee houses and almost every side-street has one. However, some areas and street have clusters of small places which makes for a very lively atmosphere. * {{drink | name=Bursa | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This cluster of coffee shops in carless streets are accessed from Qasr-El-Nil/Sherif. It is a very popular place among young democracy activists and members of oppositional movements and lively until late night.}} * {{drink | name=Tawfiqiyya Souq | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=north of 26th July in Downtown | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This is another street with lots of coffee shops and lots of atmosphere. }} * '''Ta'kiba Coffee''' shop is a short walk away from Midan Falaki by the wrongly named Champollion Palace, on Champollion Street, and round the corner from the Townhouse Gallery and Theater. The gallery has a clean toilet for public use. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Houria | url= | email= | address=Bab-Al-Louq | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This place doubles as coffee shop and bar, making it unique in Cairo. Some of the cheapest beer you can get in Cairo and given that this is also one of the least sleazy of the cheap downtown bars, there's no reason not to rave about the place. Reopened in May 2010 and as busy as always. LE11 for a bottle of Stella; amazingly good service, but the waiters are equally insistent on a spot of baksheesh. }} * {{drink | name=Odeon | alt= | url= | email= | address=6 Abdel Hamid Said St | lat= | long= | directions=Odeon Palace Hotel, off Tala'at Harb St | phone=+20 2 767-971 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=This roof-top open-air hotel bar is also a restaurant, but most visitors prefer just to drink or have shisha. Beer (Stella or Saqqara) is LE15. Very popular among backpackers and foreign students. Open during Ramadan. Nice place to sit and have a drink, but poor service.}} * {{drink | name=Sherlock Holmes pub | alt=Ramsis Hilton Hotel | url= | email= | address=1115 Corniche El Nil | lat= | long= | directions=behind and five minutes walk from Egyptian museum | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Atmospheric British-style pub with warm cosy atmosphere. Local and imported alcohol, moderate prices.}} * {{drink | name=Windsor Hotel | url= | email= | address=19 Alfi Bei Street | lat= | long= | directions=a few blocks east of Midan Ramses | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The bar at the Windsor Hotel is where the flotsam and jetsam of the expat world hang out. A place where Somerset Maugham meets Mr. Mulliner, it is the perfect place to meet odd characters!}} * {{drink | name=El Horreya Cafe and Bar | alt=كافيه وبار الحرية | url= | email= | address=El Mazloum St, 2 | lat=30.045291 | long=31.240391 | directions= | phone=+20 2 23920397 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-12-12 | content=While noisy and crowded, this classic ''baladi bar'' (the Cairene take on a dive bar) is one of very few left in the city centre. }} ==Sleep== Downtown Cairo is full of cheap but often dirty hostels and hotels. There are upscale options as well. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Arabian Nights Hostel | url=http://www.arabiannightshotel.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=arabiannightshotel@yahoo.com | address=10 Al Aded St. | lat=30.048624 | long=31.267438 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2924 0924 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A very fun hotel next to Khan el Khalily and near the Citadel. Staff are very friendly and helpful. There is a great view from the roof, with an Arabian style tent set up. They are now having a free Sufi dancing show on their roof every Sunday. Comfortable clean rooms, good help with trip ideas and Cairo tips. Free wifi, air conditioning, breakfast and as many hot drinks as you want. Rooms start from LE80. }} * {{sleep | name=Cairo Moon Hostel | alt= | url= | email=cairomoonhotel@yahoo.com | address=28 Adly Street | lat=30.051 | long=31.2421 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2390 5119 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorms are LE60 and rooms start from LE100 | lastedit=2022-01-30 | content=A beautifully designed hotel with lots of open space and a gorgeous terrace where you can have breakfast overlooking Cairo. The rooms are large with high ceilings and lots of light. They offer free breakfast, wireless internet and hot drinks throughout the day. }} * {{sleep | name=Cecilia Hostel | alt= | url= | email=Ceciliahotelcairo@gmail.com | address= | lat=30.04309 | long=31.23922 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q111119478 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Things are not particularly clean, but the staff is generally nice. Free wifi. Rooms with and without bathroom available. A nice terrace is a meeting point especially in the night. }} * {{sleep | name=Dahab Hostel | alt=Dahab Hotel | url=http://www.DahabHostel.com/ | email= | address=26 Mahmoud Bassioui | lat=30.04813 | long=31.23698 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2579-9104 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Beds starting at ca. {{EGP|100}} | wikidata=Q109908700 | content=This low-key, basic hostel is popular with the "no frills" travelers who want a basic room redolent of a [[Dahab]] beach experience in the big city and not much else. The Dahab is basically a collection of rooms on a rooftop in the Downtown area. WiFi is Free! }} * {{sleep | name=Museum House Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.museumhousegroup.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@museumhousegroup.com | address=2 Champollion Road | lat=30.0470 | long=31.2351 | directions= | phone=+20 109 108 8968 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Comfortable air-conditioned accommodation for long or short term stay for work or study. Free WiFi, and laundry and kitchen facilities, are provided. Many rooms have balconies with partial view of the Nile. }} * {{sleep | name=Ramses Palace Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=80 El Gomhoria Street | lat=30.05914 | long=31.24602 | directions=3 min southwest of the Ramses Station | phone=+20 102 373 7790 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm from LE89 (incl. breakfast) | lastedit=2018-01-08 | content=Highly recommended, but the private rooms are probably better than the dorm. Nevertheless, good value for money. Small and nice but not overly comfortable lobby. The advantage is the good location near the Ramses Station and bus companies going to Hurghada and Sharm. }} * {{sleep | name=Wake UP! Cairo Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.wakeupcairohostel.com/ | email= | address= | lat=30.05043 | long=31.23596 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ====''without GPS tag''==== * {{sleep | name=Australian Hostel | url=http://www.theaustralianhostel.com | email= | address=23 Abd El khaleq Sarwat | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2395 8892 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorms from LE50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Nice clean rooms, Friendly staff and AlTahrir Kosheri is just around the corner. Centrally located but hard to find. Just past the KFC and Radioshack, on the third floor. }} * {{sleep | name=Berlin Hotel | alt= | url= | email=berlinhotelcairo@hotmail.com | address=2 El Shawarby St - 4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Opposite to the Central Bank of Egypt | phone=+20 2 2395 7502 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin=7AM | checkout=noon | content=Budget style hotel on the lower end of the scale. Lift broken, no bathroom in room. Central Cairo, WiFi is available free of charge }} * {{sleep | name=Brothers Hostel/Hotel | url=http://www.hostelbrothers.com | email=hostelbrothers@yahoo.com | address=34 Talaat Harb St, 4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2579 6946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Extremely friendly atmosphere, very comfortable beds, clean, the staff is always willing to help, including booking affordable trips, bus tickets and explaining/giving recommendations about their city. This hotel-hostel is in the famous Yacoubian Building. Dorms from LE50, central location, 24-hour reception and security, free wifi and internet access, air conditioning, airport transfers and breakfast included. }} * {{sleep | name=Canadian Hostel | url=http://www.thecanadianhostel.com/ | email=info@thecanadianhostel.com | address=#5 Talat Harb Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2392 5794 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2017-04-02 | content=Located in the centre of downtown Cairo, across the street from the metro and a 5-minute walk to the Egyptian Museum. Friendly atmosphere, great service and hospitality. Breakfast is included (Egyptian & Continental). Almost all rooms have air conditioning, including the dorm room. }} * {{sleep | name=Concorde Hotel | url= | email= | address=146 Tahrir Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A simple hotel with all the basics, located near Bab El-Shariaa Metro. }} * {{sleep | name=Egyptian Night Hotel | url= | email=egyptiannighthotel@yahoo.com | address=13 Merit Basha St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2576 0604 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorm rooms LE125. Private rooms starting from LE285. | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2017-04-02 | content=This is a cozy new hostel located directly across from the Egyptian Museum, with views of the Nile. The inside is colorful, with very friendly staff. Many of the rooms come with balconies. Free WiFi. They offer a good continental breakfast with drip coffee. }} * {{sleep | name=Jasmine Hostel | url=https://m.facebook.com/Jasmine-Hostel-158940200825752/ | email=jasminehostel@yahoo.com | address=26 Sherief St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 11 1411 454 <!-- number is wrong -->| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Very clean hostel in downtown. Rooms are nice and big. Friendly staff and free WiFi. }} * {{sleep | name=Cairo Egypt Hostel (formerly King Tut Hostel) | url=http://www.kingtuthostel.com {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=37 Talaat Harb St., 8th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2-2391 7897 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Single/double LE45/70 with shared bathroom, LE75/100 en suite | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Lialy Inn | alt= | url=http://www.facebook.com/lialy.inn.7 | email=lialyinn@gmail.com | address=8 Talaat Harb Sq., Second Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2575 2802 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=One of the best hostels in Cairo, clean rooms with breakfast, cheap, friendly staff and a great location. They have free WiFi and a free airport pick-up service if you going to stay for two nights or more or if you are in a group of two of more people. The new owner is a really cool and laid back guy. Also all artists are welcome to come and practice their art. }} * {{sleep | name=Luna Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.hotellunacairo.com | email= | address=27 Talaat Harb St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2396-1020 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=noon | checkout=midnight | price= | content=One of the best hostels in Cairo, Hostel/Hotel Luna offers both quiet and noisy rooms (depending on the orientation towards Sharia Talaat Harb, incredibly noisy street below), for prices that soared lately, but the cleanliness of rooms is beyond comparison. }} * {{sleep | name=New Minerva Hotel | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Palace Hotel | url=http://www.newpalacehotel.com | email= | address=17, Soliman El Halaby st, From Emad El Din st | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2575 1283 or +20 2 2575 1322 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorms from $6.50, private rooms from $9 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Friendly staff, breakfast included, internet and printer access, free WiFi, rooms with bathroom and AC. 24h/day rooftop restaurant with a peaceful atmosphere, billard table and satellite TV. }} * {{sleep | name=Nubian Hostel | url=http://www.nubianhostel.hostel.com/ | email=nubianhostel@hotmail.com | address=4 Elwy St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Private rooms start from LE70. | checkin= | checkout= | content= Comfortable and clean hostel in downtown. On a side street so it's relatively quiet. The staff are friendly and relaxed. Free WiFi. }} * {{sleep | name=Rotana Palace Hostel | url= | email= | address=37 Talaat Harb St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Don't confuse it with luxury Rotana ''Hotel''. Still, clean rooms, Satellite TV, free WiFi, modern rooms, breakfast included single ensuite LE120. }} * {{sleep | name=Sara Inn Hostel | url=http://www.sarainnhostel.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sultan Hotel | url= | email= | address=Tawfiqqya Souq | lat= | long= | directions=near Nasser metro station, north of Sharia 26th of July | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dorms from LE20 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Homely family atmosphere, satellite TV, kitchen. Popular with Japanese. In the same building are also the Safary Hotel and the Venice Hosokawaya Hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Traveler's House Hotel | url= | email=travelershousehotel@yahoo.com | address=43 Sherief Street | lat= | long= | directions=Downtown | phone=+20 2 2396 4362 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=dorm room is LE45 and rooms start at LE75 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A new hotel in Cairo. Situated in downtown near the Orabi Metro station. Nice clean rooms with high ceilings and large windows. A large common room with a balcony is perfect for hanging out at the end of the day. Free breakfast, wireless internet and hot drinks throughout the day. }} * {{sleep | name=Venice Hosokawaya | alt= | url=http://www.venicehosokawaya.net | email= | address=4 Souk El-Tawfikia Street, 4th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2773 5307 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=1PM | checkout=noon | price=Dorm room is LE35, Private room from LE95 | content= Popular with Japanese and the owner is Japanese national, staff can speak English, Japanese, Arabic. Clean and comfortable. Free breakfast, free wireless internet, free kitchen. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Arabesque Hotel | url=http://www.arabesquehostel.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=arabesquehotel@yahoo.com | address=11 Ramses St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2579 9681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Private bathroom/shared bathroom: single US$23/16.75, twin US$26/21, triple US$29/26. Breakfast included, eighth night is free | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-01-05 | content=It's next to the Egyptian Museum and Nile, and a great place to start exploring the city. The rooms are comfortable and the staff are friendly though somewhat unprofessional. The common room offers fantastic floor to ceiling windows for wonderful views of the city. You may be able to haggle for better prices. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Osiris | url= | email= | address=49 Nubar St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$20-40 | content=Hotel Osiris is a small, 17-room hotel on the top floor of a building near Bab el-Louk Square, and is a five minute walk from Midan Tahrir. The hotel provides clean rooms, some with private bathrooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Paris Hostel | url= | email= | address=15 Talat Harb St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$50 | content=Walid and his staff are great. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Hotel | alt= | url= | email=grandhotel@link.net | address=26 July St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 25757700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$40 | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Conrad Cairo | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/caicici-conrad-cairo/ | email= | address=1191 Nile Corniche | lat=30.065540 | long=31.228088 | directions= | phone=+20-2-25808000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-12-11 | content=A 24-story hotel along the Nile. }} * {{sleep | name=The Nile Ritz-Carlton | alt= | url=http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/middle-east/cairo | email= | address=1113 Corniche El Nil | lat=30.045920 | long=31.232227 | directions= | phone=+20 2 25778899 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q56506795 | lastedit=2016-12-11 | content=It's on the western edge of Midan Tahrir, close to the Egyptian Museum. It was built on the site of the former barracks of the British garrison of Empire days. This branch of the Hilton chain was the first major international hotel to be built in Cairo after the war. Very convenient for transport connections, for the Egyptian Museum and for Downtown. }} * {{sleep | name=Semiramis InterContinental Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/cairo/croha/hoteldetail | email=cairo@interconti.com | address=Corniche El Nil | lat=30.043017 | long=31.232356 | directions= | phone=+20-2-27957171 | tollfree= | fax=+20-2-27963020 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q20949716 | lastedit=2018-01-29 | content=Opened in 1987, the Semiramis is one of Cairo's premier hotels. Contains the Bird Cage Thai restaurant and Sabaya Lebanese restaurant. }} * {{sleep | name=Talisman Hotel de Charme | alt= | url= | email=info@talisman-hotel.com | address=39 Talaat Harb St., 5th floor | lat=30.047225 | long=31.238220 | directions=tucked away in a small alley | phone=+20 2 2393 9431 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=US$61 | content=The outside of the hotel may not be impressive, but this 25-room hotel provides clean, nicely decorated rooms, private marble bathrooms, air conditioning, free internet, and breakfast. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing high-end service. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Ramses Hilton | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/egypt/ramses-hilton-CAIRHTW/index.html | email= | address=1115 Corniche el-Nil | lat=30.05049 | long=31.23196 | directions= | phone=+20 2 2574-4000 | tollfree= | fax=+20 2 2575-7152 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q63341790 | content=Housed in a large, modern, purpose-built tower, the Ramses Hilton has great views from its upper floors, but lacks any real character. Still, the standards are what you would expect from the Hilton chain - as are the prices! Contains a business center, fitness center, outdoor pool, various restaurants and bars. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Fontana Hotel | url= | email= | address=Midan Ramses | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2592-2321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Victoria Hotel | url= | email= | address=66 al-Gomhuriyya | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2589-2290 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Windsor Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.windsorcairo.com | email= | address=19 Alfi Bei St | lat= | long= | directions=a few blocks east of Midan Ramses | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q8024637 | lastedit=2020-09-07 | content=Historic 1983 hotel, complete with colonial furnishes. Popular with those that wishes to have flair of the. Some would however say it's overpriced for what you get. As of 2020, it is closed due to structural damage from nearby subway construction. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Happyton Hotel | url= | email= | address=10 Ali al-Kassar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+20 2 2592-8600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Connect== There are a handful of '''internet cafes''' around Midan Talaat Harb. Free wi-fi is available at Pottery Cafe. Free wi-fi (Orange) is also available at modern coffee shops such as Cilantro and Costa Coffee, where you obtain access by getting a 2-hour "promotional" card from the waiter. McDonalds restaurants also offer free wi-fi. ==Stay safe== Be extra careful crossing the roads in and around Tahrir Square. Egyptian motorists drive fast and seldom obey red lights. Tahrir Square has become one of the most dangerous spots in Greater Cairo, as many political demonstrations have been held there, since 2011. The danger arises not only from the unfortunate escalation of demonstrations into violence, but also because thugs exploit the situation when security forces evacuate the area which makes it easier for them to steal, rob under the threat of injury and even rape. These incidents are usually made by a group of people riding motorcycles. Be careful at Midan Tahrir and Midan Ataba, as these seem to be epicentres for the touts and pretentious helpful locals. They will pretend to innocently ask you where you where you are from and then point you in the wrong direction in direct you towards a friend's business. Only at [[Cairo/Giza|the pyramids]] does this happen more often. Ataba is always crowded and has a very high incidence of pickpocketing, in a scenario such as getting in the metro station from there. ==Cope== All hotels/hostels and people who work the street in downtown will try to sell you vastly overpriced tours around Egypt. They can be very forceful at times, as the competition for tourists is strong and they want to take money from you before the next one gets to you. Do not let yourself be bullied into taking one of these, until you have spoken to fellow travelers who can give you a more neutral opinion. In fact there are very few places in Egypt where it would be necessary to organize tours from the capital, and fewer where it would be financially advantageous. Downtown has many small tourist-oriented tour kiosks. The problem that visitors face is these tours often are inflated in price and always include at least 2 stops to "uncle's" perfume, papyrus, or handicraft shops. This takes away many hours from the tour and time at monuments in the hope that at least a few from the coach will buy something. The better option would be negotiate a taxi for the day. Stop a few taxis and ask what the price would be for a whole day of sightseeing at the places you want to visit. If the price is mutual, a taxi driver will be happy to escort you around town and wait hours in the shade outside for you if they are sure of a good fare at the end of the day instead of driving around Cairo looking for fares. {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Cairo}} {{geo|30.0475|31.2383}} nwpgqw5hrjncgo7i3bfnkffjno8qlok 0 6893 4488207 4271489 2022-07-22T11:14:41Z Ground Zero 1423298 Time and date formatting per [[WV:TDF]], copyedit wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Charters towers Banner.jpg}} '''Charters Towers''' is a hinterland town in [[Central Queensland]], [[Australia]]. ==Understand== Charters Towers is southwest of Townsville, has a unique and colourful history, and is often referred to as the historic golden city. Situated near the Burdekin River, Charters Towers has a rich mining, pastoral and World War II heritage that can be enjoyed by visitors today through the unique 'Ghosts of Gold' experience. Charters Towers maintains a range of heritage listed buildings giving the town a lot of charm. You can tour the Venus Battery and explore the Towers Hill World War II bunkers to savour the history of the city that was once referred to as 'The World'! ==Get in== {{mapframe|-20.07305|146.26028|zoom=13}} By road, Charters Towers is a 90-minute drive from [[Townsville]], a 5½-hour drive from [[Cairns]] and a 15-hour drive from [[Brisbane]] all via the Bruce. There are also direct flights from Townsville to Charters Towers. ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Zara Clark Museum | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zaraclarkmuseum/ | email=zaraclarkmuseum@bigpond.com | address=36 Mosman St | lat=-20.07381 | long=146.25754 | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 3672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM-2PM | price=Adult $8, concession $5, children (age 4-17) $2 | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Delve into the time when Charters Towers was the second biggest city in Queensland during its first gold rush. Historical artefacts, photographs and memorabilia are all on display. }} * {{see | name=Centenary Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Cnr of Hackett Terrace and Dalrymple Road | lat=-20.0662 | long=146.2599 | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Within the park there is a "Gold Discovery Monument", which features a number of sculptures by Queensland artist Hugh Anderson. There is also a children's playground and "Liberty Swing". }} * {{see | name=Butler's Cottage | alt= | url= | email=tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au | address=Ravenswood | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=This well-preserved cottage gives you a glimpse into how the inhabitants of Charters Towers lived during the late 19th century. }} * {{see | name=WWII Bunkers | alt= | url= | email= | address=Towers Hill | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=Altogether there are 29 concrete bunkers built during the Second World War peppered around Towers Hill. The bunkers were used to hide and store explosives and ammunition, with none of them facing each other so that an accident in one of them wouldn't set off a chain reaction. Two of the bunkers now have an interaction video and audio feature, so you can learn more about this period of Charters Towers' history. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Young's Block Fossicking Area | alt= | url=https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/fossicking/north-qld/youngs-block | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Fossick for gold and strike it rich. This area had a significant level of gold mining and production in its heyday. The easiest ways to discover fine alluvial gold are by panning or dry blowing (when there is not much water during the dry period). Note that you must have a fossicking licence. }} * {{do | name=World Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/world-theatre | email=worldtheatre@charterstowers.qld.gov.au | address=82 - 90 Mosman St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5430 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-F 10AM-2PM, 6PM-late; Sa Su 1-6PM | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=Watch movies, live artistic performances and shows. Go and see the art and sculpture gallery inside too. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Catch & Cook Seafood & Burger Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Catch-N-Cook-Seafood-Burger-Bar-1110082359020783/ | email= | address=162 Gill St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 2990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Fish 'n' chips, many types of burgers, fried snacks, cold drinks and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Gold City Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=118 Gill St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 2414 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Buffet-style Chinese. The flavours are catered to Western tastes and are a bit bland if you are looking an authentic experience. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Civic Club | alt=Londoners' Club | url= | email=robyn@ctcivic.com.au | address=36 Ryan St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 1096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Heritage-listed clubhouse. Have a drink and then play a game of billiards on a table that's over 100 years old. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Towers Heritage Lodge Motel | alt= | url=http://www.heritagelodge.com.au | email= | address=79-97 Flinders Highway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 4088 | tollfree=1800 880 444 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Has 25 rooms ranging from motel rooms to self contained apartments. Large garden area with kids playground, BBQ, and pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn and Steakhouse | alt= | url=http://www.cattleman.com.au | email=reservations@cattleman.com.au | address=1 Bridge St | lat= | long= | directions=Cnr Bridge & Plant St | phone=+61 7 47873555 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=38 ground floor air-conditioned rooms comprising of single suites, double/twin Suites, 2-bedroom family rooms, executive suites. Onsite a licensed steakhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, pool with spa, conference facilities, undercover parking and tour bookings can be arranged. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Central Queensland}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|-20.0730555556|146.260277778}} kesqpr4ss6fe94t1l8oiwqlxz8tizls 4488208 4488207 2022-07-22T11:15:23Z Ground Zero 1423298 Improve lead paragraph. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Charters towers Banner.jpg}} '''Charters Towers''' is a hinterland town in [[Central Queensland]], that has a unique and colourful history, and is often referred to as the historic golden city. ==Understand== Charters Towers is southwest of Townsville, near the Burdekin River. Charters Towers has a rich mining, pastoral and World War II heritage that can be enjoyed by visitors today through the unique 'Ghosts of Gold' experience. Charters Towers maintains a range of heritage listed buildings giving the town a lot of charm. You can tour the Venus Battery and explore the Towers Hill World War II bunkers to savour the history of the city that was once referred to as 'The World'! ==Get in== {{mapframe|-20.07305|146.26028|zoom=13}} By road, Charters Towers is a 90-minute drive from [[Townsville]], a 5½-hour drive from [[Cairns]] and a 15-hour drive from [[Brisbane]] all via the Bruce. There are also direct flights from Townsville to Charters Towers. ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Zara Clark Museum | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zaraclarkmuseum/ | email=zaraclarkmuseum@bigpond.com | address=36 Mosman St | lat=-20.07381 | long=146.25754 | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 3672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM-2PM | price=Adult $8, concession $5, children (age 4-17) $2 | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Delve into the time when Charters Towers was the second biggest city in Queensland during its first gold rush. Historical artefacts, photographs and memorabilia are all on display. }} * {{see | name=Centenary Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Cnr of Hackett Terrace and Dalrymple Road | lat=-20.0662 | long=146.2599 | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Within the park there is a "Gold Discovery Monument", which features a number of sculptures by Queensland artist Hugh Anderson. There is also a children's playground and "Liberty Swing". }} * {{see | name=Butler's Cottage | alt= | url= | email=tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au | address=Ravenswood | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=This well-preserved cottage gives you a glimpse into how the inhabitants of Charters Towers lived during the late 19th century. }} * {{see | name=WWII Bunkers | alt= | url= | email= | address=Towers Hill | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=Altogether there are 29 concrete bunkers built during the Second World War peppered around Towers Hill. The bunkers were used to hide and store explosives and ammunition, with none of them facing each other so that an accident in one of them wouldn't set off a chain reaction. Two of the bunkers now have an interaction video and audio feature, so you can learn more about this period of Charters Towers' history. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Young's Block Fossicking Area | alt= | url=https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/fossicking/north-qld/youngs-block | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Fossick for gold and strike it rich. This area had a significant level of gold mining and production in its heyday. The easiest ways to discover fine alluvial gold are by panning or dry blowing (when there is not much water during the dry period). Note that you must have a fossicking licence. }} * {{do | name=World Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/world-theatre | email=worldtheatre@charterstowers.qld.gov.au | address=82 - 90 Mosman St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5430 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-F 10AM-2PM, 6PM-late; Sa Su 1-6PM | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=Watch movies, live artistic performances and shows. Go and see the art and sculpture gallery inside too. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Catch & Cook Seafood & Burger Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Catch-N-Cook-Seafood-Burger-Bar-1110082359020783/ | email= | address=162 Gill St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 2990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Fish 'n' chips, many types of burgers, fried snacks, cold drinks and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Gold City Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=118 Gill St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 2414 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Buffet-style Chinese. The flavours are catered to Western tastes and are a bit bland if you are looking an authentic experience. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Civic Club | alt=Londoners' Club | url= | email=robyn@ctcivic.com.au | address=36 Ryan St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 1096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Heritage-listed clubhouse. Have a drink and then play a game of billiards on a table that's over 100 years old. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Towers Heritage Lodge Motel | alt= | url=http://www.heritagelodge.com.au | email= | address=79-97 Flinders Highway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 4088 | tollfree=1800 880 444 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Has 25 rooms ranging from motel rooms to self contained apartments. Large garden area with kids playground, BBQ, and pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn and Steakhouse | alt= | url=http://www.cattleman.com.au | email=reservations@cattleman.com.au | address=1 Bridge St | lat= | long= | directions=Cnr Bridge & Plant St | phone=+61 7 47873555 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=38 ground floor air-conditioned rooms comprising of single suites, double/twin Suites, 2-bedroom family rooms, executive suites. Onsite a licensed steakhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, pool with spa, conference facilities, undercover parking and tour bookings can be arranged. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Central Queensland}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|-20.0730555556|146.260277778}} sioq4ei0abctmrpge7q7kwtj20hfa9d 4488210 4488208 2022-07-22T11:32:18Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Get in */ cl. Charters Towers is not on the Bruce Highway wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Charters towers Banner.jpg}} '''Charters Towers''' is a hinterland town in [[Central Queensland]], that has a unique and colourful history, and is often referred to as the historic golden city. ==Understand== Charters Towers is southwest of Townsville, near the Burdekin River. Charters Towers has a rich mining, pastoral and World War II heritage that can be enjoyed by visitors today through the unique 'Ghosts of Gold' experience. Charters Towers maintains a range of heritage listed buildings giving the town a lot of charm. You can tour the Venus Battery and explore the Towers Hill World War II bunkers to savour the history of the city that was once referred to as 'The World'! ==Get in== {{mapframe|-20.07305|146.26028|zoom=13}} By road, Charters Towers is a 90-minute drive from [[Townsville]], a 5½-hour drive from [[Cairns]] and a 15-hour drive from [[Brisbane]] all via the Bruce and the Flinders Highways. There are also direct flights from Townsville to Charters Towers. ==Get around== ==See== * {{see | name=Zara Clark Museum | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/zaraclarkmuseum/ | email=zaraclarkmuseum@bigpond.com | address=36 Mosman St | lat=-20.07381 | long=146.25754 | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 3672 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM-2PM | price=Adult $8, concession $5, children (age 4-17) $2 | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Delve into the time when Charters Towers was the second biggest city in Queensland during its first gold rush. Historical artefacts, photographs and memorabilia are all on display. }} * {{see | name=Centenary Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Cnr of Hackett Terrace and Dalrymple Road | lat=-20.0662 | long=146.2599 | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Within the park there is a "Gold Discovery Monument", which features a number of sculptures by Queensland artist Hugh Anderson. There is also a children's playground and "Liberty Swing". }} * {{see | name=Butler's Cottage | alt= | url= | email=tourinfo@charterstowers.qld.gov.au | address=Ravenswood | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=This well-preserved cottage gives you a glimpse into how the inhabitants of Charters Towers lived during the late 19th century. }} * {{see | name=WWII Bunkers | alt= | url= | email= | address=Towers Hill | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=Altogether there are 29 concrete bunkers built during the Second World War peppered around Towers Hill. The bunkers were used to hide and store explosives and ammunition, with none of them facing each other so that an accident in one of them wouldn't set off a chain reaction. Two of the bunkers now have an interaction video and audio feature, so you can learn more about this period of Charters Towers' history. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Young's Block Fossicking Area | alt= | url=https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/fossicking/north-qld/youngs-block | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Fossick for gold and strike it rich. This area had a significant level of gold mining and production in its heyday. The easiest ways to discover fine alluvial gold are by panning or dry blowing (when there is not much water during the dry period). Note that you must have a fossicking licence. }} * {{do | name=World Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/world-theatre | email=worldtheatre@charterstowers.qld.gov.au | address=82 - 90 Mosman St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4761 5430 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-F 10AM-2PM, 6PM-late; Sa Su 1-6PM | price= | lastedit=2018-02-14 | content=Watch movies, live artistic performances and shows. Go and see the art and sculpture gallery inside too. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Catch & Cook Seafood & Burger Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Catch-N-Cook-Seafood-Burger-Bar-1110082359020783/ | email= | address=162 Gill St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 2990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Fish 'n' chips, many types of burgers, fried snacks, cold drinks and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Gold City Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=118 Gill St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 2414 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Buffet-style Chinese. The flavours are catered to Western tastes and are a bit bland if you are looking an authentic experience. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Civic Club | alt=Londoners' Club | url= | email=robyn@ctcivic.com.au | address=36 Ryan St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 1096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-13 | content=Heritage-listed clubhouse. Have a drink and then play a game of billiards on a table that's over 100 years old. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Towers Heritage Lodge Motel | alt= | url=http://www.heritagelodge.com.au | email= | address=79-97 Flinders Highway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4787 4088 | tollfree=1800 880 444 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Has 25 rooms ranging from motel rooms to self contained apartments. Large garden area with kids playground, BBQ, and pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn and Steakhouse | alt= | url=http://www.cattleman.com.au | email=reservations@cattleman.com.au | address=1 Bridge St | lat= | long= | directions=Cnr Bridge & Plant St | phone=+61 7 47873555 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=38 ground floor air-conditioned rooms comprising of single suites, double/twin Suites, 2-bedroom family rooms, executive suites. Onsite a licensed steakhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, pool with spa, conference facilities, undercover parking and tour bookings can be arranged. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Central Queensland}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|-20.0730555556|146.260277778}} 7o9xnwa7rpcxp6w3isz8sww0q1jlvw2 0 6979 4487794 4451311 2022-07-21T15:14:16Z Inferno986return 476466 /* Events */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Cheltenham banner Neptune Fountain.jpg|caption=Detail of the Neptune Fountain}} [[Image:Cheltenham.from.leckhampton.arp.jpg|300px|thumb|Cheltenham]] [[Image:GCHQ-aerial.jpg|300px|thumb|GCHQ doughnut]] [http://www.visitcheltenham.com/ '''Cheltenham'''] is an historic spa town in [[England]], which started its development in the early 1700s with the discovery of healing waters. It became very popular after the visit of King George III in 1788, and developed further. You cannot take the waters in Cheltenham, but you can visit the Pump Room to get a feeling for the ambience. ==Understand== Cheltenham is now probably most famous for the Gold Cup horse race which takes place in mid-March every year. You'll need to book early to find a room, possibly as early as the previous year. Many people accept rooms anywhere within about a {{mi|50}} radius. It's also famous for housing the top secret Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) responsible for signals intelligence (SIGINT) for UKUSA by Britain's best computer scientists and mathematicians, in its doughnut-shaped building (designed that way for security reasons). ==Get in== ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in Great Britain}} {{go | name=Cheltenham Spa station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/CNM.aspx | email= | address=Queens Road, GL51 8NP | lat=51.897 | long=-2.1 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1845519 | content=A little outside the metropolitan area and has frequent rail links to [[London Paddington]], [[Bristol]] and the south and [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]] and the north.}} *'''Golden Valley line''': London Paddington → [[Reading (England)|Reading]] → [[Didcot]] Parkway → [[Swindon]] → [[Kemble]] → [[Stroud]] → Stonehouse → [[Gloucester (England)|Gloucester]] (reverses at Gloucester) → Cheltenham Spa. *'''Cross Country Route''': Bristol Temple Meads → Bristol Parkway → Cheltenham Spa → [[Worcester (England)|Worcester]] Parkway → Birmingham New Street → [[Tamworth (England)|Tamworth]] → [[Burton on Trent]] → [[Derby]] → [[Chesterfield]] → [[Sheffield]] → [[Wakefield (England)|Wakefield]] Westgate → [[Leeds]] → [[York]]. There's a regular bus service (D or E) to the town centre from Cheltenham Spa station: '''[https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/West/Temp/2/DE.pdf Stagecoach (D or E)]''': Hatherley → Warden Hill → Rail Station → Town Centre → Racecourse → Bishop's Cleeve → Woodmancote There is an easy walk through Montpellier into the centre (15–20 minutes). An alternative off-road walking route is [http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/200073/parks_and_open_spaces/547/honeybourne_line The Honeybourne Line] but there have been muggings at night. It's too far to walk if mobility is an issue, so take a taxi. ===By car=== The M5 reaches Cheltenham from the north and south and the A40 from the East (from Oxford) is also a useful transport link. Parking is rarely a problem now in Cheltenham, but the one way systems can sometimes get a little confusing. With this in mind a good option would be to use the Park and Ride facility [http://www.parkandride.net/cheltenham/cheltenham_frameset.shtml National Park and Ride Directory]. If you're planning a day at the races, Cheltenham, has its own [http://www.parkandride.net/cheltenham/cheltenham_frameset.shtml Racecourse Park and Ride] facility ===By bus=== ====Inside of Gloucestershire==== There are buses from [[Cirencester]], [[Stroud]] and other local villages to Cheltenham once an hour. Several bus services go to Cheltenham from Gloucester. The most direct, comfortable and convenient of these is the [https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/west/stagecoach-gold-94 94 (Stagecoach Gold)] bus, which as of March 2018 now operates 24 hours a day (except on Sundays). Less frequent bus services go to and from Tewkesbury, such as the 41 and 42. ====Outside of Gloucestershire==== Many national long-distance buses stop at the {{marker|type=go|name=Royal Well bus station|url=|lat=51.899624|long=-2.078241}} (behind The Promenade) including the Swanbrook 853 bus and the National Express bus. The 853 bus travels from [[Oxford]] to Gloucester several times a day. A single ticket from Cheltenham to Oxford is usually £8.00, but day-return tickets are also available: '''[http://swanbrook.co.uk/oxford-service/1297384 853 (Swanbrook)]''': [[Oxford]] → Cassington (A40) → [[Witney]] → Minster Lovell → [[Burford]] → Northleach → Andoversford → Cheltenham → [[Gloucester (England) |Gloucester]] The National Express has connections to London Heathrow (and beyond). However it's not possible to buy a ticket at the station outside of office-hours, so buy online or by telephone. ===By plane=== Nearby Staverton hosts {{marker|type=go|name=Gloucestershire Airport|url=https://www.gloucestershireairport.co.uk/|lat=51.893737|long=-2.164502}} ({{IATA|GLO}}), which has regular flights to [[Jersey]]. There are also many private aircraft there, which can be chartered. [https://birminghamairport.co.uk Birmingham Airport] ({{IATA|BHX}}) and [https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ Bristol Airport] ({{IATA|BRS}}) are each only a couple of hours ' drive (north and south respectively) and offer a wide range of destinations inside and outside of Europe. It can take several hours to drive to the London airports ([[Heathrow]] ({{IATA|LHR}}), [[Gatwick]] ({{IATA|LGW}}), [https://www.london-luton.co.uk/ Luton] ({{IATA|LTN}}) and [[Stansted]] ({{IATA|STN}})). ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9000|-2.0726|zoom=12}} ===By car=== Cheltenham is relatively easy to get around by car. Tourists should be aware of the one-way system when driving in the town centre, although there are plans to possibly alter this under the Cheltenham Transport Plan. Most parking in the town is paid and is run by [https://www.ncp.co.uk/ NCP] or the [https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/directory/1/car_parks town council]. * {{listing | type=listing | name=St George's Road car park | alt= | url=https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/478/car_parks-council | email= | address=St George's Rd, GL50 3DT | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-8PM including bank/public holidays, Su: 10AM-8PM | price=Up to 1 hour: £1.40, Up to 2 hours: £2.60, Up to 3 hours: £3.60, Up to 4 hours: £4, Up to 6 hours: £7.50, More than 6 hours: £10 | lastedit=2018-01-04 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Portland Gate car park | alt= | url=https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/cheltenham-portland-gates/ | email= | address=Portland Gates, GL50 4DW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Up to 1 hour: £1.50, Up to 2 hours: £2.50, Up to 3 hours: £3.50, Up to 4 hours: £4.50, Up to 6 hours: £7.50, Up to 24 hours: £10.50 | lastedit=2018-01-05 | content= }} ===By taxi=== Taxis are fairly reliable. If you flag a taxi down or get one from the taxi rank you will be charged from the meter, whereas if you book with a taxi company you will be charged considerably less. Most locals use taxis at night as far as the surrounding villages as night-buses are few (apart from a regular link to Gloucester). At night, taxis wait along The Promenade (it can be very busy at pub-closing times). Uber "Local Cab" is available. ===By bus=== The main bus company is [https://www.stagecoachbus.com/ Stagecoach] which operates a number of buses around the town, mainly on routes with letters rather than numbers. The D bus goes from the station through the town centre to the racecourse and on to Bishop's Cleeve. A single from the town centre to the station costs £2.30, and a day ticket for all the Stagecoach services within Cheltenham (Dayrider) costs £4.00. {{listing | name=The Honeybourne Line | alt= | url=https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/33/parks_and_open_spaces/547/honeybourne_line | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-27 | content=The Honeybourne Line is a walking and cycling path that runs from Cheltenham railway station and Queens Road to Tommy Taylors Lane, Pittville Park and Wymans Brook as well as branching off towards the town centre following the river Chelt. It's an ideal way to walk or ride between the town centre and the railway station avoiding main roads. When heading into town (walking away from the train station) use the right hand side tunnel to head for the town centre or use the left hand side tunnel to head to the racecourse. }} ==See== [[Image:Cheltenham - geograph.org.uk - 226850.jpg|300px|thumb|The Promenade, Cheltenham]] *{{see | name=Promenade | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.89840 | long=-2.07799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The broad, tree-lined Promenade and its continuation into Montpellier Walk (look for the caryatids) and Montpellier Street, the town's smart shopping streets (the chain stores are mercifully elsewhere, in the High Street). Look out for the Neptune Fountain at the south end of the gardens in front of the council offices. }} * {{see | name=Imperial Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.89662 | long=-2.07880 | directions=off the Promenade | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Colourful display of summer flowers. }} * {{see | name=Pittville Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.91026 | long=-2.06775 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Swans in Pitville Park (4748).jpg | content=Laid out in the early 19th century as the centre of the then-new residential area of Pittville. The park is arranged round an artificial lake, with Pittville Pump Room on the hillside at the north-western edge. The Pump Room is open for free visits to see the fine interior and water tasting when it is not being used for events or weddings. }} * {{see | name=Cleeve Hill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.93633 | long=-2.01977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Cleeve Hill | image=Cleeve Hill.jpg | wikidata=Q4117384 | content=The highest point of the Cotswolds hill range and in the county of Gloucestershire, at 1,083 feet (330 m). It commands a clear view to the west, over Cheltenham and the racecourse, over the River Severn and into Wales; and to the north over Winchcombe. }} * {{see | name=The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address=Clarence St, GL50 3JT | lat=51.901322 | long=-2.077854 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 237431 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=The Wilson (Cheltenham) | image=Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum on 21 March 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q5090184 | lastedit=2017-11-06 | content=The museum re-opened in 2013 after a £6.3-million project to expand the building including additional galleries, a performance space, larger cafe and shop and a new home for the Cheltenham Tourist Information Centre. The collection of furniture and other pieces by Cotswold-based Arts and Crafts Movement craftsmen such as Ernest Gimson and Edward Barnsley is particularly good. }} * {{see | name=Holst Birthplace Museum | alt= | url=http://www.holstmuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address= 4 Clarence Rd, GL52 2AY | lat=51.90399 | long=-2.07048 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£4.50 | content=The Regency terrace house where Gustav Holst, composer of ''The Planets'' was born in 1874. Interesting both for the building and for the musical history. }} * {{see | name=Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.84514 | long=-2.10490 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake | image=View from Barrow Wake towards Crickley Hill - geograph.org.uk - 986696.jpg | wikidata=Q5185078 | content=The country park is a site of nature conservation, geological & archaeological interest. }} * {{see | name=Leckhampton Hill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.86459 | long=-2.07513 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common | wikidata=Q6511775 | content=A site of Iron Age hill fort and long barrow and famous for its old limestone quarries. One particularly striking feature on the hill is the Devil's Chimney, a substantial pillar of stone left standing next to one of the upper inclines. }} *{{see | name=St. Mary's Church | alt= | url=http://stmstm.org.uk/ | email= | address=Clarence St, GL50 3PL | lat=51.90141 | long=-2.07649 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 519520 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Visit M-F 11AM-3PM; Sa 10AM-noon; Service Su 11AM | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Minster, St Mary's | image=St. Mary's Church, Cheltenham.jpeg | wikidata=Q5090216 | content=Dating to medieval times, it has been in continuous use for 850 years. In 2013 it became Cheltenham Minster. }} ===Further afield=== * {{see | name=Chedworth Roman Villa | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa/ | email=chedworth@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=[[Chedworth]], GL54 3LJ | lat=51.819401 | long=-1.92295 | directions=A half hour walk from the village centre, go from the pub past the church and up the valley. | phone=+44 1242 890256 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult: £9.50; Child (over 5): £4.75; Family: £23.80 | wikipedia=Chedworth Roman Villa | image=Chedworth Roman Villa 2012 - View from northeast.jpg | wikidata=Q5089233 | content=One of the largest Roman villas in the UK. }} * {{see | name=Hailes Abbey | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hailes-abbey/ | email= | address=Hailes, Nr [[Winchcombe]], GL54 5PB | lat=51.969022 | long=-1.928841 | directions=11 miles northeast of Cheltenham | phone=+44 1242 602398 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=adults £4.40, children £2.60, concessions £4.00 | wikipedia=Hailes Abbey | image=Hailes Abbey Landscape.jpg | wikidata=Q1478728 | content= }} * {{see | name=Sudeley Castle | alt= | url=http://www.sudeleycastle.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@sudeley.org.uk | address=[[Winchcombe]], GL54 5JD | lat=51.94737 | long=-1.956387 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 602308 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sudeley Castle | image=Sudeley Castle view from garden Oct07.jpg | wikidata=Q631473 | lastedit=2016-10-22 | content=Historic castle, notable for being amongst other things the final resting place of Henry VIII's sixth wife, Catherine Parr, who is buried in the chapel. }} ==Do== [[Image:Pittville Pump Room.JPG|300px|thumb|Pittvile Pump Room]] * {{do | name=Pittville Pump Room | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/libraries/templates/havingfun.asp?FolderID=203 | email= | address=East Approach Drive, GL52 3JE | lat=51.91210 | long=-2.06730 | directions=10-min walk north of High St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pittville Pump Room | wikidata=Q7199523 | content=Test the waters (and go to concerts) at the Pittville Pump Room. }} * '''Go to the races at''' {{do | name=Cheltenham Racecourse | alt= | url=http://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ | email= | address=Evesham Rd GL50 4SH | lat=51.9203 | long=-2.05778 | directions=A mile north of town on A435 | phone=+44 1242 513014 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-01-19 | wikipedia=Cheltenham Racecourse | wikidata=Q5090224 | content=But only in winter, as (unusually) it's only a jumps-racing course, with frequent fixtures Oct-March. The big event is Cheltenham Gold Cup, held mid-March. }} * {{do | name=Cheltenham Town FC | alt= | url=https://www.ctfc.com/ | email= | address=Whaddon Rd, GL52 5NA | lat=51.906158 | long=-2.060211 | directions=a mile northeast of town centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48932 | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=They were promoted in 2021 and now play soccer in League One, the game's third tier. Their home ground is Whaddon Road (sponsored as Jonny-Rocks Stadium), capacity 7000. }} * {{do | name=Swim at Sandford Parks Lido | alt= | url=http://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=51.89363 | long=-2.07018 | directions=set in landscaped gardens next to Sandford Park | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May - Oct, hours vary | price= | wikipedia=Sandford Parks Lido | wikidata=Q7416213 | lastedit=2017-09-13 | content=The Lido has a 50-m outdoor, main pool (with reserved lanes), a children's outdoor pool, and paddling pool. All the pools are heated to over 70°F (21°C). Café with value hot food. }} * {{do | name=Cineworld Cinema | alt= | url=https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/cheltenham | email= | address=The Brewery, St Margaret's Road, GL50 4EF | lat=51.90307 | long=-2.07607 | directions=Just off the High St, behind Tesco | phone=+44 871 220 8000 (premium rate from mobiles and many non-BT landlines) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The new cinema that put the Odeon out of business. Decent screens, decent sound, comfy seats, expensive popcorn. }} * {{do | name=The Screening Rooms | alt= | url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/cheltenham-the-screening-rooms | email= | address=The Brewery, St Margaret's Road, GL50 4EF | lat=51.90307 | long=-2.07607 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£££ | lastedit=2015-03-29 | content=Situated next to Cineworld, the Screening Rooms offers larger seating, waiter service and a "no kids after 8PM" policy. It's certainly the best way to watch a film but more expensive than Cineworld. Save money by going during the week and during the day and booking online. }} ===Events=== Cheltenham is known for its events. The Cheltenham Gold Cup and Cheltenham Literature festival are internationally recognised and draw thousands of people each year. * {{event | name=Gold Cup horse racing | alt= | url=https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-festival/gold-cup-day/ | email= | address=Cheltenham Racecourse, GL50 4SH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Gold Cup | wikidata=Q11317814 | content=In March. }} * {{event | name=International Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/ | email= | address= | lat=51.89 | long=-2.078 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=first week of May | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Jazz Festival | wikidata=Q5090211 | content= }} * {{event | name=Cheltenham Science Festival | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science | email= | address=Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=early June | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Science Festival | wikidata=Q5090228 | content= }} * {{event | name=Cheltenham International Festival of Music | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music | email= | address= | lat=51.89 | long=-2.078 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3 weeks in July | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Music Festival | wikidata=Q5090219 | content=Music festival and a fringe festival on the same dates. }} * {{event | name=Cheltenham Cricket Festival | alt= | url=https://www.gloscricket.co.uk/ | email= | address=Thirlestaine Rd, GL53 7AD | lat=51.889849 | long=-2.072691 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Starts late July or early August | price= | content= }} * {{event | name=Cheltenham Literature Festival | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature/ | email= | address=Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=October | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Literature Festival | wikidata=Q5090213 | content= }} * {{event | name=Wychwood Festival of music | alt= | url=http://www.wychwoodfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May | price= | wikipedia=Wychwood Festival | image=Bill Bailey - CREDIT - Steve Porter.jpg | wikidata=Q8039571 | content= }} ===Theatre=== [[Image:The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham - geograph.org.uk - 888080.jpg|300px|thumb|The Everyman Theatre]] Cheltenham has several theatres which host a variety of productions. * {{do | name=Bacon Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.bacontheatre.co.uk/ | email= | address=Dean Close School, Shelburne Rd, GL51 6HE | lat=51.892544 | long=-2.10621 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 258002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham | wikidata=Q7715263 | lastedit=2016-10-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Everyman Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/ | email=admin@everymantheatre.org.uk | address=Regent Street, GL50 1HQ | lat=51.89969 | long=-2.075164 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 572573 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham | wikidata=Q5417854 | lastedit=2016-10-24 | content=Cheltenham's oldest theatre, it has been serving the town since 1891. It has had an expensive refurbishment and still produces to top class, West-End productions. Tickets are available from the box office by phone or online. }} * {{do | name=Playhouse Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk/ | email= | address=47-53 Bath Road, GL53 7HG | lat=51.896738 | long=-2.074061 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 522852 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=The Playhouse, Cheltenham | wikidata=Q7757456 | lastedit=2016-10-24 | content=The town's community run theatre since 1945. For 70 years, the people of Cheltenham have enjoyed the notable facility of their own theatre, in which talented amateurs from all walks of life can work together with a single purpose; the presentation of nonprofessional drama of exceptionally high standards to the theatre-going public. }} * {{do | name=Town Hall | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/ | email=boxoffice@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk | address=Imperial Square, GL50 1QA | lat=51.897076 | long=-2.077784 | directions= | phone=+44 844 5762210 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Town Hall | wikidata=Q5090236 | lastedit=2016-10-24 | content=Cheltenham's magnificent town hall also hosts the odd production along with being used as venue for events. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Gloucestershire College | alt=formerly Gloscat | url=https://www.gloscol.ac.uk/about-us-and-jobs-at-gc/campuses-and-contacts/cheltenham/ | email=info@gloscol.ac.uk | address=Princess Elizabeth Way, GL51 7SJ | lat=51.901564 | long=-2.11795 | directions= | phone=+44 345 155 2020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gloucestershire College | wikidata=Q5572096 | lastedit=2018-01-16 | content=Cheltenham's campus is small, but there are plenty of courses that can be taken. There are other campuses in Gloucester and Coleford in the Forest of Dean. }} * {{listing | name=University of Gloucestershire | alt= | url=http://www.glos.ac.uk/Pages/default.aspx | email= | address=The Park, GL50 2RH | lat=51.900013 | long=-2.07975 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 714700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Gloucestershire | wikidata=Q1816872 | lastedit=2018-01-16 | content= }} ==Buy== [[File:Cheltenham.clock.arp.jpg|thumb|The Wishing Fish Clock in the Regent Shopping Arcade. At 45 ft (13.7 m), it's thought to be the world's tallest mechanical clock.]] Cheltenham is a popular shopping destination in the region. Both Promenade street in the centre and Montpellier have many high end shops; including the House of Fraser department store. The High Street and Lower High Street are where you find all the usual chain-stores. There is also the Regent Arcade shopping centre. * {{buy | name=House of Fraser | alt= | url=http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/cheltenham-department-store/store_page_0724,default,pg.html | email=cheltenham@hof.co.uk | address=32-38 Promenade, GL50 1HP | lat=51.899924 | long=-2.076099 | directions= | phone=+44 344 800 3715 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end department store with many of the expensive brands. }} * {{buy | name=Regent Arcade | alt= | url=http://www.regentarcade.co.uk/ | email= | address=High Street, GL50 1JZ | lat=51.899243 | long=-2.074833 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 521345 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not extremely exciting, but quite a few chain shops on two levels. Its biggest attraction is the Wishing Fish Clock which blows bubbles every hour. }} * {{buy | name=John Lewis | alt= | url=https://www.johnlewis.com/our-shops/cheltenham | email= | address=123 High St, GL50 1DQ | lat=51.900121 | long=-2.071821 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 544000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-W, F-Sa: 9AM-6PM, Th: 8AM-7PM, Su: 11AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2018-11-13 | content=A large department store. }} * {{buy | name=Marks & Spencer | alt= | url=https://www.marksandspencer.com/MSStoreDetailsView?storeId=10151&langId=-24&SAPStoreId=2121 | email= | address=173 High Street, GL50 1DF | lat=51.899890 | long=-2.073499 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 521531 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A fairly large branch of the British chain store, with a large food hall and clothing section. }} Outside of the town centre itself consists several retail parks with free parking that should fulfil most of a shopper's needs. * {{buy | name=Gallagher Retail Park | alt= | url=http://www.gallaghershopping.co.uk/ | email= | address=Tewkesbury Road, GL51 9RR | lat=51.917876 | long=-2.104633 | directions= | phone=+44 8081 565533 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-05 | content=Retail park consisting primarily of large Sainsbury's supermarket with gas station, Argos and a café, Next and Sports Direct for clothes shopping and Boots for pharmaceuticals or toiletries. Along with Costa Coffee and Subway. }} * {{buy | name=Kingsditch Retail Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kingsditch Ln, GL51 9PX | lat=51.914335 | long=-2.098646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-05 | content=Retail park consisting primarily of a Marks & Spencer: Simply Food and Home stores. There are also McDonald's and KFC restaurants nearby. }} * {{buy | name=Gateway Retail Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.914042 | long=-2.100533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-05 | content=Retail park with a Currys/PC World and Smyth's for electronics and toys respectively. There is also a small store called Hillary's that does blinds and shutters. }} If you are travelling into or out from Cheltenham on the A40, it's worth taking a look at the Dunkerton's cider shop near Charlton Kings. It is the latest business venture of Julian Dunkerton, founder of Superdry. If cider isn't your fancy, there is also the Battledown Brewery and Sibling Distillery nearby. * {{buy | name=Dunkertons Cider Shop & Bar | alt= | url=https://www.dunkertonscider.co.uk/ | email= | address=Dowdeswell Park, London Rd, GL52 6UT | lat=51.877913 | long=-2.028013 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 650147 | tollfree= | hours=10am-6pm | price= | lastedit=2021-01-05 | content=Has a wide range of ciders and other high-end foods including cheeses and condiments. }} * '''[https://www.cotswoldmarkets.com/cheltenham-farmers-2 Cheltenham Farmers Market]''' is held on The Promenade on the second and last Friday of the month. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Pittville Gates | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-05 | content=A row of popular fast-food rather than one single restaurant. Located on the nearest edge of Pittville Park. Very handy for walking back to the town from the races. Mamaris (pizza, kebab, burgers) are always fresh and friendly. Chinese, Indian and British all available along the same row. }} ** {{eat | name=Mamari's Kebabs | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 Prestbury Rd, GL52 2PN | lat=51.904022 | long=-2.069423 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 226663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th: 4PM-1AM, F-Sa: 4PM-3AM | price= | lastedit=2018-01-05 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Moon Under Water | alt= | url=http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-moon-under-water-cheltenham | email= | address=16-28 Bath Rd, GL53 7HA | lat=51.89740 | long=-2.07235 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 583945 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large Wetherspoon's pub with reasonable food for around £7. This is a large and characterless place, but it does have a nice outdoor area at the rear overlooking Sandford Park. }} * {{eat | name=The Bank House | alt= | url=http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-bank-house | email= | address=15-21 Clarence St, GL50 3JL | lat=51.90094 | long=-2.07590 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 240940 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another Wetherspoon's pub more centrally situated. }} * {{eat | name=Simpson's Fish & Chips | alt= | url=http://simpsonsfishandchips.com/shops/cheltenham/ | email= | address=75 Priors Rd, GL52 5AL | lat=51.903195 | long=-2.04999 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 521964 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-06 | content=Winner of the UK's Number 1 Fish & Chip Takeaway 2016 award. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=The Brewery | alt= | url=http://www.thebreweryquarter.com/ | email= | address= | lat=51.90331 | long=-2.07606 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 574378 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An entertainment/eating complex located behind the Lower High Street. Here you will find a selection of rather boring international chain restaurants including Nando's, Prezzo, Frankie & Benny's and Real China. Parking available (paid). Great if you like eating on industrial-estates. }} * {{eat | name=The Daffodil | alt= | url=http://www.thedaffodil.com/ | email=eat@thedaffodil.com | address=18-20 Suffolk Parade, GL50 2AE | lat=51.892428 | long=-2.080142 | directions=just off Suffolk Road | phone=+44 1242 700055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5PM-11PM, F-Su noon-midnight | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Converted cinema, decorated in an art Deco style. }} * {{eat | name=Flynns | alt= | url=http://flynnsrestaurant.co.uk/ | email= | address=16-17 The Courtyard, GL50 1SR | lat=51.89623 | long=-2.081799 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 252752 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Does a decent steak at a reasonable price. }} * {{eat | name=The Langton | alt= | url=https://www.thelangton.co.uk/ | email= | address=189-191 London Road, GL52 6HT | lat=51.889449 | long=-2.056552 | directions=on London Road in Charlton Kings | phone=+44 1242 233022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Offers some nice (if slightly pricey) bar food in a Regency-style building, and a good Sunday lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Café Rouge | alt= | url=http://www.caferouge.com/locations/cheltenham | email= | address=31-41 The Promenade, GL50 1NW | lat=51.899922 | long=-2.07677 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 529989 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-F 9AM-10PM; Sa 9AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-10-19 | content=Casual French restaurant. One of the best places to eat in central Cheltenham is Café Rouge, just off the high street. It's brilliant and the food is often good and comes with a smile! }} * {{eat | name=Storyteller | alt= | url=http://www.storyteller.co.uk/ | email=post@storyteller.co.uk | address=11 North Place, GL50 4DW | lat=51.90276 | long=-2.07300 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 250343 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably posh and nice. Very popular. }} * {{eat | name=Zizzi's | alt= | url=https://www.zizzi.co.uk/italian/restaurants/cheltenham/sufflok-square | email= | address=St James Church, 3 Suffolk Square, GL50 2DR | lat=51.892981 | long=-2.08015 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 252493 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-10-06 | content=Wonderful converted 19th century church [http://churchdb.gukutils.org.uk/GLS115.php], elegantly decorated with good Italian food and wine. Family/baby-friendly in the daytime. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Le Champignon Sauvage | alt= | url=http://www.lechampignonsauvage.co.uk/ | email= | address=24-28 Suffolk Rd, GL50 2AQ | lat=51.891 | long=-2.08 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 573449 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Be punctual. Entry Tu-Sa 12:30PM-1:15PM (last order: 1:30PM) & 7:30PM-8:30PM (last order: 8:45PM) | price=À la carte lunch or dinner 2 courses: £48, 3 courses: £59, four courses (with cheese and dessert): £69. Set dinner menu: Tu-F two courses £26, 3 courses £32 | wikipedia=Le Champignon Sauvage | wikidata=Q6506674 | content=Cheltenham's only Michelin starred restaurant (two stars); 4 AA rosettes; Good Food Guide, 2014 Chef of the Year (David Everitt-Matthias) & Decanter Restaurant of the Year. You are not to use your mobile phone in the dining room and gentlemen are to sit down when they use the lavatory. }} * {{eat | name=Lumière | alt= | url=http://www.lumiere.cc/ | email=info@lumiere.cc | address=Clarence Parade, GL50 3PA | lat=51.900381 | long=-2.077282 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 222200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Has a good reputation. }} * {{eat | name=The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie | alt=The Ivy | url=https://theivycheltenhambrasserie.com/ | email= | address=Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier St, GL50 1SH | lat= | long= | directions=nearest station is Cheltenham Spa | phone=+44 1242 894 200 | tollfree= | hours=11:30AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-10-27 | content= }} ==Drink== * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Frogmill | alt= | url=https://www.thefrogmill.co.uk/drink/ | email=info@thefrogmill.co.uk | address=A436, Shipton Oliffe, Andoversford, GL54 4HT | lat=51.8634061 | long=-1.9642946 | directions=7 miles east of town centre | phone=+44 1242 386364 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 7AM–11PM, Sa - Su 8AM-11PM, closes midnight F, Sa | price= | lastedit=2020-03-04 | content=A luxurious country pub with 28 bespoke bedrooms, rolling landscapes and seasonal dining. }} * {{drink | name=The Retreat | alt= | url=http://www.theretreatwinebar.co.uk/ | email=retreatcheltenham@hotmail.com | address=10-11 Suffolk Parade, GL50 2AB | lat=51.892911 | long=-2.079822 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 235436 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Established wine bar in Montpellier, located on Suffolk Parade. Worth finding to enjoy the "posh" side of Cheltenham. Popular with Cheltenham College on Friday/Saturday when it can be very busy. Ask the locals for other lesser known restaurants and bars nearby. Montpellier is not easy to explore without local knowledge. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Sandford Park Ale House | alt= | url=http://sandfordparkalehouse.co.uk/ | email=spalehouse@gmail.com | address=20 High St, GL50 1DZ | lat=51.896815 | long=-2.069983 | directions=Head east along the High St until just out of the shopping area | phone=+44 1242 574517 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-06-11 | content=A slightly out-of-the-ordinary bar that takes real ale very seriously offering lots of variety. Also sells lager, cider and food. Large rear garden for drinking in }} * {{drink | name=Shakes2Go | alt= | url=http://www.shakes-2go.com/shops/cheltenham/ | email= | address=9 Grosvenor St, GL52 2SQ | lat=51.898154 | long=-2.070934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-29 | content=A wide array of ice cream shakes made from delicious and not so delicious ingredients. }} * {{drink | name=The Swan | alt= | url=http://www.theswancheltenham.co.uk/ | email= | address=35-37 High Street, GL50 1DX | lat=51.897582 | long=-2.070558 | directions=located on The Strand (which connects to The High St) | phone=+44 1242 243726 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=A popular bar with frequent entertainment and has a large heated outdoor area for smokers. Serves both local and known-brand drinks. }} The only large nightclubs in town are V (formerly ''Moda'') and Moomoo (formerly ''Blush''), nothing unique but both enjoyable. Popular mainly with students. * {{drink | name=Moomoo | alt=formerly Blush | url=https://www.moomooclubrooms.co.uk/cheltenham | email= | address=1 Regent Street, GL50 1HA | lat=51.900207 | long=-2.074726 | directions= | phone=+44 7584 252188 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-08-09 | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=YMCA | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamymca.com/ | email=info@cheltenhamymca.com | address=6 Vittoria Walk, GL50 1TP | lat=51.896235 | long=-2.07596 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 524024 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=dormitory bed from £20 rooms from £30 | lastedit=2020-03-04 | Hours=M-F 7:30AM-10PM; Sa Su 9AM-10PM | content=Has Wi-Fi. Letting rooms to tourists supports their charitable work for the homeless. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Bentons Guest House | alt= | url=http://bentons-guest-house.hotel-in-cheltenham.co.uk/en/ | email= | address=71 Bath Rd, GL52 6YG | lat=51.895860 | long=-2.075073 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 517417 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£35 pppn | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Cross Ways Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.crosswaysguesthouse.com/ | email=book@crosswaysguesthouse.com | address=57 Bath Rd, GL53 7LH | lat=51.895355 | long=-2.075477 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 527683 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single £45 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=http://www.hiexcheltenham.com/ | email=reservations@hiexcheltenham.com | address=Dunalley St, GL50 4AP | lat=51.904559 | long=-2.076545 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 548200 | tollfree= | fax=+44 1242 548201 | price=£60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Located in the centre of the town; many amenities are within easy walking distance. }} * {{sleep | name=Charlton Kings Hotel & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.charltonkingshotel.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@charltonkingshotel.co.uk | address=London Rd, GL52 6UU | lat=51.881246 | long=-2.037057 | directions=on the A40 towards Oxford, just out of town centre | phone=+44 1242 231061 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-22 | content=Located right on the east side of town, making it easy to get to from Oxford or London. }} * {{sleep | name=Butlers | alt= | url=http://www.butlers-hotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=Western Rd GL50 3RN | lat=51.900 | long=-2.089 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 570771 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Edwardian villa made into a butler-themed B&B, with the 8 bedrooms named after a famous example. (Jeeves would be mortified to find himself here - he insisted he was a "gentleman's personal gentleman".) No children under 9 or dogs. }} * {{sleep | name=Beaumont House | alt= | url=https://willowboutiquehotels.com/ | email= | address=56 Shurdington Rd GL53 0JE | lat=51.885 | long=-2.085 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 223311 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Smart stylish B&B in a Victorian villa. No dogs. }} * {{sleep | name=The Wheatsheaf | alt= | url= | email= | address=283 Old Bath Rd GL53 9AJ | lat=51.877 | long=-2.073 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 525371 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £120 | lastedit=2021-05-30 | content=17th century coaching inn with good restaurant and rooms. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Ellensborough Park | alt= | url=http://www.ellenboroughpark.com/ | email= | address=Southam Rd, GL52 3NJ | lat=51.9267 | long=-2.04167 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 545454 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£150-200 | wikipedia=Ellenborough Park Hotel | image=Southam House, Southam, Glos..jpg | wikidata=Q13529108 | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Du Vin | alt= | url=https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/cheltenham/ | email=info.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com | address=Parabola Rd, GL50 3AH | lat=51.898323 | long=-2.082682 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 370584 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£85-100 | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Malmaison | alt=formerly The Montpellier Chapter | url=https://www.malmaison.com/locations/cheltenham/ | email= | address=Bayshill Rd, GL50 3AS | lat=51.896038 | long=-2.08406 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 370655 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£85-100 | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The George Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.culthotels.com/ | email= | address=St George’s Rd, GL50 3DZ | lat=51.899199 | long=-2.081609 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 235751 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£80-125 | lastedit=2020-06-11 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Queens, Montpellier | alt= | url=http://www.queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk/ | email=H6632@accor.com | address=The Promenade, GL50 1NN | lat=51.896354 | long=-2.08023 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 514754 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-10 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=No 38 The Park | alt= | url=https://www.no38thepark.com/ | email= | address=38 Evesham Rd, GL52 2AH | lat=51.906007 | long=-2.070435 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 822929 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £200 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Upscale hotel in Georgian townhouse, dog-friendly. }} * {{sleep | name=No 131 | alt= | url=https://www.no131.com/ | email= | address=131 Promenade GL50 1NW | lat=51.897093 | long=-2.08018 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 822939 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £180 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Georgian villa got up in modern style, good dining. No dogs. }} * {{sleep | name=The Bradley | alt= | url=https://thebradleyhotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=19 Royal Parade Mews, Bayshill Rd GL50 3AY | lat=51.897 | long=-2.082 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 519077 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £150 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Elegant B&B in a Georgian town house. Dog-friendly, no children under 16. }} ==Stay safe== Cheltenham is mostly a safe town. The so-called "bad areas" though are Hester's Way to the west of the town centre and Whaddon to the north-east. == Connect == As of May 2022, Cheltenham has 4G with EE and Vodafone, and 5G with O2 and Three. ==Go next== [http://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poimap2.php?lat=51.8992&lon=-2.0739&zoom=10&layer=OD&lang=en&name=Cheltenham Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby] * [[Gloucester (England)|Gloucester]] is about {{mile|9}} west. * [[Tewkesbury]] is about 9 miles north. * [[Cotswolds]] villages of [[Bourton-on-the-Water]], [[Stow-on-the-Wold]] and [[Moreton-in-Marsh]] are about 10 miles east. * [[Cirencester]], the 'capital of the Cotswolds' is a half hour drive to the south * [[Bristol]] is a longer day trip to the south. {{routebox | image1=UK-Motorway-M5.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=SW | minorl1=[[Stroud]] | majorl1=[[Bristol]] | directionr1=N | majorr1=[[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]] | minorr1=[[Tewkesbury]] | image2=UK_road_A40.svg | imagesize2=40 | 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|51.9081,-2.0359 |51.9081,-2.0362 |51.9074,-2.0364 |51.9075,-2.0371 |51.9075,-2.0373 |51.9076,-2.0373 |51.9076,-2.0373 |51.9076,-2.0375 |51.9076,-2.0375 |51.9074,-2.0376 |51.9073,-2.0376 |51.9071,-2.0376 |51.9068,-2.0377 |51.9068,-2.0376 |51.9066,-2.0377 |51.9065,-2.0377 |51.9064,-2.0377 |51.9062,-2.0378 |51.9059,-2.0379 |51.9058,-2.0379 |51.9053,-2.0379 |51.9052,-2.0378}} ed2rnjzc9rej8zdjz7hfhxdo7btlw02 4487797 4487794 2022-07-21T15:16:37Z Inferno986return 476466 /* Events */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Cheltenham banner Neptune Fountain.jpg|caption=Detail of the Neptune Fountain}} [[Image:Cheltenham.from.leckhampton.arp.jpg|300px|thumb|Cheltenham]] [[Image:GCHQ-aerial.jpg|300px|thumb|GCHQ doughnut]] [http://www.visitcheltenham.com/ '''Cheltenham'''] is an historic spa town in [[England]], which started its development in the early 1700s with the discovery of healing waters. It became very popular after the visit of King George III in 1788, and developed further. You cannot take the waters in Cheltenham, but you can visit the Pump Room to get a feeling for the ambience. ==Understand== Cheltenham is now probably most famous for the Gold Cup horse race which takes place in mid-March every year. You'll need to book early to find a room, possibly as early as the previous year. Many people accept rooms anywhere within about a {{mi|50}} radius. It's also famous for housing the top secret Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) responsible for signals intelligence (SIGINT) for UKUSA by Britain's best computer scientists and mathematicians, in its doughnut-shaped building (designed that way for security reasons). ==Get in== ===By train=== {{seealso|Rail travel in Great Britain}} {{go | name=Cheltenham Spa station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/CNM.aspx | email= | address=Queens Road, GL51 8NP | lat=51.897 | long=-2.1 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1845519 | content=A little outside the metropolitan area and has frequent rail links to [[London Paddington]], [[Bristol]] and the south and [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]] and the north.}} *'''Golden Valley line''': London Paddington → [[Reading (England)|Reading]] → [[Didcot]] Parkway → [[Swindon]] → [[Kemble]] → [[Stroud]] → Stonehouse → [[Gloucester (England)|Gloucester]] (reverses at Gloucester) → Cheltenham Spa. *'''Cross Country Route''': Bristol Temple Meads → Bristol Parkway → Cheltenham Spa → [[Worcester (England)|Worcester]] Parkway → Birmingham New Street → [[Tamworth (England)|Tamworth]] → [[Burton on Trent]] → [[Derby]] → [[Chesterfield]] → [[Sheffield]] → [[Wakefield (England)|Wakefield]] Westgate → [[Leeds]] → [[York]]. There's a regular bus service (D or E) to the town centre from Cheltenham Spa station: '''[https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/West/Temp/2/DE.pdf Stagecoach (D or E)]''': Hatherley → Warden Hill → Rail Station → Town Centre → Racecourse → Bishop's Cleeve → Woodmancote There is an easy walk through Montpellier into the centre (15–20 minutes). An alternative off-road walking route is [http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/200073/parks_and_open_spaces/547/honeybourne_line The Honeybourne Line] but there have been muggings at night. It's too far to walk if mobility is an issue, so take a taxi. ===By car=== The M5 reaches Cheltenham from the north and south and the A40 from the East (from Oxford) is also a useful transport link. Parking is rarely a problem now in Cheltenham, but the one way systems can sometimes get a little confusing. With this in mind a good option would be to use the Park and Ride facility [http://www.parkandride.net/cheltenham/cheltenham_frameset.shtml National Park and Ride Directory]. If you're planning a day at the races, Cheltenham, has its own [http://www.parkandride.net/cheltenham/cheltenham_frameset.shtml Racecourse Park and Ride] facility ===By bus=== ====Inside of Gloucestershire==== There are buses from [[Cirencester]], [[Stroud]] and other local villages to Cheltenham once an hour. Several bus services go to Cheltenham from Gloucester. The most direct, comfortable and convenient of these is the [https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/west/stagecoach-gold-94 94 (Stagecoach Gold)] bus, which as of March 2018 now operates 24 hours a day (except on Sundays). Less frequent bus services go to and from Tewkesbury, such as the 41 and 42. ====Outside of Gloucestershire==== Many national long-distance buses stop at the {{marker|type=go|name=Royal Well bus station|url=|lat=51.899624|long=-2.078241}} (behind The Promenade) including the Swanbrook 853 bus and the National Express bus. The 853 bus travels from [[Oxford]] to Gloucester several times a day. A single ticket from Cheltenham to Oxford is usually £8.00, but day-return tickets are also available: '''[http://swanbrook.co.uk/oxford-service/1297384 853 (Swanbrook)]''': [[Oxford]] → Cassington (A40) → [[Witney]] → Minster Lovell → [[Burford]] → Northleach → Andoversford → Cheltenham → [[Gloucester (England) |Gloucester]] The National Express has connections to London Heathrow (and beyond). However it's not possible to buy a ticket at the station outside of office-hours, so buy online or by telephone. ===By plane=== Nearby Staverton hosts {{marker|type=go|name=Gloucestershire Airport|url=https://www.gloucestershireairport.co.uk/|lat=51.893737|long=-2.164502}} ({{IATA|GLO}}), which has regular flights to [[Jersey]]. There are also many private aircraft there, which can be chartered. [https://birminghamairport.co.uk Birmingham Airport] ({{IATA|BHX}}) and [https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/ Bristol Airport] ({{IATA|BRS}}) are each only a couple of hours ' drive (north and south respectively) and offer a wide range of destinations inside and outside of Europe. It can take several hours to drive to the London airports ([[Heathrow]] ({{IATA|LHR}}), [[Gatwick]] ({{IATA|LGW}}), [https://www.london-luton.co.uk/ Luton] ({{IATA|LTN}}) and [[Stansted]] ({{IATA|STN}})). ==Get around== {{Mapframe|51.9000|-2.0726|zoom=12}} ===By car=== Cheltenham is relatively easy to get around by car. Tourists should be aware of the one-way system when driving in the town centre, although there are plans to possibly alter this under the Cheltenham Transport Plan. Most parking in the town is paid and is run by [https://www.ncp.co.uk/ NCP] or the [https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/directory/1/car_parks town council]. * {{listing | type=listing | name=St George's Road car park | alt= | url=https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/478/car_parks-council | email= | address=St George's Rd, GL50 3DT | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 8AM-8PM including bank/public holidays, Su: 10AM-8PM | price=Up to 1 hour: £1.40, Up to 2 hours: £2.60, Up to 3 hours: £3.60, Up to 4 hours: £4, Up to 6 hours: £7.50, More than 6 hours: £10 | lastedit=2018-01-04 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Portland Gate car park | alt= | url=https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/cheltenham-portland-gates/ | email= | address=Portland Gates, GL50 4DW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price=Up to 1 hour: £1.50, Up to 2 hours: £2.50, Up to 3 hours: £3.50, Up to 4 hours: £4.50, Up to 6 hours: £7.50, Up to 24 hours: £10.50 | lastedit=2018-01-05 | content= }} ===By taxi=== Taxis are fairly reliable. If you flag a taxi down or get one from the taxi rank you will be charged from the meter, whereas if you book with a taxi company you will be charged considerably less. Most locals use taxis at night as far as the surrounding villages as night-buses are few (apart from a regular link to Gloucester). At night, taxis wait along The Promenade (it can be very busy at pub-closing times). Uber "Local Cab" is available. ===By bus=== The main bus company is [https://www.stagecoachbus.com/ Stagecoach] which operates a number of buses around the town, mainly on routes with letters rather than numbers. The D bus goes from the station through the town centre to the racecourse and on to Bishop's Cleeve. A single from the town centre to the station costs £2.30, and a day ticket for all the Stagecoach services within Cheltenham (Dayrider) costs £4.00. {{listing | name=The Honeybourne Line | alt= | url=https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/33/parks_and_open_spaces/547/honeybourne_line | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-27 | content=The Honeybourne Line is a walking and cycling path that runs from Cheltenham railway station and Queens Road to Tommy Taylors Lane, Pittville Park and Wymans Brook as well as branching off towards the town centre following the river Chelt. It's an ideal way to walk or ride between the town centre and the railway station avoiding main roads. When heading into town (walking away from the train station) use the right hand side tunnel to head for the town centre or use the left hand side tunnel to head to the racecourse. }} ==See== [[Image:Cheltenham - geograph.org.uk - 226850.jpg|300px|thumb|The Promenade, Cheltenham]] *{{see | name=Promenade | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.89840 | long=-2.07799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The broad, tree-lined Promenade and its continuation into Montpellier Walk (look for the caryatids) and Montpellier Street, the town's smart shopping streets (the chain stores are mercifully elsewhere, in the High Street). Look out for the Neptune Fountain at the south end of the gardens in front of the council offices. }} * {{see | name=Imperial Gardens | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.89662 | long=-2.07880 | directions=off the Promenade | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Colourful display of summer flowers. }} * {{see | name=Pittville Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.91026 | long=-2.06775 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Swans in Pitville Park (4748).jpg | content=Laid out in the early 19th century as the centre of the then-new residential area of Pittville. The park is arranged round an artificial lake, with Pittville Pump Room on the hillside at the north-western edge. The Pump Room is open for free visits to see the fine interior and water tasting when it is not being used for events or weddings. }} * {{see | name=Cleeve Hill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.93633 | long=-2.01977 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Cleeve Hill | image=Cleeve Hill.jpg | wikidata=Q4117384 | content=The highest point of the Cotswolds hill range and in the county of Gloucestershire, at 1,083 feet (330 m). It commands a clear view to the west, over Cheltenham and the racecourse, over the River Severn and into Wales; and to the north over Winchcombe. }} * {{see | name=The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhammuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address=Clarence St, GL50 3JT | lat=51.901322 | long=-2.077854 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 237431 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=The Wilson (Cheltenham) | image=Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum on 21 March 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q5090184 | lastedit=2017-11-06 | content=The museum re-opened in 2013 after a £6.3-million project to expand the building including additional galleries, a performance space, larger cafe and shop and a new home for the Cheltenham Tourist Information Centre. The collection of furniture and other pieces by Cotswold-based Arts and Crafts Movement craftsmen such as Ernest Gimson and Edward Barnsley is particularly good. }} * {{see | name=Holst Birthplace Museum | alt= | url=http://www.holstmuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address= 4 Clarence Rd, GL52 2AY | lat=51.90399 | long=-2.07048 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£4.50 | content=The Regency terrace house where Gustav Holst, composer of ''The Planets'' was born in 1874. Interesting both for the building and for the musical history. }} * {{see | name=Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.84514 | long=-2.10490 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake | image=View from Barrow Wake towards Crickley Hill - geograph.org.uk - 986696.jpg | wikidata=Q5185078 | content=The country park is a site of nature conservation, geological & archaeological interest. }} * {{see | name=Leckhampton Hill | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.86459 | long=-2.07513 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common | wikidata=Q6511775 | content=A site of Iron Age hill fort and long barrow and famous for its old limestone quarries. One particularly striking feature on the hill is the Devil's Chimney, a substantial pillar of stone left standing next to one of the upper inclines. }} *{{see | name=St. Mary's Church | alt= | url=http://stmstm.org.uk/ | email= | address=Clarence St, GL50 3PL | lat=51.90141 | long=-2.07649 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 519520 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Visit M-F 11AM-3PM; Sa 10AM-noon; Service Su 11AM | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Minster, St Mary's | image=St. Mary's Church, Cheltenham.jpeg | wikidata=Q5090216 | content=Dating to medieval times, it has been in continuous use for 850 years. In 2013 it became Cheltenham Minster. }} ===Further afield=== * {{see | name=Chedworth Roman Villa | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa/ | email=chedworth@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=[[Chedworth]], GL54 3LJ | lat=51.819401 | long=-1.92295 | directions=A half hour walk from the village centre, go from the pub past the church and up the valley. | phone=+44 1242 890256 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult: £9.50; Child (over 5): £4.75; Family: £23.80 | wikipedia=Chedworth Roman Villa | image=Chedworth Roman Villa 2012 - View from northeast.jpg | wikidata=Q5089233 | content=One of the largest Roman villas in the UK. }} * {{see | name=Hailes Abbey | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hailes-abbey/ | email= | address=Hailes, Nr [[Winchcombe]], GL54 5PB | lat=51.969022 | long=-1.928841 | directions=11 miles northeast of Cheltenham | phone=+44 1242 602398 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=adults £4.40, children £2.60, concessions £4.00 | wikipedia=Hailes Abbey | image=Hailes Abbey Landscape.jpg | wikidata=Q1478728 | content= }} * {{see | name=Sudeley Castle | alt= | url=http://www.sudeleycastle.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@sudeley.org.uk | address=[[Winchcombe]], GL54 5JD | lat=51.94737 | long=-1.956387 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 602308 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sudeley Castle | image=Sudeley Castle view from garden Oct07.jpg | wikidata=Q631473 | lastedit=2016-10-22 | content=Historic castle, notable for being amongst other things the final resting place of Henry VIII's sixth wife, Catherine Parr, who is buried in the chapel. }} ==Do== [[Image:Pittville Pump Room.JPG|300px|thumb|Pittvile Pump Room]] * {{do | name=Pittville Pump Room | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/libraries/templates/havingfun.asp?FolderID=203 | email= | address=East Approach Drive, GL52 3JE | lat=51.91210 | long=-2.06730 | directions=10-min walk north of High St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Pittville Pump Room | wikidata=Q7199523 | content=Test the waters (and go to concerts) at the Pittville Pump Room. }} * '''Go to the races at''' {{do | name=Cheltenham Racecourse | alt= | url=http://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ | email= | address=Evesham Rd GL50 4SH | lat=51.9203 | long=-2.05778 | directions=A mile north of town on A435 | phone=+44 1242 513014 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-01-19 | wikipedia=Cheltenham Racecourse | wikidata=Q5090224 | content=But only in winter, as (unusually) it's only a jumps-racing course, with frequent fixtures Oct-March. The big event is Cheltenham Gold Cup, held mid-March. }} * {{do | name=Cheltenham Town FC | alt= | url=https://www.ctfc.com/ | email= | address=Whaddon Rd, GL52 5NA | lat=51.906158 | long=-2.060211 | directions=a mile northeast of town centre | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q48932 | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=They were promoted in 2021 and now play soccer in League One, the game's third tier. Their home ground is Whaddon Road (sponsored as Jonny-Rocks Stadium), capacity 7000. }} * {{do | name=Swim at Sandford Parks Lido | alt= | url=http://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=51.89363 | long=-2.07018 | directions=set in landscaped gardens next to Sandford Park | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May - Oct, hours vary | price= | wikipedia=Sandford Parks Lido | wikidata=Q7416213 | lastedit=2017-09-13 | content=The Lido has a 50-m outdoor, main pool (with reserved lanes), a children's outdoor pool, and paddling pool. All the pools are heated to over 70°F (21°C). Café with value hot food. }} * {{do | name=Cineworld Cinema | alt= | url=https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/cheltenham | email= | address=The Brewery, St Margaret's Road, GL50 4EF | lat=51.90307 | long=-2.07607 | directions=Just off the High St, behind Tesco | phone=+44 871 220 8000 (premium rate from mobiles and many non-BT landlines) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The new cinema that put the Odeon out of business. Decent screens, decent sound, comfy seats, expensive popcorn. }} * {{do | name=The Screening Rooms | alt= | url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/cheltenham-the-screening-rooms | email= | address=The Brewery, St Margaret's Road, GL50 4EF | lat=51.90307 | long=-2.07607 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£££ | lastedit=2015-03-29 | content=Situated next to Cineworld, the Screening Rooms offers larger seating, waiter service and a "no kids after 8PM" policy. It's certainly the best way to watch a film but more expensive than Cineworld. Save money by going during the week and during the day and booking online. }} ===Events=== Cheltenham is known for its events. The Cheltenham Gold Cup and Cheltenham Literature festival are internationally recognised and draw thousands of people each year. * {{event | name=Gold Cup horse racing | alt= | url=https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-festival/gold-cup-day/ | email= | date=14 | month=March | year=2023 | enddate=17 | address=Cheltenham Racecourse, GL50 4SH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Gold Cup | wikidata=Q11317814 | content=Every March. }} * {{event | name=International Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz/ | email= | address= | lat=51.89 | long=-2.078 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=first week of May | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Jazz Festival | wikidata=Q5090211 | content= }} * {{event | name=Cheltenham Science Festival | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science | email= | address=Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=early June | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Science Festival | wikidata=Q5090228 | content= }} * {{event | name=Cheltenham International Festival of Music | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music | email= | address= | lat=51.89 | long=-2.078 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=3 weeks in July | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Music Festival | wikidata=Q5090219 | content=Music festival and a fringe festival on the same dates. }} * {{event | name=Cheltenham Cricket Festival | alt= | url=https://www.gloscricket.co.uk/ | email= | address=Thirlestaine Rd, GL53 7AD | lat=51.889849 | long=-2.072691 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Starts late July or early August | price= | content= }} * {{event | name=Cheltenham Literature Festival | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature/ | email= | address=Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | date=7 | month=October | year=2022 | enddate=16 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Literature Festival | wikidata=Q5090213 | content=Every October. }} * {{event | name=Wychwood Festival of music | alt= | url=http://www.wychwoodfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May | price= | wikipedia=Wychwood Festival | image=Bill Bailey - CREDIT - Steve Porter.jpg | wikidata=Q8039571 | content= }} ===Theatre=== [[Image:The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham - geograph.org.uk - 888080.jpg|300px|thumb|The Everyman Theatre]] Cheltenham has several theatres which host a variety of productions. * {{do | name=Bacon Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.bacontheatre.co.uk/ | email= | address=Dean Close School, Shelburne Rd, GL51 6HE | lat=51.892544 | long=-2.10621 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 258002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=The Bacon Theatre, Cheltenham | wikidata=Q7715263 | lastedit=2016-10-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Everyman Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/ | email=admin@everymantheatre.org.uk | address=Regent Street, GL50 1HQ | lat=51.89969 | long=-2.075164 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 572573 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham | wikidata=Q5417854 | lastedit=2016-10-24 | content=Cheltenham's oldest theatre, it has been serving the town since 1891. It has had an expensive refurbishment and still produces to top class, West-End productions. Tickets are available from the box office by phone or online. }} * {{do | name=Playhouse Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk/ | email= | address=47-53 Bath Road, GL53 7HG | lat=51.896738 | long=-2.074061 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 522852 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=The Playhouse, Cheltenham | wikidata=Q7757456 | lastedit=2016-10-24 | content=The town's community run theatre since 1945. For 70 years, the people of Cheltenham have enjoyed the notable facility of their own theatre, in which talented amateurs from all walks of life can work together with a single purpose; the presentation of nonprofessional drama of exceptionally high standards to the theatre-going public. }} * {{do | name=Town Hall | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/ | email=boxoffice@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk | address=Imperial Square, GL50 1QA | lat=51.897076 | long=-2.077784 | directions= | phone=+44 844 5762210 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Cheltenham Town Hall | wikidata=Q5090236 | lastedit=2016-10-24 | content=Cheltenham's magnificent town hall also hosts the odd production along with being used as venue for events. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Gloucestershire College | alt=formerly Gloscat | url=https://www.gloscol.ac.uk/about-us-and-jobs-at-gc/campuses-and-contacts/cheltenham/ | email=info@gloscol.ac.uk | address=Princess Elizabeth Way, GL51 7SJ | lat=51.901564 | long=-2.11795 | directions= | phone=+44 345 155 2020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gloucestershire College | wikidata=Q5572096 | lastedit=2018-01-16 | content=Cheltenham's campus is small, but there are plenty of courses that can be taken. There are other campuses in Gloucester and Coleford in the Forest of Dean. }} * {{listing | name=University of Gloucestershire | alt= | url=http://www.glos.ac.uk/Pages/default.aspx | email= | address=The Park, GL50 2RH | lat=51.900013 | long=-2.07975 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 714700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Gloucestershire | wikidata=Q1816872 | lastedit=2018-01-16 | content= }} ==Buy== [[File:Cheltenham.clock.arp.jpg|thumb|The Wishing Fish Clock in the Regent Shopping Arcade. At 45 ft (13.7 m), it's thought to be the world's tallest mechanical clock.]] Cheltenham is a popular shopping destination in the region. Both Promenade street in the centre and Montpellier have many high end shops; including the House of Fraser department store. The High Street and Lower High Street are where you find all the usual chain-stores. There is also the Regent Arcade shopping centre. * {{buy | name=House of Fraser | alt= | url=http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/cheltenham-department-store/store_page_0724,default,pg.html | email=cheltenham@hof.co.uk | address=32-38 Promenade, GL50 1HP | lat=51.899924 | long=-2.076099 | directions= | phone=+44 344 800 3715 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A high-end department store with many of the expensive brands. }} * {{buy | name=Regent Arcade | alt= | url=http://www.regentarcade.co.uk/ | email= | address=High Street, GL50 1JZ | lat=51.899243 | long=-2.074833 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 521345 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Not extremely exciting, but quite a few chain shops on two levels. Its biggest attraction is the Wishing Fish Clock which blows bubbles every hour. }} * {{buy | name=John Lewis | alt= | url=https://www.johnlewis.com/our-shops/cheltenham | email= | address=123 High St, GL50 1DQ | lat=51.900121 | long=-2.071821 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 544000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-W, F-Sa: 9AM-6PM, Th: 8AM-7PM, Su: 11AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2018-11-13 | content=A large department store. }} * {{buy | name=Marks & Spencer | alt= | url=https://www.marksandspencer.com/MSStoreDetailsView?storeId=10151&langId=-24&SAPStoreId=2121 | email= | address=173 High Street, GL50 1DF | lat=51.899890 | long=-2.073499 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 521531 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A fairly large branch of the British chain store, with a large food hall and clothing section. }} Outside of the town centre itself consists several retail parks with free parking that should fulfil most of a shopper's needs. * {{buy | name=Gallagher Retail Park | alt= | url=http://www.gallaghershopping.co.uk/ | email= | address=Tewkesbury Road, GL51 9RR | lat=51.917876 | long=-2.104633 | directions= | phone=+44 8081 565533 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-05 | content=Retail park consisting primarily of large Sainsbury's supermarket with gas station, Argos and a café, Next and Sports Direct for clothes shopping and Boots for pharmaceuticals or toiletries. Along with Costa Coffee and Subway. }} * {{buy | name=Kingsditch Retail Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kingsditch Ln, GL51 9PX | lat=51.914335 | long=-2.098646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-05 | content=Retail park consisting primarily of a Marks & Spencer: Simply Food and Home stores. There are also McDonald's and KFC restaurants nearby. }} * {{buy | name=Gateway Retail Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.914042 | long=-2.100533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-05 | content=Retail park with a Currys/PC World and Smyth's for electronics and toys respectively. There is also a small store called Hillary's that does blinds and shutters. }} If you are travelling into or out from Cheltenham on the A40, it's worth taking a look at the Dunkerton's cider shop near Charlton Kings. It is the latest business venture of Julian Dunkerton, founder of Superdry. If cider isn't your fancy, there is also the Battledown Brewery and Sibling Distillery nearby. * {{buy | name=Dunkertons Cider Shop & Bar | alt= | url=https://www.dunkertonscider.co.uk/ | email= | address=Dowdeswell Park, London Rd, GL52 6UT | lat=51.877913 | long=-2.028013 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 650147 | tollfree= | hours=10am-6pm | price= | lastedit=2021-01-05 | content=Has a wide range of ciders and other high-end foods including cheeses and condiments. }} * '''[https://www.cotswoldmarkets.com/cheltenham-farmers-2 Cheltenham Farmers Market]''' is held on The Promenade on the second and last Friday of the month. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Pittville Gates | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-05 | content=A row of popular fast-food rather than one single restaurant. Located on the nearest edge of Pittville Park. Very handy for walking back to the town from the races. Mamaris (pizza, kebab, burgers) are always fresh and friendly. Chinese, Indian and British all available along the same row. }} ** {{eat | name=Mamari's Kebabs | alt= | url= | email= | address=9 Prestbury Rd, GL52 2PN | lat=51.904022 | long=-2.069423 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 226663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th: 4PM-1AM, F-Sa: 4PM-3AM | price= | lastedit=2018-01-05 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Moon Under Water | alt= | url=http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-moon-under-water-cheltenham | email= | address=16-28 Bath Rd, GL53 7HA | lat=51.89740 | long=-2.07235 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 583945 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Large Wetherspoon's pub with reasonable food for around £7. This is a large and characterless place, but it does have a nice outdoor area at the rear overlooking Sandford Park. }} * {{eat | name=The Bank House | alt= | url=http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-bank-house | email= | address=15-21 Clarence St, GL50 3JL | lat=51.90094 | long=-2.07590 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 240940 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another Wetherspoon's pub more centrally situated. }} * {{eat | name=Simpson's Fish & Chips | alt= | url=http://simpsonsfishandchips.com/shops/cheltenham/ | email= | address=75 Priors Rd, GL52 5AL | lat=51.903195 | long=-2.04999 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 521964 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-06 | content=Winner of the UK's Number 1 Fish & Chip Takeaway 2016 award. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=The Brewery | alt= | url=http://www.thebreweryquarter.com/ | email= | address= | lat=51.90331 | long=-2.07606 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 574378 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An entertainment/eating complex located behind the Lower High Street. Here you will find a selection of rather boring international chain restaurants including Nando's, Prezzo, Frankie & Benny's and Real China. Parking available (paid). Great if you like eating on industrial-estates. }} * {{eat | name=The Daffodil | alt= | url=http://www.thedaffodil.com/ | email=eat@thedaffodil.com | address=18-20 Suffolk Parade, GL50 2AE | lat=51.892428 | long=-2.080142 | directions=just off Suffolk Road | phone=+44 1242 700055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 5PM-11PM, F-Su noon-midnight | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Converted cinema, decorated in an art Deco style. }} * {{eat | name=Flynns | alt= | url=http://flynnsrestaurant.co.uk/ | email= | address=16-17 The Courtyard, GL50 1SR | lat=51.89623 | long=-2.081799 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 252752 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Does a decent steak at a reasonable price. }} * {{eat | name=The Langton | alt= | url=https://www.thelangton.co.uk/ | email= | address=189-191 London Road, GL52 6HT | lat=51.889449 | long=-2.056552 | directions=on London Road in Charlton Kings | phone=+44 1242 233022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Offers some nice (if slightly pricey) bar food in a Regency-style building, and a good Sunday lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Café Rouge | alt= | url=http://www.caferouge.com/locations/cheltenham | email= | address=31-41 The Promenade, GL50 1NW | lat=51.899922 | long=-2.07677 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 529989 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-F 9AM-10PM; Sa 9AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2016-10-19 | content=Casual French restaurant. One of the best places to eat in central Cheltenham is Café Rouge, just off the high street. It's brilliant and the food is often good and comes with a smile! }} * {{eat | name=Storyteller | alt= | url=http://www.storyteller.co.uk/ | email=post@storyteller.co.uk | address=11 North Place, GL50 4DW | lat=51.90276 | long=-2.07300 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 250343 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Reasonably posh and nice. Very popular. }} * {{eat | name=Zizzi's | alt= | url=https://www.zizzi.co.uk/italian/restaurants/cheltenham/sufflok-square | email= | address=St James Church, 3 Suffolk Square, GL50 2DR | lat=51.892981 | long=-2.08015 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 252493 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2016-10-06 | content=Wonderful converted 19th century church [http://churchdb.gukutils.org.uk/GLS115.php], elegantly decorated with good Italian food and wine. Family/baby-friendly in the daytime. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Le Champignon Sauvage | alt= | url=http://www.lechampignonsauvage.co.uk/ | email= | address=24-28 Suffolk Rd, GL50 2AQ | lat=51.891 | long=-2.08 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 573449 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Be punctual. Entry Tu-Sa 12:30PM-1:15PM (last order: 1:30PM) & 7:30PM-8:30PM (last order: 8:45PM) | price=À la carte lunch or dinner 2 courses: £48, 3 courses: £59, four courses (with cheese and dessert): £69. Set dinner menu: Tu-F two courses £26, 3 courses £32 | wikipedia=Le Champignon Sauvage | wikidata=Q6506674 | content=Cheltenham's only Michelin starred restaurant (two stars); 4 AA rosettes; Good Food Guide, 2014 Chef of the Year (David Everitt-Matthias) & Decanter Restaurant of the Year. You are not to use your mobile phone in the dining room and gentlemen are to sit down when they use the lavatory. }} * {{eat | name=Lumière | alt= | url=http://www.lumiere.cc/ | email=info@lumiere.cc | address=Clarence Parade, GL50 3PA | lat=51.900381 | long=-2.077282 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 222200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Has a good reputation. }} * {{eat | name=The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie | alt=The Ivy | url=https://theivycheltenhambrasserie.com/ | email= | address=Rotunda Terrace, Montpellier St, GL50 1SH | lat= | long= | directions=nearest station is Cheltenham Spa | phone=+44 1242 894 200 | tollfree= | hours=11:30AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-10-27 | content= }} ==Drink== * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Frogmill | alt= | url=https://www.thefrogmill.co.uk/drink/ | email=info@thefrogmill.co.uk | address=A436, Shipton Oliffe, Andoversford, GL54 4HT | lat=51.8634061 | long=-1.9642946 | directions=7 miles east of town centre | phone=+44 1242 386364 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 7AM–11PM, Sa - Su 8AM-11PM, closes midnight F, Sa | price= | lastedit=2020-03-04 | content=A luxurious country pub with 28 bespoke bedrooms, rolling landscapes and seasonal dining. }} * {{drink | name=The Retreat | alt= | url=http://www.theretreatwinebar.co.uk/ | email=retreatcheltenham@hotmail.com | address=10-11 Suffolk Parade, GL50 2AB | lat=51.892911 | long=-2.079822 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 235436 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=Established wine bar in Montpellier, located on Suffolk Parade. Worth finding to enjoy the "posh" side of Cheltenham. Popular with Cheltenham College on Friday/Saturday when it can be very busy. Ask the locals for other lesser known restaurants and bars nearby. Montpellier is not easy to explore without local knowledge. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Sandford Park Ale House | alt= | url=http://sandfordparkalehouse.co.uk/ | email=spalehouse@gmail.com | address=20 High St, GL50 1DZ | lat=51.896815 | long=-2.069983 | directions=Head east along the High St until just out of the shopping area | phone=+44 1242 574517 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-06-11 | content=A slightly out-of-the-ordinary bar that takes real ale very seriously offering lots of variety. Also sells lager, cider and food. Large rear garden for drinking in }} * {{drink | name=Shakes2Go | alt= | url=http://www.shakes-2go.com/shops/cheltenham/ | email= | address=9 Grosvenor St, GL52 2SQ | lat=51.898154 | long=-2.070934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-29 | content=A wide array of ice cream shakes made from delicious and not so delicious ingredients. }} * {{drink | name=The Swan | alt= | url=http://www.theswancheltenham.co.uk/ | email= | address=35-37 High Street, GL50 1DX | lat=51.897582 | long=-2.070558 | directions=located on The Strand (which connects to The High St) | phone=+44 1242 243726 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content=A popular bar with frequent entertainment and has a large heated outdoor area for smokers. Serves both local and known-brand drinks. }} The only large nightclubs in town are V (formerly ''Moda'') and Moomoo (formerly ''Blush''), nothing unique but both enjoyable. Popular mainly with students. * {{drink | name=Moomoo | alt=formerly Blush | url=https://www.moomooclubrooms.co.uk/cheltenham | email= | address=1 Regent Street, GL50 1HA | lat=51.900207 | long=-2.074726 | directions= | phone=+44 7584 252188 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-08-09 | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=YMCA | alt= | url=http://www.cheltenhamymca.com/ | email=info@cheltenhamymca.com | address=6 Vittoria Walk, GL50 1TP | lat=51.896235 | long=-2.07596 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 524024 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=dormitory bed from £20 rooms from £30 | lastedit=2020-03-04 | Hours=M-F 7:30AM-10PM; Sa Su 9AM-10PM | content=Has Wi-Fi. Letting rooms to tourists supports their charitable work for the homeless. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Bentons Guest House | alt= | url=http://bentons-guest-house.hotel-in-cheltenham.co.uk/en/ | email= | address=71 Bath Rd, GL52 6YG | lat=51.895860 | long=-2.075073 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 517417 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£35 pppn | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Cross Ways Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.crosswaysguesthouse.com/ | email=book@crosswaysguesthouse.com | address=57 Bath Rd, GL53 7LH | lat=51.895355 | long=-2.075477 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 527683 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single £45 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express | alt= | url=http://www.hiexcheltenham.com/ | email=reservations@hiexcheltenham.com | address=Dunalley St, GL50 4AP | lat=51.904559 | long=-2.076545 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 548200 | tollfree= | fax=+44 1242 548201 | price=£60 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Located in the centre of the town; many amenities are within easy walking distance. }} * {{sleep | name=Charlton Kings Hotel & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.charltonkingshotel.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@charltonkingshotel.co.uk | address=London Rd, GL52 6UU | lat=51.881246 | long=-2.037057 | directions=on the A40 towards Oxford, just out of town centre | phone=+44 1242 231061 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-22 | content=Located right on the east side of town, making it easy to get to from Oxford or London. }} * {{sleep | name=Butlers | alt= | url=http://www.butlers-hotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=Western Rd GL50 3RN | lat=51.900 | long=-2.089 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 570771 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Edwardian villa made into a butler-themed B&B, with the 8 bedrooms named after a famous example. (Jeeves would be mortified to find himself here - he insisted he was a "gentleman's personal gentleman".) No children under 9 or dogs. }} * {{sleep | name=Beaumont House | alt= | url=https://willowboutiquehotels.com/ | email= | address=56 Shurdington Rd GL53 0JE | lat=51.885 | long=-2.085 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 223311 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Smart stylish B&B in a Victorian villa. No dogs. }} * {{sleep | name=The Wheatsheaf | alt= | url= | email= | address=283 Old Bath Rd GL53 9AJ | lat=51.877 | long=-2.073 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 525371 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £120 | lastedit=2021-05-30 | content=17th century coaching inn with good restaurant and rooms. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Ellensborough Park | alt= | url=http://www.ellenboroughpark.com/ | email= | address=Southam Rd, GL52 3NJ | lat=51.9267 | long=-2.04167 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 545454 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£150-200 | wikipedia=Ellenborough Park Hotel | image=Southam House, Southam, Glos..jpg | wikidata=Q13529108 | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Du Vin | alt= | url=https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/cheltenham/ | email=info.cheltenham@hotelduvin.com | address=Parabola Rd, GL50 3AH | lat=51.898323 | long=-2.082682 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 370584 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£85-100 | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Malmaison | alt=formerly The Montpellier Chapter | url=https://www.malmaison.com/locations/cheltenham/ | email= | address=Bayshill Rd, GL50 3AS | lat=51.896038 | long=-2.08406 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 370655 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£85-100 | lastedit=2016-10-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The George Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.culthotels.com/ | email= | address=St George’s Rd, GL50 3DZ | lat=51.899199 | long=-2.081609 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 235751 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£80-125 | lastedit=2020-06-11 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Queens, Montpellier | alt= | url=http://www.queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk/ | email=H6632@accor.com | address=The Promenade, GL50 1NN | lat=51.896354 | long=-2.08023 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 514754 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-10 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=No 38 The Park | alt= | url=https://www.no38thepark.com/ | email= | address=38 Evesham Rd, GL52 2AH | lat=51.906007 | long=-2.070435 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 822929 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £200 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Upscale hotel in Georgian townhouse, dog-friendly. }} * {{sleep | name=No 131 | alt= | url=https://www.no131.com/ | email= | address=131 Promenade GL50 1NW | lat=51.897093 | long=-2.08018 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 822939 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £180 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Georgian villa got up in modern style, good dining. No dogs. }} * {{sleep | name=The Bradley | alt= | url=https://thebradleyhotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=19 Royal Parade Mews, Bayshill Rd GL50 3AY | lat=51.897 | long=-2.082 | directions= | phone=+44 1242 519077 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £150 | lastedit=2020-08-17 | content=Elegant B&B in a Georgian town house. Dog-friendly, no children under 16. }} ==Stay safe== Cheltenham is mostly a safe town. The so-called "bad areas" though are Hester's Way to the west of the town centre and Whaddon to the north-east. == Connect == As of May 2022, Cheltenham has 4G with EE and Vodafone, and 5G with O2 and Three. ==Go next== [http://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poimap2.php?lat=51.8992&lon=-2.0739&zoom=10&layer=OD&lang=en&name=Cheltenham Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby] * [[Gloucester (England)|Gloucester]] is about {{mile|9}} west. * [[Tewkesbury]] is about 9 miles north. * [[Cotswolds]] villages of [[Bourton-on-the-Water]], [[Stow-on-the-Wold]] and [[Moreton-in-Marsh]] are about 10 miles east. * [[Cirencester]], the 'capital of the Cotswolds' is a half hour drive to the south * [[Bristol]] is a longer day trip to the south. {{routebox | image1=UK-Motorway-M5.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=SW | minorl1=[[Stroud]] | majorl1=[[Bristol]] | directionr1=N | majorr1=[[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]] | minorr1=[[Tewkesbury]] | image2=UK_road_A40.svg | imagesize2=40 | 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Let's avoid debate, per talk page wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|China Banner 2.jpg|caption=Nine Dragon Wall|pgname=China}} {{other uses}} {{COVID-19 box|For information about entering China, see [[#Get in|"Get in"]] below. COVID-19 cases in China are generally on low level and life within the country mostly continues as normal, although cases are higher in border areas due to more international traffic. Since early December 2021, localized outbreaks have also been reported in individual cities. Some restrictions continue, which vary widely and may change with little notice. Face masks continue to be required in some areas, and (despite the annoyance created) regular COVID testing irrespective of symptoms is adopted by some local governments. Chinese authorities adopt zero-COVID policy in dealing with even the smallest outbreaks, and cities or even entire provinces can be locked down at short notice should any infection cluster emerge, meaning that you could be stuck for weeks, or even months on end. '''Food supply may not keep up''' with lockdown measures, so you should keep some durable food to prepare for the worst case. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2022-07-03}} China (中国; ''Zhōngguó'') is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long and rich history is present in people's thinking and values, and in the art, architecture, and feats of engineering that remain from dynasties past. After a tumultuous 20th century, China has dramatically re-emerged as an economic powerhouse. Its rapid development has been paralleled by an ascent onto the international stage. Of course there are growing pains when high-rises and factories surge up to dwarf centuries-old pagodas, but there's also a strong sense of enthusiasm and optimism about what the future holds. If you visit now, you can see the relics of millennia of history and experience the signs of further transformations in progress. ==Regions== China's [[Chinese provinces and regions|hierarchy of administrative divisions]] has 22 '''provinces''' (省 ''shěng'') which tend to have their own cultural identities, and 5 '''autonomous regions''' (自治区 ''zìzhìqū''), each with a designated minority ethnic group. These along with four municipalities (直辖市 ''zhíxiáshì'') make up what is known as '''mainland China'''. {{disclaimerbox|Wikivoyage covers '''[[Hong Kong]]''', '''[[Macau]]''' and '''[[Taiwan]]''' in separate articles. They have separate immigration and visa systems and issue their own currencies. Journeys between any two of them or between any of them and mainland China will involve border inspections. * '''Hong Kong''' and '''Macau''' are [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|special administrative regions]] (SARs, 特别行政区 ''tèbié xíngzhèngqū''): part of China but with distinct political systems. * '''Taiwan''' has been completely autonomous since the end of the civil war in 1949, when the victorious Communists created the People's Republic of China on the mainland, and the defeated Nationalist government was left holding only Taiwan and some outlying islands. On paper, both governments claim sovereignty over all of China including Taiwan and support eventual re-unification. Wikivoyage also covers the [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]] islands in the Taiwan article. ''This does not represent an endorsement of any political position.''}} For the purposes of Wikivoyage, these provinces are grouped into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of China.svg | regionmaptext=Regions of China | regionmapsize=500px | region1name=[[Northeast China]] | region1color=#d5dc76 | region1items=[[Liaoning]], [[Jilin]], [[Heilongjiang]] | region1description=Historically known as '''Manchuria''', the Northeast is a land of steppes, vast forests, and long snowy winters. Culturally influenced by Russia, Korea, and Japan, it contains a mix of modern cities and "rust belt" industrial towns that have become neglected. | region2name=[[North China]] | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items=[[Shandong]], [[Shanxi]], [[Inner Mongolia]], [[Henan]], [[Hebei]], [[Beijing]], [[Tianjin]] | region2description=The plains of North China around the fertile Yellow River basin were the '''cradle of Chinese civilization'''. They have been the political center of Chinese empires for millennia, and are home to the modern capital, Beijing. | region3name=[[Northwest China]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Shaanxi]], [[Gansu]], [[Ningxia]], [[Qinghai]], [[Xinjiang]] | region3description=A historical borderland, with grasslands giving way to deserts and mountains, and with the ancient Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Northwest China is home to many Muslims and ethnic minorities who at times formed independent kingdoms. | region4name=[[Southwest China]] | region4color=#4da9c4 | region4items=[[Tibet]], [[Sichuan]], [[Chongqing (municipality)|Chongqing]], [[Yunnan]], [[Guizhou]] | region4description=Minority peoples, spectacular scenery, and backpacker havens. | region5name=[[South-central China]] | region5color=#a78379 | region5items=[[Anhui]], [[Hubei]], [[Hunan]], [[Jiangxi]] | region5description=Yangtze River Basin area, farms, mountains, river gorges, temperate and sub-tropical forests. | region6name=[[South China]] | region6color=#ffd0d0 | region6items=[[Guangdong]], [[Guangxi]], [[Hainan]] | region6description=Traditional trading center, manufacturing and tech powerhouse. | region7name=[[East China]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=[[Jiangsu]], [[Shanghai]], [[Zhejiang]], [[Fujian]] | region7description=The "land of fish and rice", traditional water towns, and China's new cosmopolitan economic center. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Northeast China]]|wikidata=Q43934,Q45208,Q19206}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[North China]]|wikidata=Q43407,Q46913,Q41079,Q43684,Q21208,Q956,Q11736}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Northwest China]]|wikidata=Q47974,Q42392,Q57448,Q45833,Q34800}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Southwest China]]|wikidata=Q17269,Q43194,Q47097,Q19770,Q11725}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a78379|title=[[South-central China]]|wikidata=Q40956,Q46862,Q45761,Q57052}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffd0d0|title=[[South China]]|wikidata=Q15175,Q42200,Q15176}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[East China]]|wikidata=Q16963,Q8686,Q16967,Q41705}} ==Cities== <!--{{Mapframe|37.6|104.2|height=550|width=700|zoom=4}}--> [[File:Gateofheavenlypeace.JPG|thumb|Tiananmen, [[Beijing]]]] Here are nine of China's most interesting cities for travelers. Others are listed in region articles. <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Beijing]]|wikidata=Q956}} (北京) — the capital, cultural center, and home of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and other important historical sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Chengdu]]|lat=30.657|long=104.066}} (成都) — capital of [[Sichuan]] province, known for tingly-spicy food, and home of the giant pandas * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Guangzhou]]|wikidata=Q16572}} (广州) — one of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south, near [[Hong Kong]], and main center of Cantonese culture [[File:漓江山水.jpg|thumb|Li River near [[Guilin]]]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hangzhou]]|wikidata=Q4970}} (杭州) — built around West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and southern terminus of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Harbin]]|wikidata=Q42956}} (哈尔滨) — capital of [[Heilongjiang]], which hosts the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during its bitterly cold winters * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kashgar]]|wikidata=Q170521}} (Chinese: 喀什, Uyghur: قەشقەر) — center of Uyghur culture, with a beautiful and well-preserved old town, and the famous Id Kah Mosque * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nanjing]]|wikidata=Q16666}} (南京) — the capital during the early Ming Dynasty and Republic of China era, a renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Shanghai]]|wikidata=Q8686}} (上海) — China's largest city, famous for its riverside cityscape, a major commercial center with many shopping opportunities * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Xi'an]]|wikidata=Q5826}} (西安) — the oldest city and ancient capital of China, terminus of the ancient [[Silk Road]], and home of the terracotta warriors <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> You can travel to many of these cities using the new [[High-speed rail in China|fast trains]]. In particular, the Hangzhou - Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing line is a convenient way to see these historic areas. ==Other destinations== Some of the most famous tourist attractions in China are: * {{marker|name=[[Great Wall of China]]|wikidata=Q12501}} (万里长城) — longer than 8,000&nbsp;km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China * {{marker|name=[[Hainan]]|wikidata=Q42200}} (海南) — a tropical paradise island undergoing heavy tourism-oriented development * {{marker|name=[[Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q4111}} (九寨沟) — known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes and as the home of the giant pandas * {{marker|name=[[Leshan]]|wikidata=Q426868|image=Leshan DaF0 Grand Buddha.JPG}} — most famous for its huge riverside cliff-carving of Buddha and nearby [[Mount Emei]] * {{marker|name=[[Qomolangma|Mount Everest]]|wikidata=Q3457459}} — straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, this is the world's highest mountain * {{marker|name=[[Mount Tai]]|wikidata=Q216059}} (泰山 Tài Shān) — one of the five sacred Taoist mountains in China, and the most-climbed mountain in China * {{marker|name=[[Tibet]]|wikidata=Q17269}} (西藏) — with a majority of Tibetan Buddhists and traditional Tibetan culture, it feels like an entirely different world * {{marker|name=[[Yungang Grottoes]]|lat=40.11143|long=113.13233}} (云冈石窟) — these mountain-side caves and recesses number more than 50, and are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues * {{marker|name=[[Guilin]] karst|lat=25.2667|long=110.2833}} (桂林) — sensational mountain landscapes that have long been the subject of Chinese paintings China has over 40 sites on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List#China|UNESCO World Heritage List]]. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationPRChina.svg}} China is one of the major civilizations in this world, and for many centuries stood out as a leading nation with technologies that the West was not able to match until the early modern period. Paper and gunpowder are examples of Chinese inventions that are still widely used today. As the dominant power in the region for much of its history, China exported much of its culture to neighboring [[Vietnam]], [[Korea]] and [[Japan]], and Chinese influences can still be seen in the cultures of these countries. Chinese civilization has endured millennia of tumultuous upheaval and revolutions, golden ages and periods of anarchy. Through the economic boom initiated by the reforms since the 1980s, China has returned to its place as a major political and economic world power, buoyed by its large, industrious population and abundant natural resources. The depth and complexity of the Chinese civilization, with its rich heritage, has fascinated Westerners such as [[Marco Polo]] and Gottfried Leibniz in centuries past, and will continue to excite — and bewilder — the traveler today. In Chinese, China is ''zhōng guó'', literally "central state" but often translated more poetically as "Middle Kingdom". People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). ===History=== : ''See [[Imperial China]] for more information on pre-revolutionary China.'' ====Ancient China==== According to legend, the origin of the Chinese civilization can be traced to the '''Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors''' (三皇五帝), though they are regarded as mythical figures by most modern historians. The recorded history of Chinese civilization can be traced back to the [[Along the Yellow River|Yellow River]] valley, said to be the "cradle of Chinese civilization". The '''Xia Dynasty''' (夏朝, c.2070 BC- c.1600 BC) was the first dynasty to be described in ancient historical chronicles, though to date, no indisputable proof of its existence has been found. Some archaeologists have linked the [[Erlitou]] settlements to the Xia dynasty, but this is a controversial position. [[File:Statue of Lao Tzu in Quanzhou.jpg|thumb|Statue of Laozi in [[Quanzhou]]]] The '''Shang Dynasty''' (商朝, c.1600 BC- 1046 BC), China's first archaeologically confirmed dynasty, only ruled across the Yellow River basin. There were other Bronze Age civilisations in what is now China at about the same time, at least the [[Liangzhu Culture]] in the lower [[Along the Yangtze River|Yangtze]] region around [[Lake Tai]] and one further up that river in [[Sichuan]] whose main archeological site is at [[Sanxingdui]]. The Shang were succeeded by the '''Zhou Dynasty''' (周朝, 1046 BC- 256 BC), who expanded their empire southward into the Yangtze river basin. The Zhou adopted feudalism as their system of government; feudal lords ruled over their respective territories with a high degree of autonomy, even maintaining their own armies, while at the same time paying tribute to the king and recognizing him as the symbolic ruler of China. During the second half of the Zhou period, China descended into centuries of political turmoil, with the feudal lords of numerous small fiefdoms vying for power during the '''Spring and Autumn Period''' (春秋时代, 770 BC- 476 BC), and later stabilized into seven large states in the '''Warring States period''' (战国时代, 475 BC- 221 BC). This tumultuous period gave birth to China's greatest thinkers including Confucius, Mencius and Laozi (also spelt Lao-Tzu), who made substantial contributions to Chinese thought and culture, as well as the military strategist Sun Tzu, whose ''Art of War'' is studied to this day. ====Imperial China==== {{See also|On the trail of Marco Polo}} China was unified in 221 BC under Qin Shi Huang, "First Emperor of Qin". His '''Qin Dynasty''' (秦朝, 221 BC—206 BC) instituted a centralized system of government for China, and standardized weights and measures, Chinese characters and currency to create unity. The '''Han Dynasty''' (汉朝, 206 BC—220 AD) took over in 206 BC after a period of revolt and civil war, ushering in the first golden age of Chinese civilization. To this day the majority Chinese race use the term "Han" to describe themselves, and Chinese characters continue to be called "Han characters" (汉字 ''hànzì'') in Chinese. The Han Dynasty presided over the beginning of the [[Silk Road]], and the invention of paper. The empire was also expanded further southward, incorporating what is today Fujian, Guangdong and northern Vietnam. The collapse of the Han Dynasty in AD 220 led to a period of political turmoil and war known as '''the Three Kingdoms Period''' (三国时期, 220—280), which China split into the three separate states of '''Wei''' (魏, 220-265), '''Shu''' (蜀, 221—263) and '''Wu''' (吴, 222—280). The '''Jin Dynasty''' (晋朝, 265—420) reunified China in AD 280, though the reunification was short-lived, and China would rapidly descend into civil war and division again. From AD 420 to 589, China was divided into two parts, '''the Southern and Northern dynasties''' (南北朝). The '''Sui Dynasty''' (隋朝, 581—618) reunified China in 581. Sui were famous for major public works projects, such as the engineering feat of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]], which gradually developed into the Canal linking Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. Certain sections of the canal are still navigable today. [[File:Great Wall of China (I) (7183821235).jpg|thumb|The Great Wall]] In 618 AD, the Sui were supplanted by the '''Tang Dynasty''' (唐朝, 618- 907), ushering in the second golden age of Chinese civilization, marked by a flowering of Chinese poetry, the rise of Buddhism and statecraft. After the collapse of the Tang Dynasty in AD 907, China was divided again, until it was reunified under the '''Song Dynasty''' (宋朝, 960—1279) in AD 960. In 1127, the Song were driven south of the Huai river by the Jurchens, where they continued to rule as the Southern Song based in Linan (临安 ''Lín'ān'', modern-day Hangzhou). Although militarily weak, the Song attained a high level of commercial and economic development that would be unmatched in the West until the [[Industrial Revolution]]. The '''Yuan Dynasty''' (元朝, 1271—1368, one of the four divisions of the [[Mongol Empire]]) defeated the Jurchens, then conquered the Song in 1279, and ruled the vast empire from Khanbaliq (大都 ''Dàdū'', modern-day Beijing). After defeating the Mongols, the '''Ming dynasty''' (明朝, 1368—1644) re-instituted rule by ethnic Han. The Ming period was noted for trade and exploration, with [[Voyages of Zheng He|Zheng He's numerous voyages]] to [[Southeast Asia]], [[India]] and the [[Middle East|Arab world]], even reaching the eastern coast of [[Africa]]; see [[Maritime Silk Road]]. Famous buildings in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, were built in this period. The last imperial dynasty, the '''Qing dynasty''' (清朝, 1644—1911), were ethnic Manchus who further expanded the Chinese empire to roughly its current boundaries by incorporating the western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet. The Qing dynasty fell into decay in the 19th century and China was often described as the "sick man of Asia" (東亞病夫/东亚病夫). It was nibbled apart by the Western powers and Japan, a period dubbed by the Chinese as the "Century of Humiliation". The Westerners and Japanese established their own treaty ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin. China lost several territories to foreign powers, including Hong Kong to Britain, and Taiwan to Japan, and it lost control of its tributaries, Vietnam, Korea and the Ryukyu Islands. This is also the period where the stereotypical appearance of Chinese people, such as pigtails, Manchu hairstyles, and ''magua'' (a kind of Manchu clothing) got rooted in other foreign countries due to a surge of foreign communications since the sea ban. The turmoil during the end of the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China-era led to the emigration of many Chinese, who established overseas Chinese communities in many other parts of the world. Most overseas Chinese who emigrated before World War II were from [[Fujian]], [[Guangdong]] or [[Hainan]], making those provinces the natural places to go if you want to explore the [[legacy of the Overseas Chinese]]. ====The Republic and World War II==== {{see also|Chinese Revolutionary Destinations|Pacific War|Long March}} The 2000-year-old imperial system collapsed in 1911, when Sun Yat-Sen founded the '''Republic of China'''. Central rule collapsed in 1916 after Yuan Shih-kai, the second president of the Republic and self-declared emperor, passed away; China descended into anarchy, with warlords ruling over different regions of China and fighting wars with each other. In 1919, student protests in Beijing over the perceived unfavorable terms of the Treaty of Versailles (since China had participated in [[World War I]] as part of the Allies) gave birth to the "May Fourth Movement", which espoused reforms to Chinese society, such as the use of the vernacular in writing, and the development of science and democracy. The intellectual ferment of the movement gave birth to the reorganized '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) in 1919 and the '''Chinese Communist Party''' (CCP), in 1921. It also laid the foundation for the establishment of Standard Mandarin as the first standard spoken form of Chinese for the entire country. After much of eastern China was united under KMT rule in 1928, the CCP and the KMT turned on each other, and the CCP fled to Yan'an in Shaanxi in the epic [[Long March]]. Although Shanghai became one of the most prosperous cities in East Asia during the 1920s and 30s, underlying problems throughout the vast countryside, particularly the more inland parts of the country, such as civil unrest, extreme poverty, famines and warlord conflict, remained. Japan established a puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria in 1931, and launched a full-scale invasion of China's heartland in 1937. The Japanese implemented a brutal system of rule in Eastern China, culminating in the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. After fleeing west to Chongqing, the KMT signed a tenuous agreement with the CCP to form a united front against the Japanese. With the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II in 1945, the KMT and CCP armies maneuvered for positions in north China, setting the stage for the civil war. The civil war lasted from 1945 to 1949. The Kuomintang were defeated and forced to flee to Taiwan where they hoped to re-establish themselves and recapture the mainland someday. ==== A Red China==== [[File:·˙·ChinaUli2010·.· Beijing - Entrance of the Forbidden Town - panoramio.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the Imperial City nowadays features a Mao picture and red flags]] On 1 Oct 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the '''People's Republic of China''' (中华人民共和国). After an initial period closely hewing to the Soviet model of heavy industrialization and comprehensive central economic planning, China began to experiment with adapting Marxism to a largely agrarian society. Massive social experiments rocked China from 1957 to 1976. The Great Leap Forward aimed to collectivize and industrialize China quickly. The Cultural Revolution aimed to change everything by discipline, destruction of the "Four Olds" (customs, culture, habits, ideas), and total dedication to Mao Zedong Thought. The Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution are generally considered disastrous failures in China that caused the deaths of tens of millions of people. The effects of the Cultural Revolution in particular can still be felt: many elements of traditional Chinese culture and folk beliefs continue to thrive in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, but have largely disappeared in mainland China. Mao died in 1976, and in 1978, Deng Xiaoping became China's paramount leader. Deng and his lieutenants gradually introduced market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision making. One of the innovations was the creation of [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Development_zones|Special Economic Zones]] with tax breaks and other government measures to encourage investment and development; these still exist and are quite prosperous. China's miraculous growth since 1978 has been an extraordinary achievement. Significant problems remain, however, including inflation, regional income inequality, human rights abuses, major environmental issues, rural poverty, and ethnic conflict in Xinjiang and Tibet. In particular, blatant corruption was a major cause of large scale political movements in 1989, which in turn resulted in the bloody suppression of protesters in urban [[Beijing]], often known as the '''Tiananmen Massacre'''. The incident is still a sensitive and highly censored topic in China. Hu Jintao, who was paramount leader from around 2002 to 2012, proclaimed a policy for a "Harmonious Society", which promised to restore balanced economic growth and channel investment and prosperity into China's central and western provinces. China has developed economically at a breakneck speed since the 1990s, and overtook [[Japan]] to become the world's second largest economy after the [[United States]] in 2010, cementing its place again as a major political, military and economic world power. China has also expanded its international clout and become a major source of foreign investment, particularly in the less developed countries of [[Asia]], [[Africa]] and increasingly in [[Latin America]] and the [[Caribbean]] as well. President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, which attempts to expand international trading networks through Chinese investment in transportation infrastructure. It largely follows the route of the old [[Silk Road]]. While Xi's administration is often criticized for being more dictatorial than previous ones, China's international influence has also expanded considerably under him, and blatant corruption has been significantly reduced. Moreover, many poorer areas in western China that had largely been left behind by the economic boom are now beginning to see more government investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation. China is now an upper middle income country. Two former colonies, [[Hong Kong]] (British) and [[Macau]] (Portuguese), rejoined China in 1997 and 1999 respectively. They are [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|Special Administrative Regions]] (SARs), run differently under the slogan "One country, two systems". This article does not cover them because for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries with their own visas, currencies, and laws. ===Government and politics=== {{see also|Chinese provinces and regions}} China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The "paramount leader" is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, who holds several other offices including ceremonial President. The State Council forms the executive branch; the next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. China largely follows a centralized system of government, and is administratively divided into 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 directly controlled municipalities. Provincial governments have limited powers in their internal and economic affairs. Autonomous regions have more legal freedom than provinces, such as the right to declare additional official languages besides Mandarin. Directly controlled municipalities are cities that are not part of any province, and instead report directly to the central government in Beijing. Often having different names, prefectures ((地级)市/自治州/地区), counties (县/(县级)市/区) and townships (乡/镇/街道) are subordinated under provinces. The Special Administrative Regions (SAR), [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], in principle run themselves as separate jurisdictions, with only foreign policy and defense being controlled by Beijing, though in practice this autonomy is restricted. There is an active independence movement in Hong Kong, but the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020 has largely driven the movement underground. The PRC considers [[Taiwan]] to be one of its provinces, but Taiwan's government (the Republic of China) has been completely separate from the mainland Chinese one since 1949. Both governments on paper continue to claim to be the sole legitimate government for all of China. There is significant support for formal independence in Taiwan, but China's government has repeatedly threatened to launch a military attack on Taiwan if the island declares itself independent. See [[Chinese provinces and regions]] for more detail. ===People and customs=== With 1.4 billion inhabitants, China is home to nearly a fifth of the world's population and is the most populous country in the world. It is a diverse place with large variations in culture, language, customs and economic levels from region to region, and often strong distinct cultural and regional identities as well. The economic landscape is particularly diverse. The major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai are modern and comparatively wealthy. However, about 50% of Chinese still live in rural areas even though only 10% of China's land is arable. Hundreds of millions of rural residents still farm with manual labor or draft animals. Some 200 to 300 million former peasants have migrated to townships and cities in search of work. Poverty has been reduced dramatically, but towards the end of 2016, China still had 43 million people under the official poverty line of ¥2,300 (about US$334) in annual income. At the other end of the spectrum, the wealthy continue to accumulate real estate and other assets at an unprecedented rate. Generally the southern and eastern coastal regions are more wealthy, while inland areas, the far west and north, and the south-west are much less developed. The cultural landscape is also very diverse. Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group, comprising over 90% of the population, but they are not culturally homogeneous, and speak a wide variety of mutually unintelligible dialects and languages. Many customs and deities are specific to individual regions and even villages. Celebrations for the Lunar New Year and other national festivals vary dramatically from region to region. Customs related to the celebration of important occasions such as weddings, funerals and births also vary widely. The Cultural Revolution wiped out much of traditional Chinese culture and religion, and while they still survive to some extent, many of the traditions of old are better preserved in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and overseas Chinese communities than in mainland China. In general, contemporary urban Chinese society is secular, and traditional culture is more of an underlying current in everyday life. That said, there has been a cultural revival in the 21st century, largely spearheaded by young middle class Chinese, who are now using social media to promote various aspects of their traditional cultures. The other 10% of the population are 55 recognized ethnic minorities — the largest of which are the Zhuang, Manchu, Hui and Miao (Hmong) — which each have their own unique cultures and languages. Other notable ethnic minorities include Koreans, Tibetans, Mongols, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Russians. China is home to the largest Korean population outside Korea, and is home to more ethnic Mongols than is [[Mongolia]]. Many minorities have been assimilated to various degrees, losing their language and customs or fusing with Han traditions, although Tibetans and Uyghurs in China remain fiercely defensive of their cultures. In some areas, some ethnic minorities, such as the Mongols, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Tibetans, continue to maintain their traditional nomadic way of life, though that is changing as the younger generation gets better access to education and moves to the cities for higher-paying jobs, and even those who preserve the nomadic lifestyle often adopt numerous modern conveniences, such as replacing their horses with motorcycles. ====Lucky numbers==== Many Chinese people like homophones, and several numerals are considered auspicious or inauspicious based on rhymes with other Chinese words. '''"Six"''' is a good number for business, sounding like "slick" or "smooth" in Mandarin, and "good fortune" or "happiness" in Cantonese. '''"Eight"''' sounds so close to the word for "prosper" that it's widely considered auspicious. '''"Nine"''' used to be associated with the Emperor, and also sounds like "long lasting". Meanwhile, '''"four"''' is a taboo for most Chinese because the pronunciation in Mandarin, Cantonese and most other Chinese dialects is close to "death"; some buildings skip floors and room numbers that contain 4s. ===Climate and terrain=== [[File:Sanya Dongtian Park - panoramio (10).jpg|thumb|[[Hainan]] is a popular destination in tropical China]] The climate is extremely diverse, from tropical regions in the south to subarctic in the north. [[Hainan]] Island is roughly at the same latitude as Jamaica, while [[Harbin]], one of the largest cities in the north, is at roughly the latitude of Montreal and has the climate to match. North China has four distinct seasons with intensely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Southern China tends to be milder and wetter. The further north and west you travel, the drier the climate. Once you leave eastern China and enter the majestic Tibetan highlands or the vast steppes and deserts of Gansu, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, distances are vast and the land is harsh. During the communist planned economy era, uniform rules required that buildings in areas north of the Yangtze River get heat in the winter, but anything south of it would not &mdash; this meant buildings were unheated in places like Shanghai and Nanjing, which routinely have temperatures below freezing in winter. The rule was relaxed long ago, but the effects are still visible. In general, Chinese use less heating and less building insulation, and wear more warm clothing, than Westerners in comparable climates. In schools, apartments and office buildings, even if the rooms are heated, the corridors are not. Double-glazing is quite rare. Students and teachers wear winter jackets in class, and long underwear is common. Air-conditioning is increasingly common but is similarly not used in corridors and is often used with the windows and doors open. China has many inland mountain ranges, high plateaus, and deserts in the center and the far west; plains, deltas, and hills dominate the east. The [[Pearl River Delta]] region around Guangzhou and Hong Kong and the [[Along the Yangtze river|Yangtze delta]] around Shanghai are major global economic powerhouses, as is the North China plain around Beijing and the Yellow River. On the border between Tibet (the Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal lies Mount [[Everest]], at 8,850&nbsp;m, the highest point on earth. The [[Turpan]] depression, in northwest China's Xinjiang is the lowest point in China at 154&nbsp;m below sea level, which is the second-lowest point in the world after the [[Dead Sea]]. ===Units of measure=== China's official system of measurement is metric, but you will sometimes hear the traditional Chinese system of measurements in colloquial usage. The one you are most likely to come across in everyday use is the unit of mass ''jīn'' (斤), nowadays equal to 0.5&nbsp;kg in mainland China. Most Chinese will quote their weight in ''jīn'' if asked, and food prices in markets are often quoted per ''jīn''. ===Holidays=== {{CNYdates}} China observes two week-long holidays during the year, called '''[[Golden Week holidays in China|Golden Weeks]]'''. During these weeks, around '''Chinese New Year''' (late January to mid-February) and '''National Day''' (1 October), hundreds of millions of migrant workers return home and millions of other Chinese travel within the country (but many in the service sector stay behind, enjoying extra pay). Try to avoid being on the road, on the rails, or in the air during the major holidays. If you do have to travel the, plan well in advance, especially for transportation and for travel from western China or the east coast. Every mode of transportation is extremely crowded; tickets are very hard to come by, and will cost you a lot more. Air tickets sell out more slowly because of the higher prices. The Chinese New Year period is the largest annual migration of people on Earth. [[File:New Year Scene.jpg|thumb|Chinese New Year]] China has seven national holidays: * '''New Year''' (元旦 ''Yuándàn'') — 1 January * '''Spring Festival''' (春节 ''Chūn Jié''), a.k.a. '''Chinese New Year''' — 1st day of the 1st lunar month, late January to mid-February (1 February in 2022) * '''Tomb-Sweeping Day''' (清明节 ''Qīngmíng Jié'') — 15th day from the Spring Equinox, 4 to 6 April (5 April in 2022). Cemeteries are crowded with people who go to sweep the tombs of their ancestors and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to cemeteries can be very heavy. * '''Labor Day''' (劳动节 ''Láodòng Jié'') — 1 May * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午节 ''Duānwǔ Jié'') — 5th day of the 5th lunar month, late May to June (3 June in 2022). Boat races and eating rice dumplings (粽子 zòngzi, steamed pouches of sticky rice) are a traditional part of the celebration. * '''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (中秋节 ''Zhōngqiū Jié''） — 15th day of the 8th lunar month, September to early October (10 September in 2022). Also called the "Mooncake Festival" after its signature treat, mooncakes (月饼 ''yuèbǐng''). People meet outside, put food on the tables and look up at the full harvest moon. * '''National Day''' (国庆节 ''Guóqìng Jié'') — 1 October Known as the '''Golden Weeks''', Chinese New Year and National Day holidays span multiple days; nearly all workers get at least a week for Chinese New Year and some of them get two or three. For many working Chinese, these are the only times of the year they get to travel. Students get four to six weeks of holiday. Chinese New Year is a traditional time to visit family, and the entire country pretty well shuts down. Many stores and other businesses will close from a few days to a week or longer. In early July, around 20 million university students will return home and then in late August they will return to school. Roads, railways and planes very busy at these times. Many areas or ethnic minorities have their own festivals. See listings for individual towns for details. Here are some other nationally important festivals: * '''Lantern Festival''' (元宵节 ''Yuánxiāo Jié'' or 上元节 ''Shàngyuán Jié'') — 15th day of the 1st lunar month, traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year, February to early March (15 February in 2022). In some cities, such as Quanzhou, this is a big festival with elaborate lanterns all over town. * '''Double Seventh Day''' (七夕 ''Qīxī'') — 7th day of the 7th lunar month, usually August (4 August in 2022). This romantic holiday is similar to Valentine's Day. * '''Double Ninth Festival''' or Chongyang Festival (重阳节 ''Chóngyáng Jié'') — 9th day of the 9th lunar month, usually October (4 October in 2022) * '''Winter Solstice''' (冬至 ''Dōngzhì'') — 21 to 23 December (22 December in 2022) Some Western festivals are noticeable, at least in major cities. Around Christmas, one hears carols &mdash; some in English, some in Chinese, and one from Hong Kong that goes "Lonely, lonely Christmas". Some stores are decorated and many shop assistants wear red and white elf hats. Chinese Christians celebrate services and masses at officially sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches as well. For Valentine's Day, many restaurants offer special meals. Around the longer holidays (especially the two Golden Weeks and sometimes Labor Day), surrounding weekends may be rearranged to make the holiday longer. This means that around major holidays, places may be closed when they're usually open or open when they would usually be closed. ===Time zones=== Despite geographically spanning five time zones, all of China officially follows Beijing Time (UTC+8). However, in the restive province of Xinjiang, while the official time is Beijing Time, some ethnic Uyghurs use the UTC+6 time zone as a sign of defiance against Beijing. ===Read=== * ''Wild Swans'' by Jung Chang (''{{ISBN|0007176155}}'') - a biography of three generations, from the warlord days to the end of Mao's era, illustrating life under China's version of nationalism and communism. This book is banned in China. *''The Search for Modern China'' by Jonathan Spence - a standard history book on modern China from the late Ming to the current period. {{topicsin|China|0}} ==Talk== {{see also|Chinese phrasebook}} [[Image:Map of sinitic languages-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Map of Chinese dialects]] The official language of China is '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Standard Mandarin]]''', known in Chinese as ''Pǔtōnghuà'' (普通话, "common speech"), which is based on the Beijing dialect; Chinese in general is known as ''Zhōngwén'' (中文). Standard Mandarin is the main language for government and media, as well as the national lingua franca. While the official language is standardized, local pronunciation of Mandarin does vary by region. Unless otherwise noted, all terms, spellings and pronunciations in this guide are in Standard Mandarin. While national media is broadcast in Mandarin, each area often has its own local media that broadcasts in the local language. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. However, since the 1950s mainland China has used '''simplified characters''', such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>, in an attempt to eradicate illiteracy. Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and many overseas Chinese still use the traditional characters, which are also sometimes used on the mainland as an aesthetic choice. As a result, a word like "bank" will be written <span lang="zh-Hant">銀行</span> as often as <span lang="zh-Hans">银行</span>. The simplification was fairly systematic, and you may deduce at least some of the simplifications on your own just from seeing them frequently. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". The standard way of romanizing Mandarin is '''pinyin''' (汉语拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn''). It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). Mandarin is also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the country, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects''', of which Standard Mandarin is just one. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and can't carry on a conversation with each other. However, thanks to heavy emphasis in the education system, most people can comfortably carry on a conversation in Standard Mandarin, though sometimes with a strong accent. In some areas, younger people are more likely to speak Mandarin than dialects, due to previous education policies that prohibited the use of dialects in school. A variety of (mainly northern) dialects closely related to the standard are classified as Mandarin and account for the majority of China's population. Other large groups of dialects include '''[[Wu phrasebook|Wu]]''' (spoken in Shanghai, Zhejiang and southern [[Jiangsu]]) and '''Yue''' (Guangdong), which includes '''[[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]''' (spoken in much of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau). The '''Min''' (Fujian) group includes '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]]''' (Hokkien, spoken in [[South Fujian]] and in Taiwan), '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Fuzhou dialect]]''' (Foochow or Hokchiu, spoken around [[Fuzhou]]), '''[[Teochew phrasebook|Teochew]]''' (Chiuchow, spoken in [[Chaoshan]]) and '''[[Hainanese phrasebook|Hainanese]]''' (spoken in the island province [[Hainan]]). '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''' is spoken in several parts of southern China but is more related to northern dialects. Like Mandarin, these are all tonal languages. Most Chinese are bilingual or even trilingual, speaking Mandarin as well as regional or local dialects. Some who are older or less educated may speak only the local dialect. While you can easily get by in most of China speaking Mandarin, learning a bit of the local dialect is always appreciated, and may get you preferential treatment in shops and restaurants. Besides dialects of Chinese, various regions also have ethnic minority languages. The west has '''Turkic languages''' such as [[Uyghur phrasebook|Uyghur]], [[Kyrgyz phrasebook|Kyrgyz]], and [[Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh]] as well as other languages such as '''[[Tibetan phrasebook|Tibetan]]'''; the north and northeast has [[Manchu phrasebook|Manchu]], [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]], and [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]; the south has many other ethnic minorities who speak their own languages. However, except for some older folks, Mandarin is generally usable in these regions and many people are bilingual. In areas with large ethnic minority populations, the relevant ethnic minority language is sometimes co-official with Mandarin, and you may see bilingual road signs. '''Chinese Sign Language''' (CSL or ZGS, 中国手语 ''Zhōngguó Shǒuyǔ'') is the dominant sign language. There is an official version of CSL standardized by the government. There are also two regional dialects, Southern (from Shanghai) and Northern (from Beijing); these and official CSL are largely mutually intelligible. CSL is not mutually intelligible with Hong Kong, Taiwanese, or Malaysian Sign Languages, nor with any others. '''Tibetan Sign Language''' (藏语手语 ''Zàng yǔ shǒuyǔ'') is an independent sign language used in Tibet, not mutually intelligible with any others; it too is standardized by the government based on existing regional sign languages. ===English=== Chinese students study English from primary school to high school, and are required to pass an English test in order to graduate from university. However, the focus is mainly on formal grammar and writing, with less emphasis on reading, and even less on speaking or listening. While knowledge of basic words and phrases such as "hello," "thank you", "OK" and "bye-bye" appears nearly universal, the ability to participate in an English conversation can be limited. It's generally rare to find locals conversant in English. Staff at airports, hotels, and popular tourist attractions can sometimes speak basic to conversational English. As China's tourism industry primarily caters to the domestic market, outside major international tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, even staff at tourist attractions may not be conversant in English. When [[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|using English]], '''simplify and speak slowly'''. Chinese grammar is very different from English, as verbs, pronouns, and other words essentially don't inflect at all. Although it sounds abrupt in English, simple declarative sentences like "Give me two beers" are quite similar to Chinese, and thus more readily understood than roundabout constructions like "Could we have a pair of beers please?". [[File:Shenzhen River chinglish warning sign.JPG|thumb|A typical "Chinglish" sign]] While English signage or menus are increasingly widespread in China, especially at or near tourist attractions, they are often written in incorrect English. Such signage can be difficult to read, but as "Chinglish" follows certain rules, it can usually be deciphered. Oftentimes, translations are simply a word-by-word equivalent of a Chinese expression which, like a word puzzle, can sometimes be pieced together with some thought, but in other cases may be utterly baffling. Many places have '''English Corner''', informal gatherings for [[Teaching English|practicing oral English]], which can be a good way to meet locals. They're often held at schools and colleges on Friday afternoons, and on Sundays in public parks, English schools, and bookstores, and universities. Topics often include cultural activities like holidays and festivals from English speaking countries, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, these have been progressively disappearing over the past decade due to the prolific rise of language exchange over the internet in China, and have all but disappeared in smaller cities. ===Other foreign languages=== Although not as widespread as English, there are some foreign languages that are of use in China. [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]] is spoken as a native language by the ethnic Korean minority in the north east of the country, while [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]] is the native language of the ethnic Mongol community in Inner Mongolia. [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] is spoken by some professionals in international businesses. [[German phrasebook|German]] is a popular language for engineering professionals. Some people in border areas and some older people are able to speak [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. [[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]] is commonly studied among Muslim communities. ==Get in== {{COVID-19 box| Entry is denied to most travelers, but foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits, including work permits or permits for family reunion and personal matters, may be allowed to enter. The requirements are complicated and vary depending on what country you're coming from, any countries you transit in, your city of entry to China, and your destination city. Contact your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for specific information. All passengers flying into China must obtain a health code through the Health Code International Version program on WeChat. The program may be hard to use if you don't have a Chinese ID number and mobile phone number; you might need to ask a Chinese citizen to help you complete the form. Make sure you get a health code for both your entry point city and your final destination in China. You'll need a COVID-19 negative certificate, which may need to be in English and notarized by a Chinese embassy. And you may also need an antibody test and/or proof of vaccination. Rules are less strict for travellers from Hong Kong and Macau, who just need to show a negative Covid-19 test result. On arrival, you will be subject to a strict mandatory quarantine for 14 or 21 days (or even longer), at your own expense, and will be tested for COVID multiple times, possibly including oral, nasal, and anal swabs. Food is provided in quarantine but may not be to your liking, though vegetarian options are reportedly available. Make sure you have a Chinese SIM card, as you may need it to use the health apps – if you don't have one you may be able to get it delivered to your quarantine hotel. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2021-12-03}} ===Visas=== {{infobox|Visa policy overview|China offers the following visas to citizens of most countries: * '''L visa''' - tourism, family visits * '''F visa''' - business trips, internships, short study * '''Z visa''' - working, 30 days during which you should get a residence permit * '''X visa''' - study more than six months * '''S1 visa''' - dependent family members of a Z (work) visa * '''Q1 / Q2 visa''' - for expats married to a Chinese citizen or green card holder * '''G visa''' - transit A few nationalities are exempted from needing to obtain a visa before traveling to China for certain durations. You can contact your nearest [http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/ Chinese embassy or consulate] for more details. }} [[File:Visa policy of China.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa requirements for visitors to China. Green, blue and purple countries can have visa free travel, while all other countries need a visa.]] Most travelers will need a visa (签证 ''qiānzhèng'') to visit mainland China. In most cases, it should be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Visas for [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]] may be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate, but they must be applied for separately from the mainland Chinese visa; there is no visa that serves both mainland China and either of those areas. A single-entry mainland China visa is terminated if you go to Hong Kong or Macau, so ensure that you have a multiple entry visa if you plan to return to mainland China. You must submit your fingerprints during the visa application process. Children under 14, and senior citizens over 70 are excepted. Your fingerprints may also be taken when you enter China. 30-day single- or double-entry visas for the mainland can sometimes be acquired in Hong Kong or Macau. You can generally fly from overseas to Hong Kong and spend a few days there to get a visa for the mainland. This is supposed to be available only to residents of Hong Kong or Macau. Exceptions are often made but they vary over time, and are not reliable. Macau's visa office is less crowded and the hotels are a bit cheaper, but it takes just as long. In general, only single- and double-entry visas are granted to visitors without Hong Kong ID cards, although foreigners with previous entries into the mainland and Hong Kong student or work visa holders have been known to be approved for multiple entries. Many Hong Kong travel agencies (such as China Travel Service) offer a faster visa turnaround service for a fee. In addition, a travel agency has some capacity to negotiate on the length of your visa. You might apply for a one-year visa and have that rejected; however, they may well be able to get a 6-month visa for you instead. Visas are sometimes denied to travelers with passport stamps from Turkey and nearby Middle Eastern countries; see [[Visa trouble#China]] for more information. '''Visa-free travel''': Nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Japan]], and [[Singapore]] can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days; nationals of [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belarus]], [[Fiji]], [[Grenada]], [[Qatar]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Tonga]], and [[United Arab Emirates]] for up to 30 days; nationals of [[Mauritius]] for up to 60 days; and nationals of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Ecuador]], and [[San Marino]] for up to 90 days. (Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina can only stay 90 days within a 180-day period.) To visit mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau residents of Chinese nationality must apply at the China Travel Service, the sole authorized issuing agent, to obtain a Home Return Permit (回乡证 húixiāngzhèng), a credit card-sized ID allowing multiple entries and unlimited stay for ten years with no restrictions including on employment. Taiwanese citizens are required to obtain a Taiwan Compatriot Pass (台胞证 táibāozhèng), which is typically valid for five years, and may live in mainland China indefinitely for the duration of the permit's validity with no restrictions including on employment. Travelers should check the most up-to-date information before traveling. Chinese authorities do not recognize British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports. BNO passport holders should use appropriate travel documents (foreign passport/home return permit) to enter China. ====Transit without a visa==== [[File:Chinese Visa Waiver Programs.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa waiver program eligibility for visitors to China.]] Exceptions from visa requirements may be available for those [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/#3 transiting through some airports], to enable you to take short visits to many metropolitan regions of the country. These rules are '''dizzyingly complicated and subject to sudden changes''', so check with your airline shortly before attempting this method of entry. Citizens of the designated countries who arrive at airports in [[Beijing]], [[Chengdu]], [[Chongqing]], [[Dalian]], [[Hangzhou]], [[Kunming]], [[Nanjing]], [[Qingdao]], [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], [[Shijiazhuang]], [[Tianjin]], [[Wuhan]], [[Xiamen]], and [[Xi'an]] can stay in the city of arrival for up to 144 hours provided they depart from an airport of the same city. The onward ticket must be to a country other than the country from which their arriving flight originated and they must have the required entry documents for the third country or countries. In [[Guangdong]], this arrangement applies to the whole province. A similar policy in [[Guilin]], [[Harbin]], and [[Changsha]] allows stays of up to 72 hours. Passengers without a visa who intend to leave the transit area will typically be directed by an immigration officer to wait in an office for around 20 minutes while other officials review the passengers' onward flight documentation. For the city of '''Shanghai''' and the neighboring provinces of '''Jiangsu''' and '''Zhejiang''', visa-free entries through the airports of Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, as well as the Shanghai sea port or Shanghai Station (through train from Hong Kong), are allowed. Once admitted, passengers can go anywhere within the three province-level units, and must depart within 144 hours (6 days). [http://lawandborder.com/translation-shanghai-jiangsu-zhejiang-implement-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-certain-nationalities/ Translation: 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang]. In '''[[Hainan]]''', citizens of the UK, Canada, the US and some other European and Asian countries can travel for up to 30 days without a visa. ====Types of visas==== Getting a tourist visa is fairly easy for most passports as you don't need an invitation, which is required for business or working visas. The usual tourist single-entry visa is valid for a visit of 30 days and must be used within three months of the date of issue. A double-entry tourist visa must be used within six months of the date of issue. It is possible to secure a single, double, or multiple entry tourist visa for up to 60 days or, less commonly, 90 days for some citizens applying in their home countries. Consulates and travel agents have been known to occasionally request proof of onward travel at the time of visa application. Tourist visa extensions can be applied for at the local Entry & Exit Bureau or Public Security Bureau (公安局 ''Gōng'ānjú'') after handing in the following documents: valid passport, visa extension application form including one passport-sized photo, a copy of the Registration Form of Temporary Residence which you received from the local police station at registration. Tourist visas can be only extended once. Processing time is usually five working days and it costs ¥160. See city articles to find out the local bureau. Some travelers will need a dual entry or multiple entry visa. For example, if you enter China on a single entry visa, then go to Hong Kong or Macau, you need a new visa to re-enter mainland China. In Hong Kong, multiple entry visas are officially available only to HKID holders, but the authorities are willing to bend the rules somewhat and may approve three-month multiple entry visas for short-term Hong Kong qualified residents, including exchange students. It is recommended to apply directly with the Chinese government in this case, as some agents will be unwilling to submit such an application on your behalf. Obtaining a '''Visa on Arrival''' is possible usually only for the [[Shenzhen]] or [[Zhuhai]] Special Economic Zones, and such visas are limited to those areas. When crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen at Lo Wu railway station, and notably not at Lok Ma Chau, a five-day Shenzhen-only visa can be obtained during extended office hours on the spot. The office accepts only Chinese yuan as payment. There may be restrictions on visas for some nationalities and these vary over time. For example: * The visa fee for American nationals is [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t334452.htm US$140] (or US$110 as part of a group tour). * Indian nationals are limited to 10- or 15-day tourist visas, and have to show US$100 per day of visa validity in the form of traveler's checks. (US$1,000 and US$1,500, respectively). * Foreigners in South Korea not holding an alien registration card must travel to the Chinese consulate in [[Busan]], as the Chinese embassy in [[Seoul]] does not issue visas to non-residents in Korea. Applications must be made through an official travel agency. See [[Working in China]] for information for those who want to work in China, and their family members. One option for foreigners married to Chinese citizens is to obtain a six- to twelve-month ''visiting relatives'' (探亲 tànqīn) visa. This is a tourist (L) visa that permits individuals to remain in China continuously for the duration of their visa and does not require the visa holder to exit and re-enter China to maintain the validity of the visa. To apply for a this visa, you should first enter the country on a different visa and then apply for a ''visiting relatives'' visa at the local Public Security bureau in the city that your marriage was registered in, which is usually your Chinese spouse's hometown. Bring your marriage certificate and spouse's identification card (身份证 shēnfènzhèng). If you apply for a visa in South Korea, you will generally have to either show an Alien Registration Card showing you still have several months of residency in South Korea or show that you've received a Chinese visa within the last two years. You cannot apply to a Chinese embassy or consulate directly but must proceed through a travel agent. Generally only 30-day single entry visas are available. ====Registering your abode==== [[File:Longhai - Hotel reception - P1260519.JPG|thumb|An announcement above a hotel's reception desk lists acceptable document types (including a foreign citizen's passport, 外国人“护照”) for guest registration]] Chinese immigration law requires that hotels, guest houses and hostels register their guests with the local police when they check in. The staff will scan your passport including your visa and entry stamps. In some places, your face may be photographed. Help staff out if they do not know where the most recent stamp is —&nbsp;immigration officers are sometimes known to stamp in the wrong order. Some of the lower-end hotels are not set up for this and will refuse foreign guests. Others will accept foreign guests but ignore the registration requirement. You should avoid staying at one of these places immediately after arriving in China, lest you run into problems later, such as refusal of entry, due to not registering when you entered the country. If you are staying in a private residence, you are required to register your abode with the local police within 24 hours (city) to 72 hours (countryside) of arrival, though the law is enforced inconsistently. The police will ask for a copy of the photograph page of your passport, a copy of your visa, a copy of your immigration entry stamp, a photograph and a copy of the tenancy agreement or other document concerning the place you are staying in. That agreement might not be in your name but it will still be asked for. This Temporary Residence Permit should be carried with you at all times, especially if you are in larger cities or where control is tight. You must re-register if your visa or residence permit undergoes any changes — extensions, or changes in passport (even here, it is ideal to re-register when you get a new passport, regardless if you've transferred the visa or residence permit to the new passport). In some cities, you must re-register every time you re-enter mainland China even if your residence permit is still valid; check with your local police station to see if this is necessary. ===By plane=== {{COVID-19 box|China maintains a "circuit breaker" policy regarding flights arriving in China. Flights on a particular route may be cancelled for a period of weeks if too many passengers have tested positive. The Civil Aviation Administration of China publishes these termination orders regularly from time to time, and please contact your airline if you are affected by such orders.|lastedit=2021-11-27}} {{infobox|Transiting through Hong Kong and Macau|If arriving in Hong Kong or Macau there are ferries that can shuttle passengers straight to another destination such as Shekou or Bao'an Airport in Shenzhen, Macau Airport, Zhuhai and elsewhere without actually "entering" Hong Kong or Macau.<br>A shuttle bus takes transit passengers to the ferry terminal so their official entry point, where they clear immigration, will be the ferry destination rather than the airport. The ferries do have different hours so landing late at night may make it necessary to enter either territory to catch another bus or ferry to one's ultimate destination. For example, it would be necessary to clear immigration if going from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau via the Macau Ferry Terminal. The most recent information on the ferries to Hong Kong can be found at [http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html the Hong Kong International Airport website].}} The main international gateways to mainland China are [[Beijing]] ({{IATA|PEK}} & {{IATA|PKX}}, for all airports {{IATA|BJS}}), [[Shanghai]] ({{IATA|PVG}}) and [[Guangzhou]] ({{IATA|CAN}}). The explosive growth of commercial aviation in China has led to the proliferation of international gateways to the country. Local governments also frequently subsidize international flight routes serving their cities, so these services may be much cheaper. In particular, [[Chengdu]] ({{IATA|CTU}}), [[Chongqing]] ({{IATA|CKG}}) and [[Kunming]] ({{IATA|KMG}}) are emerging as major Chinese hubs, with flights to destinations in North America, Europe and Oceania. Airline tickets are expensive or hard to come by around Chinese New Year, the Chinese 'golden weeks' and university holidays. If you live in a city with a sizeable overseas Chinese community, check for cheap flights with someone in that community or visit travel agencies operated by Chinese. Sometimes flights advertised only in Chinese newspapers or travel agencies cost significantly less than posted fares in English. However if you go and ask, you can get the same discount price. ====Airlines==== China's carriers are growing rapidly. The three largest, and state-owned airlines are flag carrier '''[http://www.airchina.com/ Air China]''' (中国国际航空), as well as '''[http://www.ceair.com/ China Eastern Airlines]''' (中国东方航空) and '''[http://www.csair.com/ China Southern Airlines]''' (中国南方航空), based in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou respectively. Other airlines include '''[https://www.xiamenair.com/ XiamenAir]''' (厦门航空), '''[https://www.hainanairlines.com/ Hainan Airlines]''' (海南航空), '''[http://www.shenzhenair.com/ Shenzhen Airlines]''' (深圳航空) and '''[http://www.sichuanair.com/ Sichuan Airlines]''' (四川航空). [[Hong Kong]]-based [http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific] can connect from many international destinations to all the major mainland cities. Other Asian carriers with good connections into China include [http://www.singaporeair.com/ Singapore Airlines], Japan-based [http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ Japan Airlines] and [https://www.ana.co.jp/ All Nippon Airways], South Korea-based [http://www.koreanair.com Korean Air] and [http://flyasiana.com/ Asian Airlines], and Taiwan-based [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines] and [http://www.evaair.com/ EVA Air]. Many major carriers based outside Asia fly to at least one of China's main hubs &mdash; [[Beijing]] ([[Beijing Capital International Airport|Capital]] or [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Daxing]]), [[Pudong Airport|Shanghai Pudong]] and [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]] &mdash; and many go to several of those. Some, such as [http://www.klm.com/ KLM], also have flights to other less prominent Chinese cities. Check the individual city articles for details. See [[Discount airlines in Asia]] for some additional options both to reach China and to get around within it. ===By train=== China can be reached by train from many of its neighboring countries and even all the way from Europe. * '''Russia & Europe''' - two lines of the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] (Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian) run between [[Moscow]] and Beijing, stopping in various other Russian cities, and for the Trans-Mongolian, in [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia. * '''Kazakhstan & Central Asia''' - from [[Almaty]], Kazakhstan, you can travel by rail to [[Ürümqi]] in the northwestern province of Xinjiang. There are long waits at the Alashankou border crossing for customs, as well as for changing the wheelbase for the next country's track. Another, shorter, trans-border route has no direct train service; rather, you take an overnight Kazakh train from Almaty to Altynkol, cross the border to Khorgos, and then take an overnight Chinese train from Khorgos (or the nearby [[Yining]]) to Urumqi. There is also direct train service between Ürümqi and [[Astana]] (via Khorgos). ([http://news.huochepiao.com/2017-6/2017621404433.htm Details], in Chinese) * '''Hong Kong''' - regular services link mainland China with [[Hong Kong]]. A [[high speed rail]] link was completed in 2018. * '''Vietnam''' - from Hanoi Gia Lam Station to Nanning in Guangxi province, via the Friendship Pass. You can take a train from Hanoi to [[Lao Cai]], walk or take a taxi across the border to Hekou, and take a train from Hekou North to Kunming. * '''North Korea''' - four weekly connections between the North Korean capital [[Pyongyang]] and [[Beijing]]. ===By road=== China has land borders with 14 countries. Mainland China also has land borders with the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which are similar to international borders. Most of the border crossings in western China are in remote mountain passes, which while difficult to reach and traverse, often reward travelers willing to make the effort with breathtaking scenic views. ====India==== The Nathu La Pass between [[Sikkim]] in India and Southern Tibet is not open to tourists, and both countries require special permits to visit. The pass has reopened for cross-border trade since 2006, so the tourist restriction may be lifted in the future. ====Myanmar (Burma)==== Entering China from Myanmar is possible at the [[Ruili]] (China)-[[Lashio]] (Myanmar) border crossing, but permits must be obtained from the Burmese authorities in advance. Generally, this would require you to join a guided tour. ====Vietnam==== [[File:Border crossing at Lao Cai.png|thumb|Looking from Vietnam into China]] For most travelers, Hanoi is the origin for any overland journey to China. There are three international crossings: *From [[Dong Dang]] to [[Pingxiang (Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] (凭祥) *From [[Lao Cai]] to [[Hekou]] (河口) *From [[Mong Cai]] to [[Dongxing]] (东兴) ====Laos==== From [[Luang Namtha]] you can get a bus to [[Mengla]]. You must have a Chinese visa beforehand as there is no way to get one on arrival. Also, there is a direct Chinese sleeper-bus connection from [[Luang Prabang]] to Kunming (about 32 hours). You can jump in this bus at the border, when the minibus from [[Luang Namtha]] and the sleeper meet. Don't pay more than ¥200, though. ====Pakistan==== The [[Karakoram Highway]] from northern [[Pakistan]] into Western China is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It's closed for tourists for a few months in winter. Crossing the border is relatively quick because of few overland travelers, and friendly relations between the two countries. Preliminary customs inspection will be done on spot, while immigration and customs inspection are done at suburban [[Tashkurgan]]. A bus runs between Kashgar (China) and Sust (Pakistan) across the Kunerjab pass. ====Nepal==== The [[Nepal#Get in|road from Nepal]] to Tibet passes near Mount Everest, and through amazing mountain scenery. Entering Tibet from Nepal is only possible for tourists on package tours, but it is possible to travel into Nepal from Tibet ====Mongolia==== [[File:Trans Mongolian wheel changing.JPG|thumb|Going by train between Mongolia and China, the carriages will need new wheels]] There are two border crossings open to foreigners between Mongolia and China: *[[Erenhot]] ([[Inner Mongolia]])/[[Zamiin Uud]], and *[[Takashiken]] ([[Xinjiang]])/[[Hovd (province)|Bulgan]]. Other crossings open to nationals are: Zhuen Gadabuqi or Zuun Khatavch (Xilingol, Inner Mongolia), Bichig (Mongolia), and Sheveekhuren - Sekhee. ====Kazakhstan==== The border crossing closest to Almaty is at [[Khorgos]]. Buses run almost daily from [[Almaty]] to [[Ürümqi]] and [[Yining]]. No visa-on-arrival is available so ensure that both your Chinese and Kazakh visas are in order before attempting this. Another major crossing is at Alashankou (Dostyk on the Kazakh side). ====Kyrgyzstan==== It is possible to cross the [[Torugart pass]] from Kyrgyztan, but the road is rough and the pass is only open during the summer months (June–September) every year. It is possible to arrange crossings all the way from Kashgar, but ensure that all your visas are in order. Alternatively, while less scenic, a smoother crossing is at [[Irkeshtam]] to the south of Torugart. ====Tajikistan==== There is a single border crossing between China and Tajikistan at [[Kulma]], which is open on weekdays from May–November. A bus operates across the border between [[Kashgar]] in Xinjiang and [[Khorog]] in Tajikistan. Ensure both your Chinese and Tajik visas are in order before attempting this crossing. ====Russia==== The most popular border crossing at [[Manzhouli]] in [[Inner Mongolia]]. Buses run from Manzhouli to [[Zabaikalsk]] in Russia. There are also ferries across the Amur from [[Heihe]] to [[Blagoveshchensk]], and from [[Fuyuan]] to [[Khabarovsk]]. Farther east, there are land border crossings at [[Suifenhe]], Dongning, and Hunchun. Ensure both your Russian and Chinese visas are in order before attempting. ====North Korea==== Crossing overland from North Korea at the [[Dandong]]/[[Sinuiju]] border crossing is fairly straightforward if you have arranged it as part of your North Korean tour. The other border crossings along the Yalu and Tumen rivers may not be open to tourists. Your tour company must ensure that your Chinese and North Korean visas are in order before attempting this. ====Hong Kong==== There are four road border crossings into China from [[Hong Kong]]: *Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, *Sha Tau Kok/Shatoujiao, *Man Kam To/Wenjindu, and *the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. A visa on arrival is available for some nationalities at Huanggang, but visas must be arranged in advance for all other crossings. ====Macau==== The two border crossings are at the '''Portas do Cerco'''/'''Gongbei''' and the '''Lotus Bridge'''. A visa-on-arrival can be obtained by certain nationalities at the Portas do Cerco. At Gongbei, [[Zhuhai]] train station is adjacent to the border crossing, with frequent train service to Guangzhou. ====Others==== Travelers cannot cross the borders with [[Afghanistan]] and [[Bhutan]]. ===By boat=== There are a number of boats to China by sea and river: * '''Hong Kong and Macau''': There is regular ferry and hovercraft service between Hong Kong and Macau to the rest of the Pearl River Delta, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]]. Ferry service from Hong Kong International Airport allow arriving passengers to proceed directly to China without having to clear Hong Kong immigration and customs. * '''Japan''': A ferry service to [[Shanghai]] from [[Osaka]] and [[Kobe]], Japan. Service is once or twice weekly, depending on the season and takes about 2 days. * '''South Korea''': A ferry service to Shanghai and Tianjin from [[Incheon]], a port close to [[Seoul]]. Another line is to [[Qingdao]] or [[Weihai]] from Incheon or [[Dalian]] from Incheon. * '''Taiwan''': Hourly ferries (18 departures per day) run from [[Kinmen]] to [[Xiamen]], with the journey time either 30 minutes or one hour depending on port. There is also a regular ferry between Kinmen and [[Quanzhou]] with 3 departures per day. A twice-daily ferry links [[Matsu]] with [[Fuzhou]], with journey time about 2 hours. From the Taiwanese main island, there are weekly departures from [[Taichung]] and [[Keelung]] aboard the Cosco Star to [[Xiamen]] and [[Taizhou (Zhejiang)|Damaiyu, Taizhou]]. * '''Thailand''': Golden Peacock Shipping company runs a speedboat three times a week on the Mekong river to [[Jinghong]] in [[Yunnan]] from [[Chiang Saen]] (Thailand). Passengers are not required to have visas for Laos or Myanmar, although the greater part of the trip is on the river bordering these countries. Tickets cost ¥650. * '''Cruise ship''': In the fall, several cruise lines move their ships from [[Alaska]] to [[Asia]] and good connections can generally be found leaving from [[Anchorage]], [[Vancouver]], or [[Seattle]]. Star Cruises operates between [[Keelung]] in Taiwan and Xiamen in mainland China, stopping at one of the Japanese islands on the way. ==Get around== {{Infobox|Health Codes|[[File:健康码.png|thumb|right|An example of "health code"]]In an attempt to balance between public health and post-pandemic economic development, "health codes" have widely been used to indicate the health status of travelers, in which it is generated through specific mobile phone apps developed by authorities. A green code indicates the traveler is at lowest risk, while a red code indicates high transmission risk. These codes will be checked when traveling between provinces, or entering public places. Places are also divided into '''risk levels''' per sub-districts for the purpose of COVID-19 response. The default risk level is low-level, while if there are surges of local COVID-19 cases, risk levels of sub-districts will be raised. Depending on the severity, mass testing, restrictions on leaving your city or even communal lockdowns may be enforced, which are also reflected in your health code.}} Many foreign apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps '''do not work''' in China, and tend to have patchy coverage and data quality even if accessed via VPN. Moreover, China uses its own coordinate system, which sometimes causes problems when using foreign map apps. The most common direction-finding app used by the Chinese themselves is '''[https://map.baidu.com/ Baidu Maps]''', though it is only available in Chinese. [http://ditu.amap.com/ Amap] is effectively the Citymapper for the whole of China. It is only available in English on Apple devices, and replaces Apple Maps when you are in mainland China. It lists all public transport and suggested car routes even in seemingly rural places. Alternative methods include other map apps based on OpenStreetMap data or renting a local GPS. More information at [[GPS navigation]]. '''Names of long streets''' are often given a middle word indicating the part of the street: north (北 ''běi''), south (南 ''nán''), east (东 ''dōng''), west (西 ''xī''), or central (中 ''zhōng''). For example, White Horse Street or ''Báimǎ Lù'' (白马路) may be split up into ''Báimǎ Běilù'' (白马北路 "White Horse North Street"), ''Báimǎ Nánlù'' (白马南路 "White Horse South Street"), and ''Báimǎ Zhōnglù'' (白马中路 "White Horse Central Street"). In some cities, however, these names do not indicate parts of one street. In [[Xiamen]], ''Hubin Bei Lu'' and ''Hubin Nan Lu'' (Lakeside Road North and Lakeside Road South) are parallel, running east-west on the north and south sides of the lake. In [[Nanjing]], ''Zhongshan Lu'', ''Zhongshan Bei Lu'' and ''Zhongshan Dong Lu'' are three separate major roads. ===By plane=== China is a huge country so, unless you're planning to visit only the eastern seaboard, definitely consider domestic flights. China has many domestic flights connecting all the major cities and tourist destinations. Airlines include the three state-owned international carriers: Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, as well as regional ones including Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Flights between Hong Kong or Macau and mainland Chinese cities are considered to be international flights and can be quite expensive. Hence if arriving in, or departing from, Hong Kong or Macau, it is usually '''much''' cheaper to fly to or from Shenzhen or Zhuhai, just across the border, or Guangzhou, which is a little further afield but offers flights to more destinations. Prices for domestic flights are set at standard rates, but discounts are common, especially on the busier routes. Most good hotels, and many hostels, will have a travel ticket service and may be able to save you 15-70% off the price of tickets. Travel agencies and booking offices are plentiful in all Chinese cities and offer similar discounts. Even before considering discounts, traveling by aircraft in China is not expensive. For travel within China, it is usually best to buy tickets in China, or on Chinese websites (these often have English versions). A useful app/website is [http://english.ctrip.com/?curr=CNY&language=EN&iburedirect=1 CTrip], which is the only way you can use an international credit/debit card on the fly to buy train/plane tickets. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will contact you to let you know about changes to your flight. If you purchased your ticket overseas, be certain to check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. On Chinese websites, prices tend to remain high until two months before the flight date, at which point large discounts are usually available unless a particular flight has been heavily booked already. Unexplained flight delays are common, in part because of the tight military control of the airspace — few countries have as much of their airspace off limits to civil aviation as China. For short-distance travel, you may want to consider alternatives like [[Rail travel in China#High-speed rail|high-speed railway]]. Flight cancellations are also not uncommon. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will likely try to contact you (if you left contact information) to let you know about the change in flight plan. If you purchased your ticket overseas, check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. Despite a lack of regulation in the late 20th century, the safety record of Chinese aviation is now superb. They have not had a major fatal accident from 2010 to 2022 and Chinese regulatory authorities are very no-nonsense when it comes to safety violations by crews or maintenance problems. Also be sure not to lose your checked baggage receipts, as they will be checked against your baggage tags before you are allowed to leave the baggage claim hall. ===By train=== : ''See also [[Rail travel in China]]'' [[File:A maglev train coming out, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai.jpg|thumb|300px|Maglev train in [[Shanghai]]]] [[File:Rail map of PRC.svg|thumb|500px|Rail map of China]] Train travel is the main method of long-distance transportation for the Chinese, with an extensive network of routes covering most of the country. Roughly a quarter of the world's total rail traffic is in China. China now has the world's longest network of [[high-speed rail]]ways (similar to French TGV or Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains) called '''CRH''', including the world's only high-speed [[sleeper trains]]. If your route and budget allow then these may be the best way to get around. CRH trains are top-notch, even internationally, in terms of equipment and cleanliness. On most higher-level trains, recorded announcements are made in Chinese and English. Local trains do not have announcements in English. Be careful with your valuables while on the train as theft on public transportation is a problem. Motion sickness pills and ear plugs are recommended. Long distance trains have a buffet or dining car, which serves mediocre hot food at around ¥25. The menu is entirely in Chinese. There may be vendors on station platforms who sell noodles, snacks, and fruit at better prices. Most train cars have a hot boiled water dispenser available so you can bring tea, soups and instant noodles. Smoking is not permitted in the seating or sleeping areas but is allowed in the vestibules at the end of each car on ordinary trains, while on high-speed trains, it is completely banned. Smoking is forbidden inside station buildings apart from in designated smoking rooms. See [[Rail travel in China]] for information on buying tickets. Chinese train stations function like airports, so do not count on catching a train at the last minute: gates close a few minutes prior to departure! To be safe, be there at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes if you are entering a big train station. Make sure you're waiting in the right place, because often the train will only stop for a couple of minutes. Many cities have different stations for normal trains and high-speed trains. High-speed station names usually consist of the city name and the cardinal direction (for example ''Héngyángdōng'', "Hengyang East"). ===By bus=== Traveling by public '''city buses''' (公共汽车 ''gōnggòngqìchē'') or long-distance buses (长途汽车 ''chángtúqìchē'') is inexpensive and ideal for in-city and short-distance transportation. City buses vary from city to city. However, if you can understand the bus routes then they are cheap and go almost everywhere. Buses will normally have recorded announcements telling you the next stop - examples of which might include 'xià yí zhàn - zhōng shān lù' (next stop Zhongshan Road) or 'Shànghǎi nán huǒ chē zhàn dào le' (Shanghai South railway station - now arriving). Some major cities such as Beijing or Hangzhou will have English announcements, at least on some major routes. Fares are usually about ¥1-3 or more if traveling into the suburbs. Most buses simply have a metal cash-box next to the entrance where you can insert your fare (no change - save up those ¥1 coins) or on longer routes a conductor that will collect fares and issue tickets and change. The driver usually prioritizes speed over comfort, so hold on tight. [[File:Meng H27360 at Liuliqiao Coach Station (20210624120340).jpg|thumb|A long-distance buses from [[Beijing]] to [[Xilinhot]]]] Coaches, or '''long-distance buses''', may be more practical than trains for going to suburbs or smaller cities. Coaches originating from larger cities on the east coast tend to be air conditioned with soft seats. Bus personnel tend to try to be helpful, but they are much less familiar with foreigners than airline personnel. [[File:Xiaoxi - Bus no. 2 - DSCF4163.JPG|thumb|Local buses in Pinghe County, [[Fujian]], connect the county seat with rural towns]] A coach or bus in rural China is a different experience. Signs in the station to identify buses will be in Chinese. The coach's license plate number is printed on the ticket, it will be spray-painted on the back of the bus. Scheduled times of departure and arrival are only rough estimates, with the bus leaving when it's full, rather than at a scheduled time. Often, rural coaches are the only forms of transportation in many areas of China and are usually more than willing to stop anywhere along the route should you wish to visit more remote areas without direct transport. Buses can also be flagged down at most points along their route. The ticket price the rest of the way is negotiable. [[File:Qujiang - highway bus stop - DSCF3093.JPG|thumb|A highway bus stop in [[Qujiang]], Nanjing County, [[Fujian]]. The sign lists departure times for buses to [[Xiamen]]]] Getting a ticket is straightforward. Large bus stations have ticket counters who sell printed tickets displaying the departure time, boarding gate and license plate number of your bus. You need your passport to purchase a ticket, and often you will have to go through security inspection. ===By subway=== Most major cities in China now have subway/metro (地铁 ''dìtiě'') systems. They are typically modern, clean, efficient, and are still rapidly expanding. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou already have some of the world's most extensive systems. On station platforms and in trains there is usually signage in Chinese and English listing all stations on that line. Announcements in the stations and trains are made in Mandarin and English, and sometimes the local language. Many maps (especially English versions) may not have kept up with rapid expansion. Look online for a bilingual subway map that you can carry with you. Chinese subway stations often have a security checkpoint before the turnstiles, where you must run your bags through an X-ray scanner. Pickpockets are most likely to strike during station stops, so pay attention to your belongings. Stations tend to have numerous exits with labels such as Exit A, B, C1, or C2. On maps you will find each exit is labeled clearly around the station. Signs in the station make it easy to find your exit. === By taxi === Taxis (出租车 ''chūzūchē'' or 的士 ''dīshì'', pronounced "deg-see" in Cantonese-speaking areas) are reasonably priced: flagfall ¥5-14, per km charge ¥2-3. Most trips within the city center will cost ¥10-50. There is no extra charge for luggage, but in many cities rates are higher at night. The taxi fee is usually rounded up to the nearest whole yuan. Tips are not expected, but are welcome, especially after long trips. Taxis are commonly ordered through a '''phone app''', and it has become harder to hail a taxi on the street. The most popular app, [http://www.didichuxing.com/en/com/en/ Didi Chuxing], is also available in English. Taxi hawkers stalk naive travelers at airport terminals, train stations, and border crossings. They will try to negotiate a set price, and will usually charge 2 to 3 times a metered fare. There are designated taxi areas outside most major airport terminals; insist that the driver use the meter. The fare should be plainly marked on the taxi. Finding a taxi during peak hours can be a bit hard. But it really gets tough if it is raining. Away from peak hours, especially at night, it is sometimes possible to get a 10% to 20% discount especially if you negotiate it in advance, even if with the meter on and asking for a receipt. Sitting in the front passenger seat is acceptable, and is useful if you have trouble communicating in Chinese. Some taxis mount the taxi meter down by the gearbox, where you can only see it from the front seat. Drivers may start smoking without asking. In some cities it is also common for drivers to try and pick up multiple passengers if their destinations are in the same general direction. Each passenger pays full fare but it saves the time of waiting for an empty cab at rush hour. Even in major cities, you are very unlikely to find an English-speaking taxi driver. If you are not able to pronounce [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] well, have your destination written ''in Chinese characters'' to show the driver. Business cards for your hotel and for restaurants are useful for this. In major cities in the prosperous southern and eastern coastal provinces, many taxi drivers are migrants from other parts of China who speak Mandarin but not the local dialect. Most drivers are honest and fares are reasonable but there are the bad ones out there who will try to use your lack of Chinese skills to their advantage. The fare difference will usually be minimal. Should you feel you have been seriously cheated on the way to your hotel, and it has a doorman, you can appeal to him or the desk staff for assistance. In cities, photographing the driver's ID (posted on the dashboard) or license plate number and threatening to report him to the authorities can be quite effective. In some cities, taxi companies use a star-rating system for drivers, ranging from 0 to 5, displayed on the driver's name-plate, on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. While no or few stars do not necessarily indicate a bad driver, many stars tend to indicate good knowledge of the city, and willingness to take you to where you ask by the shortest way. Another indicator of the driver's ability can be found on the same name-plate - the driver's ID number. A small number tells you he has been around for a long time, and is thus likely to know the city better. Use the bigger taxi companies when possible, as the smaller companies tend to have a higher number of dishonest drivers. Chinese are sometimes competitive when it comes to finding a taxi. The person who flags down a particular car is not necessarily entitled to that ride. Having locals move farther up in traffic to intercept cars or being shoved out of the way while trying to enter a taxi is common. If there are others in the area competing for rides, be ready to reach your car and enter it as soon as possible after flagging it down. Wear your seat belt at all times (if you can find it). Some taxi drivers, in particular those who can speak some English, can be quite curious and talkative, especially during peak hours' traffic (高峰 ''gāo​fēng''). ===By bicycle=== [[File:Mobikes_in_Huangzhou,_Huanggang,_Hubei,_China_3.jpg|thumb|A row of Mobike dockless bikes]] {{main|Cycling in China}} Bicycles (自行车 ''zìxíngchē'') were once the most common form of transportation in China, but many people have upgraded to electric bikes and motorcycles. Bicycle repair shops are common in cities and rural areas. '''Dockless rideshare bikes''' in China's larger cities operate on a grab'n'go basis: you use your mobile phone to unlock any available bike, pay ¥1-2 per 30 minutes while using them, and drop them off pretty much anywhere you like. The largest operators [https://mobike.com/global/ Mobike] (orange) and [https://www.ofo.com/au/en Ofo] (canary yellow) have English apps. Dockless bikes are built to last, meaning they're heavy, clunky and ungeared, but for travelers, they can be a cheap, convenient means of transport that is better than trying to deal with public transport. There are two major '''dangers for cyclists''' in China: * '''Motor traffic'''; cars and motorcycles frequently pull out without any warning, and in most areas red lights are apparently optional. * '''Bicycle theft is rampant''' throughout cities in China. China is a vast country and it provides serious cyclists with challenges to bike across mountains and desert. If you plan to cycle through China, get a visa before your journey, as it can be hard to get one along the way. Avoid saying that the journey will be by bike, as embassy personnel may not like that, and Xinjiang and Tibet are politically sensitive. The visa is valid for any border crossing and transport method anyway (except Tibet). ===By car=== {{main|Driving in China}} The PRC generally does not recognize International Driving Permits and does not permit foreigners to drive in China without a Chinese license. Hong Kong and Macau licenses are also considered to be foreign and having one of them will not allow you to drive in the mainland. Importing foreign vehicles is difficult. There are some ways of getting a temporary license: see the Driving in China article. Renting a car is virtually unheard of in major Chinese cities, which generally have excellent public transportation networks that get you almost anywhere. There are, however, some rural parts of China that are still best explored by car. Rented cars most often come with a driver and this is probably the best way to travel in China by car. ===By motorcycle=== {{seealso|Driving in China#Motorcycles}} Motorcycle taxis are common, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. They are usually cheap and effective but scary. The fares are negotiable. Regulations for riding a motorcycle vary from city to city. In some cases, 50cc mopeds can be ridden without a driving license although many cities have now banned them or reclassified them due to numerous accidents. Riding a 'proper' motorcycle is much harder, partly because you'll need a Chinese license, partly because they are banned in many cities and partly because production and importing have slowed with the focus on automobiles and electric scooters. The typical Chinese motorcycle is 125cc, can do about 100&nbsp;km/h and is a traditional cruiser style. They are generally slow, mundane to ride and have little sporting potential. Government restrictions on engine size mean that sports bikes are rare but can still be found. Another popular choice is a 125cc automatic 'maxi' scooter based loosely on the Honda CN250 - it's a bit quicker than a moped and more comfortable over long distances but has the benefit of automatic transmission which makes negotiating stop-start urban traffic much easier. Most cities will have a motorcycle market of some description and will often sell you a cheap motorcycle often with fake or illegal license plates, although a foreigner on a motorbike is a rare sight and it will grab the police's attention. Helmets are essential on 'proper' bikes but optional on scooters. You must have a license plate: they are yellow or blue on a motorcycle or green on a scooter and can cost several thousand yuan to register the bike yourself. Fake plates are easily available at a lower price, but are risky. ===By pedicab (rickshaw)=== {{infobox|What's in a name?|The terms pedicab and rickshaw are often used interchangeably by foreigners in China, but refer to two different modes of transportation - one of which no longer exists. The infamous rickshaw was a two-wheeled contraption with two poles at the front, which the operator held while walking or running passengers to their destinations. These proliferated in the late 19th century but were gradually phased out by the 1950s. Videos of Western elites playing polo on rickshaws propelled by Chinese workers showcased the exploitative nature of rickshaws. A distant relative of the rickshaw can still be seen when day-laborers in smaller or less developed cities gather with their rickshaw-like carts each morning waiting for work delivering construction materials, coal, or other odds and ends. The rickshaw has been replaced by the pedicab: a three-wheeled conveyance ridden much like a bicycle.}} In some mid-sized cities, pedicabs are a much more convenient means of traveling short distances. Sānlúnchē (三轮车), the Chinese term used both for pedal-powered and motorized rickshaws, are ubiquitous in rural China and lesser developed (which is to say, less touristy) areas of larger cities. Negotiating the fare in advance is a must. Reports of overcharging probably refer to rip-off artists working tourist destinations, like Silk Alley, Wangfujing, and the Lao She Tea House in Beijing in particular. Perhaps the rule of thumb should be, "Beware of anyone selling anything near tourist traps." If you see normal Chinese families using the "sanlun" — for instance, traveling between the Beijing Zoo and the nearest subway stop — then it's safe. Don't patronise any sanlun wearing some old fashioned costume to attract tourists. He'll try to charge you ten times the going rate. Electrified three-wheeled sanluns developed or converted from the pedicabs seem to be in the majority in Shanghai. ==See== China's attractions are endless and you will never run out of things to see. Especially near the coastal areas, when finished with one city, the next one is usually just a short train ride away. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or someone who just wants to relax on a nice beach, China has it all from the majestic Forbidden City in [[Beijing]], to the breathtaking scenery of [[Jiuzhaigou]]. Even if you live in China for many years, you'll find that there's always something new to discover in another part of the country. Perhaps unsurprisingly due to its sheer size and long history, China has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and Spain. China is on the border between two bioregions. [[Eurasian wildlife]] can be seen in the north and west, and [[South Asian wildlife]] can be found in the south and southeast. [[Image:Diecaishan.jpg|thumb|Karst formations, Guilin]] ===Karst scenery=== The gumdrop mountains and steeply sloping forested hills with incredible rock formations favored by traditional Chinese artists are not creative fantasy. In fact, much of southern and southwestern China is covered in intricate eroded rock formations known as '''karst'''. Karst is a type of limestone formation named after an area in [[Slovenia]]. As limestone layers erode, the denser rock or pockets of different stone resist erosion forming peaks. Caves hollow out beneath the mountains which can collapse forming sinkholes and channels leading to underground rivers. At its most unusual karst erodes to form mazes of pinnacles, arches and passageways. The most famous example can be found in the Stone Forest (石林 ''[[Shilin|Shílín]]'') near [[Kunming]] in [[Yunnan]]. Some of the most famous tourist areas in China feature spectacular karst landscapes &mdash; [[Guilin]] and [[Yangshuo]] in [[Guangxi]], [[Zhangjiajie]] in [[Hunan]], and much of central and western [[Guizhou]] province. ===Sacred mountains=== ''See also:'' [[Sacred sites of China]] {{infobox|Chinese mountains|Linell Davis, who literally wrote the book on practical cultural differences between China and the West, has this to say about Chinese mountains: "Westerners find Chinese mountains confusing as they do not provide an experience of wild untamed nature. They expect mountains to be natural rather than paved with steps from bottom to top. They don't expect to see very old people and very young children climbing mountains. I have also noticed that each local area in China has a 'mountain' even if it is quite small and even if people had to build it themselves. After a few experiences of finding there was nothing to see from the top or that the view was lost in clouds and mist ([[Emeishan National Park|Emei]] and [[Huangshan]], for instance), I started trying to figure out what people are really doing when they are climbing mountains. My conclusion is that in China people climb mountains because the experience of doing it is enjoyable. I think they also do it to experience the mountain by moving into it and up and down it. In climbing the mountain they realize their connection with nature rather than their power over it." –Linell Davis, ''Doing Culture''}} Mountains are an important part of Chinese geomancy, and there are many mountains which have religious significance in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. These mountains often serve as a popular backdrop in Chinese period dramas, and have traditionally been associated with various Chinese martial arts sects. Today, these mountains continue to house many Taoist and Buddhist temples, and continue to serve as scenic backdrops that attract many domestic tourists. ====Five Great Mountains==== The '''Five Great Mountains''' (五岳) are associated with the five cardinal directions in Chinese geomancy, and are believed to have originated from the body of Pangu (盘古), the creator of the world in Chinese mythology. *'''[[Mount Heng (Shanxi)|Mount Heng]]''' (恒山), the Northern Mountain (北岳) in [[Shanxi]] province. Literally the "eternal mountain". *'''[[Mount Heng (Hunan)|Mount Heng]]''' (衡山), the Southern Mountain (南岳) in [[Hunan]] province. Literally the "balancing mountain". *'''[[Mount Tai]]''' (泰山), the Eastern Mountain (东岳), in [[Shandong]] province. Literally the "peaceful mountain". *'''[[Huashan National Park|Mount Hua]]''' (华山), the Western Mountain (西岳) in [[Shaanxi]] province. Literally the "splendid mountain". *'''[[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]]''' (嵩山), the Central Mountain (中岳) in [[Henan]] province. Also home to the famed '''Shaolin Monastery''' (少林寺), historically famous for its warrior monks. Literally the "lofty mountain". ====Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism==== [[File:Wutai Shan temple grounds.jpg|thumb|Temples at Mt Wutai]] The '''Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism''' (四大佛教名山) are traditionally associated with four different Bodhisattvas, who are revered in Chinese Buddhism. To this day, these mountains continue to be scenic spots with prominent Buddhist temples. *'''[[Mount Wutai]]''' (五台山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Manjusri (文殊菩萨), in [[Shanxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Emei]]''' (峨眉山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨), in [[Sichuan]] province. *'''[[Mount Putuo]]''' (普陀山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨), the most popular Bodhisattva in Chinese Buddhism, in [[Zhejiang]] province. It isn't a mountain, but rather an island off the Chinese coast. *'''[[Mount Jiuhua]]''' (九华山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨), in [[Anhui]] province. ====Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism==== Although there are many sacred mountains in Chinese folk religion, the '''Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism''' (四大道教名山), together with the Five Great Mountains are considered to be the holiest among them. These continue to be scenic spots that feature prominent Taoist temples. *'''[[Mount Wudang]]''' (武当山), regarded by most Chinese to be the holiest of all sacred mountains for Taoists, in [[Hubei]] province. Traditionally regarded to be a major center of Chinese martial arts, and the main rival to the Shaolin Monastery (albeit a friendly one). *'''[[Mount Longhu]]''' (龙虎山) in [[Jiangxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Qiyun]]''' (齐云山) in [[Anhui]] province. *'''[[Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan_National_Park|Mount Qingcheng]]''' (青城山) in [[Sichuan]] province. ===Flowers=== [[File:Pink peach tree in blossom in Mount Langya in Hebei, picture2.jpg|thumb|Peach blossoms in a Chinese park]] While Japan's cherry blossoms may be better known, China's '''plum blossoms''' (梅花 ''méi huā'') and '''peach blossoms''' (桃花 ''táo huā'') are often considered to rival the cherry blossoms in sheer beauty. Plums tend to flower during the coldest part of winter, often during heavy snowfall, making them a symbol of resilience, and is the national flower of the Republic of China that once ruled Mainland China. Peaches, on the other hand, tend to flower in the spring. These trees can be viewed in many parks, particularly in the northern and eastern parts if China, but also at higher elevations in the south. Both flowers are highly revered in traditional Chinese culture, and are frequently featured in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. The '''peony''' (牡丹花 ''mǔ dān huā'') is also highly revered, and represents honor and wealth. Unlike the plum and peach blossoms, peonies grow on shrubs rather than trees. They typically flower in late spring to early summer. ===Performing arts=== {{main|Chinese performing arts}} As a large and diverse country, China is home to a wide array of performing arts, both traditional and modern. While some genres are popular nationwide, there are also some which are only popular in specific regions, and the various ethnic minorities also have their own unique traditions. Two genres that are popular nationwide, and are also regularly performed internationally are '''Beijing opera''' (京剧 ''jīngjù'') and ''' Yue opera''' (越剧 ''yuèjù''). ===Other sites=== Sites of the Chinese revolution can be seen in our [[Chinese Revolutionary Destinations]] article. Significant Buddhist sites in China can be found in our [[Buddhism#See|Buddhism]] article. ===Itineraries=== Some itineraries cover trips that are entirely within China: * [[Along the Yangtze river]] * [[Along the Yellow river]] * [[Along the Grand Canal]] * [[Around Erhai Lake by electric scooter]] * [[Hong Kong to Kunming overland]] * [[Long March]] * [[Overland to Tibet]] * [[Qinghai–Tibet railway]] * [[Yunnan tourist trail]] Others are partly in China: * [[Silk Road]] - ancient caravan route from China to Europe * [[Karakoram Highway]] - Western China to Pakistan through the Himalayas * [[On the trail of Marco Polo]] ==Do== ===Massage=== High-quality, reasonably priced massages are available throughout China. Expert work costs ¥20-80 per hour. * Almost any hairdresser will give a hair wash and head massage for ¥10. This often includes cleaning out ear wax and some massaging of the neck and arms. With a haircut and/or a shave, prices range from ¥25-100 with prices higher in large cities and in higher-class or tourist-oriented establishments. * The availability of foot massage (足疗 ''zúliáo'') is often indicated by a picture of a bare footprint on the sign. Prices are from ¥15 to about ¥60. * Full-body massage is offered at prices from ¥15 an hour up and in two varieties: ''ànmó'' (按摩) is general massage; ''tuīná'' (推拿) concentrates on the meridians used in acupuncture. These three types of massage are often mixed; many places offer all three. * Massage is a traditional trade for the blind, and the best value is often at tiny out-of-the-way places with blind staff (盲人按摩 ''mángrén ànmó''). * The most expert massages are in massage hospitals, or general Chinese medicine hospitals, usually costing around ¥50 an hour. Some massage places are actually brothels. Prostitution is illegal in China but quite common and often disguised as massage. Most hot-spring or sauna establishments offer ''all'' the services a businessman might want for relaxation. Many hotels offer massage in your room, and additional services are almost always available once she is the room. Pink lighting or lots of girls in short skirts in smaller establishments probably indicates considerably more than just massage is on offer (''and quite often they cannot do a good massage either''). The same rule applies in many hair salons which double as massage parlors/brothels. The non-pink-lit places usually give good massages and generally do not offer sex. If the establishment advertises massage by the blind, it is almost certainly legitimate. For basic phrases to use when getting a massage, see [[Chinese phrasebook#Getting a massage]]. ===Traditional arts=== When planning an extended stay in China, consider learning some of the traditional arts. Traveling to China is after all a unique chance to learn the basics, or refine already acquired skills, directly from master practitioners in the arts' home country. Many cities have academies that accept beginners, and not knowing Chinese is usually not a problem as you can learn by example and imitation. Calligraphy (书法 ''shūfǎ''), a term that covers both writing characters and painting scrolls (that is, classical landscapes and the like) remains a popular national hobby. Many calligraphers practice by writing with water on sidewalks in city parks. Other traditional arts which offer classes include learning to play traditional Chinese instruments (inquire in shops that sell these as many offer classes), cooking Chinese cuisine, or even singing Beijing Opera (京剧 ''jīngjù''). Fees are usually modest, and the necessary materials will not exactly break the bank. The only requirement is being in the same place for a long enough time, and showing sufficient respect; it is better not to join these classes as a tourist attraction. ===[[Martial arts]]=== As with traditional cultural arts, those with the time and inclination may be interested in studying China's famed martial arts. Some, such as '''tai chi''' (太极拳 ''tàijíquán''), can be studied at a basic level by simply visiting any city park in the early morning and following along. You will likely find many eager teachers. However, learning martial arts to a level that allows you to use them competently in an actual fight requires years of study and training under a master, which often has to start from childhood. In English, Chinese martial arts are often called "kung fu" and we follow that usage below. However in Chinese, the general term for martial arts is ''wǔshù'' (武術), while ''gōngfu'' (功夫, "kung fu") is the term for the skill or power that practitioners acquire. Chinese martial arts are traditionally classified into northern and southern styles, with northern styles generally known for emphasizing powerful strikes with fully extended limbs, and southern styles generally known for fast strikes close to the body. Northern Chinese martial are further classified into two groups named for two mountain areas with monasteries which are centers of kung fu &mdash; Shaolin Temple on [[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]] and the [[Wudang Mountains]]. Shaolin are the hard or external styles emphasizing speed and power, while Wudang are the soft or internal styles emphasizing breath control and smooth movement. Of course it is nowhere near that simple; Shaolin experts also move extremely smoothly and a Wudang master has plenty of speed and power. Other well-known centers of kung fu include Southern Shaolin in [[Quanzhou#Learn|Quanzhou]], [[Fujian]], Wu Wei Temple near [[Dali]] and Wing Chun (Bruce Lee's style) in [[Foshan]], [[Guangdong]]. Shanghai has a [[Shanghai/Yangpu#See|martial arts museum]] at a Physical Education university. ===Square dancing=== [[File:Older women practicing dance at Temple of Heaven Park, Beijing.jpg|thumb|right|Square dancers at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing]] In public parks, squares or plazas, or indeed anywhere in a city that isn't fenced off and is large enough (like a parking lot), you will increasingly find, in the early morning and late evening, groups of (mostly) older women doing what looks like low-impact aerobics to music with a dance beat coming from a nearby portable speaker. This activity is called ''guǎngchǎngwǔ'' (广场舞), roughly translated into English as "square dancing", because of where it takes place (not to be confused with the traditional American folk dance of the same name). It originated in the mid-1990s among women (known as ''dàmā'' (大妈), or "dancing grannies" in English) who had just been forced into retirement as a way to stay fit, socialize and recall their own youth during the Cultural Revolution (indeed, many of the songs used are propaganda from that era, or current Chinese pop hits). By 2015 noise and space issues had provoked violent confrontations in some cities and led the government to introduce, then hastily withdraw, standard dance routines. It's interesting to watch at the very least as a modern folk phenomenon, and indeed some groups don costumes and props for their routines. Some tourists, particularly Russians visiting Manchurian cities, have joined in. However, this is often frowned upon, as many square dancers compete competitively and are only practicing publicly due to a lack of practice space otherwise. If you are tempted to do so, only join groups that appear to be casually-oriented (no apparent dance uniform or complicated routines) and go to the rear row where beginners follow the leader and learn the moves. You should avoid, or at least practice extreme caution when joining near several groups in a space barely enough for all of them — turf battles have been known to start and given the novelty of a foreigner participating in square dancing, you may be seen as a final provocation of member poaching. Ballroom dancing is also moderately common; western-style square dancing or line dancing are less common but not unknown. ===Traditional pastimes=== China has several traditional games often played in tea gardens, public parks, or even on the street. Players often attract crowds of on-lookers. * '''[[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]]''' (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') is the world's most-played chess variant. It is similar to but distinct from Korean chess (Korean: 장기 ''janggi''), but quite different from [[Shogi|Japanese chess]] (Japanese: 将棋 ''shōgi'') and [[Chess|international chess]], though they all have enough in common that a good player of one will find another easier to learn. It is a very popular pastime in China, and you can often see elderly Chinese having games with each other in the parks. There are also numerous national tournaments, from school tournaments all the way up to professional ones, and the top players often become major celebrities, with large prizes and numerous TV shows about the game. * '''[[Go]]''' (围棋 ''wéiqí'', lit. "the surrounding game") is a strategy board game. Players place their stones to surround the most territory on the board. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. There are professional Go players, some of whom are major celebrities, tournaments with large prizes, and some TV shows about the game. * '''Mahjong''' (麻将 ''májiàng'') is popular and almost always played for money. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles. The nearest Western equivalent (not very near!) would be card games like rummy or canasta. : While game play is broadly similar, the rules of mahjong in China differ significantly between regions, and from the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, meaning that you will have to learn new rules everywhere you go. The Chinese government has an officially-sanctioned standardized form of mahjong that is used in national competitions in an attempt to be fair to people who grew up playing with different rules, which is also used in international competitions like the [http://www.world-series-mahjong.com/ World Series Mahjong]. However, this standardized form is very rarely played outside of officially-sanctioned competitions. Many Chinese are skilled at '''cards''' (扑克牌 ''pūkèpái''); Deng Xiaoping was renowned for his love for bridge (桥牌 ''qiáopái''). ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Chinese Yuan | currencyCode=¥ | date=January 2022 | AUD=4.6 | CAD=5.0 | EUR=7.2 | GBP=8.6 | HKD=0.8 | INR=8.6 | JPY=5.5 | MYR=1.5 | NZD=4.3 | THB=1.9 | USD=6.4 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/cny-chinese-yuan-renminbi XE.com]}}The official currency of the People's Republic of China is the '''Chinese yuan''', known as the '''renminbi''' (人民币 ''rénmínbì'', "People's Money"), denoted by the symbol '''¥''', international currency code '''CNY'''. All prices in China are given in yuan; the Chinese character is 元 (''yuán''), or in financial contexts (e.g. cheques and banknotes) 圆. A price may be shown as, for example, 20 元, 20 rmb, RMB 20, 20 yuan or ¥20; we use the latter form here. In informal spoken Chinese and sometimes in spoken English, 块 (''kuài'') may be used instead, much as "buck" can be used in the U.S. or "quid" in the UK. Some Chinese software will display a bigger "full width" character (￥) to differentiate it from the Japanese yen, which uses the same symbol. The Chinese yuan is ''not'' legal tender in the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which issue their own currencies. However many businesses will also accept Chinese currency, albeit at an unfavorable exchange rate. {{infobox|Cheat Sheet|* 10 ''jiǎo'' is 1 ''yuán'' (&#20803;), the base unit * ''yuán'' is commonly called ''kuài'' (&#22359;) * ''jiǎo'' is commonly called ''máo'' (&#27611;) * 10 is ''shí'' (十) * 100 is ''bǎi'' (百) * 1,000 is ''qiān'' (千) * 10,000 is ''wàn'' (万)}} There are 10 ''jiǎo'' (角) in a yuan. A coin worth ¥0.1 will thus say 壹角 ("1 jiǎo"), on it, and a price like ¥3.7 would thus be read as "3 ''kuài'' 7". The ''jiǎo'' is rapidly heading for extinction, although you will get the odd 1 or 5 jiao coin or note as change. In spoken [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], the ''jiǎo'' is usually called the ''máo'' (毛). A tenth of a ''máo'' is a ''fēn'' (分); you may see this digit on prices, but it will be rounded off if you pay in cash. In spoken language, the trailing unit may be dropped. For example ''wǔ bǎi sān'', literally "five hundred three", means 530 or "five hundred three tens". The number 503 would be read as ''wǔ bǎi líng sān'', literally "five hundred zero three". Similarly ''yì qiān bā'', literally "one thousand eight", means 1800. When using larger numbers, Chinese has a word for ten thousand, ''wàn'' (万), and thus for example 50,000 becomes ''wǔ wàn'', not ''wǔ shí qiān''. [[Image:China currency overview.jpg|thumb|Chinese coins and bills]] * '''Coins''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao; dull silver or shiny silver), ¥0.5 (5 jiao; gold), ¥1 (silver) * '''Bills''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao), ¥0.5 (5 jiao), ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 A lot of Chinese currency will be in the form of bills &mdash; even small change. Bills are more common in some areas, coins in others, but both are accepted anywhere. Even the jiao, at just one tenth of a yuan, exists as both a bill (the smallest) and two different coins. Conversely, one yuan exists as a coin and as two different bills. You should be prepared to recognize and handle either version. Due to the popularity of mobile payments, an increasing number of shops in urban areas do not accept cash or credit cards, and even those that accept cash will often not have any change available. ====Foreign currency==== Foreign currencies, including the Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar, are rarely seen as a substitute for yuan except in several five-star hotels, and in some shops on the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, and stock exchanges. Other currencies are unlikely to be used in most transactions. If you only have dollars in your pocket, it usually means that you don't have money to pay the bill without a trip to a bank. Many shops won't accept it, having no idea on exchange rate or how to check if the bills are counterfeit. ====Counterfeiting==== With the popularity of mobile payment apps, counterfeit banknotes are less of a problem than before, but you should still be alert for them. Banknotes of ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100 are the main risks. When you're given one of these bills as change, scrutinize it to check. The main focus is on the texture of different parts, metal line, change of colours under different lights. Everyone has their own method, so just ask. When you pay with a ¥50 or ¥100 banknote in a shop or taxi, it's socially accepted that you note down the last few digits of the banknote you are handing over. This is in case they claim your banknote is fake, then these remembered digits will ensure they give you the same note back. Some unscrupulous money exchangers on the Chinese border areas give counterfeits to travelers. Go to a bank if you're not experienced in checking notes. It is common for cashiers to scrutinize banknotes and some of the more expensive supermarkets even have machines that can spot counterfeits. This is standard practice in China and offence should not be taken. Counterfeits from ATMs are not common, but some people are still concerned. If you are worried, withdraw your money from the bank counter and say "I worry about jiǎbì (''counterfeit'')". Bank staff are understanding about this. ====Currency exchange==== Although still restricted, the yuan is readily convertible in many countries, especially in Asia. The Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, pound sterling, Australian dollar, Japanese yen and South Korean won, and Singapore dollars can be easily changed in China. Currency should only be changed at major banks (Bank of China in particular), or with the licensed money changers usually found at airports or high-end hotels, although they offer unfavorable rates. You should avoid black market for currency exchange as '''counterfeiting''' is a major issue, especially with money changers in markets and hanging around large banks. Foreign exchange is under tight control in China. Private money changers are still uncommon in China. In a bank, it usually takes 5 to 60 minutes to process the exchange, sometimes a little faster in a hotel. Bank branches in major cities usually know the procedure and are relatively quick, while even main branches in provincial cities can take much longer. You must fill out a form, and your passport will be photocopied and scanned. Keep the exchange receipt if you plan to leave the country with larger sum of money. Not all banks with the "Exchange" logo will exchange money for non-customers or for all currencies in cash. For example, Standard Chartered will only exchange cash for its customers and will only do US dollars and Hong Kong dollars in cash (but opening an account is quick and doable even on a tourist visa, and they offer a better cash exchange rate than most local banks). Exchanging US currency for yuan can be simple, but expect the bills to be heavily scrutinized before the exchange is processed. Opportunities to buy yuan before entering China, for example when coming overland from Hong Kong or Vietnam, should be taken, as the rates are better. The same is true going the other way - selling just across the border will often net a more favorable rate. You may only import or export a maximum in local currency of ¥20,000 in cash, and sums greater than US$5,000 cash in foreign currency require paperwork. Most international banks will allow you to get a cash advance via a debit or credit card at a Chinese ATM. However, the rates for such actions are often unfavorable and may include steep service charges. It's useful to carry an international currency such as pounds sterling, US dollars, or Japanese yen to fall back on should you not have access to a cash machine. If you are planning to stay a long time in China, e.g. for work or study, you may want to open a Chinese bank account. See [[Working in China#Banking]] for more information. ====ATM cards==== Many ATMs will only accept Chinese bank cards. ATMs from three of the big four banks are likely to accept foreign (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Diners) cards: Bank of China (BOC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and China Construction Bank (CCB). Although ATMs from other banks are plentiful, state they accept Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus and have an English option, they are not likely to work with an international credit/debit card unless the ATM operator is a foreign big-name bank (HSBC, Citibank, Bank of East Asia). Before traveling, find out if your home bank charges a currency conversion fee (often between 0-3%) on such transactions. It is worth opening a zero conversion fee account beforehand if possible. If you have trouble because the ATM requires a 6-digit PIN and your PIN only has four digits, try adding two zeros before it. If you find yourself in a town with a Bank of China branch but no international network-capable ATM, it is usually possible to get a cash advance on a credit card inside the bank for a 3% fee. Just ask. UnionPay, the local ATM card network, has made agreements with various ATM card networks around the globe. If your card is covered, any ATM in China will accept withdrawals and balance inquiries from your card. While UnionPay ATM and/or debit cards are now issued by banks in a number of countries, ATM cards linked to NYCE and Pulse in America (also applies to cash advances from Discover cards), Interac in Canada, and LINK in the UK are covered. If your bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance, China Construction Bank is the local partner for fee-free withdrawals. ===Credit cards=== [[File:Dalian large Shopping Mall 2005.jpg|thumb|Inside a mall in [[Dalian]]]] Outside of star-rated or chain hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, '''foreign credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted''' and most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Many department stores and large grocery stores have point-of-sale terminals for Chinese bank cards, but most foreign cards are not supported. Most Chinese banks and many merchants use the UnionPay system, so a foreign card that supports UnionPay will probably be widely accepted. Several countries now have banks that issue UnionPay credit cards, and UnionPay supports Discover and JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) cards as well. Visa, MasterCard and American Express meanwhile are less common. Most convenience stores take UnionPay, as do most restaurant chains, stores selling high-value items, grocery store chains, and most ATMs. In 2017, it was reported that the new Discover cards with chip would require multiple attempts or did not work at all in most of the POS machines. Do not rely on credit cards as your sole payment method. Consider signing up for an international card that can interact with UnionPay. If you have a bank account in [[Hong Kong]] then you may be able to open an additional renminbi account with a UnionPay card which is convenient for traveling in the mainland. As with debit cards, Chinese retail clerks will usually present the POS credit card terminal to the cardholder for entry of a PIN for chip-and-pin cards. Visitors from sign-only countries should attempt to explain that fact to the clerk (while chip-and-sign cards will cause most terminals to automatically skip the PIN prompt), and sign the receipt as usual. ===Mobile payments=== [[File:Alipay_and_WeChat_pay_signs_in_BurgerKing_ZBAA_(20170309123855).jpg|thumb|Alipay (blue) and WeChat Pay (green) accepted here]] QR-code based mobile payments such as [https://pay.weixin.qq.com/index.php/public/wechatpay WeChat Pay] (微信支付 ''Wēixìn zhīfù'') and [https://global.alipay.com/ Alipay] (支付宝 ''Zhīfùbǎo'') are extremely popular in China. The vast majority of places that take small payments, including restaurants, street-food places, and some public transportation in large cities, accept either or both of WeChat Pay and Alipay. In some cases, mobile payment is the only accepted payment method. Look for a QR-code posted with the App logo of WeChat or Alipay to find places that accept these payment types. Unfortunately for the traveler, both maintain strict separation between their Chinese and global networks: you can't use a global account to make payments in China. Getting full access to the Chinese network as a foreigner requires a Chinese bank account, but you '''can use Alipay with a foreign credit card'''. There are two key limitations that tourists may bump into- first is that the maximum amount that can be spent with Alipay linked to a foreign credit card is ¥5000 per 90 days (sufficient for short visits and if major expenses can be paid with credit card or cash, less so otherwise), and you can only make payments to registered business accounts (some small vendors use an individual account in the owner's name rather than a separate business account). Various other workarounds may be possible—WeChat also accepts foreign credit cards for certain in-app transactions like reloading a prepaid phone balance or ordering delivery—but requirements are always changing. Other NFC-based mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Android Pay, are not accepted in the vast majority of the places. The NFC/Contactless POS terminals usually only takes Contactless UnionPay cards. Even though some stores in large cities are labeled to accept Apple Pay, Apple Pay with a Visa/MasterCard/AmEx/Discover/JCB would probably not work at all in those stores as in most cases they also require a UnionPay card. Android Pay is completely absent from China due to the ban of Google in mainland China. ===Costs=== China is affordable for Western visitors, though it's noticeably more expensive than much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unless you are heading to [[Hong Kong]] or [[Macau]], China is generally much less expensive - from a traveler's perspective - than industrialised countries. If you eat local food, use public transportation and stay in budget hotels or hostels, then ¥200-300 is a serviceable daily backpacker budget. However, if you want to live an extravagant lifestyle and eat only Western food and stay in luxury hotels, then even ¥3,000 a day would not be enough. As a general rule, basic items are relatively cheap, but the prices of luxury items are exorbitant, even by the standards of Japan and Western countries. Western-branded products in particular are extremely expensive, sometimes more than double what you would pay for the same items in the U.S. There is a high degree of variation in prices depending on where you go. Major cities like [[Shanghai]], [[Beijing]] and [[Guangzhou]] generally cost more than smaller cities and rural, inland parts of the country. The boom towns of [[Shenzhen]] and [[Zhuhai]] are also more expensive than the national average. Nonetheless, many Hong Kong or Macau residents (who live just across the border from Shenzhen and Zhuhai, respectively, and who are generally more affluent than mainlanders), often go to these cities to shop, play golf, and enjoy services like massage as prices are far lower. ===Tipping=== As a general rule, tipping is not practiced in China. While tipping would rarely be regarded as insulting, in some cases a tip might be seen as suggesting that a relationship is based on money, not friendship. When leaving a tip on your table, it is common to see a waiter chase after you to return the money you "forgot" to take. In China, compliments over service is usually expressed in implicit ways. If you are a smoker, you are expected to pass a cigarette to the service staff or manager. If you don't do so, you will be seen as selfish and egocentric. It is common to buy a bartender or pub owner a drink. In a hotel, it is customary not to tip for room service, airport service, taxis or anything else, although hotels that routinely serve foreign tourists may allow tipping for tour guides and associated drivers. Masseurs in some areas such as Shenzhen have been known to ask for a tip. However, if they become pushy at getting tips, most Chinese see this as extortion and an immoral practice, so just be firm if you don't wish to give any. Taxi drivers do appreciate a few yuan rounded up if they have made an extra effort for your journey; however, it is by no means required. ===Shopping=== {{See also|Shopping in China}} {{infobox|Antiquities Banned From Export|China's government has banned the export of antiques from before 1911, the date of the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Violation of this law could lead to heavy fines and even imprisonment. }} Shopping has become a national pastime as China's middle class expands. A variety of goods are available to suit any budget. In most brand name shops, upscale malls and supermarkets, the prices already have Value-Added Tax (VAT) and any sales tax included. Thus, anything with a marked price tends to be sold at that price or, perhaps, slightly below especially if you pay cash and do not require a receipt for your purchase. For unmarked goods, there is '''wide room for [[bargaining]]'''. Chinese make sales using the character: 折 (''zhé'') which represents how many tenths of the original price you pay. For example, 8折 refers to 20% off and 6.5折 is 35% off. China excels in handmade items, partly because of long traditions of exquisite artisanship and partly because labor is still comparatively inexpensive. The overwhelming majority of the "antique" items you will be shown are fakes, no matter how convincing they look and no matter what the vendor says. [[Image:China porcelain.jpg|thumb|Porcelain at Shanghai's antique market]] * '''Porcelain''': with a long history of porcelain manufacture, China still makes great porcelain today. * '''Furniture''': in the 1990s and 2000s China became a major source of antique furniture. * '''Art and Fine Art''': Traditional painting, modern art, and hand-painted reproductions of great works. * '''Jade''' There are two types of jade in China today: one type is pale and almost colorless and is made from a variety of stones mined in China. The other type is green in color and is imported from [[Myanmar]] (Burma) - if genuine! * '''Carpets''': China is home to a remarkable variety of carpet-making traditions, including Mongolian, Ningxia, Tibetan and modern types. * '''Pearls & pearl jewellery''': cultured Akoya and freshwater pearls are mass-produced and sold at markets across China. * '''Other arts and crafts''': Cloisonné (colored enamels on a metal base), lacquer work, opera masks, kites, shadow puppets, Socialist-realist propaganda posters, wood carvings, scholar's rocks (decorative rocks, some natural, some less so), paper-cuts, and so on. *'''Clothing''': China is one of the world's leading manufacturers of clothing, shoes and accessories. There are affordable tailors anywhere in China. There is also traditional Chinese clothing if you are interested, and a growing revival movement. The styles that Westerners are most familiar with are the '''cheongsam''' (长衫 ''chángshān''; ''chèuhng-sāam'' in Cantonese) or '''qipao''' (旗袍 ''qípáo'') for women, and the '''tangzhuang''' (唐装 ''tángzhuāng'') for men, which were based on traditional Manchu clothing that was imposed on the Han Chinese during the Qing Dynasty. Traditional Han Chinese clothing from the Ming Dynasty and earlier is known as the '''hanfu''' (汉服 ''hànfú''); it looks superficially similar to the Japanese kimono and Korean hanbok, and is often mistaken for one of those. *'''Brand-name goods''': genuine branded foreign goods won't be cheaper than in Western countries. There are a number of sources of potential knock-offs or fake brand-name goods. *'''Software, music and movies''': Most CDs (music or software) and DVDs in China are unauthorized copies. *'''Endangered species''': avoid purchasing &mdash; coral, ivory and parts from endangered animal species. Anyone buying such products risks substantial fines and/or jail time either when trying to leave China with them or when trying to import them into another country. * '''Electronics''': Since the 2010s, Chinese companies have been pushing the boundaries of innovation in consumer electronics. In particular, they have become the world leader in the design and manufacturing of drones for photography. ===Bargaining=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Bargaining|Bargaining}} [[File:Market china.jpg|thumb|Merchandise at a market in China]] Bargaining is a national pastime in China. You can bargain over almost anything, and sometimes it's even possible to ask for discount in a restaurant at the last minute before paying the bill. Many restaurants or bars will willingly offer a free dish or two (such as a fruit plate in a KTV) if you have made a particularly large order. Shopping malls are less willing to bargain, but why not ask "Will I get a gift?" Prices are almost always posted, but they are all substantially marked up, normally 2-3 times. It's often better to buy souvenirs somewhere just a few blocks away from the tourist spots. It is hard to tell what price to offer when starting negotiations. Depending on the city, product or market in question, 5% to 50% of the posted price or vendor's first offer is common. If someone offers you too-great-to-be-true discount, it could be a sign that the goods are of less-than-great quality. The rule of thumb is to walk around and compare. In tourist spots, it's common to ask for a 30-50% discount, but in a place catering to local people, asking for a 50% discount sounds foolish. In tourist places, don't take what merchants say seriously. When you ask for a 50% discount, they may be appalled and show scorn; it's a favorite drama. ===Basics=== Unless you have a supermarket within walking distance of your hotel (see next section below), the most convenient option for basic supplies and groceries will almost always be a convenience store. Major chains in China include Kedi, Alldays, FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. China has belatedly caught up with East Asia's love affair with convenience stores, to the point where the largest cities like Beijing and Shanghai have become oversaturated with them. Many convenience stores sell individual tissue packets, which are a necessity for touring China as many public restrooms do not have toilet paper. Although supermarkets also sell tissue packets and toilet paper, they tend to sell it in 6 or 10-packs which are too much for tourists (the ones that sell individual packs will have them close to or at the tills). Some discount and mid-market department stores in China also have groceries sections. ===Western goods=== Areas with large expatriate communities like [[Beijing]], [[Shanghai]], [[Guangzhou]] and [[Shenzhen]] have specialty grocery stores catering to those communities. These are often no larger than a 7-Eleven. They usually stock imported snacks, alcohol, and specialty groceries such as meats and cheeses and are often very expensive. See individual articles for details. Several Western-owned supermarket chains are widespread in China &mdash; American Wal-mart (沃尔玛 Wò'ěrmǎ), German Metro (麦德龙 Màidélóng), and French Carrefour (家乐福 Jiālèfú). All have some Western groceries — often at high prices. However, the availability of foreign products diminishes at their branches according to the size of the city. Metro is probably the best of these; in particular it usually has a fine selection of alcohol. Asian-owned chains include Japanese AEON (永旺 Yǒngwàng), Taiwanese RT-Mart (大润发 Dàrùnfā), South Korean LOTTE Mart (乐天玛特 Letianmate) and Filipino SM; these also carry imported goods. Some larger Chinese chains such as Beijing Hualian (北京华联 Běijīng Huálián) also carry a limited selection of foreign products. === Tobacco products=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Tobacco}} {{main|Tobacco}} Smoking is quite common and cigarettes (香烟 xiāngyān) are generally cheap. Cigarettes can be purchased from small neighbourhood stores, convenience stores, counters in supermarkets and in department stores. Rolling tobacco and papers are rare in urban China. Lighters (打火机 dǎhuǒjī) are usually cheap (about ¥1) but flimsily made. Zippos are available but expensive. Smoking is something of a social activity in China. In a bar or at dinner few Chinese will light up without offering cigarettes around the table, or at least to the men since few Chinese women smoke; visitors should do the same. Having an expensive brand is a status symbol. ==Eat== {{main|Chinese cuisine}} [[File:Yangzhou - fish dish - P1070031.JPG|thumb|A fish dish in a [[Yangzhou]] restaurant]] Food in China varies widely between regions, so the term "Chinese food" is a blanket term, about as descriptive as "Western food." Still, there are some broad characteristics. Gastronomy has a long history in China, and dishes subtly balance many flavors, aromas, and colors. Each region developed cuisine and techniques based on the ingredients at hand, so you'll find spicy meat-filled dishes in cooler inland regions, slowly simmered seafood stews in coastal regions, and quickly stir-fried fresh vegetables in busy southern ports like [[Guangzhou]]. Even many native Chinese find food from outside their home region to be "foreign". In southern China, '''rice''' (米饭 ''mǐfàn'') is a staple food served with many meals, so much so that its root word 饭 (''fàn'') means "meal" as well as "cooked grain". It may be served plain (eaten by itself as a side, or used as a bed to soak up sauce from the main dish), stir-fried with a variety of ingredients to make '''fried rice''', a quick tasty street meal and a common way to use up leftovers at home, or made into '''congee''', rice porridge that's a common breakfast. '''Noodles''' (面 ''miàn'') are another important staple, made from either rice or wheat, and served in a variety of methods. Soybeans are used to make '''soy sauce''', a quintessential seasoning in Chinese cooking. They're also used to make '''tofu''' (豆腐 ''dòufu''), which comes in many forms besides tasteless white blocks: some can be as flavorful and crispy as meat, others quite pungent like a blue cheese. Chinese gourmands place emphasis on '''freshness''' so your meal will most likely be cooked as soon as you order it. Searing hot woks over coal or gas fires make even street food usually safe to eat. Indeed freshly prepared street food is often safer than food sitting on the buffet lines of 5-star hotels. Still, use common sense: if it's a searing hot summer day and the kebab vendor has their raw meat sitting unrefrigerated on the counter, you might want to head elsewhere. Various types of Chinese food provide quick, cheap, tasty, light meals. Street food and snacks sold from portable vendors can be found throughout China's cities, good for breakfast or a snack. And Western-style fast food is arguably as popular as the domestic variety. Yelp is virtually unknown in China, while the Michelin Guide only covers Shanghai and Guangzhou, and is not taken seriously by most Chinese people. Instead, most Chinese people rely on local website [https://www.dianping.com/ Dazhong Dianping] (Chinese only). ===Etiquette=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Respect}} China is the birthplace of '''chopsticks''' (筷子 ''kuàizi''), which are used for most Chinese food. Chinese cuisine evolved to be eaten using chopsticks, with almost all food prepared in bite-sized chunks or easily picked apart. Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while. Some chopstick guidelines to be aware of: * '''Never''' place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of food (reminiscent of funeral rites), pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks (another funeral rite), or drum your bowl with chopsticks (reminiscent of beggars). * Always use chopsticks as a pair, like a set of tongs; '''never''' use just one chopstick at a time (nor one in each hand), hold them in your fist like you would a knife or dagger, or try to "cut" food with them like you would with a knife. Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be done only as a last resort. * Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls is rude. * Pointing at things with your chopsticks is rude. (Pointing at people in general is rude; with chopsticks, doubly so.) Even when setting chopsticks down on the table, angle them so they're not pointing at anyone. * In general, try not to touch food with your fingers. Even fried chicken is picked up with chopsticks and gingerly nibbled, touching it as little as possible. Small bones should be spat onto your plate or bowl, rather than removed using your hands or chopsticks. For foods that are eaten with your hands, disposable plastic gloves may be provided. It's normal to pick up any bowl of food for easier eating, and you can put a bowl of rice directly to your mouth to push the last few bites in using your chopsticks. '''Spoons''' are used for soups and porridge, and to help with eating noodles in a soup. In traditional Chinese dining, dishes are shared '''family style''', and at larger tables there is usually a lazy Susan to pass dishes around. * Communal chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') are not always provided; if not, just use your own chopsticks to transfer food to your bowl. It's not rude to request communal chopsticks from the restaurant, but it may make you look like a stickler for formality. * Each communal dish should only be served from by one person at a time. Don't reach across someone to reach a farther dish while they're serving; wait until they're done. * Once you put something on your plate, don't put it back. Confucius says never leave someone else with what ''you'' don't want. * Do not start eating until the most senior person at the table has started eating. Don't expect to get a fortune cookie with your meal; that's strictly a Western custom. (Fortune cookies were actually invented in California sometime in the early 20th century.) Most Chinese have never even heard of them. ===Regional cuisines=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Regional cuisines}} Several varieties of Chinese food have enough international popularity that you may already recognize some of them: * '''Cantonese''' cuisine (from [[Guangdong]]), is by far the most widely known type of Chinese food abroad. Neither bland nor spicy, Cantonese cuisine will use almost anything as an ingredient, often preserving the freshness by quickly stir-frying in a very hot wok or steaming. Fried rice, chow mein, char siu pork, and sweet and sour pork are just a handful of its most famous dishes. * '''Huaiyang''' cuisine (from the eastern area towards [[Shanghai]]) is considered a good mix of northern and southern Chinese cooking styles. Dishes tend to focus on a main ingredient, which is often seafood in this coastal region; flavors are often sweet, and almost never spicy. Its most famous dishes include xiaolongbao soup dumplings, red braised pork belly, drunken chicken, and sweet and sour mandarin fish. * '''Sichuan''' or Szechuan cuisine (from the western inland) is popular with many foreigners for its ''málà'' flavors, using Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling numbness (''má'') and chili peppers for spiciness (''là''). Using lots of meat, preserved foods, and chili oil, it's famous for the original form of Kung Pao chicken, mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and dandan noodles. * '''Teochew''' cuisine (from the [[Chaoshan]] region of Guangdong) is well known in Hong Kong and much of Southeast Asia. Particularly known for its braised meats and steamed dishes. Other major traditional cuisines include fragrant and vinegary Shandong, tender Fujian, spicy Hunan, herbal Anhui, and delicate Zhejiang. Ethnic minority cuisines in China include [[Korean cuisine|Korean]], Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various cuisines from Yunnan, while Northeastern Chinese cuisine is influenced by both Mongolian and Russian cuisines and includes dishes like potato dumplings and a type of borscht. There is even unique local-style '''Western food''' to be found in [[Shanghai]]. ===Dietary restrictions=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Dietary restrictions}} People with dietary restrictions will have a '''hard time''' in China. '''''Halal''''' food is hard to find outside areas with a significant Muslim population, but look for Lanzhou noodle (兰州拉面, ''Lánzhōu lāmiàn'') restaurants, which may have a sign advertising "halal" in Arabic (حلال) or Chinese (清真 ''qīngzhēn''). If you are attending university in China, most major Chinese universities have halal canteens to cater to their Muslim students. '''''Kosher''''' food is nearly unknown, and you will have to do some advance planning; there are Chabad houses in major Chinese cities that you can contact to help with this. '''Vegetarian''' restaurants can often be found near major Buddhist temples (look for the character "素" or the symbol "卍", a Buddhist symbol in this context), but elsewhere you'll probably need to ask specifically and it may not always be available. Dairy and eggs are little-used in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, so much of it is suitable for '''vegans''', but do pay attention, especially when it comes to desserts. Awareness of '''food allergies''' (食物过敏 ''shíwù guòmǐn'') is limited, and '''gluten-free''' foods are virtually non-existent. ==Drink== The Chinese love a tipple, but unless you are used to imbibing heavily, be careful when drinking with Chinese. The Chinese liquor ''báijiǔ'' is quite potent (up to 65% alcohol); it's often drunk in small shot glasses for a good reason. When U.S. President Richard Nixon &mdash; who was an experienced drinker, if a bit of a lightweight &mdash; first visited China, his staff sent dire warnings that he ''not'' drink in response to toasts. (He diplomatically managed to toast every table at the banquet, taking ''very'' small sips.) There are hardly any liquor laws in China. The legal drinking age is 18, but it's basically not enforced, and you'll never need to show ID. Alcohol can be purchased anywhere and drunk anywhere. ===Toasting=== Toasts are made by saying '''"''gānbēi''"''' (干杯, lit. "dry glass"). Drinks are served in small glasses (even beer is usually drunk from oversized shot glasses), and traditionally you should drain the whole glass for a toast. Chinese toasts are generally one-on-one, not something involving the whole table. At most meals, a visitor can expect everyone at the table to offer them a toast. Visitors should also '''offer toasts''' and not just receive them. This means that if you are out for dinner with a dozen people, you will be expected and pressured to drink around two dozen toasts. Fortunately, it's okay to stick to beer, and Chinese beer is usually low alcohol. It may be considered rude if you don't offer a toast to someone whenever you take a drink, at least at the start of a meal. The same applies to smoking; offer the pack around whenever you want to light up. If you want to take it easy but still be sociable, say "'''suíbiàn''" (随便) or "''pèngbeī''" (碰杯) before you make the toast, then drink only part of the glass. It may also be possible to have three toasts (traditionally signifying friendship) with the entire company, rather than a separate toast for each person. ===Alcohol=== {{Seealso|Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic}} The all-purpose word ''jiǔ'' (酒, "alcohol") covers quite a range of alcoholic drinks. Generally speaking, heavy drinking is more prevalent in northern China than in southern China. '''Beer''' (啤酒 ''píjiǔ'') is common in China and is served in nearly every restaurant and sold in many grocery stores. The most famous brand is Tsingtao (青島 ''Qīngdǎo'') from [[Qingdao]], which was at one point a German concession. Locally made '''grape [[wine]]''' (葡萄酒 ''pútáojiǔ'') is common and much of it is reasonably priced, but usually bears only the faintest resemblance to Western wines. The Chinese like their wines red and very sweet, and they're typically served over ice or mixed with Sprite. That said, higher-quality local wines that are more similar to their Western counterparts also exist, if you know what to look for. There are also several brands and types of '''rice wine'''. Most of these resemble a watery rice pudding, they are usually sweet and contain a minute amount of alcohol for taste. '''Baijiu''' (白酒 ''Báijiǔ'') is distilled liquor, generally 40% to 60% alcohol by volume, made from sorghum and sometimes other grains depending on the region. Maotai or Moutai (茅台 ''Máotái''), made in Guizhou Province, is China's most famous brand of baijiu and China's national liquor. Maotai and its expensive cousins (such as '''Kaoliang''' from [[Kinmen]] in Taiwan) are well known for their strong fragrance and are actually sweeter than western clear liquors as the sorghum taste is preserved — in a way. Chinese '''brandy''' (白兰地 ''báilándì'') is excellent value, priced about the same as wine. There are several brands; all are drinkable and many visitors find them more palatable than baijiu. The Chinese are also great fans of various supposedly '''medicinal liquors''', which usually contain exotic herbs and/or animal parts. Some of these have prices in the normal range and include ingredients like ginseng, while other more exotic may include snakes, wasps and newborn mice. These can be palatable enough, if tending toward sweetness. Note that some medicinal liquors are only intended for external use. ===Bars, discos and karaoke=== Western style pubs are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Especially in the more affluent urban centers such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou one can find painstakingly recreated replicas of traditional Irish or English pubs. Like their Western counterparts most will have a selection of foreign beers on tap as well as provide pub food (of varying quality) and often feature live cover bands. Most of these pubs cater to and are frequented by the expatriate communities so you should not expect to find many Chinese in these places. Imported beer can be very expensive compared to local brew. To just go out for a few drinks with friends, pick a local restaurant and drink beer at around ¥5 for a 600 ml bottle. It will be Chinese lager, around 3% alcohol, with a limited choice of brand and may be served warm. Most mid- to high- range restaurants will have small private suites for gatherings (usually offered free if there is more than around 5 people), and the staff will generally not try to hustle you out even if you decide to stay until closing time. Many residents frequent outdoor restaurants or roadside stalls and barbecues (烧烤 ''shāokǎo'') for a nice and inexpensive evening. In '''discos''' and '''fancy bars''' with entertainment, you normally buy beer ¥100 at a time; this gets you anywhere from 4 import-brand beer (Heineken, Bud, Corona, Sol, etc.) to 10 local beers. A few places offer cocktails; fewer have good ones. Other drinks are sold only by the bottle, not by the glass. Red wine is in the ¥80-200 range (served with ice and Sprite) and mediocre imported whiskeys (Chivas, Johnny Walker, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels; extremely rarely single malts) and cognacs, ¥300-800. Both are often mixed with sweet bottled green or red tea. Vodka, tequila and rum are less common, but sometimes available. Bogus "brand name" products are fairly common and may ruin your next day. These places often have '''bar girls''', young women who drink a lot and want to play drinking games to get you to consume more. They get a commission on whatever you buy. In general, these girls will not leave the bar with you; they are professional flirts, not prostitutes. [[File:Wuhan-LuoyuDongLu-karaoke-4108.jpg|thumb|A karaoke place near the Huazhong University of Science and Technology campus in [[Wuhan]]]] '''Karaoke''' (卡拉OK ''kǎlā'ōukèi'') is huge in China and can be broadly split into two categories. More common is the no-frills karaoke box or '''KTV''', where you rent a room, bring your friends and the house gives you a mic and sells you booze. Much favored by students, these are cheap and fun with the right crowd, although you need at least a few people for a memorable night. Bringing your own booze can keep the price tag down but must be done on the sly - many places have windows in the door so the staff can make sure you only drink liquor they sold to you. Rather different is the distinctly dodgier '''special KTV''' lounge, more oriented to businessmen entertaining clients or letting their hair down, where the house provides anything and everything at a price. At these often opulent establishments &mdash; over-the-top Roman and Egyptian themes are standard &mdash; you'll be joined by short-skirted professional karaoke girls, who charge by the hour for the pleasure of their company and whose services may not be limited to just singing badly and pouring your drinks. It's highly advisable not to venture into these unless you're absolutely sure somebody else is footing the bill, which can easily run into hundreds of dollars even if you keep your pants on. As elsewhere, never '''never''' accept an invitation to a restaurant or bar from an available-looking woman who just picked you up in the street sometime after sundown. At best, suggest a different place. If she refuses, drop her on the spot. More than likely, she will steer you into a quiet little place with too many doormen and you will find yourself saddled with a modest meal and beer that will cost you ¥1,000 or worse. And the doormen won't let you leave till you pay up. ===Tea=== China is the birthplace of tea culture, and at the risk of stating the obvious, there's a lot of '''[[tea]]''' (茶 ''chá'') in China. Green tea (绿茶 ''lǜchá'') is served up for free in some restaurants (depending on region) or for a small fee. For more information, see [[Chinese cuisine#Tea]]. The most common types served are: * gunpowder tea (珠茶 ''zhū chá''): a green tea named after the appearance of the bunched-up leaves used to brew it * jasmine tea (茉莉花茶 ''mòlìhuā chá''): green-tea scented with jasmine flowers * oolong (烏龍 ''wūlóng''): a half-fermented mountain tea. Specialist tea houses serve a vast variety of brews, ranging from the pale, delicate white tea (白茶 ''báichá'') to the powerful fermented and aged pu'er tea (普洱茶 ''pǔ'ěrchá''). Most tea shops will be more than happy to let you sit down and try different varieties of tea. "Ten Fu Tea" is a national chain. Chinese teas are drunk without sugar or milk. However, in some areas you will find Hong Kong style "milk tea" (奶茶 ''nǎichá'') or Tibetan "butter tea". Taiwanese bubble tea (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá'') is also popular; the "bubbles" are balls of tapioca and milk or fruit are often mixed in. ===Coffee=== [[Coffee]] (咖啡 ''kāfēi'') is popular in urban China, though it can be quite difficult to find in smaller towns. Several chains of coffee shops have branches in many cities, including Starbucks (星巴克), UBC Coffee (上岛咖啡), Ming Tien Coffee Language and SPR. There are many small independent coffee shops or local chains. ===Cold drinks=== Many drinks that are usually served chilled or with ice in the West are served at room temperature in China. Ask for beer or soda in a restaurant, and it may arrive at room temperature, though beer is more commonly served cold, at least in the summer. Water will generally be served hot. That is actually good, because only boiled (or bottled) water is safe to drink. Small grocery stores and restaurants sell cold drinks, just look for the cooler (even though it might not actually be cool). You can try bringing a cold beverage into a restaurant. Most small restaurants won't mind—if they even notice—and there is no such thing as a "cork" charge in China. Most people will be drinking tea, which is free anyway, so the restaurant is probably not expecting to profit on your beverage consumption. Asking for ice is best avoided. Many, perhaps most, places just don't have it. The ice they do have may well be made from unfiltered tap water and arguably unsafe for travelers sweating bullets about [[Travellers' diarrhea|diarrhea]]. ==Sleep== [[File:Muyu-rural-inn-5476.jpg|thumb|Rural inn in Shennongjia, [[Hubei]]]] Availability of accommodation for tourists is generally good and ranges from shared dorm rooms to 5-star luxury hotels. '''Sleeper trains''' and '''sleeper buses''' can also be a decent option if you schedule your long-distance travel overnight (see the [[#Get around|Get around]] section of this page for more information). In the past, only a few hotels were allowed to take foreign guests and the police monitored those, but restrictions now vary from city to city. Even in restricted cities and towns, family-run operations in particular may check you in if they feel they can get enough information from you to get you registered in the system or feel that they can get away without such reporting. Any hotel will still require a photocopy of your passport, some will check if your visa has expired, and they are supposed to share information with the authorities. On rare occasions, someone from your hotel will escort you to the local police station to satisfy the establishment's reporting requirement. Finding a hotel when arriving in a Chinese city is difficult if you don't know where to look and what you're looking for. In general, neither star ratings nor price are an accurate indication of the quality of the hotel, so research before booking. If you're willing to pay ¥180 or more for a room, you'll probably have little problem finding one. You could, for example, search Google Maps with the name of a chain hotel listed under "mid-range", below, determine what the address would be in Chinese, and then write that down on a note which you give to a taxi driver. There are usually cheap hotels near the train or bus station. If you do plan on just showing up in town and looking for a place to sleep, it's best to arrive before 18:00 or the most popular places will be booked for the night. If you are absolutely at a loss for finding housing, the local police (警察) or Public Security Bureau (公安局) can help you find a place to crash - at least for one night. '''Prices are often negotiable,''' and a sharp reduction from the price listed on the wall can often be had, even in nicer hotels, by simply asking "what's the lowest price?" (最低多少 ''zuìdī duōshǎo''). When staying for more than a few days it is also usually possible to negotiate a lower daily rate. However, these negotiating tactics won't work during the busy Chinese holiday seasons when prices sky-rocket and rooms are hard to get. Many hotels, both chains and individual establishments, have membership cards offering discounts to frequent guests. In mid-range and above hotels, it was once quite common for guests to receive phone calls offering "massage" services (that actually offered additional physical services) but this has become rarer such that male guests might just encounter business cards stuffed under the door. '''Booking a room over the Internet''' with a credit card can be a convenient and speedy method of making sure you have a room when you arrive at your destination, and there are numerous websites that cater for this. Credit cards are not widely used in China, particularly in smaller and cheaper hotels. Such hotels usually ask to be paid in cash, and many hotels ask for a cash security deposit of a few hundred yuan up front. Some new [http://www.dajiudian.info online services] {{dead link|December 2020}} allow you to book without a credit card and pay cash at the hotel. During Chinese holidays, when it is difficult to get a room anywhere, this may be an acceptable option, but in the off-season, rooms are plentiful almost everywhere and it may be just as easy to find a room upon arrival as it is to book one over the Internet. Across China, check-out is normally noon, and there is often the possibility of paying half a day's cost to get an 18:00 checkout. For those staying in China on a more permanent basis, rental is possible with the obvious caveat that all contracts are in Chinese. Real estate prices are exorbitant in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, surpassing even those of many major Western cities. ===Low-cost housing=== Many ultra-cheap options would not appeal to most travelers from developed countries for security and cleanliness reasons. In the cheapest range of hotels it is important to ask if hot water is available 24 hours-a-day (有没有二十四个小时的热水 ''yǒuméiyǒu èrshisì ge xiǎoshí de rèshuǐ''), and check if the shower, sink and toilet actually work. It is also advisable to avoid checking into a room next to a busy street as traffic may keep you up late and wake you up early. * '''Hostels (青年旅社)''' are the most comfortable low-cost options. They typically cater to foreigners, have English-speaking employees, and provide cheap, convenient transport around town. Some of them are even cleaner and better furnished than more expensive places. Hostels also have a cozy, international atmosphere and are a good place to meet other travelers and get some half-decent Western food. In most cities of any size there is at least one hostel available, and in travel hot spots there are plenty of hostels, although they can still fill up quickly because of their popularity with backpackers. Hostels can often be booked on-line in advance although you definitely should bring a print-out of your confirmation as not all hostels are aware that you can book their rooms (and pay a portion of the cost) on-line in advance. In Beijing, many hostels are in '''hutongs''' - traditional courtyard homes in the midst of a maze of traditional streets and architecture. While many of Beijing's Hutongs have been demolished, a movement to save those which remain has led to a boom in youth hostels for backpackers and boutique hotels for the mid-range traveler. * '''Dorm rooms (宿舍)''' are found on university campuses, near rural tourist attractions and as part of some hotels. Most travelers have spotty luck with dorms. It is common to have rowdy or intoxicated roommates, and shared bathrooms can take some getting used to, especially if you're not used to traditional squat toilets or taking cold showers. However, in some areas, especially on top of some of China's holy mountains, dorm rooms might be the only budget option in a sea of luxury resorts. [[File:Yangzhou - guesthouse sign - P1080108.JPG|thumb|Signage over a budget hotel in Yangzhou]] * '''Zhùsù (住宿)''', which simply translates as "accommodation", can refer to any kind of sleeping accommodation, but those places that have the Chinese characters for zhusu written on the wall outside are the cheapest. A zhusu is not a hotel, but simply rooms for rent in homes, restaurants, and near train and bus stations. Zhusu rooms are universally spartan and bathrooms are almost always shared. The price can be quite low, costing only a few dozen renminbi. Officially a zhusu should not provide a room to a foreigner, but many times the caretaker is eager to get a client and will be willing to rent to anyone. There are never any English signs advertising a zhusu, so if you can't read Chinese you may have to print out the characters for your hunt. Security in zhusu's is sketchy, so this option is not recommended if you have valuables with you. * '''Spas''': spa costs vary but can be as low as ¥25. Admission to a spa is typically for 24 hours, but entering a spa late at night (after 01:00) and leaving before noon may get you a 50% discount. Spas provide beds or reclining couches and a small locker for bags and personal possessions (this is ideal if you are traveling light), but there is no privacy because usually everyone sleeps in one room (so there is more security than in a dorm, since there are attendants who watch over the area, and your belongings (even your clothes!) are stored away in a locker). There are also showers, saunas, complimentary food, and paid services such as massages and body scrubbing. Don't be fooled when receptionists try to make up reasons why you have to pay more than the listed rate. They may try to convince you that the listed rates are only for members, locals, women, men, or include only one part of the spa (i.e. shower, but no bed/couch). To verify any claims, strike up a conversation with a local a good distance away from the spa and inquire about the prices. Don't let them know that you are checking the spa's claims. Just act as if you are thinking about going there if the price is good. If they know that the spa is trying to overcharge you, they will typically support the spa's claim. ===Budget hotels=== [[File:Yangzhou - 7 Tian Liansuo Jiudian - P1070222.JPG|thumb|A mid-range hotel in Yangzhou with a couple of cheaper establishments nestled on its first floor]] The next level of hotels, which cater almost exclusively to Chinese clients, are usually off-limits to foreigners but you may be able to convince them to accept you, especially if you can speak a smattering of Chinese. As a foreigner, you are obligated to register your stay with local authorities, and in urban areas, budget hotels are often unaware of how to register foreign guests in the local system (and thus unwilling to take foreign guests). Despite this, you can offer to work with hotel staff in properly registering your stay in the PSB system (as most public security bureaus use the same registration system) using [https://www.lostlaowai.com/blog/china-stuff/china-travel/foreigners-allowed-hotel-registration-tutorial/ one of many online guides], but it is important to do so in a way that won't make the hotel clerk lose face. In rural areas, you will likely stick out like a sore thumb (especially if you have multimedia equipment), and even if you are registered as a guest, public security bureau officials will often show up late at night to firstly question your intentions for staying in a rural area, and furthermore ask you to leave and move on to another hotel. The cheapest range of Chinese budget hotels (one step above the zhusu) are called '''zhāodàisuǒ''' (招待所). Unlike zhusu these are '''licensed''' accommodations but are similarly spartan and utilitarian, often with shared bathrooms. Slightly more luxurious budget hotels and Chinese business hotels may or may not have English signs and usually have the words '''lǚguǎn''' (旅馆, meaning "travel hotel"), '''bīnguǎn''' or '''jiǔdiàn''' (宾馆 and 酒店, respectively, meaning "hotel") in their name. Room options typically include singles and doubles with attached bathrooms, and dorms with shared baths. Some budget hotels include complementary toiletries and Internet. In small towns a night's stay might be as cheap as ¥25; in bigger cities rooms usually cost ¥80-120. One problem with such hotels is that they can be quite noisy as patrons and staff may be yelling to each other across the halls into the wee hours of the morning. Another potential inconvenience is taking a room with a shared bath as you may have to wait to use a shower or squat toilet that moreover isn't in any sort of appealing condition. In smaller budget hotels the family running the place may simply lock up late at night when it appears no more customers are coming. If you plan to arrive late, explain this in advance or else you may have to call the front desk, bang on the door, or climb over the gate to get in. ===Mid-range hotels=== These are usually large, clean and comfortable, with rooms ranging from ¥150 to over ¥300. Frequently the same hotels will also have more expensive and luxurious rooms. The doubles are usually quite nice and up to Western standards, with a clean private bathroom that has towels and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast may be included, or a breakfast ticket can be purchased for around ¥10. Sprouting up around China are a number of Western-quality mid-range hotels that include the following chains, all of which have rooms in the ¥150-300 range and on-line advance booking: * {{sleep | name=7 Days Inns | alt= | url=http://www.7daysinn.cn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(7天连锁酒店) }} * {{sleep | name=JinJiang Inns | alt= | url=http://www.jinjianginns.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(锦江之星) }} * {{sleep | name=Home Inns | alt=如家快捷酒店 | url=http://www.homeinns.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Green Tree Inns | alt=格林豪泰酒店 | url=http://www.998.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motels by Wyndham | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} ===Splurge=== The high end includes international hotel chains and resorts, such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Shangri-La and their Chinese competitors. These charge hundreds or thousands of yuan per night for luxurious accommodations with 24-hour room service, satellite TV, spas, and western breakfast buffets. There are suites in Shanghai, for example, for over ¥10,000 a night. Many of these establishments cater to traveling business-types with expense accounts and charge accordingly for food and amenities (i.e. ¥20 for a bottle of water which costs ¥2 at a convenience store). Internet (wired or wireless) which is usually free in mid-range accommodations is often a pay service in high-end hotels. Some hotels in the ¥400-700 range such as Ramada or Days Inn are willing to lower their prices when business is slow. Chinese three and four-star hotels will often give block pricing or better deals for stays of more than 5 days. If you are coming to China on a tour, the tour company may be able to get you a room in a true luxury hotel for a fraction of the listed price. ==Learn== {{Seealso|Studying in China}} Traditional Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on education, so there is no lack of options for those who wish to receive quality education in China. China's universities offer many different types of courses, and some of them are regularly ranked among the top universities in the world. Universities accept students who have achieved the minimum of a high-school education for courses in the Chinese language. These courses usually last 1 or 2 years. Students are given certificates after they complete their course. Students who do not speak Chinese and want to study further in China are usually required to complete a language-training course. There are many opportunities to learn Chinese in China, including university courses and special programs. Scholarships may be available, from your home country or the Chinese government. In any city with a sizeable expat community, you can also find private classes, which you can take on the side while [[working in China]]. While not as popular as Mandarin, there are also some opportunities to study the local dialects and ethnic minority languages. ==Work== {{seealso|Working in China}} China has grown so much that it is on track to become the world's biggest economy. Although the labor market is difficult for foreigners to access, there are, however, significant opportunities for those who wish to experience China. It is illegal to work in China on a tourist or business visa, and while many foreigners used to get away with doing so, the Chinese government is cracking down on the practice; you will need to proactively make sure your employer goes through the appropriate procedures for you. Employment opportunities include [[English teaching|English-language teaching]], engineering, tech jobs, international trade, scientific research and working for multi-nationals. For most jobs, Chinese immigration law requires foreigners to have at least a bachelor's degree before they can be granted a work visa, and your application will be rejected if you do not have one. See [[Working in China]] for details. ==Stay safe== While China is generally safe for visitors, the government has some authoritarian aspects, and the topic of '''human rights''' in China is highly contested. Despite what's written in the Chinese constitution, in practice some freedoms are strongly curtailed, such as free speech, privacy, freedom of information and the press, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. As long as you're not deliberately provocative, most of these are unlikely to affect you during your visit — especially since enforcement is somewhat arbitrary anyway — but if they do, punishments can be heavy. China is known to use extrajudicial detention, torture, and (rarely, mainly for murder and drug trafficking) the death penalty. Often criticized as "hostage diplomacy", detentions and enforcement are sometimes stepped up in reaction to geopolitical events, meaning that, for example, Canadian and American businesspeople have faced extra scrutiny in 2019. Chinese dual citizens and people of Chinese heritage who are citizens of other countries have been subject to "exit bans", kept in China, sometimes for years, to compel them to cooperate with government investigations or pressure their relatives to return to China. <!--This section is just a political discussion that doesn't provide information to travelers. If the preceding is not fair, then let's fair that: An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole. The bottom line is that, no different from most other countries, --> As long as you behave and do not get involved in drugs or political activity, you shouldn't have any problems. Even bypassing the Internet firewall or accessing potentially subversive material is usually overlooked for the average visitor. However, it doesn't hurt to have a contingency plan in case you run afoul of the government. ===Law enforcement agencies=== Private security officers in China dress similarly to the police, and also often use lights and sirens on their vehicles. [[File:Chine police.JPG|thumb|right|Typical public security police officers]] The major law enforcement agency you will encounter most is the '''public security police''' (公安机关人民警察), often abbreviated as the public security (公安, ''Gōng'ān''), or civilian police (民警, ''mínjǐng''). *Most officers wear navy-blue peaked caps and light-blue shirts. Officers should carry their police identification document, which must be shown when you request them to do so. They are usually unarmed. *Special police officers wear black uniform, and are armed. *Traffic police officers wear white peaked-caps, and in some cities, they may wear fluorescent shirts. *Auxiliary police officers have limited law enforcement power, and do not have the power of arrest. Their uniforms differ from city to city; but have the words "auxiliary police" (辅警), or something similar. *Detectives, including domestic security agents, wear plain clothes. *Typical police vehicles bear the word "公安". Special police vehicles are painted with black, and bear the word "特警". All public security police officers have nationwide authority. Most of the officers are friendly, professional and reliable, yet there will inevitably be corrupt ones too. [[File:Pékin, People's Armed Police at Tianamen Square (1).JPG|thumb|right|A typical PAP soldier]] The '''People's Armed Police''' (PAP) (中国人民武装警察部队, often abbreviated to 武警, ''wǔjǐng'') is a branch of the Chinese military tasked with assisting the public security police, riot control and guarding key infrastructures like railway stations and airports. Soldiers wear green camouflage or olive-green military uniform with red insignia, while officers have similar uniform with that of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force. [[File:Shantou, Guangdong, China - Chengguan Officials.jpg|thumb|Chengguan officers of [[Shantou]]]] '''Chengguan''' (城管, ''chéngguǎn''), known officially as City Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau (城市管理行政执法局), and often known as Integrated Enforcement (综合执法) or Administrative Enforcement (行政执法), may dress differently. Chengguan officers are often poorly-trained, brutal, and sometimes corrupt. The Chinese government is cracking down on corruption, so '''under no circumstances''' should you offer a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer, as this could result in legal consequences for you and the person accepting your bribe. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates vary across the huge nation, but in general it as safe as most Western countries. Many Western tourists will feel safer in China than in their home country, and it is generally not a problem for women to roam the streets alone at night. Violent crime is very rare, though scams and petty crimes are common, so it pays to be prudent and secure your valuables properly. As with anywhere else, a little commonsense goes a long way. Generally speaking, crime rates are higher in the larger cities than in the countryside. Nevertheless, they are no more dangerous than major Western cities, so if you avoid seedy areas and use your common sense, you'll be fine. Video surveillance is widely used in both urban and in some rural areas. CCTVs are generally welcomed by the police, due to the fact that front-line officers are often insufficient to deal with China's huge population. While not as rampant as in [[Europe]], [[Pickpockets|pickpocketing]] is a significant issue in crowded places. Be particularly vigilant when on public transport during peak hours, as it provides the perfect cover for pickpockets to get away after striking. Bicycle theft can be a problem. In big cities there are stories of locals who have lost three bikes within one month, but in some other places, local people still casually park their bikes. Follow what local people do. Assume your expensive lock won't help at all. Professional thieves can break virtually any lock. In China, bike parking is common outside supermarkets or shopping centers, and usually charges ¥1-2 per day (usually until 20:00-22:00). If you have an electric bicycle or scooter, be extra cautious as the battery-packs or charger may be targeted. The main crimes foreigners get in trouble for are around drug use (including drug use outside China before you arrived—they sometimes do a hair test for cannabis) or working illegally, with the consequence usually being a short sentence, fine and deportation. If you are accused of a more serious crime, then your first 72 hours of investigation is critical. It is during that time that the police, prosecutors and your lawyers will investigate, negotiate and decide if you are guilty. Police use hard interrogations (or torture) immediately after arrest because eliciting a confession is the quickest way to secure a conviction. Chinese law prohibits your lawyer from being present during your interrogation. If your case goes to trial, then your conviction is merely a formality (99.9% of criminal trials in 2013 ended in a conviction), and the judge's only role is to decide your sentence. Signing any document during your interrogation would be an extremely bad idea, especially if you do not understand what you are signing. You should politely insist that you be allowed access to consular services and a translator. ===Traffic=== {{see also|Driving in China}} [[File:瀋陽市街地.jpg|thumb|Traffic in [[Shenyang]]]] The mortality rate per person for car accidents in China is lower than that of many Western countries. But, in general, driving in China can range from anywhere from nerve-rattling to outright reckless. Traffic can appear chaotic. Cars are allowed to turn right on a red light and do not stop for pedestrians, regardless of the walk signal. Cars drivers, cyclists and electric scooter drivers will all drive assuming they all have right of way/priority at once. Pedestrian crossings are a guide for the driver where pedestrians are more likely to cross. In cities, however, it is unlikely drivers will be traveling fast enough to cause significant damage. Do as the locals do: cross the road with confidence, be aware of your surroundings, know that cars, bikes and scooters will tend to continue rather than stop. It is advisable as a foreigner not to drive, since in an accident you will be poorly equipped to deal with the nature of Chinese compensation. ===Terrorism=== Although rare, terrorist attacks in China have occurred, mostly in [[Xinjiang]], where Uyghur Islamist separatists are fighting for independence against the Chinese government, though there have also been high-profile attacks on people in [[Guangzhou]] station, [[Kunming]] station and [[Beijing]]. There is airport-style security at all major train stations, metro stations, and long-distance bus terminals. You will have your bag X-rayed and take water bottles out of your bag to be scanned separately, but there is no need to empty your pockets. ===Begging=== Chinese people traditionally disapprove of [[begging]], so begging is not a major issue in most places. It is, however, never far off the scene and particularly common just outside the main tourist attractions and in major transportation hubs. Be aware of child beggars who could be victims of child trafficking. While it is becoming less common, you should avoid giving them any money. In China, local people usually only give money to those who have obviously lost the ability to earn money. Professional beggars have clear deformities, and some syndicates have been known to deliberately maim children as it is seen as more effective in soliciting pity. If you feel like giving them some, bear in mind that the minimum hourly wage ranges from ¥11 to ¥24 (2020).<!-- look for updates here: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/minimum-wages-china-2020/--> ====Buddhist monks==== The presence of foreign tourists unaware of local Buddhist customs has also given rise to many scams, with many fake monks and temples preying on unsuspecting visitors. Buddhism in China generally follows the Mahayana school, whose monks are required to be vegetarian, and usually grow their own food in the temples, or buy their food using temple donations. As such, they generally ''do not'' beg for food. Monks also do not sell religious items (these are sold by laymen), and neither do they offer "Buddha's blessing" in exchange for money, or threaten you with misfortune should you not donate. Most temples will have a donation box in the main hall for devotees to make donations should they wish to do so, and monks will never go out in public to ask for donations. According to traditional Buddhist philosophy, it is entirely up to an individual to decide whether and how much he/she wishes to donate, and genuine Buddhist temples will never use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations, or ask for any amount of money in exchange for services. ===Nature=== [[File:Trimeresurus stejnegeri.jpg|thumb|The Chinese bamboo viper]] Being a large country, China is affected by a range of different natural disasters. Pacific [[cyclones|typhoons]] hit the coast in the summer and autumn months, bringing physical destruction and torrential rain. Floods also occur, in particular around the large rivers. Northern parts of the country have winter storms. Much of the country is prone to [[earthquakes]] and [[tornadoes]]. China has a variety of '''[[venomous snakes]]'''. Be careful when hiking and seek immediate treatment for any snakebite. The bright green '''bamboo viper''' (''Trimeresurus stejnegeri'') is especially notorious. ===Scams=== : ''See also: [[Common scams]], [[Pickpockets]]'' Chinese people are in general hospitable to foreigners, and want to leave a good impression on tourists visiting their country. However, as with anywhere else, there are also scam artists who operate at tourist hot spots, so it pays to be prudent and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. High prices do not necessarily indicate a scam. In a teahouse or bar, ¥50-200 per cup or pot of tea (including hot water refills) and ¥15-60 per bottle of beer is not uncommon. Tea samplings may also charge high prices for each sample. [[File:Pudong Shanghai November 2017 HDR panorama.jpg|thumb|300px|Shanghai skyline]] Touristy parts of Beijing and Shanghai have become notorious for various scams. If you are keen to avoid being scammed, the following are good rules of thumb: * It is less likely for scammers to operate outside of the usual tourist spots * If you are approached in a touristy area by a person who appears ''too'' enthusiastic about going to a particular place (teahouse or otherwise), you are likely to pay a premium and maybe get a better time elsewhere * If you are uncomfortable, '''walk away.''' * Most ordinary Chinese people are unable to speak English, so be on your guard if someone approaches you spontaneously and starts speaking to you in English. The police are sensitive to foreigners being targeted in this way and giving the country a poor reputation. In China, you have a legal right to ask for a "fa piao" (发票, lit. receipt/invoice) which is an official sales invoice issued by the taxation department. It is against the law for an owner to refuse to give it to you. For scams, they generally will refuse since it is legal evidence of their extortionate price. Accident scams occur, too, and even 'good samaritans' who help people genuinely in distress have been sued for compensation by the people they were trying to help. These scams are not tried on foreigners too often, but be careful when using a vehicle and always record your journey with a dashboard or bicycle camera. If you find yourself being or having been scammed then call 110 and report it immediately. Suspicious phone calls can be enquired through '''96110''', a hotline established in view of soaring telecommunications scams. The police may also notify you by this number with area code prefix if you encountered suspected scam calls, which is similar to a reverse-911 call itself. ===Illicit drugs=== Acts related to illicit drugs are dealt with harshly in China. Although drug use alone and the mere possession of ''small'' quantities of drugs (for example, less than 200 grams of opium and less than 10 grams of heroin or methamphetamine) are not prosecuted and are only subject to lengthy detention and/or a fine, '''smuggling, trafficking, transporting, and manufacturing illicit drugs are crimes punishable by death''', and there are plenty cases of foreign drug traffickers being executed in China. In addition, the possession of ''large'' quantities of drugs is a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, and sheltering others to take drugs is a crime punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment. Chinese people usually associate drugs with national humiliation (due to an unlimited influx of opium after Opium Wars); publicly doubting the death penalty for drug offences or advocacy for drug liberalization will most likely get you publicly criticized. For recorded drug addicts, you may be subjected to sudden raids by the police, in order to verify that you did not consume any illicit drugs. Be particularly wary in the provinces of [[Yunnan]] and [[Guangxi]], as these provinces border the Golden Triangle, a major drug-producing region in Southeast Asia. Police now target bars and nightclubs that foreigners frequent with drug-testing kits, with detention and deportation the likely consequence of a positive drug test. In a hair test, you may test positive even for drugs that you consumed three months before arriving in China. If you are driving from Chinese-Burmese border (eg. [[Xishuangbanna]]), you may also encounter layered narcotics checkpoints, in which you and your vehicle will be thoroughly searched or even partially dismantled (if suspicion arise) to intercept drug smugglers. ===Banned items=== Due to the fast pace of change in China, you may find some items (especially media) continue to be banned by customs although they are readily available for purchase in the country itself. Searching your belongings for illicit items such as the ones below could potentially happen when entering China through an airport, although in practice it is rare these days. * Materials considered by the authorities as ''Anti-Chinese'' will be confiscated. This has a fairly wide interpretation, but can include the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan lion-mountain flag and literature about the Falun Gong religious group, independence movements in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan or the Tiananmen Square protests. As a rule of thumb, '''do not bring anything critical of the Communist Party of China'''; if some literature refers to the government of the PRC as the Communist Party of China (中共), then it's either from Taiwan (as the local official term when referring to the Chinese government), and/or its stance is likely to be critical of the party. **''The Epoch Times'' (大紀元時報) and ''Ming Hui Times'' (明慧周刊/明慧周報) are two examples of Falun Gong literature. The Falun Gong sect is known to print proselytising words on Chinese yuan bills, so consider checking your bills to avoid unnecessary hassle. * A heavy penalty is imposed on all '''pornography''' and penalties are counted based on the number of pieces brought into the country. ===Religion=== Visitors to China rarely get into trouble for practicing their religion. As a communist country, China is officially atheist, and religion is banned for people working in government jobs. Although religion was targeted for extermination during the Cultural Revolution, in modern times, visitors and private citizens are generally free to practice a religion if they wish. However, '''proselytising is prohibited''' and taken very seriously by the government, and could potentially lead to arrest and imprisonment, especially if there is any fear that it could undermine the government's authority. Catholics in China are split between the state-sanctioned Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPA, CPCA, or CCPA, 中国天主教爱国会 ''Zhōngguó Tiānzhǔjiào Àiguó Huì''), which is run separately from the Vatican, and an '''underground church''' which is illegal; visitors should not associate with the latter for legal reasons. '''Falun Gong''' is '''illegal''' and heavily censored in China. Visibly supporting it will make you subject to arrest. Despite all that, modern Chinese society is in general rather secular, and religiously-motivated hate crimes are exceedingly rare. ===Racism=== Although unprovoked violent racist attacks are virtually unheard of, foreigners, particularly darker-skin ones, often suffer discrimination in employment and are the subject of stereotyping from Chinese people. Even white foreigners, who allegedly enjoy significantly better treatment than locals, have been occasionally confronted by Chinese people during politically sensitive periods. Xenophobia has intensified amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many restaurants now refusing service to foreign customers. Discrimination is particularly severe against black people, some of whom have been evicted by their landlords and denied rooms in hotels. If your skin tone doesn't match people's assumptions for someone from your country, and especially if you're ethnically Chinese, you may be treated like the country on your passport isn't where you're ''really'' from. Visas on arrival are sometimes denied on this basis. ===Gay and lesbian travelers=== China is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travelers. There are no laws against homosexuality in China, though there is censorship of homosexual-themed content in the media. Gay scenes and communities are found in the major cities in China, but are generally non-existent everywhere else. Most Chinese are reluctant to discuss their sexuality in public, as it is generally considered to be a personal matter, and acceptance of homosexuality by Chinese people tends to be mixed. Same-sex marriages and unions are not recognised anywhere in the country. While openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is still likely to draw stares and whispers, gay and lesbian visitors should generally not run into any major problems, and unprovoked violence against homosexual couples is almost unheard of. In general, the younger generation tend to be more accepting of homosexuality, and gay dramas have been gaining in popularity among young Chinese women since the 2010s. Staff in hotels and guesthouses may assume that a mistake has been made if a same-sex couple has reserved a room with one large bed and try to move you to another room. However, they will generally back down if you insist that it is not a problem. ==Stay healthy== ===Personal hygiene=== Outside major cities, public washrooms range from mildly unpleasant to utterly repulsive. In cities, it varies from place to place. High-quality bathrooms can be found inside major tourist attractions, at international hotels, office buildings, and upper-class department stores. Washrooms in foreign restaurant chains, or any of the coffee chains listed in the drink section are usually more or less clean. While those in common restaurants and hotels are barely acceptable, those in hotel rooms are generally clean. Some public facilities are free, others cost from a few mao up to ¥2. Separate facilities are always provided for men (男 nán) and women (女 nǚ), but sometimes there are no doors on the front of the stalls. The sit-down toilet familiar to Westerners is rare in China in public areas. Hotels will generally have them in rooms, but in places where Westerners are scarce, expect to find squat toilets more often than not. Many private homes in urban areas now have sit-down toilets, and one major benefit from having a local host is that they have clean bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, a western establishment such as McDonald's or Starbucks will have a western toilet, but may not have toilet paper. Carry your own tissue paper (卫生纸 wèishēngzhǐ, or 面纸 miànzhǐ) as it is rarely provided. You can sometimes buy it from the money-taker at a public toilet; you can also buy it in bars, restaurants and Internet cafés for ¥2. Put used paper in the bucket next to the toilet; do not flush it away as it may block the often poor plumbing systems. There may not be soap in the public washrooms either. The Chinese tend to distrust the cleanliness of bathtubs. In hotels with fixed bathtubs, disposable plastic bathtub liners may be provided. Wash your hands often with soap if you can find any, carry some disposable disinfectant tissues (found in almost any department or cosmetics store), or use alcohol gel. ===Food and drink=== ====Food==== Although there are few widely enforced health regulations in restaurants, each major city does have an inspection regime that requires each establishment to prominently display the result (good, average or poor). It is hard to say how effective this is, but it is a start. Restaurants generally prepare hot food when you order. Even in the smallest of restaurants, hot dishes are usually freshly prepared, instead of reheated, and rarely cause health problems. A rule of thumb regarding street food is to make certain it is cooked thoroughly while you are watching; also, visit stalls frequented by locals, and look for plastic-wrapped disposable chopsticks. Minor stomach discomfort may still be experienced from street food and restaurant food alike, but is said to pass as one becomes accustomed to the local food. Ginger can be effective against nausea. ====Drink==== Chinese people '''do not drink water straight from the tap''', even in the cities. All hotels provide a thermos flask of boiled water in your room (refillable by your floor attendant), a kettle you can use to do it yourself or a sealed plastic bottle of commercial mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink ''after'' boiling. Some apartments and businesses have rather large water filters installed (which require changing twice a year) to improve the quality of water for cooking and washing. It still doesn't make the water drinkable from the tap, however it does improve the water quality a great deal. Purified drinking water in bottles is available everywhere, and is generally quite cheap. ¥2 is normal for a small bottle. Check that the seal on the cap is not broken. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also cheap and safe. Also note that much river water in China has been contaminated by chemicals that filters can not help much with, although this should only be dangerous if consumed over an extended period of time. ===Pollution=== {{infobox|Smog|Most smog or haze outbreaks are made up of fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5). '''N95 masks''' provide good protection against smog as they are at least 95% efficient against fine particles that are about 0.1 – 0.3 microns. They are 99.5% efficient against larger particles of 0.75 microns or more. As with most things in China, be sure to identify a reputable brand such as 3M}} [[File:3M N95 Particulate Respirator.JPG|thumbnail|N95 mask for dealing with China smog]] Due to a rapid rate of industrialization in China, [[Air pollution|pollution and heavy smog]] is unfortunately part of the way of life in most major towns and cities. That said, stricter environmental protection laws are slowly beginning to bear fruit, with the result that Beijing is no longer the most polluted city in the world, but there is still a long way to go. Even the countryside, depending on the province in question, is not immune. Long-term effects of smog particulate are unlikely to have a significant effect on your health if you are in China for a short stay (e.g. a number of weeks) and have no significant respiratory problems. If you are concerned, discuss this with a medical professional before your trip. Places at higher altitudes or plains like parts of Yunnan and Sichuan, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet and outlying islands such as Hainan usually have good air quality. Visitors should be prepared to see smog, which can be quite heavy, in nearly all large cities, including those on the coast. This [http://aqicn.org website] can provide detailed hourly pollution readings for most large cities. You will also hear a lot of noise. Construction and renovation are full-time activities. Chinese and long-time residents' ears are adapted to filter and tolerate it. ===Health care=== {{COVID-19 box|During lockdowns, medical resources are limited to non-COVID patients , '''even for urgent cases'''. Despite official prohibition, there are also cases where patients who don't have negative COVID testing results are denied treatment. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient essential and necessary medicines.|lastedit=2022-07-03}} {{infobox|Healthcare for foreigners|Most major Chinese cities have clinics and hospitals that are more appropriate for foreigners, with English-speaking and Western-qualified staff. Although expensive, it is worth identifying them whenever you plan to stay in an area for a significant time. For non-urgent medical treatment, you may want to consider traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] for a higher standard of treatment which may not be particularly more expensive.}} The quality of Chinese hospitals for the Chinese people is generally not up to the standards of the West. Local doctors have been known to prescribe more expensive treatments than necessary; IV drips are routine prescriptions in China, even for minor ailments like the common cold, and doctors have a tendency to liberally prescribe antibiotics. Most locals go to the hospital even for the most minor ailments, and the concept of a private clinic effectively does not exist. You should consider keeping a significant amount of cash readily available for emergencies, since not being able to pay upfront may delay treatment. Ambulance services are expensive, require upfront payment, are not accorded much priority on the roads and are therefore not particularly fast. Quality of ambulance service also varies with regions, and paramedics in poorer regions are often poorly equipped and trained. Taking a taxi to the hospital in an emergency will often be much quicker. Common therapeutic drugs &mdash; things like penicillin or insulin &mdash; are generally available from a pharmacist with a prescription and considerably cheaper than in western countries. You can usually ask to see the instructions that came with the box. Western medicine is called xīyào (西药). Less common drugs are often imported, hence expensive. In larger cities there are strong controls over medicine, and even 'standard' cold medicine such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or dextromethorphan may require a prescription or a foreign passport. Opiates always require a prescription, although Viagra never does. In smaller cities and rural areas many medicines, including most antibiotics, are often available without a prescription. {{infobox|Common symptoms|* Caught a cold: 感冒 gǎnmào * Fever: 发烧 fāshāo * Headache: 头痛 tóutòng * Stomach ache: 肚子痛 dùzǐtòng * Sore throat: 喉咙痛 hóulóngtòng * Cough: 咳嗽 késòu See [[Chinese phrasebook]] for more.}} Most Chinese doctors and nurses, even in larger cities, will speak little or no English. However, medical staff are in plentiful supply and hospital wait times are generally short - usually less than 10 minutes at general clinics (门诊室 ménzhěnshì), and virtually no wait time at emergency rooms (急诊室 jízhěnshì). There are private Western-style clinics and hospitals in most major Chinese cities which provide a higher standard of care at a much higher price. The doctors and nurses will speak English (with interpretation services often available for other foreign languages), and are often hired from, or have obtained their medical qualifications in Western countries. These provide an easy and comfortable way to obtain familiar Western treatment from doctors qualified in the West, although you will be paying a steep premium for these services starting at ¥1,000 just for the consultation. Check beforehand to see whether your insurance will cover all or part of this. For any significant surgery, it is worth considering traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] as the standard of treatment and care is more aligned to Western standards. Ensure that needles used for injections or any other procedure that requires breaking the skin are new and unused - insist on seeing the packet being broken open. In some parts of China it is acceptable to re-use needles, albeit after sterilization. For acupuncture, although the disposable needles are quite common in mainland China, you can provide your own needles if you prefer. The disposable type, called Wujun zhenjiu zhen (无菌針灸針, Sterilized acupuncture needles), usually cost ¥10-20 per 100 needles and are available in many pharmacies. There should be minimal to no bleeding when the needle is inserted and removed if the acupuncturist is sufficiently skilled. While Traditional Chinese Medicine is ubiquitous in China, regulation tends to be lax and it is not unheard of for Chinese physicians to prescribe herbs which are actually detrimental to one's health. Do some research and ensure you have some trusted local friends to help you out if you wish to see a Chinese physician. You can head to Hong Kong or Taiwan instead, as the practice is better regulated there. ====Infectious diseases==== If making more than a short trip to China, it may be a good idea to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid as they can be spread via contaminated food, and Japanese encephalitis which is transmitted in rural areas. Parts of southern China have [[mosquitoes]] which transmit [[dengue fever]]. As of 2019 the official estimate is that nearly 1 million people in China are living with HIV/AIDS. One in four infected individuals do not know their status. Sex workers, clients of sex workers and injecting drug users are the most infected groups. New diseases are sometimes a threat in China, particularly in its more densely populated parts. There have been cases of bird flu: avoid undercooked poultry or eggs. ==Respect== {{quote|入乡随俗<br/>''Rù xiāng suí sú''<br/>When you enter a village, follow the customs.|author={{nowrap|Chinese proverb (English speakers might say "When in Rome...")}}}} {{infobox|Using people's names|2=Names can be a complicated matter in China. Except for certain ethnic minorities, names always follow the East Asian naming order of '''family name followed by given name'''; this is usually done in English as well. Someone called 陈晓明 (''Chén Xiǎomíng'') therefore has the surname "Chen" and the given name "Xiaoming". Many Chinese acquire English names, which may have no relation to their Chinese name (and are sometimes quite unusual words or non-words). When using their English name, they will likely switch their name to Western name order (given name followed by family name). It's usually okay to address adult friends and children by given names, although using their full name is also common. In formal situations, the default is to address people using their family names with a title, or their full names with a title if necessary to disambiguate. Occupational titles are even used outside the workplace, so a teacher may be called "Teacher Zhang" (张老师 ''Zhāng Lǎoshī'') even outside the classroom, and a manager or business owner may be called "Boss Huang" (黄老板 ''Huáng Lǎobǎn''). Generic titles of varying commonness include ''Xiānshēng'' (先生, "Mr." or "Sir"), ''Tàitai'' (太太, "Madam" or "Mrs."), and ''Nǚshì'' (女士, "Ms."). The informal prefixes ''Lǎo-'' (老, "Old" or "Elder") and ''Xiǎo-'' (小, "Young" or "Little") are also commonly used, but you should avoid calling someone these unless you know the person well. The title "comrade" (同志) is rarely used outside of official situations, as the term nowadays also means LGBT people. While the title ''Xiǎojiě'' (小姐) is commonly used in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore as an equivalent for the English "Miss", it is a euphemism for "prostitute" in mainland China and hence should be ''avoided''. Names for familial relationships (e.g. big sister, uncle) are frequently used for acquaintances and even strangers based on their age relative to you. It will usually be clear from context, but generally when someone refers to another person as "Brother Zhang" or "Aunt Zhang", even in English, they probably don't mean a family member. Ethnic minorities often have their own naming conventions and modes of address, which can sometimes be very different from those of the Han majority. The foolproof method is therefore to ''ask'' how somebody would like to be addressed.}} [[File:China tea serving.JPG|thumb|Tea-serving at a restaurant in China]] Foreigners are still a rare breed in most parts of China, which means that how you interact with people there may well shape their impression of your country or even of foreigners in general. Follow the law, be polite, and try to leave a good impression as it affects the general reputation of foreigners in China. * Unlike Japan and South Korea where bowing is extremely common, in China the practice did not survive into the modern era, and is only used in certain formal occasions such as marriage ceremonies, funerals, religious rituals, and for students greeting teachers in school. Give a soft '''handshake''' when greeting someone, which can optionally be accompanied by a slight bow. * '''Personal space''' more or less does not exist in China. Elevators and buses can get very crowded. It's common and acceptable for someone to come in close contact with you or to bump into you and say nothing. Don't get mad, as they'll be surprised and most likely won't even understand why you're offended. * Important items such as business cards or important papers are given and received with '''both hands'''. ** '''Business cards''' in particular are treated very respectfully and formally. How you treat someone's business card is seen as representing how you will treat the person. When accepting a business card, use both hands to pick it up by the corners, give a slight bow of your head, and take the time to read the card and confirm how to pronounce the person's name. It's disrespectful to write on a card, fold it, or place it in your back pocket (where you'll sit on it!); a nice case to keep cards pristine is preferable to a pocket. * '''Smoking''' is common almost anywhere. "No smoking" signs are routinely ignored, and it's common for someone to smoke in an elevator or even in the hospital. Some cities now forbid smoking in most restaurants, but enforcement varies. Beijing has one of the nation's strictest smoking laws: you are not allowed to smoke anywhere with a roof; again, enforcement is patchy. Western restaurants seem to be the only ones who consistently enforce the ban. Masks would be a good idea for long distance bus trips. ** When you smoke, it's always considered polite to '''offer a cigarette''' to those you meet. This rule applies almost exclusively to men, but under certain circumstances, such as a club, it's okay to offer cigarettes to women. * In homes and some other buildings, '''slippers''' or sandals are worn indoors. If your hosts are wearing slippers at home, and especially if there is carpet on the floor, remove your shoes and ask for a pair of slippers before you enter, even if your host says you don't have to. * '''Saving face''' is an important concept in Chinese culture, and this concept extends beyond the individual to one's family (including extended family), and even the country. Pointing out mistakes directly may cause embarrassment. If you have to, call the person to one side and tell them in private. ** '''Humility''' is highly valued in traditional Chinese culture, and bragging about your achievements is in general not well received. It is also customary to politely turn down any compliments you receive from others. ** Chinese people sometimes criticize their own country, but you are highly advised not to do it yourself, as the same things being said by a foreigner tend not to be received so well. * Swastikas have been used in Buddhist temples since the 5th century to represent Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. Like the case for other Asian countries, it does not represent Nazism. Jews have been living in China for centuries, and have always had peaceful relations with their non-Jewish neighbours. * Outside of a business context, casual clothes are acceptable at most places, including temples and expensive restaurants. Sleeveless or low-cut tops are uncommon and may stand out. At the beach or the pool, conservative swimsuits are much more common than bikinis. ===Gifts=== When visiting someone's home, a small gift is always welcome. Wine, fruit, or some trinket from your native country are common. When receiving a gift, it is generally rude to open it in front of the person who gave it to you unless (s)he specifically tells you to do so. Wait until the person has left and open it in private. Some items are '''not given as gifts''' because of cultural associations. Some things to watch out for: black and white are important colors in funerals, scissors or knives may insinuate you want to cut off your relationship with someone, and many people see mirrors as bad luck. Other taboos are based on homophones: the word "four" (四 ''sì'') sounds like "death" (死 ''sǐ''), "pear" and "umbrella" sound like "separation", and "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral". These gift taboos and others vary by region and generation, so it's a good idea to consult a local for advice, or at least search the Internet for lists of taboo gifts before you purchase one. ===Eating and drinking=== Eating is very important in Chinese culture, and '''dining out''' is a widespread way to honor guests and deepen relationships. Seating at a formal dinner follows a specific order, with the host or most senior person at the center. Don't pick up your chopsticks until the most senior person at the table has done so. Table manner varies from different places among different people in different scenarios. Sometimes you can see Chinese spit on a restaurant floor, pick their tooth in front of you, and yell whilst dining, but it's not always welcome. Follow what other people do. Hosts tend to order more food than you can eat because it's considered shameful if they can't stuff their guests. Although it varies regionally, finishing your plate generally means you're still hungry and may prompt your hosts to order ''more'' food, but leaving too much can imply you didn't like a dish; leaving an appropriate amount of food on your plate is a bit of a balancing act. When offered a drink, you're expected to take it or your friends will keep pushing you. Excuses such as "I'm on medication" are better than "I don't feel like drinking". Toasts are common, and it's generally considered rude to turn down a toast (although you can take small sips with each toast). China has a strong drinking culture, especially in business, and turning down alcohol can sometimes cause offense. However, foreigners may be given some slack on this. If the hard ''baijiu'' is too much for you, consider opting for a beer instead. ====Paying==== While splitting the bill is beginning to be accepted by young people, '''treating''' is still the norm, especially when the parties are in obviously different social classes. Men are expected to treat women, elders to juniors, rich to poor, hosts to guests, working class to non-income class (students). Friends of the same class will usually prefer to take turns treating rather than split the bill. It is common to see Chinese competing intensely to pay the bill. You are expected to fight back and say "It's my turn, you treat me next time." That being said, Chinese tend to be very tolerant towards foreigners. If you feel like going Dutch, try it. They tend to believe that "all foreigners prefer to go Dutch". ===Politics=== For your safety, it's best if you '''avoid getting involved in any political activity''', and avoid discussing politics with Chinese people. Most Chinese are passive about their country's politics and are generally reluctant to talk about it, and in most cases, will change the topic of discussion. * Most Chinese are ashamed that their country was forced into unequal treaties with Japan and the Western powers over the past two centuries, and are proud of the recent progress made by their government in restoring China's international influence. Many Chinese are also aware of alternative Western views, but you should tread lightly if you choose to discuss these. * Supporting the '''independence movements''' of Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan or Hong Kong is '''illegal''', so you should avoid discussing them. Most Chinese people support their government's position on these issues, and trying to advocate for these movements is going to do nothing more than getting you into the bad books of your hosts. ** Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China. Be sure to use the term "mainland" (大陆 ''dàlù'') or "mainland China" (中国大陆 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') instead of just "China" (中国 ''zhōngguó'') if you are looking to ''exclude'' Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is also a common practice in China to refer to Taiwan as "Taiwan Province" (台湾省), and Hong Kong and Macau as "Hong Kong, China" (中国香港) and "Macau, China" (中国澳门). ** The Hong Kong protests, and allegations of Uyghur genocide and slavery are sensitive issues that are best not discussed with locals. The latter in particular are regarded by most Chinese to be false allegations that were made up by Western governments for geopolitical reasons. * Avoid discussing any of the territorial disputes China is involved in, as many Chinese have strong feelings about these issues. If you are drawn into any such discussions, it is best to stay neutral. * '''Japan''' and its role in World War II and other wars with China is a sensitive and emotive issue that is best avoided. To a lesser extent, '''historical and cultural disputes''' with both [[Korea|Koreas]] are sensitive as well. * Thanks to China's recent development, the Chinese government enjoys strong support among its people despite its authoritarian nature. Common Western views that "they have all been brainwashed" or "they are just too afraid to speak up" oversimplify things. * Many Chinese have a strong sense of '''ethnic nationalism'''. Tread particularly carefully if you are of Chinese ethnicity, even if you were born and raised overseas, as you may still be expected to align your political views with that of the Chinese government, and doing otherwise could result in you being labeled a "race traitor". ===Differing cultural norms=== Chinese people are sometimes puzzled when foreign visitors complain that Chinese people are rude. Many of them feel that really it's foreigners who tend to be rude. What's actually going on is that China has a different set of customs and values from common Western cultures — some Chinese behavior can be jarring to foreigners, and vice versa. People in China are '''friendly ''without'' being polite''' (unlike countries like the UK, where people can be polite without being friendly). Generally speaking, younger well-educated Chinese, particularly those from the major cities, are more likely to behave in a way that conforms more closely to Western cultural norms. [[Image:China no spitting.jpg|thumb|120px|No spitting please]] * Chinese often '''ignore rules''' they don't feel like following, including laws. Among many other things, this includes '''dangerous and negligent driving''' (see [[Driving in China]]) such as driving on the wrong side of the street, excessive speeding, not using headlights at night, not using turn signals, and jaywalking. * '''Spitting''' is common everywhere, including in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, on buses and even in hospitals. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it is unhealthy to swallow phlegm. Although the government has made great efforts to reduce this habit in light of the SARS epidemic as well as the Olympics, it still persists to varying degrees. * Many Chinese do not cover their mouths when they '''sneeze'''. '''Picking one's nose''' in public is common and socially acceptable. * As many parts of China are ethnically rather homogeneous, people who are visibly foreign will often elicit calls of "hello" or "''wàiguórén''" (外国人 "foreigner"); you may also hear ''lǎowài'' (老外), a colloquial equivalent. These calls are ubiquitous outside of the big cities (and are not uncommon even there); these calls will come from just about anyone, of any age, and are even more likely from children and can occur many times in any given day. * Similarly, it's rather common that someone may come up and '''stare''' at you as if they're watching the TV. The staring usually originates out of sheer curiosity, almost never out of hostility. * Many Chinese have '''loud conversations''' in public, and it may be one of the first things you notice upon arrival. China is rooted in a community-based culture, and noise means life; loud speech usually doesn't mean the speaker is angry or engaged in an argument (although obviously it can). You may want to bring earplugs for long bus or train rides. * A fairly recent phenomenon particular to China is '''air rage''': groups of passengers being verbally and physically aggressive towards airline staff whenever there is a delay (which is often). This is generally done in order to leverage better compensation from the airline. * The concept of '''waiting in line''' has not fully been adopted in China. You'll have to learn to be more assertive to get what you want, and even push and shove as others do. If you're trying to catch a taxi, expect other people to move further down the road to catch one before you. * Be careful when standing behind people on an '''escalator''', since many people have a look-see as soon as they get off — even when the escalator behind them is fully packed. Department stores have staff to try to prevent this behavior. * People love to use '''elevators''' whenever possible, especially in large family groups. Be extra patient if you want to go around a shopping mall with a baby buggy or luggage. ==Cope== [[File:Chinasocket.jpg|thumb|A typical Chinese wall socket]] '''Electricity''' is 220 volts/50&nbsp;Hz. Two-pin European and North American, as well as three-pin Australian style plugs are generally supported. However, be careful to read the voltage information on your devices to ensure they accept 220 V (twice the 110 V used in many countries) before plugging them in — you may cause burnout and permanent damage to some devices such as hairdryers and razors. Universal extension cords that can handle a variety of plug shapes (including British) are often used. '''Laundry''' services may be expensive or hard to find. In upper-end hotels, it will cost ¥10-30 to wash each article of clothing. Cheap hotels in some areas do not have laundry services, though in other areas such as along the [[Yunnan tourist trail]] the service is common and often free. In most areas, with the exception of the downtown areas in big cities, you can find small shops that do laundry. The '''sign''' to look for on the front door is 洗衣 (''xǐyī''), or spot the clothes hanging from the ceiling. The cost is roughly ¥2-5/item. In even the smallest of cities '''dry cleaning''' (干洗 ''gānxǐ''）outlets are common and may be able to wash clothes. But in some areas you're going to be stuck washing clothes by hand, which is time-consuming and tiresome, so perhaps opt for fast-drying fabrics such as polyester or silk. If you do find a hotel that does laundry, usually they will put all your clothes into the wash together or even with other items from the hotel, so lighter colours are best washed by hand. [[File:Jianshui - old city - P1370481.JPG|thumb|Traditional smoking pipes for sale]] '''Smoking''' is banned in public buildings and public transport except for restaurants and bars (including KTVs) - many of which are outright smoke dens, although many multinational restaurant chains do ban smoking. These bans are enforced across the country. Generally, smoking laws are most strict in Shanghai and Beijing, whilst they are more lightly enforced elsewhere. Many places (particularly train stations, hospitals, office buildings and airports) will have smoking rooms, and some long-distance trains may have smoking areas at the end of each car. Facilities for non-smokers are often poor; most restaurants, bars and hotels will not have non-smoking areas apart from top-end establishments although many modern buildings have a smoke extraction systems which suck cigarette smoke out of the room through a ceiling vent - meaning that the smoke doesn't hang in the air. The Chinese phrase for 'May I smoke?' is 'kěyǐ chōuyān ma?' and 'No Smoking!' is 'bù kěyǐ chōuyān!'. '''Public holidays''' in China are worth being aware of. Although you will never be truly alone in the most popular tourist sites, which includes the popular hikes in particular mountains, on weekends and public holidays these areas can be nearly impassible due to local tourism. What you may have planned as a quiet contemplative hike may turn into a many-hour queue! Know the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_China national holiday dates] and plan accordingly. ===Media=== {{infobox|Please fix it!|''China Daily'', the nationally distributed English newspaper, sometimes publishes constructive criticism of China from frustrated tourists. If you think something about China for travelers needs to be fixed, consider sending a letter to letters@chinadaily.com.cn or opinion@chinadaily.com.cn and it might be published.}} Media in China diversified substantially after Mao, with independent outlets offering increasing competition to the state-run agencies of '''[http://www.news.cn/english Xinhua]''' (press agency publishing in many formats), '''[http://www.cctv.cn/ CCTV]''' (more than 40 TV channels), and the '''''[http://en.people.cn/ People's Daily]''''' newspaper. These state-owned media tend to be accurate in terms of general news, but always stick to the government's policies and ideology in terms of politics. Each province and city in China is also home to its own local channels, often being subordinated or having close-ties to the local government, with a stronger focus on local events. Some of these channels also broadcast in the local dialect or language. Still, the press remains tightly controlled, with restrictions on what news is reported and what opinions may be aired. Certain topics are strictly off limits (such as criticizing China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan), and the vagueness of boundaries for acceptable topics leads to further self-censorship. The biggest threat to state-controlled media has been the rise of '''text messaging''' and '''Internet news''', although these are restricted by the government's firewall and internal censorship. China has some local English-language news media. CCTV News channel is a global English channel available 24/7 in most cities, with French and Spanish variants as well. CCTV 4 has a short newscast in English every day. '''''[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ China Daily]''''' (generally subdued, if a bit dry) and the '''''[http://www.globaltimes.cn/ Global Times]''''' (a notoriously nationalistic tabloid) are two state-run English-language newspapers available in hotels, supermarkets and newsstands. There are also a few English magazines such as ''[http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/ China Today]'' and ''21st Century''. Foreign magazines and newspapers are not generally available in bookstores or newsstands except at top hotels. ==Connect== ===Internet=== ====Internet cafés and business services==== [[File:Tongyang - downtown - internet cafe - CIMG9869.JPG|thumb|Inside an Internet café in Tongyang, [[Hubei]]]] China has more Internet users than any other country in the world and Internet cafés (网吧 ''wǎngbā'') are abundant. Most are designed for online gaming and are not comfortable places to do office-style work. It is cheap (¥1-6 per hour) to use a computer, albeit one with Chinese software. Internet cafés are supposed to require users to show official identification although enforcement varies by region. Browsing of Internet pages may well be monitored by the Public Security Bureau (the police). For printing, scanning, photocopying, and other business services, go to one of any number of small shops in most towns or print shops near university areas. Look for the characters 复印 (fùyìn) meaning "photocopy". Printing costs about ¥2 per page and photocopies are ¥0.5 per page. These shops may or may not have Internet access so bring your materials on a flash drive. ====== Wifi access ====== Free wifi, which may require registration either with a Chinese mobile number, or your WeChat login, is abundant. The quality and speed of the wifi is not proportionate to the provider; i.e. your expensive hotel's free wifi may be nowhere near as fast nor more reliable than the wifi found on the bus you paid ¥2 to get on. Many hotels and some cafés and restaurants provide wifi, typically free, of varying speeds and quality. Some cafés, especially in tourist areas such as Yangshuo, even provide a machine for customer use. Business hotels typically have wired Internet service for your laptop in each room: 7 Days Inn and Home Inn are two nationwide chains meeting Western standards for mid-range comfort and cleanliness that consistently offer Internet and cost ¥150-200 per night. WiFi may also be provided in one's room, perhaps for an extra charge. On occasion, for a bit more, hotels will have rooms with older computers in them as well. The better hotels often have satellite TV in the rooms. ====== Security ====== Since public computers and the Internet are not secure, assume that anything you type is not private. Do not send sensitive data such as banking passwords from an Internet café. It may be better to purchase a mobile data card for use with your own computer instead (these generally cost ¥400 and data plans run ¥10-¥200 per month depending on your usage). If you are connecting to the Internet with your own computer, some websites in China (especially college campuses) require you to use Microsoft Internet Explorer and to install dedicated software on your system and/or accept certificates to access their websites. There are increasing cases of misuse of photocopy, in which your submitted photocopies are illegally disclosed to spammers and fraudsters by the receiver of your photocopies. Always state the purpose of your photocopies on the photocopies clearly, as this leaves evidence in favour of you should any legal matters arise. ====Internet censorship==== {{quote|Across the Great Wall, we can reach every corner in the world.|author=Content of the first Chinese email sent in 1987|source=often used to satirize the current practice of Internet censorship in China.}} '''Internet censorship''' is extensive in mainland China. Pornographic and political sites are routinely blocked, as are many other sites with a broad range of content, including sites that are popular internationally. The government call their censorship system "Golden Shield" (金盾); others call it the '''Great Firewall of China''', GFW, or simply '''the wall''', while circumventing Internet censorship is often referred to as "scaling the wall" (翻墙). {{infobox|Which Internet sites are available?|The actual list of websites and services banned is a secret, changes every day without notification, and oddly enough seems to depend on whether you're using a mobile or WiFi connection. Blocked sites generally include: * Large '''social media''' websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, Blogspot and Instagram. * '''Messaging services''' such as Whatsapp. * Most of '''Google's services''', including Google Search, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps ([https://maps.google.cn/ maps.google.cn] may still work) and Google Translate ([https://translate.google.cn/ translate.google.cn] may still work). Corresponding fast and responsive Chinese websites exist (often only in Chinese), such as [https://www.baidu.com/ Baidu] for search, maps, and other services, [http://www.qq.com/ QQ] and [https://weixin.qq.com/ WeChat] for messaging, [http://weibo.com/ Weibo] for Twitter-style microblogging, [http://renren.com/ Renren] for Facebook-style social networking, and [https://www.bilibili.com/ Bilibili] and [https://v.qq.com/ Tencent Video] for YouTube-style video sharing. You may instead wish to use a different foreign service such as [https://www.bing.com/ Bing] for search and [https://outlook.live.com/ Outlook] for emails. Foreign '''news''' sites such as BBC, CNN, Reuters and ''The Economist'' may or may not be available. They're especially likely to be blocked after publishing stories the Chinese government disapproves of; for example, ''The New York Times'' has been blocked since 2012, when it reported on the financial holdings of top Chinese leaders. Since December 2019, all Wikimedia projects, including Wikivoyage and Wikipedia are '''blocked''', except on the China Mobile network, which only blocks Wikipedia, Wikinews and Commons. Apart from actual website blocks, the firewall also scans for sensitive keywords in every unencrypted message or encrypted Chinese message (QQ, WeChat, etc.) in either direction and may block anything it disapproves of. The system relies heavily on word-filtering, and changes frequently in response to recent social events or current affairs. }} Censorship is often tightened during sensitive periods, such as the annual meeting of China's parliament in March, the CCP congress every fourth October, and anniversaries such as the National Day in October and the Tiananmen massacre in June. Few hotels offer uncensored Internet access. These hotels generally cater to foreigners, but obviously do not advertise this facility. Try browsing to known restricted sites to see if your hotel supports this. The most popular way to access blocked websites is to use a '''VPN (Virtual Private Network)''' which provides users with ''relatively'' stable and reliable access to the Internet through a computer in another country. The best ones have a monthly fee on the order of US$10; free, ad-supported VPNs are also available. Other ways to bypass censorship include software such as [http://dit-inc.us/freegate.html Freegate], [http://tor.eff.org Tor] (with an inconvenient special configuration), and [https://psiphon.ca/ Psiphon]. Any of these should be downloaded before entering China as access to their official websites is generally blocked. Be warned that VPNs in China are not as reliable as they used to be—you may want to download more than one so that you have a backup, and be prepared for a lot of frustration and waiting for things to load. If you need constant access to Twitter or Facebook to be happy, you may yet still be able to guarantee it, at a cost. Due to the way international mobile roaming works, the government cannot interfere with internet access via a foreign SIM without blocking roaming entirely (a revenue stream for the state-owned carriers). This will cost a good deal more than a local SIM, and you will be subject to the restrictions of the country your SIM came from instead (for instance, when roaming with a Thai SIM, you will find yourself unable to access content critical of the Thai regime, just as if you were in Thailand). Chinese law enforcement is sometimes able to pinpoint (and arrest, if needed) users who access restricted sites using VPNs, especially if they access them frequently. On at least one occasion, the police pinpointed and fined a netizen who accessed Wikipedia through a VPN. Moreover, it's a criminal offence to upload and submit any materials seen as subversive. However, enforcement is sporadic and mostly targets journalists and high-profile public figures. ===Mail=== The Chinese Post Office is generally reliable and sometimes quick. There are a few things you need to adapt to: * Incoming mail will be both faster and more reliable if the address is in Chinese. If not, the Post Office has people who will translate, but that takes time and is not 100% accurate. * If you don't know the exact postal code of where your recipient lives, you can fill in the first two digits (which corresponds to the prefecture city/municipality/province), and fill the rest with 0s. Alternatively, you can search your destination's postal code at [http://cpdc.chinapost.com.cn/web/ this website]. * It will be helpful to provide the receiver's phone number with packages or expedited mail. The customs and delivery drivers usually need it. * '''Do not seal outgoing packages''' before taking them to the Post Office; they will not send them without inspecting the contents. Generally it is best to buy the packing materials at the Post Office, and almost all Post Offices will pack your materials for you, at a reasonable price. * Most Post Offices and courier services will refuse to send CDs or DVDs, this can be circumvented by placing them in CD wallets along with lots of other things and finally packing the space in with clothes, giving the appearance of sending your stuff home, it is also easier to send by sea as they care less. * Your ID is now '''required''' when sending parcels. When sending parcels domestically, write the receiver's name ''correctly''; it will be compared with their ID, as all parcels are now tracked end to end. ===Fax=== International fax (传真 ''Chuánzhēn'') services are available in most large hotels for a fee of a dozen renminbi or more. Inexpensive faxes within China can be made in the ubiquitous photocopy outlets that have the Chinese characters for fax written on the front door. ===Telephone=== Telephone service is more of a mixed bag. Calling outside China is often difficult and usually impossible without a calling card, which can often only be bought locally. The good news is that these cards are fairly cheap and the connection is surprisingly clear, uninterrupted and delay-free. Look for '''IP Telephone Cards''', which typically have a value of ¥100 but sometimes can be had for as little as ¥25. The cards have printed Chinese instructions, but after dialling the number listed on the card English-spoken instructions are available. As a general indication of price, a call from China to Europe lasts around 22 minutes with a ¥100 card. Calls to the US and Canada are advertised to be another 20% cheaper. If you end up with an '''IC Telephone Card''' instead, those are only intended to be used in payphones. They may be sold at a slight discount off of face value, but rarely below 20% off when purchased off the street. At a China Telecom payphone, domestic calls will cost ¥0.1/minute, calls to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the US, and Canada will cost ¥1/minute, and calls to all other countries will cost an uneconomical ¥8/minute. If your line allows for international direct dialling (IDD), the prefix for international calls in China is ''00''. To make an overseas call, dial ''00-(country code)-(number)''. Calls from the mainland to Hong Kong and Macau require international dialling. '''IDDs can be expensive.''' Ask the rate before calling. =====Mobile phones===== [[File:ChinaTelecomCustomerOffice.JPG|thumb|A China Telecom shop]] '''[[Mobile phones|Mobile (cellular) phones]] are widespread''' and offer good service in China. They play an essential role in daily life for most Chinese and for nearly all expatriates in China. As of 2022, China is the world leader in 5G mobile phone technology. If you already have a GSM 900/1800 or 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) mobile phone, you can roam onto Chinese networks, subject to network agreements, but calls will be very expensive (¥12-35/min is typical). There are few (but growing in number) exceptions; the primary sets are Hong Kong-based providers which typically charge no more than HK$6/minute (and usually close to local rates with a special "Hong Kong/China" SIM sold by China Mobile or China Unicom in Hong Kong) and the second is T-Mobile US which charges US$0.20/minute with free text and data service. Check with your home operator before you leave to be sure. Most carriers now have 4G roaming agreements, so you will be able to use data with decent speeds. In addition, roaming data is not censored by the Chinese authorities, meaning you will be able to retain access to websites that otherwise would be blocked without having to deal with getting a separate VPN. If your provider offers reasonably priced roaming in China, you should consider taking advantage. Alternatively, depending on if you are transiting somewhere before arriving in China, you may consider buying a SIM from there that roams in China at a discount. There is a wide selection in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries as well as a few affordable options in certain parts of Europe (for example, Free Mobile in France includes 25GB of roaming in China per month on their 20€ plan). China Telecom has shifted away from CDMA, with 4G/LTE being available in the majority of its coverage area. If your device supports VoLTE (voice over LTE) then you will be able to obtain service from them with no issue. For a '''short visit''', consider renting a Chinese mobile phone from a company such as [http://www.pandaphone.com/china_cell_phone_rental.htm Pandaphone]. Rates are around ¥7 a day. The company is based in the US but has staff in China. Toll-free numbers are {{phone|+1-866-574-2050}} in the U.S. or {{phone|+86 400-820-0293}} in China. The phone can be delivered to your hotel in China prior to your arrival and dropped off there at the end of your trip, or shipped to you in the US. When you rent the phone, they will offer you an access code for calling to your country, which is cheaper than buying a SIM card from a local vendor and dialling directly. If you're '''staying for more than a few days''', it will usually be cheaper to buy a prepaid Chinese SIM card; this gives you a Chinese phone number with a certain amount of money preloaded. Chinese tend to avoid phone numbers with the bad-luck digit '4', and vendors will often be happy to offload these "unsellable" SIM-cards to foreigners at a discount. If you need a phone as well, prices start around ¥300 used or ¥1000 new for a smartphone (as of 2020). Chinese phones, unlike those sold in some Western countries, are never "locked" and will work with any SIM card you put in them, but some phones don't have Google services or the Play Store. Some stores can install this for you at time of purchase, so you can ask. However, Google services sideloaded in this manner may not be as stable as when pre-installed as part of the system package. Most shops selling SIM cards require a standard swipeable Chinese ID card (a citizen's ID card, or a foreigner's permanent-resident card) to purchase a SIM card. If you want to purchase a SIM card using a passport as your identity document, you may be asked to go to the cell-phone company's main office, probably somewhere in the city center. The staff will take your photograph for their record, along with the photocopy of your passport. China's three big operators are [http://www.10086.cn/ China Mobile] (Chinese only), [http://eng.chinaunicom.com/ China Unicom] and [https://www.chinatelecomglobal.com/ China Telecom] . ''Most'' SIMs sold by them work nationwide. Domestic roaming charges have largely been abolished, so you no longer need to worry about taking a SIM from one part of mainland China to another. Roaming in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, however, still requires a separate activation step and additional charges. '''International calls''' have to be '''enabled separately''' by applying for China Mobile's "12593" or China Unicom's "17911" service. Neither provider requires a deposit, though both require applications. Usually there will be an English speaker, so let him/her know what you want. Ask for the "special" dialing code, and for ¥1/month extra, this will be provided to you. Enter the code, the country code, then the local number and you will be talking cheaply in no time. Don't be fooled by cellphone shops with the China Mobile signage: be sure to go a to a corporate store. The employees will wear a blue uniform and there will be counter services. China Mobile is the cheaper of the two with calls to North America and Asia around ¥0.4/min. You can also use prepaid cards for international calling; just dial the number on the card as with a regular landline phone, and the charges will go to the prepaid calling card. To recharge, visit the neighborhood office of your mobile service provider, give the staff your number and pay in cash to '''recharge your account'''. Alternately, many shops will sell you a charge card, which has a number and password that must be used to call the telephone company to recharge the money in your account. You will be calling a computer and the default language is Chinese, which can be changed to English if you understand the Chinese. Charge cards are sold in denominations of ¥30, 50 and 100. (If you have WeChat Pay, this is a more convenient way to recharge your account, and foreign credit cards are accepted). For '''mobile data''' addicts who are willing to deal with the Chinese website blocking, mobile data on local SIMs is cheaper than ever. China Mobile has 4G plans starting at ¥29 for a low rate of ¥0.10/minute voice and 3GB data with additional data costing only ¥5/GB (as of 2021). Many locals have access to special online-only offers that provide a very large amount (or even unlimited) data for a low cost, but only some of these are accessible to foreigners; some can be purchased on top of any SIM if you have the carrier app installed (and can understand Chinese to use it), others require special online-only starter packs that foreigners can not purchase due to the requirement to submit a photo of a Chinese ID card when purchasing SIMs online. China Mobile only uses the "standard" LTE frequency bands of 3 and 8 in large cities and uses a different set of frequency bands for its data services outside major cities; if your phone does not support TD-LTE on bands 38, 39, 40, and 41 and you plan on going outside the biggest cities, then China Unicom or China Telecom is recommended instead. In general, apps that are widespread internationally are banned in China, and Chinese people typically use Chinese apps that are sometimes close copies of their foreign equivalents instead. The most important is '''[https://www.wechat.com/ WeChat]''' (微信 Wēixìn), which Chinese people use instead of the internationally popular WhatsApp. WeChat is a combination messaging app, social network, and mobile payment service, and downloading it is essential if you want to start making friends in China or stay in the country for an extended period. The interface can be set to English, Chinese, and various other languages. ====Area codes==== The country dialing code for mainland China is '''86'''. The dialing code is '''852''' for Hong Kong, '''853''' for Macau, and '''886''' for Taiwan. * Major cities with eight-digit numbers have a two-digit area code. For example, Beijing is (0)10 plus an eight-digit number. Other places use seven- or eight-digit local numbers and a three-digit area code that does not start with 0, 1 or 2. So for example: (0)756 plus 7 digits for Zhuhai. The north uses small numbers, the south has larger numbers. * Normal cell phones do not need an area code. The numbers are composed of 130 to 132 (or 156/186) plus 8 digits (China Unicom, GSM/UMTS), 133/153/189 plus 8 digits (China Telecom, CDMA) or 134 to 139 (or 150/152/158/159/188) plus 8 digits (China Mobile, GSM/TD-SCDMA). Additional prefixes have been introduced; a good rule of thumb is that an 11-digit domestic phone number that starts with 1 is a mobile number. Mobile phone numbers are geographic; if you attempt to dial a mobile number issued outside of the province you are in from a landline, you will be prompted to redial the number with a zero in front for long-distance. * There are two additional non-geographic prefixes. A number starting with 400 can be dialed from any phone and is treated as a local call with associated airtime charges, while a number starting with 800 is totally free but can ''not'' be dialed from mobile phones. ====Emergency numbers==== The following emergency telephone numbers work in all areas of China; calling them from a cell phone is free. * Patrol Police: '''110''' * Fire Department: '''119''' * (Government-owned) Ambulance/EMS: '''120''' * (some areas private-owned) Ambulance: 999 * Traffic Police: 122 * Directory inquiries: 114 * Consumer Protection: 12315 112 and 911 do not connect you to emergency service personnel. It is also possible to contact the police by sending SMS message to '''12110XXX''', where XXX is the area code of the prefectural-level city you are located. See [[w:Telephone numbers in China|this list]] for more information. {{related|Working_in_China}} {{related|Rail_travel_in_China}} {{related|List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions}} {{related|Driving_in_China}} {{related|Golf_in_China}} {{IsPartOf|East Asia}} {{usablecountry}} {{geo|35|103|zoom=4}} css1x7wyollftcsa16ypxs74vh4a4o4 4487858 4487827 2022-07-21T18:02:31Z The dog2 35982 I'd say 19th too, since that is when China starting losing territory to the Western powers and Japan. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|China Banner 2.jpg|caption=Nine Dragon Wall|pgname=China}} {{other uses}} {{COVID-19 box|For information about entering China, see [[#Get in|"Get in"]] below. COVID-19 cases in China are generally on low level and life within the country mostly continues as normal, although cases are higher in border areas due to more international traffic. Since early December 2021, localized outbreaks have also been reported in individual cities. Some restrictions continue, which vary widely and may change with little notice. Face masks continue to be required in some areas, and (despite the annoyance created) regular COVID testing irrespective of symptoms is adopted by some local governments. Chinese authorities adopt zero-COVID policy in dealing with even the smallest outbreaks, and cities or even entire provinces can be locked down at short notice should any infection cluster emerge, meaning that you could be stuck for weeks, or even months on end. '''Food supply may not keep up''' with lockdown measures, so you should keep some durable food to prepare for the worst case. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2022-07-03}} China (中国; ''Zhōngguó'') is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long and rich history is present in people's thinking and values, and in the art, architecture, and feats of engineering that remain from dynasties past. After a tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries, China has dramatically re-emerged as an economic powerhouse. Its rapid development has been paralleled by an ascent onto the international stage. Of course there are growing pains when high-rises and factories surge up to dwarf centuries-old pagodas, but there's also a strong sense of enthusiasm and optimism about what the future holds. If you visit now, you can see the relics of millennia of history and experience the signs of further transformations in progress. ==Regions== China's [[Chinese provinces and regions|hierarchy of administrative divisions]] has 22 '''provinces''' (省 ''shěng'') which tend to have their own cultural identities, and 5 '''autonomous regions''' (自治区 ''zìzhìqū''), each with a designated minority ethnic group. These along with four municipalities (直辖市 ''zhíxiáshì'') make up what is known as '''mainland China'''. {{disclaimerbox|Wikivoyage covers '''[[Hong Kong]]''', '''[[Macau]]''' and '''[[Taiwan]]''' in separate articles. They have separate immigration and visa systems and issue their own currencies. Journeys between any two of them or between any of them and mainland China will involve border inspections. * '''Hong Kong''' and '''Macau''' are [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|special administrative regions]] (SARs, 特别行政区 ''tèbié xíngzhèngqū''): part of China but with distinct political systems. * '''Taiwan''' has been completely autonomous since the end of the civil war in 1949, when the victorious Communists created the People's Republic of China on the mainland, and the defeated Nationalist government was left holding only Taiwan and some outlying islands. On paper, both governments claim sovereignty over all of China including Taiwan and support eventual re-unification. Wikivoyage also covers the [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]] islands in the Taiwan article. ''This does not represent an endorsement of any political position.''}} For the purposes of Wikivoyage, these provinces are grouped into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of China.svg | regionmaptext=Regions of China | regionmapsize=500px | region1name=[[Northeast China]] | region1color=#d5dc76 | region1items=[[Liaoning]], [[Jilin]], [[Heilongjiang]] | region1description=Historically known as '''Manchuria''', the Northeast is a land of steppes, vast forests, and long snowy winters. Culturally influenced by Russia, Korea, and Japan, it contains a mix of modern cities and "rust belt" industrial towns that have become neglected. | region2name=[[North China]] | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items=[[Shandong]], [[Shanxi]], [[Inner Mongolia]], [[Henan]], [[Hebei]], [[Beijing]], [[Tianjin]] | region2description=The plains of North China around the fertile Yellow River basin were the '''cradle of Chinese civilization'''. They have been the political center of Chinese empires for millennia, and are home to the modern capital, Beijing. | region3name=[[Northwest China]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Shaanxi]], [[Gansu]], [[Ningxia]], [[Qinghai]], [[Xinjiang]] | region3description=A historical borderland, with grasslands giving way to deserts and mountains, and with the ancient Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Northwest China is home to many Muslims and ethnic minorities who at times formed independent kingdoms. | region4name=[[Southwest China]] | region4color=#4da9c4 | region4items=[[Tibet]], [[Sichuan]], [[Chongqing (municipality)|Chongqing]], [[Yunnan]], [[Guizhou]] | region4description=Minority peoples, spectacular scenery, and backpacker havens. | region5name=[[South-central China]] | region5color=#a78379 | region5items=[[Anhui]], [[Hubei]], [[Hunan]], [[Jiangxi]] | region5description=Yangtze River Basin area, farms, mountains, river gorges, temperate and sub-tropical forests. | region6name=[[South China]] | region6color=#ffd0d0 | region6items=[[Guangdong]], [[Guangxi]], [[Hainan]] | region6description=Traditional trading center, manufacturing and tech powerhouse. | region7name=[[East China]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=[[Jiangsu]], [[Shanghai]], [[Zhejiang]], [[Fujian]] | region7description=The "land of fish and rice", traditional water towns, and China's new cosmopolitan economic center. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Northeast China]]|wikidata=Q43934,Q45208,Q19206}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[North China]]|wikidata=Q43407,Q46913,Q41079,Q43684,Q21208,Q956,Q11736}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Northwest China]]|wikidata=Q47974,Q42392,Q57448,Q45833,Q34800}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Southwest China]]|wikidata=Q17269,Q43194,Q47097,Q19770,Q11725}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a78379|title=[[South-central China]]|wikidata=Q40956,Q46862,Q45761,Q57052}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffd0d0|title=[[South China]]|wikidata=Q15175,Q42200,Q15176}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[East China]]|wikidata=Q16963,Q8686,Q16967,Q41705}} ==Cities== <!--{{Mapframe|37.6|104.2|height=550|width=700|zoom=4}}--> [[File:Gateofheavenlypeace.JPG|thumb|Tiananmen, [[Beijing]]]] Here are nine of China's most interesting cities for travelers. Others are listed in region articles. <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Beijing]]|wikidata=Q956}} (北京) — the capital, cultural center, and home of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and other important historical sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Chengdu]]|lat=30.657|long=104.066}} (成都) — capital of [[Sichuan]] province, known for tingly-spicy food, and home of the giant pandas * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Guangzhou]]|wikidata=Q16572}} (广州) — one of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south, near [[Hong Kong]], and main center of Cantonese culture [[File:漓江山水.jpg|thumb|Li River near [[Guilin]]]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hangzhou]]|wikidata=Q4970}} (杭州) — built around West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and southern terminus of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Harbin]]|wikidata=Q42956}} (哈尔滨) — capital of [[Heilongjiang]], which hosts the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during its bitterly cold winters * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kashgar]]|wikidata=Q170521}} (Chinese: 喀什, Uyghur: قەشقەر) — center of Uyghur culture, with a beautiful and well-preserved old town, and the famous Id Kah Mosque * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nanjing]]|wikidata=Q16666}} (南京) — the capital during the early Ming Dynasty and Republic of China era, a renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Shanghai]]|wikidata=Q8686}} (上海) — China's largest city, famous for its riverside cityscape, a major commercial center with many shopping opportunities * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Xi'an]]|wikidata=Q5826}} (西安) — the oldest city and ancient capital of China, terminus of the ancient [[Silk Road]], and home of the terracotta warriors <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> You can travel to many of these cities using the new [[High-speed rail in China|fast trains]]. In particular, the Hangzhou - Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing line is a convenient way to see these historic areas. ==Other destinations== Some of the most famous tourist attractions in China are: * {{marker|name=[[Great Wall of China]]|wikidata=Q12501}} (万里长城) — longer than 8,000&nbsp;km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China * {{marker|name=[[Hainan]]|wikidata=Q42200}} (海南) — a tropical paradise island undergoing heavy tourism-oriented development * {{marker|name=[[Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q4111}} (九寨沟) — known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes and as the home of the giant pandas * {{marker|name=[[Leshan]]|wikidata=Q426868|image=Leshan DaF0 Grand Buddha.JPG}} — most famous for its huge riverside cliff-carving of Buddha and nearby [[Mount Emei]] * {{marker|name=[[Qomolangma|Mount Everest]]|wikidata=Q3457459}} — straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, this is the world's highest mountain * {{marker|name=[[Mount Tai]]|wikidata=Q216059}} (泰山 Tài Shān) — one of the five sacred Taoist mountains in China, and the most-climbed mountain in China * {{marker|name=[[Tibet]]|wikidata=Q17269}} (西藏) — with a majority of Tibetan Buddhists and traditional Tibetan culture, it feels like an entirely different world * {{marker|name=[[Yungang Grottoes]]|lat=40.11143|long=113.13233}} (云冈石窟) — these mountain-side caves and recesses number more than 50, and are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues * {{marker|name=[[Guilin]] karst|lat=25.2667|long=110.2833}} (桂林) — sensational mountain landscapes that have long been the subject of Chinese paintings China has over 40 sites on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List#China|UNESCO World Heritage List]]. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationPRChina.svg}} China is one of the major civilizations in this world, and for many centuries stood out as a leading nation with technologies that the West was not able to match until the early modern period. Paper and gunpowder are examples of Chinese inventions that are still widely used today. As the dominant power in the region for much of its history, China exported much of its culture to neighboring [[Vietnam]], [[Korea]] and [[Japan]], and Chinese influences can still be seen in the cultures of these countries. Chinese civilization has endured millennia of tumultuous upheaval and revolutions, golden ages and periods of anarchy. Through the economic boom initiated by the reforms since the 1980s, China has returned to its place as a major political and economic world power, buoyed by its large, industrious population and abundant natural resources. The depth and complexity of the Chinese civilization, with its rich heritage, has fascinated Westerners such as [[Marco Polo]] and Gottfried Leibniz in centuries past, and will continue to excite — and bewilder — the traveler today. In Chinese, China is ''zhōng guó'', literally "central state" but often translated more poetically as "Middle Kingdom". People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). ===History=== : ''See [[Imperial China]] for more information on pre-revolutionary China.'' ====Ancient China==== According to legend, the origin of the Chinese civilization can be traced to the '''Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors''' (三皇五帝), though they are regarded as mythical figures by most modern historians. The recorded history of Chinese civilization can be traced back to the [[Along the Yellow River|Yellow River]] valley, said to be the "cradle of Chinese civilization". The '''Xia Dynasty''' (夏朝, c.2070 BC- c.1600 BC) was the first dynasty to be described in ancient historical chronicles, though to date, no indisputable proof of its existence has been found. Some archaeologists have linked the [[Erlitou]] settlements to the Xia dynasty, but this is a controversial position. [[File:Statue of Lao Tzu in Quanzhou.jpg|thumb|Statue of Laozi in [[Quanzhou]]]] The '''Shang Dynasty''' (商朝, c.1600 BC- 1046 BC), China's first archaeologically confirmed dynasty, only ruled across the Yellow River basin. There were other Bronze Age civilisations in what is now China at about the same time, at least the [[Liangzhu Culture]] in the lower [[Along the Yangtze River|Yangtze]] region around [[Lake Tai]] and one further up that river in [[Sichuan]] whose main archeological site is at [[Sanxingdui]]. The Shang were succeeded by the '''Zhou Dynasty''' (周朝, 1046 BC- 256 BC), who expanded their empire southward into the Yangtze river basin. The Zhou adopted feudalism as their system of government; feudal lords ruled over their respective territories with a high degree of autonomy, even maintaining their own armies, while at the same time paying tribute to the king and recognizing him as the symbolic ruler of China. During the second half of the Zhou period, China descended into centuries of political turmoil, with the feudal lords of numerous small fiefdoms vying for power during the '''Spring and Autumn Period''' (春秋时代, 770 BC- 476 BC), and later stabilized into seven large states in the '''Warring States period''' (战国时代, 475 BC- 221 BC). This tumultuous period gave birth to China's greatest thinkers including Confucius, Mencius and Laozi (also spelt Lao-Tzu), who made substantial contributions to Chinese thought and culture, as well as the military strategist Sun Tzu, whose ''Art of War'' is studied to this day. ====Imperial China==== {{See also|On the trail of Marco Polo}} China was unified in 221 BC under Qin Shi Huang, "First Emperor of Qin". His '''Qin Dynasty''' (秦朝, 221 BC—206 BC) instituted a centralized system of government for China, and standardized weights and measures, Chinese characters and currency to create unity. The '''Han Dynasty''' (汉朝, 206 BC—220 AD) took over in 206 BC after a period of revolt and civil war, ushering in the first golden age of Chinese civilization. To this day the majority Chinese race use the term "Han" to describe themselves, and Chinese characters continue to be called "Han characters" (汉字 ''hànzì'') in Chinese. The Han Dynasty presided over the beginning of the [[Silk Road]], and the invention of paper. The empire was also expanded further southward, incorporating what is today Fujian, Guangdong and northern Vietnam. The collapse of the Han Dynasty in AD 220 led to a period of political turmoil and war known as '''the Three Kingdoms Period''' (三国时期, 220—280), which China split into the three separate states of '''Wei''' (魏, 220-265), '''Shu''' (蜀, 221—263) and '''Wu''' (吴, 222—280). The '''Jin Dynasty''' (晋朝, 265—420) reunified China in AD 280, though the reunification was short-lived, and China would rapidly descend into civil war and division again. From AD 420 to 589, China was divided into two parts, '''the Southern and Northern dynasties''' (南北朝). The '''Sui Dynasty''' (隋朝, 581—618) reunified China in 581. Sui were famous for major public works projects, such as the engineering feat of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]], which gradually developed into the Canal linking Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. Certain sections of the canal are still navigable today. [[File:Great Wall of China (I) (7183821235).jpg|thumb|The Great Wall]] In 618 AD, the Sui were supplanted by the '''Tang Dynasty''' (唐朝, 618- 907), ushering in the second golden age of Chinese civilization, marked by a flowering of Chinese poetry, the rise of Buddhism and statecraft. After the collapse of the Tang Dynasty in AD 907, China was divided again, until it was reunified under the '''Song Dynasty''' (宋朝, 960—1279) in AD 960. In 1127, the Song were driven south of the Huai river by the Jurchens, where they continued to rule as the Southern Song based in Linan (临安 ''Lín'ān'', modern-day Hangzhou). Although militarily weak, the Song attained a high level of commercial and economic development that would be unmatched in the West until the [[Industrial Revolution]]. The '''Yuan Dynasty''' (元朝, 1271—1368, one of the four divisions of the [[Mongol Empire]]) defeated the Jurchens, then conquered the Song in 1279, and ruled the vast empire from Khanbaliq (大都 ''Dàdū'', modern-day Beijing). After defeating the Mongols, the '''Ming dynasty''' (明朝, 1368—1644) re-instituted rule by ethnic Han. The Ming period was noted for trade and exploration, with [[Voyages of Zheng He|Zheng He's numerous voyages]] to [[Southeast Asia]], [[India]] and the [[Middle East|Arab world]], even reaching the eastern coast of [[Africa]]; see [[Maritime Silk Road]]. Famous buildings in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, were built in this period. The last imperial dynasty, the '''Qing dynasty''' (清朝, 1644—1911), were ethnic Manchus who further expanded the Chinese empire to roughly its current boundaries by incorporating the western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet. The Qing dynasty fell into decay in the 19th century and China was often described as the "sick man of Asia" (東亞病夫/东亚病夫). It was nibbled apart by the Western powers and Japan, a period dubbed by the Chinese as the "Century of Humiliation". The Westerners and Japanese established their own treaty ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin. China lost several territories to foreign powers, including Hong Kong to Britain, and Taiwan to Japan, and it lost control of its tributaries, Vietnam, Korea and the Ryukyu Islands. This is also the period where the stereotypical appearance of Chinese people, such as pigtails, Manchu hairstyles, and ''magua'' (a kind of Manchu clothing) got rooted in other foreign countries due to a surge of foreign communications since the sea ban. The turmoil during the end of the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China-era led to the emigration of many Chinese, who established overseas Chinese communities in many other parts of the world. Most overseas Chinese who emigrated before World War II were from [[Fujian]], [[Guangdong]] or [[Hainan]], making those provinces the natural places to go if you want to explore the [[legacy of the Overseas Chinese]]. ====The Republic and World War II==== {{see also|Chinese Revolutionary Destinations|Pacific War|Long March}} The 2000-year-old imperial system collapsed in 1911, when Sun Yat-Sen founded the '''Republic of China'''. Central rule collapsed in 1916 after Yuan Shih-kai, the second president of the Republic and self-declared emperor, passed away; China descended into anarchy, with warlords ruling over different regions of China and fighting wars with each other. In 1919, student protests in Beijing over the perceived unfavorable terms of the Treaty of Versailles (since China had participated in [[World War I]] as part of the Allies) gave birth to the "May Fourth Movement", which espoused reforms to Chinese society, such as the use of the vernacular in writing, and the development of science and democracy. The intellectual ferment of the movement gave birth to the reorganized '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) in 1919 and the '''Chinese Communist Party''' (CCP), in 1921. It also laid the foundation for the establishment of Standard Mandarin as the first standard spoken form of Chinese for the entire country. After much of eastern China was united under KMT rule in 1928, the CCP and the KMT turned on each other, and the CCP fled to Yan'an in Shaanxi in the epic [[Long March]]. Although Shanghai became one of the most prosperous cities in East Asia during the 1920s and 30s, underlying problems throughout the vast countryside, particularly the more inland parts of the country, such as civil unrest, extreme poverty, famines and warlord conflict, remained. Japan established a puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria in 1931, and launched a full-scale invasion of China's heartland in 1937. The Japanese implemented a brutal system of rule in Eastern China, culminating in the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. After fleeing west to Chongqing, the KMT signed a tenuous agreement with the CCP to form a united front against the Japanese. With the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II in 1945, the KMT and CCP armies maneuvered for positions in north China, setting the stage for the civil war. The civil war lasted from 1945 to 1949. The Kuomintang were defeated and forced to flee to Taiwan where they hoped to re-establish themselves and recapture the mainland someday. ==== A Red China==== [[File:·˙·ChinaUli2010·.· Beijing - Entrance of the Forbidden Town - panoramio.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the Imperial City nowadays features a Mao picture and red flags]] On 1 Oct 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the '''People's Republic of China''' (中华人民共和国). After an initial period closely hewing to the Soviet model of heavy industrialization and comprehensive central economic planning, China began to experiment with adapting Marxism to a largely agrarian society. Massive social experiments rocked China from 1957 to 1976. The Great Leap Forward aimed to collectivize and industrialize China quickly. The Cultural Revolution aimed to change everything by discipline, destruction of the "Four Olds" (customs, culture, habits, ideas), and total dedication to Mao Zedong Thought. The Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution are generally considered disastrous failures in China that caused the deaths of tens of millions of people. The effects of the Cultural Revolution in particular can still be felt: many elements of traditional Chinese culture and folk beliefs continue to thrive in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, but have largely disappeared in mainland China. Mao died in 1976, and in 1978, Deng Xiaoping became China's paramount leader. Deng and his lieutenants gradually introduced market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision making. One of the innovations was the creation of [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Development_zones|Special Economic Zones]] with tax breaks and other government measures to encourage investment and development; these still exist and are quite prosperous. China's miraculous growth since 1978 has been an extraordinary achievement. Significant problems remain, however, including inflation, regional income inequality, human rights abuses, major environmental issues, rural poverty, and ethnic conflict in Xinjiang and Tibet. In particular, blatant corruption was a major cause of large scale political movements in 1989, which in turn resulted in the bloody suppression of protesters in urban [[Beijing]], often known as the '''Tiananmen Massacre'''. The incident is still a sensitive and highly censored topic in China. Hu Jintao, who was paramount leader from around 2002 to 2012, proclaimed a policy for a "Harmonious Society", which promised to restore balanced economic growth and channel investment and prosperity into China's central and western provinces. China has developed economically at a breakneck speed since the 1990s, and overtook [[Japan]] to become the world's second largest economy after the [[United States]] in 2010, cementing its place again as a major political, military and economic world power. China has also expanded its international clout and become a major source of foreign investment, particularly in the less developed countries of [[Asia]], [[Africa]] and increasingly in [[Latin America]] and the [[Caribbean]] as well. President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, which attempts to expand international trading networks through Chinese investment in transportation infrastructure. It largely follows the route of the old [[Silk Road]]. While Xi's administration is often criticized for being more dictatorial than previous ones, China's international influence has also expanded considerably under him, and blatant corruption has been significantly reduced. Moreover, many poorer areas in western China that had largely been left behind by the economic boom are now beginning to see more government investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation. China is now an upper middle income country. Two former colonies, [[Hong Kong]] (British) and [[Macau]] (Portuguese), rejoined China in 1997 and 1999 respectively. They are [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|Special Administrative Regions]] (SARs), run differently under the slogan "One country, two systems". This article does not cover them because for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries with their own visas, currencies, and laws. ===Government and politics=== {{see also|Chinese provinces and regions}} China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The "paramount leader" is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, who holds several other offices including ceremonial President. The State Council forms the executive branch; the next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. China largely follows a centralized system of government, and is administratively divided into 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 directly controlled municipalities. Provincial governments have limited powers in their internal and economic affairs. Autonomous regions have more legal freedom than provinces, such as the right to declare additional official languages besides Mandarin. Directly controlled municipalities are cities that are not part of any province, and instead report directly to the central government in Beijing. Often having different names, prefectures ((地级)市/自治州/地区), counties (县/(县级)市/区) and townships (乡/镇/街道) are subordinated under provinces. The Special Administrative Regions (SAR), [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], in principle run themselves as separate jurisdictions, with only foreign policy and defense being controlled by Beijing, though in practice this autonomy is restricted. There is an active independence movement in Hong Kong, but the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020 has largely driven the movement underground. The PRC considers [[Taiwan]] to be one of its provinces, but Taiwan's government (the Republic of China) has been completely separate from the mainland Chinese one since 1949. Both governments on paper continue to claim to be the sole legitimate government for all of China. There is significant support for formal independence in Taiwan, but China's government has repeatedly threatened to launch a military attack on Taiwan if the island declares itself independent. See [[Chinese provinces and regions]] for more detail. ===People and customs=== With 1.4 billion inhabitants, China is home to nearly a fifth of the world's population and is the most populous country in the world. It is a diverse place with large variations in culture, language, customs and economic levels from region to region, and often strong distinct cultural and regional identities as well. The economic landscape is particularly diverse. The major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai are modern and comparatively wealthy. However, about 50% of Chinese still live in rural areas even though only 10% of China's land is arable. Hundreds of millions of rural residents still farm with manual labor or draft animals. Some 200 to 300 million former peasants have migrated to townships and cities in search of work. Poverty has been reduced dramatically, but towards the end of 2016, China still had 43 million people under the official poverty line of ¥2,300 (about US$334) in annual income. At the other end of the spectrum, the wealthy continue to accumulate real estate and other assets at an unprecedented rate. Generally the southern and eastern coastal regions are more wealthy, while inland areas, the far west and north, and the south-west are much less developed. The cultural landscape is also very diverse. Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group, comprising over 90% of the population, but they are not culturally homogeneous, and speak a wide variety of mutually unintelligible dialects and languages. Many customs and deities are specific to individual regions and even villages. Celebrations for the Lunar New Year and other national festivals vary dramatically from region to region. Customs related to the celebration of important occasions such as weddings, funerals and births also vary widely. The Cultural Revolution wiped out much of traditional Chinese culture and religion, and while they still survive to some extent, many of the traditions of old are better preserved in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and overseas Chinese communities than in mainland China. In general, contemporary urban Chinese society is secular, and traditional culture is more of an underlying current in everyday life. That said, there has been a cultural revival in the 21st century, largely spearheaded by young middle class Chinese, who are now using social media to promote various aspects of their traditional cultures. The other 10% of the population are 55 recognized ethnic minorities — the largest of which are the Zhuang, Manchu, Hui and Miao (Hmong) — which each have their own unique cultures and languages. Other notable ethnic minorities include Koreans, Tibetans, Mongols, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Russians. China is home to the largest Korean population outside Korea, and is home to more ethnic Mongols than is [[Mongolia]]. Many minorities have been assimilated to various degrees, losing their language and customs or fusing with Han traditions, although Tibetans and Uyghurs in China remain fiercely defensive of their cultures. In some areas, some ethnic minorities, such as the Mongols, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Tibetans, continue to maintain their traditional nomadic way of life, though that is changing as the younger generation gets better access to education and moves to the cities for higher-paying jobs, and even those who preserve the nomadic lifestyle often adopt numerous modern conveniences, such as replacing their horses with motorcycles. ====Lucky numbers==== Many Chinese people like homophones, and several numerals are considered auspicious or inauspicious based on rhymes with other Chinese words. '''"Six"''' is a good number for business, sounding like "slick" or "smooth" in Mandarin, and "good fortune" or "happiness" in Cantonese. '''"Eight"''' sounds so close to the word for "prosper" that it's widely considered auspicious. '''"Nine"''' used to be associated with the Emperor, and also sounds like "long lasting". Meanwhile, '''"four"''' is a taboo for most Chinese because the pronunciation in Mandarin, Cantonese and most other Chinese dialects is close to "death"; some buildings skip floors and room numbers that contain 4s. ===Climate and terrain=== [[File:Sanya Dongtian Park - panoramio (10).jpg|thumb|[[Hainan]] is a popular destination in tropical China]] The climate is extremely diverse, from tropical regions in the south to subarctic in the north. [[Hainan]] Island is roughly at the same latitude as Jamaica, while [[Harbin]], one of the largest cities in the north, is at roughly the latitude of Montreal and has the climate to match. North China has four distinct seasons with intensely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Southern China tends to be milder and wetter. The further north and west you travel, the drier the climate. Once you leave eastern China and enter the majestic Tibetan highlands or the vast steppes and deserts of Gansu, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, distances are vast and the land is harsh. During the communist planned economy era, uniform rules required that buildings in areas north of the Yangtze River get heat in the winter, but anything south of it would not &mdash; this meant buildings were unheated in places like Shanghai and Nanjing, which routinely have temperatures below freezing in winter. The rule was relaxed long ago, but the effects are still visible. In general, Chinese use less heating and less building insulation, and wear more warm clothing, than Westerners in comparable climates. In schools, apartments and office buildings, even if the rooms are heated, the corridors are not. Double-glazing is quite rare. Students and teachers wear winter jackets in class, and long underwear is common. Air-conditioning is increasingly common but is similarly not used in corridors and is often used with the windows and doors open. China has many inland mountain ranges, high plateaus, and deserts in the center and the far west; plains, deltas, and hills dominate the east. The [[Pearl River Delta]] region around Guangzhou and Hong Kong and the [[Along the Yangtze river|Yangtze delta]] around Shanghai are major global economic powerhouses, as is the North China plain around Beijing and the Yellow River. On the border between Tibet (the Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal lies Mount [[Everest]], at 8,850&nbsp;m, the highest point on earth. The [[Turpan]] depression, in northwest China's Xinjiang is the lowest point in China at 154&nbsp;m below sea level, which is the second-lowest point in the world after the [[Dead Sea]]. ===Units of measure=== China's official system of measurement is metric, but you will sometimes hear the traditional Chinese system of measurements in colloquial usage. The one you are most likely to come across in everyday use is the unit of mass ''jīn'' (斤), nowadays equal to 0.5&nbsp;kg in mainland China. Most Chinese will quote their weight in ''jīn'' if asked, and food prices in markets are often quoted per ''jīn''. ===Holidays=== {{CNYdates}} China observes two week-long holidays during the year, called '''[[Golden Week holidays in China|Golden Weeks]]'''. During these weeks, around '''Chinese New Year''' (late January to mid-February) and '''National Day''' (1 October), hundreds of millions of migrant workers return home and millions of other Chinese travel within the country (but many in the service sector stay behind, enjoying extra pay). Try to avoid being on the road, on the rails, or in the air during the major holidays. If you do have to travel the, plan well in advance, especially for transportation and for travel from western China or the east coast. Every mode of transportation is extremely crowded; tickets are very hard to come by, and will cost you a lot more. Air tickets sell out more slowly because of the higher prices. The Chinese New Year period is the largest annual migration of people on Earth. [[File:New Year Scene.jpg|thumb|Chinese New Year]] China has seven national holidays: * '''New Year''' (元旦 ''Yuándàn'') — 1 January * '''Spring Festival''' (春节 ''Chūn Jié''), a.k.a. '''Chinese New Year''' — 1st day of the 1st lunar month, late January to mid-February (1 February in 2022) * '''Tomb-Sweeping Day''' (清明节 ''Qīngmíng Jié'') — 15th day from the Spring Equinox, 4 to 6 April (5 April in 2022). Cemeteries are crowded with people who go to sweep the tombs of their ancestors and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to cemeteries can be very heavy. * '''Labor Day''' (劳动节 ''Láodòng Jié'') — 1 May * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午节 ''Duānwǔ Jié'') — 5th day of the 5th lunar month, late May to June (3 June in 2022). Boat races and eating rice dumplings (粽子 zòngzi, steamed pouches of sticky rice) are a traditional part of the celebration. * '''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (中秋节 ''Zhōngqiū Jié''） — 15th day of the 8th lunar month, September to early October (10 September in 2022). Also called the "Mooncake Festival" after its signature treat, mooncakes (月饼 ''yuèbǐng''). People meet outside, put food on the tables and look up at the full harvest moon. * '''National Day''' (国庆节 ''Guóqìng Jié'') — 1 October Known as the '''Golden Weeks''', Chinese New Year and National Day holidays span multiple days; nearly all workers get at least a week for Chinese New Year and some of them get two or three. For many working Chinese, these are the only times of the year they get to travel. Students get four to six weeks of holiday. Chinese New Year is a traditional time to visit family, and the entire country pretty well shuts down. Many stores and other businesses will close from a few days to a week or longer. In early July, around 20 million university students will return home and then in late August they will return to school. Roads, railways and planes very busy at these times. Many areas or ethnic minorities have their own festivals. See listings for individual towns for details. Here are some other nationally important festivals: * '''Lantern Festival''' (元宵节 ''Yuánxiāo Jié'' or 上元节 ''Shàngyuán Jié'') — 15th day of the 1st lunar month, traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year, February to early March (15 February in 2022). In some cities, such as Quanzhou, this is a big festival with elaborate lanterns all over town. * '''Double Seventh Day''' (七夕 ''Qīxī'') — 7th day of the 7th lunar month, usually August (4 August in 2022). This romantic holiday is similar to Valentine's Day. * '''Double Ninth Festival''' or Chongyang Festival (重阳节 ''Chóngyáng Jié'') — 9th day of the 9th lunar month, usually October (4 October in 2022) * '''Winter Solstice''' (冬至 ''Dōngzhì'') — 21 to 23 December (22 December in 2022) Some Western festivals are noticeable, at least in major cities. Around Christmas, one hears carols &mdash; some in English, some in Chinese, and one from Hong Kong that goes "Lonely, lonely Christmas". Some stores are decorated and many shop assistants wear red and white elf hats. Chinese Christians celebrate services and masses at officially sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches as well. For Valentine's Day, many restaurants offer special meals. Around the longer holidays (especially the two Golden Weeks and sometimes Labor Day), surrounding weekends may be rearranged to make the holiday longer. This means that around major holidays, places may be closed when they're usually open or open when they would usually be closed. ===Time zones=== Despite geographically spanning five time zones, all of China officially follows Beijing Time (UTC+8). However, in the restive province of Xinjiang, while the official time is Beijing Time, some ethnic Uyghurs use the UTC+6 time zone as a sign of defiance against Beijing. ===Read=== * ''Wild Swans'' by Jung Chang (''{{ISBN|0007176155}}'') - a biography of three generations, from the warlord days to the end of Mao's era, illustrating life under China's version of nationalism and communism. This book is banned in China. *''The Search for Modern China'' by Jonathan Spence - a standard history book on modern China from the late Ming to the current period. {{topicsin|China|0}} ==Talk== {{see also|Chinese phrasebook}} [[Image:Map of sinitic languages-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Map of Chinese dialects]] The official language of China is '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Standard Mandarin]]''', known in Chinese as ''Pǔtōnghuà'' (普通话, "common speech"), which is based on the Beijing dialect; Chinese in general is known as ''Zhōngwén'' (中文). Standard Mandarin is the main language for government and media, as well as the national lingua franca. While the official language is standardized, local pronunciation of Mandarin does vary by region. Unless otherwise noted, all terms, spellings and pronunciations in this guide are in Standard Mandarin. While national media is broadcast in Mandarin, each area often has its own local media that broadcasts in the local language. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. However, since the 1950s mainland China has used '''simplified characters''', such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>, in an attempt to eradicate illiteracy. Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and many overseas Chinese still use the traditional characters, which are also sometimes used on the mainland as an aesthetic choice. As a result, a word like "bank" will be written <span lang="zh-Hant">銀行</span> as often as <span lang="zh-Hans">银行</span>. The simplification was fairly systematic, and you may deduce at least some of the simplifications on your own just from seeing them frequently. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". The standard way of romanizing Mandarin is '''pinyin''' (汉语拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn''). It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). Mandarin is also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the country, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects''', of which Standard Mandarin is just one. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and can't carry on a conversation with each other. However, thanks to heavy emphasis in the education system, most people can comfortably carry on a conversation in Standard Mandarin, though sometimes with a strong accent. In some areas, younger people are more likely to speak Mandarin than dialects, due to previous education policies that prohibited the use of dialects in school. A variety of (mainly northern) dialects closely related to the standard are classified as Mandarin and account for the majority of China's population. Other large groups of dialects include '''[[Wu phrasebook|Wu]]''' (spoken in Shanghai, Zhejiang and southern [[Jiangsu]]) and '''Yue''' (Guangdong), which includes '''[[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]''' (spoken in much of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau). The '''Min''' (Fujian) group includes '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]]''' (Hokkien, spoken in [[South Fujian]] and in Taiwan), '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Fuzhou dialect]]''' (Foochow or Hokchiu, spoken around [[Fuzhou]]), '''[[Teochew phrasebook|Teochew]]''' (Chiuchow, spoken in [[Chaoshan]]) and '''[[Hainanese phrasebook|Hainanese]]''' (spoken in the island province [[Hainan]]). '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''' is spoken in several parts of southern China but is more related to northern dialects. Like Mandarin, these are all tonal languages. Most Chinese are bilingual or even trilingual, speaking Mandarin as well as regional or local dialects. Some who are older or less educated may speak only the local dialect. While you can easily get by in most of China speaking Mandarin, learning a bit of the local dialect is always appreciated, and may get you preferential treatment in shops and restaurants. Besides dialects of Chinese, various regions also have ethnic minority languages. The west has '''Turkic languages''' such as [[Uyghur phrasebook|Uyghur]], [[Kyrgyz phrasebook|Kyrgyz]], and [[Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh]] as well as other languages such as '''[[Tibetan phrasebook|Tibetan]]'''; the north and northeast has [[Manchu phrasebook|Manchu]], [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]], and [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]; the south has many other ethnic minorities who speak their own languages. However, except for some older folks, Mandarin is generally usable in these regions and many people are bilingual. In areas with large ethnic minority populations, the relevant ethnic minority language is sometimes co-official with Mandarin, and you may see bilingual road signs. '''Chinese Sign Language''' (CSL or ZGS, 中国手语 ''Zhōngguó Shǒuyǔ'') is the dominant sign language. There is an official version of CSL standardized by the government. There are also two regional dialects, Southern (from Shanghai) and Northern (from Beijing); these and official CSL are largely mutually intelligible. CSL is not mutually intelligible with Hong Kong, Taiwanese, or Malaysian Sign Languages, nor with any others. '''Tibetan Sign Language''' (藏语手语 ''Zàng yǔ shǒuyǔ'') is an independent sign language used in Tibet, not mutually intelligible with any others; it too is standardized by the government based on existing regional sign languages. ===English=== Chinese students study English from primary school to high school, and are required to pass an English test in order to graduate from university. However, the focus is mainly on formal grammar and writing, with less emphasis on reading, and even less on speaking or listening. While knowledge of basic words and phrases such as "hello," "thank you", "OK" and "bye-bye" appears nearly universal, the ability to participate in an English conversation can be limited. It's generally rare to find locals conversant in English. Staff at airports, hotels, and popular tourist attractions can sometimes speak basic to conversational English. As China's tourism industry primarily caters to the domestic market, outside major international tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, even staff at tourist attractions may not be conversant in English. When [[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|using English]], '''simplify and speak slowly'''. Chinese grammar is very different from English, as verbs, pronouns, and other words essentially don't inflect at all. Although it sounds abrupt in English, simple declarative sentences like "Give me two beers" are quite similar to Chinese, and thus more readily understood than roundabout constructions like "Could we have a pair of beers please?". [[File:Shenzhen River chinglish warning sign.JPG|thumb|A typical "Chinglish" sign]] While English signage or menus are increasingly widespread in China, especially at or near tourist attractions, they are often written in incorrect English. Such signage can be difficult to read, but as "Chinglish" follows certain rules, it can usually be deciphered. Oftentimes, translations are simply a word-by-word equivalent of a Chinese expression which, like a word puzzle, can sometimes be pieced together with some thought, but in other cases may be utterly baffling. Many places have '''English Corner''', informal gatherings for [[Teaching English|practicing oral English]], which can be a good way to meet locals. They're often held at schools and colleges on Friday afternoons, and on Sundays in public parks, English schools, and bookstores, and universities. Topics often include cultural activities like holidays and festivals from English speaking countries, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, these have been progressively disappearing over the past decade due to the prolific rise of language exchange over the internet in China, and have all but disappeared in smaller cities. ===Other foreign languages=== Although not as widespread as English, there are some foreign languages that are of use in China. [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]] is spoken as a native language by the ethnic Korean minority in the north east of the country, while [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]] is the native language of the ethnic Mongol community in Inner Mongolia. [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] is spoken by some professionals in international businesses. [[German phrasebook|German]] is a popular language for engineering professionals. Some people in border areas and some older people are able to speak [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. [[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]] is commonly studied among Muslim communities. ==Get in== {{COVID-19 box| Entry is denied to most travelers, but foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits, including work permits or permits for family reunion and personal matters, may be allowed to enter. The requirements are complicated and vary depending on what country you're coming from, any countries you transit in, your city of entry to China, and your destination city. Contact your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for specific information. All passengers flying into China must obtain a health code through the Health Code International Version program on WeChat. The program may be hard to use if you don't have a Chinese ID number and mobile phone number; you might need to ask a Chinese citizen to help you complete the form. Make sure you get a health code for both your entry point city and your final destination in China. You'll need a COVID-19 negative certificate, which may need to be in English and notarized by a Chinese embassy. And you may also need an antibody test and/or proof of vaccination. Rules are less strict for travellers from Hong Kong and Macau, who just need to show a negative Covid-19 test result. On arrival, you will be subject to a strict mandatory quarantine for 14 or 21 days (or even longer), at your own expense, and will be tested for COVID multiple times, possibly including oral, nasal, and anal swabs. Food is provided in quarantine but may not be to your liking, though vegetarian options are reportedly available. Make sure you have a Chinese SIM card, as you may need it to use the health apps – if you don't have one you may be able to get it delivered to your quarantine hotel. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2021-12-03}} ===Visas=== {{infobox|Visa policy overview|China offers the following visas to citizens of most countries: * '''L visa''' - tourism, family visits * '''F visa''' - business trips, internships, short study * '''Z visa''' - working, 30 days during which you should get a residence permit * '''X visa''' - study more than six months * '''S1 visa''' - dependent family members of a Z (work) visa * '''Q1 / Q2 visa''' - for expats married to a Chinese citizen or green card holder * '''G visa''' - transit A few nationalities are exempted from needing to obtain a visa before traveling to China for certain durations. You can contact your nearest [http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/ Chinese embassy or consulate] for more details. }} [[File:Visa policy of China.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa requirements for visitors to China. Green, blue and purple countries can have visa free travel, while all other countries need a visa.]] Most travelers will need a visa (签证 ''qiānzhèng'') to visit mainland China. In most cases, it should be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Visas for [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]] may be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate, but they must be applied for separately from the mainland Chinese visa; there is no visa that serves both mainland China and either of those areas. A single-entry mainland China visa is terminated if you go to Hong Kong or Macau, so ensure that you have a multiple entry visa if you plan to return to mainland China. You must submit your fingerprints during the visa application process. Children under 14, and senior citizens over 70 are excepted. Your fingerprints may also be taken when you enter China. 30-day single- or double-entry visas for the mainland can sometimes be acquired in Hong Kong or Macau. You can generally fly from overseas to Hong Kong and spend a few days there to get a visa for the mainland. This is supposed to be available only to residents of Hong Kong or Macau. Exceptions are often made but they vary over time, and are not reliable. Macau's visa office is less crowded and the hotels are a bit cheaper, but it takes just as long. In general, only single- and double-entry visas are granted to visitors without Hong Kong ID cards, although foreigners with previous entries into the mainland and Hong Kong student or work visa holders have been known to be approved for multiple entries. Many Hong Kong travel agencies (such as China Travel Service) offer a faster visa turnaround service for a fee. In addition, a travel agency has some capacity to negotiate on the length of your visa. You might apply for a one-year visa and have that rejected; however, they may well be able to get a 6-month visa for you instead. Visas are sometimes denied to travelers with passport stamps from Turkey and nearby Middle Eastern countries; see [[Visa trouble#China]] for more information. '''Visa-free travel''': Nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Japan]], and [[Singapore]] can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days; nationals of [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belarus]], [[Fiji]], [[Grenada]], [[Qatar]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Tonga]], and [[United Arab Emirates]] for up to 30 days; nationals of [[Mauritius]] for up to 60 days; and nationals of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Ecuador]], and [[San Marino]] for up to 90 days. (Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina can only stay 90 days within a 180-day period.) To visit mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau residents of Chinese nationality must apply at the China Travel Service, the sole authorized issuing agent, to obtain a Home Return Permit (回乡证 húixiāngzhèng), a credit card-sized ID allowing multiple entries and unlimited stay for ten years with no restrictions including on employment. Taiwanese citizens are required to obtain a Taiwan Compatriot Pass (台胞证 táibāozhèng), which is typically valid for five years, and may live in mainland China indefinitely for the duration of the permit's validity with no restrictions including on employment. Travelers should check the most up-to-date information before traveling. Chinese authorities do not recognize British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports. BNO passport holders should use appropriate travel documents (foreign passport/home return permit) to enter China. ====Transit without a visa==== [[File:Chinese Visa Waiver Programs.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa waiver program eligibility for visitors to China.]] Exceptions from visa requirements may be available for those [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/#3 transiting through some airports], to enable you to take short visits to many metropolitan regions of the country. These rules are '''dizzyingly complicated and subject to sudden changes''', so check with your airline shortly before attempting this method of entry. Citizens of the designated countries who arrive at airports in [[Beijing]], [[Chengdu]], [[Chongqing]], [[Dalian]], [[Hangzhou]], [[Kunming]], [[Nanjing]], [[Qingdao]], [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], [[Shijiazhuang]], [[Tianjin]], [[Wuhan]], [[Xiamen]], and [[Xi'an]] can stay in the city of arrival for up to 144 hours provided they depart from an airport of the same city. The onward ticket must be to a country other than the country from which their arriving flight originated and they must have the required entry documents for the third country or countries. In [[Guangdong]], this arrangement applies to the whole province. A similar policy in [[Guilin]], [[Harbin]], and [[Changsha]] allows stays of up to 72 hours. Passengers without a visa who intend to leave the transit area will typically be directed by an immigration officer to wait in an office for around 20 minutes while other officials review the passengers' onward flight documentation. For the city of '''Shanghai''' and the neighboring provinces of '''Jiangsu''' and '''Zhejiang''', visa-free entries through the airports of Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, as well as the Shanghai sea port or Shanghai Station (through train from Hong Kong), are allowed. Once admitted, passengers can go anywhere within the three province-level units, and must depart within 144 hours (6 days). [http://lawandborder.com/translation-shanghai-jiangsu-zhejiang-implement-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-certain-nationalities/ Translation: 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang]. In '''[[Hainan]]''', citizens of the UK, Canada, the US and some other European and Asian countries can travel for up to 30 days without a visa. ====Types of visas==== Getting a tourist visa is fairly easy for most passports as you don't need an invitation, which is required for business or working visas. The usual tourist single-entry visa is valid for a visit of 30 days and must be used within three months of the date of issue. A double-entry tourist visa must be used within six months of the date of issue. It is possible to secure a single, double, or multiple entry tourist visa for up to 60 days or, less commonly, 90 days for some citizens applying in their home countries. Consulates and travel agents have been known to occasionally request proof of onward travel at the time of visa application. Tourist visa extensions can be applied for at the local Entry & Exit Bureau or Public Security Bureau (公安局 ''Gōng'ānjú'') after handing in the following documents: valid passport, visa extension application form including one passport-sized photo, a copy of the Registration Form of Temporary Residence which you received from the local police station at registration. Tourist visas can be only extended once. Processing time is usually five working days and it costs ¥160. See city articles to find out the local bureau. Some travelers will need a dual entry or multiple entry visa. For example, if you enter China on a single entry visa, then go to Hong Kong or Macau, you need a new visa to re-enter mainland China. In Hong Kong, multiple entry visas are officially available only to HKID holders, but the authorities are willing to bend the rules somewhat and may approve three-month multiple entry visas for short-term Hong Kong qualified residents, including exchange students. It is recommended to apply directly with the Chinese government in this case, as some agents will be unwilling to submit such an application on your behalf. Obtaining a '''Visa on Arrival''' is possible usually only for the [[Shenzhen]] or [[Zhuhai]] Special Economic Zones, and such visas are limited to those areas. When crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen at Lo Wu railway station, and notably not at Lok Ma Chau, a five-day Shenzhen-only visa can be obtained during extended office hours on the spot. The office accepts only Chinese yuan as payment. There may be restrictions on visas for some nationalities and these vary over time. For example: * The visa fee for American nationals is [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t334452.htm US$140] (or US$110 as part of a group tour). * Indian nationals are limited to 10- or 15-day tourist visas, and have to show US$100 per day of visa validity in the form of traveler's checks. (US$1,000 and US$1,500, respectively). * Foreigners in South Korea not holding an alien registration card must travel to the Chinese consulate in [[Busan]], as the Chinese embassy in [[Seoul]] does not issue visas to non-residents in Korea. Applications must be made through an official travel agency. See [[Working in China]] for information for those who want to work in China, and their family members. One option for foreigners married to Chinese citizens is to obtain a six- to twelve-month ''visiting relatives'' (探亲 tànqīn) visa. This is a tourist (L) visa that permits individuals to remain in China continuously for the duration of their visa and does not require the visa holder to exit and re-enter China to maintain the validity of the visa. To apply for a this visa, you should first enter the country on a different visa and then apply for a ''visiting relatives'' visa at the local Public Security bureau in the city that your marriage was registered in, which is usually your Chinese spouse's hometown. Bring your marriage certificate and spouse's identification card (身份证 shēnfènzhèng). If you apply for a visa in South Korea, you will generally have to either show an Alien Registration Card showing you still have several months of residency in South Korea or show that you've received a Chinese visa within the last two years. You cannot apply to a Chinese embassy or consulate directly but must proceed through a travel agent. Generally only 30-day single entry visas are available. ====Registering your abode==== [[File:Longhai - Hotel reception - P1260519.JPG|thumb|An announcement above a hotel's reception desk lists acceptable document types (including a foreign citizen's passport, 外国人“护照”) for guest registration]] Chinese immigration law requires that hotels, guest houses and hostels register their guests with the local police when they check in. The staff will scan your passport including your visa and entry stamps. In some places, your face may be photographed. Help staff out if they do not know where the most recent stamp is —&nbsp;immigration officers are sometimes known to stamp in the wrong order. Some of the lower-end hotels are not set up for this and will refuse foreign guests. Others will accept foreign guests but ignore the registration requirement. You should avoid staying at one of these places immediately after arriving in China, lest you run into problems later, such as refusal of entry, due to not registering when you entered the country. If you are staying in a private residence, you are required to register your abode with the local police within 24 hours (city) to 72 hours (countryside) of arrival, though the law is enforced inconsistently. The police will ask for a copy of the photograph page of your passport, a copy of your visa, a copy of your immigration entry stamp, a photograph and a copy of the tenancy agreement or other document concerning the place you are staying in. That agreement might not be in your name but it will still be asked for. This Temporary Residence Permit should be carried with you at all times, especially if you are in larger cities or where control is tight. You must re-register if your visa or residence permit undergoes any changes — extensions, or changes in passport (even here, it is ideal to re-register when you get a new passport, regardless if you've transferred the visa or residence permit to the new passport). In some cities, you must re-register every time you re-enter mainland China even if your residence permit is still valid; check with your local police station to see if this is necessary. ===By plane=== {{COVID-19 box|China maintains a "circuit breaker" policy regarding flights arriving in China. Flights on a particular route may be cancelled for a period of weeks if too many passengers have tested positive. The Civil Aviation Administration of China publishes these termination orders regularly from time to time, and please contact your airline if you are affected by such orders.|lastedit=2021-11-27}} {{infobox|Transiting through Hong Kong and Macau|If arriving in Hong Kong or Macau there are ferries that can shuttle passengers straight to another destination such as Shekou or Bao'an Airport in Shenzhen, Macau Airport, Zhuhai and elsewhere without actually "entering" Hong Kong or Macau.<br>A shuttle bus takes transit passengers to the ferry terminal so their official entry point, where they clear immigration, will be the ferry destination rather than the airport. The ferries do have different hours so landing late at night may make it necessary to enter either territory to catch another bus or ferry to one's ultimate destination. For example, it would be necessary to clear immigration if going from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau via the Macau Ferry Terminal. The most recent information on the ferries to Hong Kong can be found at [http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html the Hong Kong International Airport website].}} The main international gateways to mainland China are [[Beijing]] ({{IATA|PEK}} & {{IATA|PKX}}, for all airports {{IATA|BJS}}), [[Shanghai]] ({{IATA|PVG}}) and [[Guangzhou]] ({{IATA|CAN}}). The explosive growth of commercial aviation in China has led to the proliferation of international gateways to the country. Local governments also frequently subsidize international flight routes serving their cities, so these services may be much cheaper. In particular, [[Chengdu]] ({{IATA|CTU}}), [[Chongqing]] ({{IATA|CKG}}) and [[Kunming]] ({{IATA|KMG}}) are emerging as major Chinese hubs, with flights to destinations in North America, Europe and Oceania. Airline tickets are expensive or hard to come by around Chinese New Year, the Chinese 'golden weeks' and university holidays. If you live in a city with a sizeable overseas Chinese community, check for cheap flights with someone in that community or visit travel agencies operated by Chinese. Sometimes flights advertised only in Chinese newspapers or travel agencies cost significantly less than posted fares in English. However if you go and ask, you can get the same discount price. ====Airlines==== China's carriers are growing rapidly. The three largest, and state-owned airlines are flag carrier '''[http://www.airchina.com/ Air China]''' (中国国际航空), as well as '''[http://www.ceair.com/ China Eastern Airlines]''' (中国东方航空) and '''[http://www.csair.com/ China Southern Airlines]''' (中国南方航空), based in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou respectively. Other airlines include '''[https://www.xiamenair.com/ XiamenAir]''' (厦门航空), '''[https://www.hainanairlines.com/ Hainan Airlines]''' (海南航空), '''[http://www.shenzhenair.com/ Shenzhen Airlines]''' (深圳航空) and '''[http://www.sichuanair.com/ Sichuan Airlines]''' (四川航空). [[Hong Kong]]-based [http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific] can connect from many international destinations to all the major mainland cities. Other Asian carriers with good connections into China include [http://www.singaporeair.com/ Singapore Airlines], Japan-based [http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ Japan Airlines] and [https://www.ana.co.jp/ All Nippon Airways], South Korea-based [http://www.koreanair.com Korean Air] and [http://flyasiana.com/ Asian Airlines], and Taiwan-based [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines] and [http://www.evaair.com/ EVA Air]. Many major carriers based outside Asia fly to at least one of China's main hubs &mdash; [[Beijing]] ([[Beijing Capital International Airport|Capital]] or [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Daxing]]), [[Pudong Airport|Shanghai Pudong]] and [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]] &mdash; and many go to several of those. Some, such as [http://www.klm.com/ KLM], also have flights to other less prominent Chinese cities. Check the individual city articles for details. See [[Discount airlines in Asia]] for some additional options both to reach China and to get around within it. ===By train=== China can be reached by train from many of its neighboring countries and even all the way from Europe. * '''Russia & Europe''' - two lines of the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] (Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian) run between [[Moscow]] and Beijing, stopping in various other Russian cities, and for the Trans-Mongolian, in [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia. * '''Kazakhstan & Central Asia''' - from [[Almaty]], Kazakhstan, you can travel by rail to [[Ürümqi]] in the northwestern province of Xinjiang. There are long waits at the Alashankou border crossing for customs, as well as for changing the wheelbase for the next country's track. Another, shorter, trans-border route has no direct train service; rather, you take an overnight Kazakh train from Almaty to Altynkol, cross the border to Khorgos, and then take an overnight Chinese train from Khorgos (or the nearby [[Yining]]) to Urumqi. There is also direct train service between Ürümqi and [[Astana]] (via Khorgos). ([http://news.huochepiao.com/2017-6/2017621404433.htm Details], in Chinese) * '''Hong Kong''' - regular services link mainland China with [[Hong Kong]]. A [[high speed rail]] link was completed in 2018. * '''Vietnam''' - from Hanoi Gia Lam Station to Nanning in Guangxi province, via the Friendship Pass. You can take a train from Hanoi to [[Lao Cai]], walk or take a taxi across the border to Hekou, and take a train from Hekou North to Kunming. * '''North Korea''' - four weekly connections between the North Korean capital [[Pyongyang]] and [[Beijing]]. ===By road=== China has land borders with 14 countries. Mainland China also has land borders with the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which are similar to international borders. Most of the border crossings in western China are in remote mountain passes, which while difficult to reach and traverse, often reward travelers willing to make the effort with breathtaking scenic views. ====India==== The Nathu La Pass between [[Sikkim]] in India and Southern Tibet is not open to tourists, and both countries require special permits to visit. The pass has reopened for cross-border trade since 2006, so the tourist restriction may be lifted in the future. ====Myanmar (Burma)==== Entering China from Myanmar is possible at the [[Ruili]] (China)-[[Lashio]] (Myanmar) border crossing, but permits must be obtained from the Burmese authorities in advance. Generally, this would require you to join a guided tour. ====Vietnam==== [[File:Border crossing at Lao Cai.png|thumb|Looking from Vietnam into China]] For most travelers, Hanoi is the origin for any overland journey to China. There are three international crossings: *From [[Dong Dang]] to [[Pingxiang (Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] (凭祥) *From [[Lao Cai]] to [[Hekou]] (河口) *From [[Mong Cai]] to [[Dongxing]] (东兴) ====Laos==== From [[Luang Namtha]] you can get a bus to [[Mengla]]. You must have a Chinese visa beforehand as there is no way to get one on arrival. Also, there is a direct Chinese sleeper-bus connection from [[Luang Prabang]] to Kunming (about 32 hours). You can jump in this bus at the border, when the minibus from [[Luang Namtha]] and the sleeper meet. Don't pay more than ¥200, though. ====Pakistan==== The [[Karakoram Highway]] from northern [[Pakistan]] into Western China is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It's closed for tourists for a few months in winter. Crossing the border is relatively quick because of few overland travelers, and friendly relations between the two countries. Preliminary customs inspection will be done on spot, while immigration and customs inspection are done at suburban [[Tashkurgan]]. A bus runs between Kashgar (China) and Sust (Pakistan) across the Kunerjab pass. ====Nepal==== The [[Nepal#Get in|road from Nepal]] to Tibet passes near Mount Everest, and through amazing mountain scenery. Entering Tibet from Nepal is only possible for tourists on package tours, but it is possible to travel into Nepal from Tibet ====Mongolia==== [[File:Trans Mongolian wheel changing.JPG|thumb|Going by train between Mongolia and China, the carriages will need new wheels]] There are two border crossings open to foreigners between Mongolia and China: *[[Erenhot]] ([[Inner Mongolia]])/[[Zamiin Uud]], and *[[Takashiken]] ([[Xinjiang]])/[[Hovd (province)|Bulgan]]. Other crossings open to nationals are: Zhuen Gadabuqi or Zuun Khatavch (Xilingol, Inner Mongolia), Bichig (Mongolia), and Sheveekhuren - Sekhee. ====Kazakhstan==== The border crossing closest to Almaty is at [[Khorgos]]. Buses run almost daily from [[Almaty]] to [[Ürümqi]] and [[Yining]]. No visa-on-arrival is available so ensure that both your Chinese and Kazakh visas are in order before attempting this. Another major crossing is at Alashankou (Dostyk on the Kazakh side). ====Kyrgyzstan==== It is possible to cross the [[Torugart pass]] from Kyrgyztan, but the road is rough and the pass is only open during the summer months (June–September) every year. It is possible to arrange crossings all the way from Kashgar, but ensure that all your visas are in order. Alternatively, while less scenic, a smoother crossing is at [[Irkeshtam]] to the south of Torugart. ====Tajikistan==== There is a single border crossing between China and Tajikistan at [[Kulma]], which is open on weekdays from May–November. A bus operates across the border between [[Kashgar]] in Xinjiang and [[Khorog]] in Tajikistan. Ensure both your Chinese and Tajik visas are in order before attempting this crossing. ====Russia==== The most popular border crossing at [[Manzhouli]] in [[Inner Mongolia]]. Buses run from Manzhouli to [[Zabaikalsk]] in Russia. There are also ferries across the Amur from [[Heihe]] to [[Blagoveshchensk]], and from [[Fuyuan]] to [[Khabarovsk]]. Farther east, there are land border crossings at [[Suifenhe]], Dongning, and Hunchun. Ensure both your Russian and Chinese visas are in order before attempting. ====North Korea==== Crossing overland from North Korea at the [[Dandong]]/[[Sinuiju]] border crossing is fairly straightforward if you have arranged it as part of your North Korean tour. The other border crossings along the Yalu and Tumen rivers may not be open to tourists. Your tour company must ensure that your Chinese and North Korean visas are in order before attempting this. ====Hong Kong==== There are four road border crossings into China from [[Hong Kong]]: *Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, *Sha Tau Kok/Shatoujiao, *Man Kam To/Wenjindu, and *the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. A visa on arrival is available for some nationalities at Huanggang, but visas must be arranged in advance for all other crossings. ====Macau==== The two border crossings are at the '''Portas do Cerco'''/'''Gongbei''' and the '''Lotus Bridge'''. A visa-on-arrival can be obtained by certain nationalities at the Portas do Cerco. At Gongbei, [[Zhuhai]] train station is adjacent to the border crossing, with frequent train service to Guangzhou. ====Others==== Travelers cannot cross the borders with [[Afghanistan]] and [[Bhutan]]. ===By boat=== There are a number of boats to China by sea and river: * '''Hong Kong and Macau''': There is regular ferry and hovercraft service between Hong Kong and Macau to the rest of the Pearl River Delta, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]]. Ferry service from Hong Kong International Airport allow arriving passengers to proceed directly to China without having to clear Hong Kong immigration and customs. * '''Japan''': A ferry service to [[Shanghai]] from [[Osaka]] and [[Kobe]], Japan. Service is once or twice weekly, depending on the season and takes about 2 days. * '''South Korea''': A ferry service to Shanghai and Tianjin from [[Incheon]], a port close to [[Seoul]]. Another line is to [[Qingdao]] or [[Weihai]] from Incheon or [[Dalian]] from Incheon. * '''Taiwan''': Hourly ferries (18 departures per day) run from [[Kinmen]] to [[Xiamen]], with the journey time either 30 minutes or one hour depending on port. There is also a regular ferry between Kinmen and [[Quanzhou]] with 3 departures per day. A twice-daily ferry links [[Matsu]] with [[Fuzhou]], with journey time about 2 hours. From the Taiwanese main island, there are weekly departures from [[Taichung]] and [[Keelung]] aboard the Cosco Star to [[Xiamen]] and [[Taizhou (Zhejiang)|Damaiyu, Taizhou]]. * '''Thailand''': Golden Peacock Shipping company runs a speedboat three times a week on the Mekong river to [[Jinghong]] in [[Yunnan]] from [[Chiang Saen]] (Thailand). Passengers are not required to have visas for Laos or Myanmar, although the greater part of the trip is on the river bordering these countries. Tickets cost ¥650. * '''Cruise ship''': In the fall, several cruise lines move their ships from [[Alaska]] to [[Asia]] and good connections can generally be found leaving from [[Anchorage]], [[Vancouver]], or [[Seattle]]. Star Cruises operates between [[Keelung]] in Taiwan and Xiamen in mainland China, stopping at one of the Japanese islands on the way. ==Get around== {{Infobox|Health Codes|[[File:健康码.png|thumb|right|An example of "health code"]]In an attempt to balance between public health and post-pandemic economic development, "health codes" have widely been used to indicate the health status of travelers, in which it is generated through specific mobile phone apps developed by authorities. A green code indicates the traveler is at lowest risk, while a red code indicates high transmission risk. These codes will be checked when traveling between provinces, or entering public places. Places are also divided into '''risk levels''' per sub-districts for the purpose of COVID-19 response. The default risk level is low-level, while if there are surges of local COVID-19 cases, risk levels of sub-districts will be raised. Depending on the severity, mass testing, restrictions on leaving your city or even communal lockdowns may be enforced, which are also reflected in your health code.}} Many foreign apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps '''do not work''' in China, and tend to have patchy coverage and data quality even if accessed via VPN. Moreover, China uses its own coordinate system, which sometimes causes problems when using foreign map apps. The most common direction-finding app used by the Chinese themselves is '''[https://map.baidu.com/ Baidu Maps]''', though it is only available in Chinese. [http://ditu.amap.com/ Amap] is effectively the Citymapper for the whole of China. It is only available in English on Apple devices, and replaces Apple Maps when you are in mainland China. It lists all public transport and suggested car routes even in seemingly rural places. Alternative methods include other map apps based on OpenStreetMap data or renting a local GPS. More information at [[GPS navigation]]. '''Names of long streets''' are often given a middle word indicating the part of the street: north (北 ''běi''), south (南 ''nán''), east (东 ''dōng''), west (西 ''xī''), or central (中 ''zhōng''). For example, White Horse Street or ''Báimǎ Lù'' (白马路) may be split up into ''Báimǎ Běilù'' (白马北路 "White Horse North Street"), ''Báimǎ Nánlù'' (白马南路 "White Horse South Street"), and ''Báimǎ Zhōnglù'' (白马中路 "White Horse Central Street"). In some cities, however, these names do not indicate parts of one street. In [[Xiamen]], ''Hubin Bei Lu'' and ''Hubin Nan Lu'' (Lakeside Road North and Lakeside Road South) are parallel, running east-west on the north and south sides of the lake. In [[Nanjing]], ''Zhongshan Lu'', ''Zhongshan Bei Lu'' and ''Zhongshan Dong Lu'' are three separate major roads. ===By plane=== China is a huge country so, unless you're planning to visit only the eastern seaboard, definitely consider domestic flights. China has many domestic flights connecting all the major cities and tourist destinations. Airlines include the three state-owned international carriers: Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, as well as regional ones including Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Flights between Hong Kong or Macau and mainland Chinese cities are considered to be international flights and can be quite expensive. Hence if arriving in, or departing from, Hong Kong or Macau, it is usually '''much''' cheaper to fly to or from Shenzhen or Zhuhai, just across the border, or Guangzhou, which is a little further afield but offers flights to more destinations. Prices for domestic flights are set at standard rates, but discounts are common, especially on the busier routes. Most good hotels, and many hostels, will have a travel ticket service and may be able to save you 15-70% off the price of tickets. Travel agencies and booking offices are plentiful in all Chinese cities and offer similar discounts. Even before considering discounts, traveling by aircraft in China is not expensive. For travel within China, it is usually best to buy tickets in China, or on Chinese websites (these often have English versions). A useful app/website is [http://english.ctrip.com/?curr=CNY&language=EN&iburedirect=1 CTrip], which is the only way you can use an international credit/debit card on the fly to buy train/plane tickets. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will contact you to let you know about changes to your flight. If you purchased your ticket overseas, be certain to check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. On Chinese websites, prices tend to remain high until two months before the flight date, at which point large discounts are usually available unless a particular flight has been heavily booked already. Unexplained flight delays are common, in part because of the tight military control of the airspace — few countries have as much of their airspace off limits to civil aviation as China. For short-distance travel, you may want to consider alternatives like [[Rail travel in China#High-speed rail|high-speed railway]]. Flight cancellations are also not uncommon. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will likely try to contact you (if you left contact information) to let you know about the change in flight plan. If you purchased your ticket overseas, check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. Despite a lack of regulation in the late 20th century, the safety record of Chinese aviation is now superb. They have not had a major fatal accident from 2010 to 2022 and Chinese regulatory authorities are very no-nonsense when it comes to safety violations by crews or maintenance problems. Also be sure not to lose your checked baggage receipts, as they will be checked against your baggage tags before you are allowed to leave the baggage claim hall. ===By train=== : ''See also [[Rail travel in China]]'' [[File:A maglev train coming out, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai.jpg|thumb|300px|Maglev train in [[Shanghai]]]] [[File:Rail map of PRC.svg|thumb|500px|Rail map of China]] Train travel is the main method of long-distance transportation for the Chinese, with an extensive network of routes covering most of the country. Roughly a quarter of the world's total rail traffic is in China. China now has the world's longest network of [[high-speed rail]]ways (similar to French TGV or Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains) called '''CRH''', including the world's only high-speed [[sleeper trains]]. If your route and budget allow then these may be the best way to get around. CRH trains are top-notch, even internationally, in terms of equipment and cleanliness. On most higher-level trains, recorded announcements are made in Chinese and English. Local trains do not have announcements in English. Be careful with your valuables while on the train as theft on public transportation is a problem. Motion sickness pills and ear plugs are recommended. Long distance trains have a buffet or dining car, which serves mediocre hot food at around ¥25. The menu is entirely in Chinese. There may be vendors on station platforms who sell noodles, snacks, and fruit at better prices. Most train cars have a hot boiled water dispenser available so you can bring tea, soups and instant noodles. Smoking is not permitted in the seating or sleeping areas but is allowed in the vestibules at the end of each car on ordinary trains, while on high-speed trains, it is completely banned. Smoking is forbidden inside station buildings apart from in designated smoking rooms. See [[Rail travel in China]] for information on buying tickets. Chinese train stations function like airports, so do not count on catching a train at the last minute: gates close a few minutes prior to departure! To be safe, be there at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes if you are entering a big train station. Make sure you're waiting in the right place, because often the train will only stop for a couple of minutes. Many cities have different stations for normal trains and high-speed trains. High-speed station names usually consist of the city name and the cardinal direction (for example ''Héngyángdōng'', "Hengyang East"). ===By bus=== Traveling by public '''city buses''' (公共汽车 ''gōnggòngqìchē'') or long-distance buses (长途汽车 ''chángtúqìchē'') is inexpensive and ideal for in-city and short-distance transportation. City buses vary from city to city. However, if you can understand the bus routes then they are cheap and go almost everywhere. Buses will normally have recorded announcements telling you the next stop - examples of which might include 'xià yí zhàn - zhōng shān lù' (next stop Zhongshan Road) or 'Shànghǎi nán huǒ chē zhàn dào le' (Shanghai South railway station - now arriving). Some major cities such as Beijing or Hangzhou will have English announcements, at least on some major routes. Fares are usually about ¥1-3 or more if traveling into the suburbs. Most buses simply have a metal cash-box next to the entrance where you can insert your fare (no change - save up those ¥1 coins) or on longer routes a conductor that will collect fares and issue tickets and change. The driver usually prioritizes speed over comfort, so hold on tight. [[File:Meng H27360 at Liuliqiao Coach Station (20210624120340).jpg|thumb|A long-distance buses from [[Beijing]] to [[Xilinhot]]]] Coaches, or '''long-distance buses''', may be more practical than trains for going to suburbs or smaller cities. Coaches originating from larger cities on the east coast tend to be air conditioned with soft seats. Bus personnel tend to try to be helpful, but they are much less familiar with foreigners than airline personnel. [[File:Xiaoxi - Bus no. 2 - DSCF4163.JPG|thumb|Local buses in Pinghe County, [[Fujian]], connect the county seat with rural towns]] A coach or bus in rural China is a different experience. Signs in the station to identify buses will be in Chinese. The coach's license plate number is printed on the ticket, it will be spray-painted on the back of the bus. Scheduled times of departure and arrival are only rough estimates, with the bus leaving when it's full, rather than at a scheduled time. Often, rural coaches are the only forms of transportation in many areas of China and are usually more than willing to stop anywhere along the route should you wish to visit more remote areas without direct transport. Buses can also be flagged down at most points along their route. The ticket price the rest of the way is negotiable. [[File:Qujiang - highway bus stop - DSCF3093.JPG|thumb|A highway bus stop in [[Qujiang]], Nanjing County, [[Fujian]]. The sign lists departure times for buses to [[Xiamen]]]] Getting a ticket is straightforward. Large bus stations have ticket counters who sell printed tickets displaying the departure time, boarding gate and license plate number of your bus. You need your passport to purchase a ticket, and often you will have to go through security inspection. ===By subway=== Most major cities in China now have subway/metro (地铁 ''dìtiě'') systems. They are typically modern, clean, efficient, and are still rapidly expanding. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou already have some of the world's most extensive systems. On station platforms and in trains there is usually signage in Chinese and English listing all stations on that line. Announcements in the stations and trains are made in Mandarin and English, and sometimes the local language. Many maps (especially English versions) may not have kept up with rapid expansion. Look online for a bilingual subway map that you can carry with you. Chinese subway stations often have a security checkpoint before the turnstiles, where you must run your bags through an X-ray scanner. Pickpockets are most likely to strike during station stops, so pay attention to your belongings. Stations tend to have numerous exits with labels such as Exit A, B, C1, or C2. On maps you will find each exit is labeled clearly around the station. Signs in the station make it easy to find your exit. === By taxi === Taxis (出租车 ''chūzūchē'' or 的士 ''dīshì'', pronounced "deg-see" in Cantonese-speaking areas) are reasonably priced: flagfall ¥5-14, per km charge ¥2-3. Most trips within the city center will cost ¥10-50. There is no extra charge for luggage, but in many cities rates are higher at night. The taxi fee is usually rounded up to the nearest whole yuan. Tips are not expected, but are welcome, especially after long trips. Taxis are commonly ordered through a '''phone app''', and it has become harder to hail a taxi on the street. The most popular app, [http://www.didichuxing.com/en/com/en/ Didi Chuxing], is also available in English. Taxi hawkers stalk naive travelers at airport terminals, train stations, and border crossings. They will try to negotiate a set price, and will usually charge 2 to 3 times a metered fare. There are designated taxi areas outside most major airport terminals; insist that the driver use the meter. The fare should be plainly marked on the taxi. Finding a taxi during peak hours can be a bit hard. But it really gets tough if it is raining. Away from peak hours, especially at night, it is sometimes possible to get a 10% to 20% discount especially if you negotiate it in advance, even if with the meter on and asking for a receipt. Sitting in the front passenger seat is acceptable, and is useful if you have trouble communicating in Chinese. Some taxis mount the taxi meter down by the gearbox, where you can only see it from the front seat. Drivers may start smoking without asking. In some cities it is also common for drivers to try and pick up multiple passengers if their destinations are in the same general direction. Each passenger pays full fare but it saves the time of waiting for an empty cab at rush hour. Even in major cities, you are very unlikely to find an English-speaking taxi driver. If you are not able to pronounce [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] well, have your destination written ''in Chinese characters'' to show the driver. Business cards for your hotel and for restaurants are useful for this. In major cities in the prosperous southern and eastern coastal provinces, many taxi drivers are migrants from other parts of China who speak Mandarin but not the local dialect. Most drivers are honest and fares are reasonable but there are the bad ones out there who will try to use your lack of Chinese skills to their advantage. The fare difference will usually be minimal. Should you feel you have been seriously cheated on the way to your hotel, and it has a doorman, you can appeal to him or the desk staff for assistance. In cities, photographing the driver's ID (posted on the dashboard) or license plate number and threatening to report him to the authorities can be quite effective. In some cities, taxi companies use a star-rating system for drivers, ranging from 0 to 5, displayed on the driver's name-plate, on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. While no or few stars do not necessarily indicate a bad driver, many stars tend to indicate good knowledge of the city, and willingness to take you to where you ask by the shortest way. Another indicator of the driver's ability can be found on the same name-plate - the driver's ID number. A small number tells you he has been around for a long time, and is thus likely to know the city better. Use the bigger taxi companies when possible, as the smaller companies tend to have a higher number of dishonest drivers. Chinese are sometimes competitive when it comes to finding a taxi. The person who flags down a particular car is not necessarily entitled to that ride. Having locals move farther up in traffic to intercept cars or being shoved out of the way while trying to enter a taxi is common. If there are others in the area competing for rides, be ready to reach your car and enter it as soon as possible after flagging it down. Wear your seat belt at all times (if you can find it). Some taxi drivers, in particular those who can speak some English, can be quite curious and talkative, especially during peak hours' traffic (高峰 ''gāo​fēng''). ===By bicycle=== [[File:Mobikes_in_Huangzhou,_Huanggang,_Hubei,_China_3.jpg|thumb|A row of Mobike dockless bikes]] {{main|Cycling in China}} Bicycles (自行车 ''zìxíngchē'') were once the most common form of transportation in China, but many people have upgraded to electric bikes and motorcycles. Bicycle repair shops are common in cities and rural areas. '''Dockless rideshare bikes''' in China's larger cities operate on a grab'n'go basis: you use your mobile phone to unlock any available bike, pay ¥1-2 per 30 minutes while using them, and drop them off pretty much anywhere you like. The largest operators [https://mobike.com/global/ Mobike] (orange) and [https://www.ofo.com/au/en Ofo] (canary yellow) have English apps. Dockless bikes are built to last, meaning they're heavy, clunky and ungeared, but for travelers, they can be a cheap, convenient means of transport that is better than trying to deal with public transport. There are two major '''dangers for cyclists''' in China: * '''Motor traffic'''; cars and motorcycles frequently pull out without any warning, and in most areas red lights are apparently optional. * '''Bicycle theft is rampant''' throughout cities in China. China is a vast country and it provides serious cyclists with challenges to bike across mountains and desert. If you plan to cycle through China, get a visa before your journey, as it can be hard to get one along the way. Avoid saying that the journey will be by bike, as embassy personnel may not like that, and Xinjiang and Tibet are politically sensitive. The visa is valid for any border crossing and transport method anyway (except Tibet). ===By car=== {{main|Driving in China}} The PRC generally does not recognize International Driving Permits and does not permit foreigners to drive in China without a Chinese license. Hong Kong and Macau licenses are also considered to be foreign and having one of them will not allow you to drive in the mainland. Importing foreign vehicles is difficult. There are some ways of getting a temporary license: see the Driving in China article. Renting a car is virtually unheard of in major Chinese cities, which generally have excellent public transportation networks that get you almost anywhere. There are, however, some rural parts of China that are still best explored by car. Rented cars most often come with a driver and this is probably the best way to travel in China by car. ===By motorcycle=== {{seealso|Driving in China#Motorcycles}} Motorcycle taxis are common, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. They are usually cheap and effective but scary. The fares are negotiable. Regulations for riding a motorcycle vary from city to city. In some cases, 50cc mopeds can be ridden without a driving license although many cities have now banned them or reclassified them due to numerous accidents. Riding a 'proper' motorcycle is much harder, partly because you'll need a Chinese license, partly because they are banned in many cities and partly because production and importing have slowed with the focus on automobiles and electric scooters. The typical Chinese motorcycle is 125cc, can do about 100&nbsp;km/h and is a traditional cruiser style. They are generally slow, mundane to ride and have little sporting potential. Government restrictions on engine size mean that sports bikes are rare but can still be found. Another popular choice is a 125cc automatic 'maxi' scooter based loosely on the Honda CN250 - it's a bit quicker than a moped and more comfortable over long distances but has the benefit of automatic transmission which makes negotiating stop-start urban traffic much easier. Most cities will have a motorcycle market of some description and will often sell you a cheap motorcycle often with fake or illegal license plates, although a foreigner on a motorbike is a rare sight and it will grab the police's attention. Helmets are essential on 'proper' bikes but optional on scooters. You must have a license plate: they are yellow or blue on a motorcycle or green on a scooter and can cost several thousand yuan to register the bike yourself. Fake plates are easily available at a lower price, but are risky. ===By pedicab (rickshaw)=== {{infobox|What's in a name?|The terms pedicab and rickshaw are often used interchangeably by foreigners in China, but refer to two different modes of transportation - one of which no longer exists. The infamous rickshaw was a two-wheeled contraption with two poles at the front, which the operator held while walking or running passengers to their destinations. These proliferated in the late 19th century but were gradually phased out by the 1950s. Videos of Western elites playing polo on rickshaws propelled by Chinese workers showcased the exploitative nature of rickshaws. A distant relative of the rickshaw can still be seen when day-laborers in smaller or less developed cities gather with their rickshaw-like carts each morning waiting for work delivering construction materials, coal, or other odds and ends. The rickshaw has been replaced by the pedicab: a three-wheeled conveyance ridden much like a bicycle.}} In some mid-sized cities, pedicabs are a much more convenient means of traveling short distances. Sānlúnchē (三轮车), the Chinese term used both for pedal-powered and motorized rickshaws, are ubiquitous in rural China and lesser developed (which is to say, less touristy) areas of larger cities. Negotiating the fare in advance is a must. Reports of overcharging probably refer to rip-off artists working tourist destinations, like Silk Alley, Wangfujing, and the Lao She Tea House in Beijing in particular. Perhaps the rule of thumb should be, "Beware of anyone selling anything near tourist traps." If you see normal Chinese families using the "sanlun" — for instance, traveling between the Beijing Zoo and the nearest subway stop — then it's safe. Don't patronise any sanlun wearing some old fashioned costume to attract tourists. He'll try to charge you ten times the going rate. Electrified three-wheeled sanluns developed or converted from the pedicabs seem to be in the majority in Shanghai. ==See== China's attractions are endless and you will never run out of things to see. Especially near the coastal areas, when finished with one city, the next one is usually just a short train ride away. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or someone who just wants to relax on a nice beach, China has it all from the majestic Forbidden City in [[Beijing]], to the breathtaking scenery of [[Jiuzhaigou]]. Even if you live in China for many years, you'll find that there's always something new to discover in another part of the country. Perhaps unsurprisingly due to its sheer size and long history, China has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and Spain. China is on the border between two bioregions. [[Eurasian wildlife]] can be seen in the north and west, and [[South Asian wildlife]] can be found in the south and southeast. [[Image:Diecaishan.jpg|thumb|Karst formations, Guilin]] ===Karst scenery=== The gumdrop mountains and steeply sloping forested hills with incredible rock formations favored by traditional Chinese artists are not creative fantasy. In fact, much of southern and southwestern China is covered in intricate eroded rock formations known as '''karst'''. Karst is a type of limestone formation named after an area in [[Slovenia]]. As limestone layers erode, the denser rock or pockets of different stone resist erosion forming peaks. Caves hollow out beneath the mountains which can collapse forming sinkholes and channels leading to underground rivers. At its most unusual karst erodes to form mazes of pinnacles, arches and passageways. The most famous example can be found in the Stone Forest (石林 ''[[Shilin|Shílín]]'') near [[Kunming]] in [[Yunnan]]. Some of the most famous tourist areas in China feature spectacular karst landscapes &mdash; [[Guilin]] and [[Yangshuo]] in [[Guangxi]], [[Zhangjiajie]] in [[Hunan]], and much of central and western [[Guizhou]] province. ===Sacred mountains=== ''See also:'' [[Sacred sites of China]] {{infobox|Chinese mountains|Linell Davis, who literally wrote the book on practical cultural differences between China and the West, has this to say about Chinese mountains: "Westerners find Chinese mountains confusing as they do not provide an experience of wild untamed nature. They expect mountains to be natural rather than paved with steps from bottom to top. They don't expect to see very old people and very young children climbing mountains. I have also noticed that each local area in China has a 'mountain' even if it is quite small and even if people had to build it themselves. After a few experiences of finding there was nothing to see from the top or that the view was lost in clouds and mist ([[Emeishan National Park|Emei]] and [[Huangshan]], for instance), I started trying to figure out what people are really doing when they are climbing mountains. My conclusion is that in China people climb mountains because the experience of doing it is enjoyable. I think they also do it to experience the mountain by moving into it and up and down it. In climbing the mountain they realize their connection with nature rather than their power over it." –Linell Davis, ''Doing Culture''}} Mountains are an important part of Chinese geomancy, and there are many mountains which have religious significance in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. These mountains often serve as a popular backdrop in Chinese period dramas, and have traditionally been associated with various Chinese martial arts sects. Today, these mountains continue to house many Taoist and Buddhist temples, and continue to serve as scenic backdrops that attract many domestic tourists. ====Five Great Mountains==== The '''Five Great Mountains''' (五岳) are associated with the five cardinal directions in Chinese geomancy, and are believed to have originated from the body of Pangu (盘古), the creator of the world in Chinese mythology. *'''[[Mount Heng (Shanxi)|Mount Heng]]''' (恒山), the Northern Mountain (北岳) in [[Shanxi]] province. Literally the "eternal mountain". *'''[[Mount Heng (Hunan)|Mount Heng]]''' (衡山), the Southern Mountain (南岳) in [[Hunan]] province. Literally the "balancing mountain". *'''[[Mount Tai]]''' (泰山), the Eastern Mountain (东岳), in [[Shandong]] province. Literally the "peaceful mountain". *'''[[Huashan National Park|Mount Hua]]''' (华山), the Western Mountain (西岳) in [[Shaanxi]] province. Literally the "splendid mountain". *'''[[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]]''' (嵩山), the Central Mountain (中岳) in [[Henan]] province. Also home to the famed '''Shaolin Monastery''' (少林寺), historically famous for its warrior monks. Literally the "lofty mountain". ====Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism==== [[File:Wutai Shan temple grounds.jpg|thumb|Temples at Mt Wutai]] The '''Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism''' (四大佛教名山) are traditionally associated with four different Bodhisattvas, who are revered in Chinese Buddhism. To this day, these mountains continue to be scenic spots with prominent Buddhist temples. *'''[[Mount Wutai]]''' (五台山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Manjusri (文殊菩萨), in [[Shanxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Emei]]''' (峨眉山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨), in [[Sichuan]] province. *'''[[Mount Putuo]]''' (普陀山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨), the most popular Bodhisattva in Chinese Buddhism, in [[Zhejiang]] province. It isn't a mountain, but rather an island off the Chinese coast. *'''[[Mount Jiuhua]]''' (九华山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨), in [[Anhui]] province. ====Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism==== Although there are many sacred mountains in Chinese folk religion, the '''Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism''' (四大道教名山), together with the Five Great Mountains are considered to be the holiest among them. These continue to be scenic spots that feature prominent Taoist temples. *'''[[Mount Wudang]]''' (武当山), regarded by most Chinese to be the holiest of all sacred mountains for Taoists, in [[Hubei]] province. Traditionally regarded to be a major center of Chinese martial arts, and the main rival to the Shaolin Monastery (albeit a friendly one). *'''[[Mount Longhu]]''' (龙虎山) in [[Jiangxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Qiyun]]''' (齐云山) in [[Anhui]] province. *'''[[Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan_National_Park|Mount Qingcheng]]''' (青城山) in [[Sichuan]] province. ===Flowers=== [[File:Pink peach tree in blossom in Mount Langya in Hebei, picture2.jpg|thumb|Peach blossoms in a Chinese park]] While Japan's cherry blossoms may be better known, China's '''plum blossoms''' (梅花 ''méi huā'') and '''peach blossoms''' (桃花 ''táo huā'') are often considered to rival the cherry blossoms in sheer beauty. Plums tend to flower during the coldest part of winter, often during heavy snowfall, making them a symbol of resilience, and is the national flower of the Republic of China that once ruled Mainland China. Peaches, on the other hand, tend to flower in the spring. These trees can be viewed in many parks, particularly in the northern and eastern parts if China, but also at higher elevations in the south. Both flowers are highly revered in traditional Chinese culture, and are frequently featured in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. The '''peony''' (牡丹花 ''mǔ dān huā'') is also highly revered, and represents honor and wealth. Unlike the plum and peach blossoms, peonies grow on shrubs rather than trees. They typically flower in late spring to early summer. ===Performing arts=== {{main|Chinese performing arts}} As a large and diverse country, China is home to a wide array of performing arts, both traditional and modern. While some genres are popular nationwide, there are also some which are only popular in specific regions, and the various ethnic minorities also have their own unique traditions. Two genres that are popular nationwide, and are also regularly performed internationally are '''Beijing opera''' (京剧 ''jīngjù'') and ''' Yue opera''' (越剧 ''yuèjù''). ===Other sites=== Sites of the Chinese revolution can be seen in our [[Chinese Revolutionary Destinations]] article. Significant Buddhist sites in China can be found in our [[Buddhism#See|Buddhism]] article. ===Itineraries=== Some itineraries cover trips that are entirely within China: * [[Along the Yangtze river]] * [[Along the Yellow river]] * [[Along the Grand Canal]] * [[Around Erhai Lake by electric scooter]] * [[Hong Kong to Kunming overland]] * [[Long March]] * [[Overland to Tibet]] * [[Qinghai–Tibet railway]] * [[Yunnan tourist trail]] Others are partly in China: * [[Silk Road]] - ancient caravan route from China to Europe * [[Karakoram Highway]] - Western China to Pakistan through the Himalayas * [[On the trail of Marco Polo]] ==Do== ===Massage=== High-quality, reasonably priced massages are available throughout China. Expert work costs ¥20-80 per hour. * Almost any hairdresser will give a hair wash and head massage for ¥10. This often includes cleaning out ear wax and some massaging of the neck and arms. With a haircut and/or a shave, prices range from ¥25-100 with prices higher in large cities and in higher-class or tourist-oriented establishments. * The availability of foot massage (足疗 ''zúliáo'') is often indicated by a picture of a bare footprint on the sign. Prices are from ¥15 to about ¥60. * Full-body massage is offered at prices from ¥15 an hour up and in two varieties: ''ànmó'' (按摩) is general massage; ''tuīná'' (推拿) concentrates on the meridians used in acupuncture. These three types of massage are often mixed; many places offer all three. * Massage is a traditional trade for the blind, and the best value is often at tiny out-of-the-way places with blind staff (盲人按摩 ''mángrén ànmó''). * The most expert massages are in massage hospitals, or general Chinese medicine hospitals, usually costing around ¥50 an hour. Some massage places are actually brothels. Prostitution is illegal in China but quite common and often disguised as massage. Most hot-spring or sauna establishments offer ''all'' the services a businessman might want for relaxation. Many hotels offer massage in your room, and additional services are almost always available once she is the room. Pink lighting or lots of girls in short skirts in smaller establishments probably indicates considerably more than just massage is on offer (''and quite often they cannot do a good massage either''). The same rule applies in many hair salons which double as massage parlors/brothels. The non-pink-lit places usually give good massages and generally do not offer sex. If the establishment advertises massage by the blind, it is almost certainly legitimate. For basic phrases to use when getting a massage, see [[Chinese phrasebook#Getting a massage]]. ===Traditional arts=== When planning an extended stay in China, consider learning some of the traditional arts. Traveling to China is after all a unique chance to learn the basics, or refine already acquired skills, directly from master practitioners in the arts' home country. Many cities have academies that accept beginners, and not knowing Chinese is usually not a problem as you can learn by example and imitation. Calligraphy (书法 ''shūfǎ''), a term that covers both writing characters and painting scrolls (that is, classical landscapes and the like) remains a popular national hobby. Many calligraphers practice by writing with water on sidewalks in city parks. Other traditional arts which offer classes include learning to play traditional Chinese instruments (inquire in shops that sell these as many offer classes), cooking Chinese cuisine, or even singing Beijing Opera (京剧 ''jīngjù''). Fees are usually modest, and the necessary materials will not exactly break the bank. The only requirement is being in the same place for a long enough time, and showing sufficient respect; it is better not to join these classes as a tourist attraction. ===[[Martial arts]]=== As with traditional cultural arts, those with the time and inclination may be interested in studying China's famed martial arts. Some, such as '''tai chi''' (太极拳 ''tàijíquán''), can be studied at a basic level by simply visiting any city park in the early morning and following along. You will likely find many eager teachers. However, learning martial arts to a level that allows you to use them competently in an actual fight requires years of study and training under a master, which often has to start from childhood. In English, Chinese martial arts are often called "kung fu" and we follow that usage below. However in Chinese, the general term for martial arts is ''wǔshù'' (武術), while ''gōngfu'' (功夫, "kung fu") is the term for the skill or power that practitioners acquire. Chinese martial arts are traditionally classified into northern and southern styles, with northern styles generally known for emphasizing powerful strikes with fully extended limbs, and southern styles generally known for fast strikes close to the body. Northern Chinese martial are further classified into two groups named for two mountain areas with monasteries which are centers of kung fu &mdash; Shaolin Temple on [[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]] and the [[Wudang Mountains]]. Shaolin are the hard or external styles emphasizing speed and power, while Wudang are the soft or internal styles emphasizing breath control and smooth movement. Of course it is nowhere near that simple; Shaolin experts also move extremely smoothly and a Wudang master has plenty of speed and power. Other well-known centers of kung fu include Southern Shaolin in [[Quanzhou#Learn|Quanzhou]], [[Fujian]], Wu Wei Temple near [[Dali]] and Wing Chun (Bruce Lee's style) in [[Foshan]], [[Guangdong]]. Shanghai has a [[Shanghai/Yangpu#See|martial arts museum]] at a Physical Education university. ===Square dancing=== [[File:Older women practicing dance at Temple of Heaven Park, Beijing.jpg|thumb|right|Square dancers at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing]] In public parks, squares or plazas, or indeed anywhere in a city that isn't fenced off and is large enough (like a parking lot), you will increasingly find, in the early morning and late evening, groups of (mostly) older women doing what looks like low-impact aerobics to music with a dance beat coming from a nearby portable speaker. This activity is called ''guǎngchǎngwǔ'' (广场舞), roughly translated into English as "square dancing", because of where it takes place (not to be confused with the traditional American folk dance of the same name). It originated in the mid-1990s among women (known as ''dàmā'' (大妈), or "dancing grannies" in English) who had just been forced into retirement as a way to stay fit, socialize and recall their own youth during the Cultural Revolution (indeed, many of the songs used are propaganda from that era, or current Chinese pop hits). By 2015 noise and space issues had provoked violent confrontations in some cities and led the government to introduce, then hastily withdraw, standard dance routines. It's interesting to watch at the very least as a modern folk phenomenon, and indeed some groups don costumes and props for their routines. Some tourists, particularly Russians visiting Manchurian cities, have joined in. However, this is often frowned upon, as many square dancers compete competitively and are only practicing publicly due to a lack of practice space otherwise. If you are tempted to do so, only join groups that appear to be casually-oriented (no apparent dance uniform or complicated routines) and go to the rear row where beginners follow the leader and learn the moves. You should avoid, or at least practice extreme caution when joining near several groups in a space barely enough for all of them — turf battles have been known to start and given the novelty of a foreigner participating in square dancing, you may be seen as a final provocation of member poaching. Ballroom dancing is also moderately common; western-style square dancing or line dancing are less common but not unknown. ===Traditional pastimes=== China has several traditional games often played in tea gardens, public parks, or even on the street. Players often attract crowds of on-lookers. * '''[[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]]''' (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') is the world's most-played chess variant. It is similar to but distinct from Korean chess (Korean: 장기 ''janggi''), but quite different from [[Shogi|Japanese chess]] (Japanese: 将棋 ''shōgi'') and [[Chess|international chess]], though they all have enough in common that a good player of one will find another easier to learn. It is a very popular pastime in China, and you can often see elderly Chinese having games with each other in the parks. There are also numerous national tournaments, from school tournaments all the way up to professional ones, and the top players often become major celebrities, with large prizes and numerous TV shows about the game. * '''[[Go]]''' (围棋 ''wéiqí'', lit. "the surrounding game") is a strategy board game. Players place their stones to surround the most territory on the board. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. There are professional Go players, some of whom are major celebrities, tournaments with large prizes, and some TV shows about the game. * '''Mahjong''' (麻将 ''májiàng'') is popular and almost always played for money. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles. The nearest Western equivalent (not very near!) would be card games like rummy or canasta. : While game play is broadly similar, the rules of mahjong in China differ significantly between regions, and from the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, meaning that you will have to learn new rules everywhere you go. The Chinese government has an officially-sanctioned standardized form of mahjong that is used in national competitions in an attempt to be fair to people who grew up playing with different rules, which is also used in international competitions like the [http://www.world-series-mahjong.com/ World Series Mahjong]. However, this standardized form is very rarely played outside of officially-sanctioned competitions. Many Chinese are skilled at '''cards''' (扑克牌 ''pūkèpái''); Deng Xiaoping was renowned for his love for bridge (桥牌 ''qiáopái''). ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Chinese Yuan | currencyCode=¥ | date=January 2022 | AUD=4.6 | CAD=5.0 | EUR=7.2 | GBP=8.6 | HKD=0.8 | INR=8.6 | JPY=5.5 | MYR=1.5 | NZD=4.3 | THB=1.9 | USD=6.4 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/cny-chinese-yuan-renminbi XE.com]}}The official currency of the People's Republic of China is the '''Chinese yuan''', known as the '''renminbi''' (人民币 ''rénmínbì'', "People's Money"), denoted by the symbol '''¥''', international currency code '''CNY'''. All prices in China are given in yuan; the Chinese character is 元 (''yuán''), or in financial contexts (e.g. cheques and banknotes) 圆. A price may be shown as, for example, 20 元, 20 rmb, RMB 20, 20 yuan or ¥20; we use the latter form here. In informal spoken Chinese and sometimes in spoken English, 块 (''kuài'') may be used instead, much as "buck" can be used in the U.S. or "quid" in the UK. Some Chinese software will display a bigger "full width" character (￥) to differentiate it from the Japanese yen, which uses the same symbol. The Chinese yuan is ''not'' legal tender in the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which issue their own currencies. However many businesses will also accept Chinese currency, albeit at an unfavorable exchange rate. {{infobox|Cheat Sheet|* 10 ''jiǎo'' is 1 ''yuán'' (&#20803;), the base unit * ''yuán'' is commonly called ''kuài'' (&#22359;) * ''jiǎo'' is commonly called ''máo'' (&#27611;) * 10 is ''shí'' (十) * 100 is ''bǎi'' (百) * 1,000 is ''qiān'' (千) * 10,000 is ''wàn'' (万)}} There are 10 ''jiǎo'' (角) in a yuan. A coin worth ¥0.1 will thus say 壹角 ("1 jiǎo"), on it, and a price like ¥3.7 would thus be read as "3 ''kuài'' 7". The ''jiǎo'' is rapidly heading for extinction, although you will get the odd 1 or 5 jiao coin or note as change. In spoken [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], the ''jiǎo'' is usually called the ''máo'' (毛). A tenth of a ''máo'' is a ''fēn'' (分); you may see this digit on prices, but it will be rounded off if you pay in cash. In spoken language, the trailing unit may be dropped. For example ''wǔ bǎi sān'', literally "five hundred three", means 530 or "five hundred three tens". The number 503 would be read as ''wǔ bǎi líng sān'', literally "five hundred zero three". Similarly ''yì qiān bā'', literally "one thousand eight", means 1800. When using larger numbers, Chinese has a word for ten thousand, ''wàn'' (万), and thus for example 50,000 becomes ''wǔ wàn'', not ''wǔ shí qiān''. [[Image:China currency overview.jpg|thumb|Chinese coins and bills]] * '''Coins''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao; dull silver or shiny silver), ¥0.5 (5 jiao; gold), ¥1 (silver) * '''Bills''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao), ¥0.5 (5 jiao), ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 A lot of Chinese currency will be in the form of bills &mdash; even small change. Bills are more common in some areas, coins in others, but both are accepted anywhere. Even the jiao, at just one tenth of a yuan, exists as both a bill (the smallest) and two different coins. Conversely, one yuan exists as a coin and as two different bills. You should be prepared to recognize and handle either version. Due to the popularity of mobile payments, an increasing number of shops in urban areas do not accept cash or credit cards, and even those that accept cash will often not have any change available. ====Foreign currency==== Foreign currencies, including the Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar, are rarely seen as a substitute for yuan except in several five-star hotels, and in some shops on the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, and stock exchanges. Other currencies are unlikely to be used in most transactions. If you only have dollars in your pocket, it usually means that you don't have money to pay the bill without a trip to a bank. Many shops won't accept it, having no idea on exchange rate or how to check if the bills are counterfeit. ====Counterfeiting==== With the popularity of mobile payment apps, counterfeit banknotes are less of a problem than before, but you should still be alert for them. Banknotes of ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100 are the main risks. When you're given one of these bills as change, scrutinize it to check. The main focus is on the texture of different parts, metal line, change of colours under different lights. Everyone has their own method, so just ask. When you pay with a ¥50 or ¥100 banknote in a shop or taxi, it's socially accepted that you note down the last few digits of the banknote you are handing over. This is in case they claim your banknote is fake, then these remembered digits will ensure they give you the same note back. Some unscrupulous money exchangers on the Chinese border areas give counterfeits to travelers. Go to a bank if you're not experienced in checking notes. It is common for cashiers to scrutinize banknotes and some of the more expensive supermarkets even have machines that can spot counterfeits. This is standard practice in China and offence should not be taken. Counterfeits from ATMs are not common, but some people are still concerned. If you are worried, withdraw your money from the bank counter and say "I worry about jiǎbì (''counterfeit'')". Bank staff are understanding about this. ====Currency exchange==== Although still restricted, the yuan is readily convertible in many countries, especially in Asia. The Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, pound sterling, Australian dollar, Japanese yen and South Korean won, and Singapore dollars can be easily changed in China. Currency should only be changed at major banks (Bank of China in particular), or with the licensed money changers usually found at airports or high-end hotels, although they offer unfavorable rates. You should avoid black market for currency exchange as '''counterfeiting''' is a major issue, especially with money changers in markets and hanging around large banks. Foreign exchange is under tight control in China. Private money changers are still uncommon in China. In a bank, it usually takes 5 to 60 minutes to process the exchange, sometimes a little faster in a hotel. Bank branches in major cities usually know the procedure and are relatively quick, while even main branches in provincial cities can take much longer. You must fill out a form, and your passport will be photocopied and scanned. Keep the exchange receipt if you plan to leave the country with larger sum of money. Not all banks with the "Exchange" logo will exchange money for non-customers or for all currencies in cash. For example, Standard Chartered will only exchange cash for its customers and will only do US dollars and Hong Kong dollars in cash (but opening an account is quick and doable even on a tourist visa, and they offer a better cash exchange rate than most local banks). Exchanging US currency for yuan can be simple, but expect the bills to be heavily scrutinized before the exchange is processed. Opportunities to buy yuan before entering China, for example when coming overland from Hong Kong or Vietnam, should be taken, as the rates are better. The same is true going the other way - selling just across the border will often net a more favorable rate. You may only import or export a maximum in local currency of ¥20,000 in cash, and sums greater than US$5,000 cash in foreign currency require paperwork. Most international banks will allow you to get a cash advance via a debit or credit card at a Chinese ATM. However, the rates for such actions are often unfavorable and may include steep service charges. It's useful to carry an international currency such as pounds sterling, US dollars, or Japanese yen to fall back on should you not have access to a cash machine. If you are planning to stay a long time in China, e.g. for work or study, you may want to open a Chinese bank account. See [[Working in China#Banking]] for more information. ====ATM cards==== Many ATMs will only accept Chinese bank cards. ATMs from three of the big four banks are likely to accept foreign (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Diners) cards: Bank of China (BOC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and China Construction Bank (CCB). Although ATMs from other banks are plentiful, state they accept Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus and have an English option, they are not likely to work with an international credit/debit card unless the ATM operator is a foreign big-name bank (HSBC, Citibank, Bank of East Asia). Before traveling, find out if your home bank charges a currency conversion fee (often between 0-3%) on such transactions. It is worth opening a zero conversion fee account beforehand if possible. If you have trouble because the ATM requires a 6-digit PIN and your PIN only has four digits, try adding two zeros before it. If you find yourself in a town with a Bank of China branch but no international network-capable ATM, it is usually possible to get a cash advance on a credit card inside the bank for a 3% fee. Just ask. UnionPay, the local ATM card network, has made agreements with various ATM card networks around the globe. If your card is covered, any ATM in China will accept withdrawals and balance inquiries from your card. While UnionPay ATM and/or debit cards are now issued by banks in a number of countries, ATM cards linked to NYCE and Pulse in America (also applies to cash advances from Discover cards), Interac in Canada, and LINK in the UK are covered. If your bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance, China Construction Bank is the local partner for fee-free withdrawals. ===Credit cards=== [[File:Dalian large Shopping Mall 2005.jpg|thumb|Inside a mall in [[Dalian]]]] Outside of star-rated or chain hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, '''foreign credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted''' and most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Many department stores and large grocery stores have point-of-sale terminals for Chinese bank cards, but most foreign cards are not supported. Most Chinese banks and many merchants use the UnionPay system, so a foreign card that supports UnionPay will probably be widely accepted. Several countries now have banks that issue UnionPay credit cards, and UnionPay supports Discover and JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) cards as well. Visa, MasterCard and American Express meanwhile are less common. Most convenience stores take UnionPay, as do most restaurant chains, stores selling high-value items, grocery store chains, and most ATMs. In 2017, it was reported that the new Discover cards with chip would require multiple attempts or did not work at all in most of the POS machines. Do not rely on credit cards as your sole payment method. Consider signing up for an international card that can interact with UnionPay. If you have a bank account in [[Hong Kong]] then you may be able to open an additional renminbi account with a UnionPay card which is convenient for traveling in the mainland. As with debit cards, Chinese retail clerks will usually present the POS credit card terminal to the cardholder for entry of a PIN for chip-and-pin cards. Visitors from sign-only countries should attempt to explain that fact to the clerk (while chip-and-sign cards will cause most terminals to automatically skip the PIN prompt), and sign the receipt as usual. ===Mobile payments=== [[File:Alipay_and_WeChat_pay_signs_in_BurgerKing_ZBAA_(20170309123855).jpg|thumb|Alipay (blue) and WeChat Pay (green) accepted here]] QR-code based mobile payments such as [https://pay.weixin.qq.com/index.php/public/wechatpay WeChat Pay] (微信支付 ''Wēixìn zhīfù'') and [https://global.alipay.com/ Alipay] (支付宝 ''Zhīfùbǎo'') are extremely popular in China. The vast majority of places that take small payments, including restaurants, street-food places, and some public transportation in large cities, accept either or both of WeChat Pay and Alipay. In some cases, mobile payment is the only accepted payment method. Look for a QR-code posted with the App logo of WeChat or Alipay to find places that accept these payment types. Unfortunately for the traveler, both maintain strict separation between their Chinese and global networks: you can't use a global account to make payments in China. Getting full access to the Chinese network as a foreigner requires a Chinese bank account, but you '''can use Alipay with a foreign credit card'''. There are two key limitations that tourists may bump into- first is that the maximum amount that can be spent with Alipay linked to a foreign credit card is ¥5000 per 90 days (sufficient for short visits and if major expenses can be paid with credit card or cash, less so otherwise), and you can only make payments to registered business accounts (some small vendors use an individual account in the owner's name rather than a separate business account). Various other workarounds may be possible—WeChat also accepts foreign credit cards for certain in-app transactions like reloading a prepaid phone balance or ordering delivery—but requirements are always changing. Other NFC-based mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Android Pay, are not accepted in the vast majority of the places. The NFC/Contactless POS terminals usually only takes Contactless UnionPay cards. Even though some stores in large cities are labeled to accept Apple Pay, Apple Pay with a Visa/MasterCard/AmEx/Discover/JCB would probably not work at all in those stores as in most cases they also require a UnionPay card. Android Pay is completely absent from China due to the ban of Google in mainland China. ===Costs=== China is affordable for Western visitors, though it's noticeably more expensive than much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unless you are heading to [[Hong Kong]] or [[Macau]], China is generally much less expensive - from a traveler's perspective - than industrialised countries. If you eat local food, use public transportation and stay in budget hotels or hostels, then ¥200-300 is a serviceable daily backpacker budget. However, if you want to live an extravagant lifestyle and eat only Western food and stay in luxury hotels, then even ¥3,000 a day would not be enough. As a general rule, basic items are relatively cheap, but the prices of luxury items are exorbitant, even by the standards of Japan and Western countries. Western-branded products in particular are extremely expensive, sometimes more than double what you would pay for the same items in the U.S. There is a high degree of variation in prices depending on where you go. Major cities like [[Shanghai]], [[Beijing]] and [[Guangzhou]] generally cost more than smaller cities and rural, inland parts of the country. The boom towns of [[Shenzhen]] and [[Zhuhai]] are also more expensive than the national average. Nonetheless, many Hong Kong or Macau residents (who live just across the border from Shenzhen and Zhuhai, respectively, and who are generally more affluent than mainlanders), often go to these cities to shop, play golf, and enjoy services like massage as prices are far lower. ===Tipping=== As a general rule, tipping is not practiced in China. While tipping would rarely be regarded as insulting, in some cases a tip might be seen as suggesting that a relationship is based on money, not friendship. When leaving a tip on your table, it is common to see a waiter chase after you to return the money you "forgot" to take. In China, compliments over service is usually expressed in implicit ways. If you are a smoker, you are expected to pass a cigarette to the service staff or manager. If you don't do so, you will be seen as selfish and egocentric. It is common to buy a bartender or pub owner a drink. In a hotel, it is customary not to tip for room service, airport service, taxis or anything else, although hotels that routinely serve foreign tourists may allow tipping for tour guides and associated drivers. Masseurs in some areas such as Shenzhen have been known to ask for a tip. However, if they become pushy at getting tips, most Chinese see this as extortion and an immoral practice, so just be firm if you don't wish to give any. Taxi drivers do appreciate a few yuan rounded up if they have made an extra effort for your journey; however, it is by no means required. ===Shopping=== {{See also|Shopping in China}} {{infobox|Antiquities Banned From Export|China's government has banned the export of antiques from before 1911, the date of the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Violation of this law could lead to heavy fines and even imprisonment. }} Shopping has become a national pastime as China's middle class expands. A variety of goods are available to suit any budget. In most brand name shops, upscale malls and supermarkets, the prices already have Value-Added Tax (VAT) and any sales tax included. Thus, anything with a marked price tends to be sold at that price or, perhaps, slightly below especially if you pay cash and do not require a receipt for your purchase. For unmarked goods, there is '''wide room for [[bargaining]]'''. Chinese make sales using the character: 折 (''zhé'') which represents how many tenths of the original price you pay. For example, 8折 refers to 20% off and 6.5折 is 35% off. China excels in handmade items, partly because of long traditions of exquisite artisanship and partly because labor is still comparatively inexpensive. The overwhelming majority of the "antique" items you will be shown are fakes, no matter how convincing they look and no matter what the vendor says. [[Image:China porcelain.jpg|thumb|Porcelain at Shanghai's antique market]] * '''Porcelain''': with a long history of porcelain manufacture, China still makes great porcelain today. * '''Furniture''': in the 1990s and 2000s China became a major source of antique furniture. * '''Art and Fine Art''': Traditional painting, modern art, and hand-painted reproductions of great works. * '''Jade''' There are two types of jade in China today: one type is pale and almost colorless and is made from a variety of stones mined in China. The other type is green in color and is imported from [[Myanmar]] (Burma) - if genuine! * '''Carpets''': China is home to a remarkable variety of carpet-making traditions, including Mongolian, Ningxia, Tibetan and modern types. * '''Pearls & pearl jewellery''': cultured Akoya and freshwater pearls are mass-produced and sold at markets across China. * '''Other arts and crafts''': Cloisonné (colored enamels on a metal base), lacquer work, opera masks, kites, shadow puppets, Socialist-realist propaganda posters, wood carvings, scholar's rocks (decorative rocks, some natural, some less so), paper-cuts, and so on. *'''Clothing''': China is one of the world's leading manufacturers of clothing, shoes and accessories. There are affordable tailors anywhere in China. There is also traditional Chinese clothing if you are interested, and a growing revival movement. The styles that Westerners are most familiar with are the '''cheongsam''' (长衫 ''chángshān''; ''chèuhng-sāam'' in Cantonese) or '''qipao''' (旗袍 ''qípáo'') for women, and the '''tangzhuang''' (唐装 ''tángzhuāng'') for men, which were based on traditional Manchu clothing that was imposed on the Han Chinese during the Qing Dynasty. Traditional Han Chinese clothing from the Ming Dynasty and earlier is known as the '''hanfu''' (汉服 ''hànfú''); it looks superficially similar to the Japanese kimono and Korean hanbok, and is often mistaken for one of those. *'''Brand-name goods''': genuine branded foreign goods won't be cheaper than in Western countries. There are a number of sources of potential knock-offs or fake brand-name goods. *'''Software, music and movies''': Most CDs (music or software) and DVDs in China are unauthorized copies. *'''Endangered species''': avoid purchasing &mdash; coral, ivory and parts from endangered animal species. Anyone buying such products risks substantial fines and/or jail time either when trying to leave China with them or when trying to import them into another country. * '''Electronics''': Since the 2010s, Chinese companies have been pushing the boundaries of innovation in consumer electronics. In particular, they have become the world leader in the design and manufacturing of drones for photography. ===Bargaining=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Bargaining|Bargaining}} [[File:Market china.jpg|thumb|Merchandise at a market in China]] Bargaining is a national pastime in China. You can bargain over almost anything, and sometimes it's even possible to ask for discount in a restaurant at the last minute before paying the bill. Many restaurants or bars will willingly offer a free dish or two (such as a fruit plate in a KTV) if you have made a particularly large order. Shopping malls are less willing to bargain, but why not ask "Will I get a gift?" Prices are almost always posted, but they are all substantially marked up, normally 2-3 times. It's often better to buy souvenirs somewhere just a few blocks away from the tourist spots. It is hard to tell what price to offer when starting negotiations. Depending on the city, product or market in question, 5% to 50% of the posted price or vendor's first offer is common. If someone offers you too-great-to-be-true discount, it could be a sign that the goods are of less-than-great quality. The rule of thumb is to walk around and compare. In tourist spots, it's common to ask for a 30-50% discount, but in a place catering to local people, asking for a 50% discount sounds foolish. In tourist places, don't take what merchants say seriously. When you ask for a 50% discount, they may be appalled and show scorn; it's a favorite drama. ===Basics=== Unless you have a supermarket within walking distance of your hotel (see next section below), the most convenient option for basic supplies and groceries will almost always be a convenience store. Major chains in China include Kedi, Alldays, FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. China has belatedly caught up with East Asia's love affair with convenience stores, to the point where the largest cities like Beijing and Shanghai have become oversaturated with them. Many convenience stores sell individual tissue packets, which are a necessity for touring China as many public restrooms do not have toilet paper. Although supermarkets also sell tissue packets and toilet paper, they tend to sell it in 6 or 10-packs which are too much for tourists (the ones that sell individual packs will have them close to or at the tills). Some discount and mid-market department stores in China also have groceries sections. ===Western goods=== Areas with large expatriate communities like [[Beijing]], [[Shanghai]], [[Guangzhou]] and [[Shenzhen]] have specialty grocery stores catering to those communities. These are often no larger than a 7-Eleven. They usually stock imported snacks, alcohol, and specialty groceries such as meats and cheeses and are often very expensive. See individual articles for details. Several Western-owned supermarket chains are widespread in China &mdash; American Wal-mart (沃尔玛 Wò'ěrmǎ), German Metro (麦德龙 Màidélóng), and French Carrefour (家乐福 Jiālèfú). All have some Western groceries — often at high prices. However, the availability of foreign products diminishes at their branches according to the size of the city. Metro is probably the best of these; in particular it usually has a fine selection of alcohol. Asian-owned chains include Japanese AEON (永旺 Yǒngwàng), Taiwanese RT-Mart (大润发 Dàrùnfā), South Korean LOTTE Mart (乐天玛特 Letianmate) and Filipino SM; these also carry imported goods. Some larger Chinese chains such as Beijing Hualian (北京华联 Běijīng Huálián) also carry a limited selection of foreign products. === Tobacco products=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Tobacco}} {{main|Tobacco}} Smoking is quite common and cigarettes (香烟 xiāngyān) are generally cheap. Cigarettes can be purchased from small neighbourhood stores, convenience stores, counters in supermarkets and in department stores. Rolling tobacco and papers are rare in urban China. Lighters (打火机 dǎhuǒjī) are usually cheap (about ¥1) but flimsily made. Zippos are available but expensive. Smoking is something of a social activity in China. In a bar or at dinner few Chinese will light up without offering cigarettes around the table, or at least to the men since few Chinese women smoke; visitors should do the same. Having an expensive brand is a status symbol. ==Eat== {{main|Chinese cuisine}} [[File:Yangzhou - fish dish - P1070031.JPG|thumb|A fish dish in a [[Yangzhou]] restaurant]] Food in China varies widely between regions, so the term "Chinese food" is a blanket term, about as descriptive as "Western food." Still, there are some broad characteristics. Gastronomy has a long history in China, and dishes subtly balance many flavors, aromas, and colors. Each region developed cuisine and techniques based on the ingredients at hand, so you'll find spicy meat-filled dishes in cooler inland regions, slowly simmered seafood stews in coastal regions, and quickly stir-fried fresh vegetables in busy southern ports like [[Guangzhou]]. Even many native Chinese find food from outside their home region to be "foreign". In southern China, '''rice''' (米饭 ''mǐfàn'') is a staple food served with many meals, so much so that its root word 饭 (''fàn'') means "meal" as well as "cooked grain". It may be served plain (eaten by itself as a side, or used as a bed to soak up sauce from the main dish), stir-fried with a variety of ingredients to make '''fried rice''', a quick tasty street meal and a common way to use up leftovers at home, or made into '''congee''', rice porridge that's a common breakfast. '''Noodles''' (面 ''miàn'') are another important staple, made from either rice or wheat, and served in a variety of methods. Soybeans are used to make '''soy sauce''', a quintessential seasoning in Chinese cooking. They're also used to make '''tofu''' (豆腐 ''dòufu''), which comes in many forms besides tasteless white blocks: some can be as flavorful and crispy as meat, others quite pungent like a blue cheese. Chinese gourmands place emphasis on '''freshness''' so your meal will most likely be cooked as soon as you order it. Searing hot woks over coal or gas fires make even street food usually safe to eat. Indeed freshly prepared street food is often safer than food sitting on the buffet lines of 5-star hotels. Still, use common sense: if it's a searing hot summer day and the kebab vendor has their raw meat sitting unrefrigerated on the counter, you might want to head elsewhere. Various types of Chinese food provide quick, cheap, tasty, light meals. Street food and snacks sold from portable vendors can be found throughout China's cities, good for breakfast or a snack. And Western-style fast food is arguably as popular as the domestic variety. Yelp is virtually unknown in China, while the Michelin Guide only covers Shanghai and Guangzhou, and is not taken seriously by most Chinese people. Instead, most Chinese people rely on local website [https://www.dianping.com/ Dazhong Dianping] (Chinese only). ===Etiquette=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Respect}} China is the birthplace of '''chopsticks''' (筷子 ''kuàizi''), which are used for most Chinese food. Chinese cuisine evolved to be eaten using chopsticks, with almost all food prepared in bite-sized chunks or easily picked apart. Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while. Some chopstick guidelines to be aware of: * '''Never''' place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of food (reminiscent of funeral rites), pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks (another funeral rite), or drum your bowl with chopsticks (reminiscent of beggars). * Always use chopsticks as a pair, like a set of tongs; '''never''' use just one chopstick at a time (nor one in each hand), hold them in your fist like you would a knife or dagger, or try to "cut" food with them like you would with a knife. Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be done only as a last resort. * Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls is rude. * Pointing at things with your chopsticks is rude. (Pointing at people in general is rude; with chopsticks, doubly so.) Even when setting chopsticks down on the table, angle them so they're not pointing at anyone. * In general, try not to touch food with your fingers. Even fried chicken is picked up with chopsticks and gingerly nibbled, touching it as little as possible. Small bones should be spat onto your plate or bowl, rather than removed using your hands or chopsticks. For foods that are eaten with your hands, disposable plastic gloves may be provided. It's normal to pick up any bowl of food for easier eating, and you can put a bowl of rice directly to your mouth to push the last few bites in using your chopsticks. '''Spoons''' are used for soups and porridge, and to help with eating noodles in a soup. In traditional Chinese dining, dishes are shared '''family style''', and at larger tables there is usually a lazy Susan to pass dishes around. * Communal chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') are not always provided; if not, just use your own chopsticks to transfer food to your bowl. It's not rude to request communal chopsticks from the restaurant, but it may make you look like a stickler for formality. * Each communal dish should only be served from by one person at a time. Don't reach across someone to reach a farther dish while they're serving; wait until they're done. * Once you put something on your plate, don't put it back. Confucius says never leave someone else with what ''you'' don't want. * Do not start eating until the most senior person at the table has started eating. Don't expect to get a fortune cookie with your meal; that's strictly a Western custom. (Fortune cookies were actually invented in California sometime in the early 20th century.) Most Chinese have never even heard of them. ===Regional cuisines=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Regional cuisines}} Several varieties of Chinese food have enough international popularity that you may already recognize some of them: * '''Cantonese''' cuisine (from [[Guangdong]]), is by far the most widely known type of Chinese food abroad. Neither bland nor spicy, Cantonese cuisine will use almost anything as an ingredient, often preserving the freshness by quickly stir-frying in a very hot wok or steaming. Fried rice, chow mein, char siu pork, and sweet and sour pork are just a handful of its most famous dishes. * '''Huaiyang''' cuisine (from the eastern area towards [[Shanghai]]) is considered a good mix of northern and southern Chinese cooking styles. Dishes tend to focus on a main ingredient, which is often seafood in this coastal region; flavors are often sweet, and almost never spicy. Its most famous dishes include xiaolongbao soup dumplings, red braised pork belly, drunken chicken, and sweet and sour mandarin fish. * '''Sichuan''' or Szechuan cuisine (from the western inland) is popular with many foreigners for its ''málà'' flavors, using Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling numbness (''má'') and chili peppers for spiciness (''là''). Using lots of meat, preserved foods, and chili oil, it's famous for the original form of Kung Pao chicken, mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and dandan noodles. * '''Teochew''' cuisine (from the [[Chaoshan]] region of Guangdong) is well known in Hong Kong and much of Southeast Asia. Particularly known for its braised meats and steamed dishes. Other major traditional cuisines include fragrant and vinegary Shandong, tender Fujian, spicy Hunan, herbal Anhui, and delicate Zhejiang. Ethnic minority cuisines in China include [[Korean cuisine|Korean]], Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various cuisines from Yunnan, while Northeastern Chinese cuisine is influenced by both Mongolian and Russian cuisines and includes dishes like potato dumplings and a type of borscht. There is even unique local-style '''Western food''' to be found in [[Shanghai]]. ===Dietary restrictions=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Dietary restrictions}} People with dietary restrictions will have a '''hard time''' in China. '''''Halal''''' food is hard to find outside areas with a significant Muslim population, but look for Lanzhou noodle (兰州拉面, ''Lánzhōu lāmiàn'') restaurants, which may have a sign advertising "halal" in Arabic (حلال) or Chinese (清真 ''qīngzhēn''). If you are attending university in China, most major Chinese universities have halal canteens to cater to their Muslim students. '''''Kosher''''' food is nearly unknown, and you will have to do some advance planning; there are Chabad houses in major Chinese cities that you can contact to help with this. '''Vegetarian''' restaurants can often be found near major Buddhist temples (look for the character "素" or the symbol "卍", a Buddhist symbol in this context), but elsewhere you'll probably need to ask specifically and it may not always be available. Dairy and eggs are little-used in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, so much of it is suitable for '''vegans''', but do pay attention, especially when it comes to desserts. Awareness of '''food allergies''' (食物过敏 ''shíwù guòmǐn'') is limited, and '''gluten-free''' foods are virtually non-existent. ==Drink== The Chinese love a tipple, but unless you are used to imbibing heavily, be careful when drinking with Chinese. The Chinese liquor ''báijiǔ'' is quite potent (up to 65% alcohol); it's often drunk in small shot glasses for a good reason. When U.S. President Richard Nixon &mdash; who was an experienced drinker, if a bit of a lightweight &mdash; first visited China, his staff sent dire warnings that he ''not'' drink in response to toasts. (He diplomatically managed to toast every table at the banquet, taking ''very'' small sips.) There are hardly any liquor laws in China. The legal drinking age is 18, but it's basically not enforced, and you'll never need to show ID. Alcohol can be purchased anywhere and drunk anywhere. ===Toasting=== Toasts are made by saying '''"''gānbēi''"''' (干杯, lit. "dry glass"). Drinks are served in small glasses (even beer is usually drunk from oversized shot glasses), and traditionally you should drain the whole glass for a toast. Chinese toasts are generally one-on-one, not something involving the whole table. At most meals, a visitor can expect everyone at the table to offer them a toast. Visitors should also '''offer toasts''' and not just receive them. This means that if you are out for dinner with a dozen people, you will be expected and pressured to drink around two dozen toasts. Fortunately, it's okay to stick to beer, and Chinese beer is usually low alcohol. It may be considered rude if you don't offer a toast to someone whenever you take a drink, at least at the start of a meal. The same applies to smoking; offer the pack around whenever you want to light up. If you want to take it easy but still be sociable, say "'''suíbiàn''" (随便) or "''pèngbeī''" (碰杯) before you make the toast, then drink only part of the glass. It may also be possible to have three toasts (traditionally signifying friendship) with the entire company, rather than a separate toast for each person. ===Alcohol=== {{Seealso|Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic}} The all-purpose word ''jiǔ'' (酒, "alcohol") covers quite a range of alcoholic drinks. Generally speaking, heavy drinking is more prevalent in northern China than in southern China. '''Beer''' (啤酒 ''píjiǔ'') is common in China and is served in nearly every restaurant and sold in many grocery stores. The most famous brand is Tsingtao (青島 ''Qīngdǎo'') from [[Qingdao]], which was at one point a German concession. Locally made '''grape [[wine]]''' (葡萄酒 ''pútáojiǔ'') is common and much of it is reasonably priced, but usually bears only the faintest resemblance to Western wines. The Chinese like their wines red and very sweet, and they're typically served over ice or mixed with Sprite. That said, higher-quality local wines that are more similar to their Western counterparts also exist, if you know what to look for. There are also several brands and types of '''rice wine'''. Most of these resemble a watery rice pudding, they are usually sweet and contain a minute amount of alcohol for taste. '''Baijiu''' (白酒 ''Báijiǔ'') is distilled liquor, generally 40% to 60% alcohol by volume, made from sorghum and sometimes other grains depending on the region. Maotai or Moutai (茅台 ''Máotái''), made in Guizhou Province, is China's most famous brand of baijiu and China's national liquor. Maotai and its expensive cousins (such as '''Kaoliang''' from [[Kinmen]] in Taiwan) are well known for their strong fragrance and are actually sweeter than western clear liquors as the sorghum taste is preserved — in a way. Chinese '''brandy''' (白兰地 ''báilándì'') is excellent value, priced about the same as wine. There are several brands; all are drinkable and many visitors find them more palatable than baijiu. The Chinese are also great fans of various supposedly '''medicinal liquors''', which usually contain exotic herbs and/or animal parts. Some of these have prices in the normal range and include ingredients like ginseng, while other more exotic may include snakes, wasps and newborn mice. These can be palatable enough, if tending toward sweetness. Note that some medicinal liquors are only intended for external use. ===Bars, discos and karaoke=== Western style pubs are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Especially in the more affluent urban centers such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou one can find painstakingly recreated replicas of traditional Irish or English pubs. Like their Western counterparts most will have a selection of foreign beers on tap as well as provide pub food (of varying quality) and often feature live cover bands. Most of these pubs cater to and are frequented by the expatriate communities so you should not expect to find many Chinese in these places. Imported beer can be very expensive compared to local brew. To just go out for a few drinks with friends, pick a local restaurant and drink beer at around ¥5 for a 600 ml bottle. It will be Chinese lager, around 3% alcohol, with a limited choice of brand and may be served warm. Most mid- to high- range restaurants will have small private suites for gatherings (usually offered free if there is more than around 5 people), and the staff will generally not try to hustle you out even if you decide to stay until closing time. Many residents frequent outdoor restaurants or roadside stalls and barbecues (烧烤 ''shāokǎo'') for a nice and inexpensive evening. In '''discos''' and '''fancy bars''' with entertainment, you normally buy beer ¥100 at a time; this gets you anywhere from 4 import-brand beer (Heineken, Bud, Corona, Sol, etc.) to 10 local beers. A few places offer cocktails; fewer have good ones. Other drinks are sold only by the bottle, not by the glass. Red wine is in the ¥80-200 range (served with ice and Sprite) and mediocre imported whiskeys (Chivas, Johnny Walker, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels; extremely rarely single malts) and cognacs, ¥300-800. Both are often mixed with sweet bottled green or red tea. Vodka, tequila and rum are less common, but sometimes available. Bogus "brand name" products are fairly common and may ruin your next day. These places often have '''bar girls''', young women who drink a lot and want to play drinking games to get you to consume more. They get a commission on whatever you buy. In general, these girls will not leave the bar with you; they are professional flirts, not prostitutes. [[File:Wuhan-LuoyuDongLu-karaoke-4108.jpg|thumb|A karaoke place near the Huazhong University of Science and Technology campus in [[Wuhan]]]] '''Karaoke''' (卡拉OK ''kǎlā'ōukèi'') is huge in China and can be broadly split into two categories. More common is the no-frills karaoke box or '''KTV''', where you rent a room, bring your friends and the house gives you a mic and sells you booze. Much favored by students, these are cheap and fun with the right crowd, although you need at least a few people for a memorable night. Bringing your own booze can keep the price tag down but must be done on the sly - many places have windows in the door so the staff can make sure you only drink liquor they sold to you. Rather different is the distinctly dodgier '''special KTV''' lounge, more oriented to businessmen entertaining clients or letting their hair down, where the house provides anything and everything at a price. At these often opulent establishments &mdash; over-the-top Roman and Egyptian themes are standard &mdash; you'll be joined by short-skirted professional karaoke girls, who charge by the hour for the pleasure of their company and whose services may not be limited to just singing badly and pouring your drinks. It's highly advisable not to venture into these unless you're absolutely sure somebody else is footing the bill, which can easily run into hundreds of dollars even if you keep your pants on. As elsewhere, never '''never''' accept an invitation to a restaurant or bar from an available-looking woman who just picked you up in the street sometime after sundown. At best, suggest a different place. If she refuses, drop her on the spot. More than likely, she will steer you into a quiet little place with too many doormen and you will find yourself saddled with a modest meal and beer that will cost you ¥1,000 or worse. And the doormen won't let you leave till you pay up. ===Tea=== China is the birthplace of tea culture, and at the risk of stating the obvious, there's a lot of '''[[tea]]''' (茶 ''chá'') in China. Green tea (绿茶 ''lǜchá'') is served up for free in some restaurants (depending on region) or for a small fee. For more information, see [[Chinese cuisine#Tea]]. The most common types served are: * gunpowder tea (珠茶 ''zhū chá''): a green tea named after the appearance of the bunched-up leaves used to brew it * jasmine tea (茉莉花茶 ''mòlìhuā chá''): green-tea scented with jasmine flowers * oolong (烏龍 ''wūlóng''): a half-fermented mountain tea. Specialist tea houses serve a vast variety of brews, ranging from the pale, delicate white tea (白茶 ''báichá'') to the powerful fermented and aged pu'er tea (普洱茶 ''pǔ'ěrchá''). Most tea shops will be more than happy to let you sit down and try different varieties of tea. "Ten Fu Tea" is a national chain. Chinese teas are drunk without sugar or milk. However, in some areas you will find Hong Kong style "milk tea" (奶茶 ''nǎichá'') or Tibetan "butter tea". Taiwanese bubble tea (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá'') is also popular; the "bubbles" are balls of tapioca and milk or fruit are often mixed in. ===Coffee=== [[Coffee]] (咖啡 ''kāfēi'') is popular in urban China, though it can be quite difficult to find in smaller towns. Several chains of coffee shops have branches in many cities, including Starbucks (星巴克), UBC Coffee (上岛咖啡), Ming Tien Coffee Language and SPR. There are many small independent coffee shops or local chains. ===Cold drinks=== Many drinks that are usually served chilled or with ice in the West are served at room temperature in China. Ask for beer or soda in a restaurant, and it may arrive at room temperature, though beer is more commonly served cold, at least in the summer. Water will generally be served hot. That is actually good, because only boiled (or bottled) water is safe to drink. Small grocery stores and restaurants sell cold drinks, just look for the cooler (even though it might not actually be cool). You can try bringing a cold beverage into a restaurant. Most small restaurants won't mind—if they even notice—and there is no such thing as a "cork" charge in China. Most people will be drinking tea, which is free anyway, so the restaurant is probably not expecting to profit on your beverage consumption. Asking for ice is best avoided. Many, perhaps most, places just don't have it. The ice they do have may well be made from unfiltered tap water and arguably unsafe for travelers sweating bullets about [[Travellers' diarrhea|diarrhea]]. ==Sleep== [[File:Muyu-rural-inn-5476.jpg|thumb|Rural inn in Shennongjia, [[Hubei]]]] Availability of accommodation for tourists is generally good and ranges from shared dorm rooms to 5-star luxury hotels. '''Sleeper trains''' and '''sleeper buses''' can also be a decent option if you schedule your long-distance travel overnight (see the [[#Get around|Get around]] section of this page for more information). In the past, only a few hotels were allowed to take foreign guests and the police monitored those, but restrictions now vary from city to city. Even in restricted cities and towns, family-run operations in particular may check you in if they feel they can get enough information from you to get you registered in the system or feel that they can get away without such reporting. Any hotel will still require a photocopy of your passport, some will check if your visa has expired, and they are supposed to share information with the authorities. On rare occasions, someone from your hotel will escort you to the local police station to satisfy the establishment's reporting requirement. Finding a hotel when arriving in a Chinese city is difficult if you don't know where to look and what you're looking for. In general, neither star ratings nor price are an accurate indication of the quality of the hotel, so research before booking. If you're willing to pay ¥180 or more for a room, you'll probably have little problem finding one. You could, for example, search Google Maps with the name of a chain hotel listed under "mid-range", below, determine what the address would be in Chinese, and then write that down on a note which you give to a taxi driver. There are usually cheap hotels near the train or bus station. If you do plan on just showing up in town and looking for a place to sleep, it's best to arrive before 18:00 or the most popular places will be booked for the night. If you are absolutely at a loss for finding housing, the local police (警察) or Public Security Bureau (公安局) can help you find a place to crash - at least for one night. '''Prices are often negotiable,''' and a sharp reduction from the price listed on the wall can often be had, even in nicer hotels, by simply asking "what's the lowest price?" (最低多少 ''zuìdī duōshǎo''). When staying for more than a few days it is also usually possible to negotiate a lower daily rate. However, these negotiating tactics won't work during the busy Chinese holiday seasons when prices sky-rocket and rooms are hard to get. Many hotels, both chains and individual establishments, have membership cards offering discounts to frequent guests. In mid-range and above hotels, it was once quite common for guests to receive phone calls offering "massage" services (that actually offered additional physical services) but this has become rarer such that male guests might just encounter business cards stuffed under the door. '''Booking a room over the Internet''' with a credit card can be a convenient and speedy method of making sure you have a room when you arrive at your destination, and there are numerous websites that cater for this. Credit cards are not widely used in China, particularly in smaller and cheaper hotels. Such hotels usually ask to be paid in cash, and many hotels ask for a cash security deposit of a few hundred yuan up front. Some new [http://www.dajiudian.info online services] {{dead link|December 2020}} allow you to book without a credit card and pay cash at the hotel. During Chinese holidays, when it is difficult to get a room anywhere, this may be an acceptable option, but in the off-season, rooms are plentiful almost everywhere and it may be just as easy to find a room upon arrival as it is to book one over the Internet. Across China, check-out is normally noon, and there is often the possibility of paying half a day's cost to get an 18:00 checkout. For those staying in China on a more permanent basis, rental is possible with the obvious caveat that all contracts are in Chinese. Real estate prices are exorbitant in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, surpassing even those of many major Western cities. ===Low-cost housing=== Many ultra-cheap options would not appeal to most travelers from developed countries for security and cleanliness reasons. In the cheapest range of hotels it is important to ask if hot water is available 24 hours-a-day (有没有二十四个小时的热水 ''yǒuméiyǒu èrshisì ge xiǎoshí de rèshuǐ''), and check if the shower, sink and toilet actually work. It is also advisable to avoid checking into a room next to a busy street as traffic may keep you up late and wake you up early. * '''Hostels (青年旅社)''' are the most comfortable low-cost options. They typically cater to foreigners, have English-speaking employees, and provide cheap, convenient transport around town. Some of them are even cleaner and better furnished than more expensive places. Hostels also have a cozy, international atmosphere and are a good place to meet other travelers and get some half-decent Western food. In most cities of any size there is at least one hostel available, and in travel hot spots there are plenty of hostels, although they can still fill up quickly because of their popularity with backpackers. Hostels can often be booked on-line in advance although you definitely should bring a print-out of your confirmation as not all hostels are aware that you can book their rooms (and pay a portion of the cost) on-line in advance. In Beijing, many hostels are in '''hutongs''' - traditional courtyard homes in the midst of a maze of traditional streets and architecture. While many of Beijing's Hutongs have been demolished, a movement to save those which remain has led to a boom in youth hostels for backpackers and boutique hotels for the mid-range traveler. * '''Dorm rooms (宿舍)''' are found on university campuses, near rural tourist attractions and as part of some hotels. Most travelers have spotty luck with dorms. It is common to have rowdy or intoxicated roommates, and shared bathrooms can take some getting used to, especially if you're not used to traditional squat toilets or taking cold showers. However, in some areas, especially on top of some of China's holy mountains, dorm rooms might be the only budget option in a sea of luxury resorts. [[File:Yangzhou - guesthouse sign - P1080108.JPG|thumb|Signage over a budget hotel in Yangzhou]] * '''Zhùsù (住宿)''', which simply translates as "accommodation", can refer to any kind of sleeping accommodation, but those places that have the Chinese characters for zhusu written on the wall outside are the cheapest. A zhusu is not a hotel, but simply rooms for rent in homes, restaurants, and near train and bus stations. Zhusu rooms are universally spartan and bathrooms are almost always shared. The price can be quite low, costing only a few dozen renminbi. Officially a zhusu should not provide a room to a foreigner, but many times the caretaker is eager to get a client and will be willing to rent to anyone. There are never any English signs advertising a zhusu, so if you can't read Chinese you may have to print out the characters for your hunt. Security in zhusu's is sketchy, so this option is not recommended if you have valuables with you. * '''Spas''': spa costs vary but can be as low as ¥25. Admission to a spa is typically for 24 hours, but entering a spa late at night (after 01:00) and leaving before noon may get you a 50% discount. Spas provide beds or reclining couches and a small locker for bags and personal possessions (this is ideal if you are traveling light), but there is no privacy because usually everyone sleeps in one room (so there is more security than in a dorm, since there are attendants who watch over the area, and your belongings (even your clothes!) are stored away in a locker). There are also showers, saunas, complimentary food, and paid services such as massages and body scrubbing. Don't be fooled when receptionists try to make up reasons why you have to pay more than the listed rate. They may try to convince you that the listed rates are only for members, locals, women, men, or include only one part of the spa (i.e. shower, but no bed/couch). To verify any claims, strike up a conversation with a local a good distance away from the spa and inquire about the prices. Don't let them know that you are checking the spa's claims. Just act as if you are thinking about going there if the price is good. If they know that the spa is trying to overcharge you, they will typically support the spa's claim. ===Budget hotels=== [[File:Yangzhou - 7 Tian Liansuo Jiudian - P1070222.JPG|thumb|A mid-range hotel in Yangzhou with a couple of cheaper establishments nestled on its first floor]] The next level of hotels, which cater almost exclusively to Chinese clients, are usually off-limits to foreigners but you may be able to convince them to accept you, especially if you can speak a smattering of Chinese. As a foreigner, you are obligated to register your stay with local authorities, and in urban areas, budget hotels are often unaware of how to register foreign guests in the local system (and thus unwilling to take foreign guests). Despite this, you can offer to work with hotel staff in properly registering your stay in the PSB system (as most public security bureaus use the same registration system) using [https://www.lostlaowai.com/blog/china-stuff/china-travel/foreigners-allowed-hotel-registration-tutorial/ one of many online guides], but it is important to do so in a way that won't make the hotel clerk lose face. In rural areas, you will likely stick out like a sore thumb (especially if you have multimedia equipment), and even if you are registered as a guest, public security bureau officials will often show up late at night to firstly question your intentions for staying in a rural area, and furthermore ask you to leave and move on to another hotel. The cheapest range of Chinese budget hotels (one step above the zhusu) are called '''zhāodàisuǒ''' (招待所). Unlike zhusu these are '''licensed''' accommodations but are similarly spartan and utilitarian, often with shared bathrooms. Slightly more luxurious budget hotels and Chinese business hotels may or may not have English signs and usually have the words '''lǚguǎn''' (旅馆, meaning "travel hotel"), '''bīnguǎn''' or '''jiǔdiàn''' (宾馆 and 酒店, respectively, meaning "hotel") in their name. Room options typically include singles and doubles with attached bathrooms, and dorms with shared baths. Some budget hotels include complementary toiletries and Internet. In small towns a night's stay might be as cheap as ¥25; in bigger cities rooms usually cost ¥80-120. One problem with such hotels is that they can be quite noisy as patrons and staff may be yelling to each other across the halls into the wee hours of the morning. Another potential inconvenience is taking a room with a shared bath as you may have to wait to use a shower or squat toilet that moreover isn't in any sort of appealing condition. In smaller budget hotels the family running the place may simply lock up late at night when it appears no more customers are coming. If you plan to arrive late, explain this in advance or else you may have to call the front desk, bang on the door, or climb over the gate to get in. ===Mid-range hotels=== These are usually large, clean and comfortable, with rooms ranging from ¥150 to over ¥300. Frequently the same hotels will also have more expensive and luxurious rooms. The doubles are usually quite nice and up to Western standards, with a clean private bathroom that has towels and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast may be included, or a breakfast ticket can be purchased for around ¥10. Sprouting up around China are a number of Western-quality mid-range hotels that include the following chains, all of which have rooms in the ¥150-300 range and on-line advance booking: * {{sleep | name=7 Days Inns | alt= | url=http://www.7daysinn.cn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(7天连锁酒店) }} * {{sleep | name=JinJiang Inns | alt= | url=http://www.jinjianginns.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(锦江之星) }} * {{sleep | name=Home Inns | alt=如家快捷酒店 | url=http://www.homeinns.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Green Tree Inns | alt=格林豪泰酒店 | url=http://www.998.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motels by Wyndham | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} ===Splurge=== The high end includes international hotel chains and resorts, such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Shangri-La and their Chinese competitors. These charge hundreds or thousands of yuan per night for luxurious accommodations with 24-hour room service, satellite TV, spas, and western breakfast buffets. There are suites in Shanghai, for example, for over ¥10,000 a night. Many of these establishments cater to traveling business-types with expense accounts and charge accordingly for food and amenities (i.e. ¥20 for a bottle of water which costs ¥2 at a convenience store). Internet (wired or wireless) which is usually free in mid-range accommodations is often a pay service in high-end hotels. Some hotels in the ¥400-700 range such as Ramada or Days Inn are willing to lower their prices when business is slow. Chinese three and four-star hotels will often give block pricing or better deals for stays of more than 5 days. If you are coming to China on a tour, the tour company may be able to get you a room in a true luxury hotel for a fraction of the listed price. ==Learn== {{Seealso|Studying in China}} Traditional Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on education, so there is no lack of options for those who wish to receive quality education in China. China's universities offer many different types of courses, and some of them are regularly ranked among the top universities in the world. Universities accept students who have achieved the minimum of a high-school education for courses in the Chinese language. These courses usually last 1 or 2 years. Students are given certificates after they complete their course. Students who do not speak Chinese and want to study further in China are usually required to complete a language-training course. There are many opportunities to learn Chinese in China, including university courses and special programs. Scholarships may be available, from your home country or the Chinese government. In any city with a sizeable expat community, you can also find private classes, which you can take on the side while [[working in China]]. While not as popular as Mandarin, there are also some opportunities to study the local dialects and ethnic minority languages. ==Work== {{seealso|Working in China}} China has grown so much that it is on track to become the world's biggest economy. Although the labor market is difficult for foreigners to access, there are, however, significant opportunities for those who wish to experience China. It is illegal to work in China on a tourist or business visa, and while many foreigners used to get away with doing so, the Chinese government is cracking down on the practice; you will need to proactively make sure your employer goes through the appropriate procedures for you. Employment opportunities include [[English teaching|English-language teaching]], engineering, tech jobs, international trade, scientific research and working for multi-nationals. For most jobs, Chinese immigration law requires foreigners to have at least a bachelor's degree before they can be granted a work visa, and your application will be rejected if you do not have one. See [[Working in China]] for details. ==Stay safe== While China is generally safe for visitors, the government has some authoritarian aspects, and the topic of '''human rights''' in China is highly contested. Despite what's written in the Chinese constitution, in practice some freedoms are strongly curtailed, such as free speech, privacy, freedom of information and the press, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. As long as you're not deliberately provocative, most of these are unlikely to affect you during your visit — especially since enforcement is somewhat arbitrary anyway — but if they do, punishments can be heavy. China is known to use extrajudicial detention, torture, and (rarely, mainly for murder and drug trafficking) the death penalty. Often criticized as "hostage diplomacy", detentions and enforcement are sometimes stepped up in reaction to geopolitical events, meaning that, for example, Canadian and American businesspeople have faced extra scrutiny in 2019. Chinese dual citizens and people of Chinese heritage who are citizens of other countries have been subject to "exit bans", kept in China, sometimes for years, to compel them to cooperate with government investigations or pressure their relatives to return to China. <!--This section is just a political discussion that doesn't provide information to travelers. If the preceding is not fair, then let's fair that: An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole. The bottom line is that, no different from most other countries, --> As long as you behave and do not get involved in drugs or political activity, you shouldn't have any problems. Even bypassing the Internet firewall or accessing potentially subversive material is usually overlooked for the average visitor. However, it doesn't hurt to have a contingency plan in case you run afoul of the government. ===Law enforcement agencies=== Private security officers in China dress similarly to the police, and also often use lights and sirens on their vehicles. [[File:Chine police.JPG|thumb|right|Typical public security police officers]] The major law enforcement agency you will encounter most is the '''public security police''' (公安机关人民警察), often abbreviated as the public security (公安, ''Gōng'ān''), or civilian police (民警, ''mínjǐng''). *Most officers wear navy-blue peaked caps and light-blue shirts. Officers should carry their police identification document, which must be shown when you request them to do so. They are usually unarmed. *Special police officers wear black uniform, and are armed. *Traffic police officers wear white peaked-caps, and in some cities, they may wear fluorescent shirts. *Auxiliary police officers have limited law enforcement power, and do not have the power of arrest. Their uniforms differ from city to city; but have the words "auxiliary police" (辅警), or something similar. *Detectives, including domestic security agents, wear plain clothes. *Typical police vehicles bear the word "公安". Special police vehicles are painted with black, and bear the word "特警". All public security police officers have nationwide authority. Most of the officers are friendly, professional and reliable, yet there will inevitably be corrupt ones too. [[File:Pékin, People's Armed Police at Tianamen Square (1).JPG|thumb|right|A typical PAP soldier]] The '''People's Armed Police''' (PAP) (中国人民武装警察部队, often abbreviated to 武警, ''wǔjǐng'') is a branch of the Chinese military tasked with assisting the public security police, riot control and guarding key infrastructures like railway stations and airports. Soldiers wear green camouflage or olive-green military uniform with red insignia, while officers have similar uniform with that of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force. [[File:Shantou, Guangdong, China - Chengguan Officials.jpg|thumb|Chengguan officers of [[Shantou]]]] '''Chengguan''' (城管, ''chéngguǎn''), known officially as City Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau (城市管理行政执法局), and often known as Integrated Enforcement (综合执法) or Administrative Enforcement (行政执法), may dress differently. Chengguan officers are often poorly-trained, brutal, and sometimes corrupt. The Chinese government is cracking down on corruption, so '''under no circumstances''' should you offer a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer, as this could result in legal consequences for you and the person accepting your bribe. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates vary across the huge nation, but in general it as safe as most Western countries. Many Western tourists will feel safer in China than in their home country, and it is generally not a problem for women to roam the streets alone at night. Violent crime is very rare, though scams and petty crimes are common, so it pays to be prudent and secure your valuables properly. As with anywhere else, a little commonsense goes a long way. Generally speaking, crime rates are higher in the larger cities than in the countryside. Nevertheless, they are no more dangerous than major Western cities, so if you avoid seedy areas and use your common sense, you'll be fine. Video surveillance is widely used in both urban and in some rural areas. CCTVs are generally welcomed by the police, due to the fact that front-line officers are often insufficient to deal with China's huge population. While not as rampant as in [[Europe]], [[Pickpockets|pickpocketing]] is a significant issue in crowded places. Be particularly vigilant when on public transport during peak hours, as it provides the perfect cover for pickpockets to get away after striking. Bicycle theft can be a problem. In big cities there are stories of locals who have lost three bikes within one month, but in some other places, local people still casually park their bikes. Follow what local people do. Assume your expensive lock won't help at all. Professional thieves can break virtually any lock. In China, bike parking is common outside supermarkets or shopping centers, and usually charges ¥1-2 per day (usually until 20:00-22:00). If you have an electric bicycle or scooter, be extra cautious as the battery-packs or charger may be targeted. The main crimes foreigners get in trouble for are around drug use (including drug use outside China before you arrived—they sometimes do a hair test for cannabis) or working illegally, with the consequence usually being a short sentence, fine and deportation. If you are accused of a more serious crime, then your first 72 hours of investigation is critical. It is during that time that the police, prosecutors and your lawyers will investigate, negotiate and decide if you are guilty. Police use hard interrogations (or torture) immediately after arrest because eliciting a confession is the quickest way to secure a conviction. Chinese law prohibits your lawyer from being present during your interrogation. If your case goes to trial, then your conviction is merely a formality (99.9% of criminal trials in 2013 ended in a conviction), and the judge's only role is to decide your sentence. Signing any document during your interrogation would be an extremely bad idea, especially if you do not understand what you are signing. You should politely insist that you be allowed access to consular services and a translator. ===Traffic=== {{see also|Driving in China}} [[File:瀋陽市街地.jpg|thumb|Traffic in [[Shenyang]]]] The mortality rate per person for car accidents in China is lower than that of many Western countries. But, in general, driving in China can range from anywhere from nerve-rattling to outright reckless. Traffic can appear chaotic. Cars are allowed to turn right on a red light and do not stop for pedestrians, regardless of the walk signal. Cars drivers, cyclists and electric scooter drivers will all drive assuming they all have right of way/priority at once. Pedestrian crossings are a guide for the driver where pedestrians are more likely to cross. In cities, however, it is unlikely drivers will be traveling fast enough to cause significant damage. Do as the locals do: cross the road with confidence, be aware of your surroundings, know that cars, bikes and scooters will tend to continue rather than stop. It is advisable as a foreigner not to drive, since in an accident you will be poorly equipped to deal with the nature of Chinese compensation. ===Terrorism=== Although rare, terrorist attacks in China have occurred, mostly in [[Xinjiang]], where Uyghur Islamist separatists are fighting for independence against the Chinese government, though there have also been high-profile attacks on people in [[Guangzhou]] station, [[Kunming]] station and [[Beijing]]. There is airport-style security at all major train stations, metro stations, and long-distance bus terminals. You will have your bag X-rayed and take water bottles out of your bag to be scanned separately, but there is no need to empty your pockets. ===Begging=== Chinese people traditionally disapprove of [[begging]], so begging is not a major issue in most places. It is, however, never far off the scene and particularly common just outside the main tourist attractions and in major transportation hubs. Be aware of child beggars who could be victims of child trafficking. While it is becoming less common, you should avoid giving them any money. In China, local people usually only give money to those who have obviously lost the ability to earn money. Professional beggars have clear deformities, and some syndicates have been known to deliberately maim children as it is seen as more effective in soliciting pity. If you feel like giving them some, bear in mind that the minimum hourly wage ranges from ¥11 to ¥24 (2020).<!-- look for updates here: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/minimum-wages-china-2020/--> ====Buddhist monks==== The presence of foreign tourists unaware of local Buddhist customs has also given rise to many scams, with many fake monks and temples preying on unsuspecting visitors. Buddhism in China generally follows the Mahayana school, whose monks are required to be vegetarian, and usually grow their own food in the temples, or buy their food using temple donations. As such, they generally ''do not'' beg for food. Monks also do not sell religious items (these are sold by laymen), and neither do they offer "Buddha's blessing" in exchange for money, or threaten you with misfortune should you not donate. Most temples will have a donation box in the main hall for devotees to make donations should they wish to do so, and monks will never go out in public to ask for donations. According to traditional Buddhist philosophy, it is entirely up to an individual to decide whether and how much he/she wishes to donate, and genuine Buddhist temples will never use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations, or ask for any amount of money in exchange for services. ===Nature=== [[File:Trimeresurus stejnegeri.jpg|thumb|The Chinese bamboo viper]] Being a large country, China is affected by a range of different natural disasters. Pacific [[cyclones|typhoons]] hit the coast in the summer and autumn months, bringing physical destruction and torrential rain. Floods also occur, in particular around the large rivers. Northern parts of the country have winter storms. Much of the country is prone to [[earthquakes]] and [[tornadoes]]. China has a variety of '''[[venomous snakes]]'''. Be careful when hiking and seek immediate treatment for any snakebite. The bright green '''bamboo viper''' (''Trimeresurus stejnegeri'') is especially notorious. ===Scams=== : ''See also: [[Common scams]], [[Pickpockets]]'' Chinese people are in general hospitable to foreigners, and want to leave a good impression on tourists visiting their country. However, as with anywhere else, there are also scam artists who operate at tourist hot spots, so it pays to be prudent and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. High prices do not necessarily indicate a scam. In a teahouse or bar, ¥50-200 per cup or pot of tea (including hot water refills) and ¥15-60 per bottle of beer is not uncommon. Tea samplings may also charge high prices for each sample. [[File:Pudong Shanghai November 2017 HDR panorama.jpg|thumb|300px|Shanghai skyline]] Touristy parts of Beijing and Shanghai have become notorious for various scams. If you are keen to avoid being scammed, the following are good rules of thumb: * It is less likely for scammers to operate outside of the usual tourist spots * If you are approached in a touristy area by a person who appears ''too'' enthusiastic about going to a particular place (teahouse or otherwise), you are likely to pay a premium and maybe get a better time elsewhere * If you are uncomfortable, '''walk away.''' * Most ordinary Chinese people are unable to speak English, so be on your guard if someone approaches you spontaneously and starts speaking to you in English. The police are sensitive to foreigners being targeted in this way and giving the country a poor reputation. In China, you have a legal right to ask for a "fa piao" (发票, lit. receipt/invoice) which is an official sales invoice issued by the taxation department. It is against the law for an owner to refuse to give it to you. For scams, they generally will refuse since it is legal evidence of their extortionate price. Accident scams occur, too, and even 'good samaritans' who help people genuinely in distress have been sued for compensation by the people they were trying to help. These scams are not tried on foreigners too often, but be careful when using a vehicle and always record your journey with a dashboard or bicycle camera. If you find yourself being or having been scammed then call 110 and report it immediately. Suspicious phone calls can be enquired through '''96110''', a hotline established in view of soaring telecommunications scams. The police may also notify you by this number with area code prefix if you encountered suspected scam calls, which is similar to a reverse-911 call itself. ===Illicit drugs=== Acts related to illicit drugs are dealt with harshly in China. Although drug use alone and the mere possession of ''small'' quantities of drugs (for example, less than 200 grams of opium and less than 10 grams of heroin or methamphetamine) are not prosecuted and are only subject to lengthy detention and/or a fine, '''smuggling, trafficking, transporting, and manufacturing illicit drugs are crimes punishable by death''', and there are plenty cases of foreign drug traffickers being executed in China. In addition, the possession of ''large'' quantities of drugs is a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, and sheltering others to take drugs is a crime punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment. Chinese people usually associate drugs with national humiliation (due to an unlimited influx of opium after Opium Wars); publicly doubting the death penalty for drug offences or advocacy for drug liberalization will most likely get you publicly criticized. For recorded drug addicts, you may be subjected to sudden raids by the police, in order to verify that you did not consume any illicit drugs. Be particularly wary in the provinces of [[Yunnan]] and [[Guangxi]], as these provinces border the Golden Triangle, a major drug-producing region in Southeast Asia. Police now target bars and nightclubs that foreigners frequent with drug-testing kits, with detention and deportation the likely consequence of a positive drug test. In a hair test, you may test positive even for drugs that you consumed three months before arriving in China. If you are driving from Chinese-Burmese border (eg. [[Xishuangbanna]]), you may also encounter layered narcotics checkpoints, in which you and your vehicle will be thoroughly searched or even partially dismantled (if suspicion arise) to intercept drug smugglers. ===Banned items=== Due to the fast pace of change in China, you may find some items (especially media) continue to be banned by customs although they are readily available for purchase in the country itself. Searching your belongings for illicit items such as the ones below could potentially happen when entering China through an airport, although in practice it is rare these days. * Materials considered by the authorities as ''Anti-Chinese'' will be confiscated. This has a fairly wide interpretation, but can include the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan lion-mountain flag and literature about the Falun Gong religious group, independence movements in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan or the Tiananmen Square protests. As a rule of thumb, '''do not bring anything critical of the Communist Party of China'''; if some literature refers to the government of the PRC as the Communist Party of China (中共), then it's either from Taiwan (as the local official term when referring to the Chinese government), and/or its stance is likely to be critical of the party. **''The Epoch Times'' (大紀元時報) and ''Ming Hui Times'' (明慧周刊/明慧周報) are two examples of Falun Gong literature. The Falun Gong sect is known to print proselytising words on Chinese yuan bills, so consider checking your bills to avoid unnecessary hassle. * A heavy penalty is imposed on all '''pornography''' and penalties are counted based on the number of pieces brought into the country. ===Religion=== Visitors to China rarely get into trouble for practicing their religion. As a communist country, China is officially atheist, and religion is banned for people working in government jobs. Although religion was targeted for extermination during the Cultural Revolution, in modern times, visitors and private citizens are generally free to practice a religion if they wish. However, '''proselytising is prohibited''' and taken very seriously by the government, and could potentially lead to arrest and imprisonment, especially if there is any fear that it could undermine the government's authority. Catholics in China are split between the state-sanctioned Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPA, CPCA, or CCPA, 中国天主教爱国会 ''Zhōngguó Tiānzhǔjiào Àiguó Huì''), which is run separately from the Vatican, and an '''underground church''' which is illegal; visitors should not associate with the latter for legal reasons. '''Falun Gong''' is '''illegal''' and heavily censored in China. Visibly supporting it will make you subject to arrest. Despite all that, modern Chinese society is in general rather secular, and religiously-motivated hate crimes are exceedingly rare. ===Racism=== Although unprovoked violent racist attacks are virtually unheard of, foreigners, particularly darker-skin ones, often suffer discrimination in employment and are the subject of stereotyping from Chinese people. Even white foreigners, who allegedly enjoy significantly better treatment than locals, have been occasionally confronted by Chinese people during politically sensitive periods. Xenophobia has intensified amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many restaurants now refusing service to foreign customers. Discrimination is particularly severe against black people, some of whom have been evicted by their landlords and denied rooms in hotels. If your skin tone doesn't match people's assumptions for someone from your country, and especially if you're ethnically Chinese, you may be treated like the country on your passport isn't where you're ''really'' from. Visas on arrival are sometimes denied on this basis. ===Gay and lesbian travelers=== China is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travelers. There are no laws against homosexuality in China, though there is censorship of homosexual-themed content in the media. Gay scenes and communities are found in the major cities in China, but are generally non-existent everywhere else. Most Chinese are reluctant to discuss their sexuality in public, as it is generally considered to be a personal matter, and acceptance of homosexuality by Chinese people tends to be mixed. Same-sex marriages and unions are not recognised anywhere in the country. While openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is still likely to draw stares and whispers, gay and lesbian visitors should generally not run into any major problems, and unprovoked violence against homosexual couples is almost unheard of. In general, the younger generation tend to be more accepting of homosexuality, and gay dramas have been gaining in popularity among young Chinese women since the 2010s. Staff in hotels and guesthouses may assume that a mistake has been made if a same-sex couple has reserved a room with one large bed and try to move you to another room. However, they will generally back down if you insist that it is not a problem. ==Stay healthy== ===Personal hygiene=== Outside major cities, public washrooms range from mildly unpleasant to utterly repulsive. In cities, it varies from place to place. High-quality bathrooms can be found inside major tourist attractions, at international hotels, office buildings, and upper-class department stores. Washrooms in foreign restaurant chains, or any of the coffee chains listed in the drink section are usually more or less clean. While those in common restaurants and hotels are barely acceptable, those in hotel rooms are generally clean. Some public facilities are free, others cost from a few mao up to ¥2. Separate facilities are always provided for men (男 nán) and women (女 nǚ), but sometimes there are no doors on the front of the stalls. The sit-down toilet familiar to Westerners is rare in China in public areas. Hotels will generally have them in rooms, but in places where Westerners are scarce, expect to find squat toilets more often than not. Many private homes in urban areas now have sit-down toilets, and one major benefit from having a local host is that they have clean bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, a western establishment such as McDonald's or Starbucks will have a western toilet, but may not have toilet paper. Carry your own tissue paper (卫生纸 wèishēngzhǐ, or 面纸 miànzhǐ) as it is rarely provided. You can sometimes buy it from the money-taker at a public toilet; you can also buy it in bars, restaurants and Internet cafés for ¥2. Put used paper in the bucket next to the toilet; do not flush it away as it may block the often poor plumbing systems. There may not be soap in the public washrooms either. The Chinese tend to distrust the cleanliness of bathtubs. In hotels with fixed bathtubs, disposable plastic bathtub liners may be provided. Wash your hands often with soap if you can find any, carry some disposable disinfectant tissues (found in almost any department or cosmetics store), or use alcohol gel. ===Food and drink=== ====Food==== Although there are few widely enforced health regulations in restaurants, each major city does have an inspection regime that requires each establishment to prominently display the result (good, average or poor). It is hard to say how effective this is, but it is a start. Restaurants generally prepare hot food when you order. Even in the smallest of restaurants, hot dishes are usually freshly prepared, instead of reheated, and rarely cause health problems. A rule of thumb regarding street food is to make certain it is cooked thoroughly while you are watching; also, visit stalls frequented by locals, and look for plastic-wrapped disposable chopsticks. Minor stomach discomfort may still be experienced from street food and restaurant food alike, but is said to pass as one becomes accustomed to the local food. Ginger can be effective against nausea. ====Drink==== Chinese people '''do not drink water straight from the tap''', even in the cities. All hotels provide a thermos flask of boiled water in your room (refillable by your floor attendant), a kettle you can use to do it yourself or a sealed plastic bottle of commercial mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink ''after'' boiling. Some apartments and businesses have rather large water filters installed (which require changing twice a year) to improve the quality of water for cooking and washing. It still doesn't make the water drinkable from the tap, however it does improve the water quality a great deal. Purified drinking water in bottles is available everywhere, and is generally quite cheap. ¥2 is normal for a small bottle. Check that the seal on the cap is not broken. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also cheap and safe. Also note that much river water in China has been contaminated by chemicals that filters can not help much with, although this should only be dangerous if consumed over an extended period of time. ===Pollution=== {{infobox|Smog|Most smog or haze outbreaks are made up of fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5). '''N95 masks''' provide good protection against smog as they are at least 95% efficient against fine particles that are about 0.1 – 0.3 microns. They are 99.5% efficient against larger particles of 0.75 microns or more. As with most things in China, be sure to identify a reputable brand such as 3M}} [[File:3M N95 Particulate Respirator.JPG|thumbnail|N95 mask for dealing with China smog]] Due to a rapid rate of industrialization in China, [[Air pollution|pollution and heavy smog]] is unfortunately part of the way of life in most major towns and cities. That said, stricter environmental protection laws are slowly beginning to bear fruit, with the result that Beijing is no longer the most polluted city in the world, but there is still a long way to go. Even the countryside, depending on the province in question, is not immune. Long-term effects of smog particulate are unlikely to have a significant effect on your health if you are in China for a short stay (e.g. a number of weeks) and have no significant respiratory problems. If you are concerned, discuss this with a medical professional before your trip. Places at higher altitudes or plains like parts of Yunnan and Sichuan, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet and outlying islands such as Hainan usually have good air quality. Visitors should be prepared to see smog, which can be quite heavy, in nearly all large cities, including those on the coast. This [http://aqicn.org website] can provide detailed hourly pollution readings for most large cities. You will also hear a lot of noise. Construction and renovation are full-time activities. Chinese and long-time residents' ears are adapted to filter and tolerate it. ===Health care=== {{COVID-19 box|During lockdowns, medical resources are limited to non-COVID patients , '''even for urgent cases'''. Despite official prohibition, there are also cases where patients who don't have negative COVID testing results are denied treatment. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient essential and necessary medicines.|lastedit=2022-07-03}} {{infobox|Healthcare for foreigners|Most major Chinese cities have clinics and hospitals that are more appropriate for foreigners, with English-speaking and Western-qualified staff. Although expensive, it is worth identifying them whenever you plan to stay in an area for a significant time. For non-urgent medical treatment, you may want to consider traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] for a higher standard of treatment which may not be particularly more expensive.}} The quality of Chinese hospitals for the Chinese people is generally not up to the standards of the West. Local doctors have been known to prescribe more expensive treatments than necessary; IV drips are routine prescriptions in China, even for minor ailments like the common cold, and doctors have a tendency to liberally prescribe antibiotics. Most locals go to the hospital even for the most minor ailments, and the concept of a private clinic effectively does not exist. You should consider keeping a significant amount of cash readily available for emergencies, since not being able to pay upfront may delay treatment. Ambulance services are expensive, require upfront payment, are not accorded much priority on the roads and are therefore not particularly fast. Quality of ambulance service also varies with regions, and paramedics in poorer regions are often poorly equipped and trained. Taking a taxi to the hospital in an emergency will often be much quicker. Common therapeutic drugs &mdash; things like penicillin or insulin &mdash; are generally available from a pharmacist with a prescription and considerably cheaper than in western countries. You can usually ask to see the instructions that came with the box. Western medicine is called xīyào (西药). Less common drugs are often imported, hence expensive. In larger cities there are strong controls over medicine, and even 'standard' cold medicine such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or dextromethorphan may require a prescription or a foreign passport. Opiates always require a prescription, although Viagra never does. In smaller cities and rural areas many medicines, including most antibiotics, are often available without a prescription. {{infobox|Common symptoms|* Caught a cold: 感冒 gǎnmào * Fever: 发烧 fāshāo * Headache: 头痛 tóutòng * Stomach ache: 肚子痛 dùzǐtòng * Sore throat: 喉咙痛 hóulóngtòng * Cough: 咳嗽 késòu See [[Chinese phrasebook]] for more.}} Most Chinese doctors and nurses, even in larger cities, will speak little or no English. However, medical staff are in plentiful supply and hospital wait times are generally short - usually less than 10 minutes at general clinics (门诊室 ménzhěnshì), and virtually no wait time at emergency rooms (急诊室 jízhěnshì). There are private Western-style clinics and hospitals in most major Chinese cities which provide a higher standard of care at a much higher price. The doctors and nurses will speak English (with interpretation services often available for other foreign languages), and are often hired from, or have obtained their medical qualifications in Western countries. These provide an easy and comfortable way to obtain familiar Western treatment from doctors qualified in the West, although you will be paying a steep premium for these services starting at ¥1,000 just for the consultation. Check beforehand to see whether your insurance will cover all or part of this. For any significant surgery, it is worth considering traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] as the standard of treatment and care is more aligned to Western standards. Ensure that needles used for injections or any other procedure that requires breaking the skin are new and unused - insist on seeing the packet being broken open. In some parts of China it is acceptable to re-use needles, albeit after sterilization. For acupuncture, although the disposable needles are quite common in mainland China, you can provide your own needles if you prefer. The disposable type, called Wujun zhenjiu zhen (无菌針灸針, Sterilized acupuncture needles), usually cost ¥10-20 per 100 needles and are available in many pharmacies. There should be minimal to no bleeding when the needle is inserted and removed if the acupuncturist is sufficiently skilled. While Traditional Chinese Medicine is ubiquitous in China, regulation tends to be lax and it is not unheard of for Chinese physicians to prescribe herbs which are actually detrimental to one's health. Do some research and ensure you have some trusted local friends to help you out if you wish to see a Chinese physician. You can head to Hong Kong or Taiwan instead, as the practice is better regulated there. ====Infectious diseases==== If making more than a short trip to China, it may be a good idea to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid as they can be spread via contaminated food, and Japanese encephalitis which is transmitted in rural areas. Parts of southern China have [[mosquitoes]] which transmit [[dengue fever]]. As of 2019 the official estimate is that nearly 1 million people in China are living with HIV/AIDS. One in four infected individuals do not know their status. Sex workers, clients of sex workers and injecting drug users are the most infected groups. New diseases are sometimes a threat in China, particularly in its more densely populated parts. There have been cases of bird flu: avoid undercooked poultry or eggs. ==Respect== {{quote|入乡随俗<br/>''Rù xiāng suí sú''<br/>When you enter a village, follow the customs.|author={{nowrap|Chinese proverb (English speakers might say "When in Rome...")}}}} {{infobox|Using people's names|2=Names can be a complicated matter in China. Except for certain ethnic minorities, names always follow the East Asian naming order of '''family name followed by given name'''; this is usually done in English as well. Someone called 陈晓明 (''Chén Xiǎomíng'') therefore has the surname "Chen" and the given name "Xiaoming". Many Chinese acquire English names, which may have no relation to their Chinese name (and are sometimes quite unusual words or non-words). When using their English name, they will likely switch their name to Western name order (given name followed by family name). It's usually okay to address adult friends and children by given names, although using their full name is also common. In formal situations, the default is to address people using their family names with a title, or their full names with a title if necessary to disambiguate. Occupational titles are even used outside the workplace, so a teacher may be called "Teacher Zhang" (张老师 ''Zhāng Lǎoshī'') even outside the classroom, and a manager or business owner may be called "Boss Huang" (黄老板 ''Huáng Lǎobǎn''). Generic titles of varying commonness include ''Xiānshēng'' (先生, "Mr." or "Sir"), ''Tàitai'' (太太, "Madam" or "Mrs."), and ''Nǚshì'' (女士, "Ms."). The informal prefixes ''Lǎo-'' (老, "Old" or "Elder") and ''Xiǎo-'' (小, "Young" or "Little") are also commonly used, but you should avoid calling someone these unless you know the person well. The title "comrade" (同志) is rarely used outside of official situations, as the term nowadays also means LGBT people. While the title ''Xiǎojiě'' (小姐) is commonly used in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore as an equivalent for the English "Miss", it is a euphemism for "prostitute" in mainland China and hence should be ''avoided''. Names for familial relationships (e.g. big sister, uncle) are frequently used for acquaintances and even strangers based on their age relative to you. It will usually be clear from context, but generally when someone refers to another person as "Brother Zhang" or "Aunt Zhang", even in English, they probably don't mean a family member. Ethnic minorities often have their own naming conventions and modes of address, which can sometimes be very different from those of the Han majority. The foolproof method is therefore to ''ask'' how somebody would like to be addressed.}} [[File:China tea serving.JPG|thumb|Tea-serving at a restaurant in China]] Foreigners are still a rare breed in most parts of China, which means that how you interact with people there may well shape their impression of your country or even of foreigners in general. Follow the law, be polite, and try to leave a good impression as it affects the general reputation of foreigners in China. * Unlike Japan and South Korea where bowing is extremely common, in China the practice did not survive into the modern era, and is only used in certain formal occasions such as marriage ceremonies, funerals, religious rituals, and for students greeting teachers in school. Give a soft '''handshake''' when greeting someone, which can optionally be accompanied by a slight bow. * '''Personal space''' more or less does not exist in China. Elevators and buses can get very crowded. It's common and acceptable for someone to come in close contact with you or to bump into you and say nothing. Don't get mad, as they'll be surprised and most likely won't even understand why you're offended. * Important items such as business cards or important papers are given and received with '''both hands'''. ** '''Business cards''' in particular are treated very respectfully and formally. How you treat someone's business card is seen as representing how you will treat the person. When accepting a business card, use both hands to pick it up by the corners, give a slight bow of your head, and take the time to read the card and confirm how to pronounce the person's name. It's disrespectful to write on a card, fold it, or place it in your back pocket (where you'll sit on it!); a nice case to keep cards pristine is preferable to a pocket. * '''Smoking''' is common almost anywhere. "No smoking" signs are routinely ignored, and it's common for someone to smoke in an elevator or even in the hospital. Some cities now forbid smoking in most restaurants, but enforcement varies. Beijing has one of the nation's strictest smoking laws: you are not allowed to smoke anywhere with a roof; again, enforcement is patchy. Western restaurants seem to be the only ones who consistently enforce the ban. Masks would be a good idea for long distance bus trips. ** When you smoke, it's always considered polite to '''offer a cigarette''' to those you meet. This rule applies almost exclusively to men, but under certain circumstances, such as a club, it's okay to offer cigarettes to women. * In homes and some other buildings, '''slippers''' or sandals are worn indoors. If your hosts are wearing slippers at home, and especially if there is carpet on the floor, remove your shoes and ask for a pair of slippers before you enter, even if your host says you don't have to. * '''Saving face''' is an important concept in Chinese culture, and this concept extends beyond the individual to one's family (including extended family), and even the country. Pointing out mistakes directly may cause embarrassment. If you have to, call the person to one side and tell them in private. ** '''Humility''' is highly valued in traditional Chinese culture, and bragging about your achievements is in general not well received. It is also customary to politely turn down any compliments you receive from others. ** Chinese people sometimes criticize their own country, but you are highly advised not to do it yourself, as the same things being said by a foreigner tend not to be received so well. * Swastikas have been used in Buddhist temples since the 5th century to represent Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. Like the case for other Asian countries, it does not represent Nazism. Jews have been living in China for centuries, and have always had peaceful relations with their non-Jewish neighbours. * Outside of a business context, casual clothes are acceptable at most places, including temples and expensive restaurants. Sleeveless or low-cut tops are uncommon and may stand out. At the beach or the pool, conservative swimsuits are much more common than bikinis. ===Gifts=== When visiting someone's home, a small gift is always welcome. Wine, fruit, or some trinket from your native country are common. When receiving a gift, it is generally rude to open it in front of the person who gave it to you unless (s)he specifically tells you to do so. Wait until the person has left and open it in private. Some items are '''not given as gifts''' because of cultural associations. Some things to watch out for: black and white are important colors in funerals, scissors or knives may insinuate you want to cut off your relationship with someone, and many people see mirrors as bad luck. Other taboos are based on homophones: the word "four" (四 ''sì'') sounds like "death" (死 ''sǐ''), "pear" and "umbrella" sound like "separation", and "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral". These gift taboos and others vary by region and generation, so it's a good idea to consult a local for advice, or at least search the Internet for lists of taboo gifts before you purchase one. ===Eating and drinking=== Eating is very important in Chinese culture, and '''dining out''' is a widespread way to honor guests and deepen relationships. Seating at a formal dinner follows a specific order, with the host or most senior person at the center. Don't pick up your chopsticks until the most senior person at the table has done so. Table manner varies from different places among different people in different scenarios. Sometimes you can see Chinese spit on a restaurant floor, pick their tooth in front of you, and yell whilst dining, but it's not always welcome. Follow what other people do. Hosts tend to order more food than you can eat because it's considered shameful if they can't stuff their guests. Although it varies regionally, finishing your plate generally means you're still hungry and may prompt your hosts to order ''more'' food, but leaving too much can imply you didn't like a dish; leaving an appropriate amount of food on your plate is a bit of a balancing act. When offered a drink, you're expected to take it or your friends will keep pushing you. Excuses such as "I'm on medication" are better than "I don't feel like drinking". Toasts are common, and it's generally considered rude to turn down a toast (although you can take small sips with each toast). China has a strong drinking culture, especially in business, and turning down alcohol can sometimes cause offense. However, foreigners may be given some slack on this. If the hard ''baijiu'' is too much for you, consider opting for a beer instead. ====Paying==== While splitting the bill is beginning to be accepted by young people, '''treating''' is still the norm, especially when the parties are in obviously different social classes. Men are expected to treat women, elders to juniors, rich to poor, hosts to guests, working class to non-income class (students). Friends of the same class will usually prefer to take turns treating rather than split the bill. It is common to see Chinese competing intensely to pay the bill. You are expected to fight back and say "It's my turn, you treat me next time." That being said, Chinese tend to be very tolerant towards foreigners. If you feel like going Dutch, try it. They tend to believe that "all foreigners prefer to go Dutch". ===Politics=== For your safety, it's best if you '''avoid getting involved in any political activity''', and avoid discussing politics with Chinese people. Most Chinese are passive about their country's politics and are generally reluctant to talk about it, and in most cases, will change the topic of discussion. * Most Chinese are ashamed that their country was forced into unequal treaties with Japan and the Western powers over the past two centuries, and are proud of the recent progress made by their government in restoring China's international influence. Many Chinese are also aware of alternative Western views, but you should tread lightly if you choose to discuss these. * Supporting the '''independence movements''' of Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan or Hong Kong is '''illegal''', so you should avoid discussing them. Most Chinese people support their government's position on these issues, and trying to advocate for these movements is going to do nothing more than getting you into the bad books of your hosts. ** Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China. Be sure to use the term "mainland" (大陆 ''dàlù'') or "mainland China" (中国大陆 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') instead of just "China" (中国 ''zhōngguó'') if you are looking to ''exclude'' Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is also a common practice in China to refer to Taiwan as "Taiwan Province" (台湾省), and Hong Kong and Macau as "Hong Kong, China" (中国香港) and "Macau, China" (中国澳门). ** The Hong Kong protests, and allegations of Uyghur genocide and slavery are sensitive issues that are best not discussed with locals. The latter in particular are regarded by most Chinese to be false allegations that were made up by Western governments for geopolitical reasons. * Avoid discussing any of the territorial disputes China is involved in, as many Chinese have strong feelings about these issues. If you are drawn into any such discussions, it is best to stay neutral. * '''Japan''' and its role in World War II and other wars with China is a sensitive and emotive issue that is best avoided. To a lesser extent, '''historical and cultural disputes''' with both [[Korea|Koreas]] are sensitive as well. * Thanks to China's recent development, the Chinese government enjoys strong support among its people despite its authoritarian nature. Common Western views that "they have all been brainwashed" or "they are just too afraid to speak up" oversimplify things. * Many Chinese have a strong sense of '''ethnic nationalism'''. Tread particularly carefully if you are of Chinese ethnicity, even if you were born and raised overseas, as you may still be expected to align your political views with that of the Chinese government, and doing otherwise could result in you being labeled a "race traitor". ===Differing cultural norms=== Chinese people are sometimes puzzled when foreign visitors complain that Chinese people are rude. Many of them feel that really it's foreigners who tend to be rude. What's actually going on is that China has a different set of customs and values from common Western cultures — some Chinese behavior can be jarring to foreigners, and vice versa. People in China are '''friendly ''without'' being polite''' (unlike countries like the UK, where people can be polite without being friendly). Generally speaking, younger well-educated Chinese, particularly those from the major cities, are more likely to behave in a way that conforms more closely to Western cultural norms. [[Image:China no spitting.jpg|thumb|120px|No spitting please]] * Chinese often '''ignore rules''' they don't feel like following, including laws. Among many other things, this includes '''dangerous and negligent driving''' (see [[Driving in China]]) such as driving on the wrong side of the street, excessive speeding, not using headlights at night, not using turn signals, and jaywalking. * '''Spitting''' is common everywhere, including in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, on buses and even in hospitals. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it is unhealthy to swallow phlegm. Although the government has made great efforts to reduce this habit in light of the SARS epidemic as well as the Olympics, it still persists to varying degrees. * Many Chinese do not cover their mouths when they '''sneeze'''. '''Picking one's nose''' in public is common and socially acceptable. * As many parts of China are ethnically rather homogeneous, people who are visibly foreign will often elicit calls of "hello" or "''wàiguórén''" (外国人 "foreigner"); you may also hear ''lǎowài'' (老外), a colloquial equivalent. These calls are ubiquitous outside of the big cities (and are not uncommon even there); these calls will come from just about anyone, of any age, and are even more likely from children and can occur many times in any given day. * Similarly, it's rather common that someone may come up and '''stare''' at you as if they're watching the TV. The staring usually originates out of sheer curiosity, almost never out of hostility. * Many Chinese have '''loud conversations''' in public, and it may be one of the first things you notice upon arrival. China is rooted in a community-based culture, and noise means life; loud speech usually doesn't mean the speaker is angry or engaged in an argument (although obviously it can). You may want to bring earplugs for long bus or train rides. * A fairly recent phenomenon particular to China is '''air rage''': groups of passengers being verbally and physically aggressive towards airline staff whenever there is a delay (which is often). This is generally done in order to leverage better compensation from the airline. * The concept of '''waiting in line''' has not fully been adopted in China. You'll have to learn to be more assertive to get what you want, and even push and shove as others do. If you're trying to catch a taxi, expect other people to move further down the road to catch one before you. * Be careful when standing behind people on an '''escalator''', since many people have a look-see as soon as they get off — even when the escalator behind them is fully packed. Department stores have staff to try to prevent this behavior. * People love to use '''elevators''' whenever possible, especially in large family groups. Be extra patient if you want to go around a shopping mall with a baby buggy or luggage. ==Cope== [[File:Chinasocket.jpg|thumb|A typical Chinese wall socket]] '''Electricity''' is 220 volts/50&nbsp;Hz. Two-pin European and North American, as well as three-pin Australian style plugs are generally supported. However, be careful to read the voltage information on your devices to ensure they accept 220 V (twice the 110 V used in many countries) before plugging them in — you may cause burnout and permanent damage to some devices such as hairdryers and razors. Universal extension cords that can handle a variety of plug shapes (including British) are often used. '''Laundry''' services may be expensive or hard to find. In upper-end hotels, it will cost ¥10-30 to wash each article of clothing. Cheap hotels in some areas do not have laundry services, though in other areas such as along the [[Yunnan tourist trail]] the service is common and often free. In most areas, with the exception of the downtown areas in big cities, you can find small shops that do laundry. The '''sign''' to look for on the front door is 洗衣 (''xǐyī''), or spot the clothes hanging from the ceiling. The cost is roughly ¥2-5/item. In even the smallest of cities '''dry cleaning''' (干洗 ''gānxǐ''）outlets are common and may be able to wash clothes. But in some areas you're going to be stuck washing clothes by hand, which is time-consuming and tiresome, so perhaps opt for fast-drying fabrics such as polyester or silk. If you do find a hotel that does laundry, usually they will put all your clothes into the wash together or even with other items from the hotel, so lighter colours are best washed by hand. [[File:Jianshui - old city - P1370481.JPG|thumb|Traditional smoking pipes for sale]] '''Smoking''' is banned in public buildings and public transport except for restaurants and bars (including KTVs) - many of which are outright smoke dens, although many multinational restaurant chains do ban smoking. These bans are enforced across the country. Generally, smoking laws are most strict in Shanghai and Beijing, whilst they are more lightly enforced elsewhere. Many places (particularly train stations, hospitals, office buildings and airports) will have smoking rooms, and some long-distance trains may have smoking areas at the end of each car. Facilities for non-smokers are often poor; most restaurants, bars and hotels will not have non-smoking areas apart from top-end establishments although many modern buildings have a smoke extraction systems which suck cigarette smoke out of the room through a ceiling vent - meaning that the smoke doesn't hang in the air. The Chinese phrase for 'May I smoke?' is 'kěyǐ chōuyān ma?' and 'No Smoking!' is 'bù kěyǐ chōuyān!'. '''Public holidays''' in China are worth being aware of. Although you will never be truly alone in the most popular tourist sites, which includes the popular hikes in particular mountains, on weekends and public holidays these areas can be nearly impassible due to local tourism. What you may have planned as a quiet contemplative hike may turn into a many-hour queue! Know the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_China national holiday dates] and plan accordingly. ===Media=== {{infobox|Please fix it!|''China Daily'', the nationally distributed English newspaper, sometimes publishes constructive criticism of China from frustrated tourists. If you think something about China for travelers needs to be fixed, consider sending a letter to letters@chinadaily.com.cn or opinion@chinadaily.com.cn and it might be published.}} Media in China diversified substantially after Mao, with independent outlets offering increasing competition to the state-run agencies of '''[http://www.news.cn/english Xinhua]''' (press agency publishing in many formats), '''[http://www.cctv.cn/ CCTV]''' (more than 40 TV channels), and the '''''[http://en.people.cn/ People's Daily]''''' newspaper. These state-owned media tend to be accurate in terms of general news, but always stick to the government's policies and ideology in terms of politics. Each province and city in China is also home to its own local channels, often being subordinated or having close-ties to the local government, with a stronger focus on local events. Some of these channels also broadcast in the local dialect or language. Still, the press remains tightly controlled, with restrictions on what news is reported and what opinions may be aired. Certain topics are strictly off limits (such as criticizing China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan), and the vagueness of boundaries for acceptable topics leads to further self-censorship. The biggest threat to state-controlled media has been the rise of '''text messaging''' and '''Internet news''', although these are restricted by the government's firewall and internal censorship. China has some local English-language news media. CCTV News channel is a global English channel available 24/7 in most cities, with French and Spanish variants as well. CCTV 4 has a short newscast in English every day. '''''[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ China Daily]''''' (generally subdued, if a bit dry) and the '''''[http://www.globaltimes.cn/ Global Times]''''' (a notoriously nationalistic tabloid) are two state-run English-language newspapers available in hotels, supermarkets and newsstands. There are also a few English magazines such as ''[http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/ China Today]'' and ''21st Century''. Foreign magazines and newspapers are not generally available in bookstores or newsstands except at top hotels. ==Connect== ===Internet=== ====Internet cafés and business services==== [[File:Tongyang - downtown - internet cafe - CIMG9869.JPG|thumb|Inside an Internet café in Tongyang, [[Hubei]]]] China has more Internet users than any other country in the world and Internet cafés (网吧 ''wǎngbā'') are abundant. Most are designed for online gaming and are not comfortable places to do office-style work. It is cheap (¥1-6 per hour) to use a computer, albeit one with Chinese software. Internet cafés are supposed to require users to show official identification although enforcement varies by region. Browsing of Internet pages may well be monitored by the Public Security Bureau (the police). For printing, scanning, photocopying, and other business services, go to one of any number of small shops in most towns or print shops near university areas. Look for the characters 复印 (fùyìn) meaning "photocopy". Printing costs about ¥2 per page and photocopies are ¥0.5 per page. These shops may or may not have Internet access so bring your materials on a flash drive. ====== Wifi access ====== Free wifi, which may require registration either with a Chinese mobile number, or your WeChat login, is abundant. The quality and speed of the wifi is not proportionate to the provider; i.e. your expensive hotel's free wifi may be nowhere near as fast nor more reliable than the wifi found on the bus you paid ¥2 to get on. Many hotels and some cafés and restaurants provide wifi, typically free, of varying speeds and quality. Some cafés, especially in tourist areas such as Yangshuo, even provide a machine for customer use. Business hotels typically have wired Internet service for your laptop in each room: 7 Days Inn and Home Inn are two nationwide chains meeting Western standards for mid-range comfort and cleanliness that consistently offer Internet and cost ¥150-200 per night. WiFi may also be provided in one's room, perhaps for an extra charge. On occasion, for a bit more, hotels will have rooms with older computers in them as well. The better hotels often have satellite TV in the rooms. ====== Security ====== Since public computers and the Internet are not secure, assume that anything you type is not private. Do not send sensitive data such as banking passwords from an Internet café. It may be better to purchase a mobile data card for use with your own computer instead (these generally cost ¥400 and data plans run ¥10-¥200 per month depending on your usage). If you are connecting to the Internet with your own computer, some websites in China (especially college campuses) require you to use Microsoft Internet Explorer and to install dedicated software on your system and/or accept certificates to access their websites. There are increasing cases of misuse of photocopy, in which your submitted photocopies are illegally disclosed to spammers and fraudsters by the receiver of your photocopies. Always state the purpose of your photocopies on the photocopies clearly, as this leaves evidence in favour of you should any legal matters arise. ====Internet censorship==== {{quote|Across the Great Wall, we can reach every corner in the world.|author=Content of the first Chinese email sent in 1987|source=often used to satirize the current practice of Internet censorship in China.}} '''Internet censorship''' is extensive in mainland China. Pornographic and political sites are routinely blocked, as are many other sites with a broad range of content, including sites that are popular internationally. The government call their censorship system "Golden Shield" (金盾); others call it the '''Great Firewall of China''', GFW, or simply '''the wall''', while circumventing Internet censorship is often referred to as "scaling the wall" (翻墙). {{infobox|Which Internet sites are available?|The actual list of websites and services banned is a secret, changes every day without notification, and oddly enough seems to depend on whether you're using a mobile or WiFi connection. Blocked sites generally include: * Large '''social media''' websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, Blogspot and Instagram. * '''Messaging services''' such as Whatsapp. * Most of '''Google's services''', including Google Search, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps ([https://maps.google.cn/ maps.google.cn] may still work) and Google Translate ([https://translate.google.cn/ translate.google.cn] may still work). Corresponding fast and responsive Chinese websites exist (often only in Chinese), such as [https://www.baidu.com/ Baidu] for search, maps, and other services, [http://www.qq.com/ QQ] and [https://weixin.qq.com/ WeChat] for messaging, [http://weibo.com/ Weibo] for Twitter-style microblogging, [http://renren.com/ Renren] for Facebook-style social networking, and [https://www.bilibili.com/ Bilibili] and [https://v.qq.com/ Tencent Video] for YouTube-style video sharing. You may instead wish to use a different foreign service such as [https://www.bing.com/ Bing] for search and [https://outlook.live.com/ Outlook] for emails. Foreign '''news''' sites such as BBC, CNN, Reuters and ''The Economist'' may or may not be available. They're especially likely to be blocked after publishing stories the Chinese government disapproves of; for example, ''The New York Times'' has been blocked since 2012, when it reported on the financial holdings of top Chinese leaders. Since December 2019, all Wikimedia projects, including Wikivoyage and Wikipedia are '''blocked''', except on the China Mobile network, which only blocks Wikipedia, Wikinews and Commons. Apart from actual website blocks, the firewall also scans for sensitive keywords in every unencrypted message or encrypted Chinese message (QQ, WeChat, etc.) in either direction and may block anything it disapproves of. The system relies heavily on word-filtering, and changes frequently in response to recent social events or current affairs. }} Censorship is often tightened during sensitive periods, such as the annual meeting of China's parliament in March, the CCP congress every fourth October, and anniversaries such as the National Day in October and the Tiananmen massacre in June. Few hotels offer uncensored Internet access. These hotels generally cater to foreigners, but obviously do not advertise this facility. Try browsing to known restricted sites to see if your hotel supports this. The most popular way to access blocked websites is to use a '''VPN (Virtual Private Network)''' which provides users with ''relatively'' stable and reliable access to the Internet through a computer in another country. The best ones have a monthly fee on the order of US$10; free, ad-supported VPNs are also available. Other ways to bypass censorship include software such as [http://dit-inc.us/freegate.html Freegate], [http://tor.eff.org Tor] (with an inconvenient special configuration), and [https://psiphon.ca/ Psiphon]. Any of these should be downloaded before entering China as access to their official websites is generally blocked. Be warned that VPNs in China are not as reliable as they used to be—you may want to download more than one so that you have a backup, and be prepared for a lot of frustration and waiting for things to load. If you need constant access to Twitter or Facebook to be happy, you may yet still be able to guarantee it, at a cost. Due to the way international mobile roaming works, the government cannot interfere with internet access via a foreign SIM without blocking roaming entirely (a revenue stream for the state-owned carriers). This will cost a good deal more than a local SIM, and you will be subject to the restrictions of the country your SIM came from instead (for instance, when roaming with a Thai SIM, you will find yourself unable to access content critical of the Thai regime, just as if you were in Thailand). Chinese law enforcement is sometimes able to pinpoint (and arrest, if needed) users who access restricted sites using VPNs, especially if they access them frequently. On at least one occasion, the police pinpointed and fined a netizen who accessed Wikipedia through a VPN. Moreover, it's a criminal offence to upload and submit any materials seen as subversive. However, enforcement is sporadic and mostly targets journalists and high-profile public figures. ===Mail=== The Chinese Post Office is generally reliable and sometimes quick. There are a few things you need to adapt to: * Incoming mail will be both faster and more reliable if the address is in Chinese. If not, the Post Office has people who will translate, but that takes time and is not 100% accurate. * If you don't know the exact postal code of where your recipient lives, you can fill in the first two digits (which corresponds to the prefecture city/municipality/province), and fill the rest with 0s. Alternatively, you can search your destination's postal code at [http://cpdc.chinapost.com.cn/web/ this website]. * It will be helpful to provide the receiver's phone number with packages or expedited mail. The customs and delivery drivers usually need it. * '''Do not seal outgoing packages''' before taking them to the Post Office; they will not send them without inspecting the contents. Generally it is best to buy the packing materials at the Post Office, and almost all Post Offices will pack your materials for you, at a reasonable price. * Most Post Offices and courier services will refuse to send CDs or DVDs, this can be circumvented by placing them in CD wallets along with lots of other things and finally packing the space in with clothes, giving the appearance of sending your stuff home, it is also easier to send by sea as they care less. * Your ID is now '''required''' when sending parcels. When sending parcels domestically, write the receiver's name ''correctly''; it will be compared with their ID, as all parcels are now tracked end to end. ===Fax=== International fax (传真 ''Chuánzhēn'') services are available in most large hotels for a fee of a dozen renminbi or more. Inexpensive faxes within China can be made in the ubiquitous photocopy outlets that have the Chinese characters for fax written on the front door. ===Telephone=== Telephone service is more of a mixed bag. Calling outside China is often difficult and usually impossible without a calling card, which can often only be bought locally. The good news is that these cards are fairly cheap and the connection is surprisingly clear, uninterrupted and delay-free. Look for '''IP Telephone Cards''', which typically have a value of ¥100 but sometimes can be had for as little as ¥25. The cards have printed Chinese instructions, but after dialling the number listed on the card English-spoken instructions are available. As a general indication of price, a call from China to Europe lasts around 22 minutes with a ¥100 card. Calls to the US and Canada are advertised to be another 20% cheaper. If you end up with an '''IC Telephone Card''' instead, those are only intended to be used in payphones. They may be sold at a slight discount off of face value, but rarely below 20% off when purchased off the street. At a China Telecom payphone, domestic calls will cost ¥0.1/minute, calls to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the US, and Canada will cost ¥1/minute, and calls to all other countries will cost an uneconomical ¥8/minute. If your line allows for international direct dialling (IDD), the prefix for international calls in China is ''00''. To make an overseas call, dial ''00-(country code)-(number)''. Calls from the mainland to Hong Kong and Macau require international dialling. '''IDDs can be expensive.''' Ask the rate before calling. =====Mobile phones===== [[File:ChinaTelecomCustomerOffice.JPG|thumb|A China Telecom shop]] '''[[Mobile phones|Mobile (cellular) phones]] are widespread''' and offer good service in China. They play an essential role in daily life for most Chinese and for nearly all expatriates in China. As of 2022, China is the world leader in 5G mobile phone technology. If you already have a GSM 900/1800 or 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) mobile phone, you can roam onto Chinese networks, subject to network agreements, but calls will be very expensive (¥12-35/min is typical). There are few (but growing in number) exceptions; the primary sets are Hong Kong-based providers which typically charge no more than HK$6/minute (and usually close to local rates with a special "Hong Kong/China" SIM sold by China Mobile or China Unicom in Hong Kong) and the second is T-Mobile US which charges US$0.20/minute with free text and data service. Check with your home operator before you leave to be sure. Most carriers now have 4G roaming agreements, so you will be able to use data with decent speeds. In addition, roaming data is not censored by the Chinese authorities, meaning you will be able to retain access to websites that otherwise would be blocked without having to deal with getting a separate VPN. If your provider offers reasonably priced roaming in China, you should consider taking advantage. Alternatively, depending on if you are transiting somewhere before arriving in China, you may consider buying a SIM from there that roams in China at a discount. There is a wide selection in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries as well as a few affordable options in certain parts of Europe (for example, Free Mobile in France includes 25GB of roaming in China per month on their 20€ plan). China Telecom has shifted away from CDMA, with 4G/LTE being available in the majority of its coverage area. If your device supports VoLTE (voice over LTE) then you will be able to obtain service from them with no issue. For a '''short visit''', consider renting a Chinese mobile phone from a company such as [http://www.pandaphone.com/china_cell_phone_rental.htm Pandaphone]. Rates are around ¥7 a day. The company is based in the US but has staff in China. Toll-free numbers are {{phone|+1-866-574-2050}} in the U.S. or {{phone|+86 400-820-0293}} in China. The phone can be delivered to your hotel in China prior to your arrival and dropped off there at the end of your trip, or shipped to you in the US. When you rent the phone, they will offer you an access code for calling to your country, which is cheaper than buying a SIM card from a local vendor and dialling directly. If you're '''staying for more than a few days''', it will usually be cheaper to buy a prepaid Chinese SIM card; this gives you a Chinese phone number with a certain amount of money preloaded. Chinese tend to avoid phone numbers with the bad-luck digit '4', and vendors will often be happy to offload these "unsellable" SIM-cards to foreigners at a discount. If you need a phone as well, prices start around ¥300 used or ¥1000 new for a smartphone (as of 2020). Chinese phones, unlike those sold in some Western countries, are never "locked" and will work with any SIM card you put in them, but some phones don't have Google services or the Play Store. Some stores can install this for you at time of purchase, so you can ask. However, Google services sideloaded in this manner may not be as stable as when pre-installed as part of the system package. Most shops selling SIM cards require a standard swipeable Chinese ID card (a citizen's ID card, or a foreigner's permanent-resident card) to purchase a SIM card. If you want to purchase a SIM card using a passport as your identity document, you may be asked to go to the cell-phone company's main office, probably somewhere in the city center. The staff will take your photograph for their record, along with the photocopy of your passport. China's three big operators are [http://www.10086.cn/ China Mobile] (Chinese only), [http://eng.chinaunicom.com/ China Unicom] and [https://www.chinatelecomglobal.com/ China Telecom] . ''Most'' SIMs sold by them work nationwide. Domestic roaming charges have largely been abolished, so you no longer need to worry about taking a SIM from one part of mainland China to another. Roaming in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, however, still requires a separate activation step and additional charges. '''International calls''' have to be '''enabled separately''' by applying for China Mobile's "12593" or China Unicom's "17911" service. Neither provider requires a deposit, though both require applications. Usually there will be an English speaker, so let him/her know what you want. Ask for the "special" dialing code, and for ¥1/month extra, this will be provided to you. Enter the code, the country code, then the local number and you will be talking cheaply in no time. Don't be fooled by cellphone shops with the China Mobile signage: be sure to go a to a corporate store. The employees will wear a blue uniform and there will be counter services. China Mobile is the cheaper of the two with calls to North America and Asia around ¥0.4/min. You can also use prepaid cards for international calling; just dial the number on the card as with a regular landline phone, and the charges will go to the prepaid calling card. To recharge, visit the neighborhood office of your mobile service provider, give the staff your number and pay in cash to '''recharge your account'''. Alternately, many shops will sell you a charge card, which has a number and password that must be used to call the telephone company to recharge the money in your account. You will be calling a computer and the default language is Chinese, which can be changed to English if you understand the Chinese. Charge cards are sold in denominations of ¥30, 50 and 100. (If you have WeChat Pay, this is a more convenient way to recharge your account, and foreign credit cards are accepted). For '''mobile data''' addicts who are willing to deal with the Chinese website blocking, mobile data on local SIMs is cheaper than ever. China Mobile has 4G plans starting at ¥29 for a low rate of ¥0.10/minute voice and 3GB data with additional data costing only ¥5/GB (as of 2021). Many locals have access to special online-only offers that provide a very large amount (or even unlimited) data for a low cost, but only some of these are accessible to foreigners; some can be purchased on top of any SIM if you have the carrier app installed (and can understand Chinese to use it), others require special online-only starter packs that foreigners can not purchase due to the requirement to submit a photo of a Chinese ID card when purchasing SIMs online. China Mobile only uses the "standard" LTE frequency bands of 3 and 8 in large cities and uses a different set of frequency bands for its data services outside major cities; if your phone does not support TD-LTE on bands 38, 39, 40, and 41 and you plan on going outside the biggest cities, then China Unicom or China Telecom is recommended instead. In general, apps that are widespread internationally are banned in China, and Chinese people typically use Chinese apps that are sometimes close copies of their foreign equivalents instead. The most important is '''[https://www.wechat.com/ WeChat]''' (微信 Wēixìn), which Chinese people use instead of the internationally popular WhatsApp. WeChat is a combination messaging app, social network, and mobile payment service, and downloading it is essential if you want to start making friends in China or stay in the country for an extended period. The interface can be set to English, Chinese, and various other languages. ====Area codes==== The country dialing code for mainland China is '''86'''. The dialing code is '''852''' for Hong Kong, '''853''' for Macau, and '''886''' for Taiwan. * Major cities with eight-digit numbers have a two-digit area code. For example, Beijing is (0)10 plus an eight-digit number. Other places use seven- or eight-digit local numbers and a three-digit area code that does not start with 0, 1 or 2. So for example: (0)756 plus 7 digits for Zhuhai. The north uses small numbers, the south has larger numbers. * Normal cell phones do not need an area code. The numbers are composed of 130 to 132 (or 156/186) plus 8 digits (China Unicom, GSM/UMTS), 133/153/189 plus 8 digits (China Telecom, CDMA) or 134 to 139 (or 150/152/158/159/188) plus 8 digits (China Mobile, GSM/TD-SCDMA). Additional prefixes have been introduced; a good rule of thumb is that an 11-digit domestic phone number that starts with 1 is a mobile number. Mobile phone numbers are geographic; if you attempt to dial a mobile number issued outside of the province you are in from a landline, you will be prompted to redial the number with a zero in front for long-distance. * There are two additional non-geographic prefixes. A number starting with 400 can be dialed from any phone and is treated as a local call with associated airtime charges, while a number starting with 800 is totally free but can ''not'' be dialed from mobile phones. ====Emergency numbers==== The following emergency telephone numbers work in all areas of China; calling them from a cell phone is free. * Patrol Police: '''110''' * Fire Department: '''119''' * (Government-owned) Ambulance/EMS: '''120''' * (some areas private-owned) Ambulance: 999 * Traffic Police: 122 * Directory inquiries: 114 * Consumer Protection: 12315 112 and 911 do not connect you to emergency service personnel. It is also possible to contact the police by sending SMS message to '''12110XXX''', where XXX is the area code of the prefectural-level city you are located. See [[w:Telephone numbers in China|this list]] for more information. {{related|Working_in_China}} {{related|Rail_travel_in_China}} {{related|List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions}} {{related|Driving_in_China}} {{related|Golf_in_China}} {{IsPartOf|East Asia}} {{usablecountry}} {{geo|35|103|zoom=4}} 0y07bnssj5l4md39ewsk7sxc39wn4q2 4487860 4487858 2022-07-21T18:05:04Z The dog2 35982 /* Understand */It's debatable whether or not China is rich in natural resources. Even in absolute terms, it is far less rich in natural resources than the United States. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|China Banner 2.jpg|caption=Nine Dragon Wall|pgname=China}} {{other uses}} {{COVID-19 box|For information about entering China, see [[#Get in|"Get in"]] below. COVID-19 cases in China are generally on low level and life within the country mostly continues as normal, although cases are higher in border areas due to more international traffic. Since early December 2021, localized outbreaks have also been reported in individual cities. Some restrictions continue, which vary widely and may change with little notice. Face masks continue to be required in some areas, and (despite the annoyance created) regular COVID testing irrespective of symptoms is adopted by some local governments. Chinese authorities adopt zero-COVID policy in dealing with even the smallest outbreaks, and cities or even entire provinces can be locked down at short notice should any infection cluster emerge, meaning that you could be stuck for weeks, or even months on end. '''Food supply may not keep up''' with lockdown measures, so you should keep some durable food to prepare for the worst case. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2022-07-03}} China (中国; ''Zhōngguó'') is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long and rich history is present in people's thinking and values, and in the art, architecture, and feats of engineering that remain from dynasties past. After a tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries, China has dramatically re-emerged as an economic powerhouse. Its rapid development has been paralleled by an ascent onto the international stage. Of course there are growing pains when high-rises and factories surge up to dwarf centuries-old pagodas, but there's also a strong sense of enthusiasm and optimism about what the future holds. If you visit now, you can see the relics of millennia of history and experience the signs of further transformations in progress. ==Regions== China's [[Chinese provinces and regions|hierarchy of administrative divisions]] has 22 '''provinces''' (省 ''shěng'') which tend to have their own cultural identities, and 5 '''autonomous regions''' (自治区 ''zìzhìqū''), each with a designated minority ethnic group. These along with four municipalities (直辖市 ''zhíxiáshì'') make up what is known as '''mainland China'''. {{disclaimerbox|Wikivoyage covers '''[[Hong Kong]]''', '''[[Macau]]''' and '''[[Taiwan]]''' in separate articles. They have separate immigration and visa systems and issue their own currencies. Journeys between any two of them or between any of them and mainland China will involve border inspections. * '''Hong Kong''' and '''Macau''' are [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|special administrative regions]] (SARs, 特别行政区 ''tèbié xíngzhèngqū''): part of China but with distinct political systems. * '''Taiwan''' has been completely autonomous since the end of the civil war in 1949, when the victorious Communists created the People's Republic of China on the mainland, and the defeated Nationalist government was left holding only Taiwan and some outlying islands. On paper, both governments claim sovereignty over all of China including Taiwan and support eventual re-unification. Wikivoyage also covers the [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]] islands in the Taiwan article. ''This does not represent an endorsement of any political position.''}} For the purposes of Wikivoyage, these provinces are grouped into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of China.svg | regionmaptext=Regions of China | regionmapsize=500px | region1name=[[Northeast China]] | region1color=#d5dc76 | region1items=[[Liaoning]], [[Jilin]], [[Heilongjiang]] | region1description=Historically known as '''Manchuria''', the Northeast is a land of steppes, vast forests, and long snowy winters. Culturally influenced by Russia, Korea, and Japan, it contains a mix of modern cities and "rust belt" industrial towns that have become neglected. | region2name=[[North China]] | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items=[[Shandong]], [[Shanxi]], [[Inner Mongolia]], [[Henan]], [[Hebei]], [[Beijing]], [[Tianjin]] | region2description=The plains of North China around the fertile Yellow River basin were the '''cradle of Chinese civilization'''. They have been the political center of Chinese empires for millennia, and are home to the modern capital, Beijing. | region3name=[[Northwest China]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Shaanxi]], [[Gansu]], [[Ningxia]], [[Qinghai]], [[Xinjiang]] | region3description=A historical borderland, with grasslands giving way to deserts and mountains, and with the ancient Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Northwest China is home to many Muslims and ethnic minorities who at times formed independent kingdoms. | region4name=[[Southwest China]] | region4color=#4da9c4 | region4items=[[Tibet]], [[Sichuan]], [[Chongqing (municipality)|Chongqing]], [[Yunnan]], [[Guizhou]] | region4description=Minority peoples, spectacular scenery, and backpacker havens. | region5name=[[South-central China]] | region5color=#a78379 | region5items=[[Anhui]], [[Hubei]], [[Hunan]], [[Jiangxi]] | region5description=Yangtze River Basin area, farms, mountains, river gorges, temperate and sub-tropical forests. | region6name=[[South China]] | region6color=#ffd0d0 | region6items=[[Guangdong]], [[Guangxi]], [[Hainan]] | region6description=Traditional trading center, manufacturing and tech powerhouse. | region7name=[[East China]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=[[Jiangsu]], [[Shanghai]], [[Zhejiang]], [[Fujian]] | region7description=The "land of fish and rice", traditional water towns, and China's new cosmopolitan economic center. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Northeast China]]|wikidata=Q43934,Q45208,Q19206}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[North China]]|wikidata=Q43407,Q46913,Q41079,Q43684,Q21208,Q956,Q11736}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Northwest China]]|wikidata=Q47974,Q42392,Q57448,Q45833,Q34800}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Southwest China]]|wikidata=Q17269,Q43194,Q47097,Q19770,Q11725}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a78379|title=[[South-central China]]|wikidata=Q40956,Q46862,Q45761,Q57052}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffd0d0|title=[[South China]]|wikidata=Q15175,Q42200,Q15176}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[East China]]|wikidata=Q16963,Q8686,Q16967,Q41705}} ==Cities== <!--{{Mapframe|37.6|104.2|height=550|width=700|zoom=4}}--> [[File:Gateofheavenlypeace.JPG|thumb|Tiananmen, [[Beijing]]]] Here are nine of China's most interesting cities for travelers. Others are listed in region articles. <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Beijing]]|wikidata=Q956}} (北京) — the capital, cultural center, and home of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and other important historical sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Chengdu]]|lat=30.657|long=104.066}} (成都) — capital of [[Sichuan]] province, known for tingly-spicy food, and home of the giant pandas * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Guangzhou]]|wikidata=Q16572}} (广州) — one of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south, near [[Hong Kong]], and main center of Cantonese culture [[File:漓江山水.jpg|thumb|Li River near [[Guilin]]]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hangzhou]]|wikidata=Q4970}} (杭州) — built around West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and southern terminus of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Harbin]]|wikidata=Q42956}} (哈尔滨) — capital of [[Heilongjiang]], which hosts the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during its bitterly cold winters * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kashgar]]|wikidata=Q170521}} (Chinese: 喀什, Uyghur: قەشقەر) — center of Uyghur culture, with a beautiful and well-preserved old town, and the famous Id Kah Mosque * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nanjing]]|wikidata=Q16666}} (南京) — the capital during the early Ming Dynasty and Republic of China era, a renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Shanghai]]|wikidata=Q8686}} (上海) — China's largest city, famous for its riverside cityscape, a major commercial center with many shopping opportunities * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Xi'an]]|wikidata=Q5826}} (西安) — the oldest city and ancient capital of China, terminus of the ancient [[Silk Road]], and home of the terracotta warriors <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> You can travel to many of these cities using the new [[High-speed rail in China|fast trains]]. In particular, the Hangzhou - Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing line is a convenient way to see these historic areas. ==Other destinations== Some of the most famous tourist attractions in China are: * {{marker|name=[[Great Wall of China]]|wikidata=Q12501}} (万里长城) — longer than 8,000&nbsp;km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China * {{marker|name=[[Hainan]]|wikidata=Q42200}} (海南) — a tropical paradise island undergoing heavy tourism-oriented development * {{marker|name=[[Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q4111}} (九寨沟) — known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes and as the home of the giant pandas * {{marker|name=[[Leshan]]|wikidata=Q426868|image=Leshan DaF0 Grand Buddha.JPG}} — most famous for its huge riverside cliff-carving of Buddha and nearby [[Mount Emei]] * {{marker|name=[[Qomolangma|Mount Everest]]|wikidata=Q3457459}} — straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, this is the world's highest mountain * {{marker|name=[[Mount Tai]]|wikidata=Q216059}} (泰山 Tài Shān) — one of the five sacred Taoist mountains in China, and the most-climbed mountain in China * {{marker|name=[[Tibet]]|wikidata=Q17269}} (西藏) — with a majority of Tibetan Buddhists and traditional Tibetan culture, it feels like an entirely different world * {{marker|name=[[Yungang Grottoes]]|lat=40.11143|long=113.13233}} (云冈石窟) — these mountain-side caves and recesses number more than 50, and are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues * {{marker|name=[[Guilin]] karst|lat=25.2667|long=110.2833}} (桂林) — sensational mountain landscapes that have long been the subject of Chinese paintings China has over 40 sites on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List#China|UNESCO World Heritage List]]. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationPRChina.svg}} China is one of the major civilizations in this world, and for many centuries stood out as a leading nation with technologies that the West was not able to match until the early modern period. Paper and gunpowder are examples of Chinese inventions that are still widely used today. As the dominant power in the region for much of its history, China exported much of its culture to neighboring [[Vietnam]], [[Korea]] and [[Japan]], and Chinese influences can still be seen in the cultures of these countries. Chinese civilization has endured millennia of tumultuous upheaval and revolutions, golden ages and periods of anarchy. Through the economic boom initiated by the reforms since the 1980s, China has returned to its place as a major political and economic world power, buoyed by its large and industrious population. The depth and complexity of the Chinese civilization, with its rich heritage, has fascinated Westerners such as [[Marco Polo]] and Gottfried Leibniz in centuries past, and will continue to excite — and bewilder — the traveler today. In Chinese, China is ''zhōng guó'', literally "central state" but often translated more poetically as "Middle Kingdom". People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). ===History=== : ''See [[Imperial China]] for more information on pre-revolutionary China.'' ====Ancient China==== According to legend, the origin of the Chinese civilization can be traced to the '''Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors''' (三皇五帝), though they are regarded as mythical figures by most modern historians. The recorded history of Chinese civilization can be traced back to the [[Along the Yellow River|Yellow River]] valley, said to be the "cradle of Chinese civilization". The '''Xia Dynasty''' (夏朝, c.2070 BC- c.1600 BC) was the first dynasty to be described in ancient historical chronicles, though to date, no indisputable proof of its existence has been found. Some archaeologists have linked the [[Erlitou]] settlements to the Xia dynasty, but this is a controversial position. [[File:Statue of Lao Tzu in Quanzhou.jpg|thumb|Statue of Laozi in [[Quanzhou]]]] The '''Shang Dynasty''' (商朝, c.1600 BC- 1046 BC), China's first archaeologically confirmed dynasty, only ruled across the Yellow River basin. There were other Bronze Age civilisations in what is now China at about the same time, at least the [[Liangzhu Culture]] in the lower [[Along the Yangtze River|Yangtze]] region around [[Lake Tai]] and one further up that river in [[Sichuan]] whose main archeological site is at [[Sanxingdui]]. The Shang were succeeded by the '''Zhou Dynasty''' (周朝, 1046 BC- 256 BC), who expanded their empire southward into the Yangtze river basin. The Zhou adopted feudalism as their system of government; feudal lords ruled over their respective territories with a high degree of autonomy, even maintaining their own armies, while at the same time paying tribute to the king and recognizing him as the symbolic ruler of China. During the second half of the Zhou period, China descended into centuries of political turmoil, with the feudal lords of numerous small fiefdoms vying for power during the '''Spring and Autumn Period''' (春秋时代, 770 BC- 476 BC), and later stabilized into seven large states in the '''Warring States period''' (战国时代, 475 BC- 221 BC). This tumultuous period gave birth to China's greatest thinkers including Confucius, Mencius and Laozi (also spelt Lao-Tzu), who made substantial contributions to Chinese thought and culture, as well as the military strategist Sun Tzu, whose ''Art of War'' is studied to this day. ====Imperial China==== {{See also|On the trail of Marco Polo}} China was unified in 221 BC under Qin Shi Huang, "First Emperor of Qin". His '''Qin Dynasty''' (秦朝, 221 BC—206 BC) instituted a centralized system of government for China, and standardized weights and measures, Chinese characters and currency to create unity. The '''Han Dynasty''' (汉朝, 206 BC—220 AD) took over in 206 BC after a period of revolt and civil war, ushering in the first golden age of Chinese civilization. To this day the majority Chinese race use the term "Han" to describe themselves, and Chinese characters continue to be called "Han characters" (汉字 ''hànzì'') in Chinese. The Han Dynasty presided over the beginning of the [[Silk Road]], and the invention of paper. The empire was also expanded further southward, incorporating what is today Fujian, Guangdong and northern Vietnam. The collapse of the Han Dynasty in AD 220 led to a period of political turmoil and war known as '''the Three Kingdoms Period''' (三国时期, 220—280), which China split into the three separate states of '''Wei''' (魏, 220-265), '''Shu''' (蜀, 221—263) and '''Wu''' (吴, 222—280). The '''Jin Dynasty''' (晋朝, 265—420) reunified China in AD 280, though the reunification was short-lived, and China would rapidly descend into civil war and division again. From AD 420 to 589, China was divided into two parts, '''the Southern and Northern dynasties''' (南北朝). The '''Sui Dynasty''' (隋朝, 581—618) reunified China in 581. Sui were famous for major public works projects, such as the engineering feat of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]], which gradually developed into the Canal linking Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. Certain sections of the canal are still navigable today. [[File:Great Wall of China (I) (7183821235).jpg|thumb|The Great Wall]] In 618 AD, the Sui were supplanted by the '''Tang Dynasty''' (唐朝, 618- 907), ushering in the second golden age of Chinese civilization, marked by a flowering of Chinese poetry, the rise of Buddhism and statecraft. After the collapse of the Tang Dynasty in AD 907, China was divided again, until it was reunified under the '''Song Dynasty''' (宋朝, 960—1279) in AD 960. In 1127, the Song were driven south of the Huai river by the Jurchens, where they continued to rule as the Southern Song based in Linan (临安 ''Lín'ān'', modern-day Hangzhou). Although militarily weak, the Song attained a high level of commercial and economic development that would be unmatched in the West until the [[Industrial Revolution]]. The '''Yuan Dynasty''' (元朝, 1271—1368, one of the four divisions of the [[Mongol Empire]]) defeated the Jurchens, then conquered the Song in 1279, and ruled the vast empire from Khanbaliq (大都 ''Dàdū'', modern-day Beijing). After defeating the Mongols, the '''Ming dynasty''' (明朝, 1368—1644) re-instituted rule by ethnic Han. The Ming period was noted for trade and exploration, with [[Voyages of Zheng He|Zheng He's numerous voyages]] to [[Southeast Asia]], [[India]] and the [[Middle East|Arab world]], even reaching the eastern coast of [[Africa]]; see [[Maritime Silk Road]]. Famous buildings in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, were built in this period. The last imperial dynasty, the '''Qing dynasty''' (清朝, 1644—1911), were ethnic Manchus who further expanded the Chinese empire to roughly its current boundaries by incorporating the western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet. The Qing dynasty fell into decay in the 19th century and China was often described as the "sick man of Asia" (東亞病夫/东亚病夫). It was nibbled apart by the Western powers and Japan, a period dubbed by the Chinese as the "Century of Humiliation". The Westerners and Japanese established their own treaty ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin. China lost several territories to foreign powers, including Hong Kong to Britain, and Taiwan to Japan, and it lost control of its tributaries, Vietnam, Korea and the Ryukyu Islands. This is also the period where the stereotypical appearance of Chinese people, such as pigtails, Manchu hairstyles, and ''magua'' (a kind of Manchu clothing) got rooted in other foreign countries due to a surge of foreign communications since the sea ban. The turmoil during the end of the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China-era led to the emigration of many Chinese, who established overseas Chinese communities in many other parts of the world. Most overseas Chinese who emigrated before World War II were from [[Fujian]], [[Guangdong]] or [[Hainan]], making those provinces the natural places to go if you want to explore the [[legacy of the Overseas Chinese]]. ====The Republic and World War II==== {{see also|Chinese Revolutionary Destinations|Pacific War|Long March}} The 2000-year-old imperial system collapsed in 1911, when Sun Yat-Sen founded the '''Republic of China'''. Central rule collapsed in 1916 after Yuan Shih-kai, the second president of the Republic and self-declared emperor, passed away; China descended into anarchy, with warlords ruling over different regions of China and fighting wars with each other. In 1919, student protests in Beijing over the perceived unfavorable terms of the Treaty of Versailles (since China had participated in [[World War I]] as part of the Allies) gave birth to the "May Fourth Movement", which espoused reforms to Chinese society, such as the use of the vernacular in writing, and the development of science and democracy. The intellectual ferment of the movement gave birth to the reorganized '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) in 1919 and the '''Chinese Communist Party''' (CCP), in 1921. It also laid the foundation for the establishment of Standard Mandarin as the first standard spoken form of Chinese for the entire country. After much of eastern China was united under KMT rule in 1928, the CCP and the KMT turned on each other, and the CCP fled to Yan'an in Shaanxi in the epic [[Long March]]. Although Shanghai became one of the most prosperous cities in East Asia during the 1920s and 30s, underlying problems throughout the vast countryside, particularly the more inland parts of the country, such as civil unrest, extreme poverty, famines and warlord conflict, remained. Japan established a puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria in 1931, and launched a full-scale invasion of China's heartland in 1937. The Japanese implemented a brutal system of rule in Eastern China, culminating in the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. After fleeing west to Chongqing, the KMT signed a tenuous agreement with the CCP to form a united front against the Japanese. With the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II in 1945, the KMT and CCP armies maneuvered for positions in north China, setting the stage for the civil war. The civil war lasted from 1945 to 1949. The Kuomintang were defeated and forced to flee to Taiwan where they hoped to re-establish themselves and recapture the mainland someday. ==== A Red China==== [[File:·˙·ChinaUli2010·.· Beijing - Entrance of the Forbidden Town - panoramio.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the Imperial City nowadays features a Mao picture and red flags]] On 1 Oct 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the '''People's Republic of China''' (中华人民共和国). After an initial period closely hewing to the Soviet model of heavy industrialization and comprehensive central economic planning, China began to experiment with adapting Marxism to a largely agrarian society. Massive social experiments rocked China from 1957 to 1976. The Great Leap Forward aimed to collectivize and industrialize China quickly. The Cultural Revolution aimed to change everything by discipline, destruction of the "Four Olds" (customs, culture, habits, ideas), and total dedication to Mao Zedong Thought. The Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution are generally considered disastrous failures in China that caused the deaths of tens of millions of people. The effects of the Cultural Revolution in particular can still be felt: many elements of traditional Chinese culture and folk beliefs continue to thrive in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, but have largely disappeared in mainland China. Mao died in 1976, and in 1978, Deng Xiaoping became China's paramount leader. Deng and his lieutenants gradually introduced market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision making. One of the innovations was the creation of [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Development_zones|Special Economic Zones]] with tax breaks and other government measures to encourage investment and development; these still exist and are quite prosperous. China's miraculous growth since 1978 has been an extraordinary achievement. Significant problems remain, however, including inflation, regional income inequality, human rights abuses, major environmental issues, rural poverty, and ethnic conflict in Xinjiang and Tibet. In particular, blatant corruption was a major cause of large scale political movements in 1989, which in turn resulted in the bloody suppression of protesters in urban [[Beijing]], often known as the '''Tiananmen Massacre'''. The incident is still a sensitive and highly censored topic in China. Hu Jintao, who was paramount leader from around 2002 to 2012, proclaimed a policy for a "Harmonious Society", which promised to restore balanced economic growth and channel investment and prosperity into China's central and western provinces. China has developed economically at a breakneck speed since the 1990s, and overtook [[Japan]] to become the world's second largest economy after the [[United States]] in 2010, cementing its place again as a major political, military and economic world power. China has also expanded its international clout and become a major source of foreign investment, particularly in the less developed countries of [[Asia]], [[Africa]] and increasingly in [[Latin America]] and the [[Caribbean]] as well. President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, which attempts to expand international trading networks through Chinese investment in transportation infrastructure. It largely follows the route of the old [[Silk Road]]. While Xi's administration is often criticized for being more dictatorial than previous ones, China's international influence has also expanded considerably under him, and blatant corruption has been significantly reduced. Moreover, many poorer areas in western China that had largely been left behind by the economic boom are now beginning to see more government investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation. China is now an upper middle income country. Two former colonies, [[Hong Kong]] (British) and [[Macau]] (Portuguese), rejoined China in 1997 and 1999 respectively. They are [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|Special Administrative Regions]] (SARs), run differently under the slogan "One country, two systems". This article does not cover them because for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries with their own visas, currencies, and laws. ===Government and politics=== {{see also|Chinese provinces and regions}} China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The "paramount leader" is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, who holds several other offices including ceremonial President. The State Council forms the executive branch; the next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. China largely follows a centralized system of government, and is administratively divided into 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 directly controlled municipalities. Provincial governments have limited powers in their internal and economic affairs. Autonomous regions have more legal freedom than provinces, such as the right to declare additional official languages besides Mandarin. Directly controlled municipalities are cities that are not part of any province, and instead report directly to the central government in Beijing. Often having different names, prefectures ((地级)市/自治州/地区), counties (县/(县级)市/区) and townships (乡/镇/街道) are subordinated under provinces. The Special Administrative Regions (SAR), [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], in principle run themselves as separate jurisdictions, with only foreign policy and defense being controlled by Beijing, though in practice this autonomy is restricted. There is an active independence movement in Hong Kong, but the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020 has largely driven the movement underground. The PRC considers [[Taiwan]] to be one of its provinces, but Taiwan's government (the Republic of China) has been completely separate from the mainland Chinese one since 1949. Both governments on paper continue to claim to be the sole legitimate government for all of China. There is significant support for formal independence in Taiwan, but China's government has repeatedly threatened to launch a military attack on Taiwan if the island declares itself independent. See [[Chinese provinces and regions]] for more detail. ===People and customs=== With 1.4 billion inhabitants, China is home to nearly a fifth of the world's population and is the most populous country in the world. It is a diverse place with large variations in culture, language, customs and economic levels from region to region, and often strong distinct cultural and regional identities as well. The economic landscape is particularly diverse. The major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai are modern and comparatively wealthy. However, about 50% of Chinese still live in rural areas even though only 10% of China's land is arable. Hundreds of millions of rural residents still farm with manual labor or draft animals. Some 200 to 300 million former peasants have migrated to townships and cities in search of work. Poverty has been reduced dramatically, but towards the end of 2016, China still had 43 million people under the official poverty line of ¥2,300 (about US$334) in annual income. At the other end of the spectrum, the wealthy continue to accumulate real estate and other assets at an unprecedented rate. Generally the southern and eastern coastal regions are more wealthy, while inland areas, the far west and north, and the south-west are much less developed. The cultural landscape is also very diverse. Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group, comprising over 90% of the population, but they are not culturally homogeneous, and speak a wide variety of mutually unintelligible dialects and languages. Many customs and deities are specific to individual regions and even villages. Celebrations for the Lunar New Year and other national festivals vary dramatically from region to region. Customs related to the celebration of important occasions such as weddings, funerals and births also vary widely. The Cultural Revolution wiped out much of traditional Chinese culture and religion, and while they still survive to some extent, many of the traditions of old are better preserved in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and overseas Chinese communities than in mainland China. In general, contemporary urban Chinese society is secular, and traditional culture is more of an underlying current in everyday life. That said, there has been a cultural revival in the 21st century, largely spearheaded by young middle class Chinese, who are now using social media to promote various aspects of their traditional cultures. The other 10% of the population are 55 recognized ethnic minorities — the largest of which are the Zhuang, Manchu, Hui and Miao (Hmong) — which each have their own unique cultures and languages. Other notable ethnic minorities include Koreans, Tibetans, Mongols, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Russians. China is home to the largest Korean population outside Korea, and is home to more ethnic Mongols than is [[Mongolia]]. Many minorities have been assimilated to various degrees, losing their language and customs or fusing with Han traditions, although Tibetans and Uyghurs in China remain fiercely defensive of their cultures. In some areas, some ethnic minorities, such as the Mongols, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Tibetans, continue to maintain their traditional nomadic way of life, though that is changing as the younger generation gets better access to education and moves to the cities for higher-paying jobs, and even those who preserve the nomadic lifestyle often adopt numerous modern conveniences, such as replacing their horses with motorcycles. ====Lucky numbers==== Many Chinese people like homophones, and several numerals are considered auspicious or inauspicious based on rhymes with other Chinese words. '''"Six"''' is a good number for business, sounding like "slick" or "smooth" in Mandarin, and "good fortune" or "happiness" in Cantonese. '''"Eight"''' sounds so close to the word for "prosper" that it's widely considered auspicious. '''"Nine"''' used to be associated with the Emperor, and also sounds like "long lasting". Meanwhile, '''"four"''' is a taboo for most Chinese because the pronunciation in Mandarin, Cantonese and most other Chinese dialects is close to "death"; some buildings skip floors and room numbers that contain 4s. ===Climate and terrain=== [[File:Sanya Dongtian Park - panoramio (10).jpg|thumb|[[Hainan]] is a popular destination in tropical China]] The climate is extremely diverse, from tropical regions in the south to subarctic in the north. [[Hainan]] Island is roughly at the same latitude as Jamaica, while [[Harbin]], one of the largest cities in the north, is at roughly the latitude of Montreal and has the climate to match. North China has four distinct seasons with intensely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Southern China tends to be milder and wetter. The further north and west you travel, the drier the climate. Once you leave eastern China and enter the majestic Tibetan highlands or the vast steppes and deserts of Gansu, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, distances are vast and the land is harsh. During the communist planned economy era, uniform rules required that buildings in areas north of the Yangtze River get heat in the winter, but anything south of it would not &mdash; this meant buildings were unheated in places like Shanghai and Nanjing, which routinely have temperatures below freezing in winter. The rule was relaxed long ago, but the effects are still visible. In general, Chinese use less heating and less building insulation, and wear more warm clothing, than Westerners in comparable climates. In schools, apartments and office buildings, even if the rooms are heated, the corridors are not. Double-glazing is quite rare. Students and teachers wear winter jackets in class, and long underwear is common. Air-conditioning is increasingly common but is similarly not used in corridors and is often used with the windows and doors open. China has many inland mountain ranges, high plateaus, and deserts in the center and the far west; plains, deltas, and hills dominate the east. The [[Pearl River Delta]] region around Guangzhou and Hong Kong and the [[Along the Yangtze river|Yangtze delta]] around Shanghai are major global economic powerhouses, as is the North China plain around Beijing and the Yellow River. On the border between Tibet (the Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal lies Mount [[Everest]], at 8,850&nbsp;m, the highest point on earth. The [[Turpan]] depression, in northwest China's Xinjiang is the lowest point in China at 154&nbsp;m below sea level, which is the second-lowest point in the world after the [[Dead Sea]]. ===Units of measure=== China's official system of measurement is metric, but you will sometimes hear the traditional Chinese system of measurements in colloquial usage. The one you are most likely to come across in everyday use is the unit of mass ''jīn'' (斤), nowadays equal to 0.5&nbsp;kg in mainland China. Most Chinese will quote their weight in ''jīn'' if asked, and food prices in markets are often quoted per ''jīn''. ===Holidays=== {{CNYdates}} China observes two week-long holidays during the year, called '''[[Golden Week holidays in China|Golden Weeks]]'''. During these weeks, around '''Chinese New Year''' (late January to mid-February) and '''National Day''' (1 October), hundreds of millions of migrant workers return home and millions of other Chinese travel within the country (but many in the service sector stay behind, enjoying extra pay). Try to avoid being on the road, on the rails, or in the air during the major holidays. If you do have to travel the, plan well in advance, especially for transportation and for travel from western China or the east coast. Every mode of transportation is extremely crowded; tickets are very hard to come by, and will cost you a lot more. Air tickets sell out more slowly because of the higher prices. The Chinese New Year period is the largest annual migration of people on Earth. [[File:New Year Scene.jpg|thumb|Chinese New Year]] China has seven national holidays: * '''New Year''' (元旦 ''Yuándàn'') — 1 January * '''Spring Festival''' (春节 ''Chūn Jié''), a.k.a. '''Chinese New Year''' — 1st day of the 1st lunar month, late January to mid-February (1 February in 2022) * '''Tomb-Sweeping Day''' (清明节 ''Qīngmíng Jié'') — 15th day from the Spring Equinox, 4 to 6 April (5 April in 2022). Cemeteries are crowded with people who go to sweep the tombs of their ancestors and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to cemeteries can be very heavy. * '''Labor Day''' (劳动节 ''Láodòng Jié'') — 1 May * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午节 ''Duānwǔ Jié'') — 5th day of the 5th lunar month, late May to June (3 June in 2022). Boat races and eating rice dumplings (粽子 zòngzi, steamed pouches of sticky rice) are a traditional part of the celebration. * '''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (中秋节 ''Zhōngqiū Jié''） — 15th day of the 8th lunar month, September to early October (10 September in 2022). Also called the "Mooncake Festival" after its signature treat, mooncakes (月饼 ''yuèbǐng''). People meet outside, put food on the tables and look up at the full harvest moon. * '''National Day''' (国庆节 ''Guóqìng Jié'') — 1 October Known as the '''Golden Weeks''', Chinese New Year and National Day holidays span multiple days; nearly all workers get at least a week for Chinese New Year and some of them get two or three. For many working Chinese, these are the only times of the year they get to travel. Students get four to six weeks of holiday. Chinese New Year is a traditional time to visit family, and the entire country pretty well shuts down. Many stores and other businesses will close from a few days to a week or longer. In early July, around 20 million university students will return home and then in late August they will return to school. Roads, railways and planes very busy at these times. Many areas or ethnic minorities have their own festivals. See listings for individual towns for details. Here are some other nationally important festivals: * '''Lantern Festival''' (元宵节 ''Yuánxiāo Jié'' or 上元节 ''Shàngyuán Jié'') — 15th day of the 1st lunar month, traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year, February to early March (15 February in 2022). In some cities, such as Quanzhou, this is a big festival with elaborate lanterns all over town. * '''Double Seventh Day''' (七夕 ''Qīxī'') — 7th day of the 7th lunar month, usually August (4 August in 2022). This romantic holiday is similar to Valentine's Day. * '''Double Ninth Festival''' or Chongyang Festival (重阳节 ''Chóngyáng Jié'') — 9th day of the 9th lunar month, usually October (4 October in 2022) * '''Winter Solstice''' (冬至 ''Dōngzhì'') — 21 to 23 December (22 December in 2022) Some Western festivals are noticeable, at least in major cities. Around Christmas, one hears carols &mdash; some in English, some in Chinese, and one from Hong Kong that goes "Lonely, lonely Christmas". Some stores are decorated and many shop assistants wear red and white elf hats. Chinese Christians celebrate services and masses at officially sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches as well. For Valentine's Day, many restaurants offer special meals. Around the longer holidays (especially the two Golden Weeks and sometimes Labor Day), surrounding weekends may be rearranged to make the holiday longer. This means that around major holidays, places may be closed when they're usually open or open when they would usually be closed. ===Time zones=== Despite geographically spanning five time zones, all of China officially follows Beijing Time (UTC+8). However, in the restive province of Xinjiang, while the official time is Beijing Time, some ethnic Uyghurs use the UTC+6 time zone as a sign of defiance against Beijing. ===Read=== * ''Wild Swans'' by Jung Chang (''{{ISBN|0007176155}}'') - a biography of three generations, from the warlord days to the end of Mao's era, illustrating life under China's version of nationalism and communism. This book is banned in China. *''The Search for Modern China'' by Jonathan Spence - a standard history book on modern China from the late Ming to the current period. {{topicsin|China|0}} ==Talk== {{see also|Chinese phrasebook}} [[Image:Map of sinitic languages-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Map of Chinese dialects]] The official language of China is '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Standard Mandarin]]''', known in Chinese as ''Pǔtōnghuà'' (普通话, "common speech"), which is based on the Beijing dialect; Chinese in general is known as ''Zhōngwén'' (中文). Standard Mandarin is the main language for government and media, as well as the national lingua franca. While the official language is standardized, local pronunciation of Mandarin does vary by region. Unless otherwise noted, all terms, spellings and pronunciations in this guide are in Standard Mandarin. While national media is broadcast in Mandarin, each area often has its own local media that broadcasts in the local language. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. However, since the 1950s mainland China has used '''simplified characters''', such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>, in an attempt to eradicate illiteracy. Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and many overseas Chinese still use the traditional characters, which are also sometimes used on the mainland as an aesthetic choice. As a result, a word like "bank" will be written <span lang="zh-Hant">銀行</span> as often as <span lang="zh-Hans">银行</span>. The simplification was fairly systematic, and you may deduce at least some of the simplifications on your own just from seeing them frequently. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". The standard way of romanizing Mandarin is '''pinyin''' (汉语拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn''). It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). Mandarin is also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the country, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects''', of which Standard Mandarin is just one. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and can't carry on a conversation with each other. However, thanks to heavy emphasis in the education system, most people can comfortably carry on a conversation in Standard Mandarin, though sometimes with a strong accent. In some areas, younger people are more likely to speak Mandarin than dialects, due to previous education policies that prohibited the use of dialects in school. A variety of (mainly northern) dialects closely related to the standard are classified as Mandarin and account for the majority of China's population. Other large groups of dialects include '''[[Wu phrasebook|Wu]]''' (spoken in Shanghai, Zhejiang and southern [[Jiangsu]]) and '''Yue''' (Guangdong), which includes '''[[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]''' (spoken in much of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau). The '''Min''' (Fujian) group includes '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]]''' (Hokkien, spoken in [[South Fujian]] and in Taiwan), '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Fuzhou dialect]]''' (Foochow or Hokchiu, spoken around [[Fuzhou]]), '''[[Teochew phrasebook|Teochew]]''' (Chiuchow, spoken in [[Chaoshan]]) and '''[[Hainanese phrasebook|Hainanese]]''' (spoken in the island province [[Hainan]]). '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''' is spoken in several parts of southern China but is more related to northern dialects. Like Mandarin, these are all tonal languages. Most Chinese are bilingual or even trilingual, speaking Mandarin as well as regional or local dialects. Some who are older or less educated may speak only the local dialect. While you can easily get by in most of China speaking Mandarin, learning a bit of the local dialect is always appreciated, and may get you preferential treatment in shops and restaurants. Besides dialects of Chinese, various regions also have ethnic minority languages. The west has '''Turkic languages''' such as [[Uyghur phrasebook|Uyghur]], [[Kyrgyz phrasebook|Kyrgyz]], and [[Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh]] as well as other languages such as '''[[Tibetan phrasebook|Tibetan]]'''; the north and northeast has [[Manchu phrasebook|Manchu]], [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]], and [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]; the south has many other ethnic minorities who speak their own languages. However, except for some older folks, Mandarin is generally usable in these regions and many people are bilingual. In areas with large ethnic minority populations, the relevant ethnic minority language is sometimes co-official with Mandarin, and you may see bilingual road signs. '''Chinese Sign Language''' (CSL or ZGS, 中国手语 ''Zhōngguó Shǒuyǔ'') is the dominant sign language. There is an official version of CSL standardized by the government. There are also two regional dialects, Southern (from Shanghai) and Northern (from Beijing); these and official CSL are largely mutually intelligible. CSL is not mutually intelligible with Hong Kong, Taiwanese, or Malaysian Sign Languages, nor with any others. '''Tibetan Sign Language''' (藏语手语 ''Zàng yǔ shǒuyǔ'') is an independent sign language used in Tibet, not mutually intelligible with any others; it too is standardized by the government based on existing regional sign languages. ===English=== Chinese students study English from primary school to high school, and are required to pass an English test in order to graduate from university. However, the focus is mainly on formal grammar and writing, with less emphasis on reading, and even less on speaking or listening. While knowledge of basic words and phrases such as "hello," "thank you", "OK" and "bye-bye" appears nearly universal, the ability to participate in an English conversation can be limited. It's generally rare to find locals conversant in English. Staff at airports, hotels, and popular tourist attractions can sometimes speak basic to conversational English. As China's tourism industry primarily caters to the domestic market, outside major international tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, even staff at tourist attractions may not be conversant in English. When [[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|using English]], '''simplify and speak slowly'''. Chinese grammar is very different from English, as verbs, pronouns, and other words essentially don't inflect at all. Although it sounds abrupt in English, simple declarative sentences like "Give me two beers" are quite similar to Chinese, and thus more readily understood than roundabout constructions like "Could we have a pair of beers please?". [[File:Shenzhen River chinglish warning sign.JPG|thumb|A typical "Chinglish" sign]] While English signage or menus are increasingly widespread in China, especially at or near tourist attractions, they are often written in incorrect English. Such signage can be difficult to read, but as "Chinglish" follows certain rules, it can usually be deciphered. Oftentimes, translations are simply a word-by-word equivalent of a Chinese expression which, like a word puzzle, can sometimes be pieced together with some thought, but in other cases may be utterly baffling. Many places have '''English Corner''', informal gatherings for [[Teaching English|practicing oral English]], which can be a good way to meet locals. They're often held at schools and colleges on Friday afternoons, and on Sundays in public parks, English schools, and bookstores, and universities. Topics often include cultural activities like holidays and festivals from English speaking countries, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, these have been progressively disappearing over the past decade due to the prolific rise of language exchange over the internet in China, and have all but disappeared in smaller cities. ===Other foreign languages=== Although not as widespread as English, there are some foreign languages that are of use in China. [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]] is spoken as a native language by the ethnic Korean minority in the north east of the country, while [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]] is the native language of the ethnic Mongol community in Inner Mongolia. [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] is spoken by some professionals in international businesses. [[German phrasebook|German]] is a popular language for engineering professionals. Some people in border areas and some older people are able to speak [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. [[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]] is commonly studied among Muslim communities. ==Get in== {{COVID-19 box| Entry is denied to most travelers, but foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits, including work permits or permits for family reunion and personal matters, may be allowed to enter. The requirements are complicated and vary depending on what country you're coming from, any countries you transit in, your city of entry to China, and your destination city. Contact your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for specific information. All passengers flying into China must obtain a health code through the Health Code International Version program on WeChat. The program may be hard to use if you don't have a Chinese ID number and mobile phone number; you might need to ask a Chinese citizen to help you complete the form. Make sure you get a health code for both your entry point city and your final destination in China. You'll need a COVID-19 negative certificate, which may need to be in English and notarized by a Chinese embassy. And you may also need an antibody test and/or proof of vaccination. Rules are less strict for travellers from Hong Kong and Macau, who just need to show a negative Covid-19 test result. On arrival, you will be subject to a strict mandatory quarantine for 14 or 21 days (or even longer), at your own expense, and will be tested for COVID multiple times, possibly including oral, nasal, and anal swabs. Food is provided in quarantine but may not be to your liking, though vegetarian options are reportedly available. Make sure you have a Chinese SIM card, as you may need it to use the health apps – if you don't have one you may be able to get it delivered to your quarantine hotel. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2021-12-03}} ===Visas=== {{infobox|Visa policy overview|China offers the following visas to citizens of most countries: * '''L visa''' - tourism, family visits * '''F visa''' - business trips, internships, short study * '''Z visa''' - working, 30 days during which you should get a residence permit * '''X visa''' - study more than six months * '''S1 visa''' - dependent family members of a Z (work) visa * '''Q1 / Q2 visa''' - for expats married to a Chinese citizen or green card holder * '''G visa''' - transit A few nationalities are exempted from needing to obtain a visa before traveling to China for certain durations. You can contact your nearest [http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/ Chinese embassy or consulate] for more details. }} [[File:Visa policy of China.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa requirements for visitors to China. Green, blue and purple countries can have visa free travel, while all other countries need a visa.]] Most travelers will need a visa (签证 ''qiānzhèng'') to visit mainland China. In most cases, it should be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Visas for [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]] may be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate, but they must be applied for separately from the mainland Chinese visa; there is no visa that serves both mainland China and either of those areas. A single-entry mainland China visa is terminated if you go to Hong Kong or Macau, so ensure that you have a multiple entry visa if you plan to return to mainland China. You must submit your fingerprints during the visa application process. Children under 14, and senior citizens over 70 are excepted. Your fingerprints may also be taken when you enter China. 30-day single- or double-entry visas for the mainland can sometimes be acquired in Hong Kong or Macau. You can generally fly from overseas to Hong Kong and spend a few days there to get a visa for the mainland. This is supposed to be available only to residents of Hong Kong or Macau. Exceptions are often made but they vary over time, and are not reliable. Macau's visa office is less crowded and the hotels are a bit cheaper, but it takes just as long. In general, only single- and double-entry visas are granted to visitors without Hong Kong ID cards, although foreigners with previous entries into the mainland and Hong Kong student or work visa holders have been known to be approved for multiple entries. Many Hong Kong travel agencies (such as China Travel Service) offer a faster visa turnaround service for a fee. In addition, a travel agency has some capacity to negotiate on the length of your visa. You might apply for a one-year visa and have that rejected; however, they may well be able to get a 6-month visa for you instead. Visas are sometimes denied to travelers with passport stamps from Turkey and nearby Middle Eastern countries; see [[Visa trouble#China]] for more information. '''Visa-free travel''': Nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Japan]], and [[Singapore]] can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days; nationals of [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belarus]], [[Fiji]], [[Grenada]], [[Qatar]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Tonga]], and [[United Arab Emirates]] for up to 30 days; nationals of [[Mauritius]] for up to 60 days; and nationals of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Ecuador]], and [[San Marino]] for up to 90 days. (Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina can only stay 90 days within a 180-day period.) To visit mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau residents of Chinese nationality must apply at the China Travel Service, the sole authorized issuing agent, to obtain a Home Return Permit (回乡证 húixiāngzhèng), a credit card-sized ID allowing multiple entries and unlimited stay for ten years with no restrictions including on employment. Taiwanese citizens are required to obtain a Taiwan Compatriot Pass (台胞证 táibāozhèng), which is typically valid for five years, and may live in mainland China indefinitely for the duration of the permit's validity with no restrictions including on employment. Travelers should check the most up-to-date information before traveling. Chinese authorities do not recognize British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports. BNO passport holders should use appropriate travel documents (foreign passport/home return permit) to enter China. ====Transit without a visa==== [[File:Chinese Visa Waiver Programs.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa waiver program eligibility for visitors to China.]] Exceptions from visa requirements may be available for those [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/#3 transiting through some airports], to enable you to take short visits to many metropolitan regions of the country. These rules are '''dizzyingly complicated and subject to sudden changes''', so check with your airline shortly before attempting this method of entry. Citizens of the designated countries who arrive at airports in [[Beijing]], [[Chengdu]], [[Chongqing]], [[Dalian]], [[Hangzhou]], [[Kunming]], [[Nanjing]], [[Qingdao]], [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], [[Shijiazhuang]], [[Tianjin]], [[Wuhan]], [[Xiamen]], and [[Xi'an]] can stay in the city of arrival for up to 144 hours provided they depart from an airport of the same city. The onward ticket must be to a country other than the country from which their arriving flight originated and they must have the required entry documents for the third country or countries. In [[Guangdong]], this arrangement applies to the whole province. A similar policy in [[Guilin]], [[Harbin]], and [[Changsha]] allows stays of up to 72 hours. Passengers without a visa who intend to leave the transit area will typically be directed by an immigration officer to wait in an office for around 20 minutes while other officials review the passengers' onward flight documentation. For the city of '''Shanghai''' and the neighboring provinces of '''Jiangsu''' and '''Zhejiang''', visa-free entries through the airports of Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, as well as the Shanghai sea port or Shanghai Station (through train from Hong Kong), are allowed. Once admitted, passengers can go anywhere within the three province-level units, and must depart within 144 hours (6 days). [http://lawandborder.com/translation-shanghai-jiangsu-zhejiang-implement-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-certain-nationalities/ Translation: 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang]. In '''[[Hainan]]''', citizens of the UK, Canada, the US and some other European and Asian countries can travel for up to 30 days without a visa. ====Types of visas==== Getting a tourist visa is fairly easy for most passports as you don't need an invitation, which is required for business or working visas. The usual tourist single-entry visa is valid for a visit of 30 days and must be used within three months of the date of issue. A double-entry tourist visa must be used within six months of the date of issue. It is possible to secure a single, double, or multiple entry tourist visa for up to 60 days or, less commonly, 90 days for some citizens applying in their home countries. Consulates and travel agents have been known to occasionally request proof of onward travel at the time of visa application. Tourist visa extensions can be applied for at the local Entry & Exit Bureau or Public Security Bureau (公安局 ''Gōng'ānjú'') after handing in the following documents: valid passport, visa extension application form including one passport-sized photo, a copy of the Registration Form of Temporary Residence which you received from the local police station at registration. Tourist visas can be only extended once. Processing time is usually five working days and it costs ¥160. See city articles to find out the local bureau. Some travelers will need a dual entry or multiple entry visa. For example, if you enter China on a single entry visa, then go to Hong Kong or Macau, you need a new visa to re-enter mainland China. In Hong Kong, multiple entry visas are officially available only to HKID holders, but the authorities are willing to bend the rules somewhat and may approve three-month multiple entry visas for short-term Hong Kong qualified residents, including exchange students. It is recommended to apply directly with the Chinese government in this case, as some agents will be unwilling to submit such an application on your behalf. Obtaining a '''Visa on Arrival''' is possible usually only for the [[Shenzhen]] or [[Zhuhai]] Special Economic Zones, and such visas are limited to those areas. When crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen at Lo Wu railway station, and notably not at Lok Ma Chau, a five-day Shenzhen-only visa can be obtained during extended office hours on the spot. The office accepts only Chinese yuan as payment. There may be restrictions on visas for some nationalities and these vary over time. For example: * The visa fee for American nationals is [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t334452.htm US$140] (or US$110 as part of a group tour). * Indian nationals are limited to 10- or 15-day tourist visas, and have to show US$100 per day of visa validity in the form of traveler's checks. (US$1,000 and US$1,500, respectively). * Foreigners in South Korea not holding an alien registration card must travel to the Chinese consulate in [[Busan]], as the Chinese embassy in [[Seoul]] does not issue visas to non-residents in Korea. Applications must be made through an official travel agency. See [[Working in China]] for information for those who want to work in China, and their family members. One option for foreigners married to Chinese citizens is to obtain a six- to twelve-month ''visiting relatives'' (探亲 tànqīn) visa. This is a tourist (L) visa that permits individuals to remain in China continuously for the duration of their visa and does not require the visa holder to exit and re-enter China to maintain the validity of the visa. To apply for a this visa, you should first enter the country on a different visa and then apply for a ''visiting relatives'' visa at the local Public Security bureau in the city that your marriage was registered in, which is usually your Chinese spouse's hometown. Bring your marriage certificate and spouse's identification card (身份证 shēnfènzhèng). If you apply for a visa in South Korea, you will generally have to either show an Alien Registration Card showing you still have several months of residency in South Korea or show that you've received a Chinese visa within the last two years. You cannot apply to a Chinese embassy or consulate directly but must proceed through a travel agent. Generally only 30-day single entry visas are available. ====Registering your abode==== [[File:Longhai - Hotel reception - P1260519.JPG|thumb|An announcement above a hotel's reception desk lists acceptable document types (including a foreign citizen's passport, 外国人“护照”) for guest registration]] Chinese immigration law requires that hotels, guest houses and hostels register their guests with the local police when they check in. The staff will scan your passport including your visa and entry stamps. In some places, your face may be photographed. Help staff out if they do not know where the most recent stamp is —&nbsp;immigration officers are sometimes known to stamp in the wrong order. Some of the lower-end hotels are not set up for this and will refuse foreign guests. Others will accept foreign guests but ignore the registration requirement. You should avoid staying at one of these places immediately after arriving in China, lest you run into problems later, such as refusal of entry, due to not registering when you entered the country. If you are staying in a private residence, you are required to register your abode with the local police within 24 hours (city) to 72 hours (countryside) of arrival, though the law is enforced inconsistently. The police will ask for a copy of the photograph page of your passport, a copy of your visa, a copy of your immigration entry stamp, a photograph and a copy of the tenancy agreement or other document concerning the place you are staying in. That agreement might not be in your name but it will still be asked for. This Temporary Residence Permit should be carried with you at all times, especially if you are in larger cities or where control is tight. You must re-register if your visa or residence permit undergoes any changes — extensions, or changes in passport (even here, it is ideal to re-register when you get a new passport, regardless if you've transferred the visa or residence permit to the new passport). In some cities, you must re-register every time you re-enter mainland China even if your residence permit is still valid; check with your local police station to see if this is necessary. ===By plane=== {{COVID-19 box|China maintains a "circuit breaker" policy regarding flights arriving in China. Flights on a particular route may be cancelled for a period of weeks if too many passengers have tested positive. The Civil Aviation Administration of China publishes these termination orders regularly from time to time, and please contact your airline if you are affected by such orders.|lastedit=2021-11-27}} {{infobox|Transiting through Hong Kong and Macau|If arriving in Hong Kong or Macau there are ferries that can shuttle passengers straight to another destination such as Shekou or Bao'an Airport in Shenzhen, Macau Airport, Zhuhai and elsewhere without actually "entering" Hong Kong or Macau.<br>A shuttle bus takes transit passengers to the ferry terminal so their official entry point, where they clear immigration, will be the ferry destination rather than the airport. The ferries do have different hours so landing late at night may make it necessary to enter either territory to catch another bus or ferry to one's ultimate destination. For example, it would be necessary to clear immigration if going from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau via the Macau Ferry Terminal. The most recent information on the ferries to Hong Kong can be found at [http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html the Hong Kong International Airport website].}} The main international gateways to mainland China are [[Beijing]] ({{IATA|PEK}} & {{IATA|PKX}}, for all airports {{IATA|BJS}}), [[Shanghai]] ({{IATA|PVG}}) and [[Guangzhou]] ({{IATA|CAN}}). The explosive growth of commercial aviation in China has led to the proliferation of international gateways to the country. Local governments also frequently subsidize international flight routes serving their cities, so these services may be much cheaper. In particular, [[Chengdu]] ({{IATA|CTU}}), [[Chongqing]] ({{IATA|CKG}}) and [[Kunming]] ({{IATA|KMG}}) are emerging as major Chinese hubs, with flights to destinations in North America, Europe and Oceania. Airline tickets are expensive or hard to come by around Chinese New Year, the Chinese 'golden weeks' and university holidays. If you live in a city with a sizeable overseas Chinese community, check for cheap flights with someone in that community or visit travel agencies operated by Chinese. Sometimes flights advertised only in Chinese newspapers or travel agencies cost significantly less than posted fares in English. However if you go and ask, you can get the same discount price. ====Airlines==== China's carriers are growing rapidly. The three largest, and state-owned airlines are flag carrier '''[http://www.airchina.com/ Air China]''' (中国国际航空), as well as '''[http://www.ceair.com/ China Eastern Airlines]''' (中国东方航空) and '''[http://www.csair.com/ China Southern Airlines]''' (中国南方航空), based in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou respectively. Other airlines include '''[https://www.xiamenair.com/ XiamenAir]''' (厦门航空), '''[https://www.hainanairlines.com/ Hainan Airlines]''' (海南航空), '''[http://www.shenzhenair.com/ Shenzhen Airlines]''' (深圳航空) and '''[http://www.sichuanair.com/ Sichuan Airlines]''' (四川航空). [[Hong Kong]]-based [http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific] can connect from many international destinations to all the major mainland cities. Other Asian carriers with good connections into China include [http://www.singaporeair.com/ Singapore Airlines], Japan-based [http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ Japan Airlines] and [https://www.ana.co.jp/ All Nippon Airways], South Korea-based [http://www.koreanair.com Korean Air] and [http://flyasiana.com/ Asian Airlines], and Taiwan-based [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines] and [http://www.evaair.com/ EVA Air]. Many major carriers based outside Asia fly to at least one of China's main hubs &mdash; [[Beijing]] ([[Beijing Capital International Airport|Capital]] or [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Daxing]]), [[Pudong Airport|Shanghai Pudong]] and [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]] &mdash; and many go to several of those. Some, such as [http://www.klm.com/ KLM], also have flights to other less prominent Chinese cities. Check the individual city articles for details. See [[Discount airlines in Asia]] for some additional options both to reach China and to get around within it. ===By train=== China can be reached by train from many of its neighboring countries and even all the way from Europe. * '''Russia & Europe''' - two lines of the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] (Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian) run between [[Moscow]] and Beijing, stopping in various other Russian cities, and for the Trans-Mongolian, in [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia. * '''Kazakhstan & Central Asia''' - from [[Almaty]], Kazakhstan, you can travel by rail to [[Ürümqi]] in the northwestern province of Xinjiang. There are long waits at the Alashankou border crossing for customs, as well as for changing the wheelbase for the next country's track. Another, shorter, trans-border route has no direct train service; rather, you take an overnight Kazakh train from Almaty to Altynkol, cross the border to Khorgos, and then take an overnight Chinese train from Khorgos (or the nearby [[Yining]]) to Urumqi. There is also direct train service between Ürümqi and [[Astana]] (via Khorgos). ([http://news.huochepiao.com/2017-6/2017621404433.htm Details], in Chinese) * '''Hong Kong''' - regular services link mainland China with [[Hong Kong]]. A [[high speed rail]] link was completed in 2018. * '''Vietnam''' - from Hanoi Gia Lam Station to Nanning in Guangxi province, via the Friendship Pass. You can take a train from Hanoi to [[Lao Cai]], walk or take a taxi across the border to Hekou, and take a train from Hekou North to Kunming. * '''North Korea''' - four weekly connections between the North Korean capital [[Pyongyang]] and [[Beijing]]. ===By road=== China has land borders with 14 countries. Mainland China also has land borders with the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which are similar to international borders. Most of the border crossings in western China are in remote mountain passes, which while difficult to reach and traverse, often reward travelers willing to make the effort with breathtaking scenic views. ====India==== The Nathu La Pass between [[Sikkim]] in India and Southern Tibet is not open to tourists, and both countries require special permits to visit. The pass has reopened for cross-border trade since 2006, so the tourist restriction may be lifted in the future. ====Myanmar (Burma)==== Entering China from Myanmar is possible at the [[Ruili]] (China)-[[Lashio]] (Myanmar) border crossing, but permits must be obtained from the Burmese authorities in advance. Generally, this would require you to join a guided tour. ====Vietnam==== [[File:Border crossing at Lao Cai.png|thumb|Looking from Vietnam into China]] For most travelers, Hanoi is the origin for any overland journey to China. There are three international crossings: *From [[Dong Dang]] to [[Pingxiang (Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] (凭祥) *From [[Lao Cai]] to [[Hekou]] (河口) *From [[Mong Cai]] to [[Dongxing]] (东兴) ====Laos==== From [[Luang Namtha]] you can get a bus to [[Mengla]]. You must have a Chinese visa beforehand as there is no way to get one on arrival. Also, there is a direct Chinese sleeper-bus connection from [[Luang Prabang]] to Kunming (about 32 hours). You can jump in this bus at the border, when the minibus from [[Luang Namtha]] and the sleeper meet. Don't pay more than ¥200, though. ====Pakistan==== The [[Karakoram Highway]] from northern [[Pakistan]] into Western China is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It's closed for tourists for a few months in winter. Crossing the border is relatively quick because of few overland travelers, and friendly relations between the two countries. Preliminary customs inspection will be done on spot, while immigration and customs inspection are done at suburban [[Tashkurgan]]. A bus runs between Kashgar (China) and Sust (Pakistan) across the Kunerjab pass. ====Nepal==== The [[Nepal#Get in|road from Nepal]] to Tibet passes near Mount Everest, and through amazing mountain scenery. Entering Tibet from Nepal is only possible for tourists on package tours, but it is possible to travel into Nepal from Tibet ====Mongolia==== [[File:Trans Mongolian wheel changing.JPG|thumb|Going by train between Mongolia and China, the carriages will need new wheels]] There are two border crossings open to foreigners between Mongolia and China: *[[Erenhot]] ([[Inner Mongolia]])/[[Zamiin Uud]], and *[[Takashiken]] ([[Xinjiang]])/[[Hovd (province)|Bulgan]]. Other crossings open to nationals are: Zhuen Gadabuqi or Zuun Khatavch (Xilingol, Inner Mongolia), Bichig (Mongolia), and Sheveekhuren - Sekhee. ====Kazakhstan==== The border crossing closest to Almaty is at [[Khorgos]]. Buses run almost daily from [[Almaty]] to [[Ürümqi]] and [[Yining]]. No visa-on-arrival is available so ensure that both your Chinese and Kazakh visas are in order before attempting this. Another major crossing is at Alashankou (Dostyk on the Kazakh side). ====Kyrgyzstan==== It is possible to cross the [[Torugart pass]] from Kyrgyztan, but the road is rough and the pass is only open during the summer months (June–September) every year. It is possible to arrange crossings all the way from Kashgar, but ensure that all your visas are in order. Alternatively, while less scenic, a smoother crossing is at [[Irkeshtam]] to the south of Torugart. ====Tajikistan==== There is a single border crossing between China and Tajikistan at [[Kulma]], which is open on weekdays from May–November. A bus operates across the border between [[Kashgar]] in Xinjiang and [[Khorog]] in Tajikistan. Ensure both your Chinese and Tajik visas are in order before attempting this crossing. ====Russia==== The most popular border crossing at [[Manzhouli]] in [[Inner Mongolia]]. Buses run from Manzhouli to [[Zabaikalsk]] in Russia. There are also ferries across the Amur from [[Heihe]] to [[Blagoveshchensk]], and from [[Fuyuan]] to [[Khabarovsk]]. Farther east, there are land border crossings at [[Suifenhe]], Dongning, and Hunchun. Ensure both your Russian and Chinese visas are in order before attempting. ====North Korea==== Crossing overland from North Korea at the [[Dandong]]/[[Sinuiju]] border crossing is fairly straightforward if you have arranged it as part of your North Korean tour. The other border crossings along the Yalu and Tumen rivers may not be open to tourists. Your tour company must ensure that your Chinese and North Korean visas are in order before attempting this. ====Hong Kong==== There are four road border crossings into China from [[Hong Kong]]: *Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, *Sha Tau Kok/Shatoujiao, *Man Kam To/Wenjindu, and *the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. A visa on arrival is available for some nationalities at Huanggang, but visas must be arranged in advance for all other crossings. ====Macau==== The two border crossings are at the '''Portas do Cerco'''/'''Gongbei''' and the '''Lotus Bridge'''. A visa-on-arrival can be obtained by certain nationalities at the Portas do Cerco. At Gongbei, [[Zhuhai]] train station is adjacent to the border crossing, with frequent train service to Guangzhou. ====Others==== Travelers cannot cross the borders with [[Afghanistan]] and [[Bhutan]]. ===By boat=== There are a number of boats to China by sea and river: * '''Hong Kong and Macau''': There is regular ferry and hovercraft service between Hong Kong and Macau to the rest of the Pearl River Delta, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]]. Ferry service from Hong Kong International Airport allow arriving passengers to proceed directly to China without having to clear Hong Kong immigration and customs. * '''Japan''': A ferry service to [[Shanghai]] from [[Osaka]] and [[Kobe]], Japan. Service is once or twice weekly, depending on the season and takes about 2 days. * '''South Korea''': A ferry service to Shanghai and Tianjin from [[Incheon]], a port close to [[Seoul]]. Another line is to [[Qingdao]] or [[Weihai]] from Incheon or [[Dalian]] from Incheon. * '''Taiwan''': Hourly ferries (18 departures per day) run from [[Kinmen]] to [[Xiamen]], with the journey time either 30 minutes or one hour depending on port. There is also a regular ferry between Kinmen and [[Quanzhou]] with 3 departures per day. A twice-daily ferry links [[Matsu]] with [[Fuzhou]], with journey time about 2 hours. From the Taiwanese main island, there are weekly departures from [[Taichung]] and [[Keelung]] aboard the Cosco Star to [[Xiamen]] and [[Taizhou (Zhejiang)|Damaiyu, Taizhou]]. * '''Thailand''': Golden Peacock Shipping company runs a speedboat three times a week on the Mekong river to [[Jinghong]] in [[Yunnan]] from [[Chiang Saen]] (Thailand). Passengers are not required to have visas for Laos or Myanmar, although the greater part of the trip is on the river bordering these countries. Tickets cost ¥650. * '''Cruise ship''': In the fall, several cruise lines move their ships from [[Alaska]] to [[Asia]] and good connections can generally be found leaving from [[Anchorage]], [[Vancouver]], or [[Seattle]]. Star Cruises operates between [[Keelung]] in Taiwan and Xiamen in mainland China, stopping at one of the Japanese islands on the way. ==Get around== {{Infobox|Health Codes|[[File:健康码.png|thumb|right|An example of "health code"]]In an attempt to balance between public health and post-pandemic economic development, "health codes" have widely been used to indicate the health status of travelers, in which it is generated through specific mobile phone apps developed by authorities. A green code indicates the traveler is at lowest risk, while a red code indicates high transmission risk. These codes will be checked when traveling between provinces, or entering public places. Places are also divided into '''risk levels''' per sub-districts for the purpose of COVID-19 response. The default risk level is low-level, while if there are surges of local COVID-19 cases, risk levels of sub-districts will be raised. Depending on the severity, mass testing, restrictions on leaving your city or even communal lockdowns may be enforced, which are also reflected in your health code.}} Many foreign apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps '''do not work''' in China, and tend to have patchy coverage and data quality even if accessed via VPN. Moreover, China uses its own coordinate system, which sometimes causes problems when using foreign map apps. The most common direction-finding app used by the Chinese themselves is '''[https://map.baidu.com/ Baidu Maps]''', though it is only available in Chinese. [http://ditu.amap.com/ Amap] is effectively the Citymapper for the whole of China. It is only available in English on Apple devices, and replaces Apple Maps when you are in mainland China. It lists all public transport and suggested car routes even in seemingly rural places. Alternative methods include other map apps based on OpenStreetMap data or renting a local GPS. More information at [[GPS navigation]]. '''Names of long streets''' are often given a middle word indicating the part of the street: north (北 ''běi''), south (南 ''nán''), east (东 ''dōng''), west (西 ''xī''), or central (中 ''zhōng''). For example, White Horse Street or ''Báimǎ Lù'' (白马路) may be split up into ''Báimǎ Běilù'' (白马北路 "White Horse North Street"), ''Báimǎ Nánlù'' (白马南路 "White Horse South Street"), and ''Báimǎ Zhōnglù'' (白马中路 "White Horse Central Street"). In some cities, however, these names do not indicate parts of one street. In [[Xiamen]], ''Hubin Bei Lu'' and ''Hubin Nan Lu'' (Lakeside Road North and Lakeside Road South) are parallel, running east-west on the north and south sides of the lake. In [[Nanjing]], ''Zhongshan Lu'', ''Zhongshan Bei Lu'' and ''Zhongshan Dong Lu'' are three separate major roads. ===By plane=== China is a huge country so, unless you're planning to visit only the eastern seaboard, definitely consider domestic flights. China has many domestic flights connecting all the major cities and tourist destinations. Airlines include the three state-owned international carriers: Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, as well as regional ones including Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Flights between Hong Kong or Macau and mainland Chinese cities are considered to be international flights and can be quite expensive. Hence if arriving in, or departing from, Hong Kong or Macau, it is usually '''much''' cheaper to fly to or from Shenzhen or Zhuhai, just across the border, or Guangzhou, which is a little further afield but offers flights to more destinations. Prices for domestic flights are set at standard rates, but discounts are common, especially on the busier routes. Most good hotels, and many hostels, will have a travel ticket service and may be able to save you 15-70% off the price of tickets. Travel agencies and booking offices are plentiful in all Chinese cities and offer similar discounts. Even before considering discounts, traveling by aircraft in China is not expensive. For travel within China, it is usually best to buy tickets in China, or on Chinese websites (these often have English versions). A useful app/website is [http://english.ctrip.com/?curr=CNY&language=EN&iburedirect=1 CTrip], which is the only way you can use an international credit/debit card on the fly to buy train/plane tickets. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will contact you to let you know about changes to your flight. If you purchased your ticket overseas, be certain to check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. On Chinese websites, prices tend to remain high until two months before the flight date, at which point large discounts are usually available unless a particular flight has been heavily booked already. Unexplained flight delays are common, in part because of the tight military control of the airspace — few countries have as much of their airspace off limits to civil aviation as China. For short-distance travel, you may want to consider alternatives like [[Rail travel in China#High-speed rail|high-speed railway]]. Flight cancellations are also not uncommon. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will likely try to contact you (if you left contact information) to let you know about the change in flight plan. If you purchased your ticket overseas, check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. Despite a lack of regulation in the late 20th century, the safety record of Chinese aviation is now superb. They have not had a major fatal accident from 2010 to 2022 and Chinese regulatory authorities are very no-nonsense when it comes to safety violations by crews or maintenance problems. Also be sure not to lose your checked baggage receipts, as they will be checked against your baggage tags before you are allowed to leave the baggage claim hall. ===By train=== : ''See also [[Rail travel in China]]'' [[File:A maglev train coming out, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai.jpg|thumb|300px|Maglev train in [[Shanghai]]]] [[File:Rail map of PRC.svg|thumb|500px|Rail map of China]] Train travel is the main method of long-distance transportation for the Chinese, with an extensive network of routes covering most of the country. Roughly a quarter of the world's total rail traffic is in China. China now has the world's longest network of [[high-speed rail]]ways (similar to French TGV or Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains) called '''CRH''', including the world's only high-speed [[sleeper trains]]. If your route and budget allow then these may be the best way to get around. CRH trains are top-notch, even internationally, in terms of equipment and cleanliness. On most higher-level trains, recorded announcements are made in Chinese and English. Local trains do not have announcements in English. Be careful with your valuables while on the train as theft on public transportation is a problem. Motion sickness pills and ear plugs are recommended. Long distance trains have a buffet or dining car, which serves mediocre hot food at around ¥25. The menu is entirely in Chinese. There may be vendors on station platforms who sell noodles, snacks, and fruit at better prices. Most train cars have a hot boiled water dispenser available so you can bring tea, soups and instant noodles. Smoking is not permitted in the seating or sleeping areas but is allowed in the vestibules at the end of each car on ordinary trains, while on high-speed trains, it is completely banned. Smoking is forbidden inside station buildings apart from in designated smoking rooms. See [[Rail travel in China]] for information on buying tickets. Chinese train stations function like airports, so do not count on catching a train at the last minute: gates close a few minutes prior to departure! To be safe, be there at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes if you are entering a big train station. Make sure you're waiting in the right place, because often the train will only stop for a couple of minutes. Many cities have different stations for normal trains and high-speed trains. High-speed station names usually consist of the city name and the cardinal direction (for example ''Héngyángdōng'', "Hengyang East"). ===By bus=== Traveling by public '''city buses''' (公共汽车 ''gōnggòngqìchē'') or long-distance buses (长途汽车 ''chángtúqìchē'') is inexpensive and ideal for in-city and short-distance transportation. City buses vary from city to city. However, if you can understand the bus routes then they are cheap and go almost everywhere. Buses will normally have recorded announcements telling you the next stop - examples of which might include 'xià yí zhàn - zhōng shān lù' (next stop Zhongshan Road) or 'Shànghǎi nán huǒ chē zhàn dào le' (Shanghai South railway station - now arriving). Some major cities such as Beijing or Hangzhou will have English announcements, at least on some major routes. Fares are usually about ¥1-3 or more if traveling into the suburbs. Most buses simply have a metal cash-box next to the entrance where you can insert your fare (no change - save up those ¥1 coins) or on longer routes a conductor that will collect fares and issue tickets and change. The driver usually prioritizes speed over comfort, so hold on tight. [[File:Meng H27360 at Liuliqiao Coach Station (20210624120340).jpg|thumb|A long-distance buses from [[Beijing]] to [[Xilinhot]]]] Coaches, or '''long-distance buses''', may be more practical than trains for going to suburbs or smaller cities. Coaches originating from larger cities on the east coast tend to be air conditioned with soft seats. Bus personnel tend to try to be helpful, but they are much less familiar with foreigners than airline personnel. [[File:Xiaoxi - Bus no. 2 - DSCF4163.JPG|thumb|Local buses in Pinghe County, [[Fujian]], connect the county seat with rural towns]] A coach or bus in rural China is a different experience. Signs in the station to identify buses will be in Chinese. The coach's license plate number is printed on the ticket, it will be spray-painted on the back of the bus. Scheduled times of departure and arrival are only rough estimates, with the bus leaving when it's full, rather than at a scheduled time. Often, rural coaches are the only forms of transportation in many areas of China and are usually more than willing to stop anywhere along the route should you wish to visit more remote areas without direct transport. Buses can also be flagged down at most points along their route. The ticket price the rest of the way is negotiable. [[File:Qujiang - highway bus stop - DSCF3093.JPG|thumb|A highway bus stop in [[Qujiang]], Nanjing County, [[Fujian]]. The sign lists departure times for buses to [[Xiamen]]]] Getting a ticket is straightforward. Large bus stations have ticket counters who sell printed tickets displaying the departure time, boarding gate and license plate number of your bus. You need your passport to purchase a ticket, and often you will have to go through security inspection. ===By subway=== Most major cities in China now have subway/metro (地铁 ''dìtiě'') systems. They are typically modern, clean, efficient, and are still rapidly expanding. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou already have some of the world's most extensive systems. On station platforms and in trains there is usually signage in Chinese and English listing all stations on that line. Announcements in the stations and trains are made in Mandarin and English, and sometimes the local language. Many maps (especially English versions) may not have kept up with rapid expansion. Look online for a bilingual subway map that you can carry with you. Chinese subway stations often have a security checkpoint before the turnstiles, where you must run your bags through an X-ray scanner. Pickpockets are most likely to strike during station stops, so pay attention to your belongings. Stations tend to have numerous exits with labels such as Exit A, B, C1, or C2. On maps you will find each exit is labeled clearly around the station. Signs in the station make it easy to find your exit. === By taxi === Taxis (出租车 ''chūzūchē'' or 的士 ''dīshì'', pronounced "deg-see" in Cantonese-speaking areas) are reasonably priced: flagfall ¥5-14, per km charge ¥2-3. Most trips within the city center will cost ¥10-50. There is no extra charge for luggage, but in many cities rates are higher at night. The taxi fee is usually rounded up to the nearest whole yuan. Tips are not expected, but are welcome, especially after long trips. Taxis are commonly ordered through a '''phone app''', and it has become harder to hail a taxi on the street. The most popular app, [http://www.didichuxing.com/en/com/en/ Didi Chuxing], is also available in English. Taxi hawkers stalk naive travelers at airport terminals, train stations, and border crossings. They will try to negotiate a set price, and will usually charge 2 to 3 times a metered fare. There are designated taxi areas outside most major airport terminals; insist that the driver use the meter. The fare should be plainly marked on the taxi. Finding a taxi during peak hours can be a bit hard. But it really gets tough if it is raining. Away from peak hours, especially at night, it is sometimes possible to get a 10% to 20% discount especially if you negotiate it in advance, even if with the meter on and asking for a receipt. Sitting in the front passenger seat is acceptable, and is useful if you have trouble communicating in Chinese. Some taxis mount the taxi meter down by the gearbox, where you can only see it from the front seat. Drivers may start smoking without asking. In some cities it is also common for drivers to try and pick up multiple passengers if their destinations are in the same general direction. Each passenger pays full fare but it saves the time of waiting for an empty cab at rush hour. Even in major cities, you are very unlikely to find an English-speaking taxi driver. If you are not able to pronounce [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] well, have your destination written ''in Chinese characters'' to show the driver. Business cards for your hotel and for restaurants are useful for this. In major cities in the prosperous southern and eastern coastal provinces, many taxi drivers are migrants from other parts of China who speak Mandarin but not the local dialect. Most drivers are honest and fares are reasonable but there are the bad ones out there who will try to use your lack of Chinese skills to their advantage. The fare difference will usually be minimal. Should you feel you have been seriously cheated on the way to your hotel, and it has a doorman, you can appeal to him or the desk staff for assistance. In cities, photographing the driver's ID (posted on the dashboard) or license plate number and threatening to report him to the authorities can be quite effective. In some cities, taxi companies use a star-rating system for drivers, ranging from 0 to 5, displayed on the driver's name-plate, on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. While no or few stars do not necessarily indicate a bad driver, many stars tend to indicate good knowledge of the city, and willingness to take you to where you ask by the shortest way. Another indicator of the driver's ability can be found on the same name-plate - the driver's ID number. A small number tells you he has been around for a long time, and is thus likely to know the city better. Use the bigger taxi companies when possible, as the smaller companies tend to have a higher number of dishonest drivers. Chinese are sometimes competitive when it comes to finding a taxi. The person who flags down a particular car is not necessarily entitled to that ride. Having locals move farther up in traffic to intercept cars or being shoved out of the way while trying to enter a taxi is common. If there are others in the area competing for rides, be ready to reach your car and enter it as soon as possible after flagging it down. Wear your seat belt at all times (if you can find it). Some taxi drivers, in particular those who can speak some English, can be quite curious and talkative, especially during peak hours' traffic (高峰 ''gāo​fēng''). ===By bicycle=== [[File:Mobikes_in_Huangzhou,_Huanggang,_Hubei,_China_3.jpg|thumb|A row of Mobike dockless bikes]] {{main|Cycling in China}} Bicycles (自行车 ''zìxíngchē'') were once the most common form of transportation in China, but many people have upgraded to electric bikes and motorcycles. Bicycle repair shops are common in cities and rural areas. '''Dockless rideshare bikes''' in China's larger cities operate on a grab'n'go basis: you use your mobile phone to unlock any available bike, pay ¥1-2 per 30 minutes while using them, and drop them off pretty much anywhere you like. The largest operators [https://mobike.com/global/ Mobike] (orange) and [https://www.ofo.com/au/en Ofo] (canary yellow) have English apps. Dockless bikes are built to last, meaning they're heavy, clunky and ungeared, but for travelers, they can be a cheap, convenient means of transport that is better than trying to deal with public transport. There are two major '''dangers for cyclists''' in China: * '''Motor traffic'''; cars and motorcycles frequently pull out without any warning, and in most areas red lights are apparently optional. * '''Bicycle theft is rampant''' throughout cities in China. China is a vast country and it provides serious cyclists with challenges to bike across mountains and desert. If you plan to cycle through China, get a visa before your journey, as it can be hard to get one along the way. Avoid saying that the journey will be by bike, as embassy personnel may not like that, and Xinjiang and Tibet are politically sensitive. The visa is valid for any border crossing and transport method anyway (except Tibet). ===By car=== {{main|Driving in China}} The PRC generally does not recognize International Driving Permits and does not permit foreigners to drive in China without a Chinese license. Hong Kong and Macau licenses are also considered to be foreign and having one of them will not allow you to drive in the mainland. Importing foreign vehicles is difficult. There are some ways of getting a temporary license: see the Driving in China article. Renting a car is virtually unheard of in major Chinese cities, which generally have excellent public transportation networks that get you almost anywhere. There are, however, some rural parts of China that are still best explored by car. Rented cars most often come with a driver and this is probably the best way to travel in China by car. ===By motorcycle=== {{seealso|Driving in China#Motorcycles}} Motorcycle taxis are common, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. They are usually cheap and effective but scary. The fares are negotiable. Regulations for riding a motorcycle vary from city to city. In some cases, 50cc mopeds can be ridden without a driving license although many cities have now banned them or reclassified them due to numerous accidents. Riding a 'proper' motorcycle is much harder, partly because you'll need a Chinese license, partly because they are banned in many cities and partly because production and importing have slowed with the focus on automobiles and electric scooters. The typical Chinese motorcycle is 125cc, can do about 100&nbsp;km/h and is a traditional cruiser style. They are generally slow, mundane to ride and have little sporting potential. Government restrictions on engine size mean that sports bikes are rare but can still be found. Another popular choice is a 125cc automatic 'maxi' scooter based loosely on the Honda CN250 - it's a bit quicker than a moped and more comfortable over long distances but has the benefit of automatic transmission which makes negotiating stop-start urban traffic much easier. Most cities will have a motorcycle market of some description and will often sell you a cheap motorcycle often with fake or illegal license plates, although a foreigner on a motorbike is a rare sight and it will grab the police's attention. Helmets are essential on 'proper' bikes but optional on scooters. You must have a license plate: they are yellow or blue on a motorcycle or green on a scooter and can cost several thousand yuan to register the bike yourself. Fake plates are easily available at a lower price, but are risky. ===By pedicab (rickshaw)=== {{infobox|What's in a name?|The terms pedicab and rickshaw are often used interchangeably by foreigners in China, but refer to two different modes of transportation - one of which no longer exists. The infamous rickshaw was a two-wheeled contraption with two poles at the front, which the operator held while walking or running passengers to their destinations. These proliferated in the late 19th century but were gradually phased out by the 1950s. Videos of Western elites playing polo on rickshaws propelled by Chinese workers showcased the exploitative nature of rickshaws. A distant relative of the rickshaw can still be seen when day-laborers in smaller or less developed cities gather with their rickshaw-like carts each morning waiting for work delivering construction materials, coal, or other odds and ends. The rickshaw has been replaced by the pedicab: a three-wheeled conveyance ridden much like a bicycle.}} In some mid-sized cities, pedicabs are a much more convenient means of traveling short distances. Sānlúnchē (三轮车), the Chinese term used both for pedal-powered and motorized rickshaws, are ubiquitous in rural China and lesser developed (which is to say, less touristy) areas of larger cities. Negotiating the fare in advance is a must. Reports of overcharging probably refer to rip-off artists working tourist destinations, like Silk Alley, Wangfujing, and the Lao She Tea House in Beijing in particular. Perhaps the rule of thumb should be, "Beware of anyone selling anything near tourist traps." If you see normal Chinese families using the "sanlun" — for instance, traveling between the Beijing Zoo and the nearest subway stop — then it's safe. Don't patronise any sanlun wearing some old fashioned costume to attract tourists. He'll try to charge you ten times the going rate. Electrified three-wheeled sanluns developed or converted from the pedicabs seem to be in the majority in Shanghai. ==See== China's attractions are endless and you will never run out of things to see. Especially near the coastal areas, when finished with one city, the next one is usually just a short train ride away. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or someone who just wants to relax on a nice beach, China has it all from the majestic Forbidden City in [[Beijing]], to the breathtaking scenery of [[Jiuzhaigou]]. Even if you live in China for many years, you'll find that there's always something new to discover in another part of the country. Perhaps unsurprisingly due to its sheer size and long history, China has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and Spain. China is on the border between two bioregions. [[Eurasian wildlife]] can be seen in the north and west, and [[South Asian wildlife]] can be found in the south and southeast. [[Image:Diecaishan.jpg|thumb|Karst formations, Guilin]] ===Karst scenery=== The gumdrop mountains and steeply sloping forested hills with incredible rock formations favored by traditional Chinese artists are not creative fantasy. In fact, much of southern and southwestern China is covered in intricate eroded rock formations known as '''karst'''. Karst is a type of limestone formation named after an area in [[Slovenia]]. As limestone layers erode, the denser rock or pockets of different stone resist erosion forming peaks. Caves hollow out beneath the mountains which can collapse forming sinkholes and channels leading to underground rivers. At its most unusual karst erodes to form mazes of pinnacles, arches and passageways. The most famous example can be found in the Stone Forest (石林 ''[[Shilin|Shílín]]'') near [[Kunming]] in [[Yunnan]]. Some of the most famous tourist areas in China feature spectacular karst landscapes &mdash; [[Guilin]] and [[Yangshuo]] in [[Guangxi]], [[Zhangjiajie]] in [[Hunan]], and much of central and western [[Guizhou]] province. ===Sacred mountains=== ''See also:'' [[Sacred sites of China]] {{infobox|Chinese mountains|Linell Davis, who literally wrote the book on practical cultural differences between China and the West, has this to say about Chinese mountains: "Westerners find Chinese mountains confusing as they do not provide an experience of wild untamed nature. They expect mountains to be natural rather than paved with steps from bottom to top. They don't expect to see very old people and very young children climbing mountains. I have also noticed that each local area in China has a 'mountain' even if it is quite small and even if people had to build it themselves. After a few experiences of finding there was nothing to see from the top or that the view was lost in clouds and mist ([[Emeishan National Park|Emei]] and [[Huangshan]], for instance), I started trying to figure out what people are really doing when they are climbing mountains. My conclusion is that in China people climb mountains because the experience of doing it is enjoyable. I think they also do it to experience the mountain by moving into it and up and down it. In climbing the mountain they realize their connection with nature rather than their power over it." –Linell Davis, ''Doing Culture''}} Mountains are an important part of Chinese geomancy, and there are many mountains which have religious significance in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. These mountains often serve as a popular backdrop in Chinese period dramas, and have traditionally been associated with various Chinese martial arts sects. Today, these mountains continue to house many Taoist and Buddhist temples, and continue to serve as scenic backdrops that attract many domestic tourists. ====Five Great Mountains==== The '''Five Great Mountains''' (五岳) are associated with the five cardinal directions in Chinese geomancy, and are believed to have originated from the body of Pangu (盘古), the creator of the world in Chinese mythology. *'''[[Mount Heng (Shanxi)|Mount Heng]]''' (恒山), the Northern Mountain (北岳) in [[Shanxi]] province. Literally the "eternal mountain". *'''[[Mount Heng (Hunan)|Mount Heng]]''' (衡山), the Southern Mountain (南岳) in [[Hunan]] province. Literally the "balancing mountain". *'''[[Mount Tai]]''' (泰山), the Eastern Mountain (东岳), in [[Shandong]] province. Literally the "peaceful mountain". *'''[[Huashan National Park|Mount Hua]]''' (华山), the Western Mountain (西岳) in [[Shaanxi]] province. Literally the "splendid mountain". *'''[[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]]''' (嵩山), the Central Mountain (中岳) in [[Henan]] province. Also home to the famed '''Shaolin Monastery''' (少林寺), historically famous for its warrior monks. Literally the "lofty mountain". ====Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism==== [[File:Wutai Shan temple grounds.jpg|thumb|Temples at Mt Wutai]] The '''Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism''' (四大佛教名山) are traditionally associated with four different Bodhisattvas, who are revered in Chinese Buddhism. To this day, these mountains continue to be scenic spots with prominent Buddhist temples. *'''[[Mount Wutai]]''' (五台山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Manjusri (文殊菩萨), in [[Shanxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Emei]]''' (峨眉山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨), in [[Sichuan]] province. *'''[[Mount Putuo]]''' (普陀山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨), the most popular Bodhisattva in Chinese Buddhism, in [[Zhejiang]] province. It isn't a mountain, but rather an island off the Chinese coast. *'''[[Mount Jiuhua]]''' (九华山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨), in [[Anhui]] province. ====Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism==== Although there are many sacred mountains in Chinese folk religion, the '''Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism''' (四大道教名山), together with the Five Great Mountains are considered to be the holiest among them. These continue to be scenic spots that feature prominent Taoist temples. *'''[[Mount Wudang]]''' (武当山), regarded by most Chinese to be the holiest of all sacred mountains for Taoists, in [[Hubei]] province. Traditionally regarded to be a major center of Chinese martial arts, and the main rival to the Shaolin Monastery (albeit a friendly one). *'''[[Mount Longhu]]''' (龙虎山) in [[Jiangxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Qiyun]]''' (齐云山) in [[Anhui]] province. *'''[[Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan_National_Park|Mount Qingcheng]]''' (青城山) in [[Sichuan]] province. ===Flowers=== [[File:Pink peach tree in blossom in Mount Langya in Hebei, picture2.jpg|thumb|Peach blossoms in a Chinese park]] While Japan's cherry blossoms may be better known, China's '''plum blossoms''' (梅花 ''méi huā'') and '''peach blossoms''' (桃花 ''táo huā'') are often considered to rival the cherry blossoms in sheer beauty. Plums tend to flower during the coldest part of winter, often during heavy snowfall, making them a symbol of resilience, and is the national flower of the Republic of China that once ruled Mainland China. Peaches, on the other hand, tend to flower in the spring. These trees can be viewed in many parks, particularly in the northern and eastern parts if China, but also at higher elevations in the south. Both flowers are highly revered in traditional Chinese culture, and are frequently featured in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. The '''peony''' (牡丹花 ''mǔ dān huā'') is also highly revered, and represents honor and wealth. Unlike the plum and peach blossoms, peonies grow on shrubs rather than trees. They typically flower in late spring to early summer. ===Performing arts=== {{main|Chinese performing arts}} As a large and diverse country, China is home to a wide array of performing arts, both traditional and modern. While some genres are popular nationwide, there are also some which are only popular in specific regions, and the various ethnic minorities also have their own unique traditions. Two genres that are popular nationwide, and are also regularly performed internationally are '''Beijing opera''' (京剧 ''jīngjù'') and ''' Yue opera''' (越剧 ''yuèjù''). ===Other sites=== Sites of the Chinese revolution can be seen in our [[Chinese Revolutionary Destinations]] article. Significant Buddhist sites in China can be found in our [[Buddhism#See|Buddhism]] article. ===Itineraries=== Some itineraries cover trips that are entirely within China: * [[Along the Yangtze river]] * [[Along the Yellow river]] * [[Along the Grand Canal]] * [[Around Erhai Lake by electric scooter]] * [[Hong Kong to Kunming overland]] * [[Long March]] * [[Overland to Tibet]] * [[Qinghai–Tibet railway]] * [[Yunnan tourist trail]] Others are partly in China: * [[Silk Road]] - ancient caravan route from China to Europe * [[Karakoram Highway]] - Western China to Pakistan through the Himalayas * [[On the trail of Marco Polo]] ==Do== ===Massage=== High-quality, reasonably priced massages are available throughout China. Expert work costs ¥20-80 per hour. * Almost any hairdresser will give a hair wash and head massage for ¥10. This often includes cleaning out ear wax and some massaging of the neck and arms. With a haircut and/or a shave, prices range from ¥25-100 with prices higher in large cities and in higher-class or tourist-oriented establishments. * The availability of foot massage (足疗 ''zúliáo'') is often indicated by a picture of a bare footprint on the sign. Prices are from ¥15 to about ¥60. * Full-body massage is offered at prices from ¥15 an hour up and in two varieties: ''ànmó'' (按摩) is general massage; ''tuīná'' (推拿) concentrates on the meridians used in acupuncture. These three types of massage are often mixed; many places offer all three. * Massage is a traditional trade for the blind, and the best value is often at tiny out-of-the-way places with blind staff (盲人按摩 ''mángrén ànmó''). * The most expert massages are in massage hospitals, or general Chinese medicine hospitals, usually costing around ¥50 an hour. Some massage places are actually brothels. Prostitution is illegal in China but quite common and often disguised as massage. Most hot-spring or sauna establishments offer ''all'' the services a businessman might want for relaxation. Many hotels offer massage in your room, and additional services are almost always available once she is the room. Pink lighting or lots of girls in short skirts in smaller establishments probably indicates considerably more than just massage is on offer (''and quite often they cannot do a good massage either''). The same rule applies in many hair salons which double as massage parlors/brothels. The non-pink-lit places usually give good massages and generally do not offer sex. If the establishment advertises massage by the blind, it is almost certainly legitimate. For basic phrases to use when getting a massage, see [[Chinese phrasebook#Getting a massage]]. ===Traditional arts=== When planning an extended stay in China, consider learning some of the traditional arts. Traveling to China is after all a unique chance to learn the basics, or refine already acquired skills, directly from master practitioners in the arts' home country. Many cities have academies that accept beginners, and not knowing Chinese is usually not a problem as you can learn by example and imitation. Calligraphy (书法 ''shūfǎ''), a term that covers both writing characters and painting scrolls (that is, classical landscapes and the like) remains a popular national hobby. Many calligraphers practice by writing with water on sidewalks in city parks. Other traditional arts which offer classes include learning to play traditional Chinese instruments (inquire in shops that sell these as many offer classes), cooking Chinese cuisine, or even singing Beijing Opera (京剧 ''jīngjù''). Fees are usually modest, and the necessary materials will not exactly break the bank. The only requirement is being in the same place for a long enough time, and showing sufficient respect; it is better not to join these classes as a tourist attraction. ===[[Martial arts]]=== As with traditional cultural arts, those with the time and inclination may be interested in studying China's famed martial arts. Some, such as '''tai chi''' (太极拳 ''tàijíquán''), can be studied at a basic level by simply visiting any city park in the early morning and following along. You will likely find many eager teachers. However, learning martial arts to a level that allows you to use them competently in an actual fight requires years of study and training under a master, which often has to start from childhood. In English, Chinese martial arts are often called "kung fu" and we follow that usage below. However in Chinese, the general term for martial arts is ''wǔshù'' (武術), while ''gōngfu'' (功夫, "kung fu") is the term for the skill or power that practitioners acquire. Chinese martial arts are traditionally classified into northern and southern styles, with northern styles generally known for emphasizing powerful strikes with fully extended limbs, and southern styles generally known for fast strikes close to the body. Northern Chinese martial are further classified into two groups named for two mountain areas with monasteries which are centers of kung fu &mdash; Shaolin Temple on [[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]] and the [[Wudang Mountains]]. Shaolin are the hard or external styles emphasizing speed and power, while Wudang are the soft or internal styles emphasizing breath control and smooth movement. Of course it is nowhere near that simple; Shaolin experts also move extremely smoothly and a Wudang master has plenty of speed and power. Other well-known centers of kung fu include Southern Shaolin in [[Quanzhou#Learn|Quanzhou]], [[Fujian]], Wu Wei Temple near [[Dali]] and Wing Chun (Bruce Lee's style) in [[Foshan]], [[Guangdong]]. Shanghai has a [[Shanghai/Yangpu#See|martial arts museum]] at a Physical Education university. ===Square dancing=== [[File:Older women practicing dance at Temple of Heaven Park, Beijing.jpg|thumb|right|Square dancers at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing]] In public parks, squares or plazas, or indeed anywhere in a city that isn't fenced off and is large enough (like a parking lot), you will increasingly find, in the early morning and late evening, groups of (mostly) older women doing what looks like low-impact aerobics to music with a dance beat coming from a nearby portable speaker. This activity is called ''guǎngchǎngwǔ'' (广场舞), roughly translated into English as "square dancing", because of where it takes place (not to be confused with the traditional American folk dance of the same name). It originated in the mid-1990s among women (known as ''dàmā'' (大妈), or "dancing grannies" in English) who had just been forced into retirement as a way to stay fit, socialize and recall their own youth during the Cultural Revolution (indeed, many of the songs used are propaganda from that era, or current Chinese pop hits). By 2015 noise and space issues had provoked violent confrontations in some cities and led the government to introduce, then hastily withdraw, standard dance routines. It's interesting to watch at the very least as a modern folk phenomenon, and indeed some groups don costumes and props for their routines. Some tourists, particularly Russians visiting Manchurian cities, have joined in. However, this is often frowned upon, as many square dancers compete competitively and are only practicing publicly due to a lack of practice space otherwise. If you are tempted to do so, only join groups that appear to be casually-oriented (no apparent dance uniform or complicated routines) and go to the rear row where beginners follow the leader and learn the moves. You should avoid, or at least practice extreme caution when joining near several groups in a space barely enough for all of them — turf battles have been known to start and given the novelty of a foreigner participating in square dancing, you may be seen as a final provocation of member poaching. Ballroom dancing is also moderately common; western-style square dancing or line dancing are less common but not unknown. ===Traditional pastimes=== China has several traditional games often played in tea gardens, public parks, or even on the street. Players often attract crowds of on-lookers. * '''[[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]]''' (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') is the world's most-played chess variant. It is similar to but distinct from Korean chess (Korean: 장기 ''janggi''), but quite different from [[Shogi|Japanese chess]] (Japanese: 将棋 ''shōgi'') and [[Chess|international chess]], though they all have enough in common that a good player of one will find another easier to learn. It is a very popular pastime in China, and you can often see elderly Chinese having games with each other in the parks. There are also numerous national tournaments, from school tournaments all the way up to professional ones, and the top players often become major celebrities, with large prizes and numerous TV shows about the game. * '''[[Go]]''' (围棋 ''wéiqí'', lit. "the surrounding game") is a strategy board game. Players place their stones to surround the most territory on the board. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. There are professional Go players, some of whom are major celebrities, tournaments with large prizes, and some TV shows about the game. * '''Mahjong''' (麻将 ''májiàng'') is popular and almost always played for money. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles. The nearest Western equivalent (not very near!) would be card games like rummy or canasta. : While game play is broadly similar, the rules of mahjong in China differ significantly between regions, and from the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, meaning that you will have to learn new rules everywhere you go. The Chinese government has an officially-sanctioned standardized form of mahjong that is used in national competitions in an attempt to be fair to people who grew up playing with different rules, which is also used in international competitions like the [http://www.world-series-mahjong.com/ World Series Mahjong]. However, this standardized form is very rarely played outside of officially-sanctioned competitions. Many Chinese are skilled at '''cards''' (扑克牌 ''pūkèpái''); Deng Xiaoping was renowned for his love for bridge (桥牌 ''qiáopái''). ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Chinese Yuan | currencyCode=¥ | date=January 2022 | AUD=4.6 | CAD=5.0 | EUR=7.2 | GBP=8.6 | HKD=0.8 | INR=8.6 | JPY=5.5 | MYR=1.5 | NZD=4.3 | THB=1.9 | USD=6.4 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/cny-chinese-yuan-renminbi XE.com]}}The official currency of the People's Republic of China is the '''Chinese yuan''', known as the '''renminbi''' (人民币 ''rénmínbì'', "People's Money"), denoted by the symbol '''¥''', international currency code '''CNY'''. All prices in China are given in yuan; the Chinese character is 元 (''yuán''), or in financial contexts (e.g. cheques and banknotes) 圆. A price may be shown as, for example, 20 元, 20 rmb, RMB 20, 20 yuan or ¥20; we use the latter form here. In informal spoken Chinese and sometimes in spoken English, 块 (''kuài'') may be used instead, much as "buck" can be used in the U.S. or "quid" in the UK. Some Chinese software will display a bigger "full width" character (￥) to differentiate it from the Japanese yen, which uses the same symbol. The Chinese yuan is ''not'' legal tender in the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which issue their own currencies. However many businesses will also accept Chinese currency, albeit at an unfavorable exchange rate. {{infobox|Cheat Sheet|* 10 ''jiǎo'' is 1 ''yuán'' (&#20803;), the base unit * ''yuán'' is commonly called ''kuài'' (&#22359;) * ''jiǎo'' is commonly called ''máo'' (&#27611;) * 10 is ''shí'' (十) * 100 is ''bǎi'' (百) * 1,000 is ''qiān'' (千) * 10,000 is ''wàn'' (万)}} There are 10 ''jiǎo'' (角) in a yuan. A coin worth ¥0.1 will thus say 壹角 ("1 jiǎo"), on it, and a price like ¥3.7 would thus be read as "3 ''kuài'' 7". The ''jiǎo'' is rapidly heading for extinction, although you will get the odd 1 or 5 jiao coin or note as change. In spoken [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], the ''jiǎo'' is usually called the ''máo'' (毛). A tenth of a ''máo'' is a ''fēn'' (分); you may see this digit on prices, but it will be rounded off if you pay in cash. In spoken language, the trailing unit may be dropped. For example ''wǔ bǎi sān'', literally "five hundred three", means 530 or "five hundred three tens". The number 503 would be read as ''wǔ bǎi líng sān'', literally "five hundred zero three". Similarly ''yì qiān bā'', literally "one thousand eight", means 1800. When using larger numbers, Chinese has a word for ten thousand, ''wàn'' (万), and thus for example 50,000 becomes ''wǔ wàn'', not ''wǔ shí qiān''. [[Image:China currency overview.jpg|thumb|Chinese coins and bills]] * '''Coins''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao; dull silver or shiny silver), ¥0.5 (5 jiao; gold), ¥1 (silver) * '''Bills''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao), ¥0.5 (5 jiao), ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 A lot of Chinese currency will be in the form of bills &mdash; even small change. Bills are more common in some areas, coins in others, but both are accepted anywhere. Even the jiao, at just one tenth of a yuan, exists as both a bill (the smallest) and two different coins. Conversely, one yuan exists as a coin and as two different bills. You should be prepared to recognize and handle either version. Due to the popularity of mobile payments, an increasing number of shops in urban areas do not accept cash or credit cards, and even those that accept cash will often not have any change available. ====Foreign currency==== Foreign currencies, including the Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar, are rarely seen as a substitute for yuan except in several five-star hotels, and in some shops on the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, and stock exchanges. Other currencies are unlikely to be used in most transactions. If you only have dollars in your pocket, it usually means that you don't have money to pay the bill without a trip to a bank. Many shops won't accept it, having no idea on exchange rate or how to check if the bills are counterfeit. ====Counterfeiting==== With the popularity of mobile payment apps, counterfeit banknotes are less of a problem than before, but you should still be alert for them. Banknotes of ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100 are the main risks. When you're given one of these bills as change, scrutinize it to check. The main focus is on the texture of different parts, metal line, change of colours under different lights. Everyone has their own method, so just ask. When you pay with a ¥50 or ¥100 banknote in a shop or taxi, it's socially accepted that you note down the last few digits of the banknote you are handing over. This is in case they claim your banknote is fake, then these remembered digits will ensure they give you the same note back. Some unscrupulous money exchangers on the Chinese border areas give counterfeits to travelers. Go to a bank if you're not experienced in checking notes. It is common for cashiers to scrutinize banknotes and some of the more expensive supermarkets even have machines that can spot counterfeits. This is standard practice in China and offence should not be taken. Counterfeits from ATMs are not common, but some people are still concerned. If you are worried, withdraw your money from the bank counter and say "I worry about jiǎbì (''counterfeit'')". Bank staff are understanding about this. ====Currency exchange==== Although still restricted, the yuan is readily convertible in many countries, especially in Asia. The Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, pound sterling, Australian dollar, Japanese yen and South Korean won, and Singapore dollars can be easily changed in China. Currency should only be changed at major banks (Bank of China in particular), or with the licensed money changers usually found at airports or high-end hotels, although they offer unfavorable rates. You should avoid black market for currency exchange as '''counterfeiting''' is a major issue, especially with money changers in markets and hanging around large banks. Foreign exchange is under tight control in China. Private money changers are still uncommon in China. In a bank, it usually takes 5 to 60 minutes to process the exchange, sometimes a little faster in a hotel. Bank branches in major cities usually know the procedure and are relatively quick, while even main branches in provincial cities can take much longer. You must fill out a form, and your passport will be photocopied and scanned. Keep the exchange receipt if you plan to leave the country with larger sum of money. Not all banks with the "Exchange" logo will exchange money for non-customers or for all currencies in cash. For example, Standard Chartered will only exchange cash for its customers and will only do US dollars and Hong Kong dollars in cash (but opening an account is quick and doable even on a tourist visa, and they offer a better cash exchange rate than most local banks). Exchanging US currency for yuan can be simple, but expect the bills to be heavily scrutinized before the exchange is processed. Opportunities to buy yuan before entering China, for example when coming overland from Hong Kong or Vietnam, should be taken, as the rates are better. The same is true going the other way - selling just across the border will often net a more favorable rate. You may only import or export a maximum in local currency of ¥20,000 in cash, and sums greater than US$5,000 cash in foreign currency require paperwork. Most international banks will allow you to get a cash advance via a debit or credit card at a Chinese ATM. However, the rates for such actions are often unfavorable and may include steep service charges. It's useful to carry an international currency such as pounds sterling, US dollars, or Japanese yen to fall back on should you not have access to a cash machine. If you are planning to stay a long time in China, e.g. for work or study, you may want to open a Chinese bank account. See [[Working in China#Banking]] for more information. ====ATM cards==== Many ATMs will only accept Chinese bank cards. ATMs from three of the big four banks are likely to accept foreign (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Diners) cards: Bank of China (BOC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and China Construction Bank (CCB). Although ATMs from other banks are plentiful, state they accept Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus and have an English option, they are not likely to work with an international credit/debit card unless the ATM operator is a foreign big-name bank (HSBC, Citibank, Bank of East Asia). Before traveling, find out if your home bank charges a currency conversion fee (often between 0-3%) on such transactions. It is worth opening a zero conversion fee account beforehand if possible. If you have trouble because the ATM requires a 6-digit PIN and your PIN only has four digits, try adding two zeros before it. If you find yourself in a town with a Bank of China branch but no international network-capable ATM, it is usually possible to get a cash advance on a credit card inside the bank for a 3% fee. Just ask. UnionPay, the local ATM card network, has made agreements with various ATM card networks around the globe. If your card is covered, any ATM in China will accept withdrawals and balance inquiries from your card. While UnionPay ATM and/or debit cards are now issued by banks in a number of countries, ATM cards linked to NYCE and Pulse in America (also applies to cash advances from Discover cards), Interac in Canada, and LINK in the UK are covered. If your bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance, China Construction Bank is the local partner for fee-free withdrawals. ===Credit cards=== [[File:Dalian large Shopping Mall 2005.jpg|thumb|Inside a mall in [[Dalian]]]] Outside of star-rated or chain hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, '''foreign credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted''' and most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Many department stores and large grocery stores have point-of-sale terminals for Chinese bank cards, but most foreign cards are not supported. Most Chinese banks and many merchants use the UnionPay system, so a foreign card that supports UnionPay will probably be widely accepted. Several countries now have banks that issue UnionPay credit cards, and UnionPay supports Discover and JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) cards as well. Visa, MasterCard and American Express meanwhile are less common. Most convenience stores take UnionPay, as do most restaurant chains, stores selling high-value items, grocery store chains, and most ATMs. In 2017, it was reported that the new Discover cards with chip would require multiple attempts or did not work at all in most of the POS machines. Do not rely on credit cards as your sole payment method. Consider signing up for an international card that can interact with UnionPay. If you have a bank account in [[Hong Kong]] then you may be able to open an additional renminbi account with a UnionPay card which is convenient for traveling in the mainland. As with debit cards, Chinese retail clerks will usually present the POS credit card terminal to the cardholder for entry of a PIN for chip-and-pin cards. Visitors from sign-only countries should attempt to explain that fact to the clerk (while chip-and-sign cards will cause most terminals to automatically skip the PIN prompt), and sign the receipt as usual. ===Mobile payments=== [[File:Alipay_and_WeChat_pay_signs_in_BurgerKing_ZBAA_(20170309123855).jpg|thumb|Alipay (blue) and WeChat Pay (green) accepted here]] QR-code based mobile payments such as [https://pay.weixin.qq.com/index.php/public/wechatpay WeChat Pay] (微信支付 ''Wēixìn zhīfù'') and [https://global.alipay.com/ Alipay] (支付宝 ''Zhīfùbǎo'') are extremely popular in China. The vast majority of places that take small payments, including restaurants, street-food places, and some public transportation in large cities, accept either or both of WeChat Pay and Alipay. In some cases, mobile payment is the only accepted payment method. Look for a QR-code posted with the App logo of WeChat or Alipay to find places that accept these payment types. Unfortunately for the traveler, both maintain strict separation between their Chinese and global networks: you can't use a global account to make payments in China. Getting full access to the Chinese network as a foreigner requires a Chinese bank account, but you '''can use Alipay with a foreign credit card'''. There are two key limitations that tourists may bump into- first is that the maximum amount that can be spent with Alipay linked to a foreign credit card is ¥5000 per 90 days (sufficient for short visits and if major expenses can be paid with credit card or cash, less so otherwise), and you can only make payments to registered business accounts (some small vendors use an individual account in the owner's name rather than a separate business account). Various other workarounds may be possible—WeChat also accepts foreign credit cards for certain in-app transactions like reloading a prepaid phone balance or ordering delivery—but requirements are always changing. Other NFC-based mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Android Pay, are not accepted in the vast majority of the places. The NFC/Contactless POS terminals usually only takes Contactless UnionPay cards. Even though some stores in large cities are labeled to accept Apple Pay, Apple Pay with a Visa/MasterCard/AmEx/Discover/JCB would probably not work at all in those stores as in most cases they also require a UnionPay card. Android Pay is completely absent from China due to the ban of Google in mainland China. ===Costs=== China is affordable for Western visitors, though it's noticeably more expensive than much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unless you are heading to [[Hong Kong]] or [[Macau]], China is generally much less expensive - from a traveler's perspective - than industrialised countries. If you eat local food, use public transportation and stay in budget hotels or hostels, then ¥200-300 is a serviceable daily backpacker budget. However, if you want to live an extravagant lifestyle and eat only Western food and stay in luxury hotels, then even ¥3,000 a day would not be enough. As a general rule, basic items are relatively cheap, but the prices of luxury items are exorbitant, even by the standards of Japan and Western countries. Western-branded products in particular are extremely expensive, sometimes more than double what you would pay for the same items in the U.S. There is a high degree of variation in prices depending on where you go. Major cities like [[Shanghai]], [[Beijing]] and [[Guangzhou]] generally cost more than smaller cities and rural, inland parts of the country. The boom towns of [[Shenzhen]] and [[Zhuhai]] are also more expensive than the national average. Nonetheless, many Hong Kong or Macau residents (who live just across the border from Shenzhen and Zhuhai, respectively, and who are generally more affluent than mainlanders), often go to these cities to shop, play golf, and enjoy services like massage as prices are far lower. ===Tipping=== As a general rule, tipping is not practiced in China. While tipping would rarely be regarded as insulting, in some cases a tip might be seen as suggesting that a relationship is based on money, not friendship. When leaving a tip on your table, it is common to see a waiter chase after you to return the money you "forgot" to take. In China, compliments over service is usually expressed in implicit ways. If you are a smoker, you are expected to pass a cigarette to the service staff or manager. If you don't do so, you will be seen as selfish and egocentric. It is common to buy a bartender or pub owner a drink. In a hotel, it is customary not to tip for room service, airport service, taxis or anything else, although hotels that routinely serve foreign tourists may allow tipping for tour guides and associated drivers. Masseurs in some areas such as Shenzhen have been known to ask for a tip. However, if they become pushy at getting tips, most Chinese see this as extortion and an immoral practice, so just be firm if you don't wish to give any. Taxi drivers do appreciate a few yuan rounded up if they have made an extra effort for your journey; however, it is by no means required. ===Shopping=== {{See also|Shopping in China}} {{infobox|Antiquities Banned From Export|China's government has banned the export of antiques from before 1911, the date of the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Violation of this law could lead to heavy fines and even imprisonment. }} Shopping has become a national pastime as China's middle class expands. A variety of goods are available to suit any budget. In most brand name shops, upscale malls and supermarkets, the prices already have Value-Added Tax (VAT) and any sales tax included. Thus, anything with a marked price tends to be sold at that price or, perhaps, slightly below especially if you pay cash and do not require a receipt for your purchase. For unmarked goods, there is '''wide room for [[bargaining]]'''. Chinese make sales using the character: 折 (''zhé'') which represents how many tenths of the original price you pay. For example, 8折 refers to 20% off and 6.5折 is 35% off. China excels in handmade items, partly because of long traditions of exquisite artisanship and partly because labor is still comparatively inexpensive. The overwhelming majority of the "antique" items you will be shown are fakes, no matter how convincing they look and no matter what the vendor says. [[Image:China porcelain.jpg|thumb|Porcelain at Shanghai's antique market]] * '''Porcelain''': with a long history of porcelain manufacture, China still makes great porcelain today. * '''Furniture''': in the 1990s and 2000s China became a major source of antique furniture. * '''Art and Fine Art''': Traditional painting, modern art, and hand-painted reproductions of great works. * '''Jade''' There are two types of jade in China today: one type is pale and almost colorless and is made from a variety of stones mined in China. The other type is green in color and is imported from [[Myanmar]] (Burma) - if genuine! * '''Carpets''': China is home to a remarkable variety of carpet-making traditions, including Mongolian, Ningxia, Tibetan and modern types. * '''Pearls & pearl jewellery''': cultured Akoya and freshwater pearls are mass-produced and sold at markets across China. * '''Other arts and crafts''': Cloisonné (colored enamels on a metal base), lacquer work, opera masks, kites, shadow puppets, Socialist-realist propaganda posters, wood carvings, scholar's rocks (decorative rocks, some natural, some less so), paper-cuts, and so on. *'''Clothing''': China is one of the world's leading manufacturers of clothing, shoes and accessories. There are affordable tailors anywhere in China. There is also traditional Chinese clothing if you are interested, and a growing revival movement. The styles that Westerners are most familiar with are the '''cheongsam''' (长衫 ''chángshān''; ''chèuhng-sāam'' in Cantonese) or '''qipao''' (旗袍 ''qípáo'') for women, and the '''tangzhuang''' (唐装 ''tángzhuāng'') for men, which were based on traditional Manchu clothing that was imposed on the Han Chinese during the Qing Dynasty. Traditional Han Chinese clothing from the Ming Dynasty and earlier is known as the '''hanfu''' (汉服 ''hànfú''); it looks superficially similar to the Japanese kimono and Korean hanbok, and is often mistaken for one of those. *'''Brand-name goods''': genuine branded foreign goods won't be cheaper than in Western countries. There are a number of sources of potential knock-offs or fake brand-name goods. *'''Software, music and movies''': Most CDs (music or software) and DVDs in China are unauthorized copies. *'''Endangered species''': avoid purchasing &mdash; coral, ivory and parts from endangered animal species. Anyone buying such products risks substantial fines and/or jail time either when trying to leave China with them or when trying to import them into another country. * '''Electronics''': Since the 2010s, Chinese companies have been pushing the boundaries of innovation in consumer electronics. In particular, they have become the world leader in the design and manufacturing of drones for photography. ===Bargaining=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Bargaining|Bargaining}} [[File:Market china.jpg|thumb|Merchandise at a market in China]] Bargaining is a national pastime in China. You can bargain over almost anything, and sometimes it's even possible to ask for discount in a restaurant at the last minute before paying the bill. Many restaurants or bars will willingly offer a free dish or two (such as a fruit plate in a KTV) if you have made a particularly large order. Shopping malls are less willing to bargain, but why not ask "Will I get a gift?" Prices are almost always posted, but they are all substantially marked up, normally 2-3 times. It's often better to buy souvenirs somewhere just a few blocks away from the tourist spots. It is hard to tell what price to offer when starting negotiations. Depending on the city, product or market in question, 5% to 50% of the posted price or vendor's first offer is common. If someone offers you too-great-to-be-true discount, it could be a sign that the goods are of less-than-great quality. The rule of thumb is to walk around and compare. In tourist spots, it's common to ask for a 30-50% discount, but in a place catering to local people, asking for a 50% discount sounds foolish. In tourist places, don't take what merchants say seriously. When you ask for a 50% discount, they may be appalled and show scorn; it's a favorite drama. ===Basics=== Unless you have a supermarket within walking distance of your hotel (see next section below), the most convenient option for basic supplies and groceries will almost always be a convenience store. Major chains in China include Kedi, Alldays, FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. China has belatedly caught up with East Asia's love affair with convenience stores, to the point where the largest cities like Beijing and Shanghai have become oversaturated with them. Many convenience stores sell individual tissue packets, which are a necessity for touring China as many public restrooms do not have toilet paper. Although supermarkets also sell tissue packets and toilet paper, they tend to sell it in 6 or 10-packs which are too much for tourists (the ones that sell individual packs will have them close to or at the tills). Some discount and mid-market department stores in China also have groceries sections. ===Western goods=== Areas with large expatriate communities like [[Beijing]], [[Shanghai]], [[Guangzhou]] and [[Shenzhen]] have specialty grocery stores catering to those communities. These are often no larger than a 7-Eleven. They usually stock imported snacks, alcohol, and specialty groceries such as meats and cheeses and are often very expensive. See individual articles for details. Several Western-owned supermarket chains are widespread in China &mdash; American Wal-mart (沃尔玛 Wò'ěrmǎ), German Metro (麦德龙 Màidélóng), and French Carrefour (家乐福 Jiālèfú). All have some Western groceries — often at high prices. However, the availability of foreign products diminishes at their branches according to the size of the city. Metro is probably the best of these; in particular it usually has a fine selection of alcohol. Asian-owned chains include Japanese AEON (永旺 Yǒngwàng), Taiwanese RT-Mart (大润发 Dàrùnfā), South Korean LOTTE Mart (乐天玛特 Letianmate) and Filipino SM; these also carry imported goods. Some larger Chinese chains such as Beijing Hualian (北京华联 Běijīng Huálián) also carry a limited selection of foreign products. === Tobacco products=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Tobacco}} {{main|Tobacco}} Smoking is quite common and cigarettes (香烟 xiāngyān) are generally cheap. Cigarettes can be purchased from small neighbourhood stores, convenience stores, counters in supermarkets and in department stores. Rolling tobacco and papers are rare in urban China. Lighters (打火机 dǎhuǒjī) are usually cheap (about ¥1) but flimsily made. Zippos are available but expensive. Smoking is something of a social activity in China. In a bar or at dinner few Chinese will light up without offering cigarettes around the table, or at least to the men since few Chinese women smoke; visitors should do the same. Having an expensive brand is a status symbol. ==Eat== {{main|Chinese cuisine}} [[File:Yangzhou - fish dish - P1070031.JPG|thumb|A fish dish in a [[Yangzhou]] restaurant]] Food in China varies widely between regions, so the term "Chinese food" is a blanket term, about as descriptive as "Western food." Still, there are some broad characteristics. Gastronomy has a long history in China, and dishes subtly balance many flavors, aromas, and colors. Each region developed cuisine and techniques based on the ingredients at hand, so you'll find spicy meat-filled dishes in cooler inland regions, slowly simmered seafood stews in coastal regions, and quickly stir-fried fresh vegetables in busy southern ports like [[Guangzhou]]. Even many native Chinese find food from outside their home region to be "foreign". In southern China, '''rice''' (米饭 ''mǐfàn'') is a staple food served with many meals, so much so that its root word 饭 (''fàn'') means "meal" as well as "cooked grain". It may be served plain (eaten by itself as a side, or used as a bed to soak up sauce from the main dish), stir-fried with a variety of ingredients to make '''fried rice''', a quick tasty street meal and a common way to use up leftovers at home, or made into '''congee''', rice porridge that's a common breakfast. '''Noodles''' (面 ''miàn'') are another important staple, made from either rice or wheat, and served in a variety of methods. Soybeans are used to make '''soy sauce''', a quintessential seasoning in Chinese cooking. They're also used to make '''tofu''' (豆腐 ''dòufu''), which comes in many forms besides tasteless white blocks: some can be as flavorful and crispy as meat, others quite pungent like a blue cheese. Chinese gourmands place emphasis on '''freshness''' so your meal will most likely be cooked as soon as you order it. Searing hot woks over coal or gas fires make even street food usually safe to eat. Indeed freshly prepared street food is often safer than food sitting on the buffet lines of 5-star hotels. Still, use common sense: if it's a searing hot summer day and the kebab vendor has their raw meat sitting unrefrigerated on the counter, you might want to head elsewhere. Various types of Chinese food provide quick, cheap, tasty, light meals. Street food and snacks sold from portable vendors can be found throughout China's cities, good for breakfast or a snack. And Western-style fast food is arguably as popular as the domestic variety. Yelp is virtually unknown in China, while the Michelin Guide only covers Shanghai and Guangzhou, and is not taken seriously by most Chinese people. Instead, most Chinese people rely on local website [https://www.dianping.com/ Dazhong Dianping] (Chinese only). ===Etiquette=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Respect}} China is the birthplace of '''chopsticks''' (筷子 ''kuàizi''), which are used for most Chinese food. Chinese cuisine evolved to be eaten using chopsticks, with almost all food prepared in bite-sized chunks or easily picked apart. Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while. Some chopstick guidelines to be aware of: * '''Never''' place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of food (reminiscent of funeral rites), pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks (another funeral rite), or drum your bowl with chopsticks (reminiscent of beggars). * Always use chopsticks as a pair, like a set of tongs; '''never''' use just one chopstick at a time (nor one in each hand), hold them in your fist like you would a knife or dagger, or try to "cut" food with them like you would with a knife. Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be done only as a last resort. * Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls is rude. * Pointing at things with your chopsticks is rude. (Pointing at people in general is rude; with chopsticks, doubly so.) Even when setting chopsticks down on the table, angle them so they're not pointing at anyone. * In general, try not to touch food with your fingers. Even fried chicken is picked up with chopsticks and gingerly nibbled, touching it as little as possible. Small bones should be spat onto your plate or bowl, rather than removed using your hands or chopsticks. For foods that are eaten with your hands, disposable plastic gloves may be provided. It's normal to pick up any bowl of food for easier eating, and you can put a bowl of rice directly to your mouth to push the last few bites in using your chopsticks. '''Spoons''' are used for soups and porridge, and to help with eating noodles in a soup. In traditional Chinese dining, dishes are shared '''family style''', and at larger tables there is usually a lazy Susan to pass dishes around. * Communal chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') are not always provided; if not, just use your own chopsticks to transfer food to your bowl. It's not rude to request communal chopsticks from the restaurant, but it may make you look like a stickler for formality. * Each communal dish should only be served from by one person at a time. Don't reach across someone to reach a farther dish while they're serving; wait until they're done. * Once you put something on your plate, don't put it back. Confucius says never leave someone else with what ''you'' don't want. * Do not start eating until the most senior person at the table has started eating. Don't expect to get a fortune cookie with your meal; that's strictly a Western custom. (Fortune cookies were actually invented in California sometime in the early 20th century.) Most Chinese have never even heard of them. ===Regional cuisines=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Regional cuisines}} Several varieties of Chinese food have enough international popularity that you may already recognize some of them: * '''Cantonese''' cuisine (from [[Guangdong]]), is by far the most widely known type of Chinese food abroad. Neither bland nor spicy, Cantonese cuisine will use almost anything as an ingredient, often preserving the freshness by quickly stir-frying in a very hot wok or steaming. Fried rice, chow mein, char siu pork, and sweet and sour pork are just a handful of its most famous dishes. * '''Huaiyang''' cuisine (from the eastern area towards [[Shanghai]]) is considered a good mix of northern and southern Chinese cooking styles. Dishes tend to focus on a main ingredient, which is often seafood in this coastal region; flavors are often sweet, and almost never spicy. Its most famous dishes include xiaolongbao soup dumplings, red braised pork belly, drunken chicken, and sweet and sour mandarin fish. * '''Sichuan''' or Szechuan cuisine (from the western inland) is popular with many foreigners for its ''málà'' flavors, using Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling numbness (''má'') and chili peppers for spiciness (''là''). Using lots of meat, preserved foods, and chili oil, it's famous for the original form of Kung Pao chicken, mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and dandan noodles. * '''Teochew''' cuisine (from the [[Chaoshan]] region of Guangdong) is well known in Hong Kong and much of Southeast Asia. Particularly known for its braised meats and steamed dishes. Other major traditional cuisines include fragrant and vinegary Shandong, tender Fujian, spicy Hunan, herbal Anhui, and delicate Zhejiang. Ethnic minority cuisines in China include [[Korean cuisine|Korean]], Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various cuisines from Yunnan, while Northeastern Chinese cuisine is influenced by both Mongolian and Russian cuisines and includes dishes like potato dumplings and a type of borscht. There is even unique local-style '''Western food''' to be found in [[Shanghai]]. ===Dietary restrictions=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Dietary restrictions}} People with dietary restrictions will have a '''hard time''' in China. '''''Halal''''' food is hard to find outside areas with a significant Muslim population, but look for Lanzhou noodle (兰州拉面, ''Lánzhōu lāmiàn'') restaurants, which may have a sign advertising "halal" in Arabic (حلال) or Chinese (清真 ''qīngzhēn''). If you are attending university in China, most major Chinese universities have halal canteens to cater to their Muslim students. '''''Kosher''''' food is nearly unknown, and you will have to do some advance planning; there are Chabad houses in major Chinese cities that you can contact to help with this. '''Vegetarian''' restaurants can often be found near major Buddhist temples (look for the character "素" or the symbol "卍", a Buddhist symbol in this context), but elsewhere you'll probably need to ask specifically and it may not always be available. Dairy and eggs are little-used in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, so much of it is suitable for '''vegans''', but do pay attention, especially when it comes to desserts. Awareness of '''food allergies''' (食物过敏 ''shíwù guòmǐn'') is limited, and '''gluten-free''' foods are virtually non-existent. ==Drink== The Chinese love a tipple, but unless you are used to imbibing heavily, be careful when drinking with Chinese. The Chinese liquor ''báijiǔ'' is quite potent (up to 65% alcohol); it's often drunk in small shot glasses for a good reason. When U.S. President Richard Nixon &mdash; who was an experienced drinker, if a bit of a lightweight &mdash; first visited China, his staff sent dire warnings that he ''not'' drink in response to toasts. (He diplomatically managed to toast every table at the banquet, taking ''very'' small sips.) There are hardly any liquor laws in China. The legal drinking age is 18, but it's basically not enforced, and you'll never need to show ID. Alcohol can be purchased anywhere and drunk anywhere. ===Toasting=== Toasts are made by saying '''"''gānbēi''"''' (干杯, lit. "dry glass"). Drinks are served in small glasses (even beer is usually drunk from oversized shot glasses), and traditionally you should drain the whole glass for a toast. Chinese toasts are generally one-on-one, not something involving the whole table. At most meals, a visitor can expect everyone at the table to offer them a toast. Visitors should also '''offer toasts''' and not just receive them. This means that if you are out for dinner with a dozen people, you will be expected and pressured to drink around two dozen toasts. Fortunately, it's okay to stick to beer, and Chinese beer is usually low alcohol. It may be considered rude if you don't offer a toast to someone whenever you take a drink, at least at the start of a meal. The same applies to smoking; offer the pack around whenever you want to light up. If you want to take it easy but still be sociable, say "'''suíbiàn''" (随便) or "''pèngbeī''" (碰杯) before you make the toast, then drink only part of the glass. It may also be possible to have three toasts (traditionally signifying friendship) with the entire company, rather than a separate toast for each person. ===Alcohol=== {{Seealso|Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic}} The all-purpose word ''jiǔ'' (酒, "alcohol") covers quite a range of alcoholic drinks. Generally speaking, heavy drinking is more prevalent in northern China than in southern China. '''Beer''' (啤酒 ''píjiǔ'') is common in China and is served in nearly every restaurant and sold in many grocery stores. The most famous brand is Tsingtao (青島 ''Qīngdǎo'') from [[Qingdao]], which was at one point a German concession. Locally made '''grape [[wine]]''' (葡萄酒 ''pútáojiǔ'') is common and much of it is reasonably priced, but usually bears only the faintest resemblance to Western wines. The Chinese like their wines red and very sweet, and they're typically served over ice or mixed with Sprite. That said, higher-quality local wines that are more similar to their Western counterparts also exist, if you know what to look for. There are also several brands and types of '''rice wine'''. Most of these resemble a watery rice pudding, they are usually sweet and contain a minute amount of alcohol for taste. '''Baijiu''' (白酒 ''Báijiǔ'') is distilled liquor, generally 40% to 60% alcohol by volume, made from sorghum and sometimes other grains depending on the region. Maotai or Moutai (茅台 ''Máotái''), made in Guizhou Province, is China's most famous brand of baijiu and China's national liquor. Maotai and its expensive cousins (such as '''Kaoliang''' from [[Kinmen]] in Taiwan) are well known for their strong fragrance and are actually sweeter than western clear liquors as the sorghum taste is preserved — in a way. Chinese '''brandy''' (白兰地 ''báilándì'') is excellent value, priced about the same as wine. There are several brands; all are drinkable and many visitors find them more palatable than baijiu. The Chinese are also great fans of various supposedly '''medicinal liquors''', which usually contain exotic herbs and/or animal parts. Some of these have prices in the normal range and include ingredients like ginseng, while other more exotic may include snakes, wasps and newborn mice. These can be palatable enough, if tending toward sweetness. Note that some medicinal liquors are only intended for external use. ===Bars, discos and karaoke=== Western style pubs are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Especially in the more affluent urban centers such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou one can find painstakingly recreated replicas of traditional Irish or English pubs. Like their Western counterparts most will have a selection of foreign beers on tap as well as provide pub food (of varying quality) and often feature live cover bands. Most of these pubs cater to and are frequented by the expatriate communities so you should not expect to find many Chinese in these places. Imported beer can be very expensive compared to local brew. To just go out for a few drinks with friends, pick a local restaurant and drink beer at around ¥5 for a 600 ml bottle. It will be Chinese lager, around 3% alcohol, with a limited choice of brand and may be served warm. Most mid- to high- range restaurants will have small private suites for gatherings (usually offered free if there is more than around 5 people), and the staff will generally not try to hustle you out even if you decide to stay until closing time. Many residents frequent outdoor restaurants or roadside stalls and barbecues (烧烤 ''shāokǎo'') for a nice and inexpensive evening. In '''discos''' and '''fancy bars''' with entertainment, you normally buy beer ¥100 at a time; this gets you anywhere from 4 import-brand beer (Heineken, Bud, Corona, Sol, etc.) to 10 local beers. A few places offer cocktails; fewer have good ones. Other drinks are sold only by the bottle, not by the glass. Red wine is in the ¥80-200 range (served with ice and Sprite) and mediocre imported whiskeys (Chivas, Johnny Walker, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels; extremely rarely single malts) and cognacs, ¥300-800. Both are often mixed with sweet bottled green or red tea. Vodka, tequila and rum are less common, but sometimes available. Bogus "brand name" products are fairly common and may ruin your next day. These places often have '''bar girls''', young women who drink a lot and want to play drinking games to get you to consume more. They get a commission on whatever you buy. In general, these girls will not leave the bar with you; they are professional flirts, not prostitutes. [[File:Wuhan-LuoyuDongLu-karaoke-4108.jpg|thumb|A karaoke place near the Huazhong University of Science and Technology campus in [[Wuhan]]]] '''Karaoke''' (卡拉OK ''kǎlā'ōukèi'') is huge in China and can be broadly split into two categories. More common is the no-frills karaoke box or '''KTV''', where you rent a room, bring your friends and the house gives you a mic and sells you booze. Much favored by students, these are cheap and fun with the right crowd, although you need at least a few people for a memorable night. Bringing your own booze can keep the price tag down but must be done on the sly - many places have windows in the door so the staff can make sure you only drink liquor they sold to you. Rather different is the distinctly dodgier '''special KTV''' lounge, more oriented to businessmen entertaining clients or letting their hair down, where the house provides anything and everything at a price. At these often opulent establishments &mdash; over-the-top Roman and Egyptian themes are standard &mdash; you'll be joined by short-skirted professional karaoke girls, who charge by the hour for the pleasure of their company and whose services may not be limited to just singing badly and pouring your drinks. It's highly advisable not to venture into these unless you're absolutely sure somebody else is footing the bill, which can easily run into hundreds of dollars even if you keep your pants on. As elsewhere, never '''never''' accept an invitation to a restaurant or bar from an available-looking woman who just picked you up in the street sometime after sundown. At best, suggest a different place. If she refuses, drop her on the spot. More than likely, she will steer you into a quiet little place with too many doormen and you will find yourself saddled with a modest meal and beer that will cost you ¥1,000 or worse. And the doormen won't let you leave till you pay up. ===Tea=== China is the birthplace of tea culture, and at the risk of stating the obvious, there's a lot of '''[[tea]]''' (茶 ''chá'') in China. Green tea (绿茶 ''lǜchá'') is served up for free in some restaurants (depending on region) or for a small fee. For more information, see [[Chinese cuisine#Tea]]. The most common types served are: * gunpowder tea (珠茶 ''zhū chá''): a green tea named after the appearance of the bunched-up leaves used to brew it * jasmine tea (茉莉花茶 ''mòlìhuā chá''): green-tea scented with jasmine flowers * oolong (烏龍 ''wūlóng''): a half-fermented mountain tea. Specialist tea houses serve a vast variety of brews, ranging from the pale, delicate white tea (白茶 ''báichá'') to the powerful fermented and aged pu'er tea (普洱茶 ''pǔ'ěrchá''). Most tea shops will be more than happy to let you sit down and try different varieties of tea. "Ten Fu Tea" is a national chain. Chinese teas are drunk without sugar or milk. However, in some areas you will find Hong Kong style "milk tea" (奶茶 ''nǎichá'') or Tibetan "butter tea". Taiwanese bubble tea (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá'') is also popular; the "bubbles" are balls of tapioca and milk or fruit are often mixed in. ===Coffee=== [[Coffee]] (咖啡 ''kāfēi'') is popular in urban China, though it can be quite difficult to find in smaller towns. Several chains of coffee shops have branches in many cities, including Starbucks (星巴克), UBC Coffee (上岛咖啡), Ming Tien Coffee Language and SPR. There are many small independent coffee shops or local chains. ===Cold drinks=== Many drinks that are usually served chilled or with ice in the West are served at room temperature in China. Ask for beer or soda in a restaurant, and it may arrive at room temperature, though beer is more commonly served cold, at least in the summer. Water will generally be served hot. That is actually good, because only boiled (or bottled) water is safe to drink. Small grocery stores and restaurants sell cold drinks, just look for the cooler (even though it might not actually be cool). You can try bringing a cold beverage into a restaurant. Most small restaurants won't mind—if they even notice—and there is no such thing as a "cork" charge in China. Most people will be drinking tea, which is free anyway, so the restaurant is probably not expecting to profit on your beverage consumption. Asking for ice is best avoided. Many, perhaps most, places just don't have it. The ice they do have may well be made from unfiltered tap water and arguably unsafe for travelers sweating bullets about [[Travellers' diarrhea|diarrhea]]. ==Sleep== [[File:Muyu-rural-inn-5476.jpg|thumb|Rural inn in Shennongjia, [[Hubei]]]] Availability of accommodation for tourists is generally good and ranges from shared dorm rooms to 5-star luxury hotels. '''Sleeper trains''' and '''sleeper buses''' can also be a decent option if you schedule your long-distance travel overnight (see the [[#Get around|Get around]] section of this page for more information). In the past, only a few hotels were allowed to take foreign guests and the police monitored those, but restrictions now vary from city to city. Even in restricted cities and towns, family-run operations in particular may check you in if they feel they can get enough information from you to get you registered in the system or feel that they can get away without such reporting. Any hotel will still require a photocopy of your passport, some will check if your visa has expired, and they are supposed to share information with the authorities. On rare occasions, someone from your hotel will escort you to the local police station to satisfy the establishment's reporting requirement. Finding a hotel when arriving in a Chinese city is difficult if you don't know where to look and what you're looking for. In general, neither star ratings nor price are an accurate indication of the quality of the hotel, so research before booking. If you're willing to pay ¥180 or more for a room, you'll probably have little problem finding one. You could, for example, search Google Maps with the name of a chain hotel listed under "mid-range", below, determine what the address would be in Chinese, and then write that down on a note which you give to a taxi driver. There are usually cheap hotels near the train or bus station. If you do plan on just showing up in town and looking for a place to sleep, it's best to arrive before 18:00 or the most popular places will be booked for the night. If you are absolutely at a loss for finding housing, the local police (警察) or Public Security Bureau (公安局) can help you find a place to crash - at least for one night. '''Prices are often negotiable,''' and a sharp reduction from the price listed on the wall can often be had, even in nicer hotels, by simply asking "what's the lowest price?" (最低多少 ''zuìdī duōshǎo''). When staying for more than a few days it is also usually possible to negotiate a lower daily rate. However, these negotiating tactics won't work during the busy Chinese holiday seasons when prices sky-rocket and rooms are hard to get. Many hotels, both chains and individual establishments, have membership cards offering discounts to frequent guests. In mid-range and above hotels, it was once quite common for guests to receive phone calls offering "massage" services (that actually offered additional physical services) but this has become rarer such that male guests might just encounter business cards stuffed under the door. '''Booking a room over the Internet''' with a credit card can be a convenient and speedy method of making sure you have a room when you arrive at your destination, and there are numerous websites that cater for this. Credit cards are not widely used in China, particularly in smaller and cheaper hotels. Such hotels usually ask to be paid in cash, and many hotels ask for a cash security deposit of a few hundred yuan up front. Some new [http://www.dajiudian.info online services] {{dead link|December 2020}} allow you to book without a credit card and pay cash at the hotel. During Chinese holidays, when it is difficult to get a room anywhere, this may be an acceptable option, but in the off-season, rooms are plentiful almost everywhere and it may be just as easy to find a room upon arrival as it is to book one over the Internet. Across China, check-out is normally noon, and there is often the possibility of paying half a day's cost to get an 18:00 checkout. For those staying in China on a more permanent basis, rental is possible with the obvious caveat that all contracts are in Chinese. Real estate prices are exorbitant in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, surpassing even those of many major Western cities. ===Low-cost housing=== Many ultra-cheap options would not appeal to most travelers from developed countries for security and cleanliness reasons. In the cheapest range of hotels it is important to ask if hot water is available 24 hours-a-day (有没有二十四个小时的热水 ''yǒuméiyǒu èrshisì ge xiǎoshí de rèshuǐ''), and check if the shower, sink and toilet actually work. It is also advisable to avoid checking into a room next to a busy street as traffic may keep you up late and wake you up early. * '''Hostels (青年旅社)''' are the most comfortable low-cost options. They typically cater to foreigners, have English-speaking employees, and provide cheap, convenient transport around town. Some of them are even cleaner and better furnished than more expensive places. Hostels also have a cozy, international atmosphere and are a good place to meet other travelers and get some half-decent Western food. In most cities of any size there is at least one hostel available, and in travel hot spots there are plenty of hostels, although they can still fill up quickly because of their popularity with backpackers. Hostels can often be booked on-line in advance although you definitely should bring a print-out of your confirmation as not all hostels are aware that you can book their rooms (and pay a portion of the cost) on-line in advance. In Beijing, many hostels are in '''hutongs''' - traditional courtyard homes in the midst of a maze of traditional streets and architecture. While many of Beijing's Hutongs have been demolished, a movement to save those which remain has led to a boom in youth hostels for backpackers and boutique hotels for the mid-range traveler. * '''Dorm rooms (宿舍)''' are found on university campuses, near rural tourist attractions and as part of some hotels. Most travelers have spotty luck with dorms. It is common to have rowdy or intoxicated roommates, and shared bathrooms can take some getting used to, especially if you're not used to traditional squat toilets or taking cold showers. However, in some areas, especially on top of some of China's holy mountains, dorm rooms might be the only budget option in a sea of luxury resorts. [[File:Yangzhou - guesthouse sign - P1080108.JPG|thumb|Signage over a budget hotel in Yangzhou]] * '''Zhùsù (住宿)''', which simply translates as "accommodation", can refer to any kind of sleeping accommodation, but those places that have the Chinese characters for zhusu written on the wall outside are the cheapest. A zhusu is not a hotel, but simply rooms for rent in homes, restaurants, and near train and bus stations. Zhusu rooms are universally spartan and bathrooms are almost always shared. The price can be quite low, costing only a few dozen renminbi. Officially a zhusu should not provide a room to a foreigner, but many times the caretaker is eager to get a client and will be willing to rent to anyone. There are never any English signs advertising a zhusu, so if you can't read Chinese you may have to print out the characters for your hunt. Security in zhusu's is sketchy, so this option is not recommended if you have valuables with you. * '''Spas''': spa costs vary but can be as low as ¥25. Admission to a spa is typically for 24 hours, but entering a spa late at night (after 01:00) and leaving before noon may get you a 50% discount. Spas provide beds or reclining couches and a small locker for bags and personal possessions (this is ideal if you are traveling light), but there is no privacy because usually everyone sleeps in one room (so there is more security than in a dorm, since there are attendants who watch over the area, and your belongings (even your clothes!) are stored away in a locker). There are also showers, saunas, complimentary food, and paid services such as massages and body scrubbing. Don't be fooled when receptionists try to make up reasons why you have to pay more than the listed rate. They may try to convince you that the listed rates are only for members, locals, women, men, or include only one part of the spa (i.e. shower, but no bed/couch). To verify any claims, strike up a conversation with a local a good distance away from the spa and inquire about the prices. Don't let them know that you are checking the spa's claims. Just act as if you are thinking about going there if the price is good. If they know that the spa is trying to overcharge you, they will typically support the spa's claim. ===Budget hotels=== [[File:Yangzhou - 7 Tian Liansuo Jiudian - P1070222.JPG|thumb|A mid-range hotel in Yangzhou with a couple of cheaper establishments nestled on its first floor]] The next level of hotels, which cater almost exclusively to Chinese clients, are usually off-limits to foreigners but you may be able to convince them to accept you, especially if you can speak a smattering of Chinese. As a foreigner, you are obligated to register your stay with local authorities, and in urban areas, budget hotels are often unaware of how to register foreign guests in the local system (and thus unwilling to take foreign guests). Despite this, you can offer to work with hotel staff in properly registering your stay in the PSB system (as most public security bureaus use the same registration system) using [https://www.lostlaowai.com/blog/china-stuff/china-travel/foreigners-allowed-hotel-registration-tutorial/ one of many online guides], but it is important to do so in a way that won't make the hotel clerk lose face. In rural areas, you will likely stick out like a sore thumb (especially if you have multimedia equipment), and even if you are registered as a guest, public security bureau officials will often show up late at night to firstly question your intentions for staying in a rural area, and furthermore ask you to leave and move on to another hotel. The cheapest range of Chinese budget hotels (one step above the zhusu) are called '''zhāodàisuǒ''' (招待所). Unlike zhusu these are '''licensed''' accommodations but are similarly spartan and utilitarian, often with shared bathrooms. Slightly more luxurious budget hotels and Chinese business hotels may or may not have English signs and usually have the words '''lǚguǎn''' (旅馆, meaning "travel hotel"), '''bīnguǎn''' or '''jiǔdiàn''' (宾馆 and 酒店, respectively, meaning "hotel") in their name. Room options typically include singles and doubles with attached bathrooms, and dorms with shared baths. Some budget hotels include complementary toiletries and Internet. In small towns a night's stay might be as cheap as ¥25; in bigger cities rooms usually cost ¥80-120. One problem with such hotels is that they can be quite noisy as patrons and staff may be yelling to each other across the halls into the wee hours of the morning. Another potential inconvenience is taking a room with a shared bath as you may have to wait to use a shower or squat toilet that moreover isn't in any sort of appealing condition. In smaller budget hotels the family running the place may simply lock up late at night when it appears no more customers are coming. If you plan to arrive late, explain this in advance or else you may have to call the front desk, bang on the door, or climb over the gate to get in. ===Mid-range hotels=== These are usually large, clean and comfortable, with rooms ranging from ¥150 to over ¥300. Frequently the same hotels will also have more expensive and luxurious rooms. The doubles are usually quite nice and up to Western standards, with a clean private bathroom that has towels and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast may be included, or a breakfast ticket can be purchased for around ¥10. Sprouting up around China are a number of Western-quality mid-range hotels that include the following chains, all of which have rooms in the ¥150-300 range and on-line advance booking: * {{sleep | name=7 Days Inns | alt= | url=http://www.7daysinn.cn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(7天连锁酒店) }} * {{sleep | name=JinJiang Inns | alt= | url=http://www.jinjianginns.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(锦江之星) }} * {{sleep | name=Home Inns | alt=如家快捷酒店 | url=http://www.homeinns.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Green Tree Inns | alt=格林豪泰酒店 | url=http://www.998.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motels by Wyndham | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} ===Splurge=== The high end includes international hotel chains and resorts, such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Shangri-La and their Chinese competitors. These charge hundreds or thousands of yuan per night for luxurious accommodations with 24-hour room service, satellite TV, spas, and western breakfast buffets. There are suites in Shanghai, for example, for over ¥10,000 a night. Many of these establishments cater to traveling business-types with expense accounts and charge accordingly for food and amenities (i.e. ¥20 for a bottle of water which costs ¥2 at a convenience store). Internet (wired or wireless) which is usually free in mid-range accommodations is often a pay service in high-end hotels. Some hotels in the ¥400-700 range such as Ramada or Days Inn are willing to lower their prices when business is slow. Chinese three and four-star hotels will often give block pricing or better deals for stays of more than 5 days. If you are coming to China on a tour, the tour company may be able to get you a room in a true luxury hotel for a fraction of the listed price. ==Learn== {{Seealso|Studying in China}} Traditional Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on education, so there is no lack of options for those who wish to receive quality education in China. China's universities offer many different types of courses, and some of them are regularly ranked among the top universities in the world. Universities accept students who have achieved the minimum of a high-school education for courses in the Chinese language. These courses usually last 1 or 2 years. Students are given certificates after they complete their course. Students who do not speak Chinese and want to study further in China are usually required to complete a language-training course. There are many opportunities to learn Chinese in China, including university courses and special programs. Scholarships may be available, from your home country or the Chinese government. In any city with a sizeable expat community, you can also find private classes, which you can take on the side while [[working in China]]. While not as popular as Mandarin, there are also some opportunities to study the local dialects and ethnic minority languages. ==Work== {{seealso|Working in China}} China has grown so much that it is on track to become the world's biggest economy. Although the labor market is difficult for foreigners to access, there are, however, significant opportunities for those who wish to experience China. It is illegal to work in China on a tourist or business visa, and while many foreigners used to get away with doing so, the Chinese government is cracking down on the practice; you will need to proactively make sure your employer goes through the appropriate procedures for you. Employment opportunities include [[English teaching|English-language teaching]], engineering, tech jobs, international trade, scientific research and working for multi-nationals. For most jobs, Chinese immigration law requires foreigners to have at least a bachelor's degree before they can be granted a work visa, and your application will be rejected if you do not have one. See [[Working in China]] for details. ==Stay safe== While China is generally safe for visitors, the government has some authoritarian aspects, and the topic of '''human rights''' in China is highly contested. Despite what's written in the Chinese constitution, in practice some freedoms are strongly curtailed, such as free speech, privacy, freedom of information and the press, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. As long as you're not deliberately provocative, most of these are unlikely to affect you during your visit — especially since enforcement is somewhat arbitrary anyway — but if they do, punishments can be heavy. China is known to use extrajudicial detention, torture, and (rarely, mainly for murder and drug trafficking) the death penalty. Often criticized as "hostage diplomacy", detentions and enforcement are sometimes stepped up in reaction to geopolitical events, meaning that, for example, Canadian and American businesspeople have faced extra scrutiny in 2019. Chinese dual citizens and people of Chinese heritage who are citizens of other countries have been subject to "exit bans", kept in China, sometimes for years, to compel them to cooperate with government investigations or pressure their relatives to return to China. <!--This section is just a political discussion that doesn't provide information to travelers. If the preceding is not fair, then let's fair that: An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole. The bottom line is that, no different from most other countries, --> As long as you behave and do not get involved in drugs or political activity, you shouldn't have any problems. Even bypassing the Internet firewall or accessing potentially subversive material is usually overlooked for the average visitor. However, it doesn't hurt to have a contingency plan in case you run afoul of the government. ===Law enforcement agencies=== Private security officers in China dress similarly to the police, and also often use lights and sirens on their vehicles. [[File:Chine police.JPG|thumb|right|Typical public security police officers]] The major law enforcement agency you will encounter most is the '''public security police''' (公安机关人民警察), often abbreviated as the public security (公安, ''Gōng'ān''), or civilian police (民警, ''mínjǐng''). *Most officers wear navy-blue peaked caps and light-blue shirts. Officers should carry their police identification document, which must be shown when you request them to do so. They are usually unarmed. *Special police officers wear black uniform, and are armed. *Traffic police officers wear white peaked-caps, and in some cities, they may wear fluorescent shirts. *Auxiliary police officers have limited law enforcement power, and do not have the power of arrest. Their uniforms differ from city to city; but have the words "auxiliary police" (辅警), or something similar. *Detectives, including domestic security agents, wear plain clothes. *Typical police vehicles bear the word "公安". Special police vehicles are painted with black, and bear the word "特警". All public security police officers have nationwide authority. Most of the officers are friendly, professional and reliable, yet there will inevitably be corrupt ones too. [[File:Pékin, People's Armed Police at Tianamen Square (1).JPG|thumb|right|A typical PAP soldier]] The '''People's Armed Police''' (PAP) (中国人民武装警察部队, often abbreviated to 武警, ''wǔjǐng'') is a branch of the Chinese military tasked with assisting the public security police, riot control and guarding key infrastructures like railway stations and airports. Soldiers wear green camouflage or olive-green military uniform with red insignia, while officers have similar uniform with that of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force. [[File:Shantou, Guangdong, China - Chengguan Officials.jpg|thumb|Chengguan officers of [[Shantou]]]] '''Chengguan''' (城管, ''chéngguǎn''), known officially as City Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau (城市管理行政执法局), and often known as Integrated Enforcement (综合执法) or Administrative Enforcement (行政执法), may dress differently. Chengguan officers are often poorly-trained, brutal, and sometimes corrupt. The Chinese government is cracking down on corruption, so '''under no circumstances''' should you offer a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer, as this could result in legal consequences for you and the person accepting your bribe. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates vary across the huge nation, but in general it as safe as most Western countries. Many Western tourists will feel safer in China than in their home country, and it is generally not a problem for women to roam the streets alone at night. Violent crime is very rare, though scams and petty crimes are common, so it pays to be prudent and secure your valuables properly. As with anywhere else, a little commonsense goes a long way. Generally speaking, crime rates are higher in the larger cities than in the countryside. Nevertheless, they are no more dangerous than major Western cities, so if you avoid seedy areas and use your common sense, you'll be fine. Video surveillance is widely used in both urban and in some rural areas. CCTVs are generally welcomed by the police, due to the fact that front-line officers are often insufficient to deal with China's huge population. While not as rampant as in [[Europe]], [[Pickpockets|pickpocketing]] is a significant issue in crowded places. Be particularly vigilant when on public transport during peak hours, as it provides the perfect cover for pickpockets to get away after striking. Bicycle theft can be a problem. In big cities there are stories of locals who have lost three bikes within one month, but in some other places, local people still casually park their bikes. Follow what local people do. Assume your expensive lock won't help at all. Professional thieves can break virtually any lock. In China, bike parking is common outside supermarkets or shopping centers, and usually charges ¥1-2 per day (usually until 20:00-22:00). If you have an electric bicycle or scooter, be extra cautious as the battery-packs or charger may be targeted. The main crimes foreigners get in trouble for are around drug use (including drug use outside China before you arrived—they sometimes do a hair test for cannabis) or working illegally, with the consequence usually being a short sentence, fine and deportation. If you are accused of a more serious crime, then your first 72 hours of investigation is critical. It is during that time that the police, prosecutors and your lawyers will investigate, negotiate and decide if you are guilty. Police use hard interrogations (or torture) immediately after arrest because eliciting a confession is the quickest way to secure a conviction. Chinese law prohibits your lawyer from being present during your interrogation. If your case goes to trial, then your conviction is merely a formality (99.9% of criminal trials in 2013 ended in a conviction), and the judge's only role is to decide your sentence. Signing any document during your interrogation would be an extremely bad idea, especially if you do not understand what you are signing. You should politely insist that you be allowed access to consular services and a translator. ===Traffic=== {{see also|Driving in China}} [[File:瀋陽市街地.jpg|thumb|Traffic in [[Shenyang]]]] The mortality rate per person for car accidents in China is lower than that of many Western countries. But, in general, driving in China can range from anywhere from nerve-rattling to outright reckless. Traffic can appear chaotic. Cars are allowed to turn right on a red light and do not stop for pedestrians, regardless of the walk signal. Cars drivers, cyclists and electric scooter drivers will all drive assuming they all have right of way/priority at once. Pedestrian crossings are a guide for the driver where pedestrians are more likely to cross. In cities, however, it is unlikely drivers will be traveling fast enough to cause significant damage. Do as the locals do: cross the road with confidence, be aware of your surroundings, know that cars, bikes and scooters will tend to continue rather than stop. It is advisable as a foreigner not to drive, since in an accident you will be poorly equipped to deal with the nature of Chinese compensation. ===Terrorism=== Although rare, terrorist attacks in China have occurred, mostly in [[Xinjiang]], where Uyghur Islamist separatists are fighting for independence against the Chinese government, though there have also been high-profile attacks on people in [[Guangzhou]] station, [[Kunming]] station and [[Beijing]]. There is airport-style security at all major train stations, metro stations, and long-distance bus terminals. You will have your bag X-rayed and take water bottles out of your bag to be scanned separately, but there is no need to empty your pockets. ===Begging=== Chinese people traditionally disapprove of [[begging]], so begging is not a major issue in most places. It is, however, never far off the scene and particularly common just outside the main tourist attractions and in major transportation hubs. Be aware of child beggars who could be victims of child trafficking. While it is becoming less common, you should avoid giving them any money. In China, local people usually only give money to those who have obviously lost the ability to earn money. Professional beggars have clear deformities, and some syndicates have been known to deliberately maim children as it is seen as more effective in soliciting pity. If you feel like giving them some, bear in mind that the minimum hourly wage ranges from ¥11 to ¥24 (2020).<!-- look for updates here: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/minimum-wages-china-2020/--> ====Buddhist monks==== The presence of foreign tourists unaware of local Buddhist customs has also given rise to many scams, with many fake monks and temples preying on unsuspecting visitors. Buddhism in China generally follows the Mahayana school, whose monks are required to be vegetarian, and usually grow their own food in the temples, or buy their food using temple donations. As such, they generally ''do not'' beg for food. Monks also do not sell religious items (these are sold by laymen), and neither do they offer "Buddha's blessing" in exchange for money, or threaten you with misfortune should you not donate. Most temples will have a donation box in the main hall for devotees to make donations should they wish to do so, and monks will never go out in public to ask for donations. According to traditional Buddhist philosophy, it is entirely up to an individual to decide whether and how much he/she wishes to donate, and genuine Buddhist temples will never use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations, or ask for any amount of money in exchange for services. ===Nature=== [[File:Trimeresurus stejnegeri.jpg|thumb|The Chinese bamboo viper]] Being a large country, China is affected by a range of different natural disasters. Pacific [[cyclones|typhoons]] hit the coast in the summer and autumn months, bringing physical destruction and torrential rain. Floods also occur, in particular around the large rivers. Northern parts of the country have winter storms. Much of the country is prone to [[earthquakes]] and [[tornadoes]]. China has a variety of '''[[venomous snakes]]'''. Be careful when hiking and seek immediate treatment for any snakebite. The bright green '''bamboo viper''' (''Trimeresurus stejnegeri'') is especially notorious. ===Scams=== : ''See also: [[Common scams]], [[Pickpockets]]'' Chinese people are in general hospitable to foreigners, and want to leave a good impression on tourists visiting their country. However, as with anywhere else, there are also scam artists who operate at tourist hot spots, so it pays to be prudent and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. High prices do not necessarily indicate a scam. In a teahouse or bar, ¥50-200 per cup or pot of tea (including hot water refills) and ¥15-60 per bottle of beer is not uncommon. Tea samplings may also charge high prices for each sample. [[File:Pudong Shanghai November 2017 HDR panorama.jpg|thumb|300px|Shanghai skyline]] Touristy parts of Beijing and Shanghai have become notorious for various scams. If you are keen to avoid being scammed, the following are good rules of thumb: * It is less likely for scammers to operate outside of the usual tourist spots * If you are approached in a touristy area by a person who appears ''too'' enthusiastic about going to a particular place (teahouse or otherwise), you are likely to pay a premium and maybe get a better time elsewhere * If you are uncomfortable, '''walk away.''' * Most ordinary Chinese people are unable to speak English, so be on your guard if someone approaches you spontaneously and starts speaking to you in English. The police are sensitive to foreigners being targeted in this way and giving the country a poor reputation. In China, you have a legal right to ask for a "fa piao" (发票, lit. receipt/invoice) which is an official sales invoice issued by the taxation department. It is against the law for an owner to refuse to give it to you. For scams, they generally will refuse since it is legal evidence of their extortionate price. Accident scams occur, too, and even 'good samaritans' who help people genuinely in distress have been sued for compensation by the people they were trying to help. These scams are not tried on foreigners too often, but be careful when using a vehicle and always record your journey with a dashboard or bicycle camera. If you find yourself being or having been scammed then call 110 and report it immediately. Suspicious phone calls can be enquired through '''96110''', a hotline established in view of soaring telecommunications scams. The police may also notify you by this number with area code prefix if you encountered suspected scam calls, which is similar to a reverse-911 call itself. ===Illicit drugs=== Acts related to illicit drugs are dealt with harshly in China. Although drug use alone and the mere possession of ''small'' quantities of drugs (for example, less than 200 grams of opium and less than 10 grams of heroin or methamphetamine) are not prosecuted and are only subject to lengthy detention and/or a fine, '''smuggling, trafficking, transporting, and manufacturing illicit drugs are crimes punishable by death''', and there are plenty cases of foreign drug traffickers being executed in China. In addition, the possession of ''large'' quantities of drugs is a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, and sheltering others to take drugs is a crime punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment. Chinese people usually associate drugs with national humiliation (due to an unlimited influx of opium after Opium Wars); publicly doubting the death penalty for drug offences or advocacy for drug liberalization will most likely get you publicly criticized. For recorded drug addicts, you may be subjected to sudden raids by the police, in order to verify that you did not consume any illicit drugs. Be particularly wary in the provinces of [[Yunnan]] and [[Guangxi]], as these provinces border the Golden Triangle, a major drug-producing region in Southeast Asia. Police now target bars and nightclubs that foreigners frequent with drug-testing kits, with detention and deportation the likely consequence of a positive drug test. In a hair test, you may test positive even for drugs that you consumed three months before arriving in China. If you are driving from Chinese-Burmese border (eg. [[Xishuangbanna]]), you may also encounter layered narcotics checkpoints, in which you and your vehicle will be thoroughly searched or even partially dismantled (if suspicion arise) to intercept drug smugglers. ===Banned items=== Due to the fast pace of change in China, you may find some items (especially media) continue to be banned by customs although they are readily available for purchase in the country itself. Searching your belongings for illicit items such as the ones below could potentially happen when entering China through an airport, although in practice it is rare these days. * Materials considered by the authorities as ''Anti-Chinese'' will be confiscated. This has a fairly wide interpretation, but can include the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan lion-mountain flag and literature about the Falun Gong religious group, independence movements in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan or the Tiananmen Square protests. As a rule of thumb, '''do not bring anything critical of the Communist Party of China'''; if some literature refers to the government of the PRC as the Communist Party of China (中共), then it's either from Taiwan (as the local official term when referring to the Chinese government), and/or its stance is likely to be critical of the party. **''The Epoch Times'' (大紀元時報) and ''Ming Hui Times'' (明慧周刊/明慧周報) are two examples of Falun Gong literature. The Falun Gong sect is known to print proselytising words on Chinese yuan bills, so consider checking your bills to avoid unnecessary hassle. * A heavy penalty is imposed on all '''pornography''' and penalties are counted based on the number of pieces brought into the country. ===Religion=== Visitors to China rarely get into trouble for practicing their religion. As a communist country, China is officially atheist, and religion is banned for people working in government jobs. Although religion was targeted for extermination during the Cultural Revolution, in modern times, visitors and private citizens are generally free to practice a religion if they wish. However, '''proselytising is prohibited''' and taken very seriously by the government, and could potentially lead to arrest and imprisonment, especially if there is any fear that it could undermine the government's authority. Catholics in China are split between the state-sanctioned Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPA, CPCA, or CCPA, 中国天主教爱国会 ''Zhōngguó Tiānzhǔjiào Àiguó Huì''), which is run separately from the Vatican, and an '''underground church''' which is illegal; visitors should not associate with the latter for legal reasons. '''Falun Gong''' is '''illegal''' and heavily censored in China. Visibly supporting it will make you subject to arrest. Despite all that, modern Chinese society is in general rather secular, and religiously-motivated hate crimes are exceedingly rare. ===Racism=== Although unprovoked violent racist attacks are virtually unheard of, foreigners, particularly darker-skin ones, often suffer discrimination in employment and are the subject of stereotyping from Chinese people. Even white foreigners, who allegedly enjoy significantly better treatment than locals, have been occasionally confronted by Chinese people during politically sensitive periods. Xenophobia has intensified amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many restaurants now refusing service to foreign customers. Discrimination is particularly severe against black people, some of whom have been evicted by their landlords and denied rooms in hotels. If your skin tone doesn't match people's assumptions for someone from your country, and especially if you're ethnically Chinese, you may be treated like the country on your passport isn't where you're ''really'' from. Visas on arrival are sometimes denied on this basis. ===Gay and lesbian travelers=== China is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travelers. There are no laws against homosexuality in China, though there is censorship of homosexual-themed content in the media. Gay scenes and communities are found in the major cities in China, but are generally non-existent everywhere else. Most Chinese are reluctant to discuss their sexuality in public, as it is generally considered to be a personal matter, and acceptance of homosexuality by Chinese people tends to be mixed. Same-sex marriages and unions are not recognised anywhere in the country. While openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is still likely to draw stares and whispers, gay and lesbian visitors should generally not run into any major problems, and unprovoked violence against homosexual couples is almost unheard of. In general, the younger generation tend to be more accepting of homosexuality, and gay dramas have been gaining in popularity among young Chinese women since the 2010s. Staff in hotels and guesthouses may assume that a mistake has been made if a same-sex couple has reserved a room with one large bed and try to move you to another room. However, they will generally back down if you insist that it is not a problem. ==Stay healthy== ===Personal hygiene=== Outside major cities, public washrooms range from mildly unpleasant to utterly repulsive. In cities, it varies from place to place. High-quality bathrooms can be found inside major tourist attractions, at international hotels, office buildings, and upper-class department stores. Washrooms in foreign restaurant chains, or any of the coffee chains listed in the drink section are usually more or less clean. While those in common restaurants and hotels are barely acceptable, those in hotel rooms are generally clean. Some public facilities are free, others cost from a few mao up to ¥2. Separate facilities are always provided for men (男 nán) and women (女 nǚ), but sometimes there are no doors on the front of the stalls. The sit-down toilet familiar to Westerners is rare in China in public areas. Hotels will generally have them in rooms, but in places where Westerners are scarce, expect to find squat toilets more often than not. Many private homes in urban areas now have sit-down toilets, and one major benefit from having a local host is that they have clean bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, a western establishment such as McDonald's or Starbucks will have a western toilet, but may not have toilet paper. Carry your own tissue paper (卫生纸 wèishēngzhǐ, or 面纸 miànzhǐ) as it is rarely provided. You can sometimes buy it from the money-taker at a public toilet; you can also buy it in bars, restaurants and Internet cafés for ¥2. Put used paper in the bucket next to the toilet; do not flush it away as it may block the often poor plumbing systems. There may not be soap in the public washrooms either. The Chinese tend to distrust the cleanliness of bathtubs. In hotels with fixed bathtubs, disposable plastic bathtub liners may be provided. Wash your hands often with soap if you can find any, carry some disposable disinfectant tissues (found in almost any department or cosmetics store), or use alcohol gel. ===Food and drink=== ====Food==== Although there are few widely enforced health regulations in restaurants, each major city does have an inspection regime that requires each establishment to prominently display the result (good, average or poor). It is hard to say how effective this is, but it is a start. Restaurants generally prepare hot food when you order. Even in the smallest of restaurants, hot dishes are usually freshly prepared, instead of reheated, and rarely cause health problems. A rule of thumb regarding street food is to make certain it is cooked thoroughly while you are watching; also, visit stalls frequented by locals, and look for plastic-wrapped disposable chopsticks. Minor stomach discomfort may still be experienced from street food and restaurant food alike, but is said to pass as one becomes accustomed to the local food. Ginger can be effective against nausea. ====Drink==== Chinese people '''do not drink water straight from the tap''', even in the cities. All hotels provide a thermos flask of boiled water in your room (refillable by your floor attendant), a kettle you can use to do it yourself or a sealed plastic bottle of commercial mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink ''after'' boiling. Some apartments and businesses have rather large water filters installed (which require changing twice a year) to improve the quality of water for cooking and washing. It still doesn't make the water drinkable from the tap, however it does improve the water quality a great deal. Purified drinking water in bottles is available everywhere, and is generally quite cheap. ¥2 is normal for a small bottle. Check that the seal on the cap is not broken. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also cheap and safe. Also note that much river water in China has been contaminated by chemicals that filters can not help much with, although this should only be dangerous if consumed over an extended period of time. ===Pollution=== {{infobox|Smog|Most smog or haze outbreaks are made up of fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5). '''N95 masks''' provide good protection against smog as they are at least 95% efficient against fine particles that are about 0.1 – 0.3 microns. They are 99.5% efficient against larger particles of 0.75 microns or more. As with most things in China, be sure to identify a reputable brand such as 3M}} [[File:3M N95 Particulate Respirator.JPG|thumbnail|N95 mask for dealing with China smog]] Due to a rapid rate of industrialization in China, [[Air pollution|pollution and heavy smog]] is unfortunately part of the way of life in most major towns and cities. That said, stricter environmental protection laws are slowly beginning to bear fruit, with the result that Beijing is no longer the most polluted city in the world, but there is still a long way to go. Even the countryside, depending on the province in question, is not immune. Long-term effects of smog particulate are unlikely to have a significant effect on your health if you are in China for a short stay (e.g. a number of weeks) and have no significant respiratory problems. If you are concerned, discuss this with a medical professional before your trip. Places at higher altitudes or plains like parts of Yunnan and Sichuan, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet and outlying islands such as Hainan usually have good air quality. Visitors should be prepared to see smog, which can be quite heavy, in nearly all large cities, including those on the coast. This [http://aqicn.org website] can provide detailed hourly pollution readings for most large cities. You will also hear a lot of noise. Construction and renovation are full-time activities. Chinese and long-time residents' ears are adapted to filter and tolerate it. ===Health care=== {{COVID-19 box|During lockdowns, medical resources are limited to non-COVID patients , '''even for urgent cases'''. Despite official prohibition, there are also cases where patients who don't have negative COVID testing results are denied treatment. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient essential and necessary medicines.|lastedit=2022-07-03}} {{infobox|Healthcare for foreigners|Most major Chinese cities have clinics and hospitals that are more appropriate for foreigners, with English-speaking and Western-qualified staff. Although expensive, it is worth identifying them whenever you plan to stay in an area for a significant time. For non-urgent medical treatment, you may want to consider traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] for a higher standard of treatment which may not be particularly more expensive.}} The quality of Chinese hospitals for the Chinese people is generally not up to the standards of the West. Local doctors have been known to prescribe more expensive treatments than necessary; IV drips are routine prescriptions in China, even for minor ailments like the common cold, and doctors have a tendency to liberally prescribe antibiotics. Most locals go to the hospital even for the most minor ailments, and the concept of a private clinic effectively does not exist. You should consider keeping a significant amount of cash readily available for emergencies, since not being able to pay upfront may delay treatment. Ambulance services are expensive, require upfront payment, are not accorded much priority on the roads and are therefore not particularly fast. Quality of ambulance service also varies with regions, and paramedics in poorer regions are often poorly equipped and trained. Taking a taxi to the hospital in an emergency will often be much quicker. Common therapeutic drugs &mdash; things like penicillin or insulin &mdash; are generally available from a pharmacist with a prescription and considerably cheaper than in western countries. You can usually ask to see the instructions that came with the box. Western medicine is called xīyào (西药). Less common drugs are often imported, hence expensive. In larger cities there are strong controls over medicine, and even 'standard' cold medicine such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or dextromethorphan may require a prescription or a foreign passport. Opiates always require a prescription, although Viagra never does. In smaller cities and rural areas many medicines, including most antibiotics, are often available without a prescription. {{infobox|Common symptoms|* Caught a cold: 感冒 gǎnmào * Fever: 发烧 fāshāo * Headache: 头痛 tóutòng * Stomach ache: 肚子痛 dùzǐtòng * Sore throat: 喉咙痛 hóulóngtòng * Cough: 咳嗽 késòu See [[Chinese phrasebook]] for more.}} Most Chinese doctors and nurses, even in larger cities, will speak little or no English. However, medical staff are in plentiful supply and hospital wait times are generally short - usually less than 10 minutes at general clinics (门诊室 ménzhěnshì), and virtually no wait time at emergency rooms (急诊室 jízhěnshì). There are private Western-style clinics and hospitals in most major Chinese cities which provide a higher standard of care at a much higher price. The doctors and nurses will speak English (with interpretation services often available for other foreign languages), and are often hired from, or have obtained their medical qualifications in Western countries. These provide an easy and comfortable way to obtain familiar Western treatment from doctors qualified in the West, although you will be paying a steep premium for these services starting at ¥1,000 just for the consultation. Check beforehand to see whether your insurance will cover all or part of this. For any significant surgery, it is worth considering traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] as the standard of treatment and care is more aligned to Western standards. Ensure that needles used for injections or any other procedure that requires breaking the skin are new and unused - insist on seeing the packet being broken open. In some parts of China it is acceptable to re-use needles, albeit after sterilization. For acupuncture, although the disposable needles are quite common in mainland China, you can provide your own needles if you prefer. The disposable type, called Wujun zhenjiu zhen (无菌針灸針, Sterilized acupuncture needles), usually cost ¥10-20 per 100 needles and are available in many pharmacies. There should be minimal to no bleeding when the needle is inserted and removed if the acupuncturist is sufficiently skilled. While Traditional Chinese Medicine is ubiquitous in China, regulation tends to be lax and it is not unheard of for Chinese physicians to prescribe herbs which are actually detrimental to one's health. Do some research and ensure you have some trusted local friends to help you out if you wish to see a Chinese physician. You can head to Hong Kong or Taiwan instead, as the practice is better regulated there. ====Infectious diseases==== If making more than a short trip to China, it may be a good idea to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid as they can be spread via contaminated food, and Japanese encephalitis which is transmitted in rural areas. Parts of southern China have [[mosquitoes]] which transmit [[dengue fever]]. As of 2019 the official estimate is that nearly 1 million people in China are living with HIV/AIDS. One in four infected individuals do not know their status. Sex workers, clients of sex workers and injecting drug users are the most infected groups. New diseases are sometimes a threat in China, particularly in its more densely populated parts. There have been cases of bird flu: avoid undercooked poultry or eggs. ==Respect== {{quote|入乡随俗<br/>''Rù xiāng suí sú''<br/>When you enter a village, follow the customs.|author={{nowrap|Chinese proverb (English speakers might say "When in Rome...")}}}} {{infobox|Using people's names|2=Names can be a complicated matter in China. Except for certain ethnic minorities, names always follow the East Asian naming order of '''family name followed by given name'''; this is usually done in English as well. Someone called 陈晓明 (''Chén Xiǎomíng'') therefore has the surname "Chen" and the given name "Xiaoming". Many Chinese acquire English names, which may have no relation to their Chinese name (and are sometimes quite unusual words or non-words). When using their English name, they will likely switch their name to Western name order (given name followed by family name). It's usually okay to address adult friends and children by given names, although using their full name is also common. In formal situations, the default is to address people using their family names with a title, or their full names with a title if necessary to disambiguate. Occupational titles are even used outside the workplace, so a teacher may be called "Teacher Zhang" (张老师 ''Zhāng Lǎoshī'') even outside the classroom, and a manager or business owner may be called "Boss Huang" (黄老板 ''Huáng Lǎobǎn''). Generic titles of varying commonness include ''Xiānshēng'' (先生, "Mr." or "Sir"), ''Tàitai'' (太太, "Madam" or "Mrs."), and ''Nǚshì'' (女士, "Ms."). The informal prefixes ''Lǎo-'' (老, "Old" or "Elder") and ''Xiǎo-'' (小, "Young" or "Little") are also commonly used, but you should avoid calling someone these unless you know the person well. The title "comrade" (同志) is rarely used outside of official situations, as the term nowadays also means LGBT people. While the title ''Xiǎojiě'' (小姐) is commonly used in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore as an equivalent for the English "Miss", it is a euphemism for "prostitute" in mainland China and hence should be ''avoided''. Names for familial relationships (e.g. big sister, uncle) are frequently used for acquaintances and even strangers based on their age relative to you. It will usually be clear from context, but generally when someone refers to another person as "Brother Zhang" or "Aunt Zhang", even in English, they probably don't mean a family member. Ethnic minorities often have their own naming conventions and modes of address, which can sometimes be very different from those of the Han majority. The foolproof method is therefore to ''ask'' how somebody would like to be addressed.}} [[File:China tea serving.JPG|thumb|Tea-serving at a restaurant in China]] Foreigners are still a rare breed in most parts of China, which means that how you interact with people there may well shape their impression of your country or even of foreigners in general. Follow the law, be polite, and try to leave a good impression as it affects the general reputation of foreigners in China. * Unlike Japan and South Korea where bowing is extremely common, in China the practice did not survive into the modern era, and is only used in certain formal occasions such as marriage ceremonies, funerals, religious rituals, and for students greeting teachers in school. Give a soft '''handshake''' when greeting someone, which can optionally be accompanied by a slight bow. * '''Personal space''' more or less does not exist in China. Elevators and buses can get very crowded. It's common and acceptable for someone to come in close contact with you or to bump into you and say nothing. Don't get mad, as they'll be surprised and most likely won't even understand why you're offended. * Important items such as business cards or important papers are given and received with '''both hands'''. ** '''Business cards''' in particular are treated very respectfully and formally. How you treat someone's business card is seen as representing how you will treat the person. When accepting a business card, use both hands to pick it up by the corners, give a slight bow of your head, and take the time to read the card and confirm how to pronounce the person's name. It's disrespectful to write on a card, fold it, or place it in your back pocket (where you'll sit on it!); a nice case to keep cards pristine is preferable to a pocket. * '''Smoking''' is common almost anywhere. "No smoking" signs are routinely ignored, and it's common for someone to smoke in an elevator or even in the hospital. Some cities now forbid smoking in most restaurants, but enforcement varies. Beijing has one of the nation's strictest smoking laws: you are not allowed to smoke anywhere with a roof; again, enforcement is patchy. Western restaurants seem to be the only ones who consistently enforce the ban. Masks would be a good idea for long distance bus trips. ** When you smoke, it's always considered polite to '''offer a cigarette''' to those you meet. This rule applies almost exclusively to men, but under certain circumstances, such as a club, it's okay to offer cigarettes to women. * In homes and some other buildings, '''slippers''' or sandals are worn indoors. If your hosts are wearing slippers at home, and especially if there is carpet on the floor, remove your shoes and ask for a pair of slippers before you enter, even if your host says you don't have to. * '''Saving face''' is an important concept in Chinese culture, and this concept extends beyond the individual to one's family (including extended family), and even the country. Pointing out mistakes directly may cause embarrassment. If you have to, call the person to one side and tell them in private. ** '''Humility''' is highly valued in traditional Chinese culture, and bragging about your achievements is in general not well received. It is also customary to politely turn down any compliments you receive from others. ** Chinese people sometimes criticize their own country, but you are highly advised not to do it yourself, as the same things being said by a foreigner tend not to be received so well. * Swastikas have been used in Buddhist temples since the 5th century to represent Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. Like the case for other Asian countries, it does not represent Nazism. Jews have been living in China for centuries, and have always had peaceful relations with their non-Jewish neighbours. * Outside of a business context, casual clothes are acceptable at most places, including temples and expensive restaurants. Sleeveless or low-cut tops are uncommon and may stand out. At the beach or the pool, conservative swimsuits are much more common than bikinis. ===Gifts=== When visiting someone's home, a small gift is always welcome. Wine, fruit, or some trinket from your native country are common. When receiving a gift, it is generally rude to open it in front of the person who gave it to you unless (s)he specifically tells you to do so. Wait until the person has left and open it in private. Some items are '''not given as gifts''' because of cultural associations. Some things to watch out for: black and white are important colors in funerals, scissors or knives may insinuate you want to cut off your relationship with someone, and many people see mirrors as bad luck. Other taboos are based on homophones: the word "four" (四 ''sì'') sounds like "death" (死 ''sǐ''), "pear" and "umbrella" sound like "separation", and "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral". These gift taboos and others vary by region and generation, so it's a good idea to consult a local for advice, or at least search the Internet for lists of taboo gifts before you purchase one. ===Eating and drinking=== Eating is very important in Chinese culture, and '''dining out''' is a widespread way to honor guests and deepen relationships. Seating at a formal dinner follows a specific order, with the host or most senior person at the center. Don't pick up your chopsticks until the most senior person at the table has done so. Table manner varies from different places among different people in different scenarios. Sometimes you can see Chinese spit on a restaurant floor, pick their tooth in front of you, and yell whilst dining, but it's not always welcome. Follow what other people do. Hosts tend to order more food than you can eat because it's considered shameful if they can't stuff their guests. Although it varies regionally, finishing your plate generally means you're still hungry and may prompt your hosts to order ''more'' food, but leaving too much can imply you didn't like a dish; leaving an appropriate amount of food on your plate is a bit of a balancing act. When offered a drink, you're expected to take it or your friends will keep pushing you. Excuses such as "I'm on medication" are better than "I don't feel like drinking". Toasts are common, and it's generally considered rude to turn down a toast (although you can take small sips with each toast). China has a strong drinking culture, especially in business, and turning down alcohol can sometimes cause offense. However, foreigners may be given some slack on this. If the hard ''baijiu'' is too much for you, consider opting for a beer instead. ====Paying==== While splitting the bill is beginning to be accepted by young people, '''treating''' is still the norm, especially when the parties are in obviously different social classes. Men are expected to treat women, elders to juniors, rich to poor, hosts to guests, working class to non-income class (students). Friends of the same class will usually prefer to take turns treating rather than split the bill. It is common to see Chinese competing intensely to pay the bill. You are expected to fight back and say "It's my turn, you treat me next time." That being said, Chinese tend to be very tolerant towards foreigners. If you feel like going Dutch, try it. They tend to believe that "all foreigners prefer to go Dutch". ===Politics=== For your safety, it's best if you '''avoid getting involved in any political activity''', and avoid discussing politics with Chinese people. Most Chinese are passive about their country's politics and are generally reluctant to talk about it, and in most cases, will change the topic of discussion. * Most Chinese are ashamed that their country was forced into unequal treaties with Japan and the Western powers over the past two centuries, and are proud of the recent progress made by their government in restoring China's international influence. Many Chinese are also aware of alternative Western views, but you should tread lightly if you choose to discuss these. * Supporting the '''independence movements''' of Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan or Hong Kong is '''illegal''', so you should avoid discussing them. Most Chinese people support their government's position on these issues, and trying to advocate for these movements is going to do nothing more than getting you into the bad books of your hosts. ** Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China. Be sure to use the term "mainland" (大陆 ''dàlù'') or "mainland China" (中国大陆 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') instead of just "China" (中国 ''zhōngguó'') if you are looking to ''exclude'' Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is also a common practice in China to refer to Taiwan as "Taiwan Province" (台湾省), and Hong Kong and Macau as "Hong Kong, China" (中国香港) and "Macau, China" (中国澳门). ** The Hong Kong protests, and allegations of Uyghur genocide and slavery are sensitive issues that are best not discussed with locals. The latter in particular are regarded by most Chinese to be false allegations that were made up by Western governments for geopolitical reasons. * Avoid discussing any of the territorial disputes China is involved in, as many Chinese have strong feelings about these issues. If you are drawn into any such discussions, it is best to stay neutral. * '''Japan''' and its role in World War II and other wars with China is a sensitive and emotive issue that is best avoided. To a lesser extent, '''historical and cultural disputes''' with both [[Korea|Koreas]] are sensitive as well. * Thanks to China's recent development, the Chinese government enjoys strong support among its people despite its authoritarian nature. Common Western views that "they have all been brainwashed" or "they are just too afraid to speak up" oversimplify things. * Many Chinese have a strong sense of '''ethnic nationalism'''. Tread particularly carefully if you are of Chinese ethnicity, even if you were born and raised overseas, as you may still be expected to align your political views with that of the Chinese government, and doing otherwise could result in you being labeled a "race traitor". ===Differing cultural norms=== Chinese people are sometimes puzzled when foreign visitors complain that Chinese people are rude. Many of them feel that really it's foreigners who tend to be rude. What's actually going on is that China has a different set of customs and values from common Western cultures — some Chinese behavior can be jarring to foreigners, and vice versa. People in China are '''friendly ''without'' being polite''' (unlike countries like the UK, where people can be polite without being friendly). Generally speaking, younger well-educated Chinese, particularly those from the major cities, are more likely to behave in a way that conforms more closely to Western cultural norms. [[Image:China no spitting.jpg|thumb|120px|No spitting please]] * Chinese often '''ignore rules''' they don't feel like following, including laws. Among many other things, this includes '''dangerous and negligent driving''' (see [[Driving in China]]) such as driving on the wrong side of the street, excessive speeding, not using headlights at night, not using turn signals, and jaywalking. * '''Spitting''' is common everywhere, including in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, on buses and even in hospitals. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it is unhealthy to swallow phlegm. Although the government has made great efforts to reduce this habit in light of the SARS epidemic as well as the Olympics, it still persists to varying degrees. * Many Chinese do not cover their mouths when they '''sneeze'''. '''Picking one's nose''' in public is common and socially acceptable. * As many parts of China are ethnically rather homogeneous, people who are visibly foreign will often elicit calls of "hello" or "''wàiguórén''" (外国人 "foreigner"); you may also hear ''lǎowài'' (老外), a colloquial equivalent. These calls are ubiquitous outside of the big cities (and are not uncommon even there); these calls will come from just about anyone, of any age, and are even more likely from children and can occur many times in any given day. * Similarly, it's rather common that someone may come up and '''stare''' at you as if they're watching the TV. The staring usually originates out of sheer curiosity, almost never out of hostility. * Many Chinese have '''loud conversations''' in public, and it may be one of the first things you notice upon arrival. China is rooted in a community-based culture, and noise means life; loud speech usually doesn't mean the speaker is angry or engaged in an argument (although obviously it can). You may want to bring earplugs for long bus or train rides. * A fairly recent phenomenon particular to China is '''air rage''': groups of passengers being verbally and physically aggressive towards airline staff whenever there is a delay (which is often). This is generally done in order to leverage better compensation from the airline. * The concept of '''waiting in line''' has not fully been adopted in China. You'll have to learn to be more assertive to get what you want, and even push and shove as others do. If you're trying to catch a taxi, expect other people to move further down the road to catch one before you. * Be careful when standing behind people on an '''escalator''', since many people have a look-see as soon as they get off — even when the escalator behind them is fully packed. Department stores have staff to try to prevent this behavior. * People love to use '''elevators''' whenever possible, especially in large family groups. Be extra patient if you want to go around a shopping mall with a baby buggy or luggage. ==Cope== [[File:Chinasocket.jpg|thumb|A typical Chinese wall socket]] '''Electricity''' is 220 volts/50&nbsp;Hz. Two-pin European and North American, as well as three-pin Australian style plugs are generally supported. However, be careful to read the voltage information on your devices to ensure they accept 220 V (twice the 110 V used in many countries) before plugging them in — you may cause burnout and permanent damage to some devices such as hairdryers and razors. Universal extension cords that can handle a variety of plug shapes (including British) are often used. '''Laundry''' services may be expensive or hard to find. In upper-end hotels, it will cost ¥10-30 to wash each article of clothing. Cheap hotels in some areas do not have laundry services, though in other areas such as along the [[Yunnan tourist trail]] the service is common and often free. In most areas, with the exception of the downtown areas in big cities, you can find small shops that do laundry. The '''sign''' to look for on the front door is 洗衣 (''xǐyī''), or spot the clothes hanging from the ceiling. The cost is roughly ¥2-5/item. In even the smallest of cities '''dry cleaning''' (干洗 ''gānxǐ''）outlets are common and may be able to wash clothes. But in some areas you're going to be stuck washing clothes by hand, which is time-consuming and tiresome, so perhaps opt for fast-drying fabrics such as polyester or silk. If you do find a hotel that does laundry, usually they will put all your clothes into the wash together or even with other items from the hotel, so lighter colours are best washed by hand. [[File:Jianshui - old city - P1370481.JPG|thumb|Traditional smoking pipes for sale]] '''Smoking''' is banned in public buildings and public transport except for restaurants and bars (including KTVs) - many of which are outright smoke dens, although many multinational restaurant chains do ban smoking. These bans are enforced across the country. Generally, smoking laws are most strict in Shanghai and Beijing, whilst they are more lightly enforced elsewhere. Many places (particularly train stations, hospitals, office buildings and airports) will have smoking rooms, and some long-distance trains may have smoking areas at the end of each car. Facilities for non-smokers are often poor; most restaurants, bars and hotels will not have non-smoking areas apart from top-end establishments although many modern buildings have a smoke extraction systems which suck cigarette smoke out of the room through a ceiling vent - meaning that the smoke doesn't hang in the air. The Chinese phrase for 'May I smoke?' is 'kěyǐ chōuyān ma?' and 'No Smoking!' is 'bù kěyǐ chōuyān!'. '''Public holidays''' in China are worth being aware of. Although you will never be truly alone in the most popular tourist sites, which includes the popular hikes in particular mountains, on weekends and public holidays these areas can be nearly impassible due to local tourism. What you may have planned as a quiet contemplative hike may turn into a many-hour queue! Know the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_China national holiday dates] and plan accordingly. ===Media=== {{infobox|Please fix it!|''China Daily'', the nationally distributed English newspaper, sometimes publishes constructive criticism of China from frustrated tourists. If you think something about China for travelers needs to be fixed, consider sending a letter to letters@chinadaily.com.cn or opinion@chinadaily.com.cn and it might be published.}} Media in China diversified substantially after Mao, with independent outlets offering increasing competition to the state-run agencies of '''[http://www.news.cn/english Xinhua]''' (press agency publishing in many formats), '''[http://www.cctv.cn/ CCTV]''' (more than 40 TV channels), and the '''''[http://en.people.cn/ People's Daily]''''' newspaper. These state-owned media tend to be accurate in terms of general news, but always stick to the government's policies and ideology in terms of politics. Each province and city in China is also home to its own local channels, often being subordinated or having close-ties to the local government, with a stronger focus on local events. Some of these channels also broadcast in the local dialect or language. Still, the press remains tightly controlled, with restrictions on what news is reported and what opinions may be aired. Certain topics are strictly off limits (such as criticizing China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan), and the vagueness of boundaries for acceptable topics leads to further self-censorship. The biggest threat to state-controlled media has been the rise of '''text messaging''' and '''Internet news''', although these are restricted by the government's firewall and internal censorship. China has some local English-language news media. CCTV News channel is a global English channel available 24/7 in most cities, with French and Spanish variants as well. CCTV 4 has a short newscast in English every day. '''''[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ China Daily]''''' (generally subdued, if a bit dry) and the '''''[http://www.globaltimes.cn/ Global Times]''''' (a notoriously nationalistic tabloid) are two state-run English-language newspapers available in hotels, supermarkets and newsstands. There are also a few English magazines such as ''[http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/ China Today]'' and ''21st Century''. Foreign magazines and newspapers are not generally available in bookstores or newsstands except at top hotels. ==Connect== ===Internet=== ====Internet cafés and business services==== [[File:Tongyang - downtown - internet cafe - CIMG9869.JPG|thumb|Inside an Internet café in Tongyang, [[Hubei]]]] China has more Internet users than any other country in the world and Internet cafés (网吧 ''wǎngbā'') are abundant. Most are designed for online gaming and are not comfortable places to do office-style work. It is cheap (¥1-6 per hour) to use a computer, albeit one with Chinese software. Internet cafés are supposed to require users to show official identification although enforcement varies by region. Browsing of Internet pages may well be monitored by the Public Security Bureau (the police). For printing, scanning, photocopying, and other business services, go to one of any number of small shops in most towns or print shops near university areas. Look for the characters 复印 (fùyìn) meaning "photocopy". Printing costs about ¥2 per page and photocopies are ¥0.5 per page. These shops may or may not have Internet access so bring your materials on a flash drive. ====== Wifi access ====== Free wifi, which may require registration either with a Chinese mobile number, or your WeChat login, is abundant. The quality and speed of the wifi is not proportionate to the provider; i.e. your expensive hotel's free wifi may be nowhere near as fast nor more reliable than the wifi found on the bus you paid ¥2 to get on. Many hotels and some cafés and restaurants provide wifi, typically free, of varying speeds and quality. Some cafés, especially in tourist areas such as Yangshuo, even provide a machine for customer use. Business hotels typically have wired Internet service for your laptop in each room: 7 Days Inn and Home Inn are two nationwide chains meeting Western standards for mid-range comfort and cleanliness that consistently offer Internet and cost ¥150-200 per night. WiFi may also be provided in one's room, perhaps for an extra charge. On occasion, for a bit more, hotels will have rooms with older computers in them as well. The better hotels often have satellite TV in the rooms. ====== Security ====== Since public computers and the Internet are not secure, assume that anything you type is not private. Do not send sensitive data such as banking passwords from an Internet café. It may be better to purchase a mobile data card for use with your own computer instead (these generally cost ¥400 and data plans run ¥10-¥200 per month depending on your usage). If you are connecting to the Internet with your own computer, some websites in China (especially college campuses) require you to use Microsoft Internet Explorer and to install dedicated software on your system and/or accept certificates to access their websites. There are increasing cases of misuse of photocopy, in which your submitted photocopies are illegally disclosed to spammers and fraudsters by the receiver of your photocopies. Always state the purpose of your photocopies on the photocopies clearly, as this leaves evidence in favour of you should any legal matters arise. ====Internet censorship==== {{quote|Across the Great Wall, we can reach every corner in the world.|author=Content of the first Chinese email sent in 1987|source=often used to satirize the current practice of Internet censorship in China.}} '''Internet censorship''' is extensive in mainland China. Pornographic and political sites are routinely blocked, as are many other sites with a broad range of content, including sites that are popular internationally. The government call their censorship system "Golden Shield" (金盾); others call it the '''Great Firewall of China''', GFW, or simply '''the wall''', while circumventing Internet censorship is often referred to as "scaling the wall" (翻墙). {{infobox|Which Internet sites are available?|The actual list of websites and services banned is a secret, changes every day without notification, and oddly enough seems to depend on whether you're using a mobile or WiFi connection. Blocked sites generally include: * Large '''social media''' websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, Blogspot and Instagram. * '''Messaging services''' such as Whatsapp. * Most of '''Google's services''', including Google Search, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps ([https://maps.google.cn/ maps.google.cn] may still work) and Google Translate ([https://translate.google.cn/ translate.google.cn] may still work). Corresponding fast and responsive Chinese websites exist (often only in Chinese), such as [https://www.baidu.com/ Baidu] for search, maps, and other services, [http://www.qq.com/ QQ] and [https://weixin.qq.com/ WeChat] for messaging, [http://weibo.com/ Weibo] for Twitter-style microblogging, [http://renren.com/ Renren] for Facebook-style social networking, and [https://www.bilibili.com/ Bilibili] and [https://v.qq.com/ Tencent Video] for YouTube-style video sharing. You may instead wish to use a different foreign service such as [https://www.bing.com/ Bing] for search and [https://outlook.live.com/ Outlook] for emails. Foreign '''news''' sites such as BBC, CNN, Reuters and ''The Economist'' may or may not be available. They're especially likely to be blocked after publishing stories the Chinese government disapproves of; for example, ''The New York Times'' has been blocked since 2012, when it reported on the financial holdings of top Chinese leaders. Since December 2019, all Wikimedia projects, including Wikivoyage and Wikipedia are '''blocked''', except on the China Mobile network, which only blocks Wikipedia, Wikinews and Commons. Apart from actual website blocks, the firewall also scans for sensitive keywords in every unencrypted message or encrypted Chinese message (QQ, WeChat, etc.) in either direction and may block anything it disapproves of. The system relies heavily on word-filtering, and changes frequently in response to recent social events or current affairs. }} Censorship is often tightened during sensitive periods, such as the annual meeting of China's parliament in March, the CCP congress every fourth October, and anniversaries such as the National Day in October and the Tiananmen massacre in June. Few hotels offer uncensored Internet access. These hotels generally cater to foreigners, but obviously do not advertise this facility. Try browsing to known restricted sites to see if your hotel supports this. The most popular way to access blocked websites is to use a '''VPN (Virtual Private Network)''' which provides users with ''relatively'' stable and reliable access to the Internet through a computer in another country. The best ones have a monthly fee on the order of US$10; free, ad-supported VPNs are also available. Other ways to bypass censorship include software such as [http://dit-inc.us/freegate.html Freegate], [http://tor.eff.org Tor] (with an inconvenient special configuration), and [https://psiphon.ca/ Psiphon]. Any of these should be downloaded before entering China as access to their official websites is generally blocked. Be warned that VPNs in China are not as reliable as they used to be—you may want to download more than one so that you have a backup, and be prepared for a lot of frustration and waiting for things to load. If you need constant access to Twitter or Facebook to be happy, you may yet still be able to guarantee it, at a cost. Due to the way international mobile roaming works, the government cannot interfere with internet access via a foreign SIM without blocking roaming entirely (a revenue stream for the state-owned carriers). This will cost a good deal more than a local SIM, and you will be subject to the restrictions of the country your SIM came from instead (for instance, when roaming with a Thai SIM, you will find yourself unable to access content critical of the Thai regime, just as if you were in Thailand). Chinese law enforcement is sometimes able to pinpoint (and arrest, if needed) users who access restricted sites using VPNs, especially if they access them frequently. On at least one occasion, the police pinpointed and fined a netizen who accessed Wikipedia through a VPN. Moreover, it's a criminal offence to upload and submit any materials seen as subversive. However, enforcement is sporadic and mostly targets journalists and high-profile public figures. ===Mail=== The Chinese Post Office is generally reliable and sometimes quick. There are a few things you need to adapt to: * Incoming mail will be both faster and more reliable if the address is in Chinese. If not, the Post Office has people who will translate, but that takes time and is not 100% accurate. * If you don't know the exact postal code of where your recipient lives, you can fill in the first two digits (which corresponds to the prefecture city/municipality/province), and fill the rest with 0s. Alternatively, you can search your destination's postal code at [http://cpdc.chinapost.com.cn/web/ this website]. * It will be helpful to provide the receiver's phone number with packages or expedited mail. The customs and delivery drivers usually need it. * '''Do not seal outgoing packages''' before taking them to the Post Office; they will not send them without inspecting the contents. Generally it is best to buy the packing materials at the Post Office, and almost all Post Offices will pack your materials for you, at a reasonable price. * Most Post Offices and courier services will refuse to send CDs or DVDs, this can be circumvented by placing them in CD wallets along with lots of other things and finally packing the space in with clothes, giving the appearance of sending your stuff home, it is also easier to send by sea as they care less. * Your ID is now '''required''' when sending parcels. When sending parcels domestically, write the receiver's name ''correctly''; it will be compared with their ID, as all parcels are now tracked end to end. ===Fax=== International fax (传真 ''Chuánzhēn'') services are available in most large hotels for a fee of a dozen renminbi or more. Inexpensive faxes within China can be made in the ubiquitous photocopy outlets that have the Chinese characters for fax written on the front door. ===Telephone=== Telephone service is more of a mixed bag. Calling outside China is often difficult and usually impossible without a calling card, which can often only be bought locally. The good news is that these cards are fairly cheap and the connection is surprisingly clear, uninterrupted and delay-free. Look for '''IP Telephone Cards''', which typically have a value of ¥100 but sometimes can be had for as little as ¥25. The cards have printed Chinese instructions, but after dialling the number listed on the card English-spoken instructions are available. As a general indication of price, a call from China to Europe lasts around 22 minutes with a ¥100 card. Calls to the US and Canada are advertised to be another 20% cheaper. If you end up with an '''IC Telephone Card''' instead, those are only intended to be used in payphones. They may be sold at a slight discount off of face value, but rarely below 20% off when purchased off the street. At a China Telecom payphone, domestic calls will cost ¥0.1/minute, calls to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the US, and Canada will cost ¥1/minute, and calls to all other countries will cost an uneconomical ¥8/minute. If your line allows for international direct dialling (IDD), the prefix for international calls in China is ''00''. To make an overseas call, dial ''00-(country code)-(number)''. Calls from the mainland to Hong Kong and Macau require international dialling. '''IDDs can be expensive.''' Ask the rate before calling. =====Mobile phones===== [[File:ChinaTelecomCustomerOffice.JPG|thumb|A China Telecom shop]] '''[[Mobile phones|Mobile (cellular) phones]] are widespread''' and offer good service in China. They play an essential role in daily life for most Chinese and for nearly all expatriates in China. As of 2022, China is the world leader in 5G mobile phone technology. If you already have a GSM 900/1800 or 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) mobile phone, you can roam onto Chinese networks, subject to network agreements, but calls will be very expensive (¥12-35/min is typical). There are few (but growing in number) exceptions; the primary sets are Hong Kong-based providers which typically charge no more than HK$6/minute (and usually close to local rates with a special "Hong Kong/China" SIM sold by China Mobile or China Unicom in Hong Kong) and the second is T-Mobile US which charges US$0.20/minute with free text and data service. Check with your home operator before you leave to be sure. Most carriers now have 4G roaming agreements, so you will be able to use data with decent speeds. In addition, roaming data is not censored by the Chinese authorities, meaning you will be able to retain access to websites that otherwise would be blocked without having to deal with getting a separate VPN. If your provider offers reasonably priced roaming in China, you should consider taking advantage. Alternatively, depending on if you are transiting somewhere before arriving in China, you may consider buying a SIM from there that roams in China at a discount. There is a wide selection in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries as well as a few affordable options in certain parts of Europe (for example, Free Mobile in France includes 25GB of roaming in China per month on their 20€ plan). China Telecom has shifted away from CDMA, with 4G/LTE being available in the majority of its coverage area. If your device supports VoLTE (voice over LTE) then you will be able to obtain service from them with no issue. For a '''short visit''', consider renting a Chinese mobile phone from a company such as [http://www.pandaphone.com/china_cell_phone_rental.htm Pandaphone]. Rates are around ¥7 a day. The company is based in the US but has staff in China. Toll-free numbers are {{phone|+1-866-574-2050}} in the U.S. or {{phone|+86 400-820-0293}} in China. The phone can be delivered to your hotel in China prior to your arrival and dropped off there at the end of your trip, or shipped to you in the US. When you rent the phone, they will offer you an access code for calling to your country, which is cheaper than buying a SIM card from a local vendor and dialling directly. If you're '''staying for more than a few days''', it will usually be cheaper to buy a prepaid Chinese SIM card; this gives you a Chinese phone number with a certain amount of money preloaded. Chinese tend to avoid phone numbers with the bad-luck digit '4', and vendors will often be happy to offload these "unsellable" SIM-cards to foreigners at a discount. If you need a phone as well, prices start around ¥300 used or ¥1000 new for a smartphone (as of 2020). Chinese phones, unlike those sold in some Western countries, are never "locked" and will work with any SIM card you put in them, but some phones don't have Google services or the Play Store. Some stores can install this for you at time of purchase, so you can ask. However, Google services sideloaded in this manner may not be as stable as when pre-installed as part of the system package. Most shops selling SIM cards require a standard swipeable Chinese ID card (a citizen's ID card, or a foreigner's permanent-resident card) to purchase a SIM card. If you want to purchase a SIM card using a passport as your identity document, you may be asked to go to the cell-phone company's main office, probably somewhere in the city center. The staff will take your photograph for their record, along with the photocopy of your passport. China's three big operators are [http://www.10086.cn/ China Mobile] (Chinese only), [http://eng.chinaunicom.com/ China Unicom] and [https://www.chinatelecomglobal.com/ China Telecom] . ''Most'' SIMs sold by them work nationwide. Domestic roaming charges have largely been abolished, so you no longer need to worry about taking a SIM from one part of mainland China to another. Roaming in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, however, still requires a separate activation step and additional charges. '''International calls''' have to be '''enabled separately''' by applying for China Mobile's "12593" or China Unicom's "17911" service. Neither provider requires a deposit, though both require applications. Usually there will be an English speaker, so let him/her know what you want. Ask for the "special" dialing code, and for ¥1/month extra, this will be provided to you. Enter the code, the country code, then the local number and you will be talking cheaply in no time. Don't be fooled by cellphone shops with the China Mobile signage: be sure to go a to a corporate store. The employees will wear a blue uniform and there will be counter services. China Mobile is the cheaper of the two with calls to North America and Asia around ¥0.4/min. You can also use prepaid cards for international calling; just dial the number on the card as with a regular landline phone, and the charges will go to the prepaid calling card. To recharge, visit the neighborhood office of your mobile service provider, give the staff your number and pay in cash to '''recharge your account'''. Alternately, many shops will sell you a charge card, which has a number and password that must be used to call the telephone company to recharge the money in your account. You will be calling a computer and the default language is Chinese, which can be changed to English if you understand the Chinese. Charge cards are sold in denominations of ¥30, 50 and 100. (If you have WeChat Pay, this is a more convenient way to recharge your account, and foreign credit cards are accepted). For '''mobile data''' addicts who are willing to deal with the Chinese website blocking, mobile data on local SIMs is cheaper than ever. China Mobile has 4G plans starting at ¥29 for a low rate of ¥0.10/minute voice and 3GB data with additional data costing only ¥5/GB (as of 2021). Many locals have access to special online-only offers that provide a very large amount (or even unlimited) data for a low cost, but only some of these are accessible to foreigners; some can be purchased on top of any SIM if you have the carrier app installed (and can understand Chinese to use it), others require special online-only starter packs that foreigners can not purchase due to the requirement to submit a photo of a Chinese ID card when purchasing SIMs online. China Mobile only uses the "standard" LTE frequency bands of 3 and 8 in large cities and uses a different set of frequency bands for its data services outside major cities; if your phone does not support TD-LTE on bands 38, 39, 40, and 41 and you plan on going outside the biggest cities, then China Unicom or China Telecom is recommended instead. In general, apps that are widespread internationally are banned in China, and Chinese people typically use Chinese apps that are sometimes close copies of their foreign equivalents instead. The most important is '''[https://www.wechat.com/ WeChat]''' (微信 Wēixìn), which Chinese people use instead of the internationally popular WhatsApp. WeChat is a combination messaging app, social network, and mobile payment service, and downloading it is essential if you want to start making friends in China or stay in the country for an extended period. The interface can be set to English, Chinese, and various other languages. ====Area codes==== The country dialing code for mainland China is '''86'''. The dialing code is '''852''' for Hong Kong, '''853''' for Macau, and '''886''' for Taiwan. * Major cities with eight-digit numbers have a two-digit area code. For example, Beijing is (0)10 plus an eight-digit number. Other places use seven- or eight-digit local numbers and a three-digit area code that does not start with 0, 1 or 2. So for example: (0)756 plus 7 digits for Zhuhai. The north uses small numbers, the south has larger numbers. * Normal cell phones do not need an area code. The numbers are composed of 130 to 132 (or 156/186) plus 8 digits (China Unicom, GSM/UMTS), 133/153/189 plus 8 digits (China Telecom, CDMA) or 134 to 139 (or 150/152/158/159/188) plus 8 digits (China Mobile, GSM/TD-SCDMA). Additional prefixes have been introduced; a good rule of thumb is that an 11-digit domestic phone number that starts with 1 is a mobile number. Mobile phone numbers are geographic; if you attempt to dial a mobile number issued outside of the province you are in from a landline, you will be prompted to redial the number with a zero in front for long-distance. * There are two additional non-geographic prefixes. A number starting with 400 can be dialed from any phone and is treated as a local call with associated airtime charges, while a number starting with 800 is totally free but can ''not'' be dialed from mobile phones. ====Emergency numbers==== The following emergency telephone numbers work in all areas of China; calling them from a cell phone is free. * Patrol Police: '''110''' * Fire Department: '''119''' * (Government-owned) Ambulance/EMS: '''120''' * (some areas private-owned) Ambulance: 999 * Traffic Police: 122 * Directory inquiries: 114 * Consumer Protection: 12315 112 and 911 do not connect you to emergency service personnel. It is also possible to contact the police by sending SMS message to '''12110XXX''', where XXX is the area code of the prefectural-level city you are located. See [[w:Telephone numbers in China|this list]] for more information. {{related|Working_in_China}} {{related|Rail_travel_in_China}} {{related|List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions}} {{related|Driving_in_China}} {{related|Golf_in_China}} {{IsPartOf|East Asia}} {{usablecountry}} {{geo|35|103|zoom=4}} q8q0gskubyqmqt0lfs618c050o7fqmv 4488076 4487860 2022-07-22T03:18:40Z The dog2 35982 /* Media */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|China Banner 2.jpg|caption=Nine Dragon Wall|pgname=China}} {{other uses}} {{COVID-19 box|For information about entering China, see [[#Get in|"Get in"]] below. COVID-19 cases in China are generally on low level and life within the country mostly continues as normal, although cases are higher in border areas due to more international traffic. Since early December 2021, localized outbreaks have also been reported in individual cities. Some restrictions continue, which vary widely and may change with little notice. Face masks continue to be required in some areas, and (despite the annoyance created) regular COVID testing irrespective of symptoms is adopted by some local governments. Chinese authorities adopt zero-COVID policy in dealing with even the smallest outbreaks, and cities or even entire provinces can be locked down at short notice should any infection cluster emerge, meaning that you could be stuck for weeks, or even months on end. '''Food supply may not keep up''' with lockdown measures, so you should keep some durable food to prepare for the worst case. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2022-07-03}} China (中国; ''Zhōngguó'') is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long and rich history is present in people's thinking and values, and in the art, architecture, and feats of engineering that remain from dynasties past. After a tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries, China has dramatically re-emerged as an economic powerhouse. Its rapid development has been paralleled by an ascent onto the international stage. Of course there are growing pains when high-rises and factories surge up to dwarf centuries-old pagodas, but there's also a strong sense of enthusiasm and optimism about what the future holds. If you visit now, you can see the relics of millennia of history and experience the signs of further transformations in progress. ==Regions== China's [[Chinese provinces and regions|hierarchy of administrative divisions]] has 22 '''provinces''' (省 ''shěng'') which tend to have their own cultural identities, and 5 '''autonomous regions''' (自治区 ''zìzhìqū''), each with a designated minority ethnic group. These along with four municipalities (直辖市 ''zhíxiáshì'') make up what is known as '''mainland China'''. {{disclaimerbox|Wikivoyage covers '''[[Hong Kong]]''', '''[[Macau]]''' and '''[[Taiwan]]''' in separate articles. They have separate immigration and visa systems and issue their own currencies. Journeys between any two of them or between any of them and mainland China will involve border inspections. * '''Hong Kong''' and '''Macau''' are [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|special administrative regions]] (SARs, 特别行政区 ''tèbié xíngzhèngqū''): part of China but with distinct political systems. * '''Taiwan''' has been completely autonomous since the end of the civil war in 1949, when the victorious Communists created the People's Republic of China on the mainland, and the defeated Nationalist government was left holding only Taiwan and some outlying islands. On paper, both governments claim sovereignty over all of China including Taiwan and support eventual re-unification. Wikivoyage also covers the [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]] islands in the Taiwan article. ''This does not represent an endorsement of any political position.''}} For the purposes of Wikivoyage, these provinces are grouped into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of China.svg | regionmaptext=Regions of China | regionmapsize=500px | region1name=[[Northeast China]] | region1color=#d5dc76 | region1items=[[Liaoning]], [[Jilin]], [[Heilongjiang]] | region1description=Historically known as '''Manchuria''', the Northeast is a land of steppes, vast forests, and long snowy winters. Culturally influenced by Russia, Korea, and Japan, it contains a mix of modern cities and "rust belt" industrial towns that have become neglected. | region2name=[[North China]] | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items=[[Shandong]], [[Shanxi]], [[Inner Mongolia]], [[Henan]], [[Hebei]], [[Beijing]], [[Tianjin]] | region2description=The plains of North China around the fertile Yellow River basin were the '''cradle of Chinese civilization'''. They have been the political center of Chinese empires for millennia, and are home to the modern capital, Beijing. | region3name=[[Northwest China]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Shaanxi]], [[Gansu]], [[Ningxia]], [[Qinghai]], [[Xinjiang]] | region3description=A historical borderland, with grasslands giving way to deserts and mountains, and with the ancient Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Northwest China is home to many Muslims and ethnic minorities who at times formed independent kingdoms. | region4name=[[Southwest China]] | region4color=#4da9c4 | region4items=[[Tibet]], [[Sichuan]], [[Chongqing (municipality)|Chongqing]], [[Yunnan]], [[Guizhou]] | region4description=Minority peoples, spectacular scenery, and backpacker havens. | region5name=[[South-central China]] | region5color=#a78379 | region5items=[[Anhui]], [[Hubei]], [[Hunan]], [[Jiangxi]] | region5description=Yangtze River Basin area, farms, mountains, river gorges, temperate and sub-tropical forests. | region6name=[[South China]] | region6color=#ffd0d0 | region6items=[[Guangdong]], [[Guangxi]], [[Hainan]] | region6description=Traditional trading center, manufacturing and tech powerhouse. | region7name=[[East China]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=[[Jiangsu]], [[Shanghai]], [[Zhejiang]], [[Fujian]] | region7description=The "land of fish and rice", traditional water towns, and China's new cosmopolitan economic center. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Northeast China]]|wikidata=Q43934,Q45208,Q19206}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[North China]]|wikidata=Q43407,Q46913,Q41079,Q43684,Q21208,Q956,Q11736}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Northwest China]]|wikidata=Q47974,Q42392,Q57448,Q45833,Q34800}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Southwest China]]|wikidata=Q17269,Q43194,Q47097,Q19770,Q11725}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a78379|title=[[South-central China]]|wikidata=Q40956,Q46862,Q45761,Q57052}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffd0d0|title=[[South China]]|wikidata=Q15175,Q42200,Q15176}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[East China]]|wikidata=Q16963,Q8686,Q16967,Q41705}} ==Cities== <!--{{Mapframe|37.6|104.2|height=550|width=700|zoom=4}}--> [[File:Gateofheavenlypeace.JPG|thumb|Tiananmen, [[Beijing]]]] Here are nine of China's most interesting cities for travelers. Others are listed in region articles. <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Beijing]]|wikidata=Q956}} (北京) — the capital, cultural center, and home of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and other important historical sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Chengdu]]|lat=30.657|long=104.066}} (成都) — capital of [[Sichuan]] province, known for tingly-spicy food, and home of the giant pandas * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Guangzhou]]|wikidata=Q16572}} (广州) — one of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south, near [[Hong Kong]], and main center of Cantonese culture [[File:漓江山水.jpg|thumb|Li River near [[Guilin]]]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hangzhou]]|wikidata=Q4970}} (杭州) — built around West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and southern terminus of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Harbin]]|wikidata=Q42956}} (哈尔滨) — capital of [[Heilongjiang]], which hosts the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during its bitterly cold winters * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kashgar]]|wikidata=Q170521}} (Chinese: 喀什, Uyghur: قەشقەر) — center of Uyghur culture, with a beautiful and well-preserved old town, and the famous Id Kah Mosque * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nanjing]]|wikidata=Q16666}} (南京) — the capital during the early Ming Dynasty and Republic of China era, a renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Shanghai]]|wikidata=Q8686}} (上海) — China's largest city, famous for its riverside cityscape, a major commercial center with many shopping opportunities * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Xi'an]]|wikidata=Q5826}} (西安) — the oldest city and ancient capital of China, terminus of the ancient [[Silk Road]], and home of the terracotta warriors <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> You can travel to many of these cities using the new [[High-speed rail in China|fast trains]]. In particular, the Hangzhou - Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing line is a convenient way to see these historic areas. ==Other destinations== Some of the most famous tourist attractions in China are: * {{marker|name=[[Great Wall of China]]|wikidata=Q12501}} (万里长城) — longer than 8,000&nbsp;km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China * {{marker|name=[[Hainan]]|wikidata=Q42200}} (海南) — a tropical paradise island undergoing heavy tourism-oriented development * {{marker|name=[[Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q4111}} (九寨沟) — known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes and as the home of the giant pandas * {{marker|name=[[Leshan]]|wikidata=Q426868|image=Leshan DaF0 Grand Buddha.JPG}} — most famous for its huge riverside cliff-carving of Buddha and nearby [[Mount Emei]] * {{marker|name=[[Qomolangma|Mount Everest]]|wikidata=Q3457459}} — straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, this is the world's highest mountain * {{marker|name=[[Mount Tai]]|wikidata=Q216059}} (泰山 Tài Shān) — one of the five sacred Taoist mountains in China, and the most-climbed mountain in China * {{marker|name=[[Tibet]]|wikidata=Q17269}} (西藏) — with a majority of Tibetan Buddhists and traditional Tibetan culture, it feels like an entirely different world * {{marker|name=[[Yungang Grottoes]]|lat=40.11143|long=113.13233}} (云冈石窟) — these mountain-side caves and recesses number more than 50, and are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues * {{marker|name=[[Guilin]] karst|lat=25.2667|long=110.2833}} (桂林) — sensational mountain landscapes that have long been the subject of Chinese paintings China has over 40 sites on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List#China|UNESCO World Heritage List]]. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationPRChina.svg}} China is one of the major civilizations in this world, and for many centuries stood out as a leading nation with technologies that the West was not able to match until the early modern period. Paper and gunpowder are examples of Chinese inventions that are still widely used today. As the dominant power in the region for much of its history, China exported much of its culture to neighboring [[Vietnam]], [[Korea]] and [[Japan]], and Chinese influences can still be seen in the cultures of these countries. Chinese civilization has endured millennia of tumultuous upheaval and revolutions, golden ages and periods of anarchy. Through the economic boom initiated by the reforms since the 1980s, China has returned to its place as a major political and economic world power, buoyed by its large and industrious population. The depth and complexity of the Chinese civilization, with its rich heritage, has fascinated Westerners such as [[Marco Polo]] and Gottfried Leibniz in centuries past, and will continue to excite — and bewilder — the traveler today. In Chinese, China is ''zhōng guó'', literally "central state" but often translated more poetically as "Middle Kingdom". People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). ===History=== : ''See [[Imperial China]] for more information on pre-revolutionary China.'' ====Ancient China==== According to legend, the origin of the Chinese civilization can be traced to the '''Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors''' (三皇五帝), though they are regarded as mythical figures by most modern historians. The recorded history of Chinese civilization can be traced back to the [[Along the Yellow River|Yellow River]] valley, said to be the "cradle of Chinese civilization". The '''Xia Dynasty''' (夏朝, c.2070 BC- c.1600 BC) was the first dynasty to be described in ancient historical chronicles, though to date, no indisputable proof of its existence has been found. Some archaeologists have linked the [[Erlitou]] settlements to the Xia dynasty, but this is a controversial position. [[File:Statue of Lao Tzu in Quanzhou.jpg|thumb|Statue of Laozi in [[Quanzhou]]]] The '''Shang Dynasty''' (商朝, c.1600 BC- 1046 BC), China's first archaeologically confirmed dynasty, only ruled across the Yellow River basin. There were other Bronze Age civilisations in what is now China at about the same time, at least the [[Liangzhu Culture]] in the lower [[Along the Yangtze River|Yangtze]] region around [[Lake Tai]] and one further up that river in [[Sichuan]] whose main archeological site is at [[Sanxingdui]]. The Shang were succeeded by the '''Zhou Dynasty''' (周朝, 1046 BC- 256 BC), who expanded their empire southward into the Yangtze river basin. The Zhou adopted feudalism as their system of government; feudal lords ruled over their respective territories with a high degree of autonomy, even maintaining their own armies, while at the same time paying tribute to the king and recognizing him as the symbolic ruler of China. During the second half of the Zhou period, China descended into centuries of political turmoil, with the feudal lords of numerous small fiefdoms vying for power during the '''Spring and Autumn Period''' (春秋时代, 770 BC- 476 BC), and later stabilized into seven large states in the '''Warring States period''' (战国时代, 475 BC- 221 BC). This tumultuous period gave birth to China's greatest thinkers including Confucius, Mencius and Laozi (also spelt Lao-Tzu), who made substantial contributions to Chinese thought and culture, as well as the military strategist Sun Tzu, whose ''Art of War'' is studied to this day. ====Imperial China==== {{See also|On the trail of Marco Polo}} China was unified in 221 BC under Qin Shi Huang, "First Emperor of Qin". His '''Qin Dynasty''' (秦朝, 221 BC—206 BC) instituted a centralized system of government for China, and standardized weights and measures, Chinese characters and currency to create unity. The '''Han Dynasty''' (汉朝, 206 BC—220 AD) took over in 206 BC after a period of revolt and civil war, ushering in the first golden age of Chinese civilization. To this day the majority Chinese race use the term "Han" to describe themselves, and Chinese characters continue to be called "Han characters" (汉字 ''hànzì'') in Chinese. The Han Dynasty presided over the beginning of the [[Silk Road]], and the invention of paper. The empire was also expanded further southward, incorporating what is today Fujian, Guangdong and northern Vietnam. The collapse of the Han Dynasty in AD 220 led to a period of political turmoil and war known as '''the Three Kingdoms Period''' (三国时期, 220—280), which China split into the three separate states of '''Wei''' (魏, 220-265), '''Shu''' (蜀, 221—263) and '''Wu''' (吴, 222—280). The '''Jin Dynasty''' (晋朝, 265—420) reunified China in AD 280, though the reunification was short-lived, and China would rapidly descend into civil war and division again. From AD 420 to 589, China was divided into two parts, '''the Southern and Northern dynasties''' (南北朝). The '''Sui Dynasty''' (隋朝, 581—618) reunified China in 581. Sui were famous for major public works projects, such as the engineering feat of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]], which gradually developed into the Canal linking Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. Certain sections of the canal are still navigable today. [[File:Great Wall of China (I) (7183821235).jpg|thumb|The Great Wall]] In 618 AD, the Sui were supplanted by the '''Tang Dynasty''' (唐朝, 618- 907), ushering in the second golden age of Chinese civilization, marked by a flowering of Chinese poetry, the rise of Buddhism and statecraft. After the collapse of the Tang Dynasty in AD 907, China was divided again, until it was reunified under the '''Song Dynasty''' (宋朝, 960—1279) in AD 960. In 1127, the Song were driven south of the Huai river by the Jurchens, where they continued to rule as the Southern Song based in Linan (临安 ''Lín'ān'', modern-day Hangzhou). Although militarily weak, the Song attained a high level of commercial and economic development that would be unmatched in the West until the [[Industrial Revolution]]. The '''Yuan Dynasty''' (元朝, 1271—1368, one of the four divisions of the [[Mongol Empire]]) defeated the Jurchens, then conquered the Song in 1279, and ruled the vast empire from Khanbaliq (大都 ''Dàdū'', modern-day Beijing). After defeating the Mongols, the '''Ming dynasty''' (明朝, 1368—1644) re-instituted rule by ethnic Han. The Ming period was noted for trade and exploration, with [[Voyages of Zheng He|Zheng He's numerous voyages]] to [[Southeast Asia]], [[India]] and the [[Middle East|Arab world]], even reaching the eastern coast of [[Africa]]; see [[Maritime Silk Road]]. Famous buildings in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, were built in this period. The last imperial dynasty, the '''Qing dynasty''' (清朝, 1644—1911), were ethnic Manchus who further expanded the Chinese empire to roughly its current boundaries by incorporating the western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet. The Qing dynasty fell into decay in the 19th century and China was often described as the "sick man of Asia" (東亞病夫/东亚病夫). It was nibbled apart by the Western powers and Japan, a period dubbed by the Chinese as the "Century of Humiliation". The Westerners and Japanese established their own treaty ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin. China lost several territories to foreign powers, including Hong Kong to Britain, and Taiwan to Japan, and it lost control of its tributaries, Vietnam, Korea and the Ryukyu Islands. This is also the period where the stereotypical appearance of Chinese people, such as pigtails, Manchu hairstyles, and ''magua'' (a kind of Manchu clothing) got rooted in other foreign countries due to a surge of foreign communications since the sea ban. The turmoil during the end of the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China-era led to the emigration of many Chinese, who established overseas Chinese communities in many other parts of the world. Most overseas Chinese who emigrated before World War II were from [[Fujian]], [[Guangdong]] or [[Hainan]], making those provinces the natural places to go if you want to explore the [[legacy of the Overseas Chinese]]. ====The Republic and World War II==== {{see also|Chinese Revolutionary Destinations|Pacific War|Long March}} The 2000-year-old imperial system collapsed in 1911, when Sun Yat-Sen founded the '''Republic of China'''. Central rule collapsed in 1916 after Yuan Shih-kai, the second president of the Republic and self-declared emperor, passed away; China descended into anarchy, with warlords ruling over different regions of China and fighting wars with each other. In 1919, student protests in Beijing over the perceived unfavorable terms of the Treaty of Versailles (since China had participated in [[World War I]] as part of the Allies) gave birth to the "May Fourth Movement", which espoused reforms to Chinese society, such as the use of the vernacular in writing, and the development of science and democracy. The intellectual ferment of the movement gave birth to the reorganized '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) in 1919 and the '''Chinese Communist Party''' (CCP), in 1921. It also laid the foundation for the establishment of Standard Mandarin as the first standard spoken form of Chinese for the entire country. After much of eastern China was united under KMT rule in 1928, the CCP and the KMT turned on each other, and the CCP fled to Yan'an in Shaanxi in the epic [[Long March]]. Although Shanghai became one of the most prosperous cities in East Asia during the 1920s and 30s, underlying problems throughout the vast countryside, particularly the more inland parts of the country, such as civil unrest, extreme poverty, famines and warlord conflict, remained. Japan established a puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria in 1931, and launched a full-scale invasion of China's heartland in 1937. The Japanese implemented a brutal system of rule in Eastern China, culminating in the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. After fleeing west to Chongqing, the KMT signed a tenuous agreement with the CCP to form a united front against the Japanese. With the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II in 1945, the KMT and CCP armies maneuvered for positions in north China, setting the stage for the civil war. The civil war lasted from 1945 to 1949. The Kuomintang were defeated and forced to flee to Taiwan where they hoped to re-establish themselves and recapture the mainland someday. ==== A Red China==== [[File:·˙·ChinaUli2010·.· Beijing - Entrance of the Forbidden Town - panoramio.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the Imperial City nowadays features a Mao picture and red flags]] On 1 Oct 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the '''People's Republic of China''' (中华人民共和国). After an initial period closely hewing to the Soviet model of heavy industrialization and comprehensive central economic planning, China began to experiment with adapting Marxism to a largely agrarian society. Massive social experiments rocked China from 1957 to 1976. The Great Leap Forward aimed to collectivize and industrialize China quickly. The Cultural Revolution aimed to change everything by discipline, destruction of the "Four Olds" (customs, culture, habits, ideas), and total dedication to Mao Zedong Thought. The Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution are generally considered disastrous failures in China that caused the deaths of tens of millions of people. The effects of the Cultural Revolution in particular can still be felt: many elements of traditional Chinese culture and folk beliefs continue to thrive in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, but have largely disappeared in mainland China. Mao died in 1976, and in 1978, Deng Xiaoping became China's paramount leader. Deng and his lieutenants gradually introduced market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision making. One of the innovations was the creation of [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Development_zones|Special Economic Zones]] with tax breaks and other government measures to encourage investment and development; these still exist and are quite prosperous. China's miraculous growth since 1978 has been an extraordinary achievement. Significant problems remain, however, including inflation, regional income inequality, human rights abuses, major environmental issues, rural poverty, and ethnic conflict in Xinjiang and Tibet. In particular, blatant corruption was a major cause of large scale political movements in 1989, which in turn resulted in the bloody suppression of protesters in urban [[Beijing]], often known as the '''Tiananmen Massacre'''. The incident is still a sensitive and highly censored topic in China. Hu Jintao, who was paramount leader from around 2002 to 2012, proclaimed a policy for a "Harmonious Society", which promised to restore balanced economic growth and channel investment and prosperity into China's central and western provinces. China has developed economically at a breakneck speed since the 1990s, and overtook [[Japan]] to become the world's second largest economy after the [[United States]] in 2010, cementing its place again as a major political, military and economic world power. China has also expanded its international clout and become a major source of foreign investment, particularly in the less developed countries of [[Asia]], [[Africa]] and increasingly in [[Latin America]] and the [[Caribbean]] as well. President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, which attempts to expand international trading networks through Chinese investment in transportation infrastructure. It largely follows the route of the old [[Silk Road]]. While Xi's administration is often criticized for being more dictatorial than previous ones, China's international influence has also expanded considerably under him, and blatant corruption has been significantly reduced. Moreover, many poorer areas in western China that had largely been left behind by the economic boom are now beginning to see more government investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation. China is now an upper middle income country. Two former colonies, [[Hong Kong]] (British) and [[Macau]] (Portuguese), rejoined China in 1997 and 1999 respectively. They are [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|Special Administrative Regions]] (SARs), run differently under the slogan "One country, two systems". This article does not cover them because for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries with their own visas, currencies, and laws. ===Government and politics=== {{see also|Chinese provinces and regions}} China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The "paramount leader" is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, who holds several other offices including ceremonial President. The State Council forms the executive branch; the next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. China largely follows a centralized system of government, and is administratively divided into 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 directly controlled municipalities. Provincial governments have limited powers in their internal and economic affairs. Autonomous regions have more legal freedom than provinces, such as the right to declare additional official languages besides Mandarin. Directly controlled municipalities are cities that are not part of any province, and instead report directly to the central government in Beijing. Often having different names, prefectures ((地级)市/自治州/地区), counties (县/(县级)市/区) and townships (乡/镇/街道) are subordinated under provinces. The Special Administrative Regions (SAR), [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], in principle run themselves as separate jurisdictions, with only foreign policy and defense being controlled by Beijing, though in practice this autonomy is restricted. There is an active independence movement in Hong Kong, but the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020 has largely driven the movement underground. The PRC considers [[Taiwan]] to be one of its provinces, but Taiwan's government (the Republic of China) has been completely separate from the mainland Chinese one since 1949. Both governments on paper continue to claim to be the sole legitimate government for all of China. There is significant support for formal independence in Taiwan, but China's government has repeatedly threatened to launch a military attack on Taiwan if the island declares itself independent. See [[Chinese provinces and regions]] for more detail. ===People and customs=== With 1.4 billion inhabitants, China is home to nearly a fifth of the world's population and is the most populous country in the world. It is a diverse place with large variations in culture, language, customs and economic levels from region to region, and often strong distinct cultural and regional identities as well. The economic landscape is particularly diverse. The major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai are modern and comparatively wealthy. However, about 50% of Chinese still live in rural areas even though only 10% of China's land is arable. Hundreds of millions of rural residents still farm with manual labor or draft animals. Some 200 to 300 million former peasants have migrated to townships and cities in search of work. Poverty has been reduced dramatically, but towards the end of 2016, China still had 43 million people under the official poverty line of ¥2,300 (about US$334) in annual income. At the other end of the spectrum, the wealthy continue to accumulate real estate and other assets at an unprecedented rate. Generally the southern and eastern coastal regions are more wealthy, while inland areas, the far west and north, and the south-west are much less developed. The cultural landscape is also very diverse. Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group, comprising over 90% of the population, but they are not culturally homogeneous, and speak a wide variety of mutually unintelligible dialects and languages. Many customs and deities are specific to individual regions and even villages. Celebrations for the Lunar New Year and other national festivals vary dramatically from region to region. Customs related to the celebration of important occasions such as weddings, funerals and births also vary widely. The Cultural Revolution wiped out much of traditional Chinese culture and religion, and while they still survive to some extent, many of the traditions of old are better preserved in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and overseas Chinese communities than in mainland China. In general, contemporary urban Chinese society is secular, and traditional culture is more of an underlying current in everyday life. That said, there has been a cultural revival in the 21st century, largely spearheaded by young middle class Chinese, who are now using social media to promote various aspects of their traditional cultures. The other 10% of the population are 55 recognized ethnic minorities — the largest of which are the Zhuang, Manchu, Hui and Miao (Hmong) — which each have their own unique cultures and languages. Other notable ethnic minorities include Koreans, Tibetans, Mongols, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Russians. China is home to the largest Korean population outside Korea, and is home to more ethnic Mongols than is [[Mongolia]]. Many minorities have been assimilated to various degrees, losing their language and customs or fusing with Han traditions, although Tibetans and Uyghurs in China remain fiercely defensive of their cultures. In some areas, some ethnic minorities, such as the Mongols, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Tibetans, continue to maintain their traditional nomadic way of life, though that is changing as the younger generation gets better access to education and moves to the cities for higher-paying jobs, and even those who preserve the nomadic lifestyle often adopt numerous modern conveniences, such as replacing their horses with motorcycles. ====Lucky numbers==== Many Chinese people like homophones, and several numerals are considered auspicious or inauspicious based on rhymes with other Chinese words. '''"Six"''' is a good number for business, sounding like "slick" or "smooth" in Mandarin, and "good fortune" or "happiness" in Cantonese. '''"Eight"''' sounds so close to the word for "prosper" that it's widely considered auspicious. '''"Nine"''' used to be associated with the Emperor, and also sounds like "long lasting". Meanwhile, '''"four"''' is a taboo for most Chinese because the pronunciation in Mandarin, Cantonese and most other Chinese dialects is close to "death"; some buildings skip floors and room numbers that contain 4s. ===Climate and terrain=== [[File:Sanya Dongtian Park - panoramio (10).jpg|thumb|[[Hainan]] is a popular destination in tropical China]] The climate is extremely diverse, from tropical regions in the south to subarctic in the north. [[Hainan]] Island is roughly at the same latitude as Jamaica, while [[Harbin]], one of the largest cities in the north, is at roughly the latitude of Montreal and has the climate to match. North China has four distinct seasons with intensely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Southern China tends to be milder and wetter. The further north and west you travel, the drier the climate. Once you leave eastern China and enter the majestic Tibetan highlands or the vast steppes and deserts of Gansu, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, distances are vast and the land is harsh. During the communist planned economy era, uniform rules required that buildings in areas north of the Yangtze River get heat in the winter, but anything south of it would not &mdash; this meant buildings were unheated in places like Shanghai and Nanjing, which routinely have temperatures below freezing in winter. The rule was relaxed long ago, but the effects are still visible. In general, Chinese use less heating and less building insulation, and wear more warm clothing, than Westerners in comparable climates. In schools, apartments and office buildings, even if the rooms are heated, the corridors are not. Double-glazing is quite rare. Students and teachers wear winter jackets in class, and long underwear is common. Air-conditioning is increasingly common but is similarly not used in corridors and is often used with the windows and doors open. China has many inland mountain ranges, high plateaus, and deserts in the center and the far west; plains, deltas, and hills dominate the east. The [[Pearl River Delta]] region around Guangzhou and Hong Kong and the [[Along the Yangtze river|Yangtze delta]] around Shanghai are major global economic powerhouses, as is the North China plain around Beijing and the Yellow River. On the border between Tibet (the Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal lies Mount [[Everest]], at 8,850&nbsp;m, the highest point on earth. The [[Turpan]] depression, in northwest China's Xinjiang is the lowest point in China at 154&nbsp;m below sea level, which is the second-lowest point in the world after the [[Dead Sea]]. ===Units of measure=== China's official system of measurement is metric, but you will sometimes hear the traditional Chinese system of measurements in colloquial usage. The one you are most likely to come across in everyday use is the unit of mass ''jīn'' (斤), nowadays equal to 0.5&nbsp;kg in mainland China. Most Chinese will quote their weight in ''jīn'' if asked, and food prices in markets are often quoted per ''jīn''. ===Holidays=== {{CNYdates}} China observes two week-long holidays during the year, called '''[[Golden Week holidays in China|Golden Weeks]]'''. During these weeks, around '''Chinese New Year''' (late January to mid-February) and '''National Day''' (1 October), hundreds of millions of migrant workers return home and millions of other Chinese travel within the country (but many in the service sector stay behind, enjoying extra pay). Try to avoid being on the road, on the rails, or in the air during the major holidays. If you do have to travel the, plan well in advance, especially for transportation and for travel from western China or the east coast. Every mode of transportation is extremely crowded; tickets are very hard to come by, and will cost you a lot more. Air tickets sell out more slowly because of the higher prices. The Chinese New Year period is the largest annual migration of people on Earth. [[File:New Year Scene.jpg|thumb|Chinese New Year]] China has seven national holidays: * '''New Year''' (元旦 ''Yuándàn'') — 1 January * '''Spring Festival''' (春节 ''Chūn Jié''), a.k.a. '''Chinese New Year''' — 1st day of the 1st lunar month, late January to mid-February (1 February in 2022) * '''Tomb-Sweeping Day''' (清明节 ''Qīngmíng Jié'') — 15th day from the Spring Equinox, 4 to 6 April (5 April in 2022). Cemeteries are crowded with people who go to sweep the tombs of their ancestors and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to cemeteries can be very heavy. * '''Labor Day''' (劳动节 ''Láodòng Jié'') — 1 May * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午节 ''Duānwǔ Jié'') — 5th day of the 5th lunar month, late May to June (3 June in 2022). Boat races and eating rice dumplings (粽子 zòngzi, steamed pouches of sticky rice) are a traditional part of the celebration. * '''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (中秋节 ''Zhōngqiū Jié''） — 15th day of the 8th lunar month, September to early October (10 September in 2022). Also called the "Mooncake Festival" after its signature treat, mooncakes (月饼 ''yuèbǐng''). People meet outside, put food on the tables and look up at the full harvest moon. * '''National Day''' (国庆节 ''Guóqìng Jié'') — 1 October Known as the '''Golden Weeks''', Chinese New Year and National Day holidays span multiple days; nearly all workers get at least a week for Chinese New Year and some of them get two or three. For many working Chinese, these are the only times of the year they get to travel. Students get four to six weeks of holiday. Chinese New Year is a traditional time to visit family, and the entire country pretty well shuts down. Many stores and other businesses will close from a few days to a week or longer. In early July, around 20 million university students will return home and then in late August they will return to school. Roads, railways and planes very busy at these times. Many areas or ethnic minorities have their own festivals. See listings for individual towns for details. Here are some other nationally important festivals: * '''Lantern Festival''' (元宵节 ''Yuánxiāo Jié'' or 上元节 ''Shàngyuán Jié'') — 15th day of the 1st lunar month, traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year, February to early March (15 February in 2022). In some cities, such as Quanzhou, this is a big festival with elaborate lanterns all over town. * '''Double Seventh Day''' (七夕 ''Qīxī'') — 7th day of the 7th lunar month, usually August (4 August in 2022). This romantic holiday is similar to Valentine's Day. * '''Double Ninth Festival''' or Chongyang Festival (重阳节 ''Chóngyáng Jié'') — 9th day of the 9th lunar month, usually October (4 October in 2022) * '''Winter Solstice''' (冬至 ''Dōngzhì'') — 21 to 23 December (22 December in 2022) Some Western festivals are noticeable, at least in major cities. Around Christmas, one hears carols &mdash; some in English, some in Chinese, and one from Hong Kong that goes "Lonely, lonely Christmas". Some stores are decorated and many shop assistants wear red and white elf hats. Chinese Christians celebrate services and masses at officially sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches as well. For Valentine's Day, many restaurants offer special meals. Around the longer holidays (especially the two Golden Weeks and sometimes Labor Day), surrounding weekends may be rearranged to make the holiday longer. This means that around major holidays, places may be closed when they're usually open or open when they would usually be closed. ===Time zones=== Despite geographically spanning five time zones, all of China officially follows Beijing Time (UTC+8). However, in the restive province of Xinjiang, while the official time is Beijing Time, some ethnic Uyghurs use the UTC+6 time zone as a sign of defiance against Beijing. ===Read=== * ''Wild Swans'' by Jung Chang (''{{ISBN|0007176155}}'') - a biography of three generations, from the warlord days to the end of Mao's era, illustrating life under China's version of nationalism and communism. This book is banned in China. *''The Search for Modern China'' by Jonathan Spence - a standard history book on modern China from the late Ming to the current period. {{topicsin|China|0}} ==Talk== {{see also|Chinese phrasebook}} [[Image:Map of sinitic languages-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Map of Chinese dialects]] The official language of China is '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Standard Mandarin]]''', known in Chinese as ''Pǔtōnghuà'' (普通话, "common speech"), which is based on the Beijing dialect; Chinese in general is known as ''Zhōngwén'' (中文). Standard Mandarin is the main language for government and media, as well as the national lingua franca. While the official language is standardized, local pronunciation of Mandarin does vary by region. Unless otherwise noted, all terms, spellings and pronunciations in this guide are in Standard Mandarin. While national media is broadcast in Mandarin, each area often has its own local media that broadcasts in the local language. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. However, since the 1950s mainland China has used '''simplified characters''', such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>, in an attempt to eradicate illiteracy. Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and many overseas Chinese still use the traditional characters, which are also sometimes used on the mainland as an aesthetic choice. As a result, a word like "bank" will be written <span lang="zh-Hant">銀行</span> as often as <span lang="zh-Hans">银行</span>. The simplification was fairly systematic, and you may deduce at least some of the simplifications on your own just from seeing them frequently. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". The standard way of romanizing Mandarin is '''pinyin''' (汉语拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn''). It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). Mandarin is also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the country, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects''', of which Standard Mandarin is just one. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and can't carry on a conversation with each other. However, thanks to heavy emphasis in the education system, most people can comfortably carry on a conversation in Standard Mandarin, though sometimes with a strong accent. In some areas, younger people are more likely to speak Mandarin than dialects, due to previous education policies that prohibited the use of dialects in school. A variety of (mainly northern) dialects closely related to the standard are classified as Mandarin and account for the majority of China's population. Other large groups of dialects include '''[[Wu phrasebook|Wu]]''' (spoken in Shanghai, Zhejiang and southern [[Jiangsu]]) and '''Yue''' (Guangdong), which includes '''[[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]''' (spoken in much of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau). The '''Min''' (Fujian) group includes '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]]''' (Hokkien, spoken in [[South Fujian]] and in Taiwan), '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Fuzhou dialect]]''' (Foochow or Hokchiu, spoken around [[Fuzhou]]), '''[[Teochew phrasebook|Teochew]]''' (Chiuchow, spoken in [[Chaoshan]]) and '''[[Hainanese phrasebook|Hainanese]]''' (spoken in the island province [[Hainan]]). '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''' is spoken in several parts of southern China but is more related to northern dialects. Like Mandarin, these are all tonal languages. Most Chinese are bilingual or even trilingual, speaking Mandarin as well as regional or local dialects. Some who are older or less educated may speak only the local dialect. While you can easily get by in most of China speaking Mandarin, learning a bit of the local dialect is always appreciated, and may get you preferential treatment in shops and restaurants. Besides dialects of Chinese, various regions also have ethnic minority languages. The west has '''Turkic languages''' such as [[Uyghur phrasebook|Uyghur]], [[Kyrgyz phrasebook|Kyrgyz]], and [[Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh]] as well as other languages such as '''[[Tibetan phrasebook|Tibetan]]'''; the north and northeast has [[Manchu phrasebook|Manchu]], [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]], and [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]; the south has many other ethnic minorities who speak their own languages. However, except for some older folks, Mandarin is generally usable in these regions and many people are bilingual. In areas with large ethnic minority populations, the relevant ethnic minority language is sometimes co-official with Mandarin, and you may see bilingual road signs. '''Chinese Sign Language''' (CSL or ZGS, 中国手语 ''Zhōngguó Shǒuyǔ'') is the dominant sign language. There is an official version of CSL standardized by the government. There are also two regional dialects, Southern (from Shanghai) and Northern (from Beijing); these and official CSL are largely mutually intelligible. CSL is not mutually intelligible with Hong Kong, Taiwanese, or Malaysian Sign Languages, nor with any others. '''Tibetan Sign Language''' (藏语手语 ''Zàng yǔ shǒuyǔ'') is an independent sign language used in Tibet, not mutually intelligible with any others; it too is standardized by the government based on existing regional sign languages. ===English=== Chinese students study English from primary school to high school, and are required to pass an English test in order to graduate from university. However, the focus is mainly on formal grammar and writing, with less emphasis on reading, and even less on speaking or listening. While knowledge of basic words and phrases such as "hello," "thank you", "OK" and "bye-bye" appears nearly universal, the ability to participate in an English conversation can be limited. It's generally rare to find locals conversant in English. Staff at airports, hotels, and popular tourist attractions can sometimes speak basic to conversational English. As China's tourism industry primarily caters to the domestic market, outside major international tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, even staff at tourist attractions may not be conversant in English. When [[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|using English]], '''simplify and speak slowly'''. Chinese grammar is very different from English, as verbs, pronouns, and other words essentially don't inflect at all. Although it sounds abrupt in English, simple declarative sentences like "Give me two beers" are quite similar to Chinese, and thus more readily understood than roundabout constructions like "Could we have a pair of beers please?". [[File:Shenzhen River chinglish warning sign.JPG|thumb|A typical "Chinglish" sign]] While English signage or menus are increasingly widespread in China, especially at or near tourist attractions, they are often written in incorrect English. Such signage can be difficult to read, but as "Chinglish" follows certain rules, it can usually be deciphered. Oftentimes, translations are simply a word-by-word equivalent of a Chinese expression which, like a word puzzle, can sometimes be pieced together with some thought, but in other cases may be utterly baffling. Many places have '''English Corner''', informal gatherings for [[Teaching English|practicing oral English]], which can be a good way to meet locals. They're often held at schools and colleges on Friday afternoons, and on Sundays in public parks, English schools, and bookstores, and universities. Topics often include cultural activities like holidays and festivals from English speaking countries, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, these have been progressively disappearing over the past decade due to the prolific rise of language exchange over the internet in China, and have all but disappeared in smaller cities. ===Other foreign languages=== Although not as widespread as English, there are some foreign languages that are of use in China. [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]] is spoken as a native language by the ethnic Korean minority in the north east of the country, while [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]] is the native language of the ethnic Mongol community in Inner Mongolia. [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] is spoken by some professionals in international businesses. [[German phrasebook|German]] is a popular language for engineering professionals. Some people in border areas and some older people are able to speak [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. [[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]] is commonly studied among Muslim communities. ==Get in== {{COVID-19 box| Entry is denied to most travelers, but foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits, including work permits or permits for family reunion and personal matters, may be allowed to enter. The requirements are complicated and vary depending on what country you're coming from, any countries you transit in, your city of entry to China, and your destination city. Contact your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for specific information. All passengers flying into China must obtain a health code through the Health Code International Version program on WeChat. The program may be hard to use if you don't have a Chinese ID number and mobile phone number; you might need to ask a Chinese citizen to help you complete the form. Make sure you get a health code for both your entry point city and your final destination in China. You'll need a COVID-19 negative certificate, which may need to be in English and notarized by a Chinese embassy. And you may also need an antibody test and/or proof of vaccination. Rules are less strict for travellers from Hong Kong and Macau, who just need to show a negative Covid-19 test result. On arrival, you will be subject to a strict mandatory quarantine for 14 or 21 days (or even longer), at your own expense, and will be tested for COVID multiple times, possibly including oral, nasal, and anal swabs. Food is provided in quarantine but may not be to your liking, though vegetarian options are reportedly available. Make sure you have a Chinese SIM card, as you may need it to use the health apps – if you don't have one you may be able to get it delivered to your quarantine hotel. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2021-12-03}} ===Visas=== {{infobox|Visa policy overview|China offers the following visas to citizens of most countries: * '''L visa''' - tourism, family visits * '''F visa''' - business trips, internships, short study * '''Z visa''' - working, 30 days during which you should get a residence permit * '''X visa''' - study more than six months * '''S1 visa''' - dependent family members of a Z (work) visa * '''Q1 / Q2 visa''' - for expats married to a Chinese citizen or green card holder * '''G visa''' - transit A few nationalities are exempted from needing to obtain a visa before traveling to China for certain durations. You can contact your nearest [http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/ Chinese embassy or consulate] for more details. }} [[File:Visa policy of China.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa requirements for visitors to China. Green, blue and purple countries can have visa free travel, while all other countries need a visa.]] Most travelers will need a visa (签证 ''qiānzhèng'') to visit mainland China. In most cases, it should be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Visas for [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]] may be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate, but they must be applied for separately from the mainland Chinese visa; there is no visa that serves both mainland China and either of those areas. A single-entry mainland China visa is terminated if you go to Hong Kong or Macau, so ensure that you have a multiple entry visa if you plan to return to mainland China. You must submit your fingerprints during the visa application process. Children under 14, and senior citizens over 70 are excepted. Your fingerprints may also be taken when you enter China. 30-day single- or double-entry visas for the mainland can sometimes be acquired in Hong Kong or Macau. You can generally fly from overseas to Hong Kong and spend a few days there to get a visa for the mainland. This is supposed to be available only to residents of Hong Kong or Macau. Exceptions are often made but they vary over time, and are not reliable. Macau's visa office is less crowded and the hotels are a bit cheaper, but it takes just as long. In general, only single- and double-entry visas are granted to visitors without Hong Kong ID cards, although foreigners with previous entries into the mainland and Hong Kong student or work visa holders have been known to be approved for multiple entries. Many Hong Kong travel agencies (such as China Travel Service) offer a faster visa turnaround service for a fee. In addition, a travel agency has some capacity to negotiate on the length of your visa. You might apply for a one-year visa and have that rejected; however, they may well be able to get a 6-month visa for you instead. Visas are sometimes denied to travelers with passport stamps from Turkey and nearby Middle Eastern countries; see [[Visa trouble#China]] for more information. '''Visa-free travel''': Nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Japan]], and [[Singapore]] can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days; nationals of [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belarus]], [[Fiji]], [[Grenada]], [[Qatar]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Tonga]], and [[United Arab Emirates]] for up to 30 days; nationals of [[Mauritius]] for up to 60 days; and nationals of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Ecuador]], and [[San Marino]] for up to 90 days. (Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina can only stay 90 days within a 180-day period.) To visit mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau residents of Chinese nationality must apply at the China Travel Service, the sole authorized issuing agent, to obtain a Home Return Permit (回乡证 húixiāngzhèng), a credit card-sized ID allowing multiple entries and unlimited stay for ten years with no restrictions including on employment. Taiwanese citizens are required to obtain a Taiwan Compatriot Pass (台胞证 táibāozhèng), which is typically valid for five years, and may live in mainland China indefinitely for the duration of the permit's validity with no restrictions including on employment. Travelers should check the most up-to-date information before traveling. Chinese authorities do not recognize British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports. BNO passport holders should use appropriate travel documents (foreign passport/home return permit) to enter China. ====Transit without a visa==== [[File:Chinese Visa Waiver Programs.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa waiver program eligibility for visitors to China.]] Exceptions from visa requirements may be available for those [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/#3 transiting through some airports], to enable you to take short visits to many metropolitan regions of the country. These rules are '''dizzyingly complicated and subject to sudden changes''', so check with your airline shortly before attempting this method of entry. Citizens of the designated countries who arrive at airports in [[Beijing]], [[Chengdu]], [[Chongqing]], [[Dalian]], [[Hangzhou]], [[Kunming]], [[Nanjing]], [[Qingdao]], [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], [[Shijiazhuang]], [[Tianjin]], [[Wuhan]], [[Xiamen]], and [[Xi'an]] can stay in the city of arrival for up to 144 hours provided they depart from an airport of the same city. The onward ticket must be to a country other than the country from which their arriving flight originated and they must have the required entry documents for the third country or countries. In [[Guangdong]], this arrangement applies to the whole province. A similar policy in [[Guilin]], [[Harbin]], and [[Changsha]] allows stays of up to 72 hours. Passengers without a visa who intend to leave the transit area will typically be directed by an immigration officer to wait in an office for around 20 minutes while other officials review the passengers' onward flight documentation. For the city of '''Shanghai''' and the neighboring provinces of '''Jiangsu''' and '''Zhejiang''', visa-free entries through the airports of Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, as well as the Shanghai sea port or Shanghai Station (through train from Hong Kong), are allowed. Once admitted, passengers can go anywhere within the three province-level units, and must depart within 144 hours (6 days). [http://lawandborder.com/translation-shanghai-jiangsu-zhejiang-implement-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-certain-nationalities/ Translation: 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang]. In '''[[Hainan]]''', citizens of the UK, Canada, the US and some other European and Asian countries can travel for up to 30 days without a visa. ====Types of visas==== Getting a tourist visa is fairly easy for most passports as you don't need an invitation, which is required for business or working visas. The usual tourist single-entry visa is valid for a visit of 30 days and must be used within three months of the date of issue. A double-entry tourist visa must be used within six months of the date of issue. It is possible to secure a single, double, or multiple entry tourist visa for up to 60 days or, less commonly, 90 days for some citizens applying in their home countries. Consulates and travel agents have been known to occasionally request proof of onward travel at the time of visa application. Tourist visa extensions can be applied for at the local Entry & Exit Bureau or Public Security Bureau (公安局 ''Gōng'ānjú'') after handing in the following documents: valid passport, visa extension application form including one passport-sized photo, a copy of the Registration Form of Temporary Residence which you received from the local police station at registration. Tourist visas can be only extended once. Processing time is usually five working days and it costs ¥160. See city articles to find out the local bureau. Some travelers will need a dual entry or multiple entry visa. For example, if you enter China on a single entry visa, then go to Hong Kong or Macau, you need a new visa to re-enter mainland China. In Hong Kong, multiple entry visas are officially available only to HKID holders, but the authorities are willing to bend the rules somewhat and may approve three-month multiple entry visas for short-term Hong Kong qualified residents, including exchange students. It is recommended to apply directly with the Chinese government in this case, as some agents will be unwilling to submit such an application on your behalf. Obtaining a '''Visa on Arrival''' is possible usually only for the [[Shenzhen]] or [[Zhuhai]] Special Economic Zones, and such visas are limited to those areas. When crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen at Lo Wu railway station, and notably not at Lok Ma Chau, a five-day Shenzhen-only visa can be obtained during extended office hours on the spot. The office accepts only Chinese yuan as payment. There may be restrictions on visas for some nationalities and these vary over time. For example: * The visa fee for American nationals is [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t334452.htm US$140] (or US$110 as part of a group tour). * Indian nationals are limited to 10- or 15-day tourist visas, and have to show US$100 per day of visa validity in the form of traveler's checks. (US$1,000 and US$1,500, respectively). * Foreigners in South Korea not holding an alien registration card must travel to the Chinese consulate in [[Busan]], as the Chinese embassy in [[Seoul]] does not issue visas to non-residents in Korea. Applications must be made through an official travel agency. See [[Working in China]] for information for those who want to work in China, and their family members. One option for foreigners married to Chinese citizens is to obtain a six- to twelve-month ''visiting relatives'' (探亲 tànqīn) visa. This is a tourist (L) visa that permits individuals to remain in China continuously for the duration of their visa and does not require the visa holder to exit and re-enter China to maintain the validity of the visa. To apply for a this visa, you should first enter the country on a different visa and then apply for a ''visiting relatives'' visa at the local Public Security bureau in the city that your marriage was registered in, which is usually your Chinese spouse's hometown. Bring your marriage certificate and spouse's identification card (身份证 shēnfènzhèng). If you apply for a visa in South Korea, you will generally have to either show an Alien Registration Card showing you still have several months of residency in South Korea or show that you've received a Chinese visa within the last two years. You cannot apply to a Chinese embassy or consulate directly but must proceed through a travel agent. Generally only 30-day single entry visas are available. ====Registering your abode==== [[File:Longhai - Hotel reception - P1260519.JPG|thumb|An announcement above a hotel's reception desk lists acceptable document types (including a foreign citizen's passport, 外国人“护照”) for guest registration]] Chinese immigration law requires that hotels, guest houses and hostels register their guests with the local police when they check in. The staff will scan your passport including your visa and entry stamps. In some places, your face may be photographed. Help staff out if they do not know where the most recent stamp is —&nbsp;immigration officers are sometimes known to stamp in the wrong order. Some of the lower-end hotels are not set up for this and will refuse foreign guests. Others will accept foreign guests but ignore the registration requirement. You should avoid staying at one of these places immediately after arriving in China, lest you run into problems later, such as refusal of entry, due to not registering when you entered the country. If you are staying in a private residence, you are required to register your abode with the local police within 24 hours (city) to 72 hours (countryside) of arrival, though the law is enforced inconsistently. The police will ask for a copy of the photograph page of your passport, a copy of your visa, a copy of your immigration entry stamp, a photograph and a copy of the tenancy agreement or other document concerning the place you are staying in. That agreement might not be in your name but it will still be asked for. This Temporary Residence Permit should be carried with you at all times, especially if you are in larger cities or where control is tight. You must re-register if your visa or residence permit undergoes any changes — extensions, or changes in passport (even here, it is ideal to re-register when you get a new passport, regardless if you've transferred the visa or residence permit to the new passport). In some cities, you must re-register every time you re-enter mainland China even if your residence permit is still valid; check with your local police station to see if this is necessary. ===By plane=== {{COVID-19 box|China maintains a "circuit breaker" policy regarding flights arriving in China. Flights on a particular route may be cancelled for a period of weeks if too many passengers have tested positive. The Civil Aviation Administration of China publishes these termination orders regularly from time to time, and please contact your airline if you are affected by such orders.|lastedit=2021-11-27}} {{infobox|Transiting through Hong Kong and Macau|If arriving in Hong Kong or Macau there are ferries that can shuttle passengers straight to another destination such as Shekou or Bao'an Airport in Shenzhen, Macau Airport, Zhuhai and elsewhere without actually "entering" Hong Kong or Macau.<br>A shuttle bus takes transit passengers to the ferry terminal so their official entry point, where they clear immigration, will be the ferry destination rather than the airport. The ferries do have different hours so landing late at night may make it necessary to enter either territory to catch another bus or ferry to one's ultimate destination. For example, it would be necessary to clear immigration if going from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau via the Macau Ferry Terminal. The most recent information on the ferries to Hong Kong can be found at [http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html the Hong Kong International Airport website].}} The main international gateways to mainland China are [[Beijing]] ({{IATA|PEK}} & {{IATA|PKX}}, for all airports {{IATA|BJS}}), [[Shanghai]] ({{IATA|PVG}}) and [[Guangzhou]] ({{IATA|CAN}}). The explosive growth of commercial aviation in China has led to the proliferation of international gateways to the country. Local governments also frequently subsidize international flight routes serving their cities, so these services may be much cheaper. In particular, [[Chengdu]] ({{IATA|CTU}}), [[Chongqing]] ({{IATA|CKG}}) and [[Kunming]] ({{IATA|KMG}}) are emerging as major Chinese hubs, with flights to destinations in North America, Europe and Oceania. Airline tickets are expensive or hard to come by around Chinese New Year, the Chinese 'golden weeks' and university holidays. If you live in a city with a sizeable overseas Chinese community, check for cheap flights with someone in that community or visit travel agencies operated by Chinese. Sometimes flights advertised only in Chinese newspapers or travel agencies cost significantly less than posted fares in English. However if you go and ask, you can get the same discount price. ====Airlines==== China's carriers are growing rapidly. The three largest, and state-owned airlines are flag carrier '''[http://www.airchina.com/ Air China]''' (中国国际航空), as well as '''[http://www.ceair.com/ China Eastern Airlines]''' (中国东方航空) and '''[http://www.csair.com/ China Southern Airlines]''' (中国南方航空), based in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou respectively. Other airlines include '''[https://www.xiamenair.com/ XiamenAir]''' (厦门航空), '''[https://www.hainanairlines.com/ Hainan Airlines]''' (海南航空), '''[http://www.shenzhenair.com/ Shenzhen Airlines]''' (深圳航空) and '''[http://www.sichuanair.com/ Sichuan Airlines]''' (四川航空). [[Hong Kong]]-based [http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific] can connect from many international destinations to all the major mainland cities. Other Asian carriers with good connections into China include [http://www.singaporeair.com/ Singapore Airlines], Japan-based [http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ Japan Airlines] and [https://www.ana.co.jp/ All Nippon Airways], South Korea-based [http://www.koreanair.com Korean Air] and [http://flyasiana.com/ Asian Airlines], and Taiwan-based [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines] and [http://www.evaair.com/ EVA Air]. Many major carriers based outside Asia fly to at least one of China's main hubs &mdash; [[Beijing]] ([[Beijing Capital International Airport|Capital]] or [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Daxing]]), [[Pudong Airport|Shanghai Pudong]] and [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]] &mdash; and many go to several of those. Some, such as [http://www.klm.com/ KLM], also have flights to other less prominent Chinese cities. Check the individual city articles for details. See [[Discount airlines in Asia]] for some additional options both to reach China and to get around within it. ===By train=== China can be reached by train from many of its neighboring countries and even all the way from Europe. * '''Russia & Europe''' - two lines of the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] (Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian) run between [[Moscow]] and Beijing, stopping in various other Russian cities, and for the Trans-Mongolian, in [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia. * '''Kazakhstan & Central Asia''' - from [[Almaty]], Kazakhstan, you can travel by rail to [[Ürümqi]] in the northwestern province of Xinjiang. There are long waits at the Alashankou border crossing for customs, as well as for changing the wheelbase for the next country's track. Another, shorter, trans-border route has no direct train service; rather, you take an overnight Kazakh train from Almaty to Altynkol, cross the border to Khorgos, and then take an overnight Chinese train from Khorgos (or the nearby [[Yining]]) to Urumqi. There is also direct train service between Ürümqi and [[Astana]] (via Khorgos). ([http://news.huochepiao.com/2017-6/2017621404433.htm Details], in Chinese) * '''Hong Kong''' - regular services link mainland China with [[Hong Kong]]. A [[high speed rail]] link was completed in 2018. * '''Vietnam''' - from Hanoi Gia Lam Station to Nanning in Guangxi province, via the Friendship Pass. You can take a train from Hanoi to [[Lao Cai]], walk or take a taxi across the border to Hekou, and take a train from Hekou North to Kunming. * '''North Korea''' - four weekly connections between the North Korean capital [[Pyongyang]] and [[Beijing]]. ===By road=== China has land borders with 14 countries. Mainland China also has land borders with the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which are similar to international borders. Most of the border crossings in western China are in remote mountain passes, which while difficult to reach and traverse, often reward travelers willing to make the effort with breathtaking scenic views. ====India==== The Nathu La Pass between [[Sikkim]] in India and Southern Tibet is not open to tourists, and both countries require special permits to visit. The pass has reopened for cross-border trade since 2006, so the tourist restriction may be lifted in the future. ====Myanmar (Burma)==== Entering China from Myanmar is possible at the [[Ruili]] (China)-[[Lashio]] (Myanmar) border crossing, but permits must be obtained from the Burmese authorities in advance. Generally, this would require you to join a guided tour. ====Vietnam==== [[File:Border crossing at Lao Cai.png|thumb|Looking from Vietnam into China]] For most travelers, Hanoi is the origin for any overland journey to China. There are three international crossings: *From [[Dong Dang]] to [[Pingxiang (Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] (凭祥) *From [[Lao Cai]] to [[Hekou]] (河口) *From [[Mong Cai]] to [[Dongxing]] (东兴) ====Laos==== From [[Luang Namtha]] you can get a bus to [[Mengla]]. You must have a Chinese visa beforehand as there is no way to get one on arrival. Also, there is a direct Chinese sleeper-bus connection from [[Luang Prabang]] to Kunming (about 32 hours). You can jump in this bus at the border, when the minibus from [[Luang Namtha]] and the sleeper meet. Don't pay more than ¥200, though. ====Pakistan==== The [[Karakoram Highway]] from northern [[Pakistan]] into Western China is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It's closed for tourists for a few months in winter. Crossing the border is relatively quick because of few overland travelers, and friendly relations between the two countries. Preliminary customs inspection will be done on spot, while immigration and customs inspection are done at suburban [[Tashkurgan]]. A bus runs between Kashgar (China) and Sust (Pakistan) across the Kunerjab pass. ====Nepal==== The [[Nepal#Get in|road from Nepal]] to Tibet passes near Mount Everest, and through amazing mountain scenery. Entering Tibet from Nepal is only possible for tourists on package tours, but it is possible to travel into Nepal from Tibet ====Mongolia==== [[File:Trans Mongolian wheel changing.JPG|thumb|Going by train between Mongolia and China, the carriages will need new wheels]] There are two border crossings open to foreigners between Mongolia and China: *[[Erenhot]] ([[Inner Mongolia]])/[[Zamiin Uud]], and *[[Takashiken]] ([[Xinjiang]])/[[Hovd (province)|Bulgan]]. Other crossings open to nationals are: Zhuen Gadabuqi or Zuun Khatavch (Xilingol, Inner Mongolia), Bichig (Mongolia), and Sheveekhuren - Sekhee. ====Kazakhstan==== The border crossing closest to Almaty is at [[Khorgos]]. Buses run almost daily from [[Almaty]] to [[Ürümqi]] and [[Yining]]. No visa-on-arrival is available so ensure that both your Chinese and Kazakh visas are in order before attempting this. Another major crossing is at Alashankou (Dostyk on the Kazakh side). ====Kyrgyzstan==== It is possible to cross the [[Torugart pass]] from Kyrgyztan, but the road is rough and the pass is only open during the summer months (June–September) every year. It is possible to arrange crossings all the way from Kashgar, but ensure that all your visas are in order. Alternatively, while less scenic, a smoother crossing is at [[Irkeshtam]] to the south of Torugart. ====Tajikistan==== There is a single border crossing between China and Tajikistan at [[Kulma]], which is open on weekdays from May–November. A bus operates across the border between [[Kashgar]] in Xinjiang and [[Khorog]] in Tajikistan. Ensure both your Chinese and Tajik visas are in order before attempting this crossing. ====Russia==== The most popular border crossing at [[Manzhouli]] in [[Inner Mongolia]]. Buses run from Manzhouli to [[Zabaikalsk]] in Russia. There are also ferries across the Amur from [[Heihe]] to [[Blagoveshchensk]], and from [[Fuyuan]] to [[Khabarovsk]]. Farther east, there are land border crossings at [[Suifenhe]], Dongning, and Hunchun. Ensure both your Russian and Chinese visas are in order before attempting. ====North Korea==== Crossing overland from North Korea at the [[Dandong]]/[[Sinuiju]] border crossing is fairly straightforward if you have arranged it as part of your North Korean tour. The other border crossings along the Yalu and Tumen rivers may not be open to tourists. Your tour company must ensure that your Chinese and North Korean visas are in order before attempting this. ====Hong Kong==== There are four road border crossings into China from [[Hong Kong]]: *Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, *Sha Tau Kok/Shatoujiao, *Man Kam To/Wenjindu, and *the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. A visa on arrival is available for some nationalities at Huanggang, but visas must be arranged in advance for all other crossings. ====Macau==== The two border crossings are at the '''Portas do Cerco'''/'''Gongbei''' and the '''Lotus Bridge'''. A visa-on-arrival can be obtained by certain nationalities at the Portas do Cerco. At Gongbei, [[Zhuhai]] train station is adjacent to the border crossing, with frequent train service to Guangzhou. ====Others==== Travelers cannot cross the borders with [[Afghanistan]] and [[Bhutan]]. ===By boat=== There are a number of boats to China by sea and river: * '''Hong Kong and Macau''': There is regular ferry and hovercraft service between Hong Kong and Macau to the rest of the Pearl River Delta, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]]. Ferry service from Hong Kong International Airport allow arriving passengers to proceed directly to China without having to clear Hong Kong immigration and customs. * '''Japan''': A ferry service to [[Shanghai]] from [[Osaka]] and [[Kobe]], Japan. Service is once or twice weekly, depending on the season and takes about 2 days. * '''South Korea''': A ferry service to Shanghai and Tianjin from [[Incheon]], a port close to [[Seoul]]. Another line is to [[Qingdao]] or [[Weihai]] from Incheon or [[Dalian]] from Incheon. * '''Taiwan''': Hourly ferries (18 departures per day) run from [[Kinmen]] to [[Xiamen]], with the journey time either 30 minutes or one hour depending on port. There is also a regular ferry between Kinmen and [[Quanzhou]] with 3 departures per day. A twice-daily ferry links [[Matsu]] with [[Fuzhou]], with journey time about 2 hours. From the Taiwanese main island, there are weekly departures from [[Taichung]] and [[Keelung]] aboard the Cosco Star to [[Xiamen]] and [[Taizhou (Zhejiang)|Damaiyu, Taizhou]]. * '''Thailand''': Golden Peacock Shipping company runs a speedboat three times a week on the Mekong river to [[Jinghong]] in [[Yunnan]] from [[Chiang Saen]] (Thailand). Passengers are not required to have visas for Laos or Myanmar, although the greater part of the trip is on the river bordering these countries. Tickets cost ¥650. * '''Cruise ship''': In the fall, several cruise lines move their ships from [[Alaska]] to [[Asia]] and good connections can generally be found leaving from [[Anchorage]], [[Vancouver]], or [[Seattle]]. Star Cruises operates between [[Keelung]] in Taiwan and Xiamen in mainland China, stopping at one of the Japanese islands on the way. ==Get around== {{Infobox|Health Codes|[[File:健康码.png|thumb|right|An example of "health code"]]In an attempt to balance between public health and post-pandemic economic development, "health codes" have widely been used to indicate the health status of travelers, in which it is generated through specific mobile phone apps developed by authorities. A green code indicates the traveler is at lowest risk, while a red code indicates high transmission risk. These codes will be checked when traveling between provinces, or entering public places. Places are also divided into '''risk levels''' per sub-districts for the purpose of COVID-19 response. The default risk level is low-level, while if there are surges of local COVID-19 cases, risk levels of sub-districts will be raised. Depending on the severity, mass testing, restrictions on leaving your city or even communal lockdowns may be enforced, which are also reflected in your health code.}} Many foreign apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps '''do not work''' in China, and tend to have patchy coverage and data quality even if accessed via VPN. Moreover, China uses its own coordinate system, which sometimes causes problems when using foreign map apps. The most common direction-finding app used by the Chinese themselves is '''[https://map.baidu.com/ Baidu Maps]''', though it is only available in Chinese. [http://ditu.amap.com/ Amap] is effectively the Citymapper for the whole of China. It is only available in English on Apple devices, and replaces Apple Maps when you are in mainland China. It lists all public transport and suggested car routes even in seemingly rural places. Alternative methods include other map apps based on OpenStreetMap data or renting a local GPS. More information at [[GPS navigation]]. '''Names of long streets''' are often given a middle word indicating the part of the street: north (北 ''běi''), south (南 ''nán''), east (东 ''dōng''), west (西 ''xī''), or central (中 ''zhōng''). For example, White Horse Street or ''Báimǎ Lù'' (白马路) may be split up into ''Báimǎ Běilù'' (白马北路 "White Horse North Street"), ''Báimǎ Nánlù'' (白马南路 "White Horse South Street"), and ''Báimǎ Zhōnglù'' (白马中路 "White Horse Central Street"). In some cities, however, these names do not indicate parts of one street. In [[Xiamen]], ''Hubin Bei Lu'' and ''Hubin Nan Lu'' (Lakeside Road North and Lakeside Road South) are parallel, running east-west on the north and south sides of the lake. In [[Nanjing]], ''Zhongshan Lu'', ''Zhongshan Bei Lu'' and ''Zhongshan Dong Lu'' are three separate major roads. ===By plane=== China is a huge country so, unless you're planning to visit only the eastern seaboard, definitely consider domestic flights. China has many domestic flights connecting all the major cities and tourist destinations. Airlines include the three state-owned international carriers: Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, as well as regional ones including Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Flights between Hong Kong or Macau and mainland Chinese cities are considered to be international flights and can be quite expensive. Hence if arriving in, or departing from, Hong Kong or Macau, it is usually '''much''' cheaper to fly to or from Shenzhen or Zhuhai, just across the border, or Guangzhou, which is a little further afield but offers flights to more destinations. Prices for domestic flights are set at standard rates, but discounts are common, especially on the busier routes. Most good hotels, and many hostels, will have a travel ticket service and may be able to save you 15-70% off the price of tickets. Travel agencies and booking offices are plentiful in all Chinese cities and offer similar discounts. Even before considering discounts, traveling by aircraft in China is not expensive. For travel within China, it is usually best to buy tickets in China, or on Chinese websites (these often have English versions). A useful app/website is [http://english.ctrip.com/?curr=CNY&language=EN&iburedirect=1 CTrip], which is the only way you can use an international credit/debit card on the fly to buy train/plane tickets. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will contact you to let you know about changes to your flight. If you purchased your ticket overseas, be certain to check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. On Chinese websites, prices tend to remain high until two months before the flight date, at which point large discounts are usually available unless a particular flight has been heavily booked already. Unexplained flight delays are common, in part because of the tight military control of the airspace — few countries have as much of their airspace off limits to civil aviation as China. For short-distance travel, you may want to consider alternatives like [[Rail travel in China#High-speed rail|high-speed railway]]. Flight cancellations are also not uncommon. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will likely try to contact you (if you left contact information) to let you know about the change in flight plan. If you purchased your ticket overseas, check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. Despite a lack of regulation in the late 20th century, the safety record of Chinese aviation is now superb. They have not had a major fatal accident from 2010 to 2022 and Chinese regulatory authorities are very no-nonsense when it comes to safety violations by crews or maintenance problems. Also be sure not to lose your checked baggage receipts, as they will be checked against your baggage tags before you are allowed to leave the baggage claim hall. ===By train=== : ''See also [[Rail travel in China]]'' [[File:A maglev train coming out, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai.jpg|thumb|300px|Maglev train in [[Shanghai]]]] [[File:Rail map of PRC.svg|thumb|500px|Rail map of China]] Train travel is the main method of long-distance transportation for the Chinese, with an extensive network of routes covering most of the country. Roughly a quarter of the world's total rail traffic is in China. China now has the world's longest network of [[high-speed rail]]ways (similar to French TGV or Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains) called '''CRH''', including the world's only high-speed [[sleeper trains]]. If your route and budget allow then these may be the best way to get around. CRH trains are top-notch, even internationally, in terms of equipment and cleanliness. On most higher-level trains, recorded announcements are made in Chinese and English. Local trains do not have announcements in English. Be careful with your valuables while on the train as theft on public transportation is a problem. Motion sickness pills and ear plugs are recommended. Long distance trains have a buffet or dining car, which serves mediocre hot food at around ¥25. The menu is entirely in Chinese. There may be vendors on station platforms who sell noodles, snacks, and fruit at better prices. Most train cars have a hot boiled water dispenser available so you can bring tea, soups and instant noodles. Smoking is not permitted in the seating or sleeping areas but is allowed in the vestibules at the end of each car on ordinary trains, while on high-speed trains, it is completely banned. Smoking is forbidden inside station buildings apart from in designated smoking rooms. See [[Rail travel in China]] for information on buying tickets. Chinese train stations function like airports, so do not count on catching a train at the last minute: gates close a few minutes prior to departure! To be safe, be there at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes if you are entering a big train station. Make sure you're waiting in the right place, because often the train will only stop for a couple of minutes. Many cities have different stations for normal trains and high-speed trains. High-speed station names usually consist of the city name and the cardinal direction (for example ''Héngyángdōng'', "Hengyang East"). ===By bus=== Traveling by public '''city buses''' (公共汽车 ''gōnggòngqìchē'') or long-distance buses (长途汽车 ''chángtúqìchē'') is inexpensive and ideal for in-city and short-distance transportation. City buses vary from city to city. However, if you can understand the bus routes then they are cheap and go almost everywhere. Buses will normally have recorded announcements telling you the next stop - examples of which might include 'xià yí zhàn - zhōng shān lù' (next stop Zhongshan Road) or 'Shànghǎi nán huǒ chē zhàn dào le' (Shanghai South railway station - now arriving). Some major cities such as Beijing or Hangzhou will have English announcements, at least on some major routes. Fares are usually about ¥1-3 or more if traveling into the suburbs. Most buses simply have a metal cash-box next to the entrance where you can insert your fare (no change - save up those ¥1 coins) or on longer routes a conductor that will collect fares and issue tickets and change. The driver usually prioritizes speed over comfort, so hold on tight. [[File:Meng H27360 at Liuliqiao Coach Station (20210624120340).jpg|thumb|A long-distance buses from [[Beijing]] to [[Xilinhot]]]] Coaches, or '''long-distance buses''', may be more practical than trains for going to suburbs or smaller cities. Coaches originating from larger cities on the east coast tend to be air conditioned with soft seats. Bus personnel tend to try to be helpful, but they are much less familiar with foreigners than airline personnel. [[File:Xiaoxi - Bus no. 2 - DSCF4163.JPG|thumb|Local buses in Pinghe County, [[Fujian]], connect the county seat with rural towns]] A coach or bus in rural China is a different experience. Signs in the station to identify buses will be in Chinese. The coach's license plate number is printed on the ticket, it will be spray-painted on the back of the bus. Scheduled times of departure and arrival are only rough estimates, with the bus leaving when it's full, rather than at a scheduled time. Often, rural coaches are the only forms of transportation in many areas of China and are usually more than willing to stop anywhere along the route should you wish to visit more remote areas without direct transport. Buses can also be flagged down at most points along their route. The ticket price the rest of the way is negotiable. [[File:Qujiang - highway bus stop - DSCF3093.JPG|thumb|A highway bus stop in [[Qujiang]], Nanjing County, [[Fujian]]. The sign lists departure times for buses to [[Xiamen]]]] Getting a ticket is straightforward. Large bus stations have ticket counters who sell printed tickets displaying the departure time, boarding gate and license plate number of your bus. You need your passport to purchase a ticket, and often you will have to go through security inspection. ===By subway=== Most major cities in China now have subway/metro (地铁 ''dìtiě'') systems. They are typically modern, clean, efficient, and are still rapidly expanding. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou already have some of the world's most extensive systems. On station platforms and in trains there is usually signage in Chinese and English listing all stations on that line. Announcements in the stations and trains are made in Mandarin and English, and sometimes the local language. Many maps (especially English versions) may not have kept up with rapid expansion. Look online for a bilingual subway map that you can carry with you. Chinese subway stations often have a security checkpoint before the turnstiles, where you must run your bags through an X-ray scanner. Pickpockets are most likely to strike during station stops, so pay attention to your belongings. Stations tend to have numerous exits with labels such as Exit A, B, C1, or C2. On maps you will find each exit is labeled clearly around the station. Signs in the station make it easy to find your exit. === By taxi === Taxis (出租车 ''chūzūchē'' or 的士 ''dīshì'', pronounced "deg-see" in Cantonese-speaking areas) are reasonably priced: flagfall ¥5-14, per km charge ¥2-3. Most trips within the city center will cost ¥10-50. There is no extra charge for luggage, but in many cities rates are higher at night. The taxi fee is usually rounded up to the nearest whole yuan. Tips are not expected, but are welcome, especially after long trips. Taxis are commonly ordered through a '''phone app''', and it has become harder to hail a taxi on the street. The most popular app, [http://www.didichuxing.com/en/com/en/ Didi Chuxing], is also available in English. Taxi hawkers stalk naive travelers at airport terminals, train stations, and border crossings. They will try to negotiate a set price, and will usually charge 2 to 3 times a metered fare. There are designated taxi areas outside most major airport terminals; insist that the driver use the meter. The fare should be plainly marked on the taxi. Finding a taxi during peak hours can be a bit hard. But it really gets tough if it is raining. Away from peak hours, especially at night, it is sometimes possible to get a 10% to 20% discount especially if you negotiate it in advance, even if with the meter on and asking for a receipt. Sitting in the front passenger seat is acceptable, and is useful if you have trouble communicating in Chinese. Some taxis mount the taxi meter down by the gearbox, where you can only see it from the front seat. Drivers may start smoking without asking. In some cities it is also common for drivers to try and pick up multiple passengers if their destinations are in the same general direction. Each passenger pays full fare but it saves the time of waiting for an empty cab at rush hour. Even in major cities, you are very unlikely to find an English-speaking taxi driver. If you are not able to pronounce [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] well, have your destination written ''in Chinese characters'' to show the driver. Business cards for your hotel and for restaurants are useful for this. In major cities in the prosperous southern and eastern coastal provinces, many taxi drivers are migrants from other parts of China who speak Mandarin but not the local dialect. Most drivers are honest and fares are reasonable but there are the bad ones out there who will try to use your lack of Chinese skills to their advantage. The fare difference will usually be minimal. Should you feel you have been seriously cheated on the way to your hotel, and it has a doorman, you can appeal to him or the desk staff for assistance. In cities, photographing the driver's ID (posted on the dashboard) or license plate number and threatening to report him to the authorities can be quite effective. In some cities, taxi companies use a star-rating system for drivers, ranging from 0 to 5, displayed on the driver's name-plate, on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. While no or few stars do not necessarily indicate a bad driver, many stars tend to indicate good knowledge of the city, and willingness to take you to where you ask by the shortest way. Another indicator of the driver's ability can be found on the same name-plate - the driver's ID number. A small number tells you he has been around for a long time, and is thus likely to know the city better. Use the bigger taxi companies when possible, as the smaller companies tend to have a higher number of dishonest drivers. Chinese are sometimes competitive when it comes to finding a taxi. The person who flags down a particular car is not necessarily entitled to that ride. Having locals move farther up in traffic to intercept cars or being shoved out of the way while trying to enter a taxi is common. If there are others in the area competing for rides, be ready to reach your car and enter it as soon as possible after flagging it down. Wear your seat belt at all times (if you can find it). Some taxi drivers, in particular those who can speak some English, can be quite curious and talkative, especially during peak hours' traffic (高峰 ''gāo​fēng''). ===By bicycle=== [[File:Mobikes_in_Huangzhou,_Huanggang,_Hubei,_China_3.jpg|thumb|A row of Mobike dockless bikes]] {{main|Cycling in China}} Bicycles (自行车 ''zìxíngchē'') were once the most common form of transportation in China, but many people have upgraded to electric bikes and motorcycles. Bicycle repair shops are common in cities and rural areas. '''Dockless rideshare bikes''' in China's larger cities operate on a grab'n'go basis: you use your mobile phone to unlock any available bike, pay ¥1-2 per 30 minutes while using them, and drop them off pretty much anywhere you like. The largest operators [https://mobike.com/global/ Mobike] (orange) and [https://www.ofo.com/au/en Ofo] (canary yellow) have English apps. Dockless bikes are built to last, meaning they're heavy, clunky and ungeared, but for travelers, they can be a cheap, convenient means of transport that is better than trying to deal with public transport. There are two major '''dangers for cyclists''' in China: * '''Motor traffic'''; cars and motorcycles frequently pull out without any warning, and in most areas red lights are apparently optional. * '''Bicycle theft is rampant''' throughout cities in China. China is a vast country and it provides serious cyclists with challenges to bike across mountains and desert. If you plan to cycle through China, get a visa before your journey, as it can be hard to get one along the way. Avoid saying that the journey will be by bike, as embassy personnel may not like that, and Xinjiang and Tibet are politically sensitive. The visa is valid for any border crossing and transport method anyway (except Tibet). ===By car=== {{main|Driving in China}} The PRC generally does not recognize International Driving Permits and does not permit foreigners to drive in China without a Chinese license. Hong Kong and Macau licenses are also considered to be foreign and having one of them will not allow you to drive in the mainland. Importing foreign vehicles is difficult. There are some ways of getting a temporary license: see the Driving in China article. Renting a car is virtually unheard of in major Chinese cities, which generally have excellent public transportation networks that get you almost anywhere. There are, however, some rural parts of China that are still best explored by car. Rented cars most often come with a driver and this is probably the best way to travel in China by car. ===By motorcycle=== {{seealso|Driving in China#Motorcycles}} Motorcycle taxis are common, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. They are usually cheap and effective but scary. The fares are negotiable. Regulations for riding a motorcycle vary from city to city. In some cases, 50cc mopeds can be ridden without a driving license although many cities have now banned them or reclassified them due to numerous accidents. Riding a 'proper' motorcycle is much harder, partly because you'll need a Chinese license, partly because they are banned in many cities and partly because production and importing have slowed with the focus on automobiles and electric scooters. The typical Chinese motorcycle is 125cc, can do about 100&nbsp;km/h and is a traditional cruiser style. They are generally slow, mundane to ride and have little sporting potential. Government restrictions on engine size mean that sports bikes are rare but can still be found. Another popular choice is a 125cc automatic 'maxi' scooter based loosely on the Honda CN250 - it's a bit quicker than a moped and more comfortable over long distances but has the benefit of automatic transmission which makes negotiating stop-start urban traffic much easier. Most cities will have a motorcycle market of some description and will often sell you a cheap motorcycle often with fake or illegal license plates, although a foreigner on a motorbike is a rare sight and it will grab the police's attention. Helmets are essential on 'proper' bikes but optional on scooters. You must have a license plate: they are yellow or blue on a motorcycle or green on a scooter and can cost several thousand yuan to register the bike yourself. Fake plates are easily available at a lower price, but are risky. ===By pedicab (rickshaw)=== {{infobox|What's in a name?|The terms pedicab and rickshaw are often used interchangeably by foreigners in China, but refer to two different modes of transportation - one of which no longer exists. The infamous rickshaw was a two-wheeled contraption with two poles at the front, which the operator held while walking or running passengers to their destinations. These proliferated in the late 19th century but were gradually phased out by the 1950s. Videos of Western elites playing polo on rickshaws propelled by Chinese workers showcased the exploitative nature of rickshaws. A distant relative of the rickshaw can still be seen when day-laborers in smaller or less developed cities gather with their rickshaw-like carts each morning waiting for work delivering construction materials, coal, or other odds and ends. The rickshaw has been replaced by the pedicab: a three-wheeled conveyance ridden much like a bicycle.}} In some mid-sized cities, pedicabs are a much more convenient means of traveling short distances. Sānlúnchē (三轮车), the Chinese term used both for pedal-powered and motorized rickshaws, are ubiquitous in rural China and lesser developed (which is to say, less touristy) areas of larger cities. Negotiating the fare in advance is a must. Reports of overcharging probably refer to rip-off artists working tourist destinations, like Silk Alley, Wangfujing, and the Lao She Tea House in Beijing in particular. Perhaps the rule of thumb should be, "Beware of anyone selling anything near tourist traps." If you see normal Chinese families using the "sanlun" — for instance, traveling between the Beijing Zoo and the nearest subway stop — then it's safe. Don't patronise any sanlun wearing some old fashioned costume to attract tourists. He'll try to charge you ten times the going rate. Electrified three-wheeled sanluns developed or converted from the pedicabs seem to be in the majority in Shanghai. ==See== China's attractions are endless and you will never run out of things to see. Especially near the coastal areas, when finished with one city, the next one is usually just a short train ride away. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or someone who just wants to relax on a nice beach, China has it all from the majestic Forbidden City in [[Beijing]], to the breathtaking scenery of [[Jiuzhaigou]]. Even if you live in China for many years, you'll find that there's always something new to discover in another part of the country. Perhaps unsurprisingly due to its sheer size and long history, China has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and Spain. China is on the border between two bioregions. [[Eurasian wildlife]] can be seen in the north and west, and [[South Asian wildlife]] can be found in the south and southeast. [[Image:Diecaishan.jpg|thumb|Karst formations, Guilin]] ===Karst scenery=== The gumdrop mountains and steeply sloping forested hills with incredible rock formations favored by traditional Chinese artists are not creative fantasy. In fact, much of southern and southwestern China is covered in intricate eroded rock formations known as '''karst'''. Karst is a type of limestone formation named after an area in [[Slovenia]]. As limestone layers erode, the denser rock or pockets of different stone resist erosion forming peaks. Caves hollow out beneath the mountains which can collapse forming sinkholes and channels leading to underground rivers. At its most unusual karst erodes to form mazes of pinnacles, arches and passageways. The most famous example can be found in the Stone Forest (石林 ''[[Shilin|Shílín]]'') near [[Kunming]] in [[Yunnan]]. Some of the most famous tourist areas in China feature spectacular karst landscapes &mdash; [[Guilin]] and [[Yangshuo]] in [[Guangxi]], [[Zhangjiajie]] in [[Hunan]], and much of central and western [[Guizhou]] province. ===Sacred mountains=== ''See also:'' [[Sacred sites of China]] {{infobox|Chinese mountains|Linell Davis, who literally wrote the book on practical cultural differences between China and the West, has this to say about Chinese mountains: "Westerners find Chinese mountains confusing as they do not provide an experience of wild untamed nature. They expect mountains to be natural rather than paved with steps from bottom to top. They don't expect to see very old people and very young children climbing mountains. I have also noticed that each local area in China has a 'mountain' even if it is quite small and even if people had to build it themselves. After a few experiences of finding there was nothing to see from the top or that the view was lost in clouds and mist ([[Emeishan National Park|Emei]] and [[Huangshan]], for instance), I started trying to figure out what people are really doing when they are climbing mountains. My conclusion is that in China people climb mountains because the experience of doing it is enjoyable. I think they also do it to experience the mountain by moving into it and up and down it. In climbing the mountain they realize their connection with nature rather than their power over it." –Linell Davis, ''Doing Culture''}} Mountains are an important part of Chinese geomancy, and there are many mountains which have religious significance in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. These mountains often serve as a popular backdrop in Chinese period dramas, and have traditionally been associated with various Chinese martial arts sects. Today, these mountains continue to house many Taoist and Buddhist temples, and continue to serve as scenic backdrops that attract many domestic tourists. ====Five Great Mountains==== The '''Five Great Mountains''' (五岳) are associated with the five cardinal directions in Chinese geomancy, and are believed to have originated from the body of Pangu (盘古), the creator of the world in Chinese mythology. *'''[[Mount Heng (Shanxi)|Mount Heng]]''' (恒山), the Northern Mountain (北岳) in [[Shanxi]] province. Literally the "eternal mountain". *'''[[Mount Heng (Hunan)|Mount Heng]]''' (衡山), the Southern Mountain (南岳) in [[Hunan]] province. Literally the "balancing mountain". *'''[[Mount Tai]]''' (泰山), the Eastern Mountain (东岳), in [[Shandong]] province. Literally the "peaceful mountain". *'''[[Huashan National Park|Mount Hua]]''' (华山), the Western Mountain (西岳) in [[Shaanxi]] province. Literally the "splendid mountain". *'''[[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]]''' (嵩山), the Central Mountain (中岳) in [[Henan]] province. Also home to the famed '''Shaolin Monastery''' (少林寺), historically famous for its warrior monks. Literally the "lofty mountain". ====Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism==== [[File:Wutai Shan temple grounds.jpg|thumb|Temples at Mt Wutai]] The '''Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism''' (四大佛教名山) are traditionally associated with four different Bodhisattvas, who are revered in Chinese Buddhism. To this day, these mountains continue to be scenic spots with prominent Buddhist temples. *'''[[Mount Wutai]]''' (五台山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Manjusri (文殊菩萨), in [[Shanxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Emei]]''' (峨眉山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨), in [[Sichuan]] province. *'''[[Mount Putuo]]''' (普陀山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨), the most popular Bodhisattva in Chinese Buddhism, in [[Zhejiang]] province. It isn't a mountain, but rather an island off the Chinese coast. *'''[[Mount Jiuhua]]''' (九华山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨), in [[Anhui]] province. ====Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism==== Although there are many sacred mountains in Chinese folk religion, the '''Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism''' (四大道教名山), together with the Five Great Mountains are considered to be the holiest among them. These continue to be scenic spots that feature prominent Taoist temples. *'''[[Mount Wudang]]''' (武当山), regarded by most Chinese to be the holiest of all sacred mountains for Taoists, in [[Hubei]] province. Traditionally regarded to be a major center of Chinese martial arts, and the main rival to the Shaolin Monastery (albeit a friendly one). *'''[[Mount Longhu]]''' (龙虎山) in [[Jiangxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Qiyun]]''' (齐云山) in [[Anhui]] province. *'''[[Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan_National_Park|Mount Qingcheng]]''' (青城山) in [[Sichuan]] province. ===Flowers=== [[File:Pink peach tree in blossom in Mount Langya in Hebei, picture2.jpg|thumb|Peach blossoms in a Chinese park]] While Japan's cherry blossoms may be better known, China's '''plum blossoms''' (梅花 ''méi huā'') and '''peach blossoms''' (桃花 ''táo huā'') are often considered to rival the cherry blossoms in sheer beauty. Plums tend to flower during the coldest part of winter, often during heavy snowfall, making them a symbol of resilience, and is the national flower of the Republic of China that once ruled Mainland China. Peaches, on the other hand, tend to flower in the spring. These trees can be viewed in many parks, particularly in the northern and eastern parts if China, but also at higher elevations in the south. Both flowers are highly revered in traditional Chinese culture, and are frequently featured in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. The '''peony''' (牡丹花 ''mǔ dān huā'') is also highly revered, and represents honor and wealth. Unlike the plum and peach blossoms, peonies grow on shrubs rather than trees. They typically flower in late spring to early summer. ===Performing arts=== {{main|Chinese performing arts}} As a large and diverse country, China is home to a wide array of performing arts, both traditional and modern. While some genres are popular nationwide, there are also some which are only popular in specific regions, and the various ethnic minorities also have their own unique traditions. Two genres that are popular nationwide, and are also regularly performed internationally are '''Beijing opera''' (京剧 ''jīngjù'') and ''' Yue opera''' (越剧 ''yuèjù''). ===Other sites=== Sites of the Chinese revolution can be seen in our [[Chinese Revolutionary Destinations]] article. Significant Buddhist sites in China can be found in our [[Buddhism#See|Buddhism]] article. ===Itineraries=== Some itineraries cover trips that are entirely within China: * [[Along the Yangtze river]] * [[Along the Yellow river]] * [[Along the Grand Canal]] * [[Around Erhai Lake by electric scooter]] * [[Hong Kong to Kunming overland]] * [[Long March]] * [[Overland to Tibet]] * [[Qinghai–Tibet railway]] * [[Yunnan tourist trail]] Others are partly in China: * [[Silk Road]] - ancient caravan route from China to Europe * [[Karakoram Highway]] - Western China to Pakistan through the Himalayas * [[On the trail of Marco Polo]] ==Do== ===Massage=== High-quality, reasonably priced massages are available throughout China. Expert work costs ¥20-80 per hour. * Almost any hairdresser will give a hair wash and head massage for ¥10. This often includes cleaning out ear wax and some massaging of the neck and arms. With a haircut and/or a shave, prices range from ¥25-100 with prices higher in large cities and in higher-class or tourist-oriented establishments. * The availability of foot massage (足疗 ''zúliáo'') is often indicated by a picture of a bare footprint on the sign. Prices are from ¥15 to about ¥60. * Full-body massage is offered at prices from ¥15 an hour up and in two varieties: ''ànmó'' (按摩) is general massage; ''tuīná'' (推拿) concentrates on the meridians used in acupuncture. These three types of massage are often mixed; many places offer all three. * Massage is a traditional trade for the blind, and the best value is often at tiny out-of-the-way places with blind staff (盲人按摩 ''mángrén ànmó''). * The most expert massages are in massage hospitals, or general Chinese medicine hospitals, usually costing around ¥50 an hour. Some massage places are actually brothels. Prostitution is illegal in China but quite common and often disguised as massage. Most hot-spring or sauna establishments offer ''all'' the services a businessman might want for relaxation. Many hotels offer massage in your room, and additional services are almost always available once she is the room. Pink lighting or lots of girls in short skirts in smaller establishments probably indicates considerably more than just massage is on offer (''and quite often they cannot do a good massage either''). The same rule applies in many hair salons which double as massage parlors/brothels. The non-pink-lit places usually give good massages and generally do not offer sex. If the establishment advertises massage by the blind, it is almost certainly legitimate. For basic phrases to use when getting a massage, see [[Chinese phrasebook#Getting a massage]]. ===Traditional arts=== When planning an extended stay in China, consider learning some of the traditional arts. Traveling to China is after all a unique chance to learn the basics, or refine already acquired skills, directly from master practitioners in the arts' home country. Many cities have academies that accept beginners, and not knowing Chinese is usually not a problem as you can learn by example and imitation. Calligraphy (书法 ''shūfǎ''), a term that covers both writing characters and painting scrolls (that is, classical landscapes and the like) remains a popular national hobby. Many calligraphers practice by writing with water on sidewalks in city parks. Other traditional arts which offer classes include learning to play traditional Chinese instruments (inquire in shops that sell these as many offer classes), cooking Chinese cuisine, or even singing Beijing Opera (京剧 ''jīngjù''). Fees are usually modest, and the necessary materials will not exactly break the bank. The only requirement is being in the same place for a long enough time, and showing sufficient respect; it is better not to join these classes as a tourist attraction. ===[[Martial arts]]=== As with traditional cultural arts, those with the time and inclination may be interested in studying China's famed martial arts. Some, such as '''tai chi''' (太极拳 ''tàijíquán''), can be studied at a basic level by simply visiting any city park in the early morning and following along. You will likely find many eager teachers. However, learning martial arts to a level that allows you to use them competently in an actual fight requires years of study and training under a master, which often has to start from childhood. In English, Chinese martial arts are often called "kung fu" and we follow that usage below. However in Chinese, the general term for martial arts is ''wǔshù'' (武術), while ''gōngfu'' (功夫, "kung fu") is the term for the skill or power that practitioners acquire. Chinese martial arts are traditionally classified into northern and southern styles, with northern styles generally known for emphasizing powerful strikes with fully extended limbs, and southern styles generally known for fast strikes close to the body. Northern Chinese martial are further classified into two groups named for two mountain areas with monasteries which are centers of kung fu &mdash; Shaolin Temple on [[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]] and the [[Wudang Mountains]]. Shaolin are the hard or external styles emphasizing speed and power, while Wudang are the soft or internal styles emphasizing breath control and smooth movement. Of course it is nowhere near that simple; Shaolin experts also move extremely smoothly and a Wudang master has plenty of speed and power. Other well-known centers of kung fu include Southern Shaolin in [[Quanzhou#Learn|Quanzhou]], [[Fujian]], Wu Wei Temple near [[Dali]] and Wing Chun (Bruce Lee's style) in [[Foshan]], [[Guangdong]]. Shanghai has a [[Shanghai/Yangpu#See|martial arts museum]] at a Physical Education university. ===Square dancing=== [[File:Older women practicing dance at Temple of Heaven Park, Beijing.jpg|thumb|right|Square dancers at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing]] In public parks, squares or plazas, or indeed anywhere in a city that isn't fenced off and is large enough (like a parking lot), you will increasingly find, in the early morning and late evening, groups of (mostly) older women doing what looks like low-impact aerobics to music with a dance beat coming from a nearby portable speaker. This activity is called ''guǎngchǎngwǔ'' (广场舞), roughly translated into English as "square dancing", because of where it takes place (not to be confused with the traditional American folk dance of the same name). It originated in the mid-1990s among women (known as ''dàmā'' (大妈), or "dancing grannies" in English) who had just been forced into retirement as a way to stay fit, socialize and recall their own youth during the Cultural Revolution (indeed, many of the songs used are propaganda from that era, or current Chinese pop hits). By 2015 noise and space issues had provoked violent confrontations in some cities and led the government to introduce, then hastily withdraw, standard dance routines. It's interesting to watch at the very least as a modern folk phenomenon, and indeed some groups don costumes and props for their routines. Some tourists, particularly Russians visiting Manchurian cities, have joined in. However, this is often frowned upon, as many square dancers compete competitively and are only practicing publicly due to a lack of practice space otherwise. If you are tempted to do so, only join groups that appear to be casually-oriented (no apparent dance uniform or complicated routines) and go to the rear row where beginners follow the leader and learn the moves. You should avoid, or at least practice extreme caution when joining near several groups in a space barely enough for all of them — turf battles have been known to start and given the novelty of a foreigner participating in square dancing, you may be seen as a final provocation of member poaching. Ballroom dancing is also moderately common; western-style square dancing or line dancing are less common but not unknown. ===Traditional pastimes=== China has several traditional games often played in tea gardens, public parks, or even on the street. Players often attract crowds of on-lookers. * '''[[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]]''' (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') is the world's most-played chess variant. It is similar to but distinct from Korean chess (Korean: 장기 ''janggi''), but quite different from [[Shogi|Japanese chess]] (Japanese: 将棋 ''shōgi'') and [[Chess|international chess]], though they all have enough in common that a good player of one will find another easier to learn. It is a very popular pastime in China, and you can often see elderly Chinese having games with each other in the parks. There are also numerous national tournaments, from school tournaments all the way up to professional ones, and the top players often become major celebrities, with large prizes and numerous TV shows about the game. * '''[[Go]]''' (围棋 ''wéiqí'', lit. "the surrounding game") is a strategy board game. Players place their stones to surround the most territory on the board. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. There are professional Go players, some of whom are major celebrities, tournaments with large prizes, and some TV shows about the game. * '''Mahjong''' (麻将 ''májiàng'') is popular and almost always played for money. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles. The nearest Western equivalent (not very near!) would be card games like rummy or canasta. : While game play is broadly similar, the rules of mahjong in China differ significantly between regions, and from the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, meaning that you will have to learn new rules everywhere you go. The Chinese government has an officially-sanctioned standardized form of mahjong that is used in national competitions in an attempt to be fair to people who grew up playing with different rules, which is also used in international competitions like the [http://www.world-series-mahjong.com/ World Series Mahjong]. However, this standardized form is very rarely played outside of officially-sanctioned competitions. Many Chinese are skilled at '''cards''' (扑克牌 ''pūkèpái''); Deng Xiaoping was renowned for his love for bridge (桥牌 ''qiáopái''). ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Chinese Yuan | currencyCode=¥ | date=January 2022 | AUD=4.6 | CAD=5.0 | EUR=7.2 | GBP=8.6 | HKD=0.8 | INR=8.6 | JPY=5.5 | MYR=1.5 | NZD=4.3 | THB=1.9 | USD=6.4 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/cny-chinese-yuan-renminbi XE.com]}}The official currency of the People's Republic of China is the '''Chinese yuan''', known as the '''renminbi''' (人民币 ''rénmínbì'', "People's Money"), denoted by the symbol '''¥''', international currency code '''CNY'''. All prices in China are given in yuan; the Chinese character is 元 (''yuán''), or in financial contexts (e.g. cheques and banknotes) 圆. A price may be shown as, for example, 20 元, 20 rmb, RMB 20, 20 yuan or ¥20; we use the latter form here. In informal spoken Chinese and sometimes in spoken English, 块 (''kuài'') may be used instead, much as "buck" can be used in the U.S. or "quid" in the UK. Some Chinese software will display a bigger "full width" character (￥) to differentiate it from the Japanese yen, which uses the same symbol. The Chinese yuan is ''not'' legal tender in the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which issue their own currencies. However many businesses will also accept Chinese currency, albeit at an unfavorable exchange rate. {{infobox|Cheat Sheet|* 10 ''jiǎo'' is 1 ''yuán'' (&#20803;), the base unit * ''yuán'' is commonly called ''kuài'' (&#22359;) * ''jiǎo'' is commonly called ''máo'' (&#27611;) * 10 is ''shí'' (十) * 100 is ''bǎi'' (百) * 1,000 is ''qiān'' (千) * 10,000 is ''wàn'' (万)}} There are 10 ''jiǎo'' (角) in a yuan. A coin worth ¥0.1 will thus say 壹角 ("1 jiǎo"), on it, and a price like ¥3.7 would thus be read as "3 ''kuài'' 7". The ''jiǎo'' is rapidly heading for extinction, although you will get the odd 1 or 5 jiao coin or note as change. In spoken [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], the ''jiǎo'' is usually called the ''máo'' (毛). A tenth of a ''máo'' is a ''fēn'' (分); you may see this digit on prices, but it will be rounded off if you pay in cash. In spoken language, the trailing unit may be dropped. For example ''wǔ bǎi sān'', literally "five hundred three", means 530 or "five hundred three tens". The number 503 would be read as ''wǔ bǎi líng sān'', literally "five hundred zero three". Similarly ''yì qiān bā'', literally "one thousand eight", means 1800. When using larger numbers, Chinese has a word for ten thousand, ''wàn'' (万), and thus for example 50,000 becomes ''wǔ wàn'', not ''wǔ shí qiān''. [[Image:China currency overview.jpg|thumb|Chinese coins and bills]] * '''Coins''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao; dull silver or shiny silver), ¥0.5 (5 jiao; gold), ¥1 (silver) * '''Bills''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao), ¥0.5 (5 jiao), ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 A lot of Chinese currency will be in the form of bills &mdash; even small change. Bills are more common in some areas, coins in others, but both are accepted anywhere. Even the jiao, at just one tenth of a yuan, exists as both a bill (the smallest) and two different coins. Conversely, one yuan exists as a coin and as two different bills. You should be prepared to recognize and handle either version. Due to the popularity of mobile payments, an increasing number of shops in urban areas do not accept cash or credit cards, and even those that accept cash will often not have any change available. ====Foreign currency==== Foreign currencies, including the Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar, are rarely seen as a substitute for yuan except in several five-star hotels, and in some shops on the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, and stock exchanges. Other currencies are unlikely to be used in most transactions. If you only have dollars in your pocket, it usually means that you don't have money to pay the bill without a trip to a bank. Many shops won't accept it, having no idea on exchange rate or how to check if the bills are counterfeit. ====Counterfeiting==== With the popularity of mobile payment apps, counterfeit banknotes are less of a problem than before, but you should still be alert for them. Banknotes of ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100 are the main risks. When you're given one of these bills as change, scrutinize it to check. The main focus is on the texture of different parts, metal line, change of colours under different lights. Everyone has their own method, so just ask. When you pay with a ¥50 or ¥100 banknote in a shop or taxi, it's socially accepted that you note down the last few digits of the banknote you are handing over. This is in case they claim your banknote is fake, then these remembered digits will ensure they give you the same note back. Some unscrupulous money exchangers on the Chinese border areas give counterfeits to travelers. Go to a bank if you're not experienced in checking notes. It is common for cashiers to scrutinize banknotes and some of the more expensive supermarkets even have machines that can spot counterfeits. This is standard practice in China and offence should not be taken. Counterfeits from ATMs are not common, but some people are still concerned. If you are worried, withdraw your money from the bank counter and say "I worry about jiǎbì (''counterfeit'')". Bank staff are understanding about this. ====Currency exchange==== Although still restricted, the yuan is readily convertible in many countries, especially in Asia. The Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, pound sterling, Australian dollar, Japanese yen and South Korean won, and Singapore dollars can be easily changed in China. Currency should only be changed at major banks (Bank of China in particular), or with the licensed money changers usually found at airports or high-end hotels, although they offer unfavorable rates. You should avoid black market for currency exchange as '''counterfeiting''' is a major issue, especially with money changers in markets and hanging around large banks. Foreign exchange is under tight control in China. Private money changers are still uncommon in China. In a bank, it usually takes 5 to 60 minutes to process the exchange, sometimes a little faster in a hotel. Bank branches in major cities usually know the procedure and are relatively quick, while even main branches in provincial cities can take much longer. You must fill out a form, and your passport will be photocopied and scanned. Keep the exchange receipt if you plan to leave the country with larger sum of money. Not all banks with the "Exchange" logo will exchange money for non-customers or for all currencies in cash. For example, Standard Chartered will only exchange cash for its customers and will only do US dollars and Hong Kong dollars in cash (but opening an account is quick and doable even on a tourist visa, and they offer a better cash exchange rate than most local banks). Exchanging US currency for yuan can be simple, but expect the bills to be heavily scrutinized before the exchange is processed. Opportunities to buy yuan before entering China, for example when coming overland from Hong Kong or Vietnam, should be taken, as the rates are better. The same is true going the other way - selling just across the border will often net a more favorable rate. You may only import or export a maximum in local currency of ¥20,000 in cash, and sums greater than US$5,000 cash in foreign currency require paperwork. Most international banks will allow you to get a cash advance via a debit or credit card at a Chinese ATM. However, the rates for such actions are often unfavorable and may include steep service charges. It's useful to carry an international currency such as pounds sterling, US dollars, or Japanese yen to fall back on should you not have access to a cash machine. If you are planning to stay a long time in China, e.g. for work or study, you may want to open a Chinese bank account. See [[Working in China#Banking]] for more information. ====ATM cards==== Many ATMs will only accept Chinese bank cards. ATMs from three of the big four banks are likely to accept foreign (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Diners) cards: Bank of China (BOC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and China Construction Bank (CCB). Although ATMs from other banks are plentiful, state they accept Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus and have an English option, they are not likely to work with an international credit/debit card unless the ATM operator is a foreign big-name bank (HSBC, Citibank, Bank of East Asia). Before traveling, find out if your home bank charges a currency conversion fee (often between 0-3%) on such transactions. It is worth opening a zero conversion fee account beforehand if possible. If you have trouble because the ATM requires a 6-digit PIN and your PIN only has four digits, try adding two zeros before it. If you find yourself in a town with a Bank of China branch but no international network-capable ATM, it is usually possible to get a cash advance on a credit card inside the bank for a 3% fee. Just ask. UnionPay, the local ATM card network, has made agreements with various ATM card networks around the globe. If your card is covered, any ATM in China will accept withdrawals and balance inquiries from your card. While UnionPay ATM and/or debit cards are now issued by banks in a number of countries, ATM cards linked to NYCE and Pulse in America (also applies to cash advances from Discover cards), Interac in Canada, and LINK in the UK are covered. If your bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance, China Construction Bank is the local partner for fee-free withdrawals. ===Credit cards=== [[File:Dalian large Shopping Mall 2005.jpg|thumb|Inside a mall in [[Dalian]]]] Outside of star-rated or chain hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, '''foreign credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted''' and most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Many department stores and large grocery stores have point-of-sale terminals for Chinese bank cards, but most foreign cards are not supported. Most Chinese banks and many merchants use the UnionPay system, so a foreign card that supports UnionPay will probably be widely accepted. Several countries now have banks that issue UnionPay credit cards, and UnionPay supports Discover and JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) cards as well. Visa, MasterCard and American Express meanwhile are less common. Most convenience stores take UnionPay, as do most restaurant chains, stores selling high-value items, grocery store chains, and most ATMs. In 2017, it was reported that the new Discover cards with chip would require multiple attempts or did not work at all in most of the POS machines. Do not rely on credit cards as your sole payment method. Consider signing up for an international card that can interact with UnionPay. If you have a bank account in [[Hong Kong]] then you may be able to open an additional renminbi account with a UnionPay card which is convenient for traveling in the mainland. As with debit cards, Chinese retail clerks will usually present the POS credit card terminal to the cardholder for entry of a PIN for chip-and-pin cards. Visitors from sign-only countries should attempt to explain that fact to the clerk (while chip-and-sign cards will cause most terminals to automatically skip the PIN prompt), and sign the receipt as usual. ===Mobile payments=== [[File:Alipay_and_WeChat_pay_signs_in_BurgerKing_ZBAA_(20170309123855).jpg|thumb|Alipay (blue) and WeChat Pay (green) accepted here]] QR-code based mobile payments such as [https://pay.weixin.qq.com/index.php/public/wechatpay WeChat Pay] (微信支付 ''Wēixìn zhīfù'') and [https://global.alipay.com/ Alipay] (支付宝 ''Zhīfùbǎo'') are extremely popular in China. The vast majority of places that take small payments, including restaurants, street-food places, and some public transportation in large cities, accept either or both of WeChat Pay and Alipay. In some cases, mobile payment is the only accepted payment method. Look for a QR-code posted with the App logo of WeChat or Alipay to find places that accept these payment types. Unfortunately for the traveler, both maintain strict separation between their Chinese and global networks: you can't use a global account to make payments in China. Getting full access to the Chinese network as a foreigner requires a Chinese bank account, but you '''can use Alipay with a foreign credit card'''. There are two key limitations that tourists may bump into- first is that the maximum amount that can be spent with Alipay linked to a foreign credit card is ¥5000 per 90 days (sufficient for short visits and if major expenses can be paid with credit card or cash, less so otherwise), and you can only make payments to registered business accounts (some small vendors use an individual account in the owner's name rather than a separate business account). Various other workarounds may be possible—WeChat also accepts foreign credit cards for certain in-app transactions like reloading a prepaid phone balance or ordering delivery—but requirements are always changing. Other NFC-based mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Android Pay, are not accepted in the vast majority of the places. The NFC/Contactless POS terminals usually only takes Contactless UnionPay cards. Even though some stores in large cities are labeled to accept Apple Pay, Apple Pay with a Visa/MasterCard/AmEx/Discover/JCB would probably not work at all in those stores as in most cases they also require a UnionPay card. Android Pay is completely absent from China due to the ban of Google in mainland China. ===Costs=== China is affordable for Western visitors, though it's noticeably more expensive than much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unless you are heading to [[Hong Kong]] or [[Macau]], China is generally much less expensive - from a traveler's perspective - than industrialised countries. If you eat local food, use public transportation and stay in budget hotels or hostels, then ¥200-300 is a serviceable daily backpacker budget. However, if you want to live an extravagant lifestyle and eat only Western food and stay in luxury hotels, then even ¥3,000 a day would not be enough. As a general rule, basic items are relatively cheap, but the prices of luxury items are exorbitant, even by the standards of Japan and Western countries. Western-branded products in particular are extremely expensive, sometimes more than double what you would pay for the same items in the U.S. There is a high degree of variation in prices depending on where you go. Major cities like [[Shanghai]], [[Beijing]] and [[Guangzhou]] generally cost more than smaller cities and rural, inland parts of the country. The boom towns of [[Shenzhen]] and [[Zhuhai]] are also more expensive than the national average. Nonetheless, many Hong Kong or Macau residents (who live just across the border from Shenzhen and Zhuhai, respectively, and who are generally more affluent than mainlanders), often go to these cities to shop, play golf, and enjoy services like massage as prices are far lower. ===Tipping=== As a general rule, tipping is not practiced in China. While tipping would rarely be regarded as insulting, in some cases a tip might be seen as suggesting that a relationship is based on money, not friendship. When leaving a tip on your table, it is common to see a waiter chase after you to return the money you "forgot" to take. In China, compliments over service is usually expressed in implicit ways. If you are a smoker, you are expected to pass a cigarette to the service staff or manager. If you don't do so, you will be seen as selfish and egocentric. It is common to buy a bartender or pub owner a drink. In a hotel, it is customary not to tip for room service, airport service, taxis or anything else, although hotels that routinely serve foreign tourists may allow tipping for tour guides and associated drivers. Masseurs in some areas such as Shenzhen have been known to ask for a tip. However, if they become pushy at getting tips, most Chinese see this as extortion and an immoral practice, so just be firm if you don't wish to give any. Taxi drivers do appreciate a few yuan rounded up if they have made an extra effort for your journey; however, it is by no means required. ===Shopping=== {{See also|Shopping in China}} {{infobox|Antiquities Banned From Export|China's government has banned the export of antiques from before 1911, the date of the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Violation of this law could lead to heavy fines and even imprisonment. }} Shopping has become a national pastime as China's middle class expands. A variety of goods are available to suit any budget. In most brand name shops, upscale malls and supermarkets, the prices already have Value-Added Tax (VAT) and any sales tax included. Thus, anything with a marked price tends to be sold at that price or, perhaps, slightly below especially if you pay cash and do not require a receipt for your purchase. For unmarked goods, there is '''wide room for [[bargaining]]'''. Chinese make sales using the character: 折 (''zhé'') which represents how many tenths of the original price you pay. For example, 8折 refers to 20% off and 6.5折 is 35% off. China excels in handmade items, partly because of long traditions of exquisite artisanship and partly because labor is still comparatively inexpensive. The overwhelming majority of the "antique" items you will be shown are fakes, no matter how convincing they look and no matter what the vendor says. [[Image:China porcelain.jpg|thumb|Porcelain at Shanghai's antique market]] * '''Porcelain''': with a long history of porcelain manufacture, China still makes great porcelain today. * '''Furniture''': in the 1990s and 2000s China became a major source of antique furniture. * '''Art and Fine Art''': Traditional painting, modern art, and hand-painted reproductions of great works. * '''Jade''' There are two types of jade in China today: one type is pale and almost colorless and is made from a variety of stones mined in China. The other type is green in color and is imported from [[Myanmar]] (Burma) - if genuine! * '''Carpets''': China is home to a remarkable variety of carpet-making traditions, including Mongolian, Ningxia, Tibetan and modern types. * '''Pearls & pearl jewellery''': cultured Akoya and freshwater pearls are mass-produced and sold at markets across China. * '''Other arts and crafts''': Cloisonné (colored enamels on a metal base), lacquer work, opera masks, kites, shadow puppets, Socialist-realist propaganda posters, wood carvings, scholar's rocks (decorative rocks, some natural, some less so), paper-cuts, and so on. *'''Clothing''': China is one of the world's leading manufacturers of clothing, shoes and accessories. There are affordable tailors anywhere in China. There is also traditional Chinese clothing if you are interested, and a growing revival movement. The styles that Westerners are most familiar with are the '''cheongsam''' (长衫 ''chángshān''; ''chèuhng-sāam'' in Cantonese) or '''qipao''' (旗袍 ''qípáo'') for women, and the '''tangzhuang''' (唐装 ''tángzhuāng'') for men, which were based on traditional Manchu clothing that was imposed on the Han Chinese during the Qing Dynasty. Traditional Han Chinese clothing from the Ming Dynasty and earlier is known as the '''hanfu''' (汉服 ''hànfú''); it looks superficially similar to the Japanese kimono and Korean hanbok, and is often mistaken for one of those. *'''Brand-name goods''': genuine branded foreign goods won't be cheaper than in Western countries. There are a number of sources of potential knock-offs or fake brand-name goods. *'''Software, music and movies''': Most CDs (music or software) and DVDs in China are unauthorized copies. *'''Endangered species''': avoid purchasing &mdash; coral, ivory and parts from endangered animal species. Anyone buying such products risks substantial fines and/or jail time either when trying to leave China with them or when trying to import them into another country. * '''Electronics''': Since the 2010s, Chinese companies have been pushing the boundaries of innovation in consumer electronics. In particular, they have become the world leader in the design and manufacturing of drones for photography. ===Bargaining=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Bargaining|Bargaining}} [[File:Market china.jpg|thumb|Merchandise at a market in China]] Bargaining is a national pastime in China. You can bargain over almost anything, and sometimes it's even possible to ask for discount in a restaurant at the last minute before paying the bill. Many restaurants or bars will willingly offer a free dish or two (such as a fruit plate in a KTV) if you have made a particularly large order. Shopping malls are less willing to bargain, but why not ask "Will I get a gift?" Prices are almost always posted, but they are all substantially marked up, normally 2-3 times. It's often better to buy souvenirs somewhere just a few blocks away from the tourist spots. It is hard to tell what price to offer when starting negotiations. Depending on the city, product or market in question, 5% to 50% of the posted price or vendor's first offer is common. If someone offers you too-great-to-be-true discount, it could be a sign that the goods are of less-than-great quality. The rule of thumb is to walk around and compare. In tourist spots, it's common to ask for a 30-50% discount, but in a place catering to local people, asking for a 50% discount sounds foolish. In tourist places, don't take what merchants say seriously. When you ask for a 50% discount, they may be appalled and show scorn; it's a favorite drama. ===Basics=== Unless you have a supermarket within walking distance of your hotel (see next section below), the most convenient option for basic supplies and groceries will almost always be a convenience store. Major chains in China include Kedi, Alldays, FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. China has belatedly caught up with East Asia's love affair with convenience stores, to the point where the largest cities like Beijing and Shanghai have become oversaturated with them. Many convenience stores sell individual tissue packets, which are a necessity for touring China as many public restrooms do not have toilet paper. Although supermarkets also sell tissue packets and toilet paper, they tend to sell it in 6 or 10-packs which are too much for tourists (the ones that sell individual packs will have them close to or at the tills). Some discount and mid-market department stores in China also have groceries sections. ===Western goods=== Areas with large expatriate communities like [[Beijing]], [[Shanghai]], [[Guangzhou]] and [[Shenzhen]] have specialty grocery stores catering to those communities. These are often no larger than a 7-Eleven. They usually stock imported snacks, alcohol, and specialty groceries such as meats and cheeses and are often very expensive. See individual articles for details. Several Western-owned supermarket chains are widespread in China &mdash; American Wal-mart (沃尔玛 Wò'ěrmǎ), German Metro (麦德龙 Màidélóng), and French Carrefour (家乐福 Jiālèfú). All have some Western groceries — often at high prices. However, the availability of foreign products diminishes at their branches according to the size of the city. Metro is probably the best of these; in particular it usually has a fine selection of alcohol. Asian-owned chains include Japanese AEON (永旺 Yǒngwàng), Taiwanese RT-Mart (大润发 Dàrùnfā), South Korean LOTTE Mart (乐天玛特 Letianmate) and Filipino SM; these also carry imported goods. Some larger Chinese chains such as Beijing Hualian (北京华联 Běijīng Huálián) also carry a limited selection of foreign products. === Tobacco products=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Tobacco}} {{main|Tobacco}} Smoking is quite common and cigarettes (香烟 xiāngyān) are generally cheap. Cigarettes can be purchased from small neighbourhood stores, convenience stores, counters in supermarkets and in department stores. Rolling tobacco and papers are rare in urban China. Lighters (打火机 dǎhuǒjī) are usually cheap (about ¥1) but flimsily made. Zippos are available but expensive. Smoking is something of a social activity in China. In a bar or at dinner few Chinese will light up without offering cigarettes around the table, or at least to the men since few Chinese women smoke; visitors should do the same. Having an expensive brand is a status symbol. ==Eat== {{main|Chinese cuisine}} [[File:Yangzhou - fish dish - P1070031.JPG|thumb|A fish dish in a [[Yangzhou]] restaurant]] Food in China varies widely between regions, so the term "Chinese food" is a blanket term, about as descriptive as "Western food." Still, there are some broad characteristics. Gastronomy has a long history in China, and dishes subtly balance many flavors, aromas, and colors. Each region developed cuisine and techniques based on the ingredients at hand, so you'll find spicy meat-filled dishes in cooler inland regions, slowly simmered seafood stews in coastal regions, and quickly stir-fried fresh vegetables in busy southern ports like [[Guangzhou]]. Even many native Chinese find food from outside their home region to be "foreign". In southern China, '''rice''' (米饭 ''mǐfàn'') is a staple food served with many meals, so much so that its root word 饭 (''fàn'') means "meal" as well as "cooked grain". It may be served plain (eaten by itself as a side, or used as a bed to soak up sauce from the main dish), stir-fried with a variety of ingredients to make '''fried rice''', a quick tasty street meal and a common way to use up leftovers at home, or made into '''congee''', rice porridge that's a common breakfast. '''Noodles''' (面 ''miàn'') are another important staple, made from either rice or wheat, and served in a variety of methods. Soybeans are used to make '''soy sauce''', a quintessential seasoning in Chinese cooking. They're also used to make '''tofu''' (豆腐 ''dòufu''), which comes in many forms besides tasteless white blocks: some can be as flavorful and crispy as meat, others quite pungent like a blue cheese. Chinese gourmands place emphasis on '''freshness''' so your meal will most likely be cooked as soon as you order it. Searing hot woks over coal or gas fires make even street food usually safe to eat. Indeed freshly prepared street food is often safer than food sitting on the buffet lines of 5-star hotels. Still, use common sense: if it's a searing hot summer day and the kebab vendor has their raw meat sitting unrefrigerated on the counter, you might want to head elsewhere. Various types of Chinese food provide quick, cheap, tasty, light meals. Street food and snacks sold from portable vendors can be found throughout China's cities, good for breakfast or a snack. And Western-style fast food is arguably as popular as the domestic variety. Yelp is virtually unknown in China, while the Michelin Guide only covers Shanghai and Guangzhou, and is not taken seriously by most Chinese people. Instead, most Chinese people rely on local website [https://www.dianping.com/ Dazhong Dianping] (Chinese only). ===Etiquette=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Respect}} China is the birthplace of '''chopsticks''' (筷子 ''kuàizi''), which are used for most Chinese food. Chinese cuisine evolved to be eaten using chopsticks, with almost all food prepared in bite-sized chunks or easily picked apart. Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while. Some chopstick guidelines to be aware of: * '''Never''' place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of food (reminiscent of funeral rites), pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks (another funeral rite), or drum your bowl with chopsticks (reminiscent of beggars). * Always use chopsticks as a pair, like a set of tongs; '''never''' use just one chopstick at a time (nor one in each hand), hold them in your fist like you would a knife or dagger, or try to "cut" food with them like you would with a knife. Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be done only as a last resort. * Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls is rude. * Pointing at things with your chopsticks is rude. (Pointing at people in general is rude; with chopsticks, doubly so.) Even when setting chopsticks down on the table, angle them so they're not pointing at anyone. * In general, try not to touch food with your fingers. Even fried chicken is picked up with chopsticks and gingerly nibbled, touching it as little as possible. Small bones should be spat onto your plate or bowl, rather than removed using your hands or chopsticks. For foods that are eaten with your hands, disposable plastic gloves may be provided. It's normal to pick up any bowl of food for easier eating, and you can put a bowl of rice directly to your mouth to push the last few bites in using your chopsticks. '''Spoons''' are used for soups and porridge, and to help with eating noodles in a soup. In traditional Chinese dining, dishes are shared '''family style''', and at larger tables there is usually a lazy Susan to pass dishes around. * Communal chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') are not always provided; if not, just use your own chopsticks to transfer food to your bowl. It's not rude to request communal chopsticks from the restaurant, but it may make you look like a stickler for formality. * Each communal dish should only be served from by one person at a time. Don't reach across someone to reach a farther dish while they're serving; wait until they're done. * Once you put something on your plate, don't put it back. Confucius says never leave someone else with what ''you'' don't want. * Do not start eating until the most senior person at the table has started eating. Don't expect to get a fortune cookie with your meal; that's strictly a Western custom. (Fortune cookies were actually invented in California sometime in the early 20th century.) Most Chinese have never even heard of them. ===Regional cuisines=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Regional cuisines}} Several varieties of Chinese food have enough international popularity that you may already recognize some of them: * '''Cantonese''' cuisine (from [[Guangdong]]), is by far the most widely known type of Chinese food abroad. Neither bland nor spicy, Cantonese cuisine will use almost anything as an ingredient, often preserving the freshness by quickly stir-frying in a very hot wok or steaming. Fried rice, chow mein, char siu pork, and sweet and sour pork are just a handful of its most famous dishes. * '''Huaiyang''' cuisine (from the eastern area towards [[Shanghai]]) is considered a good mix of northern and southern Chinese cooking styles. Dishes tend to focus on a main ingredient, which is often seafood in this coastal region; flavors are often sweet, and almost never spicy. Its most famous dishes include xiaolongbao soup dumplings, red braised pork belly, drunken chicken, and sweet and sour mandarin fish. * '''Sichuan''' or Szechuan cuisine (from the western inland) is popular with many foreigners for its ''málà'' flavors, using Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling numbness (''má'') and chili peppers for spiciness (''là''). Using lots of meat, preserved foods, and chili oil, it's famous for the original form of Kung Pao chicken, mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and dandan noodles. * '''Teochew''' cuisine (from the [[Chaoshan]] region of Guangdong) is well known in Hong Kong and much of Southeast Asia. Particularly known for its braised meats and steamed dishes. Other major traditional cuisines include fragrant and vinegary Shandong, tender Fujian, spicy Hunan, herbal Anhui, and delicate Zhejiang. Ethnic minority cuisines in China include [[Korean cuisine|Korean]], Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various cuisines from Yunnan, while Northeastern Chinese cuisine is influenced by both Mongolian and Russian cuisines and includes dishes like potato dumplings and a type of borscht. There is even unique local-style '''Western food''' to be found in [[Shanghai]]. ===Dietary restrictions=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Dietary restrictions}} People with dietary restrictions will have a '''hard time''' in China. '''''Halal''''' food is hard to find outside areas with a significant Muslim population, but look for Lanzhou noodle (兰州拉面, ''Lánzhōu lāmiàn'') restaurants, which may have a sign advertising "halal" in Arabic (حلال) or Chinese (清真 ''qīngzhēn''). If you are attending university in China, most major Chinese universities have halal canteens to cater to their Muslim students. '''''Kosher''''' food is nearly unknown, and you will have to do some advance planning; there are Chabad houses in major Chinese cities that you can contact to help with this. '''Vegetarian''' restaurants can often be found near major Buddhist temples (look for the character "素" or the symbol "卍", a Buddhist symbol in this context), but elsewhere you'll probably need to ask specifically and it may not always be available. Dairy and eggs are little-used in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, so much of it is suitable for '''vegans''', but do pay attention, especially when it comes to desserts. Awareness of '''food allergies''' (食物过敏 ''shíwù guòmǐn'') is limited, and '''gluten-free''' foods are virtually non-existent. ==Drink== The Chinese love a tipple, but unless you are used to imbibing heavily, be careful when drinking with Chinese. The Chinese liquor ''báijiǔ'' is quite potent (up to 65% alcohol); it's often drunk in small shot glasses for a good reason. When U.S. President Richard Nixon &mdash; who was an experienced drinker, if a bit of a lightweight &mdash; first visited China, his staff sent dire warnings that he ''not'' drink in response to toasts. (He diplomatically managed to toast every table at the banquet, taking ''very'' small sips.) There are hardly any liquor laws in China. The legal drinking age is 18, but it's basically not enforced, and you'll never need to show ID. Alcohol can be purchased anywhere and drunk anywhere. ===Toasting=== Toasts are made by saying '''"''gānbēi''"''' (干杯, lit. "dry glass"). Drinks are served in small glasses (even beer is usually drunk from oversized shot glasses), and traditionally you should drain the whole glass for a toast. Chinese toasts are generally one-on-one, not something involving the whole table. At most meals, a visitor can expect everyone at the table to offer them a toast. Visitors should also '''offer toasts''' and not just receive them. This means that if you are out for dinner with a dozen people, you will be expected and pressured to drink around two dozen toasts. Fortunately, it's okay to stick to beer, and Chinese beer is usually low alcohol. It may be considered rude if you don't offer a toast to someone whenever you take a drink, at least at the start of a meal. The same applies to smoking; offer the pack around whenever you want to light up. If you want to take it easy but still be sociable, say "'''suíbiàn''" (随便) or "''pèngbeī''" (碰杯) before you make the toast, then drink only part of the glass. It may also be possible to have three toasts (traditionally signifying friendship) with the entire company, rather than a separate toast for each person. ===Alcohol=== {{Seealso|Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic}} The all-purpose word ''jiǔ'' (酒, "alcohol") covers quite a range of alcoholic drinks. Generally speaking, heavy drinking is more prevalent in northern China than in southern China. '''Beer''' (啤酒 ''píjiǔ'') is common in China and is served in nearly every restaurant and sold in many grocery stores. The most famous brand is Tsingtao (青島 ''Qīngdǎo'') from [[Qingdao]], which was at one point a German concession. Locally made '''grape [[wine]]''' (葡萄酒 ''pútáojiǔ'') is common and much of it is reasonably priced, but usually bears only the faintest resemblance to Western wines. The Chinese like their wines red and very sweet, and they're typically served over ice or mixed with Sprite. That said, higher-quality local wines that are more similar to their Western counterparts also exist, if you know what to look for. There are also several brands and types of '''rice wine'''. Most of these resemble a watery rice pudding, they are usually sweet and contain a minute amount of alcohol for taste. '''Baijiu''' (白酒 ''Báijiǔ'') is distilled liquor, generally 40% to 60% alcohol by volume, made from sorghum and sometimes other grains depending on the region. Maotai or Moutai (茅台 ''Máotái''), made in Guizhou Province, is China's most famous brand of baijiu and China's national liquor. Maotai and its expensive cousins (such as '''Kaoliang''' from [[Kinmen]] in Taiwan) are well known for their strong fragrance and are actually sweeter than western clear liquors as the sorghum taste is preserved — in a way. Chinese '''brandy''' (白兰地 ''báilándì'') is excellent value, priced about the same as wine. There are several brands; all are drinkable and many visitors find them more palatable than baijiu. The Chinese are also great fans of various supposedly '''medicinal liquors''', which usually contain exotic herbs and/or animal parts. Some of these have prices in the normal range and include ingredients like ginseng, while other more exotic may include snakes, wasps and newborn mice. These can be palatable enough, if tending toward sweetness. Note that some medicinal liquors are only intended for external use. ===Bars, discos and karaoke=== Western style pubs are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Especially in the more affluent urban centers such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou one can find painstakingly recreated replicas of traditional Irish or English pubs. Like their Western counterparts most will have a selection of foreign beers on tap as well as provide pub food (of varying quality) and often feature live cover bands. Most of these pubs cater to and are frequented by the expatriate communities so you should not expect to find many Chinese in these places. Imported beer can be very expensive compared to local brew. To just go out for a few drinks with friends, pick a local restaurant and drink beer at around ¥5 for a 600 ml bottle. It will be Chinese lager, around 3% alcohol, with a limited choice of brand and may be served warm. Most mid- to high- range restaurants will have small private suites for gatherings (usually offered free if there is more than around 5 people), and the staff will generally not try to hustle you out even if you decide to stay until closing time. Many residents frequent outdoor restaurants or roadside stalls and barbecues (烧烤 ''shāokǎo'') for a nice and inexpensive evening. In '''discos''' and '''fancy bars''' with entertainment, you normally buy beer ¥100 at a time; this gets you anywhere from 4 import-brand beer (Heineken, Bud, Corona, Sol, etc.) to 10 local beers. A few places offer cocktails; fewer have good ones. Other drinks are sold only by the bottle, not by the glass. Red wine is in the ¥80-200 range (served with ice and Sprite) and mediocre imported whiskeys (Chivas, Johnny Walker, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels; extremely rarely single malts) and cognacs, ¥300-800. Both are often mixed with sweet bottled green or red tea. Vodka, tequila and rum are less common, but sometimes available. Bogus "brand name" products are fairly common and may ruin your next day. These places often have '''bar girls''', young women who drink a lot and want to play drinking games to get you to consume more. They get a commission on whatever you buy. In general, these girls will not leave the bar with you; they are professional flirts, not prostitutes. [[File:Wuhan-LuoyuDongLu-karaoke-4108.jpg|thumb|A karaoke place near the Huazhong University of Science and Technology campus in [[Wuhan]]]] '''Karaoke''' (卡拉OK ''kǎlā'ōukèi'') is huge in China and can be broadly split into two categories. More common is the no-frills karaoke box or '''KTV''', where you rent a room, bring your friends and the house gives you a mic and sells you booze. Much favored by students, these are cheap and fun with the right crowd, although you need at least a few people for a memorable night. Bringing your own booze can keep the price tag down but must be done on the sly - many places have windows in the door so the staff can make sure you only drink liquor they sold to you. Rather different is the distinctly dodgier '''special KTV''' lounge, more oriented to businessmen entertaining clients or letting their hair down, where the house provides anything and everything at a price. At these often opulent establishments &mdash; over-the-top Roman and Egyptian themes are standard &mdash; you'll be joined by short-skirted professional karaoke girls, who charge by the hour for the pleasure of their company and whose services may not be limited to just singing badly and pouring your drinks. It's highly advisable not to venture into these unless you're absolutely sure somebody else is footing the bill, which can easily run into hundreds of dollars even if you keep your pants on. As elsewhere, never '''never''' accept an invitation to a restaurant or bar from an available-looking woman who just picked you up in the street sometime after sundown. At best, suggest a different place. If she refuses, drop her on the spot. More than likely, she will steer you into a quiet little place with too many doormen and you will find yourself saddled with a modest meal and beer that will cost you ¥1,000 or worse. And the doormen won't let you leave till you pay up. ===Tea=== China is the birthplace of tea culture, and at the risk of stating the obvious, there's a lot of '''[[tea]]''' (茶 ''chá'') in China. Green tea (绿茶 ''lǜchá'') is served up for free in some restaurants (depending on region) or for a small fee. For more information, see [[Chinese cuisine#Tea]]. The most common types served are: * gunpowder tea (珠茶 ''zhū chá''): a green tea named after the appearance of the bunched-up leaves used to brew it * jasmine tea (茉莉花茶 ''mòlìhuā chá''): green-tea scented with jasmine flowers * oolong (烏龍 ''wūlóng''): a half-fermented mountain tea. Specialist tea houses serve a vast variety of brews, ranging from the pale, delicate white tea (白茶 ''báichá'') to the powerful fermented and aged pu'er tea (普洱茶 ''pǔ'ěrchá''). Most tea shops will be more than happy to let you sit down and try different varieties of tea. "Ten Fu Tea" is a national chain. Chinese teas are drunk without sugar or milk. However, in some areas you will find Hong Kong style "milk tea" (奶茶 ''nǎichá'') or Tibetan "butter tea". Taiwanese bubble tea (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá'') is also popular; the "bubbles" are balls of tapioca and milk or fruit are often mixed in. ===Coffee=== [[Coffee]] (咖啡 ''kāfēi'') is popular in urban China, though it can be quite difficult to find in smaller towns. Several chains of coffee shops have branches in many cities, including Starbucks (星巴克), UBC Coffee (上岛咖啡), Ming Tien Coffee Language and SPR. There are many small independent coffee shops or local chains. ===Cold drinks=== Many drinks that are usually served chilled or with ice in the West are served at room temperature in China. Ask for beer or soda in a restaurant, and it may arrive at room temperature, though beer is more commonly served cold, at least in the summer. Water will generally be served hot. That is actually good, because only boiled (or bottled) water is safe to drink. Small grocery stores and restaurants sell cold drinks, just look for the cooler (even though it might not actually be cool). You can try bringing a cold beverage into a restaurant. Most small restaurants won't mind—if they even notice—and there is no such thing as a "cork" charge in China. Most people will be drinking tea, which is free anyway, so the restaurant is probably not expecting to profit on your beverage consumption. Asking for ice is best avoided. Many, perhaps most, places just don't have it. The ice they do have may well be made from unfiltered tap water and arguably unsafe for travelers sweating bullets about [[Travellers' diarrhea|diarrhea]]. ==Sleep== [[File:Muyu-rural-inn-5476.jpg|thumb|Rural inn in Shennongjia, [[Hubei]]]] Availability of accommodation for tourists is generally good and ranges from shared dorm rooms to 5-star luxury hotels. '''Sleeper trains''' and '''sleeper buses''' can also be a decent option if you schedule your long-distance travel overnight (see the [[#Get around|Get around]] section of this page for more information). In the past, only a few hotels were allowed to take foreign guests and the police monitored those, but restrictions now vary from city to city. Even in restricted cities and towns, family-run operations in particular may check you in if they feel they can get enough information from you to get you registered in the system or feel that they can get away without such reporting. Any hotel will still require a photocopy of your passport, some will check if your visa has expired, and they are supposed to share information with the authorities. On rare occasions, someone from your hotel will escort you to the local police station to satisfy the establishment's reporting requirement. Finding a hotel when arriving in a Chinese city is difficult if you don't know where to look and what you're looking for. In general, neither star ratings nor price are an accurate indication of the quality of the hotel, so research before booking. If you're willing to pay ¥180 or more for a room, you'll probably have little problem finding one. You could, for example, search Google Maps with the name of a chain hotel listed under "mid-range", below, determine what the address would be in Chinese, and then write that down on a note which you give to a taxi driver. There are usually cheap hotels near the train or bus station. If you do plan on just showing up in town and looking for a place to sleep, it's best to arrive before 18:00 or the most popular places will be booked for the night. If you are absolutely at a loss for finding housing, the local police (警察) or Public Security Bureau (公安局) can help you find a place to crash - at least for one night. '''Prices are often negotiable,''' and a sharp reduction from the price listed on the wall can often be had, even in nicer hotels, by simply asking "what's the lowest price?" (最低多少 ''zuìdī duōshǎo''). When staying for more than a few days it is also usually possible to negotiate a lower daily rate. However, these negotiating tactics won't work during the busy Chinese holiday seasons when prices sky-rocket and rooms are hard to get. Many hotels, both chains and individual establishments, have membership cards offering discounts to frequent guests. In mid-range and above hotels, it was once quite common for guests to receive phone calls offering "massage" services (that actually offered additional physical services) but this has become rarer such that male guests might just encounter business cards stuffed under the door. '''Booking a room over the Internet''' with a credit card can be a convenient and speedy method of making sure you have a room when you arrive at your destination, and there are numerous websites that cater for this. Credit cards are not widely used in China, particularly in smaller and cheaper hotels. Such hotels usually ask to be paid in cash, and many hotels ask for a cash security deposit of a few hundred yuan up front. Some new [http://www.dajiudian.info online services] {{dead link|December 2020}} allow you to book without a credit card and pay cash at the hotel. During Chinese holidays, when it is difficult to get a room anywhere, this may be an acceptable option, but in the off-season, rooms are plentiful almost everywhere and it may be just as easy to find a room upon arrival as it is to book one over the Internet. Across China, check-out is normally noon, and there is often the possibility of paying half a day's cost to get an 18:00 checkout. For those staying in China on a more permanent basis, rental is possible with the obvious caveat that all contracts are in Chinese. Real estate prices are exorbitant in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, surpassing even those of many major Western cities. ===Low-cost housing=== Many ultra-cheap options would not appeal to most travelers from developed countries for security and cleanliness reasons. In the cheapest range of hotels it is important to ask if hot water is available 24 hours-a-day (有没有二十四个小时的热水 ''yǒuméiyǒu èrshisì ge xiǎoshí de rèshuǐ''), and check if the shower, sink and toilet actually work. It is also advisable to avoid checking into a room next to a busy street as traffic may keep you up late and wake you up early. * '''Hostels (青年旅社)''' are the most comfortable low-cost options. They typically cater to foreigners, have English-speaking employees, and provide cheap, convenient transport around town. Some of them are even cleaner and better furnished than more expensive places. Hostels also have a cozy, international atmosphere and are a good place to meet other travelers and get some half-decent Western food. In most cities of any size there is at least one hostel available, and in travel hot spots there are plenty of hostels, although they can still fill up quickly because of their popularity with backpackers. Hostels can often be booked on-line in advance although you definitely should bring a print-out of your confirmation as not all hostels are aware that you can book their rooms (and pay a portion of the cost) on-line in advance. In Beijing, many hostels are in '''hutongs''' - traditional courtyard homes in the midst of a maze of traditional streets and architecture. While many of Beijing's Hutongs have been demolished, a movement to save those which remain has led to a boom in youth hostels for backpackers and boutique hotels for the mid-range traveler. * '''Dorm rooms (宿舍)''' are found on university campuses, near rural tourist attractions and as part of some hotels. Most travelers have spotty luck with dorms. It is common to have rowdy or intoxicated roommates, and shared bathrooms can take some getting used to, especially if you're not used to traditional squat toilets or taking cold showers. However, in some areas, especially on top of some of China's holy mountains, dorm rooms might be the only budget option in a sea of luxury resorts. [[File:Yangzhou - guesthouse sign - P1080108.JPG|thumb|Signage over a budget hotel in Yangzhou]] * '''Zhùsù (住宿)''', which simply translates as "accommodation", can refer to any kind of sleeping accommodation, but those places that have the Chinese characters for zhusu written on the wall outside are the cheapest. A zhusu is not a hotel, but simply rooms for rent in homes, restaurants, and near train and bus stations. Zhusu rooms are universally spartan and bathrooms are almost always shared. The price can be quite low, costing only a few dozen renminbi. Officially a zhusu should not provide a room to a foreigner, but many times the caretaker is eager to get a client and will be willing to rent to anyone. There are never any English signs advertising a zhusu, so if you can't read Chinese you may have to print out the characters for your hunt. Security in zhusu's is sketchy, so this option is not recommended if you have valuables with you. * '''Spas''': spa costs vary but can be as low as ¥25. Admission to a spa is typically for 24 hours, but entering a spa late at night (after 01:00) and leaving before noon may get you a 50% discount. Spas provide beds or reclining couches and a small locker for bags and personal possessions (this is ideal if you are traveling light), but there is no privacy because usually everyone sleeps in one room (so there is more security than in a dorm, since there are attendants who watch over the area, and your belongings (even your clothes!) are stored away in a locker). There are also showers, saunas, complimentary food, and paid services such as massages and body scrubbing. Don't be fooled when receptionists try to make up reasons why you have to pay more than the listed rate. They may try to convince you that the listed rates are only for members, locals, women, men, or include only one part of the spa (i.e. shower, but no bed/couch). To verify any claims, strike up a conversation with a local a good distance away from the spa and inquire about the prices. Don't let them know that you are checking the spa's claims. Just act as if you are thinking about going there if the price is good. If they know that the spa is trying to overcharge you, they will typically support the spa's claim. ===Budget hotels=== [[File:Yangzhou - 7 Tian Liansuo Jiudian - P1070222.JPG|thumb|A mid-range hotel in Yangzhou with a couple of cheaper establishments nestled on its first floor]] The next level of hotels, which cater almost exclusively to Chinese clients, are usually off-limits to foreigners but you may be able to convince them to accept you, especially if you can speak a smattering of Chinese. As a foreigner, you are obligated to register your stay with local authorities, and in urban areas, budget hotels are often unaware of how to register foreign guests in the local system (and thus unwilling to take foreign guests). Despite this, you can offer to work with hotel staff in properly registering your stay in the PSB system (as most public security bureaus use the same registration system) using [https://www.lostlaowai.com/blog/china-stuff/china-travel/foreigners-allowed-hotel-registration-tutorial/ one of many online guides], but it is important to do so in a way that won't make the hotel clerk lose face. In rural areas, you will likely stick out like a sore thumb (especially if you have multimedia equipment), and even if you are registered as a guest, public security bureau officials will often show up late at night to firstly question your intentions for staying in a rural area, and furthermore ask you to leave and move on to another hotel. The cheapest range of Chinese budget hotels (one step above the zhusu) are called '''zhāodàisuǒ''' (招待所). Unlike zhusu these are '''licensed''' accommodations but are similarly spartan and utilitarian, often with shared bathrooms. Slightly more luxurious budget hotels and Chinese business hotels may or may not have English signs and usually have the words '''lǚguǎn''' (旅馆, meaning "travel hotel"), '''bīnguǎn''' or '''jiǔdiàn''' (宾馆 and 酒店, respectively, meaning "hotel") in their name. Room options typically include singles and doubles with attached bathrooms, and dorms with shared baths. Some budget hotels include complementary toiletries and Internet. In small towns a night's stay might be as cheap as ¥25; in bigger cities rooms usually cost ¥80-120. One problem with such hotels is that they can be quite noisy as patrons and staff may be yelling to each other across the halls into the wee hours of the morning. Another potential inconvenience is taking a room with a shared bath as you may have to wait to use a shower or squat toilet that moreover isn't in any sort of appealing condition. In smaller budget hotels the family running the place may simply lock up late at night when it appears no more customers are coming. If you plan to arrive late, explain this in advance or else you may have to call the front desk, bang on the door, or climb over the gate to get in. ===Mid-range hotels=== These are usually large, clean and comfortable, with rooms ranging from ¥150 to over ¥300. Frequently the same hotels will also have more expensive and luxurious rooms. The doubles are usually quite nice and up to Western standards, with a clean private bathroom that has towels and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast may be included, or a breakfast ticket can be purchased for around ¥10. Sprouting up around China are a number of Western-quality mid-range hotels that include the following chains, all of which have rooms in the ¥150-300 range and on-line advance booking: * {{sleep | name=7 Days Inns | alt= | url=http://www.7daysinn.cn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(7天连锁酒店) }} * {{sleep | name=JinJiang Inns | alt= | url=http://www.jinjianginns.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(锦江之星) }} * {{sleep | name=Home Inns | alt=如家快捷酒店 | url=http://www.homeinns.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Green Tree Inns | alt=格林豪泰酒店 | url=http://www.998.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motels by Wyndham | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} ===Splurge=== The high end includes international hotel chains and resorts, such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Shangri-La and their Chinese competitors. These charge hundreds or thousands of yuan per night for luxurious accommodations with 24-hour room service, satellite TV, spas, and western breakfast buffets. There are suites in Shanghai, for example, for over ¥10,000 a night. Many of these establishments cater to traveling business-types with expense accounts and charge accordingly for food and amenities (i.e. ¥20 for a bottle of water which costs ¥2 at a convenience store). Internet (wired or wireless) which is usually free in mid-range accommodations is often a pay service in high-end hotels. Some hotels in the ¥400-700 range such as Ramada or Days Inn are willing to lower their prices when business is slow. Chinese three and four-star hotels will often give block pricing or better deals for stays of more than 5 days. If you are coming to China on a tour, the tour company may be able to get you a room in a true luxury hotel for a fraction of the listed price. ==Learn== {{Seealso|Studying in China}} Traditional Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on education, so there is no lack of options for those who wish to receive quality education in China. China's universities offer many different types of courses, and some of them are regularly ranked among the top universities in the world. Universities accept students who have achieved the minimum of a high-school education for courses in the Chinese language. These courses usually last 1 or 2 years. Students are given certificates after they complete their course. Students who do not speak Chinese and want to study further in China are usually required to complete a language-training course. There are many opportunities to learn Chinese in China, including university courses and special programs. Scholarships may be available, from your home country or the Chinese government. In any city with a sizeable expat community, you can also find private classes, which you can take on the side while [[working in China]]. While not as popular as Mandarin, there are also some opportunities to study the local dialects and ethnic minority languages. ==Work== {{seealso|Working in China}} China has grown so much that it is on track to become the world's biggest economy. Although the labor market is difficult for foreigners to access, there are, however, significant opportunities for those who wish to experience China. It is illegal to work in China on a tourist or business visa, and while many foreigners used to get away with doing so, the Chinese government is cracking down on the practice; you will need to proactively make sure your employer goes through the appropriate procedures for you. Employment opportunities include [[English teaching|English-language teaching]], engineering, tech jobs, international trade, scientific research and working for multi-nationals. For most jobs, Chinese immigration law requires foreigners to have at least a bachelor's degree before they can be granted a work visa, and your application will be rejected if you do not have one. See [[Working in China]] for details. ==Stay safe== While China is generally safe for visitors, the government has some authoritarian aspects, and the topic of '''human rights''' in China is highly contested. Despite what's written in the Chinese constitution, in practice some freedoms are strongly curtailed, such as free speech, privacy, freedom of information and the press, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. As long as you're not deliberately provocative, most of these are unlikely to affect you during your visit — especially since enforcement is somewhat arbitrary anyway — but if they do, punishments can be heavy. China is known to use extrajudicial detention, torture, and (rarely, mainly for murder and drug trafficking) the death penalty. Often criticized as "hostage diplomacy", detentions and enforcement are sometimes stepped up in reaction to geopolitical events, meaning that, for example, Canadian and American businesspeople have faced extra scrutiny in 2019. Chinese dual citizens and people of Chinese heritage who are citizens of other countries have been subject to "exit bans", kept in China, sometimes for years, to compel them to cooperate with government investigations or pressure their relatives to return to China. <!--This section is just a political discussion that doesn't provide information to travelers. If the preceding is not fair, then let's fair that: An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole. The bottom line is that, no different from most other countries, --> As long as you behave and do not get involved in drugs or political activity, you shouldn't have any problems. Even bypassing the Internet firewall or accessing potentially subversive material is usually overlooked for the average visitor. However, it doesn't hurt to have a contingency plan in case you run afoul of the government. ===Law enforcement agencies=== Private security officers in China dress similarly to the police, and also often use lights and sirens on their vehicles. [[File:Chine police.JPG|thumb|right|Typical public security police officers]] The major law enforcement agency you will encounter most is the '''public security police''' (公安机关人民警察), often abbreviated as the public security (公安, ''Gōng'ān''), or civilian police (民警, ''mínjǐng''). *Most officers wear navy-blue peaked caps and light-blue shirts. Officers should carry their police identification document, which must be shown when you request them to do so. They are usually unarmed. *Special police officers wear black uniform, and are armed. *Traffic police officers wear white peaked-caps, and in some cities, they may wear fluorescent shirts. *Auxiliary police officers have limited law enforcement power, and do not have the power of arrest. Their uniforms differ from city to city; but have the words "auxiliary police" (辅警), or something similar. *Detectives, including domestic security agents, wear plain clothes. *Typical police vehicles bear the word "公安". Special police vehicles are painted with black, and bear the word "特警". All public security police officers have nationwide authority. Most of the officers are friendly, professional and reliable, yet there will inevitably be corrupt ones too. [[File:Pékin, People's Armed Police at Tianamen Square (1).JPG|thumb|right|A typical PAP soldier]] The '''People's Armed Police''' (PAP) (中国人民武装警察部队, often abbreviated to 武警, ''wǔjǐng'') is a branch of the Chinese military tasked with assisting the public security police, riot control and guarding key infrastructures like railway stations and airports. Soldiers wear green camouflage or olive-green military uniform with red insignia, while officers have similar uniform with that of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force. [[File:Shantou, Guangdong, China - Chengguan Officials.jpg|thumb|Chengguan officers of [[Shantou]]]] '''Chengguan''' (城管, ''chéngguǎn''), known officially as City Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau (城市管理行政执法局), and often known as Integrated Enforcement (综合执法) or Administrative Enforcement (行政执法), may dress differently. Chengguan officers are often poorly-trained, brutal, and sometimes corrupt. The Chinese government is cracking down on corruption, so '''under no circumstances''' should you offer a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer, as this could result in legal consequences for you and the person accepting your bribe. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates vary across the huge nation, but in general it as safe as most Western countries. Many Western tourists will feel safer in China than in their home country, and it is generally not a problem for women to roam the streets alone at night. Violent crime is very rare, though scams and petty crimes are common, so it pays to be prudent and secure your valuables properly. As with anywhere else, a little commonsense goes a long way. Generally speaking, crime rates are higher in the larger cities than in the countryside. Nevertheless, they are no more dangerous than major Western cities, so if you avoid seedy areas and use your common sense, you'll be fine. Video surveillance is widely used in both urban and in some rural areas. CCTVs are generally welcomed by the police, due to the fact that front-line officers are often insufficient to deal with China's huge population. While not as rampant as in [[Europe]], [[Pickpockets|pickpocketing]] is a significant issue in crowded places. Be particularly vigilant when on public transport during peak hours, as it provides the perfect cover for pickpockets to get away after striking. Bicycle theft can be a problem. In big cities there are stories of locals who have lost three bikes within one month, but in some other places, local people still casually park their bikes. Follow what local people do. Assume your expensive lock won't help at all. Professional thieves can break virtually any lock. In China, bike parking is common outside supermarkets or shopping centers, and usually charges ¥1-2 per day (usually until 20:00-22:00). If you have an electric bicycle or scooter, be extra cautious as the battery-packs or charger may be targeted. The main crimes foreigners get in trouble for are around drug use (including drug use outside China before you arrived—they sometimes do a hair test for cannabis) or working illegally, with the consequence usually being a short sentence, fine and deportation. If you are accused of a more serious crime, then your first 72 hours of investigation is critical. It is during that time that the police, prosecutors and your lawyers will investigate, negotiate and decide if you are guilty. Police use hard interrogations (or torture) immediately after arrest because eliciting a confession is the quickest way to secure a conviction. Chinese law prohibits your lawyer from being present during your interrogation. If your case goes to trial, then your conviction is merely a formality (99.9% of criminal trials in 2013 ended in a conviction), and the judge's only role is to decide your sentence. Signing any document during your interrogation would be an extremely bad idea, especially if you do not understand what you are signing. You should politely insist that you be allowed access to consular services and a translator. ===Traffic=== {{see also|Driving in China}} [[File:瀋陽市街地.jpg|thumb|Traffic in [[Shenyang]]]] The mortality rate per person for car accidents in China is lower than that of many Western countries. But, in general, driving in China can range from anywhere from nerve-rattling to outright reckless. Traffic can appear chaotic. Cars are allowed to turn right on a red light and do not stop for pedestrians, regardless of the walk signal. Cars drivers, cyclists and electric scooter drivers will all drive assuming they all have right of way/priority at once. Pedestrian crossings are a guide for the driver where pedestrians are more likely to cross. In cities, however, it is unlikely drivers will be traveling fast enough to cause significant damage. Do as the locals do: cross the road with confidence, be aware of your surroundings, know that cars, bikes and scooters will tend to continue rather than stop. It is advisable as a foreigner not to drive, since in an accident you will be poorly equipped to deal with the nature of Chinese compensation. ===Terrorism=== Although rare, terrorist attacks in China have occurred, mostly in [[Xinjiang]], where Uyghur Islamist separatists are fighting for independence against the Chinese government, though there have also been high-profile attacks on people in [[Guangzhou]] station, [[Kunming]] station and [[Beijing]]. There is airport-style security at all major train stations, metro stations, and long-distance bus terminals. You will have your bag X-rayed and take water bottles out of your bag to be scanned separately, but there is no need to empty your pockets. ===Begging=== Chinese people traditionally disapprove of [[begging]], so begging is not a major issue in most places. It is, however, never far off the scene and particularly common just outside the main tourist attractions and in major transportation hubs. Be aware of child beggars who could be victims of child trafficking. While it is becoming less common, you should avoid giving them any money. In China, local people usually only give money to those who have obviously lost the ability to earn money. Professional beggars have clear deformities, and some syndicates have been known to deliberately maim children as it is seen as more effective in soliciting pity. If you feel like giving them some, bear in mind that the minimum hourly wage ranges from ¥11 to ¥24 (2020).<!-- look for updates here: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/minimum-wages-china-2020/--> ====Buddhist monks==== The presence of foreign tourists unaware of local Buddhist customs has also given rise to many scams, with many fake monks and temples preying on unsuspecting visitors. Buddhism in China generally follows the Mahayana school, whose monks are required to be vegetarian, and usually grow their own food in the temples, or buy their food using temple donations. As such, they generally ''do not'' beg for food. Monks also do not sell religious items (these are sold by laymen), and neither do they offer "Buddha's blessing" in exchange for money, or threaten you with misfortune should you not donate. Most temples will have a donation box in the main hall for devotees to make donations should they wish to do so, and monks will never go out in public to ask for donations. According to traditional Buddhist philosophy, it is entirely up to an individual to decide whether and how much he/she wishes to donate, and genuine Buddhist temples will never use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations, or ask for any amount of money in exchange for services. ===Nature=== [[File:Trimeresurus stejnegeri.jpg|thumb|The Chinese bamboo viper]] Being a large country, China is affected by a range of different natural disasters. Pacific [[cyclones|typhoons]] hit the coast in the summer and autumn months, bringing physical destruction and torrential rain. Floods also occur, in particular around the large rivers. Northern parts of the country have winter storms. Much of the country is prone to [[earthquakes]] and [[tornadoes]]. China has a variety of '''[[venomous snakes]]'''. Be careful when hiking and seek immediate treatment for any snakebite. The bright green '''bamboo viper''' (''Trimeresurus stejnegeri'') is especially notorious. ===Scams=== : ''See also: [[Common scams]], [[Pickpockets]]'' Chinese people are in general hospitable to foreigners, and want to leave a good impression on tourists visiting their country. However, as with anywhere else, there are also scam artists who operate at tourist hot spots, so it pays to be prudent and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. High prices do not necessarily indicate a scam. In a teahouse or bar, ¥50-200 per cup or pot of tea (including hot water refills) and ¥15-60 per bottle of beer is not uncommon. Tea samplings may also charge high prices for each sample. [[File:Pudong Shanghai November 2017 HDR panorama.jpg|thumb|300px|Shanghai skyline]] Touristy parts of Beijing and Shanghai have become notorious for various scams. If you are keen to avoid being scammed, the following are good rules of thumb: * It is less likely for scammers to operate outside of the usual tourist spots * If you are approached in a touristy area by a person who appears ''too'' enthusiastic about going to a particular place (teahouse or otherwise), you are likely to pay a premium and maybe get a better time elsewhere * If you are uncomfortable, '''walk away.''' * Most ordinary Chinese people are unable to speak English, so be on your guard if someone approaches you spontaneously and starts speaking to you in English. The police are sensitive to foreigners being targeted in this way and giving the country a poor reputation. In China, you have a legal right to ask for a "fa piao" (发票, lit. receipt/invoice) which is an official sales invoice issued by the taxation department. It is against the law for an owner to refuse to give it to you. For scams, they generally will refuse since it is legal evidence of their extortionate price. Accident scams occur, too, and even 'good samaritans' who help people genuinely in distress have been sued for compensation by the people they were trying to help. These scams are not tried on foreigners too often, but be careful when using a vehicle and always record your journey with a dashboard or bicycle camera. If you find yourself being or having been scammed then call 110 and report it immediately. Suspicious phone calls can be enquired through '''96110''', a hotline established in view of soaring telecommunications scams. The police may also notify you by this number with area code prefix if you encountered suspected scam calls, which is similar to a reverse-911 call itself. ===Illicit drugs=== Acts related to illicit drugs are dealt with harshly in China. Although drug use alone and the mere possession of ''small'' quantities of drugs (for example, less than 200 grams of opium and less than 10 grams of heroin or methamphetamine) are not prosecuted and are only subject to lengthy detention and/or a fine, '''smuggling, trafficking, transporting, and manufacturing illicit drugs are crimes punishable by death''', and there are plenty cases of foreign drug traffickers being executed in China. In addition, the possession of ''large'' quantities of drugs is a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, and sheltering others to take drugs is a crime punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment. Chinese people usually associate drugs with national humiliation (due to an unlimited influx of opium after Opium Wars); publicly doubting the death penalty for drug offences or advocacy for drug liberalization will most likely get you publicly criticized. For recorded drug addicts, you may be subjected to sudden raids by the police, in order to verify that you did not consume any illicit drugs. Be particularly wary in the provinces of [[Yunnan]] and [[Guangxi]], as these provinces border the Golden Triangle, a major drug-producing region in Southeast Asia. Police now target bars and nightclubs that foreigners frequent with drug-testing kits, with detention and deportation the likely consequence of a positive drug test. In a hair test, you may test positive even for drugs that you consumed three months before arriving in China. If you are driving from Chinese-Burmese border (eg. [[Xishuangbanna]]), you may also encounter layered narcotics checkpoints, in which you and your vehicle will be thoroughly searched or even partially dismantled (if suspicion arise) to intercept drug smugglers. ===Banned items=== Due to the fast pace of change in China, you may find some items (especially media) continue to be banned by customs although they are readily available for purchase in the country itself. Searching your belongings for illicit items such as the ones below could potentially happen when entering China through an airport, although in practice it is rare these days. * Materials considered by the authorities as ''Anti-Chinese'' will be confiscated. This has a fairly wide interpretation, but can include the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan lion-mountain flag and literature about the Falun Gong religious group, independence movements in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan or the Tiananmen Square protests. As a rule of thumb, '''do not bring anything critical of the Communist Party of China'''; if some literature refers to the government of the PRC as the Communist Party of China (中共), then it's either from Taiwan (as the local official term when referring to the Chinese government), and/or its stance is likely to be critical of the party. **''The Epoch Times'' (大紀元時報) and ''Ming Hui Times'' (明慧周刊/明慧周報) are two examples of Falun Gong literature. The Falun Gong sect is known to print proselytising words on Chinese yuan bills, so consider checking your bills to avoid unnecessary hassle. * A heavy penalty is imposed on all '''pornography''' and penalties are counted based on the number of pieces brought into the country. ===Religion=== Visitors to China rarely get into trouble for practicing their religion. As a communist country, China is officially atheist, and religion is banned for people working in government jobs. Although religion was targeted for extermination during the Cultural Revolution, in modern times, visitors and private citizens are generally free to practice a religion if they wish. However, '''proselytising is prohibited''' and taken very seriously by the government, and could potentially lead to arrest and imprisonment, especially if there is any fear that it could undermine the government's authority. Catholics in China are split between the state-sanctioned Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPA, CPCA, or CCPA, 中国天主教爱国会 ''Zhōngguó Tiānzhǔjiào Àiguó Huì''), which is run separately from the Vatican, and an '''underground church''' which is illegal; visitors should not associate with the latter for legal reasons. '''Falun Gong''' is '''illegal''' and heavily censored in China. Visibly supporting it will make you subject to arrest. Despite all that, modern Chinese society is in general rather secular, and religiously-motivated hate crimes are exceedingly rare. ===Racism=== Although unprovoked violent racist attacks are virtually unheard of, foreigners, particularly darker-skin ones, often suffer discrimination in employment and are the subject of stereotyping from Chinese people. Even white foreigners, who allegedly enjoy significantly better treatment than locals, have been occasionally confronted by Chinese people during politically sensitive periods. Xenophobia has intensified amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many restaurants now refusing service to foreign customers. Discrimination is particularly severe against black people, some of whom have been evicted by their landlords and denied rooms in hotels. If your skin tone doesn't match people's assumptions for someone from your country, and especially if you're ethnically Chinese, you may be treated like the country on your passport isn't where you're ''really'' from. Visas on arrival are sometimes denied on this basis. ===Gay and lesbian travelers=== China is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travelers. There are no laws against homosexuality in China, though there is censorship of homosexual-themed content in the media. Gay scenes and communities are found in the major cities in China, but are generally non-existent everywhere else. Most Chinese are reluctant to discuss their sexuality in public, as it is generally considered to be a personal matter, and acceptance of homosexuality by Chinese people tends to be mixed. Same-sex marriages and unions are not recognised anywhere in the country. While openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is still likely to draw stares and whispers, gay and lesbian visitors should generally not run into any major problems, and unprovoked violence against homosexual couples is almost unheard of. In general, the younger generation tend to be more accepting of homosexuality, and gay dramas have been gaining in popularity among young Chinese women since the 2010s. Staff in hotels and guesthouses may assume that a mistake has been made if a same-sex couple has reserved a room with one large bed and try to move you to another room. However, they will generally back down if you insist that it is not a problem. ==Stay healthy== ===Personal hygiene=== Outside major cities, public washrooms range from mildly unpleasant to utterly repulsive. In cities, it varies from place to place. High-quality bathrooms can be found inside major tourist attractions, at international hotels, office buildings, and upper-class department stores. Washrooms in foreign restaurant chains, or any of the coffee chains listed in the drink section are usually more or less clean. While those in common restaurants and hotels are barely acceptable, those in hotel rooms are generally clean. Some public facilities are free, others cost from a few mao up to ¥2. Separate facilities are always provided for men (男 nán) and women (女 nǚ), but sometimes there are no doors on the front of the stalls. The sit-down toilet familiar to Westerners is rare in China in public areas. Hotels will generally have them in rooms, but in places where Westerners are scarce, expect to find squat toilets more often than not. Many private homes in urban areas now have sit-down toilets, and one major benefit from having a local host is that they have clean bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, a western establishment such as McDonald's or Starbucks will have a western toilet, but may not have toilet paper. Carry your own tissue paper (卫生纸 wèishēngzhǐ, or 面纸 miànzhǐ) as it is rarely provided. You can sometimes buy it from the money-taker at a public toilet; you can also buy it in bars, restaurants and Internet cafés for ¥2. Put used paper in the bucket next to the toilet; do not flush it away as it may block the often poor plumbing systems. There may not be soap in the public washrooms either. The Chinese tend to distrust the cleanliness of bathtubs. In hotels with fixed bathtubs, disposable plastic bathtub liners may be provided. Wash your hands often with soap if you can find any, carry some disposable disinfectant tissues (found in almost any department or cosmetics store), or use alcohol gel. ===Food and drink=== ====Food==== Although there are few widely enforced health regulations in restaurants, each major city does have an inspection regime that requires each establishment to prominently display the result (good, average or poor). It is hard to say how effective this is, but it is a start. Restaurants generally prepare hot food when you order. Even in the smallest of restaurants, hot dishes are usually freshly prepared, instead of reheated, and rarely cause health problems. A rule of thumb regarding street food is to make certain it is cooked thoroughly while you are watching; also, visit stalls frequented by locals, and look for plastic-wrapped disposable chopsticks. Minor stomach discomfort may still be experienced from street food and restaurant food alike, but is said to pass as one becomes accustomed to the local food. Ginger can be effective against nausea. ====Drink==== Chinese people '''do not drink water straight from the tap''', even in the cities. All hotels provide a thermos flask of boiled water in your room (refillable by your floor attendant), a kettle you can use to do it yourself or a sealed plastic bottle of commercial mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink ''after'' boiling. Some apartments and businesses have rather large water filters installed (which require changing twice a year) to improve the quality of water for cooking and washing. It still doesn't make the water drinkable from the tap, however it does improve the water quality a great deal. Purified drinking water in bottles is available everywhere, and is generally quite cheap. ¥2 is normal for a small bottle. Check that the seal on the cap is not broken. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also cheap and safe. Also note that much river water in China has been contaminated by chemicals that filters can not help much with, although this should only be dangerous if consumed over an extended period of time. ===Pollution=== {{infobox|Smog|Most smog or haze outbreaks are made up of fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5). '''N95 masks''' provide good protection against smog as they are at least 95% efficient against fine particles that are about 0.1 – 0.3 microns. They are 99.5% efficient against larger particles of 0.75 microns or more. As with most things in China, be sure to identify a reputable brand such as 3M}} [[File:3M N95 Particulate Respirator.JPG|thumbnail|N95 mask for dealing with China smog]] Due to a rapid rate of industrialization in China, [[Air pollution|pollution and heavy smog]] is unfortunately part of the way of life in most major towns and cities. That said, stricter environmental protection laws are slowly beginning to bear fruit, with the result that Beijing is no longer the most polluted city in the world, but there is still a long way to go. Even the countryside, depending on the province in question, is not immune. Long-term effects of smog particulate are unlikely to have a significant effect on your health if you are in China for a short stay (e.g. a number of weeks) and have no significant respiratory problems. If you are concerned, discuss this with a medical professional before your trip. Places at higher altitudes or plains like parts of Yunnan and Sichuan, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet and outlying islands such as Hainan usually have good air quality. Visitors should be prepared to see smog, which can be quite heavy, in nearly all large cities, including those on the coast. This [http://aqicn.org website] can provide detailed hourly pollution readings for most large cities. You will also hear a lot of noise. Construction and renovation are full-time activities. Chinese and long-time residents' ears are adapted to filter and tolerate it. ===Health care=== {{COVID-19 box|During lockdowns, medical resources are limited to non-COVID patients , '''even for urgent cases'''. Despite official prohibition, there are also cases where patients who don't have negative COVID testing results are denied treatment. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient essential and necessary medicines.|lastedit=2022-07-03}} {{infobox|Healthcare for foreigners|Most major Chinese cities have clinics and hospitals that are more appropriate for foreigners, with English-speaking and Western-qualified staff. Although expensive, it is worth identifying them whenever you plan to stay in an area for a significant time. For non-urgent medical treatment, you may want to consider traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] for a higher standard of treatment which may not be particularly more expensive.}} The quality of Chinese hospitals for the Chinese people is generally not up to the standards of the West. Local doctors have been known to prescribe more expensive treatments than necessary; IV drips are routine prescriptions in China, even for minor ailments like the common cold, and doctors have a tendency to liberally prescribe antibiotics. Most locals go to the hospital even for the most minor ailments, and the concept of a private clinic effectively does not exist. You should consider keeping a significant amount of cash readily available for emergencies, since not being able to pay upfront may delay treatment. Ambulance services are expensive, require upfront payment, are not accorded much priority on the roads and are therefore not particularly fast. Quality of ambulance service also varies with regions, and paramedics in poorer regions are often poorly equipped and trained. Taking a taxi to the hospital in an emergency will often be much quicker. Common therapeutic drugs &mdash; things like penicillin or insulin &mdash; are generally available from a pharmacist with a prescription and considerably cheaper than in western countries. You can usually ask to see the instructions that came with the box. Western medicine is called xīyào (西药). Less common drugs are often imported, hence expensive. In larger cities there are strong controls over medicine, and even 'standard' cold medicine such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or dextromethorphan may require a prescription or a foreign passport. Opiates always require a prescription, although Viagra never does. In smaller cities and rural areas many medicines, including most antibiotics, are often available without a prescription. {{infobox|Common symptoms|* Caught a cold: 感冒 gǎnmào * Fever: 发烧 fāshāo * Headache: 头痛 tóutòng * Stomach ache: 肚子痛 dùzǐtòng * Sore throat: 喉咙痛 hóulóngtòng * Cough: 咳嗽 késòu See [[Chinese phrasebook]] for more.}} Most Chinese doctors and nurses, even in larger cities, will speak little or no English. However, medical staff are in plentiful supply and hospital wait times are generally short - usually less than 10 minutes at general clinics (门诊室 ménzhěnshì), and virtually no wait time at emergency rooms (急诊室 jízhěnshì). There are private Western-style clinics and hospitals in most major Chinese cities which provide a higher standard of care at a much higher price. The doctors and nurses will speak English (with interpretation services often available for other foreign languages), and are often hired from, or have obtained their medical qualifications in Western countries. These provide an easy and comfortable way to obtain familiar Western treatment from doctors qualified in the West, although you will be paying a steep premium for these services starting at ¥1,000 just for the consultation. Check beforehand to see whether your insurance will cover all or part of this. For any significant surgery, it is worth considering traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] as the standard of treatment and care is more aligned to Western standards. Ensure that needles used for injections or any other procedure that requires breaking the skin are new and unused - insist on seeing the packet being broken open. In some parts of China it is acceptable to re-use needles, albeit after sterilization. For acupuncture, although the disposable needles are quite common in mainland China, you can provide your own needles if you prefer. The disposable type, called Wujun zhenjiu zhen (无菌針灸針, Sterilized acupuncture needles), usually cost ¥10-20 per 100 needles and are available in many pharmacies. There should be minimal to no bleeding when the needle is inserted and removed if the acupuncturist is sufficiently skilled. While Traditional Chinese Medicine is ubiquitous in China, regulation tends to be lax and it is not unheard of for Chinese physicians to prescribe herbs which are actually detrimental to one's health. Do some research and ensure you have some trusted local friends to help you out if you wish to see a Chinese physician. You can head to Hong Kong or Taiwan instead, as the practice is better regulated there. ====Infectious diseases==== If making more than a short trip to China, it may be a good idea to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid as they can be spread via contaminated food, and Japanese encephalitis which is transmitted in rural areas. Parts of southern China have [[mosquitoes]] which transmit [[dengue fever]]. As of 2019 the official estimate is that nearly 1 million people in China are living with HIV/AIDS. One in four infected individuals do not know their status. Sex workers, clients of sex workers and injecting drug users are the most infected groups. New diseases are sometimes a threat in China, particularly in its more densely populated parts. There have been cases of bird flu: avoid undercooked poultry or eggs. ==Respect== {{quote|入乡随俗<br/>''Rù xiāng suí sú''<br/>When you enter a village, follow the customs.|author={{nowrap|Chinese proverb (English speakers might say "When in Rome...")}}}} {{infobox|Using people's names|2=Names can be a complicated matter in China. Except for certain ethnic minorities, names always follow the East Asian naming order of '''family name followed by given name'''; this is usually done in English as well. Someone called 陈晓明 (''Chén Xiǎomíng'') therefore has the surname "Chen" and the given name "Xiaoming". Many Chinese acquire English names, which may have no relation to their Chinese name (and are sometimes quite unusual words or non-words). When using their English name, they will likely switch their name to Western name order (given name followed by family name). It's usually okay to address adult friends and children by given names, although using their full name is also common. In formal situations, the default is to address people using their family names with a title, or their full names with a title if necessary to disambiguate. Occupational titles are even used outside the workplace, so a teacher may be called "Teacher Zhang" (张老师 ''Zhāng Lǎoshī'') even outside the classroom, and a manager or business owner may be called "Boss Huang" (黄老板 ''Huáng Lǎobǎn''). Generic titles of varying commonness include ''Xiānshēng'' (先生, "Mr." or "Sir"), ''Tàitai'' (太太, "Madam" or "Mrs."), and ''Nǚshì'' (女士, "Ms."). The informal prefixes ''Lǎo-'' (老, "Old" or "Elder") and ''Xiǎo-'' (小, "Young" or "Little") are also commonly used, but you should avoid calling someone these unless you know the person well. The title "comrade" (同志) is rarely used outside of official situations, as the term nowadays also means LGBT people. While the title ''Xiǎojiě'' (小姐) is commonly used in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore as an equivalent for the English "Miss", it is a euphemism for "prostitute" in mainland China and hence should be ''avoided''. Names for familial relationships (e.g. big sister, uncle) are frequently used for acquaintances and even strangers based on their age relative to you. It will usually be clear from context, but generally when someone refers to another person as "Brother Zhang" or "Aunt Zhang", even in English, they probably don't mean a family member. Ethnic minorities often have their own naming conventions and modes of address, which can sometimes be very different from those of the Han majority. The foolproof method is therefore to ''ask'' how somebody would like to be addressed.}} [[File:China tea serving.JPG|thumb|Tea-serving at a restaurant in China]] Foreigners are still a rare breed in most parts of China, which means that how you interact with people there may well shape their impression of your country or even of foreigners in general. Follow the law, be polite, and try to leave a good impression as it affects the general reputation of foreigners in China. * Unlike Japan and South Korea where bowing is extremely common, in China the practice did not survive into the modern era, and is only used in certain formal occasions such as marriage ceremonies, funerals, religious rituals, and for students greeting teachers in school. Give a soft '''handshake''' when greeting someone, which can optionally be accompanied by a slight bow. * '''Personal space''' more or less does not exist in China. Elevators and buses can get very crowded. It's common and acceptable for someone to come in close contact with you or to bump into you and say nothing. Don't get mad, as they'll be surprised and most likely won't even understand why you're offended. * Important items such as business cards or important papers are given and received with '''both hands'''. ** '''Business cards''' in particular are treated very respectfully and formally. How you treat someone's business card is seen as representing how you will treat the person. When accepting a business card, use both hands to pick it up by the corners, give a slight bow of your head, and take the time to read the card and confirm how to pronounce the person's name. It's disrespectful to write on a card, fold it, or place it in your back pocket (where you'll sit on it!); a nice case to keep cards pristine is preferable to a pocket. * '''Smoking''' is common almost anywhere. "No smoking" signs are routinely ignored, and it's common for someone to smoke in an elevator or even in the hospital. Some cities now forbid smoking in most restaurants, but enforcement varies. Beijing has one of the nation's strictest smoking laws: you are not allowed to smoke anywhere with a roof; again, enforcement is patchy. Western restaurants seem to be the only ones who consistently enforce the ban. Masks would be a good idea for long distance bus trips. ** When you smoke, it's always considered polite to '''offer a cigarette''' to those you meet. This rule applies almost exclusively to men, but under certain circumstances, such as a club, it's okay to offer cigarettes to women. * In homes and some other buildings, '''slippers''' or sandals are worn indoors. If your hosts are wearing slippers at home, and especially if there is carpet on the floor, remove your shoes and ask for a pair of slippers before you enter, even if your host says you don't have to. * '''Saving face''' is an important concept in Chinese culture, and this concept extends beyond the individual to one's family (including extended family), and even the country. Pointing out mistakes directly may cause embarrassment. If you have to, call the person to one side and tell them in private. ** '''Humility''' is highly valued in traditional Chinese culture, and bragging about your achievements is in general not well received. It is also customary to politely turn down any compliments you receive from others. ** Chinese people sometimes criticize their own country, but you are highly advised not to do it yourself, as the same things being said by a foreigner tend not to be received so well. * Swastikas have been used in Buddhist temples since the 5th century to represent Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. Like the case for other Asian countries, it does not represent Nazism. Jews have been living in China for centuries, and have always had peaceful relations with their non-Jewish neighbours. * Outside of a business context, casual clothes are acceptable at most places, including temples and expensive restaurants. Sleeveless or low-cut tops are uncommon and may stand out. At the beach or the pool, conservative swimsuits are much more common than bikinis. ===Gifts=== When visiting someone's home, a small gift is always welcome. Wine, fruit, or some trinket from your native country are common. When receiving a gift, it is generally rude to open it in front of the person who gave it to you unless (s)he specifically tells you to do so. Wait until the person has left and open it in private. Some items are '''not given as gifts''' because of cultural associations. Some things to watch out for: black and white are important colors in funerals, scissors or knives may insinuate you want to cut off your relationship with someone, and many people see mirrors as bad luck. Other taboos are based on homophones: the word "four" (四 ''sì'') sounds like "death" (死 ''sǐ''), "pear" and "umbrella" sound like "separation", and "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral". These gift taboos and others vary by region and generation, so it's a good idea to consult a local for advice, or at least search the Internet for lists of taboo gifts before you purchase one. ===Eating and drinking=== Eating is very important in Chinese culture, and '''dining out''' is a widespread way to honor guests and deepen relationships. Seating at a formal dinner follows a specific order, with the host or most senior person at the center. Don't pick up your chopsticks until the most senior person at the table has done so. Table manner varies from different places among different people in different scenarios. Sometimes you can see Chinese spit on a restaurant floor, pick their tooth in front of you, and yell whilst dining, but it's not always welcome. Follow what other people do. Hosts tend to order more food than you can eat because it's considered shameful if they can't stuff their guests. Although it varies regionally, finishing your plate generally means you're still hungry and may prompt your hosts to order ''more'' food, but leaving too much can imply you didn't like a dish; leaving an appropriate amount of food on your plate is a bit of a balancing act. When offered a drink, you're expected to take it or your friends will keep pushing you. Excuses such as "I'm on medication" are better than "I don't feel like drinking". Toasts are common, and it's generally considered rude to turn down a toast (although you can take small sips with each toast). China has a strong drinking culture, especially in business, and turning down alcohol can sometimes cause offense. However, foreigners may be given some slack on this. If the hard ''baijiu'' is too much for you, consider opting for a beer instead. ====Paying==== While splitting the bill is beginning to be accepted by young people, '''treating''' is still the norm, especially when the parties are in obviously different social classes. Men are expected to treat women, elders to juniors, rich to poor, hosts to guests, working class to non-income class (students). Friends of the same class will usually prefer to take turns treating rather than split the bill. It is common to see Chinese competing intensely to pay the bill. You are expected to fight back and say "It's my turn, you treat me next time." That being said, Chinese tend to be very tolerant towards foreigners. If you feel like going Dutch, try it. They tend to believe that "all foreigners prefer to go Dutch". ===Politics=== For your safety, it's best if you '''avoid getting involved in any political activity''', and avoid discussing politics with Chinese people. Most Chinese are passive about their country's politics and are generally reluctant to talk about it, and in most cases, will change the topic of discussion. * Most Chinese are ashamed that their country was forced into unequal treaties with Japan and the Western powers over the past two centuries, and are proud of the recent progress made by their government in restoring China's international influence. Many Chinese are also aware of alternative Western views, but you should tread lightly if you choose to discuss these. * Supporting the '''independence movements''' of Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan or Hong Kong is '''illegal''', so you should avoid discussing them. Most Chinese people support their government's position on these issues, and trying to advocate for these movements is going to do nothing more than getting you into the bad books of your hosts. ** Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China. Be sure to use the term "mainland" (大陆 ''dàlù'') or "mainland China" (中国大陆 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') instead of just "China" (中国 ''zhōngguó'') if you are looking to ''exclude'' Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is also a common practice in China to refer to Taiwan as "Taiwan Province" (台湾省), and Hong Kong and Macau as "Hong Kong, China" (中国香港) and "Macau, China" (中国澳门). ** The Hong Kong protests, and allegations of Uyghur genocide and slavery are sensitive issues that are best not discussed with locals. The latter in particular are regarded by most Chinese to be false allegations that were made up by Western governments for geopolitical reasons. * Avoid discussing any of the territorial disputes China is involved in, as many Chinese have strong feelings about these issues. If you are drawn into any such discussions, it is best to stay neutral. * '''Japan''' and its role in World War II and other wars with China is a sensitive and emotive issue that is best avoided. To a lesser extent, '''historical and cultural disputes''' with both [[Korea|Koreas]] are sensitive as well. * Thanks to China's recent development, the Chinese government enjoys strong support among its people despite its authoritarian nature. Common Western views that "they have all been brainwashed" or "they are just too afraid to speak up" oversimplify things. * Many Chinese have a strong sense of '''ethnic nationalism'''. Tread particularly carefully if you are of Chinese ethnicity, even if you were born and raised overseas, as you may still be expected to align your political views with that of the Chinese government, and doing otherwise could result in you being labeled a "race traitor". ===Differing cultural norms=== Chinese people are sometimes puzzled when foreign visitors complain that Chinese people are rude. Many of them feel that really it's foreigners who tend to be rude. What's actually going on is that China has a different set of customs and values from common Western cultures — some Chinese behavior can be jarring to foreigners, and vice versa. People in China are '''friendly ''without'' being polite''' (unlike countries like the UK, where people can be polite without being friendly). Generally speaking, younger well-educated Chinese, particularly those from the major cities, are more likely to behave in a way that conforms more closely to Western cultural norms. [[Image:China no spitting.jpg|thumb|120px|No spitting please]] * Chinese often '''ignore rules''' they don't feel like following, including laws. Among many other things, this includes '''dangerous and negligent driving''' (see [[Driving in China]]) such as driving on the wrong side of the street, excessive speeding, not using headlights at night, not using turn signals, and jaywalking. * '''Spitting''' is common everywhere, including in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, on buses and even in hospitals. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it is unhealthy to swallow phlegm. Although the government has made great efforts to reduce this habit in light of the SARS epidemic as well as the Olympics, it still persists to varying degrees. * Many Chinese do not cover their mouths when they '''sneeze'''. '''Picking one's nose''' in public is common and socially acceptable. * As many parts of China are ethnically rather homogeneous, people who are visibly foreign will often elicit calls of "hello" or "''wàiguórén''" (外国人 "foreigner"); you may also hear ''lǎowài'' (老外), a colloquial equivalent. These calls are ubiquitous outside of the big cities (and are not uncommon even there); these calls will come from just about anyone, of any age, and are even more likely from children and can occur many times in any given day. * Similarly, it's rather common that someone may come up and '''stare''' at you as if they're watching the TV. The staring usually originates out of sheer curiosity, almost never out of hostility. * Many Chinese have '''loud conversations''' in public, and it may be one of the first things you notice upon arrival. China is rooted in a community-based culture, and noise means life; loud speech usually doesn't mean the speaker is angry or engaged in an argument (although obviously it can). You may want to bring earplugs for long bus or train rides. * A fairly recent phenomenon particular to China is '''air rage''': groups of passengers being verbally and physically aggressive towards airline staff whenever there is a delay (which is often). This is generally done in order to leverage better compensation from the airline. * The concept of '''waiting in line''' has not fully been adopted in China. You'll have to learn to be more assertive to get what you want, and even push and shove as others do. If you're trying to catch a taxi, expect other people to move further down the road to catch one before you. * Be careful when standing behind people on an '''escalator''', since many people have a look-see as soon as they get off — even when the escalator behind them is fully packed. Department stores have staff to try to prevent this behavior. * People love to use '''elevators''' whenever possible, especially in large family groups. Be extra patient if you want to go around a shopping mall with a baby buggy or luggage. ==Cope== [[File:Chinasocket.jpg|thumb|A typical Chinese wall socket]] '''Electricity''' is 220 volts/50&nbsp;Hz. Two-pin European and North American, as well as three-pin Australian style plugs are generally supported. However, be careful to read the voltage information on your devices to ensure they accept 220 V (twice the 110 V used in many countries) before plugging them in — you may cause burnout and permanent damage to some devices such as hairdryers and razors. Universal extension cords that can handle a variety of plug shapes (including British) are often used. '''Laundry''' services may be expensive or hard to find. In upper-end hotels, it will cost ¥10-30 to wash each article of clothing. Cheap hotels in some areas do not have laundry services, though in other areas such as along the [[Yunnan tourist trail]] the service is common and often free. In most areas, with the exception of the downtown areas in big cities, you can find small shops that do laundry. The '''sign''' to look for on the front door is 洗衣 (''xǐyī''), or spot the clothes hanging from the ceiling. The cost is roughly ¥2-5/item. In even the smallest of cities '''dry cleaning''' (干洗 ''gānxǐ''）outlets are common and may be able to wash clothes. But in some areas you're going to be stuck washing clothes by hand, which is time-consuming and tiresome, so perhaps opt for fast-drying fabrics such as polyester or silk. If you do find a hotel that does laundry, usually they will put all your clothes into the wash together or even with other items from the hotel, so lighter colours are best washed by hand. [[File:Jianshui - old city - P1370481.JPG|thumb|Traditional smoking pipes for sale]] '''Smoking''' is banned in public buildings and public transport except for restaurants and bars (including KTVs) - many of which are outright smoke dens, although many multinational restaurant chains do ban smoking. These bans are enforced across the country. Generally, smoking laws are most strict in Shanghai and Beijing, whilst they are more lightly enforced elsewhere. Many places (particularly train stations, hospitals, office buildings and airports) will have smoking rooms, and some long-distance trains may have smoking areas at the end of each car. Facilities for non-smokers are often poor; most restaurants, bars and hotels will not have non-smoking areas apart from top-end establishments although many modern buildings have a smoke extraction systems which suck cigarette smoke out of the room through a ceiling vent - meaning that the smoke doesn't hang in the air. The Chinese phrase for 'May I smoke?' is 'kěyǐ chōuyān ma?' and 'No Smoking!' is 'bù kěyǐ chōuyān!'. '''Public holidays''' in China are worth being aware of. Although you will never be truly alone in the most popular tourist sites, which includes the popular hikes in particular mountains, on weekends and public holidays these areas can be nearly impassible due to local tourism. What you may have planned as a quiet contemplative hike may turn into a many-hour queue! Know the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_China national holiday dates] and plan accordingly. ===Media=== {{infobox|Please fix it!|''China Daily'', the nationally distributed English newspaper, sometimes publishes constructive criticism of China from frustrated tourists. If you think something about China for travelers needs to be fixed, consider sending a letter to letters@chinadaily.com.cn or opinion@chinadaily.com.cn and it might be published.}} Media in China diversified substantially after Mao, with independent outlets offering increasing competition to the state-run agencies of '''[http://www.news.cn/english Xinhua]''' (press agency publishing in many formats), '''[http://www.cctv.cn/ CCTV]''' (more than 40 TV channels), and the '''''[http://en.people.cn/ People's Daily]''''' newspaper. These state-owned media tend to be accurate in terms of general news, but always stick to the government's policies and ideology in terms of politics. Each province and city in China is also home to its own local channels, often being subordinated or having close-ties to the local government, with a stronger focus on local events. Some of these channels also broadcast in the local dialect or ethnic minority language. Still, the press remains tightly controlled, with restrictions on what news is reported and what opinions may be aired. Certain topics are strictly off limits (such as criticizing China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan), and the vagueness of boundaries for acceptable topics leads to further self-censorship. The biggest threat to state-controlled media has been the rise of '''text messaging''' and '''Internet news''', although these are restricted by the government's firewall and internal censorship. China has some local English-language news media. CCTV News channel is a global English channel available 24/7 in most cities, with French and Spanish variants as well. CCTV 4 has a short newscast in English every day. '''''[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ China Daily]''''' (generally subdued, if a bit dry) and the '''''[http://www.globaltimes.cn/ Global Times]''''' (a notoriously nationalistic tabloid) are two state-run English-language newspapers available in hotels, supermarkets and newsstands. There are also a few English magazines such as ''[http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/ China Today]'' and ''21st Century''. Foreign magazines and newspapers are not generally available in bookstores or newsstands except at top hotels. ==Connect== ===Internet=== ====Internet cafés and business services==== [[File:Tongyang - downtown - internet cafe - CIMG9869.JPG|thumb|Inside an Internet café in Tongyang, [[Hubei]]]] China has more Internet users than any other country in the world and Internet cafés (网吧 ''wǎngbā'') are abundant. Most are designed for online gaming and are not comfortable places to do office-style work. It is cheap (¥1-6 per hour) to use a computer, albeit one with Chinese software. Internet cafés are supposed to require users to show official identification although enforcement varies by region. Browsing of Internet pages may well be monitored by the Public Security Bureau (the police). For printing, scanning, photocopying, and other business services, go to one of any number of small shops in most towns or print shops near university areas. Look for the characters 复印 (fùyìn) meaning "photocopy". Printing costs about ¥2 per page and photocopies are ¥0.5 per page. These shops may or may not have Internet access so bring your materials on a flash drive. ====== Wifi access ====== Free wifi, which may require registration either with a Chinese mobile number, or your WeChat login, is abundant. The quality and speed of the wifi is not proportionate to the provider; i.e. your expensive hotel's free wifi may be nowhere near as fast nor more reliable than the wifi found on the bus you paid ¥2 to get on. Many hotels and some cafés and restaurants provide wifi, typically free, of varying speeds and quality. Some cafés, especially in tourist areas such as Yangshuo, even provide a machine for customer use. Business hotels typically have wired Internet service for your laptop in each room: 7 Days Inn and Home Inn are two nationwide chains meeting Western standards for mid-range comfort and cleanliness that consistently offer Internet and cost ¥150-200 per night. WiFi may also be provided in one's room, perhaps for an extra charge. On occasion, for a bit more, hotels will have rooms with older computers in them as well. The better hotels often have satellite TV in the rooms. ====== Security ====== Since public computers and the Internet are not secure, assume that anything you type is not private. Do not send sensitive data such as banking passwords from an Internet café. It may be better to purchase a mobile data card for use with your own computer instead (these generally cost ¥400 and data plans run ¥10-¥200 per month depending on your usage). If you are connecting to the Internet with your own computer, some websites in China (especially college campuses) require you to use Microsoft Internet Explorer and to install dedicated software on your system and/or accept certificates to access their websites. There are increasing cases of misuse of photocopy, in which your submitted photocopies are illegally disclosed to spammers and fraudsters by the receiver of your photocopies. Always state the purpose of your photocopies on the photocopies clearly, as this leaves evidence in favour of you should any legal matters arise. ====Internet censorship==== {{quote|Across the Great Wall, we can reach every corner in the world.|author=Content of the first Chinese email sent in 1987|source=often used to satirize the current practice of Internet censorship in China.}} '''Internet censorship''' is extensive in mainland China. Pornographic and political sites are routinely blocked, as are many other sites with a broad range of content, including sites that are popular internationally. The government call their censorship system "Golden Shield" (金盾); others call it the '''Great Firewall of China''', GFW, or simply '''the wall''', while circumventing Internet censorship is often referred to as "scaling the wall" (翻墙). {{infobox|Which Internet sites are available?|The actual list of websites and services banned is a secret, changes every day without notification, and oddly enough seems to depend on whether you're using a mobile or WiFi connection. Blocked sites generally include: * Large '''social media''' websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, Blogspot and Instagram. * '''Messaging services''' such as Whatsapp. * Most of '''Google's services''', including Google Search, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps ([https://maps.google.cn/ maps.google.cn] may still work) and Google Translate ([https://translate.google.cn/ translate.google.cn] may still work). Corresponding fast and responsive Chinese websites exist (often only in Chinese), such as [https://www.baidu.com/ Baidu] for search, maps, and other services, [http://www.qq.com/ QQ] and [https://weixin.qq.com/ WeChat] for messaging, [http://weibo.com/ Weibo] for Twitter-style microblogging, [http://renren.com/ Renren] for Facebook-style social networking, and [https://www.bilibili.com/ Bilibili] and [https://v.qq.com/ Tencent Video] for YouTube-style video sharing. You may instead wish to use a different foreign service such as [https://www.bing.com/ Bing] for search and [https://outlook.live.com/ Outlook] for emails. Foreign '''news''' sites such as BBC, CNN, Reuters and ''The Economist'' may or may not be available. They're especially likely to be blocked after publishing stories the Chinese government disapproves of; for example, ''The New York Times'' has been blocked since 2012, when it reported on the financial holdings of top Chinese leaders. Since December 2019, all Wikimedia projects, including Wikivoyage and Wikipedia are '''blocked''', except on the China Mobile network, which only blocks Wikipedia, Wikinews and Commons. Apart from actual website blocks, the firewall also scans for sensitive keywords in every unencrypted message or encrypted Chinese message (QQ, WeChat, etc.) in either direction and may block anything it disapproves of. The system relies heavily on word-filtering, and changes frequently in response to recent social events or current affairs. }} Censorship is often tightened during sensitive periods, such as the annual meeting of China's parliament in March, the CCP congress every fourth October, and anniversaries such as the National Day in October and the Tiananmen massacre in June. Few hotels offer uncensored Internet access. These hotels generally cater to foreigners, but obviously do not advertise this facility. Try browsing to known restricted sites to see if your hotel supports this. The most popular way to access blocked websites is to use a '''VPN (Virtual Private Network)''' which provides users with ''relatively'' stable and reliable access to the Internet through a computer in another country. The best ones have a monthly fee on the order of US$10; free, ad-supported VPNs are also available. Other ways to bypass censorship include software such as [http://dit-inc.us/freegate.html Freegate], [http://tor.eff.org Tor] (with an inconvenient special configuration), and [https://psiphon.ca/ Psiphon]. Any of these should be downloaded before entering China as access to their official websites is generally blocked. Be warned that VPNs in China are not as reliable as they used to be—you may want to download more than one so that you have a backup, and be prepared for a lot of frustration and waiting for things to load. If you need constant access to Twitter or Facebook to be happy, you may yet still be able to guarantee it, at a cost. Due to the way international mobile roaming works, the government cannot interfere with internet access via a foreign SIM without blocking roaming entirely (a revenue stream for the state-owned carriers). This will cost a good deal more than a local SIM, and you will be subject to the restrictions of the country your SIM came from instead (for instance, when roaming with a Thai SIM, you will find yourself unable to access content critical of the Thai regime, just as if you were in Thailand). Chinese law enforcement is sometimes able to pinpoint (and arrest, if needed) users who access restricted sites using VPNs, especially if they access them frequently. On at least one occasion, the police pinpointed and fined a netizen who accessed Wikipedia through a VPN. Moreover, it's a criminal offence to upload and submit any materials seen as subversive. However, enforcement is sporadic and mostly targets journalists and high-profile public figures. ===Mail=== The Chinese Post Office is generally reliable and sometimes quick. There are a few things you need to adapt to: * Incoming mail will be both faster and more reliable if the address is in Chinese. If not, the Post Office has people who will translate, but that takes time and is not 100% accurate. * If you don't know the exact postal code of where your recipient lives, you can fill in the first two digits (which corresponds to the prefecture city/municipality/province), and fill the rest with 0s. Alternatively, you can search your destination's postal code at [http://cpdc.chinapost.com.cn/web/ this website]. * It will be helpful to provide the receiver's phone number with packages or expedited mail. The customs and delivery drivers usually need it. * '''Do not seal outgoing packages''' before taking them to the Post Office; they will not send them without inspecting the contents. Generally it is best to buy the packing materials at the Post Office, and almost all Post Offices will pack your materials for you, at a reasonable price. * Most Post Offices and courier services will refuse to send CDs or DVDs, this can be circumvented by placing them in CD wallets along with lots of other things and finally packing the space in with clothes, giving the appearance of sending your stuff home, it is also easier to send by sea as they care less. * Your ID is now '''required''' when sending parcels. When sending parcels domestically, write the receiver's name ''correctly''; it will be compared with their ID, as all parcels are now tracked end to end. ===Fax=== International fax (传真 ''Chuánzhēn'') services are available in most large hotels for a fee of a dozen renminbi or more. Inexpensive faxes within China can be made in the ubiquitous photocopy outlets that have the Chinese characters for fax written on the front door. ===Telephone=== Telephone service is more of a mixed bag. Calling outside China is often difficult and usually impossible without a calling card, which can often only be bought locally. The good news is that these cards are fairly cheap and the connection is surprisingly clear, uninterrupted and delay-free. Look for '''IP Telephone Cards''', which typically have a value of ¥100 but sometimes can be had for as little as ¥25. The cards have printed Chinese instructions, but after dialling the number listed on the card English-spoken instructions are available. As a general indication of price, a call from China to Europe lasts around 22 minutes with a ¥100 card. Calls to the US and Canada are advertised to be another 20% cheaper. If you end up with an '''IC Telephone Card''' instead, those are only intended to be used in payphones. They may be sold at a slight discount off of face value, but rarely below 20% off when purchased off the street. At a China Telecom payphone, domestic calls will cost ¥0.1/minute, calls to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the US, and Canada will cost ¥1/minute, and calls to all other countries will cost an uneconomical ¥8/minute. If your line allows for international direct dialling (IDD), the prefix for international calls in China is ''00''. To make an overseas call, dial ''00-(country code)-(number)''. Calls from the mainland to Hong Kong and Macau require international dialling. '''IDDs can be expensive.''' Ask the rate before calling. =====Mobile phones===== [[File:ChinaTelecomCustomerOffice.JPG|thumb|A China Telecom shop]] '''[[Mobile phones|Mobile (cellular) phones]] are widespread''' and offer good service in China. They play an essential role in daily life for most Chinese and for nearly all expatriates in China. As of 2022, China is the world leader in 5G mobile phone technology. If you already have a GSM 900/1800 or 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) mobile phone, you can roam onto Chinese networks, subject to network agreements, but calls will be very expensive (¥12-35/min is typical). There are few (but growing in number) exceptions; the primary sets are Hong Kong-based providers which typically charge no more than HK$6/minute (and usually close to local rates with a special "Hong Kong/China" SIM sold by China Mobile or China Unicom in Hong Kong) and the second is T-Mobile US which charges US$0.20/minute with free text and data service. Check with your home operator before you leave to be sure. Most carriers now have 4G roaming agreements, so you will be able to use data with decent speeds. In addition, roaming data is not censored by the Chinese authorities, meaning you will be able to retain access to websites that otherwise would be blocked without having to deal with getting a separate VPN. If your provider offers reasonably priced roaming in China, you should consider taking advantage. Alternatively, depending on if you are transiting somewhere before arriving in China, you may consider buying a SIM from there that roams in China at a discount. There is a wide selection in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries as well as a few affordable options in certain parts of Europe (for example, Free Mobile in France includes 25GB of roaming in China per month on their 20€ plan). China Telecom has shifted away from CDMA, with 4G/LTE being available in the majority of its coverage area. If your device supports VoLTE (voice over LTE) then you will be able to obtain service from them with no issue. For a '''short visit''', consider renting a Chinese mobile phone from a company such as [http://www.pandaphone.com/china_cell_phone_rental.htm Pandaphone]. Rates are around ¥7 a day. The company is based in the US but has staff in China. Toll-free numbers are {{phone|+1-866-574-2050}} in the U.S. or {{phone|+86 400-820-0293}} in China. The phone can be delivered to your hotel in China prior to your arrival and dropped off there at the end of your trip, or shipped to you in the US. When you rent the phone, they will offer you an access code for calling to your country, which is cheaper than buying a SIM card from a local vendor and dialling directly. If you're '''staying for more than a few days''', it will usually be cheaper to buy a prepaid Chinese SIM card; this gives you a Chinese phone number with a certain amount of money preloaded. Chinese tend to avoid phone numbers with the bad-luck digit '4', and vendors will often be happy to offload these "unsellable" SIM-cards to foreigners at a discount. If you need a phone as well, prices start around ¥300 used or ¥1000 new for a smartphone (as of 2020). Chinese phones, unlike those sold in some Western countries, are never "locked" and will work with any SIM card you put in them, but some phones don't have Google services or the Play Store. Some stores can install this for you at time of purchase, so you can ask. However, Google services sideloaded in this manner may not be as stable as when pre-installed as part of the system package. Most shops selling SIM cards require a standard swipeable Chinese ID card (a citizen's ID card, or a foreigner's permanent-resident card) to purchase a SIM card. If you want to purchase a SIM card using a passport as your identity document, you may be asked to go to the cell-phone company's main office, probably somewhere in the city center. The staff will take your photograph for their record, along with the photocopy of your passport. China's three big operators are [http://www.10086.cn/ China Mobile] (Chinese only), [http://eng.chinaunicom.com/ China Unicom] and [https://www.chinatelecomglobal.com/ China Telecom] . ''Most'' SIMs sold by them work nationwide. Domestic roaming charges have largely been abolished, so you no longer need to worry about taking a SIM from one part of mainland China to another. Roaming in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, however, still requires a separate activation step and additional charges. '''International calls''' have to be '''enabled separately''' by applying for China Mobile's "12593" or China Unicom's "17911" service. Neither provider requires a deposit, though both require applications. Usually there will be an English speaker, so let him/her know what you want. Ask for the "special" dialing code, and for ¥1/month extra, this will be provided to you. Enter the code, the country code, then the local number and you will be talking cheaply in no time. Don't be fooled by cellphone shops with the China Mobile signage: be sure to go a to a corporate store. The employees will wear a blue uniform and there will be counter services. China Mobile is the cheaper of the two with calls to North America and Asia around ¥0.4/min. You can also use prepaid cards for international calling; just dial the number on the card as with a regular landline phone, and the charges will go to the prepaid calling card. To recharge, visit the neighborhood office of your mobile service provider, give the staff your number and pay in cash to '''recharge your account'''. Alternately, many shops will sell you a charge card, which has a number and password that must be used to call the telephone company to recharge the money in your account. You will be calling a computer and the default language is Chinese, which can be changed to English if you understand the Chinese. Charge cards are sold in denominations of ¥30, 50 and 100. (If you have WeChat Pay, this is a more convenient way to recharge your account, and foreign credit cards are accepted). For '''mobile data''' addicts who are willing to deal with the Chinese website blocking, mobile data on local SIMs is cheaper than ever. China Mobile has 4G plans starting at ¥29 for a low rate of ¥0.10/minute voice and 3GB data with additional data costing only ¥5/GB (as of 2021). Many locals have access to special online-only offers that provide a very large amount (or even unlimited) data for a low cost, but only some of these are accessible to foreigners; some can be purchased on top of any SIM if you have the carrier app installed (and can understand Chinese to use it), others require special online-only starter packs that foreigners can not purchase due to the requirement to submit a photo of a Chinese ID card when purchasing SIMs online. China Mobile only uses the "standard" LTE frequency bands of 3 and 8 in large cities and uses a different set of frequency bands for its data services outside major cities; if your phone does not support TD-LTE on bands 38, 39, 40, and 41 and you plan on going outside the biggest cities, then China Unicom or China Telecom is recommended instead. In general, apps that are widespread internationally are banned in China, and Chinese people typically use Chinese apps that are sometimes close copies of their foreign equivalents instead. The most important is '''[https://www.wechat.com/ WeChat]''' (微信 Wēixìn), which Chinese people use instead of the internationally popular WhatsApp. WeChat is a combination messaging app, social network, and mobile payment service, and downloading it is essential if you want to start making friends in China or stay in the country for an extended period. The interface can be set to English, Chinese, and various other languages. ====Area codes==== The country dialing code for mainland China is '''86'''. The dialing code is '''852''' for Hong Kong, '''853''' for Macau, and '''886''' for Taiwan. * Major cities with eight-digit numbers have a two-digit area code. For example, Beijing is (0)10 plus an eight-digit number. Other places use seven- or eight-digit local numbers and a three-digit area code that does not start with 0, 1 or 2. So for example: (0)756 plus 7 digits for Zhuhai. The north uses small numbers, the south has larger numbers. * Normal cell phones do not need an area code. The numbers are composed of 130 to 132 (or 156/186) plus 8 digits (China Unicom, GSM/UMTS), 133/153/189 plus 8 digits (China Telecom, CDMA) or 134 to 139 (or 150/152/158/159/188) plus 8 digits (China Mobile, GSM/TD-SCDMA). Additional prefixes have been introduced; a good rule of thumb is that an 11-digit domestic phone number that starts with 1 is a mobile number. Mobile phone numbers are geographic; if you attempt to dial a mobile number issued outside of the province you are in from a landline, you will be prompted to redial the number with a zero in front for long-distance. * There are two additional non-geographic prefixes. A number starting with 400 can be dialed from any phone and is treated as a local call with associated airtime charges, while a number starting with 800 is totally free but can ''not'' be dialed from mobile phones. ====Emergency numbers==== The following emergency telephone numbers work in all areas of China; calling them from a cell phone is free. * Patrol Police: '''110''' * Fire Department: '''119''' * (Government-owned) Ambulance/EMS: '''120''' * (some areas private-owned) Ambulance: 999 * Traffic Police: 122 * Directory inquiries: 114 * Consumer Protection: 12315 112 and 911 do not connect you to emergency service personnel. It is also possible to contact the police by sending SMS message to '''12110XXX''', where XXX is the area code of the prefectural-level city you are located. See [[w:Telephone numbers in China|this list]] for more information. {{related|Working_in_China}} {{related|Rail_travel_in_China}} {{related|List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions}} {{related|Driving_in_China}} {{related|Golf_in_China}} {{IsPartOf|East Asia}} {{usablecountry}} {{geo|35|103|zoom=4}} 8dhqemstsv7dpsz9kd4e00xmhvk8bjh 4488078 4488076 2022-07-22T03:22:45Z The dog2 35982 /* Crime */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|China Banner 2.jpg|caption=Nine Dragon Wall|pgname=China}} {{other uses}} {{COVID-19 box|For information about entering China, see [[#Get in|"Get in"]] below. COVID-19 cases in China are generally on low level and life within the country mostly continues as normal, although cases are higher in border areas due to more international traffic. Since early December 2021, localized outbreaks have also been reported in individual cities. Some restrictions continue, which vary widely and may change with little notice. Face masks continue to be required in some areas, and (despite the annoyance created) regular COVID testing irrespective of symptoms is adopted by some local governments. Chinese authorities adopt zero-COVID policy in dealing with even the smallest outbreaks, and cities or even entire provinces can be locked down at short notice should any infection cluster emerge, meaning that you could be stuck for weeks, or even months on end. '''Food supply may not keep up''' with lockdown measures, so you should keep some durable food to prepare for the worst case. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2022-07-03}} China (中国; ''Zhōngguó'') is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long and rich history is present in people's thinking and values, and in the art, architecture, and feats of engineering that remain from dynasties past. After a tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries, China has dramatically re-emerged as an economic powerhouse. Its rapid development has been paralleled by an ascent onto the international stage. Of course there are growing pains when high-rises and factories surge up to dwarf centuries-old pagodas, but there's also a strong sense of enthusiasm and optimism about what the future holds. If you visit now, you can see the relics of millennia of history and experience the signs of further transformations in progress. ==Regions== China's [[Chinese provinces and regions|hierarchy of administrative divisions]] has 22 '''provinces''' (省 ''shěng'') which tend to have their own cultural identities, and 5 '''autonomous regions''' (自治区 ''zìzhìqū''), each with a designated minority ethnic group. These along with four municipalities (直辖市 ''zhíxiáshì'') make up what is known as '''mainland China'''. {{disclaimerbox|Wikivoyage covers '''[[Hong Kong]]''', '''[[Macau]]''' and '''[[Taiwan]]''' in separate articles. They have separate immigration and visa systems and issue their own currencies. Journeys between any two of them or between any of them and mainland China will involve border inspections. * '''Hong Kong''' and '''Macau''' are [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|special administrative regions]] (SARs, 特别行政区 ''tèbié xíngzhèngqū''): part of China but with distinct political systems. * '''Taiwan''' has been completely autonomous since the end of the civil war in 1949, when the victorious Communists created the People's Republic of China on the mainland, and the defeated Nationalist government was left holding only Taiwan and some outlying islands. On paper, both governments claim sovereignty over all of China including Taiwan and support eventual re-unification. Wikivoyage also covers the [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]] islands in the Taiwan article. ''This does not represent an endorsement of any political position.''}} For the purposes of Wikivoyage, these provinces are grouped into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of China.svg | regionmaptext=Regions of China | regionmapsize=500px | region1name=[[Northeast China]] | region1color=#d5dc76 | region1items=[[Liaoning]], [[Jilin]], [[Heilongjiang]] | region1description=Historically known as '''Manchuria''', the Northeast is a land of steppes, vast forests, and long snowy winters. Culturally influenced by Russia, Korea, and Japan, it contains a mix of modern cities and "rust belt" industrial towns that have become neglected. | region2name=[[North China]] | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items=[[Shandong]], [[Shanxi]], [[Inner Mongolia]], [[Henan]], [[Hebei]], [[Beijing]], [[Tianjin]] | region2description=The plains of North China around the fertile Yellow River basin were the '''cradle of Chinese civilization'''. They have been the political center of Chinese empires for millennia, and are home to the modern capital, Beijing. | region3name=[[Northwest China]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Shaanxi]], [[Gansu]], [[Ningxia]], [[Qinghai]], [[Xinjiang]] | region3description=A historical borderland, with grasslands giving way to deserts and mountains, and with the ancient Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Northwest China is home to many Muslims and ethnic minorities who at times formed independent kingdoms. | region4name=[[Southwest China]] | region4color=#4da9c4 | region4items=[[Tibet]], [[Sichuan]], [[Chongqing (municipality)|Chongqing]], [[Yunnan]], [[Guizhou]] | region4description=Minority peoples, spectacular scenery, and backpacker havens. | region5name=[[South-central China]] | region5color=#a78379 | region5items=[[Anhui]], [[Hubei]], [[Hunan]], [[Jiangxi]] | region5description=Yangtze River Basin area, farms, mountains, river gorges, temperate and sub-tropical forests. | region6name=[[South China]] | region6color=#ffd0d0 | region6items=[[Guangdong]], [[Guangxi]], [[Hainan]] | region6description=Traditional trading center, manufacturing and tech powerhouse. | region7name=[[East China]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=[[Jiangsu]], [[Shanghai]], [[Zhejiang]], [[Fujian]] | region7description=The "land of fish and rice", traditional water towns, and China's new cosmopolitan economic center. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Northeast China]]|wikidata=Q43934,Q45208,Q19206}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[North China]]|wikidata=Q43407,Q46913,Q41079,Q43684,Q21208,Q956,Q11736}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Northwest China]]|wikidata=Q47974,Q42392,Q57448,Q45833,Q34800}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Southwest China]]|wikidata=Q17269,Q43194,Q47097,Q19770,Q11725}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a78379|title=[[South-central China]]|wikidata=Q40956,Q46862,Q45761,Q57052}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffd0d0|title=[[South China]]|wikidata=Q15175,Q42200,Q15176}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[East China]]|wikidata=Q16963,Q8686,Q16967,Q41705}} ==Cities== <!--{{Mapframe|37.6|104.2|height=550|width=700|zoom=4}}--> [[File:Gateofheavenlypeace.JPG|thumb|Tiananmen, [[Beijing]]]] Here are nine of China's most interesting cities for travelers. Others are listed in region articles. <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Beijing]]|wikidata=Q956}} (北京) — the capital, cultural center, and home of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and other important historical sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Chengdu]]|lat=30.657|long=104.066}} (成都) — capital of [[Sichuan]] province, known for tingly-spicy food, and home of the giant pandas * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Guangzhou]]|wikidata=Q16572}} (广州) — one of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south, near [[Hong Kong]], and main center of Cantonese culture [[File:漓江山水.jpg|thumb|Li River near [[Guilin]]]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hangzhou]]|wikidata=Q4970}} (杭州) — built around West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and southern terminus of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Harbin]]|wikidata=Q42956}} (哈尔滨) — capital of [[Heilongjiang]], which hosts the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during its bitterly cold winters * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kashgar]]|wikidata=Q170521}} (Chinese: 喀什, Uyghur: قەشقەر) — center of Uyghur culture, with a beautiful and well-preserved old town, and the famous Id Kah Mosque * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nanjing]]|wikidata=Q16666}} (南京) — the capital during the early Ming Dynasty and Republic of China era, a renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Shanghai]]|wikidata=Q8686}} (上海) — China's largest city, famous for its riverside cityscape, a major commercial center with many shopping opportunities * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Xi'an]]|wikidata=Q5826}} (西安) — the oldest city and ancient capital of China, terminus of the ancient [[Silk Road]], and home of the terracotta warriors <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> You can travel to many of these cities using the new [[High-speed rail in China|fast trains]]. In particular, the Hangzhou - Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing line is a convenient way to see these historic areas. ==Other destinations== Some of the most famous tourist attractions in China are: * {{marker|name=[[Great Wall of China]]|wikidata=Q12501}} (万里长城) — longer than 8,000&nbsp;km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China * {{marker|name=[[Hainan]]|wikidata=Q42200}} (海南) — a tropical paradise island undergoing heavy tourism-oriented development * {{marker|name=[[Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q4111}} (九寨沟) — known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes and as the home of the giant pandas * {{marker|name=[[Leshan]]|wikidata=Q426868|image=Leshan DaF0 Grand Buddha.JPG}} — most famous for its huge riverside cliff-carving of Buddha and nearby [[Mount Emei]] * {{marker|name=[[Qomolangma|Mount Everest]]|wikidata=Q3457459}} — straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, this is the world's highest mountain * {{marker|name=[[Mount Tai]]|wikidata=Q216059}} (泰山 Tài Shān) — one of the five sacred Taoist mountains in China, and the most-climbed mountain in China * {{marker|name=[[Tibet]]|wikidata=Q17269}} (西藏) — with a majority of Tibetan Buddhists and traditional Tibetan culture, it feels like an entirely different world * {{marker|name=[[Yungang Grottoes]]|lat=40.11143|long=113.13233}} (云冈石窟) — these mountain-side caves and recesses number more than 50, and are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues * {{marker|name=[[Guilin]] karst|lat=25.2667|long=110.2833}} (桂林) — sensational mountain landscapes that have long been the subject of Chinese paintings China has over 40 sites on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List#China|UNESCO World Heritage List]]. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationPRChina.svg}} China is one of the major civilizations in this world, and for many centuries stood out as a leading nation with technologies that the West was not able to match until the early modern period. Paper and gunpowder are examples of Chinese inventions that are still widely used today. As the dominant power in the region for much of its history, China exported much of its culture to neighboring [[Vietnam]], [[Korea]] and [[Japan]], and Chinese influences can still be seen in the cultures of these countries. Chinese civilization has endured millennia of tumultuous upheaval and revolutions, golden ages and periods of anarchy. Through the economic boom initiated by the reforms since the 1980s, China has returned to its place as a major political and economic world power, buoyed by its large and industrious population. The depth and complexity of the Chinese civilization, with its rich heritage, has fascinated Westerners such as [[Marco Polo]] and Gottfried Leibniz in centuries past, and will continue to excite — and bewilder — the traveler today. In Chinese, China is ''zhōng guó'', literally "central state" but often translated more poetically as "Middle Kingdom". People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). ===History=== : ''See [[Imperial China]] for more information on pre-revolutionary China.'' ====Ancient China==== According to legend, the origin of the Chinese civilization can be traced to the '''Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors''' (三皇五帝), though they are regarded as mythical figures by most modern historians. The recorded history of Chinese civilization can be traced back to the [[Along the Yellow River|Yellow River]] valley, said to be the "cradle of Chinese civilization". The '''Xia Dynasty''' (夏朝, c.2070 BC- c.1600 BC) was the first dynasty to be described in ancient historical chronicles, though to date, no indisputable proof of its existence has been found. Some archaeologists have linked the [[Erlitou]] settlements to the Xia dynasty, but this is a controversial position. [[File:Statue of Lao Tzu in Quanzhou.jpg|thumb|Statue of Laozi in [[Quanzhou]]]] The '''Shang Dynasty''' (商朝, c.1600 BC- 1046 BC), China's first archaeologically confirmed dynasty, only ruled across the Yellow River basin. There were other Bronze Age civilisations in what is now China at about the same time, at least the [[Liangzhu Culture]] in the lower [[Along the Yangtze River|Yangtze]] region around [[Lake Tai]] and one further up that river in [[Sichuan]] whose main archeological site is at [[Sanxingdui]]. The Shang were succeeded by the '''Zhou Dynasty''' (周朝, 1046 BC- 256 BC), who expanded their empire southward into the Yangtze river basin. The Zhou adopted feudalism as their system of government; feudal lords ruled over their respective territories with a high degree of autonomy, even maintaining their own armies, while at the same time paying tribute to the king and recognizing him as the symbolic ruler of China. During the second half of the Zhou period, China descended into centuries of political turmoil, with the feudal lords of numerous small fiefdoms vying for power during the '''Spring and Autumn Period''' (春秋时代, 770 BC- 476 BC), and later stabilized into seven large states in the '''Warring States period''' (战国时代, 475 BC- 221 BC). This tumultuous period gave birth to China's greatest thinkers including Confucius, Mencius and Laozi (also spelt Lao-Tzu), who made substantial contributions to Chinese thought and culture, as well as the military strategist Sun Tzu, whose ''Art of War'' is studied to this day. ====Imperial China==== {{See also|On the trail of Marco Polo}} China was unified in 221 BC under Qin Shi Huang, "First Emperor of Qin". His '''Qin Dynasty''' (秦朝, 221 BC—206 BC) instituted a centralized system of government for China, and standardized weights and measures, Chinese characters and currency to create unity. The '''Han Dynasty''' (汉朝, 206 BC—220 AD) took over in 206 BC after a period of revolt and civil war, ushering in the first golden age of Chinese civilization. To this day the majority Chinese race use the term "Han" to describe themselves, and Chinese characters continue to be called "Han characters" (汉字 ''hànzì'') in Chinese. The Han Dynasty presided over the beginning of the [[Silk Road]], and the invention of paper. The empire was also expanded further southward, incorporating what is today Fujian, Guangdong and northern Vietnam. The collapse of the Han Dynasty in AD 220 led to a period of political turmoil and war known as '''the Three Kingdoms Period''' (三国时期, 220—280), which China split into the three separate states of '''Wei''' (魏, 220-265), '''Shu''' (蜀, 221—263) and '''Wu''' (吴, 222—280). The '''Jin Dynasty''' (晋朝, 265—420) reunified China in AD 280, though the reunification was short-lived, and China would rapidly descend into civil war and division again. From AD 420 to 589, China was divided into two parts, '''the Southern and Northern dynasties''' (南北朝). The '''Sui Dynasty''' (隋朝, 581—618) reunified China in 581. Sui were famous for major public works projects, such as the engineering feat of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]], which gradually developed into the Canal linking Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. Certain sections of the canal are still navigable today. [[File:Great Wall of China (I) (7183821235).jpg|thumb|The Great Wall]] In 618 AD, the Sui were supplanted by the '''Tang Dynasty''' (唐朝, 618- 907), ushering in the second golden age of Chinese civilization, marked by a flowering of Chinese poetry, the rise of Buddhism and statecraft. After the collapse of the Tang Dynasty in AD 907, China was divided again, until it was reunified under the '''Song Dynasty''' (宋朝, 960—1279) in AD 960. In 1127, the Song were driven south of the Huai river by the Jurchens, where they continued to rule as the Southern Song based in Linan (临安 ''Lín'ān'', modern-day Hangzhou). Although militarily weak, the Song attained a high level of commercial and economic development that would be unmatched in the West until the [[Industrial Revolution]]. The '''Yuan Dynasty''' (元朝, 1271—1368, one of the four divisions of the [[Mongol Empire]]) defeated the Jurchens, then conquered the Song in 1279, and ruled the vast empire from Khanbaliq (大都 ''Dàdū'', modern-day Beijing). After defeating the Mongols, the '''Ming dynasty''' (明朝, 1368—1644) re-instituted rule by ethnic Han. The Ming period was noted for trade and exploration, with [[Voyages of Zheng He|Zheng He's numerous voyages]] to [[Southeast Asia]], [[India]] and the [[Middle East|Arab world]], even reaching the eastern coast of [[Africa]]; see [[Maritime Silk Road]]. Famous buildings in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, were built in this period. The last imperial dynasty, the '''Qing dynasty''' (清朝, 1644—1911), were ethnic Manchus who further expanded the Chinese empire to roughly its current boundaries by incorporating the western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet. The Qing dynasty fell into decay in the 19th century and China was often described as the "sick man of Asia" (東亞病夫/东亚病夫). It was nibbled apart by the Western powers and Japan, a period dubbed by the Chinese as the "Century of Humiliation". The Westerners and Japanese established their own treaty ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin. China lost several territories to foreign powers, including Hong Kong to Britain, and Taiwan to Japan, and it lost control of its tributaries, Vietnam, Korea and the Ryukyu Islands. This is also the period where the stereotypical appearance of Chinese people, such as pigtails, Manchu hairstyles, and ''magua'' (a kind of Manchu clothing) got rooted in other foreign countries due to a surge of foreign communications since the sea ban. The turmoil during the end of the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China-era led to the emigration of many Chinese, who established overseas Chinese communities in many other parts of the world. Most overseas Chinese who emigrated before World War II were from [[Fujian]], [[Guangdong]] or [[Hainan]], making those provinces the natural places to go if you want to explore the [[legacy of the Overseas Chinese]]. ====The Republic and World War II==== {{see also|Chinese Revolutionary Destinations|Pacific War|Long March}} The 2000-year-old imperial system collapsed in 1911, when Sun Yat-Sen founded the '''Republic of China'''. Central rule collapsed in 1916 after Yuan Shih-kai, the second president of the Republic and self-declared emperor, passed away; China descended into anarchy, with warlords ruling over different regions of China and fighting wars with each other. In 1919, student protests in Beijing over the perceived unfavorable terms of the Treaty of Versailles (since China had participated in [[World War I]] as part of the Allies) gave birth to the "May Fourth Movement", which espoused reforms to Chinese society, such as the use of the vernacular in writing, and the development of science and democracy. The intellectual ferment of the movement gave birth to the reorganized '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) in 1919 and the '''Chinese Communist Party''' (CCP), in 1921. It also laid the foundation for the establishment of Standard Mandarin as the first standard spoken form of Chinese for the entire country. After much of eastern China was united under KMT rule in 1928, the CCP and the KMT turned on each other, and the CCP fled to Yan'an in Shaanxi in the epic [[Long March]]. Although Shanghai became one of the most prosperous cities in East Asia during the 1920s and 30s, underlying problems throughout the vast countryside, particularly the more inland parts of the country, such as civil unrest, extreme poverty, famines and warlord conflict, remained. Japan established a puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria in 1931, and launched a full-scale invasion of China's heartland in 1937. The Japanese implemented a brutal system of rule in Eastern China, culminating in the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. After fleeing west to Chongqing, the KMT signed a tenuous agreement with the CCP to form a united front against the Japanese. With the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II in 1945, the KMT and CCP armies maneuvered for positions in north China, setting the stage for the civil war. The civil war lasted from 1945 to 1949. The Kuomintang were defeated and forced to flee to Taiwan where they hoped to re-establish themselves and recapture the mainland someday. ==== A Red China==== [[File:·˙·ChinaUli2010·.· Beijing - Entrance of the Forbidden Town - panoramio.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the Imperial City nowadays features a Mao picture and red flags]] On 1 Oct 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the '''People's Republic of China''' (中华人民共和国). After an initial period closely hewing to the Soviet model of heavy industrialization and comprehensive central economic planning, China began to experiment with adapting Marxism to a largely agrarian society. Massive social experiments rocked China from 1957 to 1976. The Great Leap Forward aimed to collectivize and industrialize China quickly. The Cultural Revolution aimed to change everything by discipline, destruction of the "Four Olds" (customs, culture, habits, ideas), and total dedication to Mao Zedong Thought. The Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution are generally considered disastrous failures in China that caused the deaths of tens of millions of people. The effects of the Cultural Revolution in particular can still be felt: many elements of traditional Chinese culture and folk beliefs continue to thrive in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, but have largely disappeared in mainland China. Mao died in 1976, and in 1978, Deng Xiaoping became China's paramount leader. Deng and his lieutenants gradually introduced market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision making. One of the innovations was the creation of [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Development_zones|Special Economic Zones]] with tax breaks and other government measures to encourage investment and development; these still exist and are quite prosperous. China's miraculous growth since 1978 has been an extraordinary achievement. Significant problems remain, however, including inflation, regional income inequality, human rights abuses, major environmental issues, rural poverty, and ethnic conflict in Xinjiang and Tibet. In particular, blatant corruption was a major cause of large scale political movements in 1989, which in turn resulted in the bloody suppression of protesters in urban [[Beijing]], often known as the '''Tiananmen Massacre'''. The incident is still a sensitive and highly censored topic in China. Hu Jintao, who was paramount leader from around 2002 to 2012, proclaimed a policy for a "Harmonious Society", which promised to restore balanced economic growth and channel investment and prosperity into China's central and western provinces. China has developed economically at a breakneck speed since the 1990s, and overtook [[Japan]] to become the world's second largest economy after the [[United States]] in 2010, cementing its place again as a major political, military and economic world power. China has also expanded its international clout and become a major source of foreign investment, particularly in the less developed countries of [[Asia]], [[Africa]] and increasingly in [[Latin America]] and the [[Caribbean]] as well. President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, which attempts to expand international trading networks through Chinese investment in transportation infrastructure. It largely follows the route of the old [[Silk Road]]. While Xi's administration is often criticized for being more dictatorial than previous ones, China's international influence has also expanded considerably under him, and blatant corruption has been significantly reduced. Moreover, many poorer areas in western China that had largely been left behind by the economic boom are now beginning to see more government investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation. China is now an upper middle income country. Two former colonies, [[Hong Kong]] (British) and [[Macau]] (Portuguese), rejoined China in 1997 and 1999 respectively. They are [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|Special Administrative Regions]] (SARs), run differently under the slogan "One country, two systems". This article does not cover them because for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries with their own visas, currencies, and laws. ===Government and politics=== {{see also|Chinese provinces and regions}} China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The "paramount leader" is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, who holds several other offices including ceremonial President. The State Council forms the executive branch; the next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. China largely follows a centralized system of government, and is administratively divided into 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 directly controlled municipalities. Provincial governments have limited powers in their internal and economic affairs. Autonomous regions have more legal freedom than provinces, such as the right to declare additional official languages besides Mandarin. Directly controlled municipalities are cities that are not part of any province, and instead report directly to the central government in Beijing. Often having different names, prefectures ((地级)市/自治州/地区), counties (县/(县级)市/区) and townships (乡/镇/街道) are subordinated under provinces. The Special Administrative Regions (SAR), [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], in principle run themselves as separate jurisdictions, with only foreign policy and defense being controlled by Beijing, though in practice this autonomy is restricted. There is an active independence movement in Hong Kong, but the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020 has largely driven the movement underground. The PRC considers [[Taiwan]] to be one of its provinces, but Taiwan's government (the Republic of China) has been completely separate from the mainland Chinese one since 1949. Both governments on paper continue to claim to be the sole legitimate government for all of China. There is significant support for formal independence in Taiwan, but China's government has repeatedly threatened to launch a military attack on Taiwan if the island declares itself independent. See [[Chinese provinces and regions]] for more detail. ===People and customs=== With 1.4 billion inhabitants, China is home to nearly a fifth of the world's population and is the most populous country in the world. It is a diverse place with large variations in culture, language, customs and economic levels from region to region, and often strong distinct cultural and regional identities as well. The economic landscape is particularly diverse. The major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai are modern and comparatively wealthy. However, about 50% of Chinese still live in rural areas even though only 10% of China's land is arable. Hundreds of millions of rural residents still farm with manual labor or draft animals. Some 200 to 300 million former peasants have migrated to townships and cities in search of work. Poverty has been reduced dramatically, but towards the end of 2016, China still had 43 million people under the official poverty line of ¥2,300 (about US$334) in annual income. At the other end of the spectrum, the wealthy continue to accumulate real estate and other assets at an unprecedented rate. Generally the southern and eastern coastal regions are more wealthy, while inland areas, the far west and north, and the south-west are much less developed. The cultural landscape is also very diverse. Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group, comprising over 90% of the population, but they are not culturally homogeneous, and speak a wide variety of mutually unintelligible dialects and languages. Many customs and deities are specific to individual regions and even villages. Celebrations for the Lunar New Year and other national festivals vary dramatically from region to region. Customs related to the celebration of important occasions such as weddings, funerals and births also vary widely. The Cultural Revolution wiped out much of traditional Chinese culture and religion, and while they still survive to some extent, many of the traditions of old are better preserved in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and overseas Chinese communities than in mainland China. In general, contemporary urban Chinese society is secular, and traditional culture is more of an underlying current in everyday life. That said, there has been a cultural revival in the 21st century, largely spearheaded by young middle class Chinese, who are now using social media to promote various aspects of their traditional cultures. The other 10% of the population are 55 recognized ethnic minorities — the largest of which are the Zhuang, Manchu, Hui and Miao (Hmong) — which each have their own unique cultures and languages. Other notable ethnic minorities include Koreans, Tibetans, Mongols, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Russians. China is home to the largest Korean population outside Korea, and is home to more ethnic Mongols than is [[Mongolia]]. Many minorities have been assimilated to various degrees, losing their language and customs or fusing with Han traditions, although Tibetans and Uyghurs in China remain fiercely defensive of their cultures. In some areas, some ethnic minorities, such as the Mongols, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Tibetans, continue to maintain their traditional nomadic way of life, though that is changing as the younger generation gets better access to education and moves to the cities for higher-paying jobs, and even those who preserve the nomadic lifestyle often adopt numerous modern conveniences, such as replacing their horses with motorcycles. ====Lucky numbers==== Many Chinese people like homophones, and several numerals are considered auspicious or inauspicious based on rhymes with other Chinese words. '''"Six"''' is a good number for business, sounding like "slick" or "smooth" in Mandarin, and "good fortune" or "happiness" in Cantonese. '''"Eight"''' sounds so close to the word for "prosper" that it's widely considered auspicious. '''"Nine"''' used to be associated with the Emperor, and also sounds like "long lasting". Meanwhile, '''"four"''' is a taboo for most Chinese because the pronunciation in Mandarin, Cantonese and most other Chinese dialects is close to "death"; some buildings skip floors and room numbers that contain 4s. ===Climate and terrain=== [[File:Sanya Dongtian Park - panoramio (10).jpg|thumb|[[Hainan]] is a popular destination in tropical China]] The climate is extremely diverse, from tropical regions in the south to subarctic in the north. [[Hainan]] Island is roughly at the same latitude as Jamaica, while [[Harbin]], one of the largest cities in the north, is at roughly the latitude of Montreal and has the climate to match. North China has four distinct seasons with intensely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Southern China tends to be milder and wetter. The further north and west you travel, the drier the climate. Once you leave eastern China and enter the majestic Tibetan highlands or the vast steppes and deserts of Gansu, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, distances are vast and the land is harsh. During the communist planned economy era, uniform rules required that buildings in areas north of the Yangtze River get heat in the winter, but anything south of it would not &mdash; this meant buildings were unheated in places like Shanghai and Nanjing, which routinely have temperatures below freezing in winter. The rule was relaxed long ago, but the effects are still visible. In general, Chinese use less heating and less building insulation, and wear more warm clothing, than Westerners in comparable climates. In schools, apartments and office buildings, even if the rooms are heated, the corridors are not. Double-glazing is quite rare. Students and teachers wear winter jackets in class, and long underwear is common. Air-conditioning is increasingly common but is similarly not used in corridors and is often used with the windows and doors open. China has many inland mountain ranges, high plateaus, and deserts in the center and the far west; plains, deltas, and hills dominate the east. The [[Pearl River Delta]] region around Guangzhou and Hong Kong and the [[Along the Yangtze river|Yangtze delta]] around Shanghai are major global economic powerhouses, as is the North China plain around Beijing and the Yellow River. On the border between Tibet (the Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal lies Mount [[Everest]], at 8,850&nbsp;m, the highest point on earth. The [[Turpan]] depression, in northwest China's Xinjiang is the lowest point in China at 154&nbsp;m below sea level, which is the second-lowest point in the world after the [[Dead Sea]]. ===Units of measure=== China's official system of measurement is metric, but you will sometimes hear the traditional Chinese system of measurements in colloquial usage. The one you are most likely to come across in everyday use is the unit of mass ''jīn'' (斤), nowadays equal to 0.5&nbsp;kg in mainland China. Most Chinese will quote their weight in ''jīn'' if asked, and food prices in markets are often quoted per ''jīn''. ===Holidays=== {{CNYdates}} China observes two week-long holidays during the year, called '''[[Golden Week holidays in China|Golden Weeks]]'''. During these weeks, around '''Chinese New Year''' (late January to mid-February) and '''National Day''' (1 October), hundreds of millions of migrant workers return home and millions of other Chinese travel within the country (but many in the service sector stay behind, enjoying extra pay). Try to avoid being on the road, on the rails, or in the air during the major holidays. If you do have to travel the, plan well in advance, especially for transportation and for travel from western China or the east coast. Every mode of transportation is extremely crowded; tickets are very hard to come by, and will cost you a lot more. Air tickets sell out more slowly because of the higher prices. The Chinese New Year period is the largest annual migration of people on Earth. [[File:New Year Scene.jpg|thumb|Chinese New Year]] China has seven national holidays: * '''New Year''' (元旦 ''Yuándàn'') — 1 January * '''Spring Festival''' (春节 ''Chūn Jié''), a.k.a. '''Chinese New Year''' — 1st day of the 1st lunar month, late January to mid-February (1 February in 2022) * '''Tomb-Sweeping Day''' (清明节 ''Qīngmíng Jié'') — 15th day from the Spring Equinox, 4 to 6 April (5 April in 2022). Cemeteries are crowded with people who go to sweep the tombs of their ancestors and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to cemeteries can be very heavy. * '''Labor Day''' (劳动节 ''Láodòng Jié'') — 1 May * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午节 ''Duānwǔ Jié'') — 5th day of the 5th lunar month, late May to June (3 June in 2022). Boat races and eating rice dumplings (粽子 zòngzi, steamed pouches of sticky rice) are a traditional part of the celebration. * '''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (中秋节 ''Zhōngqiū Jié''） — 15th day of the 8th lunar month, September to early October (10 September in 2022). Also called the "Mooncake Festival" after its signature treat, mooncakes (月饼 ''yuèbǐng''). People meet outside, put food on the tables and look up at the full harvest moon. * '''National Day''' (国庆节 ''Guóqìng Jié'') — 1 October Known as the '''Golden Weeks''', Chinese New Year and National Day holidays span multiple days; nearly all workers get at least a week for Chinese New Year and some of them get two or three. For many working Chinese, these are the only times of the year they get to travel. Students get four to six weeks of holiday. Chinese New Year is a traditional time to visit family, and the entire country pretty well shuts down. Many stores and other businesses will close from a few days to a week or longer. In early July, around 20 million university students will return home and then in late August they will return to school. Roads, railways and planes very busy at these times. Many areas or ethnic minorities have their own festivals. See listings for individual towns for details. Here are some other nationally important festivals: * '''Lantern Festival''' (元宵节 ''Yuánxiāo Jié'' or 上元节 ''Shàngyuán Jié'') — 15th day of the 1st lunar month, traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year, February to early March (15 February in 2022). In some cities, such as Quanzhou, this is a big festival with elaborate lanterns all over town. * '''Double Seventh Day''' (七夕 ''Qīxī'') — 7th day of the 7th lunar month, usually August (4 August in 2022). This romantic holiday is similar to Valentine's Day. * '''Double Ninth Festival''' or Chongyang Festival (重阳节 ''Chóngyáng Jié'') — 9th day of the 9th lunar month, usually October (4 October in 2022) * '''Winter Solstice''' (冬至 ''Dōngzhì'') — 21 to 23 December (22 December in 2022) Some Western festivals are noticeable, at least in major cities. Around Christmas, one hears carols &mdash; some in English, some in Chinese, and one from Hong Kong that goes "Lonely, lonely Christmas". Some stores are decorated and many shop assistants wear red and white elf hats. Chinese Christians celebrate services and masses at officially sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches as well. For Valentine's Day, many restaurants offer special meals. Around the longer holidays (especially the two Golden Weeks and sometimes Labor Day), surrounding weekends may be rearranged to make the holiday longer. This means that around major holidays, places may be closed when they're usually open or open when they would usually be closed. ===Time zones=== Despite geographically spanning five time zones, all of China officially follows Beijing Time (UTC+8). However, in the restive province of Xinjiang, while the official time is Beijing Time, some ethnic Uyghurs use the UTC+6 time zone as a sign of defiance against Beijing. ===Read=== * ''Wild Swans'' by Jung Chang (''{{ISBN|0007176155}}'') - a biography of three generations, from the warlord days to the end of Mao's era, illustrating life under China's version of nationalism and communism. This book is banned in China. *''The Search for Modern China'' by Jonathan Spence - a standard history book on modern China from the late Ming to the current period. {{topicsin|China|0}} ==Talk== {{see also|Chinese phrasebook}} [[Image:Map of sinitic languages-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Map of Chinese dialects]] The official language of China is '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Standard Mandarin]]''', known in Chinese as ''Pǔtōnghuà'' (普通话, "common speech"), which is based on the Beijing dialect; Chinese in general is known as ''Zhōngwén'' (中文). Standard Mandarin is the main language for government and media, as well as the national lingua franca. While the official language is standardized, local pronunciation of Mandarin does vary by region. Unless otherwise noted, all terms, spellings and pronunciations in this guide are in Standard Mandarin. While national media is broadcast in Mandarin, each area often has its own local media that broadcasts in the local language. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. However, since the 1950s mainland China has used '''simplified characters''', such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>, in an attempt to eradicate illiteracy. Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and many overseas Chinese still use the traditional characters, which are also sometimes used on the mainland as an aesthetic choice. As a result, a word like "bank" will be written <span lang="zh-Hant">銀行</span> as often as <span lang="zh-Hans">银行</span>. The simplification was fairly systematic, and you may deduce at least some of the simplifications on your own just from seeing them frequently. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". The standard way of romanizing Mandarin is '''pinyin''' (汉语拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn''). It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). Mandarin is also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the country, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects''', of which Standard Mandarin is just one. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and can't carry on a conversation with each other. However, thanks to heavy emphasis in the education system, most people can comfortably carry on a conversation in Standard Mandarin, though sometimes with a strong accent. In some areas, younger people are more likely to speak Mandarin than dialects, due to previous education policies that prohibited the use of dialects in school. A variety of (mainly northern) dialects closely related to the standard are classified as Mandarin and account for the majority of China's population. Other large groups of dialects include '''[[Wu phrasebook|Wu]]''' (spoken in Shanghai, Zhejiang and southern [[Jiangsu]]) and '''Yue''' (Guangdong), which includes '''[[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]''' (spoken in much of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau). The '''Min''' (Fujian) group includes '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]]''' (Hokkien, spoken in [[South Fujian]] and in Taiwan), '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Fuzhou dialect]]''' (Foochow or Hokchiu, spoken around [[Fuzhou]]), '''[[Teochew phrasebook|Teochew]]''' (Chiuchow, spoken in [[Chaoshan]]) and '''[[Hainanese phrasebook|Hainanese]]''' (spoken in the island province [[Hainan]]). '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''' is spoken in several parts of southern China but is more related to northern dialects. Like Mandarin, these are all tonal languages. Most Chinese are bilingual or even trilingual, speaking Mandarin as well as regional or local dialects. Some who are older or less educated may speak only the local dialect. While you can easily get by in most of China speaking Mandarin, learning a bit of the local dialect is always appreciated, and may get you preferential treatment in shops and restaurants. Besides dialects of Chinese, various regions also have ethnic minority languages. The west has '''Turkic languages''' such as [[Uyghur phrasebook|Uyghur]], [[Kyrgyz phrasebook|Kyrgyz]], and [[Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh]] as well as other languages such as '''[[Tibetan phrasebook|Tibetan]]'''; the north and northeast has [[Manchu phrasebook|Manchu]], [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]], and [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]; the south has many other ethnic minorities who speak their own languages. However, except for some older folks, Mandarin is generally usable in these regions and many people are bilingual. In areas with large ethnic minority populations, the relevant ethnic minority language is sometimes co-official with Mandarin, and you may see bilingual road signs. '''Chinese Sign Language''' (CSL or ZGS, 中国手语 ''Zhōngguó Shǒuyǔ'') is the dominant sign language. There is an official version of CSL standardized by the government. There are also two regional dialects, Southern (from Shanghai) and Northern (from Beijing); these and official CSL are largely mutually intelligible. CSL is not mutually intelligible with Hong Kong, Taiwanese, or Malaysian Sign Languages, nor with any others. '''Tibetan Sign Language''' (藏语手语 ''Zàng yǔ shǒuyǔ'') is an independent sign language used in Tibet, not mutually intelligible with any others; it too is standardized by the government based on existing regional sign languages. ===English=== Chinese students study English from primary school to high school, and are required to pass an English test in order to graduate from university. However, the focus is mainly on formal grammar and writing, with less emphasis on reading, and even less on speaking or listening. While knowledge of basic words and phrases such as "hello," "thank you", "OK" and "bye-bye" appears nearly universal, the ability to participate in an English conversation can be limited. It's generally rare to find locals conversant in English. Staff at airports, hotels, and popular tourist attractions can sometimes speak basic to conversational English. As China's tourism industry primarily caters to the domestic market, outside major international tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, even staff at tourist attractions may not be conversant in English. When [[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|using English]], '''simplify and speak slowly'''. Chinese grammar is very different from English, as verbs, pronouns, and other words essentially don't inflect at all. Although it sounds abrupt in English, simple declarative sentences like "Give me two beers" are quite similar to Chinese, and thus more readily understood than roundabout constructions like "Could we have a pair of beers please?". [[File:Shenzhen River chinglish warning sign.JPG|thumb|A typical "Chinglish" sign]] While English signage or menus are increasingly widespread in China, especially at or near tourist attractions, they are often written in incorrect English. Such signage can be difficult to read, but as "Chinglish" follows certain rules, it can usually be deciphered. Oftentimes, translations are simply a word-by-word equivalent of a Chinese expression which, like a word puzzle, can sometimes be pieced together with some thought, but in other cases may be utterly baffling. Many places have '''English Corner''', informal gatherings for [[Teaching English|practicing oral English]], which can be a good way to meet locals. They're often held at schools and colleges on Friday afternoons, and on Sundays in public parks, English schools, and bookstores, and universities. Topics often include cultural activities like holidays and festivals from English speaking countries, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, these have been progressively disappearing over the past decade due to the prolific rise of language exchange over the internet in China, and have all but disappeared in smaller cities. ===Other foreign languages=== Although not as widespread as English, there are some foreign languages that are of use in China. [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]] is spoken as a native language by the ethnic Korean minority in the north east of the country, while [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]] is the native language of the ethnic Mongol community in Inner Mongolia. [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] is spoken by some professionals in international businesses. [[German phrasebook|German]] is a popular language for engineering professionals. Some people in border areas and some older people are able to speak [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. [[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]] is commonly studied among Muslim communities. ==Get in== {{COVID-19 box| Entry is denied to most travelers, but foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits, including work permits or permits for family reunion and personal matters, may be allowed to enter. The requirements are complicated and vary depending on what country you're coming from, any countries you transit in, your city of entry to China, and your destination city. Contact your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for specific information. All passengers flying into China must obtain a health code through the Health Code International Version program on WeChat. The program may be hard to use if you don't have a Chinese ID number and mobile phone number; you might need to ask a Chinese citizen to help you complete the form. Make sure you get a health code for both your entry point city and your final destination in China. You'll need a COVID-19 negative certificate, which may need to be in English and notarized by a Chinese embassy. And you may also need an antibody test and/or proof of vaccination. Rules are less strict for travellers from Hong Kong and Macau, who just need to show a negative Covid-19 test result. On arrival, you will be subject to a strict mandatory quarantine for 14 or 21 days (or even longer), at your own expense, and will be tested for COVID multiple times, possibly including oral, nasal, and anal swabs. Food is provided in quarantine but may not be to your liking, though vegetarian options are reportedly available. Make sure you have a Chinese SIM card, as you may need it to use the health apps – if you don't have one you may be able to get it delivered to your quarantine hotel. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2021-12-03}} ===Visas=== {{infobox|Visa policy overview|China offers the following visas to citizens of most countries: * '''L visa''' - tourism, family visits * '''F visa''' - business trips, internships, short study * '''Z visa''' - working, 30 days during which you should get a residence permit * '''X visa''' - study more than six months * '''S1 visa''' - dependent family members of a Z (work) visa * '''Q1 / Q2 visa''' - for expats married to a Chinese citizen or green card holder * '''G visa''' - transit A few nationalities are exempted from needing to obtain a visa before traveling to China for certain durations. You can contact your nearest [http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/ Chinese embassy or consulate] for more details. }} [[File:Visa policy of China.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa requirements for visitors to China. Green, blue and purple countries can have visa free travel, while all other countries need a visa.]] Most travelers will need a visa (签证 ''qiānzhèng'') to visit mainland China. In most cases, it should be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Visas for [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]] may be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate, but they must be applied for separately from the mainland Chinese visa; there is no visa that serves both mainland China and either of those areas. A single-entry mainland China visa is terminated if you go to Hong Kong or Macau, so ensure that you have a multiple entry visa if you plan to return to mainland China. You must submit your fingerprints during the visa application process. Children under 14, and senior citizens over 70 are excepted. Your fingerprints may also be taken when you enter China. 30-day single- or double-entry visas for the mainland can sometimes be acquired in Hong Kong or Macau. You can generally fly from overseas to Hong Kong and spend a few days there to get a visa for the mainland. This is supposed to be available only to residents of Hong Kong or Macau. Exceptions are often made but they vary over time, and are not reliable. Macau's visa office is less crowded and the hotels are a bit cheaper, but it takes just as long. In general, only single- and double-entry visas are granted to visitors without Hong Kong ID cards, although foreigners with previous entries into the mainland and Hong Kong student or work visa holders have been known to be approved for multiple entries. Many Hong Kong travel agencies (such as China Travel Service) offer a faster visa turnaround service for a fee. In addition, a travel agency has some capacity to negotiate on the length of your visa. You might apply for a one-year visa and have that rejected; however, they may well be able to get a 6-month visa for you instead. Visas are sometimes denied to travelers with passport stamps from Turkey and nearby Middle Eastern countries; see [[Visa trouble#China]] for more information. '''Visa-free travel''': Nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Japan]], and [[Singapore]] can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days; nationals of [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belarus]], [[Fiji]], [[Grenada]], [[Qatar]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Tonga]], and [[United Arab Emirates]] for up to 30 days; nationals of [[Mauritius]] for up to 60 days; and nationals of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Ecuador]], and [[San Marino]] for up to 90 days. (Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina can only stay 90 days within a 180-day period.) To visit mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau residents of Chinese nationality must apply at the China Travel Service, the sole authorized issuing agent, to obtain a Home Return Permit (回乡证 húixiāngzhèng), a credit card-sized ID allowing multiple entries and unlimited stay for ten years with no restrictions including on employment. Taiwanese citizens are required to obtain a Taiwan Compatriot Pass (台胞证 táibāozhèng), which is typically valid for five years, and may live in mainland China indefinitely for the duration of the permit's validity with no restrictions including on employment. Travelers should check the most up-to-date information before traveling. Chinese authorities do not recognize British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports. BNO passport holders should use appropriate travel documents (foreign passport/home return permit) to enter China. ====Transit without a visa==== [[File:Chinese Visa Waiver Programs.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa waiver program eligibility for visitors to China.]] Exceptions from visa requirements may be available for those [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/#3 transiting through some airports], to enable you to take short visits to many metropolitan regions of the country. These rules are '''dizzyingly complicated and subject to sudden changes''', so check with your airline shortly before attempting this method of entry. Citizens of the designated countries who arrive at airports in [[Beijing]], [[Chengdu]], [[Chongqing]], [[Dalian]], [[Hangzhou]], [[Kunming]], [[Nanjing]], [[Qingdao]], [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], [[Shijiazhuang]], [[Tianjin]], [[Wuhan]], [[Xiamen]], and [[Xi'an]] can stay in the city of arrival for up to 144 hours provided they depart from an airport of the same city. The onward ticket must be to a country other than the country from which their arriving flight originated and they must have the required entry documents for the third country or countries. In [[Guangdong]], this arrangement applies to the whole province. A similar policy in [[Guilin]], [[Harbin]], and [[Changsha]] allows stays of up to 72 hours. Passengers without a visa who intend to leave the transit area will typically be directed by an immigration officer to wait in an office for around 20 minutes while other officials review the passengers' onward flight documentation. For the city of '''Shanghai''' and the neighboring provinces of '''Jiangsu''' and '''Zhejiang''', visa-free entries through the airports of Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, as well as the Shanghai sea port or Shanghai Station (through train from Hong Kong), are allowed. Once admitted, passengers can go anywhere within the three province-level units, and must depart within 144 hours (6 days). [http://lawandborder.com/translation-shanghai-jiangsu-zhejiang-implement-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-certain-nationalities/ Translation: 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang]. In '''[[Hainan]]''', citizens of the UK, Canada, the US and some other European and Asian countries can travel for up to 30 days without a visa. ====Types of visas==== Getting a tourist visa is fairly easy for most passports as you don't need an invitation, which is required for business or working visas. The usual tourist single-entry visa is valid for a visit of 30 days and must be used within three months of the date of issue. A double-entry tourist visa must be used within six months of the date of issue. It is possible to secure a single, double, or multiple entry tourist visa for up to 60 days or, less commonly, 90 days for some citizens applying in their home countries. Consulates and travel agents have been known to occasionally request proof of onward travel at the time of visa application. Tourist visa extensions can be applied for at the local Entry & Exit Bureau or Public Security Bureau (公安局 ''Gōng'ānjú'') after handing in the following documents: valid passport, visa extension application form including one passport-sized photo, a copy of the Registration Form of Temporary Residence which you received from the local police station at registration. Tourist visas can be only extended once. Processing time is usually five working days and it costs ¥160. See city articles to find out the local bureau. Some travelers will need a dual entry or multiple entry visa. For example, if you enter China on a single entry visa, then go to Hong Kong or Macau, you need a new visa to re-enter mainland China. In Hong Kong, multiple entry visas are officially available only to HKID holders, but the authorities are willing to bend the rules somewhat and may approve three-month multiple entry visas for short-term Hong Kong qualified residents, including exchange students. It is recommended to apply directly with the Chinese government in this case, as some agents will be unwilling to submit such an application on your behalf. Obtaining a '''Visa on Arrival''' is possible usually only for the [[Shenzhen]] or [[Zhuhai]] Special Economic Zones, and such visas are limited to those areas. When crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen at Lo Wu railway station, and notably not at Lok Ma Chau, a five-day Shenzhen-only visa can be obtained during extended office hours on the spot. The office accepts only Chinese yuan as payment. There may be restrictions on visas for some nationalities and these vary over time. For example: * The visa fee for American nationals is [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t334452.htm US$140] (or US$110 as part of a group tour). * Indian nationals are limited to 10- or 15-day tourist visas, and have to show US$100 per day of visa validity in the form of traveler's checks. (US$1,000 and US$1,500, respectively). * Foreigners in South Korea not holding an alien registration card must travel to the Chinese consulate in [[Busan]], as the Chinese embassy in [[Seoul]] does not issue visas to non-residents in Korea. Applications must be made through an official travel agency. See [[Working in China]] for information for those who want to work in China, and their family members. One option for foreigners married to Chinese citizens is to obtain a six- to twelve-month ''visiting relatives'' (探亲 tànqīn) visa. This is a tourist (L) visa that permits individuals to remain in China continuously for the duration of their visa and does not require the visa holder to exit and re-enter China to maintain the validity of the visa. To apply for a this visa, you should first enter the country on a different visa and then apply for a ''visiting relatives'' visa at the local Public Security bureau in the city that your marriage was registered in, which is usually your Chinese spouse's hometown. Bring your marriage certificate and spouse's identification card (身份证 shēnfènzhèng). If you apply for a visa in South Korea, you will generally have to either show an Alien Registration Card showing you still have several months of residency in South Korea or show that you've received a Chinese visa within the last two years. You cannot apply to a Chinese embassy or consulate directly but must proceed through a travel agent. Generally only 30-day single entry visas are available. ====Registering your abode==== [[File:Longhai - Hotel reception - P1260519.JPG|thumb|An announcement above a hotel's reception desk lists acceptable document types (including a foreign citizen's passport, 外国人“护照”) for guest registration]] Chinese immigration law requires that hotels, guest houses and hostels register their guests with the local police when they check in. The staff will scan your passport including your visa and entry stamps. In some places, your face may be photographed. Help staff out if they do not know where the most recent stamp is —&nbsp;immigration officers are sometimes known to stamp in the wrong order. Some of the lower-end hotels are not set up for this and will refuse foreign guests. Others will accept foreign guests but ignore the registration requirement. You should avoid staying at one of these places immediately after arriving in China, lest you run into problems later, such as refusal of entry, due to not registering when you entered the country. If you are staying in a private residence, you are required to register your abode with the local police within 24 hours (city) to 72 hours (countryside) of arrival, though the law is enforced inconsistently. The police will ask for a copy of the photograph page of your passport, a copy of your visa, a copy of your immigration entry stamp, a photograph and a copy of the tenancy agreement or other document concerning the place you are staying in. That agreement might not be in your name but it will still be asked for. This Temporary Residence Permit should be carried with you at all times, especially if you are in larger cities or where control is tight. You must re-register if your visa or residence permit undergoes any changes — extensions, or changes in passport (even here, it is ideal to re-register when you get a new passport, regardless if you've transferred the visa or residence permit to the new passport). In some cities, you must re-register every time you re-enter mainland China even if your residence permit is still valid; check with your local police station to see if this is necessary. ===By plane=== {{COVID-19 box|China maintains a "circuit breaker" policy regarding flights arriving in China. Flights on a particular route may be cancelled for a period of weeks if too many passengers have tested positive. The Civil Aviation Administration of China publishes these termination orders regularly from time to time, and please contact your airline if you are affected by such orders.|lastedit=2021-11-27}} {{infobox|Transiting through Hong Kong and Macau|If arriving in Hong Kong or Macau there are ferries that can shuttle passengers straight to another destination such as Shekou or Bao'an Airport in Shenzhen, Macau Airport, Zhuhai and elsewhere without actually "entering" Hong Kong or Macau.<br>A shuttle bus takes transit passengers to the ferry terminal so their official entry point, where they clear immigration, will be the ferry destination rather than the airport. The ferries do have different hours so landing late at night may make it necessary to enter either territory to catch another bus or ferry to one's ultimate destination. For example, it would be necessary to clear immigration if going from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau via the Macau Ferry Terminal. The most recent information on the ferries to Hong Kong can be found at [http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html the Hong Kong International Airport website].}} The main international gateways to mainland China are [[Beijing]] ({{IATA|PEK}} & {{IATA|PKX}}, for all airports {{IATA|BJS}}), [[Shanghai]] ({{IATA|PVG}}) and [[Guangzhou]] ({{IATA|CAN}}). The explosive growth of commercial aviation in China has led to the proliferation of international gateways to the country. Local governments also frequently subsidize international flight routes serving their cities, so these services may be much cheaper. In particular, [[Chengdu]] ({{IATA|CTU}}), [[Chongqing]] ({{IATA|CKG}}) and [[Kunming]] ({{IATA|KMG}}) are emerging as major Chinese hubs, with flights to destinations in North America, Europe and Oceania. Airline tickets are expensive or hard to come by around Chinese New Year, the Chinese 'golden weeks' and university holidays. If you live in a city with a sizeable overseas Chinese community, check for cheap flights with someone in that community or visit travel agencies operated by Chinese. Sometimes flights advertised only in Chinese newspapers or travel agencies cost significantly less than posted fares in English. However if you go and ask, you can get the same discount price. ====Airlines==== China's carriers are growing rapidly. The three largest, and state-owned airlines are flag carrier '''[http://www.airchina.com/ Air China]''' (中国国际航空), as well as '''[http://www.ceair.com/ China Eastern Airlines]''' (中国东方航空) and '''[http://www.csair.com/ China Southern Airlines]''' (中国南方航空), based in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou respectively. Other airlines include '''[https://www.xiamenair.com/ XiamenAir]''' (厦门航空), '''[https://www.hainanairlines.com/ Hainan Airlines]''' (海南航空), '''[http://www.shenzhenair.com/ Shenzhen Airlines]''' (深圳航空) and '''[http://www.sichuanair.com/ Sichuan Airlines]''' (四川航空). [[Hong Kong]]-based [http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific] can connect from many international destinations to all the major mainland cities. Other Asian carriers with good connections into China include [http://www.singaporeair.com/ Singapore Airlines], Japan-based [http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ Japan Airlines] and [https://www.ana.co.jp/ All Nippon Airways], South Korea-based [http://www.koreanair.com Korean Air] and [http://flyasiana.com/ Asian Airlines], and Taiwan-based [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines] and [http://www.evaair.com/ EVA Air]. Many major carriers based outside Asia fly to at least one of China's main hubs &mdash; [[Beijing]] ([[Beijing Capital International Airport|Capital]] or [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Daxing]]), [[Pudong Airport|Shanghai Pudong]] and [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]] &mdash; and many go to several of those. Some, such as [http://www.klm.com/ KLM], also have flights to other less prominent Chinese cities. Check the individual city articles for details. See [[Discount airlines in Asia]] for some additional options both to reach China and to get around within it. ===By train=== China can be reached by train from many of its neighboring countries and even all the way from Europe. * '''Russia & Europe''' - two lines of the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] (Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian) run between [[Moscow]] and Beijing, stopping in various other Russian cities, and for the Trans-Mongolian, in [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia. * '''Kazakhstan & Central Asia''' - from [[Almaty]], Kazakhstan, you can travel by rail to [[Ürümqi]] in the northwestern province of Xinjiang. There are long waits at the Alashankou border crossing for customs, as well as for changing the wheelbase for the next country's track. Another, shorter, trans-border route has no direct train service; rather, you take an overnight Kazakh train from Almaty to Altynkol, cross the border to Khorgos, and then take an overnight Chinese train from Khorgos (or the nearby [[Yining]]) to Urumqi. There is also direct train service between Ürümqi and [[Astana]] (via Khorgos). ([http://news.huochepiao.com/2017-6/2017621404433.htm Details], in Chinese) * '''Hong Kong''' - regular services link mainland China with [[Hong Kong]]. A [[high speed rail]] link was completed in 2018. * '''Vietnam''' - from Hanoi Gia Lam Station to Nanning in Guangxi province, via the Friendship Pass. You can take a train from Hanoi to [[Lao Cai]], walk or take a taxi across the border to Hekou, and take a train from Hekou North to Kunming. * '''North Korea''' - four weekly connections between the North Korean capital [[Pyongyang]] and [[Beijing]]. ===By road=== China has land borders with 14 countries. Mainland China also has land borders with the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which are similar to international borders. Most of the border crossings in western China are in remote mountain passes, which while difficult to reach and traverse, often reward travelers willing to make the effort with breathtaking scenic views. ====India==== The Nathu La Pass between [[Sikkim]] in India and Southern Tibet is not open to tourists, and both countries require special permits to visit. The pass has reopened for cross-border trade since 2006, so the tourist restriction may be lifted in the future. ====Myanmar (Burma)==== Entering China from Myanmar is possible at the [[Ruili]] (China)-[[Lashio]] (Myanmar) border crossing, but permits must be obtained from the Burmese authorities in advance. Generally, this would require you to join a guided tour. ====Vietnam==== [[File:Border crossing at Lao Cai.png|thumb|Looking from Vietnam into China]] For most travelers, Hanoi is the origin for any overland journey to China. There are three international crossings: *From [[Dong Dang]] to [[Pingxiang (Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] (凭祥) *From [[Lao Cai]] to [[Hekou]] (河口) *From [[Mong Cai]] to [[Dongxing]] (东兴) ====Laos==== From [[Luang Namtha]] you can get a bus to [[Mengla]]. You must have a Chinese visa beforehand as there is no way to get one on arrival. Also, there is a direct Chinese sleeper-bus connection from [[Luang Prabang]] to Kunming (about 32 hours). You can jump in this bus at the border, when the minibus from [[Luang Namtha]] and the sleeper meet. Don't pay more than ¥200, though. ====Pakistan==== The [[Karakoram Highway]] from northern [[Pakistan]] into Western China is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It's closed for tourists for a few months in winter. Crossing the border is relatively quick because of few overland travelers, and friendly relations between the two countries. Preliminary customs inspection will be done on spot, while immigration and customs inspection are done at suburban [[Tashkurgan]]. A bus runs between Kashgar (China) and Sust (Pakistan) across the Kunerjab pass. ====Nepal==== The [[Nepal#Get in|road from Nepal]] to Tibet passes near Mount Everest, and through amazing mountain scenery. Entering Tibet from Nepal is only possible for tourists on package tours, but it is possible to travel into Nepal from Tibet ====Mongolia==== [[File:Trans Mongolian wheel changing.JPG|thumb|Going by train between Mongolia and China, the carriages will need new wheels]] There are two border crossings open to foreigners between Mongolia and China: *[[Erenhot]] ([[Inner Mongolia]])/[[Zamiin Uud]], and *[[Takashiken]] ([[Xinjiang]])/[[Hovd (province)|Bulgan]]. Other crossings open to nationals are: Zhuen Gadabuqi or Zuun Khatavch (Xilingol, Inner Mongolia), Bichig (Mongolia), and Sheveekhuren - Sekhee. ====Kazakhstan==== The border crossing closest to Almaty is at [[Khorgos]]. Buses run almost daily from [[Almaty]] to [[Ürümqi]] and [[Yining]]. No visa-on-arrival is available so ensure that both your Chinese and Kazakh visas are in order before attempting this. Another major crossing is at Alashankou (Dostyk on the Kazakh side). ====Kyrgyzstan==== It is possible to cross the [[Torugart pass]] from Kyrgyztan, but the road is rough and the pass is only open during the summer months (June–September) every year. It is possible to arrange crossings all the way from Kashgar, but ensure that all your visas are in order. Alternatively, while less scenic, a smoother crossing is at [[Irkeshtam]] to the south of Torugart. ====Tajikistan==== There is a single border crossing between China and Tajikistan at [[Kulma]], which is open on weekdays from May–November. A bus operates across the border between [[Kashgar]] in Xinjiang and [[Khorog]] in Tajikistan. Ensure both your Chinese and Tajik visas are in order before attempting this crossing. ====Russia==== The most popular border crossing at [[Manzhouli]] in [[Inner Mongolia]]. Buses run from Manzhouli to [[Zabaikalsk]] in Russia. There are also ferries across the Amur from [[Heihe]] to [[Blagoveshchensk]], and from [[Fuyuan]] to [[Khabarovsk]]. Farther east, there are land border crossings at [[Suifenhe]], Dongning, and Hunchun. Ensure both your Russian and Chinese visas are in order before attempting. ====North Korea==== Crossing overland from North Korea at the [[Dandong]]/[[Sinuiju]] border crossing is fairly straightforward if you have arranged it as part of your North Korean tour. The other border crossings along the Yalu and Tumen rivers may not be open to tourists. Your tour company must ensure that your Chinese and North Korean visas are in order before attempting this. ====Hong Kong==== There are four road border crossings into China from [[Hong Kong]]: *Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, *Sha Tau Kok/Shatoujiao, *Man Kam To/Wenjindu, and *the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. A visa on arrival is available for some nationalities at Huanggang, but visas must be arranged in advance for all other crossings. ====Macau==== The two border crossings are at the '''Portas do Cerco'''/'''Gongbei''' and the '''Lotus Bridge'''. A visa-on-arrival can be obtained by certain nationalities at the Portas do Cerco. At Gongbei, [[Zhuhai]] train station is adjacent to the border crossing, with frequent train service to Guangzhou. ====Others==== Travelers cannot cross the borders with [[Afghanistan]] and [[Bhutan]]. ===By boat=== There are a number of boats to China by sea and river: * '''Hong Kong and Macau''': There is regular ferry and hovercraft service between Hong Kong and Macau to the rest of the Pearl River Delta, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]]. Ferry service from Hong Kong International Airport allow arriving passengers to proceed directly to China without having to clear Hong Kong immigration and customs. * '''Japan''': A ferry service to [[Shanghai]] from [[Osaka]] and [[Kobe]], Japan. Service is once or twice weekly, depending on the season and takes about 2 days. * '''South Korea''': A ferry service to Shanghai and Tianjin from [[Incheon]], a port close to [[Seoul]]. Another line is to [[Qingdao]] or [[Weihai]] from Incheon or [[Dalian]] from Incheon. * '''Taiwan''': Hourly ferries (18 departures per day) run from [[Kinmen]] to [[Xiamen]], with the journey time either 30 minutes or one hour depending on port. There is also a regular ferry between Kinmen and [[Quanzhou]] with 3 departures per day. A twice-daily ferry links [[Matsu]] with [[Fuzhou]], with journey time about 2 hours. From the Taiwanese main island, there are weekly departures from [[Taichung]] and [[Keelung]] aboard the Cosco Star to [[Xiamen]] and [[Taizhou (Zhejiang)|Damaiyu, Taizhou]]. * '''Thailand''': Golden Peacock Shipping company runs a speedboat three times a week on the Mekong river to [[Jinghong]] in [[Yunnan]] from [[Chiang Saen]] (Thailand). Passengers are not required to have visas for Laos or Myanmar, although the greater part of the trip is on the river bordering these countries. Tickets cost ¥650. * '''Cruise ship''': In the fall, several cruise lines move their ships from [[Alaska]] to [[Asia]] and good connections can generally be found leaving from [[Anchorage]], [[Vancouver]], or [[Seattle]]. Star Cruises operates between [[Keelung]] in Taiwan and Xiamen in mainland China, stopping at one of the Japanese islands on the way. ==Get around== {{Infobox|Health Codes|[[File:健康码.png|thumb|right|An example of "health code"]]In an attempt to balance between public health and post-pandemic economic development, "health codes" have widely been used to indicate the health status of travelers, in which it is generated through specific mobile phone apps developed by authorities. A green code indicates the traveler is at lowest risk, while a red code indicates high transmission risk. These codes will be checked when traveling between provinces, or entering public places. Places are also divided into '''risk levels''' per sub-districts for the purpose of COVID-19 response. The default risk level is low-level, while if there are surges of local COVID-19 cases, risk levels of sub-districts will be raised. Depending on the severity, mass testing, restrictions on leaving your city or even communal lockdowns may be enforced, which are also reflected in your health code.}} Many foreign apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps '''do not work''' in China, and tend to have patchy coverage and data quality even if accessed via VPN. Moreover, China uses its own coordinate system, which sometimes causes problems when using foreign map apps. The most common direction-finding app used by the Chinese themselves is '''[https://map.baidu.com/ Baidu Maps]''', though it is only available in Chinese. [http://ditu.amap.com/ Amap] is effectively the Citymapper for the whole of China. It is only available in English on Apple devices, and replaces Apple Maps when you are in mainland China. It lists all public transport and suggested car routes even in seemingly rural places. Alternative methods include other map apps based on OpenStreetMap data or renting a local GPS. More information at [[GPS navigation]]. '''Names of long streets''' are often given a middle word indicating the part of the street: north (北 ''běi''), south (南 ''nán''), east (东 ''dōng''), west (西 ''xī''), or central (中 ''zhōng''). For example, White Horse Street or ''Báimǎ Lù'' (白马路) may be split up into ''Báimǎ Běilù'' (白马北路 "White Horse North Street"), ''Báimǎ Nánlù'' (白马南路 "White Horse South Street"), and ''Báimǎ Zhōnglù'' (白马中路 "White Horse Central Street"). In some cities, however, these names do not indicate parts of one street. In [[Xiamen]], ''Hubin Bei Lu'' and ''Hubin Nan Lu'' (Lakeside Road North and Lakeside Road South) are parallel, running east-west on the north and south sides of the lake. In [[Nanjing]], ''Zhongshan Lu'', ''Zhongshan Bei Lu'' and ''Zhongshan Dong Lu'' are three separate major roads. ===By plane=== China is a huge country so, unless you're planning to visit only the eastern seaboard, definitely consider domestic flights. China has many domestic flights connecting all the major cities and tourist destinations. Airlines include the three state-owned international carriers: Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, as well as regional ones including Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Flights between Hong Kong or Macau and mainland Chinese cities are considered to be international flights and can be quite expensive. Hence if arriving in, or departing from, Hong Kong or Macau, it is usually '''much''' cheaper to fly to or from Shenzhen or Zhuhai, just across the border, or Guangzhou, which is a little further afield but offers flights to more destinations. Prices for domestic flights are set at standard rates, but discounts are common, especially on the busier routes. Most good hotels, and many hostels, will have a travel ticket service and may be able to save you 15-70% off the price of tickets. Travel agencies and booking offices are plentiful in all Chinese cities and offer similar discounts. Even before considering discounts, traveling by aircraft in China is not expensive. For travel within China, it is usually best to buy tickets in China, or on Chinese websites (these often have English versions). A useful app/website is [http://english.ctrip.com/?curr=CNY&language=EN&iburedirect=1 CTrip], which is the only way you can use an international credit/debit card on the fly to buy train/plane tickets. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will contact you to let you know about changes to your flight. If you purchased your ticket overseas, be certain to check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. On Chinese websites, prices tend to remain high until two months before the flight date, at which point large discounts are usually available unless a particular flight has been heavily booked already. Unexplained flight delays are common, in part because of the tight military control of the airspace — few countries have as much of their airspace off limits to civil aviation as China. For short-distance travel, you may want to consider alternatives like [[Rail travel in China#High-speed rail|high-speed railway]]. Flight cancellations are also not uncommon. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will likely try to contact you (if you left contact information) to let you know about the change in flight plan. If you purchased your ticket overseas, check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. Despite a lack of regulation in the late 20th century, the safety record of Chinese aviation is now superb. They have not had a major fatal accident from 2010 to 2022 and Chinese regulatory authorities are very no-nonsense when it comes to safety violations by crews or maintenance problems. Also be sure not to lose your checked baggage receipts, as they will be checked against your baggage tags before you are allowed to leave the baggage claim hall. ===By train=== : ''See also [[Rail travel in China]]'' [[File:A maglev train coming out, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai.jpg|thumb|300px|Maglev train in [[Shanghai]]]] [[File:Rail map of PRC.svg|thumb|500px|Rail map of China]] Train travel is the main method of long-distance transportation for the Chinese, with an extensive network of routes covering most of the country. Roughly a quarter of the world's total rail traffic is in China. China now has the world's longest network of [[high-speed rail]]ways (similar to French TGV or Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains) called '''CRH''', including the world's only high-speed [[sleeper trains]]. If your route and budget allow then these may be the best way to get around. CRH trains are top-notch, even internationally, in terms of equipment and cleanliness. On most higher-level trains, recorded announcements are made in Chinese and English. Local trains do not have announcements in English. Be careful with your valuables while on the train as theft on public transportation is a problem. Motion sickness pills and ear plugs are recommended. Long distance trains have a buffet or dining car, which serves mediocre hot food at around ¥25. The menu is entirely in Chinese. There may be vendors on station platforms who sell noodles, snacks, and fruit at better prices. Most train cars have a hot boiled water dispenser available so you can bring tea, soups and instant noodles. Smoking is not permitted in the seating or sleeping areas but is allowed in the vestibules at the end of each car on ordinary trains, while on high-speed trains, it is completely banned. Smoking is forbidden inside station buildings apart from in designated smoking rooms. See [[Rail travel in China]] for information on buying tickets. Chinese train stations function like airports, so do not count on catching a train at the last minute: gates close a few minutes prior to departure! To be safe, be there at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes if you are entering a big train station. Make sure you're waiting in the right place, because often the train will only stop for a couple of minutes. Many cities have different stations for normal trains and high-speed trains. High-speed station names usually consist of the city name and the cardinal direction (for example ''Héngyángdōng'', "Hengyang East"). ===By bus=== Traveling by public '''city buses''' (公共汽车 ''gōnggòngqìchē'') or long-distance buses (长途汽车 ''chángtúqìchē'') is inexpensive and ideal for in-city and short-distance transportation. City buses vary from city to city. However, if you can understand the bus routes then they are cheap and go almost everywhere. Buses will normally have recorded announcements telling you the next stop - examples of which might include 'xià yí zhàn - zhōng shān lù' (next stop Zhongshan Road) or 'Shànghǎi nán huǒ chē zhàn dào le' (Shanghai South railway station - now arriving). Some major cities such as Beijing or Hangzhou will have English announcements, at least on some major routes. Fares are usually about ¥1-3 or more if traveling into the suburbs. Most buses simply have a metal cash-box next to the entrance where you can insert your fare (no change - save up those ¥1 coins) or on longer routes a conductor that will collect fares and issue tickets and change. The driver usually prioritizes speed over comfort, so hold on tight. [[File:Meng H27360 at Liuliqiao Coach Station (20210624120340).jpg|thumb|A long-distance buses from [[Beijing]] to [[Xilinhot]]]] Coaches, or '''long-distance buses''', may be more practical than trains for going to suburbs or smaller cities. Coaches originating from larger cities on the east coast tend to be air conditioned with soft seats. Bus personnel tend to try to be helpful, but they are much less familiar with foreigners than airline personnel. [[File:Xiaoxi - Bus no. 2 - DSCF4163.JPG|thumb|Local buses in Pinghe County, [[Fujian]], connect the county seat with rural towns]] A coach or bus in rural China is a different experience. Signs in the station to identify buses will be in Chinese. The coach's license plate number is printed on the ticket, it will be spray-painted on the back of the bus. Scheduled times of departure and arrival are only rough estimates, with the bus leaving when it's full, rather than at a scheduled time. Often, rural coaches are the only forms of transportation in many areas of China and are usually more than willing to stop anywhere along the route should you wish to visit more remote areas without direct transport. Buses can also be flagged down at most points along their route. The ticket price the rest of the way is negotiable. [[File:Qujiang - highway bus stop - DSCF3093.JPG|thumb|A highway bus stop in [[Qujiang]], Nanjing County, [[Fujian]]. The sign lists departure times for buses to [[Xiamen]]]] Getting a ticket is straightforward. Large bus stations have ticket counters who sell printed tickets displaying the departure time, boarding gate and license plate number of your bus. You need your passport to purchase a ticket, and often you will have to go through security inspection. ===By subway=== Most major cities in China now have subway/metro (地铁 ''dìtiě'') systems. They are typically modern, clean, efficient, and are still rapidly expanding. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou already have some of the world's most extensive systems. On station platforms and in trains there is usually signage in Chinese and English listing all stations on that line. Announcements in the stations and trains are made in Mandarin and English, and sometimes the local language. Many maps (especially English versions) may not have kept up with rapid expansion. Look online for a bilingual subway map that you can carry with you. Chinese subway stations often have a security checkpoint before the turnstiles, where you must run your bags through an X-ray scanner. Pickpockets are most likely to strike during station stops, so pay attention to your belongings. Stations tend to have numerous exits with labels such as Exit A, B, C1, or C2. On maps you will find each exit is labeled clearly around the station. Signs in the station make it easy to find your exit. === By taxi === Taxis (出租车 ''chūzūchē'' or 的士 ''dīshì'', pronounced "deg-see" in Cantonese-speaking areas) are reasonably priced: flagfall ¥5-14, per km charge ¥2-3. Most trips within the city center will cost ¥10-50. There is no extra charge for luggage, but in many cities rates are higher at night. The taxi fee is usually rounded up to the nearest whole yuan. Tips are not expected, but are welcome, especially after long trips. Taxis are commonly ordered through a '''phone app''', and it has become harder to hail a taxi on the street. The most popular app, [http://www.didichuxing.com/en/com/en/ Didi Chuxing], is also available in English. Taxi hawkers stalk naive travelers at airport terminals, train stations, and border crossings. They will try to negotiate a set price, and will usually charge 2 to 3 times a metered fare. There are designated taxi areas outside most major airport terminals; insist that the driver use the meter. The fare should be plainly marked on the taxi. Finding a taxi during peak hours can be a bit hard. But it really gets tough if it is raining. Away from peak hours, especially at night, it is sometimes possible to get a 10% to 20% discount especially if you negotiate it in advance, even if with the meter on and asking for a receipt. Sitting in the front passenger seat is acceptable, and is useful if you have trouble communicating in Chinese. Some taxis mount the taxi meter down by the gearbox, where you can only see it from the front seat. Drivers may start smoking without asking. In some cities it is also common for drivers to try and pick up multiple passengers if their destinations are in the same general direction. Each passenger pays full fare but it saves the time of waiting for an empty cab at rush hour. Even in major cities, you are very unlikely to find an English-speaking taxi driver. If you are not able to pronounce [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] well, have your destination written ''in Chinese characters'' to show the driver. Business cards for your hotel and for restaurants are useful for this. In major cities in the prosperous southern and eastern coastal provinces, many taxi drivers are migrants from other parts of China who speak Mandarin but not the local dialect. Most drivers are honest and fares are reasonable but there are the bad ones out there who will try to use your lack of Chinese skills to their advantage. The fare difference will usually be minimal. Should you feel you have been seriously cheated on the way to your hotel, and it has a doorman, you can appeal to him or the desk staff for assistance. In cities, photographing the driver's ID (posted on the dashboard) or license plate number and threatening to report him to the authorities can be quite effective. In some cities, taxi companies use a star-rating system for drivers, ranging from 0 to 5, displayed on the driver's name-plate, on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. While no or few stars do not necessarily indicate a bad driver, many stars tend to indicate good knowledge of the city, and willingness to take you to where you ask by the shortest way. Another indicator of the driver's ability can be found on the same name-plate - the driver's ID number. A small number tells you he has been around for a long time, and is thus likely to know the city better. Use the bigger taxi companies when possible, as the smaller companies tend to have a higher number of dishonest drivers. Chinese are sometimes competitive when it comes to finding a taxi. The person who flags down a particular car is not necessarily entitled to that ride. Having locals move farther up in traffic to intercept cars or being shoved out of the way while trying to enter a taxi is common. If there are others in the area competing for rides, be ready to reach your car and enter it as soon as possible after flagging it down. Wear your seat belt at all times (if you can find it). Some taxi drivers, in particular those who can speak some English, can be quite curious and talkative, especially during peak hours' traffic (高峰 ''gāo​fēng''). ===By bicycle=== [[File:Mobikes_in_Huangzhou,_Huanggang,_Hubei,_China_3.jpg|thumb|A row of Mobike dockless bikes]] {{main|Cycling in China}} Bicycles (自行车 ''zìxíngchē'') were once the most common form of transportation in China, but many people have upgraded to electric bikes and motorcycles. Bicycle repair shops are common in cities and rural areas. '''Dockless rideshare bikes''' in China's larger cities operate on a grab'n'go basis: you use your mobile phone to unlock any available bike, pay ¥1-2 per 30 minutes while using them, and drop them off pretty much anywhere you like. The largest operators [https://mobike.com/global/ Mobike] (orange) and [https://www.ofo.com/au/en Ofo] (canary yellow) have English apps. Dockless bikes are built to last, meaning they're heavy, clunky and ungeared, but for travelers, they can be a cheap, convenient means of transport that is better than trying to deal with public transport. There are two major '''dangers for cyclists''' in China: * '''Motor traffic'''; cars and motorcycles frequently pull out without any warning, and in most areas red lights are apparently optional. * '''Bicycle theft is rampant''' throughout cities in China. China is a vast country and it provides serious cyclists with challenges to bike across mountains and desert. If you plan to cycle through China, get a visa before your journey, as it can be hard to get one along the way. Avoid saying that the journey will be by bike, as embassy personnel may not like that, and Xinjiang and Tibet are politically sensitive. The visa is valid for any border crossing and transport method anyway (except Tibet). ===By car=== {{main|Driving in China}} The PRC generally does not recognize International Driving Permits and does not permit foreigners to drive in China without a Chinese license. Hong Kong and Macau licenses are also considered to be foreign and having one of them will not allow you to drive in the mainland. Importing foreign vehicles is difficult. There are some ways of getting a temporary license: see the Driving in China article. Renting a car is virtually unheard of in major Chinese cities, which generally have excellent public transportation networks that get you almost anywhere. There are, however, some rural parts of China that are still best explored by car. Rented cars most often come with a driver and this is probably the best way to travel in China by car. ===By motorcycle=== {{seealso|Driving in China#Motorcycles}} Motorcycle taxis are common, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. They are usually cheap and effective but scary. The fares are negotiable. Regulations for riding a motorcycle vary from city to city. In some cases, 50cc mopeds can be ridden without a driving license although many cities have now banned them or reclassified them due to numerous accidents. Riding a 'proper' motorcycle is much harder, partly because you'll need a Chinese license, partly because they are banned in many cities and partly because production and importing have slowed with the focus on automobiles and electric scooters. The typical Chinese motorcycle is 125cc, can do about 100&nbsp;km/h and is a traditional cruiser style. They are generally slow, mundane to ride and have little sporting potential. Government restrictions on engine size mean that sports bikes are rare but can still be found. Another popular choice is a 125cc automatic 'maxi' scooter based loosely on the Honda CN250 - it's a bit quicker than a moped and more comfortable over long distances but has the benefit of automatic transmission which makes negotiating stop-start urban traffic much easier. Most cities will have a motorcycle market of some description and will often sell you a cheap motorcycle often with fake or illegal license plates, although a foreigner on a motorbike is a rare sight and it will grab the police's attention. Helmets are essential on 'proper' bikes but optional on scooters. You must have a license plate: they are yellow or blue on a motorcycle or green on a scooter and can cost several thousand yuan to register the bike yourself. Fake plates are easily available at a lower price, but are risky. ===By pedicab (rickshaw)=== {{infobox|What's in a name?|The terms pedicab and rickshaw are often used interchangeably by foreigners in China, but refer to two different modes of transportation - one of which no longer exists. The infamous rickshaw was a two-wheeled contraption with two poles at the front, which the operator held while walking or running passengers to their destinations. These proliferated in the late 19th century but were gradually phased out by the 1950s. Videos of Western elites playing polo on rickshaws propelled by Chinese workers showcased the exploitative nature of rickshaws. A distant relative of the rickshaw can still be seen when day-laborers in smaller or less developed cities gather with their rickshaw-like carts each morning waiting for work delivering construction materials, coal, or other odds and ends. The rickshaw has been replaced by the pedicab: a three-wheeled conveyance ridden much like a bicycle.}} In some mid-sized cities, pedicabs are a much more convenient means of traveling short distances. Sānlúnchē (三轮车), the Chinese term used both for pedal-powered and motorized rickshaws, are ubiquitous in rural China and lesser developed (which is to say, less touristy) areas of larger cities. Negotiating the fare in advance is a must. Reports of overcharging probably refer to rip-off artists working tourist destinations, like Silk Alley, Wangfujing, and the Lao She Tea House in Beijing in particular. Perhaps the rule of thumb should be, "Beware of anyone selling anything near tourist traps." If you see normal Chinese families using the "sanlun" — for instance, traveling between the Beijing Zoo and the nearest subway stop — then it's safe. Don't patronise any sanlun wearing some old fashioned costume to attract tourists. He'll try to charge you ten times the going rate. Electrified three-wheeled sanluns developed or converted from the pedicabs seem to be in the majority in Shanghai. ==See== China's attractions are endless and you will never run out of things to see. Especially near the coastal areas, when finished with one city, the next one is usually just a short train ride away. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or someone who just wants to relax on a nice beach, China has it all from the majestic Forbidden City in [[Beijing]], to the breathtaking scenery of [[Jiuzhaigou]]. Even if you live in China for many years, you'll find that there's always something new to discover in another part of the country. Perhaps unsurprisingly due to its sheer size and long history, China has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and Spain. China is on the border between two bioregions. [[Eurasian wildlife]] can be seen in the north and west, and [[South Asian wildlife]] can be found in the south and southeast. [[Image:Diecaishan.jpg|thumb|Karst formations, Guilin]] ===Karst scenery=== The gumdrop mountains and steeply sloping forested hills with incredible rock formations favored by traditional Chinese artists are not creative fantasy. In fact, much of southern and southwestern China is covered in intricate eroded rock formations known as '''karst'''. Karst is a type of limestone formation named after an area in [[Slovenia]]. As limestone layers erode, the denser rock or pockets of different stone resist erosion forming peaks. Caves hollow out beneath the mountains which can collapse forming sinkholes and channels leading to underground rivers. At its most unusual karst erodes to form mazes of pinnacles, arches and passageways. The most famous example can be found in the Stone Forest (石林 ''[[Shilin|Shílín]]'') near [[Kunming]] in [[Yunnan]]. Some of the most famous tourist areas in China feature spectacular karst landscapes &mdash; [[Guilin]] and [[Yangshuo]] in [[Guangxi]], [[Zhangjiajie]] in [[Hunan]], and much of central and western [[Guizhou]] province. ===Sacred mountains=== ''See also:'' [[Sacred sites of China]] {{infobox|Chinese mountains|Linell Davis, who literally wrote the book on practical cultural differences between China and the West, has this to say about Chinese mountains: "Westerners find Chinese mountains confusing as they do not provide an experience of wild untamed nature. They expect mountains to be natural rather than paved with steps from bottom to top. They don't expect to see very old people and very young children climbing mountains. I have also noticed that each local area in China has a 'mountain' even if it is quite small and even if people had to build it themselves. After a few experiences of finding there was nothing to see from the top or that the view was lost in clouds and mist ([[Emeishan National Park|Emei]] and [[Huangshan]], for instance), I started trying to figure out what people are really doing when they are climbing mountains. My conclusion is that in China people climb mountains because the experience of doing it is enjoyable. I think they also do it to experience the mountain by moving into it and up and down it. In climbing the mountain they realize their connection with nature rather than their power over it." –Linell Davis, ''Doing Culture''}} Mountains are an important part of Chinese geomancy, and there are many mountains which have religious significance in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. These mountains often serve as a popular backdrop in Chinese period dramas, and have traditionally been associated with various Chinese martial arts sects. Today, these mountains continue to house many Taoist and Buddhist temples, and continue to serve as scenic backdrops that attract many domestic tourists. ====Five Great Mountains==== The '''Five Great Mountains''' (五岳) are associated with the five cardinal directions in Chinese geomancy, and are believed to have originated from the body of Pangu (盘古), the creator of the world in Chinese mythology. *'''[[Mount Heng (Shanxi)|Mount Heng]]''' (恒山), the Northern Mountain (北岳) in [[Shanxi]] province. Literally the "eternal mountain". *'''[[Mount Heng (Hunan)|Mount Heng]]''' (衡山), the Southern Mountain (南岳) in [[Hunan]] province. Literally the "balancing mountain". *'''[[Mount Tai]]''' (泰山), the Eastern Mountain (东岳), in [[Shandong]] province. Literally the "peaceful mountain". *'''[[Huashan National Park|Mount Hua]]''' (华山), the Western Mountain (西岳) in [[Shaanxi]] province. Literally the "splendid mountain". *'''[[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]]''' (嵩山), the Central Mountain (中岳) in [[Henan]] province. Also home to the famed '''Shaolin Monastery''' (少林寺), historically famous for its warrior monks. Literally the "lofty mountain". ====Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism==== [[File:Wutai Shan temple grounds.jpg|thumb|Temples at Mt Wutai]] The '''Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism''' (四大佛教名山) are traditionally associated with four different Bodhisattvas, who are revered in Chinese Buddhism. To this day, these mountains continue to be scenic spots with prominent Buddhist temples. *'''[[Mount Wutai]]''' (五台山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Manjusri (文殊菩萨), in [[Shanxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Emei]]''' (峨眉山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨), in [[Sichuan]] province. *'''[[Mount Putuo]]''' (普陀山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨), the most popular Bodhisattva in Chinese Buddhism, in [[Zhejiang]] province. It isn't a mountain, but rather an island off the Chinese coast. *'''[[Mount Jiuhua]]''' (九华山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨), in [[Anhui]] province. ====Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism==== Although there are many sacred mountains in Chinese folk religion, the '''Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism''' (四大道教名山), together with the Five Great Mountains are considered to be the holiest among them. These continue to be scenic spots that feature prominent Taoist temples. *'''[[Mount Wudang]]''' (武当山), regarded by most Chinese to be the holiest of all sacred mountains for Taoists, in [[Hubei]] province. Traditionally regarded to be a major center of Chinese martial arts, and the main rival to the Shaolin Monastery (albeit a friendly one). *'''[[Mount Longhu]]''' (龙虎山) in [[Jiangxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Qiyun]]''' (齐云山) in [[Anhui]] province. *'''[[Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan_National_Park|Mount Qingcheng]]''' (青城山) in [[Sichuan]] province. ===Flowers=== [[File:Pink peach tree in blossom in Mount Langya in Hebei, picture2.jpg|thumb|Peach blossoms in a Chinese park]] While Japan's cherry blossoms may be better known, China's '''plum blossoms''' (梅花 ''méi huā'') and '''peach blossoms''' (桃花 ''táo huā'') are often considered to rival the cherry blossoms in sheer beauty. Plums tend to flower during the coldest part of winter, often during heavy snowfall, making them a symbol of resilience, and is the national flower of the Republic of China that once ruled Mainland China. Peaches, on the other hand, tend to flower in the spring. These trees can be viewed in many parks, particularly in the northern and eastern parts if China, but also at higher elevations in the south. Both flowers are highly revered in traditional Chinese culture, and are frequently featured in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. The '''peony''' (牡丹花 ''mǔ dān huā'') is also highly revered, and represents honor and wealth. Unlike the plum and peach blossoms, peonies grow on shrubs rather than trees. They typically flower in late spring to early summer. ===Performing arts=== {{main|Chinese performing arts}} As a large and diverse country, China is home to a wide array of performing arts, both traditional and modern. While some genres are popular nationwide, there are also some which are only popular in specific regions, and the various ethnic minorities also have their own unique traditions. Two genres that are popular nationwide, and are also regularly performed internationally are '''Beijing opera''' (京剧 ''jīngjù'') and ''' Yue opera''' (越剧 ''yuèjù''). ===Other sites=== Sites of the Chinese revolution can be seen in our [[Chinese Revolutionary Destinations]] article. Significant Buddhist sites in China can be found in our [[Buddhism#See|Buddhism]] article. ===Itineraries=== Some itineraries cover trips that are entirely within China: * [[Along the Yangtze river]] * [[Along the Yellow river]] * [[Along the Grand Canal]] * [[Around Erhai Lake by electric scooter]] * [[Hong Kong to Kunming overland]] * [[Long March]] * [[Overland to Tibet]] * [[Qinghai–Tibet railway]] * [[Yunnan tourist trail]] Others are partly in China: * [[Silk Road]] - ancient caravan route from China to Europe * [[Karakoram Highway]] - Western China to Pakistan through the Himalayas * [[On the trail of Marco Polo]] ==Do== ===Massage=== High-quality, reasonably priced massages are available throughout China. Expert work costs ¥20-80 per hour. * Almost any hairdresser will give a hair wash and head massage for ¥10. This often includes cleaning out ear wax and some massaging of the neck and arms. With a haircut and/or a shave, prices range from ¥25-100 with prices higher in large cities and in higher-class or tourist-oriented establishments. * The availability of foot massage (足疗 ''zúliáo'') is often indicated by a picture of a bare footprint on the sign. Prices are from ¥15 to about ¥60. * Full-body massage is offered at prices from ¥15 an hour up and in two varieties: ''ànmó'' (按摩) is general massage; ''tuīná'' (推拿) concentrates on the meridians used in acupuncture. These three types of massage are often mixed; many places offer all three. * Massage is a traditional trade for the blind, and the best value is often at tiny out-of-the-way places with blind staff (盲人按摩 ''mángrén ànmó''). * The most expert massages are in massage hospitals, or general Chinese medicine hospitals, usually costing around ¥50 an hour. Some massage places are actually brothels. Prostitution is illegal in China but quite common and often disguised as massage. Most hot-spring or sauna establishments offer ''all'' the services a businessman might want for relaxation. Many hotels offer massage in your room, and additional services are almost always available once she is the room. Pink lighting or lots of girls in short skirts in smaller establishments probably indicates considerably more than just massage is on offer (''and quite often they cannot do a good massage either''). The same rule applies in many hair salons which double as massage parlors/brothels. The non-pink-lit places usually give good massages and generally do not offer sex. If the establishment advertises massage by the blind, it is almost certainly legitimate. For basic phrases to use when getting a massage, see [[Chinese phrasebook#Getting a massage]]. ===Traditional arts=== When planning an extended stay in China, consider learning some of the traditional arts. Traveling to China is after all a unique chance to learn the basics, or refine already acquired skills, directly from master practitioners in the arts' home country. Many cities have academies that accept beginners, and not knowing Chinese is usually not a problem as you can learn by example and imitation. Calligraphy (书法 ''shūfǎ''), a term that covers both writing characters and painting scrolls (that is, classical landscapes and the like) remains a popular national hobby. Many calligraphers practice by writing with water on sidewalks in city parks. Other traditional arts which offer classes include learning to play traditional Chinese instruments (inquire in shops that sell these as many offer classes), cooking Chinese cuisine, or even singing Beijing Opera (京剧 ''jīngjù''). Fees are usually modest, and the necessary materials will not exactly break the bank. The only requirement is being in the same place for a long enough time, and showing sufficient respect; it is better not to join these classes as a tourist attraction. ===[[Martial arts]]=== As with traditional cultural arts, those with the time and inclination may be interested in studying China's famed martial arts. Some, such as '''tai chi''' (太极拳 ''tàijíquán''), can be studied at a basic level by simply visiting any city park in the early morning and following along. You will likely find many eager teachers. However, learning martial arts to a level that allows you to use them competently in an actual fight requires years of study and training under a master, which often has to start from childhood. In English, Chinese martial arts are often called "kung fu" and we follow that usage below. However in Chinese, the general term for martial arts is ''wǔshù'' (武術), while ''gōngfu'' (功夫, "kung fu") is the term for the skill or power that practitioners acquire. Chinese martial arts are traditionally classified into northern and southern styles, with northern styles generally known for emphasizing powerful strikes with fully extended limbs, and southern styles generally known for fast strikes close to the body. Northern Chinese martial are further classified into two groups named for two mountain areas with monasteries which are centers of kung fu &mdash; Shaolin Temple on [[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]] and the [[Wudang Mountains]]. Shaolin are the hard or external styles emphasizing speed and power, while Wudang are the soft or internal styles emphasizing breath control and smooth movement. Of course it is nowhere near that simple; Shaolin experts also move extremely smoothly and a Wudang master has plenty of speed and power. Other well-known centers of kung fu include Southern Shaolin in [[Quanzhou#Learn|Quanzhou]], [[Fujian]], Wu Wei Temple near [[Dali]] and Wing Chun (Bruce Lee's style) in [[Foshan]], [[Guangdong]]. Shanghai has a [[Shanghai/Yangpu#See|martial arts museum]] at a Physical Education university. ===Square dancing=== [[File:Older women practicing dance at Temple of Heaven Park, Beijing.jpg|thumb|right|Square dancers at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing]] In public parks, squares or plazas, or indeed anywhere in a city that isn't fenced off and is large enough (like a parking lot), you will increasingly find, in the early morning and late evening, groups of (mostly) older women doing what looks like low-impact aerobics to music with a dance beat coming from a nearby portable speaker. This activity is called ''guǎngchǎngwǔ'' (广场舞), roughly translated into English as "square dancing", because of where it takes place (not to be confused with the traditional American folk dance of the same name). It originated in the mid-1990s among women (known as ''dàmā'' (大妈), or "dancing grannies" in English) who had just been forced into retirement as a way to stay fit, socialize and recall their own youth during the Cultural Revolution (indeed, many of the songs used are propaganda from that era, or current Chinese pop hits). By 2015 noise and space issues had provoked violent confrontations in some cities and led the government to introduce, then hastily withdraw, standard dance routines. It's interesting to watch at the very least as a modern folk phenomenon, and indeed some groups don costumes and props for their routines. Some tourists, particularly Russians visiting Manchurian cities, have joined in. However, this is often frowned upon, as many square dancers compete competitively and are only practicing publicly due to a lack of practice space otherwise. If you are tempted to do so, only join groups that appear to be casually-oriented (no apparent dance uniform or complicated routines) and go to the rear row where beginners follow the leader and learn the moves. You should avoid, or at least practice extreme caution when joining near several groups in a space barely enough for all of them — turf battles have been known to start and given the novelty of a foreigner participating in square dancing, you may be seen as a final provocation of member poaching. Ballroom dancing is also moderately common; western-style square dancing or line dancing are less common but not unknown. ===Traditional pastimes=== China has several traditional games often played in tea gardens, public parks, or even on the street. Players often attract crowds of on-lookers. * '''[[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]]''' (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') is the world's most-played chess variant. It is similar to but distinct from Korean chess (Korean: 장기 ''janggi''), but quite different from [[Shogi|Japanese chess]] (Japanese: 将棋 ''shōgi'') and [[Chess|international chess]], though they all have enough in common that a good player of one will find another easier to learn. It is a very popular pastime in China, and you can often see elderly Chinese having games with each other in the parks. There are also numerous national tournaments, from school tournaments all the way up to professional ones, and the top players often become major celebrities, with large prizes and numerous TV shows about the game. * '''[[Go]]''' (围棋 ''wéiqí'', lit. "the surrounding game") is a strategy board game. Players place their stones to surround the most territory on the board. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. There are professional Go players, some of whom are major celebrities, tournaments with large prizes, and some TV shows about the game. * '''Mahjong''' (麻将 ''májiàng'') is popular and almost always played for money. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles. The nearest Western equivalent (not very near!) would be card games like rummy or canasta. : While game play is broadly similar, the rules of mahjong in China differ significantly between regions, and from the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, meaning that you will have to learn new rules everywhere you go. The Chinese government has an officially-sanctioned standardized form of mahjong that is used in national competitions in an attempt to be fair to people who grew up playing with different rules, which is also used in international competitions like the [http://www.world-series-mahjong.com/ World Series Mahjong]. However, this standardized form is very rarely played outside of officially-sanctioned competitions. Many Chinese are skilled at '''cards''' (扑克牌 ''pūkèpái''); Deng Xiaoping was renowned for his love for bridge (桥牌 ''qiáopái''). ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Chinese Yuan | currencyCode=¥ | date=January 2022 | AUD=4.6 | CAD=5.0 | EUR=7.2 | GBP=8.6 | HKD=0.8 | INR=8.6 | JPY=5.5 | MYR=1.5 | NZD=4.3 | THB=1.9 | USD=6.4 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/cny-chinese-yuan-renminbi XE.com]}}The official currency of the People's Republic of China is the '''Chinese yuan''', known as the '''renminbi''' (人民币 ''rénmínbì'', "People's Money"), denoted by the symbol '''¥''', international currency code '''CNY'''. All prices in China are given in yuan; the Chinese character is 元 (''yuán''), or in financial contexts (e.g. cheques and banknotes) 圆. A price may be shown as, for example, 20 元, 20 rmb, RMB 20, 20 yuan or ¥20; we use the latter form here. In informal spoken Chinese and sometimes in spoken English, 块 (''kuài'') may be used instead, much as "buck" can be used in the U.S. or "quid" in the UK. Some Chinese software will display a bigger "full width" character (￥) to differentiate it from the Japanese yen, which uses the same symbol. The Chinese yuan is ''not'' legal tender in the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which issue their own currencies. However many businesses will also accept Chinese currency, albeit at an unfavorable exchange rate. {{infobox|Cheat Sheet|* 10 ''jiǎo'' is 1 ''yuán'' (&#20803;), the base unit * ''yuán'' is commonly called ''kuài'' (&#22359;) * ''jiǎo'' is commonly called ''máo'' (&#27611;) * 10 is ''shí'' (十) * 100 is ''bǎi'' (百) * 1,000 is ''qiān'' (千) * 10,000 is ''wàn'' (万)}} There are 10 ''jiǎo'' (角) in a yuan. A coin worth ¥0.1 will thus say 壹角 ("1 jiǎo"), on it, and a price like ¥3.7 would thus be read as "3 ''kuài'' 7". The ''jiǎo'' is rapidly heading for extinction, although you will get the odd 1 or 5 jiao coin or note as change. In spoken [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], the ''jiǎo'' is usually called the ''máo'' (毛). A tenth of a ''máo'' is a ''fēn'' (分); you may see this digit on prices, but it will be rounded off if you pay in cash. In spoken language, the trailing unit may be dropped. For example ''wǔ bǎi sān'', literally "five hundred three", means 530 or "five hundred three tens". The number 503 would be read as ''wǔ bǎi líng sān'', literally "five hundred zero three". Similarly ''yì qiān bā'', literally "one thousand eight", means 1800. When using larger numbers, Chinese has a word for ten thousand, ''wàn'' (万), and thus for example 50,000 becomes ''wǔ wàn'', not ''wǔ shí qiān''. [[Image:China currency overview.jpg|thumb|Chinese coins and bills]] * '''Coins''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao; dull silver or shiny silver), ¥0.5 (5 jiao; gold), ¥1 (silver) * '''Bills''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao), ¥0.5 (5 jiao), ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 A lot of Chinese currency will be in the form of bills &mdash; even small change. Bills are more common in some areas, coins in others, but both are accepted anywhere. Even the jiao, at just one tenth of a yuan, exists as both a bill (the smallest) and two different coins. Conversely, one yuan exists as a coin and as two different bills. You should be prepared to recognize and handle either version. Due to the popularity of mobile payments, an increasing number of shops in urban areas do not accept cash or credit cards, and even those that accept cash will often not have any change available. ====Foreign currency==== Foreign currencies, including the Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar, are rarely seen as a substitute for yuan except in several five-star hotels, and in some shops on the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, and stock exchanges. Other currencies are unlikely to be used in most transactions. If you only have dollars in your pocket, it usually means that you don't have money to pay the bill without a trip to a bank. Many shops won't accept it, having no idea on exchange rate or how to check if the bills are counterfeit. ====Counterfeiting==== With the popularity of mobile payment apps, counterfeit banknotes are less of a problem than before, but you should still be alert for them. Banknotes of ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100 are the main risks. When you're given one of these bills as change, scrutinize it to check. The main focus is on the texture of different parts, metal line, change of colours under different lights. Everyone has their own method, so just ask. When you pay with a ¥50 or ¥100 banknote in a shop or taxi, it's socially accepted that you note down the last few digits of the banknote you are handing over. This is in case they claim your banknote is fake, then these remembered digits will ensure they give you the same note back. Some unscrupulous money exchangers on the Chinese border areas give counterfeits to travelers. Go to a bank if you're not experienced in checking notes. It is common for cashiers to scrutinize banknotes and some of the more expensive supermarkets even have machines that can spot counterfeits. This is standard practice in China and offence should not be taken. Counterfeits from ATMs are not common, but some people are still concerned. If you are worried, withdraw your money from the bank counter and say "I worry about jiǎbì (''counterfeit'')". Bank staff are understanding about this. ====Currency exchange==== Although still restricted, the yuan is readily convertible in many countries, especially in Asia. The Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, pound sterling, Australian dollar, Japanese yen and South Korean won, and Singapore dollars can be easily changed in China. Currency should only be changed at major banks (Bank of China in particular), or with the licensed money changers usually found at airports or high-end hotels, although they offer unfavorable rates. You should avoid black market for currency exchange as '''counterfeiting''' is a major issue, especially with money changers in markets and hanging around large banks. Foreign exchange is under tight control in China. Private money changers are still uncommon in China. In a bank, it usually takes 5 to 60 minutes to process the exchange, sometimes a little faster in a hotel. Bank branches in major cities usually know the procedure and are relatively quick, while even main branches in provincial cities can take much longer. You must fill out a form, and your passport will be photocopied and scanned. Keep the exchange receipt if you plan to leave the country with larger sum of money. Not all banks with the "Exchange" logo will exchange money for non-customers or for all currencies in cash. For example, Standard Chartered will only exchange cash for its customers and will only do US dollars and Hong Kong dollars in cash (but opening an account is quick and doable even on a tourist visa, and they offer a better cash exchange rate than most local banks). Exchanging US currency for yuan can be simple, but expect the bills to be heavily scrutinized before the exchange is processed. Opportunities to buy yuan before entering China, for example when coming overland from Hong Kong or Vietnam, should be taken, as the rates are better. The same is true going the other way - selling just across the border will often net a more favorable rate. You may only import or export a maximum in local currency of ¥20,000 in cash, and sums greater than US$5,000 cash in foreign currency require paperwork. Most international banks will allow you to get a cash advance via a debit or credit card at a Chinese ATM. However, the rates for such actions are often unfavorable and may include steep service charges. It's useful to carry an international currency such as pounds sterling, US dollars, or Japanese yen to fall back on should you not have access to a cash machine. If you are planning to stay a long time in China, e.g. for work or study, you may want to open a Chinese bank account. See [[Working in China#Banking]] for more information. ====ATM cards==== Many ATMs will only accept Chinese bank cards. ATMs from three of the big four banks are likely to accept foreign (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Diners) cards: Bank of China (BOC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and China Construction Bank (CCB). Although ATMs from other banks are plentiful, state they accept Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus and have an English option, they are not likely to work with an international credit/debit card unless the ATM operator is a foreign big-name bank (HSBC, Citibank, Bank of East Asia). Before traveling, find out if your home bank charges a currency conversion fee (often between 0-3%) on such transactions. It is worth opening a zero conversion fee account beforehand if possible. If you have trouble because the ATM requires a 6-digit PIN and your PIN only has four digits, try adding two zeros before it. If you find yourself in a town with a Bank of China branch but no international network-capable ATM, it is usually possible to get a cash advance on a credit card inside the bank for a 3% fee. Just ask. UnionPay, the local ATM card network, has made agreements with various ATM card networks around the globe. If your card is covered, any ATM in China will accept withdrawals and balance inquiries from your card. While UnionPay ATM and/or debit cards are now issued by banks in a number of countries, ATM cards linked to NYCE and Pulse in America (also applies to cash advances from Discover cards), Interac in Canada, and LINK in the UK are covered. If your bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance, China Construction Bank is the local partner for fee-free withdrawals. ===Credit cards=== [[File:Dalian large Shopping Mall 2005.jpg|thumb|Inside a mall in [[Dalian]]]] Outside of star-rated or chain hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, '''foreign credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted''' and most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Many department stores and large grocery stores have point-of-sale terminals for Chinese bank cards, but most foreign cards are not supported. Most Chinese banks and many merchants use the UnionPay system, so a foreign card that supports UnionPay will probably be widely accepted. Several countries now have banks that issue UnionPay credit cards, and UnionPay supports Discover and JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) cards as well. Visa, MasterCard and American Express meanwhile are less common. Most convenience stores take UnionPay, as do most restaurant chains, stores selling high-value items, grocery store chains, and most ATMs. In 2017, it was reported that the new Discover cards with chip would require multiple attempts or did not work at all in most of the POS machines. Do not rely on credit cards as your sole payment method. Consider signing up for an international card that can interact with UnionPay. If you have a bank account in [[Hong Kong]] then you may be able to open an additional renminbi account with a UnionPay card which is convenient for traveling in the mainland. As with debit cards, Chinese retail clerks will usually present the POS credit card terminal to the cardholder for entry of a PIN for chip-and-pin cards. Visitors from sign-only countries should attempt to explain that fact to the clerk (while chip-and-sign cards will cause most terminals to automatically skip the PIN prompt), and sign the receipt as usual. ===Mobile payments=== [[File:Alipay_and_WeChat_pay_signs_in_BurgerKing_ZBAA_(20170309123855).jpg|thumb|Alipay (blue) and WeChat Pay (green) accepted here]] QR-code based mobile payments such as [https://pay.weixin.qq.com/index.php/public/wechatpay WeChat Pay] (微信支付 ''Wēixìn zhīfù'') and [https://global.alipay.com/ Alipay] (支付宝 ''Zhīfùbǎo'') are extremely popular in China. The vast majority of places that take small payments, including restaurants, street-food places, and some public transportation in large cities, accept either or both of WeChat Pay and Alipay. In some cases, mobile payment is the only accepted payment method. Look for a QR-code posted with the App logo of WeChat or Alipay to find places that accept these payment types. Unfortunately for the traveler, both maintain strict separation between their Chinese and global networks: you can't use a global account to make payments in China. Getting full access to the Chinese network as a foreigner requires a Chinese bank account, but you '''can use Alipay with a foreign credit card'''. There are two key limitations that tourists may bump into- first is that the maximum amount that can be spent with Alipay linked to a foreign credit card is ¥5000 per 90 days (sufficient for short visits and if major expenses can be paid with credit card or cash, less so otherwise), and you can only make payments to registered business accounts (some small vendors use an individual account in the owner's name rather than a separate business account). Various other workarounds may be possible—WeChat also accepts foreign credit cards for certain in-app transactions like reloading a prepaid phone balance or ordering delivery—but requirements are always changing. Other NFC-based mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Android Pay, are not accepted in the vast majority of the places. The NFC/Contactless POS terminals usually only takes Contactless UnionPay cards. Even though some stores in large cities are labeled to accept Apple Pay, Apple Pay with a Visa/MasterCard/AmEx/Discover/JCB would probably not work at all in those stores as in most cases they also require a UnionPay card. Android Pay is completely absent from China due to the ban of Google in mainland China. ===Costs=== China is affordable for Western visitors, though it's noticeably more expensive than much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unless you are heading to [[Hong Kong]] or [[Macau]], China is generally much less expensive - from a traveler's perspective - than industrialised countries. If you eat local food, use public transportation and stay in budget hotels or hostels, then ¥200-300 is a serviceable daily backpacker budget. However, if you want to live an extravagant lifestyle and eat only Western food and stay in luxury hotels, then even ¥3,000 a day would not be enough. As a general rule, basic items are relatively cheap, but the prices of luxury items are exorbitant, even by the standards of Japan and Western countries. Western-branded products in particular are extremely expensive, sometimes more than double what you would pay for the same items in the U.S. There is a high degree of variation in prices depending on where you go. Major cities like [[Shanghai]], [[Beijing]] and [[Guangzhou]] generally cost more than smaller cities and rural, inland parts of the country. The boom towns of [[Shenzhen]] and [[Zhuhai]] are also more expensive than the national average. Nonetheless, many Hong Kong or Macau residents (who live just across the border from Shenzhen and Zhuhai, respectively, and who are generally more affluent than mainlanders), often go to these cities to shop, play golf, and enjoy services like massage as prices are far lower. ===Tipping=== As a general rule, tipping is not practiced in China. While tipping would rarely be regarded as insulting, in some cases a tip might be seen as suggesting that a relationship is based on money, not friendship. When leaving a tip on your table, it is common to see a waiter chase after you to return the money you "forgot" to take. In China, compliments over service is usually expressed in implicit ways. If you are a smoker, you are expected to pass a cigarette to the service staff or manager. If you don't do so, you will be seen as selfish and egocentric. It is common to buy a bartender or pub owner a drink. In a hotel, it is customary not to tip for room service, airport service, taxis or anything else, although hotels that routinely serve foreign tourists may allow tipping for tour guides and associated drivers. Masseurs in some areas such as Shenzhen have been known to ask for a tip. However, if they become pushy at getting tips, most Chinese see this as extortion and an immoral practice, so just be firm if you don't wish to give any. Taxi drivers do appreciate a few yuan rounded up if they have made an extra effort for your journey; however, it is by no means required. ===Shopping=== {{See also|Shopping in China}} {{infobox|Antiquities Banned From Export|China's government has banned the export of antiques from before 1911, the date of the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Violation of this law could lead to heavy fines and even imprisonment. }} Shopping has become a national pastime as China's middle class expands. A variety of goods are available to suit any budget. In most brand name shops, upscale malls and supermarkets, the prices already have Value-Added Tax (VAT) and any sales tax included. Thus, anything with a marked price tends to be sold at that price or, perhaps, slightly below especially if you pay cash and do not require a receipt for your purchase. For unmarked goods, there is '''wide room for [[bargaining]]'''. Chinese make sales using the character: 折 (''zhé'') which represents how many tenths of the original price you pay. For example, 8折 refers to 20% off and 6.5折 is 35% off. China excels in handmade items, partly because of long traditions of exquisite artisanship and partly because labor is still comparatively inexpensive. The overwhelming majority of the "antique" items you will be shown are fakes, no matter how convincing they look and no matter what the vendor says. [[Image:China porcelain.jpg|thumb|Porcelain at Shanghai's antique market]] * '''Porcelain''': with a long history of porcelain manufacture, China still makes great porcelain today. * '''Furniture''': in the 1990s and 2000s China became a major source of antique furniture. * '''Art and Fine Art''': Traditional painting, modern art, and hand-painted reproductions of great works. * '''Jade''' There are two types of jade in China today: one type is pale and almost colorless and is made from a variety of stones mined in China. The other type is green in color and is imported from [[Myanmar]] (Burma) - if genuine! * '''Carpets''': China is home to a remarkable variety of carpet-making traditions, including Mongolian, Ningxia, Tibetan and modern types. * '''Pearls & pearl jewellery''': cultured Akoya and freshwater pearls are mass-produced and sold at markets across China. * '''Other arts and crafts''': Cloisonné (colored enamels on a metal base), lacquer work, opera masks, kites, shadow puppets, Socialist-realist propaganda posters, wood carvings, scholar's rocks (decorative rocks, some natural, some less so), paper-cuts, and so on. *'''Clothing''': China is one of the world's leading manufacturers of clothing, shoes and accessories. There are affordable tailors anywhere in China. There is also traditional Chinese clothing if you are interested, and a growing revival movement. The styles that Westerners are most familiar with are the '''cheongsam''' (长衫 ''chángshān''; ''chèuhng-sāam'' in Cantonese) or '''qipao''' (旗袍 ''qípáo'') for women, and the '''tangzhuang''' (唐装 ''tángzhuāng'') for men, which were based on traditional Manchu clothing that was imposed on the Han Chinese during the Qing Dynasty. Traditional Han Chinese clothing from the Ming Dynasty and earlier is known as the '''hanfu''' (汉服 ''hànfú''); it looks superficially similar to the Japanese kimono and Korean hanbok, and is often mistaken for one of those. *'''Brand-name goods''': genuine branded foreign goods won't be cheaper than in Western countries. There are a number of sources of potential knock-offs or fake brand-name goods. *'''Software, music and movies''': Most CDs (music or software) and DVDs in China are unauthorized copies. *'''Endangered species''': avoid purchasing &mdash; coral, ivory and parts from endangered animal species. Anyone buying such products risks substantial fines and/or jail time either when trying to leave China with them or when trying to import them into another country. * '''Electronics''': Since the 2010s, Chinese companies have been pushing the boundaries of innovation in consumer electronics. In particular, they have become the world leader in the design and manufacturing of drones for photography. ===Bargaining=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Bargaining|Bargaining}} [[File:Market china.jpg|thumb|Merchandise at a market in China]] Bargaining is a national pastime in China. You can bargain over almost anything, and sometimes it's even possible to ask for discount in a restaurant at the last minute before paying the bill. Many restaurants or bars will willingly offer a free dish or two (such as a fruit plate in a KTV) if you have made a particularly large order. Shopping malls are less willing to bargain, but why not ask "Will I get a gift?" Prices are almost always posted, but they are all substantially marked up, normally 2-3 times. It's often better to buy souvenirs somewhere just a few blocks away from the tourist spots. It is hard to tell what price to offer when starting negotiations. Depending on the city, product or market in question, 5% to 50% of the posted price or vendor's first offer is common. If someone offers you too-great-to-be-true discount, it could be a sign that the goods are of less-than-great quality. The rule of thumb is to walk around and compare. In tourist spots, it's common to ask for a 30-50% discount, but in a place catering to local people, asking for a 50% discount sounds foolish. In tourist places, don't take what merchants say seriously. When you ask for a 50% discount, they may be appalled and show scorn; it's a favorite drama. ===Basics=== Unless you have a supermarket within walking distance of your hotel (see next section below), the most convenient option for basic supplies and groceries will almost always be a convenience store. Major chains in China include Kedi, Alldays, FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. China has belatedly caught up with East Asia's love affair with convenience stores, to the point where the largest cities like Beijing and Shanghai have become oversaturated with them. Many convenience stores sell individual tissue packets, which are a necessity for touring China as many public restrooms do not have toilet paper. Although supermarkets also sell tissue packets and toilet paper, they tend to sell it in 6 or 10-packs which are too much for tourists (the ones that sell individual packs will have them close to or at the tills). Some discount and mid-market department stores in China also have groceries sections. ===Western goods=== Areas with large expatriate communities like [[Beijing]], [[Shanghai]], [[Guangzhou]] and [[Shenzhen]] have specialty grocery stores catering to those communities. These are often no larger than a 7-Eleven. They usually stock imported snacks, alcohol, and specialty groceries such as meats and cheeses and are often very expensive. See individual articles for details. Several Western-owned supermarket chains are widespread in China &mdash; American Wal-mart (沃尔玛 Wò'ěrmǎ), German Metro (麦德龙 Màidélóng), and French Carrefour (家乐福 Jiālèfú). All have some Western groceries — often at high prices. However, the availability of foreign products diminishes at their branches according to the size of the city. Metro is probably the best of these; in particular it usually has a fine selection of alcohol. Asian-owned chains include Japanese AEON (永旺 Yǒngwàng), Taiwanese RT-Mart (大润发 Dàrùnfā), South Korean LOTTE Mart (乐天玛特 Letianmate) and Filipino SM; these also carry imported goods. Some larger Chinese chains such as Beijing Hualian (北京华联 Běijīng Huálián) also carry a limited selection of foreign products. === Tobacco products=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Tobacco}} {{main|Tobacco}} Smoking is quite common and cigarettes (香烟 xiāngyān) are generally cheap. Cigarettes can be purchased from small neighbourhood stores, convenience stores, counters in supermarkets and in department stores. Rolling tobacco and papers are rare in urban China. Lighters (打火机 dǎhuǒjī) are usually cheap (about ¥1) but flimsily made. Zippos are available but expensive. Smoking is something of a social activity in China. In a bar or at dinner few Chinese will light up without offering cigarettes around the table, or at least to the men since few Chinese women smoke; visitors should do the same. Having an expensive brand is a status symbol. ==Eat== {{main|Chinese cuisine}} [[File:Yangzhou - fish dish - P1070031.JPG|thumb|A fish dish in a [[Yangzhou]] restaurant]] Food in China varies widely between regions, so the term "Chinese food" is a blanket term, about as descriptive as "Western food." Still, there are some broad characteristics. Gastronomy has a long history in China, and dishes subtly balance many flavors, aromas, and colors. Each region developed cuisine and techniques based on the ingredients at hand, so you'll find spicy meat-filled dishes in cooler inland regions, slowly simmered seafood stews in coastal regions, and quickly stir-fried fresh vegetables in busy southern ports like [[Guangzhou]]. Even many native Chinese find food from outside their home region to be "foreign". In southern China, '''rice''' (米饭 ''mǐfàn'') is a staple food served with many meals, so much so that its root word 饭 (''fàn'') means "meal" as well as "cooked grain". It may be served plain (eaten by itself as a side, or used as a bed to soak up sauce from the main dish), stir-fried with a variety of ingredients to make '''fried rice''', a quick tasty street meal and a common way to use up leftovers at home, or made into '''congee''', rice porridge that's a common breakfast. '''Noodles''' (面 ''miàn'') are another important staple, made from either rice or wheat, and served in a variety of methods. Soybeans are used to make '''soy sauce''', a quintessential seasoning in Chinese cooking. They're also used to make '''tofu''' (豆腐 ''dòufu''), which comes in many forms besides tasteless white blocks: some can be as flavorful and crispy as meat, others quite pungent like a blue cheese. Chinese gourmands place emphasis on '''freshness''' so your meal will most likely be cooked as soon as you order it. Searing hot woks over coal or gas fires make even street food usually safe to eat. Indeed freshly prepared street food is often safer than food sitting on the buffet lines of 5-star hotels. Still, use common sense: if it's a searing hot summer day and the kebab vendor has their raw meat sitting unrefrigerated on the counter, you might want to head elsewhere. Various types of Chinese food provide quick, cheap, tasty, light meals. Street food and snacks sold from portable vendors can be found throughout China's cities, good for breakfast or a snack. And Western-style fast food is arguably as popular as the domestic variety. Yelp is virtually unknown in China, while the Michelin Guide only covers Shanghai and Guangzhou, and is not taken seriously by most Chinese people. Instead, most Chinese people rely on local website [https://www.dianping.com/ Dazhong Dianping] (Chinese only). ===Etiquette=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Respect}} China is the birthplace of '''chopsticks''' (筷子 ''kuàizi''), which are used for most Chinese food. Chinese cuisine evolved to be eaten using chopsticks, with almost all food prepared in bite-sized chunks or easily picked apart. Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while. Some chopstick guidelines to be aware of: * '''Never''' place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of food (reminiscent of funeral rites), pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks (another funeral rite), or drum your bowl with chopsticks (reminiscent of beggars). * Always use chopsticks as a pair, like a set of tongs; '''never''' use just one chopstick at a time (nor one in each hand), hold them in your fist like you would a knife or dagger, or try to "cut" food with them like you would with a knife. Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be done only as a last resort. * Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls is rude. * Pointing at things with your chopsticks is rude. (Pointing at people in general is rude; with chopsticks, doubly so.) Even when setting chopsticks down on the table, angle them so they're not pointing at anyone. * In general, try not to touch food with your fingers. Even fried chicken is picked up with chopsticks and gingerly nibbled, touching it as little as possible. Small bones should be spat onto your plate or bowl, rather than removed using your hands or chopsticks. For foods that are eaten with your hands, disposable plastic gloves may be provided. It's normal to pick up any bowl of food for easier eating, and you can put a bowl of rice directly to your mouth to push the last few bites in using your chopsticks. '''Spoons''' are used for soups and porridge, and to help with eating noodles in a soup. In traditional Chinese dining, dishes are shared '''family style''', and at larger tables there is usually a lazy Susan to pass dishes around. * Communal chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') are not always provided; if not, just use your own chopsticks to transfer food to your bowl. It's not rude to request communal chopsticks from the restaurant, but it may make you look like a stickler for formality. * Each communal dish should only be served from by one person at a time. Don't reach across someone to reach a farther dish while they're serving; wait until they're done. * Once you put something on your plate, don't put it back. Confucius says never leave someone else with what ''you'' don't want. * Do not start eating until the most senior person at the table has started eating. Don't expect to get a fortune cookie with your meal; that's strictly a Western custom. (Fortune cookies were actually invented in California sometime in the early 20th century.) Most Chinese have never even heard of them. ===Regional cuisines=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Regional cuisines}} Several varieties of Chinese food have enough international popularity that you may already recognize some of them: * '''Cantonese''' cuisine (from [[Guangdong]]), is by far the most widely known type of Chinese food abroad. Neither bland nor spicy, Cantonese cuisine will use almost anything as an ingredient, often preserving the freshness by quickly stir-frying in a very hot wok or steaming. Fried rice, chow mein, char siu pork, and sweet and sour pork are just a handful of its most famous dishes. * '''Huaiyang''' cuisine (from the eastern area towards [[Shanghai]]) is considered a good mix of northern and southern Chinese cooking styles. Dishes tend to focus on a main ingredient, which is often seafood in this coastal region; flavors are often sweet, and almost never spicy. Its most famous dishes include xiaolongbao soup dumplings, red braised pork belly, drunken chicken, and sweet and sour mandarin fish. * '''Sichuan''' or Szechuan cuisine (from the western inland) is popular with many foreigners for its ''málà'' flavors, using Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling numbness (''má'') and chili peppers for spiciness (''là''). Using lots of meat, preserved foods, and chili oil, it's famous for the original form of Kung Pao chicken, mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and dandan noodles. * '''Teochew''' cuisine (from the [[Chaoshan]] region of Guangdong) is well known in Hong Kong and much of Southeast Asia. Particularly known for its braised meats and steamed dishes. Other major traditional cuisines include fragrant and vinegary Shandong, tender Fujian, spicy Hunan, herbal Anhui, and delicate Zhejiang. Ethnic minority cuisines in China include [[Korean cuisine|Korean]], Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various cuisines from Yunnan, while Northeastern Chinese cuisine is influenced by both Mongolian and Russian cuisines and includes dishes like potato dumplings and a type of borscht. There is even unique local-style '''Western food''' to be found in [[Shanghai]]. ===Dietary restrictions=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Dietary restrictions}} People with dietary restrictions will have a '''hard time''' in China. '''''Halal''''' food is hard to find outside areas with a significant Muslim population, but look for Lanzhou noodle (兰州拉面, ''Lánzhōu lāmiàn'') restaurants, which may have a sign advertising "halal" in Arabic (حلال) or Chinese (清真 ''qīngzhēn''). If you are attending university in China, most major Chinese universities have halal canteens to cater to their Muslim students. '''''Kosher''''' food is nearly unknown, and you will have to do some advance planning; there are Chabad houses in major Chinese cities that you can contact to help with this. '''Vegetarian''' restaurants can often be found near major Buddhist temples (look for the character "素" or the symbol "卍", a Buddhist symbol in this context), but elsewhere you'll probably need to ask specifically and it may not always be available. Dairy and eggs are little-used in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, so much of it is suitable for '''vegans''', but do pay attention, especially when it comes to desserts. Awareness of '''food allergies''' (食物过敏 ''shíwù guòmǐn'') is limited, and '''gluten-free''' foods are virtually non-existent. ==Drink== The Chinese love a tipple, but unless you are used to imbibing heavily, be careful when drinking with Chinese. The Chinese liquor ''báijiǔ'' is quite potent (up to 65% alcohol); it's often drunk in small shot glasses for a good reason. When U.S. President Richard Nixon &mdash; who was an experienced drinker, if a bit of a lightweight &mdash; first visited China, his staff sent dire warnings that he ''not'' drink in response to toasts. (He diplomatically managed to toast every table at the banquet, taking ''very'' small sips.) There are hardly any liquor laws in China. The legal drinking age is 18, but it's basically not enforced, and you'll never need to show ID. Alcohol can be purchased anywhere and drunk anywhere. ===Toasting=== Toasts are made by saying '''"''gānbēi''"''' (干杯, lit. "dry glass"). Drinks are served in small glasses (even beer is usually drunk from oversized shot glasses), and traditionally you should drain the whole glass for a toast. Chinese toasts are generally one-on-one, not something involving the whole table. At most meals, a visitor can expect everyone at the table to offer them a toast. Visitors should also '''offer toasts''' and not just receive them. This means that if you are out for dinner with a dozen people, you will be expected and pressured to drink around two dozen toasts. Fortunately, it's okay to stick to beer, and Chinese beer is usually low alcohol. It may be considered rude if you don't offer a toast to someone whenever you take a drink, at least at the start of a meal. The same applies to smoking; offer the pack around whenever you want to light up. If you want to take it easy but still be sociable, say "'''suíbiàn''" (随便) or "''pèngbeī''" (碰杯) before you make the toast, then drink only part of the glass. It may also be possible to have three toasts (traditionally signifying friendship) with the entire company, rather than a separate toast for each person. ===Alcohol=== {{Seealso|Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic}} The all-purpose word ''jiǔ'' (酒, "alcohol") covers quite a range of alcoholic drinks. Generally speaking, heavy drinking is more prevalent in northern China than in southern China. '''Beer''' (啤酒 ''píjiǔ'') is common in China and is served in nearly every restaurant and sold in many grocery stores. The most famous brand is Tsingtao (青島 ''Qīngdǎo'') from [[Qingdao]], which was at one point a German concession. Locally made '''grape [[wine]]''' (葡萄酒 ''pútáojiǔ'') is common and much of it is reasonably priced, but usually bears only the faintest resemblance to Western wines. The Chinese like their wines red and very sweet, and they're typically served over ice or mixed with Sprite. That said, higher-quality local wines that are more similar to their Western counterparts also exist, if you know what to look for. There are also several brands and types of '''rice wine'''. Most of these resemble a watery rice pudding, they are usually sweet and contain a minute amount of alcohol for taste. '''Baijiu''' (白酒 ''Báijiǔ'') is distilled liquor, generally 40% to 60% alcohol by volume, made from sorghum and sometimes other grains depending on the region. Maotai or Moutai (茅台 ''Máotái''), made in Guizhou Province, is China's most famous brand of baijiu and China's national liquor. Maotai and its expensive cousins (such as '''Kaoliang''' from [[Kinmen]] in Taiwan) are well known for their strong fragrance and are actually sweeter than western clear liquors as the sorghum taste is preserved — in a way. Chinese '''brandy''' (白兰地 ''báilándì'') is excellent value, priced about the same as wine. There are several brands; all are drinkable and many visitors find them more palatable than baijiu. The Chinese are also great fans of various supposedly '''medicinal liquors''', which usually contain exotic herbs and/or animal parts. Some of these have prices in the normal range and include ingredients like ginseng, while other more exotic may include snakes, wasps and newborn mice. These can be palatable enough, if tending toward sweetness. Note that some medicinal liquors are only intended for external use. ===Bars, discos and karaoke=== Western style pubs are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Especially in the more affluent urban centers such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou one can find painstakingly recreated replicas of traditional Irish or English pubs. Like their Western counterparts most will have a selection of foreign beers on tap as well as provide pub food (of varying quality) and often feature live cover bands. Most of these pubs cater to and are frequented by the expatriate communities so you should not expect to find many Chinese in these places. Imported beer can be very expensive compared to local brew. To just go out for a few drinks with friends, pick a local restaurant and drink beer at around ¥5 for a 600 ml bottle. It will be Chinese lager, around 3% alcohol, with a limited choice of brand and may be served warm. Most mid- to high- range restaurants will have small private suites for gatherings (usually offered free if there is more than around 5 people), and the staff will generally not try to hustle you out even if you decide to stay until closing time. Many residents frequent outdoor restaurants or roadside stalls and barbecues (烧烤 ''shāokǎo'') for a nice and inexpensive evening. In '''discos''' and '''fancy bars''' with entertainment, you normally buy beer ¥100 at a time; this gets you anywhere from 4 import-brand beer (Heineken, Bud, Corona, Sol, etc.) to 10 local beers. A few places offer cocktails; fewer have good ones. Other drinks are sold only by the bottle, not by the glass. Red wine is in the ¥80-200 range (served with ice and Sprite) and mediocre imported whiskeys (Chivas, Johnny Walker, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels; extremely rarely single malts) and cognacs, ¥300-800. Both are often mixed with sweet bottled green or red tea. Vodka, tequila and rum are less common, but sometimes available. Bogus "brand name" products are fairly common and may ruin your next day. These places often have '''bar girls''', young women who drink a lot and want to play drinking games to get you to consume more. They get a commission on whatever you buy. In general, these girls will not leave the bar with you; they are professional flirts, not prostitutes. [[File:Wuhan-LuoyuDongLu-karaoke-4108.jpg|thumb|A karaoke place near the Huazhong University of Science and Technology campus in [[Wuhan]]]] '''Karaoke''' (卡拉OK ''kǎlā'ōukèi'') is huge in China and can be broadly split into two categories. More common is the no-frills karaoke box or '''KTV''', where you rent a room, bring your friends and the house gives you a mic and sells you booze. Much favored by students, these are cheap and fun with the right crowd, although you need at least a few people for a memorable night. Bringing your own booze can keep the price tag down but must be done on the sly - many places have windows in the door so the staff can make sure you only drink liquor they sold to you. Rather different is the distinctly dodgier '''special KTV''' lounge, more oriented to businessmen entertaining clients or letting their hair down, where the house provides anything and everything at a price. At these often opulent establishments &mdash; over-the-top Roman and Egyptian themes are standard &mdash; you'll be joined by short-skirted professional karaoke girls, who charge by the hour for the pleasure of their company and whose services may not be limited to just singing badly and pouring your drinks. It's highly advisable not to venture into these unless you're absolutely sure somebody else is footing the bill, which can easily run into hundreds of dollars even if you keep your pants on. As elsewhere, never '''never''' accept an invitation to a restaurant or bar from an available-looking woman who just picked you up in the street sometime after sundown. At best, suggest a different place. If she refuses, drop her on the spot. More than likely, she will steer you into a quiet little place with too many doormen and you will find yourself saddled with a modest meal and beer that will cost you ¥1,000 or worse. And the doormen won't let you leave till you pay up. ===Tea=== China is the birthplace of tea culture, and at the risk of stating the obvious, there's a lot of '''[[tea]]''' (茶 ''chá'') in China. Green tea (绿茶 ''lǜchá'') is served up for free in some restaurants (depending on region) or for a small fee. For more information, see [[Chinese cuisine#Tea]]. The most common types served are: * gunpowder tea (珠茶 ''zhū chá''): a green tea named after the appearance of the bunched-up leaves used to brew it * jasmine tea (茉莉花茶 ''mòlìhuā chá''): green-tea scented with jasmine flowers * oolong (烏龍 ''wūlóng''): a half-fermented mountain tea. Specialist tea houses serve a vast variety of brews, ranging from the pale, delicate white tea (白茶 ''báichá'') to the powerful fermented and aged pu'er tea (普洱茶 ''pǔ'ěrchá''). Most tea shops will be more than happy to let you sit down and try different varieties of tea. "Ten Fu Tea" is a national chain. Chinese teas are drunk without sugar or milk. However, in some areas you will find Hong Kong style "milk tea" (奶茶 ''nǎichá'') or Tibetan "butter tea". Taiwanese bubble tea (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá'') is also popular; the "bubbles" are balls of tapioca and milk or fruit are often mixed in. ===Coffee=== [[Coffee]] (咖啡 ''kāfēi'') is popular in urban China, though it can be quite difficult to find in smaller towns. Several chains of coffee shops have branches in many cities, including Starbucks (星巴克), UBC Coffee (上岛咖啡), Ming Tien Coffee Language and SPR. There are many small independent coffee shops or local chains. ===Cold drinks=== Many drinks that are usually served chilled or with ice in the West are served at room temperature in China. Ask for beer or soda in a restaurant, and it may arrive at room temperature, though beer is more commonly served cold, at least in the summer. Water will generally be served hot. That is actually good, because only boiled (or bottled) water is safe to drink. Small grocery stores and restaurants sell cold drinks, just look for the cooler (even though it might not actually be cool). You can try bringing a cold beverage into a restaurant. Most small restaurants won't mind—if they even notice—and there is no such thing as a "cork" charge in China. Most people will be drinking tea, which is free anyway, so the restaurant is probably not expecting to profit on your beverage consumption. Asking for ice is best avoided. Many, perhaps most, places just don't have it. The ice they do have may well be made from unfiltered tap water and arguably unsafe for travelers sweating bullets about [[Travellers' diarrhea|diarrhea]]. ==Sleep== [[File:Muyu-rural-inn-5476.jpg|thumb|Rural inn in Shennongjia, [[Hubei]]]] Availability of accommodation for tourists is generally good and ranges from shared dorm rooms to 5-star luxury hotels. '''Sleeper trains''' and '''sleeper buses''' can also be a decent option if you schedule your long-distance travel overnight (see the [[#Get around|Get around]] section of this page for more information). In the past, only a few hotels were allowed to take foreign guests and the police monitored those, but restrictions now vary from city to city. Even in restricted cities and towns, family-run operations in particular may check you in if they feel they can get enough information from you to get you registered in the system or feel that they can get away without such reporting. Any hotel will still require a photocopy of your passport, some will check if your visa has expired, and they are supposed to share information with the authorities. On rare occasions, someone from your hotel will escort you to the local police station to satisfy the establishment's reporting requirement. Finding a hotel when arriving in a Chinese city is difficult if you don't know where to look and what you're looking for. In general, neither star ratings nor price are an accurate indication of the quality of the hotel, so research before booking. If you're willing to pay ¥180 or more for a room, you'll probably have little problem finding one. You could, for example, search Google Maps with the name of a chain hotel listed under "mid-range", below, determine what the address would be in Chinese, and then write that down on a note which you give to a taxi driver. There are usually cheap hotels near the train or bus station. If you do plan on just showing up in town and looking for a place to sleep, it's best to arrive before 18:00 or the most popular places will be booked for the night. If you are absolutely at a loss for finding housing, the local police (警察) or Public Security Bureau (公安局) can help you find a place to crash - at least for one night. '''Prices are often negotiable,''' and a sharp reduction from the price listed on the wall can often be had, even in nicer hotels, by simply asking "what's the lowest price?" (最低多少 ''zuìdī duōshǎo''). When staying for more than a few days it is also usually possible to negotiate a lower daily rate. However, these negotiating tactics won't work during the busy Chinese holiday seasons when prices sky-rocket and rooms are hard to get. Many hotels, both chains and individual establishments, have membership cards offering discounts to frequent guests. In mid-range and above hotels, it was once quite common for guests to receive phone calls offering "massage" services (that actually offered additional physical services) but this has become rarer such that male guests might just encounter business cards stuffed under the door. '''Booking a room over the Internet''' with a credit card can be a convenient and speedy method of making sure you have a room when you arrive at your destination, and there are numerous websites that cater for this. Credit cards are not widely used in China, particularly in smaller and cheaper hotels. Such hotels usually ask to be paid in cash, and many hotels ask for a cash security deposit of a few hundred yuan up front. Some new [http://www.dajiudian.info online services] {{dead link|December 2020}} allow you to book without a credit card and pay cash at the hotel. During Chinese holidays, when it is difficult to get a room anywhere, this may be an acceptable option, but in the off-season, rooms are plentiful almost everywhere and it may be just as easy to find a room upon arrival as it is to book one over the Internet. Across China, check-out is normally noon, and there is often the possibility of paying half a day's cost to get an 18:00 checkout. For those staying in China on a more permanent basis, rental is possible with the obvious caveat that all contracts are in Chinese. Real estate prices are exorbitant in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, surpassing even those of many major Western cities. ===Low-cost housing=== Many ultra-cheap options would not appeal to most travelers from developed countries for security and cleanliness reasons. In the cheapest range of hotels it is important to ask if hot water is available 24 hours-a-day (有没有二十四个小时的热水 ''yǒuméiyǒu èrshisì ge xiǎoshí de rèshuǐ''), and check if the shower, sink and toilet actually work. It is also advisable to avoid checking into a room next to a busy street as traffic may keep you up late and wake you up early. * '''Hostels (青年旅社)''' are the most comfortable low-cost options. They typically cater to foreigners, have English-speaking employees, and provide cheap, convenient transport around town. Some of them are even cleaner and better furnished than more expensive places. Hostels also have a cozy, international atmosphere and are a good place to meet other travelers and get some half-decent Western food. In most cities of any size there is at least one hostel available, and in travel hot spots there are plenty of hostels, although they can still fill up quickly because of their popularity with backpackers. Hostels can often be booked on-line in advance although you definitely should bring a print-out of your confirmation as not all hostels are aware that you can book their rooms (and pay a portion of the cost) on-line in advance. In Beijing, many hostels are in '''hutongs''' - traditional courtyard homes in the midst of a maze of traditional streets and architecture. While many of Beijing's Hutongs have been demolished, a movement to save those which remain has led to a boom in youth hostels for backpackers and boutique hotels for the mid-range traveler. * '''Dorm rooms (宿舍)''' are found on university campuses, near rural tourist attractions and as part of some hotels. Most travelers have spotty luck with dorms. It is common to have rowdy or intoxicated roommates, and shared bathrooms can take some getting used to, especially if you're not used to traditional squat toilets or taking cold showers. However, in some areas, especially on top of some of China's holy mountains, dorm rooms might be the only budget option in a sea of luxury resorts. [[File:Yangzhou - guesthouse sign - P1080108.JPG|thumb|Signage over a budget hotel in Yangzhou]] * '''Zhùsù (住宿)''', which simply translates as "accommodation", can refer to any kind of sleeping accommodation, but those places that have the Chinese characters for zhusu written on the wall outside are the cheapest. A zhusu is not a hotel, but simply rooms for rent in homes, restaurants, and near train and bus stations. Zhusu rooms are universally spartan and bathrooms are almost always shared. The price can be quite low, costing only a few dozen renminbi. Officially a zhusu should not provide a room to a foreigner, but many times the caretaker is eager to get a client and will be willing to rent to anyone. There are never any English signs advertising a zhusu, so if you can't read Chinese you may have to print out the characters for your hunt. Security in zhusu's is sketchy, so this option is not recommended if you have valuables with you. * '''Spas''': spa costs vary but can be as low as ¥25. Admission to a spa is typically for 24 hours, but entering a spa late at night (after 01:00) and leaving before noon may get you a 50% discount. Spas provide beds or reclining couches and a small locker for bags and personal possessions (this is ideal if you are traveling light), but there is no privacy because usually everyone sleeps in one room (so there is more security than in a dorm, since there are attendants who watch over the area, and your belongings (even your clothes!) are stored away in a locker). There are also showers, saunas, complimentary food, and paid services such as massages and body scrubbing. Don't be fooled when receptionists try to make up reasons why you have to pay more than the listed rate. They may try to convince you that the listed rates are only for members, locals, women, men, or include only one part of the spa (i.e. shower, but no bed/couch). To verify any claims, strike up a conversation with a local a good distance away from the spa and inquire about the prices. Don't let them know that you are checking the spa's claims. Just act as if you are thinking about going there if the price is good. If they know that the spa is trying to overcharge you, they will typically support the spa's claim. ===Budget hotels=== [[File:Yangzhou - 7 Tian Liansuo Jiudian - P1070222.JPG|thumb|A mid-range hotel in Yangzhou with a couple of cheaper establishments nestled on its first floor]] The next level of hotels, which cater almost exclusively to Chinese clients, are usually off-limits to foreigners but you may be able to convince them to accept you, especially if you can speak a smattering of Chinese. As a foreigner, you are obligated to register your stay with local authorities, and in urban areas, budget hotels are often unaware of how to register foreign guests in the local system (and thus unwilling to take foreign guests). Despite this, you can offer to work with hotel staff in properly registering your stay in the PSB system (as most public security bureaus use the same registration system) using [https://www.lostlaowai.com/blog/china-stuff/china-travel/foreigners-allowed-hotel-registration-tutorial/ one of many online guides], but it is important to do so in a way that won't make the hotel clerk lose face. In rural areas, you will likely stick out like a sore thumb (especially if you have multimedia equipment), and even if you are registered as a guest, public security bureau officials will often show up late at night to firstly question your intentions for staying in a rural area, and furthermore ask you to leave and move on to another hotel. The cheapest range of Chinese budget hotels (one step above the zhusu) are called '''zhāodàisuǒ''' (招待所). Unlike zhusu these are '''licensed''' accommodations but are similarly spartan and utilitarian, often with shared bathrooms. Slightly more luxurious budget hotels and Chinese business hotels may or may not have English signs and usually have the words '''lǚguǎn''' (旅馆, meaning "travel hotel"), '''bīnguǎn''' or '''jiǔdiàn''' (宾馆 and 酒店, respectively, meaning "hotel") in their name. Room options typically include singles and doubles with attached bathrooms, and dorms with shared baths. Some budget hotels include complementary toiletries and Internet. In small towns a night's stay might be as cheap as ¥25; in bigger cities rooms usually cost ¥80-120. One problem with such hotels is that they can be quite noisy as patrons and staff may be yelling to each other across the halls into the wee hours of the morning. Another potential inconvenience is taking a room with a shared bath as you may have to wait to use a shower or squat toilet that moreover isn't in any sort of appealing condition. In smaller budget hotels the family running the place may simply lock up late at night when it appears no more customers are coming. If you plan to arrive late, explain this in advance or else you may have to call the front desk, bang on the door, or climb over the gate to get in. ===Mid-range hotels=== These are usually large, clean and comfortable, with rooms ranging from ¥150 to over ¥300. Frequently the same hotels will also have more expensive and luxurious rooms. The doubles are usually quite nice and up to Western standards, with a clean private bathroom that has towels and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast may be included, or a breakfast ticket can be purchased for around ¥10. Sprouting up around China are a number of Western-quality mid-range hotels that include the following chains, all of which have rooms in the ¥150-300 range and on-line advance booking: * {{sleep | name=7 Days Inns | alt= | url=http://www.7daysinn.cn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(7天连锁酒店) }} * {{sleep | name=JinJiang Inns | alt= | url=http://www.jinjianginns.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(锦江之星) }} * {{sleep | name=Home Inns | alt=如家快捷酒店 | url=http://www.homeinns.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Green Tree Inns | alt=格林豪泰酒店 | url=http://www.998.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motels by Wyndham | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} ===Splurge=== The high end includes international hotel chains and resorts, such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Shangri-La and their Chinese competitors. These charge hundreds or thousands of yuan per night for luxurious accommodations with 24-hour room service, satellite TV, spas, and western breakfast buffets. There are suites in Shanghai, for example, for over ¥10,000 a night. Many of these establishments cater to traveling business-types with expense accounts and charge accordingly for food and amenities (i.e. ¥20 for a bottle of water which costs ¥2 at a convenience store). Internet (wired or wireless) which is usually free in mid-range accommodations is often a pay service in high-end hotels. Some hotels in the ¥400-700 range such as Ramada or Days Inn are willing to lower their prices when business is slow. Chinese three and four-star hotels will often give block pricing or better deals for stays of more than 5 days. If you are coming to China on a tour, the tour company may be able to get you a room in a true luxury hotel for a fraction of the listed price. ==Learn== {{Seealso|Studying in China}} Traditional Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on education, so there is no lack of options for those who wish to receive quality education in China. China's universities offer many different types of courses, and some of them are regularly ranked among the top universities in the world. Universities accept students who have achieved the minimum of a high-school education for courses in the Chinese language. These courses usually last 1 or 2 years. Students are given certificates after they complete their course. Students who do not speak Chinese and want to study further in China are usually required to complete a language-training course. There are many opportunities to learn Chinese in China, including university courses and special programs. Scholarships may be available, from your home country or the Chinese government. In any city with a sizeable expat community, you can also find private classes, which you can take on the side while [[working in China]]. While not as popular as Mandarin, there are also some opportunities to study the local dialects and ethnic minority languages. ==Work== {{seealso|Working in China}} China has grown so much that it is on track to become the world's biggest economy. Although the labor market is difficult for foreigners to access, there are, however, significant opportunities for those who wish to experience China. It is illegal to work in China on a tourist or business visa, and while many foreigners used to get away with doing so, the Chinese government is cracking down on the practice; you will need to proactively make sure your employer goes through the appropriate procedures for you. Employment opportunities include [[English teaching|English-language teaching]], engineering, tech jobs, international trade, scientific research and working for multi-nationals. For most jobs, Chinese immigration law requires foreigners to have at least a bachelor's degree before they can be granted a work visa, and your application will be rejected if you do not have one. See [[Working in China]] for details. ==Stay safe== While China is generally safe for visitors, the government has some authoritarian aspects, and the topic of '''human rights''' in China is highly contested. Despite what's written in the Chinese constitution, in practice some freedoms are strongly curtailed, such as free speech, privacy, freedom of information and the press, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. As long as you're not deliberately provocative, most of these are unlikely to affect you during your visit — especially since enforcement is somewhat arbitrary anyway — but if they do, punishments can be heavy. China is known to use extrajudicial detention, torture, and (rarely, mainly for murder and drug trafficking) the death penalty. Often criticized as "hostage diplomacy", detentions and enforcement are sometimes stepped up in reaction to geopolitical events, meaning that, for example, Canadian and American businesspeople have faced extra scrutiny in 2019. Chinese dual citizens and people of Chinese heritage who are citizens of other countries have been subject to "exit bans", kept in China, sometimes for years, to compel them to cooperate with government investigations or pressure their relatives to return to China. <!--This section is just a political discussion that doesn't provide information to travelers. If the preceding is not fair, then let's fair that: An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole. The bottom line is that, no different from most other countries, --> As long as you behave and do not get involved in drugs or political activity, you shouldn't have any problems. Even bypassing the Internet firewall or accessing potentially subversive material is usually overlooked for the average visitor. However, it doesn't hurt to have a contingency plan in case you run afoul of the government. ===Law enforcement agencies=== Private security officers in China dress similarly to the police, and also often use lights and sirens on their vehicles. [[File:Chine police.JPG|thumb|right|Typical public security police officers]] The major law enforcement agency you will encounter most is the '''public security police''' (公安机关人民警察), often abbreviated as the public security (公安, ''Gōng'ān''), or civilian police (民警, ''mínjǐng''). *Most officers wear navy-blue peaked caps and light-blue shirts. Officers should carry their police identification document, which must be shown when you request them to do so. They are usually unarmed. *Special police officers wear black uniform, and are armed. *Traffic police officers wear white peaked-caps, and in some cities, they may wear fluorescent shirts. *Auxiliary police officers have limited law enforcement power, and do not have the power of arrest. Their uniforms differ from city to city; but have the words "auxiliary police" (辅警), or something similar. *Detectives, including domestic security agents, wear plain clothes. *Typical police vehicles bear the word "公安". Special police vehicles are painted with black, and bear the word "特警". All public security police officers have nationwide authority. Most of the officers are friendly, professional and reliable, yet there will inevitably be corrupt ones too. [[File:Pékin, People's Armed Police at Tianamen Square (1).JPG|thumb|right|A typical PAP soldier]] The '''People's Armed Police''' (PAP) (中国人民武装警察部队, often abbreviated to 武警, ''wǔjǐng'') is a branch of the Chinese military tasked with assisting the public security police, riot control and guarding key infrastructures like railway stations and airports. Soldiers wear green camouflage or olive-green military uniform with red insignia, while officers have similar uniform with that of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force. [[File:Shantou, Guangdong, China - Chengguan Officials.jpg|thumb|Chengguan officers of [[Shantou]]]] '''Chengguan''' (城管, ''chéngguǎn''), known officially as City Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau (城市管理行政执法局), and often known as Integrated Enforcement (综合执法) or Administrative Enforcement (行政执法), may dress differently. Chengguan officers are often poorly-trained, brutal, and sometimes corrupt. The Chinese government is cracking down on corruption, so '''under no circumstances''' should you offer a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer, as this could result in legal consequences for you and the person accepting your bribe. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates vary across the huge nation, but in general it as safe as most Western countries. Many Western tourists will feel safer in China than in their home country, and it is generally not a problem for women to roam the streets alone at night. Violent crime is very rare, though scams and petty crimes are common, so it pays to be prudent and secure your valuables properly. As with anywhere else, a little commonsense goes a long way. Generally speaking, crime rates are higher in the larger cities than in the countryside. Nevertheless, they are no more dangerous than major Western cities, so if you avoid seedy areas and use your common sense, you'll be fine. Video surveillance is widely used in both urban and in some rural areas. CCTVs are generally welcomed by the police, due to the fact that front-line officers are often insufficient to deal with China's huge population. While not as rampant as in [[Europe]], [[Pickpockets|pickpocketing]] is a significant issue in crowded places. Be particularly vigilant when on public transport during peak hours, as it provides the perfect cover for pickpockets to get away after striking. Bicycle theft can be a problem. In big cities there are stories of locals who have lost three bikes within one month, but in some other places, local people still casually park their bikes. Follow what local people do. Assume your expensive lock won't help at all. Professional thieves can break virtually any lock. In China, bike parking is common outside supermarkets or shopping centers, and usually charges ¥1-2 per day (usually until 20:00-22:00). If you have an electric bicycle or scooter, be extra cautious as the battery-packs or charger may be targeted. That said, this has become less of a problem as CCTVs have become increasingly common in urban areas. The main crimes foreigners get in trouble for are around drug use (including drug use outside China before you arrived—they sometimes do a hair test for cannabis) or working illegally, with the consequence usually being a short sentence, fine and deportation. If you are accused of a more serious crime, then your first 72 hours of investigation is critical. It is during that time that the police, prosecutors and your lawyers will investigate, negotiate and decide if you are guilty. Police use hard interrogations (or torture) immediately after arrest because eliciting a confession is the quickest way to secure a conviction. Chinese law prohibits your lawyer from being present during your interrogation. If your case goes to trial, then your conviction is merely a formality (99.9% of criminal trials in 2013 ended in a conviction), and the judge's only role is to decide your sentence. Signing any document during your interrogation would be an extremely bad idea, especially if you do not understand what you are signing. You should politely insist that you be allowed access to consular services and a translator. ===Traffic=== {{see also|Driving in China}} [[File:瀋陽市街地.jpg|thumb|Traffic in [[Shenyang]]]] The mortality rate per person for car accidents in China is lower than that of many Western countries. But, in general, driving in China can range from anywhere from nerve-rattling to outright reckless. Traffic can appear chaotic. Cars are allowed to turn right on a red light and do not stop for pedestrians, regardless of the walk signal. Cars drivers, cyclists and electric scooter drivers will all drive assuming they all have right of way/priority at once. Pedestrian crossings are a guide for the driver where pedestrians are more likely to cross. In cities, however, it is unlikely drivers will be traveling fast enough to cause significant damage. Do as the locals do: cross the road with confidence, be aware of your surroundings, know that cars, bikes and scooters will tend to continue rather than stop. It is advisable as a foreigner not to drive, since in an accident you will be poorly equipped to deal with the nature of Chinese compensation. ===Terrorism=== Although rare, terrorist attacks in China have occurred, mostly in [[Xinjiang]], where Uyghur Islamist separatists are fighting for independence against the Chinese government, though there have also been high-profile attacks on people in [[Guangzhou]] station, [[Kunming]] station and [[Beijing]]. There is airport-style security at all major train stations, metro stations, and long-distance bus terminals. You will have your bag X-rayed and take water bottles out of your bag to be scanned separately, but there is no need to empty your pockets. ===Begging=== Chinese people traditionally disapprove of [[begging]], so begging is not a major issue in most places. It is, however, never far off the scene and particularly common just outside the main tourist attractions and in major transportation hubs. Be aware of child beggars who could be victims of child trafficking. While it is becoming less common, you should avoid giving them any money. In China, local people usually only give money to those who have obviously lost the ability to earn money. Professional beggars have clear deformities, and some syndicates have been known to deliberately maim children as it is seen as more effective in soliciting pity. If you feel like giving them some, bear in mind that the minimum hourly wage ranges from ¥11 to ¥24 (2020).<!-- look for updates here: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/minimum-wages-china-2020/--> ====Buddhist monks==== The presence of foreign tourists unaware of local Buddhist customs has also given rise to many scams, with many fake monks and temples preying on unsuspecting visitors. Buddhism in China generally follows the Mahayana school, whose monks are required to be vegetarian, and usually grow their own food in the temples, or buy their food using temple donations. As such, they generally ''do not'' beg for food. Monks also do not sell religious items (these are sold by laymen), and neither do they offer "Buddha's blessing" in exchange for money, or threaten you with misfortune should you not donate. Most temples will have a donation box in the main hall for devotees to make donations should they wish to do so, and monks will never go out in public to ask for donations. According to traditional Buddhist philosophy, it is entirely up to an individual to decide whether and how much he/she wishes to donate, and genuine Buddhist temples will never use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations, or ask for any amount of money in exchange for services. ===Nature=== [[File:Trimeresurus stejnegeri.jpg|thumb|The Chinese bamboo viper]] Being a large country, China is affected by a range of different natural disasters. Pacific [[cyclones|typhoons]] hit the coast in the summer and autumn months, bringing physical destruction and torrential rain. Floods also occur, in particular around the large rivers. Northern parts of the country have winter storms. Much of the country is prone to [[earthquakes]] and [[tornadoes]]. China has a variety of '''[[venomous snakes]]'''. Be careful when hiking and seek immediate treatment for any snakebite. The bright green '''bamboo viper''' (''Trimeresurus stejnegeri'') is especially notorious. ===Scams=== : ''See also: [[Common scams]], [[Pickpockets]]'' Chinese people are in general hospitable to foreigners, and want to leave a good impression on tourists visiting their country. However, as with anywhere else, there are also scam artists who operate at tourist hot spots, so it pays to be prudent and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. High prices do not necessarily indicate a scam. In a teahouse or bar, ¥50-200 per cup or pot of tea (including hot water refills) and ¥15-60 per bottle of beer is not uncommon. Tea samplings may also charge high prices for each sample. [[File:Pudong Shanghai November 2017 HDR panorama.jpg|thumb|300px|Shanghai skyline]] Touristy parts of Beijing and Shanghai have become notorious for various scams. If you are keen to avoid being scammed, the following are good rules of thumb: * It is less likely for scammers to operate outside of the usual tourist spots * If you are approached in a touristy area by a person who appears ''too'' enthusiastic about going to a particular place (teahouse or otherwise), you are likely to pay a premium and maybe get a better time elsewhere * If you are uncomfortable, '''walk away.''' * Most ordinary Chinese people are unable to speak English, so be on your guard if someone approaches you spontaneously and starts speaking to you in English. The police are sensitive to foreigners being targeted in this way and giving the country a poor reputation. In China, you have a legal right to ask for a "fa piao" (发票, lit. receipt/invoice) which is an official sales invoice issued by the taxation department. It is against the law for an owner to refuse to give it to you. For scams, they generally will refuse since it is legal evidence of their extortionate price. Accident scams occur, too, and even 'good samaritans' who help people genuinely in distress have been sued for compensation by the people they were trying to help. These scams are not tried on foreigners too often, but be careful when using a vehicle and always record your journey with a dashboard or bicycle camera. If you find yourself being or having been scammed then call 110 and report it immediately. Suspicious phone calls can be enquired through '''96110''', a hotline established in view of soaring telecommunications scams. The police may also notify you by this number with area code prefix if you encountered suspected scam calls, which is similar to a reverse-911 call itself. ===Illicit drugs=== Acts related to illicit drugs are dealt with harshly in China. Although drug use alone and the mere possession of ''small'' quantities of drugs (for example, less than 200 grams of opium and less than 10 grams of heroin or methamphetamine) are not prosecuted and are only subject to lengthy detention and/or a fine, '''smuggling, trafficking, transporting, and manufacturing illicit drugs are crimes punishable by death''', and there are plenty cases of foreign drug traffickers being executed in China. In addition, the possession of ''large'' quantities of drugs is a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, and sheltering others to take drugs is a crime punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment. Chinese people usually associate drugs with national humiliation (due to an unlimited influx of opium after Opium Wars); publicly doubting the death penalty for drug offences or advocacy for drug liberalization will most likely get you publicly criticized. For recorded drug addicts, you may be subjected to sudden raids by the police, in order to verify that you did not consume any illicit drugs. Be particularly wary in the provinces of [[Yunnan]] and [[Guangxi]], as these provinces border the Golden Triangle, a major drug-producing region in Southeast Asia. Police now target bars and nightclubs that foreigners frequent with drug-testing kits, with detention and deportation the likely consequence of a positive drug test. In a hair test, you may test positive even for drugs that you consumed three months before arriving in China. If you are driving from Chinese-Burmese border (eg. [[Xishuangbanna]]), you may also encounter layered narcotics checkpoints, in which you and your vehicle will be thoroughly searched or even partially dismantled (if suspicion arise) to intercept drug smugglers. ===Banned items=== Due to the fast pace of change in China, you may find some items (especially media) continue to be banned by customs although they are readily available for purchase in the country itself. Searching your belongings for illicit items such as the ones below could potentially happen when entering China through an airport, although in practice it is rare these days. * Materials considered by the authorities as ''Anti-Chinese'' will be confiscated. This has a fairly wide interpretation, but can include the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan lion-mountain flag and literature about the Falun Gong religious group, independence movements in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan or the Tiananmen Square protests. As a rule of thumb, '''do not bring anything critical of the Communist Party of China'''; if some literature refers to the government of the PRC as the Communist Party of China (中共), then it's either from Taiwan (as the local official term when referring to the Chinese government), and/or its stance is likely to be critical of the party. **''The Epoch Times'' (大紀元時報) and ''Ming Hui Times'' (明慧周刊/明慧周報) are two examples of Falun Gong literature. The Falun Gong sect is known to print proselytising words on Chinese yuan bills, so consider checking your bills to avoid unnecessary hassle. * A heavy penalty is imposed on all '''pornography''' and penalties are counted based on the number of pieces brought into the country. ===Religion=== Visitors to China rarely get into trouble for practicing their religion. As a communist country, China is officially atheist, and religion is banned for people working in government jobs. Although religion was targeted for extermination during the Cultural Revolution, in modern times, visitors and private citizens are generally free to practice a religion if they wish. However, '''proselytising is prohibited''' and taken very seriously by the government, and could potentially lead to arrest and imprisonment, especially if there is any fear that it could undermine the government's authority. Catholics in China are split between the state-sanctioned Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPA, CPCA, or CCPA, 中国天主教爱国会 ''Zhōngguó Tiānzhǔjiào Àiguó Huì''), which is run separately from the Vatican, and an '''underground church''' which is illegal; visitors should not associate with the latter for legal reasons. '''Falun Gong''' is '''illegal''' and heavily censored in China. Visibly supporting it will make you subject to arrest. Despite all that, modern Chinese society is in general rather secular, and religiously-motivated hate crimes are exceedingly rare. ===Racism=== Although unprovoked violent racist attacks are virtually unheard of, foreigners, particularly darker-skin ones, often suffer discrimination in employment and are the subject of stereotyping from Chinese people. Even white foreigners, who allegedly enjoy significantly better treatment than locals, have been occasionally confronted by Chinese people during politically sensitive periods. Xenophobia has intensified amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many restaurants now refusing service to foreign customers. Discrimination is particularly severe against black people, some of whom have been evicted by their landlords and denied rooms in hotels. If your skin tone doesn't match people's assumptions for someone from your country, and especially if you're ethnically Chinese, you may be treated like the country on your passport isn't where you're ''really'' from. Visas on arrival are sometimes denied on this basis. ===Gay and lesbian travelers=== China is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travelers. There are no laws against homosexuality in China, though there is censorship of homosexual-themed content in the media. Gay scenes and communities are found in the major cities in China, but are generally non-existent everywhere else. Most Chinese are reluctant to discuss their sexuality in public, as it is generally considered to be a personal matter, and acceptance of homosexuality by Chinese people tends to be mixed. Same-sex marriages and unions are not recognised anywhere in the country. While openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is still likely to draw stares and whispers, gay and lesbian visitors should generally not run into any major problems, and unprovoked violence against homosexual couples is almost unheard of. In general, the younger generation tend to be more accepting of homosexuality, and gay dramas have been gaining in popularity among young Chinese women since the 2010s. Staff in hotels and guesthouses may assume that a mistake has been made if a same-sex couple has reserved a room with one large bed and try to move you to another room. However, they will generally back down if you insist that it is not a problem. ==Stay healthy== ===Personal hygiene=== Outside major cities, public washrooms range from mildly unpleasant to utterly repulsive. In cities, it varies from place to place. High-quality bathrooms can be found inside major tourist attractions, at international hotels, office buildings, and upper-class department stores. Washrooms in foreign restaurant chains, or any of the coffee chains listed in the drink section are usually more or less clean. While those in common restaurants and hotels are barely acceptable, those in hotel rooms are generally clean. Some public facilities are free, others cost from a few mao up to ¥2. Separate facilities are always provided for men (男 nán) and women (女 nǚ), but sometimes there are no doors on the front of the stalls. The sit-down toilet familiar to Westerners is rare in China in public areas. Hotels will generally have them in rooms, but in places where Westerners are scarce, expect to find squat toilets more often than not. Many private homes in urban areas now have sit-down toilets, and one major benefit from having a local host is that they have clean bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, a western establishment such as McDonald's or Starbucks will have a western toilet, but may not have toilet paper. Carry your own tissue paper (卫生纸 wèishēngzhǐ, or 面纸 miànzhǐ) as it is rarely provided. You can sometimes buy it from the money-taker at a public toilet; you can also buy it in bars, restaurants and Internet cafés for ¥2. Put used paper in the bucket next to the toilet; do not flush it away as it may block the often poor plumbing systems. There may not be soap in the public washrooms either. The Chinese tend to distrust the cleanliness of bathtubs. In hotels with fixed bathtubs, disposable plastic bathtub liners may be provided. Wash your hands often with soap if you can find any, carry some disposable disinfectant tissues (found in almost any department or cosmetics store), or use alcohol gel. ===Food and drink=== ====Food==== Although there are few widely enforced health regulations in restaurants, each major city does have an inspection regime that requires each establishment to prominently display the result (good, average or poor). It is hard to say how effective this is, but it is a start. Restaurants generally prepare hot food when you order. Even in the smallest of restaurants, hot dishes are usually freshly prepared, instead of reheated, and rarely cause health problems. A rule of thumb regarding street food is to make certain it is cooked thoroughly while you are watching; also, visit stalls frequented by locals, and look for plastic-wrapped disposable chopsticks. Minor stomach discomfort may still be experienced from street food and restaurant food alike, but is said to pass as one becomes accustomed to the local food. Ginger can be effective against nausea. ====Drink==== Chinese people '''do not drink water straight from the tap''', even in the cities. All hotels provide a thermos flask of boiled water in your room (refillable by your floor attendant), a kettle you can use to do it yourself or a sealed plastic bottle of commercial mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink ''after'' boiling. Some apartments and businesses have rather large water filters installed (which require changing twice a year) to improve the quality of water for cooking and washing. It still doesn't make the water drinkable from the tap, however it does improve the water quality a great deal. Purified drinking water in bottles is available everywhere, and is generally quite cheap. ¥2 is normal for a small bottle. Check that the seal on the cap is not broken. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also cheap and safe. Also note that much river water in China has been contaminated by chemicals that filters can not help much with, although this should only be dangerous if consumed over an extended period of time. ===Pollution=== {{infobox|Smog|Most smog or haze outbreaks are made up of fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5). '''N95 masks''' provide good protection against smog as they are at least 95% efficient against fine particles that are about 0.1 – 0.3 microns. They are 99.5% efficient against larger particles of 0.75 microns or more. As with most things in China, be sure to identify a reputable brand such as 3M}} [[File:3M N95 Particulate Respirator.JPG|thumbnail|N95 mask for dealing with China smog]] Due to a rapid rate of industrialization in China, [[Air pollution|pollution and heavy smog]] is unfortunately part of the way of life in most major towns and cities. That said, stricter environmental protection laws are slowly beginning to bear fruit, with the result that Beijing is no longer the most polluted city in the world, but there is still a long way to go. Even the countryside, depending on the province in question, is not immune. Long-term effects of smog particulate are unlikely to have a significant effect on your health if you are in China for a short stay (e.g. a number of weeks) and have no significant respiratory problems. If you are concerned, discuss this with a medical professional before your trip. Places at higher altitudes or plains like parts of Yunnan and Sichuan, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet and outlying islands such as Hainan usually have good air quality. Visitors should be prepared to see smog, which can be quite heavy, in nearly all large cities, including those on the coast. This [http://aqicn.org website] can provide detailed hourly pollution readings for most large cities. You will also hear a lot of noise. Construction and renovation are full-time activities. Chinese and long-time residents' ears are adapted to filter and tolerate it. ===Health care=== {{COVID-19 box|During lockdowns, medical resources are limited to non-COVID patients , '''even for urgent cases'''. Despite official prohibition, there are also cases where patients who don't have negative COVID testing results are denied treatment. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient essential and necessary medicines.|lastedit=2022-07-03}} {{infobox|Healthcare for foreigners|Most major Chinese cities have clinics and hospitals that are more appropriate for foreigners, with English-speaking and Western-qualified staff. Although expensive, it is worth identifying them whenever you plan to stay in an area for a significant time. For non-urgent medical treatment, you may want to consider traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] for a higher standard of treatment which may not be particularly more expensive.}} The quality of Chinese hospitals for the Chinese people is generally not up to the standards of the West. Local doctors have been known to prescribe more expensive treatments than necessary; IV drips are routine prescriptions in China, even for minor ailments like the common cold, and doctors have a tendency to liberally prescribe antibiotics. Most locals go to the hospital even for the most minor ailments, and the concept of a private clinic effectively does not exist. You should consider keeping a significant amount of cash readily available for emergencies, since not being able to pay upfront may delay treatment. Ambulance services are expensive, require upfront payment, are not accorded much priority on the roads and are therefore not particularly fast. Quality of ambulance service also varies with regions, and paramedics in poorer regions are often poorly equipped and trained. Taking a taxi to the hospital in an emergency will often be much quicker. Common therapeutic drugs &mdash; things like penicillin or insulin &mdash; are generally available from a pharmacist with a prescription and considerably cheaper than in western countries. You can usually ask to see the instructions that came with the box. Western medicine is called xīyào (西药). Less common drugs are often imported, hence expensive. In larger cities there are strong controls over medicine, and even 'standard' cold medicine such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or dextromethorphan may require a prescription or a foreign passport. Opiates always require a prescription, although Viagra never does. In smaller cities and rural areas many medicines, including most antibiotics, are often available without a prescription. {{infobox|Common symptoms|* Caught a cold: 感冒 gǎnmào * Fever: 发烧 fāshāo * Headache: 头痛 tóutòng * Stomach ache: 肚子痛 dùzǐtòng * Sore throat: 喉咙痛 hóulóngtòng * Cough: 咳嗽 késòu See [[Chinese phrasebook]] for more.}} Most Chinese doctors and nurses, even in larger cities, will speak little or no English. However, medical staff are in plentiful supply and hospital wait times are generally short - usually less than 10 minutes at general clinics (门诊室 ménzhěnshì), and virtually no wait time at emergency rooms (急诊室 jízhěnshì). There are private Western-style clinics and hospitals in most major Chinese cities which provide a higher standard of care at a much higher price. The doctors and nurses will speak English (with interpretation services often available for other foreign languages), and are often hired from, or have obtained their medical qualifications in Western countries. These provide an easy and comfortable way to obtain familiar Western treatment from doctors qualified in the West, although you will be paying a steep premium for these services starting at ¥1,000 just for the consultation. Check beforehand to see whether your insurance will cover all or part of this. For any significant surgery, it is worth considering traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] as the standard of treatment and care is more aligned to Western standards. Ensure that needles used for injections or any other procedure that requires breaking the skin are new and unused - insist on seeing the packet being broken open. In some parts of China it is acceptable to re-use needles, albeit after sterilization. For acupuncture, although the disposable needles are quite common in mainland China, you can provide your own needles if you prefer. The disposable type, called Wujun zhenjiu zhen (无菌針灸針, Sterilized acupuncture needles), usually cost ¥10-20 per 100 needles and are available in many pharmacies. There should be minimal to no bleeding when the needle is inserted and removed if the acupuncturist is sufficiently skilled. While Traditional Chinese Medicine is ubiquitous in China, regulation tends to be lax and it is not unheard of for Chinese physicians to prescribe herbs which are actually detrimental to one's health. Do some research and ensure you have some trusted local friends to help you out if you wish to see a Chinese physician. You can head to Hong Kong or Taiwan instead, as the practice is better regulated there. ====Infectious diseases==== If making more than a short trip to China, it may be a good idea to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid as they can be spread via contaminated food, and Japanese encephalitis which is transmitted in rural areas. Parts of southern China have [[mosquitoes]] which transmit [[dengue fever]]. As of 2019 the official estimate is that nearly 1 million people in China are living with HIV/AIDS. One in four infected individuals do not know their status. Sex workers, clients of sex workers and injecting drug users are the most infected groups. New diseases are sometimes a threat in China, particularly in its more densely populated parts. There have been cases of bird flu: avoid undercooked poultry or eggs. ==Respect== {{quote|入乡随俗<br/>''Rù xiāng suí sú''<br/>When you enter a village, follow the customs.|author={{nowrap|Chinese proverb (English speakers might say "When in Rome...")}}}} {{infobox|Using people's names|2=Names can be a complicated matter in China. Except for certain ethnic minorities, names always follow the East Asian naming order of '''family name followed by given name'''; this is usually done in English as well. Someone called 陈晓明 (''Chén Xiǎomíng'') therefore has the surname "Chen" and the given name "Xiaoming". Many Chinese acquire English names, which may have no relation to their Chinese name (and are sometimes quite unusual words or non-words). When using their English name, they will likely switch their name to Western name order (given name followed by family name). It's usually okay to address adult friends and children by given names, although using their full name is also common. In formal situations, the default is to address people using their family names with a title, or their full names with a title if necessary to disambiguate. Occupational titles are even used outside the workplace, so a teacher may be called "Teacher Zhang" (张老师 ''Zhāng Lǎoshī'') even outside the classroom, and a manager or business owner may be called "Boss Huang" (黄老板 ''Huáng Lǎobǎn''). Generic titles of varying commonness include ''Xiānshēng'' (先生, "Mr." or "Sir"), ''Tàitai'' (太太, "Madam" or "Mrs."), and ''Nǚshì'' (女士, "Ms."). The informal prefixes ''Lǎo-'' (老, "Old" or "Elder") and ''Xiǎo-'' (小, "Young" or "Little") are also commonly used, but you should avoid calling someone these unless you know the person well. The title "comrade" (同志) is rarely used outside of official situations, as the term nowadays also means LGBT people. While the title ''Xiǎojiě'' (小姐) is commonly used in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore as an equivalent for the English "Miss", it is a euphemism for "prostitute" in mainland China and hence should be ''avoided''. Names for familial relationships (e.g. big sister, uncle) are frequently used for acquaintances and even strangers based on their age relative to you. It will usually be clear from context, but generally when someone refers to another person as "Brother Zhang" or "Aunt Zhang", even in English, they probably don't mean a family member. Ethnic minorities often have their own naming conventions and modes of address, which can sometimes be very different from those of the Han majority. The foolproof method is therefore to ''ask'' how somebody would like to be addressed.}} [[File:China tea serving.JPG|thumb|Tea-serving at a restaurant in China]] Foreigners are still a rare breed in most parts of China, which means that how you interact with people there may well shape their impression of your country or even of foreigners in general. Follow the law, be polite, and try to leave a good impression as it affects the general reputation of foreigners in China. * Unlike Japan and South Korea where bowing is extremely common, in China the practice did not survive into the modern era, and is only used in certain formal occasions such as marriage ceremonies, funerals, religious rituals, and for students greeting teachers in school. Give a soft '''handshake''' when greeting someone, which can optionally be accompanied by a slight bow. * '''Personal space''' more or less does not exist in China. Elevators and buses can get very crowded. It's common and acceptable for someone to come in close contact with you or to bump into you and say nothing. Don't get mad, as they'll be surprised and most likely won't even understand why you're offended. * Important items such as business cards or important papers are given and received with '''both hands'''. ** '''Business cards''' in particular are treated very respectfully and formally. How you treat someone's business card is seen as representing how you will treat the person. When accepting a business card, use both hands to pick it up by the corners, give a slight bow of your head, and take the time to read the card and confirm how to pronounce the person's name. It's disrespectful to write on a card, fold it, or place it in your back pocket (where you'll sit on it!); a nice case to keep cards pristine is preferable to a pocket. * '''Smoking''' is common almost anywhere. "No smoking" signs are routinely ignored, and it's common for someone to smoke in an elevator or even in the hospital. Some cities now forbid smoking in most restaurants, but enforcement varies. Beijing has one of the nation's strictest smoking laws: you are not allowed to smoke anywhere with a roof; again, enforcement is patchy. Western restaurants seem to be the only ones who consistently enforce the ban. Masks would be a good idea for long distance bus trips. ** When you smoke, it's always considered polite to '''offer a cigarette''' to those you meet. This rule applies almost exclusively to men, but under certain circumstances, such as a club, it's okay to offer cigarettes to women. * In homes and some other buildings, '''slippers''' or sandals are worn indoors. If your hosts are wearing slippers at home, and especially if there is carpet on the floor, remove your shoes and ask for a pair of slippers before you enter, even if your host says you don't have to. * '''Saving face''' is an important concept in Chinese culture, and this concept extends beyond the individual to one's family (including extended family), and even the country. Pointing out mistakes directly may cause embarrassment. If you have to, call the person to one side and tell them in private. ** '''Humility''' is highly valued in traditional Chinese culture, and bragging about your achievements is in general not well received. It is also customary to politely turn down any compliments you receive from others. ** Chinese people sometimes criticize their own country, but you are highly advised not to do it yourself, as the same things being said by a foreigner tend not to be received so well. * Swastikas have been used in Buddhist temples since the 5th century to represent Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. Like the case for other Asian countries, it does not represent Nazism. Jews have been living in China for centuries, and have always had peaceful relations with their non-Jewish neighbours. * Outside of a business context, casual clothes are acceptable at most places, including temples and expensive restaurants. Sleeveless or low-cut tops are uncommon and may stand out. At the beach or the pool, conservative swimsuits are much more common than bikinis. ===Gifts=== When visiting someone's home, a small gift is always welcome. Wine, fruit, or some trinket from your native country are common. When receiving a gift, it is generally rude to open it in front of the person who gave it to you unless (s)he specifically tells you to do so. Wait until the person has left and open it in private. Some items are '''not given as gifts''' because of cultural associations. Some things to watch out for: black and white are important colors in funerals, scissors or knives may insinuate you want to cut off your relationship with someone, and many people see mirrors as bad luck. Other taboos are based on homophones: the word "four" (四 ''sì'') sounds like "death" (死 ''sǐ''), "pear" and "umbrella" sound like "separation", and "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral". These gift taboos and others vary by region and generation, so it's a good idea to consult a local for advice, or at least search the Internet for lists of taboo gifts before you purchase one. ===Eating and drinking=== Eating is very important in Chinese culture, and '''dining out''' is a widespread way to honor guests and deepen relationships. Seating at a formal dinner follows a specific order, with the host or most senior person at the center. Don't pick up your chopsticks until the most senior person at the table has done so. Table manner varies from different places among different people in different scenarios. Sometimes you can see Chinese spit on a restaurant floor, pick their tooth in front of you, and yell whilst dining, but it's not always welcome. Follow what other people do. Hosts tend to order more food than you can eat because it's considered shameful if they can't stuff their guests. Although it varies regionally, finishing your plate generally means you're still hungry and may prompt your hosts to order ''more'' food, but leaving too much can imply you didn't like a dish; leaving an appropriate amount of food on your plate is a bit of a balancing act. When offered a drink, you're expected to take it or your friends will keep pushing you. Excuses such as "I'm on medication" are better than "I don't feel like drinking". Toasts are common, and it's generally considered rude to turn down a toast (although you can take small sips with each toast). China has a strong drinking culture, especially in business, and turning down alcohol can sometimes cause offense. However, foreigners may be given some slack on this. If the hard ''baijiu'' is too much for you, consider opting for a beer instead. ====Paying==== While splitting the bill is beginning to be accepted by young people, '''treating''' is still the norm, especially when the parties are in obviously different social classes. Men are expected to treat women, elders to juniors, rich to poor, hosts to guests, working class to non-income class (students). Friends of the same class will usually prefer to take turns treating rather than split the bill. It is common to see Chinese competing intensely to pay the bill. You are expected to fight back and say "It's my turn, you treat me next time." That being said, Chinese tend to be very tolerant towards foreigners. If you feel like going Dutch, try it. They tend to believe that "all foreigners prefer to go Dutch". ===Politics=== For your safety, it's best if you '''avoid getting involved in any political activity''', and avoid discussing politics with Chinese people. Most Chinese are passive about their country's politics and are generally reluctant to talk about it, and in most cases, will change the topic of discussion. * Most Chinese are ashamed that their country was forced into unequal treaties with Japan and the Western powers over the past two centuries, and are proud of the recent progress made by their government in restoring China's international influence. Many Chinese are also aware of alternative Western views, but you should tread lightly if you choose to discuss these. * Supporting the '''independence movements''' of Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan or Hong Kong is '''illegal''', so you should avoid discussing them. Most Chinese people support their government's position on these issues, and trying to advocate for these movements is going to do nothing more than getting you into the bad books of your hosts. ** Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China. Be sure to use the term "mainland" (大陆 ''dàlù'') or "mainland China" (中国大陆 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') instead of just "China" (中国 ''zhōngguó'') if you are looking to ''exclude'' Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is also a common practice in China to refer to Taiwan as "Taiwan Province" (台湾省), and Hong Kong and Macau as "Hong Kong, China" (中国香港) and "Macau, China" (中国澳门). ** The Hong Kong protests, and allegations of Uyghur genocide and slavery are sensitive issues that are best not discussed with locals. The latter in particular are regarded by most Chinese to be false allegations that were made up by Western governments for geopolitical reasons. * Avoid discussing any of the territorial disputes China is involved in, as many Chinese have strong feelings about these issues. If you are drawn into any such discussions, it is best to stay neutral. * '''Japan''' and its role in World War II and other wars with China is a sensitive and emotive issue that is best avoided. To a lesser extent, '''historical and cultural disputes''' with both [[Korea|Koreas]] are sensitive as well. * Thanks to China's recent development, the Chinese government enjoys strong support among its people despite its authoritarian nature. Common Western views that "they have all been brainwashed" or "they are just too afraid to speak up" oversimplify things. * Many Chinese have a strong sense of '''ethnic nationalism'''. Tread particularly carefully if you are of Chinese ethnicity, even if you were born and raised overseas, as you may still be expected to align your political views with that of the Chinese government, and doing otherwise could result in you being labeled a "race traitor". ===Differing cultural norms=== Chinese people are sometimes puzzled when foreign visitors complain that Chinese people are rude. Many of them feel that really it's foreigners who tend to be rude. What's actually going on is that China has a different set of customs and values from common Western cultures — some Chinese behavior can be jarring to foreigners, and vice versa. People in China are '''friendly ''without'' being polite''' (unlike countries like the UK, where people can be polite without being friendly). Generally speaking, younger well-educated Chinese, particularly those from the major cities, are more likely to behave in a way that conforms more closely to Western cultural norms. [[Image:China no spitting.jpg|thumb|120px|No spitting please]] * Chinese often '''ignore rules''' they don't feel like following, including laws. Among many other things, this includes '''dangerous and negligent driving''' (see [[Driving in China]]) such as driving on the wrong side of the street, excessive speeding, not using headlights at night, not using turn signals, and jaywalking. * '''Spitting''' is common everywhere, including in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, on buses and even in hospitals. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it is unhealthy to swallow phlegm. Although the government has made great efforts to reduce this habit in light of the SARS epidemic as well as the Olympics, it still persists to varying degrees. * Many Chinese do not cover their mouths when they '''sneeze'''. '''Picking one's nose''' in public is common and socially acceptable. * As many parts of China are ethnically rather homogeneous, people who are visibly foreign will often elicit calls of "hello" or "''wàiguórén''" (外国人 "foreigner"); you may also hear ''lǎowài'' (老外), a colloquial equivalent. These calls are ubiquitous outside of the big cities (and are not uncommon even there); these calls will come from just about anyone, of any age, and are even more likely from children and can occur many times in any given day. * Similarly, it's rather common that someone may come up and '''stare''' at you as if they're watching the TV. The staring usually originates out of sheer curiosity, almost never out of hostility. * Many Chinese have '''loud conversations''' in public, and it may be one of the first things you notice upon arrival. China is rooted in a community-based culture, and noise means life; loud speech usually doesn't mean the speaker is angry or engaged in an argument (although obviously it can). You may want to bring earplugs for long bus or train rides. * A fairly recent phenomenon particular to China is '''air rage''': groups of passengers being verbally and physically aggressive towards airline staff whenever there is a delay (which is often). This is generally done in order to leverage better compensation from the airline. * The concept of '''waiting in line''' has not fully been adopted in China. You'll have to learn to be more assertive to get what you want, and even push and shove as others do. If you're trying to catch a taxi, expect other people to move further down the road to catch one before you. * Be careful when standing behind people on an '''escalator''', since many people have a look-see as soon as they get off — even when the escalator behind them is fully packed. Department stores have staff to try to prevent this behavior. * People love to use '''elevators''' whenever possible, especially in large family groups. Be extra patient if you want to go around a shopping mall with a baby buggy or luggage. ==Cope== [[File:Chinasocket.jpg|thumb|A typical Chinese wall socket]] '''Electricity''' is 220 volts/50&nbsp;Hz. Two-pin European and North American, as well as three-pin Australian style plugs are generally supported. However, be careful to read the voltage information on your devices to ensure they accept 220 V (twice the 110 V used in many countries) before plugging them in — you may cause burnout and permanent damage to some devices such as hairdryers and razors. Universal extension cords that can handle a variety of plug shapes (including British) are often used. '''Laundry''' services may be expensive or hard to find. In upper-end hotels, it will cost ¥10-30 to wash each article of clothing. Cheap hotels in some areas do not have laundry services, though in other areas such as along the [[Yunnan tourist trail]] the service is common and often free. In most areas, with the exception of the downtown areas in big cities, you can find small shops that do laundry. The '''sign''' to look for on the front door is 洗衣 (''xǐyī''), or spot the clothes hanging from the ceiling. The cost is roughly ¥2-5/item. In even the smallest of cities '''dry cleaning''' (干洗 ''gānxǐ''）outlets are common and may be able to wash clothes. But in some areas you're going to be stuck washing clothes by hand, which is time-consuming and tiresome, so perhaps opt for fast-drying fabrics such as polyester or silk. If you do find a hotel that does laundry, usually they will put all your clothes into the wash together or even with other items from the hotel, so lighter colours are best washed by hand. [[File:Jianshui - old city - P1370481.JPG|thumb|Traditional smoking pipes for sale]] '''Smoking''' is banned in public buildings and public transport except for restaurants and bars (including KTVs) - many of which are outright smoke dens, although many multinational restaurant chains do ban smoking. These bans are enforced across the country. Generally, smoking laws are most strict in Shanghai and Beijing, whilst they are more lightly enforced elsewhere. Many places (particularly train stations, hospitals, office buildings and airports) will have smoking rooms, and some long-distance trains may have smoking areas at the end of each car. Facilities for non-smokers are often poor; most restaurants, bars and hotels will not have non-smoking areas apart from top-end establishments although many modern buildings have a smoke extraction systems which suck cigarette smoke out of the room through a ceiling vent - meaning that the smoke doesn't hang in the air. The Chinese phrase for 'May I smoke?' is 'kěyǐ chōuyān ma?' and 'No Smoking!' is 'bù kěyǐ chōuyān!'. '''Public holidays''' in China are worth being aware of. Although you will never be truly alone in the most popular tourist sites, which includes the popular hikes in particular mountains, on weekends and public holidays these areas can be nearly impassible due to local tourism. What you may have planned as a quiet contemplative hike may turn into a many-hour queue! Know the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_China national holiday dates] and plan accordingly. ===Media=== {{infobox|Please fix it!|''China Daily'', the nationally distributed English newspaper, sometimes publishes constructive criticism of China from frustrated tourists. If you think something about China for travelers needs to be fixed, consider sending a letter to letters@chinadaily.com.cn or opinion@chinadaily.com.cn and it might be published.}} Media in China diversified substantially after Mao, with independent outlets offering increasing competition to the state-run agencies of '''[http://www.news.cn/english Xinhua]''' (press agency publishing in many formats), '''[http://www.cctv.cn/ CCTV]''' (more than 40 TV channels), and the '''''[http://en.people.cn/ People's Daily]''''' newspaper. These state-owned media tend to be accurate in terms of general news, but always stick to the government's policies and ideology in terms of politics. Each province and city in China is also home to its own local channels, often being subordinated or having close-ties to the local government, with a stronger focus on local events. Some of these channels also broadcast in the local dialect or ethnic minority language. Still, the press remains tightly controlled, with restrictions on what news is reported and what opinions may be aired. Certain topics are strictly off limits (such as criticizing China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan), and the vagueness of boundaries for acceptable topics leads to further self-censorship. The biggest threat to state-controlled media has been the rise of '''text messaging''' and '''Internet news''', although these are restricted by the government's firewall and internal censorship. China has some local English-language news media. CCTV News channel is a global English channel available 24/7 in most cities, with French and Spanish variants as well. CCTV 4 has a short newscast in English every day. '''''[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ China Daily]''''' (generally subdued, if a bit dry) and the '''''[http://www.globaltimes.cn/ Global Times]''''' (a notoriously nationalistic tabloid) are two state-run English-language newspapers available in hotels, supermarkets and newsstands. There are also a few English magazines such as ''[http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/ China Today]'' and ''21st Century''. Foreign magazines and newspapers are not generally available in bookstores or newsstands except at top hotels. ==Connect== ===Internet=== ====Internet cafés and business services==== [[File:Tongyang - downtown - internet cafe - CIMG9869.JPG|thumb|Inside an Internet café in Tongyang, [[Hubei]]]] China has more Internet users than any other country in the world and Internet cafés (网吧 ''wǎngbā'') are abundant. Most are designed for online gaming and are not comfortable places to do office-style work. It is cheap (¥1-6 per hour) to use a computer, albeit one with Chinese software. Internet cafés are supposed to require users to show official identification although enforcement varies by region. Browsing of Internet pages may well be monitored by the Public Security Bureau (the police). For printing, scanning, photocopying, and other business services, go to one of any number of small shops in most towns or print shops near university areas. Look for the characters 复印 (fùyìn) meaning "photocopy". Printing costs about ¥2 per page and photocopies are ¥0.5 per page. These shops may or may not have Internet access so bring your materials on a flash drive. ====== Wifi access ====== Free wifi, which may require registration either with a Chinese mobile number, or your WeChat login, is abundant. The quality and speed of the wifi is not proportionate to the provider; i.e. your expensive hotel's free wifi may be nowhere near as fast nor more reliable than the wifi found on the bus you paid ¥2 to get on. Many hotels and some cafés and restaurants provide wifi, typically free, of varying speeds and quality. Some cafés, especially in tourist areas such as Yangshuo, even provide a machine for customer use. Business hotels typically have wired Internet service for your laptop in each room: 7 Days Inn and Home Inn are two nationwide chains meeting Western standards for mid-range comfort and cleanliness that consistently offer Internet and cost ¥150-200 per night. WiFi may also be provided in one's room, perhaps for an extra charge. On occasion, for a bit more, hotels will have rooms with older computers in them as well. The better hotels often have satellite TV in the rooms. ====== Security ====== Since public computers and the Internet are not secure, assume that anything you type is not private. Do not send sensitive data such as banking passwords from an Internet café. It may be better to purchase a mobile data card for use with your own computer instead (these generally cost ¥400 and data plans run ¥10-¥200 per month depending on your usage). If you are connecting to the Internet with your own computer, some websites in China (especially college campuses) require you to use Microsoft Internet Explorer and to install dedicated software on your system and/or accept certificates to access their websites. There are increasing cases of misuse of photocopy, in which your submitted photocopies are illegally disclosed to spammers and fraudsters by the receiver of your photocopies. Always state the purpose of your photocopies on the photocopies clearly, as this leaves evidence in favour of you should any legal matters arise. ====Internet censorship==== {{quote|Across the Great Wall, we can reach every corner in the world.|author=Content of the first Chinese email sent in 1987|source=often used to satirize the current practice of Internet censorship in China.}} '''Internet censorship''' is extensive in mainland China. Pornographic and political sites are routinely blocked, as are many other sites with a broad range of content, including sites that are popular internationally. The government call their censorship system "Golden Shield" (金盾); others call it the '''Great Firewall of China''', GFW, or simply '''the wall''', while circumventing Internet censorship is often referred to as "scaling the wall" (翻墙). {{infobox|Which Internet sites are available?|The actual list of websites and services banned is a secret, changes every day without notification, and oddly enough seems to depend on whether you're using a mobile or WiFi connection. Blocked sites generally include: * Large '''social media''' websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, Blogspot and Instagram. * '''Messaging services''' such as Whatsapp. * Most of '''Google's services''', including Google Search, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps ([https://maps.google.cn/ maps.google.cn] may still work) and Google Translate ([https://translate.google.cn/ translate.google.cn] may still work). Corresponding fast and responsive Chinese websites exist (often only in Chinese), such as [https://www.baidu.com/ Baidu] for search, maps, and other services, [http://www.qq.com/ QQ] and [https://weixin.qq.com/ WeChat] for messaging, [http://weibo.com/ Weibo] for Twitter-style microblogging, [http://renren.com/ Renren] for Facebook-style social networking, and [https://www.bilibili.com/ Bilibili] and [https://v.qq.com/ Tencent Video] for YouTube-style video sharing. You may instead wish to use a different foreign service such as [https://www.bing.com/ Bing] for search and [https://outlook.live.com/ Outlook] for emails. Foreign '''news''' sites such as BBC, CNN, Reuters and ''The Economist'' may or may not be available. They're especially likely to be blocked after publishing stories the Chinese government disapproves of; for example, ''The New York Times'' has been blocked since 2012, when it reported on the financial holdings of top Chinese leaders. Since December 2019, all Wikimedia projects, including Wikivoyage and Wikipedia are '''blocked''', except on the China Mobile network, which only blocks Wikipedia, Wikinews and Commons. Apart from actual website blocks, the firewall also scans for sensitive keywords in every unencrypted message or encrypted Chinese message (QQ, WeChat, etc.) in either direction and may block anything it disapproves of. The system relies heavily on word-filtering, and changes frequently in response to recent social events or current affairs. }} Censorship is often tightened during sensitive periods, such as the annual meeting of China's parliament in March, the CCP congress every fourth October, and anniversaries such as the National Day in October and the Tiananmen massacre in June. Few hotels offer uncensored Internet access. These hotels generally cater to foreigners, but obviously do not advertise this facility. Try browsing to known restricted sites to see if your hotel supports this. The most popular way to access blocked websites is to use a '''VPN (Virtual Private Network)''' which provides users with ''relatively'' stable and reliable access to the Internet through a computer in another country. The best ones have a monthly fee on the order of US$10; free, ad-supported VPNs are also available. Other ways to bypass censorship include software such as [http://dit-inc.us/freegate.html Freegate], [http://tor.eff.org Tor] (with an inconvenient special configuration), and [https://psiphon.ca/ Psiphon]. Any of these should be downloaded before entering China as access to their official websites is generally blocked. Be warned that VPNs in China are not as reliable as they used to be—you may want to download more than one so that you have a backup, and be prepared for a lot of frustration and waiting for things to load. If you need constant access to Twitter or Facebook to be happy, you may yet still be able to guarantee it, at a cost. Due to the way international mobile roaming works, the government cannot interfere with internet access via a foreign SIM without blocking roaming entirely (a revenue stream for the state-owned carriers). This will cost a good deal more than a local SIM, and you will be subject to the restrictions of the country your SIM came from instead (for instance, when roaming with a Thai SIM, you will find yourself unable to access content critical of the Thai regime, just as if you were in Thailand). Chinese law enforcement is sometimes able to pinpoint (and arrest, if needed) users who access restricted sites using VPNs, especially if they access them frequently. On at least one occasion, the police pinpointed and fined a netizen who accessed Wikipedia through a VPN. Moreover, it's a criminal offence to upload and submit any materials seen as subversive. However, enforcement is sporadic and mostly targets journalists and high-profile public figures. ===Mail=== The Chinese Post Office is generally reliable and sometimes quick. There are a few things you need to adapt to: * Incoming mail will be both faster and more reliable if the address is in Chinese. If not, the Post Office has people who will translate, but that takes time and is not 100% accurate. * If you don't know the exact postal code of where your recipient lives, you can fill in the first two digits (which corresponds to the prefecture city/municipality/province), and fill the rest with 0s. Alternatively, you can search your destination's postal code at [http://cpdc.chinapost.com.cn/web/ this website]. * It will be helpful to provide the receiver's phone number with packages or expedited mail. The customs and delivery drivers usually need it. * '''Do not seal outgoing packages''' before taking them to the Post Office; they will not send them without inspecting the contents. Generally it is best to buy the packing materials at the Post Office, and almost all Post Offices will pack your materials for you, at a reasonable price. * Most Post Offices and courier services will refuse to send CDs or DVDs, this can be circumvented by placing them in CD wallets along with lots of other things and finally packing the space in with clothes, giving the appearance of sending your stuff home, it is also easier to send by sea as they care less. * Your ID is now '''required''' when sending parcels. When sending parcels domestically, write the receiver's name ''correctly''; it will be compared with their ID, as all parcels are now tracked end to end. ===Fax=== International fax (传真 ''Chuánzhēn'') services are available in most large hotels for a fee of a dozen renminbi or more. Inexpensive faxes within China can be made in the ubiquitous photocopy outlets that have the Chinese characters for fax written on the front door. ===Telephone=== Telephone service is more of a mixed bag. Calling outside China is often difficult and usually impossible without a calling card, which can often only be bought locally. The good news is that these cards are fairly cheap and the connection is surprisingly clear, uninterrupted and delay-free. Look for '''IP Telephone Cards''', which typically have a value of ¥100 but sometimes can be had for as little as ¥25. The cards have printed Chinese instructions, but after dialling the number listed on the card English-spoken instructions are available. As a general indication of price, a call from China to Europe lasts around 22 minutes with a ¥100 card. Calls to the US and Canada are advertised to be another 20% cheaper. If you end up with an '''IC Telephone Card''' instead, those are only intended to be used in payphones. They may be sold at a slight discount off of face value, but rarely below 20% off when purchased off the street. At a China Telecom payphone, domestic calls will cost ¥0.1/minute, calls to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the US, and Canada will cost ¥1/minute, and calls to all other countries will cost an uneconomical ¥8/minute. If your line allows for international direct dialling (IDD), the prefix for international calls in China is ''00''. To make an overseas call, dial ''00-(country code)-(number)''. Calls from the mainland to Hong Kong and Macau require international dialling. '''IDDs can be expensive.''' Ask the rate before calling. =====Mobile phones===== [[File:ChinaTelecomCustomerOffice.JPG|thumb|A China Telecom shop]] '''[[Mobile phones|Mobile (cellular) phones]] are widespread''' and offer good service in China. They play an essential role in daily life for most Chinese and for nearly all expatriates in China. As of 2022, China is the world leader in 5G mobile phone technology. If you already have a GSM 900/1800 or 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) mobile phone, you can roam onto Chinese networks, subject to network agreements, but calls will be very expensive (¥12-35/min is typical). There are few (but growing in number) exceptions; the primary sets are Hong Kong-based providers which typically charge no more than HK$6/minute (and usually close to local rates with a special "Hong Kong/China" SIM sold by China Mobile or China Unicom in Hong Kong) and the second is T-Mobile US which charges US$0.20/minute with free text and data service. Check with your home operator before you leave to be sure. Most carriers now have 4G roaming agreements, so you will be able to use data with decent speeds. In addition, roaming data is not censored by the Chinese authorities, meaning you will be able to retain access to websites that otherwise would be blocked without having to deal with getting a separate VPN. If your provider offers reasonably priced roaming in China, you should consider taking advantage. Alternatively, depending on if you are transiting somewhere before arriving in China, you may consider buying a SIM from there that roams in China at a discount. There is a wide selection in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries as well as a few affordable options in certain parts of Europe (for example, Free Mobile in France includes 25GB of roaming in China per month on their 20€ plan). China Telecom has shifted away from CDMA, with 4G/LTE being available in the majority of its coverage area. If your device supports VoLTE (voice over LTE) then you will be able to obtain service from them with no issue. For a '''short visit''', consider renting a Chinese mobile phone from a company such as [http://www.pandaphone.com/china_cell_phone_rental.htm Pandaphone]. Rates are around ¥7 a day. The company is based in the US but has staff in China. Toll-free numbers are {{phone|+1-866-574-2050}} in the U.S. or {{phone|+86 400-820-0293}} in China. The phone can be delivered to your hotel in China prior to your arrival and dropped off there at the end of your trip, or shipped to you in the US. When you rent the phone, they will offer you an access code for calling to your country, which is cheaper than buying a SIM card from a local vendor and dialling directly. If you're '''staying for more than a few days''', it will usually be cheaper to buy a prepaid Chinese SIM card; this gives you a Chinese phone number with a certain amount of money preloaded. Chinese tend to avoid phone numbers with the bad-luck digit '4', and vendors will often be happy to offload these "unsellable" SIM-cards to foreigners at a discount. If you need a phone as well, prices start around ¥300 used or ¥1000 new for a smartphone (as of 2020). Chinese phones, unlike those sold in some Western countries, are never "locked" and will work with any SIM card you put in them, but some phones don't have Google services or the Play Store. Some stores can install this for you at time of purchase, so you can ask. However, Google services sideloaded in this manner may not be as stable as when pre-installed as part of the system package. Most shops selling SIM cards require a standard swipeable Chinese ID card (a citizen's ID card, or a foreigner's permanent-resident card) to purchase a SIM card. If you want to purchase a SIM card using a passport as your identity document, you may be asked to go to the cell-phone company's main office, probably somewhere in the city center. The staff will take your photograph for their record, along with the photocopy of your passport. China's three big operators are [http://www.10086.cn/ China Mobile] (Chinese only), [http://eng.chinaunicom.com/ China Unicom] and [https://www.chinatelecomglobal.com/ China Telecom] . ''Most'' SIMs sold by them work nationwide. Domestic roaming charges have largely been abolished, so you no longer need to worry about taking a SIM from one part of mainland China to another. Roaming in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, however, still requires a separate activation step and additional charges. '''International calls''' have to be '''enabled separately''' by applying for China Mobile's "12593" or China Unicom's "17911" service. Neither provider requires a deposit, though both require applications. Usually there will be an English speaker, so let him/her know what you want. Ask for the "special" dialing code, and for ¥1/month extra, this will be provided to you. Enter the code, the country code, then the local number and you will be talking cheaply in no time. Don't be fooled by cellphone shops with the China Mobile signage: be sure to go a to a corporate store. The employees will wear a blue uniform and there will be counter services. China Mobile is the cheaper of the two with calls to North America and Asia around ¥0.4/min. You can also use prepaid cards for international calling; just dial the number on the card as with a regular landline phone, and the charges will go to the prepaid calling card. To recharge, visit the neighborhood office of your mobile service provider, give the staff your number and pay in cash to '''recharge your account'''. Alternately, many shops will sell you a charge card, which has a number and password that must be used to call the telephone company to recharge the money in your account. You will be calling a computer and the default language is Chinese, which can be changed to English if you understand the Chinese. Charge cards are sold in denominations of ¥30, 50 and 100. (If you have WeChat Pay, this is a more convenient way to recharge your account, and foreign credit cards are accepted). For '''mobile data''' addicts who are willing to deal with the Chinese website blocking, mobile data on local SIMs is cheaper than ever. China Mobile has 4G plans starting at ¥29 for a low rate of ¥0.10/minute voice and 3GB data with additional data costing only ¥5/GB (as of 2021). Many locals have access to special online-only offers that provide a very large amount (or even unlimited) data for a low cost, but only some of these are accessible to foreigners; some can be purchased on top of any SIM if you have the carrier app installed (and can understand Chinese to use it), others require special online-only starter packs that foreigners can not purchase due to the requirement to submit a photo of a Chinese ID card when purchasing SIMs online. China Mobile only uses the "standard" LTE frequency bands of 3 and 8 in large cities and uses a different set of frequency bands for its data services outside major cities; if your phone does not support TD-LTE on bands 38, 39, 40, and 41 and you plan on going outside the biggest cities, then China Unicom or China Telecom is recommended instead. In general, apps that are widespread internationally are banned in China, and Chinese people typically use Chinese apps that are sometimes close copies of their foreign equivalents instead. The most important is '''[https://www.wechat.com/ WeChat]''' (微信 Wēixìn), which Chinese people use instead of the internationally popular WhatsApp. WeChat is a combination messaging app, social network, and mobile payment service, and downloading it is essential if you want to start making friends in China or stay in the country for an extended period. The interface can be set to English, Chinese, and various other languages. ====Area codes==== The country dialing code for mainland China is '''86'''. The dialing code is '''852''' for Hong Kong, '''853''' for Macau, and '''886''' for Taiwan. * Major cities with eight-digit numbers have a two-digit area code. For example, Beijing is (0)10 plus an eight-digit number. Other places use seven- or eight-digit local numbers and a three-digit area code that does not start with 0, 1 or 2. So for example: (0)756 plus 7 digits for Zhuhai. The north uses small numbers, the south has larger numbers. * Normal cell phones do not need an area code. The numbers are composed of 130 to 132 (or 156/186) plus 8 digits (China Unicom, GSM/UMTS), 133/153/189 plus 8 digits (China Telecom, CDMA) or 134 to 139 (or 150/152/158/159/188) plus 8 digits (China Mobile, GSM/TD-SCDMA). Additional prefixes have been introduced; a good rule of thumb is that an 11-digit domestic phone number that starts with 1 is a mobile number. Mobile phone numbers are geographic; if you attempt to dial a mobile number issued outside of the province you are in from a landline, you will be prompted to redial the number with a zero in front for long-distance. * There are two additional non-geographic prefixes. A number starting with 400 can be dialed from any phone and is treated as a local call with associated airtime charges, while a number starting with 800 is totally free but can ''not'' be dialed from mobile phones. ====Emergency numbers==== The following emergency telephone numbers work in all areas of China; calling them from a cell phone is free. * Patrol Police: '''110''' * Fire Department: '''119''' * (Government-owned) Ambulance/EMS: '''120''' * (some areas private-owned) Ambulance: 999 * Traffic Police: 122 * Directory inquiries: 114 * Consumer Protection: 12315 112 and 911 do not connect you to emergency service personnel. It is also possible to contact the police by sending SMS message to '''12110XXX''', where XXX is the area code of the prefectural-level city you are located. See [[w:Telephone numbers in China|this list]] for more information. {{related|Working_in_China}} {{related|Rail_travel_in_China}} {{related|List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions}} {{related|Driving_in_China}} {{related|Golf_in_China}} {{IsPartOf|East Asia}} {{usablecountry}} {{geo|35|103|zoom=4}} g9yb9vb1yjre7txnvafri4iwg201xwt 4488082 4488078 2022-07-22T03:27:51Z The dog2 35982 /* Crime */ I have heard of stories where Chinese police use CCTVs to track thieves all the way to their homes. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|China Banner 2.jpg|caption=Nine Dragon Wall|pgname=China}} {{other uses}} {{COVID-19 box|For information about entering China, see [[#Get in|"Get in"]] below. COVID-19 cases in China are generally on low level and life within the country mostly continues as normal, although cases are higher in border areas due to more international traffic. Since early December 2021, localized outbreaks have also been reported in individual cities. Some restrictions continue, which vary widely and may change with little notice. Face masks continue to be required in some areas, and (despite the annoyance created) regular COVID testing irrespective of symptoms is adopted by some local governments. Chinese authorities adopt zero-COVID policy in dealing with even the smallest outbreaks, and cities or even entire provinces can be locked down at short notice should any infection cluster emerge, meaning that you could be stuck for weeks, or even months on end. '''Food supply may not keep up''' with lockdown measures, so you should keep some durable food to prepare for the worst case. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2022-07-03}} China (中国; ''Zhōngguó'') is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long and rich history is present in people's thinking and values, and in the art, architecture, and feats of engineering that remain from dynasties past. After a tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries, China has dramatically re-emerged as an economic powerhouse. Its rapid development has been paralleled by an ascent onto the international stage. Of course there are growing pains when high-rises and factories surge up to dwarf centuries-old pagodas, but there's also a strong sense of enthusiasm and optimism about what the future holds. If you visit now, you can see the relics of millennia of history and experience the signs of further transformations in progress. ==Regions== China's [[Chinese provinces and regions|hierarchy of administrative divisions]] has 22 '''provinces''' (省 ''shěng'') which tend to have their own cultural identities, and 5 '''autonomous regions''' (自治区 ''zìzhìqū''), each with a designated minority ethnic group. These along with four municipalities (直辖市 ''zhíxiáshì'') make up what is known as '''mainland China'''. {{disclaimerbox|Wikivoyage covers '''[[Hong Kong]]''', '''[[Macau]]''' and '''[[Taiwan]]''' in separate articles. They have separate immigration and visa systems and issue their own currencies. Journeys between any two of them or between any of them and mainland China will involve border inspections. * '''Hong Kong''' and '''Macau''' are [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|special administrative regions]] (SARs, 特别行政区 ''tèbié xíngzhèngqū''): part of China but with distinct political systems. * '''Taiwan''' has been completely autonomous since the end of the civil war in 1949, when the victorious Communists created the People's Republic of China on the mainland, and the defeated Nationalist government was left holding only Taiwan and some outlying islands. On paper, both governments claim sovereignty over all of China including Taiwan and support eventual re-unification. Wikivoyage also covers the [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]] islands in the Taiwan article. ''This does not represent an endorsement of any political position.''}} For the purposes of Wikivoyage, these provinces are grouped into the following regions: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Map of China.svg | regionmaptext=Regions of China | regionmapsize=500px | region1name=[[Northeast China]] | region1color=#d5dc76 | region1items=[[Liaoning]], [[Jilin]], [[Heilongjiang]] | region1description=Historically known as '''Manchuria''', the Northeast is a land of steppes, vast forests, and long snowy winters. Culturally influenced by Russia, Korea, and Japan, it contains a mix of modern cities and "rust belt" industrial towns that have become neglected. | region2name=[[North China]] | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items=[[Shandong]], [[Shanxi]], [[Inner Mongolia]], [[Henan]], [[Hebei]], [[Beijing]], [[Tianjin]] | region2description=The plains of North China around the fertile Yellow River basin were the '''cradle of Chinese civilization'''. They have been the political center of Chinese empires for millennia, and are home to the modern capital, Beijing. | region3name=[[Northwest China]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items=[[Shaanxi]], [[Gansu]], [[Ningxia]], [[Qinghai]], [[Xinjiang]] | region3description=A historical borderland, with grasslands giving way to deserts and mountains, and with the ancient Silk Road connecting China to Europe. Northwest China is home to many Muslims and ethnic minorities who at times formed independent kingdoms. | region4name=[[Southwest China]] | region4color=#4da9c4 | region4items=[[Tibet]], [[Sichuan]], [[Chongqing (municipality)|Chongqing]], [[Yunnan]], [[Guizhou]] | region4description=Minority peoples, spectacular scenery, and backpacker havens. | region5name=[[South-central China]] | region5color=#a78379 | region5items=[[Anhui]], [[Hubei]], [[Hunan]], [[Jiangxi]] | region5description=Yangtze River Basin area, farms, mountains, river gorges, temperate and sub-tropical forests. | region6name=[[South China]] | region6color=#ffd0d0 | region6items=[[Guangdong]], [[Guangxi]], [[Hainan]] | region6description=Traditional trading center, manufacturing and tech powerhouse. | region7name=[[East China]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7items=[[Jiangsu]], [[Shanghai]], [[Zhejiang]], [[Fujian]] | region7description=The "land of fish and rice", traditional water towns, and China's new cosmopolitan economic center. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Northeast China]]|wikidata=Q43934,Q45208,Q19206}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[North China]]|wikidata=Q43407,Q46913,Q41079,Q43684,Q21208,Q956,Q11736}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Northwest China]]|wikidata=Q47974,Q42392,Q57448,Q45833,Q34800}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4da9c4|title=[[Southwest China]]|wikidata=Q17269,Q43194,Q47097,Q19770,Q11725}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a78379|title=[[South-central China]]|wikidata=Q40956,Q46862,Q45761,Q57052}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffd0d0|title=[[South China]]|wikidata=Q15175,Q42200,Q15176}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[East China]]|wikidata=Q16963,Q8686,Q16967,Q41705}} ==Cities== <!--{{Mapframe|37.6|104.2|height=550|width=700|zoom=4}}--> [[File:Gateofheavenlypeace.JPG|thumb|Tiananmen, [[Beijing]]]] Here are nine of China's most interesting cities for travelers. Others are listed in region articles. <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Beijing]]|wikidata=Q956}} (北京) — the capital, cultural center, and home of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and other important historical sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Chengdu]]|lat=30.657|long=104.066}} (成都) — capital of [[Sichuan]] province, known for tingly-spicy food, and home of the giant pandas * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Guangzhou]]|wikidata=Q16572}} (广州) — one of the most prosperous and liberal cities in the south, near [[Hong Kong]], and main center of Cantonese culture [[File:漓江山水.jpg|thumb|Li River near [[Guilin]]]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hangzhou]]|wikidata=Q4970}} (杭州) — built around West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and southern terminus of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Harbin]]|wikidata=Q42956}} (哈尔滨) — capital of [[Heilongjiang]], which hosts the Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival during its bitterly cold winters * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kashgar]]|wikidata=Q170521}} (Chinese: 喀什, Uyghur: قەشقەر) — center of Uyghur culture, with a beautiful and well-preserved old town, and the famous Id Kah Mosque * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nanjing]]|wikidata=Q16666}} (南京) — the capital during the early Ming Dynasty and Republic of China era, a renowned historical and cultural city with many historic sites * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Shanghai]]|wikidata=Q8686}} (上海) — China's largest city, famous for its riverside cityscape, a major commercial center with many shopping opportunities * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Xi'an]]|wikidata=Q5826}} (西安) — the oldest city and ancient capital of China, terminus of the ancient [[Silk Road]], and home of the terracotta warriors <!-- Do not change or add to this list without discussion on the talk page --> You can travel to many of these cities using the new [[High-speed rail in China|fast trains]]. In particular, the Hangzhou - Shanghai - Suzhou - Nanjing line is a convenient way to see these historic areas. ==Other destinations== Some of the most famous tourist attractions in China are: * {{marker|name=[[Great Wall of China]]|wikidata=Q12501}} (万里长城) — longer than 8,000&nbsp;km, this ancient wall is the most iconic landmark of China * {{marker|name=[[Hainan]]|wikidata=Q42200}} (海南) — a tropical paradise island undergoing heavy tourism-oriented development * {{marker|name=[[Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve]]|wikidata=Q4111}} (九寨沟) — known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes and as the home of the giant pandas * {{marker|name=[[Leshan]]|wikidata=Q426868|image=Leshan DaF0 Grand Buddha.JPG}} — most famous for its huge riverside cliff-carving of Buddha and nearby [[Mount Emei]] * {{marker|name=[[Qomolangma|Mount Everest]]|wikidata=Q3457459}} — straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, this is the world's highest mountain * {{marker|name=[[Mount Tai]]|wikidata=Q216059}} (泰山 Tài Shān) — one of the five sacred Taoist mountains in China, and the most-climbed mountain in China * {{marker|name=[[Tibet]]|wikidata=Q17269}} (西藏) — with a majority of Tibetan Buddhists and traditional Tibetan culture, it feels like an entirely different world * {{marker|name=[[Yungang Grottoes]]|lat=40.11143|long=113.13233}} (云冈石窟) — these mountain-side caves and recesses number more than 50, and are filled with 51,000 Buddhist statues * {{marker|name=[[Guilin]] karst|lat=25.2667|long=110.2833}} (桂林) — sensational mountain landscapes that have long been the subject of Chinese paintings China has over 40 sites on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List#China|UNESCO World Heritage List]]. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationPRChina.svg}} China is one of the major civilizations in this world, and for many centuries stood out as a leading nation with technologies that the West was not able to match until the early modern period. Paper and gunpowder are examples of Chinese inventions that are still widely used today. As the dominant power in the region for much of its history, China exported much of its culture to neighboring [[Vietnam]], [[Korea]] and [[Japan]], and Chinese influences can still be seen in the cultures of these countries. Chinese civilization has endured millennia of tumultuous upheaval and revolutions, golden ages and periods of anarchy. Through the economic boom initiated by the reforms since the 1980s, China has returned to its place as a major political and economic world power, buoyed by its large and industrious population. The depth and complexity of the Chinese civilization, with its rich heritage, has fascinated Westerners such as [[Marco Polo]] and Gottfried Leibniz in centuries past, and will continue to excite — and bewilder — the traveler today. In Chinese, China is ''zhōng guó'', literally "central state" but often translated more poetically as "Middle Kingdom". People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). ===History=== : ''See [[Imperial China]] for more information on pre-revolutionary China.'' ====Ancient China==== According to legend, the origin of the Chinese civilization can be traced to the '''Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors''' (三皇五帝), though they are regarded as mythical figures by most modern historians. The recorded history of Chinese civilization can be traced back to the [[Along the Yellow River|Yellow River]] valley, said to be the "cradle of Chinese civilization". The '''Xia Dynasty''' (夏朝, c.2070 BC- c.1600 BC) was the first dynasty to be described in ancient historical chronicles, though to date, no indisputable proof of its existence has been found. Some archaeologists have linked the [[Erlitou]] settlements to the Xia dynasty, but this is a controversial position. [[File:Statue of Lao Tzu in Quanzhou.jpg|thumb|Statue of Laozi in [[Quanzhou]]]] The '''Shang Dynasty''' (商朝, c.1600 BC- 1046 BC), China's first archaeologically confirmed dynasty, only ruled across the Yellow River basin. There were other Bronze Age civilisations in what is now China at about the same time, at least the [[Liangzhu Culture]] in the lower [[Along the Yangtze River|Yangtze]] region around [[Lake Tai]] and one further up that river in [[Sichuan]] whose main archeological site is at [[Sanxingdui]]. The Shang were succeeded by the '''Zhou Dynasty''' (周朝, 1046 BC- 256 BC), who expanded their empire southward into the Yangtze river basin. The Zhou adopted feudalism as their system of government; feudal lords ruled over their respective territories with a high degree of autonomy, even maintaining their own armies, while at the same time paying tribute to the king and recognizing him as the symbolic ruler of China. During the second half of the Zhou period, China descended into centuries of political turmoil, with the feudal lords of numerous small fiefdoms vying for power during the '''Spring and Autumn Period''' (春秋时代, 770 BC- 476 BC), and later stabilized into seven large states in the '''Warring States period''' (战国时代, 475 BC- 221 BC). This tumultuous period gave birth to China's greatest thinkers including Confucius, Mencius and Laozi (also spelt Lao-Tzu), who made substantial contributions to Chinese thought and culture, as well as the military strategist Sun Tzu, whose ''Art of War'' is studied to this day. ====Imperial China==== {{See also|On the trail of Marco Polo}} China was unified in 221 BC under Qin Shi Huang, "First Emperor of Qin". His '''Qin Dynasty''' (秦朝, 221 BC—206 BC) instituted a centralized system of government for China, and standardized weights and measures, Chinese characters and currency to create unity. The '''Han Dynasty''' (汉朝, 206 BC—220 AD) took over in 206 BC after a period of revolt and civil war, ushering in the first golden age of Chinese civilization. To this day the majority Chinese race use the term "Han" to describe themselves, and Chinese characters continue to be called "Han characters" (汉字 ''hànzì'') in Chinese. The Han Dynasty presided over the beginning of the [[Silk Road]], and the invention of paper. The empire was also expanded further southward, incorporating what is today Fujian, Guangdong and northern Vietnam. The collapse of the Han Dynasty in AD 220 led to a period of political turmoil and war known as '''the Three Kingdoms Period''' (三国时期, 220—280), which China split into the three separate states of '''Wei''' (魏, 220-265), '''Shu''' (蜀, 221—263) and '''Wu''' (吴, 222—280). The '''Jin Dynasty''' (晋朝, 265—420) reunified China in AD 280, though the reunification was short-lived, and China would rapidly descend into civil war and division again. From AD 420 to 589, China was divided into two parts, '''the Southern and Northern dynasties''' (南北朝). The '''Sui Dynasty''' (隋朝, 581—618) reunified China in 581. Sui were famous for major public works projects, such as the engineering feat of the [[Along the Grand Canal|Grand Canal]], which gradually developed into the Canal linking Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south. Certain sections of the canal are still navigable today. [[File:Great Wall of China (I) (7183821235).jpg|thumb|The Great Wall]] In 618 AD, the Sui were supplanted by the '''Tang Dynasty''' (唐朝, 618- 907), ushering in the second golden age of Chinese civilization, marked by a flowering of Chinese poetry, the rise of Buddhism and statecraft. After the collapse of the Tang Dynasty in AD 907, China was divided again, until it was reunified under the '''Song Dynasty''' (宋朝, 960—1279) in AD 960. In 1127, the Song were driven south of the Huai river by the Jurchens, where they continued to rule as the Southern Song based in Linan (临安 ''Lín'ān'', modern-day Hangzhou). Although militarily weak, the Song attained a high level of commercial and economic development that would be unmatched in the West until the [[Industrial Revolution]]. The '''Yuan Dynasty''' (元朝, 1271—1368, one of the four divisions of the [[Mongol Empire]]) defeated the Jurchens, then conquered the Song in 1279, and ruled the vast empire from Khanbaliq (大都 ''Dàdū'', modern-day Beijing). After defeating the Mongols, the '''Ming dynasty''' (明朝, 1368—1644) re-instituted rule by ethnic Han. The Ming period was noted for trade and exploration, with [[Voyages of Zheng He|Zheng He's numerous voyages]] to [[Southeast Asia]], [[India]] and the [[Middle East|Arab world]], even reaching the eastern coast of [[Africa]]; see [[Maritime Silk Road]]. Famous buildings in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, were built in this period. The last imperial dynasty, the '''Qing dynasty''' (清朝, 1644—1911), were ethnic Manchus who further expanded the Chinese empire to roughly its current boundaries by incorporating the western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet. The Qing dynasty fell into decay in the 19th century and China was often described as the "sick man of Asia" (東亞病夫/东亚病夫). It was nibbled apart by the Western powers and Japan, a period dubbed by the Chinese as the "Century of Humiliation". The Westerners and Japanese established their own treaty ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin. China lost several territories to foreign powers, including Hong Kong to Britain, and Taiwan to Japan, and it lost control of its tributaries, Vietnam, Korea and the Ryukyu Islands. This is also the period where the stereotypical appearance of Chinese people, such as pigtails, Manchu hairstyles, and ''magua'' (a kind of Manchu clothing) got rooted in other foreign countries due to a surge of foreign communications since the sea ban. The turmoil during the end of the Qing Dynasty and Republic of China-era led to the emigration of many Chinese, who established overseas Chinese communities in many other parts of the world. Most overseas Chinese who emigrated before World War II were from [[Fujian]], [[Guangdong]] or [[Hainan]], making those provinces the natural places to go if you want to explore the [[legacy of the Overseas Chinese]]. ====The Republic and World War II==== {{see also|Chinese Revolutionary Destinations|Pacific War|Long March}} The 2000-year-old imperial system collapsed in 1911, when Sun Yat-Sen founded the '''Republic of China'''. Central rule collapsed in 1916 after Yuan Shih-kai, the second president of the Republic and self-declared emperor, passed away; China descended into anarchy, with warlords ruling over different regions of China and fighting wars with each other. In 1919, student protests in Beijing over the perceived unfavorable terms of the Treaty of Versailles (since China had participated in [[World War I]] as part of the Allies) gave birth to the "May Fourth Movement", which espoused reforms to Chinese society, such as the use of the vernacular in writing, and the development of science and democracy. The intellectual ferment of the movement gave birth to the reorganized '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) in 1919 and the '''Chinese Communist Party''' (CCP), in 1921. It also laid the foundation for the establishment of Standard Mandarin as the first standard spoken form of Chinese for the entire country. After much of eastern China was united under KMT rule in 1928, the CCP and the KMT turned on each other, and the CCP fled to Yan'an in Shaanxi in the epic [[Long March]]. Although Shanghai became one of the most prosperous cities in East Asia during the 1920s and 30s, underlying problems throughout the vast countryside, particularly the more inland parts of the country, such as civil unrest, extreme poverty, famines and warlord conflict, remained. Japan established a puppet state of Manchukuo in Manchuria in 1931, and launched a full-scale invasion of China's heartland in 1937. The Japanese implemented a brutal system of rule in Eastern China, culminating in the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. After fleeing west to Chongqing, the KMT signed a tenuous agreement with the CCP to form a united front against the Japanese. With the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II in 1945, the KMT and CCP armies maneuvered for positions in north China, setting the stage for the civil war. The civil war lasted from 1945 to 1949. The Kuomintang were defeated and forced to flee to Taiwan where they hoped to re-establish themselves and recapture the mainland someday. ==== A Red China==== [[File:·˙·ChinaUli2010·.· Beijing - Entrance of the Forbidden Town - panoramio.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the Imperial City nowadays features a Mao picture and red flags]] On 1 Oct 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the '''People's Republic of China''' (中华人民共和国). After an initial period closely hewing to the Soviet model of heavy industrialization and comprehensive central economic planning, China began to experiment with adapting Marxism to a largely agrarian society. Massive social experiments rocked China from 1957 to 1976. The Great Leap Forward aimed to collectivize and industrialize China quickly. The Cultural Revolution aimed to change everything by discipline, destruction of the "Four Olds" (customs, culture, habits, ideas), and total dedication to Mao Zedong Thought. The Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution are generally considered disastrous failures in China that caused the deaths of tens of millions of people. The effects of the Cultural Revolution in particular can still be felt: many elements of traditional Chinese culture and folk beliefs continue to thrive in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, but have largely disappeared in mainland China. Mao died in 1976, and in 1978, Deng Xiaoping became China's paramount leader. Deng and his lieutenants gradually introduced market-oriented reforms and decentralized economic decision making. One of the innovations was the creation of [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Development_zones|Special Economic Zones]] with tax breaks and other government measures to encourage investment and development; these still exist and are quite prosperous. China's miraculous growth since 1978 has been an extraordinary achievement. Significant problems remain, however, including inflation, regional income inequality, human rights abuses, major environmental issues, rural poverty, and ethnic conflict in Xinjiang and Tibet. In particular, blatant corruption was a major cause of large scale political movements in 1989, which in turn resulted in the bloody suppression of protesters in urban [[Beijing]], often known as the '''Tiananmen Massacre'''. The incident is still a sensitive and highly censored topic in China. Hu Jintao, who was paramount leader from around 2002 to 2012, proclaimed a policy for a "Harmonious Society", which promised to restore balanced economic growth and channel investment and prosperity into China's central and western provinces. China has developed economically at a breakneck speed since the 1990s, and overtook [[Japan]] to become the world's second largest economy after the [[United States]] in 2010, cementing its place again as a major political, military and economic world power. China has also expanded its international clout and become a major source of foreign investment, particularly in the less developed countries of [[Asia]], [[Africa]] and increasingly in [[Latin America]] and the [[Caribbean]] as well. President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, which attempts to expand international trading networks through Chinese investment in transportation infrastructure. It largely follows the route of the old [[Silk Road]]. While Xi's administration is often criticized for being more dictatorial than previous ones, China's international influence has also expanded considerably under him, and blatant corruption has been significantly reduced. Moreover, many poorer areas in western China that had largely been left behind by the economic boom are now beginning to see more government investment in infrastructure and poverty alleviation. China is now an upper middle income country. Two former colonies, [[Hong Kong]] (British) and [[Macau]] (Portuguese), rejoined China in 1997 and 1999 respectively. They are [[List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Province-level_divisions|Special Administrative Regions]] (SARs), run differently under the slogan "One country, two systems". This article does not cover them because for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries with their own visas, currencies, and laws. ===Government and politics=== {{see also|Chinese provinces and regions}} China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The "paramount leader" is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, who holds several other offices including ceremonial President. The State Council forms the executive branch; the next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. China largely follows a centralized system of government, and is administratively divided into 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 directly controlled municipalities. Provincial governments have limited powers in their internal and economic affairs. Autonomous regions have more legal freedom than provinces, such as the right to declare additional official languages besides Mandarin. Directly controlled municipalities are cities that are not part of any province, and instead report directly to the central government in Beijing. Often having different names, prefectures ((地级)市/自治州/地区), counties (县/(县级)市/区) and townships (乡/镇/街道) are subordinated under provinces. The Special Administrative Regions (SAR), [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], in principle run themselves as separate jurisdictions, with only foreign policy and defense being controlled by Beijing, though in practice this autonomy is restricted. There is an active independence movement in Hong Kong, but the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020 has largely driven the movement underground. The PRC considers [[Taiwan]] to be one of its provinces, but Taiwan's government (the Republic of China) has been completely separate from the mainland Chinese one since 1949. Both governments on paper continue to claim to be the sole legitimate government for all of China. There is significant support for formal independence in Taiwan, but China's government has repeatedly threatened to launch a military attack on Taiwan if the island declares itself independent. See [[Chinese provinces and regions]] for more detail. ===People and customs=== With 1.4 billion inhabitants, China is home to nearly a fifth of the world's population and is the most populous country in the world. It is a diverse place with large variations in culture, language, customs and economic levels from region to region, and often strong distinct cultural and regional identities as well. The economic landscape is particularly diverse. The major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai are modern and comparatively wealthy. However, about 50% of Chinese still live in rural areas even though only 10% of China's land is arable. Hundreds of millions of rural residents still farm with manual labor or draft animals. Some 200 to 300 million former peasants have migrated to townships and cities in search of work. Poverty has been reduced dramatically, but towards the end of 2016, China still had 43 million people under the official poverty line of ¥2,300 (about US$334) in annual income. At the other end of the spectrum, the wealthy continue to accumulate real estate and other assets at an unprecedented rate. Generally the southern and eastern coastal regions are more wealthy, while inland areas, the far west and north, and the south-west are much less developed. The cultural landscape is also very diverse. Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group, comprising over 90% of the population, but they are not culturally homogeneous, and speak a wide variety of mutually unintelligible dialects and languages. Many customs and deities are specific to individual regions and even villages. Celebrations for the Lunar New Year and other national festivals vary dramatically from region to region. Customs related to the celebration of important occasions such as weddings, funerals and births also vary widely. The Cultural Revolution wiped out much of traditional Chinese culture and religion, and while they still survive to some extent, many of the traditions of old are better preserved in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and overseas Chinese communities than in mainland China. In general, contemporary urban Chinese society is secular, and traditional culture is more of an underlying current in everyday life. That said, there has been a cultural revival in the 21st century, largely spearheaded by young middle class Chinese, who are now using social media to promote various aspects of their traditional cultures. The other 10% of the population are 55 recognized ethnic minorities — the largest of which are the Zhuang, Manchu, Hui and Miao (Hmong) — which each have their own unique cultures and languages. Other notable ethnic minorities include Koreans, Tibetans, Mongols, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Russians. China is home to the largest Korean population outside Korea, and is home to more ethnic Mongols than is [[Mongolia]]. Many minorities have been assimilated to various degrees, losing their language and customs or fusing with Han traditions, although Tibetans and Uyghurs in China remain fiercely defensive of their cultures. In some areas, some ethnic minorities, such as the Mongols, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and Tibetans, continue to maintain their traditional nomadic way of life, though that is changing as the younger generation gets better access to education and moves to the cities for higher-paying jobs, and even those who preserve the nomadic lifestyle often adopt numerous modern conveniences, such as replacing their horses with motorcycles. ====Lucky numbers==== Many Chinese people like homophones, and several numerals are considered auspicious or inauspicious based on rhymes with other Chinese words. '''"Six"''' is a good number for business, sounding like "slick" or "smooth" in Mandarin, and "good fortune" or "happiness" in Cantonese. '''"Eight"''' sounds so close to the word for "prosper" that it's widely considered auspicious. '''"Nine"''' used to be associated with the Emperor, and also sounds like "long lasting". Meanwhile, '''"four"''' is a taboo for most Chinese because the pronunciation in Mandarin, Cantonese and most other Chinese dialects is close to "death"; some buildings skip floors and room numbers that contain 4s. ===Climate and terrain=== [[File:Sanya Dongtian Park - panoramio (10).jpg|thumb|[[Hainan]] is a popular destination in tropical China]] The climate is extremely diverse, from tropical regions in the south to subarctic in the north. [[Hainan]] Island is roughly at the same latitude as Jamaica, while [[Harbin]], one of the largest cities in the north, is at roughly the latitude of Montreal and has the climate to match. North China has four distinct seasons with intensely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Southern China tends to be milder and wetter. The further north and west you travel, the drier the climate. Once you leave eastern China and enter the majestic Tibetan highlands or the vast steppes and deserts of Gansu, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, distances are vast and the land is harsh. During the communist planned economy era, uniform rules required that buildings in areas north of the Yangtze River get heat in the winter, but anything south of it would not &mdash; this meant buildings were unheated in places like Shanghai and Nanjing, which routinely have temperatures below freezing in winter. The rule was relaxed long ago, but the effects are still visible. In general, Chinese use less heating and less building insulation, and wear more warm clothing, than Westerners in comparable climates. In schools, apartments and office buildings, even if the rooms are heated, the corridors are not. Double-glazing is quite rare. Students and teachers wear winter jackets in class, and long underwear is common. Air-conditioning is increasingly common but is similarly not used in corridors and is often used with the windows and doors open. China has many inland mountain ranges, high plateaus, and deserts in the center and the far west; plains, deltas, and hills dominate the east. The [[Pearl River Delta]] region around Guangzhou and Hong Kong and the [[Along the Yangtze river|Yangtze delta]] around Shanghai are major global economic powerhouses, as is the North China plain around Beijing and the Yellow River. On the border between Tibet (the Tibet Autonomous Region) and Nepal lies Mount [[Everest]], at 8,850&nbsp;m, the highest point on earth. The [[Turpan]] depression, in northwest China's Xinjiang is the lowest point in China at 154&nbsp;m below sea level, which is the second-lowest point in the world after the [[Dead Sea]]. ===Units of measure=== China's official system of measurement is metric, but you will sometimes hear the traditional Chinese system of measurements in colloquial usage. The one you are most likely to come across in everyday use is the unit of mass ''jīn'' (斤), nowadays equal to 0.5&nbsp;kg in mainland China. Most Chinese will quote their weight in ''jīn'' if asked, and food prices in markets are often quoted per ''jīn''. ===Holidays=== {{CNYdates}} China observes two week-long holidays during the year, called '''[[Golden Week holidays in China|Golden Weeks]]'''. During these weeks, around '''Chinese New Year''' (late January to mid-February) and '''National Day''' (1 October), hundreds of millions of migrant workers return home and millions of other Chinese travel within the country (but many in the service sector stay behind, enjoying extra pay). Try to avoid being on the road, on the rails, or in the air during the major holidays. If you do have to travel the, plan well in advance, especially for transportation and for travel from western China or the east coast. Every mode of transportation is extremely crowded; tickets are very hard to come by, and will cost you a lot more. Air tickets sell out more slowly because of the higher prices. The Chinese New Year period is the largest annual migration of people on Earth. [[File:New Year Scene.jpg|thumb|Chinese New Year]] China has seven national holidays: * '''New Year''' (元旦 ''Yuándàn'') — 1 January * '''Spring Festival''' (春节 ''Chūn Jié''), a.k.a. '''Chinese New Year''' — 1st day of the 1st lunar month, late January to mid-February (1 February in 2022) * '''Tomb-Sweeping Day''' (清明节 ''Qīngmíng Jié'') — 15th day from the Spring Equinox, 4 to 6 April (5 April in 2022). Cemeteries are crowded with people who go to sweep the tombs of their ancestors and offer sacrifices. Traffic on the way to cemeteries can be very heavy. * '''Labor Day''' (劳动节 ''Láodòng Jié'') — 1 May * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午节 ''Duānwǔ Jié'') — 5th day of the 5th lunar month, late May to June (3 June in 2022). Boat races and eating rice dumplings (粽子 zòngzi, steamed pouches of sticky rice) are a traditional part of the celebration. * '''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (中秋节 ''Zhōngqiū Jié''） — 15th day of the 8th lunar month, September to early October (10 September in 2022). Also called the "Mooncake Festival" after its signature treat, mooncakes (月饼 ''yuèbǐng''). People meet outside, put food on the tables and look up at the full harvest moon. * '''National Day''' (国庆节 ''Guóqìng Jié'') — 1 October Known as the '''Golden Weeks''', Chinese New Year and National Day holidays span multiple days; nearly all workers get at least a week for Chinese New Year and some of them get two or three. For many working Chinese, these are the only times of the year they get to travel. Students get four to six weeks of holiday. Chinese New Year is a traditional time to visit family, and the entire country pretty well shuts down. Many stores and other businesses will close from a few days to a week or longer. In early July, around 20 million university students will return home and then in late August they will return to school. Roads, railways and planes very busy at these times. Many areas or ethnic minorities have their own festivals. See listings for individual towns for details. Here are some other nationally important festivals: * '''Lantern Festival''' (元宵节 ''Yuánxiāo Jié'' or 上元节 ''Shàngyuán Jié'') — 15th day of the 1st lunar month, traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year, February to early March (15 February in 2022). In some cities, such as Quanzhou, this is a big festival with elaborate lanterns all over town. * '''Double Seventh Day''' (七夕 ''Qīxī'') — 7th day of the 7th lunar month, usually August (4 August in 2022). This romantic holiday is similar to Valentine's Day. * '''Double Ninth Festival''' or Chongyang Festival (重阳节 ''Chóngyáng Jié'') — 9th day of the 9th lunar month, usually October (4 October in 2022) * '''Winter Solstice''' (冬至 ''Dōngzhì'') — 21 to 23 December (22 December in 2022) Some Western festivals are noticeable, at least in major cities. Around Christmas, one hears carols &mdash; some in English, some in Chinese, and one from Hong Kong that goes "Lonely, lonely Christmas". Some stores are decorated and many shop assistants wear red and white elf hats. Chinese Christians celebrate services and masses at officially sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches as well. For Valentine's Day, many restaurants offer special meals. Around the longer holidays (especially the two Golden Weeks and sometimes Labor Day), surrounding weekends may be rearranged to make the holiday longer. This means that around major holidays, places may be closed when they're usually open or open when they would usually be closed. ===Time zones=== Despite geographically spanning five time zones, all of China officially follows Beijing Time (UTC+8). However, in the restive province of Xinjiang, while the official time is Beijing Time, some ethnic Uyghurs use the UTC+6 time zone as a sign of defiance against Beijing. ===Read=== * ''Wild Swans'' by Jung Chang (''{{ISBN|0007176155}}'') - a biography of three generations, from the warlord days to the end of Mao's era, illustrating life under China's version of nationalism and communism. This book is banned in China. *''The Search for Modern China'' by Jonathan Spence - a standard history book on modern China from the late Ming to the current period. {{topicsin|China|0}} ==Talk== {{see also|Chinese phrasebook}} [[Image:Map of sinitic languages-en.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|Map of Chinese dialects]] The official language of China is '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Standard Mandarin]]''', known in Chinese as ''Pǔtōnghuà'' (普通话, "common speech"), which is based on the Beijing dialect; Chinese in general is known as ''Zhōngwén'' (中文). Standard Mandarin is the main language for government and media, as well as the national lingua franca. While the official language is standardized, local pronunciation of Mandarin does vary by region. Unless otherwise noted, all terms, spellings and pronunciations in this guide are in Standard Mandarin. While national media is broadcast in Mandarin, each area often has its own local media that broadcasts in the local language. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. However, since the 1950s mainland China has used '''simplified characters''', such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>, in an attempt to eradicate illiteracy. Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and many overseas Chinese still use the traditional characters, which are also sometimes used on the mainland as an aesthetic choice. As a result, a word like "bank" will be written <span lang="zh-Hant">銀行</span> as often as <span lang="zh-Hans">银行</span>. The simplification was fairly systematic, and you may deduce at least some of the simplifications on your own just from seeing them frequently. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". The standard way of romanizing Mandarin is '''pinyin''' (汉语拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn''). It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). Mandarin is also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the country, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects''', of which Standard Mandarin is just one. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and can't carry on a conversation with each other. However, thanks to heavy emphasis in the education system, most people can comfortably carry on a conversation in Standard Mandarin, though sometimes with a strong accent. In some areas, younger people are more likely to speak Mandarin than dialects, due to previous education policies that prohibited the use of dialects in school. A variety of (mainly northern) dialects closely related to the standard are classified as Mandarin and account for the majority of China's population. Other large groups of dialects include '''[[Wu phrasebook|Wu]]''' (spoken in Shanghai, Zhejiang and southern [[Jiangsu]]) and '''Yue''' (Guangdong), which includes '''[[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]''' (spoken in much of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau). The '''Min''' (Fujian) group includes '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]]''' (Hokkien, spoken in [[South Fujian]] and in Taiwan), '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Fuzhou dialect]]''' (Foochow or Hokchiu, spoken around [[Fuzhou]]), '''[[Teochew phrasebook|Teochew]]''' (Chiuchow, spoken in [[Chaoshan]]) and '''[[Hainanese phrasebook|Hainanese]]''' (spoken in the island province [[Hainan]]). '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''' is spoken in several parts of southern China but is more related to northern dialects. Like Mandarin, these are all tonal languages. Most Chinese are bilingual or even trilingual, speaking Mandarin as well as regional or local dialects. Some who are older or less educated may speak only the local dialect. While you can easily get by in most of China speaking Mandarin, learning a bit of the local dialect is always appreciated, and may get you preferential treatment in shops and restaurants. Besides dialects of Chinese, various regions also have ethnic minority languages. The west has '''Turkic languages''' such as [[Uyghur phrasebook|Uyghur]], [[Kyrgyz phrasebook|Kyrgyz]], and [[Kazakh phrasebook|Kazakh]] as well as other languages such as '''[[Tibetan phrasebook|Tibetan]]'''; the north and northeast has [[Manchu phrasebook|Manchu]], [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]], and [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]; the south has many other ethnic minorities who speak their own languages. However, except for some older folks, Mandarin is generally usable in these regions and many people are bilingual. In areas with large ethnic minority populations, the relevant ethnic minority language is sometimes co-official with Mandarin, and you may see bilingual road signs. '''Chinese Sign Language''' (CSL or ZGS, 中国手语 ''Zhōngguó Shǒuyǔ'') is the dominant sign language. There is an official version of CSL standardized by the government. There are also two regional dialects, Southern (from Shanghai) and Northern (from Beijing); these and official CSL are largely mutually intelligible. CSL is not mutually intelligible with Hong Kong, Taiwanese, or Malaysian Sign Languages, nor with any others. '''Tibetan Sign Language''' (藏语手语 ''Zàng yǔ shǒuyǔ'') is an independent sign language used in Tibet, not mutually intelligible with any others; it too is standardized by the government based on existing regional sign languages. ===English=== Chinese students study English from primary school to high school, and are required to pass an English test in order to graduate from university. However, the focus is mainly on formal grammar and writing, with less emphasis on reading, and even less on speaking or listening. While knowledge of basic words and phrases such as "hello," "thank you", "OK" and "bye-bye" appears nearly universal, the ability to participate in an English conversation can be limited. It's generally rare to find locals conversant in English. Staff at airports, hotels, and popular tourist attractions can sometimes speak basic to conversational English. As China's tourism industry primarily caters to the domestic market, outside major international tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an, even staff at tourist attractions may not be conversant in English. When [[Talk#Speaking English with non-native speakers|using English]], '''simplify and speak slowly'''. Chinese grammar is very different from English, as verbs, pronouns, and other words essentially don't inflect at all. Although it sounds abrupt in English, simple declarative sentences like "Give me two beers" are quite similar to Chinese, and thus more readily understood than roundabout constructions like "Could we have a pair of beers please?". [[File:Shenzhen River chinglish warning sign.JPG|thumb|A typical "Chinglish" sign]] While English signage or menus are increasingly widespread in China, especially at or near tourist attractions, they are often written in incorrect English. Such signage can be difficult to read, but as "Chinglish" follows certain rules, it can usually be deciphered. Oftentimes, translations are simply a word-by-word equivalent of a Chinese expression which, like a word puzzle, can sometimes be pieced together with some thought, but in other cases may be utterly baffling. Many places have '''English Corner''', informal gatherings for [[Teaching English|practicing oral English]], which can be a good way to meet locals. They're often held at schools and colleges on Friday afternoons, and on Sundays in public parks, English schools, and bookstores, and universities. Topics often include cultural activities like holidays and festivals from English speaking countries, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. However, these have been progressively disappearing over the past decade due to the prolific rise of language exchange over the internet in China, and have all but disappeared in smaller cities. ===Other foreign languages=== Although not as widespread as English, there are some foreign languages that are of use in China. [[Korean phrasebook|Korean]] is spoken as a native language by the ethnic Korean minority in the north east of the country, while [[Mongolian phrasebook|Mongolian]] is the native language of the ethnic Mongol community in Inner Mongolia. [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]] is spoken by some professionals in international businesses. [[German phrasebook|German]] is a popular language for engineering professionals. Some people in border areas and some older people are able to speak [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. [[Arabic phrasebook|Arabic]] is commonly studied among Muslim communities. ==Get in== {{COVID-19 box| Entry is denied to most travelers, but foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits, including work permits or permits for family reunion and personal matters, may be allowed to enter. The requirements are complicated and vary depending on what country you're coming from, any countries you transit in, your city of entry to China, and your destination city. Contact your nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for specific information. All passengers flying into China must obtain a health code through the Health Code International Version program on WeChat. The program may be hard to use if you don't have a Chinese ID number and mobile phone number; you might need to ask a Chinese citizen to help you complete the form. Make sure you get a health code for both your entry point city and your final destination in China. You'll need a COVID-19 negative certificate, which may need to be in English and notarized by a Chinese embassy. And you may also need an antibody test and/or proof of vaccination. Rules are less strict for travellers from Hong Kong and Macau, who just need to show a negative Covid-19 test result. On arrival, you will be subject to a strict mandatory quarantine for 14 or 21 days (or even longer), at your own expense, and will be tested for COVID multiple times, possibly including oral, nasal, and anal swabs. Food is provided in quarantine but may not be to your liking, though vegetarian options are reportedly available. Make sure you have a Chinese SIM card, as you may need it to use the health apps – if you don't have one you may be able to get it delivered to your quarantine hotel. * [http://www.chinacdc.cn/en/ Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention] * [http://en.nhc.gov.cn/ National Health Commission of the PRC] |lastedit=2021-12-03}} ===Visas=== {{infobox|Visa policy overview|China offers the following visas to citizens of most countries: * '''L visa''' - tourism, family visits * '''F visa''' - business trips, internships, short study * '''Z visa''' - working, 30 days during which you should get a residence permit * '''X visa''' - study more than six months * '''S1 visa''' - dependent family members of a Z (work) visa * '''Q1 / Q2 visa''' - for expats married to a Chinese citizen or green card holder * '''G visa''' - transit A few nationalities are exempted from needing to obtain a visa before traveling to China for certain durations. You can contact your nearest [http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/ Chinese embassy or consulate] for more details. }} [[File:Visa policy of China.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa requirements for visitors to China. Green, blue and purple countries can have visa free travel, while all other countries need a visa.]] Most travelers will need a visa (签证 ''qiānzhèng'') to visit mainland China. In most cases, it should be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Visas for [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]] may be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate, but they must be applied for separately from the mainland Chinese visa; there is no visa that serves both mainland China and either of those areas. A single-entry mainland China visa is terminated if you go to Hong Kong or Macau, so ensure that you have a multiple entry visa if you plan to return to mainland China. You must submit your fingerprints during the visa application process. Children under 14, and senior citizens over 70 are excepted. Your fingerprints may also be taken when you enter China. 30-day single- or double-entry visas for the mainland can sometimes be acquired in Hong Kong or Macau. You can generally fly from overseas to Hong Kong and spend a few days there to get a visa for the mainland. This is supposed to be available only to residents of Hong Kong or Macau. Exceptions are often made but they vary over time, and are not reliable. Macau's visa office is less crowded and the hotels are a bit cheaper, but it takes just as long. In general, only single- and double-entry visas are granted to visitors without Hong Kong ID cards, although foreigners with previous entries into the mainland and Hong Kong student or work visa holders have been known to be approved for multiple entries. Many Hong Kong travel agencies (such as China Travel Service) offer a faster visa turnaround service for a fee. In addition, a travel agency has some capacity to negotiate on the length of your visa. You might apply for a one-year visa and have that rejected; however, they may well be able to get a 6-month visa for you instead. Visas are sometimes denied to travelers with passport stamps from Turkey and nearby Middle Eastern countries; see [[Visa trouble#China]] for more information. '''Visa-free travel''': Nationals of [[Brunei]], [[Japan]], and [[Singapore]] can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days; nationals of [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belarus]], [[Fiji]], [[Grenada]], [[Qatar]], [[Serbia]], [[Seychelles]], [[Tonga]], and [[United Arab Emirates]] for up to 30 days; nationals of [[Mauritius]] for up to 60 days; and nationals of [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Ecuador]], and [[San Marino]] for up to 90 days. (Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina can only stay 90 days within a 180-day period.) To visit mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau residents of Chinese nationality must apply at the China Travel Service, the sole authorized issuing agent, to obtain a Home Return Permit (回乡证 húixiāngzhèng), a credit card-sized ID allowing multiple entries and unlimited stay for ten years with no restrictions including on employment. Taiwanese citizens are required to obtain a Taiwan Compatriot Pass (台胞证 táibāozhèng), which is typically valid for five years, and may live in mainland China indefinitely for the duration of the permit's validity with no restrictions including on employment. Travelers should check the most up-to-date information before traveling. Chinese authorities do not recognize British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports. BNO passport holders should use appropriate travel documents (foreign passport/home return permit) to enter China. ====Transit without a visa==== [[File:Chinese Visa Waiver Programs.png|thumb|440px|Map showing visa waiver program eligibility for visitors to China.]] Exceptions from visa requirements may be available for those [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/zgqz/#3 transiting through some airports], to enable you to take short visits to many metropolitan regions of the country. These rules are '''dizzyingly complicated and subject to sudden changes''', so check with your airline shortly before attempting this method of entry. Citizens of the designated countries who arrive at airports in [[Beijing]], [[Chengdu]], [[Chongqing]], [[Dalian]], [[Hangzhou]], [[Kunming]], [[Nanjing]], [[Qingdao]], [[Qinhuangdao]], [[Shanghai]], [[Shenyang]], [[Shijiazhuang]], [[Tianjin]], [[Wuhan]], [[Xiamen]], and [[Xi'an]] can stay in the city of arrival for up to 144 hours provided they depart from an airport of the same city. The onward ticket must be to a country other than the country from which their arriving flight originated and they must have the required entry documents for the third country or countries. In [[Guangdong]], this arrangement applies to the whole province. A similar policy in [[Guilin]], [[Harbin]], and [[Changsha]] allows stays of up to 72 hours. Passengers without a visa who intend to leave the transit area will typically be directed by an immigration officer to wait in an office for around 20 minutes while other officials review the passengers' onward flight documentation. For the city of '''Shanghai''' and the neighboring provinces of '''Jiangsu''' and '''Zhejiang''', visa-free entries through the airports of Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, as well as the Shanghai sea port or Shanghai Station (through train from Hong Kong), are allowed. Once admitted, passengers can go anywhere within the three province-level units, and must depart within 144 hours (6 days). [http://lawandborder.com/translation-shanghai-jiangsu-zhejiang-implement-144-hour-visa-free-transit-policy-for-certain-nationalities/ Translation: 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang]. In '''[[Hainan]]''', citizens of the UK, Canada, the US and some other European and Asian countries can travel for up to 30 days without a visa. ====Types of visas==== Getting a tourist visa is fairly easy for most passports as you don't need an invitation, which is required for business or working visas. The usual tourist single-entry visa is valid for a visit of 30 days and must be used within three months of the date of issue. A double-entry tourist visa must be used within six months of the date of issue. It is possible to secure a single, double, or multiple entry tourist visa for up to 60 days or, less commonly, 90 days for some citizens applying in their home countries. Consulates and travel agents have been known to occasionally request proof of onward travel at the time of visa application. Tourist visa extensions can be applied for at the local Entry & Exit Bureau or Public Security Bureau (公安局 ''Gōng'ānjú'') after handing in the following documents: valid passport, visa extension application form including one passport-sized photo, a copy of the Registration Form of Temporary Residence which you received from the local police station at registration. Tourist visas can be only extended once. Processing time is usually five working days and it costs ¥160. See city articles to find out the local bureau. Some travelers will need a dual entry or multiple entry visa. For example, if you enter China on a single entry visa, then go to Hong Kong or Macau, you need a new visa to re-enter mainland China. In Hong Kong, multiple entry visas are officially available only to HKID holders, but the authorities are willing to bend the rules somewhat and may approve three-month multiple entry visas for short-term Hong Kong qualified residents, including exchange students. It is recommended to apply directly with the Chinese government in this case, as some agents will be unwilling to submit such an application on your behalf. Obtaining a '''Visa on Arrival''' is possible usually only for the [[Shenzhen]] or [[Zhuhai]] Special Economic Zones, and such visas are limited to those areas. When crossing from Hong Kong to Shenzhen at Lo Wu railway station, and notably not at Lok Ma Chau, a five-day Shenzhen-only visa can be obtained during extended office hours on the spot. The office accepts only Chinese yuan as payment. There may be restrictions on visas for some nationalities and these vary over time. For example: * The visa fee for American nationals is [http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t334452.htm US$140] (or US$110 as part of a group tour). * Indian nationals are limited to 10- or 15-day tourist visas, and have to show US$100 per day of visa validity in the form of traveler's checks. (US$1,000 and US$1,500, respectively). * Foreigners in South Korea not holding an alien registration card must travel to the Chinese consulate in [[Busan]], as the Chinese embassy in [[Seoul]] does not issue visas to non-residents in Korea. Applications must be made through an official travel agency. See [[Working in China]] for information for those who want to work in China, and their family members. One option for foreigners married to Chinese citizens is to obtain a six- to twelve-month ''visiting relatives'' (探亲 tànqīn) visa. This is a tourist (L) visa that permits individuals to remain in China continuously for the duration of their visa and does not require the visa holder to exit and re-enter China to maintain the validity of the visa. To apply for a this visa, you should first enter the country on a different visa and then apply for a ''visiting relatives'' visa at the local Public Security bureau in the city that your marriage was registered in, which is usually your Chinese spouse's hometown. Bring your marriage certificate and spouse's identification card (身份证 shēnfènzhèng). If you apply for a visa in South Korea, you will generally have to either show an Alien Registration Card showing you still have several months of residency in South Korea or show that you've received a Chinese visa within the last two years. You cannot apply to a Chinese embassy or consulate directly but must proceed through a travel agent. Generally only 30-day single entry visas are available. ====Registering your abode==== [[File:Longhai - Hotel reception - P1260519.JPG|thumb|An announcement above a hotel's reception desk lists acceptable document types (including a foreign citizen's passport, 外国人“护照”) for guest registration]] Chinese immigration law requires that hotels, guest houses and hostels register their guests with the local police when they check in. The staff will scan your passport including your visa and entry stamps. In some places, your face may be photographed. Help staff out if they do not know where the most recent stamp is —&nbsp;immigration officers are sometimes known to stamp in the wrong order. Some of the lower-end hotels are not set up for this and will refuse foreign guests. Others will accept foreign guests but ignore the registration requirement. You should avoid staying at one of these places immediately after arriving in China, lest you run into problems later, such as refusal of entry, due to not registering when you entered the country. If you are staying in a private residence, you are required to register your abode with the local police within 24 hours (city) to 72 hours (countryside) of arrival, though the law is enforced inconsistently. The police will ask for a copy of the photograph page of your passport, a copy of your visa, a copy of your immigration entry stamp, a photograph and a copy of the tenancy agreement or other document concerning the place you are staying in. That agreement might not be in your name but it will still be asked for. This Temporary Residence Permit should be carried with you at all times, especially if you are in larger cities or where control is tight. You must re-register if your visa or residence permit undergoes any changes — extensions, or changes in passport (even here, it is ideal to re-register when you get a new passport, regardless if you've transferred the visa or residence permit to the new passport). In some cities, you must re-register every time you re-enter mainland China even if your residence permit is still valid; check with your local police station to see if this is necessary. ===By plane=== {{COVID-19 box|China maintains a "circuit breaker" policy regarding flights arriving in China. Flights on a particular route may be cancelled for a period of weeks if too many passengers have tested positive. The Civil Aviation Administration of China publishes these termination orders regularly from time to time, and please contact your airline if you are affected by such orders.|lastedit=2021-11-27}} {{infobox|Transiting through Hong Kong and Macau|If arriving in Hong Kong or Macau there are ferries that can shuttle passengers straight to another destination such as Shekou or Bao'an Airport in Shenzhen, Macau Airport, Zhuhai and elsewhere without actually "entering" Hong Kong or Macau.<br>A shuttle bus takes transit passengers to the ferry terminal so their official entry point, where they clear immigration, will be the ferry destination rather than the airport. The ferries do have different hours so landing late at night may make it necessary to enter either territory to catch another bus or ferry to one's ultimate destination. For example, it would be necessary to clear immigration if going from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau via the Macau Ferry Terminal. The most recent information on the ferries to Hong Kong can be found at [http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index.html the Hong Kong International Airport website].}} The main international gateways to mainland China are [[Beijing]] ({{IATA|PEK}} & {{IATA|PKX}}, for all airports {{IATA|BJS}}), [[Shanghai]] ({{IATA|PVG}}) and [[Guangzhou]] ({{IATA|CAN}}). The explosive growth of commercial aviation in China has led to the proliferation of international gateways to the country. Local governments also frequently subsidize international flight routes serving their cities, so these services may be much cheaper. In particular, [[Chengdu]] ({{IATA|CTU}}), [[Chongqing]] ({{IATA|CKG}}) and [[Kunming]] ({{IATA|KMG}}) are emerging as major Chinese hubs, with flights to destinations in North America, Europe and Oceania. Airline tickets are expensive or hard to come by around Chinese New Year, the Chinese 'golden weeks' and university holidays. If you live in a city with a sizeable overseas Chinese community, check for cheap flights with someone in that community or visit travel agencies operated by Chinese. Sometimes flights advertised only in Chinese newspapers or travel agencies cost significantly less than posted fares in English. However if you go and ask, you can get the same discount price. ====Airlines==== China's carriers are growing rapidly. The three largest, and state-owned airlines are flag carrier '''[http://www.airchina.com/ Air China]''' (中国国际航空), as well as '''[http://www.ceair.com/ China Eastern Airlines]''' (中国东方航空) and '''[http://www.csair.com/ China Southern Airlines]''' (中国南方航空), based in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou respectively. Other airlines include '''[https://www.xiamenair.com/ XiamenAir]''' (厦门航空), '''[https://www.hainanairlines.com/ Hainan Airlines]''' (海南航空), '''[http://www.shenzhenair.com/ Shenzhen Airlines]''' (深圳航空) and '''[http://www.sichuanair.com/ Sichuan Airlines]''' (四川航空). [[Hong Kong]]-based [http://www.cathaypacific.com Cathay Pacific] can connect from many international destinations to all the major mainland cities. Other Asian carriers with good connections into China include [http://www.singaporeair.com/ Singapore Airlines], Japan-based [http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ Japan Airlines] and [https://www.ana.co.jp/ All Nippon Airways], South Korea-based [http://www.koreanair.com Korean Air] and [http://flyasiana.com/ Asian Airlines], and Taiwan-based [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines] and [http://www.evaair.com/ EVA Air]. Many major carriers based outside Asia fly to at least one of China's main hubs &mdash; [[Beijing]] ([[Beijing Capital International Airport|Capital]] or [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Daxing]]), [[Pudong Airport|Shanghai Pudong]] and [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]] &mdash; and many go to several of those. Some, such as [http://www.klm.com/ KLM], also have flights to other less prominent Chinese cities. Check the individual city articles for details. See [[Discount airlines in Asia]] for some additional options both to reach China and to get around within it. ===By train=== China can be reached by train from many of its neighboring countries and even all the way from Europe. * '''Russia & Europe''' - two lines of the [[Trans-Siberian Railway]] (Trans-Mongolian and Trans-Manchurian) run between [[Moscow]] and Beijing, stopping in various other Russian cities, and for the Trans-Mongolian, in [[Ulaanbaatar]], Mongolia. * '''Kazakhstan & Central Asia''' - from [[Almaty]], Kazakhstan, you can travel by rail to [[Ürümqi]] in the northwestern province of Xinjiang. There are long waits at the Alashankou border crossing for customs, as well as for changing the wheelbase for the next country's track. Another, shorter, trans-border route has no direct train service; rather, you take an overnight Kazakh train from Almaty to Altynkol, cross the border to Khorgos, and then take an overnight Chinese train from Khorgos (or the nearby [[Yining]]) to Urumqi. There is also direct train service between Ürümqi and [[Astana]] (via Khorgos). ([http://news.huochepiao.com/2017-6/2017621404433.htm Details], in Chinese) * '''Hong Kong''' - regular services link mainland China with [[Hong Kong]]. A [[high speed rail]] link was completed in 2018. * '''Vietnam''' - from Hanoi Gia Lam Station to Nanning in Guangxi province, via the Friendship Pass. You can take a train from Hanoi to [[Lao Cai]], walk or take a taxi across the border to Hekou, and take a train from Hekou North to Kunming. * '''North Korea''' - four weekly connections between the North Korean capital [[Pyongyang]] and [[Beijing]]. ===By road=== China has land borders with 14 countries. Mainland China also has land borders with the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which are similar to international borders. Most of the border crossings in western China are in remote mountain passes, which while difficult to reach and traverse, often reward travelers willing to make the effort with breathtaking scenic views. ====India==== The Nathu La Pass between [[Sikkim]] in India and Southern Tibet is not open to tourists, and both countries require special permits to visit. The pass has reopened for cross-border trade since 2006, so the tourist restriction may be lifted in the future. ====Myanmar (Burma)==== Entering China from Myanmar is possible at the [[Ruili]] (China)-[[Lashio]] (Myanmar) border crossing, but permits must be obtained from the Burmese authorities in advance. Generally, this would require you to join a guided tour. ====Vietnam==== [[File:Border crossing at Lao Cai.png|thumb|Looking from Vietnam into China]] For most travelers, Hanoi is the origin for any overland journey to China. There are three international crossings: *From [[Dong Dang]] to [[Pingxiang (Guangxi)|Pingxiang]] (凭祥) *From [[Lao Cai]] to [[Hekou]] (河口) *From [[Mong Cai]] to [[Dongxing]] (东兴) ====Laos==== From [[Luang Namtha]] you can get a bus to [[Mengla]]. You must have a Chinese visa beforehand as there is no way to get one on arrival. Also, there is a direct Chinese sleeper-bus connection from [[Luang Prabang]] to Kunming (about 32 hours). You can jump in this bus at the border, when the minibus from [[Luang Namtha]] and the sleeper meet. Don't pay more than ¥200, though. ====Pakistan==== The [[Karakoram Highway]] from northern [[Pakistan]] into Western China is one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It's closed for tourists for a few months in winter. Crossing the border is relatively quick because of few overland travelers, and friendly relations between the two countries. Preliminary customs inspection will be done on spot, while immigration and customs inspection are done at suburban [[Tashkurgan]]. A bus runs between Kashgar (China) and Sust (Pakistan) across the Kunerjab pass. ====Nepal==== The [[Nepal#Get in|road from Nepal]] to Tibet passes near Mount Everest, and through amazing mountain scenery. Entering Tibet from Nepal is only possible for tourists on package tours, but it is possible to travel into Nepal from Tibet ====Mongolia==== [[File:Trans Mongolian wheel changing.JPG|thumb|Going by train between Mongolia and China, the carriages will need new wheels]] There are two border crossings open to foreigners between Mongolia and China: *[[Erenhot]] ([[Inner Mongolia]])/[[Zamiin Uud]], and *[[Takashiken]] ([[Xinjiang]])/[[Hovd (province)|Bulgan]]. Other crossings open to nationals are: Zhuen Gadabuqi or Zuun Khatavch (Xilingol, Inner Mongolia), Bichig (Mongolia), and Sheveekhuren - Sekhee. ====Kazakhstan==== The border crossing closest to Almaty is at [[Khorgos]]. Buses run almost daily from [[Almaty]] to [[Ürümqi]] and [[Yining]]. No visa-on-arrival is available so ensure that both your Chinese and Kazakh visas are in order before attempting this. Another major crossing is at Alashankou (Dostyk on the Kazakh side). ====Kyrgyzstan==== It is possible to cross the [[Torugart pass]] from Kyrgyztan, but the road is rough and the pass is only open during the summer months (June–September) every year. It is possible to arrange crossings all the way from Kashgar, but ensure that all your visas are in order. Alternatively, while less scenic, a smoother crossing is at [[Irkeshtam]] to the south of Torugart. ====Tajikistan==== There is a single border crossing between China and Tajikistan at [[Kulma]], which is open on weekdays from May–November. A bus operates across the border between [[Kashgar]] in Xinjiang and [[Khorog]] in Tajikistan. Ensure both your Chinese and Tajik visas are in order before attempting this crossing. ====Russia==== The most popular border crossing at [[Manzhouli]] in [[Inner Mongolia]]. Buses run from Manzhouli to [[Zabaikalsk]] in Russia. There are also ferries across the Amur from [[Heihe]] to [[Blagoveshchensk]], and from [[Fuyuan]] to [[Khabarovsk]]. Farther east, there are land border crossings at [[Suifenhe]], Dongning, and Hunchun. Ensure both your Russian and Chinese visas are in order before attempting. ====North Korea==== Crossing overland from North Korea at the [[Dandong]]/[[Sinuiju]] border crossing is fairly straightforward if you have arranged it as part of your North Korean tour. The other border crossings along the Yalu and Tumen rivers may not be open to tourists. Your tour company must ensure that your Chinese and North Korean visas are in order before attempting this. ====Hong Kong==== There are four road border crossings into China from [[Hong Kong]]: *Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, *Sha Tau Kok/Shatoujiao, *Man Kam To/Wenjindu, and *the Shenzhen Bay Bridge. A visa on arrival is available for some nationalities at Huanggang, but visas must be arranged in advance for all other crossings. ====Macau==== The two border crossings are at the '''Portas do Cerco'''/'''Gongbei''' and the '''Lotus Bridge'''. A visa-on-arrival can be obtained by certain nationalities at the Portas do Cerco. At Gongbei, [[Zhuhai]] train station is adjacent to the border crossing, with frequent train service to Guangzhou. ====Others==== Travelers cannot cross the borders with [[Afghanistan]] and [[Bhutan]]. ===By boat=== There are a number of boats to China by sea and river: * '''Hong Kong and Macau''': There is regular ferry and hovercraft service between Hong Kong and Macau to the rest of the Pearl River Delta, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]]. Ferry service from Hong Kong International Airport allow arriving passengers to proceed directly to China without having to clear Hong Kong immigration and customs. * '''Japan''': A ferry service to [[Shanghai]] from [[Osaka]] and [[Kobe]], Japan. Service is once or twice weekly, depending on the season and takes about 2 days. * '''South Korea''': A ferry service to Shanghai and Tianjin from [[Incheon]], a port close to [[Seoul]]. Another line is to [[Qingdao]] or [[Weihai]] from Incheon or [[Dalian]] from Incheon. * '''Taiwan''': Hourly ferries (18 departures per day) run from [[Kinmen]] to [[Xiamen]], with the journey time either 30 minutes or one hour depending on port. There is also a regular ferry between Kinmen and [[Quanzhou]] with 3 departures per day. A twice-daily ferry links [[Matsu]] with [[Fuzhou]], with journey time about 2 hours. From the Taiwanese main island, there are weekly departures from [[Taichung]] and [[Keelung]] aboard the Cosco Star to [[Xiamen]] and [[Taizhou (Zhejiang)|Damaiyu, Taizhou]]. * '''Thailand''': Golden Peacock Shipping company runs a speedboat three times a week on the Mekong river to [[Jinghong]] in [[Yunnan]] from [[Chiang Saen]] (Thailand). Passengers are not required to have visas for Laos or Myanmar, although the greater part of the trip is on the river bordering these countries. Tickets cost ¥650. * '''Cruise ship''': In the fall, several cruise lines move their ships from [[Alaska]] to [[Asia]] and good connections can generally be found leaving from [[Anchorage]], [[Vancouver]], or [[Seattle]]. Star Cruises operates between [[Keelung]] in Taiwan and Xiamen in mainland China, stopping at one of the Japanese islands on the way. ==Get around== {{Infobox|Health Codes|[[File:健康码.png|thumb|right|An example of "health code"]]In an attempt to balance between public health and post-pandemic economic development, "health codes" have widely been used to indicate the health status of travelers, in which it is generated through specific mobile phone apps developed by authorities. A green code indicates the traveler is at lowest risk, while a red code indicates high transmission risk. These codes will be checked when traveling between provinces, or entering public places. Places are also divided into '''risk levels''' per sub-districts for the purpose of COVID-19 response. The default risk level is low-level, while if there are surges of local COVID-19 cases, risk levels of sub-districts will be raised. Depending on the severity, mass testing, restrictions on leaving your city or even communal lockdowns may be enforced, which are also reflected in your health code.}} Many foreign apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps '''do not work''' in China, and tend to have patchy coverage and data quality even if accessed via VPN. Moreover, China uses its own coordinate system, which sometimes causes problems when using foreign map apps. The most common direction-finding app used by the Chinese themselves is '''[https://map.baidu.com/ Baidu Maps]''', though it is only available in Chinese. [http://ditu.amap.com/ Amap] is effectively the Citymapper for the whole of China. It is only available in English on Apple devices, and replaces Apple Maps when you are in mainland China. It lists all public transport and suggested car routes even in seemingly rural places. Alternative methods include other map apps based on OpenStreetMap data or renting a local GPS. More information at [[GPS navigation]]. '''Names of long streets''' are often given a middle word indicating the part of the street: north (北 ''běi''), south (南 ''nán''), east (东 ''dōng''), west (西 ''xī''), or central (中 ''zhōng''). For example, White Horse Street or ''Báimǎ Lù'' (白马路) may be split up into ''Báimǎ Běilù'' (白马北路 "White Horse North Street"), ''Báimǎ Nánlù'' (白马南路 "White Horse South Street"), and ''Báimǎ Zhōnglù'' (白马中路 "White Horse Central Street"). In some cities, however, these names do not indicate parts of one street. In [[Xiamen]], ''Hubin Bei Lu'' and ''Hubin Nan Lu'' (Lakeside Road North and Lakeside Road South) are parallel, running east-west on the north and south sides of the lake. In [[Nanjing]], ''Zhongshan Lu'', ''Zhongshan Bei Lu'' and ''Zhongshan Dong Lu'' are three separate major roads. ===By plane=== China is a huge country so, unless you're planning to visit only the eastern seaboard, definitely consider domestic flights. China has many domestic flights connecting all the major cities and tourist destinations. Airlines include the three state-owned international carriers: Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern, as well as regional ones including Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. Flights between Hong Kong or Macau and mainland Chinese cities are considered to be international flights and can be quite expensive. Hence if arriving in, or departing from, Hong Kong or Macau, it is usually '''much''' cheaper to fly to or from Shenzhen or Zhuhai, just across the border, or Guangzhou, which is a little further afield but offers flights to more destinations. Prices for domestic flights are set at standard rates, but discounts are common, especially on the busier routes. Most good hotels, and many hostels, will have a travel ticket service and may be able to save you 15-70% off the price of tickets. Travel agencies and booking offices are plentiful in all Chinese cities and offer similar discounts. Even before considering discounts, traveling by aircraft in China is not expensive. For travel within China, it is usually best to buy tickets in China, or on Chinese websites (these often have English versions). A useful app/website is [http://english.ctrip.com/?curr=CNY&language=EN&iburedirect=1 CTrip], which is the only way you can use an international credit/debit card on the fly to buy train/plane tickets. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will contact you to let you know about changes to your flight. If you purchased your ticket overseas, be certain to check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. On Chinese websites, prices tend to remain high until two months before the flight date, at which point large discounts are usually available unless a particular flight has been heavily booked already. Unexplained flight delays are common, in part because of the tight military control of the airspace — few countries have as much of their airspace off limits to civil aviation as China. For short-distance travel, you may want to consider alternatives like [[Rail travel in China#High-speed rail|high-speed railway]]. Flight cancellations are also not uncommon. If you buy your ticket from a Chinese vendor they will likely try to contact you (if you left contact information) to let you know about the change in flight plan. If you purchased your ticket overseas, check on the flight status a day or two before you plan to fly. Despite a lack of regulation in the late 20th century, the safety record of Chinese aviation is now superb. They have not had a major fatal accident from 2010 to 2022 and Chinese regulatory authorities are very no-nonsense when it comes to safety violations by crews or maintenance problems. Also be sure not to lose your checked baggage receipts, as they will be checked against your baggage tags before you are allowed to leave the baggage claim hall. ===By train=== : ''See also [[Rail travel in China]]'' [[File:A maglev train coming out, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai.jpg|thumb|300px|Maglev train in [[Shanghai]]]] [[File:Rail map of PRC.svg|thumb|500px|Rail map of China]] Train travel is the main method of long-distance transportation for the Chinese, with an extensive network of routes covering most of the country. Roughly a quarter of the world's total rail traffic is in China. China now has the world's longest network of [[high-speed rail]]ways (similar to French TGV or Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains) called '''CRH''', including the world's only high-speed [[sleeper trains]]. If your route and budget allow then these may be the best way to get around. CRH trains are top-notch, even internationally, in terms of equipment and cleanliness. On most higher-level trains, recorded announcements are made in Chinese and English. Local trains do not have announcements in English. Be careful with your valuables while on the train as theft on public transportation is a problem. Motion sickness pills and ear plugs are recommended. Long distance trains have a buffet or dining car, which serves mediocre hot food at around ¥25. The menu is entirely in Chinese. There may be vendors on station platforms who sell noodles, snacks, and fruit at better prices. Most train cars have a hot boiled water dispenser available so you can bring tea, soups and instant noodles. Smoking is not permitted in the seating or sleeping areas but is allowed in the vestibules at the end of each car on ordinary trains, while on high-speed trains, it is completely banned. Smoking is forbidden inside station buildings apart from in designated smoking rooms. See [[Rail travel in China]] for information on buying tickets. Chinese train stations function like airports, so do not count on catching a train at the last minute: gates close a few minutes prior to departure! To be safe, be there at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes if you are entering a big train station. Make sure you're waiting in the right place, because often the train will only stop for a couple of minutes. Many cities have different stations for normal trains and high-speed trains. High-speed station names usually consist of the city name and the cardinal direction (for example ''Héngyángdōng'', "Hengyang East"). ===By bus=== Traveling by public '''city buses''' (公共汽车 ''gōnggòngqìchē'') or long-distance buses (长途汽车 ''chángtúqìchē'') is inexpensive and ideal for in-city and short-distance transportation. City buses vary from city to city. However, if you can understand the bus routes then they are cheap and go almost everywhere. Buses will normally have recorded announcements telling you the next stop - examples of which might include 'xià yí zhàn - zhōng shān lù' (next stop Zhongshan Road) or 'Shànghǎi nán huǒ chē zhàn dào le' (Shanghai South railway station - now arriving). Some major cities such as Beijing or Hangzhou will have English announcements, at least on some major routes. Fares are usually about ¥1-3 or more if traveling into the suburbs. Most buses simply have a metal cash-box next to the entrance where you can insert your fare (no change - save up those ¥1 coins) or on longer routes a conductor that will collect fares and issue tickets and change. The driver usually prioritizes speed over comfort, so hold on tight. [[File:Meng H27360 at Liuliqiao Coach Station (20210624120340).jpg|thumb|A long-distance buses from [[Beijing]] to [[Xilinhot]]]] Coaches, or '''long-distance buses''', may be more practical than trains for going to suburbs or smaller cities. Coaches originating from larger cities on the east coast tend to be air conditioned with soft seats. Bus personnel tend to try to be helpful, but they are much less familiar with foreigners than airline personnel. [[File:Xiaoxi - Bus no. 2 - DSCF4163.JPG|thumb|Local buses in Pinghe County, [[Fujian]], connect the county seat with rural towns]] A coach or bus in rural China is a different experience. Signs in the station to identify buses will be in Chinese. The coach's license plate number is printed on the ticket, it will be spray-painted on the back of the bus. Scheduled times of departure and arrival are only rough estimates, with the bus leaving when it's full, rather than at a scheduled time. Often, rural coaches are the only forms of transportation in many areas of China and are usually more than willing to stop anywhere along the route should you wish to visit more remote areas without direct transport. Buses can also be flagged down at most points along their route. The ticket price the rest of the way is negotiable. [[File:Qujiang - highway bus stop - DSCF3093.JPG|thumb|A highway bus stop in [[Qujiang]], Nanjing County, [[Fujian]]. The sign lists departure times for buses to [[Xiamen]]]] Getting a ticket is straightforward. Large bus stations have ticket counters who sell printed tickets displaying the departure time, boarding gate and license plate number of your bus. You need your passport to purchase a ticket, and often you will have to go through security inspection. ===By subway=== Most major cities in China now have subway/metro (地铁 ''dìtiě'') systems. They are typically modern, clean, efficient, and are still rapidly expanding. Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou already have some of the world's most extensive systems. On station platforms and in trains there is usually signage in Chinese and English listing all stations on that line. Announcements in the stations and trains are made in Mandarin and English, and sometimes the local language. Many maps (especially English versions) may not have kept up with rapid expansion. Look online for a bilingual subway map that you can carry with you. Chinese subway stations often have a security checkpoint before the turnstiles, where you must run your bags through an X-ray scanner. Pickpockets are most likely to strike during station stops, so pay attention to your belongings. Stations tend to have numerous exits with labels such as Exit A, B, C1, or C2. On maps you will find each exit is labeled clearly around the station. Signs in the station make it easy to find your exit. === By taxi === Taxis (出租车 ''chūzūchē'' or 的士 ''dīshì'', pronounced "deg-see" in Cantonese-speaking areas) are reasonably priced: flagfall ¥5-14, per km charge ¥2-3. Most trips within the city center will cost ¥10-50. There is no extra charge for luggage, but in many cities rates are higher at night. The taxi fee is usually rounded up to the nearest whole yuan. Tips are not expected, but are welcome, especially after long trips. Taxis are commonly ordered through a '''phone app''', and it has become harder to hail a taxi on the street. The most popular app, [http://www.didichuxing.com/en/com/en/ Didi Chuxing], is also available in English. Taxi hawkers stalk naive travelers at airport terminals, train stations, and border crossings. They will try to negotiate a set price, and will usually charge 2 to 3 times a metered fare. There are designated taxi areas outside most major airport terminals; insist that the driver use the meter. The fare should be plainly marked on the taxi. Finding a taxi during peak hours can be a bit hard. But it really gets tough if it is raining. Away from peak hours, especially at night, it is sometimes possible to get a 10% to 20% discount especially if you negotiate it in advance, even if with the meter on and asking for a receipt. Sitting in the front passenger seat is acceptable, and is useful if you have trouble communicating in Chinese. Some taxis mount the taxi meter down by the gearbox, where you can only see it from the front seat. Drivers may start smoking without asking. In some cities it is also common for drivers to try and pick up multiple passengers if their destinations are in the same general direction. Each passenger pays full fare but it saves the time of waiting for an empty cab at rush hour. Even in major cities, you are very unlikely to find an English-speaking taxi driver. If you are not able to pronounce [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] well, have your destination written ''in Chinese characters'' to show the driver. Business cards for your hotel and for restaurants are useful for this. In major cities in the prosperous southern and eastern coastal provinces, many taxi drivers are migrants from other parts of China who speak Mandarin but not the local dialect. Most drivers are honest and fares are reasonable but there are the bad ones out there who will try to use your lack of Chinese skills to their advantage. The fare difference will usually be minimal. Should you feel you have been seriously cheated on the way to your hotel, and it has a doorman, you can appeal to him or the desk staff for assistance. In cities, photographing the driver's ID (posted on the dashboard) or license plate number and threatening to report him to the authorities can be quite effective. In some cities, taxi companies use a star-rating system for drivers, ranging from 0 to 5, displayed on the driver's name-plate, on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. While no or few stars do not necessarily indicate a bad driver, many stars tend to indicate good knowledge of the city, and willingness to take you to where you ask by the shortest way. Another indicator of the driver's ability can be found on the same name-plate - the driver's ID number. A small number tells you he has been around for a long time, and is thus likely to know the city better. Use the bigger taxi companies when possible, as the smaller companies tend to have a higher number of dishonest drivers. Chinese are sometimes competitive when it comes to finding a taxi. The person who flags down a particular car is not necessarily entitled to that ride. Having locals move farther up in traffic to intercept cars or being shoved out of the way while trying to enter a taxi is common. If there are others in the area competing for rides, be ready to reach your car and enter it as soon as possible after flagging it down. Wear your seat belt at all times (if you can find it). Some taxi drivers, in particular those who can speak some English, can be quite curious and talkative, especially during peak hours' traffic (高峰 ''gāo​fēng''). ===By bicycle=== [[File:Mobikes_in_Huangzhou,_Huanggang,_Hubei,_China_3.jpg|thumb|A row of Mobike dockless bikes]] {{main|Cycling in China}} Bicycles (自行车 ''zìxíngchē'') were once the most common form of transportation in China, but many people have upgraded to electric bikes and motorcycles. Bicycle repair shops are common in cities and rural areas. '''Dockless rideshare bikes''' in China's larger cities operate on a grab'n'go basis: you use your mobile phone to unlock any available bike, pay ¥1-2 per 30 minutes while using them, and drop them off pretty much anywhere you like. The largest operators [https://mobike.com/global/ Mobike] (orange) and [https://www.ofo.com/au/en Ofo] (canary yellow) have English apps. Dockless bikes are built to last, meaning they're heavy, clunky and ungeared, but for travelers, they can be a cheap, convenient means of transport that is better than trying to deal with public transport. There are two major '''dangers for cyclists''' in China: * '''Motor traffic'''; cars and motorcycles frequently pull out without any warning, and in most areas red lights are apparently optional. * '''Bicycle theft is rampant''' throughout cities in China. China is a vast country and it provides serious cyclists with challenges to bike across mountains and desert. If you plan to cycle through China, get a visa before your journey, as it can be hard to get one along the way. Avoid saying that the journey will be by bike, as embassy personnel may not like that, and Xinjiang and Tibet are politically sensitive. The visa is valid for any border crossing and transport method anyway (except Tibet). ===By car=== {{main|Driving in China}} The PRC generally does not recognize International Driving Permits and does not permit foreigners to drive in China without a Chinese license. Hong Kong and Macau licenses are also considered to be foreign and having one of them will not allow you to drive in the mainland. Importing foreign vehicles is difficult. There are some ways of getting a temporary license: see the Driving in China article. Renting a car is virtually unheard of in major Chinese cities, which generally have excellent public transportation networks that get you almost anywhere. There are, however, some rural parts of China that are still best explored by car. Rented cars most often come with a driver and this is probably the best way to travel in China by car. ===By motorcycle=== {{seealso|Driving in China#Motorcycles}} Motorcycle taxis are common, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. They are usually cheap and effective but scary. The fares are negotiable. Regulations for riding a motorcycle vary from city to city. In some cases, 50cc mopeds can be ridden without a driving license although many cities have now banned them or reclassified them due to numerous accidents. Riding a 'proper' motorcycle is much harder, partly because you'll need a Chinese license, partly because they are banned in many cities and partly because production and importing have slowed with the focus on automobiles and electric scooters. The typical Chinese motorcycle is 125cc, can do about 100&nbsp;km/h and is a traditional cruiser style. They are generally slow, mundane to ride and have little sporting potential. Government restrictions on engine size mean that sports bikes are rare but can still be found. Another popular choice is a 125cc automatic 'maxi' scooter based loosely on the Honda CN250 - it's a bit quicker than a moped and more comfortable over long distances but has the benefit of automatic transmission which makes negotiating stop-start urban traffic much easier. Most cities will have a motorcycle market of some description and will often sell you a cheap motorcycle often with fake or illegal license plates, although a foreigner on a motorbike is a rare sight and it will grab the police's attention. Helmets are essential on 'proper' bikes but optional on scooters. You must have a license plate: they are yellow or blue on a motorcycle or green on a scooter and can cost several thousand yuan to register the bike yourself. Fake plates are easily available at a lower price, but are risky. ===By pedicab (rickshaw)=== {{infobox|What's in a name?|The terms pedicab and rickshaw are often used interchangeably by foreigners in China, but refer to two different modes of transportation - one of which no longer exists. The infamous rickshaw was a two-wheeled contraption with two poles at the front, which the operator held while walking or running passengers to their destinations. These proliferated in the late 19th century but were gradually phased out by the 1950s. Videos of Western elites playing polo on rickshaws propelled by Chinese workers showcased the exploitative nature of rickshaws. A distant relative of the rickshaw can still be seen when day-laborers in smaller or less developed cities gather with their rickshaw-like carts each morning waiting for work delivering construction materials, coal, or other odds and ends. The rickshaw has been replaced by the pedicab: a three-wheeled conveyance ridden much like a bicycle.}} In some mid-sized cities, pedicabs are a much more convenient means of traveling short distances. Sānlúnchē (三轮车), the Chinese term used both for pedal-powered and motorized rickshaws, are ubiquitous in rural China and lesser developed (which is to say, less touristy) areas of larger cities. Negotiating the fare in advance is a must. Reports of overcharging probably refer to rip-off artists working tourist destinations, like Silk Alley, Wangfujing, and the Lao She Tea House in Beijing in particular. Perhaps the rule of thumb should be, "Beware of anyone selling anything near tourist traps." If you see normal Chinese families using the "sanlun" — for instance, traveling between the Beijing Zoo and the nearest subway stop — then it's safe. Don't patronise any sanlun wearing some old fashioned costume to attract tourists. He'll try to charge you ten times the going rate. Electrified three-wheeled sanluns developed or converted from the pedicabs seem to be in the majority in Shanghai. ==See== China's attractions are endless and you will never run out of things to see. Especially near the coastal areas, when finished with one city, the next one is usually just a short train ride away. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or someone who just wants to relax on a nice beach, China has it all from the majestic Forbidden City in [[Beijing]], to the breathtaking scenery of [[Jiuzhaigou]]. Even if you live in China for many years, you'll find that there's always something new to discover in another part of the country. Perhaps unsurprisingly due to its sheer size and long history, China has the third largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and Spain. China is on the border between two bioregions. [[Eurasian wildlife]] can be seen in the north and west, and [[South Asian wildlife]] can be found in the south and southeast. [[Image:Diecaishan.jpg|thumb|Karst formations, Guilin]] ===Karst scenery=== The gumdrop mountains and steeply sloping forested hills with incredible rock formations favored by traditional Chinese artists are not creative fantasy. In fact, much of southern and southwestern China is covered in intricate eroded rock formations known as '''karst'''. Karst is a type of limestone formation named after an area in [[Slovenia]]. As limestone layers erode, the denser rock or pockets of different stone resist erosion forming peaks. Caves hollow out beneath the mountains which can collapse forming sinkholes and channels leading to underground rivers. At its most unusual karst erodes to form mazes of pinnacles, arches and passageways. The most famous example can be found in the Stone Forest (石林 ''[[Shilin|Shílín]]'') near [[Kunming]] in [[Yunnan]]. Some of the most famous tourist areas in China feature spectacular karst landscapes &mdash; [[Guilin]] and [[Yangshuo]] in [[Guangxi]], [[Zhangjiajie]] in [[Hunan]], and much of central and western [[Guizhou]] province. ===Sacred mountains=== ''See also:'' [[Sacred sites of China]] {{infobox|Chinese mountains|Linell Davis, who literally wrote the book on practical cultural differences between China and the West, has this to say about Chinese mountains: "Westerners find Chinese mountains confusing as they do not provide an experience of wild untamed nature. They expect mountains to be natural rather than paved with steps from bottom to top. They don't expect to see very old people and very young children climbing mountains. I have also noticed that each local area in China has a 'mountain' even if it is quite small and even if people had to build it themselves. After a few experiences of finding there was nothing to see from the top or that the view was lost in clouds and mist ([[Emeishan National Park|Emei]] and [[Huangshan]], for instance), I started trying to figure out what people are really doing when they are climbing mountains. My conclusion is that in China people climb mountains because the experience of doing it is enjoyable. I think they also do it to experience the mountain by moving into it and up and down it. In climbing the mountain they realize their connection with nature rather than their power over it." –Linell Davis, ''Doing Culture''}} Mountains are an important part of Chinese geomancy, and there are many mountains which have religious significance in Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. These mountains often serve as a popular backdrop in Chinese period dramas, and have traditionally been associated with various Chinese martial arts sects. Today, these mountains continue to house many Taoist and Buddhist temples, and continue to serve as scenic backdrops that attract many domestic tourists. ====Five Great Mountains==== The '''Five Great Mountains''' (五岳) are associated with the five cardinal directions in Chinese geomancy, and are believed to have originated from the body of Pangu (盘古), the creator of the world in Chinese mythology. *'''[[Mount Heng (Shanxi)|Mount Heng]]''' (恒山), the Northern Mountain (北岳) in [[Shanxi]] province. Literally the "eternal mountain". *'''[[Mount Heng (Hunan)|Mount Heng]]''' (衡山), the Southern Mountain (南岳) in [[Hunan]] province. Literally the "balancing mountain". *'''[[Mount Tai]]''' (泰山), the Eastern Mountain (东岳), in [[Shandong]] province. Literally the "peaceful mountain". *'''[[Huashan National Park|Mount Hua]]''' (华山), the Western Mountain (西岳) in [[Shaanxi]] province. Literally the "splendid mountain". *'''[[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]]''' (嵩山), the Central Mountain (中岳) in [[Henan]] province. Also home to the famed '''Shaolin Monastery''' (少林寺), historically famous for its warrior monks. Literally the "lofty mountain". ====Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism==== [[File:Wutai Shan temple grounds.jpg|thumb|Temples at Mt Wutai]] The '''Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism''' (四大佛教名山) are traditionally associated with four different Bodhisattvas, who are revered in Chinese Buddhism. To this day, these mountains continue to be scenic spots with prominent Buddhist temples. *'''[[Mount Wutai]]''' (五台山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Manjusri (文殊菩萨), in [[Shanxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Emei]]''' (峨眉山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (普贤菩萨), in [[Sichuan]] province. *'''[[Mount Putuo]]''' (普陀山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (观音菩萨), the most popular Bodhisattva in Chinese Buddhism, in [[Zhejiang]] province. It isn't a mountain, but rather an island off the Chinese coast. *'''[[Mount Jiuhua]]''' (九华山), traditionally associated with Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (地藏菩萨), in [[Anhui]] province. ====Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism==== Although there are many sacred mountains in Chinese folk religion, the '''Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism''' (四大道教名山), together with the Five Great Mountains are considered to be the holiest among them. These continue to be scenic spots that feature prominent Taoist temples. *'''[[Mount Wudang]]''' (武当山), regarded by most Chinese to be the holiest of all sacred mountains for Taoists, in [[Hubei]] province. Traditionally regarded to be a major center of Chinese martial arts, and the main rival to the Shaolin Monastery (albeit a friendly one). *'''[[Mount Longhu]]''' (龙虎山) in [[Jiangxi]] province. *'''[[Mount Qiyun]]''' (齐云山) in [[Anhui]] province. *'''[[Qingchengshan-Dujiangyan_National_Park|Mount Qingcheng]]''' (青城山) in [[Sichuan]] province. ===Flowers=== [[File:Pink peach tree in blossom in Mount Langya in Hebei, picture2.jpg|thumb|Peach blossoms in a Chinese park]] While Japan's cherry blossoms may be better known, China's '''plum blossoms''' (梅花 ''méi huā'') and '''peach blossoms''' (桃花 ''táo huā'') are often considered to rival the cherry blossoms in sheer beauty. Plums tend to flower during the coldest part of winter, often during heavy snowfall, making them a symbol of resilience, and is the national flower of the Republic of China that once ruled Mainland China. Peaches, on the other hand, tend to flower in the spring. These trees can be viewed in many parks, particularly in the northern and eastern parts if China, but also at higher elevations in the south. Both flowers are highly revered in traditional Chinese culture, and are frequently featured in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. The '''peony''' (牡丹花 ''mǔ dān huā'') is also highly revered, and represents honor and wealth. Unlike the plum and peach blossoms, peonies grow on shrubs rather than trees. They typically flower in late spring to early summer. ===Performing arts=== {{main|Chinese performing arts}} As a large and diverse country, China is home to a wide array of performing arts, both traditional and modern. While some genres are popular nationwide, there are also some which are only popular in specific regions, and the various ethnic minorities also have their own unique traditions. Two genres that are popular nationwide, and are also regularly performed internationally are '''Beijing opera''' (京剧 ''jīngjù'') and ''' Yue opera''' (越剧 ''yuèjù''). ===Other sites=== Sites of the Chinese revolution can be seen in our [[Chinese Revolutionary Destinations]] article. Significant Buddhist sites in China can be found in our [[Buddhism#See|Buddhism]] article. ===Itineraries=== Some itineraries cover trips that are entirely within China: * [[Along the Yangtze river]] * [[Along the Yellow river]] * [[Along the Grand Canal]] * [[Around Erhai Lake by electric scooter]] * [[Hong Kong to Kunming overland]] * [[Long March]] * [[Overland to Tibet]] * [[Qinghai–Tibet railway]] * [[Yunnan tourist trail]] Others are partly in China: * [[Silk Road]] - ancient caravan route from China to Europe * [[Karakoram Highway]] - Western China to Pakistan through the Himalayas * [[On the trail of Marco Polo]] ==Do== ===Massage=== High-quality, reasonably priced massages are available throughout China. Expert work costs ¥20-80 per hour. * Almost any hairdresser will give a hair wash and head massage for ¥10. This often includes cleaning out ear wax and some massaging of the neck and arms. With a haircut and/or a shave, prices range from ¥25-100 with prices higher in large cities and in higher-class or tourist-oriented establishments. * The availability of foot massage (足疗 ''zúliáo'') is often indicated by a picture of a bare footprint on the sign. Prices are from ¥15 to about ¥60. * Full-body massage is offered at prices from ¥15 an hour up and in two varieties: ''ànmó'' (按摩) is general massage; ''tuīná'' (推拿) concentrates on the meridians used in acupuncture. These three types of massage are often mixed; many places offer all three. * Massage is a traditional trade for the blind, and the best value is often at tiny out-of-the-way places with blind staff (盲人按摩 ''mángrén ànmó''). * The most expert massages are in massage hospitals, or general Chinese medicine hospitals, usually costing around ¥50 an hour. Some massage places are actually brothels. Prostitution is illegal in China but quite common and often disguised as massage. Most hot-spring or sauna establishments offer ''all'' the services a businessman might want for relaxation. Many hotels offer massage in your room, and additional services are almost always available once she is the room. Pink lighting or lots of girls in short skirts in smaller establishments probably indicates considerably more than just massage is on offer (''and quite often they cannot do a good massage either''). The same rule applies in many hair salons which double as massage parlors/brothels. The non-pink-lit places usually give good massages and generally do not offer sex. If the establishment advertises massage by the blind, it is almost certainly legitimate. For basic phrases to use when getting a massage, see [[Chinese phrasebook#Getting a massage]]. ===Traditional arts=== When planning an extended stay in China, consider learning some of the traditional arts. Traveling to China is after all a unique chance to learn the basics, or refine already acquired skills, directly from master practitioners in the arts' home country. Many cities have academies that accept beginners, and not knowing Chinese is usually not a problem as you can learn by example and imitation. Calligraphy (书法 ''shūfǎ''), a term that covers both writing characters and painting scrolls (that is, classical landscapes and the like) remains a popular national hobby. Many calligraphers practice by writing with water on sidewalks in city parks. Other traditional arts which offer classes include learning to play traditional Chinese instruments (inquire in shops that sell these as many offer classes), cooking Chinese cuisine, or even singing Beijing Opera (京剧 ''jīngjù''). Fees are usually modest, and the necessary materials will not exactly break the bank. The only requirement is being in the same place for a long enough time, and showing sufficient respect; it is better not to join these classes as a tourist attraction. ===[[Martial arts]]=== As with traditional cultural arts, those with the time and inclination may be interested in studying China's famed martial arts. Some, such as '''tai chi''' (太极拳 ''tàijíquán''), can be studied at a basic level by simply visiting any city park in the early morning and following along. You will likely find many eager teachers. However, learning martial arts to a level that allows you to use them competently in an actual fight requires years of study and training under a master, which often has to start from childhood. In English, Chinese martial arts are often called "kung fu" and we follow that usage below. However in Chinese, the general term for martial arts is ''wǔshù'' (武術), while ''gōngfu'' (功夫, "kung fu") is the term for the skill or power that practitioners acquire. Chinese martial arts are traditionally classified into northern and southern styles, with northern styles generally known for emphasizing powerful strikes with fully extended limbs, and southern styles generally known for fast strikes close to the body. Northern Chinese martial are further classified into two groups named for two mountain areas with monasteries which are centers of kung fu &mdash; Shaolin Temple on [[Songshan National Park|Mount Song]] and the [[Wudang Mountains]]. Shaolin are the hard or external styles emphasizing speed and power, while Wudang are the soft or internal styles emphasizing breath control and smooth movement. Of course it is nowhere near that simple; Shaolin experts also move extremely smoothly and a Wudang master has plenty of speed and power. Other well-known centers of kung fu include Southern Shaolin in [[Quanzhou#Learn|Quanzhou]], [[Fujian]], Wu Wei Temple near [[Dali]] and Wing Chun (Bruce Lee's style) in [[Foshan]], [[Guangdong]]. Shanghai has a [[Shanghai/Yangpu#See|martial arts museum]] at a Physical Education university. ===Square dancing=== [[File:Older women practicing dance at Temple of Heaven Park, Beijing.jpg|thumb|right|Square dancers at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing]] In public parks, squares or plazas, or indeed anywhere in a city that isn't fenced off and is large enough (like a parking lot), you will increasingly find, in the early morning and late evening, groups of (mostly) older women doing what looks like low-impact aerobics to music with a dance beat coming from a nearby portable speaker. This activity is called ''guǎngchǎngwǔ'' (广场舞), roughly translated into English as "square dancing", because of where it takes place (not to be confused with the traditional American folk dance of the same name). It originated in the mid-1990s among women (known as ''dàmā'' (大妈), or "dancing grannies" in English) who had just been forced into retirement as a way to stay fit, socialize and recall their own youth during the Cultural Revolution (indeed, many of the songs used are propaganda from that era, or current Chinese pop hits). By 2015 noise and space issues had provoked violent confrontations in some cities and led the government to introduce, then hastily withdraw, standard dance routines. It's interesting to watch at the very least as a modern folk phenomenon, and indeed some groups don costumes and props for their routines. Some tourists, particularly Russians visiting Manchurian cities, have joined in. However, this is often frowned upon, as many square dancers compete competitively and are only practicing publicly due to a lack of practice space otherwise. If you are tempted to do so, only join groups that appear to be casually-oriented (no apparent dance uniform or complicated routines) and go to the rear row where beginners follow the leader and learn the moves. You should avoid, or at least practice extreme caution when joining near several groups in a space barely enough for all of them — turf battles have been known to start and given the novelty of a foreigner participating in square dancing, you may be seen as a final provocation of member poaching. Ballroom dancing is also moderately common; western-style square dancing or line dancing are less common but not unknown. ===Traditional pastimes=== China has several traditional games often played in tea gardens, public parks, or even on the street. Players often attract crowds of on-lookers. * '''[[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]]''' (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') is the world's most-played chess variant. It is similar to but distinct from Korean chess (Korean: 장기 ''janggi''), but quite different from [[Shogi|Japanese chess]] (Japanese: 将棋 ''shōgi'') and [[Chess|international chess]], though they all have enough in common that a good player of one will find another easier to learn. It is a very popular pastime in China, and you can often see elderly Chinese having games with each other in the parks. There are also numerous national tournaments, from school tournaments all the way up to professional ones, and the top players often become major celebrities, with large prizes and numerous TV shows about the game. * '''[[Go]]''' (围棋 ''wéiqí'', lit. "the surrounding game") is a strategy board game. Players place their stones to surround the most territory on the board. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. There are professional Go players, some of whom are major celebrities, tournaments with large prizes, and some TV shows about the game. * '''Mahjong''' (麻将 ''májiàng'') is popular and almost always played for money. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles. The nearest Western equivalent (not very near!) would be card games like rummy or canasta. : While game play is broadly similar, the rules of mahjong in China differ significantly between regions, and from the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, meaning that you will have to learn new rules everywhere you go. The Chinese government has an officially-sanctioned standardized form of mahjong that is used in national competitions in an attempt to be fair to people who grew up playing with different rules, which is also used in international competitions like the [http://www.world-series-mahjong.com/ World Series Mahjong]. However, this standardized form is very rarely played outside of officially-sanctioned competitions. Many Chinese are skilled at '''cards''' (扑克牌 ''pūkèpái''); Deng Xiaoping was renowned for his love for bridge (桥牌 ''qiáopái''). ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Chinese Yuan | currencyCode=¥ | date=January 2022 | AUD=4.6 | CAD=5.0 | EUR=7.2 | GBP=8.6 | HKD=0.8 | INR=8.6 | JPY=5.5 | MYR=1.5 | NZD=4.3 | THB=1.9 | USD=6.4 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/cny-chinese-yuan-renminbi XE.com]}}The official currency of the People's Republic of China is the '''Chinese yuan''', known as the '''renminbi''' (人民币 ''rénmínbì'', "People's Money"), denoted by the symbol '''¥''', international currency code '''CNY'''. All prices in China are given in yuan; the Chinese character is 元 (''yuán''), or in financial contexts (e.g. cheques and banknotes) 圆. A price may be shown as, for example, 20 元, 20 rmb, RMB 20, 20 yuan or ¥20; we use the latter form here. In informal spoken Chinese and sometimes in spoken English, 块 (''kuài'') may be used instead, much as "buck" can be used in the U.S. or "quid" in the UK. Some Chinese software will display a bigger "full width" character (￥) to differentiate it from the Japanese yen, which uses the same symbol. The Chinese yuan is ''not'' legal tender in the Special Administrative Regions of [[Hong Kong]] and [[Macau]], which issue their own currencies. However many businesses will also accept Chinese currency, albeit at an unfavorable exchange rate. {{infobox|Cheat Sheet|* 10 ''jiǎo'' is 1 ''yuán'' (&#20803;), the base unit * ''yuán'' is commonly called ''kuài'' (&#22359;) * ''jiǎo'' is commonly called ''máo'' (&#27611;) * 10 is ''shí'' (十) * 100 is ''bǎi'' (百) * 1,000 is ''qiān'' (千) * 10,000 is ''wàn'' (万)}} There are 10 ''jiǎo'' (角) in a yuan. A coin worth ¥0.1 will thus say 壹角 ("1 jiǎo"), on it, and a price like ¥3.7 would thus be read as "3 ''kuài'' 7". The ''jiǎo'' is rapidly heading for extinction, although you will get the odd 1 or 5 jiao coin or note as change. In spoken [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], the ''jiǎo'' is usually called the ''máo'' (毛). A tenth of a ''máo'' is a ''fēn'' (分); you may see this digit on prices, but it will be rounded off if you pay in cash. In spoken language, the trailing unit may be dropped. For example ''wǔ bǎi sān'', literally "five hundred three", means 530 or "five hundred three tens". The number 503 would be read as ''wǔ bǎi líng sān'', literally "five hundred zero three". Similarly ''yì qiān bā'', literally "one thousand eight", means 1800. When using larger numbers, Chinese has a word for ten thousand, ''wàn'' (万), and thus for example 50,000 becomes ''wǔ wàn'', not ''wǔ shí qiān''. [[Image:China currency overview.jpg|thumb|Chinese coins and bills]] * '''Coins''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao; dull silver or shiny silver), ¥0.5 (5 jiao; gold), ¥1 (silver) * '''Bills''': ¥0.1 (1 jiao), ¥0.5 (5 jiao), ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 A lot of Chinese currency will be in the form of bills &mdash; even small change. Bills are more common in some areas, coins in others, but both are accepted anywhere. Even the jiao, at just one tenth of a yuan, exists as both a bill (the smallest) and two different coins. Conversely, one yuan exists as a coin and as two different bills. You should be prepared to recognize and handle either version. Due to the popularity of mobile payments, an increasing number of shops in urban areas do not accept cash or credit cards, and even those that accept cash will often not have any change available. ====Foreign currency==== Foreign currencies, including the Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar, are rarely seen as a substitute for yuan except in several five-star hotels, and in some shops on the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, and stock exchanges. Other currencies are unlikely to be used in most transactions. If you only have dollars in your pocket, it usually means that you don't have money to pay the bill without a trip to a bank. Many shops won't accept it, having no idea on exchange rate or how to check if the bills are counterfeit. ====Counterfeiting==== With the popularity of mobile payment apps, counterfeit banknotes are less of a problem than before, but you should still be alert for them. Banknotes of ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100 are the main risks. When you're given one of these bills as change, scrutinize it to check. The main focus is on the texture of different parts, metal line, change of colours under different lights. Everyone has their own method, so just ask. When you pay with a ¥50 or ¥100 banknote in a shop or taxi, it's socially accepted that you note down the last few digits of the banknote you are handing over. This is in case they claim your banknote is fake, then these remembered digits will ensure they give you the same note back. Some unscrupulous money exchangers on the Chinese border areas give counterfeits to travelers. Go to a bank if you're not experienced in checking notes. It is common for cashiers to scrutinize banknotes and some of the more expensive supermarkets even have machines that can spot counterfeits. This is standard practice in China and offence should not be taken. Counterfeits from ATMs are not common, but some people are still concerned. If you are worried, withdraw your money from the bank counter and say "I worry about jiǎbì (''counterfeit'')". Bank staff are understanding about this. ====Currency exchange==== Although still restricted, the yuan is readily convertible in many countries, especially in Asia. The Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, pound sterling, Australian dollar, Japanese yen and South Korean won, and Singapore dollars can be easily changed in China. Currency should only be changed at major banks (Bank of China in particular), or with the licensed money changers usually found at airports or high-end hotels, although they offer unfavorable rates. You should avoid black market for currency exchange as '''counterfeiting''' is a major issue, especially with money changers in markets and hanging around large banks. Foreign exchange is under tight control in China. Private money changers are still uncommon in China. In a bank, it usually takes 5 to 60 minutes to process the exchange, sometimes a little faster in a hotel. Bank branches in major cities usually know the procedure and are relatively quick, while even main branches in provincial cities can take much longer. You must fill out a form, and your passport will be photocopied and scanned. Keep the exchange receipt if you plan to leave the country with larger sum of money. Not all banks with the "Exchange" logo will exchange money for non-customers or for all currencies in cash. For example, Standard Chartered will only exchange cash for its customers and will only do US dollars and Hong Kong dollars in cash (but opening an account is quick and doable even on a tourist visa, and they offer a better cash exchange rate than most local banks). Exchanging US currency for yuan can be simple, but expect the bills to be heavily scrutinized before the exchange is processed. Opportunities to buy yuan before entering China, for example when coming overland from Hong Kong or Vietnam, should be taken, as the rates are better. The same is true going the other way - selling just across the border will often net a more favorable rate. You may only import or export a maximum in local currency of ¥20,000 in cash, and sums greater than US$5,000 cash in foreign currency require paperwork. Most international banks will allow you to get a cash advance via a debit or credit card at a Chinese ATM. However, the rates for such actions are often unfavorable and may include steep service charges. It's useful to carry an international currency such as pounds sterling, US dollars, or Japanese yen to fall back on should you not have access to a cash machine. If you are planning to stay a long time in China, e.g. for work or study, you may want to open a Chinese bank account. See [[Working in China#Banking]] for more information. ====ATM cards==== Many ATMs will only accept Chinese bank cards. ATMs from three of the big four banks are likely to accept foreign (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Diners) cards: Bank of China (BOC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and China Construction Bank (CCB). Although ATMs from other banks are plentiful, state they accept Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus and have an English option, they are not likely to work with an international credit/debit card unless the ATM operator is a foreign big-name bank (HSBC, Citibank, Bank of East Asia). Before traveling, find out if your home bank charges a currency conversion fee (often between 0-3%) on such transactions. It is worth opening a zero conversion fee account beforehand if possible. If you have trouble because the ATM requires a 6-digit PIN and your PIN only has four digits, try adding two zeros before it. If you find yourself in a town with a Bank of China branch but no international network-capable ATM, it is usually possible to get a cash advance on a credit card inside the bank for a 3% fee. Just ask. UnionPay, the local ATM card network, has made agreements with various ATM card networks around the globe. If your card is covered, any ATM in China will accept withdrawals and balance inquiries from your card. While UnionPay ATM and/or debit cards are now issued by banks in a number of countries, ATM cards linked to NYCE and Pulse in America (also applies to cash advances from Discover cards), Interac in Canada, and LINK in the UK are covered. If your bank is part of the Global ATM Alliance, China Construction Bank is the local partner for fee-free withdrawals. ===Credit cards=== [[File:Dalian large Shopping Mall 2005.jpg|thumb|Inside a mall in [[Dalian]]]] Outside of star-rated or chain hotels, major supermarkets, and high-class restaurants, '''foreign credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are generally not accepted''' and most transactions will require cash or mobile payments. Many department stores and large grocery stores have point-of-sale terminals for Chinese bank cards, but most foreign cards are not supported. Most Chinese banks and many merchants use the UnionPay system, so a foreign card that supports UnionPay will probably be widely accepted. Several countries now have banks that issue UnionPay credit cards, and UnionPay supports Discover and JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) cards as well. Visa, MasterCard and American Express meanwhile are less common. Most convenience stores take UnionPay, as do most restaurant chains, stores selling high-value items, grocery store chains, and most ATMs. In 2017, it was reported that the new Discover cards with chip would require multiple attempts or did not work at all in most of the POS machines. Do not rely on credit cards as your sole payment method. Consider signing up for an international card that can interact with UnionPay. If you have a bank account in [[Hong Kong]] then you may be able to open an additional renminbi account with a UnionPay card which is convenient for traveling in the mainland. As with debit cards, Chinese retail clerks will usually present the POS credit card terminal to the cardholder for entry of a PIN for chip-and-pin cards. Visitors from sign-only countries should attempt to explain that fact to the clerk (while chip-and-sign cards will cause most terminals to automatically skip the PIN prompt), and sign the receipt as usual. ===Mobile payments=== [[File:Alipay_and_WeChat_pay_signs_in_BurgerKing_ZBAA_(20170309123855).jpg|thumb|Alipay (blue) and WeChat Pay (green) accepted here]] QR-code based mobile payments such as [https://pay.weixin.qq.com/index.php/public/wechatpay WeChat Pay] (微信支付 ''Wēixìn zhīfù'') and [https://global.alipay.com/ Alipay] (支付宝 ''Zhīfùbǎo'') are extremely popular in China. The vast majority of places that take small payments, including restaurants, street-food places, and some public transportation in large cities, accept either or both of WeChat Pay and Alipay. In some cases, mobile payment is the only accepted payment method. Look for a QR-code posted with the App logo of WeChat or Alipay to find places that accept these payment types. Unfortunately for the traveler, both maintain strict separation between their Chinese and global networks: you can't use a global account to make payments in China. Getting full access to the Chinese network as a foreigner requires a Chinese bank account, but you '''can use Alipay with a foreign credit card'''. There are two key limitations that tourists may bump into- first is that the maximum amount that can be spent with Alipay linked to a foreign credit card is ¥5000 per 90 days (sufficient for short visits and if major expenses can be paid with credit card or cash, less so otherwise), and you can only make payments to registered business accounts (some small vendors use an individual account in the owner's name rather than a separate business account). Various other workarounds may be possible—WeChat also accepts foreign credit cards for certain in-app transactions like reloading a prepaid phone balance or ordering delivery—but requirements are always changing. Other NFC-based mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Android Pay, are not accepted in the vast majority of the places. The NFC/Contactless POS terminals usually only takes Contactless UnionPay cards. Even though some stores in large cities are labeled to accept Apple Pay, Apple Pay with a Visa/MasterCard/AmEx/Discover/JCB would probably not work at all in those stores as in most cases they also require a UnionPay card. Android Pay is completely absent from China due to the ban of Google in mainland China. ===Costs=== China is affordable for Western visitors, though it's noticeably more expensive than much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Unless you are heading to [[Hong Kong]] or [[Macau]], China is generally much less expensive - from a traveler's perspective - than industrialised countries. If you eat local food, use public transportation and stay in budget hotels or hostels, then ¥200-300 is a serviceable daily backpacker budget. However, if you want to live an extravagant lifestyle and eat only Western food and stay in luxury hotels, then even ¥3,000 a day would not be enough. As a general rule, basic items are relatively cheap, but the prices of luxury items are exorbitant, even by the standards of Japan and Western countries. Western-branded products in particular are extremely expensive, sometimes more than double what you would pay for the same items in the U.S. There is a high degree of variation in prices depending on where you go. Major cities like [[Shanghai]], [[Beijing]] and [[Guangzhou]] generally cost more than smaller cities and rural, inland parts of the country. The boom towns of [[Shenzhen]] and [[Zhuhai]] are also more expensive than the national average. Nonetheless, many Hong Kong or Macau residents (who live just across the border from Shenzhen and Zhuhai, respectively, and who are generally more affluent than mainlanders), often go to these cities to shop, play golf, and enjoy services like massage as prices are far lower. ===Tipping=== As a general rule, tipping is not practiced in China. While tipping would rarely be regarded as insulting, in some cases a tip might be seen as suggesting that a relationship is based on money, not friendship. When leaving a tip on your table, it is common to see a waiter chase after you to return the money you "forgot" to take. In China, compliments over service is usually expressed in implicit ways. If you are a smoker, you are expected to pass a cigarette to the service staff or manager. If you don't do so, you will be seen as selfish and egocentric. It is common to buy a bartender or pub owner a drink. In a hotel, it is customary not to tip for room service, airport service, taxis or anything else, although hotels that routinely serve foreign tourists may allow tipping for tour guides and associated drivers. Masseurs in some areas such as Shenzhen have been known to ask for a tip. However, if they become pushy at getting tips, most Chinese see this as extortion and an immoral practice, so just be firm if you don't wish to give any. Taxi drivers do appreciate a few yuan rounded up if they have made an extra effort for your journey; however, it is by no means required. ===Shopping=== {{See also|Shopping in China}} {{infobox|Antiquities Banned From Export|China's government has banned the export of antiques from before 1911, the date of the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Violation of this law could lead to heavy fines and even imprisonment. }} Shopping has become a national pastime as China's middle class expands. A variety of goods are available to suit any budget. In most brand name shops, upscale malls and supermarkets, the prices already have Value-Added Tax (VAT) and any sales tax included. Thus, anything with a marked price tends to be sold at that price or, perhaps, slightly below especially if you pay cash and do not require a receipt for your purchase. For unmarked goods, there is '''wide room for [[bargaining]]'''. Chinese make sales using the character: 折 (''zhé'') which represents how many tenths of the original price you pay. For example, 8折 refers to 20% off and 6.5折 is 35% off. China excels in handmade items, partly because of long traditions of exquisite artisanship and partly because labor is still comparatively inexpensive. The overwhelming majority of the "antique" items you will be shown are fakes, no matter how convincing they look and no matter what the vendor says. [[Image:China porcelain.jpg|thumb|Porcelain at Shanghai's antique market]] * '''Porcelain''': with a long history of porcelain manufacture, China still makes great porcelain today. * '''Furniture''': in the 1990s and 2000s China became a major source of antique furniture. * '''Art and Fine Art''': Traditional painting, modern art, and hand-painted reproductions of great works. * '''Jade''' There are two types of jade in China today: one type is pale and almost colorless and is made from a variety of stones mined in China. The other type is green in color and is imported from [[Myanmar]] (Burma) - if genuine! * '''Carpets''': China is home to a remarkable variety of carpet-making traditions, including Mongolian, Ningxia, Tibetan and modern types. * '''Pearls & pearl jewellery''': cultured Akoya and freshwater pearls are mass-produced and sold at markets across China. * '''Other arts and crafts''': Cloisonné (colored enamels on a metal base), lacquer work, opera masks, kites, shadow puppets, Socialist-realist propaganda posters, wood carvings, scholar's rocks (decorative rocks, some natural, some less so), paper-cuts, and so on. *'''Clothing''': China is one of the world's leading manufacturers of clothing, shoes and accessories. There are affordable tailors anywhere in China. There is also traditional Chinese clothing if you are interested, and a growing revival movement. The styles that Westerners are most familiar with are the '''cheongsam''' (长衫 ''chángshān''; ''chèuhng-sāam'' in Cantonese) or '''qipao''' (旗袍 ''qípáo'') for women, and the '''tangzhuang''' (唐装 ''tángzhuāng'') for men, which were based on traditional Manchu clothing that was imposed on the Han Chinese during the Qing Dynasty. Traditional Han Chinese clothing from the Ming Dynasty and earlier is known as the '''hanfu''' (汉服 ''hànfú''); it looks superficially similar to the Japanese kimono and Korean hanbok, and is often mistaken for one of those. *'''Brand-name goods''': genuine branded foreign goods won't be cheaper than in Western countries. There are a number of sources of potential knock-offs or fake brand-name goods. *'''Software, music and movies''': Most CDs (music or software) and DVDs in China are unauthorized copies. *'''Endangered species''': avoid purchasing &mdash; coral, ivory and parts from endangered animal species. Anyone buying such products risks substantial fines and/or jail time either when trying to leave China with them or when trying to import them into another country. * '''Electronics''': Since the 2010s, Chinese companies have been pushing the boundaries of innovation in consumer electronics. In particular, they have become the world leader in the design and manufacturing of drones for photography. ===Bargaining=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Bargaining|Bargaining}} [[File:Market china.jpg|thumb|Merchandise at a market in China]] Bargaining is a national pastime in China. You can bargain over almost anything, and sometimes it's even possible to ask for discount in a restaurant at the last minute before paying the bill. Many restaurants or bars will willingly offer a free dish or two (such as a fruit plate in a KTV) if you have made a particularly large order. Shopping malls are less willing to bargain, but why not ask "Will I get a gift?" Prices are almost always posted, but they are all substantially marked up, normally 2-3 times. It's often better to buy souvenirs somewhere just a few blocks away from the tourist spots. It is hard to tell what price to offer when starting negotiations. Depending on the city, product or market in question, 5% to 50% of the posted price or vendor's first offer is common. If someone offers you too-great-to-be-true discount, it could be a sign that the goods are of less-than-great quality. The rule of thumb is to walk around and compare. In tourist spots, it's common to ask for a 30-50% discount, but in a place catering to local people, asking for a 50% discount sounds foolish. In tourist places, don't take what merchants say seriously. When you ask for a 50% discount, they may be appalled and show scorn; it's a favorite drama. ===Basics=== Unless you have a supermarket within walking distance of your hotel (see next section below), the most convenient option for basic supplies and groceries will almost always be a convenience store. Major chains in China include Kedi, Alldays, FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. China has belatedly caught up with East Asia's love affair with convenience stores, to the point where the largest cities like Beijing and Shanghai have become oversaturated with them. Many convenience stores sell individual tissue packets, which are a necessity for touring China as many public restrooms do not have toilet paper. Although supermarkets also sell tissue packets and toilet paper, they tend to sell it in 6 or 10-packs which are too much for tourists (the ones that sell individual packs will have them close to or at the tills). Some discount and mid-market department stores in China also have groceries sections. ===Western goods=== Areas with large expatriate communities like [[Beijing]], [[Shanghai]], [[Guangzhou]] and [[Shenzhen]] have specialty grocery stores catering to those communities. These are often no larger than a 7-Eleven. They usually stock imported snacks, alcohol, and specialty groceries such as meats and cheeses and are often very expensive. See individual articles for details. Several Western-owned supermarket chains are widespread in China &mdash; American Wal-mart (沃尔玛 Wò'ěrmǎ), German Metro (麦德龙 Màidélóng), and French Carrefour (家乐福 Jiālèfú). All have some Western groceries — often at high prices. However, the availability of foreign products diminishes at their branches according to the size of the city. Metro is probably the best of these; in particular it usually has a fine selection of alcohol. Asian-owned chains include Japanese AEON (永旺 Yǒngwàng), Taiwanese RT-Mart (大润发 Dàrùnfā), South Korean LOTTE Mart (乐天玛特 Letianmate) and Filipino SM; these also carry imported goods. Some larger Chinese chains such as Beijing Hualian (北京华联 Běijīng Huálián) also carry a limited selection of foreign products. === Tobacco products=== {{Seealso|Shopping in China#Tobacco}} {{main|Tobacco}} Smoking is quite common and cigarettes (香烟 xiāngyān) are generally cheap. Cigarettes can be purchased from small neighbourhood stores, convenience stores, counters in supermarkets and in department stores. Rolling tobacco and papers are rare in urban China. Lighters (打火机 dǎhuǒjī) are usually cheap (about ¥1) but flimsily made. Zippos are available but expensive. Smoking is something of a social activity in China. In a bar or at dinner few Chinese will light up without offering cigarettes around the table, or at least to the men since few Chinese women smoke; visitors should do the same. Having an expensive brand is a status symbol. ==Eat== {{main|Chinese cuisine}} [[File:Yangzhou - fish dish - P1070031.JPG|thumb|A fish dish in a [[Yangzhou]] restaurant]] Food in China varies widely between regions, so the term "Chinese food" is a blanket term, about as descriptive as "Western food." Still, there are some broad characteristics. Gastronomy has a long history in China, and dishes subtly balance many flavors, aromas, and colors. Each region developed cuisine and techniques based on the ingredients at hand, so you'll find spicy meat-filled dishes in cooler inland regions, slowly simmered seafood stews in coastal regions, and quickly stir-fried fresh vegetables in busy southern ports like [[Guangzhou]]. Even many native Chinese find food from outside their home region to be "foreign". In southern China, '''rice''' (米饭 ''mǐfàn'') is a staple food served with many meals, so much so that its root word 饭 (''fàn'') means "meal" as well as "cooked grain". It may be served plain (eaten by itself as a side, or used as a bed to soak up sauce from the main dish), stir-fried with a variety of ingredients to make '''fried rice''', a quick tasty street meal and a common way to use up leftovers at home, or made into '''congee''', rice porridge that's a common breakfast. '''Noodles''' (面 ''miàn'') are another important staple, made from either rice or wheat, and served in a variety of methods. Soybeans are used to make '''soy sauce''', a quintessential seasoning in Chinese cooking. They're also used to make '''tofu''' (豆腐 ''dòufu''), which comes in many forms besides tasteless white blocks: some can be as flavorful and crispy as meat, others quite pungent like a blue cheese. Chinese gourmands place emphasis on '''freshness''' so your meal will most likely be cooked as soon as you order it. Searing hot woks over coal or gas fires make even street food usually safe to eat. Indeed freshly prepared street food is often safer than food sitting on the buffet lines of 5-star hotels. Still, use common sense: if it's a searing hot summer day and the kebab vendor has their raw meat sitting unrefrigerated on the counter, you might want to head elsewhere. Various types of Chinese food provide quick, cheap, tasty, light meals. Street food and snacks sold from portable vendors can be found throughout China's cities, good for breakfast or a snack. And Western-style fast food is arguably as popular as the domestic variety. Yelp is virtually unknown in China, while the Michelin Guide only covers Shanghai and Guangzhou, and is not taken seriously by most Chinese people. Instead, most Chinese people rely on local website [https://www.dianping.com/ Dazhong Dianping] (Chinese only). ===Etiquette=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Respect}} China is the birthplace of '''chopsticks''' (筷子 ''kuàizi''), which are used for most Chinese food. Chinese cuisine evolved to be eaten using chopsticks, with almost all food prepared in bite-sized chunks or easily picked apart. Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while. Some chopstick guidelines to be aware of: * '''Never''' place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of food (reminiscent of funeral rites), pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks (another funeral rite), or drum your bowl with chopsticks (reminiscent of beggars). * Always use chopsticks as a pair, like a set of tongs; '''never''' use just one chopstick at a time (nor one in each hand), hold them in your fist like you would a knife or dagger, or try to "cut" food with them like you would with a knife. Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be done only as a last resort. * Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls is rude. * Pointing at things with your chopsticks is rude. (Pointing at people in general is rude; with chopsticks, doubly so.) Even when setting chopsticks down on the table, angle them so they're not pointing at anyone. * In general, try not to touch food with your fingers. Even fried chicken is picked up with chopsticks and gingerly nibbled, touching it as little as possible. Small bones should be spat onto your plate or bowl, rather than removed using your hands or chopsticks. For foods that are eaten with your hands, disposable plastic gloves may be provided. It's normal to pick up any bowl of food for easier eating, and you can put a bowl of rice directly to your mouth to push the last few bites in using your chopsticks. '''Spoons''' are used for soups and porridge, and to help with eating noodles in a soup. In traditional Chinese dining, dishes are shared '''family style''', and at larger tables there is usually a lazy Susan to pass dishes around. * Communal chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') are not always provided; if not, just use your own chopsticks to transfer food to your bowl. It's not rude to request communal chopsticks from the restaurant, but it may make you look like a stickler for formality. * Each communal dish should only be served from by one person at a time. Don't reach across someone to reach a farther dish while they're serving; wait until they're done. * Once you put something on your plate, don't put it back. Confucius says never leave someone else with what ''you'' don't want. * Do not start eating until the most senior person at the table has started eating. Don't expect to get a fortune cookie with your meal; that's strictly a Western custom. (Fortune cookies were actually invented in California sometime in the early 20th century.) Most Chinese have never even heard of them. ===Regional cuisines=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Regional cuisines}} Several varieties of Chinese food have enough international popularity that you may already recognize some of them: * '''Cantonese''' cuisine (from [[Guangdong]]), is by far the most widely known type of Chinese food abroad. Neither bland nor spicy, Cantonese cuisine will use almost anything as an ingredient, often preserving the freshness by quickly stir-frying in a very hot wok or steaming. Fried rice, chow mein, char siu pork, and sweet and sour pork are just a handful of its most famous dishes. * '''Huaiyang''' cuisine (from the eastern area towards [[Shanghai]]) is considered a good mix of northern and southern Chinese cooking styles. Dishes tend to focus on a main ingredient, which is often seafood in this coastal region; flavors are often sweet, and almost never spicy. Its most famous dishes include xiaolongbao soup dumplings, red braised pork belly, drunken chicken, and sweet and sour mandarin fish. * '''Sichuan''' or Szechuan cuisine (from the western inland) is popular with many foreigners for its ''málà'' flavors, using Sichuan peppercorns for a tingling numbness (''má'') and chili peppers for spiciness (''là''). Using lots of meat, preserved foods, and chili oil, it's famous for the original form of Kung Pao chicken, mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, and dandan noodles. * '''Teochew''' cuisine (from the [[Chaoshan]] region of Guangdong) is well known in Hong Kong and much of Southeast Asia. Particularly known for its braised meats and steamed dishes. Other major traditional cuisines include fragrant and vinegary Shandong, tender Fujian, spicy Hunan, herbal Anhui, and delicate Zhejiang. Ethnic minority cuisines in China include [[Korean cuisine|Korean]], Uyghur, Tibetan, Mongolian, and various cuisines from Yunnan, while Northeastern Chinese cuisine is influenced by both Mongolian and Russian cuisines and includes dishes like potato dumplings and a type of borscht. There is even unique local-style '''Western food''' to be found in [[Shanghai]]. ===Dietary restrictions=== {{seealso|Chinese cuisine#Dietary restrictions}} People with dietary restrictions will have a '''hard time''' in China. '''''Halal''''' food is hard to find outside areas with a significant Muslim population, but look for Lanzhou noodle (兰州拉面, ''Lánzhōu lāmiàn'') restaurants, which may have a sign advertising "halal" in Arabic (حلال) or Chinese (清真 ''qīngzhēn''). If you are attending university in China, most major Chinese universities have halal canteens to cater to their Muslim students. '''''Kosher''''' food is nearly unknown, and you will have to do some advance planning; there are Chabad houses in major Chinese cities that you can contact to help with this. '''Vegetarian''' restaurants can often be found near major Buddhist temples (look for the character "素" or the symbol "卍", a Buddhist symbol in this context), but elsewhere you'll probably need to ask specifically and it may not always be available. Dairy and eggs are little-used in Chinese vegetarian cuisine, so much of it is suitable for '''vegans''', but do pay attention, especially when it comes to desserts. Awareness of '''food allergies''' (食物过敏 ''shíwù guòmǐn'') is limited, and '''gluten-free''' foods are virtually non-existent. ==Drink== The Chinese love a tipple, but unless you are used to imbibing heavily, be careful when drinking with Chinese. The Chinese liquor ''báijiǔ'' is quite potent (up to 65% alcohol); it's often drunk in small shot glasses for a good reason. When U.S. President Richard Nixon &mdash; who was an experienced drinker, if a bit of a lightweight &mdash; first visited China, his staff sent dire warnings that he ''not'' drink in response to toasts. (He diplomatically managed to toast every table at the banquet, taking ''very'' small sips.) There are hardly any liquor laws in China. The legal drinking age is 18, but it's basically not enforced, and you'll never need to show ID. Alcohol can be purchased anywhere and drunk anywhere. ===Toasting=== Toasts are made by saying '''"''gānbēi''"''' (干杯, lit. "dry glass"). Drinks are served in small glasses (even beer is usually drunk from oversized shot glasses), and traditionally you should drain the whole glass for a toast. Chinese toasts are generally one-on-one, not something involving the whole table. At most meals, a visitor can expect everyone at the table to offer them a toast. Visitors should also '''offer toasts''' and not just receive them. This means that if you are out for dinner with a dozen people, you will be expected and pressured to drink around two dozen toasts. Fortunately, it's okay to stick to beer, and Chinese beer is usually low alcohol. It may be considered rude if you don't offer a toast to someone whenever you take a drink, at least at the start of a meal. The same applies to smoking; offer the pack around whenever you want to light up. If you want to take it easy but still be sociable, say "'''suíbiàn''" (随便) or "''pèngbeī''" (碰杯) before you make the toast, then drink only part of the glass. It may also be possible to have three toasts (traditionally signifying friendship) with the entire company, rather than a separate toast for each person. ===Alcohol=== {{Seealso|Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic}} The all-purpose word ''jiǔ'' (酒, "alcohol") covers quite a range of alcoholic drinks. Generally speaking, heavy drinking is more prevalent in northern China than in southern China. '''Beer''' (啤酒 ''píjiǔ'') is common in China and is served in nearly every restaurant and sold in many grocery stores. The most famous brand is Tsingtao (青島 ''Qīngdǎo'') from [[Qingdao]], which was at one point a German concession. Locally made '''grape [[wine]]''' (葡萄酒 ''pútáojiǔ'') is common and much of it is reasonably priced, but usually bears only the faintest resemblance to Western wines. The Chinese like their wines red and very sweet, and they're typically served over ice or mixed with Sprite. That said, higher-quality local wines that are more similar to their Western counterparts also exist, if you know what to look for. There are also several brands and types of '''rice wine'''. Most of these resemble a watery rice pudding, they are usually sweet and contain a minute amount of alcohol for taste. '''Baijiu''' (白酒 ''Báijiǔ'') is distilled liquor, generally 40% to 60% alcohol by volume, made from sorghum and sometimes other grains depending on the region. Maotai or Moutai (茅台 ''Máotái''), made in Guizhou Province, is China's most famous brand of baijiu and China's national liquor. Maotai and its expensive cousins (such as '''Kaoliang''' from [[Kinmen]] in Taiwan) are well known for their strong fragrance and are actually sweeter than western clear liquors as the sorghum taste is preserved — in a way. Chinese '''brandy''' (白兰地 ''báilándì'') is excellent value, priced about the same as wine. There are several brands; all are drinkable and many visitors find them more palatable than baijiu. The Chinese are also great fans of various supposedly '''medicinal liquors''', which usually contain exotic herbs and/or animal parts. Some of these have prices in the normal range and include ingredients like ginseng, while other more exotic may include snakes, wasps and newborn mice. These can be palatable enough, if tending toward sweetness. Note that some medicinal liquors are only intended for external use. ===Bars, discos and karaoke=== Western style pubs are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Especially in the more affluent urban centers such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Hangzhou one can find painstakingly recreated replicas of traditional Irish or English pubs. Like their Western counterparts most will have a selection of foreign beers on tap as well as provide pub food (of varying quality) and often feature live cover bands. Most of these pubs cater to and are frequented by the expatriate communities so you should not expect to find many Chinese in these places. Imported beer can be very expensive compared to local brew. To just go out for a few drinks with friends, pick a local restaurant and drink beer at around ¥5 for a 600 ml bottle. It will be Chinese lager, around 3% alcohol, with a limited choice of brand and may be served warm. Most mid- to high- range restaurants will have small private suites for gatherings (usually offered free if there is more than around 5 people), and the staff will generally not try to hustle you out even if you decide to stay until closing time. Many residents frequent outdoor restaurants or roadside stalls and barbecues (烧烤 ''shāokǎo'') for a nice and inexpensive evening. In '''discos''' and '''fancy bars''' with entertainment, you normally buy beer ¥100 at a time; this gets you anywhere from 4 import-brand beer (Heineken, Bud, Corona, Sol, etc.) to 10 local beers. A few places offer cocktails; fewer have good ones. Other drinks are sold only by the bottle, not by the glass. Red wine is in the ¥80-200 range (served with ice and Sprite) and mediocre imported whiskeys (Chivas, Johnny Walker, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels; extremely rarely single malts) and cognacs, ¥300-800. Both are often mixed with sweet bottled green or red tea. Vodka, tequila and rum are less common, but sometimes available. Bogus "brand name" products are fairly common and may ruin your next day. These places often have '''bar girls''', young women who drink a lot and want to play drinking games to get you to consume more. They get a commission on whatever you buy. In general, these girls will not leave the bar with you; they are professional flirts, not prostitutes. [[File:Wuhan-LuoyuDongLu-karaoke-4108.jpg|thumb|A karaoke place near the Huazhong University of Science and Technology campus in [[Wuhan]]]] '''Karaoke''' (卡拉OK ''kǎlā'ōukèi'') is huge in China and can be broadly split into two categories. More common is the no-frills karaoke box or '''KTV''', where you rent a room, bring your friends and the house gives you a mic and sells you booze. Much favored by students, these are cheap and fun with the right crowd, although you need at least a few people for a memorable night. Bringing your own booze can keep the price tag down but must be done on the sly - many places have windows in the door so the staff can make sure you only drink liquor they sold to you. Rather different is the distinctly dodgier '''special KTV''' lounge, more oriented to businessmen entertaining clients or letting their hair down, where the house provides anything and everything at a price. At these often opulent establishments &mdash; over-the-top Roman and Egyptian themes are standard &mdash; you'll be joined by short-skirted professional karaoke girls, who charge by the hour for the pleasure of their company and whose services may not be limited to just singing badly and pouring your drinks. It's highly advisable not to venture into these unless you're absolutely sure somebody else is footing the bill, which can easily run into hundreds of dollars even if you keep your pants on. As elsewhere, never '''never''' accept an invitation to a restaurant or bar from an available-looking woman who just picked you up in the street sometime after sundown. At best, suggest a different place. If she refuses, drop her on the spot. More than likely, she will steer you into a quiet little place with too many doormen and you will find yourself saddled with a modest meal and beer that will cost you ¥1,000 or worse. And the doormen won't let you leave till you pay up. ===Tea=== China is the birthplace of tea culture, and at the risk of stating the obvious, there's a lot of '''[[tea]]''' (茶 ''chá'') in China. Green tea (绿茶 ''lǜchá'') is served up for free in some restaurants (depending on region) or for a small fee. For more information, see [[Chinese cuisine#Tea]]. The most common types served are: * gunpowder tea (珠茶 ''zhū chá''): a green tea named after the appearance of the bunched-up leaves used to brew it * jasmine tea (茉莉花茶 ''mòlìhuā chá''): green-tea scented with jasmine flowers * oolong (烏龍 ''wūlóng''): a half-fermented mountain tea. Specialist tea houses serve a vast variety of brews, ranging from the pale, delicate white tea (白茶 ''báichá'') to the powerful fermented and aged pu'er tea (普洱茶 ''pǔ'ěrchá''). Most tea shops will be more than happy to let you sit down and try different varieties of tea. "Ten Fu Tea" is a national chain. Chinese teas are drunk without sugar or milk. However, in some areas you will find Hong Kong style "milk tea" (奶茶 ''nǎichá'') or Tibetan "butter tea". Taiwanese bubble tea (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá'') is also popular; the "bubbles" are balls of tapioca and milk or fruit are often mixed in. ===Coffee=== [[Coffee]] (咖啡 ''kāfēi'') is popular in urban China, though it can be quite difficult to find in smaller towns. Several chains of coffee shops have branches in many cities, including Starbucks (星巴克), UBC Coffee (上岛咖啡), Ming Tien Coffee Language and SPR. There are many small independent coffee shops or local chains. ===Cold drinks=== Many drinks that are usually served chilled or with ice in the West are served at room temperature in China. Ask for beer or soda in a restaurant, and it may arrive at room temperature, though beer is more commonly served cold, at least in the summer. Water will generally be served hot. That is actually good, because only boiled (or bottled) water is safe to drink. Small grocery stores and restaurants sell cold drinks, just look for the cooler (even though it might not actually be cool). You can try bringing a cold beverage into a restaurant. Most small restaurants won't mind—if they even notice—and there is no such thing as a "cork" charge in China. Most people will be drinking tea, which is free anyway, so the restaurant is probably not expecting to profit on your beverage consumption. Asking for ice is best avoided. Many, perhaps most, places just don't have it. The ice they do have may well be made from unfiltered tap water and arguably unsafe for travelers sweating bullets about [[Travellers' diarrhea|diarrhea]]. ==Sleep== [[File:Muyu-rural-inn-5476.jpg|thumb|Rural inn in Shennongjia, [[Hubei]]]] Availability of accommodation for tourists is generally good and ranges from shared dorm rooms to 5-star luxury hotels. '''Sleeper trains''' and '''sleeper buses''' can also be a decent option if you schedule your long-distance travel overnight (see the [[#Get around|Get around]] section of this page for more information). In the past, only a few hotels were allowed to take foreign guests and the police monitored those, but restrictions now vary from city to city. Even in restricted cities and towns, family-run operations in particular may check you in if they feel they can get enough information from you to get you registered in the system or feel that they can get away without such reporting. Any hotel will still require a photocopy of your passport, some will check if your visa has expired, and they are supposed to share information with the authorities. On rare occasions, someone from your hotel will escort you to the local police station to satisfy the establishment's reporting requirement. Finding a hotel when arriving in a Chinese city is difficult if you don't know where to look and what you're looking for. In general, neither star ratings nor price are an accurate indication of the quality of the hotel, so research before booking. If you're willing to pay ¥180 or more for a room, you'll probably have little problem finding one. You could, for example, search Google Maps with the name of a chain hotel listed under "mid-range", below, determine what the address would be in Chinese, and then write that down on a note which you give to a taxi driver. There are usually cheap hotels near the train or bus station. If you do plan on just showing up in town and looking for a place to sleep, it's best to arrive before 18:00 or the most popular places will be booked for the night. If you are absolutely at a loss for finding housing, the local police (警察) or Public Security Bureau (公安局) can help you find a place to crash - at least for one night. '''Prices are often negotiable,''' and a sharp reduction from the price listed on the wall can often be had, even in nicer hotels, by simply asking "what's the lowest price?" (最低多少 ''zuìdī duōshǎo''). When staying for more than a few days it is also usually possible to negotiate a lower daily rate. However, these negotiating tactics won't work during the busy Chinese holiday seasons when prices sky-rocket and rooms are hard to get. Many hotels, both chains and individual establishments, have membership cards offering discounts to frequent guests. In mid-range and above hotels, it was once quite common for guests to receive phone calls offering "massage" services (that actually offered additional physical services) but this has become rarer such that male guests might just encounter business cards stuffed under the door. '''Booking a room over the Internet''' with a credit card can be a convenient and speedy method of making sure you have a room when you arrive at your destination, and there are numerous websites that cater for this. Credit cards are not widely used in China, particularly in smaller and cheaper hotels. Such hotels usually ask to be paid in cash, and many hotels ask for a cash security deposit of a few hundred yuan up front. Some new [http://www.dajiudian.info online services] {{dead link|December 2020}} allow you to book without a credit card and pay cash at the hotel. During Chinese holidays, when it is difficult to get a room anywhere, this may be an acceptable option, but in the off-season, rooms are plentiful almost everywhere and it may be just as easy to find a room upon arrival as it is to book one over the Internet. Across China, check-out is normally noon, and there is often the possibility of paying half a day's cost to get an 18:00 checkout. For those staying in China on a more permanent basis, rental is possible with the obvious caveat that all contracts are in Chinese. Real estate prices are exorbitant in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, surpassing even those of many major Western cities. ===Low-cost housing=== Many ultra-cheap options would not appeal to most travelers from developed countries for security and cleanliness reasons. In the cheapest range of hotels it is important to ask if hot water is available 24 hours-a-day (有没有二十四个小时的热水 ''yǒuméiyǒu èrshisì ge xiǎoshí de rèshuǐ''), and check if the shower, sink and toilet actually work. It is also advisable to avoid checking into a room next to a busy street as traffic may keep you up late and wake you up early. * '''Hostels (青年旅社)''' are the most comfortable low-cost options. They typically cater to foreigners, have English-speaking employees, and provide cheap, convenient transport around town. Some of them are even cleaner and better furnished than more expensive places. Hostels also have a cozy, international atmosphere and are a good place to meet other travelers and get some half-decent Western food. In most cities of any size there is at least one hostel available, and in travel hot spots there are plenty of hostels, although they can still fill up quickly because of their popularity with backpackers. Hostels can often be booked on-line in advance although you definitely should bring a print-out of your confirmation as not all hostels are aware that you can book their rooms (and pay a portion of the cost) on-line in advance. In Beijing, many hostels are in '''hutongs''' - traditional courtyard homes in the midst of a maze of traditional streets and architecture. While many of Beijing's Hutongs have been demolished, a movement to save those which remain has led to a boom in youth hostels for backpackers and boutique hotels for the mid-range traveler. * '''Dorm rooms (宿舍)''' are found on university campuses, near rural tourist attractions and as part of some hotels. Most travelers have spotty luck with dorms. It is common to have rowdy or intoxicated roommates, and shared bathrooms can take some getting used to, especially if you're not used to traditional squat toilets or taking cold showers. However, in some areas, especially on top of some of China's holy mountains, dorm rooms might be the only budget option in a sea of luxury resorts. [[File:Yangzhou - guesthouse sign - P1080108.JPG|thumb|Signage over a budget hotel in Yangzhou]] * '''Zhùsù (住宿)''', which simply translates as "accommodation", can refer to any kind of sleeping accommodation, but those places that have the Chinese characters for zhusu written on the wall outside are the cheapest. A zhusu is not a hotel, but simply rooms for rent in homes, restaurants, and near train and bus stations. Zhusu rooms are universally spartan and bathrooms are almost always shared. The price can be quite low, costing only a few dozen renminbi. Officially a zhusu should not provide a room to a foreigner, but many times the caretaker is eager to get a client and will be willing to rent to anyone. There are never any English signs advertising a zhusu, so if you can't read Chinese you may have to print out the characters for your hunt. Security in zhusu's is sketchy, so this option is not recommended if you have valuables with you. * '''Spas''': spa costs vary but can be as low as ¥25. Admission to a spa is typically for 24 hours, but entering a spa late at night (after 01:00) and leaving before noon may get you a 50% discount. Spas provide beds or reclining couches and a small locker for bags and personal possessions (this is ideal if you are traveling light), but there is no privacy because usually everyone sleeps in one room (so there is more security than in a dorm, since there are attendants who watch over the area, and your belongings (even your clothes!) are stored away in a locker). There are also showers, saunas, complimentary food, and paid services such as massages and body scrubbing. Don't be fooled when receptionists try to make up reasons why you have to pay more than the listed rate. They may try to convince you that the listed rates are only for members, locals, women, men, or include only one part of the spa (i.e. shower, but no bed/couch). To verify any claims, strike up a conversation with a local a good distance away from the spa and inquire about the prices. Don't let them know that you are checking the spa's claims. Just act as if you are thinking about going there if the price is good. If they know that the spa is trying to overcharge you, they will typically support the spa's claim. ===Budget hotels=== [[File:Yangzhou - 7 Tian Liansuo Jiudian - P1070222.JPG|thumb|A mid-range hotel in Yangzhou with a couple of cheaper establishments nestled on its first floor]] The next level of hotels, which cater almost exclusively to Chinese clients, are usually off-limits to foreigners but you may be able to convince them to accept you, especially if you can speak a smattering of Chinese. As a foreigner, you are obligated to register your stay with local authorities, and in urban areas, budget hotels are often unaware of how to register foreign guests in the local system (and thus unwilling to take foreign guests). Despite this, you can offer to work with hotel staff in properly registering your stay in the PSB system (as most public security bureaus use the same registration system) using [https://www.lostlaowai.com/blog/china-stuff/china-travel/foreigners-allowed-hotel-registration-tutorial/ one of many online guides], but it is important to do so in a way that won't make the hotel clerk lose face. In rural areas, you will likely stick out like a sore thumb (especially if you have multimedia equipment), and even if you are registered as a guest, public security bureau officials will often show up late at night to firstly question your intentions for staying in a rural area, and furthermore ask you to leave and move on to another hotel. The cheapest range of Chinese budget hotels (one step above the zhusu) are called '''zhāodàisuǒ''' (招待所). Unlike zhusu these are '''licensed''' accommodations but are similarly spartan and utilitarian, often with shared bathrooms. Slightly more luxurious budget hotels and Chinese business hotels may or may not have English signs and usually have the words '''lǚguǎn''' (旅馆, meaning "travel hotel"), '''bīnguǎn''' or '''jiǔdiàn''' (宾馆 and 酒店, respectively, meaning "hotel") in their name. Room options typically include singles and doubles with attached bathrooms, and dorms with shared baths. Some budget hotels include complementary toiletries and Internet. In small towns a night's stay might be as cheap as ¥25; in bigger cities rooms usually cost ¥80-120. One problem with such hotels is that they can be quite noisy as patrons and staff may be yelling to each other across the halls into the wee hours of the morning. Another potential inconvenience is taking a room with a shared bath as you may have to wait to use a shower or squat toilet that moreover isn't in any sort of appealing condition. In smaller budget hotels the family running the place may simply lock up late at night when it appears no more customers are coming. If you plan to arrive late, explain this in advance or else you may have to call the front desk, bang on the door, or climb over the gate to get in. ===Mid-range hotels=== These are usually large, clean and comfortable, with rooms ranging from ¥150 to over ¥300. Frequently the same hotels will also have more expensive and luxurious rooms. The doubles are usually quite nice and up to Western standards, with a clean private bathroom that has towels and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast may be included, or a breakfast ticket can be purchased for around ¥10. Sprouting up around China are a number of Western-quality mid-range hotels that include the following chains, all of which have rooms in the ¥150-300 range and on-line advance booking: * {{sleep | name=7 Days Inns | alt= | url=http://www.7daysinn.cn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(7天连锁酒店) }} * {{sleep | name=JinJiang Inns | alt= | url=http://www.jinjianginns.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(锦江之星) }} * {{sleep | name=Home Inns | alt=如家快捷酒店 | url=http://www.homeinns.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Green Tree Inns | alt=格林豪泰酒店 | url=http://www.998.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Motels by Wyndham | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(English) }} ===Splurge=== The high end includes international hotel chains and resorts, such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Shangri-La and their Chinese competitors. These charge hundreds or thousands of yuan per night for luxurious accommodations with 24-hour room service, satellite TV, spas, and western breakfast buffets. There are suites in Shanghai, for example, for over ¥10,000 a night. Many of these establishments cater to traveling business-types with expense accounts and charge accordingly for food and amenities (i.e. ¥20 for a bottle of water which costs ¥2 at a convenience store). Internet (wired or wireless) which is usually free in mid-range accommodations is often a pay service in high-end hotels. Some hotels in the ¥400-700 range such as Ramada or Days Inn are willing to lower their prices when business is slow. Chinese three and four-star hotels will often give block pricing or better deals for stays of more than 5 days. If you are coming to China on a tour, the tour company may be able to get you a room in a true luxury hotel for a fraction of the listed price. ==Learn== {{Seealso|Studying in China}} Traditional Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on education, so there is no lack of options for those who wish to receive quality education in China. China's universities offer many different types of courses, and some of them are regularly ranked among the top universities in the world. Universities accept students who have achieved the minimum of a high-school education for courses in the Chinese language. These courses usually last 1 or 2 years. Students are given certificates after they complete their course. Students who do not speak Chinese and want to study further in China are usually required to complete a language-training course. There are many opportunities to learn Chinese in China, including university courses and special programs. Scholarships may be available, from your home country or the Chinese government. In any city with a sizeable expat community, you can also find private classes, which you can take on the side while [[working in China]]. While not as popular as Mandarin, there are also some opportunities to study the local dialects and ethnic minority languages. ==Work== {{seealso|Working in China}} China has grown so much that it is on track to become the world's biggest economy. Although the labor market is difficult for foreigners to access, there are, however, significant opportunities for those who wish to experience China. It is illegal to work in China on a tourist or business visa, and while many foreigners used to get away with doing so, the Chinese government is cracking down on the practice; you will need to proactively make sure your employer goes through the appropriate procedures for you. Employment opportunities include [[English teaching|English-language teaching]], engineering, tech jobs, international trade, scientific research and working for multi-nationals. For most jobs, Chinese immigration law requires foreigners to have at least a bachelor's degree before they can be granted a work visa, and your application will be rejected if you do not have one. See [[Working in China]] for details. ==Stay safe== While China is generally safe for visitors, the government has some authoritarian aspects, and the topic of '''human rights''' in China is highly contested. Despite what's written in the Chinese constitution, in practice some freedoms are strongly curtailed, such as free speech, privacy, freedom of information and the press, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. As long as you're not deliberately provocative, most of these are unlikely to affect you during your visit — especially since enforcement is somewhat arbitrary anyway — but if they do, punishments can be heavy. China is known to use extrajudicial detention, torture, and (rarely, mainly for murder and drug trafficking) the death penalty. Often criticized as "hostage diplomacy", detentions and enforcement are sometimes stepped up in reaction to geopolitical events, meaning that, for example, Canadian and American businesspeople have faced extra scrutiny in 2019. Chinese dual citizens and people of Chinese heritage who are citizens of other countries have been subject to "exit bans", kept in China, sometimes for years, to compel them to cooperate with government investigations or pressure their relatives to return to China. <!--This section is just a political discussion that doesn't provide information to travelers. If the preceding is not fair, then let's fair that: An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole. The bottom line is that, no different from most other countries, --> As long as you behave and do not get involved in drugs or political activity, you shouldn't have any problems. Even bypassing the Internet firewall or accessing potentially subversive material is usually overlooked for the average visitor. However, it doesn't hurt to have a contingency plan in case you run afoul of the government. ===Law enforcement agencies=== Private security officers in China dress similarly to the police, and also often use lights and sirens on their vehicles. [[File:Chine police.JPG|thumb|right|Typical public security police officers]] The major law enforcement agency you will encounter most is the '''public security police''' (公安机关人民警察), often abbreviated as the public security (公安, ''Gōng'ān''), or civilian police (民警, ''mínjǐng''). *Most officers wear navy-blue peaked caps and light-blue shirts. Officers should carry their police identification document, which must be shown when you request them to do so. They are usually unarmed. *Special police officers wear black uniform, and are armed. *Traffic police officers wear white peaked-caps, and in some cities, they may wear fluorescent shirts. *Auxiliary police officers have limited law enforcement power, and do not have the power of arrest. Their uniforms differ from city to city; but have the words "auxiliary police" (辅警), or something similar. *Detectives, including domestic security agents, wear plain clothes. *Typical police vehicles bear the word "公安". Special police vehicles are painted with black, and bear the word "特警". All public security police officers have nationwide authority. Most of the officers are friendly, professional and reliable, yet there will inevitably be corrupt ones too. [[File:Pékin, People's Armed Police at Tianamen Square (1).JPG|thumb|right|A typical PAP soldier]] The '''People's Armed Police''' (PAP) (中国人民武装警察部队, often abbreviated to 武警, ''wǔjǐng'') is a branch of the Chinese military tasked with assisting the public security police, riot control and guarding key infrastructures like railway stations and airports. Soldiers wear green camouflage or olive-green military uniform with red insignia, while officers have similar uniform with that of People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force. [[File:Shantou, Guangdong, China - Chengguan Officials.jpg|thumb|Chengguan officers of [[Shantou]]]] '''Chengguan''' (城管, ''chéngguǎn''), known officially as City Urban Administrative and Law Enforcement Bureau (城市管理行政执法局), and often known as Integrated Enforcement (综合执法) or Administrative Enforcement (行政执法), may dress differently. Chengguan officers are often poorly-trained, brutal, and sometimes corrupt. The Chinese government is cracking down on corruption, so '''under no circumstances''' should you offer a bribe to any type of law enforcement officer, as this could result in legal consequences for you and the person accepting your bribe. ===Crime=== [[Crime]] rates vary across the huge nation, but in general it as safe as most Western countries. Many Western tourists will feel safer in China than in their home country, and it is generally not a problem for women to roam the streets alone at night. Violent crime is very rare, though scams and petty crimes are common, so it pays to be prudent and secure your valuables properly. As with anywhere else, a little commonsense goes a long way. Generally speaking, crime rates are higher in the larger cities than in the countryside. Nevertheless, they are no more dangerous than major Western cities, so if you avoid seedy areas and use your common sense, you'll be fine. Video surveillance is widely used in both urban and in some rural areas. CCTVs are generally welcomed by the police, due to the fact that front-line officers are often insufficient to deal with China's huge population. While not as rampant as in [[Europe]], [[Pickpockets|pickpocketing]] is a significant issue in crowded places. Be particularly vigilant when on public transport during peak hours, as it provides the perfect cover for pickpockets to get away after striking. Bicycle theft can be a problem. In big cities there are stories of locals who have lost three bikes within one month, but in some other places, local people still casually park their bikes. Follow what local people do. Assume your expensive lock won't help at all. Professional thieves can break virtually any lock. In China, bike parking is common outside supermarkets or shopping centers, and usually charges ¥1-2 per day (usually until 20:00-22:00). If you have an electric bicycle or scooter, be extra cautious as the battery-packs or charger may be targeted. That said, this has become less of a problem as CCTVs have become increasingly ubiquitous in urban areas. The main crimes foreigners get in trouble for are around drug use (including drug use outside China before you arrived—they sometimes do a hair test for cannabis) or working illegally, with the consequence usually being a short sentence, fine and deportation. If you are accused of a more serious crime, then your first 72 hours of investigation is critical. It is during that time that the police, prosecutors and your lawyers will investigate, negotiate and decide if you are guilty. Police use hard interrogations (or torture) immediately after arrest because eliciting a confession is the quickest way to secure a conviction. Chinese law prohibits your lawyer from being present during your interrogation. If your case goes to trial, then your conviction is merely a formality (99.9% of criminal trials in 2013 ended in a conviction), and the judge's only role is to decide your sentence. Signing any document during your interrogation would be an extremely bad idea, especially if you do not understand what you are signing. You should politely insist that you be allowed access to consular services and a translator. ===Traffic=== {{see also|Driving in China}} [[File:瀋陽市街地.jpg|thumb|Traffic in [[Shenyang]]]] The mortality rate per person for car accidents in China is lower than that of many Western countries. But, in general, driving in China can range from anywhere from nerve-rattling to outright reckless. Traffic can appear chaotic. Cars are allowed to turn right on a red light and do not stop for pedestrians, regardless of the walk signal. Cars drivers, cyclists and electric scooter drivers will all drive assuming they all have right of way/priority at once. Pedestrian crossings are a guide for the driver where pedestrians are more likely to cross. In cities, however, it is unlikely drivers will be traveling fast enough to cause significant damage. Do as the locals do: cross the road with confidence, be aware of your surroundings, know that cars, bikes and scooters will tend to continue rather than stop. It is advisable as a foreigner not to drive, since in an accident you will be poorly equipped to deal with the nature of Chinese compensation. ===Terrorism=== Although rare, terrorist attacks in China have occurred, mostly in [[Xinjiang]], where Uyghur Islamist separatists are fighting for independence against the Chinese government, though there have also been high-profile attacks on people in [[Guangzhou]] station, [[Kunming]] station and [[Beijing]]. There is airport-style security at all major train stations, metro stations, and long-distance bus terminals. You will have your bag X-rayed and take water bottles out of your bag to be scanned separately, but there is no need to empty your pockets. ===Begging=== Chinese people traditionally disapprove of [[begging]], so begging is not a major issue in most places. It is, however, never far off the scene and particularly common just outside the main tourist attractions and in major transportation hubs. Be aware of child beggars who could be victims of child trafficking. While it is becoming less common, you should avoid giving them any money. In China, local people usually only give money to those who have obviously lost the ability to earn money. Professional beggars have clear deformities, and some syndicates have been known to deliberately maim children as it is seen as more effective in soliciting pity. If you feel like giving them some, bear in mind that the minimum hourly wage ranges from ¥11 to ¥24 (2020).<!-- look for updates here: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/minimum-wages-china-2020/--> ====Buddhist monks==== The presence of foreign tourists unaware of local Buddhist customs has also given rise to many scams, with many fake monks and temples preying on unsuspecting visitors. Buddhism in China generally follows the Mahayana school, whose monks are required to be vegetarian, and usually grow their own food in the temples, or buy their food using temple donations. As such, they generally ''do not'' beg for food. Monks also do not sell religious items (these are sold by laymen), and neither do they offer "Buddha's blessing" in exchange for money, or threaten you with misfortune should you not donate. Most temples will have a donation box in the main hall for devotees to make donations should they wish to do so, and monks will never go out in public to ask for donations. According to traditional Buddhist philosophy, it is entirely up to an individual to decide whether and how much he/she wishes to donate, and genuine Buddhist temples will never use high-pressure tactics to solicit donations, or ask for any amount of money in exchange for services. ===Nature=== [[File:Trimeresurus stejnegeri.jpg|thumb|The Chinese bamboo viper]] Being a large country, China is affected by a range of different natural disasters. Pacific [[cyclones|typhoons]] hit the coast in the summer and autumn months, bringing physical destruction and torrential rain. Floods also occur, in particular around the large rivers. Northern parts of the country have winter storms. Much of the country is prone to [[earthquakes]] and [[tornadoes]]. China has a variety of '''[[venomous snakes]]'''. Be careful when hiking and seek immediate treatment for any snakebite. The bright green '''bamboo viper''' (''Trimeresurus stejnegeri'') is especially notorious. ===Scams=== : ''See also: [[Common scams]], [[Pickpockets]]'' Chinese people are in general hospitable to foreigners, and want to leave a good impression on tourists visiting their country. However, as with anywhere else, there are also scam artists who operate at tourist hot spots, so it pays to be prudent and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. High prices do not necessarily indicate a scam. In a teahouse or bar, ¥50-200 per cup or pot of tea (including hot water refills) and ¥15-60 per bottle of beer is not uncommon. Tea samplings may also charge high prices for each sample. [[File:Pudong Shanghai November 2017 HDR panorama.jpg|thumb|300px|Shanghai skyline]] Touristy parts of Beijing and Shanghai have become notorious for various scams. If you are keen to avoid being scammed, the following are good rules of thumb: * It is less likely for scammers to operate outside of the usual tourist spots * If you are approached in a touristy area by a person who appears ''too'' enthusiastic about going to a particular place (teahouse or otherwise), you are likely to pay a premium and maybe get a better time elsewhere * If you are uncomfortable, '''walk away.''' * Most ordinary Chinese people are unable to speak English, so be on your guard if someone approaches you spontaneously and starts speaking to you in English. The police are sensitive to foreigners being targeted in this way and giving the country a poor reputation. In China, you have a legal right to ask for a "fa piao" (发票, lit. receipt/invoice) which is an official sales invoice issued by the taxation department. It is against the law for an owner to refuse to give it to you. For scams, they generally will refuse since it is legal evidence of their extortionate price. Accident scams occur, too, and even 'good samaritans' who help people genuinely in distress have been sued for compensation by the people they were trying to help. These scams are not tried on foreigners too often, but be careful when using a vehicle and always record your journey with a dashboard or bicycle camera. If you find yourself being or having been scammed then call 110 and report it immediately. Suspicious phone calls can be enquired through '''96110''', a hotline established in view of soaring telecommunications scams. The police may also notify you by this number with area code prefix if you encountered suspected scam calls, which is similar to a reverse-911 call itself. ===Illicit drugs=== Acts related to illicit drugs are dealt with harshly in China. Although drug use alone and the mere possession of ''small'' quantities of drugs (for example, less than 200 grams of opium and less than 10 grams of heroin or methamphetamine) are not prosecuted and are only subject to lengthy detention and/or a fine, '''smuggling, trafficking, transporting, and manufacturing illicit drugs are crimes punishable by death''', and there are plenty cases of foreign drug traffickers being executed in China. In addition, the possession of ''large'' quantities of drugs is a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, and sheltering others to take drugs is a crime punishable by up to 3 years of imprisonment. Chinese people usually associate drugs with national humiliation (due to an unlimited influx of opium after Opium Wars); publicly doubting the death penalty for drug offences or advocacy for drug liberalization will most likely get you publicly criticized. For recorded drug addicts, you may be subjected to sudden raids by the police, in order to verify that you did not consume any illicit drugs. Be particularly wary in the provinces of [[Yunnan]] and [[Guangxi]], as these provinces border the Golden Triangle, a major drug-producing region in Southeast Asia. Police now target bars and nightclubs that foreigners frequent with drug-testing kits, with detention and deportation the likely consequence of a positive drug test. In a hair test, you may test positive even for drugs that you consumed three months before arriving in China. If you are driving from Chinese-Burmese border (eg. [[Xishuangbanna]]), you may also encounter layered narcotics checkpoints, in which you and your vehicle will be thoroughly searched or even partially dismantled (if suspicion arise) to intercept drug smugglers. ===Banned items=== Due to the fast pace of change in China, you may find some items (especially media) continue to be banned by customs although they are readily available for purchase in the country itself. Searching your belongings for illicit items such as the ones below could potentially happen when entering China through an airport, although in practice it is rare these days. * Materials considered by the authorities as ''Anti-Chinese'' will be confiscated. This has a fairly wide interpretation, but can include the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan lion-mountain flag and literature about the Falun Gong religious group, independence movements in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and Taiwan or the Tiananmen Square protests. As a rule of thumb, '''do not bring anything critical of the Communist Party of China'''; if some literature refers to the government of the PRC as the Communist Party of China (中共), then it's either from Taiwan (as the local official term when referring to the Chinese government), and/or its stance is likely to be critical of the party. **''The Epoch Times'' (大紀元時報) and ''Ming Hui Times'' (明慧周刊/明慧周報) are two examples of Falun Gong literature. The Falun Gong sect is known to print proselytising words on Chinese yuan bills, so consider checking your bills to avoid unnecessary hassle. * A heavy penalty is imposed on all '''pornography''' and penalties are counted based on the number of pieces brought into the country. ===Religion=== Visitors to China rarely get into trouble for practicing their religion. As a communist country, China is officially atheist, and religion is banned for people working in government jobs. Although religion was targeted for extermination during the Cultural Revolution, in modern times, visitors and private citizens are generally free to practice a religion if they wish. However, '''proselytising is prohibited''' and taken very seriously by the government, and could potentially lead to arrest and imprisonment, especially if there is any fear that it could undermine the government's authority. Catholics in China are split between the state-sanctioned Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPA, CPCA, or CCPA, 中国天主教爱国会 ''Zhōngguó Tiānzhǔjiào Àiguó Huì''), which is run separately from the Vatican, and an '''underground church''' which is illegal; visitors should not associate with the latter for legal reasons. '''Falun Gong''' is '''illegal''' and heavily censored in China. Visibly supporting it will make you subject to arrest. Despite all that, modern Chinese society is in general rather secular, and religiously-motivated hate crimes are exceedingly rare. ===Racism=== Although unprovoked violent racist attacks are virtually unheard of, foreigners, particularly darker-skin ones, often suffer discrimination in employment and are the subject of stereotyping from Chinese people. Even white foreigners, who allegedly enjoy significantly better treatment than locals, have been occasionally confronted by Chinese people during politically sensitive periods. Xenophobia has intensified amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many restaurants now refusing service to foreign customers. Discrimination is particularly severe against black people, some of whom have been evicted by their landlords and denied rooms in hotels. If your skin tone doesn't match people's assumptions for someone from your country, and especially if you're ethnically Chinese, you may be treated like the country on your passport isn't where you're ''really'' from. Visas on arrival are sometimes denied on this basis. ===Gay and lesbian travelers=== China is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travelers. There are no laws against homosexuality in China, though there is censorship of homosexual-themed content in the media. Gay scenes and communities are found in the major cities in China, but are generally non-existent everywhere else. Most Chinese are reluctant to discuss their sexuality in public, as it is generally considered to be a personal matter, and acceptance of homosexuality by Chinese people tends to be mixed. Same-sex marriages and unions are not recognised anywhere in the country. While openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is still likely to draw stares and whispers, gay and lesbian visitors should generally not run into any major problems, and unprovoked violence against homosexual couples is almost unheard of. In general, the younger generation tend to be more accepting of homosexuality, and gay dramas have been gaining in popularity among young Chinese women since the 2010s. Staff in hotels and guesthouses may assume that a mistake has been made if a same-sex couple has reserved a room with one large bed and try to move you to another room. However, they will generally back down if you insist that it is not a problem. ==Stay healthy== ===Personal hygiene=== Outside major cities, public washrooms range from mildly unpleasant to utterly repulsive. In cities, it varies from place to place. High-quality bathrooms can be found inside major tourist attractions, at international hotels, office buildings, and upper-class department stores. Washrooms in foreign restaurant chains, or any of the coffee chains listed in the drink section are usually more or less clean. While those in common restaurants and hotels are barely acceptable, those in hotel rooms are generally clean. Some public facilities are free, others cost from a few mao up to ¥2. Separate facilities are always provided for men (男 nán) and women (女 nǚ), but sometimes there are no doors on the front of the stalls. The sit-down toilet familiar to Westerners is rare in China in public areas. Hotels will generally have them in rooms, but in places where Westerners are scarce, expect to find squat toilets more often than not. Many private homes in urban areas now have sit-down toilets, and one major benefit from having a local host is that they have clean bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, a western establishment such as McDonald's or Starbucks will have a western toilet, but may not have toilet paper. Carry your own tissue paper (卫生纸 wèishēngzhǐ, or 面纸 miànzhǐ) as it is rarely provided. You can sometimes buy it from the money-taker at a public toilet; you can also buy it in bars, restaurants and Internet cafés for ¥2. Put used paper in the bucket next to the toilet; do not flush it away as it may block the often poor plumbing systems. There may not be soap in the public washrooms either. The Chinese tend to distrust the cleanliness of bathtubs. In hotels with fixed bathtubs, disposable plastic bathtub liners may be provided. Wash your hands often with soap if you can find any, carry some disposable disinfectant tissues (found in almost any department or cosmetics store), or use alcohol gel. ===Food and drink=== ====Food==== Although there are few widely enforced health regulations in restaurants, each major city does have an inspection regime that requires each establishment to prominently display the result (good, average or poor). It is hard to say how effective this is, but it is a start. Restaurants generally prepare hot food when you order. Even in the smallest of restaurants, hot dishes are usually freshly prepared, instead of reheated, and rarely cause health problems. A rule of thumb regarding street food is to make certain it is cooked thoroughly while you are watching; also, visit stalls frequented by locals, and look for plastic-wrapped disposable chopsticks. Minor stomach discomfort may still be experienced from street food and restaurant food alike, but is said to pass as one becomes accustomed to the local food. Ginger can be effective against nausea. ====Drink==== Chinese people '''do not drink water straight from the tap''', even in the cities. All hotels provide a thermos flask of boiled water in your room (refillable by your floor attendant), a kettle you can use to do it yourself or a sealed plastic bottle of commercial mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink ''after'' boiling. Some apartments and businesses have rather large water filters installed (which require changing twice a year) to improve the quality of water for cooking and washing. It still doesn't make the water drinkable from the tap, however it does improve the water quality a great deal. Purified drinking water in bottles is available everywhere, and is generally quite cheap. ¥2 is normal for a small bottle. Check that the seal on the cap is not broken. Beer, wine and soft drinks are also cheap and safe. Also note that much river water in China has been contaminated by chemicals that filters can not help much with, although this should only be dangerous if consumed over an extended period of time. ===Pollution=== {{infobox|Smog|Most smog or haze outbreaks are made up of fine particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5). '''N95 masks''' provide good protection against smog as they are at least 95% efficient against fine particles that are about 0.1 – 0.3 microns. They are 99.5% efficient against larger particles of 0.75 microns or more. As with most things in China, be sure to identify a reputable brand such as 3M}} [[File:3M N95 Particulate Respirator.JPG|thumbnail|N95 mask for dealing with China smog]] Due to a rapid rate of industrialization in China, [[Air pollution|pollution and heavy smog]] is unfortunately part of the way of life in most major towns and cities. That said, stricter environmental protection laws are slowly beginning to bear fruit, with the result that Beijing is no longer the most polluted city in the world, but there is still a long way to go. Even the countryside, depending on the province in question, is not immune. Long-term effects of smog particulate are unlikely to have a significant effect on your health if you are in China for a short stay (e.g. a number of weeks) and have no significant respiratory problems. If you are concerned, discuss this with a medical professional before your trip. Places at higher altitudes or plains like parts of Yunnan and Sichuan, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet and outlying islands such as Hainan usually have good air quality. Visitors should be prepared to see smog, which can be quite heavy, in nearly all large cities, including those on the coast. This [http://aqicn.org website] can provide detailed hourly pollution readings for most large cities. You will also hear a lot of noise. Construction and renovation are full-time activities. Chinese and long-time residents' ears are adapted to filter and tolerate it. ===Health care=== {{COVID-19 box|During lockdowns, medical resources are limited to non-COVID patients , '''even for urgent cases'''. Despite official prohibition, there are also cases where patients who don't have negative COVID testing results are denied treatment. Travellers are advised to bring sufficient essential and necessary medicines.|lastedit=2022-07-03}} {{infobox|Healthcare for foreigners|Most major Chinese cities have clinics and hospitals that are more appropriate for foreigners, with English-speaking and Western-qualified staff. Although expensive, it is worth identifying them whenever you plan to stay in an area for a significant time. For non-urgent medical treatment, you may want to consider traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] for a higher standard of treatment which may not be particularly more expensive.}} The quality of Chinese hospitals for the Chinese people is generally not up to the standards of the West. Local doctors have been known to prescribe more expensive treatments than necessary; IV drips are routine prescriptions in China, even for minor ailments like the common cold, and doctors have a tendency to liberally prescribe antibiotics. Most locals go to the hospital even for the most minor ailments, and the concept of a private clinic effectively does not exist. You should consider keeping a significant amount of cash readily available for emergencies, since not being able to pay upfront may delay treatment. Ambulance services are expensive, require upfront payment, are not accorded much priority on the roads and are therefore not particularly fast. Quality of ambulance service also varies with regions, and paramedics in poorer regions are often poorly equipped and trained. Taking a taxi to the hospital in an emergency will often be much quicker. Common therapeutic drugs &mdash; things like penicillin or insulin &mdash; are generally available from a pharmacist with a prescription and considerably cheaper than in western countries. You can usually ask to see the instructions that came with the box. Western medicine is called xīyào (西药). Less common drugs are often imported, hence expensive. In larger cities there are strong controls over medicine, and even 'standard' cold medicine such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or dextromethorphan may require a prescription or a foreign passport. Opiates always require a prescription, although Viagra never does. In smaller cities and rural areas many medicines, including most antibiotics, are often available without a prescription. {{infobox|Common symptoms|* Caught a cold: 感冒 gǎnmào * Fever: 发烧 fāshāo * Headache: 头痛 tóutòng * Stomach ache: 肚子痛 dùzǐtòng * Sore throat: 喉咙痛 hóulóngtòng * Cough: 咳嗽 késòu See [[Chinese phrasebook]] for more.}} Most Chinese doctors and nurses, even in larger cities, will speak little or no English. However, medical staff are in plentiful supply and hospital wait times are generally short - usually less than 10 minutes at general clinics (门诊室 ménzhěnshì), and virtually no wait time at emergency rooms (急诊室 jízhěnshì). There are private Western-style clinics and hospitals in most major Chinese cities which provide a higher standard of care at a much higher price. The doctors and nurses will speak English (with interpretation services often available for other foreign languages), and are often hired from, or have obtained their medical qualifications in Western countries. These provide an easy and comfortable way to obtain familiar Western treatment from doctors qualified in the West, although you will be paying a steep premium for these services starting at ¥1,000 just for the consultation. Check beforehand to see whether your insurance will cover all or part of this. For any significant surgery, it is worth considering traveling to [[Hong Kong]], [[Taiwan]] or [[South Korea]] as the standard of treatment and care is more aligned to Western standards. Ensure that needles used for injections or any other procedure that requires breaking the skin are new and unused - insist on seeing the packet being broken open. In some parts of China it is acceptable to re-use needles, albeit after sterilization. For acupuncture, although the disposable needles are quite common in mainland China, you can provide your own needles if you prefer. The disposable type, called Wujun zhenjiu zhen (无菌針灸針, Sterilized acupuncture needles), usually cost ¥10-20 per 100 needles and are available in many pharmacies. There should be minimal to no bleeding when the needle is inserted and removed if the acupuncturist is sufficiently skilled. While Traditional Chinese Medicine is ubiquitous in China, regulation tends to be lax and it is not unheard of for Chinese physicians to prescribe herbs which are actually detrimental to one's health. Do some research and ensure you have some trusted local friends to help you out if you wish to see a Chinese physician. You can head to Hong Kong or Taiwan instead, as the practice is better regulated there. ====Infectious diseases==== If making more than a short trip to China, it may be a good idea to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid as they can be spread via contaminated food, and Japanese encephalitis which is transmitted in rural areas. Parts of southern China have [[mosquitoes]] which transmit [[dengue fever]]. As of 2019 the official estimate is that nearly 1 million people in China are living with HIV/AIDS. One in four infected individuals do not know their status. Sex workers, clients of sex workers and injecting drug users are the most infected groups. New diseases are sometimes a threat in China, particularly in its more densely populated parts. There have been cases of bird flu: avoid undercooked poultry or eggs. ==Respect== {{quote|入乡随俗<br/>''Rù xiāng suí sú''<br/>When you enter a village, follow the customs.|author={{nowrap|Chinese proverb (English speakers might say "When in Rome...")}}}} {{infobox|Using people's names|2=Names can be a complicated matter in China. Except for certain ethnic minorities, names always follow the East Asian naming order of '''family name followed by given name'''; this is usually done in English as well. Someone called 陈晓明 (''Chén Xiǎomíng'') therefore has the surname "Chen" and the given name "Xiaoming". Many Chinese acquire English names, which may have no relation to their Chinese name (and are sometimes quite unusual words or non-words). When using their English name, they will likely switch their name to Western name order (given name followed by family name). It's usually okay to address adult friends and children by given names, although using their full name is also common. In formal situations, the default is to address people using their family names with a title, or their full names with a title if necessary to disambiguate. Occupational titles are even used outside the workplace, so a teacher may be called "Teacher Zhang" (张老师 ''Zhāng Lǎoshī'') even outside the classroom, and a manager or business owner may be called "Boss Huang" (黄老板 ''Huáng Lǎobǎn''). Generic titles of varying commonness include ''Xiānshēng'' (先生, "Mr." or "Sir"), ''Tàitai'' (太太, "Madam" or "Mrs."), and ''Nǚshì'' (女士, "Ms."). The informal prefixes ''Lǎo-'' (老, "Old" or "Elder") and ''Xiǎo-'' (小, "Young" or "Little") are also commonly used, but you should avoid calling someone these unless you know the person well. The title "comrade" (同志) is rarely used outside of official situations, as the term nowadays also means LGBT people. While the title ''Xiǎojiě'' (小姐) is commonly used in Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore as an equivalent for the English "Miss", it is a euphemism for "prostitute" in mainland China and hence should be ''avoided''. Names for familial relationships (e.g. big sister, uncle) are frequently used for acquaintances and even strangers based on their age relative to you. It will usually be clear from context, but generally when someone refers to another person as "Brother Zhang" or "Aunt Zhang", even in English, they probably don't mean a family member. Ethnic minorities often have their own naming conventions and modes of address, which can sometimes be very different from those of the Han majority. The foolproof method is therefore to ''ask'' how somebody would like to be addressed.}} [[File:China tea serving.JPG|thumb|Tea-serving at a restaurant in China]] Foreigners are still a rare breed in most parts of China, which means that how you interact with people there may well shape their impression of your country or even of foreigners in general. Follow the law, be polite, and try to leave a good impression as it affects the general reputation of foreigners in China. * Unlike Japan and South Korea where bowing is extremely common, in China the practice did not survive into the modern era, and is only used in certain formal occasions such as marriage ceremonies, funerals, religious rituals, and for students greeting teachers in school. Give a soft '''handshake''' when greeting someone, which can optionally be accompanied by a slight bow. * '''Personal space''' more or less does not exist in China. Elevators and buses can get very crowded. It's common and acceptable for someone to come in close contact with you or to bump into you and say nothing. Don't get mad, as they'll be surprised and most likely won't even understand why you're offended. * Important items such as business cards or important papers are given and received with '''both hands'''. ** '''Business cards''' in particular are treated very respectfully and formally. How you treat someone's business card is seen as representing how you will treat the person. When accepting a business card, use both hands to pick it up by the corners, give a slight bow of your head, and take the time to read the card and confirm how to pronounce the person's name. It's disrespectful to write on a card, fold it, or place it in your back pocket (where you'll sit on it!); a nice case to keep cards pristine is preferable to a pocket. * '''Smoking''' is common almost anywhere. "No smoking" signs are routinely ignored, and it's common for someone to smoke in an elevator or even in the hospital. Some cities now forbid smoking in most restaurants, but enforcement varies. Beijing has one of the nation's strictest smoking laws: you are not allowed to smoke anywhere with a roof; again, enforcement is patchy. Western restaurants seem to be the only ones who consistently enforce the ban. Masks would be a good idea for long distance bus trips. ** When you smoke, it's always considered polite to '''offer a cigarette''' to those you meet. This rule applies almost exclusively to men, but under certain circumstances, such as a club, it's okay to offer cigarettes to women. * In homes and some other buildings, '''slippers''' or sandals are worn indoors. If your hosts are wearing slippers at home, and especially if there is carpet on the floor, remove your shoes and ask for a pair of slippers before you enter, even if your host says you don't have to. * '''Saving face''' is an important concept in Chinese culture, and this concept extends beyond the individual to one's family (including extended family), and even the country. Pointing out mistakes directly may cause embarrassment. If you have to, call the person to one side and tell them in private. ** '''Humility''' is highly valued in traditional Chinese culture, and bragging about your achievements is in general not well received. It is also customary to politely turn down any compliments you receive from others. ** Chinese people sometimes criticize their own country, but you are highly advised not to do it yourself, as the same things being said by a foreigner tend not to be received so well. * Swastikas have been used in Buddhist temples since the 5th century to represent Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. Like the case for other Asian countries, it does not represent Nazism. Jews have been living in China for centuries, and have always had peaceful relations with their non-Jewish neighbours. * Outside of a business context, casual clothes are acceptable at most places, including temples and expensive restaurants. Sleeveless or low-cut tops are uncommon and may stand out. At the beach or the pool, conservative swimsuits are much more common than bikinis. ===Gifts=== When visiting someone's home, a small gift is always welcome. Wine, fruit, or some trinket from your native country are common. When receiving a gift, it is generally rude to open it in front of the person who gave it to you unless (s)he specifically tells you to do so. Wait until the person has left and open it in private. Some items are '''not given as gifts''' because of cultural associations. Some things to watch out for: black and white are important colors in funerals, scissors or knives may insinuate you want to cut off your relationship with someone, and many people see mirrors as bad luck. Other taboos are based on homophones: the word "four" (四 ''sì'') sounds like "death" (死 ''sǐ''), "pear" and "umbrella" sound like "separation", and "giving a clock" sounds like "attending a funeral". These gift taboos and others vary by region and generation, so it's a good idea to consult a local for advice, or at least search the Internet for lists of taboo gifts before you purchase one. ===Eating and drinking=== Eating is very important in Chinese culture, and '''dining out''' is a widespread way to honor guests and deepen relationships. Seating at a formal dinner follows a specific order, with the host or most senior person at the center. Don't pick up your chopsticks until the most senior person at the table has done so. Table manner varies from different places among different people in different scenarios. Sometimes you can see Chinese spit on a restaurant floor, pick their tooth in front of you, and yell whilst dining, but it's not always welcome. Follow what other people do. Hosts tend to order more food than you can eat because it's considered shameful if they can't stuff their guests. Although it varies regionally, finishing your plate generally means you're still hungry and may prompt your hosts to order ''more'' food, but leaving too much can imply you didn't like a dish; leaving an appropriate amount of food on your plate is a bit of a balancing act. When offered a drink, you're expected to take it or your friends will keep pushing you. Excuses such as "I'm on medication" are better than "I don't feel like drinking". Toasts are common, and it's generally considered rude to turn down a toast (although you can take small sips with each toast). China has a strong drinking culture, especially in business, and turning down alcohol can sometimes cause offense. However, foreigners may be given some slack on this. If the hard ''baijiu'' is too much for you, consider opting for a beer instead. ====Paying==== While splitting the bill is beginning to be accepted by young people, '''treating''' is still the norm, especially when the parties are in obviously different social classes. Men are expected to treat women, elders to juniors, rich to poor, hosts to guests, working class to non-income class (students). Friends of the same class will usually prefer to take turns treating rather than split the bill. It is common to see Chinese competing intensely to pay the bill. You are expected to fight back and say "It's my turn, you treat me next time." That being said, Chinese tend to be very tolerant towards foreigners. If you feel like going Dutch, try it. They tend to believe that "all foreigners prefer to go Dutch". ===Politics=== For your safety, it's best if you '''avoid getting involved in any political activity''', and avoid discussing politics with Chinese people. Most Chinese are passive about their country's politics and are generally reluctant to talk about it, and in most cases, will change the topic of discussion. * Most Chinese are ashamed that their country was forced into unequal treaties with Japan and the Western powers over the past two centuries, and are proud of the recent progress made by their government in restoring China's international influence. Many Chinese are also aware of alternative Western views, but you should tread lightly if you choose to discuss these. * Supporting the '''independence movements''' of Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan or Hong Kong is '''illegal''', so you should avoid discussing them. Most Chinese people support their government's position on these issues, and trying to advocate for these movements is going to do nothing more than getting you into the bad books of your hosts. ** Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China. Be sure to use the term "mainland" (大陆 ''dàlù'') or "mainland China" (中国大陆 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') instead of just "China" (中国 ''zhōngguó'') if you are looking to ''exclude'' Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is also a common practice in China to refer to Taiwan as "Taiwan Province" (台湾省), and Hong Kong and Macau as "Hong Kong, China" (中国香港) and "Macau, China" (中国澳门). ** The Hong Kong protests, and allegations of Uyghur genocide and slavery are sensitive issues that are best not discussed with locals. The latter in particular are regarded by most Chinese to be false allegations that were made up by Western governments for geopolitical reasons. * Avoid discussing any of the territorial disputes China is involved in, as many Chinese have strong feelings about these issues. If you are drawn into any such discussions, it is best to stay neutral. * '''Japan''' and its role in World War II and other wars with China is a sensitive and emotive issue that is best avoided. To a lesser extent, '''historical and cultural disputes''' with both [[Korea|Koreas]] are sensitive as well. * Thanks to China's recent development, the Chinese government enjoys strong support among its people despite its authoritarian nature. Common Western views that "they have all been brainwashed" or "they are just too afraid to speak up" oversimplify things. * Many Chinese have a strong sense of '''ethnic nationalism'''. Tread particularly carefully if you are of Chinese ethnicity, even if you were born and raised overseas, as you may still be expected to align your political views with that of the Chinese government, and doing otherwise could result in you being labeled a "race traitor". ===Differing cultural norms=== Chinese people are sometimes puzzled when foreign visitors complain that Chinese people are rude. Many of them feel that really it's foreigners who tend to be rude. What's actually going on is that China has a different set of customs and values from common Western cultures — some Chinese behavior can be jarring to foreigners, and vice versa. People in China are '''friendly ''without'' being polite''' (unlike countries like the UK, where people can be polite without being friendly). Generally speaking, younger well-educated Chinese, particularly those from the major cities, are more likely to behave in a way that conforms more closely to Western cultural norms. [[Image:China no spitting.jpg|thumb|120px|No spitting please]] * Chinese often '''ignore rules''' they don't feel like following, including laws. Among many other things, this includes '''dangerous and negligent driving''' (see [[Driving in China]]) such as driving on the wrong side of the street, excessive speeding, not using headlights at night, not using turn signals, and jaywalking. * '''Spitting''' is common everywhere, including in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, on buses and even in hospitals. Traditional Chinese medicine believes it is unhealthy to swallow phlegm. Although the government has made great efforts to reduce this habit in light of the SARS epidemic as well as the Olympics, it still persists to varying degrees. * Many Chinese do not cover their mouths when they '''sneeze'''. '''Picking one's nose''' in public is common and socially acceptable. * As many parts of China are ethnically rather homogeneous, people who are visibly foreign will often elicit calls of "hello" or "''wàiguórén''" (外国人 "foreigner"); you may also hear ''lǎowài'' (老外), a colloquial equivalent. These calls are ubiquitous outside of the big cities (and are not uncommon even there); these calls will come from just about anyone, of any age, and are even more likely from children and can occur many times in any given day. * Similarly, it's rather common that someone may come up and '''stare''' at you as if they're watching the TV. The staring usually originates out of sheer curiosity, almost never out of hostility. * Many Chinese have '''loud conversations''' in public, and it may be one of the first things you notice upon arrival. China is rooted in a community-based culture, and noise means life; loud speech usually doesn't mean the speaker is angry or engaged in an argument (although obviously it can). You may want to bring earplugs for long bus or train rides. * A fairly recent phenomenon particular to China is '''air rage''': groups of passengers being verbally and physically aggressive towards airline staff whenever there is a delay (which is often). This is generally done in order to leverage better compensation from the airline. * The concept of '''waiting in line''' has not fully been adopted in China. You'll have to learn to be more assertive to get what you want, and even push and shove as others do. If you're trying to catch a taxi, expect other people to move further down the road to catch one before you. * Be careful when standing behind people on an '''escalator''', since many people have a look-see as soon as they get off — even when the escalator behind them is fully packed. Department stores have staff to try to prevent this behavior. * People love to use '''elevators''' whenever possible, especially in large family groups. Be extra patient if you want to go around a shopping mall with a baby buggy or luggage. ==Cope== [[File:Chinasocket.jpg|thumb|A typical Chinese wall socket]] '''Electricity''' is 220 volts/50&nbsp;Hz. Two-pin European and North American, as well as three-pin Australian style plugs are generally supported. However, be careful to read the voltage information on your devices to ensure they accept 220 V (twice the 110 V used in many countries) before plugging them in — you may cause burnout and permanent damage to some devices such as hairdryers and razors. Universal extension cords that can handle a variety of plug shapes (including British) are often used. '''Laundry''' services may be expensive or hard to find. In upper-end hotels, it will cost ¥10-30 to wash each article of clothing. Cheap hotels in some areas do not have laundry services, though in other areas such as along the [[Yunnan tourist trail]] the service is common and often free. In most areas, with the exception of the downtown areas in big cities, you can find small shops that do laundry. The '''sign''' to look for on the front door is 洗衣 (''xǐyī''), or spot the clothes hanging from the ceiling. The cost is roughly ¥2-5/item. In even the smallest of cities '''dry cleaning''' (干洗 ''gānxǐ''）outlets are common and may be able to wash clothes. But in some areas you're going to be stuck washing clothes by hand, which is time-consuming and tiresome, so perhaps opt for fast-drying fabrics such as polyester or silk. If you do find a hotel that does laundry, usually they will put all your clothes into the wash together or even with other items from the hotel, so lighter colours are best washed by hand. [[File:Jianshui - old city - P1370481.JPG|thumb|Traditional smoking pipes for sale]] '''Smoking''' is banned in public buildings and public transport except for restaurants and bars (including KTVs) - many of which are outright smoke dens, although many multinational restaurant chains do ban smoking. These bans are enforced across the country. Generally, smoking laws are most strict in Shanghai and Beijing, whilst they are more lightly enforced elsewhere. Many places (particularly train stations, hospitals, office buildings and airports) will have smoking rooms, and some long-distance trains may have smoking areas at the end of each car. Facilities for non-smokers are often poor; most restaurants, bars and hotels will not have non-smoking areas apart from top-end establishments although many modern buildings have a smoke extraction systems which suck cigarette smoke out of the room through a ceiling vent - meaning that the smoke doesn't hang in the air. The Chinese phrase for 'May I smoke?' is 'kěyǐ chōuyān ma?' and 'No Smoking!' is 'bù kěyǐ chōuyān!'. '''Public holidays''' in China are worth being aware of. Although you will never be truly alone in the most popular tourist sites, which includes the popular hikes in particular mountains, on weekends and public holidays these areas can be nearly impassible due to local tourism. What you may have planned as a quiet contemplative hike may turn into a many-hour queue! Know the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_China national holiday dates] and plan accordingly. ===Media=== {{infobox|Please fix it!|''China Daily'', the nationally distributed English newspaper, sometimes publishes constructive criticism of China from frustrated tourists. If you think something about China for travelers needs to be fixed, consider sending a letter to letters@chinadaily.com.cn or opinion@chinadaily.com.cn and it might be published.}} Media in China diversified substantially after Mao, with independent outlets offering increasing competition to the state-run agencies of '''[http://www.news.cn/english Xinhua]''' (press agency publishing in many formats), '''[http://www.cctv.cn/ CCTV]''' (more than 40 TV channels), and the '''''[http://en.people.cn/ People's Daily]''''' newspaper. These state-owned media tend to be accurate in terms of general news, but always stick to the government's policies and ideology in terms of politics. Each province and city in China is also home to its own local channels, often being subordinated or having close-ties to the local government, with a stronger focus on local events. Some of these channels also broadcast in the local dialect or ethnic minority language. Still, the press remains tightly controlled, with restrictions on what news is reported and what opinions may be aired. Certain topics are strictly off limits (such as criticizing China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan), and the vagueness of boundaries for acceptable topics leads to further self-censorship. The biggest threat to state-controlled media has been the rise of '''text messaging''' and '''Internet news''', although these are restricted by the government's firewall and internal censorship. China has some local English-language news media. CCTV News channel is a global English channel available 24/7 in most cities, with French and Spanish variants as well. CCTV 4 has a short newscast in English every day. '''''[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ China Daily]''''' (generally subdued, if a bit dry) and the '''''[http://www.globaltimes.cn/ Global Times]''''' (a notoriously nationalistic tabloid) are two state-run English-language newspapers available in hotels, supermarkets and newsstands. There are also a few English magazines such as ''[http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/ China Today]'' and ''21st Century''. Foreign magazines and newspapers are not generally available in bookstores or newsstands except at top hotels. ==Connect== ===Internet=== ====Internet cafés and business services==== [[File:Tongyang - downtown - internet cafe - CIMG9869.JPG|thumb|Inside an Internet café in Tongyang, [[Hubei]]]] China has more Internet users than any other country in the world and Internet cafés (网吧 ''wǎngbā'') are abundant. Most are designed for online gaming and are not comfortable places to do office-style work. It is cheap (¥1-6 per hour) to use a computer, albeit one with Chinese software. Internet cafés are supposed to require users to show official identification although enforcement varies by region. Browsing of Internet pages may well be monitored by the Public Security Bureau (the police). For printing, scanning, photocopying, and other business services, go to one of any number of small shops in most towns or print shops near university areas. Look for the characters 复印 (fùyìn) meaning "photocopy". Printing costs about ¥2 per page and photocopies are ¥0.5 per page. These shops may or may not have Internet access so bring your materials on a flash drive. ====== Wifi access ====== Free wifi, which may require registration either with a Chinese mobile number, or your WeChat login, is abundant. The quality and speed of the wifi is not proportionate to the provider; i.e. your expensive hotel's free wifi may be nowhere near as fast nor more reliable than the wifi found on the bus you paid ¥2 to get on. Many hotels and some cafés and restaurants provide wifi, typically free, of varying speeds and quality. Some cafés, especially in tourist areas such as Yangshuo, even provide a machine for customer use. Business hotels typically have wired Internet service for your laptop in each room: 7 Days Inn and Home Inn are two nationwide chains meeting Western standards for mid-range comfort and cleanliness that consistently offer Internet and cost ¥150-200 per night. WiFi may also be provided in one's room, perhaps for an extra charge. On occasion, for a bit more, hotels will have rooms with older computers in them as well. The better hotels often have satellite TV in the rooms. ====== Security ====== Since public computers and the Internet are not secure, assume that anything you type is not private. Do not send sensitive data such as banking passwords from an Internet café. It may be better to purchase a mobile data card for use with your own computer instead (these generally cost ¥400 and data plans run ¥10-¥200 per month depending on your usage). If you are connecting to the Internet with your own computer, some websites in China (especially college campuses) require you to use Microsoft Internet Explorer and to install dedicated software on your system and/or accept certificates to access their websites. There are increasing cases of misuse of photocopy, in which your submitted photocopies are illegally disclosed to spammers and fraudsters by the receiver of your photocopies. Always state the purpose of your photocopies on the photocopies clearly, as this leaves evidence in favour of you should any legal matters arise. ====Internet censorship==== {{quote|Across the Great Wall, we can reach every corner in the world.|author=Content of the first Chinese email sent in 1987|source=often used to satirize the current practice of Internet censorship in China.}} '''Internet censorship''' is extensive in mainland China. Pornographic and political sites are routinely blocked, as are many other sites with a broad range of content, including sites that are popular internationally. The government call their censorship system "Golden Shield" (金盾); others call it the '''Great Firewall of China''', GFW, or simply '''the wall''', while circumventing Internet censorship is often referred to as "scaling the wall" (翻墙). {{infobox|Which Internet sites are available?|The actual list of websites and services banned is a secret, changes every day without notification, and oddly enough seems to depend on whether you're using a mobile or WiFi connection. Blocked sites generally include: * Large '''social media''' websites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal, Blogspot and Instagram. * '''Messaging services''' such as Whatsapp. * Most of '''Google's services''', including Google Search, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps ([https://maps.google.cn/ maps.google.cn] may still work) and Google Translate ([https://translate.google.cn/ translate.google.cn] may still work). Corresponding fast and responsive Chinese websites exist (often only in Chinese), such as [https://www.baidu.com/ Baidu] for search, maps, and other services, [http://www.qq.com/ QQ] and [https://weixin.qq.com/ WeChat] for messaging, [http://weibo.com/ Weibo] for Twitter-style microblogging, [http://renren.com/ Renren] for Facebook-style social networking, and [https://www.bilibili.com/ Bilibili] and [https://v.qq.com/ Tencent Video] for YouTube-style video sharing. You may instead wish to use a different foreign service such as [https://www.bing.com/ Bing] for search and [https://outlook.live.com/ Outlook] for emails. Foreign '''news''' sites such as BBC, CNN, Reuters and ''The Economist'' may or may not be available. They're especially likely to be blocked after publishing stories the Chinese government disapproves of; for example, ''The New York Times'' has been blocked since 2012, when it reported on the financial holdings of top Chinese leaders. Since December 2019, all Wikimedia projects, including Wikivoyage and Wikipedia are '''blocked''', except on the China Mobile network, which only blocks Wikipedia, Wikinews and Commons. Apart from actual website blocks, the firewall also scans for sensitive keywords in every unencrypted message or encrypted Chinese message (QQ, WeChat, etc.) in either direction and may block anything it disapproves of. The system relies heavily on word-filtering, and changes frequently in response to recent social events or current affairs. }} Censorship is often tightened during sensitive periods, such as the annual meeting of China's parliament in March, the CCP congress every fourth October, and anniversaries such as the National Day in October and the Tiananmen massacre in June. Few hotels offer uncensored Internet access. These hotels generally cater to foreigners, but obviously do not advertise this facility. Try browsing to known restricted sites to see if your hotel supports this. The most popular way to access blocked websites is to use a '''VPN (Virtual Private Network)''' which provides users with ''relatively'' stable and reliable access to the Internet through a computer in another country. The best ones have a monthly fee on the order of US$10; free, ad-supported VPNs are also available. Other ways to bypass censorship include software such as [http://dit-inc.us/freegate.html Freegate], [http://tor.eff.org Tor] (with an inconvenient special configuration), and [https://psiphon.ca/ Psiphon]. Any of these should be downloaded before entering China as access to their official websites is generally blocked. Be warned that VPNs in China are not as reliable as they used to be—you may want to download more than one so that you have a backup, and be prepared for a lot of frustration and waiting for things to load. If you need constant access to Twitter or Facebook to be happy, you may yet still be able to guarantee it, at a cost. Due to the way international mobile roaming works, the government cannot interfere with internet access via a foreign SIM without blocking roaming entirely (a revenue stream for the state-owned carriers). This will cost a good deal more than a local SIM, and you will be subject to the restrictions of the country your SIM came from instead (for instance, when roaming with a Thai SIM, you will find yourself unable to access content critical of the Thai regime, just as if you were in Thailand). Chinese law enforcement is sometimes able to pinpoint (and arrest, if needed) users who access restricted sites using VPNs, especially if they access them frequently. On at least one occasion, the police pinpointed and fined a netizen who accessed Wikipedia through a VPN. Moreover, it's a criminal offence to upload and submit any materials seen as subversive. However, enforcement is sporadic and mostly targets journalists and high-profile public figures. ===Mail=== The Chinese Post Office is generally reliable and sometimes quick. There are a few things you need to adapt to: * Incoming mail will be both faster and more reliable if the address is in Chinese. If not, the Post Office has people who will translate, but that takes time and is not 100% accurate. * If you don't know the exact postal code of where your recipient lives, you can fill in the first two digits (which corresponds to the prefecture city/municipality/province), and fill the rest with 0s. Alternatively, you can search your destination's postal code at [http://cpdc.chinapost.com.cn/web/ this website]. * It will be helpful to provide the receiver's phone number with packages or expedited mail. The customs and delivery drivers usually need it. * '''Do not seal outgoing packages''' before taking them to the Post Office; they will not send them without inspecting the contents. Generally it is best to buy the packing materials at the Post Office, and almost all Post Offices will pack your materials for you, at a reasonable price. * Most Post Offices and courier services will refuse to send CDs or DVDs, this can be circumvented by placing them in CD wallets along with lots of other things and finally packing the space in with clothes, giving the appearance of sending your stuff home, it is also easier to send by sea as they care less. * Your ID is now '''required''' when sending parcels. When sending parcels domestically, write the receiver's name ''correctly''; it will be compared with their ID, as all parcels are now tracked end to end. ===Fax=== International fax (传真 ''Chuánzhēn'') services are available in most large hotels for a fee of a dozen renminbi or more. Inexpensive faxes within China can be made in the ubiquitous photocopy outlets that have the Chinese characters for fax written on the front door. ===Telephone=== Telephone service is more of a mixed bag. Calling outside China is often difficult and usually impossible without a calling card, which can often only be bought locally. The good news is that these cards are fairly cheap and the connection is surprisingly clear, uninterrupted and delay-free. Look for '''IP Telephone Cards''', which typically have a value of ¥100 but sometimes can be had for as little as ¥25. The cards have printed Chinese instructions, but after dialling the number listed on the card English-spoken instructions are available. As a general indication of price, a call from China to Europe lasts around 22 minutes with a ¥100 card. Calls to the US and Canada are advertised to be another 20% cheaper. If you end up with an '''IC Telephone Card''' instead, those are only intended to be used in payphones. They may be sold at a slight discount off of face value, but rarely below 20% off when purchased off the street. At a China Telecom payphone, domestic calls will cost ¥0.1/minute, calls to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the US, and Canada will cost ¥1/minute, and calls to all other countries will cost an uneconomical ¥8/minute. If your line allows for international direct dialling (IDD), the prefix for international calls in China is ''00''. To make an overseas call, dial ''00-(country code)-(number)''. Calls from the mainland to Hong Kong and Macau require international dialling. '''IDDs can be expensive.''' Ask the rate before calling. =====Mobile phones===== [[File:ChinaTelecomCustomerOffice.JPG|thumb|A China Telecom shop]] '''[[Mobile phones|Mobile (cellular) phones]] are widespread''' and offer good service in China. They play an essential role in daily life for most Chinese and for nearly all expatriates in China. As of 2022, China is the world leader in 5G mobile phone technology. If you already have a GSM 900/1800 or 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) mobile phone, you can roam onto Chinese networks, subject to network agreements, but calls will be very expensive (¥12-35/min is typical). There are few (but growing in number) exceptions; the primary sets are Hong Kong-based providers which typically charge no more than HK$6/minute (and usually close to local rates with a special "Hong Kong/China" SIM sold by China Mobile or China Unicom in Hong Kong) and the second is T-Mobile US which charges US$0.20/minute with free text and data service. Check with your home operator before you leave to be sure. Most carriers now have 4G roaming agreements, so you will be able to use data with decent speeds. In addition, roaming data is not censored by the Chinese authorities, meaning you will be able to retain access to websites that otherwise would be blocked without having to deal with getting a separate VPN. If your provider offers reasonably priced roaming in China, you should consider taking advantage. Alternatively, depending on if you are transiting somewhere before arriving in China, you may consider buying a SIM from there that roams in China at a discount. There is a wide selection in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries as well as a few affordable options in certain parts of Europe (for example, Free Mobile in France includes 25GB of roaming in China per month on their 20€ plan). China Telecom has shifted away from CDMA, with 4G/LTE being available in the majority of its coverage area. If your device supports VoLTE (voice over LTE) then you will be able to obtain service from them with no issue. For a '''short visit''', consider renting a Chinese mobile phone from a company such as [http://www.pandaphone.com/china_cell_phone_rental.htm Pandaphone]. Rates are around ¥7 a day. The company is based in the US but has staff in China. Toll-free numbers are {{phone|+1-866-574-2050}} in the U.S. or {{phone|+86 400-820-0293}} in China. The phone can be delivered to your hotel in China prior to your arrival and dropped off there at the end of your trip, or shipped to you in the US. When you rent the phone, they will offer you an access code for calling to your country, which is cheaper than buying a SIM card from a local vendor and dialling directly. If you're '''staying for more than a few days''', it will usually be cheaper to buy a prepaid Chinese SIM card; this gives you a Chinese phone number with a certain amount of money preloaded. Chinese tend to avoid phone numbers with the bad-luck digit '4', and vendors will often be happy to offload these "unsellable" SIM-cards to foreigners at a discount. If you need a phone as well, prices start around ¥300 used or ¥1000 new for a smartphone (as of 2020). Chinese phones, unlike those sold in some Western countries, are never "locked" and will work with any SIM card you put in them, but some phones don't have Google services or the Play Store. Some stores can install this for you at time of purchase, so you can ask. However, Google services sideloaded in this manner may not be as stable as when pre-installed as part of the system package. Most shops selling SIM cards require a standard swipeable Chinese ID card (a citizen's ID card, or a foreigner's permanent-resident card) to purchase a SIM card. If you want to purchase a SIM card using a passport as your identity document, you may be asked to go to the cell-phone company's main office, probably somewhere in the city center. The staff will take your photograph for their record, along with the photocopy of your passport. China's three big operators are [http://www.10086.cn/ China Mobile] (Chinese only), [http://eng.chinaunicom.com/ China Unicom] and [https://www.chinatelecomglobal.com/ China Telecom] . ''Most'' SIMs sold by them work nationwide. Domestic roaming charges have largely been abolished, so you no longer need to worry about taking a SIM from one part of mainland China to another. Roaming in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, however, still requires a separate activation step and additional charges. '''International calls''' have to be '''enabled separately''' by applying for China Mobile's "12593" or China Unicom's "17911" service. Neither provider requires a deposit, though both require applications. Usually there will be an English speaker, so let him/her know what you want. Ask for the "special" dialing code, and for ¥1/month extra, this will be provided to you. Enter the code, the country code, then the local number and you will be talking cheaply in no time. Don't be fooled by cellphone shops with the China Mobile signage: be sure to go a to a corporate store. The employees will wear a blue uniform and there will be counter services. China Mobile is the cheaper of the two with calls to North America and Asia around ¥0.4/min. You can also use prepaid cards for international calling; just dial the number on the card as with a regular landline phone, and the charges will go to the prepaid calling card. To recharge, visit the neighborhood office of your mobile service provider, give the staff your number and pay in cash to '''recharge your account'''. Alternately, many shops will sell you a charge card, which has a number and password that must be used to call the telephone company to recharge the money in your account. You will be calling a computer and the default language is Chinese, which can be changed to English if you understand the Chinese. Charge cards are sold in denominations of ¥30, 50 and 100. (If you have WeChat Pay, this is a more convenient way to recharge your account, and foreign credit cards are accepted). For '''mobile data''' addicts who are willing to deal with the Chinese website blocking, mobile data on local SIMs is cheaper than ever. China Mobile has 4G plans starting at ¥29 for a low rate of ¥0.10/minute voice and 3GB data with additional data costing only ¥5/GB (as of 2021). Many locals have access to special online-only offers that provide a very large amount (or even unlimited) data for a low cost, but only some of these are accessible to foreigners; some can be purchased on top of any SIM if you have the carrier app installed (and can understand Chinese to use it), others require special online-only starter packs that foreigners can not purchase due to the requirement to submit a photo of a Chinese ID card when purchasing SIMs online. China Mobile only uses the "standard" LTE frequency bands of 3 and 8 in large cities and uses a different set of frequency bands for its data services outside major cities; if your phone does not support TD-LTE on bands 38, 39, 40, and 41 and you plan on going outside the biggest cities, then China Unicom or China Telecom is recommended instead. In general, apps that are widespread internationally are banned in China, and Chinese people typically use Chinese apps that are sometimes close copies of their foreign equivalents instead. The most important is '''[https://www.wechat.com/ WeChat]''' (微信 Wēixìn), which Chinese people use instead of the internationally popular WhatsApp. WeChat is a combination messaging app, social network, and mobile payment service, and downloading it is essential if you want to start making friends in China or stay in the country for an extended period. The interface can be set to English, Chinese, and various other languages. ====Area codes==== The country dialing code for mainland China is '''86'''. The dialing code is '''852''' for Hong Kong, '''853''' for Macau, and '''886''' for Taiwan. * Major cities with eight-digit numbers have a two-digit area code. For example, Beijing is (0)10 plus an eight-digit number. Other places use seven- or eight-digit local numbers and a three-digit area code that does not start with 0, 1 or 2. So for example: (0)756 plus 7 digits for Zhuhai. The north uses small numbers, the south has larger numbers. * Normal cell phones do not need an area code. The numbers are composed of 130 to 132 (or 156/186) plus 8 digits (China Unicom, GSM/UMTS), 133/153/189 plus 8 digits (China Telecom, CDMA) or 134 to 139 (or 150/152/158/159/188) plus 8 digits (China Mobile, GSM/TD-SCDMA). Additional prefixes have been introduced; a good rule of thumb is that an 11-digit domestic phone number that starts with 1 is a mobile number. Mobile phone numbers are geographic; if you attempt to dial a mobile number issued outside of the province you are in from a landline, you will be prompted to redial the number with a zero in front for long-distance. * There are two additional non-geographic prefixes. A number starting with 400 can be dialed from any phone and is treated as a local call with associated airtime charges, while a number starting with 800 is totally free but can ''not'' be dialed from mobile phones. ====Emergency numbers==== The following emergency telephone numbers work in all areas of China; calling them from a cell phone is free. * Patrol Police: '''110''' * Fire Department: '''119''' * (Government-owned) Ambulance/EMS: '''120''' * (some areas private-owned) Ambulance: 999 * Traffic Police: 122 * Directory inquiries: 114 * Consumer Protection: 12315 112 and 911 do not connect you to emergency service personnel. It is also possible to contact the police by sending SMS message to '''12110XXX''', where XXX is the area code of the prefectural-level city you are located. See [[w:Telephone numbers in China|this list]] for more information. {{related|Working_in_China}} {{related|Rail_travel_in_China}} {{related|List_of_Chinese_provinces_and_regions}} {{related|Driving_in_China}} {{related|Golf_in_China}} {{IsPartOf|East Asia}} {{usablecountry}} {{geo|35|103|zoom=4}} 2wi73hrdqyf9d7cf2sdl0mlk9d3mkzi 0 8540 4487878 4485738 2022-07-21T18:32:31Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Climate */ rewrite section for [[Wikivoyage:Rewriting Expedition]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska'') and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska'') and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura'''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has an excellent corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]] - [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] - [[Ljubljana]] - [[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich - [[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need road assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h - within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h - outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h - on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h - on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h - for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h - for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and Čazmatrans [http://www.cazmatrans.hr/njem-zg.html]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]] - [[Zadar]] - [[Split]] - [[Hvar]] - [[Korčula]] -[[Dubrovnik]] - [[Bari]] * Split - [[Ancona]] - Split * Korčula - Hvar - Split - Ancona * Zadar - Ancona - Zadar * Zadar - [[Dugi otok]] - Ancona * Dubrovnik - Bari - Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split - Ancona - Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel - especially when you travel with luggage - domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points - e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice - [http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] - Bus Terminal Zagreb, timetable information, content in Croatian, English * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] - bus company - timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English. *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] - bus company - timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German and Italian. * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] - bus company - timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English and German. * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] - bus terminal and company information in Dubrovnik, with international and domestic information. Content mostly in Croatian. ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] - Jadrolinija is the Croatian National ferry company, and as well as routes operating from the major cities to the islands, operate a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet and Korčula. Check timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] is an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat], speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines], is an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments - 50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat - pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday - Saturday basis in peak season (May - September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation - there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off) - the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before - find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva' - a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112 - responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} 6hec7wo7bgqq5033o0yqx7q47vqtcm3 4487879 4487878 2022-07-21T18:33:53Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Climate */ ce wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska'') and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska'') and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]] - [[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]] - [[Ljubljana]] - [[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich - [[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need road assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h - within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h - outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h - on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h - on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h - for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h - for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and Čazmatrans [http://www.cazmatrans.hr/njem-zg.html]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]] - [[Zadar]] - [[Split]] - [[Hvar]] - [[Korčula]] -[[Dubrovnik]] - [[Bari]] * Split - [[Ancona]] - Split * Korčula - Hvar - Split - Ancona * Zadar - Ancona - Zadar * Zadar - [[Dugi otok]] - Ancona * Dubrovnik - Bari - Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split - Ancona - Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel - especially when you travel with luggage - domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points - e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice - [http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] - Bus Terminal Zagreb, timetable information, content in Croatian, English * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] - bus company - timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English. *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] - bus company - timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German and Italian. * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] - bus company - timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English and German. * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] - bus terminal and company information in Dubrovnik, with international and domestic information. Content mostly in Croatian. ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] - Jadrolinija is the Croatian National ferry company, and as well as routes operating from the major cities to the islands, operate a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet and Korčula. Check timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] is an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat], speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines], is an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments - 50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat - pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday - Saturday basis in peak season (May - September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation - there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off) - the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before - find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva' - a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112 - responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} g4vo2usx2c3yqas4j4eaq7mouo6a1tl 4487886 4487879 2022-07-21T18:53:24Z Twsabin 2272730 generalized fixes [dashes, grammar] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need road assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and Čazmatrans [http://www.cazmatrans.hr/njem-zg.html]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – bus Terminal Zagreb, timetable information, content in Croatian, English * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company{{snd}}timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English. *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company{{snd}}timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German and Italian. * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company{{snd}}timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English and German. * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company information in Dubrovnik, with international and domestic information. Content mostly in Croatian. ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} r42fmae9c5st78612xyou4i940k7m1u 4487889 4487886 2022-07-21T18:56:05Z Twsabin 2272730 /* By bus */ fmt wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need road assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and Čazmatrans [http://www.cazmatrans.hr/njem-zg.html]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – bus Terminal Zagreb (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company information in Dubrovnik (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} ktx3k3zk4g0d59xxzdgujgcdu2erzfd 4487890 4487889 2022-07-21T18:57:09Z Twsabin 2272730 /* By bus */ official english name wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need road assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and Čazmatrans [http://www.cazmatrans.hr/njem-zg.html]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company information in Dubrovnik (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} rh6t4e8t6cn6nll603oo46whz8uxhzl 4487891 4487890 2022-07-21T18:57:58Z Twsabin 2272730 /* By bus */ rm what seem to be stray words wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need road assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and Čazmatrans [http://www.cazmatrans.hr/njem-zg.html]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} 0qq546ndvi7x1m067g64sirfrwrpakm 4487893 4487891 2022-07-21T19:02:50Z Twsabin 2272730 /* By car */ roadside assistance wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and Čazmatrans [http://www.cazmatrans.hr/njem-zg.html]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} bavf5igwaiidn0ezdo8u835bc854v5d 4487894 4487893 2022-07-21T19:04:37Z Twsabin 2272730 /* By bus */ fix link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} c0w17enjgd3im5a5xcbql3yrdctv83p 4487896 4487894 2022-07-21T19:06:43Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Tipping */ completely wrong (obviously -- "may occur in restaurants"??). Need to think how to best word this wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== <!--Tipping is not particularly common, although it may occur in restaurants and bars. Prices are usually already adjusted upwards, and labour laws ensure a minimum wage for all workers, therefore tipping is usually not expected.--> Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} nyscsh5troljgj1euymklo9loa6nh6r 4487918 4487896 2022-07-21T20:02:56Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Tipping */ add information about tipping wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be, 18.5 or 28,5 euro, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} 8l1lgazs6gjqsbglkflt497vkqzdmp2 4487919 4487918 2022-07-21T20:03:39Z Twsabin 2272730 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be 18.5 or 28,5 euro, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} 3adjptukkiox28ny5libzzcflf2b5ta 4487920 4487919 2022-07-21T20:04:16Z Twsabin 2272730 note: I'm using euros because Croatia entered the Eurozone a few days ago wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be 18.5 or 28,5 euros, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} t5hntfw6qyhdj7rsluecvfqryshgaw8 4487930 4487920 2022-07-21T20:16:32Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Money */ add euro information wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. Croatia has become a member of the Eurozone in mid-2022. Starting with January 2023, the euro will become the official currency, replacing kuna. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be 18.5 or 28,5 euros, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. Taxi drivers and hairdressers are often given tips by rounding up the displayed price to the nearest multiple of 5 or 10 kn. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} iwz8iturcs1lz6g0oyedb3sy4tpfzlp 4487978 4487930 2022-07-21T21:08:27Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Tipping */ this may be too obvious / universal wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. Croatia has become a member of the Eurozone in mid-2022. Starting with January 2023, the euro will become the official currency, replacing kuna. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be 18.5 or 28,5 euros, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. It's also somewhat customary to tip certain other service personnell (small amounts only, in the manner of "keep the change"), such as taxi drivers and hairdressers. A unique practice of tipping exists among the pensioners who receive their pension via mail in rural settlements. They may leave any coinage to the postman who delivers it as a sign of appreciation. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} f62dygftymhnzda8usr3ck7vpvkwdjj 4487979 4487978 2022-07-21T21:08:45Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Tipping */ cultural trivia not related to travel at all wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. Croatia has become a member of the Eurozone in mid-2022. Starting with January 2023, the euro will become the official currency, replacing kuna. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be 18.5 or 28,5 euros, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. It's also somewhat customary to tip certain other service personnell (small amounts only, in the manner of "keep the change"), such as taxi drivers and hairdressers. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} ozaksitad9gc8h3ht22mia22q7nk1im 4487981 4487979 2022-07-21T21:12:30Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Buy */ ce /integrate information better/ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are still not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. {{infobox|Croatia in the Eurozone|Croatia has become a member of the Eurozone in mid-2022. Starting with January 2023, the euro will become the official currency, replacing kuna.}} Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be 18.5 or 28,5 euros, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. It's also somewhat customary to tip certain other service personnell (small amounts only, in the manner of "keep the change"), such as taxi drivers and hairdressers. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} 4tu3tsdkut7vypspq995po2mwyt197z 4487982 4487981 2022-07-21T21:13:52Z Twsabin 2272730 /* Money */ tense wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are still not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. {{infobox|Croatia in the Eurozone|Croatia became a member of the Eurozone in mid-2022. Starting with January 2023, the euro will become the official currency, replacing kuna.}} Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be 18.5 or 28,5 euros, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. It's also somewhat customary to tip certain other service personnell (small amounts only, in the manner of "keep the change"), such as taxi drivers and hairdressers. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} n9rvupmm3s76dm7v5twjqlh63n8kddw 4488149 4487982 2022-07-22T08:49:41Z ThunderingTyphoons! 106394 /* Money */Grammar wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Croatia Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} '''[http://croatia.hr/en-GB/Homepage Croatia]''' ([[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]]: ''Hrvatska'') is a Mediterranean country that bridges [[Central Europe]] and the [[Balkans]]. ==Regions== [[Image:Croatia Regions map.png|thumb|500px]] There are three distinct areas of Croatia: Lowland Croatia (''Nizinska Hrvatska''), Littoral Croatia (''Primorska Hrvatska''), and Mountainous Croatia (''Gorska Hrvatska''), and these can be neatly split into five travel regions: {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Istria]] (''Istra'') | region1color=#cba46b | region1items= | region1description=A peninsula in the northwest, bordering [[Slovenia]] | region2name=[[Kvarner]] | region2color=#83aec9 | region2items= | region2description=Seashore and highlands north of Dalmatia, includes subregions: Bay of Kvarner and Highlands (Lika and [[Gorski Kotar]]) | region3name=[[Dalmatia]] (''Dalmacija'') | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=A strip of mainland and islands between the Mediterranean and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region4name=[[Slavonia]] (''Slavonija'') | region4color=#aac496 | region4items= | region4description=Including subregions Slavonija and Baranja (north of river Drava) northeastern area of forests and fields, bordering [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]], and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] | region5name=[[Central Croatia]] (''Središnja Hrvatska'') | region5color=#b5af99 | region5items= | region5description=North central highlands, location of [[Zagreb]] }} ==Cities== <!--Cities and Other destinations lists are limited to 9 items. Please first discuss proposed changes on this page's talk page.--> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zagreb]] |lat=45.816667|long=15.983333|wikidata=Q1435}}, the capital, has a fine old city. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dubrovnik]] |lat=42.640278|long=18.108333|wikidata=Q1722}} is a spectacular walled city and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Osijek]] |lat=45.557531|long=18.679589|wikidata=Q1640}} to the east is the chief city of [[Slavonia]], with many budget flights. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pula]]|lat=44.866667|long=13.85|wikidata=Q4656}} is the main town of [[Istria]] with a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rijeka]]|lat=45.316667|long=14.416667|wikidata=Q1647}} is Croatia's main port, with ferries across to Italy and to the Adriatic islands. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Split]]|lat=43.51|long=16.45|wikidata=Q1663}} has an entire ancient city shoehorned into a Roman Imperial palace. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zadar]]|lat=44.114167|long=15.227778|wikidata=Q3370}} has a rich history and lies in a scenic area, yet is overlooked by most tourists. ==Other destinations== '''The islands''' are some of the best of what Croatia has to offer. There are reckoned to be 1244, but the top handful are: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cres]] |lat=44.96|long=14.408056|wikidata=Q13280}}, large and well-developed. Nearby '''Krk''' is nowadays connected to the mainland. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Brač]] |lat=43.316667|long=16.633333|wikidata=Q922}} is a long thin island, with Supetar its main port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hvar]] |lat=43.133333|long=16.733333|wikidata=Q5993}} has a charming old port. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Korčula]] |lat=42.95|long=17.116667|wikidata=Q13288}} has an attractive old town and string of little villages. '''Inland''' in the rugged mountains are many scenic areas: * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Žumberak]]|lat=45.7|long=15.46|wikidata=Q394286}} is the mountainous region between Slovenia and Croatia. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plitvice National Park]] |lat=44.880556|long=15.616111|wikidata=Q189849}} is a spectacular scenic area and {{UNESCO}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Krka National Park]]|lat=43.801944|long=15.972778|wikidata=Q828155}} is a river valley near Šibenik. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationCroatia.png}} [[File:Zut srednji kanal.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Croatia has 1244 islands]] [[File:Trg bana Jelacica Zagreb 30102012 2 roberta f.jpg|thumb|right|Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb]] ===Climate=== The climate of Croatia is diverse. The continental part has a generally temperate continental climate, but with summers that are often very hot (average temperature: January -10°C to 5°C; August 19°C to 39°C), while mountainous areas at their highest elevation have a colder, alpine-like climate, and have the most precipitation. The coastal part has a Mediterranean climate which is on average warmer, but also more even throughout the year, and not normally marked by prolonged extreme heat (average temperature: January 6°C to 11°C; August 21°C to 39°C). This is because the temperature changes are moderated by the Adriatic sea. Still, the area is not immune to heatwaves which may cause wildfires to erupt; they are managed by firefighters and rarely cause significant damage to communities. Mediated by the local topography, specific seaside areas experience a dry and cool wind forcefully descending from the mountains, called ''bura''; it can adequately be summed up as unpleasant (upon direct exposure), however it has a positive corollary in that it brings in high-quality mountain air. Dalmatia in particular has exceptionally high annual sun, especially on the islands, with 2700 hours of sunlight per year on the record. ===Terrain=== Croatia's geography is diverse with flat agricultural plains along the Hungarian border (Central European area), low mountains and highlands near the Adriatic coastline, and islands. There are 1,246 islands; the largest ones are [[Krk]] and [[Cres]]. The highest point is Dinara at 1,830&nbsp;m. ===History=== In ancient times, what is now Croatia was part of the regions of Illyria and Dalmatia. This region came under [[Roman Empire|Roman control]] and became a province known as Illyricum from 27 BC. In the 5th century, Rome was declining and the Ostrogoths seized an opportunity to rule the area for a short period. The Avars arrived soon after, incorporating the land into the Avar Khaganate. In the early 7th century the Croats came and defeated the Avars, and formed two duchies: Croatia and Pannonia. The establishment of the Trpimirović Dynasty ca 850 strengthened the Dalmatian Croat Duchy, which together with the Pannonian principality became a kingdom in 925 under King Tomislav. The independent Croatian kingdom lasted until 1102 when Croatia, after a series of dynastic struggles entered into a personal union with Hungary, with a Hungarian king ruling over both countries. In 1526, after the Battle of Mohács, in which Hungary suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Ottoman Turks, Croatia severed its relationship with Hungary and its parliament (Sabor) voted to form a new personal union with the Habsburg Monarchy. Croatia remained an autonomous kingdom within the Hapsburg state (and later [[Austria-Hungary]]) until the empire's dissolution following its defeat in World War I. In 1918, a short-lived State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs (carved out of south Slavic parts of Austria-Hungary) joined the Kingdom of Serbia to form the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. The new state was unitarist in character, erasing all historical borders within its new territorial division, which resulted in a strong movement for more autonomy for Croatia. This was achieved in 1939, only days before the start of World War II, when Croatia was granted broad autonomy within Yugoslavia as Banovina of Croatia. When Axis powers Germany and Italy invaded Yugoslavia in 1941, the state was dissolved, parts of it annexed to Germany and Italy, and puppet governments installed in Croatia and Serbia. After the 1941 split between the Partisans and the Chetniks in Serbia, the Chetnik groups in central, eastern, and northwestern Bosnia found themselves caught between the German and Ustaše (NDH) forces on one side and the Partisans on the other. Almost immediately, a strong resistance movement was formed, led by communist leader Josip Broz "Tito" (whose father was a Croat), which gained broad popular support. The Ustasa-led Nazi puppet state, the Independent State of Croatia – which included most of present-day Croatia, all Bosnia and Herzegovina and a small part of Serbia – had a population of some six million people, including around 3.5 million Croats, 1.8 million Serbs and 700,000 Bosniaks. Modelled on Nazi Nuremberg laws, the NDH in April 1941 passed legislation against “non-Aryan” Jews and Roma. After Jasenovac concentration camp was founded in 1941, solely by the governing Ustaše regime rather than by Nazi Germany as in the rest of occupied Europe, in its vision of an ethnically pure state – with Bosniaks considered as Croats of the Muslim faith – the NDH started targeting Serbs and two minorities, Jews and Roma, and others were killed because they were anti-fascists, as well as real or suspected political enemies. In the 2000s, the Jasenovac Memorial Site started working on a list of all the inmates who were killed or died at the camp, using existing name-by-name lists, documents, confirmations of deaths and verifications by relatives. The Memorial site has put together the most comprehensive name-by-name list so far, which includes a total of 83,145 victims. Sorted by ethnicity, the list has 47,627 Serbs, 16,173 Roma and 13,116 Jews, while Croats, Bosniaks and others make up the total number. While the Memorial Site itself says that the number is not final, as well as admitting the possibility that there are isolated mistakes in its list, it believes that the total death toll is within its estimate of between 80,000 and 100,000 people. By early 1945, the NDH army withdrew towards Zagreb with German and Cossack troops. They were overpowered and the advance of Tito's Partisan forces, joined by the Soviet Red Army, caused a mass retreat of the Ustaše towards Austria. The British Army, however, refused them entry and turned them over to the Partisan forces, starting the Bleiburg repatriations. Although NDH (1941–1945) was part of Croatia's history, current Constitution of Croatia does not officially recognise the Independent State of Croatia as the historical or legitimate predecessor state of the current Croatian republic. The end of World War II resulted in the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yugoslavia, which later became the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with the Constitution of 1946 officially making the People's Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina two of the six constituent republics of the new state. Communist Yugoslavia was formed with Tito becoming "president for life". Tito ruled with a strong hand, using political repression and secret police to quell any separatist sentiments, with the official motto of the new country being "Brotherhood and Union". Still, because Yugoslavia didn't belong to the Warsaw Pact, having broken off political ties with the USSR in 1948, it was by far the most open socialist country in Europe and its citizens enjoyed more civil liberties and a higher living standard than the rest of the Communist bloc. After Tito's death in 1980, the weakening of political repression led to a period of political instability. Faced with the rise of nationalist sentiment, a decade-long recession, and the weakening of communist grip on power on the eve of the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the first free elections were held in Yugoslavia in almost 45 years. In January 1990, the Communist Party fragmented along national lines, with the Croatian and Slovenian delegations demanded a looser federation, while the Serbian side, headed by Slobodan Milošević, opposed this leading to a rise in inter-ethnic tensions. In late April and early May 1990, the first multi-party elections were held in Croatia, with Franjo Tuđman's win and constitutional changes in 1990 transformed the Socialist Republic of Croatia into the Republic of Croatia. Nationalist Serbs in Croatia boycotted the Croatian Sabor and seized control of Serb-inhabited territory, setting up road blocks and voting for those areas to become autonomous. The Serb "autonomous oblasts" would soon become increasingly intent on achieving independence from Croatia. This led to open war in Croatia and later in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and by mid-1991, the Croatian War of Independence had already started. Croatia was first recognised as an independent state on 26 June 1991 by Slovenia, which declared its own independence on the same day as Croatia. But by 29 June, the Croatian and Slovenian authorities agreed to a three-month moratorium on the independence declaration, in an effort to ease tensions. On 8 October 1991, the Croatian Parliament severed all remaining ties declaring their independence from Yugoslavia. Serb-controlled areas of Croatia were part of the three "Serb Autonomous Oblasts" later known as the Republic of Serbian Krajina, bulk of which would not be under Croatian control until 1995. Finally, the Croatian independence was internationally recognised in January 1992, when both the European Economic Community and the United Nations granted Croatia diplomatic recognition, and the country was accepted into the United Nations shortly thereafter. The war ended four years later, in 1995, with a decisive Croatian victory in Operation Storm. Present day borders of Croatia were established when the remaining Serb-held areas of eastern Slavonia were restored to Croatia pursuant to the Erdut Agreement of November 1995, with the process concluded in January 1998. The anniversary of Operation Storm is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in Croatia every August 5. After a period of accelerated economic growth in the late 1990s and 2000s Croatia joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Croatia today is a functioning liberal democracy, with a free market system and a robust welfare state. ===Holidays=== * '''January 1''': New Year's Day * '''January 6''': Epiphany * '''Easter''' (according to the Gregorian calendar) * '''Corpus Christi''' (60 days after Easter) * '''May 1''': International Workers' Day * '''June 22''': Anti-Fascist Struggle Day * '''June 25''': Statehood Day * '''August 5''': Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian defenders * '''August 15''': Assumption of Mary * '''October 8''': Independence Day * '''December 25''': Christmas ==Talk== {{Seealso|Croatian phrasebook}} The main language is [[Croatian phrasebook|Croatian]], a Slavic language similar to [[Serbian phrasebook|Serbian]] and [[Bosnian phrasebook|Bosnian]]. Most younger Croatians who grew up after the fall of communism can speak English to some level, but [[German phrasebook|German]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are also very popular (largely because of the large annual influx of German and Italian tourists). Elderly people rarely speak English, although they may be able to converse in German or Italian. Some people might also speak [[French phrasebook|French]] or [[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]. Many older people can speak Russian as it was a compulsory second language in schools during the communist era, but this has largely been supplanted by English among the younger generations. ==Get in== [[File:Schengen visa requirements.svg|thumb|450px| Visa policy of Schengen states]] ===Entry requirements=== {{Schengen-not-implemented}} Any person not covered by a visa exemption will need to apply for a visa at a Croatian embassy or consulate in advance. The application fee for a short stay Croatian visa is {{EUR|35}}. However, it may be possible for multiple-entry Schengen visa holders to use their Schengen visa to enter Croatia provided that it remains valid during their stay. More information about visa exemptions and the visa application procedure is available at the website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs [http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/]. ===By plane=== Croatia has international airports in Zagreb, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/ Zagreb]''' ({{IATA|ZAG}}) as the capital city is the hub for [http://www.croatiaairlines.com/ Croatia Airlines], with conventional-carrier flights to the other major cities of Europe, plus Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha. There are domestic flights to Osijek, Pula, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik. * '''[http://www.osijek-airport.hr/ Osijek]''' ({{IATA|OSI}}) in the east of the country has flights to Cologne, Zagreb and Dubrovnik, and that's about all. It used to have budget flights serving travellers heading into nearby Serbia, but nowadays they can fly to Belgrade so this traffic has dried up. * '''[https://airport-pula.hr/ Pula]''' ({{IATA|PUY}}), '''[http://www.rijeka-airport.hr Rijeka]''' ({{IATA|RJK}}), '''[https://www.zadar-airport.hr Zadar]''' ({{IATA|ZAD}}), '''[http://www.split-airport.hr Split]''' ({{IATA|SPU}}) and '''[https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik]''' ({{IATA|DBV}}) largely serve the tourist trade, with many seasonal flights across Europe. They're rather quiet in winter after the daily flight to Zagreb has departed. See also individual city pages "Get in". Europe is well-served, but from North America, you'll need to change at a continental hub such as London or Frankfurt. Airports in neighbouring countries are sometimes a better option. These include [[Ljubljana]], [[Graz]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice|Venice Marco Polo]]. Conversely, Dubrovnik is sometimes used as the airport for Montenegro, though less often nowadays as flights to Tivat have expanded. ===By train=== [[File:Estación Principal de FF.CC., Zagreb, Croacia, 2014-04-20, DD 03.JPG|thumb|The main railway station in Zagreb]] The rail network passenger lines are operated by [https://prodaja.hzpp.hr/en Hrvatske Željeznice (HŽ) Putnički Prijevoz (PP)]. They connect all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]] (you can take a train to Split then take one of the frequent buses or the more scenic ferry to Dubrovnik, the train station is at the pier). There are direct lines from [[Austria]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Switzerland]], [[Germany]], [[Hungary]], [[Slovenia]]. There are indirect lines from almost all other European countries. From neighbouring countries, there are EuroCity, InterCity and EuroNight rail services: * From Germany: One night train per dayː [[Munich]]{{snd}}[[Salzburg (city)|Salzburg]]{{snd}}[[Ljubljana]]{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Austriaː One daily EC train from Vienna, additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Hungaryː Two daily EC trains and additional seasonal overnight trains (tickets & timetable online at https://jegy.mav.hu/) * From Switzerlandː One night train per dayː Zurich{{snd}}[[Zagreb]] (tickets & timetable online at https://tickets.oebb.at/en) * From Slovakia and Czech Republicː Seasonal overnight trains from RegioJet and ZSSK No direct trains operate between Zagreb, Beograd and Sarajevo. While Croatia is covered on some [[Rail travel in Europe#Rail passes|Eurail passes]], staff at domestic ticket windows tend to have no idea about validating the pass on the first day of use. There are recorded instances of staff saying that the conductor would validate the pass, and the conductor simply treating it as a regular ticket. Fortunately, the international ticket staff (particularly in Zagreb) are aware of how to validate the pass, and have been known to validate it retroactively where necessary. They even ask for the details of the domestic ticket seller who gave the wrong information. The traveller is therefore recommended to have already validated their Eurail pass on arrival in Croatia, or to have it validated at an international window even if the first trip on it will be domestic. ===By car=== To enter Croatia, a driver's license, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents are required. If you need roadside assistance, you should dial 1987. The following speeds are permitted: * 50&nbsp;km/h – within built-up areas * 90&nbsp;km/h – outside built-up areas * 110&nbsp;km/h – on major motor routes * 130&nbsp;km/h – on motorways * 80&nbsp;km/h – for motor vehicles with a caravan trailer * 80&nbsp;km/h – for buses and buses with a light trailer When driving in the rain, you should adjust speed to conditions on wet roads. Driving with headlights is not obligatory during the day (during Daylight Savings Time; it is obligatory during winter months). Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Maximum permitted amount of alcohol in blood is 0.05% (matching neighbouring Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina) although this has varied and was down to 0% until that was found to not be tenable in the country. Use of seat belts is obligatory. [http://www.hak.hr Hrvatski Auto Klub] is the Croatian Automobile Club dedicated to assisting drivers and promoting greater traffic security. Its site offers minute-by-minute updates, status of national traffic, weather, numerous maps and webcams all over Croatia. Content is available in Croatian, English, German and Italian. ===By bus=== Once you're in the country, Croatia has a reliable and cheap bus network. If you are coming from [[Italy]] there are two buses daily from [[Venice]] leaving at 11:00 and 13:45 going to Istria, with a final stop in [[Pula]]. These are operated by different bus companies, but you can buy tickets for both buses at the ATVO bus office at the Venice bus station. The office is in the bus station, but located outside on the ground level across from where all the buses park. Both buses pick up at spot b15. It is roughly a 5-hour bus ride, with stops in [[Trieste]] and [[Rovinj]]. You can also pick up the bus at the bus station in Mestre, 15 minutes after the scheduled bus leaves Venice. Coming in from Trieste, Italy is popular among Europeans, for Trieste is a Ryanair destination. There are multiple daily bus lines from Trieste to Croatian cities operated by the [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] bus company. You cross the Italian-Slovenian border first, and then the Slovenian-Croatian border, but they are very close to one another. [[Dubrovnik]] and [[Split]] are the main destinations of international buses from [[Bosnia and Hercegovina]] or [[Montenegro]], with daily buses travelling to cities such as [[Sarajevo]], [[Mostar]] and [[Kotor]] (some lines such as Split-Mostar operate every few hours). Seasonal lines also extend through to [[Skopje]] from Dubrovnik. Border formalities on the buses are extremely efficient, and do not involve leaving the bus (previous services from Dubrovnik to Kotor involved changing buses at the Croatian border). [[Osijek]] is a large bus hub for international travel to [[Hungary]], [[Serbia]] and [[Bosnia]] in addition to its local buses, and the station is located conveniently next to the railway station. Many buses heading from Zagreb north into Hungary or [[Austria]] will pass through [[Varaždin]]. * From [[Germany]] you can travel to most Croatian larger cities with [https://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] and [https://cazmatrans.hr/en Čazmatrans]. ===By boat=== [[File:Split and its harbour (22513292971).jpg|thumb|Split harbour]] [[File:Dubrovnik1bqw.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Dubrovnik is a city in Southern Dalmatia. Croatia has 20 UNESCO heritage sites and treasures of tradition.]] Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast. Although not the fastest, they are probably the best way to see the beautiful Croatian islands of the Adriatic Sea. [http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2 Jadrolinija] is the main Croatian passenger shipping line that maintains the largest number of regular international and domestic ferry and shipping lines. The following international lines are serviced by car ferries: * [[Rijeka]]{{snd}}[[Zadar]]{{snd}}[[Split]]{{snd}}[[Hvar]]{{snd}}[[Korčula]]{{snd}}[[Dubrovnik]]{{snd}}[[Bari]] * Split{{snd}}[[Ancona]]{{snd}}Split * Korčula{{snd}}Hvar{{snd}}Split{{snd}}Ancona * Zadar{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Zadar * Zadar{{snd}}[[Dugi otok]]{{snd}}Ancona * Dubrovnik{{snd}}Bari{{snd}}Dubrovnik [http://www.blueline-ferries.com Blue Line International] also covers the international line Split{{snd}}Ancona{{snd}}Split [http://venezialines.com Venezia Lines] has regular catamaran lines between [[Venice]] and the Croatian cities of [[Poreč]], [[Pula]], [[Rovinj]] and [[Rabac]]. ==Get around== ===By plane=== National airline company '''[http://www.croatiaairlines.hr/ Croatia Airlines]''' connects major cities in Croatia to each other and foreign destinations. Due to the comparatively short distances and relatively high hassle of air travel{{snd}}especially when you travel with luggage{{snd}}domestic air travel is used mostly for getting to end points{{snd}}e.g., Zagreb to Dubrovnik (see map) and vice-versa. Another popular flight (available in the summer months only) is between Split and Osijek, saving a long trip back through Croatia, or alternatively through the middle of Bosnia. ===By train=== Train travel is definitely improving in Croatia, with money being spent on updating the aging infrastructure and vehicles. Trains are clean and mostly on time. Croatia's rail network connects all major Croatian cities, except [[Dubrovnik]]. If you want to visit Dubrovnik, you will have to travel by train to [[Split]], and then go on the bus for Dubrovnik. Trains to [[Pula]] are actually connected via [[Slovenia]] due to historical accident, though there are designated connecting buses from [[Rijeka]]. Rail is still the cheapest connection between inland and coast, though not the most frequent. 160 km/h "tilting trains" that connect Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Rijeka and [[Osijek]] provide more comfort and fast journeys between cities (Zagreb-Split is 5.5 hr, Osijek is 3, when other trains take around 4.5 hr). If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount, or if you are a holder of an ISIC card. Information for the trains can be found on the Hrvatske željeznice{{snd}}[http://www.hzpp.hr/en Croatian Railways] site in Croatian and English has timetable and prices. Tickets are not usually sold on board, except if you happen to get on the train on one of the few stations/stops without ticket sales. However, only local trains stop on such stations. In all other cases, a ticket bought on the train will cost considerably more than the one bought outside the train. ===By bus=== [[File:Gare routière de Šibenik.JPG|thumb|Bus station in Šibenik. As elsewhere in the former Yugoslavia, bus is a practical way for getting around]] A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. Bus service between major cities (intercity lines) is quite frequent, as are regional services. The most frequent bus terminal in Croatia is Bus Terminal Zagreb (in Croatian "Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb"). Buses are faster than trains for inter-city travel. See [[Bus travel in the former Yugoslavia]] for more information. * [http://www.akz.hr Autobusni kolodvor Zagreb] – Zagreb Bus Station (timetable information, content in Croatian and English) * [http://www.croatiabus.hr/ CroatiaBus] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian and English) *[http://www.arriva.com.hr Arriva Croatia] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, German, and Italian) * [http://www.ap.hr/ Autobusni promet Varaždin] – bus company (timetable information, prices, content in Croatian, English, and German) * [http://www.libertasdubrovnik.hr/ Libertas Dubrovnik] – bus terminal and company (international and domestic information; content mostly in Croatian) ===By boat=== Croatia is endowed with a beautiful coastline which is best explored by ferry to access the hundreds of islands. In many instances, the only way to get to the islands is by ferry or catamaran. If you plan on using either you should check these web sites because they have the regular ferry and catamaran information. * Jadrolinija [http://www.jadrolinija.hr] – the national ferry company. In addition to the routes operating from the major cities to the islands, it operates a ferry along the Adriatic Coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (and then across to Bari, Italy) calling at Split, Hvar, Mljet, and Korčula. Check the timetables [http://www.croatiatraveller.com/ferries/coastal_ferries.htm] as the schedules are seasonal. The boats are large and have sleeping facilities as the Rijeka-Split leg goes overnight. *[https://www.snav.it/hr/ SNAV] – an Italian company connecting Split with Ancona and Pescara. Check timetables [https://www.snav.it/en/] as the schedules are seasonal. *[http://www.speedtaxiboat.com Split Taxi Boat] – speed taxi boat transfers from Split Town or Split Airport to nearby islands. *[http://www.azzuralines.com/ Azzura lines] – an Italian operator connecting Dubrovnik with Bari Check timetables [http://azzuralines.com/] as the schedules are seasonal. Outside the summer months it is often difficult or impossible to make a day trip to the more remote islands. This is because ferry schedules are made to suit commuters who live on islands and travel to the mainland, not vice versa. For a more bespoke experience, there are literally dozens of yacht charter and other boat hire companies at virtually every significant port along the Adriatic coast. ===By car=== [[File:Sisak, Croatia - panoramio (1).jpg|thumb|309x309px|Sisak is a city in Central Croatia, 55 km from Zagreb. ]] Roads in Croatia are usually well maintained, but can be very narrow and full of curves. Some local roads in Istria have been worn down to a smooth surface from regular wear and tear, and can be extremely slippery when wet. Highways with more than one lane per direction (motorways) tend to connect major cities and can be well out of the way even for some longer routes such as to Plitvice. Speed limits outside motorways are thus low (60–90&nbsp;km/h), and it's not recommended to drive faster (although most locals do), especially at night. Beware of animals crossing the road. In case you want to overtake a slow vehicle on a narrow road, often the drivers in front of you will flash their right yellow turning lights and drive all the way on the right to signal the drivers behind that it is okay to overtake. But this is at your own risk. Renting a car is around the same price as in the EU (from around {{EUR|40}}). Almost all cars have a manual transmission. Most rental agencies in the Balkans allow you to rent a car in one country and drive in the neighbouring countries however try to avoid a renting a car in Serbia and driving it into Croatia (or vice versa) in order to avoid negative attention from nationalists. On Croatian Motorways [http://www.croatia-expert.com/2009/03/toll-croatian-highway/] toll fees apply (and may be paid in either kuna or euros). The A6 motorway runs between Zagreb and [[Rijeka]], and the main motorway A1 from [[Zagreb]] to [[Dubrovnik]] is still under construction (the current ending point is in Vrgorac, which is 70&nbsp;km from Dubrovnik). To reach southern Dalmatia including Dubrovnik, you must cross a short portion of Bosnia-Herzegovina (the Neum strip), so check if you need a visa or other special requirements for entry into Bosnia (EU and US citizens don't need a visa). A bridge to Pelješac peninsula is in construction and will soon allow travel to Dubrovnik without passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another major motorway is the A3, linking the Slovenian border (not far from Zagreb) with eastern Croatia and the Serbian border (120&nbsp;km from Belgrade). The general speed limit on motorways is {{kmh|130}}. You will probably encounter cars driving much faster, but following their example is of course highly unsafe. Check your mirrors before pulling into the left (passing) lane, cars may approach from behind at higher speeds than on typical Western European motorways. When exiting a toll motorway, ask the receipt at toll booth if it is not given to you to be sure you do not get overcharged (you could receive along with the receipt some unexpected change compared with the price you were given verbally). If an unknown person flashes their car lights at you it may be a sign that they've recently passed a police unit doing speed limit checks. Ensure you comply with all the traffic rules and regulations to avoid being stopped and fined. Trying to find a parking space near Croatia's coastal old towns in the summer can be an exercise in futility. Even though prices range from the merely expensive 7 kn in [[Split]] to the extortionate 30 kn per hour in [[Dubrovnik]], the spaces fill up very quickly. However, away from the old towns, parking is convenient and often free at shopping malls and large supermarkets, sports venues, near residential tower blocks and at restaurants (free for guests). Motorways and border crossings can experience congestion at high-traffic weekends during the tourist season. ===By taxi=== You can use a taxi service by calling 970, or sometimes another number for a private company – check individual city articles. The taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in the busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. Croatian taxis are generally rather expensive. In major cities prices are around €1/km, more in Split but less in Zagreb. Uber and other rideshare services exist but have about the same prices except during surges. You can also book the transportation in advance which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organised in advance. You can also arrange a taxi service by E-mail in advance to have even more comfort and to save money since these taxi operators are cheaper than the regular [http://www.taxisplit.net taxi service.] Ride-hailing is available in Croatia and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/zagreb/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Zagreb. }} ===By thumb=== Hitchhiking is generally good, but on some roads, it is is not permitted. Roads on which you cannot hitchhike are usually denoted by a sign with the word 'autostop' crossed out ('autostop' is Croatian for 'hitchhiking'). These are generally motorways: Hitchhiking directly on a motorway (i.e. while standing on the stopping lane) could easily result in a fine if a police car passes by. If you can get to a highway toll stop simply ask people to take you with them as they open their windows to pay the toll. The toll collectors usually won't mind. The tricky part, of course, is to get to the toll stop. If you are in [[Zagreb]] and you are, like most people, heading south, take the bus 111 from the Savski most station in Zagreb and ask the bus driver where to get off to get to the toll stop. The next best place to ask people to pick you up are gas stations. And finally, using the good old thumb will work too if everything else fails. ==See== [[File:Croatian National Theatre Zagreb 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Croatian National Theatre in [[Zagreb]]]] Croatia is dense with places that are well worthy of a visit, owing to its diverse regions, each with its own layered past. Towns and cities generally have a historical urban core that exhibits the architectural heritage of a specific era. To a get a sense of Croatia as a whole—how it was shaped by different influences, and the resulting contrasts—it is important to visit both the coastal and the inland part of the country. [[Dubrovnik]] being such a world renowned destination, it is often taken as the exemplar of the former style. However it is more of an enclosed world with it's admirably individual aesthetic (having been an independent city-state for the most of its history). Other similarly gratifying places, like [[Šibenik]], carry the true spirit of Dalmatia, but going further north along the coast, there is [[Rijeka]], which again has quite a different kind of charm. Dominating continental Crotia lies its capital of [[Zagreb]], a home to nearly 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it mostly has an easy-going atmosphere. In the east, in the region of [[Slavonia]] with its regional capital [[Osijek]] and the war torn [[Vukovar]] are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which give tours and tastings. Throughout the country there are numerous cultural venues that are worth seeing. Croatia has 7 [[UNESCO]] protected sites, 8 national parks and 10 nature parks. In total, the country has 444 protected areas. Beautiful Adriatic sea stretches along {{convert|1777|km|0|abbr=on}} of coastline, there are 1,246 islands to be seen making Croatia an attractive nautical destination. ==Do== [[File:Hvar from Fortica.JPG|300px|thumb|right|City of [[Hvar]] has average of 2726 hours of sunshine per year, as do many other Croatian towns on Adriatic coast. Croatia is a land of urban culture which numbers more cities than any other part of the Mediterranean]] ===Sailing=== Sailing is a good way to see the coastal islands and networks of small archipelagos, and it gives you a chance to see some incredible bays that are simply inaccessible by anything other than a boat. Most charters leave from [[Split]] or the surrounding area on the North or the South circuit, each offering its own pros and cons, although [[Dubrovnik]] is becoming increasingly popular. A good way is to book a package with a company at home (and let them worry about speaking in Croatian!), although many Croatian companies do offer both bareboat and crewed charters. Booking a charter vessel is basically done in two payments{{snd}}50 percent of the charter price is paid as a deposit, after which the booking is confirmed. The other 50 percent of the charter fee is usually paid six weeks before the charter date. Before paying the first charter fee you should request to see the charter contract from the agency where you chartered a boat{{snd}}pay close attention to the cancellation fees because many times if you cancel your charter vacation you could lose the initial fifty percent you have already paid. After that you are all set to go sailing. Most yachts are only available on a Saturday{{snd}}Saturday basis in peak season (May{{snd}}September) but there may be more flexibility from yacht companies in April and October if you can't do the full week. When you arrive at the 'home marina' (where your chartered yacht is situated), you need to do the check in (usually Saturday around 16:00) and you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation{{snd}}there is usually a mini-market in the marina, but it will be expensive compared to a normal supermarket. Typically you will be nearest a big supermarket on the first day, so it's the best time to stock up. Buy everything that you possibly can (that won't go off){{snd}}the sea and winds can unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink! Top up your shopping with fresh bread, meat, fruit and vegetables in local marinas. You can also order from yacht provisioning services who can deliver your shopping straight to your yacht. This is convenient because it takes the load off you and the things you must do when you arrive at the marina for your sailing holiday, but also (obviously) works out more expensive. ===Naturist resorts=== Croatia was the first country in Europe to introduce the concept of commercial [[naturism|naturist resorts]]. According to some estimates about 15% of all tourists that visit the country are naturists or nudists (more than one million each year). There are more than 20 official naturist resorts as well as a very large number of the so-called free beaches which are unofficial naturist beaches, sometimes controlled and maintained by local tourist authorities. In fact, you are likely to find nudists on any beach outside of town centres. Naturist beaches in Croatia are marked as "FKK". The most popular nudist destinations are [[Pula]], [[Hvar]] and island [[Rab]]. ===Medical tourism=== Increasingly Croatia is becoming a popular place for [[Medical_tourism|health tourism]]. A number of dental surgeries have experience in treating short term visitors to Croatia. Croatian dentists study for 5 years in Zagreb, Split or Rijeka. Harmonization of training with EU standards has begun, in preparation for Croatia's accession. ===Croatia for the disabled=== Facilities for the disabled are not as developed as elsewhere, but there are exceptions to this and certain hotels, camp sites and beaches have facilities for the disabled and wheelchair access. ===Lighthouses=== One of Croatia's more "wild" holiday offers are the lighthouses. Most of them are situated on a deserted coastline or in the open sea. The speciality of this is that you are able to cut yourself off from the rest of the world and take the time to "smell the roses". Sometimes the best way to relax is to take part in a Robinson Crusoe style holiday. Croatia has 11 rent-a-lighthouses along the Adriatic coast: Savudrija, Sv. Ivan, Rt Zub, Porer, Veli Rat, Prisnjak, Sv. Petar, Pločica, Sušac, Struga and Palagruža. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Croatian kuna | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;kn | date=January 2022 | USD=6.6 | EUR=7.5 | GBP=9.0 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/hrk-croatian-kuna XE.com] }} Croatia's official currency is the '''kuna''', denoted by the symbol "'''kn'''" (ISO code: '''HRK'''). Although many tourist business owners may accept euros, they are still not legal tender in Croatia. Any amount of kuna you have left at the end of your stay can be converted to euros at a local bank or exchange office. {{infobox|Croatia in the Eurozone|Croatia became a member of the Eurozone in mid-2022. In January 2023 the euro will become the official currency, replacing the kuna.}} Prices are around 10% to 20% lower than most other EU countries. Tourist destinations and articles are much more expensive. ===ATMs=== ATMs (in Croatian ''bankomat'') are readily available throughout Croatia. They will accept various European bank cards, credit cards (Diners Club, Eurocard/MasterCard, Visa, American Express, etc.) and debit cards (Cirrus, Maestro, Visa electron, etc.) Read the labels and notices on the machine before using. ===Tipping=== Discrete service charges are not included in the bill, so voluntary tipping is customary. However, as in the rest of Europe, waiters and bartenders are paid (at least) a statutory living wage, so tip amounts tend to be on the small side—if you're paying for a drink, a nominal tip by rounding up or leaving just any eurocent coin on the table is normal, but if you're paying for dinner, it's more normal to tip 5-10%, with a bias toward rounding up (say, the bill could be 18.5 or 28,5 euros, and in both cases an equally normal tip would be 1.5 euro). Tipping 10% is a sign that you are satisfied with the service; more than that is unusual. If generally paying with a credit card it's a good idea to carry some small-denomination currency, to be able to tip in cash. It's also somewhat customary to tip certain other service personnell (small amounts only, in the manner of "keep the change"), such as taxi drivers and hairdressers. ===Tax-free shopping=== If you buy goods worth more than 740 kn you are entitled to a PDV (VAT) tax return when leaving the country. This applies to all goods except petroleum products. At point of purchase ask the sales person for a PDV-P form. Fill it out and have it stamped on the spot. On leaving Croatia the receipt will be verified by the Croatian Customs service. A PDV refund in kunas can be obtained within six months, either at the same shop where you bought the goods (in that case the tax will be refunded to you immediately), or by posting the verified receipt back to the shop, together with the account number into which the refund should be paid. In this case the refund is dealt with within 15 days of receipt of the claim. There is another, much easier way to receive the refund. Buy your goods in shops with a "Croatia Tax-free Shopping" label. This label is displayed on the shop's entrance, usually next to the labels of credit and debit cards this particular shop accepts. Using an international coupon, refund is possible in all countries-members of the Tax-free international chain. In this case the service charge is deducted from the tax refund amount. Croatia now uses the Global Blue system. They will do the refund and take a commission. You can do this at the airport or post it once you get home. ===Natural cosmetics=== The ingredients used (herbs, olive oil, etc.) are grown in Croatia. In comparison to some world famous beauty products, Croatian natural cosmetics present real value for money. '''[http://www.ulola.com/ Ulola]''' makes soaps, bath salts, body butters and more. It's all natural and comes in combinations like orange and cinnamon, and goats milk and almond oil. '''[http://www.atea.hr/ S-Atea]''' produces soaps, shower gels, body butter and more. Seaweed, olive oil, rosemary and lavender are some of the ingredients they use. '''[http://www.bracfinisapuni.com/ Brac fini sapuni]''' (Brac quality soaps) makes a wide range of natural soaps. Their bath line includes Aurum Croaticum made from virgin olive oil and thin leafs of 23 carat gold. ===Croatian clothing designers=== There are many Croatian designers and clothing specialists. '''[http://etnobutik-mara.com/ Etnobutik "Mara"]''' (designs by Vesna Milković) offers a range of really unique clothing and accessories inscribed with "glagoljica" (glagolitic script; old Slavic alphabet). Some of her designs are protected as Authentic Croatian produce. '''I-gle''' Fashion Studio by two female designers Nataša Mihaljčišin i Martina Vrdoljak-Ranilović. Their clothing is sold in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (London). '''Nebo''' ("Sky") is a fashion house that makes really nice, funky clothes and shoes. '''Nit''' ("Thread") is definitely not widely known even among Croats but is definitely worth visiting as they have some "funky and arty but serious" clothing items that are "value for money". '''Borovo''' is a well-priced and stylish shoe company which makes everything from flip-flops to desert boots and high heels. ==Eat== [[File:Croatian cheese.JPG|thumb|Croatian cheese]] Croatian cuisine is quite diverse so it is hard to say what meal is most typically Croatian. In the eastern continental regions (Slavonija and Baranja) spicy sausage such as ''kulen'' or ''kulenova seka'' is a must try. ''Čobanac'' ("shepherd's stew") is a mixture of several kinds of meat with a lot of red spicy paprika. In Hrvatsko Zagorje and Central Croatia pasta filled with cheese called ''štrukli'' is a famous delicacy (it is said that the best štrukli in Croatia is served in the Esplanade Hotel restaurant in Zagreb), as is ''purica s mlincima'', which is baked turkey cooked in a special kind of pastry. ''Sir i vrhnje'' (sour cream with cottage cheese) can be bought fresh on the Zagreb main market Dolac. Croats love a bit of oil and you will find plenty of it in ''piroška''. In the mountainous regions of Lika and Gorski Kotar meals containing mushrooms, wild berries and game meat are very popular. One of typical dishes in Lika is ''police'' (oven-baked potatoes covered with bacon) and several kinds of cheese (smoked cheese and ''škripavac''). The coastal region is well known for its truffle delicacies and soup ''maneštra od bobić'' (Istria), Dalmatian ''pršut'' and ''paški sir'' (Pag-island cheese). Dishes made of fresh fish and other products of the sea (calamari, octopus, crabs, scampi) shouldn't be given a miss! Many places serve fish delivered from the local fisherman the night before{{snd}}find out which ones! [[File:Ćevapi.jpg|thumb|Ćevapi]] Croatian cuisine has yet to come up with a fast food representative. The market is dominated by globally ubiquitous hamburgers and pizzas but you will also find "burek" and "ćevapčići" imported from the [[Ottoman Empire]], which stretched from the Middle East to neighbouring Bosnia. The latter two dishes are widely popular throughout Southeastern Europe. Burek is a type of meat or cheese pastry whereas ''ćevapčići'' are seasoned minced meat shaped in finger-size portions served in bread and often covered with onions. Although definitely not a fast meal (takes several hours to prepare), also foreign in origin is the so-called ''sarma'' or sauerkraut rolls filled with minced meat and rice. For those coming back from nightclubs at 04:00 or 05:00 as is common in Croatia, it is popular to go to the local bakery and get fresh bread, burek or krafne (Croatian chocolate filled donuts) straight out of the oven. As far as fast food goes, who needs it when you can buy delicious prsut during the day and warm bread at night to compliment it. Most Croatians generally look down at fast food. Desserts: What it lacks in the fast food department Croatia makes up with a myriad of desserts. Probably the most famous is its delicious creamy cake called ''kremšnite'' but different kinds of ''gibanica'', ''štrudla'' and ''pita'' (similar to strudel and pie) such as ''orehnjača'' (walnut), ''makovnjača'' (poppy) or ''bučnica'' (pumpkin and cheese) are also highly recommended. ''Dubrovačka torta od skorupa'' is delicious but hard to find. ''Paprenjaci'' (pepper cookies) are said to reflect Croatia's tumultuous history because they combine the harshness of the war periods (pepper) with the natural beauties (honey). They can be bought in most souvenir shops though the freshly made ones are always a better choice. ''Rapska torta'' (The Rab island cake) is made with almonds and locally famous cherry liquor ''Maraschino''. This is hardly an exhaustive list and to dive further into the regionalities of Croatian cuisine, one can read the city and region articles. Chocolate candy ''Bajadera'' is available throughout shops in the country and along with ''Griotte'', is one of the most famous products of the Croatian chocolate industry. An unavoidable ingredient in many meals prepared in Croatia is "Vegeta". It is a spice produced by Podravka. Olives: a lot of people claim that Croatian olives and their olive oil are the best in the world. Many brands exist and some of them have several world awards. Try to buy olive oil from Istra (although oil from Dalmatia is also excellent) and choose only Croatian brands for olives. Try to read the label before buying to ensure you are buying Croatian olives and oil, since there are many cheaper imports, usually from Greece. All of this can be found in most supermarkets, but you should be really aware of the imports. Most Croatians aren't experts and prefer cheaper products, so the cheaper oils dominate the shelves. The olive oil is an irreplaceable ingredient in coastal Croatian cuisine, but be aware of the use of cheaper, non-Croatian oil in restaurants. Most tourists don't notice the difference so the restaurants don't find it profitable to use excellent oil; they rather use cheaper Spanish or Greek. Usually, asking the waiter for a better oil (and looking like an expert) helps, and soon the waiter will get you a first-class oil hidden away at the back of the restaurant. ==Drink== [[File:Medica (Međimurje).jpg|thumb|Bottles of medica]] Alcoholic: '''Rakija''', a type of brandy which can be made of plum (''šljivovica''), grapes (''loza''), figs (''smokovača''), honey (''medica'') and many other types of fruit and aromatic herbs, is the main distilled beverage served in Croatia. '''Pelinkovac''' is a bitter herbal liquor popular in Central Croatia, but is said to resemble cough-medicine in flavor. Famous '''Maraschino''', a liquer flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown around Zadar, [[Dalmatia]]. Croatia also produces a broad palette of high quality wines (up to 700 wines with protected geographic origin), beers and mineral water. On the coast people usually serve "bevanda" with meals. Bevanda is heavy, richly flavored red wine mixed with plain water. Its counterpart in northern parts of Croatia is "gemišt". This term designates dry, flavored white wines mixed with mineral water. Two popular domestic beers are "Karlovačko" and "Ožujsko", but "Velebitsko" and "Tomislav pivo" have a semi-cult status. It is served only in some places in Zagreb and Croatia. Many well-known European brands (Stella Artois, Beck's, Carling, Heineken and others) are made under license in Croatia. Non-alcoholic: Mineral water, fruit juices, coffee (espresso, Turkish or instant), tea, Cedevita (instant multivitamin drink), and drinkable yogurt. Sometimes although very rarely you may find "sok od bazge" (elderflower juice) in the continental region. Worth trying! Also, in Istria there is a drink called "pašareta" and it is a sparkling red drink with herbal extracts. Very sweet and refreshing! In some parts of Istria (especially south) in local basements, you can try 'smrikva'{{snd}}a non-alcoholic refreshing drink made out of berries which grow on one sort of pine tree. The taste is a bit sour but very refreshing. Alcoholic drinks can't be sold or served to anyone under 18, though this rule isn't strictly enforced. ==Sleep== Accommodation in Croatia is increasingly geared towards well-furnished, self-declared four- and five-star hotels. Prices are at their most expensive during the warmer months from June to September, especially July and August. Many coastal hotels are closed during the winter but there is at least one place to stay which is open in the off-season in all major towns. Private rooms and apartments are quite common, targeting the mass tourism market as visits to the country have surged in the 2010s. Apartments tend to be self-containing, with a kitchen, bathroom, small lounge, and often a terrace outside. B&Bs haven't really taken off in Croatia because of the bureaucratic rules in place. In the countryside, rural homestays have become more visible, particularly in the inland regions. These homestays are slightly pricier than the private rooms and apartments, but include breakfast and home-cooked meals. ==Learn== European Union citizens have the same status as Croatian citizens when applying to Croatian universities. Full English-language courses in computer science and medicine are available in Zagreb and Split. ==Work== ===Volunteering=== Croatia is the destination of many worldwide volunteer organizations that send groups of volunteers throughout the year to help with agriculture, community development, education, animal welfare, and more. These programs are put together by nonprofits, community groups and volunteers to help locals improve their economy and way of life. With rich cultural history and stunning coastline, Croatia is truly is the jewel of eastern Europe. If you would like to travel to Croatia as a volunteer, visit these websites for volunteer programs, accommodations, travel dates, and tours. * [http://www.essentialcroatia.com Essential Croatia] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} * [http://www.isvonline.com/croatia.html ISV Croatia] * [http://www.vcz.hr Volunteers Centre Zagreb] ==Stay safe== During summer make sure you use adequate SPF to protect yourself from sunburn. There are no ozone holes over Croatia but it's fairly easy to burn in the sun. If this happens make sure you get out of the sun, drink plenty of fluids and rehydrate your skin. The locals will often advise covering the burnt spot with cold yogurt bought from the supermarket. In case of an emergency you can dial 112{{snd}}responsible for dispatching all emergency services such as fire departments, police, emergency medical assistance and mountain rescue. [[File:NE PRILAZITE - NA OVOM PODRUCJU JE VELIKA OPASNOST OD MINA (Hrvatska, 7 Travanj 2007).jpg|thumb|A mine warning sign]] Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 46,317 landmines in Croatia. However these are not to be found in areas visited by tourists. If you plan to hike consult locals before you go. The mine suspected areas are marked with 13,274 mine warning signs. Although mines are still a problem for Croatia, it is highly unlikely you will spot any minefields in Croatia today. If you find yourself in area that can be potential contaminated with mines, do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas. As of 2020, very few minefields remain in some rural areas. For further advice refer to Wikivoyage's [[war zone safety]] section. Watch out for ''bura'' wind danger signs. The bura can be particularly strong in the Velebit area, where it can blow up to 200&nbsp;km/h and overturn lorries. However, if the wind is strong enough to pose a significant danger to all traffic on a road section, that section will be closed. During strong bura wind, avoid any activity on the sea. Accidents caused by wind occur every year and claim adventurous tourists' lives in Croatia. From sailing accidents to drownings due to high water. '''Avoid strip clubs at all costs'''. They are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Foreigners have been charged {{EUR|2000}} for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you can't pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. Using common sense is essential, but due to the nature of the clubs this may be in short supply, and you may be better advised simply to steer well clear of these clubs. Abuse of [[LGBT]] people is possible in Croatia, so travellers should avoid public displays of same-sex affection. People in urban centres are usually more tolerant than those in rural areas. Far-right and Neo-Nazi activism is visible throughout Croatia, mostly targeting minorities like Serbs. While they are somewhat successful in distorting the country's history in World War II (such as by infiltrating the Croatian Wikipedia and feeding it with neo-Nazi propaganda), there is no information that these activists target normal tourists. Bribery and corruption are still common in Croatia, but unless you get involved in criminal activities, you won't be affected. ==Stay healthy== No vaccinations are required when going to Croatia. If you're going camping or hiking in continental Croatia during summer, you should be aware of ticks and tick-carrying diseases such as ''encephalitis'' and ''lyme disease''. Approximately 3 ticks in 1000 carry the virus. In Eastern Slavonia (particularly around the Kopački Rit near Osijek) wear long sleeves and take insect repellent. '''[[Tap water]]''' in Croatia is perfectly safe, and in some areas considered the best in the world. However, you can still choose from several brands of excellent bottled water (Jamnica being the most popular, and Jana, several times awarded as the world's best bottled water.) Though the water may be some of the best in the world, avoid drinking the home-made wine sold in refilled plastic jugs in many local farmer's markets as it may cause intestinal distress. ==Respect== Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, and the 1990s were marked by ethnic conflict and the bloody and brutal war in Croatia is still a painful subject, but generally there should be no problem if you approach that topic with respect. Croatia has seen a heap of invaders through history; Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, etc. Proudly independent today, calling Croatia Yugoslavia or calling Croats Yugoslav, would almost be considered an insult. Also don’t call the Croatian language Serbo-Croatian, as you could easily come across a person sensitive about the issue. Visitors will find that domestic politics and European affairs are everyday conversation subjects in Croatia. Visitors should avoid describing Croatia as a Balkan country, as Croats prefer to think of their country as Mediterranean and Central European, and some will take offence at the word "Balkan". Geographically, southern and coastal Croatia is part of the Balkans, while areas north of the Sava and Kupa rivers are not. Socially, displays of affection among the younger generation are the same as Western European standards, but the older generation (over 65) are still quite conservative. When driving on rural roads, particularly when a driver has to pull in to allow you to pass, it is customary to wave a thanks to the other driver by raising your hand from the steering wheel. Most Croats will respond to "thank you" with something along the lines of "It was nothing" or "not at all" which is equivalent to the English "Don't mention it". ==Connect== ===Telephone=== Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. Since 2006 UMTS (3G) is available as well, and as of 2013 also HSDPA and LTE. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given away for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices. An alternative to using a mobile phone is calling cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn. '''Area codes:''' When calling between cities (actually between counties) or from a mobile phone, you must dial specific area codes: (area code)+(phone number) Zagreb (01) Split (021) Rijeka (051) Dubrovnik (020) Šibenik/Knin (022) Zadar (023) Osijek (031) Vukovar (032) Virovitica (033) Požega (034) Slavonski Brod (035) Čakovec (040) Varaždin (042) Bjelovar (043) Sisak (044) Karlovac (047) Koprivnica (048) Krapina (049) Istria (052) Lika/Senj (053) Mobile phones (091) (092) (095) (097) (098) or (099) ===Internet=== ADSL is common in Croatia. A 4 Mbit connection with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon. Cable internet is available from B.net with a wide range of speeds and prices. Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city (cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges). Private unsecured networks have become uncommon. ===Postal service=== [[File:Poštanski sandučić u Dubrovniku (Zračna luka).jpg|thumb|A Croatian mail box]] Croatia's postal service is generally reliable, even if sometimes a bit slow. Every city and town has a post office. [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?pretpum&id=3417 Here] you can find their exact locations, and [http://www.posta.hr/default.aspx?izracun&id=3417 here] is the price list (the prices change often). ===Television, radio and printed media=== [http://www.hrt.hr HRT], the public television broadcaster, operates four channels, while the commercial networks RTL and Nova TV have two channels each. Foreign films and series are shown with sound in the original language (English, Turkish, German, Italian...) and Croatian subtitles. Only children's programming is dubbed. Many hotels and private apartments have some channels from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Radio stations that feature English-language pop/rock music are HRT-HR 2, Otvoreni and Totalni. They all have occasional traffic reports, but only HR 2 translates them into English, German and Italian during the summer. Other nationwide stations are HRT-HR 1 (news/features), HRT-HR 3 (mostly classical music), Narodni (Croatian pop) and HKR (Catholic radio). Newspapers and magazines from Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia and other countries are available in Croatia. In Zagreb and the northern coastal areas some foreign newspapers arrive on the cover date, elsewhere they are late. {{geo|44.9|15.7|zoom=8}} {{isPartOf|Balkans}} {{outlinecountry}} 7k1bhoziyug7tyxyl0hnnmhfn3foeow 0 8973 4488199 4412612 2022-07-22T11:08:21Z 149.110.134.93 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Dandong_banner.jpg}} '''Dandong''' (丹东; ''Dāndōng''; formerly ''Andong'' (安东)), is a city in [[Liaoning]] Province, [[China]], right next to the [[North Korea]]n border. ==Understand== [[File:Location of Dandong Prefecture within Liaoning (China).png|thumbnail|Location of Dandong in China]] [[File:Dandong name.svg|thumbnail|Dandong in Chinese]] Visitors usually come to Dandong for its close vicinity to the North Korean border. Situated at the confluence of the Yalu River and the Yellow Sea in the southeast of Liaoning Peninsula, facing the North Korean town of [[Sinuiju]] across the Yalu River, small Dandong enjoys its reputation as the largest border city in China. The geographic setting and the rich natural resources of Dandong account for its recent development into a city characterised by the light industry, silk industry (every late May, Dandong is the venue for the Oriental Silk Festival), and also Xiu Jade is famous for sea products and special products, such as Ginseng, hawthorn and chestnut. The quiet riverside city is most famous for the pockmarked Yalu River Bridge spanning distressingly over the river. The bridge survived the bombing during the Korean War, a time when the city still had its old name Andong. Now it is open to the public to commemorate "the defeat of the American Aggression" and is the first choice for a glimpse of North Korea. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Dandong Langtou Airport 丹东浪头机场 | alt={{IATA|DDG}} | url=http://www.ddcei.gov.cn/english/index.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=40.02575 | long=124.286917 | directions=13 miles west of town | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dandong Langtou Airport | wikidata=Q1708821 | content=Flights from Dandong are limited to [[Beijing]] and [[Shanghai]]; therefore, it is probably better to fly in/out of [[Dalian]] or [[Shenyang]] and then take the train or bus to/from Dandong. }} Airport shuttle is available (¥10 as of May 2016). ===By train=== Trains from [[Shenyang]] several times a day with night trains from [[Beijing]], [[Dalian]], [[Changchun]] and [[Qingdao]]. From [[Dalian]], the train takes around 2 to 3 hours, while buses complete the journey in 4 hours. You can also take the train from [[Pyongyang]], [[North Korea]] and [[Moscow]], [[Russia]]. ===By bus=== The long-distance bus station is at 98 Shiwei Lu, near the train station. * '''Beijing''' - takes about 10 hours * '''Shenyang''' - takes about 3 hours * '''Tonghua''' - takes about 5 hours Dalian Express Buses leave from the Baoshan Shicheng on Gong'an Jie. The trip takes about 4 hours. ===By boat=== The [http://www.dandongferry.co.kr Dandong International Ferry company] (Dandong Office: 0415-3152666, Incheon Office: +82-32-891-3322, runs the ferry ''Oriental Pearl'' between Dandong and [[Incheon]] port in [[South Korea]]. The ferry leaves Incheon's Ferry Terminal No. 1 at 17:00 (check-in closing at 15:00) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, arrives at Dandong at 9:00 the next day, and leaves Dandong at 16:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday (check-in closing at 15:00) and arrives at Incheon at 9:00 the next day. Prices: economy (20+ people) 1010 yuans, 6-beds cabin w/ bathroom 1060 yuans. Dandong departure tax: 30 yuans to buy at the terminal. Food available for purchase on board in South Korean won only; yuan exchange possible at very bad rate (no currency exchange at Dandong terminal). The passage takes 15 hours. Buses to the ferry terminal leave Dandong in front of the train station at around 12:00-13:00 (ask station for details) (1 h, 20 yuan). ==Get around== {{Mapframe|40.1167|124.3833|zoom=13}} ===On foot=== If you happen to stay in the original CBD area near the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, getting around by walking is good enough if only staying for a night or two, as the city's main draw for Western visitors, the river promenade to see North Korea, is easily reachable. It's often required to walk on the bike lane as pedestrian walkways are frequently blocked by parked cars. ===By taxi=== If you can't use public buses due to the language barrier, taxis are perhaps best for getting around. They are plentiful all over the city so waiting times should never be long. Almost all of the drivers will bring you anywhere inside the city for the price of ¥10. From downtown to the new district, it should cost between ¥30 to ¥50. When using taxis, make sure the driver activates the meter, and pay attention to it as the meter may 'accidentally' turn off, resulting in the driver demanding more money from you. ===By bus=== As pretty much everywhere in China, buses are an efficient and very affordable way to traverse a city – if you can read Chinese, that is. All lines have flat fares of ¥1 or ¥2 (the latter mostly for lines going to the new district approx. 14 km from the original town). Note that depending on the line, service may stop '''as early as 6 pm'''. One useful line for those who want to see the huge, relatively new double arch bridge across the Yalu river is no. 303, which can take you from the main road at the exit of the Broken Bridge (bus stop 断桥; ''Duanqiao''; across the street, turning right and walking a few metres) to the northern block of the new district (bus stop 国安路口; ''Guoanlukou''), from which it's a 10-minutes walk to the river promenade and the bridge. ===By shared bike=== Bicycles are a great way to explore Dandong, but you will need to be able to read Chinese if you want to use the locally available share bikes. Unlike China's bigger cities, the seemingly all-present Mobike and Ofo companies don't operate here – instead, one is left with two choices, one of which is virtually useless for short-term visitors: * '''ZXBike''' (智想单车; ''Zhixiangdanche''), whose seagreen bikes are easy recognisable by the solar panel mounted behind the seat. You need their app (Chinese only) to unlock a bike; iOS users can download this from the App Store, Android users can download it [http://www.zxbike.cn/ directly from their website]. Bikes are not nearly as easy to find as in Chinese tier 1 cities, however the app can show you a map to locate one nearby. Unfortunately, these bikes can only be used within the original town, ie they cannot be taken to the new district. Price seems to be ¥1 per 30 minutes of usage once unlocked. * The '''Dandong City Government''' provides orange bikes, available from actual docking stations which seem to be most frequent along the river promenade. They can only be hired with the smartcard that's also used to pay local bus fares and can only be obtained from a particular government office in town – not worth the effort unless you actually live in Dandong. ==See== [[Image:Dandong korea.jpg|thumb|right|View of North Korea from Dandong]] * {{see | name=North Korean Border | alt=北韩边界; Běihánbiānjiè | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-03-09 | content=As the boundary between China and North Korea, the Yalu River flows over 300 km between the countries. Yalujiang Park is the best place to view North Korea, see the public sculptures, the swimming platforms (Warning: do not swim into North Korea), and possibly take a fast boat ride up and down the river along the border. There are remnants of an original railroad bridge across the river, bombed and destroyed by the Americans, a few km north of the Friendship Bridge, with a large stone-carved book inscribed in Chinese as a monument onshore. }} * {{see | name=Yalu River Broken Bridge | alt=Yalu Jiang Duan Qiao | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.1162 | long=124.3893 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=¥30 | wikidata=Q11174479 | lastedit=2015-03-09 | content=This bridge reaches only halfway across the river, the other half having been disassembled by the Koreans. The remaining half was strafed by fighter planes in the Korean War. One can walk out to the end of this half-bridge. }} * {{see | name=Memorial of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea | alt=抗美援朝纪念馆 | url=http://en.kmycjng.com/ | email=kgwzjyyx@sina.com | address=7 Shanshang Street, Zhenxing District (振兴区山上街7号) | lat=40.117573 | long=124.358522 | directions=there is a bus stop just outside, which is served by bus nos. 121, 122, 302 and the H1 Red Bus; take bus no. 122 or the H1 Red Bus if coming from Dandong Railway Station | phone=+86 415 2175988 | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30, no entry after 16:00, closed on Mondays | price=Free | wikipedia=Memorial of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea | wikidata=Q4290260 | content=A large museum and monument built on a hill overlooking central Dandong and the Yalu river. The many, well-labeled bilingual exhibits venerate the courageous Chinese Volunteers Army, and offer a Chinese perspective on the history of the Korean war. The museum reopened in 2020 after six years of renovations. }} * {{see | name=Hushan Great Wall | alt=虎山长城; Hǔshānchángchéng; lit. Tiger Mountain Great Wall | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.223845 | long=124.515438 | directions=25 km northeast of Dandong | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=¥60 | wikidata=Q1190340 | lastedit=2011-01-01 | content=This Ming Dynasty section of the [[Great Wall of China]], which travels parallel to river, was restored to decent condition. The section is steep so watch your footing. Buy a ticket at the long distance bus station for ¥6.5 and the trip takes about 40 minutes. The bus driver will drop you off at a T-intersection right by the Wall. You can hike along the Wall one way and then return to the beginning on a walkway along the bottom of the mountain. You can climb on top of the tower at the highest point and see the Yalu River, and look into North Korea. There is an old wire fence that separates North Korea from China. North Korean guardhouses are 300-400 metres in the distance. The actual border is a small stream-river along the base of the mountain. Don't cross the water. To return to Dandong, return to the T-intersection and wait for a bus that will take you back to the long-distance bus terminal for ¥3. Confirm with the bus driver that the bus is going to Dandong. }} [[File:Yalu River Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge as seen From Dandong, China 2002.jpg|thumbnail|Friendship Bridge]] * {{see | name=Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.11452 | long=124.393 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q317453 | content=The official crossing into North Korea. Passage is only by vehicle or train. Travellers are not allowed to walk across this bridge. }} * {{see | name=New Yalu River Bridge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.03248 | long=124.36261 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5045301 | content=This massive, double arch motorway bridge was built by the Chinese government for about ¥2.2 billion and was intended to replace the old Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge, as the North Koreans made promises to turn South Sinuiju into a Special Economic Zone and build a connecting road; neither has ever happened, so the bridge is ending in a dirt road among rice fields on the Korean side of the border. It's another example of a huge Chinese infrastructure project which didn't go as planned; also look for the vast, deserted immigration complex on the Northern side of the bridge. }} * {{see | name=Yalu River Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.120419 | long=124.395731 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Riverside park regarded as having some of the best views into North Korea. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Cross into North Korea | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It is possible to cross into [[Sinuiju]], North Korea by train from Dandong, and then change trains to get to [[Pyongyang]]. Numerous local tour groups can sort out the paperwork without referring to [[Beijing]] and arrange a relatively budget-friendly visit to [[Pyongyang]] for Chinese and foreign tourists. The cheapest deals involve joining a large group and can go as low as around ¥2000 for a three night/four day package for Chinese nationals. Foreign nationals should expect to pay at least €560. Bargain hard. Of course, the usual restrictions apply (see [[North Korea]] for details). }} ==Buy== Most shops offer products at low cost and North Korean cigarettes can be purchased at many places, especially along the Yalu river. Along with products from North Korea, many South Korean goods are sold too. If you're specifically looking for something to take home from the North, check the packaging – North Korean products use simple and/or poor packaging designs, and perhaps most strikingly, do not feature internet addresses in the smallprint, which products from the South almost always do. Dandong is a great place to get your hands on North Korean currency, the ''won'' (which supposedly is not allowed to be taken out of the country). Street vendors sell sets of bills in different denominations, which may or may not include some additional coins; prices start at ¥25 per set. ==Eat== The town, because of the location, has a lot of Korean restaurants with most congregating on the street facing the river. Give the shiguo Banfan, stonepot rice, also known as bibimbap in Korean, a try as well as the huoguo, hot pot. There are also a few North Korean restaurants in town, owned by the North Korean government and with North Korean waitresses, which are recognisable by the Chinese and North Korean flags over the entrances. There are also restaurants run by ethnic Koreans, not part of the North Korean government, that serve Korean food. A good dish to try would be ginseng chicken, which consists of a whole chicken immersed in a ginseng broth, served piping hot. ==Drink== True Love Club is 2 minutes' walk away from the station. Westerners are not frequent, so they are likely to be called on stage to participate in beer races with the DJ and be interviewed in Chinese, no knowledge of the language required. This is usually very comical for the Chinese club patrons, but foreign revelers who speak little Chinese should take care. The on-stage interview portion can be very mean-spirited - on one recent visit, an English man was made to badly repeat phrases in Chinese such as "I am very poor and have no money." Of course he had no idea what he was saying and the crowd found this to be very funny. ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Dandong Yalujiang Mansion | url= | email= | address=87 Jiuwei Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+86 415 212 5901 | tollfree= | fax=+86 41 5212 6180 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Post & Telecommunications Hotel | url= | email= | address=78 Qiwei Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+86 415 216 6888 | tollfree= | fax=+86 41 5213 5988 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Zhonglian Dajiuian | url=http://www.zlhotel.com.cn | email= | address=Shangmao Lüyou Qu A Qu | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+86 415 317 0666 | tollfree= | fax=+86 41 5317 0888 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Great views and comfortable rooms with a bowling alley, cigar room and western buffet. The cafe has views of North Korea, 143 rooms. }} * {{Sleep|name=Vienna International Hotel|address=No. 8 Jinhai Road|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+86 415 625 9888|checkin=12:00|checkout=12:00|lastedit=2022-07-22|content=Opened in 2017 and 3km from the railway station and 18km from the Airport. Have great views of Yalu River.}} ==Go next== * [[North Korea]] - If you are interested in paying a visit to North Korea, you´ll usually have to wait for weeks for your visa application to be processed. But you can still learn a lot about North Korea on the streets of Dandong, where vendors sell North Korean stamps and propaganda posters and frequently you'll see Korean writing on boards over shops. In the hotels you can watch North Korean TV - the city is so close to North Korea, you can feel the strong influence of Korean culture everywhere. * {{see | name=Dagu Mountain | alt=大孤山; Dàgūshān; lit. Lonely Mountain | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=90 km southwest of Dandong, access is by bus from Dandong to town of Gushan | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Several Tang dynasty Taoist temples occupy the mountain site. }} * [[Changbaishan Nature Reserve]]- from Dandong, you can easily get to the Changbaishan Nature Reserve in Jilin Province. * [[Fenghuangshan National Park]] &mdash; 52 km northwest of Dandong, 840m high mountain dotted with Tang, Ming and Qing dynasty temples, monasteries and pagodas. * The historic city of [[Shenyang]] * The city of [[Dalian]] and its wonderful coastlines {{geo|40.1167|124.3833}} {{IsPartOf|Eastern Hills (Liaoning)}} {{usablecity}} {{Mapmask |39.9726,124.3518 |39.9735,124.3447 |39.9776,124.3441 |39.9810,124.3442 |39.9856,124.3443 |39.9888,124.3462 |39.9881,124.3436 |39.9854,124.3382 |39.9820,124.3296 |39.9780,124.3225 |39.9772,124.3227 |39.9765,124.3232 |39.9717,124.3179 |39.9676,124.3098 |39.9669,124.3038 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|40.1512,124.3392 |40.1533,124.3401 |40.1550,124.3420 |40.1558,124.3426 |40.1561,124.3433 |40.1567,124.3440 |40.1562,124.3469 |40.1560,124.3492 |40.1556,124.3512 |40.1527,124.3539 |40.1518,124.3543 |40.1516,124.3557 |40.1497,124.3567 |40.1479,124.3589 |40.1461,124.3595 |40.1442,124.3617 |40.1424,124.3596 |40.1418,124.3595 |40.1406,124.3602 |40.1390,124.3600 |40.1383,124.3607 |40.1357,124.3615 |40.1349,124.3616 |40.1346,124.3630 |40.1338,124.3651 |40.1330,124.3656 |40.1326,124.3663 |40.1332,124.3676 |40.1338,124.3691 |40.1337,124.3704 |40.1335,124.3721 |40.1337,124.3743 |40.1334,124.3754 |40.1339,124.3760 |40.1341,124.3772 |40.1323,124.3796 |40.1338,124.3817 |40.1329,124.3828 |40.1331,124.3831 |40.1330,124.3849 |40.1327,124.3868 |40.1323,124.3883 |40.1309,124.3907 |40.1296,124.3927 |40.1290,124.3920 |40.1285,124.3923 |40.1289,124.3930 |40.1284,124.3944 |40.1276,124.3947 |40.1280,124.3966 |40.1270,124.3989 |40.1202,124.3965 |40.1175,124.3944 |40.1152,124.3924 |40.1151,124.3923 |40.1151,124.3923 |40.1013,124.3727 |40.0993,124.3698 |40.0951,124.3675 |40.0910,124.3650 |40.0842,124.3569 |40.0771,124.3473 |40.0663,124.3396 |40.0566,124.3345 |40.0517,124.3341 |40.0478,124.3361 |40.0435,124.3491 |40.0392,124.3607 |40.0355,124.3690 |40.0314,124.3701 |40.0268,124.3709 |40.0168,124.3718 |40.0101,124.3696 |40.0062,124.3682 |40.0020,124.3660 |39.9987,124.3639 |39.9919,124.3606 |39.9856,124.3583 |39.9790,124.3559 |39.9766,124.3542 |39.9726,124.3518}} qdfsv0qcqm52eoiqk8t11vqfxkog22j 0 10504 4487961 4487426 2022-07-21T20:39:29Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Easton banner.jpg|pgname=Easton}} '''Easton''' is one of three cities, along with [[Allentown]] and [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], that are the urban population centers of the [[Lehigh Valley]] in eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]] in the [[Mid-Atlantic]] region of the [[United States of America]]. The city is located along the Delaware River, immediately across the bridge from [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] in the [[Skylands]] region of [[New Jersey]]. ==Understand== [[File:Easton peace candle lit at night.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The Easton Peace Candle on Centre Square at night, December 2009]] In 1736, Thomas Penn (William Penn's son) surveyed the area and Easton was founded in 1752. Prior to that, Easton had been known as "Lechawitauk", meaning "The Place at the Forks." On July 8, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read in Easton's Centre Square, one of three public readings of the document. Every year, Easton celebrates this historic event with its Heritage Day celebration, held in July. Easton became a primary commercial location during the canals and railroads era of the 1800s. The Delaware, Morris and Lehigh canals were vital for transportation of goods. The railroads replaced the canals for transportation and five railroads served Easton. The city had a strong German heritage. During Prohibition, it was known for nightlife and had plenty of liquor and a large number of brothels. The population in Easton continues to diversify. Between the 1990 and 2000 censuses, the Hispanic and Black populations increased significantly. However, the primary ethnicity in the city remains White/non-Hispanic. ===Geography=== Easton sits at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers; Native Americans called Easton ''Lechawitau'', "the place at the Forks". ===Climate=== Easton has a highly variable four-season temperate climate. Summertime highs average in the low 80s F, but with occasional short heat waves with temps over {{F|95}}, with considerable humidity and occasionally intense thunderstorms. Winters are somewhat cold with average highs in the mid to upper 30s F (around 1-3 °C), but with occasional short thaws when temperatures can suddenly rise over 65 F for a few days. Severe cold snaps are common, with highs dropping into the twenties. Heavy snowfalls rarely occur more than once or twice each winter, but a wintry mix of ice, sleet, and light snow is possible from mid-November through early April. The combination of above freezing daytime temps and below freezing nights makes black ice a constant wintertime driving hazard even when there has not been precipitation recently. Late spring and early summer (from mid-April to late June), and autumn are the most pleasant times of the year, with very mild temperatures and generally low humidity. Autumn leaf season usually arrives in the last two weeks of October. ===Tourist Information=== * Lehigh Valley Visitor Center - Easton, 30 Centre Square, {{phone|+1 484-546-0594}}. Hours: Tu-Sa 9AM - 5PM, Su 9:30AM - 2:30PM, closed Monday. * [http://www.discoverlehighvalley.com Discover Lehigh Valley] (formerly Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau). ==Get in== {{mapframe|layer=W}} ===By plane=== The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Easton and [[Lehigh Valley]] is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]], which is less than 15 minutes away from most parts of the city. Various airlines operate to this airport. [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it's easier to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International than to ABE and usually cheaper. ===By car=== * US Highway 22 is a main thoroughfare, being a 4-lane limited-access highway with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour through all of Lehigh Valley except in Easton. * Drivers coming from points east will want to note that all of the major bridges across the Delaware River (from [[New Jersey]]) are free eastbound, but require tolls westbound. Locating the free bridge in [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] is possible but not recommended to those unfamiliar with the area. It is called Northampton Street for the adventurous and adds only about half a mile to the trip (unless yu easily get lost). * From the southeast and northwest, PA Route 309 provides fairly quick access and is a good road to travel. * Interstate 78 and Interstate 476 (PA Turnpike; tolled) intersect very close to the city of Easton, going in all directions north, south, east, and west. * PA Route 33 is the best approach for travelers from I-80 in the [[Poconos]] and points east. ===By bus=== * Trans-Bridge bus line offers daily service to and from [[New York City]] and [[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]], [[New Jersey]]. ==Get around== ===By bus=== Extensive bus services are provided by Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority ([http://lantabus.com LANTA]). ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout Easton and [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: * Easton Taxi, +1 610-258-2888. * Lehigh Valley Taxi, +1 610-867-6000. * Quick Service Taxi, +1 610-434-8132. ===By limo=== * [http://jjtransportation.com/ J&J Luxury Transportation], +1 610-776-1516 or +1-800-726-5466 * [http://www.elitelimo-pa.com/ Elite Limosuine & Coach] * [http://www.champagne-limousine.com/ Champagne Limousine] * [http://www.abelimo.net/ ABE Limousine] * [http://www.adamolimo.com/ Adamo Limo] * [http://www.car1limo.com/ca/ Car One Limousine] ==See== [[File:Crayola Experience in Easton, Pennsylvania.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.crayolaexperience.com/easton The Crayola Experience], November 2019. Since 1900, Crayola, manufacturer of crayons, has been headquartered in Forks Township, outside Easton]] [[File:Easton, Pennsylvania (6616765189).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://statetheatre.org/ State Theatre] at 453 Northampton St.]] [[File:GEORGE TAYLOR HOUSE, EASTON, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Parsons/Taylor House at 56 S. 4th St., the Easton home of George Taylor, one of 56 founding fathers to sign the Declaration of Independence]] *{{see | name=Crayola Factory | alt=Crayola Experience | url=http://www.crayola.com/Factory/ | email= | address=18 Centre Square | lat= 40.6906 | long= -75.2092 | directions= | phone=+1 610-515-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9:30 AM - 4PM; Sa Su 10AM - 6PM | price=Adults & children $16.99, seniors, military and infants charges less |lastedit=2019-07-13| content=Fun, indoor theme park type place, where kids can enjoy lots of activities and learn how real crayola crayons, markers, and colored pencils are made. It's not the actual Crayola factory, but you can see how they make Crayola crayons and other Crayola products. Very kid friendly. Has its dedicated store. There is a municipal parking garage, behind the facility between Pine St. and Ferry St. for a fee of around $2 per hour. There is also on street meter parking for $1 per hour, with a 2 hour limit. }} *{{see | name=Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor | alt= | url=https://www.nps.gov/dele/index.htm | email= | address=2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd | lat=40.66205 | long=-75.2392 | directions= | phone=+1 610-923-3548 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor | wikidata=Q5253437 | content=Outdoor activities, hiking areas, arts events, historical sites all along the Delaware and Lehigh rivers. }} *{{see | name=Easton High School sports | alt= | url=https://www.eastonathletics.com/ | email= | address=2601 William Penn Hghwy | lat=40.682629 | long=-75.252747 | directions= | phone=+1 610-250-2481 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Easton High School | content=Easton is home to one of the oldest rivalries in American high school football history, the border war, also known as the Easton vs. Phillipsburg High School football game, which is held each Thanksgiving Day and routinely draws in excess of 15,000 spectators. Easton High School is also known for their often nationally-ranked wrestling team, which competes in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, a division of the largest 18 high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] that is considered one of the best in the nation and has launched the careers of many professional and Olympic athletes. }} *{{see | name=Moyer Aviation | alt= | url=http://www.moyeraviation.com | email= | address=Braden Airpark, 3800 Sullivan Trail | lat=40.682630 | long=-75.252750 | directions= | phone=+1 610-258-0473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Private plane tours. }} *{{see | name=National Canal Museum | alt= | url=https://canals.org/ | email= | address=30 Centre Square | lat=40.6622 | long=-75.239 | directions= | phone=+1 610-559-6613 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National Canal Museum | wikidata=Q6971236 | content=The only museum in the country dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals. Features four galleries filled with hands-on exhibits that educate and entertain parents and children alike. Mule-drawn canal boat rides available. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society | alt=Sigal Museum | url=http://www.northamptonctymuseum.org | email= | address=101-107 S 4th St | lat= 40.6908 | long= -75.2106 | directions=342 Northampton St | phone=+1 610-253-1222 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{see | name=The State Theatre Center for the Arts | alt= | url=http://www.statetheatre.org | email= | address=453 Northampton St. | lat=40.69146 | long=-75.21242 | directions= | phone=+1 610-252-3132 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the downtown Easton, it is home to many traveling artists, ballet groups, broadway shows, national music and comedy acts, and more. Most famous for the Freddy Awards, an Emmy award-winning awards show put on by local high schools for drama productions during the school year; named for the famous ghost who resides in the State Theater, Freddy, the first owner of the theater. }} * {{see | name=Sigal Museum | alt= | url=https://www.sigalmuseum.org/ | email= | address=342 Northampton Street | lat=40.69075 | long=-75.21071 | directions= | phone=+1 610-253-1222 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | lastedit=2017-04-02 | content=Museum of local history, including pre-colonial artifacts and colonial furniture. }} For more things to do in the area, check out the [[Allentown]] or [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)]] pages. ==Do== *{{do | name=Riverview Country Club | url=http://www.riverviewcountryclub.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-559-9700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Player-friendly layout, panoramic views. Two miles north of PA-22 on PA-611. *{{do | name=The Club at Morgan Hill | url=http://www.theclubatmorganhill.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-923-8480 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18-hole public golf course. Named 2009's "Best Places to Play in North America" by ''Golf Digest''. Full-service clubhouse. }} }} * '''Skiing'''. This is a popular activity in nearby mountains. Most skiing areas are closed seasonally, since snow can usually only be manufactured from about November to April. [http://www.bcmountainresort.com Bear Creek Mountain Resort] and [http://www.skibluemt.com Blue Mountain Ski Area] are a short drive away in Macungie and Palmerton, respectively. Larger, world-famous ski resorts, including [http://www.jfbb.com/ Jack Frost & Big Boulder], are in the [[Poconos]], about 1 hour drive north on Interstate 476. ==Learn== Easton is home to [http://www.lafayette.edu/ Lafayette College], which was founded in 1826. ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Easton Farmers' Market | alt= | url=http://www.eastonfarmersmarket.com | email= | address=Centre Square | lat=40.69124 | long=-75.20915 | directions= | phone=+1 610-330-9942 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Nov: Saturday 9AM-1PM | price= | content=The oldest continuous open-air farmers' market in the country occupies all of Easton's Centre Square, and has over 30 vendors, offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, wine, crafts, sweets, and even pet food. }} *{{buy | name=Palmer Park Mall | alt= | url=http://shoppalmerparkmall.com/ | email= | address=123 Palmer Park Mall | lat=40.6968 | long=-75.2581 | directions= | phone=+1 610-258-6017 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palmer Park Mall | wikidata=Q7128258 | content=It is the premier shopping site for the Easton, Glendon, Palmer, Forks Township and Wilson communities. It features over 50 unique stores and weekly events dedicated to arts and crafts, collectibles, and different artists. }} *{{buy | name=Partyology | url=http://www.partyology.com | email= | address=230 Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-330-9535 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Cool, eclectic gifts and party supplies. }} ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Angelo's Restaurant | url= | email= | address=14 N 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-252-6956 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti | url=http://www.colonialpizzapub.com | email= | address=136 Spring Garden St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-252-3033 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=deLorenzo's | url=http://www.delorenzosrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1210 Knox Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-438-6026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Don Juan Mexican Grill | url=http://www.donjuanmexgrill.com/ | email= | address=518 March Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 438-5661 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An independently run fast food burrito and taco joint right next to Lafayette College. Open late on the weekends. }} *{{eat | name=Gino's Pizza | url= | email= | address=349 Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-258-7690 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Good pizza and cheesesteaks, friendly service. }} *{{eat | name=Green Harvest Food Emporium | url=http://www.greenharvestfood.com | email= | address=140-B Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-252-6360 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Joe's Market Deli | url= | email= | address=235 Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-258-7247 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Josie's New York Deli | url= | email= | address=14 Centre Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-252-5081 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Larry Holmes' Ringside Restaurant & Lounge | url=http://www.larryholmes.com | email= | address=91 Larry Holmes Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-253-6905 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Marblehead Grille & Chowder House | url=http://www.marbleheadchowderhouse.com | email= | address=4101 William Penn Highway | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-258-4301 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=MeGs and MaDs Casual Dining | url= | email= | address=325 Cattell Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 438-3581 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 4PM - 9PM, F 4PM - 10PM | price= | content=BYOB. }} *{{eat | name=Mex-Tex Trio | url=http://www.mextextrio.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=42 S 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-253-2235 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Morici's Pizza and Sub Shop | url= | email= | address=218 Cattell Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 253-6257 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Cozy pizza place with comfortable indoor dining available. The subs and pizza are excellent for takeout, but they offer many Italian pasta dishes as well. }} *{{eat | name=Ocean | url=http://www.ocean235.com | email= | address=235 Ferry St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-559-7211 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Upscale modern tapas restaurant. Reservations recommended. }} *{{eat | name=Pearly Baker's Ale House | url=http://www.pearlybakers.net/ | email= | address=11 Centre Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-253-9949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Phenom | url=http://www.phenomthai.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=159-161 Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-258-9777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tasty, reasonably priced thai cuisine. The lunch special is the best deal. }} *{{eat | name=Pizza D'Oro Italian Restaurant | url= | email= | address=208 Cattell Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 253-5533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Porter's Pub | alt= | url=http://www.porterspubeaston.com | email= | address=700 Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-250-6561 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$10-25 | lastedit=2018-02-07 | content=This quaint local Irish pub offers a wide selection of local craft beers and a seasonal selection of handmade mixed drinks. They boast a menu full of delicious meals as well as pub fare made from scratch in-house and often from local ingredients. They serve a creative selection of options, including vegan and vegetarian choices. There is often live music on weekends. }} *{{eat | name=River Grille | url=http://www.therivergrille.com {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=243 Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-923-5110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Sette Luna | url=http://www.setteluna.com | email= | address=219 Ferry St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-253-8888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Delicious upscale Italian food in a warm atmosphere. Amazing pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Sogo Fusion | url=http://www.sogofusion.com | email= | address=237 Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-250-0198 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Steve's Pizzeria | url= | email= | address=1005 S Greenwood Ave directions= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-252-7756 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=3rd & Ferry Restaurant and Bar | url= | email= | address=56 S 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Third Street Café | url=http://www.thirdstreetcafeeaston.com | email= | address=117 N 3rd St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-515-1818 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Tic Toc Family Restaurant | url= | email= | address=2510 Northampton St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-252-6466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A diner that attracts mostly local regulars. }} *{{eat | name=Vintage Restaurant & Bar | url=http://www.theclubatmorganhill.com | email= | address=100 Cluhouse Drive (located at The Club at Morgan Hill) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-923-8480 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{eat | name=Touch of Thai | url= | email= | address=123 N 2nd St Apt 110 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 250-0716 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Two Rivers Brewing Company | alt=Two Rivers | url=http://www.tworiversbrewing.com/ | email=info@tworiversbrewing.com | address=542 Northampton St. 18042 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 829-1131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11AM-10PM | price=$10-$25 | lastedit=2018-02-07 | content=Two Rivers boasts an intricately creative farm-to-table menu for lunch and dinner. They recently began brewing their own craft beers and also offer a range of specialty mixed drinks. }} There are also many chain restaurants around the area. ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Black and Blue | alt= | url=http://www.blackandblueeaston.com | email=craft@blackandblueeaston.com | address=683 Walnut St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 438-3604 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-07 | content=Black and Blue offers a dimly-lit, eccentric atmosphere with a fantastic craft beer selection and a unique menu with vegan and vegetarian choices. }} * {{drink | name=College Hill Tavern | url=http://www.collegehilltavern.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=420 Cattell St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 252-9456 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 4PM-2AM | price= | content=The preferred hangout of Lafayette students, it can change dramatically depending on the night. When college is not in session, this becomes a chilled out spot, but when it is, it can be loud music and a noisy college atmosphere. Non-smoking. }} *{{drink | name=Eddie G's | url= | email= | address=1 Lehns Ct (Centre Square) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 252-3200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Definitely a dive bar, and can attract an interesting crowd. Friendly service, smoking permitted indoors. }} * {{drink | name=Fat Jacks' | url=http://www.fat-jacks.net/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=2722 Freemansburg Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 250-7849 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Lafayette Bar | url=http://www.lafayettebarjazz.com/ | email= | address=15 N 4th St/ | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 252-0711 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Original home of Jazz in Easton. }} * {{drink | name=Leaf Cigar Bar and Restaurant | url=http://www.leafcigarbar.com/ | email=info@leafcigarbar.com | address=90 Mort Drive | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 559-1336 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=5-star cuisine, prepared from scratch. The finest spirits, wine, and craft beers. Over 2,000 square feet of cigars. Smoke-friendly indoor and outdoor seating. State-of-the-art ventilation. }} * {{drink | name=Milo's Place | url= | email= | address=217 Cattell St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 258-4390 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Average bar, smoking permitted inside. }} * {{drink | name=Mothers Bar & Grill | url= | email= | address=3 Lehns Ct (Centre Square) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 559-1700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Typical bar scene, with quoits in the back. }} *{{drink | name=Pearly Baker's Alehouse | url=http://www.pearlybakers.net/ | email= | address=11 Centre Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 253-9499 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:30AM-2AM | price= | content=Good selection of beers on tap, with a more sophisticated atmosphere. Excellent food. }} * {{drink | name=Porters Pub | url=http://www.porterspubeaston.com/ | email= | address=700 Northampton Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 250-6561 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11AM-2AM | price= | content=Friendly pub atmosphere, with a great beer selection and frequent live music. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=The Grand Eastonian Suites Hotel | url=http://www.grandeastoniansuiteshotel.com | email= | address=140 Northampton St | lat=40.691116 | long=-75.206380 | directions= | phone=+1 610-258-6350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hampton Inn | url=http://www.easton.hamptoninn.com | email= | address=3723 Easton-Nazareth Hwy. | lat=40.709693 | long=-75.280672 | directions= | phone=+1 610 250-6500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$75-150 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites | url=http://www.hiexpress.com/eastonpa | email= | address=90 Kunkle Dr. | lat=40.683522 | long=-75.256310 | directions= | phone=+1 610 923-9495 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$75-150 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content=Located right off of 22, the Holiday Inn Express features continental breakfast and free internet. }} *{{sleep | name=The Lafayette Inn | url=http://www.lafayetteinn.com | email= | address=525 W Monroe St | lat=40.702644 | long=-75.207458 | directions= | phone=+1 610 253-4500 | tollfree=+1-800-509-6990 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Lafayette Inn, near Lafayette College, is a beautiful bed and breakfast. On the pricier side, it provides its guests with a spa, balconies and other special amenities. All of the eighteen custom decorated rooms feature antique furnishings and private baths. A variety of bed sizes is available. All of the rooms have a desk, armoire or closet, TV with DVD, alarm clock, hair dryer, and telephone with data port. }} *{{sleep | name=TownPlace Suites Bethlehem Easton | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/abets-towneplace-suites-bethlehem-easton/ | email= | address=3800 Easton Nazareth Highway | lat=40.719591 | long=-75.287554 | directions= | phone = +1 610-829-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Quality Inn | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/easton/quality-inn-hotels/pa374 | email= | address=2415 Nazareth Rd., Rt. 22 Ex. 25th Street | lat=40.690438 | long=-75.250191 | directions= | phone=+1 610 253-0546 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]], {{convert|172|mi|km}} *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|9|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|22|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|25|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|12|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|7|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|2|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|23|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall]], {{convert|20|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} ===Regional locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - 133 miles *[[Harrisburg]] - 97 miles *[[New York City]] - 70 miles *[[Philadelphia]] - 72 miles {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Allentown]] | minorl1=[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]] | image2=PA-611.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Stroudsburg]] | minorl2=[[Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area|Delaware Water Gap]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr2='''[[Doylestown (Pennsylvania)|Doylestown]]''' }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|40.6883|-75.2164|zoom=13}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} f9o0ytlepyloenzzdy1lhq5gk64lf9a 0 10934 4487964 4487427 2022-07-21T20:39:55Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Emmaus_Banner.jpg}} '''Emmaus''' is a borough in the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of [[Pennsylvania]], in the [[United States]]. It is located five miles southwest of [[Allentown]], the state's third largest city, after [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]]. In 2007 and again in 2009, ''Money'' magazine listed Emmaus as one of the top 100 "Best Places to Live" in the U.S. ==Get in== === By plane === * {{go | name=[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Rd., Allentown | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1 610-266-6000 | tollfree=+1-800 FLY LVIA | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley International Airport | wikidata=Q2875759 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. }} === By train === * {{go | name=30th Street Station | alt= | url=http://deutsch.amtrak.com/amtrak/ende/24/_www_amtrak_com/servlet/ContentServer?c=am2Station&pagename=am%2Fam2Station%2FStation_Page&p=1237405732508&cid=1229726270614 | email= | address=2955 Market St., Philadelphia | lat=39.955822 | long=-75.1824 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-872-7245 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=30th Street Station | wikidata=Q224214 | content=Major East Coast United States train station, the third busiest Amtrak station in the United States and 12th busiest train station in all of North America, with both Amtrak and local SEPTA Regional Rail and NJ Transit service. }} === By bus === * {{go | name=Allentown Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address=325 Hamilton St., Allentown | lat=40.603973 | long=-75.466923 | directions= | phone=+1 610-434-6188 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Greyhound, Trans-Bridge Lines, Trailways and other bus service to and from [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and most other East Coast urban locations. }} ==Get around== There is public transportation, the '''[https://lantabus.com/ Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA)]''' bus, that can take you from Emmaus to Allentown and the greater [[Lehigh Valley]] area. Another great way of getting around Emmaus is renting a car. Easy access to Emmaus is available via PA 309/Interstate 78 exits 55, 57 and 58. * Exit 55 is PA 29 (Cedar Crest Boulevard). Southbound will take you to just west of downtown. * Exit 57 is Lehigh Street. Southbound will take you onto Chestnut Street and into downtown. It also provides access to downtown [[Allentown]] to the north. * Exit 58 is Emaus Avenue (spelled slightly differently than Emmaus, based on the original Pennsylvania Dutch spelling). You are forced to go southbound anyway. This is just an easier parallel of Lehigh Street, but is only available to westbound 78 travelers. ==See== [[File:Moravian Church Emmaus PA.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.emmausmoravian.org/ Emmaus Moravian Church] at 146 Main St.]] [[File:Emmaus Theater 4th Street Lehigh Co PA.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Historic [https://www.emmaustheatre.com/ Emmaus Theatre] at 19 S. 4th St.]] [[File:Shelter House Emmaus PA 2.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Shelter House, built in 1734 by Pennsylvania German settlers at 601 S. 4th St., is the oldest continuously occupied building structure in the [[Lehigh Valley]] and among the oldest building structures in the state]] * '''[https://www.facebook.com/shangysthebeerauthority/ Shangy's]''' (40 E. Main St., {{phone|+1 610-967-1701}}) is a famous beer distributor and one of the largest beer distributors on the East Coast with over 4,000 different brands of beer from the U.S. and abroad. It advertises itself as having the largest number of beer brands from all over the world of any distributor in the nation and has been an Emmaus fixture since its founding in 1980. It's also become a tourist designation, attracting beer enthusiasts from around the nation, especially those looking for hard to find domestic or international beers. *With a history that goes back to the early 1700s, historic sites can be found throughout Emmaus. '''[https://shelterhouseemmaus.org/ Shelter House]''' (610 S. Fourth St., {{phone|+1 610-965-9258}}, founded in 1734, is the oldest building structure in the Lehigh Valley and some believe in all of Pennsylvania, the '''[https://www.emmaushistoricalsociety.org/ Emmaus Historical Society Museum]''' (563 Chestnut St., {{phone|+1 610-966-6591}}), the '''[https://www.1803house.org/ 1803 House]''' (55 S. Keystone St.), the '''[https://knausshomestead.org/ Knauss Homestead]''' (164 E. Main St., {{phone|+1 610-965-9080}}), and the '''[http://www.emmausmoravian.org Emmaus Moravian Church]''' (Keystone and Main Sts., {{phone|+1 610-965-6067}}) ===Events=== *Every February, '''[http://emmausarts.org/events/snowblast-winter-arts-festival/ Snowblast Winter Festival]''' *Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, '''Faschnacht & Forsythia Festival'''. Celebrating faschnachts (Pennsylvania Dutch donuts) and Emmaus' flower, the Forsythia by crowning the King Faschnact and Queen Forsythia and knighting the Defender of the Faschnact (great fun!) *Every April, '''Patriot's Day Dinner''' *Last Monday in May, the '''[http://www.borough.emmaus.pa.us Memorial Day Parade]''' *June to September, '''[https://www.emmausent.com/2021-event-line-up Summer Entertainment Series]''', live concerts and movie nights all summer long at Emmaus Community Park's arts pavilion *Every June, '''[http://www.emmausarts.org Art in the Garden]''' *Every July, '''Annual Clay Shoot''' *Every September, '''[http://www.emmausarts.org Wildlife Art Festival]''' and '''[http://www.emmauspl.org Community Heroes Day]''' *Saturday after Labor Day, '''Emmaus Heritage Day''' with crafters, food and beverage, live entertainment, activities, historic site tours, and free trolley rides *Weekend after Labor Day, '''[http://www.1803house.com Memory Day Craft Show] {{dead link|December 2020}}''' *Every October, '''[http://www.emmausarts.org Student Horror Film Contest & Festival]''' *Third Saturday in October, the '''[https://www.emmausparade.com/ Emmaus Halloween Parade]''' takes place in Emmaus. It is one of the largest parades in the [[Lehigh Valley]], typically drawing thousands from around the Valley. The Emmaus Lions Club is a primary parade sponsor. For more information on the [http://www.emmauspa.lionwap.org Emmaus Lions Club]. This year's Emmaus Halloween Parade, held on October 15, 2022, will also be the 100th anniversary of the long-standing parade. '''[https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Emmaus/HalloweenInEmmaus5K The Halloween in Emmaus 5K Race]''' proceeds the parade annually each October. *First Saturday in December, '''[https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events/2021-Emmaus-Old-Fashioned-Christmas-838284/details Old Fashioned Christmas]''' with horse and buggy rides, contests, strolling carolers, a tree lighting ceremony, and Santa comes to town. ==Do== * {{do | name=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address=4000 Dorney Park Rd. [[Allentown]] | lat=40.5799 | long=-75.5336 | directions= | phone=+1-610-395-3724 | tollfree= | hours=Amusement park: daily 11AM-7PM; waterpark: daily 11AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | content=In neighboring South Whitehall Township, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is one of the premiere amusement and water parks in the nation, known especially for its elaborate rollercoasters (some of which rank among the world's longest), over 60 rides, and a large waterpark. }} * {{do | name=Emmaus Community Park | alt= | url=https://boroughofemmaus.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=23958 | email= | address=1356 Shimerville Rd | lat=40.52244 | long=-75.50739 | directions= | phone=+1-610-928-1130 | tollfree= | hours=Pool: M-Sa noon-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | content=Large community park with large and with large swimming pool and diving boards, basketball and volleyball courts, and baseball, softball, and soccer fields. There is also a walking trail. During the summer months, there are concerts in the park. The summer concert schedule is viewable at: [https://www.emmausent.com/ Emmaus Recreation and Entertainment Commission]. }} * {{do | name=Emmaus High School athletics | alt= | url=http://www.eastpennsd.org/ehs/ | email= | address=500 Macungie Ave | lat=40.5345 | long=-75.5057 | directions= | phone=+1 610-966-8300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Emmaus High School | wikidata=Q5373401 | content=Emmaus High School is one of several large high schools from the [[Lehigh Valley]] and [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] that compete athletically in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, widely considered one of the most competitive athletic divisions in the United States. Emmaus High School athletic events typically draw large crowds, especially in football, boys and girls basketball, girls field hockey and wrestling. The school is widely known for its exceptional girls field hockey and boys and girls swimming and diving teams, both among the nation's best. }} * {{do | name=Emmaus Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.emmaustheatre.com/ | email= | address=19 S. 4th St | lat=40.534209 | long=-75.49112 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-9878 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A beloved town theatre built in the early 1900s with an art deco facade, it is a centerpiece to the town with very reasonably priced tickets and usually second-run films. Also offers BYOB and various live events. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | alt= | url=https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley | email= | address=1050 IronPigs Way, Allentown | lat=40.627361 | long=-75.449988 | directions= | phone=+1-610-841-7447 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley IronPigs | wikidata=Q2789379 | content=The AAA-level minor league team of the Philadelphia Phillies plays at Coca-Cola Park in nearyby East Allentown. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | alt= | url=http://www.phantomshockey.com/ | email=Info@IronPigsBaseball.com | address=701 Hamilton St., Allentown | lat=40.604653 | long=-75.462978 | directions= | phone=+1-610-224-4625 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Phantoms | wikidata=Q16500107 | content=The primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, compete in the American Hockey League and play at PPL Center in center city Allentown. }} *{{do | name=Wildlands Conservancy | alt= | url=http://www.wildlandspa.org/ | email= | address=3701 Orchid Place | lat=40.541264 | long=-75.511238 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-4397 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Non-profit organization that puts together outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, canoeing, and creeking. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Emmaus Farmer's Market | alt= | url=http://www.emmausmarket.com | email= | address= | lat=40.534181 | long=-75.493944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=May-Nov: Su 10AM-1PM; Dec-Apr: second and fourth Sundays of each month 10AM-noon | price= | content=Great place to find fresh produce and meet people. }} * {{buy | name=South Mall | alt= | url=http://www.shopsouthmall.com/ | email= | address=3300 Lehigh St, Allentown | lat=40.556 | long=-75.4917 | directions= | phone=+1 610-791-0606 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | wikipedia=South Mall | wikidata=Q7567903 | content=It's in the Emmaus area, which has stores such as the Bon-Ton, Victoria's Secret, Game Stop, Fye, Radioshack, Petco, and Staples. }} *There are other specialty stores on Main St. in Emmaus, including: '''[https://www.facebook.com/Emmaus-Jewel-Shop-LLC-178128105556926/ Emmaus Jewelry Shop]''', '''[https://www.emmausruninn.com/ Emmaus Run Inn]''', '''[https://www.kimskountrykreations.com/ Kim's Kountry Kreations]'''. You'll also find a bunch of consignment shops, including '''[https://now-and-then-books.business.site/ Now and Then Books], [https://www.letsplaybooks.com/ Let's Play Books Bookstore], [https://fdmarketco.com/ FD Market], and others. ==Eat== There are many restaurants in Emmaus, including: * {{eat | name=Armetta's | alt= | url=http://www.armettaspizzarestpub.com/ | email= | address=301 Main St | lat=40.535908 | long=75.490368 | directions= | phone=+1 610-967-3050 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Regionally famous Italian restaurant and pizzeria, highly-popular with locals. Italian food, pizza, Philadelphia cheesesteaks. Offers inside and patio dining, pick-up and local delivery, and a separate bar area. Outdoor patio service in warm weather months. }} * {{eat | name=Buckeye Tavern on Brookside | alt= | url=https://www.buckeyetavern.com/ | email= | address=3741 Brookside Rd, Macungie | lat=40.52573 | long=-75.549011 | directions= | phone=+1 610-966-4411 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | content=Restaurant and tavern constructed in 1735 during the British colonialism era to cater to visiting guests from out of the area. It is now been a family-owned establishment since 1987 with two of Lehigh Valley's leading chefs. American cuisine. Upstairs party room. Indoor and outdoor bar. Also offers take-out service and delivery. }} * {{eat | name=East Penn Diner | alt= | url=https://www.eastpenndiner.com/ | email= | address=1418 Chestnut St | lat=40.526634 | long=-75.511192 | directions= | phone=+1 610 965-3100 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 6AM-9PM, F Sa 6AM-10PM | price= | content=One of three Emmaus diners, but this one advertises itself as "the Lehigh Valley's favorite diner". }} * {{eat | name=House and Barn | alt= | url=https://www.houseandbarn.net/ | email= | address=1449 Chestnut St | lat=40.525893 | long=-75.512681 | directions=Chestnut Street in the vicinity of Emmaus Community Park | phone=+1 610-421-6666 | tollfree= | hours=W-Th 11:50AM-8:20PM, F-Sa: 11:50AM-9:20PM | price= | content=Once an actual barn, then part of a golf course, but now a great burger restaurant and bar with trivia nights and live music. }} * {{eat | name=Lin's Garden | alt= | url=https://www.allmenus.com/pa/emmaus/682316-lins-garden/menu/ | email= | address=339 Chestnut St | lat=40.535289 | long=-75.491449 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-9300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese. }} * {{eat | name=Lingnan Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.zmenu.com/lingnan-chinese-restaurant-emmaus-online-menu/ | email= | address=1328 Chestnut St | lat=40.526489 | long=-75.50977 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-8373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese. }} * {{eat | name=Mamma Mia Pizzeria | alt= | url=https://www.ordermammamiapizzeria.com/ | email= | address=2917 West Emaus Ave., Allentown | lat=40.570695 | long=-75.470287 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-0600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza. Free delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurante Boca Chica | alt= | url=https://restaurantebocachica.com/home/ | email=info@restaurantebocachica.com | address=198 Main St. | lat=40.537304 | long=-75.488724 | directions=Corner of Main and S. 2nd St. | phone=+1 484-232-5301 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Thurs 11AM–7PM, Fri-Sat 11AM–9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | content=Large menu with Caribbean/Dominican specialties and some standard American entrees }} * {{eat | name=Rossi's Pizza & Italian | alt= | url=https://rossispizzaemmaus.com/ | email= | address=606 State Ave | lat=40.54982 | long=-75.491051 | directions= | phone=+1 610-967-6050 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa: 10AM-9:30PM, Sun: Closed | price= | content=Italian, pizza and other entrees. }} *{{eat | name=Superior Restaurant | alt= | url=https://superiorrestaurantpa.com/ | email= | address=180 Main St | lat=40.537675 | long=-75.48836 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-5750 | tollfree= | hours=Su-W 6AM-10PM, Th 6AM-11PM, F Sa 6AM-midnight | price= | content=Diner with separate bar. }} * {{eat | name=Trivet | alt= | url=https://www.trivetdiner.com/home | email=info@trivetdiner.com | address=4102 Chestnut St | lat=40.516594 | long=-75.523071 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-2838 | tollfree= | hours=6AM-9PM daily | price= | content=Diner. }} * {{eat | name=Wally's Deli | alt= | url=https://wallys-deli.com/ | email= | address=1245 Chestnut St | lat=40.526634 | long=-75.511192 | directions= | phone=+1 610-967-1347 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-6PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Yocco's West | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=2128 Hamilton St., Allentown | lat=40.593709 | long=-75.50173 | directions= | phone=+1 610-821-8488 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Yocco's Hot Dogs | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=Widely considered among the best hot dogs in the nation, there are four locations and each is in proximity to Emmaus (two in Allentown, one in Trexlertown, and one in [[Fogelsville]]. Dine-in, take-out or drive-through service. Yocco's also does mail delivery to customers outside of the Lehigh Valley area, both in the United States and globally. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Armetta's | alt= | url=http://www.armettaspizzarestpub.com/ | email= | address=301 Main St | lat=40.535908 | long=-75.490368 | directions= | phone=+1 610-967-3050 | tollfree= | hours=F Sa 11AM-11PM, Tu-Th Su 11AM-9PM, closed Mondays | price= | content=Separate bar with a friendly drinking atmosphere. Beer specials. Outside patio bar open during summer. }} * {{drink | name=Big Woody's | alt= | url=https://bigwoodysbar.com/ | email= | address=3941 Chestnut St | lat=40.516594 | long=-75.523071 | directions= | phone=+1 610-966-1996 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-2AM 365 days a year | price= | content=Sports bar with sports bar menu. }} * {{drink | name=Commix Hotel | alt= | url=https://commix-hotel.business.site/ | email= | address=3245 Emaus Ave., Allentown | lat=40.564299 | long=-75.475532 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-9711 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-2AM | price= | content=Historical but informal bar and restaurant on first floor of Revolutionary War-era hotel. }} * {{drink | name=Funk | alt= | url=https://www.funkbrewing.com/emmaus/ | email= | address=518 Bank Street | lat=40.533793 | long=--75.4936659 | directions= | phone=+1 484-232-9695 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 4-11PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price= | content=Large craft beer taproom. Drafts and cans to go. Big screen TVs. Indoor and outdoor seating. Food trucks. }} * {{drink | name=Mercantile Club | alt= | url=http://themercantileclub.com/ | email= | address=427 Railroad St | lat=40.534331 | long=-75.492005 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-3871 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-midnight, Sa 8AM-midnight, Su 8AM-10PM | price= | content=Historic private club (opened in 1908) with restaurant and smoking permitted separate bar. }} * {{drink | name=Triple Sun Spirits| alt= | url=https://www.triplesunspirits.com/emmaus | email= | address=518 Bank St. | lat=40.545434 | long=-75.491522 | directions=5th and Railroad Streets | phone=+1 610-904-8082 | tollfree= | hours=Th 4PM-10PM, F 3PM-11PM, Sa Noon-11PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | content=Online or pick-up order os ultra-premium spirits. Tours also available of their distillery. }} * {{drink | name=Vera Cruz Tavern| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Veracruz4/ | email= | address=3883 Main Rd W | lat=40.545434 | long=-75.491522 | directions= | phone=+1 610-967-1716 | tollfree= | hours=M-F Noon-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM | price= | content=Bar, pool table, fun drinking establishment }} * {{drink | name=Volpe's Sports Bar | alt= | url=https://volpessportsbar.com/emmaus/ | email=info@volpessportsbar.com | address=501 Broad St | lat=40.532580| long=-75.491980 | directions= | phone=+1 610-965-0311 | tollfree= | hours=F-Su noon-10PM, M-Th 4-9PM | price= | content=Excellent sports bar complex with two separate bars (one smoke free and the other a cigar bar dating back to the 1920s), 20 large screen plasma televisions, including all out of town games. Pool table. 12 beers on tap at all times and over 50 bottled beers. }} * {{drink | name=Yergey's | alt= | url=https://www.yergeybrewing.com/ | email=info@yergeybrewing.com | address=235 Main St | lat=40.53646 | long=-75.489827 | directions= | phone=+1 484-232-7055 | tollfree= | hours=M 4-9PM, Th F 4-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | content=Craft beer bar and outside patio. Live music. Food trucks. }} ==Sleep== There are no hotels in Emmaus, but there are many nearby. Check out these five, plus the more extensive list on the [[Allentown]] page: * {{sleep | name=Bear Creek Mountain Resort | alt= | url=http://www.bcmountainresort.com/ | email=reservations@bcmr.com | address=101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie | lat=47.77244 | long=-115.46045 | directions= | phone=+1 610-282-7100 | tollfree=+1-866-754-2822 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $219 a night | wikipedia=Bear Creek Ski and Recreation Area | wikidata=Q112027576 | lastedit=2022-06-13 | lastefot=2021-11-29 | content=Macungie. Guests can plan an event in the spacious banquet and meeting facilities, dine at The Grille at Bear Creek or the Trail’s End Cafe, relax at The Spa at Bear Creek, enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, participate in beer and wine festivals, and enjoy free outdoor concerts. Great dining, plenty of activities year round, including snowboarding, skiing, snowtubing in the winter and hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddle boarding in warmer weather. }} * {{sleep | name=Four Points Sheraton Allentown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/abefp-four-points-allentown-lehigh-valley/ | email= | address=3712 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | lat=40.57549 | long=-75.53028 | directions=on Hamilton Blvd. in vicinity of Dorney Park | phone=+1 610-437-9100 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $176 a night | content=Free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant (The Linx), room service, 24-hour fitness center and indoor swimming pool, mini-refigerator and smart tv in all rooms, meeting rooms, no pets. }} * {{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton Allentown | alt= | url=https://hilton.com/en/hotels/abecvhw-homewood-suites-allentown-bethlehem-center-valley/ | email= | address=3350 Center Valley Pkway., Center Valley | lat=40.55114 | long=--75.420080 | directions= | phone=+1 610-351-6400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From $174 a night | content=A Hilton hotel affiliate, free Wi-Fi, daily hot breakfast, in-room kitchens, heated swimming pool, fitness center, business center, connected room options, meeting rooms. Pets allowed with deposit. }} * {{sleep | name=Red Roof Inn Allentown South | alt= | url=https://www.redroof.com/property/pa/allentown/RRI845 | email= | address=2650 Moravian Ave., Allentown | lat=40.565891 | long=-75.485481 | directions= | phone=+1 610-797-1234 | tollfree=+1-855-352-7611 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $99 a night | lastedit=2022-06-13 | content=In-room microwave, mini-refrigerator, ironing board, flat screen tv in all rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Rodeway Inn Allentown | alt= | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/allentown/rodeway-inn-hotels/pa185 | email= | address=2115 Downeyflake Ln., Allentown | lat=40.57254 | long=-75.47786 | directions=off I-78 by Queen City Municipal Airport | phone=+1 610-797-2200 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From $95 per night | lastedit=2022-07-17 | content=Free WiFi, complimentary continenetal breakfast, laundry facilities, fitness center, rental refrigerators available, no pets. }} ==Go next== ===Lehigh Valley cities=== *[[Allentown]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|34.1|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|9.8|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|23.4|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|10.3|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|9.8|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|24.2|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg, NJ]], {{convert|26|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]] - {{convert|7|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]] - {{convert|9.3|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - {{convert|115.4|mi|km}} *[[Harrisburg]] - {{convert|82.4|mi|km}} *[[New York City]] - {{convert|91|mi|km}} *[[Philadelphia]] - {{convert|52|mi|km}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|40.536944|-75.495833}} {{isPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} hpvlzhe0s19qtv5wwxjcmgrers5br4d 0 11284 4488194 4280136 2022-07-22T11:00:29Z LPfi 79572 /* Cities */ removing [[Los Santos (Spain)]]: redlink, no description, no wikidata, the places found on Wikipedia (en and es) don't seem obviously relevant wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Medelin banner.jpg|caption=Medellín, Badajoz|unesco=yes}} '''[http://www.visitextremadura.co.uk Extremadura]''' (Extremaduran: ''Estremaúra'') is a region of [[Spain]]. Extremadura is characterized by the joviality of its people, so in any corner of the land of Extremadura there is a place of fun. ==Cities== {{mapframe}}{{mapshape|wikidata=Q5777}} [[File:Cáceres old town 2011.jpg|thumb|[[Caceres]]]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Badajoz]]|wikidata=Q15679}} — home to a Moorish castle, the powerfully armed fort of San Cristobal, and the Badajoz Cathedral, which resembles a fortress with massive walls * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Caceres]]|wikidata=Q15678}} — medieval town and museums * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Mérida (Spain)|Mérida]]|wikidata=Q14323}} — featuring a Roman theater and Museum of Roman Art * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Plasencia]]|wikidata=Q241767}} — has the remains of a 16th-century aqueduct * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trujillo (Spain)|Trujillo]]|wikidata=Q324489}} — medieval town and home of Francisco Pizarro, the conquistador of the Inca empire * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zafra]]|wikidata=Q140203}} — it has a medieval quarter, which surrounds the fortress, and many winding streets and historical buildings to explore ==Other destinations== * '''Guadalupe''' — home to a huge hill-top monastery/cathedral and great parador ==Understand== ===Climate=== The climate of Extremadura is characterized by its very hot and dry summers, with great droughts, and its mild winters due to the oceanic influence from its proximity to the Atlantic coast of Portugal. ===Talk=== The only official language is Spanish (whose local dialects are collectively called ''Castúo''), but other languages and dialects are also spoken. The Fala, a Galician-Portuguese language, is a specially protected language and is spoken in the valley of Jálama. The Extremaduran language, the collective name for a group of vernacular dialects related to Leonese, is endangered. Local variants of Portuguese are native to Cedillo and Herrera de Alcántara. Portuguese has also been accounted to be spoken as well by some people (mainly those born before the 1940s) in Olivenza. ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== [[File:Siega Verde.JPG|thumbnail|Rock art in Siega Verde]] * {{see | name=Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q552106 | content=A [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] near Ciudad Rodrigo and shared with [[Portugal]]. }} [[File:Dolmen Guadalperal Verano 2019.jpg|thumb|The Dolmen of Guadalperal during the drought of summer 2019]] * {{see | name=Dolmen de Guadalperal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price=Free | image=Dolmen Guadalperal Verano 2019.jpg | wikidata=Q20170929 | lastedit=2019-09-24 | content=Archaeological rock formation similar to Stonehenge but on a smaller scale. It's almost permanently submerged in a reservoir, with the tips peaking out. In periods of drought, the water reclines and the dolmen can be observed in its full glory. The dolmen was completely visible in 2019 for the first time in 50 years because of extreme drought in the region. }} ==Do== ===La Ruta de Isabel La Católica=== If you plan on visiting the town of Guadalupe, in the Sierra de Guadalupe, you might consider hiking La Ruta de Isabel La Católica. This 17-km trail starts in the nearby village of Cañamero, which can be reached by bus. The well-marked trail winds its way past beautiful lakes and stunning hills before descending into Guadalupe. The hike takes about half a day. ==Eat== Extremadura gastronomy is known mainly for its Iberian pork sausages, an animal that feeds on acorns in the pasture. No less important is the goat meat, the lamb with which the Extremaduran stew or game is prepared, with dishes such as partridges in the Alcantara way. There is also fish from rivers, such as the Jerte trout, tench or crayfish. But the Extremaduran dish par excellence is ''migas'', prepared with the famous paprika from La Vera. Among the oils, the one from the Sierra de Gata stands out, and among the wines and ''cavas'' (sparkling wines), those from Almendralejo and Las Villuercas. The best cheeses are those from La Serena, Los Ibores and the unique Torta del Casar, the most expensive cheese in Spain. And for dessert there is nothing better than some cherries from the Jerte valley. Practically every town or city has its grill, its wood oven, its barbecue, or its sausages. ==Drink== In Extremadura there are excellent wines: quality wines are those that are protected by the DO Ribera del Guadiana. There are others, called ''pitarra'' (homemade wines), which can be somewhat rough. The wines from the Ribera del Guadiana are produced in Tierra de Barros, Montánchez, Ribera Alta, Ribera Baja, Matanegra and Cañamero. The most outstanding wines are: Bodega Las Granadas, with its red Torrejulia, Bodegas Martínez Paiva, its wine is Paiva, Bodegas Ruiz Torres, with Atelea, Compañía Vinícola de Extremadura, with Basangus, Viña Santa Marina, with its Santa Marina. As for going out, in all towns there is a festive atmosphere. ==Stay safe== ==Go next== * '''[[Alentejo]]''' — southern plains region of [[Portugal]] * '''[[Andalusia]]''' – Spain's southernmost region * '''[[Beiras]]''' – central [[Portugal]] * '''[[Castile and Leon]]''' — historical region to the north {{IsPartOf|Central Spain}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|39.2|-6.0|zoom=8}} fm9gx79pgr0to5nqriy0rxwu4pyqh88 4488202 4488194 2022-07-22T11:09:22Z LPfi 79572 /* Other destinations */ let's name the attraction instead of the municipality, created marker wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Medelin banner.jpg|caption=Medellín, Badajoz|unesco=yes}} '''[http://www.visitextremadura.co.uk Extremadura]''' (Extremaduran: ''Estremaúra'') is a region of [[Spain]]. Extremadura is characterized by the joviality of its people, so in any corner of the land of Extremadura there is a place of fun. ==Cities== {{mapframe}}{{mapshape|wikidata=Q5777}} [[File:Cáceres old town 2011.jpg|thumb|[[Caceres]]]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Badajoz]]|wikidata=Q15679}} — home to a Moorish castle, the powerfully armed fort of San Cristobal, and the Badajoz Cathedral, which resembles a fortress with massive walls * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Caceres]]|wikidata=Q15678}} — medieval town and museums * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Mérida (Spain)|Mérida]]|wikidata=Q14323}} — featuring a Roman theater and Museum of Roman Art * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Plasencia]]|wikidata=Q241767}} — has the remains of a 16th-century aqueduct * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Trujillo (Spain)|Trujillo]]|wikidata=Q324489}} — medieval town and home of Francisco Pizarro, the conquistador of the Inca empire * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Zafra]]|wikidata=Q140203}} — it has a medieval quarter, which surrounds the fortress, and many winding streets and historical buildings to explore ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=Monastery of Saint Mary of Guadalupe |wikidata=Q750248 |lat=39.452778|long=-5.3275}} in Guadalupe — a huge hill-top monastery/cathedral and great ''parador''. ==Understand== ===Climate=== The climate of Extremadura is characterized by its very hot and dry summers, with great droughts, and its mild winters due to the oceanic influence from its proximity to the Atlantic coast of Portugal. ===Talk=== The only official language is Spanish (whose local dialects are collectively called ''Castúo''), but other languages and dialects are also spoken. The Fala, a Galician-Portuguese language, is a specially protected language and is spoken in the valley of Jálama. The Extremaduran language, the collective name for a group of vernacular dialects related to Leonese, is endangered. Local variants of Portuguese are native to Cedillo and Herrera de Alcántara. Portuguese has also been accounted to be spoken as well by some people (mainly those born before the 1940s) in Olivenza. ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== [[File:Siega Verde.JPG|thumbnail|Rock art in Siega Verde]] * {{see | name=Prehistoric Rock-Art Sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q552106 | content=A [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] near Ciudad Rodrigo and shared with [[Portugal]]. }} [[File:Dolmen Guadalperal Verano 2019.jpg|thumb|The Dolmen of Guadalperal during the drought of summer 2019]] * {{see | name=Dolmen de Guadalperal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price=Free | image=Dolmen Guadalperal Verano 2019.jpg | wikidata=Q20170929 | lastedit=2019-09-24 | content=Archaeological rock formation similar to Stonehenge but on a smaller scale. It's almost permanently submerged in a reservoir, with the tips peaking out. In periods of drought, the water reclines and the dolmen can be observed in its full glory. The dolmen was completely visible in 2019 for the first time in 50 years because of extreme drought in the region. }} ==Do== ===La Ruta de Isabel La Católica=== If you plan on visiting the town of Guadalupe, in the Sierra de Guadalupe, you might consider hiking La Ruta de Isabel La Católica. This 17-km trail starts in the nearby village of Cañamero, which can be reached by bus. The well-marked trail winds its way past beautiful lakes and stunning hills before descending into Guadalupe. The hike takes about half a day. ==Eat== Extremadura gastronomy is known mainly for its Iberian pork sausages, an animal that feeds on acorns in the pasture. No less important is the goat meat, the lamb with which the Extremaduran stew or game is prepared, with dishes such as partridges in the Alcantara way. There is also fish from rivers, such as the Jerte trout, tench or crayfish. But the Extremaduran dish par excellence is ''migas'', prepared with the famous paprika from La Vera. Among the oils, the one from the Sierra de Gata stands out, and among the wines and ''cavas'' (sparkling wines), those from Almendralejo and Las Villuercas. The best cheeses are those from La Serena, Los Ibores and the unique Torta del Casar, the most expensive cheese in Spain. And for dessert there is nothing better than some cherries from the Jerte valley. Practically every town or city has its grill, its wood oven, its barbecue, or its sausages. ==Drink== In Extremadura there are excellent wines: quality wines are those that are protected by the DO Ribera del Guadiana. There are others, called ''pitarra'' (homemade wines), which can be somewhat rough. The wines from the Ribera del Guadiana are produced in Tierra de Barros, Montánchez, Ribera Alta, Ribera Baja, Matanegra and Cañamero. The most outstanding wines are: Bodega Las Granadas, with its red Torrejulia, Bodegas Martínez Paiva, its wine is Paiva, Bodegas Ruiz Torres, with Atelea, Compañía Vinícola de Extremadura, with Basangus, Viña Santa Marina, with its Santa Marina. As for going out, in all towns there is a festive atmosphere. ==Stay safe== ==Go next== * '''[[Alentejo]]''' — southern plains region of [[Portugal]] * '''[[Andalusia]]''' – Spain's southernmost region * '''[[Beiras]]''' – central [[Portugal]] * '''[[Castile and Leon]]''' — historical region to the north {{IsPartOf|Central Spain}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|39.2|-6.0|zoom=8}} h4eplos00a3amvq0wrvwt8pgztn0rd7 0 11444 4488173 4430930 2022-07-22T09:54:11Z SHB2000 2248002 expand lede wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Far_North_Queensland_Banner.jpg|unesco=yes}} '''Far North Queensland''' is a coastal region in the north of [[Queensland]]. Sometimes colloquially called ''Tropical North Queensland'' (though parts of [[Central Queensland]] are also within the tropics), you'll find nice warm 25-30°C sunny days year round, warm coastal waters, some of the world's oldest rainforests (including the oldest) and a gateway to the GBR. Far North Queensland is ''huge''. It may look small on a map, but in reality, it's about {{km|1200}} from one end to another, excluding the Torres Strait Islands, and is an extra {{km|170}} including the Torres Strait Islands, meaning it's almost {{km|1400}} from end to end. ==Cities== {{Mapframe|-14.92 |143.46|zoom=6|height=500}} {{mapshape|wikidata=Q1069392,Q14320095,Q778562,Q676334,Q2279343,Q264641,Q1066876,Q1276697,Q1752892,Q1236246,Q969590,Q476477,Q1025962}}<!--Q1048446--> * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-16.93|long=145.77|zoom=11 |name= [[Cairns]]|image=}} – visitor gateway to the north of Townsville * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-18.26|long=146.03|zoom=11 |name= [[Cardwell]]|image=}} – known for its waters and landscape * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-15.46|long=145.25|zoom=11 |name= [[Cooktown]]|image=}} – the oldest place settled by Europeans in Australia, though not continuously * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-17.48|long=140.83|zoom=11 |name= [[Karumba]]|image=}} – the only Qld town to have a North Coast * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-16.828|long=145.626|zoom=11 |name= [[Kuranda]]|image=}} – famed for its market and alternative lifestyles, near Cairns * {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Innisfail (Queensland)|Innisfail]]|wikidata=Q690795}} – known for its sugar and banana industries * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-17.67341|long=141.07497|zoom=11 |name= [[Normanton]]|image=}} – once thrived as a port town during the gold rush * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-16.744|long=145.670|zoom=11 |name= [[Palm Cove]]|image=}} – known for its beaches * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-16.481|long=145.463|zoom=11 |name= [[Port Douglas]]|image=}} – an hour north of Cairns are the beachfront resorts missing in Cairns * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-19.307|long=146.731|zoom=11 |name= [[Thuringowa]]|image=}} – an area close to Townsville, Qld's second capital * {{Marker|type=city|lat=-17.9333|long=145.9333|zoom=11 |name= [[Tully]]|image=}} – boasts one of the largest number of UFO sightings in Queensland. ==Other destinations== * {{Marker|type=vicinity|lat=-17.3179|long=145.5894|zoom=11|name=[[Atherton Tablelands]]}} * {{Marker|type=vicinity|lat=-15.959|long=145.401|zoom=11 |name= [[Daintree Rainforest|Daintree National Park]]|image=}} - to the north of Port Douglas, and home to the world's oldest living rainforest * {{Marker|type=vicinity|lat=-16.15|long=146.14|zoom=11 |name= [[Great Barrier Reef]]|image=}} - a natural wonder of the world, easily accessible from Cairns and Port Douglas, and stretching far down the length of [[Central Queensland]] as well * {{Marker|type=vicinity|lat=-18.3500|long=146.2333|zoom=11 |name= [[Hinchinbrook Island National Park]]|image=}} * {{marker| type=vicinity | name=[[Possession Island|Possession Island National Park]] | alt=Bedanug, Bedhan Lag | wikipedia=Possession Island, Queensland | wikidata=Q1361133 | lastedit=2020-05-18 }} - at this island, [[Voyages of James Cook|Captain Cook]] claimed possession of the entire Australian coast for the [[British Empire]], on 22 August 1770. Today, it's the centre of the eponymous National Park, an area of {{km2|5.10}}, established as a Protected Area in 1977, and managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. * {{Marker|type=vicinity|lat=-9.88|long=142.59|zoom=11 |name= [[Torres Strait Islands]]|image=}} * {{Marker|type=vicinity|lat=-18.20|long=144.59|zoom=11 |name= [[Undara Volcanic National Park]]|image=}} - a unique geological formation ==Understand== Far North Queensland is the northernmost coastal region of Queensland. It is full of tropical rain forests, extremely remote communities and for the most part very hard to get into. The northern city of Cairns is a good base with a lot of tourist infrastructure to begin to explore. ==Talk== Although you should be fine with English, this part of Australia does in fact speak many different tongues. Many remote communities will speak native aboriginal languages. The Torres Straight islands can speak Kalaw Lagaw Ya, which belongs to the Pama–Nyungan languages found in [[Papua New Guinea]] as well as [[Torres Strait Creole phrasebook|Torres Strait Creole]]. ==Get in== For the Eastern part, the international airport in [[Cairns]] is probably your best bet to get in. For the Western part, [[Darwin]] may provide the quickest access. ==Get around== Travelling around the North Queensland region is best accomplished by car. From Townsville heading North there are many picnic areas, swimming facilities, and national parks only accessible by car. An example of such places include Crystal Creek, Paluma, Mission Beach, as well as the northern beaches of Cairns. The Atherton Tablelands also becomes available for you to explore at your own pace. Hire cars are readily available in both Townsville and Cairns, with one way hires available (sometimes with a substantial fee, so remember to make sure). Roads are generally of good condition, with the Bruce Highway providing the primary link to North Queensland with access to the coastal towns. Some dirt roads do exist near particular attractions so checking your hire car insurance policy would be worth while. Fuel is generally easy to come by along the highways. If driving between Townsville and Cairns and the many attractions in between, fuel is available at towns such as Ingham and Tully. Cash, credit card and bank cards are generally all accepted, and many of the fuel stations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ==See== [[File:Viewpoint Daintree National Parc - Aussichtspunkt (22792907499).jpg|thumb|right|300px|Daintree National Park]] The most important thing to see in Far North Queensland are the '''Wet Tropics of Queensland''', which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A trip to Far North Queensland is never complete without seeing one of the world heritage listed national parks. Of all the national parks part of the world heritage region, the Daintree Rainforest is the most visited one, with the Daintree National Park being the most visited of them all. Other popular national parks in this region include the Barron Gorge National Park and the Kuranda National Park although there are several other national parks too. For those willing to do the rough and harsh drive up to the '''Cape York Peninsula''', it is well worth the views. It is the northernmost point of the Australian mainland, and where vibrant Torres Strait culture can be seen. The landscape there is often more known to be that of Asia's rather than of Australia's. Just like the Wet Tropics of Queensland, there are many national parks in the peninsula, often covered with thick forests. Getting here is usually not possible for around four or five months of the year, as the roads close due to monsoon/wet season. For something much closer to the cities, the '''Crystal Cascades''' is a cascade waterfall on the Freshwater Creek just to the west of Cairns. It includes numerous waterfalls and swimming waterholes with the largest waterhole is sited alongside a sheer cliff which locals and tourists climb to jump into the adjoining deep waterhole. For a more inland experience, the '''Gulf Country''' is a region of woodland and savanna grassland and is one of the few "wet outback" experiences that one can get. It is also home to World Heritage Fossil finds at [[Riversleigh]]. The '''Tablelands Region''' is just one of the regions large vast natural wonders. It's mostly taken up by [[Atherton Tablelands]] and is home to several gorges and trails. ==Do== Trekking or hiking in the tropics and the Far North of the state is very different to the rest of the country. Unlike the Outback, trekking during winter will ''not'' be cold but still be too hot and humid for trekking as the temperatures commonly reach the low 30s during the day, and the high 20s during the night and the climate for trekking is much similar to that of [[Borneo]] given the area is only 10 degrees from the equator. Other things to do in Far North Queensland to do include catching the [https://savannahlander.com.au/ Savannahlander] from [[Cairns]] to Forsayth - this unique four-day train trip is a great way to see the wet northern parts of the Australian outback and the wet tropics of Queensland. ===The Savannah Way=== Whether you call it starting in Far North Queensland or ending in Far North Queensland, the route goes from Broome in Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland, the 3500-km adventure through the heart of Australia’s northern tropics snakes through some of the region's best tourist attractions. Although a four-wheel drive is recommended on this drive, you can get thru the Savannah Way without a 4WD as all the roads are paved, except once you head into the Outback. Allow at least a week for the Far North Queensland section or 30 days for the entire journey. ===Snorkelling and boat tours=== See the [[Great Barrier Reef]] page for that. ===Kuranda Scenic Railway=== [[File:Kuranda Scenic Railway on top of a bridge.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuranda Scenic Railway on a bridge]] Although rated as one of the world's 10 most dangerous railway lines in the world, this tourist train is one of the best rainforest views in the Tropical North. Trains leave from either [[Cairns]] or [[Kuranda]] and pass through several national parks. ==Eat== When it comes to eating, apart from [[Cairns]], there is little variety of food found in Far North Queensland, merely due to the lack of demand. But nevertheless, the non-ethnic aspects of [[Australian cuisine]] can be found in most places here. ==Drink== Along with the rest of the state, the local mass produced Queensland beer is "XXXX", which is also known locally as "fourex". Almost all pubs will have "XXXX" in it and you may come across it in football (rugby) games. While large cities will have places to drink almost everywhere, most smaller towns have at least two places to get a drink, a pub and a club although many towns have more than one pub. Unlike the south, Far North Queensland is not known for wineries. ==Stay safe== '''Saltwater Crocodiles''' are very common in certain portions of northern Queensland; the species general range extends from [[Rockhampton]] to the Torres Strait, along with the rest of northern Australia. Population sizes vary depending on the area, but it is wise to avoid swimming in any rivers or lagoons unless they are known to be safe (signposted for swimming). Read warning signs carefully. In summer months (Oct-May) don't swim in the ocean or estuaries without a stinger suit due to the risk of [[Australia#Jellyfish|fatal jellyfish stings]]. They especially inhabit in shallow water near beaches. ==Go next== * Your only choices are to head down to [[Central Queensland]] {{isPartOf|Queensland}} {{guideregion}} {{geo|-16.983|145.417|zoom=7}} 7m8rnj5z9n3vwvf2pc42pfbururfbwv 0 11459 4488212 4474731 2022-07-22T11:40:55Z SHB2000 2248002 ce. "Australian Outback" is a relatively uncommon term wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|NSW_Far_West.jpg|pgname=Outback NSW|unesco=yes}} '''Outback NSW''' is the western part of [[New South Wales]], part of the large [[Outback]]. The area is large and the population small: much of the area is desert, far from civilization. The southern part of Outback NSW - the Willandra Lakes region, so significant, that it's been inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The [[Central West (New South Wales)|Central West]] region is also sometimes considered to be part of the Outback as well, however, as the conditions and the environment in the Central West largely differ from the rest of the Outback, it has a separate article, similar to how NSW tourism classifies regions. ==Cities and towns== {{mapshape |wikidata=Q3179144,Q925757,Q820695,Q751598,Q752642,Q573910,Q752514,Q142160,Q265390,Q820651,Q753128 |stroke-opacity=0 }} {{Mapframe|-31.84 |145.22|zoom=6}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Balranald]]|wikidata=Q805508}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.017132|long=145.998005|zoom=11 |name=[[Bourke]] |image=|wikidata=Q895237}} – not really a tourist town but it's the only town for kilometres on end * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.96244|long=146.86112|zoom=11|name=[[Brewarrina]]|image=|wikidata=Q911376}} – claims to have the world's oldest structure * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.975280|long=141.448349|zoom=11 |name=[[Broken Hill]] |image=|wikidata=Q270734}} – the only "city" in the Outback * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.10254|long=148.96724|zoom=11|name=[[Burren Junction]]|image-|wikidata=Q5000421}} – once a railway encampment that thrived as a tourist town but now in shatters. * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.500408|long=145.819074|zoom=11 |name=[[Cobar]] |image=|wikidata=Q1104537}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.54309|long=148.57856|zoom=11|name=[[Collarenebri]]|image=|wikidata=Q2982734}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.379963|long=147.924151|zoom=11 |name=[[Lightning Ridge]] |image=|wikidata=Q1001654}} – the opal capital of New South Wales * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-32.441696|long=142.446464|zoom=11 |name=[[Menindee]] |image=|wikidata=Q973323}} – a good base for exploring the Menindee Lakes and the nearby [[Kinchega National Park]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nyngan]]|wikidata=Q917556}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.433056|long=142.008056|zoom=11|name=[[Tibooburra]] |image=}} – a small remote town that's a good base for exploring [[Sturt National Park]] * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.02358|long=148.11634|zoom=11|name=[[Walgett]] |image=|wikidata=Q458299}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Wentworth (New South Wales)|Wentworth]]|wikidata=Q3107680}} – where the Murray and Darling Rivers meet * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.653875|long=143.425101|zoom=11 |name=[[Wilcannia]] |image=|wikidata=Q574953}} ==Other destinations== [[File:Walls of China in Mungo National Park (27464678334).jpg|thumb|300px|The Walls of China in the world-heritage Mungo National Park]] * {{Marker|type=vicinity |lat=-30.777922|long=143.079204|zoom=11 |name=[[White Cliffs]]|wikidata=Q1814643 |image=}} - Small outback village * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=Cameron Corner Survey Marker|wikidata=Q28164902}} &mdash; ''Queensland Heritage Register'' - 1st official survey of the border between Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Kinchega National Park]] | wikidata=Q1511987}} * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Mutawintji National Park]] | wikidata=Q1164871}} <!--banners: File:Mutawintji National Park banner two.jpg or Mutawintji National Park banner.jpg--> * {{Marker|type=vicinity |lat=-33.748889|long=143.135556|zoom=11 |name=[[Mungo National Park]] |image= | wikidata=Q1670728}} – a UNESCO world heritage site to some of the world's oldest modern human bodies outside Africa * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]]|wikidata=Q109849429}} * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Sturt National Park]]|wikidata=Q972962}} – northwestern most point of New South Wales, near the Cameron Corner Survey Marker ==Understand== Summers are blazing hot and dry, and if the sun doesn't get you, the flies will! If you want to avoid the heat, then the autumn and spring months may be the best time to visit. Winters can be surprisingly cold. Even a small amount of rain can close many unsealed back roads. Even minor flooding can close roads with low-level bridges or creek crossings that rely. Distances are huge. Even on main roads, towns and villages can be 300&nbsp;km apart. On the back roads, you can drive all day and not see another vehicle. This is a great experience of itself, but it comes with the risk that a breakdown will strand you for some hours, at least, and it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to use your mobile (cellular) phone to call for help. It is always important to have filled up your car so that it has at least 350&nbsp;km worth of fuel in it and you should ''always'' carry plenty of water. The towns are also generally very small, and have limited facilities. If you're very lucky, there may be some live music at the local club, but generally, life in these remote areas tends to be very quiet. On the other hand, the scenery is exceedingly beautiful, and there's plenty of it. If you head west along the Barrier Highway, the red dirt starts at around the mining town of Cobar, out past [[Nyngan]]. North, the Kidman Way takes you up to Bourke (of "back of Bourke" fame), in cotton-growing country near the Queensland border. West, the next town is Wilcannia, once a major port on the Darling River. Beyond Wilcannia is Broken Hill, population 21,000, a mining town with a long and colourful history. South of Cobar is the vast, mostly empty middle of New South Wales. Crossed by the Kidman Way and the Cobb Highway, it's just scrub and a few tiny towns all the way to the south border of the state. In the middle of that is ancient Lake Mungo, site of the oldest known human cremation, and Menindee, a system of lakes in the desert, which only fill after months of rainfall in southern Queensland. To the north-east and north-west of Cobar are the isolated opal fields of Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs, both places where people live "rough", and often underground (in White Cliffs). Tours of some underground places can be arranged. Finally, in the far north-west of the State, there are the strange rock engravings at Mutawintji, and the isolated town of Tibooburra. ==Get in== If you are going to fully explore the Far West, you'll need a car or camper to get in. You can fly in to Broken Hill ({{IATA|BHQ}}) for a taste - at a price. Expect to pay around 3 times what you would pay for an inter-capital flight. Great Southern Railways run the [[Across Australia by train|Indian Pacific]] from Sydney and Adelaide, with a whistlestop tour in Broken Hill. NSW Trainlink run a weekly train to Broken Hill, and a bus network (mainly connecting to Dubbo) to cover much of the rest. ==Get around== The public transport out here is still oriented towards taking passengers towards the capital cities, and to get between towns that aren't on the same capital city route can be a real challenge without your own transport. Even out at Broken Hill the only coach or train services you will see are either towards Adelaide or towards Sydney. There are a few trains that run into the far west, but they usually only stop at major towns, such as Broken Hill. Larger towns are serviced by infrequent buses, and smaller towns are not serviced by public transport at all. All these factors can make getting around difficult without a car. There are also a lot of things to see and do that aren't in the town centres, so a car is almost essential to see them. Car rental in the Far West always has distance limits before a surcharge applies, and one-way fees if you don't drop back at the starting point. Almost invariably it is at a higher cost than a capital city hire. Consider hiring from a capital or major city (e.g. Adelaide, Dubbo, Mildura) to avoid these costs. It gets very hot in the summer, so air conditioning is essential if you're travelling at that time of year. Make sure the vehicle has good tyres, adequate fuel and has been properly serviced. There's plenty of traffic on the main roads, so you won't have major problems with a breakdown, but the back roads are a different matter, so always carry water for a day or two, and stay with the vehicle. * Regional Express [http://www.rex.com.au/] provides limited, and fairly expensive, air services between some major towns. * Rail and bus services are provided by NSW Trainlink [http://www.nswtrainlink.info/], Greyhound. ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Willandra Lakes Region | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q747875 | lastedit=2019-12-23 | content=A [[UNESCO World Heritage site]]. }} The Far West is known for its Outback activities, which most can not do in big cities like Sydney or Adelaide. Also popular for the significant Aboriginal culture, rock engravings, and also home to silver mines, hence Broken Hill's nickname; The Silver City. ==Do== Trekking in the Outback can always be different. While trekking in the summer will be boiling, while in the winter it'll be freezing. Better do it in Autumn or Spring, but still it's hot then. ==Eat== Country food in Australia is simple and generally consists of steaks, lamb chops, beef and other basics. However, it can be difficult for a vegetarian to find a decent meal in many outback towns because many rural Australians just do not get this "urban affliction". It is always wise to pinpoint the supermarket and stock up on fruit, vegetables and other vegetarian staples. Be aware, however, that prices for fresh food are likely to be higher as the food has had to travel quite a way and fuel costs are factored into the food. "Pub grub" is a fairly easy and quick meal for travellers. If it includes a smorgasbord, there should be enough to satisfy all dietary types. Chips, hamburgers and basic fried items are fairly staple pub grub but you will also find some pubs are more innovative and carry local cuisine. Breakfast establishments are not as common as the diners found in North America but there is often a cafe or a "mixed business" (corner store) that will be open early and always keep an eye out for bakeries, where hard-working bakers will have been baking hours before you rise. If you haven't a clue where to find a restaurant, always head for the main street. Most New South Wales country towns will have a congregation of eating places on the main strip. ==Drink== Most outback towns have at least two places to get a drink: a pub and a club. Many towns have more than one pub. Some quite tiny towns have three or four, which speaks more to better times in the past than unusual alcohol consumption today. Clubs are generally either lawn bowling clubs, or clubs for returned servicemen, none of which really matters these days, as anyone can use their facilities by signing in at the door. Clubs are often the main social centres of small towns; not only do they have sporting facilities, they also usually have a restaurant, poker machines and a bar. In many cases, pubs also sell food (usually referred to as counter meals, because you eat them at the bar), and many also provide accommodation. Incidentally, pubs in Australia are often referred to as 'hotels'. This confusing practice dates from the nineteenth century, when it was decided that alcohol should only be served by places that also provided accommodation to travellers. That requirement was later removed, but the name persisted. As a general rule, the locals drink beer and the usual post-mix soft drinks. Wine will also be available, but don't expect a wide selection. In very isolated areas, choices may be more limited than that. For example, the pub at White Cliffs only serves Victoria Bitter (generally known as 'VB'). If you pick the beer that isn't VB or Tooheys New, it may have been sitting in the lines for a few weeks. Best to go with the flow or pick a bottle from the fridge or not drink at all. ==Go next== * [[Outback (South Australia)]] if you want to head west, or [[Central West (New South Wales)]] if you're heading east. Getting to [[Outback Queensland]] is a little more difficult although there are paved roads. {{usableregion}} {{isPartOf|New_South_Wales}} {{geo|-31.95667|141.46778|zoom=8}} h8um7mod2elz721otpykbq66budjejg 4488213 4488212 2022-07-22T11:42:47Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Cities and towns */ then there's also Mount Isa, QLD; Alice Springs, NT; Karratha, WA; Kalgoorlie, WA and a few others wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|NSW_Far_West.jpg|pgname=Outback NSW|unesco=yes}} '''Outback NSW''' is the western part of [[New South Wales]], part of the large [[Outback]]. The area is large and the population small: much of the area is desert, far from civilization. The southern part of Outback NSW - the Willandra Lakes region, so significant, that it's been inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The [[Central West (New South Wales)|Central West]] region is also sometimes considered to be part of the Outback as well, however, as the conditions and the environment in the Central West largely differ from the rest of the Outback, it has a separate article, similar to how NSW tourism classifies regions. ==Cities and towns== {{mapshape |wikidata=Q3179144,Q925757,Q820695,Q751598,Q752642,Q573910,Q752514,Q142160,Q265390,Q820651,Q753128 |stroke-opacity=0 }} {{Mapframe|-31.84 |145.22|zoom=6}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Balranald]]|wikidata=Q805508}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.017132|long=145.998005|zoom=11 |name=[[Bourke]] |image=|wikidata=Q895237}} – not really a tourist town but it's the only town for kilometres on end * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.96244|long=146.86112|zoom=11|name=[[Brewarrina]]|image=|wikidata=Q911376}} – claims to have the world's oldest structure * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.975280|long=141.448349|zoom=11 |name=[[Broken Hill]] |image=|wikidata=Q270734}} – the only "city" in Outback NSW * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.10254|long=148.96724|zoom=11|name=[[Burren Junction]]|image-|wikidata=Q5000421}} – once a railway encampment that thrived as a tourist town but now in shatters. * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.500408|long=145.819074|zoom=11 |name=[[Cobar]] |image=|wikidata=Q1104537}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.54309|long=148.57856|zoom=11|name=[[Collarenebri]]|image=|wikidata=Q2982734}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.379963|long=147.924151|zoom=11 |name=[[Lightning Ridge]] |image=|wikidata=Q1001654}} – the opal capital of New South Wales * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-32.441696|long=142.446464|zoom=11 |name=[[Menindee]] |image=|wikidata=Q973323}} – a good base for exploring the Menindee Lakes and the nearby [[Kinchega National Park]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nyngan]]|wikidata=Q917556}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.433056|long=142.008056|zoom=11|name=[[Tibooburra]] |image=}} – a small remote town that's a good base for exploring [[Sturt National Park]] * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.02358|long=148.11634|zoom=11|name=[[Walgett]] |image=|wikidata=Q458299}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Wentworth (New South Wales)|Wentworth]]|wikidata=Q3107680}} – where the Murray and Darling Rivers meet * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.653875|long=143.425101|zoom=11 |name=[[Wilcannia]] |image=|wikidata=Q574953}} ==Other destinations== [[File:Walls of China in Mungo National Park (27464678334).jpg|thumb|300px|The Walls of China in the world-heritage Mungo National Park]] * {{Marker|type=vicinity |lat=-30.777922|long=143.079204|zoom=11 |name=[[White Cliffs]]|wikidata=Q1814643 |image=}} - Small outback village * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=Cameron Corner Survey Marker|wikidata=Q28164902}} &mdash; ''Queensland Heritage Register'' - 1st official survey of the border between Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Kinchega National Park]] | wikidata=Q1511987}} * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Mutawintji National Park]] | wikidata=Q1164871}} <!--banners: File:Mutawintji National Park banner two.jpg or Mutawintji National Park banner.jpg--> * {{Marker|type=vicinity |lat=-33.748889|long=143.135556|zoom=11 |name=[[Mungo National Park]] |image= | wikidata=Q1670728}} – a UNESCO world heritage site to some of the world's oldest modern human bodies outside Africa * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]]|wikidata=Q109849429}} * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Sturt National Park]]|wikidata=Q972962}} – northwestern most point of New South Wales, near the Cameron Corner Survey Marker ==Understand== Summers are blazing hot and dry, and if the sun doesn't get you, the flies will! If you want to avoid the heat, then the autumn and spring months may be the best time to visit. Winters can be surprisingly cold. Even a small amount of rain can close many unsealed back roads. Even minor flooding can close roads with low-level bridges or creek crossings that rely. Distances are huge. Even on main roads, towns and villages can be 300&nbsp;km apart. On the back roads, you can drive all day and not see another vehicle. This is a great experience of itself, but it comes with the risk that a breakdown will strand you for some hours, at least, and it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to use your mobile (cellular) phone to call for help. It is always important to have filled up your car so that it has at least 350&nbsp;km worth of fuel in it and you should ''always'' carry plenty of water. The towns are also generally very small, and have limited facilities. If you're very lucky, there may be some live music at the local club, but generally, life in these remote areas tends to be very quiet. On the other hand, the scenery is exceedingly beautiful, and there's plenty of it. If you head west along the Barrier Highway, the red dirt starts at around the mining town of Cobar, out past [[Nyngan]]. North, the Kidman Way takes you up to Bourke (of "back of Bourke" fame), in cotton-growing country near the Queensland border. West, the next town is Wilcannia, once a major port on the Darling River. Beyond Wilcannia is Broken Hill, population 21,000, a mining town with a long and colourful history. South of Cobar is the vast, mostly empty middle of New South Wales. Crossed by the Kidman Way and the Cobb Highway, it's just scrub and a few tiny towns all the way to the south border of the state. In the middle of that is ancient Lake Mungo, site of the oldest known human cremation, and Menindee, a system of lakes in the desert, which only fill after months of rainfall in southern Queensland. To the north-east and north-west of Cobar are the isolated opal fields of Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs, both places where people live "rough", and often underground (in White Cliffs). Tours of some underground places can be arranged. Finally, in the far north-west of the State, there are the strange rock engravings at Mutawintji, and the isolated town of Tibooburra. ==Get in== If you are going to fully explore the Far West, you'll need a car or camper to get in. You can fly in to Broken Hill ({{IATA|BHQ}}) for a taste - at a price. Expect to pay around 3 times what you would pay for an inter-capital flight. Great Southern Railways run the [[Across Australia by train|Indian Pacific]] from Sydney and Adelaide, with a whistlestop tour in Broken Hill. NSW Trainlink run a weekly train to Broken Hill, and a bus network (mainly connecting to Dubbo) to cover much of the rest. ==Get around== The public transport out here is still oriented towards taking passengers towards the capital cities, and to get between towns that aren't on the same capital city route can be a real challenge without your own transport. Even out at Broken Hill the only coach or train services you will see are either towards Adelaide or towards Sydney. There are a few trains that run into the far west, but they usually only stop at major towns, such as Broken Hill. Larger towns are serviced by infrequent buses, and smaller towns are not serviced by public transport at all. All these factors can make getting around difficult without a car. There are also a lot of things to see and do that aren't in the town centres, so a car is almost essential to see them. Car rental in the Far West always has distance limits before a surcharge applies, and one-way fees if you don't drop back at the starting point. Almost invariably it is at a higher cost than a capital city hire. Consider hiring from a capital or major city (e.g. Adelaide, Dubbo, Mildura) to avoid these costs. It gets very hot in the summer, so air conditioning is essential if you're travelling at that time of year. Make sure the vehicle has good tyres, adequate fuel and has been properly serviced. There's plenty of traffic on the main roads, so you won't have major problems with a breakdown, but the back roads are a different matter, so always carry water for a day or two, and stay with the vehicle. * Regional Express [http://www.rex.com.au/] provides limited, and fairly expensive, air services between some major towns. * Rail and bus services are provided by NSW Trainlink [http://www.nswtrainlink.info/], Greyhound. ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Willandra Lakes Region | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q747875 | lastedit=2019-12-23 | content=A [[UNESCO World Heritage site]]. }} The Far West is known for its Outback activities, which most can not do in big cities like Sydney or Adelaide. Also popular for the significant Aboriginal culture, rock engravings, and also home to silver mines, hence Broken Hill's nickname; The Silver City. ==Do== Trekking in the Outback can always be different. While trekking in the summer will be boiling, while in the winter it'll be freezing. Better do it in Autumn or Spring, but still it's hot then. ==Eat== Country food in Australia is simple and generally consists of steaks, lamb chops, beef and other basics. However, it can be difficult for a vegetarian to find a decent meal in many outback towns because many rural Australians just do not get this "urban affliction". It is always wise to pinpoint the supermarket and stock up on fruit, vegetables and other vegetarian staples. Be aware, however, that prices for fresh food are likely to be higher as the food has had to travel quite a way and fuel costs are factored into the food. "Pub grub" is a fairly easy and quick meal for travellers. If it includes a smorgasbord, there should be enough to satisfy all dietary types. Chips, hamburgers and basic fried items are fairly staple pub grub but you will also find some pubs are more innovative and carry local cuisine. Breakfast establishments are not as common as the diners found in North America but there is often a cafe or a "mixed business" (corner store) that will be open early and always keep an eye out for bakeries, where hard-working bakers will have been baking hours before you rise. If you haven't a clue where to find a restaurant, always head for the main street. Most New South Wales country towns will have a congregation of eating places on the main strip. ==Drink== Most outback towns have at least two places to get a drink: a pub and a club. Many towns have more than one pub. Some quite tiny towns have three or four, which speaks more to better times in the past than unusual alcohol consumption today. Clubs are generally either lawn bowling clubs, or clubs for returned servicemen, none of which really matters these days, as anyone can use their facilities by signing in at the door. Clubs are often the main social centres of small towns; not only do they have sporting facilities, they also usually have a restaurant, poker machines and a bar. In many cases, pubs also sell food (usually referred to as counter meals, because you eat them at the bar), and many also provide accommodation. Incidentally, pubs in Australia are often referred to as 'hotels'. This confusing practice dates from the nineteenth century, when it was decided that alcohol should only be served by places that also provided accommodation to travellers. That requirement was later removed, but the name persisted. As a general rule, the locals drink beer and the usual post-mix soft drinks. Wine will also be available, but don't expect a wide selection. In very isolated areas, choices may be more limited than that. For example, the pub at White Cliffs only serves Victoria Bitter (generally known as 'VB'). If you pick the beer that isn't VB or Tooheys New, it may have been sitting in the lines for a few weeks. Best to go with the flow or pick a bottle from the fridge or not drink at all. ==Go next== * [[Outback (South Australia)]] if you want to head west, or [[Central West (New South Wales)]] if you're heading east. Getting to [[Outback Queensland]] is a little more difficult although there are paved roads. {{usableregion}} {{isPartOf|New_South_Wales}} {{geo|-31.95667|141.46778|zoom=8}} 51shfhsheuecy4hozu3tzd6r3uz3ju5 4488230 4488213 2022-07-22T11:57:45Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Other destinations */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|NSW_Far_West.jpg|pgname=Outback NSW|unesco=yes}} '''Outback NSW''' is the western part of [[New South Wales]], part of the large [[Outback]]. The area is large and the population small: much of the area is desert, far from civilization. The southern part of Outback NSW - the Willandra Lakes region, so significant, that it's been inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The [[Central West (New South Wales)|Central West]] region is also sometimes considered to be part of the Outback as well, however, as the conditions and the environment in the Central West largely differ from the rest of the Outback, it has a separate article, similar to how NSW tourism classifies regions. ==Cities and towns== {{mapshape |wikidata=Q3179144,Q925757,Q820695,Q751598,Q752642,Q573910,Q752514,Q142160,Q265390,Q820651,Q753128 |stroke-opacity=0 }} {{Mapframe|-31.84 |145.22|zoom=6}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Balranald]]|wikidata=Q805508}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.017132|long=145.998005|zoom=11 |name=[[Bourke]] |image=|wikidata=Q895237}} – not really a tourist town but it's the only town for kilometres on end * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.96244|long=146.86112|zoom=11|name=[[Brewarrina]]|image=|wikidata=Q911376}} – claims to have the world's oldest structure * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.975280|long=141.448349|zoom=11 |name=[[Broken Hill]] |image=|wikidata=Q270734}} – the only "city" in Outback NSW * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.10254|long=148.96724|zoom=11|name=[[Burren Junction]]|image-|wikidata=Q5000421}} – once a railway encampment that thrived as a tourist town but now in shatters. * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.500408|long=145.819074|zoom=11 |name=[[Cobar]] |image=|wikidata=Q1104537}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.54309|long=148.57856|zoom=11|name=[[Collarenebri]]|image=|wikidata=Q2982734}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.379963|long=147.924151|zoom=11 |name=[[Lightning Ridge]] |image=|wikidata=Q1001654}} – the opal capital of New South Wales * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-32.441696|long=142.446464|zoom=11 |name=[[Menindee]] |image=|wikidata=Q973323}} – a good base for exploring the Menindee Lakes and the nearby [[Kinchega National Park]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nyngan]]|wikidata=Q917556}} * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-29.433056|long=142.008056|zoom=11|name=[[Tibooburra]] |image=}} – a small remote town that's a good base for exploring [[Sturt National Park]] * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-30.02358|long=148.11634|zoom=11|name=[[Walgett]] |image=|wikidata=Q458299}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Wentworth (New South Wales)|Wentworth]]|wikidata=Q3107680}} – where the Murray and Darling Rivers meet * {{Marker|type=city |lat=-31.653875|long=143.425101|zoom=11 |name=[[Wilcannia]] |image=|wikidata=Q574953}} ==Other destinations== [[File:Walls of China in Mungo National Park (27464678334).jpg|thumb|300px|The Walls of China in the world-heritage Mungo National Park]] * {{Marker|type=vicinity |lat=-30.777922|long=143.079204|zoom=11 |name=[[White Cliffs]]|wikidata=Q1814643 |image=}} - Small outback village * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=Cameron Corner Survey Marker|wikidata=Q28164902}} &mdash; ''Queensland Heritage Register'' - 1st official survey of the border between Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gundabooka National Park]]|wikidata=Q1165288}} – most notable for its petroglyph rock art * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Kinchega National Park]] | wikidata=Q1511987}} * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Mutawintji National Park]] | wikidata=Q1164871}} <!--banners: File:Mutawintji National Park banner two.jpg or Mutawintji National Park banner.jpg--> * {{Marker|type=vicinity |lat=-33.748889|long=143.135556|zoom=11 |name=[[Mungo National Park]] |image= | wikidata=Q1670728}} – a UNESCO world heritage site to some of the world's oldest modern human bodies outside Africa * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]]|wikidata=Q109849429}} * {{Marker|type=vicinity | name=[[Sturt National Park]]|wikidata=Q972962}} – northwestern most point of New South Wales, near the Cameron Corner Survey Marker ==Understand== Summers are blazing hot and dry, and if the sun doesn't get you, the flies will! If you want to avoid the heat, then the autumn and spring months may be the best time to visit. Winters can be surprisingly cold. Even a small amount of rain can close many unsealed back roads. Even minor flooding can close roads with low-level bridges or creek crossings that rely. Distances are huge. Even on main roads, towns and villages can be 300&nbsp;km apart. On the back roads, you can drive all day and not see another vehicle. This is a great experience of itself, but it comes with the risk that a breakdown will strand you for some hours, at least, and it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to use your mobile (cellular) phone to call for help. It is always important to have filled up your car so that it has at least 350&nbsp;km worth of fuel in it and you should ''always'' carry plenty of water. The towns are also generally very small, and have limited facilities. If you're very lucky, there may be some live music at the local club, but generally, life in these remote areas tends to be very quiet. On the other hand, the scenery is exceedingly beautiful, and there's plenty of it. If you head west along the Barrier Highway, the red dirt starts at around the mining town of Cobar, out past [[Nyngan]]. North, the Kidman Way takes you up to Bourke (of "back of Bourke" fame), in cotton-growing country near the Queensland border. West, the next town is Wilcannia, once a major port on the Darling River. Beyond Wilcannia is Broken Hill, population 21,000, a mining town with a long and colourful history. South of Cobar is the vast, mostly empty middle of New South Wales. Crossed by the Kidman Way and the Cobb Highway, it's just scrub and a few tiny towns all the way to the south border of the state. In the middle of that is ancient Lake Mungo, site of the oldest known human cremation, and Menindee, a system of lakes in the desert, which only fill after months of rainfall in southern Queensland. To the north-east and north-west of Cobar are the isolated opal fields of Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs, both places where people live "rough", and often underground (in White Cliffs). Tours of some underground places can be arranged. Finally, in the far north-west of the State, there are the strange rock engravings at Mutawintji, and the isolated town of Tibooburra. ==Get in== If you are going to fully explore the Far West, you'll need a car or camper to get in. You can fly in to Broken Hill ({{IATA|BHQ}}) for a taste - at a price. Expect to pay around 3 times what you would pay for an inter-capital flight. Great Southern Railways run the [[Across Australia by train|Indian Pacific]] from Sydney and Adelaide, with a whistlestop tour in Broken Hill. NSW Trainlink run a weekly train to Broken Hill, and a bus network (mainly connecting to Dubbo) to cover much of the rest. ==Get around== The public transport out here is still oriented towards taking passengers towards the capital cities, and to get between towns that aren't on the same capital city route can be a real challenge without your own transport. Even out at Broken Hill the only coach or train services you will see are either towards Adelaide or towards Sydney. There are a few trains that run into the far west, but they usually only stop at major towns, such as Broken Hill. Larger towns are serviced by infrequent buses, and smaller towns are not serviced by public transport at all. All these factors can make getting around difficult without a car. There are also a lot of things to see and do that aren't in the town centres, so a car is almost essential to see them. Car rental in the Far West always has distance limits before a surcharge applies, and one-way fees if you don't drop back at the starting point. Almost invariably it is at a higher cost than a capital city hire. Consider hiring from a capital or major city (e.g. Adelaide, Dubbo, Mildura) to avoid these costs. It gets very hot in the summer, so air conditioning is essential if you're travelling at that time of year. Make sure the vehicle has good tyres, adequate fuel and has been properly serviced. There's plenty of traffic on the main roads, so you won't have major problems with a breakdown, but the back roads are a different matter, so always carry water for a day or two, and stay with the vehicle. * Regional Express [http://www.rex.com.au/] provides limited, and fairly expensive, air services between some major towns. * Rail and bus services are provided by NSW Trainlink [http://www.nswtrainlink.info/], Greyhound. ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Willandra Lakes Region | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q747875 | lastedit=2019-12-23 | content=A [[UNESCO World Heritage site]]. }} The Far West is known for its Outback activities, which most can not do in big cities like Sydney or Adelaide. Also popular for the significant Aboriginal culture, rock engravings, and also home to silver mines, hence Broken Hill's nickname; The Silver City. ==Do== Trekking in the Outback can always be different. While trekking in the summer will be boiling, while in the winter it'll be freezing. Better do it in Autumn or Spring, but still it's hot then. ==Eat== Country food in Australia is simple and generally consists of steaks, lamb chops, beef and other basics. However, it can be difficult for a vegetarian to find a decent meal in many outback towns because many rural Australians just do not get this "urban affliction". It is always wise to pinpoint the supermarket and stock up on fruit, vegetables and other vegetarian staples. Be aware, however, that prices for fresh food are likely to be higher as the food has had to travel quite a way and fuel costs are factored into the food. "Pub grub" is a fairly easy and quick meal for travellers. If it includes a smorgasbord, there should be enough to satisfy all dietary types. Chips, hamburgers and basic fried items are fairly staple pub grub but you will also find some pubs are more innovative and carry local cuisine. Breakfast establishments are not as common as the diners found in North America but there is often a cafe or a "mixed business" (corner store) that will be open early and always keep an eye out for bakeries, where hard-working bakers will have been baking hours before you rise. If you haven't a clue where to find a restaurant, always head for the main street. Most New South Wales country towns will have a congregation of eating places on the main strip. ==Drink== Most outback towns have at least two places to get a drink: a pub and a club. Many towns have more than one pub. Some quite tiny towns have three or four, which speaks more to better times in the past than unusual alcohol consumption today. Clubs are generally either lawn bowling clubs, or clubs for returned servicemen, none of which really matters these days, as anyone can use their facilities by signing in at the door. Clubs are often the main social centres of small towns; not only do they have sporting facilities, they also usually have a restaurant, poker machines and a bar. In many cases, pubs also sell food (usually referred to as counter meals, because you eat them at the bar), and many also provide accommodation. Incidentally, pubs in Australia are often referred to as 'hotels'. This confusing practice dates from the nineteenth century, when it was decided that alcohol should only be served by places that also provided accommodation to travellers. That requirement was later removed, but the name persisted. As a general rule, the locals drink beer and the usual post-mix soft drinks. Wine will also be available, but don't expect a wide selection. In very isolated areas, choices may be more limited than that. For example, the pub at White Cliffs only serves Victoria Bitter (generally known as 'VB'). If you pick the beer that isn't VB or Tooheys New, it may have been sitting in the lines for a few weeks. Best to go with the flow or pick a bottle from the fridge or not drink at all. ==Go next== * [[Outback (South Australia)]] if you want to head west, or [[Central West (New South Wales)]] if you're heading east. Getting to [[Outback Queensland]] is a little more difficult although there are paved roads. {{usableregion}} {{isPartOf|New_South_Wales}} {{geo|-31.95667|141.46778|zoom=8}} 5cgf1qlf3hptvr9l8spjq3i5vafwlda 0 11772 4487965 4487431 2022-07-21T20:40:42Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Fogelsville''' is an unincorporated community of about 3,200 people in the Lehigh Valley of [[Pennsylvania]]. Fogelsville surrounds a number of large industrial parks and corporate centers. It is known as a large regional trucking hub. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Fogelsville and [[Lehigh Valley]] is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]], which is 15 minutes. Various airlines operate out of this airport. [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. ===By car=== * From the east/west, use Interstate 78 and/or Route 22. * From the north/south, use Route 309 to Route 100 south. * From the north/south, use Interstate 476 (Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike) - toll road - to Route 22 west. ==Get around== ===By bus=== Extensive bus services are provided by Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA). [http://lantabus.com] ===By cab=== Several cab companies also operate throughout [[Lehigh Valley]]. These are: *Lehigh Valley Taxi, +1 610-867-6000 *Quick Service Taxi, +1 610-434-8132 *Car One of Allentown, +1 610-266-9770 or +1-877-LVIACAR ==See== Aside from the wineries (listed below) and Upper Macungie Park (north on Route 100), there's not much to see in Fogelsville. It's mostly industrial. However, Fogelsville is less than 5 minutes from [[Allentown]], where's there's LOTS of stuff to see and do. ==Do== *{{do | name=Liber-Tee Mini Golf | url=http://www.liberteeminigolf.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=7720 Adrienne Drive, Allentown | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-391-1477 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Only open during summer months. Even though it has an Allentown address, its in the Fogelsville area. Located in walking distance from Holiday Inn Conference Center. }} ==Buy== The only real shopping in Fogelsville is at the corner of Route 100 and Tilghman Street. There's an Rite Aid Drug Store and across the street is Lamar Center, a strip mall with a flower shop, pet shop, shipping facility, a salon/spa and a couple small restaurants. ==Eat== [[File:Yocco's, Fogelsville.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Yocco's at 225 Route 100]] *{{eat | name=America Restaurant | url=http://meritagecatering.com/america/america_restaurant.asp {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=7736 Adrienne Drive, Breinigsville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-391-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located at the Holiday Inn Conference Center. }} *{{eat | name=Glasbern | url=http://www.glasbern.com/ | email= | address=2141 Pack House Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-285-4723 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Farm to table meals. Evening dining only, 5:30pm-8:30pm. Reservations required. Dress code. }} *{{eat | name=Yocco's | alt= | url=http://www.yoccos.com | email= | address=225 Route 100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-928-3100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Yocco's Hot Dogs | wikidata=Q8054235 | content=A Lehigh Valley original - Yocco's chili dogs. Fast food. }} *{{eat | name= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=National chains include '''Pizza Hut''', '''Long John Silver''', '''Arbys''', '''Cracker Barrel''', '''Burger King''' and '''Taco Bell'''. Also, there's a diner on Route 100 and the '''[http://hopsfogelsvillehotel.com/ Fogelsville Hotel]''' a block west off Route 100 on Tilghman Street. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Boston's | url=http://www.bostonsgourmet.com/ | email= | address=327 Star Road, Allentown | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-841-5404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sports bar and gourmet pizza. Even though an '''Allentown''' address, located in Fogelsville area. }} *{{drink | name=Hops Fogelsville Hotel | url=http://hopsfogelsvillehotel.com | email= | address=7921 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-3999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Happy hour - free appetizer buffet on Fridays. Outside seating. Loads of TVs to watch the games (definitely Philadelphia Eagels fan hotspot). }} *{{drink | name=Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery | url=http://www.cloverhillwinery.com/ | email= | address=9850 Newtown Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-395-2468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Winery tours and wine tastings. Part of the award-winning Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. }} *{{drink | name=Vynecrest Winery | url=http://www.vynecrest.com/ | email= | address=172 Arrowhead Lane | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-398-7525 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Wine tasting and winery tours. Part of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Glasbern Country Inn | alt= | url=http://www.glasbern.com | email= | address=2141 Pack House Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Just 20 minutes from Lehigh Valley International Airport. }} * {{sleep | name=Hawthorne Suites | alt= | url=http://www.hawthorn.com/reservations/locationdetail.asp?facid=513 | email= | address=7720 Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+1 610 366-9422 | tollfree= | fax=+1 610 366-9445 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Conference Center | url=http://www.hilehighvalley.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=7736 Adrienne Drive, Breinigsville | lat= | long= | directions=Exit 49A off I78/US22 | phone = +1 610-530-4601 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Allentown West | url=http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=ABEAWGI {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=230 Sycamore Road, Breinigsville | lat= | long= | directions=Exit 49B off I78/US22 | phone = +1 610-398-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Allentown Hampton Inn | url=http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=ALLPAHX {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=7471 Keebler Way, Allentown | lat= | long= | directions=Exit 49A off I78/US 22 | phone = +1 610-391-1500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Sleep Inn | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=PA068 | email= | address=327 Star Rd, Allentown | lat= | long= | directions=Exit 49A off I78/US22 | phone = +1 610-395-6603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Comfort Inn | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-allentown-pennsylvania-PA140 | email= | address=7625 Imperial Way | lat= | long= | directions=Exit 49B off I78/US22 | phone = +1 610-391-0344 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Even though it has an Allentown address, it's still located in the Fogelsville area. }} *{{sleep | name=Staybridge Suites | url=http://www.staybridgesuites.com/ | email= | address=327 C Star Road, Allentown | lat= | long= | directions=Exit 49A off I78/US22 | phone = +1 610-841-5100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Even though it has an Allentown address, it's located in the Fogelsville area. }} Also, a Homewood Suites is being constructed near the new US 222/PA 100 interchange, but no word on the opening yet. ==Connect== ===Tourist Information=== * Lehigh Valley Covention and Visitors Bureau, [http://www.DiscoverLehighValley.com www.DiscoverLehighValley.com] * Lehigh Valley Visitor Center, 840 Hamilton Street, Allentown, +1 610 973-2140. '''January through April hours''': 9:30AM - 5:30PM Monday - Friday. '''May through December hours''': 9:30AM - 5:30PM Monday - Friday; 9:30AM - 2:30PM Saturday. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== * [[Allentown]], {{convert|9|mi|km}} * [[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|39|mi|km}} * [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} * [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|25|mi|km}} * [[Emmaus]], {{convert|11|mi|km}} * [[Hellertown]], {{convert|19|mi|km}} * [[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|23|mi|km}} * [[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]], {{convert|27|mi|km}} * [[Slatington]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} * [[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|7|mi|km}} * [[Whitehall]], {{convert|10|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - 121 miles *[[Harrisburg]] - 74 miles *[[New York City]] - 98 miles *[[Philadelphia]] - 60 miles {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=Merges with [[Image:I-81.svg|18px]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Allentown]] }} {{geo|40.58306|-75.63278}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{outlinecity}} 4onggwjr3cosxderg73xq15oktc1upv 0 12055 4487749 4283315 2022-07-21T14:11:49Z Freeholdman12 2273495 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Freehold''' is a city in [[Monmouth County]], [[New Jersey]]. Freehold is a great day or weekend trip for those who love history, architecture, and food. ==Understand== Freehold is the seat of Monmouth County, and one of the original townships of Monmouth County. Freehold is a city which contains much 18th century history, as it was here where the Battle of Monmouth was waged. In the 19th century, many quaint Victorian houses were built, along with the Freehold Raceway. The city currently is a bedroom community of New York City, home to the Freehold Raceway Mall (the third largest mall in the state) and steps away from trendy dining spots, bars, taverns, museums, and art galleries on Main Street. ==Get in== ===By train=== While there is no designated station for Freehold, the nearest train station, is Aberdeen-Matawan, which runs along the North Jersey Coast Line towards [[New York City]]/[[Hoboken]] and [[Ocean County (New Jersey)|Bay Head]]. The station situates on the intersection of Main Street & Atlantic Avenue in [[Monmouth County|Matawan, New Jersey]], approximately 10 miles/20 minutes away along Route 79. The two towns are separated by Marlboro Township. ===By road=== U.S Highway 9, New Jersey Turnpike, Route 18, Route 33, Garden State Parkway, Route 522, Route 524, Route 527, Route 537 *'''U.S. Route 9''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold. Freehold Raceway and Freehold Raceway Mall are located across from each other on Route 9. *'''State Route 18''' briefly runs in the northeast section of the township at a junction with County Route 537. It can also be accessed in Marlboro via Route 79 and in Old Bridge via U.S. 9. * '''State Route 33''' passes through near the center the city. It is further divided into two sections: ** ''Freehold Bypass'' is the freeway section of Route 33 that bypasses the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough ** ''Route 33 Business'' is the 'old' section of Route 33 that travels through the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough * '''State Route 79''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold, from U.S. 9 near Freehold Township into Freehold Borough briefly running concurrent with County Route 537, before heading northwest towards northern sections of Freehold into Marlboro Township. * '''County routes 522, 524, 527, and 537''' traverse the municipality. Other major roads provide access to the area. * '''Garden State Parkway''' is 10 miles east in [[Tinton Falls]] Borough (Exit 100) * '''Interstate 195''' is in bordering [[Millstone]], Jackson, and Howell Townships. * '''New Jersey Turnpike''' Interstate 95 is 10 miles west in [[East Windsor (New Jersey)|East Windsor]] Township (Exit 8) ===By bus=== New Jersey Transit provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Port Authority Bus Terminal in [[Midtown Manhattan]] via bus routes 131, 135 and 139. The Academy Bus Line provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Wall Street in [[Lower Manhattan]]. ===By plane=== * '''Old Bridge Airport''' ({{FAA LID|3N6}}) Public-use airport located 9.26 km (5 mn) south of the Old Bridge CBD in [[Middlesex County (New Jersey)|Middlesex County]]. The airport is privately owned and situated next to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The city is served by several nearby international and domestic airports :* '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}). :* '''[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|JFK}}). :* '''LaGuardia Airport''' ({{IATA|LGA}}). :* '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) [http://www.phl.org/] :* '''Atlantic City Airport''' ({{IATA|ACY}}) [https://www.sjta.com/acairport/] provides some minor domestic service. Please see the '''New Jersey [[New Jersey#Get in|article]]''' for more detailed information on these airports and services. ===By boat=== Ferry service is available through the SeaStreak service in '''Highlands''' (near [[Middletown (New Jersey)|Middletown]]). The ferry slip is roughly a 30 minute drive to/from Freehold. Some residents (particularly residents in the northeastern section of town, near Route 18) opt to commuting to New York City via SeaStreak, as it offers ferry service to Pier 11 (on the East River at Wall Street) and East 35th Street. ==Get around== While public transportation is provided, most residents and visitors get around by car. ==See== *{{see | name=Monmouth Battlefield State Park | url=https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/monmouthbattlefieldstatepark.html | email= | address=347 Freehold Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Historic battlefield site on the site of the longest battle of the American Revolution. The location is now preserved as an 18th century rural setting with wooded areas, fields, orchards, and wetlands with miles and miles of trails, picnic areas, and restored farmhouses }} **{{see | name=Craig House | url= https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/historic/craighouse.html| email= | address= U.S. Route 9 southbound at Schibanoff Commuter Lot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of many 18th century farmhouses that have been preserved at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The family of the home (the Craigs) were Patriots, but the home was raided and used as a hospital by the British during the Battle of Monmouth. }} **{{see | name=Covenhoven House | url= https://www.monmouthhistory.org/covenhoven-house| email= | address= 150 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-462-1466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18th century farmhouse of great importance to the Battle of Monmouth. The Covenhoven family were loyal supporters of the Crown, and it was utilized as General Clinton's headquarters during the battle. }} **{{see | name=Monmouth County Courthouse | url= https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/monmouth.html | email= | address=71 Monument Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-358-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The County Courthouse for Monmouth. The courthouse was built in neoclassical architecture. At front of the courthouse, is a 90-foot (27 m) obelisk tall monument dedicated to the Battle of Monmouth. It was also George Washington's headquarters during the battle. }} *{{see | name=Oakley Farmstead | url= https://www.oakleyfarmmuseum.org/oakley-farm| email= | address= 189 Wemrock Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The '''Walker, Combs, Hartshorne, Oakley Farmhouse''' (also known simply as the '''Oakley Farmhouse''') is located in the historic district of the village of West Freehold. The first recorded owners of the property were 'new-world' Scottish Quakers in the 17th Century. The last recorded owner was Elizabeth Oakley, who died in the property in 1995. At the time of her death, it was one of the oldest (if not the oldest) continuous operational farm in Monmouth County. It was then sold to the township in 1997, and has since been converted into a museum. }} ==Do== *{{do | name=Freehold Raceway | url=http://www.freeholdraceway.com/ | email= | address=130 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway | content=A half-mile racetrack, that is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Horseraces have been taking place at Freehold Raceway since the 1830s. Many local thoroughbred farms in the area (such as in Millstone and Colts Neck) breed horses that race at the racetrack. }} *{{do | name=iPlay America | url=https://www.iplayamerica.com/ | email= | address=110 Schanck Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-577-8200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An indoor family entertainment and event center that opened in November 2011, offering fun for children and adults alike. Featuring rides, arcade and carnival games, along with Topgolf, music venues, laser tag, shops, bars, and restaurants. }} ==Buy== * {{listing | type=buy | name=Freehold Raceway Mall | alt= | url=https://www.freeholdracewaymall.com/ | email= | address=3710 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway Mall | lastedit=2020-03-05 | content=A super-regional high-end shopping mall, opposite the Freehold Raceway over U.S. 9. The mall is the third largest shopping mall in the state and is a popular shopping destination for residents and visitors alike. It currently features Macy's, JCPenney, L.L. Bean, Primark, Apple, Forever 21, Zara, Lululemon Athletica, and Michael Kors. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Diane & Co. | alt= | url=https://www.dianeandcoonline.com/ | email= | address=3440 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-825-8001 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A famous elegant dress shop that has been featured on the Oxygen Network's show ''Jersey Couture''. }} ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Metropolitan Cafe | url=https://www.metrocafenj.com/ | email= | address=8 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-780-9400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At this restaurant, you have the option on either dining inside or outside. The menu offers a variety of delicious food, especially sushi. This place has a great bar, and some nights during the week they have different activities, such as karaoke, bingo, and trivia. }} *{{eat | name=Federici's Pizzeria | url=https://www.federicis.com/ | email= | address=14 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-1312 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Federici's serves thin crust pizza. This pizzeria is relatively large, and has a lot of tables, so it is more of a restaurant then a pizzeria, and has great food. This location is in the center of town and is a very popular location. }} *{{eat | name=Jersey Freeze | url=https://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com/ | email= | address=120 Manalapan Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-3008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content='''Jersey''' '''Freeze''' is a soft-serve ice cream and diner that was featured on the Food Network. In the dining section, they offer a variety of choices, including hotdogs, fries, burgers and sandwiches. Stop over in the ice cream section to get a milkshake, sundae, or your option of a variety of frozen yogurt and soft-serve creations. A lot of seating outside and inside the dining area. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Court Jester | url=https://www.courtjesternj.com/ | email= | address=16 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-1040 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Court Jester, you will find a bar scene with dine in or take out for its food. There are many screens to watch sports games, and there are over 42 beers on tap. When you go there, you should expect to find a very social and energetic environment and there are usually a lot of people. Every night out of the week there are drink specials, and some cool games to win gift cards and prizes. }} *{{drink | name=Moore's Tavern | url=https://www.moorestavern.com/ | email= | address=402 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-863-0555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 1787 by Moses Mount (an aide to George Washington during the American Revolution), the sports tavern (in its original structure) is a popular place for locals and visitors. It features tavern style food for dine in or takeout and a wide array of beer on tap. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=American Hotel | url=https://www.americanhotelnj.com/ | email=hospitality@americanhotelnj.com | address=18-20 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-431-3220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built in 1827 on a stagecoach stop, the American Hotel has been an iconic hotel in Freehold since. The luxurious hotel features elegant suites, extravagant banquet halls, comfortable lounges, fine dining, and a wide array of liquor on tap. }} ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Cope== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=US 9.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[New York City]] | minorl1=[[Manalapan]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Cape May]] | minorr1=Jct [[Jackson Township (New Jersey)|W]] [[File:I-195.svg|18px]] → [[Lakewood (New Jersey)|Lakewood]] }} {{geo|40.26000|-74.27389}} {{IsPartOf|Monmouth County}} {{outlinecity}} pbwk27l15rzfomk7seqnlt5tn0m2blt 4487750 4487749 2022-07-21T14:18:45Z Freeholdman12 2273495 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|MonmouthCountyCourtHouse.jpg|pgname=Freehold}} '''Freehold''' is a city in [[Monmouth County]], [[New Jersey]]. Freehold is a great day or weekend trip for those who love history, architecture, and food. ==Understand== Freehold is the seat of Monmouth County, and one of the original townships of Monmouth County. Freehold is a city which contains much 18th century history, as it was here where the Battle of Monmouth was waged. In the 19th century, many quaint Victorian houses were built, along with the Freehold Raceway. The city currently is a bedroom community of New York City, home to the Freehold Raceway Mall (the third largest mall in the state) and steps away from trendy dining spots, bars, taverns, museums, and art galleries on Main Street. ==Get in== ===By train=== While there is no designated station for Freehold, the nearest train station, is Aberdeen-Matawan, which runs along the North Jersey Coast Line towards [[New York City]]/[[Hoboken]] and [[Ocean County (New Jersey)|Bay Head]]. The station situates on the intersection of Main Street & Atlantic Avenue in [[Monmouth County|Matawan, New Jersey]], approximately 10 miles/20 minutes away along Route 79. The two towns are separated by Marlboro Township. ===By road=== U.S Highway 9, New Jersey Turnpike, Route 18, Route 33, Garden State Parkway, Route 522, Route 524, Route 527, Route 537 *'''U.S. Route 9''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold. Freehold Raceway and Freehold Raceway Mall are located across from each other on Route 9. *'''State Route 18''' briefly runs in the northeast section of the township at a junction with County Route 537. It can also be accessed in Marlboro via Route 79 and in Old Bridge via U.S. 9. * '''State Route 33''' passes through near the center the city. It is further divided into two sections: ** ''Freehold Bypass'' is the freeway section of Route 33 that bypasses the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough ** ''Route 33 Business'' is the 'old' section of Route 33 that travels through the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough * '''State Route 79''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold, from U.S. 9 near Freehold Township into Freehold Borough briefly running concurrent with County Route 537, before heading northwest towards northern sections of Freehold into Marlboro Township. * '''County routes 522, 524, 527, and 537''' traverse the municipality. Other major roads provide access to the area. * '''Garden State Parkway''' is 10 miles east in [[Tinton Falls]] Borough (Exit 100) * '''Interstate 195''' is in bordering [[Millstone]], Jackson, and Howell Townships. * '''New Jersey Turnpike''' Interstate 95 is 10 miles west in [[East Windsor (New Jersey)|East Windsor]] Township (Exit 8) ===By bus=== New Jersey Transit provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Port Authority Bus Terminal in [[Midtown Manhattan]] via bus routes 131, 135 and 139. The Academy Bus Line provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Wall Street in [[Lower Manhattan]]. ===By plane=== * '''Old Bridge Airport''' ({{FAA LID|3N6}}) Public-use airport located 9.26 km (5 mn) south of the Old Bridge CBD in [[Middlesex County (New Jersey)|Middlesex County]]. The airport is privately owned and situated next to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The city is served by several nearby international and domestic airports :* '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}). :* '''[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|JFK}}). :* '''LaGuardia Airport''' ({{IATA|LGA}}). :* '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) [http://www.phl.org/] :* '''Atlantic City Airport''' ({{IATA|ACY}}) [https://www.sjta.com/acairport/] provides some minor domestic service. Please see the '''New Jersey [[New Jersey#Get in|article]]''' for more detailed information on these airports and services. ===By boat=== Ferry service is available through the SeaStreak service in '''Highlands''' (near [[Middletown (New Jersey)|Middletown]]). The ferry slip is roughly a 30 minute drive to/from Freehold. Some residents (particularly residents in the northeastern section of town, near Route 18) opt to commuting to New York City via SeaStreak, as it offers ferry service to Pier 11 (on the East River at Wall Street) and East 35th Street. ==Get around== While public transportation is provided, most residents and visitors get around by car. ==See== *{{see | name=Monmouth Battlefield State Park | url=https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/monmouthbattlefieldstatepark.html | email= | address=347 Freehold Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Historic battlefield site on the site of the longest battle of the American Revolution. The location is now preserved as an 18th century rural setting with wooded areas, fields, orchards, and wetlands with miles and miles of trails, picnic areas, and restored farmhouses }} **{{see | name=Craig House | url= https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/historic/craighouse.html| email= | address= U.S. Route 9 southbound at Schibanoff Commuter Lot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of many 18th century farmhouses that have been preserved at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The family of the home (the Craigs) were Patriots, but the home was raided and used as a hospital by the British during the Battle of Monmouth. }} **{{see | name=Covenhoven House | url= https://www.monmouthhistory.org/covenhoven-house| email= | address= 150 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-462-1466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18th century farmhouse of great importance to the Battle of Monmouth. The Covenhoven family were loyal supporters of the Crown, and it was utilized as General Clinton's headquarters during the battle. }} **{{see | name=Monmouth County Courthouse | url= https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/monmouth.html | email= | address=71 Monument Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-358-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The County Courthouse for Monmouth. The courthouse was built in neoclassical architecture. At front of the courthouse, is a 90-foot (27 m) obelisk tall monument dedicated to the Battle of Monmouth. It was also George Washington's headquarters during the battle. }} *{{see | name=Oakley Farmstead | url= https://www.oakleyfarmmuseum.org/oakley-farm| email= | address= 189 Wemrock Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The '''Walker, Combs, Hartshorne, Oakley Farmhouse''' (also known simply as the '''Oakley Farmhouse''') is located in the historic district of the village of West Freehold. The first recorded owners of the property were 'new-world' Scottish Quakers in the 17th Century. The last recorded owner was Elizabeth Oakley, who died in the property in 1995. At the time of her death, it was one of the oldest (if not the oldest) continuous operational farm in Monmouth County. It was then sold to the township in 1997, and has since been converted into a museum. }} ==Do== *{{do | name=Freehold Raceway | url=http://www.freeholdraceway.com/ | email= | address=130 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway | content=A half-mile racetrack, that is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Horseraces have been taking place at Freehold Raceway since the 1830s. Many local thoroughbred farms in the area (such as in Millstone and Colts Neck) breed horses that race at the racetrack. }} *{{do | name=iPlay America | url=https://www.iplayamerica.com/ | email= | address=110 Schanck Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-577-8200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An indoor family entertainment and event center that opened in November 2011, offering fun for children and adults alike. Featuring rides, arcade and carnival games, along with Topgolf, music venues, laser tag, shops, bars, and restaurants. }} ==Buy== * {{listing | type=buy | name=Freehold Raceway Mall | alt= | url=https://www.freeholdracewaymall.com/ | email= | address=3710 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway Mall | lastedit=2020-03-05 | content=A super-regional high-end shopping mall, opposite the Freehold Raceway over U.S. 9. The mall is the third largest shopping mall in the state and is a popular shopping destination for residents and visitors alike. It currently features Macy's, JCPenney, L.L. Bean, Primark, Apple, Forever 21, Zara, Lululemon Athletica, and Michael Kors. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Diane & Co. | alt= | url=https://www.dianeandcoonline.com/ | email= | address=3440 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-825-8001 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A famous elegant dress shop that has been featured on the Oxygen Network's show ''Jersey Couture''. }} ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Metropolitan Cafe | url=https://www.metrocafenj.com/ | email= | address=8 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-780-9400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At this restaurant, you have the option on either dining inside or outside. The menu offers a variety of delicious food, especially sushi. This place has a great bar, and some nights during the week they have different activities, such as karaoke, bingo, and trivia. }} *{{eat | name=Federici's Pizzeria | url=https://www.federicis.com/ | email= | address=14 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-1312 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Federici's serves thin crust pizza. This pizzeria is relatively large, and has a lot of tables, so it is more of a restaurant then a pizzeria, and has great food. This location is in the center of town and is a very popular location. }} *{{eat | name=Jersey Freeze | url=https://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com/ | email= | address=120 Manalapan Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-3008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content='''Jersey''' '''Freeze''' is a soft-serve ice cream and diner that was featured on the Food Network. In the dining section, they offer a variety of choices, including hotdogs, fries, burgers and sandwiches. Stop over in the ice cream section to get a milkshake, sundae, or your option of a variety of frozen yogurt and soft-serve creations. A lot of seating outside and inside the dining area. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Court Jester | url=https://www.courtjesternj.com/ | email= | address=16 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-1040 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Court Jester, you will find a bar scene with dine in or take out for its food. There are many screens to watch sports games, and there are over 42 beers on tap. When you go there, you should expect to find a very social and energetic environment and there are usually a lot of people. Every night out of the week there are drink specials, and some cool games to win gift cards and prizes. }} *{{drink | name=Moore's Tavern | url=https://www.moorestavern.com/ | email= | address=402 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-863-0555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 1787 by Moses Mount (an aide to George Washington during the American Revolution), the sports tavern (in its original structure) is a popular place for locals and visitors. It features tavern style food for dine in or takeout and a wide array of beer on tap. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=American Hotel | url=https://www.americanhotelnj.com/ | email=hospitality@americanhotelnj.com | address=18-20 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-431-3220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built in 1827 on a stagecoach stop, the American Hotel has been an iconic hotel in Freehold since. The luxurious hotel features elegant suites, extravagant banquet halls, comfortable lounges, fine dining, and a wide array of liquor on tap. }} ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Cope== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=US 9.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[New York City]] | minorl1=[[Manalapan]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Cape May]] | minorr1=Jct [[Jackson Township (New Jersey)|W]] [[File:I-195.svg|18px]] → [[Lakewood (New Jersey)|Lakewood]] }} {{geo|40.26000|-74.27389}} {{IsPartOf|Monmouth County}} {{outlinecity}} em87h1kx3s6183muz9f5ysk8uqrmn2a 4487817 4487750 2022-07-21T16:24:05Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|MonmouthCountyCourtHouse.jpg|pgname=Freehold}} '''Freehold''' is a city in [[Monmouth County]], [[New Jersey]]. Freehold is a great day or weekend trip for those who love history, architecture, and food. ==Understand== Freehold is the seat of Monmouth County, and one of the original townships of Monmouth County. Freehold is a city which contains much 18th-century history, as it was here where the Battle of Monmouth was waged. In the 19th century, many quaint Victorian houses were built, along with the Freehold Raceway. The city currently is a bedroom community of New York City, home to the Freehold Raceway Mall (the third largest mall in the state) and steps away from trendy dining spots, bars, taverns, museums, and art galleries on Main Street. ==Get in== ===By train=== While there is no designated station for Freehold, the nearest train station, is Aberdeen-Matawan, which runs along the North Jersey Coast Line towards [[New York City]]/[[Hoboken]] and [[Ocean County (New Jersey)|Bay Head]]. The station situates on the intersection of Main Street & Atlantic Avenue in [[Monmouth County|Matawan, New Jersey]], approximately 10 miles/20 minutes away along Route 79. The two towns are separated by Marlboro Township. ===By road=== U.S Highway 9, New Jersey Turnpike, Route 18, Route 33, Garden State Parkway, Route 522, Route 524, Route 527, Route 537 *'''U.S. Route 9''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold. Freehold Raceway and Freehold Raceway Mall are located across from each other on Route 9. *'''State Route 18''' briefly runs in the northeast section of the township at a junction with County Route 537. It can also be accessed in Marlboro via Route 79 and in Old Bridge via U.S. 9. * '''State Route 33''' passes through near the center the city. It is further divided into two sections: ** ''Freehold Bypass'' is the freeway section of Route 33 that bypasses the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough ** ''Route 33 Business'' is the 'old' section of Route 33 that travels through the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough * '''State Route 79''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold, from U.S. 9 near Freehold Township into Freehold Borough briefly running concurrent with County Route 537, before heading northwest towards northern sections of Freehold into Marlboro Township. * '''County routes 522, 524, 527, and 537''' traverse the municipality. Other major roads provide access to the area. * '''Garden State Parkway''' is 10 miles east in [[Tinton Falls]] Borough (Exit 100) * '''Interstate 195''' is in bordering [[Millstone]], Jackson, and Howell Townships. * '''New Jersey Turnpike''' Interstate 95 is 10 miles west in [[East Windsor (New Jersey)|East Windsor]] Township (Exit 8) ===By bus=== New Jersey Transit provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Port Authority Bus Terminal in [[Midtown Manhattan]] via bus routes 131, 135 and 139. The Academy Bus Line provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Wall Street in [[Lower Manhattan]]. ===By plane=== * '''Old Bridge Airport''' ({{FAA LID|3N6}}) Public-use airport located 9.26 km (5 mn) south of the Old Bridge CBD in [[Middlesex County (New Jersey)|Middlesex County]]. The airport is privately owned and situated next to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The city is served by several nearby international and domestic airports :* '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}). :* '''[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|JFK}}). :* '''LaGuardia Airport''' ({{IATA|LGA}}). :* '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) [http://www.phl.org/] :* '''Atlantic City Airport''' ({{IATA|ACY}}) [https://www.sjta.com/acairport/] provides some minor domestic service. Please see the '''New Jersey [[New Jersey#Get in|article]]''' for more detailed information on these airports and services. ===By boat=== Ferry service is available through the SeaStreak service in '''Highlands''' (near [[Middletown (New Jersey)|Middletown]]). The ferry slip is roughly a 30 minute drive to/from Freehold. Some residents (particularly residents in the northeastern section of town, near Route 18) opt to commuting to New York City via SeaStreak, as it offers ferry service to Pier 11 (on the East River at Wall Street) and East 35th Street. ==Get around== While public transportation is provided, most residents and visitors get around by car. ==See== *{{see | name=Monmouth Battlefield State Park | url=https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/monmouthbattlefieldstatepark.html | email= | address=347 Freehold Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Historic battlefield site on the site of the longest battle of the American Revolution. The location is now preserved as an 18th century rural setting with wooded areas, fields, orchards, and wetlands with miles and miles of trails, picnic areas, and restored farmhouses }} **{{see | name=Craig House | url= https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/historic/craighouse.html| email= | address= U.S. Route 9 southbound at Schibanoff Commuter Lot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of many 18th century farmhouses that have been preserved at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The family of the home (the Craigs) were Patriots, but the home was raided and used as a hospital by the British during the Battle of Monmouth. }} **{{see | name=Covenhoven House | url= https://www.monmouthhistory.org/covenhoven-house| email= | address= 150 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-462-1466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18th century farmhouse of great importance to the Battle of Monmouth. The Covenhoven family were loyal supporters of the Crown, and it was utilized as General Clinton's headquarters during the battle. }} **{{see | name=Monmouth County Courthouse | url= https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/monmouth.html | email= | address=71 Monument Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-358-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The County Courthouse for Monmouth. The courthouse was built in neoclassical architecture. At front of the courthouse, is a 90-foot (27 m) obelisk tall monument dedicated to the Battle of Monmouth. It was also George Washington's headquarters during the battle. }} *{{see | name=Oakley Farmstead | url= https://www.oakleyfarmmuseum.org/oakley-farm| email= | address= 189 Wemrock Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The '''Walker, Combs, Hartshorne, Oakley Farmhouse''' (also known simply as the '''Oakley Farmhouse''') is located in the historic district of the village of West Freehold. The first recorded owners of the property were 'new-world' Scottish Quakers in the 17th Century. The last recorded owner was Elizabeth Oakley, who died in the property in 1995. At the time of her death, it was one of the oldest (if not the oldest) continuous operational farm in Monmouth County. It was then sold to the township in 1997, and has since been converted into a museum. }} ==Do== *{{do | name=Freehold Raceway | url=http://www.freeholdraceway.com/ | email= | address=130 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway | content=A half-mile racetrack, that is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Horseraces have been taking place at Freehold Raceway since the 1830s. Many local thoroughbred farms in the area (such as in Millstone and Colts Neck) breed horses that race at the racetrack. }} *{{do | name=iPlay America | url=https://www.iplayamerica.com/ | email= | address=110 Schanck Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-577-8200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An indoor family entertainment and event center that opened in November 2011, offering fun for children and adults alike. Featuring rides, arcade and carnival games, along with Topgolf, music venues, laser tag, shops, bars, and restaurants. }} ==Buy== * {{listing | type=buy | name=Freehold Raceway Mall | alt= | url=https://www.freeholdracewaymall.com/ | email= | address=3710 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway Mall | lastedit=2020-03-05 | content=A super-regional high-end shopping mall, opposite the Freehold Raceway over U.S. 9. The mall is the third largest shopping mall in the state and is a popular shopping destination for residents and visitors alike. It currently features Macy's, JCPenney, L.L. Bean, Primark, Apple, Forever 21, Zara, Lululemon Athletica, and Michael Kors. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Diane & Co. | alt= | url=https://www.dianeandcoonline.com/ | email= | address=3440 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-825-8001 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A famous elegant dress shop that has been featured on the Oxygen Network's show ''Jersey Couture''. }} ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Metropolitan Cafe | url=https://www.metrocafenj.com/ | email= | address=8 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-780-9400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At this restaurant, you have the option on either dining inside or outside. The menu offers a variety of delicious food, especially sushi. This place has a great bar, and some nights during the week they have different activities, such as karaoke, bingo, and trivia. }} *{{eat | name=Federici's Pizzeria | url=https://www.federicis.com/ | email= | address=14 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-1312 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Federici's serves thin crust pizza. This pizzeria is relatively large, and has a lot of tables, so it is more of a restaurant then a pizzeria, and has great food. This location is in the center of town and is a very popular location. }} *{{eat | name=Jersey Freeze | url=https://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com/ | email= | address=120 Manalapan Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-3008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content='''Jersey''' '''Freeze''' is a soft-serve ice cream and diner that was featured on the Food Network. In the dining section, they offer a variety of choices, including hotdogs, fries, burgers and sandwiches. Stop over in the ice cream section to get a milkshake, sundae, or your option of a variety of frozen yogurt and soft-serve creations. A lot of seating outside and inside the dining area. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Court Jester | url=https://www.courtjesternj.com/ | email= | address=16 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-1040 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Court Jester, you will find a bar scene with dine in or take out for its food. There are many screens to watch sports games, and there are over 42 beers on tap. When you go there, you should expect to find a very social and energetic environment and there are usually a lot of people. Every night out of the week there are drink specials, and some cool games to win gift cards and prizes. }} *{{drink | name=Moore's Tavern | url=https://www.moorestavern.com/ | email= | address=402 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-863-0555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 1787 by Moses Mount (an aide to George Washington during the American Revolution), the sports tavern (in its original structure) is a popular place for locals and visitors. It features tavern style food for dine in or takeout and a wide array of beer on tap. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=American Hotel | url=https://www.americanhotelnj.com/ | email=hospitality@americanhotelnj.com | address=18-20 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-431-3220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built in 1827 on a stagecoach stop, the American Hotel has been an iconic hotel in Freehold since. The luxurious hotel features elegant suites, extravagant banquet halls, comfortable lounges, fine dining, and a wide array of liquor on tap. }} ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Cope== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=US 9.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[New York City]] | minorl1=[[Manalapan]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Cape May]] | minorr1=Jct [[Jackson Township (New Jersey)|W]] [[File:I-195.svg|18px]] → [[Lakewood (New Jersey)|Lakewood]] }} {{geo|40.26000|-74.27389}} {{IsPartOf|Monmouth County}} {{outlinecity}} ci3ed6cexvtiokxjxkedldpk3gxzdb2 4488204 4487817 2022-07-22T11:09:41Z Ground Zero 1423298 Page banners must be in the dimensions 7:1. I have adjusted the picture. Copyedits, formatting wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Freehold page banner MonmouthCountyCourtHouse.jpg|pgname=Freehold}} '''Freehold''' is a city in [[Monmouth County]], [[New Jersey]]. Freehold is a great day or weekend trip for those who love history, architecture, and food. ==Understand== Freehold is the seat of Monmouth County, and one of the original townships of Monmouth County. Freehold is a city which contains much 18th-century history, as it was here where the Battle of Monmouth was waged. In the 19th century, many quaint Victorian houses were built, along with the Freehold Raceway. The city currently is a bedroom community of New York City, home to the Freehold Raceway Mall (the third largest mall in the state) and steps away from trendy dining spots, bars, taverns, museums, and art galleries on Main Street. ==Get in== ===By train=== While there is no designated station for Freehold, the nearest train station, is Aberdeen-Matawan, which runs along the North Jersey Coast Line towards [[New York City]]/[[Hoboken]] and [[Ocean County (New Jersey)|Bay Head]]. The station situates on the intersection of Main Street & Atlantic Avenue in [[Monmouth County|Matawan, New Jersey]], approximately 10 miles/20 minutes away along Route 79. The two towns are separated by Marlboro Township. ===By road=== U.S Highway 9, New Jersey Turnpike, Route 18, Route 33, Garden State Parkway, Route 522, Route 524, Route 527, Route 537 *'''U.S. Route 9''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold. Freehold Raceway and Freehold Raceway Mall are located across from each other on Route 9. *'''State Route 18''' briefly runs in the northeast section of the township at a junction with County Route 537. It can also be accessed in Marlboro via Route 79 and in Old Bridge via U.S. 9. * '''State Route 33''' passes through near the center the city. It is further divided into two sections: ** ''Freehold Bypass'' is the freeway section of Route 33 that bypasses the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough ** ''Route 33 Business'' is the 'old' section of Route 33 that travels through the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough * '''State Route 79''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold, from U.S. 9 near Freehold Township into Freehold Borough briefly running concurrent with County Route 537, before heading northwest towards northern sections of Freehold into Marlboro Township. * '''County routes 522, 524, 527, and 537''' traverse the municipality. Other major roads provide access to the area. * '''Garden State Parkway''' is 10 miles east in [[Tinton Falls]] Borough (Exit 100) * '''Interstate 195''' is in bordering [[Millstone]], Jackson, and Howell Townships. * '''New Jersey Turnpike''' Interstate 95 is 10 miles west in [[East Windsor (New Jersey)|East Windsor]] Township (Exit 8) ===By bus=== New Jersey Transit provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Port Authority Bus Terminal in [[Midtown Manhattan]] via bus routes 131, 135 and 139. The Academy Bus Line provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Wall Street in [[Lower Manhattan]]. ===By plane=== * '''Old Bridge Airport''' ({{FAA LID|3N6}}) Public-use airport 9.26 km (5 mn) south of the Old Bridge CBD in [[Middlesex County (New Jersey)|Middlesex County]]. The airport is privately owned and next to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The city is served by several nearby international and domestic airports :* '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}). :* '''[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|JFK}}). :* '''LaGuardia Airport''' ({{IATA|LGA}}). :* '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) [http://www.phl.org/] :* '''Atlantic City Airport''' ({{IATA|ACY}}) [https://www.sjta.com/acairport/] provides some minor domestic service. Please see the '''New Jersey [[New Jersey#Get in|article]]''' for more detailed information on these airports and services. ===By boat=== Ferry service is available through the SeaStreak service in '''Highlands''' (near [[Middletown (New Jersey)|Middletown]]). The ferry slip is roughly a 30-minute drive to/from Freehold. Some residents (particularly residents in the northeastern section of town, near Route 18) opt to commuting to New York City via SeaStreak, as it offers ferry service to Pier 11 (on the East River at Wall Street) and East 35th Street. ==Get around== While public transportation is provided, most residents and visitors get around by car. ==See== *{{see | name=Monmouth Battlefield State Park | url=https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/monmouthbattlefieldstatepark.html | email= | address=347 Freehold Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Historic battlefield site on the site of the longest battle of the American Revolution. The location is now preserved as an 18th-century rural setting with wooded areas, fields, orchards, and wetlands with miles and miles of trails, picnic areas, and restored farmhouses }} **{{see | name=Craig House | url= https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/historic/craighouse.html| email= | address= U.S. Route 9 southbound at Schibanoff Commuter Lot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of many 18th-century farmhouses that have been preserved at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The family of the home (the Craigs) were Patriots, but the home was raided and used as a hospital by the British during the Battle of Monmouth. }} **{{see | name=Covenhoven House | url= https://www.monmouthhistory.org/covenhoven-house| email= | address= 150 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-462-1466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18th-century farmhouse of great importance to the Battle of Monmouth. The Covenhoven family were loyal supporters of the Crown, and it was utilized as General Clinton's headquarters during the battle. }} **{{see | name=Monmouth County Courthouse | url= https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/monmouth.html | email= | address=71 Monument Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-358-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The County Courthouse for Monmouth. The courthouse was built in neoclassical architecture. At front of the courthouse, is a 90-foot (27 m) obelisk tall monument dedicated to the Battle of Monmouth. It was also George Washington's headquarters during the battle. }} *{{see | name=Oakley Farmstead | url= https://www.oakleyfarmmuseum.org/oakley-farm| email= | address= 189 Wemrock Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Also known as the '''Walker, Combs, Hartshorne, Oakley Farmhouse''' it is in the historic district of the village of West Freehold. The first recorded owners of the property were 'new-world' Scottish Quakers in the 17th century. The last recorded owner was Elizabeth Oakley, who died in the property in 1995. At the time of her death, it was one of the oldest (if not the oldest) continuous operational farm in Monmouth County. It was then sold to the township in 1997, and has been converted into a museum. }} ==Do== *{{do | name=Freehold Raceway | url=http://www.freeholdraceway.com/ | email= | address=130 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway | content=A half-mile racetrack, that is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Horseraces have been taking place at Freehold Raceway since the 1830s. Many local thoroughbred farms in the area (such as in Millstone and Colts Neck) breed horses that race at the racetrack. }} *{{do | name=iPlay America | url=https://www.iplayamerica.com/ | email= | address=110 Schanck Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-577-8200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An indoor family entertainment and event center that opened in 2011, offering fun for children and adults alike. Featuring rides, arcade and carnival games, along with Topgolf, music venues, laser tag, shops, bars, and restaurants. }} ==Buy== * {{listing | type=buy | name=Freehold Raceway Mall | alt= | url=https://www.freeholdracewaymall.com/ | email= | address=3710 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway Mall | lastedit=2020-03-05 | content=A super-regional high-end shopping mall, opposite the Freehold Raceway over U.S. 9. The mall is the third largest shopping mall in the state and is a popular shopping destination for residents and visitors. It features Macy's, JCPenney, L.L. Bean, Primark, Apple, Forever 21, Zara, Lululemon Athletica, and Michael Kors. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Diane & Co. | alt= | url=https://www.dianeandcoonline.com/ | email= | address=3440 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-825-8001 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A famous elegant dress shop that has been featured on the Oxygen Network's show ''Jersey Couture''. }} ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Metropolitan Cafe | url=https://www.metrocafenj.com/ | email= | address=8 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-780-9400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At this restaurant, you have the option on either dining inside or outside. The menu offers a variety of delicious food, especially sushi. This place has a great bar, and some nights during the week they have different activities, such as karaoke, bingo, and trivia. }} *{{eat | name=Federici's Pizzeria | url=https://www.federicis.com/ | email= | address=14 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-1312 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Federici's serves thin crust pizza. This pizzeria is relatively large, and has a lot of tables, so it is more of a restaurant then a pizzeria, and has great food. This location is in the center of town and is a very popular location. }} *{{eat | name=Jersey Freeze | url=https://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com/ | email= | address=120 Manalapan Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-3008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content='''Jersey Freeze''' is a soft-serve ice cream and diner that was featured on the Food Network. In the dining section, they offer a variety of choices, including hotdogs, fries, burgers and sandwiches. Stop over in the ice cream section to get a milkshake, sundae, or your option of a variety of frozen yogurt and soft-serve creations. A lot of seating outside and inside the dining area. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Court Jester | url=https://www.courtjesternj.com/ | email= | address=16 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-462-1040 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Court Jester, you will find a bar scene with dine in or take out for its food. There are many screens to watch sports games, and there are over 42 beers on tap. When you go there, you should expect to find a very social and energetic environment and there are usually a lot of people. Every night out of the week there are drink specials, and some cool games to win gift cards and prizes. }} *{{drink | name=Moore's Tavern | url=https://www.moorestavern.com/ | email= | address=402 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-863-0555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 1787 by Moses Mount (an aide to George Washington during the American Revolution), the sports tavern (in its original structure) is a popular place for locals and visitors. It features tavern-style food for dine in or takeout and a wide array of beer on tap. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=American Hotel | url=https://www.americanhotelnj.com/ | email=hospitality@americanhotelnj.com | address=18-20 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-431-3220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built in 1827 on a stagecoach stop, the American Hotel has been an iconic hotel in Freehold since. The luxurious hotel features elegant suites, extravagant banquet halls, comfortable lounges, fine dining, and a wide array of liquor on tap. }} <!-- ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== --> ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Cope== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=US 9.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[New York City]] | minorl1=[[Manalapan]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Cape May]] | minorr1=Jct [[Jackson Township (New Jersey)|W]] [[File:I-195.svg|18px]] → [[Lakewood (New Jersey)|Lakewood]] }} {{geo|40.26000|-74.27389}} {{IsPartOf|Monmouth County}} {{outlinecity}} na1t2gzr6i5ydippocnvc8xr59hko92 4488206 4488204 2022-07-22T11:11:38Z Ground Zero 1423298 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Freehold page banner MonmouthCountyCourtHouse.jpg|pgname=Freehold}} '''Freehold''' is a city in [[Monmouth County]], [[New Jersey]]. Freehold is a great day or weekend trip for those who love history, architecture, and food. ==Understand== Freehold is the seat of Monmouth County, and one of the original townships of Monmouth County. Freehold is a city which contains much 18th-century history, as it was here where the Battle of Monmouth was waged. In the 19th century, many quaint Victorian houses were built, along with the Freehold Raceway. The city is a bedroom community of New York City, home to the Freehold Raceway Mall (the third largest mall in the state) and steps away from trendy dining spots, bars, taverns, museums, and art galleries on Main Street. ==Get in== ===By train=== While there is no designated station for Freehold, the nearest train station, is Aberdeen-Matawan, which runs along the North Jersey Coast Line towards [[New York City]]/[[Hoboken]] and [[Ocean County (New Jersey)|Bay Head]]. The station situates on the intersection of Main Street & Atlantic Avenue in [[Monmouth County|Matawan, New Jersey]], approximately 10 miles/20 minutes away along Route 79. The two towns are separated by Marlboro Township. ===By road=== U.S Highway 9, New Jersey Turnpike, Route 18, Route 33, Garden State Parkway, Route 522, Route 524, Route 527, Route 537 *'''U.S. Route 9''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold. Freehold Raceway and Freehold Raceway Mall are located across from each other on Route 9. *'''State Route 18''' briefly runs in the northeast section of the township at a junction with County Route 537. It can also be accessed in Marlboro via Route 79 and in Old Bridge via U.S. 9. * '''State Route 33''' passes through near the center the city. It is further divided into two sections: ** ''Freehold Bypass'' is the freeway section of Route 33 that bypasses the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough ** ''Route 33 Business'' is the 'old' section of Route 33 that travels through the urban commercial areas of Freehold Borough * '''State Route 79''' runs through the 'heart' of Freehold, from U.S. 9 near Freehold Township into Freehold Borough briefly running concurrent with County Route 537, before heading northwest towards northern sections of Freehold into Marlboro Township. * '''County routes 522, 524, 527, and 537''' traverse the municipality. Other major roads provide access to the area. * '''Garden State Parkway''' is 10 miles east in [[Tinton Falls]] Borough (Exit 100) * '''Interstate 195''' is in bordering [[Millstone]], Jackson, and Howell Townships. * '''New Jersey Turnpike''' Interstate 95 is 10 miles west in [[East Windsor (New Jersey)|East Windsor]] Township (Exit 8) ===By bus=== New Jersey Transit provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Port Authority Bus Terminal in [[Midtown Manhattan]] via bus routes 131, 135 and 139. The Academy Bus Line provides bus service between Freehold and New York City from Wall Street in [[Lower Manhattan]]. ===By plane=== * '''Old Bridge Airport''' ({{FAA LID|3N6}}) Public-use airport 5 miles (9 km) south of the Old Bridge CBD in [[Middlesex County (New Jersey)|Middlesex County]]. The airport is privately owned and next to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The city is served by several nearby international and domestic airports :* '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}). :* '''[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|JFK}}). :* '''LaGuardia Airport''' ({{IATA|LGA}}). :* '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) [http://www.phl.org/] :* '''Atlantic City Airport''' ({{IATA|ACY}}) [https://www.sjta.com/acairport/] provides some minor domestic service. Please see the '''New Jersey [[New Jersey#Get in|article]]''' for more detailed information on these airports and services. ===By boat=== Ferry service is available through the SeaStreak service in '''Highlands''' (near [[Middletown (New Jersey)|Middletown]]). The ferry slip is roughly a 30-minute drive to/from Freehold. Some residents (particularly residents in the northeastern section of town, near Route 18) opt to commuting to New York City via SeaStreak, as it offers ferry service to Pier 11 (on the East River at Wall Street) and East 35th Street. ==Get around== While public transportation is provided, most residents and visitors get around by car. ==See== *{{see | name=Monmouth Battlefield State Park | url=https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/monmouthbattlefieldstatepark.html | email= | address=347 Freehold Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Historic battlefield site on the site of the longest battle of the American Revolution. The location is now preserved as an 18th-century rural setting with wooded areas, fields, orchards, and wetlands with miles and miles of trails, picnic areas, and restored farmhouses }} **{{see | name=Craig House | url= https://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/historic/craighouse.html| email= | address= U.S. Route 9 southbound at Schibanoff Commuter Lot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732 462-9616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of many 18th-century farmhouses that have been preserved at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The family of the home (the Craigs) were Patriots, but the home was raided and used as a hospital by the British during the Battle of Monmouth. }} **{{see | name=Covenhoven House | url= https://www.monmouthhistory.org/covenhoven-house| email= | address= 150 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-462-1466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=18th-century farmhouse of great importance to the Battle of Monmouth. The Covenhoven family were loyal supporters of the Crown, and it was utilized as General Clinton's headquarters during the battle. }} **{{see | name=Monmouth County Courthouse | url= https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/monmouth.html | email= | address=71 Monument Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-358-8700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The County Courthouse for Monmouth. The courthouse was built in neoclassical architecture. At front of the courthouse, is a 90-foot (27 m) obelisk tall monument dedicated to the Battle of Monmouth. It was also George Washington's headquarters during the battle. }} *{{see | name=Oakley Farmstead | url= https://www.oakleyfarmmuseum.org/oakley-farm| email= | address= 189 Wemrock Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Also known as the '''Walker, Combs, Hartshorne, Oakley Farmhouse''' it is in the historic district of the village of West Freehold. The first recorded owners of the property were 'new-world' Scottish Quakers in the 17th century. The last recorded owner was Elizabeth Oakley, who died in the property in 1995. At the time of her death, it was one of the oldest (if not the oldest) continuous operational farm in Monmouth County. It was then sold to the township in 1997, and has been converted into a museum. }} ==Do== *{{do | name=Freehold Raceway | url=http://www.freeholdraceway.com/ | email= | address=130 Park Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway | content=A half-mile racetrack, that is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Horseraces have been taking place at Freehold Raceway since the 1830s. Many local thoroughbred farms in the area (such as in Millstone and Colts Neck) breed horses that race at the racetrack. }} *{{do | name=iPlay America | url=https://www.iplayamerica.com/ | email= | address=110 Schanck Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-577-8200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An indoor family entertainment and event center that opened in 2011, offering fun for children and adults alike. Featuring rides, arcade and carnival games, along with Topgolf, music venues, laser tag, shops, bars, and restaurants. }} ==Buy== * {{listing | type=buy | name=Freehold Raceway Mall | alt= | url=https://www.freeholdracewaymall.com/ | email= | address=3710 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Freehold Raceway Mall | lastedit=2020-03-05 | content=A super-regional high-end shopping mall, opposite the Freehold Raceway over U.S. 9. The mall is the third largest shopping mall in the state and is a popular shopping destination for residents and visitors. It features Macy's, JCPenney, L.L. Bean, Primark, Apple, Forever 21, Zara, Lululemon Athletica, and Michael Kors. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Diane & Co. | alt= | url=https://www.dianeandcoonline.com/ | email= | address=3440 U.S. 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-825-8001 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A famous elegant dress shop that has been featured on the Oxygen Network's show ''Jersey Couture''. }} ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Metropolitan Cafe | url=https://www.metrocafenj.com/ | email= | address=8 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-780-9400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At this restaurant, you have the option on either dining inside or outside. The menu offers a variety of delicious food, especially sushi. This place has a great bar, and some nights during the week they have different activities, such as karaoke, bingo, and trivia. }} *{{eat | name=Federici's Pizzeria | url=https://www.federicis.com/ | email= | address=14 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-1312 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Federici's serves thin crust pizza. This pizzeria is relatively large, and has a lot of tables, so it is more of a restaurant then a pizzeria, and has great food. This location is in the center of town and is a very popular location. }} *{{eat | name=Jersey Freeze | url=https://www.jerseyfreeze1952.com/ | email= | address=120 Manalapan Avenue | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=732-462-3008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content='''Jersey Freeze''' is a soft-serve ice cream and diner that was featured on the Food Network. In the dining section, they offer a variety of choices, including hotdogs, fries, burgers and sandwiches. Stop over in the ice cream section to get a milkshake, sundae, or your option of a variety of frozen yogurt and soft-serve creations. A lot of seating outside and inside the dining area. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Court Jester | url=https://www.courtjesternj.com/ | email= | address=16 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-462-1040 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Court Jester, you will find a bar scene with dine in or take out for its food. There are many screens to watch sports games, and there are over 42 beers on tap. When you go there, you should expect to find a very social and energetic environment and there are usually a lot of people. Every night out of the week there are drink specials, and some cool games to win gift cards and prizes. }} *{{drink | name=Moore's Tavern | url=https://www.moorestavern.com/ | email= | address=402 West Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-863-0555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Established in 1787 by Moses Mount (an aide to George Washington during the American Revolution), the sports tavern (in its original structure) is a popular place for locals and visitors. It features tavern-style food for dine in or takeout and a wide array of beer on tap. }} ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=American Hotel | url=https://www.americanhotelnj.com/ | email=hospitality@americanhotelnj.com | address=18-20 East Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 732-431-3220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built in 1827 on a stagecoach stop, the American Hotel has been an iconic hotel in Freehold since. The luxurious hotel features elegant suites, extravagant banquet halls, comfortable lounges, fine dining, and a wide array of liquor on tap. }} <!-- ===Budget=== ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== --> ==Stay safe== ==Connect== ==Cope== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=US 9.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[New York City]] | minorl1=[[Manalapan]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Cape May]] | minorr1=Jct [[Jackson Township (New Jersey)|W]] [[File:I-195.svg|18px]] → [[Lakewood (New Jersey)|Lakewood]] }} {{geo|40.26000|-74.27389}} {{IsPartOf|Monmouth County}} {{outlinecity}} isc152oxjzxj6j1q0c7sryfnw3ntch1 0 12618 4487714 4472961 2022-07-21T12:21:12Z Neils51 1342202 /* See */ Updated listing for McNab Street underpass - replace: build → built, sp wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Georgetown Mill (4018302734) (cropped).jpg|pgname=Georgetown}} '''Georgetown''' is the largest community (population 42,000 in 2016) in the town of [https://www.visithaltonhills.ca/ Halton Hills] in the [[Halton (Ontario)|Halton]] region of the [[Greater Toronto Area]]. ==Understand== [[File:Main Street Georgetown Ontario 2010 1.jpg|thumb|Main Street]] It is on the Credit River, approximately 60 km west of Toronto, making it part of the Greater Toronto Area. Georgetown was named after entrepreneur George Kennedy who settled in the area in 1821 and built several mills and other businesses. ===History=== By 1650, the Hurons First Nation had been wiped out by European diseases and the Iroquois. The region was now open to the Algonquian Ojibwa (also known as Mississauga). By 1850 the remaining Mississauga natives were removed to the Six Nations Reserve, where the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Reserve was established. [[File:St. George's Church, Georgetown, Ontario.jpeg|thumb|St. George's Church]] Commencing in 1781, the British government purchased blocks of land from the Mississauga Nation. In 1818, they purchased land that later became the townships of Esquesing and Nassagaweya. The task of laying out the townships fell to Timothy Street and Abraham Nelles. Charles Kennedy was hired by Nelles to survey the northern part of Esquesing Township in 1819, and received a significant parcel of land as payment for his work. The brothers of Charles Kennedy, John, Morris, Samuel and George, all acquired land close to each another in the Silver Creek Valley. Charles Kennedy built a sawmill in a location where Main Street meets Wildwood Road today. George Kennedy took advantage of the Silver Creek in the early 1820s to power a sawmill, and later a gristmill and foundry and then a woolen mill; a small settlement formed around the mills, often called "Hungry Hollow". In 1828, John Galt of the Canada Company opened the York to Guelph Road (now Highway 7) which connected the settlement around George Kennedy's Mill with other settlements in the area. The road also extended to Galt, to Guelph and to Goderich. In 1837 the Barber brothers, including William and James, purchased land and the woolen mill and foundry from Kennedy in 1837; they renamed the settlement Georgetown. The brothers started the paper-making industry in 1854, using electricity produced by a dynamo at the Credit River. Their products included large volumes of wallpaper. John R. Barber's home, Berwick Hall, still stands at Main and Park Streets. Other entrepreneurs arrived including Philo Dayfoot in the early 1840s, who started the local leather industry. In the 1850s, George Kennedy subdivided his land into small lots for sale to new settlers. The Grand Trunk Railway arrived in 1856 and a line of the Hamilton and North-Western Railway reached the community about 20 years later. Hotels opened near the station, including the Railroad Exchange in a building that still stands. The Toronto Suburban Railway ran the Toronto-Guelph electric rail line through Georgetown from 1917 until the Guelph line was closed in 1931. This [[w:Radial railway|radial line]] had a passenger station on Main Street (at a site occupied in 2022 by Goodfellas Wood Oven Pizza). The venture failed because of the Depression and the increasing popularity of the automobile, buses and trucks. Its proximity to the competing Grand Trunk Railway (later Canadian National) line at the current Georgetown railway station was also a factor. In the mid-1940s, the population was close to 4,000 and began to grow more quickly in the 1950s. The GO commuter train arrived in Georgetown in 1974, enabling residents to commute to downtown Toronto for work. ==Get in== Georgetown is on Highway 7. === By train === {{Go|name=Georgetown GO Station|address=55 Queen St|lat=43.65539|long=-79.91905|wikipedia=Georgetown GO Station|content=Georgetown railway station is a heritage railway station built for the Grand Trunk Railway completed in 1856. It is a one-storey, stone structure with a tower in one corner. Today, the station is used by Via Rail and GO transit trains as well as GO Transit buses.}} * {{Listing|name=GO Transit|url=https://www.gotransit.com/|directions=|phone=+1-416-869-3200|tollfree=+1-888-438-6646|lastedit=2022-05-23|content=[[GO Transit]] operates bus and rail commuter/regional transit within and near the [[Greater Toronto Area]].}} The Kitchener route operates trips most of the day from Monday to Friday between [[Toronto]] and [[Brampton]] including stops in [[Mississauga]]. On those days, during morning and afternoon rush hours, trips travel between Toronto and [[Kitchener]] including stops in Mississauga, Brampton, Georgetown, [[Acton (Ontario)|Acton]], and [[Guelph]] though only toward Toronto in the morning rush and only toward Kitchener in the afternoon rush. In addition, one trip to Toronto in the morning rush and one trip from Toronto in the afternoon rush travels past Kitchener terminating in [[London (Ontario)|London]] with additional stops in [[Stratford (Ontario)|Stratford]] and [[St. Marys (Ontario)|St. Marys]]. * {{listing|name=VIA Rail Canada|alt=|url=https://www.viarail.ca/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=+1-888-842-7245|hours=|price=|lastedit=2022-04-22|content=Operates many intercity trains across [[Canada]].}} Operates a route daily between [[Sarnia]] and Toronto including stops in [[London (Ontario)|London]], [[St. Marys (Ontario)|St. Marys]], [[Stratford (Ontario)|Stratford]], [[Kitchener]], [[Guelph]], Georgetown, and [[Brampton]]. === By bus === * {{Listing|name=GO Transit|url=https://www.gotransit.com/|directions=|phone=+1-416-869-3200|tollfree=+1-888-438-6646|lastedit=2022-05-23|content=Operates bus and rail commuter/regional transit within and near the [[Greater Toronto Area]].}} GO Transit operates bus service, which connects Georgetown to many of the nearby communities including Brampton, Toronto, Acton, Guelph, and Kitchener. ==Get around== There is no local bus service, although the Georgetown Halton Hills ActiVan provides local transportation for individuals with physical disabilities. ==See== [[File:Mill Street Building Georgetown Ontario.jpg|thumb|Mill Street Building]] * {{see | name=Heritage downtown area | alt= | url=https://www.downtowngeorgetown.com/ | email= | address=Main St | lat=43.6505 | long=-79.9274 | directions=between James St and Church St | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-24 | content=Georgetown's downtown area is {{convert|250|m}} long and is lined with shops and restaurants. }} * {{see | name=Old Seed House Gardens | alt=Dominion Gardens Park | url=http://oldseedhousegarden.com | email= | address=135 Maple Avenue | lat=43.6518 | long=-79.9132 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-11PM | price=Free | lastedit=2022-06-22 | content=A {{acre|1.8}} public garden honouring the legacy of the Dominion Seed House in Georgetown. It features formal gardens, meandering pathways, a dry stone riverbed leading to a naturalized pond, and a walled garden among the foundations of the famous mock-Tudor Dominion Seed House building. In spring, hundreds of tulip and daffodils fill the beds with brilliant colour. Magnolia, pear and cherry trees blossom, the forsythias display their golden dress, and lilacs along the paths burst into bloom. Magnificent heritage peonies have been planted in a showy array lining the formal area beds. }} * {{see | name=Remembrance Park | alt= | url= | address=Charles St & James St | lat=43.6486 | long=-79.9293 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2022-06-22 | content=This park is a war memorial with a monument, fountain, flowers and two old artillery pieces. There is a pleasant, tree-lined walkway with benches leading to a pavillion east of the monument. }} * {{see | name=Devereaux House | alt= | url=http://www.devereauxhouse.ca | email=ann@devereauxhouse.ca | address=11494 Trafalgar Road | lat=43.6382 | long=-79.9355 | directions= north of Maple Avenue | phone= +1 905-877-1861 | tollfree= | hours=Th 1-6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-12 | content=Restored and elegantly furnished Victorian home. }} * {{see | name=St. George's Anglican Church | alt= | url=https://stgeorgesgeorgetown.com/ | address=60 Guelph St | lat=43.6508 | long=-79.9223 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=St. George's Church (Georgetown, Ontario) | lastedit=2022-06-22 | content=A stone church built in 1878. }} * {{see | name=Mill street building | alt= | url= | address=70 Mill st | lat=43.6504 | long=-79.9251 | directions=at Park Ave | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2022-06-22 | content=Attractive building with a clock tower. }} * {{see | name=George Kennedy mural | alt= | url= | address=Mill St at Guelph St | lat=43.6511 | long=-79.9248 | directions= | phone= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | lastedit=2022-06-22 | content=The side of a store has a large mural dedicated to George Kennedy, the founder of Georgetown. Part of the mural depicts a 1900 view of Main Street Georgetown. }} * {{see | name=McNab Street underpass | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.6548 | long=-79.9225 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-22 | content=This road tunnel under the railway embankment was built in 1856 along with the railway. It is very narrow, about the width of a tight laneway. Cars use it in both directions but not at the same time. Drivers must yield to pedestrians. It's fun to drive through. On the north side of the tunnel, you can take John Street to Mountainview Road to continue to Main Street in the picturesque community of [[Glen Williams]]. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Fallbrook Trail Ranch | alt= | url=https://fallbrooktrail.com | email=info@fallbrooktrail.com | address=14097 Ninth Line | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-873-6588 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-12 | content=Trails, lessons & Western riding club. }} Georgetown Highland Games: The second Saturday in June, Georgetown is host to a variety of Scottish traditional games and celebrations. Farmers' market A farmers' market operates on Main St. in downtown Georgetown on Saturdays 8AM–12:30PM from June through October. The section of Main St. that hosts the market is closed off to vehicles during the event. Georgetown Fall Fair The Fall Fair was started in 1846. It is held the Friday to Sunday following the Labour Day Weekend. The annual event is held at the Georgetown Fairgrounds and consists mainly of carnival rides and rural contests, such as the tractor pull and demolition derby. The Georgetown Agricultural Society organizes and runs the fair each year. Georgetown Santa Claus Parade The third Sunday in November, the evening parade begins at 5pm. Organized by the Georgetown Lions Club. Includes a variety of floats from local organizations and businesses, bands, and Santa Claus himself! The parade route is: Guelph Street from Sinclair to Mill Street and Charles Street to the Fairgrounds. These roads are closed to traffic from approximately 5–7PM. Georgetown Craft Beer Festival Also known as "Head For The Hills", this festival is held the third Saturday of the month in September, and runs from 11AM–6PM at Trafalgar Sports Park. Organized by the Georgetown Lions Club, Georgetown Kiwanis Club, Georgetown Kinsmen Club, and Georgetown Rotary Club. The festival showcases craft brewers from across Ontario, gourmet food trucks, live music, and games. ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Georgetown Marketplace | alt= | url=http://www.georgetownmarketplace.com/ | email= | address=280 Guelph St| lat=43.6497459 | long=-79.8959503| directions= | phone=+1 905-873-8918 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Uncorked on Main | alt= | url=http://www.uncorkedonmain.ca/ | email=info@uncorkedonmain.ca | address=72 Main St S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 289-891-6200 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa from 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-12 | content=Small bites & share plates, creative cocktails, craft beer, and wines often accompanied by local musicians. Reservations not accepted. }} * {{eat | name= Hungry Hollow Smokehouse and Grille | alt= | url=http://www.hungryhollow.ca/ | email= | address=136 Guelph Street, Unit 4 | lat= | long= | directions=across the street from the Dominion Gardens Park | phone=+1 905-877-1400 | tollfree= | hours=M-W 11AM-8PM, Th F 11AM-9PM, Sa noon-9PM, Su noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-12 | content=Barbecue,cribs, chicken, sandwiches. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=St George Pub | alt= | url=http://www.thestgeorge.ca/ | email=info@thestgeorge.ca | address=7 Main St N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-873-0555 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 10AM-1AM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-12 | content=English pub with live music F and Sa. Menu offers traditional pub fare, hamburgers, steaks, vegetarian dishes. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Cedar Springs Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12363 Hwy 7 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $67 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-12 | content=Free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, non-smoking rooms, kitchenette, wheelchair access, laundry service. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Halton Hills | alt= | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.66087.html | email= | address=365 Guelph Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-877-6986 | tollfree=+1-800-780-7234 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $129 | lastedit=2018-06-12 | content=Coffee maker, non-smoking, High Speed Internet Access, continental breakfast. }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Sarnia Toronto icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=Windsor-Quebec corridor | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Kitchener]] | minorl1=[[Guelph]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Toronto]] | minorr1=[[Brampton]] | image2=Ontario 7.svg | imagesize2=20 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Kitchener]] | minorl2=[[Acton (Ontario)|Acton]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Markham]] | minorr2=becomes [[File:Peel Regional Road 107.png|18px]] → [[Brampton]] | image3=GO Transit Kitchener icon.png | imagesize3=100 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Kitchener]] | minorl3=[[Acton (Ontario)|Acton]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Toronto/Entertainment and Financial Districts|Toronto]] | minorr3=[[Brampton]] }} {{geo|43.646944|-79.910000}} {{IsPartOf|Halton (Ontario)}} {{Usablecity}} p806fa9zd91rg8fwvxrm5h1meok9s1f 0 12840 4487716 4332922 2022-07-21T12:23:17Z Neils51 1342202 /* Do */ sp wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Glen_Innes_Banner.jpg|pgname=Glen Innes}} '''Glen Innes''' is a town (population 6,155 in 2016) in the [[New England (New South Wales)|New England]] region of [[New South Wales]] in [[Australia]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Glen Innes 2007.jpg|thumb|300px|Grey Street, the main street of Glen Innes]] The indigenous Ngarabal people are the original inhabitants of the district, they called the site of the town 'Gindaaydjin' which means 'plenty of big round stones on the clear plains'. The first farm in the district was established in 1838, and two stockmen (livestock workers) known as 'The Beardies' (because of their long beards) worked on this farm and helped other settlers establish their farms, which led to the district being known as 'The Land of The Beardies' to this day. Glen Innes was gazetted as a town and the first lots of land in the town were sold in 1852. Tin was discovered at nearby [[Emmaville (New South Wales)|Emmaville]] and the railway arrived in 1884 (now closed). Wool, sheep, and beef cattle are the main agricultural industries, and sapphires are found in the creeks. Glen Innes is the main centre of the Glen Innes Severn Shire Local Government Area. ===Tourist information centre=== * {{listing | name=Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre| alt= | url= https://gleninneshighlands.com/ | email=tourism@gisc.nsw.gov.au | address=152 Church Street |lat=-29.73816| long=151.73796 | directions=next to Woolworths | phone=+61 2 6730 2400 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-3PM, Su public holidays 9AM-1PM | price= | lastedit=2019-09-01 | content=Download a map showing the sights of Glen Innes and the surrounding district [https://gleninneshighlands.com/files/country-drives-tour-guide-2020. here]. }} ==Get in== {{mapframe|-29.73737|151.73823|zoom=14|width=425|height=425|}}{{mapshape}} ===By car=== Glen Innes is on the junction of the New England Highway (A15) and the Gwydir Highway (B76). It is 98 km north of [[Armidale]] via the New England Highway travelling through [[Guyra]], and 91.5 km south of [[Tenterfield]] via the New England Highway travelling through [[Deepwater]] (the turn-off to [[Emmaville (New South Wales)|Emmaville]]). Glen Innes is 161 km west of [[Grafton (New South Wales)|Grafton]] via the Gwydir Highway (B76), and 67 km east of [[Inverell]] via the Gwydir Highway (B76). ===By coach=== ====Armidale to Tenterfield==== A [https://transportnsw.info/regional| NSW Trainlink] coach service runs between Tenterfield and Armidale to catch the long-distance trains to Sydney. Coaches stop at the Glen Innes Visitors Information Centre. Southbound coaches depart Tenterfield M-Su 5:40AM, depart Glen Innes 7AM, and arrive at Armidale Railway Station 8:20AM. Northbound coaches depart Armidale Railway Station M-Su 5:50PM, depart Glen Innes 7:18PM, and arrive at Tenterfield 8:28PM. A map and timetable can be downloaded [https://transportnsw.info/documents/timetables/94-311-North-West-NSW-20200524.pdf here]. ''Bookings are essential.'' ====Grafton to Moree==== A [https://transportnsw.info/regional| NSW Trainlink] coach service runs between [[Grafton (New South Wales)|Grafton]] and [[Moree (New South Wales)|Moree]]. Coaches stop at the Glen Innes Visitors Information Centre. The eastbound service (Route 142) departs Moree M W F 10:55AM, arrives at Inverell 12:55PM and departs 1:40PM, arrives at Glen Innes 2:36PM, and arrives at Grafton 4:40PM. The westbound service (Route 141) departs Grafton Tu Th Sa 10:20 AM, arrives at Glen Innes 12:25PM, arrives at Inverell 1:15PM and departs 2:15PM, and arrives at Moree 4:10PM. ''Note the alternating direction of travel on alternating days, and no services on a Sunday.'' A map and timetable can be downloaded [https://transportnsw.info/documents/timetables/94-311-North-West-NSW-20200524.pdf here]. Bookings are essential - '''Coach drivers do not take payment or offer reservations'''. ====Bookings and stops==== * {{listing | name=NSW Trainlink - regular bookings | alt= | url=https://transportnsw.info/regional-bookings/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 13 22 32| tollfree= | hours= Daily 7AM-10PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=NSW Trainlink - multi-trip and Discovery Pass | alt= | url=https://bookings.nswtrainlink.info/NASApp/Odyssey/booking/index.action | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 13 22 32 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-10PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Glen Innes - coach stop and bookings| alt=Glen Innes Visitors Information Centre | url= | email= | address=152 Church Street |lat=| long= | directions=next to Woolworths | phone=+61 2 6730 2400 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-noon, 2-4PM | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Armidale - coach stop and bookings| alt=Railway Station | url= | email= | address= Brown Street | lat=| long=| directions= | phone= +61 13 22 32| tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-11:30AM, 2PM-5:30PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Armidale Flight Centre - bookings| alt=| url= | email= | address= Shop 3A, Corner Complex, 108 Dangar Street| lat= | long= | directions=near the corner of Dangar Street and Beardy Street | phone= +61 2 6771 5474| tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-noon| price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=''The coach does not stop here - it stops at the railway station.'' }} * {{listing | name=Inverell Tourist Information Centre - coach stop| alt= | url= | email= | address=11/31 Campbell Street, Inverell| lat=| long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-11-04 | content=''Coach bookings are not made here - they are made over the phone, online, or at Windsong Travel'' }} * {{listing | name=Inverell - booking | alt=Windsong Travel | url= | email= | address=45 Byron Street | lat=| long=| directions= between Subway and Imperial Hotel | phone=+61 2 6722 3011 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-noon | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The coach does ''not'' stop here - it stops at the Inverell Visitor Information Centre (Transit Centre), 11-31 Campbell Street. }} * {{listing | name=Tenterfield - coach stop| alt=| url= | email= | address=136 Manners Street| lat= |long=| directions=opposite the Telegraph Hotel | phone= | tollfree= | hours=| price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Tenterfield - bookings| alt=Tenterfield Insurance Agencies| url= | email= | address=279 Rouse Street| lat= |long=| directions=near the corner of Rouse Street/New England Highway and High Street/Bruxner Highway | phone=+61 2 6736 2426 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=''The coach does not stop here - it stops in Manners Street opposite the Telegraph Hotel.'' }} * {{listing | name=Grafton - coach stop and bookings| alt=Grafton Railway Station | url= | email= | address=23 Through Street, South Grafton | lat= | long= | directions= corner Through Street and Crisp Avenue, South Grafton | phone=+61 13 22 32 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 4AM-9PM, 9:30PM-1:30AM Sa Su Public holidays 4AM-noon, 1:30-9PM, 9:30PM-1:30AM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Grafton - bookings| alt=Grafton Travel Agency | url= | email= | address=48 Prince Street | lat= | long= | directions=next to Grafton Fast Photos | phone=+61 2 6642 3777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:45AM-5PM, Sa 8:45AM-noon | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The coach does ''not'' stop here - it stops at the railway station. }} ====Brisbane-Glen Innes==== Crisp's Coaches run between Brisbane and Tamworth via Glen Innes. Bookings are required - phone or use the website to secure your seat. Note that the times given are Australian Eastern Standard Time/Queensland Time (GMT+10). From the first Su in Oct to the first Su in Apr New South Wales is on Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (GMT+11), so adjust arrival/departure times for stops in New South Wales by adding 1 hour. Also note that services may be adjusted or cancelled at little or no notice due to Covid-19 lockdowns, natural disasters, or changes in operations, so please confirm with Crisp's before departure. * {{listing | name=Crisp's Coaches| alt= | url= https://www.crisps.com.au/ | email=reservations@crisps.com.au | address=78 Grafton Street, Warwick, Queensland |lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 7 4661 8333 | tollfree= | hours=Office: M-F 7:45AM-5:30PM, Sa 11:30AM-12:30PM, 11:30AM-12:30PM 4:30-5:30PM | price= | lastedit= | content=See full timetables and book online [https://www.crisps.com.au/?p=timetable here]. }} Outbound coaches depart Brisbane M and F 10:45AM from the long-distance bus station in Parkland Crescent (outside Platform 10 at Roma Street Railway Station) and arrive at Tenterfield at the coach stop at the Glen Innes Visitors Information Centre 6PM. Inbound coaches depart Glen Innes from the Glen Innes Vistors Information Centre M and F 9AM and arrive at Brisbane at the long-distance bus station in Parkland Crescent (outside Platfrom 10 at Roma Street Railway Station) 2:30PM. ===By plane=== The nearest airports with regular scheduled services are at Inverell ({{IATA|IVR}}) and Armidale ({{IATA|ARM}}). ==Get around== Private transport is the most convenient way to get around Glen Innes, and essential to explore the surrounding district. There is no local bus service in the town. There is a car rental agency in Glen Innes. ===By taxi=== * {{go | name=Glen Innes Radio Cabs - taxi rank | alt= | url= | email= | address=corner of Bourke Street and Grey Street | lat=-29.73923 | long=151.73575 | directions= outside Coles and opposite Ray White Real Estate | phone=+61 2 6732 1300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-12 | content=Taxis must be booked, not hailed. Do not rely on a taxi eventually showing up at the taxi rank or that there will be one waiting vacant. }} ==See== [[Image:Glen Innes (5).JPG|thumb|300px|Glen Innes Town Hall]] ===In and near town=== * {{see | name=Australian Standing Stones | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/australian-standing-stones.html | email= | address=Watsons Drive - off the Gwydir Highway eastbound | lat=-29.74133 | long=151.75276 | directions=Centennial Parklands - on the way to Martins Lookout | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-12 | content=Built 1991-2 to commemorate the Celtic pioneers and settlers of the Glen Innes district. Pick up a brochure from the Glen Innes Visitors Information Centre that explains the significance of the monument. }} * {{see | name=Martins Lookout | alt= | url= | email= | address=Watsons Drive - off the Gwydir Highway eastbound | lat=-29.74371 | long=151.75087 | directions=past the Australian Standing Stones, behind the large water supply tanks and buildings | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-14 | content=Extensive views over Glen Innes - bring your binoculars. }} * {{see | name=Land of The Beardies History House Museum | alt= | url=https://www.beardieshistoryhouse.info/ | email= | address=corner of Ferguson Street (Gwydir Highway) and West Avenue | lat=-29.73473 | long=151.73289 | directions=near Glen Innes Hospital | phone=+61 2 6732 1035 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-noon 1-4PM, Sa Su 1-4PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-12 | content=Housed in the Old Glen Innes Hospital, this museum displays all manners of artefacts and documents relating to the history of Glen Innes. There are many records for those wanting to trace their ancestors who lived in the town and surrounding district. }} * {{see | name=Glen Innes Art Gallery | alt= | url=https://gleninnesartgallery.com/ | email=giartgallery@gmail.com | address=71 Grey Street | lat=-29.74577 | long=151.73422 | directions=next to Glen Innes TAFE College | phone=+61 2 6730 2610 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 10AM-1PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=This art gallery showcases changing exhibitions of contemporary art, ceramics, jewellery, and sculptures, by local artists, regional artists, and artists from all over Australia. Scheduled workshops. }} * {{see | name=The Super Strawberry | alt= | url=http://www.superstrawberry.com.au/index.html | email=supastrawb@hotmail.com | address=9922 New England Highway | lat=-29.76119 | long=151.73392 | directions=2 km south of Glen Innes via the New England Highway southbound, farm is on the left hand side | phone=+61 429 673 216 | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 9AM-5PM, closed Christmas Day | price= | lastedit=2021-04-14 | content=A strawberry farm where you can pick your own strawberries in season, otherwise enjoy treats made with strawberries and other fruits. Coffee available with coffee shop fare. }} ===Out of town=== ====North-east==== * {{see | name=Mann River Nature Reserve | alt= | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/mann-river-nature-reserve | email=npws.ntab@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Old Grafton Road | lat=-29.68738 | long=152.09888 | directions=48 km north-east of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway eastbound, cross the Beardy Waters bridge, turn right/south onto Old Grafton Road, traverse a long stretch of twisting and turning corners, campground on the right | phone=+61 2 6739 0700 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free entry | lastedit=2021-04-12 | content=An excellent spot for picnicking, camping (''reservations required''), scenic views, fishing, and swimming. See Tommy's Rock Lookout on its walking track. Campsite has toilets, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities (subject to fire bans). No pets, no smoking. Bring your binoculars and cameras. }} * {{see | name=Mulligans Campground | alt=Gibraltar Range National Park | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/mulligans-campground | email=parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Mulligans Drive | lat=-29.51524 | long=152.35906 | directions=78.5 km north-east of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway eastbound, turn right onto Mulligans Drive, continue all the way to Mulligan's Campground | phone=+61 1300 072 757 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry: $8 per vehicle per day - see [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees here] for details. Camping: phone for rates - ''reservations required'' | lastedit=2021-04-13 | content=Campground with flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues (bring your own firewood) and gas barbecues (free), cold showers, unpowered camping sites. Starting point for The Needles walking track, Forest walking track, Murrumbooee Cascades walking track, Little Dandahra Creek walking track, Dandahra Crags, and Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk. }} * {{see | name=Raspberry Lookout | alt=Gibraltar Range National Park | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/raspberry-lookout | email=parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Raspberry Lookout Road | lat=-29.55567 | long=152.25158 | directions=62.5 km north-east of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway eastbound, turn right/south onto Raspberry Lookout Road | phone=+61 1300 072 757 | tollfree=| |hours+|price=Entry: $8 per vehicle per day - see [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees here] for details. | lastedit=2021-04-13 | content=This lookout offers amazing views across the Bindery-Mann Wilderness Area, this place has been used for centuries as a vantage point. Bring binoculars and cameras. The weather here can be unpredictable as is it affected by both coastal and inland weather systems, so be prepared and bring appropriate clothing. Car park has pit toilets and picnic tables. Bring your own drinking water, take your rubbish with you. No pets. No smoking. }} * {{see | name=Boundary Falls Campground and Picnic Area | alt=Gibraltar Range National Park| url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/boundary-falls-campground-and-picnic-area | email=parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Boundary Creek Trail | lat=-29.53544 | long=152.2495 | directions=61.5 km north-east of Glen Innes via the Gwydir Highway eastbound, turn left/north onto Falls Road/Boundary Creek Trail | phone=+61 1300 072 757 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$8 per vehicle per day - see [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees here] for details. Camping: phone for rates, ''reservations required'' | lastedit=2021-04-13 | content=This campground has a single pit toilet, picnic tables, wood barbecue (firewood supplied). Unpowered sites only. Bring your own drinking and cooking water, take your litter with you when you leave. Access point to Duffer Creek, Lyrebird Falls Walking Track, and the Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk. Boudary Falls waterfall is nearby. No pets. No smoking. }} * {{see | name=Bellbird Campground | alt=Washpool National Park | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/bellbird-campground | email=parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Coachwood Drive | lat=-29.47382 | long=152.31554 | directions=76 km north-east of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway eastbound, turn left onto Coachwood Drive, pass the Granites Trail turn-off on the left, pass the Tall Timbers Trail turn-off on the right, pass the Moogem Trail turn-off on the left, the turn-off to the campground is the first trail on the left | phone=+61 1300 072 757 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$8 per vehicle per day - see website for payment details. Camping - bookings required | lastedit=2021-04-14 | content=This campground is suitable for tents, camper-trailers, and caravans. There are picnic tables, gas barbecue facilities, and toilets. Bringing your own gas barbecue, drinking water, and cooking water is recommended. The Coombadjha Walk leads to the Coachwood Picnic Area and the Coombadjha Nature Stroll, and walking back down Coachwood Drive to the intersection with Moogem Trail leads to the Gibraltar Washpool World Heritage Walk. No bins so take your rubbish with you. No pets, no smoking, ''and do not feed the wildlife''. }} * {{see | name=Coachwood Picnic Area | alt=Washpool National Park | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/coachwood-picnic-area | email=parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au7 | address=Coachwood Drive | lat=-29.47228 | long=152.3174 | directions=76.5 km north-east of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway eastbound, turn left onto Coachwood Drive, pass the Granites Tral turn-off on the left, pass the Tall Timbers Trail turn-off on the right, pass the Moogem Trail turn-off on the left, pass the Bellbird Campground on the left, the picnic area is on the left | phone=+61 1300 072 757 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$8 per vehicle per day - see website for payment details | lastedit=2021-04-14 | content=A picnic area situated in a rainforest clearing with Coombadja Creek nearby, visitors can take advantage of picnic tables, free gas and wood barbecues, and toilets. Starting point for the Coombadjha Nature Stroll. Bring own drinking water. No bins so take your rubbish out with you. No pets. No smoking. }} * {{see | name=Coombadjha Campground | alt=Washpool National Park | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/coombadjha-campground | email=parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Coachwood Drive | lat=-29.47181 | long=152.3206 | directions=76.5 km north-east of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway eastbound, turn left onto Coachwood Drive, pass the Granites Trail turn-off on the left, pass the Tall Timbers Trail turn-off on the right, pass the Moogem Trail turn-off on the left, pass the Bellbird Campground on the left, pass the Coachwood Picnic Area on the left, at the fort take the left track then turn right at the intersection, continue to the campground | phone=+61 1300 072 757 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$8 per vehicle per day. Camping for tents only - bookings required, phone for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-14 | content=This campground has pit toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues (firewood supplied), bring your own drinking and cooking water. Starting point for the Coombadjha Nature Stroll and the Washpool Walk. Take your rubbish out with you. No pets. Do not feed the animals. }} * {{see | name=Granite Picnic Area | alt=Washpool National Park | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/granite-picnic-area | email=parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Granite Trail | lat=-29.48615 | long=152.32421 | directions=74 km north-east of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway eastbound, turn left onto Coachwood Drive then turn left onto the Granite Trail, picnic area is on the right hand side | phone=+61 1300 072 757 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$8 per vehicle per day - see website for payment details | lastedit=2021-04-14 | content=This picnic area has pit toilets, picnic tables, free gas and electric barbecues, bring your own drinking and cooking water. Take 800 m walk to the Granite Lookout. No bins so take your rubbish with you. No pets. No smoking. Do not feed the animals. }} ====West==== * {{see | name=Sinclair Lookout | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gwydir Highway westbound | lat=-29.72856 | long=151.60293 | directions=16 km west of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway westbound, turn-off is on the left hand side, signposted | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-14 | content=On the northern end of the Waterloo Range, this lookout has remarkable views of the country. Also a Driver rest area, it has shelter, picnic tables, toilets, and litter bins. Bring your cameras and binoculars. }} ====North-west==== * {{see | name=Emmaville Mining Museum | alt= | url=https://emmavilleminingmuseum.com/ | email= | address=86 Moore Street, Emmaville | lat=-29.44515 | long=151.59802 | directions=68 km north-west of Glen Innes via the New England Highway northbound, at Deepwater turn left onto Wellington Vale Road, continue into Emmaville, the museum is opposite the Tattersalls Hotel | phone=+61 2 6734 7025 | tollfree= | hours=F-W 10AM-4PM - closed Th and public holidays | price=A gold coin donation ($1-$2 per person) | lastedit=2021-03-20 | content=Showcases over 4,000 mineral and gemstone specimens, Foleys General Store Museum, a replica blacksmith's shop, an old wood-fired bakery, old mining equipment, the interior of an hessian-lined miner's hut, photographic collection, bottle collection. }} * {{see | name=Kings Plains National Park | alt= | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kings-plains-national-park | email= | address=Ironbark Drive | lat=-29.58395 | long=151.38953 | directions=49.5 km north-west of Glen Innes via Ferguson Street/Gwydir Highway westbound, turn right/north onto Coronation Avenue, turn left/west onto Grafton Street/Martin Street, cross the Furracabad Creek bridge and continue ahead as Strathbogie Road, turn left/west onto Wellingrove Road, turn right/north onto Polhill Road then left/west onto Kings Plains Road, pass the Eastern Feeder Track on the left, turn right/north onto Jindalee Road, turn left/west onto Ironbark Drive, continue through the four-way intersection at the entrance of the national park and proceed to the campground | phone=+61 1300 072 757 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free entry - ''bookings required for camping'' | lastedit=2021-03-20 | content=Kings Plains offers excellent bushwalking, swimming, ephemeral waterfalls. Campground (tents only, unpowered sites), picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets. Bring own drinking water, cooking water, firewood. No mobile phone signal. }} * {{see | name=Pindari Dam | alt= | url=https://www.waternsw.com.au/supply/visit/pindari-dam | email= | address=Pindari Dam Road | lat=-29.39635 | long=151.25819 | directions=76.5 km north-west of Glen Innes via Ferguson Street/Gwydir Highway westbound, turn right/north onto Coronation Avenue, turn left/west onto Grafton Street, pass Derby Street on the left and continue ahead as Martin Street, cross the Furracabad Creek bridge and continue as Strathbogie Road, turn left onto Nullamanna Road, turn right/north onto The Pocket Road, continue around the bend to the left, turn right/north onto Pindari Dam Road, continue ahead to the dam which will be on the right | phone=+61 2 6728 8161 | tollfree= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= | lastedit=2021-02-26 | content=Camping, barbecues, picnic areas, toilets, shower facilities, fishing, water sports, boat ramps, bushwalking. Phone number is the Inverell Tourist Information Centre }} * Town Hall and other heritage buildings in the town centre * Churches ==Do== [[Image:Glen Innes CBC Bank Building 001.JPG|thumb|300px|National Australia Bank, Grey Street]] * {{do | name=Self-guided CBD walking tour | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Discover the history and significance of the main buildings of Glen Innes. Obtain a map from the Visitors Information Centre or download an app for Android and Apple [https://gleninneshighlands.com/heritage-buildings.html here]. Tour is approximately 5.5 km in length and takes about 2 hours. }} * {{do | name=Self-guided town driving tour | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Discover this highlights of Glen Innes in the comfort of your own vehicle. Obtain a map from the Visitors Information Centre or download an app for Android and Apple [https://gleninneshighlands.com/heritage-buildings.html here]. The trip is about 9.5 km and takes about 1.5 hours. }} * {{do | name=Self-guided Country Drive tour | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Discover the countryside and the mining towns of the Glen Innes District. Download the map [https://gleninneshighlands.com/files/country-drives-tour-guide-2020. here]. }} * {{do | name=Fishing | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Download a map of the best fishing spots and how to get a fishing licence [https://gleninneshighlands.com/files/fishing-guide-2020. here]. }} * {{do | name=Fossicking | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Download a map on where to start searching for precious metals and gemstones [https://gleninneshighlands.com/files/fishing-guide-2020. here]. }} * {{do | name=Kayaking and canoeing | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Ask at the Visitors Information Centre for locations. }} * {{do | name=Mountain biking | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=There's 80 km of trails altogether in the Gibraltar Range National Park and Washpool National Park - see [https://gleninneshighlands.com/mountain-biking.html here] for suggestions. }} * {{do | name=Motorcycle touring | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=See [https://gleninneshighlands.com/motorcycling-touring.html here] for suggested touring options. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Australian Celtic Festival | alt= | url=https://www.australiancelticfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Australian Standing Stones | phone=+61 2 6730 2400 | tollfree= | hours=Held in May | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=An annual celebration of Celtic heritage, with entertainment, market stalls, demonstrations, poetry. ''Restrictions in place due to Covid-19.'' }} * {{do | name=Glen Innes Show | alt= | url=https://gleninnesshow.com/ | email=info@gleninnesshow.com | address=George Street | lat=-29.74269 | long=151.74381 | directions=Glen Innes Showground, opposite the sports ground of Glen Innes High School | phone=+61 2 6732 1744 | tollfree= | hours=Held in Feb | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Annual local fair. }} * {{do | name=Minerama | alt= | url=https://www.minerama.com.au/ | email= | address=George Street | lat= | long= | directions=Glen Innes Showground | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Held in Mar | price=Gold coin donation per person ($1 or $2) | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Fossicking (prospecting), gem, and jewellery exhibition. Field trips and workshops. }} * {{do | name=Deepwater Jockey Club Cup | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/raceachJan/ | email= | address=Torrington Road, Deepwater | lat=-29.43502 | long=151.84744 | directions=42 km north of Glen Innes via New England Highway northbound, continue through Deepwater, turn left onto Torrington Road then take the dirt track on the right | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Held in Jan | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Annual horse racing with fashion shows, food, and live entertainment. }} * {{do | name=Markets in the Highlands | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/marketsinthehighlands/ | email= | address=375 Grey Street | lat=-29.74127 | long=151.73517 | directions=old Dimmeys Store, behind Coles | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Held 2nd Sa of the month | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Local art and craft markets. }} ===Sports=== * {{do | name=Glen Innes Bowling Club | alt=The Bowlo | url=https://www.facebook.com/GIbowlingclub/ | email=gibc@bigpond.com | address=49 Macquarie Street | lat=-29.74096 | long=151.72946 | directions=corner of Macquarie Street and Wentworth Street | phone=+61 2 6732 1930 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Lawn bowls. }} * {{do | name=Glen Innes Golf Club | alt= | url=https://gigolf.com.au/ | email=gigolf@bigpond.net.au | address=Hutchison Road | lat=-29.70074 | long=151.76805 | directions=6 km north-east of Glen Innes via New England Highway northbound, turn right onto Golf Links Road, turn left onto Hutchison Road | phone=+61 2 6732 1555 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=18 hole golf course. ''Alternative entrance via Gwydir Highway eastbound, turn left onto Golf Links Road, turn right onto Hutchison Road.''. }} * {{do | name=Glen Innes District Tennis Association | alt= | url=http://gleninnestennis.com.au/ | email= | address=corner of West Street and Ferguson Street | lat=-29.73411 | long=151.73306 | directions=near the Glen Innes Hospital | phone=+61 2 6732 1080 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Phone for court hire | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Tennis courts. }} * {{do | name=Glen Innes Swimming Pool | alt=Glen Innes Aquatic Centre | url=https://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/node/4096 | email= | address=179 West Avenue | lat=-29.73237 | long=151.73351 | directions=corner of West Avenue and Taylor Street, near the Glen Innes Hospital | phone=+61 2 6730 2440 | tollfree= | hours=Seasonal - phone for hours | price=See website for fees | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Disabled access to main pool by means of a ramp. }} ==Buy== [[Image:Glen Innes from Australian Stones-2 (34247997781).jpg|thumb|300px|View of Glen Innes from the Australian Standing Stones]] ===Self catering=== * {{buy | name=Woolworths | alt= | url= | email= | address=Corner of Wentworth Street and Grey Street | lat=-29.74189 | long=151.73486 | directions=next to Glen Innes and District Services Club | phone=+61 2 6739 7000 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Supermarket. BWS liquor store nearby. }} * {{buy | name=Coles | alt= | url= | email= | address=357 Grey Street | lat=-29.7395 | long=151.73545 | directions=corner of Grey Street and Bourke Street | phone=+61 2 6732 2067 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Supermarket. }} * {{buy | name=Timbs Pharmacy | alt= | url=https://www.timbspharmacy.com.au/ | email= | address=240-242 Grey Street | lat=-29.73895 | long=151.73534 | directions=corner of Grey Street and Bourke Street | phone=+61 2 6732 3016 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Chemist. }} * {{buy | name=Graydon's Amcal Chemist | alt= | url=https://www.amcal.com.au/store-locator/amcal-plus-pharmacy-glen-innes-graydons?storeId=10301 | email= | address=230 Grey Street | lat=-29.73951 | long=151.73524 | directions=next to the National Australia Bank | phone=+61 2 6732 3066 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-12:30PM, Su 9AM-noon | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Pharmacy/chemist. }} * {{buy | name=Schafer's Glen Innes Newagency | alt=Schafer's Newspower | url= | email= | address=276 Grey Street | lat=-29.73813 | long=151.73548 | directions=next to the Commonwealth Bank | phone=+61 2 6732 2181 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Newsagent. }} * {{buy | name=Bruce Family Butchery | alt= | url=https://www.brucefamilybutchery.com.au/ | email=albruce2@bigpond.com | address=169 Grey Street | lat=-29.74084 | long=151.73522 | directions=corner of Grey Street and Wentworth Street, diagonally opposite the Club Hotel | phone=+61 2 6732 1901 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 7:30AM-noon | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Butchers. }} * {{buy | name=Campbell's Butchery | alt= | url=https://campbellsbutchery.com.au/ | email=campbellsbutchery@outlook.com | address=193 Grey Street | lat=-29.74027 | long=151.73531 | directions=near Landmark | phone=+61 2 6732 3047 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-5:30PM, Sa 7AM-noon | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Butchers. }} * {{buy | name=Glen Pie Shop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/theglenpieshop/ | email= | address=288 Grey Street | lat=-29.73792 | long=151.73554 | directions=near the Commonwealth Bank | phone=+61 2 6732 4928 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Bakery - bread and other baked goods as well as pies. }} * {{buy | name=Smeaton's Bakery | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Smeatons-Bakery-1019344464796421/ | email= | address=176 Bourke Street | lat=-29.73915 | long=151.73619 | directions=opposite BWS | phone=+61 2 6732 1108 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 5AM-5PM, Sa 6AM-1PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Bakery, with cafe fare. }} * {{buy | name=TSG Glen Innes | alt= | url= | email= | address=190 Bourke Street | lat=-29.73923 | long=151.73677 | directions=next to Vinnies/St Vincent de Paul's store | phone=+61 2 6732 2519 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-9:30PM, Sa Su 7AM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Tobacconist. }} ===Arts and crafts=== * {{buy | name=Garuwa Gallery | alt= | url=https://gawuragallery.com/ | email=info@gawuragallery.com | address=9979 New England Highway (southbound) | lat=-29.75615 | long=151.73468 | directions=next to the Clansman Motel | phone=+61 403 383 080 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 9AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Established by indigenous artist Lloyd Gawura Hornsby, this art gallery promotes comtemporary and traditional Aboriginal artists and their works. Changing exhibitions and workshops. Coffee shop on-site. }} * {{buy | name=The Alder Grove | alt= | url=https://www.thealdergrove.com/home.html | email=thealdergrovecoven@gmail.com | address=9921 Glen Innes Highway | lat=-29.76108 | long=151.73366 | directions=opposite The Super Strawberry | phone=+61 487 553 568 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM, closed market days | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=The Alder Grove at The Glen presents Peter Grimes Celtic Art, locally crafted woodwork, Gillen's Black Garlic products, Gardener's Recipe, The Book Shelves, Birch Cottage candles, Little Fox Forge, Magic by Moonlight, and Esoteric supplies. }} * {{buy | name=The Makers Shed | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/MakersShedGlenInnes | email= | address=123 Grey Street | lat=-29.74281 | long=151.73491 | directions=opposite the Services Club | phone=+61 450 039 320 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 10AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=A marketplace for works by Richard Moon, Michael Burge, and other artists. Jewellery, artworks, and books. Workshops. }} ===Fine food=== * {{buy | name=The Sage and Clover | alt= | url=https://thesageandclover.com.au/ | email= | address=298 Grey Street | lat=-29.73771 | long=151.73553 | directions=near the Commonwealth Bank | phone=+61 2 6732 3156 | tollfree= | hours=M W 10AM-2PM, Tu Th F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-noon | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Organic foods store. }} ==Eat== [[Image:Great Central Hotel Glen Innes-1 (14217895773).jpg|thumb|300px|Great Central Hotel, Glen Innes]] ===Hotels=== * {{eat | name=Great Central Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.greatcentralhotel.com.au/dining.html | email= | address=313 Grey Street | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Grey Street and Meade Street | phone=+61 2 6732 1966 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=The Castlereagh Restaurant offers fine dining, the Pipe and Drum Bar serves bistro fare, and the Coffee Central Cafe does breakfasts, lunches, and coffee. }} * {{drink | name=Railway Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/railwaytavernbistro/ | email= | address=corner of Bourke Street and Lambeth Street | lat= | long= | directions=200 m north of the old railway station along Lambeth Street | phone=+61 2 6732 1504 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Bistro fare, pizza, pasta. }} * {{drink | name=Club Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=150 Grey Street | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Grey Street and Wentworth Street, next to Woolworths | phone=+61 2 6732 3043 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Bistro fare. }} ===Restaurants=== * {{eat | name=Yim Thai Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Yimthaigleninnes/ | email= | address=98 West Avenue, Glen Innes NSW 2370 | lat=-29.739512 | long=151.73172 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6732 3368 | tollfree= | hours=M 11AM-2:30PM 5-7PM, Tu-Sa 11AM-2:30PM 5-9:30PM| price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Thai cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Thai House Glen Innes | alt= | url= | email= | address=292 Grey Street | lat=-29.73775 | long=151.73549 | directions=opposite the Westpac Bank | phone=+61 2 6732 4446 | tollfree= | hours=F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10:30AM-9PM Su 5-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Thai cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Glen Innes Bowling Club Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/gleninnesbowlingclubchineserestaurant/ | email= | address=49 Macquarie Street | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Macquarie Street and Wentworth Street | phone=+61 2 6732 2989 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W noon-2PM 5-9PM, Th F noon-2PM 5-9PM, Sa 11:30AM-2PM 5-9PM, Su noon-2PM 5-8:30PM, closed M | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Chinese and Australian fare. }} * {{eat | name=Dragon Court Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Chinese-Restaurant/Dragon-Court-Restaurant-147077375333585/ | email= | address= | lat=-29.74057 | long=151.73525 | directions=near Landmark | phone=+61 2 6732 1368 | tollfree= | hours=M Tu 5-9PM, W-F 11:30AM-2PM 5-9PM, Sa 5-9PM, Su 11:30AM-2PM 5-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Chinese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=The Singing Chef Italian Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.singingchefpizzapasta.com.au/ | email= | address=67 Church Street | lat=-29.74727 | long=151.73686 | directions=corner of Church Street and Oliver Street - entrance in Oliver Street | phone=+61 2 6732 5666 | tollfree= | hours=M Tu 11AM-9PM, W Th 6AM-9PM, F 6AM-10PM, Sa Su 6AM-9PM. Delivery M-Su after 4:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Pizza, pasta, doner kebabs, breakfasts, desserts, cold drinks, hot beverages. }} * {{eat | name=Eat Bite Italian Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.eatbiteitalian.com.au/ | email= | address=292 Grey Street | lat=-29.73778 | long=151.73556 | directions=opposite the Westpac Bank | phone=+61 2 6732 2510 | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Th 10AM-9PM, F 10AM-10PM - delivery M-Su noon-8:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Pizza, pasta, doner kebabs. }} * {{eat | name=Taj Curry House Indian Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/tajcurrygleninnes/ | email= | address=281 Grey Street | lat=-29.73798 | long=151.73573 | directions=next to Westpac Bank | phone=+61 2 6732 5779 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-8:30PM, Sa Su 5-8:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Indian cuisine. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Glen Innes District Services Club | alt= | url=https://giservices.com.au/dining/ | email= | address=120 Grey St | lat= | long= | directions= corner of Grey Street and Lang Street, next to Woolworths | phone=+61 2 6732 4292 | tollfree= | hours=Open for lunch and dinner, phone for reservations | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Fine dining in the Crystal Room, and pub fare served as well. Kids meals. }} * {{eat | name=Hereford Steakhouse Char Grill | alt=Rest Point Motor Inn | url=https://restpointmotel.com.au/dine/ | email= | address=72 Church Street (New England Highway) | lat= | long= | directions=next door to the motel | phone=+61 2 6732 2255 | tollfree= | hours=Open M-Sa 6PM, last orders taken 8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Steakhouse fare, but not only beef. Vegetarian dishes available. Local wines. Kids meals. }} ===Cafes=== * {{eat | name=The Furry Cow | alt= | url= | email= | address=251 Grey Street| lat=-29.738662 | long=151.735696 | directions= | phone=+61 401 183 881 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 9AM-4PM, M closed | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Cafe, ice cream parlour }} * {{eat | name=Peppermints Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/people/Peppermints-Coffee-Lounge/100063613118406/ | email= | address=201-207 Grey Street | lat=-29.739767 | long=151.735442 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6732 5914 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-3PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Cafe, ice cream }} * {{eat | name=The Coffee Incident | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/thecoffeeincident | email= | address=316 Grey Street | lat=-29.73733 | long=151.73564 | directions=opposite the Great Central Hotel | phone=+61 455 445 634 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6:30AM-2PM, Sa 9AM-noon | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Cafe fare. }} * {{eat | name=Town Hall Coffee Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address=269 Grey Street | lat=-29.73836 | long=1515.73545 | directions=Glen Innes Town Hall | phone=+61 475 054 349 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM, Sa 8:30AM-2PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Coffee shop. }} * {{eat | name=The Local Glen Innes | alt= | url=https://www.thelocalgleninnes.com/ | email=together@thelocalgleninnes.com | address=308 Grey Street | lat=-29.73748 | long=151.73582 | directions=next to the Great Central Hotel | phone=+61 447 071 607 | tollfree= | hours=W 8:30AM-3PM, Th 8AM-3PM 4PM-10PM, F Sa 8AM-3PM, 4PM-11PM, Su 8AM-3PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Cafe fare. }} ===Fast food=== * {{eat | name=Annie's Fish and Chips | alt= | url=https://anniessfishandchips.business.site/ | email= | address=204 Ferguson Street | lat=-29.73432 | long=151.72937 | directions=oppsite Home Timber and Hardware | phone=+61 2 6732 6868 | tollfree= | hours=M 9AM-7:30PM, Tu 11:30AM-7:30PM, W-F 9AM-7:30PM, Sa Su 11:30AM-2:30PM 5-7:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Fish and chips, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot snacks, cold drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Ship to Shore Seafood | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/ShiptoshoreSeafood/ | email= | address=296 Grey Street | lat=-29.73765 | long=151.73551 | directions=next to Centrelink | phone=+61 2 6732 5515 | tollfree= | hours=Tu 10AM-7:30PM, W-Sa 10AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Fish and chips, hamburgers, hot snacks, cold drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Charlie's Chickens | alt= | url=http://charlies-chickens.edan.io/ | email= | address=120 Wentworth Street | lat=-29.74083 | long=151.73454 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6732 2828 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Tu 10:30AM-8PM, W 10:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Roast chicken meals, chips. }} * {{eat | name=Magic Noodles | alt= | url= | email= | address=189 Grey Street | lat=-29.74059 | long=151.73525 | directions=next to Landmark | phone=+61 2 6732 6638 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=KFC Glen Innes | alt= | url=https://www.kfc.com.au/restaurants/kfc-glen-innes/2370 | email= | address=142 Meade Street, Glen Innes | lat=-29.737859 | long=151.738496 | directions=corner of Meade Street and Church Street | phone=+61 2 6732 5402 | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 10AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content= }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's | alt= | url=https://mcdonalds.com.au/store/glen-innes-nsw | email= | address=corner of Meade Street and New England Highway | lat=-29.73737 | long=151.73751 | directions=next to/behind the Ampol/Caltex petrol station | phone=+61 2 6732 4019 | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 5AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content= }} ==Drink== [[Image:Glen Innes Railway Tavern 001.JPG|thumb|300px|Railway Tavern, Glen Innes]] * {{drink | name=Great Central Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.greatcentralhotel.com.au/ | email= | address=313 Grey Street | lat=-29.73735 | long=151.73585 | directions=corner of Grey Street and Meade Street | phone=+61 2 6732 1966 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content= }} * {{drink | name=New Tattersalls Hotel Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address=210 Grey Street | lat=-29.73978 | long=151.73517 | directions=opposite Coles | phone=+61 2 6732 3011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Railway Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/railwaytavernbistro/ | email= | address=corner of Bourke Street and Lambeth Street | lat=-29.73797 | long=151.72798 | directions=200 m north of the disused railway station along Lambeth Street | phone=+61 2 6732 1504 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Club Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=150 Grey Street | lat=-29.7413 | long=151.73491 | directions=corner of Grey Street and Wentworth Street, next to Woolworths | phone=+61 2 6732 3043 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Glen Innes District Services Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=120 Grey Street | lat=-29.74244 | long=151.73474 | directions= corner of Grey Street and Lang Street, next to Woolworths | phone=+61 2 6732 1355 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Sleep== [[Image:Glen Innes Club Hotel 001.JPG|thumb|300px|Club Hotel, Glen Innes]] ===Hotels=== * {{drink | name=Great Central Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.greatcentralhotel.com.au/ | email= | address=313 Grey Street | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Grey Street and Meade Street | phone=+61 2 6732 1966 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Phone or check website for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Tattersalls Hotel Motel | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/new-tattersalls-motel.html | email= | address=210 Grey Street | lat= | long= | directions=opposite Coles | phone=+61 2 6732 3011 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$85-$120 | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=10 rooms with TV and ensuite bathroom. }} * {{sleep | name=Club Hotel | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/club-hotel-glen-innes.html | email= | address=150 Grey Street | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Grey Street and Wentworth Street, next to Woolworths | phone=+61 2 6732 3043 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Phone for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-15 | content=Each room has a balcony. Shared bathroom. Free WiFi. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Amber Motel | alt= | url=http://ambermotel.com.au/ | email=bookings@ambermotel.com.au | address=135 Meade Street | lat=-29.73729 | long=151.73687 | directions=opposite the police station | phone=+61 2 6732 2300 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone, email, or see [http://ambermotel.com.au/on-line-bookings/ here] fpr rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Rooms have air conditioning/heating, ensuite bathrooms, LCD TVs with DVD player, Foxtel cable TV, ironing facilities, tea and coffee making facilities, toaster, clock radio, microwave oven available, fridge, free WiFi, cot available. Barbecue facilities. No pets. Off-street parking for trucks and trailers. }} * {{sleep | name=Anna Bella Motel | alt= | url=https://annabellamotel.com.au/ | email=annabellamotel@gmail.com | address=60 Church Street | lat=-29.74787 | long=151.73617 | directions=near the corner of Church Street and Oliver Street | phone=+61 2 6732 2688 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone or email for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=16 rooms with electric blankets, dining table with chairs, reverse cycle air conditioning and heating, 32-inch TV, ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, ironing facilities, bar fridge, microwave oven, tea and coffee making facilities, free light breakfast. No pets. No smoking. Free WiFi. Off-street parking for trailers and trucks. }} * {{sleep | name=Central Motel | alt= | url=https://www.centralmotelgi.com.au/ | email=centralmotelgi@gmail.com | address=131 Meade Street | lat=-29.73716 | long=151.73653 | directions=next to the Great Central Hotel | phone=+61 2 6732 2200 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $110 per night | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=14 rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes with full-size fridge and freezer, electric blankets, tea and coffee making facilities, toaster, microwave oven, clock radio, air conditioning/heating, 50-inch flat-screen TV with 8 Foxtel channels, free WiFi, ironing facilities. No smoking. No pets. Barbecue facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=Clansman Motel | alt= | url=http://www.clansmanmotel.com.au/ | email= | address=9981 New England Highway (southbound) | lat=-29.75541 | long=151.73483 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6732 2044 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Rooms with free WiFi, full undercover parking, off-street parking for larger vehicles and trailers, air conditioning, HD TV with CD/DVD/MP3 player, hairdryer, toaster, electric blankets, breakfasts and dinners to rooms. Barbecue facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=Glen Haven Motor Inn | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/glen-haven-motor-inn.html | email=glenhaven26@gmail.com | address=26 Church Street (New England Highway) | lat=-29.75067 | long=151.73565 | directions=corner of Church Street and Heron Street - entrance in Heron Street | phone=+61 2 6732 3266 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=14 rooms with undercover parking, room service, TV and DVD player, air conditioning/heating, free WiFi, ironing facilities, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, toaster, microwave oven, clock radio. No pets. No smoking. Barbecue facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=Glen Innes Motel | alt= | url=https://gleninnes-motel.com.au/ | email=gleninnesmotel@gmail.com | address=12 Church Street (New England Highway) | lat=-29.75211 | long=151.73545 | directions=next to Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall | phone=+61 2 6732 1211 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone, email, or see [https://gleninnes-motel.com.au/rooms-and-rates/ here] for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Free WiFi, air conditioning/heating, flat-screen TV, fridge, toaster, tea and coffee making facilities, microwave oven, electric blankets, desk, ironing facilities, ensuite bathroom, complimentary breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Jillaroo Motor Inn | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/jillaroo-motor-inn.html | email= | address=8 Church Street (New England Highway) | lat=-29.75249 | long=151.7354 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6732 3388 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Rooms with flat-screen TV, toaster, electric kettle, microwave oven, refrigerator, electric blankets. Barbecue facilities. Free WiFi. Continental breakfasts. Children's playground. 24-hour front desk. }} * {{sleep | name=New England Motor Lodge | alt= | url=https://www.neml.com.au/ | email= | address=160 Church Street | lat=-29.73657 | long=151.73829 | directions=opposite St Joseph's School | phone=+61 2 6732 2922 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=42 rooms, suites, and studios with air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom with shower, electric blankets, tea and coffee making facilities, microwave, toaster, crockery, fridge, mini-bar, flat-screen TV with Netflix, free WiFi, ironing facilities, desk, luggage rack, USB charging point. Highland Restaurant licenced restaurant on-site, open for breakfast and dinner. Outdoor swimming pool. Pets OK subject to conditions. Disabled access room available. }} * {{sleep | name=Rest Point Motor Inn | alt= | url=https://restpointmotel.com.au/ | email=info@restpointmotel.com.au | address=72 Church Street (New England Highway) | lat=-29.74605 | long=151.73651 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6732 2255 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone or email for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=25 rooms with air-conditioning, WiFi, Foxtel cable TV, private bathroom, ironing facilities, tea and coffee making facilities. Barbecue facilities. Laundry facilities. Swimming pool. Hereford Steakhouse Restaurant on-site. }} ===Accommodation=== * {{sleep | name=Apartments on Grey | alt= | url=https://apartmentsongrey.com.au/ | email=reception@apartmentsongrey.com.au | address=303 Grey Street | lat=-29.73754 | long=151.73581 | directions=next to The Local cafe | phone=+61 427 736 437 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $140 per night | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=2 x 1-bedroom apartments with air conditioning, electric stovetop and oven, microwave oven, dishwasher, TV in living room and TV with DVD player in bedroom, digital clock radio, front loader washing machine, ironing facilities, clothes dryer, hair dryer, linen and towels provided. Short staircase to climb. }} * {{sleep | name=Apartments on the Park | alt= | url=http://www.apartmentsonthepark.com.au/Apartments-on-the-Park.html | email=admin@apartmentsonthepark.com.au | address=corner of Bourke Street and East Avenue | lat=-29.73897 | long=151.73377 | directions=next to NRMA Insurance | phone=+61 427 384 969 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=See rates [http://www.apartmentsonthepark.com.au/Apartments-and-Rates.html here] - phone or email for availability | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Carelle's Apartment | alt= | url=https://www.carelles.com.au/carelles-apartment | email= | address=248 Grey Street | lat=-29.73868 | long=151.7354 | directions=near Timbs Pharmacy | phone=+61 488 027 147 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=A 2-bedroom apartment, self contained, completely renovated. }} * {{sleep | name=Gimardi Gatehouse | alt= | url=https://www.gimardi.com/ | email=gimardi@bigpond.com | address=103 West Furracabad Road | lat=-29.73521 | long=151.68248 | directions=7.5 km west of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway westbound, turn left/south onto West Furracabad Road, Gimardi is on the left | phone=+61 428 451 360 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from $160 per night | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Cottage with air conditioning/heating, washer and dryer, linen, blankets, toiletries, breakfast provided, kitchen with microwave oven, refrigerator, stove, dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, dishwasher, iron, TV. }} * {{sleep | name=Starlight Cabin Kai Iwi Estate | alt= | url=https://www.kaiiwiestate.com/ | email=kaiiwiestate@gmail.com | address=8447 New England Highway, Glencoe | lat=-29.89023 | long=151.733 | directions=19 km south of Glen Innes via New England Highway southbound, turn-off on the right | phone=+61 419 170 581 | tollfree= | checkin=after 2PM | checkout=by 10AM | price=From $150 per night | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=A self-contained cabin with free WiFi, linen and towels, toiletries, books, board games, cards, ''no TV'', full size kitchen with coffee maker, wood-fired pot-belly stove, dishes, cookware, kitchen utensils, kitchen appliances, hair dryer, laundry facilities, ironing facilities. Under cover parking. Children welcome, pets welcome. }} ===Bed and breakfast=== * {{sleep | name=Kings Plains Castle B&B | alt= | url=https://www.kingsplainscastle.com.au/ | email=enquiries@kingsplainscastle.com.au | address=4171 Kings Plains Road, Wellingrove | lat=-29.64534 | long=151.46831 | directions=37 km north-west of Glen Innes via Ferguson Street/Gwydir Highway westbound, turn right/north onto Coronation Avenue, turn left/west onto Grafton Street/Martin Street, cross the Furracabad Creek bridge and continue ahead as Strathbogie Road, turn left/west onto Wellingrove Road, turn right/north onto Polhill Road then left/west onto Kings Plains Road, pass the Eastern Feeder road on the left and look for the entrance immediately on the right | phone=+61 455 849 099 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=See [https://www.kingsplainscastle.com.au/ here] for rates, phone or email for availability | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=A grand mansion with 11 guest rooms and 5 bathrooms. Full breakfast included. Billiard room. Bicycle riding. Tennis. Explore the farm buildings and garden. ''Closed during winter.''. }} * {{sleep | name=The Bank Guesthouse | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/the-bank-guesthouse.html | email= | address=320 Grey Street | lat=-29.73714 | long=151.73564 | directions=corner of Grey Street and Meade Street | phone=+61 404 312 441 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $120 per night - phone for availability | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=Accommodation available by room or for the whole guest house. Free WiFi. Complimentary self-service breakfast. Complimentary tea, coffee, snacks. }} * {{sleep | name=The Glass House | alt= | url=https://glasshousegleninnes.com.au/ | email=bookings@glasshousegleninnes.com.au | address=15 Margaret Street | lat=-29.74359 | long=151.73876 | directions=corner of Margaret Street and William Street | phone=+61 409 040 933 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $150 per night | lastedit=2021-04-17 | content=A penthouse and 2 private suites with electric blankets, breakfast hamper included, gardens, air conditiong, WiFi available. }} ===Farmstays=== * {{sleep | name=Bullock Mountain Homestead | alt= | url=https://www.bullockmountainhomestead.com/ | email=wallabywatts@bigpond.com | address=1192 Bullock Mountain Road | lat=-29.59578 | long=151.73194 | directions=18.5 km north of Glen Innes via Ferguson Street/Gwydir Highway westbound, turn right/north onto Coronation Avenue, cross the Furracabad Creek bridge and continue as Emmaville Road, turn right/north onto Bullock Mountain Road, pass Three Waters on the left | phone=+61 2 6732 1599 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=See [https://www.bullockmountainhomestead.com/prices.html here] for rates, phone or email for availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Guesthouse, camping, caravan sites, Search for precious gemstones and minerals (fees apply), go fishing, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, deer spotting 4WD driving, evening campfires. }} * {{sleep | name=Glen Waverley Farm Stay and Alpacas | alt= | url=https://glenwaverlyfarmstayandalpacas.com/ | email=betty.glenwaverly@gmail.com | address=Lot 1 Fawcett Lane | lat=-29.76775 | long=151.72997 | directions=near Glen Rest Tourist Park | phone=+61 2 6732 3314 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140 per night | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=A 1-bedroom cottage with air conditioning, wood heating, cooking facilities, microwave oven, electric kettle. Barbecue facilities. Wood heater. Pets welcome with conditions. }} * {{sleep | name=River Glen Farmstay | alt= | url=https://riverglenfarmstay.com.au/ | email=michele.lawson@bigpond.com | address=148 Nine Mile Road, Dundee | lat=-29.56998 | long=151.89399 | directions=28 km from Glen Innes via New England Highway northbound, turn right/east onto Bald Nob Road, turn left/north onto Nine Mile Road, cross the Severn River bridge, farm stay on the right | phone=+61 2 6734 4162 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=See rates [https://riverglenfarmstay.com.au/accommodation/ here]. Phone for availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=A 4-bedroom homestead, sleep out, and fully-contained accommodation in the guest quarters. Full kitchen. Refrigerator stocked with fresh milk and orange juice. Tea and coffee making facilities. Wood fireplace. Library. CD player. TV. Board games. Meals and afternoon tea extra. }} * {{sleep | name=Sharron Park | alt= | url=https://www.sharronpark.com/ | email= | address=8624 New England Highway, Glencoe | lat=-29.87405 | long=151.73488 | directions=15 km south of Glen Innes via New England Highway southbound, farmstay on the left hand side, signposted | phone=+61 2 6732 3858 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone or enquire on website for rates and availability. Minimum 4 guests | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Continental breakfasts, farm activities, home cooked meals available, free WiFi, private rooms with ensuite bathroom, private airstrip, outdoor pets welcome, overnight stays welcome. }} * {{sleep | name=Three Waters High Country Holidays | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/three-waters-high-country-holidays.html | email=threewatersholidays@gmail.com | address=935 Bullock Mountain Road, Yarrowford | lat=-29.61904 | long=151.72508 | directions=15.5 km north of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway westbound, turn right/north onto Coronation Avenue, cross the Furracabad Creek bridge and continue as Emmaville Road, turn right/north onto Bullock Mountain Road, Three Waters is on the left hand side | phone=+61 2 6732 4863 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=See rates [http://www.threewatersholidays.com.au/html/bookings.html here] | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Caracabins, cabins, powered sites, unpowered sites. Pets and horses welcome. Horse riding (fees apply). Barbecue areas and campfire sites. Swimming, fishing, search for precious gemstones and minerals, bushwalking. The Gunyah has communal cooking facilities, BYO bar, wood-fired heater, reading area, showers, flush toilets. ''Bookings required''. }} * {{sleep | name=Waterloo Station | alt= | url=https://www.waterloostationnsw.com.au/ | email=enquiries@waterloo-station.com.au | address=67 Waterlood Road, Matheson | lat=-29.73624 | long=151.57264 | directions=19 km west of Glen Innes via Gwydir Highway westbound, pass Sinclair Lookout on the left, turn right/north onto Waterloo Road | phone=+61 2 6733 6702 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=See [https://www.waterloostationnsw.com.au/accommodation here] for rates, phone or email for availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Stay at the Waterloo Homestead, Stockman's Cottage, Shearers' Lodgings, or the 1-bedroom Schoolhouse. Bushwalkinig, searching for precious gemstones and minerals, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and other outdoor activities. }} ===Caravan parks=== * {{sleep | name=Poplar Caravan Park | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/poplar-caravan-park.html | email= | address=15-19 Church Street (New England Highway southbound) | lat=-29.7515 | long=151.73659 | directions=opposite the Glen Innes Motel | phone=+61 2 6732 1514 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone for amenities, rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Fossicker Caravan Park | alt= | url=http://www.fossickercaravanpark.com.au/ | email=fossickercaravanpark@hotmail.com | address=94-96 Church Street | lat=-29.7443 | long=151.73683 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6732 4246 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=See rates [http://www.fossickercaravanpark.com.au/fossickercaravanpark_features.html here] - phone or email for availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=2-bedroom villas, 1 bedroom cabins, powered sites, ensuite sites, unpowered sites. Camp kitchen and barbecue area. Pets allowed with conditions. On-site petrol station - discounts for guests. Free WiFi. Fossicking park to practice looking for precious metals and gemstones. }} * {{sleep | name=Glen Rest Tourist Park | alt= | url=http://www.gleninnes.com/glenrestpark/ | email=glenrestcaravan@bigpond.com | address=9807 New England Highway (southbound) | lat=-29.77085 | long=151.73187 | directions=3.5 km south of the Glen Innes Visitors Information Centre | phone=+61 2 6732 2413 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=See rates [http://www.gleninnes.com/glenrestpark/htm/booking.htm here] - phone or email for availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Ensuite cabins, standard cabins, powered sites, unpowered sites. Pets OK subject to conditions. Courtesy bus to the Services Club. WiFi available. Free gas barbecue facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=Blue Sapphire Caravan Park | alt=Blue Sapphire Motor Village | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/blue-sapphire-village.html | email= | address=209 Grafton Street | lat=-29.72654 | long=151.73906 | directions=near United Petroleum petrol station | phone=+61 428 483 099 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=2 bedroom ensuite cabin, Queen cabin, powered sites, unpowered sites. }} ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Glen Innes Showground | alt= | url=https://gleninneshighlands.com/glen-innes-showround.html | email= | address=37 Torrington Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 439 984 043 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Phone for rates and availability | lastedit=2021-04-16 | content=Campers with pets and travellers with horses welcome. }} ==Connect== ==Cope== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Police Station| alt= | url=https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/regions_commands_districts/western_region/new_england/glen_innes_police_station | email= | address=126 Meade Street |lat=-29.73706| long=151.73684 | directions=next to telephone exchange, near the post office | phone=+61 2 6732 9799 | tollfree= | hours=Not open 24 hours| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Glen Innes Hospital| alt= | url=http://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/facilities/hospitals/Pages/Glen-Innes-Hospital.aspx | email= | address=126 Meade Street |lat=-29.73294| long=151.73187 | directions=No entry via Ferguson Street/Gwydir Highway, Macquarie Street, or West Avenue | phone=+61 2 6739 0200 | tollfree= | hours=Emergency Department open 24 hours| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Glen Innes Veterinary Hospital| alt= | url=https://gleninnesvet.com.au/ | email= | address=220 Herbert Street |lat=-29.73198| long=151.74147 | directions=off the New England Highway northbound, near Chaffey's Mechanical and Exhaust Centre, large shed on the right | phone=+61 2 6732 1988 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-noon| price= | lastedit= | content=After-hours emergency number +61 428 490 444 }} ===Fuel and mechanical=== * {{listing | name=Ampol/Caltex| alt=Woolworths Caltex | url= | email= | address=143 Meade Street |lat=-29.73778| long=151.73803 | directions=corner of Meade Street and Church Street, next to the Glen Innes Visitors Centre | phone=+61 2 8870 7661 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 6AM-10PM, Su 6AM-9PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Petrol station. }} * {{listing | name=Shell Glen Innes| alt= | url= | email= | address=102 Church Street (New England Highway)|lat=-29.74314| long=151.73704 | directions=corner of Church Street and Lang Street | phone=+61 2 6732 5734 | tollfree= | hours=M-Su 5AM-10PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Petrol station. }} * {{listing | name=United Petroleum| alt= | url= | email= | address=corner of Church Street (New England Highway) northbound and Grafton Street |lat=-29.72696| long=151.74027| directions=near the Blue Sapphire Motor Village | phone=+61 2 6732 5632 | tollfree= | hours=Open 24 hours| price= | lastedit= | content=Petrol station. Pie Face pies. }} * {{listing | name=Liberty Service Station| alt= | url= | email= | address=203 Ferguson Street (Gwydir Highway) |lat=-29.73435| long=151.72869| directions=corner of Ferguson Street and Lambeth Street, next to Home Timber and Hardware | phone=+61 2 6732 6755 | tollfree= | hours=| price= | lastedit= | content=Petrol station. }} * {{listing | name=John Townsend Mechanical| alt= | url= | email= | address=131 Bourke Street |lat=-29.73903| long=151.73438| directions=down an alley, signs on building next door | phone=+61 2 6732 6140| tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-5PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Mechanics. }} * {{listing | name=Biddle's Auto Repairs| alt= | url= | email= | address=271 Grey Street |lat=-29.73825| long=151.73568| directions=next to Glen Innes Town Hall | phone=+61 2 6732 4050| tollfree= | hours=| price= | lastedit= | content=Mechanics. }} * {{listing | name=Coopers Auto Service Centre| alt= | url= | email= | address=143 Wentworth Street |lat=-29.74116| long=151.73599| directions=opposite the Northern Community Care building | phone=+61 2 6732 7022| tollfree= | hours=M-Th 8AM-5PM, F 8AM-3PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Mechanics. }} * {{listing | name=Chaffeys Mechanical and Exhaust Centre| alt= | url= | email= | address=Kilkenny Place |lat=-29.73134| long=151.73966| directions=New England Highway northbound, turn right onto Herbert Street then left onto Kilkenny Place - near the Glen Innes Veterinary Hospital | phone=+61 2 6732 1872| tollfree= | hours=| price= | lastedit= | content=Mechanics. }} * {{listing | name=Tyrepower Glen Innes| alt= | url= | email= | address=200 Church Street (New England Highway) |lat=-29.73268| long=151.73896| directions=next to Glen Innes Hiway Diner | phone=+61 2 6732 2825| tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-5PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Tyres. }} ===Public telephones=== * {{listing | name=Public telephone| alt= | url= | email= | address=corner of Grey Street and Bourke Street |lat=| long=| directions=in Grey Street, outside the National Australia Bank | phone=| tollfree= | hours=| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Public telephone| alt= | url= | email= | address=corner of Ferguson Street (Gwydir Highway) westbound and Park Street |lat=-29.73387| long=151.72688| directions=in front of a large shed, parking off the road | phone=| tollfree= | hours=| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Public telephone| alt= | url= | email= | address=Meade Street |lat=| long=| directions=next to the post office, in front of the telephone exchange building | phone=| tollfree= | hours=| price= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Public toilets=== * {{listing | name=Public toilets| alt= | url= | email= | address=East Avenue |lat=-29.73800| long=151.73382| directions=Anzac Park | phone=| tollfree= | hours=7AM-6PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Disabled access. Parking. }} * {{listing | name=Public toilets| alt= | url= | email= | address=205 Grey Street |lat=-29.73800| long=151.73382| directions=Mackenzie Mall, near Coles | phone=| tollfree= | hours=M-W 9AM-5:30PM, Th 9AM-9PM, F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-4PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Disabled access. Sharps disposal. Sanitary disposal. }} * {{listing | name=Public toilets| alt= | url= | email= | address=199 Grey Street |lat=| long=| directions=Parker Place Bicentennial project - down alley next to Campbells Butchery | phone=| tollfree= | hours=M-Su 7AM-6PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Disabled access. Parking. }} * {{listing | name=Public toilets| alt= | url= | email= | address=Wentworth Street |lat=-29.74076| long=151.73334| directions=King George V Oval | phone=| tollfree= | hours=M-Su 7AM-6PM| price= | lastedit= | content=Disabled access. Parking. }} ===Banks=== * {{listing | name=Westpac Bank| alt= | url= | email= | address=289 Grey Street |lat=-29.73785| long=151.73575| directions= | phone=+61 2 6732 8444| tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM-2PM, F 10AM-4PM| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Commonwealth Bank| alt= | url= | email= | address=280 Grey Street |lat=-29.73805| long=151.73548| directions=next to the newsagency | phone=+61 2 6732 3099| tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-4PM, F 9:30AM-5PM| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=National Australia Bank| alt=NAB | url= | email= | address=234 Grey Street |lat=-29.73941| long=151.73525| directions=corner of Grey Street and Bourke Street | phone=+61 132 265| tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-4PM, F 9:30AM-5PM| price= | lastedit= | content=''No ATM'' }} * {{listing | name=Regional Australia Bank| alt=NAB | url= | email= | address=274 Grey Street |lat=-29.73826| long=151.73548| directions=next to the newsagency | phone=+61 132 067| tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM-3PM, F 9AM-5PM| price= | lastedit= | content=''No ATM'' }} ====ATMs==== * {{listing | name=StarATM| alt= | url= | email= | address=120 Grey Street |lat=| long=| directions=Glen Innes and District Services Club | phone=| tollfree= | hours=Club hours| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Cashcard ATM| alt= | url= | email= | address=49 Macquarie Street |lat=| long=| directions=Glen Innes Bowling Club | phone=| tollfree= | hours=Club hours| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Commonwealth Bank ATM| alt= | url= | email= | address=280 Grey Street |lat=| long=| directions= | phone=| tollfree= | hours=Open 24 hours| price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Westpac Bank ATM| alt= | url= | email= | address=289 Grey Street |lat=| long=| directions= | phone=| tollfree= | hours=Bank hours |price= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Services=== * {{listing | name=Australia Post| alt= | url= | email= | address=289 Grey Street |lat=| long=| directions=corner of Grey Street and Meade Street | phone=+61 131 318| tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM |price= | lastedit= | content=Bank@Post agent for Commonwealth Bank, Westpac Bank, National Australia Bank }} * {{listing | name=Centrelink| alt= | url= | email= | address=300 Grey Street |lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+61 132 468| tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-12:30PM 1:30-4PM |price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Deepwater]] - north of Glen Innes: 41 km via New England Highway (A15) northbound (28 min) * [[Tenterfield]] - north of Glen Innes: 92 km via New England Highway (A15) northbound, through Deepwater (1 hr 2 min) * [[Stanthorpe]] (Queensland) - north of Glen Innes: 148 km via New England Highway (A15) northbound, through Deepwater, through Tenterfield, pass the Bruxner Highway turn-off on the left, cross the state border through [[Wallangarra]], through Glen Aplin, at the large roundabout turn right onto Wallangarra Road, continue into Stanthorpe (1 hr 55 min) * [[Grafton (New South Wales)|Grafton]] - east of Glen Innes: 160 km via Gwydir Highway (B76) eastbound (1 hr 53 min) * [[Guyra]] - south of Glen Innes: 61 km via New England Highway (A15) southbound (43 min) * [[Armidale]] - south of Glen Innes: 98 km via New England Highway (A15) southbound, thorugh Guyra, at the roundabout on the outskirts of Armidale turn right/south onto Glen Innes Road (1 hr 9 min) * [[Tamworth (New South Wales)|Tamworth]] - south-west of Glen Innes: 208 km via New England Highway (A15) southbound, through Guyra, through Armidale, through [[Uralla]], through [[Bendemeer (New South Wales)|Bendemeer]], continue ahead to Tamworth (2 hr 25 min) * [[Inverell]] - west of Glen Innes: 68 km via Gwydir Highway (B76) westbound (46 min) * [[Moree (New South Wales)|Moree]] - west of Glen Innes: 208 km via Gwydir Highway (B76) westbound, through Inverell, through [[Delungra]] (2 hr 22 min) * [[Emmaville (New South Wales)|Emmaville]] - north-west of Glen Innes: 66.5 km via New England Highway (A15) northbound, before Deepwater turn left/west onto Wellington Vale Road, continue ahead into Emmaville (45 min) {{isPartOf|Eastern New England}} {{guidecity}} {{Geo|-29.73737|151.73823}} pu5o1i46gsxrvitt7rv6olcvpnj2tb9 0 13002 4487730 4456396 2022-07-21T12:57:41Z 122.161.77.33 /* Understand */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[File:गोरख मन्दिर, गोरखपुर.jpg|thumb|Gorakhnath mandir. Gorakhpur is known for being a religious centre.]] '''[http://gorakhpur.nic.in Gorakhpur]''' (Hindi: गोरखपुर, Urdu: گۋڙکھ پور) is a city of 675,000 people (2011) in the eastern part of the state of [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]. Near the Nepalese border, it is a way station on a popular overland route from [https://www.indiatravelsolution.com India] to [[Nepal]]. It is the city of great shaayar ("फिराक गोरखपुरी"). It is the administrative headquarters of Gorakhpur District and Gorakhpur Division. Gorakhpur is famous as a religious centre: the city was home to Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Sikh saints and is named after the medieval saint Gorakhnath. Gorakhnath Temple is still the seat of the Nath sect. The city is also home to many historic Buddhist sites and the Gita Press, a publisher of Hindu religious texts. In the 20th century, Gorakhpur was a focal point in the Indian independence movement. Today, the city is also a business centre, hosting the headquarters of the [http://www.ner.indianrailways.gov.in/ North Eastern Railways] and an industrial area, GIDA Gorakhpur Development Authority, 15km from the old town. ==Understand == ===Climate=== In the summer the average temperature can go as high as 40°C and during the winters the average temperature can go as low as 4 °C. The best time to visit Gorakhpur is from October to March. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Gorakhpur Airport | alt={{IATA|GOP}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.74 | long=83.45 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q970413 | lastedit=2019-10-16 | content=Alliance Air from Delhi; SpiceJet from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai; IndiGo from Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad }} ===By train=== Gorakhpur railway station is connected to all major cities of India. It is the headquarters of North Eastern Railway. Direct trains connect Gorakhpur to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi and other cities. It has one of the longest train platforms in the world. * {{listing | type=go | name=Gorakhpur Junction railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.759568 | long=83.381801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gorakhpur Junction railway station | wikidata=Q12424650 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=With a platform {{Convert|1.36|km}} long, this station has one of the longest platforms in the world. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Gorakhpur Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.750649 | long=83.416821 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18619210 | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content= }} === By car === [[File:In Gorakhpur, 8 April 2019.jpg|thumb|A road in Gorakhpur]] Gorakhpur falls on NH 28 and 29. The roadways network connects Gorakhpur to the cities of Uttar Pradesh and to other cities of India. Some important distances are: [[Lucknow]] 276&nbsp;km, [[Varanasi]] 231&nbsp;km, [[Allahabad]] 339&nbsp;km, [[Agra]] 624&nbsp;km, Delhi 783&nbsp;km and Mumbai 1690&nbsp;km. On the basin of the Rapti and Rohini Rivers, Gorakhpur City has the geographical shape of a bowl. The west of the city is guarded by the cool Rapti river, while the east is associated with Sal Forest. The south has the greenish lake of Ramgarh Tal, while the north is the plinth of city's advancement. Gorakhpur city is the headquarters of North Eastern Railways. You can travel to any corner of India from here. It also has an airport for domestic travel and connects with every major city in India. The city boasts of an army cantonment and an air base. All this gives a cosmopolitan feel to the city. The world-famous publication house of Gita Press adds an intellectual and religious touch to Gorakhpur. The following taxi services operate in Gorakhpur: * [https://www.bharattaxi.com Bharat Taxi] {{phone|+91 9696000999}}. *[http://www.zeotaxi.com Zeo Taxi] {{phone|+91 7275495696}}. * [https://www.maxitaxiservices.in/ Maxi Taxi] {{phone|+91 9555240025}}. * [http://www.musafircabs.com Musafir Cabs] {{phone|+91 9838001880}}. * [https://www.oyeecabs.com/ Oyee Cabs] {{phone|+91 8808826666}}. * [https://www.savaari.com Savaari] {{phone|+91 9045450000}}. *[https://www.etaxigo.com eTaxiGo] {{phone|+91 8376996666}}. *[https://www.chalopind.com chalopind] {{phone|+91 8505842640}}. ==Get around== {{mapframe|26.755|83.374|zoom=13}} <!-- * {{listing | type=go | name=Gorakhpur Metro | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q65079937 | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=A proposed light rapid transit system }} --> Cycle rickshaw, a three-wheeled, human-powered cycle, is the major mode of transport in the city. The charges are nominal and can be bargained. Usually a ride of 1-2&nbsp;km would cost around ₹15. City buses are available for some important routes of city. Auto rickshaws are easily available for traveling to some parts in the city. ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Aroyga Mandir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content= }} * {{see | name=Chauri Chaura Shaheed Smarak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.64530 | long=83.58855 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Ram Garh Tal | alt=Lake Ramgarh Taal | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.735 | long=83.4097 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7289502 | content= }} * {{see | name=Vishnu Mandir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.77022 | long=83.38068 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Vir Bahadur Singh Planetarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rail Vihar Colony Phase 3rd, Taramandal | lat=26.7276 | long=83.3881 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹25 for entry | wikidata=Q85813275 | lastedit=2022-01-20 | content=A good place to spark children's interest in astronomy and physics. The planetarium runs 45-minute long shows at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm daily. }} * {{see | name=Gorakhpur Zoo | alt= | url=https://gorakhpurzoo.org/default.aspx | email= | address=Buddha Vihar Rd, Rail Vihar Colony Phase 3rd, Phase 3rd | lat=26.719256 | long=83.408421 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q59587500 | lastedit=2022-03-20 | content=The second largest zoo in the state with several big cats, deer, monkeys, bears, reptiles, birds and fish in the aquarium section. }} ===Temples=== *{{see | name=Gita Vatika | alt=Radha Krishna Mandir | url= | email= | address=Gita Vatika | lat=26.77399 | long=83.37260 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Beautiful temple of Lord Krishna and Radha }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gorakhnath Temple | alt=Gorakhnath Math | url=http://www.gorakhnathmandir.in | email= | address= | lat=26.77479 | long=83.35690 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5584394 | content=A temple named after Yogi Gorakhnath }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Budhiya Mai Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=15&nbsp;km from railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Lord Buddha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.73568 | long=83.38512 | directions=near Ram Garh Tal | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=till 4:30PM | price= | content=Nice and quiet place to visit. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Railway Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.75215 | long=83.38793 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=There are the lots of collections related Indian railway and Gorakhpur railway station.. The Rail museum is also a very good picnic place. }} ==Do== * See all the '''Hindi movies''' in the town, best theaters are ''Raj'', ''Jubilee'', ''Vijay Picture Palace'', here air conditioning is good. * Hire a '''cycle-rickshaw''' and travel around slow all around the town. In some places it is better to travel on foot. * {{listing | type=do | name=Taramandal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.73412 | long=83.38695 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=You can go Taramandal for [[Cruising on small craft|boating]] }} * {{do | name=Ambedkar Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.76987 | long=83.36916 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Neer Nikunj Water Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Buddha Vihar Rd Phase 3, Taramandal | lat=26.737 | long=83.389 | directions=near Rail Vihar Colony | phone=+91 92352 51491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-8PM | price=₹650 pp from Monday to Saturday and ₹750 pp on Sunday | lastedit=2022-03-20 | content=The only water park in Gorakhpur, it has a number of water slides, pools, wave pools and a few non-water related amusement rides like a merry-go-round and ferris wheel. }} ==Buy== Item selection here is similar to that of other large Indian cities. * {{listing | type=buy | name=Terracota items | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=Terracotta trinkets (decorative things made of muddy soil) are made here. }} * {{buy | name=SRS City Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=6 Civil Lines | lat=26.752 | long=83.375 | directions=on Park Road (near Hotel Ganesh) | phone=+91 93364 81461 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=This mall has a movie theatre with 3 screens. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Baldev Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in Golghar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=The oldest shopping mall in town. It has several shops, especially for jewellery and gifts. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Golghar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the centre of the city | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=Sells personal items }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Gita Press | alt=Geeta Press | url=http://www.gitapress.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2722580 | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=The world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts is based in Gorakhpur. }} * {{buy | name=Orion Mall | alt= | url=https://orionmallgorakhpur.com/ | email= | address=Mohaddipur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-04-29 | content=Shopping mall with clothing and footwear stores, a game zone arcade, food court and cinema. }} ==Eat== Gorakhpur has fairly good restaurants and eating joints. Apart from the star category hotels there are many restaurants in the city. * {{eat | name=Bobi's Restaurant | url= | email= | address=Golghar | lat= | long= | directions=main market of the city | phone = +91 551-2332233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-11PM | price= | content=Serves from continental to Chinese to Mughal to Indian to what-not. In-house bakery serving delicacies, cakes and pastries. Party halls and an ice cream parlour . Affordable. }} * {{eat | name=10 Park Street, Cafe & Kitchen | alt= | url=http://www.10parkstreet.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 551-2200037, +91 8355010101, +91 8874778999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=serving Indian, Oriental and Continental cuisines. }} * {{eat | name=Choudhry Hotel | directions=Vijay Chowk near Golghar/City Mall on Park Road | content=Good and clean Indian food. Agreeable service with reasonable rates. Can get everything from typical Punjabi dishes to South Indian with variety of sweets. }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Ganesh | address=Park Road near Golghar | content=Good and clean Indian food. South Indian dishes like Dosa, Masal Dosa, and Idly Sambar are available here at reasonable rate. }} * {{eat | name=Tandoor Food - Take away | address=Cinem Road near Golghar | content=Most famous food joint in the city specializing in Mughlai non-vegetarian foods like authentic biryani, kababs, tandoori chicken. The prices are reasonable and the quality is great. Open for dinner only. A busy place. }} ==Drink== Bar facilities are available in some hotels. *{{drink | name=Hotel Ganges | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{drink | name=Mahraja restaurant | url= | email= | address=Nakhas Chowk, Gorakhpur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Good non-veg food in city, delicious taste of Lucknowi food. }} *{{drink | name=Mughal Bar | alt=Hotel Bobina | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== There are local hotels near the train station, and you can use the "retiring rooms" of the station if you have a valid ticket, but because this is a very busy station, rooms may not be available. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Awadh | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=In centre of the city. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bobina | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tarang Crossing, Nepal Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 63868 93056 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=The oldest hotel in town. It also has a swimming pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kabeer | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Venus Compound | phone=+91 9415080610 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Modest place to sleep and food quality is good. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Clarks Grand | alt=होटल क्लार्क्स इन ग्रैंड | url=https://hotel-clarks-grand.business.site/ | email= | address=6 Park Rd | lat=26.753007 | long=83.374422 | directions= | phone=+91 551 220 5015 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=Upscale hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Park Regency | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Park Road, Golghar | lat=26.753 | long=83.379 | directions= | phone=+91 551 220 4967 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=All rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel President | address=Gol Ghar }} * {{sleep | name=Shivoy Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.shivoyhotel.com/ | email= | address=Town Hall Rd, Golghar | lat=26.749869 | long=83.368608 | directions= | phone=+91 551 233 8448 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=Free WiFi and free breakfast. Has a restaurant which serves both Indian and Chinese. }} ==Connect== As of March 2022, Gorakhpur has a well-established 4G network but does not yet have 5G. Carriers with good signals in the city include Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea. ==Go next== * '''Sonauli''' &mdash; the busiest border town to go to Nepal (Bhairhawa is the small Nepali town) Very frequent buses will need 3 hours to link Gorakhpur with Sonauli. The UP Government buses will charge you ₹112. The trip from the border to Gorakhpur can be as cheap as 100INR by using private buses. Taxis (and shared ones too) should be available. * '''[[Kapilvastu]]''' &mdash; I n ancient times the capital of the Shakya Kingdom, of which the Buddha was part of the royal family * '''[[Kushinagar]]''' &mdash; This is the place where the Buddha died. * '''[[Lumbini]]''' (Nepal) &mdash; Birthplace of the Buddha. Go by the Sonauli route. * '''Maghar''' &mdash; This is the place where Saint Kabir saheb is believed by his followers to have left this mortal world. Hindus and Muslims made two Memorials of Saint Kabir here just 100 metres away from each other. {{IsPartOf|Purvanchal}} {{geo|26.755|83.374}} {{informativecity}} fvmd8rp7ft1k2ilmw88s5q7a6sxgikr 4487731 4487730 2022-07-21T13:01:03Z Ibaman 195012 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/122.161.77.33|122.161.77.33]] ([[User talk:122.161.77.33|talk]]) to last version by [[User:Sgroey|Sgroey]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[File:गोरख मन्दिर, गोरखपुर.jpg|thumb|Gorakhnath mandir. Gorakhpur is known for being a religious centre.]] '''[http://gorakhpur.nic.in Gorakhpur]''' (Hindi: गोरखपुर, Urdu: گۋڙکھ پور) is a city of 675,000 people (2011) in the eastern part of the state of [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]. Near the Nepalese border, it is a way station on a popular overland route from India to [[Nepal]]. It is the city of great shaayar ("फिराक गोरखपुरी"). It is the administrative headquarters of Gorakhpur District and Gorakhpur Division. Gorakhpur is famous as a religious centre: the city was home to Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Sikh saints and is named after the medieval saint Gorakhnath. Gorakhnath Temple is still the seat of the Nath sect. The city is also home to many historic Buddhist sites and the Gita Press, a publisher of Hindu religious texts. In the 20th century, Gorakhpur was a focal point in the Indian independence movement. Today, the city is also a business centre, hosting the headquarters of the [http://www.ner.indianrailways.gov.in/ North Eastern Railways] and an industrial area, GIDA Gorakhpur Development Authority, 15km from the old town. ==Understand == ===Climate=== In the summer the average temperature can go as high as 40°C and during the winters the average temperature can go as low as 4 °C. The best time to visit Gorakhpur is from October to March. ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Gorakhpur Airport | alt={{IATA|GOP}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.74 | long=83.45 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q970413 | lastedit=2019-10-16 | content=Alliance Air from Delhi; SpiceJet from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai; IndiGo from Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad }} ===By train=== Gorakhpur railway station is connected to all major cities of India. It is the headquarters of North Eastern Railway. Direct trains connect Gorakhpur to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi and other cities. It has one of the longest train platforms in the world. * {{listing | type=go | name=Gorakhpur Junction railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.759568 | long=83.381801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gorakhpur Junction railway station | wikidata=Q12424650 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=With a platform {{Convert|1.36|km}} long, this station has one of the longest platforms in the world. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Gorakhpur Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.750649 | long=83.416821 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q18619210 | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content= }} === By car === [[File:In Gorakhpur, 8 April 2019.jpg|thumb|A road in Gorakhpur]] Gorakhpur falls on NH 28 and 29. The roadways network connects Gorakhpur to the cities of Uttar Pradesh and to other cities of India. Some important distances are: [[Lucknow]] 276&nbsp;km, [[Varanasi]] 231&nbsp;km, [[Allahabad]] 339&nbsp;km, [[Agra]] 624&nbsp;km, Delhi 783&nbsp;km and Mumbai 1690&nbsp;km. On the basin of the Rapti and Rohini Rivers, Gorakhpur City has the geographical shape of a bowl. The west of the city is guarded by the cool Rapti river, while the east is associated with Sal Forest. The south has the greenish lake of Ramgarh Tal, while the north is the plinth of city's advancement. Gorakhpur city is the headquarters of North Eastern Railways. You can travel to any corner of India from here. It also has an airport for domestic travel and connects with every major city in India. The city boasts of an army cantonment and an air base. All this gives a cosmopolitan feel to the city. The world-famous publication house of Gita Press adds an intellectual and religious touch to Gorakhpur. The following taxi services operate in Gorakhpur: * [https://www.bharattaxi.com Bharat Taxi] {{phone|+91 9696000999}}. *[http://www.zeotaxi.com Zeo Taxi] {{phone|+91 7275495696}}. * [https://www.maxitaxiservices.in/ Maxi Taxi] {{phone|+91 9555240025}}. * [http://www.musafircabs.com Musafir Cabs] {{phone|+91 9838001880}}. * [https://www.oyeecabs.com/ Oyee Cabs] {{phone|+91 8808826666}}. * [https://www.savaari.com Savaari] {{phone|+91 9045450000}}. *[https://www.etaxigo.com eTaxiGo] {{phone|+91 8376996666}}. *[https://www.chalopind.com chalopind] {{phone|+91 8505842640}}. ==Get around== {{mapframe|26.755|83.374|zoom=13}} <!-- * {{listing | type=go | name=Gorakhpur Metro | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q65079937 | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=A proposed light rapid transit system }} --> Cycle rickshaw, a three-wheeled, human-powered cycle, is the major mode of transport in the city. The charges are nominal and can be bargained. Usually a ride of 1-2&nbsp;km would cost around ₹15. City buses are available for some important routes of city. Auto rickshaws are easily available for traveling to some parts in the city. ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=Aroyga Mandir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content= }} * {{see | name=Chauri Chaura Shaheed Smarak | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.64530 | long=83.58855 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Ram Garh Tal | alt=Lake Ramgarh Taal | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.735 | long=83.4097 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7289502 | content= }} * {{see | name=Vishnu Mandir | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.77022 | long=83.38068 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Vir Bahadur Singh Planetarium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rail Vihar Colony Phase 3rd, Taramandal | lat=26.7276 | long=83.3881 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=₹25 for entry | wikidata=Q85813275 | lastedit=2022-01-20 | content=A good place to spark children's interest in astronomy and physics. The planetarium runs 45-minute long shows at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm daily. }} * {{see | name=Gorakhpur Zoo | alt= | url=https://gorakhpurzoo.org/default.aspx | email= | address=Buddha Vihar Rd, Rail Vihar Colony Phase 3rd, Phase 3rd | lat=26.719256 | long=83.408421 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q59587500 | lastedit=2022-03-20 | content=The second largest zoo in the state with several big cats, deer, monkeys, bears, reptiles, birds and fish in the aquarium section. }} ===Temples=== *{{see | name=Gita Vatika | alt=Radha Krishna Mandir | url= | email= | address=Gita Vatika | lat=26.77399 | long=83.37260 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Beautiful temple of Lord Krishna and Radha }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gorakhnath Temple | alt=Gorakhnath Math | url=http://www.gorakhnathmandir.in | email= | address= | lat=26.77479 | long=83.35690 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5584394 | content=A temple named after Yogi Gorakhnath }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Budhiya Mai Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=15&nbsp;km from railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{see | name=Lord Buddha Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.73568 | long=83.38512 | directions=near Ram Garh Tal | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=till 4:30PM | price= | content=Nice and quiet place to visit. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Railway Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.75215 | long=83.38793 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=There are the lots of collections related Indian railway and Gorakhpur railway station.. The Rail museum is also a very good picnic place. }} ==Do== * See all the '''Hindi movies''' in the town, best theaters are ''Raj'', ''Jubilee'', ''Vijay Picture Palace'', here air conditioning is good. * Hire a '''cycle-rickshaw''' and travel around slow all around the town. In some places it is better to travel on foot. * {{listing | type=do | name=Taramandal | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.73412 | long=83.38695 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=You can go Taramandal for [[Cruising on small craft|boating]] }} * {{do | name=Ambedkar Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.76987 | long=83.36916 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Neer Nikunj Water Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Buddha Vihar Rd Phase 3, Taramandal | lat=26.737 | long=83.389 | directions=near Rail Vihar Colony | phone=+91 92352 51491 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-8PM | price=₹650 pp from Monday to Saturday and ₹750 pp on Sunday | lastedit=2022-03-20 | content=The only water park in Gorakhpur, it has a number of water slides, pools, wave pools and a few non-water related amusement rides like a merry-go-round and ferris wheel. }} ==Buy== Item selection here is similar to that of other large Indian cities. * {{listing | type=buy | name=Terracota items | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=Terracotta trinkets (decorative things made of muddy soil) are made here. }} * {{buy | name=SRS City Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=6 Civil Lines | lat=26.752 | long=83.375 | directions=on Park Road (near Hotel Ganesh) | phone=+91 93364 81461 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=This mall has a movie theatre with 3 screens. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Baldev Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in Golghar | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=The oldest shopping mall in town. It has several shops, especially for jewellery and gifts. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Golghar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the centre of the city | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=Sells personal items }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Gita Press | alt=Geeta Press | url=http://www.gitapress.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2722580 | lastedit=2019-10-17 | content=The world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts is based in Gorakhpur. }} * {{buy | name=Orion Mall | alt= | url=https://orionmallgorakhpur.com/ | email= | address=Mohaddipur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-04-29 | content=Shopping mall with clothing and footwear stores, a game zone arcade, food court and cinema. }} ==Eat== Gorakhpur has fairly good restaurants and eating joints. Apart from the star category hotels there are many restaurants in the city. * {{eat | name=Bobi's Restaurant | url= | email= | address=Golghar | lat= | long= | directions=main market of the city | phone = +91 551-2332233 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-11PM | price= | content=Serves from continental to Chinese to Mughal to Indian to what-not. In-house bakery serving delicacies, cakes and pastries. Party halls and an ice cream parlour . Affordable. }} * {{eat | name=10 Park Street, Cafe & Kitchen | alt= | url=http://www.10parkstreet.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 551-2200037, +91 8355010101, +91 8874778999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=serving Indian, Oriental and Continental cuisines. }} * {{eat | name=Choudhry Hotel | directions=Vijay Chowk near Golghar/City Mall on Park Road | content=Good and clean Indian food. Agreeable service with reasonable rates. Can get everything from typical Punjabi dishes to South Indian with variety of sweets. }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Ganesh | address=Park Road near Golghar | content=Good and clean Indian food. South Indian dishes like Dosa, Masal Dosa, and Idly Sambar are available here at reasonable rate. }} * {{eat | name=Tandoor Food - Take away | address=Cinem Road near Golghar | content=Most famous food joint in the city specializing in Mughlai non-vegetarian foods like authentic biryani, kababs, tandoori chicken. The prices are reasonable and the quality is great. Open for dinner only. A busy place. }} ==Drink== Bar facilities are available in some hotels. *{{drink | name=Hotel Ganges | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{drink | name=Mahraja restaurant | url= | email= | address=Nakhas Chowk, Gorakhpur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Good non-veg food in city, delicious taste of Lucknowi food. }} *{{drink | name=Mughal Bar | alt=Hotel Bobina | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Sleep== There are local hotels near the train station, and you can use the "retiring rooms" of the station if you have a valid ticket, but because this is a very busy station, rooms may not be available. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Awadh | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=In centre of the city. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bobina | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tarang Crossing, Nepal Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 63868 93056 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=The oldest hotel in town. It also has a swimming pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Kabeer | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near Venus Compound | phone=+91 9415080610 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Modest place to sleep and food quality is good. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Clarks Grand | alt=होटल क्लार्क्स इन ग्रैंड | url=https://hotel-clarks-grand.business.site/ | email= | address=6 Park Rd | lat=26.753007 | long=83.374422 | directions= | phone=+91 551 220 5015 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=Upscale hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Park Regency | alt= | url= | email= | address=10 Park Road, Golghar | lat=26.753 | long=83.379 | directions= | phone=+91 551 220 4967 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=All rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel President | address=Gol Ghar }} * {{sleep | name=Shivoy Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.shivoyhotel.com/ | email= | address=Town Hall Rd, Golghar | lat=26.749869 | long=83.368608 | directions= | phone=+91 551 233 8448 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=Free WiFi and free breakfast. Has a restaurant which serves both Indian and Chinese. }} ==Connect== As of March 2022, Gorakhpur has a well-established 4G network but does not yet have 5G. Carriers with good signals in the city include Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea. ==Go next== * '''Sonauli''' &mdash; the busiest border town to go to Nepal (Bhairhawa is the small Nepali town) Very frequent buses will need 3 hours to link Gorakhpur with Sonauli. The UP Government buses will charge you ₹112. The trip from the border to Gorakhpur can be as cheap as 100INR by using private buses. Taxis (and shared ones too) should be available. * '''[[Kapilvastu]]''' &mdash; I n ancient times the capital of the Shakya Kingdom, of which the Buddha was part of the royal family * '''[[Kushinagar]]''' &mdash; This is the place where the Buddha died. * '''[[Lumbini]]''' (Nepal) &mdash; Birthplace of the Buddha. Go by the Sonauli route. * '''Maghar''' &mdash; This is the place where Saint Kabir saheb is believed by his followers to have left this mortal world. Hindus and Muslims made two Memorials of Saint Kabir here just 100 metres away from each other. {{IsPartOf|Purvanchal}} {{geo|26.755|83.374}} {{informativecity}} qvxzxbnno4jc6241ze7ldq5fm9glgew 0 14445 4488008 4487429 2022-07-21T23:09:10Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''[http://hellertownborough.org/ Hellertown]''' is a borough in the [[Lehigh Valley]] Region of Pennsylvania. Much smaller than the region's main municipalities- [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], Hellertown is located south of South Bethlehem. The two municipalities are separated by South Mountain, making Hellertown the perfect place to stay for area visitors who want to be slightly removed from the city atmosphere. ==Get in== ===By car=== *From the east/west, take Interstate 78 to Exit 67 (Hellertown/Bethlehem), and make a left at the stoplight, regardless of what direction you were traveling. *From the south, there are two options. One option is to take Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (North); that has an exit in nearby [[Allentown]], and Hellertown can be accessed by taking the turnpike to the Lehigh Valley Interchange, and getting on Interstate 78 west from there. Another option is to take Route 309 North to Interstate 78 west, and follow to exit 67. *From the north, there are also two options. Once again, the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike can be taken to the Lehigh Valley Interchange, and from there take Interstate 78 west to exit 67. The other option is to take Route 33 South (which runs from Interstate 80 in Mount Pocono to Interstate 78 in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]) to Interstate 78 east, then exiting at #67 for Hellertown/Bethlehem. ===By plane=== The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Hellertown and Lehigh Valley is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]]. Various airlines operate out of this airport. [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. ==Get around== [[File:Detwiller Plaza (2602061233).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Detwiller Plaza]] Hellertown's Main Street is very convenient and walkable. The length of the street encompasses most of what Hellertown has to offer, and is a short walk, being only a little over three miles in length. The town is also served by LANTA (Lehigh And Northampton Transportation Authority) Buses via the Westgate/South Bethlehem Line (Route 215). Bus routes and stop schedules are accessible [http://www.lantabus.com/ online]. For most residents in Hellertown, and the Lehigh Valley area, a car is a great option, if not the only one, and can be rented through [http://www.lvia.org/ LVIA]. ==See== [[File:Saucon Creek in Hellertown, PA 03.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Saucon Creek]] * {{see | name=Lost River Caverns | alt= | url=http://www.lostcave.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Are the main tourist destination of the town. Located underneath the town, the caverns are open to the public to be toured. One can learn about rock formations of the area and purchase their own samples of these rocks at the gift shop. }} *For great panoramic views of [[Lehigh Valley]], take a drive or hike up South Mountain on Lehigh University's campus. The mountain separates South [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] from Hellertown and boasts the '''Bethlehem Star''', illuminating the night sky. One can see the star from most places in Bethlehem and is a great tool for navigating the town. * {{see | name=Saucon Valley Farmers Market | alt= | url=http://svfarmersmarket.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Runs from May to November at the borough's Water Street Park every Sunday morning from 9AM to 1PM. It features produce and gift-type accents from all around the Lehigh Valley. }} For more things to do in the area, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Do== *The borough has many parks to enjoy, the main of which being Dimmick Park. The park entrance is located at Depot & Durham Streets in Hellertown, but the parking lot is just a few feet down Durham Street. This park houses a community pool (open June through September, $2-$5 daily admission), many baseball fields, a pavilion, stage, public restrooms and a playground. Hellertown's other notable park is the Water Street Park on West Water Street, between Front Street and Creek Road. It houses another pavilion, walking trails, a bike park, a playground, and a volleyball sand court area. Other, smaller parks in the borough include Third Avenue Park (basketball courts and playground) and the East High Street Playground. The "Grist Mill", as it is locally known, also houses a number of baseball fields on West Walnut Street. *'''Skiing.''' This is a popular activity in nearby mountains. Most skiing areas are closed seasonally, since snow can usually only be manufactured from about November to April. [http://www.bcmountainresort.com Bear Creek Mountain Resort] and [http://www.skibluemt.com Blue Mountain Ski Area] are a short drive away in Macungie and Palmerton, respectively. Larger, world-famous ski resorts, including Jack Frost & Big Boulder, are in the [[Poconos]], about a 1-hour drive north on Route 33 to Interstate 80. *The summer provides a great opportunity to float down the Delaware river through '''Bucks County River Country'''. In [[Jim Thorpe]], '''River Adventures Inc.''' will take you white-water rafting down the Lehigh River. There are numerous lakes, creeks, rivers, ponds, and canals for water sports. For more things to do, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Eat & drink== *{{eat | name=Braveheart Highland Pub | url=http://www.bravehearthighlandpub.com/ | email= | address=430 Main Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-883-6566 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hailed as being the "only authentic Scottish pub in [[Lehigh Valley]]." }} *{{eat | name=Ricardo's Tavern House | url= | email= | address=Main & Penn Streets | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-838-6737 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su noon-9PM | price=$9-15 | content= Just the "Tavern House", as it is known to locals, serves up a hometown atmosphere with a Mexican flare. }} *{{eat | name=Beer Mussels | url=http://beermussels.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Main & Bachman Streets | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-838-8200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-W 4PM-midnight, Th-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su noon-midnight | price=$3-15 | content= The local, hometown bar with good food. }} *{{eat | name=The Matey's Crossroads Hotel | url= | email= | address=Main & High Streets | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-838-7898 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-10PM | price=$3-15 | content= "Crossroads", as it is known by locals, has been voted "Best Cheesesteak" in the Lehigh Valley in the past, and is known for its inimitable pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Vassi's Drive In | url= | email= | address=Main St & Kichline Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-838-1877 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 11AM-9PM, changes in summer | price=$2-8 | content= Vassi's echoes a 1950s malt shop by featuring a tantalizing selection of ice cream in a quaint and casual setting. The menu is equally minute, but a few key staples, including hot dogs, burgers, gyros and cheesesteaks, keep patrons coming back for more. }} *Many pizzerias and Italian Restaurants also line Hellertown's Main Street. Local names include Rocco's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant (Near East Thomas Avenue), Antonio's Pizza (at West Depot Street), DiMaios Italian Restaurant (in Shoppes at Hellertown Plaza at McAdoo Avenue/Polk Valley Road), and Feasta Pizza (in Creekside Marketplace Plaza just outside of Hellertown near Meadows Road). *A wealth of restaurants can be found just five minutes away from Hellertown in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]]. '''[http://www.thebrewworks.com/bethlehem-brew-works/ Bethlehem Brew Works]''', '''[http://www.godfreydaniels.org/ Starter's Pub]''', and '''[http://www.godfreydaniels.org/ Godfrey Daniel's Coffeehouse]''' are hot spots for area college students and adults alike. For more places to eat, check the listings on the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Sleep== The closest hotel is the '''Holiday Inn Express''', which is in South Bethlehem, but is half a block away from the border with Hellertown on Cherry Lane. The region has over 100 hotels and motels and many quaint Bed and Breakfasts for a quick romantic getaway. Find them on the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Connect== ===Tourist Information=== * [http://www.LehighValleyPA.org Lehigh Valley Covention and Visitors Bureau] {{dead link|December 2020}} * Bethlehem Visitor Center, 505 Main Street, Bethlehem, {{phone|+1 610 691-6055}}. Hours: Tu-Sa 10AM - 5PM; Su noon - 5PM; closed Monday. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]], {{convert|10|mi|km}} *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|28|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|5|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|12|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|13|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|18|mi|km}} *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]], {{convert|13|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|26|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]], {{convert|16|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|12|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - 121 miles *[[Harrisburg]] - 92 miles *[[New York City]] - 81 miles *[[Philadelphia]] - 60 miles {{routebox | image1=I-78.svg | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Allentown]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|40.584167|-75.338056}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} 60cplr9ba97puq205r29es6cj4x9cv0 0 14618 4488053 4481419 2022-07-22T01:52:14Z The dog2 35982 /* Travel tips */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|China banner High-speed rail in China.jpg|caption=A train of the CRH3-type in Changsha}} {{COVID-19 box|Most international trains and trains to Hong Kong are suspended. Train services may also be suspended in response to local outbreaks. You are required to wear masks when travelling in trains in China even if there are no infected cases reported in areas you are travelling in. Remember to update [[China#Get around|health codes]] on mobile applications such as WeChat or Alipay according to regulations at your destination.|lastedit=2021-12-02}} Train travel is the main method of long-distance transportation for the Chinese, with an extensive network of routes covering most of the country. Roughly a quarter of the world's total rail traffic is in [[China]]. [[File:Rail map of PRC.svg|thumb|500px|Rail map of China (click to expand)]] China has the world's largest network of [[high-speed rail]]ways (similar to French TGV or Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains), the '''CRH''' trains, and expansion continues at a frantic pace. It is also home to the world's only high-speed [[sleeper trains]] due to the vast distances covered. If your route and budget allow then these may be the best way to get around. [[Hong Kong]] has a high-speed rail station that opened to the public in 2018. [[Macau]] has no rail connection at all, although Zhuhai just across the border is connected to a high-speed line. == Types of trains and services == Chinese trains are split into different types of services designated by letters and numbers indicated on the ticket and the train no. ===High-speed trains=== The letter prefixes on train numbers indicate the type of train. From fastest to slowest, the fast trains are: [[File:CRH380A-2510 and 2517@BJX (20160310091147).jpg|thumbnail|Two G-series trains at Beijing West Railway Station]] * '''G-series''' (高速 ''gāosù'') – 300&nbsp;km/h long-haul high-speed expresses - on a number of high-speed mainlines, including [[Beijing]]–[[Zhengzhou]]–[[Wuhan]]–[[Guangzhou]]–[[Shenzhen]], Zhengzhou–[[Xi'an]], Beijing–[[Nanjing]]–[[Shanghai]], Shanghai–[[Hangzhou]], Nanjing–Hangzhou–[[Ningbo]]. These trains have a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) by Hexie Hao (和谐号) (white or silver color with blue belt) or 350 km/h (217 mph) by Fuxing Hao (复兴号) (white color with yellow belt or silver color with red belt, CR400AF, CR400BF). Long distance trains serve fewer stations, mostly major cities.<!-- the previous sentence makes no sense--> [[File:CRH-Suzhou-Station.JPG|thumb|A Shanghai-Nanjing intercity train at Suzhou Railway Station]] * '''C-series''' (城际 ''chéngjì'') – 200-300 km/h short-haul high-speed expresses - notable examples include services from Beijing–Wuqing–[[Tianjin]]–Tanggu, Shanghai South-Jinshanwei, Guangzhou-Shenzhen and Guangzhou-[[Zhuhai]]. C-series numbering is also used for commuter trains on the Wuhan–Xianning lines. Top speed normally up to 200 km/h, with some exceptions 300 km/h. [[File:CRH5G-5156@BJI (20151030145235).jpg|thumb|A D-series train from Harbin to Beijing]] [[File:CR200J抵達北京站十站台.jpg|thumb|A D-series train for non-high speed operation.]] * '''D-series''' (动车 ''dòngchē'') – 200&nbsp;km/h high-speed express trains - These trains can reach top speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph) by Hexie Hao (white color with blue belt). Long distance trains serve more stations & intermediate cities. Some D-series, particularly overnight trains, can only reach a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph) by Fuxing Hao (Emerald green color with gold belt, CR200J), and is not high speed train. However, its price is still based on the 250 km/h D-series trains. While many lines are built for speeds up to 350 km/h, most trains run at about 300 km/h for safety and cost reasons. Lines built to a 250 km/h standard run at 200 km/h. Since September 2017, trains running between Beijing and Shanghai have operated at up to 350 km/h, and more lines have been gradually restored to their design speed. There are some G trains whose routes include lines built to different standards. In this case, they run at a speed of 300 km/h on lines of a higher standard, and 250 km/h or 200 km/h on lines of a lower standard. The ticket price is also at different rates in each part of the route according to the speed. For example, the route of G trains from Beijing to [[Taiyuan]] include the first part form Beijing to [[Shijiazhuang]], and the second part from Shijiazhuang to Taiyuan. The first part is part of Beijing-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway, and the train runs at a speed of 300 km/h. However the second part of Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan High-Speed Railway is built only to a 250 km/h standard, so the train runs at a lower speed and the price per kilometer is lower than the first part. And if you take this train only for the second part (for example, getting on at Shijiazhuang and getting off at Taiyuan), there will be no difference form a D train in either speed or price. ===Conventional trains=== Faster services usually means higher prices, but Z, T and K series trains are priced on the same basis. Number-only trains have the lowest price. Some number only trains and a very few K trains are not equipped with air conditioners, and their prices are notably lower. Before 2014, it was possible to identify different types of train services by observing the passenger cars' color. However, since 2015, all passenger cars have been painted green, making it almost impossible to do so. * '''Z-series''' (直达 ''zhídá'') – Direct express trains, conventional speed with fewer stops with the top speed around 160 km/h (100 mph). Earlier Z-series still maintain no intermediate stops, while newer ones may have more stops. Some trains offer soft-sleepers only. Some, particularly Z-series running between major cities, have been upgraded to non-high-speed D-series train. * '''T-series''' (特快 ''tèkuài'') – 140&nbsp;km/h intercity trains calling at major cities only. Similar to Z–trains although they usually stop at more stations. * '''K-series''' (快速 ''kuàisù'') – 120&nbsp;km/h slower, cheaper and more crowded trains with more stops. The most-often seen series, calls at more stations than a T train and has more hard-sleepers and seats. * '''General fast trains''' (普快 ''pǔkuài'') – 120&nbsp;km/h trains, with no letter designation, four digits starts with 1–5. These trains are the cheapest and slowest long-distance trains, though most are either upgraded or cancelled. A prominent example is train service 1461/1462 from Beijing to Shanghai. * '''General trains''' (普客 ''pǔkè'') - 100&nbsp;km/h short-distance trains with no letter designation, four digits starts with 5, 6, or 7. Slowest trains, stop almost everywhere. * '''L-series''' (临时 ''línshí'') – seasonal trains suitable to K- or four-digit-series. * '''Y-series''' (旅游 ''lǚyóu'') – trains primarily serving tourist groups. * '''S-series''' (市郊 ''shìjiāo'') - trains run to/from suburbs around big cities. == Classes == ===High-speed train classes=== The CRH trains usually have five classes: * '''Second class''' (二等座 ''erdengzuo'') (3+2 seat layout). Seats are a bit narrow, but there is plenty of leg room. * '''First class''' (一等座 ''yidengzuo'') (2+2 layout) * Three '''VIP class'''es (2+1 layout just behind the driver's cabin): ** "商务座" (business class). Seats that fully recline into a lie-flat bed. ** "观光座" (sightseeing class). ** "特等座" (deluxe class). 商务座 (business class) is better than "一等座" (first class) on CRH trains. 商务座 (business class) and 观光座 (sightseeing class) priced the same, while 特等座 is usually more expensive than "一等座" (first class), but cheaper than 商务座 and 观光座. If your journey is less than 2 hours, you won't really notice much difference being in Second Class, although longer journeys will be less tiring in First Class. Large people may prefer First Class because the seats are noticeably wider. '''Second Class''': Slightly firmer but not uncomfortable seats in a 2+3 layout. Slightly less room between seat rows. More likely to feature standing ticket holders in the aisles but not as many or crowded as conventional trains in China. Power sockets may be available. Food trolleys do service these carriages but may not be as frequent. The difference between First and Second class is minor and it is reflected in the smaller difference in ticket price. [[File:ZY207807 02.jpg|Typical First Class seating|thumb]] '''First Class''': These feature comfortable seats in a 2+2 layout with mostly forward facing seats. However some seats can be found in a face to face arrangement across a table. Compartmented seating is available on other services. This varies across the train types. Seating positions can not be chosen when purchasing your ticket. The seat rows feature greater leg room and larger seat back tables. Food trolleys frequent the car often for purchases with the buffet car also being close by. Power sockets are usually available on most services but not all, they may be on the seat base or overhead on the underside of the luggage rack. '''VIP Class''': These seats are sold by a variety of names on various lines, Sightseeing, VIP or Business Class being the most common names. They are not available on every line and only a few seats are available. Many are based on lie-flat modern airline business class seats, but some are just First Class standard seats in a more privileged position, they are normally immediately behind the driver's compartment, with a glass wall allowing a view forward of the train. However this glass is often frosted over to avoid passengers distracting the driver. Seating is normally arranged in 2+1 layout, but 2+2 seating can be found on some services depending on the space available on the various train types. Compartmented Business Class seating is found on only a few trains. An attendant is provided solely for the needs of business class passengers and a meal, snack pack and non-alcoholic beverage are served directly to the seats, included in the fare. Slippers are also available for passenger use. Power sockets are available at each seat. [[File:CRH2 sleeping car interior.jpg|thumbnail|CRH2E Sleeping Car Interior]] '''Sleeper Class''' (动卧 ''dòngwò''): There are a few slower D numbered high-speed sleeper trains operating overnight across the Chinese network. Typically, these services are between major population centres with 5 to 8 hours of travel time between them, they feature few stops. The trains are compartmentalised into 4-bunk cabins, furnished to a soft sleeper standard of conventional Chinese trains, with bedding provided. There are no other seating or level of bunk available on these services. It is not possible for single occupancy of a compartment, and all tickets must be bought with an ID card or passport, making it difficult and not worthwhile to purchase extra beds in a compartment for the sake of privacy. These services have proven to not be as popular as other high-speed services but several promotions and an increasing number of available services are slowly changing this around. One service in each direction typically runs between Beijing & Shanghai, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Six overnight services run each way between Beijing to Guangzhou with some continuing to Shenzhen and one continuing to Zhuhai. Extra services are often scheduled to other cities during peak demand periods, such as Spring Festival. ===Conventional train classes=== On the conventional (non-CRH) trains, there are five classes of travel: [[Image:Soft sleeper compartment for train T138 from Shanghai to Xi'an.jpg|thumb|T-train soft sleeper compartment]] [[File:Interior of YW25T 676511 (20151228201636).jpg|thumb|Hard sleeper compartment on a Z-train]] * '''Soft sleepers''' (软卧 ''ruǎnwò'') are the most comfortable mode of transportation on most trains and are still relatively cheap by Western standards. The soft sleeper compartments contain four bunks stacked two to a column, a latchable door for privacy, and are quite spacious. Even this class is not as comfortable as a hotel room. * '''Hard sleepers''' (硬卧 ''yìngwò''), on the other hand, have three beds per column near the opening to the corridor, and are comparable to couchettes. The highest bunk leaves little space for headroom. Taller travellers (190&nbsp;cm/6'3" and above) may find this to be the best bunk since when sleeping your feet will extend into the passageway and they will not be bumped. The top bunk is also useful for people with things to hide (e.g. cameras). When placed by your head they are harder for would-be thieves to reach. The "hard" sleeper is not "hard"; the beds have a mattress and are generally quite comfortable. All sleepers have pillows and a blanket. In any sleeper class, getting on the train from a middle station means that you might have to sleep on the same bed used by the last passenger without cleaning service. Bringing a disposable blanket cover may be a good option. *'''Soft seats''' (软座 ''ruǎnzuò'') are cloth-covered, generally reclining seats and are a special category that you will rarely find. These are only available on day trains between destinations of about 4–8 hours of travel time, and is the standard class for the [[Guangzhou]]-[[Hong Kong|Kowloon]] through train. [[File:Interior of YZ25T 357365@T61 (20141203131436).JPG|thumb|Inside a contemporary hard seat coach]] * '''Hard seats''' (硬座 ''yìngzuò''), which are actually padded, are not for everyone, especially overnight, as they are 5 seats wide, in a three and two arrangement. It is in this class, however, that most of the backpacker crowd travels. With the "no smoking" signs in the main part of the cars, there is invariably a crowd of smokers at the ends of the cars and the smoke will drift endlessly into the cabin. On most trains, particularly in China's interior, the space between the cars is a designated smoking area, although the signs for "designated smoking area" are only in Chinese so this fact may not be clear to many travellers. Overnight travel in the hard seats is uncomfortable for just about everyone and you are likely to have trouble getting much sleep. * '''Standing''' (无座 ''wúzuò'') allow access to the hard seat car but give no seat reservation. Consider carrying a tripod chair in your backpack to make such journeys more comfortable. This is usually the only class provided on suburban trains. You can choose to take a seat when there's one available but you should give the seat back to the owner when needed. Some other possible classes on trains areː * '''High-class Soft Sleepers''' (高级软卧/高包 ''gāojí ruǎnwó)'' are the highest classes available on non-CRH trains. The compartments usually contain two beds (sometimes only one), a latchable door for privacy and sometimes a closet, an armchair. Few of them contain toilets inside compartments. Usually as comfortable as a hotel room. However, most trains don't have this class. * '''Not Reserved''' (不对号入座 ''búduìhàorùzùo'') allow access to the train but not reserved to a seat. This is usually seen on suburban trains which seat numbers are not featured. Just choose a seat you like and sit in or stand in a safe and comfortable position. Most trains are air-conditioned. Non air-conditioned trains are rare and are mostly general trains. ==Booking tickets == [[Image:Chinese train ticket.jpg|thumb|Chinese train ticket with description fields]] The sale of train tickets usually starts 20 days in advance, either online via the China Rail booking site or at the major train stations' ticket offices. Two days later, tickets can be bought at private agencies. Especially around festivals, tickets sell out very quickly, so book tickets as far in advance as possible. It is illegal to buy second hand tickets so if you are offered "discount" tickets at the train station, do '''not''' buy them. {{infobox|Bring your identification|All passengers '''must present ID''' in order to purchase a ticket (e.g., national ID card or passport). The purchaser's name is printed onto the ticket and each individual is required to be present, with ID, to pick-up their ticket. One way to get around the ID restriction if one of the passengers is not present is to ask a Chinese person to buy the ticket online. You then only need to input the passport number, presenting the passport when picking up the ticket.}} [[File:China G Train Ticket.jpg|thumbnail|Ticket for China High-Speed Train]] [[File:Ticket of G1 (20150314202937).JPG|thumb|Alternative ticket style commonly found in China]] You can purchase a ticket: # from a website. # at the ticket office at the train station # from an automated ticket machine # at a ticket agency The first option is recommended for convenience. ===1. Purchase from a website (recommended)=== Tickets can be booked online on various websites. Bookings require your passport number. After booking the tickets you must either collect the printed ticket at the ticket office at the train station before departure or have the printed ticket delivered to your location in advance. The downside to obtaining the ticket in advance is the departure time can't be altered after the ticket has been printed. However, it is highly recommended to get the tickets in advance to spare the stress of waiting in a long line at the station to collect the ticket just before departure. Services like Trip.com add ¥40 to have the ticket delivered in advance by express mail. Even if you plan to buy your tickets from the ticket office, it is worth checking these sites for planning purposes. Many cities have multiple CR stations, and checking the schedules and free capacity will help you choose the best one for your destination. ==== Official booking site ==== '''[http://www.12306.cn/mormhweb/ China Rail website]''' is the official and only definitive online source for train schedules, ticket availability, and online booking. It is possible to book tickets via the site; however, you must have a '''Chinese bank account''' to pay them. While you will probably not be able to book tickets yourself, asking a Chinese friend to do it for you is one of the most convenient ways of getting tickets in advance: the tickets first become available online before being sold at agencies, and you don't need to present every passenger's passport while booking (just have all the passport numbers ready). The tickets can then be picked up at any time, while presenting your passport, at any train station or ticket agency. It is only available in Chinese, but not hard to use if you can read some Chinese characters. To inquire train schedules or ticket availability, click "余票查询" (yu piao cha xun, remaining ticket inquiry) on the front page. Enter origin, destination, and date (the interface will accept pinyin and show you the corresponding Chinese characters to select), then click "查询" (cha xun, query). You are then shown a matrix of the trains making the journey on that day and the remaining tickets. * 车次: This column shows the train number. * 出发站/到达站: Origin and destination of the train. There may be a suffix added to each city indicating the train station. This is usually one of 北 (bei, North), 南 (nan, South), 东 (dong, East), 西 (xi, West), e.g., 北京西 is Beijing West railway station. These suffixes are especially common with CRH trains, as they often stations separate from regular trains. * 出发时间/到达时间: Departure and arrival time. * 历时: The duration of the trip, shown as "XX小时YY分" where XX is the number of hours and YY the number of minutes. Below it, the number of days is indicated: 当日到达 (arrival on the same day), 次日到达 (arrival on the next day), 第三日到达 (arrival two days later). * The rest of the columns correspond to different classes and display the amount of remaining tickets. "No tickets available" is displayed as "无" (wu), otherwise the number of remaining tickets is shown. Clicking it will reveal the price for the ticket. Check the information above to make sense of the various available train types and classes. When searching far ahead, a time of day may be shown, which then indicates at what time tickets become available for purchase. The site has a bit of a reputation for being slow and unreliable. However, this mostly relates to times like the Chinese New Year, where tickets sell out in seconds and loads are generated that would bring almost any web site to its knees. ==== Third-party sites ==== *{{listing | name=MTR High Speed Rail website | alt= | url=https://www.ticketing.highspeed.mtr.com.hk/its/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=No charge | content=Hong Kong MTR provides tickets of high-speed trains to/from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. It accepts Visa, MasterCard or Union Pay, and tickets bought from this site must be collected at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. }} *[https://www.pandatrips.com '''PandaTrips.com''']. China train tickets online booking website in English, 3 steps, easy for booking tickets. *{{listing | name=Trip.com website | alt=formerly Ctrip | url=https://www.trip.com/trains/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Train ticket bookings online in 19 languages. }} * {{Listing|name=CTrip|alt=|url=http://english.ctrip.com/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2017-04-15|content=A Chinese travel site with an English version and English mobile app which allows you to view timetables, book conventional and high-speed trains from 20 days to 30 minutes before departure. You will need to register your passport details in the app. A purchase voucher for the train ticket will be sent to the app 2 hours after purchase. Show this to the station staff at the ticket desk with your passport to collect the train ticket. Accepts international credit/debit cards, including American Express.}} *[http://www.ctrains.com CTrains.com] is the first China train ticket online booking website for English users. Travelers can book China train tickets online in realtime for 24/7. It also doesn't charge any booking fees. *[http://www.seat61.com/China.htm The Man in Seat 61 website] has a good section on Chinese trains. *[http://www.absolutechinatours.com/china-trains Absolute China Tours] or [http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/ China Highlights] have English time and fare information (while extremely useful, these sites' lists are not 100% complete) *[http://www.oklx.com/cn/train/search_station.aspx OK Travel] {{dead link|December 2020}} has more schedules. This site is mostly in Chinese, but includes romanized place names and you can use it without knowing Chinese. On the search page, simply choose from the lists provided: the left-hand side is the place of departure, the right-hand side is the destination. You must choose the provinces or regions in the drop-down box before the corresponding list of cities will appear. You choose the cities you want, then press the left-hand button below (marked 确认, "confirm") to carry out the search. If you can enter place names in Chinese characters, the search function can even help you plan multi-leg journeys. *[http://www.cnvol.com CNVOL] has an extensive (pretty much exhaustive) and frequently updated list of all the trains that travel in China. Just enter the names of the places you with to start and end your trip in, and you will find a list of all trains that ply the route (including all trains that are just passing by your selected stations), listed with their start and end cities and times. Click on a train number you like, and you can find the prices for all the classes of seats or berths that are available by clicking check price further down the price. The most important thing here is to get your town names right in "pinyin", the characters are never separated by a space, i.e., Lijiang, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Kunming etc. ===2. Purchase from a railway station ticket office=== [[File:Guangzhou South Railway Station Ticket Office 1.jpg|thumbnail|A (quiet) ticket office in Guangzhou South Station]] Each station will have one or more ticket offices where you can queue up and buy a ticket. It can be expected to have a security checkpoint to scan your baggage on entry to the ticket offices in the largest of stations. They can be very crowded, with long queues and little signage in English. However large electronic signs, above the ticket windows, will display the next trains scheduled at that station, and the still available seats in each class for the next few days. The officer will just want to know your destination and provide you with the next trains and the class of seat available. At the largest of stations, a dedicated ticket window for foreigners may be provided. Special lines can be dedicated for ticket refunds, exchanges or just for elderly citizens with little English information to explain which line is which. It can be possible to join the wrong queue and have the staff refuse to serve you. Railway station ticket offices can now sell tickets departing from other stations all across China and operating in other railway bureau areas for an extra fee of ¥5 per ticket. Typically cash is paid for tickets, although some counters accept UnionPay cards. Foreign credit cards are only useful in major stations in the largest of cities. In general, if you go to a counter to buy tickets, you will save everyone a lot of hassle if you have your train number, date and time of departure, seating class and number of tickets, as well as origin and destination cities all written down in Chinese, or at least in Pinyin. Staff will not generally speak English, and at the train stations they will not have a lot of patience as there are usually long queues. ===3. Purchase from an automated ticket machine === [[File:Ticket machines in the ticket office@BJX (20151228184828).jpg|thumbnail|Ticket vending machines in Beijing West Railway Station]] Shorter queues can be found at the automated ticket machines. Despite having an English option to display information, it is only able to sell tickets Chinese identity card holders. Machines can take although many only accept '''UnionPay cards or cash'''. They are usually next to ticket office. Some automated ticket machines are only for a specific line or regional area of the network but this is normally clearly labelled and displayed on the machine. Despite their limitations, they are still useful for finding train schedules and ticket availability in English quickly before joining a ticket queue. ===4. Purchase from a train ticket agency or office=== Many cities and towns will have a several separate train ticket offices or agencies. They can be like a large shop, typical in many travel agencies or large hotels, but can more often be a simple hole-in-the-wall arrangement. Typically they are not crowded, normally no lines at all, and more conveniently located than many railway stations. However the language skills of these agencies will be lacking. Finding an office can be difficult, due to their often small size and only Chinese signage, look out for a CRH or China Railways logo or simply for list of train numbers next to the window. They operate in the same manner as a railway station ticket office but will charge an extra ¥5 per ticket as an agency fee. This is a small price for the convenience. The small ticket window shops scattered around cities are labeled "售火车票" (shou huo che piao). Travel agencies will accept money and bookings for tickets in advance but no one can guarantee your ticket until the station releases them onto the market, at which point your agency will go and buy the ticket they had "guaranteed" you. This is true of anywhere in China. ===Replacing lost tickets=== If you have lost your ticket, to obtain a replacement, go to the ticket office with your passport or ID. Locate the specialized ticket office window dealing with lost tickets (挂失, guàshī). The window clerk will cancel your lost ticket and you will purchase a new replacement ticket for the same price. On board inform the conductor that your ticket is a replacement. The conductor will open an electronic record, enabling you to obtain a refund at your destination station. Within 24 hours of arrival at the destination station personally go with your passport or ID and replacement ticket to the ticket office window handling refunds (退票处, tuìpiào chǔ). The refund is paid at the window in cash minus a fee of ¥2. === Hints === * If you fail to buy a direct ticket (especially when the trains are crowded), try to '''split your journey''' into 2 pieces or more. Going by trains is a really popular way of short-distance traveling in China, and the tickets for shorter distances are usually much easier to buy than the long-haul ones. However, unlikely train delays may stall you on a train and can easily make you miss the connecting one. If you are traveling a long distance on the next train, missing the train can be quite a eye-wateringly expensive experience. So consider the risk of missing trains, and try to make the connecting journey shorter than the first one. * If you are going to a small city in the middle of the line instead of at the ends of it, the booking system will decrease the number of tickets at those stations and more tickets for bigger ones. The railway system allows a passenger to get off or on at a middle station. So you can '''extend''' your ticket to make a shorter journey, or "Buy longer and ride shorter" known by Chinese frequent passengers and rail fans. It will slightly cost more, but much better than fail in getting a ticket. * If you are traveling as a group (with your family, friends and so on), the system will only arrange you in the closest seats. So when you fail to get a ticket in this way (usually on website), try to '''split a group''' into single persons and it will be much easier. As you may be separated on the train, you can change the seats with other passengers. Most of them will not mind to change seats, but some may ask you to pay the price gaps (for example the gap between an upper bunk and a lower bunk). See the prices shown on his/hers ticket, and be expected to a probable little extra money. Always be grateful if someone agrees you to change the seats, and help them if they are trying to move their luggage which will show people you are friendly and you are more probably to get a "Yes" answer. Try not to let a older person who looks over 55 to change to the upper bunks which may be hard to climb onto. * If you are getting to a city with CRH connection, try to book for a CRH service rather than ordinary trains which means a more expensive fare but much easier tickets to get. There are much more intercity high-speed services rather than ordinary ones. Sometimes a ticket of CRH will be cheaper than the ordinary train in discount seasons. When doing this you should firstly choose a CRH served station (for example when you are booking from Beijing to Shanghai, change the stations into Beijing South and Shanghai Hongqiao which provide high-speed services only. == Train stations == {{cautionbox|Chinese train stations are traditionally hot spots of pickpockets, con artists, and other criminals. Larger stations are well patrolled by the police, both inside and outside the station, but be particularly careful in smaller stations.}} Many cities have different stations for normal trains and high-speed trains. High speed station names usually consist of the city name and the cardinal direction (for example ''Héngyángdōng'' "Hengyang East"). Chinese train stations function more like an airport than like a train station in another country. So do not count on catching a train on the last minute – gates close a few minutes prior to departure! To be safe, be there at least 20 minutes early, or 30 minutes if you are entering a big train station. You must pass an initial ticket and security check to enter the station. Once in the departure hall, follow the digital indicator boards to find the right boarding gate (they should be in both English and Chinese, at least at CRH stations; if Chinese is available only, you will still be able to find the train service number which is printed at the top of your ticket). Wait in the waiting area close to your gate until boarding is announced about 10–20 minutes prior to departure. You will then pass a ticket check (have your passport ready as they may want to see it) and follow the crowd to the platform. There are two types of tickets: red paper tickets which are issued at ticketing agencies, and blue magnetic tickets which you get from the station's ticket office. Blue tickets go into one of the automated ticket gates, while red tickets are checked manually; be sure to go through the gate at the right place. On the platform, the train may already be waiting; otherwise, look for your car number written on the platform edge and make sure you're waiting in the right place, because often the train will only stop for a couple of minutes. If there are no such indications, show your ticket to staff and they will show you where to wait. Some newer stations have higher level platforms that are level with the door, but at smaller stations the platforms are very low and you have to ascend several steep steps to board the train, so be prepared if you have a large suitcase. Generally passengers are friendly and will offer to help you with any bulky luggage. [[File:Wuchang Railway Station - exiting arrival area - P1260663.JPG|thumb|Wuchang Railway Station: exiting from the arrival area. The arriving passengers' tickets are checked at the exit gate]] At your destination, you leave the platform through one of the clearly indicated exits, which will not bring you into the waiting area but outside of the station. Your ticket will be checked again and you can keep your ticket. === Finding your train station === While conventional trains typically stop at older train stations, in the urban cores, high-speed train use new routes that bypass cities central areas. Although in some cities (e.g. [[Shijiazhuang]]) high-speed trains may use the same station with the conventional trains, it is more common for them to call at a new purpose-built station on the city's outskirts. It is therefore essential for the passenger to pay attention to the exact name of the station where his train is to be boarded. For example, in [[Xi'an]], conventional trains stop at Xi'an Railway Station, while high-speed ones do at Xi'an North (''Xi'an bei'') Railway Station; in [[Kunming]], the conventional trains are at Kunming Railway Station, while the high-speed ones are at Kunming South (''Kunming nan''). Sometimes a city served by three parallel lines (an older "conventional" one, a long-distance high-speed line, and an "intercity" [commuter] high-speed line) may have ''three'' stations used by the three types of service! (e.g. [[Xianning]], Hubei). Local people may refer to railway stations with an unofficial name, which can be totally different from the real station name. For example, Tianjin Station may be called "Tianjin East Station". Sometimes a train stops at two or more stations within the city (e.g. [[Nanning]] and Nanning East (''Nanning dong'')), in which case you can buy a ticket to or from the station more convenient to your destination. As China's railway network, and in particularly its high-speed component, develop rapidly, it's not unusual for a new station to open before proper access roads to it have been constructed. Having chosen what appears to be a direct route to the station, you may find it interrupted by a construction site, a fence around a strawberry field, a field of mud, or a complicated (and poorly sign-posted) detour via a residential neighborhood. (Examples, as of 2016-2017: [[Yuxi]]; [[Hekou]] North; southern approach to [[Fangchenggang]] North.) Due to the same rapid development, it is not unusual for a slightly older printed map of a city to show only the older station (service to which may have been reduced or altogether discontinued), and not the recently opened new station. Local bus and taxi drivers should, presumably, be aware of the most sensible routes available, but out-of-towners are occasionally led astray by their GPS navigators. When a new station opens, bus and taxi service to it starts immediately (or almost immediately); so getting from the station to the town by public transportation usually is not a problem; but to ''get'' to the station from town by bus, you may want to find out in advance which bus routes run there, and where their stops are in town. In large cities with subway systems ([[Xi'an]], [[Wuhan]], [[Suzhou]], [[Fuzhou]]...) building a subway line to the new station usually becomes a priority for the local transportation planners; still, it may take a few years for the line to be completed. == Travel tips == Train doors are always managed by railway staff, which means you should '''not''' attempt to open or close them by yourself unless in case of a genuine emergency. CRH trains are top-notch, even internationally, in terms of equipment and cleanliness. This includes the toilets, which reliably have toilet paper and soap available – a rare thing in China. The toilets on the high-speed trains tend to be a mix of traditional squat toilets and western toilets, which are more common in the newer trains. Don't be surprised, however, to find squat toilets in the newer Fuxing trains - just shop around until you find an acceptable one, there are usually multiple on a trainset. The toilets on non-high-speed trains also tend to be a little more "usable" than on buses or most public areas because they are simple devices that empty the contents directly onto the track and thus don't smell as bad. Soft sleeper cars usually have European style toilets at one end of the car and Chinese squat toilets at the other. On non-CRH trains if the train will be stopping at a station, the conductor will normally lock the bathrooms prior to arrival so that people will not leave deposits on the ground at the station. Long distance trains will have a buffet or dining car, which serves not very tasty hot food at around ¥25. The menu will be entirely in Chinese, but if you're willing to take the chance then you can eat very well (try to interpret some of the Chinese characters, or ask for common dishes by name). If you are on a strict budget then wait until the train stops at a station. There are normally vendors on the platform who will sell noodles, snacks, and fruit at better prices. There are no showers provided on all sleeper trains, so consider bringing towels or bathing before boarding a sleeper train. Every train car normally has a hot boiled water dispenser available so bring tea, soups and instant noodles in order to make your own food; that is what Chinese passengers usually do. Passengers commonly bring a thermos bottle, or some kind of closeable glass cup, to make tea. Be careful with your valuables while on the train; property theft on public transportation has risen. On most higher-level trains (T, K, Z and CRH trains) recorded announcements are made in Chinese, English and occasionally Cantonese (if the train serves Guangdong province or [[Hong Kong]]), Mongolian (in Inner Mongolia), Tibetan (in Tibet) or Uyghur (in Xinjiang). Local trains will have no announcements in English, so knowing when to get off can be harder. Motion sickness pills are recommended if you are inclined toward that type of ailment. Ear plugs are recommended to facilitate uninterrupted sleep. In sleeper cars, tickets are exchanged for cards on long distance trains. The cabin attendants return the original tickets when the train approaches the destination station thus ensuring everyone gets off where they should even if they can't wake themselves up. If you have some things to share on the train, you'll have fun. The Chinese families and business people travelling the route are just as bored as the next person and will be happy to attempt conversation or share a movie shown on a laptop. All in all, the opportunity to see the countryside going by is a neat experience. Smoking is not permitted in the seating or sleeping areas but is allowed in the vestibules at the end of each car. On the new CRH trains, the Guangzhou-Kowloon shuttle train and the Beijing Suburban Railway smoking is completely forbidden. Smoking is banned inside station buildings apart from in designated smoking rooms, although these places are often unpleasant and poorly ventilated. If you bought your ticket online, make sure to arrive at the right station as many cities have more than two or more stations that are far from each other. === Checked luggage and parcels === Chinese railways allow you to take large suitcases (at least up to the size of the standard airline check-in luggage with you) aboard your train; depending on the class of service, on how full the train is, and on how much luggage other passengers have, it may or may not be easy to find a way to stow you luggage in the railcar without it being in everybody's way. There is normally no way to transport your bags as ''checked luggage'' on the same train with you, the way airlines do. However, if you need to transport large or bulky items (e.g. large boxes or a full-size bicycle), or want to send things separately from you, you can have them sent to your destination using China Railway Express (CRE). See the detailed discussion under [[High-speed rail in China#Checked luggage and parcel service]]. ==High-speed rail== [[China]] has built a [[High-speed rail|high-speed passenger rail]] network and is continuing to expand it rapidly. The trains are similar to French TGV, German ICE, or Japanese Shinkansen. Over 30,000 km of routes are in service, making China's system the world's largest high-speed network. These are easily the best way of getting around China where available. The trains are clean, comfortable and modern. Seating is comparable to that in an airplane or even better. Most tickets are for assigned seats; no-seat tickets are sometimes sold in limited numbers but, unlike regular Chinese trains, there is never a mad crush with more people sitting in the aisles than in seats. Also unlike other trains, no smoking is allowed, not even between carriages. Prices are reasonable by Western standards and, on most routes, departures are frequent. Although China has a well-developed and advanced airport infrastructure, the country suffers from '''notorious flight delays''' whereas the high-speed rail network is very punctual. Although the flight from Beijing to Shanghai (for example) is shorter than the train ride, once you take travel time to and from the airport and the likelihood of long delays into account the rail connection is far more appealing. The fast trains are called '''CRH''', China Railway High-speed. At some train stations there is a separate CRH ticket office or even vending machines; at others, CRH tickets are sold at separate counters in the main ticket office. In either case, look for the “CRH” signs or logo. The speeds attained vary considerably from line to line. The technology used also varies. Nearly all the rolling stock is now manufactured in China, but much of the technology has come from abroad. The Canadian company Bombardier, Japanese Kawasaki, German Siemens (manufacturer of the ICE) and French Alstom (manufacturer of the TGV) have been involved. Some new lines have adopted individual interior colour schemes and decor to highlight the region they operate in, however most trains follow a standard palette. ===Carry-on luggage=== Luggage racks can be found at the ends of most cars, otherwise oversized luggage can fit behind the last seat at the carriage end. Train staff are very strict on how luggage is placed on the overhead luggage racks, poking any loose straps away or rearranging any bags they deem to be dangerous. Overall, due to fewer passengers per car and more space given for luggage, luggage arrangements on high-speed trains are much more adequate than in "hard-seat" cars of ordinary trains (where passengers' big suitcase often end up blocking the aisle and inconveniencing everyone). According to the rules printed on the back of each ticket, a passenger on Chinese trains is allowed to carry up to 20 kg of luggage for free (10 kg on a children's ticket); the sum of length, width, and height of each piece should not exceed 160 cm on ordinary trains or 130 cm on high-speed trains. In practice, no one usually checks the weight of your luggage, so if you can handle its weight, you can take it along. However, [https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2165364/passengers-and-rail-fans-arrive-first-ever-train reports from Hong Kong's new Hong Kong West Kowloon Station] (opened 2018) indicate that size is checked at this station. Other than the checks reported from Hong Kong, any suitcase that satisfies the standard size restrictions for check-in baggage on international airlines appears in practice to be OK for carry-on on China's high-speed trains. However, if a train is full, finding space for your large bag may sometimes be difficult. A collapsible (folding) bicycle, properly folded and packed into a suitably large bag, will be permitted as well. ===Checked luggage and parcel service=== Items too large to carry on (including full-size bicycles, or electric scooters) or containing certain items prohibited in carry-on luggage (e.g. knives) can be sent (托运 ''tuoyun'') as checked luggage. This service is operated by China Railway Express Company (CRE) ([http://www.95572.com/ 中铁快运]), so this is the name you'll see on the signs. The [http://www.95572.com/ CRE web site] (in Chinese) has a list of their drop-off and pick-up office locations; look for the 服务网点 link on the main page. The form will ask you for your location, in terms of China's three-level administrative division (province, prefecture-level city, county or district) and the street address (if you don't know one, you usually can enter a station name instead, e.g. 上海南站), and it will show you the service locations on the map. Most major stations have a CRE office (which serves as the station's baggage department), usually in a building somewhere near the main station building. There are some exceptions though: for example, even though you can send a parcel from the baggage department at the Wuchang Railway Station in Wuhan, parcels sent to Wuchang Station will most likely have to be collected in a shed in a construction material market some 5 km away from the station. There is no requirement that the sender travels to the same station where the baggage is sent (or that s/he travels at all); one can use the service to send a parcel to another person. The service seems to be fairly popular with small businesses. Checked luggage does not travel on the same train with you, and is likely to arrive to its destination a few days later. The service standard is 3 days for distances up to 600 km, and an additional day for each full or partial 600 km beyond that. (For example, the service standard from [[Guangxi]] to [[Jiangsu]], on a route that would involve several transfers, is 6 days). In practice, of course, your parcel may arrive much faster than that, especially if being shipped between two stations that are connected by some slow passenger train that includes a baggage car. The cost of a shipment is computed as the per-kg rate based on the distance (as per the official railway mileage) multiplied by the weight of the item being shipped. For shipping a bicycle, the cost is computed as for a 25-kg item. For a distance of around 1000 km (e.g. from Beijing or Fuzhou to Wuhan or Nanjing), the rate is around ¥3 per kg, which amount to ¥70-80 for a 25-kg piece of luggage or a parcel, or for a bicycle (as of 2018). From [[Fangchenggang]] on the South China Sea to [[Yangzhou]] near Shanghai (over 2000 km) the cost for a 25-kg item was ¥137 as of 2016. The CRE web site has a cost and travel time estimator tool. Follow the 价格时效 link, and enter the origin and destination location (in terms of province, city, district) and the shipment's weight in kilograms. ===Onboard services=== Dining cars with full restaurant service are rare on most high-speed services. Typically buffet cars serving light meals and drinks are provided with standing benches and tables. Large and well-maintained western-style toilets are to be found on all services. A centrally located compartment houses the train manager, to help with passenger issues or ticketing. Electronic signage will display information such as the time, train speed, next stop and indoor/outdoor temperatures in Chinese and English. Most announcements will be bi-lingual in Chinese and English and most staff are bilingual too. Some services feature multiple overhead video display units along a carriage, mostly featuring CRH promotional videos and light entertainment shows. Unlike hard-seat cars in conventional trains, in which passengers sit facing each other (convenient for card games!), on most high-speed trains, everybody's seat faces forward. (Seats are rotatable and if your train changes its direction en route, all passengers will be asked to rotate their seats!) ===Pricing=== The price structure is at a set rate per kilometre according to the class of travel and G, D or C numbering of the train. The price difference for the classes is not enormous, except for Business, VIP, and Sightseeing Class which can be double in price. High-speed sleeper services, where available, have a single class for the entire train, called 动卧, which is different from (and considerably more expensive than) the hard sleeper 硬卧 and soft sleeper 软卧 on a "conventional" train. Different high-speed trains may take different routes between two stations; e.g., some trains traveling from Nanjing to Hangzhou (and points further south) take the direct Nanjing-Hangzhou line, while others travel via Shanghai. As the fare is based on distance, the (usually faster) trains using the shorter direct route are less expensive than the (slower) trains that travel via Shanghai. Similarly, as of 2018, the 2nd-class HSR fare between Chongqing and Shanghai varies between ¥556 and ¥1078. The lowest fare is on the shortest route along the Yangtze, via Wuhan (Hankou), Hefei, and Nanjing; somewhat more expensive is the southern route, via Guiyang, Changsha, Nanjing, and Hangzhou; the most expensive route is the northern, via Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Xuzhou, and Nanjing. The price difference between a high-speed and conventional train can be quite substantial. As an example, for the Fuzhou-Shanghai D train (seven hours and well over 1000 km) second class is ¥262 and first class is ¥330. There is a K train for only ¥130 (for a hard seat), but it takes 17 hours on a indirect route and is often very crowded, and a ticket does not always guarantee a seat. Unless your budget is extremely tight or you cannot cope with several hours in a non-smoking train, the fast train is hugely preferable and easily worth the cost difference. As the ticket price of trains would not vary based on the demand, out of high seasons and in some long journeys such as Beijing to Guangzhou the airfare may be cheaper than a Second Class G train. Check the airfare if you are traveling for more than 1000 km between major cities and are looking for a cheaper or faster option. === Boarding your train === High-speed rail stations are designed in a similar manner to modern airports. In order to enter the departure area you will require your ticket and ID, and have to pass all your bags through an x-ray machine. While knives, fireworks, easily inflammable liquids, etc. are prohibited, there are no restrictions on bringing drinks. [[File:2010-07-22 Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station waiting hall.jpg|thumbnail|The departure area at Shanghai Hongqiao Station]] Your train will be clearly designated with a gate or hall, these are generally easy to find. From a large single hall, there may be quite a few gates, with large crowds waiting for various services other than your own. Sometimes the gate that a particular train is using is not displayed until just prior to departure but more typically as the previous service departs. Gate and hall numbers will bear no similarity to the platform that the train will use. Typically people will be allowed to access the platform 15 minutes before departure. The departure area can be extremely large, so like an airport allow time to get to your platform. The departure area will have a few restaurants and shops. The larger stations will often feature western fast food chains. Small supermarkets and shops typically sell drinks, instant noodles and other snack foods. Some stations have a counter that provides one free bottle of mineral water to each ticket-holder. Lounge areas often exist for business class and VIP passengers, plus for passengers associated with several bank and mobile phone programs. First call for your service will be often be made for elderly passengers, families with babies or infants and the disabled first. They will be processed manually by station staff before access is opened to other passengers. The queue will be quite long at a terminal station (such as Shanghai Hongqiao) and there will be a tendency for plenty of people to push in ahead of you. You are not going to miss your train with no need to panic or rush in most circumstances. Although you can also push through if the timing is getting tight. At the gates at the newest and more modern stations, put the blue train tickets into the slot of the automatic gate, the barriers will then open, ensure that collect your ticket again from the machine and have your ID ready before descending to the platform. Otherwise, if you have the alternative styled tickets or it is just manually controlled gate, simply hand your ticket over to station staff. Most modern and refurbished stations have a single gate leading to a single platform. If the gate does not lead directly to the platform, the stations will use a common overpass passageway with stairways or escalators leading to their respective platforms, however train services are clearly signposted for each platform and often blocked when not in use. It is thus very difficult to take the wrong direction, despite this, older stations may have several steps up and down along its route which may be difficult for frail passengers or those with heavy luggage. On the train some people tend to take any seat they want, although they will move if you show them your reservation for that particular seat. If such person fails to move away, you may want to report to the conductor or even railway police officers. A diagram on the wall depicts which seat is closest to the window or aisle. === During the journey === [[File:CHR HST interior.jpg|thumbnail|Second class seats]] [[File:Cured pork and steamed diced chicken claypot rice set meal on G6537 (20180930174756).jpg|thumb|Example of high-speed railway meal, price normally ranging from ¥15 to ¥75]] A buffet cart is available throughout the journey in all classes, which is normally more expensive than regular prices. A free hot water dispenser is provided in every carriage for passengers to use with their tea or instant noodles. A buffet car is open for the duration of the train journey with a selection of drinks, meals and snacks that can vary greatly depending on the service; you are also likely to see vendors walking through the train selling similar food products and drinks. Full restaurant style service is limited to a very few long distance trains. Complimentary bottled water and snacks are provided in First Class on a few services. Business Class passengers benefit from a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner, depending on the time and generally only for long-haul travellers. Many stations have vendors on the platforms as well. However time can be very limited at some stops to effectively purchase anything. Passengers are able to order take-aways from local restaurants or fast food chains inside stations via the China Railways official website and their official app. 27 stations, including Shanghai, Nanjing, Tianjin, Guangzhou and other major cities, offer this service and it is rolling out to other stations gradually. '''Smoking is illegal''' anywhere on the train. Smoking on trains will trigger an emergency brake of the train and lead to a fine of ¥1000 or more and maybe 5 days in jail. It is also not allowed on the platform, although it seems to be standard practice for people to take a quick smoking break just outside the train doors if the train stops for a few minutes. In Second Class you can recline your seat a little bit. In First Class you can greatly recline your seat and shut the blinds if you want a nap. In Business Class you can fully lie down when equipped with airline style seating but only recline on some other train types. Sleeper trains have four berth cabins, equipped with bedding with passengers seated on the lower berths. === Arrival at your destination === [[File:CR400AF-A-2065@BJX (20180628170029).jpg|thumbnail|High-speed train arriving at Beijing West station]] Arriving at a destination, exiting passengers are directed to a separate exit from entering passengers on the platform that will lead to a common passageway or hall. Larger stations might have two exits either side of the station so be aware of which one is needed as the distance between either exit can be quite far, often around the entire station complex. Tickets are needed again to leave through any automated exit gates. Crumpled tickets may not work. Most exit barriers are manned for manual inspection of tickets if needed. If you have a light red ticket (not the blue ones), it will need to be checked manually upon exiting the station, as the machines will not be able to read them. There is another ticket office in this area so that you can pay the difference in case you travelled further than the ticket you originally purchased, '''so do not throw away your ticket!''' Larger stations will feature more restaurants or shops in this area, maybe some tourism services. There is often a clean restroom before the exit gates. Probably worth taking advantage of after a long journey and before venturing out into a new Chinese city. Often the station has a metro station located close by, then queues for the metro ticket machine can get very long after a high-speed train has just arrived. Another common feature for new high-speed stations are for long-distance bus stations to be co-located there, these can take passengers to many regional centres surrounding that city. However, do not expect buses to go to every destination you might expect (Chengdu East Station's bus terminal just serves cities mostly to the East of Chengdu for example), you might still need to travel to the older bus station in that city. Local bus services and taxis will be signposted. Beware of taxi touts and illegal operators harassing passengers as they leave the station. Only use taxis leaving from the designated area and insist on using the taximeter. For rail travel towards [[Beijing]] and other major cities before and during important events (such as military parades, annual congressional meetings, international conferences, etc.), you will be placed under '''secondary security screening''' once you have arrived at your station. ====Connecting trains==== If connecting to another train service at the same station, it is possible sometimes to go directly to the Waiting Hall without having to exit the station and then re-enter through security. Do not follow the crowds getting off the train and follow signs on the platform for Train Connections (Transfer), directly from the platform or in some stations from the Arrivals Hall before the exit barriers. You must show your ticket and ID for the connecting service to station staff. However it is possible for this access to not be manned or opened at many stations, thus exiting and re-entry of the station is required. ===Stay safe=== China suffered a devastating accident in 2011 when a CRH train collision killed 40 and injured nearly 200. The accident was blamed on a lack of safety measures and was seen as an example of safety being sacrificed in favor of rapid development. However, speed was not a factor as the crash happened while one train was stationary and the other ran at speeds common for older trains. China has made a massive effort to recover from this, by reducing speeds by 50 km/h and completely restructuring the Chinese Rail Company. Since then there have been no further accidents or fatalities. However, given that speed was not a factor in the crash and speeds are still limited to 300 km/h instead of 350, many observers say the speed reduction had economic rather than safety reasons. There aren't so many '''thieves''' on board the trains. But travellers are suggested to keep their valuables with them and all luggage in sight. You can also lock your larger items to the luggage compartments if you feel unsafe (though few riders do this), but you have to bring a small lock with you unless you are travelling on one of the "Fuxing" branded trains where you can lock your bags or suitcases to the compartments using your tickets. === Even faster — Maglev === [[Image:Shanghai maglev.jpg|right|thumb|Maglev train in [[Shanghai]]]] [[Shanghai]] has a '''magnetic levitation''' train from the downtown [[Pudong]] area to [[Shanghai Pudong International Airport]]. The top speed is around 431 km/h (268 mph) during daytime hours and the 30-km trip takes around 8 minutes and costs ¥50. ==International and regional routes== {{seealso|Hong Kong#High speed rail}} [[File:Board of K3-4 (20160525112435).jpg|thumb|The direction board of train K3/K4 running from [[Beijing]] to [[Moscow]] via [[Ulaanbaatar]]. The train service is one of the earliest international train services of China.]] [[Hong Kong]] is connected to [[Shenzhen]] and [[Guangzhou]] with services running all the way to Shanghai and Beijing. This is the first 'cross border' high-speed connection in China due to Hong Kong's special status, having started public operation on 23 Sep 2018. Alternatively, one can get to Shenzhen by high-speed train, walk across the border (or connect by Shenzhen Metro) and take the Hong Kong metro (MTR) downtown. Those riding the high-speed trains will complete both Hong Kong and mainland Chinese immigration checks at Kowloon West Railway Station. On the other hand, if you're riding the conventional trains, you will clear Hong Kong immigration at Hung Hom, and clear mainland Chinese immigration at the mainland Chinese station you end/begin your journey in. Be sure to factor in extra time to complete all these procedures. For trains to and from Hong Kong, payment can be either in yuan or Hong Kong dollars, with the HK$ price being updated every month to be in sync with yuan pricing. Construction of a new line from [[Kunming]] to [[Vientiane]] in [[Laos]] has been completed, though due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-border trains do not run yet. The following are international trains available: *K3 Beijing-Ulaanbaatar-Moscow (Yaroslavsky) *K23 Beijing-Ulanbattar *K19 Beijing-Moscow (Yaroslavsky) *4652/4653 Hohhot-Ulanbattar *K27 Beijing-Pyongyang (Please also refer to [[North Korea#Get in]]) *T8701 Nanning-Hanoi (Gia Lam) *K9797 Urumqi-Astana *K9795 Urumqi-Almaty **{{listing | type=go | name=China International Travel Services | alt= | url= | email= | address=1/F, Beijing International Hotel, 9 Jianguomen Inner Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+86-010-65120507 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-04-11 | content=This is China International Travel Services' main office in Beijing. Tickets for train services K3, K19 and K23 can be bought here. Tickets should be ordered a few weeks in advance and may require a reservation fee during the summer holiday. }} Besides, the following international trains runs from Chinese border cities to foreign cities. Not only their tickets can be purchased more easily, they are also more cheaper, and are widely used by budget travellers. *95 Dandong-Pyongyang *401 Suifenhe-Pogranichnyy *683 Erlian-Ulanbattar *601 Manzhouli-Chita *653 Manzhouli-Zabaykalsky {{PartOfTopic|Rail travel|China}} {{usabletopic}} gl2f9ap3vxh5ir9p5ra57uwscbxbbad 0 15090 4488109 4487558 2022-07-22T06:44:59Z Sbb1413 2217354 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wv Howrah banner.jpg}} [[Image:Howrah Bridge et les ablutions dans la Howrah.jpg|thumb|300px|Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)]] '''Howrah''' (Bengali: হাওড়া, Hindi: हावड़ा) is a city in [[Southeast Bengal]] in [[India]] and the twin city of [[Kolkata]]. It is the second-largest city in [[West Bengal]] after Kolkata. ==Understand== Howrah is in the eastern part of India and is spread along the western banks of the Hooghly River. While it is a separate city, Howrah is very much a part of the Kolkata metropolitan area, and Howrah railway station is where you will arrive if connecting with anywhere north, south or east of Kolkata. ==Get in== === By plane=== The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport ({{IATA|CCU}}) in [[Kolkata]]. === By train === [[File:Howrah Station.jpg|thumb|Howrah railway station as seen from the Hooghly River]] * {{go | name=Howrah Junction railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.582871 | long=88.342811 | directions=near the Howrah Bridge | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Howrah Junction railway station | wikidata=Q986105 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Howrah Junction railway station is the largest railway complex in India with over 600 trains arriving per day. An estimated two million people use Howrah station every day. There are 26 platforms in Howrah station. Local trains of Eastern Railway arrives mainly at 1-9 platforms while South Eastern Railway local trains arrive at platforms 17-23, remaining platforms is used for long-distance trains. Platforms 17 to 26 are in New Complex, just south of the original building. For passengers it has an enormous covered waiting area between the main complex and the platforms. In addition there is a Yatri Niwas (railway's travellers' lodge) with dormitory, single room, and double room accommodation. The vehicular carriageways along the length of platforms allow passengers to be dropped near rail compartments — a facility unique among most major stations of the country. }} *{{go | name=Santragachi Junction railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Santragachi Station Rd, Santragachi | lat=22.5838 | long=88.2843 | directions=near Santragachi Jheel | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7420706 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=There are six platforms. Serves local trains to Amta, Mecheda, Panskura, Haldia, [[Contai]], [[Midnapore]] and [[Kharagpur]]. A few trains originate from Santragachi station to [[Ajmer]], [[Porbandar]] and [[Nanded]], and a Vivek Express running to [[Mangalore]] Central starting from Santragachi. Mostly all Howrah/Shalimar bound express/mail trains stop here. }} * {{go | name=Andul railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.575169 | long=88.239643 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q59858133 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} * {{go | name=Bally railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655078 | long=88.340429 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q25549108 | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content= }} * {{go | name=Bally Ghat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.652411 | long=88.347909 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q59213813 | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content= }} * {{go | name=Bally Halt railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.65223 | long=88.339251 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q59213925 | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content= }} * {{go | name=Belur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.635732 | long=88.339822 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q19882285 | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content= }} * {{go | name=Shalimar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.556389 | long=88.314722 | directions=near Vidyasagar Setu | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7487222 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=A small railway station compared to Howrah station, which handles a few EMU trains and few Express trains. }} === By metro === The nearest operational metro station is at {{Marker|type=go|name=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]]|wikidata=Q5399030}} and one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination in Howrah. The East-West Corridor (Line 2) of the [[Kolkata#By metro|Kolkata Metro]] is under construction and is expected to connect Kolkata and Howrah directly with underwater metro service by 2023. That would be the first underwater metro service in India. === By ferry === Howrah is just across the river from [[Kolkata]]. The ferry services to cross the Hooghly River from Kolkata to Howrah is very convenient to zip across both cities. There are a number of jetties. On the Kolkata side the ferries link to such jetties as Bagbazar, Armenian, Fairlie, Chandpalghat, Babughat, Prinsep Ghat. On the Howrah side there are jetties at Howrah Station, Ramkrishnapur Ghat, Botanical Garden Ghat, Bandhaghat, Golabari and Belur Math. Buy the ticket before you board the ferry and retain the ticket till after you have crossed to the other side and have shown it to the ticket checker near the exit gate or else you will be penalised! ==Get around== {{mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> For short distance travel, there are auto-rickshaws, electric rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. ===By taxi=== Like in [[Kolkata]], taxis in Howrah are easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory. They generally stand at the major railway stations in Howrah. ==See== [[File:Migratory Birds - Santragachi Lake - Howrah 2012-01-26 1520.JPG|thumb|Migratory Birds at Santragachi Jheel in January.]] * {{see | name=Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden | alt=Shibpur Botanic Garden | url=http://www.bgci.org/garden.php?id=53 | email= | address=Shibpur | lat=22.560556 | long=88.286944 | directions= | phone=+91 33 67 32 31 35 | tollfree= | hours=Mar-Sep: 5AM-5:30PM; Oct-Feb: 5:30AM-5PM | price=foreigners: ₹50; Indians: ₹5 | wikidata=Q3346386 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=An extraordinary place of vivid nature under the smog filled sky of the city. You will value the silence that is only filled by some birds singing. The Great Banyan tree in the botanical garden boasts of having the largest canopy in the world. The British established the institution in 1786 as Indian Botanical Garden. }} * {{see | name=Belur Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=Belur | lat=22.6315 | long=88.3561 | directions=about {{km|4}} from Howrah railway station. You can travel there by bus, auto or taxi. It takes 20-25 min to get there and around 40 min to return, because this route is longer and becomes more congested. All modes of transportation are easily accessible from adjacent to the Howrah station area/Howrah bus stand. Local trains also go to Belur Math, but going by auto, bus or taxi is much better as they drop you off at the entrance of Belur Math. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q816234 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Belur Math is a monastery and the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Situated next to the Ganges one can sit on the banks of the Hooghly River during evening time and relax. Across the Hooghly River is the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes#See|Dakshineswar Temple]]. }} * {{See | image=HOWRAH BRIDGE from howrah station.jpg | name=Howrah Bridge | alt=Rabindra Setu | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.5851 | long=88.3469 | directions=Near Howrah station | phone= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The area around Howrah station and Howrah Bridge has grown as a world of its own, catering to the needs of a huge floating population. The 705-metre (2,313 ft) long Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge with a suspended span over the Hooghly River, commissioned in 1943, replacing the older pontoon bridge. This bridge frames the skyline of the riverfront. The ambience is as amicable and profound as the river that flows alongside. }} * {{see | image=Kolkata West gate.jpg | name=Kolkata West Gate | alt= | url= | email= | address=Salap | lat=22.61368 | long=88.275 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Based on the Brandenburg Gate in [[Berlin]], the gate is an entrance to the Kolkata West International City (KWIC), a satellite township in Howrah developed by Indonesia's Ciputra Group. }} * {{see | name=Nabanna | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shibpur | lat=22.5676 | long=88.3135 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15222967 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Despite Kolkata is declared as the capital of West Bengal, the administrative headquarters of the state government is in Howrah. }} * {{See | name=Nivedita Setu | alt=Second Vivekananda Bridge | url= | email= | address=Bally | lat=22.652286 | long=88.353258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Nivedita Setu is a cable-stayed bridge over the Hooghly River. It runs parallel to and around {{m|50}} downstream of Vivekananda Setu. }} * {{see | name=Rail Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Howrah railway station | lat=22.578693 | long=88.340445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56683370 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{see | image=Santragachi Lake - Howrah 2013-01-25 3597 to 3598 Combined.JPG | name=Santragachi Jheel | url= | email=| address=Santragachi, Howrah | lat=22.5820669 | long=88.283338 | directions={{km|7}} from Howrah station by train, or {{km|6}} from Kolkata via Vidyasagar Setu| phone=| fax=| hours= | price=| content=Santragachi Jheel is a large lake next to Santragachi railway station. This lake attracts a lot of migratory birds in the winter months, particularly in December and January, impart because migratory birds are avoiding destinations like the lakes in Alipore Zoo, Kolkata. Birds like Saras Crane from North America and Australia, and many other local migratory birds such as Cotton Pygmy Goose, and Comb Duck, are spotted here during this season. The lake area is owned by South Eastern Railway, though the Forest Department of West Bengal also looks after the place. Efforts are made by local residents, Forest Department and Railways to improve the environment for the birds. }} * {{See | name=Vidyasagar Setu | alt=Second Hooghly Bridge | url= | email= | address=Shibpur | lat=22.556944 | long=88.327778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=With a total length of {{m|823}}, Vidyasagar Setu is the longest cable–stayed bridge in India and one of the longest in Asia. It was built {{km|3.7}} south/downstream of the Howrah Bridge. The bridge was commissioned in 1992 }} * {{See | name=Vivekananda Setu | alt=Bally Bridge | url= | email= | address=Bally | lat=22.65319 | long=88.35326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The {{m|880}} long rail-cum-road bridge was built in 1932 as Willingdon Bridge and later renamed Vivekananda Setu. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Belilious Park | alt= | url=http://panchwatigroup.com/beliliouspark.php | email= | address=Tikiapara | lat=22.5951 | long=88.3279 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=10AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Howrah Maidan | alt= | url= | email= | address=RBC Rd | lat=22.58227 | long=88.33448 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Howrah Indoor Stadium | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shibpur | lat=22.58171 | long=88.30681 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65058968 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Buy== * It might be worth while to stroll down Howrah Maidan just for the excitement of a local market, busy with street shops selling anything from clothes, to pots, to fruits. By bus or taxi from Howrah station it will only take 10 minutes to get there. * {{buy | name=Avani Riverside Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/avaniriversidemall/ | email= | address=32 Jagat Banerjee Ghat Rd | lat=22.56301 | long=88.3231 | directions=on the way to Kolkata - from Prinsep Ghat Railway Station &mdash; {{km|1}} &mdash; take a trip to Dinobondhu College Bus Stop &mdash; {{km|0.5}} | phone=+91 33 3312-9000 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2289-5811 | hours=11AM–10PM | price=Free | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This three storey mall contains Eastern India's first PVR cinema hall. Large food court and many shops. }} ==Eat== Local foods you must try are egg, chicken and mutton roll. Howrah is known for its egg chicken roll, which is available anywhere for ₹25. You will not find these foods anywhere else in the world. Mutton Biryani is also worth a try, in Nizams or Arsalan. * {{eat | name=Kichukhhan | alt= | url= | email= | address=23/2/2, Bhagwan Chatterjee Ln, Kadamtala | lat=22.59195 | long=88.31632 | directions= | phone=+91 98300 88008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=₹200-250 for an average meal per person | lastedit=2018-07-09 | content=North Indian and Indo-Chinese. Their signature dish is mixed fried rice. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Rail Yatri Niwas | alt= | url= | email= | address=Howrah railway station | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 2660-1742 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹350 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Contains dormitory, single room, and double room accommodation. Show your ticket. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Howrah Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.thehowrahhotel.com/ | email=info@thehowrahhotel.com | address=1, Mukhram Kanoria Road | lat=22.585833 | long=88.341843 | directions=Adjacent to Howrah station | phone=+91 33 26413878, +91 33 26412149, +91 33 28490240 | tollfree= | checkin=24 hours | checkout= | price=₹550-₹650 | content=A heritage property, with a lot of character and one of the oldest hotels of Kolkata. Renowned for homey atmosphere and offers very neat and clean, airy rooms - one of the safest hotels in the locality, with cordial staff. Attached baths and cable TV. Five minutes walking distance from the railway station and bus stand. 5,000 sq ft garden. }} ===Mid-range=== ===Splurge=== *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Fortune Park Panchwati | alt= | url=http://www.fortunehotels.in/hotel/Kolkata-Fortune_Park_Panchwati.aspx | email=sales.fhp@fortunehotels.in | address=Kona Expressway, Howrah - 711403 | lat=22.593273 | long=88.270195 | directions=Near Santragachi, {{km|5}}. from Vidyasagar Toll Plaza in Howrah, 20 min travel from Esplanade. | phone=+91 33-39884444 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-39881222 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Standard Room ₹4,200, Fortune Club Room ₹5,000, Executive Suite ₹7,000 (Best Rates Price) | content=Nestled in a serene and tranquil atmosphere, Fortune Park Panchwati is a grand place. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Batai Post Office | alt= | url=http://www.indiapost.gov.in/ | email=| address=461, Sarat Chaterjee Road, Kazipara, Shalimar, Howrah | lat=22.5617 | long=88.3177| directions=at 'Santa Sing More' Bus Stop| phone= | hours= | price=| content=A Branch Office. }} ==Go next== *[[Kolkata]] *[[Hooghly]] {{geo|22.595770|88.263641|zoom=12}} {{IsPartOf|Greater Kolkata}} {{usablecity}} j07fgoy4mszf8w5y1baoivwjb6bv7zv 0 15288 4488032 4344955 2022-07-22T00:17:51Z Ground Zero 1423298 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Hutag-Ondor''' is a city in [[Bulgan (province)|Bulgan]] [[Aimag]] in [[Northern Mongolia|Northern]] [[Mongolia]]. ==Get in== By car ==Get around== ==See== [[Image:Hutagondor.jpg|thumb|Ruins of Baibalik]] * {{see | name=Ruins of Biibulagyn | alt=Baibalik | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.3966667| long=102.5530891 | directions=11 km west of the city | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-01-21 | content=Destroyed in 840. }} ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Buyantogtokh Supermarket | alt=Буянтогтох супер маркет-дэлгүүр | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.39353 | long=102.69436 | directions= | phone= +976 8000 4513 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== Restaurant in the Jiggur Hotel and also a second choice two buildings west of the hotel. ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Byalkham Undes Coffee Shop | alt=Бялхам Үндэс ТББ | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.4066 | long=102.69162 | directions= | phone=+976 9997 0687 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 07:00–21:00, Sa Su 10:00–20:00 | price= | content=The only coffee shop in town. }} ==Sleep== *'''Jiggur Hotel''', very nice accommodations in this new hotel. About US$10. *'''Camping''' is good in the area. The Selenga River is nearby. ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Northern Mongolia}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|49.3925|102.7025|zoom=13}} oi6cktx5ipryjrvwjyuv68leq0r2csd 0 16043 4487807 4380771 2022-07-21T16:03:59Z 73.192.14.21 /* Shopping districts */ Updated listing for Downtown - Landing does not exist anymore wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|JaxpanoAcostanarrow.jpg|disambig=yes}} '''[http://www.visitjacksonville.com/ Jacksonville]''' occupies one of the most coveted spots on the Atlantic coast. Set amongst abundant beaches and possessing an ideal subtropical climate, its crown jewel is the unique habitat and natural beauty of the St. Johns River. For this reason and more, "The River City" is a popular destination for vacationers looking for a laid-back Sunshine State escape. ==Understand== [[File:Jackson NEW.jpg|thumb|300px|Statue of Andrew Jackson, near the Jacksonville Landing]] The city is in the Northeast Florida region, about 25 miles (40 km) south of the Georgia state line and about 340 miles (547 km) north of Miami. Jacksonville is the largest city, by land area, in Florida in and the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968. That merger gave Jacksonville its great size and placed most of its larger metropolitan population within the city limits; with a population of 949,600, it is the most populous city in Florida, and the eleventh most populous in the United States. The surrounding Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area had a population of 1,504,980 in 2020. Simply put, Jacksonville is an authentic Floridian city. Its economy is diversified and not wholly based on tourism. Harbor improvements since the late 19th century have made Jacksonville a major military and civilian deep-water port. Its riverfront location facilitates two U.S. Navy bases and the Port of Jacksonville, Florida's third largest seaport. Significant industries in the local economy include services such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and logistics. Despite this, Jacksonville is still a city in Florida, and tourism is important to the area, particularly in regards to its historical, cultural, and environmental assets. Once holding the distinctions of "Insurance Capital of the South" and "Winter Film Capital of the World", and home to a formidable financial industry, this underrated cosmopolitan city is a composite of northern aesthetics and southern charm. A combination of rich architectural diversity, influential African-American ancestry, and substantial musical contributions have gifted Jacksonville an international appeal for its relatively small piece of the world. The city was listed as a "High sufficiency" world city in the World Cities Study Group's inventory, ranking alongside Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. ===History=== The area was first inhabited by the Timucua people, and in 1564 was the site of the French colony of Fort Caroline, one of the earliest European settlements in what is now the continental United States. Under British rule, settlement grew at the narrow point in the river where cattle crossed, known as Wacca Pilatka to the Seminole Native Americans and Cowford to the British. A platted town was established there in 1822, a year after the United States acquired the colony of Florida from Spain; it was named after Andrew Jackson, the first military governor of the Florida Territory and seventh President of the United States. ==Get in== {{mapframe|30.3275|-81.6596|zoom=10}} ===By plane=== *{{listing | type=go | name=Jacksonville International Airport | alt={{IATA|JAX}} | url=http://www.flyjacksonville.com/ | email= | address= | lat=30.4913 | long=-81.6839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jacksonville International Airport | image=Jacksonville Int'l.JPG | wikidata=Q1431579 |lastedit=2018-11-08| content=The primary commercial airport in Northeast Florida, with scheduled service offered by American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. The airport has one terminal building with two concourses. There are two areas for ground transportation, at the center front for taxis and area hotel shuttles, and at the north end for arranged ground transportation, including limousines, rental cars, intercity buses/shuttles, and local JTA city buses. Generally arriving one hour before a flight's scheduled departure is plenty of time, but during major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, allow one and a half to two hours. }} To travel between the city and JAX: *'''Local bus''' - Costing just a dolar, public transit from JAX to Downtown Jacksonville is provided by [http://www.jtafla.com/Schedules/showPage.aspx?Sel=155 JTA Route CT-3], every hour, picking up at Pre-Arranged Ground Transportation (north end of the terminal outside Baggage Carousel 1, lower level). Approximately one hour to the city center. *'''Gator City Taxi''' - Local taxi service, no reservation needed for arriving passengers. {{Phone|+1 904 999-9999}}. *'''[https://www.supershuttle.com/locations/jacksonville-jax/ Super Shuttle]''' - Offers shared ride, non-stop, and black car service to and from the airport. *'''[https://www.execucar.com/locations/jacksonville-car-service/ ExecuCar]''' - Private black car service to and from the airport, as well as around the city. *'''Lyft '''and''' Uber''' are authorized to pick up and drop off at JAX. ====Other airports==== '''[http://www.flynfra.com/ Northeast Florida Regional Airport]''' {{IATA|UST}}, formerly St. Augustine Airport, is four miles north of [[St. Augustine, Florida|St. Augustine]], and about 30 miles south of Jacksonville. The airport offers service from [[Trenton]], [[New Jersey]] on Frontier Airlines. No regular auto service is available to Jacksonville. Jacksonville has three general aviation airports: '''Cecil Field, Herlong,''' and '''Craig''' airports, all of which are administered by the [http://www.jaa.aero Jacksonville Aviation Authority] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By train=== Jacksonville is served by [http://www.amtrak.com '''Amtrak'''] via its daily [https://www.amtrak.com/routes/silver-service-palmetto-train.html ''Silver Meteor''] and [https://www.amtrak.com/routes/silver-service-palmetto-train.html ''Silver Star''] trains, providing connections from other destinations in [[Florida]] such as [[Orlando]] and [[Miami]], but also from cities as far north as [[New York City|New York]]. {{marker|type=go|name=Jacksonville Station|url=|lat=30.3655|long=-81.7240}} is located at 3570 Clifford Lane, approximately 5 miles northwest of downtown. ===By bus=== * {{go | name=Greyhound | alt= | url=https://www.greyhound.com | email= | address=(bus station) 1111 W Forsyth St Jacksonville, FL 32204 | lat=30.32968 | long=-81.67247 | directions=Forsyth & Stuart, couple blocks north of the old Jacksonville Terminal (Convention Center). It's also accessible via Exit 352B from I-95 NB and 353A (Cleveland St) from I-95 SB. | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24 hours | price= | lastedit=2018-05-10 | content=Service from Tallahassee (via Lake City); Miami (via Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, W Palm Beach, Ft Pierce); and from Savannah (via Brunswick, Jacksonville, St Augustine, Daytona Beach, Orlando). They also have once daily Jacksonvile-Miami route along the I-95 Corridor via Ft Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port St Lucie, Fort Pierce, Titusville, Daytona Beach, and points in between. From Savannah some buses continue west towards Atlanta while others continue north towards New York along I-95. Passengers transfer in [[Miami#By bus|Miami]] to continue to the Keys and in [[Orlando#By bus|Orlando]], [[Savannah]], [[Tallahassee#By bus|Tallahassee]], or Lake City to continue to other destinations. Check schedules. }} * {{listing | name=Megabus | alt= | url=http://us.megabus.com | email= | address=(bus station) 1111 West Forsyth St | lat= | long= | directions=Same station as Greyhound, Megabus boards at Bay 6 of the bus station. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=To and from trips for the cities of [[Atlanta]], Daytona Beach and [[Orlando]]. Once daily for Daytona and 3 times daily for Atlanta and for Orlando. Bus fares vary with day of the week. }} ===By ship=== * {{listing | type=go | name=JAXPORT Cruise Terminal | alt= | url=https://www.jaxport.com/cruise | email= | address=9810 August Dr | lat=30.4058 | long=-81.5757 | directions= | phone=+1 904 357-3006 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=JAXPORT Cruise Terminal | wikidata=Q6107742 | content=Jacksonville departures offers travelers a taste of a different kind of Florida city, before setting sail to more traditional destinations like Key West and the Bahamas. Low airfare and economical accommodations have made cruises from Jacksonville a popular choice. The Port of Jacksonville operates several facilities along the St. Johns River. It is the second largest point of entry for vehicles into the United States along with housing an active cruise terminal. }} ==Get around== [[File:Skywaytrain.JPG|thumb|300px|The Jacksonville Skyway connects the Southbank and Northbank districts of Downtown]] Jacksonville is sprawling with most of the city's more popular destinations not within walking distance of each other, with the exception of the city center. There, monorail service is free and connects the north and south banks of the river, offering travelers a great view of the city and an easy route to their destination. Most travelers to Jacksonville will want to venture out, see the beaches, shop and dine in its commercial districts, or visit historical sites and parks. This would be impossible or greatly hindered [[United States without a car|without a car]]. Unless you are planning on remaining at the beaches or the downtown area it can be time consuming to travel by bus, and too expensive by taxi. ===By public transit=== ====JTA==== The '''[http://www.jtafla.com Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)]''' operates the Skyway monorail system in the heart of Jacksonville, and a fairly extensive regional bus network. Rosa Parks Transit Station is the main transfer hub between systems. Nearly all bus lines, and both lines of the Skyway stop at Rosa Parks. The '''Skyway''' is a free automated people-mover system in downtown Jacksonville. Eight stations are located throughout the Northbank, Southbank, and LaVilla districts. The system is open to commuters M-F 6AM to 9PM. Extended hours vary with special events, check JTA's website if you are planning on traveling in downtown during the weekend. '''Bus''' frequency is between 30 minutes and an hour. Buses are reasonably comfortable, but JTA buses struggle with on-time performance. Buses do not run past midnight, and many bus routes stop running at around 8 or 9PM. All buses are linked via GPS to a central control system and stops are well-marked throughout the entire city. ===By taxi=== Taxi services are available, but expensive due to the sprawl of the city. Jacksonville is not New York City. Taxis are not readily available in every part of town, though they can be found at some downtown tourist destinations and central hotels. Service is also readily available at the airport. ===By car=== Given the huge area Jacksonville covers (largest city in the continental U.S.A.), cars are the only practical way of getting around. Lyft and Uber are well established in the city and by far the most practical and affordable mode of transportation if you don't have your own car. You must have a smartphone and their apps. Car rentals are also a convenient form of transportation for visitors, with local companies offering better prices but national chains offering more convenience vis-a-vis return policies and times. Car rental companies include: *'''[http://www.alamo.com/ Alamo Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-462-5266. *'''[https://www.avis.com/en/locations/us/fl/jacksonville Avis Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-331-1212. *'''[https://www.budget.com/en/locations/us/fl/jacksonville Budget Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-527-0700. *'''[http://www.dollar.com/ Dollar Rent A Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-800-3665. *'''[http://www.e-zrentacar.com E-Z Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-277-5171. *'''[http://www.enterprise.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car]''', Toll free: +1-800-261-7331. *'''[http://www.hertz.com Hertz Car Rental]''', Toll free: +1-800-654-3131. *'''[http://www.thrifty.com Thrifty]''', Toll free: +1-800-847-4389. *'''[https://www.paylesscar.com/en/locations/us/fl/jacksonville/jax Payless Car Rental]''', +1-904-741-4015. * {{go | name=EZ Airport Shuttle | alt= | url=https://www.ezshuttle.net | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904-741-3740 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-01-30 | content= }} ===By bike=== Biking has become a popular means of getting around in some of Jacksonville's central neighborhoods and districts, such as Riverside, Avondale, Murray Hill, San Marco, and downtown. Starting in Riverside, you can walk or bike down the Riverwalk to the Main St. Bridge, in downtown. Ride or walk over the bridge to access San Marco and its many shops and restaurants. Biking is a great way to enjoy the urban core's varied and beautiful architecture which is so easy to miss by car. ==See== [[File:HemmingPark.jpg|thumb|300px|View of Hemming Park looking toward the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and the Main Public Library.]] ===Landmarks=== * {{listing | type=see | name=City Hall (St. James Building) | alt= | url=http://www.prairieschooltraveler.com/html/fl/stjames/St.James.html | email= | address=117 West Duval St | lat=30.33 | long=-81.6591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7588435 | content=One of the most beautiful city halls in America and open to the public. The building was designed in Prairie School style by noted local architect Henry John Klutho. It was constructed as a department store in 1912, purchased by the city in 1993, and became the new city hall in 1997. The name was chosen by its investors, businessmen from Connecticut, the relevance being that Saint James is the patron Saint of travelers. The interior features a spectacular sunlit atrium with a dominating octagonal glass dome. The defining feature of the structure is the large abstract decorative cornices on the buildings exterior. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Florida Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.floridatheatre.com | email= | address=128 East Forsyth St | lat=30.3263 | long=-81.65576 | directions=at Newnan | phone=+1 904 355-5661 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q574145 | content=The Florida Theatre offers 200 cultural and entertainment events annually, bringing 250,000 people to Jacksonville's downtown every year. The restored theatre is recognized as one of the finest concert venues in the Southeast, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Florida Theatre has been Jacksonville's premier entertainment center since 1927. }} * {{see | name=Friendship Fountain | alt= | url=http://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-and-community-programming/parks/friendship-fountain | email= | address= | lat=30.32 | long=-81.6598 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Friendship Fountain | image=FFountainJax2011.jpg | wikidata=Q5504395 | content=Opened in 1965 as the world's largest and tallest fountain, it's capable of spraying 17,000 gallons (64,000 L) of water a minute to a height of 120 feet (37 m). The fountain and surrounding park are directly across from the Northbank and offer visitors some of the best views of the city. It is also adjacent to the Museum of Science and History and is part of the Southbank Riverwalk. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Main Street Bridge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.3224 | long=-81.6586 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6736098 | content=Opened in 1941, the bridge was the second crossing to be built over the St. Johns River. It is one of the most recognized structures in the city and offers visitors some of the best views of the downtown skyline. }} * {{see | name=Jacksonville Terminal | alt=Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center | url=http://www.jaxevents.com/venues/prime-f-osborn-iii-convention-center/ | email= | address= | lat=30.3278 | long=-81.6717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center | image=Oldstationjax.jpeg | wikidata=Q6118042 | content=Converted in 1986 into a convention center, Jacksonville Terminal once served as one of the busiest train stations in the South. Designed by famed architect Kenneth MacKenzie Murchison, the station exhibits Beaux-art features and is reminiscent of New York's Old Penn Station. }} * {{see | name=San Marco Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.sanmarcotheatre.com | email= | address=1996 San Marco Blvd | lat=30.303777 | long=-81.654425 | directions= | phone=+1 904 396-4845 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Cine San Marco.JPG | wikidata=Q42421166 | content=The oldest running first-run single-screen theatre in Jacksonville. Serving up your favorite beers, wine and food while you watch the movie. Fantastic midnight film series. }} ===Museums=== [[File:Cummer Museum, Jacksonville, FL, US (07).jpg|thumb|300px|Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens]] * {{see | name=Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens | alt= | url=https://www.cummermuseum.org/ | email= | address=829 Riverside Ave | lat=30.3149 | long=-81.6769 | directions= | phone=+1 904 356-6857 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu 10AM-9PM; W-Sa 10AM-4PM; Su noon-4PM | price=Adults $10; seniors, military, students $6; children 5 & under free | wikipedia=Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens | image=Jax FL Cummer Gardens msm01.jpg | wikidata=Q5194095 |lastedit=2018-11-06| content=An art museum and expansive formal garden set alongside the Jacksonville waterfront. Features primarily European and American paintings as well as a large collection of early Meissen porcelain. Pricing notes: Admission is free to all on the first Saturday of every month; college students free Tuesday through Friday. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum | alt= | url=https://karpeles.com/museums/jax.php | email= | address=101 West 1st St | lat=30.3368 | long=-81.6568 | directions= | phone=+1 904 356-2992 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM - 3PM, Sa 10AM - 4PM, closed on holidays | price=Free | wikipedia=Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum (Jacksonville) | image=Karpeles Museum.JPG | wikidata=Q6373297 | lastedit=2020-02-03 | content=Notable collections include the original proposal draft of The Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation Amendment to the Constitution, signed by Lincoln, the Justification letter which accompanied the Declaration of Independence, the Final Declaration of Allegiance Treaty, signed by every Indian tribe in the U.S. and the President, the original drafts of the Constitutions of France, Spain, Mexico, and Ireland, and the Thanksgiving Proclamation. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville | alt=MOCA | url=http://mocajacksonville.unf.edu/ | email= | address=333 North Laura St | lat=30.3293 | long=-81.6586 | directions=Downtown | phone=+1 904 366-6991 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu W F Sa 11AM-5PM; Th 11AM-9PM, Su noon-5PM | price=Adults $8; seniors, military, students, children (2-12) $5 | wikipedia=Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville | image=Jax FL Museum of Contemp Art02.jpg | wikidata=Q3329582 |lastedit=2018-11-06| content=This museum is located downtown in the historic Western Union Telegraph Building across from Hemming Park and presents a large number of innovative contemporary art exhibits created by regional, national and international artists. Pricing notes: Free admission between 5PM and 9PM on the first Wednesday of each month, and to college students between 1:30PM and 5PM Tuesday through Friday. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Science & History | alt=MOSH | url=http://www.themosh.org | email= | address=1025 Museum Circle | lat=30.3195 | long=-81.6599 | directions= | phone=+1 904 396-6674 | tollfree= | fax=+1 904 396-5799 | hours=M-Th 10AM-5PM; F 10AM-8PM; Sa 10AM-6PM; Su noon-6PM | price=Adult $15; senior, military, student, youth, teacher, young adult $12 | wikipedia=Museum of Science and History | image=MOSHJAXFL2012.jpg | wikidata=Q6941013 |lastedit=2018-11-06| content=Also known as the "MOSH" by locals, the museum has many interesting science exhibits, and some interesting information about local history. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Ritz Theatre and Museum | alt= | url=http://www.ritzjacksonville.com/ | email= | address=829 N Davis St | lat=30.33505 | long=-81.66688 | directions= | phone=+1 904 807-2010 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7336924 | content=A cultural museum showcasing the people and places that flourished within the Jacksonville African American community during the Jim Crow era. }} * {{see | name=University of North Florida Gallery of Art | alt= | url=http://www.unf.edu/gallery/ | email= | address=4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd | lat=30.26975 | long=-81.50733 | directions= | phone=+1 904 620-2534 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=M W Th 9AM-5PM; Tu 9AM-7PM, F 9AM-3PM. Features several exhibitions each year including regional and national artists and UNF faculty and student art. }} ===Neighborhoods=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Downtown | alt= | url=http://www.downtownjacksonville.org | email= | address= | lat=30.3194 | long=-81.66 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5303468 | content=The central business district of Jacksonville, on the St. Johns River. Five districts make up the entirety of the area. The Northbank is the district most commonly associated with downtown. It houses many of the city's largest and most historic structures, as well as serving as the government and financial center for the region. Across the river, Southbank has its lions share of iconic buildings and parks. Most notably its home to the Museum of Science and History and Friendship Fountain. LaVilla and Brooklyn are popular upcoming areas just west of the Northbank. Last but not least, the Sports Complex is a large area to the east of the Northbank, housing TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville Veteran Arena, Metropolitan Park, and the Baseball Grounds. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Riverside | alt= | url=http://www.riverside-avondale.com/ | email= | address= | lat=30.3149 | long=-81.6901 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7338641 | lastedit=2020-06-17 | content=About a mile southwest of downtown on the banks of the St. Johns River, this neighborhood was built primarily between 1910 and 1930 and features a variety of historic homes, churches and apartment buildings. It has as its commercial center eclectic Five Points which features both unique retail and dining all in a bohemian atmosphere. Also notable in the neighborhood is Memorial Park which is situated near Five Points adjacent to the River. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. and has as its centerpiece a statue of Winged Victory as a memorial to the dead of World War I. To visit this area from downtown, take Jefferson Street which becomes Riverside Avenue. }} * {{see | name=Avondale | alt= | url=http://www.riverside-avondale.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Along the St. Johns River just southwest of and adjacent to Riverside, was built during the 1920s Florida land boom as "Riverside's Residential Ideal". The stately historic houses here were constructed in a variety of architectural styles, including Tudor, Georgian Revival, Prairie, Shingle, Mediterranean Revival and Bungalow. The commercial heart of the neighborhood is known as the Shops of Avondale which are along St. Johns Avenue between Talbot and Dancy Streets. Here, there are many upscale dining and shopping opportunities. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Springfield | alt= | url=http://www.sparcouncil.org/ | email= | address= | lat=30.3444 | long=-81.6552 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7580928 | content=Just north or downtown is a historic neighborhood with architecture varying from Victorian and Craftsmen to Colonial Revival and Prairie School. Characterized by large porches, iconic city parks, and immersed in a blanketing oak canopy, Springfield is quickly becoming a hot spot for any traveler looking for an authentic taste of Jacksonville. }} ===Parks and outdoors=== [[File:JXBeachSun.JPG|thumb|300px|Jacksonville Beach Pier]] * '''Beaches''' - Jacksonville is on the Atlantic Ocean, and has a thriving beach culture, but not as packed or as crowded as the beaches in south Florida. Three cities within Duval county occupy most of the coastal real estate: Atlantic Beach, [[Neptune Beach]], and [[Jacksonville Beach]]. * '''City parks:''' ** {{listing | type=see | name=Hemming Park | alt= | url=http://www.hemmingpark.org/ | email= | address= | lat=30.3292 | long=-81.6592 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hemming Park | wikidata=Q5712431 | content=A block-sized park in the center of Jacksonville's downtown. Named for Confederate veteran Charles C. Hemming, who in 1898 donated to the City the Confederate monument which was the focal point of the park. The statue was removed by the City in June 2020. The park is surrounded by Jacksonville's City Hall, the United States Courthouse, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the public Main Library for Jacksonville, the former Snyder Memorial Church and various restaurants. Step inside City Hall, which is a restored department store built in 1912 and designed in the prairie style by noted local architect Henry John Klutho, and take a look at the large, sunlit atrium which dominates the interior of the structure. The downtown Main Library opened in 2005 and is the largest Main Library in the state of Florida. The postmodern structure was designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern and features a Grand Reading Room and a quiet Courtyard for outdoor reading. }} ** {{listing | type=see | name=Memorial Park | alt= | url=http://memparkjax.org/ | email=info@memparkjax.org | address=1620 Riverside Ave | lat=30.3292 | long=-81.6592 | directions=between Margaret Street and Memorial Park Drive | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6815481 | lastedit=2020-05-20 | content=Perhaps the most iconic city park in all of Florida, it was designed by the renowned Olmsted Brothers who also designed many other national and city parks, including [[Yosemite]]. The park is located in the historic neighbourhood of Riverside, near the 5 Points area. It is located along the banks of the St. Johns River and houses the statue known as ''Life'' which now has become associated with Riverside in general. Totally worth a gander. }} * {{see | name=Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | alt= | url=http://www.jaxzoo.org | email= | address= | lat=30.4041 | long=-81.6433 | directions= | phone=+1 904 757-4463 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | image=Jacksonville Zoo Asian Bamboo Garden.jpg | wikidata=Q3157440 | content=Hosts more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. It is constantly growing and changing and always a pleasurable experience. }} * {{see | name=Riverwalk | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jacksonville Riverwalks | wikidata=Q6118016 | content=A scenic walk system along the north and south shores of the St. John's River. It's a great place for a date. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/timu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904-641-7155 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ** {{see | name=Fort Caroline National Memorial | alt= | url=https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/foca.htm | email= | address= | lat=30.3869 | long=-81.5006 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fort Caroline | image=Jacksonville_FL_Fort_Caroline_Natl_Mem_recon_gate02.jpg | wikidata=Q1438483 | content=The original French fort, destroyed by Spanish troops from St. Augustine, now lies somewhere beneath the St. John's River. A modern recreation stands on the riverbank with a museum dedicated to the first settlements by the French in the area. }} ** {{see | name=Kingsley Plantation | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/timu/historyculture/kp.htm | email= | address= | lat=30.438333 | long=-81.438056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kingsley Plantation | image=KingsleyPlantationSunset2.jpg | wikidata=Q6413337 | content=A well-preserved Southern plantation on Fort George Island. Well worth the trip to see. }} ** {{see | name=Machaba Balu Preserve | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.451944 | long=-81.767778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Machaba Balu Preserve | wikidata=Q48977313 | content=Consist of a collection of sites within Timucuan's vast area. The salt march looks much as it did 500 years ago and is a haven of wildlife and biodiversity. The properties are under the management of the Nature Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service. }} ** {{see | name=Theodore Roosevelt Area | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A nature preserve adjacent to the Fort Caroline Memorial. Donated by Willie Browne, the land sits on a marshy patch of riverfront property and offers visitors a taste of "Old Florida". }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Little Talbot Island State Park | alt= | url=https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Little-Talbot-Island | email= | address=12157 Heckscher Dr | lat=30.4519 | long=-81.4189 | directions= | phone=+1 904-251-2320 | tollfree= | hours=8AM-sundown | price=$5/vehicle, Camping $24/night | wikipedia=Little Talbot Island State Park | image=Little Talbot Island - Myrtle Creek.jpg | wikidata=Q6652157 | lastedit=2020-05-20 | content= }} * {{see | name=Big Talbot Island State Park | alt= | url=https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Big-Talbot-Island | email= | address= | lat=30.4831 | long=-81.44 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Big Talbot Island State Park | image=Unique_hardpan_formations-Blackrock_Beach.jpg | wikidata=Q4906501 | lastedit=2016-01-03 | content= }} ==Do== ===Events=== * {{do | name=Jacksonville Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://jacksonvillejazzfest.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Jazz festival featuring major names in jazz as well as local and up-and-coming jazz artists. }} * {{do | name=Main Street Cruise | alt= | url= | email= | address=1st St. to 12th St. on Main St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=4th Saturday of every month | price= | content=A surreal experience and a fun time, this old school cruise is like stepping into the 1970s movie ''American Graffiti''. Poodle dresses, classic music, and an endless array of cars. }} * {{do | name=Springing the Blues | alt= | url=http://www.springingtheblues.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Florida's largest free outdoor blues festival. }} * {{do | name=Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival | alt= | url=http://www.shrimpfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fernandina Beach, on Amelia Island (about 35 miles from Jacksonville), holds an annual festival every summer, the highlight of which is a mock pirate invasion terrorizing the locals. Additional Awards go to the biggest drunken pirate who plunders the most booty. And there is also the world famous wet wench contest. }} * {{do | name=Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Air show location alternates each year between Jacksonville Beach and Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The Blue Angels are typically the main event to close the show. }} * {{do | name=World Arts Film Festival | alt= | url=http://worldartsfilmfestival.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May 15–17 | price= | wikidata=Q33061446 | content=The World Arts Film Festival is an event showcasing a diverse array of filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds. The central theme is a global message of inclusion through the arts and education. }} * {{do | name=JaxFlow | alt= | url=http://jaxflow.weebly.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A spin jam group local to Jacksonville. They spin various flow toys, such as hula hoops and fire poi in various parks and at nightlife spots all over Jacksonville. }} * {{do | name=One Spark | alt=creator innovation day conference | url=http://onespark.com/ | email= | address=Downtown Jacksonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One Spark is an annual event for creators of all kinds. Artists, entrepreneurs and innovators display projects in different downtown venues each year. It offers the opportunity to get involved, be inspired, connect and collaborate. It connects people with great ideas to the resources they need to make them come true. Participants get the chance to pitch their idea to the voting public for a possible cash prize and a chance to make their project a reality. }} *{{do | name=Riverside Arts Market | alt= | url=https://riversideartsmarket.com/ | email= | address=715 Riverside Ave | lat=30.3152 | long=-81.6772 | directions=Riverside Ave. under the Fuller Warren Bridge | phone=+1 904 389-2449 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Riverside Arts Market | image=Riverside_Arts_Market_I-95_Canopy.jpg | wikidata=Q39053627 | content=More than 100 vendors offer handmade art, specialty foods, farmers' market, and a variety of entertainment. Open every Saturday, March through December, "RAM" is Jacksonville's Premiere Outdoor Arts & Entertainment venue! }} * {{do | name=Jacksonville Pride | alt=River City Pride | url=http://www.rivercitypride.com/ | email= | address=Five Points in Riverside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Activities are usually centered in the Riverside neighborhood, The festival and parade are family friendly and feature friends and supporters of the gay community in Jacksonville. Late nights are whatever you make of them. Jacksonville offers a wonderful nightlife with a host of events at area gay bars and regular bars alike. }} ===Sports=== *{{do | name=Adventure Landing | alt= | url=http://www.adventurelanding.com/parks/jacksonville-blanding/ | email= | address= | lat=30.2544 | long=-81.7417 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small amusement park that includes an arcade, food, water park, mini golf, laser tag, a roller coaster, and go-karts. }} *{{do | name=Jacksonville Jaguars | alt= | url=http://www.jaguars.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jacksonville Jaguars | wikidata=Q272223 | content=Jacksonville's NFL team. Catch one of their home games during [[American Football|football]] season in the fall. }} * {{do | name=Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp | alt= | url=http://www.jaxshrimp.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-904 358-2846 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Jacksonville's Triple-A Minor League baseball team. Tickets are cheap and the view is good at 121 Financial Ballpark. Military active/retired $5 tickets. }} * '''[https://www.jacksonvilleicemen.com/#tab_statistics-players-leaders=forwards&tab_standings-groups-leaders-conference-eastern=south&tab_standings-groups-leaders-conference-western=conference&tab_standings-groups-leaders=eastern Jacksonville Ice Men]'''. Jacksonville’s AA Minor league hockey team affiliated with the NHL. Cheap tickets and great hockey action at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. *{{do | name=Jacksonville Sharks | alt= | url=http://www.jaxsharks.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2018-02-16| content=Jacksonville's Arena Football team. Winner of Arena Bowl XXIV in 2011 and the inaugural NAL Championship in 2017. }} *{{do | name=The Player's Championship | alt= | url=https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/the-players-championship/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you like golf, Jacksonville is second only to Augusta. The TPC is held each spring in Ponte Vedra, a coastal suburb of Jacksonville. }} *{{do | name=Gate River Run | alt= | url=http://www.gate-riverrun.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the top running events in the US. The most participant 15K race with purse money large enough to attract professional runners from all over the world. }} *{{do | name=The Mug Race | alt= | url=http://www.rudderclub.com/mug.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Pursuit Start sailboat race on St. Johns River. The world's largest river race, boaters start at the Memorial Bridge in Palatka and end at the Buckman Bridge in Jacksonville. }} ==Buy== [[File:Jacksonville San Marco Square.JPG|thumb|300px|San Marco Square]] ===Shopping districts=== * {{buy | name=Downtown | alt= | url=http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/locations/lc-25-downtown-jacksonville-shopping.aspx | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-02-08 | content=Laura Street near Adams offers a few shops and a lovely atmosphere. Adams Street at Ocean and Bay Street at Market also have some interesting places to visit. }} *{{buy | name=Five Points |alt=| url=http://5pointsjax.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-02-08| content=A shopping district on the western edge of the Riverside neighborhood. Home to Riverside Park, Memorial Park, and the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens, this area attracts an eclectic group of locals and is a haven for trendy shops and hip bars. }} * {{buy | name=San Marco Square |alt=| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-02-08| content=A good used book store, shops, galleries, restaurants, and a Peterbrooke chocolate shop make up this small shopping area. The Grotto, a nice upscale wine store with a small seating area, is very popular. }} * {{buy | name=Shoppes of Avondale | alt= | url=http://www.shoppesofavondale.com/home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-02-08| content=Specialty shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants line these few blocks. }} ===Shopping malls=== *{{buy | name=St. John's Town Center | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/st-johns-town-center | email= | address= | lat=30.2578 | long=-81.5253 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=St. Johns Town Center | image=StJohnsTCJax.jpg | wikidata=Q7589027 |lastedit=2019-02-08| content=Near the intersection of Butler Blvd and the I-295 Beltway, this is an open-air mall sprawled over a large area. Lots of shopping and fine dining options, it's hands down one of the most popular and most visited malls in North Florida. }} *{{buy | name=The Avenues Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/Mall/?id=124 | email= | address=10300 Southside Blvd. | lat=30.1847 | long=-81.5541 | directions= | phone=+1 904 363-3054 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-9PM | price= | wikipedia=The Avenues (shopping mall) | wikidata=Q7715032 | content=In Jacksonville's Southside neighborhood, the Avenues is one of the more popular enclosed malls in town. It offers a wide array of stores and most of the one you'd come to expect in a mall setting. |lastedit=2019-02-08}} ===Specialty stores=== * {{buy | name=Black Creek Outfitters | alt= | url=http://www.blackcreekoutfitters.com/ | email= | address=10051 Skinner Lake Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 645-7003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10AM – 8PM, Sa 10AM – 6PM, Su 11AM – 6PM | price= | content=Outdoor gear store focused on camping and kayaking. Offers kayak sales and rentals. }} * {{buy | name=Jacksonville Farmers Market | alt= | url=http://jaxfarmersmarket.com/ | email= | address=1810 West Beaver St. | lat= | long= | directions=near the corner of Stockton | phone=+1 904 354-2821 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-6PM | price= | content=Established in 1938, the farmers market is the oldest in the state. Operating much as farmers markets have for hundreds of years, it offers a unique shopping experience in a festive outdoor market. }} * {{buy | name=J. Johnson Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.jjohnsongallery.com | email= | address=177 4th Avenue North | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 435-3200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 10AM-5PM, Sa noon-5PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Stellers Gallery | alt= | url=http://stellersgallery.com | email= | address=1409 San Marco Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 396-9492 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-3PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sweet Pete's | alt= | url=http://www.sweetpetescandy.com/ | email= | address=400 N Hogan Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 376-7161 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 9AM-4PM, Tu-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 10AM-5PM | price= | content= Unique candy store in downtown Jacksonville }} ==Eat== ===Downtown=== * {{eat | name=BB's | alt= | url= | email= | address=1019 Hendricks Ave | lat=30.3158 | long=-81.6546 | directions= | phone=+1 904 306-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has good appetizers, desserts, and a good beer and wine selection. The mushroom and bacon pizza is wonderful. The food is great, but it can get somewhat loud; not the place to go for a quiet conversation. }} * {{eat | name=Brick Coffee House | alt= | url=http://brickcoffeehouse.com/ | email= | address=214 N. Hogan St | lat= | long= | directions=Ed Ball Building Adams St Entrance | phone=+1 904 354-9945 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-03 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Burrito Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.burritogallery.com/ | email=eat@burritogallery.com | address=21 East Adams St | lat=30.3277 | long=-81.6568 | directions=between Main and Ocean | phone=+1 904 598-2922 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$8-10 | content=This restaurant has become an integral part of Jacksonville's art scene. Rotating exhibits keep the atmosphere fresh while the kitchen keeps your belly full. }} * {{eat | name=The Candy Apple Cafe | alt= | url=http://candyapplecafeandcocktails.com/ | email= | address=400 North Hogan St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 353-9717 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Chamblin's Uptown Cafe | alt= | url=http://downtownjacksonville.org/locations/l-168-chamblins-uptown-caf.aspx | email= | address=215 N. Laura St | lat=30.3285 | long=-81.6588 | directions=between Adams and Monroe | phone=+1 904 674-0870 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-26 | content=Good vegetarian selection. }} * {{eat | name=Chomp Chomp | alt=Chomp² | url=http://www.downtownjacksonville.org/locations/l-508-chomp-chomp.aspx {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=106 W Adams St. | lat= | long= | directions=between Ocean and Newnan | phone=+1 904 762-4667 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$6-8 | content=A small eat-in with a diverse menu. }} * {{eat | name=Indochine | alt= | url=http://www.indochinejax.com/index.php/indochine/ | email= | address=21 E Adams St| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 598-5303| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Jenkins Quality Barbecue | alt= | url=http://www.jenkinsqualitybarbecue.com/ | email=info@jenkinsqualitybarbecue.com | address=830 Pearl St | lat= | long= | directions=between State and Union | phone=+1 904 353-6388 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Magnificat Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.themagnificatcafe.net/ | email= | address=231 N Laura St | lat=30.3287 | long=-81.6587 | directions= | phone=+1 904 353-3588 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=French cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Olio | alt= | url=http://www.oliomarket.com/#fooddifferent | email= | address=301 E. Bay St | lat=30.3255 | long=-81.6542 | directions=corner of Market and Bay | phone=+1 904 356-7100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-03 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Pho A Noodle Bar | alt= | url=http://www.phoanoodlebar.com/ | email= | address=117 West Adams St. | lat= | long= | directions=between Hogan and Laura | phone=+1 904 353-0320 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-27 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Super Food and Brew | alt= | url=http://www.superfoodandbrew.com/ | email=info@superfoodandbrew.com | address=11 E. Forsyth St | lat=30.3271 | long=-81.6575 | directions=corner of Forsyth and Main | phone=+1 904 723-1180 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Zodiac Bar and Grill | alt= | url=http://zodiacbarandgrill.com/ | email=zodiacgrill120@gmail.com | address=120 W Adams St | lat=30.3281 | long=-81.6598 | directions=between Laura and Hogan | phone=+1 904 354-8283 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=Mediterranean cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Ruth's Chris Steak House | alt= | url=http://www.ruthschris.com/restaurant-locations/jacksonville/ | email= | address=1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207 | lat=30.3203 | long=-81.658 | directions= | phone=+1 904 396-6200 | tollfree= | hours=5PM-10PM (9PM on Sundays) | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=Corn-fed, custom-aged Midwestern beef in a lively atmosphere, complete with beautiful views of the St. John's River and a happening bar area. }} ===Riverside=== * {{eat | name=Al's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=1620 Margaret St | lat=30.3122 | long=-81.681 | directions= | phone=+1 904 388-8384 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-23 | content=Also near Intracoastal West at 14286 Beach Blvd. +1 904 223-0991 and the original location at 303 Atlantic Blvd. in Atlantic Beach +1 904 249-0002. }} * {{eat | name=13 Gypsies | alt= | url=http://www.13gypsies.com/ | email=13g@13gypsies.com | address=887 Stockton St | lat=30.3151 | long=-81.6891 | directions=at College | phone=+1 904 389-0330 | tollfree= | fax=+1 904 389-0220 | hours= | price= | content=Firmly rooted in tradition, this restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine made fresh daily. }} ===Avondale=== * {{eat | name=Brick Restaurant | alt= | url=http://brickofavondale.com/ | email= | address=3585 St. Johns Ave | lat=30.2967 | long=-81.7042 | directions= | phone=+1 904 387-0606 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Creative menu with good food; on a street with lots of shops. Outside dining is available. }} * {{eat | name=Biscotti's | alt= | url= | email= | address=3556 St. Johns Ave | lat=30.297 | long=-81.7033 | directions= | phone=+1 904 387-2060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Cool atmosphere with delicious, interesting food. Take a look at the desserts in the display case. They taste even better than they look. }} ===Springfield=== * {{eat | name=¡Hola! | alt= | url=http://holamexicanrestaurant.com/ | email=manager@holamexicanrestaurant.com | address=1001 N Main St | lat=30.3352 | long=-81.6553 | directions=corner of Main and Phelps | phone=+1 904 356-3100 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$10-12 | content=Authentic Mexican restaurant located on Confederate Park in the beautiful neighborhood of Springfield. }} * {{eat | name=Chan's Chinese | alt= | url= | email= | address=1508 N Main St | lat= | long= | directions=corner of 5th and Main | phone=+1 904 358-2808 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-26 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Island Tropics | alt= | url=http://www.islandtropics.net/4801.html {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=2527 N Main St | lat= | long= | directions= corner of 16th and Main | phone=+1 904 355-9050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-18 | content=Caribbean cuisine }} * {{eat | name=Wafaa & Mike's Cafe | alt= | url=http://eatdrinkjax.com/reviews/wafaa--mikes-cafe.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=1544 N Main St | lat= | long= | directions=corner of 6th and Main | phone=+1 904 683-8313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-18 | content=Middle-eastern cuisine }} ===San Marco=== * {{eat | name=The Loop Pizza Grill | alt= | url=http://www.looppizzagrill.com/ | email= | address= | lat=30.2631 | long=-81.5268 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Restaurant chain that started in Jacksonville. Good burgers, pizza, salads, onion rings, milk shakes, etc. Several locations in Jacksonville. }} * {{eat | name=Metro Diner | alt= | url=http://metrodiner.com/ | email= | address=3302 Hendricks Ave. | lat= | long= | directions=at Inwood Terrace | phone=+1 904 438-3321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 6:30AM-2:30PM | price= | content=A popular breakfast spot for locals. }} ===Southside=== * {{eat | name=St. Johns Seafood & Steaks | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Several locations in Jacksonville. Just what it sounds like, a variety of seafood and steak with all the trimmings. Make sure to have grits as a side. }} * '''Gene's Seafood'''. Several locations in Jacksonville. The usual fried shrimp, fish, etc. in addition to delicious entrees like stuffed flounder. Consistently delicious. * {{eat | name=Havana-Jax Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.havanajax.com/ | email= | address=2578 Atlantic Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 399-0609 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Delicious Cuban food. Most dinners come with rice, black beans, and plantains. Very good flan. }} * {{eat | name=The Madrid | alt= | url= | email= | address=11233 Beach Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 642-3741 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Caribbean and Cuban cuisine. Everything is delicious. }} * {{eat | name=Grinder's Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=10230 Atlantic Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 725-2712 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ste 8-9. One of the very few "down home" southern food restaurants in Jacksonville. Very friendly atmosphere with a wide selection of southern specialties. }} * {{eat | name=Clark's Fish Camp | alt= | url=http://www.clarksfishcamp.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=12903 Hood Landing Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 268-3474 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A local favorite with lots of atmosphere. If you are a vegetarian, you might not enjoy this restaurant. Try the Fish Camp Platter or the Prime Rib, you'll be glad you did. Great place to take the kids. }} ===Beaches=== * {{eat | name=Angies Subs at Jax Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=1436 Beach Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 246-2519 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Jacksonville Beach, When seen from the street you may think twice about eating there, but the large number of cars outside shows that it is a great favorite of the locals. For enjoying the best subs and experiencing local beach flavor, a visit here is a must. Lunch time is peak time and may be crowded. Hours are 11 to 8PM Monday through Saturday. }} * {{eat | name=Beach Hut Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=1281 Third Street South | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 249-3516 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Jacksonville Beach. This is where locals go for breakfast. Weekend mornings are very busy. }} ==Drink== ===Adult beverages=== ====Downtown==== * {{drink | name=1904 Music Hall | alt= | url=http://www.1904musichall.com/ | email=Booking@1904musichall.com | address=19 N. Ocean St. | lat= | long= | directions=between Bay and Forsyth | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= Beer and wine only. It does offer great local music and a great atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=Dos Gatos | alt= | url=http://www.dosgatosjax.com/ | email= | address=123 E. Forsyth St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 354-0666| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content=Full bar. A nice place to dress up and go out to. Great selection of cocktails. }} * {{drink | name=Underbelly | alt= | url=http://underbellylive.com/ | email=booking@underbellylive.com | address=113 E. Bay St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 699-8186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Downtown Cigar Lounge | alt= | url=http://downtowncigarlounge.com/# | email=info@downtowncigarlounge.com | address=11 N. Ocean St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 353-4411 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Volstead | alt= | url=http://thevolsteadjax.com/ | email= | address=115 West Adams St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 414-3171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Mavericks | alt= | url=http://www.mavericksatthelanding.com/ | email= | address=2 Independent Drive | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 356-1110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Burro Bar | alt= | url=http://burrobarjax.com/ | email= | address=100 E. Adams St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} ====Five Points==== * {{drink | name=Birdies | alt= | url=http://www.birdiesfivepoints.com/ | email=Birdiesfivepoints@gmail.com | address=1044 Park St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 356-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Rain Dogs | alt= | url= | email= | address=1045 Park St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 379-4969 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wall Street Deli and Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=1050 Park St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 355-6969 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Black Sheep | alt= | url=http://blacksheep5points.com/ | email= | address=1534 Oak St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 380-3091 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} ====King Street==== * {{drink | name=Kickbacks Gastropub | alt= | url=http://www.kickbacksgastropub.com/ | email= | address=910 King St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 388-9551 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Garage | alt= | url=http://www.garagejax.com/ | email=info@kingstreetdistrict.com | address=2692 Post St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Rogue | alt= | url=http://www.roguejax.com/ | email=info@kingstreetdistrict.com | address=927 King St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Loft | alt= | url=http://www.loftjax.com/ | email=info@kingstreetdistrict.com | address=925 King St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Blind Rabbit | alt= | url=http://theblindrabbitwhiskeybar.com/ | email= | address=901 King Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 337-0146 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Park Place Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=931 King St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 389-6616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} ====Springfield==== * {{drink | name=Shantytown Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=22 W 6th St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 798-8222 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= 1 mile north of downtown in Jacksonville's historic Springfield, this hole-in-the-wall bar offers hundreds of beers and boasts a spacious backyard which hosts barbecues once a week. }} * {{drink | name=Uptown Kitchen and Bar | alt=Uptown Market | url= | email= | address=1303 N Main St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 355-0734 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Birdhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=1827 N Pearl St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-08-16 | content= }} ====Beaches==== * {{drink | name=Lynch's Irish Pub | alt= | url= | email= | address=514 N. First St, Jacksonville Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A well known Irish pub in Jacksonville Beach. Many good imported pints on tap, with live music, and a raucous atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=Pete's Bar | url= | email= | address=117 1st Street, Neptune Beach, FL | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Cheap beer and 25 cent pool. One of the oldest bars in Jacksonville. It is definitely a staple at the beaches. Opened the day prohibition was repealed. }} * {{drink | name=Culhane's Irish Pub | url=http://www.culhanesirishpub.com | email= | address=967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, Fl 32233 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Featured on ''Diners, Drive-ins & Dives''. }} ===Coffee=== * {{drink | name=Bold Bean Coffee Roasters | alt= | url=https://boldbeancoffee.com/ | email= | address=1905 Hendricks Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904-619-9460 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6:30AM-7PM, Sa Su 7AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-08 | content=Urban coffee shop with great coffee, many choices, and a relaxing upbeat environment. }} * {{drink | name=Good Chi Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.goodchicoffee.com/ | email= | address=8789 San Jose Blvd # 101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904-514-9000 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-6PM, Sa Su 8AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-08 | content=Good Chi Coffee is a fun coffee shop with great staff, amazing coffee, and tasty pastries. }} * {{drink | name=Vagabond Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.vagabondcoffee.com/ | email= | address=934 Edgewood Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904-329-1672 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 6:30AM-8PM, Sunday 8AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2021-04-08 | content=Vagabond Coffee is a wonderful coffee shop with amazing coffee and staff. It is a great place to get work done. }} ==Sleep== There are also places to stay in [[Amelia Island]] and [[Jacksonville Beach]]. ===Budget=== *{{sleep | name=Springhill Suites Jacksonville Airport | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxjk-springhill-suites-jacksonville-airport/ | email= | address=13550 Airport Ct | lat=30.4818 | long=-81.6553 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-599-8636 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=An all-suite hotel property. Free hot breakfast, courtesy airport shuttle and free Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Residence Inn Jacksonville Butler Boulevard | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxri-residence-inn-jacksonville-butler-boulevard/ | email= | address=10551 Deerwood Park | lat=30.2488851 | long=-81.5409234 | directions= | phone=+1 904 996-8900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price= | lastedit=2015-04-02 | content=Offers extended stay accommodations with full size kitchens. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet and free WiFi provided. }} * {{sleep | name=SpringHill Suites Jacksonville | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxsh-springhill-suites-jacksonville/ | email= | address=4385 Southside Blvd | lat=30.26707399999999 | long=-81.55681299999998 | directions= | phone=+1 904 997-6650 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price= | lastedit=2015-04-06 | content=All suite accommodations offering free Internet and hot buffet breakfast daily. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Amelia Island Surf & Racquet Club | alt= | url=http://www.surfandracquet.com | email= | address=4800 Amelia Island Parkway | lat= | long= | directions=Amelia Island | phone=+1 904 261-0511 | tollfree=+1-800-323-2001 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Resort with condo rentals, oceanfront views, family vacations. }} * {{sleep | name=One Ocean Resort | alt= | url=http://www.oneoceanresort.com/ | email=sales@oneoceanresort.com | address=One Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 249-7402 | tollfree=+1-800-874-6000 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Atlantic Beach Hotel at the Jacksonville Beaches offers a turn-down service, oceanfront views and wireless Internet. }} *{{sleep | name=Courtyard Jacksonville Mayo Clinic/Beaches | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxmc-courtyard-jacksonville-mayo-clinic-beaches/ | email= | address=14390 Mayo Blvd | lat= | long= | directions=on the campus of the Mayo Clinic | phone=+1 904 223-1700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$109-120 | content=Features a state-of-the-art lobby and stylish guest rooms. }} *{{sleep | name=Residence Inn Jacksonville Baymeadows | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxbm-residence-inn-jacksonville-baymeadows/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=8365 Dix Ellis Trail | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 733-8088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Offers spacious suites with full kitchens, living areas and separate bedrooms, complimentary breakfast each morning and high-speed Internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=The Riverdale Inn | alt= | url=http://www.riverdaleinn.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Adjacent to Memorial Park | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Another beautiful B&B in Riverside, this one has a renowned restaurant. }} * {{sleep | name=DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront | alt= | url=http://www.doubletreejax.com | email= | address=1201 Riverplace Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 398-8800 | tollfree=+1-800-593-5690 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=Nestled in the downtown area on the south bank of St. John's River, DoubleTree by Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront has completed a $12 million renovation, emerging with 293 sophisticated accommodations, various dining options, including Ruth's Chris Steak House, a new business zone to keep corporate travelers linked in, an expanded Precor fitness center and large riverfront pool and sundeck. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge | alt= | url=http://www.elizabethpointelodge.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the beach at Amelia Island | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Bed & breakfast amenities. }} *{{sleep | name=Marriott Sawgrass Beach Resort | url=http://www.sawgrassmarriott.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Home of the Players Championship, on the beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts | alt= | url=http://www.pontevedra.com/ | email= | address=200 Ponte Vedra Blvd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Historic — open since 1928. Rated a 5 Diamond resort by AAA. Features four challenging golf courses, tennis facilities, swimming pools, luxury shops, and fine dining restaurants on site. }} ==Cope== ===Publications=== *'''[http://www.jacksonville.com/ Florida Times-Union]'''. The main newspaper in Jacksonville. *'''[http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com Financial News & Daily Record]'''. Another daily newspaper. *'''[http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/ Jacksonville Business Journal]'''. Daily publication focused on the Jacksonville business world. *'''[http://www.folioweekly.com/ Folio Weekly]'''. The most popular weekly alternative. *'''[https://www.iwantabuzz.com/ Buzz Magazine]'''. Another popular free-weekly. *'''[http://www.eujacksonville.com/ EU Jacksonville]'''. Weekly insiders guide to the area. *'''[http://www.arbus.com/ Arbus Magazine]'''. The art and business magazine of Northeast Florida *'''[http://voidlive.com/ Void Magazine]'''. A monthly magazine focused on North Florida's culture. *'''[http://www.jacksonvillemag.com/ Jacksonville Magazine]'''. A monthly magazine devoted to Northeast Florida culture. *'''[http://www.metrojacksonville.com/ Metro Jacksonville]'''. A daily blog dedicated to insider city and event info for Jacksonville. ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark (Honorary) | url=http://usa.um.dk/en/about-us/list-of-danish-honorary-consulates-in-the-us/list-of-honorary-consulates-on-the-east-coast/jacksonville-florida/ | email=larry.warren@hoesh.com | address=609 Wyndham Ct. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 910-9620 | tollfree= | fax=+1 904 696-7760 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France (Honorary) | url=http://www.consulfrance-miami.org/spip.php?article521 | email=hon.consul.france.jax@gmail.com | address=7255 Salisbury Road, Suite 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 469-4964 | tollfree= | fax=+1 904 821-0315 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands (Honorary) | url=https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/united-states/about-us/honorary-consulate-in-jacksonville | email=jacksonville@nlconsulate.com | address=644 3 Independent Dr | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 366-6682 | tollfree= | fax=+1 904 353-6343 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway (Honorary) | url=http://www.norway.org/Embassy/Honorary-Consulates-General/#.UoN6e_mbNN0 | email=lynette.matison@hklaw.com | address=50 N. Laura St., Suite 3900 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 904 798-7360 | tollfree= | fax=+1 904 358-1872 | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== * '''[[Amelia Island]]''' - A beautiful island about an hour north of Jacksonville along FL-A1A, it is home to upscale houses, and the Amelia Island Plantation. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Amelia Island was used as a pirate base for raids on Spanish shipping. Known as the Isle of Eight Flags, it is the only location in the United States to have been under the allegiance of eight different nations. * '''[[Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge]]''' * '''[http://www.floridastateparks.org/olustee/default.cfm Olustee Battlefield]''' - About an hour's drive west along I-10 in [[Olustee]] is the Olustee Battlefield, site of the only Civil War engagement in Florida. The battle is reenacted each February, and is a popular site for Civil War buffs. * '''[[St. Augustine]]''' - Founded by Spanish colonists in 1565, St. Augustine lays claim to being the oldest permanent settlement in the United States. It is about a 45-minute drive south of Jacksonville by I-95, or about an hour taking the more scenic route down FL-A1A. It boasts many fine restaurants and tourist attractions, as well as a unique blend of old world architectural styles inherited from its Spanish and British masters. The fort, the old city, the Flagler Museum, St. George's Street, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and the Bridge of Lions are all recommended. {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Silver Meteor icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Fayetteville (North Carolina)|Fayetteville]] | minorl1='''[[Savannah]]''' | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Orlando]] | minorr1=[[Palatka]] | image2=Amtrak Silver Star icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Raleigh]] | minorl2='''[[Savannah]]''' | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Orlando]] | minorr2=[[Palatka]] | image3=I-10.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Tallahassee]] | minorl3=[[Osceola National Forest|Osceola Nat'l Forest]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=Ends at [[Image:I-95.svg|18px]] | minorr3= | image4=I-95.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Savannah]] | minorl4=[[Brunswick (Georgia)|Brunswick]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Daytona Beach]] | minorr4=[[St. Augustine]] | image5=US 1.svg | imagesize5=22 | link5=U.S. Highway 1 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Augusta (Georgia)|Augusta]] | minorl5=[[Callahan (Florida)|Callahan]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Daytona Beach]] | minorr5=[[St. Augustine]] | image6=US 17.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Savannah]] | minorl6=[[Brunswick (Georgia)|Brunswick]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=[[Orlando]] | minorr6=[[Orange Park]] | image7=US 23.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Macon (Georgia)|Macon]] | minorl7=[[Callahan (Florida)|Callahan]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=END | minorr7= | image8=US 90.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=W | majorl8=[[Tallahassee]] | minorl8=[[Osceola National Forest]] | directionr8=E | majorr8=Ends at [[File:Florida A1A.svg|18px]] | minorr8='''[[Jacksonville Beach]]''' | image9=Florida A1A.svg | imagesize9=22 | directionl9=N | majorl9=[[Callahan (Florida)|Callahan]] | minorl9=[[Amelia Island]] | directionr9=S | majorr9=[[Daytona Beach]] | minorr9=[[Neptune Beach]] }} {{geo|30.33222|-81.65556}} {{isPartOf|First Coast}} {{usablecity}} l7uatfrzbjuhfmvuku5naess4i5hluc 0 16145 4487933 4487218 2022-07-21T20:18:38Z The dog2 35982 /* Stay safe */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Japanese lanterns banner.jpg}} {{COVID-19 box|Foreign nationals can now enter Japan on supervised, fixed itinerary tours with restrictions and conditions. Foreigners can also enter for business, academic or employment purposes, long term stays and other exceptional circumstances. A visa to enter Japan will be required for most foreigners. All arrivals must follow COVID-19 protocols, which include a negative COVID test requirement before travel. See [[Japan#Get_in|Get in]] for details.|lastedit=2022-06-10}} [[Image:Benzaitendo Temple2.JPG|thumb|Cherry blossoms in [[Kichijoji|Kichijōji]]]] '''[http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ Japan]''', known as ''Nihon'' or ''Nippon'' (日本) in [[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]], is an island nation in [[East Asia]]. Its insular character has allowed it to develop a unique and very intricate culture, while its closeness to other ancient east Asian cultures, in particular [[China]], has left lasting influence. Despite belonging to a nation long at war, both internal and foreign, Japan's people have always placed emphasis on inner balance, tranquility and natural beauty. These traditional values have become increasingly important now that Japan has grown to be one of the world's most densely-populated countries, and its legendary work ethic makes life in its cities quite hectic. [[Japanese cuisine|Japan's sophisticated cuisine]] has spread to all corners of the world, but it is only in the country of its birth where you can appreciate its true form. Even more fascinating is the country's popular culture, which has developed a fandom all over the world, in particular ''manga'' comics and ''anime'' cartoons — with the Japanese taking their affinity for their favorite characters and themes to the extreme. In the 20th century, Japan enjoyed impressive economic growth, putting it among the world's most affluent nations today. This was mostly driven by rapid modernization and specialization in high technology. Japan is now full of contrasts between the living tradition and much cherished heritage, and its ultra-modern infrastructure, buildings and facilities. While the Japanese are known to be reserved and their language skills are not their strongest asset, they will go out of their way to make you feel a welcome visitor. Japanese retail businesses are also known for their legendary customer service, and visitors from overseas are often surprised at the lengths service staff would go to satisfy the demands of customers. ==Regions== Japan is conventionally divided into nine regions, listed here from north to south: {{Regionlist | regionmap=Japan regions map.png | regionmaptext=Regions of Japan | regionmapsize=401px | region1name=[[Hokkaido]] | region1color=#4f93c0 | region1items= [[Central Circuit]], [[Eastern Circuit]], [[Northern Circuit]], [[Southern Circuit]] | region1description=Northernmost island and snowy frontier. Famous for its wide open spaces and cold winters. | region2name=[[Tohoku]] | region2color=#d5dc76 | region2items=[[Aomori (prefecture)|Aomori]], [[Iwate (prefecture)|Iwate]], [[Akita (prefecture)|Akita]], [[Miyagi]], [[Yamagata (prefecture)|Yamagata]], [[Fukushima (prefecture)|Fukushima]] | region2description=Largely rural north-east part of the main island Honshu, best known for seafood, skiing and hot springs. | region3name=[[Kanto]] | region3color=#d09440 | region3items=[[Ibaraki]], [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi]], [[Gunma]], [[Saitama (prefecture)|Saitama]], [[Chiba (prefecture)|Chiba]], [[Tokyo (prefecture)|Tokyo]], [[Kanagawa]] | region3description=Coastal plain of Honshu, includes the cities of [[Tokyo]] and [[Yokohama]]. | region4name=[[Chubu]] | region4color=#b5d29f | region4items=[[Niigata (prefecture)|Niigata]], [[Toyama (prefecture)|Toyama]], [[Ishikawa]], [[Fukui (prefecture)|Fukui]], [[Yamanashi (prefecture)|Yamanashi]], [[Nagano (prefecture)|Nagano]], [[Shizuoka (prefecture)|Shizuoka]], [[Aichi]], [[Gifu (prefecture)|Gifu]] | region4description=Mountainous middle region of Honshu, dominated by the [[Japan Alps]] and Japan's fourth-largest city [[Nagoya]]. | region5name=[[Kansai]] | region5color=#d56d76 | region5items=[[Shiga]], [[Mie]], [[Kyoto (prefecture)|Kyoto]], [[Osaka (prefecture)|Osaka]], [[Nara (prefecture)|Nara]], [[Wakayama (prefecture)|Wakayama]], [[Hyogo]] | region5description=Western region of Honshu, ancient capital of culture and commerce, including the cities of [[Osaka]], [[Kyoto]], [[Nara]] and [[Kobe]]. | region6name=[[Chugoku]] | region6color=#71b37b | region6items=[[Tottori (prefecture)|Tottori]], [[Shimane]], [[Okayama (prefecture)|Okayama]], [[Hiroshima (prefecture)|Hiroshima]], [[Yamaguchi (prefecture)|Yamaguchi]] | region6description=South-westernmost Honshu, a rural region best known for the cities of [[Hiroshima]] and [[Okayama]]. | region7name=[[Shikoku]] | region7color=#b383b3 | region7items=[[Kagawa]], [[Ehime]], [[Tokushima (prefecture)|Tokushima]], [[Kochi (prefecture)|Kochi]] | region7description=Smallest of the four main islands, a destination for Buddhist pilgrims, and Japan's best white-water rafting. | region8name=[[Kyushu]] | region8color=#69999f | region8items=[[Fukuoka (prefecture)|Fukuoka]], [[Saga (prefecture)|Saga]], [[Nagasaki (prefecture)|Nagasaki]], [[Oita (prefecture)|Oita]], [[Kumamoto (prefecture)|Kumamoto]], [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Kagoshima (prefecture)|Kagoshima]] | region8description=Southernmost of the four main islands, birthplace of Japanese civilization; largest cities [[Fukuoka]] and [[Kitakyushu]]. | region9name=[[Okinawa]] | region9color=#db3021 | region9items=Okinawa Islands, [[Daito Islands]], [[Miyako Islands]], [[Yaeyama Islands]] | region9description=This semi-tropical southern island chain was an independent kingdom until it was annexed in 1879; its traditional customs and architecture are very different from those of the rest of Japan. }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4f93c0|title=[[Hokkaido]]|wikidata=Q35581|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5dc76|title=[[Tohoku]]|wikidata=Q129465|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d09440|title=[[Kanto]]|wikidata=Q132480|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4f93c0|title=[[Chubu]]|wikidata=Q134638|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d56d76|title=[[Kansai]]|wikidata=Q164256|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#71b37b|title=[[Chugoku]]|wikidata=Q127864|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b383b3|title=[[Shikoku]]|wikidata=Q13991|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#69999f|title=[[Kyushu]]|wikidata=Q13987|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#db3021|title=[[Okinawa]]|wikidata=Q766445|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== {{Mapframe|35.42|133.95|zoom=4|height=500|width=|layer=M|staticmap=|align=}} {{Mapshapes|Q164338}} <!—- Shinkasen (High speed rail) --> Japan has thousands of cities; these are nine of the most important to the traveller. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Tokyo]]|url=|lat=35.683333|long=139.683333|wikidata=Q7473516}} — the capital and main financial center, modern and densely populated *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hiroshima]]|url=|lat=34.385278|long=132.455278|wikidata=Q34664}} — large port city, the first city to be destroyed by an atomic bomb *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kanazawa]]|url=|lat=36.566667|long=136.65|wikidata=Q191130}} — historic city on the west coast *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kyoto]]|url=|lat=35.011667|long=135.768333|wikidata=Q34600}} — ancient capital of Japan, considered the cultural heart of the country, with many ancient Buddhist temples and gardens *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Nagasaki]]|url=|lat=32.783333|long=129.866667|wikidata=Q38234}} — ancient port city with a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and European influences *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Nara]]|url=|lat=34.683333|long=135.8|wikidata=Q169134}} — first capital of a united Japan, with many Buddhist shrines and historical buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Osaka]]|url=|lat=34.693889|long=135.502222|wikidata=Q35765}} — large and dynamic city located in the Kansai region *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Sapporo]]|url=|lat=43.066667|long=141.35|wikidata=Q37951}} — largest city in Hokkaido, famous for its snow festival *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Sendai]]|url=|lat=38.266667|long=140.866667|wikidata=Q46747}} — largest city in the Tohoku region, known as the city of forests due to its tree-lined avenues and wooded hills ==Other destinations== See [[Japan's Top 3]] for some sights and places held in the high esteem by the Japanese themselves, and [[Off the beaten track in Japan]] for a selection of fascinating but less well known destinations throughout the country. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Miyajima]]|url=|lat=34.275556|long=132.307778|wikidata=Q875301}} — just off Hiroshima, site of the iconic floating ''torii'' *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mount Fuji]]|url=|lat=35.358056|long=138.731111|wikidata=Q39231}} — iconic snow-topped volcano, and highest peak in Japan (3776m) *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mount Koya]]|url=|lat=34.2125|long=135.586389|wikidata=Q535065}} — mountaintop headquarters of the Buddhist Shingon sect *{{Marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Naoshima]]|wikidata=Q1350060}} - "Art Island" with many museums and instillations off the coast of Shikoku *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sado Island]]|url=|lat=38.016667|long=138.366667|wikidata=Q499047}} — island off Niigata, former home to exiles and prisoners, now a brilliant summer getaway *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Shirakawa-go]]|url=|lat=36.257345|long=136.906832|wikidata=Q66087931}} — one of the most well-preserved and picturesque historic villages in the nation. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Shiretoko National Park]]|url=|lat=44.1|long=145.183333|wikidata=Q739391}} — unspoiled wilderness at Hokkaido's northeasternmost tip *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Yaeyama Islands]]|url=|lat=24.363056|long=123.746389|wikidata=Q696496}} — the farthest-flung bit of Okinawa, with spectacular diving, beaches and jungle cruising *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Yakushima]]|url=|lat=30.358611|long=130.528611|wikidata=Q242176}} — [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] with enormous cedars and misty primeval forests ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationMapJapan.png}} Also known as the "Land of the Rising Sun", Japan is a country where the past meets the future. Japanese culture stretches back millennia, yet has also adopted (and created) the latest modern fashions and trends. Japan is a study in contrasts and contradictions. Many Japanese corporations still dominate their industries yet, if you read the financial news, it seems like Japan is practically bankrupt. Cities are as modern and high tech as anywhere else, but tumbledown wooden shacks can still be spotted next to glass fronted designer condominiums. Japan has beautiful temples and gardens which are often surrounded by garish signs and ugly buildings. In the middle of a modern skyscraper you might discover a sliding wooden door which leads to a traditional chamber with tatami mats, calligraphy, and tea ceremony. These juxtapositions mean you may often be surprised and rarely bored by your travels in Japan. Although Japan has often been seen in the West as a land combining tradition and modernity, and juxtapositions definitely exist, part of this idea is obsolete, and is a product of Japan being the first major Asian power to modernize as well as Western patronization and heavy promotion by the travel industry. Keep in mind that continued demolition of some of Japan's historic landmarks goes on apace, as with the famed Kabuki-za Theater demolition. Still, with the proper planning, and with expectations held in check, a trip to Japan can be incredibly enjoyable and definitely worthwhile. ===History=== {{see also|Pre-modern Japan}} Japan's location on islands at the outermost edge of Asia has had a profound influence on its history. Just close enough to mainland Asia, yet far enough to keep itself separate, much of Japanese history has seen alternating periods of closure and openness. Until the mid-19th century, Japan has been able to turn on or off its connection to the rest of the world, accepting foreign cultural influences in fits and starts. It's comparable with the relationship between Britain and the rest of Europe, but with a much wider channel. Recorded Japanese history begins in the 5th century, although archaeological evidence of settlement stretches back 50,000 years and the mythical Emperor Jimmu is said to have founded the current Imperial line in the 7th century BCE. Archeological evidence, however, has only managed to trace the Imperial line back to the '''Kofun Period''' (古墳時代) during the 3rd to 7th centuries CE, which was also when the Japanese first had significant contact with China and Korea. Japan then gradually became a centralized state during the '''Asuka Period''' (飛鳥時代), during which Japan extensively absorbed many aspects of Chinese culture, and saw the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism and Confucianism. During that period, Prince Shotoku, the regent of Japan, sent envoys to Tang China to learn more about Chinese culture and practices and introduce them to Japan. The popular board game of [[Go]] is also believed to have been introduced to Japan during this period. [[Image:Kamakura Daibutsu JIM9943-vi.jpg|thumb|The Great Buddha of [[Kamakura]]]] The first strong Japanese state was centered in [[Nara]], then known as Heijo-kyo (平城京), which was built to model the then Chinese capital [[Xi'an|Chang'an]]. This period, dubbed the '''Nara Period''' (奈良時代) was the last time the emperor actually held political power, with power eventually falling into the hands of the Fujiwara clan of court nobles during the '''Heian Period''' (平安時代), when the capital was moved to [[Kyoto]], then known as Heian-Kyo (平安京), also modeled after the Chinese capital Chang'an, which remained the Japanese imperial residence until the 19th century. Chinese influence also reached its peak during the early Heian Period, which saw Buddhism become a popular religion among the masses. This was then followed by the '''Kamakura Period''' (鎌倉時代), when the samurai managed to gain political power. Minamoto no Yoritomo, the most powerful of them, was dubbed ''shogun'' by the emperor and ruled from his base in [[Kamakura]]. The '''Muromachi Period''' (室町時代) then saw the '''Ashikaga shogunate''' come to power, ruling from their base in [[Ashikaga]]. Japan then descended into the chaos of the '''Warring States Period''' (戦国時代) in the 15th century. Japan was gradually unified towards the end of the Warring States Period, known as the '''Azuchi-Momoyama Period''' (安土桃山時代), under the influence of the powerful warlords Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, ruling from their bases in [[Kiyosu]] and [[Osaka]] respectively. Tokugawa Ieyasu finally completed unification of the country in 1600 and founded the '''Tokugawa shogunate''', a feudal state ruled from Edo, or modern-day [[Tokyo]]. Although the emperor continued to rule in name from the imperial capital in Kyoto, in practice absolute power was concentrated in the hands of the Tokugawa shogun. A strict caste system was imposed, with the Shogun and his ''samurai'' warriors at the top of the heap and no social mobility permitted. During this period, dubbed the '''Edo Period''' (江戸時代), Tokugawa rule kept the country stable but stagnant with a policy of strict isolation while the West rushed ahead. US Commodore Matthew Perry's Black Ships arrived in [[Yokohama]] in 1854, forcing the country to open up to trade with the West, resulting in the signing of unequal treaties and the collapse of the shogunate in the '''Meiji Restoration''' (明治維新) of 1868, during which the imperial capital was relocated from Kyoto to Edo, now renamed Tokyo. After observing Western colonization in Southeast Asia and the division and weakening of China, which the Japanese had for so long considered to be the world's greatest superpower, Japan vowed not to be overtaken by the West, launching itself headlong into a drive to modernize at frantic speed, and becoming the first country in Asia to industrialize. Adopting Western technology and culture wholesale, Japan's cities soon sprouted railways, brick buildings and factories, and even the disastrous Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which flattened large parts of Tokyo and killed over 100,000 people, was barely a bump in the road. ====Expansion and war==== [[Image:AtomicEffects-p42a.jpg|thumb|Nuclear devastation in [[Hiroshima]] (1945)]] {{see also|Pacific War|Japanese colonial empire}} From day one, resource-poor Japan had looked elsewhere for the supplies it needed, and this soon turned into a drive to '''expand and colonize''' its neighbors. The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–'95 saw Japan take control of Taiwan, Korea and parts of Manchuria, and its victory against Russia in the 1904–'05 Russo-Japanese War cemented its position of strength. With an increasingly totalitarian government controlled by the military, Japan overthrew the Korean monarchy and annexed Korea outright in 1910. During [[World War I]], Japan participated in the war as part of the Allies, and would subsequently gain control of the German concessions in China. Japan would then stage the Mukden Incident as a pretext to occupy Manchuria in 1931, and subsequently launched a full-scale invasion of China in 1937. Japan would then proceed to invade British Hong Kong and Southeast Asia in 1941, and by the middle of 1942, had an [[Japanese colonial empire|empire]] stretching across much of eastern Asia and the Pacific. In 1941, Japan attacked '''Pearl Harbor''', destroying a small portion of the U.S. Pacific fleet but drawing America into the war, whose tide soon started to turn against Japan. By the time Japan was forced to surrender in 1945 after the '''nuclear attacks''' on [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]], 1.86 million Japanese civilians and military personnel had died, well over 10 million Chinese and other Asians had been killed, and Japan was occupied for the first time in its history. The Japanese government has been lukewarm at best in apologising for or even acknowledging the atrocities committed during World War II, which remains a major bone of contention in diplomatic relations with other Asian countries, in particular its neighbours China and South Korea. ====Post-war Japan==== The Emperor kept his throne but was turned into a constitutional monarch. Thus converted to pacifism and democracy, with the U.S. taking care of defense, Japan now directed its prodigious energies into peaceful technology and reemerged from poverty to conquer the world's marketplaces with an endless stream of cars and consumer electronics to attain the second-largest gross national product in the world after the United States. But frenzied growth could not last forever, and after the Nikkei stock index hit the giddy heights of 39,000 in 1989, the bubble well and truly burst, leading to Japan's '''lost decade''' of the 1990s that saw the real estate bubbles deflate, the stock market fall by half and, adding insult to injury, the '''Great Hanshin Earthquake''' of 1995 that leveled parts of [[Kobe]] and killed over 6,000 people. The economy has yet to fully recover from its doldrums, with deflation driving down prices, an increasingly unsupportable burden of government debt (nearing 200% of GDP) and an increasing polarization of Japanese society into "haves" with permanent jobs and "have-not" ''freeters'' drifting between temporary jobs. National anxiety has also increased due to neighboring [[China]]'s more assertive regional stance as well overtaking Japan to become the world's second largest economy. Nevertheless, Japan continues to be home to many of the world's leading high technology corporations, and the Japanese maintain one of the highest standards of living in the world. Tragedy struck again in March 2011 with the '''Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami'''. Japan's worst disaster since World War II claimed the lives of over 15,000 people with another 2,500 missing. Like previous disasters, Japan is recovering and the impacted areas&mdash;save for a small perimeter around a damaged nuclear power plant outside of [[Fukushima]]&mdash;are open once again. Many cities and towns in northern [[Tohoku]] located along the Pacific coast were severely damaged or destroyed. A few locations, however, were lucky&mdash;in [[Matsushima]], it is believed that the pine-clad islands that are offshore helped mitigate the impact of the tsunami and saved the city from substantial damage. The islands are a famous attraction in Matsushima, and are said to be one of Japan's "[[Japan's Top 3#Three Views|Three Great Views]]." In May 2019, Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne after the abdication of his father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito. This marked the first Imperial succession from a living Emperor since Emperor Kōkaku abdicated the throne in 1817. ===Government and politics=== Japan is a constitutional monarchy, modeled after the British parliamentary system. The Imperial House of Japan is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy house in the world, traditionally said to have began in 660 BC. The current constitution, enacted in 1947 after World War II, redefined the emperor's role to be entirely ceremonial; unlike European monarchs, he is not even the source of sovereign power, nor is it "his" government. The few government functions he performs are always done following instructions from the Cabinet. The legislative branch is the National Diet (国会 ''kokkai''), consisting of the upper House of Councillors and the larger and more powerful lower House of Representatives. Both are popularly elected under a parallel system, where some seats are filled by individual candidates and others are filled by a party. The Cabinet forms the executive branch of government. It is led by the prime minister, who is elected by the Diet; the prime minister appoints ministers to the Cabinet, a majority of whom must be members of the Diet. The Supreme Court and three tiers of lower courts form the judicial branch. Many functions are delegated to prefectural and municipal governments, but they're constrained by national law, and dependent on the national government for funding. The result is that policies are generally somewhat centralized and homogeneous, but prefectures, cities, and towns retain some uniqueness. Japan has several major political parties (and thousands in total), which have shifted, merged, and split over time — which probably explains their confusing names. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP, 自民党 ''Jimintō''), which is generally conservative and pro-business, has been in power almost continuously since 1955. The dominant LDP has a number of factions; these sub-parties themselves sometimes split or merge just as national parties do. ===People=== [[Image:Taketomi Island 20071002 07.jpg|thumb|Japan is not always crowded &mdash; like this beach in [[Taketomi]], [[Okinawa]]]] As an island nation shut off from the rest of the world for a long time (with only some contact with China and Korea), Japan is very '''homogeneous'''. Almost 99% of the population is of Japanese ethnicity. Japan's population is falling due to a low birth rate and a lack of immigration. The largest minority are Koreans, around 1 million strong, many in their 3rd or 4th generations. There are also sizable populations of Chinese, Filipinos and Brazilians, although many are of Japanese descent. Though largely assimilated, the resident Chinese population maintains a presence in Japan's three Chinatowns in [[Kobe]], [[Nagasaki]] and [[Yokohama]]. Indigenous ethnic minorities include the '''Ainu''' on [[Hokkaido]], gradually driven north during the centuries and now numbering around 50,000 (although the number varies greatly depending on the exact definition used), and the '''Ryukyuan''' people of [[Okinawa]]. The Japanese are well known for their politeness. Many Japanese are thrilled to have visitors to their country and are incredibly helpful to lost and bewildered-looking foreigners. Younger Japanese people are often extremely interested in meeting and becoming friends with foreigners as well. Do not be surprised if a Japanese person (usually of the opposite gender) approaches you in a public place and tries to initiate a conversation with you in somewhat coherent English. On the other hand, many are not used to dealing with foreigners (外人 ''gaijin'', or the more politically correct 外国人 ''gaikokujin'') and are more reserved and reluctant to communicate. Visibly foreign visitors remain a rarity in many parts of Japan outside of major cities, and you will likely encounter moments when entering a shop causes the staff to seemingly panic and scurry off into the back. Don't take this as racism or other xenophobia: they're just afraid that you'll try to address them in English and they'll be embarrassed because they can't understand or reply. A smile and a ''konnichiwa'' ("Hello") often helps. ===Culture=== Japan has gone through periods of openness and isolation during its history, therefore its culture is unique, if anything. Having been in the Chinese cultural sphere for much of its history, substantial Chinese influences can be seen in Japanese culture. They have been seamlessly blended with native Japanese customs to give rise to a culture that is distinctly Japanese. During the Edo Period, Japanese culture was strongly influenced by Confucianism. The Tokugawa Shogunate instituted a rigid class system, with the Shogun at the apex, his retainers below him, and the other samurai below that, followed by a vast population of commoners at the bottom. Commoners were expected to pay respect to samurai (at the risk of being killed if they didn't), and women were expected to be subservient to men. Samurai were expected to adopt a "Death before dishonor" attitude, and would typically commit suicide by self-disembowelment (切腹 ''seppuku'') rather than live in shame. Although the Edo Period ended with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, its legacy lives on in Japanese society. Honor remains an important concept in Japanese society, employees are still expected to be unquestioningly obedient to their bosses, and women continue to struggle for equal treatment. Japanese people are fiercely proud of their heritage and culture, and hold on to many ancient traditions that go back hundreds of years. At the same time, they also seem to be obsessed with the latest technology, and consumer technology in Japan is often several years ahead of the rest of the world. This paradox of being traditional yet ultramodern often serves to intrigue visitors, and many keep returning to Japan to experience this after their first visit. ====Holidays==== [[File:Awa-odori 2008 Tokushima.jpg|thumb|The Awa Odori, a famous Obon Festival in [[Tokushima]] ]] The most important holiday in Japan is the '''New Year''' (お正月 ''Oshōgatsu''), which pretty much shuts down the country from 30 December to 3 January. Japanese head home to their families (which means massive transport congestion), eat festive foods, and head out to the neighborhood temple at the stroke of midnight to wish in the New Year. Many Japanese travel to other countries as well, and prices for airfares are very high. In March or April, Japanese head out en masse for ''hanami'' (花見, lit. "flower viewing"), a festival of outdoors picnics and drunken revelry in parks, cleverly disguised as '''cherry blossom''' (桜 ''sakura'') viewing. The exact timing of the famously fleeting blossoms varies from year to year and Japan's TV channels follow the progress of the cherry blossom front from south to north obsessively. [[Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossoms Spots|Top ''sakura'' spots]] like Kyoto are packed with tourists. Peak ''hanami'' often coincides with the start of the new school & financial year on April 1, which means lots of people on the move and full hotels in major cities. Japan's longest holiday is '''[[Golden Week in Japan|Golden Week]]''' (29 April to 5 May), when there are four public holidays within a week and people go on an extended vacation. Trains become crowded and flight and hotel prices are jacked up to multiples of normal prices, making this a bad time to travel in Japan, but the weeks immediately before or after Golden Week are excellent choices. Summer brings a spate of festivals designed to distract people from the intolerable heat and humidity (comparable to the US Midwest). There are local festivals (祭 ''matsuri'') and impressive fireworks competitions (花火 ''hanabi'') throughout the country. '''Tanabata''' (七夕), on 7 July (or early August in some places), commemorates a story of star-crossed lovers who could only meet on this day. The largest summer festival is '''Obon''' (お盆), held in mid-July in eastern Japan ([[Kanto]]) and mid-August in western Japan ([[Kansai]]), which honors departed ancestral spirits. Everybody heads home to visit village graveyards, and transport is packed. ====National holidays==== * '''1 January''' — New Year's Day (''ganjitsu'' 元日, ''gantan'' 元旦 or ''o-shōgatsu'' お正月) * '''2 and 3 January''' — New Year's Bank Holidays * '''Second Monday in January''' — Coming-of-Age Day (''seijin no hi'' 成人の日) * '''11 February''' — National Foundation Day (''kenkoku kinen no hi'' 建国記念の日) * '''23 February''' — The Emperor's Birthday (''tennō tanjōbi'' 天皇誕生日) * '''21 March''' — Vernal Equinox Day (''shunbun no hi'' 春分の日) * '''29 April''' — Showa Day (''shōwa no hi'' 昭和の日) * '''3 May''' — Constitution Day (''kenpō kinnenbi'' 憲法記念日) * '''4 May''' — Greenery Day (''midori no hi'' みどりの日) * '''5 May''' — Children's Day (''kodomo no hi'' こどもの日) * '''Third Monday in July''' — Marine Day (''umi no hi'' 海の日) * '''11 August''' - Mountain Day (''yama no hi'' 山の日) * '''Third Monday in September'''— Respect-for-the-Aged Day (''keirō no hi'' 敬老の日) * '''23 September''' — Autumnal Equinox Day (''shūbun no hi'' 秋分の日) * '''Second Monday in October''' — Sports Day (''supōtsu no hi'' スポーツの日) * '''3 November''' — Culture Day (''bunka no hi'' 文化の日) * '''23 November''' — Labor Thanksgiving Day (''kinrō kansha no hi'' 勤労感謝の日) * '''31 December''' — New Year's Bank Holiday Holidays based on the seasons, such as equinoxes, may vary by a day or two. Additional bank holidays, also known as compensation holidays, are usually added if any holiday falls on a Sunday, and in cases when two dates for holidays are close together. Most Japanese people take additional time off around New Year's, during Golden Week, and during Obon. The most important festival is New Year's Day, and many shops and restaurants close for at least 2 days during this period, so it might not be an ideal time to visit. However, convenience stores remain open, and many temples conduct New Year's Day fairs, so it's still not difficult to find food to eat. ====The Japanese calendar==== The Imperial era year, which counts from the year of ascension of the Emperor, is often used for reckoning dates in Japan, including transportation timetables and store receipts. The current era is '''Reiwa''' (令和), which began on 1 May 2019 with the ascension of Emperor Naruhito to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Reiwa 4 corresponds to 2022; the year may be written as "R4" or just "4". You may see dates written down in the format of year/month/date; for example, "4/4/1" is 1 April 2022 and "5/4/1" would be 1 April 2023. The Western Gregorian calendar is commonly used. Japan has celebrated its festivals according to the Gregorian calendar since 1873 and no longer uses the Chinese calendar, with the exception of some festivals in the Ryukyu Islands. ====Religion==== [[Image:koya-rooftops-jpatokal.jpg|thumb|Buddhist temples, [[Mount Koya]]]] [[Image:DewaSanZan Japan YudonosanGate.jpg|thumb|Shinto ''torii'' gate, [[Dewa Sanzan]]]] Japan has two dominant religious traditions: '''Shinto''' (神道 ''Shintō'') is the ancient animist religion of traditional Japan. At just over twelve hundred years in Japan, '''[[Buddhism]]''' (仏教 ''Bukkyō'') is the more recent imported faith. '''Christianity''' (キリスト教 ''Kirisutokyō''), introduced by European missionaries, was widely persecuted during the feudal era but is now accepted, and a small percentage of Japanese are Christian, concentrated in western Japan. Generally speaking, the Japanese are not a particularly religious people. While they are strongly influenced by Buddhist philosophies and regularly visit shrines and temples to offer coins and make silent prayers, religious faith and doctrine play a small role (if any) in the life of the average Japanese. Thus it would be impossible to try to represent what percentage of the population is Shinto versus Buddhist, or even Christian. According to a famous poll, Japan is 80% Shinto ''and'' 80% Buddhist, and another oft-quoted dictum states that Japanese are Shinto when they live, as weddings and festivals are typically Shinto, but Buddhist when they die, since funerals usually use Buddhist rites. Neither Buddhism nor Shinto demand exclusivity, so most Japanese practice a mix of both religions. At the same time, Shinto and Buddhism have had an enormous influence on the country's history and cultural life. The Shinto religion focuses on the spirit of the land, and is reflected in the country's exquisite gardens and peaceful shrines deep in ancient forests. When you visit a shrine (神社 ''jinja'') with its simple ''torii'' (鳥居) gate, you are seeing Shinto customs and styles. If you see an empty plot of land with some white paper suspended in a square, that's a Shinto ceremony to dedicate the land for a new building. Buddhism in Japan has branched out in numerous directions over the centuries. Nichiren (日蓮) is the largest branch of Buddhist belief. Westerners are probably most familiar with Zen (禅) Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 14th and 15th centuries. Zen fit the aesthetic and moral sensibilities of medieval Japan, influencing arts such as flower-arranging (生け花 ''ikebana''), tea ceremony (茶道 ''sadō''), ceramics, painting, calligraphy, poetry, and the [[martial arts]]. Over the years, Shinto and Buddhism have intertwined considerably. You will find them side by side in cities, towns, and people's lives. It's not at all unusual to find a sparse Shinto ''torii'' standing before an elaborate Buddhist temple (お寺 ''o-tera''). Christianity is evident almost exclusively in a commercial sense. In season, variations of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and other non-religious Christmas symbols are on display in malls and shopping centers throughout metropolitan areas. A Christian minority exists in Japan and there was historically a group called ''Kakure Kirishitan'' (隠れキリシタン) or "hidden Christians" who went underground when Japan persecuted Christianity. However, this group is all but extinct nowadays, having become mainstream Christians or Shinto/Buddhist for the most part. Unlike South Korea, Japan does not have "megachurch" style denominations and while Christians have attained high political offices - including that of Prime Minister - at 1-2% of the Japanese population, Christianity is not very visible and most Japanese people will have wrong or no knowledge of even basic tenets of Christianity.<!--Hidden_Christian_Sites_in_the_Nagasaki_Region this should be linked if WV has an article on this--> ===Climate=== [[Image:JP-19 Syousenkyo.jpg|thumb|Autumn colors in [[Kofu]], [[Yamanashi (prefecture)|Yamanashi]]]] The Japanese are proud of their four seasons, but the tourist with a flexible travel schedule should aim for spring or autumn. * '''Spring''' is one of the best times of year to be in Japan. The temperatures are warm but not hot, there's not too much rain, and March–April brings the justly famous '''cherry blossoms''' (''sakura'') and is a time of revelry and festivals. * '''Summer''' starts with a dreary '''rainy season''' (known as ''tsuyu'' or ''baiu'') in June and turns into a steam bath in July–August, with extreme humidity and the temperature heading as high as 40&nbsp;°C. Avoid, or head to northern [[Hokkaido]] or the mountains of [[Chubu]] and [[Tohoku]] to escape. The upside, though, is a slew of fireworks shows (花火大会 ''hanabi taikai'') and festivals big and small. * '''Autumn''', starting in September, is also an excellent time to be in Japan. Temperatures and humidity become more tolerable, fair days are common and fall colors can be just as impressive as cherry blossoms. However, in early autumn '''typhoons''' often hit the southern parts of Japan and bring everything to a standstill. * '''Winter''' is a good time to go skiing or hot-spring hopping, but as some buildings lack central heating, it's often miserably cold indoors. Heading south to [[Okinawa]] provides some relief. There is usually heavy snow in Hokkaido and northeast Japan due to the cold wind blasts from Siberia. The Pacific coast of Honshu (where most major cities are located) has milder winters than the Sea of Japan coast: it may be snowing in Kyoto while it is cloudy or sprinkling rain in Osaka, an hour away. ===Read=== There are multitudes of books written on Japan. A good place to begin is one of the many recommended reading lists such as sites like '''[http://www.crazyjapan.com/CJGuide%20Read.html The Crazy Japan Times]''' or '''[http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=354&pID=287&cName=Books&pName=travel-books Japan Visitor]'''. Some recommended books include: * ''Untangling My Chopsticks'' ({{ISBN|076790852X}}), by Victoria Abbott Riccardi. Set mainly in [[Kyoto]]. * ''My Mother is a Tractor'' ({{ISBN|1412048974}}), by Nicholas Klar. A former English teacher with a witty and informative take on Japanese society. Written from the depths of the Japanese countryside. * ''Hitching Rides with Buddha'' ({{ISBN|1841957852}}), by Will Ferguson, is about a Canadian English teacher who hitches rides across the country, following the blooming cherry blossoms. At times hilariously funny and deathly serious, it gives a very honest evaluation of all sorts of aspects of Japanese culture. * ''Culture Shock: Japan'' ({{ISBN|1558688528}}). A part of the "Culture Shock" series, this is an excellent overview of the culture and lifestyle of the Japanese. A good resource for a long or work-related stay in Japan or even for interaction with Japanese people. * ''All-You-Can Japan'' ({{ISBN|1453666354}}), by Josh Shulman, is a unique travel guide to Japan that offers a wise and economical travel strategy rather than references to various points of interest. The author was born and raised in Japan, and writes this short guide in a casual, easy-to-read language. ===Watch=== Television shows about Japan: * ''[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/japanologyplus/ Japanology Plus]'' (and its prior incarnation ''Begin Japanology'') &ndash; Produced by NHK World-Japan, these long-running series explore a plethora of topics in Japanese culture and customs, from arts and foods to robots and refrigerators, as well as some unexpected topics like batteries or scissors. * Travel-oriented shows produced by NHK World-Japan include ''[https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/journeys/ Journeys in Japan]'' and ''[https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/traincruise/ Train Cruise]''. ==Talk== [[Image:Chingodo Lanterns.JPG|thumb|Japanese writing on a temple lantern, [[Tokyo/Asakusa|Asakusa]], [[Tokyo]]]] {{see also|Japanese phrasebook}} The language of Japan is '''[[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]]'''. Japanese is a language with several distinct dialects, although Standard Japanese (''hyōjungo'' 標準語), which is based on the Tokyo dialect, is taught in schools and known by most people throughout the country. The slang-heavy dialect of the [[Kansai]] region is particularly famous in Japanese pop culture, while the northern [[Tohoku]] region and southern [[Kyushu]] are famous for their impenetrable dialects. On the southern islands of [[Okinawa]], many of the closely related '''Ryukyuan''' languages are spoken, mostly by the elderly, while many locals speak Okinawan Japanese, a dialect that borrows much vocabulary from Ryukyuan languages. In northern [[Hokkaido]], a rare few still speak '''[[Ainu phrasebook|Ainu]]'''. Japanese is written using a convoluted mix of three different scripts: ''kanji'' (漢字) or Chinese characters, together with "native" ''hiragana'' (ひらがな) and ''katakana'' (カタカナ) syllabaries. There are thousands of kanji in everyday use and even the Japanese spend years learning them, but the ''kana'' have only 46 characters each and can be learned with a reasonable amount of effort. Of the two, ''katakana'' are probably more useful for the visitor as they are used to write loanwords from foreign languages other than Chinese, and thus can be used to figure out the numerous English loan words in Japanese like ''basu'' (バス, '''bus'''), ''kamera'' (カメラ, '''camera''') or ''konpyūtā'' (コンピューター, '''computer'''). However, some words like ''terebi'' (テレビ, '''televi'''sion), ''depāto'' (デパート, '''depart'''ment store), ''wāpuro'' (ワープロ, '''wo'''rd '''pro'''cessor) and ''sūpā'' (スーパー, '''super'''market) may be harder to figure out. Knowing Chinese will also be a great head start for tackling ''kanji'', but not all words mean what they seem: 手紙 (lit. "hand-paper"; Mandarin Chinese: ''shǒuzhǐ'', Japanese: ''tegami''), "toilet paper" to the Chinese, means "letter" (the kind you mail) in Japan! Most younger Japanese have studied '''English''' for at least 6 years, but the instruction tends to focus on formal grammar and writing rather than actual conversation. Outside of major tourist attractions and large international hotels, it is rare to find people who are conversant in English. Reading and writing tends to come much better though, and many people are able to understand some written English without being able to speak it. If lost, it can be practical to write out a question on paper in simple words and someone will likely be able to point you in the right direction. It can also be helpful to carry a hotel business card or matchbook with you, to show a taxi driver or someone if you lose your way. Take comfort in the fact that many Japanese will go to extraordinary lengths to understand what you want and to help you, therefore it is worthwhile to try to pick up at least basic greetings and thank yous to put people at ease. Public facilities like trains almost universally include English signage, and the Shinkansen and other commonly-used trains also announce upcoming stops in English. Tourist attractions and large businesses also usually have at least some English signage, but as you get farther off the beaten path, English becomes more spotty (and the translations more questionable). Some of the major tourist attractions and large international hotels in Tokyo have staff who can speak '''Mandarin''' or '''Korean''', and many major airports and railway stations also have signs in Chinese and Korean as well. In Hokkaido, a few people who live in ports frequented by Russian sailors may know some '''Russian'''. '''Japanese Sign Language''' (JSL, 日本手話 ''nihon shuwa'') is the dominant sign language. Its adoption has been slow, but it has a few strong proponents, including Kiko, Princess Akishino, who is a skilled sign interpreter and participates in many sign language and deaf events. It is mutually intelligible with Korean and Taiwanese Sign Languages, but not with Chinese Sign Language, Auslan, American Sign Language, or others. ==Get in== {{COVID-19 box|A limited number of foreigners can enter Japan on '''supervised, fixed itinerary tours''' with an approved tour operator. Such travelers must arrive from a country or territory on the '''blue list''' (as described below), must take out private health insurance, and must agree to follow Japan's anti-infection measures. Measures to further ease restrictions for tourists are not yet known. Foreigners can also enter Japan for stays of 90 days or less that are not related to tourism (such as business or employment purposes), or if staying in the country for greater than 90 days. Such arrivals must be sponsored by a Japanese individual or business responsible for the visit. Entry is also permitted for permanent residents and arrivals due to exceptional circumstances (i.e. humanitarian considerations). A '''visa''' will be required to enter Japan in most cases, even if arriving from a location that would normally have visa-free arrangements. '''Before attempting to make travel plans,''' contact your [https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html local Japanese embassy or consulate] for the latest information and entry requirements. Prior to departure you must take a PCR COVID test within 72 hours of your flight's departure with a confirmed negative result. You are also encouraged to use the Japanese Government's [https://www.digital.go.jp/en/services/visit_japan_web Visit Japan Web service] and [https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/fasttrack/en/ Fast Track service] where you can submit vaccination records, test results, quarantine, immigration and customs declarations in advance. Arrivals are classified into three color categories based on the current coronavirus situation at the traveler's point of origin, as assessed by the Japanese government: *'''Blue:''' Arrival testing and quarantine is not required, regardless of vaccination status. *'''Yellow:''' Arrival testing and self-quarantine for seven days is required. Such travelers can exit quarantine after three days with another negative COVID PCR or antigen/LFD test result (testing is at the traveler's expense). If fully vaccinated, arrival testing and quarantine is not required. *'''Red:''' Arrival testing and self-quarantine for seven days is required, with the first three days at a government-designated facility. If fully vaccinated, seven days of self-quarantine will be required (shortened to three days with another negative test result). For quarantine purposes, Japan defines "fully vaccinated" as having received a full series of COVID vaccinations ''and'' a booster shot. For the full vaccination series, Japan recognizes Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson&Johnson, Covaxin and Novavax vaccines. For the booster, Japan recognizes Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax. Failure to comply with health surveys or hospitalization requests while in Japan, or falsifying information on quarantine declaration forms, may result in a fine of up to ¥500,000 or up to six months of imprisonment. For additional information: *[https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare] page on current Japanese border measures and restrictions *[https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] page with the latest fine print on border measures *[https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/ JNTO coronavirus advisory page]|lastedit=2022-06-10}} [[File:Visa policy of Japan.svg|thumb|450px|Visa policy of Japan{{legend|#ee161f|Japan}} {{legend|#0b6628|Visa-free - up to 6 months}} {{legend|#1cb34b|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#1ab5a1|Visa-free - 30 days (registered passports only)}}{{legend|#b6e717|Visa-free - 15 days}}{{legend|#ddf395|Visa-free - 15 days (registered passports only)}}{{legend|#adadad|Visa required}}]] {{infobox|Visa policy overview|* '''Visa free entry''': 15, 30 or 90 days for citizens of [http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html certain countries] * '''Transit Visa''': 15 days * '''Temporary Visitor Visa''': max. 90 days (for short-term stay like tourism and business) * '''Working Visa''': max. 3 years * '''General Visa''': max. 3 years (for accepting training) * '''Special Visa''': max. 3 years (for long-term residence) You can contact your nearest [http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html Japanese embassies and consulates] for more details. }} [http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html#list Citizens of most developed countries], including all the usual suspects (US, Canada, UK, EU, etc) can obtain entry permission on arrival without a visa. This is usually valid for a stay of up to 90 days, although Mexicans and some European nationalities are permitted to stay for 180 days if they ask for a longer stay upon entry. All other nationalities must obtain a "temporary visitor" visa prior to arrival, which is generally valid for a stay of 90 days. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an [http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/ on-line Guide to Japanese Visas]. No visa is required for a same-day transit between international flights at the same airport, so long as you do not leave the secured area. Foreigners must typically fill out a '''disembarkation form''' for immigration, and a '''declaration form''' for customs. Those arriving from certain countries may also be required to fill out a '''quarantine form'''. Travellers entering Japan with anything other than a temporary visitor visa are required to obtain a "Residence Card" (在留カード), colloquially known as a ''gaijin card'', within 90 days of arrival and carry it at all times in lieu of their passport. Those staying for 90 days or less may complete this registration, but they are not obligated to. This card must be surrendered upon exit from Japan, unless a re-entry permit is held. '''Drug laws are stricter''' in Japan than in many other Western countries, and this would be an unpleasant surprise at customs. A number of over-the-counter and prescription drugs that are legal in other countries are not allowed in Japan. Ignorance is not considered an excuse, and you can expect to be jailed and deported if caught. See [http://www.customs.go.jp/english/index.htm '''Japan Customs website'''] for details, or check with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. (See also ''[[#Drug trafficking|&sect; Drug trafficking]]''.) * Some '''over-the-counter medications''', notably pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Claritin-D, Sudafed, Vicks inhalers) and codeine (some cough medications), cannot be brought into Japan. ** Some items that may not be brought in can be found locally with restrictions: for example, Benza-Block L, a common cold medicine in Japan, contains pseudoephedrine, with the restriction that one person may only buy one box from one pharmacy at a time. * Some '''prescription medicines''' (mostly strong painkillers) are also banned'even if you have a prescription, unless you get a ''yakkan shoumei'' (薬監証明 "medicine certificate"), which typically takes 1-2 weeks to obtain; some drugs may need additional import/export certificates. ** You may also require permission in order to import drug-filled syringes, such as '''EpiPens'''. ** Drugs used to treat '''ADHD''' are restricted: amphetamine (Adderall) is completely illegal, while methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) and atomoxetine (Strattera) may require permission depending on the amount. * '''[[Cannabis]]''' and '''CBD/THC''' products, which are seeing increased used in certain parts of the world, are also illegal in Japan. Once in Japan, '''you must carry your passport or trusted traveler card''' (see below) with you at all times. If caught in a random check without it (and nightclub raids are not uncommon), you'll be detained until somebody can fetch it for you. First offenders who apologize are usually let off with a warning, although you could be fined up to ¥200,000. All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 16 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. This may be followed by a short interview conducted by the immigration officer. Entry will be denied if any of these procedures are refused. ====Trusted Traveler Program==== Foreigners who travel frequently to Japan for business, pleasure or family visits may be able to take advantage of Japan's [http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/ttp2/en/index.html Trusted Traveler Program] operated by the Bureau of Immigration. In order to use the service, you must: * Have visited Japan two times in the last 12 months * Possess a passport from a country that has visa-free arrangements with Japan * Have never been deported from Japan * Be working full-time in a major business, or visit on business related to the Japanese government or another Japanese business If you are a United States citizen and are a member of Global Entry (the US Trusted Traveler Program), the business requirement is waived. The fee to apply for Japan's Trusted Traveler Program is ¥2200. Upon approval, you will receive a registered user card valid for either 3 years or until the expiration date of your passport, whichever is sooner. The card will allow you to use the automated immigration kiosks at Haneda, Narita, Chubu and Kansai airports, bypassing the manned immigration counters. You can also carry the card on you in place of your passport, and it will suffice as identification if requested by authorities; the main exception is for tax-exempt shopping, for which both passport and card are required. ===By plane=== [[File:011 Aircraft of various airlines together at Narita Airport, Japan. Swiss Air Lines, United Airlines, Thai Airways.JPG|thumb|Aircraft of Swiss, United and Thai Airways together at Narita Airport terminal]] Most international flights arrive at either [[Narita Airport]] ({{IATA|NRT}}) near [[Tokyo]] or [[Kansai International Airport|Kansai Airport]] ({{IATA|KIX}}) near [[Osaka]]; a smaller number use [[Chubu International Airport]] ({{IATA|NGO}}) near [[Nagoya]]. All three are significant distances from their respective city centers, but are linked to regional rail networks and also have numerous bus services to nearby destinations. Tokyo's other airport, [[Haneda Airport]] ({{IATA|HND}}), the busiest in Japan, has been expanding and shifting from primarily domestic flights back to international, and by mid-2020 will have a sizeable network of international flights to destinations that see heavy business traffic. Just about every sizable city has an airport although most only offer domestic flights and a few services to [[China]] and [[South Korea]]. Transiting via both countries can sometimes be cheaper than making a connection in Japan. Narita and Kansai airports are generally easy to get through and not particularly crowded assuming you avoid the main holiday periods &mdash; namely New Year's (end of December &ndash; beginning of January), Golden Week (end of April &ndash; beginning of May), and Obon (Mid-August), when things are more hectic and expensive. Japan's two major airlines are flag carrier '''[http://www.jal.co.jp Japan Airlines]''' ('''JAL''', 日本航空 ''nihon kōkū'') and '''[http://www.ana.co.jp All Nippon Airways]''' ('''ANA''', 全日本空輸 ''zen nippon kūyu'', or just 全日空 ''zennikkū''). Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines also operate flights from numerous U.S. cities into Narita or Haneda, as does Air Canada from several Canadian cities. Finnair offers flights to Japan's major airports (Narita, Chubu, and Kansai) from most European countries via Helsinki airport, often code-sharing with British Airways and Japan Airlines. Low-cost carriers have become increasing popular with cheap domestic and international flights, with companies such as [http://www.jetstar.com/jp/en/home Jetstar] (Australia), [http://www.skymark.co.jp/en/ Skymark], and [http://www.flypeach.com/pc/en Peach] (Osaka) offering competition to JAL and ANA. ===By boat=== There are a number of international ferries to Japan from [[South Korea]], [[China]], and [[Russia]]. These are not particularly price competitive with air tickets, and also often have long travel times. ====South Korea==== *Ferries from [[South Korea]]'s second city [[Busan]] offer an alternative to flying, with the [[Fukuoka]] service being a particularly quick and practical way to travel between the two countries. To [[Fukuoka]], [https://www.jrbeetle.com/en/ JR Kyushu Ferry], operates hydrofoil service several times each day;[http://www.camellia-line.co.jp/ Camellia Line] operates a slower ferry. To [[Shimonoseki]], Kanbu Ferry has daily service. To [[Osaka]], Pan Star Line offers thrice-weekly service. [[Tsushima]] Island is the closest part of Japan to [[South Korea]], and day trips from Busan are practical. * Service from [[Donghae]], South Korea, to [[Sakai Minato]] is offered by [http://www.dbsferry.com/eng/main/main.asp DBS Cruise Ferry]. ====China==== * [[Shanghai]]-[[Osaka]]/[[Kobe]]: [https://www.shinganjin.com/en/ Japan-China Ferry] {{dead link|December 2020}}, weekly service that alternates between Kobe and Osaka. * [[Tianjin]]-[[Kobe]]: China Express Line, weekly service. * [[Suzhou]]-[[Shimonoseki]]: Shanghai-Shimonoseki Ferry, thrice weekly service. ====Taiwan==== * [[Keelung]] (Taiwan)-[[Ishigaki]]/[[Naha]]: [http://www.starcruises.com Star Cruises] offers cruises in summer high season only (May-Sep), but one-way fares are generally not available. ====Russia==== *[[Sakhalin]]-[[Wakkanai]]: Heartland Ferry. Service is suspended Oct–Apr due to sea ice. ''See our [[Russia to Japan via Sakhalin]] itinerary.'' *[[Vladivostok]]-[[Sakai Minato]]: [http://www.dbsferry.com/eng/main/main.asp DBS Cruise Ferry] via [[Donghae]], South Korea. ==Get around== [[Image:TamaToshiMonorail6061.jpg|thumb|[[Tokyo/Tama|Tama]] Monorail in [[Tokyo]], one of the country's many futuristic transport systems]] Japan has one of the world's best transport systems, and getting around is usually a breeze, with the train being overwhelmingly the most popular option. Trains are rarely or never late, and are probably one of the cleanest transport systems on earth. Although travelling around Japan is expensive when compared to other Asian countries, there are a variety of passes that can be used to limit the damage. For sorting through transport schedules and fares, [http://www.hyperdia.com/en '''HyperDia'''] used to be an invaluable companion but it no longer provides minute by minute schedules, instead it only provides the average time of a trip which is much less useful. A website that comes close to what HyperDia used to provide is [https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/ '''Navitime''']. [http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/e-norikeyin.html '''Jorudan'''] still offers precise train schedules, with advanced searches only available by paid subscription. Google Maps can give detailed train and bus directions including platform numbers, but it too has few options for filtering results, making it more useful while you're there than for advanced planning. Paper timetables in Japanese that just include limited express, sleeper and bullet trains (Shinkansen) are available from the [http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ Japan National Tourist Organization's] overseas offices. English timetables are available on the websites of [http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ttable/ JR Hokkaido], [http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/index.html JR East], [http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/ JR Central] and [http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/time_table/time_table.jsp JR Kyushu]. Timetables for the Tokaido, San'yo and Kyushu Shinkansen can also be viewed in English at [http://www.tabi-o-ji.com/go/?lang=en '''Tabi-o-ji''']. Both Navitime and Tabi-o-ji offer options to exclude the '''Nozomi''' and '''Mizuho''' trains from search results, which will benefit holders of the Japan Rail Pass. On Navitime, select the Japan Rail Pass option under Tourist Pass; on Tabi-o-ji, select to exclude Nozomi and Mizuho trains. ====Navigating Japanese cities==== [[File:Nakamura-ward meieki Sag.jpg|thumb|A town block indicator plate in [[Nagoya]] displaying the address ''Nakamura-ku, Meieki 4-chōme, 5-banchi''. That's Nakamura ward, Meieki neighborhood, district 4, block 5. As is common on indicator plates, this sign uses [[Japanese phrasebook#Numbers|kanji]] rather than Arabic numerals for the ''chōme'' (四 rather than 4).|alt=Japanese town block indicator plate displaying the location's ward, neighborhood, and district and block number]] In most of Japan, addresses use a hierarchical scheme that's quite different from Western addresses. '''Most roads have no name'''; instead, cities are split into neighborhoods with names, which are divided into numbered districts (丁目 ''chōme''), which are subdivided into numbered street blocks. Addresses are written in order from largest to smallest; an example address ending in 名駅4丁目5-6 or 名駅4-5-6 would be the neighborhood of Meieki (名駅), district 4, block 5, house 6. (Addresses are usually written in English as "Meieki 4-5-6" or "4-5-6 Meieki", although the post office recommends the confusing "5-6 Meieki 4-chome".) Additional numbers may be appended for the floor or room number. '''Numbering for districts, blocks, and houses is often ''not'' sequential'''; numbers are usually assigned ''chronologically'' as buildings are built, or based on distance from the city center. Small signs near street corners display the ward/neighborhood and district in Japanese (such as 名駅4丁目, ''Meieki 4-chōme''); they often include the block number, but sometimes not, in which case the signs are very unhelpful since a district could be a dozen or more blocks. A building's entrance will usually show the block and house number (such as 5-6, sometimes written 5番6号), but not the district. The lack of road names makes it difficult to give directions; '''maps''' and especially '''satnav''' are a blessing in Japan. A minute spent checking a map can save you half an hour of aimlessly walking. * Most places are described in terms of the walking distance from the nearest train station, and relative to local landmarks. Business cards very often have little maps printed on the back to make navigation easier (at least if you can read Japanese). * Many '''train stations''' have maps of the local area that can help you find a destination if it is reasonably close to the station. * '''Police boxes''' (交番 ''kōban'') also have detailed maps of the area. Going to a ''kōban'' to ask for directions is perfectly normal (it's why they're there), although the policemen usually don't speak much English. * '''Google Maps''' and '''Apple Maps''' in Japan are very accurate, even showing the insides of buildings. However, it may occasionally misinterpret an address and lead you to the wrong location. ===Smart cards=== :''See also: [[Rail travel in Japan#Smart cards|Rail travel in Japan &sect; Smart cards]]'' One of the first things any visitor to Japan should do is pick up a public transport '''smart card''' (スマートカード ''sumāto kādo''), also called an '''IC card''' (ICカード ''ai shī kādo'') or '''''jōsha kādo''''' (乗車カード, "boarding card"). Using a smart card, fares are calculated automatically no matter how complicated your journey or how often you transfer; just tap on and tap off at both ends. In addition to public transport, smart cards are used for all sorts of electronic payments, so they can be used at vending machines, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, etc. Smart cards are also accepted in lieu of paper tickets for some bullet trains when journeys are purchased online in advance. Different cards are available in each region (such as '''Suica''' and '''Pasmo''' in and around Tokyo, and '''ICOCA''' in Kansai), but the major ones are ''fully interchangeable'', meaning you can pick up a card in any major city and use it in virtually the entire country, the main exceptions being [[Shikoku]] and [[Okinawa]]. These cards can be purchased from any station ticket counter and many station vending machines, including those at airports. The base deposit is ¥500 plus the amount you wish to load. Alternatively, simply [https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207154 add a Suica card] to '''Apple Wallet''' or a PASMO card to '''Google Pay''' before you travel. Cards can be topped up in the same places. The deposit and any remaining value on a physical card can be refunded when you leave Japan provided you leave via the same region you arrived and bought the card in. For example, a Pasmo card bought on arrival in Tokyo can be ''used'' and recharged in Kansai, but you will not be able to refund it there before flying out of Osaka. You can keep the card for your next visit as they stay valid for 10 years from the last transaction. ===By rail=== {{main|Rail travel in Japan}} [[File:JR_west_N700series_N1_maibara.jpg|thumb|The ''N700'' Shinkansen train]] [[File:014 Baggage lockers at Kyoto Station, Japan.JPG|thumb|Baggage lockers at Kyoto Station]] Japan offers one of the most efficient rail transportation systems in the world, the crowning jewel of which is the '''''Shinkansen''''' (新幹線), popularly known in English as the '''bullet train''', the world's first ever [[high-speed rail]] line. Japan's railways can also be among the most complicated to navigate. A tourist who plans to travel a great deal around the country should consider investing in a '''[http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/index.html Japan Rail Pass]''', which offers — with a few exceptions — unlimited travel on all Japan Railway (JR) services including bullet trains, limited express and regular commuter trains. Seat reservations can also be made for no charge by visiting a staffed JR ticket counter. See [[Rail travel in Japan#Japan Rail Pass]] for information on prices. Passes have no blackout dates. Depending on where the pass is purchased, you will collect your pass in Japan after showing proof of payment (if purchased through JR) or an exchange voucher (if purchased through a travel agency). Generally speaking, the Japan Rail Pass is good value if you plan to do a lot of long distance travelling, but is not worth it if you are only planning to stick to a single city and its vicinity. There are also regional and local rail passes offered by the various JR companies (such as the JR East Rail Pass), as well as by the subway and private rail companies. Numerous discount tickets are also sold, such as the [[Seishun 18 Ticket]]. For short distances, you can purchase a ticket from a vending machine. Stations will usually have a map above the ticket machines of the other stations along the line or within the vicinity, and the fare to each of those stations. If you are unsure, you can purchase the cheapest ticket at your origin station, and visit a fare adjustment machine at your destination station to pay the difference. In major cities or regions, you can also pay for your journey with a smart card and only have to worry about topping off your balance when you are low on funds. Part of Japan's efficiency in rail travel lies in its punctuality, and average delays for Japanese trains are typically measured in seconds. All services aim to run promptly on the posted timetable, so ''arrive early'' if you know your train's departure time. If you are late by even a single minute, you ''will'' miss the train. If you're planning to stay out late, be sure to find out when the last train leaves the station nearest to you. Trains usually don't run during the late night hours. The last train also may not run all the way to the end of the line. ====Luggage==== With the exception of airport lines, Japanese trains typically do not have much space for luggage, meaning it is unlikely that you would be able to find space for anything larger than a small suitcase. Japan has very convenient and inexpensive courier services (see ''[[#Courier services|&sect; Courier services]]'') which you can use to send your luggage to your next hotel. The downside is that your luggage will generally take at least a day to arrive at the destination, so you should take what you need for at least the first night on the train with you. Your hotel concierge will usually be able to arrange this for you, so enquire with them before you check out. ===By plane=== Japan's excellent ''Shinkansen'' network means that flying is usually more of a luxury than a necessity. Flying remains, however, the most practical mode of reaching Japan's outlying islands, most notably for connections from the mainland to [[Hokkaido]] and/or [[Okinawa]]. Flying is also useful for getting around sparsely-populated Hokkaido, as the Shinkansen network there is limited. [[Tokyo]]'s [[Narita Airport]] handles a few domestic flights, but most domestic flights leave from '''Haneda''' ({{IATA|HND}}) to the south of the city. Similarly, while there are some domestic flights from [[Kansai International Airport]], more use '''Itami''' ({{IATA|ITM}}) to the north of Osaka, and [[Kobe]]'s airport also fields some flights. Narita&ndash;Haneda or Kansai&ndash;Itami is quite a trek, so allow at least three and preferably four hours to transfer. Chubu, on the other hand, has many domestic flights and was built from the ground up for easy interchange. List prices for domestic flights are very expensive, but significant discounts are available if purchased in advance. Both of Japan's largest carriers, '''[http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ Japan Airlines]''' ('''JAL''', 日本航空 ''Nihon Kōkū'') and '''[http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/ All Nippon Airways]''' ('''ANA''', 全日空 ''Zennikkū'') offer special fares where international visitors can fly domestic segments anywhere in the country at reduced rates. The most common discount ticket is called the Japan Explorer Pass (JAL) or the Experience Japan Fare (ANA), which offer a limited number of economy fares for ¥5400, ¥7560 or ¥10800 depending on the route. The ¥10800 fare is a particularly good deal for travel to [[Hokkaido]] or the remote southern islands of [[Okinawa]]. Alternatively, the airlines offer a Welcome to Japan Fare (JAL) or Visit Japan Fare (ANA) where flights cost ¥13,000 each (plus tax) with a minimum of two trips required. Some blackout periods or other restrictions during peak travel seasons may apply. If you reserve on the airlines' respective international websites, the offers for international travelers may be displayed as the cheapest ones, but if you try on the Japan website (in English and in yen), the regular discounts for a purchase in advance may be cheaper. Low-cost carriers have begun to make an impact in Japan's domestic air market, including '''[http://www.jetstar.com/jp/en/home Jetstar Japan]''', '''[http://www.flypeach.com Peach Aviation]''', '''[http://www.vanilla-air.com/en Vanilla Air]''' (formerly ''Air Asia Japan''), '''[http://www.fujidream.co.jp/ Fuji Dream Airlines]''', '''[http://www.skymark.co.jp/ Skymark Airlines]''', '''[http://www.starflyer.jp/ StarFlyer]''' and '''[http://www.airdo.jp/ Air DO]'''. Some of these airlines offer online bookings in English (Fuji Dream and StarFlyer do not). StarFlyer offers a discounted fare of ¥7,000-9,000 per flight to foreigners on select routes. Be careful, their most basic offers may not include a checked baggage (which is sold as an option), and if you reserve via a third-party web site you may not be able to purchase the option. ANA, JAL, and their subsidiaries offer a special standby card, the ''Skymate Card'', to young passengers (up to the age of 22). With the card, passengers can fly standby at half of the full published fare, which is usually less than the equivalent express train fare. The card can be obtained from any JAL or ANA ticket counter with a passport-sized photo and a one-time fee of ¥1000. ===By boat=== Given that Japan is an island nation, boats are a surprisingly uncommon means of transport, as all the major islands are linked together by bridges and tunnels. While there are some long-distance ferries linking [[Okinawa]] and [[Hokkaido]] to the mainland, the fares are usually higher than discounted airline tickets and pretty much the sole advantage is that you can take your car with you. For some smaller islands, however, boats may well be the only practical option. Hovercrafts and jet ferries are fast but expensive, with prices varying between ¥2000-5000 for an hour-long trip. Slow cargo boats are more affordable, a rule of thumb being ¥1000 per hour in second class, but departures are infrequent. There are also some inexpensive and convenient short-distance intercity ferries such as the [[Aomori]]-[[Hakodate]] ferry. These boats are typically divided into classes, where second class (2等 ''nitō'') is just a giant expanse of tatami mat, first class (1等 ''ittō'') gets you a comfy chair in large shared room and only special class (特等 ''tokutō'') gets you a private cabin. Vending machines and simple restaurant fare are typically available on board, but on longer trips (particularly in second class) the primary means of entertainment is alcoholic &mdash; this can be fun if you're invited in, but less so if you're trying to sleep. ===By bus=== {{main|Bus travel in Japan}} Buses are plentiful in Japan, and are a major mode of intercity transportation, especially for overnight travel. Fierce competition between modes has resulted in affordable prices. While a few buses offer fixed fares between two stops, many have adopted a dynamic pricing model, where fares are based on the time of day, the type of seating on the bus, and how far in advance the ticket is purchased. [[Image:744-3902_Nishinihon_MU612TX_Dream.jpg|thumb|300px|A typical JR Intercity Bus on a layover in Shizuoka Prefecture.]] Major operators of intercity, or '''highway buses''' (高速バス ''kōsoku basu''; ハイウェイバス ''haiwei basu'') include the '''JR Group''' and '''Willer Express'''. Regional transit operators (Seibu in Tokyo, Hankyu in Kansai, etc) also operate long-distance buses. Tickets for such buses can be purchased at the point of departure, or, with a command of some Japanese, at convenience stores or on the internet. Some companies offer online reservations for bus routes in English and several other languages. '''Willer Express''', which operates around the country in its distinctive pink buses, offers online reservations for its buses in English, Korean and Chinese. They also sell tickets for other bus operators. Willer Express' '''Japan Bus Pass''' offers discounted bus travel all across the Willer network starting at ¥10,200 for a 3-day weekday pass. A separate national pass is the '''JBL Pass''', which is more expensive but covers a larger network of buses. In major cities, '''Limousine Buses''' (リムジンバス ''rimujin basu'') travel from major train stations and hotels to airports. Buses also travel frequently to their own terminals in the city such as the Tokyo City Air Terminal (T-CAT) in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district. '''Local buses''' (路線バス ''rosen basu'') are the norm in big cities and small towns. Bus fares are either fixed (you pay once, when entering or exiting the bus) or distance-based (you board the rear of the bus, grab a numbered ticket, and match the number with the fare displayed on a board at the front of the bus when it's time to get off). Many buses accept smartcards. Buses are indispensable in less-populated areas, as well as in cities such as [[Kyoto]] where there is not much local rail transit. The electronic board almost always includes a display and recorded voice announcements of the next stop — usually only in Japanese, although some cities (like Kyoto) make a welcome exception. However, if asked most drivers will be glad to tell you when you've reached your destination. ===By taxi=== [[File:A Teito Group Taxi in Tokyo.jpg|thumb|A Taxi in Tokyo]] You will find taxis everywhere in Japan, not only in the city but also in the country. Taxis are clean and completely safe, though a bit expensive: starting fees are usually in the ¥640-710 range and the meter ticks up frantically after the first 2&nbsp;km or so. But sometimes, they are the only way to get where you are going. Taxi meters are strictly regulated and clearly visible to the passenger. If you are not sure if you have enough money for the trip, your driver may be able to guess the approximate cost of a trip beforehand. Even if money is not a concern, if you get a cost estimate beforehand, some taxi drivers will stop the meter at the estimated price regardless of how much further the destination may be. Taxi fares are also higher at night. Tipping is not customary and would most likely be refused. In the city, you can hail a taxi just about anywhere, but outside train stations and other transfer points you should board at a taxi stand. (The taxi stand will usually either have a long line of patient passengers, or a long line of idle taxis.) If the destination is a well-known location, such as a hotel, train station, or public facility, the name alone should be enough. Even in the major cities, you are very unlikely to encounter a taxi driver who can speak English, so carrying a pamphlet or card of your hotel or destination with the address on it can be very helpful. Likewise, have staff at your hotel write down the names and addresses of places you want to visit in Japanese to show your taxi driver. Calling for a taxi using a '''smartphone app''' is becoming available in many cities, with [https://japantaxi.jp/ JapanTaxi] or [https://go.mo-t.com/ GO] being the largest player. These apps will provide the approximate fare to travel between two locations, although trips are still charged by the meter and can fluctuate depending on routing and traffic. Many taxi companies will add a fee for immediate phone or app hails; this booking charge is higher for taxis reserved in advance. Some taxi companies offer fixed-fare rides for smartphone hails. In Japanese taxis, the driver controls the opening and closing of the rear left passenger door. Try to avoid closing your door when you board the taxi. Taxi drivers also have a reputation for speeding and aggressive driving, but there are very few accidents involving bad drivers. All licensed taxis in Japan have green license plates. Illegal cabs will have standard white or yellow plates and should be avoided. ===By ride-hailing=== Uber X-style ridesharing is illegal in Japan. Uber and Hailo are available in major cities, but they can only be used to book taxis and limousines, and charge a premium for the convenience. ===By car=== {{seealso|Driving in Japan}} [[Image:Bihoro Pass.JPG|thumb|[[Bihoro]] Pass and Highway 243, [[Akan National Park]], [[Hokkaido]]]] Rental cars and driving in Japan are rare in or around the major cities, as public transport is generally excellent and gets you almost everywhere. In addition, the roads of major cities like Tokyo are plagued with massive traffic jams and parking is expensive and difficult to find, so driving there is more of a hindrance than anything else. However, many rural areas can really only be explored with only your own transport, so driving should certainly not be dismissed out of hand, especially on the vast, sparsely populated island of [[Hokkaido]]. Often the most feasible option is to combine the two: take the train out to the countryside and then pick up a rental car at a station. JR's '''[http://www.ekiren.co.jp/ Ekiren]''' has outlets at most larger train stations and often has discounted train & car packages. An international driver's license (or Japanese license) will be required if you wish to rent a car or drive in Japan, and must be carried at all times. Driving is on the left. ===By bike=== Japan has many great opportunities for bikers. Bike rentals can be found throughout the country, especially near popular routes. Some routes (like the [[Shimanami Kaido Bikeway]]) have been set up specifically for bikers. Even very rural roads are well paved, but as Japan is quite mountainous, you'll need your lowest climbing gear a lot. If you will be spending an extended period of time in Japan, you may want to purchase a bike. If you do, you must have it '''registered'''. If your bike does not have the proper sticker, your bike can be confiscated. If you are caught borrowing a bike registered under someone else's name, it is considered ''stolen'' in Japan, and you will likely be taken to the police station. The police often check bikes, so avoid problems by obeying the law. You should learn Japan's cycling laws, although not all of them are heavily enforced. Cycling drunk is illegal, with no blood alcohol limit, and you face fines of up to ¥1 million or up to 5 years in jail (the same as for driving!) Using your phone or listening to music are illegal. Cycling on the sidewalk, even in big cities crowded with pedestrians, is normal. Helmets are required for children under 13, but neither children nor adults frequently wear helmets, not even police officers. Usually '''trains only allow bikes in a "rinko bag"''' (bike bag, 輪行袋 ''rinkō-bukuro'' or 輪行バッグ ''rinkō baggu''). This requires a folding bike or removing one or both wheels, so it's not very convenient for short trips. Long-distance buses often don't allow bikes, and on local buses it may be at the driver's discretion; in both cases, a rinko bag would also be required. Don't go during busy commuting hours, pack your bike away from the station, keep things ''clean'' (bike, bag, and your hands), and don't take up too much space or impede other passengers. Booking a seat at the back of long-distance trains near the storage areas may be helpful. Ferries allow bikes for a small fee. ===By thumb=== Japan is an excellent country for hitchhiking, although some Japanese language ability is highly recommended. See [[Hitchhiking in Japan]] for a more detail and practical tips for this. === Accessibility and disability === [[File:Ramp at Meiji Jingu in Tokyo.jpg|alt=Ramp at Meiji Shrine|thumb|A ramp at Meiji Shrine allows seniors and people with disabilities easy access to the shrine.]] {{seealso|Travellers with disabilities}} Though the cramped cities and older buildings present many barriers to those with disabilities and other mobility issues, Japan is a '''very wheelchair accessible''' country. Japan has switched into high-gear to create a "barrier-free" society. The vast majority of train and subway stations are wheelchair accessible. Anyone who needs special assistance can inform station staff at the ticketing gates and will be guided to the train and helped off the train at a station. Most trains and local buses (but not long-distance buses) have priority seats (優先席 ''yūsenseki''). The Shinkansen generally does not, but you can always reserve a seat (for a fee, or for free with a Japan Rail Pass). On a wheelchair, you can park in the hallway between cars, reserve a wheelchair seat (which are limited; JR recommends booking 2 days in advance, and you should keep your travel times flexible), or reserve a private room. The major tourist attractions are partially adapted generally provide some sort of accessible route. While discounts are available for those with disabilities, disability identification cards not issued in Japan may not be accepted. Hotels with accessible rooms can be hard to find and are often labeled "barrier free" (バリアフリー ''baria furii'') or "universal" (ユニバーサル ''yunibāsaru'') instead of "accessible". Even if an accessible room is available, most hotels require booking via phone or email. '''Tactile paving''' was invented in Japan, and has been ubiquitous there for decades. These yellow tiles have dots and bars to help visually impaired people follow paths and identify steps and platforms. * [https://www.accessible-japan.com/ Accessible Japan] - general information on accessible travel, database of hotels with accessible rooms, tourist attraction accessibility information * [http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2301.html Japan Guide: Basic Guide to Accessible Travel in Japan] - general tips on traveling with a disability in Japan ==See== ===Castles=== {{seealso|Japanese castles}} [[File:Matsue castle01bs4592.jpg|thumb|Matsue Castle, [[Matsue]]]] Like the British, the French and the Germans, the Japanese were also a nation of castle-builders. In their feudal days, you could find several castles in nearly every prefecture. Because of bombings in World War II, fires, edicts to tear down castles, etc. only twelve of Japan's castles are considered to be originals, which have keeps or donjons (天守閣 ''tenshukaku'') that date back to the days when they were still used. Four of them are on the island of Shikoku, two just north in the Chugoku region, two in Kansai, three in the Chubu region, and one in the northern Tohoku region. There are no original castles in Kyushu, Kanto, Hokkaido, or Okinawa. The '''original castles''' are: <div style="{{column-width|14em}}"> * [[Hirosaki|Hirosaki Castle]] * [[Matsumoto|Matsumoto Castle]] * [[Sakai (Fukui)|Maruoka Castle]] * [[Inuyama|Inuyama Castle]] * [[Hikone|Hikone Castle]] * [[Himeji|Himeji Castle]] * [[Takahashi|Bitchu Matsuyama Castle]] * [[Matsue|Matsue Castle]] * [[Marugame|Marugame Castle]] * [[Kochi (Shikoku)|Kochi Castle]] * [[Matsuyama|Matsuyama Castle]] * [[Uwajima|Uwajima Castle]] </div> Japan also has many '''reconstructed castles''', many of which receive more visitors than the originals. A reconstructed castle means that the donjon was rebuilt in modern times. However, other structures may be original. For example, [[Nagoya|Nagoya Castle]]'s southeast, southwest, and northwest turrets all date back to the castle's original construction. Okinawa's [[Naha|Shuri Castle]] is unique among Japan's castles, because it is not a Japanese castle; it was the royal palace of the Ryukyuan Kingdom and built in a distinctive Ryukyuan architectural style, with a much stronger Chinese influence than Japanese-style castles. '''Ruins''' typically feature only the castle walls or parts of the original layout are visible. Although they lack the structures of reconstructed castles, ruins often feel more authentic without the concrete reconstructions that sometimes feel too commercial and touristy. Many ruins maintain historical significance. ===Gardens=== [[Image:Ritsurin.JPG|thumb|Ritsurin Park, [[Takamatsu]]]] {{Main|Japanese gardens}} Japan is famous for its gardens, known for its unique aesthetics both in landscape gardens and Zen rock/sand gardens. The nation has designated an official "Top Three Gardens", based on their beauty, size, authenticity (gardens that have not been drastically altered), and historical significance. Those gardens are '''Kairakuen''' in [[Mito]], '''Kenrokuen''' in [[Kanazawa]], and '''Korakuen''' in [[Okayama]]. The largest garden, and the favorite of many travellers, is actually '''Ritsurin Park''' in [[Takamatsu]]. Rock and sand gardens can typically be found in temples, specifically those of Zen Buddhism. The most famous of these is '''Ryoanji Temple''' in [[Kyoto]], but such temples can be found throughout Japan. Moss gardens are also popular in Japan and '''Koke-dera''', also in Kyoto, has one of the nation's best. Reservations are required to visit just so that they can ensure the moss is always flourishing and not trampled. Pure Land gardens dating back to the Heian Period were built to represent the Buddhist Paradise. They all feature a large central pond in front of the Amida Hall. They're simplistic to such an extent that those who are unaware would like not likely even view them as gardens at all. The Byodoin Temple in [[Uji]], Motsuji Temple in [[Hiraizumi]], and Joruriji Temple in [[Kizugawa]] are among the most famous of those that remain. ===Spiritual sites=== Regardless of your travel interests, it's difficult to visit Japan without at least seeing a few shrines and temples. Buddhist and Shinto sites are the most common, although there are some noteworthy spiritual sites of other religions, as well. ====Buddhist==== [[Image:Horyu-ji11s3200.jpg|thumb|Horyuji Temple, [[Horyuji]]]] [[Buddhism]] has had a profound impact on Japan ever since it was introduced in the 6th century. Like shrines, temples can be found in every city, and many different sects exist. Some temples also offer [[Meditation in Japan|meditation classes]] in English. Some of the holiest sites are made up of large complexes on mountaintops and include [[Mount Koya]] (Japan's most prestigious place to be buried and head temple of Shingon Buddhism), [[Mount Hiei]] (set here when Kyoto became the capital to remove Buddhism from politics, the head of the Tendai sect of Buddhism), and [[Mount Osore]] (considered to be the "Gateway to Hell", it features many monuments and graves in a volcanic wasteland). Many of the nation's head temples are located in [[Kyoto]], like the Honganji Temples and Chion-in Temple. Kyoto also has five of the top Zen temples named in the "Five Mountain System" (Tenryuji, Shokokuji, Kenninji, Tofukuji, and Manjuji), along with '''Nanzenji Temple''', which sits above all the temples outside of the mountain system. Although there are "five" temples, Kyoto and Kamakura both have their own five. The Kamakura temples are Kenchoji, Engakuji, Jufukuji, Jochiji, and Jomyoji Temples. [[Eiheiji Temple]] is also a prominent Zen temple, although it was never part of the mountain system. [[Nara]]'s '''Todaiji Temple''' and [[Kamakura]]'s '''Kotokuin Temple''' are famous for their large Buddhist statues. Todaiji's is the largest in the nation, while the Kamakura Daibutsu is the second largest, meditating outside in the open air. '''Horyuji Temple''' in [[Horyuji]], just south of Nara, is the world's oldest wooden structure. The beautiful '''Phoenix Hall''' in [[Uji]] is seen by most visitors to Japan on the back of the ¥10 coin, if not in real-life. ====Shinto==== Shintoism is the "native" religion of Japan, so those looking to experience things that are "wholly Japanese" should particularly enjoy them as they truly embody the Japanese aesthetic. The holiest Shinto Shrine is the [[Ise|Grand Ise Shrine]], while the second holiest is [[Izumo|Izumo Shrine]], where the gods gather annually for a meeting. Other famous holy shrines include '''Itsukushima Shrine''' in [[Miyajima]], '''Toshogu Shrine''' in [[Nikko]], the [[Kumano Sanzan]], and the [[Dewa Sanzan]], '''Meiji Shrine''' in [[Tokyo]], and '''Shimogamo Shrine''', '''Kamigamo Shrine''', and '''Fushimi Inari Shrine''' in [[Kyoto]]. ====Christian==== {{seealso|Christian sites in Japan}} [[File:Hirado Catholic Church 1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Saint Francis Xavier Memorial Church in [[Hirado]]]] Japan's introduction to Christianity came in 1549 by way of the Portuguese and '''Saint Francis Xavier'''. He established the first Christian church in [[Yamaguchi]] at Daidoji Temple, whose ruins are now part of '''Xavier Memorial Park''', and the Xavier Memorial Church was built in his honor. When Toyotomi Hideyoshi came into power, Christianity was banned and Christians were persecuted. In [[Nagasaki]], 26 Japanese Christians were crucified. There is a memorial for these martyrs in the city, and the '''Oura Church''', the oldest church left in the nation, built in 1864. The '''Shimabara Rebellion''', a Christian uprising, led to the ousting of the Portuguese and Catholic practices from Japan, along with approximately 37,000 beheadings of Christians and peasants. In [[Shimabara]], you can visit the ruins of Hara Castle, where the Christians gathered and were attacked. [[Oyano]]'s '''Amakusa Shiro Memorial Hall''' explains the Shimabara Rebellion and the persecution of Christians. There are less famous sites off the beaten path. When the nation reopened, some Christians assumed that meant that they were able to practice Christianity freely and openly, but it was still not legal and these Christians were tortured. You can see one of these sites at '''Maria Cathedral''' in [[Tsuwano]]. Strangely, you can often find Christian objects in temples and shrines throughout the country. This is because many of these objects were hidden in temples and shrines back when Christianity was forbidden. ====Other==== Japan has a handful of well-known Confucian Temples. As Japan's gateway to the world for many centuries, [[Nagasaki]]'s Confucian Temple is the only Confucian temple in the world to be built by Chinese outside of China. '''Yushima Seido''' in [[Tokyo]] was a Confucian school and one of the nation's first-ever institutes of higher education. The first integrated school in the nation, the '''Shizutani School''' in [[Bizen]] also taught based on Confucian teachings and principles. The schoolhouse itself was even modeled after Chinese architectural styles. The first public school in [[Okinawa]] was a Confucian school given to the Ryukyuan Kingdom along with the '''Shiseibyo Confucian Temple'''. The Okinawan religion also has its own spiritual sites. '''Seta Utaki''', a World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous. Many Okinawan spiritual ceremonies were held here. '''Asumui''' in Kongo Sekirinzan Park is a large rock formation believed to be the oldest land in the area. As a religious site, shaman used to come here to speak with the gods. ===World War II sites=== [[Image:NagasakiGroundZero.jpg|thumb|Ground Zero, [[Nagasaki]]]] {{seealso|Pacific War}} The three must-visit places for World War II buffs are [[Hiroshima]], [[Nagasaki]], and the main island of [[Okinawa]]. Okinawa is where some of the most brutal battles occurred between Japan and the United States, and the area is crawling with remnants from its dark past. The Peace Park, Prefectural Peace Museum, Himeyuri Peace Museum, and the Peace Memorial Hall in [[Itoman]] are some of the best places to learn more, see artifacts, and hear accounts of the battles that took place here. [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]] are important sites in many ways. Hiroshima is the first city ever to be attacked by an atomic bomb, as well as the deadliest. After Hiroshima was devastated, the bombing of Nagasaki days later led the Japanese to surrender, ending WWII. Even those who are not particularly interested in World War II may find the atomic bomb sites interesting, as issues surrounding nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear war remain a concern to this day. These sites show how powerful, devastating, and harmful atomic bombs can be, not only to the land and those who die, but also for the survivors. Fifty-eight other places (including Tokyo, of course) were bombed, as well, so there are lesser-known memorials in those cities. Many people are curious about the possibility of visiting [[Ogasawara Islands|Iwo Jima]]. The [http://www.miltours.com/ Military Historic Tours Company] has exclusive rights to conduct tours of the island, and these tours are only open to US citizens. ===Pilgrimage routes=== * [[88 Temple Pilgrimage]] — an arduous 1,647&nbsp;km trail around the island of [[Shikoku]] * [[Chugoku 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage]] * [[Narrow Road to the Deep North]] — a route around northern Japan immortalized by Japan's most famous ''haiku'' poet ===Industrial heritage=== The [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] "[[Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining]]" is made up of 23 individual sites around the country, most of them in [[Chugoku]] and [[Kyushu]]. These are places like mines, railroads, ironworks and ports from the Meiji era, which are among the most notable of Japan's first Western-style industrial sites. Separately listed is the silk mill of [[Tomioka]]. ==Do== ===Outdoors=== [[File:Iya_Jirogyu_View.JPG|thumb|Hiking trails in [[Iya Valley]], [[Shikoku]]]] It shouldn't be surprising that in a country where more than 70% of the terrain is forests and mountains, '''outdoor activities''' abound. '''Hiking''' is very traditional and popular in Japan. You can find many small trails across the country, as well as plenty of rugged terrain in Japan's many national parks. Hikes can also be part of a spiritual experience, such as climbing the 2446 stone steps of the holy [[Dewa Sanzan|Haguro]] mountain through an amazing primeval forest. Ascending one of Japan's many '''mountains''' is within the capabilities of any traveller. You can reach the summit of some mountains almost entirely by car, or with only a short easy walk. '''[[Mount Aso]]''' is one of the world's largest volcanic calderas, and a paved road brings cars and pedestrians right up to the summit. Or, you can take the ropeway, which was promoted as the world's first ropeway over an active volcano. Around 300,000 people every year climb '''[[Mount Fuji]]''', a mountain so famous as an icon of Japan that it hardly needs introduction. On the most popular route, you will need to use your hands for support, but no actual climbing is required; you can easily climb Fuji with just adequate clothing, some basic gear (sunscreen, headlamp, etc.), and 1–2 days in your itinerary. It's no walk in the park, but it's easily doable if you're not too out of shape. With its snowy mountainous terrain, Japan is an excellent destination for '''[[Downhill snowsports|skiing and snowboarding]]''', although it tends to be mostly domestic visitors. Japan's climate means that many ski resorts get ''excellent'' powder, and a lot of it: on average, resorts in the '''[[Japan Alps|Japanese Alps]]''' get {{m|10|m}} and '''[[Hokkaido]]''' slopes get a whopping {{m|14}} or more! Skiing in Japan can be inexpensive compared to other countries, with cheaper lift tickets, budget accommodations, and cheap meals. Rental gear is reasonably priced, but as Japanese on average have smaller feet, you should consider bringing your own boots. The easiest way to get to many slopes is to take public transit (rail and buses), and ship your ski/snowboard gear to the slopes (see ''[[#Courier services|&sect; Courier services]]''). '''Golf''' is popular with the Japanese. Land is simply too valuable near cities, so golf courses have to pay a lot for land, and are typically 1–2 hours' drive outside the city. (Shuttles from the nearest train station are often available with a reservation.) Midweek prices can be found from ¥6,000 and up. Expect it to take the whole day, with travel time, a round of golf, and relaxing in a hot bath afterwards. Since most players are local businessmen, singles are not allowed on most courses (so make sure you have at least two players), and rental equipment will have a limited selection (better to bring your own clubs and shoes, which you can ship to the range cheaply; see ''[[#Courier services|&sect; Courier services]]''). Despite being an island nation, Japan is not really known for its '''beaches'''. Many beaches simply don't exist as Japanese cities (many of which are coastal) expand right up to the coast line. Where there are beaches, they tend to only be visited in summer; as soon as 1 September comes, lifeguards stop patrolling the beaches, and Japanese beachgoers disappear as a result. '''Surfing''' is somewhat popular, as the surf can be very good on both coasts (during typhoon season [Aug-Oct] on the Pacific coast, and during winter on the Sea of Japan coast). There are also some excellent spots for '''snorkeling''' and '''diving'''. Aside from marine life, corals, and World War II wrecks, you can also visit [[Susami]], outside [[Kushimoto]], and send your friends a postcard from the world's deepest underwater mailbox, 10 meters underwater. While boating and river sports are not very common, a few fun activities can be found, such as going river rafting in some of the last wild rivers in Japan in the [[Iya Valley]]. ===Spectator sports=== [[File:Amateur baseball match - Tokyo Domo - Japan (15838269026).jpg|thumb|Amateur baseball match]] '''Baseball''' (野球 ''yakyū'') has been '''hugely popular''' ever since it was introduced to Japan in the 1870s by an American professor. Baseball fans travelling internationally may find Japan to be one of the great examples of baseball popularity outside of the United States. Baseball is not only played in many high schools and by professionals, but also referenced in much Japanese pop culture as well. In addition, many Japanese players have gone on to become top players in Major League Baseball. The official Japanese baseball league is known as '''[http://npb.jp/eng/ Nippon Professional Baseball]''', or simply known as '''''Puro Yakyū''''' (プロ野球), meaning Professional Baseball, and it is regarded by many to be the strongest professional baseball league outside of the United States. The Japanese national baseball team is also considered to be one of the strongest in the world, having won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, as well as the second edition in 2009. Tickets to baseball games are generally easy to get, even on the day of a game, although popular games should of course be reserved in advance. Tickets start around ¥2,000. If you are interested, be sure to leave 4–5 hours free. You can generally bring in outside food and drink, which is a good way to save some money instead of paying prices inside the stadium (¥800 for a pint of beer); you'll just need to have your bag inspected and pour your drinks into disposable cups. Especially in Osaka, it's also popular to visit local restaurants or bars where the entire store will be taken over by fans loudly singing, chanting, and cheering non-stop through the entire game. The rules in Japanese baseball are not much different from baseball in United States, although there are some minor variations. The biggest rivalry is between [[Tokyo]]'s Yomiuri Giants (a national favorite and top performer, although equally disliked by many) and [[Osaka]]'s Hanshin Tigers (a perennial underdog, widely known for having the most boisterous and dedicated fans, along with many cheers, songs, and traditions). Japan has two national high school tournaments each year that draw possibly more attention than the professional game. Both are held at Kōshien Stadium, a stadium in Nishinomiya City near Kobe that seats over 50,000 and also hosts NPB's Hanshin Tigers. * The '''National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament''', commonly known as '''Spring Kōshien''' (春の甲子園 ''haru no kōshien'', or センバツ ''senbatsu'') – Held in March, featuring 32 teams invited from throughout the country. * The '''National High School Baseball Championship''', commonly known as '''Summer Kōshien''' (夏の甲子園 ''natsu no kōshien'') – A two-week event in August, it is the final phase of a nationwide tournament structure. A total of 49 teams participate in the final phase—one from each of Japan's prefectures, with second teams from Hokkaido and Tokyo. '''[[Association football|Soccer]]''' (サッカー ''sakkā'') is also popular in Japan. The top men's league is the Japan Professional Football League (日本プロサッカーリーグ ''nippon puro sakkā rīgu''), known as the '''J.League''' (Jリーグ ''J rīgu''), of which the top division is the '''J1 League'''. The country launched a fully professional women's league in 2021–22, the Japan Women's Professional Football League (日本女子サッカーリーグ, ''Nihon joshi sakkā rīgu''), which is branded as the '''WE League''' (WEリーグ, ''WE rīgu''), with "WE" standing for the English words "Women's Empowerment". Japan is one of the most successful Asian soccer nations, and has been at or near the top of the Asian Football Confederation rankings for decades, and some Japanese players have had successful careers in the top European leagues. [[File:Asashoryu fight Jan08.JPG|thumb|Sumo wrestling in Japan is steeped in tradition.]] '''Sumo wrestling''' (相撲 ''sumō'') is a popular Japanese sport. The rules are simple enough: be the first to get your opponent to step outside the ring or touch the ground with anything but the bottom of his feet. Almost anything goes except for a handful of forbidden moves, but most matches are won by pushing or grappling, which explains why '''girth''' is usually an advantage in a sport with no weight classes. Sumo has retained many traditions from its Shinto origins, and a single bout usually consists of many minutes of rituals and mental preparation, followed by just 10–30 seconds of wrestling. Sumo wrestlers, known as ''rikishi'' (力士), live a '''regimented life''' in training stables (部屋 ''heya'', lit. "rooms", or 相撲部屋 ''sumō-beya''), devoting themselves to nothing more than bulking up and competing. A few foreign wrestlers have been quite successful in the top ranks, although controversial rules have put a limit on how many foreign wrestlers each stable may train. Sumo is organized by the [http://www.sumo.or.jp/en/ Japan Sumo Association] (日本相撲協会 ''Nihon Sumō Kyōkai''). The biggest events are the six '''''honbasho''''' (本場所, "main tournaments") throughout the year, which are the only events that affect wrestlers' rankings. Each tournament is 15 days long; they're in [[Tokyo]] in January, May, and September, [[Osaka]] in March, [[Nagoya]] in July, and [[Fukuoka]] in November. With some planning, you could also arrange to visit a stable during '''training''' (稽古 ''keiko''), although you'll need to speak Japanese or bring a Japanese guide, and strictly observe Japanese etiquette and rules from the stable. (For example, you'll be expected to sit ''silently'' for the entire duration of practice, which is usually several hours.) Training starts in the early morning, anytime from 05:00 to 08:00. '''Professional wrestling''' (プロレス ''puroresu'') also enjoys major popularity. While it is similar to professional wrestling elsewhere in the world in that the outcomes are predetermined, its psychology and presentation are uniquely Japanese. Puroresu matches are treated as legitimate fights, with stories strongly emphasizing the wrestlers' fighting spirit and perseverance. Also, because many Japanese wrestlers have legitimate martial arts backgrounds, full-contact striking and realistic submission holds are commonplace. A good number of wrestlers from other countries have had successful runs with Japanese promotions (companies that organize shows), with notable examples in the early 21st century including Kenny Omega from Canada, Will Ospreay from the UK, and Jay White from New Zealand. Also, foreign stars may be brought in as part of business relationships between Japanese and overseas promotions; the largest promotion, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, has had partnerships with numerous US-based companies in the past, and as of 2022 has a major partnership with the second-largest US promotion, All Elite Wrestling. While many promotions operate, New Japan is clearly the largest nowadays, with other significant promotions including All Japan Pro Wrestling, DDT Pro-Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling NOAH (the last two sharing ownership). Unlike pro wrestling in most of the world, Japanese women's puroresu, known locally as ''joshi puroresu'' (女子プロレス), is run by separate promotions from men's puroresu. ''Joshi'' promotions do regularly cooperate with men's promotions, and frequently share cards. The most prominent ''joshi'' promotion, World Wonder Ring Stardom, shares ownership with New Japan. The biggest single event in puroresu is New Japan's three-night show promoted as ''Wrestle Kingdom'', roughly analogous to WrestleMania in the U.S. The first two nights are at the Tokyo Dome on January 4 and 5 each year; the third, added in 2022, is held on January 8 in Yokohama. '''[[Horse racing]]''' (競馬 ''keiba'') is a big business in Japan, and one of the few forms of legal gambling. The '''Japan Cup''', held annually at [[Fuchu]]'s [http://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j01.html Tokyo Racecourse], is one of the premier events on the international horse racing calendar, and regularly attracts the world's top jockeys and horses. The [http://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j04.html Hanshin Racecourse] in [[Takarazuka]], the [http://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j03.html Kyoto Racecourse] in [[Kyoto/South|Fushimi]], and the [http://japanracing.jp/en/racing/go_racing/jra_racecourses/j02.html Nakayama Racecourse] in [[Funabashi]] round off Japan's "big four" racecourses, and also host numerous internationally important races. Among these races, '''Arima Kinen''', held at Nakayama near the end of December, is notable as drawing more betting interest than any other race in the world by a very wide margin. The [http://japanracing.jp/en/ Japan Racing Association (JRA)] organizes races at the 10 major racecourses in Japan, while those at the minor local racecourses are run by the [https://www.goracing.jp/english/ National Association of Racing (NAR)]. Bets for all JRA races can be placed at any of the JRA-run racecourses, and at off-track betting facilities run by the JRA known as WINS. ===Games and entertainment=== '''''Karaoke''''' (カラオケ) was invented in Japan and can be found in virtually every Japanese city. Pronounced ''kah-rah-oh-keh'', it is abbreviated from the words "empty orchestra" in Japanese; many natives won't have any idea what you're talking about if you use the English ''carry-oh-kee''. Most karaoke places occupy several floors of a building. You and your friends have a room to yourself — no strangers involved — and the standard hourly rate often includes all-you-can-drink alcohol, with refills ordered through a phone on the wall or through the karaoke machine. The major chains all have excellent English-language song selections. Old folks prefer singing ''enka'' ballads at small neighborhood bars. You operate the karaoke machine yourself. It lets you queue up songs to be played in order. (At 4 minutes per song, 15 songs would keep you singing for an hour.) These days, many machines use a tablet or touchscreen which you can use to search for songs by a variety of criteria; if you can get one of these set to English, great. You can also look up songs in the phonebook-sized catalogs, which is what you'll have to do if you can't get an a tablet in English, or at older places that just have a large remote control. Once you find the song's 4- to 6-digit number, aim the remote at the karaoke machine like a TV remote, type in the number (it will appear on the screen, so you can check that it was entered correctly; if not press 戻る to go back), and press 転送 or "send" to confirm and add it to the queue. Also ubiquitous are '''''pachinko'' parlors'''. Pachinko (パチンコ) is a form of gambling that involves dropping little steel balls into a machine; more balls are awarded depending on where they land. The air inside most pachinko parlors is hot and sweaty, with ear-splitting noise. (Legally you can only trade the balls for prizes, but gamblers always opt for "special prize" (特殊景品 ''tokushu keihin'') tokens which they sell back for cash at a separate booth elsewhere in the building or in a nearby alley. Because the booth is off-site, it's a separate business and therefore not illegal.) Even in a declining market, nearly 10% of all Japanese — mostly middle-age businessmen — play at least once a week, and pachinko generates more gambling revenue than Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore combined. '''Video arcades''' (ゲームセンター ''gēmu sentā'', or ビデオ・アーケード ''bideo ākēdo''; don't confuse with a regular ''ākēdo'' which means "shopping arcade/street"), though sometimes difficult to distinguish from pachinko parlors from the outside, have arcade games rather than gambling, and are often several floors high. Video games are the norm here, although you may be surprised at the sheer variety of games. Aside from the usual action and fighting games, there are also rhythm games such as ''Dance Dance Revolution'' or the much easier for beginners ''Taiko Drum Master'' (太鼓の達人 ''Taiko no Tatsujin''), difficult-to-define oddities such as ''Derby Owners Club'' (which can only be described as a "multiplayer online card-collecting role-playing horse racing simulator"), and bizarre inventions like ''Chō Chabudai-Gaeshi!'' (超・ちゃぶ台返し! "''Super Table-Flip!''") where you literally bang on a table and flip it over angrily to relieve stress while racking up points. Game centers usually also have non-video games, which almost always include '''claw crane games''' (クレーンゲーム ''kurēn gēmu'') where you can win anything from stuffed animals and trinkets to expensive smartphones and jewelry, and sophisticated '''photo sticker booths''' (プリクラ ''puri-kura'', shortened from the brand name Print Club). [[File:Go and shogi center by pommes king in Osaka.jpg|thumb|Go being played, [[Osaka]]]] Japan's national game is '''[[Go]]''' (囲碁 ''igo'', or just 碁 ''go''), a strategy board game that originated in China. Players place their stones to surround the most territory on the board; stones can't be moved, but can be captured if they're surrounded in all four directions. While the rules are simple, the strategy and tactics are very complex. Despite its Chinese origins, due to the fact that it was initially introduced to and promoted in the West by the Japanese, it is by their Japanese and not Chinese names that the game itself and its in-game terminology are generally known outside East Asia. By no means everyone plays, but Go has newspaper columns, TV, and professional players. Go is also played in the West, and there is a large and active [http://senseis.xmp.net/ English language wiki] discussing it. On a sunny day, the Tennoji ward of [[Osaka]] is a good place to join a crowd watching two Go masters go at it. Besides Go, another popular board game in Japan is '''[[shogi]]''' (将棋 ''shōgi'') or Japanese chess. The general mechanics are similar to Western [[chess]], with a few extra pieces that move in unique ways, but the most important difference is that after capturing a piece, you can later "drop" it back into play as one of your own pieces. The use of drops makes shogi a much more complex and dynamic game than Western chess. '''Mahjong''' (麻雀 ''mājan'') is also relatively popular in Japan, and frequently features in Japanese video and arcade games, although it's associated with illegal gambling, and mahjong parlors can be quite seedy. Mahjong uses tiles with a variety of Chinese symbols and characters. Players draw and discard tiles trying to complete a hand with particular sets of tiles (typically, four sets of either three identical tiles or three in a straight flush, plus one identical pair). While gameplay is similar, scoring is drastically different from the various Chinese versions. ===Music=== {{Seealso|Arts in Japan#Music}} The Japanese love '''music''' (音楽 ''ongaku'') in all styles. [[File:Agidaiko01.jpg|thumb|Taiko performance]] '''Traditional Japanese music''' (邦楽 ''hōgaku'') uses a variety of instruments, many of which originated in China, but developed into unique forms after being introduced to Japan. The most common instruments are the ''shamisen'' (三味線, a 3-string picked or plucked instrument), the ''shakuhachi'' (尺八, a bamboo flute), and the ''koto'' (箏, a 13-string picked zither). '''''Taiko''''' (太鼓) are drums that are unique to Japan, and range in size from small handheld drums to enormous {{m|1.8|adj}} stationary drums. ''Taiko'' also refers to the performances, which are very common at festivals. Outside of traditional Japanese music, these instruments are not frequently used. '''Western classical music''' (クラシック[音楽] ''kurashikku [ongaku]'') is moderately popular in Japan with people of all ages. There are 1,600 professional and amateur orchestras (オーケストラ ''ōkesutora'') in Japan; Tokyo is home to nearly half of them, including ''eight'' full-time professional orchestras. There are also well over 10,000 choirs (合唱 ''gasshō'', コーラス ''kōrasu'' or クワイア ''kuwaia''); the [http://www.jcanet.or.jp/profile/jca-english.htm Japan Choral Association] has more information. With the arrival of Western pop music in the 20th century, Japan created its own forms of pop music. These have largely died out except for '''''enka''''' (演歌), sentimental ballads in Western pop styles composed to resemble traditional Japanese music, typically sung in an exaggerated emotional style. '''Jazz''' (ジャズ ''jazu'') has been very popular in Japan since the 1930s. [[Japanese cuisine#Coffee shops|Jazz coffee shops]] are a common way to listen to jazz. '''J-pop''' and '''J-rock''' flood the airwaves. Punk, heavy metal, hip hop, electronic, and many other genres also find niches in Japan where they get their own Japanese interpretation. J-pop is often associated with '''idols''' (アイドル ''aidoru''), young music stars manufactured by talent agencies. Although many are one-hit wonders, quite a few idol groups turn into long-lasting acts: SMAP and Morning Musume have been popular for decades, while AKB48 has rocketed to the top to become the best-selling female group in Japan. '''Concerts''' (ライブ ''raibu'', "live") are easy to find. Depending on the event, you may be able to buy tickets at convenience stores (using a numeric code to identify the right concert), online, at record stores, or in various pre-sale lotteries. (Some sellers may require you to have a Japanese credit card with a Japanese billing address, so you may need to try multiple methods to find one you can use.) You can buy day-of tickets at the venue, assuming the concert isn't sold out, but large venues may not even sell tickets at the door. Rather than doing general admission, tickets may be numbered to divide the audience into smaller groups which are admitted in order. '''Music festivals''' (ロック・フェスティバル ''rokku fesutibaru'', shortened to ロックフェス ''rokku fesu'' or just フェス ''fesu'') are also popular, drawing tens of thousands of people. [http://fujirock-eng.com/ Fuji Rock Festival] is Japan's largest festival, and covers many genres. [http://rijfes.jp/ Rock In Japan Festival] is the biggest festival where only Japanese artists are allowed to perform. ===Performing arts=== [[File:Bunraku doll in national theatre Osaka 2.JPG|thumb|Bunraku doll in the National theatre, [[Osaka]]]] {{Seealso|Arts in Japan#Performing arts}} The most well-known types of traditional Japanese performing arts originated in medieval or pre-modern Japan, and feature melodramatic period stories of historical events, romance, or moral conflicts. While the old Japanese language they use can be off-putting, an important part of these art forms is the '''intricate visual aspects''' of their traditional costumes and emotional expressiveness. You may be more interested in the less well-known ''taishū engeki'' ("pop theater") or modern '''comedy''', such as ''rakugo'' solo storytellers, extremely popular ''manzai'' stand-up duos, or Western-style comedy. '''''Bunraku''''' (文楽) is a type of puppet theater. An actor and two stagehands precisely control each puppet, while a narrator performs the exposition and all dialogue with improvised ''shamisen'' accompaniment. '''''Kabuki''''' (歌舞伎) is a popular type of dance-drama. It's known for the elaborate costumes and makeup that performers wear. ''Kabuki'' tells its stories through the expressions and dances. Actors fly above the audience on wires and make dramatic entrances and exits via aisles down the middle of the audience, complex revolving stages, and trap doors. '''Noh''' (能 ''nō'' or 能楽 ''nōgaku'') is an older type of musical drama. Minimalist and probably boring for the average visitor, noh uses wooden masks and stark movements on identical bare sets, and tells its emotional stories through the lyrics, which are in an old form of Japanese (difficult for even native speakers to understand). It's sometimes described as "Japanese opera", although it's closer to chanted poetry rather than actual singing. Traditionally used as comic intermission between acts in a noh play, '''''kyōgen''''' (狂言) consists of short (10 minute) plays, often using stock characters such as servants and their master, or a farmer and his son. Much less well-known is '''''taishū engeki''''' (大衆演劇), a vague term meaning "theater for the masses" or "popular theater". Superficially, it's similar to kabuki, with elaborate Edo-period costumes, but the melodrama is turned all the way up. Every performance is a new tale, as these plays are ''not'' scripted, but invented from scratch during the morning's rehearsal; the simple stories are easy to understand even without a translation, with the good guys obviously triumphing over the bad guys. Following the play, the second half showcases actors mostly solo performing traditional dances with modern flashing stage lights and fog machines. You may find these accessible shows to have cultural similarities to variety shows, revues, or even drag shows. Shows are much cheaper than kabuki or noh, around ¥2,000. '''Comedy''' in Japan is markedly different from the Western style. Japanese are very sensitive about making jokes at the expense of others, so Western-style stand-up comedy isn't very common. Most Japanese comedy relies on absurdity, non sequiturs, and breaking the strict social expectations. Most Japanese also love puns and wordplay (駄洒落 ''dajare''), although these can cross the line into groan-inducing ''oyaji gyagu'' (親父ギャグ "old man jokes"). Don't bother attempting irony or sarcasm; Japanese rarely use these, and they're likely to take your statement at face value instead. * The most common and well-known type of stand-up comedy in Japan is '''manzai''' (漫才). This typically involves two performers misinterpreting each other and making puns at a breakneck pace. * Another traditional type of Japanese comedy is '''rakugo''' (落語), comedic storytelling. A lone performer sits on stage, using tricks to convey actions like standing up or walking, and tells a long and usually complicated funny story which always involves dialog between two or more characters. * A few troupes do Western style stand-up and improv comedy in English, which attracts a diverse international audience and even a lot of English-speaking Japanese. ===Japanese cultural arts=== {{Seealso|Arts in Japan#Japanese cultural arts}} [[File:Toshihana tea ceremony.jpg|thumb|Preparing tea]] Japan is famous for '''geisha''', although they're often misunderstood by the West. Literally translated, the word 芸者 (''geisha'') means "artist" or "artisan". Geisha are '''entertainers''', whether you're looking for song and dance, party games, or just some nice company and conversation. Geisha train from a young age to be exquisite, high-class entertainers. They're often employed today by businesses for parties and banquets. Although traditionally expensive and exclusive, you may be able to see geisha perform for as little as ¥3,000, or for free at a festival. In the largest Japanese cities, it's easy to spot a geisha if you look in the right part of town. In '''hostess clubs''', a female hostess will provide conversation, pour drinks, entertain, and to some degree flirt with her male clients. (At a '''host club''', roles are reversed with male hosts serving female clients, typically with a bit more overt flirting.) Hostesses work in bars and sing karaoke to entertain, compared to geisha coming to tea houses and restaurants to perform traditional Japanese arts. The hostesses are professional flirts, ''not'' prostitutes, and many hostess clubs have a prohibition on physical intimacy or sexual conversation topics. '''Maid cafés''' and other cosplay restaurants have employees dressed as French maids pamper their clients while serving them beverages and food. '''Tea ceremony''' (茶道 ''sadō'' or ''chadō'') is not unique to Japan, or even to Asia, but the Japanese version stands out for its deep connection to Japanese aesthetics. The focus of a Japanese tea ceremony is not so much the tea as making guests feel welcome and appreciating the season. Due to the influence of Zen Buddhism, Japanese tea ceremony emphasizes a uniquely Japanese aesthetic called ''wabi-sabi'' (侘寂). A very rough translation might be that ''wabi'' is "rustic simplicity" and ''sabi'' is "beauty that comes with age and wear". There are '''tea houses''' across Japan where you can be a guest at a tea ceremony. The most common type of "informal" ceremony usually takes 30 minutes to an hour; a "formal" ceremony can take up to 4 hours. ===Festivals=== [[File:Kan n01.jpg|thumb|right|Kanto Festival in [[Akita]] ]] Japan has an estimated 200,000 '''festivals''' (祭 ''matsuri'') throughout the year. Festivals are held for a variety of reasons, the most common being to give thanks (e.g. for a successful rice harvest) and bring good fortune. Although most festivals are small events sponsored by local shrines or temples, there are hundreds that are large city-wide affairs, any of which would be a nice addition to your itinerary if they overlap your schedule. The main event at many large festivals is a '''parade of floats''', which are usually lifted and carried by hand by several dozen men. Often a shrine's ''kami'' (spirit/deity) will be ritually put in a portable shrine (''mikoshi'') and carried around the neighborhood as part of the parade. At some festivals, anyone can take a turn helping to carry a float for a few minutes. <!-- I know that's true, but I don't know how common it is. Can anyone clarify? --> '''Fireworks''' (花火 ''hanabi'') are also a common event at festivals, particularly in the summer; in Japan, this is the most common use of fireworks. The rest of the time is spent enjoying the booths and entertainment. Food stalls have '''traditional festival foods''' like ''takoyaki'', shaved ice (かき氷 ''kakigōri''), and skewered hot dogs. A traditional game at festivals is '''goldfish scooping''' (''kingyo sukui''): if you can catch a goldfish using the flimsy paper scoop, you get to keep it. Other common games include ring toss and cork guns. Festivals are a time for the neighborhood and community to come out and celebrate together, whether it's a family, young couples making a date of it, or just a group of friends. Nearly everyone will put on a colorful '''''yukata''''' robe, while many of the people working at the festival wear ''happi'' coats. (Street clothes are perfectly fine, too.) <!-- Are there some smaller/local festivals we could mention that aren't quite so unusual or risque? --> <!-- to do: how do you find other local/smaller festivals? --> The JNTO website has a [http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/festivals/ list of several dozen festivals throughout the year] in English. Some of the most well-known festivals are: <!-- So far this is 7... maybe we could expand this to NINE (standard/max length of wv lists), but how should we determine which ones should be listed? --> * '''Sapporo Snow Festival''' (さっぽろ雪まつり ''Sapporo Yuki-matsuri'') in [[Sapporo]] (February, 7 days starting the second week) — elaborate snow and ice sculptures * '''Hakata Dontaku''' in [[Fukuoka]] (May 3–4) — Japan's largest festival, drawing over 2 million people during the Golden Week holidays * '''Kanda''' in [[Tokyo]] (May, Sa-Su closest to May 15 in odd-numbered years) * '''Hakata Gion Yamakasa''' in [[Fukuoka]] (July 1–15) — famous for racing one-ton floats * '''Gion''' in [[Kyoto]] (July, the whole month but particularly 14-17 and 21-24) * '''Nebuta''' in [[Aomori]] (August 2–7) * '''Awa-Odori''' in [[Tokushima]] (August 12–15) — folk dance festival There are also several nationwide festivals: * '''New Year's''' (正月 ''Shōgatsu'') (December 31 - January 3) * '''''Hina matsuri''''' (March 3) — during the "Doll festival", families pray for their girls, and arrange displays of dolls of the emperor and his court * '''''Tanabata''''' (around July 7; in Sendai, August 5–8; some places based on lunar calendar) — sometimes called the "Star Festival", celebrates the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (the stars Vega and Altair) who could only meet on this day each year * '''''Obon''''' or '''''Bon''''' (three days usually around August 15, but date varies by region) — when spirits of the deceased return to this world; families have reunions, and visit and clean ancestors' graves * '''''Shichi-Go-San''''' ("Seven-Five-Three") (November 15) — for girls age 3 and 7 and boys age 3 and 5 Some local festivals are more eccentric. '''''Hari Kuyō''''' ("needle memorial") festivals are held throughout Japan to express thanks to old or broken needles and pins. '''''Hadaka''''' ("naked") festivals are actually common throughout Japan, but the most well-known one is the '''''Eyō Hadaka''''' matsuri at Saidai-ji in [[Okayama]]. Thousands of men wearing just loincloths scramble to catch lucky sacred items thrown into the crowd, which will bring them a year of happiness. '''''Naki Sumō''''' ("crying sumo") festivals throughout Japan have competitions where two sumo wrestlers holding babies see which baby will cry first as priests provoke them by making faces and putting on masks. And the '''''Kanamara''''' matsuri in [[Kawasaki]] is famous for celebrating the male genitalia. ===Hot springs and public baths=== {{seealso|Public baths in Japan}} As a nation made of volcanic islands, it's not surprising that in Japan '''hot springs''' (温泉 ''onsen'') are commonplace. Japanese have pondered for centuries what the best hot springs in the country are, and they've come up with [[Japan's Top 3#Three Hot Springs|quite a few]]. Bathing is a big deal in Japan, and be it a scenic ''onsen'' hot spring, a neighborhood ''sentō'' bath or just an ordinary household tub, bathing Japanese style is a pleasure. Whereas a Western "bath" is used for washing in, "baths" in Japan are for soaking and relaxing, more like a hot tub. Washing is done first outside the tub. [[Image:Okuhida Bath Kodakara2.JPG|thumb|''Rotenburo'' outdoor bath in the [[Oku-Hida Onsen Villages]]]] ''Onsen'' are the pinnacle of the Japanese bathing experience. Clusters of hot spring '''inns''' pop up wherever there's a suitable source of hot water. The most memorable onsen experience is often the '''''rotenburo''''' (露天風呂): '''outdoor baths''' with views of the surrounding natural scenery. While most onsen are run commercially and charge fees for entry (¥500-1000 is typical), especially in remote areas there are free publicly maintained baths that offer minimal facilities, but, more often than not, stunning views to make up for it. To find those off the beaten track inns, check out the '''[http://www.hitou.or.jp/en/index.html Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns]''' (日本秘湯を守る会 ''Nihon hitō o mamoru kai''), which has 185 independent lodges throughout the country. ''Sentō'' (銭湯) are public bath houses found in any large city. Intended for people without their own home tub, they are typically quite utilitarian and are slowly dying out. Some, however, have gone upmarket and turned into "spas" (スパ ''supa''), which are public baths for stressed-out salarymen, often with a capsule hotel (see ''[[#Sleep|&sect; Sleep]]'') bolted on the side. As you might expect, these come in varying degrees of legitimacy &mdash; beware any place advertising "esthe", "health", or "soap" &mdash; but most are surprisingly decent. Foreign visitors typically visit hot springs by stopping at a '''''[[#Ryokan|ryokan]]''''', a traditional Japanese inn, most of which feature hot springs as one of their main attractions (the other main attraction usually being the elaborate ''kaiseki'' meals). This requires some research and planning to decide where you want to go (most ryokan are in small towns in the country) and to fit it into your schedule. But don't focus exclusively on inns; many onsen have no lodging, making them cheap and quick to stop at, although many are hard to get to without a car or bicycle. Many onsen and sento prohibit the entry of visitors with '''tattoos'''. Intended to keep out ''yakuza'' gangsters (who often sport full-back tattoos), the rule is usually applied with a modicum of common sense, but heavily tattooed visitors will, at the very least, receive curious looks and may be asked to leave. Japanese are understanding of the funny ways of foreigners, but there's one rule where no exceptions are made: '''you have to wash yourself and rinse off all foam ''before'' entering the bath'''. Baths in Japan are generally used '''naked''', although if you really don't want to be seen by strangers and/or travel companions, you can instead use private baths (by reservation or attached to your room) or stay clothed in a foot bath. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rate JPY|currencies=USD,EUR,GBP,CAD,CNY,ZAR}} The Japanese currency is the '''Japanese yen''', abbreviated ¥ (or '''JPY''' in foreign exchange contexts). The symbol 円 (pronounced ''en'') is used in the Japanese language itself. [[File:500JPY.JPG|thumb|Japanese ¥500 coins]] * '''Coins''': ¥1 (silver), ¥5 (gold with a center hole), ¥10 (copper), ¥50 (silver with a center hole), ¥100 (silver), and ¥500. There are two ¥500 coins, distinguishable by their color. (The new ones are gold, the old ones are silver). * '''Bills''': ¥1,000 (blue), ¥2,000 (green), ¥5,000 (purple), and ¥10,000 (brown). ¥2,000 bills are rare. New designs for all the bills except ¥2,000 were introduced in November 2004, so there are now two versions in circulation. Most merchants will not object to receiving a ¥10,000 bill even for a small purchase. ====Converting yen to euros, dollars and pounds==== Your usual currency equaling between 80 and 111 yen, do this to convert: Divide by 100. Example: <br> • ¥2,000 -> 20 of your usual currency When your usual currency equals between 111 and 133 yen, do this to convert: Divide by 1,000 and multiply by 8. Example:<br> • ¥3,000 -> 3. 3*8 ≈ 24 of your usual currency Your usual currency being between 133 and 154 yen, do this to convert: Divide by 1,000 and multiply by 7. Example:<br> • ¥4,000 -> 4. 4*7 ≈ 28 of your usual currency And when your usual currency is between 154 and 182 yen, do this to convert: Divide by 1,000 and multiply by 6. Example: <br> • ¥5,000 -> 5. 5*6 ≈ 30 of your usual currency This works well for everyday expenses. For rather high amounts of money, it's better to convert with the exact exchange rate, e.g. with an app. ====Paying by cash==== Japan is fundamentally a cash society. The Japanese usually carry around large quantities of cash — it is quite safe to do so and is almost a necessity, especially in smaller towns and more isolated areas. Some machines, such as coin lockers, laundries and beach showers, only accept ¥100 coins, and some change machines may only accept ¥1,000 bills. ====Paying by credit card==== Although most stores and hotels serving foreign customers take credit cards, many businesses such as cafés, bars, grocery stores, and even smaller hotels and inns '''do not'''. The Japanese government has made an effort to improve this situation somewhat in the lead-up to the 2020 Olympics however. Even businesses that do take cards often have a minimum charge as well as a surcharge, although this practice is disappearing. MasterCard, Visa, and JCB are accepted, and Discover and American Express have an agreement with JCB and are usable at locations where JCB cards are accepted. The following two types of '''contactless payment''' terminals are used in stores throughout the country: * EMV - compatible with Apple Pay/Google Pay. * FeliCa - compatible with Japan-specific smart cards such as Suica/Waon. Look for the EMV terminals displaying the international contactless logo {{nowrap|[[File:EMVCoContactlessIndicator.svg|25px]]}} and say "Contactless" to the sales assistant for your contactless payment to be accepted. ====Paying by smart card==== Smart cards can be used for both public transport and store purchases in all the major cities throughout the country. A "'''Suica'''", "PASMO" or "ICOCA" card can be purchased from the airport train station when you arrive. Alternatively, simply [https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207154 add a Suica card] to '''Apple Wallet''' or a PASMO card to '''Google Pay''' before you travel. Once topped up with funds, tap your device at almost any train station gate line or store payment terminal for your travel/mobile payment to be accepted. ====Exchange==== Almost any major bank in Japan will provide foreign currency exchange from US dollars (cash and traveller's checks). Rates are basically the same whichever bank you choose (rates may be better or worse at private exchange counters). Having to wait 15-30 min, depending on how busy the branch gets, is not unusual. Other currencies accepted are euros, Swiss francs, British pounds, and Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand dollars. Singapore dollars are the most widely accepted Asian currency, followed by the Korean won, Chinese yuan, and Hong Kong dollars. Other Asian currencies are generally ''not'' accepted. Exchange rates for US dollars and euros are typically very good (about 2% below the official rate). Exchange rates for other currencies are very poor (up to 15% below the official rate). Japanese post offices can also cash traveller's checks or exchange cash for yen, at a slightly better rate than the banks. Traveller's checks also have a better rate of exchange than cash. If you are exchanging amounts in excess of US$1,000 (whether cash or traveller's checks), you will be required to provide identification that includes your name, address, and date of birth. Since passports usually do not show your address, bring along another form of ID such as a driver's license that shows your address. ===Banking=== Banking in Japan is a notoriously cumbersome process, especially for foreigners. While foreigners in Japan on an extended period (i.e. those on student, dependent or work visas) may open an account, this option is not available to those on short trips for tourism or business. In the event that you need a locally-issued "credit" card (for an online merchant that performs region checks, for instance), there are a multitude of online-only virtual Visa cards available, and some stores' point cards carry a prepaid Visa or JCB card function also. Japanese bank branches will often only have ATMs available during office hours, though this is changing. While foreigners used to have to go to a 7-Eleven Bank or Japan Post ATM to withdraw cash, cash is now available from a wider range of '''ATMs''', known locally as "ATMs" (''ē tī emu'') or "cash corners" (キャッシュコーナー ''kyasshu kōnā''). The major banks and ATM operators accepting foreign cards are listed the [[Shopping in Japan#Withdrawing cash|Shopping in Japan]] article. Many Japanese ATMs are '''closed at night and during the weekends''', so it's best to get your banking done during office hours. Exceptions are convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson (for UnionPay users), and Ministop locations in larger cities. Staff at some bank branches are unaware that their ATMs accept foreign cards at all. If you're having trouble, pick up the handset next to the machine to talk to the central ATM support staff. For information on setting up a bank account or getting a Japanese credit card, see [[Working in Japan#Money]]. [[File:016 Coca-Cola vending machine at Kyoto Station, Japan - コカコーラ 自動販売機.JPG|thumb|Coca-Cola vending machine at Kyoto Station.]] '''Vending machines''' in Japan are known for their pervasiveness and the (notorious) variety of products they sell. Most will take ¥1,000 bills, and some types such as train ticket machines will take up to ¥10,000; none accept ¥1 or ¥5 coins, and only some accept ¥2,000 notes. And even the most high-tech vending machines do not take credit cards, save for certain ones in train stations (though there are limitations — for example, JR East and West ticket vending machines require a PIN of four digits or less; most credit card customers would be better off purchasing from a ticket window). Cigarette vending machines require a Taspo card (age verification), which are not available to non-residents, but local smokers are usually happy to lend you theirs. '''Prepaid electronic cards''' are quite popular in Japan for small purchases. There are cards for train fares, convenience store purchases, and other general purposes, though they aren't interchangeable. There is a '''10% consumption tax''' on most sales in Japan. Tax is ''usually'' included in displayed prices. The word ''zeinuki'' (税抜) means tax-excluded, ''zeikomi'' (税込) means tax-included. If you cannot find out any words in the price card, most of them are tax-included. Note that daily necessities, such as take-away food and non-alcoholic beverages, are subject to a lower 8% tax. Always keep a sizable stack of reserve money in Japan, as if you run out for any reason (wallet stolen, credit card blocked, etc.), it can be difficult to have any wired to you. Western Union has a very limited presence even in the larger metropolitan areas (they have an agreement with Daikokuya). American Express cardholders have more emergency options: the AmEx office in Tokyo can print replacement cards for same-day pickup if lost, and they do have the ability to send emergency funds to certain locations in Japan for pick-up if needed. ===Tipping=== In Japan, tipping is not a part of the culture. Japanese people are uncomfortable with being tipped and are likely to be confused, amused or possibly even offended if tipped. The Japanese pride themselves on the service given to customers, and a further financial incentive is unnecessary. If you leave a tip in a restaurant, the staff will probably come running after you to return the money you 'forgot'. Many Westernised hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge, and family restaurants may add a 10% late-night charge after midnight. Occasionally the hotel or inn will leave a small gratuity envelope for you to tip the maids, though it is completely optional. '''Never''' leave a cash tip on a table or hotel bed because the Japanese consider it impolite if it is not concealed in an envelope. Even bellhops in high end hotels usually do not accept tips. Exceptions are high-end ryokan (see ''[[#Ryokan|&sect; Sleep]]'') and interpreters or tour guides. ===Costs=== In the Bubble Era of the 1980s, Japan acquired a reputation for being extremely expensive &mdash; and it can be. However, many things have become significantly cheaper since the bubble popped, with Japan's economy and prices stagnant while the rest of the world roared and inflated away. These days Japan is actually cheaper than [[Australia]] and most [[European Union]] countries for basic expenses. Food in particular can be a bargain, and while still expensive by Asian standards, eating out in Japan is generally cheaper than in Western countries, with simple meals of noodles or rice with a topping starting from about ¥300 per serve. Of course, on the other end of the spectrum, fine dining can be very expensive, with prices on the order of ¥30,000 per person not unheard of. For long-distance travel, in particular, the Japan Rail Pass, Japan Bus Pass, and Visit Japan flights (see ''[[#Get around|&sect; Get around]]'') can save you a bundle. As rough guidelines, you will find it very difficult to travel on less than ¥5,000 per day (but if you plan carefully, it is certainly possible) and you can expect a degree of comfort only if you pay ¥10,000. Staying in posh hotels, eating fancy meals or just travelling long-distance will easily double this yet again. Typical prices for moderate budget travel would be ¥5,000 for hotel, ¥2,000 for meals, and ¥2,000 again for entry fees and local transport. Costs also differ from location to location, with the Tokyo metropolitan area being more expensive than the rest of the country. ====Tips for budget shopping==== If you find yourself a little short on cash, you can get your essential items in one of the many '''¥100 shops''' (百円ショップ ''hyaku-en shoppu'') in most cities like [http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/index.html Daiso], Can Do (キャンドゥ), Seria (セリア), and Silk (シルク). There are also convenience-store-like ¥100 shops such as SHOP99 and Lawson Store 100 which carry sandwiches, drinks, vegetables and some ¥100 items. ===Shopping=== [[File:03-05-JPN153.jpg|thumb|Night in [[Shinjuku]]]] {{seealso|Shopping in Japan}} Japan is known for its upscale '''department stores''' (デパート ''depāto''), the nicest of which feature beautiful interior architectural ornamentation and still employ uniformed women to operate the elevators while informing customers where to find items. ''Depāto'' typically have a food court and groceries in the basement, while the roof often has a garden (which doubles as a beer garden during the summer) and some affordable eateries. Retail hours are surprisingly limited, typically 10:00-20:00, though most shops are open on weekends and public holidays except New Year, and close on one day a week. However, you will always find something you could need to buy at any time of day. Japan is crawling with 24/7 '''convenience stores''', such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, Circle K, and Sunkus. Many Westerners come to Japan in search of '''''anime''''' (animation), '''''manga''''' (comics), and '''video games'''. One of the best places to shop is [[Akihabara]] in Tokyo. Battery-powered '''small electronics and still cameras''' made for sale in Japan will work anywhere in the world. There are no great bargains to be found, but the selection is unparalleled. However, if you are buying other electronics to take home, it's best to shop at stores that specialize in "overseas" configurations, many of which can be found in Tokyo's [[Tokyo/Akihabara|Akihabara]]. Japanese AC runs at 100 volts, so check devices' ratings; if it's not rated for 100–120&nbsp;V, using it without a step-down transformer can be dangerous. Blank media is a great deal; Blu-ray optical media for video and data is much, much cheaper than anywhere else. When it comes to casual '''fashion''', Japan is hard to beat. [[Tokyo]] and [[Osaka]] in particular are home to many shopping districts, and there is an abundance of stores selling the latest fashion, particularly those catering to youths. Japan's main contribution to jewelry is the '''cultured pearl''', developed by Mikimoto Kōkichi. The pearls are widely available, although there is little if any price difference to buying them outside Japan. For those who insist on getting their hands on the "authentic" stuff, Mikimoto's flagship store is in the [[Tokyo/Ginza|Ginza]] district of Tokyo, while the small town of [[Toba]] still hosts Mikimoto's Pearl Island. Then of course there is '''kimono''', the classic Japanese garment. While very expensive new, second-hand kimono can be had at a fraction of the price, or you can opt for a much cheaper and easier to wear casual ''yukata'' robe. See [[purchasing a kimono]] for buying your own. When wearing a kimono, it should always be wrapped left over right; doing the reverse is a major faux pas as that is only done when dressing the dead. ==Eat== {{main|Japanese cuisine}} [[Image:Japanese dinner, kaiseki.jpg|thumb|Fancy Japanese ''kaiseki'' (会席) multi-course dinner]] Japanese cuisine, renowned for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, has taken the world by storm. The key ingredient of most meals is '''white rice''', usually served steamed. '''Soybeans''' are a key source of protein and take many forms, notably the ''miso'' soup (味噌汁 ''miso shiru'') served with many meals, but also tofu (豆腐 ''tōfu'') bean curd and the ubiquitous '''soy sauce''' (醤油 ''shōyu''). '''Seafood''' features heavily in Japanese cuisine, including creatures of the sea and many varieties of '''seaweed'''. A complete meal is always rounded out by some '''pickles''' (漬物 ''tsukemono''). One of the joys of getting out of Tokyo and travelling within Japan is to discover the local specialties. Every region within the country has a number of delightful dishes, based on locally available crops and fish. In [[Hokkaido]] try the fresh sashimi and crab. In [[Osaka]] don't miss the ''okonomiyaki'' (お好み焼き) stuffed with green onions and the octopus balls (たこ焼き ''takoyaki''). The [https://gm.gnavi.co.jp/home/ Michelin Guide] is considered by many Western visitors to be the benchmark of good restaurants in Japan. But many top fine dining restaurants are not listed in it by choice. [https://tabelog.com/en/ Tabelog] is the go-to directory for Japanese people looking at restaurant reviews, but most of the reviews are posted in Japanese. ===Etiquette=== Most Japanese food is eaten with '''chopsticks''' (箸 ''hashi''). Eating with chopsticks is a surprisingly easy skill to pick up, although mastering them takes a while. * '''Never''' place or leave chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; You can rest chopsticks across the edge of your bowl, plate or chopstick rest. * Never pass something from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks. * Licking the ends of your chopsticks is considered low-class. * Using chopsticks to move plates or bowls is rude. * Pointing at things with your chopsticks is rude. (Pointing at people in general is rude; with chopsticks, doubly so.) * Spearing food with your chopsticks is generally rude and should be used as only a last resort. You shouldn't "whittle" your disposable chopsticks after breaking them apart (which would imply you think they're cheap), but for cleanliness it ''is'' good manners to put them back in their paper wrapper when you're finished eating. Most soups and broths, especially ''miso'', are drunk directly out of the bowl after you've chopsticked out the larger bits, and it's also normal to pick up a bowl of rice for easier eating. For main-dish soups like ''rāmen'' you will be given a spoon. Curry rice and fried rice are also eaten with spoons. Many restaurants give you a hot towel (''o-shibori'') to wipe your hands with (not your face) as soon as you sit down. Japanese '''never put soy sauce on a bowl of rice'''. Japanese don't like to waste food (including soy sauce, so don't pour more than you need), but it's fine in most restaurants if you leave some food on your plates. In all types of Japanese restaurants, '''staff generally ignore you''' until you ask for something. Say "''sumimasen''" ("excuse me") and maybe raise your hand at a large restaurant. Restaurants will present you with the bill after the meal. Pay at the counter when leaving &mdash; do not leave payment on the table and walk out. '''Tipping''' is not customary in Japan, although many sit-down restaurants apply 10% service charges and 24-hour "family restaurants" usually have a 10% late-night surcharge. ===Restaurants=== [[Image:Tsukiji DaiwaSushi.JPG|thumb|Sushi breakfast in [[Tokyo/Chuo|Tsukiji]], [[Tokyo]]]] The number of restaurants (レストラン ''resutoran'') in Japan is stupendous, and you will never run out of places to go. Japanese almost never invite guests to their homes, so socializing nearly always involves eating out. Eating out is generally cheaper than in Western countries, though still expensive by Asian standards, if you stick to a basic rice or noodles meal at a local joint. At the other end of the spectrum, fine dining can be very expensive indeed. Menus will, for most establishments, be in Japanese only; however, many restaurants have models (many in exquisite detail) of their meals in their front window, and if you can't read the menu it may be better to take the waiter or waitress outside and point at what you would like. There may be photographs of the food labeled with names and prices. Many cheap chain eateries have '''vending machines''' where you buy a ticket and give it to the server. At many of these restaurants, you'll have to be able to read Japanese or match the price from models or picture menus, along with some of the kana (characters) to the choices at the machine. Some other places have all-you-can-eat meals called ''tabehōdai'' (食べ放題), ''byuffe'' (ビュッフェ, "buffet"), or ''baikingu'' (バイキング "Viking", because "smorgasbord" would be too hard to pronounce in Japanese). ====Fine dining==== Japan is considered by many to be one of the world's centers of fine dining. Japan is tied with France for first place as the country with the most Michelin-star restaurants. Unfortunately, Japanese fine dining is notoriously inaccessible to foreign visitors; online bookings are typically not an option, staff typically speak little to no English, and most fine dining establishments do not accept reservations from new customers without an introduction from one of their regular diners. In some cases, if you are staying in a top-end luxury hotel, the concierge may be able to score you a reservation at one of these places provided you make the request well in advance. Traditional Japanese inns ''(see [[#Ryokan|&sect; Ryokan]])'' are a common way for travellers to enjoy a fine ''kaiseki'' meal. The elaborate meals featuring local seasonal ingredients are considered an essential part of a visit to a ryokan, and factor heavily into many people's choice of inn. ====Noodles==== [[Image:Bukkake udon by cloneofsnake in Kurashiki, Okayama.jpg|thumb|''Bukkake udon'' with ''tempura'', [[Kurashiki]]]] Practically every town and hamlet in Japan boasts its own "famous" noodle (麺 ''men'') dish. There are two major noodle types native to Japan: thin buckwheat '''''soba''''' (そば) and thick wheat '''''udon''''' (うどん). Chinese egg noodles or '''''rāmen''''' (ラーメン) are also very popular but more expensive (¥500 and up) and typically include a slice of grilled pork and a variety of vegetables. Slurping your noodles is acceptable and even expected. According to the Japanese, it cools them down and makes them taste better. Any remaining broth can be drunk directly from the bowl. ====Sushi and sashimi==== Perhaps Japan's most famous culinary exports are '''''sushi''''' (寿司 or 鮨), usually raw fish over vinegared rice, and '''''sashimi''''' (刺身), plain raw fish. Most sushi restaurants keep a handy multilingual decoding key on hand or on the wall. At the finest sushi restaurants, the chef puts a dab of fiery '''''wasabi''''' radish into the sushi, and glazes the fish with soy sauce for you. Thus, such sushi restaurants don't have individual bowls of soy sauce or wasabi. Most restaurants, though, provide them at the table. (Turn nigiri sushi upside down before dipping, as the soy sauce is to flavor the fish, not to drown the rice.) Slices of pickled ginger (''gari'') refresh the palate. When eating sushi, it's perfectly acceptable to use your fingers. Good sushi is always made such that you can put the entire piece into your mouth at once. ====Grilled and fried dishes==== [[File:Hiroshima yaki by woinary at the food court in Hiroshima Airport.jpg|thumb|Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) in [[Hiroshima]]]] The ''teppanyaki'' (鉄板焼き, confusingly known in the U.S. as "hibachi") and self-grill ''yakiniku'' (焼肉, Japanese-style "Korean barbecue") cooking methods, as well as the deep fried ''tempura'' (天ぷら) battered shrimp and vegetables originate here. Meat (especially beef) can be fiercely expensive, like the famous marbled '''Kobe beef''', which can cost thousands per serving. Tempura has entered the Japanese fine dining repertoire, and there are numerous fine tempura omakase restaurants in which the chef deep-fries the dish in front of you and puts it directly on your plate to be eaten immediately. Other uniquely Japanese foods include ''okonomiyaki'' (お好み焼き, "cook it how you like it", a batter with cabbage, meat, seafood, and vegetable fillings of your choice, often self-cooked at your table) and ''yakitori'' (焼き鳥, grilled skewers of every chicken part imaginable). ====Curry==== Japanese curry is very distinct from [[India]]n curry. Curry powder was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century by the [[United Kingdom|British]]. The Indian curry brought by the British was too spicy for Japanese tastes, but they altered the recipe to make it sweeter and thicker. Curry restaurants can be found throughout the country, but there are also localized versions, such as [[Kanazawa]] Curry, [[Bizen]] Curry, and [[Kuwana]] Curry. Soup curry is a famous dish in [[Hokkaido]]. Curry udon and other curry combinations are also quite popular. ====All-around eateries==== [[File:Shop-made bento box.jpeg|thumb|A typical ''o-bentō''. Clockwise from top: ''kara-age'' fried chicken with a ''korokke'' potato croquet and cocktail wieners, salad, rice with an ''umeboshi'' plum, ''harusame'' noodles and ''tsukemono'' pickles.]] ''Shokudō'' (食堂 "cafeteria" or "dining hall") serve up simple, popular dishes and ''teishoku'' sets at affordable prices (¥500-1000). When in doubt, go for the daily special or ''kyō no teishoku'' (今日の定食), which nearly always consists of a main course, rice, soup and pickles. A staple of the ''shokudō'' is the ''donburi'' (丼), meaning a bowl of rice with a topping. A closely related variant is the ''bentō-ya'' (弁当屋), which serves takeout boxes known as ''o-bentō'' (お弁当). While travelling on JR, don't forget to sample the vast array of ''ekiben'' (駅弁) or "station bento". Department store basements are often huge spaces filled with expansive amounts of fresh food from throughout the country and local dishes. You can get bento boxes, take out food on a stick, bowls of soup, and often find samples of treats to try. You can also find restaurants in department stores, often on the top floors. ====Others==== Various types of '''hot pot''' (鍋 ''nabe''), as well as a number of stewed food items known as ''oden'' (おでん) are popular in Japan during the winter. You can often find '''pseudo-Western dishes''', which were adapted from European and American cuisines, but often heavily Japanized. See the [[Japanese cuisine]] and [[Western food in Asia]] articles for more details. ====Beer gardens==== During the summer months when it's not raining, many buildings and hotels have restaurants on their rooftops and serve dishes like fried chicken and french fries, as well as light snacks. The specialty is, of course, '''draft beer''' (生ビール ''nama-biiru''). You can order large mugs of beer or pay a fixed price for an all-you-can-drink (飲み放題 ''nomihōdai'') course lasting for a set period of time (usually up to 2 hours). Cocktails and other drinks are also often available as part of all-you-can-drink sets. ===Fast food=== Japanese fast food restaurants offer decent quality at reasonable prices. Many chains offer interesting seasonal choices that are quite tasty. Fast food chains offer the range from classic Japanese food through to modern American junk food. There are also a number of Japanese '''family restaurants''' (ファミレス ''famiresu'' or ファミリーレストラン ''famirii resutoran''), serving a wide variety of dishes, including steak, pasta, Chinese style dishes, sandwiches, and other foods. Though their food is relatively uninteresting, these restaurants usually have illustrated menus, so travellers who cannot read Japanese can use the photos to choose and communicate their orders. ===Convenience stores=== If you're travelling on the cheap, Japan's numerous convenience stores (コンビニ ''konbini'') can be a great place to grab a bite to eat; they are everywhere and almost always open 24/7. Major chains include [http://www.sej.co.jp/in/en.html 7-Eleven], [http://lawson.jp/en/ Lawson], and [http://www.family.co.jp/for_tourist/en.html Family Mart]. You can find instant noodles, sandwiches, meat buns, and some small prepared meals, which can be heated up in a microwave in the store. An excellent option for food on the go is ''onigiri'' (or ''omusubi''), which is a large ball of rice stuffed with (say) fish or pickled plum and wrapped in seaweed, and usually cost ¥100-150 each (as of Mar 2019). ===Supermarkets=== For those really on a budget, most supermarkets (''sūpā'') have a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals, bentos, sandwiches, snacks and the like, generally cheaper than convenience stores. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day. One Japanese institution worth checking out is the ''depachika'' (デパ地下) or department store basement food court, featuring dozens of tiny specialist stalls dishing up local specialties ranging from exquisitely packed tea ceremony candies to fresh sushi and Chinese takeaway. They're often a little upmarket pricewise. ===Dietary restrictions=== ====Eating vegetarian==== Although the situation is improving in major cities, vegetarians (much less vegans) may have serious difficulty finding a meal that does not include animal products, particularly as the near-ubiquitous Japanese soup stock ''dashi'' is usually prepared with fish and often pops up in unexpected places like ''miso'', rice crackers, curry, omelettes (including ''tamago'' sushi), instant noodles and pretty much anywhere salt would be used in Western cuisine. ''Soba'' and ''udon'' noodle soups virtually always use bonito-based ''katsuodashi'', and typically the only vegetarian-safe item on the menu in a noodle shop is ''zarusoba'', or plain cold noodles &mdash; but even for this the dipping sauce typically contains ''dashi''. A safe bet is to look for '''Buddhist cuisine''' (精進料理 ''shōjin ryōri''), which is based on the cuisine eaten by Japanese Buddhist monks, and uses only the highest quality ingredients. As per Mahayana Buddhist tradition, it does not include dairy products, eggs or any other animal products. However, it is usually rather expensive. An excellent option is the ''kaiten'' (conveyor belt) sushi shop. There are several kinds of rolled sushi available in these shops that do not include fish or other marine creatures. You may have to ask for the type of sushi you want and the sushi chef will prepare it for you. Traditional Japanese cuisine contains an ample amount of protein through its great variety of soy products. In the prepared food sections of supermarkets and department store basements, you can also find many dishes including various types of beans, both sweet and savory. Vegetarians may want to seek out Indian or Italian restaurants in larger cities. ====Allergies==== Travelling in Japan with food allergies (アレルギー ''arerugī'') is '''very difficult'''. Awareness of severe allergies is low and restaurant staff are rarely aware of trace ingredients in their menu items. A serious '''soy ''' (大豆 ''daizu'') allergy is basically incompatible with Japanese food. The bean is used everywhere, including soybean oil for cooking. Keeping a ''strict'' '''gluten-free ''' diet while eating out is also close to impossible. Most common brands of soy sauce and mirin contain wheat, while miso is often made with barley or wheat. Commercially prepared sushi vinegar and wasabi may both contain gluten. Avoiding '''dairy ''' products is straightforward, as they are uncommon in traditional Japanese cuisine. '''Peanuts''' and other tree nuts are basically not used in Japanese cooking, with the exception of a few snacks and desserts. Peanut oil is rarely used. ====Religious diets==== Due to the very small size of the [[Islam|Muslim]] and [[Judaism|Jewish]] communities, finding halal or [[kashrut|kosher]] food is ''very difficult'' in Japan, and you will need to do some advanced planning before your trip. Muslim visitors can contact the [http://www.islam.or.jp/en/ Japan Islamic Trust], while Jewish visitors can contact either of Tokyo's Chabad Houses for more information; see [https://www.chabad.jp/ here] and [http://www.chabadjapan.org/ here]. ==Drink== {{Seealso|Japanese_cuisine#Beverages}} [[File:Getränkeautomaten in Japan.jpg|thumb|Beverage vending machines galore]] The Japanese drink a lot: not only green tea in the office, at meetings and with meals, but also all types of alcoholic beverages in the evening with friends and colleagues. The drinking age is 20. However, ID verification is almost never requested at restaurants, bars, or convenience stores, so long as the purchaser does not appear obviously underage. The main exception is in the large clubs in Shibuya, Tokyo, which during busy times will ID everyone entering the club. '''Drinking in public is legal''' in Japan, as is public intoxication. It's especially common to drink at festivals and ''hanami''. It's also not unusual to have a small drinking party on the bullet trains. ===Where to drink=== If you're looking for an evening of food and drink in a relaxed traditional atmosphere, go to an '''''izakaya''''' (居酒屋, Japanese-style pub), easily identified by red lanterns with the character 酒 ("alcohol") hanging out front. Many of them have an all-you-can-drink (飲み放題 ''nomihōdai'') deals at about ¥1,000 for 90 minutes (on average), although you will be limited to certain types of drinks. Food is invariably good and reasonably priced. A common Japanese institution is the '''snack''' (スナック ''sunakku''). These small neighborhood bars are usually run by an aging woman addressed as ''mama-san'' ("Ms. Mom"); besides serving food and a limited selection of drinks (often just beer and whiskey), she's a surrogate mother for patrons to converse with and get advice and even an occasional scolding from. Many are dive bars filled with cigarette-smoking regulars; an occasional visit from foreigners may be welcomed, but if you don't speak some Japanese you're undoubtedly missing some of the appeal. Somewhat related are '''hostess clubs''' (キャバクラ kyaba-kura, short for "cabaret club"), many of which describe themselves as ''sunakku''; these are slightly dodgy operations where paid hostesses pour drinks, sing karaoke, massage egos (and sometimes a bit more) and charge upwards of ¥3,000/hour for the service. Tourists will probably feel out of place and many do not even admit non-Japanese patrons. Dedicated gay bars are comparatively rare in Japan, but the districts of [[Tokyo/Shinjuku|Shinjuku ni-chome]] in Tokyo and [[Osaka/Kita|Doyama-cho]] in Osaka have busy gay scenes. Most gay/lesbian bars serve a small niche (muscular men, etc.) and will not permit those who do not fit the mold, including the opposite sex, to enter. While a few are Japanese only, foreigners are welcome at most bars. Izakaya, bars and snacks typically have cover charges (カバーチャージ ''kabā chāji''), usually around ¥500 but on rare occasions more, so ask if the place looks really swish. In izakayas this often takes the form of being served some little nibble (お通し ''otōshi'') as you sit down, and no, you can't refuse it and not pay. Some bars also charge a cover charge ''and'' an additional fee for any peanuts you're served with your beer. Karaoke parlors serve drinks and snacks. Orders are placed via a phone on the wall, by pressing a button to summon staff, or in high-tech ones using the karaoke machine's tablet or remote control. If you're just looking for a jolt of caffeine, go to Starbucks or one of its Japanese competitors such as Doutor or Excelsior. But for a more calm and unique experience, the Japanese coffee shop, '''''kissaten''''' (喫茶店), has a long history. Most are one-of-a-kind affairs, and reflect the tastes of their clientele. A peculiar kind of kissaten is the '''jazz coffee shop'''; these moody joints for jazz buffs are strictly for quiet listening, and ''not'' for conversation. '''Vending machines''' (自動販売機 ''jidōhanbaiki'', or ''jihanki'' in slang) are omnipresent in Japan and serve up drinks 24 hours a day at the price of ¥120-150 a can/bottle. In addition to cans of soft drinks, tea and coffee, you can find vending machines that sell beer, sake and hard liquor. In winter, some machines will also dispense hot drinks &mdash; look for a red label with the writing あたたかい (''atatakai'') instead of the usual blue つめたい (''tsumetai''). Vending machines that sell alcoholic beverages are usually switched off at 23:00. ===Beverages=== [[Image:Sake set.jpg|thumb|Flat ''sakazuki'' tray, a small ''choko'' cup and a wooden ''masu'' box]] '''Sake''' is a fermented alcoholic beverage brewed from rice. The Japanese word ''sake'' (酒) can mean any kind of alcoholic drink, and in Japan the word '''''nihonshu''''' (日本酒) is used to refer to what Westerners call "sake". Sake is around 15% alcohol, and contrary to popular belief, is usually not served hot, but often chilled; defaulting to room temperature is in most cases safe. Bottles and menus often show the '''''nihonshu-do''''' (日本酒度), a "sake level" that measures the sweetness or dryness of the brew, the average today being around +3 (slightly dry). When making a purchase, price is often a fair indicator of quality. '''''Shōchū''''' (焼酎) is the big brother of sake, a stronger-tasting distilled type of alcohol. Traditional ''shōchū'' are most commonly made of rice, yam, or grain, but can be made of other materials like potatoes, too. Typically around 25% alcohol and often cheap at less than ¥1000 for a big 1L bottle, these can be served straight, on the rocks, or mixed with hot or cold water. ''Shōchū'' industrially made out of sugar is often used and served as a kind of cooler mixed with juice or soda known as a ''chū-hai'', short for "''shōchū'' highball". '''''Umeshu''''' (梅酒), inaccurately called "plum wine", is prepared by soaking Japanese ''ume'' plums (actually a type of apricot) in white liquor so it absorbs the flavor, and the distinctive, penetrating nose of sour dark plum and sweet brown sugar is a hit with many visitors. Typically about 10-15% alcohol, it can be taken straight, on the rocks (ロック ''rokku'') or mixed with soda (ソダ割り ''soda-wari''). Japanese '''whisky''' ([ジャパニーズ] ウイスキー ''[japanīzu] uisukī''), although popular domestically for over 150 years, has come to inernational attention and won numerous awards. It can be had neat/straight (ストレート ''sutorēto'') or on the rocks (オン・ザ・ロック ''on za rokku'' or simply ロック ''rokku''), but it's much more common to dilute it, the same as with ''shōchū''. The most common preparation is a highball (ハイボール ''haibōru''), 1 part whisky and 2 parts soda water over ice. Another common drink uses cold mineral water (水割り ''mizu-wari'') in the same proportions, or in the winter, hot water (お湯割り ''o-yu-wari''). There are several large brands of Japanese '''beer''' (ビール ''biiru''), including Kirin, Asahi, Sapporo, and Suntory. Yebisu is also a popular beer brewed by Sapporo. In Japanese restaurants, beer is typically served in various sizes of bottles (瓶 ''bin''), or draft (生 ''nama'' meaning "fresh"). Most Japanese beers are dry pilsners, with strengths averaging 5%, which pair well with Japanese food but are definitely light in flavor. Even the few dark beers like Asahi Super Dry Black are actually dark ''lagers'', so despite their color they're still not very full-bodied. '''Microbreweries''' are quickly picking up steam, and their ''kurafuto bia'' (クラフトビア "craft beer") or ''ji-biiru'' (地ビール "local beer") bring some welcome diversity to the market. You'll likely have to hunt around to find them, though; besides brewpubs and good liquor stores like the widespread Yamaya (店舗 or やまや), another good place to look is department store basements. Japanese '''wine''' is actually quite nice but costs about twice as much as comparable wine from other countries. Several varieties exist, and imported wine at various prices is available nationwide. Specialized stores and large department stores offer the most extensive offerings. Most wine, red and white, is served chilled and you may find it hard obtaining room-temperature (常温 ''jō-on'') wine when dining out. [[Image:Higashi Shima Matcha.JPG|thumb|''Matcha'' and traditional sweets, [[Kanazawa]]]] The most popular beverage by far is '''tea''' (お茶 ''o-cha''), provided free of charge with almost every meal, hot in winter and cold in summer. There is a huge variety of tea in bottles and cans in convenience-store fridges and vending machines. Unless specified, tea is usually Japanese green tea; Western-style black tea is called ''kōcha'' (紅茶), and Chinese oolong tea (ウーロン茶 ''ūron cha'') is also popular. Japanese teas are always drunk neat, without the use of any milk or sugar. However, Western-style milk tea can also be found in most of the American fast food chains. '''Coffee''' (コーヒー ''kōhī'') is quite popular in Japan. It's usually brewed to the same strength as European coffee; weaker, watered down coffee is called ''American''. Canned coffee (hot and cold) is a bit of a curiosity, and widely available in vending machines for about ¥120 per can. Most canned coffee is sweet, so look for brands with the English word "Black" or the kanji 無糖 ("no sugar") if you want it unsweetened. There are many uniquely Japanese '''soft drinks''' and trying random drinks from vending machines is one of the little traveller's joys of Japan. Calpis (カルピス ''Karupisu'') is a kind of yogurt-based soft drink that tastes better than it sounds. The famous Pocari Sweat (ポカリスエット ''Pokari Suetto'') is a Gatorade-style isotonic drink. A more traditional Japanese soft drink is Ramune (ラムネ), nearly the same as Sprite or 7-Up but noteworthy for its unusual bottle, where one pushes down a marble into an open space below the spout instead of using a bottle opener. American soft drink brands are widely available. The only choices for diet soda will be Diet Coke, Coke Zero, or Diet Pepsi. In Japan, the term "'''juice'''" (ジュース ''jūsu'') is a catch-all term for any kind of soft drink — including even Coca-Cola and the like — so if it's fruit squeezings you want, ask for ''kajū'' (果汁). Extremely few are 100% juice. '''Water''' is commonly encountered in the form of plastic bottles of water. The tap water is safe to drink, and you can find filling stations for water bottles through [https://www.refill-japan.org/ Refill Japan], or by asking for water at a friendly restaurant. ==Sleep== [[Image:Ku-Nel-Asob.JPG|thumb|Room with a view, [[Oboke and Koboke]]]] In addition to the usual youth hostels and business hotels, you can find several kinds of uniquely Japanese accommodation, ranging from rarefied '''''ryokan''''' inns to strictly functional '''capsule hotels''' and utterly over-the-top '''love hotels'''. When reserving any Japanese accommodations, bear in mind that many smaller operations may hesitate to accept foreigners, fearing language difficulties or other cultural misunderstandings. Many Western hotel booking sites also have only a small selection of Japanese hotels available; to explore the full gamut, use local companies [http://travel.rakuten.co.jp/en/ Rakuten Travel] or [https://www.jalan.net/en Jalan], which have good English sites. Pricing for Japanese inns is often ''per person'', not per room. Bizarrely, some Japanese hotel chains also charge per person. Read the fine print, and check what meals are included at inns since this can make a big difference in the price (and the experience). When checking in to any type of accommodation, the hotel is required by law to make a copy of your passport unless you are a resident of Japan. It is a good idea, especially if you are travelling in groups, to present the clerk a '''photo copy of your passport''' to speed up check-in. Aside from this, remember that Japan is mostly a '''cash only''' country, and credit cards are usually not accepted in smaller forms of accommodation, including small business hotels. Bring enough cash to be able to pay in advance. One thing to beware in wintertime: traditional Japanese houses are designed to be cool in summer, which all too often means that they are '''freezing cold inside''' in winter. Bulk up on clothing and make good use of the bathing facilities to stay warm; fortunately, ''futon'' bedding is usually quite warm and getting a good night's sleep is rarely a problem. While accommodation in Japan is expensive, you may find that you can comfortably use a lower standard of hotel than you would in other countries. Shared baths will usually be spotless, and theft is very unusual in Japan. Just don't expect to sleep in late: check-out time is invariably '''10:00''', and any extensions to this will have to be paid for. You may have difficulty finding rooms at the busiest [[#Holidays|holiday times]], such as Golden Week at the beginning of May. However, many Japanese hotels and third-party booking sites do not accept online bookings more than '''3 to 6 months in advance''', so if it's more than 3 months before your trip and you're not finding anything available, either contact the hotel directly or try again later. Sizes of Japanese rooms are often measured in ''jō'' (畳 or sometimes 帖), the number of ''tatami'' (straw floor) mats that would cover the floor, regardless of the room's actual flooring material. Sizes vary by region, with 1 ''jō'' ranging from {{convert|1.445|to|1.824|m2|m2|abbr=on|disp=out}}, but a commonly used value is {{convert|1.652|m2|abbr=on|1}}. A typical room in a Japanese apartment is 6 ''jō'' (about {{convert|9.3|m2|m2 sqft|disp=out}}), big enough to sleep two people with their luggage spread out. ===Hotels=== While Western-branded hotels (ホテル ''hoteru'') are to be found all across Japan, it's Japanese brands like that rule the roost. Some of the Japanese hotel chains include: * '''[http://www.anaihghotels.co.jp/ ANA IHG Hotels]''' - the only Western-branded hotel chain with widespread Japanese presence, it operates Intercontinental Hotels, Crowne Plazas and Holiday Inns across Japan. Some ANA Hotels can be booked via IHG's reservation system. * '''[http://www.okura.com/ Okura Hotels & Resorts]''' is a brand of upscale and luxury hotels. They also own the midscale chains [http://www.okura.com/brand/nhi/ Hotel Nikko] and [http://www.jalhotels.com JAL Hotels]. * '''[http://www.rihga.com/ Rihga Royal]''' * '''[http://www.princehotels.com/ Prince Hotels]''' Full-service five-star hotel can turn pampering into an artform, but tend to be rather bland and generic in appearance, despite steep prices starting from ¥20,000 ''per person'' (not per room). On the other hand, three- and four-star [[#business hotels|business hotels]] are relatively reasonably priced when compared to prices in major European or North American cities, and even two-star hotels provide impeccable cleanliness and features rarely found in the West in that price range. However, there are several types of uniquely Japanese and far more affordable hotels: ====Capsule hotels==== [[Image:Susukino CapsuleHotel.JPG|thumb|Space-efficient sleeping in [[Sapporo]]]] Capsule hotels (カプセルホテル ''kapuseru hoteru'') are the ultimate in space-efficient sleeping: for a small fee (normally between ¥3000 and ¥4000), the guest rents a '''capsule''', sized about 2 x 1 x 1m and stacked in two rows inside a hall containing tens if not hundreds of capsules. Capsule hotels are segregated by sex, and only a few cater to women. On entry to a capsule hotel, take off your shoes, place them in a locker and put on a pair of slippers. You will often have to surrender your locker key at check-in to insure that you do not slip out without paying! On checking in you will be given a second locker for placing your belongings, as there is no space for them in the capsule and little security as most capsules have simply a curtain, not a door. Beware though if there is a curtain, since probing hands may enter it. Many capsule hotels are attached to a spa of varying degrees of luxury and/or legitimacy, often so that entry to the spa costs perhaps ¥2000 but the capsule is only an additional ¥1000. The cheapest capsule hotels will require feeding in ¥100 coins even to get the shower to work. This being Japan, there are always vending machines on hand to dispense toothpaste, underwear and sundries. Once you retire into your capsule, you will usually find a simple control panel for operating the lights, the alarm clock and the inevitable built-in TV. If you oversleep, you may be hit with another day's charge. In Tokyo's Shinjuku and Shibuya districts the capsule hotels run at least ¥3500, but have excellent free massage chairs, saunas, public baths, disposable razors and shampoo, magazines, and coffee in the morning. Your capsule "door" is just a curtain that keeps light out. You will likely hear a steady stream of drunk and sleepy business men crawling into their capsules above and across from you before falling into a mild snore. ====Love hotels==== [[Image:Hotel_Little_chapel_Christmas_Himeji.jpg|thumb|Many love hotels, such as this property in [[Himeji]], have unique exterior decorations.]] {{Infobox|Why are there so many love hotels?|Consider the housing shortage that plagued post-war Japan for years, and the way people still live in extended families. If you are 28 years old and still live at home, do you really want to bring your mate back to your folks<nowiki>'</nowiki> house? If you are a married couple in a {{convert|40|m2|sqft|adj=on}} apartment with two grade school children, do you really want to get down to it at home? Thus, there is the love hotel. They can be seedy, but mainly they are just practical and fulfil a social need.}} '''Love hotel''' (ラブホテル ''rabu hoteru'') is a euphemism; a more accurate term would be "sex hotel". They can be found in and near red light districts, but most are not in those areas. Many of them are often clustered around highway interchanges or main train stations. The entrance is usually quite discreet, and the exit is separated from the entrance (to avoid running into someone one might know). You rent a room by the night (listed as "Stay" or 宿泊 ''shukuhaku'' on the rate card, usually ¥6000-10,000), a couple of hours ("Rest" or 休憩 ''kyūkei'', around ¥3000), or off hours ("No Time Service"), which are usually weekday afternoons. Service charges, peak hour surcharges, and taxes can push your bill up by 25%. Some will accept single guests, but most will not allow same-sex couples or obviously underaged guests. They are generally clean, safe, and very private. Some have exotic themes: aquatics, sports, or Hello Kitty. As a traveller, rather than a typical client, you (usually) cannot check in, drop your bags, and go out exploring. Once you leave, that is it, so they are not as convenient as proper hotels. "Stay" rates also tend to start only after 22:00, and overstaying may incur hefty additional "Rest" charges. Many rooms have simple food and drinks in a refrigerator, and often have high prices. Take some food and drinks with you instead. The rooms often feature amenities such as jacuzzis, wild theme decoration, costumes, karaoke machines, vibrating beds, sex toy vending machines, and in some cases, video games. Most often, all toiletries (including condoms) are included. Sometimes the rooms have a book that acts as a log, where people record their tales and adventures for posterity. Popular love hotels may be entirely booked up in the cities on weekends. Hidden cameras have been found in love hotels, planted by other guests or even occasionally the hotel management. Videos of these supposed ''tousatsu'' (hidden camera) are popular in adult video stores, although many such videos are staged. ====Business hotels==== Business hotels (ビジネスホテル ''bijinesu hoteru'') are usually around ¥10,000 per night and have a convenient location (often near major train stations) as their major selling point, but rooms are usually unbelievably cramped. On the upside, you'll get a (tiny) en suite bathroom and, quite often, free Internet. Some major chains of cheaper business hotels include '''[http://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/en Tokyu REI Hotels]''', known for its generously sized rooms, '''[http://en.sunroute.jp/ Sunroute Hotels]''' and '''[http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/ Toyoko Inn]'''. The latter have a club card, which at ¥1500, can pay for itself on a single Sunday night. Local business hotels, farther from major stations, can be significantly cheaper (double room from ¥5000/night). English is rarely spoken, so pre-book online. For two or more, the price can often compete with youth hostels if you share a twin or double room. Full payment is often expected on check-in, and check-out times are early (usually 10AM) and non-negotiable unless you are willing to pay extra. At the very bottom end are dirt-cheap hotels in the labourers' districts of the major cities, such as Kamagasaki in Osaka, or Senju in Tokyo, where prices start from as little as ¥1500 for a tiny three-mat room that literally has only enough room to sleep. Walls and futons can be thin as well. ===Inns=== ====''Ryokan''==== [[Image:Togetsuan Room.JPG|thumb|A typical guest room in a ryokan]] [[Image:AzumaRyokan Breakfast 2.JPG|thumb|Japanese breakfast at a ryokan. Clockwise from top left: miso soup, rice, cold grilled fish, vegetables, pickles, ''nattō'' fermented soybeans, ''nori'' seaweed, a raw egg (for ''tamago kake gohan''), and more vegetables.]] {{seealso|Ryokan}} ''Ryokan'' (旅館) are '''traditional Japanese inns''', and a visit to one is the highlight of a trip to Japan for many. A night at a ryokan ''for one'' with two meals starts at about ¥8,000 and goes up into the stratosphere. ¥50,000 a night ''per person'' is not uncommon for some of the posher ones. Ryokan usually operate on a '''fairly strict schedule''' and you will be expected to arrive by 17:00. Before dinner you will be encouraged to take a '''bath''' &mdash; see ''[[Public baths in Japan]]'' for the full scoop. But first, you should change into your '''''yukata''''' robe, which you wear during your whole stay. For '''dinner''', ryokan typically serve ''kaiseki'' cuisine, traditional meals that consist of a dozen or more small dishes, elaborately prepared and presented from carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. The food in a good ryokan is a substantial part of the experience (and the bill), and is an excellent way to try some high-class Japanese cuisine. While some ryokan have a few rooms with Western beds, usually you sleep on '''''futon'' bedding''', which is not a convertible couch but a comfortable mattress rolled out for you on the tatami. '''Breakfast''' in the morning is more likely to be served communally in a dining hall at a fixed time. A Japanese breakfast is the norm, meaning rice, miso soup and cold fish. A last word of warning: some establishments with the word "ryokan" in their name are not the luxurious variety at all but guesthouse-like inns (some minshuku are included). The price will tell you the type of lodging it is. ====''Minshuku''==== ''Minshuku'' (民宿) are the '''budget version of ryokan''', and similar in concept to a [[Bed and breakfast|B&B]]. At these family-run houses, the overall experience is similar to ryokan but the food is simpler, dining is communal, bathrooms are shared, and guests are expected to lay out their own futon (although an exception is often made for foreigners). Consequently minshuku rates are lower, hovering around ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 with two meals (一泊二食 ''ippaku-nishoku''). Cheaper yet is a stay with no meals (素泊まり ''sudomari''), which can go as low as ¥3,000. Minshuku are more often found in the countryside, where virtually every hamlet or island, no matter how small or obscure, will have one. The hardest part is often finding them, as they rarely advertise or show up in online booking engines, so asking the local tourist office is often the best way. '''Pensions''' (ペンション ''penshon'') are similar to minshuku but have Western-style rooms, just like their European namesake. ====''Kokuminshukusha''==== ''Kokuminshukusha'' (国民宿舎), a mouthful that translates quite literally into "people's lodges", are '''government-run guest houses'''. They primarily provide subsidized holidays for government employees in remote scenic spots, but they are usually happy to accept paying guests. Both facilities and prices are usually more comparable to ryokan than minshuku standards; however, they are almost invariably large in size and can be rather impersonal. Popular ones need to be booked well in advance for peak seasons: sometimes almost a year in advance for New Year's and the like. ====''Shukubō''==== : ''See also:'' [[Meditation in Japan]] ''Shukubō'' (宿坊) are '''lodgings for pilgrims''', usually located within a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine. Again, the experience is broadly similar to a ryokan, but the food will be vegetarian and you may be offered a chance to participate in the temple's activities. Some Zen temples offer [[Meditation in Japan|meditation]] lessons and courses. Shukubo can be reluctant to accept foreign guests, but one place where that will not be a problem is the major Buddhist center of [[Mt. Koya]] near [[Osaka]]. ===Hostels and camping=== ====Youth hostels==== '''[[Hostels|Youth hostels]]''' (ユースホステル ''yūsu hosuteru'', often just called ''yūsu'' or abbreviated "YH") are another cheap option in Japan. Hostels can be found throughout the country, so they are popular among budget travellers, especially students. Hostels typically range in price from ¥2,000 to ¥4,000. It can become more expensive if you opt for dinner and breakfast and are not a Hostelling International (HI) member, in which case the price for a single night may be over ¥5000. For HI members, a simple stay can cost as little as ¥1500 depending on location and season. As elsewhere, some are concrete cell blocks run like reform schools, while others are wonderful cottages in scenic spots. There are even a number of temples that run hostels as a sideline. Do some groundwork before choosing where to go, the [http://www.jyh.or.jp/e/index.php Japan Youth Hostel] page is a good place to start. Many have curfews (and sometimes a lock-out period during the day when all guests must leave), and dorm rooms are often gender segregated. ====Riders' houses==== [[File:Rider House KAZE Ishikari Ishikari beach.jpg|thumb|A riders' house in [[Ishikari (Ishikari)|Ishikari]], [[Hokkaido]]]] '''Riders' houses''' (ライダーハウス ''raidā hausu'') are super-budget dorms intended primarily for bikers, both motorized and pedal-powered. While anybody is generally welcome, these are generally located deep in the countryside and access by public transport is impractical or impossible. Generally run as a hobby, riders' houses are very cheap (¥300/night is typical, free is not unheard of), but facilities are minimal; you're expected to bring your own sleeping bag and there may not even be a kitchen or a bath. Long stays are also discouraged and some ban stays of more than one night. These are particularly common in Hokkaido, but can be found here and there around the country. The definitive directory is [http://www.hatinosu.net/house/ Hatinosu] (Japanese only). ====Camping==== [[Image:Iya Campground Tent.JPG|thumb|Camping in scenic [[Iya Valley]]]] Camping is (after ''nojuku'', see below) ''the'' cheapest way to get a night's sleep in Japan. There is an extensive network of camping grounds throughout the country; naturally, most are away from the big cities. Transportation to them can also be problematic, as few buses may go there. Prices may vary from nominal fees (¥500) to large bungalows that cost more than many hotel rooms (¥13,000 or more). Camping wild is illegal in most of Japan, although you can always try asking for permission, or simply pitch your tent late and leave early. Many larger city parks may in fact have large numbers of blue, plastic tarpaulin "tents" with homeless in them. Campsites in Japan are known as ''kyanpu-jo'' (キャンプ場), while sites designed for cars are known as ''ōto-kyanpu-jo''. The latter tend to be far more expensive than the former (¥5,000 or so) and should be avoided by those setting out on foot unless they also have lower-key accommodations available. Campsites are often located near ''onsen'', which can be quite convenient. The '''[http://www.camping.or.jp/ National Camping Association of Japan]''' helps maintain '''[http://www.campjo.com/Campjo_AllList.asp Campjo.com]''', a Japanese-only database of nearly all campsites in Japan. The '''[http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-804.pdf JNTO]''' website has a fairly extensive list (in PDF format) of camp grounds in English, and local tourist offices are often well informed. ====''Nojuku''==== :''See also [[Urban camping in Japan]] article.'' For the real budget traveller wanting to get by on the cheap in Japan is the option of ''nojuku'' (野宿). This is Japanese for "'''sleeping outside'''", and although it may seem quite strange to Westerners, some young Japanese do this when they travel. Thanks to a low crime rate and relatively stable climate, ''nojuku'' is a genuinely viable option if you're travelling in a group or feel confident doing it on your own. Common ''nojuku'' places are basically anywhere that has some kind of shelter and public toilets nearby. Those worrying about shower facilities will be delighted to know that Japan is blessed with cheap public facilities pretty much everywhere: notably ''onsen'' or hot springs. Even if you cannot find an onsen, ''sentō'' (public bath), or sauna is also an option. See [[Public baths in Japan]]. Nojuku is really viable only in the summer months, although in the northern island of Hokkaido, even in summer the temperature may dip during the night. On the other hand, there's much more scope for nojuku on [[Okinawa]] (although public facilities on the smaller islands are lacking). Nojuku is not really recommended for first-time travellers to Japan, but for those with some experience, it can be a great way to get into the ''onsen'' culture, meet other fellow ''nojuku'' travellers, and most of all travel very cheaply when coupled with [[Hitchhiking in Japan|hitchhiking]]. ===Private accommodations=== ====Guest houses==== There are a number of '''guest houses''' (ゲストハウス) in Japan. Sometimes this is just a synonym for "hostel", but other guest houses are run from someone's private home. Whereas a minshuku is a destination unto itself, guest houses are simply places to stay, and often have convenient locations in cities or nearby suburbs. They may have shared dormitory-style accommodations, and unlike a minshuku or [[Bed and breakfast|B&B]] usually don't offer meals. Most will have a curfew as well. Some cater to foreign visitors, although some Japanese language ability will be helpful for finding, booking, and staying at one. ====[[Hospitality exchange]]==== Particularly in Japan's dense cities, [[hospitality exchange]] (民泊 ''minpaku'') through sites like AirBnB has become very popular. Such rentals are now regulated, and hosts must register with the government and display a license number on their listing. Hospitality exchange can be a good way to find a great deal on premium lodging and experience what a typical home is like for many Japanese. Many of the listings will be for "'''mansions'''" (マンション ''manshon''), which in Japanese is a common marketing term that really means "condominium". Mansions are typically in high-rise buildings with many amenities, unlike apartments (アパート ''apaato'') which are usually inexpensive flats. ''Minpaku'' is a great boon for rural areas with few hotels, but in cities the law protects hotels from having too much competition. Hosts operating as a ''minpaku'' rather than a hotel may only rent up to 180 days per year, and local laws may further restrict when rentals are allowed. (For example, in Shinjuku rentals are only allowed on weekends, in Shibuya only during school holidays, and in Kyoto's residential areas only between January and mid-March.) To get around this, some hosts may attempt tricks like asking you to make a one-night reservation and pay under the table for the additional nights; this is illegal, and would leave you with no recourse if you have problems with your rental. ===Long-term=== If you're staying for a longer period, you might be able to drastically reduce your living costs by staying in a '''gaijin house'''. '''Weekly mansions''' (short-term apartments) have become popular for residents (typically businessmen on long-term assignment or young singles) and are accessible even to visitors. Renting an apartment is a ridiculously complex and expensive process. See [[Working in Japan#Accommodations]] for more information. ===Last resorts=== Even in Tokyo, the trains completely stop running around 01:00, so if you are out after then and want to avoid paying for a cab or even a capsule hotel, there are a few options for killing the hours until the first morning train. If you need to find one of these options fast, station attendants will typically be able to point you in the right direction. Conveniently, many of these facilities are usually clustered around train stations, and they are used to accepting people who have missed the last train home. ====Internet and manga cafés==== [[Image:Manga_Kissa_5_(6021168063).jpg|thumb|A typical ''manga kissa'' in Tokyo's [[Tokyo/Chiyoda|Chiyoda Ward]]]] In bigger cities, especially around the major stations you can find Internet or Manga cafés. Membership costs around ¥300 one time. Here you can also watch TV, play video games, read comics and enjoy the free drink bar. Prices vary but usually are around ¥400/hour. They often have a special night rate for the period when no trains are running (from around midnight until 05:00 for ¥1,500). Customers are typically given the choice between a computer-equipped or TV-equipped cubicle, while others offer amenities such as a massage chair, a mat to sleep on or even a shower. It is not an especially comfortable option, but it is perfect for checking the next day's train schedule, downloading pictures from your digital camera, writing home, and resting a bit. Often, you may be surrounded by snoring locals who have missed the last train home. ====Karaoke bar==== This is only an emergency option if you cannot find anything else and you are freezing outside. Karaoke bars offer entertainment rooms until 05:00 ("free time") for ¥1,500-2,500. Works only with at least 3 people. ====Public baths==== {{seealso|Public baths in Japan}} Some onsen or sento stay open all night. These are usually known as "super" sentos. Usually there is a 'relaxing area' with tatami mats, TV, vending machines, etc. Though occasionally they are multi story bath and play houses. Often, for a reasonable fee (on top of the bathing cost), you will be allowed to crash the night on the tatami or in a room with large reclining chairs. ====Outside==== In the warmer months, people sleeping or napping on streetsides outside the bigger train stations is a common sight. Many of them just missed their last trains and prefer spending three or four hours waiting for the first train on the asphalt rather than three or four thousand yen for a short-term stay in a hotel or public bath. While this is definitely the least comfortable way to sleep through the night, it is especially popular with college students (who have no money), and absolutely tolerated by police and station staff; even drunkards sleeping next to their own puke will not be disturbed in their booze-induced sleep. ====On trains==== Similarly, no need to sweat if you fall asleep on a local train after a long party night. However be careful not to oversleep and go to the end of the line. Sometimes, that station turns out to be two hours away from the city. ==Learn== {{seealso|Working and studying in Japan}} [[Image:JP-13 Bunkyo-ward Tokyo-Univ Yasuda auditorium.jpg|thumb|University of Tokyo, [[Tokyo/Bunkyo|Tokyo]]]] There are hundreds of thousands of foreigners studying in Japan, either in language schools (to learn Japanese), in universities, or to study Japanese martial arts, or arts and crafts. Many exchange programs bring foreigners to Japan, including at the university level. Students from many countries are exempt for obtaining a visa if they are coming to Japanese to study the Japanese language for up to 90 days, while visas sponsored by educational institutions are required for other students. ==Work== {{seealso|Working and studying in Japan}} To work in Japan, a foreigner who is not already a permanent resident must receive a job offer from a guarantor in Japan, and then apply for a working visa at an immigration office (if already in Japan) or an embassy or consulate (if abroad). It is illegal for foreigners to work in Japan on a tourist visa. The '''[http://www.jawhm.or.jp/eng/index.html Working Holiday]''' program is open to young citizens (between 18 and 30) from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, Ireland and the UK. Those eligible may apply for working holiday visas without having a prior job offer. A popular form of employment among foreigners from English speaking countries is [[teaching English]], especially in after-hours English conversation schools known as ''eikaiwa'' (英会話). Pay is fairly good for young adults, but rather poor compared to a qualified educator already at work in most Western countries. An undergraduate degree or ESL accreditation is essential for most desirable positions. Interviews for English schools belonging to one of the larger chains would usually be held in the applicant's home country. North American accents are preferred, as well as an unspoken preference for teachers with a white appearance. This is largely based on economics; the stereotypical native English speaker is a white person, and many parents expect the teacher to look like that when they send their children to learn English. The '''[http://www.jetprogramme.org/ JET Programme]''' (Japan Exchange and Teaching) offers young university graduates a chance to teach in Japan. The program is run by the Japanese government but your employer would typically be a local Board of Education who assigns you to one or more public schools, often deep in the countryside. No Japanese skills or formal teaching qualifications are required and your airfare is provided. Pay is slightly better than the language schools. Quite a few young women choose to work in the '''hostess''' industry, where they entertain Japanese men over drinks in tiny bars known as ''sunakku'' (スナック) and are paid for their time. While pay can be good, visas for this line of work are difficult if not impossible to obtain and most work illegally. The nature of the work also carries risks, notably groping, harassment or worse. ==Stay healthy== Japan is a country '''obsessed with cleanliness''' and health hazards are few and far between. Food hygiene standards are very high. There are no communicable diseases of significance, and despite the name, '''Japanese encephalitis''' has been almost eradicated. '''[[Tap water]]''' is safe and of good quality throughout the country. Domestic and foreign brands of bottled water are available for &yen;100-200 everywhere (at least in tourist destinations). Most restaurants serve filtered tap water for free. Unless specifically labeled "mineral water" (ミネラルウォーター ''mineraru wōtā''), water in Japan has a low mineral concentration in general. Radioactivity levels in the water supply have been closely monitored in some areas since the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster, but found negligible as far as water used by civilians is concerned; also see the [http://japan2.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-health.html U.S. Embassy's summary] and [[Tokyo]] government's [http://monitoring.tokyo-eiken.go.jp/en/mon_water_data.html daily reports]. Many Japanese public [[toilets]] do not have soap, and some do not have toilet paper, although there are often vending machines nearby that sell toilet paper at token prices. Major stations often have people handing out free tissue packets with advertisements, which can come in handy in a pinch. Be sure to bring a small umbrella for the frequent rainy days. Don't rely too much on the weather forecasts, especially from a day or two ago. Then again, if you forget, you can always go into the nearest convenience store and pick one up for ¥500. If you do become ill with a cold or other sickness, purchase a mouth-covering, cloth surgical mask. You will find that people frequently wear these out on trains and on the job. This filters your sneezing and coughing so you do not transmit to others. '''Second-hand smoke''' used to be a massive issue in Japan, but public transport, public buildings and most offices are now smoke-free, with increasing numbers of cities banning smoking entirely outside designated smoking areas. Since 2020, even restaurants in Tokyo only allow smoking in dedicated, separately ventilated smoking sections. ===Healthcare=== Medical facilities in Japan are on par with the West, and the better known hospitals are usually equipped with the most cutting edge medical technology. For Japanese citizens and residents, the cost of medical treatment is made affordable by the government's national health insurance system. However, for those not covered by it, the cost of medical treatment is expensive. While foreigners in Japan for an extended period (eg. those on Work or Student visas) are allowed limited access to the national health insurance system, it is not available to tourists on short visits, so be sure to have your travel insurance in order before your trip. However, if you have not made arrangements prior to arrival for any reason, [https://travelins.sjnk.jp/?code=99002 Sompo Japan] sells travel insurance for visitors that can be applied for online after arrival. Most Japanese doctors and nurses are unable to communicate in English. The [https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/doctors/ website of the US embassy] maintains a list of hospitals and clinics which have English-speaking staff available. *[https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html Japan: the official guide] (Japan National Tourist Organization). A guide for when you are feeling ill in Japan. List of medical institutions with English-speaking staff and how to use medical institutions is available. *Japan Visitor Hotline {{phone|+81 50-3816-2787}}. The Japan National Tourism Organization has a 24/7 visitor hotline. Also respond to inquiries related to the COVID-19. [https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/ Information about COVID-19] ==Stay safe== [[File:Kakamigahara Police Station Unuma Koban.jpg|thumb|Police boxes (交番 kōban) ]] {{multiple image | total_width = 200 | image1=Japanese Map symbol (Koban).svg | alt1=Police box (''kōban'') map symbol | image2=Japanese Map symbol (Police station).svg | alt2=Police station map symbol | footer=Map symbols for a police box (X) and police station (circled X) }} Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with crime rates significantly lower than that of most countries. Policing in Japan is the responsibility of the 47 prefectural governments, but all police officers have nationwide jurisdiction. '''''Kōban''''' (交番), usually translated as '''police boxes''', can be found in nearly every neighborhood, identified by a flashing red light. The police are generally helpful (although they rarely speak English), so ask if you get lost or have any trouble. They usually have a detailed map of the area around showing not only the difficult-to-understand numbering system but also the names of major buildings to help to find your way. You can report accidents and petty crimes at a ''kōban'', but for serious crimes or other police services, go to a police station (警察署 ''keisatsusho''). Report any thefts or lost items at the ''kōban''. They have forms in English and Japanese, often referred to as the "Blue Form". For lost items, even cash, filling out this form is not wasted effort, as Japanese people will very often take lost items, even a wallet full of cash, to the ''kōban''. If you happen to find such an item, take it to the ''kōban''. If the item is not claimed within six months, it is yours. If it is claimed, you may be due a reward of 5-15%. Japan has two emergency numbers. To call the '''police''' in an emergency, dial '''110''' (110番 ''hyakutoban''). To call for an '''ambulance''' or '''fire truck''', dial '''119'''. Some Japanese public phones have a red emergency button on the lower panel; press this and then dial. In Tokyo, operators proficient in English and other languages are available; elsewhere, they should usually be able to reach an English translator who will have a three-way conversation with you and the dispatcher. In Tokyo, you can report non-emergencies and get translation in English, Korean, and Chinese from the General Advisory Center at +81 3 3501-0110; it is available M-F 08:30-17:15 except on holidays. Similar services are available from any prefecture's police headquarters by calling '''#9110''' (although in some locations you may need to use a local phone number instead), although fewer foreign languages may be available. ===Crimes and scams=== {{infobox|Police and the law|Police in Japan may and do detain people up to 23 days before a prosecutor formally files charges, and you may be subjected to nonstop interrogation during this period. This detention period may be extended for another 23 days each time indefinitely by simply amending the charge. You can hire a lawyer only if somebody outside pays the fees in advance, and your lawyer is not allowed to be present during interrogations. Insist on an interpreter and consular access, and '''do not fingerprint ''anything''''' (Japanese equivalent of signing), especially if you do not fully understand what you sign. A signed confession ''will'' result in a guilty verdict at your trial. By far the most common pattern of how foreign tourists end up staring at the cold, yellow walls of a Japanese detention cell is getting drunk and then involved in a fight. Standard police procedure is to detain everybody first and to sort out things later. If anybody accuses you of anything even on the flimsiest grounds, you may be looking at an unpleasant extension to your vacation. Over 99% of criminal trials in Japan end in a conviction, so if your case goes to trial, your conviction is largely a formality, and the main job of the judge is to decide your sentence. If you are convicted of a crime, you will be looking at a first-hand experience of Japan's notoriously harsh prison system. Japan is exotic and mysterious; what seems strange and even appealing to you during daytime can get obnoxious and annoying to you at night, especially with some booze running through your veins, so control your temper and alcohol level. Police patrol party areas heavily at night and they will be willing to "rescue" a fellow Japanese from a violent foreigner.}} Street crime is extremely rare, even for single female travellers late at night, but it is still no excuse to ditch your common sense. Women travelling alone should take care as they would in their home countries and never hitchhike alone. Pickpocketing does sometimes happen: if you take your usual precautions in crowded places such as trains and at Narita Airport, you should be fine. Women and men on crowded rush-hour trains should be aware of the existence of male ''chikan'' (痴漢) and female ''chijo'' (痴女) or molesters. Be careful in these trains too, as you could be blamed for such occurrences, and possibly arrested. Some trains have female-only carriages during rush hour in an effort to combat sexual harassment. A lot of heavy drinking goes on in the evenings and occasionally drunks may be a nuisance, although alcohol-related violence is extremely rare. The infamous ''yakuza'' (ヤクザ), the Japanese gangsters, almost never target people not already involved in organized crime. Don't bother them and they will not bother you. Red-light districts in large cities can be seedy although they are rarely dangerous for visitors, but some smaller backstreet bars and shops that look like normal-looking shops but tout themselves on the street have been known to lay down exorbitant cover charges or drink prices. In some extreme cases, foreigners have reported being drugged at such establishments and then charged as much as ¥700,000 for drinks that they do not remember ordering (notably in the Roppongi and Kabukichō districts of Tokyo). Never go into a place that is suggested by someone that you just met. This goes especially for the street touts (absent in Japan except in places like Kabukichō). ====Prostitution==== '''Prostitution is illegal in Japan''', but creative interpretation of the letter of the law, which bans only intercourse and specifies no penalties for provider or client, combined with lenient policing means Japan that still has one of the most vibrant sex industries in the world. However, this industry is almost entirely geared towards the domestic market, and foreigners are by and large not welcome, even if they speak Japanese. The most famous red-light district is '''Kabukichō''' (歌舞伎町) in [[Tokyo]]'s [[Tokyo/Shinjuku|Shinjuku]] district where many call girl booths and love hotels are located, although to the untrained eye the flashy neon signage looks little different from any other eating and drinking district. From 2012 to 2018, the number of Japan infected with HIV fell, but the virus remains a concern, and infection rates for syphilis have been surging, particularly in Tokyo. ===Traffic=== Contrary to its reputation for very efficient and comprehensive public transport, outside of Tokyo, Japan is a very car-centric culture. Street patterns in much of the country have remained unchanged for centuries, so many roads are small and full of blind corners. Japanese drivers treat traffic lights differently than other drivers. When the light is green at a pedestrian crossing near an intersection, Japanese drivers will often turn onto you. Usually, they will turn halfway and then stop, allowing you to cross, though it is not unheard of for them to charge forwards at full speed, ignoring people who are crossing. Crossing the street when the light is red is illegal, and this is sometimes enforced. ===Gay and lesbian travellers=== Japan is considered to be very safe for gay and lesbian travellers, and violence against homosexuals is quite rare. There are no laws against homosexuality in Japan, and major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka have a large gay scene, but same-sex relationships are not recognized by the government, and open displays of your orientation are still likely to draw stares and whispers. ===Discrimination=== Violent attacks against foreigners in Japan are almost unheard of. While it's becoming increasingly rare, there may still be a small handful of onsen and restaurants that refuse foreign people. Some apartments, motels, night clubs, and public baths in Japan have been known to put up signs stating that foreigners are not allowed or that they must be accompanied by a Japanese person to enter. Such places are rare, however, and many Japanese claim that the prohibitions are due to perceived social incompatibility (for example, foreigners may not understand proper bathhouse etiquette) and not racism. Banks are often reluctant or unwilling to give cash advances to foreigners, stemming mainly from stereotypes of untrustworthiness. If you need to get a cash advance from your bank then Japanese language proficiency, or a Japanese friend to vouch for you, will strongly help your case. Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a perceived spike in xenophobia, with some shops and restaurants having refused service to foreigners, especially Chinese people. Such establishments are in the minority however, and most foreign residents are able to go through their daily lives for the most part. The Japanese are in general a reserved people, and may sometimes avoid foreigners out of fear of embarrassment due to their lack of English-language skills. Attempting to speak some Japanese will go a long way in putting people at ease. ===Earthquakes and tsunamis=== [[Image:Aso crater.jpg|thumb|[[Mount Aso]], one of the world's largest volcanic calderas]] [[File:Shelter in Sakurajima 2009.JPG|thumb|In towns near the frequently erupting volcanoes, there are shelters to protect yourself from volcanic bombs.]] Japan is prone to '''earthquakes''' (地震 ''jishin'') which can sometimes cause '''tsunamis''' (津波 ''tsunami'', pronounced with a ''tsu'' and not like English "sue"). On 11 March 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of [[Miyagi prefecture]], triggering a very large tsunami and bringing havoc to the city of [[Sendai]] and the surrounding area. The quake (and its aftershocks) were palpable throughout Japan, with the death toll numbering over 15,000, mostly due to the tsunami. Every few days, somewhere in Japan is rattled by a quake large enough to be felt, but most of them are completely harmless. Japan is well-prepared for such disasters though, and has very strict building codes that require buildings to be engineered to withstand major earthquakes. Japan has an early warning system that detects earthquakes and notifies areas that will be affected, giving from a few seconds up to a minute's notice. Use this invaluable time to cover up before the actual jolt. See our articles on [[Earthquake safety#Prepare|earthquake safety]] and [[tsunami]]s to learn how to prepare. If you are by the sea and experience even a moderate quake, look for '''tsunami''' warnings (also in English) on NHK TV (channel 1) and Radio 2 (693&nbsp;kHz). Most tremors and small quakes will merit only a scrolling announcement in Japanese at the top of the screen. If you are near the sea and experience a major earthquake, '''evacuate to high ground immediately'''; do not wait for a warning. Every neighborhood has an evacuation area, most often the local playground. Many schools are set up as temporary shelters. They will be labeled in English. If you are travelling with others, plan to meet there and be aware that portable telephones will likely not work. There are lots of resources to learn about and prepare for disasters. It almost goes without saying, but this should be done '''in advance'''. Once a disaster strikes, you may have neither the time nor the ability to go online and read a lengthy document. * [https://www.mlit.go.jp/river/bousai/olympic/en/index.html '''Disaster Prevention Portal Site'''] – From the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism * [https://www.jnto.go.jp/smartapp/eng/about.html '''Japan Official Travel App'''] – The Japan National Tourist Organization's app includes safety information * [https://www.bousai.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/1002147/1008042/1008046/index.html '''Disaster Preparedness Tokyo'''] – Handbook from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Hundreds of pages about earthquake safety, disaster preparation, and survival. You can also purchase a [https://www.bousai.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/1002147/1002317/1009059/index.html printed copy] from a number of retailers. ===Drug trafficking=== '''Drug laws''' in Japan are stricter than those in many Western countries, particularly for smuggling. The Japanese '''do not distinguish between hard and soft drugs''', so possession of even personal-use quantities of soft drugs can land you a prison sentence of several years. This applies even if you consumed drugs outside of the country, or if it is proven that you aren't aware the drugs are in your luggage. Checking your luggage beforehand is strongly recommended to prevent issues like this. If you have '''prescription drugs''', check with the Japanese Embassy prior to your departure to find out whether or not your medicine is allowed in Japan. If it is illegal, they should also be able to give you information regarding what medicines you can buy in Japan to use in place of your prescription while you are there. ===Other=== [[File:Vespa mandarinia japonica s3.JPG|thumb|Asian Giant Hornet]] [[Volcanoes]], storms and [[cyclones|typhoons]] are primarily a potential issue if you are mountain-climbing or sailing, so check the latest information before heading out. Stick to designated footpaths in volcanic areas as volcanic gas may be an issue. Typhoons are rarely physically dangerous, but they still wreak havoc with planes, ferries, and even (if there are landslides) trains and buses. There are venomous snakes called ''habu'' (波布) in [[Okinawa]] although not in unusual numbers. You are unlikely to be bitten by one, but if you are, seek medical help immediately as anti-venoms are available. If you are hiking in Hokkaido and Honshu, be aware of possible bear activity, especially in autumn. Attacks are rare, but in areas such as the [[Shiretoko National Park|Shiretoko Peninsula]], attach bells to your backpack to scare them away. Especially in the countryside, be aware of the '''Japanese giant hornet''' (大雀蜂 or 大スズメバチ ''ōsuzumebachi''), a sub-species of the Asian giant hornet; it is about {{convert|4|cm|in|abbr=off}} long and can sting repeatedly and painfully. Every year, 20&ndash;40 people die in Japan after being stung by giant hornets. A hornet defending its nest or feeding spot will make a clicking sound to warn away intruders; if you encounter one, retreat. If you are stung, receive prompt medical attention, as prolonged exposure to the venom could cause permanent injury or even death. ==Cope== ===Electricity=== Japan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as North America. Electricity is delivered at 100 V (somewhat lower than the 120V that is common in North America), and at 50 or 60 Hz, depending on location. ===Media=== The Japanese-language national newspapers ''[https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/ Yomiuri Shimbun]'' (読売新聞) and ''[https://www.asahi.com/ Asahi Shimbun]'' (朝日新聞) are the two most widely circulated newspapers in the world. Other major national newspapers include the ''[https://www.mainichi.co.jp/ Mainichi Shimbun]'' (毎日新聞) and ''[https://www.sankei.com/ Sankei Shimbun]'' (産経新聞). ''[https://www.nikkei.com/ The Nikkei]'' (日本経済新聞) is Japan's main financial newspaper, and the most widely-circulated financial newspaper in the world. '''''[https://www.japantimes.co.jp/ The Japan Times]''''' (¥200 daily, ¥250 Sunday) from Tokyo is Japan's largest and oldest English-language daily newspaper, and is sold bundled with ''The New York Times International Weekly''. ''Yomirui Shimbun'' also prints English-language '''''[http://the-japan-news.com/ The Japan News]''''' daily, and ''[https://asia.nikkei.com/ The Nikkei Weekly]'' (日経ウィークリー) covers business news from Japan every Monday. Many other English publications have gone online-only. ===Toilets=== [[Image:WirelessToiletControlPanel.jpg|thumb|A typical washlet control panel. The five large controls are "stop", "buttocks" (normal and soft), "bidet", and "dry". The buttons below control the "move" and "massage" features, while to the right are "water force" (strong or weak) and "nozzle position" (forwards or back).]] {{Seealso|Public baths in Japan#Toilets}} As elsewhere in Asia, you will find both Western-style porcelain thrones for sitting and floor-level units for squatting. In private homes and home-style accommodations, you will often find '''toilet slippers''', which are to be worn inside the toilet and ''only'' inside the toilet. Over half of Japan's homes are equipped with high-tech devices known as '''washlets''' (ウォシュレット), which incorporate seat warmers, hot air dryers and tiny arms that squirt water. The flush mechanism is usually ''not'' operated by the control panel: instead, there is a standard, Western-style lever, switch or knob somewhere, and it is thus possible to take care of your business without using the washlet features. (In rare cases, look for buttons labeled 大 or 小, meaning a big or small flush respectively, on a wireless control panel on the wall.) There is always a big red button labeled 止 with the standard "stop button" symbol ⏹ on the panel &mdash; pressing this will instantly stop everything. Older models have a lever nearby that controls the flow of a sprayer. Typical controls include: * ''Oshiri'' (おしり) - "buttocks", for spraying your rear - typically shown in blue with a stylized butt icon * ''Bidet'' (ビデ) - for spraying your front - typically shown in pink with a female icon * ''Kansō'' (乾燥) - "dry", for drying off - typically yellow with a wavy air icon Other, smaller buttons can be used to adjust the pressure, angle, location and pulsation of the jet of water. Sometimes the seat of the toilet is heated, and this can also be regulated. ==Respect== {{infobox|Using people's names|2=Names are a complicated matter in Japan. Most Japanese follow the Western naming order when writing or saying their names in English. However, when names are written or spoken in Japanese, they always follow the East Asian naming order of '''family name followed by given name'''. Therefore someone called Taro <span style="font-variant:small-caps">Yamada</span> in English would be called 山田太郎 (''<span style="font-variant:small-caps">Yamada</span> Tarō'') in Japanese. Historical figures from before the Meiji restoration are an exception, such as <span style="font-variant:small-caps">Tokugawa</span> Ieyasu (徳川家康), whose name follows East Asian naming conventions even when written in English. Using someone's given name when speaking to or about them is considered very personal, and is only used when addressing children of elementary school age or younger, and very close friends. At all other times, the default is to '''use family names plus ''-san'' (さん)''', a suffix approximately like "Mr." or "Ms." Most Japanese know that Westerners usually go by their given names, so they may call you "John" or "Mary" with no suffix, but unless they tell you otherwise, you should still call them "<span style="font-variant:small-caps">Family name</span>''-san''" to be polite. (However, don't introduce ''yourself'' as "John-san". The point is to honor others; using a suffix on yourself generally sounds cocky and arrogant.) ''San'' is the default suffix, but you may encounter a few others: * ''-sama'' (様) — People above you, from bosses up to deities, as well as customers * ''-kun'' (君) — Young boys, good male friends and male subordinates * ''-chan'' (ちゃん) — Young children and close (usually female) friends To avoid being overly familiar or formal, stick with "<span style="font-variant:small-caps">Family name</span>''-san''" until someone asks you to call them differently. In business settings, the title is often used in place of the family name when addressing a person; for instance, an employee may address his company's president as ''shachō-sama'' (社長様, "Honored Mr./Ms. President"), while a customer may address a shop owner (but not the other employees) as ''tenchō-san'' (店長さん, "Mr./Ms. Storekeeper"). Lastly, the reigning '''Emperor''' is always called ''Tennō Heika'' (天皇陛下, "His (Imperial) Majesty the Emperor"), ''Kinjō Heika'' (今上陛下, "His Current Majesty") or simply ''Tennō'' ("the Emperor") or ''Heika'' ("His Majesty") in Japanese. Calling him "Emperor Reiwa", even in English, is a faux pas since this is strictly his future posthumous name. Calling him by his given name, Naruhito, is also not done and is considered vulgar.}} Most, if not all, Japanese are very understanding of a foreigner (''gaijin'' or ''gaikokujin'') who does not conform instantly to their culture; indeed, that their language and culture are among the most difficult to understand in the world, so they are generally quite happy to assist you if you appear to be struggling. However, Japanese will appreciate it if you follow at least the rules below, many of which boil down to social norms of strict cleanliness and avoiding intruding on others (迷惑 ''meiwaku''). ===Things to avoid=== Japanese people understand that visitors may not be aware of the intricacies of Japanese etiquette and tend to be tolerant of blunders in this regard by foreigners. There are a few serious etiquette breaches that will meet with universal disapproval (even when demonstrated by foreigners) and should be avoided if at all possible: * '''Never''' walk on a tatami mat wearing shoes or even slippers, as it would damage the tatami. * '''Never''' leave your chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice (This is how rice is offered to the dead). * '''Never''' enter a bathtub without washing yourself thoroughly first. (See ''[[Public baths in Japan]]'' for details.) ===Things to do=== * Learn a little of the '''language''', and try to use it. They will be complimentary if you try, and there is no reason to be embarrassed. They realize that Japanese is very difficult for foreigners and are tolerant about your mistakes; on the contrary, they will like you more for trying. * The average Japanese person '''bows''' over 100 times a day; this ubiquitous gesture of respect is used for greeting, saying farewell, thanking, accepting thanks, apologizing, accepting apologies, etc. Men bow with their hands to their sides. Women bow with their hands together in front. Women's hands look like they are settled in their lap when bowing (not in a prayer position such as the ''wai'' in Thailand). The exact degree of the bow depends on your position in society relative to the receiver of the bow and on the occasion: the largely unwritten rules are complex, but for foreigners, a "token bow" is fine, and better than accidentally performing a deep formal bow (as U.S. President Obama once did). Many Japanese will gladly offer a handshake instead or in addition; just be careful that you don't bump heads when trying to do both at the same time. * When you are '''handing something to someone''', especially a business card, it is considered polite to present it holding it with both hands. ** '''Business cards''' in particular are treated very respectfully and formally. How you treat someone's business card is seen as representing how you will treat the person. When accepting a business card, use both hands to pick it up by the corners, and take the time to read the card and confirm how to pronounce the person's name. It's disrespectful to write on a card, fold it, or place it in your back pocket (where you'll sit on it!). * Registers often have a small dish used to give your payment and receive change. : When giving money as a gift (such as a tip at a ryokan), you should get pristine unused bills from the bank, and present them in a formal envelope. * When you are '''drinking sake or beer in a group''', it is considered polite not to fill your own glass but to allow someone else to do it. Typically, glasses are refilled well before they are empty. To be especially polite, hold up your own glass with both hands while one of your companions fills it. (It's fine to refuse, but you have to do so frequently, otherwise a senior person at your table might fill your glass when you're not looking.) * '''Gift-giving''' is very common in Japan. You, as a guest, may find yourself inundated with gifts and dinners. Foreign guests are, of course, outside of this sometimes burdensome system of give-and-take (''kashi-kari''), but it would be a nice gesture to offer a gift or souvenir (''omiyage''), including one unique to or representative of your country. A gift that is "consumable" is advisable due to the smaller size of Japanese homes. Items such as soap, candies, alcohol, and stationery will be well-received as the recipient will not be expected to have it on hand on subsequent visits. "Re-gifting" is a common and accepted practice, even for items such as fruit. ** Some items are '''not given as gifts''' because of cultural associations. Some things to watch out for: black and white are important colors in funerals, scissors or knives may insinuate you want to cut off your relationship with someone, and certain flowers have particular connotations. Other taboos are based on homophones: for example, the word "four" (四 ''shi'') sounds like "death", "nine" (九 ''ku'') sounds like "suffering", and "comb" (櫛 ''kushi'') sounds like "suffering death"! It's a good idea to consult a local for advice, or at least search the Internet for lists of taboo gifts before you purchase one. * '''Expressing gratitude''' is slightly different from obligatory gift-giving. Even if you brought a gift for your Japanese host, once you return, it is a sign of good etiquette to send a handwritten thank-you card: it will be much appreciated. Japanese guests always exchange photos that they have taken with their hosts so you should expect to receive some snapshots and should prepare to send yours (of you and your hosts together) back to them. Depending on their age and the nature of your relationship (business or personal), an online exchange may suffice. * '''The elderly''' are given special respect in Japanese society, and they are used to the privileges that come with it. Some priority seats (優先席 ''yūsenseki'', or シルバーシート ''shirubā shīto'', "silver seats") on many trains are set aside for the disabled, elderly, pregnant women, and people with infants. * There are not many '''trash cans''' in public; you may have to carry around your trash for a while before finding one. When you do, you'll often see 4 to 6 of them together; Japan is very conscious of '''recycling'''. Most disposable containers are labelled with a recycling symbol in Japanese indicating what type of material it is. Some types of recycling bins you'll often see are: ** Paper (紙 ''kami'') ** PET/Plastic (ペット ''petto'' or プラ ''pura'') ** Glass bottles (ビン ''bin'') ** Metal cans (カン ''kan'') ** Burnable trash (もえるゴミ ''moeru gomi'') ** Non-burnable trash (もえないゴミ ''moenai gomi'') * '''Punctuality''' is highly valued, and generally expected thanks to Japan's reliable public transit. If you're meeting someone and it looks like you'll arrive even a few minutes late, Japanese prefer the reassurance of a phone call or message if you can send one. Being on time (which really means being early) is even more important in business; Japanese employees might get scolded for arriving even one minute late to work in the morning. * When riding on Shinkansen and limited express trains, it is considered good manners to ask for permission from the person behind you before reclining your seat (「椅子を倒してもいいですか?」 ''"Isu o taoshite mo ii desu ka?"''), to which they will almost always oblige. Likewise, the passenger sitting in front of you would often do the same to you, and you should respond with a nod of your head. ===Other things=== [[File:Tidy Japan 土足厳禁 くつべら入れ 2011 (6314266743).jpg|thumb|Please take off your shoes]] * Hospitality in Japan means giving visitors and guests the very best, no matter how much it inconveniences the host. For example, asking for directions on the street can sometimes prompt the stranger to go out of their way to walk you all the way to your destination. You'll particularly notice this during a homestay, where you'll be offered use of the bath before the rest of the family, and may be given the host's bed while they sleep on the couch. In Western culture it would be polite to refuse such accommodations, but in Japanese culture you should apologize for inconveniencing them, which serves as acceptance of their generosity. Similarly, while entertaining guests it's common for the host to putter around busily in the kitchen and elsewhere, which is meant to create an air of "all your needs are being met"; rather than offering to help them, you should just sit and enjoy the peaceful moment they're offering for you. * '''Shoes''' (and feet in general) are considered very dirty by the Japanese. Avoid pointing your soles at anybody (such as resting your foot on the opposite knee when seated) and try to restrain children from standing up on seats. Brushing your feet against somebody's clothing, even by accident, is very rude. :* In many buildings, you're expected to '''take your shoes off''' when you enter, leaving them in a lowered entryway or a shoe locker. You can borrow slippers if any are available (although they are usually only in sizes for typically smaller Japanese feet), wear socks or go bare foot. :: Wearing shoes inside such a building is seen as disrespectful, as it brings dirt and/or evil spirits inside the building. For related reasons, it's preferred if you can both remove and put on your shoes using your hands as little as possible. * In some traditional settings, you may be expected to sit in ''seiza'' posture, '''kneeling''' on the floor. This is the traditional way to sit on tatami mats, with or without a cushion. However, today even most younger Japanese can't sit this way for more than a few minutes without their legs going numb, so most foreigners have no hope. Give it a try to be respectful, but when your legs start aching, say ''"Sumimasen"'' ("Excuse me") and change your posture to something less formal but still polite: men may sit cross-legged, and women usually sit with both legs to one side. * The Japanese consider '''back slaps''' rude, especially if they're coming from someone they just met. '''Hugging''' is typically reserved only for romantic couples, and should also be avoided unless that situation applies to you. * Point with an '''open hand''', not a finger, and tell people to come by waving your hand facing '''down''', not up. * Avoid shouting or talking '''loudly''' in public. Talking on a mobile phone on a train is considered rude, and many trains have signs advising you not to use them. (Sending text messages, however, is considered ''de rigueur''.) * '''Blowing your nose''' in public is considered rude, much like flatulence. Sipping your nose also makes them uncomfortable. If you want to wipe the runny nose without making a sound, even in public, there is no problem. If you want to blow your nose as hard as you can, get away from the public. * '''Smoking''' is discouraged on many street corners and sidewalks around Tokyo. Most smokers will be found huddled around designated smoking areas. The Japanese are such a clean culture that many of the smokers won't even leave ash on the ground. * Displaying an open mouth is traditionally considered impolite. Many Japanese women will at least partially cover their mouth with their hand when laughing, smiling, or sometimes eating. Don't feel obligated to do so yourself, although doing this in a formal setting (whether you're male or female) would probably make you seem sophisticated and polite. * As in neighboring China and Korea, '''saving face''' is a very important concept in Japanese culture. Particularly in business settings, Japanese people will rarely say "no" if they are not interested in a deal, and would instead say something more indirect such as "I'll think about it" instead. Body language is also used for this in place of words; if your question is met by someone '''loudly breathing in through their teeth''', sometimes accompanied by scratching the back of the head (a gesture that conveys embarrassment), the answer is actually "no". Unless it is by a boss or someone from a position of seniority, mistakes are typically not pointed out, and doing so will likely cause major embarrassment. * While voter apathy is high, that's not to say Japanese don't care about '''politics''', but it's not a common discussion topic among Japanese. They may in fact be interested to hear about your own politics back home (particularly from Americans), but might be much less welcoming of your thoughts on Japanese politics. Sensitive topics include: ** Japan's territorial disputes with China, South Korea and Russia ** '''World War II''' — a touchy and complicated topic, especially with older people, it is generally best avoided, but the vast majority of Japanese people bear no animosity against the United States, and American visitors will get a particularly warm welcome as most Japanese admire American culture<!--what about China, the main adversary Japan faced in that war?--> ** Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which renounces war and forbids the establishment of a military (although the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are the world's fifth most-powerful ''de facto'' military) ** Bad behavior of some American soldiers stationed in Japan ** Japan's historical marginalization of the indigenous Ainu and Ryukyuan people, and discrimination against ''burakumin'' (a feudal outcast group of undertakers, slaughterhouse workers, butchers, etc.; their descendants and people in those professions today still face occasional discrimination in marriage and employment — illegal since the 1970s — as well as social stigma in some areas) ===Dress=== For most tourists, dressing for daily sightseeing in Japan puts you at a disadvantage: you will most likely stand out, no matter how you dress, next to the throngs of ''salarymen'' (male office workers) in suits and children in school uniforms. Japan is known for being very fashionable, whether dressing in kimono, tailored suits, or the latest trends from Harajuku. First and foremost: '''wear shoes that can easily slip off and on, and keep a pair of socks handy as needed'''. Athletic shoes are acceptable, but keep them tied loosely so you can slip them off and on. Dress shoes are acceptable as well, as are quality walking sandals (not flip-flops), although sandals are not common outdoor wear for locals. Japanese culture sees shoes as being dirty, and before entering someone's house, certain restaurants, dressing rooms, and temples (to name a few), you ''must'' remove your shoes. The older generation of Japanese tend to group steps into two types: wooden ("clean") and concrete or stone ("dirty"). If you are going to be stepping on to wood, take your shoes off and place them to the side; there might even be a cubby hole for you to put your shoes in. And '''don't forget socks,''' as it's generally more common to wear socks when in temples and houses, if you don't have slippers available. Japanese people are known for their love of socks, and sock stores selling high quality and colorful socks are found in most cities. Many of the socks sold in Japan are made there. So, bring a pair of socks in your bag while you're sightseeing, if you aren't wearing them. Tights are acceptable for women. Footsies and under the ankle socks are handy, especially if you're going for the "no socks" look. Shorts are uncommon, and generally only worn by children and teens. Though a common item in tourist summer apparel, instead try stylish jeans or slacks, or capri pants for keeping cool in warm weather. In the summer, women wear sun dresses from trendy stores and breathable slacks made of fabrics like linen. Keep it stylish and comfortable. In business situations, suits are standard; companies will let you know if you can or should wear casual dress. Suits are worn out for after work drinks and entertainment. For clubbing and nights out, dress casual cool. Japanese women generally do not wear skin tight, super short dresses and cleavage is rarely shown, unless at the beach. Women dressed in tight short dresses and very sexy looks are often stereotyped as sex workers or escorts. When visiting Tokyo, for example, you will see young women and men dressed in subculture styles, such as Harajuku, Lolita, and punk. Japanese avoid making a scene of those who dress like a scene, but, casual glances are often enough for you feel like you're being checked out. If you plan on visiting a hot spring or public bath, they're almost always used nude (except for rare mixed-gender baths). Although you may get some questioning looks, bathing suits are allowed in some baths. For men, speedos or trunks are fine at a bath; for the beach, boardshorts are also okay. For women, a modest swimsuit is better than a skimpy bikini if you're visiting a hot spring or bath; for the beach, bikinis are okay. At public or private pools, you may have to wear a swimming cap; they may be provided for you, or you can bring your own. ====Accessories==== Japan in the summer can be extremely warm and humid. '''Japanese don't like visible sweat''', and will frequently wipe sweat from their face with a colorful '''handkerchief''' (ハンカチ ''hankachi''), use a '''fan''' (扇子 ''sensu'' for a folding fan, 団扇 ''uchiwa'' for a flat fan) to keep themselves cool, or (for women) use '''umbrellas''' (傘 ''kasa'') to shade themselves during sunny weather. Purchasing one or all of these items is not only a smart way to stay cool, but can provide a lasting memento from your visit. In historic and tourism areas you will find shops selling beautiful fans and umbrellas. Both are affordable investments, though they can be pricey if you wish to have a real work of art. However, most Japanese use cheap but beautiful fans &ndash; many made in China &ndash; in their every day life, only to replace them when they become hard to close or worn. Cheap flat paper fans are often distributed for free at festivals and events. Traditional umbrellas can be bought at gift shops, and stylish umbrellas for rain and shine can be purchased at women's accessory and clothing stores throughout the country. Handkerchiefs are popular for both men or women. Some look like traditional cotton handkerchiefs you'd use to blow your nose, others are small towels. Japan's fabulous ''depāto'' (department stores) carry all colors, makes and models of these necessities. It's an affordable luxury &ndash; you can find men's and women's handkerchiefs from high end designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry for ¥1,500 or less. You'll also find locally made versions in gift shops and stores throughout the country. Keep them in your purse or pocket, and wipe your brow when necessary. '''Rain umbrellas''' are often cheap plastic, and available at every convenience store for about ¥500. Since they all look alike, they're sometimes treated as a communal resource. When you go in a store, you leave yours at the door, and when you leave, you simply grab an identical one, whether or not it was the one you brought. Some stores instead have bags to keep your umbrella from dripping on the floor. Hostels usually have umbrellas to lend, as do some other lodgings and businesses. Rather than toting your own umbrella around, you may find it more convenient to buy a cheap one (if you even need to), "donate" it to your hostel, and buy a new one in your next city. ===Religion=== Religious freedom is respected by most Japanese, and people of all faiths are generally able to practise their religion without any major problems. You are expected to dress and behave in a respectful manner whenever you visit religious sites. As in many other Asian countries, swastikas are Buddhist symbols representing peace and do not represent Nazism or antisemitism in any way, and you will notice the symbol is actually pointing in the opposite direction. Swastikas are often used on maps to mark the locations of Buddhist temples and monasteries. When visiting a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple, follow the appropriate '''cleansing procedure''' at the ''chōzuya'' or ''temizuya'' (手水舎) before you enter. Using your right hand, fill the dipper with water. Rinse your left hand, then your right hand. Then, cup your left hand and fill it with water, using it to rinse your mouth. '''Do not''' touch the dipper directly with your mouth. Spit the water onto the rocks. After that, rinse your left hand one more time. Finally, turn the dipper upright so the remaining water spills down to rinse the handle before returning the dipper. ==Connect== ===By phone=== International dialing prefixes vary from company to company. Check with your operator for more details. For international calls to Japan, the country code is '''81'''. Phone numbers in Japan have the format <code>+81 3 1234-5678</code> where "81" is the country code for Japan, the next digits are the dialing zone where the local number is located (can contain from one to three digits) and the remaining digits (six to eight digits) are the "local" part. When calling within Japan, the long-distance prefix (trunk code) is '''0''', and this is usually written in the number, like <code>03-1234-5678</code>; when calling Japan from abroad, leave off the "0". Phone numbers starting with 0120 or 0800 are "free-dial" numbers, and are free to call from any landline (payphones included), while phone numbers starting with 0570 are "navi-dial" numbers, which are variable-rate numbers used by businesses (one number works nationwide, but you are charged based on the distance between your phone and the closest call center operated by the company). To dial abroad from Japan, the '''international access code''' is '''010''' (or "+" on mobile phones). ====Emergency call==== Emergency calls can be made from any phone (except VoIP phones) free of charge: call '''110''' for police or call '''119''' for fire and ambulance. ====Pay telephones==== '''Payphones''' (公衆電話 ''kōshū denwa'') are easily found, particularly near train stations. '''Gray and green pay phones''' accept ¥10 and ¥100 coins and prepaid cards. Some pay phones that accept coins, so it may be worthwhile to buy a phone card for emergency use. Some of the gray phones can make international calls. Phone cards can be purchased at convenience stores, train station kiosk stores and sometimes in vending machines next to the phone. International phone charges from pay phones can be unusually high; third-party phone cards are a reasonable alternative. An in-between solution is to purchase phone cards from discount ticket shops, which typically sell them for 35-45% off face value (for example, a 105-unit phone card, which would cost ¥1000 if purchased from normal sales channels, would only cost around ¥650). This may be sufficiently cheap for some to decide not to bother with a third-party card. If directly dialing internationally with a phone card, NTT's international access code is 0033+010. ====Mobile phones==== {{infobox|Galápagos syndrome|Japan has had a tendency to develop technology that's initially superior to what's available elsewhere in the world, but either fails to catch on elsewhere or becomes incompatible with global standards. This has been called '''Galápagos syndrome''', after the Galápagos Islands and their highly-specialized flora and fauna that led Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution. Japanese mobile phones were the original example of Galápagos syndrome. With e-mail and web browsing available since 1999 and mobile payments since 2004, they were nearly a decade ahead of global competition. But when global standards for messaging, web browsing, and contactless communication were settled, they were incompatible with the existing Japanese technologies. As a result, the Japanese mobile phone market became isolated, and has had comparatively slow adoption of smartphones, which were initially a step ''backwards'' from Japanese-only '''''Gara-kei''''' (from "Galápagos" and "''keitai''") feature phones. The tide has turned, however, and smartphones (スマホ ''sumaho'') are taking over. Mobile phones aren't the only technology to suffer from Galapagosization. Smart cards for public transit, ''kei'' cars, digital television, and car satellite navigation are all examples of widespread technologies in Japan that either never caught on elsewhere, or developed incompatible standards that have left Japan isolated.}} Modern Japanese '''mobile phones''' (携帯電話 ''keitai denwa'' or just ''keitai'') use the global standards for 3G and newer. In a nutshell: * '''5G''' phones should work in large cities. * '''4G'''/'''LTE''' phones should work, but check your device's compatibility: your device may not support the frequency bands used in Japan. * '''3G''' phones using the '''UMTS''' standard ''and'' equipped with a '''3G SIM card''' will most likely work. From March 2022 to March 2026, 3G will gradually be discontinued. * '''3G CDMA''' phones should work on the AU network until its planned shutdown in 2022. You ''must'' make sure your phone's PRL is updated, however, or it will not be able to register on AU's towers. * '''2G''' phones ''do not work'' in Japan. If your phone is up to spec, double-check with your carrier if they have a roaming agreement with one of the major Japanese carriers: [https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ NTT Docomo], [https://www.au.com/english/ au], [https://www.softbank.jp/en/mobile/ SoftBank], or [https://mobile.rakuten.co.jp/ Rakuten Mobile]. Coverage is generally excellent unless you are heading to a remote mountainous areas. If your phone is incompatible with frequencies used in Japan but you have a 4G-capable SIM card, you can rent a phone in Japan and slot in your card, allowing you to keep your home phone number in Japan. Carrier restrictions may apply. Be sure to double-check with your network provider before departing. '''Data roaming''' works as well (subject to the above restrictions), allowing you to use wireless Internet on your phone (although it can be expensive!). Google Maps on your phone can be invaluable (although tower positioning may not work depending on the carrier you are using). If you just need Internet and not phone calls, or if your phone and carrier support calling over Wi-Fi, the cheapest and easiest option is to '''rent a Pocket Wi-Fi''', a battery-powered Wi-Fi access point that runs over the cellular networks. Alternatively, you can purchase a data-only SIM card more freely. Data-only SIM cards, unlike full voice+text+data SIM cards, do not require the purchaser to be a Japanese resident. ''See [[#By net|&sect; Pocket Wi-Fi]] below.'' For a short visit, your cheapest option for mobile access is to '''rent a phone'''. A number of companies provide this service, although with the prevalence of smartphones and cheap roaming from nearby countries, this number is shrinking. Rental rates and call charges vary. Incoming calls are free in Japan. Beware of "free" rental as there is a catch: usually, there are very high call charges Japanese phones have an email address linked to the phone number, and most of the above companies allow you to send and receive emails. Your usual email provider may offer redirection to another email address (Gmail does), so that you receive all emails on the cellphone. Beware that companies charge for incoming and outgoing emails. Prepaid phones are widely available, and can be purchased even if your stay is short. For information buying a phone, please see [[Working and studying in Japan#Communicating|Working and studying in Japan]]. ====Texting==== As much as anywhere else, Japanese use their phones more for texting than phone calls. However, SMS and MMS text messages never caught on in Japan due to surcharges and limitations (even though those have since been eliminated). Instead, Japanese text by '''email''' (which in Japanese is just called メール ''mēru'', without the "E-" prefix) using an email address tied to their mobile phone number. The internationally popular messaging app WhatsApp is not popular in Japan, and most Japanese people use local Japanese app '''[https://line.me/en/ LINE]''' instead. ===By mail=== [[File:First Japanese mailbox.JPG|thumb|Replica of the first Japanese mailbox]] You can send postcards to anywhere in the world for ¥70 (some postcards are sold with domestic postage of ¥63 included, so you may only have to pay for a supplemental ¥7 stamp when mailing). Public '''[[mail]]''' deposit boxes are found throughout Japan. They have two slots, one for regular domestic mail, and the other for overseas and express mail. ====Courier services==== '''Courier services''' (宅配便 ''takuhaibin'') are useful for sending packages, documents, and even luggage to/from airports, cities, and hotels. Golf clubs and skis/snowboards can be sent directly to the sporting destination. Couriers guarantee next-day delivery to practically all locations in Japan, excluding Okinawa and other far-flung islands, but including remote rural locations like ski resorts. You can send and receive items at most '''convenience stores''', as well as hotels and airports. The largest courier is Yamato Transport, often called '''''Kuro Neko''''' (黒ねこ "black cat") after their logo, with their service known as [http://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/en/personal/ta_q_bin/ TA-Q-BIN (宅急便 ''takkyūbin'' )]. Other couriers include '''[http://www.sagawa-exp.co.jp/english/ Sagawa Express]''' and '''[http://www.nipponexpress.com/region-info/japan/service/ Nittsu]''' (Nippon Express). ===By net=== {{infobox|Typing with a Japanese keyboard|On a PC, there may be several possible ways to switch between Japanese and Roman input: * the <code>漢字</code> or <code>半角/全角</code> key (usually on the top left, just above Tab) * the <code>英数</code> key (on Caps Lock) * the left <code>Alt</code> key (or maybe <code>Ctrl</code><code>Shift</code> or <code>Alt</code><code>Shift</code>) * sometimes <code>Alt</code> or <code>Ctrl</code><code>Shift</code> and the <code>ひらがな/カタカナ</code> key (on the bottom to the right of Spacebar). On Macs, use the <code>英数</code> key (on the bottom, to the left of Spacebar). For email, the <code>@</code> key is usually on the right side of the keyboard, next to <code>P</code>; several other punctuation characters are moved, as well.}} '''Internet cafés''' (インターネットカフェ) can be found in or around many train stations. Here, you can upload your pictures from a digital camera, and if you forgot your cable, some cafés will lend you a memory card reader for free. Manga coffee shops (漫画喫茶 ''manga-kissa'') usually have Internet PCs as well. When you get tired of browsing the web, you can browse comic books, watch TV or a variety of movies-on-demand, or play video games. The cost is typically around ¥400/hour, with free (non-alcoholic) drinks, and possibly more. Often they have special night fares: around ¥1,500 for the 4-5 hour period when no trains are running. Internet cafés can be a safe and inexpensive place to spend the night if you miss the last train; some will even have "flat seat" areas for this purpose. Many train stations, including major JR stations, have Wi-Fi. Some larger train stations and airports also have rental PCs to surf and send e-mail, usually about ¥100 (coin) for 10 minutes. A number of business hotels have Internet access available if you have your own computer, sometimes for free. In most cases, access is usually provided by a VDSL modem connected to the hotel telephone system. Some of the hotels that offer free Internet access do not include the rental for the modem in the "free" part of the service, so check before you use. Setting up your network interface for DHCP is usually all that is required to gain access to the Internet in such situations. Many also tend to have rental or free PC's available for hotel guests. It is also possible to find Wi-Fi "hot spots" around many large cities in Japan, especially near tech-related businesses and large corporate buildings with unsecured wireless networks (the Apple store in Ginza, Tokyo has a fast, open 802.11n connection). '''Wireless Data''' is available, and if you have international data roaming, you should roam with no problem. GPRS does not work in Japan. Please see the section on mobile phones for additional information including phone/data card compatibility. Remember, the same restrictions on phones apply to Data. '''Public Wi-Fi''' availability is really hit and miss in Japan, but it is being expanded little by little. Cafes such as Starbucks may require registering your email address and responding to an email before you can use the Wifi (requiring you to go, sign up, find another place with free wifi, then going back). Many major stations, airports, and convenience stores also offer Wi-Fi, but will require you to register every time you use it. One simple way of getting around this is a Japan Free Wi-Fi app, which will allow you to connect without having to register every time. You should be ready though, this free Public WiFi is usually weak and painfully slow. Paid public WiFi, however, is readily available and can be had for as little as ¥200 a month (per device, phones only) from [https://wi2.co.jp/jp/personal/gigazo/ Wi2]. Given the high prices of prepaid data SIMs, this can be a good alternative or supplement. '''Pocket Wi-Fi''' is another affordable option for people wanting to use their Wi-Fi enabled devices (smartphone, iPhone, iPad, laptops etc.) A Pocket Wi-Fi device is a little smaller than a deck of cards and fits in your pocket or bag. It makes available a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot you can connect your devices to. You can either rent one from one of the many companies offering rentals, or, depending on your needs, you can DIY one by purchasing a used Pocket WiFi device from a local electronics store and inserting a SIM of your choice (docomo-branded Pocket WiFi devices will work with any data-only SIM sold in Japan that uses the docomo network, au-branded devices with model numbers W03, W04, W05, and W06 are sold unlocked and will work with any SIM on any network; an AU W03 supports all Japanese carrier frequency bands and can be had for as little as ¥1000). {{related|Hitchhiking_in_Japan}}{{related|Japan with children}}{{related|Kimono_buying_guide}}{{related|Meditation_in_Japan}}{{related|Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossoms Spots}}{{related|Japan's Top 3}} {{geo|35|136|zoom=5|layer=M|lang=en}} {{IsPartOf|East Asia}} {{usablecountry}} dczksxf10fihwbbc4dbnno12tu1i37s 0 16354 4488009 4483636 2022-07-21T23:09:42Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} [[File:Jim Thorpe Lehigh Broadway 2898px.jpg|thumb|Lehigh Coal & Navigation Building, designed by architect Addison Hutton. Intersection of Broadway and Lehigh Avenue.]] '''Jim Thorpe''' is a borough in the [[Coal Region]], near [[Lehighton]], [[Allentown]] and the [[Lehigh Valley]], in the [[United States of America|U.S.]] state of [[Pennsylvania]]. == Understand == This town was founded in the early 19th century and later renamed for the distinguished American athlete, Jim Thorpe, who excelled in [[American football|football]] and [[Baseball in the United States|baseball]] and won gold medals at the 1912 Olympic games. The town renamed partially to improve its chances of becoming his burial place. == Get in == The closest airport is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in [[Allentown]] {{IATA|ABE}}. Lehigh Valley International is roughly a 30-minute drive from Jim Thorpe. ===By plane=== Domestic flights arrive from [[Philadelphia]], [[Chicago]], [[Detroit]], [[Charlotte]] and other Mid-west and East coast hubs. Airlines serving Jim Thorpe include American, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Pace. ==== Philadelphia and Newark ==== If you are more interested in a better fare, you may choose to fly into [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) or [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] ({{IATA|EWR}}). American Airlines operates a large hub in Philadelphia and United operates a hub in Newark, so there is a good chance you have a direct flight to and from your home airport. If you are looking for low fares, Southwest flies into Philadelphia as does Frontier. Finding low fares into Newark and Philadelphia is much easier than finding lower fares into Allentown. though Allentown is more closely situated. ==== By bus ==== '''[https://fab.tdstickets.com/tickets.html Fullington Trailways]''' offers service to Jim Thorpe from New York City or Philadelphia twice a day, with several stops in between. $42 one-way to New York City (3 hr 15 min), and $28 to Philadelphia (~3 hr) (Oct 2017). Buses stop at the {{marker|type=go|name=Trailways Bus Stop|lat=40.864365|long=-75.736778}}, on 5 Lehigh St in front of the Subway store. ==Get around== {{mapframe|40.8636|-75.7401|zoom=15}} {{mapshape}} Experiencing downtown Jim Thorpe is best done on foot, all attractions and restaurants are within walking distance as the town is small. However, for attractions outside the town a car is almost a necessity as public transport is very limited. '''[http://www.lantabus.com/ccct/ LYNX]''' has three bus routes connecting Nesquehoning, Jim Thorpe and [[Lehighton]]. However, services are limited to one or two round trips per day. For car rentals, '''[https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-rental/locations/us/pa/lehighton-573a.html Enterprise]''' has an office in nearby [[Lehighton]] ==See== Walking around in Jim Thorpe and experiencing its rich history is a treat in itself. Especially along '''Millionaire's Row''' on Broadway, a row of stately homes along the main street featuring amazing architecture and rich construction. Some can only be viewed from outside, but parts of Dugan's, Alice's Pantry, Driesbach House, and Albright Mansion are open. * {{see | name=Asa Packer Mansion | alt= | url=http://www.asapackermansion.com/ | email= | address=Packer Hill Ave | lat=40.864527 | long=-75.738314 | directions= | phone=+1 570-325-3229 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-04 | content=An mansion built in the late 1800s by an influential family. }} * {{see | name=The Old Jail Museum | alt= | url=http://www.theoldjailmuseum.com/ | email= | address=128 W Broadway | lat=40.863900 | long=-75.746503 | directions= | phone=+1 570-325-5259 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-18 | content=Used up to 1995, tours of this cool old building are sure to get you thinking. Tours May to October. }} * {{see | name=Jim Thorpe Memorial | alt= | url= | email= | address=103 East 10th Street | lat=40.884650 | long=-75.725401 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-18 | content=Visit the grave and monument to one of the world's greatest athletes. }} * {{see | name=St Mark's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=21 Race St | lat=40.862936 | long=-75.738865 | directions= | phone=+1 570-325-2241 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-18 | content= A beautiful old Gothic church with amazing architecture and rich construction. Tours available seasonally. }} * {{see | name=Mauch Chunk Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 W Broadway | lat=40.864319 | long=-75.743160 | directions= | phone=+1 570-249-7022 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-18 | content=An old Methodist church that's been changed into a local history museum. A great place to get an overview of what this town is all about. }} * {{see | name=The Number 9 Mine and Museum | alt= | url=http://no9mine.tripod.com/ | email= | address=9 Dock St | lat=40.828652 | long=-75.896973 | directions=In nearby Lansford | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-04 | content=Travel into a real coal mine and learn about the area's coal mining past. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Pocono Whitewater Rafting | alt= | url=http://www.whitewaterrafting.com/featured-company | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-800-944-8392 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-22 | content=This takes place April through October. Water on the Lehigh River is very shallow during most of the year. }} * {{do | name=Blue Mountain Ski Area | alt= | url=http://www.skibluemt.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A few minutes from Jim Thorpe, it features several ski hills and a snow tubing area. An all day lift ticket is $39. Check out the ski package in conjunction with Mahoning Inn. }} *'''[http://www.lgsry.com/ Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway]''' A narrated round-trip follows the majestic Lehigh River over bridges, through Glen Onoko, and into the Lehigh Gorge State Park. *{{do | name=the Jim Thorpe eXperience | alt=JTX | url=http://www.theJTX.com | email= | address=37 West Broadway | lat= | long= | directions=call for tours | phone=+1 484-225-1209 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=daily | price=$45-95 | content=The Jim Thorpe eXperience is a guide service offering hiking, biking, kayak and walking tours in and around Jim Thorpe. Local guides relate the amazing history of the area, while guests enjoy exhilarating outdoor adventures. Tour packages on website or custom tours available. }} *{{do | name=Jim Thorpe River Adventures | url=http://www.jtraft.com | email= | address=1 Adventure Ln | lat= | long= | directions=Just across the bridge from downtown | phone=+1 570-325-2570 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Jim Thorpe River Adventures is a locally-owned and operated whitewater rafting company. They are the only rafting company in the town of Jim Thorpe, so the bus ride to and from the river is much shorter! The guides are great and you get a free cookout afterwards! }} * {{do | name=Penn's Peak | alt= | url=http://www.pennspeak.com/index.shtml {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=325 Maury Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-826-9000 | tollfree=+1 866-605-7325 | fax=+1 610-826-9648 | hours= | price= | content= An entertainment venue in Penn Forest Township. It can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers with its spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, twin bars and a restaurant. A broad open-air deck offers a breathtaking view of Beltzville Lake and a picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania. It is the perfect location to host weddings, trade shows, conferences, seminars and private parties. Penn’s Peak is a Wi-Fi Hot Spot location. }} ==Buy== * Sales tax. The state's 6% sales tax does not apply to most clothing. * Lehighton has a small mall with a Deb, food store, drug store and a gift store, among a few other shops. *{{buy | name=50 Shops in Downtown JT | url=http://www.jimthorpe.org | email= | address=Broadway | lat= | long= | directions=just walk around | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-JIM-THORPE | fax= | hours=10-5 | price= | content= Downtown Jim Thorpe has over four dozen different shops and restaurants that cater to many budgets and tastes. }} * The Lehigh Valley mall is about 40 minutes away. Anchored by a JCPenney, Boscov's and Macy's, the mall is home to many more specialty stores and is expanding. Other stores, like TJ Maxx, Kohl's, Sears, Best Buy, Borders, Barnes and Nobles surround the mall, as do more restaurants, especially mid-level chains. * {{buy | name=Tannersville Outlets | alt= | url=http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=59 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Also about 40 minutes away, home to outlet stores run by various designers and companies. }} * The King of Prussia mall is one of the biggest malls in the country, and just about an hour and a half down the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The King of Prussia is anchored by Nordstrom, Macy's, Neiman Marcus and Lord & Taylor, as well as many specialty stores. ==Eat== Downtown has a wide selection of restaurants, including some fine dining options. All restaurants expect Macaluso's are within walking distance. * {{eat | name=Broadway Grille | alt= | url=http://www.broadwaygrillepub.com/ | email= | address=24 Broadway | lat=40.863758 | long=-75.738570 | directions=Same building as Inn at Jim Thorpe | phone=+1 570-732-4343 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-18 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Through the Looking Glass | alt= | url=http://ttlgrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=111 Broadway | lat=40.863935 | long=-75.741703 | directions= | phone=+1 570-325-9633 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-18 | content=Romantic atmosphere, live entertainment and interesting eclectic decor. Their breads are all homemade. They offer 6 varieties of soup daily. This is also a very romantic venue, with dim lights and oil lamps on the tables. The service is a bit slow. }} * {{eat | name=Macaluso's | alt= | url=http://www.lanternlodge.com/macaluso.html | email= | address=1257 E Catawissa St | lat= | long= | directions=At the Lantern Inn off of Route 209, between Jim Thorpe and Nesquehoning | phone=+1 570-669-9433 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A bit more expensive and much more elegant, Macaluso's serves Italian food. Highly recommended if you are looking for a more upscale dining experience while in the area. }} * {{eat | name=Moya | alt= | url=http://www.jimthorpemoya.com/ | email= | address=24 Race St | lat=40.863246 | long=-75.738951 | directions= | phone=+1 570-325-8530 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-18 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Molly Maguires Pub & Steakhouse | alt= | url=http://www.mollymaguiresrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=5 Hazard Square | lat=40.863633 | long=-75.737722 | directions= | phone=+1 570-325-4563 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-18 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=The Inn at Jim Thorpe | alt= | url=http://www.innjt.com | email= | address=24 Broadway | lat=40.863775 | long=-75.738779 | directions= | phone=+1 800-329-2599 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-09-04 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Mary's Guesthouse | url=http://www.marysjimthorpe.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=39 West Broadway | lat=40.864614 | long=-75.743603 | directions= | phone=+1 570-325-5354 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$60-85 | checkin=3-5 | checkout=11 | lastedit=2016-09-04 | content=A comfortable, economical lodge in a casual atmosphere. Full kitchen and dining area, cozy living area. }} *{{sleep | name=Suites on Broadway | url=http://www.suitesonbroadway.com/ | email= | address=97 Broadway | lat=40.863774 | long=-75.741335 | directions= | phone=+1 570-325-3540 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-09-04 | content=An elegant Bed and Breakfast with private suites for two adults. A circa 1860 brick Victorian in the heart of historic Jim Thorpe. Each suite has a private sitting and breakfast room, a double Jacuzzi tub, and a European fireplace. }} *{{sleep | name=The Harry Packer Mansion Inn | url=http://www.murdermansion.com | email= | address=19 Packer Ave | lat=40.864873 | long=-75.737703 | directions= | phone=+1 570 325-8566 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | lastedit=2016-09-04 | content=The Mansion was used as the model for the Haunted mansion in Disney World so it is only fitting that they specialize in murder mystery weekends. They also offer overnight lodging, wine tastings and small events. Tours and Libations Lounge hours are 1PM to 6PM }} ==Go next== * Susquehanna Bus Lines offers daily service from Jim Thorpe, with ultimate destinations being [[New York City]] or [[Philadelphia]], with several stops in between. As of 2010, the prices are about $45 round-trip to Philly, and $65 r/t to NYC. Leave JT at 9AM or 5:30PM. Arrive from the cities at 11AM (P), 11:45 (NY) or 7:30PM (P), 8:15PM (NY). {{routebox | image1=US 209.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Stroudsburg]] | minorl1=[[Lehighton]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Millersburg (Pennsylvania)|Millersburg]] | minorr1=[[Pottsville]] }} {{geo|40.873056|-75.736389}} {{isPartOf|Coal Region}} {{usablecity}} 6ww0b9kjbdlniv7n434vz37it8ahvna 0 17572 4487876 4487653 2022-07-21T18:25:59Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Sleep */ Portmann Hotel wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=The Palace Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ | email= | address=Green Street | lat=55.6096 | long=-4.4944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q7126195 | content=Landmark building built in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=Rowallan Castle Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.rowallancastle.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just outside Kilmarnock }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.thefenwickhotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=Ayr Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=(3 Star) }} * {{sleep | name=Old Rome Farmhouse | alt= | url=http://www.oldrome.co.uk | email= | address=Gatehead | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= (3 Star) }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 9765haz7mad37y046y1zthgfpntkqw3 4487877 4487876 2022-07-21T18:32:18Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Sleep */ Douglas Hotel wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=The Palace Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ | email= | address=Green Street | lat=55.6096 | long=-4.4944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q7126195 | content=Landmark building built in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=Rowallan Castle Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.rowallancastle.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just outside Kilmarnock }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.thefenwickhotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=Ayr Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=(3 Star) }} * {{sleep | name=Old Rome Farmhouse | alt= | url=http://www.oldrome.co.uk | email= | address=Gatehead | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= (3 Star) }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} rax96e4t9nee5hemkm1fuygf1624ueh 4487882 4487877 2022-07-21T18:40:08Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Sleep */ Dean Park wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=The Palace Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ | email= | address=Green Street | lat=55.6096 | long=-4.4944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q7126195 | content=Landmark building built in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=Rowallan Castle Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.rowallancastle.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just outside Kilmarnock }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.thefenwickhotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=Ayr Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=(3 Star) }} * {{sleep | name=Old Rome Farmhouse | alt= | url=http://www.oldrome.co.uk | email= | address=Gatehead | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= (3 Star) }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} ri70c1ofc7m8ccn3hrekvdordpl8zwh 4487883 4487882 2022-07-21T18:45:36Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Sleep */ Travelodge wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=The Palace Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ | email= | address=Green Street | lat=55.6096 | long=-4.4944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q7126195 | content=Landmark building built in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=Rowallan Castle Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.rowallancastle.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just outside Kilmarnock }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.thefenwickhotel.co.uk/ | email= | address=Ayr Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=(3 Star) }} * {{sleep | name=Old Rome Farmhouse | alt= | url=http://www.oldrome.co.uk | email= | address=Gatehead | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= (3 Star) }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} ehuwrewo0xd5zix7ocvbmigbsktqdup 4487887 4487883 2022-07-21T18:54:46Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Sleep */ Fenwick Hotel wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=The Palace Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ | email= | address=Green Street | lat=55.6096 | long=-4.4944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q7126195 | content=Landmark building built in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=Rowallan Castle Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.rowallancastle.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just outside Kilmarnock }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} * {{sleep | name=Old Rome Farmhouse | alt= | url=http://www.oldrome.co.uk | email= | address=Gatehead | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= (3 Star) }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} cig20f1yp2mrz5kavexbeh4w381ix1s 4487888 4487887 2022-07-21T18:55:32Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Sleep */ Deleted listing for Old Rome Farmhouse - it's closed down wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=The Palace Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ | email= | address=Green Street | lat=55.6096 | long=-4.4944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q7126195 | content=Landmark building built in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=Rowallan Castle Golf Club | alt= | url=http://www.rowallancastle.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Just outside Kilmarnock }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} sd52kkg5depofg59zmil6iko462kle9 4487895 4487888 2022-07-21T19:06:30Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Do */ golf wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=The Palace Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ | email= | address=Green Street | lat=55.6096 | long=-4.4944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q7126195 | content=Landmark building built in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 5nihyazcpa9qsso91cieiqcwc6fdgu6 4487898 4487895 2022-07-21T19:13:52Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Do */ cinema wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=The Palace Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ | email= | address=Green Street | lat=55.6096 | long=-4.4944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q7126195 | content=Landmark building built in 1863 and converted to a theatre in 1903. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} dfuzw76rgr7nv88e06bdv168r93ihkz 4487900 4487898 2022-07-21T19:15:04Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ theatree moved to Do wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} mzenflm6chiwumm8mzg2dni9tgc2jmg 4487901 4487900 2022-07-21T19:23:08Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Do */ theatre moved to Do wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 7iczhozf25duuhku1t8kadou9tqtlr9 4487905 4487901 2022-07-21T19:44:30Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Galston wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with sveral sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. ==Do== * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 1fh5gpjgwcui8vqmdc4svjmrzpb14s1 4487909 4487905 2022-07-21T19:51:56Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Do */ skiing wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with sveral sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Rd KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} syuyk4kfbdc82y86fiqdwsjda0whjmk 4487925 4487909 2022-07-21T20:08:49Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Do */ rugby wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with sveral sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 10po6irzq05g746ax1rb4h6eqzb55j2 4487936 4487925 2022-07-21T20:22:01Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Cessnock Castle wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). ==See== * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} gify63s4u2pnedu5ptlib8d1kh5a8n4 4487959 4487936 2022-07-21T20:38:40Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Caprington wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} cu5f9ebsfghur1k9jrpgfhfbvkuo9y6 4487976 4487959 2022-07-21T20:58:29Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Moscow wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of that other place, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you could stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} dwrhlme6mzzwaqf1hxrud5qig6ellop 4487985 4487976 2022-07-21T21:21:09Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ New Laigh Church wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * '''[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church]''' (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=The Dick Institute | alt= | url=http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/communitylifeandleisure/museumsandgalleries/dickinstitute.aspx | email= | address=London Road | lat=55.60835 | long=-4.48972 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm | price= | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | content=Library and Museum, opened in 1901. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of that other place, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you could stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} kdwhdd2vgriunydctoaadrdpcr6gj5t 4487992 4487985 2022-07-21T21:33:35Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Updated listing for Dick Institute - practical info wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (for visible distinctive labelling) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that somewhat dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * '''[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church]''' (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of that other place, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you could stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} t2oolni0dakt0arwcn4qqpl43tc445x 4488144 4487992 2022-07-22T08:41:48Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Understand */ budget brand leader wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take a fast train from London Euston via Carlisle to Glasgow Central then change.) Trains to Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * '''[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church]''' (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of that other place, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you could stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 2tndioadewmflq26hmq1jnfw5876n8v 4488145 4488144 2022-07-22T08:44:34Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* By train */ tweak wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=500 | width=500 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston (for Loudon Castle), Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank estate. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northwest to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * '''[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church]''' (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of that other place, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you could stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} tboxonnoegccalmtm9xl9jdpn33y5et 4488148 4488145 2022-07-22T08:49:05Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Get around */ unmention Loudon, POI closed wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=550 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * '''[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church]''' (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park | lat=55.612778 | long=-4.489722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tuesday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm | price= | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | content=Local History & Archives. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of that other place, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you could stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 3zpjwxj9o9d2y2mqnd5fjfdo2hoioi0 4488164 4488148 2022-07-22T09:22:20Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Burns Centre explainer wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=550 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park, with an attached museum. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was promptly nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle Country Park | alt= | url=http://eastayrshireleisure.com | email= | address= | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | content=200 acre country park and 14th century castle. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of that other place, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you could stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} k5tw76bjlluh52y8pz0q00ybqv2tcvo 4488170 4488164 2022-07-22T09:36:02Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Updated listing for Dean Castle - practical info wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=550 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park, with an attached museum. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was promptly nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of that other place, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you could stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 0vnqcmqi7iurclj2nyxsvz9qcdrz9bv 4488182 4488170 2022-07-22T10:02:02Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Rowallan Castle wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == {{mapframe | 55.610 | -4.490 | height=550 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park, with an attached museum. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was promptly nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintainence failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man, George Jamieson. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} hq1j517mhevibeqm4idtjebk8qsho6c 4488183 4488182 2022-07-22T10:03:54Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Get around */ move map higher wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park, with an attached museum. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was promptly nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintainence failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man, George Jamieson. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} m4zp6qmj0iep1z17qg3w3f7iu16f3de 4488184 4488183 2022-07-22T10:05:18Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Get in */ move map here wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park, with an attached museum. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was promptly nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintainence failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man, George Jamieson. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 7fjlslqhikvqdycn4jk8jh51pcgqiek 4488186 4488184 2022-07-22T10:12:26Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Understand */ Striding Man pic from W Commons wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == [[File:Tom Browne07.jpg | thumb | 300px | The Johnnie Walker "Striding Man" ]] Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Church] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park, with an attached museum. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was promptly nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintainence failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man, George Jamieson. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} neyxpy6udq9axqxi0kaje9xl7ywlg99 4488187 4488186 2022-07-22T10:22:16Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ New Laigh Kirk pic from W Commons wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == [[File:Tom Browne07.jpg | thumb | 300px | The Johnnie Walker "Striding Man" ]] Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == [[File:The New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.jpg | thumb | 300px | New Laigh Kirk ]] * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Kirk] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879 with an attached museum, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintenance failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} eiwspv9tafw2v7axieuzp0c3wuuihjw 4488188 4488187 2022-07-22T10:28:50Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* See */ Burns Monument pic from W Commons wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == [[File:Tom Browne07.jpg | thumb | 300px | The Johnnie Walker "Striding Man" ]] Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == [[File:The New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.jpg | thumb | 300px | New Laigh Kirk ]] * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Kirk] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879 with an attached museum, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} [[File:Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock (geograph 5067764).jpg | thumb | 300px | Burns Monument in Kay Park ]] * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintenance failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. ==Go next== * [[Largs]] to reach Great Cumbrae island, or [[Ardrossan]] to reach the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Ayr (Scotland) |Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland)|Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} 94ms9mlsab4qsf0uiybhg6e8wchn4ya 4488189 4488188 2022-07-22T10:40:03Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Go next */ mention Hamilton wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == [[File:Tom Browne07.jpg | thumb | 300px | The Johnnie Walker "Striding Man" ]] Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == [[File:The New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.jpg | thumb | 300px | New Laigh Kirk ]] * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Kirk] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879 with an attached museum, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} [[File:Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock (geograph 5067764).jpg | thumb | 300px | Burns Monument in Kay Park ]] * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintenance failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. == Go next == * [[Ardrossan]] has ferries to the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Largs]] is the seaside town where Norwegian control over Scotland was broken. It has ferries to Great Cumbrae island. * [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. * [[East Kilbride]] will only delight admirers of Brutalist 20th century "New Town" architecture. * [[Hamilton (Scotland) | Hamilton]] continues Kilmarnock's theme of grandiose mansions gone to ruin. Harry Lauder was among the miners who tunnelled so busily that the "chateau" was undermined and fell down. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} 1gwh15etufjlhho6ypmbfnrv4xqtbmd 4488190 4488189 2022-07-22T10:42:58Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Connect */ Moscow village sign from W Commons wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == [[File:Tom Browne07.jpg | thumb | 300px | The Johnnie Walker "Striding Man" ]] Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == [[File:The New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.jpg | thumb | 300px | New Laigh Kirk ]] * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Kirk] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879 with an attached museum, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} [[File:Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock (geograph 5067764).jpg | thumb | 300px | Burns Monument in Kay Park ]] * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintenance failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == [[File:Moscow village sign - geograph.org.uk - 526393.jpg | thumb | 300px | You could go even further . . . ]] As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. == Go next == * [[Ardrossan]] has ferries to the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Largs]] is the seaside town where Norwegian control over Scotland was broken. It has ferries to Great Cumbrae island. * [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. * [[East Kilbride]] will only delight admirers of Brutalist 20th century "New Town" architecture. * [[Hamilton (Scotland) | Hamilton]] continues Kilmarnock's theme of grandiose mansions gone to ruin. Harry Lauder was among the miners who tunnelled so busily that the "chateau" was undermined and fell down. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} ado991eybo5gde462jou2le4770f9oj 4488193 4488190 2022-07-22T10:59:59Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Do */ Dean Castle pic from W Commons wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == [[File:Tom Browne07.jpg | thumb | 300px | The Johnnie Walker "Striding Man" ]] Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == [[File:The New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.jpg | thumb | 300px | New Laigh Kirk ]] * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Kirk] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879 with an attached museum, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} [[File:Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock (geograph 5067764).jpg | thumb | 300px | Burns Monument in Kay Park ]] * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintenance failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == [[File:Dean Castle Gatehouse.JPG | thumb | 300px | Gatehouse of Dean Castle ]] * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. ==Buy== King street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == [[File:Moscow village sign - geograph.org.uk - 526393.jpg | thumb | 300px | You could go even further . . . ]] As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. == Go next == * [[Ardrossan]] has ferries to the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Largs]] is the seaside town where Norwegian control over Scotland was broken. It has ferries to Great Cumbrae island. * [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. * [[East Kilbride]] will only delight admirers of Brutalist 20th century "New Town" architecture. * [[Hamilton (Scotland) | Hamilton]] continues Kilmarnock's theme of grandiose mansions gone to ruin. Harry Lauder was among the miners who tunnelled so busily that the "chateau" was undermined and fell down. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} 6zsfri942mbenfx2fewtkav1xq6k4ek 4488196 4488193 2022-07-22T11:03:52Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Buy */ Palace Theatre pic from W Commons wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == [[File:Tom Browne07.jpg | thumb | 300px | The Johnnie Walker "Striding Man" ]] Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == [[File:The New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.jpg | thumb | 300px | New Laigh Kirk ]] * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Kirk] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879 with an attached museum, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} [[File:Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock (geograph 5067764).jpg | thumb | 300px | Burns Monument in Kay Park ]] * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintenance failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == [[File:Dean Castle Gatehouse.JPG | thumb | 300px | Gatehouse of Dean Castle ]] * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. == Buy == [[File:Palace Theatre Kilmarnock Tower.jpg | thumb | 300px | Palace Theatre ]] King Street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == [[File:Moscow village sign - geograph.org.uk - 526393.jpg | thumb | 300px | You could go even further . . . ]] As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. == Go next == * [[Ardrossan]] has ferries to the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Largs]] is the seaside town where Norwegian control over Scotland was broken. It has ferries to Great Cumbrae island. * [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. * [[East Kilbride]] will only delight admirers of Brutalist 20th century "New Town" architecture. * [[Hamilton (Scotland) | Hamilton]] continues Kilmarnock's theme of grandiose mansions gone to ruin. Harry Lauder was among the miners who tunnelled so busily that the "chateau" was undermined and fell down. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} tpfoyy3oscsx3evlf6u2slz6y3q15u6 4488201 4488196 2022-07-22T11:08:58Z Grahamsands 2164467 /* Sleep */ Kilmarnock FC pic from W Commons wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kilmarnock banner Dean Suspension Bridge.JPG|caption=Dean Suspension Bridge}} '''Kilmarnock''' is in [[South West (Scotland)|South West]] [[Scotland]] and is the home of "Johnnie Walker", the world famous brand of whisky. It is also associated with the poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns as his first collection of poems -the famous "First Edition"- was printed in the town. The town's Dean Castle is the home of the "World Burns Federation". Kilmarnock is the only school in Scotland to have produced two Nobel Prize winners. Lord John Boyd Orr and Sir Alexander Fleming both attended Kilmarnock Academy. The only other school in Britain to have achieved this is Eton College. == Understand == [[File:Tom Browne07.jpg | thumb | 300px | The Johnnie Walker "Striding Man" ]] Kilmarnock grew up in the 19th and early 20th centuries from a small market town into a busy industrial centre, then went into decline. One illustrative example is its best-known product, Johnnie Walker whisky. John Walker (1805-1857) was a general grocer, and a teetotaller. Brewing and distilling were traditional farm trades in Ayrshire as elsewhere, but small scale, erratic in quality and heavily taxed, which fostered illicit stills and smuggling. The Excise Act of 1823 greatly reduced tax and facilitated legal distilling, and Scotch whisky blossomed into a profitable large scale industry. Walker's business therefore focussed on whisky. He was never a distiller himself, but blended whiskies to order for his customers, at a time when blending at source was not permitted. The Spirits Act of 1860 legalised blending, and John's descendants ramped this up, to make Walker's Kilmarnock Whisky into a nationally-recognised brand. Blends were sweeter and more palatable and found a mass market across Britain and its global commercial empire. The Walker family introduced the square bottle (more efficient and less breakable in transit), the angled label (more visible and distinctive) and a range of products. They bought up entire distilleries, beginning with Cardhu in 1893, to secure the entire output for their blends. The signature "Striding Man", that dapper Regency buck, appeared in 1909. Johnnie Walker in the 20th century dominated the budget end of the whisky market. That was only possible by economy of scale, and by efficiency at every step of the process. Blending continued in Kilmarnock as the family business was absorbed into ever-larger corporations: Distillers Company, Guinness, Grand Metropolitan, and from 1997 Diageo. These corporations did not get to be so large by running dozens of local blending, marketing, logistic and back-office facilities. In 2012 came the inevitable: Diageo closed the Kilmarnock blending plant. There was an outcry, to no avail, and the site was demolished. The brand remains profitable, with new products from time to time, but blending and bottling are now at Shieldhall in Glasgow and Leven in Fife. So yet another traditional industry has abandoned Kilmarnock, which needs to seek new trades. == Get in == {{mapframe | 55.611 | -4.490 | height=600 | width=550 | zoom=14 }} === By train === Trains from Glasgow Central run every 30 min, taking 50 min, with the last train shortly after 23:00. They continue every couple of hours to New Cumnock, Sanquhar, [[Dumfries]], [[Annan]], [[Gretna]] and [[Carlisle]]. (Don't use this route from England, take the fast train from London to Glasgow then change.) Trains from Troon, Prestwick and Ayr are replaced by buses until 5 Sept 2022. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=55.6121 | long=-4.4988 }} is central in town. There is a staffed ticket office and machines, toilets and a waiting room. There is level access to Platforms 1, 2 and 3, and a lift to Platform 4. === By bus === Stagecoach Bus X76 runs hourly from Glasgow Buchanan station, taking 40 min. The last bus is at 21:30. The slow Bus 4 runs every 30 min from Glasgow Buchanan, taking 70 min and continuing to [[Prestwick]] Airport and town, and [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr]], another 40 min. The fast bus X16 on this route is suspended in 2022. Bus 10 runs hourly from [[Troon]], taking an hour via Muirhead and Dundonald. Bus 11 runs every 12 min from [[Ardrossan]] (for Arran ferry), taking 75 min via Saltcoats, Stevenston, [[Kilwinning]] and [[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]]. '''The''' {{marker | name=bus station | type=go | lat=55.6104 | long=-4.4951 }} is central, 200 yards east of the railway station. === By road === From Glasgow follow M77 southwest, 23 miles. This continues beyond Kilmarnock as A77 to Prestwick, Ayr, Girvan, Cairnryan (for Ulster ferries) and Stranraer. From the south follow M74 then turn onto A71 west, the old Edinburgh - Ayr road. == Get around == Bus 1 runs east every 15 min to Galston, Newmilns, Darvel and Priestland. Bus 2 runs east to Hurlford. Bus 3 runs north to Onthank Drive. Buses 5, 6 and 7 run northeast to New Farm Loch. Bus 9 runs north to Kilmaurs and Stewarton. Bus 50 runs south to Mauchline, Auchinleck and Cumnock. Taxi operators include [https://www.thistle-cabs.co.uk/ Thistle Cabs] (+44 1563 522222) and [https://streamlinetaxis.com/ Streamline] (based in Ayr, +44 1292 284545). == See == [[File:The New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.jpg | thumb | 300px | New Laigh Kirk ]] * {{marker | name=[http://www.nlk.church/ New Laigh Kirk] | type=see | lat=55.6098 | long=-4.4975 }} (C of S) on John Dickie St was built in 1802. Its predecessor of 1750 carried a legend that it would collapse upon its congregation, so when in 1801 a piece of plaster happened to fall, there was a chicken-licken stampede for the exit that cost 30 lives. * {{see | name=Dick Institute | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/venue/the-dick-institute/ | email= | address=Elmbank Ave KA1 3BT | lat=55.6084 | long=-4.4897 | directions=off London Rd | phone=+44 1563 554300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu W F Sa 10:30-15:30, Th 13:30-19:30 | price=Free | wikipedia=Dick Institute | image=The Dick Institute main entrance.jpg | wikidata=Q5273047 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=James Dick was born in Kilmarnock; he left for Australia but endowed this civic institute, opened in 1901. There's a museum and gallery. }} * {{see | name=Burns Monument Centre | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/culture/burns-monument-centre/ | email= | address=Kay Park KA3 7RU | lat=55.6129 | long=-4.4899 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 576695 | tollfree= | hours=Monument 24 hr, Reg Office M-F 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Burns Monument, Kilmarnock | wikidata=Q5000082 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The first edition of Robert Burns' collected poems was published in Kilmarnock in 1786. Only 612 were printed, so these are prized rarities. The centennary of publication drew support for erecting a monument. It was completed in 1879 with an attached museum, in a grand mixture of every architectural style then known, as the centrepiece of Kay Park. But in 2004 the Burns Centre burned. The surviving parts were incorporated into a new Centre, opened in 2009, which houses the civil Registration Office and local history archives. It was nominated for the Carbuncle Cup, awarded annually to Britain's ugliest new building, for its "forced, clumpy monstrosity with pointlessly random rooves." (It lost out to Strata SE1, a tower block in London Southwark.) The centre isn't a museum, but you might research your Ayrshire ancestors here. }} * {{see | name=Dean Castle | alt= | url=https://eastayrshireleisure.com/countryside-outdoor/dean-castle-country-park/ | email= | address=Dean Rd KA3 1XB | lat=55.6233 | long=-4.4839 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until 2023 | price= | wikipedia=Dean Castle | image=Dean Castle.JPG | wikidata=Q5246061 | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=The castle was 14th century but heavily made-over in the 19th. It has a museum but is closed for rebuilding. The surrounding country park remains freely accessible. }} [[File:Burns Monument Centre, Kilmarnock (geograph 5067764).jpg | thumb | 300px | Burns Monument in Kay Park ]] * '''Rowallan Castle''' north and '''Craufurdland Castle''' northeast are medieval turrets re-engineered and re-imagined into modern events venues, so you can only get in if you dress up in a wedding frock. Even that didn't work for April Ashley, who in 1963 married the future 3rd Baron Rowallan. When they broke up, her claim for maintenance failed and the marriage was annulled as she was originally a man. She'd had gender re-assignment surgery in 1960 but there was no legal recognition of that status in Britain until 2004. * {{marker | name=Caprington Castle | type=see | lat=55.5938 | long=-4.5283 }} started as a 15th century keep, over-extended into a 19th century mansion. It was just about affordable while the miners below kept busy, then in 1909 the River Irvine burst its banks and took the lives of ten of them, and washed away His Nibs fortune. The castle is private property but there are permissive paths through the grounds, and the colliery ruins still stand. * {{marker | name=Galston | type=see | lat=55.6004 | long=-4.3798 }} is a village four miles east of Kilmarnock on A71 with several sights close by. Loudon Castle was a wannabe Alton Towers, the facade of a vastly over-extended and unaffordable mansion house, gone to rack and ruin. A theme park opened there in 1995 but folded in 2010. [https://barrcastle.co.uk/ Barr Castle] in the village centre is a 15th century sandstone tower. The parish church (C of S) is from 1809, while St Sophia's (RC) is a Byzantine building of 1885 inspired by Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. * '''Cessnock Castle''' two miles southeast of Galston off B7037 is a 15th century keep expanded into a mansion in the 19th century. It's privately owned and you can't visit. * '''Moscow''' is four miles east of Kilmarnock and 5435 miles west of its namesake, and it is difficult to overstate their lack of similarity. It's just a few houses and farms around a crossroads on A719; it was originally Moss-haw but amended in 1812 to celebrate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Other local features were likewise renamed, such as the Volga Burn, an itsy-bitsy stream you can stride across. Moscow regularly features in pub quizzes about weird placenames. == Do == [[File:Dean Castle Gatehouse.JPG | thumb | 300px | Gatehouse of Dean Castle ]] * {{do | name=Galleon Leisure Centre | alt= | url=http://www.galleoncentre.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Titchfield Street }} * {{do | name=The Garage | alt= | url= | email= | address=34-36 Grange St, KA1 2DD | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-15 | content=Bowling, go-karts, wimpy, video games, bar and nightclub, all under the one roof. }} * '''[https://www.eastayrshireleisure.com/ Palace Theatre]''' is at 9 Green Street (corner of London Rd), Box Office +44 1563 554900. It was built as a Corn Exchange in 1863, and its distinctive Italianate tower remains a city landmark. It became a theatre in 1903. * '''Cinema:''' [https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/kilmarnock/ Odeon] is on Queens Drive A735 just south of the river. * '''Football:''' {{do | name=Kilmarnock FC | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockfc.co.uk/club/visiting-rugby-park/ | email= | address=Rugby Road KA1 2DP | lat=55.604 | long=-4.508 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 545300 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1637255 | lastedit=2022-05-08 | content="Killie" were promoted in 2022 so they now play soccer in the Premier League, Scotland's top tier. Their all-seater home ground is Rugby Park (capacity 18,000), half a mile south of the railway station off Dundonald Rd A759. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.kilmarnockrfc.com/ Kilmarnock RFC] play way, way down in the amateur leagues, but they are the reason the football stadium is called Rugby Park. The two games went their separate ways in 1869, and the rugby team now play at Bellsland south along Queens Drive. International rugby has been played at Rugby Park, Scotland v Tonga in 2014 and v Georgia in 2016, but no-one from KRFC got picked. * '''Golf:''' the famous courses are on the coast at Troon and Turnberry. Just west of town are [http://annanhillgolfclub.co.uk Annanhill] and [https://www.capringtongolfclub.com/ Caprington], with [https://rowallancastle.com/ Rowallan Castle] a few miles north and [http://www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk/ Loudon] to the east. * '''Skiing:''' last thing you'd expect in these low moist hills, but [https://skinewmilns.com/ Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex] has a 110 m artificial slope, adequate for kiddie-lessons. It's off A71 seven miles east of Kilmarnock. == Buy == [[File:Palace Theatre Kilmarnock Tower.jpg | thumb | 300px | Palace Theatre ]] King Street is the main shopping street and is populated with the usual mix of stores you'd expect to find in a town this size. The town is also host to several retail parks just on the edge of the town centre; Queens Drive Retail Park & Glencairn Retail Park being two of them. These retail parks contain larger versions of the usual chain stores, supermarkets and retailers. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=The First Edition | alt= | url= | email= | address=50 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves a delicious meal at reasonable prices. Very nice atmosphere as well! }} * {{eat | name=Mamitas | alt= | url= | email= | address=37 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=serves delicious food and coffee. Great service and a very friendly atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=The Longhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=130 Titchfield Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} == Drink == Kilmarnock has many pubs and restaurants to choose from. Most pubs screen live football matches and serve basic pub grub until around 8pm. * {{drink | name=Goldberry Arms | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Bank Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Hunting Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Glencairn Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content=Former winner of the Tennents "Best Pint in Scotland" competition }} * {{drink | name=Bellfield Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Welbeck Street, KA1 3JN | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paris Match | alt= | url= | email= | address=7-9 Princes Street | lat= | long= | directions=just off King Street, behind Tesco | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-04-29 | content= }} * '''Johnnie Walker whisky''' is no longer blended here, but is a popular brand available in every pub and supermarket in Britain. The standard product is Red Label. You pay more for Black Label, which has a higher proportion of malt to grain whisky. That price and proportion increases with other label colours, and the company's inventiveness may one day exceed the visible light spectrum. * '''[https://www.lochleadistillery.com/ Lochlea]''' is a distillery at Craigie four miles south of Kilmarnock; their whisky first went on sale in 2021. No tours. == Sleep == [[File:Kilmarnock FC vs Morton.jpg | thumb | 300px | Killie play soccer at Rugby Park ]] * {{sleep | name=Portmann Hotel | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/the-portmann-hotel/ | email= | address=42 Portland Rd KA1 2DL | lat=55.6080 | long=-4.5044 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 521814 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Decent mid-price place west side of town centre, refurbishing is under way and the older rooms are tired and dreary. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=https://theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Dundonald Place KA1 1UR | lat=55.6038 | long=-4.5101 | directions=by football ground | phone=+44 1563 545999 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £70 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Efficient modern business hotel, with Blues restaurant. No access from Rugby Road, the fences are there to keep football crowds where they ought to be. }} * {{sleep | name=Dean Park Guest House | alt= | url=https://kilmarnockbandb.co.uk/ | email= | address=27 Wellington St KA3 1DW | lat=55.6149 | long=-4.4949 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 572794 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Welcoming guest house just north of railway station. Excellent breakfasts. Three parking spaces available. }} * {{sleep | name=Douglas Hotel | alt= | url=https://thedouglashotelkilmarnock.co.uk/ | email= | address=62 London Rd KA3 7DD | lat=55.6073 | long=-4.4803 | directions= | phone=+44 1563 525701 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly mid-range hotel. It's by the cemetery and the go-to place for funeral teas. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/212/Kilmarnock-hotel | email= | address=Belfield Interchange KA1 5LQ | lat=55.5971 | long=-4.4719 | directions=Jcn A76 / A77 | phone=+44 871 984 6149 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Clean and comfy budget chain hotel, handy for motorists. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/strathclyde/kilmarnock/kilmarnock.html | email= | address=Moorfield Roundabout KA1 2RS | lat=55.6028 | long=-4.5317 | directions= | phone=+44 333 003 1747 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Reliable edge-of-town budget choice. No lift or aircon. }} * {{sleep | name=Fenwick Hotel | alt= | url=https://thefenwickhotel.uk/ | email= | address=Kilmaurs Road (east), Fenwick KA3 6AU | lat=55.6524 | long=-4.4503 | directions=off A77 restricted jcn 7 & 8 | phone=+44 1560 600478 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £75 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Okay for what you pay, only for motorists as it's out on the bypass. }} == Stay safe == The police station is in the town centre on 10 St Marnock Street, KA1 1TJ. In an emergency call 999. For non emergencies call 101 for police, or 111 for medical help. == Connect == [[File:Moscow village sign - geograph.org.uk - 526393.jpg | thumb | 300px | You could go even further . . . ]] As of July 2022, Kilmarnock and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three. == Go next == * [[Ardrossan]] has ferries to the [[Isle of Arran]]. * [[Largs]] is the seaside town where Norwegian control over Scotland was broken. It has ferries to Great Cumbrae island. * [[Ayr (Scotland) | Ayr ]] has the Robert Burns Heritage Area and Culzean Castle. * [[East Kilbride]] will only delight admirers of Brutalist 20th century "New Town" architecture. * [[Hamilton (Scotland) | Hamilton]] continues Kilmarnock's theme of grandiose mansions gone to ruin. Harry Lauder was among the miners who tunnelled so busily that the "chateau" was undermined and fell down. {{routebox | image1=UK_road_A71.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Irvine (Scotland) | Irvine]] | minorl1= | directionr1=NE | minorr1=[[Motherwell]]/[[Carluke]] | majorr1=[[Edinburgh]] }} {{geo|55.61166667|-4.49444444}} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Ayrshire}} smy036gs4zdgsstnf11cwedlav6mjq8 0 17672 4487788 4485638 2022-07-21T15:08:31Z GeoEvan 190054 /* Orientation */ mention alternate spelling of capital city wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wikivoyage_banner_of_Kinmen.jpeg}} [[File:Kinmen Montage.png|250px|thumb|right|A collection of the attractions around Kinmen]] '''[http://www.kinmen.gov.tw/Layout/main_en/index.aspx?frame=18 Kinmen]''' (金門 ''Kim-mn̂g'' in Minnan, ''Jīnmén'' in Mandarin, literal meaning "golden gate", also known as '''Quemoy''') is a county comprising a number of outlying islands near the People's Republic of [[China]] (PRC) but controlled by the [[Taiwan]]-based Republic of China (ROC) government. The main islands in the county are Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu/Liehyu). Administratively, Kinmen is split into six townships, four of which are on Greater Kinmen. Another has Lesser Kinmen plus its neighbouring small islands, and the sixth is a couple of more remote small islands that aren't open to visitors. All the islands of Kinmen county are within just a few kilomters of Mainland China, with the [[Xiamen]] city skyline clearly visible in the distance from many areas. Despite, and because of, its status as the front line in the semi-dormant China-Taiwan conflict, Kinmen is highly tourist-oriented, with the main themes being military history, historic architecture, and its signature gaoliang (kaoliang) grain alcohol. ==Understand== [[File:Three Principles of the People Unites China.jpg|thumb|Propaganda sign on Dadan Island facing the mainland, including the words "unify China", placed under orders of General Zhao in Aug. 1986, before he was dismissed for the 1987 Lieyu massacre]] In 1949, the Communists won the Chinese civil war, defeating the Nationalists (Kuomintang) who had governed (most of) China from the 1911 revolution until 1949. Since then, there has been a Communist government in most of China (the People's Republic of China or PRC) while the Nationalists held onto Taiwan - still officially called the Republic of China or ROC, despite the Nationalists being voted out in recent democratic elections, and most Taiwanese people preferring to identify as an separate country from China. The islands of Kinmen and [[Matsu]] are near the Chinese coast &mdash; Kinmen is about 10&nbsp;km (under 6.5 miles) from [[Xiamen]] &mdash; but held by the Taiwan-based ROC. They are symbolically important, and arguably strategically as well, and were often actively fought over from 1949 into the 1970s. The "Artillery Battle of 823" (part of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis) was one of the key battles that kept the PRC from invading Taiwan. It involved artillery bombardment of Kinmen and Matsu, beginning on August 23 (8-23) 1958. Relations between the two governments improved greatly in the early 2000s; there is extensive Taiwanese investment in China, and until recently (due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating tensions) travel in both directions was much easier than before, with Mainland China becoming biggest source of tourism to Kinmen. However, Kinmen and Matsu remain sensitive areas and both the PRC and the ROC maintain substantial military forces in the area. Travellers should exercise caution, avoid political discussions, and avoid photographing military installations or even pieces of infrastructure (bridges, dams, etc.) which might be military targets. The economy of Kinmen is now based mostly on tourism and the famous Kaoliang liquor (高粱酒). Dried meat from Kinmen is also sold on Taiwan. Although administered by the Taiwanese government, Kinmen and Matsu are officially considered to be parts of [[Fujian]] province, not of Taiwan, by both the PRC and ROC governments. Unlike Taiwan proper, they were never colonized by Japan (except for an 8-year occupation related to World War II), instead being governed by the Qing dynasty, and then the Mainland-based Republic of China, during Taiwan's Japanese period. Local residents often identify as "Kinmenese" or "Chinese" and not "Taiwanese". Politically, Kinmen is a KMT stronghold, with most residents being firmly opposed to formal Taiwan independence. The DPP has made inroads among the younger generation but most of these Kinmenese end up permanently settling in Taiwan and never go back to Kinmen. ==Talk== As in Taiwan proper, most residents throughout Kinmen county speak fluent (if accented) [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], even if it's not the language they prefer to speak with their friends and family. Few people speak English, especially outside of tourist areas, but the level of English is perhaps slightly better than in rural Mainland China. The local language in most of the county is [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] (aka Hokkien or "Taiwanese"). Due to its different history, the Kinmen variety of Minnan generally lacks the Japanese loan words that are ubiquitous in the varieties in Taiwan proper, and is instead perceived as being more similar to Xiamen variety of Mainland China. However, Minnan-speakers from Taiwan, Xiamen, and Kinmen can all generally understand each other. In the remote outlying Wuqiu islands, the local language is Puxian Min, which is not mutually intelligible with Minnan. ==Get in== {{Mapframe}}{{mapshape}} ===By plane=== [[File:Kinmen Airport front view 20090401b.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Kinmen Airport]] * {{go | name=Kinmen airport | alt={{IATA|KNH}} | url=https://www.kma.gov.tw/ | email= | address= | lat=24.427778 | long=118.359167 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q646013 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air fly to Kinmen from Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Magong/Penghu several times a day. One-way tickets cost a little over NT$2000. This is the only way to get to Kinmen directly from Taiwan, unless you have your own boat. }} ===By ferry=== As of July 2022, all ferries into Kinmen county are still suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are normally ferries from [[Xiamen]] in mainland China to {{marker|type=go|wikidata=Q17019434}} on the main Kinmen island, and the link is open to foreigners. Boats are NT$750 (as of June 2013) from Shuitou to Xiamen and ¥155 from Xiamen (Wǔ tōng mǎ tóu 五通码头, Oct 2016) to Shuitou and run once an hour between 08:30 and 19:00 in each direction. There is also a ferry from [[Quanzhou#By boat|Quanzhou]], but it allows only Chinese and Taiwanese passengers. The ferry from Xiamen Wutong terminal to Shuitou runs every 30 min from 08:00 until 17:30. There are no public ferries to Kinmen from Taiwan or any other islands under the Taiwan government's control. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to take a ferry from Taiwan to Xiamen (in Mainland China), then take the Xiamen-Kinmen ferry to get to Kinmen. This assumes that you have a visa or visa-free entry eligibility for both China and Taiwan. Since Kinmen is under Taiwanese control, going there from mainland China counts as an '''exit'''. Thus, holders of single-entry visas cannot do short trips to from Xiamen to Kinmen and return. So make sure to clarify your visa situation before hopping on a ferry! If you are arriving by ferry, the ferry terminal has a tourist information desk that can help find you an inn. There are also money exchange counters, but they will only exchange RMB to NT$; they will not exchange other currencies. There is also an ATM just outside the ferry terminal (cross the road) that accepts Visa and Mastercard. A UnionPay ATM is in the departure area, where you also find a stall to change RMB to NT$. At the tourist services counters besides Joane Ranch Restaurant, you can rent portable WiFi (NT$250 per day) or get an unlimited data SIM Card (starting from NT$400 for 5 days). Cash only, no cards. ==Orientation== Greater Kinmen island is "butterfly-shaped" with each of its four administrative townships roughly corresponding to one of the four "wings" of the butterfly. It's the largest of Taiwan's outlying islands, and extremely dense with tourist sites. If you're at all interested in military history or historic Chinese architecture, expect to spend at least a few days looking around. It's probably not practical to see "everything", but if you're determined to try, give yourself at least a week. The western, northern, and eastern sides of Kinmen all face Mainland China, with only the southern side open the larger Taiwan Strait. The airport is located in the middle of the big island's southern coast, while the main urban center, Jincheng (previously spelled "Kincheng"), is tucked into the curve of the west coast. Smaller towns and villages are scattered all around the island. There's no "ring road" around Greater Kinmen island - getting between sites is done by switching between major roads in the island's interior and smaller loops and spurs around the coastal areas (as well as messily criss-crossed farm roads and tangled village allies). Lesser Kinmen, also known as Lieyu Township, is just southwest of Greater Kinmen and easily reached from the big island by frequent ferries. It's comparable in size to each of the big island's four townships. Though the major roads are in the island's interior, there's something like a (narrow) ring road circling the island, along which most of the tourist sites are located. There are many smaller islets scattered around the vicinity of Great and Lesser Kinmen, which are mostly occupied by the military. The two largest, Dadan and Erdan (not to be confused with Dadeng, which is technically claimed by Kinmen County but controlled by Mainland China), are located farther southwest from Lesser Kinmen, and sometimes open to tourists. The Wuqiu islands, also governed as part of Kinmen County, are located far to the north off a different part of China's coast, and though inhabited, are controlled by the military and not accessible to outsiders. ==Get around== ===By taxi=== There are taxis on the island, though you need pretty good [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] or [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] skills to negotiate a rate with the driver. They are also concentrated mostly in the city center, so you can't count on finding one just anywhere. If you can speak Mandarin or Minnan, most of the drivers are quite friendly, so one shouldn't worry about bargaining super hard. Most of them aren't looking to rip you off. Taxis from the Shuitou wharf to Jincheng city's downtown are NT$250 flat rate, and roughly NT$200 to return to the wharf. There are a few buses that run around, but they are not frequent and bus stops aren't particularly convenient. ===Your own vehicle=== Roads in Kinmen are all paved, there are good maps at every village and in every hotel, and navigation apps are mostly accurate. Official road signs are written in both Chinese and English, and are fairly well-placed, but the road network is very extensive and haphazardly laid out, so expect to miss some turns and have to reroute or backtrack. As of July 2022, there also seem to be a lot of road closures that mapping apps don't know about. Some of the "roads" on the mapping apps look more like bicycle paths in real life, but there don't seem to be any strict rules about which vehicles can go where, and locals would presume that scooters (at the very least) are allowed to use them. Beware of high winds, which can strike any time of the year. ====By scooter==== It's easiest to just rent your own scooter. Your accommodations may be able to arrange this for you, or you can get a 150 cc for about NT$550 per 24 hours at a rental shop. There's one in the airport. There is also a rental place in downtown Jincheng near the northern entrance to Mofan St (模範街). Just as in Taiwan proper, it's illegal to ride a scooter without a scooter or motorcycle license. Though it's technically possible to ride a scooter from one corner of Greater Jinmen island to the opposite corner in about half an hour, this is for locals who know the way and aren't interested in stopping anywhere, so expect your travel times to be much longer. Set aside lots of extra time for missed turns, closed roads, and especially for unplanned stops for interesting scenery and attractions. If you're at all interested in military history or historic Chinese architecture, expect getting from one end of the island to the other to end up taking you most of the day. ====By bicycle==== There are a number of public "K Bike" automated bicycle rental stations (similar to Youbike 1.0 in Taiwan), which are free for the first hour. Previous visitors said there were bicycles free to borrow for the day at various key locations, such as Zhaishan Tunnel, Jinshui Primary School (金水國小) in Shuitou, the Shuangli Wetlands Area close to Guningtou Battle Museum, Siwei Tunnel on Little Jinmen, as well as various other locations, but it's uncertain whether this is still the case. These rental stations would keep your passport until you return the bicycle, so you would need to be aware of when each rental station closes. Little Jinmen is particularly great for bike riding as there is a bike path more or less ringing the perimeter of the island (with sections closed as of July 2022), connecting most of the important sights. Greater Jinmen is rather large, and inexperienced cyclists may find the distances to be very intimidating, especially in the extreme heat of the summer or during windy weather (which can happen any time of the year), so plan accordingly. ===By boat=== Ferries are the only public transportation connecting Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu) islands, at least until the long-delayed Kinmen Bridge is completed. The ferry leaves every half hour from Shuitou Pier on Greater Jinmen during the day, and takes about 10-15 minutes to cross. As of July 2022, the fare as NT$60 per person plus NT$100 per scooter, each way. Note that scooter space is more limited than passenger space, so bringing a scooter may make you more likely to miss one boat and have to wait for the next one. Tickets can be purchased with cash in the office, but most people use their EasyCard (the same card used on the Taipei Metro and many public transit systems in Taiwan). iPass cards are also accepted, but unlike the EasyCard, you can't add value to them at the ticket office. The boarding process is a bit of a mess - if you're told to park your scooter to the side and wait, get off and stand in line in front of the EasyCard reader machines to avoid losing your place. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to book a public boat from Lesser Kinmen to the Dadan and Erdan islets to the southwest, but as of July 2022 these seem to still be suspended. Due to landings on the islets being sensitive to tidal and weather conditions, we're told that it was necessary to book the boats a week in advance, with cancellations still common in prior to departure. ===By bus=== Kinmen has a bus service specifically for tourists. Day tickets are NT$200 and include bus rides and guided tours at all destinations (Chinese only). Departure is from the bus station in Kincheng at 08:30 and 13:30. *Line A (morning): to Juguang Tower (莒光樓) and several sites in Shuitou, including traditional architecture, houses by returnees from Southeast Asia (including a Peranakan house) and the Zhaishan tunnels (翟山坑道) an underground navy installation. *Line B (afternoon): to Guning, north of Kincheng, to several museums and sites related to military history and the battle of 1949 in particular, and a wildlife museum. *Lines C and D start from Shanwai in the east of the island. Public buses also go to all parts of the island, including the major sites, the ferry terminal and the airport (red 1 line, 紅一). Buses 7/7A/7B run from the Shuitou Pier, to Shuitou, and finally to Kincheng. Buses 9/10/11 go to the northwest part of the island, particularly the Shuangli Wetland Area and Guningtou Battle Museum. Bus fares are NT$12 or NT$24 for long distances (such as from Kincheng to the eastern half of Kinmen). For Little Kinmen, the fare is NT$10. Understand that buses can be rather infrequent and many do not run late. Also, the bus drivers will skip a station if there is no one waiting there, so press the "get off" button when you want to get off. Kincheng has a major bus station with buses to many parts of the island and also has a very useful tourist office. ==See== * The late President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek, left a '''calligraphy inscription''' in Kinmen, urging the ROC troops to fight on and to one day re-take the Mainland from the Communist "bandits". *The '''Wind Lion Gods''' of Kinmen are unique statues all over the island, you can either see the originals in the villages (this can take some patience and hunting skills) or just go to the new '''Wind Lion God Park''' near the ShangYi Airport. *Just walk around '''downtown Kincheng''', there are '''temples''' in every other alleyway, often architecturally interesting and in active use. ===Military history=== <!-- [[File:Historic_Coastal_Defense.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> [[File:Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum 20160620.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum.]] * {{see | name=8-2-3 Artillery battle museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.443056 | long=118.4325 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=August 23 Artillery Battle Museum | image=Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum 20050707.jpg | wikidata=Q15193982 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Small but excellent museum, it even has a large amount of English signage to help explain the exhibits. There is also a Virtual War room where you can experience war for 3 minutes. }} * {{see | name=Juguang Tower | alt=莒光樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.425 | long=118.319 | directions=South of Kincheng on Huandao West Road (環島西路一段). Line A tourist bus. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Juguang Tower | image=Juguanglou.JPG | wikidata=Q8291305 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Memorial building with a small military museum and views of surrounding areas. }} [[File:翟山坑道.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Zhaishan Tunnel.]] * {{see | name=Zhaishan tunnels | alt=翟山坑道 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.390415 | long=118.32073 | directions=At the southern tip of the western part of Kinmen. Line A tourist bus | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Category:Jhaishan Tunnel | wikidata=Q17006334 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=Historic underground navy base. Artillery and boats on display. Large tunnels, some being underground piers. }} * {{see | name=Siwei Tunnel | alt=四維坑道 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jiugong Tunnel | wikidata=Q56600575 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=On Little Kinmen is even longer and quieter than Zhaishan Tunnel. It's located just to the left of the ferry terminal as you get off. }} * {{see | name=Triangle Fortress | alt=三角堡 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.465097 | long=118.297642 | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3271 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=in Guning west of Zi lake (滋湖) to the north of Kincheng, overlooking the passage to Kincheng town between Kinmen and small Kinmen island, with a group of M41 tanks. Line B tourist bus and bus 9. }} * {{see | name=Lion Mountain | alt=獅山炮陳地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.503963 | long=118.437090 | directions= | phone=+886 8 235 5697 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=With an underground howitzer base and museum, in Shanhou in the northeast of Kinmen, near Shanhou Culture Village. Bus 31 from Shamei (沙美, bus 5 or 5A from Kincheng to Shamei) }} * {{see | name=Jiugong tunnel | alt=九宮坑道 | url=http://www.kmnp.gov.tw/ct/index.php?option=com_eftour&view=gtour&id=14&Itemid=10 {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=24.423639 | long=118.26142 | directions=on the neighboring Lieyu island, also part of the Republic of China | phone=+886 8 236 4405 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Jiugong Tunnel | image=金門烈嶼鄉九宮坑道 20200807170414 05.jpg | wikidata=Q56600575 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=A small complex of sea tunnels that was used as a material transport pipeline. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Deyue Gun Tower | alt=得月樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=08:30-27:00 | price= | wikipedia=Deyue Gun Tower | wikidata=Q46991707 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The tower was built in 1931 by Huang Hui-huang, a wealthy merchant from Shuitou. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty | alt=清金門鎮總兵署 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 237 1717 | tollfree= | hours=09:00-22:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty | wikidata=Q16892841 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=It was built as a study house during the Ming Dynasty, it was then transformed into the Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty during the rule of the Kangxi Emperor when Commander of Kinmen relocated his office from Jinmencheng to Jincheng. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Taiwu Martyrs' Shrine | alt=太武忠烈祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.457214 | long=118.404872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Culture and architecture=== <!-- [[File:Abondoned_Mansion.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> * {{see | name=Kinmen cultural village | alt=金門民俗文化村 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.503841 | long=118.440402 | directions= | phone=+886 8 235 5347 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen Folk Culture Village | wikidata=Q17007017 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Also referred to as '''Shanhou Culture Village''' (山后民俗文化村), it's a great little place to poke around, with Kinmens 2 best antique stores being located within the walls. It is only NT$50 to get in and a beautiful and well maintained example of [[South Fujian]] style traditional Chinese houses with swallow tail roofs and was built towards the end of the 1800s. }} * {{see | name=Jinshui Primary School | alt=金水國小 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.409332 | long=118.297955 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jinshui Elementary School | wikidata=Q107145036 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=In Shuitou, with a small emigration and overseas Chinese museum. Line A tourist bus and bus 7/7A/7B. }} * {{see | name=Shuitou Deyue Tower | alt=水頭得月樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.409727 | long=118.298490 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=With the surrounding buildings, in Shuitou, previously the highest building in Kinmen, old buildings built by rich overseas Chinese merchants, including a Peranakan family, resulting in a complex of buildings with a mix of local and Western architecture. Line A tourist bus and bus 7/7A/7B }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gulongtou Zhenwei Residence | alt=古龍頭振威第 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gulongtou Zhenwei Residence | wikidata=Q10913646 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A historical building and a good example of the architecture of the time. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Mashan Broadcasting and Observation Station | alt=馬山觀測站 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 0086 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Mashan Broadcasting and Observation Station | wikidata=Q15913395 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A historical broadcasting station and observation tower in Jinsha Township. The station used to send out propaganda message to the People's Liberation Army soldiers on Mainland China to surrender and join the Republic of China Armed Forces. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Mofan Street | alt=模範街 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.431636 | long=118.319079 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mofan Street | wikidata=Q11121308 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The street gets its name from the uniform hybrid architecture of Chinese and Western styles which means Model Street. The 75-m-long street features buildings with brick exteriors and arched door fronts modeled after the Japanese, Fujian and Western architecture. There are 16 buildings at each side connected by a common arcade. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Xu Jiang Xiao Wo Stone Inscription | alt=虛江嘯臥碣群 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5643 | tollfree= | hours=24hrs | price= | wikipedia=Xujiang Xiaowo Stone Inscription | wikidata=Q17036553 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A large stone inscription which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Chiou Lianggong's Mother Chastity Arch | alt=邱良功母節孝坊 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 8823 | tollfree= | hours=24 hr | price= | wikipedia=Chastity Arch for Qiu Liang-gong's Mother | wikidata=Q15912006 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A stone arch erected in 1812 by Qiu Liang-gong to honour his mother, who had raised him after his father's early death. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Chen Jing-lan Western House | alt=陳景蘭洋樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:30 | price= | wikipedia=Chen Jing-lan Western House | wikidata=Q28414594 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=It was built in 1917 by a local businessperson who built up his success in Singapore. During World War II, the house was used as a military hospital. It is the largest 'Western-style' house in Kinmen. }} ===Temples=== [[File:Jincheng - Daitianfu - DSCF9406.JPG|thumb|Dai Tian Fu, a temple near the eastern gate of Kincheng]] [[File:Wai Pu Wu Miao - DSCF9433.JPG|thumb|A temple in Jincheg]] '''Temples''' can be found everywhere on Kinmen and Little Kinmen, many of which are very tiny and quaint. * {{see | name=Maoshan Pagoda | alt=茅山塔 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.408642 | long=118.288350 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Maoshan Pagoda | wikidata=Q17051693 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Just to the west of Shuitou, it is not particularly impressive structure compared to many pagodas in China/Taiwan, but the views of the surrounding area are quite impressive and it's a very quiet place with very few tourists. }} * {{see | name=Wentai Pagoda | alt=文臺寶塔 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wentai Pagoda | wikidata=Q11080136 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Erected for the observation of the stars to make feng shui predictions, the tower was erected in 1387. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Zhu Zi Ci | alt=朱子祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.434489 | long=118.317394 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Zhu Zi Ci | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=An ancestral temple of the Zhu family. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Koxinga Shrine | alt=延平郡王祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.424486 | long=118.304773 | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5057 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A shrine on the western portion of the island dedicated to the military figure Koxinga. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Dai Tian Fu | alt=代天府 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.430965 | long=118.319609 | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5842 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Nature=== <!-- [[File:Forest_Recreation_Area.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> *The Forest Recreation Area is a must see when visiting Kinmen. Located along Section3, Huandao East Road, this is a multi-purpose area for barbecues, a child playground, botanical gardens, and more. *During the winter, flocks of '''migratory birds''' come to Kinmen and Little Kinmen to nest. They can be seen and heard at the many lakes and ponds on the islands. The '''Shuangli Wetlands Area''' is a good place for information and birdwatching. It's in Nanshan village, very close to Beishan and Guningtou Battle Museum and not too far from Zi Lake (Ci Lake). Buses 9/10/11 go there. *Strolling along any of the '''beaches''' is quite peaceful and there are two bonus attractions to be seen: crumbling military fortifications and views of Xiamen, especially from the western shore of Little Kinmen or the northwestern shore of Kinmen. <!-- [[File:788_Anchored_Boat_Low_Tide_cropped-_framed.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> * {{listing | type=see | name=Kinmen National Park | alt=金門國家公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3100 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-27:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen National Park | wikidata=Q701698 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=Kinmen National Park includes five areas, which are Taiwu Mountain, Kuningtou, Gugang, Mashan Hill and Lieyu. The park covers an area of 35.29 km² or around a quarter of Kinmen County area. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gugang Lake | alt=古崗湖 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.394281 | long=118.315608 | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gugang Lake | wikidata=Q17003919 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The lake features the Gugang Pavilion which was built in 1964 by Zhuang Wu-nan from [[Tamsui]], [[Taipei]]. The pavilion is 16 meters in height. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jiangong Islet | alt=建功嶼 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.427445 | long=118.300075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jiangong Islet | wikidata=Q19459215 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The island has a statue of Koxinga which was built in 1968 to commemorate the Ming Dynasty hero who led the resistance against Manchurian invaders. The islet also has a viewing platform offers a view of the surrounding area. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jincheng Seaside Park | alt=金城海濱休閒公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jincheng Seaside Park | wikidata=Q17051010 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Yu Da Wei Xian Sheng Memorial Museum | alt=俞大維先生紀念館 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 0599 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Yu Da Wei Xian Sheng Memorial Museum | wikidata=Q16242441 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A war memorial museum in Zhongzheng Park. }} * {{see | name=Guning War History Museum | alt=古寧頭戰史館 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Guningtou Battle Museum | wikidata=Q5618827 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=On the 1949 battle, including many paintings, tanks, jeeps. The villages next to it ('''Nanshan''' and '''Beishan''', 南山/北山) have a few buildings still riddled with bullet holes from the battle. Line B tourist bus and bus 9, 10, and 11. }} * {{see | name=Military Brothel Exhibition Hall | alt=特約茶室展示館 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.448215 | long=118.384680 | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 7839 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=A small but interesting museum detailing Kinmen's dark and relatively recent past with brothels on the island. Free, open everyday. No.126 Qionglinli Xiaojing, Jinhu Town, in the middle of island. Ask the tourist office at the Jincheng bus station for buses that stop there. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Hujingtou Battle Museum | alt=湖井頭戰史館 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.446647 | long=118.231066 | directions= | phone=+886 8 236 4403 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Hujingtou Battle Museum | wikidata=Q15226658 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The museum displays the battle history, an observation post, and a broadcasting station. }} ==Do== If you can find all 63 "official" wind lion god statues, the ones that are represented in the park, and present proof to the park office, they will give you a special gift. ==Buy== [[File:Cleaver 2 (PSF).jpg|thumb|Chinese style cleaver]] Cleavers are Kinmen's best-known tourist product. They are famous for making excellent quality cleavers; the steel is said to be obtained from the hundreds of thousands of shells that the Communist forces fired at Kinmen, in a failed attempt to take the island away from the Nationalist troops. The most authentic knives and the best place for a factory tour is Maestro Wu's Knives. It is claimed that a single shell casing can make approximately 60 blades; this is doubtful. Also doubtful is the claim that current blades are made from shell casings, since shelling stopped in the late 1970s. Finishing quality for cleavers has dropped a lot since the mid-1990s. Even for Maestro Wu's Knife's top selling special-designed cleavers, the words "Made in Kinmen" are barely visible and/or badly engraved. Salespersons were taught to toe the line that "its because the steel's quality is so good that the engraving machine cannot carve the words properly". This is a bad sales tactic and a sorry excuse for a once famous knife brand that was built on quality. ==Eat== While Kinmen lacks the high price fancy fare of more populated locales, cheap delicious snack shops are everywhere in the downtown area of Kincheng. Taiwanese favorites such as fried chicken cutlets, fried oyster balls and chow mein can be found without much trouble. Prices average around NT$50 per item which is quite reasonable considering the quality. ==Drink== [[File:Kaoliang liquor.jpg|thumb|Kaoliang liquor]] Kinmen is the home of Taiwan's distinctive "Kaoliang" liquor, a tequila-like hard liquor popular all over Taiwan. The factory is located right in the middle of the island, not far from the airport and is hard to miss with its distinctive smell and two two-story liquor bottles guarding the front gates. This is one of the upmarket brands of the widespread Chinese liquor ''bai jiu''; see [[Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic]] for background. *{{drink | name=White Lion | url= | email= | address=jincheng | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18:00-24:00 | price= | content=nice Canadian/Taiwanese owned pub beside temple }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Da Jhai Men Homestay | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +886 82-320008 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Actually a rather tumbledown hotel, not a homestay, the management is nevertheless very friendly and the location convenient. Double room NT$1200 regular days and NT$1500 weekends and holidays. Location No. 84 Jhushan Village, Jincheng Township, Kinmen. }} *'''Visit Kinmen Guest House''' is a traditional Kinmen old house restored by Kinmen National Park in Shanhou Village, the north east side. Visit Kinmen Guest House provides a place where travelers can stay with a relaxed atmosphere after exploring the beautiful scenery of Kinmen. The guest house has three double rooms for two people and one family room with twin bed that is good for group of four people, rates from NT$1400–2400. Please find us on web for further information. *{{sleep | name=IN99 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near to jincheng bus station, new building | phone= +886 82 324851 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=NT$1800 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=nice new business hotel in Jincheng }} ==Stay safe== Though formal hostilities with the PRC ended by the early 1980s, Kinmen is still very much a front line area. Visitors are strongly advised not to wander off paved roads when exploring the island due to the possibility of running across old unmarked minefields. It is also advisable to avoid traveling to certain sensitive areas after dark, such as coastal areas or areas near military installations. Visitors should also obey all orders given by military personnel and avoid entering or photographing sensitive areas. == Respect == The Kinmenese are proud of their "Chinese" identity rather than "Taiwanese". As such, in Kinmen, labelling the locals "Taiwanese" would likely cause offence. Likewise, while you are in Kinmen, do not refer to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan". Call the state "Republic of China", and use "Taiwan" only to refer to the island of Taiwan. Likewise, call the local dialect "Kinmenese", "Min Nan", or "Quemoy" rather than "Taiwanese". Political issues, especially Taiwan independence, are best avoided. Although most residents of the island are strongly opposed to Taiwanese independence, that does not mean they support the People's Republic of China government in Beijing; they are proud citizens of the Taiwan-based Republic of China. ==Go next== There are two choices; [[Taiwan]] is easily reached by plane, and [[Xiamen]] in mainland China is accessible by ferry. To go to Xiamen, holders of most passports need to already have a [[China#Visas|Chinese visa]]; there is no office to issue them on Kinmen. {{geo|24.44|118.33|zoom=12}} {{IsPartOf|Taiwan}} {{outlinecity}} lbz0i4hrksuxt4go6vauvw0vl1idsv4 4487792 4487788 2022-07-21T15:10:50Z GeoEvan 190054 /* Temples */ Mention that Wentai is a restoration wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wikivoyage_banner_of_Kinmen.jpeg}} [[File:Kinmen Montage.png|250px|thumb|right|A collection of the attractions around Kinmen]] '''[http://www.kinmen.gov.tw/Layout/main_en/index.aspx?frame=18 Kinmen]''' (金門 ''Kim-mn̂g'' in Minnan, ''Jīnmén'' in Mandarin, literal meaning "golden gate", also known as '''Quemoy''') is a county comprising a number of outlying islands near the People's Republic of [[China]] (PRC) but controlled by the [[Taiwan]]-based Republic of China (ROC) government. The main islands in the county are Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu/Liehyu). Administratively, Kinmen is split into six townships, four of which are on Greater Kinmen. Another has Lesser Kinmen plus its neighbouring small islands, and the sixth is a couple of more remote small islands that aren't open to visitors. All the islands of Kinmen county are within just a few kilomters of Mainland China, with the [[Xiamen]] city skyline clearly visible in the distance from many areas. Despite, and because of, its status as the front line in the semi-dormant China-Taiwan conflict, Kinmen is highly tourist-oriented, with the main themes being military history, historic architecture, and its signature gaoliang (kaoliang) grain alcohol. ==Understand== [[File:Three Principles of the People Unites China.jpg|thumb|Propaganda sign on Dadan Island facing the mainland, including the words "unify China", placed under orders of General Zhao in Aug. 1986, before he was dismissed for the 1987 Lieyu massacre]] In 1949, the Communists won the Chinese civil war, defeating the Nationalists (Kuomintang) who had governed (most of) China from the 1911 revolution until 1949. Since then, there has been a Communist government in most of China (the People's Republic of China or PRC) while the Nationalists held onto Taiwan - still officially called the Republic of China or ROC, despite the Nationalists being voted out in recent democratic elections, and most Taiwanese people preferring to identify as an separate country from China. The islands of Kinmen and [[Matsu]] are near the Chinese coast &mdash; Kinmen is about 10&nbsp;km (under 6.5 miles) from [[Xiamen]] &mdash; but held by the Taiwan-based ROC. They are symbolically important, and arguably strategically as well, and were often actively fought over from 1949 into the 1970s. The "Artillery Battle of 823" (part of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis) was one of the key battles that kept the PRC from invading Taiwan. It involved artillery bombardment of Kinmen and Matsu, beginning on August 23 (8-23) 1958. Relations between the two governments improved greatly in the early 2000s; there is extensive Taiwanese investment in China, and until recently (due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating tensions) travel in both directions was much easier than before, with Mainland China becoming biggest source of tourism to Kinmen. However, Kinmen and Matsu remain sensitive areas and both the PRC and the ROC maintain substantial military forces in the area. Travellers should exercise caution, avoid political discussions, and avoid photographing military installations or even pieces of infrastructure (bridges, dams, etc.) which might be military targets. The economy of Kinmen is now based mostly on tourism and the famous Kaoliang liquor (高粱酒). Dried meat from Kinmen is also sold on Taiwan. Although administered by the Taiwanese government, Kinmen and Matsu are officially considered to be parts of [[Fujian]] province, not of Taiwan, by both the PRC and ROC governments. Unlike Taiwan proper, they were never colonized by Japan (except for an 8-year occupation related to World War II), instead being governed by the Qing dynasty, and then the Mainland-based Republic of China, during Taiwan's Japanese period. Local residents often identify as "Kinmenese" or "Chinese" and not "Taiwanese". Politically, Kinmen is a KMT stronghold, with most residents being firmly opposed to formal Taiwan independence. The DPP has made inroads among the younger generation but most of these Kinmenese end up permanently settling in Taiwan and never go back to Kinmen. ==Talk== As in Taiwan proper, most residents throughout Kinmen county speak fluent (if accented) [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], even if it's not the language they prefer to speak with their friends and family. Few people speak English, especially outside of tourist areas, but the level of English is perhaps slightly better than in rural Mainland China. The local language in most of the county is [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] (aka Hokkien or "Taiwanese"). Due to its different history, the Kinmen variety of Minnan generally lacks the Japanese loan words that are ubiquitous in the varieties in Taiwan proper, and is instead perceived as being more similar to Xiamen variety of Mainland China. However, Minnan-speakers from Taiwan, Xiamen, and Kinmen can all generally understand each other. In the remote outlying Wuqiu islands, the local language is Puxian Min, which is not mutually intelligible with Minnan. ==Get in== {{Mapframe}}{{mapshape}} ===By plane=== [[File:Kinmen Airport front view 20090401b.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Kinmen Airport]] * {{go | name=Kinmen airport | alt={{IATA|KNH}} | url=https://www.kma.gov.tw/ | email= | address= | lat=24.427778 | long=118.359167 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q646013 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air fly to Kinmen from Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Magong/Penghu several times a day. One-way tickets cost a little over NT$2000. This is the only way to get to Kinmen directly from Taiwan, unless you have your own boat. }} ===By ferry=== As of July 2022, all ferries into Kinmen county are still suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are normally ferries from [[Xiamen]] in mainland China to {{marker|type=go|wikidata=Q17019434}} on the main Kinmen island, and the link is open to foreigners. Boats are NT$750 (as of June 2013) from Shuitou to Xiamen and ¥155 from Xiamen (Wǔ tōng mǎ tóu 五通码头, Oct 2016) to Shuitou and run once an hour between 08:30 and 19:00 in each direction. There is also a ferry from [[Quanzhou#By boat|Quanzhou]], but it allows only Chinese and Taiwanese passengers. The ferry from Xiamen Wutong terminal to Shuitou runs every 30 min from 08:00 until 17:30. There are no public ferries to Kinmen from Taiwan or any other islands under the Taiwan government's control. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to take a ferry from Taiwan to Xiamen (in Mainland China), then take the Xiamen-Kinmen ferry to get to Kinmen. This assumes that you have a visa or visa-free entry eligibility for both China and Taiwan. Since Kinmen is under Taiwanese control, going there from mainland China counts as an '''exit'''. Thus, holders of single-entry visas cannot do short trips to from Xiamen to Kinmen and return. So make sure to clarify your visa situation before hopping on a ferry! If you are arriving by ferry, the ferry terminal has a tourist information desk that can help find you an inn. There are also money exchange counters, but they will only exchange RMB to NT$; they will not exchange other currencies. There is also an ATM just outside the ferry terminal (cross the road) that accepts Visa and Mastercard. A UnionPay ATM is in the departure area, where you also find a stall to change RMB to NT$. At the tourist services counters besides Joane Ranch Restaurant, you can rent portable WiFi (NT$250 per day) or get an unlimited data SIM Card (starting from NT$400 for 5 days). Cash only, no cards. ==Orientation== Greater Kinmen island is "butterfly-shaped" with each of its four administrative townships roughly corresponding to one of the four "wings" of the butterfly. It's the largest of Taiwan's outlying islands, and extremely dense with tourist sites. If you're at all interested in military history or historic Chinese architecture, expect to spend at least a few days looking around. It's probably not practical to see "everything", but if you're determined to try, give yourself at least a week. The western, northern, and eastern sides of Kinmen all face Mainland China, with only the southern side open the larger Taiwan Strait. The airport is located in the middle of the big island's southern coast, while the main urban center, Jincheng (previously spelled "Kincheng"), is tucked into the curve of the west coast. Smaller towns and villages are scattered all around the island. There's no "ring road" around Greater Kinmen island - getting between sites is done by switching between major roads in the island's interior and smaller loops and spurs around the coastal areas (as well as messily criss-crossed farm roads and tangled village allies). Lesser Kinmen, also known as Lieyu Township, is just southwest of Greater Kinmen and easily reached from the big island by frequent ferries. It's comparable in size to each of the big island's four townships. Though the major roads are in the island's interior, there's something like a (narrow) ring road circling the island, along which most of the tourist sites are located. There are many smaller islets scattered around the vicinity of Great and Lesser Kinmen, which are mostly occupied by the military. The two largest, Dadan and Erdan (not to be confused with Dadeng, which is technically claimed by Kinmen County but controlled by Mainland China), are located farther southwest from Lesser Kinmen, and sometimes open to tourists. The Wuqiu islands, also governed as part of Kinmen County, are located far to the north off a different part of China's coast, and though inhabited, are controlled by the military and not accessible to outsiders. ==Get around== ===By taxi=== There are taxis on the island, though you need pretty good [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] or [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] skills to negotiate a rate with the driver. They are also concentrated mostly in the city center, so you can't count on finding one just anywhere. If you can speak Mandarin or Minnan, most of the drivers are quite friendly, so one shouldn't worry about bargaining super hard. Most of them aren't looking to rip you off. Taxis from the Shuitou wharf to Jincheng city's downtown are NT$250 flat rate, and roughly NT$200 to return to the wharf. There are a few buses that run around, but they are not frequent and bus stops aren't particularly convenient. ===Your own vehicle=== Roads in Kinmen are all paved, there are good maps at every village and in every hotel, and navigation apps are mostly accurate. Official road signs are written in both Chinese and English, and are fairly well-placed, but the road network is very extensive and haphazardly laid out, so expect to miss some turns and have to reroute or backtrack. As of July 2022, there also seem to be a lot of road closures that mapping apps don't know about. Some of the "roads" on the mapping apps look more like bicycle paths in real life, but there don't seem to be any strict rules about which vehicles can go where, and locals would presume that scooters (at the very least) are allowed to use them. Beware of high winds, which can strike any time of the year. ====By scooter==== It's easiest to just rent your own scooter. Your accommodations may be able to arrange this for you, or you can get a 150 cc for about NT$550 per 24 hours at a rental shop. There's one in the airport. There is also a rental place in downtown Jincheng near the northern entrance to Mofan St (模範街). Just as in Taiwan proper, it's illegal to ride a scooter without a scooter or motorcycle license. Though it's technically possible to ride a scooter from one corner of Greater Jinmen island to the opposite corner in about half an hour, this is for locals who know the way and aren't interested in stopping anywhere, so expect your travel times to be much longer. Set aside lots of extra time for missed turns, closed roads, and especially for unplanned stops for interesting scenery and attractions. If you're at all interested in military history or historic Chinese architecture, expect getting from one end of the island to the other to end up taking you most of the day. ====By bicycle==== There are a number of public "K Bike" automated bicycle rental stations (similar to Youbike 1.0 in Taiwan), which are free for the first hour. Previous visitors said there were bicycles free to borrow for the day at various key locations, such as Zhaishan Tunnel, Jinshui Primary School (金水國小) in Shuitou, the Shuangli Wetlands Area close to Guningtou Battle Museum, Siwei Tunnel on Little Jinmen, as well as various other locations, but it's uncertain whether this is still the case. These rental stations would keep your passport until you return the bicycle, so you would need to be aware of when each rental station closes. Little Jinmen is particularly great for bike riding as there is a bike path more or less ringing the perimeter of the island (with sections closed as of July 2022), connecting most of the important sights. Greater Jinmen is rather large, and inexperienced cyclists may find the distances to be very intimidating, especially in the extreme heat of the summer or during windy weather (which can happen any time of the year), so plan accordingly. ===By boat=== Ferries are the only public transportation connecting Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu) islands, at least until the long-delayed Kinmen Bridge is completed. The ferry leaves every half hour from Shuitou Pier on Greater Jinmen during the day, and takes about 10-15 minutes to cross. As of July 2022, the fare as NT$60 per person plus NT$100 per scooter, each way. Note that scooter space is more limited than passenger space, so bringing a scooter may make you more likely to miss one boat and have to wait for the next one. Tickets can be purchased with cash in the office, but most people use their EasyCard (the same card used on the Taipei Metro and many public transit systems in Taiwan). iPass cards are also accepted, but unlike the EasyCard, you can't add value to them at the ticket office. The boarding process is a bit of a mess - if you're told to park your scooter to the side and wait, get off and stand in line in front of the EasyCard reader machines to avoid losing your place. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to book a public boat from Lesser Kinmen to the Dadan and Erdan islets to the southwest, but as of July 2022 these seem to still be suspended. Due to landings on the islets being sensitive to tidal and weather conditions, we're told that it was necessary to book the boats a week in advance, with cancellations still common in prior to departure. ===By bus=== Kinmen has a bus service specifically for tourists. Day tickets are NT$200 and include bus rides and guided tours at all destinations (Chinese only). Departure is from the bus station in Kincheng at 08:30 and 13:30. *Line A (morning): to Juguang Tower (莒光樓) and several sites in Shuitou, including traditional architecture, houses by returnees from Southeast Asia (including a Peranakan house) and the Zhaishan tunnels (翟山坑道) an underground navy installation. *Line B (afternoon): to Guning, north of Kincheng, to several museums and sites related to military history and the battle of 1949 in particular, and a wildlife museum. *Lines C and D start from Shanwai in the east of the island. Public buses also go to all parts of the island, including the major sites, the ferry terminal and the airport (red 1 line, 紅一). Buses 7/7A/7B run from the Shuitou Pier, to Shuitou, and finally to Kincheng. Buses 9/10/11 go to the northwest part of the island, particularly the Shuangli Wetland Area and Guningtou Battle Museum. Bus fares are NT$12 or NT$24 for long distances (such as from Kincheng to the eastern half of Kinmen). For Little Kinmen, the fare is NT$10. Understand that buses can be rather infrequent and many do not run late. Also, the bus drivers will skip a station if there is no one waiting there, so press the "get off" button when you want to get off. Kincheng has a major bus station with buses to many parts of the island and also has a very useful tourist office. ==See== * The late President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek, left a '''calligraphy inscription''' in Kinmen, urging the ROC troops to fight on and to one day re-take the Mainland from the Communist "bandits". *The '''Wind Lion Gods''' of Kinmen are unique statues all over the island, you can either see the originals in the villages (this can take some patience and hunting skills) or just go to the new '''Wind Lion God Park''' near the ShangYi Airport. *Just walk around '''downtown Kincheng''', there are '''temples''' in every other alleyway, often architecturally interesting and in active use. ===Military history=== <!-- [[File:Historic_Coastal_Defense.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> [[File:Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum 20160620.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum.]] * {{see | name=8-2-3 Artillery battle museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.443056 | long=118.4325 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=August 23 Artillery Battle Museum | image=Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum 20050707.jpg | wikidata=Q15193982 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Small but excellent museum, it even has a large amount of English signage to help explain the exhibits. There is also a Virtual War room where you can experience war for 3 minutes. }} * {{see | name=Juguang Tower | alt=莒光樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.425 | long=118.319 | directions=South of Kincheng on Huandao West Road (環島西路一段). Line A tourist bus. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Juguang Tower | image=Juguanglou.JPG | wikidata=Q8291305 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Memorial building with a small military museum and views of surrounding areas. }} [[File:翟山坑道.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Zhaishan Tunnel.]] * {{see | name=Zhaishan tunnels | alt=翟山坑道 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.390415 | long=118.32073 | directions=At the southern tip of the western part of Kinmen. Line A tourist bus | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Category:Jhaishan Tunnel | wikidata=Q17006334 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=Historic underground navy base. Artillery and boats on display. Large tunnels, some being underground piers. }} * {{see | name=Siwei Tunnel | alt=四維坑道 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jiugong Tunnel | wikidata=Q56600575 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=On Little Kinmen is even longer and quieter than Zhaishan Tunnel. It's located just to the left of the ferry terminal as you get off. }} * {{see | name=Triangle Fortress | alt=三角堡 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.465097 | long=118.297642 | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3271 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=in Guning west of Zi lake (滋湖) to the north of Kincheng, overlooking the passage to Kincheng town between Kinmen and small Kinmen island, with a group of M41 tanks. Line B tourist bus and bus 9. }} * {{see | name=Lion Mountain | alt=獅山炮陳地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.503963 | long=118.437090 | directions= | phone=+886 8 235 5697 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=With an underground howitzer base and museum, in Shanhou in the northeast of Kinmen, near Shanhou Culture Village. Bus 31 from Shamei (沙美, bus 5 or 5A from Kincheng to Shamei) }} * {{see | name=Jiugong tunnel | alt=九宮坑道 | url=http://www.kmnp.gov.tw/ct/index.php?option=com_eftour&view=gtour&id=14&Itemid=10 {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=24.423639 | long=118.26142 | directions=on the neighboring Lieyu island, also part of the Republic of China | phone=+886 8 236 4405 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Jiugong Tunnel | image=金門烈嶼鄉九宮坑道 20200807170414 05.jpg | wikidata=Q56600575 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=A small complex of sea tunnels that was used as a material transport pipeline. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Deyue Gun Tower | alt=得月樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=08:30-27:00 | price= | wikipedia=Deyue Gun Tower | wikidata=Q46991707 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The tower was built in 1931 by Huang Hui-huang, a wealthy merchant from Shuitou. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty | alt=清金門鎮總兵署 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 237 1717 | tollfree= | hours=09:00-22:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty | wikidata=Q16892841 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=It was built as a study house during the Ming Dynasty, it was then transformed into the Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty during the rule of the Kangxi Emperor when Commander of Kinmen relocated his office from Jinmencheng to Jincheng. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Taiwu Martyrs' Shrine | alt=太武忠烈祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.457214 | long=118.404872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Culture and architecture=== <!-- [[File:Abondoned_Mansion.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> * {{see | name=Kinmen cultural village | alt=金門民俗文化村 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.503841 | long=118.440402 | directions= | phone=+886 8 235 5347 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen Folk Culture Village | wikidata=Q17007017 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Also referred to as '''Shanhou Culture Village''' (山后民俗文化村), it's a great little place to poke around, with Kinmens 2 best antique stores being located within the walls. It is only NT$50 to get in and a beautiful and well maintained example of [[South Fujian]] style traditional Chinese houses with swallow tail roofs and was built towards the end of the 1800s. }} * {{see | name=Jinshui Primary School | alt=金水國小 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.409332 | long=118.297955 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jinshui Elementary School | wikidata=Q107145036 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=In Shuitou, with a small emigration and overseas Chinese museum. Line A tourist bus and bus 7/7A/7B. }} * {{see | name=Shuitou Deyue Tower | alt=水頭得月樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.409727 | long=118.298490 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=With the surrounding buildings, in Shuitou, previously the highest building in Kinmen, old buildings built by rich overseas Chinese merchants, including a Peranakan family, resulting in a complex of buildings with a mix of local and Western architecture. Line A tourist bus and bus 7/7A/7B }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gulongtou Zhenwei Residence | alt=古龍頭振威第 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gulongtou Zhenwei Residence | wikidata=Q10913646 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A historical building and a good example of the architecture of the time. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Mashan Broadcasting and Observation Station | alt=馬山觀測站 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 0086 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Mashan Broadcasting and Observation Station | wikidata=Q15913395 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A historical broadcasting station and observation tower in Jinsha Township. The station used to send out propaganda message to the People's Liberation Army soldiers on Mainland China to surrender and join the Republic of China Armed Forces. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Mofan Street | alt=模範街 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.431636 | long=118.319079 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mofan Street | wikidata=Q11121308 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The street gets its name from the uniform hybrid architecture of Chinese and Western styles which means Model Street. The 75-m-long street features buildings with brick exteriors and arched door fronts modeled after the Japanese, Fujian and Western architecture. There are 16 buildings at each side connected by a common arcade. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Xu Jiang Xiao Wo Stone Inscription | alt=虛江嘯臥碣群 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5643 | tollfree= | hours=24hrs | price= | wikipedia=Xujiang Xiaowo Stone Inscription | wikidata=Q17036553 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A large stone inscription which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Chiou Lianggong's Mother Chastity Arch | alt=邱良功母節孝坊 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 8823 | tollfree= | hours=24 hr | price= | wikipedia=Chastity Arch for Qiu Liang-gong's Mother | wikidata=Q15912006 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A stone arch erected in 1812 by Qiu Liang-gong to honour his mother, who had raised him after his father's early death. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Chen Jing-lan Western House | alt=陳景蘭洋樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:30 | price= | wikipedia=Chen Jing-lan Western House | wikidata=Q28414594 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=It was built in 1917 by a local businessperson who built up his success in Singapore. During World War II, the house was used as a military hospital. It is the largest 'Western-style' house in Kinmen. }} ===Temples=== [[File:Jincheng - Daitianfu - DSCF9406.JPG|thumb|Dai Tian Fu, a temple near the eastern gate of Kincheng]] [[File:Wai Pu Wu Miao - DSCF9433.JPG|thumb|A temple in Jincheg]] '''Temples''' can be found everywhere on Kinmen and Little Kinmen, many of which are very tiny and quaint. * {{see | name=Maoshan Pagoda | alt=茅山塔 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.408642 | long=118.288350 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Maoshan Pagoda | wikidata=Q17051693 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Just to the west of Shuitou, it is not particularly impressive structure compared to many pagodas in China/Taiwan, but the views of the surrounding area are quite impressive and it's a very quiet place with very few tourists. }} * {{see | name=Wentai Pagoda | alt=文臺寶塔 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wentai Pagoda | wikidata=Q11080136 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Erected for the observation of the stars to make feng shui predictions, the tower was originally erected in 1387. The current tower is a restoration. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Zhu Zi Ci | alt=朱子祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.434489 | long=118.317394 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Zhu Zi Ci | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=An ancestral temple of the Zhu family. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Koxinga Shrine | alt=延平郡王祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.424486 | long=118.304773 | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5057 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A shrine on the western portion of the island dedicated to the military figure Koxinga. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Dai Tian Fu | alt=代天府 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.430965 | long=118.319609 | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5842 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Nature=== <!-- [[File:Forest_Recreation_Area.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> *The Forest Recreation Area is a must see when visiting Kinmen. Located along Section3, Huandao East Road, this is a multi-purpose area for barbecues, a child playground, botanical gardens, and more. *During the winter, flocks of '''migratory birds''' come to Kinmen and Little Kinmen to nest. They can be seen and heard at the many lakes and ponds on the islands. The '''Shuangli Wetlands Area''' is a good place for information and birdwatching. It's in Nanshan village, very close to Beishan and Guningtou Battle Museum and not too far from Zi Lake (Ci Lake). Buses 9/10/11 go there. *Strolling along any of the '''beaches''' is quite peaceful and there are two bonus attractions to be seen: crumbling military fortifications and views of Xiamen, especially from the western shore of Little Kinmen or the northwestern shore of Kinmen. <!-- [[File:788_Anchored_Boat_Low_Tide_cropped-_framed.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> * {{listing | type=see | name=Kinmen National Park | alt=金門國家公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3100 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-27:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen National Park | wikidata=Q701698 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=Kinmen National Park includes five areas, which are Taiwu Mountain, Kuningtou, Gugang, Mashan Hill and Lieyu. The park covers an area of 35.29 km² or around a quarter of Kinmen County area. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gugang Lake | alt=古崗湖 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.394281 | long=118.315608 | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gugang Lake | wikidata=Q17003919 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The lake features the Gugang Pavilion which was built in 1964 by Zhuang Wu-nan from [[Tamsui]], [[Taipei]]. The pavilion is 16 meters in height. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jiangong Islet | alt=建功嶼 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.427445 | long=118.300075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jiangong Islet | wikidata=Q19459215 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The island has a statue of Koxinga which was built in 1968 to commemorate the Ming Dynasty hero who led the resistance against Manchurian invaders. The islet also has a viewing platform offers a view of the surrounding area. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jincheng Seaside Park | alt=金城海濱休閒公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jincheng Seaside Park | wikidata=Q17051010 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Yu Da Wei Xian Sheng Memorial Museum | alt=俞大維先生紀念館 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 0599 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Yu Da Wei Xian Sheng Memorial Museum | wikidata=Q16242441 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A war memorial museum in Zhongzheng Park. }} * {{see | name=Guning War History Museum | alt=古寧頭戰史館 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Guningtou Battle Museum | wikidata=Q5618827 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=On the 1949 battle, including many paintings, tanks, jeeps. The villages next to it ('''Nanshan''' and '''Beishan''', 南山/北山) have a few buildings still riddled with bullet holes from the battle. Line B tourist bus and bus 9, 10, and 11. }} * {{see | name=Military Brothel Exhibition Hall | alt=特約茶室展示館 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.448215 | long=118.384680 | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 7839 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=A small but interesting museum detailing Kinmen's dark and relatively recent past with brothels on the island. Free, open everyday. No.126 Qionglinli Xiaojing, Jinhu Town, in the middle of island. Ask the tourist office at the Jincheng bus station for buses that stop there. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Hujingtou Battle Museum | alt=湖井頭戰史館 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.446647 | long=118.231066 | directions= | phone=+886 8 236 4403 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Hujingtou Battle Museum | wikidata=Q15226658 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The museum displays the battle history, an observation post, and a broadcasting station. }} ==Do== If you can find all 63 "official" wind lion god statues, the ones that are represented in the park, and present proof to the park office, they will give you a special gift. ==Buy== [[File:Cleaver 2 (PSF).jpg|thumb|Chinese style cleaver]] Cleavers are Kinmen's best-known tourist product. They are famous for making excellent quality cleavers; the steel is said to be obtained from the hundreds of thousands of shells that the Communist forces fired at Kinmen, in a failed attempt to take the island away from the Nationalist troops. The most authentic knives and the best place for a factory tour is Maestro Wu's Knives. It is claimed that a single shell casing can make approximately 60 blades; this is doubtful. Also doubtful is the claim that current blades are made from shell casings, since shelling stopped in the late 1970s. Finishing quality for cleavers has dropped a lot since the mid-1990s. Even for Maestro Wu's Knife's top selling special-designed cleavers, the words "Made in Kinmen" are barely visible and/or badly engraved. Salespersons were taught to toe the line that "its because the steel's quality is so good that the engraving machine cannot carve the words properly". This is a bad sales tactic and a sorry excuse for a once famous knife brand that was built on quality. ==Eat== While Kinmen lacks the high price fancy fare of more populated locales, cheap delicious snack shops are everywhere in the downtown area of Kincheng. Taiwanese favorites such as fried chicken cutlets, fried oyster balls and chow mein can be found without much trouble. Prices average around NT$50 per item which is quite reasonable considering the quality. ==Drink== [[File:Kaoliang liquor.jpg|thumb|Kaoliang liquor]] Kinmen is the home of Taiwan's distinctive "Kaoliang" liquor, a tequila-like hard liquor popular all over Taiwan. The factory is located right in the middle of the island, not far from the airport and is hard to miss with its distinctive smell and two two-story liquor bottles guarding the front gates. This is one of the upmarket brands of the widespread Chinese liquor ''bai jiu''; see [[Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic]] for background. *{{drink | name=White Lion | url= | email= | address=jincheng | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18:00-24:00 | price= | content=nice Canadian/Taiwanese owned pub beside temple }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Da Jhai Men Homestay | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +886 82-320008 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Actually a rather tumbledown hotel, not a homestay, the management is nevertheless very friendly and the location convenient. Double room NT$1200 regular days and NT$1500 weekends and holidays. Location No. 84 Jhushan Village, Jincheng Township, Kinmen. }} *'''Visit Kinmen Guest House''' is a traditional Kinmen old house restored by Kinmen National Park in Shanhou Village, the north east side. Visit Kinmen Guest House provides a place where travelers can stay with a relaxed atmosphere after exploring the beautiful scenery of Kinmen. The guest house has three double rooms for two people and one family room with twin bed that is good for group of four people, rates from NT$1400–2400. Please find us on web for further information. *{{sleep | name=IN99 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near to jincheng bus station, new building | phone= +886 82 324851 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=NT$1800 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=nice new business hotel in Jincheng }} ==Stay safe== Though formal hostilities with the PRC ended by the early 1980s, Kinmen is still very much a front line area. Visitors are strongly advised not to wander off paved roads when exploring the island due to the possibility of running across old unmarked minefields. It is also advisable to avoid traveling to certain sensitive areas after dark, such as coastal areas or areas near military installations. Visitors should also obey all orders given by military personnel and avoid entering or photographing sensitive areas. == Respect == The Kinmenese are proud of their "Chinese" identity rather than "Taiwanese". As such, in Kinmen, labelling the locals "Taiwanese" would likely cause offence. Likewise, while you are in Kinmen, do not refer to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan". Call the state "Republic of China", and use "Taiwan" only to refer to the island of Taiwan. Likewise, call the local dialect "Kinmenese", "Min Nan", or "Quemoy" rather than "Taiwanese". Political issues, especially Taiwan independence, are best avoided. Although most residents of the island are strongly opposed to Taiwanese independence, that does not mean they support the People's Republic of China government in Beijing; they are proud citizens of the Taiwan-based Republic of China. ==Go next== There are two choices; [[Taiwan]] is easily reached by plane, and [[Xiamen]] in mainland China is accessible by ferry. To go to Xiamen, holders of most passports need to already have a [[China#Visas|Chinese visa]]; there is no office to issue them on Kinmen. {{geo|24.44|118.33|zoom=12}} {{IsPartOf|Taiwan}} {{outlinecity}} jifp8w8lmxi4xxmmynwndozw4he1ebm 4487793 4487792 2022-07-21T15:13:57Z GeoEvan 190054 /* Museums */ Better description of Military Brothel Exhibition Hall wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wikivoyage_banner_of_Kinmen.jpeg}} [[File:Kinmen Montage.png|250px|thumb|right|A collection of the attractions around Kinmen]] '''[http://www.kinmen.gov.tw/Layout/main_en/index.aspx?frame=18 Kinmen]''' (金門 ''Kim-mn̂g'' in Minnan, ''Jīnmén'' in Mandarin, literal meaning "golden gate", also known as '''Quemoy''') is a county comprising a number of outlying islands near the People's Republic of [[China]] (PRC) but controlled by the [[Taiwan]]-based Republic of China (ROC) government. The main islands in the county are Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu/Liehyu). Administratively, Kinmen is split into six townships, four of which are on Greater Kinmen. Another has Lesser Kinmen plus its neighbouring small islands, and the sixth is a couple of more remote small islands that aren't open to visitors. All the islands of Kinmen county are within just a few kilomters of Mainland China, with the [[Xiamen]] city skyline clearly visible in the distance from many areas. Despite, and because of, its status as the front line in the semi-dormant China-Taiwan conflict, Kinmen is highly tourist-oriented, with the main themes being military history, historic architecture, and its signature gaoliang (kaoliang) grain alcohol. ==Understand== [[File:Three Principles of the People Unites China.jpg|thumb|Propaganda sign on Dadan Island facing the mainland, including the words "unify China", placed under orders of General Zhao in Aug. 1986, before he was dismissed for the 1987 Lieyu massacre]] In 1949, the Communists won the Chinese civil war, defeating the Nationalists (Kuomintang) who had governed (most of) China from the 1911 revolution until 1949. Since then, there has been a Communist government in most of China (the People's Republic of China or PRC) while the Nationalists held onto Taiwan - still officially called the Republic of China or ROC, despite the Nationalists being voted out in recent democratic elections, and most Taiwanese people preferring to identify as an separate country from China. The islands of Kinmen and [[Matsu]] are near the Chinese coast &mdash; Kinmen is about 10&nbsp;km (under 6.5 miles) from [[Xiamen]] &mdash; but held by the Taiwan-based ROC. They are symbolically important, and arguably strategically as well, and were often actively fought over from 1949 into the 1970s. The "Artillery Battle of 823" (part of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis) was one of the key battles that kept the PRC from invading Taiwan. It involved artillery bombardment of Kinmen and Matsu, beginning on August 23 (8-23) 1958. Relations between the two governments improved greatly in the early 2000s; there is extensive Taiwanese investment in China, and until recently (due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating tensions) travel in both directions was much easier than before, with Mainland China becoming biggest source of tourism to Kinmen. However, Kinmen and Matsu remain sensitive areas and both the PRC and the ROC maintain substantial military forces in the area. Travellers should exercise caution, avoid political discussions, and avoid photographing military installations or even pieces of infrastructure (bridges, dams, etc.) which might be military targets. The economy of Kinmen is now based mostly on tourism and the famous Kaoliang liquor (高粱酒). Dried meat from Kinmen is also sold on Taiwan. Although administered by the Taiwanese government, Kinmen and Matsu are officially considered to be parts of [[Fujian]] province, not of Taiwan, by both the PRC and ROC governments. Unlike Taiwan proper, they were never colonized by Japan (except for an 8-year occupation related to World War II), instead being governed by the Qing dynasty, and then the Mainland-based Republic of China, during Taiwan's Japanese period. Local residents often identify as "Kinmenese" or "Chinese" and not "Taiwanese". Politically, Kinmen is a KMT stronghold, with most residents being firmly opposed to formal Taiwan independence. The DPP has made inroads among the younger generation but most of these Kinmenese end up permanently settling in Taiwan and never go back to Kinmen. ==Talk== As in Taiwan proper, most residents throughout Kinmen county speak fluent (if accented) [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], even if it's not the language they prefer to speak with their friends and family. Few people speak English, especially outside of tourist areas, but the level of English is perhaps slightly better than in rural Mainland China. The local language in most of the county is [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] (aka Hokkien or "Taiwanese"). Due to its different history, the Kinmen variety of Minnan generally lacks the Japanese loan words that are ubiquitous in the varieties in Taiwan proper, and is instead perceived as being more similar to Xiamen variety of Mainland China. However, Minnan-speakers from Taiwan, Xiamen, and Kinmen can all generally understand each other. In the remote outlying Wuqiu islands, the local language is Puxian Min, which is not mutually intelligible with Minnan. ==Get in== {{Mapframe}}{{mapshape}} ===By plane=== [[File:Kinmen Airport front view 20090401b.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Kinmen Airport]] * {{go | name=Kinmen airport | alt={{IATA|KNH}} | url=https://www.kma.gov.tw/ | email= | address= | lat=24.427778 | long=118.359167 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q646013 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air fly to Kinmen from Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Magong/Penghu several times a day. One-way tickets cost a little over NT$2000. This is the only way to get to Kinmen directly from Taiwan, unless you have your own boat. }} ===By ferry=== As of July 2022, all ferries into Kinmen county are still suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are normally ferries from [[Xiamen]] in mainland China to {{marker|type=go|wikidata=Q17019434}} on the main Kinmen island, and the link is open to foreigners. Boats are NT$750 (as of June 2013) from Shuitou to Xiamen and ¥155 from Xiamen (Wǔ tōng mǎ tóu 五通码头, Oct 2016) to Shuitou and run once an hour between 08:30 and 19:00 in each direction. There is also a ferry from [[Quanzhou#By boat|Quanzhou]], but it allows only Chinese and Taiwanese passengers. The ferry from Xiamen Wutong terminal to Shuitou runs every 30 min from 08:00 until 17:30. There are no public ferries to Kinmen from Taiwan or any other islands under the Taiwan government's control. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to take a ferry from Taiwan to Xiamen (in Mainland China), then take the Xiamen-Kinmen ferry to get to Kinmen. This assumes that you have a visa or visa-free entry eligibility for both China and Taiwan. Since Kinmen is under Taiwanese control, going there from mainland China counts as an '''exit'''. Thus, holders of single-entry visas cannot do short trips to from Xiamen to Kinmen and return. So make sure to clarify your visa situation before hopping on a ferry! If you are arriving by ferry, the ferry terminal has a tourist information desk that can help find you an inn. There are also money exchange counters, but they will only exchange RMB to NT$; they will not exchange other currencies. There is also an ATM just outside the ferry terminal (cross the road) that accepts Visa and Mastercard. A UnionPay ATM is in the departure area, where you also find a stall to change RMB to NT$. At the tourist services counters besides Joane Ranch Restaurant, you can rent portable WiFi (NT$250 per day) or get an unlimited data SIM Card (starting from NT$400 for 5 days). Cash only, no cards. ==Orientation== Greater Kinmen island is "butterfly-shaped" with each of its four administrative townships roughly corresponding to one of the four "wings" of the butterfly. It's the largest of Taiwan's outlying islands, and extremely dense with tourist sites. If you're at all interested in military history or historic Chinese architecture, expect to spend at least a few days looking around. It's probably not practical to see "everything", but if you're determined to try, give yourself at least a week. The western, northern, and eastern sides of Kinmen all face Mainland China, with only the southern side open the larger Taiwan Strait. The airport is located in the middle of the big island's southern coast, while the main urban center, Jincheng (previously spelled "Kincheng"), is tucked into the curve of the west coast. Smaller towns and villages are scattered all around the island. There's no "ring road" around Greater Kinmen island - getting between sites is done by switching between major roads in the island's interior and smaller loops and spurs around the coastal areas (as well as messily criss-crossed farm roads and tangled village allies). Lesser Kinmen, also known as Lieyu Township, is just southwest of Greater Kinmen and easily reached from the big island by frequent ferries. It's comparable in size to each of the big island's four townships. Though the major roads are in the island's interior, there's something like a (narrow) ring road circling the island, along which most of the tourist sites are located. There are many smaller islets scattered around the vicinity of Great and Lesser Kinmen, which are mostly occupied by the military. The two largest, Dadan and Erdan (not to be confused with Dadeng, which is technically claimed by Kinmen County but controlled by Mainland China), are located farther southwest from Lesser Kinmen, and sometimes open to tourists. The Wuqiu islands, also governed as part of Kinmen County, are located far to the north off a different part of China's coast, and though inhabited, are controlled by the military and not accessible to outsiders. ==Get around== ===By taxi=== There are taxis on the island, though you need pretty good [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] or [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] skills to negotiate a rate with the driver. They are also concentrated mostly in the city center, so you can't count on finding one just anywhere. If you can speak Mandarin or Minnan, most of the drivers are quite friendly, so one shouldn't worry about bargaining super hard. Most of them aren't looking to rip you off. Taxis from the Shuitou wharf to Jincheng city's downtown are NT$250 flat rate, and roughly NT$200 to return to the wharf. There are a few buses that run around, but they are not frequent and bus stops aren't particularly convenient. ===Your own vehicle=== Roads in Kinmen are all paved, there are good maps at every village and in every hotel, and navigation apps are mostly accurate. Official road signs are written in both Chinese and English, and are fairly well-placed, but the road network is very extensive and haphazardly laid out, so expect to miss some turns and have to reroute or backtrack. As of July 2022, there also seem to be a lot of road closures that mapping apps don't know about. Some of the "roads" on the mapping apps look more like bicycle paths in real life, but there don't seem to be any strict rules about which vehicles can go where, and locals would presume that scooters (at the very least) are allowed to use them. Beware of high winds, which can strike any time of the year. ====By scooter==== It's easiest to just rent your own scooter. Your accommodations may be able to arrange this for you, or you can get a 150 cc for about NT$550 per 24 hours at a rental shop. There's one in the airport. There is also a rental place in downtown Jincheng near the northern entrance to Mofan St (模範街). Just as in Taiwan proper, it's illegal to ride a scooter without a scooter or motorcycle license. Though it's technically possible to ride a scooter from one corner of Greater Jinmen island to the opposite corner in about half an hour, this is for locals who know the way and aren't interested in stopping anywhere, so expect your travel times to be much longer. Set aside lots of extra time for missed turns, closed roads, and especially for unplanned stops for interesting scenery and attractions. If you're at all interested in military history or historic Chinese architecture, expect getting from one end of the island to the other to end up taking you most of the day. ====By bicycle==== There are a number of public "K Bike" automated bicycle rental stations (similar to Youbike 1.0 in Taiwan), which are free for the first hour. Previous visitors said there were bicycles free to borrow for the day at various key locations, such as Zhaishan Tunnel, Jinshui Primary School (金水國小) in Shuitou, the Shuangli Wetlands Area close to Guningtou Battle Museum, Siwei Tunnel on Little Jinmen, as well as various other locations, but it's uncertain whether this is still the case. These rental stations would keep your passport until you return the bicycle, so you would need to be aware of when each rental station closes. Little Jinmen is particularly great for bike riding as there is a bike path more or less ringing the perimeter of the island (with sections closed as of July 2022), connecting most of the important sights. Greater Jinmen is rather large, and inexperienced cyclists may find the distances to be very intimidating, especially in the extreme heat of the summer or during windy weather (which can happen any time of the year), so plan accordingly. ===By boat=== Ferries are the only public transportation connecting Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu) islands, at least until the long-delayed Kinmen Bridge is completed. The ferry leaves every half hour from Shuitou Pier on Greater Jinmen during the day, and takes about 10-15 minutes to cross. As of July 2022, the fare as NT$60 per person plus NT$100 per scooter, each way. Note that scooter space is more limited than passenger space, so bringing a scooter may make you more likely to miss one boat and have to wait for the next one. Tickets can be purchased with cash in the office, but most people use their EasyCard (the same card used on the Taipei Metro and many public transit systems in Taiwan). iPass cards are also accepted, but unlike the EasyCard, you can't add value to them at the ticket office. The boarding process is a bit of a mess - if you're told to park your scooter to the side and wait, get off and stand in line in front of the EasyCard reader machines to avoid losing your place. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to book a public boat from Lesser Kinmen to the Dadan and Erdan islets to the southwest, but as of July 2022 these seem to still be suspended. Due to landings on the islets being sensitive to tidal and weather conditions, we're told that it was necessary to book the boats a week in advance, with cancellations still common in prior to departure. ===By bus=== Kinmen has a bus service specifically for tourists. Day tickets are NT$200 and include bus rides and guided tours at all destinations (Chinese only). Departure is from the bus station in Kincheng at 08:30 and 13:30. *Line A (morning): to Juguang Tower (莒光樓) and several sites in Shuitou, including traditional architecture, houses by returnees from Southeast Asia (including a Peranakan house) and the Zhaishan tunnels (翟山坑道) an underground navy installation. *Line B (afternoon): to Guning, north of Kincheng, to several museums and sites related to military history and the battle of 1949 in particular, and a wildlife museum. *Lines C and D start from Shanwai in the east of the island. Public buses also go to all parts of the island, including the major sites, the ferry terminal and the airport (red 1 line, 紅一). Buses 7/7A/7B run from the Shuitou Pier, to Shuitou, and finally to Kincheng. Buses 9/10/11 go to the northwest part of the island, particularly the Shuangli Wetland Area and Guningtou Battle Museum. Bus fares are NT$12 or NT$24 for long distances (such as from Kincheng to the eastern half of Kinmen). For Little Kinmen, the fare is NT$10. Understand that buses can be rather infrequent and many do not run late. Also, the bus drivers will skip a station if there is no one waiting there, so press the "get off" button when you want to get off. Kincheng has a major bus station with buses to many parts of the island and also has a very useful tourist office. ==See== * The late President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek, left a '''calligraphy inscription''' in Kinmen, urging the ROC troops to fight on and to one day re-take the Mainland from the Communist "bandits". *The '''Wind Lion Gods''' of Kinmen are unique statues all over the island, you can either see the originals in the villages (this can take some patience and hunting skills) or just go to the new '''Wind Lion God Park''' near the ShangYi Airport. *Just walk around '''downtown Kincheng''', there are '''temples''' in every other alleyway, often architecturally interesting and in active use. ===Military history=== <!-- [[File:Historic_Coastal_Defense.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> [[File:Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum 20160620.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum.]] * {{see | name=8-2-3 Artillery battle museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.443056 | long=118.4325 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=August 23 Artillery Battle Museum | image=Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum 20050707.jpg | wikidata=Q15193982 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Small but excellent museum, it even has a large amount of English signage to help explain the exhibits. There is also a Virtual War room where you can experience war for 3 minutes. }} * {{see | name=Juguang Tower | alt=莒光樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.425 | long=118.319 | directions=South of Kincheng on Huandao West Road (環島西路一段). Line A tourist bus. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Juguang Tower | image=Juguanglou.JPG | wikidata=Q8291305 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Memorial building with a small military museum and views of surrounding areas. }} [[File:翟山坑道.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Zhaishan Tunnel.]] * {{see | name=Zhaishan tunnels | alt=翟山坑道 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.390415 | long=118.32073 | directions=At the southern tip of the western part of Kinmen. Line A tourist bus | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Category:Jhaishan Tunnel | wikidata=Q17006334 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=Historic underground navy base. Artillery and boats on display. Large tunnels, some being underground piers. }} * {{see | name=Siwei Tunnel | alt=四維坑道 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jiugong Tunnel | wikidata=Q56600575 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=On Little Kinmen is even longer and quieter than Zhaishan Tunnel. It's located just to the left of the ferry terminal as you get off. }} * {{see | name=Triangle Fortress | alt=三角堡 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.465097 | long=118.297642 | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3271 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=in Guning west of Zi lake (滋湖) to the north of Kincheng, overlooking the passage to Kincheng town between Kinmen and small Kinmen island, with a group of M41 tanks. Line B tourist bus and bus 9. }} * {{see | name=Lion Mountain | alt=獅山炮陳地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.503963 | long=118.437090 | directions= | phone=+886 8 235 5697 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=With an underground howitzer base and museum, in Shanhou in the northeast of Kinmen, near Shanhou Culture Village. Bus 31 from Shamei (沙美, bus 5 or 5A from Kincheng to Shamei) }} * {{see | name=Jiugong tunnel | alt=九宮坑道 | url=http://www.kmnp.gov.tw/ct/index.php?option=com_eftour&view=gtour&id=14&Itemid=10 {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=24.423639 | long=118.26142 | directions=on the neighboring Lieyu island, also part of the Republic of China | phone=+886 8 236 4405 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Jiugong Tunnel | image=金門烈嶼鄉九宮坑道 20200807170414 05.jpg | wikidata=Q56600575 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=A small complex of sea tunnels that was used as a material transport pipeline. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Deyue Gun Tower | alt=得月樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=08:30-27:00 | price= | wikipedia=Deyue Gun Tower | wikidata=Q46991707 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The tower was built in 1931 by Huang Hui-huang, a wealthy merchant from Shuitou. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty | alt=清金門鎮總兵署 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 237 1717 | tollfree= | hours=09:00-22:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty | wikidata=Q16892841 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=It was built as a study house during the Ming Dynasty, it was then transformed into the Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty during the rule of the Kangxi Emperor when Commander of Kinmen relocated his office from Jinmencheng to Jincheng. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Taiwu Martyrs' Shrine | alt=太武忠烈祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.457214 | long=118.404872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Culture and architecture=== <!-- [[File:Abondoned_Mansion.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> * {{see | name=Kinmen cultural village | alt=金門民俗文化村 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.503841 | long=118.440402 | directions= | phone=+886 8 235 5347 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen Folk Culture Village | wikidata=Q17007017 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Also referred to as '''Shanhou Culture Village''' (山后民俗文化村), it's a great little place to poke around, with Kinmens 2 best antique stores being located within the walls. It is only NT$50 to get in and a beautiful and well maintained example of [[South Fujian]] style traditional Chinese houses with swallow tail roofs and was built towards the end of the 1800s. }} * {{see | name=Jinshui Primary School | alt=金水國小 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.409332 | long=118.297955 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jinshui Elementary School | wikidata=Q107145036 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=In Shuitou, with a small emigration and overseas Chinese museum. Line A tourist bus and bus 7/7A/7B. }} * {{see | name=Shuitou Deyue Tower | alt=水頭得月樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.409727 | long=118.298490 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=With the surrounding buildings, in Shuitou, previously the highest building in Kinmen, old buildings built by rich overseas Chinese merchants, including a Peranakan family, resulting in a complex of buildings with a mix of local and Western architecture. Line A tourist bus and bus 7/7A/7B }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gulongtou Zhenwei Residence | alt=古龍頭振威第 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gulongtou Zhenwei Residence | wikidata=Q10913646 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A historical building and a good example of the architecture of the time. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Mashan Broadcasting and Observation Station | alt=馬山觀測站 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 0086 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Mashan Broadcasting and Observation Station | wikidata=Q15913395 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A historical broadcasting station and observation tower in Jinsha Township. The station used to send out propaganda message to the People's Liberation Army soldiers on Mainland China to surrender and join the Republic of China Armed Forces. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Mofan Street | alt=模範街 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.431636 | long=118.319079 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mofan Street | wikidata=Q11121308 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The street gets its name from the uniform hybrid architecture of Chinese and Western styles which means Model Street. The 75-m-long street features buildings with brick exteriors and arched door fronts modeled after the Japanese, Fujian and Western architecture. There are 16 buildings at each side connected by a common arcade. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Xu Jiang Xiao Wo Stone Inscription | alt=虛江嘯臥碣群 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5643 | tollfree= | hours=24hrs | price= | wikipedia=Xujiang Xiaowo Stone Inscription | wikidata=Q17036553 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A large stone inscription which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Chiou Lianggong's Mother Chastity Arch | alt=邱良功母節孝坊 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 8823 | tollfree= | hours=24 hr | price= | wikipedia=Chastity Arch for Qiu Liang-gong's Mother | wikidata=Q15912006 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A stone arch erected in 1812 by Qiu Liang-gong to honour his mother, who had raised him after his father's early death. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Chen Jing-lan Western House | alt=陳景蘭洋樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:30 | price= | wikipedia=Chen Jing-lan Western House | wikidata=Q28414594 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=It was built in 1917 by a local businessperson who built up his success in Singapore. During World War II, the house was used as a military hospital. It is the largest 'Western-style' house in Kinmen. }} ===Temples=== [[File:Jincheng - Daitianfu - DSCF9406.JPG|thumb|Dai Tian Fu, a temple near the eastern gate of Kincheng]] [[File:Wai Pu Wu Miao - DSCF9433.JPG|thumb|A temple in Jincheg]] '''Temples''' can be found everywhere on Kinmen and Little Kinmen, many of which are very tiny and quaint. * {{see | name=Maoshan Pagoda | alt=茅山塔 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.408642 | long=118.288350 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Maoshan Pagoda | wikidata=Q17051693 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Just to the west of Shuitou, it is not particularly impressive structure compared to many pagodas in China/Taiwan, but the views of the surrounding area are quite impressive and it's a very quiet place with very few tourists. }} * {{see | name=Wentai Pagoda | alt=文臺寶塔 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wentai Pagoda | wikidata=Q11080136 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Erected for the observation of the stars to make feng shui predictions, the tower was originally erected in 1387. The current tower is a restoration. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Zhu Zi Ci | alt=朱子祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.434489 | long=118.317394 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Zhu Zi Ci | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=An ancestral temple of the Zhu family. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Koxinga Shrine | alt=延平郡王祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.424486 | long=118.304773 | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5057 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A shrine on the western portion of the island dedicated to the military figure Koxinga. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Dai Tian Fu | alt=代天府 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.430965 | long=118.319609 | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5842 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Nature=== <!-- [[File:Forest_Recreation_Area.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> *The Forest Recreation Area is a must see when visiting Kinmen. Located along Section3, Huandao East Road, this is a multi-purpose area for barbecues, a child playground, botanical gardens, and more. *During the winter, flocks of '''migratory birds''' come to Kinmen and Little Kinmen to nest. They can be seen and heard at the many lakes and ponds on the islands. The '''Shuangli Wetlands Area''' is a good place for information and birdwatching. It's in Nanshan village, very close to Beishan and Guningtou Battle Museum and not too far from Zi Lake (Ci Lake). Buses 9/10/11 go there. *Strolling along any of the '''beaches''' is quite peaceful and there are two bonus attractions to be seen: crumbling military fortifications and views of Xiamen, especially from the western shore of Little Kinmen or the northwestern shore of Kinmen. <!-- [[File:788_Anchored_Boat_Low_Tide_cropped-_framed.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> * {{listing | type=see | name=Kinmen National Park | alt=金門國家公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3100 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-27:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen National Park | wikidata=Q701698 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=Kinmen National Park includes five areas, which are Taiwu Mountain, Kuningtou, Gugang, Mashan Hill and Lieyu. The park covers an area of 35.29 km² or around a quarter of Kinmen County area. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gugang Lake | alt=古崗湖 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.394281 | long=118.315608 | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gugang Lake | wikidata=Q17003919 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The lake features the Gugang Pavilion which was built in 1964 by Zhuang Wu-nan from [[Tamsui]], [[Taipei]]. The pavilion is 16 meters in height. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jiangong Islet | alt=建功嶼 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.427445 | long=118.300075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jiangong Islet | wikidata=Q19459215 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The island has a statue of Koxinga which was built in 1968 to commemorate the Ming Dynasty hero who led the resistance against Manchurian invaders. The islet also has a viewing platform offers a view of the surrounding area. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jincheng Seaside Park | alt=金城海濱休閒公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jincheng Seaside Park | wikidata=Q17051010 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Yu Da Wei Xian Sheng Memorial Museum | alt=俞大維先生紀念館 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 0599 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Yu Da Wei Xian Sheng Memorial Museum | wikidata=Q16242441 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A war memorial museum in Zhongzheng Park. }} * {{see | name=Guning War History Museum | alt=古寧頭戰史館 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Guningtou Battle Museum | wikidata=Q5618827 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=On the 1949 battle, including many paintings, tanks, jeeps. The villages next to it ('''Nanshan''' and '''Beishan''', 南山/北山) have a few buildings still riddled with bullet holes from the battle. Line B tourist bus and bus 9, 10, and 11. }} * {{see | name=Military Brothel Exhibition Hall | alt=特約茶室展示館 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.448215 | long=118.384680 | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 7839 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=A small museum detailing Kinmen's history of legalized brothels set up by the government for soldiers, many of whom were stranded on the island for the rest of their lives after retreating from Mainland China. Glosses over the darker aspects of the story, and is told largely from the point of view of the men, but still has some interesting information. Many, but not all, signs are in English as well as Chinese. Free, open everyday. No.126 Qionglinli Xiaojing, Jinhu Town, in the middle of island. Ask the tourist office at the Jincheng bus station for buses that stop there. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Hujingtou Battle Museum | alt=湖井頭戰史館 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.446647 | long=118.231066 | directions= | phone=+886 8 236 4403 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Hujingtou Battle Museum | wikidata=Q15226658 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The museum displays the battle history, an observation post, and a broadcasting station. }} ==Do== If you can find all 63 "official" wind lion god statues, the ones that are represented in the park, and present proof to the park office, they will give you a special gift. ==Buy== [[File:Cleaver 2 (PSF).jpg|thumb|Chinese style cleaver]] Cleavers are Kinmen's best-known tourist product. They are famous for making excellent quality cleavers; the steel is said to be obtained from the hundreds of thousands of shells that the Communist forces fired at Kinmen, in a failed attempt to take the island away from the Nationalist troops. The most authentic knives and the best place for a factory tour is Maestro Wu's Knives. It is claimed that a single shell casing can make approximately 60 blades; this is doubtful. Also doubtful is the claim that current blades are made from shell casings, since shelling stopped in the late 1970s. Finishing quality for cleavers has dropped a lot since the mid-1990s. Even for Maestro Wu's Knife's top selling special-designed cleavers, the words "Made in Kinmen" are barely visible and/or badly engraved. Salespersons were taught to toe the line that "its because the steel's quality is so good that the engraving machine cannot carve the words properly". This is a bad sales tactic and a sorry excuse for a once famous knife brand that was built on quality. ==Eat== While Kinmen lacks the high price fancy fare of more populated locales, cheap delicious snack shops are everywhere in the downtown area of Kincheng. Taiwanese favorites such as fried chicken cutlets, fried oyster balls and chow mein can be found without much trouble. Prices average around NT$50 per item which is quite reasonable considering the quality. ==Drink== [[File:Kaoliang liquor.jpg|thumb|Kaoliang liquor]] Kinmen is the home of Taiwan's distinctive "Kaoliang" liquor, a tequila-like hard liquor popular all over Taiwan. The factory is located right in the middle of the island, not far from the airport and is hard to miss with its distinctive smell and two two-story liquor bottles guarding the front gates. This is one of the upmarket brands of the widespread Chinese liquor ''bai jiu''; see [[Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic]] for background. *{{drink | name=White Lion | url= | email= | address=jincheng | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18:00-24:00 | price= | content=nice Canadian/Taiwanese owned pub beside temple }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Da Jhai Men Homestay | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +886 82-320008 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Actually a rather tumbledown hotel, not a homestay, the management is nevertheless very friendly and the location convenient. Double room NT$1200 regular days and NT$1500 weekends and holidays. Location No. 84 Jhushan Village, Jincheng Township, Kinmen. }} *'''Visit Kinmen Guest House''' is a traditional Kinmen old house restored by Kinmen National Park in Shanhou Village, the north east side. Visit Kinmen Guest House provides a place where travelers can stay with a relaxed atmosphere after exploring the beautiful scenery of Kinmen. The guest house has three double rooms for two people and one family room with twin bed that is good for group of four people, rates from NT$1400–2400. Please find us on web for further information. *{{sleep | name=IN99 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near to jincheng bus station, new building | phone= +886 82 324851 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=NT$1800 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=nice new business hotel in Jincheng }} ==Stay safe== Though formal hostilities with the PRC ended by the early 1980s, Kinmen is still very much a front line area. Visitors are strongly advised not to wander off paved roads when exploring the island due to the possibility of running across old unmarked minefields. It is also advisable to avoid traveling to certain sensitive areas after dark, such as coastal areas or areas near military installations. Visitors should also obey all orders given by military personnel and avoid entering or photographing sensitive areas. == Respect == The Kinmenese are proud of their "Chinese" identity rather than "Taiwanese". As such, in Kinmen, labelling the locals "Taiwanese" would likely cause offence. Likewise, while you are in Kinmen, do not refer to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan". Call the state "Republic of China", and use "Taiwan" only to refer to the island of Taiwan. Likewise, call the local dialect "Kinmenese", "Min Nan", or "Quemoy" rather than "Taiwanese". Political issues, especially Taiwan independence, are best avoided. Although most residents of the island are strongly opposed to Taiwanese independence, that does not mean they support the People's Republic of China government in Beijing; they are proud citizens of the Taiwan-based Republic of China. ==Go next== There are two choices; [[Taiwan]] is easily reached by plane, and [[Xiamen]] in mainland China is accessible by ferry. To go to Xiamen, holders of most passports need to already have a [[China#Visas|Chinese visa]]; there is no office to issue them on Kinmen. {{geo|24.44|118.33|zoom=12}} {{IsPartOf|Taiwan}} {{outlinecity}} kxq2kgk7sphfb0ih2rln8yps2lb4e51 4487796 4487793 2022-07-21T15:15:41Z GeoEvan 190054 /* Nature */ Unclear why the Forest Recration Area would be a "must-see" wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wikivoyage_banner_of_Kinmen.jpeg}} [[File:Kinmen Montage.png|250px|thumb|right|A collection of the attractions around Kinmen]] '''[http://www.kinmen.gov.tw/Layout/main_en/index.aspx?frame=18 Kinmen]''' (金門 ''Kim-mn̂g'' in Minnan, ''Jīnmén'' in Mandarin, literal meaning "golden gate", also known as '''Quemoy''') is a county comprising a number of outlying islands near the People's Republic of [[China]] (PRC) but controlled by the [[Taiwan]]-based Republic of China (ROC) government. The main islands in the county are Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu/Liehyu). Administratively, Kinmen is split into six townships, four of which are on Greater Kinmen. Another has Lesser Kinmen plus its neighbouring small islands, and the sixth is a couple of more remote small islands that aren't open to visitors. All the islands of Kinmen county are within just a few kilomters of Mainland China, with the [[Xiamen]] city skyline clearly visible in the distance from many areas. Despite, and because of, its status as the front line in the semi-dormant China-Taiwan conflict, Kinmen is highly tourist-oriented, with the main themes being military history, historic architecture, and its signature gaoliang (kaoliang) grain alcohol. ==Understand== [[File:Three Principles of the People Unites China.jpg|thumb|Propaganda sign on Dadan Island facing the mainland, including the words "unify China", placed under orders of General Zhao in Aug. 1986, before he was dismissed for the 1987 Lieyu massacre]] In 1949, the Communists won the Chinese civil war, defeating the Nationalists (Kuomintang) who had governed (most of) China from the 1911 revolution until 1949. Since then, there has been a Communist government in most of China (the People's Republic of China or PRC) while the Nationalists held onto Taiwan - still officially called the Republic of China or ROC, despite the Nationalists being voted out in recent democratic elections, and most Taiwanese people preferring to identify as an separate country from China. The islands of Kinmen and [[Matsu]] are near the Chinese coast &mdash; Kinmen is about 10&nbsp;km (under 6.5 miles) from [[Xiamen]] &mdash; but held by the Taiwan-based ROC. They are symbolically important, and arguably strategically as well, and were often actively fought over from 1949 into the 1970s. The "Artillery Battle of 823" (part of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis) was one of the key battles that kept the PRC from invading Taiwan. It involved artillery bombardment of Kinmen and Matsu, beginning on August 23 (8-23) 1958. Relations between the two governments improved greatly in the early 2000s; there is extensive Taiwanese investment in China, and until recently (due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating tensions) travel in both directions was much easier than before, with Mainland China becoming biggest source of tourism to Kinmen. However, Kinmen and Matsu remain sensitive areas and both the PRC and the ROC maintain substantial military forces in the area. Travellers should exercise caution, avoid political discussions, and avoid photographing military installations or even pieces of infrastructure (bridges, dams, etc.) which might be military targets. The economy of Kinmen is now based mostly on tourism and the famous Kaoliang liquor (高粱酒). Dried meat from Kinmen is also sold on Taiwan. Although administered by the Taiwanese government, Kinmen and Matsu are officially considered to be parts of [[Fujian]] province, not of Taiwan, by both the PRC and ROC governments. Unlike Taiwan proper, they were never colonized by Japan (except for an 8-year occupation related to World War II), instead being governed by the Qing dynasty, and then the Mainland-based Republic of China, during Taiwan's Japanese period. Local residents often identify as "Kinmenese" or "Chinese" and not "Taiwanese". Politically, Kinmen is a KMT stronghold, with most residents being firmly opposed to formal Taiwan independence. The DPP has made inroads among the younger generation but most of these Kinmenese end up permanently settling in Taiwan and never go back to Kinmen. ==Talk== As in Taiwan proper, most residents throughout Kinmen county speak fluent (if accented) [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]], even if it's not the language they prefer to speak with their friends and family. Few people speak English, especially outside of tourist areas, but the level of English is perhaps slightly better than in rural Mainland China. The local language in most of the county is [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] (aka Hokkien or "Taiwanese"). Due to its different history, the Kinmen variety of Minnan generally lacks the Japanese loan words that are ubiquitous in the varieties in Taiwan proper, and is instead perceived as being more similar to Xiamen variety of Mainland China. However, Minnan-speakers from Taiwan, Xiamen, and Kinmen can all generally understand each other. In the remote outlying Wuqiu islands, the local language is Puxian Min, which is not mutually intelligible with Minnan. ==Get in== {{Mapframe}}{{mapshape}} ===By plane=== [[File:Kinmen Airport front view 20090401b.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Kinmen Airport]] * {{go | name=Kinmen airport | alt={{IATA|KNH}} | url=https://www.kma.gov.tw/ | email= | address= | lat=24.427778 | long=118.359167 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q646013 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air fly to Kinmen from Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Magong/Penghu several times a day. One-way tickets cost a little over NT$2000. This is the only way to get to Kinmen directly from Taiwan, unless you have your own boat. }} ===By ferry=== As of July 2022, all ferries into Kinmen county are still suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are normally ferries from [[Xiamen]] in mainland China to {{marker|type=go|wikidata=Q17019434}} on the main Kinmen island, and the link is open to foreigners. Boats are NT$750 (as of June 2013) from Shuitou to Xiamen and ¥155 from Xiamen (Wǔ tōng mǎ tóu 五通码头, Oct 2016) to Shuitou and run once an hour between 08:30 and 19:00 in each direction. There is also a ferry from [[Quanzhou#By boat|Quanzhou]], but it allows only Chinese and Taiwanese passengers. The ferry from Xiamen Wutong terminal to Shuitou runs every 30 min from 08:00 until 17:30. There are no public ferries to Kinmen from Taiwan or any other islands under the Taiwan government's control. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to take a ferry from Taiwan to Xiamen (in Mainland China), then take the Xiamen-Kinmen ferry to get to Kinmen. This assumes that you have a visa or visa-free entry eligibility for both China and Taiwan. Since Kinmen is under Taiwanese control, going there from mainland China counts as an '''exit'''. Thus, holders of single-entry visas cannot do short trips to from Xiamen to Kinmen and return. So make sure to clarify your visa situation before hopping on a ferry! If you are arriving by ferry, the ferry terminal has a tourist information desk that can help find you an inn. There are also money exchange counters, but they will only exchange RMB to NT$; they will not exchange other currencies. There is also an ATM just outside the ferry terminal (cross the road) that accepts Visa and Mastercard. A UnionPay ATM is in the departure area, where you also find a stall to change RMB to NT$. At the tourist services counters besides Joane Ranch Restaurant, you can rent portable WiFi (NT$250 per day) or get an unlimited data SIM Card (starting from NT$400 for 5 days). Cash only, no cards. ==Orientation== Greater Kinmen island is "butterfly-shaped" with each of its four administrative townships roughly corresponding to one of the four "wings" of the butterfly. It's the largest of Taiwan's outlying islands, and extremely dense with tourist sites. If you're at all interested in military history or historic Chinese architecture, expect to spend at least a few days looking around. It's probably not practical to see "everything", but if you're determined to try, give yourself at least a week. The western, northern, and eastern sides of Kinmen all face Mainland China, with only the southern side open the larger Taiwan Strait. The airport is located in the middle of the big island's southern coast, while the main urban center, Jincheng (previously spelled "Kincheng"), is tucked into the curve of the west coast. Smaller towns and villages are scattered all around the island. There's no "ring road" around Greater Kinmen island - getting between sites is done by switching between major roads in the island's interior and smaller loops and spurs around the coastal areas (as well as messily criss-crossed farm roads and tangled village allies). Lesser Kinmen, also known as Lieyu Township, is just southwest of Greater Kinmen and easily reached from the big island by frequent ferries. It's comparable in size to each of the big island's four townships. Though the major roads are in the island's interior, there's something like a (narrow) ring road circling the island, along which most of the tourist sites are located. There are many smaller islets scattered around the vicinity of Great and Lesser Kinmen, which are mostly occupied by the military. The two largest, Dadan and Erdan (not to be confused with Dadeng, which is technically claimed by Kinmen County but controlled by Mainland China), are located farther southwest from Lesser Kinmen, and sometimes open to tourists. The Wuqiu islands, also governed as part of Kinmen County, are located far to the north off a different part of China's coast, and though inhabited, are controlled by the military and not accessible to outsiders. ==Get around== ===By taxi=== There are taxis on the island, though you need pretty good [[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]] or [[Minnan phrasebook|Minnan]] skills to negotiate a rate with the driver. They are also concentrated mostly in the city center, so you can't count on finding one just anywhere. If you can speak Mandarin or Minnan, most of the drivers are quite friendly, so one shouldn't worry about bargaining super hard. Most of them aren't looking to rip you off. Taxis from the Shuitou wharf to Jincheng city's downtown are NT$250 flat rate, and roughly NT$200 to return to the wharf. There are a few buses that run around, but they are not frequent and bus stops aren't particularly convenient. ===Your own vehicle=== Roads in Kinmen are all paved, there are good maps at every village and in every hotel, and navigation apps are mostly accurate. Official road signs are written in both Chinese and English, and are fairly well-placed, but the road network is very extensive and haphazardly laid out, so expect to miss some turns and have to reroute or backtrack. As of July 2022, there also seem to be a lot of road closures that mapping apps don't know about. Some of the "roads" on the mapping apps look more like bicycle paths in real life, but there don't seem to be any strict rules about which vehicles can go where, and locals would presume that scooters (at the very least) are allowed to use them. Beware of high winds, which can strike any time of the year. ====By scooter==== It's easiest to just rent your own scooter. Your accommodations may be able to arrange this for you, or you can get a 150 cc for about NT$550 per 24 hours at a rental shop. There's one in the airport. There is also a rental place in downtown Jincheng near the northern entrance to Mofan St (模範街). Just as in Taiwan proper, it's illegal to ride a scooter without a scooter or motorcycle license. Though it's technically possible to ride a scooter from one corner of Greater Jinmen island to the opposite corner in about half an hour, this is for locals who know the way and aren't interested in stopping anywhere, so expect your travel times to be much longer. Set aside lots of extra time for missed turns, closed roads, and especially for unplanned stops for interesting scenery and attractions. If you're at all interested in military history or historic Chinese architecture, expect getting from one end of the island to the other to end up taking you most of the day. ====By bicycle==== There are a number of public "K Bike" automated bicycle rental stations (similar to Youbike 1.0 in Taiwan), which are free for the first hour. Previous visitors said there were bicycles free to borrow for the day at various key locations, such as Zhaishan Tunnel, Jinshui Primary School (金水國小) in Shuitou, the Shuangli Wetlands Area close to Guningtou Battle Museum, Siwei Tunnel on Little Jinmen, as well as various other locations, but it's uncertain whether this is still the case. These rental stations would keep your passport until you return the bicycle, so you would need to be aware of when each rental station closes. Little Jinmen is particularly great for bike riding as there is a bike path more or less ringing the perimeter of the island (with sections closed as of July 2022), connecting most of the important sights. Greater Jinmen is rather large, and inexperienced cyclists may find the distances to be very intimidating, especially in the extreme heat of the summer or during windy weather (which can happen any time of the year), so plan accordingly. ===By boat=== Ferries are the only public transportation connecting Greater Kinmen and Lesser Kinmen (Lieyu) islands, at least until the long-delayed Kinmen Bridge is completed. The ferry leaves every half hour from Shuitou Pier on Greater Jinmen during the day, and takes about 10-15 minutes to cross. As of July 2022, the fare as NT$60 per person plus NT$100 per scooter, each way. Note that scooter space is more limited than passenger space, so bringing a scooter may make you more likely to miss one boat and have to wait for the next one. Tickets can be purchased with cash in the office, but most people use their EasyCard (the same card used on the Taipei Metro and many public transit systems in Taiwan). iPass cards are also accepted, but unlike the EasyCard, you can't add value to them at the ticket office. The boarding process is a bit of a mess - if you're told to park your scooter to the side and wait, get off and stand in line in front of the EasyCard reader machines to avoid losing your place. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was possible to book a public boat from Lesser Kinmen to the Dadan and Erdan islets to the southwest, but as of July 2022 these seem to still be suspended. Due to landings on the islets being sensitive to tidal and weather conditions, we're told that it was necessary to book the boats a week in advance, with cancellations still common in prior to departure. ===By bus=== Kinmen has a bus service specifically for tourists. Day tickets are NT$200 and include bus rides and guided tours at all destinations (Chinese only). Departure is from the bus station in Kincheng at 08:30 and 13:30. *Line A (morning): to Juguang Tower (莒光樓) and several sites in Shuitou, including traditional architecture, houses by returnees from Southeast Asia (including a Peranakan house) and the Zhaishan tunnels (翟山坑道) an underground navy installation. *Line B (afternoon): to Guning, north of Kincheng, to several museums and sites related to military history and the battle of 1949 in particular, and a wildlife museum. *Lines C and D start from Shanwai in the east of the island. Public buses also go to all parts of the island, including the major sites, the ferry terminal and the airport (red 1 line, 紅一). Buses 7/7A/7B run from the Shuitou Pier, to Shuitou, and finally to Kincheng. Buses 9/10/11 go to the northwest part of the island, particularly the Shuangli Wetland Area and Guningtou Battle Museum. Bus fares are NT$12 or NT$24 for long distances (such as from Kincheng to the eastern half of Kinmen). For Little Kinmen, the fare is NT$10. Understand that buses can be rather infrequent and many do not run late. Also, the bus drivers will skip a station if there is no one waiting there, so press the "get off" button when you want to get off. Kincheng has a major bus station with buses to many parts of the island and also has a very useful tourist office. ==See== * The late President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek, left a '''calligraphy inscription''' in Kinmen, urging the ROC troops to fight on and to one day re-take the Mainland from the Communist "bandits". *The '''Wind Lion Gods''' of Kinmen are unique statues all over the island, you can either see the originals in the villages (this can take some patience and hunting skills) or just go to the new '''Wind Lion God Park''' near the ShangYi Airport. *Just walk around '''downtown Kincheng''', there are '''temples''' in every other alleyway, often architecturally interesting and in active use. ===Military history=== <!-- [[File:Historic_Coastal_Defense.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> [[File:Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum 20160620.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum.]] * {{see | name=8-2-3 Artillery battle museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.443056 | long=118.4325 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=August 23 Artillery Battle Museum | image=Aug.23 Artillery Battle Museum 20050707.jpg | wikidata=Q15193982 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Small but excellent museum, it even has a large amount of English signage to help explain the exhibits. There is also a Virtual War room where you can experience war for 3 minutes. }} * {{see | name=Juguang Tower | alt=莒光樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.425 | long=118.319 | directions=South of Kincheng on Huandao West Road (環島西路一段). Line A tourist bus. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Juguang Tower | image=Juguanglou.JPG | wikidata=Q8291305 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Memorial building with a small military museum and views of surrounding areas. }} [[File:翟山坑道.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Zhaishan Tunnel.]] * {{see | name=Zhaishan tunnels | alt=翟山坑道 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.390415 | long=118.32073 | directions=At the southern tip of the western part of Kinmen. Line A tourist bus | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Category:Jhaishan Tunnel | wikidata=Q17006334 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=Historic underground navy base. Artillery and boats on display. Large tunnels, some being underground piers. }} * {{see | name=Siwei Tunnel | alt=四維坑道 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jiugong Tunnel | wikidata=Q56600575 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=On Little Kinmen is even longer and quieter than Zhaishan Tunnel. It's located just to the left of the ferry terminal as you get off. }} * {{see | name=Triangle Fortress | alt=三角堡 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.465097 | long=118.297642 | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3271 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=in Guning west of Zi lake (滋湖) to the north of Kincheng, overlooking the passage to Kincheng town between Kinmen and small Kinmen island, with a group of M41 tanks. Line B tourist bus and bus 9. }} * {{see | name=Lion Mountain | alt=獅山炮陳地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.503963 | long=118.437090 | directions= | phone=+886 8 235 5697 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=With an underground howitzer base and museum, in Shanhou in the northeast of Kinmen, near Shanhou Culture Village. Bus 31 from Shamei (沙美, bus 5 or 5A from Kincheng to Shamei) }} * {{see | name=Jiugong tunnel | alt=九宮坑道 | url=http://www.kmnp.gov.tw/ct/index.php?option=com_eftour&view=gtour&id=14&Itemid=10 {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=24.423639 | long=118.26142 | directions=on the neighboring Lieyu island, also part of the Republic of China | phone=+886 8 236 4405 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Jiugong Tunnel | image=金門烈嶼鄉九宮坑道 20200807170414 05.jpg | wikidata=Q56600575 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=A small complex of sea tunnels that was used as a material transport pipeline. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Deyue Gun Tower | alt=得月樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=08:30-27:00 | price= | wikipedia=Deyue Gun Tower | wikidata=Q46991707 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The tower was built in 1931 by Huang Hui-huang, a wealthy merchant from Shuitou. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty | alt=清金門鎮總兵署 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 237 1717 | tollfree= | hours=09:00-22:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty | wikidata=Q16892841 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=It was built as a study house during the Ming Dynasty, it was then transformed into the Kinmen Military Headquarters of Qing Dynasty during the rule of the Kangxi Emperor when Commander of Kinmen relocated his office from Jinmencheng to Jincheng. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Taiwu Martyrs' Shrine | alt=太武忠烈祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.457214 | long=118.404872 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Culture and architecture=== <!-- [[File:Abondoned_Mansion.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> * {{see | name=Kinmen cultural village | alt=金門民俗文化村 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.503841 | long=118.440402 | directions= | phone=+886 8 235 5347 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen Folk Culture Village | wikidata=Q17007017 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Also referred to as '''Shanhou Culture Village''' (山后民俗文化村), it's a great little place to poke around, with Kinmens 2 best antique stores being located within the walls. It is only NT$50 to get in and a beautiful and well maintained example of [[South Fujian]] style traditional Chinese houses with swallow tail roofs and was built towards the end of the 1800s. }} * {{see | name=Jinshui Primary School | alt=金水國小 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.409332 | long=118.297955 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jinshui Elementary School | wikidata=Q107145036 | lastedit=2021-10-06 | content=In Shuitou, with a small emigration and overseas Chinese museum. Line A tourist bus and bus 7/7A/7B. }} * {{see | name=Shuitou Deyue Tower | alt=水頭得月樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.409727 | long=118.298490 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=With the surrounding buildings, in Shuitou, previously the highest building in Kinmen, old buildings built by rich overseas Chinese merchants, including a Peranakan family, resulting in a complex of buildings with a mix of local and Western architecture. Line A tourist bus and bus 7/7A/7B }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gulongtou Zhenwei Residence | alt=古龍頭振威第 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gulongtou Zhenwei Residence | wikidata=Q10913646 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A historical building and a good example of the architecture of the time. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Mashan Broadcasting and Observation Station | alt=馬山觀測站 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 0086 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Mashan Broadcasting and Observation Station | wikidata=Q15913395 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A historical broadcasting station and observation tower in Jinsha Township. The station used to send out propaganda message to the People's Liberation Army soldiers on Mainland China to surrender and join the Republic of China Armed Forces. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Mofan Street | alt=模範街 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.431636 | long=118.319079 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mofan Street | wikidata=Q11121308 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The street gets its name from the uniform hybrid architecture of Chinese and Western styles which means Model Street. The 75-m-long street features buildings with brick exteriors and arched door fronts modeled after the Japanese, Fujian and Western architecture. There are 16 buildings at each side connected by a common arcade. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Xu Jiang Xiao Wo Stone Inscription | alt=虛江嘯臥碣群 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5643 | tollfree= | hours=24hrs | price= | wikipedia=Xujiang Xiaowo Stone Inscription | wikidata=Q17036553 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A large stone inscription which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Chiou Lianggong's Mother Chastity Arch | alt=邱良功母節孝坊 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 8823 | tollfree= | hours=24 hr | price= | wikipedia=Chastity Arch for Qiu Liang-gong's Mother | wikidata=Q15912006 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A stone arch erected in 1812 by Qiu Liang-gong to honour his mother, who had raised him after his father's early death. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Chen Jing-lan Western House | alt=陳景蘭洋樓 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:30 | price= | wikipedia=Chen Jing-lan Western House | wikidata=Q28414594 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=It was built in 1917 by a local businessperson who built up his success in Singapore. During World War II, the house was used as a military hospital. It is the largest 'Western-style' house in Kinmen. }} ===Temples=== [[File:Jincheng - Daitianfu - DSCF9406.JPG|thumb|Dai Tian Fu, a temple near the eastern gate of Kincheng]] [[File:Wai Pu Wu Miao - DSCF9433.JPG|thumb|A temple in Jincheg]] '''Temples''' can be found everywhere on Kinmen and Little Kinmen, many of which are very tiny and quaint. * {{see | name=Maoshan Pagoda | alt=茅山塔 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.408642 | long=118.288350 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Maoshan Pagoda | wikidata=Q17051693 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Just to the west of Shuitou, it is not particularly impressive structure compared to many pagodas in China/Taiwan, but the views of the surrounding area are quite impressive and it's a very quiet place with very few tourists. }} * {{see | name=Wentai Pagoda | alt=文臺寶塔 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wentai Pagoda | wikidata=Q11080136 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=Erected for the observation of the stars to make feng shui predictions, the tower was originally erected in 1387. The current tower is a restoration. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Zhu Zi Ci | alt=朱子祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.434489 | long=118.317394 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Zhu Zi Ci | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=An ancestral temple of the Zhu family. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Koxinga Shrine | alt=延平郡王祠 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.424486 | long=118.304773 | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5057 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A shrine on the western portion of the island dedicated to the military figure Koxinga. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Dai Tian Fu | alt=代天府 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.430965 | long=118.319609 | directions= | phone=+886 8 232 5842 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Nature=== <!-- [[File:Forest_Recreation_Area.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> *The Forest Recreation Area, located along Section3, Huandao East Road, is a multi-purpose area for barbecues, a child playground, botanical gardens, and more. *During the winter, flocks of '''migratory birds''' come to Kinmen and Little Kinmen to nest. They can be seen and heard at the many lakes and ponds on the islands. The '''Shuangli Wetlands Area''' is a good place for information and birdwatching. It's in Nanshan village, very close to Beishan and Guningtou Battle Museum and not too far from Zi Lake (Ci Lake). Buses 9/10/11 go there. *Strolling along any of the '''beaches''' is quite peaceful and there are two bonus attractions to be seen: crumbling military fortifications and views of Xiamen, especially from the western shore of Little Kinmen or the northwestern shore of Kinmen. <!-- [[File:788_Anchored_Boat_Low_Tide_cropped-_framed.jpg|thumb]] image not found in Commons --> * {{listing | type=see | name=Kinmen National Park | alt=金門國家公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3100 | tollfree= | hours=08:00-27:00 | price= | wikipedia=Kinmen National Park | wikidata=Q701698 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=Kinmen National Park includes five areas, which are Taiwu Mountain, Kuningtou, Gugang, Mashan Hill and Lieyu. The park covers an area of 35.29 km² or around a quarter of Kinmen County area. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Gugang Lake | alt=古崗湖 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.394281 | long=118.315608 | directions= | phone=+886 8 231 3100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gugang Lake | wikidata=Q17003919 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The lake features the Gugang Pavilion which was built in 1964 by Zhuang Wu-nan from [[Tamsui]], [[Taipei]]. The pavilion is 16 meters in height. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jiangong Islet | alt=建功嶼 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.427445 | long=118.300075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jiangong Islet | wikidata=Q19459215 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The island has a statue of Koxinga which was built in 1968 to commemorate the Ming Dynasty hero who led the resistance against Manchurian invaders. The islet also has a viewing platform offers a view of the surrounding area. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Jincheng Seaside Park | alt=金城海濱休閒公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Jincheng Seaside Park | wikidata=Q17051010 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content= }} ===Museums=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Yu Da Wei Xian Sheng Memorial Museum | alt=俞大維先生紀念館 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 0599 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Yu Da Wei Xian Sheng Memorial Museum | wikidata=Q16242441 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=A war memorial museum in Zhongzheng Park. }} * {{see | name=Guning War History Museum | alt=古寧頭戰史館 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Guningtou Battle Museum | wikidata=Q5618827 | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=On the 1949 battle, including many paintings, tanks, jeeps. The villages next to it ('''Nanshan''' and '''Beishan''', 南山/北山) have a few buildings still riddled with bullet holes from the battle. Line B tourist bus and bus 9, 10, and 11. }} * {{see | name=Military Brothel Exhibition Hall | alt=特約茶室展示館 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.448215 | long=118.384680 | directions= | phone=+886 8 233 7839 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-01-27 | content=A small museum detailing Kinmen's history of legalized brothels set up by the government for soldiers, many of whom were stranded on the island for the rest of their lives after retreating from Mainland China. Glosses over the darker aspects of the story, and is told largely from the point of view of the men, but still has some interesting information. Many, but not all, signs are in English as well as Chinese. Free, open everyday. No.126 Qionglinli Xiaojing, Jinhu Town, in the middle of island. Ask the tourist office at the Jincheng bus station for buses that stop there. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Hujingtou Battle Museum | alt=湖井頭戰史館 | url= | email= | address= | lat=24.446647 | long=118.231066 | directions= | phone=+886 8 236 4403 | tollfree= | hours=08:30-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Hujingtou Battle Museum | wikidata=Q15226658 | lastedit=2019-06-17 | content=The museum displays the battle history, an observation post, and a broadcasting station. }} ==Do== If you can find all 63 "official" wind lion god statues, the ones that are represented in the park, and present proof to the park office, they will give you a special gift. ==Buy== [[File:Cleaver 2 (PSF).jpg|thumb|Chinese style cleaver]] Cleavers are Kinmen's best-known tourist product. They are famous for making excellent quality cleavers; the steel is said to be obtained from the hundreds of thousands of shells that the Communist forces fired at Kinmen, in a failed attempt to take the island away from the Nationalist troops. The most authentic knives and the best place for a factory tour is Maestro Wu's Knives. It is claimed that a single shell casing can make approximately 60 blades; this is doubtful. Also doubtful is the claim that current blades are made from shell casings, since shelling stopped in the late 1970s. Finishing quality for cleavers has dropped a lot since the mid-1990s. Even for Maestro Wu's Knife's top selling special-designed cleavers, the words "Made in Kinmen" are barely visible and/or badly engraved. Salespersons were taught to toe the line that "its because the steel's quality is so good that the engraving machine cannot carve the words properly". This is a bad sales tactic and a sorry excuse for a once famous knife brand that was built on quality. ==Eat== While Kinmen lacks the high price fancy fare of more populated locales, cheap delicious snack shops are everywhere in the downtown area of Kincheng. Taiwanese favorites such as fried chicken cutlets, fried oyster balls and chow mein can be found without much trouble. Prices average around NT$50 per item which is quite reasonable considering the quality. ==Drink== [[File:Kaoliang liquor.jpg|thumb|Kaoliang liquor]] Kinmen is the home of Taiwan's distinctive "Kaoliang" liquor, a tequila-like hard liquor popular all over Taiwan. The factory is located right in the middle of the island, not far from the airport and is hard to miss with its distinctive smell and two two-story liquor bottles guarding the front gates. This is one of the upmarket brands of the widespread Chinese liquor ''bai jiu''; see [[Chinese cuisine#Alcoholic]] for background. *{{drink | name=White Lion | url= | email= | address=jincheng | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18:00-24:00 | price= | content=nice Canadian/Taiwanese owned pub beside temple }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Da Jhai Men Homestay | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +886 82-320008 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Actually a rather tumbledown hotel, not a homestay, the management is nevertheless very friendly and the location convenient. Double room NT$1200 regular days and NT$1500 weekends and holidays. Location No. 84 Jhushan Village, Jincheng Township, Kinmen. }} *'''Visit Kinmen Guest House''' is a traditional Kinmen old house restored by Kinmen National Park in Shanhou Village, the north east side. Visit Kinmen Guest House provides a place where travelers can stay with a relaxed atmosphere after exploring the beautiful scenery of Kinmen. The guest house has three double rooms for two people and one family room with twin bed that is good for group of four people, rates from NT$1400–2400. Please find us on web for further information. *{{sleep | name=IN99 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=near to jincheng bus station, new building | phone= +886 82 324851 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=NT$1800 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=nice new business hotel in Jincheng }} ==Stay safe== Though formal hostilities with the PRC ended by the early 1980s, Kinmen is still very much a front line area. Visitors are strongly advised not to wander off paved roads when exploring the island due to the possibility of running across old unmarked minefields. It is also advisable to avoid traveling to certain sensitive areas after dark, such as coastal areas or areas near military installations. Visitors should also obey all orders given by military personnel and avoid entering or photographing sensitive areas. == Respect == The Kinmenese are proud of their "Chinese" identity rather than "Taiwanese". As such, in Kinmen, labelling the locals "Taiwanese" would likely cause offence. Likewise, while you are in Kinmen, do not refer to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan". Call the state "Republic of China", and use "Taiwan" only to refer to the island of Taiwan. Likewise, call the local dialect "Kinmenese", "Min Nan", or "Quemoy" rather than "Taiwanese". Political issues, especially Taiwan independence, are best avoided. Although most residents of the island are strongly opposed to Taiwanese independence, that does not mean they support the People's Republic of China government in Beijing; they are proud citizens of the Taiwan-based Republic of China. ==Go next== There are two choices; [[Taiwan]] is easily reached by plane, and [[Xiamen]] in mainland China is accessible by ferry. To go to Xiamen, holders of most passports need to already have a [[China#Visas|Chinese visa]]; there is no office to issue them on Kinmen. {{geo|24.44|118.33|zoom=12}} {{IsPartOf|Taiwan}} {{outlinecity}} 5q2hkp525l7cw4guaalvl6lpgynqhg0 0 17962 4488113 4486847 2022-07-22T06:50:15Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Do */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BBDBag Pano-2.jpg}} {{printDistricts}} {{confused|[[Kozhikode]], formerly '''Calicut''', a city in southwestern India.}} '''Kolkata''' ([[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]: কলকাতা, [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]: कोलकाता) (formerly '''Calcutta''') is the capital of [[West Bengal]] and one of the largest urban agglomerations in [[India]]. It is the largest city in Eastern India. Kolkata is an 'in your face' city that shocks and charms the unsuspecting visitor. Long known as the cultural capital of India and home to the so-called Bengal Renaissance, 'The City of Joy' (the sobriquet became more famous after the publication of a novel of the same name) continues to spawn generations of poets, writers, film directors and Nobel Prize winners. If your trip only allows for a visit of one or two of India's metropolitan cities, then definitely consider placing Kolkata on your itinerary. Kolkata is arguably one of the most socially, culturally and politically progressive cities in India. Love it or hate it, you definitely won't forget the 'City of Joy'. ==Districts== {{Regionlist | regionmap=Kolkata Wikivoyage map PNG.png | regionmaptext=Districts of Kolkata | regionmapsize=300px | region1name=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | region1color=#4f93c0 | region1description=The colonial district is still the central business and administrative area and is considered the heart of Kolkata. Made up of the northern part of Chowringhee, Park Street, Mirza Ghalib Street (Free School Street), B. B. D. Bagh (Dalhousie Square), Chandni Chowk, Burrabazar and Sudder Street. | region2name=[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]] | region2color=#71b37b | region2description=The area consisting of the huge park and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Includes Fort William, Strand Road, Dufferin Road, Hooghly Bank and the southern part of Chowringhee. | region3name=[[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]] | region3color=#ac5c91 | region3description=The posh and new part of the city. Covers Ballygunge, Gariahat, Bhowanipore, Alipore, Chetla, New Alipore, Rash Behari, Dhakuria etc. This entire region is within Kolkata district (KMC Area). | region4name=[[Kolkata/Southern fringes|Southern fringes]] | region4color=#578e86 | region4description=The rapidly mushrooming localities to the south of the city. Includes Tollygunge, Taratala, Behala, Thakurpukur, Jadavpur, Kasba, Santoshpur, Baghajatin, Garia, Maheshtala, Rajpur Sonarpur, Baruipur, Joka, Pailan, Budge Budge, Narendrapur etc. This is a relatively newer part of the city where a lot of expansion is going on. | region5name=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5description=The older area of the city, a fascinating district dominated by narrow little lanes and hundreds of century-old buildings. Includes Chitpur, Bagbazar, Belgachia, Shyambazar, Shobhabazar, Maniktala, Jorasanko and the College Street area. Also here is the Kolkata station. North Kolkata was known as Black Town during the British period as it was home to the native population. | region6name=[[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes]] | region6color=#8a84a3 | region6description=The large industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat. Includes Cossipore, Dum Dum, Belghoria, Khardaha, Panihati, Titagarh and Madhyamgram, where there are a number of factories, including jute, paper, cotton, ordnance and chemicals. Dum Dum is also the prime communication hub of Kolkata, having the airport, Metro Rail, Circular Rail, and overground rail in this district. | region7name=[[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7description=Rapidly developing, especially the IT sector, and home to several malls. Encompasses Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar), Chinar Park, Rajarhat, New Town, Lake Town and the EM Bypass. Many five-star hotels, theme parks, posh housing estates and technology parks are being built in this area. | region8name=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | region8color=#69999f | region8description=A major industrial centre for the manufacturing of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. | region9name=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | region9color=#b5d29f | region9description=A cantonment town. }} == Understand== ===History=== [[File:Victoria Memorial By Saprativa.jpg|thumb|400px|The Victoria Memorial, a reminder of the Raj.]] Kolkata's history is intimately related to the British East India Company, which arrived in 1690, and to British India, of which Calcutta became the capital in 1772. Job Charnock was widely known as the founder of Calcutta. There were 3 villages named Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata. Later the village Kalikata became the city Kolkata. But some Indian historians have disputed this claim, arguing that Kolkata developed naturally over a period, centred on the ancient Kali temple at Kalighat and the port at Kidderpore. Whatever its origins, Kolkata flowered as the capital of British India during the 19th century, the heyday of the Raj. Calcutta University, the first modern Indian university was founded here in 1857. Kolkata became the centre of Indian arts and literature, and the national movement for independence got its start here. However, with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1911, the pains of the partition of Bengal in 1947, a violent repressive and feudal state machinery operational for nearly the first two decades after independence, the ideologically motivated Maoist movement (the Naxalbari movement) in the 1970s, followed by the Marxist rule has shaped the city to its present form. ===Modern Kolkata=== Kolkata has become the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India. The city's economic fortunes grew as the economic liberalisation in India during the early 1990s reached Kolkata during late 1990s. Kolkata is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, with diversity from all over India as well as Europeans (including Germans, Armenians, and others) and other Asians (including Chinese, Sinhalese, and Tibetans). Kolkata is also notable for being home to India's largest Chinatown, which continues to be home to many ethnic Chinese residents whose families have lived in India for several generations. In 1977, a "Left Front" coalition of the Communist and Marxist parties came to power and ruled the state for 34 years. This is reflected in street names and memorials in the city with names like Lenin Sarani and Ho Chi Minh Sarani. During this period, the various egalitarian approaches implemented at improving the living standards of the down-trodden has helped the city in bridging the wealth-gap and decreasing impoverishment. ===Economy=== [[File:Camac Street 'G K Tower'.jpg|thumb|GK Tower located in Camac Street]] [[File:SC Mall (1).JPG|thumb|The South City mall located near Jadavpur, is one of the largest shopping malls in Kolkata]] Kolkata is fast developing into a modern infotech city with various private sector companies setting up shops here. The landscape of the city is also fast changing with flyovers, gardens and several new commercial establishments. Kolkata city has expanded into its suburbs, with [[Greater Kolkata]] stretching from [[Kalyani]] (in Nadia district) in north to [[Jaynagar Majilpur]] in south (in South 24 Parganas district). The city's fortunes have looked up since the early 1990s, coinciding with the liberalisation of the Indian economy. Its economy has been amongst the fastest growing in the country. The New Metro city is characterised by popular spots such as multiplexes, theatres, clubs, pubs, coffee shops, and museums. Kolkata is home to many industrial units, of large Indian corporations, whose product range is varied and includes engineering products, electronics, electrical equipment, cables, steel, leather, textiles, jewellery, frigates, automobiles, railway coaches and wagons. Several industrial estates like Taratala, Uluberia, Dankuni, Kasba, and Howrah are spread throughout the urban agglomeration. A huge leather complex has come up at Bantala. An export processing zone has been set up in Falta. Specialised setups like the country's first Toy Park, and a Gem and Jewellery Park have also been established. Kolkata is also starting to become a major hub for the IT (Information Technology) industry. With the formation of New Town and extension of Salt Lake's Sector-V, Kolkata is rapidly turning into a pro-IT city. ===Geography=== [[File:Eastern High - Rajarhat 2012-04-11 9384.JPG|thumb|Apartment buildings in New Town, Kolkata]] Kolkata is in the eastern part of India and is spread along the eastern banks of the Hooghly River. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has an area of 185 km². The city can be roughly divided into two sections along Mother Teresa Sarani (which was known during the British rule as Park Street). North of Park Street is the more congested part of the city. South of Park Street is the slightly better planned section of the city. South Kolkata is better planned with wider roads and better equipped police force for keeping law & order. The better planning in South Kolkata is because it was built much later. The North is the real, old Kolkata and most of the oldest families and buildings are situated there. Over the past several years the city has expanded to the south and the east. The old Central Business District (CBD) is where the seat of the West Bengal Government is located, along with many other government offices. Several banks have their corporate or regional headquarters around the B. B. D. Bagh area (named after the revolutionaries Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta and Dinesh Gupta who forced entry into The Writers' Building, the epicentre of the British Raj government in Bengal). Many of Kolkata's older business groups have their main offices here. The area is a mix of multi-storeyed office blocks and colonial buildings. The newer CBD is around the south of Park Street, Camac Street and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road. Several high-rise office blocks including some of Kolkata's tallest commercial buildings, like the Chatterjee International Centre, Tata Centre, Everest House, Industry House, CGO Building, are located here. An even-newer CBD is now being set up in the Rajarhat-New Town area, lying between Bidhannagar (Salt Lake) and the Airport. Maidan (meaning open field) is between the river Hooghly and J. L. Nehru Road (or Chowringhee Road). It is said to be the lungs of Kolkata. The lush green meadow also houses Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, and several sporting clubs. Kolkatans simply love to stroll in the Maidan. In an effort to relieve congestion in the main city, many government offices have shifted to high-rise office buildings lining Salt Lake City's Central Park. The residential buildings are mainly low-rise and comprise of older colonial buildings and numerous new four-storied apartment blocks. 10- to 12-storey apartment blocks have come up in large numbers in South Kolkata. The city has relaxed its rules on high-rise construction and 20-storey buildings are becoming more common. The tallest residential towers of eastern India, the four 35-storey towers of South City, are on Prince Anwar Shah Road. Heavy construction activity along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass is changing the face of the city. Luxury hotels, a convention centre, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls and multiplexes are coming up at a rapid pace. The city's expansion in the eastern side is spearheaded by the construction of a new satellite township called New Town adjacent to the well planned Salt Lake City. It is one of the largest planned urban developments in India. The neglected western side of the urban agglomeration has got a boost with the signing of an agreement with Ciputra, an Indonesian company to build the Kolkata West International City (KWIC). Another huge new township is in the proposal state in [[Dankuni]]. Slums and dilapidated structures exist in many pockets of the city proper and house over 25% of the city's population (2001 census). Slum redevelopment schemes have helped improve living conditions by a small extent but there is huge scope for improvement in this area. Efforts to shift slum dwellers to newer developments have often met with resistance and failure because many of the slums are in prime areas of the city and the slum dwellers who are integrated in the social structure of the neighbourhood do not want to shift. Many roads in Kolkata have two names in use: the old colonial name that is still commonly used by locals, and the official post-independence new name that you will see in maps and on road signs. ===Climate=== [[File:Nalban - Kolkata 2011-09-14 5167.JPG|thumb|Monsoon clouds over Kolkata.]] Kolkata has three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summer, from March–May, is hot and humid with temperatures touching 38-42° Celsius. Monsoon starts in June and lasts till September or October. This is the time when heavy showers sometimes lead to waterlogging in a few areas. Winter is from November to February. This is the best season to visit the city, as the weather is very pleasant with temperatures ranging between 8 and 20°. ===Time=== Kolkata is in the GMT+5:30 time zone. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Kolkata Airport new integrated terminal skyview.jpg|thumb|Skyview of the integrated terminal of Kolkata Airport]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport | alt={{IATA|CCU}}, Dum Dum Airport, নেতাজি সুভাষচন্দ্র বসু আন্তর্জাতিক বিমানবন্দর | url=http://www.kolkatainternationalairport.com/ | email=apdkolkata@aai.aero | address=Jessore Road | lat=22.654722 | long=88.446667 | directions=about 18&nbsp;km outside the city centre. There is a '''prepaid taxi''' option (₹150-250). State-run air-conditioned buses are available to get into the city. Cheaper, and hassle free, and since you can hail a taxi anywhere in the city centre to take you to your final destination, you do not need to worry. However, in case you are arriving at the busy hours, it is better to get a prepaid taxi, which takes you directly to your destination. Moreover app based Cab services such as Ola and Uber are also available from the airport. The buses are parked outside the arrival gate at the domestic terminal. International travellers would have to walk down from their terminal for 800 m. As you come out of the international terminal, turn left and keep walking towards the domestic terminal. Do not be dissuaded by the taxi touts, who would try and make you believe that the buses do not run anymore. | phone=+91 33 2511 8036 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2511 9266 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport | image=Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.jpg | wikidata=Q388535 |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=Services on the airport, at tha International Terminal: a newsagent, a Duty Free shop, a clothes outlet, a coffee shop and a music outlet. At the Domestic Terminal: a couple of handicraft shops, a newsagent, a medical outlet, a sweets stall, a florist. Passengers facilities: trollies, telephone in security hold area, wheelchair, medical inspection room, child care room, assistance to physically challenged, inter-terminal bus service, airport post office. phone +91 33 2511 8787, +91 33 39874987 }} ===By train=== [[File:Howrah Station.jpg|thumb|Howrah railway station as seen from the Hooghly River]] Kolkata is well connected by rail to almost all the big stations in India and also serves as the gateway to [[North-Eastern India]]. Also, there are two international trains from [[Bangladesh]], the ''Maitree Express'' connects Kolkata with the capital [[Dhaka]] three times per week and the ''Bandhan Express'' runs from [[Khulna]] once per week. For train timings and tickets check with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ '''Indian Railways''']. * {{go | name=Howrah Junction railway station | alt=হাওড়া জংশন রেলওয়ে স্টেশন | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.583 | long=88.3425 | directions=Across the Hooghly river from the [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] district. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Howrah Junction railway station | wikidata=Q986105 | image=Howrah Station.jpg | lastedit=2018-11-17 | content=It is not in Kolkata but in the adjoining city of [[Howrah]], on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Howrah is the largest railway complex in India with over 600 trains arriving per day. There are 26 platforms in Howrah station. Local trains of Eastern Railway arrives mainly at 1-9 platforms while South Eastern Railway local trains arrive at platforms 17-23, remaining platforms is used for long-distance trains. Platforms 17 to 26 are in New Complex, just south of the original building. For passengers it has an enormous covered waiting area between the main complex and the platforms. In addition there is a Yatri Niwas (railway's travellers' lodge) with dormitory, single room, and double room accommodation. The vehicular carriageways along the length of platforms allow passengers to be dropped near rail compartments — a facility unique among most major stations of the country. Directly facing Howrah are ferries (₹5) that can get you to other side of the river to either Babu Ghat or Fairlie Place in the [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] district from where you can arrange onward transportation with anything from taxis to public buses to rickshaws. }} [[File:The new DEMU bullet train at sealdah station 2014-06-03 12-27.jpg|thumb|A DEMU train at Sealdah station]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Sealdah railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bepin Behari Ganguly Street, Sealdah | lat=22.5681 | long=88.3718 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3347406 | content=Handicapped/disabled access. There are 19 platforms. Never hire a taxi from the nearby taxi-stand as they ask higher fares for taxi. There are pre-paid taxis to enter the city. The pre-paid taxi stand just outside the station's main entrance. The counter is under a tin shed. }} *{{listing | type=go | name=Kolkata railway station | alt=Kolkata Chitpur Railway Terminus | url= | email= | address=Belgachia | lat=22.6013 | long=88.3841 | directions=Buses: '''K1''' ( Kolkata Station -Ultadanga- New Town -unitech) at an interval of about ten minutes; '''007''' (Makrampur - Kolkata station via Tematha, Sonarpur station, Kamalgazi, Garia, Patuli, Hiland Park, Mukundapur, Kalikapur, Ruby Hospital, Science City, Chingrighata, E.M. Bypass, Ultadanga, Khanna, Shyambazar); '''JM2''' (Malancha - Kolkata Station via Harinavi, Rajpur, Kamalgazi, Dhalai Bridge, Patuli, Hiland Park, Mukundapur, Kalikapur, Ruby Hospital, Science City, Chingrighata, E.M. Bypass, Ultadanga, Khanna, Shyambazar); if you reach near RG Kar Medical College and Hopital, which is only 8 to 10 minutes' walk, you get myriads of buses plying on different routes | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6427323 | content=It receives a number of trains which used to terminate at Sealdah station. The station is linked to the Sealdah-Ranaghat Line and is served by the Eastern Railway for trains to Bandel, Kalyani Simanta, Gede, Shantipur, Krishnanagar, Dankuni, Kolkata Airport, Bongaon, Hasnabad and others. The number of suburban trains is lower than long-distance trains. This station runs many long distance express trains including two pairs of Garibrath Express, and one long distance passenger train - Lalgola Passenger. The station also has an International train. The ''Maitree Express'', provides a direct link between Kolkata and [[Dhaka]], the capital of [[Bangladesh]]. There are five platforms, among them Platform 1 & 2 is used by only suburban trains, and Platform 3, 4 & 5 are used by long-distance trains. '''Services''': There are waiting rooms and retiring rooms for use by passengers awaiting connecting trains. In addition there is a taxi stand and a bus station outside the station. }} *{{go | image=Santragachi Railway Station - Howrah 2012-01-26 1624.JPG | name=Santragachi railway station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Santragachi Station Rd, Santragachi, Howrah | lat=22.5836 | long=88.2839| directions= there are taxi stands and bus stands, and a Volvo bus service to connect this area to Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport| phone= | hours= | price=| content=There are six platforms. Serves '''local trains''' to Amta, Mecheda, Panskura, Haldia, [[Contai]], [[Midnapore]] and Kharagpur. A few trains originate from Santragachi station to Ajmer, Porbandar, and Nanded, and a Vivek Express running to Mangalore Central starting from Santragachi. Mostly all Howrah/Shalimar bound express/mail trains stop here. }} ====Local trains==== * The Eastern Railway serves local trains to Hasnabad, Bongaon, Gede, Krishnanagar, Budge Budge, Canning, Diamond Harbour, Namkhana, Tarkeshwar, Katwa, [[Bardhaman]] and numerous intermediate stations and mail/express trains to Central, North and North-East India. * The South Eastern Railway serves local trains to Amta, Mecheda, Panskura, [[Tamluk]], [[Haldia]], [[Contai]], [[Midnapore]] and [[Kharagpur]]; and mail/express trains to Central, West and South India. ===By bus=== [[File:Esplanade Bus Station.jpg|thumb|Esplanade Bus Station]] '''From Bangladesh''', there are numerous bus options between Kolkata and [[Bangladesh]]. The most common way is the regular comfortable a/c buses from [[Dhaka]] to Kolkata via the [[Haridaspur]] / [[Benapole]] border post. Private bus companies '''[http://www.shohagh.com/group/ Shohagh]''', '''[http://www.greenlineparibahan.com/ Green Line]''','''[http://shyamolibusservice.com/ Shyamoli]''' and others operate daily bus services on this route. Govt. buses run under the label of the state govt. undertaken West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and the '''[http://www.brtc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]''' (BRTC). WBTC and BRTC operate buses from Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30AM and 8:30AM, and 12:30PM while from Dhaka they leave on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7AM and 7:30AM. The normal journey time is around 12 hr with a one-way fare of 550 or 600-800 [[Bangladesh#Money|Bangladeshi taka]]s. If you're only headed to [[Haridaspur]] the fare is ₹86 (2½ hours). The '''Shyamoli Paribahan''' ticket office is at 6/1 Marquis St (''parallel to and one block south of Sudder Street, and just west of Mirza Ghalib St, next door to DHL''), 2252 0693. Several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for 5 Bangladeshi takas for the 2-km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least half way. '''From Eastern India via Bangladesh'''. Bus travel to some points in Eastern India is faster via Bangladesh (visas will be required for entry into Bangladesh as well as for re-entry into India). If you're heading to points in Eastern India (Tripura for example) beyond Bangladesh, then there is a regular bus service between [[Dhaka]] and [[Agartala]], the capital of India's [[Tripura]] state. Two BRTC buses leave daily from Dhaka and connect with the Tripura Road Transport Corporation vehicles, running six days a week with a roundtrip fare of 600 Bangladeshi takas. There is only one halt at '''Ashuganj''' in Bangladesh during the journey. Call {{phone|+880 2 8360241}} for schedule. Other entry points to North-Eastern India through Bangladesh are '''Hili''', Chilahati / '''Haldibari''' and '''Banglaband''' border posts through Northern Bangladesh and '''Tamabil/Dawki''' border post for a route between [[Shillong]] ([[Meghalaya]]) and [[Sylhet]] in North-Eastern Bangladesh, and some others with lesser-known routes from north-eastern Indian regions. Although scheduled bus services to Shillong from Kolkata through Dhaka may not be available, you can get to those points via land routes going through Sylhet and then on to Tamabil/Dawki border outposts. Enquire at the Bus Service Counters for details. * {{go | name=Esplanade Bus Terminus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rashmoni Avenue | lat=22.56360 | long=88.3498 | directions=Next to Esplanade metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | image=Esplanade Bus Station.jpg | lastedit=2018-11-17 | content= }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|22.580|88.348|zoom=10}} {{Mapmask |23.0094,88.4356 |22.9818,88.4777 |22.9717,88.4808 |22.9631,88.4755 |22.9540,88.4688 |22.9506,88.4638 |22.9499,88.4561 |22.9242,88.4592 |22.9027,88.4382 |22.8841,88.4444 |22.8740,88.4415 |22.8736,88.4331 |22.8553,88.4310 |22.7496,88.4523 |22.7420,88.4643 |22.7398,88.4849 |22.7445,88.5103 |22.7135,88.5076 |22.6825,88.4904 |22.6752,88.4794 |22.6755,88.4571 |22.6435,88.4557 |22.6318,88.4815 |22.6242,88.4904 |22.6112,88.5141 |22.6064,88.5460 |22.5601,88.5450 |22.5459,88.5309 |22.5636,88.4849 |22.5516,88.4726 |22.5693,88.4540 |22.5525,88.4382 |22.4802,88.4362 |22.4564,88.4413 |22.3853,88.4499 |22.3793,88.4530 |22.3687,88.4549 |22.3628,88.4478 |22.3593,88.4341 |22.3602,88.4238 |22.3640,88.4138 |22.4393,88.3654 |22.4396,88.3332 |22.4221,88.3060 |22.4148,88.2827 |22.4291,88.2566 |22.4631,88.2590 |22.4808,88.2535 |22.4850,88.2398 |22.4793,88.2092 |22.4872,88.2037 |22.4669,88.1732 |22.4562,88.1353 |22.4546,88.1246 |22.4637,88.1220 |22.4669,88.1235 |22.4697,88.1282 |22.4729,88.1419 |22.4739,88.1581 |22.4783,88.1701 |22.4961,88.1876 |22.5040,88.1962 |22.5138,88.2127 |22.5167,88.2271 |22.5202,88.2401 |22.5284,88.2456 |22.5348,88.2465 |22.5367,88.2442 |22.5408,88.2439 |22.5457,88.2454 |22.5478,88.2436 |22.5525,88.2436 |22.5549,88.2416 |22.5576,88.2430 |22.5587,88.2494 |22.5578,88.2549 |22.5551,88.2712 |22.5508,88.2891 |22.5505,88.2937 |22.5490,88.2966 |22.5466,88.3042 |22.5465,88.3096 |22.5484,88.3185 |22.5508,88.3253 |22.5558,88.3305 |22.5608,88.3338 |22.5646,88.3391 |22.5690,88.3416 |22.5728,88.3441 |22.5845,88.3490 |22.5912,88.3510 |22.5946,88.3522 |22.5970,88.3538 |22.5994,88.3569 |22.6011,88.3599 |22.6031,88.3626 |22.6048,88.3647 |22.6079,88.3672 |22.6107,88.3682 |22.6138,88.3687 |22.6177,88.3684 |22.6226,88.3674 |22.6355,88.3628 |22.6424,88.3605 |22.6471,88.3592 |22.6534,88.3573 |22.6586,88.3565 |22.6621,88.3564 |22.6677,88.3579 |22.6731,88.3617 |22.6834,88.3660 |22.6946,88.3668 |22.7094,88.3648 |22.7177,88.3648 |22.7228,88.3624 |22.7269,88.3616 |22.7305,88.3619 |22.7360,88.3644 |22.7401,88.3655 |22.7424,88.3659 |22.7451,88.3660 |22.7478,88.3654 |22.7501,88.3645 |22.7539,88.3615 |22.7564,88.3590 |22.7589,88.3558 |22.7617,88.3509 |22.7642,88.3460 |22.7695,88.3375 |22.7737,88.3346 |22.7761,88.3337 |22.7782,88.3335 |22.7799,88.3336 |22.7819,88.3344 |22.7840,88.3356 |22.7847,88.3370 |22.7855,88.3394 |22.7860,88.3425 |22.7877,88.3460 |22.7897,88.3490 |22.7935,88.3536 |22.7967,88.3563 |22.7998,88.3580 |22.8036,88.3593 |22.8064,88.3595 |22.8112,88.3593 |22.8153,88.3590 |22.8179,88.3579 |22.8205,88.3578 |22.8225,88.3584 |22.8239,88.3593 |22.8252,88.3602 |22.8265,88.3618 |22.8271,88.3637 |22.8272,88.3661 |22.8269,88.3687 |22.8265,88.3711 |22.8266,88.3725 |22.8274,88.3744 |22.8285,88.3771 |22.8303,88.3785 |22.8321,88.3795 |22.8337,88.3797 |22.8361,88.3793 |22.8381,88.3789 |22.8405,88.3781 |22.8426,88.3767 |22.8455,88.3748 |22.8476,88.3735 |22.8505,88.3727 |22.8537,88.3730 |22.8560,88.3731 |22.8582,88.3739 |22.8609,88.3765 |22.8621,88.3783 |22.8651,88.3830 |22.8671,88.3880 |22.8691,88.3936 |22.8736,88.4032 |22.8761,88.4072 |22.8787,88.4092 |22.8810,88.4103 |22.8833,88.4112 |22.8868,88.4118 |22.8903,88.4114 |22.8929,88.4109 |22.8955,88.4101 |22.9005,88.4086 |22.9056,88.4058 |22.9099,88.4053 |22.9143,88.4033 |22.9183,88.4033 |22.9213,88.4054 |22.9244,88.4080 |22.9282,88.4102 |22.9318,88.4121 |22.9398,88.4136 |22.9506,88.4127 |22.9582,88.4121 |22.9715,88.4082 |22.9768,88.4062 |22.9820,88.4066 |22.9896,88.4088 |22.9961,88.4111 |23.0035,88.4145 |23.0053,88.4185 |23.0094,88.4356}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By taxi=== [[File:India - Kolkata rainy street - 3819.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Kolkata's yellow Ambassador taxis]] Kolkata just wouldn't look the same without the plethora of yellow Ambassador taxis that ply on its roads. They're easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory. However, Kolkata taxis sometimes refuse to go to some distant remote locations (like Behala, Bansdroni, Howrah) where they wouldn't get any passenger while returning. If they agree, they will demand high pay; be ready for such a situation. New taxis have been introduced, which are called "No Refusal Taxis", but sadly, these taxis are also no different. Some of the new taxis are air-conditioned; usually, these will also have a "Same Fare" sign on them. There is a 25% extra charge if you want the air-conditioner to be turned on in such taxis. In Kolkata, it is a crime for taxis to refuse a request to go to certain destinations, and they can be fined, but if you threaten the driver with a complaint to the police, they will simply ask you to complain. Cars by app-based services such as Uber and Ola are easily available (round-the-clock), reasonably priced, comfortable and have been embraced by citizens. ===By metro=== [[File:Kolkata Metro.jpg|thumb|The Kolkata Metro is the oldest metro system in India.]] Kolkata's [http://www.kmrc.in/ '''Metro Rail'''] is the oldest underground and elevated railway system in India. It is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. Trains run every 6-15 min. They run from 7AM-9:45PM from Monday to Saturday and 10AM-9:45PM. on Sunday. Line 1 connects the North and South of the city, from Dakshineswar to New Garia. Line 2 connects the city from Salt Lake Sector-V to Sealdah. New Tourist Smart Cards shall be introduced, Card-I. valid for one day unlimited ride, Card-II. for three days. For more about these, read the '''[http://www.mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/viewsection_opennew2.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,396 conditions here].''' ===By tram=== Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India, and the oldest surviving electric tram network of Asia. Though decommissioned in some part of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of travelling between a few places within the city. Operated by WBTC since 2016, they move slow on the laid tracks in traffic jammed streets, but they are environment-friendly (no emissions on the street, only at the source of energy generation). The network includes '''[http://wbtc.co.in/ 25 Tram Routes]''' ===By train=== The electrified suburban rail network of SER and ER is extensive and includes the Circular Rail. Depending on the route, 'local' trains can be extremely crowded. It is less expensive to travel around by train as compared to private cabs or taxis. Men are advised not to sit in ‘Ladies’ compartment. ===By bus=== The city has an extensive bus network (possibly the most exhaustive in the whole of India) and this is the cheapest, though not always the most comfortable means of transport. The routes are written all over the colourful buses in Bengali and also in English. The conductors call out their destinations to everyone he's passing and all you have to do is wave at the bus anywhere and it will stop, at times causing a small queue of other cars behind it. Esplanade is a major bus-terminus in Kolkata. Karunamoyee in Salt Lake City is another major bus depot. Some buses operate from the Babughat area in Kolkata as well. Among the buses that ply the city streets, the deluxe buses run by JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) and WBTC (West Bengal Transport Corporation) are probably the better option. Air-conditioned buses (Volvo) are also available to many destinations. ===By auto-rickshaw=== In Kolkata, there are shared auto-rickshaws, i.e. the auto-rickshaws don't ferry just a single person but four person at a time. The fare is not set by meters, as fares are fixed by the auto-rickshaw associations. Auto-rickshaws have a fixed route and a vehicle of that route travel in that particular route only. However unlike taxis, they don't refuse passengers. The fare of an auto-rickshaw is much less than that of a taxi (for example, ₹7-10). Be prepared to give the exact fare as they are very reluctant to give change. ===By rickshaw=== [[File:Manpowered rickshaw.JPG|thumb|250px|A human-pulled rickshaw]] There are two types of rickshaws in Kolkata: human pulled rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws. However human-pulled rickshaws are confined to the Gariahat and Ballygunge region and take more fare than cycle-rickshaws. The cycle-rickshaw is the most convenient mean of transport in Kolkata. It is very cheap and can accommodate two adults. The fare is not determined by meter by the respective rickshaw association. Unlike auto-rickshaws, they go to any place in a particular region. However, after 10PM rickshaw drivers may demand an exorbitant fees, and the same goes for times during natural calamities such as heavy rainfall. ===By ferry=== The river offers a less crowded but slow traffic medium. There are several points (popularly called Ghats and jetties) on the bank of the river from where you can board several regular routes of ferry services. Ferries can be fairly large launches to small improvised motorized boats. Even if you don't get any exotic manual boat like you get in [[Varanasi]], the river transport of the city lets you go to several old spots near the bank in a hassle-free manner with an additional dash of the view of decadent river front of the city. ===Hiring a car=== Privately owned rental car places are available throughout the city. Rates depend on the make, model, size and comfort level of the car. Agreements are flexible, for example, cars can be rented even for couple of hours at an hourly rate. Most rental cars are accompanied with a driver from the rental agency. ==Talk== Being in [[West Bengal]], the native language of the people of Kolkata is '''[[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]'''. However, most locals also speak English and some [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]. Many shopkeepers and taxi drivers are able to communicate in broken English, and government offices will typically have English-speaking staff on duty. Although it is generally not a problem getting by with English, learning some Bengali will make your trip much smoother. == See == [[File:Indian Museum, Courtyard, Kolkata, India.jpg|thumb|The Indian Museum was built in 1814 and is one of the oldest museums in India]] The city sprawls along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, a branch of the river Ganges, which divides it from Howrah on the western bank. For travellers, the most relevant parts of Kolkata are south of the Howrah Bridge in the areas around '''[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]]''' and '''[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]]'''. A walk along Chowringhee Road sets the pace as you unravel the rare beauty of this city. Across the road sweeps a huge, lush green, open parkland called the '''[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]]''', centering around '''Fort William''', the massive and impregnable British Citadel built in 1773. The Maidan is 3&nbsp;km in length and over 1&nbsp;km in width, is a rambling green ‘lung of Kolkata’. Dotted with colourful maidan clubs, the area is a hub of diverse activities. ====Spiritual==== Kolkata has many places of worship of different religions. '''Dakshineswar Kali Temple''' is a famous Hindu temple in Kolkata and is associated with Sri Ramakrishna, the eclectic 19th-century saint who revived Hinduism during the British Raj. '''Kalighat''' is a Hindu pilgrimage site and an essential shrine of Hindu Shakti worship. '''St Paul's Cathedral''' is the largest cathedral in the city and next to the Birla Planetarium. '''Armenian Church''' is the oldest place of Christian worship in Kolkata. '''Jewish Synagogues''', the Maghen David Synagogue on Jewish Synagogue Street and the BETHEL on Pollock Street are very old worship houses and a reminder of the cosmopolitan nature of the city. '''Pareshnath Jain Temple''', an ornate mass of mirrors, coloured stones and glass mosaic, and overlooks a beautiful garden. It is in Gauri Bari, near Maniktala. '''Parsi Fire Temples''', cater to the religious needs of the prominent Parsi community of Kolkata. Located on Metcalf Street and Beliaghata. ==Do== Take a '''walk along the river'''. There is a good promenade near the Eden Gardens. Take a '''tram ride''' in Kolkata. The city has the only active tram service in India and has become an icon of Kolkata. They move slow on the laid tracks in traffic-jammed streets. Several modern '''cinemas''' are dotted around the city, including [http://www.inoxmovies.com/ INOX] with several locations, [http://www.famecinemas.com/ Fame] at Metropolis Mall in Highland Park, and [http://www.adlabscinemas.com/ RDB Adlabs] at RDB Boulevard, Near Infinity Building in Salt Lake Sector-V, all showing Indian and American blockbusters. Unlike most of cricket-obsessed India, '''[[Association football|football (soccer)]]''' reigns supreme in Kolkata, with the local clubs [http://www.mohunbaganac.com Mohun Bagan Athletic Club] and [http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com East Bengal Club] being the most successful in India. They contest the Kolkata Derby biannually, which is considered by many to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in all of Asia. ===Events=== '''[http://www.iplt20.com/ Indian Premier League]''' (IPL) is the main club [[cricket]] league in India. It is one of the world's most widely attended sporting events, and if you are in Kolkata during the season (April–May), consider watching the home team (Kolkata Knight Riders) play at Eden Gardens. '''[http://www.kolkatabookfaironline.com Kolkata Book Fair]''' takes place from the last week of January to the first week of February. It is the largest book fair in Asia and is a significant event in the city. '''Durga Puja''', a festival honouring the Hindu goddess Durga, takes place in October. The biggest festival for Hindus in Bengal and Eastern India, Kolkata takes on an almost carnival-like ambience. Streets shut down for the construction of ''pandals'', large stands that depict events from the Ramayana and crowds flock to the biggest and best ones. Durga Puja in Kolkata has been listed as a [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage]] in 2022. A good time to visit, unless you have a fear of crowds. ==Work== '''Volunteering''' is a real option here with several opportunities. * '''Brother Xavier's New Hope'''. Home for orphans of Kolkata's red light district. A much smaller mission than Mother Teresa's which one man built from the ground up. Brother Xavier and the children always need volunteers and funds. * '''Mother Teresa's Mission''' accepts volunteers to help in its multiple projects around the city. Enquire at the motherhouse. ==Buy== Traditionally Kolkata had certain shopping areas or districts. The New Market area was considered the core of fashionable marketing. That was the market place for the British and later patronised by the more sophisticated Indians. There were large markets in Burrabazar, Hatibagan-Shyambazar, Gariahat and Bhowanipore. There were several specialised markets: electrical goods at Chandni Chowk, jewellery at Bowbazar, books at College Street, fish at Maniktala, flowers at Jagannanth Ghat, the Maidan market for sports goods and so on. The malls are a more recent addition. The South City Mall, supposed to be the biggest in the city, is in its [[Kolkata/Southern fringes|southern fringes]]. [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]], the area that has come up, has large number of malls. New malls are being added. One has come up at Park Circus, an old neighbourhood in [[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]], in 2013. All the district pages list malls and markets in the district. Where there are border-line cases, the mall is listed in one district with a link in the other. ==Eat== [[File:Rasgulla - Kolkata 2011-08-02 4547.JPG|thumb|''Roshogolla,'' sweet dumplings made out of ''Chenna'' (Indian cottage cheese) and semolina dough.]] Kolkata has old traditions about eating out. Wilson's Hotel (it later became Great Eastern Hotel) is credited to have been the first western-style hotel/restaurant in Kolkata, serving what was then forbidden food for Indians, particularly Hindus. One could be treated as an out-caste if caught eating there, but the idea caught on and others followed. Many of the restaurants that line the streets in the Esplanade area have been around for more than a hundred years. The joy of food in Kolkata is in its Indian foods. Nizam's (at 23-24 Hogg Street), close to New Market, is credited with the invention of the famous Kati Kebab roll and still serves up the best of the best. For Mughlai dishes there are several places to eat in the [[Kolkata/South#Park Circus|Park Circus]] area, and there are others all over the city. Bengali food is centred around fish. ''Macher jhol'', fish in curry gravy, is a watery fish curry available everywhere and goes well with rice, but Bengalis everywhere swear by the ''hilsa'' fish (a variant of shad). Hilsa, lightly marinaded in mustard and steamed is up there with the best fish dishes in the world. There are a number of restaurants serving Bengali cuisine in all the districts. Bengali sweets are famous all over India. ''Roshogolla'' (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), ''panthua'', a fried variant of the same, ''roshomalai'', the same cheeseballs dipped in creamy sweetened milk, ''mishti doi'' (sweet yoghurt), ''shondesh'' (another type of milk-based sweet, available in several variations). Kolkata is also the home of Indian Chinese food. Chinese restaurants are everywhere so try the Indian variant of hot and sour soup and the famous Indian Chinese dish of chilli chicken. The best place to have Chinese is to visit Chinatown near Tangra, EM Bypass. It serves the best of the Chinese dishes and you will find plenty of large, small & medium restaurants. There are some restaurants serving Thai, Mediterranean or Italian food. Kolkata also has many excellent vegetarian restaurants ranging from budget to expensive ones. There are two types: those serving North Indian and those serving South Indian food. For those looking for vegetarian street foods, one can find ubiquitous ''jhal muri'' (somewhat similar to ''bhel puri'' of [[Mumbai]]) a concoction of puffed rice mixed with various spices, vegetables & other ingredients available at street vendors all over Kolkata. Street vendors selling egg rolls/chicken rolls abound and their freshly prepared kati rolls are safe to eat. Mughali Paratha (earlier it was a paratha stuffed with minced meat, but now the minced meat has been replaced by cheaper but tasty alternatives) is a Kolkata speciality. ''Fuchka'', the Kolkata version of paani-puri, but very different than the ones found in Delhi, is available on the streets but be wary of the tamarind water. It never troubles the local people and outsiders can safely taste this delicacy as long as they don't take too much. Earlier, the restaurants were standalone entities. A cluster of restaurants in a single mall is a comparatively new idea and has become popular. (See district pages for restaurant listings.) ==Drink== There are plenty of places to buy alcohol around the city. Kolkata has many pubs and bars, which are frequented by the youngsters as well as its older residents. Some pubs have live concerts or DJs. They include: *Irish House (Quest Mall Park Circus) *Someplace Else (The Park) * Roxy (The Park) * Aqua (The Park) * The Myx (Park Street) * Olypub (Park Street), famous for the beer and the beef steak * Mocha (AJC Bose Road) * Underground (HHI, AJC Bose Road) * Nocturne (Theatre Road) * Shisha Bar Stock Exchange, The Factory Outlet (22 Camac Street) * Villa 19 (Ballygunge) * Chili's (Quest Mall, South City Mall, Acropolis Mall Kasba) * Cafe Mezzuna (Forum Mall Elgin Road, South City Mall) * Hoppipola (Acropolis Mall) * Afraa Lounge (City Centre Salt Lake) * Fairlawns (Sudder Street) * Big Ben (The Kenilworth, Little Russel Street) All pubs are supposed to shut shop by midnight or 1AM. So go early if you want to enjoy in club. ==Sleep== Kolkata has long had a concentration of budget backpacker hotels in the [[Kolkata/Esplanade#Sleep|Sudder Street]] area and many of these are colonial era gems, albeit decaying ones. Sudder Street is centrally located and is well connected by public transport. Both the major railway stations at [[Howrah]] and [[Kolkata/North Kolkata#Sleep|Sealdah]] have many hotels around them. Most of them might be only licensed to accommodate Indian citizens. Be sure to not walk with a local "friend" or guide, unless you want to have higher prices. There are some hotels in [[Kolkata/South#Sleep|Gariahat]]. Hotels have come up around hospital facilities as for example at [[Kolkata/East#Mukundapur|Mukundapur]] and Panchasayar. The growth of the IT Sector in [[Kolkata/East#Sleep|East Kolkata]] has lead to development of hotels in that area. There are numerous big budget deluxe 5-star & 4-star hotels around town. British-era clubs such as Tollygunge Club, Calcutta Club (AJC Bose Rd), Saturday Club (Theatre Rd), and Bengal Club (Russel St) have lavish rooms for rent. However, they only accept bookings through members. For individual hotel listings, please see the various district pages. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Else local sim card can be used for connectivity.Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. The area '''dialing code''' for Kolkata is '''33'''. From overseas dial +91 33 XXXX XXXX, from within India dial 033 XXXX XXXX. For mobile phones, dial +91 XXXXX XXXXX. Kolkata has only one area code (033). Internet cafes are also available in plenty and charges ₹10-25/hour. You need to show your identity card to use internet in those cafes. ==Stay safe== [[File:India - Kolkata street beggar - 3246.jpg|thumb|A beggar in Kolkata]] Kolkata is one of the safest metropolitan areas in India, and the people are friendly and helpful, unlike in most of India's other large cities. One noted problem is the drug dealers around Sudder Street. However, as the dealers obviously do not want to draw undue attention to their activity, they are not persistent and rarely a threat. There have been rare incidents of chain, bag and mobile snatching in railway stations and empty roads. Visitors outside the city are often magnets for [[begging|beggars]], frauds and touts. In [[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]], beggars often knock at the glass windows of cars. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation. ===Emergency=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Police | alt=Kolkata Police | url=http://www.kolkatapolice.gov.in/ | email= | address=18, Lal Bazar St, Radha Bazar, Lal Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001 | lat=22.5726076 | long=88.3501937 | directions=Lal Bazar | phone=+91 33 2214-3024, +91 33 2214-3230, +91 33 2214-1310 | tollfree=100 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-03-02 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Fire | phone=101 }} ===Police stations=== * {{listing | name=Ballygunge | phone=+91 33 24543179 (2100), +91 33 24862601 }} * {{listing | name=Bhowanipore | phone=+91 33 24558092, +91 33 24541100, +91 33 24862711 }} * {{listing | name=Dum Dum | phone=+91 33 25514167 }} * {{listing | name=Maidan | phone=+91 33 2223 2462 (4551), +91 33 22480100 }} * {{listing | name=Park Street | phone=+91 33 22268321, +91 33 22832100, +91 33 22276437 }} ==Stay healthy== Kolkata has a number of medical colleges and hospitals. For individual hospital listings, please see the various district pages. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata (''Government'') | alt= | url=https://www.medicalcollegekolkata.in/ | email= | address=88 College St | lat=22.5736 | long=88.3619 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24512644 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3348933 | content= }} * {{listing | name=St. John's Ambulance | address=5, Government Place | phone=+91 33 22485277 }} * {{listing | name=Wochhardt Medical Centre | address=2/7, Sarat Bose Road | phone= +91 33 24754320 }} ==Cope== === Consulates === * {{flag|Bangladesh}} {{listing | name=Bangladesh |alt=| url=http://bdhc-kolkata.org/ | email= | address=Circus Ave | lat=22.5414929 | long=88.3589803 | directions=Just E of AJC Bose Rd | phone=+91 33 2290 5208, +91 33 2290 5209, +91 33 2288 6536 (After hours) | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-2288-1616 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=Issues 15-day visas. Applications are received at window #4 M-F from 9-11AM, and visas are generally ready the next afternoon. Bring 3 passport photos. As of December 2018, there seems to be a new policy: the application should be first filled online as directed on their website. You can use the payed services of the stands in front of the High Commission to fill the forms for you, just bring one or two passport photos. Beware that at least in some cases, the Kolkata office can be reluctant to issue visa for non-Indians, and the process requires assertiveness and patience. }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China |alt=| url=http://in.china-embassy.org/eng/jgsz/t631873.htm | email=chinaconsul_kkt@mfa.gov.cn | address=EC-72, Sector I, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5834834 | long=88.4070012 | directions= | phone=+91 33 4004 8169 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 4004 8168 | hours=M-F 10AM-12:30PM| price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France |alt=| url= | email= | address=26 Park Mansions, Park St | lat=22.5184239 | long=88.3286423 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany |alt=| url= | email= | address=1 Hastings Park Rd, Alipore | lat=22.5249993 | long=88.3321313 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2479 1141, +91 33 2479 1142, +91 33 2479 2150, +91 33 2439 8906 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 4004 8168 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=The origins of the German consulate in Kolkata can be traced to before the existence of Germany itself, to the establishment of the consulate of the Kingdom of Hanover in 1851 and the Consulate of Prussia in 1854. }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy |alt=| url=http://www.conscalcutta.esteri.it/ | email=consolatogenerale.calcutta@esteri.it | address=Alipore | lat=22.5240717 | long=88.325556 | directions=3, Raja Santosh Road | phone=+91 33-24792414 - 24792426, +91 98312-12216 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-24793892 | hours=M-F 10AM-noon | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | alt= | url=http://www.kolkata.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html | email= | address=55, M. N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge | lat=22.4874321 | long=88.3409411 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2421-1970 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2421-1971 | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | alt= | url= | email= | address=1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani | lat=22.5472312 | long=88.347796 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2288 5173, +91 33 2288 6536 (After hours) | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2288-1616 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | alt= | url=https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/kolkata/ | email=consularkolkata@state.gov | address=5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani | lat=22.5472312 | long=88.347796 | directions= | phone=+91 33 3984 2400 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-2282 2335 | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content=It is the oldest diplomatic post of the U.S. in India, and the second oldest in the world (the oldest being in London). Benjamin Joy was appointed the first American Consul to Kolkata by George Washington in 1792, upon the express recommendation of then- Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson. (Note that the ironic address was the result of a diplomatic snub by the then Marxist Bengal government during the period of the U.S. war in Indochina.) }} ==Go next== [[File:Ferry in Sundarbans.jpg|thumb|250px|Sunderbans]] *'''[[Bangladesh]]'''. Tickets for buses running to the border and [[Dhaka]] can be reserved at Shyamoli Yatri Paribahan, 6/1 Marquis St (parallel to and one block south of Sudder Street, and just west of Mirza Ghalib St, next door to DHL), {{phone|+91 33 2252 0693}}. 2-3 buses per day leave this office on Tu, Th and Sa, usually at 5:30AM, 8:30AM and 12:30PM. The fare is ₹86 to the Haridaspur border post (about 2½ hr). All the way to Dhaka (with a bus change at the border) will cost ₹550 (about 12 hr). Beware that several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for Tk5 for the 2&nbsp;km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least half way. *'''[[Bhutan]]''' - Tucked away in the corner of the bus station is a small Bhutan Government kiosk selling tickets for buses running to the Bhutanese border town of [[Phuentsholing]]. Buses depart Tu Th Sa at 9PM, and the 18-hr journey costs ₹300. *'''[[Bishnupur (West Bengal)|Bishnupur]]''' - famous for terracotta temples, clay sculptures and silk sarees. *'''[[Darjeeling Hills]]''' - a mountainous region home to [[Darjeeling]], [[Kalimpong]] and [[Mirik]]. *'''[[Digha]]''' - a beach town in the southern part of the state. Buses from Esplanade Bus Station. *'''[[Howrah]]''' - twin city of Kolkata. *'''[[Samukpota]]''' - about 10 km from Kolkata is the village of is a "Green Mall," which offers an extensive collection of palm trees plus other plants, gardening tools, yoga instruction, and South Indian food. *'''[[Santiniketan]]''' - famous for the Ashramik School, and university founded by Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. The town is also known for its handmade leather crafts and ''kantha'' stitch sarees. *'''[[Sundarbans National Park]]''' - part of the largest littoral mangrove in the world, and home to the famous Bengal Tigers. {{usablecity}} {{geo|22.5726723|88.3638815|zoom=13}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Bengal}} {{hasDocent|2006nishan178713}} 527nwm6i2r67ozhoesyvdor5cjwei1l 4488114 4488113 2022-07-22T06:53:06Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Go next */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BBDBag Pano-2.jpg}} {{printDistricts}} {{confused|[[Kozhikode]], formerly '''Calicut''', a city in southwestern India.}} '''Kolkata''' ([[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]: কলকাতা, [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]: कोलकाता) (formerly '''Calcutta''') is the capital of [[West Bengal]] and one of the largest urban agglomerations in [[India]]. It is the largest city in Eastern India. Kolkata is an 'in your face' city that shocks and charms the unsuspecting visitor. Long known as the cultural capital of India and home to the so-called Bengal Renaissance, 'The City of Joy' (the sobriquet became more famous after the publication of a novel of the same name) continues to spawn generations of poets, writers, film directors and Nobel Prize winners. If your trip only allows for a visit of one or two of India's metropolitan cities, then definitely consider placing Kolkata on your itinerary. Kolkata is arguably one of the most socially, culturally and politically progressive cities in India. Love it or hate it, you definitely won't forget the 'City of Joy'. ==Districts== {{Regionlist | regionmap=Kolkata Wikivoyage map PNG.png | regionmaptext=Districts of Kolkata | regionmapsize=300px | region1name=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | region1color=#4f93c0 | region1description=The colonial district is still the central business and administrative area and is considered the heart of Kolkata. Made up of the northern part of Chowringhee, Park Street, Mirza Ghalib Street (Free School Street), B. B. D. Bagh (Dalhousie Square), Chandni Chowk, Burrabazar and Sudder Street. | region2name=[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]] | region2color=#71b37b | region2description=The area consisting of the huge park and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Includes Fort William, Strand Road, Dufferin Road, Hooghly Bank and the southern part of Chowringhee. | region3name=[[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]] | region3color=#ac5c91 | region3description=The posh and new part of the city. Covers Ballygunge, Gariahat, Bhowanipore, Alipore, Chetla, New Alipore, Rash Behari, Dhakuria etc. This entire region is within Kolkata district (KMC Area). | region4name=[[Kolkata/Southern fringes|Southern fringes]] | region4color=#578e86 | region4description=The rapidly mushrooming localities to the south of the city. Includes Tollygunge, Taratala, Behala, Thakurpukur, Jadavpur, Kasba, Santoshpur, Baghajatin, Garia, Maheshtala, Rajpur Sonarpur, Baruipur, Joka, Pailan, Budge Budge, Narendrapur etc. This is a relatively newer part of the city where a lot of expansion is going on. | region5name=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5description=The older area of the city, a fascinating district dominated by narrow little lanes and hundreds of century-old buildings. Includes Chitpur, Bagbazar, Belgachia, Shyambazar, Shobhabazar, Maniktala, Jorasanko and the College Street area. Also here is the Kolkata station. North Kolkata was known as Black Town during the British period as it was home to the native population. | region6name=[[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes]] | region6color=#8a84a3 | region6description=The large industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat. Includes Cossipore, Dum Dum, Belghoria, Khardaha, Panihati, Titagarh and Madhyamgram, where there are a number of factories, including jute, paper, cotton, ordnance and chemicals. Dum Dum is also the prime communication hub of Kolkata, having the airport, Metro Rail, Circular Rail, and overground rail in this district. | region7name=[[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7description=Rapidly developing, especially the IT sector, and home to several malls. Encompasses Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar), Chinar Park, Rajarhat, New Town, Lake Town and the EM Bypass. Many five-star hotels, theme parks, posh housing estates and technology parks are being built in this area. | region8name=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | region8color=#69999f | region8description=A major industrial centre for the manufacturing of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. | region9name=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | region9color=#b5d29f | region9description=A cantonment town. }} == Understand== ===History=== [[File:Victoria Memorial By Saprativa.jpg|thumb|400px|The Victoria Memorial, a reminder of the Raj.]] Kolkata's history is intimately related to the British East India Company, which arrived in 1690, and to British India, of which Calcutta became the capital in 1772. Job Charnock was widely known as the founder of Calcutta. There were 3 villages named Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata. Later the village Kalikata became the city Kolkata. But some Indian historians have disputed this claim, arguing that Kolkata developed naturally over a period, centred on the ancient Kali temple at Kalighat and the port at Kidderpore. Whatever its origins, Kolkata flowered as the capital of British India during the 19th century, the heyday of the Raj. Calcutta University, the first modern Indian university was founded here in 1857. Kolkata became the centre of Indian arts and literature, and the national movement for independence got its start here. However, with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1911, the pains of the partition of Bengal in 1947, a violent repressive and feudal state machinery operational for nearly the first two decades after independence, the ideologically motivated Maoist movement (the Naxalbari movement) in the 1970s, followed by the Marxist rule has shaped the city to its present form. ===Modern Kolkata=== Kolkata has become the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India. The city's economic fortunes grew as the economic liberalisation in India during the early 1990s reached Kolkata during late 1990s. Kolkata is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, with diversity from all over India as well as Europeans (including Germans, Armenians, and others) and other Asians (including Chinese, Sinhalese, and Tibetans). Kolkata is also notable for being home to India's largest Chinatown, which continues to be home to many ethnic Chinese residents whose families have lived in India for several generations. In 1977, a "Left Front" coalition of the Communist and Marxist parties came to power and ruled the state for 34 years. This is reflected in street names and memorials in the city with names like Lenin Sarani and Ho Chi Minh Sarani. During this period, the various egalitarian approaches implemented at improving the living standards of the down-trodden has helped the city in bridging the wealth-gap and decreasing impoverishment. ===Economy=== [[File:Camac Street 'G K Tower'.jpg|thumb|GK Tower located in Camac Street]] [[File:SC Mall (1).JPG|thumb|The South City mall located near Jadavpur, is one of the largest shopping malls in Kolkata]] Kolkata is fast developing into a modern infotech city with various private sector companies setting up shops here. The landscape of the city is also fast changing with flyovers, gardens and several new commercial establishments. Kolkata city has expanded into its suburbs, with [[Greater Kolkata]] stretching from [[Kalyani]] (in Nadia district) in north to [[Jaynagar Majilpur]] in south (in South 24 Parganas district). The city's fortunes have looked up since the early 1990s, coinciding with the liberalisation of the Indian economy. Its economy has been amongst the fastest growing in the country. The New Metro city is characterised by popular spots such as multiplexes, theatres, clubs, pubs, coffee shops, and museums. Kolkata is home to many industrial units, of large Indian corporations, whose product range is varied and includes engineering products, electronics, electrical equipment, cables, steel, leather, textiles, jewellery, frigates, automobiles, railway coaches and wagons. Several industrial estates like Taratala, Uluberia, Dankuni, Kasba, and Howrah are spread throughout the urban agglomeration. A huge leather complex has come up at Bantala. An export processing zone has been set up in Falta. Specialised setups like the country's first Toy Park, and a Gem and Jewellery Park have also been established. Kolkata is also starting to become a major hub for the IT (Information Technology) industry. With the formation of New Town and extension of Salt Lake's Sector-V, Kolkata is rapidly turning into a pro-IT city. ===Geography=== [[File:Eastern High - Rajarhat 2012-04-11 9384.JPG|thumb|Apartment buildings in New Town, Kolkata]] Kolkata is in the eastern part of India and is spread along the eastern banks of the Hooghly River. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has an area of 185 km². The city can be roughly divided into two sections along Mother Teresa Sarani (which was known during the British rule as Park Street). North of Park Street is the more congested part of the city. South of Park Street is the slightly better planned section of the city. South Kolkata is better planned with wider roads and better equipped police force for keeping law & order. The better planning in South Kolkata is because it was built much later. The North is the real, old Kolkata and most of the oldest families and buildings are situated there. Over the past several years the city has expanded to the south and the east. The old Central Business District (CBD) is where the seat of the West Bengal Government is located, along with many other government offices. Several banks have their corporate or regional headquarters around the B. B. D. Bagh area (named after the revolutionaries Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta and Dinesh Gupta who forced entry into The Writers' Building, the epicentre of the British Raj government in Bengal). Many of Kolkata's older business groups have their main offices here. The area is a mix of multi-storeyed office blocks and colonial buildings. The newer CBD is around the south of Park Street, Camac Street and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road. Several high-rise office blocks including some of Kolkata's tallest commercial buildings, like the Chatterjee International Centre, Tata Centre, Everest House, Industry House, CGO Building, are located here. An even-newer CBD is now being set up in the Rajarhat-New Town area, lying between Bidhannagar (Salt Lake) and the Airport. Maidan (meaning open field) is between the river Hooghly and J. L. Nehru Road (or Chowringhee Road). It is said to be the lungs of Kolkata. The lush green meadow also houses Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, and several sporting clubs. Kolkatans simply love to stroll in the Maidan. In an effort to relieve congestion in the main city, many government offices have shifted to high-rise office buildings lining Salt Lake City's Central Park. The residential buildings are mainly low-rise and comprise of older colonial buildings and numerous new four-storied apartment blocks. 10- to 12-storey apartment blocks have come up in large numbers in South Kolkata. The city has relaxed its rules on high-rise construction and 20-storey buildings are becoming more common. The tallest residential towers of eastern India, the four 35-storey towers of South City, are on Prince Anwar Shah Road. Heavy construction activity along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass is changing the face of the city. Luxury hotels, a convention centre, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls and multiplexes are coming up at a rapid pace. The city's expansion in the eastern side is spearheaded by the construction of a new satellite township called New Town adjacent to the well planned Salt Lake City. It is one of the largest planned urban developments in India. The neglected western side of the urban agglomeration has got a boost with the signing of an agreement with Ciputra, an Indonesian company to build the Kolkata West International City (KWIC). Another huge new township is in the proposal state in [[Dankuni]]. Slums and dilapidated structures exist in many pockets of the city proper and house over 25% of the city's population (2001 census). Slum redevelopment schemes have helped improve living conditions by a small extent but there is huge scope for improvement in this area. Efforts to shift slum dwellers to newer developments have often met with resistance and failure because many of the slums are in prime areas of the city and the slum dwellers who are integrated in the social structure of the neighbourhood do not want to shift. Many roads in Kolkata have two names in use: the old colonial name that is still commonly used by locals, and the official post-independence new name that you will see in maps and on road signs. ===Climate=== [[File:Nalban - Kolkata 2011-09-14 5167.JPG|thumb|Monsoon clouds over Kolkata.]] Kolkata has three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summer, from March–May, is hot and humid with temperatures touching 38-42° Celsius. Monsoon starts in June and lasts till September or October. This is the time when heavy showers sometimes lead to waterlogging in a few areas. Winter is from November to February. This is the best season to visit the city, as the weather is very pleasant with temperatures ranging between 8 and 20°. ===Time=== Kolkata is in the GMT+5:30 time zone. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Kolkata Airport new integrated terminal skyview.jpg|thumb|Skyview of the integrated terminal of Kolkata Airport]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport | alt={{IATA|CCU}}, Dum Dum Airport, নেতাজি সুভাষচন্দ্র বসু আন্তর্জাতিক বিমানবন্দর | url=http://www.kolkatainternationalairport.com/ | email=apdkolkata@aai.aero | address=Jessore Road | lat=22.654722 | long=88.446667 | directions=about 18&nbsp;km outside the city centre. There is a '''prepaid taxi''' option (₹150-250). State-run air-conditioned buses are available to get into the city. Cheaper, and hassle free, and since you can hail a taxi anywhere in the city centre to take you to your final destination, you do not need to worry. However, in case you are arriving at the busy hours, it is better to get a prepaid taxi, which takes you directly to your destination. Moreover app based Cab services such as Ola and Uber are also available from the airport. The buses are parked outside the arrival gate at the domestic terminal. International travellers would have to walk down from their terminal for 800 m. As you come out of the international terminal, turn left and keep walking towards the domestic terminal. Do not be dissuaded by the taxi touts, who would try and make you believe that the buses do not run anymore. | phone=+91 33 2511 8036 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2511 9266 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport | image=Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.jpg | wikidata=Q388535 |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=Services on the airport, at tha International Terminal: a newsagent, a Duty Free shop, a clothes outlet, a coffee shop and a music outlet. At the Domestic Terminal: a couple of handicraft shops, a newsagent, a medical outlet, a sweets stall, a florist. Passengers facilities: trollies, telephone in security hold area, wheelchair, medical inspection room, child care room, assistance to physically challenged, inter-terminal bus service, airport post office. phone +91 33 2511 8787, +91 33 39874987 }} ===By train=== [[File:Howrah Station.jpg|thumb|Howrah railway station as seen from the Hooghly River]] Kolkata is well connected by rail to almost all the big stations in India and also serves as the gateway to [[North-Eastern India]]. Also, there are two international trains from [[Bangladesh]], the ''Maitree Express'' connects Kolkata with the capital [[Dhaka]] three times per week and the ''Bandhan Express'' runs from [[Khulna]] once per week. For train timings and tickets check with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ '''Indian Railways''']. * {{go | name=Howrah Junction railway station | alt=হাওড়া জংশন রেলওয়ে স্টেশন | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.583 | long=88.3425 | directions=Across the Hooghly river from the [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] district. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Howrah Junction railway station | wikidata=Q986105 | image=Howrah Station.jpg | lastedit=2018-11-17 | content=It is not in Kolkata but in the adjoining city of [[Howrah]], on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Howrah is the largest railway complex in India with over 600 trains arriving per day. There are 26 platforms in Howrah station. Local trains of Eastern Railway arrives mainly at 1-9 platforms while South Eastern Railway local trains arrive at platforms 17-23, remaining platforms is used for long-distance trains. Platforms 17 to 26 are in New Complex, just south of the original building. For passengers it has an enormous covered waiting area between the main complex and the platforms. In addition there is a Yatri Niwas (railway's travellers' lodge) with dormitory, single room, and double room accommodation. The vehicular carriageways along the length of platforms allow passengers to be dropped near rail compartments — a facility unique among most major stations of the country. Directly facing Howrah are ferries (₹5) that can get you to other side of the river to either Babu Ghat or Fairlie Place in the [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] district from where you can arrange onward transportation with anything from taxis to public buses to rickshaws. }} [[File:The new DEMU bullet train at sealdah station 2014-06-03 12-27.jpg|thumb|A DEMU train at Sealdah station]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Sealdah railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bepin Behari Ganguly Street, Sealdah | lat=22.5681 | long=88.3718 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3347406 | content=Handicapped/disabled access. There are 19 platforms. Never hire a taxi from the nearby taxi-stand as they ask higher fares for taxi. There are pre-paid taxis to enter the city. The pre-paid taxi stand just outside the station's main entrance. The counter is under a tin shed. }} *{{listing | type=go | name=Kolkata railway station | alt=Kolkata Chitpur Railway Terminus | url= | email= | address=Belgachia | lat=22.6013 | long=88.3841 | directions=Buses: '''K1''' ( Kolkata Station -Ultadanga- New Town -unitech) at an interval of about ten minutes; '''007''' (Makrampur - Kolkata station via Tematha, Sonarpur station, Kamalgazi, Garia, Patuli, Hiland Park, Mukundapur, Kalikapur, Ruby Hospital, Science City, Chingrighata, E.M. Bypass, Ultadanga, Khanna, Shyambazar); '''JM2''' (Malancha - Kolkata Station via Harinavi, Rajpur, Kamalgazi, Dhalai Bridge, Patuli, Hiland Park, Mukundapur, Kalikapur, Ruby Hospital, Science City, Chingrighata, E.M. Bypass, Ultadanga, Khanna, Shyambazar); if you reach near RG Kar Medical College and Hopital, which is only 8 to 10 minutes' walk, you get myriads of buses plying on different routes | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6427323 | content=It receives a number of trains which used to terminate at Sealdah station. The station is linked to the Sealdah-Ranaghat Line and is served by the Eastern Railway for trains to Bandel, Kalyani Simanta, Gede, Shantipur, Krishnanagar, Dankuni, Kolkata Airport, Bongaon, Hasnabad and others. The number of suburban trains is lower than long-distance trains. This station runs many long distance express trains including two pairs of Garibrath Express, and one long distance passenger train - Lalgola Passenger. The station also has an International train. The ''Maitree Express'', provides a direct link between Kolkata and [[Dhaka]], the capital of [[Bangladesh]]. There are five platforms, among them Platform 1 & 2 is used by only suburban trains, and Platform 3, 4 & 5 are used by long-distance trains. '''Services''': There are waiting rooms and retiring rooms for use by passengers awaiting connecting trains. In addition there is a taxi stand and a bus station outside the station. }} *{{go | image=Santragachi Railway Station - Howrah 2012-01-26 1624.JPG | name=Santragachi railway station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Santragachi Station Rd, Santragachi, Howrah | lat=22.5836 | long=88.2839| directions= there are taxi stands and bus stands, and a Volvo bus service to connect this area to Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport| phone= | hours= | price=| content=There are six platforms. Serves '''local trains''' to Amta, Mecheda, Panskura, Haldia, [[Contai]], [[Midnapore]] and Kharagpur. A few trains originate from Santragachi station to Ajmer, Porbandar, and Nanded, and a Vivek Express running to Mangalore Central starting from Santragachi. Mostly all Howrah/Shalimar bound express/mail trains stop here. }} ====Local trains==== * The Eastern Railway serves local trains to Hasnabad, Bongaon, Gede, Krishnanagar, Budge Budge, Canning, Diamond Harbour, Namkhana, Tarkeshwar, Katwa, [[Bardhaman]] and numerous intermediate stations and mail/express trains to Central, North and North-East India. * The South Eastern Railway serves local trains to Amta, Mecheda, Panskura, [[Tamluk]], [[Haldia]], [[Contai]], [[Midnapore]] and [[Kharagpur]]; and mail/express trains to Central, West and South India. ===By bus=== [[File:Esplanade Bus Station.jpg|thumb|Esplanade Bus Station]] '''From Bangladesh''', there are numerous bus options between Kolkata and [[Bangladesh]]. The most common way is the regular comfortable a/c buses from [[Dhaka]] to Kolkata via the [[Haridaspur]] / [[Benapole]] border post. Private bus companies '''[http://www.shohagh.com/group/ Shohagh]''', '''[http://www.greenlineparibahan.com/ Green Line]''','''[http://shyamolibusservice.com/ Shyamoli]''' and others operate daily bus services on this route. Govt. buses run under the label of the state govt. undertaken West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and the '''[http://www.brtc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]''' (BRTC). WBTC and BRTC operate buses from Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30AM and 8:30AM, and 12:30PM while from Dhaka they leave on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7AM and 7:30AM. The normal journey time is around 12 hr with a one-way fare of 550 or 600-800 [[Bangladesh#Money|Bangladeshi taka]]s. If you're only headed to [[Haridaspur]] the fare is ₹86 (2½ hours). The '''Shyamoli Paribahan''' ticket office is at 6/1 Marquis St (''parallel to and one block south of Sudder Street, and just west of Mirza Ghalib St, next door to DHL''), 2252 0693. Several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for 5 Bangladeshi takas for the 2-km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least half way. '''From Eastern India via Bangladesh'''. Bus travel to some points in Eastern India is faster via Bangladesh (visas will be required for entry into Bangladesh as well as for re-entry into India). If you're heading to points in Eastern India (Tripura for example) beyond Bangladesh, then there is a regular bus service between [[Dhaka]] and [[Agartala]], the capital of India's [[Tripura]] state. Two BRTC buses leave daily from Dhaka and connect with the Tripura Road Transport Corporation vehicles, running six days a week with a roundtrip fare of 600 Bangladeshi takas. There is only one halt at '''Ashuganj''' in Bangladesh during the journey. Call {{phone|+880 2 8360241}} for schedule. Other entry points to North-Eastern India through Bangladesh are '''Hili''', Chilahati / '''Haldibari''' and '''Banglaband''' border posts through Northern Bangladesh and '''Tamabil/Dawki''' border post for a route between [[Shillong]] ([[Meghalaya]]) and [[Sylhet]] in North-Eastern Bangladesh, and some others with lesser-known routes from north-eastern Indian regions. Although scheduled bus services to Shillong from Kolkata through Dhaka may not be available, you can get to those points via land routes going through Sylhet and then on to Tamabil/Dawki border outposts. Enquire at the Bus Service Counters for details. * {{go | name=Esplanade Bus Terminus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rashmoni Avenue | lat=22.56360 | long=88.3498 | directions=Next to Esplanade metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | image=Esplanade Bus Station.jpg | lastedit=2018-11-17 | content= }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|22.580|88.348|zoom=10}} {{Mapmask |23.0094,88.4356 |22.9818,88.4777 |22.9717,88.4808 |22.9631,88.4755 |22.9540,88.4688 |22.9506,88.4638 |22.9499,88.4561 |22.9242,88.4592 |22.9027,88.4382 |22.8841,88.4444 |22.8740,88.4415 |22.8736,88.4331 |22.8553,88.4310 |22.7496,88.4523 |22.7420,88.4643 |22.7398,88.4849 |22.7445,88.5103 |22.7135,88.5076 |22.6825,88.4904 |22.6752,88.4794 |22.6755,88.4571 |22.6435,88.4557 |22.6318,88.4815 |22.6242,88.4904 |22.6112,88.5141 |22.6064,88.5460 |22.5601,88.5450 |22.5459,88.5309 |22.5636,88.4849 |22.5516,88.4726 |22.5693,88.4540 |22.5525,88.4382 |22.4802,88.4362 |22.4564,88.4413 |22.3853,88.4499 |22.3793,88.4530 |22.3687,88.4549 |22.3628,88.4478 |22.3593,88.4341 |22.3602,88.4238 |22.3640,88.4138 |22.4393,88.3654 |22.4396,88.3332 |22.4221,88.3060 |22.4148,88.2827 |22.4291,88.2566 |22.4631,88.2590 |22.4808,88.2535 |22.4850,88.2398 |22.4793,88.2092 |22.4872,88.2037 |22.4669,88.1732 |22.4562,88.1353 |22.4546,88.1246 |22.4637,88.1220 |22.4669,88.1235 |22.4697,88.1282 |22.4729,88.1419 |22.4739,88.1581 |22.4783,88.1701 |22.4961,88.1876 |22.5040,88.1962 |22.5138,88.2127 |22.5167,88.2271 |22.5202,88.2401 |22.5284,88.2456 |22.5348,88.2465 |22.5367,88.2442 |22.5408,88.2439 |22.5457,88.2454 |22.5478,88.2436 |22.5525,88.2436 |22.5549,88.2416 |22.5576,88.2430 |22.5587,88.2494 |22.5578,88.2549 |22.5551,88.2712 |22.5508,88.2891 |22.5505,88.2937 |22.5490,88.2966 |22.5466,88.3042 |22.5465,88.3096 |22.5484,88.3185 |22.5508,88.3253 |22.5558,88.3305 |22.5608,88.3338 |22.5646,88.3391 |22.5690,88.3416 |22.5728,88.3441 |22.5845,88.3490 |22.5912,88.3510 |22.5946,88.3522 |22.5970,88.3538 |22.5994,88.3569 |22.6011,88.3599 |22.6031,88.3626 |22.6048,88.3647 |22.6079,88.3672 |22.6107,88.3682 |22.6138,88.3687 |22.6177,88.3684 |22.6226,88.3674 |22.6355,88.3628 |22.6424,88.3605 |22.6471,88.3592 |22.6534,88.3573 |22.6586,88.3565 |22.6621,88.3564 |22.6677,88.3579 |22.6731,88.3617 |22.6834,88.3660 |22.6946,88.3668 |22.7094,88.3648 |22.7177,88.3648 |22.7228,88.3624 |22.7269,88.3616 |22.7305,88.3619 |22.7360,88.3644 |22.7401,88.3655 |22.7424,88.3659 |22.7451,88.3660 |22.7478,88.3654 |22.7501,88.3645 |22.7539,88.3615 |22.7564,88.3590 |22.7589,88.3558 |22.7617,88.3509 |22.7642,88.3460 |22.7695,88.3375 |22.7737,88.3346 |22.7761,88.3337 |22.7782,88.3335 |22.7799,88.3336 |22.7819,88.3344 |22.7840,88.3356 |22.7847,88.3370 |22.7855,88.3394 |22.7860,88.3425 |22.7877,88.3460 |22.7897,88.3490 |22.7935,88.3536 |22.7967,88.3563 |22.7998,88.3580 |22.8036,88.3593 |22.8064,88.3595 |22.8112,88.3593 |22.8153,88.3590 |22.8179,88.3579 |22.8205,88.3578 |22.8225,88.3584 |22.8239,88.3593 |22.8252,88.3602 |22.8265,88.3618 |22.8271,88.3637 |22.8272,88.3661 |22.8269,88.3687 |22.8265,88.3711 |22.8266,88.3725 |22.8274,88.3744 |22.8285,88.3771 |22.8303,88.3785 |22.8321,88.3795 |22.8337,88.3797 |22.8361,88.3793 |22.8381,88.3789 |22.8405,88.3781 |22.8426,88.3767 |22.8455,88.3748 |22.8476,88.3735 |22.8505,88.3727 |22.8537,88.3730 |22.8560,88.3731 |22.8582,88.3739 |22.8609,88.3765 |22.8621,88.3783 |22.8651,88.3830 |22.8671,88.3880 |22.8691,88.3936 |22.8736,88.4032 |22.8761,88.4072 |22.8787,88.4092 |22.8810,88.4103 |22.8833,88.4112 |22.8868,88.4118 |22.8903,88.4114 |22.8929,88.4109 |22.8955,88.4101 |22.9005,88.4086 |22.9056,88.4058 |22.9099,88.4053 |22.9143,88.4033 |22.9183,88.4033 |22.9213,88.4054 |22.9244,88.4080 |22.9282,88.4102 |22.9318,88.4121 |22.9398,88.4136 |22.9506,88.4127 |22.9582,88.4121 |22.9715,88.4082 |22.9768,88.4062 |22.9820,88.4066 |22.9896,88.4088 |22.9961,88.4111 |23.0035,88.4145 |23.0053,88.4185 |23.0094,88.4356}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By taxi=== [[File:India - Kolkata rainy street - 3819.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Kolkata's yellow Ambassador taxis]] Kolkata just wouldn't look the same without the plethora of yellow Ambassador taxis that ply on its roads. They're easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory. However, Kolkata taxis sometimes refuse to go to some distant remote locations (like Behala, Bansdroni, Howrah) where they wouldn't get any passenger while returning. If they agree, they will demand high pay; be ready for such a situation. New taxis have been introduced, which are called "No Refusal Taxis", but sadly, these taxis are also no different. Some of the new taxis are air-conditioned; usually, these will also have a "Same Fare" sign on them. There is a 25% extra charge if you want the air-conditioner to be turned on in such taxis. In Kolkata, it is a crime for taxis to refuse a request to go to certain destinations, and they can be fined, but if you threaten the driver with a complaint to the police, they will simply ask you to complain. Cars by app-based services such as Uber and Ola are easily available (round-the-clock), reasonably priced, comfortable and have been embraced by citizens. ===By metro=== [[File:Kolkata Metro.jpg|thumb|The Kolkata Metro is the oldest metro system in India.]] Kolkata's [http://www.kmrc.in/ '''Metro Rail'''] is the oldest underground and elevated railway system in India. It is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. Trains run every 6-15 min. They run from 7AM-9:45PM from Monday to Saturday and 10AM-9:45PM. on Sunday. Line 1 connects the North and South of the city, from Dakshineswar to New Garia. Line 2 connects the city from Salt Lake Sector-V to Sealdah. New Tourist Smart Cards shall be introduced, Card-I. valid for one day unlimited ride, Card-II. for three days. For more about these, read the '''[http://www.mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/viewsection_opennew2.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,396 conditions here].''' ===By tram=== Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India, and the oldest surviving electric tram network of Asia. Though decommissioned in some part of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of travelling between a few places within the city. Operated by WBTC since 2016, they move slow on the laid tracks in traffic jammed streets, but they are environment-friendly (no emissions on the street, only at the source of energy generation). The network includes '''[http://wbtc.co.in/ 25 Tram Routes]''' ===By train=== The electrified suburban rail network of SER and ER is extensive and includes the Circular Rail. Depending on the route, 'local' trains can be extremely crowded. It is less expensive to travel around by train as compared to private cabs or taxis. Men are advised not to sit in ‘Ladies’ compartment. ===By bus=== The city has an extensive bus network (possibly the most exhaustive in the whole of India) and this is the cheapest, though not always the most comfortable means of transport. The routes are written all over the colourful buses in Bengali and also in English. The conductors call out their destinations to everyone he's passing and all you have to do is wave at the bus anywhere and it will stop, at times causing a small queue of other cars behind it. Esplanade is a major bus-terminus in Kolkata. Karunamoyee in Salt Lake City is another major bus depot. Some buses operate from the Babughat area in Kolkata as well. Among the buses that ply the city streets, the deluxe buses run by JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) and WBTC (West Bengal Transport Corporation) are probably the better option. Air-conditioned buses (Volvo) are also available to many destinations. ===By auto-rickshaw=== In Kolkata, there are shared auto-rickshaws, i.e. the auto-rickshaws don't ferry just a single person but four person at a time. The fare is not set by meters, as fares are fixed by the auto-rickshaw associations. Auto-rickshaws have a fixed route and a vehicle of that route travel in that particular route only. However unlike taxis, they don't refuse passengers. The fare of an auto-rickshaw is much less than that of a taxi (for example, ₹7-10). Be prepared to give the exact fare as they are very reluctant to give change. ===By rickshaw=== [[File:Manpowered rickshaw.JPG|thumb|250px|A human-pulled rickshaw]] There are two types of rickshaws in Kolkata: human pulled rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws. However human-pulled rickshaws are confined to the Gariahat and Ballygunge region and take more fare than cycle-rickshaws. The cycle-rickshaw is the most convenient mean of transport in Kolkata. It is very cheap and can accommodate two adults. The fare is not determined by meter by the respective rickshaw association. Unlike auto-rickshaws, they go to any place in a particular region. However, after 10PM rickshaw drivers may demand an exorbitant fees, and the same goes for times during natural calamities such as heavy rainfall. ===By ferry=== The river offers a less crowded but slow traffic medium. There are several points (popularly called Ghats and jetties) on the bank of the river from where you can board several regular routes of ferry services. Ferries can be fairly large launches to small improvised motorized boats. Even if you don't get any exotic manual boat like you get in [[Varanasi]], the river transport of the city lets you go to several old spots near the bank in a hassle-free manner with an additional dash of the view of decadent river front of the city. ===Hiring a car=== Privately owned rental car places are available throughout the city. Rates depend on the make, model, size and comfort level of the car. Agreements are flexible, for example, cars can be rented even for couple of hours at an hourly rate. Most rental cars are accompanied with a driver from the rental agency. ==Talk== Being in [[West Bengal]], the native language of the people of Kolkata is '''[[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]'''. However, most locals also speak English and some [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]. Many shopkeepers and taxi drivers are able to communicate in broken English, and government offices will typically have English-speaking staff on duty. Although it is generally not a problem getting by with English, learning some Bengali will make your trip much smoother. == See == [[File:Indian Museum, Courtyard, Kolkata, India.jpg|thumb|The Indian Museum was built in 1814 and is one of the oldest museums in India]] The city sprawls along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, a branch of the river Ganges, which divides it from Howrah on the western bank. For travellers, the most relevant parts of Kolkata are south of the Howrah Bridge in the areas around '''[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]]''' and '''[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]]'''. A walk along Chowringhee Road sets the pace as you unravel the rare beauty of this city. Across the road sweeps a huge, lush green, open parkland called the '''[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]]''', centering around '''Fort William''', the massive and impregnable British Citadel built in 1773. The Maidan is 3&nbsp;km in length and over 1&nbsp;km in width, is a rambling green ‘lung of Kolkata’. Dotted with colourful maidan clubs, the area is a hub of diverse activities. ====Spiritual==== Kolkata has many places of worship of different religions. '''Dakshineswar Kali Temple''' is a famous Hindu temple in Kolkata and is associated with Sri Ramakrishna, the eclectic 19th-century saint who revived Hinduism during the British Raj. '''Kalighat''' is a Hindu pilgrimage site and an essential shrine of Hindu Shakti worship. '''St Paul's Cathedral''' is the largest cathedral in the city and next to the Birla Planetarium. '''Armenian Church''' is the oldest place of Christian worship in Kolkata. '''Jewish Synagogues''', the Maghen David Synagogue on Jewish Synagogue Street and the BETHEL on Pollock Street are very old worship houses and a reminder of the cosmopolitan nature of the city. '''Pareshnath Jain Temple''', an ornate mass of mirrors, coloured stones and glass mosaic, and overlooks a beautiful garden. It is in Gauri Bari, near Maniktala. '''Parsi Fire Temples''', cater to the religious needs of the prominent Parsi community of Kolkata. Located on Metcalf Street and Beliaghata. ==Do== Take a '''walk along the river'''. There is a good promenade near the Eden Gardens. Take a '''tram ride''' in Kolkata. The city has the only active tram service in India and has become an icon of Kolkata. They move slow on the laid tracks in traffic-jammed streets. Several modern '''cinemas''' are dotted around the city, including [http://www.inoxmovies.com/ INOX] with several locations, [http://www.famecinemas.com/ Fame] at Metropolis Mall in Highland Park, and [http://www.adlabscinemas.com/ RDB Adlabs] at RDB Boulevard, Near Infinity Building in Salt Lake Sector-V, all showing Indian and American blockbusters. Unlike most of cricket-obsessed India, '''[[Association football|football (soccer)]]''' reigns supreme in Kolkata, with the local clubs [http://www.mohunbaganac.com Mohun Bagan Athletic Club] and [http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com East Bengal Club] being the most successful in India. They contest the Kolkata Derby biannually, which is considered by many to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in all of Asia. ===Events=== '''[http://www.iplt20.com/ Indian Premier League]''' (IPL) is the main club [[cricket]] league in India. It is one of the world's most widely attended sporting events, and if you are in Kolkata during the season (April–May), consider watching the home team (Kolkata Knight Riders) play at Eden Gardens. '''[http://www.kolkatabookfaironline.com Kolkata Book Fair]''' takes place from the last week of January to the first week of February. It is the largest book fair in Asia and is a significant event in the city. '''Durga Puja''', a festival honouring the Hindu goddess Durga, takes place in October. The biggest festival for Hindus in Bengal and Eastern India, Kolkata takes on an almost carnival-like ambience. Streets shut down for the construction of ''pandals'', large stands that depict events from the Ramayana and crowds flock to the biggest and best ones. Durga Puja in Kolkata has been listed as a [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage]] in 2022. A good time to visit, unless you have a fear of crowds. ==Work== '''Volunteering''' is a real option here with several opportunities. * '''Brother Xavier's New Hope'''. Home for orphans of Kolkata's red light district. A much smaller mission than Mother Teresa's which one man built from the ground up. Brother Xavier and the children always need volunteers and funds. * '''Mother Teresa's Mission''' accepts volunteers to help in its multiple projects around the city. Enquire at the motherhouse. ==Buy== Traditionally Kolkata had certain shopping areas or districts. The New Market area was considered the core of fashionable marketing. That was the market place for the British and later patronised by the more sophisticated Indians. There were large markets in Burrabazar, Hatibagan-Shyambazar, Gariahat and Bhowanipore. There were several specialised markets: electrical goods at Chandni Chowk, jewellery at Bowbazar, books at College Street, fish at Maniktala, flowers at Jagannanth Ghat, the Maidan market for sports goods and so on. The malls are a more recent addition. The South City Mall, supposed to be the biggest in the city, is in its [[Kolkata/Southern fringes|southern fringes]]. [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]], the area that has come up, has large number of malls. New malls are being added. One has come up at Park Circus, an old neighbourhood in [[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]], in 2013. All the district pages list malls and markets in the district. Where there are border-line cases, the mall is listed in one district with a link in the other. ==Eat== [[File:Rasgulla - Kolkata 2011-08-02 4547.JPG|thumb|''Roshogolla,'' sweet dumplings made out of ''Chenna'' (Indian cottage cheese) and semolina dough.]] Kolkata has old traditions about eating out. Wilson's Hotel (it later became Great Eastern Hotel) is credited to have been the first western-style hotel/restaurant in Kolkata, serving what was then forbidden food for Indians, particularly Hindus. One could be treated as an out-caste if caught eating there, but the idea caught on and others followed. Many of the restaurants that line the streets in the Esplanade area have been around for more than a hundred years. The joy of food in Kolkata is in its Indian foods. Nizam's (at 23-24 Hogg Street), close to New Market, is credited with the invention of the famous Kati Kebab roll and still serves up the best of the best. For Mughlai dishes there are several places to eat in the [[Kolkata/South#Park Circus|Park Circus]] area, and there are others all over the city. Bengali food is centred around fish. ''Macher jhol'', fish in curry gravy, is a watery fish curry available everywhere and goes well with rice, but Bengalis everywhere swear by the ''hilsa'' fish (a variant of shad). Hilsa, lightly marinaded in mustard and steamed is up there with the best fish dishes in the world. There are a number of restaurants serving Bengali cuisine in all the districts. Bengali sweets are famous all over India. ''Roshogolla'' (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), ''panthua'', a fried variant of the same, ''roshomalai'', the same cheeseballs dipped in creamy sweetened milk, ''mishti doi'' (sweet yoghurt), ''shondesh'' (another type of milk-based sweet, available in several variations). Kolkata is also the home of Indian Chinese food. Chinese restaurants are everywhere so try the Indian variant of hot and sour soup and the famous Indian Chinese dish of chilli chicken. The best place to have Chinese is to visit Chinatown near Tangra, EM Bypass. It serves the best of the Chinese dishes and you will find plenty of large, small & medium restaurants. There are some restaurants serving Thai, Mediterranean or Italian food. Kolkata also has many excellent vegetarian restaurants ranging from budget to expensive ones. There are two types: those serving North Indian and those serving South Indian food. For those looking for vegetarian street foods, one can find ubiquitous ''jhal muri'' (somewhat similar to ''bhel puri'' of [[Mumbai]]) a concoction of puffed rice mixed with various spices, vegetables & other ingredients available at street vendors all over Kolkata. Street vendors selling egg rolls/chicken rolls abound and their freshly prepared kati rolls are safe to eat. Mughali Paratha (earlier it was a paratha stuffed with minced meat, but now the minced meat has been replaced by cheaper but tasty alternatives) is a Kolkata speciality. ''Fuchka'', the Kolkata version of paani-puri, but very different than the ones found in Delhi, is available on the streets but be wary of the tamarind water. It never troubles the local people and outsiders can safely taste this delicacy as long as they don't take too much. Earlier, the restaurants were standalone entities. A cluster of restaurants in a single mall is a comparatively new idea and has become popular. (See district pages for restaurant listings.) ==Drink== There are plenty of places to buy alcohol around the city. Kolkata has many pubs and bars, which are frequented by the youngsters as well as its older residents. Some pubs have live concerts or DJs. They include: *Irish House (Quest Mall Park Circus) *Someplace Else (The Park) * Roxy (The Park) * Aqua (The Park) * The Myx (Park Street) * Olypub (Park Street), famous for the beer and the beef steak * Mocha (AJC Bose Road) * Underground (HHI, AJC Bose Road) * Nocturne (Theatre Road) * Shisha Bar Stock Exchange, The Factory Outlet (22 Camac Street) * Villa 19 (Ballygunge) * Chili's (Quest Mall, South City Mall, Acropolis Mall Kasba) * Cafe Mezzuna (Forum Mall Elgin Road, South City Mall) * Hoppipola (Acropolis Mall) * Afraa Lounge (City Centre Salt Lake) * Fairlawns (Sudder Street) * Big Ben (The Kenilworth, Little Russel Street) All pubs are supposed to shut shop by midnight or 1AM. So go early if you want to enjoy in club. ==Sleep== Kolkata has long had a concentration of budget backpacker hotels in the [[Kolkata/Esplanade#Sleep|Sudder Street]] area and many of these are colonial era gems, albeit decaying ones. Sudder Street is centrally located and is well connected by public transport. Both the major railway stations at [[Howrah]] and [[Kolkata/North Kolkata#Sleep|Sealdah]] have many hotels around them. Most of them might be only licensed to accommodate Indian citizens. Be sure to not walk with a local "friend" or guide, unless you want to have higher prices. There are some hotels in [[Kolkata/South#Sleep|Gariahat]]. Hotels have come up around hospital facilities as for example at [[Kolkata/East#Mukundapur|Mukundapur]] and Panchasayar. The growth of the IT Sector in [[Kolkata/East#Sleep|East Kolkata]] has lead to development of hotels in that area. There are numerous big budget deluxe 5-star & 4-star hotels around town. British-era clubs such as Tollygunge Club, Calcutta Club (AJC Bose Rd), Saturday Club (Theatre Rd), and Bengal Club (Russel St) have lavish rooms for rent. However, they only accept bookings through members. For individual hotel listings, please see the various district pages. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Else local sim card can be used for connectivity.Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. The area '''dialing code''' for Kolkata is '''33'''. From overseas dial +91 33 XXXX XXXX, from within India dial 033 XXXX XXXX. For mobile phones, dial +91 XXXXX XXXXX. Kolkata has only one area code (033). Internet cafes are also available in plenty and charges ₹10-25/hour. You need to show your identity card to use internet in those cafes. ==Stay safe== [[File:India - Kolkata street beggar - 3246.jpg|thumb|A beggar in Kolkata]] Kolkata is one of the safest metropolitan areas in India, and the people are friendly and helpful, unlike in most of India's other large cities. One noted problem is the drug dealers around Sudder Street. However, as the dealers obviously do not want to draw undue attention to their activity, they are not persistent and rarely a threat. There have been rare incidents of chain, bag and mobile snatching in railway stations and empty roads. Visitors outside the city are often magnets for [[begging|beggars]], frauds and touts. In [[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]], beggars often knock at the glass windows of cars. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation. ===Emergency=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Police | alt=Kolkata Police | url=http://www.kolkatapolice.gov.in/ | email= | address=18, Lal Bazar St, Radha Bazar, Lal Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001 | lat=22.5726076 | long=88.3501937 | directions=Lal Bazar | phone=+91 33 2214-3024, +91 33 2214-3230, +91 33 2214-1310 | tollfree=100 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-03-02 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Fire | phone=101 }} ===Police stations=== * {{listing | name=Ballygunge | phone=+91 33 24543179 (2100), +91 33 24862601 }} * {{listing | name=Bhowanipore | phone=+91 33 24558092, +91 33 24541100, +91 33 24862711 }} * {{listing | name=Dum Dum | phone=+91 33 25514167 }} * {{listing | name=Maidan | phone=+91 33 2223 2462 (4551), +91 33 22480100 }} * {{listing | name=Park Street | phone=+91 33 22268321, +91 33 22832100, +91 33 22276437 }} ==Stay healthy== Kolkata has a number of medical colleges and hospitals. For individual hospital listings, please see the various district pages. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata (''Government'') | alt= | url=https://www.medicalcollegekolkata.in/ | email= | address=88 College St | lat=22.5736 | long=88.3619 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24512644 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3348933 | content= }} * {{listing | name=St. John's Ambulance | address=5, Government Place | phone=+91 33 22485277 }} * {{listing | name=Wochhardt Medical Centre | address=2/7, Sarat Bose Road | phone= +91 33 24754320 }} ==Cope== === Consulates === * {{flag|Bangladesh}} {{listing | name=Bangladesh |alt=| url=http://bdhc-kolkata.org/ | email= | address=Circus Ave | lat=22.5414929 | long=88.3589803 | directions=Just E of AJC Bose Rd | phone=+91 33 2290 5208, +91 33 2290 5209, +91 33 2288 6536 (After hours) | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-2288-1616 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=Issues 15-day visas. Applications are received at window #4 M-F from 9-11AM, and visas are generally ready the next afternoon. Bring 3 passport photos. As of December 2018, there seems to be a new policy: the application should be first filled online as directed on their website. You can use the payed services of the stands in front of the High Commission to fill the forms for you, just bring one or two passport photos. Beware that at least in some cases, the Kolkata office can be reluctant to issue visa for non-Indians, and the process requires assertiveness and patience. }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China |alt=| url=http://in.china-embassy.org/eng/jgsz/t631873.htm | email=chinaconsul_kkt@mfa.gov.cn | address=EC-72, Sector I, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5834834 | long=88.4070012 | directions= | phone=+91 33 4004 8169 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 4004 8168 | hours=M-F 10AM-12:30PM| price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France |alt=| url= | email= | address=26 Park Mansions, Park St | lat=22.5184239 | long=88.3286423 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany |alt=| url= | email= | address=1 Hastings Park Rd, Alipore | lat=22.5249993 | long=88.3321313 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2479 1141, +91 33 2479 1142, +91 33 2479 2150, +91 33 2439 8906 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 4004 8168 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=The origins of the German consulate in Kolkata can be traced to before the existence of Germany itself, to the establishment of the consulate of the Kingdom of Hanover in 1851 and the Consulate of Prussia in 1854. }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy |alt=| url=http://www.conscalcutta.esteri.it/ | email=consolatogenerale.calcutta@esteri.it | address=Alipore | lat=22.5240717 | long=88.325556 | directions=3, Raja Santosh Road | phone=+91 33-24792414 - 24792426, +91 98312-12216 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-24793892 | hours=M-F 10AM-noon | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | alt= | url=http://www.kolkata.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html | email= | address=55, M. N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge | lat=22.4874321 | long=88.3409411 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2421-1970 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2421-1971 | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | alt= | url= | email= | address=1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani | lat=22.5472312 | long=88.347796 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2288 5173, +91 33 2288 6536 (After hours) | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2288-1616 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | alt= | url=https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/kolkata/ | email=consularkolkata@state.gov | address=5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani | lat=22.5472312 | long=88.347796 | directions= | phone=+91 33 3984 2400 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-2282 2335 | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content=It is the oldest diplomatic post of the U.S. in India, and the second oldest in the world (the oldest being in London). Benjamin Joy was appointed the first American Consul to Kolkata by George Washington in 1792, upon the express recommendation of then- Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson. (Note that the ironic address was the result of a diplomatic snub by the then Marxist Bengal government during the period of the U.S. war in Indochina.) }} ==Go next== [[File:Ferry in Sundarbans.jpg|thumb|250px|Sunderbans]] *'''[[Bangladesh]]'''. Tickets for buses running to the border and [[Dhaka]] can be reserved at Shyamoli Yatri Paribahan, 6/1 Marquis St (parallel to and one block south of Sudder Street, and just west of Mirza Ghalib St, next door to DHL), {{phone|+91 33 2252 0693}}. 2-3 buses per day leave this office on Tu, Th and Sa, usually at 5:30AM, 8:30AM and 12:30PM. The fare is ₹86 to the Haridaspur border post (about 2½ hr). All the way to Dhaka (with a bus change at the border) will cost ₹550 (about 12 hr). Beware that several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side, there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for Tk5 for the 2&nbsp;km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least halfway. *'''[[Bhutan]]''' - Tucked away in the corner of the bus station is a small Bhutan Government kiosk selling tickets for buses running to the Bhutanese border town of [[Phuentsholing]]. Buses depart Tu Th Sa at 9PM, and the 18-hr journey costs ₹300. *'''[[Bishnupur (West Bengal)|Bishnupur]]''' - famous for terracotta temples, clay sculptures and silk sarees. *'''[[Darjeeling Hills]]''' - a mountainous region home to [[Darjeeling]], [[Kalimpong]] and [[Mirik]]. *'''[[Digha]]''' - a beach town in the southern part of the state. Buses from Esplanade Bus Station. *'''[[Grand Trunk Road]]''' - this historic road crosses this city via Jessore Road and Belghoria Expressway. *'''[[Samukpota]]''' - about 10 km from Kolkata is the village of is a "Green Mall," which offers an extensive collection of palm trees plus other plants, gardening tools, yoga instruction, and South Indian food. *'''[[Santiniketan]]''' - famous for the Ashramik School, and university founded by Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. The town is also known for its handmade leather crafts and ''kantha'' stitch sarees. *'''[[Sundarbans National Park]]''' - part of the largest littoral mangrove in the world, and home to the famous Bengal Tigers. {{usablecity}} {{geo|22.5726723|88.3638815|zoom=13}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Bengal}} {{hasDocent|2006nishan178713}} svv5u6qplqas4fir47g2ayda4rqm6hl 4488115 4488114 2022-07-22T06:56:18Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Eat */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|BBDBag Pano-2.jpg}} {{printDistricts}} {{confused|[[Kozhikode]], formerly '''Calicut''', a city in southwestern India.}} '''Kolkata''' ([[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]: কলকাতা, [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]: कोलकाता) (formerly '''Calcutta''') is the capital of [[West Bengal]] and one of the largest urban agglomerations in [[India]]. It is the largest city in Eastern India. Kolkata is an 'in your face' city that shocks and charms the unsuspecting visitor. Long known as the cultural capital of India and home to the so-called Bengal Renaissance, 'The City of Joy' (the sobriquet became more famous after the publication of a novel of the same name) continues to spawn generations of poets, writers, film directors and Nobel Prize winners. If your trip only allows for a visit of one or two of India's metropolitan cities, then definitely consider placing Kolkata on your itinerary. Kolkata is arguably one of the most socially, culturally and politically progressive cities in India. Love it or hate it, you definitely won't forget the 'City of Joy'. ==Districts== {{Regionlist | regionmap=Kolkata Wikivoyage map PNG.png | regionmaptext=Districts of Kolkata | regionmapsize=300px | region1name=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | region1color=#4f93c0 | region1description=The colonial district is still the central business and administrative area and is considered the heart of Kolkata. Made up of the northern part of Chowringhee, Park Street, Mirza Ghalib Street (Free School Street), B. B. D. Bagh (Dalhousie Square), Chandni Chowk, Burrabazar and Sudder Street. | region2name=[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]] | region2color=#71b37b | region2description=The area consisting of the huge park and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Includes Fort William, Strand Road, Dufferin Road, Hooghly Bank and the southern part of Chowringhee. | region3name=[[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]] | region3color=#ac5c91 | region3description=The posh and new part of the city. Covers Ballygunge, Gariahat, Bhowanipore, Alipore, Chetla, New Alipore, Rash Behari, Dhakuria etc. This entire region is within Kolkata district (KMC Area). | region4name=[[Kolkata/Southern fringes|Southern fringes]] | region4color=#578e86 | region4description=The rapidly mushrooming localities to the south of the city. Includes Tollygunge, Taratala, Behala, Thakurpukur, Jadavpur, Kasba, Santoshpur, Baghajatin, Garia, Maheshtala, Rajpur Sonarpur, Baruipur, Joka, Pailan, Budge Budge, Narendrapur etc. This is a relatively newer part of the city where a lot of expansion is going on. | region5name=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5description=The older area of the city, a fascinating district dominated by narrow little lanes and hundreds of century-old buildings. Includes Chitpur, Bagbazar, Belgachia, Shyambazar, Shobhabazar, Maniktala, Jorasanko and the College Street area. Also here is the Kolkata station. North Kolkata was known as Black Town during the British period as it was home to the native population. | region6name=[[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes]] | region6color=#8a84a3 | region6description=The large industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat. Includes Cossipore, Dum Dum, Belghoria, Khardaha, Panihati, Titagarh and Madhyamgram, where there are a number of factories, including jute, paper, cotton, ordnance and chemicals. Dum Dum is also the prime communication hub of Kolkata, having the airport, Metro Rail, Circular Rail, and overground rail in this district. | region7name=[[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] | region7color=#d56d76 | region7description=Rapidly developing, especially the IT sector, and home to several malls. Encompasses Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar), Chinar Park, Rajarhat, New Town, Lake Town and the EM Bypass. Many five-star hotels, theme parks, posh housing estates and technology parks are being built in this area. | region8name=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | region8color=#69999f | region8description=A major industrial centre for the manufacturing of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. | region9name=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | region9color=#b5d29f | region9description=A cantonment town. }} == Understand== ===History=== [[File:Victoria Memorial By Saprativa.jpg|thumb|400px|The Victoria Memorial, a reminder of the Raj.]] Kolkata's history is intimately related to the British East India Company, which arrived in 1690, and to British India, of which Calcutta became the capital in 1772. Job Charnock was widely known as the founder of Calcutta. There were 3 villages named Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata. Later the village Kalikata became the city Kolkata. But some Indian historians have disputed this claim, arguing that Kolkata developed naturally over a period, centred on the ancient Kali temple at Kalighat and the port at Kidderpore. Whatever its origins, Kolkata flowered as the capital of British India during the 19th century, the heyday of the Raj. Calcutta University, the first modern Indian university was founded here in 1857. Kolkata became the centre of Indian arts and literature, and the national movement for independence got its start here. However, with the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1911, the pains of the partition of Bengal in 1947, a violent repressive and feudal state machinery operational for nearly the first two decades after independence, the ideologically motivated Maoist movement (the Naxalbari movement) in the 1970s, followed by the Marxist rule has shaped the city to its present form. ===Modern Kolkata=== Kolkata has become the main business, commercial and financial hub of eastern India. The city's economic fortunes grew as the economic liberalisation in India during the early 1990s reached Kolkata during late 1990s. Kolkata is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, with diversity from all over India as well as Europeans (including Germans, Armenians, and others) and other Asians (including Chinese, Sinhalese, and Tibetans). Kolkata is also notable for being home to India's largest Chinatown, which continues to be home to many ethnic Chinese residents whose families have lived in India for several generations. In 1977, a "Left Front" coalition of the Communist and Marxist parties came to power and ruled the state for 34 years. This is reflected in street names and memorials in the city with names like Lenin Sarani and Ho Chi Minh Sarani. During this period, the various egalitarian approaches implemented at improving the living standards of the down-trodden has helped the city in bridging the wealth-gap and decreasing impoverishment. ===Economy=== [[File:Camac Street 'G K Tower'.jpg|thumb|GK Tower located in Camac Street]] [[File:SC Mall (1).JPG|thumb|The South City mall located near Jadavpur, is one of the largest shopping malls in Kolkata]] Kolkata is fast developing into a modern infotech city with various private sector companies setting up shops here. The landscape of the city is also fast changing with flyovers, gardens and several new commercial establishments. Kolkata city has expanded into its suburbs, with [[Greater Kolkata]] stretching from [[Kalyani]] (in Nadia district) in north to [[Jaynagar Majilpur]] in south (in South 24 Parganas district). The city's fortunes have looked up since the early 1990s, coinciding with the liberalisation of the Indian economy. Its economy has been amongst the fastest growing in the country. The New Metro city is characterised by popular spots such as multiplexes, theatres, clubs, pubs, coffee shops, and museums. Kolkata is home to many industrial units, of large Indian corporations, whose product range is varied and includes engineering products, electronics, electrical equipment, cables, steel, leather, textiles, jewellery, frigates, automobiles, railway coaches and wagons. Several industrial estates like Taratala, Uluberia, Dankuni, Kasba, and Howrah are spread throughout the urban agglomeration. A huge leather complex has come up at Bantala. An export processing zone has been set up in Falta. Specialised setups like the country's first Toy Park, and a Gem and Jewellery Park have also been established. Kolkata is also starting to become a major hub for the IT (Information Technology) industry. With the formation of New Town and extension of Salt Lake's Sector-V, Kolkata is rapidly turning into a pro-IT city. ===Geography=== [[File:Eastern High - Rajarhat 2012-04-11 9384.JPG|thumb|Apartment buildings in New Town, Kolkata]] Kolkata is in the eastern part of India and is spread along the eastern banks of the Hooghly River. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has an area of 185 km². The city can be roughly divided into two sections along Mother Teresa Sarani (which was known during the British rule as Park Street). North of Park Street is the more congested part of the city. South of Park Street is the slightly better planned section of the city. South Kolkata is better planned with wider roads and better equipped police force for keeping law & order. The better planning in South Kolkata is because it was built much later. The North is the real, old Kolkata and most of the oldest families and buildings are situated there. Over the past several years the city has expanded to the south and the east. The old Central Business District (CBD) is where the seat of the West Bengal Government is located, along with many other government offices. Several banks have their corporate or regional headquarters around the B. B. D. Bagh area (named after the revolutionaries Benoy Basu, Badal Gupta and Dinesh Gupta who forced entry into The Writers' Building, the epicentre of the British Raj government in Bengal). Many of Kolkata's older business groups have their main offices here. The area is a mix of multi-storeyed office blocks and colonial buildings. The newer CBD is around the south of Park Street, Camac Street and Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road. Several high-rise office blocks including some of Kolkata's tallest commercial buildings, like the Chatterjee International Centre, Tata Centre, Everest House, Industry House, CGO Building, are located here. An even-newer CBD is now being set up in the Rajarhat-New Town area, lying between Bidhannagar (Salt Lake) and the Airport. Maidan (meaning open field) is between the river Hooghly and J. L. Nehru Road (or Chowringhee Road). It is said to be the lungs of Kolkata. The lush green meadow also houses Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, and several sporting clubs. Kolkatans simply love to stroll in the Maidan. In an effort to relieve congestion in the main city, many government offices have shifted to high-rise office buildings lining Salt Lake City's Central Park. The residential buildings are mainly low-rise and comprise of older colonial buildings and numerous new four-storied apartment blocks. 10- to 12-storey apartment blocks have come up in large numbers in South Kolkata. The city has relaxed its rules on high-rise construction and 20-storey buildings are becoming more common. The tallest residential towers of eastern India, the four 35-storey towers of South City, are on Prince Anwar Shah Road. Heavy construction activity along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass is changing the face of the city. Luxury hotels, a convention centre, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls and multiplexes are coming up at a rapid pace. The city's expansion in the eastern side is spearheaded by the construction of a new satellite township called New Town adjacent to the well planned Salt Lake City. It is one of the largest planned urban developments in India. The neglected western side of the urban agglomeration has got a boost with the signing of an agreement with Ciputra, an Indonesian company to build the Kolkata West International City (KWIC). Another huge new township is in the proposal state in [[Dankuni]]. Slums and dilapidated structures exist in many pockets of the city proper and house over 25% of the city's population (2001 census). Slum redevelopment schemes have helped improve living conditions by a small extent but there is huge scope for improvement in this area. Efforts to shift slum dwellers to newer developments have often met with resistance and failure because many of the slums are in prime areas of the city and the slum dwellers who are integrated in the social structure of the neighbourhood do not want to shift. Many roads in Kolkata have two names in use: the old colonial name that is still commonly used by locals, and the official post-independence new name that you will see in maps and on road signs. ===Climate=== [[File:Nalban - Kolkata 2011-09-14 5167.JPG|thumb|Monsoon clouds over Kolkata.]] Kolkata has three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summer, from March–May, is hot and humid with temperatures touching 38-42° Celsius. Monsoon starts in June and lasts till September or October. This is the time when heavy showers sometimes lead to waterlogging in a few areas. Winter is from November to February. This is the best season to visit the city, as the weather is very pleasant with temperatures ranging between 8 and 20°. ===Time=== Kolkata is in the GMT+5:30 time zone. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Kolkata Airport new integrated terminal skyview.jpg|thumb|Skyview of the integrated terminal of Kolkata Airport]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport | alt={{IATA|CCU}}, Dum Dum Airport, নেতাজি সুভাষচন্দ্র বসু আন্তর্জাতিক বিমানবন্দর | url=http://www.kolkatainternationalairport.com/ | email=apdkolkata@aai.aero | address=Jessore Road | lat=22.654722 | long=88.446667 | directions=about 18&nbsp;km outside the city centre. There is a '''prepaid taxi''' option (₹150-250). State-run air-conditioned buses are available to get into the city. Cheaper, and hassle free, and since you can hail a taxi anywhere in the city centre to take you to your final destination, you do not need to worry. However, in case you are arriving at the busy hours, it is better to get a prepaid taxi, which takes you directly to your destination. Moreover app based Cab services such as Ola and Uber are also available from the airport. The buses are parked outside the arrival gate at the domestic terminal. International travellers would have to walk down from their terminal for 800 m. As you come out of the international terminal, turn left and keep walking towards the domestic terminal. Do not be dissuaded by the taxi touts, who would try and make you believe that the buses do not run anymore. | phone=+91 33 2511 8036 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2511 9266 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport | image=Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.jpg | wikidata=Q388535 |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=Services on the airport, at tha International Terminal: a newsagent, a Duty Free shop, a clothes outlet, a coffee shop and a music outlet. At the Domestic Terminal: a couple of handicraft shops, a newsagent, a medical outlet, a sweets stall, a florist. Passengers facilities: trollies, telephone in security hold area, wheelchair, medical inspection room, child care room, assistance to physically challenged, inter-terminal bus service, airport post office. phone +91 33 2511 8787, +91 33 39874987 }} ===By train=== [[File:Howrah Station.jpg|thumb|Howrah railway station as seen from the Hooghly River]] Kolkata is well connected by rail to almost all the big stations in India and also serves as the gateway to [[North-Eastern India]]. Also, there are two international trains from [[Bangladesh]], the ''Maitree Express'' connects Kolkata with the capital [[Dhaka]] three times per week and the ''Bandhan Express'' runs from [[Khulna]] once per week. For train timings and tickets check with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ '''Indian Railways''']. * {{go | name=Howrah Junction railway station | alt=হাওড়া জংশন রেলওয়ে স্টেশন | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.583 | long=88.3425 | directions=Across the Hooghly river from the [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] district. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Howrah Junction railway station | wikidata=Q986105 | image=Howrah Station.jpg | lastedit=2018-11-17 | content=It is not in Kolkata but in the adjoining city of [[Howrah]], on the west bank of the Hooghly River. Howrah is the largest railway complex in India with over 600 trains arriving per day. There are 26 platforms in Howrah station. Local trains of Eastern Railway arrives mainly at 1-9 platforms while South Eastern Railway local trains arrive at platforms 17-23, remaining platforms is used for long-distance trains. Platforms 17 to 26 are in New Complex, just south of the original building. For passengers it has an enormous covered waiting area between the main complex and the platforms. In addition there is a Yatri Niwas (railway's travellers' lodge) with dormitory, single room, and double room accommodation. The vehicular carriageways along the length of platforms allow passengers to be dropped near rail compartments — a facility unique among most major stations of the country. Directly facing Howrah are ferries (₹5) that can get you to other side of the river to either Babu Ghat or Fairlie Place in the [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] district from where you can arrange onward transportation with anything from taxis to public buses to rickshaws. }} [[File:The new DEMU bullet train at sealdah station 2014-06-03 12-27.jpg|thumb|A DEMU train at Sealdah station]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Sealdah railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bepin Behari Ganguly Street, Sealdah | lat=22.5681 | long=88.3718 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3347406 | content=Handicapped/disabled access. There are 19 platforms. Never hire a taxi from the nearby taxi-stand as they ask higher fares for taxi. There are pre-paid taxis to enter the city. The pre-paid taxi stand just outside the station's main entrance. The counter is under a tin shed. }} *{{listing | type=go | name=Kolkata railway station | alt=Kolkata Chitpur Railway Terminus | url= | email= | address=Belgachia | lat=22.6013 | long=88.3841 | directions=Buses: '''K1''' ( Kolkata Station -Ultadanga- New Town -unitech) at an interval of about ten minutes; '''007''' (Makrampur - Kolkata station via Tematha, Sonarpur station, Kamalgazi, Garia, Patuli, Hiland Park, Mukundapur, Kalikapur, Ruby Hospital, Science City, Chingrighata, E.M. Bypass, Ultadanga, Khanna, Shyambazar); '''JM2''' (Malancha - Kolkata Station via Harinavi, Rajpur, Kamalgazi, Dhalai Bridge, Patuli, Hiland Park, Mukundapur, Kalikapur, Ruby Hospital, Science City, Chingrighata, E.M. Bypass, Ultadanga, Khanna, Shyambazar); if you reach near RG Kar Medical College and Hopital, which is only 8 to 10 minutes' walk, you get myriads of buses plying on different routes | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6427323 | content=It receives a number of trains which used to terminate at Sealdah station. The station is linked to the Sealdah-Ranaghat Line and is served by the Eastern Railway for trains to Bandel, Kalyani Simanta, Gede, Shantipur, Krishnanagar, Dankuni, Kolkata Airport, Bongaon, Hasnabad and others. The number of suburban trains is lower than long-distance trains. This station runs many long distance express trains including two pairs of Garibrath Express, and one long distance passenger train - Lalgola Passenger. The station also has an International train. The ''Maitree Express'', provides a direct link between Kolkata and [[Dhaka]], the capital of [[Bangladesh]]. There are five platforms, among them Platform 1 & 2 is used by only suburban trains, and Platform 3, 4 & 5 are used by long-distance trains. '''Services''': There are waiting rooms and retiring rooms for use by passengers awaiting connecting trains. In addition there is a taxi stand and a bus station outside the station. }} *{{go | image=Santragachi Railway Station - Howrah 2012-01-26 1624.JPG | name=Santragachi railway station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Santragachi Station Rd, Santragachi, Howrah | lat=22.5836 | long=88.2839| directions= there are taxi stands and bus stands, and a Volvo bus service to connect this area to Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport| phone= | hours= | price=| content=There are six platforms. Serves '''local trains''' to Amta, Mecheda, Panskura, Haldia, [[Contai]], [[Midnapore]] and Kharagpur. A few trains originate from Santragachi station to Ajmer, Porbandar, and Nanded, and a Vivek Express running to Mangalore Central starting from Santragachi. Mostly all Howrah/Shalimar bound express/mail trains stop here. }} ====Local trains==== * The Eastern Railway serves local trains to Hasnabad, Bongaon, Gede, Krishnanagar, Budge Budge, Canning, Diamond Harbour, Namkhana, Tarkeshwar, Katwa, [[Bardhaman]] and numerous intermediate stations and mail/express trains to Central, North and North-East India. * The South Eastern Railway serves local trains to Amta, Mecheda, Panskura, [[Tamluk]], [[Haldia]], [[Contai]], [[Midnapore]] and [[Kharagpur]]; and mail/express trains to Central, West and South India. ===By bus=== [[File:Esplanade Bus Station.jpg|thumb|Esplanade Bus Station]] '''From Bangladesh''', there are numerous bus options between Kolkata and [[Bangladesh]]. The most common way is the regular comfortable a/c buses from [[Dhaka]] to Kolkata via the [[Haridaspur]] / [[Benapole]] border post. Private bus companies '''[http://www.shohagh.com/group/ Shohagh]''', '''[http://www.greenlineparibahan.com/ Green Line]''','''[http://shyamolibusservice.com/ Shyamoli]''' and others operate daily bus services on this route. Govt. buses run under the label of the state govt. undertaken West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) and the '''[http://www.brtc.gov.bd/ Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation]''' (BRTC). WBTC and BRTC operate buses from Kolkata every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30AM and 8:30AM, and 12:30PM while from Dhaka they leave on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7AM and 7:30AM. The normal journey time is around 12 hr with a one-way fare of 550 or 600-800 [[Bangladesh#Money|Bangladeshi taka]]s. If you're only headed to [[Haridaspur]] the fare is ₹86 (2½ hours). The '''Shyamoli Paribahan''' ticket office is at 6/1 Marquis St (''parallel to and one block south of Sudder Street, and just west of Mirza Ghalib St, next door to DHL''), 2252 0693. Several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for 5 Bangladeshi takas for the 2-km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least half way. '''From Eastern India via Bangladesh'''. Bus travel to some points in Eastern India is faster via Bangladesh (visas will be required for entry into Bangladesh as well as for re-entry into India). If you're heading to points in Eastern India (Tripura for example) beyond Bangladesh, then there is a regular bus service between [[Dhaka]] and [[Agartala]], the capital of India's [[Tripura]] state. Two BRTC buses leave daily from Dhaka and connect with the Tripura Road Transport Corporation vehicles, running six days a week with a roundtrip fare of 600 Bangladeshi takas. There is only one halt at '''Ashuganj''' in Bangladesh during the journey. Call {{phone|+880 2 8360241}} for schedule. Other entry points to North-Eastern India through Bangladesh are '''Hili''', Chilahati / '''Haldibari''' and '''Banglaband''' border posts through Northern Bangladesh and '''Tamabil/Dawki''' border post for a route between [[Shillong]] ([[Meghalaya]]) and [[Sylhet]] in North-Eastern Bangladesh, and some others with lesser-known routes from north-eastern Indian regions. Although scheduled bus services to Shillong from Kolkata through Dhaka may not be available, you can get to those points via land routes going through Sylhet and then on to Tamabil/Dawki border outposts. Enquire at the Bus Service Counters for details. * {{go | name=Esplanade Bus Terminus | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rashmoni Avenue | lat=22.56360 | long=88.3498 | directions=Next to Esplanade metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | image=Esplanade Bus Station.jpg | lastedit=2018-11-17 | content= }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|22.580|88.348|zoom=10}} {{Mapmask |23.0094,88.4356 |22.9818,88.4777 |22.9717,88.4808 |22.9631,88.4755 |22.9540,88.4688 |22.9506,88.4638 |22.9499,88.4561 |22.9242,88.4592 |22.9027,88.4382 |22.8841,88.4444 |22.8740,88.4415 |22.8736,88.4331 |22.8553,88.4310 |22.7496,88.4523 |22.7420,88.4643 |22.7398,88.4849 |22.7445,88.5103 |22.7135,88.5076 |22.6825,88.4904 |22.6752,88.4794 |22.6755,88.4571 |22.6435,88.4557 |22.6318,88.4815 |22.6242,88.4904 |22.6112,88.5141 |22.6064,88.5460 |22.5601,88.5450 |22.5459,88.5309 |22.5636,88.4849 |22.5516,88.4726 |22.5693,88.4540 |22.5525,88.4382 |22.4802,88.4362 |22.4564,88.4413 |22.3853,88.4499 |22.3793,88.4530 |22.3687,88.4549 |22.3628,88.4478 |22.3593,88.4341 |22.3602,88.4238 |22.3640,88.4138 |22.4393,88.3654 |22.4396,88.3332 |22.4221,88.3060 |22.4148,88.2827 |22.4291,88.2566 |22.4631,88.2590 |22.4808,88.2535 |22.4850,88.2398 |22.4793,88.2092 |22.4872,88.2037 |22.4669,88.1732 |22.4562,88.1353 |22.4546,88.1246 |22.4637,88.1220 |22.4669,88.1235 |22.4697,88.1282 |22.4729,88.1419 |22.4739,88.1581 |22.4783,88.1701 |22.4961,88.1876 |22.5040,88.1962 |22.5138,88.2127 |22.5167,88.2271 |22.5202,88.2401 |22.5284,88.2456 |22.5348,88.2465 |22.5367,88.2442 |22.5408,88.2439 |22.5457,88.2454 |22.5478,88.2436 |22.5525,88.2436 |22.5549,88.2416 |22.5576,88.2430 |22.5587,88.2494 |22.5578,88.2549 |22.5551,88.2712 |22.5508,88.2891 |22.5505,88.2937 |22.5490,88.2966 |22.5466,88.3042 |22.5465,88.3096 |22.5484,88.3185 |22.5508,88.3253 |22.5558,88.3305 |22.5608,88.3338 |22.5646,88.3391 |22.5690,88.3416 |22.5728,88.3441 |22.5845,88.3490 |22.5912,88.3510 |22.5946,88.3522 |22.5970,88.3538 |22.5994,88.3569 |22.6011,88.3599 |22.6031,88.3626 |22.6048,88.3647 |22.6079,88.3672 |22.6107,88.3682 |22.6138,88.3687 |22.6177,88.3684 |22.6226,88.3674 |22.6355,88.3628 |22.6424,88.3605 |22.6471,88.3592 |22.6534,88.3573 |22.6586,88.3565 |22.6621,88.3564 |22.6677,88.3579 |22.6731,88.3617 |22.6834,88.3660 |22.6946,88.3668 |22.7094,88.3648 |22.7177,88.3648 |22.7228,88.3624 |22.7269,88.3616 |22.7305,88.3619 |22.7360,88.3644 |22.7401,88.3655 |22.7424,88.3659 |22.7451,88.3660 |22.7478,88.3654 |22.7501,88.3645 |22.7539,88.3615 |22.7564,88.3590 |22.7589,88.3558 |22.7617,88.3509 |22.7642,88.3460 |22.7695,88.3375 |22.7737,88.3346 |22.7761,88.3337 |22.7782,88.3335 |22.7799,88.3336 |22.7819,88.3344 |22.7840,88.3356 |22.7847,88.3370 |22.7855,88.3394 |22.7860,88.3425 |22.7877,88.3460 |22.7897,88.3490 |22.7935,88.3536 |22.7967,88.3563 |22.7998,88.3580 |22.8036,88.3593 |22.8064,88.3595 |22.8112,88.3593 |22.8153,88.3590 |22.8179,88.3579 |22.8205,88.3578 |22.8225,88.3584 |22.8239,88.3593 |22.8252,88.3602 |22.8265,88.3618 |22.8271,88.3637 |22.8272,88.3661 |22.8269,88.3687 |22.8265,88.3711 |22.8266,88.3725 |22.8274,88.3744 |22.8285,88.3771 |22.8303,88.3785 |22.8321,88.3795 |22.8337,88.3797 |22.8361,88.3793 |22.8381,88.3789 |22.8405,88.3781 |22.8426,88.3767 |22.8455,88.3748 |22.8476,88.3735 |22.8505,88.3727 |22.8537,88.3730 |22.8560,88.3731 |22.8582,88.3739 |22.8609,88.3765 |22.8621,88.3783 |22.8651,88.3830 |22.8671,88.3880 |22.8691,88.3936 |22.8736,88.4032 |22.8761,88.4072 |22.8787,88.4092 |22.8810,88.4103 |22.8833,88.4112 |22.8868,88.4118 |22.8903,88.4114 |22.8929,88.4109 |22.8955,88.4101 |22.9005,88.4086 |22.9056,88.4058 |22.9099,88.4053 |22.9143,88.4033 |22.9183,88.4033 |22.9213,88.4054 |22.9244,88.4080 |22.9282,88.4102 |22.9318,88.4121 |22.9398,88.4136 |22.9506,88.4127 |22.9582,88.4121 |22.9715,88.4082 |22.9768,88.4062 |22.9820,88.4066 |22.9896,88.4088 |22.9961,88.4111 |23.0035,88.4145 |23.0053,88.4185 |23.0094,88.4356}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By taxi=== [[File:India - Kolkata rainy street - 3819.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Kolkata's yellow Ambassador taxis]] Kolkata just wouldn't look the same without the plethora of yellow Ambassador taxis that ply on its roads. They're easily available, relatively cheap, and will use their meters, at least in theory. However, Kolkata taxis sometimes refuse to go to some distant remote locations (like Behala, Bansdroni, Howrah) where they wouldn't get any passenger while returning. If they agree, they will demand high pay; be ready for such a situation. New taxis have been introduced, which are called "No Refusal Taxis", but sadly, these taxis are also no different. Some of the new taxis are air-conditioned; usually, these will also have a "Same Fare" sign on them. There is a 25% extra charge if you want the air-conditioner to be turned on in such taxis. In Kolkata, it is a crime for taxis to refuse a request to go to certain destinations, and they can be fined, but if you threaten the driver with a complaint to the police, they will simply ask you to complain. Cars by app-based services such as Uber and Ola are easily available (round-the-clock), reasonably priced, comfortable and have been embraced by citizens. ===By metro=== [[File:Kolkata Metro.jpg|thumb|The Kolkata Metro is the oldest metro system in India.]] Kolkata's [http://www.kmrc.in/ '''Metro Rail'''] is the oldest underground and elevated railway system in India. It is the fastest, cleanest, most reliable, least crowded (though still rather crowded) and most efficient of all the transportation Kolkata has to offer. Trains run every 6-15 min. They run from 7AM-9:45PM from Monday to Saturday and 10AM-9:45PM. on Sunday. Line 1 connects the North and South of the city, from Dakshineswar to New Garia. Line 2 connects the city from Salt Lake Sector-V to Sealdah. New Tourist Smart Cards shall be introduced, Card-I. valid for one day unlimited ride, Card-II. for three days. For more about these, read the '''[http://www.mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/viewsection_opennew2.jsp?lang=0&id=0,2,396 conditions here].''' ===By tram=== Kolkata has the only tram service in all of India, and the oldest surviving electric tram network of Asia. Though decommissioned in some part of the city, electric trams are still one of the means of travelling between a few places within the city. Operated by WBTC since 2016, they move slow on the laid tracks in traffic jammed streets, but they are environment-friendly (no emissions on the street, only at the source of energy generation). The network includes '''[http://wbtc.co.in/ 25 Tram Routes]''' ===By train=== The electrified suburban rail network of SER and ER is extensive and includes the Circular Rail. Depending on the route, 'local' trains can be extremely crowded. It is less expensive to travel around by train as compared to private cabs or taxis. Men are advised not to sit in ‘Ladies’ compartment. ===By bus=== The city has an extensive bus network (possibly the most exhaustive in the whole of India) and this is the cheapest, though not always the most comfortable means of transport. The routes are written all over the colourful buses in Bengali and also in English. The conductors call out their destinations to everyone he's passing and all you have to do is wave at the bus anywhere and it will stop, at times causing a small queue of other cars behind it. Esplanade is a major bus-terminus in Kolkata. Karunamoyee in Salt Lake City is another major bus depot. Some buses operate from the Babughat area in Kolkata as well. Among the buses that ply the city streets, the deluxe buses run by JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) and WBTC (West Bengal Transport Corporation) are probably the better option. Air-conditioned buses (Volvo) are also available to many destinations. ===By auto-rickshaw=== In Kolkata, there are shared auto-rickshaws, i.e. the auto-rickshaws don't ferry just a single person but four person at a time. The fare is not set by meters, as fares are fixed by the auto-rickshaw associations. Auto-rickshaws have a fixed route and a vehicle of that route travel in that particular route only. However unlike taxis, they don't refuse passengers. The fare of an auto-rickshaw is much less than that of a taxi (for example, ₹7-10). Be prepared to give the exact fare as they are very reluctant to give change. ===By rickshaw=== [[File:Manpowered rickshaw.JPG|thumb|250px|A human-pulled rickshaw]] There are two types of rickshaws in Kolkata: human pulled rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws. However human-pulled rickshaws are confined to the Gariahat and Ballygunge region and take more fare than cycle-rickshaws. The cycle-rickshaw is the most convenient mean of transport in Kolkata. It is very cheap and can accommodate two adults. The fare is not determined by meter by the respective rickshaw association. Unlike auto-rickshaws, they go to any place in a particular region. However, after 10PM rickshaw drivers may demand an exorbitant fees, and the same goes for times during natural calamities such as heavy rainfall. ===By ferry=== The river offers a less crowded but slow traffic medium. There are several points (popularly called Ghats and jetties) on the bank of the river from where you can board several regular routes of ferry services. Ferries can be fairly large launches to small improvised motorized boats. Even if you don't get any exotic manual boat like you get in [[Varanasi]], the river transport of the city lets you go to several old spots near the bank in a hassle-free manner with an additional dash of the view of decadent river front of the city. ===Hiring a car=== Privately owned rental car places are available throughout the city. Rates depend on the make, model, size and comfort level of the car. Agreements are flexible, for example, cars can be rented even for couple of hours at an hourly rate. Most rental cars are accompanied with a driver from the rental agency. ==Talk== Being in [[West Bengal]], the native language of the people of Kolkata is '''[[Bengali phrasebook|Bengali]]'''. However, most locals also speak English and some [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]]. Many shopkeepers and taxi drivers are able to communicate in broken English, and government offices will typically have English-speaking staff on duty. Although it is generally not a problem getting by with English, learning some Bengali will make your trip much smoother. == See == [[File:Indian Museum, Courtyard, Kolkata, India.jpg|thumb|The Indian Museum was built in 1814 and is one of the oldest museums in India]] The city sprawls along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, a branch of the river Ganges, which divides it from Howrah on the western bank. For travellers, the most relevant parts of Kolkata are south of the Howrah Bridge in the areas around '''[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]]''' and '''[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]]'''. A walk along Chowringhee Road sets the pace as you unravel the rare beauty of this city. Across the road sweeps a huge, lush green, open parkland called the '''[[Kolkata/Maidan|Maidan]]''', centering around '''Fort William''', the massive and impregnable British Citadel built in 1773. The Maidan is 3&nbsp;km in length and over 1&nbsp;km in width, is a rambling green ‘lung of Kolkata’. Dotted with colourful maidan clubs, the area is a hub of diverse activities. ====Spiritual==== Kolkata has many places of worship of different religions. '''Dakshineswar Kali Temple''' is a famous Hindu temple in Kolkata and is associated with Sri Ramakrishna, the eclectic 19th-century saint who revived Hinduism during the British Raj. '''Kalighat''' is a Hindu pilgrimage site and an essential shrine of Hindu Shakti worship. '''St Paul's Cathedral''' is the largest cathedral in the city and next to the Birla Planetarium. '''Armenian Church''' is the oldest place of Christian worship in Kolkata. '''Jewish Synagogues''', the Maghen David Synagogue on Jewish Synagogue Street and the BETHEL on Pollock Street are very old worship houses and a reminder of the cosmopolitan nature of the city. '''Pareshnath Jain Temple''', an ornate mass of mirrors, coloured stones and glass mosaic, and overlooks a beautiful garden. It is in Gauri Bari, near Maniktala. '''Parsi Fire Temples''', cater to the religious needs of the prominent Parsi community of Kolkata. Located on Metcalf Street and Beliaghata. ==Do== Take a '''walk along the river'''. There is a good promenade near the Eden Gardens. Take a '''tram ride''' in Kolkata. The city has the only active tram service in India and has become an icon of Kolkata. They move slow on the laid tracks in traffic-jammed streets. Several modern '''cinemas''' are dotted around the city, including [http://www.inoxmovies.com/ INOX] with several locations, [http://www.famecinemas.com/ Fame] at Metropolis Mall in Highland Park, and [http://www.adlabscinemas.com/ RDB Adlabs] at RDB Boulevard, Near Infinity Building in Salt Lake Sector-V, all showing Indian and American blockbusters. Unlike most of cricket-obsessed India, '''[[Association football|football (soccer)]]''' reigns supreme in Kolkata, with the local clubs [http://www.mohunbaganac.com Mohun Bagan Athletic Club] and [http://www.eastbengalfootballclub.com East Bengal Club] being the most successful in India. They contest the Kolkata Derby biannually, which is considered by many to be the oldest and most intense football rivalry in all of Asia. ===Events=== '''[http://www.iplt20.com/ Indian Premier League]''' (IPL) is the main club [[cricket]] league in India. It is one of the world's most widely attended sporting events, and if you are in Kolkata during the season (April–May), consider watching the home team (Kolkata Knight Riders) play at Eden Gardens. '''[http://www.kolkatabookfaironline.com Kolkata Book Fair]''' takes place from the last week of January to the first week of February. It is the largest book fair in Asia and is a significant event in the city. '''Durga Puja''', a festival honouring the Hindu goddess Durga, takes place in October. The biggest festival for Hindus in Bengal and Eastern India, Kolkata takes on an almost carnival-like ambience. Streets shut down for the construction of ''pandals'', large stands that depict events from the Ramayana and crowds flock to the biggest and best ones. Durga Puja in Kolkata has been listed as a [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage]] in 2022. A good time to visit, unless you have a fear of crowds. ==Work== '''Volunteering''' is a real option here with several opportunities. * '''Brother Xavier's New Hope'''. Home for orphans of Kolkata's red light district. A much smaller mission than Mother Teresa's which one man built from the ground up. Brother Xavier and the children always need volunteers and funds. * '''Mother Teresa's Mission''' accepts volunteers to help in its multiple projects around the city. Enquire at the motherhouse. ==Buy== Traditionally Kolkata had certain shopping areas or districts. The New Market area was considered the core of fashionable marketing. That was the market place for the British and later patronised by the more sophisticated Indians. There were large markets in Burrabazar, Hatibagan-Shyambazar, Gariahat and Bhowanipore. There were several specialised markets: electrical goods at Chandni Chowk, jewellery at Bowbazar, books at College Street, fish at Maniktala, flowers at Jagannanth Ghat, the Maidan market for sports goods and so on. The malls are a more recent addition. The South City Mall, supposed to be the biggest in the city, is in its [[Kolkata/Southern fringes|southern fringes]]. [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]], the area that has come up, has large number of malls. New malls are being added. One has come up at Park Circus, an old neighbourhood in [[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]], in 2013. All the district pages list malls and markets in the district. Where there are border-line cases, the mall is listed in one district with a link in the other. ==Eat== [[File:Rasgulla - Kolkata 2011-08-02 4547.JPG|thumb|''Roshogolla,'' sweet dumplings made out of ''Chenna'' (Indian cottage cheese) and semolina dough.]] Kolkata has old traditions about eating out. Wilson's Hotel (which later became Great Eastern Hotel) is credited to have been the first western-style hotel/restaurant in Kolkata, serving what was then forbidden food for Indians, particularly Hindus. One could be treated as an out-caste if caught eating there, but the idea caught on and others followed. Many of the restaurants that line the streets in the Esplanade area have been around for more than a hundred years. The joy of food in Kolkata is in its Indian foods. Nizam's (at 23-24 Hogg Street), close to New Market, is credited with the invention of the famous Kati Kebab roll and still serves up the best of the best. For Mughlai dishes there are several places to eat in the [[Kolkata/South#Park Circus|Park Circus]] area, and there are others all over the city. Bengali food is centred around fish. ''Macher jhol'', fish in curry gravy, is a watery fish curry available everywhere and goes well with rice, but Bengalis everywhere swear by the ''hilsa'' fish (a variant of shad). Hilsa, lightly marinaded in mustard and steamed is up there with the best fish dishes in the world. There are a number of restaurants serving Bengali cuisine in all the districts. Bengali sweets are famous all over India. ''Roshogolla'' (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), ''pantua'', a fried variant of the same, ''roshomalai'', the same cheeseballs dipped in creamy sweetened milk, ''mishti doi'' (sweet yoghurt), ''shondesh'' (another type of milk-based sweet, available in several variations). Kolkata is also the home of Indian Chinese food. Chinese restaurants are everywhere so try the Indian variant of hot and sour soup and the famous Indian Chinese dish of chilli chicken. The best place to have Chinese is to visit Chinatown near Tangra, [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. It serves the best of the Chinese dishes and you will find plenty of large, small & medium restaurants. There are some restaurants serving Thai, Mediterranean or Italian food. Kolkata also has many excellent vegetarian restaurants ranging from budget to expensive ones. There are two types: those serving North Indian and those serving South Indian food. For those looking for vegetarian street foods, one can find ubiquitous ''jhal muri'' (somewhat similar to ''bhel puri'' of [[Mumbai]]) a concoction of puffed rice mixed with various spices, vegetables & other ingredients available at street vendors all over Kolkata. Street vendors selling egg rolls/chicken rolls abound and their freshly prepared kati rolls are safe to eat. Mughali Paratha (earlier it was a paratha stuffed with minced meat, but now the minced meat has been replaced by cheaper but tasty alternatives) is a Kolkata speciality. ''Fuchka'', the Kolkata version of paani-puri, but very different than the ones found in Delhi, is available on the streets but be wary of the tamarind water. It never troubles the local people and outsiders can safely taste this delicacy as long as they don't take too much. Earlier, the restaurants were standalone entities. A cluster of restaurants in a single mall is a comparatively new idea and has become popular. (See district pages for restaurant listings.) ==Drink== There are plenty of places to buy alcohol around the city. Kolkata has many pubs and bars, which are frequented by the youngsters as well as its older residents. Some pubs have live concerts or DJs. They include: *Irish House (Quest Mall Park Circus) *Someplace Else (The Park) * Roxy (The Park) * Aqua (The Park) * The Myx (Park Street) * Olypub (Park Street), famous for the beer and the beef steak * Mocha (AJC Bose Road) * Underground (HHI, AJC Bose Road) * Nocturne (Theatre Road) * Shisha Bar Stock Exchange, The Factory Outlet (22 Camac Street) * Villa 19 (Ballygunge) * Chili's (Quest Mall, South City Mall, Acropolis Mall Kasba) * Cafe Mezzuna (Forum Mall Elgin Road, South City Mall) * Hoppipola (Acropolis Mall) * Afraa Lounge (City Centre Salt Lake) * Fairlawns (Sudder Street) * Big Ben (The Kenilworth, Little Russel Street) All pubs are supposed to shut shop by midnight or 1AM. So go early if you want to enjoy in club. ==Sleep== Kolkata has long had a concentration of budget backpacker hotels in the [[Kolkata/Esplanade#Sleep|Sudder Street]] area and many of these are colonial era gems, albeit decaying ones. Sudder Street is centrally located and is well connected by public transport. Both the major railway stations at [[Howrah]] and [[Kolkata/North Kolkata#Sleep|Sealdah]] have many hotels around them. Most of them might be only licensed to accommodate Indian citizens. Be sure to not walk with a local "friend" or guide, unless you want to have higher prices. There are some hotels in [[Kolkata/South#Sleep|Gariahat]]. Hotels have come up around hospital facilities as for example at [[Kolkata/East#Mukundapur|Mukundapur]] and Panchasayar. The growth of the IT Sector in [[Kolkata/East#Sleep|East Kolkata]] has lead to development of hotels in that area. There are numerous big budget deluxe 5-star & 4-star hotels around town. British-era clubs such as Tollygunge Club, Calcutta Club (AJC Bose Rd), Saturday Club (Theatre Rd), and Bengal Club (Russel St) have lavish rooms for rent. However, they only accept bookings through members. For individual hotel listings, please see the various district pages. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Else local sim card can be used for connectivity.Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. The area '''dialing code''' for Kolkata is '''33'''. From overseas dial +91 33 XXXX XXXX, from within India dial 033 XXXX XXXX. For mobile phones, dial +91 XXXXX XXXXX. Kolkata has only one area code (033). Internet cafes are also available in plenty and charges ₹10-25/hour. You need to show your identity card to use internet in those cafes. ==Stay safe== [[File:India - Kolkata street beggar - 3246.jpg|thumb|A beggar in Kolkata]] Kolkata is one of the safest metropolitan areas in India, and the people are friendly and helpful, unlike in most of India's other large cities. One noted problem is the drug dealers around Sudder Street. However, as the dealers obviously do not want to draw undue attention to their activity, they are not persistent and rarely a threat. There have been rare incidents of chain, bag and mobile snatching in railway stations and empty roads. Visitors outside the city are often magnets for [[begging|beggars]], frauds and touts. In [[Kolkata/South|South Kolkata]], beggars often knock at the glass windows of cars. It does little good to get angry or to say "No" loudly. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behaviour. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout, positive or negative, the longer they will follow you hoping for a donation. ===Emergency=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Police | alt=Kolkata Police | url=http://www.kolkatapolice.gov.in/ | email= | address=18, Lal Bazar St, Radha Bazar, Lal Bazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700001 | lat=22.5726076 | long=88.3501937 | directions=Lal Bazar | phone=+91 33 2214-3024, +91 33 2214-3230, +91 33 2214-1310 | tollfree=100 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-03-02 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Fire | phone=101 }} ===Police stations=== * {{listing | name=Ballygunge | phone=+91 33 24543179 (2100), +91 33 24862601 }} * {{listing | name=Bhowanipore | phone=+91 33 24558092, +91 33 24541100, +91 33 24862711 }} * {{listing | name=Dum Dum | phone=+91 33 25514167 }} * {{listing | name=Maidan | phone=+91 33 2223 2462 (4551), +91 33 22480100 }} * {{listing | name=Park Street | phone=+91 33 22268321, +91 33 22832100, +91 33 22276437 }} ==Stay healthy== Kolkata has a number of medical colleges and hospitals. For individual hospital listings, please see the various district pages. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata (''Government'') | alt= | url=https://www.medicalcollegekolkata.in/ | email= | address=88 College St | lat=22.5736 | long=88.3619 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24512644 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3348933 | content= }} * {{listing | name=St. John's Ambulance | address=5, Government Place | phone=+91 33 22485277 }} * {{listing | name=Wochhardt Medical Centre | address=2/7, Sarat Bose Road | phone= +91 33 24754320 }} ==Cope== === Consulates === * {{flag|Bangladesh}} {{listing | name=Bangladesh |alt=| url=http://bdhc-kolkata.org/ | email= | address=Circus Ave | lat=22.5414929 | long=88.3589803 | directions=Just E of AJC Bose Rd | phone=+91 33 2290 5208, +91 33 2290 5209, +91 33 2288 6536 (After hours) | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-2288-1616 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=Issues 15-day visas. Applications are received at window #4 M-F from 9-11AM, and visas are generally ready the next afternoon. Bring 3 passport photos. As of December 2018, there seems to be a new policy: the application should be first filled online as directed on their website. You can use the payed services of the stands in front of the High Commission to fill the forms for you, just bring one or two passport photos. Beware that at least in some cases, the Kolkata office can be reluctant to issue visa for non-Indians, and the process requires assertiveness and patience. }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China |alt=| url=http://in.china-embassy.org/eng/jgsz/t631873.htm | email=chinaconsul_kkt@mfa.gov.cn | address=EC-72, Sector I, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5834834 | long=88.4070012 | directions= | phone=+91 33 4004 8169 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 4004 8168 | hours=M-F 10AM-12:30PM| price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France |alt=| url= | email= | address=26 Park Mansions, Park St | lat=22.5184239 | long=88.3286423 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany |alt=| url= | email= | address=1 Hastings Park Rd, Alipore | lat=22.5249993 | long=88.3321313 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2479 1141, +91 33 2479 1142, +91 33 2479 2150, +91 33 2439 8906 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 4004 8168 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content=The origins of the German consulate in Kolkata can be traced to before the existence of Germany itself, to the establishment of the consulate of the Kingdom of Hanover in 1851 and the Consulate of Prussia in 1854. }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy |alt=| url=http://www.conscalcutta.esteri.it/ | email=consolatogenerale.calcutta@esteri.it | address=Alipore | lat=22.5240717 | long=88.325556 | directions=3, Raja Santosh Road | phone=+91 33-24792414 - 24792426, +91 98312-12216 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-24793892 | hours=M-F 10AM-noon | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | alt= | url=http://www.kolkata.in.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html | email= | address=55, M. N. Sen Lane, Tollygunge | lat=22.4874321 | long=88.3409411 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2421-1970 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2421-1971 | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | alt= | url= | email= | address=1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani | lat=22.5472312 | long=88.347796 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2288 5173, +91 33 2288 6536 (After hours) | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2288-1616 | hours= | price= |wikidata= |lastedit=2020-03-02| content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States | alt= | url=https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/kolkata/ | email=consularkolkata@state.gov | address=5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani | lat=22.5472312 | long=88.347796 | directions= | phone=+91 33 3984 2400 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-2282 2335 | hours= | price= |wikidata=|lastedit=2020-03-02| content=It is the oldest diplomatic post of the U.S. in India, and the second oldest in the world (the oldest being in London). Benjamin Joy was appointed the first American Consul to Kolkata by George Washington in 1792, upon the express recommendation of then- Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson. (Note that the ironic address was the result of a diplomatic snub by the then Marxist Bengal government during the period of the U.S. war in Indochina.) }} ==Go next== [[File:Ferry in Sundarbans.jpg|thumb|250px|Sunderbans]] *'''[[Bangladesh]]'''. Tickets for buses running to the border and [[Dhaka]] can be reserved at Shyamoli Yatri Paribahan, 6/1 Marquis St (parallel to and one block south of Sudder Street, and just west of Mirza Ghalib St, next door to DHL), {{phone|+91 33 2252 0693}}. 2-3 buses per day leave this office on Tu, Th and Sa, usually at 5:30AM, 8:30AM and 12:30PM. The fare is ₹86 to the Haridaspur border post (about 2½ hr). All the way to Dhaka (with a bus change at the border) will cost ₹550 (about 12 hr). Beware that several travel agencies around this area also sell tickets for these buses, but at very inflated prices. At the border, it's best to change money on the Indian side, but count it carefully and double-check the maths on their calculator. On the Bangladesh side, there are some bus stands just behind the border, or you can catch a flat-bed cycle-rickshaw for Tk5 for the 2&nbsp;km trip to the bus stand for onward travel, or you can walk, but expect the hopeful rickshaw-wallahs to follow you at least halfway. *'''[[Bhutan]]''' - Tucked away in the corner of the bus station is a small Bhutan Government kiosk selling tickets for buses running to the Bhutanese border town of [[Phuentsholing]]. Buses depart Tu Th Sa at 9PM, and the 18-hr journey costs ₹300. *'''[[Bishnupur (West Bengal)|Bishnupur]]''' - famous for terracotta temples, clay sculptures and silk sarees. *'''[[Darjeeling Hills]]''' - a mountainous region home to [[Darjeeling]], [[Kalimpong]] and [[Mirik]]. *'''[[Digha]]''' - a beach town in the southern part of the state. Buses from Esplanade Bus Station. *'''[[Grand Trunk Road]]''' - this historic road crosses this city via Jessore Road and Belghoria Expressway. *'''[[Samukpota]]''' - about 10 km from Kolkata is the village of is a "Green Mall," which offers an extensive collection of palm trees plus other plants, gardening tools, yoga instruction, and South Indian food. *'''[[Santiniketan]]''' - famous for the Ashramik School, and university founded by Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. The town is also known for its handmade leather crafts and ''kantha'' stitch sarees. *'''[[Sundarbans National Park]]''' - part of the largest littoral mangrove in the world, and home to the famous Bengal Tigers. {{usablecity}} {{geo|22.5726723|88.3638815|zoom=13}} {{isPartOf|Southeast Bengal}} {{hasDocent|2006nishan178713}} 3iii8rsx7r6qzfzdj6o0hs5k8jleqch 0 17969 4487762 4487241 2022-07-21T14:37:32Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Eat */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saltlake Sector V.jpg|pgname=East Kolkata}} [[File:Science_City_Kolkata_4643.JPG|thumb|350px|Science City]] '''East Kolkata''' is a district of [[Kolkata]] in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== [[File:Kolkata Aerial view near Airport 095603.jpg|thumb|200px|Central Park, Salt Lake City]] [[File:Kolkata Aerial view Salt Lake Stadium view 1.jpg|thumb|200px|Salt Lake Stadium]] East Kolkata basically covers new growth areas on the eastern side of the metropolis and it is an area that is still growing. It houses the IT hub of Kolkata, shopping emporiums and amusement parks. Science City is a major attraction. Salt Lake Stadium is a major occasional crowd puller. Large number of hospitals attract patients from the metropolis and beyond. There are heavy construction activities along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. Luxury hotels, convention centres, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls and multiplexes are coming up at a rapid pace. In an effort to relieve congestion in the main city, many government offices have shifted to high-rise office buildings lining Salt Lake City's Central Park. The expansion of East Kolkata is spearheaded by the construction of a new satellite township called New Town adjacent to the well-planned Salt Lake City. With the formation of New Town and extension of Salt Lake Sector-V, Kolkata is rapidly turning into a pro-IT city. === Orientation === East Kolkata consists of Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar), Rajarhat, New Town, Lake Town, Dhapa, Tangra, Bantala, Topsia, Tiljala, VIP Nagar, Anandapur, Kalikapur, Mukundapur, Ajoy Nagar, Panchasayar and Phoolbagan. Tangra (New China Town), along with Tiretta Bazaar (Old China Town), are the only extant Chinatowns in India. The locality was once home to 20,000 ethnic Chinese, now the population has dropped to 2,000 or so. The traditional occupation of the Chinese community here had been working in the nearby tanning industry and the Chinese restaurants. The area is still noted for the Chinese restaurants where many people flock to taste traditional Chinese and Indian Chinese food. Historically there were many opium dens in this area (now opium is illegal). ==Get in== {{mapframe|show=go|name=Map of East Kolkata}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> The area is extensive and still developing. Cycle rickshaws are available for short trips wherever there is regular demand for it. Point-to-point auto-rickshaw services are there but are not as extensive or frequent as in some other parts of the metropolis. ===By bus=== Numerous bus routes connect the area with other parts of the city. * {{Go | name=International Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address=Karunamoyee, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5852 | long=88.4208 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Kolkata-Dhaka bus service operates from here. }} ===By metro=== The East-West Corridor (Line 2) of the [[Kolkata#By metro|Kolkata Metro]] is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach East Kolkata. It runs from Sealdah in [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] to Salt Lake Sector-V in East Kolkata. The metro route within North Kolkata is underground up to Phoolbagan and the metro runs above ground from Salt Lake Stadium. The route is still under construction and is expected to be be operational from Teghoria to [[Howrah]] in 2023. The metro stations are: * {{go | name=Sealdah metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.56685 | long=88.36978 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Sealdah railway station. }} * {{Go | name=Phoolbagan metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.57215 | long=88.39031 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Salt Lake Stadium metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address= | lat=22.57306 | long=88.40306 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content= | wikidata=Q65090392 }} * {{go | name=Bengal Chemical metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address= | lat=22.58006 | long= 88.40132 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content= | wikidata=Q63256245 }} * {{go | name=City Centre metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address= | lat=22.58708 | long=88.4079 | directions=| phone=| hours= | price=| content= | wikidata=Q63256235 }} * {{go | name=Central Park metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.59046 | long=88.41562 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q30632539 | content= }} * {{go | name=Karunamoyee metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58632 | long=88.42145 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q62019524 | content= }} * {{go | name=Salt Lake Sector-V metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58093 | long=88.42906 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55632405 | content= }} ===By tram=== The tram stations in East Kolkata are: * {{go | name=Bidhan Nagar tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.59117 | long=88.39127 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content=Changeover to suburban railway at Bidhannagar Road railway station. }} * {{go | name=Housing Estate tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.5896 | long=88.3931 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{go | name=Manik Tala ESI Hospital tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58595 | long=88.39211 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{go | name=Bagmari Kabristan tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58436 | long=88.39169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{go | name=Kankurgachi tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58028 | long=88.38908 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} ==See== {{mapframe|show=see,do,listing|name=Map of East Kolkata}} [[File:Nicco Park Salt lake.jpg|thumb|200px|Nicco Park, Salt Lake City]] * {{see | name=Aquatica Water Park | alt= | url=http://aquaticaindia.com/ | email= | address=Kochpukur, Hatgachia | lat=22.562065 | long=88.465197 | directions= | phone=+91 33 32007947, +91 9331555220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM to 6PM | price= | content=This theme water park offers visitors a cool respite from the heat and grime of city life. }} * {{see | name=Biswa Bangla Gate | alt=Kolkata Gate | url=https://www.biswabanglagatekolkata.in/ | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-I, New Town | lat=22.578611 | long=88.471667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kolkata Gate | wikidata=Q39087520 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Arch monument in New Town, Kolkata. }} * {{see | name=Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.586694 | long=88.414861 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5061595 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} * {{see | name=Kolkata Time Zone | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Lake Town | lat=22.60012 | long=88.40668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=KOLKATA TIME ZONE.JPG | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=A full-scale replica of the iconic Big Ben in [[London]]. }} * {{see | name=Mangaldeep | alt= | url= | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town | lat=22.6193 | long=88.4645 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mangaldeep - HIDCO Iconic Structure - Major Arterial Road - Rajarhat 2017-03-30 0861.JPG | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mother's Wax Museum | alt= | url=http://www.motherswaxmuseum.in/ | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town | lat=22.5999 | long=88.472 | directions=opposite of Eco Park | phone=+91 033 23247243 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-3:30PM | price=150 | wikidata=Q22079942 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=The Mother's Wax Museum consists of nine sections containing 18 to 19 wax models of eminent personalities. It contains models of Maradona, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Manna Dey, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, etc. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Bengal Modern Arts | alt= | url=https://artsacre.org/museum/ | email=artsacrefoundation@gmail.com | address=Action Area-III, New Town | lat=22.549888 | long=88.521372 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111461856 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} * {{see | name=Nalban Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sector-V, Salt Lake City | lat=22.56841 | long=88.43092 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{see | name=Nicco Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sector-IV, Salt Lake City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 66285549, +91 33 66285509 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7024551 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=It is Disneyland for the Kolkatans with its various adventure rides. Opened in 1991, Nicco Park is one of the biggest amusement parks in the country and has innovative entertainment for all age groups. This amusement park offers fun for children as well as adults and draws crowds from suburban Kolkata, especially on the weekends. }} * {{see | name=PC Chandra Garden | alt= | url= | email= | address=EM Bypass | lat=22.53847 | long=88.39828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{see | name=Science City | alt= | url= | email= | address=junction of J.B.S. Haldane Avenue (Park Circus Connector) and EM Bypass | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7433497 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=It is one of the most spectacular science centres in the country. The size of the Science City baffles the first time visitor. }} * {{see | name=Swabhumi Heritage Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.5712 | long=88.4019 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Here one can sample local arts and crafts as well as some of the food from its various stalls. }} * {{see | name=New Town Lake Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Action Area-I, New Town | lat=22.5903 | long=88.4443 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{see | name=Rabindra Tirtha | alt= | url= | email= | address=Action Area-I, New Town | lat=22.57905 | long=88.47338 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7278759 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Lush_green_grass_along_the_lake.jpg|thumb|200px|Eco Park, New Town]] * {{do | name=Bioscope | alt= | url= | email= | address=Axis Mall, New Town | lat=22.5802 | long=88.4596 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=Four screens for films. }} * {{do | name=Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan | alt=Milan Mela | url= | email= | address=JBS Haldane Ave | lat=22.5442 | long=88.3949 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=It is a permanent trade fair complex. Fairs of different kinds are held at regular intervals, including Kolkata Book Fair. }} * {{do | name=Central Park Mela Ground | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5876 | long=88.4198 | directions=near Karunamoyee metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{do | name=Club Prana | alt=Spa | url=https://kolkata.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/ | email=india.reservations@hyattintl.com | address=Hyatt Regency Kolkata Hotel, JA-1 Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 2335 1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Eco Park | alt=Prakriti Tirtha | url=http://www.ecoparknewtown.com/ | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33-2706-4010 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-4:30PM | price=₹20 | wikidata=Q7012129 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=A 480-acre landscaped park surrounding a 104-acre water body. Contains replicas of famous structures. Activities include paddleboats, rowboats, duo cycles, birdwatching, etc. Non-residents require permission to enter this and all other parks in New Town. }} * {{do | name= Fame - Hiland Park | alt=Watch films | url=http://in.bookmyshow.com/cinemas/fame-cinemas-hiland-park-kolkata/FCHP | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Inox | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor, City Centre II Rajarhat, New Town | lat=22.6232 | long=88.4503 | directions= | phone=+91 - 33 - 25266063 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nalban Boating Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.5683 | long=88.4193 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2357 2888 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Adjoining Nicco Park, Nalban, as the name suggests, is mainly lakes and creeks (nal) fringed by groves (ban). It is a beautiful picnic spot for families, who would like to spend few hours in the lush greenery and placid lake. It is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its unpolluted environment offers a respite and soothes the visitors. }} * {{do | name=New Town Mela Ground | alt= | url= | email= | address=Major Arterial Rd, BF Block, Action Area-I, New Town | lat=22.5799 | long=88.469 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{Do | name=Salt Lake Stadium | alt=Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan | url= | email= | address=JB Block, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5688 | long=88.4091 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The stadium has the second largest non-auto racing capacity in the world and the largest in the [[South Asia|Indian subcontinent]]. It is used for football matches and athletics. The stadium was built in 1984 and holds 120,000 in a three-tier configuration. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Amity University, Kolkata | alt= | url=https://www.amity.edu/kolkata/ | email= | address=New Town | lat=22.595869 | long=88.485447 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23808476 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Bose Institute | alt=বসু বিজ্ঞান মন্দির | url=http://www.jcbose.ac.in/ | email= | address=93/1 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Rd | lat=22.5861 | long=88.3937 | directions= next to Rajabazar Science College | phone=+91 33 2355-9219 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4947204 | content=A scientific research institute founded by Jagadish Chandra Bose in 1917 in what was his residence. It is now the main campus with branches. }} * {{listing | name=Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology | alt=MAKAUT | url=https://makautwb.ac.in | email= | address= | lat=22.5972 | long=88.4183 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3347298 | lastedit=2022-07-10 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of Engineering & Management (UEM), Kolkata | alt= | url=https://uem.edu.in/uem-kolkata/ | email= | address=Action Area-III, New Town | lat=22.560288 | long=88.49016 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q28134230 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|width=370|height=600|show=buy,eat,drink|name=Map of East Kolkata}} * {{buy | name=Apsara Shopping Arcade | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.50415 | long=88.39986 | directions=At the crossing of EM Bypass and Prince Anwar Shah connector | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Axis Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=CF Block, Action Area-IC, New Town | lat=22.5802 | long=88.4596 | directions= | phone=+91 33 32006827 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Shopping mall, restaurants, Bioscope multiplex with four screens. }} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Baguiati | lat=22.6166 | long=88.4322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{buy | name= Charnock City | alt= | url= | email= | address=KB-26 Salt Lake City | lat=22.5674 | long= 88.4114 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2335 1349 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=City Centre II Rajarhat | alt= | url= | email= | address=Action Area-IID, New Town | lat=22.6232 | long=88.4503 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content= }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=City Centre Salt Lake City | alt= | url=http://saltlake.citycentremalls.in/ | email= | address=3rd Avenue, DC Block | lat=22.5879 | long=88.4079 | directions= | phone=+91 33 23581011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Hiland Park Metropolis Mall | alt= | url=http://www.hiland.in/ | email= | address=EM Bypass Chak Garia | lat=22.4834 | long=88.3909 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=175,000 sq ft mall. }} * {{buy | name=Home Town | alt= | url= http://www.hometown.in/| email= | address=BG Block, New Town | lat=22.5829 | long=88.4587 | directions= | phone=+91 90 07 862472 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Mani Square | alt= | url= | email= | address=164/1, Manicktala Main Road (EM Bypass) | lat=22.5779 | long=88.4012 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= It has more than 710,000 square feet (66,000 m²) of total area accommodating 250 outlets. }} * {{buy | name=Silver Spring Arcade | alt= | url= | email= | address=EM Bypass | lat=22.5489 | long= 88.4004| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Upohar Town Centre | alt=attached to Upohar Housing Complex of Bengal Ambuja | url= | email= | address=New Garia | lat=22.4753 | long=88.4009 | directions=near Kavi Subhas metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Spencer's and other outlets. }} * {{buy | name=VIP Bazaar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Picnic Garden Rd, Tiljala | lat=22.52536 | long=88.395288 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Down Town Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Action Area-III, New Town | lat=22.55951 | long=88.49538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Eat== ===City Centre II Rajarhat=== * {{eat | name=Gamma's World Cuisine | alt= | url= | email= | address=M 208, 2nd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40620069 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=International cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ground Floor, Block C | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 4062 0072, +91 33 40278000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Kwality Wall Swirl's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Massekah | alt= | url= | email= | address=B 215 2nd floor, Block B | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9007213377, +91 9051834932 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North Indian, Afghani cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Unit A001, Block A, Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 66064251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=The Orient | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 65410399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Hut | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ground Floor, Block C | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40620073 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Italian cuisine, desserts. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Zion Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9903996699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Drinks not served. }} ===Axis Mall=== * {{eat | name=Aaheli | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23242411, +91 9007770841 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30AM-10:30PM | price= | content=Bengali cuisine. Drinks served. Good environment, high price, indifferent service. }} * {{eat | name=Addiction | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 3200 6827 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North Indian, Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM-11:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Calcutta Retro | alt= | url= | email= | address=5th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23242345 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30AM-10:30PM | price= | content=Bengali cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Mehak-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor, Axis Mall, New Town, Major Arterial Road, Action Area I, Rajarhat | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 2324 2434 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-11PM | price= | content=North Indian, Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} ===City Centre, Salt Lake City=== * {{eat | name= Afraa Restaurant| alt= | url= | email= | address=7th Floor, Block G | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23581111, +91 9007017098 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 12:30PM-3PM, 7-11PM| price= | content= Continental, Mediterranean, Italian and Japanese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Caught n Bowled | alt= | url= | email= | address= 4th Floor, Block B| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23580333, +91 33 23589993 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Noon-3:30PM, 7PM-10:45PM| price= | content= Chinese, Continental and North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name= Copper Chimney | alt= | url= | email= | address= 3rd Floor, Block C| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40215555, +91 8420000206 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7PM-10:30PM | price= | content=North Indian cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Haka | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd Floor, Block E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23581359, +91 33 23581445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-10PM | price= | content= Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Kaafila | alt= | url= | email= | address= 3rd Floor, Block B| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40063210, +91 33 40063211 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-3:15PM, 7PM-10:30PM | price= | content=North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=1st Floor, Block A | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40278000, +91 33 40063283 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11AM-11PM| price= | content=American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Hut | alt= | url= | email= | address= 1st Floor, Block A| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23580984, +91 33 23580985 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11AM-11PM| price= | content=Italian, pizza, desserts. Drinks not served. }} ===Mani Square=== * {{eat | name=Flame & Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= 4th Floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23202186, +91 9330627517 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12.:30PM-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM | price= | content= North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Haka | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 65364679, +91 33 23202452 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM | price= | content= Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40682017, +91 9830461313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price= | content=American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Khandani Rajdhani Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23202828, +91 33 23202839 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM | price= | content=Rajasthani, Gujarati cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Machan | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 65364680, +91 33 23202182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Noon-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM| price= | content= North Indian, Mughlai cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's | alt= | url= | email= | address= Ground Floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 66064251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price= | content= American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Mio Amore | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9903986636, +91 33 23202668 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30PM-11PM | price= | content=Mediterranean cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=The Shack | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 65364679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1PM-11PM | price= | content=Goan cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Square 4o5 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40208206, +91 8420033622 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11AM-10:30PM| price= | content=Continental, North Indian cuisine. Drinks not served. }} ===Silver Spring Arcade=== * {{eat | name=Mainland China | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 22517034, +91 33 22517035 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Masque | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 22517283 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Oh! Calcutta | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 22517036, +91 33 22517037 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Bengali cuisine, seafood. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Sigree | alt= | url= | email= | address=1st Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 22517032, +91 33 22517031 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} ===Tangra=== * {{eat | name=Beijing Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=77/1, Christopher Road, Tangra | lat=22.54651 | long=88.38707 | directions= | phone=+91 33 23281011, +91 33 23283998 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Big Boss | alt= | url= | email= | address=54C Matheswartala Rd | lat=22.54674 | long=88.38833 | directions= | phone=+91 33 23282405, +91 33 23290777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=China Town | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tangra | lat=22.54968 | long=88.39177 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=Chinese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Golden Joy | alt= | url= | email= | address=50/1, Matherswar Tala Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Near Gobinda Khatick Post Office | phone=+91 33 65350880, +91 9051870888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Kafulok | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Govinda Khatick Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23291953, +91 33 23282288 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Kim Ling | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, South Tangra Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23298923, +91 33 28650996 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Ming Garden Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=50/2, Matheswartala Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9830968711, +91 33 23299540 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} ===Other places=== * {{eat | name=Charnock's | alt= | url= | email= | address=KB 26, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23351349, +91 9051325905 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Noon-4PM, 7:30PM-10:30PM | price= | content=Continental, Bengali, North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's | alt=Vegetarian restaurant | url=http://www.zomato.com/kolkata/haldirams-vip-road/menu | email= | address=P420, VIP Road, Kaikhali | lat=22.6278 | long= 88.4334 | directions= | phone=+91 9830011127, +91 9830011120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Hiland Park Metropolis Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Public---Government-Service/Metropolis-Mall-Hiland-Park-Kolkata-219404518267169/ | email= | address=Santoshpur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 2436 8705 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Has a ten-outlet eatery. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Mishra's Bar & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.mishrasindia.com/ | email= | address=DG 1, Sector 2, Salt Lake City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 4009191, +91 33 4009195 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-11PM | price= | content=Bar with good food arrangements. North Indian, South Indian, Continental, Chinese cuisine. }} * {{drink | name=Mishra's Bar & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.mishrasindia.com/ | email= | address=IB-157, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.57041 | long=88.4153 | directions=Near Tank 14 | phone=+91 33 40669178 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=Bar with good food arrangements. North Indian, South Indian, Continental, Chinese cuisine. }} ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|width=370|height=500|show=sleep|name=Map of East Kolkata}} ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Apanjan | alt= | url= | email= | address=3 Shanti Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9830016645, +91 9836198199 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Around ₹200 per day/ non-AC room | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Aquatic Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address=NP 222, Sector-V, Salt Lake City | lat= 22.5807 | long=88.4379 | directions=opposite Technopolis | phone=+91 33 44502716 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Arunadoy Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=173/1 Barakhola, Mukundapur | lat=22.4926 | long=88.4024 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24260842, +91 9831284083 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹250 per non-AC room | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ashirbad Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=264 Barakhola, Mukundapur | lat=22.49378 | long=88.40093 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2426 4048, +91 9477402644, +91 9477402645 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹300 per double-bedded room, ₹350 per triple bedded room, all non-AC rooms | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Atithi | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 Sonali Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9830380049 | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹250-350 per double-bedded non-AC room | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Bina Bhawan | alt= | url= | email= | address=15A, Shanti Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 98311248611, +91 987407250 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹300-350 per double-bedded non-AC room | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Debi Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=175 Barakhola Mukundapur, Kalikapur | lat=22.49276 | long=88.40239 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24264817, +91 9831687537, +91 9831923007 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹500 per double-bedded non-AC room, ₹800 per double-bedded AC room | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Maa Tara Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=175/1 Barakhola, Mukundapur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9831203612, +91 9903803612, +91 9007304467| tollfree= | fax= | price=₹400-500 per double-bedded non-AC room | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Maity Villa | alt= | url= | email= | address= 27 Sonali Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9836955183 | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹300-500 double-bedded non-AC room; ₹800-1200 for double-bedded AC room | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=138 Barakhola, Mukundapur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 32986868 | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹300 per double-bedded non-AC room | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ricko | alt= | url= | email= | address=22 Shanti Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9836955183 | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹300-600 per double-bedded non-AC room| checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Shib Bandhalay| alt= | url= | email= | address=21 Shanti Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹400 per double-bedded non-AC room| checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Step In | alt= | url= | email= | address= G6 Tagore, Ruby Park, Kasba | lat= | long= | directions= Near Ruby Hospital | phone=+91 33 66037838 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sun & Services | alt= | url= | email= | address=GC 35, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5797 | long=88.4134 | directions=Near GC Island | phone=+91 33 66245815 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Uttam Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.uttamguesthouse.in/ | email= | address=1563 Mukundapur Rd | lat=22.49178 | long=88.40224 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24264287, +91 9830057482 | tollfree= | checkin=9AM | checkout=9AM | price=₹500-₹600 per double-bedded non-AC room, ₹800-₹900 per double-bedded AC room | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Alcove Guest House & Service Apartment | alt= | url=http://www.alcove.co.in/ | email=stay@alcove.co.in | address=Block DL-39, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5837 | long=88.4255 | directions=Close to CK Market. | phone=+91 89510 89510 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹2250 for serviced room | content=All rooms with air-conditioning, TV and private bathroom. Breakfast complimentary, free Wi-Fi access. They also have guest houses at other locations in Salt Lake City and Kolkata. }} * {{sleep | name=Duhita Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.duhita.com/ | email=manager@duhita.com | address=AA 39, Salt Lake City | lat=22.59129 | long=88.39897 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2337-5332 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-29 | content=Operating from 1987. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=FabHotel Shivangan | alt= | url=https://www.fabhotels.com/hotels-in-kolkata/fabhotel-shivangan.html | email= | address=VIP Road | lat=22.6132 | long=88.4294 | directions=Jora Mandir, Baguiati | phone=+91 33 2576 2711 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹1,900-2,800 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Harry Guest House | alt= | url= | email=harryguest@gmail.com | address=AE 329, Salt Lake City | lat=22.59846 | long=88.41102 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2321 5096 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-29 | content=Operating since 1992 it is a fully air conditioned guest house. }} * {{sleep | name=Next Generation Guest House | alt= | url=http://nextgenguesthouse.in/ | email=nextgencareer@gmail.com | address=Plot No 255, Block AD, Sector-I, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5954 | long=88.4054 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2321 5536 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=NRI Residency | alt= | url=http://www.NRIResidency.com | email=info@NRIResidency.com | address=C.I.T Road, Kankurgachi | lat=22.5779 | long=88.3905 | directions= close to Salt Lake City and the EM Bypass | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹1050-1200 | content=Offers guesthouse style accommodation with clean and large AC rooms with Western-style private bathrooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Tiger Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=1686 Lashkrhat, Tagore Park (Block -1) Naskar Hat, Kasba | lat=22.5201 | long=88.3979 | directions=near Calcutta International School and Fortis Hospital, off EM Bypass | phone=+91 33 2345 2433 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel The Sojourn | alt= | url=https://www.hotelthesojourn.com/ | email=info@hotelthesojourn.com | address=Plot KB 23, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5668 | long=88.4113 | directions=Beside of Salt Lake Stadium opposite Gate No 4 | phone=+91 33-2335-1462 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹3450-4400 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Regency | alt= | url=https://kolkata.regency.hyatt.com | email= | address=EM Bypass | lat=22.5706 | long=88.4055 | directions=in Salt Lake Sector III | phone=+91 33 2335 1234 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2335 1235 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Indismart Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.indismart.in/ | email=info@indismartgroup.com | address=International Tower X-1,8/3 Block EP, Salt Lake Electronics Complex, Sector-V, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5716 | long=88.4341 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2357 7550-59, +91 33 4010 1350 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2357 7735 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=ITC Sonar Kolkata | alt= | url=http://itc-sonar-kolkata.hotel-rn.com/?lbl=ggl | email= | address=1 JBS Halden Ave | lat=22.5451 | long=88.3979 | directions=Next to Science City | phone=+91 33 2345 4545 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2345 4455 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Monotel | alt= | url=http://www.monotel.com/ | email= | address=DM-2, Sector-V, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5781 | long=88.4277 | directions=Next to Wipro Technologies | phone=+91 33-40302000 | tollfree= | checkin=12PM | checkout=11:00AM | price=₹3000-5000 | lastedit=2015-06-29 | content=A luxury hotel in Salt Lake Sector-V. }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/6937/index.en.shtml | email= | address=CF 11, Action Area-1C, New Town | lat=22.57963 | long=88.46150 | directions= | phone=+91 33-40323334 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-29 | content=A luxury hotel in Rajarhat-New Town area. }} * {{sleep | name=The Sonnet | alt= | url=http://www.thesonnet.in/ | email=reservations.kol@thesonnet.com | address=Block DD, Plot No. 8, Sector-I, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5896 | long=88.4115 | directions= | phone=+91 33-66339000 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-66339001 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Stadel | alt= | url=http://www.thestadel.com/ | email= | address=Gate 3, Salt Lake Stadium, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5690 | long=88.4110 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2335 7220 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Swissotel | alt= | url=https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/kolkata/?intid=bansko0510enexplore-hotel/reviews/explore-hotel/reviews/ | email=kolkata@swissotel.com | address=City Centre New Town, Action Area-2D, New Town | lat=22.6223 | long=88.4499 | directions= | phone=+91 33 6626 6666 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Kolkata Rajarhat | alt= | url= | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town | lat=22.59223 | long=88.47482 | directions=opposite Eco Park | phone=+91 033 4037 1234 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | image=Westin Hotel And V Service Apartments - Major Arterial Road - Rajarhat 2017-03-30 0855.JPG | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Cope== === Hospitals === * {{listing | name=Apollo Gleneagles Hospital | alt= | url=http://kolkata.apollohospitals.com/ | email= | address=58 Canal Circular Road, EM Bypass | lat=22.57464 | long=88.40157 | directions= | phone=+91 33 23203040 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4780307 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Desun Hospital and Heart Institute | alt= | url= | email= | address=Anandapur Main Road | lat=22.51458 | long=88.40325 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q25714725 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Ruby General Hospital |url=http://www.rubyhospital.com/ | address=Kasba Golpark, EM Bypass | lat=22.51349 | long=88.40306 | directions= | phone=+91 33 39871800 }} * {{listing | name=Medica Superspeciality Hospital |url= | address=EM Bypass, Mukundapur | phone= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/North]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes]] {{routebox | placename=East Kolkata | image1=Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1=[[Kolkata/North|Sealdah]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1= | link1= | caption1= }} {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.5583|88.4193|zoom=12}} 8c3kuha6utisboghmckcwrqnyqn4vhc 4487781 4487762 2022-07-21T14:56:34Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Sleep */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saltlake Sector V.jpg|pgname=East Kolkata}} [[File:Science_City_Kolkata_4643.JPG|thumb|350px|Science City]] '''East Kolkata''' is a district of [[Kolkata]] in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== [[File:Kolkata Aerial view near Airport 095603.jpg|thumb|200px|Central Park, Salt Lake City]] [[File:Kolkata Aerial view Salt Lake Stadium view 1.jpg|thumb|200px|Salt Lake Stadium]] East Kolkata basically covers new growth areas on the eastern side of the metropolis and it is an area that is still growing. It houses the IT hub of Kolkata, shopping emporiums and amusement parks. Science City is a major attraction. Salt Lake Stadium is a major occasional crowd puller. Large number of hospitals attract patients from the metropolis and beyond. There are heavy construction activities along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. Luxury hotels, convention centres, speciality hospitals, condominium complexes, malls and multiplexes are coming up at a rapid pace. In an effort to relieve congestion in the main city, many government offices have shifted to high-rise office buildings lining Salt Lake City's Central Park. The expansion of East Kolkata is spearheaded by the construction of a new satellite township called New Town adjacent to the well-planned Salt Lake City. With the formation of New Town and extension of Salt Lake Sector-V, Kolkata is rapidly turning into a pro-IT city. === Orientation === East Kolkata consists of Salt Lake City (Bidhannagar), Rajarhat, New Town, Lake Town, Dhapa, Tangra, Bantala, Topsia, Tiljala, VIP Nagar, Anandapur, Kalikapur, Mukundapur, Ajoy Nagar, Panchasayar and Phoolbagan. Tangra (New China Town), along with Tiretta Bazaar (Old China Town), are the only extant Chinatowns in India. The locality was once home to 20,000 ethnic Chinese, now the population has dropped to 2,000 or so. The traditional occupation of the Chinese community here had been working in the nearby tanning industry and the Chinese restaurants. The area is still noted for the Chinese restaurants where many people flock to taste traditional Chinese and Indian Chinese food. Historically there were many opium dens in this area (now opium is illegal). ==Get in== {{mapframe|show=go|name=Map of East Kolkata}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> The area is extensive and still developing. Cycle rickshaws are available for short trips wherever there is regular demand for it. Point-to-point auto-rickshaw services are there but are not as extensive or frequent as in some other parts of the metropolis. ===By bus=== Numerous bus routes connect the area with other parts of the city. * {{Go | name=International Bus Terminal | alt= | url= | email= | address=Karunamoyee, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5852 | long=88.4208 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Kolkata-Dhaka bus service operates from here. }} ===By metro=== The East-West Corridor (Line 2) of the [[Kolkata#By metro|Kolkata Metro]] is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach East Kolkata. It runs from Sealdah in [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] to Salt Lake Sector-V in East Kolkata. The metro route within North Kolkata is underground up to Phoolbagan and the metro runs above ground from Salt Lake Stadium. The route is still under construction and is expected to be be operational from Teghoria to [[Howrah]] in 2023. The metro stations are: * {{go | name=Sealdah metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.56685 | long=88.36978 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Sealdah railway station. }} * {{Go | name=Phoolbagan metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.57215 | long=88.39031 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Salt Lake Stadium metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address= | lat=22.57306 | long=88.40306 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content= | wikidata=Q65090392 }} * {{go | name=Bengal Chemical metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address= | lat=22.58006 | long= 88.40132 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content= | wikidata=Q63256245 }} * {{go | name=City Centre metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address= | lat=22.58708 | long=88.4079 | directions=| phone=| hours= | price=| content= | wikidata=Q63256235 }} * {{go | name=Central Park metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.59046 | long=88.41562 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q30632539 | content= }} * {{go | name=Karunamoyee metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58632 | long=88.42145 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q62019524 | content= }} * {{go | name=Salt Lake Sector-V metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58093 | long=88.42906 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q55632405 | content= }} ===By tram=== The tram stations in East Kolkata are: * {{go | name=Bidhan Nagar tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.59117 | long=88.39127 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content=Changeover to suburban railway at Bidhannagar Road railway station. }} * {{go | name=Housing Estate tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.5896 | long=88.3931 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{go | name=Manik Tala ESI Hospital tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58595 | long=88.39211 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{go | name=Bagmari Kabristan tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58436 | long=88.39169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{go | name=Kankurgachi tram station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.58028 | long=88.38908 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} ==See== {{mapframe|show=see,do,listing|name=Map of East Kolkata}} [[File:Nicco Park Salt lake.jpg|thumb|200px|Nicco Park, Salt Lake City]] * {{see | name=Aquatica Water Park | alt= | url=http://aquaticaindia.com/ | email= | address=Kochpukur, Hatgachia | lat=22.562065 | long=88.465197 | directions= | phone=+91 33 32007947, +91 9331555220 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM to 6PM | price= | content=This theme water park offers visitors a cool respite from the heat and grime of city life. }} * {{see | name=Biswa Bangla Gate | alt=Kolkata Gate | url=https://www.biswabanglagatekolkata.in/ | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-I, New Town | lat=22.578611 | long=88.471667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kolkata Gate | wikidata=Q39087520 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=Arch monument in New Town, Kolkata. }} * {{see | name=Central Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.586694 | long=88.414861 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5061595 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} * {{see | name=Kolkata Time Zone | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Lake Town | lat=22.60012 | long=88.40668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=KOLKATA TIME ZONE.JPG | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=A full-scale replica of the iconic Big Ben in [[London]]. }} * {{see | name=Mangaldeep | alt= | url= | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town | lat=22.6193 | long=88.4645 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mangaldeep - HIDCO Iconic Structure - Major Arterial Road - Rajarhat 2017-03-30 0861.JPG | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mother's Wax Museum | alt= | url=http://www.motherswaxmuseum.in/ | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town | lat=22.5999 | long=88.472 | directions=opposite of Eco Park | phone=+91 033 23247243 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-3:30PM | price=150 | wikidata=Q22079942 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content=The Mother's Wax Museum consists of nine sections containing 18 to 19 wax models of eminent personalities. It contains models of Maradona, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Manna Dey, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, etc. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Bengal Modern Arts | alt= | url=https://artsacre.org/museum/ | email=artsacrefoundation@gmail.com | address=Action Area-III, New Town | lat=22.549888 | long=88.521372 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111461856 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} * {{see | name=Nalban Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sector-V, Salt Lake City | lat=22.56841 | long=88.43092 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{see | name=Nicco Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sector-IV, Salt Lake City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 66285549, +91 33 66285509 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7024551 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=It is Disneyland for the Kolkatans with its various adventure rides. Opened in 1991, Nicco Park is one of the biggest amusement parks in the country and has innovative entertainment for all age groups. This amusement park offers fun for children as well as adults and draws crowds from suburban Kolkata, especially on the weekends. }} * {{see | name=PC Chandra Garden | alt= | url= | email= | address=EM Bypass | lat=22.53847 | long=88.39828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{see | name=Science City | alt= | url= | email= | address=junction of J.B.S. Haldane Avenue (Park Circus Connector) and EM Bypass | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7433497 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=It is one of the most spectacular science centres in the country. The size of the Science City baffles the first time visitor. }} * {{see | name=Swabhumi Heritage Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.5712 | long=88.4019 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Here one can sample local arts and crafts as well as some of the food from its various stalls. }} * {{see | name=New Town Lake Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Action Area-I, New Town | lat=22.5903 | long=88.4443 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{see | name=Rabindra Tirtha | alt= | url= | email= | address=Action Area-I, New Town | lat=22.57905 | long=88.47338 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7278759 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Do== [[File:Lush_green_grass_along_the_lake.jpg|thumb|200px|Eco Park, New Town]] * {{do | name=Bioscope | alt= | url= | email= | address=Axis Mall, New Town | lat=22.5802 | long=88.4596 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=Four screens for films. }} * {{do | name=Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan | alt=Milan Mela | url= | email= | address=JBS Haldane Ave | lat=22.5442 | long=88.3949 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=It is a permanent trade fair complex. Fairs of different kinds are held at regular intervals, including Kolkata Book Fair. }} * {{do | name=Central Park Mela Ground | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5876 | long=88.4198 | directions=near Karunamoyee metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{do | name=Club Prana | alt=Spa | url=https://kolkata.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/ | email=india.reservations@hyattintl.com | address=Hyatt Regency Kolkata Hotel, JA-1 Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 2335 1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Eco Park | alt=Prakriti Tirtha | url=http://www.ecoparknewtown.com/ | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33-2706-4010 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-4:30PM | price=₹20 | wikidata=Q7012129 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=A 480-acre landscaped park surrounding a 104-acre water body. Contains replicas of famous structures. Activities include paddleboats, rowboats, duo cycles, birdwatching, etc. Non-residents require permission to enter this and all other parks in New Town. }} * {{do | name= Fame - Hiland Park | alt=Watch films | url=http://in.bookmyshow.com/cinemas/fame-cinemas-hiland-park-kolkata/FCHP | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Inox | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor, City Centre II Rajarhat, New Town | lat=22.6232 | long=88.4503 | directions= | phone=+91 - 33 - 25266063 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nalban Boating Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.5683 | long=88.4193 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2357 2888 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Adjoining Nicco Park, Nalban, as the name suggests, is mainly lakes and creeks (nal) fringed by groves (ban). It is a beautiful picnic spot for families, who would like to spend few hours in the lush greenery and placid lake. It is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its unpolluted environment offers a respite and soothes the visitors. }} * {{do | name=New Town Mela Ground | alt= | url= | email= | address=Major Arterial Rd, BF Block, Action Area-I, New Town | lat=22.5799 | long=88.469 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{Do | name=Salt Lake Stadium | alt=Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan | url= | email= | address=JB Block, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5688 | long=88.4091 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The stadium has the second largest non-auto racing capacity in the world and the largest in the [[South Asia|Indian subcontinent]]. It is used for football matches and athletics. The stadium was built in 1984 and holds 120,000 in a three-tier configuration. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Amity University, Kolkata | alt= | url=https://www.amity.edu/kolkata/ | email= | address=New Town | lat=22.595869 | long=88.485447 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q23808476 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Bose Institute | alt=বসু বিজ্ঞান মন্দির | url=http://www.jcbose.ac.in/ | email= | address=93/1 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Rd | lat=22.5861 | long=88.3937 | directions= next to Rajabazar Science College | phone=+91 33 2355-9219 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4947204 | content=A scientific research institute founded by Jagadish Chandra Bose in 1917 in what was his residence. It is now the main campus with branches. }} * {{listing | name=Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology | alt=MAKAUT | url=https://makautwb.ac.in | email= | address= | lat=22.5972 | long=88.4183 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3347298 | lastedit=2022-07-10 | content= }} * {{listing | name=University of Engineering & Management (UEM), Kolkata | alt= | url=https://uem.edu.in/uem-kolkata/ | email= | address=Action Area-III, New Town | lat=22.560288 | long=88.49016 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q28134230 | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|width=370|height=600|show=buy,eat,drink|name=Map of East Kolkata}} * {{buy | name=Apsara Shopping Arcade | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.50415 | long=88.39986 | directions=At the crossing of EM Bypass and Prince Anwar Shah connector | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Axis Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=CF Block, Action Area-IC, New Town | lat=22.5802 | long=88.4596 | directions= | phone=+91 33 32006827 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Shopping mall, restaurants, Bioscope multiplex with four screens. }} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Baguiati | lat=22.6166 | long=88.4322 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{buy | name= Charnock City | alt= | url= | email= | address=KB-26 Salt Lake City | lat=22.5674 | long= 88.4114 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2335 1349 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=City Centre II Rajarhat | alt= | url= | email= | address=Action Area-IID, New Town | lat=22.6232 | long=88.4503 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content= }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=City Centre Salt Lake City | alt= | url=http://saltlake.citycentremalls.in/ | email= | address=3rd Avenue, DC Block | lat=22.5879 | long=88.4079 | directions= | phone=+91 33 23581011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Hiland Park Metropolis Mall | alt= | url=http://www.hiland.in/ | email= | address=EM Bypass Chak Garia | lat=22.4834 | long=88.3909 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=175,000 sq ft mall. }} * {{buy | name=Home Town | alt= | url= http://www.hometown.in/| email= | address=BG Block, New Town | lat=22.5829 | long=88.4587 | directions= | phone=+91 90 07 862472 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Mani Square | alt= | url= | email= | address=164/1, Manicktala Main Road (EM Bypass) | lat=22.5779 | long=88.4012 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= It has more than 710,000 square feet (66,000 m²) of total area accommodating 250 outlets. }} * {{buy | name=Silver Spring Arcade | alt= | url= | email= | address=EM Bypass | lat=22.5489 | long= 88.4004| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Upohar Town Centre | alt=attached to Upohar Housing Complex of Bengal Ambuja | url= | email= | address=New Garia | lat=22.4753 | long=88.4009 | directions=near Kavi Subhas metro station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Spencer's and other outlets. }} * {{buy | name=VIP Bazaar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Picnic Garden Rd, Tiljala | lat=22.52536 | long=88.395288 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Down Town Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address=Action Area-III, New Town | lat=22.55951 | long=88.49538 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Eat== ===City Centre II Rajarhat=== * {{eat | name=Gamma's World Cuisine | alt= | url= | email= | address=M 208, 2nd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40620069 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=International cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ground Floor, Block C | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 4062 0072, +91 33 40278000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Kwality Wall Swirl's | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Massekah | alt= | url= | email= | address=B 215 2nd floor, Block B | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9007213377, +91 9051834932 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North Indian, Afghani cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Unit A001, Block A, Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 66064251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=The Orient | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 65410399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Hut | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ground Floor, Block C | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40620073 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Italian cuisine, desserts. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Zion Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9903996699 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Drinks not served. }} ===Axis Mall=== * {{eat | name=Aaheli | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23242411, +91 9007770841 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30AM-10:30PM | price= | content=Bengali cuisine. Drinks served. Good environment, high price, indifferent service. }} * {{eat | name=Addiction | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 3200 6827 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North Indian, Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM-11:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Calcutta Retro | alt= | url= | email= | address=5th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23242345 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30AM-10:30PM | price= | content=Bengali cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Mehak-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor, Axis Mall, New Town, Major Arterial Road, Action Area I, Rajarhat | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 2324 2434 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-11PM | price= | content=North Indian, Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} ===City Centre, Salt Lake City=== * {{eat | name= Afraa Restaurant| alt= | url= | email= | address=7th Floor, Block G | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23581111, +91 9007017098 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 12:30PM-3PM, 7-11PM| price= | content= Continental, Mediterranean, Italian and Japanese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Caught n Bowled | alt= | url= | email= | address= 4th Floor, Block B| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23580333, +91 33 23589993 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Noon-3:30PM, 7PM-10:45PM| price= | content= Chinese, Continental and North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name= Copper Chimney | alt= | url= | email= | address= 3rd Floor, Block C| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40215555, +91 8420000206 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 7PM-10:30PM | price= | content=North Indian cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Haka | alt= | url= | email= | address=2nd Floor, Block E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23581359, +91 33 23581445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-10PM | price= | content= Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Kaafila | alt= | url= | email= | address= 3rd Floor, Block B| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40063210, +91 33 40063211 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30-3:15PM, 7PM-10:30PM | price= | content=North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=1st Floor, Block A | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40278000, +91 33 40063283 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11AM-11PM| price= | content=American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Hut | alt= | url= | email= | address= 1st Floor, Block A| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23580984, +91 33 23580985 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11AM-11PM| price= | content=Italian, pizza, desserts. Drinks not served. }} ===Mani Square=== * {{eat | name=Flame & Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address= 4th Floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23202186, +91 9330627517 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12.:30PM-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM | price= | content= North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Haka | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 65364679, +91 33 23202452 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM | price= | content= Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40682017, +91 9830461313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price= | content=American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Khandani Rajdhani Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23202828, +91 33 23202839 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM | price= | content=Rajasthani, Gujarati cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Machan | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 65364680, +91 33 23202182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Noon-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM| price= | content= North Indian, Mughlai cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=McDonald's | alt= | url= | email= | address= Ground Floor| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 66064251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-11PM | price= | content= American fast food. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Mio Amore | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9903986636, +91 33 23202668 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:30PM-11PM | price= | content=Mediterranean cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=The Shack | alt= | url= | email= | address=4th Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 65364679 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1PM-11PM | price= | content=Goan cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Square 4o5 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 40208206, +91 8420033622 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11AM-10:30PM| price= | content=Continental, North Indian cuisine. Drinks not served. }} ===Silver Spring Arcade=== * {{eat | name=Mainland China | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 22517034, +91 33 22517035 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Masque | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 22517283 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Oh! Calcutta | alt= | url= | email= | address=3rd Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 22517036, +91 33 22517037 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Bengali cuisine, seafood. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Sigree | alt= | url= | email= | address=1st Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 22517032, +91 33 22517031 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} ===Tangra=== * {{eat | name=Beijing Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=77/1, Christopher Road, Tangra | lat=22.54651 | long=88.38707 | directions= | phone=+91 33 23281011, +91 33 23283998 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Big Boss | alt= | url= | email= | address=54C Matheswartala Rd | lat=22.54674 | long=88.38833 | directions= | phone=+91 33 23282405, +91 33 23290777 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=China Town | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tangra | lat=22.54968 | long=88.39177 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=Chinese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Golden Joy | alt= | url= | email= | address=50/1, Matherswar Tala Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Near Gobinda Khatick Post Office | phone=+91 33 65350880, +91 9051870888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Kafulok | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Govinda Khatick Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23291953, +91 33 23282288 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Kim Ling | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, South Tangra Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23298923, +91 33 28650996 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks not served. }} * {{eat | name=Ming Garden Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=50/2, Matheswartala Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9830968711, +91 33 23299540 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese cuisine. Drinks served. }} ===Other places=== * {{eat | name=Charnock's | alt= | url= | email= | address=KB 26, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 23351349, +91 9051325905 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Noon-4PM, 7:30PM-10:30PM | price= | content=Continental, Bengali, North Indian cuisine. Drinks served. }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's | alt=Vegetarian restaurant | url=http://www.zomato.com/kolkata/haldirams-vip-road/menu | email= | address=P420, VIP Road, Kaikhali | lat=22.6278 | long= 88.4334 | directions= | phone=+91 9830011127, +91 9830011120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Hiland Park Metropolis Mall | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Public---Government-Service/Metropolis-Mall-Hiland-Park-Kolkata-219404518267169/ | email= | address=Santoshpur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 2436 8705 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Has a ten-outlet eatery. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Mishra's Bar & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.mishrasindia.com/ | email= | address=DG 1, Sector 2, Salt Lake City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 4009191, +91 33 4009195 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-11PM | price= | content=Bar with good food arrangements. North Indian, South Indian, Continental, Chinese cuisine. }} * {{drink | name=Mishra's Bar & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.mishrasindia.com/ | email= | address=IB-157, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.57041 | long=88.4153 | directions=Near Tank 14 | phone=+91 33 40669178 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=Bar with good food arrangements. North Indian, South Indian, Continental, Chinese cuisine. }} ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|width=370|height=500|show=sleep|name=Map of East Kolkata}} ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Apanjan | alt= | url= | email= | address=3 Shanti Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9830016645, +91 9836198199 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Around ₹200 per day/ non-AC room | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Aquatic Palace | alt= | url= | email= | address=NP 222, Sector-V, Salt Lake City | lat= 22.5807 | long=88.4379 | directions=opposite Technopolis | phone=+91 33 44502716 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Arunadoy Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=173/1 Barakhola, Mukundapur | lat=22.4926 | long=88.4024 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24260842, +91 9831284083 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹250 per non-AC room | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ashirbad Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=264 Barakhola, Mukundapur | lat=22.49378 | long=88.40093 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2426 4048, +91 9477402644, +91 9477402645 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹300 per double-bedded room, ₹350 per triple bedded room, all non-AC rooms | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Atithi | alt= | url= | email= | address=7 Sonali Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9830380049 | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹250-350 per double-bedded non-AC room | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Bina Bhawan | alt= | url= | email= | address=15A, Shanti Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 98311248611, +91 987407250 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹300-350 per double-bedded non-AC room | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Debi Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=175 Barakhola Mukundapur, Kalikapur | lat=22.49276 | long=88.40239 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24264817, +91 9831687537, +91 9831923007 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹500 per double-bedded non-AC room, ₹800 per double-bedded AC room | lastedit=2022-07-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Maa Tara Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=175/1 Barakhola, Mukundapur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9831203612, +91 9903803612, +91 9007304467| tollfree= | fax= | price=₹400-500 per double-bedded non-AC room | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Maity Villa | alt= | url= | email= | address= 27 Sonali Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9836955183 | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹300-500 double-bedded non-AC room; ₹800-1200 for double-bedded AC room | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Meghalaya Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=138 Barakhola, Mukundapur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 33 32986868 | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹300 per double-bedded non-AC room | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ricko | alt= | url= | email= | address=22 Shanti Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 9836955183 | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹300-600 per double-bedded non-AC room| checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Shib Bandhalay| alt= | url= | email= | address=21 Shanti Park, Panchasayar | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=₹400 per double-bedded non-AC room| checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Step In | alt= | url= | email= | address= G6 Tagore, Ruby Park, Kasba | lat= | long= | directions= Near Ruby Hospital | phone=+91 33 66037838 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sun & Services | alt= | url= | email= | address=GC 35, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5797 | long=88.4134 | directions=Near GC Island | phone=+91 33 66245815 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Uttam Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.uttamguesthouse.in/ | email= | address=1563 Mukundapur Rd | lat=22.49178 | long=88.40224 | directions= | phone=+91 33 24264287, +91 9830057482 | tollfree= | checkin=9AM | checkout=9AM | price=₹500-₹600 per double-bedded non-AC room, ₹800-₹900 per double-bedded AC room | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Alcove Guest House & Service Apartment | alt= | url=http://www.alcove.co.in/ | email=stay@alcove.co.in | address=Block DL-39, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5837 | long=88.4255 | directions=Close to CK Market. | phone=+91 89510 89510 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹2250 for serviced room | content=All rooms with air-conditioning, TV and private bathroom. Breakfast complimentary, free Wi-Fi access. They also have guest houses at other locations in Salt Lake City and Kolkata. }} * {{sleep | name=Duhita Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.duhita.com/ | email=manager@duhita.com | address=AA 39, Salt Lake City | lat=22.59129 | long=88.39897 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2337-5332 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-29 | content=Operating from 1987. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=FabHotel Shivangan | alt= | url=https://www.fabhotels.com/hotels-in-kolkata/fabhotel-shivangan.html | email= | address=VIP Road | lat=22.6132 | long=88.4294 | directions=Jora Mandir, Baguiati | phone=+91 33 2576 2711 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹1,900-2,800 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Harry Guest House | alt= | url= | email=harryguest@gmail.com | address=AE 329, Salt Lake City | lat=22.59846 | long=88.41102 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2321 5096 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-29 | content=Operating since 1992 it is a fully air conditioned guest house. }} * {{sleep | name=Next Generation Guest House | alt= | url=http://nextgenguesthouse.in/ | email=nextgencareer@gmail.com | address=Plot No 255, Block AD, Sector-I, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5954 | long=88.4054 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2321 5536 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=NRI Residency | alt= | url=http://www.NRIResidency.com | email=info@NRIResidency.com | address=C.I.T Road, Kankurgachi | lat=22.5779 | long=88.3905 | directions= close to Salt Lake City and the EM Bypass | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹1050-1200 | content=Offers guesthouse style accommodation with clean and large AC rooms with Western-style private bathrooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Tiger Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=1686 Lashkrhat, Tagore Park (Block -1) Naskar Hat, Kasba | lat=22.5201 | long=88.3979 | directions=near Calcutta International School and Fortis Hospital, off EM Bypass | phone=+91 33 2345 2433 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=O2 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Kaikhali| lat=22.6327 | long=88.4343 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25250078, +91 33 25250113 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel The Sojourn | alt= | url=https://www.hotelthesojourn.com/ | email=info@hotelthesojourn.com | address=Plot KB 23, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5668 | long=88.4113 | directions=Beside of Salt Lake Stadium opposite Gate No 4 | phone=+91 33-2335-1462 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₹3450-4400 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hyatt Regency | alt= | url=https://kolkata.regency.hyatt.com | email= | address=EM Bypass | lat=22.5706 | long=88.4055 | directions=in Salt Lake Sector III | phone=+91 33 2335 1234 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2335 1235 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Indismart Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.indismart.in/ | email=info@indismartgroup.com | address=International Tower X-1,8/3 Block EP, Salt Lake Electronics Complex, Sector-V, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5716 | long=88.4341 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2357 7550-59, +91 33 4010 1350 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2357 7735 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=ITC Sonar Kolkata | alt= | url=http://itc-sonar-kolkata.hotel-rn.com/?lbl=ggl | email= | address=1 JBS Halden Ave | lat=22.5451 | long=88.3979 | directions=Next to Science City | phone=+91 33 2345 4545 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33 2345 4455 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Monotel | alt= | url=http://www.monotel.com/ | email= | address=DM-2, Sector-V, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5781 | long=88.4277 | directions=Next to Wipro Technologies | phone=+91 33-40302000 | tollfree= | checkin=12PM | checkout=11:00AM | price=₹3000-5000 | lastedit=2015-06-29 | content=A luxury hotel in Salt Lake Sector-V. }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/6937/index.en.shtml | email= | address=CF 11, Action Area-1C, New Town | lat=22.57963 | long=88.46150 | directions= | phone=+91 33-40323334 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-29 | content=A luxury hotel in Rajarhat-New Town area. }} * {{sleep | name=The Sonnet | alt= | url=http://www.thesonnet.in/ | email=reservations.kol@thesonnet.com | address=Block DD, Plot No. 8, Sector-I, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5896 | long=88.4115 | directions= | phone=+91 33-66339000 | tollfree= | fax=+91 33-66339001 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Stadel | alt= | url=http://www.thestadel.com/ | email= | address=Gate 3, Salt Lake Stadium, Sector-III, Salt Lake City | lat=22.5690 | long=88.4110 | directions= | phone=+91 33 2335 7220 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Swissotel | alt= | url=https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/kolkata/?intid=bansko0510enexplore-hotel/reviews/explore-hotel/reviews/ | email=kolkata@swissotel.com | address=City Centre New Town, Action Area-2D, New Town | lat=22.6223 | long=88.4499 | directions= | phone=+91 33 6626 6666 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Kolkata Rajarhat | alt= | url= | email= | address=Major Arterial Road (South-East), Action Area-II, New Town | lat=22.59223 | long=88.47482 | directions=opposite Eco Park | phone=+91 033 4037 1234 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price= | image=Westin Hotel And V Service Apartments - Major Arterial Road - Rajarhat 2017-03-30 0855.JPG | lastedit=2022-07-06 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Cope== === Hospitals === * {{listing | name=Apollo Gleneagles Hospital | alt= | url=http://kolkata.apollohospitals.com/ | email= | address=58 Canal Circular Road, EM Bypass | lat=22.57464 | long=88.40157 | directions= | phone=+91 33 23203040 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4780307 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Desun Hospital and Heart Institute | alt= | url= | email= | address=Anandapur Main Road | lat=22.51458 | long=88.40325 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q25714725 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Ruby General Hospital |url=http://www.rubyhospital.com/ | address=Kasba Golpark, EM Bypass | lat=22.51349 | long=88.40306 | directions= | phone=+91 33 39871800 }} * {{listing | name=Medica Superspeciality Hospital |url= | address=EM Bypass, Mukundapur | phone= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/North]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes]] {{routebox | placename=East Kolkata | image1=Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1=[[Kolkata/North|Sealdah]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1= | link1= | caption1= }} {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.5583|88.4193|zoom=12}} dwa78vqbt7nbjorp43qiqfpyq7ykw48 0 18355 4488085 4463947 2022-07-22T04:06:10Z Chongkian 70395 /* See */ Updated listing for Muzium Telekom - use newer photo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|KL Skyline for Wikivoyage Banner.jpg|origin=-0.1,0}} [[File:Petronas Towers Evening.jpg|thumb|250px|Petronas Towers, the quintessential symbol of Kuala Lumpur]] The '''Golden Triangle''' is [[Kuala Lumpur]]'s main shopping and nightlife district. Considered to be the closest thing to a Central Business District (CBD), the Golden Triangle is home to the ever popular shopping area of '''Bukit Bintang'''. To the north is '''KLCC''', a multi-purpose development known for its shopping and the Petronas Twin Towers. Whilst KLCC does stand for ''Kuala Lumpur City Centre'', do not mistake this for the actual [[Kuala Lumpur/Central|City Centre]]. Those looking to party should head towards '''Changkat Bukit Bintang''' and dance the night away. ==Get in== ===By train=== The southern half of the Golden triangle, including {{KLRT color code|MR|6}} {{KLRT color code|SBK|18A}}'''Bukit Bintang''' and its surrounds, is best served by the '''KL Monorail''' and the newest '''MRT Sungai Buloh - Kajang (SBK) Line'''. The MRT SBK line passes KL Sentral at Muzium Negara and nearby the old monorail station. The monorail passes directly through the district following along Jalan Sultan Ismail, originating from KL Sentral to the South and Titiwangsa in the north. Those heading towards KLCC and Jalan Ampang can take the LRT on the Kelana Jaya line. It is possible to transfer between the LRT and Monorail at Dang Wangi LRT and Bukit Nanas Monorail stations. Take note you must exit the paid fare area and walk along Jalan Ampang and purchase separate fares. Signs are there to guide you. ===By bus=== Many of the '''Rapid KL''' buses go into the Golden Triangle area. A free bus service, called '''GO-KL''', operates two circular routes that focus on the Golden Triangle and the [[Kuala Lumpur/Central|City Centre]]. Those who are around '''Chinatown''' in the City Centre can catch the ''Purple Line'' which runs from Pasar Seni to '''Bukit Bintang''', via Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve and Menara KL. The second route, or ''Green Line'', runs solely within the Golden Triangle. see [[Kuala Lumpur/Golden Triangle#Get around|Get around]] for more information on this route. ===By road=== The main roads in the district are Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Raja Chulan. All these roads suffer from acute congestion, especially during peak hours. If you are coming from outside KL and want to head directly here, there are a few roads which you can take. *From the '''south''' if coming from the North-South Expressway, you can enter the '''Smart Tunnel''' at Sungai Besi and exit at the '''Jalan Sultan Ismail exit''', which brings you smack in the middle of Bukit Bintang. The '''Tun Razak exit''' will bring you onto Jalan Tun Razak where you can then proceed directly into '''KLCC''' after the Singapore High Commission. Jalan Tun Razak also intersects with Jalan Ampang. *From the '''north''', after exiting the North South Expressway's Jalan Duta exit, proceed along Jalan Duta (towards the south end or "Seremban direction" of this road) and then Jalan Istana, and then Jalan Dewan Bahasa which will bring you to Jalan Hang Tuah and Jalan Imbi to the '''Bukit Bintang''' area. To get to KLCC, proceed towards Jalan Duta (south direction), then Lebuhraya Mahameru which links up with Jalan Tun Razak. There is a tunnel linking Jalan Tun Razak directly to the KLCC car park. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|3.14677|101.71035|zoom=14}} {{Mapmask |3.1365,101.7036 |3.1361,101.7043 |3.1336,101.7069 |3.1308,101.7095 |3.1298,101.7107 |3.1285,101.7124 |3.1305,101.7138 |3.1324,101.7158 |3.1366,101.7188 |3.1378,101.7195 |3.1409,101.7205 |3.1484,101.7228 |3.1493,101.7229 |3.1533,101.7227 |3.1600,101.7200 |3.1626,101.7189 |3.1631,101.7181 |3.1635,101.7166 |3.1643,101.7158 |3.1652,101.7153 |3.1644,101.7138 |3.1636,101.7126 |3.1623,101.7106 |3.1615,101.7093 |3.1611,101.7085 |3.1610,101.7077 |3.1609,101.7071 |3.1607,101.7059 |3.1605,101.7053 |3.1601,101.7045 |3.1596,101.7038 |3.1581,101.7027 |3.1570,101.7015 |3.1561,101.7015 |3.1553,101.7012 |3.1546,101.7007 |3.1531,101.6998 |3.1527,101.6993 |3.1522,101.6981 |3.1517,101.6973 |3.1500,101.6978 |3.1486,101.6992 |3.1476,101.6981 |3.1456,101.6999 |3.1454,101.7007 |3.1452,101.7011 |3.1437,101.7026 |3.1421,101.7036 |3.1404,101.7055 |3.1386,101.7050 |3.1372,101.7039 |3.1365,101.7036}} {{mapshapes|Q21006001}} ===By foot=== KLCC and Bukit Bintang are linked by the '''KLCC - Bukit Bintang Walkway''', an elevated and air-conditioned pedestrian bridge that links the Pavilion to Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. A further pedestrian tunnel near the convention centre exit will take you to Suria KLCC, the Petronas Towers or KLCC Park. Look for a set of escalators going underground in front of the convention centre. The walkway also links up to Impiana KLCC Hotel and a further exit is a short walk from Raja Chulan Monorail Station. The walkway is open 06:00-23:00. ===By bus=== There is a free '''GO-KL''' bus service. The ''Green Line'' operates from Bukit Bintang to KLCC, traveling along Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Ampang along the way. The other bus route, or ''Purple Line'', joins up with this and heads towards the City Centre. This line can be handy to reach Menara KL and Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve. ===By monorail=== The monorail traverses the Golden Triangle and is especially useful, if you want to enter the district from [[Kuala_Lumpur/South_of_City_Centre#Brickfields|KL Sentral]], the main station of the city. ==See== *{{see | name=Petronas Twin Towers | alt=Menara Berkembar Petronas | url=http://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/ | email= | address=Jalan Ampang and Jalan P Ramlee | lat=3.157778 | long=101.711667 | directions=KLCC LRT Station | phone=+60 3 2331 8080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 09:00–21:00 | price=Foreigners/Malaysians: Adults RM80/25, Children RM30/12 | wikipedia=Petronas Towers | image=Petronas Panorama II.jpg | wikidata=Q83063 | content=Perhaps the most iconic building of Malaysia and the tallest twin building in the world. Visitors first head up to the Skybridge at level 41-42, one of the highest suspended bridges in the world, before going up to level 86 to marvel at Kuala Lumpur from the observation deck. There are also displays and informational videos about the tower and its construction. Tickets can be purchased online or at the base of the tower. A ticket allows you access during a specific time block only and are limited, so either turn up early or purchase online in advance. }} [[File:St. John's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur.jpg|thumb|Menara KL with St. John's Cathedral in the foreground]] * {{see | name=Kuala Lumpur Tower | alt=Menara KL | url=http://www.menarakl.com.my/ | email= | address=2 Jalan Puncak | lat=3.15281 | long=101.70392 | directions=Raja Chulan Monorail station | phone=+603 2020 5444 | tollfree= | hours=09:30–21:30 | price=Foreigners/Malaysians: adults RM47/27, children RM27/19 | wikipedia=Kuala Lumpur Tower | image=KL tower1.JPG | wikidata=Q745016 | content=KL Tower has a viewing deck at 276bm provides great city views, and you'll be a few metres higher than the Twin Towers since the tower is built on a hill (also, the twin towers observation deck is 100 m below at 170 m). For a free bonus, check out the wonderfully bombastic free film on the tower's construction, screened in a little cinema on the tower ground floor. There is free shuttle bus service from the main gate to the base of the tower, though number of seats in the bus is very limited. Around the tower are various attractions including pony rides, KL Animal Zone and a Malaysian cultural village exhibition. Tickets for these attractions can be purchased separately or as part of a combo with the KL Tower ticket. }} [[File:Aquaria KLCC fish tank.jpg|thumb|Feeding time in the fish tank]] *{{see | name=Aquaria KLCC | alt= | url=http://www.aquariaklcc.com/ | email= | address=Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jl Pinang | lat=3.153393 | long=101.713078 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2333 1888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30–20:00 (''last admissions at 19:00'') | price=Foreigners/Malaysians: Adults RM50/38, Children RM40/28, Seniors RM30/28 | wikipedia=Aquaria KLCC | image=Underwater tunnel in Aquaria KLCC.jpg | wikidata=Q29168 | content=A gigantic aquarium housing over 5,000 aquatic and terrestrial species. The aquarium has many displays including an underwater tunnel, interactive touch pools, exhibits of flora and fauna and multimedia kiosks. They also have feeding sessions throughout the day at specific exhibits, see their website for specific times. }} * {{see | name=Badan Warisan Malaysia | alt=Malaysian Heritage Trust | url=http://www.badanwarisan.org.my | email= | address=2 Jl Stoner | lat=3.150498 | long=101.716854 | directions=Raja Chulan Monorail station | phone=+60 3 2144 9273 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-17:30 | price=Free, donations accepted | wikipedia=Badan Warisan Malaysia | image=Rumah Penghulu.jpg | wikidata=Q4840583 | content=A non-profit organisation for the conservation and promotion of Malaysia's heritage and has various exhibits and seminars about Malaysia and its history. ''Rumah Penghulu'' is a major attraction, a traditional Malay house constructed in the 1920s that was originally located in Kampung Sungai Kechil in [[Kedah]]. Tours of ''Rumah Penghulu'' are M-Sa at 11:00 & 15:00. There is also a garden containing over 50 native Malaysian plants, includes rare species. }} *{{see | name=Petrosains | alt= | url=http://www.petrosains.com.my | email= | address=Lvl 4, Suria KLCC | lat=3.158449 | long=101.712689 | directions=KLCC LRT Station | phone=+60 3 2331 8181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 09:30–17:30, Sa Su 09:30–18:30 | price=Foreigners/Malaysians: adults RM25/15, children RM15/5, seniors RM18/8, family (2 adults & 2 children) RM50/30 | image=F1 car at Petrosains museum (6349809786).jpg | content=An exhibit of the science and technology behind the petroleum industry, mainly aimed for children and sponsored by the Petronas oil company. There are various science shows, interactive exhibits and simulation experiences throughout. Book tickets at least 30 minutes in advance, or even a few days earlier if you can. Can be very busy on weekends. }} * {{see | name=Muzium Telekom | alt=Telecommunications Museum | url=http://www.muziumtelekom.com.my/ | email=csamt@menarakl.com.my | address=Jalan Raja Chulan | lat=3.14893 | long=101.69914 | directions=walk from Exit B Masjid Jamek metro station, via Jalan Melaka and Jalan Gereja | phone=+60 32031 9966 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9:00-17:00, closed on Public Holidays | price=RM11 for foreign adults and RM5 for children | wikipedia=Telekom Museum | image=Muzium Telekom.jpg | wikidata=Q7393613 | lastedit=2021-03-16 | content=Built in 1928 as the Central Battery Telephone Exchange, converted into the Telecommunications Museum in 1994, showing the growth of communications technology in Malaysia. A rather limited amount of antique telecom equipment on display. }} * {{see | name=As Syakirin Mosque | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.157222 | long=101.716111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=As Syakirin Mosque | image=As Syakirin Mosque, Kuala Lumpur.jpg | wikidata=Q3396984 | lastedit=2018-11-24 | content= }} ==Do== [[Image:BerjayaTimeSq ThemePark.JPG|thumb|Fancy a ride at Berjaya Times Square Theme Park?]] After you have done all your shopping and partying in the Golden Triangle, you will probably be exhausted. Perhaps enjoy a spa treatment to relax or, if up for it, go for an adventure in one of the local parks. You'll also find Malaysia's largest indoor theme park here. *{{do | name=Berjaya Times Square Theme Park | alt=Formerly Cosmo's World | url=http://www.berjayatimessquarethemeparkkl.com/ | email= | address=Levels 5 & 7, 1 Jl Imbi | lat=3.14218 | long=101.711 | directions=Imbi Monorail Station | phone=+60 3 2117 3118 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 12:00–22:00, Sa Su 11:00–22:00 | price=Foreigners/Malaysians: adults RM48/38, children RM38/28, family (2 adults & 2 children) RM138/106 | wikipedia=Berjaya Times Square Theme Park | image=Berjaya Times Square theme park.jpg | wikidata=Q20677350 | content=Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, located on the upper floors of the giant Berjaya Times Square mall and particularly notable for its hair-raising seven-story indoor roller coaster. The park is divided into two sections, one geared for small children, the other for those who want a little more excitement; one ticket gets you into both. }} *{{do | name=KL Forest Eco Park | alt=formerly Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve | url=https://www.forestry.gov.my/index.php/en/wp-kuala-lumpur/taman-eko-rimba-kuala-lumpur | email= | address= | lat=3.152778 | long=101.7025 | directions=Near Menara KL | phone= +60 3 2026 4741 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 07:00–19:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Bukit Nanas | image=Buckit Nanas.jpg | wikidata=Q31322 | lastedit=2019-02-14 | content=Being the last virgin tropical rainforest left in Kuala Lumpur, this is certainly not your typical urban park. If lucky you may even be able to spot some wildlife, including birds, monkeys, lizards and even the occasional snake. The trails are not that challenging but be sure to bring comfortable shoes, water and even some repellent can come in handy. A camping ground is also available for those wanting to camp under the stars. }} *{{do | name=Craft Village @ Kompleks Kraf KL | alt=Perkampungan Kraf | url=http://www.kraftangan.gov.my/en/craft-complex/kuala-lumpur-craft-complex | email= | address=Seksyen 63, Jl Conlay | lat=3.149322 | long=101.7185 | directions=Near Raja Chulan Monorail Station | phone=+60 3 2164 9907 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00-18:00 | price= | content=Part of a government-owned organisation which was set up to showcase Malaysian art and craft. You can create your own Malay art by having a dabble at batik drawing, wood carving and pottery making, all at a 'minimal fee'. While there you can also explore the museum, gift shop and café. }} *{{do | name=Petronas Philharmonic Hall | alt=Dewan Filharmonik Petronas | url=http://www.malaysianphilharmonic.com/ | email= | address= | lat=3.15811 | long=101.71219 | directions=Ground Floor, Tower 2, Petronas Twin Towers | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Petronas Filharmonik Hall | wikidata=Q5268050 | content=The home of the well-regarded Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is nestled at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers, offering performances of classical music most Saturdays at 20:30 and Sundays at 15:00, with tickets starting at just RM25. Advance bookings are possible online. Note that a strict dress code applies: long sleeve ''batik'' or lounge suit for gala and evening performances, "smart casual" (no jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sneakers and slippers) for other performances. }} [[File:KLCC park fountain night.jpg|thumb|Lake Symphony Fountains, KLCC Park]] *{{do | name=Diving @ Aquaria KLCC | alt= | url=http://www.aquariaklcc.com/adventure/cage-rage | email= | address= Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, Jl Pinang| lat=3.154116 | long=101.713091 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2333 1976 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Advance bookings required | price=Cage Rage: RM199, Dive With Sharks: RM400 (Requires diving card and log book) | content=Take a plunge (literally) and explore Aquaria KLCC with the resident aquatic animals. The Cage Rage package takes you underwater in the safety of a cage. Be sure to say hello to the sharks when down there. The Dive with Sharks package is definitely for who are more adventurous, where you can explore the underwater area without a cage and get up close to the aquatic life. You also get a certificate and t-shirt to remember your close encounter.}} *{{listing | type=do | name=KLCC Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.15558 | long=101.71501 | directions=behind Petronas Towers (cross the Suria KLCC mall to get there) | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=KLCC Park | image=KLCC Park, Kuala Lumpur (4447670837).jpg | wikidata=Q6332465 | lastedit=2019-08-26 | content=A kid-friendly urban park surrounded by a concrete jungle. It boasts a children's pool and playground, walking/jogging tracks, a bird sanctuary, sculptures and 66 species of palm trees. Check out the lake symphony fountains which spray water up into the air. During the evening the fountains are the centrepiece of a light and music show at 20:00, 21:00 and 21:45. Visitors are rigorously sent out at 10p.m. }} *{{do | name=Pamper Zone | alt= | url= | email= | address=181 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.147201 | long=101.713957 | directions=Starhill Gallery Shopping Mall | phone=+60 3 2782 3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An impressive cluster of spas within Starhill Gallery, with services ranging from world class all day treatments (RM600), to affordable facials and one hour long full body massages (RM100).}} ==Buy== Bukit Bintang is the main shopping area of the Golden Triangle with many of KL's most well-known malls. The main shopping streets are Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Imbi. KLCC has the popular Suria KLCC mall while the adjacent Jalan Ampang also has several shopping complexes. ===Bukit Bintang=== [[File:Pavilion KL Entrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance of Pavilion shopping mall]] *{{buy | name=Pavilion Kuala Lumpur | alt= | url=http://www.pavilion-kl.com | email= | address=168 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.148376 | long=101.713069 | directions=Bukit Bintang Monorail Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-22:00 daily | price= | wikipedia=Pavilion Kuala Lumpur | image=Pavillion KL.jpg | wikidata=Q7155871 | content=This KL's latest luxury megamall is an anchor piece of the world-class urban development comprising two luxury residential towers, a corporate office. The mall has six distinctive precincts, Couture Pavilion, Bintang Circle, Gourmet_Emporium, Connection, Seventh Heaven and Home that contain approximately 450 stores. Most of the restaurants on the ground floor are western-themed and aimed at tourists, but there is a good range of Malaysian restaurants on the basement level and a large number of restaurants spread throughout the mall. There is pedestrian bridge that links the mall to KLCC. }} [[File:Berjaya Times Square atrium.jpg|thumb|Berjaya Times Square atrium]] *{{buy | name=Berjaya Times Square | alt= | url=http://www.timessquarekl.com/ | email= | address=1 Jl Imbi | lat=3.142182 | long=101.710605 | directions=Imbi Monorail Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-22:00 daily | price= | wikipedia=Berjaya Times Square | image=Berjaya Time Square in the afternoon, Kuala Lumpur (Dec 2006).jpg | wikidata=Q820738 | lastedit=2029-02-14 | content=It has 12 levels of retail with a total of 320,000 m² (3.5 million ft²). It is a middle-class shopping mall offering youth fashion targeted at the younger crowds. For entertainment, it has the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia on the 7th floor of the building. It also offers a 3D-Imax theatre on the top floor of the retail podium. there is a '''Cold Storage Supermarket''' at the lower ground floor. }} *{{buy | name=Fahrenheit 88 | alt= | url=http://www.fahrenheit88.com | email= | address=179 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.1475 | long=101.7125 | directions=Bukit Bintang Monorail Station | phone= | tollfree= | hours=10:00-22:00 daily | price= | wikipedia=Fahrenheit 88 | image=Fahrenheit 88.jpg | wikidata=Q1081260 | content={{ft2|300,000}} of lettable space spread over 5 levels of zoned shopping space. There are designated zones for Japanese and Korean fashion consisting of an entire floor each. }} *{{buy | name=Lot 10 | alt= | url=http://www.lot10.com.my/ | email= | address=Cnr Jl Bukit Bintang & Jl Sultan Ismail | lat=3.146301 | long=101.711973 | directions=Bukit Bintang Monorail Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-22:00 daily | price= | wikipedia=Lot 10 | image=Lot 10, Star Hill, Kuala Lumpur.jpg | wikidata=Q535177 | content=When opened in 1991, it was considered the Harrods-equivalent of Malaysia housing designer outlets like Aigner and Versace. Time has however taken a toll on this mall which boasts a green facade. Nowadays it is widely-reckoned as a middle-class retail destination as most outlets have shifted as a result of competition and degradation. Anchor tenants now include H&M and Japanese department store Isetan. If food is your thing, a cornucopia of Malaysia's best offerings can be found in the lower-ground floor food court, called Hutong. }} *{{buy | name=Plaza Low Yat | alt= | url=http://plazalowyat.com/ | email= | address=7 Jl Bintang | lat=3.14401 | long=101.7105 | directions=Imbi Monorail Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Plaza Low Yat | image=Low Yat Plaza, Imbi, Kuala Lumpur.jpg | wikidata=Q6692970 | content=A good place for computer hardware, game consoles and handphones. A "must visit" for the tech inclined. ''All IT Hypermart'' (4th floor) is a good one-stop shop, but there are dozens of specialist computing boutiques for the enthusiast. Do not always be fooled by the pricing as some unscrupulous sellers may have switched original components of devices with fakes. Verify before purchasing. }} *{{buy | name=Starhill Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.starhillgallery.com | email= | address=181 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.14772 | long=101.713 | directions=Bukit Bintang Monorail Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-22:00 daily | price= | wikipedia=Starhill Gallery | image=Starhill Gallery.jpg | wikidata=Q922702 | content=Adjoining the JW Marriott Hotel. The nearest station to this mall is Monorail Bukit Bintang. Starhill is a literally an English translation of “Bukit Bintang”. An upscale, luxury retail mall that rivals Suria KLCC for designer goods, is worth a visit just to look at the different interior designs especially 'Feast' floor (Ground Floor). A must-visit for watch aficionados as the ‘Adorn’ floor (1st floor) houses the biggest selection of designer wrist-watch boutiques like, amongst others, Jaeger-Le Coultre, Roger Dubuis, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Tag Heuer, Omega, Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Patek Philippe and Rolex, of course. Great if you have lots of cash to splurge. There is a Food Galore on the Lower Ground floor which renders an excellent culinary experience in a cosy setting that exudes grandeur. }} *{{buy | name=Sungei Wang Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.sungeiwang.com/ | email= | address=Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.144594 | long=101.710836 | directions=Bukit Bintang Monorail Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sungei Wang Plaza | image=Sungei Wang Indoor1.jpg | wikidata=Q3503888 | content=A popular place among local teenagers where fashion clothes, shoes, accessories and other trinkets and local designer clothes can be found with affordable price. A great place to buy cameras and watches (discounts are given for cash payments, although credit cards are accepted). Sungei Wang also hosts a concentration of tailors of men's and women's clothing. there is a '''Giant Supermarket''' at the Lower Ground floor. }} ===Jalan Ampang=== [[File:Suria KLCC 2012.JPG|thumb|Suria KLCC atrium]] *{{buy | name=Suria KLCC | alt= | url=http://www.suriaklcc.com.my/ | email= | address=Cnr Jl P Ramlee & Jl Ampang | lat=3.156722 | long=101.712 | directions=KLCC LRT Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-22:00 daily | price= | wikipedia=Suria KLCC | image=Suria KLCC (Ampang exit), Kuala Lumpur.jpg | wikidata=Q1306924 | content=Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia's premier shopping destinations due to its location beneath the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur City Centre. It is on 6 floors, with anchor tenants Isetan, Parkson, Kinokuniya, Tanjong Golden Village, Signatures Food Court, Marks & Spencer, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Suria is the native Malaysian word for Sunshine. It houses mostly luxury and fashionable shops, as well as cafes, restaurants, a 12 screen cinema, a concert hall, an art gallery, and a Science Discovery Centre, over 6 floors. }} *{{buy | name=Avenue K | alt= | url=http://www.avenuek.com.my/ | email= | address=156 Jl Ampang | lat=3.15911 | long=101.71359 | directions=KLCC LRT Station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-22:00 daily | price= | image=Avenue K (entrance), Kuala Lumpur.jpg | wikidata=Q18651105 | content=Opposite Kuala Lumpur City Centre. With its bold tagline, "style has a new address", the complex is a hip shopping haven complimented by a classy, city-living address, "K Residence". Avenue K aims to create a "shopping culture, where lifestyle, aesthetic and social elements converge." It boasts internationally acclaimed fashion brands. }} ==Eat== [[File:WAW chicken wings, Jalan Alor.JPG|thumb|A plate of juicy chicken wings from a stall on Jalan Alor]] Finding a place to eat in the Golden Triangle is hard, simply because you are spoilt for choice. Options range from the cheapest local street food, all the way up to some of the most expensive restaurants within the entire city. Another alternative is to visit one of the many shopping mall food courts, which typically contain both local and international fare. ===Malaysian=== ====Budget==== Budget restaurants, and "street stalls" are located almost everywhere in town, and these are good places to try the "real" Malaysian food, though hygiene can be sometimes an issue. * {{eat | name=Lot 10 Hutong | alt= | url=http://www.lot10hutong.com | email= | address=Cnr Jl Bukit Bintang & Jl Sultan Ismail | lat=3.146689 | long=101.711667 | directions=basement level | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This shopping mall in the Golden Triangle has a collection of 20 street vendors who were invited to relocate in the food court. Provides an excellent spread of Malaysian food in hygienic and air-conditioned food court comfort at prices that are only slightly above those outdoors. Many famous Chinese style and KL-based foods are served in this food court. }} *'''Signatures Food Court''', 2nd Floor, Suria KLCC - Very good selection of Malaysian specialities from throughout the country. During lunchtime very popular with the employees of the Petronas Tower. * {{eat | name=Laksa Shack | alt= | url=http://www.laksashack.com.my {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Second Floor Suria KLCC - Specializes in nothing but the many forms of the Malaysian laksa noodle (all RM8.60), but the sour ''Assam Laksa'' is usually the top seller. }} * {{eat | name=Nasi Kandar Pelita | alt= | url=http://www.pelita.com.my/p_finder_kl2.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=149 Jl Ampang | lat=3.159338 | long=101.714963 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2162 5532 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 hours | price= | content=A huge outlet of Malaysia's largest ''nasi kandar'' chain, with long queues snaking out at lunchtime. Ordering is easy, just choose and point, but be sure to ask for their speciality ''kuah campur'' (mixed gravy), meaning that you get half a dozen curry sauces splashed on top. Air-con available upstairs. By Malaysian Mamak restaurant standards, having a meal here is more expensive than having a similar meal elsewhere. Worth it for the wide choices of food, the cleanliness and the quality, however. }} ====Mid-range==== *'''Asian Flavours Food Court''', 4th Floor, Suria KLCC - A collection of restaurants offering both Malaysian and international fare. Among them are: **'''Madam Kwan's''', Lot 420/421, Fourth Floor, Suria KLCC - Very popular restaurant with excellent local fare in a pleasant ambience. Try the ''nasi lemak'' (RM12.80) or the meltingly smooth beef ''rendang'' (RM6.80), and wash it down with a bowl of sweet green ''chendol'' (RM5.50). Get there early to beat the queues. ====Splurge==== * {{eat | name=Bijan | alt= | url=http://www.bijanrestaurant.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=3 Jln Ceylon - Modern-styled décor in a home-like setting with outdoor verandah-garden compliments the well prepared (though perhaps slightly overpriced) Malaysian food. Classy patrons and impeccable service however make it worth a try. Around 60-90RM per adult. }} * {{eat | name=Seri Angkasa | alt= | url=http://www.itc.com.my/seriMelayu/menaraKlMain.asp {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Atop KL Tower - A revolving restaurant that has a good reputation, but is (inevitably) fairly steeply priced. The RM65 lunch buffet is comparatively good value. (RM40-45 for afternoon tea, RM140 for dinner accompanied by piano either 18:00-21:00 or 21:00-23:00 slot, reservations almost essential for evenings) }} ===Chinese=== ====Budget==== [[File:Jalan Alor - Kuala Lumpur.jpg|thumb|Food stalls along Jalan Alor]] * {{listing | type=eat | name=Jalan Alor Food Stalls | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jalan Alor | lat=3.145653 | long=101.708567 | directions=Bukit Bintang Monorail Station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Jalan Alor - Kuala Lumpur.jpg | wikidata=Q18651495 | content=In the heart of KL and within walking distance from the shopping district of Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor has become one of the most popular food streets in KL. Running the length of the street is row after row of restaurants and stalls, focusing on Malay, Chinese and Thai food. You will notice that touts frequent the front of many restaurants to entice you in, but don't let that factor where you dine. Restaurants towards the western end of the street tend to be cheaper and also lack touts. Be careful walking along this street as it is also open to traffic. Despite being somewhat touristy, it is still an excellent place to eat if you hunt out a good restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Glutton Street Market | alt=Pudu Wai Sek Gai | url= | email= | address=Jalan Sayur | lat=3.13522 | long=101.71312 | directions=LRT to Pudu | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 16:30-22:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-24 | content=Another street full of food stalls similar to Jalan Alor, but a lot less touristy and more authentic. }} [[File:Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery Canteen, Kuala Lumpur.jpg|thumb|Dharma Realm Monastery Canteen]] * {{eat | name=Dharma Realm Monastery Canteen | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.1594183 | long=101.7160297 | directions=Behind Kun Yam Thong Temple, just a stone's throw away from KLCC along Jalan Ampang | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:00-14:30 | price=RM6-12 for buffet | image=Dharma Realm Guan Yin Sagely Monastery Canteen, Kuala Lumpur.jpg | lastedit=2019-01-11 | content=Great vegetarian food prepared by volunteers. Earnings are used to maintain the temple. A favourite among local office workers. Not that popular with tourists as of 2019. }} * {{eat | name=Super Noodle House | alt= | url= | email= | address=LG-001, Lower Ground, Sungai Wang Shopping Centre, Jalan Sultan Ismail | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3-21424729 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Location: 3°8'41.39"N; 101°42'41.21"E - One of the best Hong Kong-style restaurants in KL. Menu includes porridge, wantan mee or chicken rice. Good food with reasonable pricing. }} ====Mid range==== *'''Hakka Restaurant''', 6 Jalan Kia Peng. Tel: +60 3-21431907 or +60 3-21431908 - In business for more than 40 years. Most dishes, even though listed as small, are quite large with two small main courses being more than enough for two people. Dishes cost RM20 up to RM150. * {{eat | name=Overseas restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=84-88 Jl Imbi | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3-21449911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A popular Chinese restaurant attracting a clientele ranging from local billionaires to middle class families. Food is outstanding and if you care to take a little time and book a day or two earlier you can order any number of special dishes that are typically but not necessarily more expensive. Service is haphazard and as prices are cheap, a discrete tip to one of the Captains and the waitress however, will change everything. Favorite dishes here include the 'Har Lok" which are large river prawns cooked in a thick soya based sauce, the suckling pig sandwich and the asam fish. }} ===Indian=== * {{eat | name=Passage Thru' India | alt= | url=http://www.passagethruindia.com/ | email= | address=4 Jl Delima ''(several other locations through Malaysia)'' | lat=3.146821 | long=101.721122 | directions= | phone= +60 3 2145 0366 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An excellent Indian restaurant that offers both northern and southern Indian cuisine. Favorites here include the Chicken Beriyani, Chicken Tandoori, Chukka Mutton, Fried Fish, Malabar Avial and the slightly expensive but very tasty PTI Prawn masala. }} * {{eat | name=Restoran Ganesh | alt=Sri Ganesa | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=next to the Court Hill Ganesh temple | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=A fantastic place, Indian food that you don't get at most places, served on banana leaves. }} ===Others=== ====Budget==== * {{eat | name=Uncle Jack Fried Chicken | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sungei Wang Plaza Jl Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions=Lower ground floor next to Giant supermarket | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-21:00 | price=a meal with drink for RM4.29 | lastedit=2017-03-26 | content=set 1. one piece of chicken with chicken rice and a drink . Ice cream cone is just 0.50c }} ====Mid-range==== * {{eat | name=Prego @ The Westin Kuala Lumpur | url=http://www.westindining.com.my {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email=westindining@westin.com | address=Ground Floor, 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2773 8338 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Prego serves tasty regional pastas, deliciously oven-baked pizzas and the latest in creative Italian cuisine. }} *'''Kim Gary Beyond''', B1F, Avenue K (''KLCC LRT'') - Popular Hong Kong chain serving up very modern Chinese fare. The locals' favorite is the rather non-Chinese baked rice with cheese (from RM11.90), but how about some borsht, a plate of spicy noodles "Typhoon Shelter" style and a cup of boiled Coke with ginger. Set meals for RM10-20. * {{eat | name=Sahara Tent | alt= | url= | email= | address=87 Jalan Berangan, off Jalan Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions=located on the ground floor of Hotel Fortuna | phone=+60 3-21448310 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Large, authentic and popular Middle Eastern eatery in ''Ain Arabia'', KL's Little Arabia. The giant mezze platter (RM29) will leave two stuffed and a ''shisha'' water pipe at RM10 tops off the meal nicely. }} *'''Tarbush''', 138 Jln Bukit Bintang, Tel: +60 3-21428558; LG 16, Starhill Gallery, Tel: +60 3-21446393; and Lot 19, 2nd Floor Food Court, Suria KLCC - One of the most popular Lebanese/Middle Eastern restaurant. Good food and beautiful decor. * {{eat | name=Izzi | alt= | url=http://www.izzikl.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Jalan Sultan Ismail | lat= | long= | directions=Opposite Sungai Wang Plaza, right under the Monorail's Bukit Bintang stop | phone=+60 3-21414111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00-23:00 | price= | content= The four-floor Izzi Restaurant has pizza, pasta, salad, steak, hainan chicken, tom yam. Drink: frozen coffee, spirits, beers, wine. Upscale atmosphere. Pizza runs about RM20. Almost looks more like a lounge than a restaurant. Free Wi-Fi. }} *{{eat | name=Twenty One Bar and Kitchen | url=http://www.twentyone.com.my/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Stylish bar and restaurant. Great contemporary food. The bar is very popular at night. Affordable lunch deals at RM30. Mains RM30-60. }} ====Splurge==== * {{eat | name=EEST @ The Westin Kuala Lumpur | url=http://www.westindining.com.my {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email=westindining@westin.com | address=Level 1, 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2773 8338 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=EEST is a prominent Asian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Savour the blend of authentic flavours specially selected from Asian cultures right here in Kuala Lumpur. Indulge in Asian flavours at EEST with a selection of Asian cuisine to delight your palate. }} * {{eat | name=Bistro de Paris | alt= | url= | email= | address=18-1 Jalan P. Ramlee. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3-21418005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= The French dining experience from aperitif to digestif, ranging from ''steak frites'' to ''crême brulée''. Open daily from 11:00 until late. Lunch prix fixe at RM15.95, dinner prix fixe at RM69.95. }} * {{eat | name=El Cerdo | alt= | url=http://www.elcerdokl.com | email= | address=43-45 Changkat Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3-21450511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= German-run eatery with kitschy pig-themed decor specializing in all things pork, particularly Spanish treats like ''jamón serrano'' and whole suckling pig, complete with ceremonial plate-breaking. Organic lamb ribs are excellent. Portions are generous and quality is excellent. The place is usually packed and noisy, so book ahead (esp. on weekends). }} * {{eat | name=Neroteca | alt= | url=http://www.neroteca.com | email=info@neroteca.com | address=8 Lorong Ceylon | lat= | long= | directions=at the ground floor of Somerset Apartments | phone=+60 3-20700530 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Italian restaurant and deli, specialized in pork meat. They serve great Italian hearty food with one of the best selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses in South-East Asia, also for take away. Open from 09:30 (Tuesdays from 15:00) until 00:00. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Wasabi Bistro | alt= | url=http://www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur/dining/Wasabi_Bistro/default.aspx | email= | address=B1F Mandarin Oriental Hotel | lat=3.15609 | long=101.71173 | directions= | phone=+60 3-21630968 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Acceptable, Japanese with modern twists, or without, depending on how you navigate the menu. Surprisingly generous portions for a restaurant of this calibre, figure on well over RM100/head for a full meal. Open for lunch and dinner daily. }} ==Drink== The Golden Triangle is the party heart of KL. Here, you'll find many of the city's entertainment spots, whether they're dance clubs, karaoke joints or just watering holes. The main party drag is Changkat Bukit Bintang, whereas the area between Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi are better known for its Chinese-style hostess nightclubs. Most five-star hotels also have clubs and bars. The area also has its fair share of coffee places, mostly belonging to the usual international or local chains. However, Malaysians usually like to head to "Mamak stalls" to wind down after a night of partying. These can be found almost everywhere, especially where there are many clubs, and you can get ''teh tarik'' and other warm beverage and food like ''rot canai'' at these stalls. ===Jalan P. Ramlee and environs=== * {{drink | name=Beach Club | alt= | url= | email= | address=924 Jalan P Ramlee | lat=3.1556066 | long=101.7088798 | directions= | phone=+60 32161 6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30–03:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-06-05 | content=Open-air club done up to look like a cheap beachside bar, this is the city's most infamous meat market and pickup joint. The club advertises itself as "Voted Best Bar in Asia" and is busy most nights. Popular with tourists and the well-dressed middle-aged crowd. Weekends often have great live bands but there may be DJs. Frequented by many girls of the night that are after money; not a good place for female tourists. RM50 for men, RM40 for women include 2 drinks. }} [[Image:Luna Bar, Kuala Lumpur.jpg|thumb|right|Luna Bar at night.]] * {{drink | name=Luna Bar | alt= | url=http://www.pacific-regency.com/dining/lunar-bar/ | email=fnbadmin@pacific-regency.com | address= | lat=3.1529623 | long=101.7054979 | directions= | phone=+60 32332 7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th Su 11:00-01:00; F Sa 11:00-03:00 | price= | image=Luna Bar, Kuala Lumpur.jpg | lastedit=2017-06-05 | content=Menara PanGlobal 34F, Jalan Punchak (''off Jl P. Ramlee''). - Super-chic breezy rooftop bar with a pool in the middle and the best night views in town. Show up early to grab a romantic windowside niche. Drinks RM20 and up, cover charge of RM50 (incl. one drink) may apply on weekends after 21:30. }} *'''Rum Jungle''', 1 Jalan Pinang (corner of Jalan P Ramlee & Jalan Pinang) - One of the newest clubs in KL, features a spectacular outdoor-bar style area, with great music and hot bar maids. *'''Poppy Garden''', Jalan P Ramlee (Opposite Rum Jungle) - Poppy Garden plays RnB & Hip Hip on Friday nights. A club reserved for younger Asian tourists and locals. ===Bukit Bintang=== *{{drink | name=Qba Latin Bar & Grill | url=http://wwww.westindining.com.my {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=westin.dining@westin.com | address=The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2773 8338 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Qba Latin Bar & Grill the only steak restaurant with Latin American flavours in Kuala Lumpur. It’s where you can tuck into imported beef grilled to perfection, classic tapas, signature Mojitos and classic wines. A modern bar with most nights live latin music. Very much upstyle and expensive. Attracts mainly the guests from the 5-star hotels around Bukit Bintang and Imbi. }} *{{drink | name=Twenty One Kitchen and Bar | url=http://www.twentyone.com.my/ | email= | address=20-1 Changkat Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Stylish bar and restaurant. Always packed on weekends but also very popular on other nights. Two floors. }} *{{drink | name=Pinchos Tapas Bar | alt= | url=http://www.pinchoskl.com/ | email= | address=Changkat Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3-2145 8482 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17:00 - 02:30 | price= | content=Pinchos is a great place to meet and mingle over a pitcher of their sangria and plates of their delicious tapas. In the evenings, Pinchos is one of the hottest places to be. After midnight, it really kicks off as patrons try to squeeze in to the restaurant-bar that’s already bursting at the seams. Expect to guzzle down one of their Spanish drinks like the Estrella Damm, the beer of Barcelona or El Gaitero, a Spanish cider while listening to the Latin music and lively atmosphere. Every night feels like a real fiesta at Pinchos. }} *{{drink | name=Palate Palette Restaurant & Bar | url=http://www.palatepalette.com | email= | address=21 Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Ceylon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2142 2148 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su Tu-Th 12:00-00:00, F Sa 12:00-02:00 | price= | content=This is a gem of a place, hidden in a backstreet in the heart of KL. A favourite amongst artists, musicians, the creative and eclectic, it's the soulful vibe, 10 toilet door locks and free curry popcorn that gets to you. Try the Oh Boi house cocktail, and check out their film and party nights which happen whenever they feel like it. }} *{{drink | name=Bar Italia | url= | email= | address=29 Jalan Berangan | lat= | long= | directions=it is the street parallel to Changkat Bukit Bintang | phone=+60 3 21444499 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7am till late | price=$$$ | content=This wonderfully designed bar is the brainchild of Paulo Guiati who started Nerovivo and Neroteca. Great concept with excellent choice of wines. Food is authentic Italian but can be erratic along with the service. Busy and noisy on weekends when reservationa are essential. Good following among local expats. }} ===Others=== [[File:Sky Bar, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 06.jpg|thumb|Skybar in Traders Hotel]] *{{drink | name=Sky Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Traders Hotel | lat=3.1538642 | long=101.714888 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$ | image=Sky Bar, Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 02.jpg | lastedit=2017-06-05 | content=Incredible bar with great views over the city and the Twin Towers.Located on the top floor of the Traders Hotel, it is built around the Hotel swimming pool. Loud techno music late at night. Best place to be around sunset. be prepared to pay 5 star hotel prices. One of the best places in town before dinner. }} *{{drink | name=Hakka Republic Wine Bar & Bistro | url=http://www.hakkarepublic.com | email= | address=2nd Flr, Menara Hap Seng, 1-3 Jalan P.Ramlee | lat= | long= | directions=across the road from the side of the ShangriLa | phone=+60 3 2078 9908 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=12:00-14:00; 17:00-01:30. Closed Sat lunch and all day Sunday | price=$ | content=Chinese themed bar, an interesting mix of Asian and western music and long wine list. Increasingly popular bar because of safe location on 2nd floor with convenient parking in 2 brightly lit basements.Attracts a wide range of customers including local celebrities, tycoons and office workers. }} * {{drink | name=Heli Lounge | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Helipad-Heli-Lounge-Bar/172533302915864 | email= | address=Menara KH, Level 37 | lat=3.1511437 | long=101.7099435 | directions= | phone=+60 32110 5034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-06-05 | content=Amazing location on a helipad high above the city with amazing views. }} ==Sleep== Take a stroll around the Golden Triangle and you will quickly realise the district is littered with mid-range and high-end hotels. Prices are usually fairly competitive, so be sure to shop around for the best deal. Those on a shoestring budget will find a few budget options available, but are limited to guesthouses and hostels. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Rainforest Bed & Breakfast | alt= | url=http://www.rainforestbnbhotel.com/ | email= | address=27 Jl Mesui | lat=3.148572 | long=101.708781 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2145 3525 | tollfree= | fax= | price=Dorms RM39, rooms from RM115 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Boutique budget hotel with dorm bed and private rooms. Beautiful building with tasteful, rainforest-themed decorations. Clean and air-conditioned dorms and rooms with key card entry and Wi-Fi available. Several common rooms are available with televisions and small, covered porches with couches on the upper floors. }} * {{sleep | name=Red Palm | alt= | url=http://www.redpalm-kl.com {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=5 Tengkat Tong Shin | lat=3.145444 | long=101.707008 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2143 1279 | tollfree= | fax= | price=Dorms RM30, rooms from RM55 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A small hostel in a historical 2-storey building with friendly hosts. Basic but clean rooms upstairs and offers broadband Internet and a hang-out lounge downstairs. There is a small bbq area in front of the house. Downside is there is only 1 combo bathroom shared by all hostel occupants. Free Wi-Fi and 2 computers available. }} * {{sleep | name=Sunshine Bedz | alt= | url=http://www.sunshinebedz.com.my/ | email=enquiry@sunshinebedz.com.my | address=65B Jl Sultan Ismail | lat=3.147024 | long=101.710969 | directions=2nd floor | phone=+60 3 2143 5050 | tollfree= | fax= | price= Dorms RM30, rooms from RM50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A small and friendly family run hostel with modern but basic facilities. Breakfast is included in the price and free Wi-Fi/computers also available. }} *{{sleep | name=Ancasa Express @ Pudu | alt= | url=http://www.ancasahotels.com | email=axpudu@gmail.com | address=4th floor Pudusentral Terminal | lat=3.1456009 | long=101.7009338 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2072 2688 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=Rates start at RM118 | lastedit=2017-07-13 | content=All rooms equipped with air-conditioning, telephone, private toilet and bath. Some of its facilities and services are cafe, transit lounge, wake-up call, parking, airport and city transfers. Friendly staff, but hot water is not always working well. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Paper Plane Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.paperplanehostel.com/ | email=hello@paperplanehostel.com | address=15, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang | lat=3.14311 | long=101.70490 | directions=Five minute walk from Jalan Alor, 20 minutes to downtown | phone=+60 3 2110 1676 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=RM70 for a dorm; RM160 for a room | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=A clean hostel with plenty of shower stalls, laundry service, and friendly workers at the front desk available 24/7. }} * {{sleep | name=Dorms KL 2 | alt= | url= | email= | address=20-102, Jalan Pudu Lama | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=A huge place with lots of dorms and rooms, lots of travelers all the time, and good prices. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Bintang Garden Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.bintangwarisanhotel.com/ | email= | address=24 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.14480 | long=101.70857 | directions= | phone=+60 321431048 | tollfree= | checkin=13:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=From RM161.39 | content=51 air-con small rooms with free Wi-Fi Internet, hot water, cable TV (very bad signal--don't even bother taking the remote from the lobby). Well situated, but small rooms with bad lighting, a few tiny bed bugs. Don't trust the online reservation system to tell you how many rooms are available. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Bintang Warisan Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.bintangwarisanhotel.com/ | email= | address= | lat=3.14563 | long=101.70960 | directions= | phone=+60 3-21488111 | tollfree= | fax=+60 3-21482333 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=68 Jl Bukit Bintang. Hotel that offers traditional look, feel and service. Rooms from RM139. }} * {{sleep | name=Citin Pudu Hotel Kuala Lumpur | url=http://www.citinpudu.com | email=enquiry@citinpudu.com | address=38 Jl Pudu | lat= | long= | directions= opposite the main bus terminal, Pudu Raya | phone=+60 3 2031 7777 | tollfree= | fax=+60 3 2031 7911 | hours= | price= | checkin=24:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Opposite the main bus terminal, walking distance to Chinatown and a short walk to Bukit Bintang. Rooms are cozy with all the expected modcons - 32" LCD flat screen TV, air-condition, an in-room safe, key card locking system and an ensuite bathroom. The Cafe has an internet station, dishes up a good buffet breakfast and has a small but good selection of local dishes. Rates are very reasonable from RM110 onwards (rates may vary). Be on the lookout for bedbugs. }} * {{sleep | name=Concorde | alt= | url=http://kualalumpur.concordehotelsresorts.com/ | email= | address=2 Jl Sultan Ismail | lat=3.15552 | long=101.70594 | directions=Bukit Nanas Monorail Station | phone=+60 3 2144 2200 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From RM298 | content=A decent mid-range hotel that is fairly good value with all the typical amenities you would expect, including a pool. The rooms in the Premier wing are a bit more expensive than the regular rooms but they offer services and amenities comparable to hotels of a higher category for a remarkably lower price. Wi-Fi and Breakfast included in the stay. The Hard Rock Cafe is downstairs. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hotel Orkid Kuala Lumpur | alt= | url=http://www.hotelorkid-kualalumpur.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=300 Jl Pudu | lat=3.13917 | long=101.70995 | directions= | phone=+60 3-2144 8033 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=A great choice if you're looking for clean, basic rooms in a reasonable location. It has a breakfast lounge and a travel desk, and the usual services like room service, wake-up call, and business services. Rates start at RM86. There are two Hotel Orkids on the same street (they are the same company with the same logo). If you make a reservation online, it will not be valid at the 'Hotel Orkid Inn', and the company will charge the full room rate to your credit card. Make sure you find the correct one! }} * {{sleep | name=Seasons' View | alt= | url=http://www.seasonsview.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Jl Alor - In the middle of the hustle and bustle of hawker street Jalan Alor, offering basic rooms starting at RM75. }} * {{sleep | name=Sungei Wang Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.sungeiwanghotel-kualalumpur.com | email= | address=74-76, Jl Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3-2148 5255 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offers comfortable rooms, laundry service and free parking; also has a restaurant that serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. From RM 103. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Swiss Garden Residences | alt= | url=http://www.swissgarden.com/hotels/residences/ | email= | address=117 Jl Pudu, 55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | lat=3.14378 | long=101.70527 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2141 3333 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From RM 245 | content=Embracing 478 serviced apartments and offering a variety of one bedroom, two bedroom apartment suites and four bedroom penthouse suites. }} * {{sleep | name=The Malaysia Hotel | url=http://www.themalaysiahotel.com | email= | address=67-69 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3-2144 7733 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rates start at RM86.21 | checkin= | checkout= | content=53 air-conditioned rooms with Internet connection, mini-bar, and shower with bathtub. Some of its amenities include 24-hour reception & customer service desk, IDD telephone, and a foot reflexology centre. }} ===Splurge=== There are not many places in the world, where 5-star-hotels are so competitively priced. So why not pamper yourself and go for the top while being in this city? * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Ascott Kuala Lumpur | alt= | url=https://www.the-ascott.com/en/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/ascott-kuala-lumpur.html | email=enquiry.kualalumpur@the-ascott.com | address=No 9 Jalan Pinang| lat=3.15468 | long=101.71044 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2718 6868 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= 221 apartments that come fully-furnished with a home entertainment system, kitchen and broadband Internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Berjaya Times Square Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.berjayahotel.com/kualalumpur/index.asp | email= | address=1, Jl Imbi | lat=3.1426284 | long=101.7101426 | directions=Monorail: Imbi | phone=+60 3 2117 8000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=In the mammoth Berjaya Times Square shopping mall complex. Has a large conference centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Dorsett Regency Hotel Kuala Lumpur | alt= | url=http://www.dorsetthotels.com/malaysia/kualalumpur/promotions-room.php | email= | address=172 Jl Imbi | lat=3.1470849 | long=101.7138655 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2715 1000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From RM228 | content=Fully A/C rooms with 32" LCD TV, satellite channels, in-house movies, free internet connection, and mini-bar. Spa, lounge by the pool. }} * {{sleep | name=The Federal | url=http://www.federalkualalumpur.com/ | email= | address=35 Jl Bukit Bintang, 55100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2148 9166 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From RM250 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Fully air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with cable and satellite television and daily supply of newspaper. Facilities and services are Bintang Revolving Restaurant, The Taj Restaurant and The Verandah. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Sabrina | url=http://www.hotel-sabrina.net {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=No. 83, Jl Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2142 0255 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From RM90 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Maya | url=http://www.hotelmaya-kualalumpur.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=138 Jl. Ampang 50450 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2711 8866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From RM343 | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms have telephone system with voicemail, flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Internet with wifi access, library in the Sky Lounge. }} * {{sleep | name=Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur | alt= | url=http://www.parkroyalhotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/malaysia/kuala-lumpur.html | email= | address=Jl Sultan Ismail | lat=3.1451673 | long=101.7106147 | directions=Monorail Bukit Bintang, beside Lot 10 | phone=+60 3 2147 0088 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Offers daily scheduled shuttle service to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Aquaria KLCC. }} * {{sleep | name=Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur | alt= | url=http://www.millenniumhotels.com/my/millenniumkualalumpur | email= | address=160 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.1470849 | long=101.7138655 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2117 4888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= 468 guestrooms including 30 suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the city skyline. Hotel facilities include four restaurants and bars, spa and fitness centre, the Executive Club. Guests on the Executive Club floor are accorded signature amenities and exclusive privileges that include the service of a personal butler. Location is excellent with good access to Sungei Wang Shopping complex, the Pavilion and Starhill. The Grand Millennium has an excellent pork-free Chinese restaurant and an excellent coffee house both of which boast one of the best balanced wine lists in town. }} [[File:JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur.jpg|thumb|JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur]] * {{sleep | name=JW Marriott | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/property/propertyPage/KULDT | email= | address=183 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.147954 | long=101.713818 | directions=Monorail: Bukit Bintang | phone=+60 3 2715 9000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | image=JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur.jpg | content=Marriott's flagship hotel in Kuala Lumpur, decorated in a Malaysian style and conveniently located on Jalan Bukit Bintang near the shopping district. Connected to the posh Starhill Gallery and just directly opposite Pavilion shopping mall. The Marriott has an outstanding Shanghainese restaurant. }} * {{sleep | name=Pavilion Residences Apartments | alt= | url=https://www.pavilion-residences.com/ | email=info@pavilionapartments.com.my | address=183 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat= | long= | directions=Monorail: Bukit Bintang | phone=+60 18-5813624 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Pavilion Residences Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star property that offers luxury apartment style accommodation. Prices start from RM 1,740 per night with a minimum 4 night stay for a luxury three bedroom apartment. Pavilion Residences is located in Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur and is situated on top of the Pavilion Shopping Mall. }} * {{sleep | name=Meliá | alt= | url=http://www.solmelia.com/sol/hoteles/jsp/CHome.jsp?idSolRes=5702 | email= | address= 16 Jl Imbi | lat= | long= | directions=Monorail: Imbi | phone=+60 3 2142 8333 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Solid if unremarkable four-star hotel opposite Berjaya Time Square and with a Monorail station next door. "Deluxe" rooms are equipped with not just broadband access, but an entire PC! Regular rates from RM200 for two with breakfast. Book online through their webpage to get the best discounts. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Westin | alt= | url=http://westin.com/kualalumpur | email= | address=199 Jl Bukit Bintang | lat=3.14781 | long=101.71450 | directions=opposite Pavilion Mall | phone=+60 3 2731 8333 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Extremely modern and well-equipped but quite lacking in identity, with nothing but the view to remind you that you're in Malaysia. Great spacious rooms with large bathrooms. Free Internet (Wi-Fi) available in the lobby and adjoining areas. Excellent gym and staffed Kids Club. }} * {{sleep | name=Shangri-La | alt= | url=http://www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/ | email= | address=11 Jalan Sultan Ismail | lat= | long= | directions=Monorail: Bukit Nanas | phone=+60 3 2032 2388 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Started in the early 1980s, it has been kept up to date with the owners continually reinvesting in the property. Internet is free in the room and the hotel. The restaurants are generally good with the Chinese restaurant actually improving over the years and Zipangu setting some new trends for Japanese dining. The Lobby lounge which sadly has lost its classic look is still ''the'' lounge in Kuala Lumpur to enjoy an afternoon tea. The Lafite restaurant is now home to Damon Campbell who has a 'technological' take on many classic dishes. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton | alt= | url=http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/malaysia/kuala-lumpur | email= | address=168, Jalan Imbi | lat=3.1470849 | long=101.7138655 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This hotel and residence is connected to Starhill Gallery and hosts the Spa Village, one of the best in Malaysia. All rooms have 24-hr butler service and most of them have access to an executive lounge with free Internet access and drinks/hors d'oeuvres. For a Ritz the rooms are downright frumpy, but service is good and it IS cheap for a Ritz Carlton. Internet rates from RM380. }} * {{sleep | name=Prince | alt= | url=http://princehotelkl.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=4 Jalan Conlay | lat= | long= | directions=Monorail: Raja Chulan | phone=+60 3 2170 8888 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Large modern hotel and service apartment complex packed with restaurants, convenience store, spa, gym, pool, etc. Internet rates from RM300 with breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Zon All Suites | alt= | url=http://www.zonhotel.com.my/ | email= | address=161-D, Jalan Ampang, 50450, Wilayah Persekutuan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2164 8000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From RM330.60 | content=184 suites, all equipped with Air-conditioning, Cable TV and Internet connectivity. Some of its facilities and services are outdoor swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, and sauna. }} '''KLCC and Jalan Ampang''' * {{sleep | name=Mandarin Oriental | alt= | url=http://www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur/ | email= | address=Jl Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre | lat=3.155969 | long=101.711576 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2380 8888 | tollfree= | fax= | price=From RM629 | checkin= | checkout= | content=In KLCC, this hotel is primarily for business travellers, but tourists will be well accommodated for. The restaurants within the hotel are among the best (and most expensive) in Kuala Lumpur. There is also an infinity pool looking over KLCC park. }} * {{sleep | name=Maya | alt= | url=http://www.hotelmaya-kualalumpur.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Jl. Ampang between Petronas Towers (Putra KLCC) monorail (Bukit Nanas). Stylish hotel with spa and amazing view from the loung on the 14th floor. Just across the street from Zouk }} * {{sleep | name=Renaissance | alt= | url=http://www.klrenaissance.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+60 3 2162 2233 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang. - Five-star hotel at the edge of the Golden Triangle, accessible by monorail (''Monorail: Bukit Nanas'') and LRT (''Putra Line: Dang Wangi''). The East Wing ("Superior" rooms) is newer and more modern, while the West Wing ("Deluxe" rooms) are older. Rates from RM250. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Royal Chulan | alt= | url=http://www.royalechulan-kualalumpur.com/ {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=3.14963 | long=101.71696 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2688 9688 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Brimming with remnants of Malaysia’s storied past and boasting a vivid parade of contemporary treats, The Royale Chulan is truly a place where heritage meets modern, business-friendly luxuries. From the high-pitched tiled roofs to the expansive contoured courtyard, the hotel carries an elegance and ambience one can easily appreciate. It offers a selection of five-star guestrooms that come inclusive with an impressive array of modern amenities and lavish fixtures. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Traders Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders/ | email= | address=Jl Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre | lat=3.15412 | long=101.71504 | directions= | phone=+60 3 2332 9888 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From RM360 | image=Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur (4447665943).jpg | content=Sister hotel to the Shangri-La, overlooking KLCC and the Petronas Towers. View from the open air bar and pool/spa complex at the top is stunning and food is exceptional. Rooms are very well appointed, and rates among the best of the top hotels in KL. Trader's club upgrade entitles you to free drinks, snacks and Internet broadband. A buggy service to Suria KLCC is also available. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Yoshi Connection | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shop C21F, Suria KLCC, Cnr Jl P Ramlee & Jl Ampang | lat=3.15692 | long=101.71160 | directions=Concourse level | phone=+60 3 2161 5000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00-22:00 | price=RM 8/hour | content=A business centre that offers good internet speeds along with print, scan and fax facilities. Prices are a little more expensive than the typical internet cafe. }} ==Cope== ===Religious services=== * {{listing | name=St. John's Cathedral | alt= | url=http://www.stjohnkl.net/ | email= | address= | lat=3.14986 | long=101.69950 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=St. John's Cathedral (Kuala Lumpur) | image=St. John's Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur.jpg | wikidata=Q5552448 | lastedit=2018-11-24 | content=A historic cathedral and the seat of the archbishop. }} ==Go next== Now you have visited modern Kuala Lumpur, head towards Chinatown in the [[Kuala_Lumpur/Central| City Centre]] to have a glimpse of the city's colonial past. The area is easily reached either by a leisurely walk from Bukit Bintang or even the free GO-KL bus. After you could then cross the Klang River and visit the colonial administrative area. Alternatively, consider heading to [[Kuala Lumpur/Tuanku Abdul Rahman|Chow Kit and Kampung Baru]]. Here you can experience a slice of local life, visit markets and sample some traditional Malay food in the last Malay village within Kuala Lumpur. {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|3.15123|101.71211|zoom=15}} {{IsPartOf|Kuala Lumpur}} i6d2s6aeulm5bib8locg7o5srzpoetz 0 19403 4488010 4483646 2022-07-21T23:09:57Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Lehighton''' is a borough in the [[Coal Region]], near [[Jim Thorpe]], [[Allentown]] and The [[Lehigh Valley]], in the state of [[Pennsylvania]] in the [[United States of America]]. ==Get in== The closest airport is '''[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]], which is roughly a 40-minute drive from Lehighton. (From the airport, take Airport Road north to SR 248 north, which ends at US 209 just outside Lehighton.) [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) in [[Philadelphia]] offers a wider variety of destinations. It is approximately 1½ hours south from Lehighton using I-476. By car, it is easy to get to Lehighton from several major highways. Lehighton is approximately 3 miles (5 km) from Exit 74 of the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476). Travelers from New York or northern New Jersey can take I-80 west to exit 304 in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and then take 209 south approximately 30 miles to Lehighton. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} Lehighton and the surrounding region have no significant means of public transportation. Taxi service is available but pick-ups must be arranged by telephone. A car rental service can be found in downtown Lehighton on North First Street, or at the Lehigh Valley International Airport. Traffic is generally light on the residential streets in town and the rural roads outside of town. During rush hour on weekdays and many times on weekends traffic can be heavy on SR 443 between its eastern end at US 209 and the area of the Carbon Plaza Mall a few miles west. Traffic on US 209 on the Thomas McCall Bridge is often heavy also, especially Friday and Saturday nights, consider using Bridge Street through Weissport as an alternative. ==See== *'''The Lehigh River''' Take in scenic view of the Lehigh River from various points around Carbon County. *'''Fall Foliage''' In the fall, be sure to see the beautiful color change of tree covered mountains. The Fall Foliage Festival in nearby [[Jim Thorpe]] is the peak tourist season of this area. *'''Flagstaff Park''' on top of the mountain gives a commanding view of [[Jim Thorpe]] and the surrounding area. * {{see | name=The Number 9 Mine and Museum | alt= | url=http://no9mine.tripod.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In nearby [[Lansford]]. Travel into a real coal mine and learn about the area's coal mining past. }} *{{see | name=The Hotel of Horror and Altered Nightmares | alt=Haunted Factory| url=http://www.hotelofhorror.com/ | email= | address=500 Bridge Street, Weissport, Pennsylvania | lat= | long= | directions=Route 209 South into Lehighton, make right onto Bridge Street at Dunkin Donuts, first factory on left | phone = +1 570 369-6606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7-11PM | price=Hotel of Horror $20-25 per person, combo ticket with altered Nightmares $30-35 | lastedit=2019-08-29 | content=An indoor walk through haunted factory with live actors and paranormal activity. Open weekends in October for the Halloween and Fall Foliage Season, and some summer nights for "ghost hunts". The building was constructed more than 110 years ago, and was used as sawmill, silk mill, textile mill, and an assortment of other uses. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Pocono Whitewater Rafting | alt= | url=http://www.whitewaterrafting.com | email= | address=1519 State Route 903, [[Jim Thorpe]] | lat= | long= | directions=on the Lehigh River | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-WHITEWATER | fax= | hours= | price= | content= April-October. Rates start at $31.95. Water on the Lehigh River is very shallow during most of the year. }} * {{do | name=Blue Mountain Resort | alt= | url=http://www.skibluemt.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-826-7700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In Palmerton, about 15 minutes from Lehighton, it features several ski hills and a 21-lane snow-tubing area. Also notable are the 39 trails, 14 lifts and 6 terrain parks. }} *'''Hiking''' The former site of the '''Switchback Railroad''' is a popular trail. Also, the [[Appalachian Trail]] runs within 15 miles (25 km) of Lehighton. Hiking is also good at Lehigh Gorge State Park, with several access points nearby: Glen Onoko in [[Jim Thorpe]] and Rockport and White Haven further north. *'''Bowling''' at Fritz's or Cypress Lanes in town. *'''Biking''' at various places throughout the area. Try the Lehigh Canal towpath, which connects Weissport (near Lehighton) and [[Jim Thorpe]], a scenic ride of 3 miles (5 km), or in the Lehigh Gorge State Park. *'''Fishing''' is great in many places. Try '''Beltzville Lake''' for bass or even muskellunge. You can catch trout in various streams around the area, including the '''Mahoning Creek''' on the south side of Lehighton, the '''Lehigh Canal''' from Weissport to Jim Thorpe (a great place to fish with kids), the '''Lehigh River''' near Lehighton and at Glen Onoko, and '''Pohocopo Creek''' below the Beltzville Dam. * {{do | name=Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A large park known for roller coasters and many other rides, waterpark with slides and wavepool, and special Halloween events. 30 minutes from Lehighton by car. }} * {{do | name=Paintball | alt= | url=http://www.skirmish.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Skirmish USA Paintball, in nearby [[Jim Thorpe]]. }} *'''Bike Night''' is a one-day motorcycle festival held at the Borough Park, and North and South Streets between First and Third Streets. Tens of thousands of visitors attend each August. *'''Ukrainian Festival''' is a 2-day cultural event held at the Ukrainian Homestead just north of town that draws large crowds. ==Buy== The state's 6% sales tax does not apply to clothing or groceries. Most of the shopping in the Lehighton area is actually located in Mahoning Township on SR 443 just west of town. Some of the businesses include: *Wal-Mart's Supercenter is 1/2 mile west of the Carbon Plaza Mall. The previous location, across 443 form the Carbon Plaza Mall, is being developed by Lowe's. *The Carbon Plaza Mall has a Chinese restaurant, Italian restaurant, drug store, Giant food store, a Hallmark, a nail salon, hair salon, bank, dollar store and 8-screen movie theater. In the same strip there is a notary service, Rent-a-Center, dry cleaner, and Big Lots. *The First Street business district is undergoing a revitalization process. It is home to a discount store, music store, tattoo parlor, pet store, and several other shops and eateries. *Nearby [[Jim Thorpe]] is a touristy area with small shops on Broadway. *[[Country Junction]], This is the world's largest general store with an [[Ace Hardware]], a Ashley Furniture, a winery, a pet shop, a restaurant cafe that has a pizzeria, ice cream, and a big screen television, and the most unique gifts around. Be sure to stop in during October for there world famous Great Pumpkin Festival. They are on route 209. *The Lehigh Valley Mall in [[Whitehall]], a suburb of [[Allentown]], is much larger. Many speciality stores such as Macy's, JCPenney, Boscov's, Baker Shoes, Go! Games, EB and American Eagle and others. In the general area of the mall, there are many restaurants, such as the Olive Garden, Ruby Tuesdays and Ground Round. There are also many stand alone stores, like Best Buy, Borders and Staples. About 30 minutes from Lehighton by car. ==Eat== * '''Trainer's Inn''', on Route 209 near the PA Turnpike interchange. Upholds a very high reputation with local residents. * '''Alfie's''', First Street (Rte 209) in downtown Lehighton. A simple Italian restaurant in downtown Lehighton with delicious food and large portions. There is seating, but take-out is more common for regulars. Pizza and cheesesteak sandwiches, * '''Pizza Hut''', Blakeslee Blvd. (Rt. 443) in Lehighton. This location has eat-in seating and a salad bar. * {{eat | name=Macaluso's | alt= | url=http://www.lanternlodge.com/macaluso.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the Lantern Inn. An elegant restaurant serving Italian food. }} * '''McDonald's, Burger King, Arby's, Long John Silvers''', on Blakeslee Blvd. (Rt. 443) about 1 mile west of Lehighton - fast food. * '''PJ Whelihan's''', Harrity Rd. just off Rt. 209 near the PA Turnpike interchange. Formerly Platz's PJ Whelihan's is family-style restaurant serving up quality food such as their famous buffalo wings. Their wings were the official wing bowl 2008 wings. The decor is cozy with lots of old time signs and things on the walls. * '''Verona Pizza House''', corner of Mahoning and Fourth Streets near downtown Lehighton. A newer addition to Lehighton. Sells a variety of foods, including pizza, hoagies, and ice cream. * '''Chiu Kwan Kitchen''', in the Carbon Plaza Mall on Blakeslee Blvd. (Rt. 443) about 1 mile west of Lehighton. Chinese food. * '''Sapore Restaurant''', junction of Rts. 443 and 209. Italian food. Formerly Caruso's. * '''The Boulevard''', Blakeslee Blvd. Homestyle cooking in a family restaurant setting. Salad bar. *{{eat | name=Trattoria 903 | url= | email= | address=995 North Street (Rt. 903), Jim Thorpe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 570 325-3040 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Italian cuisine, all of the food at the Trattoria 903 in Jim Thorpe is made from fresh ingredients that are bought locally or in New York City. The extensive menu includes appetizers (fried calamari and mussels marinara), salads, sandwiches and paninis and pasta. Entrees include chicken or veal parmigiani, chicken or veal francesse, linguini with clams and tortellini with prosciutto and mushrooms in light cream. }} *{{eat | name=Roadies Restaurant and Bar | url=http://www.roadiesrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In Penn's Peak. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Hotels and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Mahoning Inn | alt=formerly the Mahoning Court Motel | url=http://www.mahoninginn.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Mooney's Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Country Inn and Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hampton Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Lantern Inn | alt= | url=http://www.lanternlodge.com/ | email= | address=[[Jim Thorpe]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Inn at Jim Thorpe | alt= | url=http://www.innjt.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=[[Jim Thorpe]] }} ===Bed and breakfasts=== * {{sleep | name=The Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 377-1857 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=The Woods Campground | alt= | url=http://www.thewoodscampground.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A membership-only gay and lesbian, clothing optional campground, exclusively for those 18-and-over, on 100 private acres with a five-acre lake, pool and spacious camp sites. }} * {{sleep | name=Bake Oven Campground | alt= | url=http://www.homestead.com/bakeovencampground/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte. 895 south of Lehighton | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Scenic campground in East Penn Township. }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-476.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Scranton]] | minorl1=[[Wilkes-Barre]] ← Jct [[Hazleton|W]] [[File:I-80.svg|18px]] [[Tannersville|E]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Philadelphia]] | minorr1='''[[Allentown]]''' | image2=US 209.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=S | majorl2=[[Pottsville]] | minorl2=[[Jim Thorpe]] | directionr2=N | majorr2=Jct [[Dunmore|W]] [[File:I-84.svg|18px]] [[Montgomery (New York)|E]] | minorr2='''[[Stroudsburg]]''' }} {{geo|40.831944|-75.714722}} {{IsPartOf|Coal Region}} {{outlinecity}} cwjqx34391bs5mvmubturmrrce57h1u 0 19404 4487972 4486542 2022-07-21T20:49:56Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link, and we need only one link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Easton PA.jpg}} The '''[http://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/ Lehigh Valley]''' is a region in eastern [[Pennsylvania]], considered part of the larger [[Philadelphia Region]] in the [[United States]]. It is 50 miles (80 km) miles north of [[Philadelphia]], the nation's sixth largest city, and 65 (105 km) miles west of [[New York City]], the nation's largest city. With a population of 861,889 people as of 2020, the Lehigh Valley is the third most populous metropolitan region in the state. The Lehigh Valley can be said to be comprised of four counties, Carbon County, Lehigh County, and Northampton County in eastern Pennsylvania and [[Warren County (New Jersey)|Warren County]] in northwestern New Jersey, but only the counties in Pennsylvania are covered in this article. The region's most populous city is [[Allentown]]. Two other major cities are [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|wikidata=Q494117,Q495658}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Allentown]]|wikidata=Q142811}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]]|wikidata=Q1134758}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]]|wikidata=Q164380}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]|wikidata=Q1056542}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Emmaus]]|wikidata=Q680643}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Fogelsville]]|wikidata=Q5464076}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hellertown]]|wikidata=Q1184005}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]]|wikidata=Q1022937}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Slatington]]|wikidata=Q1182600}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]]|wikidata=Q7568934}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Whitehall]]|wikidata=Q1896067}} ==Understand== [[File:Bethlehem Steel (24).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The now dormant but still standing steel stacks of Bethlehem Steel in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]]]] ===History=== A thriving industrial center for most of the 19th and 20th centuries, Lehigh Valley's struggles in the "post-industrial" late 20th century became the lyrics of a famous song by Billy Joel named after "[[Allentown]]," its biggest city. Lehigh Valley has begun to turn itself around with some success through tourism with several outlying ski resorts, an amusement park, a Minor League Baseball team, an American Hockey League team, a casino, concerts and cultural festivals year round. It also has become an increasingly popular bedroom community for those with professional jobs in [[New York City]] and [[Philadelphia]]. The Lehigh Valley comprises 730 square miles. ===Visitor information=== * {{listing | name=Discover Lehigh Valley | alt= | url=http://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/ | email=info@discoverlehighvalley.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-882-9200 | tollfree=+1-800-MEET-HERE | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The official destination marketing organization for Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, and has a comprehensive list of places to stay in Lehigh Valley. }} ==Get in== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main terminal at [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in [[Allentown]]]] ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Rd. Allentown | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-800 FLY LVIA | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2875759 | content=Lehigh Valley International Airport is a mid-sized airport smaller than three major metropolitan airports of [[New York City]] and [[Philadelphia International Airport]], but it's larger than your average small airport and the best option if you seek to arrive immediately in the Lehigh Valley. Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. There are no direct flights from any other countries besides the [[United States]], but travellers can get to LVIA after switching flights at other airports. }} ===By bus=== The Lehigh Valley's largest bus terminal is the '''Allentown Bus Terminal''' at 325 Hamilton St. in center city Allentown. Multiple bus companies provide transport throught the day to and from [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and other regional cities, including '''[https://transbridgelines.com/choose-your-route Trans-Bridge Lines]''' and '''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/detail/ Trailways]'''. ===By train=== The closest major train station is 30th Street Station in [[Philadelphia]], where Amtrak provides transport to and from Philadelphia and major cities. The station is roughly 60 miles south of the Lehigh Valley. Commercial bus service is available from 30th Street Station to Allentown, and cars are available for rent at the station. ==Get around== There are a few different ways to travel throughout the Valley. '''[https://lantabus.com/ LANTA]''' provides bus service to major areas. You can call for a taxi, although it is unlikely to find them just driving on the streets. Other ways are renting a car or walking. ==See== [[File:Allentown Art Museum, Pennsylvania.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Allentown Art Museum at 31 N. 5th St. in Center City [[Allentown]]]] *'''Burnside Plantation''' in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] is an historic farm-in-the-city that opens doors to early American agricultural life. Bethlehem is known as *"Christmas City": discover the city’s history on an “Old Bethlehem Walking Tour”, experience the annual Christmas concert of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, or see the city’s sights and lights on the popular “Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour”. *The '''George Taylor House''' in Catasauqua near [[Whitehall]] is one of the last remaining homes of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. *The '''Covered Bridge Tour''' takes you to seven excellent examples are community treasures in Lehigh Valley. Five of these, which are open for traffic, often are taken for granted when crossed by busy travelers every day. It is approximately 50 miles long. *[[Allentown]] has several museums to explore. '''The Allentown Art Museum''' has about 14,000 works of art from nearly 2,000 years of cultural heritage. '''America On Wheels''' celebrates motorized and non-motorized over-the-road transportation. '''The Da Vinci Science Center''' is a hands-on children's science center featuring two-stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. At '''Mack Trucks Experience Center''', you can learn about Mack’s history through a collection of restored and preserved vintage trucks and abundant memorabilia. And at the '''Liberty Bell Museum''' in Allentown, you can visit the location where the Liberty Bell was hidden for nine months to avoid it being seized by the British during the Revolutionary War. ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom's Steel Force and Thunderhawk roller coasters outside [[Allentown]]. Steel Force is the tenth tallest steel roller coaster in the world with a first drop of {{convert|205|ft|m}} and a top speed of {{convert|75|mph|km/h}}.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Coca-Cola Park in [[Allentown|East Allentown]], home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies]] [[File:Weezer Bethlehem 2019 5.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Rock band Weezer plays Musikfest, the nation's largest non-gated music festival, in 2019 in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]]]] [[File:PPL Center Allentown interior.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|PPL Center at 701 Hamilton St. in [[Allentown]], the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League, the primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers]] *You can visit '''Crayola Factory''', where crayons are manufactured, in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. *'''Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom''' in [[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall]] Township is known especially for its elaborate rollercoasters and large waterpark. *The '''Lehigh Valley IronPigs''' are a AAA-level minor league team of the Philadelphia Phillies. They play their home games in [[Allentown]] from early April through early October. *The '''Lehigh Valley Phantoms''', an American Hockey League team and the primary development team for the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, plays its home games at '''PPL Center''' in center city Allentown, which also hosts concerts and other events. *'''Wind Creek Resort''' in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], a large casino with restaurants and shopping, was built on the grounds of the now defunct Bethlehem Steel, once one of the world's largest manufacturers of steel. *The '''Lehigh Valley Zoo''' in Schnecksville is a small yet affordable attraction. *The Lehigh Valley is known nationally for its elite high school athletic programs, which are among the nation's best and have produced dozens of professional athletes and Olympians. The '''Eastern Pennsylvania Conference''', which includes the 18 largest high schools in the Lehigh Valley and [[Poconos_and_Endless_Mountains|Poconos]], is the region's best conference and its athletic events are open to the public throughout the school year throughout the region. ===Theater=== *'''Civic Theater''' in Allentown provides professionally-produced theatre with a community feel and is the valley’s only year-round home for foreign, independent and arthouse cinema. Allentown also has the Pines Dinner Theater. *'''State Theater''' in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] is an historic 1500-seat performance hall that hosts musical performers that range from rock to country, along with many shows and musicals. *'''Zoellner Arts Center''' at Lehigh University in [[Bethlehem]] presents a variety of high-quality performing arts events. ===Annual events=== *'''Christkindlmarkt''' in Bethlehem showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by artisans, live Christmas music, delicious food and more. *'''The Great Allentown Fair''', held annually at the end of August and beginning of September since the mid-19th century, offers a fun and educational experience. The fair is known for its food, shopping, animal expos, and concerts. *'''Mayfair Festival''' of the Arts in early May in Allentown has six performance stages, over a hundred artists and crafts people, entertainers and more than two dozen vendors offering regional foods. *'''Musikfest''' is a 10-day festival held in August in Bethlehem. It is the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival and showcases more than 450 performances on 14 stages, 11 of which require no admission charge. ==Buy== Clothing and shoes are tax-free in Pennsylvania. *'''Lehigh Valley Mall''' in [[Whitehall]] just off US-22 is anchored by JCPenney, Macy's and Boscov's and has over 140 stores. *'''South Mall''', located between Allentown and [[Emmaus]], is anchored by the BonTon, and includes approximately 30 other stores. *'''The Promenade Shoppes''' at Saucon Valley sits between [[Allentown]] and [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] just off U.S. PA-309. Open-air, outlet-style shopping with approximately 82 stores. ==Stay safe== [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] all experience crime. Much of the crime is gang-related, so try to stay out of poor neighborhoods and housing projects. The main gangs are 18th Street, Black Dragons, Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, Los Solidos, Mexican Mafia, and MS-13 in the area. They are the most violent gangs in the country. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of certain areas at night. Prostitution and street drag racing are also issues in Lehigh Valley. Avoid walking alone late at night or on unlit streets or wandering too far off the main streets. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you do not want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but still do not flash around your money. Rougher areas include East Allentown, South Bethlehem, and Pembroke in East Bethlehem. Crime is more likely to happen in those areas but can happen anywhere else. ==Go next== *[[New York City]] *[[Philadelphia]] *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] *[[Poconos|The Poconos]] {{isPartOf|Philadelphia_Region}} {{usableregion}} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222|zoom=12}} rfl97u79q8rmqae1283vetzqoxnsuvy 4487973 4487972 2022-07-21T20:50:20Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Easton PA.jpg}} The '''[http://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/ Lehigh Valley]''' is a region in eastern [[Pennsylvania]], considered part of the larger [[Philadelphia Region]] in the [[United States]]. It is 50 miles (80 km) miles north of [[Philadelphia]], the nation's sixth largest city, and 65 (105 km) miles west of [[New York City]], the nation's largest city. With a population of 861,889 people as of 2020, the Lehigh Valley is the third most populous metropolitan region in the state. The Lehigh Valley can be said to be comprised of four counties, Carbon County, Lehigh County, and Northampton County in eastern Pennsylvania and [[Warren County (New Jersey)|Warren County]] in northwestern New Jersey, but only the counties in Pennsylvania are covered in this article. The region's most populous city is [[Allentown]]. Two other major cities are [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} {{mapshape|type=geomask|wikidata=Q494117,Q495658}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Allentown]]|wikidata=Q142811}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]]|wikidata=Q1134758}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]]|wikidata=Q164380}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]|wikidata=Q1056542}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Emmaus]]|wikidata=Q680643}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Fogelsville]]|wikidata=Q5464076}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hellertown]]|wikidata=Q1184005}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]]|wikidata=Q1022937}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Slatington]]|wikidata=Q1182600}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]]|wikidata=Q7568934}} *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Whitehall]]|wikidata=Q1896067}} ==Understand== [[File:Bethlehem Steel (24).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|The now dormant but still standing steel stacks of Bethlehem Steel in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]]]] ===History=== A thriving industrial center for most of the 19th and 20th centuries, Lehigh Valley's struggles in the "post-industrial" late 20th century became the lyrics of a famous song by Billy Joel named after "[[Allentown]]," its biggest city. Lehigh Valley has begun to turn itself around with some success through tourism with several outlying ski resorts, an amusement park, a Minor League Baseball team, an American Hockey League team, a casino, concerts and cultural festivals year round. It also has become an increasingly popular bedroom community for those with professional jobs in [[New York City]] and [[Philadelphia]]. The Lehigh Valley comprises 730 square miles. ===Visitor information=== * {{listing | name=Discover Lehigh Valley | alt= | url=http://www.discoverlehighvalley.com/ | email=info@discoverlehighvalley.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-882-9200 | tollfree=+1-800-MEET-HERE | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The official destination marketing organization for Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, and has a comprehensive list of places to stay in Lehigh Valley. }} ==Get in== [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Main terminal at [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in [[Allentown]]]] ===By plane=== * {{go | name=Lehigh Valley International Airport | alt={{IATA|ABE}} | url=https://www.flyabe.com/ | email= | address=3311 Airport Rd. Allentown | lat=40.65253 | long=-75.43554 | directions= | phone=+1-800 FLY LVIA | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2875759 | content=Lehigh Valley International Airport is a mid-sized airport smaller than three major metropolitan airports of [[New York City]] and [[Philadelphia International Airport]], but it's larger than your average small airport and the best option if you seek to arrive immediately in the Lehigh Valley. Airlines include Allegiant Air, American, Delta, and United Express. There are no direct flights from any other countries besides the [[United States]], but travellers can get to LVIA after switching flights at other airports. }} ===By bus=== The Lehigh Valley's largest bus terminal is the '''Allentown Bus Terminal''' at 325 Hamilton St. in center city Allentown. Multiple bus companies provide transport throughout the day to and from [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and other regional cities, including '''[https://transbridgelines.com/choose-your-route Trans-Bridge Lines]''' and '''[https://trailways.com/bus-station/allentown-e-pa/detail/ Trailways]'''. ===By train=== The closest major train station is 30th Street Station in [[Philadelphia]], where Amtrak provides transport to and from Philadelphia and major cities. The station is roughly 60 miles south of the Lehigh Valley. Commercial bus service is available from 30th Street Station to Allentown, and cars are available for rent at the station. ==Get around== There are a few different ways to travel throughout the Valley. '''[https://lantabus.com/ LANTA]''' provides bus service to major areas. You can call for a taxi, although it is unlikely to find them just driving on the streets. Other ways are renting a car or walking. ==See== [[File:Allentown Art Museum, Pennsylvania.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Allentown Art Museum at 31 N. 5th St. in Center City [[Allentown]]]] *'''Burnside Plantation''' in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] is an historic farm-in-the-city that opens doors to early American agricultural life. Bethlehem is known as *"Christmas City": discover the city’s history on an “Old Bethlehem Walking Tour”, experience the annual Christmas concert of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, or see the city’s sights and lights on the popular “Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour”. *The '''George Taylor House''' in Catasauqua near [[Whitehall]] is one of the last remaining homes of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. *The '''Covered Bridge Tour''' takes you to seven excellent examples are community treasures in Lehigh Valley. Five of these, which are open for traffic, often are taken for granted when crossed by busy travelers every day. It is approximately 50 miles long. *[[Allentown]] has several museums to explore. '''The Allentown Art Museum''' has about 14,000 works of art from nearly 2,000 years of cultural heritage. '''America On Wheels''' celebrates motorized and non-motorized over-the-road transportation. '''The Da Vinci Science Center''' is a hands-on children's science center featuring two-stories of interactive activities to teach visitors about the world we live in. At '''Mack Trucks Experience Center''', you can learn about Mack’s history through a collection of restored and preserved vintage trucks and abundant memorabilia. And at the '''Liberty Bell Museum''' in Allentown, you can visit the location where the Liberty Bell was hidden for nine months to avoid it being seized by the British during the Revolutionary War. ==Do== [[File:Dorney Park Steel Force Thunderhawk.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom's Steel Force and Thunderhawk roller coasters outside [[Allentown]]. Steel Force is the tenth tallest steel roller coaster in the world with a first drop of {{convert|205|ft|m}} and a top speed of {{convert|75|mph|km/h}}.]] [[File:Cokepark allentown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Coca-Cola Park in [[Allentown|East Allentown]], home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies]] [[File:Weezer Bethlehem 2019 5.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Rock band Weezer plays Musikfest, the nation's largest non-gated music festival, in 2019 in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]]]] [[File:PPL Center Allentown interior.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|PPL Center at 701 Hamilton St. in [[Allentown]], the home arena of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League, the primary development team of the Philadelphia Flyers]] *You can visit '''Crayola Factory''', where crayons are manufactured, in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. *'''Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom''' in [[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall]] Township is known especially for its elaborate rollercoasters and large waterpark. *The '''Lehigh Valley IronPigs''' are a AAA-level minor league team of the Philadelphia Phillies. They play their home games in [[Allentown]] from early April through early October. *The '''Lehigh Valley Phantoms''', an American Hockey League team and the primary development team for the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, plays its home games at '''PPL Center''' in center city Allentown, which also hosts concerts and other events. *'''Wind Creek Resort''' in [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], a large casino with restaurants and shopping, was built on the grounds of the now defunct Bethlehem Steel, once one of the world's largest manufacturers of steel. *The '''Lehigh Valley Zoo''' in Schnecksville is a small yet affordable attraction. *The Lehigh Valley is known nationally for its elite high school athletic programs, which are among the nation's best and have produced dozens of professional athletes and Olympians. The '''Eastern Pennsylvania Conference''', which includes the 18 largest high schools in the Lehigh Valley and [[Poconos_and_Endless_Mountains|Poconos]], is the region's best conference and its athletic events are open to the public throughout the school year throughout the region. ===Theater=== *'''Civic Theater''' in Allentown provides professionally-produced theatre with a community feel and is the valley’s only year-round home for foreign, independent and arthouse cinema. Allentown also has the Pines Dinner Theater. *'''State Theater''' in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] is an historic 1500-seat performance hall that hosts musical performers that range from rock to country, along with many shows and musicals. *'''Zoellner Arts Center''' at Lehigh University in [[Bethlehem]] presents a variety of high-quality performing arts events. ===Annual events=== *'''Christkindlmarkt''' in Bethlehem showcases aisles of exquisite handmade works by artisans, live Christmas music, delicious food and more. *'''The Great Allentown Fair''', held annually at the end of August and beginning of September since the mid-19th century, offers a fun and educational experience. The fair is known for its food, shopping, animal expos, and concerts. *'''Mayfair Festival''' of the Arts in early May in Allentown has six performance stages, over a hundred artists and crafts people, entertainers and more than two dozen vendors offering regional foods. *'''Musikfest''' is a 10-day festival held in August in Bethlehem. It is the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival and showcases more than 450 performances on 14 stages, 11 of which require no admission charge. ==Buy== Clothing and shoes are tax-free in Pennsylvania. *'''Lehigh Valley Mall''' in [[Whitehall]] just off US-22 is anchored by JCPenney, Macy's and Boscov's and has over 140 stores. *'''South Mall''', located between Allentown and [[Emmaus]], is anchored by the BonTon, and includes approximately 30 other stores. *'''The Promenade Shoppes''' at Saucon Valley sits between [[Allentown]] and [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] just off U.S. PA-309. Open-air, outlet-style shopping with approximately 82 stores. ==Stay safe== [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] all experience crime. Much of the crime is gang-related, so try to stay out of poor neighborhoods and housing projects. The main gangs are 18th Street, Black Dragons, Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, Los Solidos, Mexican Mafia, and MS-13 in the area. They are the most violent gangs in the country. Theft is an issue, so be sure to lock cars and stay out of certain areas at night. Prostitution and street drag racing are also issues in Lehigh Valley. Avoid walking alone late at night or on unlit streets or wandering too far off the main streets. If homeless approach you for change, just keep walking if you do not want to give anything. Pickpocketing is not a large problem, but still do not flash around your money. Rougher areas include East Allentown, South Bethlehem, and Pembroke in East Bethlehem. Crime is more likely to happen in those areas but can happen anywhere else. ==Go next== *[[New York City]] *[[Philadelphia]] *[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] *[[Poconos|The Poconos]] {{isPartOf|Philadelphia_Region}} {{usableregion}} {{geo|40.601667|-75.477222|zoom=12}} g12f9ut68c6ihksojro6tizqn8vt6iq 0 21201 4487852 3412965 2022-07-21T17:54:12Z Veillg1 253590 Creation of page "Mancouagan" (disambiguation) wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|Disambiguation banner.png|pgname=Manicouagan}} There is more than one place called '''Manicouagan''': ===[[Canada]]=== * [[Manicouagan (regional county municipality)|Manicouagan]] is a regional county municipality (RCM) of the [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]]. * [[Manicouagan (tourist region)|Manicouagan]] is a tourist region of the [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]]. * [[Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Reserve]], Biosphere Reserve of [[Canada]]. {{Disambiguation}} dm837h8zcmaauebyyzqsr6v81riu6gs 0 21253 4487717 4470927 2022-07-21T12:27:25Z 173.91.53.126 /* Understand */I added Shawshank Redemption to the movies list. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|MansfieldOH Welcome (Wikivoyage).jpg|pgname=Mansfield}} '''[https://www.destinationmansfield.com/ Mansfield]''' is a city in [[Richland County (Ohio)|Richland County]]. It is known as the ''Carousel Capital of Ohio'', ''Danger City'', ''The Fun Center of Ohio'' and ''Racing Capital of Ohio'' and also the filming location for [[Fiction tourism|''Shawshank Redemption'']]. ==Understand== [[Image:Downtown Mansfield Public Square.JPG|thumb|350px|Downtown Mansfield on Park Avenue East at Central Park on the square.]] Named after Jared Mansfield, Surveyor General of the United States in the early 19th century, the city sits on a fork of the Mohican River in the western foothills of the Allegheny Plateau, a hilly region surrounded by fertile farmlands, and its elevation is among the highest of Ohio cities. The highest elevation in Mansfield is at the Woodland Reservoir (1,493 feet or 455 meters above sea level), which is on the southwest side of the city. The elevation of Central Park, which is on the square in downtown Mansfield, is 1,243 feet or 379 meters above sea level. Mansfield is known as ''The Heart of Ohio''. It is home to the historic [https://rentickets.org Renaissance Theatre], Miss Ohio Scholarship Program Pageant, and was the filming location for "Shawshank Redemption" (1994); ''Air Force One'' (1997); ''Tango & Cash'' (1989); ''Escape Plan 3: The Extractors'' (2019), and other movies, television programs. ===Tourist information center=== [[Image:Kingwood Center Mansfield OH 05-06-2007.jpg|thumb|200px|Kingwood Center]] * {{listing | type=listing | name=Mansfield/Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau | alt= | url=https://www.destinationmansfield.com/ | email= | address=124 N. Main St | lat=40.76182 | long=-82.51533 | directions=N Main St & Temple Ct | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-642-8282 | fax=+1 419-524-7722 | hours= | price= | content=The Mansfield/Richland Convention & Visitors Bureau also offer free brochures and separate website at [https://shawshanktrail.com/sites-listed/ ShawshankTrail.com] regarding the filming and their locations in the 1994 film, ''Shawshank Redemption'' for a self-guided tour to the sites. The filming sites have been marked with an orange/white "Shawshank Trail" sign and are identified in this and in the [[Upper Sandusky]] and [[Ashland_(Ohio)|Ashland]] articles. }} * {{listing | name=Downtown Mansfield | url=http://www.downtownmansfield.com/ | email= | address=55 N. Mulberry St | lat=40.76000 | long=-82.51804 | directions=N Mulberry St & W 3rd, a couple of blocks west of Main along W 3rd. | phone=+1 419 522-0099 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419-526-6853 | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Get in== {{mapframe|40.78|-82.55|zoom=11}} {{mapshape}} ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Mansfield Lahm Airport | alt={{IATA|MFD}} | url=http://www.ci.mansfield.oh.us/index.php/lahm-airport | email= | address=2000 Harrington Memorial Rd | lat=40.821389 | long=-82.516667 | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-2191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport | wikidata=Q1443693 | content=Locally, Mansfield Lahm Airport is a city-owned, joint civil-military, public-use airport, on the north side of the city. }} The nearest airports for commercial flights are: * {{listing | type=go | name=Cleveland Hopkins International Airport | alt={{IATA|CLE}} | url=https://www.clevelandairport.com/ | email= | address=5300 Riverside Dr | lat= | long= | directions={{mi|69}} northeast of Mansfield via Interstate 71 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | image= | wikipedia=Cleveland Hopkins International Airport | wikidata=Q1100795 | lastedit=2019-10-04 | content=Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is [[Cleveland#By plane|Cleveland]]'s main airport, on the west side of the city. The airport is served by most of the major domestic airlines. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=John Glenn Columbus International Airport | alt={{IATA|CMH}} | url=https://flycolumbus.com | email= | address=4600 International Gateway, Columbus OH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 614 239-4083 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia==John Glenn Columbus International Airport | wikidata=Q1432440 | lastedit=2019-10-04 | content=Direct flights from most major U.S. cities, in [[Columbus_(Ohio)#By plane|Columbus]] {{mi|75}} southwest via I-71 & I-270. }} ===By car=== *'''Interstate 71 (I-71)'''. Mansfield can be accessed by I-71 which provides connection to [[Cleveland]] to the northeast and [[Columbus]] and [[Cincinnati]] to the southwest, running its course into [[Kentucky]] southwest to [[Louisville]]. From I-71 Mansfield is accessed via SR-13 at Exit #169 and SR-39 Lucas Rd at Exit #173. *'''U.S. Route 30''' carries the Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway along it length through Mansfield. The freeway provides connection to [[Wooster]], [[Canton (Ohio)|Canton]] and [[Pittsburgh]] to the east and [[Ontario (Ohio)|Ontario]], [[Bucyrus (Ohio)|Bucyrus]] and [[Fort Wayne]] to the west. *'''U.S. Route 42''' goes through Mansfield and the downtown district. It provides connection to [[Ashland (Ohio)|Ashland]] to the northeast and [[Lexington (Ohio)|Lexington]] and [[Mount Gilead (Ohio)|Mount Gilead]] to the southwest. *'''Ohio State Route 13''' goes through Mansfield and the downtown Historic Carrousel District. It provides connection to [[Bellville (Ohio)|Bellville]] to the south and [[Norwalk (Ohio)|Norwalk]] and [[Sandusky]] to the north. At Exit #169 of I-71. *'''Ohio State Route 39''' goes through Mansfield and by the downtown Historic Carousel District. It provides connection to [[Shelby (Ohio)|Shelby]] to the northwest and Lucas and Amish Country to the southeast. At Exit #173 of I-71 *'''Ohio State Route 309''' starts out at U.S. Route 30 near the Home Road overpass in Mansfield. It provides connection to [[Ontario (Ohio)|Ontario]] and [[Galion (Ohio)|Galion]] to the west. *'''Ohio State Route 430''' goes through Mansfield and the downtown business district. It provides connection to [[Ontario (Ohio)|Ontario]] to the west and Mifflin to the east. *'''Ohio State Route 545''' starts out at Ohio State Route 39 in Mansfield. It provides connection to Olivesburg and Savannah to the northeast. ===By bus=== The {{marker|type=buy|name=Marathon Gas & 7-Eleven |url=|lat=40.6929 | long=-82.5119}} on 2424 O'Possum Rd, on SR-13 & I-71 (Exit #169 of I-71) in the south of town serves as a ''de facto'' bus station for: :* {{listing | type=go | name=Barons Bus | alt= | url=https://baronsbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-11 | content= }} :* {{listing | type=go | name=Greyhound | alt= | url=http://www.greyhound.com | email= | address=(bus stop) 7-Eleven at 2424 O'Possum Rd | lat=40.69296 | long=-82.51161 | directions=bus stop east side of store along O'Possum Rd | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-231-2222 | hours= | price= | content=Travels primarily on Interstate 71 ([[Cleveland#By bus|Cleveland]], West Salem, Mansfield and [[Columbus_(Ohio)|Columbus]]) }} :* {{listing | type=go | name=Go Bus | alt=Operated by Barons Bus | url=https://ridegobus.com/ | email= | address=(bus stop) 7-Eleven at 2424 O'Possum Rd | lat=40.69285 | long=-82.51161 | directions=Same stop as Greyhound. | phone= | tollfree=+1 888 95 GOBUS | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Travels on US Hwy 42 and I-71 between Wooster, Mansfield, Mt Gilead and Columbus. }} RCT #3 (South Main/Southside) bus connects the nearby Wal-Mart and the 7 Eleven store (Greyhound & Go bus stop) to downtown Mansfield. ==Get around== ===By bus=== * {{listing | type=around | name=Richland County Transit | alt=RCT | url=http://www.rctbuses.com/ | email= | address=(bus transit center) 74 S Diamond | lat=40.75646 | long=-82.51469 | directions=S Diamond & E 1st Ave | phone=+1 419 522-4504 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419-522-3157 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Richland County Transit | wikidata=Q7330624 | content=RCT operates local bus service five days a week; no service on Saturdays, Sundays or national holidays. RCT offers local bus services within Mansfield and to [[Ontario_(Ohio)|Ontario]], Shelby, and portions of Madison Township, in Richland County on 12 fixed routes. }} ===By taxi=== * {{listing | type=around | name=C & D Taxi | url= | email= | address=(dispatch office) 272 Newman St | lat=40.7658 | long=-82.5080 | directions=Newman & Orange St | phone=+1 419 756-3333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==See== * {{listing | type=see | name=179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard | alt= | url=http://www.179aw.ang.af.mil/ | email= | address=1947 Harrington-Memorial Rd | lat=40.8168 | long=-82.5254 | directions=at Mansfield Lahm Airport | phone=+1 419 520-6420 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4553512 | content=[[Military tourism|Military base]] with huge C-130 aircraft and crews. No access to the base, but some planes can be seen from the surrounding areas. }} [[Image:Ohio - Mansfield - North Lake Park.jpg|thumb|200px|North Lake Park]] * {{listing | type=listing | name=The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program | alt= | url=http://www.missohio.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-MOSP | tollfree= | hours=Annual event in June | price= | wikidata=Q6877211 | content= }} * {{see | name=Biblewalk | alt=The Living Bible Museum | url=https://www.biblewalk.us/ | email=lbmjulia@richnet.net | address=500 Tingley Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 524-0139 | tollfree=+1-800-222-0139 | fax=+1 419-524-2002 | hours=M-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su 3PM-7PM | price= | wikipedia=BibleWalk | wikidata=Q54958284 | content=Ohio's only life-sized wax museum, with over 70 scenes and more than 300 wax figures featuring original music and narration to bring Biblical scenes to life. Also features a live Christian dinner theater and other attractions. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Bissman Building | alt= | url= | email= | address=193 N Main St | lat=40.76371 | long=-82.51545 | directions=along N Main between E 5th & 6th, middle of block on west side of street; there's a white & orange 'Shawshank Trail' sign in front of the building | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed but can be seen from the street | price= | image=Bissman_Block.jpg | lastedit=2019-10-04 | content=Peter Bissman built the Bissman Building in 1886 for his expanded wholesale grocery store. In the early 1930s, residents of Downtown Mansfield would wake up to the rich aromas of the store’s personal coffee blends and return home to the smell of roasting peanuts. The building possesses an early Romantic Gothic style that closely resembles the Ohio State Reformatory. Both were designed by same architect, built the same year and both are believed to be haunted. In ''Shawshank Redemption'' the exterior served as the ''Brewer Hotel'' halfway house where Brooks and Red went to after their release from prison. The room where Brooks & Red stayed in was filmed in the officers quarters of the Ohio State Reformatory while the ''Food Way'' where they worked as a grocery bagger was filmed at the KV Market which is listed among local grocery stores under "Eat" in the below. The front room of the Bissman Building served as the offices of the ''Portland Daily Bugle'' in the film where the editor received the warden's accounting ledgers accompanied by a letter explaining the warden's illegal activities. The Bissman Building is now vacant and is believed to be haunted. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Central Park | alt= | url=http://www.ci.mansfield.oh.us/parks-and-recreation.html | email= | address=29 Park Ave E | lat=40.75837 | long=-82.51484 | directions=SE corner of S Main & Park Ave E | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-04 | content=Seen in ''The Shawshank Redemption,'' this 2-acre park features a playground, gardens and a gazebo which still functions as a city park for all. In ''Shawshank Redemption,'' Brooks (James Whitmore) sat here to feed the pigeons in hopes that "Jake", a crow he reared while in prison, would come by to say "hello." The bench where Brooks sat on is marked with an orange/white "Shawshank Trail" sign. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Kingwood Center | alt= | url=http://www.kingwoodcenter.org | email=info@kingwoodcenter.org | address=900 Park Ave. W | lat=40.76 | long=-82.547778 | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-0211 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kingwood Center | image=Kingwood center.jpg | wikidata=Q6413811 | content=47 acres of gardens on former estate, a favorite spot for orchardists, gardeners and photography. }} * {{see | name=Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Project | alt= | url=http://www.mrps.org/ | email=info@mrps.org | address=100 Reformatory Rd., (just off SR 545) | lat=40.78418 | long=-82.5025 | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-2644 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 11AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=Ohio State Reformatory | image=Ohio State Reformatory.JPG | wikidata=Q2898265 | content=The cornerstone for this building was laid in 1886. The Reformatory has been closed as prison since 1990 and the building is being preserved. Scenes from several movies such as ''The Shawshank Redemption'' (1994); ''Air Force One'' (1997); ''Tango & Cash'' (1989); ''Escape Plan 3: The Extractors'' (2019), among other movies, television programs and music videos have been filmed there, other activities and tours take place throughout the year. The prison also exhibits things used in the prison such as an electric chair and props from the movies that were filmed there such as the pipe that Andy crawled through to escape prison in ''The Shawshank Redemption'' and the portraits of Lenin & Stalin from ''Air Force One''. }} :* {{listing | type=see | name=Old Westinghouse Warehouse Factory | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.7624 | long=-82.5063 | directions=a big open lot south of E 5th & Wayne St, in the old industrial part of town. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Westinghouse Electric Corporation | wikidata=Q632404 | lastedit=2020-04-27 | content=The factory was built in 1918 by Westinghouse, one of 39 factories in the U.S. with 5 stories on 4 acres along E 5th St. The Mansfield location was where they manufactured household appliances. By 1955 operations peaked with a workforce of 8,177 people working in 16 buildings on 42 acres. Westinghouse was the largest employer in Mansfield employing 1/3 of the city's populace of that time. By 1990 Westinghouse closed its Mansfield operations and the buildings stood empty till 2011 when the main buildings were demolished while others still stand. Scenes from the inside of the cell blocks of the fictional ''Shawshank Prison'' were filmed in a purpose built set built within the main Westinghouse Warehouse building that once stood along E 5th and Wayne St (demolished in 2011) while some scenes of ''Escape Plan 3: The Extractors'' were filmed in the nearby building on E 5th and Newman St by the railroad tracks (still standing on 200 E 5th St). The majority of the scenes of both films were filmed at the Mansfield Reformatory (see above). }} [[Image:Mansfield OH - Reformatory - Closed.jpg|thumb|200px|The Reformatory]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Malabar Farm State Park | alt= | url=https://www.malabarfarm.org/ | email= | address=4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas OH | lat=40.65323 | long=-82.39395 | directions=main entrance at Bromfield & Pleasant Hill Rd. 11 miles southeast of town via S Diamond St (County Rd #301) and Pleasant Hill Rd (County Rd #303) near the town of Lucas | phone=+1 419 892-2784 | tollfree= | hours= | wikidata=Q6740737 | wikipedia=Malabar_Farm_State_Park | lastedit=2019-10-04 | content=In 1976, Malabar became an Ohio State Park. Dedicated to perpetuating Bromfield's farming philosophies, preserving the Big House artifacts, providing a place where visitors can explore life on the farm and beauty of nature. The following are some historic places of interest within the park, a couple of which were filming locations for ''Shawshank Redemption'' in 1993 (the marker is at Bromfield & Pleasant Hill Rd, the main entrance into the park from the north): }} :* {{see | name="Big" House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6502 | long=-82.3984 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Louis_Bromfield | wikidata=Q500042 | lastedit=2019-10-11 | content=A 32-room Western Reserve style house built in 1939 Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield who lived there till his death in 1956. He wrote many of his books, attracted film stars, artists, politicians, writers, and conservationists. Bromfield also hosted Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall's wedding and honeymoon at Malabar Farm in 1945. While in town James Whitmore (Brooks) and Clancy Brown (Captain Hadley) were taken on a personal tour of the Big House at Malabar Farm by local tour guides during filming. }} :* {{listing | type=see | name=Ceely Rose House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.65024 | long=-82.39504 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-11 | content=The Miller's house, mentioned in the Pleasant Valley collection of ghost stories, was the 19th-century home of a young, mentally challenged girl named Ceely Rose. In 1896, Ceely Rose murdered her three-person family by poisoning their food with arsenic. Annually in October, the Ceely Rose Play is performed in the park's timber frame barn, as part of a ghost story trilogy. The other two plays are Phoebe Wise and Louie. In 2014, an episode of ''Ghost Hunters'' was filmed at the Ceely Rose House }} :* {{marker|type=see |name=Pughs Cabin|lat=40.64672 | long=-82.39219}} This authentic, rustic log-cabin style home was built in the 1940s by Bromfield's neighbor, Jim Pugh, within the modern-day park. The cabin is available for rent, for weddings, reunions, company holiday parties and other private gatherings. It was used in the opening scene in ''Shawshank Redemption'', in which Andy Dufresne's (Tim Robbins) wife and her lover had their last rendezvous (before being murdered) while Andy sat in his car with a gun on his lap and getting drunk. :* {{marker|type=see |name=Sugar Camp|lat=40.64763 | long=-82.39175}} Used every spring during the Maple Syrup Festival when the maple sap is boiled into pure maple syrup and sold at the giftshop. :* {{marker|type=see|url=http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/malabarfarm |name=Visitors Center|lat=40.65225 | long=-82.39913}} Location of the park administration, museum, educational exhibits, guided tours, library, gift shop, restrooms and a conference room for rent. :* {{marker|type=see|name="[[w:Shawshank_tree|Shawshank Tree]]"| url= | lat=40.6535 | long=-82.3928 | image=Shawshank_tree,_Lucas,_Ohio_-_cropped.jpg}} The white oak tree became a major tourist attraction following the filming of ''Shawshank Redemption''. In the film the tree is in a hayfield near [[Buxton (Maine)|Buxton]] where Red (Morgan Freeman) went to find the box containing a letter and some money Andy had left for him after Red's release. A lightning strike cut the tree in half in 2011, and it toppled over in 2016 in a windstorm. The tree stood on private land across the road from Malabar Farm State Park so whatever is left of it can only be seen from the main public road. It's located across the street from the main entrance into the park along Pleasant Hill Rd. The following are a couple of sites in the rural areas south of Malabar Farm State Park, near the town of Butler, and one location in town where scenes from ''Shawshank Redemption'' were filmed which may be of an interest to movie buffs. The locations are marked with an orange/white "Shawshank Trail" sign: :* {{marker|type=see|url= |name=Intersection of N Main & E 5th |lat=40.76297 | long=-82.51526}} This is where Brooks nearly got hit by a car as he attempts to cross the street to get to the Brewer Halfway House (The Bissman Building). For the filming he started at the SE corner of the intersection and walked north along the east side of Main St. (Brick building at 160 N Main St w/ "City Mills" sign in the background.) :* {{marker|type=see|url=https://shawshanktrail.com/sites-listed/road-to-buxton/ |name=Intersection of Hagerman Rd & Snyder Rd |lat=40.6166 | long=-82.4290}} Towards the end of the film Red was dropped off here by a pick-up truck where he walked towards [[Buxton_(Maine)|Buxton]] to find the box Andy hid for him. :* {{marker|type=see|url=https://shawshanktrail.com/sites-listed/reds-bus-ride/ |name=Intersection of Hagerman Rd & SR-95|lat=40.6092 | long=-82.4075}} Second to the last scene where a bus is seen leaving town with Red on board going towards Ft Hancock, Texas. The bus went north on SR-95 from Hagerman Rd for the filming. The final scene and end credits where Red (Morgan Freeman) and Andy (Tim Robbins) met again as free men on a beach in [[Zihuatanejo]] was filmed at Sandy Beach National Wildlife Refuge in [[Frederiksted#Do|St Croix]], [[US Virgin Islands|USVI]]. * {{see | name=Mid Ohio Race Track | alt=Sports car racing | url=https://midohio.com/ | email= | address=7721 Steam Corners Rd, Lexington, Ohio | lat=40.6881 | long=-82.6384 | directions= | phone=+1 419 884-4000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-02-06 | content=All kinds of roadracing, special track events, Driver education. Very important in Mansfield area. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Warren Rupp Observatory | alt= | url=http://www.wro.org | email= | address=5127 O'Possum Run Road | lat=40.6378 | long=-82.4364 | directions=in Hidden Hollow, southeast of town | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q7970461 | content=Warren Rupp Observatory is one of the world's largest amateur-operated telescopes. It is nestled in a pastoral setting that boasts some of the darkest skies in the state. The Rupp Scope and the Richland Astronomical Society dedicate themselves to public awareness of astronomy. Public Nights are held on the first Saturday of each month, from March through November and special programs are offered on alternative weekends. If weather permits, you can look through the big telescope and smaller ones that people bring. }} ==Do== [[File:Mansfield_Playhouse.JPG|thumb|Mansfield Playhouse]] *{{do | name=Equestrian Valley Farm | alt=Equestrian Valley Farm | url=http://www.equestrianvalley.com/ | email= | address=2495 Crimson Road (County Rd #296) | lat=40.7425 | long=-82.4220 | directions=half mile east of Crimson & Peterson Rd intersection, past the creek. | phone=+1 419 589-5161 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Take a trail ride on horseback on an historic Mohican style farm, established in 1815. The house, built in 1825, overlooks the pond and adjacent pastures. This 200-acre farm has trails on scenic rolling hills through open pastures and beautiful forests. }} * {{do | name=Mansfield Art Center | alt= | url=http://www.mansfieldartcenter.org/ | email= | address=700 Marion Ave | lat=40.7467 | long=-82.5414 | directions= | phone=+1 419 756-1700 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419-756-0860 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mansfield Art Center | image=Mansfield Art Center.JPG | wikidata=Q6751622 | content= }} [[Image:Richland Carrousel Park Mansfield OH 05-06-07 2.jpg|thumb|Richland Carrousel Park]] * {{do | name=Oaktree Golf Club | url=http://oaktreeclub.com/ | email= | address=1440 Old Oak Trail | lat= | long= | directions=off Walker Lake Road on Old Oak Trail | phone =+1 419 747-4653 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Richland Carrousel Park | alt= | url=http://www.richlandcarrousel.com/ | email=info@richlandcarrousel.com | address=75 N. Main St | lat=40.76115 | long=-82.51531 | directions=southwest corner of W. 4th St. and N. Main St. | phone=+1 419 522-4223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=The Richland Carrousel Park II.jpg | content=In the Historic Carrousel District in downtown Mansfield. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Richland B & O Bike Trail | alt= | url=https://www.destinationmansfield.com/venue/richland-b-o-bike-trail/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 884-3764 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The bike trail is over 18 miles long, paved on the abandoned Ohio B & O Rail Road bed. It is well maintained and protected. It runs from Mansfield to Butler through one of Ohio's most scenic areas. }} [[Image:Oak Hill Cottage.JPG|thumb|200px|Oak Hill Cottage]] * {{do | name=The Renaissance | alt= | url=http://www.mansfieldtickets.com/ | email= | address=138 Park Ave. West | lat=40.758889 | long=-82.521111 | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-2726 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419-524-7005 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Renaissance Theatre (Mansfield, Ohio) | image=The Renaissance Mansfield Ohio.JPG | wikidata=Q7312448 | content=The 1,600-seat theatre opened in 1928 as the Ohio Theatre and serves today as the largest performing arts center in North-Central Ohio. }} *{{listing | type=do | name=Mansfield Playhouse | alt= | url=http://www.mansfieldplayhouse.com/ | email= | address=95 East 3rd St | lat=40.7598 | long=-82.5101 | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-2883 | tollfree= | hours=Vary, the playhouse is active from early August to late May | price=$10-15 | content=The second oldest, and largest continually producing community theater in Ohio, the Mansfield Playhouse has been in its current location for over 40 years. With an aggressive season consisting of 6 Main Stage shows, 2 Youth Theater shows, and 2 Second Stage shows. }} * {{do | name=The Blueberry Patch | url=http://www.theblueberrypatch.org/ | email=info@theblueberrypatch.org | address=1285 W. Hanley Rd. | lat=40.6958 | long=-82.5585 | directions=just off US Route 42, {{mi|5.5}} south of town | phone =+1 419 884-1797 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419-884-1798 | hours= | price= | content= The u-pick blueberry season is open from early July to early September and the u-pick raspberry season is open from mid August to frost. The Blueberry Patch has a gift shop, blossoms cafe, greenhouse and a nursery. }} ===Annual events=== * {{do | name=Richland County Fair | alt= | url=https://richlandcountyfair.com/ | email= | address=750 N. Home Rd | lat=40.7795 | long=-82.5679 | directions= | phone=+1 419 747-3717 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 747-7141 | hours= | price= | content=The fair is usually held during the first full week of August or sometimes in some years the fair is held during the second full week of August. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Mansfield Lahm Airport Day | alt= | url=https://mansfieldairportday.info/ | email= | address=2000 Harrington Memorial Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-419-295-2478 | tollfree= | hours=Annually in July | price= | lastedit=2019-07-01 | content=Air and auto show held at the airport }} ==Learn== [[File:John_O._Riedl_Hall.JPG|thumb|OSU Mansfield]] * {{listing | name=The Ohio State University at Mansfield | alt= | url=https://mansfield.osu.edu/ | email= | address=1760 University Dr | lat=40.7989 | long=-82.5778 | directions= | phone=+1 419 755-4011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ohio State University, Mansfield Campus | image=Mansfield Campus.JPG | wikidata=Q7080961 | content= }} * {{listing | name=North Central State College | alt= | url=http://www.ncstatecollege.edu | email= | address=2441 Kenwood Cir. | lat=40.7986 | long=-82.5817 | directions= | phone=+1 419 755-4800 | tollfree=+1-888-755-4899 | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=North Central State College | image=Mansfield Campus.JPG | wikidata=Q7054763 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing & Health Sciences | url=http://www.ashland.edu/conhs/ | email= | address=1020 S. Trimble Rd. | lat= | long= | directions=on the University's Balgreen Campus at the southwest corner of Trimble Rd and Marion Ave | phone=+1 419 521-6800 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 521-6826 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Madison Adult Career Center | url=http://www.mlsd.net/adulted/ | email= | address=600 Esley Ln | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 589-6363 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Pioneer Career & Technology Center | url=http://www.pctc.k12.oh.us/ | email=tipline@pctc.k12.oh.us | address=27 Ryan Rd., Shelby, Ohio | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 347-7744 | tollfree=+1-877-818-7282 | fax=+1 419 347-4977 | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Alpaca Meadows | alt= | url=http://alpacameadows.com/ | email= | address=1200 Rock Rd | lat=40.7852 | long=-82.6228 | directions= | phone=+1 419 529-8152 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Alpaca Meadows Farm & Fiber Studio is a local alpaca farm that offers alpaca products including yarn, fiber, and fiber art equipment. They also host various events, including tours and art classes. }} * {{buy | name=Historic Carrousel District | url=http://www.carrouseldistrict.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Features eateries and coffee shops, small antique, craft and gift shops and more. It is what turned the downtown around. }} :* {{listing | type=buy | name=Carrousel Antiques | alt= | url= | email= | address=118 N Main St | lat=40.76167 | long=-82.51534 | directions=N Main St & E Temple Ct | phone=+1 419 522-0230 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM; Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2019-10-04 | content=Open today as a boutique shop where you can find a variety of antiques, decor, furniture, and other upscale resale items. It was a filming location of ''Shawshank Redemption'' where Red came upon a pawn shop window offering guns and compasses. Red was tempted to buy a gun but instead he bought a compass which would later help him find the red box Andy hid for him in a 'hay field near Buxton'. }} * {{buy | name=Jones Potato Chip Company | url=http://www.joneschips.com/ | email=chips@joneschips.com | address=823 Bowman St | lat=40.7819 | long=-82.5237 | directions=Bowman & Louis St, north of Bowman and US Hwy 30 | phone=+1 419 529-9424 | tollfree=+1-800-466-9424 | fax=+1 419 529-6789 | hours= | price= | content= Family-made since 1945 by the Jones family. The Jones Potato Chip Company and retail store are located at the same address. The chips can be bought at any local grocery store or supermarket, where potato chips are sold. }} * {{buy | name=KritterMall | alt= | url=http://krittermall.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-05-13 | content=Buy pet supplies and find a comprehensive list where kids can touch, feed and interact with animals in Ohio. Locations include petting zoos, wildlife safaris, horseback riding, aviaries, working farms, butterfly conservatories and more. Purchases are covered by warranty and have complete customer support. }} * {{buy | name=Mansfield Antique Show and Flea Market at Richland County Fairgrounds | alt= | url=https://mansfield-flea-market-antiques.business.site/ | email= | address=Richland County Fairgrounds at 750 N. Home Rd | lat=40.7803 | long=-82.5684 | directions=north of N Home Rd & US Hwy 30 junction | phone=+1 614-282-4938 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 747-7141 | hours= | price=Admission is $1 for adults, free for kids age 11 and under | content=The Mansfield Antique Show and Flea Market is a monthly event that is held from February to November, the last weekend (last Saturday and Sunday) of each month at the Richland County Fairgrounds. For more information contact Kevin Spore at +1 419 756-3904 or Tim Babcock at +1 419 884-3253. }} * {{buy | name=Richland Mall | alt= | url=http://www.richlandmallshopping.com/index.asp | email=info@richlandmallshopping.com | address=2209 Richland Mall, Ontario | lat=40.77068 | long=-82.59344 | directions= | phone=+1 419 529-4003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | wikipedia=Richland Mall (Ohio) | image=Richland Mall, Ontario, Ohio.jpg | wikidata=Q25247982 | content= }} ==Eat== ===Bakeries=== * {{eat | name=Buckeye Bakery Inc. | url= | email=buckeyebakeryinc@ymail.com | address=21 E. 4th St | lat=40.76109 | long=-82.51481 | directions= in downtown Mansfield in the Historic Carrousel District | phone=+1 419 522-2341 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 5AM-5PM, Sa 5AM-4PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Buckeye Bakery Inc. | url= | email=buckeyebakeryinc@ymail.com | address=866 Ashland Rd | lat=40.7721 | long=-82.4829 | directions=Ashland (US Hwy 42) & Indiana, in NE part of town between downtown and Jct US Hwy 30 | phone=+1 419 589-5174 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 7AM-5PM, Sa 7AM-4PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Schneider's Olde World Bakery | url= | email= | address=146 Orange St | lat=40.76540 | long=-82.50994 | directions=along Orange St between railroad tracks and Beymiller St, northeast of downtown core | phone=+1 419 522-2212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Blackbird Bakery | alt= | url=https://theblackbirdbakery.com/ | email= | address=105 N. Main St | lat=40.76129 | long=-82.51561 | directions=inside Relax Coffee | phone=+1 567 231-9709 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-29 | content=Very nice and friendly bakery. You can eat in or have baked goods delivered. Cookies, pretzels, scones, cake, etc. }} ===Grocery stores=== * {{listing | type=eat | name=KV Market | alt= | url= | email= | address=359 W 4th St | lat=40.7613 | long=-82.5286 | directions=W 4th & Sycamore St, west of downtown Mansfield | phone=+1 419 709-9235 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 8AM-10PM; Su 8AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2019-10-04 | content=When ''Shawshank Redemption'' was filmed in 1993, this location was the E&B Market. It has since undergone extensive renovation and is once again home to a full-service supermarket offering fresh produce, meat, deli and hot foods located near downtown and more convenient for travelers staying closer in town. Once paroled from the Shawshank Prison, both Brooks and Red struggle to adjust to life on the outside while bagging groceries at the ''Food-Way'' which was filmed here. }} * {{eat | name=Meijer | url=http://www.meijer.com/ | email= | address=One store in Ontario at 1355 N. Lexington-Springmill Rd | lat=40.7896 | long=-82.5935 | directions=NW of the Lexington-Springmill Rd & US Hwy 30 junction at Lexington Springmill Rd & Walker Lake Rd | phone=+1 419 747-8364 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours, seven days a week | price= | content= Ask for discount card. There's also a Starbucks, CiCi's Pizza, Game Stop and a IHop Restaurant in separate buildigs along the south end of the premises on Walker Lake Rd in separate buildings. }} ===Restaurants=== [[Image:Coney Island Diner.JPG|thumb|200px|Coney Island Diner]] [[Image:Dairy Land.JPG|thumb|200px|Dairy Land]] * {{eat | name=Athena Greek Restaurant | url=https://www.athenagreek.com/ | email= | address=41 N. Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 524-5620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-8PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=City Grille and Bar | url= | email= | address=37 E. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions=Located downtown in the Historic Carrousel District | phone=+1 419 709-9199 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-11PM, F 11AM-1AM, Sa 4PM-1AM, closed Su and M | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Coney Island Diner | url= | email= | address=98 N. Main St | lat= | long= | directions=Located downtown in the Historic Carrousel District | phone=+1 419 526-2669 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 6:30AM-7PM, Sa 6:30AM-4PM, closed Su | price= | content= Coney Island Diner is Mansfield's oldest restaurant and is famous for its coneys and pea salad. The downtown eatery has been around since 1936 and has become famous among filmmakers and politicians. }} * {{eat | name=Coney Island Inn | url=http://coneyislandinn.com/ | email= | address=20 South Park St | lat= | long= | directions= on the Square | phone=+1 419 525-1406 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 5:30AM-8:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Dairy Land | alt= | url= | email= | address=800 Springmill St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 525-2168 | tollfree= | hours=Spring and summer hours are Tu-Su 11AM-10PM from early April to the first of September. Fall hours are Tu-Su 11AM-9PM from the first of September to the second week of October. Closed for the winter season from mid-October to late March or early April. Dairy Land is closed on Mondays and 4th of July | price= | image=Dairy Land - panoramio.jpg | content=The drive-in restaurant has been serving Mansfield since 1947 and its menu serves ice cream, sundaes, shakes, sodas (Pepsi products), fries, burgers, hotdogs, coneys, chicken and more. When you arrive at Dairy Land, you just park and one of the servers will help you in taking your order. Before you go, you may want to ask for a menu (a yellow paper menu full of good food and ice creams with prices listed) to take with you so you know what to order on your next visit. They are locally famous for their excellent shredded chicken sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=El Charrito | url= | email= | address=80 W. Hanley Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-7226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-10PM, F 11AM-10:30PM, Sa noon-10:30PM, Su 11AM-9PM | price= | content= This Mexican restaurant with the best combination platters around is known for their fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos and burritos. El Campesino also has a full bar that serves Margaritas,flavored margaritas and daiquiris, domestic and Mexican beer, wine, and mixed drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Hong Kong Buffet | url=https://www.hongkongbuffetontario.com/ | email= | address=331 N Lexington-Springmill Rd #125, Ontario | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419-529-8678 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mansfield Restaurant, Southside | url=http://mansfieldfamilyrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=948 S. Main St | lat= | long= | directions=on the southwest corner of S. Main St. and W. Cook Rd. | phone=+1 419 756-0479 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 5:30AM-8:30PM and Su 6:30AM-2:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mansfield Restaurant, Westside | url=http://mansfieldfamilyrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=1090 Park Ave West | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 529-8238 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 5:30AM-8:30PM and Su 6:30AM-2:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Rancho Fiesta | alt= | url= | email= | address=1360 S. Trimble Rd | lat= | long= | directions=near the intersection of S. Trimble Rd. and Lexington Ave. (US Route 42) at the Appleseed Center | phone=+1 419 774-1774 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-05-13 | content=Mexican restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine and cantina. }} * {{eat | name=The Leaning Tower of Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.leaningtowerofpizzamo.com | email= | address=180 Lexington Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419-525-3462 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Leaning Tower of Pizza - panoramio.jpg | lastedit=2018-11-24 | content= }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Two Cousins Pizza Co. | alt= | url=http://twocousinspizzaco.com/index.html | email= | address=103 N Main St | lat= | long= | directions=by the Mansfield Carousel | phone=+1 419 522 2211 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-29 | content=Friendly local pizza place. }} ==Drink== There are plenty of choices for alcohol. Most grocery stores carry it, as well as the gas stations, drive-throughs and convenience stores. * {{drink | name=The Electric Co. | url=https://m.facebook.com/theelectriccompany/ | email= | address=1400 W. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419-528-8788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A live music venue. }} * {{drink | name=Cornerstone Bar & Grill | url= | email= | address=586 Park Ave. E. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-5523 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Cornerstone has some of the areas best talented dart throwers. If you want some competition, then this is the place to go, and they have $1000 blind draws on a regular basis. }} *'''Fresh Apple Cider''' This area is to apple cider, what Florida is to orange juice. In the fall, through late spring, fresh squeezed, unadulterated cider flows freely at the local orchards. Some freeze it for year around use. (It only makes it sweeter.) * {{drink | name=Horseshoe Burger Company | alt= | url=https://horseshoeburgerco.com/ | email= | address=1349 Park Ave. W. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419-573-3495 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit= | content=Serving beer. }} * {{drink | name=Kosta's | alt= | url= | email= | address=924 W. 4th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 529-3844 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-05-13 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Lew's Tavern | url= | email= | address=1188 Park Ave. E. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 589-9600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Live music every Wednesday night, D.J. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, darts every Thursday night. }} * {{drink | name=Martini's on Main, Taverna e Pizzeria | url=http://www.martinisonmain.net/ | email=info@martinisonmain.net | address=108 N. Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 775-5936 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 4PM-1AM, Sa 7PM-1AM | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Rocky's Pub & Grill | url=http://www.rockyspub.com/ | email=RockysPubGrill@aol.com | address=22 S. Park St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-1342 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Phoenix Brewing Company | alt= | url=https://www.phoenixbrewing.com/ | email= | address=131 N Diamond St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-2552 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-01-13 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Relax It's Just Coffee | alt=Relax | url=http://www.relaxitsjustcoffee.com/#home-section | email= | address=105 North Main st | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522 1521 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-10-29 | content=Great coffee. Great people. Great atmosphere. }} ==Sleep== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Best Western Richland Inn-Mansfield | alt= | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/content/best-western/en_US/booking-path/hotel-details.36150.html | email= | address=180 E. Hanley Rd | lat=40.6955 | long=-82.5073 | directions=Hanley & Washington Pkwy, accessible from I-71 & SR-13 at Exit 169 | phone=+1 419 756-6670 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 756-9041 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield-South @ I-71 | alt= | url=https://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ohio/hampton-inn-and-suites-mansfield-south-i-71-MFDHSHX/accommodations/index.html | email= | address=2220 S. Main St | lat=40.69855 | long=-82.51222 | directions= | phone=+1 419 774-1010 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 774-0909 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn & Suites Mansfield-Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/mansfield/mnsoh/hoteldetail | email= | address=116 Park Ave. West | lat=40.75908 | long=-82.51993 | directions= | phone=+1 419 525-6000 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 525-0197 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Quinta Inn & Suites Mansfield | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/mansfield-ohio/la-quinta-mansfield-oh/overview| email= | address=120 Stander Ave | lat=40.6935 | long=-82.5095 | directions= | phone=+1 419 774-0005 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 774-9066 | hours= | price= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content= }} * {{sleep | name=M Star Hotel | alt=Magnuson Hotels | url=https://www.magnusonhotels.com/hotel/m-star-hotel-mansfield/ | email= | address=137 Park Ave. W | lat=40.75835 | long=-82.52074 | directions=in downtown Mansfield across from The Renaissance | phone=+1 419 522-5142 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | lastedit=2017-05-13 | content= }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Mohican Lodge & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www.mohicanlodge.com/ | email= | address=1098 Ashland County Rd 3006, Perrysville OH | lat=40.6386 | long=-82.3337| directions= | phone=+1 419 938-5411 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-10-11 | content=Lakeside hotel near Malabar Farm SP and Pleasant Hill Lake Park }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Super 8 Mansfield | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/mansfield-ohio/super-8-mansfield/overview | email= | address=2425 Interstate Cir | lat=40.69404 | long=-82.51509 | directions=Exit 169 from I-71, End of Interstate Cir from Hanley Rd | phone=+1 419 756-8875 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 756-8875 | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Mansfield | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/travelodge/mansfield-ohio/travelodge-mansfield/overview | email= | address=90 W. Hanley Rd | lat=40.6968 | long=-82.5151| directions=behind El Charrito from W Hanley Rd | phone=+1 419 756-7600 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 756-8102 | hours= | price= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content= }} ===Stay safe=== The non-emergency number of the police department is {{phone|+1 419-755-9724}}. ==Connect== * {{listing | name=United States Post Office, Main Office | alt= | url=http://www.usps.com/welcome.htm?from=global&page=0001home2 | email= | address=200 N. Diamond St | lat=40.7639 | long=-82.5125 | directions= | phone=+1 419 755-4621 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 755-4610 | hours=M-F 7:30AM-6PM; Sa 9AM-1PM | price=Package and shipping price varies | content= }} ==Cope== ===Hospitals=== [[Image:MedCentral Mansfield Hospital.JPG|thumb|200px|OhioHealth, Mansfield Hospital]] * {{listing | name=OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital | url=http://www.ohiohealth.com/mansfield/ | email= | address=335 Glessner Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 526-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Gym=== * {{listing | name=Madison Fitness Center | url= | email= | address=926 Ashland Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 589-1234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Mansfield Area YMCA | url=http://www.mansfieldy.org/ | email= | address=750 Scholl Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-3511 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 525-3009 | hours=M-Th 4AM-11PM, F 4AM-9PM, Sa 6AM-6PM, Su 8AM-5PM | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=NexGen Fitness & Nutrition | url=http://www.ngfit.com/ | email= | address=270 Lexington Ave. Unit 108 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 295-7886 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Planet Fitness | url=http://www.planetfitness.com/ | email= | address=2155 Village Mall Dr., Ontario, Ohio | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 709-8194 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | price= | content= }} ===Laundromat=== * {{listing | name=Brass Hanger Cleaners | alt= | url= | email= | address=366 Ashland Rd. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419-526-2733 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Brass Hanger Cleaners | alt= | url= | email= | address=1351 Lexington Ave. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419-756-1802 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Brass Hanger Cleaners | alt= | url= | email= | address=2232 Stumbo Rd., Ontario | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 529-5256 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Clean Jeans | url= | email= | address=225 Ashland Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-9109 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Colonial Coin Laundry | url= | email= | address=190 Marion Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Heatherwood Coin Laundry & Dry | url= | email= | address=787 Laver Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 589-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Hilltop Coin Laundry | url= | email= | address=709 Ashland Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Kimmel Corporation | url= | email= | address=36 Brookwood Way N. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 529-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Park Avenue West Cleaners | url= | email= | address=518 Park Ave. West | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 522-8438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Sunlite Laundry & Tannery | url= | email= | address=1081 W. Longview Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 747-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Swan Cleaners | url=http://www.swandc.com/ | email=sales@swandc.com | address=165 Park Ave. West | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 524-2611 | tollfree= | fax=+1 419 525-4879 | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 8AM-noon | price= | content= Pick up and drop off only. }} * {{listing | name=Wash N Wear Laundry | url= | email= | address=199 Glessner Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 419 526-1044 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Library=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, Main Branch | alt= | url=https://www.mrcpl.org/ | email= | address=43 W. 3rd St | lat=40.75944 | long=-82.51740 | directions= | phone=+1 419 521-3100 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9AM-9PM; F Sa 9AM-5:30PM; Su 1-5PM | price= | lastedit=2020-04-22 | content=The main branch of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library offers free '''internet access''', although you may have to obtain a library card first. }} ===Newspapers=== [[File:2009_newsstand_Mansfield_Ohio_USA_3724900249.jpg|thumb|A news stand in Mansfield]] *The '''[http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/ Mansfield News Journal]''' is the only daily newspaper published in the Mansfield area. ==Go next== *'''[[Ashland_(Ohio)|Ashland]]''' is {{mi|10}} northeast on U.S. Route 42 or Interstate 71. A couple more ''Shawshank Redemption'' scenes were filmed there. *'''[[Canton (Ohio)|Canton]]''' is about 1 hour and 15 minutes east on U.S. Route 30. *'''[[Cleveland]]''' is about 1 hour and 25 minutes northeast on I-71. *'''[[Columbus]]''' is about an hour southwest on I-71. *'''[[Cincinnati]]''' is about 2 hours and 50 minutes southwest on I-71. *'''[[Lexington (Ohio)|Lexington]]''' is a rural village about 7 miles southwest of downtown Mansfield on U.S. Route 42. *'''[[Ontario (Ohio)|Ontario]]''' is a suburban city west of Mansfield. It is a major regional retail hub with a shopping mall serving the entire North-Central Ohio area. *'''[[Upper Sandusky]]''' is the location for a couple more ''Shawshank'' filming scenes, one of which is a dedicated museum to the film. The town (and county seat of Wyandot County) is {{mi|46}} west on US Hwy 30. *'''Amish Country''' centered in [[Holmes County (Ohio)|Holmes County]] to the southeast of Richland County on Ohio State Route 39. *'''[http://www.mohicanresort.com Mohican Resort & Conference Center]''' located in southern Ashland County is surrounded by 6,000 acres of Mohican State Forest and borders Pleasant Hill Lake. Hiking, swimming and boating are nearby. 96 guest rooms offering a private balcony. The dining room is also open Sundays with a great buffet for $12.95. A Ohio Department of Natural Resources facility. {{routebox | image1=I-71.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Cleveland]] | minorl1=[[Ashland (Ohio)|Ashland]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Columbus]] | minorr1=[[Bellville (Ohio)|Bellville]] | image2=US 30.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Lima (Ohio)|Lima]] | minorl2=[[Ontario (Ohio)|Ontario]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Canton (Ohio)|Canton]] | minorr2=[[Wooster]] | image3=OH-39.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=Jct [[File:OH-103.svg|18px]] | minorl3=[[Shelby (Ohio)|Shelby]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Dover (Ohio)|Dover]] | minorr3=[[Loudonville (Ohio)|Loudonville]] | image4=OH-309.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Lima (Ohio)|Lima]] | minorl4=[[Ontario (Ohio)|Ontario]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END | minorr4= | image5=US 42.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Ashland (Ohio)|Ashland]] | minorl5= | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Delaware (Ohio)|Delaware]] | minorr5=[[Lexington (Ohio)|Lexington]] }} {{IsPartOf|West Central Ohio}} {{geo|40.754856|-82.522855}} {{usablecity}} bcofgy199id54kjolhdaip33qq5f6xb 0 21390 4487977 4474873 2022-07-21T21:04:32Z Wolfgang8741 1323880 /* Go next */ add OH-7 route to box wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Marietta}} [[Image:Marietta_ST_Wheeler_2007.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Ohio River - Marietta - 2007 Sternwheeler Festival]] '''[http://www.mariettaohio.org/ Marietta]''' is a city of 13,000 people (2019) in [[Southeast Ohio]]. It is at the confluence of the Muskingum River and Ohio River. Founded in 1788 it is the oldest city in Ohio. From the beginning it was one of Ohio's more important Ohio River ports. It is adjacent to part of the [[Wayne National Forest]]. ==Understand== Marietta, the county seat of [[Washington County (Ohio)|Washington County]], the first organized settlement in the Northwest Territory, is a small town that has maintained its small-town charm due to having been left off of the rail lines and having had no connection to a highway until 1967. Since the construction of Route 7 and the new bridge across the river, Marietta has been on a slow path to resurrection. It has grown to extend from the Ohio Riverfront to the intersection of Interstate 77. The historic downtown has gone through several renovation phases, with a streetscape program being the crowning touch. The town's name is derived from Marie Antoinette, the French Queen, who supported the American Revolution. It is now one of the [[Ohio Valley]] and Southeastern Ohio's favorite destinations. ==Get in== Interstate 77 connects Marietta with central Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Or by boat, at the Ohio Riverfront. It is on the State line with [[West Virginia]]. The Ohio River separates the two states. Directly across the river bridge on Ohio Route 6 is [[Williamstown (West Virginia)|Williamstown]]. [[Parkersburg]], West Virginia is a short distance south with access to I-77. * {{go | name=Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport | alt={{IATA|PKB}} | url=https://flymov.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.345 | long=-81.4394 | directions=south of Marietta, take I-77 South, WV Route 31 East; it is north of WV Route 2 | phone=+1 304 464-5113 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3565652 | lastedit=2021-01-28 | content=The nearest airport, it is south of Marietta on I-77 just east of Parkersburg, WV. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} Marietta is a small town on the banks of the Ohio River. The historic downtown is easy to walk, except everything is downhill to the river. There is a public boat ramp. Exploring the river with a guide should not be too difficult to find. ==See== Marietta is rich in history as is made visible by a scattering of Ohio Historic Markers as well as markers placed by the Rotary Club in front of historic buildings. Walking along the streets and through the parks you will encounter dozens or more. In addition to these there are a variety of specific locations to see including the following. [[Image:Ohio_River_Sternwheeler.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Ohio River Sternwheeler]] * {{see | name=Ohio River Museum | alt= | url=https://mariettamuseums.org/ohio-river-museum/ | email= | address=601 Front Street | lat=39.4206 | long=-81.4628 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-860-0145 | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7080881 | lastedit=2021-01-28 | content= }} * {{see | name=Campus Martius Museum | alt= | url=https://mariettamuseums.org/campus-martius/ | email= | address=601 Second St | lat=39.4214 | long=-81.4614 | directions= | phone=+1 740 373-3750 | tollfree=+1 800 860-0145 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Campus Martius Museum | image=Campus Martius Museum.JPG | wikidata=Q5028655 | lastedit=2021-01-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Marietta Earthworks | alt=Mound Cemetery | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.42 | long=-81.4519 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marietta Earthworks | image=MoundCemetery01.jpg | wikidata=Q6763227 | lastedit=2018-12-08 | content=A once large number of [[Indigenous cultures of North America|Indian earthworks]] that was partially destroyed by local construction. The remaining mound survived due to its location in Mound Cemetery, which is home to the highest number of [[Early United States history|American Revolutionary War]] officer burials in the country. }} * {{see | name=Marietta College | alt= | url=https://www.marietta.edu | email= | address=215 Fifth St | lat=39.4167 | long=-81.45 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1 800 331-7896 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marietta College | image=Marietta College.jpg | wikidata=Q6763222 | lastedit=2018-12-08 | content=A private college that was founded in 1835. }} * {{see | name=Washington State Community College | alt= | url=https://www.wscc.edu | email= | address=710 Colegate Dr | lat=39.431111 | long=-81.433889 | directions= | phone=+1 740 374-8716 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington State Community College | image=WSCC002.JPG | wikidata=Q7972231 | lastedit=2018-12-08 | content= }} * {{see | name=Children's Toy and Doll Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=206 Gilman Ave | lat=39.4099 | long=-81.4594 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Sa-Su 13:00-16:00 | price= | wikidata=Q107636096 | lastedit=2021-07-27 | content=A wide collection of toys from around the US. You might find something from the 1800s or see something you played with as a child. }} * {{see | name=The Castle Historic House Museum | alt=The Castle | url=https://mariettacastle.org/ | email=info@mariettacastle.org | address=418 4th St | lat=39.420556 | long=-81.455 | directions= | phone=+1 740 373 4180 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7721572 | lastedit=2021-05-14 | content= }} * {{see | name=Peoples Mortuary Museum | alt= | url=https://www.cawleyandpeoples.com/who-we-are/peoples-mortuary-museum | email= | address=408 Front St | lat=39.41799 | long=-81.45778 | directions= | phone=+1 740 373 1111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q107672636 | lastedit=2021-07-27 | content=Requires calling ahead to setup a tour and ensuring someone will be there to open the door. Large variety of hearses to be seen. }} ==Do== [[File:MC1790.JPG|thumb|Don Drumm Stadium]] * {{do | name=Ohio River Sternwheel Festival | alt= | url=https://ohioriversternwheelfestival.org/ | email= | address=Ohio Riverfront Park | lat=39.4105 | long=-81.4512 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q108783970 | content=Ohio River Levee on the corner of Front and Greene St, downtown, always the weekend after Labor Day. Sa 7:30PM/10PM. "Harry J. Robinson" Fireworks. They anchor barges in the middle of the Ohio River and produce one of Ohio's outstanding fireworks displays, from the barges, reflected in the water, with illumination of the bridges, by fireworks. Quite a display. Excellent event! }} * {{do | name=Marietta Aquatic Center | alt= | url=https://mariettaoh.net/index.php/government-and-services/parks-and-recreation/marietta-aquatic-center | email= | address=233 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=39.4349 | long=-81.4671 | directions= | phone=+1 740 373-2445 | tollfree= | hours=Jun 3-Sep 4: daily noon-8PM | price=Adult $6, youth (Up to 17) $5 | wikidata=Q111346188 | content=Marietta Aquatic Center is a large water park. }} * {{do | name=Washington County Fair | alt= | url=https://www.washcountyfair.com/ | email= | address=922 Front St | lat=39.4284 | long=-81.4701 | directions=Washington County Fairgrounds | phone=+1 740-373-1347 | tollfree= | hours=early September | price= | wikidata=Q108784039 | lastedit=2018-12-08 | content= }} * {{do | name=Fourth of July celebration | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=early July | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-12-08 | content= }} * {{do | name=People's Bank Theatre | alt= | url=https://peoplesbanktheatre.com/ | email=tickets@peoplesbanktheatre.com | address=222 Putnam Street Marietta, OH 45750 | lat=39.415683 | long=-81.453343 | directions= | phone=+1 740-371-5152 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q43162379 | lastedit=2021-01-26 | content= }} * {{do | name=Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theatre | alt= | url=https://midohiovalleyplayers.org/ | email= | address=229 Putnam Street Marietta, OH 45750 | lat=39.41615 | long=-81.45383 | directions= | phone=+1 740 374-9434 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q43162359 | lastedit=2021-01-26 | content= }} * {{do | name=Valley Gem Sternwheeler cruise | alt=Valley Gem | url=https://www.valleygemsternwheeler.com/ | email= | address=601 Front St | lat=39.4198 | long=-81.4627 | directions= | phone=+1-740-373-7862 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$7-$78 | wikidata=Q111346920 | lastedit=2022-03-23 | content=Take a ride on the Valley Gem to Blennerhassett Island, lunch or dinner cruise, or an expedition through the locks of the Muskingum River. Check the schedule for what trips are available. }} ==Buy== * {{listing | type=buy | name=Fenton Art Glass | alt= | url=http://www.fentonartglass.com/ | email= | address=700 Elizabeth Street, Williamstown | lat=39.40042 | long=-81.45972 | directions=in Williamstown, across the Ohio River | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The largest manufacturer of handmade colored glass in the United States. Each piece of glass is an artistic creation by skilled glassworkers and decorators. (Note: The Fenton Art Glass Factory nearly closed 2007, adding to the collectability. The factory stores are still open.) }} * {{buy | name=Lafayette Shopping Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=464 Pike St | lat=39.41 | long=-81.433 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q111346888 | lastedit=2019-03-11 | content= }} * {{buy | name=The River City Farmer's Market | alt=Marietta Farmer's Market | url=https://www.therivercityfarmersmarket.com/ | email=rivercityfarmersmarketmarietta@gmail.com | address=Butler Street between Front and Second | lat=39.41297 | long=-81.45343 | directions= | phone=+1-740-516-6253 | tollfree= | hours=8AM-noon | price= | wikidata=Q111345395 | lastedit=2021-05-13 | content=Saturday mornings the farmers market takes over the street of downtown Marietta and you can find local crafts, meats, dairy, plants, mushrooms, honey, and more. }} * {{buy | name=Wit & Whimzy | alt= | url=http://www.witnwhimzy.com/ | email=witnwhimzy@gmail.com | address=152 Front St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-742-371-5022 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-23 | content=An eclectic selection of Marietta local and unique gifts. }} ==Eat== [[Image:2007 Sternwheeler Festival.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Festival]] * {{eat | name=Napolis Pizza | alt= | url=http://napolis.com | email=napolispizz@gmail.com | address=335 Pike St | lat=39.41158 | long=-81.43423 | directions= | phone=+1 740 423-1111 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight | price=$10 and under | lastedit=2015-03-20 | content=Homemade pizza, pasta and subs. All breads, including for sandwiches and subs, are baked from scratch that very morning. Dine in, carry out and delivery. }} * {{eat | name=Smitty's Pizza | alt= | url=https://smittyspizzaohio.com/ | email= | address=500 Front Street | lat=39.4188 | long=-81.45993 | directions= | phone=+1 740-374-2280 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Locally-owned pizzeria with a wide menu of pizzas, subs, soups, and desserts. Delivery, dine-in, and carry-out all available. }} * {{eat | name=Las Trancas | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Located in the Lafayette Plaza off of Pike Street | phone=+1 740 373-9508 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-26 | content=Mexican restaurant with a huge menu of traditional fare. Snack on chips and salsa while waiting for your meal, or try one of the many margarita flavors. Great family atmosphere with plenty of seating. }} * {{eat | name=Levee House Bistro | alt= | url=http://leveehousebistro.com/ | email= | address=127 Ohio St | lat=39.41087 | long=-81.4505 | directions= | phone=+1-740-371-7035 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-23 | content=Great view of the Ohio river from the outside patio and the chef is outstanding. }} * {{eat | name=Busy Bee Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.busybeerestaurant.com/ | email=info@busybeerestaurant.com | address=226 Gilman Ave | lat=39.4111 | long=-81.4593 | directions= | phone=+1-740-373-3755 | tollfree= | hours=Mon-Sat 6:30-14:00, Sun 8:00-14:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-23 | content=This is a cozy place is a local favorite for breakfast and sources ingredients from local farms. A solid choice for breakfast or brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Original Pizza Place | alt= | url=https://theoriginalpizzaplace.com/ | email= | address= | lat=39.41459 | long=-81.45426 | directions= | phone=+1-740-373-4333 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-23 | content=This pizzeria was founded in 1976 by a Brooklyn, NY native and in addition to this Marietta location, there is another in Vienna, WV. This Marietta location has a Gluten Free crust available and a couple other specialty exclusives. Buy your pizza (or cake) by the slice or get your party a entire sheet or hand tossed pizza to share. The fresh made dough and ingredients make this a great choice for a meal. }} * {{eat | name=The Cozy Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.thecozykitchen.net/ | email= | address=114 Putnam St | lat=39.4147 | long=-81.45543 | directions= | phone=+1-740-371-7100 | tollfree= | hours=Mon-Sat 8:00-14:30 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-23 | content=Solid breakfast and brunch spot on Putnam that will keep your taste buds happy. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Marietta Brewing Company | alt= | url=http://mbcpub.com/ | email=mariettabrewingco@gmail.com | address=167 Front St | lat=39.41195 | long=-81.45362 | directions= | phone=+1-740-373-2739 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-05-13 | content=Good brews and food. Live entertainment on the weekends. }} * {{drink | name=Jeremiah's Coffee House | alt= | url=https://jeremiahscoffeehouse.com/ | email=jeremiahscoffeehouse@gmail.com | address=175 Front St | lat=39.41208 | long=-81.45373 | directions= | phone=+1-740-374-2639 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-05-13 | content=Discover the coffee and gluten free baked goods. }} * {{drink | name=740 Social | alt= | url= | email= | address=Front St | lat=39.4122 | long=-81.4538 | directions= | phone=+1 740 336 7422 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-05-14 | content=A speak easy like restaurant with outdoor patio seating, great cocktails at reasonable prices, but no craft beer selection. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Baymont by Wyndham Marietta | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/baymont/marietta-ohio/baymont-marietta | email= | address=701 Pike St | lat=39.40808 | long=-81.41997 | directions= | phone=+1 740 374-9660 | tollfree= | checkin=3:00 pm | checkout=11:00 am | price= | lastedit=2021-05-14 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The Lafayette Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.lafayettehotel.com/ | email= | address=101 Front St | lat=39.4107 | long=-81.4524 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-331-9336 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata=Q112819702 | lastedit=2019-03-11 | content=Located at the confluence of the Muskingham and Ohio Rivers, is the focal point of the downtown district. The hotel, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and has a spectacular view and top-notch service. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hackett Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thehacketthotel.com/ | email= | address=203 2nd St | lat=39.41367 | long=-81.4533 | directions= | phone=+1-740-374-8278 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-30 | content= }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Marietta Public Library | alt= | url=https://www.wcplib.info/content/marietta | email= | address=615 Fifth St | lat=39.4241 | long=-81.4578 | directions= | phone=+1-740-373-1057 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q105064269 | lastedit=2020-04-22 | content=A carnegie library built on top of an Indian mound. Offers computers and Wi-Fi. }} * {{listing | name=Local History & Genealogy Archives | alt= | url=https://www.wcplib.info/local-history-and-genealogy | email= | address=418 Washington St | lat=39.42338 | long=-81.45679 | directions= | phone=+1-740-376-2172 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q107672823 | lastedit=2022-03-23 | content=If you're a history buff or interested in genealogy and are looking to dig into Marietta's resident history, this is the stop for your. There are volumes to explore curated by the librarians, historical society, and local families. }} ==Go next== [[Image:Ohio_-_Marietta_2_Williamstown_WV_bridge_jpg.jpg|thumb|250px|Marietta to Williamstown, WV, Bridge]] *[[West Virginia]] *[[Parkersburg]] {{routebox | image1=I-77.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Canton (Ohio)|Canton]] | minorl1=[[Caldwell (Ohio)|Caldwell]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Charleston (West Virginia)|Charleston]] | minorr1=[[Parkersburg]] | image2=OH-7.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Steubenville]] | minorl2= | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2=[[Belpre]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{isPartOf|Southeast Ohio}} {{Geo|39.4164|-81.45487}} {{usablecity}} 48vc6hu8e6yhql92zuwa8tcphohgp8a 0 21577 4487715 4410071 2022-07-21T12:22:02Z Dmollaaliod 108313 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=(禅の廊下). An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Kur Mashiko 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(クア益子２１) }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Sunshine Mashiko-kan | alt=ホテルサンシャイン益子舘 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Mashiko Onsen Hotel | alt=ニュー益子温泉ホテル | url=http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~mashiko7/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7011 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} 64vtaw2a4kiy2kq0qp0x11hc7vjpxoy 4487718 4487715 2022-07-21T12:28:43Z Dmollaaliod 108313 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.46545 | long=140.10417 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt=禅の廊下 | url=http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Kur Mashiko 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(クア益子２１) }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Sunshine Mashiko-kan | alt=ホテルサンシャイン益子舘 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Mashiko Onsen Hotel | alt=ニュー益子温泉ホテル | url=http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~mashiko7/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7011 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} tt9rkk5uz8nr4e64u0osaoje3ip7g9q 4487720 4487718 2022-07-21T12:33:34Z Dmollaaliod 108313 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.46545 | long=140.10417 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt=禅の廊下 | url=http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url=http://mashikoyakikyouhan.jp/ | email= | address= | lat=36.46575 | long=140.10580 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Kur Mashiko 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(クア益子２１) }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Sunshine Mashiko-kan | alt=ホテルサンシャイン益子舘 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Mashiko Onsen Hotel | alt=ニュー益子温泉ホテル | url=http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~mashiko7/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7011 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} remd02ldfd8fwbfw1ct0b3y4rn8oezc 4488209 4487720 2022-07-22T11:26:59Z Dmollaaliod 108313 /* Get around */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|36.4600|140.095|zoom=13|height=350|width=350}} While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.46545 | long=140.10417 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt=禅の廊下 | url=http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url=http://mashikoyakikyouhan.jp/ | email= | address= | lat=36.46575 | long=140.10580 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Kur Mashiko 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(クア益子２１) }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Sunshine Mashiko-kan | alt=ホテルサンシャイン益子舘 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Mashiko Onsen Hotel | alt=ニュー益子温泉ホテル | url=http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~mashiko7/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7011 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} o3r93i98ci9tuxd6oeqx2bpiwbp22kc 4488214 4488209 2022-07-22T11:42:49Z Dmollaaliod 108313 /* Splurge */ Added listing for Hotel Mashikokan wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|36.4600|140.095|zoom=13|height=350|width=350}} While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.46545 | long=140.10417 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt=禅の廊下 | url=http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url=http://mashikoyakikyouhan.jp/ | email= | address= | lat=36.46575 | long=140.10580 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Kur Mashiko 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(クア益子２１) }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Sunshine Mashiko-kan | alt=ホテルサンシャイン益子舘 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Mashiko Onsen Hotel | alt=ニュー益子温泉ホテル | url=http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~mashiko7/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7011 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Mashikokan | alt=益子舘 里山リゾートホテル | url=http://mashikokan.jp/ | email= | address=243-3,mashiko,mashiko town, kagagun,tochigi,japan,321-4217 | lat=36.45116 | long=140.10266 | directions= | phone=+81-285-72-7777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Set 3 km from train service at Mashiko Station, this remote hot spring hotel surrounded by countryside has a variety of rooms, including rooms with open-air baths, artistic rooms inspired by Mashiko’s forests and artistic culture, and exclusive rooms on the top floor that offer panoramic views of Mashiko’s satoyama (village forest). The hot spring can also be used as a daytime visit. }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} dctrq2vp0i7oe2g9uxl0lgoraf7bi5h 4488215 4488214 2022-07-22T11:44:09Z Dmollaaliod 108313 /* Splurge */ Updated listing for Hotel Mashikokan wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|36.4600|140.095|zoom=13|height=350|width=350}} While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.46545 | long=140.10417 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt=禅の廊下 | url=http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url=http://mashikoyakikyouhan.jp/ | email= | address= | lat=36.46575 | long=140.10580 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Kur Mashiko 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(クア益子２１) }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Sunshine Mashiko-kan | alt=ホテルサンシャイン益子舘 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=New Mashiko Onsen Hotel | alt=ニュー益子温泉ホテル | url=http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~mashiko7/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7011 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Mashikokan | alt=益子舘 里山リゾートホテル | url=http://mashikokan.jp/ | email= | address=243-3, Mashiko, Mashiko town, Kagagun,Tochigi, Japan, 321-4217 | lat=36.45116 | long=140.10266 | directions= | phone=+81-285-72-7777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Set 3 km from train service at Mashiko Station, this remote hot spring hotel surrounded by countryside has a variety of rooms, including rooms with open-air baths, artistic rooms inspired by Mashiko’s forests and artistic culture, and exclusive rooms on the top floor that offer panoramic views of Mashiko’s satoyama (village forest). The hot spring can also be used as a daytime visit. }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} tjtjrstycjkgh95vc95efut8cuadflw 4488220 4488215 2022-07-22T11:49:30Z Dmollaaliod 108313 /* Splurge */ Deleted listing for Hotel Sunshine Mashiko-kan wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|36.4600|140.095|zoom=13|height=350|width=350}} While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.46545 | long=140.10417 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt=禅の廊下 | url=http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url=http://mashikoyakikyouhan.jp/ | email= | address= | lat=36.46575 | long=140.10580 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Kur Mashiko 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(クア益子２１) }} * {{sleep | name=New Mashiko Onsen Hotel | alt=ニュー益子温泉ホテル | url=http://www17.ocn.ne.jp/~mashiko7/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7011 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Mashikokan | alt=益子舘 里山リゾートホテル | url=http://mashikokan.jp/ | email= | address=243-3, Mashiko, Mashiko town, Kagagun,Tochigi, Japan, 321-4217 | lat=36.45116 | long=140.10266 | directions= | phone=+81-285-72-7777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Set 3 km from train service at Mashiko Station, this remote hot spring hotel surrounded by countryside has a variety of rooms, including rooms with open-air baths, artistic rooms inspired by Mashiko’s forests and artistic culture, and exclusive rooms on the top floor that offer panoramic views of Mashiko’s satoyama (village forest). The hot spring can also be used as a daytime visit. }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} 4aeoz35h120n5kyhzgcbgbw6dnw3c7y 4488221 4488220 2022-07-22T11:50:28Z Dmollaaliod 108313 /* Splurge */ Deleted listing for New Mashiko Onsen Hotel wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|36.4600|140.095|zoom=13|height=350|width=350}} While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.46545 | long=140.10417 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt=禅の廊下 | url=http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url=http://mashikoyakikyouhan.jp/ | email= | address= | lat=36.46575 | long=140.10580 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Kur Mashiko 21 | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=(クア益子２１) }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Mashikokan | alt=益子舘 里山リゾートホテル | url=http://mashikokan.jp/ | email= | address=243-3, Mashiko, Mashiko town, Kagagun,Tochigi, Japan, 321-4217 | lat=36.45116 | long=140.10266 | directions= | phone=+81-285-72-7777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Set 3 km from train service at Mashiko Station, this remote hot spring hotel surrounded by countryside has a variety of rooms, including rooms with open-air baths, artistic rooms inspired by Mashiko’s forests and artistic culture, and exclusive rooms on the top floor that offer panoramic views of Mashiko’s satoyama (village forest). The hot spring can also be used as a daytime visit. }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} dj54f9fiu7q2cn0aqzvwg0yswzik7g9 4488223 4488221 2022-07-22T11:52:36Z Dmollaaliod 108313 /* Splurge */ Deleted listing for Kur Mashiko 21 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.town.mashiko.tochigi.jp/ Mashiko]''' (益子) is a rural town in [[Tochigi (prefecture)|Tochigi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. Mashiko is famous for its '''pottery''', known as ''Mashiko yaki'' (益子焼). Mashiko is the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, and the shrine of the Utsunomiya han, located in Kami-Obaa. ==Understand== Large noborigama kilns were first founded there in 1853, by immigrant potters from the neighboring pottery community Kasama in Ibaraki prefecture. Simple and rustic in style, the main glazes are a clear wood ash glaze, a white rice husk ash glaze, black and kaki (persimmon), sometimes decorated with enamel red, yellow and green. These are worlds apart from the courtly ceramics of Kyoto but yet very Japanese. Pottery has been made since Jomon times (over 10,000 years ago) in Mashiko, but modern Mashiko yaki dates only to 1853. The style was popularized by the potter Shoji Hamada. He was designated as NINGEN KOKUHO (Living National Treasure) in 1955. Because of Hamada, Mashiko yaki has been viewed as a good example of Mingei (Folkcraft) pottery. ==Get in== Mashiko is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, and it is easy to get there by car, train, bus, or some combination of all three. ===By train=== [[Image:MokaRail_Steam_Locomotive.jpg|thumb|Moka Railway steam locomotive]]The fastest route is to take the JR Utsunomiya Line from [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] to [[Oyama]], which takes 42 min by Shinkansen or 82 min by normal train. Change here for the Mito line to [[Shimodate]] (21 min), then change yet again to the private Mōka Railway line to Mashiko (41 min). By normal train, the total cost is ¥2360 and the trip takes around three hours one way with transfer time factored in. An alternative approach not much different in time or price is to take the JR Jōban line from Ueno to Toride, then change to the private Kantetsu-Jōsō line to Shimodate. Note that the Mōka Railway (真岡鉄道) runs '''steam locomotives''' (coded as "SL" on schedules) once a day in each direction on Saturdays. The SL fare is about double the regular fare of ¥740 between the two stations. The railway station at Mōka is shaped like a giant steam locomotive and is covered by a webcam [http://www.city.moka.tochigi.jp/live/slview.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===By bus=== Another alternative is to take the train to [[Utsunomiya]] and continue from there by Toya bus directly to Mashiko. The bus stops are in front of the main entrance to the train station. Look for bus station number 14 to Mashiko. Buses leave approximately hourly, take one hour and cost ¥1100. Remember, you don't have to be at a bus stop in the Jonai shopping area: just raise your hand and get the driver's attention and they'll stop and let you on. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|36.4600|140.095|zoom=13|height=350|width=350}} While Mashiko is small enough to get around on foot, there are also many special attractions surrounding the town, such as pottery studios and workshops, shrines and temples, and noodle shops and gardens hidden up the mountains and valleys. It's sufficiently stretched out to make it a bit of hike, from the train station to the pottery area, but along the way if you look carefully you can see the remainders of the old commercial district, such as the tatami and basketmaking shops. It's possible to rent bicycles at the train station for a cost of ¥800 per day, or ¥400 for two hours, plus ¥100 for each additional hour. Maps and English brochures are available from the tourist information office to your right as you exit the platform at Mashiko station. == See == The town consists of many different pottery workshops, kilns and retail shops. It also has an excellent selection of restaurants as well. The twice-yearly weeklong '''Pottery Markets''' (陶器市 ''Tōki-ichi'') [http://www.mta.mashiko.tochigi.jp/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm] {{dead link|December 2020}}, held in April–May and November, are good times to visit. Many workshops in town set up stalls throughout the town, and stores large and small hold sales of specially discounted work. There are also several matsuri throughout the year, the one in late July being the largest and best attended, featuring laquered wagons carved in Kanuma by the workers who built Nikko many generations ago. * {{see | name=Mashiko Sankokan Museum | alt=益子参考館 | url=https://mashiko-sankokan.net/ | email= | address= | lat=36.47005 | long=140.10835 | directions=Sankokan-mae bus stop | phone = +81 285-72-5300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=Shoji Hamada's workshop and home turned museum, showcasing about 30 of his works as well as his private collection. Near Hamada's thatched-roof home is a huge climbing kiln. Admission &yen;800, Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00; closed in February. }} * {{see | name=Tōgei Messe Mashiko | alt=陶芸メッセ益子 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.46545 | long=140.10417 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-7555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A museum of ceramic arts, displaying works by Shoji Hamada and other potters, not only from Mashiko but around Japan. Admission &yen;600, open Tu-Su 09:30 to 16:00. }} * {{see | name=Zen no Rōka | alt=禅の廊下 | url=http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-9866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=An indoor and outdoor museum of statues and artpieces, displaying works by Nandor Wagner a Hungarian scupltor who lived for three decades in Mashiko. There are a spring and an autumn exhibition check for details at [http://wagnernandor.com/indexe.htm]. }} == Do == === Pottery-making classes === [[File:Yoshimura Strawberry Park.png|alt=Entrance to Yoshimura Strawberry Park (pick your own strawberries)|thumb|Yoshimura Strawberry Park (Mashiko Town)]] === Strawberry picking === *{{do | name=Yoshimura Strawberry Park | alt=よしむら農園 | url=https://strawberrypicking.jp/ | email= | address=520 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4576893 | long=140.0698769 | directions=5 min Walk from Kitayama Sta. 5 min Drive from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-8189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=During Strawberry seasons Tu-Su 09:30-17:30 | price=Low season ¥1,000, mid season ¥1,300, high season ¥1,500 | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content=Yoshimura Strawberry Park is a family run Strawberry farm in Mashiko, Tochigi ken. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking from as little as ¥1,000. This area has the largest harvest of strawberries in all of Japan and the local brand 'Tochiotome' which is available to pick is the most popular strawberry brand in Tokyo and exported as a luxury brand abroad. }} === Sake tasting === *{{do | name=Tonoike Sake Brewery | alt=外池酒造店 | url=http://sanran-sake.com/ | email= | address=333-1 Hanawa, Mashikomachi, Tochigi, 321-4216 | lat=36.4590525 | long=140.0719154 | directions=15-min walk from Kitayama Station, 20-min walk from Mashiko Station | phone=+81 285-72-0001 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00- 17:00 (open all year round) | price=Brewery tours are free | lastedit=2018-12-14 | content= }} ==Buy== The primary thing to purchase in Mashiko is pottery. The main street from the station to the center of town is filled with shops and boutiques offering all kinds and all price levels of ceramics. If you look closely, you'll also discover the indigo dyeing workshop and other handcrafts as well. * {{buy | name=Mashikoyaki Kyōhan Center | alt=益子焼共販センター | url=http://mashikoyakikyouhan.jp/ | email= | address= | lat=36.46575 | long=140.10580 | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2022-07-21| content=A cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30. }} * {{buy | name=Harvey Young Pottery | alt=ハービー ヤング 陶房 | url=http://www.harveyyoungpottery.com/ | email=h_young@beige.plala.or.jp | address=3650-2 Oosawa | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81-285-726484 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= A small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first went to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Tableware, Kitchenware, Flower Arrangement ware. Visitors are welcome, by appointment. }} Twice a year, coinciding with the Golden Week Holidays in the first week of May, and again for the first week of November, there is a pottery and crafts festival where potters and craftsmen from Mashiko and surrounds come to the town and set up stalls. A great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewellery and textiles, and great bargains. ==Eat== While thirty years ago Mashiko was a veritable desert of ceramics, that is not the case today. You can find many different restaurants and a broad selection of interesting things to eat whatever you're interested in, running the gamut from katsukare to a broad assortment of local, organic, vegetarian restaurants. It's easy to find ramen and gyoza inexpensively at "PePe" next to Moegi, excellent tonkatsu at Restaurant "Kotori", handmade soba at Azuman, and while it's a little known secret, there's an Italian woodfiring bread on a little back road that's served on the tables of some of the finest restaurants in Tokyo! The collection of shops known as Starnet also has a cafe and restaurant up the hill which is worthwhile. Kamakura soba tops a mountain overlooking the town and has an excellent view! "Mashiko no Sato" is a traditional cake made in Mashiko city. It taste like sweet potato, and is very popular as souvenirs. The price is about ¥120 a piece. It is sold in most large souvenir shops in Tochigi. ==Sleep== Many people make Mashiko a daytrip from [[Tokyo]] or go onto [[Nikko]] for the night, but there are also several Ryokan, Minshuku and Onsen to stay at in Mashiko. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Tao Art Club, Potters Inn | alt=益子陶芸倶楽部 Mashiko Tōgei Kurabu | url=http://mashiko-tougei-club.jp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3866 | tollfree= | fax=+81 285-72-4178 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=　. A traditional Minshuku style inn and also a pottery studio. Lodging only is &yen;3500 a night. Studio use is extra. There are several kilns, including a wood fired noborigama. If you book during the week or "off peak" you might be able to stay in the Minka farmhouse, which has "Western" style toilets. If the Minka is full, you get placed in modern rooms. Large groups can be accommodated. It is located in a convenient spot. Bicycles are available Fax first, Furuki-san can read English and then voice call to confirm. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Higeta | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2559 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Furusato | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-3156 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamaji | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2525 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Minshuku Yamabiko | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-1829 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Okadaya Ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2016 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hasegawa ryokan | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2210 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shiraume-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-6762 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tozan-so | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-2063 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Ohkawado Kozen Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-72-4546 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Business Hotel Toyoda | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +81 285-68-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} The following are all ''onsen'' (hot spring) hotels. * {{sleep | name=Hotel Mashikokan | alt=益子舘 里山リゾートホテル | url=http://mashikokan.jp/ | email= | address=243-3, Mashiko, Mashiko town, Kagagun,Tochigi, Japan, 321-4217 | lat=36.45116 | long=140.10266 | directions= | phone=+81-285-72-7777 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Set 3 km from train service at Mashiko Station, this remote hot spring hotel surrounded by countryside has a variety of rooms, including rooms with open-air baths, artistic rooms inspired by Mashiko’s forests and artistic culture, and exclusive rooms on the top floor that offer panoramic views of Mashiko’s satoyama (village forest). The hot spring can also be used as a daytime visit. }} ==Connect== Mashiko's '''tourism office''' is at the train station. Open daily 08:00 to 20:00, tel. +81 285-72-8846 (or +81 284-72-2111 on weekends and holidays). With advance notice, they can arrange pottery classes for you. ==Go next== * The shrines and parks of [[Nikko]] are within easy striking distance of Mashiko. * [[Moka]] * [[Motegi]] * [[Ichikai]] * [[Chikusei]] * [[Sakuragawa]] * [[Kasama]] * [[Haga]] * [[Utsunomiya]] {{usablecity}} {{geo|36.4667|140.1000}} {{IsPartOf|Tochigi (prefecture)}} necl5uqlpenhdap07kqmshp44gdau5e 0 22114 4487927 4388766 2022-07-21T20:12:14Z The dog2 35982 /* Asia */ MEL refers to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, and SHA refers to Hongqiao. This is only for special codes that cover multiple airports. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner FRA Metropolitan Airport Codes.jpg}} In addition to individual-[[airport codes]], IATA, the FAA, and various booking engines have assigned "'''metropolitan area codes'''" which represent several airports serving a metropolitan area. Not every region served with multiple airports is assigned a location identifier, however, nor are all IATA-recognized facilities necessarily included; furthermore, the inclusion or exclusion of a facility may depend on the booking system. For example, the {{IATA|NYC}} code, representing the [[New York City]] area, includes flights to '''[[John F Kennedy International Airport]]''' {{IATA|JFK}}, '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' {{IATA|EWR}} and '''LaGuardia Airport''' {{IATA|LGA}}. In some systems, Westchester County Airport {{IATA|HPN}} is also included; however, {{IATA|ZYP}} (New York Penn Station), {{IATA|ISP}} (Islip Airport), and {{IATA|JRA}} (West 30th Street Heliport) are generally not. ==Booking travel== Metropolitan area airport codes are handy for simplifying flight searches into or out of a region. Some booking engines which include airports based on distance from a point can be tricked into extending the search through use of the city code. Extra caution is advised when booking connecting flights, however, as the inbound leg may arrive at a different airport from the outbound leg, necessitating a ground transfer that may be costly or time-consuming. In particular, many major cities channel most international flights through one airport and most domestic or short-haul flights into a different one. Smaller domestic airports are more likely to be served by low cost airlines but that might also force you to re-check your luggage. Ask your airline if they allow interlining tickets — checking your luggage through to the final destination on multiple tickets. ==List of airport area codes== {{disclaimerbox|This is not a listing of ''all'' [[airport codes]]; this is a list of those special codes that cover ''multiple'' airports.}} Metropolitan areas are organised alphabetically, first by continent then by city. Many flight search engines may not recognise all these group codes when making queries. ===Asia=== <!-- Please do not add your favorite airport here. This is a listing of metropolitan area codes, where a special code covers more than one airport. --> * [[Beijing]], [[China]] {{IATA|BJS}} ** [[Beijing Capital International Airport|Beijing Capital International]] {{IATA|PEK}} ** [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Beijing Daxing International]] {{IATA|PKX}} * [[Jakarta]], [[Indonesia]] {{IATA|JKT}} ** [[Soekarno-Hatta International Airport|Soekarno-Hatta International]] {{IATA|CGK}} ** Halim Perdanakusuma {{IATA|HLP}} * [[Osaka]], [[Japan]] {{IATA|OSA}} ** [[Kansai International Airport|Kansai International]] {{IATA|KIX}} ** Itami {{IATA|ITM}} * [[Sapporo]], [[Japan]] {{IATA|SPK}} ** New Chitose {{IATA|CTS}} ** Okadama {{IATA|OKD}} * [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]] {{IATA|SEL}} ** [[Incheon International Airport|Incheon International]] {{IATA|ICN}} ** [[Seoul#Gimpo_Airport|Gimpo International]] {{IATA|GMP}} * [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] {{IATA|TYO}} ** [[Tokyo Narita Airport|Tokyo Narita]] {{IATA|NRT}} ** [[Tokyo#Haneda_Airport|Tokyo Haneda]] {{IATA|HND}} ===Europe=== <!-- Please do not add your favorite airport here. This is a listing of metropolitan area codes, where a special code covers more than one airport. --> * [[Berlin]], [[Germany]] {{IATA|BER}} Now only referring to [[Berlin Brandenburg Airport]] * [[Bucharest]], [[Romania]] {{IATA|BUH}} ** Bucharest Otopeni {{IATA|OTP}} ** Bucharest Baneasa {{IATA|BBU}} * [[Basel]], [[Switzerland]] and [[Mulhouse]], [[France]]: {{IATA|EAP}} - This is a special case as all codes refer to (separate areas of) the same airport, which is shared between France and Switzerland. Flights may be priced (and treated) differently depending on the airport code you book. All flights from France to MLH are treated as domestic flights, while flights from France to BSL are not. For search engines that can handle it, EAP should find quotes for both BSL and MLH ** [[Basel]] {{IATA|BSL}} ** [[Mulhouse]] {{IATA|MLH}} * [[London]], [[United Kingdom]] {{IATA|LON}} ** London Biggin Hill {{IATA|BQH}} (small [[general aviation]] airfield) ** [[London#London_City_Airport|London City]] {{IATA|LCY}} ** [[Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]] {{IATA|LGW}} ** [[London#London_Luton|London Luton]] {{IATA|LTN}} ** [[London Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow]] {{IATA|LHR}} ** London-Liverpool Street Station (British Rail Terminal for STN) {{IATA|ZLS}} ** London-Paddington Rail Terminal (British Rail Terminal for LHR) {{IATA|QQP}} ** London-St Pancras Rail Terminal (Eurostar and British Rail Terminal for LTN) {{IATA|QQS}} ** London Southend {{IATA|SEN}} ** [[London Stansted Airport|London Stansted]] {{IATA|STN}} ** London-Victoria Station (British Rail Terminal for LGW) {{IATA|ZEP}} ** London-Waterloo Rail Station (former Eurostar) {{IATA|QQW}} * [[Milan]], [[Italy]] {{IATA|MIL}} ** [[Milano Malpensa Airport|Malpensa International]] {{IATA|MXP}} ** [[Milan#Linate_airport|Linate]] {{IATA|LIN}} * [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] {{IATA|MOW}} ** [[Moscow#Sheremetyevo_International_Airport|Moscow Sheremetyevo]] {{IATA|SVO}} ** [[Moscow#Domodedovo_International_Airport|Moscow Domodedovo]] {{IATA|DME}} ** [[Moscow#Vnukovo_International_Airport|Moscow Vnukovo]] {{IATA|VKO}} * [[Paris]], [[France]] {{IATA|PAR}} ** [[Paris_Charles_de_Gaulle_Airport|Charles de Gaulle (Roissy)]] {{IATA|CDG}} ** [[Paris#Orly_International_Airport|Paris Orly]] {{IATA|ORY}} ** Le Bourget {{IATA|LBG}} * [[Rome]], [[Italy]] {{IATA|ROM}} ** [[Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport|Leonardo da Vinci International (Fiumicino)]] {{IATA|FCO}} ** [[Rome#Ciampino_International_Airport|Giovan-Battista Pastine International (Ciampino)]] {{IATA|CIA}} * [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]] {{IATA|STO}} ** [[Stockholm#Arlanda_Airport|Arlanda]] {{IATA|ARN}} ** [[Stockholm#Skavsta_Airport|Skavsta AB (Nykoping)]] {{IATA|NYO}} ** [[Stockholm#Bromma_Airport|Bromma]] {{IATA|BMA}} ===North America=== <!-- Please do not add your favorite airport here. This is a listing of metropolitan area codes, where a special code covers more than one airport. --> * [[Chicago]], [[United States of America]]- {{IATA|CHI}} ** [[Chicago O'Hare International Airport|Chicago O'Hare International]] {{IATA|ORD}} ** Chicago Midway International {{IATA|MDW}} * [[Detroit]], [[United States of America]]- {{IATA|DTT}} ** [[Detroit_Metropolitan_Wayne_County_Airport|Detroit Metro Wayne County]] {{IATA|DTW}} <!-- closed ** Detroit Coleman Young {{IATA|DET}} --> ** Willow Run/Ypsilanti {{IATA|YIP}} <!-- * [[Edmonton]], [[Canada]] {{IATA|YEA}} ** Edmonton International {{IATA|YEG}} --> <!-- closed ** Edmonton City Centre {{IATA|YXD}} --> * [[Houston]], [[United States of America]] QHO - ''Recognized in Sabre and ITA'' but not IATA ** Houston Bush Intercontinental {{IATA|IAH}} ** Houston Hobby {{IATA|HOU}} * [[Los Angeles]], [[United States of America]] QLA - ''Recognized in Sabre and ITA'' but not IATA ** [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles International]] {{IATA|LAX}} ** Ontario International {{IATA|ONT}} ** John Wayne Orange County {{IATA|SNA}} ** Burbank {{IATA|BUR}} * [[Miami]], [[United States of America]] QMI - ''Recognized in Sabre and ITA'' but not IATA ** [[Miami International Airport|Miami International]] {{IATA|MIA}} ** Ft. Lauderdale International {{IATA|FLL}} ** Palm Beach International {{IATA|PBI}} * [[Montreal]], [[Canada]] {{IATA|YMQ}} ** Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International {{IATA|YUL}} ** Central Station {{IATA|YMY}} * [[New York City]], [[United States of America]] {{IATA|NYC}} ** [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|John F. Kennedy International]] {{IATA|JFK}} ** [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark Liberty International]] {{IATA|EWR}} ** [[Metro_New_York#LaGuardia_Airport|La Guardia Airport]] {{IATA|LGA}} ** Westchester County/White Plains Airport {{IATA|HPN}} * [[San Francisco Bay Area]], [[United States of America]] QSF - ''Recognized in Sabre and ITA; elsewhere, {{IATA|QSF}} represents Ain Arnat Airport in [[Setif]], [[Algeria]]'' ** [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco International]] {{IATA|SFO}} ** Oakland International {{IATA|OAK}} ** Norman Y. Mineta San José International {{IATA|SJC}} * [[Toronto]], [[Canada]] {{IATA|YTO}} ** [[Toronto Pearson International Airport|Lester B. Pearson International]] {{IATA|YYZ}} ** Billy Bishop Toronto City {{IATA|YTZ}} * [[Washington DC]], [[United States of America]] {{IATA|WAS}} ** [[Washington Dulles International Airport]] {{IATA|IAD}} ** Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport {{IATA|DCA}} ** Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport {{IATA|BWI}} ===South America=== <!-- Please do not add your favorite airport here. This is a listing of metropolitan area codes, where a special code covers more than one airport. --> * [[Buenos Aires]], [[Argentina]] {{IATA|BUE}} ** [[Ezeiza International Airport]] {{IATA|EZE}} ** [[Buenos_Aires#Aeroparque_Jorge_Newbery_.28IATA:_AEP.29|Aeroparque Jorge Newbery]] {{IATA|AEP}} * [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Brazil]] {{IATA|RIO}} ** Galeão - Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport {{IATA|GIG}} (better known as Galeão International Airport) ** Aeroporto Santos Dumont {{IATA|SDU}} * [[São Paulo]], [[Brazil]] {{IATA|SAO}} ** Aeroporto Internacional Guarulhos {{IATA|GRU}} ** Congonhas International Airport {{IATA|CGH}} ** Viracopos International Airport {{IATA|VCP}} {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Airport codes}} 96nb1pzg56h5bmbpt1bi165mf1k6wjs 4488130 4487927 2022-07-22T07:38:29Z SHB2000 2248002 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner FRA Metropolitan Airport Codes.jpg}} In addition to individual-[[airport codes]], IATA, the FAA, and various booking engines have assigned "'''metropolitan area codes'''" which represent several airports serving a metropolitan area. Not every region served with multiple airports is assigned a location identifier, however, nor are all IATA-recognized facilities necessarily included; furthermore, the inclusion or exclusion of a facility may depend on the booking system. For example, the {{IATA|NYC}} code, representing the [[New York City]] area, includes flights to '''[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]''' {{IATA|JFK}}, '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' {{IATA|EWR}} and '''LaGuardia Airport''' {{IATA|LGA}}. In some systems, Westchester County Airport {{IATA|HPN}} is also included; however, {{IATA|ZYP}} (New York Penn Station), {{IATA|ISP}} (Islip Airport), and {{IATA|JRA}} (West 30th Street Heliport) are generally not. ==Booking travel== Metropolitan area airport codes are handy for simplifying flight searches into or out of a region. Some booking engines which include airports based on distance from a point can be tricked into extending the search through use of the city code. Extra caution is advised when booking connecting flights, however, as the inbound leg may arrive at a different airport from the outbound leg, necessitating a ground transfer that may be costly or time-consuming. In particular, many major cities channel most international flights through one airport and most domestic or short-haul flights into a different one. Smaller domestic airports are more likely to be served by low cost airlines but that might also force you to re-check your luggage. Ask your airline if they allow interlining tickets — checking your luggage through to the final destination on multiple tickets. ==List of airport area codes== {{disclaimerbox|This is not a listing of ''all'' [[airport codes]]; this is a list of those special codes that cover ''multiple'' airports.}} Metropolitan areas are organised alphabetically, first by continent then by city. Many flight search engines may not recognise all these group codes when making queries. ===Asia=== <!-- Please do not add your favorite airport here. This is a listing of metropolitan area codes, where a special code covers more than one airport. --> * [[Beijing]], [[China]] {{IATA|BJS}} ** [[Beijing Capital International Airport|Beijing Capital International]] {{IATA|PEK}} ** [[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Beijing Daxing International]] {{IATA|PKX}} * [[Jakarta]], [[Indonesia]] {{IATA|JKT}} ** [[Soekarno-Hatta International Airport|Soekarno-Hatta International]] {{IATA|CGK}} ** Halim Perdanakusuma {{IATA|HLP}} * [[Osaka]], [[Japan]] {{IATA|OSA}} ** [[Kansai International Airport|Kansai International]] {{IATA|KIX}} ** Itami {{IATA|ITM}} * [[Sapporo]], [[Japan]] {{IATA|SPK}} ** New Chitose {{IATA|CTS}} ** Okadama {{IATA|OKD}} * [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]] {{IATA|SEL}} ** [[Incheon International Airport|Incheon International]] {{IATA|ICN}} ** [[Seoul#Gimpo_Airport|Gimpo International]] {{IATA|GMP}} * [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] {{IATA|TYO}} ** [[Tokyo Narita Airport|Tokyo Narita]] {{IATA|NRT}} ** [[Tokyo#Haneda_Airport|Tokyo Haneda]] {{IATA|HND}} ===Europe=== <!-- Please do not add your favorite airport here. This is a listing of metropolitan area codes, where a special code covers more than one airport. --> * [[Berlin]], [[Germany]] {{IATA|BER}} Now only referring to [[Berlin Brandenburg Airport]] * [[Bucharest]], [[Romania]] {{IATA|BUH}} ** Bucharest Otopeni {{IATA|OTP}} ** Bucharest Baneasa {{IATA|BBU}} * [[Basel]], [[Switzerland]] and [[Mulhouse]], [[France]]: {{IATA|EAP}} - This is a special case as all codes refer to (separate areas of) the same airport, which is shared between France and Switzerland. Flights may be priced (and treated) differently depending on the airport code you book. All flights from France to MLH are treated as domestic flights, while flights from France to BSL are not. For search engines that can handle it, EAP should find quotes for both BSL and MLH ** [[Basel]] {{IATA|BSL}} ** [[Mulhouse]] {{IATA|MLH}} * [[London]], [[United Kingdom]] {{IATA|LON}} ** London Biggin Hill {{IATA|BQH}} (small [[general aviation]] airfield) ** [[London#London_City_Airport|London City]] {{IATA|LCY}} ** [[Gatwick Airport|London Gatwick]] {{IATA|LGW}} ** [[London#London_Luton|London Luton]] {{IATA|LTN}} ** [[London Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow]] {{IATA|LHR}} ** London-Liverpool Street Station (British Rail Terminal for STN) {{IATA|ZLS}} ** London-Paddington Rail Terminal (British Rail Terminal for LHR) {{IATA|QQP}} ** London-St Pancras Rail Terminal (Eurostar and British Rail Terminal for LTN) {{IATA|QQS}} ** London Southend {{IATA|SEN}} ** [[London Stansted Airport|London Stansted]] {{IATA|STN}} ** London-Victoria Station (British Rail Terminal for LGW) {{IATA|ZEP}} ** London-Waterloo Rail Station (former Eurostar) {{IATA|QQW}} * [[Milan]], [[Italy]] {{IATA|MIL}} ** [[Milano Malpensa Airport|Malpensa International]] {{IATA|MXP}} ** [[Milan#Linate_airport|Linate]] {{IATA|LIN}} * [[Moscow]], [[Russia]] {{IATA|MOW}} ** [[Moscow#Sheremetyevo_International_Airport|Moscow Sheremetyevo]] {{IATA|SVO}} ** [[Moscow#Domodedovo_International_Airport|Moscow Domodedovo]] {{IATA|DME}} ** [[Moscow#Vnukovo_International_Airport|Moscow Vnukovo]] {{IATA|VKO}} * [[Paris]], [[France]] {{IATA|PAR}} ** [[Paris_Charles_de_Gaulle_Airport|Charles de Gaulle (Roissy)]] {{IATA|CDG}} ** [[Paris#Orly_International_Airport|Paris Orly]] {{IATA|ORY}} ** Le Bourget {{IATA|LBG}} * [[Rome]], [[Italy]] {{IATA|ROM}} ** [[Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport|Leonardo da Vinci International (Fiumicino)]] {{IATA|FCO}} ** [[Rome#Ciampino_International_Airport|Giovan-Battista Pastine International (Ciampino)]] {{IATA|CIA}} * [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]] {{IATA|STO}} ** [[Stockholm#Arlanda_Airport|Arlanda]] {{IATA|ARN}} ** [[Stockholm#Skavsta_Airport|Skavsta AB (Nykoping)]] {{IATA|NYO}} ** [[Stockholm#Bromma_Airport|Bromma]] {{IATA|BMA}} ===North America=== <!-- Please do not add your favorite airport here. This is a listing of metropolitan area codes, where a special code covers more than one airport. --> * [[Chicago]], [[United States of America]]- {{IATA|CHI}} ** [[Chicago O'Hare International Airport|Chicago O'Hare International]] {{IATA|ORD}} ** Chicago Midway International {{IATA|MDW}} * [[Detroit]], [[United States of America]]- {{IATA|DTT}} ** [[Detroit_Metropolitan_Wayne_County_Airport|Detroit Metro Wayne County]] {{IATA|DTW}} <!-- closed ** Detroit Coleman Young {{IATA|DET}} --> ** Willow Run/Ypsilanti {{IATA|YIP}} <!-- * [[Edmonton]], [[Canada]] {{IATA|YEA}} ** Edmonton International {{IATA|YEG}} --> <!-- closed ** Edmonton City Centre {{IATA|YXD}} --> * [[Houston]], [[United States of America]] QHO - ''Recognized in Sabre and ITA'' but not IATA ** Houston Bush Intercontinental {{IATA|IAH}} ** Houston Hobby {{IATA|HOU}} * [[Los Angeles]], [[United States of America]] QLA - ''Recognized in Sabre and ITA'' but not IATA ** [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles International]] {{IATA|LAX}} ** Ontario International {{IATA|ONT}} ** John Wayne Orange County {{IATA|SNA}} ** Burbank {{IATA|BUR}} * [[Miami]], [[United States of America]] QMI - ''Recognized in Sabre and ITA'' but not IATA ** [[Miami International Airport|Miami International]] {{IATA|MIA}} ** Ft. Lauderdale International {{IATA|FLL}} ** Palm Beach International {{IATA|PBI}} * [[Montreal]], [[Canada]] {{IATA|YMQ}} ** Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International {{IATA|YUL}} ** Central Station {{IATA|YMY}} * [[New York City]], [[United States of America]] {{IATA|NYC}} ** [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|John F. Kennedy International]] {{IATA|JFK}} ** [[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark Liberty International]] {{IATA|EWR}} ** [[Metro_New_York#LaGuardia_Airport|La Guardia Airport]] {{IATA|LGA}} ** Westchester County/White Plains Airport {{IATA|HPN}} * [[San Francisco Bay Area]], [[United States of America]] QSF - ''Recognized in Sabre and ITA; elsewhere, {{IATA|QSF}} represents Ain Arnat Airport in [[Setif]], [[Algeria]]'' ** [[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco International]] {{IATA|SFO}} ** Oakland International {{IATA|OAK}} ** Norman Y. Mineta San José International {{IATA|SJC}} * [[Toronto]], [[Canada]] {{IATA|YTO}} ** [[Toronto Pearson International Airport|Lester B. Pearson International]] {{IATA|YYZ}} ** Billy Bishop Toronto City {{IATA|YTZ}} * [[Washington DC]], [[United States of America]] {{IATA|WAS}} ** [[Washington Dulles International Airport]] {{IATA|IAD}} ** Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport {{IATA|DCA}} ** Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport {{IATA|BWI}} ===South America=== <!-- Please do not add your favorite airport here. This is a listing of metropolitan area codes, where a special code covers more than one airport. --> * [[Buenos Aires]], [[Argentina]] {{IATA|BUE}} ** [[Ezeiza International Airport]] {{IATA|EZE}} ** [[Buenos_Aires#Aeroparque_Jorge_Newbery_.28IATA:_AEP.29|Aeroparque Jorge Newbery]] {{IATA|AEP}} * [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Brazil]] {{IATA|RIO}} ** Galeão - Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport {{IATA|GIG}} (better known as Galeão International Airport) ** Aeroporto Santos Dumont {{IATA|SDU}} * [[São Paulo]], [[Brazil]] {{IATA|SAO}} ** Aeroporto Internacional Guarulhos {{IATA|GRU}} ** Congonhas International Airport {{IATA|CGH}} ** Viracopos International Airport {{IATA|VCP}} {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Airport codes}} 0tccacctsu5amqcamy290zjrv8j4rsj 0 22472 4487954 4480332 2022-07-21T20:35:16Z Eco84 35690 /* By public transit */ New and slightly simpler routing for Route 4 buses wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Minneapolis Calhoun Isles Lagoon 1 banner.jpg|pgname=Southwest Minneapolis|caption=The lagoon between Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles, as viewed from the tunnel under Lake Street}} '''Southwest Minneapolis''' is a district in [[Minneapolis]]. It includes Uptown, Lyn-Lake, the Wedge, Eat Street, Linden Hills, the popular Chain of Lakes, and other areas. Part of the 50th and France commercial district bleeds into the Fulton neighborhood, but most of it lies in [[Edina]]. ==Get in== {{mapframe|44.927828|-93.299046|zoom=13|height=800|width=420}} Streets run east/west and generally have numbers that increase as you go further south. Nicollet Avenue divides the streets. Append the direction at the end of streets such as W 27th Street to indicate west of Nicollet. Avenues run alphabetically west from Lyndale (Aldrich, Bryant, Colfax) far into the suburban surrounding communities. When the alphabet reaches Z, it starts again at A. Avenues are named in no particular order in a small half-mile band between Lyndale and Nicollet, then numbered east from Nicollet Avenue heading towards [[Minneapolis/South|South Minneapolis]], where the numbered avenues continue until you reach [[Saint Paul]]. The first part of addresses on the avenues are based on the nearest cross street. For example, 4000 France Avenue South is at the corner of France Avenue and 40th Street. ===By public transit=== *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/2 Route 2]''' begins at Hennepin and Franklin and travels east along Franklin Avenue through the Wedge and Whittier neighborhoods before continuing on to [[Minneapolis/South|Phillips, Seward, the West Bank]], and the [[Minneapolis/Southeast|University of Minnesota]]. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/4 Route 4]''' travels along Lyndale Avenue from downtown to 50th Street (passing through Lyn-Lake). At this point, the route splits into two branches, with one continuing on Lyndale Avenue and the other turning on 50th Street, where it goes west to Penn Avenue, and then goes south from there. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/6 Route 6]''' travels along Hennepin Avenue from downtown to its end at 36th Street (passing though Uptown), turns west, and skirts the southeastern edge of Bde Maka Ska. The route splits in two at 39th Street and Sheridan Avenue; one continues west on 39th Street to France Avenue, then travels south from there (passing through the 50th & France commercial district), and the other travels south on Sheridan Avenue, which merges onto Upton Avenue (passing though the Linden Hills commercial district), turns west on 44th Street, and then continues south on Xerxes Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/11 Route 11]''' begins in Columbia Heights and runs through Northeast Minneapolis and Downtown. In the Whittier neighborhood it runs along 3rd Avenue, passing by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Hennepin History Museum, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. At 28th Street it jogs over to 4th Avenue in Phillips and continues through western Powderhorn and Nokomis before terminating in the Kingfield neighborhood at 46th Street and Nicollet Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/12 Route 12]''' enters Minneapolis along Excelsior Boulevard, which soon ends and merges onto Lake Street. The route continues until its end at the Uptown Transit Station; during rush hours it will continue travelling along Hennepin Avenue into downtown. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/17 Route 17]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue from downtown to 24th Street, turns west, then turns south on Hennepin Avenue. Past the Uptown Transit Station, it will turn west on Lagoon Avenue, which then merges onto Lake Street, and continue from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/18 Route 18]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue through the entirety of Southwest Minneapolis, passing through Eat Street along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/21 Route 21]''' travels along Lake Street from neighborhoods to the east until its end at Uptown Transit Station, passing through Lyn-Lake along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/23 Route 23]''' travels along 38th Street to Bryant Avenue, jogs two blocks north to 36th Street, then travels west to Hennepin Avenue, continuing north from there until its end at the Uptown Transit Station *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/46 Route 46]''' travels along 46th Street to 34th Avenue, jogs four blocks north to 42nd Street, then travels west to Cedar Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 46th Street, continuing west from there until either Nicollet Avenue or Bryant Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 50th Street and continues from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/53 Route 53]''' is a limited stop route travelling on Lake Street alongside the 21 (see above); stops are located at Uptown Transit Center, Lake & Girard, Lake & Lyndale, Lake & Nicollet, and Lake & 1st. This service only operates during rush hours, eastbound in the morning and westbound in the afternoon and evening. ===By bike=== *'''[http://www.midtowngreenway.org Midtown Greenway]''' is a bike path (grade-separated east of Hennepin) that runs east-west one block north of Lake Street. It continues east into South Minneapolis, and the west end the of the Greenway links to the Southwest LRT Trail that head to St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and beyond. *'''Kenilworth Trail''' runs roughly north-south between Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles. It acts as a connector between the Cedar Lake Trail to the north (a commuter trail running between Downtown and the west suburbs) and the Midtown Greenway/Southwest LRT Trail to the south. ===By car=== *'''Interstate 35W''' is along the eastern edge of the district, with exits at Lake Street/31st Street (northbound exit/southbound entrance only), 35th Street/36th Street, 46th Street, Diamond Lake Road, and 60th Street. For northbound travellers, the 31st/Lake exit will be useful for getting to Lyn-Lake and Uptown areas, just travel westbound on either street. Southbound I-35W travellers wanting to get to those two areas should exit onto westbound I-94 (see below). *'''Interstate 94''' is to the northeast of the district. The Lyndale Avenue/Hennepin Avenue exit is useful for getting into the area. Follow Lyndale southbound to get to Lyn-Lake or Hennepin southbound to get to Uptown. *'''Interstate 394''' is along the northern edge of the district. ==See== [[Image:Mpls arts-crop.jpg|340px|thumb|Minneapolis Institute of Arts]] ===Museums=== * {{see | name=The Bakken Museum | alt= | url=http://www.thebakken.org | email=info@thebakken.org | address=3537 Zenith Ave S | lat=44.938336 | long=-93.321216 | directions=at 36th St, near W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy | phone=+1 612 926-3878 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 927-7265 | hours=Tu-Su 10AM-5PM | price=$11 adults, $9 seniors, $8 students, $6 children 4-17, free admission for children under age 4 | wikipedia=The Bakken | image=The Bakken Museum - Medicinal Garden View.jpg | wikidata=Q7715370 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The world's only museum devoted to medical electricity. }} * {{see | name=Hennepin History Museum | alt= | url=http://www.hennepinhistory.org | email=museum.info@hennepinhistory.org | address=2303 3rd Ave S | lat=44.960184 | long=-93.272459 | directions=between 22nd and 24th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-1329 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-1320 | hours=Gallery: Th-F 10AM-3PM, Sa 10AM-5PM; library and archives: by appointment | price=$8 adults, $5 seniors/students | wikipedia=Hennepin History Museum | image=Hennepin History 2.jpg | wikidata=Q14692640 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{see | name=Minneapolis Institute of Art | alt= | url=http://www.artsmia.org | email= | address=2400 3rd Ave S | lat=44.958726 | long=-93.273851 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3131 | tollfree=+1-888-642-2787 | hours=Th-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Minneapolis Institute of Art | image=Minneapolis Institute of Arts.jpg | wikidata=Q1700481 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content="The Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses more than 100,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history.". }} * {{see | name=The Museum of Russian Art | alt= | url=http://www.tmora.org | email= | address=5500 Stevens Ave | lat=44.903491 | long=-93.275967 | directions=at Diamond Lake Rd, next to Interstate 35W; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 821-9045 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 821-4392 | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price=$14 adults, $12 seniors 65+, $5 students, free for children under 14 | wikipedia=The Museum of Russian Art | image=Museum of Russian Art.jpg | wikidata=Q14693087 | lastedit=2022-07-09 | content=Museum showcases Russian art from the 20th century, including Soviet art. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Lakewood Cemetery | alt= | url=http://www.lakewoodcemetery.com | email= | address=entrance along 36th St at the foot of Hennepin Ave | lat=44.934456 | long=-93.299038 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-2171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily: Summer 8AM-8PM, Labor Day to Fall Daylight Savings 8AM-7PM, Fall Daylight Savings to Spring Daylight Savings 8AM-5PM | price= | wikidata=Q1801158| wikipedia=Lakewood Cemetery | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lyndale Park | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/lyndale_park/ | email= | address=1300 W 42nd St | lat=44.928471 | long=-93.298266 | directions=north of Lake Harriet, south of Lakewood Cemetery, west of Dupont Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | wikidata=Q6708608| wikipedia=Lyndale Park | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Home to an arboretum, rose gardens, perennial gardens, peace gardens, and a bird sanctuary. }} * {{see | name=Beard's Plaisance | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/beards_plaisance/ | email= | address=4525 Upton Ave S | lat=44.9207 | long=-93.3145 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Along the west side of Lake Harriet. Contains a picnic area with a large picnic structure, a playground, and tennis courts. }} ==Do== [[Image:Uptown Theatre Minneapolis 2011.JPG|340px|thumb|Uptown Theatre at night]] ===Film=== Head to Uptown for some independent film: * {{do | name=Uptown Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/uptown-theatre | email= | address=2906 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.949057 | long=-93.298679 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-3005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7899454| wikipedia=Uptown Theater (Minneapolis) | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=One screen. Films often run for a week or two. Afterwards they ''sometimes'' move down to the multi-screen Lagoon Cinema. In addition to the usual concessions, the Uptown Theatre also serves alcoholic beverages in the upstairs bar. }} * {{do | name=Lagoon Cinema | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/lagoon-cinema | email= | address=1320 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949422 | long=-93.296744 | directions=at Girard; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 825-6006 | tollfree= | fax= | image=Lagoon Cinema 3.jpg | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=Five screens. }} ===Lakes=== * {{do | name=Cedar Lake | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.960278 | long=-93.321111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4218899 | content=Cedar Lake has a shady public swimming beach. }} * {{do | name=Lake of the Isles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.954722 | long=-93.3075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4332113 | content=Lake of the Isles has bird sanctuaries on its (officially off-limits) islands, and a public skating rink (with warming house) are groomed in the winter months. Check the newspaper; you may get lucky and catch a world-class speed-skating competition here. Its shores also feature some of the best climbing trees in the city, particularly for those who carry a short rope ladder in their pack. }} * {{do | name=Bde Maka Ska | alt=formerly Lake Calhoun | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/bde_maka_ska_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.941944 | long=-93.312222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1800879 | lastedit=2020-06-18 | content=Bde Maka Ska has three public beaches and [https://www.minneapolisparks.org/rentals__permits/watercraft_storage__rentals/watercraft-rental/ boat rentals] (and lessons), and a snack bar that resembles a real restaurant more every summer. }} * {{do | name=Lake Harriet | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.921389 | long=-93.305278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4496056 | content=Lake Harriet also has boat rentals near its [http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=266 bandshell]. }} ===Theater=== {{anchor|Theatre}} * {{do | name=Jungle Theater | url=http://www.jungletheater.com | email= | address=2951 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948851 | long=-93.287839 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 822-7063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Bryant-Lake Bowl | alt= | url=http://www.bryantlakebowl.com | email= | address=810 W Lake St | lat=44.94855 | long=-93.29014 | directions=at Bryant; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 825-8949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vintage bowling alley with a small theater attached, hosting various small-scale theater, improv, and music events. The BLB is also a decent dining and drinking option. }} ===Other=== [[File:TCRT 1300 at Linden Hills Depot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Streetcar at Linden Hills Station]] * {{do | name=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line | alt= | url=http://www.msmuseum.org | email= | address=W 42nd St and Queen Ave S | lat=44.92775 | long=-93.309451 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Su early May through late November, and M-F mid May though early September | price=$2 single ride or $5 day pass (also includes rides on the Excelsior streetcar) | wikidata=Q5155119| wikipedia=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line |lastedit=2018-09-23| content=Heritage streetcar line running along a one-mile track between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun), which used to be part of a much longer streetcar line that ran all the way to Lake Como in [[Saint Paul]], hence the name. It is operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, which also operates a heritage streetcar line in [[Excelsior]], near Lake Minnetonka. Its fleet includes two streetcars from the 1900s built by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company and one PCC streetcar from the 1940s built by the St. Louis Car Company. Streetcars begin and end their journey at Linden Hills Station located at 42nd and Queen on the west side of Lake Harriet. There is also a second much less used stop on near the east side of Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) at 36th Street and Richfield Road. }} ==Buy== [[Image:Calhoun mpls.jpg|340px|thumb|Calhoun Square, Uptown]] ===Asian markets=== * {{buy | name=New Orient Market | url= | email= | address=2800 1st Ave S | lat=44.951736 | long=-93.276904 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Shuang Hur Supermarket | url= | email= | address=2710 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953268 | long=-93.278159 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-8606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Truong Thanh Market | url= | email= | address=2520 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956578 | long=-93.278102 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 879-0561 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Bookstores=== * {{buy | name=College of Comic Book Knowledge | alt= | url=http://www.comicbookcollege.com | email= | address=4632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918479 | long=-93.278274 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-2309 | tollfree= | hours=M-Tu noon-7PM, W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Great for newer and more mainstream comics. }} * {{buy | name=Magers and Quinn | alt= | url=http://www.magersandquinn.com | email=info@magersandquinn.com | address=3038 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.9471 | long=-93.298608 | directions=between Lake and 31st Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-4611 | tollfree=+1-866-912-6657 | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=New and used books. }} * {{buy | name=Once Upon A Crime | alt= | url=https://onceuponacrimebooks.indielite.org | email= | address=604 W 26th St | lat=44.955708 | long=-93.287244 | directions=between Garfield and Lyndale; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-3785 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-5:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Mystery bookstore. Ask about The Annex: two giant rooms full of rare first editions, out of print books, magazines, journals, and thousands of hard-to-get gently used volumes. Great for finding new titles and plenty of back-list books for hordes of mystery and thriller writers. }} * {{buy | name=Wild Rumpus | alt= | url=http://www.wildrumpusbooks.com | email= | address=2720 W 43rd St | lat=44.92461 | long=-93.313685 | directions=between Upton and Lake Harriet; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 920-5005 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A renowned children's bookstore with a plethora of live animals roaming around; the cats somehow manage to coexist peacefully with the birds, mice, chicken, and other animals. }} ===Clothes=== * {{buy | name=Ragstock | alt= | url=http://www.ragstock.com/ | email= | address=1433 W Lake St | lat=44.948171 | long=-93.299222 | directions=between Hennepin and Holmes; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-6690 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A local chain of used clothing stores. Clothing is shipped in from thrift stores across the country and sorted through and either torn to rags for commercial use, or pulled aside to be sold in one of the stores. There are stores around the Twin Cities area in addition to the Uptown location listed above. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=Cheapo | alt= | url=http://www.cheapodiscs.com | email= | address=2600 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955293 | long=-93.278216 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 827-8238 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Cheapo specializes in all areas of music as well as DVDs and vinyl records. If you are looking for something that's hard to find, it's a good bet that they will have it. If not, they can order it for you. They also have a large collection of used CDs with huge inventories coming in everyday. }} * {{buy | name=Electric Fetus | alt= | url=http://www.electricfetus.com | email= | address=2000 4th Ave S | lat=44.962445 | long=-93.270423 | directions=at Franklin Ave; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11 | phone=+1 612 870-9300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | image=The Electric Fetus.jpg | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Possibly the most complete selection of CDs in town across all genres. Hold on tight to your wallet when you walk in here. If there's an obscure CD you've been looking for, this place is likely to have it. Listening stations are posted throughout the store enticing all who enter to try out some new music. It's the place you would go if you had unlimited resources for buying new music. Be prepared to pay full price, although new releases are frequently on sale. Buy four CDs and get a discount. Tickets for local venues are on sale here too. }} * {{buy | name=Extreme Noise Records | alt= | url=http://www.extremenoise.com | email= | address=407 W Lake St | lat=44.94819 | long=-93.284674 | directions=at Grand Ave; {{rint|bus}} 21 | phone=+1 612 842-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-8PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Specializes in all punk and subgenres therein. A cooperative run for almost 20 years by local punks. Amazing selection of punk 'zines, CDs, LPs and 7-inches. ''The'' place in town for finding hard-to-find punk records, trading punk records, finding other punks, seeking out that basement show, etc. Don't let the punk rock moniker scare the less-than punk away. If you want to see what a truly independent local scene can produce and meet some of the most earnest members of the scene, you ''must'' check out Extreme Noise. }} * {{buy | name=Roadrunner Records | alt= | url=https://www.roadrunnermpls.com/ | email= | address=4534 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.920312 | long=-93.278204 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-0613 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Has a great selection of independent LPs, CDs and DVDs. Known for their international music section. Punk and alt-country genres don't suffer. A great independent record store with lots of local and independently produced product. }} ==Eat== ===Eat Street=== * {{eat | name=The Bad Waitress | alt= | url=http://www.thebadwaitress.com | email= | address=2 E 26th St | lat=44.955723 | long=-93.277682 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-7575 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-11PM, Sa 7:30AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Hipster diner. You have to write your order on a ticket and give it to the cashier, hence the restaurant name. }} * {{eat | name=Black Forest Inn | alt= | url=http://www.blackforestinnmpls.com | email= | address=1 E 26th St | lat=44.955386 | long=-93.277645 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-0812 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 872-0423 | hours=10:30AM-midnight daily, kitchen closes at 10PM weekdays and 11PM weekends | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The most renowned German restaurant in the Twin Cities. }} * {{eat | name=Christos | alt= | url=http://www.christos.com | email= | address=2632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.954326 | long=-93.278161 | directions=between 26th and 27th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-2111 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-8129 | hours=Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Greek. }} * {{eat | name=El Mariachi | url= | email= | address=2750 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952227 | long=-93.278109 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 10AM-8PM, F-Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Harry Singh’s Original Caribbean Restaurant | alt= | url=http://harrysinghs.com | email= | address=2653 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953965 | long=-93.277624 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 729-6181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11:30AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The menu at Harry Singh's is dominated by roti wraps and creole rice dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine 26 | alt= | url=http://www.jasminempls.com | email= | address=8 E 26th St | lat=44.955684 | long=-93.277313 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su Tu-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=A fancier Vietnamese restaurant operated by the owners of Jasmine Deli. The salt and pepper tofu appetizer is to die for. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine Deli | alt= | url=http://jasminedelimpls.com | email= | address=2532 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956222 | long=-93.278098 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=Ridiculously cheap but well-regarded Vietnamese food. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. No credit cards. }} * {{eat | name=Pancho Villa | alt= | url=http://www.panchovillasgrill.com | email= | address=2539 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.95599 | long=-93.277607 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7014 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Mexican. Two-for-one margaritas and selected beers on weekdays. Spanish language karaoke! }} * {{eat | name=Peninsula | alt= | url=http://www.peninsulamalaysiancuisine.com | email= | address=2608 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955111 | long=-93.27819 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-8282 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-2863 | hours=Su-M,W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Malaysian cuisine. They make their own tofu, but vegans beware that it contains egg. }} * {{eat | name=Pho 79 | alt= | url=http://www.pho79mpls.com | email= | address=2529 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956372 | long=-93.277547 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-9PM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Pho Tau Bay | url=http://www.photaubay.us | email= | address=2837 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.950743 | long=-93.277719 | directions=at 29th St/Cecil Newman Ln; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 874-6030 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Tu 9:30AM-8:30PM, Th-Sa 9:30AM-8:30PM, Su 9:30AM-8PM | price= | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Quang | alt= | url=http://www.quang-restaurant.com | email= | address=2719 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953117 | long=-93.277651 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4739 | tollfree= | hours=M,W-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10:30AM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-8:30PM, Tu closed | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Rainbow Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.rainbowrestaurant.com | email= | address=2739 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952511 | long=-93.277642 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-7084 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-9:30PM, F 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} ===Lyn-Lake=== * {{eat | name=French Meadow Bakery and Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.frenchmeadowcafe.com | email= | address=2610 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.95498 | long=-93.288443 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-7855 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-0907 | hours=Su-Th 7AM-9PM, F-Sa 7AM-10PM | price=$4-20, depending on the time of day. Cheapest in the morning | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Owner and founder of this excellent bakery and cafe, Lynn Gordon, has a passion for fabulous yeast free breads, and has been an artisan baker since before that term began to be applied to high-quality individual bakers. Virtually everything on the menu is delicious and original, and save room for the desserts and fair trade coffee. On weekends arrive early to avoid the brunch rush. Vegetarian and vegan options available. }} * {{eat | name=Galactic Pizza | alt= | url=http://www.galacticpizza.com | email= | address=2917 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.949691 | long=-93.287756 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 824-9100 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The decor is kitschy. Their stand out feature is not only a little car run 100% by electric power but the delivery driver dons a funky costume while driving said vehicle. If you order the Second Harvest pizza (which is excellent) the business donates a dollar to the Second Harvest Food Bank (for every one ordered). Vegetarian friendly, vegan soy cheese and mockmeats available. }} * {{eat | name=Milkjam Creamery | alt= | url=https://milkjamcreamery.com | email= | address=2743 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.952454 | long=-93.287817 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 424-4668 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Ice cream shop with flavors ranging from normal like the Black (very dark cocoa) to odd ones like the Elvis (curry peanut butter banana). Most of the flavors are gluten-free, and some are vegan. }} * {{eat | name=moto-i | url=http://www.moto-i.com | email= | address=2940 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948672 | long=-93.288454 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 821-6262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F noon-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM | price= | content=Japanese restaurant with house-brewed sake and a rooftop patio. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Lucé | alt= | url=http://www.pizzaluce.com | email= | address=3200 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.944549 | long=-93.288724 | directions=at 32nd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 827-5978 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa-Su 10AM-midnight (takeout/delivery until 2AM Su-Th, 2:30AM F-Sa) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=You can get pizza by the slice or sit down and order a whole pie. Vegetarian friendly; vegan soy cheese, nut cheese, and mockmeats available. Also offers gluten-free pizzas. }} ===Uptown=== * {{eat | name=Barbette | alt= | url=https://www.barbette.com | email= | address=1600 W Lake St | lat=44.94859 | long=-93.302296 | directions=at Irving; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-5710 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 9AM-10PM, F-Sa 9AM-11PM | price=$15-30 | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=French-inspired cafe. Also hosts the annual Bastille Day block party celebration in the summer. }} * {{eat | name=Isles Bun and Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.islesbun.com | email= | address=1424 W 28th St | lat=44.952255 | long=-93.298695 | directions=between Hennepin and Humboldt; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 870-4466 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 6:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=A classic city bakery and coffee shop. Very limited seating inside, but with sidewalk tables and two blocks to Lake of the Isles it hardly matters. Bakers work in full view in a sunken work area behind the counter, putting out some of the best rolls, buns, and other delectables in the city. Check out the cinnamon roll and their savory breakfast items. }} * {{eat | name=Origami | alt= | url=https://www.origamirestaurant.com | email= | address=1354 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949639 | long=-93.297126 | directions=at Girard, below the Mozaic parking garage facing the plaza; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 223-8666 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 4:30PM-9PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10PM | price=$15+ | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Best known for their sushi. Generally a posh, overly-sedate crowd and indifferent service. }} ===The Wedge=== * {{eat | name=Namaste Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.namastecafemn.com/ | email= | address=2512 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.956939 | long=-93.296125 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-2496 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Namaste is located in a duplex converted to a restaurant and gift shop, so try to keep your eye out when heading down Hennepin. The owners are Nepali and the food is very similar to Indian cuisine. The cooking is very homey and the prices are quite reasonable for such a prime location. Lunch will cost around $8. Try one of their amazing chai teas; 8 varieties to choose from. They grind their own spices and mix up one heck of a good cup. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} ===Other areas=== * {{eat | name=Broders Cucina Italiana | url=http://www.broders.com | email= | address=2308 W 50th St | lat=44.912522 | long=-93.309188 | directions=at Penn Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-3113 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-M 11AM-8PM, Tu-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-9PM | price= | content=Small Italian deli, limited seating available. }} * {{eat | name=Broders Pasta Bar | alt= | url=https://www.broderspastabar.com/ | email= | address=5000 Penn Ave S | lat=44.912102 | long=-93.309146 | directions=at 50th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-9202 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-Th 4PM-9PM, F-Sa 4PM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=The sit-down restaurant operated by the same people that run the deli across the street. The menu features around 20 different past dishes, a mix of new and old favorites. Although reasonably small and often crowded, it is worth the wait! }} * {{eat | name=Cavé Vin | alt= | url=https://www.cave-vin.net | email= | address=5555 Xerxes Ave S | lat=44.901899 | long=-93.318468 | directions=at 56th St; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 922-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 5PM-9PM (last reservations taken at 8PM) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cave Vin features a Mediterranean/French menu. Tons of charm, great food and wine. }} * {{eat | name=Hola Arepa | alt= | url=https://www.holaarepa.com | email= | address=3501 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.939343 | long=-93.27739 | directions=at 35th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 345-5583 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 4PM-10PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Restaurant specializing in Venezuelan arepas, which are cornmeal griddle cakes with various fillings. }} * {{eat | name=Pepito's Mexi-Go Deli | alt= | url=http://www.pepitosrestaurant.com | email= | address=4624 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918844 | long=-93.278529 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 825-6311 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Deli-style fast food Mexican. Try the fish tacos, they're fantastic. No alcohol, but fast service and fantastic food for those on the go. }} * {{eat | name=Punch Neapolitan Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.punchpizza.com | email= | address=3226 W Lake St | lat=44.94948 | long=-93.320436 | directions=inside Greenway Lakes Commons, west of the Lake St/Excelsior Blvd interchange; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 929-0006 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Neapolitan pizzeria in a strip mall on the opposite side of the lakes from Uptown. Pizzas are baked in an 800F wood-burning oven for 90 seconds. Punch is one of the few restaurants that actually has certification from the official Napoli pizza organization. }} * {{eat | name=Victor's 1959 Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.victors1959cafe.com | email= | address=3756 Grand Ave | lat=44.934266 | long=-93.284691 | directions=at 38th St; {{rint|bus}} 23 | phone=+1 612 827-8948 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 9AM-2:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cuban restaurant with good portions and a somewhat fashionably divey atmosphere; the interior is covered in graffiti from previous patrons. The cafe looks like a shack on the outside and seating is pretty limited; be prepared for long waits on the weekends. }} ==Drink== ===Alcohol=== * {{drink | name=CC Club | alt= | url=http://www.ccclubbar.com/ | email= | address=2600 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.9554 | long=-93.28837 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 874-7226 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A cheap and popular punk/alternative hangout, a favorite of the Replacements and the setting for their song "Here Comes a Regular.". }} * {{drink | name=Red Dragon | alt= | url=http://reddragonmpls.com | email= | address=2116 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.961247 | long=-93.288248 | directions=between Franklin and 22nd St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 874-8877 | tollfree= | hours=M 5PM-1AM, Tu-Th 11AM-1AM, F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM, Su 2PM-1AM | price=Specialty drinks $10-13, shots $6.50 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Nominally a restaurant serving unremarkable grease-bomb Chinese food, the Red Dragon is more noted for its alcohol menu. That menu includes the infamous Wondrous Punch, a mixture of four different kinds of rum with a bit of grenadine and fruit juice; one order of punch is plenty for most people. }} ===Coffee=== * {{drink | name=Bob's Java Hut | alt= | url=http://www.bobsjavahut.com | email=bobsjavahut@gmail.com | address=2651 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.953852 | long=-93.287842 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 871-4485 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 7AM-7PM, F-Sa 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. Frequently a day-time biker hang out. Nice staff. }} * {{drink | name=Caffetto | alt= | url=http://www.caffettocafe.com | email= | address=708 W 22nd St | lat=44.961061 | long=-93.288507 | directions=between Lyndale and Aldrich; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 872-0911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-1AM daily | price= | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Canteen Local 3255 | alt= | url=http://canteen3255.com | email= | address=3255 Bryant Ave S | lat=44.943042 | long=-93.290561 | directions=at 33rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 824-6611 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Misfit Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.misfitcoffee.com | email= | address=2401 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.959017 | long=-93.287804 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 800-4411 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 7AM-8PM, F-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Misfit started out as a coffee truck but now have a brick-and-mortar location. They offer standard espresso drinks and brewed coffee, plus nitro cold brew and a menu of cold brew-based flavored drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2451 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.957457 | long=-93.277649 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3177 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa-Su 7AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2404 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.958937 | long=-93.294571 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 377-2278 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa-Su 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Uncommon Grounds | alt= | url=http://uncommongroundscoffeehouse.com | email= | address=2809 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.951535 | long=-93.298029 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 872-4811 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 1PM-9PM, Sa-Su 9AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Located in a renovated Victorian house. Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Vicinity Coffee | alt= | url=http://vicinitycoffee.com | email= | address=3350 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.941452 | long=-93.288448 | directions=at 34th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 545-5972 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 6AM-8PM, Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2018-05-22 | content=Features locally roasted small batch coffees. Free wifi. }} ==Sleep== There aren't many lodging options in Southwest Minneapolis, but the [[Minneapolis/Downtown#Sleep|Downtown]] hotels aren't too far from the Uptown, Lyn-Lake, and Eat Street areas. * {{sleep | name=Minneapolis International Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/minneapolis-international-hostel/3660 | email= | address=2400 Stevens Ave South | lat=44.958989 | long=-93.275611 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 522-5000 | tollfree= | checkin=9AM-1PM and 5PM-9PM | checkout=9AM | price=$40 dorms, $80 privates | lastedit=2017-08-01 | content=This is the only backpackers' hostel in the Twin Cities. Quick walking distance to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and Eat Street. A 15 minute walk or short bus ride to [[Minneapolis/Downtown|Downtown]], and a short bus ride to Uptown. A credit card number is required to be on file for every party staying with them. }} * {{sleep | name=Moxy Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mspox-moxy-minneapolis-uptown/ | email= | address=1121 W Lake St | lat=44.948159 | long=-93.294186 | directions=at Emerson; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 822-5020 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$100-250 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A boutique hotel from the Marriott chain that's mostly oriented to a younger crowd. The guest rooms are modern but on the smaller side. There is a bar and lots of common space on the ground floor. The hotel attracts a party crowd and might not be the best option for those seeking peace and quiet. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Linden Hills Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2900 W 43rd St | lat=44.92502 | long=-93.316488 | directions=at Vincent; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 543-6825 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-W,F-Sa 9AM-5PM, Th noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Linden Hills Library | image=Linden Hills Branch Library.jpg | wikidata=Q6552323 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Walker Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2880 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.94959 | long=-93.29868 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 543-8400 | tollfree= | hours=Tu,Th-Sa 9AM-5PM, W noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Walker Library (Minneapolis) | image=Walker Library, Summer 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q7962236 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Washburn Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=5244 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.907373 | long=-93.288684 | directions=between Minnehaha Pkwy and 53rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 543-8375 | tollfree= | hours=Tu noon-8PM, W-Sa 9AM-5PM, | price= | wikipedia=Washburn Library | image=Washburn Community Library, June 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q20047311 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} ==Go next== * Much of the artist community that has been priced out of Uptown moved to [[Minneapolis/Northeast|Northeast]]. * If you're still hungry for more Southeast Asian food after eating your way through Eat Street, there's another large concentration in the Frogtown neighborhood of [[Saint Paul]]. * If you keep heading north along the trails near Cedar Lake you'll eventually find yourself in [[Minneapolis/North|Theodore Wirth Park]]. {{mapmask|44.97009,-93.32863|44.97024,-93.32188|44.96999,-93.30884|44.96948,-93.30292|44.96964,-93.30087|44.97104,-93.29733|44.96987,-93.29546|44.96988,-93.29053|44.96917,-93.29028|44.96903,-93.29039|44.96879,-93.29022|44.96860,-93.29021|44.96818,-93.29060|44.96732,-93.28954|44.96716,-93.28906|44.96716,-93.28803|44.96641,-93.28810|44.96547,-93.28781|44.96494,-93.28726|44.96454,-93.28632|44.96444,-93.28527|44.96482,-93.28312|44.96583,-93.27933|44.96654,-93.27651|44.96671,-93.27469|44.96659,-93.27271|44.96592,-93.26946|44.95731,-93.26953|44.95629,-93.26984|44.95192,-93.27334|44.95065,-93.27427|44.94955,-93.27470|44.94836,-93.27476|44.89426,-93.27499|44.89079,-93.27512|44.89024,-93.27813|44.89018,-93.28836|44.89081,-93.31882|44.90523,-93.31882|44.90532,-93.32900|44.94047,-93.32903|44.95365,-93.32877}} {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Minneapolis}} {{geo|44.937828|-93.299046}} g4qf1hotcp1httos0116egnp3cs1mzc 4487983 4487954 2022-07-21T21:17:45Z Eco84 35690 /* Lakes */ Updated listing for Lake Harriet wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Minneapolis Calhoun Isles Lagoon 1 banner.jpg|pgname=Southwest Minneapolis|caption=The lagoon between Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles, as viewed from the tunnel under Lake Street}} '''Southwest Minneapolis''' is a district in [[Minneapolis]]. It includes Uptown, Lyn-Lake, the Wedge, Eat Street, Linden Hills, the popular Chain of Lakes, and other areas. Part of the 50th and France commercial district bleeds into the Fulton neighborhood, but most of it lies in [[Edina]]. ==Get in== {{mapframe|44.927828|-93.299046|zoom=13|height=800|width=420}} Streets run east/west and generally have numbers that increase as you go further south. Nicollet Avenue divides the streets. Append the direction at the end of streets such as W 27th Street to indicate west of Nicollet. Avenues run alphabetically west from Lyndale (Aldrich, Bryant, Colfax) far into the suburban surrounding communities. When the alphabet reaches Z, it starts again at A. Avenues are named in no particular order in a small half-mile band between Lyndale and Nicollet, then numbered east from Nicollet Avenue heading towards [[Minneapolis/South|South Minneapolis]], where the numbered avenues continue until you reach [[Saint Paul]]. The first part of addresses on the avenues are based on the nearest cross street. For example, 4000 France Avenue South is at the corner of France Avenue and 40th Street. ===By public transit=== *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/2 Route 2]''' begins at Hennepin and Franklin and travels east along Franklin Avenue through the Wedge and Whittier neighborhoods before continuing on to [[Minneapolis/South|Phillips, Seward, the West Bank]], and the [[Minneapolis/Southeast|University of Minnesota]]. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/4 Route 4]''' travels along Lyndale Avenue from downtown to 50th Street (passing through Lyn-Lake). At this point, the route splits into two branches, with one continuing on Lyndale Avenue and the other turning on 50th Street, where it goes west to Penn Avenue, and then goes south from there. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/6 Route 6]''' travels along Hennepin Avenue from downtown to its end at 36th Street (passing though Uptown), turns west, and skirts the southeastern edge of Bde Maka Ska. The route splits in two at 39th Street and Sheridan Avenue; one continues west on 39th Street to France Avenue, then travels south from there (passing through the 50th & France commercial district), and the other travels south on Sheridan Avenue, which merges onto Upton Avenue (passing though the Linden Hills commercial district), turns west on 44th Street, and then continues south on Xerxes Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/11 Route 11]''' begins in Columbia Heights and runs through Northeast Minneapolis and Downtown. In the Whittier neighborhood it runs along 3rd Avenue, passing by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Hennepin History Museum, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. At 28th Street it jogs over to 4th Avenue in Phillips and continues through western Powderhorn and Nokomis before terminating in the Kingfield neighborhood at 46th Street and Nicollet Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/12 Route 12]''' enters Minneapolis along Excelsior Boulevard, which soon ends and merges onto Lake Street. The route continues until its end at the Uptown Transit Station; during rush hours it will continue travelling along Hennepin Avenue into downtown. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/17 Route 17]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue from downtown to 24th Street, turns west, then turns south on Hennepin Avenue. Past the Uptown Transit Station, it will turn west on Lagoon Avenue, which then merges onto Lake Street, and continue from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/18 Route 18]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue through the entirety of Southwest Minneapolis, passing through Eat Street along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/21 Route 21]''' travels along Lake Street from neighborhoods to the east until its end at Uptown Transit Station, passing through Lyn-Lake along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/23 Route 23]''' travels along 38th Street to Bryant Avenue, jogs two blocks north to 36th Street, then travels west to Hennepin Avenue, continuing north from there until its end at the Uptown Transit Station *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/46 Route 46]''' travels along 46th Street to 34th Avenue, jogs four blocks north to 42nd Street, then travels west to Cedar Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 46th Street, continuing west from there until either Nicollet Avenue or Bryant Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 50th Street and continues from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/53 Route 53]''' is a limited stop route travelling on Lake Street alongside the 21 (see above); stops are located at Uptown Transit Center, Lake & Girard, Lake & Lyndale, Lake & Nicollet, and Lake & 1st. This service only operates during rush hours, eastbound in the morning and westbound in the afternoon and evening. ===By bike=== *'''[http://www.midtowngreenway.org Midtown Greenway]''' is a bike path (grade-separated east of Hennepin) that runs east-west one block north of Lake Street. It continues east into South Minneapolis, and the west end the of the Greenway links to the Southwest LRT Trail that head to St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and beyond. *'''Kenilworth Trail''' runs roughly north-south between Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles. It acts as a connector between the Cedar Lake Trail to the north (a commuter trail running between Downtown and the west suburbs) and the Midtown Greenway/Southwest LRT Trail to the south. ===By car=== *'''Interstate 35W''' is along the eastern edge of the district, with exits at Lake Street/31st Street (northbound exit/southbound entrance only), 35th Street/36th Street, 46th Street, Diamond Lake Road, and 60th Street. For northbound travellers, the 31st/Lake exit will be useful for getting to Lyn-Lake and Uptown areas, just travel westbound on either street. Southbound I-35W travellers wanting to get to those two areas should exit onto westbound I-94 (see below). *'''Interstate 94''' is to the northeast of the district. The Lyndale Avenue/Hennepin Avenue exit is useful for getting into the area. Follow Lyndale southbound to get to Lyn-Lake or Hennepin southbound to get to Uptown. *'''Interstate 394''' is along the northern edge of the district. ==See== [[Image:Mpls arts-crop.jpg|340px|thumb|Minneapolis Institute of Arts]] ===Museums=== * {{see | name=The Bakken Museum | alt= | url=http://www.thebakken.org | email=info@thebakken.org | address=3537 Zenith Ave S | lat=44.938336 | long=-93.321216 | directions=at 36th St, near W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy | phone=+1 612 926-3878 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 927-7265 | hours=Tu-Su 10AM-5PM | price=$11 adults, $9 seniors, $8 students, $6 children 4-17, free admission for children under age 4 | wikipedia=The Bakken | image=The Bakken Museum - Medicinal Garden View.jpg | wikidata=Q7715370 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The world's only museum devoted to medical electricity. }} * {{see | name=Hennepin History Museum | alt= | url=http://www.hennepinhistory.org | email=museum.info@hennepinhistory.org | address=2303 3rd Ave S | lat=44.960184 | long=-93.272459 | directions=between 22nd and 24th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-1329 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-1320 | hours=Gallery: Th-F 10AM-3PM, Sa 10AM-5PM; library and archives: by appointment | price=$8 adults, $5 seniors/students | wikipedia=Hennepin History Museum | image=Hennepin History 2.jpg | wikidata=Q14692640 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{see | name=Minneapolis Institute of Art | alt= | url=http://www.artsmia.org | email= | address=2400 3rd Ave S | lat=44.958726 | long=-93.273851 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3131 | tollfree=+1-888-642-2787 | hours=Th-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Minneapolis Institute of Art | image=Minneapolis Institute of Arts.jpg | wikidata=Q1700481 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content="The Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses more than 100,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history.". }} * {{see | name=The Museum of Russian Art | alt= | url=http://www.tmora.org | email= | address=5500 Stevens Ave | lat=44.903491 | long=-93.275967 | directions=at Diamond Lake Rd, next to Interstate 35W; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 821-9045 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 821-4392 | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price=$14 adults, $12 seniors 65+, $5 students, free for children under 14 | wikipedia=The Museum of Russian Art | image=Museum of Russian Art.jpg | wikidata=Q14693087 | lastedit=2022-07-09 | content=Museum showcases Russian art from the 20th century, including Soviet art. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Lakewood Cemetery | alt= | url=http://www.lakewoodcemetery.com | email= | address=entrance along 36th St at the foot of Hennepin Ave | lat=44.934456 | long=-93.299038 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-2171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily: Summer 8AM-8PM, Labor Day to Fall Daylight Savings 8AM-7PM, Fall Daylight Savings to Spring Daylight Savings 8AM-5PM | price= | wikidata=Q1801158| wikipedia=Lakewood Cemetery | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lyndale Park | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/lyndale_park/ | email= | address=1300 W 42nd St | lat=44.928471 | long=-93.298266 | directions=north of Lake Harriet, south of Lakewood Cemetery, west of Dupont Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | wikidata=Q6708608| wikipedia=Lyndale Park | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Home to an arboretum, rose gardens, perennial gardens, peace gardens, and a bird sanctuary. }} * {{see | name=Beard's Plaisance | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/beards_plaisance/ | email= | address=4525 Upton Ave S | lat=44.9207 | long=-93.3145 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Along the west side of Lake Harriet. Contains a picnic area with a large picnic structure, a playground, and tennis courts. }} ==Do== [[Image:Uptown Theatre Minneapolis 2011.JPG|340px|thumb|Uptown Theatre at night]] ===Film=== Head to Uptown for some independent film: * {{do | name=Uptown Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/uptown-theatre | email= | address=2906 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.949057 | long=-93.298679 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-3005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7899454| wikipedia=Uptown Theater (Minneapolis) | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=One screen. Films often run for a week or two. Afterwards they ''sometimes'' move down to the multi-screen Lagoon Cinema. In addition to the usual concessions, the Uptown Theatre also serves alcoholic beverages in the upstairs bar. }} * {{do | name=Lagoon Cinema | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/lagoon-cinema | email= | address=1320 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949422 | long=-93.296744 | directions=at Girard; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 825-6006 | tollfree= | fax= | image=Lagoon Cinema 3.jpg | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=Five screens. }} ===Lakes=== * {{do | name=Cedar Lake | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.960278 | long=-93.321111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4218899 | content=Cedar Lake has a shady public swimming beach. }} * {{do | name=Lake of the Isles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.954722 | long=-93.3075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4332113 | content=Lake of the Isles has bird sanctuaries on its (officially off-limits) islands, and a public skating rink (with warming house) are groomed in the winter months. Check the newspaper; you may get lucky and catch a world-class speed-skating competition here. Its shores also feature some of the best climbing trees in the city, particularly for those who carry a short rope ladder in their pack. }} * {{do | name=Bde Maka Ska | alt=formerly Lake Calhoun | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/bde_maka_ska_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.941944 | long=-93.312222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1800879 | lastedit=2020-06-18 | content=Bde Maka Ska has three public beaches and [https://www.minneapolisparks.org/rentals__permits/watercraft_storage__rentals/watercraft-rental/ boat rentals] (and lessons), and a snack bar that resembles a real restaurant more every summer. }} * {{do | name=Lake Harriet | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/lake_harriet_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.921389 | long=-93.305278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4496056 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Lake Harriet also has boat rentals near its [http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=4&parkid=266 bandshell]. }} ===Theater=== {{anchor|Theatre}} * {{do | name=Jungle Theater | url=http://www.jungletheater.com | email= | address=2951 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948851 | long=-93.287839 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 822-7063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Bryant-Lake Bowl | alt= | url=http://www.bryantlakebowl.com | email= | address=810 W Lake St | lat=44.94855 | long=-93.29014 | directions=at Bryant; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 825-8949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vintage bowling alley with a small theater attached, hosting various small-scale theater, improv, and music events. The BLB is also a decent dining and drinking option. }} ===Other=== [[File:TCRT 1300 at Linden Hills Depot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Streetcar at Linden Hills Station]] * {{do | name=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line | alt= | url=http://www.msmuseum.org | email= | address=W 42nd St and Queen Ave S | lat=44.92775 | long=-93.309451 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Su early May through late November, and M-F mid May though early September | price=$2 single ride or $5 day pass (also includes rides on the Excelsior streetcar) | wikidata=Q5155119| wikipedia=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line |lastedit=2018-09-23| content=Heritage streetcar line running along a one-mile track between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun), which used to be part of a much longer streetcar line that ran all the way to Lake Como in [[Saint Paul]], hence the name. It is operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, which also operates a heritage streetcar line in [[Excelsior]], near Lake Minnetonka. Its fleet includes two streetcars from the 1900s built by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company and one PCC streetcar from the 1940s built by the St. Louis Car Company. Streetcars begin and end their journey at Linden Hills Station located at 42nd and Queen on the west side of Lake Harriet. There is also a second much less used stop on near the east side of Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) at 36th Street and Richfield Road. }} ==Buy== [[Image:Calhoun mpls.jpg|340px|thumb|Calhoun Square, Uptown]] ===Asian markets=== * {{buy | name=New Orient Market | url= | email= | address=2800 1st Ave S | lat=44.951736 | long=-93.276904 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Shuang Hur Supermarket | url= | email= | address=2710 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953268 | long=-93.278159 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-8606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Truong Thanh Market | url= | email= | address=2520 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956578 | long=-93.278102 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 879-0561 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Bookstores=== * {{buy | name=College of Comic Book Knowledge | alt= | url=http://www.comicbookcollege.com | email= | address=4632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918479 | long=-93.278274 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-2309 | tollfree= | hours=M-Tu noon-7PM, W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Great for newer and more mainstream comics. }} * {{buy | name=Magers and Quinn | alt= | url=http://www.magersandquinn.com | email=info@magersandquinn.com | address=3038 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.9471 | long=-93.298608 | directions=between Lake and 31st Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-4611 | tollfree=+1-866-912-6657 | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=New and used books. }} * {{buy | name=Once Upon A Crime | alt= | url=https://onceuponacrimebooks.indielite.org | email= | address=604 W 26th St | lat=44.955708 | long=-93.287244 | directions=between Garfield and Lyndale; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-3785 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-5:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Mystery bookstore. Ask about The Annex: two giant rooms full of rare first editions, out of print books, magazines, journals, and thousands of hard-to-get gently used volumes. Great for finding new titles and plenty of back-list books for hordes of mystery and thriller writers. }} * {{buy | name=Wild Rumpus | alt= | url=http://www.wildrumpusbooks.com | email= | address=2720 W 43rd St | lat=44.92461 | long=-93.313685 | directions=between Upton and Lake Harriet; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 920-5005 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A renowned children's bookstore with a plethora of live animals roaming around; the cats somehow manage to coexist peacefully with the birds, mice, chicken, and other animals. }} ===Clothes=== * {{buy | name=Ragstock | alt= | url=http://www.ragstock.com/ | email= | address=1433 W Lake St | lat=44.948171 | long=-93.299222 | directions=between Hennepin and Holmes; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-6690 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A local chain of used clothing stores. Clothing is shipped in from thrift stores across the country and sorted through and either torn to rags for commercial use, or pulled aside to be sold in one of the stores. There are stores around the Twin Cities area in addition to the Uptown location listed above. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=Cheapo | alt= | url=http://www.cheapodiscs.com | email= | address=2600 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955293 | long=-93.278216 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 827-8238 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Cheapo specializes in all areas of music as well as DVDs and vinyl records. If you are looking for something that's hard to find, it's a good bet that they will have it. If not, they can order it for you. They also have a large collection of used CDs with huge inventories coming in everyday. }} * {{buy | name=Electric Fetus | alt= | url=http://www.electricfetus.com | email= | address=2000 4th Ave S | lat=44.962445 | long=-93.270423 | directions=at Franklin Ave; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11 | phone=+1 612 870-9300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | image=The Electric Fetus.jpg | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Possibly the most complete selection of CDs in town across all genres. Hold on tight to your wallet when you walk in here. If there's an obscure CD you've been looking for, this place is likely to have it. Listening stations are posted throughout the store enticing all who enter to try out some new music. It's the place you would go if you had unlimited resources for buying new music. Be prepared to pay full price, although new releases are frequently on sale. Buy four CDs and get a discount. Tickets for local venues are on sale here too. }} * {{buy | name=Extreme Noise Records | alt= | url=http://www.extremenoise.com | email= | address=407 W Lake St | lat=44.94819 | long=-93.284674 | directions=at Grand Ave; {{rint|bus}} 21 | phone=+1 612 842-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-8PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Specializes in all punk and subgenres therein. A cooperative run for almost 20 years by local punks. Amazing selection of punk 'zines, CDs, LPs and 7-inches. ''The'' place in town for finding hard-to-find punk records, trading punk records, finding other punks, seeking out that basement show, etc. Don't let the punk rock moniker scare the less-than punk away. If you want to see what a truly independent local scene can produce and meet some of the most earnest members of the scene, you ''must'' check out Extreme Noise. }} * {{buy | name=Roadrunner Records | alt= | url=https://www.roadrunnermpls.com/ | email= | address=4534 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.920312 | long=-93.278204 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-0613 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Has a great selection of independent LPs, CDs and DVDs. Known for their international music section. Punk and alt-country genres don't suffer. A great independent record store with lots of local and independently produced product. }} ==Eat== ===Eat Street=== * {{eat | name=The Bad Waitress | alt= | url=http://www.thebadwaitress.com | email= | address=2 E 26th St | lat=44.955723 | long=-93.277682 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-7575 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-11PM, Sa 7:30AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Hipster diner. You have to write your order on a ticket and give it to the cashier, hence the restaurant name. }} * {{eat | name=Black Forest Inn | alt= | url=http://www.blackforestinnmpls.com | email= | address=1 E 26th St | lat=44.955386 | long=-93.277645 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-0812 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 872-0423 | hours=10:30AM-midnight daily, kitchen closes at 10PM weekdays and 11PM weekends | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The most renowned German restaurant in the Twin Cities. }} * {{eat | name=Christos | alt= | url=http://www.christos.com | email= | address=2632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.954326 | long=-93.278161 | directions=between 26th and 27th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-2111 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-8129 | hours=Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Greek. }} * {{eat | name=El Mariachi | url= | email= | address=2750 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952227 | long=-93.278109 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 10AM-8PM, F-Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Harry Singh’s Original Caribbean Restaurant | alt= | url=http://harrysinghs.com | email= | address=2653 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953965 | long=-93.277624 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 729-6181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11:30AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The menu at Harry Singh's is dominated by roti wraps and creole rice dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine 26 | alt= | url=http://www.jasminempls.com | email= | address=8 E 26th St | lat=44.955684 | long=-93.277313 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su Tu-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=A fancier Vietnamese restaurant operated by the owners of Jasmine Deli. The salt and pepper tofu appetizer is to die for. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine Deli | alt= | url=http://jasminedelimpls.com | email= | address=2532 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956222 | long=-93.278098 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=Ridiculously cheap but well-regarded Vietnamese food. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. No credit cards. }} * {{eat | name=Pancho Villa | alt= | url=http://www.panchovillasgrill.com | email= | address=2539 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.95599 | long=-93.277607 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7014 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Mexican. Two-for-one margaritas and selected beers on weekdays. Spanish language karaoke! }} * {{eat | name=Peninsula | alt= | url=http://www.peninsulamalaysiancuisine.com | email= | address=2608 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955111 | long=-93.27819 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-8282 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-2863 | hours=Su-M,W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Malaysian cuisine. They make their own tofu, but vegans beware that it contains egg. }} * {{eat | name=Pho 79 | alt= | url=http://www.pho79mpls.com | email= | address=2529 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956372 | long=-93.277547 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-9PM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Pho Tau Bay | url=http://www.photaubay.us | email= | address=2837 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.950743 | long=-93.277719 | directions=at 29th St/Cecil Newman Ln; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 874-6030 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Tu 9:30AM-8:30PM, Th-Sa 9:30AM-8:30PM, Su 9:30AM-8PM | price= | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Quang | alt= | url=http://www.quang-restaurant.com | email= | address=2719 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953117 | long=-93.277651 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4739 | tollfree= | hours=M,W-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10:30AM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-8:30PM, Tu closed | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Rainbow Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.rainbowrestaurant.com | email= | address=2739 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952511 | long=-93.277642 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-7084 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-9:30PM, F 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} ===Lyn-Lake=== * {{eat | name=French Meadow Bakery and Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.frenchmeadowcafe.com | email= | address=2610 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.95498 | long=-93.288443 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-7855 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-0907 | hours=Su-Th 7AM-9PM, F-Sa 7AM-10PM | price=$4-20, depending on the time of day. Cheapest in the morning | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Owner and founder of this excellent bakery and cafe, Lynn Gordon, has a passion for fabulous yeast free breads, and has been an artisan baker since before that term began to be applied to high-quality individual bakers. Virtually everything on the menu is delicious and original, and save room for the desserts and fair trade coffee. On weekends arrive early to avoid the brunch rush. Vegetarian and vegan options available. }} * {{eat | name=Galactic Pizza | alt= | url=http://www.galacticpizza.com | email= | address=2917 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.949691 | long=-93.287756 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 824-9100 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The decor is kitschy. Their stand out feature is not only a little car run 100% by electric power but the delivery driver dons a funky costume while driving said vehicle. If you order the Second Harvest pizza (which is excellent) the business donates a dollar to the Second Harvest Food Bank (for every one ordered). Vegetarian friendly, vegan soy cheese and mockmeats available. }} * {{eat | name=Milkjam Creamery | alt= | url=https://milkjamcreamery.com | email= | address=2743 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.952454 | long=-93.287817 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 424-4668 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Ice cream shop with flavors ranging from normal like the Black (very dark cocoa) to odd ones like the Elvis (curry peanut butter banana). Most of the flavors are gluten-free, and some are vegan. }} * {{eat | name=moto-i | url=http://www.moto-i.com | email= | address=2940 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948672 | long=-93.288454 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 821-6262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F noon-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM | price= | content=Japanese restaurant with house-brewed sake and a rooftop patio. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Lucé | alt= | url=http://www.pizzaluce.com | email= | address=3200 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.944549 | long=-93.288724 | directions=at 32nd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 827-5978 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa-Su 10AM-midnight (takeout/delivery until 2AM Su-Th, 2:30AM F-Sa) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=You can get pizza by the slice or sit down and order a whole pie. Vegetarian friendly; vegan soy cheese, nut cheese, and mockmeats available. Also offers gluten-free pizzas. }} ===Uptown=== * {{eat | name=Barbette | alt= | url=https://www.barbette.com | email= | address=1600 W Lake St | lat=44.94859 | long=-93.302296 | directions=at Irving; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-5710 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 9AM-10PM, F-Sa 9AM-11PM | price=$15-30 | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=French-inspired cafe. Also hosts the annual Bastille Day block party celebration in the summer. }} * {{eat | name=Isles Bun and Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.islesbun.com | email= | address=1424 W 28th St | lat=44.952255 | long=-93.298695 | directions=between Hennepin and Humboldt; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 870-4466 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 6:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=A classic city bakery and coffee shop. Very limited seating inside, but with sidewalk tables and two blocks to Lake of the Isles it hardly matters. Bakers work in full view in a sunken work area behind the counter, putting out some of the best rolls, buns, and other delectables in the city. Check out the cinnamon roll and their savory breakfast items. }} * {{eat | name=Origami | alt= | url=https://www.origamirestaurant.com | email= | address=1354 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949639 | long=-93.297126 | directions=at Girard, below the Mozaic parking garage facing the plaza; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 223-8666 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 4:30PM-9PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10PM | price=$15+ | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Best known for their sushi. Generally a posh, overly-sedate crowd and indifferent service. }} ===The Wedge=== * {{eat | name=Namaste Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.namastecafemn.com/ | email= | address=2512 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.956939 | long=-93.296125 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-2496 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Namaste is located in a duplex converted to a restaurant and gift shop, so try to keep your eye out when heading down Hennepin. The owners are Nepali and the food is very similar to Indian cuisine. The cooking is very homey and the prices are quite reasonable for such a prime location. Lunch will cost around $8. Try one of their amazing chai teas; 8 varieties to choose from. They grind their own spices and mix up one heck of a good cup. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} ===Other areas=== * {{eat | name=Broders Cucina Italiana | url=http://www.broders.com | email= | address=2308 W 50th St | lat=44.912522 | long=-93.309188 | directions=at Penn Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-3113 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-M 11AM-8PM, Tu-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-9PM | price= | content=Small Italian deli, limited seating available. }} * {{eat | name=Broders Pasta Bar | alt= | url=https://www.broderspastabar.com/ | email= | address=5000 Penn Ave S | lat=44.912102 | long=-93.309146 | directions=at 50th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-9202 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-Th 4PM-9PM, F-Sa 4PM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=The sit-down restaurant operated by the same people that run the deli across the street. The menu features around 20 different past dishes, a mix of new and old favorites. Although reasonably small and often crowded, it is worth the wait! }} * {{eat | name=Cavé Vin | alt= | url=https://www.cave-vin.net | email= | address=5555 Xerxes Ave S | lat=44.901899 | long=-93.318468 | directions=at 56th St; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 922-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 5PM-9PM (last reservations taken at 8PM) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cave Vin features a Mediterranean/French menu. Tons of charm, great food and wine. }} * {{eat | name=Hola Arepa | alt= | url=https://www.holaarepa.com | email= | address=3501 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.939343 | long=-93.27739 | directions=at 35th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 345-5583 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 4PM-10PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Restaurant specializing in Venezuelan arepas, which are cornmeal griddle cakes with various fillings. }} * {{eat | name=Pepito's Mexi-Go Deli | alt= | url=http://www.pepitosrestaurant.com | email= | address=4624 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918844 | long=-93.278529 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 825-6311 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Deli-style fast food Mexican. Try the fish tacos, they're fantastic. No alcohol, but fast service and fantastic food for those on the go. }} * {{eat | name=Punch Neapolitan Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.punchpizza.com | email= | address=3226 W Lake St | lat=44.94948 | long=-93.320436 | directions=inside Greenway Lakes Commons, west of the Lake St/Excelsior Blvd interchange; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 929-0006 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Neapolitan pizzeria in a strip mall on the opposite side of the lakes from Uptown. Pizzas are baked in an 800F wood-burning oven for 90 seconds. Punch is one of the few restaurants that actually has certification from the official Napoli pizza organization. }} * {{eat | name=Victor's 1959 Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.victors1959cafe.com | email= | address=3756 Grand Ave | lat=44.934266 | long=-93.284691 | directions=at 38th St; {{rint|bus}} 23 | phone=+1 612 827-8948 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 9AM-2:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cuban restaurant with good portions and a somewhat fashionably divey atmosphere; the interior is covered in graffiti from previous patrons. The cafe looks like a shack on the outside and seating is pretty limited; be prepared for long waits on the weekends. }} ==Drink== ===Alcohol=== * {{drink | name=CC Club | alt= | url=http://www.ccclubbar.com/ | email= | address=2600 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.9554 | long=-93.28837 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 874-7226 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A cheap and popular punk/alternative hangout, a favorite of the Replacements and the setting for their song "Here Comes a Regular.". }} * {{drink | name=Red Dragon | alt= | url=http://reddragonmpls.com | email= | address=2116 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.961247 | long=-93.288248 | directions=between Franklin and 22nd St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 874-8877 | tollfree= | hours=M 5PM-1AM, Tu-Th 11AM-1AM, F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM, Su 2PM-1AM | price=Specialty drinks $10-13, shots $6.50 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Nominally a restaurant serving unremarkable grease-bomb Chinese food, the Red Dragon is more noted for its alcohol menu. That menu includes the infamous Wondrous Punch, a mixture of four different kinds of rum with a bit of grenadine and fruit juice; one order of punch is plenty for most people. }} ===Coffee=== * {{drink | name=Bob's Java Hut | alt= | url=http://www.bobsjavahut.com | email=bobsjavahut@gmail.com | address=2651 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.953852 | long=-93.287842 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 871-4485 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 7AM-7PM, F-Sa 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. Frequently a day-time biker hang out. Nice staff. }} * {{drink | name=Caffetto | alt= | url=http://www.caffettocafe.com | email= | address=708 W 22nd St | lat=44.961061 | long=-93.288507 | directions=between Lyndale and Aldrich; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 872-0911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-1AM daily | price= | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Canteen Local 3255 | alt= | url=http://canteen3255.com | email= | address=3255 Bryant Ave S | lat=44.943042 | long=-93.290561 | directions=at 33rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 824-6611 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Misfit Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.misfitcoffee.com | email= | address=2401 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.959017 | long=-93.287804 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 800-4411 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 7AM-8PM, F-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Misfit started out as a coffee truck but now have a brick-and-mortar location. They offer standard espresso drinks and brewed coffee, plus nitro cold brew and a menu of cold brew-based flavored drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2451 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.957457 | long=-93.277649 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3177 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa-Su 7AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2404 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.958937 | long=-93.294571 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 377-2278 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa-Su 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Uncommon Grounds | alt= | url=http://uncommongroundscoffeehouse.com | email= | address=2809 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.951535 | long=-93.298029 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 872-4811 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 1PM-9PM, Sa-Su 9AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Located in a renovated Victorian house. Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Vicinity Coffee | alt= | url=http://vicinitycoffee.com | email= | address=3350 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.941452 | long=-93.288448 | directions=at 34th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 545-5972 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 6AM-8PM, Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2018-05-22 | content=Features locally roasted small batch coffees. Free wifi. }} ==Sleep== There aren't many lodging options in Southwest Minneapolis, but the [[Minneapolis/Downtown#Sleep|Downtown]] hotels aren't too far from the Uptown, Lyn-Lake, and Eat Street areas. * {{sleep | name=Minneapolis International Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/minneapolis-international-hostel/3660 | email= | address=2400 Stevens Ave South | lat=44.958989 | long=-93.275611 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 522-5000 | tollfree= | checkin=9AM-1PM and 5PM-9PM | checkout=9AM | price=$40 dorms, $80 privates | lastedit=2017-08-01 | content=This is the only backpackers' hostel in the Twin Cities. Quick walking distance to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and Eat Street. A 15 minute walk or short bus ride to [[Minneapolis/Downtown|Downtown]], and a short bus ride to Uptown. A credit card number is required to be on file for every party staying with them. }} * {{sleep | name=Moxy Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mspox-moxy-minneapolis-uptown/ | email= | address=1121 W Lake St | lat=44.948159 | long=-93.294186 | directions=at Emerson; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 822-5020 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$100-250 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A boutique hotel from the Marriott chain that's mostly oriented to a younger crowd. The guest rooms are modern but on the smaller side. There is a bar and lots of common space on the ground floor. The hotel attracts a party crowd and might not be the best option for those seeking peace and quiet. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Linden Hills Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2900 W 43rd St | lat=44.92502 | long=-93.316488 | directions=at Vincent; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 543-6825 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-W,F-Sa 9AM-5PM, Th noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Linden Hills Library | image=Linden Hills Branch Library.jpg | wikidata=Q6552323 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Walker Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2880 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.94959 | long=-93.29868 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 543-8400 | tollfree= | hours=Tu,Th-Sa 9AM-5PM, W noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Walker Library (Minneapolis) | image=Walker Library, Summer 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q7962236 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Washburn Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=5244 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.907373 | long=-93.288684 | directions=between Minnehaha Pkwy and 53rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 543-8375 | tollfree= | hours=Tu noon-8PM, W-Sa 9AM-5PM, | price= | wikipedia=Washburn Library | image=Washburn Community Library, June 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q20047311 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} ==Go next== * Much of the artist community that has been priced out of Uptown moved to [[Minneapolis/Northeast|Northeast]]. * If you're still hungry for more Southeast Asian food after eating your way through Eat Street, there's another large concentration in the Frogtown neighborhood of [[Saint Paul]]. * If you keep heading north along the trails near Cedar Lake you'll eventually find yourself in [[Minneapolis/North|Theodore Wirth Park]]. {{mapmask|44.97009,-93.32863|44.97024,-93.32188|44.96999,-93.30884|44.96948,-93.30292|44.96964,-93.30087|44.97104,-93.29733|44.96987,-93.29546|44.96988,-93.29053|44.96917,-93.29028|44.96903,-93.29039|44.96879,-93.29022|44.96860,-93.29021|44.96818,-93.29060|44.96732,-93.28954|44.96716,-93.28906|44.96716,-93.28803|44.96641,-93.28810|44.96547,-93.28781|44.96494,-93.28726|44.96454,-93.28632|44.96444,-93.28527|44.96482,-93.28312|44.96583,-93.27933|44.96654,-93.27651|44.96671,-93.27469|44.96659,-93.27271|44.96592,-93.26946|44.95731,-93.26953|44.95629,-93.26984|44.95192,-93.27334|44.95065,-93.27427|44.94955,-93.27470|44.94836,-93.27476|44.89426,-93.27499|44.89079,-93.27512|44.89024,-93.27813|44.89018,-93.28836|44.89081,-93.31882|44.90523,-93.31882|44.90532,-93.32900|44.94047,-93.32903|44.95365,-93.32877}} {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Minneapolis}} {{geo|44.937828|-93.299046}} 3s49srlthc3llp6rnzeer0ehowvz1qc 4487984 4487983 2022-07-21T21:20:32Z Eco84 35690 /* Lakes */ Updated listing for Lake Harriet - dead link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Minneapolis Calhoun Isles Lagoon 1 banner.jpg|pgname=Southwest Minneapolis|caption=The lagoon between Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles, as viewed from the tunnel under Lake Street}} '''Southwest Minneapolis''' is a district in [[Minneapolis]]. It includes Uptown, Lyn-Lake, the Wedge, Eat Street, Linden Hills, the popular Chain of Lakes, and other areas. Part of the 50th and France commercial district bleeds into the Fulton neighborhood, but most of it lies in [[Edina]]. ==Get in== {{mapframe|44.927828|-93.299046|zoom=13|height=800|width=420}} Streets run east/west and generally have numbers that increase as you go further south. Nicollet Avenue divides the streets. Append the direction at the end of streets such as W 27th Street to indicate west of Nicollet. Avenues run alphabetically west from Lyndale (Aldrich, Bryant, Colfax) far into the suburban surrounding communities. When the alphabet reaches Z, it starts again at A. Avenues are named in no particular order in a small half-mile band between Lyndale and Nicollet, then numbered east from Nicollet Avenue heading towards [[Minneapolis/South|South Minneapolis]], where the numbered avenues continue until you reach [[Saint Paul]]. The first part of addresses on the avenues are based on the nearest cross street. For example, 4000 France Avenue South is at the corner of France Avenue and 40th Street. ===By public transit=== *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/2 Route 2]''' begins at Hennepin and Franklin and travels east along Franklin Avenue through the Wedge and Whittier neighborhoods before continuing on to [[Minneapolis/South|Phillips, Seward, the West Bank]], and the [[Minneapolis/Southeast|University of Minnesota]]. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/4 Route 4]''' travels along Lyndale Avenue from downtown to 50th Street (passing through Lyn-Lake). At this point, the route splits into two branches, with one continuing on Lyndale Avenue and the other turning on 50th Street, where it goes west to Penn Avenue, and then goes south from there. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/6 Route 6]''' travels along Hennepin Avenue from downtown to its end at 36th Street (passing though Uptown), turns west, and skirts the southeastern edge of Bde Maka Ska. The route splits in two at 39th Street and Sheridan Avenue; one continues west on 39th Street to France Avenue, then travels south from there (passing through the 50th & France commercial district), and the other travels south on Sheridan Avenue, which merges onto Upton Avenue (passing though the Linden Hills commercial district), turns west on 44th Street, and then continues south on Xerxes Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/11 Route 11]''' begins in Columbia Heights and runs through Northeast Minneapolis and Downtown. In the Whittier neighborhood it runs along 3rd Avenue, passing by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Hennepin History Museum, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. At 28th Street it jogs over to 4th Avenue in Phillips and continues through western Powderhorn and Nokomis before terminating in the Kingfield neighborhood at 46th Street and Nicollet Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/12 Route 12]''' enters Minneapolis along Excelsior Boulevard, which soon ends and merges onto Lake Street. The route continues until its end at the Uptown Transit Station; during rush hours it will continue travelling along Hennepin Avenue into downtown. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/17 Route 17]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue from downtown to 24th Street, turns west, then turns south on Hennepin Avenue. Past the Uptown Transit Station, it will turn west on Lagoon Avenue, which then merges onto Lake Street, and continue from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/18 Route 18]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue through the entirety of Southwest Minneapolis, passing through Eat Street along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/21 Route 21]''' travels along Lake Street from neighborhoods to the east until its end at Uptown Transit Station, passing through Lyn-Lake along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/23 Route 23]''' travels along 38th Street to Bryant Avenue, jogs two blocks north to 36th Street, then travels west to Hennepin Avenue, continuing north from there until its end at the Uptown Transit Station *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/46 Route 46]''' travels along 46th Street to 34th Avenue, jogs four blocks north to 42nd Street, then travels west to Cedar Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 46th Street, continuing west from there until either Nicollet Avenue or Bryant Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 50th Street and continues from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/53 Route 53]''' is a limited stop route travelling on Lake Street alongside the 21 (see above); stops are located at Uptown Transit Center, Lake & Girard, Lake & Lyndale, Lake & Nicollet, and Lake & 1st. This service only operates during rush hours, eastbound in the morning and westbound in the afternoon and evening. ===By bike=== *'''[http://www.midtowngreenway.org Midtown Greenway]''' is a bike path (grade-separated east of Hennepin) that runs east-west one block north of Lake Street. It continues east into South Minneapolis, and the west end the of the Greenway links to the Southwest LRT Trail that head to St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and beyond. *'''Kenilworth Trail''' runs roughly north-south between Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles. It acts as a connector between the Cedar Lake Trail to the north (a commuter trail running between Downtown and the west suburbs) and the Midtown Greenway/Southwest LRT Trail to the south. ===By car=== *'''Interstate 35W''' is along the eastern edge of the district, with exits at Lake Street/31st Street (northbound exit/southbound entrance only), 35th Street/36th Street, 46th Street, Diamond Lake Road, and 60th Street. For northbound travellers, the 31st/Lake exit will be useful for getting to Lyn-Lake and Uptown areas, just travel westbound on either street. Southbound I-35W travellers wanting to get to those two areas should exit onto westbound I-94 (see below). *'''Interstate 94''' is to the northeast of the district. The Lyndale Avenue/Hennepin Avenue exit is useful for getting into the area. Follow Lyndale southbound to get to Lyn-Lake or Hennepin southbound to get to Uptown. *'''Interstate 394''' is along the northern edge of the district. ==See== [[Image:Mpls arts-crop.jpg|340px|thumb|Minneapolis Institute of Arts]] ===Museums=== * {{see | name=The Bakken Museum | alt= | url=http://www.thebakken.org | email=info@thebakken.org | address=3537 Zenith Ave S | lat=44.938336 | long=-93.321216 | directions=at 36th St, near W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy | phone=+1 612 926-3878 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 927-7265 | hours=Tu-Su 10AM-5PM | price=$11 adults, $9 seniors, $8 students, $6 children 4-17, free admission for children under age 4 | wikipedia=The Bakken | image=The Bakken Museum - Medicinal Garden View.jpg | wikidata=Q7715370 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The world's only museum devoted to medical electricity. }} * {{see | name=Hennepin History Museum | alt= | url=http://www.hennepinhistory.org | email=museum.info@hennepinhistory.org | address=2303 3rd Ave S | lat=44.960184 | long=-93.272459 | directions=between 22nd and 24th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-1329 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-1320 | hours=Gallery: Th-F 10AM-3PM, Sa 10AM-5PM; library and archives: by appointment | price=$8 adults, $5 seniors/students | wikipedia=Hennepin History Museum | image=Hennepin History 2.jpg | wikidata=Q14692640 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{see | name=Minneapolis Institute of Art | alt= | url=http://www.artsmia.org | email= | address=2400 3rd Ave S | lat=44.958726 | long=-93.273851 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3131 | tollfree=+1-888-642-2787 | hours=Th-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Minneapolis Institute of Art | image=Minneapolis Institute of Arts.jpg | wikidata=Q1700481 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content="The Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses more than 100,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history.". }} * {{see | name=The Museum of Russian Art | alt= | url=http://www.tmora.org | email= | address=5500 Stevens Ave | lat=44.903491 | long=-93.275967 | directions=at Diamond Lake Rd, next to Interstate 35W; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 821-9045 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 821-4392 | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price=$14 adults, $12 seniors 65+, $5 students, free for children under 14 | wikipedia=The Museum of Russian Art | image=Museum of Russian Art.jpg | wikidata=Q14693087 | lastedit=2022-07-09 | content=Museum showcases Russian art from the 20th century, including Soviet art. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Lakewood Cemetery | alt= | url=http://www.lakewoodcemetery.com | email= | address=entrance along 36th St at the foot of Hennepin Ave | lat=44.934456 | long=-93.299038 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-2171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily: Summer 8AM-8PM, Labor Day to Fall Daylight Savings 8AM-7PM, Fall Daylight Savings to Spring Daylight Savings 8AM-5PM | price= | wikidata=Q1801158| wikipedia=Lakewood Cemetery | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lyndale Park | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/lyndale_park/ | email= | address=1300 W 42nd St | lat=44.928471 | long=-93.298266 | directions=north of Lake Harriet, south of Lakewood Cemetery, west of Dupont Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | wikidata=Q6708608| wikipedia=Lyndale Park | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Home to an arboretum, rose gardens, perennial gardens, peace gardens, and a bird sanctuary. }} * {{see | name=Beard's Plaisance | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/beards_plaisance/ | email= | address=4525 Upton Ave S | lat=44.9207 | long=-93.3145 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Along the west side of Lake Harriet. Contains a picnic area with a large picnic structure, a playground, and tennis courts. }} ==Do== [[Image:Uptown Theatre Minneapolis 2011.JPG|340px|thumb|Uptown Theatre at night]] ===Film=== Head to Uptown for some independent film: * {{do | name=Uptown Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/uptown-theatre | email= | address=2906 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.949057 | long=-93.298679 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-3005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7899454| wikipedia=Uptown Theater (Minneapolis) | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=One screen. Films often run for a week or two. Afterwards they ''sometimes'' move down to the multi-screen Lagoon Cinema. In addition to the usual concessions, the Uptown Theatre also serves alcoholic beverages in the upstairs bar. }} * {{do | name=Lagoon Cinema | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/lagoon-cinema | email= | address=1320 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949422 | long=-93.296744 | directions=at Girard; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 825-6006 | tollfree= | fax= | image=Lagoon Cinema 3.jpg | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=Five screens. }} ===Lakes=== * {{do | name=Cedar Lake | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.960278 | long=-93.321111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4218899 | content=Cedar Lake has a shady public swimming beach. }} * {{do | name=Lake of the Isles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.954722 | long=-93.3075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4332113 | content=Lake of the Isles has bird sanctuaries on its (officially off-limits) islands, and a public skating rink (with warming house) are groomed in the winter months. Check the newspaper; you may get lucky and catch a world-class speed-skating competition here. Its shores also feature some of the best climbing trees in the city, particularly for those who carry a short rope ladder in their pack. }} * {{do | name=Bde Maka Ska | alt=formerly Lake Calhoun | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/bde_maka_ska_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.941944 | long=-93.312222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1800879 | lastedit=2020-06-18 | content=Bde Maka Ska has three public beaches and [https://www.minneapolisparks.org/rentals__permits/watercraft_storage__rentals/watercraft-rental/ boat rentals] (and lessons), and a snack bar that resembles a real restaurant more every summer. }} * {{do | name=Lake Harriet | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/lake_harriet_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.921389 | long=-93.305278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4496056 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Lake Harriet also has boat rentals near its bandshell. }} ===Theater=== {{anchor|Theatre}} * {{do | name=Jungle Theater | url=http://www.jungletheater.com | email= | address=2951 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948851 | long=-93.287839 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 822-7063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Bryant-Lake Bowl | alt= | url=http://www.bryantlakebowl.com | email= | address=810 W Lake St | lat=44.94855 | long=-93.29014 | directions=at Bryant; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 825-8949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vintage bowling alley with a small theater attached, hosting various small-scale theater, improv, and music events. The BLB is also a decent dining and drinking option. }} ===Other=== [[File:TCRT 1300 at Linden Hills Depot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Streetcar at Linden Hills Station]] * {{do | name=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line | alt= | url=http://www.msmuseum.org | email= | address=W 42nd St and Queen Ave S | lat=44.92775 | long=-93.309451 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Su early May through late November, and M-F mid May though early September | price=$2 single ride or $5 day pass (also includes rides on the Excelsior streetcar) | wikidata=Q5155119| wikipedia=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line |lastedit=2018-09-23| content=Heritage streetcar line running along a one-mile track between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun), which used to be part of a much longer streetcar line that ran all the way to Lake Como in [[Saint Paul]], hence the name. It is operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, which also operates a heritage streetcar line in [[Excelsior]], near Lake Minnetonka. Its fleet includes two streetcars from the 1900s built by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company and one PCC streetcar from the 1940s built by the St. Louis Car Company. Streetcars begin and end their journey at Linden Hills Station located at 42nd and Queen on the west side of Lake Harriet. There is also a second much less used stop on near the east side of Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) at 36th Street and Richfield Road. }} ==Buy== [[Image:Calhoun mpls.jpg|340px|thumb|Calhoun Square, Uptown]] ===Asian markets=== * {{buy | name=New Orient Market | url= | email= | address=2800 1st Ave S | lat=44.951736 | long=-93.276904 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Shuang Hur Supermarket | url= | email= | address=2710 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953268 | long=-93.278159 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-8606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Truong Thanh Market | url= | email= | address=2520 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956578 | long=-93.278102 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 879-0561 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Bookstores=== * {{buy | name=College of Comic Book Knowledge | alt= | url=http://www.comicbookcollege.com | email= | address=4632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918479 | long=-93.278274 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-2309 | tollfree= | hours=M-Tu noon-7PM, W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Great for newer and more mainstream comics. }} * {{buy | name=Magers and Quinn | alt= | url=http://www.magersandquinn.com | email=info@magersandquinn.com | address=3038 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.9471 | long=-93.298608 | directions=between Lake and 31st Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-4611 | tollfree=+1-866-912-6657 | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=New and used books. }} * {{buy | name=Once Upon A Crime | alt= | url=https://onceuponacrimebooks.indielite.org | email= | address=604 W 26th St | lat=44.955708 | long=-93.287244 | directions=between Garfield and Lyndale; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-3785 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-5:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Mystery bookstore. Ask about The Annex: two giant rooms full of rare first editions, out of print books, magazines, journals, and thousands of hard-to-get gently used volumes. Great for finding new titles and plenty of back-list books for hordes of mystery and thriller writers. }} * {{buy | name=Wild Rumpus | alt= | url=http://www.wildrumpusbooks.com | email= | address=2720 W 43rd St | lat=44.92461 | long=-93.313685 | directions=between Upton and Lake Harriet; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 920-5005 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A renowned children's bookstore with a plethora of live animals roaming around; the cats somehow manage to coexist peacefully with the birds, mice, chicken, and other animals. }} ===Clothes=== * {{buy | name=Ragstock | alt= | url=http://www.ragstock.com/ | email= | address=1433 W Lake St | lat=44.948171 | long=-93.299222 | directions=between Hennepin and Holmes; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-6690 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A local chain of used clothing stores. Clothing is shipped in from thrift stores across the country and sorted through and either torn to rags for commercial use, or pulled aside to be sold in one of the stores. There are stores around the Twin Cities area in addition to the Uptown location listed above. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=Cheapo | alt= | url=http://www.cheapodiscs.com | email= | address=2600 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955293 | long=-93.278216 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 827-8238 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Cheapo specializes in all areas of music as well as DVDs and vinyl records. If you are looking for something that's hard to find, it's a good bet that they will have it. If not, they can order it for you. They also have a large collection of used CDs with huge inventories coming in everyday. }} * {{buy | name=Electric Fetus | alt= | url=http://www.electricfetus.com | email= | address=2000 4th Ave S | lat=44.962445 | long=-93.270423 | directions=at Franklin Ave; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11 | phone=+1 612 870-9300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | image=The Electric Fetus.jpg | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Possibly the most complete selection of CDs in town across all genres. Hold on tight to your wallet when you walk in here. If there's an obscure CD you've been looking for, this place is likely to have it. Listening stations are posted throughout the store enticing all who enter to try out some new music. It's the place you would go if you had unlimited resources for buying new music. Be prepared to pay full price, although new releases are frequently on sale. Buy four CDs and get a discount. Tickets for local venues are on sale here too. }} * {{buy | name=Extreme Noise Records | alt= | url=http://www.extremenoise.com | email= | address=407 W Lake St | lat=44.94819 | long=-93.284674 | directions=at Grand Ave; {{rint|bus}} 21 | phone=+1 612 842-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-8PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Specializes in all punk and subgenres therein. A cooperative run for almost 20 years by local punks. Amazing selection of punk 'zines, CDs, LPs and 7-inches. ''The'' place in town for finding hard-to-find punk records, trading punk records, finding other punks, seeking out that basement show, etc. Don't let the punk rock moniker scare the less-than punk away. If you want to see what a truly independent local scene can produce and meet some of the most earnest members of the scene, you ''must'' check out Extreme Noise. }} * {{buy | name=Roadrunner Records | alt= | url=https://www.roadrunnermpls.com/ | email= | address=4534 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.920312 | long=-93.278204 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-0613 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Has a great selection of independent LPs, CDs and DVDs. Known for their international music section. Punk and alt-country genres don't suffer. A great independent record store with lots of local and independently produced product. }} ==Eat== ===Eat Street=== * {{eat | name=The Bad Waitress | alt= | url=http://www.thebadwaitress.com | email= | address=2 E 26th St | lat=44.955723 | long=-93.277682 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-7575 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-11PM, Sa 7:30AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Hipster diner. You have to write your order on a ticket and give it to the cashier, hence the restaurant name. }} * {{eat | name=Black Forest Inn | alt= | url=http://www.blackforestinnmpls.com | email= | address=1 E 26th St | lat=44.955386 | long=-93.277645 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-0812 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 872-0423 | hours=10:30AM-midnight daily, kitchen closes at 10PM weekdays and 11PM weekends | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The most renowned German restaurant in the Twin Cities. }} * {{eat | name=Christos | alt= | url=http://www.christos.com | email= | address=2632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.954326 | long=-93.278161 | directions=between 26th and 27th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-2111 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-8129 | hours=Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Greek. }} * {{eat | name=El Mariachi | url= | email= | address=2750 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952227 | long=-93.278109 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 10AM-8PM, F-Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Harry Singh’s Original Caribbean Restaurant | alt= | url=http://harrysinghs.com | email= | address=2653 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953965 | long=-93.277624 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 729-6181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11:30AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The menu at Harry Singh's is dominated by roti wraps and creole rice dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine 26 | alt= | url=http://www.jasminempls.com | email= | address=8 E 26th St | lat=44.955684 | long=-93.277313 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su Tu-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=A fancier Vietnamese restaurant operated by the owners of Jasmine Deli. The salt and pepper tofu appetizer is to die for. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine Deli | alt= | url=http://jasminedelimpls.com | email= | address=2532 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956222 | long=-93.278098 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=Ridiculously cheap but well-regarded Vietnamese food. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. No credit cards. }} * {{eat | name=Pancho Villa | alt= | url=http://www.panchovillasgrill.com | email= | address=2539 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.95599 | long=-93.277607 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7014 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Mexican. Two-for-one margaritas and selected beers on weekdays. Spanish language karaoke! }} * {{eat | name=Peninsula | alt= | url=http://www.peninsulamalaysiancuisine.com | email= | address=2608 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955111 | long=-93.27819 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-8282 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-2863 | hours=Su-M,W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Malaysian cuisine. They make their own tofu, but vegans beware that it contains egg. }} * {{eat | name=Pho 79 | alt= | url=http://www.pho79mpls.com | email= | address=2529 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956372 | long=-93.277547 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-9PM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Pho Tau Bay | url=http://www.photaubay.us | email= | address=2837 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.950743 | long=-93.277719 | directions=at 29th St/Cecil Newman Ln; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 874-6030 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Tu 9:30AM-8:30PM, Th-Sa 9:30AM-8:30PM, Su 9:30AM-8PM | price= | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Quang | alt= | url=http://www.quang-restaurant.com | email= | address=2719 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953117 | long=-93.277651 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4739 | tollfree= | hours=M,W-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10:30AM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-8:30PM, Tu closed | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Rainbow Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.rainbowrestaurant.com | email= | address=2739 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952511 | long=-93.277642 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-7084 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-9:30PM, F 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} ===Lyn-Lake=== * {{eat | name=French Meadow Bakery and Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.frenchmeadowcafe.com | email= | address=2610 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.95498 | long=-93.288443 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-7855 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-0907 | hours=Su-Th 7AM-9PM, F-Sa 7AM-10PM | price=$4-20, depending on the time of day. Cheapest in the morning | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Owner and founder of this excellent bakery and cafe, Lynn Gordon, has a passion for fabulous yeast free breads, and has been an artisan baker since before that term began to be applied to high-quality individual bakers. Virtually everything on the menu is delicious and original, and save room for the desserts and fair trade coffee. On weekends arrive early to avoid the brunch rush. Vegetarian and vegan options available. }} * {{eat | name=Galactic Pizza | alt= | url=http://www.galacticpizza.com | email= | address=2917 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.949691 | long=-93.287756 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 824-9100 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The decor is kitschy. Their stand out feature is not only a little car run 100% by electric power but the delivery driver dons a funky costume while driving said vehicle. If you order the Second Harvest pizza (which is excellent) the business donates a dollar to the Second Harvest Food Bank (for every one ordered). Vegetarian friendly, vegan soy cheese and mockmeats available. }} * {{eat | name=Milkjam Creamery | alt= | url=https://milkjamcreamery.com | email= | address=2743 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.952454 | long=-93.287817 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 424-4668 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Ice cream shop with flavors ranging from normal like the Black (very dark cocoa) to odd ones like the Elvis (curry peanut butter banana). Most of the flavors are gluten-free, and some are vegan. }} * {{eat | name=moto-i | url=http://www.moto-i.com | email= | address=2940 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948672 | long=-93.288454 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 821-6262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F noon-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM | price= | content=Japanese restaurant with house-brewed sake and a rooftop patio. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Lucé | alt= | url=http://www.pizzaluce.com | email= | address=3200 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.944549 | long=-93.288724 | directions=at 32nd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 827-5978 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa-Su 10AM-midnight (takeout/delivery until 2AM Su-Th, 2:30AM F-Sa) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=You can get pizza by the slice or sit down and order a whole pie. Vegetarian friendly; vegan soy cheese, nut cheese, and mockmeats available. Also offers gluten-free pizzas. }} ===Uptown=== * {{eat | name=Barbette | alt= | url=https://www.barbette.com | email= | address=1600 W Lake St | lat=44.94859 | long=-93.302296 | directions=at Irving; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-5710 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 9AM-10PM, F-Sa 9AM-11PM | price=$15-30 | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=French-inspired cafe. Also hosts the annual Bastille Day block party celebration in the summer. }} * {{eat | name=Isles Bun and Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.islesbun.com | email= | address=1424 W 28th St | lat=44.952255 | long=-93.298695 | directions=between Hennepin and Humboldt; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 870-4466 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 6:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=A classic city bakery and coffee shop. Very limited seating inside, but with sidewalk tables and two blocks to Lake of the Isles it hardly matters. Bakers work in full view in a sunken work area behind the counter, putting out some of the best rolls, buns, and other delectables in the city. Check out the cinnamon roll and their savory breakfast items. }} * {{eat | name=Origami | alt= | url=https://www.origamirestaurant.com | email= | address=1354 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949639 | long=-93.297126 | directions=at Girard, below the Mozaic parking garage facing the plaza; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 223-8666 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 4:30PM-9PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10PM | price=$15+ | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Best known for their sushi. Generally a posh, overly-sedate crowd and indifferent service. }} ===The Wedge=== * {{eat | name=Namaste Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.namastecafemn.com/ | email= | address=2512 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.956939 | long=-93.296125 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-2496 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Namaste is located in a duplex converted to a restaurant and gift shop, so try to keep your eye out when heading down Hennepin. The owners are Nepali and the food is very similar to Indian cuisine. The cooking is very homey and the prices are quite reasonable for such a prime location. Lunch will cost around $8. Try one of their amazing chai teas; 8 varieties to choose from. They grind their own spices and mix up one heck of a good cup. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} ===Other areas=== * {{eat | name=Broders Cucina Italiana | url=http://www.broders.com | email= | address=2308 W 50th St | lat=44.912522 | long=-93.309188 | directions=at Penn Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-3113 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-M 11AM-8PM, Tu-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-9PM | price= | content=Small Italian deli, limited seating available. }} * {{eat | name=Broders Pasta Bar | alt= | url=https://www.broderspastabar.com/ | email= | address=5000 Penn Ave S | lat=44.912102 | long=-93.309146 | directions=at 50th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-9202 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-Th 4PM-9PM, F-Sa 4PM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=The sit-down restaurant operated by the same people that run the deli across the street. The menu features around 20 different past dishes, a mix of new and old favorites. Although reasonably small and often crowded, it is worth the wait! }} * {{eat | name=Cavé Vin | alt= | url=https://www.cave-vin.net | email= | address=5555 Xerxes Ave S | lat=44.901899 | long=-93.318468 | directions=at 56th St; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 922-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 5PM-9PM (last reservations taken at 8PM) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cave Vin features a Mediterranean/French menu. Tons of charm, great food and wine. }} * {{eat | name=Hola Arepa | alt= | url=https://www.holaarepa.com | email= | address=3501 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.939343 | long=-93.27739 | directions=at 35th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 345-5583 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 4PM-10PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Restaurant specializing in Venezuelan arepas, which are cornmeal griddle cakes with various fillings. }} * {{eat | name=Pepito's Mexi-Go Deli | alt= | url=http://www.pepitosrestaurant.com | email= | address=4624 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918844 | long=-93.278529 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 825-6311 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Deli-style fast food Mexican. Try the fish tacos, they're fantastic. No alcohol, but fast service and fantastic food for those on the go. }} * {{eat | name=Punch Neapolitan Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.punchpizza.com | email= | address=3226 W Lake St | lat=44.94948 | long=-93.320436 | directions=inside Greenway Lakes Commons, west of the Lake St/Excelsior Blvd interchange; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 929-0006 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Neapolitan pizzeria in a strip mall on the opposite side of the lakes from Uptown. Pizzas are baked in an 800F wood-burning oven for 90 seconds. Punch is one of the few restaurants that actually has certification from the official Napoli pizza organization. }} * {{eat | name=Victor's 1959 Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.victors1959cafe.com | email= | address=3756 Grand Ave | lat=44.934266 | long=-93.284691 | directions=at 38th St; {{rint|bus}} 23 | phone=+1 612 827-8948 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 9AM-2:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cuban restaurant with good portions and a somewhat fashionably divey atmosphere; the interior is covered in graffiti from previous patrons. The cafe looks like a shack on the outside and seating is pretty limited; be prepared for long waits on the weekends. }} ==Drink== ===Alcohol=== * {{drink | name=CC Club | alt= | url=http://www.ccclubbar.com/ | email= | address=2600 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.9554 | long=-93.28837 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 874-7226 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A cheap and popular punk/alternative hangout, a favorite of the Replacements and the setting for their song "Here Comes a Regular.". }} * {{drink | name=Red Dragon | alt= | url=http://reddragonmpls.com | email= | address=2116 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.961247 | long=-93.288248 | directions=between Franklin and 22nd St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 874-8877 | tollfree= | hours=M 5PM-1AM, Tu-Th 11AM-1AM, F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM, Su 2PM-1AM | price=Specialty drinks $10-13, shots $6.50 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Nominally a restaurant serving unremarkable grease-bomb Chinese food, the Red Dragon is more noted for its alcohol menu. That menu includes the infamous Wondrous Punch, a mixture of four different kinds of rum with a bit of grenadine and fruit juice; one order of punch is plenty for most people. }} ===Coffee=== * {{drink | name=Bob's Java Hut | alt= | url=http://www.bobsjavahut.com | email=bobsjavahut@gmail.com | address=2651 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.953852 | long=-93.287842 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 871-4485 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 7AM-7PM, F-Sa 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. Frequently a day-time biker hang out. Nice staff. }} * {{drink | name=Caffetto | alt= | url=http://www.caffettocafe.com | email= | address=708 W 22nd St | lat=44.961061 | long=-93.288507 | directions=between Lyndale and Aldrich; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 872-0911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-1AM daily | price= | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Canteen Local 3255 | alt= | url=http://canteen3255.com | email= | address=3255 Bryant Ave S | lat=44.943042 | long=-93.290561 | directions=at 33rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 824-6611 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Misfit Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.misfitcoffee.com | email= | address=2401 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.959017 | long=-93.287804 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 800-4411 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 7AM-8PM, F-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Misfit started out as a coffee truck but now have a brick-and-mortar location. They offer standard espresso drinks and brewed coffee, plus nitro cold brew and a menu of cold brew-based flavored drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2451 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.957457 | long=-93.277649 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3177 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa-Su 7AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2404 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.958937 | long=-93.294571 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 377-2278 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa-Su 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Uncommon Grounds | alt= | url=http://uncommongroundscoffeehouse.com | email= | address=2809 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.951535 | long=-93.298029 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 872-4811 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 1PM-9PM, Sa-Su 9AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Located in a renovated Victorian house. Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Vicinity Coffee | alt= | url=http://vicinitycoffee.com | email= | address=3350 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.941452 | long=-93.288448 | directions=at 34th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 545-5972 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 6AM-8PM, Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2018-05-22 | content=Features locally roasted small batch coffees. Free wifi. }} ==Sleep== There aren't many lodging options in Southwest Minneapolis, but the [[Minneapolis/Downtown#Sleep|Downtown]] hotels aren't too far from the Uptown, Lyn-Lake, and Eat Street areas. * {{sleep | name=Minneapolis International Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/minneapolis-international-hostel/3660 | email= | address=2400 Stevens Ave South | lat=44.958989 | long=-93.275611 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 522-5000 | tollfree= | checkin=9AM-1PM and 5PM-9PM | checkout=9AM | price=$40 dorms, $80 privates | lastedit=2017-08-01 | content=This is the only backpackers' hostel in the Twin Cities. Quick walking distance to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and Eat Street. A 15 minute walk or short bus ride to [[Minneapolis/Downtown|Downtown]], and a short bus ride to Uptown. A credit card number is required to be on file for every party staying with them. }} * {{sleep | name=Moxy Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mspox-moxy-minneapolis-uptown/ | email= | address=1121 W Lake St | lat=44.948159 | long=-93.294186 | directions=at Emerson; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 822-5020 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$100-250 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A boutique hotel from the Marriott chain that's mostly oriented to a younger crowd. The guest rooms are modern but on the smaller side. There is a bar and lots of common space on the ground floor. The hotel attracts a party crowd and might not be the best option for those seeking peace and quiet. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Linden Hills Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2900 W 43rd St | lat=44.92502 | long=-93.316488 | directions=at Vincent; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 543-6825 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-W,F-Sa 9AM-5PM, Th noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Linden Hills Library | image=Linden Hills Branch Library.jpg | wikidata=Q6552323 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Walker Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2880 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.94959 | long=-93.29868 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 543-8400 | tollfree= | hours=Tu,Th-Sa 9AM-5PM, W noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Walker Library (Minneapolis) | image=Walker Library, Summer 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q7962236 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Washburn Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=5244 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.907373 | long=-93.288684 | directions=between Minnehaha Pkwy and 53rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 543-8375 | tollfree= | hours=Tu noon-8PM, W-Sa 9AM-5PM, | price= | wikipedia=Washburn Library | image=Washburn Community Library, June 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q20047311 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} ==Go next== * Much of the artist community that has been priced out of Uptown moved to [[Minneapolis/Northeast|Northeast]]. * If you're still hungry for more Southeast Asian food after eating your way through Eat Street, there's another large concentration in the Frogtown neighborhood of [[Saint Paul]]. * If you keep heading north along the trails near Cedar Lake you'll eventually find yourself in [[Minneapolis/North|Theodore Wirth Park]]. {{mapmask|44.97009,-93.32863|44.97024,-93.32188|44.96999,-93.30884|44.96948,-93.30292|44.96964,-93.30087|44.97104,-93.29733|44.96987,-93.29546|44.96988,-93.29053|44.96917,-93.29028|44.96903,-93.29039|44.96879,-93.29022|44.96860,-93.29021|44.96818,-93.29060|44.96732,-93.28954|44.96716,-93.28906|44.96716,-93.28803|44.96641,-93.28810|44.96547,-93.28781|44.96494,-93.28726|44.96454,-93.28632|44.96444,-93.28527|44.96482,-93.28312|44.96583,-93.27933|44.96654,-93.27651|44.96671,-93.27469|44.96659,-93.27271|44.96592,-93.26946|44.95731,-93.26953|44.95629,-93.26984|44.95192,-93.27334|44.95065,-93.27427|44.94955,-93.27470|44.94836,-93.27476|44.89426,-93.27499|44.89079,-93.27512|44.89024,-93.27813|44.89018,-93.28836|44.89081,-93.31882|44.90523,-93.31882|44.90532,-93.32900|44.94047,-93.32903|44.95365,-93.32877}} {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Minneapolis}} {{geo|44.937828|-93.299046}} 9lgh7agb3t71rnznt02x6b9gytwrdul 4487989 4487984 2022-07-21T21:28:08Z Eco84 35690 /* Lakes */ Updated listing for Lake of the Isles wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Minneapolis Calhoun Isles Lagoon 1 banner.jpg|pgname=Southwest Minneapolis|caption=The lagoon between Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles, as viewed from the tunnel under Lake Street}} '''Southwest Minneapolis''' is a district in [[Minneapolis]]. It includes Uptown, Lyn-Lake, the Wedge, Eat Street, Linden Hills, the popular Chain of Lakes, and other areas. Part of the 50th and France commercial district bleeds into the Fulton neighborhood, but most of it lies in [[Edina]]. ==Get in== {{mapframe|44.927828|-93.299046|zoom=13|height=800|width=420}} Streets run east/west and generally have numbers that increase as you go further south. Nicollet Avenue divides the streets. Append the direction at the end of streets such as W 27th Street to indicate west of Nicollet. Avenues run alphabetically west from Lyndale (Aldrich, Bryant, Colfax) far into the suburban surrounding communities. When the alphabet reaches Z, it starts again at A. Avenues are named in no particular order in a small half-mile band between Lyndale and Nicollet, then numbered east from Nicollet Avenue heading towards [[Minneapolis/South|South Minneapolis]], where the numbered avenues continue until you reach [[Saint Paul]]. The first part of addresses on the avenues are based on the nearest cross street. For example, 4000 France Avenue South is at the corner of France Avenue and 40th Street. ===By public transit=== *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/2 Route 2]''' begins at Hennepin and Franklin and travels east along Franklin Avenue through the Wedge and Whittier neighborhoods before continuing on to [[Minneapolis/South|Phillips, Seward, the West Bank]], and the [[Minneapolis/Southeast|University of Minnesota]]. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/4 Route 4]''' travels along Lyndale Avenue from downtown to 50th Street (passing through Lyn-Lake). At this point, the route splits into two branches, with one continuing on Lyndale Avenue and the other turning on 50th Street, where it goes west to Penn Avenue, and then goes south from there. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/6 Route 6]''' travels along Hennepin Avenue from downtown to its end at 36th Street (passing though Uptown), turns west, and skirts the southeastern edge of Bde Maka Ska. The route splits in two at 39th Street and Sheridan Avenue; one continues west on 39th Street to France Avenue, then travels south from there (passing through the 50th & France commercial district), and the other travels south on Sheridan Avenue, which merges onto Upton Avenue (passing though the Linden Hills commercial district), turns west on 44th Street, and then continues south on Xerxes Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/11 Route 11]''' begins in Columbia Heights and runs through Northeast Minneapolis and Downtown. In the Whittier neighborhood it runs along 3rd Avenue, passing by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Hennepin History Museum, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. At 28th Street it jogs over to 4th Avenue in Phillips and continues through western Powderhorn and Nokomis before terminating in the Kingfield neighborhood at 46th Street and Nicollet Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/12 Route 12]''' enters Minneapolis along Excelsior Boulevard, which soon ends and merges onto Lake Street. The route continues until its end at the Uptown Transit Station; during rush hours it will continue travelling along Hennepin Avenue into downtown. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/17 Route 17]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue from downtown to 24th Street, turns west, then turns south on Hennepin Avenue. Past the Uptown Transit Station, it will turn west on Lagoon Avenue, which then merges onto Lake Street, and continue from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/18 Route 18]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue through the entirety of Southwest Minneapolis, passing through Eat Street along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/21 Route 21]''' travels along Lake Street from neighborhoods to the east until its end at Uptown Transit Station, passing through Lyn-Lake along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/23 Route 23]''' travels along 38th Street to Bryant Avenue, jogs two blocks north to 36th Street, then travels west to Hennepin Avenue, continuing north from there until its end at the Uptown Transit Station *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/46 Route 46]''' travels along 46th Street to 34th Avenue, jogs four blocks north to 42nd Street, then travels west to Cedar Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 46th Street, continuing west from there until either Nicollet Avenue or Bryant Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 50th Street and continues from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/53 Route 53]''' is a limited stop route travelling on Lake Street alongside the 21 (see above); stops are located at Uptown Transit Center, Lake & Girard, Lake & Lyndale, Lake & Nicollet, and Lake & 1st. This service only operates during rush hours, eastbound in the morning and westbound in the afternoon and evening. ===By bike=== *'''[http://www.midtowngreenway.org Midtown Greenway]''' is a bike path (grade-separated east of Hennepin) that runs east-west one block north of Lake Street. It continues east into South Minneapolis, and the west end the of the Greenway links to the Southwest LRT Trail that head to St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and beyond. *'''Kenilworth Trail''' runs roughly north-south between Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles. It acts as a connector between the Cedar Lake Trail to the north (a commuter trail running between Downtown and the west suburbs) and the Midtown Greenway/Southwest LRT Trail to the south. ===By car=== *'''Interstate 35W''' is along the eastern edge of the district, with exits at Lake Street/31st Street (northbound exit/southbound entrance only), 35th Street/36th Street, 46th Street, Diamond Lake Road, and 60th Street. For northbound travellers, the 31st/Lake exit will be useful for getting to Lyn-Lake and Uptown areas, just travel westbound on either street. Southbound I-35W travellers wanting to get to those two areas should exit onto westbound I-94 (see below). *'''Interstate 94''' is to the northeast of the district. The Lyndale Avenue/Hennepin Avenue exit is useful for getting into the area. Follow Lyndale southbound to get to Lyn-Lake or Hennepin southbound to get to Uptown. *'''Interstate 394''' is along the northern edge of the district. ==See== [[Image:Mpls arts-crop.jpg|340px|thumb|Minneapolis Institute of Arts]] ===Museums=== * {{see | name=The Bakken Museum | alt= | url=http://www.thebakken.org | email=info@thebakken.org | address=3537 Zenith Ave S | lat=44.938336 | long=-93.321216 | directions=at 36th St, near W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy | phone=+1 612 926-3878 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 927-7265 | hours=Tu-Su 10AM-5PM | price=$11 adults, $9 seniors, $8 students, $6 children 4-17, free admission for children under age 4 | wikipedia=The Bakken | image=The Bakken Museum - Medicinal Garden View.jpg | wikidata=Q7715370 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The world's only museum devoted to medical electricity. }} * {{see | name=Hennepin History Museum | alt= | url=http://www.hennepinhistory.org | email=museum.info@hennepinhistory.org | address=2303 3rd Ave S | lat=44.960184 | long=-93.272459 | directions=between 22nd and 24th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-1329 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-1320 | hours=Gallery: Th-F 10AM-3PM, Sa 10AM-5PM; library and archives: by appointment | price=$8 adults, $5 seniors/students | wikipedia=Hennepin History Museum | image=Hennepin History 2.jpg | wikidata=Q14692640 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{see | name=Minneapolis Institute of Art | alt= | url=http://www.artsmia.org | email= | address=2400 3rd Ave S | lat=44.958726 | long=-93.273851 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3131 | tollfree=+1-888-642-2787 | hours=Th-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Minneapolis Institute of Art | image=Minneapolis Institute of Arts.jpg | wikidata=Q1700481 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content="The Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses more than 100,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history.". }} * {{see | name=The Museum of Russian Art | alt= | url=http://www.tmora.org | email= | address=5500 Stevens Ave | lat=44.903491 | long=-93.275967 | directions=at Diamond Lake Rd, next to Interstate 35W; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 821-9045 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 821-4392 | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price=$14 adults, $12 seniors 65+, $5 students, free for children under 14 | wikipedia=The Museum of Russian Art | image=Museum of Russian Art.jpg | wikidata=Q14693087 | lastedit=2022-07-09 | content=Museum showcases Russian art from the 20th century, including Soviet art. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Lakewood Cemetery | alt= | url=http://www.lakewoodcemetery.com | email= | address=entrance along 36th St at the foot of Hennepin Ave | lat=44.934456 | long=-93.299038 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-2171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily: Summer 8AM-8PM, Labor Day to Fall Daylight Savings 8AM-7PM, Fall Daylight Savings to Spring Daylight Savings 8AM-5PM | price= | wikidata=Q1801158| wikipedia=Lakewood Cemetery | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lyndale Park | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/lyndale_park/ | email= | address=1300 W 42nd St | lat=44.928471 | long=-93.298266 | directions=north of Lake Harriet, south of Lakewood Cemetery, west of Dupont Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | wikidata=Q6708608| wikipedia=Lyndale Park | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Home to an arboretum, rose gardens, perennial gardens, peace gardens, and a bird sanctuary. }} * {{see | name=Beard's Plaisance | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/beards_plaisance/ | email= | address=4525 Upton Ave S | lat=44.9207 | long=-93.3145 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Along the west side of Lake Harriet. Contains a picnic area with a large picnic structure, a playground, and tennis courts. }} ==Do== [[Image:Uptown Theatre Minneapolis 2011.JPG|340px|thumb|Uptown Theatre at night]] ===Film=== Head to Uptown for some independent film: * {{do | name=Uptown Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/uptown-theatre | email= | address=2906 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.949057 | long=-93.298679 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-3005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7899454| wikipedia=Uptown Theater (Minneapolis) | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=One screen. Films often run for a week or two. Afterwards they ''sometimes'' move down to the multi-screen Lagoon Cinema. In addition to the usual concessions, the Uptown Theatre also serves alcoholic beverages in the upstairs bar. }} * {{do | name=Lagoon Cinema | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/lagoon-cinema | email= | address=1320 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949422 | long=-93.296744 | directions=at Girard; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 825-6006 | tollfree= | fax= | image=Lagoon Cinema 3.jpg | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=Five screens. }} ===Lakes=== * {{do | name=Cedar Lake | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.960278 | long=-93.321111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4218899 | content=Cedar Lake has a shady public swimming beach. }} * {{do | name=Lake of the Isles | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/lake_of_the_isles_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.954722 | long=-93.3075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4332113 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Lake of the Isles has bird sanctuaries on its (officially off-limits) islands, and a public skating rink (with warming house) are groomed in the winter months. Check the newspaper; you may get lucky and catch a world-class speed-skating competition here. Its shores also feature some of the best climbing trees in the city, particularly for those who carry a short rope ladder in their pack. }} * {{do | name=Bde Maka Ska | alt=formerly Lake Calhoun | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/bde_maka_ska_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.941944 | long=-93.312222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1800879 | lastedit=2020-06-18 | content=Bde Maka Ska has three public beaches and [https://www.minneapolisparks.org/rentals__permits/watercraft_storage__rentals/watercraft-rental/ boat rentals] (and lessons), and a snack bar that resembles a real restaurant more every summer. }} * {{do | name=Lake Harriet | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/lake_harriet_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.921389 | long=-93.305278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4496056 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Lake Harriet also has boat rentals near its bandshell. }} ===Theater=== {{anchor|Theatre}} * {{do | name=Jungle Theater | url=http://www.jungletheater.com | email= | address=2951 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948851 | long=-93.287839 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 822-7063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Bryant-Lake Bowl | alt= | url=http://www.bryantlakebowl.com | email= | address=810 W Lake St | lat=44.94855 | long=-93.29014 | directions=at Bryant; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 825-8949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vintage bowling alley with a small theater attached, hosting various small-scale theater, improv, and music events. The BLB is also a decent dining and drinking option. }} ===Other=== [[File:TCRT 1300 at Linden Hills Depot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Streetcar at Linden Hills Station]] * {{do | name=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line | alt= | url=http://www.msmuseum.org | email= | address=W 42nd St and Queen Ave S | lat=44.92775 | long=-93.309451 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Su early May through late November, and M-F mid May though early September | price=$2 single ride or $5 day pass (also includes rides on the Excelsior streetcar) | wikidata=Q5155119| wikipedia=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line |lastedit=2018-09-23| content=Heritage streetcar line running along a one-mile track between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun), which used to be part of a much longer streetcar line that ran all the way to Lake Como in [[Saint Paul]], hence the name. It is operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, which also operates a heritage streetcar line in [[Excelsior]], near Lake Minnetonka. Its fleet includes two streetcars from the 1900s built by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company and one PCC streetcar from the 1940s built by the St. Louis Car Company. Streetcars begin and end their journey at Linden Hills Station located at 42nd and Queen on the west side of Lake Harriet. There is also a second much less used stop on near the east side of Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) at 36th Street and Richfield Road. }} ==Buy== [[Image:Calhoun mpls.jpg|340px|thumb|Calhoun Square, Uptown]] ===Asian markets=== * {{buy | name=New Orient Market | url= | email= | address=2800 1st Ave S | lat=44.951736 | long=-93.276904 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Shuang Hur Supermarket | url= | email= | address=2710 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953268 | long=-93.278159 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-8606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Truong Thanh Market | url= | email= | address=2520 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956578 | long=-93.278102 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 879-0561 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Bookstores=== * {{buy | name=College of Comic Book Knowledge | alt= | url=http://www.comicbookcollege.com | email= | address=4632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918479 | long=-93.278274 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-2309 | tollfree= | hours=M-Tu noon-7PM, W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Great for newer and more mainstream comics. }} * {{buy | name=Magers and Quinn | alt= | url=http://www.magersandquinn.com | email=info@magersandquinn.com | address=3038 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.9471 | long=-93.298608 | directions=between Lake and 31st Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-4611 | tollfree=+1-866-912-6657 | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=New and used books. }} * {{buy | name=Once Upon A Crime | alt= | url=https://onceuponacrimebooks.indielite.org | email= | address=604 W 26th St | lat=44.955708 | long=-93.287244 | directions=between Garfield and Lyndale; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-3785 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-5:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Mystery bookstore. Ask about The Annex: two giant rooms full of rare first editions, out of print books, magazines, journals, and thousands of hard-to-get gently used volumes. Great for finding new titles and plenty of back-list books for hordes of mystery and thriller writers. }} * {{buy | name=Wild Rumpus | alt= | url=http://www.wildrumpusbooks.com | email= | address=2720 W 43rd St | lat=44.92461 | long=-93.313685 | directions=between Upton and Lake Harriet; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 920-5005 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A renowned children's bookstore with a plethora of live animals roaming around; the cats somehow manage to coexist peacefully with the birds, mice, chicken, and other animals. }} ===Clothes=== * {{buy | name=Ragstock | alt= | url=http://www.ragstock.com/ | email= | address=1433 W Lake St | lat=44.948171 | long=-93.299222 | directions=between Hennepin and Holmes; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-6690 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A local chain of used clothing stores. Clothing is shipped in from thrift stores across the country and sorted through and either torn to rags for commercial use, or pulled aside to be sold in one of the stores. There are stores around the Twin Cities area in addition to the Uptown location listed above. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=Cheapo | alt= | url=http://www.cheapodiscs.com | email= | address=2600 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955293 | long=-93.278216 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 827-8238 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Cheapo specializes in all areas of music as well as DVDs and vinyl records. If you are looking for something that's hard to find, it's a good bet that they will have it. If not, they can order it for you. They also have a large collection of used CDs with huge inventories coming in everyday. }} * {{buy | name=Electric Fetus | alt= | url=http://www.electricfetus.com | email= | address=2000 4th Ave S | lat=44.962445 | long=-93.270423 | directions=at Franklin Ave; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11 | phone=+1 612 870-9300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | image=The Electric Fetus.jpg | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Possibly the most complete selection of CDs in town across all genres. Hold on tight to your wallet when you walk in here. If there's an obscure CD you've been looking for, this place is likely to have it. Listening stations are posted throughout the store enticing all who enter to try out some new music. It's the place you would go if you had unlimited resources for buying new music. Be prepared to pay full price, although new releases are frequently on sale. Buy four CDs and get a discount. Tickets for local venues are on sale here too. }} * {{buy | name=Extreme Noise Records | alt= | url=http://www.extremenoise.com | email= | address=407 W Lake St | lat=44.94819 | long=-93.284674 | directions=at Grand Ave; {{rint|bus}} 21 | phone=+1 612 842-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-8PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Specializes in all punk and subgenres therein. A cooperative run for almost 20 years by local punks. Amazing selection of punk 'zines, CDs, LPs and 7-inches. ''The'' place in town for finding hard-to-find punk records, trading punk records, finding other punks, seeking out that basement show, etc. Don't let the punk rock moniker scare the less-than punk away. If you want to see what a truly independent local scene can produce and meet some of the most earnest members of the scene, you ''must'' check out Extreme Noise. }} * {{buy | name=Roadrunner Records | alt= | url=https://www.roadrunnermpls.com/ | email= | address=4534 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.920312 | long=-93.278204 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-0613 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Has a great selection of independent LPs, CDs and DVDs. Known for their international music section. Punk and alt-country genres don't suffer. A great independent record store with lots of local and independently produced product. }} ==Eat== ===Eat Street=== * {{eat | name=The Bad Waitress | alt= | url=http://www.thebadwaitress.com | email= | address=2 E 26th St | lat=44.955723 | long=-93.277682 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-7575 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-11PM, Sa 7:30AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Hipster diner. You have to write your order on a ticket and give it to the cashier, hence the restaurant name. }} * {{eat | name=Black Forest Inn | alt= | url=http://www.blackforestinnmpls.com | email= | address=1 E 26th St | lat=44.955386 | long=-93.277645 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-0812 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 872-0423 | hours=10:30AM-midnight daily, kitchen closes at 10PM weekdays and 11PM weekends | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The most renowned German restaurant in the Twin Cities. }} * {{eat | name=Christos | alt= | url=http://www.christos.com | email= | address=2632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.954326 | long=-93.278161 | directions=between 26th and 27th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-2111 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-8129 | hours=Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Greek. }} * {{eat | name=El Mariachi | url= | email= | address=2750 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952227 | long=-93.278109 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 10AM-8PM, F-Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Harry Singh’s Original Caribbean Restaurant | alt= | url=http://harrysinghs.com | email= | address=2653 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953965 | long=-93.277624 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 729-6181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11:30AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The menu at Harry Singh's is dominated by roti wraps and creole rice dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine 26 | alt= | url=http://www.jasminempls.com | email= | address=8 E 26th St | lat=44.955684 | long=-93.277313 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su Tu-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=A fancier Vietnamese restaurant operated by the owners of Jasmine Deli. The salt and pepper tofu appetizer is to die for. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine Deli | alt= | url=http://jasminedelimpls.com | email= | address=2532 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956222 | long=-93.278098 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=Ridiculously cheap but well-regarded Vietnamese food. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. No credit cards. }} * {{eat | name=Pancho Villa | alt= | url=http://www.panchovillasgrill.com | email= | address=2539 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.95599 | long=-93.277607 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7014 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Mexican. Two-for-one margaritas and selected beers on weekdays. Spanish language karaoke! }} * {{eat | name=Peninsula | alt= | url=http://www.peninsulamalaysiancuisine.com | email= | address=2608 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955111 | long=-93.27819 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-8282 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-2863 | hours=Su-M,W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Malaysian cuisine. They make their own tofu, but vegans beware that it contains egg. }} * {{eat | name=Pho 79 | alt= | url=http://www.pho79mpls.com | email= | address=2529 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956372 | long=-93.277547 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-9PM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Pho Tau Bay | url=http://www.photaubay.us | email= | address=2837 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.950743 | long=-93.277719 | directions=at 29th St/Cecil Newman Ln; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 874-6030 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Tu 9:30AM-8:30PM, Th-Sa 9:30AM-8:30PM, Su 9:30AM-8PM | price= | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Quang | alt= | url=http://www.quang-restaurant.com | email= | address=2719 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953117 | long=-93.277651 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4739 | tollfree= | hours=M,W-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10:30AM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-8:30PM, Tu closed | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Rainbow Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.rainbowrestaurant.com | email= | address=2739 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952511 | long=-93.277642 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-7084 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-9:30PM, F 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} ===Lyn-Lake=== * {{eat | name=French Meadow Bakery and Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.frenchmeadowcafe.com | email= | address=2610 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.95498 | long=-93.288443 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-7855 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-0907 | hours=Su-Th 7AM-9PM, F-Sa 7AM-10PM | price=$4-20, depending on the time of day. Cheapest in the morning | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Owner and founder of this excellent bakery and cafe, Lynn Gordon, has a passion for fabulous yeast free breads, and has been an artisan baker since before that term began to be applied to high-quality individual bakers. Virtually everything on the menu is delicious and original, and save room for the desserts and fair trade coffee. On weekends arrive early to avoid the brunch rush. Vegetarian and vegan options available. }} * {{eat | name=Galactic Pizza | alt= | url=http://www.galacticpizza.com | email= | address=2917 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.949691 | long=-93.287756 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 824-9100 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The decor is kitschy. Their stand out feature is not only a little car run 100% by electric power but the delivery driver dons a funky costume while driving said vehicle. If you order the Second Harvest pizza (which is excellent) the business donates a dollar to the Second Harvest Food Bank (for every one ordered). Vegetarian friendly, vegan soy cheese and mockmeats available. }} * {{eat | name=Milkjam Creamery | alt= | url=https://milkjamcreamery.com | email= | address=2743 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.952454 | long=-93.287817 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 424-4668 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Ice cream shop with flavors ranging from normal like the Black (very dark cocoa) to odd ones like the Elvis (curry peanut butter banana). Most of the flavors are gluten-free, and some are vegan. }} * {{eat | name=moto-i | url=http://www.moto-i.com | email= | address=2940 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948672 | long=-93.288454 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 821-6262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F noon-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM | price= | content=Japanese restaurant with house-brewed sake and a rooftop patio. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Lucé | alt= | url=http://www.pizzaluce.com | email= | address=3200 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.944549 | long=-93.288724 | directions=at 32nd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 827-5978 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa-Su 10AM-midnight (takeout/delivery until 2AM Su-Th, 2:30AM F-Sa) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=You can get pizza by the slice or sit down and order a whole pie. Vegetarian friendly; vegan soy cheese, nut cheese, and mockmeats available. Also offers gluten-free pizzas. }} ===Uptown=== * {{eat | name=Barbette | alt= | url=https://www.barbette.com | email= | address=1600 W Lake St | lat=44.94859 | long=-93.302296 | directions=at Irving; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-5710 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 9AM-10PM, F-Sa 9AM-11PM | price=$15-30 | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=French-inspired cafe. Also hosts the annual Bastille Day block party celebration in the summer. }} * {{eat | name=Isles Bun and Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.islesbun.com | email= | address=1424 W 28th St | lat=44.952255 | long=-93.298695 | directions=between Hennepin and Humboldt; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 870-4466 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 6:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=A classic city bakery and coffee shop. Very limited seating inside, but with sidewalk tables and two blocks to Lake of the Isles it hardly matters. Bakers work in full view in a sunken work area behind the counter, putting out some of the best rolls, buns, and other delectables in the city. Check out the cinnamon roll and their savory breakfast items. }} * {{eat | name=Origami | alt= | url=https://www.origamirestaurant.com | email= | address=1354 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949639 | long=-93.297126 | directions=at Girard, below the Mozaic parking garage facing the plaza; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 223-8666 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 4:30PM-9PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10PM | price=$15+ | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Best known for their sushi. Generally a posh, overly-sedate crowd and indifferent service. }} ===The Wedge=== * {{eat | name=Namaste Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.namastecafemn.com/ | email= | address=2512 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.956939 | long=-93.296125 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-2496 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Namaste is located in a duplex converted to a restaurant and gift shop, so try to keep your eye out when heading down Hennepin. The owners are Nepali and the food is very similar to Indian cuisine. The cooking is very homey and the prices are quite reasonable for such a prime location. Lunch will cost around $8. Try one of their amazing chai teas; 8 varieties to choose from. They grind their own spices and mix up one heck of a good cup. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} ===Other areas=== * {{eat | name=Broders Cucina Italiana | url=http://www.broders.com | email= | address=2308 W 50th St | lat=44.912522 | long=-93.309188 | directions=at Penn Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-3113 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-M 11AM-8PM, Tu-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-9PM | price= | content=Small Italian deli, limited seating available. }} * {{eat | name=Broders Pasta Bar | alt= | url=https://www.broderspastabar.com/ | email= | address=5000 Penn Ave S | lat=44.912102 | long=-93.309146 | directions=at 50th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-9202 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-Th 4PM-9PM, F-Sa 4PM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=The sit-down restaurant operated by the same people that run the deli across the street. The menu features around 20 different past dishes, a mix of new and old favorites. Although reasonably small and often crowded, it is worth the wait! }} * {{eat | name=Cavé Vin | alt= | url=https://www.cave-vin.net | email= | address=5555 Xerxes Ave S | lat=44.901899 | long=-93.318468 | directions=at 56th St; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 922-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 5PM-9PM (last reservations taken at 8PM) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cave Vin features a Mediterranean/French menu. Tons of charm, great food and wine. }} * {{eat | name=Hola Arepa | alt= | url=https://www.holaarepa.com | email= | address=3501 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.939343 | long=-93.27739 | directions=at 35th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 345-5583 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 4PM-10PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Restaurant specializing in Venezuelan arepas, which are cornmeal griddle cakes with various fillings. }} * {{eat | name=Pepito's Mexi-Go Deli | alt= | url=http://www.pepitosrestaurant.com | email= | address=4624 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918844 | long=-93.278529 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 825-6311 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Deli-style fast food Mexican. Try the fish tacos, they're fantastic. No alcohol, but fast service and fantastic food for those on the go. }} * {{eat | name=Punch Neapolitan Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.punchpizza.com | email= | address=3226 W Lake St | lat=44.94948 | long=-93.320436 | directions=inside Greenway Lakes Commons, west of the Lake St/Excelsior Blvd interchange; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 929-0006 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Neapolitan pizzeria in a strip mall on the opposite side of the lakes from Uptown. Pizzas are baked in an 800F wood-burning oven for 90 seconds. Punch is one of the few restaurants that actually has certification from the official Napoli pizza organization. }} * {{eat | name=Victor's 1959 Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.victors1959cafe.com | email= | address=3756 Grand Ave | lat=44.934266 | long=-93.284691 | directions=at 38th St; {{rint|bus}} 23 | phone=+1 612 827-8948 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 9AM-2:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cuban restaurant with good portions and a somewhat fashionably divey atmosphere; the interior is covered in graffiti from previous patrons. The cafe looks like a shack on the outside and seating is pretty limited; be prepared for long waits on the weekends. }} ==Drink== ===Alcohol=== * {{drink | name=CC Club | alt= | url=http://www.ccclubbar.com/ | email= | address=2600 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.9554 | long=-93.28837 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 874-7226 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A cheap and popular punk/alternative hangout, a favorite of the Replacements and the setting for their song "Here Comes a Regular.". }} * {{drink | name=Red Dragon | alt= | url=http://reddragonmpls.com | email= | address=2116 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.961247 | long=-93.288248 | directions=between Franklin and 22nd St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 874-8877 | tollfree= | hours=M 5PM-1AM, Tu-Th 11AM-1AM, F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM, Su 2PM-1AM | price=Specialty drinks $10-13, shots $6.50 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Nominally a restaurant serving unremarkable grease-bomb Chinese food, the Red Dragon is more noted for its alcohol menu. That menu includes the infamous Wondrous Punch, a mixture of four different kinds of rum with a bit of grenadine and fruit juice; one order of punch is plenty for most people. }} ===Coffee=== * {{drink | name=Bob's Java Hut | alt= | url=http://www.bobsjavahut.com | email=bobsjavahut@gmail.com | address=2651 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.953852 | long=-93.287842 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 871-4485 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 7AM-7PM, F-Sa 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. Frequently a day-time biker hang out. Nice staff. }} * {{drink | name=Caffetto | alt= | url=http://www.caffettocafe.com | email= | address=708 W 22nd St | lat=44.961061 | long=-93.288507 | directions=between Lyndale and Aldrich; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 872-0911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-1AM daily | price= | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Canteen Local 3255 | alt= | url=http://canteen3255.com | email= | address=3255 Bryant Ave S | lat=44.943042 | long=-93.290561 | directions=at 33rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 824-6611 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Misfit Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.misfitcoffee.com | email= | address=2401 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.959017 | long=-93.287804 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 800-4411 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 7AM-8PM, F-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Misfit started out as a coffee truck but now have a brick-and-mortar location. They offer standard espresso drinks and brewed coffee, plus nitro cold brew and a menu of cold brew-based flavored drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2451 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.957457 | long=-93.277649 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3177 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa-Su 7AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2404 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.958937 | long=-93.294571 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 377-2278 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa-Su 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Uncommon Grounds | alt= | url=http://uncommongroundscoffeehouse.com | email= | address=2809 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.951535 | long=-93.298029 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 872-4811 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 1PM-9PM, Sa-Su 9AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Located in a renovated Victorian house. Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Vicinity Coffee | alt= | url=http://vicinitycoffee.com | email= | address=3350 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.941452 | long=-93.288448 | directions=at 34th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 545-5972 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 6AM-8PM, Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2018-05-22 | content=Features locally roasted small batch coffees. Free wifi. }} ==Sleep== There aren't many lodging options in Southwest Minneapolis, but the [[Minneapolis/Downtown#Sleep|Downtown]] hotels aren't too far from the Uptown, Lyn-Lake, and Eat Street areas. * {{sleep | name=Minneapolis International Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/minneapolis-international-hostel/3660 | email= | address=2400 Stevens Ave South | lat=44.958989 | long=-93.275611 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 522-5000 | tollfree= | checkin=9AM-1PM and 5PM-9PM | checkout=9AM | price=$40 dorms, $80 privates | lastedit=2017-08-01 | content=This is the only backpackers' hostel in the Twin Cities. Quick walking distance to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and Eat Street. A 15 minute walk or short bus ride to [[Minneapolis/Downtown|Downtown]], and a short bus ride to Uptown. A credit card number is required to be on file for every party staying with them. }} * {{sleep | name=Moxy Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mspox-moxy-minneapolis-uptown/ | email= | address=1121 W Lake St | lat=44.948159 | long=-93.294186 | directions=at Emerson; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 822-5020 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$100-250 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A boutique hotel from the Marriott chain that's mostly oriented to a younger crowd. The guest rooms are modern but on the smaller side. There is a bar and lots of common space on the ground floor. The hotel attracts a party crowd and might not be the best option for those seeking peace and quiet. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Linden Hills Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2900 W 43rd St | lat=44.92502 | long=-93.316488 | directions=at Vincent; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 543-6825 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-W,F-Sa 9AM-5PM, Th noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Linden Hills Library | image=Linden Hills Branch Library.jpg | wikidata=Q6552323 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Walker Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2880 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.94959 | long=-93.29868 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 543-8400 | tollfree= | hours=Tu,Th-Sa 9AM-5PM, W noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Walker Library (Minneapolis) | image=Walker Library, Summer 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q7962236 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Washburn Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=5244 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.907373 | long=-93.288684 | directions=between Minnehaha Pkwy and 53rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 543-8375 | tollfree= | hours=Tu noon-8PM, W-Sa 9AM-5PM, | price= | wikipedia=Washburn Library | image=Washburn Community Library, June 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q20047311 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} ==Go next== * Much of the artist community that has been priced out of Uptown moved to [[Minneapolis/Northeast|Northeast]]. * If you're still hungry for more Southeast Asian food after eating your way through Eat Street, there's another large concentration in the Frogtown neighborhood of [[Saint Paul]]. * If you keep heading north along the trails near Cedar Lake you'll eventually find yourself in [[Minneapolis/North|Theodore Wirth Park]]. {{mapmask|44.97009,-93.32863|44.97024,-93.32188|44.96999,-93.30884|44.96948,-93.30292|44.96964,-93.30087|44.97104,-93.29733|44.96987,-93.29546|44.96988,-93.29053|44.96917,-93.29028|44.96903,-93.29039|44.96879,-93.29022|44.96860,-93.29021|44.96818,-93.29060|44.96732,-93.28954|44.96716,-93.28906|44.96716,-93.28803|44.96641,-93.28810|44.96547,-93.28781|44.96494,-93.28726|44.96454,-93.28632|44.96444,-93.28527|44.96482,-93.28312|44.96583,-93.27933|44.96654,-93.27651|44.96671,-93.27469|44.96659,-93.27271|44.96592,-93.26946|44.95731,-93.26953|44.95629,-93.26984|44.95192,-93.27334|44.95065,-93.27427|44.94955,-93.27470|44.94836,-93.27476|44.89426,-93.27499|44.89079,-93.27512|44.89024,-93.27813|44.89018,-93.28836|44.89081,-93.31882|44.90523,-93.31882|44.90532,-93.32900|44.94047,-93.32903|44.95365,-93.32877}} {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Minneapolis}} {{geo|44.937828|-93.299046}} kvlgn61b9hnfxwzf4uze3kjtb5l59eo 4487991 4487989 2022-07-21T21:32:08Z Eco84 35690 /* Lakes */ Updated listing for Cedar Lake wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Minneapolis Calhoun Isles Lagoon 1 banner.jpg|pgname=Southwest Minneapolis|caption=The lagoon between Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles, as viewed from the tunnel under Lake Street}} '''Southwest Minneapolis''' is a district in [[Minneapolis]]. It includes Uptown, Lyn-Lake, the Wedge, Eat Street, Linden Hills, the popular Chain of Lakes, and other areas. Part of the 50th and France commercial district bleeds into the Fulton neighborhood, but most of it lies in [[Edina]]. ==Get in== {{mapframe|44.927828|-93.299046|zoom=13|height=800|width=420}} Streets run east/west and generally have numbers that increase as you go further south. Nicollet Avenue divides the streets. Append the direction at the end of streets such as W 27th Street to indicate west of Nicollet. Avenues run alphabetically west from Lyndale (Aldrich, Bryant, Colfax) far into the suburban surrounding communities. When the alphabet reaches Z, it starts again at A. Avenues are named in no particular order in a small half-mile band between Lyndale and Nicollet, then numbered east from Nicollet Avenue heading towards [[Minneapolis/South|South Minneapolis]], where the numbered avenues continue until you reach [[Saint Paul]]. The first part of addresses on the avenues are based on the nearest cross street. For example, 4000 France Avenue South is at the corner of France Avenue and 40th Street. ===By public transit=== *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/2 Route 2]''' begins at Hennepin and Franklin and travels east along Franklin Avenue through the Wedge and Whittier neighborhoods before continuing on to [[Minneapolis/South|Phillips, Seward, the West Bank]], and the [[Minneapolis/Southeast|University of Minnesota]]. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/4 Route 4]''' travels along Lyndale Avenue from downtown to 50th Street (passing through Lyn-Lake). At this point, the route splits into two branches, with one continuing on Lyndale Avenue and the other turning on 50th Street, where it goes west to Penn Avenue, and then goes south from there. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/6 Route 6]''' travels along Hennepin Avenue from downtown to its end at 36th Street (passing though Uptown), turns west, and skirts the southeastern edge of Bde Maka Ska. The route splits in two at 39th Street and Sheridan Avenue; one continues west on 39th Street to France Avenue, then travels south from there (passing through the 50th & France commercial district), and the other travels south on Sheridan Avenue, which merges onto Upton Avenue (passing though the Linden Hills commercial district), turns west on 44th Street, and then continues south on Xerxes Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/11 Route 11]''' begins in Columbia Heights and runs through Northeast Minneapolis and Downtown. In the Whittier neighborhood it runs along 3rd Avenue, passing by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Hennepin History Museum, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. At 28th Street it jogs over to 4th Avenue in Phillips and continues through western Powderhorn and Nokomis before terminating in the Kingfield neighborhood at 46th Street and Nicollet Avenue. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/12 Route 12]''' enters Minneapolis along Excelsior Boulevard, which soon ends and merges onto Lake Street. The route continues until its end at the Uptown Transit Station; during rush hours it will continue travelling along Hennepin Avenue into downtown. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/17 Route 17]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue from downtown to 24th Street, turns west, then turns south on Hennepin Avenue. Past the Uptown Transit Station, it will turn west on Lagoon Avenue, which then merges onto Lake Street, and continue from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/18 Route 18]''' travels along Nicollet Avenue through the entirety of Southwest Minneapolis, passing through Eat Street along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/21 Route 21]''' travels along Lake Street from neighborhoods to the east until its end at Uptown Transit Station, passing through Lyn-Lake along the way. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/23 Route 23]''' travels along 38th Street to Bryant Avenue, jogs two blocks north to 36th Street, then travels west to Hennepin Avenue, continuing north from there until its end at the Uptown Transit Station *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/46 Route 46]''' travels along 46th Street to 34th Avenue, jogs four blocks north to 42nd Street, then travels west to Cedar Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 46th Street, continuing west from there until either Nicollet Avenue or Bryant Avenue, jogs four blocks south to 50th Street and continues from there into the west suburbs. *'''[https://www.metrotransit.org/Route/53 Route 53]''' is a limited stop route travelling on Lake Street alongside the 21 (see above); stops are located at Uptown Transit Center, Lake & Girard, Lake & Lyndale, Lake & Nicollet, and Lake & 1st. This service only operates during rush hours, eastbound in the morning and westbound in the afternoon and evening. ===By bike=== *'''[http://www.midtowngreenway.org Midtown Greenway]''' is a bike path (grade-separated east of Hennepin) that runs east-west one block north of Lake Street. It continues east into South Minneapolis, and the west end the of the Greenway links to the Southwest LRT Trail that head to St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and beyond. *'''Kenilworth Trail''' runs roughly north-south between Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles. It acts as a connector between the Cedar Lake Trail to the north (a commuter trail running between Downtown and the west suburbs) and the Midtown Greenway/Southwest LRT Trail to the south. ===By car=== *'''Interstate 35W''' is along the eastern edge of the district, with exits at Lake Street/31st Street (northbound exit/southbound entrance only), 35th Street/36th Street, 46th Street, Diamond Lake Road, and 60th Street. For northbound travellers, the 31st/Lake exit will be useful for getting to Lyn-Lake and Uptown areas, just travel westbound on either street. Southbound I-35W travellers wanting to get to those two areas should exit onto westbound I-94 (see below). *'''Interstate 94''' is to the northeast of the district. The Lyndale Avenue/Hennepin Avenue exit is useful for getting into the area. Follow Lyndale southbound to get to Lyn-Lake or Hennepin southbound to get to Uptown. *'''Interstate 394''' is along the northern edge of the district. ==See== [[Image:Mpls arts-crop.jpg|340px|thumb|Minneapolis Institute of Arts]] ===Museums=== * {{see | name=The Bakken Museum | alt= | url=http://www.thebakken.org | email=info@thebakken.org | address=3537 Zenith Ave S | lat=44.938336 | long=-93.321216 | directions=at 36th St, near W Bde Maka Ska Pkwy | phone=+1 612 926-3878 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 927-7265 | hours=Tu-Su 10AM-5PM | price=$11 adults, $9 seniors, $8 students, $6 children 4-17, free admission for children under age 4 | wikipedia=The Bakken | image=The Bakken Museum - Medicinal Garden View.jpg | wikidata=Q7715370 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The world's only museum devoted to medical electricity. }} * {{see | name=Hennepin History Museum | alt= | url=http://www.hennepinhistory.org | email=museum.info@hennepinhistory.org | address=2303 3rd Ave S | lat=44.960184 | long=-93.272459 | directions=between 22nd and 24th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-1329 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-1320 | hours=Gallery: Th-F 10AM-3PM, Sa 10AM-5PM; library and archives: by appointment | price=$8 adults, $5 seniors/students | wikipedia=Hennepin History Museum | image=Hennepin History 2.jpg | wikidata=Q14692640 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{see | name=Minneapolis Institute of Art | alt= | url=http://www.artsmia.org | email= | address=2400 3rd Ave S | lat=44.958726 | long=-93.273851 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3131 | tollfree=+1-888-642-2787 | hours=Th-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Minneapolis Institute of Art | image=Minneapolis Institute of Arts.jpg | wikidata=Q1700481 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content="The Minneapolis Institute of Arts houses more than 100,000 objects from diverse cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years of world history.". }} * {{see | name=The Museum of Russian Art | alt= | url=http://www.tmora.org | email= | address=5500 Stevens Ave | lat=44.903491 | long=-93.275967 | directions=at Diamond Lake Rd, next to Interstate 35W; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 821-9045 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 821-4392 | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price=$14 adults, $12 seniors 65+, $5 students, free for children under 14 | wikipedia=The Museum of Russian Art | image=Museum of Russian Art.jpg | wikidata=Q14693087 | lastedit=2022-07-09 | content=Museum showcases Russian art from the 20th century, including Soviet art. }} ===Parks=== * {{see | name=Lakewood Cemetery | alt= | url=http://www.lakewoodcemetery.com | email= | address=entrance along 36th St at the foot of Hennepin Ave | lat=44.934456 | long=-93.299038 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-2171 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily: Summer 8AM-8PM, Labor Day to Fall Daylight Savings 8AM-7PM, Fall Daylight Savings to Spring Daylight Savings 8AM-5PM | price= | wikidata=Q1801158| wikipedia=Lakewood Cemetery | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} * {{see | name=Lyndale Park | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/lyndale_park/ | email= | address=1300 W 42nd St | lat=44.928471 | long=-93.298266 | directions=north of Lake Harriet, south of Lakewood Cemetery, west of Dupont Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | wikidata=Q6708608| wikipedia=Lyndale Park | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Home to an arboretum, rose gardens, perennial gardens, peace gardens, and a bird sanctuary. }} * {{see | name=Beard's Plaisance | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/beards_plaisance/ | email= | address=4525 Upton Ave S | lat=44.9207 | long=-93.3145 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2016-05-08 | content=Along the west side of Lake Harriet. Contains a picnic area with a large picnic structure, a playground, and tennis courts. }} ==Do== [[Image:Uptown Theatre Minneapolis 2011.JPG|340px|thumb|Uptown Theatre at night]] ===Film=== Head to Uptown for some independent film: * {{do | name=Uptown Theatre | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/uptown-theatre | email= | address=2906 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.949057 | long=-93.298679 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-3005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7899454| wikipedia=Uptown Theater (Minneapolis) | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=One screen. Films often run for a week or two. Afterwards they ''sometimes'' move down to the multi-screen Lagoon Cinema. In addition to the usual concessions, the Uptown Theatre also serves alcoholic beverages in the upstairs bar. }} * {{do | name=Lagoon Cinema | alt= | url=https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/lagoon-cinema | email= | address=1320 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949422 | long=-93.296744 | directions=at Girard; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 825-6006 | tollfree= | fax= | image=Lagoon Cinema 3.jpg | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-05-29 | content=Five screens. }} ===Lakes=== * {{do | name=Cedar Lake | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/cedar_lake_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.960278 | long=-93.321111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4218899 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Cedar Lake has a shady public swimming beach. }} * {{do | name=Lake of the Isles | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/lake_of_the_isles_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.954722 | long=-93.3075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4332113 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Lake of the Isles has bird sanctuaries on its (officially off-limits) islands, and a public skating rink (with warming house) are groomed in the winter months. Check the newspaper; you may get lucky and catch a world-class speed-skating competition here. Its shores also feature some of the best climbing trees in the city, particularly for those who carry a short rope ladder in their pack. }} * {{do | name=Bde Maka Ska | alt=formerly Lake Calhoun | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/bde_maka_ska_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.941944 | long=-93.312222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1800879 | lastedit=2020-06-18 | content=Bde Maka Ska has three public beaches and [https://www.minneapolisparks.org/rentals__permits/watercraft_storage__rentals/watercraft-rental/ boat rentals] (and lessons), and a snack bar that resembles a real restaurant more every summer. }} * {{do | name=Lake Harriet | alt= | url=https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/parks-lakes/lake_harriet_park/ | email= | address= | lat=44.921389 | long=-93.305278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4496056 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Lake Harriet also has boat rentals near its bandshell. }} ===Theater=== {{anchor|Theatre}} * {{do | name=Jungle Theater | url=http://www.jungletheater.com | email= | address=2951 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948851 | long=-93.287839 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 822-7063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Bryant-Lake Bowl | alt= | url=http://www.bryantlakebowl.com | email= | address=810 W Lake St | lat=44.94855 | long=-93.29014 | directions=at Bryant; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 825-8949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vintage bowling alley with a small theater attached, hosting various small-scale theater, improv, and music events. The BLB is also a decent dining and drinking option. }} ===Other=== [[File:TCRT 1300 at Linden Hills Depot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Streetcar at Linden Hills Station]] * {{do | name=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line | alt= | url=http://www.msmuseum.org | email= | address=W 42nd St and Queen Ave S | lat=44.92775 | long=-93.309451 | directions={{rint|bus}} 6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Su early May through late November, and M-F mid May though early September | price=$2 single ride or $5 day pass (also includes rides on the Excelsior streetcar) | wikidata=Q5155119| wikipedia=Como-Harriet Streetcar Line |lastedit=2018-09-23| content=Heritage streetcar line running along a one-mile track between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun), which used to be part of a much longer streetcar line that ran all the way to Lake Como in [[Saint Paul]], hence the name. It is operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, which also operates a heritage streetcar line in [[Excelsior]], near Lake Minnetonka. Its fleet includes two streetcars from the 1900s built by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company and one PCC streetcar from the 1940s built by the St. Louis Car Company. Streetcars begin and end their journey at Linden Hills Station located at 42nd and Queen on the west side of Lake Harriet. There is also a second much less used stop on near the east side of Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) at 36th Street and Richfield Road. }} ==Buy== [[Image:Calhoun mpls.jpg|340px|thumb|Calhoun Square, Uptown]] ===Asian markets=== * {{buy | name=New Orient Market | url= | email= | address=2800 1st Ave S | lat=44.951736 | long=-93.276904 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Shuang Hur Supermarket | url= | email= | address=2710 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953268 | long=-93.278159 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-8606 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Truong Thanh Market | url= | email= | address=2520 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956578 | long=-93.278102 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 879-0561 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Bookstores=== * {{buy | name=College of Comic Book Knowledge | alt= | url=http://www.comicbookcollege.com | email= | address=4632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918479 | long=-93.278274 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-2309 | tollfree= | hours=M-Tu noon-7PM, W 10AM-7PM, Th-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Great for newer and more mainstream comics. }} * {{buy | name=Magers and Quinn | alt= | url=http://www.magersandquinn.com | email=info@magersandquinn.com | address=3038 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.9471 | long=-93.298608 | directions=between Lake and 31st Sts; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 822-4611 | tollfree=+1-866-912-6657 | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=New and used books. }} * {{buy | name=Once Upon A Crime | alt= | url=https://onceuponacrimebooks.indielite.org | email= | address=604 W 26th St | lat=44.955708 | long=-93.287244 | directions=between Garfield and Lyndale; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-3785 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-5:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Mystery bookstore. Ask about The Annex: two giant rooms full of rare first editions, out of print books, magazines, journals, and thousands of hard-to-get gently used volumes. Great for finding new titles and plenty of back-list books for hordes of mystery and thriller writers. }} * {{buy | name=Wild Rumpus | alt= | url=http://www.wildrumpusbooks.com | email= | address=2720 W 43rd St | lat=44.92461 | long=-93.313685 | directions=between Upton and Lake Harriet; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 920-5005 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A renowned children's bookstore with a plethora of live animals roaming around; the cats somehow manage to coexist peacefully with the birds, mice, chicken, and other animals. }} ===Clothes=== * {{buy | name=Ragstock | alt= | url=http://www.ragstock.com/ | email= | address=1433 W Lake St | lat=44.948171 | long=-93.299222 | directions=between Hennepin and Holmes; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 823-6690 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=A local chain of used clothing stores. Clothing is shipped in from thrift stores across the country and sorted through and either torn to rags for commercial use, or pulled aside to be sold in one of the stores. There are stores around the Twin Cities area in addition to the Uptown location listed above. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=Cheapo | alt= | url=http://www.cheapodiscs.com | email= | address=2600 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955293 | long=-93.278216 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 827-8238 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Cheapo specializes in all areas of music as well as DVDs and vinyl records. If you are looking for something that's hard to find, it's a good bet that they will have it. If not, they can order it for you. They also have a large collection of used CDs with huge inventories coming in everyday. }} * {{buy | name=Electric Fetus | alt= | url=http://www.electricfetus.com | email= | address=2000 4th Ave S | lat=44.962445 | long=-93.270423 | directions=at Franklin Ave; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11 | phone=+1 612 870-9300 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | image=The Electric Fetus.jpg | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Possibly the most complete selection of CDs in town across all genres. Hold on tight to your wallet when you walk in here. If there's an obscure CD you've been looking for, this place is likely to have it. Listening stations are posted throughout the store enticing all who enter to try out some new music. It's the place you would go if you had unlimited resources for buying new music. Be prepared to pay full price, although new releases are frequently on sale. Buy four CDs and get a discount. Tickets for local venues are on sale here too. }} * {{buy | name=Extreme Noise Records | alt= | url=http://www.extremenoise.com | email= | address=407 W Lake St | lat=44.94819 | long=-93.284674 | directions=at Grand Ave; {{rint|bus}} 21 | phone=+1 612 842-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-8PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Specializes in all punk and subgenres therein. A cooperative run for almost 20 years by local punks. Amazing selection of punk 'zines, CDs, LPs and 7-inches. ''The'' place in town for finding hard-to-find punk records, trading punk records, finding other punks, seeking out that basement show, etc. Don't let the punk rock moniker scare the less-than punk away. If you want to see what a truly independent local scene can produce and meet some of the most earnest members of the scene, you ''must'' check out Extreme Noise. }} * {{buy | name=Roadrunner Records | alt= | url=https://www.roadrunnermpls.com/ | email= | address=4534 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.920312 | long=-93.278204 | directions=between 45th and 46th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 11, 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 822-0613 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 10AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content=Has a great selection of independent LPs, CDs and DVDs. Known for their international music section. Punk and alt-country genres don't suffer. A great independent record store with lots of local and independently produced product. }} ==Eat== ===Eat Street=== * {{eat | name=The Bad Waitress | alt= | url=http://www.thebadwaitress.com | email= | address=2 E 26th St | lat=44.955723 | long=-93.277682 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-7575 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-11PM, Sa 7:30AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Hipster diner. You have to write your order on a ticket and give it to the cashier, hence the restaurant name. }} * {{eat | name=Black Forest Inn | alt= | url=http://www.blackforestinnmpls.com | email= | address=1 E 26th St | lat=44.955386 | long=-93.277645 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 872-0812 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 872-0423 | hours=10:30AM-midnight daily, kitchen closes at 10PM weekdays and 11PM weekends | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The most renowned German restaurant in the Twin Cities. }} * {{eat | name=Christos | alt= | url=http://www.christos.com | email= | address=2632 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.954326 | long=-93.278161 | directions=between 26th and 27th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-2111 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-8129 | hours=Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Greek. }} * {{eat | name=El Mariachi | url= | email= | address=2750 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952227 | long=-93.278109 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 10AM-8PM, F-Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | content=Mexican. }} * {{eat | name=Harry Singh’s Original Caribbean Restaurant | alt= | url=http://harrysinghs.com | email= | address=2653 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953965 | long=-93.277624 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 729-6181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 11:30AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=The menu at Harry Singh's is dominated by roti wraps and creole rice dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine 26 | alt= | url=http://www.jasminempls.com | email= | address=8 E 26th St | lat=44.955684 | long=-93.277313 | directions=at Nicollet; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su Tu-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=A fancier Vietnamese restaurant operated by the owners of Jasmine Deli. The salt and pepper tofu appetizer is to die for. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} * {{eat | name=Jasmine Deli | alt= | url=http://jasminedelimpls.com | email= | address=2532 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956222 | long=-93.278098 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-03-31 | content=Ridiculously cheap but well-regarded Vietnamese food. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. No credit cards. }} * {{eat | name=Pancho Villa | alt= | url=http://www.panchovillasgrill.com | email= | address=2539 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.95599 | long=-93.277607 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-7014 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Mexican. Two-for-one margaritas and selected beers on weekdays. Spanish language karaoke! }} * {{eat | name=Peninsula | alt= | url=http://www.peninsulamalaysiancuisine.com | email= | address=2608 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.955111 | long=-93.27819 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-8282 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 871-2863 | hours=Su-M,W-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Malaysian cuisine. They make their own tofu, but vegans beware that it contains egg. }} * {{eat | name=Pho 79 | alt= | url=http://www.pho79mpls.com | email= | address=2529 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.956372 | long=-93.277547 | directions=between 25th and 26th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-9PM daily | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Pho Tau Bay | url=http://www.photaubay.us | email= | address=2837 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.950743 | long=-93.277719 | directions=at 29th St/Cecil Newman Ln; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 874-6030 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Tu 9:30AM-8:30PM, Th-Sa 9:30AM-8:30PM, Su 9:30AM-8PM | price= | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Quang | alt= | url=http://www.quang-restaurant.com | email= | address=2719 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.953117 | long=-93.277651 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-4739 | tollfree= | hours=M,W-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10:30AM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-8:30PM, Tu closed | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Vietnamese. }} * {{eat | name=Rainbow Chinese Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.rainbowrestaurant.com | email= | address=2739 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.952511 | long=-93.277642 | directions=between 27th and 28th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 870-7084 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-9:30PM, F 11AM-2PM and 4:30PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2015-06-05 | content= }} ===Lyn-Lake=== * {{eat | name=French Meadow Bakery and Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.frenchmeadowcafe.com | email= | address=2610 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.95498 | long=-93.288443 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 870-7855 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 870-0907 | hours=Su-Th 7AM-9PM, F-Sa 7AM-10PM | price=$4-20, depending on the time of day. Cheapest in the morning | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Owner and founder of this excellent bakery and cafe, Lynn Gordon, has a passion for fabulous yeast free breads, and has been an artisan baker since before that term began to be applied to high-quality individual bakers. Virtually everything on the menu is delicious and original, and save room for the desserts and fair trade coffee. On weekends arrive early to avoid the brunch rush. Vegetarian and vegan options available. }} * {{eat | name=Galactic Pizza | alt= | url=http://www.galacticpizza.com | email= | address=2917 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.949691 | long=-93.287756 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 824-9100 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=The decor is kitschy. Their stand out feature is not only a little car run 100% by electric power but the delivery driver dons a funky costume while driving said vehicle. If you order the Second Harvest pizza (which is excellent) the business donates a dollar to the Second Harvest Food Bank (for every one ordered). Vegetarian friendly, vegan soy cheese and mockmeats available. }} * {{eat | name=Milkjam Creamery | alt= | url=https://milkjamcreamery.com | email= | address=2743 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.952454 | long=-93.287817 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 424-4668 | tollfree= | hours=Noon-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Ice cream shop with flavors ranging from normal like the Black (very dark cocoa) to odd ones like the Elvis (curry peanut butter banana). Most of the flavors are gluten-free, and some are vegan. }} * {{eat | name=moto-i | url=http://www.moto-i.com | email= | address=2940 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.948672 | long=-93.288454 | directions=at Lake; {{rint|bus}} 4, 21 | phone=+1 612 821-6262 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F noon-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM | price= | content=Japanese restaurant with house-brewed sake and a rooftop patio. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Lucé | alt= | url=http://www.pizzaluce.com | email= | address=3200 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.944549 | long=-93.288724 | directions=at 32nd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 827-5978 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa-Su 10AM-midnight (takeout/delivery until 2AM Su-Th, 2:30AM F-Sa) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=You can get pizza by the slice or sit down and order a whole pie. Vegetarian friendly; vegan soy cheese, nut cheese, and mockmeats available. Also offers gluten-free pizzas. }} ===Uptown=== * {{eat | name=Barbette | alt= | url=https://www.barbette.com | email= | address=1600 W Lake St | lat=44.94859 | long=-93.302296 | directions=at Irving; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-5710 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 9AM-10PM, F-Sa 9AM-11PM | price=$15-30 | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=French-inspired cafe. Also hosts the annual Bastille Day block party celebration in the summer. }} * {{eat | name=Isles Bun and Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.islesbun.com | email= | address=1424 W 28th St | lat=44.952255 | long=-93.298695 | directions=between Hennepin and Humboldt; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 870-4466 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 6:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=A classic city bakery and coffee shop. Very limited seating inside, but with sidewalk tables and two blocks to Lake of the Isles it hardly matters. Bakers work in full view in a sunken work area behind the counter, putting out some of the best rolls, buns, and other delectables in the city. Check out the cinnamon roll and their savory breakfast items. }} * {{eat | name=Origami | alt= | url=https://www.origamirestaurant.com | email= | address=1354 Lagoon Ave | lat=44.949639 | long=-93.297126 | directions=at Girard, below the Mozaic parking garage facing the plaza; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 223-8666 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 4:30PM-9PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10PM | price=$15+ | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Best known for their sushi. Generally a posh, overly-sedate crowd and indifferent service. }} ===The Wedge=== * {{eat | name=Namaste Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.namastecafemn.com/ | email= | address=2512 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.956939 | long=-93.296125 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 827-2496 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2021-08-04 | content=Namaste is located in a duplex converted to a restaurant and gift shop, so try to keep your eye out when heading down Hennepin. The owners are Nepali and the food is very similar to Indian cuisine. The cooking is very homey and the prices are quite reasonable for such a prime location. Lunch will cost around $8. Try one of their amazing chai teas; 8 varieties to choose from. They grind their own spices and mix up one heck of a good cup. Vegetarian and vegan friendly. }} ===Other areas=== * {{eat | name=Broders Cucina Italiana | url=http://www.broders.com | email= | address=2308 W 50th St | lat=44.912522 | long=-93.309188 | directions=at Penn Ave; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-3113 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-M 11AM-8PM, Tu-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-9PM | price= | content=Small Italian deli, limited seating available. }} * {{eat | name=Broders Pasta Bar | alt= | url=https://www.broderspastabar.com/ | email= | address=5000 Penn Ave S | lat=44.912102 | long=-93.309146 | directions=at 50th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 46 | phone=+1 612 925-9202 | tollfree= | fax=+1 612 925-9737 | hours=Su-Th 4PM-9PM, F-Sa 4PM-9:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=The sit-down restaurant operated by the same people that run the deli across the street. The menu features around 20 different past dishes, a mix of new and old favorites. Although reasonably small and often crowded, it is worth the wait! }} * {{eat | name=Cavé Vin | alt= | url=https://www.cave-vin.net | email= | address=5555 Xerxes Ave S | lat=44.901899 | long=-93.318468 | directions=at 56th St; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 922-0100 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Sa 5PM-9PM (last reservations taken at 8PM) | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cave Vin features a Mediterranean/French menu. Tons of charm, great food and wine. }} * {{eat | name=Hola Arepa | alt= | url=https://www.holaarepa.com | email= | address=3501 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.939343 | long=-93.27739 | directions=at 35th St; {{rint|bus}} 18 | phone=+1 612 345-5583 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 4PM-10PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Restaurant specializing in Venezuelan arepas, which are cornmeal griddle cakes with various fillings. }} * {{eat | name=Pepito's Mexi-Go Deli | alt= | url=http://www.pepitosrestaurant.com | email= | address=4624 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.918844 | long=-93.278529 | directions=between 46th and 47th Sts; {{rint|bus}} 18, 46 | phone=+1 612 825-6311 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Deli-style fast food Mexican. Try the fish tacos, they're fantastic. No alcohol, but fast service and fantastic food for those on the go. }} * {{eat | name=Punch Neapolitan Pizza | alt= | url=https://www.punchpizza.com | email= | address=3226 W Lake St | lat=44.94948 | long=-93.320436 | directions=inside Greenway Lakes Commons, west of the Lake St/Excelsior Blvd interchange; {{rint|bus}} 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 929-0006 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Neapolitan pizzeria in a strip mall on the opposite side of the lakes from Uptown. Pizzas are baked in an 800F wood-burning oven for 90 seconds. Punch is one of the few restaurants that actually has certification from the official Napoli pizza organization. }} * {{eat | name=Victor's 1959 Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.victors1959cafe.com | email= | address=3756 Grand Ave | lat=44.934266 | long=-93.284691 | directions=at 38th St; {{rint|bus}} 23 | phone=+1 612 827-8948 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 9AM-2:30PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-05 | content=Cuban restaurant with good portions and a somewhat fashionably divey atmosphere; the interior is covered in graffiti from previous patrons. The cafe looks like a shack on the outside and seating is pretty limited; be prepared for long waits on the weekends. }} ==Drink== ===Alcohol=== * {{drink | name=CC Club | alt= | url=http://www.ccclubbar.com/ | email= | address=2600 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.9554 | long=-93.28837 | directions=at 26th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 874-7226 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A cheap and popular punk/alternative hangout, a favorite of the Replacements and the setting for their song "Here Comes a Regular.". }} * {{drink | name=Red Dragon | alt= | url=http://reddragonmpls.com | email= | address=2116 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.961247 | long=-93.288248 | directions=between Franklin and 22nd St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 874-8877 | tollfree= | hours=M 5PM-1AM, Tu-Th 11AM-1AM, F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM, Su 2PM-1AM | price=Specialty drinks $10-13, shots $6.50 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Nominally a restaurant serving unremarkable grease-bomb Chinese food, the Red Dragon is more noted for its alcohol menu. That menu includes the infamous Wondrous Punch, a mixture of four different kinds of rum with a bit of grenadine and fruit juice; one order of punch is plenty for most people. }} ===Coffee=== * {{drink | name=Bob's Java Hut | alt= | url=http://www.bobsjavahut.com | email=bobsjavahut@gmail.com | address=2651 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.953852 | long=-93.287842 | directions=at 27th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 871-4485 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 7AM-7PM, F-Sa 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. Frequently a day-time biker hang out. Nice staff. }} * {{drink | name=Caffetto | alt= | url=http://www.caffettocafe.com | email= | address=708 W 22nd St | lat=44.961061 | long=-93.288507 | directions=between Lyndale and Aldrich; {{rint|bus}} 2, 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 872-0911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-1AM daily | price= | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Canteen Local 3255 | alt= | url=http://canteen3255.com | email= | address=3255 Bryant Ave S | lat=44.943042 | long=-93.290561 | directions=at 33rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 824-6611 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 7:30AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Misfit Coffee | alt= | url=https://www.misfitcoffee.com | email= | address=2401 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.959017 | long=-93.287804 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 4, 17 | phone=+1 612 800-4411 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 7AM-8PM, F-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Misfit started out as a coffee truck but now have a brick-and-mortar location. They offer standard espresso drinks and brewed coffee, plus nitro cold brew and a menu of cold brew-based flavored drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2451 Nicollet Ave | lat=44.957457 | long=-93.277649 | directions=at 25th St; {{rint|bus}} 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 871-3177 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa-Su 7AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Spyhouse Coffee | alt= | url=https://spyhousecoffee.com | email= | address=2404 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.958937 | long=-93.294571 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17 | phone=+1 612 377-2278 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 6AM-10PM, Sa-Su 7AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Uncommon Grounds | alt= | url=http://uncommongroundscoffeehouse.com | email= | address=2809 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.951535 | long=-93.298029 | directions=at 28th St; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23 | phone=+1 612 872-4811 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 1PM-9PM, Sa-Su 9AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=Located in a renovated Victorian house. Free wifi. }} * {{drink | name=Vicinity Coffee | alt= | url=http://vicinitycoffee.com | email= | address=3350 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.941452 | long=-93.288448 | directions=at 34th St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 545-5972 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 6AM-8PM, Sa-Su 7AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2018-05-22 | content=Features locally roasted small batch coffees. Free wifi. }} ==Sleep== There aren't many lodging options in Southwest Minneapolis, but the [[Minneapolis/Downtown#Sleep|Downtown]] hotels aren't too far from the Uptown, Lyn-Lake, and Eat Street areas. * {{sleep | name=Minneapolis International Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/minneapolis-international-hostel/3660 | email= | address=2400 Stevens Ave South | lat=44.958989 | long=-93.275611 | directions=at 24th St; {{rint|bus}} 2, 11, 17, 18 | phone=+1 612 522-5000 | tollfree= | checkin=9AM-1PM and 5PM-9PM | checkout=9AM | price=$40 dorms, $80 privates | lastedit=2017-08-01 | content=This is the only backpackers' hostel in the Twin Cities. Quick walking distance to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and Eat Street. A 15 minute walk or short bus ride to [[Minneapolis/Downtown|Downtown]], and a short bus ride to Uptown. A credit card number is required to be on file for every party staying with them. }} * {{sleep | name=Moxy Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mspox-moxy-minneapolis-uptown/ | email= | address=1121 W Lake St | lat=44.948159 | long=-93.294186 | directions=at Emerson; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 822-5020 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$100-250 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content=A boutique hotel from the Marriott chain that's mostly oriented to a younger crowd. The guest rooms are modern but on the smaller side. There is a bar and lots of common space on the ground floor. The hotel attracts a party crowd and might not be the best option for those seeking peace and quiet. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Linden Hills Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2900 W 43rd St | lat=44.92502 | long=-93.316488 | directions=at Vincent; {{rint|bus}} 6 | phone=+1 612 543-6825 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-W,F-Sa 9AM-5PM, Th noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Linden Hills Library | image=Linden Hills Branch Library.jpg | wikidata=Q6552323 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Walker Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=2880 Hennepin Ave | lat=44.94959 | long=-93.29868 | directions=at Lagoon; {{rint|bus}} 6, 12, 17, 21, 23, 612 | phone=+1 612 543-8400 | tollfree= | hours=Tu,Th-Sa 9AM-5PM, W noon-8PM | price= | wikipedia=Walker Library (Minneapolis) | image=Walker Library, Summer 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q7962236 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Washburn Library | alt= | url=http://www.hclib.org | email= | address=5244 Lyndale Ave S | lat=44.907373 | long=-93.288684 | directions=between Minnehaha Pkwy and 53rd St; {{rint|bus}} 4 | phone=+1 612 543-8375 | tollfree= | hours=Tu noon-8PM, W-Sa 9AM-5PM, | price= | wikipedia=Washburn Library | image=Washburn Community Library, June 2014.jpg | wikidata=Q20047311 | lastedit=2021-08-03 | content= }} ==Go next== * Much of the artist community that has been priced out of Uptown moved to [[Minneapolis/Northeast|Northeast]]. * If you're still hungry for more Southeast Asian food after eating your way through Eat Street, there's another large concentration in the Frogtown neighborhood of [[Saint Paul]]. * If you keep heading north along the trails near Cedar Lake you'll eventually find yourself in [[Minneapolis/North|Theodore Wirth Park]]. {{mapmask|44.97009,-93.32863|44.97024,-93.32188|44.96999,-93.30884|44.96948,-93.30292|44.96964,-93.30087|44.97104,-93.29733|44.96987,-93.29546|44.96988,-93.29053|44.96917,-93.29028|44.96903,-93.29039|44.96879,-93.29022|44.96860,-93.29021|44.96818,-93.29060|44.96732,-93.28954|44.96716,-93.28906|44.96716,-93.28803|44.96641,-93.28810|44.96547,-93.28781|44.96494,-93.28726|44.96454,-93.28632|44.96444,-93.28527|44.96482,-93.28312|44.96583,-93.27933|44.96654,-93.27651|44.96671,-93.27469|44.96659,-93.27271|44.96592,-93.26946|44.95731,-93.26953|44.95629,-93.26984|44.95192,-93.27334|44.95065,-93.27427|44.94955,-93.27470|44.94836,-93.27476|44.89426,-93.27499|44.89079,-93.27512|44.89024,-93.27813|44.89018,-93.28836|44.89081,-93.31882|44.90523,-93.31882|44.90532,-93.32900|44.94047,-93.32903|44.95365,-93.32877}} {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Minneapolis}} {{geo|44.937828|-93.299046}} 3c5orbuvoti51klm40xga1nyu8d5ymr 0 22731 4487689 4486504 2022-07-21T12:01:53Z Freeholdman12 2273495 Adding more context wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Monmouth county Navesink river at dawn.jpg|caption=}} '''[https://www.tourism.visitmonmouth.com/ Monmouth County]''' is on the [[Jersey Shore]]. The horse and produce farms of this agricultural area are rapidly being transformed into gated residential communities for wealthy white-collar workers. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Freehold]]|wikidata=Q691237}} — the hometown of Bruce Springsteen, it features quaint Victorian houses, trendy dining spots, museums, and antique art galleries. Also home to Freehold Raceway and Freehold Raceway Mall. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Allenhurst]]|wikidata=Q1085068}} — a quiet little beach side community. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Allentown (New Jersey)|Allentown]]|wikidata=Q1085875}} - a quaint mill town in far southwestern Monmouth County. Home to restaurants, bars, 'mom & pop shops', and the Horse Park of New Jersey. Equidistant between Philadelphia and New York City. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Asbury Park]]|wikidata=Q201127}} — this town was an early 20th-century Victorian resort, and a rough-and-tumble rock-and-roll town . * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Avon-by-the-Sea]]|wikidata=Q1085002}} — a four-season, seaside, Victorian community. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Belmar]]|wikidata=Q1089538}} — a great beach that buzzes with many families during the Summer season. It features a boardwalk, snackbars and picnicking. It is the perfect vacation location with many different restaurants and businesses just across the street from the beach. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Bradley Beach]]|wikidata=Q1088838}} — enjoyable for a daily fee of $7, and has a boardwalk, mini golf, and picnicking. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Colts Neck]]|wikidata=Q1112176}} - a wealthy agricultural community, known for its horse farms, orchards, wineries, and distilleries. * {{marker|type=city|name=Deal<!--[[Deal (New Jersey)|Deal]]-->|wikidata=Q3016720}} — a tiny borough mainly inhabited by Sephardi Jews, mainly of Syrian heritage. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Englishtown]]|wikidata=Q1084657}} - home to the Englishtown Auction and Old Bridge Racetrack. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Fair Haven (New Jersey)|Fair Haven]]|wikidata=Q1089890}} — is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, along the Navesink River. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hazlet]]|wikidata=Q1592114}} — a residential community in Northern Monmouth County, with many great restaurants and shopping "strip malls" to browse. Its close location to many beach towns makes it an ideal place for Jersey Shore travelers to rest overnight. * {{marker|type=city|name=Highlands|wikidata=Q1086265}} — see [[Middletown (New Jersey)|Middletown]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Keansburg]]|wikidata=Q1085417}} — located on Raritan Bay, north of Sandy Hook, offering an amusement park, and a water park. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Long Branch]]|wikidata=Q995231}} — a nice little sea side community, and a former presidential retreat. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Manasquan]]|wikidata=Q1085654}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Marlboro Township]]|wikidata=Q782591}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Manalapan]]|wikidata=Q3016629}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Middletown (New Jersey)|Middletown]]|wikidata=Q735215}} - advertises itself as "the biggest small town in New Jersey". * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Millstone Township]]|wikidata=Q1077964}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ocean grove]]|wikidata=Q536154}} — God's Square mile in New Jersey. Great Shoppes and music all year long. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Red Bank]]|wikidata=Q1010539}} — a "hip city" full of antique shops and cafes, it is pleasant to stroll around. * {{marker|type=city|name=Rumson|wikidata=Q1087523}} — Once a summer colony for New Yorkers, it is now an upscale commuter suburb. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Spring Lake]]|wikidata=Q1089796}} — A picturesque community on the Atlantic Ocean. ==Other destinations== [[Gateway National Recreation Area]] — The [[Sandy Hook]] section is in Monmouth County. ==Understand== Monmouth County is in the midst of a residential housing explosion. Former horse and produce farms are rapidly transforming into gated communities for the rising influx of wealthy white collar workers. Nonetheless the area retains its natural beauty. ==Get in== Monmouth County is pretty much accessible via any mode of transportation. By air, by road, even by water, you can get to this wonderful region and enjoy all it has to offer! ===By plane=== *Newark-Liberty International Airport, Newark-Elizabeth, New Jersey - This is the most convenient option when flying to Monmouth County. AirTrain service connects to New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line which can take you to the following towns in Monmouth County: Aberdeen-Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Little Silver, Monmouth Park Racetrack (Seasonal), Long Branch, Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake and Manasquan. In addition to the North Jersey Coast Line, the #67 New Jersey Transit bus connects from Newark-Liberty International Airport to Monmouth County, serving the following towns: Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold Boro, Freehold Township and Howell. *John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, New York *LaGuardia Airport, Queens, New York *Atlantic City International Airport, Egg Harbor City, New Jersey - This airport has more limited destinations, but it is not as crowded as Newark, the New York City airports and Philadelphia. *Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - This is the most convenient option if traveling to the southwestern part of the county. Take SEPTA's R1 train to 30th Street Station from the airport, connect at 30th Street to the R7 train to Trenton station. There are no public transit options from Trenton station to Monmouth County. If you need a public transit connection into the county, use Newark-Liberty International Airport. ===By road=== Garden State Parkway - Exits 98 (Belmar/Wall) - 117A (Aberdeen/Keyport/Hazlet) serve Monmouth County. New Jersey Turnpike - If you are coming from North Jersey & New York, use Exit 11 to access the Garden State Parkway South which will take you to Monmouth County. If you are coming from South Jersey & Philadelphia, use Exit 7A to access Interstate 195 East which will take you to Monmouth County. Exit 8 puts you on State Route 33 East which serves Freehold & various Shore Points. ===By bus=== New Jersey Transit & Academy run buses from New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal to various destinations throughout the county. Buses also run from Monmouth County to Atlantic City operated by New Jersey Transit and Academy. For More Information: New Jersey Transit: [http://www.njtransit.com], Academy: [http://www.academybus.com/] New Jersey Transit also runs local bus service throughout the county, with hubs in Red Bank (Red Bank Train Station), Freehold (Freehold Center) and Asbury Park (Asbury Park Transportation Center.) Visit New Jersey Transit's website, [http://www.njtransit.com], for more information about specific routes, times and fares. ===By rail=== ====Intercity==== Amtrak - There are no Amtrak stations in Monmouth County. The closest is in Middlesex County, Metropark-Iselin, which is about a half-hour to an hours drive from Monmouth County. If you are visiting the southwestern part of the county, it is most convenient for you to use the Trenton station in Mercer County. However, since there are no public transit options from either Metropark or Trenton station to Monmouth County, if you need to use public transportation to get to Monmouth County, you must take Amtrak to Newark-Penn Station which is also served by New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, which will take you to following stations in Monmouth County: Aberdeen-Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Little Silver, Monmouth Park Racetrack (Seasonal), Long Branch, Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake and Manasquan. In addition to the North Jersey Coast Line, the #67 New Jersey Transit bus connects from Newark Penn Station to Monmouth County, serving the following towns: Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold Boro, Freehold Township and Howell. For information about Amtrak service, visit [http://www.amtrak.com] ====Local/Commuter==== New Jersey Transit – North Jersey Coast Line: Line runs from Penn Station, NY to Bay Head, NJ. Stops in Monmouth County: Aberdeen-Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Little Silver, Monmouth Park Racetrack (Seasonal), Long Branch, Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake and Manasquan. For information about New Jersey Transit, visit [http://www.njtransit.com] ===By ferry=== New York Waterway Belford Terminal, 10 Harbor Way, Belford. Free parking for 500 cars. Direct service to Pier 11, Wall Street & Midtown-West 39th Street . Connections to Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City. Free shuttle service from ferry terminals to various Midtown and Downtown destinations. [http://www.nywaterway.com/] for more information. Seastreak: Serves Atlantic Highlands and Highlands to Pier 11 Wall Street, East 34th Street, NYC. [http://www.seastreak.com/] for more information ==Get around== Besides limited rail destinations & limited local bus services, you will most definitely need access to a car to access most of Monmouth County. ==See== *Jersey Shore - Monmouth County has miles and miles of beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast. Starting at Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area), Monmouth County's share of the Jersey Shore includes (from North to South): Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Elberon, Deal, Allenhurst, Loch Arbor, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Lake Como, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, and Manasquan. Some towns have free beaches however most charge a daily fee, which varies by town. Check with the individual beach you are interested in going to to find out the beach fee. *Keansburg Amusement Park/Runaway Rapids Waterpark - The water park is small but very clean and nice. Great for younger kids. Admission is $21.95 for 2-hours and $23.95 for 3-hours. The amusement park features the fun and popular Fast Trax Go Carts, which are fun for people of all ages. Overall a nice day trip. For more information[http://www.keansburgamusementpark.com/default.asp] * Monmouth Battlefield State Park * Allaire State Park * Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids * PNC Bank Arts Center * Pier Village * Asbury Park Boardwalk * Gateway National Recreation Area (Sandy Hook) * Holmdel Park ==Do== *'''Golf''' - Monmouth County is home to a lot of nice golf courses. Public courses include: Colts Neck Golf Club in Colts Neck, Charleston Springs Golf Course in Millstone, Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck, Howell Park Golf Course in Howell, Pebble Creek Golf Club in Colts Neck, and Shark River Golf Course in Neptune. Executive courses include Bel Aire Golf Course in Wall, Pine Brook Golf Course in Manalapan, and Quail Ridge Golf World in Wall. Driving ranges include Hole in One Golf Center in Millstone and Twin Brook Golf Center in Tinton Falls. Both driving ranges include mini golf courses and Par-3 courses. *'''Horse racing'''- Monmouth County contains two nice race tracks. Oceanport is home to Monmouth Park Racetrack, a thoroughbred race track home to the famed race every August, the Haskell. Freehold Raceway in Freehold has trotters racing. *{{do | name=Doorbrook Park Sprayground | url=http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=2503 | email= | address=209 County Road 537 Colts Neck | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 732-542-1642 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Great for kids. This water-enhanced playground is a great place to be cool and play with water. Located at the Dorbrook Recreation Area, this facility is open 7 days a week beginning mid-May and closes mid-September yearly.<br />Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11AM to one hour prior to posted park closing; Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10AM to one hour prior to posted park closing (Park closing is approximately 1/2 hour before dusk). For further information, contact the park office at +1 732 542-1642 M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM.<br />This facility provides refreshment for park visitors and participants in Park System summer camp programs. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{do|name=Sky Zone Ocean Township|lat=40.2325|long=-74.0476|url=http://www.skyzone.com/ocean }} - located in Ocean Township * '''[https://americaskeswick.org/ America's Keswick Retreat & Conference Center]''' Christian retreat center in New Jersey (near the shore). Host your retreat or take part in one of theirs. They also host Christian concerts, day-long & overnight Christian conferences, road trips, and other events. Church retreats, family getaways, marriage retreats, men's retreats, women's retreats, Christian school field trips & more. ==Eat== Inland, Red Bank and Freehold Boro have a nice variety of restaurants and Red Bank is especially good for nightlife. Keyport Boro and Matawan Boro are both smaller but have a few nice restaurants. Most towns have at least one strip mall with various shops and restaurants. On the shore, Asbury Park has a hip and up and coming night life scene. Most shore towns have nice bars & restaurants. Pier Village in Long Branch is very nice, but most of the restaurants are a bit on the pricey side. ==Drink== ==Buy== Most towns have strip malls typical to the suburban New York-New Jersey metro area. You have the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown and the Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold Township, both of which are nice big shopping malls. Also, Tinton Falls/Neptune is home to the Jersey Shore Premium Outlet Mall which is very nice. ==Sleep== Unfortunately, it may be a bit hard to find a name brand hotel room down the shore. A few miles inland, you will find Residence Inns in both Tinton Falls and Neptune and a Courtyard by Marriott in Wall Township. These hotels are all convenient (15-20 minute range) to the beaches. Most hotels right on the shore are the old-fashioned mom and pop type and amenities vary from hotel to hotel. Check with a reputable source such as AAA before you book any hotel. Many beautiful houses are available for summer rental; a little internet searching will help you find one that suits your needs. Most people who stay on the Jersey Shore do stay in rented houses, not hotels. However, farther inland, name brand hotels are available. In Hazlet Township, a Holiday Inn and a Best Western are both located on Route 35 with convenient Parkway access via Exit 117. In Middletown Township, a Best Western is located on Route 35 and a Courtyard by Marriott and an Extended Stay America are located in Lincroft, in the southern portion of the township a short distance from Parkway Exit 109. Red Bank has the Oyster Pointe Hotel and the Molly Pitcher Inn. Tinton Falls also has another Courtyard by Marriott & a Holiday Inn, both are right off of Parkway Exit 105. Eatontown has a Sheraton hotel. Freehold Township has both a Radisson located on Route 537 and a Days Inn located on Route 9, both are convenient if going to Six Flags Great Adventure. ==Stay safe== Monmouth County is very safe, however, just use some caution in areas of [[Asbury Park]], [[Keansburg]] and [[Long Branch]] away from the beaches, especially at night as these areas tend to be a little bit rougher than the rest of the county. Although Monmouth County contains a fair deal of wildlife none of it is dangerous, poisonous, or significantly aggressive enough to cause any regular harm. Weather conditions are typically stable although some flooding does regularly occur at low sea-levels. As of January 1st 2012, the majority of the hazards caused by Hurricane Sandy have been cleared; although hikers, campers, tramps, and hobos should be aware that many trees are still unstable and large patches of forested areas and even residential parks still have branches hanging. The Police in Monmouth County are fairly friendly, and largely much like those encountered in the rest of the state, although speeding while operating a motor vehicle is taken somewhat more seriously and its enforcement is strict. Loitering is enforced more in the town centers and shopping areas then in public parks or beach areas but traveler types can often find friendly places here. ==Go next== *[[Six Flags Great Adventure]] - Right outside the county in neighboring [[Ocean County]], this 2,200-acre theme park contains the tallest & fastest roller coaster in the world, Kingda Ka. Also contains Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park and the Six Flags Wild Safari, the largest safari outside of Africa. Visit the Six Flags website for more information [http://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/index.aspx] *[[New York City]] - The "City that Never Sleeps" is only an hour away *[[Atlantic City]] - About an hour to an hour and a half away *[[Philadelphia]] - The "City of Brotherly Love" is about an hour and a half away {{geo|40.29|-74.15|zoom=11}} {{IsPartOf|Jersey Shore}} {{outlineregion}} 7qm5n71fq9a7d8ynedtcesro3px7vln 0 22862 4488038 3694064 2022-07-22T00:51:22Z Ground Zero 1423298 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Montone''' is a town of 1,600 people (2019) in [[Umbria]] in central Italy. It is a peaceful hill town in a beautiful panoramic position between two tributaries of the Tiber river. ==Understand== [[Image:Montone 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A street in Montone]] It used to be controlled by the families which dominated the area, such as the Del Monte, the Fortebraccio and the Vitelli families. However, around the middle of the 16th century the town was ceded to the Papal State. Today it is a lively, typical Italian hamlet and was elected one of Italy´s most beautiful villages. Situated high up on a ridge, it watches over the valley of the river Carpina, facing the Appenin peaks far in the back, a fully preserved surrounding wall, on top of it the small houses with colorful fronts, nestled around the piazza. ==Get in== Montone is just off the E45 highway going north-south from [[Cesena]] to [[Perugia]]. ==Get around== ==See== {{mapframe}} * {{see | name=Church of San Francesco | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-06-07 | content=This is a 14th-century Gothic church. It has an attractive and unusual wooden door dating from 1514, and an important group of frescoes and other art of the early Renaissance, including interesting wood sculptures. The main painter represented is Bartolomeo Caporali. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== Montone offers a variety of places to stay - from hotels in town to country houses in the vicinity. * {{sleep | name=L'Ariete | url=http://www.lariete.org/en | email= | address=Corlo 38 | lat=43.364509 | long=12.332303 | directions=exit from the E45: Montone/Pietralunga; follow the road SP 201 towards Pietralunga for 3 km (do not follow the road-signs for Montone, but continue towards Pietralunga) | phone=+39 339 290 94 93 | tollfree= | fax=+39 075 9033115 | hours= | price=Apartments: €60-€100/day; Suites: €70-€120/day; Grand Suites: €90-€180/day | checkin= | checkout= | content=A charming agriturismo run by two Austrians. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== Montone is a pleasant base for trips to a whole range of other towns in northern [[Umbria]] and southern [[Tuscany]], including [[Arezzo]], [[Perugia]], [[Assisi]] and [[Gubbio]]. {{IsPartOf|Umbria}} {{outlinecity}} {{Geo|43.363611|12.326667}} gxxq8j7d7o74kir057ecdx5r67ayk4g 0 23854 4487701 4487663 2022-07-21T12:09:50Z Xavxing 2273493 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nantes banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.nantes-tourisme.com/ Nantes]''' (Breton: ''Naoned'') is the capital of the north-western [[France|French]] region of [[Pays de la Loire]]. Nantes has strong historical connections with the adjoining region of [[Brittany]], and is the historical capital of the region (though it has not been its official capital since the days of Napoleon). [[File:Quai de la Fosse - Nantes.jpg|thumb|300px|Nantes seen from Quai de la Fosse]] ==Understand== Nantes was once an important port located 50&nbsp;km up the Loire River. It grew rich on the slave trade with Africa and the West Indies. Nantes is also famous for being the home of the science fiction writer Jules Verne. In 2017, it had a population of 310,000 people. Several well known districts in Nantes: *{{marker|name=Place du Commerce|lat=47.2131|long=-1.55778}}: This is the centre of the city and everybody will be able to direct you here. Near here you will find ''la Place Royale'', ''le Quai de la Fosse'', ''la rue Crébillon'' (famous for its posh shops) *{{marker|name=Place du Bouffay|lat=47.2147|long=-1.5532}}: Old Nantes, with many restaurants and known for foreign food. There are also many bars. *{{marker|name=Talensac|lat=47.2212|long=-1.55797}}: Famous for its market. *{{marker|name=Decré|lat=47.215833|long=-1.553889}}: A pedestrian shopping district close to ''Bouffay''. *{{marker|name=Île de Versailles|lat=47.2258|long=-1.55444}}: An island in the river Erdre close to the city centre (reach it from Tram line 2). The entire island is a Japanese garden and is a pleasant place to relax. *{{marker|name=Rue Crébillon|lat=47.2138|long=-1.56035}}: Semi pedestrian street at the junction of ''la place Royale'' and ''la place Graslin'', where the main clothes shops are situated. ''Pour ceux qui ne compte pas leur argent'' (for those who do not count their money). *{{marker|name=Quai de la fosse|lat=47.2089|long=-1.56735}}: Bars and prostitutes on the week-end. Used to be called by locals ''Quai de la fesse'' (Quay of Buttocks). *'''Butte St-Anne''': West of the ''place du Commerce'', in the quartier de Chantenay. Old buildings and a view on the former port. *{{marker|name=Le quai des Antilles|lat=47.2022|long=-1.57272}}: A nice place to get a drink. Lots of bars and restaurants. ===Climate=== {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =9.0 | febhigh =9.9 | marhigh =13.0 | aprhigh =15.5 | mayhigh =19.2 | junhigh =22.7 | julhigh =24.8 | aughigh =25.0 | sephigh =22.1 | octhigh =17.5 | novhigh =12.4 | dechigh =9.3 | janlow =3.1 | feblow =2.9 | marlow =4.8 | aprlow =6.4 | maylow =9.9 | junlow =12.6 | jullow =14.4 | auglow =14.2 | seplow =11.9 | octlow =9.4 | novlow =5.7 | declow =3.4 | janprecip =86.4 | febprecip =69.0 | marprecip =60.9 | aprprecip =61.4 | mayprecip =66.2 | junprecip =43.4 | julprecip =45.9 | augprecip =44.1 | sepprecip =62.9 | octprecip =92.8 | novprecip =89.7 | decprecip =96.8 | description =Source: [[:en:w:Nantes#Climate|Wikipedia]]. See a seven day forecast for Nantes at [http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/nantes/44000 Météo France]. }} Rain here is frequent, and beware if it's sunny because brief but fierce tempests have been known to appear unexpectedly. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat when going out. Winters are typically mild. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|47.20962|-1.54515|zoom=13}} ===By plane=== There is an international airport in the south of Nantes, {{listing|type=go| name=Nantes Atlantique Airport | alt={{IATA|NTE}} | url=http://www.nantes.aeroport.fr | lat=47.156944 | long=-1.607778 | wikipedia=Nantes Atlantique Airport | image=Nantes atlantique.jpg | wikidata=Q1432144 | content=There are regular connections from France, Northern Africa, UK, and the rest of Europe. There are domestic flights in France with [https://www.easyjet.com/Easyjet] {{dead link|December 2020}} ([[Lille]], [[Lyon]], [[Montpellier]], [[Nice]] and [[Toulouse]]), [https://www.airfrance.com Air France] ([[Paris Charles de Gaulle]]), [http://www.hop.com/en/ HOP!] ([[Lille]], [[Lyon]], [[Marseille]], [[Montpellier]], [[Nice]], [[Paris Orly]], [[Strasbourg]], [[Toulouse]]). There are also flights from the UK with [https://www.ryanair.com/ Ryanair] ([[East Midlands]], [[Edinburgh]], [[London Stansted]], and [[Manchester]]), and [https://www.easyjet.com/Easyjet] {{dead link|December 2020}} ([[Liverpool]],[[London Gatwick]], and [[London Luton Airport|London Luton]]). Intercontinentally, there are seasonal flights from [[Montreal]] with Air Transat.}} There are three ways to get to the airport from the centre of the town. * By bus (TAN AIR) which runs from the center of Nantes (Commerce) taking 20 minutes, or from the Nantes station taking 30 minutes (€9.00). *From Commerce take tram line 3 in the direction Neustrie # from the terminus station "Neustrie", take the bus line 98. This will take around 35 minutes. # get off at the tram stop "Pirmil", then take bus line 38 to the stop "Aéroport". This will also take around 35 minutes plus a two minute walk The last two methods just require the regular TAN ticket valid for an hour and will cost you €1.70 (or less if you already have a day ticket, or at the weekend). Also, all tram stations have a very clear tram and bus map and you will easily be able to see these methods to get to the airport. It is easy to find the Aeroport Bus stop at the airport, but if you are not familiar with the area, it is very difficult to find the stop for the number 98 bus at the airport. To reach Bus 98, cross the railroad tracks and walk through the P1 Sud parking lot to Rue Charles Lindbergh. It is just a five-minute walk from the terminal, but there are no signs pointing the way. The Aeroport Bus departs every 20 minutes, but Bus 98 departs every 30-60 minutes. ===By train=== Nantes is just over 2 hours (depending on the number of stops) by TGV from [[Paris]] passing through [[Le Mans]] and [[Angers]]. Trains run regularly throughout the day. There are also direct connections from Nantes to [[Charles de Gaulle Airport]] and to [[Lille]] (stopping at [[Disneyland Resort Paris]]) which bypass Paris. It is also possible to arrive from * Roissy CDG Airport in 2 hr 50 min * [[Grenoble]] in 5 hr 35 min * [[Lille]] in 3 hr 50 min * [[Lyon]] in 4 hr 20 min * [[Marseille]] in 6 hr 20 min '''SNCF information: 3635''' * {{listing | type=go | name=Gare de Nantes | alt={{IATA|QJZ}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.216667 | long=-1.541667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gare de Nantes | image=Flickr - IngolfBLN - Nantes - Gare (41).jpg | wikidata=Q2180175 | content=The railways station has two exits usually referred to as "gare nord" and "gare sud".<br />Exit North: tramway to the city centre.<br />Exit South: pedestrian access to Nantes International Convention Centre, car rentals. }} ===By car=== Car hire is available on many websites if you are travelling to Nantes. ===By bus=== The [http://www.tan.fr TAN] public transport system links Nantes to several nearby burgs, as does the Lila system of regional buses. Bus companies Ouibus, Flixbus, Isilines, Eurolines and Alsa offer service to Nantes from many cities. The tickets of these companies can be purchased on [https://www.sobus.travel/bus-Nantes Sobus]. ===By boat=== * {{Phone|+33 2 40 37 04 62}} for detailed information about the cruises. * River Ferries (Navibus) Information & schedule {{Phone|+33 0810 444 444}} (TAN ticket valid for crossings.) ==Get around== [[File:Place Graslin et Théâtre Graslin a Nantes.jpg|thumb|Place Graslin and Théâtre Graslin]] ===Public transport === There are very good public transportation services provided by the TAN (Transports de l'Agglomération Nantaise). It consists of 3 tram lines, a BusWay (like a tram line and numbered as such but with buses rather than trams), many bus lines, and several Navibus (public boats) lines. A one-way ticket costs €1.70. Once on the bus, tram, or navibus you must validate the ticket in one of the green ticket validation machines. The ticket is then active for one hour with unlimited transfers. Tickets are cheaper if you buy them in bulk (a "carnet" of 10 tickets costs €15.60) and there are also 24-hour (€5.80 for one person, or €10.00 for 4 people). The trams start early and run till after midnight, later on Saturdays, however there are also several night bus lines. Trams and buses are free on Saturday and Sunday. === By taxi === Nantes's taxi number is {{Phone|+33 02 40 69 22 22}}. There are designated taxi waiting spots near Place du Commerce and the train station, but taxi service is infrequent. === By bike === Nantes is a very [[cycling|bike-friendly]] city. There are bicycle lanes alongside most major roads, demarcated by green arrows, and many small streets and trails that are only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Bikes [https://www.nantes-tourisme.com/en/rent-bike can be rented] from '''Nantes Métropole''' at one of eight parking lots in the city. You may rent a bike for €1 for 2 hours, €4 for a day, €10 for a week, or €25 for a month. Additionally, there is a 50% discount for holders of an SNCF or a TAN pass. '''[http://www.bicloo.nantesmetropole.fr Bicloo]''', Nantes self-service bicycle network at 79 locations, offering 700 bicycles. Registration starts at €1 for a day (with a €150 deposit in case of damage to the bike), the first 30 minutes are free of charge, 30 minutes to 1 hour €0.50, 1 hour to 1½ hr €1.50, and each additional 30 minutes (up to 24 hr) €2. There are 89 Bicloo stations allover Nantes but no Bicloo stations outside of the Nantes area. ==See== [[File:Nantes cathedrale.JPG|thumb|250px|Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul ]] * {{see | name=Château des ducs de Bretagne | alt=Castle of the Dukes of Brittany | url=http://www.chateaunantes.fr/en | email= | address= | lat=47.215833 | long=-1.55 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Château des ducs de Bretagne | image=Nantes aérien château3.jpg | wikidata=Q1289258 | content=Nantes History Museum - Expositions. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale Saint Pierre | alt= | url=http://www.cathedrale-nantes.cef.fr/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=47.218333 | long=-1.550833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nantes Cathedral | image=Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Nantes - façade.jpg | wikidata=Q1423005 | content=In its two crypts where the treasures and the history of the cathedral are displayed. Next to the Château des ducs de Bretagne. }} * {{see | name=Musée des Beaux-Arts | alt=Fine Arts Museum | url=https://museedartsdenantes.nantesmetropole.fr/home.html | email= | address=Rue Clémenceau 10 | lat=47.219444 | long=-1.547222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes | image=Parvis musee fev2017.jpg | wikidata=Q1783956 | content=A beautiful building with an excellent art collection and temporary exhibitions. }} * La '''Chapelle de l'Oratoire'''. Rue Henri IV. Near the Castle and the Cathedral. * '''Place Maréchal-Foch'''. Contains one of the few exisitng statues of Louis XVI, the beheaded king, left in France * l''''Ile de Versailles''', a peaceful island in the Erdre with a Japanese garden. * Le '''Cours Cambronne'''. A few steps from la place Graslin containing imperial buildings. * La '''Place Mellinet'''. Contains some of the restored architecture in Nantes and consists of eight perfectly symmetric houses built around an octagon. 200 meters from Port and from ''Maillé-Brézé''. * '''Place du Bouffay'''. A pedestrian area between the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Saint Pierre Cathedral et la Place du Commerce; ancient medieval quarter of Nantesvieux known for its Breton culture and for the pubs and restaurants. * '''Ile Feydeau''', magnificent architecture of the 18th century. Shipowners' houses in the sculptured mascarons and the balconies of wrought iron illustrate the wealth accumulated at the time of the triangular trade. * The '''Jules Verne Museum''', on the Butte Sainte Anne, which has just been completely restored. Has a very good collection of memorabilia and objects associated with Jules Verne. There is also a very nice view of the port of Nantes. * The new '''Palais de Justice''' on the Île de Nantes, designed by Jean Nouvel and built in 2000. * La '''Tour LU''' (The LU Tower) - a picturesque tower guarding the entrance of a former Lefevre-Utile biscuit factory. * The '''lieu unique''', centre of atypical art shelters a restaurant, a bar, a shop, theaters, etc. * '''Musée Thomas Dobrée'''. * Le '''Jardin des Plantes''' (Garden of Plants), situated just outside the main train station (North exit). * Le '''Marché Talensac''', the main town market, full of high quality local produce. * The '''[http://www.lesmachines-nantes.fr/english/ Machines de l'Ile]''' (Machines of the Isle of Nantes), an exhibition of fantastic mechanical animals including the Great Elephant on which you can take a ride. Take tramway line 1 to Chantiers Naval, then walk across the bridge. Price is around €6. [[File:Hemisphere land.png|thumb|The Earth's Land Hemisphere]] *{{see | name=Land Hemisphere | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.216667 | long=-1.533333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q786270 | content=According to one measurement, the Earth's land hemisphere, i.e. the hemisphere of the Earth containing the largest possible area of land, is centered on Nantes. }} * {{see | name=Passage Pommeraye | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.213333 | long=-1.559722 | directions=between Rue Crébillon and Rue de la Fosse | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Passage Pommeraye | image=Passage Pommeraye, Nantes (France).JPG | wikidata=Q8326 | lastedit=2018-11-21 | content=A shopping mall built in the 19th century. }} * {{see | name=French destroyer Maillé-Brézé | alt= | url=https://www.maillebreze.com/en | email=maillebreze@orange.fr | address=Quai de la fosse BP 68721 | lat=47.206667 | long=-1.571667 | directions=Tramway station Gare Maritime | phone=+33 9 79 18 33 51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult €9; students (younger than 25) €7; children up to 11: €5. Includes board tours and motors. Group rate: €7 for 10 people or more | wikipedia=French destroyer Maillé-Brézé (D627) | image=Maille-Braize-08.jpg | wikidata=Q2103611 | lastedit=2018-11-21 | content=A warship which has been moored in Nantes for many years which is open to visitors. }} ===Around Nantes=== The beach, especially the resort town of [[La Baule]], is only a short drive away or can be easily reached by train. There are often cheaper deals if you take the local trains such as the TER or Corail (as opposed to the TGV). You can also travel to the beach at [[Pornic]], a very beautiful town and much less of a beach resort than La Baule. The salt swamps at [[Guerande]], where Breton sea salt is harvested, are worth a visit, as well, and feature an exhibit on the salt-harvesting process. == Do == * '''Watch football''' at Stade de la Beaujoire. FC Nantes play soccer in Ligue 1, the top tier in France, and often qualify for European tournaments. The stadium, capacity 37,473, is 5 km northeast of the city centre, off the bypass N844. * '''Rugby Union World Cup''' is held in France 8 Sept - 28 Oct 2023, with matches in Nantes, Paris, Saint-Étienne, Marseille, Lille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice and Toulouse. ==Learn== * There are around 50 000 students in Nantes Metropole among which 32 000 students in the University of Nantes, the third multi-disciplinary university in France. * The city supports the research in the excellent domains of the town with 2 200 researchers and 200 research laboratories. * And 15 elite schools. ==Work== The "Maison de l'Emploi" of the Nantes metropolis was created on October 17, 2005. This initiative allows to make employment more accessible and also to act against the discriminations in the districts where the unemployment rate is the highest. ==Buy== * '''La Friendande''', ''12 rue Paul Bellamy'', from caramels, candies, jams to home-made chocolates. * '''Les Rigolettes nantaises''', ''18 rue de Verdun et rue Franklin'', Nantes candies, chocolates and other regional specialities. * Bookshop of the '''Castle of the dukes of Brittany''', ''place Marc Elder'' [http://www.chateaunantes.fr/en/gift-and-bookshop], artworks, objects, postcards and collections. * '''Lieu Unique Boutique''', ''quai Ferdinand Favre'', LU collections and artists' creations. * '''Tourist Office Boutique''', ''3 cours Olivier de Clisson'' et ''2 place St Pierre'', books, guides, postcards, regional specialties, etc. ==Eat== Nantes has many restaurants! For its famous and finest wine and seafood. Also, this region of France is famous as the birthplace of crêpes. For a more savory variant, try the ''galettes de sarrasin'' (buckwheat crêpes). ===Budget=== Some cafés and crêperies offer affordable prix-fixe menus for lunch. All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name= L'Épicerie de Ginette| alt= | url= | email= | address=6 Pl. du Bouffay | lat= 47.2147098| long=-1.5535599 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=L'endroit | alt= | url= | email= | address=2 All. de la Tremperie | lat=47.2144707 | long= -1.5538627| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Café du passage | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Pl. Félix Fournier | lat=47.2148177 | long=-1.5573952 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Le Loo Librairie Gourmande | alt= | url= | email= | address=22 Rue Baron | lat=47.2109531 | long= -1.5493003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=La Ripaille Burger | alt= | url= | email= | address= 10 Rue du Château| lat=47.2162907 | long=-1.5520452 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Fresh Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 Rue de Gorges | lat= 47.2140068| long= -1.5583259 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} ===Mid-range=== *'''Cafe Molière''', in the Place Graslin next to the Theatre Graslin, offers excellent lunch fare, including sandwiches, croques-monsieur (open-faced sandwiches with ham and melted cheese; a delicious variant is the croque-anana, which also features a pineapple slice), steak-frites (steak and French fries), and salads. Coffee and dessert are also available, and the restaurant becomes a bar at night. Get a table outside if Nantes is experiencing rare sunny weather. ===Splurge=== *'''La Cigale''', in the Place Graslin, has been called "the most beautiful brasserie in France" for its turn-of-the-century decor. Seafood is a particular specialty (as in all of Nantes), and the chef can be seen preparing seafood in front of the restaurant, where there is outdoor seating during warmer months. Fixed price menus are available for 15 and €25. A cheaper way to experience this delightful place is to go in the afternoon for dessert and coffee. *'''L'Instinct Gourmand''' - 14 Rue Saint-Léonard. Very good bistro food in a relaxed atmosphere. ==Drink== Nantes's nightlife is concentrated in the Bouffay area, although there are also many bars and nightclubs near the Place du Commerce and the Théâtre Graslin. * '''Le Bar du Coin''', next to the Église Saint-Croix, with an old-fashioned interior occasionally offering an in house DJ. * '''Les Fées Maison''' bar decorated in a fairy-tale theme, offering many unique cocktails and local beers, located near Place du Commerce, close to the tram stop. * '''La Maison''' bar decorated in the style of an old house from the 1970s. You can have a drink sitting in a bathtub in the "bathroom" of the house. Located on the rue Lebrun, a small alleyway off the rue du Maréchal Joffre near the Place Foch with great indoor and an enclosed outdoor area. * '''John McByrne''' (21 rue des Petites Ecuries, {{phone|+33 2 40 89 64 46}}) is a popular traditional Irish Pub in the quartier Bouffay that opened in 1998. With great pints of Guinness served by friendly staff from the Emerald Isle and elsewhere around the globe, this is the place to go to enjoy an authentic Irish atmosphere. Gaelic sports are shown live on TV along with English and Scottish Football and the occasional International Rugby match, all commentated in English. * '''Délirium Café''' (19 Allée Baco, {{phone|+33 2 40 08 90 77}}) is a great bar with a good student atmosphere. Offers a lively environment with tables and the bar, as well as an enclosed outside area offering a nice change from the inside scattered with tables. A little bit pricier for the students, but the environment is well worth it. Hosts English themed nights every Wednesday while the local university is in session. *'''Flemming's''' (22 rue des Carmes, {{phone|+33 02 40 47 32 86}}) is an Irish pub with a newer, book lined walls, classier interior than the others located around town. Anglophones are typically the only bartenders working, unless the owner is there who is French. As a result if you're looking for the familiarity of the English language or you'd like to improve your English, this is the place to go. Has tables upstairs and down stairs as well as tables outside if the weather is nice enough. Open from 10:00 to 14:00 everyday. Also show's rugby and soccer matches throughout the weekend by way of a screen and projector they have located downstairs. *'''Le Shaft''' (14 Rue Petites Ecuries, {{phone|+33 02 40 47 78 56}}) is a small bar on a corner with a terrace and a friendly, crowded interior. If you're looking for a cheap drink, they offer €3 pints and Giraffes for cheap. *'''Bier Garten''' (11 rue de la Juiverie), in Bouffay, is perfect for groups of people. Although it looks small, inside it offers 4 rather large back rooms which are more than accommodating for groups. Offers salsa, bands, and various themed nights throughout the week as well. Try Breton cider, similar to beer, which comes in either a brut or doux (sweet) variety. A variation is a kir Breton, which is cider mixed with a fruit liquor (usually black currant, blackberry, or peach). The Nantes area is also known for its Muscadet wine, inexpensive but surprisingly delicious, which goes well with seafood dishes. ===Live music=== ====Music venues==== * Le Lieu Unique * Le Live ====Music Festivals==== * Soy Festival * Hellfest * Les nuits de l'Erdre ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * '''Youth Hostel''', 2 place de la Manu, tram station "Manufacture" (line 1). * '''Camping du Petit Port''', camping ground which can be reached by tram from the centre of the town. When they are not full, sometimes the university residences will rent out rooms for a reasonable price. Contact the director of the desired residence to be sure. Visit [http://www.crous-nantes.fr/ CROUS Nantes] for more information. (link in French) ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=The Novotel hotel | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1571/index.en.shtml | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2-51820000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=3 rue de Valmy. Near the Convention Centre and the train station, close to the castle and the Cathedral. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mercure hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-mercure-nantes.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2-40353030 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=50/51 Quai Malakoff. A 3* hotel located in city centre, near Nantes' main train station. Ideal for meetings and conventions. }} *'''Hôtel Kyriad Nantes Centre''', 8, allée du commandant Charcot, 44000 Nantes, {{phone|+33 2 40 74 14 54}} (Fax: +33 2 40 74 77 68), [http://www.kyriadnantescentre.fr/accueil.htm] inexpensive hotel with a good location in central Nantes; Canal Satellite TV, Wifi. * {{sleep | name=Ibis Centre Gare Sud | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/0892/index.en.shtml | email= | address=3 Allée Baco | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2 40 20 21 20 | tollfree= | fax=+33 1 40 48 24 64 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Between the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Place du Commerce. }} * {{sleep | name=Ibis Tour de Bretagne | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1394/index.en.shtml | email= | address=19 rue Jean Jaures | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2 40 35 39 00 | tollfree= | fax=+33 1 40 89 07 74 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Covered parking and a bar and restaurant, l'hôtel Ibis is close to the Tour de Bretagne. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Pommeraye | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-pommeraye.com/ | email= | address=2, rue Boileau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+33 2-40487879 | tollfree= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= A hotel located next to the Passage Pommeraye(shopping), free Wifi (and PC to use) in the lobby. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Westotel | alt= | url=http://www.westotel.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Swimming pool and free internet. Can sometimes get a good deal. }} ==Connect== The first part of the WIFI network covers the city center, lieu unique, SNCF train station, Ile de Nantes district. From the Nantes WIFI portal site, the access is free and directs towards some sites of practical information in Nantes Métropole (in English and French). * Hotel bookings * Cultural and tourist activities * Restaurants * Traffic information Many bars and cafés also offer free Wifi to those with a laptop computer. Look for the WiFi logo in the windows. ==Stay safe== Once one of France's safest cities, Nantes has seen a dramatic surge in crime and insecurity since the late 2010s. Be especially cautious at night, in crowded areas, and near the railway station. As one of France's premier strongholds for left-wing politics, counter-culture, and anti-government sentiments, Nantes has had its share of far-left political riots over the years, many of which have garnered international attention. Do not get involved and stay away if anything happens, as protesters and police officers will resort to violence if things escalate. Nevertheless, police presence remains reasonably visible and the trams are patrolled by TAN officials at night. The European emergency number 112 is accessible in Nantes. ==Cope== There is a very strong international presence in Nantes because of the many international students attracted by the large and well-known Université de Nantes. Every Wednesday evening international students meet at Buck Mulligan's bar to meet new people and socialise in a variety of languages. In addition, there are several Irish bars in Nantes in which the bartenders speak fluent English. Most Nantais are fairly friendly and will do their best to help you get by, although obviously they will be happier if you make an effort to communicate in French. ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Algeria}} {{listing | name=Algeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= 57, rue du Général Buat| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +33 2 40 74 38 19| tollfree= | fax=+33 2 40 74 61 19 | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | alt= | url= | email=consulbelnant@wanadoo.fr | address= 3, Place Pierre Desfossé| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +33 2 40 75 89 49| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=''Honorary Consulate'' }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name= Germany| alt= | url= | email=nantes@hk-diplo.de | address=18 quai Ernest Renaud | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +33 2 40 44 20 16| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=''Honorary Consulate'' }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | alt= | url= | email= | address=47-49 rue Leon Jost | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 6 86 08 20 92 | tollfree= | fax=+33 240 597 101 | hours= | price= | content=''Honorary Consulate'' }} * {{flag|Madagascar}} {{listing | name=Madagascar | alt= | url=http://www.consulat-madagascargrandouest.fr/ | email= | address= Quartier Monselet, 6 Place Sarradin| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +33 9 71 27 66 57| tollfree= | fax=+33 2 40 85 43 68 | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=''Honorary Consulate'' }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | alt= | url= http://nant.bk.mfa.gov.tr| email=consulatturque@bbox.fr | address= 20 Quai François Mitterand| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2 40 75 73 87 | tollfree= | fax=+33 9 82 63 77 98 | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} == Connect == As of June 2022, Nantes has 5G with all French carriers. == Go next == * [[Guérande]], a fortified city surrounded by Medieval walls. Guérande is also famous for its sea salt production. * [[Clisson]], a small town with a ruined castle and an annual open-air heavy metal festival, Hellfest, in June. * [[Le Croisic]], a small fishing town, also a short walk from the scenic [[Côte Sauvage]]. {{routebox | image1=Autoroute française 11.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=W | majorl1=ENDS AT PORTE DE RENNES | minorl1= | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Paris]] | minorr1=[[Angers]] | caption1=L'Oceane | image2=Autoroute française 83.svg | imagesize2=50 | directionl2=N | majorl2=ENDS AT PORTE DES SORINIÈRES | minorl2= | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Bordeaux]] [[Image:Tabliczka_E3.svg|30px]] | minorr2=[[La Rochelle]] | caption2=Autoroute des Estuaires | image3=Route nationale française 137.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Image:Tabliczka_E3.svg|30px]] [[Rennes]] | minorl3=Châteaubriant | directionr3=S | majorr3=ENDS AT PORTE DE RENNES | minorr3= | caption3=Route des Estuaires }} {{geo|47.2181|-1.5528}} {{isPartOf|Pays_de_la_Loire}} {{usablecity}} jna5pg31u04kk0a50867xlh6u8ghep2 4487711 4487701 2022-07-21T12:16:52Z Xavxing 2273493 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nantes banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.nantes-tourisme.com/ Nantes]''' (Breton: ''Naoned'') is the capital of the north-western [[France|French]] region of [[Pays de la Loire]]. Nantes has strong historical connections with the adjoining region of [[Brittany]], and is the historical capital of the region (though it has not been its official capital since the days of Napoleon). [[File:Quai de la Fosse - Nantes.jpg|thumb|300px|Nantes seen from Quai de la Fosse]] ==Understand== Nantes was once an important port located 50&nbsp;km up the Loire River. It grew rich on the slave trade with Africa and the West Indies. Nantes is also famous for being the home of the science fiction writer Jules Verne. In 2017, it had a population of 310,000 people. Several well known districts in Nantes: *{{marker|name=Place du Commerce|lat=47.2131|long=-1.55778}}: This is the centre of the city and everybody will be able to direct you here. Near here you will find ''la Place Royale'', ''le Quai de la Fosse'', ''la rue Crébillon'' (famous for its posh shops) *{{marker|name=Place du Bouffay|lat=47.2147|long=-1.5532}}: Old Nantes, with many restaurants and known for foreign food. There are also many bars. *{{marker|name=Talensac|lat=47.2212|long=-1.55797}}: Famous for its market. *{{marker|name=Decré|lat=47.215833|long=-1.553889}}: A pedestrian shopping district close to ''Bouffay''. *{{marker|name=Île de Versailles|lat=47.2258|long=-1.55444}}: An island in the river Erdre close to the city centre (reach it from Tram line 2). The entire island is a Japanese garden and is a pleasant place to relax. *{{marker|name=Rue Crébillon|lat=47.2138|long=-1.56035}}: Semi pedestrian street at the junction of ''la place Royale'' and ''la place Graslin'', where the main clothes shops are situated. ''Pour ceux qui ne compte pas leur argent'' (for those who do not count their money). *{{marker|name=Quai de la fosse|lat=47.2089|long=-1.56735}}: Bars and prostitutes on the week-end. Used to be called by locals ''Quai de la fesse'' (Quay of Buttocks). *'''Butte St-Anne''': West of the ''place du Commerce'', in the quartier de Chantenay. Old buildings and a view on the former port. *{{marker|name=Le quai des Antilles|lat=47.2022|long=-1.57272}}: A nice place to get a drink. Lots of bars and restaurants. ===Climate=== {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =9.0 | febhigh =9.9 | marhigh =13.0 | aprhigh =15.5 | mayhigh =19.2 | junhigh =22.7 | julhigh =24.8 | aughigh =25.0 | sephigh =22.1 | octhigh =17.5 | novhigh =12.4 | dechigh =9.3 | janlow =3.1 | feblow =2.9 | marlow =4.8 | aprlow =6.4 | maylow =9.9 | junlow =12.6 | jullow =14.4 | auglow =14.2 | seplow =11.9 | octlow =9.4 | novlow =5.7 | declow =3.4 | janprecip =86.4 | febprecip =69.0 | marprecip =60.9 | aprprecip =61.4 | mayprecip =66.2 | junprecip =43.4 | julprecip =45.9 | augprecip =44.1 | sepprecip =62.9 | octprecip =92.8 | novprecip =89.7 | decprecip =96.8 | description =Source: [[:en:w:Nantes#Climate|Wikipedia]]. See a seven day forecast for Nantes at [http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/nantes/44000 Météo France]. }} Rain here is frequent, and beware if it's sunny because brief but fierce tempests have been known to appear unexpectedly. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat when going out. Winters are typically mild. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|47.20962|-1.54515|zoom=13}} ===By plane=== There is an international airport in the south of Nantes, {{listing|type=go| name=Nantes Atlantique Airport | alt={{IATA|NTE}} | url=http://www.nantes.aeroport.fr | lat=47.156944 | long=-1.607778 | wikipedia=Nantes Atlantique Airport | image=Nantes atlantique.jpg | wikidata=Q1432144 | content=There are regular connections from France, Northern Africa, UK, and the rest of Europe. There are domestic flights in France with [https://www.easyjet.com/Easyjet] {{dead link|December 2020}} ([[Lille]], [[Lyon]], [[Montpellier]], [[Nice]] and [[Toulouse]]), [https://www.airfrance.com Air France] ([[Paris Charles de Gaulle]]), [http://www.hop.com/en/ HOP!] ([[Lille]], [[Lyon]], [[Marseille]], [[Montpellier]], [[Nice]], [[Paris Orly]], [[Strasbourg]], [[Toulouse]]). There are also flights from the UK with [https://www.ryanair.com/ Ryanair] ([[East Midlands]], [[Edinburgh]], [[London Stansted]], and [[Manchester]]), and [https://www.easyjet.com/Easyjet] {{dead link|December 2020}} ([[Liverpool]],[[London Gatwick]], and [[London Luton Airport|London Luton]]). Intercontinentally, there are seasonal flights from [[Montreal]] with Air Transat.}} There are three ways to get to the airport from the centre of the town. * By bus (TAN AIR) which runs from the center of Nantes (Commerce) taking 20 minutes, or from the Nantes station taking 30 minutes (€9.00). *From Commerce take tram line 3 in the direction Neustrie # from the terminus station "Neustrie", take the bus line 98. This will take around 35 minutes. # get off at the tram stop "Pirmil", then take bus line 38 to the stop "Aéroport". This will also take around 35 minutes plus a two minute walk The last two methods just require the regular TAN ticket valid for an hour and will cost you €1.70 (or less if you already have a day ticket, or at the weekend). Also, all tram stations have a very clear tram and bus map and you will easily be able to see these methods to get to the airport. It is easy to find the Aeroport Bus stop at the airport, but if you are not familiar with the area, it is very difficult to find the stop for the number 98 bus at the airport. To reach Bus 98, cross the railroad tracks and walk through the P1 Sud parking lot to Rue Charles Lindbergh. It is just a five-minute walk from the terminal, but there are no signs pointing the way. The Aeroport Bus departs every 20 minutes, but Bus 98 departs every 30-60 minutes. ===By train=== Nantes is just over 2 hours (depending on the number of stops) by TGV from [[Paris]] passing through [[Le Mans]] and [[Angers]]. Trains run regularly throughout the day. There are also direct connections from Nantes to [[Charles de Gaulle Airport]] and to [[Lille]] (stopping at [[Disneyland Resort Paris]]) which bypass Paris. It is also possible to arrive from * Roissy CDG Airport in 2 hr 50 min * [[Grenoble]] in 5 hr 35 min * [[Lille]] in 3 hr 50 min * [[Lyon]] in 4 hr 20 min * [[Marseille]] in 6 hr 20 min '''SNCF information: 3635''' * {{listing | type=go | name=Gare de Nantes | alt={{IATA|QJZ}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.216667 | long=-1.541667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gare de Nantes | image=Flickr - IngolfBLN - Nantes - Gare (41).jpg | wikidata=Q2180175 | content=The railways station has two exits usually referred to as "gare nord" and "gare sud".<br />Exit North: tramway to the city centre.<br />Exit South: pedestrian access to Nantes International Convention Centre, car rentals. }} ===By car=== Car hire is available on many websites if you are travelling to Nantes. ===By bus=== The [http://www.tan.fr TAN] public transport system links Nantes to several nearby burgs, as does the Lila system of regional buses. Bus companies Ouibus, Flixbus, Isilines, Eurolines and Alsa offer service to Nantes from many cities. The tickets of these companies can be purchased on [https://www.sobus.travel/bus-Nantes Sobus]. ===By boat=== * {{Phone|+33 2 40 37 04 62}} for detailed information about the cruises. * River Ferries (Navibus) Information & schedule {{Phone|+33 0810 444 444}} (TAN ticket valid for crossings.) ==Get around== [[File:Place Graslin et Théâtre Graslin a Nantes.jpg|thumb|Place Graslin and Théâtre Graslin]] ===Public transport === There are very good public transportation services provided by the TAN (Transports de l'Agglomération Nantaise). It consists of 3 tram lines, a BusWay (like a tram line and numbered as such but with buses rather than trams), many bus lines, and several Navibus (public boats) lines. A one-way ticket costs €1.70. Once on the bus, tram, or navibus you must validate the ticket in one of the green ticket validation machines. The ticket is then active for one hour with unlimited transfers. Tickets are cheaper if you buy them in bulk (a "carnet" of 10 tickets costs €15.60) and there are also 24-hour (€5.80 for one person, or €10.00 for 4 people). The trams start early and run till after midnight, later on Saturdays, however there are also several night bus lines. Trams and buses are free on Saturday and Sunday. === By taxi === Nantes's taxi number is {{Phone|+33 02 40 69 22 22}}. There are designated taxi waiting spots near Place du Commerce and the train station, but taxi service is infrequent. === By bike === Nantes is a very [[cycling|bike-friendly]] city. There are bicycle lanes alongside most major roads, demarcated by green arrows, and many small streets and trails that are only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Bikes [https://www.nantes-tourisme.com/en/rent-bike can be rented] from '''Nantes Métropole''' at one of eight parking lots in the city. You may rent a bike for €1 for 2 hours, €4 for a day, €10 for a week, or €25 for a month. Additionally, there is a 50% discount for holders of an SNCF or a TAN pass. '''[http://www.bicloo.nantesmetropole.fr Bicloo]''', Nantes self-service bicycle network at 79 locations, offering 700 bicycles. Registration starts at €1 for a day (with a €150 deposit in case of damage to the bike), the first 30 minutes are free of charge, 30 minutes to 1 hour €0.50, 1 hour to 1½ hr €1.50, and each additional 30 minutes (up to 24 hr) €2. There are 89 Bicloo stations allover Nantes but no Bicloo stations outside of the Nantes area. ==See== [[File:Nantes cathedrale.JPG|thumb|250px|Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul ]] * {{see | name=Château des ducs de Bretagne | alt=Castle of the Dukes of Brittany | url=http://www.chateaunantes.fr/en | email= | address= | lat=47.215833 | long=-1.55 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Château des ducs de Bretagne | image=Nantes aérien château3.jpg | wikidata=Q1289258 | content=Nantes History Museum - Expositions. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale Saint Pierre | alt= | url=http://www.cathedrale-nantes.cef.fr/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=47.218333 | long=-1.550833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nantes Cathedral | image=Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Nantes - façade.jpg | wikidata=Q1423005 | content=In its two crypts where the treasures and the history of the cathedral are displayed. Next to the Château des ducs de Bretagne. }} * {{see | name=Musée des Beaux-Arts | alt=Fine Arts Museum | url=https://museedartsdenantes.nantesmetropole.fr/home.html | email= | address=Rue Clémenceau 10 | lat=47.219444 | long=-1.547222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes | image=Parvis musee fev2017.jpg | wikidata=Q1783956 | content=A beautiful building with an excellent art collection and temporary exhibitions. }} * La '''Chapelle de l'Oratoire'''. Rue Henri IV. Near the Castle and the Cathedral. * '''Place Maréchal-Foch'''. Contains one of the few exisitng statues of Louis XVI, the beheaded king, left in France * l''''Ile de Versailles''', a peaceful island in the Erdre with a Japanese garden. * Le '''Cours Cambronne'''. A few steps from la place Graslin containing imperial buildings. * La '''Place Mellinet'''. Contains some of the restored architecture in Nantes and consists of eight perfectly symmetric houses built around an octagon. 200 meters from Port and from ''Maillé-Brézé''. * '''Place du Bouffay'''. A pedestrian area between the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Saint Pierre Cathedral et la Place du Commerce; ancient medieval quarter of Nantesvieux known for its Breton culture and for the pubs and restaurants. * '''Ile Feydeau''', magnificent architecture of the 18th century. Shipowners' houses in the sculptured mascarons and the balconies of wrought iron illustrate the wealth accumulated at the time of the triangular trade. * The '''Jules Verne Museum''', on the Butte Sainte Anne, which has just been completely restored. Has a very good collection of memorabilia and objects associated with Jules Verne. There is also a very nice view of the port of Nantes. * The new '''Palais de Justice''' on the Île de Nantes, designed by Jean Nouvel and built in 2000. * La '''Tour LU''' (The LU Tower) - a picturesque tower guarding the entrance of a former Lefevre-Utile biscuit factory. * The '''lieu unique''', centre of atypical art shelters a restaurant, a bar, a shop, theaters, etc. * '''Musée Thomas Dobrée'''. * Le '''Jardin des Plantes''' (Garden of Plants), situated just outside the main train station (North exit). * Le '''Marché Talensac''', the main town market, full of high quality local produce. * The '''[http://www.lesmachines-nantes.fr/english/ Machines de l'Ile]''' (Machines of the Isle of Nantes), an exhibition of fantastic mechanical animals including the Great Elephant on which you can take a ride. Take tramway line 1 to Chantiers Naval, then walk across the bridge. Price is around €6. [[File:Hemisphere land.png|thumb|The Earth's Land Hemisphere]] *{{see | name=Land Hemisphere | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.216667 | long=-1.533333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q786270 | content=According to one measurement, the Earth's land hemisphere, i.e. the hemisphere of the Earth containing the largest possible area of land, is centered on Nantes. }} * {{see | name=Passage Pommeraye | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.213333 | long=-1.559722 | directions=between Rue Crébillon and Rue de la Fosse | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Passage Pommeraye | image=Passage Pommeraye, Nantes (France).JPG | wikidata=Q8326 | lastedit=2018-11-21 | content=A shopping mall built in the 19th century. }} * {{see | name=French destroyer Maillé-Brézé | alt= | url=https://www.maillebreze.com/en | email=maillebreze@orange.fr | address=Quai de la fosse BP 68721 | lat=47.206667 | long=-1.571667 | directions=Tramway station Gare Maritime | phone=+33 9 79 18 33 51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult €9; students (younger than 25) €7; children up to 11: €5. Includes board tours and motors. Group rate: €7 for 10 people or more | wikipedia=French destroyer Maillé-Brézé (D627) | image=Maille-Braize-08.jpg | wikidata=Q2103611 | lastedit=2018-11-21 | content=A warship which has been moored in Nantes for many years which is open to visitors. }} ===Around Nantes=== The beach, especially the resort town of [[La Baule]], is only a short drive away or can be easily reached by train. There are often cheaper deals if you take the local trains such as the TER or Corail (as opposed to the TGV). You can also travel to the beach at [[Pornic]], a very beautiful town and much less of a beach resort than La Baule. The salt swamps at [[Guerande]], where Breton sea salt is harvested, are worth a visit, as well, and feature an exhibit on the salt-harvesting process. == Do == * '''Watch football''' at Stade de la Beaujoire. FC Nantes play soccer in Ligue 1, the top tier in France, and often qualify for European tournaments. The stadium, capacity 37,473, is 5 km northeast of the city centre, off the bypass N844. * '''Rugby Union World Cup''' is held in France 8 Sept - 28 Oct 2023, with matches in Nantes, Paris, Saint-Étienne, Marseille, Lille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice and Toulouse. ==Learn== * There are around 50 000 students in Nantes Metropole among which 32 000 students in the University of Nantes, the third multi-disciplinary university in France. * The city supports the research in the excellent domains of the town with 2 200 researchers and 200 research laboratories. * And 15 elite schools. ==Work== The "Maison de l'Emploi" of the Nantes metropolis was created on October 17, 2005. This initiative allows to make employment more accessible and also to act against the discriminations in the districts where the unemployment rate is the highest. ==Buy== * '''La Friendande''', ''12 rue Paul Bellamy'', from caramels, candies, jams to home-made chocolates. * '''Les Rigolettes nantaises''', ''18 rue de Verdun et rue Franklin'', Nantes candies, chocolates and other regional specialities. * Bookshop of the '''Castle of the dukes of Brittany''', ''place Marc Elder'' [http://www.chateaunantes.fr/en/gift-and-bookshop], artworks, objects, postcards and collections. * '''Lieu Unique Boutique''', ''quai Ferdinand Favre'', LU collections and artists' creations. * '''Tourist Office Boutique''', ''3 cours Olivier de Clisson'' et ''2 place St Pierre'', books, guides, postcards, regional specialties, etc. ==Eat== Nantes has many restaurants! For its famous and finest wine and seafood. Also, this region of France is famous as the birthplace of crêpes. For a more savory variant, try the ''galettes de sarrasin'' (buckwheat crêpes). ===Budget=== Some cafés and crêperies offer affordable prix-fixe menus for lunch. All these are in the city center: * {{eat | name= L'Épicerie de Ginette| alt= | url= | email= | address=6 Pl. du Bouffay | lat= 47.2147098| long=-1.5535599 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=L'endroit | alt= | url= | email= | address=2 All. de la Tremperie | lat=47.2144707 | long= -1.5538627| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Café du passage | alt= | url= | email= | address=1 Pl. Félix Fournier | lat=47.2148177 | long=-1.5573952 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Le Loo Librairie Gourmande | alt= | url= | email= | address=22 Rue Baron | lat=47.2109531 | long= -1.5493003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=La Ripaille Burger | alt= | url= | email= | address= 10 Rue du Château| lat=47.2162907 | long=-1.5520452 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=Fresh Burritos | alt= | url= | email= | address=5 Rue de Gorges | lat= 47.2140068| long= -1.5583259 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} ===Mid-range=== *'''Cafe Molière''', in the Place Graslin next to the Theatre Graslin, offers excellent lunch fare, including sandwiches, croques-monsieur (open-faced sandwiches with ham and melted cheese; a delicious variant is the croque-anana, which also features a pineapple slice), steak-frites (steak and French fries), and salads. Coffee and dessert are also available, and the restaurant becomes a bar at night. Get a table outside if Nantes is experiencing rare sunny weather. ===Splurge=== *'''La Cigale''', in the Place Graslin, has been called "the most beautiful brasserie in France" for its turn-of-the-century decor. Seafood is a particular specialty (as in all of Nantes), and the chef can be seen preparing seafood in front of the restaurant, where there is outdoor seating during warmer months. Fixed price menus are available for 15 and €25. A cheaper way to experience this delightful place is to go in the afternoon for dessert and coffee. *'''L'Instinct Gourmand''' - 14 Rue Saint-Léonard. Very good bistro food in a relaxed atmosphere. *'''Le Lion et L'Agneau''' 40 Rue Fouré. Excellent, imaginative cuisine and friendly service. ==Drink== Nantes's nightlife is concentrated in the Bouffay area, although there are also many bars and nightclubs near the Place du Commerce and the Théâtre Graslin. * '''Le Bar du Coin''', next to the Église Saint-Croix, with an old-fashioned interior occasionally offering an in house DJ. * '''Les Fées Maison''' bar decorated in a fairy-tale theme, offering many unique cocktails and local beers, located near Place du Commerce, close to the tram stop. * '''La Maison''' bar decorated in the style of an old house from the 1970s. You can have a drink sitting in a bathtub in the "bathroom" of the house. Located on the rue Lebrun, a small alleyway off the rue du Maréchal Joffre near the Place Foch with great indoor and an enclosed outdoor area. * '''John McByrne''' (21 rue des Petites Ecuries, {{phone|+33 2 40 89 64 46}}) is a popular traditional Irish Pub in the quartier Bouffay that opened in 1998. With great pints of Guinness served by friendly staff from the Emerald Isle and elsewhere around the globe, this is the place to go to enjoy an authentic Irish atmosphere. Gaelic sports are shown live on TV along with English and Scottish Football and the occasional International Rugby match, all commentated in English. * '''Délirium Café''' (19 Allée Baco, {{phone|+33 2 40 08 90 77}}) is a great bar with a good student atmosphere. Offers a lively environment with tables and the bar, as well as an enclosed outside area offering a nice change from the inside scattered with tables. A little bit pricier for the students, but the environment is well worth it. Hosts English themed nights every Wednesday while the local university is in session. *'''Flemming's''' (22 rue des Carmes, {{phone|+33 02 40 47 32 86}}) is an Irish pub with a newer, book lined walls, classier interior than the others located around town. Anglophones are typically the only bartenders working, unless the owner is there who is French. As a result if you're looking for the familiarity of the English language or you'd like to improve your English, this is the place to go. Has tables upstairs and down stairs as well as tables outside if the weather is nice enough. Open from 10:00 to 14:00 everyday. Also show's rugby and soccer matches throughout the weekend by way of a screen and projector they have located downstairs. *'''Le Shaft''' (14 Rue Petites Ecuries, {{phone|+33 02 40 47 78 56}}) is a small bar on a corner with a terrace and a friendly, crowded interior. If you're looking for a cheap drink, they offer €3 pints and Giraffes for cheap. *'''Bier Garten''' (11 rue de la Juiverie), in Bouffay, is perfect for groups of people. Although it looks small, inside it offers 4 rather large back rooms which are more than accommodating for groups. Offers salsa, bands, and various themed nights throughout the week as well. Try Breton cider, similar to beer, which comes in either a brut or doux (sweet) variety. A variation is a kir Breton, which is cider mixed with a fruit liquor (usually black currant, blackberry, or peach). The Nantes area is also known for its Muscadet wine, inexpensive but surprisingly delicious, which goes well with seafood dishes. ===Live music=== ====Music venues==== * Le Lieu Unique * Le Live ====Music Festivals==== * Soy Festival * Hellfest * Les nuits de l'Erdre ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * '''Youth Hostel''', 2 place de la Manu, tram station "Manufacture" (line 1). * '''Camping du Petit Port''', camping ground which can be reached by tram from the centre of the town. When they are not full, sometimes the university residences will rent out rooms for a reasonable price. Contact the director of the desired residence to be sure. Visit [http://www.crous-nantes.fr/ CROUS Nantes] for more information. (link in French) ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=The Novotel hotel | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1571/index.en.shtml | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2-51820000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=3 rue de Valmy. Near the Convention Centre and the train station, close to the castle and the Cathedral. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mercure hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-mercure-nantes.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2-40353030 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=50/51 Quai Malakoff. A 3* hotel located in city centre, near Nantes' main train station. Ideal for meetings and conventions. }} *'''Hôtel Kyriad Nantes Centre''', 8, allée du commandant Charcot, 44000 Nantes, {{phone|+33 2 40 74 14 54}} (Fax: +33 2 40 74 77 68), [http://www.kyriadnantescentre.fr/accueil.htm] inexpensive hotel with a good location in central Nantes; Canal Satellite TV, Wifi. * {{sleep | name=Ibis Centre Gare Sud | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/0892/index.en.shtml | email= | address=3 Allée Baco | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2 40 20 21 20 | tollfree= | fax=+33 1 40 48 24 64 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Between the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Place du Commerce. }} * {{sleep | name=Ibis Tour de Bretagne | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/1394/index.en.shtml | email= | address=19 rue Jean Jaures | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2 40 35 39 00 | tollfree= | fax=+33 1 40 89 07 74 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Covered parking and a bar and restaurant, l'hôtel Ibis is close to the Tour de Bretagne. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Pommeraye | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-pommeraye.com/ | email= | address=2, rue Boileau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+33 2-40487879 | tollfree= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= A hotel located next to the Passage Pommeraye(shopping), free Wifi (and PC to use) in the lobby. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Westotel | alt= | url=http://www.westotel.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Swimming pool and free internet. Can sometimes get a good deal. }} ==Connect== The first part of the WIFI network covers the city center, lieu unique, SNCF train station, Ile de Nantes district. From the Nantes WIFI portal site, the access is free and directs towards some sites of practical information in Nantes Métropole (in English and French). * Hotel bookings * Cultural and tourist activities * Restaurants * Traffic information Many bars and cafés also offer free Wifi to those with a laptop computer. Look for the WiFi logo in the windows. ==Stay safe== Once one of France's safest cities, Nantes has seen a dramatic surge in crime and insecurity since the late 2010s. Be especially cautious at night, in crowded areas, and near the railway station. As one of France's premier strongholds for left-wing politics, counter-culture, and anti-government sentiments, Nantes has had its share of far-left political riots over the years, many of which have garnered international attention. Do not get involved and stay away if anything happens, as protesters and police officers will resort to violence if things escalate. Nevertheless, police presence remains reasonably visible and the trams are patrolled by TAN officials at night. The European emergency number 112 is accessible in Nantes. ==Cope== There is a very strong international presence in Nantes because of the many international students attracted by the large and well-known Université de Nantes. Every Wednesday evening international students meet at Buck Mulligan's bar to meet new people and socialise in a variety of languages. In addition, there are several Irish bars in Nantes in which the bartenders speak fluent English. Most Nantais are fairly friendly and will do their best to help you get by, although obviously they will be happier if you make an effort to communicate in French. ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Algeria}} {{listing | name=Algeria | alt= | url= | email= | address= 57, rue du Général Buat| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +33 2 40 74 38 19| tollfree= | fax=+33 2 40 74 61 19 | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | alt= | url= | email=consulbelnant@wanadoo.fr | address= 3, Place Pierre Desfossé| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +33 2 40 75 89 49| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=''Honorary Consulate'' }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name= Germany| alt= | url= | email=nantes@hk-diplo.de | address=18 quai Ernest Renaud | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +33 2 40 44 20 16| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=''Honorary Consulate'' }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | alt= | url= | email= | address=47-49 rue Leon Jost | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 6 86 08 20 92 | tollfree= | fax=+33 240 597 101 | hours= | price= | content=''Honorary Consulate'' }} * {{flag|Madagascar}} {{listing | name=Madagascar | alt= | url=http://www.consulat-madagascargrandouest.fr/ | email= | address= Quartier Monselet, 6 Place Sarradin| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +33 9 71 27 66 57| tollfree= | fax=+33 2 40 85 43 68 | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=''Honorary Consulate'' }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | alt= | url= http://nant.bk.mfa.gov.tr| email=consulatturque@bbox.fr | address= 20 Quai François Mitterand| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 2 40 75 73 87 | tollfree= | fax=+33 9 82 63 77 98 | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} == Connect == As of June 2022, Nantes has 5G with all French carriers. == Go next == * [[Guérande]], a fortified city surrounded by Medieval walls. Guérande is also famous for its sea salt production. * [[Clisson]], a small town with a ruined castle and an annual open-air heavy metal festival, Hellfest, in June. * [[Le Croisic]], a small fishing town, also a short walk from the scenic [[Côte Sauvage]]. {{routebox | image1=Autoroute française 11.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=W | majorl1=ENDS AT PORTE DE RENNES | minorl1= | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Paris]] | minorr1=[[Angers]] | caption1=L'Oceane | image2=Autoroute française 83.svg | imagesize2=50 | directionl2=N | majorl2=ENDS AT PORTE DES SORINIÈRES | minorl2= | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Bordeaux]] [[Image:Tabliczka_E3.svg|30px]] | minorr2=[[La Rochelle]] | caption2=Autoroute des Estuaires | image3=Route nationale française 137.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Image:Tabliczka_E3.svg|30px]] [[Rennes]] | minorl3=Châteaubriant | directionr3=S | majorr3=ENDS AT PORTE DE RENNES | minorr3= | caption3=Route des Estuaires }} {{geo|47.2181|-1.5528}} {{isPartOf|Pays_de_la_Loire}} {{usablecity}} ej2ve0zxs8vak5ipdty0djvdoc2x2f6 0 24035 4488011 4487432 2022-07-21T23:10:20Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Center Square, Nazareth PA 02 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Nazareth}} '''Nazareth''' is a town in Northampton County in the [[Lehigh Valley]]. It is located in the Philadelphia/Pocono Region of Pennsylvania in the [[Mid-Atlantic]] region of the United States. It is made up of four townships (Bushkill, Lower Nazareth, Upper Nazareth, and the Borough of Nazareth. Established 1740. ==Get in== ===By car=== [[File:E Belvidere St, Nazareth PA 01.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|E. Belvidere St.]] '''From Interstate 80''' *Route 33 South to Route 512 East *Route 611 South to Route 512 West to 33 South '''From Interstate 78''' *Routh 33 North to Route 248 '''From Route 22''' *Route 191 North '''From the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 476)''' * Route 22 East to Route 191 North ===By bus=== [http://www.greyhound.com/ Greyhound] to [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)]]. Take cab or car from there. ===By plane=== The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Nazareth and [[Lehigh Valley]] is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]]. Various airlines operate out of this airport. [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. ==Get around== Lehigh Valley Taxi ==See== [[File:Nazareth Hall Park House 01.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Nazareth Hall Park House on W. River Road]] *'''Whitefield House''' ([http://www.moravianhistoricalsociety.org/ Moravian Historical Society])Today the Whitefield House provides outstanding educational opportunities for those interested in history, religion, art, and natural history. Many of the items on exhibit are one of a kind or extremely rare. Among these treasures are scenes from the nativity and passion of Christ, by John Valentine Haidt. *'''Pennsylvania Longrifle Heritage Museum''' ([http://www.jacobsburg.org/jacobsburg_museum_hours.html Jacobsburg Historical Society] {{dead link|December 2020}})Relive the history of the Henry's 18th and 19th century gunsmiths. *'''Andretti Households'''. As small as it is, Nazareth is the home of Michael, Mario and Marco Andretti, famous racing champions. For more things to see and experience near Nazareth, check the listings on the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Do== [[File:C. F. Martin North Street Complex 09 2019 01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.martinguitar.com/martin-factory-tours.html Martin Guitar Factory] at 510 Sycamore St., where Martin guitars are manufactured, offers daily tours]] * {{do | name=Martin Guitar | alt= | url=https://www.martinguitar.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4:30PM | price= | wikidata=Q1022479 | content=In Nazareth is the global headquarters for C.F. Martin & Company, which manufactures Martin guitars. Martin guitars are handmade instruments that once were made by artisans who apprenticed for years to learn their trade. Now, Martin Guitars are made largely on an assembly line monitored and assisted by workers, computers, and lasers. Assembly lines at Martin were instituted to lower costs, improve speed of production, and compete with foreign manufacturers, without which efforts it is said that the company would have ceased to survive. Take a tour and see how these famous guitars are made. Pre-registration (available on the website) is required. }} *'''Herbs to your Success''' is a "wellness spa" where you can relax in an oxygen spa, a body wrap, a jelly foot soak, and more. Located at 35 Belvidere Street; +1 610-365-8996. For more things to do near Nazareth, check the listings on the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Buy== There are a couple of small shopping spots in the town of Nazareth. If you are looking for something bigger and better, you can shop in the streets of downtown [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], located 15 minutes away, which has many trendy boutiques, such as the popular [http://www.popmart.biz Popmart] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}}. Nazareth is also only 10 minutes away from the Palmer Park Mall and 15 minutes from the Lehigh Valley Mall. For more places to shop near Nazareth, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Eat== Many pizzerias are located in Nazareth, including the '''Pizza Joe's''' and '''Sicily's Pizza'''. '''Beck's Land and Sea''' is a wonderful seafood restaurant located in Bushkill Township. There are also a few cafe's in the town of Nazareth, including the '''Main Street Garden Cafe''', which are great for a mid-day quick lunch. *{{eat | name=Cafe del mar | url=http://www.cafedelmarbelfast.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=5881 Sullivan Trail | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-746-4225 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Warm, friendly atmosphere offering regional Mediterranean cuisine. }} *{{eat | name=Rios Brazilian Steakhouse | url= | email= | address=127 S. Broad Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-614-1018 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content="Rodizio de Churrasco" all you can eat buffet, salad bar and a lavish variety of meats (15-20) served off skewers, typical drinks and homemade desserts. }} For places to eat near Nazareth, check the listings on the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Drink== One of Nazareth's most popular bars is the '''Broad Street Tavern''', located in the heart of Nazareth. There is also great night life in [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], which is only 10 minutes from Nazareth. ==Sleep== One place to stay the night while in Nazareth that really gives you the feel of the history of the town is the '''Classic Victorian Bed and Breakfast''', which is a turn of the century Colonial Revival home. (35 N. New Street, Nazareth, +1 610-759-8276[http://www.classicvictorianbnb.com/] {{dead link|December 2020}}) If you would like to stay in a more standard hotel, you can stay at the '''[http://www.easton.hamptoninn.com/ Hampton Inn Easton]''', which is located on Easton Nazareth Hwy, less than 5 minutes from Nazareth. For more places to stay near Nazareth, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Connect== Nazareth Borough, 134 S. Main Street, +1 610-759-0202 (phone), +1 610-759-1073 (fax), nazboro@rcn.com ===Tourist Information=== *Lehigh Valley Covention and Visitors Bureau, www.LehighValleyPA.org *Bethlehem Visitor Center, 505 Main Street, Bethlehem +1 610 691-6055. Hours: Tu-Sa 10AM - 5PM, Su noon - 5PM, closed Monday. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]], {{convert|12|mi|km}} *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], {{convert|9|mi|km}} *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]], {{convert|7|mi|km}} *[[Emmaus]], {{convert|24|mi|km}} *[[Fogelsville]], {{convert|23|mi|km}} *[[Hellertown]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} *[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]], {{convert|10|mi|km}} *[[Slatington]], {{convert|18|mi|km}} *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall]], {{convert|17|mi|km}} *[[Whitehall]], {{convert|15|mi|km}} ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - 135 miles *[[Harrisburg]] - 95 miles *[[New York City]] - 83 miles *[[Philadelphia]] - 75 miles {{geo|40.74028|-75.30972}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{outlinecity}} rthz0zgx31p7kn9iqqs57nl5tr4an6i 0 24293 4487970 4483648 2022-07-21T20:47:38Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|NewJerseyTrentonBanner.JPG|caption=The 'Trenton Makes' Bridge between Trenton, NJ and Morrisville, PA|origin=-0.6,0}} [[File:Newark, New Jersey at night.jpg|alt=|thumb|288x288px|Newark at night]] '''[https://www.visitnj.org/ New Jersey]''' is a state in the [[Mid-Atlantic]] region of the [[United States of America|United States]]. It is the most densely populated state in the US; heavily urban, suburban and industrialized. Despite this, it's well known for its [[Jersey Shore|vibrant beach towns]] and natural attractions, including the [[Pine Barrens]], the migratory birds of [[Cape May]], the [[Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area|Delaware Water Gap]], a {{mile|72}} portion of the [[Appalachian Trail]], and the [[Palisades]]. New Jersey's nickname of "The Garden State" rings true, with over a quarter of the state's land dedicated to agriculture, which can be seen in the blueberry farms and cranberry bogs that exist throughout the state's western and southern regions. ==Regions== New Jersey is commonly divided into two regions: North Jersey and South Jersey. For the purpose of this guide, those two regions will be further divided into five areas. {{Regionlist | regionmap=New Jersey regions map.png | regionmapsize=275px | region1name=[[Gateway (New Jersey)|Gateway]] | region1color=#d0c56c | region1description=Western suburbs and satellite cities of [[New York City]], anchored by most of New Jersey's largest cities and centers of industry, including [[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]], [[Jersey City]], [[Hoboken]], [[New Brunswick]], and [[Paterson]]. | region2name=[[Jersey Shore]] | region2color=#7db1de | region2description=Miles of beaches and boardwalks (including the original streets of the board game Monopoly) to enjoy, as well as chances to try your luck at [[Atlantic City]]'s casinos. The [[Pine Barrens]] offer opportunities to camp. | region3name=[[Delaware River Region|Delaware River]] | region3color=#72b970 | region3description=The eastern suburbs of [[Philadelphia]], anchored by [[Camden (New Jersey)|Camden]]. State capital [[Trenton]] and Ivy League-center [[Princeton]] are included here for this guide, though those areas are just as much in New York's sphere of influence as Philly's. | region4name=[[Skylands]] | region4color=#c16161 | region4description=Forested hills, miles of farmland and small mountains are the main attraction for visitors here, especially in the fall season when the leaves turn and apple orchards open. | region5name=[[Southern Shore]] | region5color=#7376ac | region5description=The beaches of Cumberland and Cape May counties don't get the attention that those to the north get, but they're good for a quiet, family-friendly weekend. }} ==Cities== *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Trenton]]|url=|lat=40.223748|long=-74.764001|wikidata=Q25330}} – The state capital and home of The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Atlantic City]]|url=|lat=39.377297|long=-74.451082|wikidata=Q139564}} – A famed 1800s oceanfront resort town reborn as a gambling center in the late 1970s *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Camden (New Jersey)|Camden]]|url=|lat=39.94|long=-75.105|wikidata=Q138367}} – Rough with vast stretches of poverty, the city is also home to the USS New Jersey, better known as '''Battleship New Jersey''', and Adventure Aquarium. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hoboken]]|url=|lat=40.75|long=-74.03|wikidata=Q138578}} – A reborn former industrial city on the Hudson River with plenty of bars, restaurants, music and awesome views of Manhattan. Hoboken is also the original home of '''Carlo's Bakery'''. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Jersey City]]|url=|lat=40.714|long=-74.071|wikidata=Q26339}} – New Jersey's second largest city, its financial sector complements Wall Street across the river and ferries for the Statue of Liberty leave from Liberty State Park. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]]|url=|lat=40.72422|long=-74.172574|wikidata=Q25395}} – New Jersey's largest city has notable cultural centers of art and music, the New Jersey Devils hockey team, and fantastic cuisines from around the globe. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[New Brunswick (New Jersey)|New Brunswick]]|url=|lat=40.486678|long=-74.444414|wikidata=Q138338}} – Home to the original and largest campus of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, a public research university founded in 1766. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Paterson]]|url=|lat=40.914746|long=-74.162826|wikidata=Q138391}} – Site of the Great Falls of the Passaic River, a National Historical Park whose namesake waterfall powered factories and made the city the cradle of the Industrial Revolution *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Princeton]]|url=|lat=40.357115|long=-74.670165|wikidata=Q138518}} – Home of the Ivy-League Princeton University, and the many hip bars, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and music venues that come with a "college town". ==Other destinations== [[File:2013-08-21 14 31 50 View of the beach from the east end of the Forked River Interpretive Center nature trail in Island Beach State Park.jpg|alt=|thumb|236x236px|Island Beach State Park]] *[[Vernon (New Jersey)|Crystal Springs]] — Large rural resort area featuring golf courses, hotels, a ski area and a waterpark *{{marker|name=[[Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area]]|wikidata=Q1183971}} — Camping, hiking and rafting in a large valley on the Delaware River *{{marker|name=[[Jersey Shore|Island Beach State Park]]|wikidata=Q3246511}} — {{Mile|10}} stretch of undeveloped barrier island, the last in the state *{{marker|name=[[Lake Hopatcong (New Jersey)|Lake Hopatcong]]|wikidata=Q6476209}} — New Jersey's largest lake provides boating and swimming for families and singles. *{{marker|name=The [[Pine Barrens]]|wikidata=Q2095497}} — A natural pine forest that covers about a third of the state *{{marker|name=[[Jackson Township (New Jersey)|Six Flags Great Adventure]]|wikidata=Q2713022}} — Massive amusement park and safari, with neighboring waterpark *{{marker|name=[[Sussex County (New Jersey)|Sterling Mine]]|wikidata=Q495998}} — Former mine offering tours through caverns of fluorescent rock *{{marker|name=[[West Orange|Thomas Edison National Historical Park]]|wikidata=Q932601}} — National park preserves famous inventor Thomas Edison's home and laboratory complex ==Understand== === History === [[File:2013-08-20 15 11 52 View east towards Mount Tammany and the Delaware Water Gap from along the Appalachian Trail at around 800 feet ascending Mount Minsi in the Pennsylvania section of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.jpg|alt=|thumb|238x238px|Delaware Water Gap and Interstate 80]] === Geography === New Jersey's geography varies across the state. Much of the northern half of the state is made up of the easternmost hills of the [[Appalachian Mountains]] and other small ridge lines. Between these ridges lie the fertile river valleys that give New Jersey its "Garden State" nickname. High Point, at the border with New York in [[Sussex County (New Jersey)|Sussex County]], is the highest mountain in the state at {{Foot|1,803}}. The southern half of the state is part of the Atlantic Plain, and as such is very flat. Much less developed, this area is covered in large part by the [[Pine Barrens]]. The [[Jersey Shore]] stretches along the coastline, and for much of its length is made up of narrow, long barrier islands. New Jersey is bordered by the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the east, and by the states of [[New York (state)|New York]] to the north and northeast, [[Pennsylvania]] to the west, and [[Delaware]] to the southwest. The northeastern parts of New Jersey are suburbs of [[New York City]], just across the Hudson River, and the southwestern parts are suburbs of [[Philadelphia]], just across the Delaware River. === Climate === New Jersey has four distinct seasons. Winter in the state is usually marked by cold temperatures and frequent snowstorms that can drop anywhere from just a couple inches to up to {{Foot|2}}. It is not unheard of in the worst winters for temperatures to drop below freezing for long stretches, especially in January and February. This varies from year to year, however, and in some years winter may feature relatively mild temperatures and only one or two snowstorms. Spring in New Jersey starts out cold and often damp, with rainstorms common in March. By late April and early May, temperatures begin to rise and trees and flowers bloom throughout the state. Summer features brilliant sun that is only rarely scorching, with occasional heat waves. Humidity is often high, but the months are punctuated by spells of lower humidity that bring everyone outside to enjoy the weather. Leaves start to turn color in September and Nor'easters (large subtropical rainstorms that travel up the coast) begin to occur, continuing through October. By late month, most of the leaves have fallen, and winter sets in throughout November. === New Jersey today === New Jersey is the most densely populated state and as such has a diverse population, rich culture, and many assets, including abundant natural resources and various Fortune 500 companies. New Jersey's big cities are centers of government and commerce. Though parts of the larger cities have become run down with deindustrialization since the 1970s, they still have a lot to offer. [[Princeton]], [[Hoboken]] and [[New Brunswick (New Jersey)|New Brunswick]] in particular are great cities and inhabited by the middle to upper class. Most New Jerseyans of middle class, however, prefer to live in the suburbs, which exploded in the state in the post-war era of the 1950s and 1960s. Rich folks cluster in certain old, established towns and rural enclaves like Alpine, Mendham, and Millburn. More than a third of the state, including the [[Pine Barrens]], is rural and sparsely populated, with little or no public transportation. There is a strong [[New York City|New York]] influence in the northern part of the state and [[Philadelphia]] influence in the south. All major local TV and radio stations that serve New Jersey are located in those cities. New Jersey also serves as a bedroom community for many people who work in New York City or Philadelphia. Accordingly, strong regional affiliations within the state are split among those lines, and distinct cultural differences can be seen between "North Jersey" and "South Jersey". ==Talk== English is spoken throughout the state, and Spanish speakers can be found in most of the large cities and suburban areas of the [[Gateway (New Jersey)|Gateway]] and [[Delaware River Region|Delaware River]] regions. Furthermore, the state has attracted immigrants from around the world giving a true international feel akin to New York most prevalent in the northern part of the state. Spanish as a second language can be found just about everywhere. Italian speakers can still be found among the ranks of the well established Italian American communities throughout the state albeit not as prevalent as in the past. Apart from that one can expect to hear Russian, Chinese, Punjabi, Arabic, Korean, and just about everything in between. People flock to New Jersey from all over, especially from New York City and [[Philadelphia]], making it difficult to isolate the New Jersey accent. North Jersey's accent is strongly influenced by New York, and South Jersey's accent is strongly influenced by Philadelphia and, to a lesser extent, Maryland. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Terminal-c-newark.JPG|thumb|255x255px|Terminal C at Newark Airport.]] Newark Liberty International Airport provides the most convenient international access to New Jersey, and Philadelphia is another option. Atlantic City Airport provides some minor domestic service, but travelers should be aware that it is a good distance away from most destinations besides Atlantic City. *'''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}) in [[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]]. Extensive passenger and freight operations and a major hub for United Airlines. It has three passenger terminals connected by a monorail that extends to the airport's train station, providing access across the state and beyond via NJ Transit or Amtrak. *'''[[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|JFK}}) in the [[New York City]] borough of [[Queens]]. The busiest international air gateway to the United States and North America, and one of the busiest in the world, with over 90 airlines operating from it. "JFK" serves as the base of operations for JetBlue and is a major international hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. *'''[[LaGuardia Airport]]''' ({{IATA|LGA}}) in Queens. The smallest of the New York area's three primary airports, serving domestic and Canadian destinations. *'''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) in the [[Delaware Valley]] region of [[Pennsylvania]]. A major hub for American Airlines, who operates to destinations throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. *'''[http://www.sjta.com/acairport/index.asp Atlantic City International Airport]''' ({{IATA|ACY}}) near [[Atlantic City]]. A joint civil-military airport accessible via Exit 9 on the Atlantic City Expressway and served by Spirit Airlines, which offers flights to and from select [[South (United States of America)|Southern]] cities, mainly in [[Florida]]. *'''[http://www.mercercounty.org/departments/transportation-and-infrastructure/trenton-mercer-airport Trenton–Mercer Airport]''' ({{IATA|TTN}}) near Trenton. One of the lesser-used airports, but it has service to and from select Southern and [[Midwest|Midwestern]] cities via Frontier Airlines. *'''[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]], which is within close driving proximity to Warren County, New Jersey other and northwestern New Jersey locations. ===By bus=== Numerous bus companies serve New Jersey, with the typical long-distance intercity bus lines offering limited stops between [[New York City#By bus|New York]] and [[Philadelphia#By bus|Philadelphia]], [[Baltimore#By bus|Baltimore]], and [[Washington,_D.C.#By bus|Washington, DC]]. Some of the same companies also offer express service direct from New York or Philadelphia to Atlantic City. Commuter buses operate from New York and Philadelphia to locations in northern and central New Jersey not served by the long-distance carriers. Unlike in other states, fares on the intercity bus lines are not much more expensive than a commuter bus and are sometimes less expensive than rail travel: ==== Intercity buses ==== *{{listing | name=Bolt Bus | alt= | url=https://www.boltbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-05 | content=Operates a bus from Newark Penn Station to New York City with some routes continuing north to Boston and south from Newark to Philadelphia and Washington DC on two separate routes. They also have another route going from Cherry Hill Mall to New York City (33rd St btwn 11th & 12th Ave stop) }} *'''[http://us.megabus.com Megabus]''' Goes north from Secaucus to Boston and south to Baltimore and Washington DC on one route. From Princeton and New Brunswick to New York City on another route. They don't sell tickets for travel just between Princeton and New Brunswick on that route. And a third route from Ridgewood to Albany NY. *{{listing | name=Greyhound & Lucky Streak | alt= | url=http://www.greyhound.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 800 231-2222 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-05 | content=Operates buses between New York, Mt Laurel and Philadelphia along I-95/295. Some variations of this route is a non-stop service between New York and Philadelphia or via Newark and Camden to Philadelphia. Some Greyhound routes continue south from Mt Laurel and from Philadelphia towards Washington DC via Wilmington, DE; Baltimore, MD; New Carrolton MD and/or Silver Spring, MD. They offer service from New York City (via Garden State Pkwy) and from Philadelphia (via Atlantic City Expressway) to Atlantic City on separate routes. }} *{{listing | name=Martz Group | alt=Martz Trailways | url=http://www.martzgroup.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 821-3838 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-09 | content=Martz Trailways offers commuter & intercity routes between New York City, Hackettstown, Panther Valley Mall, Atlantic City, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Stroudsburg, Poconos and Philadelphia (NJ, NY and PA). }} *{{listing | name=Omnibus la Cubana | alt= | url=http://www.lacubanabus.com/direct.html | email= | address=(Union City depot) 406 32nd St, Union City NJ | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 201 864-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-27 | content=They travel contiguously between Miami and New York with stops in Union City and Elizabeth NJ. }} *{{listing | name=Peter Pan/Bonanza Bus Co. | alt= | url=http://www.peterpanbus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 800 343-9999| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-27 | content=Operates buses between New York, Newark, Mt Laurel, Camden and Philadelphia. Some variations of the route is a non-stop service between New York and Philadelphia while others continue from Mt Laurel towards Washington DC via Wilmington, DE; Baltimore, MD; New Carrolton MD and Silver Spring, MD. }} ==== Commuter buses ==== * {{listing | name=Academy Bus | alt= | url=http://www.academybus.com/Commuters/Commuters.aspx | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 201 420-7000 | tollfree=+1 800 442-7272 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-08-17 | content=Operates commuter services from New York to Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. They also operate a separate [http://www.academybus.com/Casinos/Schedules.aspx Casino Express] to Atlantic City from the Port Authority Bus Terminal & 85th St Candy Store at E 85th St between 3rd & 2nd Ave in New York City. }} * {{listing | name=Coach USA | alt= | url=http://www.coachusa.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-29 | content=They operate to various places in New Jersey under different brands including Megabus: }} ** '''[http://www.coachusa.com/community/ Community Coach]''' scheduled service from Morris and Essex Counties to New York City. ** '''[http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/ Olympia Trails]''' operate local bus service Orange, Newark, and Elizabeth, NJ as the [http://www.coachusa.com/onebus Orange Newark Elizabeth Bus (ONE/Independent Bus)] and the [https://www.newarkairportexpress.com/ Newark Airport Express] between Newark Liberty International Airport and mid-town Manhattan and JFK International Airport. They also operate some Megabus routes from New York City to Boston, Washington, Baltimore, Albany, Ridgewood NJ and Toronto. ** '''[http://www.coachusa.com/rockland/ Rockland Coaches]''' operates commuter bus service between New York City and points in Bergen County, NJ and Rockland County, NY. They also provide local bus service within and between both locales. ** '''[http://www.coachusa.com/suburban/ Suburban Trails]''' offers commuter, casino, and charter services in Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset Counties, NJ. * {{listing | name=DeCamp | alt= | url=http://www.Decamp.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 973 783-7500 | toll free=+1-800-631-1281 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-25 | content=Between New York City and Nutley, Caldwell, Bloomfield, Montclair, Roseland, Kearney and Orange in northern New Jersey }} * {{listing | name=Lakeland Bus Lines | alt= | url=http://www.lakelandbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 973 366-0600 | toll free= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-25 | content=Commuter buses between New York City and Essex, Morris and Sussex Counties in northern New Jersey }} * {{listing | name=New Jersey Transit | alt= | url=http://www.njtransit.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 973 275-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-25 | content=Operates commuter buses from New York City and Philadelphia to various places in New Jersey on multiple routes and local buses within and between cities and townships within New Jersey and adjacent states. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Greyhound Quicklink | alt= | url=https://greyhoundquicklink.com/new-jersey/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-08-01 | content=A subsidiary brand of Greyhound to offer frequent and less expensive commuter buses between the Greyhound station at Mt Laurel & the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. }} ===By train=== [[File:Hoboken Terminal May 2015 001.jpg|thumb|The elegant [[Hoboken]] Terminal|237x237px]] ==== [http://www.amtrak.com Amtrak] ==== Operates a single route through New Jersey with stops in Newark Penn Station, Newark Liberty International Airport, Iselin Metro Park, New Brunswick, Princeton Jct and Trenton on the ''[https://www.amtrak.com/northeast-regional-train Northeast Regional]'' and the ''[https://www.amtrak.com/keystone-service-train Keystone Service]''. The ''[https://www.amtrak.com/acela-express-train Acela]'' Train stops only in Newark Penn Station, New Brunswick and Trenton while the ''[https://www.amtrak.com/vermonter-train Vermonter]'' stops only in Newark Penn Station, Iselin-Metro Park and Trenton. The other Amtrak trains going further south past Washington DC (''Crescent'', ''Carolinian'', ''Silver Service/Palmetto'', etc) and west towards Pittsburgh (''Pennsylvanian'') stop only in Newark Penn Station and Trenton. ==== [http://www.njtransit.com NJ Transit] ==== Operates rail service from New York City to Bay Head (North Jersey Coast Line), Gladstone (Gladstone Branch), Hackettstown (Morristown Line and Montclair-Boonton Line), High Bridge (Raritan Valley Line), Port Jervis (Bergen County/Main/Port Jervis Line), Spring Valley (Pascack Valley Line) and Trenton (Northeast Corridor Line) on multiple routes in several directions in northern and central New Jersey and from Philadelphia to Atlantic City in southern New Jersey. The <nowiki>''Northeast Corridor''</nowiki> line runs the same route as the Amtrak trains between New York and Trenton only with more stops including a stop at the Newark Liberty International Airport. Other regional rail lines running into New Jersey are: *{{listing | name=Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH)| alt= | url=http://www.panynj.gov/path/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 800 234-7284 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-02 | content=Operates a single route from mid-town and lower Manhattan to Newark, Harrison, Hoboken, and Jersey City in metropolitan northern New Jersey }} *{{listing | name=Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-02 | content=Operates along a single route from Philadelphia to Lindenwood via Camden, Collingswood, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Cherry Hill & Voorhees Township. }} *{{listing | name=Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) | alt= | url=http://www.septa.org/schedules/rail/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-02 | content=Regional rail service from Philadelphia 30th St Station to the surrounding suburbs in Southeastern Pennsylvania; Philadelphia International Airport Wilmington DE; and Trenton on multiple routes }} === By boat === '''NY Waterway''' and '''Seastreak''' provide ferry service from [[Manhattan]] to New Jersey ports. NY Waterway crosses the Hudson River to nearby [[Hoboken]], [[Weehawken]], and [[Jersey City]], and Seastreak serves the towns of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, across the New York Bay near [[Sandy Hook]]. The '''Cape May-Lewes Ferry''' provides service from Cape May, NJ to Lewes, Delaware, carrying both people and automobiles. ===By car=== [[File:Philadelphia212.jpg|thumb|The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, connecting [[Philadelphia]] and [[Camden (New Jersey)|Camden, New Jersey]]]] The '''[http://www.state.nj.us/turnpike/ New Jersey Turnpike]''' ("The Turnpike") is a segment of Interstate 95 and a toll road that runs north-south for the length of the state. '''Interstates 80''' and '''78''' provide good access from the west. The '''Garden State Parkway''' ("The Parkway") is in many ways the backbone of the state, connecting many major cities in the north to the [[Jersey Shore]] region in the south. '''Interstate 287''' is a roughly C-shaped interstate that acts as a beltway around [[New York City]] and loops all the way from [[Staten Island]] west into [[Bridgewater (New Jersey)|Bridgewater]], north through [[Morristown]] and [[Parsippany]], and up to [[Mahwah]] and [[New York (state)|New York State]], and offers very convenient junctions at I-80 and I-78. '''Interstate 280''' is a short but heavily-traveled interstate that extends out of I-80 and runs through [[Montclair]], the Oranges, and [[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]] before finally ending at the Turnpike. State law does not allow self-service at gas stations for regular fuel - station attendants '''must''' be the ones to pump gas. Just pull up to the pump and tell the attendant "'(Dollar amount)' or 'Fill it up with', (grade), (cash/credit), please", for example, "$20, regular, cash please". New Jersey has some of the most expensive gasoline in the country due to its high gas tax; however, partly due to the close proximity to major oil refineries, prices are slightly lower compared to nearby New York and Connecticut. Because of this, the cash price is often lower at smaller gas stations, usually around 10 cents/gallon cheaper. Check the posted prices to see whether the station has different prices for different means of payment. If you're filling up and paying cash, attendants will add enough gas to bring the bill to a whole dollar amount. You are legally allowed to pump your own diesel fuel and many truck stops will allow this; however, not all gas stations do. Most crossings of the Delaware River and all crossings into New York are tolled one-way ''leaving'' New Jersey - only the small, privately-owned Dingman's Ferry Bridge up in [[Sussex County (New Jersey)|Sussex County]] charges a toll on vehicles entering the state. Prices range from $1 to $5 for Delaware River bridges, up to $15 for New York City crossings. Interstate 295 connects Trenton to Delaware and Philadelphia, and runs parallel to the New Jersey Turnpike for most of its length, providing a toll-free alternative for local traffic. In New Jersey, if a road has a speed limit of 65 mph (~110 km/h), all fines are doubled for traffic violations. On highways of three lanes or more, the left lane is designated for passing slower traffic, and New Jersey State Police will pull you over for driving in the left lane. Also, New Jersey has a "lights on wipers on" law that requires headlights to be on when you have your windshield wipers on, as well as a hands-free law. New Jersey State Police are notoriously zealous and have a statewide reputation for being a bit showy (it is not uncommon to see patrol cars zoom through left lanes in traffic-less highways going 90-100 mph). When in doubt, play it safe and stay to the right (though there are also laws about moving out of the right lane or slowing down when passing by a stopped law enforcement vehicle on the shoulder, so keep ''that'' in the mind as well). You will find that most New Jersey drivers regularly break highway laws, usually by speeding; if you feel comfortable and judge it to be safe, feel free to go with the speed of traffic on major highways. Toll road tips: for the Garden State Parkway, carry quarters and dollar coins for exact change only lanes, it will help you get through it fast and safe. Tolls range from fifty cents to two dollars depending on location. For the New Jersey Turnpike, if you are heading north use Interstate 295 and connect to the New Jersey Turnpike via Interstate 195 at Trenton (NJ Turnpike Exit 7A) if you desire to save a few dollars. Also, the New Jersey Turnpike is the only major road in the state to use sequential exit numbering - do not rely upon an exit number to gauge the distance between exits. Use the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system tag or a compatible tag like Illinois' I-Pass if you have one already - there's a (small) discount and you'll generally be able to avoid waiting in a line to enter or exit a toll road. The Garden State Parkway's exit numbering system is also confusing despite some small changes. In some areas exits seem roughly consistent with the posted mileage; in others they run sequentially, without regard for miles. === By thumb === Believe it or not, it is possible to hitchhike out of the [[Metro New York|New York Metro]] area. If you are trying to go long distances, your best bet is to take NJ Transit far enough to put you well into the suburbs, preferably to a stop that puts you near (i.e. within walking distance of) a major highway, such as an Interstate. From there, get to an on-ramp and put out your thumb. New Jersey state laws on hitchhiking are, however, notoriously ambiguous, and you may be hassled by local police, so use common sense and discretion. If you're trying to go west into Pennsylvania, a good tip is to take NJ Transit to Mt. Olive, a 5-minute walk from I-80, which generally carries a good amount of long-distance traffic going west. === By bicycle or foot === The George Washington Bridge, connecting New Jersey and Manhattan over the Hudson River, is crossable by bicycle or foot, and there are walkable bridges across the Delaware River as well, such as the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia. [https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/bridges.shtm] Alternatively, you can cross the land border with [[Rockland County]], [[New York (state)|New York]] on the northern side. ==Get around== [[File:NYC Ellis Island 1-2.jpg|thumb|320px|Ellis Island and [[Jersey City]]]] === By train === In addition to Amtrak's limited stops, there are numerous other companies operating commuter trains within New Jersey: * {{listing | name=Amtrak | alt= | url=http://www.amtrak.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-02 | content= Operates along a single route through New Jersey with stops in Newark Penn Station, Newark Liberty Airport, Iselin Metro Park, New Brunswick, Princeton Jct and Trenton on the ''[https://www.amtrak.com/northeast-regional-train Northeast Regional]'' and the ''[https://www.amtrak.com/keystone-service-train Keystone Service]''. The ''[https://www.amtrak.com/acela-express-train Acela]'' Train stops only in Newark Penn Station, New Brunswick and Trenton while the ''[https://www.amtrak.com/vermonter-train Vermonter]'' stops only in Newark Penn Station, Iselin-Metro Park and Trenton. The other Amtrak trains going further south past Washington DC (''Crescent'', ''Carolinian'', ''Silver Service/Palmetto'', etc.) and west towards Pittsburgh (''Pennsylvanian'') stop only in Newark Penn Station and Trenton. }} * {{listing | name=NJ Transit | alt= | url=http://www.njtransit.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 973 275-5555 | tollfree=+1 888 TIPS-NJT | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-04 | content=Operates a network of trains, light rail and buses connecting communities throughout the entire state. It can be used for travel to Newark Liberty International Airport, Trenton and Philadelphia from New York City and from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. Its website provides a user-friendly method of planning your itinerary by all available forms of transport they offer. }} * {{listing | name=Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH)| alt= | url=http://www.panynj.gov/path/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 800 234-7284 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-02 | content=Operates a single route from mid-town and lower Manhattan to Newark, Harrison, Hoboken, and Jersey City in metropolitan northern New Jersey }} * {{listing | name=Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-02 | content=Operates a high speed train that connects several suburban towns (Camden, Collingswood, Haddon Township, Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Voorhees Township and Lindenwood) in southern New Jersey from downtown Philadelphia. }} * {{listing | name=Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) | alt= | url=http://www.septa.org/schedules/rail/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-02 | content=Regional Rail Lines connect Trenton and West Trenton with Philadelphia. }} === By bus === Information on New Jersey can be found [https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/public-transportation-links/new-jersey/ here]. The following operate intrastate routes: * {{listing | name=New Jersey Transit | alt= | url=http://www.njtransit.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 973 275-5555| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=| lastedit=2015-06-25 | content=A state funded and operated transit agency operating rail, light rail and local and express buses statewide. Some of the buses operate within a specific city or township while others travel between cities and townships within the state and into the adjacent cities of New York and Philadelphia in different places. }} In addition to the above there are numerous other private companies operating local buses within specific counties and commuter routes from those counties to New York City. * {{listing | name=Academy Bus | alt= | url=http://www.academybus.com/Commuters/Commuters.aspx | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 201 420-7000 | tollfree=+1 800 442-7272 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-08-17 | content=Operates commuter services from New York to Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. They also operate a separate [http://www.academybus.com/Casinos/Schedules.aspx Casino Express] to Atlantic City from New York City. }} * {{listing | name=Coach USA | alt= | url=http://www.coachusa.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-10-29 | content=They operate to various places within New Jersey under different brands: }} :* '''[http://www.coachusa.com/community/ Community Coach]''' scheduled service from Morris and Essex Counties to New York City. :* '''[http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/ Olympia Trails]''' operates commuter services across the Hudson between Manhattan and northern New Jersey. They also operate local services in/around Hudson County, NJ (Jersey City) under the Red & Tan Brand (may of been discontinued); in/around Essex County, NJ as the Orange Newark Elizabeth Bus (ONE Bus); between mid-town Manhattan and Plainfield, NJ as the Westfield Commuter; and the Newark Airport Express between Manhattan and the Newark Airport. They also operate select Megabus routes out of New York to Boston, Washington, Baltimore, Albany, Ridgewood NJ and Toronto. :* '''[http://www.coachusa.com/rockland/ Rockland Coaches]''' operates commuter bus service between New York City and points in Bergen County, NJ and Rockland County, NY. They also provide local bus service within and between both locales. :* '''[http://www.coachusa.com/suburban/ Suburban Trails]''' offers commuter, casino, and charter services in Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset Counties, NJ. * {{listing | name=DeCamp | alt= | url=http://www.Decamp.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 973 783-7500 | toll free=+1-800-631-1281 | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-25 | content=Between New York City and Nutley, Caldwell, Bloomfield, Montclair, Roseland, Kearney and Orange in northern New Jersey }} * {{listing | name=Greyhound & Lucky Streak | alt= | url=http://www.greyhound.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 800 231-2222 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-05 | content=Operates buses between New York, Newark, Camden and Philadelphia along I-95/295. Some variations of this route is a non-stop service between New York and Philadelphia or via Mt Laurel to Philadelphia. They offer service from New York City & Newark (via Garden State Pkwy) and from Philadelphia (via Atlantic City Expressway) to Atlantic City on two separate routes. }} * {{listing | name=Lakeland Bus Lines | alt= | url=http://www.lakelandbus.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 973 366-0600 | toll free= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-25 | content=Commuter buses between New York City and Essex, Morris and Sussex Counties in northern New Jersey }} * {{listing | name=Martz Group | alt=Martz Trailways | url=http://www.martzgroup.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 821-3838 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-06-09 | content=''Martz Trailways'' offers commuter & intercity routes between New York City, Hackettstown, Panther Valley Mall, Atlantic City, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Stroudsburg, Poconos and Philadelphia (NJ, NY and PA). }} * {{listing | name=Peter Pan/Bonanza Bus Co. | alt= | url=http://www.peterpanbus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 800 343-9999| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-06-27 | content=Operates buses between New York, Newark, Mt Laurel, Camden and Philadelphia. Some variations of the route is a non-stop service between New York and Philadelphia. }} === By car === Some traffic oddities are particular to New Jersey. Left turns are not permitted at intersections on many of the major divided highways in suburban and urban areas. Instead, exit ramps for left turns and U-turns are often found after the intersection and loop around to the cross street, providing opportunities to return to the desired intersection and make a U-turn back onto the original road or continue straight on the cross street, having ultimately made a "left turn". Some three-way intersections have a designated "jughandle", a small right turn loop that exists solely to allow the left turn. For both types of turns, watch for signage that says "U and Left Turns". Also, many signals have a 'delayed' green light following a red, which allows oncoming traffic a chance to make left turns first. Many of these intersections are labeled with signs hanging from the signals, but keeping an eye on the traffic signal instead of observing oncoming traffic is essential. Traffic circles ('roundabouts') are quite common as well, and exits are not always clearly marked. Some toll bridges along the shore charge vehicles heading in one particular direction only, and will only accept cash. ==See== [[File:2013-08-20 13 26 32 View of the Delaware Water Gap from about 720 feet on the Mount Tammany Trail.jpg|thumb|View of the Delaware Water Gap from about {{feet|720}} above it on the Mount Tammany Trail]] New Jersey has many scenic sites, including the majestic [[Palisades]] (where Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton), opposite New York City on the western banks of the Hudson River. The cliffs rise about 300 to 500 feet in areas and give a breathtaking view of [[New York City]] across the river. There are also many mountains located in the western portion of the states that are full of many trails. You can also visit the majestic, very wild [[Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area]] off Interstate 80. You can coast down the Delaware River on an inner tube, go canoeing and more there. On Christmas Day you can watch a reenactment of Washington's crossing of the Delaware River just north of Trenton off NJ29. ==Do== No matter what you are interested in, you will probably find it in New Jersey. Fine beaches where you can surf, swim, sunbathe, or play volleyball in the summer, and run, stroll, walk your dog, or fly kites off season. Some skiing in the [[Skylands]] region, hot air ballooning in [[Clinton (New Jersey)|Clinton]], and canoeing in the [[Pine Barrens]]. Hiking trails and campsites, especially in Southern and Northwestern New Jersey. Plenty of nature preserves for birdwatchers and photographers. Many bed and breakfasts. Spectator sports, including two professional football teams, horseracing Monmouth Park and at Meadowlands Racetrack in the Meadowlands Sports Complex, and (at last count) 8 baseball teams, along with Sky Blue Soccer, a new women's professional soccer team. Many museums, concert halls, and historic sites, including George Washington's winter headquarters in [[Morristown]]. Several tourist railroads and preservation groups offer (in season) [http://www.santatrain.net/ Santa Train Rides] and [http://www.easterbunnytrain.com/ Easter Bunny Train Rides] {{dead link|December 2020}}. Several college towns, including [[New Brunswick (New Jersey)|New Brunswick]] (Rutgers) and [[Princeton]]. Places of worship for every religion, may offering services in various languages. Virtually any kind of food you can imagine. Nightlife ranging from casinos in [[Atlantic City]], to [http://www.alberthall.org/ Albert Hall] in [[Waretown]], to clubs in [[Belmar]], to jazz in [[Madison (New Jersey)|Madison]]. Also some amusement parks, and countless places to shop, including main street stores and boutiques, craft shows, antique shops, estate sales, yard sales, flea markets, farm stands, and farmers' markets, as well as several very large shopping malls. ==Eat== New Jersey is famous for its Jersey tomatoes, sweet corn, blueberries, and cranberries, and other fresh produce which every visitor will want to experience in season. That is easy to do, because the state has approximately 25,000 eateries, more per square mile than any other state in the US. And if that's not enough, there are loads of farms you can visit and buy from directly. Furthermore, the climate and soils offered there provide for ideal berry-growing environments. They serve everything from fast food to haute cuisine, including Italian, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, and Syrian. There are also plenty of take-out shops and diners, which do not require reservations, seat patrons promptly, and offer large menus of inexpensive meals, which they serve quickly. Many are open 24 hours and breakfast is served all day. If you ever need to eat breakfast in New Jersey, try the local processed meat known as “Taylor Ham” or “Pork Roll”. The common rule is that “Taylor Ham” is typically used in the northern parts of the state, while “Pork Roll” is used in the southern parts of the state. A common sandwich eaten in New Jersey is a “Taylor Ham/Pork Roll, egg, and cheese”, typically served on either a Kaiser Roll or a bagel. New Jersey is also very well known for having a large amount of diners, which serve up all kinds of breakfast, lunch, and dinner food for a very reasonable price. Snack foods are also extremely popular, especially pizza, fries, and bagels. Other favorites include submarine sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, and Italian ice, which are known as hoagies and water ice in South Jersey. There many also enjoy soft pretzels and Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and breakfast sandwiches of Scrapple, a loaf formed from cornmeal, pork scraps and spices, cut into 1/4 thick slices and fried crisp in butter or oil. Many places in New Jersey sell "sloppy joes." These are completely different from the food known by that name in the rest of the United States. New Jersey sloppy joes are delicatessen sandwiches such as turkey, corned beef, and pastrami, which may be known as cold cuts in other part of the country. They in no way resemble the sandwich made of ground beef and onions in tomato sauce on a hamburger bun that goes by that name in the rest of the country. ==Drink== ===State liquor laws=== All alcoholic beverages can be purchased in freestanding liquor stores. which are open every day of the week, although for shorter periods on Sundays. A small portion of supermarkets are licensed to sell beer and liquor, however they are the exception, not the rule. Some stores are only licensed to sell warm (non-refrigerated) beer and malts (i.e. Mike's Hard Lemonade), while others may sell liquor, cold beer and wines. Home-rule provisions of state law allow municipalities to stipulate in their zoning that establishments that sell alcohol may not sell anything else beyond accessories to alcohol consumption, effectively prohibiting drugstores or convenience stores from selling beer as they do in most other states (there are a few exceptions, such as New Brunswick). Since liquor licenses are for the most part limited by a quota system based on population, many communities, particularly smaller ones, may have only one liquor store, and one bar or restaurant with a license. Many establishments without a license are BYOB, or "bring your own bottle", where you are allowed to bring liquor purchased elsewhere to consume with your meal. Again, however, some municipalities are allowed to forbid even this. Bars, restaurants and liquor stores that held their licenses before the quota system was imposed in the late 1940s are exempt from it; this is the main reason why the small resort town of [[Wildwood (New Jersey)|Wildwood]] in Cape May County has 48 bars. Underage drinking is illegal and many disapprove of it, but it is common. Anyone who provides alcohol to a person under age 21 may be prosecuted. Drunken driving is illegal and there is no sympathy for those who do it. Anyone caught driving while intoxicated will be prosecuted and may end up in jail. Drunken driving checkpoints are ''extremely'' common on the [[Jersey Shore|shore]] (however, New Jersey is the only state in which driving while intoxicated is not a criminal offense; even though violators can and do receive jail time and fines in addition to having their licenses suspended or revoked, a conviction will thus not show up on a criminal background check). Smoking is illegal in all bars and restaurants (save designated "cigar bars"). One restriction in state liquor law has an upside. No establishment with a license for on-premises consumption may offer, as a promotion, discounts for drinks that do not apply to all customers. In other words, there are no Ladies' Nights at bars in New Jersey. The freedom given to municipalities in regulating alcoholic-beverage sales extends to allowing them to go completely dry. Most of these communities are in South Jersey. The best known is the Cape May County resort of [[Ocean City (New Jersey)|Ocean City]], founded during the 19th century by Baptists as a family resort, and still promoted that way. ===Local drinks=== There are a variety of microbrews to try. Flying Fish, Cricket Hill and Cape May Brewing are recommended. Some liquor stores allow you to purchase individual bottles of beer. The 7th largest producers of US wines, NJ produces wines from grapes grown in the state. New Jersey has more than 35 wineries that produce nationally and internationally acclaimed wines. You can visit New Jersey's wineries nestled amid rolling hills and breathtaking scenery. More than 250 wines can be sampled at wine festivals across the state where you can listen to great jazz and blues and sample delicious foods and artisan crafts. Along the Wine Trails, you can tour the wineries, discover how wines are made, try a pig roast or catch some fireworks. ==Stay safe== [[File:Cape May Beach Ave from the sea.JPG|thumb|330px|The beach and Beach Avenue in [[Cape May]]]] New Jersey is a fairly safe place to visit. Suburban and countryside areas are very safe along with most Jersey Shore towns. Cities are mostly safe but do exercise common travel sense. Some neighborhoods of Camden, Newark, Atlantic City, Jersey City, and Trenton are crime prone but it is unlikely that you will visit these areas. As in most US cities, when out at night, stay in well lit and well trafficked areas and you will be fine. New Jersey has the highest density of car ownership in the United States so expect crowded highways and the occasional irate driver. Many major highways are under construction for expansion purposes, resulting in delays. Traffic tends to move well above the speed limit on the New Jersey Turnpike, The Garden State Parkway, or other highways and you can expect to be tail-gated when driving in the left lane. Best to stick in the middle or right lane if you don't like that sort of thing. The watchword is, drive defensively. Under ''no circumstances whatsoever'' are you to import firearms into the state. '''New Jersey does not recognize any out-of-state gun licenses''' and there are no gun offenses that are graded below a felony. Police are known to enforce these laws vigorously, and '''if caught with a firearm you will be prosecuted''', even if you are just a hunter traveling through. Also, it is illegal to import fireworks into the state unless they are mandated by a municipality for special occasions to be attended by the public at a park or on the shore (i.e. Independence Day). However, you'll find that this is worked around quite easily - it is impossible to cross the border into Pennsylvania and not see signs for on-the-border fireworks shops. Although the media and other sources portray residents as "rude" and "loud," most natives are proud of their state and are more than willing to help a tourist with directions and other tips. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance. Some areas - especially the famed Jersey Shore - are very used to tourists. Since the 1980s, New Jersey has seen an increase in its once-nearly-extirpated population of '''black bears'''. These critters are most common in the forests of the northwestern counties but have been expanding their territory southwards. Though they can potentially be dangerous if they attack, the vast majority of the time they're just looking for food. Attacks on humans are ''incredibly'' rare, but to minimize your chances of an encounter you should handle and dispose of your garbage carefully so the smell won't attract hungry bears. ==Respect== Culture, accent, and local dialect vary depending on what part of the state you visit. Although NJ is small, the north and south are ''very'' different. For example, a large sandwich in the northern region is called a "sub" and in the south the same sandwich is referred to as a "hoagie." The north identifies with New York culture while the south has a strong connection to Philadelphia. This loyalty extends to professional sports teams too. Ignoring these small differences may come off as very rude. New Jersey natives particularly among the large Italian American community are very aware of stereotypes fueled by popular television shows such as ''Jersey Shore'' and ''The Sopranos'', and can be rather sensitive about how outsiders perceive them. Don't assume everyone from New Jersey is rude, loud, uneducated, etc. Making blanket statements and disparaging references of the "New Joisey" accent, "guidos" (working class Italian-Americans), or anything somewhat negative about New Jersey can be rude and will most likely be met with hostility and resentment from locals. On the contrary, most people in New Jersey are remarkably polite and extremely friendly often in a sarcastic but well-intentioned way. Do note that there are marginal differences between reactions from older, more conservative generations of New Jersey residents and younger, more diverse, and more liberal generations. Life in New Jersey moves at a fast pace! A lot of the bustling and quickness stems from NJ being a densely populated state, squished between two massive metropolitan areas. "Taking it slowly," which is common in other areas of the country, may be met with impatience or even anger. However, if you are looking for a slower pace in New Jersey, the shore towns and the southern end of the state (south of Atlantic City and many towns east of the Garden State Parkway) can be more relaxed as it is more seasonal and more of a vacation area. ==Go next== * '''[[New York (state)|New York]]''' — One of the benefits of visiting New Jersey is that you're very close to [[New York City]], which lies just across the Hudson River. Further afield is upstate New York, a generally rural and very beautiful area with a distinct culture. * '''[[Pennsylvania]]''' — [[Philadelphia]] is just across the Delaware River. Both Interstate 80 and Interstate 78 will take you through Northeastern Pennsylvania to the [[Poconos]] and the [[Lehigh Valley]] respectively, where there are many things to do year round. * '''[[Delaware]]''' — New Jersey's southern neighbor was the first state to ratify the Constitution (hence its nickname of the "First State") and offers an urban experience in its northern parts while providing a rural experience to the south. {{geo|40.25018|-74.66309|zoom=8}} {{IsPartOf|Mid-Atlantic}} {{usableregion}} r6yv1a5ypjcev487gqpp1odsw91i3kt 0 25046 4488101 4487630 2022-07-22T06:05:29Z BrianM0000 2272790 Expanded <Other destinations> wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner North Illinois Starved Rock State Park.jpg}} '''Northern Illinois''' is a region of [[Illinois]] generally located immediately along and north of I-80 and outside of [[Chicagoland]]. While largely rural, it does include [[Rockford]], the third largest city in Illinois, as well as [[DeKalb]], home of Northern Illinois University. ==Regions== {{mapframe}} [[File:Illinois regions map.png|thumb|300px|State of Illinois]] {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Illinois Driftless Area]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1items=Jo Daviess and Stephenson County as well as the western portions of Carroll Counties. |region1description= |region2name = Illinois River Valley |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2items=Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall and LaSalle Counties as well as portions of southern Will County. |region2description= |region3name = [[Kishwaukee Valley]] |region3color={{StdColor|t3}} |region3items=The western portions of McHenry County as well as Boone and DeKalb Counties. |region3description= |region4name = [[McHenry County (Illinois)|McHenry County]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4items= |region4description= |region5name = [[Rock River Valley]] |region5color={{StdColor|t5}} |region5items=Cities and Villages along the Rock River including Rockford, Dixon and Rock Falls-Sterling as well as the nearby countryside in Winnebago, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties as well as the eastern portions of Carroll County. |region5description= }} <!--{{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[Illinois Driftless Area]]|wikidata=Q14218962}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2|title=Illinois River Valley|wikidata=???}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t3}}|title=[[Kishwaukee Valley]]|wikidata=Q14221010}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[McHenry County (Illinois)|McHenry County]]|wikidata=Q487403}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t5}}|title=[[Rock River Valley]]|wikidata=Q1852004}}--> ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rockford]]|wikidata=Q233892}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[DeKalb]]|wikidata=Q580478}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dixon (Illinois)|Dixon]]|wikidata=Q113602}} - childhood home of US President Ronald Reagan * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Utica (Illinois)|Utica]]|wikidata=Q2699701}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]]|wikidata=Q577903}} - home of Ulysses S. Grant and many other historical facts * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Stockton (Illinois)|Stockton]]|wikidata=Q2001633}} - small town filled with history * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sterling-Rock Falls]]|wikidata=Q26711327}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sycamore]]|wikidata=Q432099}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Harvard (Illinois)|Harvard]]|wikidata=Q575682}} ==Other destinations== *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Canyon State Park]]|wikidata=Q4781225}} - camping, hiking, fishing and hunting amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Fort|Apple River Fort State Historic Site]]|wikidata=Q4781224}} - fort hastily constructed by settlers at the onset of the 1832 Black Hawk War. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple Canyon Lake]]|wikidata=Q4781141}} - boating, fishing, golfing - a planned vacation community with {{convert|400|acre}} lake. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Castle Rock State Park (Illinois)|Castle Rock State Park]]|wikidata=Q5050280}} - along the bank of the Rock River - boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Charles Mound]]|wikidata=Q1065571}} - the highest point in Illinois at {{ft|1235}} - located on private property with limited accessibility. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area]]|wikidata=Q6476592}} - boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lowden State Park]]|wikidata=Q6693090}} - a site along the Rock River with a statue of Black Hawk as the Eternal Indian - boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mississippi Palisades State Park]]|wikidata=Q3364079}} - many caves and large cliffs along the Mississippi River along the mouth of the Apple River. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Rock Cut State Park]]|wikidata=Q7354399}} - biking, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Shabbona Lake State Park|Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area]]|wikidata=Q14688077}} - manmade lake created by damming a tributary of the Fox River - boating, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Starved Rock State Park]]|wikidata=Q3077988}} - boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting in the Rock River Hills region. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge]]|wikidata=Q7898801}} *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[White Pines Forest State Park]]|wikidata=Q3307683}} - camping, fishing, hiking, hunting in the Rock River valley. ==Understand== Northern Illinois is generally considered to be the area of Illinois north of I-80 and outside of Chicagoland. Another way to consider Northern Illinois is by the 815 and 779 area codes. Definitions might slightly differ to include Kankakee and Grundy counties, which may also be considered part of Central Illinois. While Illinois is known as the Prairie State, as it is mostly flat or with slightly rolling hills and farmland, the northwest most portion of the state, [[Jo Daviess County]], is in stark contrast and is rather hilly: the county includes the highest point in Illinois, {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Scales Mound]]|wikidata=Q1065571}}, as well as 8 of the 10 highest peaks in Illinois. Culturally, the entire region is similar to many other rust belt rural areas. Residents tend to be politically conservative. ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== Companies like Kayak Starved Rock provide unique and educational guided [https://kayakmorris.com/ kayak tours] as well as kayak rentals to explore the towering St. Peters sandstone bluffs and Bald Eagles ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{outlineregion}} {{isPartOf|Illinois}} {{geo|41.75|-89.27|zoom=8}} 0as8xjq1krxwx0lqbb8ierdkhkkoj0q 4488103 4488101 2022-07-22T06:10:07Z BrianM0000 2272790 Reorder/reword <Understand> wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner North Illinois Starved Rock State Park.jpg}} '''Northern Illinois''' is a region of [[Illinois]] generally located immediately along and north of I-80 and outside of [[Chicagoland]]. While largely rural, it does include [[Rockford]], the third largest city in Illinois, as well as [[DeKalb]], home of Northern Illinois University. ==Regions== {{mapframe}} [[File:Illinois regions map.png|thumb|300px|State of Illinois]] {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Illinois Driftless Area]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1items=Jo Daviess and Stephenson County as well as the western portions of Carroll Counties. |region1description= |region2name = Illinois River Valley |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2items=Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall and LaSalle Counties as well as portions of southern Will County. |region2description= |region3name = [[Kishwaukee Valley]] |region3color={{StdColor|t3}} |region3items=The western portions of McHenry County as well as Boone and DeKalb Counties. |region3description= |region4name = [[McHenry County (Illinois)|McHenry County]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4items= |region4description= |region5name = [[Rock River Valley]] |region5color={{StdColor|t5}} |region5items=Cities and Villages along the Rock River including Rockford, Dixon and Rock Falls-Sterling as well as the nearby countryside in Winnebago, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties as well as the eastern portions of Carroll County. |region5description= }} <!--{{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[Illinois Driftless Area]]|wikidata=Q14218962}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2|title=Illinois River Valley|wikidata=???}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t3}}|title=[[Kishwaukee Valley]]|wikidata=Q14221010}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[McHenry County (Illinois)|McHenry County]]|wikidata=Q487403}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t5}}|title=[[Rock River Valley]]|wikidata=Q1852004}}--> ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Rockford]]|wikidata=Q233892}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[DeKalb]]|wikidata=Q580478}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dixon (Illinois)|Dixon]]|wikidata=Q113602}} - childhood home of US President Ronald Reagan * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Utica (Illinois)|Utica]]|wikidata=Q2699701}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]]|wikidata=Q577903}} - home of Ulysses S. Grant and many other historical facts * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Stockton (Illinois)|Stockton]]|wikidata=Q2001633}} - small town filled with history * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sterling-Rock Falls]]|wikidata=Q26711327}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sycamore]]|wikidata=Q432099}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Harvard (Illinois)|Harvard]]|wikidata=Q575682}} ==Other destinations== *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Canyon State Park]]|wikidata=Q4781225}} - camping, hiking, fishing and hunting amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Fort|Apple River Fort State Historic Site]]|wikidata=Q4781224}} - fort hastily constructed by settlers at the onset of the 1832 Black Hawk War. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple Canyon Lake]]|wikidata=Q4781141}} - boating, fishing, golfing - a planned vacation community with {{convert|400|acre}} lake. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Castle Rock State Park (Illinois)|Castle Rock State Park]]|wikidata=Q5050280}} - along the bank of the Rock River - boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Charles Mound]]|wikidata=Q1065571}} - the highest point in Illinois at {{ft|1235}} - located on private property with limited accessibility. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area]]|wikidata=Q6476592}} - boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lowden State Park]]|wikidata=Q6693090}} - a site along the Rock River with a statue of Black Hawk as the Eternal Indian - boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mississippi Palisades State Park]]|wikidata=Q3364079}} - many caves and large cliffs along the Mississippi River along the mouth of the Apple River. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Rock Cut State Park]]|wikidata=Q7354399}} - biking, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Shabbona Lake State Park|Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area]]|wikidata=Q14688077}} - manmade lake created by damming a tributary of the Fox River - boating, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Starved Rock State Park]]|wikidata=Q3077988}} - boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting in the Rock River Hills region. *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge]]|wikidata=Q7898801}} *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[White Pines Forest State Park]]|wikidata=Q3307683}} - camping, fishing, hiking, hunting in the Rock River valley. ==Understand== Northern Illinois is generally considered to be the area of Illinois north of I-80 and outside of Chicagoland. Another way to consider Northern Illinois is by the 815 and 779 area codes. Definitions might slightly differ to include Kankakee and Grundy counties, which may also be considered part of Central Illinois. Northwestern Illinois topograhpy hilly with bluffs and cliffs, a stark contrast to the majority of the "Prairie State" that is mostly flat or with slightly rolling hills and farmland. This region is home to 9 of the 10 highest points in Illinois, with 8 in [[Jo Daviess County]] alone, including the highest point in Illinois, {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Charles Mound]]|wikidata=Q1065571}} at {{ft|1235}}. Culturally, the entire region is similar to many other rust belt rural areas. Residents tend to be politically conservative. ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== Companies like Kayak Starved Rock provide unique and educational guided [https://kayakmorris.com/ kayak tours] as well as kayak rentals to explore the towering St. Peters sandstone bluffs and Bald Eagles ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{outlineregion}} {{isPartOf|Illinois}} {{geo|41.75|-89.27|zoom=8}} 002hfm04f4cshq5muzonp6ue3pm9i2w 0 25364 4487752 4484558 2022-07-21T14:22:22Z Inferno986return 476466 /* Events */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nottingham Wikivoyage Banner 2.png}} [[File:Nottingham, UK - panoramio (1).jpg|300px|thumb|Statue of Robin Hood]] '''[http://www.visitnottingham.com Nottingham]''' is a city in [[England]], affectionately known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend of Robin Hood. ==Understand== Nottingham is one of three major cities in the [[East Midlands]] of England, the others being nearby [[Leicester]] and [[Derby]]. Its prosperity was historically derived mostly from the lace making and coal-mining industries, little of which remains. Nottingham has moved towards a more service-based economy. In the 1960s it was famed for having a gender imbalance. The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from [[Stoke]] to the Humber. According to the 2001 census, Nottingham has an estimated city population of 275,100. The Nottingham Urban Area conurbation (which includes surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary, and neighbouring towns) has a population of 666,358 (2001 Census). Nottingham is a member of the English Core Cities Group. The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top end of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of [[Robin Hood]], visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{marker|type=go|name=[[East Midlands Airport]]|url=|lat=52.831111|long=-1.327778}} ({{IATA|EMA}}) lies 12 miles (19 km) south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many European (mostly tourist) destinations. The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 single, £9.90 return, £9 for a day ticket (zigzag plus) including all trentbarton buses in the area. The slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs all through the night (hourly), with the same fares and a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour. *{{marker|type=go|name=Birmingham Airport|url=http://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/|lat=52.453889|long=-1.748056}} ({{IATA|BHX}}) is about 40 miles from Nottingham and serves all major European and many international destinations. It is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street. *{{marker|type=go|name=Doncaster Sheffield Airport|lat=53.475278|long=-1.004167|url=http://www.dsaflights.co.uk}} ({{IATA|DSA}}) lies to the north of Nottinghamshire. Eastern Airways continues to fly. ===By train=== * {{go | name=Nottingham railway station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/NOT.aspx | email= | address= | lat=52.947 | long=-1.146 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1988621 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=On the main line out of [[London St Pancras]]. The cheapest tickets between London and Nottingham are available from [http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/ East Midlands Trains] and can be booked online before travel. There are also regular connections to [[Manchester]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]], [[Derby]], [[Leicester]], [[Crewe (England)|Crewe]], [[Sheffield]], and [[Leeds]]. Trains from London to Sheffield do not stop at Nottingham. }} Turn right out of the station for an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre. The tram stop is right above the station, giving access to all tram destinations since both lines pass through the station. ===By car=== From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24 or 25. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26. There are nine [https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/transport-parking-and-streets/parking-and-permits/park-and-ride/ Park and Ride] sites with over 6500 spaces around the city. Many of these park and ride sites are connected to Nottingham city centre by the [[Nottingham#By tram|city's tram network]], or buses. <gallery> [[File:Nottingham City Transport bus 946 (YN08 MSU) 2008 Scania N270UD OmniDekka, Nottingham, 21 June 2011.jpg|thumb|Nottingham City Transport]] [[File:Trent Barton coach 75 (FJ10 OXR) 2010 Scania K94IB Irizar i4, Red Arrow, Clay Cross, 7 November 2010 uncropped.jpg|thumb|Trent Barton]] </gallery> ===By bus=== Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations near to its two major shopping centres, {{marker|type=go|name=Broadmarsh|url=|lat=52.949302|long=-1.147146}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Victoria|url=|lat=52.95912|long=-1.14864}}. [http://www.traveline.info Traveline], +44 871 200 22 33 Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations. National Express provides cheap advance tickets on a Nottingham-London route, often for as little as £5 each way if booked early enough online. National Express also offers cheap non-changeable tickets (called "Funfare") to many other major cities from Nottingham. Megabus also serves the city, although only twice a day with one departure at 5AM! ==Get around== {{Mapframe|52.9505|-1.1501|zoom=14|height=|width=|layer=M|staticmap=|align=}} [[File:Nottingham Tram map.svg|thumb|Map of the Nottingham Tram network]] Nottingham has excellent public transport by buses and trams. ===By foot=== The city centre is best explored on foot as many of the historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access. ===By tram=== [http://www.thetram.net Nottingham Express Transit] is the city's modern tram system. There are two branches which run on the same tracks in the city centre and then diverge at both ends to serve 4 destinations (Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton Lane and Clifton South). The system has a number of Park and Ride sites along it, which make travel into the city centre easy. An all day tram-only ticket costs £4, single tickets are £2.20. Tickets must be bought from ticket machines on platforms before boarding. ===By bus=== Nottingham has extensive bus services provided by two main companies, [http://www.trentbarton.co.uk trentbarton] and [http://www.nctx.co.uk Nottingham City Transport] (NCT), running from the Broadmarsh and Victoria Bus stations as well as key termini in the city centre such as Old Market Square, Parliament Street and Carrington Street. Fares: '''Most NCT buses do not give change.''' Trentbarton buses do, just ask the driver. ====Ticketing==== Ticketing can be confusing. Ticketing for most operators is detailed below: Cash: *NCT buses: £2 single, £3.70 day ticket *trentbarton buses: single fare varies by distance (check website), £6 "zigzag" day ticket or £9 "zigzag plus" including East Midlands Airport. This allows travel on all Trentbarton services as far as Bakewell, Derby or Chesterfield *NET trams: single fare £2.20, day ticket £4 *Multiple operators: £4.50 kangaroo day ticket for all public transport in greater Nottingham Robin Hood Prepaid Card (purchase from ticket machines around city centre): *Buses and Trams: £1.70 single, £3.15 max for single operator, £4 max for all operators Students with valid ID: *£1.50 single fare for many NCT buses and all Trentbarton buses (within Nottingham) ==See== [[File:Nottingham MMB 23 Market Square.jpg|thumb|Nottingham's Council House & Old Market Square]] ===Museums and galleries=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Nottingham Castle | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=£13 | wikipedia=Nottingham Castle | image=Nottingham Castle Gate 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q17642916 | content=Visitors with Hollywood expectations of Robin Hood films should be aware that this is not a medieval castle, but a small stately home with only the gatehouse remaining from the original castle. The castle includes grounds with a children’s play area and extensive views over the region, and a museum with various exhibitions inside the house itself (including the country's first municipal art gallery). After a refurbishment the castle reopened in 2021 with a number of interactive exhibits/games. A tour of the caves under the castle can also be booked for an additional fee. }} * {{see | name=Robin Hood statue | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.95044 | long=-1.15339 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price=Free | wikipedia=Robin Hood | wikidata=Q122634 |image=Robin_Hood_Memorial.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-17 | content=Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls. }} * {{see | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn | alt= | url=http://www.triptojerusalem.com/ | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1526 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | content=Off Maid Marian Way - one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the '''Brewhouse Yard''', home to the '''Museum of Nottingham Life''' which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years. }} * {{see | name=City of Caves | alt= | url=https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves | email= | address= | lat=52.951 | long=-1.1466 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£8.75 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with National Justice Museum) | wikipedia=City of Caves | wikidata=Q5123621 | lastedit=2018-09-26 | content=A visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. }} * {{see | name=National Justice Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/ | email=info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk | address=Shire Hall, High Pavement, NG1 1HN | lat=52.950833 | long=-1.144444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£10.95 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with City of Caves) | image=Lace market justice galleries.JPG | wikidata=Q5518971| wikipedia=National Justice Museum | lastedit= | content=Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by. The museum is done as a guided tour lasting 1- 1.5 hours, so a specific time slot needs to be booked. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Contemporary | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9511 | long=-1.1458 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | image=Nottingham Contemporary - geograph-1825342.jpg | wikidata=Q7063622| wikipedia=Nottingham Contemporary | lastedit= | content=Presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages. }} * {{see | name=Wollaton Hall | alt= | url=http://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.94788 | long=-1.209595 | directions=Accessible by buses 35,36 (NCT, Victoria Centre) and i4 (trentbarton, Broadmarsh) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Wollaton Hall Nov2010.jpg | wikidata=Q17528596| wikipedia=Wollaton Hall | content=A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, '''Wollaton Park'''. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film, ''Batman: The Dark Knight Rises'' as Wayne Manor. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Council House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.953333 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Council-House-Nottingham.jpg | wikidata=Q7063627| wikipedia=Nottingham Council House | content=A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked) }} * {{see | name=Industrial Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk | address=Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE | lat=52.945989 | long=-1.208054 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 3936 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adults €3, seniors and students €2, children free | wikipedia=Nottingham Industrial Museum | image=Entrance to Wollaton Hall Stable Block - geograph.org.uk - 919090.jpg | wikidata=Q17015910 | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station. }} * {{see | name=Green's Windmill | alt= | url=https://www.greensmill.org.uk/ | email= | address=Windmill Lane, Sneinton NG2 4QB | lat=52.952 | long=-1.129 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 6878 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=George Green (1793-1841) was a mathematician whose work unifying magnetism and electricity laid the foundations for James Clark Maxwell. Remarkably he was self-taught, labouring all hours here in his father's mill. So as well as the working machinery there's an exhibit on his contributions to science. }} * {{see | name=Haunted Museum | alt= | url=https://www.thehauntedmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@thehauntedmuseum.co.uk | address=Basement, Hopkinsons, 21 Station St, NG2 3AJ | lat=52.947765 | long=-1.146178 | directions=next to Nottingham train station | phone=+44 7503 325218 | tollfree= | hours=11am-6pm | price=Adult: £8 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=A paranormal museum which blends witchcraft, haunted objects and pop-culture horror. }} ===Historic sites out of town=== * {{see | name=Newstead Abbey | alt= | url=http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk | email= | address= | lat=53.078333 | long=-1.1925 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Newstead Abbey 02.jpg | wikidata=Q1819331| wikipedia=Newstead Abbey | content=The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in '''Hucknall Church''', and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop. }} * {{see | name=[[Sherwood Forest]] Country Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.205875 | long=-1.08609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near [[Worksop]], is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college. }} * {{see | name=Great Central Railway - Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.gcrn.co.uk | email=info@gcrn.co.uk | address=Mere Way, Ruddington, NG11 6JS | lat=52.8845928 | long=-1.1463983 | directions=6 miles south of Nottingham | phone=+44 115 940 5705 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Papplewick Pumping Station | alt= | url=http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk/ | email= | address=Rigg Lane, Ravenshead NG15 9AJ | lat=53.064 | long=-1.131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 963 2938 | tollfree= | hours=Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adult £4; steam days adult £10, conc £9, child free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=These twin beam engines were installed in 1884 to lift water {{ft|200}} from an underground reservoir to feed the city supply. The interior is richly, almost riotously decorated, as if to out-do the fountains of Alhambra. The engines are in steam one weekend a month, see website. }} * {{see | name=Framework Knitters' Museum | alt= | url=https://www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address=Chapel St, Ruddington NG11 6HE | lat=52.891 | long=-1.152 | directions= | phone=+44 115 984 6914 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=This technology is early 19th century, transitional between cottage industry and the great Victorian mill halls. In 2021 it's closed for refurbishment. }} ===Theatres=== * {{see | name=Theatre Royal | alt= | url=http://www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk/ | email= | address=Theatre Square, NG1 5ND | lat=52.955147 | long=-1.151389 | directions= | phone=+44 115 989-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7777438| wikipedia=Theatre Royal, Nottingham | image=Theatre Royal, Nottingham - geograph.org.uk - 997109.jpg | content=Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's ''The Mousetrap'' had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Playhouse | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/ | email= | address=Wellington Circus, Derby Road, NG1 5AF | lat=52.9537 | long=-1.1577 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-9419 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063678| wikipedia=Nottingham Playhouse | content=Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor. }} * {{see | name=Lace Market Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/ | email= | address=Halifax Place, near Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QN | lat=52.9516 | long=-1.1449 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950-7201 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6468185| wikipedia=Lace Market Theatre | content=Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Arts Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk | email= | address=George Street, NG1 3BE | lat=52.95429 | long=-1.14489 | directions= | phone =+44 115 947-6096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063592| wikipedia=Nottingham Arts Theatre | content=Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar. }} * {{see | name=Lakeside Arts Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/ | email= | address=East Drive, University Park, NG7 2RD | lat=52.938337 | long=-1.189842 | directions= | phone=+44 115 846-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe. }} ===Cinemas=== * {{see | name=Broadway | alt= | url=http://www.broadway.org.uk/ | email= | address=14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL | lat=52.9542653 | long=-1.1437133 | directions= | phone=+44 115 952-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £8.80 | content=Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases. }} * {{see | name=Cineworld | alt= | url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/49/information | email= | address=Cornerhouse, Forman St, NG1 4AA | lat=52.9555449 | long=-1.1505939 | directions= | phone=0844 815 7747 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £11.20 | content=Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility. }} * {{see | name=Savoy Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.savoyonline.co.uk/SavoyNottingham.dll/Home | email= | address=233 Derby Rd, Lenton, NG7 1QN | lat=52.9513212 | long=-1.173679 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-2580 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £6.50 | content=Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students. }} * {{see | name=Showcase Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/locations/nottingham | email= | address=Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW | lat=52.936642 | long=-1.175906 | directions= | phone=0871 220 1000 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £10.50 | content=A 12-screen American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road. }} ==Do== [[File:Nottingham Panthers vs Cardiff Devils April 2011.jpg | thumb | 300px | National Ice Centre in 2011 ]] === Sports === * {{do | name=Nottingham Forest FC | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/ | email= | address=Trentside N, West Bridgford NG2 5FJ | lat=52.94 | long=-1.1328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nottingham Forest F.C. | wikidata=Q19490 | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=Forest were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Their unique feat was to win two European titles yet only one domestic, and they long played in lower tiers until their 2022 promotion. }} * {{do | name=Notts County FC | alt= | url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/ | email= | address=Meadow Ln NG2 3HJ | lat=52.942638 | long=-1.13716 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Notts County F.C. | wikidata=Q19598 | lastedit=2019-05-26 | content=County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane, fairly central and north of the river. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk/ Nottingham RFC] play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Lady Bay a quarter mile east of Trent Bridge. * {{do | name=National Ice Centre | alt= | url=https://www.national-ice-centre.com/ | email= | address=Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA| lat=52.952778 | long=-1.139444 | directions= | phone=+44 843 373 3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 8AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | wikidata=Q1128250 | wikipedia=National Ice Centre | content=The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out - prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice - these teams ''do not'' like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America. }} * {{do | name=National Watersports Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nwscnotts.com/ | email= | address=Adbolton Ln, Holme Pierrepont, NG12 2LU | lat=52.941332 | long=-1.091554 | directions= | phone=+44 115 982 1212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Trent Bridge Cricket Ground | alt= | url=http://www.trentbridge.co.uk/cricket/index.html | email= | address=Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AG | lat=52.936883 | long=-1.132161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Trent Bridge | wikidata=Q2096399 | lastedit=2019-10-15 | content=This is the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club: they were relegated in 2019 and now play in Division 2 of the County Championship. Inter-county matches last up to four days. They also field a limited-overs team, Notts Outlaws. Trent Bridge frequently hosts Test Matches ie internationals, which may last five days. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Tennis Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.934506 | long=-1.190131 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063693| wikipedia=Nottingham Tennis Centre | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Hockey Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamhockeycentre.com/ | email= | address= | lat=52.933369 | long=-1.194189 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q814120| wikipedia=Beeston Hockey Club | lastedit=2018-04-01 | content=Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Activity Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.081519 | long=-1.082768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available }} * {{do | name=Nottingham & District Gun Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.087748 | long=-1.084395 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Try your hand at clay shooting. }} ===Parks and activities=== * In the summer you can hire a rowing boat on the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham. * Nottingham Castle has extensive grounds, which are planted beautifully in the summer time. Each summer open air theatre performances are held in the grounds. [[File:Nottingham Arboretum 1.jpg|thumb|right|The Arboretum is perfect for a relaxing walk to get away from the crowded city.]] * {{do | name=Arboretum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF | lat=52.9603889 | long=-1.156849 | directions=between Nottingham Trent University tram stop and High School tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=The Arboretum, Nottingham | wikidata=Q7714137 |image=Nottingham_Arboretum_1.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Botanical garden, hosts open air music in the park at weekends in summer. }} ===Events=== [[File:Nottingham goose fair 2012 207a.jpg|thumb|A ride at the Goose Fair.]] [[File:Nottinghamshire Pride 2011 MMB 04.jpg|thumb|A partier at Nottinghamshire Pride 2011.]] * {{event | name=Nottingham Goose Fair | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamgoosefair.co.uk {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held on the Forest Recreation Ground (at the Forest tram stop) on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed for more than 700 years, but nowadays you won't see any geese! To see it at its best, go after dark, although it's likely to be less busy during the day. }} * The Forest Recreation Ground also plays host to the city's annual Bonfire Night fireworks display, which also has a funfair. * The '''Riverside Festival''' at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display. * The varsity sports series between the city's two universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is the largest outside of North America. *'''Nottinghamshire Pride''' is held annually in the last weekend of July at the Forest Recreation Ground. The event consists of numerous stages of music and comedy, as well as many stalls and stands from organisations, including food and drink areas! It attracts people not just from the Nottingham area; but from neighbouring counties and regions such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham is therefore a gay-friendly city and is accepting of LGBT people with notable gay visibility. (The city has the third highest percentage of people in same-sex partnerships, according to the 2001 census, of the eight English core cities after Manchester and Bristol.) It is referred to as the gay capital of the Midlands - or "Queen of the Midlands"; and the LGBT community is down-to-earth and friendly; as is the general culture of Nottingham. * '''LBC''' is a monthly electronic music event held at '''The Bodega''' featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in ''The Guardian'', it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event. ==Buy== Nottingham has two large excellent shopping centres at either end of the City Centre "The Victoria Centre" and "Broadmarsh". The Victoria Centre is the more modern of the two, and has more shops & facilities, although Broadmarsh is on the eve of a huge redevelopment which will more than double its size. * {{buy | name=intu Victoria Centre | alt= | url=http://intu.co.uk/victoriacentre | email= | address=222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN | lat=52.956389 | long=-1.147222 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912 1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victoria Centre | wikidata=Q7926625 | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=intu Broadmarsh | alt= | url=http://www.intu.co.uk/broadmarsh | email= | address=Lister Gate, NG1 7LB | lat=52.95 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone=+44 115 840 4555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4972220| wikipedia=Broadmarsh | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} Between the two are the main shopping streets: Lister Gate and Clumber Street are home to High Street names, while designer labels can be found on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Street and in the Exchange Arcade, within the Council House on Market Square. The alternative shopper will find Hockley Village a haven, focused around Goose Gate, the city's Bohemian district. To buy a Nottingham memento, go to the Lace Centre on the corner of Castle Gate, opposite the Robin Hood statue, to buy traditional Nottingham lace. With regards to the alternative music and fashion scene, Nottingham is highly regarded and caters well for obscure and eclectic tastes. Selectadisc, just a short walk from the Market Square is one of just two in the country, the other being in Soho, London. Selectadisc is widely considered to stock the best indie and alternative music selection in the city, yet it is commonly felt that, for more helpful and down-to-earth staff, the Fopp store (on the next road) is more reliable. Now one of just six Fopp stores in the country, this store often stages in store sessions and offers a wide selection of independent DVDs and fanzines and CDs from unsigned acts. Void, Wild (and its sister store Wilder) and the local favourite Ice Nine can all be found in the bohemian district of Hockley. These stores can often become busy over the weekend in particular, but many original retro and vintage fashion items can be found for very cheap prices here. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Annie's burger shack | alt= | url=http://www.anniesburgershack.com/ | email= | address=The Navigation, 6 Wilford Street | lat=52.947984 | long=-1.1517388 | directions= | phone=+44 115 837 1930 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-1AM | price= | content=An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers (generally in the £10 range) and real ale with canal side seating. }} * {{eat | name=Wagamama | alt= | url=http://www.wagamama.com | email= | address=The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB | lat=52.95591 | long=-1.1509131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924-1797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11:30-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM | price= | content=Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. £5 to £8 per main. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners. }} * {{eat | name=The Kean's Head | alt= | url=http://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/keans-head/ | email= | address=46 St. Mary's Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA | lat=52.9513481 | long=-1.1440224 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-4052 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. £4 to £8 per dish. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food. }} <!--* '''The Alley Cafe''', 1A Cannon Court, Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE, +44 115 955-1013. This small bar and restaurant located on a tiny alley on the north-western part of Old Market Square serves vegetarian and vegan meals and sandwiches, £4 to £10 per meal. Draught beer served as well.--> Nottingham also has the usual range of chain restaurants and bars that you can find in many cities across the UK - for a budget meal (and drink) JD Wetherspoons is always worth trying - there are also a number of budget restaurants along Mansfield Road not far from the Victoria Shopping Centre There is a pedestrianised street full of eateries of varying quality next to the Cornerhouse. These restaurants range from a Pizza Hut and a Subway, to a brassiere (Punchinellos) with an excellent pre-theatre menu. There is also a wide variety of takeaways in Nottingham, catering for many different tastes. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=French Living | alt= | url=http://www.frenchliving.co.uk | email=info@frenchliving.co.uk | address=27 King Street, Nottingham NG1 2AY | lat=52.9549028 | long=-1.1495825 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958-5885 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F noon-2PM, 6PM-10PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Las Iguanas | alt= | url=http://www.iguanas.co.uk | email=nottingham@iguanas.co.uk | address=Chapel Quarter Chapel Bar, 4, Nottingham NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539712 | long=-1.1537533 | directions= | phone=+44 115 959-6390 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th noon-11PM, F-Su noon-11:30PM | price= | content=This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant. }} <!--* {{eat | name=Cafe Rouge | alt= | url=http://www.caferouge.co.uk | email= | address=31 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 58 2230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Relaxed, informal dining with good service and handy for the Lace Market area of Nottingham. }} * {{eat | name=Peechy Keens | alt= | url=http://www.peachykeens.co.uk | email=nottingham@peachykeens.co.uk | address=114 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+44 115 958-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= All-you-can-eat buffet of many cultural foods such as Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai and Italian. (£7-15 depending on time of day). }}--> ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Hart's Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu for £16-18 per person. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Meal prices for two with three courses and wine in the evening will approach £80. }} * {{eat | name=World Service | alt= | url=http://www.worldservicerestaurant.com | email= | address=Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF | lat=52.95082 | long=-1.152396 | directions= | phone=+44 115 847 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Similar formula to Hart's - some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards. }} ==Drink== [[File:Bell Inn, Nottingham.jpg|thumb|Nottingham has a lot of historic pubs - this is an advert for one of them from 1840]] [[File:Former Unitarian Chapel Nottingham (geograph 2032588).jpg|thumb|The site of Nottingham's Pitcher and Piano, in a former 19th century church]] There are at least three pubs in Nottingham which claim to be amongst the oldest in the city (and the country) - so there is no shortage of drinking establishments for visitors. The city has a range of pubs and bars serving drinks late into the night. A good place to start is the trendy Lace Market area east of Market Square where you will also find many good restaurants. Pubs around the Market Square tend to appeal to younger drinkers with a Wetherspoon's and Yates's Wine Lodge, but the area on the canal side around the '''Canal House''' pub tends to be a little more discerning. The Hockley area also provides a range of pleasant bars to suit a range of budgets. The Cornerhouse complex (near the Royal Centre tram stop) contains some really nice bars, particularly [https://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/nottingham-cornerhouse/ Revolution], and close to this is The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street. Slightly further out of the centre in the multicultural and vibrant area known as Sneinton is a wonderful pub called the Lord Nelson with a great garden and real ales. The other historic pubs include '''The Bell Inn''', situated in the Market Square, and '''the Salutation''', on Maid Marian Way, both of which can trace a long history and lay claim to having resident ghosts. Ask at a quiet moment for a tour of the Salutation's cellars, dug by hand into the sandstone rock below the pub and used in centuries past as a secure brewing area. The Ned Ludd is also located near the Old Market square and serves local ale from '''Nottingham Brewery'''. '''Rock City''' hosts one of the biggest student disco nights in town, with standard dance/pop music, when popular live rock bands aren't playing in town. For a different experience, try '''The Pitcher and Piano''' bar, with a slightly more mature crowd. Built as a large Unitarian church it has been stylishly modernised but still contains the church's architectural history with gothic decor and stained glass windows. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem/ | email= | address=1 Brewhouse Yard | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.15264 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9473171 | tollfree= | hours=Su, M-Th: 11AM-11PM, Sa: 11AM-midnight | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | lastedit=2019-07-30 | content=Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Canalhouse | alt= | url=https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/the-canalhouse/ | email=canalhouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk | address=48-52 Canal Street | lat=52.94827 | long=-1.14857 | directions= | phone=+44 115 955 5060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Cornerhouse | alt= | url= https://cornerhousenottingham.co.uk/| email=Charlie@cornerhouse.tv | address=Burton Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 5168 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= | wikidata=Q7727633 | wikipedia=The Cornerhouse, Nottingham }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Playwright 38 | alt=formerly The Orange Tree | url=https://www.theplaywright38.co.uk/ | email=info@theplaywright38.co.uk | address=38 Shakespeare Street | lat=52.95775 | long= -1.15106| directions= | phone=+44 1159 473239 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Lord Nelson| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/LordNelsonSneinton/ | email= | address=Lord Nelson Street, Sneinton | lat=52.95106 | long=-1.12615 | directions= | phone=+44 115 911 0069 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Bell Inn | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/bell-inn/ | email= | address=18 Angel Row | lat=52.9536 | long=-1.15237 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9475241 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7716394 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Salutation Inn | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheSalNotts/ | email= | address=Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9518 | long=-1.15013 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 9819 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8050762 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Ned Ludd| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheNedLudd | email= | address=27 Friar Lane | lat=52.95209 | long=-1.15170 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924 3415 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Rock City | alt= | url=https://www.rock-city.co.uk/ | email=info@rock-city.co.uk | address=8 Talbot Street | lat=52.95604 | long=-1.15403 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 6547 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 941 8438 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Pitcher and Piano | alt= | url=https://www.pitcherandpiano.com/bars/nottingham | email=nottingham@pitcherandpiano.com | address=The Unitarian Church, High Pavement | lat=52.95080 | long=-1.14532 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 6081 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15223906 | wikipedia=High Pavement Chapel | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Waterfront | alt= | url= | email= | address=NG1 7EH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-02-28 | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Igloo Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.igloohostel.co.uk | email= | address= | lat=52.9607183 | long=-1.1500132 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=For £15 a night, the Igloo is a very nice hostel and a great choice to spend one or more nights in Nottingham. A 5-minute walk from the centre of town, It's very clean and has 24 hot water in all the bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, toaster, and the most important equipment in a kitchen: a radio. The Igloo provides free tea, and coffee all day as well as free wifi and internet. It also has a comfortable, friendly common room, with a TV and many DVDs if you are tired and want to rest and watch something. Lots of books and board games can be easily found as well. A board with several tips of good cheap places to eat and drink can be found in the common room. Downstairs, the Games room offers a Ps2, Pool table and Fooz Ball. Unquestionably, a very good and friendly place! }} * {{sleep | name=Midtown Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.midtownhostel.co.uk | email= | address=Thurland Street | lat=52.9540278 | long=-1.1468093 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=£16 a night Midtown Hostel has lots of good things going for it. It's clean, in a great location (1-minute walk from the main square), hot water in the showers, free internet, decent kitchen (does have oven, does not have stove, has large fridge to store food in), PS2 and a few games, and free coffee and tea. The beds are reasonably comfortable (but some do squeak). Reports of noisy parties at night. }} * {{sleep | name=Britannia Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-britannia-nottingham-hotel/ | email= | address= 1 St James's St | lat=52.952298 | long= -1.153977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 0098 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.butterflyhotels.co.uk/Our_Hotels/Nottingham/index.php | email=reception@dayshotelnottingham.co.uk | address=17-31 Wollaton Street, NG1 5FW | lat=52.9555139 | long=-1.1536771 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912-8000 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 912-8080 | checkin=2PM (early check-in by arrangement) | checkout=11AM (late check-out by arrangement) | price=£79.95 (up to two children can stay free of charge, or for 75% if staying in a separate room | content=This Days Hotel features non-smoking rooms that include bath and/or shower, work desk, TV with freeview and complimentary broadband. Some rooms have been adapted to allow for easier access. Full or continental breakfasts are available for £10. }} * {{sleep | name=Jury's Inn | alt= | url=http://nottinghamhotels.jurysinns.com/ | email= | address=Waterfront Plaza, Station Street, NG2 3BJ | lat=52.9484617 | long=-1.1405785 | directions= | phone=+44 115 901-6700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Car parking is roughly 5 minutes from the hotel grounds, with many shops and restaurants close by. Well-equipped room with TV, hair-dryer, coffee/tea and biscuits and internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar) | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/nottinghamshire/nottingham/nottingham-city-centre-chapel-bar.html | email= | address=7 Chapel Bar, NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539122 | long=-1.1546132 | directions= | phone=+44 871 527 9658 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This hotel is in the centre of the city centre and is of the high standards of the Holiday Inn chain, with a spacious room, comfortable beds and friendly staff. }} * {{sleep | name= St James Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.stjames-hotel.com/ | email= | address=St James Street, NG1 6FJ | lat=52.951641 | long= -1.154235 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£40-60 pppn | content=In the heart of the city, it retains its period elegance, whilst offering comfortable accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-nottingham | email=ppnreception@pphe.com | address=41 Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9700923 | long=-1.1532588 | directions= | phone=+44 333 400 6148 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content=Comfortable hotel in the city centre. }} * {{sleep | name=SACO Apartments | alt= | url=http://nottingham.sacoapartments.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Ropewalk, NG1 5BB | lat=52.9555962 | long=-1.1618373 | directions= | phone=+44 117 970-6999 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=10AM | price=from £64 per night | content=Near the city centre with easy access to Queens Medical Hospital and the University of Nottingham. There are no surprises in the rooms as they meet their website descriptions and pictures perfectly, with friendly reception staff and all the facilities you need, even for a long-term stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/nottingham/notuk/hoteldetail | email=holidayinn.nottingham@btconnect.com | address=Castle Bridge Road Castle Marina Park, NG7 1GX | lat=52.9447152 | long=-1.16436 | directions= | phone=+44 115 993-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£65 | content=In a peaceful marina location. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Eastwood Hall | alt = | url=https://www.eastwood-hall.co.uk/ | email=eastwood.enquiries@thevenuescollection.co.uk | address=Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham. NG16 3SS | lat=53.024729 | long=-1.31076 | directions = | phone= +44 1773 532532 | tollfree = | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2018-11-08| content=Hotel and event venue offering 150 bedrooms and 36 meeting/event rooms, all connected to WiFi. ` }} * {{sleep | name=Hart's Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Village Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/nottingham/welcome | email= | address=Brailsford Way, Chilwell, NG9 6DL | lat=52.9031794 | long=-1.240977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 4602 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£55 | content=Offers over 130 bedrooms, a health club, the Verve Grill restaurant, the Victory Pub & Kitchen, the Vibe Cafe and a hair salon. The hotel also has 11 meetings & conference rooms. Booking is available online. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Langar Hall | alt= | url=http://www.langarhall.com/ | email= | address=Church Lane, Langar NG13 9HG | lat=52.905 | long=-0.929 | directions=12 miles southeast of city | phone=+44 1949 860559 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £130 | lastedit=2020-06-25 | content=Upscale country hotel in Georgian mansion with fine dining. }} === Camping === In surrounding area * {{sleep | name=Thorntons Holt | alt= | url=http://www.thorntons-holt.co.uk/ | email= | address=Stragglethorpe | lat=52.932854 | long=-1.052934 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 2125 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shelford Nurseries | alt= | url=http://www.shelfordnurseriescaravanpark.co.uk/ | email= | address=Shelford Hill, Radcliffe on Trent | lat=52.969229 | long=-1.014999 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 3433 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== While overall a safe city, Nottingham has been highlighted by the media for gun and knife crime in its suburbs, acquiring the (mostly tongue-in-cheek) nickname 'Shottingham'; although the actual incidence in 2004/5 was 19 offences per 100,000 population (compared to 50 per 100,000 population for both Greater Manchester and London). It is best to avoid walking late at night through St Ann's (a council estate northeast of the Victoria shopping centre) and The Meadows (between the railway station and the river). Normal precautions for large western European cities should be undertaken by individuals after dark, especially for lone females. ==Go next== * For keen walkers, [[Matlock]] and the Derbyshire [[Peak District]] can be reached in about an hour by car. To get there by public transport, catch the Red Arrow (£6 'zigzag' day ticket, takes 30 min, every 10 min) from the Victoria Bus station to Derby, and change to the TransPeak (£5.90 each way, takes about an hour, hourly). An alternative for the more budget conscious traveller is the 6.1 bus from Derby to [[Bakewell]], which takes longer but is included in the trentbarton 'zigzag' day ticket. * [[Derby]] is a neighboring city and is easily accessible by bus (£6 day ticket). * [[Lincoln]] is not too far away by rail. * [[Sheffield]], about an hour away from Nottingham by rail or road, is a slightly larger city and a popular cultural and shopping destination. * There are direct trains from Nottingham to the famous seaside resort of [[Skegness]]. {{routebox | image1=UK-Motorway-M1.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Sheffield]] | minorl1=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | directionr1=S | minorr1=[[East Midlands Airport]] | majorr1=[[Leicester]] | image2=UK_road_A46.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Lincoln]] | minorl2=[[Newark-on-Trent]] | directionr2=S | minorr2=Bingham | majorr2=[[Leicester]] | image3=UK_road_A52.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Derby]] | minorl3=[[Beeston]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Grantham]] | majorr3=[[Boston (England)|Boston]] | image4=UK_road_A60.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | minorl4=[[Arnold (Nottinghamshire)|Arnold]] | directionr4=S | minorr4= | majorr4=[[Loughborough]] | image5=UK road A606.svg | imagesize5=40 | directionl5=NW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=SE | minorr5=[[Melton Mowbray]] | majorr5=[[Peterborough]] }} {{IsPartOf|Nottinghamshire}} {{geo|52.9548|-1.1581}} {{usablecity}} 1irpkzj3h4p5ehhk14hieacods6y4xz 4487753 4487752 2022-07-21T14:24:27Z Inferno986return 476466 /* Events */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nottingham Wikivoyage Banner 2.png}} [[File:Nottingham, UK - panoramio (1).jpg|300px|thumb|Statue of Robin Hood]] '''[http://www.visitnottingham.com Nottingham]''' is a city in [[England]], affectionately known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend of Robin Hood. ==Understand== Nottingham is one of three major cities in the [[East Midlands]] of England, the others being nearby [[Leicester]] and [[Derby]]. Its prosperity was historically derived mostly from the lace making and coal-mining industries, little of which remains. Nottingham has moved towards a more service-based economy. In the 1960s it was famed for having a gender imbalance. The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from [[Stoke]] to the Humber. According to the 2001 census, Nottingham has an estimated city population of 275,100. The Nottingham Urban Area conurbation (which includes surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary, and neighbouring towns) has a population of 666,358 (2001 Census). Nottingham is a member of the English Core Cities Group. The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top end of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of [[Robin Hood]], visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{marker|type=go|name=[[East Midlands Airport]]|url=|lat=52.831111|long=-1.327778}} ({{IATA|EMA}}) lies 12 miles (19 km) south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many European (mostly tourist) destinations. The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 single, £9.90 return, £9 for a day ticket (zigzag plus) including all trentbarton buses in the area. The slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs all through the night (hourly), with the same fares and a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour. *{{marker|type=go|name=Birmingham Airport|url=http://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/|lat=52.453889|long=-1.748056}} ({{IATA|BHX}}) is about 40 miles from Nottingham and serves all major European and many international destinations. It is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street. *{{marker|type=go|name=Doncaster Sheffield Airport|lat=53.475278|long=-1.004167|url=http://www.dsaflights.co.uk}} ({{IATA|DSA}}) lies to the north of Nottinghamshire. Eastern Airways continues to fly. ===By train=== * {{go | name=Nottingham railway station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/NOT.aspx | email= | address= | lat=52.947 | long=-1.146 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1988621 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=On the main line out of [[London St Pancras]]. The cheapest tickets between London and Nottingham are available from [http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/ East Midlands Trains] and can be booked online before travel. There are also regular connections to [[Manchester]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]], [[Derby]], [[Leicester]], [[Crewe (England)|Crewe]], [[Sheffield]], and [[Leeds]]. Trains from London to Sheffield do not stop at Nottingham. }} Turn right out of the station for an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre. The tram stop is right above the station, giving access to all tram destinations since both lines pass through the station. ===By car=== From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24 or 25. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26. There are nine [https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/transport-parking-and-streets/parking-and-permits/park-and-ride/ Park and Ride] sites with over 6500 spaces around the city. Many of these park and ride sites are connected to Nottingham city centre by the [[Nottingham#By tram|city's tram network]], or buses. <gallery> [[File:Nottingham City Transport bus 946 (YN08 MSU) 2008 Scania N270UD OmniDekka, Nottingham, 21 June 2011.jpg|thumb|Nottingham City Transport]] [[File:Trent Barton coach 75 (FJ10 OXR) 2010 Scania K94IB Irizar i4, Red Arrow, Clay Cross, 7 November 2010 uncropped.jpg|thumb|Trent Barton]] </gallery> ===By bus=== Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations near to its two major shopping centres, {{marker|type=go|name=Broadmarsh|url=|lat=52.949302|long=-1.147146}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Victoria|url=|lat=52.95912|long=-1.14864}}. [http://www.traveline.info Traveline], +44 871 200 22 33 Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations. National Express provides cheap advance tickets on a Nottingham-London route, often for as little as £5 each way if booked early enough online. National Express also offers cheap non-changeable tickets (called "Funfare") to many other major cities from Nottingham. Megabus also serves the city, although only twice a day with one departure at 5AM! ==Get around== {{Mapframe|52.9505|-1.1501|zoom=14|height=|width=|layer=M|staticmap=|align=}} [[File:Nottingham Tram map.svg|thumb|Map of the Nottingham Tram network]] Nottingham has excellent public transport by buses and trams. ===By foot=== The city centre is best explored on foot as many of the historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access. ===By tram=== [http://www.thetram.net Nottingham Express Transit] is the city's modern tram system. There are two branches which run on the same tracks in the city centre and then diverge at both ends to serve 4 destinations (Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton Lane and Clifton South). The system has a number of Park and Ride sites along it, which make travel into the city centre easy. An all day tram-only ticket costs £4, single tickets are £2.20. Tickets must be bought from ticket machines on platforms before boarding. ===By bus=== Nottingham has extensive bus services provided by two main companies, [http://www.trentbarton.co.uk trentbarton] and [http://www.nctx.co.uk Nottingham City Transport] (NCT), running from the Broadmarsh and Victoria Bus stations as well as key termini in the city centre such as Old Market Square, Parliament Street and Carrington Street. Fares: '''Most NCT buses do not give change.''' Trentbarton buses do, just ask the driver. ====Ticketing==== Ticketing can be confusing. Ticketing for most operators is detailed below: Cash: *NCT buses: £2 single, £3.70 day ticket *trentbarton buses: single fare varies by distance (check website), £6 "zigzag" day ticket or £9 "zigzag plus" including East Midlands Airport. This allows travel on all Trentbarton services as far as Bakewell, Derby or Chesterfield *NET trams: single fare £2.20, day ticket £4 *Multiple operators: £4.50 kangaroo day ticket for all public transport in greater Nottingham Robin Hood Prepaid Card (purchase from ticket machines around city centre): *Buses and Trams: £1.70 single, £3.15 max for single operator, £4 max for all operators Students with valid ID: *£1.50 single fare for many NCT buses and all Trentbarton buses (within Nottingham) ==See== [[File:Nottingham MMB 23 Market Square.jpg|thumb|Nottingham's Council House & Old Market Square]] ===Museums and galleries=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Nottingham Castle | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=£13 | wikipedia=Nottingham Castle | image=Nottingham Castle Gate 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q17642916 | content=Visitors with Hollywood expectations of Robin Hood films should be aware that this is not a medieval castle, but a small stately home with only the gatehouse remaining from the original castle. The castle includes grounds with a children’s play area and extensive views over the region, and a museum with various exhibitions inside the house itself (including the country's first municipal art gallery). After a refurbishment the castle reopened in 2021 with a number of interactive exhibits/games. A tour of the caves under the castle can also be booked for an additional fee. }} * {{see | name=Robin Hood statue | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.95044 | long=-1.15339 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price=Free | wikipedia=Robin Hood | wikidata=Q122634 |image=Robin_Hood_Memorial.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-17 | content=Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls. }} * {{see | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn | alt= | url=http://www.triptojerusalem.com/ | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1526 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | content=Off Maid Marian Way - one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the '''Brewhouse Yard''', home to the '''Museum of Nottingham Life''' which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years. }} * {{see | name=City of Caves | alt= | url=https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves | email= | address= | lat=52.951 | long=-1.1466 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£8.75 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with National Justice Museum) | wikipedia=City of Caves | wikidata=Q5123621 | lastedit=2018-09-26 | content=A visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. }} * {{see | name=National Justice Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/ | email=info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk | address=Shire Hall, High Pavement, NG1 1HN | lat=52.950833 | long=-1.144444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£10.95 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with City of Caves) | image=Lace market justice galleries.JPG | wikidata=Q5518971| wikipedia=National Justice Museum | lastedit= | content=Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by. The museum is done as a guided tour lasting 1- 1.5 hours, so a specific time slot needs to be booked. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Contemporary | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9511 | long=-1.1458 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | image=Nottingham Contemporary - geograph-1825342.jpg | wikidata=Q7063622| wikipedia=Nottingham Contemporary | lastedit= | content=Presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages. }} * {{see | name=Wollaton Hall | alt= | url=http://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.94788 | long=-1.209595 | directions=Accessible by buses 35,36 (NCT, Victoria Centre) and i4 (trentbarton, Broadmarsh) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Wollaton Hall Nov2010.jpg | wikidata=Q17528596| wikipedia=Wollaton Hall | content=A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, '''Wollaton Park'''. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film, ''Batman: The Dark Knight Rises'' as Wayne Manor. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Council House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.953333 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Council-House-Nottingham.jpg | wikidata=Q7063627| wikipedia=Nottingham Council House | content=A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked) }} * {{see | name=Industrial Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk | address=Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE | lat=52.945989 | long=-1.208054 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 3936 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adults €3, seniors and students €2, children free | wikipedia=Nottingham Industrial Museum | image=Entrance to Wollaton Hall Stable Block - geograph.org.uk - 919090.jpg | wikidata=Q17015910 | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station. }} * {{see | name=Green's Windmill | alt= | url=https://www.greensmill.org.uk/ | email= | address=Windmill Lane, Sneinton NG2 4QB | lat=52.952 | long=-1.129 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 6878 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=George Green (1793-1841) was a mathematician whose work unifying magnetism and electricity laid the foundations for James Clark Maxwell. Remarkably he was self-taught, labouring all hours here in his father's mill. So as well as the working machinery there's an exhibit on his contributions to science. }} * {{see | name=Haunted Museum | alt= | url=https://www.thehauntedmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@thehauntedmuseum.co.uk | address=Basement, Hopkinsons, 21 Station St, NG2 3AJ | lat=52.947765 | long=-1.146178 | directions=next to Nottingham train station | phone=+44 7503 325218 | tollfree= | hours=11am-6pm | price=Adult: £8 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=A paranormal museum which blends witchcraft, haunted objects and pop-culture horror. }} ===Historic sites out of town=== * {{see | name=Newstead Abbey | alt= | url=http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk | email= | address= | lat=53.078333 | long=-1.1925 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Newstead Abbey 02.jpg | wikidata=Q1819331| wikipedia=Newstead Abbey | content=The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in '''Hucknall Church''', and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop. }} * {{see | name=[[Sherwood Forest]] Country Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.205875 | long=-1.08609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near [[Worksop]], is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college. }} * {{see | name=Great Central Railway - Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.gcrn.co.uk | email=info@gcrn.co.uk | address=Mere Way, Ruddington, NG11 6JS | lat=52.8845928 | long=-1.1463983 | directions=6 miles south of Nottingham | phone=+44 115 940 5705 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Papplewick Pumping Station | alt= | url=http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk/ | email= | address=Rigg Lane, Ravenshead NG15 9AJ | lat=53.064 | long=-1.131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 963 2938 | tollfree= | hours=Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adult £4; steam days adult £10, conc £9, child free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=These twin beam engines were installed in 1884 to lift water {{ft|200}} from an underground reservoir to feed the city supply. The interior is richly, almost riotously decorated, as if to out-do the fountains of Alhambra. The engines are in steam one weekend a month, see website. }} * {{see | name=Framework Knitters' Museum | alt= | url=https://www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address=Chapel St, Ruddington NG11 6HE | lat=52.891 | long=-1.152 | directions= | phone=+44 115 984 6914 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=This technology is early 19th century, transitional between cottage industry and the great Victorian mill halls. In 2021 it's closed for refurbishment. }} ===Theatres=== * {{see | name=Theatre Royal | alt= | url=http://www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk/ | email= | address=Theatre Square, NG1 5ND | lat=52.955147 | long=-1.151389 | directions= | phone=+44 115 989-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7777438| wikipedia=Theatre Royal, Nottingham | image=Theatre Royal, Nottingham - geograph.org.uk - 997109.jpg | content=Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's ''The Mousetrap'' had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Playhouse | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/ | email= | address=Wellington Circus, Derby Road, NG1 5AF | lat=52.9537 | long=-1.1577 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-9419 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063678| wikipedia=Nottingham Playhouse | content=Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor. }} * {{see | name=Lace Market Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/ | email= | address=Halifax Place, near Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QN | lat=52.9516 | long=-1.1449 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950-7201 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6468185| wikipedia=Lace Market Theatre | content=Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Arts Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk | email= | address=George Street, NG1 3BE | lat=52.95429 | long=-1.14489 | directions= | phone =+44 115 947-6096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063592| wikipedia=Nottingham Arts Theatre | content=Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar. }} * {{see | name=Lakeside Arts Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/ | email= | address=East Drive, University Park, NG7 2RD | lat=52.938337 | long=-1.189842 | directions= | phone=+44 115 846-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe. }} ===Cinemas=== * {{see | name=Broadway | alt= | url=http://www.broadway.org.uk/ | email= | address=14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL | lat=52.9542653 | long=-1.1437133 | directions= | phone=+44 115 952-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £8.80 | content=Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases. }} * {{see | name=Cineworld | alt= | url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/49/information | email= | address=Cornerhouse, Forman St, NG1 4AA | lat=52.9555449 | long=-1.1505939 | directions= | phone=0844 815 7747 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £11.20 | content=Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility. }} * {{see | name=Savoy Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.savoyonline.co.uk/SavoyNottingham.dll/Home | email= | address=233 Derby Rd, Lenton, NG7 1QN | lat=52.9513212 | long=-1.173679 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-2580 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £6.50 | content=Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students. }} * {{see | name=Showcase Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/locations/nottingham | email= | address=Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW | lat=52.936642 | long=-1.175906 | directions= | phone=0871 220 1000 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £10.50 | content=A 12-screen American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road. }} ==Do== [[File:Nottingham Panthers vs Cardiff Devils April 2011.jpg | thumb | 300px | National Ice Centre in 2011 ]] === Sports === * {{do | name=Nottingham Forest FC | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/ | email= | address=Trentside N, West Bridgford NG2 5FJ | lat=52.94 | long=-1.1328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nottingham Forest F.C. | wikidata=Q19490 | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=Forest were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Their unique feat was to win two European titles yet only one domestic, and they long played in lower tiers until their 2022 promotion. }} * {{do | name=Notts County FC | alt= | url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/ | email= | address=Meadow Ln NG2 3HJ | lat=52.942638 | long=-1.13716 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Notts County F.C. | wikidata=Q19598 | lastedit=2019-05-26 | content=County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane, fairly central and north of the river. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk/ Nottingham RFC] play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Lady Bay a quarter mile east of Trent Bridge. * {{do | name=National Ice Centre | alt= | url=https://www.national-ice-centre.com/ | email= | address=Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA| lat=52.952778 | long=-1.139444 | directions= | phone=+44 843 373 3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 8AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | wikidata=Q1128250 | wikipedia=National Ice Centre | content=The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out - prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice - these teams ''do not'' like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America. }} * {{do | name=National Watersports Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nwscnotts.com/ | email= | address=Adbolton Ln, Holme Pierrepont, NG12 2LU | lat=52.941332 | long=-1.091554 | directions= | phone=+44 115 982 1212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Trent Bridge Cricket Ground | alt= | url=http://www.trentbridge.co.uk/cricket/index.html | email= | address=Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AG | lat=52.936883 | long=-1.132161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Trent Bridge | wikidata=Q2096399 | lastedit=2019-10-15 | content=This is the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club: they were relegated in 2019 and now play in Division 2 of the County Championship. Inter-county matches last up to four days. They also field a limited-overs team, Notts Outlaws. Trent Bridge frequently hosts Test Matches ie internationals, which may last five days. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Tennis Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.934506 | long=-1.190131 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063693| wikipedia=Nottingham Tennis Centre | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Hockey Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamhockeycentre.com/ | email= | address= | lat=52.933369 | long=-1.194189 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q814120| wikipedia=Beeston Hockey Club | lastedit=2018-04-01 | content=Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Activity Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.081519 | long=-1.082768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available }} * {{do | name=Nottingham & District Gun Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.087748 | long=-1.084395 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Try your hand at clay shooting. }} ===Parks and activities=== * In the summer you can hire a rowing boat on the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham. * Nottingham Castle has extensive grounds, which are planted beautifully in the summer time. Each summer open air theatre performances are held in the grounds. [[File:Nottingham Arboretum 1.jpg|thumb|right|The Arboretum is perfect for a relaxing walk to get away from the crowded city.]] * {{do | name=Arboretum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF | lat=52.9603889 | long=-1.156849 | directions=between Nottingham Trent University tram stop and High School tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=The Arboretum, Nottingham | wikidata=Q7714137 |image=Nottingham_Arboretum_1.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Botanical garden, hosts open air music in the park at weekends in summer. }} ===Events=== [[File:Nottingham goose fair 2012 207a.jpg|thumb|A ride at the Goose Fair.]] [[File:Nottinghamshire Pride 2011 MMB 04.jpg|thumb|A partier at Nottinghamshire Pride 2011.]] * {{event | name=Nottingham Goose Fair | alt=1 October 2022 - 2 October 2022 | url=https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/goose-fair-p358771 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the Forest tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held on the Forest Recreation Ground on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed for more than 700 years, but nowadays you won't see any geese! To see it at its best, go after dark, although it's likely to be less busy during the day. }} * The Forest Recreation Ground also plays host to the city's annual Bonfire Night fireworks display, which also has a funfair. * The '''Riverside Festival''' at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display. * The varsity sports series between the city's two universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is the largest outside of North America. *'''Nottinghamshire Pride''' is held annually in the last weekend of July at the Forest Recreation Ground. The event consists of numerous stages of music and comedy, as well as many stalls and stands from organisations, including food and drink areas! It attracts people not just from the Nottingham area; but from neighbouring counties and regions such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham is therefore a gay-friendly city and is accepting of LGBT people with notable gay visibility. (The city has the third highest percentage of people in same-sex partnerships, according to the 2001 census, of the eight English core cities after Manchester and Bristol.) It is referred to as the gay capital of the Midlands - or "Queen of the Midlands"; and the LGBT community is down-to-earth and friendly; as is the general culture of Nottingham. * '''LBC''' is a monthly electronic music event held at '''The Bodega''' featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in ''The Guardian'', it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event. ==Buy== Nottingham has two large excellent shopping centres at either end of the City Centre "The Victoria Centre" and "Broadmarsh". The Victoria Centre is the more modern of the two, and has more shops & facilities, although Broadmarsh is on the eve of a huge redevelopment which will more than double its size. * {{buy | name=intu Victoria Centre | alt= | url=http://intu.co.uk/victoriacentre | email= | address=222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN | lat=52.956389 | long=-1.147222 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912 1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victoria Centre | wikidata=Q7926625 | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=intu Broadmarsh | alt= | url=http://www.intu.co.uk/broadmarsh | email= | address=Lister Gate, NG1 7LB | lat=52.95 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone=+44 115 840 4555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4972220| wikipedia=Broadmarsh | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} Between the two are the main shopping streets: Lister Gate and Clumber Street are home to High Street names, while designer labels can be found on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Street and in the Exchange Arcade, within the Council House on Market Square. The alternative shopper will find Hockley Village a haven, focused around Goose Gate, the city's Bohemian district. To buy a Nottingham memento, go to the Lace Centre on the corner of Castle Gate, opposite the Robin Hood statue, to buy traditional Nottingham lace. With regards to the alternative music and fashion scene, Nottingham is highly regarded and caters well for obscure and eclectic tastes. Selectadisc, just a short walk from the Market Square is one of just two in the country, the other being in Soho, London. Selectadisc is widely considered to stock the best indie and alternative music selection in the city, yet it is commonly felt that, for more helpful and down-to-earth staff, the Fopp store (on the next road) is more reliable. Now one of just six Fopp stores in the country, this store often stages in store sessions and offers a wide selection of independent DVDs and fanzines and CDs from unsigned acts. Void, Wild (and its sister store Wilder) and the local favourite Ice Nine can all be found in the bohemian district of Hockley. These stores can often become busy over the weekend in particular, but many original retro and vintage fashion items can be found for very cheap prices here. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Annie's burger shack | alt= | url=http://www.anniesburgershack.com/ | email= | address=The Navigation, 6 Wilford Street | lat=52.947984 | long=-1.1517388 | directions= | phone=+44 115 837 1930 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-1AM | price= | content=An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers (generally in the £10 range) and real ale with canal side seating. }} * {{eat | name=Wagamama | alt= | url=http://www.wagamama.com | email= | address=The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB | lat=52.95591 | long=-1.1509131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924-1797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11:30-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM | price= | content=Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. £5 to £8 per main. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners. }} * {{eat | name=The Kean's Head | alt= | url=http://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/keans-head/ | email= | address=46 St. Mary's Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA | lat=52.9513481 | long=-1.1440224 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-4052 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. £4 to £8 per dish. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food. }} <!--* '''The Alley Cafe''', 1A Cannon Court, Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE, +44 115 955-1013. This small bar and restaurant located on a tiny alley on the north-western part of Old Market Square serves vegetarian and vegan meals and sandwiches, £4 to £10 per meal. Draught beer served as well.--> Nottingham also has the usual range of chain restaurants and bars that you can find in many cities across the UK - for a budget meal (and drink) JD Wetherspoons is always worth trying - there are also a number of budget restaurants along Mansfield Road not far from the Victoria Shopping Centre There is a pedestrianised street full of eateries of varying quality next to the Cornerhouse. These restaurants range from a Pizza Hut and a Subway, to a brassiere (Punchinellos) with an excellent pre-theatre menu. There is also a wide variety of takeaways in Nottingham, catering for many different tastes. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=French Living | alt= | url=http://www.frenchliving.co.uk | email=info@frenchliving.co.uk | address=27 King Street, Nottingham NG1 2AY | lat=52.9549028 | long=-1.1495825 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958-5885 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F noon-2PM, 6PM-10PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Las Iguanas | alt= | url=http://www.iguanas.co.uk | email=nottingham@iguanas.co.uk | address=Chapel Quarter Chapel Bar, 4, Nottingham NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539712 | long=-1.1537533 | directions= | phone=+44 115 959-6390 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th noon-11PM, F-Su noon-11:30PM | price= | content=This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant. }} <!--* {{eat | name=Cafe Rouge | alt= | url=http://www.caferouge.co.uk | email= | address=31 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 58 2230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Relaxed, informal dining with good service and handy for the Lace Market area of Nottingham. }} * {{eat | name=Peechy Keens | alt= | url=http://www.peachykeens.co.uk | email=nottingham@peachykeens.co.uk | address=114 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+44 115 958-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= All-you-can-eat buffet of many cultural foods such as Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai and Italian. (£7-15 depending on time of day). }}--> ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Hart's Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu for £16-18 per person. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Meal prices for two with three courses and wine in the evening will approach £80. }} * {{eat | name=World Service | alt= | url=http://www.worldservicerestaurant.com | email= | address=Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF | lat=52.95082 | long=-1.152396 | directions= | phone=+44 115 847 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Similar formula to Hart's - some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards. }} ==Drink== [[File:Bell Inn, Nottingham.jpg|thumb|Nottingham has a lot of historic pubs - this is an advert for one of them from 1840]] [[File:Former Unitarian Chapel Nottingham (geograph 2032588).jpg|thumb|The site of Nottingham's Pitcher and Piano, in a former 19th century church]] There are at least three pubs in Nottingham which claim to be amongst the oldest in the city (and the country) - so there is no shortage of drinking establishments for visitors. The city has a range of pubs and bars serving drinks late into the night. A good place to start is the trendy Lace Market area east of Market Square where you will also find many good restaurants. Pubs around the Market Square tend to appeal to younger drinkers with a Wetherspoon's and Yates's Wine Lodge, but the area on the canal side around the '''Canal House''' pub tends to be a little more discerning. The Hockley area also provides a range of pleasant bars to suit a range of budgets. The Cornerhouse complex (near the Royal Centre tram stop) contains some really nice bars, particularly [https://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/nottingham-cornerhouse/ Revolution], and close to this is The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street. Slightly further out of the centre in the multicultural and vibrant area known as Sneinton is a wonderful pub called the Lord Nelson with a great garden and real ales. The other historic pubs include '''The Bell Inn''', situated in the Market Square, and '''the Salutation''', on Maid Marian Way, both of which can trace a long history and lay claim to having resident ghosts. Ask at a quiet moment for a tour of the Salutation's cellars, dug by hand into the sandstone rock below the pub and used in centuries past as a secure brewing area. The Ned Ludd is also located near the Old Market square and serves local ale from '''Nottingham Brewery'''. '''Rock City''' hosts one of the biggest student disco nights in town, with standard dance/pop music, when popular live rock bands aren't playing in town. For a different experience, try '''The Pitcher and Piano''' bar, with a slightly more mature crowd. Built as a large Unitarian church it has been stylishly modernised but still contains the church's architectural history with gothic decor and stained glass windows. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem/ | email= | address=1 Brewhouse Yard | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.15264 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9473171 | tollfree= | hours=Su, M-Th: 11AM-11PM, Sa: 11AM-midnight | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | lastedit=2019-07-30 | content=Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Canalhouse | alt= | url=https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/the-canalhouse/ | email=canalhouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk | address=48-52 Canal Street | lat=52.94827 | long=-1.14857 | directions= | phone=+44 115 955 5060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Cornerhouse | alt= | url= https://cornerhousenottingham.co.uk/| email=Charlie@cornerhouse.tv | address=Burton Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 5168 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= | wikidata=Q7727633 | wikipedia=The Cornerhouse, Nottingham }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Playwright 38 | alt=formerly The Orange Tree | url=https://www.theplaywright38.co.uk/ | email=info@theplaywright38.co.uk | address=38 Shakespeare Street | lat=52.95775 | long= -1.15106| directions= | phone=+44 1159 473239 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Lord Nelson| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/LordNelsonSneinton/ | email= | address=Lord Nelson Street, Sneinton | lat=52.95106 | long=-1.12615 | directions= | phone=+44 115 911 0069 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Bell Inn | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/bell-inn/ | email= | address=18 Angel Row | lat=52.9536 | long=-1.15237 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9475241 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7716394 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Salutation Inn | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheSalNotts/ | email= | address=Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9518 | long=-1.15013 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 9819 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8050762 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Ned Ludd| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheNedLudd | email= | address=27 Friar Lane | lat=52.95209 | long=-1.15170 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924 3415 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Rock City | alt= | url=https://www.rock-city.co.uk/ | email=info@rock-city.co.uk | address=8 Talbot Street | lat=52.95604 | long=-1.15403 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 6547 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 941 8438 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Pitcher and Piano | alt= | url=https://www.pitcherandpiano.com/bars/nottingham | email=nottingham@pitcherandpiano.com | address=The Unitarian Church, High Pavement | lat=52.95080 | long=-1.14532 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 6081 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15223906 | wikipedia=High Pavement Chapel | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Waterfront | alt= | url= | email= | address=NG1 7EH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-02-28 | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Igloo Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.igloohostel.co.uk | email= | address= | lat=52.9607183 | long=-1.1500132 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=For £15 a night, the Igloo is a very nice hostel and a great choice to spend one or more nights in Nottingham. A 5-minute walk from the centre of town, It's very clean and has 24 hot water in all the bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, toaster, and the most important equipment in a kitchen: a radio. The Igloo provides free tea, and coffee all day as well as free wifi and internet. It also has a comfortable, friendly common room, with a TV and many DVDs if you are tired and want to rest and watch something. Lots of books and board games can be easily found as well. A board with several tips of good cheap places to eat and drink can be found in the common room. Downstairs, the Games room offers a Ps2, Pool table and Fooz Ball. Unquestionably, a very good and friendly place! }} * {{sleep | name=Midtown Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.midtownhostel.co.uk | email= | address=Thurland Street | lat=52.9540278 | long=-1.1468093 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=£16 a night Midtown Hostel has lots of good things going for it. It's clean, in a great location (1-minute walk from the main square), hot water in the showers, free internet, decent kitchen (does have oven, does not have stove, has large fridge to store food in), PS2 and a few games, and free coffee and tea. The beds are reasonably comfortable (but some do squeak). Reports of noisy parties at night. }} * {{sleep | name=Britannia Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-britannia-nottingham-hotel/ | email= | address= 1 St James's St | lat=52.952298 | long= -1.153977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 0098 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.butterflyhotels.co.uk/Our_Hotels/Nottingham/index.php | email=reception@dayshotelnottingham.co.uk | address=17-31 Wollaton Street, NG1 5FW | lat=52.9555139 | long=-1.1536771 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912-8000 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 912-8080 | checkin=2PM (early check-in by arrangement) | checkout=11AM (late check-out by arrangement) | price=£79.95 (up to two children can stay free of charge, or for 75% if staying in a separate room | content=This Days Hotel features non-smoking rooms that include bath and/or shower, work desk, TV with freeview and complimentary broadband. Some rooms have been adapted to allow for easier access. Full or continental breakfasts are available for £10. }} * {{sleep | name=Jury's Inn | alt= | url=http://nottinghamhotels.jurysinns.com/ | email= | address=Waterfront Plaza, Station Street, NG2 3BJ | lat=52.9484617 | long=-1.1405785 | directions= | phone=+44 115 901-6700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Car parking is roughly 5 minutes from the hotel grounds, with many shops and restaurants close by. Well-equipped room with TV, hair-dryer, coffee/tea and biscuits and internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar) | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/nottinghamshire/nottingham/nottingham-city-centre-chapel-bar.html | email= | address=7 Chapel Bar, NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539122 | long=-1.1546132 | directions= | phone=+44 871 527 9658 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This hotel is in the centre of the city centre and is of the high standards of the Holiday Inn chain, with a spacious room, comfortable beds and friendly staff. }} * {{sleep | name= St James Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.stjames-hotel.com/ | email= | address=St James Street, NG1 6FJ | lat=52.951641 | long= -1.154235 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£40-60 pppn | content=In the heart of the city, it retains its period elegance, whilst offering comfortable accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-nottingham | email=ppnreception@pphe.com | address=41 Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9700923 | long=-1.1532588 | directions= | phone=+44 333 400 6148 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content=Comfortable hotel in the city centre. }} * {{sleep | name=SACO Apartments | alt= | url=http://nottingham.sacoapartments.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Ropewalk, NG1 5BB | lat=52.9555962 | long=-1.1618373 | directions= | phone=+44 117 970-6999 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=10AM | price=from £64 per night | content=Near the city centre with easy access to Queens Medical Hospital and the University of Nottingham. There are no surprises in the rooms as they meet their website descriptions and pictures perfectly, with friendly reception staff and all the facilities you need, even for a long-term stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/nottingham/notuk/hoteldetail | email=holidayinn.nottingham@btconnect.com | address=Castle Bridge Road Castle Marina Park, NG7 1GX | lat=52.9447152 | long=-1.16436 | directions= | phone=+44 115 993-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£65 | content=In a peaceful marina location. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Eastwood Hall | alt = | url=https://www.eastwood-hall.co.uk/ | email=eastwood.enquiries@thevenuescollection.co.uk | address=Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham. NG16 3SS | lat=53.024729 | long=-1.31076 | directions = | phone= +44 1773 532532 | tollfree = | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2018-11-08| content=Hotel and event venue offering 150 bedrooms and 36 meeting/event rooms, all connected to WiFi. ` }} * {{sleep | name=Hart's Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Village Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/nottingham/welcome | email= | address=Brailsford Way, Chilwell, NG9 6DL | lat=52.9031794 | long=-1.240977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 4602 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£55 | content=Offers over 130 bedrooms, a health club, the Verve Grill restaurant, the Victory Pub & Kitchen, the Vibe Cafe and a hair salon. The hotel also has 11 meetings & conference rooms. Booking is available online. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Langar Hall | alt= | url=http://www.langarhall.com/ | email= | address=Church Lane, Langar NG13 9HG | lat=52.905 | long=-0.929 | directions=12 miles southeast of city | phone=+44 1949 860559 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £130 | lastedit=2020-06-25 | content=Upscale country hotel in Georgian mansion with fine dining. }} === Camping === In surrounding area * {{sleep | name=Thorntons Holt | alt= | url=http://www.thorntons-holt.co.uk/ | email= | address=Stragglethorpe | lat=52.932854 | long=-1.052934 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 2125 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shelford Nurseries | alt= | url=http://www.shelfordnurseriescaravanpark.co.uk/ | email= | address=Shelford Hill, Radcliffe on Trent | lat=52.969229 | long=-1.014999 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 3433 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== While overall a safe city, Nottingham has been highlighted by the media for gun and knife crime in its suburbs, acquiring the (mostly tongue-in-cheek) nickname 'Shottingham'; although the actual incidence in 2004/5 was 19 offences per 100,000 population (compared to 50 per 100,000 population for both Greater Manchester and London). It is best to avoid walking late at night through St Ann's (a council estate northeast of the Victoria shopping centre) and The Meadows (between the railway station and the river). Normal precautions for large western European cities should be undertaken by individuals after dark, especially for lone females. ==Go next== * For keen walkers, [[Matlock]] and the Derbyshire [[Peak District]] can be reached in about an hour by car. To get there by public transport, catch the Red Arrow (£6 'zigzag' day ticket, takes 30 min, every 10 min) from the Victoria Bus station to Derby, and change to the TransPeak (£5.90 each way, takes about an hour, hourly). An alternative for the more budget conscious traveller is the 6.1 bus from Derby to [[Bakewell]], which takes longer but is included in the trentbarton 'zigzag' day ticket. * [[Derby]] is a neighboring city and is easily accessible by bus (£6 day ticket). * [[Lincoln]] is not too far away by rail. * [[Sheffield]], about an hour away from Nottingham by rail or road, is a slightly larger city and a popular cultural and shopping destination. * There are direct trains from Nottingham to the famous seaside resort of [[Skegness]]. {{routebox | image1=UK-Motorway-M1.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Sheffield]] | minorl1=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | directionr1=S | minorr1=[[East Midlands Airport]] | majorr1=[[Leicester]] | image2=UK_road_A46.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Lincoln]] | minorl2=[[Newark-on-Trent]] | directionr2=S | minorr2=Bingham | majorr2=[[Leicester]] | image3=UK_road_A52.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Derby]] | minorl3=[[Beeston]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Grantham]] | majorr3=[[Boston (England)|Boston]] | image4=UK_road_A60.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | minorl4=[[Arnold (Nottinghamshire)|Arnold]] | directionr4=S | minorr4= | majorr4=[[Loughborough]] | image5=UK road A606.svg | imagesize5=40 | directionl5=NW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=SE | minorr5=[[Melton Mowbray]] | majorr5=[[Peterborough]] }} {{IsPartOf|Nottinghamshire}} {{geo|52.9548|-1.1581}} {{usablecity}} mh0ymi37hlyzmtxr7dm15cieqfas1m2 4487754 4487753 2022-07-21T14:29:27Z Inferno986return 476466 /* Events */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nottingham Wikivoyage Banner 2.png}} [[File:Nottingham, UK - panoramio (1).jpg|300px|thumb|Statue of Robin Hood]] '''[http://www.visitnottingham.com Nottingham]''' is a city in [[England]], affectionately known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend of Robin Hood. ==Understand== Nottingham is one of three major cities in the [[East Midlands]] of England, the others being nearby [[Leicester]] and [[Derby]]. Its prosperity was historically derived mostly from the lace making and coal-mining industries, little of which remains. Nottingham has moved towards a more service-based economy. In the 1960s it was famed for having a gender imbalance. The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from [[Stoke]] to the Humber. According to the 2001 census, Nottingham has an estimated city population of 275,100. The Nottingham Urban Area conurbation (which includes surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary, and neighbouring towns) has a population of 666,358 (2001 Census). Nottingham is a member of the English Core Cities Group. The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top end of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of [[Robin Hood]], visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{marker|type=go|name=[[East Midlands Airport]]|url=|lat=52.831111|long=-1.327778}} ({{IATA|EMA}}) lies 12 miles (19 km) south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many European (mostly tourist) destinations. The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 single, £9.90 return, £9 for a day ticket (zigzag plus) including all trentbarton buses in the area. The slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs all through the night (hourly), with the same fares and a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour. *{{marker|type=go|name=Birmingham Airport|url=http://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/|lat=52.453889|long=-1.748056}} ({{IATA|BHX}}) is about 40 miles from Nottingham and serves all major European and many international destinations. It is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street. *{{marker|type=go|name=Doncaster Sheffield Airport|lat=53.475278|long=-1.004167|url=http://www.dsaflights.co.uk}} ({{IATA|DSA}}) lies to the north of Nottinghamshire. Eastern Airways continues to fly. ===By train=== * {{go | name=Nottingham railway station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/NOT.aspx | email= | address= | lat=52.947 | long=-1.146 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1988621 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=On the main line out of [[London St Pancras]]. The cheapest tickets between London and Nottingham are available from [http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/ East Midlands Trains] and can be booked online before travel. There are also regular connections to [[Manchester]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]], [[Derby]], [[Leicester]], [[Crewe (England)|Crewe]], [[Sheffield]], and [[Leeds]]. Trains from London to Sheffield do not stop at Nottingham. }} Turn right out of the station for an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre. The tram stop is right above the station, giving access to all tram destinations since both lines pass through the station. ===By car=== From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24 or 25. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26. There are nine [https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/transport-parking-and-streets/parking-and-permits/park-and-ride/ Park and Ride] sites with over 6500 spaces around the city. Many of these park and ride sites are connected to Nottingham city centre by the [[Nottingham#By tram|city's tram network]], or buses. <gallery> [[File:Nottingham City Transport bus 946 (YN08 MSU) 2008 Scania N270UD OmniDekka, Nottingham, 21 June 2011.jpg|thumb|Nottingham City Transport]] [[File:Trent Barton coach 75 (FJ10 OXR) 2010 Scania K94IB Irizar i4, Red Arrow, Clay Cross, 7 November 2010 uncropped.jpg|thumb|Trent Barton]] </gallery> ===By bus=== Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations near to its two major shopping centres, {{marker|type=go|name=Broadmarsh|url=|lat=52.949302|long=-1.147146}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Victoria|url=|lat=52.95912|long=-1.14864}}. [http://www.traveline.info Traveline], +44 871 200 22 33 Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations. National Express provides cheap advance tickets on a Nottingham-London route, often for as little as £5 each way if booked early enough online. National Express also offers cheap non-changeable tickets (called "Funfare") to many other major cities from Nottingham. Megabus also serves the city, although only twice a day with one departure at 5AM! ==Get around== {{Mapframe|52.9505|-1.1501|zoom=14|height=|width=|layer=M|staticmap=|align=}} [[File:Nottingham Tram map.svg|thumb|Map of the Nottingham Tram network]] Nottingham has excellent public transport by buses and trams. ===By foot=== The city centre is best explored on foot as many of the historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access. ===By tram=== [http://www.thetram.net Nottingham Express Transit] is the city's modern tram system. There are two branches which run on the same tracks in the city centre and then diverge at both ends to serve 4 destinations (Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton Lane and Clifton South). The system has a number of Park and Ride sites along it, which make travel into the city centre easy. An all day tram-only ticket costs £4, single tickets are £2.20. Tickets must be bought from ticket machines on platforms before boarding. ===By bus=== Nottingham has extensive bus services provided by two main companies, [http://www.trentbarton.co.uk trentbarton] and [http://www.nctx.co.uk Nottingham City Transport] (NCT), running from the Broadmarsh and Victoria Bus stations as well as key termini in the city centre such as Old Market Square, Parliament Street and Carrington Street. Fares: '''Most NCT buses do not give change.''' Trentbarton buses do, just ask the driver. ====Ticketing==== Ticketing can be confusing. Ticketing for most operators is detailed below: Cash: *NCT buses: £2 single, £3.70 day ticket *trentbarton buses: single fare varies by distance (check website), £6 "zigzag" day ticket or £9 "zigzag plus" including East Midlands Airport. This allows travel on all Trentbarton services as far as Bakewell, Derby or Chesterfield *NET trams: single fare £2.20, day ticket £4 *Multiple operators: £4.50 kangaroo day ticket for all public transport in greater Nottingham Robin Hood Prepaid Card (purchase from ticket machines around city centre): *Buses and Trams: £1.70 single, £3.15 max for single operator, £4 max for all operators Students with valid ID: *£1.50 single fare for many NCT buses and all Trentbarton buses (within Nottingham) ==See== [[File:Nottingham MMB 23 Market Square.jpg|thumb|Nottingham's Council House & Old Market Square]] ===Museums and galleries=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Nottingham Castle | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=£13 | wikipedia=Nottingham Castle | image=Nottingham Castle Gate 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q17642916 | content=Visitors with Hollywood expectations of Robin Hood films should be aware that this is not a medieval castle, but a small stately home with only the gatehouse remaining from the original castle. The castle includes grounds with a children’s play area and extensive views over the region, and a museum with various exhibitions inside the house itself (including the country's first municipal art gallery). After a refurbishment the castle reopened in 2021 with a number of interactive exhibits/games. A tour of the caves under the castle can also be booked for an additional fee. }} * {{see | name=Robin Hood statue | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.95044 | long=-1.15339 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price=Free | wikipedia=Robin Hood | wikidata=Q122634 |image=Robin_Hood_Memorial.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-17 | content=Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls. }} * {{see | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn | alt= | url=http://www.triptojerusalem.com/ | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1526 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | content=Off Maid Marian Way - one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the '''Brewhouse Yard''', home to the '''Museum of Nottingham Life''' which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years. }} * {{see | name=City of Caves | alt= | url=https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves | email= | address= | lat=52.951 | long=-1.1466 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£8.75 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with National Justice Museum) | wikipedia=City of Caves | wikidata=Q5123621 | lastedit=2018-09-26 | content=A visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. }} * {{see | name=National Justice Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/ | email=info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk | address=Shire Hall, High Pavement, NG1 1HN | lat=52.950833 | long=-1.144444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£10.95 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with City of Caves) | image=Lace market justice galleries.JPG | wikidata=Q5518971| wikipedia=National Justice Museum | lastedit= | content=Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by. The museum is done as a guided tour lasting 1- 1.5 hours, so a specific time slot needs to be booked. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Contemporary | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9511 | long=-1.1458 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | image=Nottingham Contemporary - geograph-1825342.jpg | wikidata=Q7063622| wikipedia=Nottingham Contemporary | lastedit= | content=Presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages. }} * {{see | name=Wollaton Hall | alt= | url=http://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.94788 | long=-1.209595 | directions=Accessible by buses 35,36 (NCT, Victoria Centre) and i4 (trentbarton, Broadmarsh) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Wollaton Hall Nov2010.jpg | wikidata=Q17528596| wikipedia=Wollaton Hall | content=A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, '''Wollaton Park'''. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film, ''Batman: The Dark Knight Rises'' as Wayne Manor. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Council House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.953333 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Council-House-Nottingham.jpg | wikidata=Q7063627| wikipedia=Nottingham Council House | content=A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked) }} * {{see | name=Industrial Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk | address=Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE | lat=52.945989 | long=-1.208054 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 3936 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adults €3, seniors and students €2, children free | wikipedia=Nottingham Industrial Museum | image=Entrance to Wollaton Hall Stable Block - geograph.org.uk - 919090.jpg | wikidata=Q17015910 | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station. }} * {{see | name=Green's Windmill | alt= | url=https://www.greensmill.org.uk/ | email= | address=Windmill Lane, Sneinton NG2 4QB | lat=52.952 | long=-1.129 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 6878 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=George Green (1793-1841) was a mathematician whose work unifying magnetism and electricity laid the foundations for James Clark Maxwell. Remarkably he was self-taught, labouring all hours here in his father's mill. So as well as the working machinery there's an exhibit on his contributions to science. }} * {{see | name=Haunted Museum | alt= | url=https://www.thehauntedmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@thehauntedmuseum.co.uk | address=Basement, Hopkinsons, 21 Station St, NG2 3AJ | lat=52.947765 | long=-1.146178 | directions=next to Nottingham train station | phone=+44 7503 325218 | tollfree= | hours=11am-6pm | price=Adult: £8 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=A paranormal museum which blends witchcraft, haunted objects and pop-culture horror. }} ===Historic sites out of town=== * {{see | name=Newstead Abbey | alt= | url=http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk | email= | address= | lat=53.078333 | long=-1.1925 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Newstead Abbey 02.jpg | wikidata=Q1819331| wikipedia=Newstead Abbey | content=The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in '''Hucknall Church''', and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop. }} * {{see | name=[[Sherwood Forest]] Country Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.205875 | long=-1.08609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near [[Worksop]], is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college. }} * {{see | name=Great Central Railway - Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.gcrn.co.uk | email=info@gcrn.co.uk | address=Mere Way, Ruddington, NG11 6JS | lat=52.8845928 | long=-1.1463983 | directions=6 miles south of Nottingham | phone=+44 115 940 5705 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Papplewick Pumping Station | alt= | url=http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk/ | email= | address=Rigg Lane, Ravenshead NG15 9AJ | lat=53.064 | long=-1.131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 963 2938 | tollfree= | hours=Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adult £4; steam days adult £10, conc £9, child free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=These twin beam engines were installed in 1884 to lift water {{ft|200}} from an underground reservoir to feed the city supply. The interior is richly, almost riotously decorated, as if to out-do the fountains of Alhambra. The engines are in steam one weekend a month, see website. }} * {{see | name=Framework Knitters' Museum | alt= | url=https://www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address=Chapel St, Ruddington NG11 6HE | lat=52.891 | long=-1.152 | directions= | phone=+44 115 984 6914 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=This technology is early 19th century, transitional between cottage industry and the great Victorian mill halls. In 2021 it's closed for refurbishment. }} ===Theatres=== * {{see | name=Theatre Royal | alt= | url=http://www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk/ | email= | address=Theatre Square, NG1 5ND | lat=52.955147 | long=-1.151389 | directions= | phone=+44 115 989-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7777438| wikipedia=Theatre Royal, Nottingham | image=Theatre Royal, Nottingham - geograph.org.uk - 997109.jpg | content=Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's ''The Mousetrap'' had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Playhouse | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/ | email= | address=Wellington Circus, Derby Road, NG1 5AF | lat=52.9537 | long=-1.1577 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-9419 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063678| wikipedia=Nottingham Playhouse | content=Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor. }} * {{see | name=Lace Market Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/ | email= | address=Halifax Place, near Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QN | lat=52.9516 | long=-1.1449 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950-7201 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6468185| wikipedia=Lace Market Theatre | content=Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Arts Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk | email= | address=George Street, NG1 3BE | lat=52.95429 | long=-1.14489 | directions= | phone =+44 115 947-6096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063592| wikipedia=Nottingham Arts Theatre | content=Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar. }} * {{see | name=Lakeside Arts Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/ | email= | address=East Drive, University Park, NG7 2RD | lat=52.938337 | long=-1.189842 | directions= | phone=+44 115 846-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe. }} ===Cinemas=== * {{see | name=Broadway | alt= | url=http://www.broadway.org.uk/ | email= | address=14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL | lat=52.9542653 | long=-1.1437133 | directions= | phone=+44 115 952-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £8.80 | content=Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases. }} * {{see | name=Cineworld | alt= | url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/49/information | email= | address=Cornerhouse, Forman St, NG1 4AA | lat=52.9555449 | long=-1.1505939 | directions= | phone=0844 815 7747 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £11.20 | content=Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility. }} * {{see | name=Savoy Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.savoyonline.co.uk/SavoyNottingham.dll/Home | email= | address=233 Derby Rd, Lenton, NG7 1QN | lat=52.9513212 | long=-1.173679 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-2580 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £6.50 | content=Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students. }} * {{see | name=Showcase Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/locations/nottingham | email= | address=Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW | lat=52.936642 | long=-1.175906 | directions= | phone=0871 220 1000 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £10.50 | content=A 12-screen American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road. }} ==Do== [[File:Nottingham Panthers vs Cardiff Devils April 2011.jpg | thumb | 300px | National Ice Centre in 2011 ]] === Sports === * {{do | name=Nottingham Forest FC | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/ | email= | address=Trentside N, West Bridgford NG2 5FJ | lat=52.94 | long=-1.1328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nottingham Forest F.C. | wikidata=Q19490 | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=Forest were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Their unique feat was to win two European titles yet only one domestic, and they long played in lower tiers until their 2022 promotion. }} * {{do | name=Notts County FC | alt= | url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/ | email= | address=Meadow Ln NG2 3HJ | lat=52.942638 | long=-1.13716 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Notts County F.C. | wikidata=Q19598 | lastedit=2019-05-26 | content=County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane, fairly central and north of the river. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk/ Nottingham RFC] play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Lady Bay a quarter mile east of Trent Bridge. * {{do | name=National Ice Centre | alt= | url=https://www.national-ice-centre.com/ | email= | address=Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA| lat=52.952778 | long=-1.139444 | directions= | phone=+44 843 373 3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 8AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | wikidata=Q1128250 | wikipedia=National Ice Centre | content=The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out - prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice - these teams ''do not'' like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America. }} * {{do | name=National Watersports Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nwscnotts.com/ | email= | address=Adbolton Ln, Holme Pierrepont, NG12 2LU | lat=52.941332 | long=-1.091554 | directions= | phone=+44 115 982 1212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Trent Bridge Cricket Ground | alt= | url=http://www.trentbridge.co.uk/cricket/index.html | email= | address=Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AG | lat=52.936883 | long=-1.132161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Trent Bridge | wikidata=Q2096399 | lastedit=2019-10-15 | content=This is the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club: they were relegated in 2019 and now play in Division 2 of the County Championship. Inter-county matches last up to four days. They also field a limited-overs team, Notts Outlaws. Trent Bridge frequently hosts Test Matches ie internationals, which may last five days. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Tennis Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.934506 | long=-1.190131 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063693| wikipedia=Nottingham Tennis Centre | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Hockey Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamhockeycentre.com/ | email= | address= | lat=52.933369 | long=-1.194189 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q814120| wikipedia=Beeston Hockey Club | lastedit=2018-04-01 | content=Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Activity Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.081519 | long=-1.082768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available }} * {{do | name=Nottingham & District Gun Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.087748 | long=-1.084395 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Try your hand at clay shooting. }} ===Parks and activities=== * In the summer you can hire a rowing boat on the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham. * Nottingham Castle has extensive grounds, which are planted beautifully in the summer time. Each summer open air theatre performances are held in the grounds. [[File:Nottingham Arboretum 1.jpg|thumb|right|The Arboretum is perfect for a relaxing walk to get away from the crowded city.]] * {{do | name=Arboretum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF | lat=52.9603889 | long=-1.156849 | directions=between Nottingham Trent University tram stop and High School tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=The Arboretum, Nottingham | wikidata=Q7714137 |image=Nottingham_Arboretum_1.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Botanical garden, hosts open air music in the park at weekends in summer. }} ===Events=== [[File:Nottingham goose fair 2012 207a.jpg|thumb|A ride at the Goose Fair.]] [[File:Nottinghamshire Pride 2011 MMB 04.jpg|thumb|A partier at Nottinghamshire Pride 2011.]] * {{event | name=Nottingham Goose Fair | alt= | url=https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/goose-fair-p358771 | email= | date=1 October 2022 | enddate=2 October 2022 | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the Forest tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held on the Forest Recreation Ground on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed for more than 700 years, but nowadays you won't see any geese! To see it at its best, go after dark, although it's likely to be less busy during the day. }} * The Forest Recreation Ground also plays host to the city's annual Bonfire Night fireworks display, which also has a funfair. * The '''Riverside Festival''' at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display. * The varsity sports series between the city's two universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is the largest outside of North America. *'''Nottinghamshire Pride''' is held annually in the last weekend of July at the Forest Recreation Ground. The event consists of numerous stages of music and comedy, as well as many stalls and stands from organisations, including food and drink areas! It attracts people not just from the Nottingham area; but from neighbouring counties and regions such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham is therefore a gay-friendly city and is accepting of LGBT people with notable gay visibility. (The city has the third highest percentage of people in same-sex partnerships, according to the 2001 census, of the eight English core cities after Manchester and Bristol.) It is referred to as the gay capital of the Midlands - or "Queen of the Midlands"; and the LGBT community is down-to-earth and friendly; as is the general culture of Nottingham. * '''LBC''' is a monthly electronic music event held at '''The Bodega''' featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in ''The Guardian'', it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event. ==Buy== Nottingham has two large excellent shopping centres at either end of the City Centre "The Victoria Centre" and "Broadmarsh". The Victoria Centre is the more modern of the two, and has more shops & facilities, although Broadmarsh is on the eve of a huge redevelopment which will more than double its size. * {{buy | name=intu Victoria Centre | alt= | url=http://intu.co.uk/victoriacentre | email= | address=222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN | lat=52.956389 | long=-1.147222 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912 1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victoria Centre | wikidata=Q7926625 | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=intu Broadmarsh | alt= | url=http://www.intu.co.uk/broadmarsh | email= | address=Lister Gate, NG1 7LB | lat=52.95 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone=+44 115 840 4555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4972220| wikipedia=Broadmarsh | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} Between the two are the main shopping streets: Lister Gate and Clumber Street are home to High Street names, while designer labels can be found on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Street and in the Exchange Arcade, within the Council House on Market Square. The alternative shopper will find Hockley Village a haven, focused around Goose Gate, the city's Bohemian district. To buy a Nottingham memento, go to the Lace Centre on the corner of Castle Gate, opposite the Robin Hood statue, to buy traditional Nottingham lace. With regards to the alternative music and fashion scene, Nottingham is highly regarded and caters well for obscure and eclectic tastes. Selectadisc, just a short walk from the Market Square is one of just two in the country, the other being in Soho, London. Selectadisc is widely considered to stock the best indie and alternative music selection in the city, yet it is commonly felt that, for more helpful and down-to-earth staff, the Fopp store (on the next road) is more reliable. Now one of just six Fopp stores in the country, this store often stages in store sessions and offers a wide selection of independent DVDs and fanzines and CDs from unsigned acts. Void, Wild (and its sister store Wilder) and the local favourite Ice Nine can all be found in the bohemian district of Hockley. These stores can often become busy over the weekend in particular, but many original retro and vintage fashion items can be found for very cheap prices here. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Annie's burger shack | alt= | url=http://www.anniesburgershack.com/ | email= | address=The Navigation, 6 Wilford Street | lat=52.947984 | long=-1.1517388 | directions= | phone=+44 115 837 1930 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-1AM | price= | content=An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers (generally in the £10 range) and real ale with canal side seating. }} * {{eat | name=Wagamama | alt= | url=http://www.wagamama.com | email= | address=The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB | lat=52.95591 | long=-1.1509131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924-1797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11:30-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM | price= | content=Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. £5 to £8 per main. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners. }} * {{eat | name=The Kean's Head | alt= | url=http://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/keans-head/ | email= | address=46 St. Mary's Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA | lat=52.9513481 | long=-1.1440224 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-4052 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. £4 to £8 per dish. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food. }} <!--* '''The Alley Cafe''', 1A Cannon Court, Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE, +44 115 955-1013. This small bar and restaurant located on a tiny alley on the north-western part of Old Market Square serves vegetarian and vegan meals and sandwiches, £4 to £10 per meal. Draught beer served as well.--> Nottingham also has the usual range of chain restaurants and bars that you can find in many cities across the UK - for a budget meal (and drink) JD Wetherspoons is always worth trying - there are also a number of budget restaurants along Mansfield Road not far from the Victoria Shopping Centre There is a pedestrianised street full of eateries of varying quality next to the Cornerhouse. These restaurants range from a Pizza Hut and a Subway, to a brassiere (Punchinellos) with an excellent pre-theatre menu. There is also a wide variety of takeaways in Nottingham, catering for many different tastes. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=French Living | alt= | url=http://www.frenchliving.co.uk | email=info@frenchliving.co.uk | address=27 King Street, Nottingham NG1 2AY | lat=52.9549028 | long=-1.1495825 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958-5885 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F noon-2PM, 6PM-10PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Las Iguanas | alt= | url=http://www.iguanas.co.uk | email=nottingham@iguanas.co.uk | address=Chapel Quarter Chapel Bar, 4, Nottingham NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539712 | long=-1.1537533 | directions= | phone=+44 115 959-6390 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th noon-11PM, F-Su noon-11:30PM | price= | content=This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant. }} <!--* {{eat | name=Cafe Rouge | alt= | url=http://www.caferouge.co.uk | email= | address=31 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 58 2230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Relaxed, informal dining with good service and handy for the Lace Market area of Nottingham. }} * {{eat | name=Peechy Keens | alt= | url=http://www.peachykeens.co.uk | email=nottingham@peachykeens.co.uk | address=114 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+44 115 958-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= All-you-can-eat buffet of many cultural foods such as Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai and Italian. (£7-15 depending on time of day). }}--> ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Hart's Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu for £16-18 per person. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Meal prices for two with three courses and wine in the evening will approach £80. }} * {{eat | name=World Service | alt= | url=http://www.worldservicerestaurant.com | email= | address=Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF | lat=52.95082 | long=-1.152396 | directions= | phone=+44 115 847 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Similar formula to Hart's - some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards. }} ==Drink== [[File:Bell Inn, Nottingham.jpg|thumb|Nottingham has a lot of historic pubs - this is an advert for one of them from 1840]] [[File:Former Unitarian Chapel Nottingham (geograph 2032588).jpg|thumb|The site of Nottingham's Pitcher and Piano, in a former 19th century church]] There are at least three pubs in Nottingham which claim to be amongst the oldest in the city (and the country) - so there is no shortage of drinking establishments for visitors. The city has a range of pubs and bars serving drinks late into the night. A good place to start is the trendy Lace Market area east of Market Square where you will also find many good restaurants. Pubs around the Market Square tend to appeal to younger drinkers with a Wetherspoon's and Yates's Wine Lodge, but the area on the canal side around the '''Canal House''' pub tends to be a little more discerning. The Hockley area also provides a range of pleasant bars to suit a range of budgets. The Cornerhouse complex (near the Royal Centre tram stop) contains some really nice bars, particularly [https://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/nottingham-cornerhouse/ Revolution], and close to this is The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street. Slightly further out of the centre in the multicultural and vibrant area known as Sneinton is a wonderful pub called the Lord Nelson with a great garden and real ales. The other historic pubs include '''The Bell Inn''', situated in the Market Square, and '''the Salutation''', on Maid Marian Way, both of which can trace a long history and lay claim to having resident ghosts. Ask at a quiet moment for a tour of the Salutation's cellars, dug by hand into the sandstone rock below the pub and used in centuries past as a secure brewing area. The Ned Ludd is also located near the Old Market square and serves local ale from '''Nottingham Brewery'''. '''Rock City''' hosts one of the biggest student disco nights in town, with standard dance/pop music, when popular live rock bands aren't playing in town. For a different experience, try '''The Pitcher and Piano''' bar, with a slightly more mature crowd. Built as a large Unitarian church it has been stylishly modernised but still contains the church's architectural history with gothic decor and stained glass windows. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem/ | email= | address=1 Brewhouse Yard | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.15264 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9473171 | tollfree= | hours=Su, M-Th: 11AM-11PM, Sa: 11AM-midnight | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | lastedit=2019-07-30 | content=Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Canalhouse | alt= | url=https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/the-canalhouse/ | email=canalhouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk | address=48-52 Canal Street | lat=52.94827 | long=-1.14857 | directions= | phone=+44 115 955 5060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Cornerhouse | alt= | url= https://cornerhousenottingham.co.uk/| email=Charlie@cornerhouse.tv | address=Burton Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 5168 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= | wikidata=Q7727633 | wikipedia=The Cornerhouse, Nottingham }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Playwright 38 | alt=formerly The Orange Tree | url=https://www.theplaywright38.co.uk/ | email=info@theplaywright38.co.uk | address=38 Shakespeare Street | lat=52.95775 | long= -1.15106| directions= | phone=+44 1159 473239 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Lord Nelson| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/LordNelsonSneinton/ | email= | address=Lord Nelson Street, Sneinton | lat=52.95106 | long=-1.12615 | directions= | phone=+44 115 911 0069 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Bell Inn | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/bell-inn/ | email= | address=18 Angel Row | lat=52.9536 | long=-1.15237 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9475241 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7716394 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Salutation Inn | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheSalNotts/ | email= | address=Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9518 | long=-1.15013 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 9819 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8050762 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Ned Ludd| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheNedLudd | email= | address=27 Friar Lane | lat=52.95209 | long=-1.15170 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924 3415 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Rock City | alt= | url=https://www.rock-city.co.uk/ | email=info@rock-city.co.uk | address=8 Talbot Street | lat=52.95604 | long=-1.15403 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 6547 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 941 8438 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Pitcher and Piano | alt= | url=https://www.pitcherandpiano.com/bars/nottingham | email=nottingham@pitcherandpiano.com | address=The Unitarian Church, High Pavement | lat=52.95080 | long=-1.14532 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 6081 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15223906 | wikipedia=High Pavement Chapel | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Waterfront | alt= | url= | email= | address=NG1 7EH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-02-28 | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Igloo Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.igloohostel.co.uk | email= | address= | lat=52.9607183 | long=-1.1500132 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=For £15 a night, the Igloo is a very nice hostel and a great choice to spend one or more nights in Nottingham. A 5-minute walk from the centre of town, It's very clean and has 24 hot water in all the bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, toaster, and the most important equipment in a kitchen: a radio. The Igloo provides free tea, and coffee all day as well as free wifi and internet. It also has a comfortable, friendly common room, with a TV and many DVDs if you are tired and want to rest and watch something. Lots of books and board games can be easily found as well. A board with several tips of good cheap places to eat and drink can be found in the common room. Downstairs, the Games room offers a Ps2, Pool table and Fooz Ball. Unquestionably, a very good and friendly place! }} * {{sleep | name=Midtown Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.midtownhostel.co.uk | email= | address=Thurland Street | lat=52.9540278 | long=-1.1468093 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=£16 a night Midtown Hostel has lots of good things going for it. It's clean, in a great location (1-minute walk from the main square), hot water in the showers, free internet, decent kitchen (does have oven, does not have stove, has large fridge to store food in), PS2 and a few games, and free coffee and tea. The beds are reasonably comfortable (but some do squeak). Reports of noisy parties at night. }} * {{sleep | name=Britannia Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-britannia-nottingham-hotel/ | email= | address= 1 St James's St | lat=52.952298 | long= -1.153977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 0098 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.butterflyhotels.co.uk/Our_Hotels/Nottingham/index.php | email=reception@dayshotelnottingham.co.uk | address=17-31 Wollaton Street, NG1 5FW | lat=52.9555139 | long=-1.1536771 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912-8000 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 912-8080 | checkin=2PM (early check-in by arrangement) | checkout=11AM (late check-out by arrangement) | price=£79.95 (up to two children can stay free of charge, or for 75% if staying in a separate room | content=This Days Hotel features non-smoking rooms that include bath and/or shower, work desk, TV with freeview and complimentary broadband. Some rooms have been adapted to allow for easier access. Full or continental breakfasts are available for £10. }} * {{sleep | name=Jury's Inn | alt= | url=http://nottinghamhotels.jurysinns.com/ | email= | address=Waterfront Plaza, Station Street, NG2 3BJ | lat=52.9484617 | long=-1.1405785 | directions= | phone=+44 115 901-6700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Car parking is roughly 5 minutes from the hotel grounds, with many shops and restaurants close by. Well-equipped room with TV, hair-dryer, coffee/tea and biscuits and internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar) | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/nottinghamshire/nottingham/nottingham-city-centre-chapel-bar.html | email= | address=7 Chapel Bar, NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539122 | long=-1.1546132 | directions= | phone=+44 871 527 9658 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This hotel is in the centre of the city centre and is of the high standards of the Holiday Inn chain, with a spacious room, comfortable beds and friendly staff. }} * {{sleep | name= St James Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.stjames-hotel.com/ | email= | address=St James Street, NG1 6FJ | lat=52.951641 | long= -1.154235 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£40-60 pppn | content=In the heart of the city, it retains its period elegance, whilst offering comfortable accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-nottingham | email=ppnreception@pphe.com | address=41 Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9700923 | long=-1.1532588 | directions= | phone=+44 333 400 6148 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content=Comfortable hotel in the city centre. }} * {{sleep | name=SACO Apartments | alt= | url=http://nottingham.sacoapartments.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Ropewalk, NG1 5BB | lat=52.9555962 | long=-1.1618373 | directions= | phone=+44 117 970-6999 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=10AM | price=from £64 per night | content=Near the city centre with easy access to Queens Medical Hospital and the University of Nottingham. There are no surprises in the rooms as they meet their website descriptions and pictures perfectly, with friendly reception staff and all the facilities you need, even for a long-term stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/nottingham/notuk/hoteldetail | email=holidayinn.nottingham@btconnect.com | address=Castle Bridge Road Castle Marina Park, NG7 1GX | lat=52.9447152 | long=-1.16436 | directions= | phone=+44 115 993-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£65 | content=In a peaceful marina location. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Eastwood Hall | alt = | url=https://www.eastwood-hall.co.uk/ | email=eastwood.enquiries@thevenuescollection.co.uk | address=Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham. NG16 3SS | lat=53.024729 | long=-1.31076 | directions = | phone= +44 1773 532532 | tollfree = | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2018-11-08| content=Hotel and event venue offering 150 bedrooms and 36 meeting/event rooms, all connected to WiFi. ` }} * {{sleep | name=Hart's Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Village Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/nottingham/welcome | email= | address=Brailsford Way, Chilwell, NG9 6DL | lat=52.9031794 | long=-1.240977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 4602 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£55 | content=Offers over 130 bedrooms, a health club, the Verve Grill restaurant, the Victory Pub & Kitchen, the Vibe Cafe and a hair salon. The hotel also has 11 meetings & conference rooms. Booking is available online. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Langar Hall | alt= | url=http://www.langarhall.com/ | email= | address=Church Lane, Langar NG13 9HG | lat=52.905 | long=-0.929 | directions=12 miles southeast of city | phone=+44 1949 860559 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £130 | lastedit=2020-06-25 | content=Upscale country hotel in Georgian mansion with fine dining. }} === Camping === In surrounding area * {{sleep | name=Thorntons Holt | alt= | url=http://www.thorntons-holt.co.uk/ | email= | address=Stragglethorpe | lat=52.932854 | long=-1.052934 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 2125 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shelford Nurseries | alt= | url=http://www.shelfordnurseriescaravanpark.co.uk/ | email= | address=Shelford Hill, Radcliffe on Trent | lat=52.969229 | long=-1.014999 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 3433 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== While overall a safe city, Nottingham has been highlighted by the media for gun and knife crime in its suburbs, acquiring the (mostly tongue-in-cheek) nickname 'Shottingham'; although the actual incidence in 2004/5 was 19 offences per 100,000 population (compared to 50 per 100,000 population for both Greater Manchester and London). It is best to avoid walking late at night through St Ann's (a council estate northeast of the Victoria shopping centre) and The Meadows (between the railway station and the river). Normal precautions for large western European cities should be undertaken by individuals after dark, especially for lone females. ==Go next== * For keen walkers, [[Matlock]] and the Derbyshire [[Peak District]] can be reached in about an hour by car. To get there by public transport, catch the Red Arrow (£6 'zigzag' day ticket, takes 30 min, every 10 min) from the Victoria Bus station to Derby, and change to the TransPeak (£5.90 each way, takes about an hour, hourly). An alternative for the more budget conscious traveller is the 6.1 bus from Derby to [[Bakewell]], which takes longer but is included in the trentbarton 'zigzag' day ticket. * [[Derby]] is a neighboring city and is easily accessible by bus (£6 day ticket). * [[Lincoln]] is not too far away by rail. * [[Sheffield]], about an hour away from Nottingham by rail or road, is a slightly larger city and a popular cultural and shopping destination. * There are direct trains from Nottingham to the famous seaside resort of [[Skegness]]. {{routebox | image1=UK-Motorway-M1.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Sheffield]] | minorl1=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | directionr1=S | minorr1=[[East Midlands Airport]] | majorr1=[[Leicester]] | image2=UK_road_A46.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Lincoln]] | minorl2=[[Newark-on-Trent]] | directionr2=S | minorr2=Bingham | majorr2=[[Leicester]] | image3=UK_road_A52.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Derby]] | minorl3=[[Beeston]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Grantham]] | majorr3=[[Boston (England)|Boston]] | image4=UK_road_A60.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | minorl4=[[Arnold (Nottinghamshire)|Arnold]] | directionr4=S | minorr4= | majorr4=[[Loughborough]] | image5=UK road A606.svg | imagesize5=40 | directionl5=NW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=SE | minorr5=[[Melton Mowbray]] | majorr5=[[Peterborough]] }} {{IsPartOf|Nottinghamshire}} {{geo|52.9548|-1.1581}} {{usablecity}} julp3kbsemqb881fek02bvib0tb7zc8 4487758 4487754 2022-07-21T14:34:52Z Inferno986return 476466 /* Events */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nottingham Wikivoyage Banner 2.png}} [[File:Nottingham, UK - panoramio (1).jpg|300px|thumb|Statue of Robin Hood]] '''[http://www.visitnottingham.com Nottingham]''' is a city in [[England]], affectionately known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend of Robin Hood. ==Understand== Nottingham is one of three major cities in the [[East Midlands]] of England, the others being nearby [[Leicester]] and [[Derby]]. Its prosperity was historically derived mostly from the lace making and coal-mining industries, little of which remains. Nottingham has moved towards a more service-based economy. In the 1960s it was famed for having a gender imbalance. The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from [[Stoke]] to the Humber. According to the 2001 census, Nottingham has an estimated city population of 275,100. The Nottingham Urban Area conurbation (which includes surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary, and neighbouring towns) has a population of 666,358 (2001 Census). Nottingham is a member of the English Core Cities Group. The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top end of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of [[Robin Hood]], visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{marker|type=go|name=[[East Midlands Airport]]|url=|lat=52.831111|long=-1.327778}} ({{IATA|EMA}}) lies 12 miles (19 km) south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many European (mostly tourist) destinations. The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 single, £9.90 return, £9 for a day ticket (zigzag plus) including all trentbarton buses in the area. The slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs all through the night (hourly), with the same fares and a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour. *{{marker|type=go|name=Birmingham Airport|url=http://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/|lat=52.453889|long=-1.748056}} ({{IATA|BHX}}) is about 40 miles from Nottingham and serves all major European and many international destinations. It is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street. *{{marker|type=go|name=Doncaster Sheffield Airport|lat=53.475278|long=-1.004167|url=http://www.dsaflights.co.uk}} ({{IATA|DSA}}) lies to the north of Nottinghamshire. Eastern Airways continues to fly. ===By train=== * {{go | name=Nottingham railway station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/NOT.aspx | email= | address= | lat=52.947 | long=-1.146 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1988621 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=On the main line out of [[London St Pancras]]. The cheapest tickets between London and Nottingham are available from [http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/ East Midlands Trains] and can be booked online before travel. There are also regular connections to [[Manchester]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]], [[Derby]], [[Leicester]], [[Crewe (England)|Crewe]], [[Sheffield]], and [[Leeds]]. Trains from London to Sheffield do not stop at Nottingham. }} Turn right out of the station for an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre. The tram stop is right above the station, giving access to all tram destinations since both lines pass through the station. ===By car=== From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24 or 25. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26. There are nine [https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/transport-parking-and-streets/parking-and-permits/park-and-ride/ Park and Ride] sites with over 6500 spaces around the city. Many of these park and ride sites are connected to Nottingham city centre by the [[Nottingham#By tram|city's tram network]], or buses. <gallery> [[File:Nottingham City Transport bus 946 (YN08 MSU) 2008 Scania N270UD OmniDekka, Nottingham, 21 June 2011.jpg|thumb|Nottingham City Transport]] [[File:Trent Barton coach 75 (FJ10 OXR) 2010 Scania K94IB Irizar i4, Red Arrow, Clay Cross, 7 November 2010 uncropped.jpg|thumb|Trent Barton]] </gallery> ===By bus=== Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations near to its two major shopping centres, {{marker|type=go|name=Broadmarsh|url=|lat=52.949302|long=-1.147146}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Victoria|url=|lat=52.95912|long=-1.14864}}. [http://www.traveline.info Traveline], +44 871 200 22 33 Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations. National Express provides cheap advance tickets on a Nottingham-London route, often for as little as £5 each way if booked early enough online. National Express also offers cheap non-changeable tickets (called "Funfare") to many other major cities from Nottingham. Megabus also serves the city, although only twice a day with one departure at 5AM! ==Get around== {{Mapframe|52.9505|-1.1501|zoom=14|height=|width=|layer=M|staticmap=|align=}} [[File:Nottingham Tram map.svg|thumb|Map of the Nottingham Tram network]] Nottingham has excellent public transport by buses and trams. ===By foot=== The city centre is best explored on foot as many of the historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access. ===By tram=== [http://www.thetram.net Nottingham Express Transit] is the city's modern tram system. There are two branches which run on the same tracks in the city centre and then diverge at both ends to serve 4 destinations (Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton Lane and Clifton South). The system has a number of Park and Ride sites along it, which make travel into the city centre easy. An all day tram-only ticket costs £4, single tickets are £2.20. Tickets must be bought from ticket machines on platforms before boarding. ===By bus=== Nottingham has extensive bus services provided by two main companies, [http://www.trentbarton.co.uk trentbarton] and [http://www.nctx.co.uk Nottingham City Transport] (NCT), running from the Broadmarsh and Victoria Bus stations as well as key termini in the city centre such as Old Market Square, Parliament Street and Carrington Street. Fares: '''Most NCT buses do not give change.''' Trentbarton buses do, just ask the driver. ====Ticketing==== Ticketing can be confusing. Ticketing for most operators is detailed below: Cash: *NCT buses: £2 single, £3.70 day ticket *trentbarton buses: single fare varies by distance (check website), £6 "zigzag" day ticket or £9 "zigzag plus" including East Midlands Airport. This allows travel on all Trentbarton services as far as Bakewell, Derby or Chesterfield *NET trams: single fare £2.20, day ticket £4 *Multiple operators: £4.50 kangaroo day ticket for all public transport in greater Nottingham Robin Hood Prepaid Card (purchase from ticket machines around city centre): *Buses and Trams: £1.70 single, £3.15 max for single operator, £4 max for all operators Students with valid ID: *£1.50 single fare for many NCT buses and all Trentbarton buses (within Nottingham) ==See== [[File:Nottingham MMB 23 Market Square.jpg|thumb|Nottingham's Council House & Old Market Square]] ===Museums and galleries=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Nottingham Castle | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=£13 | wikipedia=Nottingham Castle | image=Nottingham Castle Gate 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q17642916 | content=Visitors with Hollywood expectations of Robin Hood films should be aware that this is not a medieval castle, but a small stately home with only the gatehouse remaining from the original castle. The castle includes grounds with a children’s play area and extensive views over the region, and a museum with various exhibitions inside the house itself (including the country's first municipal art gallery). After a refurbishment the castle reopened in 2021 with a number of interactive exhibits/games. A tour of the caves under the castle can also be booked for an additional fee. }} * {{see | name=Robin Hood statue | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.95044 | long=-1.15339 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price=Free | wikipedia=Robin Hood | wikidata=Q122634 |image=Robin_Hood_Memorial.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-17 | content=Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls. }} * {{see | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn | alt= | url=http://www.triptojerusalem.com/ | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1526 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | content=Off Maid Marian Way - one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the '''Brewhouse Yard''', home to the '''Museum of Nottingham Life''' which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years. }} * {{see | name=City of Caves | alt= | url=https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves | email= | address= | lat=52.951 | long=-1.1466 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£8.75 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with National Justice Museum) | wikipedia=City of Caves | wikidata=Q5123621 | lastedit=2018-09-26 | content=A visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. }} * {{see | name=National Justice Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/ | email=info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk | address=Shire Hall, High Pavement, NG1 1HN | lat=52.950833 | long=-1.144444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£10.95 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with City of Caves) | image=Lace market justice galleries.JPG | wikidata=Q5518971| wikipedia=National Justice Museum | lastedit= | content=Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by. The museum is done as a guided tour lasting 1- 1.5 hours, so a specific time slot needs to be booked. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Contemporary | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9511 | long=-1.1458 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | image=Nottingham Contemporary - geograph-1825342.jpg | wikidata=Q7063622| wikipedia=Nottingham Contemporary | lastedit= | content=Presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages. }} * {{see | name=Wollaton Hall | alt= | url=http://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.94788 | long=-1.209595 | directions=Accessible by buses 35,36 (NCT, Victoria Centre) and i4 (trentbarton, Broadmarsh) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Wollaton Hall Nov2010.jpg | wikidata=Q17528596| wikipedia=Wollaton Hall | content=A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, '''Wollaton Park'''. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film, ''Batman: The Dark Knight Rises'' as Wayne Manor. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Council House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.953333 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Council-House-Nottingham.jpg | wikidata=Q7063627| wikipedia=Nottingham Council House | content=A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked) }} * {{see | name=Industrial Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk | address=Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE | lat=52.945989 | long=-1.208054 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 3936 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adults €3, seniors and students €2, children free | wikipedia=Nottingham Industrial Museum | image=Entrance to Wollaton Hall Stable Block - geograph.org.uk - 919090.jpg | wikidata=Q17015910 | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station. }} * {{see | name=Green's Windmill | alt= | url=https://www.greensmill.org.uk/ | email= | address=Windmill Lane, Sneinton NG2 4QB | lat=52.952 | long=-1.129 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 6878 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=George Green (1793-1841) was a mathematician whose work unifying magnetism and electricity laid the foundations for James Clark Maxwell. Remarkably he was self-taught, labouring all hours here in his father's mill. So as well as the working machinery there's an exhibit on his contributions to science. }} * {{see | name=Haunted Museum | alt= | url=https://www.thehauntedmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@thehauntedmuseum.co.uk | address=Basement, Hopkinsons, 21 Station St, NG2 3AJ | lat=52.947765 | long=-1.146178 | directions=next to Nottingham train station | phone=+44 7503 325218 | tollfree= | hours=11am-6pm | price=Adult: £8 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=A paranormal museum which blends witchcraft, haunted objects and pop-culture horror. }} ===Historic sites out of town=== * {{see | name=Newstead Abbey | alt= | url=http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk | email= | address= | lat=53.078333 | long=-1.1925 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Newstead Abbey 02.jpg | wikidata=Q1819331| wikipedia=Newstead Abbey | content=The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in '''Hucknall Church''', and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop. }} * {{see | name=[[Sherwood Forest]] Country Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.205875 | long=-1.08609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near [[Worksop]], is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college. }} * {{see | name=Great Central Railway - Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.gcrn.co.uk | email=info@gcrn.co.uk | address=Mere Way, Ruddington, NG11 6JS | lat=52.8845928 | long=-1.1463983 | directions=6 miles south of Nottingham | phone=+44 115 940 5705 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Papplewick Pumping Station | alt= | url=http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk/ | email= | address=Rigg Lane, Ravenshead NG15 9AJ | lat=53.064 | long=-1.131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 963 2938 | tollfree= | hours=Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adult £4; steam days adult £10, conc £9, child free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=These twin beam engines were installed in 1884 to lift water {{ft|200}} from an underground reservoir to feed the city supply. The interior is richly, almost riotously decorated, as if to out-do the fountains of Alhambra. The engines are in steam one weekend a month, see website. }} * {{see | name=Framework Knitters' Museum | alt= | url=https://www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address=Chapel St, Ruddington NG11 6HE | lat=52.891 | long=-1.152 | directions= | phone=+44 115 984 6914 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=This technology is early 19th century, transitional between cottage industry and the great Victorian mill halls. In 2021 it's closed for refurbishment. }} ===Theatres=== * {{see | name=Theatre Royal | alt= | url=http://www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk/ | email= | address=Theatre Square, NG1 5ND | lat=52.955147 | long=-1.151389 | directions= | phone=+44 115 989-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7777438| wikipedia=Theatre Royal, Nottingham | image=Theatre Royal, Nottingham - geograph.org.uk - 997109.jpg | content=Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's ''The Mousetrap'' had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Playhouse | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/ | email= | address=Wellington Circus, Derby Road, NG1 5AF | lat=52.9537 | long=-1.1577 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-9419 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063678| wikipedia=Nottingham Playhouse | content=Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor. }} * {{see | name=Lace Market Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/ | email= | address=Halifax Place, near Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QN | lat=52.9516 | long=-1.1449 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950-7201 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6468185| wikipedia=Lace Market Theatre | content=Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Arts Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk | email= | address=George Street, NG1 3BE | lat=52.95429 | long=-1.14489 | directions= | phone =+44 115 947-6096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063592| wikipedia=Nottingham Arts Theatre | content=Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar. }} * {{see | name=Lakeside Arts Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/ | email= | address=East Drive, University Park, NG7 2RD | lat=52.938337 | long=-1.189842 | directions= | phone=+44 115 846-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe. }} ===Cinemas=== * {{see | name=Broadway | alt= | url=http://www.broadway.org.uk/ | email= | address=14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL | lat=52.9542653 | long=-1.1437133 | directions= | phone=+44 115 952-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £8.80 | content=Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases. }} * {{see | name=Cineworld | alt= | url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/49/information | email= | address=Cornerhouse, Forman St, NG1 4AA | lat=52.9555449 | long=-1.1505939 | directions= | phone=0844 815 7747 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £11.20 | content=Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility. }} * {{see | name=Savoy Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.savoyonline.co.uk/SavoyNottingham.dll/Home | email= | address=233 Derby Rd, Lenton, NG7 1QN | lat=52.9513212 | long=-1.173679 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-2580 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £6.50 | content=Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students. }} * {{see | name=Showcase Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/locations/nottingham | email= | address=Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW | lat=52.936642 | long=-1.175906 | directions= | phone=0871 220 1000 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £10.50 | content=A 12-screen American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road. }} ==Do== [[File:Nottingham Panthers vs Cardiff Devils April 2011.jpg | thumb | 300px | National Ice Centre in 2011 ]] === Sports === * {{do | name=Nottingham Forest FC | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/ | email= | address=Trentside N, West Bridgford NG2 5FJ | lat=52.94 | long=-1.1328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nottingham Forest F.C. | wikidata=Q19490 | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=Forest were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Their unique feat was to win two European titles yet only one domestic, and they long played in lower tiers until their 2022 promotion. }} * {{do | name=Notts County FC | alt= | url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/ | email= | address=Meadow Ln NG2 3HJ | lat=52.942638 | long=-1.13716 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Notts County F.C. | wikidata=Q19598 | lastedit=2019-05-26 | content=County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane, fairly central and north of the river. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk/ Nottingham RFC] play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Lady Bay a quarter mile east of Trent Bridge. * {{do | name=National Ice Centre | alt= | url=https://www.national-ice-centre.com/ | email= | address=Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA| lat=52.952778 | long=-1.139444 | directions= | phone=+44 843 373 3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 8AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | wikidata=Q1128250 | wikipedia=National Ice Centre | content=The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out - prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice - these teams ''do not'' like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America. }} * {{do | name=National Watersports Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nwscnotts.com/ | email= | address=Adbolton Ln, Holme Pierrepont, NG12 2LU | lat=52.941332 | long=-1.091554 | directions= | phone=+44 115 982 1212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Trent Bridge Cricket Ground | alt= | url=http://www.trentbridge.co.uk/cricket/index.html | email= | address=Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AG | lat=52.936883 | long=-1.132161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Trent Bridge | wikidata=Q2096399 | lastedit=2019-10-15 | content=This is the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club: they were relegated in 2019 and now play in Division 2 of the County Championship. Inter-county matches last up to four days. They also field a limited-overs team, Notts Outlaws. Trent Bridge frequently hosts Test Matches ie internationals, which may last five days. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Tennis Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.934506 | long=-1.190131 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063693| wikipedia=Nottingham Tennis Centre | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Hockey Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamhockeycentre.com/ | email= | address= | lat=52.933369 | long=-1.194189 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q814120| wikipedia=Beeston Hockey Club | lastedit=2018-04-01 | content=Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Activity Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.081519 | long=-1.082768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available }} * {{do | name=Nottingham & District Gun Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.087748 | long=-1.084395 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Try your hand at clay shooting. }} ===Parks and activities=== * In the summer you can hire a rowing boat on the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham. * Nottingham Castle has extensive grounds, which are planted beautifully in the summer time. Each summer open air theatre performances are held in the grounds. [[File:Nottingham Arboretum 1.jpg|thumb|right|The Arboretum is perfect for a relaxing walk to get away from the crowded city.]] * {{do | name=Arboretum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF | lat=52.9603889 | long=-1.156849 | directions=between Nottingham Trent University tram stop and High School tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=The Arboretum, Nottingham | wikidata=Q7714137 |image=Nottingham_Arboretum_1.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Botanical garden, hosts open air music in the park at weekends in summer. }} ===Events=== [[File:Nottingham goose fair 2012 207a.jpg|thumb|A ride at the Goose Fair.]] [[File:Nottinghamshire Pride 2011 MMB 04.jpg|thumb|A partier at Nottinghamshire Pride 2011.]] * {{event | name=Nottingham Goose Fair | alt= | url=https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/goose-fair-p358771 | email= | date=1 | month=October | year=2022 | enddate=2 | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the Forest tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | wikidata=Q3074831 | wikipedia=Nottingham Goose Fair | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held on the Forest Recreation Ground on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed for more than 700 years, but nowadays you won't see any geese! To see it at its best, go after dark, although it's likely to be less busy during the day. }} * The Forest Recreation Ground also plays host to the city's annual Bonfire Night fireworks display, which also has a funfair. * The '''Riverside Festival''' at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display. * The varsity sports series between the city's two universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is the largest outside of North America. * {{event | name=Nottingham Pride | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamshirepride.co.uk/ | email= | date=30 | month=July | year=2022 | enddate=31 | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Entry is free | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063681 | wikipedia=Nottingham Pride | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held annually at the last weekend of July at the Forest Recreation Ground. The event consists of numerous stages of music and comedy, as well as many stalls and stands from organisations, including food and drink areas! It attracts people not just from the Nottingham area; but from neighbouring counties and regions such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham is therefore a gay-friendly city and is accepting of LGBT people with notable gay visibility. (The city has the third highest percentage of people in same-sex partnerships, according to the 2001 census, of the eight English core cities after Manchester and Bristol.) It is referred to as the gay capital of the Midlands - or "Queen of the Midlands"; and the LGBT community is down-to-earth and friendly; as is the general culture of Nottingham. }} *'''Nottinghamshire ''' is * '''LBC''' is a monthly electronic music event held at '''The Bodega''' featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in ''The Guardian'', it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event. ==Buy== Nottingham has two large excellent shopping centres at either end of the City Centre "The Victoria Centre" and "Broadmarsh". The Victoria Centre is the more modern of the two, and has more shops & facilities, although Broadmarsh is on the eve of a huge redevelopment which will more than double its size. * {{buy | name=intu Victoria Centre | alt= | url=http://intu.co.uk/victoriacentre | email= | address=222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN | lat=52.956389 | long=-1.147222 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912 1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victoria Centre | wikidata=Q7926625 | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=intu Broadmarsh | alt= | url=http://www.intu.co.uk/broadmarsh | email= | address=Lister Gate, NG1 7LB | lat=52.95 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone=+44 115 840 4555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4972220| wikipedia=Broadmarsh | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} Between the two are the main shopping streets: Lister Gate and Clumber Street are home to High Street names, while designer labels can be found on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Street and in the Exchange Arcade, within the Council House on Market Square. The alternative shopper will find Hockley Village a haven, focused around Goose Gate, the city's Bohemian district. To buy a Nottingham memento, go to the Lace Centre on the corner of Castle Gate, opposite the Robin Hood statue, to buy traditional Nottingham lace. With regards to the alternative music and fashion scene, Nottingham is highly regarded and caters well for obscure and eclectic tastes. Selectadisc, just a short walk from the Market Square is one of just two in the country, the other being in Soho, London. Selectadisc is widely considered to stock the best indie and alternative music selection in the city, yet it is commonly felt that, for more helpful and down-to-earth staff, the Fopp store (on the next road) is more reliable. Now one of just six Fopp stores in the country, this store often stages in store sessions and offers a wide selection of independent DVDs and fanzines and CDs from unsigned acts. Void, Wild (and its sister store Wilder) and the local favourite Ice Nine can all be found in the bohemian district of Hockley. These stores can often become busy over the weekend in particular, but many original retro and vintage fashion items can be found for very cheap prices here. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Annie's burger shack | alt= | url=http://www.anniesburgershack.com/ | email= | address=The Navigation, 6 Wilford Street | lat=52.947984 | long=-1.1517388 | directions= | phone=+44 115 837 1930 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-1AM | price= | content=An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers (generally in the £10 range) and real ale with canal side seating. }} * {{eat | name=Wagamama | alt= | url=http://www.wagamama.com | email= | address=The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB | lat=52.95591 | long=-1.1509131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924-1797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11:30-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM | price= | content=Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. £5 to £8 per main. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners. }} * {{eat | name=The Kean's Head | alt= | url=http://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/keans-head/ | email= | address=46 St. Mary's Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA | lat=52.9513481 | long=-1.1440224 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-4052 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. £4 to £8 per dish. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food. }} <!--* '''The Alley Cafe''', 1A Cannon Court, Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE, +44 115 955-1013. This small bar and restaurant located on a tiny alley on the north-western part of Old Market Square serves vegetarian and vegan meals and sandwiches, £4 to £10 per meal. Draught beer served as well.--> Nottingham also has the usual range of chain restaurants and bars that you can find in many cities across the UK - for a budget meal (and drink) JD Wetherspoons is always worth trying - there are also a number of budget restaurants along Mansfield Road not far from the Victoria Shopping Centre There is a pedestrianised street full of eateries of varying quality next to the Cornerhouse. These restaurants range from a Pizza Hut and a Subway, to a brassiere (Punchinellos) with an excellent pre-theatre menu. There is also a wide variety of takeaways in Nottingham, catering for many different tastes. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=French Living | alt= | url=http://www.frenchliving.co.uk | email=info@frenchliving.co.uk | address=27 King Street, Nottingham NG1 2AY | lat=52.9549028 | long=-1.1495825 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958-5885 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F noon-2PM, 6PM-10PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Las Iguanas | alt= | url=http://www.iguanas.co.uk | email=nottingham@iguanas.co.uk | address=Chapel Quarter Chapel Bar, 4, Nottingham NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539712 | long=-1.1537533 | directions= | phone=+44 115 959-6390 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th noon-11PM, F-Su noon-11:30PM | price= | content=This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant. }} <!--* {{eat | name=Cafe Rouge | alt= | url=http://www.caferouge.co.uk | email= | address=31 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 58 2230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Relaxed, informal dining with good service and handy for the Lace Market area of Nottingham. }} * {{eat | name=Peechy Keens | alt= | url=http://www.peachykeens.co.uk | email=nottingham@peachykeens.co.uk | address=114 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+44 115 958-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= All-you-can-eat buffet of many cultural foods such as Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai and Italian. (£7-15 depending on time of day). }}--> ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Hart's Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu for £16-18 per person. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Meal prices for two with three courses and wine in the evening will approach £80. }} * {{eat | name=World Service | alt= | url=http://www.worldservicerestaurant.com | email= | address=Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF | lat=52.95082 | long=-1.152396 | directions= | phone=+44 115 847 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Similar formula to Hart's - some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards. }} ==Drink== [[File:Bell Inn, Nottingham.jpg|thumb|Nottingham has a lot of historic pubs - this is an advert for one of them from 1840]] [[File:Former Unitarian Chapel Nottingham (geograph 2032588).jpg|thumb|The site of Nottingham's Pitcher and Piano, in a former 19th century church]] There are at least three pubs in Nottingham which claim to be amongst the oldest in the city (and the country) - so there is no shortage of drinking establishments for visitors. The city has a range of pubs and bars serving drinks late into the night. A good place to start is the trendy Lace Market area east of Market Square where you will also find many good restaurants. Pubs around the Market Square tend to appeal to younger drinkers with a Wetherspoon's and Yates's Wine Lodge, but the area on the canal side around the '''Canal House''' pub tends to be a little more discerning. The Hockley area also provides a range of pleasant bars to suit a range of budgets. The Cornerhouse complex (near the Royal Centre tram stop) contains some really nice bars, particularly [https://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/nottingham-cornerhouse/ Revolution], and close to this is The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street. Slightly further out of the centre in the multicultural and vibrant area known as Sneinton is a wonderful pub called the Lord Nelson with a great garden and real ales. The other historic pubs include '''The Bell Inn''', situated in the Market Square, and '''the Salutation''', on Maid Marian Way, both of which can trace a long history and lay claim to having resident ghosts. Ask at a quiet moment for a tour of the Salutation's cellars, dug by hand into the sandstone rock below the pub and used in centuries past as a secure brewing area. The Ned Ludd is also located near the Old Market square and serves local ale from '''Nottingham Brewery'''. '''Rock City''' hosts one of the biggest student disco nights in town, with standard dance/pop music, when popular live rock bands aren't playing in town. For a different experience, try '''The Pitcher and Piano''' bar, with a slightly more mature crowd. Built as a large Unitarian church it has been stylishly modernised but still contains the church's architectural history with gothic decor and stained glass windows. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem/ | email= | address=1 Brewhouse Yard | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.15264 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9473171 | tollfree= | hours=Su, M-Th: 11AM-11PM, Sa: 11AM-midnight | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | lastedit=2019-07-30 | content=Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Canalhouse | alt= | url=https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/the-canalhouse/ | email=canalhouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk | address=48-52 Canal Street | lat=52.94827 | long=-1.14857 | directions= | phone=+44 115 955 5060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Cornerhouse | alt= | url= https://cornerhousenottingham.co.uk/| email=Charlie@cornerhouse.tv | address=Burton Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 5168 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= | wikidata=Q7727633 | wikipedia=The Cornerhouse, Nottingham }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Playwright 38 | alt=formerly The Orange Tree | url=https://www.theplaywright38.co.uk/ | email=info@theplaywright38.co.uk | address=38 Shakespeare Street | lat=52.95775 | long= -1.15106| directions= | phone=+44 1159 473239 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Lord Nelson| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/LordNelsonSneinton/ | email= | address=Lord Nelson Street, Sneinton | lat=52.95106 | long=-1.12615 | directions= | phone=+44 115 911 0069 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Bell Inn | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/bell-inn/ | email= | address=18 Angel Row | lat=52.9536 | long=-1.15237 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9475241 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7716394 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Salutation Inn | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheSalNotts/ | email= | address=Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9518 | long=-1.15013 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 9819 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8050762 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Ned Ludd| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheNedLudd | email= | address=27 Friar Lane | lat=52.95209 | long=-1.15170 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924 3415 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Rock City | alt= | url=https://www.rock-city.co.uk/ | email=info@rock-city.co.uk | address=8 Talbot Street | lat=52.95604 | long=-1.15403 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 6547 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 941 8438 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Pitcher and Piano | alt= | url=https://www.pitcherandpiano.com/bars/nottingham | email=nottingham@pitcherandpiano.com | address=The Unitarian Church, High Pavement | lat=52.95080 | long=-1.14532 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 6081 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15223906 | wikipedia=High Pavement Chapel | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Waterfront | alt= | url= | email= | address=NG1 7EH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-02-28 | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Igloo Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.igloohostel.co.uk | email= | address= | lat=52.9607183 | long=-1.1500132 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=For £15 a night, the Igloo is a very nice hostel and a great choice to spend one or more nights in Nottingham. A 5-minute walk from the centre of town, It's very clean and has 24 hot water in all the bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, toaster, and the most important equipment in a kitchen: a radio. The Igloo provides free tea, and coffee all day as well as free wifi and internet. It also has a comfortable, friendly common room, with a TV and many DVDs if you are tired and want to rest and watch something. Lots of books and board games can be easily found as well. A board with several tips of good cheap places to eat and drink can be found in the common room. Downstairs, the Games room offers a Ps2, Pool table and Fooz Ball. Unquestionably, a very good and friendly place! }} * {{sleep | name=Midtown Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.midtownhostel.co.uk | email= | address=Thurland Street | lat=52.9540278 | long=-1.1468093 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=£16 a night Midtown Hostel has lots of good things going for it. It's clean, in a great location (1-minute walk from the main square), hot water in the showers, free internet, decent kitchen (does have oven, does not have stove, has large fridge to store food in), PS2 and a few games, and free coffee and tea. The beds are reasonably comfortable (but some do squeak). Reports of noisy parties at night. }} * {{sleep | name=Britannia Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-britannia-nottingham-hotel/ | email= | address= 1 St James's St | lat=52.952298 | long= -1.153977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 0098 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.butterflyhotels.co.uk/Our_Hotels/Nottingham/index.php | email=reception@dayshotelnottingham.co.uk | address=17-31 Wollaton Street, NG1 5FW | lat=52.9555139 | long=-1.1536771 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912-8000 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 912-8080 | checkin=2PM (early check-in by arrangement) | checkout=11AM (late check-out by arrangement) | price=£79.95 (up to two children can stay free of charge, or for 75% if staying in a separate room | content=This Days Hotel features non-smoking rooms that include bath and/or shower, work desk, TV with freeview and complimentary broadband. Some rooms have been adapted to allow for easier access. Full or continental breakfasts are available for £10. }} * {{sleep | name=Jury's Inn | alt= | url=http://nottinghamhotels.jurysinns.com/ | email= | address=Waterfront Plaza, Station Street, NG2 3BJ | lat=52.9484617 | long=-1.1405785 | directions= | phone=+44 115 901-6700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Car parking is roughly 5 minutes from the hotel grounds, with many shops and restaurants close by. Well-equipped room with TV, hair-dryer, coffee/tea and biscuits and internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar) | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/nottinghamshire/nottingham/nottingham-city-centre-chapel-bar.html | email= | address=7 Chapel Bar, NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539122 | long=-1.1546132 | directions= | phone=+44 871 527 9658 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This hotel is in the centre of the city centre and is of the high standards of the Holiday Inn chain, with a spacious room, comfortable beds and friendly staff. }} * {{sleep | name= St James Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.stjames-hotel.com/ | email= | address=St James Street, NG1 6FJ | lat=52.951641 | long= -1.154235 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£40-60 pppn | content=In the heart of the city, it retains its period elegance, whilst offering comfortable accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-nottingham | email=ppnreception@pphe.com | address=41 Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9700923 | long=-1.1532588 | directions= | phone=+44 333 400 6148 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content=Comfortable hotel in the city centre. }} * {{sleep | name=SACO Apartments | alt= | url=http://nottingham.sacoapartments.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Ropewalk, NG1 5BB | lat=52.9555962 | long=-1.1618373 | directions= | phone=+44 117 970-6999 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=10AM | price=from £64 per night | content=Near the city centre with easy access to Queens Medical Hospital and the University of Nottingham. There are no surprises in the rooms as they meet their website descriptions and pictures perfectly, with friendly reception staff and all the facilities you need, even for a long-term stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/nottingham/notuk/hoteldetail | email=holidayinn.nottingham@btconnect.com | address=Castle Bridge Road Castle Marina Park, NG7 1GX | lat=52.9447152 | long=-1.16436 | directions= | phone=+44 115 993-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£65 | content=In a peaceful marina location. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Eastwood Hall | alt = | url=https://www.eastwood-hall.co.uk/ | email=eastwood.enquiries@thevenuescollection.co.uk | address=Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham. NG16 3SS | lat=53.024729 | long=-1.31076 | directions = | phone= +44 1773 532532 | tollfree = | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2018-11-08| content=Hotel and event venue offering 150 bedrooms and 36 meeting/event rooms, all connected to WiFi. ` }} * {{sleep | name=Hart's Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Village Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/nottingham/welcome | email= | address=Brailsford Way, Chilwell, NG9 6DL | lat=52.9031794 | long=-1.240977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 4602 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£55 | content=Offers over 130 bedrooms, a health club, the Verve Grill restaurant, the Victory Pub & Kitchen, the Vibe Cafe and a hair salon. The hotel also has 11 meetings & conference rooms. Booking is available online. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Langar Hall | alt= | url=http://www.langarhall.com/ | email= | address=Church Lane, Langar NG13 9HG | lat=52.905 | long=-0.929 | directions=12 miles southeast of city | phone=+44 1949 860559 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £130 | lastedit=2020-06-25 | content=Upscale country hotel in Georgian mansion with fine dining. }} === Camping === In surrounding area * {{sleep | name=Thorntons Holt | alt= | url=http://www.thorntons-holt.co.uk/ | email= | address=Stragglethorpe | lat=52.932854 | long=-1.052934 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 2125 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shelford Nurseries | alt= | url=http://www.shelfordnurseriescaravanpark.co.uk/ | email= | address=Shelford Hill, Radcliffe on Trent | lat=52.969229 | long=-1.014999 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 3433 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== While overall a safe city, Nottingham has been highlighted by the media for gun and knife crime in its suburbs, acquiring the (mostly tongue-in-cheek) nickname 'Shottingham'; although the actual incidence in 2004/5 was 19 offences per 100,000 population (compared to 50 per 100,000 population for both Greater Manchester and London). It is best to avoid walking late at night through St Ann's (a council estate northeast of the Victoria shopping centre) and The Meadows (between the railway station and the river). Normal precautions for large western European cities should be undertaken by individuals after dark, especially for lone females. ==Go next== * For keen walkers, [[Matlock]] and the Derbyshire [[Peak District]] can be reached in about an hour by car. To get there by public transport, catch the Red Arrow (£6 'zigzag' day ticket, takes 30 min, every 10 min) from the Victoria Bus station to Derby, and change to the TransPeak (£5.90 each way, takes about an hour, hourly). An alternative for the more budget conscious traveller is the 6.1 bus from Derby to [[Bakewell]], which takes longer but is included in the trentbarton 'zigzag' day ticket. * [[Derby]] is a neighboring city and is easily accessible by bus (£6 day ticket). * [[Lincoln]] is not too far away by rail. * [[Sheffield]], about an hour away from Nottingham by rail or road, is a slightly larger city and a popular cultural and shopping destination. * There are direct trains from Nottingham to the famous seaside resort of [[Skegness]]. {{routebox | image1=UK-Motorway-M1.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Sheffield]] | minorl1=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | directionr1=S | minorr1=[[East Midlands Airport]] | majorr1=[[Leicester]] | image2=UK_road_A46.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Lincoln]] | minorl2=[[Newark-on-Trent]] | directionr2=S | minorr2=Bingham | majorr2=[[Leicester]] | image3=UK_road_A52.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Derby]] | minorl3=[[Beeston]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Grantham]] | majorr3=[[Boston (England)|Boston]] | image4=UK_road_A60.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | minorl4=[[Arnold (Nottinghamshire)|Arnold]] | directionr4=S | minorr4= | majorr4=[[Loughborough]] | image5=UK road A606.svg | imagesize5=40 | directionl5=NW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=SE | minorr5=[[Melton Mowbray]] | majorr5=[[Peterborough]] }} {{IsPartOf|Nottinghamshire}} {{geo|52.9548|-1.1581}} {{usablecity}} jcx86fxthyc03s6ingk5ldj66odshhr 4487759 4487758 2022-07-21T14:35:27Z Inferno986return 476466 /* Events */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nottingham Wikivoyage Banner 2.png}} [[File:Nottingham, UK - panoramio (1).jpg|300px|thumb|Statue of Robin Hood]] '''[http://www.visitnottingham.com Nottingham]''' is a city in [[England]], affectionately known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend of Robin Hood. ==Understand== Nottingham is one of three major cities in the [[East Midlands]] of England, the others being nearby [[Leicester]] and [[Derby]]. Its prosperity was historically derived mostly from the lace making and coal-mining industries, little of which remains. Nottingham has moved towards a more service-based economy. In the 1960s it was famed for having a gender imbalance. The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from [[Stoke]] to the Humber. According to the 2001 census, Nottingham has an estimated city population of 275,100. The Nottingham Urban Area conurbation (which includes surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary, and neighbouring towns) has a population of 666,358 (2001 Census). Nottingham is a member of the English Core Cities Group. The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top end of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of [[Robin Hood]], visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{marker|type=go|name=[[East Midlands Airport]]|url=|lat=52.831111|long=-1.327778}} ({{IATA|EMA}}) lies 12 miles (19 km) south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many European (mostly tourist) destinations. The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 single, £9.90 return, £9 for a day ticket (zigzag plus) including all trentbarton buses in the area. The slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs all through the night (hourly), with the same fares and a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour. *{{marker|type=go|name=Birmingham Airport|url=http://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/|lat=52.453889|long=-1.748056}} ({{IATA|BHX}}) is about 40 miles from Nottingham and serves all major European and many international destinations. It is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street. *{{marker|type=go|name=Doncaster Sheffield Airport|lat=53.475278|long=-1.004167|url=http://www.dsaflights.co.uk}} ({{IATA|DSA}}) lies to the north of Nottinghamshire. Eastern Airways continues to fly. ===By train=== * {{go | name=Nottingham railway station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/NOT.aspx | email= | address= | lat=52.947 | long=-1.146 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1988621 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=On the main line out of [[London St Pancras]]. The cheapest tickets between London and Nottingham are available from [http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/ East Midlands Trains] and can be booked online before travel. There are also regular connections to [[Manchester]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]], [[Derby]], [[Leicester]], [[Crewe (England)|Crewe]], [[Sheffield]], and [[Leeds]]. Trains from London to Sheffield do not stop at Nottingham. }} Turn right out of the station for an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre. The tram stop is right above the station, giving access to all tram destinations since both lines pass through the station. ===By car=== From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24 or 25. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26. There are nine [https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/transport-parking-and-streets/parking-and-permits/park-and-ride/ Park and Ride] sites with over 6500 spaces around the city. Many of these park and ride sites are connected to Nottingham city centre by the [[Nottingham#By tram|city's tram network]], or buses. <gallery> [[File:Nottingham City Transport bus 946 (YN08 MSU) 2008 Scania N270UD OmniDekka, Nottingham, 21 June 2011.jpg|thumb|Nottingham City Transport]] [[File:Trent Barton coach 75 (FJ10 OXR) 2010 Scania K94IB Irizar i4, Red Arrow, Clay Cross, 7 November 2010 uncropped.jpg|thumb|Trent Barton]] </gallery> ===By bus=== Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations near to its two major shopping centres, {{marker|type=go|name=Broadmarsh|url=|lat=52.949302|long=-1.147146}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Victoria|url=|lat=52.95912|long=-1.14864}}. [http://www.traveline.info Traveline], +44 871 200 22 33 Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations. National Express provides cheap advance tickets on a Nottingham-London route, often for as little as £5 each way if booked early enough online. National Express also offers cheap non-changeable tickets (called "Funfare") to many other major cities from Nottingham. Megabus also serves the city, although only twice a day with one departure at 5AM! ==Get around== {{Mapframe|52.9505|-1.1501|zoom=14|height=|width=|layer=M|staticmap=|align=}} [[File:Nottingham Tram map.svg|thumb|Map of the Nottingham Tram network]] Nottingham has excellent public transport by buses and trams. ===By foot=== The city centre is best explored on foot as many of the historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access. ===By tram=== [http://www.thetram.net Nottingham Express Transit] is the city's modern tram system. There are two branches which run on the same tracks in the city centre and then diverge at both ends to serve 4 destinations (Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton Lane and Clifton South). The system has a number of Park and Ride sites along it, which make travel into the city centre easy. An all day tram-only ticket costs £4, single tickets are £2.20. Tickets must be bought from ticket machines on platforms before boarding. ===By bus=== Nottingham has extensive bus services provided by two main companies, [http://www.trentbarton.co.uk trentbarton] and [http://www.nctx.co.uk Nottingham City Transport] (NCT), running from the Broadmarsh and Victoria Bus stations as well as key termini in the city centre such as Old Market Square, Parliament Street and Carrington Street. Fares: '''Most NCT buses do not give change.''' Trentbarton buses do, just ask the driver. ====Ticketing==== Ticketing can be confusing. Ticketing for most operators is detailed below: Cash: *NCT buses: £2 single, £3.70 day ticket *trentbarton buses: single fare varies by distance (check website), £6 "zigzag" day ticket or £9 "zigzag plus" including East Midlands Airport. This allows travel on all Trentbarton services as far as Bakewell, Derby or Chesterfield *NET trams: single fare £2.20, day ticket £4 *Multiple operators: £4.50 kangaroo day ticket for all public transport in greater Nottingham Robin Hood Prepaid Card (purchase from ticket machines around city centre): *Buses and Trams: £1.70 single, £3.15 max for single operator, £4 max for all operators Students with valid ID: *£1.50 single fare for many NCT buses and all Trentbarton buses (within Nottingham) ==See== [[File:Nottingham MMB 23 Market Square.jpg|thumb|Nottingham's Council House & Old Market Square]] ===Museums and galleries=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Nottingham Castle | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=£13 | wikipedia=Nottingham Castle | image=Nottingham Castle Gate 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q17642916 | content=Visitors with Hollywood expectations of Robin Hood films should be aware that this is not a medieval castle, but a small stately home with only the gatehouse remaining from the original castle. The castle includes grounds with a children’s play area and extensive views over the region, and a museum with various exhibitions inside the house itself (including the country's first municipal art gallery). After a refurbishment the castle reopened in 2021 with a number of interactive exhibits/games. A tour of the caves under the castle can also be booked for an additional fee. }} * {{see | name=Robin Hood statue | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.95044 | long=-1.15339 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price=Free | wikipedia=Robin Hood | wikidata=Q122634 |image=Robin_Hood_Memorial.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-17 | content=Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls. }} * {{see | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn | alt= | url=http://www.triptojerusalem.com/ | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1526 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | content=Off Maid Marian Way - one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the '''Brewhouse Yard''', home to the '''Museum of Nottingham Life''' which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years. }} * {{see | name=City of Caves | alt= | url=https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves | email= | address= | lat=52.951 | long=-1.1466 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£8.75 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with National Justice Museum) | wikipedia=City of Caves | wikidata=Q5123621 | lastedit=2018-09-26 | content=A visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. }} * {{see | name=National Justice Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/ | email=info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk | address=Shire Hall, High Pavement, NG1 1HN | lat=52.950833 | long=-1.144444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£10.95 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with City of Caves) | image=Lace market justice galleries.JPG | wikidata=Q5518971| wikipedia=National Justice Museum | lastedit= | content=Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by. The museum is done as a guided tour lasting 1- 1.5 hours, so a specific time slot needs to be booked. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Contemporary | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9511 | long=-1.1458 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | image=Nottingham Contemporary - geograph-1825342.jpg | wikidata=Q7063622| wikipedia=Nottingham Contemporary | lastedit= | content=Presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages. }} * {{see | name=Wollaton Hall | alt= | url=http://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.94788 | long=-1.209595 | directions=Accessible by buses 35,36 (NCT, Victoria Centre) and i4 (trentbarton, Broadmarsh) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Wollaton Hall Nov2010.jpg | wikidata=Q17528596| wikipedia=Wollaton Hall | content=A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, '''Wollaton Park'''. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film, ''Batman: The Dark Knight Rises'' as Wayne Manor. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Council House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.953333 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Council-House-Nottingham.jpg | wikidata=Q7063627| wikipedia=Nottingham Council House | content=A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked) }} * {{see | name=Industrial Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk | address=Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE | lat=52.945989 | long=-1.208054 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 3936 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adults €3, seniors and students €2, children free | wikipedia=Nottingham Industrial Museum | image=Entrance to Wollaton Hall Stable Block - geograph.org.uk - 919090.jpg | wikidata=Q17015910 | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station. }} * {{see | name=Green's Windmill | alt= | url=https://www.greensmill.org.uk/ | email= | address=Windmill Lane, Sneinton NG2 4QB | lat=52.952 | long=-1.129 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 6878 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=George Green (1793-1841) was a mathematician whose work unifying magnetism and electricity laid the foundations for James Clark Maxwell. Remarkably he was self-taught, labouring all hours here in his father's mill. So as well as the working machinery there's an exhibit on his contributions to science. }} * {{see | name=Haunted Museum | alt= | url=https://www.thehauntedmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@thehauntedmuseum.co.uk | address=Basement, Hopkinsons, 21 Station St, NG2 3AJ | lat=52.947765 | long=-1.146178 | directions=next to Nottingham train station | phone=+44 7503 325218 | tollfree= | hours=11am-6pm | price=Adult: £8 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=A paranormal museum which blends witchcraft, haunted objects and pop-culture horror. }} ===Historic sites out of town=== * {{see | name=Newstead Abbey | alt= | url=http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk | email= | address= | lat=53.078333 | long=-1.1925 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Newstead Abbey 02.jpg | wikidata=Q1819331| wikipedia=Newstead Abbey | content=The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in '''Hucknall Church''', and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop. }} * {{see | name=[[Sherwood Forest]] Country Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.205875 | long=-1.08609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near [[Worksop]], is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college. }} * {{see | name=Great Central Railway - Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.gcrn.co.uk | email=info@gcrn.co.uk | address=Mere Way, Ruddington, NG11 6JS | lat=52.8845928 | long=-1.1463983 | directions=6 miles south of Nottingham | phone=+44 115 940 5705 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Papplewick Pumping Station | alt= | url=http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk/ | email= | address=Rigg Lane, Ravenshead NG15 9AJ | lat=53.064 | long=-1.131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 963 2938 | tollfree= | hours=Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adult £4; steam days adult £10, conc £9, child free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=These twin beam engines were installed in 1884 to lift water {{ft|200}} from an underground reservoir to feed the city supply. The interior is richly, almost riotously decorated, as if to out-do the fountains of Alhambra. The engines are in steam one weekend a month, see website. }} * {{see | name=Framework Knitters' Museum | alt= | url=https://www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address=Chapel St, Ruddington NG11 6HE | lat=52.891 | long=-1.152 | directions= | phone=+44 115 984 6914 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=This technology is early 19th century, transitional between cottage industry and the great Victorian mill halls. In 2021 it's closed for refurbishment. }} ===Theatres=== * {{see | name=Theatre Royal | alt= | url=http://www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk/ | email= | address=Theatre Square, NG1 5ND | lat=52.955147 | long=-1.151389 | directions= | phone=+44 115 989-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7777438| wikipedia=Theatre Royal, Nottingham | image=Theatre Royal, Nottingham - geograph.org.uk - 997109.jpg | content=Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's ''The Mousetrap'' had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Playhouse | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/ | email= | address=Wellington Circus, Derby Road, NG1 5AF | lat=52.9537 | long=-1.1577 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-9419 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063678| wikipedia=Nottingham Playhouse | content=Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor. }} * {{see | name=Lace Market Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/ | email= | address=Halifax Place, near Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QN | lat=52.9516 | long=-1.1449 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950-7201 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6468185| wikipedia=Lace Market Theatre | content=Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Arts Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk | email= | address=George Street, NG1 3BE | lat=52.95429 | long=-1.14489 | directions= | phone =+44 115 947-6096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063592| wikipedia=Nottingham Arts Theatre | content=Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar. }} * {{see | name=Lakeside Arts Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/ | email= | address=East Drive, University Park, NG7 2RD | lat=52.938337 | long=-1.189842 | directions= | phone=+44 115 846-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe. }} ===Cinemas=== * {{see | name=Broadway | alt= | url=http://www.broadway.org.uk/ | email= | address=14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL | lat=52.9542653 | long=-1.1437133 | directions= | phone=+44 115 952-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £8.80 | content=Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases. }} * {{see | name=Cineworld | alt= | url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/49/information | email= | address=Cornerhouse, Forman St, NG1 4AA | lat=52.9555449 | long=-1.1505939 | directions= | phone=0844 815 7747 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £11.20 | content=Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility. }} * {{see | name=Savoy Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.savoyonline.co.uk/SavoyNottingham.dll/Home | email= | address=233 Derby Rd, Lenton, NG7 1QN | lat=52.9513212 | long=-1.173679 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-2580 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £6.50 | content=Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students. }} * {{see | name=Showcase Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/locations/nottingham | email= | address=Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW | lat=52.936642 | long=-1.175906 | directions= | phone=0871 220 1000 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £10.50 | content=A 12-screen American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road. }} ==Do== [[File:Nottingham Panthers vs Cardiff Devils April 2011.jpg | thumb | 300px | National Ice Centre in 2011 ]] === Sports === * {{do | name=Nottingham Forest FC | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/ | email= | address=Trentside N, West Bridgford NG2 5FJ | lat=52.94 | long=-1.1328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nottingham Forest F.C. | wikidata=Q19490 | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=Forest were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Their unique feat was to win two European titles yet only one domestic, and they long played in lower tiers until their 2022 promotion. }} * {{do | name=Notts County FC | alt= | url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/ | email= | address=Meadow Ln NG2 3HJ | lat=52.942638 | long=-1.13716 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Notts County F.C. | wikidata=Q19598 | lastedit=2019-05-26 | content=County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane, fairly central and north of the river. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk/ Nottingham RFC] play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Lady Bay a quarter mile east of Trent Bridge. * {{do | name=National Ice Centre | alt= | url=https://www.national-ice-centre.com/ | email= | address=Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA| lat=52.952778 | long=-1.139444 | directions= | phone=+44 843 373 3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 8AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | wikidata=Q1128250 | wikipedia=National Ice Centre | content=The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out - prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice - these teams ''do not'' like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America. }} * {{do | name=National Watersports Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nwscnotts.com/ | email= | address=Adbolton Ln, Holme Pierrepont, NG12 2LU | lat=52.941332 | long=-1.091554 | directions= | phone=+44 115 982 1212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Trent Bridge Cricket Ground | alt= | url=http://www.trentbridge.co.uk/cricket/index.html | email= | address=Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AG | lat=52.936883 | long=-1.132161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Trent Bridge | wikidata=Q2096399 | lastedit=2019-10-15 | content=This is the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club: they were relegated in 2019 and now play in Division 2 of the County Championship. Inter-county matches last up to four days. They also field a limited-overs team, Notts Outlaws. Trent Bridge frequently hosts Test Matches ie internationals, which may last five days. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Tennis Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.934506 | long=-1.190131 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063693| wikipedia=Nottingham Tennis Centre | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Hockey Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamhockeycentre.com/ | email= | address= | lat=52.933369 | long=-1.194189 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q814120| wikipedia=Beeston Hockey Club | lastedit=2018-04-01 | content=Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Activity Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.081519 | long=-1.082768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available }} * {{do | name=Nottingham & District Gun Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.087748 | long=-1.084395 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Try your hand at clay shooting. }} ===Parks and activities=== * In the summer you can hire a rowing boat on the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham. * Nottingham Castle has extensive grounds, which are planted beautifully in the summer time. Each summer open air theatre performances are held in the grounds. [[File:Nottingham Arboretum 1.jpg|thumb|right|The Arboretum is perfect for a relaxing walk to get away from the crowded city.]] * {{do | name=Arboretum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF | lat=52.9603889 | long=-1.156849 | directions=between Nottingham Trent University tram stop and High School tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=The Arboretum, Nottingham | wikidata=Q7714137 |image=Nottingham_Arboretum_1.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Botanical garden, hosts open air music in the park at weekends in summer. }} ===Events=== [[File:Nottingham goose fair 2012 207a.jpg|thumb|A ride at the Goose Fair.]] [[File:Nottinghamshire Pride 2011 MMB 04.jpg|thumb|A partier at Nottinghamshire Pride 2011.]] * {{event | name=Nottingham Goose Fair | alt= | url=https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/goose-fair-p358771 | email= | date=1 | month=October | year=2022 | enddate=2 | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the Forest tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | wikidata=Q3074831 | wikipedia=Nottingham Goose Fair | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held on the Forest Recreation Ground on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed for more than 700 years, but nowadays you won't see any geese! To see it at its best, go after dark, although it's likely to be less busy during the day. }} * The Forest Recreation Ground also plays host to the city's annual Bonfire Night fireworks display, which also has a funfair. * The '''Riverside Festival''' at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display. * The varsity sports series between the city's two universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is the largest outside of North America. * {{event | name=Nottingham Pride | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamshirepride.co.uk/ | email= | date=30 | month=July | year=2022 | enddate=31 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | wikidata=Q7063681 | wikipedia=Nottingham Pride | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held annually at the last weekend of July at the Forest Recreation Ground. The event consists of numerous stages of music and comedy, as well as many stalls and stands from organisations, including food and drink areas! It attracts people not just from the Nottingham area; but from neighbouring counties and regions such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham is therefore a gay-friendly city and is accepting of LGBT people with notable gay visibility. (The city has the third highest percentage of people in same-sex partnerships, according to the 2001 census, of the eight English core cities after Manchester and Bristol.) It is referred to as the gay capital of the Midlands - or "Queen of the Midlands"; and the LGBT community is down-to-earth and friendly; as is the general culture of Nottingham. }} *'''Nottinghamshire ''' is * '''LBC''' is a monthly electronic music event held at '''The Bodega''' featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in ''The Guardian'', it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event. ==Buy== Nottingham has two large excellent shopping centres at either end of the City Centre "The Victoria Centre" and "Broadmarsh". The Victoria Centre is the more modern of the two, and has more shops & facilities, although Broadmarsh is on the eve of a huge redevelopment which will more than double its size. * {{buy | name=intu Victoria Centre | alt= | url=http://intu.co.uk/victoriacentre | email= | address=222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN | lat=52.956389 | long=-1.147222 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912 1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victoria Centre | wikidata=Q7926625 | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=intu Broadmarsh | alt= | url=http://www.intu.co.uk/broadmarsh | email= | address=Lister Gate, NG1 7LB | lat=52.95 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone=+44 115 840 4555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4972220| wikipedia=Broadmarsh | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} Between the two are the main shopping streets: Lister Gate and Clumber Street are home to High Street names, while designer labels can be found on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Street and in the Exchange Arcade, within the Council House on Market Square. The alternative shopper will find Hockley Village a haven, focused around Goose Gate, the city's Bohemian district. To buy a Nottingham memento, go to the Lace Centre on the corner of Castle Gate, opposite the Robin Hood statue, to buy traditional Nottingham lace. With regards to the alternative music and fashion scene, Nottingham is highly regarded and caters well for obscure and eclectic tastes. Selectadisc, just a short walk from the Market Square is one of just two in the country, the other being in Soho, London. Selectadisc is widely considered to stock the best indie and alternative music selection in the city, yet it is commonly felt that, for more helpful and down-to-earth staff, the Fopp store (on the next road) is more reliable. Now one of just six Fopp stores in the country, this store often stages in store sessions and offers a wide selection of independent DVDs and fanzines and CDs from unsigned acts. Void, Wild (and its sister store Wilder) and the local favourite Ice Nine can all be found in the bohemian district of Hockley. These stores can often become busy over the weekend in particular, but many original retro and vintage fashion items can be found for very cheap prices here. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Annie's burger shack | alt= | url=http://www.anniesburgershack.com/ | email= | address=The Navigation, 6 Wilford Street | lat=52.947984 | long=-1.1517388 | directions= | phone=+44 115 837 1930 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-1AM | price= | content=An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers (generally in the £10 range) and real ale with canal side seating. }} * {{eat | name=Wagamama | alt= | url=http://www.wagamama.com | email= | address=The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB | lat=52.95591 | long=-1.1509131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924-1797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11:30-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM | price= | content=Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. £5 to £8 per main. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners. }} * {{eat | name=The Kean's Head | alt= | url=http://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/keans-head/ | email= | address=46 St. Mary's Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA | lat=52.9513481 | long=-1.1440224 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-4052 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. £4 to £8 per dish. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food. }} <!--* '''The Alley Cafe''', 1A Cannon Court, Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE, +44 115 955-1013. This small bar and restaurant located on a tiny alley on the north-western part of Old Market Square serves vegetarian and vegan meals and sandwiches, £4 to £10 per meal. Draught beer served as well.--> Nottingham also has the usual range of chain restaurants and bars that you can find in many cities across the UK - for a budget meal (and drink) JD Wetherspoons is always worth trying - there are also a number of budget restaurants along Mansfield Road not far from the Victoria Shopping Centre There is a pedestrianised street full of eateries of varying quality next to the Cornerhouse. These restaurants range from a Pizza Hut and a Subway, to a brassiere (Punchinellos) with an excellent pre-theatre menu. There is also a wide variety of takeaways in Nottingham, catering for many different tastes. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=French Living | alt= | url=http://www.frenchliving.co.uk | email=info@frenchliving.co.uk | address=27 King Street, Nottingham NG1 2AY | lat=52.9549028 | long=-1.1495825 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958-5885 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F noon-2PM, 6PM-10PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Las Iguanas | alt= | url=http://www.iguanas.co.uk | email=nottingham@iguanas.co.uk | address=Chapel Quarter Chapel Bar, 4, Nottingham NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539712 | long=-1.1537533 | directions= | phone=+44 115 959-6390 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th noon-11PM, F-Su noon-11:30PM | price= | content=This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant. }} <!--* {{eat | name=Cafe Rouge | alt= | url=http://www.caferouge.co.uk | email= | address=31 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 58 2230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Relaxed, informal dining with good service and handy for the Lace Market area of Nottingham. }} * {{eat | name=Peechy Keens | alt= | url=http://www.peachykeens.co.uk | email=nottingham@peachykeens.co.uk | address=114 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+44 115 958-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= All-you-can-eat buffet of many cultural foods such as Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai and Italian. (£7-15 depending on time of day). }}--> ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Hart's Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu for £16-18 per person. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Meal prices for two with three courses and wine in the evening will approach £80. }} * {{eat | name=World Service | alt= | url=http://www.worldservicerestaurant.com | email= | address=Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF | lat=52.95082 | long=-1.152396 | directions= | phone=+44 115 847 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Similar formula to Hart's - some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards. }} ==Drink== [[File:Bell Inn, Nottingham.jpg|thumb|Nottingham has a lot of historic pubs - this is an advert for one of them from 1840]] [[File:Former Unitarian Chapel Nottingham (geograph 2032588).jpg|thumb|The site of Nottingham's Pitcher and Piano, in a former 19th century church]] There are at least three pubs in Nottingham which claim to be amongst the oldest in the city (and the country) - so there is no shortage of drinking establishments for visitors. The city has a range of pubs and bars serving drinks late into the night. A good place to start is the trendy Lace Market area east of Market Square where you will also find many good restaurants. Pubs around the Market Square tend to appeal to younger drinkers with a Wetherspoon's and Yates's Wine Lodge, but the area on the canal side around the '''Canal House''' pub tends to be a little more discerning. The Hockley area also provides a range of pleasant bars to suit a range of budgets. The Cornerhouse complex (near the Royal Centre tram stop) contains some really nice bars, particularly [https://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/nottingham-cornerhouse/ Revolution], and close to this is The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street. Slightly further out of the centre in the multicultural and vibrant area known as Sneinton is a wonderful pub called the Lord Nelson with a great garden and real ales. The other historic pubs include '''The Bell Inn''', situated in the Market Square, and '''the Salutation''', on Maid Marian Way, both of which can trace a long history and lay claim to having resident ghosts. Ask at a quiet moment for a tour of the Salutation's cellars, dug by hand into the sandstone rock below the pub and used in centuries past as a secure brewing area. The Ned Ludd is also located near the Old Market square and serves local ale from '''Nottingham Brewery'''. '''Rock City''' hosts one of the biggest student disco nights in town, with standard dance/pop music, when popular live rock bands aren't playing in town. For a different experience, try '''The Pitcher and Piano''' bar, with a slightly more mature crowd. Built as a large Unitarian church it has been stylishly modernised but still contains the church's architectural history with gothic decor and stained glass windows. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem/ | email= | address=1 Brewhouse Yard | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.15264 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9473171 | tollfree= | hours=Su, M-Th: 11AM-11PM, Sa: 11AM-midnight | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | lastedit=2019-07-30 | content=Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Canalhouse | alt= | url=https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/the-canalhouse/ | email=canalhouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk | address=48-52 Canal Street | lat=52.94827 | long=-1.14857 | directions= | phone=+44 115 955 5060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Cornerhouse | alt= | url= https://cornerhousenottingham.co.uk/| email=Charlie@cornerhouse.tv | address=Burton Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 5168 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= | wikidata=Q7727633 | wikipedia=The Cornerhouse, Nottingham }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Playwright 38 | alt=formerly The Orange Tree | url=https://www.theplaywright38.co.uk/ | email=info@theplaywright38.co.uk | address=38 Shakespeare Street | lat=52.95775 | long= -1.15106| directions= | phone=+44 1159 473239 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Lord Nelson| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/LordNelsonSneinton/ | email= | address=Lord Nelson Street, Sneinton | lat=52.95106 | long=-1.12615 | directions= | phone=+44 115 911 0069 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Bell Inn | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/bell-inn/ | email= | address=18 Angel Row | lat=52.9536 | long=-1.15237 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9475241 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7716394 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Salutation Inn | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheSalNotts/ | email= | address=Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9518 | long=-1.15013 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 9819 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8050762 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Ned Ludd| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheNedLudd | email= | address=27 Friar Lane | lat=52.95209 | long=-1.15170 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924 3415 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Rock City | alt= | url=https://www.rock-city.co.uk/ | email=info@rock-city.co.uk | address=8 Talbot Street | lat=52.95604 | long=-1.15403 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 6547 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 941 8438 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Pitcher and Piano | alt= | url=https://www.pitcherandpiano.com/bars/nottingham | email=nottingham@pitcherandpiano.com | address=The Unitarian Church, High Pavement | lat=52.95080 | long=-1.14532 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 6081 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15223906 | wikipedia=High Pavement Chapel | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Waterfront | alt= | url= | email= | address=NG1 7EH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-02-28 | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Igloo Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.igloohostel.co.uk | email= | address= | lat=52.9607183 | long=-1.1500132 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=For £15 a night, the Igloo is a very nice hostel and a great choice to spend one or more nights in Nottingham. A 5-minute walk from the centre of town, It's very clean and has 24 hot water in all the bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, toaster, and the most important equipment in a kitchen: a radio. The Igloo provides free tea, and coffee all day as well as free wifi and internet. It also has a comfortable, friendly common room, with a TV and many DVDs if you are tired and want to rest and watch something. Lots of books and board games can be easily found as well. A board with several tips of good cheap places to eat and drink can be found in the common room. Downstairs, the Games room offers a Ps2, Pool table and Fooz Ball. Unquestionably, a very good and friendly place! }} * {{sleep | name=Midtown Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.midtownhostel.co.uk | email= | address=Thurland Street | lat=52.9540278 | long=-1.1468093 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=£16 a night Midtown Hostel has lots of good things going for it. It's clean, in a great location (1-minute walk from the main square), hot water in the showers, free internet, decent kitchen (does have oven, does not have stove, has large fridge to store food in), PS2 and a few games, and free coffee and tea. The beds are reasonably comfortable (but some do squeak). Reports of noisy parties at night. }} * {{sleep | name=Britannia Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-britannia-nottingham-hotel/ | email= | address= 1 St James's St | lat=52.952298 | long= -1.153977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 0098 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.butterflyhotels.co.uk/Our_Hotels/Nottingham/index.php | email=reception@dayshotelnottingham.co.uk | address=17-31 Wollaton Street, NG1 5FW | lat=52.9555139 | long=-1.1536771 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912-8000 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 912-8080 | checkin=2PM (early check-in by arrangement) | checkout=11AM (late check-out by arrangement) | price=£79.95 (up to two children can stay free of charge, or for 75% if staying in a separate room | content=This Days Hotel features non-smoking rooms that include bath and/or shower, work desk, TV with freeview and complimentary broadband. Some rooms have been adapted to allow for easier access. Full or continental breakfasts are available for £10. }} * {{sleep | name=Jury's Inn | alt= | url=http://nottinghamhotels.jurysinns.com/ | email= | address=Waterfront Plaza, Station Street, NG2 3BJ | lat=52.9484617 | long=-1.1405785 | directions= | phone=+44 115 901-6700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Car parking is roughly 5 minutes from the hotel grounds, with many shops and restaurants close by. Well-equipped room with TV, hair-dryer, coffee/tea and biscuits and internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar) | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/nottinghamshire/nottingham/nottingham-city-centre-chapel-bar.html | email= | address=7 Chapel Bar, NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539122 | long=-1.1546132 | directions= | phone=+44 871 527 9658 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This hotel is in the centre of the city centre and is of the high standards of the Holiday Inn chain, with a spacious room, comfortable beds and friendly staff. }} * {{sleep | name= St James Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.stjames-hotel.com/ | email= | address=St James Street, NG1 6FJ | lat=52.951641 | long= -1.154235 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£40-60 pppn | content=In the heart of the city, it retains its period elegance, whilst offering comfortable accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-nottingham | email=ppnreception@pphe.com | address=41 Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9700923 | long=-1.1532588 | directions= | phone=+44 333 400 6148 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content=Comfortable hotel in the city centre. }} * {{sleep | name=SACO Apartments | alt= | url=http://nottingham.sacoapartments.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Ropewalk, NG1 5BB | lat=52.9555962 | long=-1.1618373 | directions= | phone=+44 117 970-6999 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=10AM | price=from £64 per night | content=Near the city centre with easy access to Queens Medical Hospital and the University of Nottingham. There are no surprises in the rooms as they meet their website descriptions and pictures perfectly, with friendly reception staff and all the facilities you need, even for a long-term stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/nottingham/notuk/hoteldetail | email=holidayinn.nottingham@btconnect.com | address=Castle Bridge Road Castle Marina Park, NG7 1GX | lat=52.9447152 | long=-1.16436 | directions= | phone=+44 115 993-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£65 | content=In a peaceful marina location. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Eastwood Hall | alt = | url=https://www.eastwood-hall.co.uk/ | email=eastwood.enquiries@thevenuescollection.co.uk | address=Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham. NG16 3SS | lat=53.024729 | long=-1.31076 | directions = | phone= +44 1773 532532 | tollfree = | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2018-11-08| content=Hotel and event venue offering 150 bedrooms and 36 meeting/event rooms, all connected to WiFi. ` }} * {{sleep | name=Hart's Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Village Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/nottingham/welcome | email= | address=Brailsford Way, Chilwell, NG9 6DL | lat=52.9031794 | long=-1.240977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 4602 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£55 | content=Offers over 130 bedrooms, a health club, the Verve Grill restaurant, the Victory Pub & Kitchen, the Vibe Cafe and a hair salon. The hotel also has 11 meetings & conference rooms. Booking is available online. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Langar Hall | alt= | url=http://www.langarhall.com/ | email= | address=Church Lane, Langar NG13 9HG | lat=52.905 | long=-0.929 | directions=12 miles southeast of city | phone=+44 1949 860559 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £130 | lastedit=2020-06-25 | content=Upscale country hotel in Georgian mansion with fine dining. }} === Camping === In surrounding area * {{sleep | name=Thorntons Holt | alt= | url=http://www.thorntons-holt.co.uk/ | email= | address=Stragglethorpe | lat=52.932854 | long=-1.052934 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 2125 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shelford Nurseries | alt= | url=http://www.shelfordnurseriescaravanpark.co.uk/ | email= | address=Shelford Hill, Radcliffe on Trent | lat=52.969229 | long=-1.014999 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 3433 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== While overall a safe city, Nottingham has been highlighted by the media for gun and knife crime in its suburbs, acquiring the (mostly tongue-in-cheek) nickname 'Shottingham'; although the actual incidence in 2004/5 was 19 offences per 100,000 population (compared to 50 per 100,000 population for both Greater Manchester and London). It is best to avoid walking late at night through St Ann's (a council estate northeast of the Victoria shopping centre) and The Meadows (between the railway station and the river). Normal precautions for large western European cities should be undertaken by individuals after dark, especially for lone females. ==Go next== * For keen walkers, [[Matlock]] and the Derbyshire [[Peak District]] can be reached in about an hour by car. To get there by public transport, catch the Red Arrow (£6 'zigzag' day ticket, takes 30 min, every 10 min) from the Victoria Bus station to Derby, and change to the TransPeak (£5.90 each way, takes about an hour, hourly). An alternative for the more budget conscious traveller is the 6.1 bus from Derby to [[Bakewell]], which takes longer but is included in the trentbarton 'zigzag' day ticket. * [[Derby]] is a neighboring city and is easily accessible by bus (£6 day ticket). * [[Lincoln]] is not too far away by rail. * [[Sheffield]], about an hour away from Nottingham by rail or road, is a slightly larger city and a popular cultural and shopping destination. * There are direct trains from Nottingham to the famous seaside resort of [[Skegness]]. {{routebox | image1=UK-Motorway-M1.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Sheffield]] | minorl1=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | directionr1=S | minorr1=[[East Midlands Airport]] | majorr1=[[Leicester]] | image2=UK_road_A46.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Lincoln]] | minorl2=[[Newark-on-Trent]] | directionr2=S | minorr2=Bingham | majorr2=[[Leicester]] | image3=UK_road_A52.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Derby]] | minorl3=[[Beeston]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Grantham]] | majorr3=[[Boston (England)|Boston]] | image4=UK_road_A60.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | minorl4=[[Arnold (Nottinghamshire)|Arnold]] | directionr4=S | minorr4= | majorr4=[[Loughborough]] | image5=UK road A606.svg | imagesize5=40 | directionl5=NW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=SE | minorr5=[[Melton Mowbray]] | majorr5=[[Peterborough]] }} {{IsPartOf|Nottinghamshire}} {{geo|52.9548|-1.1581}} {{usablecity}} ogsm28ef0w2uuff9uw6lvqbnflbgmj0 4487773 4487759 2022-07-21T14:44:34Z Inferno986return 476466 /* Events */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Nottingham Wikivoyage Banner 2.png}} [[File:Nottingham, UK - panoramio (1).jpg|300px|thumb|Statue of Robin Hood]] '''[http://www.visitnottingham.com Nottingham]''' is a city in [[England]], affectionately known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is famed for its links with the world-renowned legend of Robin Hood. ==Understand== Nottingham is one of three major cities in the [[East Midlands]] of England, the others being nearby [[Leicester]] and [[Derby]]. Its prosperity was historically derived mostly from the lace making and coal-mining industries, little of which remains. Nottingham has moved towards a more service-based economy. In the 1960s it was famed for having a gender imbalance. The centre of Nottingham lies on the River Leen and its southern boundary follows the course of the River Trent, which flows from [[Stoke]] to the Humber. According to the 2001 census, Nottingham has an estimated city population of 275,100. The Nottingham Urban Area conurbation (which includes surrounding suburbs outside the city boundary, and neighbouring towns) has a population of 666,358 (2001 Census). Nottingham is a member of the English Core Cities Group. The heart of the city is the Old Market Square, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2006. Most of the main shopping streets are around the square. The Council House, whose tall dome can be seen for miles around, is at the top end of the square. The inside of the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, a shopping centre. A bohemian quarter of the city known as Hockley has arisen close to the Lace Market area. Nottingham receives a lot of tourism, mostly because of the legend of [[Robin Hood]], visiting Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. ==Get in== ===By plane=== *{{marker|type=go|name=[[East Midlands Airport]]|url=|lat=52.831111|long=-1.327778}} ({{IATA|EMA}}) lies 12 miles (19 km) south-west of Nottingham and flights are available to many European (mostly tourist) destinations. The Skylink Express bus runs between the airport and city centre every 30 minutes during the day. The bus journey takes approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and costs £5 single, £9.90 return, £9 for a day ticket (zigzag plus) including all trentbarton buses in the area. The slower Skylink Nottingham bus runs all through the night (hourly), with the same fares and a journey time of 50 minutes to an hour. *{{marker|type=go|name=Birmingham Airport|url=http://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/|lat=52.453889|long=-1.748056}} ({{IATA|BHX}}) is about 40 miles from Nottingham and serves all major European and many international destinations. It is accessible by train, changing at Birmingham New Street. *{{marker|type=go|name=Doncaster Sheffield Airport|lat=53.475278|long=-1.004167|url=http://www.dsaflights.co.uk}} ({{IATA|DSA}}) lies to the north of Nottinghamshire. Eastern Airways continues to fly. ===By train=== * {{go | name=Nottingham railway station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/NOT.aspx | email= | address= | lat=52.947 | long=-1.146 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1988621 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=On the main line out of [[London St Pancras]]. The cheapest tickets between London and Nottingham are available from [http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/ East Midlands Trains] and can be booked online before travel. There are also regular connections to [[Manchester]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]], [[Derby]], [[Leicester]], [[Crewe (England)|Crewe]], [[Sheffield]], and [[Leeds]]. Trains from London to Sheffield do not stop at Nottingham. }} Turn right out of the station for an easy 10-minute walk to the city centre. The tram stop is right above the station, giving access to all tram destinations since both lines pass through the station. ===By car=== From the south, travel on the M1 and exit at junction 24 or 25. From the North take the M1 junction 25 or 26. There are nine [https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/transport-parking-and-streets/parking-and-permits/park-and-ride/ Park and Ride] sites with over 6500 spaces around the city. Many of these park and ride sites are connected to Nottingham city centre by the [[Nottingham#By tram|city's tram network]], or buses. <gallery> [[File:Nottingham City Transport bus 946 (YN08 MSU) 2008 Scania N270UD OmniDekka, Nottingham, 21 June 2011.jpg|thumb|Nottingham City Transport]] [[File:Trent Barton coach 75 (FJ10 OXR) 2010 Scania K94IB Irizar i4, Red Arrow, Clay Cross, 7 November 2010 uncropped.jpg|thumb|Trent Barton]] </gallery> ===By bus=== Nottingham has two sizeable bus stations near to its two major shopping centres, {{marker|type=go|name=Broadmarsh|url=|lat=52.949302|long=-1.147146}} and {{marker|type=go|name=Victoria|url=|lat=52.95912|long=-1.14864}}. [http://www.traveline.info Traveline], +44 871 200 22 33 Bus operators offer services to most other UK destinations. National Express provides cheap advance tickets on a Nottingham-London route, often for as little as £5 each way if booked early enough online. National Express also offers cheap non-changeable tickets (called "Funfare") to many other major cities from Nottingham. Megabus also serves the city, although only twice a day with one departure at 5AM! ==Get around== {{Mapframe|52.9505|-1.1501|zoom=14|height=|width=|layer=M|staticmap=|align=}} [[File:Nottingham Tram map.svg|thumb|Map of the Nottingham Tram network]] Nottingham has excellent public transport by buses and trams. ===By foot=== The city centre is best explored on foot as many of the historic streets are pedestrianised or have good pedestrian access. ===By tram=== [http://www.thetram.net Nottingham Express Transit] is the city's modern tram system. There are two branches which run on the same tracks in the city centre and then diverge at both ends to serve 4 destinations (Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton Lane and Clifton South). The system has a number of Park and Ride sites along it, which make travel into the city centre easy. An all day tram-only ticket costs £4, single tickets are £2.20. Tickets must be bought from ticket machines on platforms before boarding. ===By bus=== Nottingham has extensive bus services provided by two main companies, [http://www.trentbarton.co.uk trentbarton] and [http://www.nctx.co.uk Nottingham City Transport] (NCT), running from the Broadmarsh and Victoria Bus stations as well as key termini in the city centre such as Old Market Square, Parliament Street and Carrington Street. Fares: '''Most NCT buses do not give change.''' Trentbarton buses do, just ask the driver. ====Ticketing==== Ticketing can be confusing. Ticketing for most operators is detailed below: Cash: *NCT buses: £2 single, £3.70 day ticket *trentbarton buses: single fare varies by distance (check website), £6 "zigzag" day ticket or £9 "zigzag plus" including East Midlands Airport. This allows travel on all Trentbarton services as far as Bakewell, Derby or Chesterfield *NET trams: single fare £2.20, day ticket £4 *Multiple operators: £4.50 kangaroo day ticket for all public transport in greater Nottingham Robin Hood Prepaid Card (purchase from ticket machines around city centre): *Buses and Trams: £1.70 single, £3.15 max for single operator, £4 max for all operators Students with valid ID: *£1.50 single fare for many NCT buses and all Trentbarton buses (within Nottingham) ==See== [[File:Nottingham MMB 23 Market Square.jpg|thumb|Nottingham's Council House & Old Market Square]] ===Museums and galleries=== * {{listing | type=see | name=Nottingham Castle | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=£13 | wikipedia=Nottingham Castle | image=Nottingham Castle Gate 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q17642916 | content=Visitors with Hollywood expectations of Robin Hood films should be aware that this is not a medieval castle, but a small stately home with only the gatehouse remaining from the original castle. The castle includes grounds with a children’s play area and extensive views over the region, and a museum with various exhibitions inside the house itself (including the country's first municipal art gallery). After a refurbishment the castle reopened in 2021 with a number of interactive exhibits/games. A tour of the caves under the castle can also be booked for an additional fee. }} * {{see | name=Robin Hood statue | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.95044 | long=-1.15339 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=24/7 | price=Free | wikipedia=Robin Hood | wikidata=Q122634 |image=Robin_Hood_Memorial.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-17 | content=Statue of Nottingham's most famous hero, just outside of the castle walls. }} * {{see | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn | alt= | url=http://www.triptojerusalem.com/ | email= | address=Castle Road | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.1526 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | content=Off Maid Marian Way - one of various pubs claiming to be the oldest pub in Britain, the "Trip" traces its existence back over 800 years. Built into the sandstone caves under the castle, it is charming and well worth a visit if you happen to be in the city. It is located at the '''Brewhouse Yard''', home to the '''Museum of Nottingham Life''' which shows the social change in Nottingham that has occurred over the last 300 years. }} * {{see | name=City of Caves | alt= | url=https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves | email= | address= | lat=52.951 | long=-1.1466 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£8.75 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with National Justice Museum) | wikipedia=City of Caves | wikidata=Q5123621 | lastedit=2018-09-26 | content=A visitor attraction which is accessed from the upper mall of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre. It consists of a network of caves, carved out of sandstone that have been variously used over the years as a tannery, public house cellars, and as air raid shelters. Nottingham has more man-made caves than anywhere else in Britain. }} * {{see | name=National Justice Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/ | email=info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk | address=Shire Hall, High Pavement, NG1 1HN | lat=52.950833 | long=-1.144444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£10.95 (£17.60 for a combined ticket with City of Caves) | image=Lace market justice galleries.JPG | wikidata=Q5518971| wikipedia=National Justice Museum | lastedit= | content=Well-worth visiting for a fascinating look at the sometimes rough justice meted out in years gone by. The museum is done as a guided tour lasting 1- 1.5 hours, so a specific time slot needs to be booked. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Contemporary | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/ | email= | address= | lat=52.9511 | long=-1.1458 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | image=Nottingham Contemporary - geograph-1825342.jpg | wikidata=Q7063622| wikipedia=Nottingham Contemporary | lastedit= | content=Presents major exhibitions of contemporary art, with associated education programmes for all ages. }} * {{see | name=Wollaton Hall | alt= | url=http://www.wollatonhall.org.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=52.94788 | long=-1.209595 | directions=Accessible by buses 35,36 (NCT, Victoria Centre) and i4 (trentbarton, Broadmarsh) | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Wollaton Hall Nov2010.jpg | wikidata=Q17528596| wikipedia=Wollaton Hall | content=A beautiful Elizabethan mansion in a large suburban deer park, '''Wollaton Park'''. The hall houses the city's Natural History Museum whilst the Industrial Museum is housed in an outbuilding. The Hall was used in the 2012 film, ''Batman: The Dark Knight Rises'' as Wayne Manor. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Council House | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.953333 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Council-House-Nottingham.jpg | wikidata=Q7063627| wikipedia=Nottingham Council House | content=A neo-Baroque building where the Nottingham City Council meets. It is in the Old Market Square and tours are free (must be pre-booked) }} * {{see | name=Industrial Museum | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@nottinghamindustrialmuseum.co.uk | address=Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE | lat=52.945989 | long=-1.208054 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 3936 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adults €3, seniors and students €2, children free | wikipedia=Nottingham Industrial Museum | image=Entrance to Wollaton Hall Stable Block - geograph.org.uk - 919090.jpg | wikidata=Q17015910 | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=A museum dedicated to industrial heritage, run by volunteers, and housed in the 17th-century stables block of Wollaton Hall. Its collection covers machinery from industries ranging from textile, transport, telecommunications, mining, and engineering technology. They also have a collection of cycles, motorcycles, and motor cars. Among the top pieces are significant lace-making machinery, and operational beam engines from the Basford pumping station. }} * {{see | name=Green's Windmill | alt= | url=https://www.greensmill.org.uk/ | email= | address=Windmill Lane, Sneinton NG2 4QB | lat=52.952 | long=-1.129 | directions= | phone=+44 115 915 6878 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=George Green (1793-1841) was a mathematician whose work unifying magnetism and electricity laid the foundations for James Clark Maxwell. Remarkably he was self-taught, labouring all hours here in his father's mill. So as well as the working machinery there's an exhibit on his contributions to science. }} * {{see | name=Haunted Museum | alt= | url=https://www.thehauntedmuseum.co.uk/ | email=info@thehauntedmuseum.co.uk | address=Basement, Hopkinsons, 21 Station St, NG2 3AJ | lat=52.947765 | long=-1.146178 | directions=next to Nottingham train station | phone=+44 7503 325218 | tollfree= | hours=11am-6pm | price=Adult: £8 | lastedit=2022-07-16 | content=A paranormal museum which blends witchcraft, haunted objects and pop-culture horror. }} ===Historic sites out of town=== * {{see | name=Newstead Abbey | alt= | url=http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk | email= | address= | lat=53.078333 | long=-1.1925 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Newstead Abbey 02.jpg | wikidata=Q1819331| wikipedia=Newstead Abbey | content=The beautiful home of local poet Lord Byron is 12 miles (19 km) north of the city. It is well worth a visit, and the website supplies extensive information on how to travel to the site. Lord Byron was buried in '''Hucknall Church''', and his tomb can be seen inside the church at the end of Hucknall's high street, a few minutes walk from the Hucknall tram stop. }} * {{see | name=[[Sherwood Forest]] Country Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.205875 | long=-1.08609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The ancient royal hunting forest to the North of Nottingham, stretching throughout Nottinghamshire and up to South Yorkshire. The remnants of Sherwood form a number of country parks and estates. Clumber Park, about 30 miles (50 km) north on the A614 near [[Worksop]], is a vast area of parkland and woods owned by the National Trust, good for walking and cycling (bicycle hire available). Sherwood Pines Country Park houses a CenterParcs village, a Go Ape aerial assault course, and woodland walking. And Sherwood Forest Country Park has the historic "Sherwood" which visitors may be looking for - the Major Oak which was said to be the hideout of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. The tired visitor centre is due for replacement, and many visitors are surprised to find the Oak is actually in the Birklands, an area of birch trees. The Thoresby Hall estate is run by Warner holidays as a "just for adults" centre, and Welbeck Abbey is now a military college. }} * {{see | name=Great Central Railway - Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.gcrn.co.uk | email=info@gcrn.co.uk | address=Mere Way, Ruddington, NG11 6JS | lat=52.8845928 | long=-1.1463983 | directions=6 miles south of Nottingham | phone=+44 115 940 5705 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Offers journeys on historic steam and diesel locomotives, has a collection of historic buses on display along with 3 model railway exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Papplewick Pumping Station | alt= | url=http://www.papplewickpumpingstation.org.uk/ | email= | address=Rigg Lane, Ravenshead NG15 9AJ | lat=53.064 | long=-1.131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 963 2938 | tollfree= | hours=Su 11AM-4PM | price=Adult £4; steam days adult £10, conc £9, child free | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=These twin beam engines were installed in 1884 to lift water {{ft|200}} from an underground reservoir to feed the city supply. The interior is richly, almost riotously decorated, as if to out-do the fountains of Alhambra. The engines are in steam one weekend a month, see website. }} * {{see | name=Framework Knitters' Museum | alt= | url=https://www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/ | email= | address=Chapel St, Ruddington NG11 6HE | lat=52.891 | long=-1.152 | directions= | phone=+44 115 984 6914 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=This technology is early 19th century, transitional between cottage industry and the great Victorian mill halls. In 2021 it's closed for refurbishment. }} ===Theatres=== * {{see | name=Theatre Royal | alt= | url=http://www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk/ | email= | address=Theatre Square, NG1 5ND | lat=52.955147 | long=-1.151389 | directions= | phone=+44 115 989-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7777438| wikipedia=Theatre Royal, Nottingham | image=Theatre Royal, Nottingham - geograph.org.uk - 997109.jpg | content=Opened in 1865 this is one of the finest Victorian theatres in the UK. The Theatre Royal is Nottingham's main touring house, offering a wide range of productions including musicals, opera, ballet, drama and the annual pantomime. The world's longest-running stage play, Agatha Christie's ''The Mousetrap'' had its premiere here. Auditorium seats 1186 on four levels. Licensed bars, cafe and restaurant. The Theatre Royal is integrated into the Royal Centre which also includes the state-of-the-art Royal Concert Hall which has excellent acoustics, seats 2499, and welcomes world-class orchestras, rock bands and solo artists. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Playhouse | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/ | email= | address=Wellington Circus, Derby Road, NG1 5AF | lat=52.9537 | long=-1.1577 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-9419 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063678| wikipedia=Nottingham Playhouse | content=Opened in 1963 to the designs of Peter Moro and heritage-listed as Grade II*, the Playhouse is one of the most architecturally-striking modern theatres in the UK. Its resident company has acquired a national and international reputation since 1948. Main auditorium seats 750 on two levels, Studio seats 90. Licensed bars and restaurant. Outside the theatre is the 'Sky Mirror' public sculpture by Turner-Prize winner Anish Kapoor. }} * {{see | name=Lace Market Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.lacemarkettheatre.co.uk/ | email= | address=Halifax Place, near Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QN | lat=52.9516 | long=-1.1449 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950-7201 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6468185| wikipedia=Lace Market Theatre | content=Small, independent amateur theatre with an excellent reputation for its range of productions. Main auditorium seats 118, Studio seats 50. Licensed bar. }} * {{see | name=Nottingham Arts Theatre | alt= | url=http://www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk | email= | address=George Street, NG1 3BE | lat=52.95429 | long=-1.14489 | directions= | phone =+44 115 947-6096 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063592| wikipedia=Nottingham Arts Theatre | content=Community theatre offering about 10 productions per year, including comedy, drama, musicals and opera. Main auditorium seats 320, Studio seats 50. Coffee Bar. }} * {{see | name=Lakeside Arts Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/ | email= | address=East Drive, University Park, NG7 2RD | lat=52.938337 | long=-1.189842 | directions= | phone=+44 115 846-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Further out of town, in University Park is the 225-seat Djanogly Theatre. The diverse programme includes drama, dance, comedy, jazz, world music and family events. Cafe. }} ===Cinemas=== * {{see | name=Broadway | alt= | url=http://www.broadway.org.uk/ | email= | address=14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL | lat=52.9542653 | long=-1.1437133 | directions= | phone=+44 115 952-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £8.80 | content=Four screens, cafes, bars and a mix of independent, foreign-language and mainstream releases. }} * {{see | name=Cineworld | alt= | url=http://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/49/information | email= | address=Cornerhouse, Forman St, NG1 4AA | lat=52.9555449 | long=-1.1505939 | directions= | phone=0844 815 7747 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £11.20 | content=Has 14 screens, including an IMAX facility. }} * {{see | name=Savoy Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.savoyonline.co.uk/SavoyNottingham.dll/Home | email= | address=233 Derby Rd, Lenton, NG7 1QN | lat=52.9513212 | long=-1.173679 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-2580 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £6.50 | content=Four screens, a licensed bar and due to its location is popular with uni students. }} * {{see | name=Showcase Cinemas | alt= | url=http://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/locations/nottingham | email= | address=Redfield Way, Lenton, NG7 2UW | lat=52.936642 | long=-1.175906 | directions= | phone=0871 220 1000 (high cost charge number) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Standard adult ticket: £10.50 | content=A 12-screen American-style multiplex just off the A52/Clifton Boulevard ring road. }} ==Do== [[File:Nottingham Panthers vs Cardiff Devils April 2011.jpg | thumb | 300px | National Ice Centre in 2011 ]] === Sports === * {{do | name=Nottingham Forest FC | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/ | email= | address=Trentside N, West Bridgford NG2 5FJ | lat=52.94 | long=-1.1328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Nottingham Forest F.C. | wikidata=Q19490 | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=Forest were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the Premier League, England's top tier. Their home stadium (capacity 30,000) is City Ground just south of the Trent, a one-mile walk from city centre. Their unique feat was to win two European titles yet only one domestic, and they long played in lower tiers until their 2022 promotion. }} * {{do | name=Notts County FC | alt= | url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/ | email= | address=Meadow Ln NG2 3HJ | lat=52.942638 | long=-1.13716 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Notts County F.C. | wikidata=Q19598 | lastedit=2019-05-26 | content=County are the world's oldest professional football club, founded in 1862, but nowadays overshadowed by Forest. They were relegated in 2019 so they now play in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. Their home stadium is Meadow Lane, fairly central and north of the river. }} * '''Rugby:''' [https://www.nottinghamrugby.co.uk/ Nottingham RFC] play rugby union in the Championship, the second tier. Their home ground is Lady Bay a quarter mile east of Trent Bridge. * {{do | name=National Ice Centre | alt= | url=https://www.national-ice-centre.com/ | email= | address=Bolero Square, Belward St, NG1 1LA| lat=52.952778 | long=-1.139444 | directions= | phone=+44 843 373 3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 8AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | wikidata=Q1128250 | wikipedia=National Ice Centre | content=The city's ice skating rink where visitors can skate themselves or watch the GMB Nottingham Panthers, the UK's oldest and best supported team. Get your tickets in advance and ask for tickets at the 'bowl end' in order to be in amongst the locals (and at the end where the 'Panthers' shoot twice). If you happen to be visiting Nottingham at the same time that they are taking on arch rivals the Sheffield Steelers then get your tickets in advance as these games nearly always sell out - prepare yourself for 7000 people screaming on their team and a war on the ice - these teams ''do not'' like each other (though there is never any fan based violence). Another Ice Hockey match worth going to is the Nottingham Trent University vs University of Nottingham Varsity match held once a year and is the biggest varsity outside North America. }} * {{do | name=National Watersports Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nwscnotts.com/ | email= | address=Adbolton Ln, Holme Pierrepont, NG12 2LU | lat=52.941332 | long=-1.091554 | directions= | phone=+44 115 982 1212 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{do | name=Trent Bridge Cricket Ground | alt= | url=http://www.trentbridge.co.uk/cricket/index.html | email= | address=Bridgford Rd, West Bridgford NG2 6AG | lat=52.936883 | long=-1.132161 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Trent Bridge | wikidata=Q2096399 | lastedit=2019-10-15 | content=This is the home ground of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club: they were relegated in 2019 and now play in Division 2 of the County Championship. Inter-county matches last up to four days. They also field a limited-overs team, Notts Outlaws. Trent Bridge frequently hosts Test Matches ie internationals, which may last five days. The stadium is about a mile south of city centre. Walk south on London Rd (A60) over the Trent. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Tennis Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.934506 | long=-1.190131 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7063693| wikipedia=Nottingham Tennis Centre | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Hosts the Nottingham Open each year in the week running up to Wimbledon. }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Hockey Centre | alt= | url=http://www.nottinghamhockeycentre.com/ | email= | address= | lat=52.933369 | long=-1.194189 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q814120| wikipedia=Beeston Hockey Club | lastedit=2018-04-01 | content=Home ground of the Beeston Hockey Club (the Bees), whose Men's and Women's team play in the Premier Division. Often hosts Premier League Play-offs and Finals }} * {{do | name=Nottingham Activity Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.081519 | long=-1.082768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=The professional's choice for quality clay shooting. Stag and Hen, Corporate and private tuition available }} * {{do | name=Nottingham & District Gun Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.087748 | long=-1.084395 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content=Try your hand at clay shooting. }} ===Parks and activities=== * In the summer you can hire a rowing boat on the beautiful grounds of the University of Nottingham. * Nottingham Castle has extensive grounds, which are planted beautifully in the summer time. Each summer open air theatre performances are held in the grounds. [[File:Nottingham Arboretum 1.jpg|thumb|right|The Arboretum is perfect for a relaxing walk to get away from the crowded city.]] * {{do | name=Arboretum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF | lat=52.9603889 | long=-1.156849 | directions=between Nottingham Trent University tram stop and High School tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=The Arboretum, Nottingham | wikidata=Q7714137 |image=Nottingham_Arboretum_1.jpg | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Botanical garden, hosts open air music in the park at weekends in summer. }} ===Events=== [[File:Nottingham goose fair 2012 207a.jpg|thumb|A ride at the Goose Fair.]] [[File:Nottinghamshire Pride 2011 MMB 04.jpg|thumb|A partier at Nottinghamshire Pride 2011.]] * {{event | name=Nottingham Goose Fair | alt= | url=https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/goose-fair-p358771 | email= | date=1 | month=October | year=2022 | enddate=2 | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the Forest tram stop | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | wikidata=Q3074831 | wikipedia=Nottingham Goose Fair | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held on the Forest Recreation Ground on the first weekend of October each year. It is one of Britain's largest funfairs and has existed for more than 700 years, but nowadays you won't see any geese! To see it at its best, go after dark, although it's likely to be less busy during the day. }} * The Forest Recreation Ground also plays host to the city's annual Bonfire Night fireworks display, which also has a funfair. * The '''Riverside Festival''' at Victoria Embankment is held on a weekend at the start of August each year. It features live music, markets and fairs topped off with a huge fireworks display. * The varsity sports series between the city's two universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is the largest outside of North America. * {{event | name=Nottingham Pride | alt= | url=https://www.nottinghamshirepride.co.uk/ | email= | date=30 | month=July | year=2022 | enddate=31 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Entry is free | wikidata=Q7063681 | wikipedia=Nottingham Pride | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Held annually at the last weekend of July at the Forest Recreation Ground. The event consists of numerous stages of music and comedy, as well as many stalls and stands from organisations, including food and drink areas! It attracts people not just from the Nottingham area; but from neighbouring counties and regions such as South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Nottingham is therefore a gay-friendly city and is accepting of LGBT people with notable gay visibility. (The city has the third highest percentage of people in same-sex partnerships, according to the 2001 census, of the eight English core cities after Manchester and Bristol.) It is referred to as the gay capital of the Midlands - or "Queen of the Midlands"; and the LGBT community is down-to-earth and friendly; as is the general culture of Nottingham. }} * '''LBC''' is a monthly electronic music event held at '''The Bodega''' featuring upcoming artists from all over the world. Entry is fairly cheap and is predominantly aimed at the student population of the city. Once featured in ''The Guardian'', it is seen as Nottingham's forward-thinking music and arts event. ==Buy== Nottingham has two large excellent shopping centres at either end of the City Centre "The Victoria Centre" and "Broadmarsh". The Victoria Centre is the more modern of the two, and has more shops & facilities, although Broadmarsh is on the eve of a huge redevelopment which will more than double its size. * {{buy | name=intu Victoria Centre | alt= | url=http://intu.co.uk/victoriacentre | email= | address=222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN | lat=52.956389 | long=-1.147222 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912 1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Victoria Centre | wikidata=Q7926625 | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=intu Broadmarsh | alt= | url=http://www.intu.co.uk/broadmarsh | email= | address=Lister Gate, NG1 7LB | lat=52.95 | long=-1.148611 | directions= | phone=+44 115 840 4555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4972220| wikipedia=Broadmarsh | lastedit=2017-03-21 | content= }} Between the two are the main shopping streets: Lister Gate and Clumber Street are home to High Street names, while designer labels can be found on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Street and in the Exchange Arcade, within the Council House on Market Square. The alternative shopper will find Hockley Village a haven, focused around Goose Gate, the city's Bohemian district. To buy a Nottingham memento, go to the Lace Centre on the corner of Castle Gate, opposite the Robin Hood statue, to buy traditional Nottingham lace. With regards to the alternative music and fashion scene, Nottingham is highly regarded and caters well for obscure and eclectic tastes. Selectadisc, just a short walk from the Market Square is one of just two in the country, the other being in Soho, London. Selectadisc is widely considered to stock the best indie and alternative music selection in the city, yet it is commonly felt that, for more helpful and down-to-earth staff, the Fopp store (on the next road) is more reliable. Now one of just six Fopp stores in the country, this store often stages in store sessions and offers a wide selection of independent DVDs and fanzines and CDs from unsigned acts. Void, Wild (and its sister store Wilder) and the local favourite Ice Nine can all be found in the bohemian district of Hockley. These stores can often become busy over the weekend in particular, but many original retro and vintage fashion items can be found for very cheap prices here. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Annie's burger shack | alt= | url=http://www.anniesburgershack.com/ | email= | address=The Navigation, 6 Wilford Street | lat=52.947984 | long=-1.1517388 | directions= | phone=+44 115 837 1930 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily noon-1AM | price= | content=An eating institution to a number of locals. It is in The Navigation, this doubles up as a place for high quality burgers (generally in the £10 range) and real ale with canal side seating. }} * {{eat | name=Wagamama | alt= | url=http://www.wagamama.com | email= | address=The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB | lat=52.95591 | long=-1.1509131 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924-1797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11:30-11PM, Su 11:30AM-10PM | price= | content=Open late every day. Chain serving affordable Japanese-style ramen, as well as fried noodle and rice dishes. £5 to £8 per main. It's usually busy and cafeteria-style benches mean you will rub elbows with your fellow diners. }} * {{eat | name=The Kean's Head | alt= | url=http://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/keans-head/ | email= | address=46 St. Mary's Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA | lat=52.9513481 | long=-1.1440224 | directions= | phone=+44 115 947-4052 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, F-Su 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Open daily from late morning until late. This small pub in the Lace Market area serves simple but tasty food, ranging from sandwiches to traditional English pub food to more Italian-influenced fare. £4 to £8 per dish. Non-smoking, and an excellent selection of beers to match your food. }} <!--* '''The Alley Cafe''', 1A Cannon Court, Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE, +44 115 955-1013. This small bar and restaurant located on a tiny alley on the north-western part of Old Market Square serves vegetarian and vegan meals and sandwiches, £4 to £10 per meal. Draught beer served as well.--> Nottingham also has the usual range of chain restaurants and bars that you can find in many cities across the UK - for a budget meal (and drink) JD Wetherspoons is always worth trying - there are also a number of budget restaurants along Mansfield Road not far from the Victoria Shopping Centre There is a pedestrianised street full of eateries of varying quality next to the Cornerhouse. These restaurants range from a Pizza Hut and a Subway, to a brassiere (Punchinellos) with an excellent pre-theatre menu. There is also a wide variety of takeaways in Nottingham, catering for many different tastes. ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=French Living | alt= | url=http://www.frenchliving.co.uk | email=info@frenchliving.co.uk | address=27 King Street, Nottingham NG1 2AY | lat=52.9549028 | long=-1.1495825 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958-5885 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F noon-2PM, 6PM-10PM; Sa noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Las Iguanas | alt= | url=http://www.iguanas.co.uk | email=nottingham@iguanas.co.uk | address=Chapel Quarter Chapel Bar, 4, Nottingham NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539712 | long=-1.1537533 | directions= | phone=+44 115 959-6390 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th noon-11PM, F-Su noon-11:30PM | price= | content=This is a wonderful Brazilian restaurant. }} <!--* {{eat | name=Cafe Rouge | alt= | url=http://www.caferouge.co.uk | email= | address=31 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 58 2230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Relaxed, informal dining with good service and handy for the Lace Market area of Nottingham. }} * {{eat | name=Peechy Keens | alt= | url=http://www.peachykeens.co.uk | email=nottingham@peachykeens.co.uk | address=114 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone =+44 115 958-3666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= All-you-can-eat buffet of many cultural foods such as Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Thai and Italian. (£7-15 depending on time of day). }}--> ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Hart's Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham NG1 6GN | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Owned by Tim Hart of Hambleton Hall fame. At lunch time the Hart's formula includes "lunch for less" with two or three courses from a shorted menu for £16-18 per person. There are various fixed price menus in the evenings too. Meal prices for two with three courses and wine in the evening will approach £80. }} * {{eat | name=World Service | alt= | url=http://www.worldservicerestaurant.com | email= | address=Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham NG1 6AF | lat=52.95082 | long=-1.152396 | directions= | phone=+44 115 847 5587 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-09-16 | content=Similar formula to Hart's - some of the owners used to work there! Regularly top of the pops in the "Nottingham Restaurant of the Year" awards. }} ==Drink== [[File:Bell Inn, Nottingham.jpg|thumb|Nottingham has a lot of historic pubs - this is an advert for one of them from 1840]] [[File:Former Unitarian Chapel Nottingham (geograph 2032588).jpg|thumb|The site of Nottingham's Pitcher and Piano, in a former 19th century church]] There are at least three pubs in Nottingham which claim to be amongst the oldest in the city (and the country) - so there is no shortage of drinking establishments for visitors. The city has a range of pubs and bars serving drinks late into the night. A good place to start is the trendy Lace Market area east of Market Square where you will also find many good restaurants. Pubs around the Market Square tend to appeal to younger drinkers with a Wetherspoon's and Yates's Wine Lodge, but the area on the canal side around the '''Canal House''' pub tends to be a little more discerning. The Hockley area also provides a range of pleasant bars to suit a range of budgets. The Cornerhouse complex (near the Royal Centre tram stop) contains some really nice bars, particularly [https://www.revolution-bars.co.uk/bar/nottingham-cornerhouse/ Revolution], and close to this is The Orange Tree on Shakespeare Street. Slightly further out of the centre in the multicultural and vibrant area known as Sneinton is a wonderful pub called the Lord Nelson with a great garden and real ales. The other historic pubs include '''The Bell Inn''', situated in the Market Square, and '''the Salutation''', on Maid Marian Way, both of which can trace a long history and lay claim to having resident ghosts. Ask at a quiet moment for a tour of the Salutation's cellars, dug by hand into the sandstone rock below the pub and used in centuries past as a secure brewing area. The Ned Ludd is also located near the Old Market square and serves local ale from '''Nottingham Brewery'''. '''Rock City''' hosts one of the biggest student disco nights in town, with standard dance/pop music, when popular live rock bands aren't playing in town. For a different experience, try '''The Pitcher and Piano''' bar, with a slightly more mature crowd. Built as a large Unitarian church it has been stylishly modernised but still contains the church's architectural history with gothic decor and stained glass windows. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem/ | email= | address=1 Brewhouse Yard | lat=52.9493 | long=-1.15264 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9473171 | tollfree= | hours=Su, M-Th: 11AM-11PM, Sa: 11AM-midnight | price= | wikipedia=Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem | image=Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem 2005.jpg | wikidata=Q5323585 | lastedit=2019-07-30 | content=Claims to be the oldest pub in the UK, allegedly built in 1189, and is below the castle and often on the tourist trail. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Canalhouse | alt= | url=https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/the-canalhouse/ | email=canalhouse@castlerockbrewery.co.uk | address=48-52 Canal Street | lat=52.94827 | long=-1.14857 | directions= | phone=+44 115 955 5060 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Cornerhouse | alt= | url= https://cornerhousenottingham.co.uk/| email=Charlie@cornerhouse.tv | address=Burton Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 5168 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= | wikidata=Q7727633 | wikipedia=The Cornerhouse, Nottingham }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Playwright 38 | alt=formerly The Orange Tree | url=https://www.theplaywright38.co.uk/ | email=info@theplaywright38.co.uk | address=38 Shakespeare Street | lat=52.95775 | long= -1.15106| directions= | phone=+44 1159 473239 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Lord Nelson| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/LordNelsonSneinton/ | email= | address=Lord Nelson Street, Sneinton | lat=52.95106 | long=-1.12615 | directions= | phone=+44 115 911 0069 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Bell Inn | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/bell-inn/ | email= | address=18 Angel Row | lat=52.9536 | long=-1.15237 | directions= | phone=+44 115 9475241 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7716394 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=Originally the site of a friary from the 12th century, it became an inn following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now a pub with food, drink, and sports on TV. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ye Olde Salutation Inn | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheSalNotts/ | email= | address=Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9518 | long=-1.15013 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 9819 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8050762 | lastedit=2019-07-28 | content=The building has existed since 1240, and the pub's caves date from the 9th century. Serves food and drink in a typical pub setting. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name= The Ned Ludd| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/TheNedLudd | email= | address=27 Friar Lane | lat=52.95209 | long=-1.15170 | directions= | phone=+44 115 924 3415 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Rock City | alt= | url=https://www.rock-city.co.uk/ | email=info@rock-city.co.uk | address=8 Talbot Street | lat=52.95604 | long=-1.15403 | directions= | phone=+44 115 950 6547 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 941 8438 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Pitcher and Piano | alt= | url=https://www.pitcherandpiano.com/bars/nottingham | email=nottingham@pitcherandpiano.com | address=The Unitarian Church, High Pavement | lat=52.95080 | long=-1.14532 | directions= | phone=+44 115 958 6081 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q15223906 | wikipedia=High Pavement Chapel | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Waterfront | alt= | url= | email= | address=NG1 7EH | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-02-28 | content= }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Igloo Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.igloohostel.co.uk | email= | address= | lat=52.9607183 | long=-1.1500132 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=For £15 a night, the Igloo is a very nice hostel and a great choice to spend one or more nights in Nottingham. A 5-minute walk from the centre of town, It's very clean and has 24 hot water in all the bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, toaster, and the most important equipment in a kitchen: a radio. The Igloo provides free tea, and coffee all day as well as free wifi and internet. It also has a comfortable, friendly common room, with a TV and many DVDs if you are tired and want to rest and watch something. Lots of books and board games can be easily found as well. A board with several tips of good cheap places to eat and drink can be found in the common room. Downstairs, the Games room offers a Ps2, Pool table and Fooz Ball. Unquestionably, a very good and friendly place! }} * {{sleep | name=Midtown Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.midtownhostel.co.uk | email= | address=Thurland Street | lat=52.9540278 | long=-1.1468093 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=£16 a night Midtown Hostel has lots of good things going for it. It's clean, in a great location (1-minute walk from the main square), hot water in the showers, free internet, decent kitchen (does have oven, does not have stove, has large fridge to store food in), PS2 and a few games, and free coffee and tea. The beds are reasonably comfortable (but some do squeak). Reports of noisy parties at night. }} * {{sleep | name=Britannia Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-britannia-nottingham-hotel/ | email= | address= 1 St James's St | lat=52.952298 | long= -1.153977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 0098 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.butterflyhotels.co.uk/Our_Hotels/Nottingham/index.php | email=reception@dayshotelnottingham.co.uk | address=17-31 Wollaton Street, NG1 5FW | lat=52.9555139 | long=-1.1536771 | directions= | phone=+44 115 912-8000 | tollfree= | fax=+44 115 912-8080 | checkin=2PM (early check-in by arrangement) | checkout=11AM (late check-out by arrangement) | price=£79.95 (up to two children can stay free of charge, or for 75% if staying in a separate room | content=This Days Hotel features non-smoking rooms that include bath and/or shower, work desk, TV with freeview and complimentary broadband. Some rooms have been adapted to allow for easier access. Full or continental breakfasts are available for £10. }} * {{sleep | name=Jury's Inn | alt= | url=http://nottinghamhotels.jurysinns.com/ | email= | address=Waterfront Plaza, Station Street, NG2 3BJ | lat=52.9484617 | long=-1.1405785 | directions= | phone=+44 115 901-6700 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Car parking is roughly 5 minutes from the hotel grounds, with many shops and restaurants close by. Well-equipped room with TV, hair-dryer, coffee/tea and biscuits and internet access. }} * {{sleep | name=Premier Inn Nottingham City Centre (Chapel Bar) | alt= | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/nottinghamshire/nottingham/nottingham-city-centre-chapel-bar.html | email= | address=7 Chapel Bar, NG1 6JS | lat=52.9539122 | long=-1.1546132 | directions= | phone=+44 871 527 9658 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This hotel is in the centre of the city centre and is of the high standards of the Holiday Inn chain, with a spacious room, comfortable beds and friendly staff. }} * {{sleep | name= St James Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.stjames-hotel.com/ | email= | address=St James Street, NG1 6FJ | lat=52.951641 | long= -1.154235 | directions= | phone=+44 115 941-1114 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£40-60 pppn | content=In the heart of the city, it retains its period elegance, whilst offering comfortable accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Plaza Nottingham | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-nottingham | email=ppnreception@pphe.com | address=41 Maid Marian Way | lat=52.9700923 | long=-1.1532588 | directions= | phone=+44 333 400 6148 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content=Comfortable hotel in the city centre. }} * {{sleep | name=SACO Apartments | alt= | url=http://nottingham.sacoapartments.co.uk/ | email= | address=The Ropewalk, NG1 5BB | lat=52.9555962 | long=-1.1618373 | directions= | phone=+44 117 970-6999 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=4PM | checkout=10AM | price=from £64 per night | content=Near the city centre with easy access to Queens Medical Hospital and the University of Nottingham. There are no surprises in the rooms as they meet their website descriptions and pictures perfectly, with friendly reception staff and all the facilities you need, even for a long-term stay. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/nottingham/notuk/hoteldetail | email=holidayinn.nottingham@btconnect.com | address=Castle Bridge Road Castle Marina Park, NG7 1GX | lat=52.9447152 | long=-1.16436 | directions= | phone=+44 115 993-5000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=£65 | content=In a peaceful marina location. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Eastwood Hall | alt = | url=https://www.eastwood-hall.co.uk/ | email=eastwood.enquiries@thevenuescollection.co.uk | address=Eastwood Hall, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, Nottingham. NG16 3SS | lat=53.024729 | long=-1.31076 | directions = | phone= +44 1773 532532 | tollfree = | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= |lastedit=2018-11-08| content=Hotel and event venue offering 150 bedrooms and 36 meeting/event rooms, all connected to WiFi. ` }} * {{sleep | name=Hart's Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.hartsnottingham.co.uk | email= | address=Standard Hill, Park Row | lat=52.9519201 | long=-1.1564892 | directions= | phone=+44 115 988 1900 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£56 | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Village Nottingham | alt= | url=http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/nottingham/welcome | email= | address=Brailsford Way, Chilwell, NG9 6DL | lat=52.9031794 | long=-1.240977 | directions= | phone=+44 871 222 4602 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£55 | content=Offers over 130 bedrooms, a health club, the Verve Grill restaurant, the Victory Pub & Kitchen, the Vibe Cafe and a hair salon. The hotel also has 11 meetings & conference rooms. Booking is available online. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Langar Hall | alt= | url=http://www.langarhall.com/ | email= | address=Church Lane, Langar NG13 9HG | lat=52.905 | long=-0.929 | directions=12 miles southeast of city | phone=+44 1949 860559 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £130 | lastedit=2020-06-25 | content=Upscale country hotel in Georgian mansion with fine dining. }} === Camping === In surrounding area * {{sleep | name=Thorntons Holt | alt= | url=http://www.thorntons-holt.co.uk/ | email= | address=Stragglethorpe | lat=52.932854 | long=-1.052934 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 2125 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Shelford Nurseries | alt= | url=http://www.shelfordnurseriescaravanpark.co.uk/ | email= | address=Shelford Hill, Radcliffe on Trent | lat=52.969229 | long=-1.014999 | directions= | phone= +44 115 933 3433 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== While overall a safe city, Nottingham has been highlighted by the media for gun and knife crime in its suburbs, acquiring the (mostly tongue-in-cheek) nickname 'Shottingham'; although the actual incidence in 2004/5 was 19 offences per 100,000 population (compared to 50 per 100,000 population for both Greater Manchester and London). It is best to avoid walking late at night through St Ann's (a council estate northeast of the Victoria shopping centre) and The Meadows (between the railway station and the river). Normal precautions for large western European cities should be undertaken by individuals after dark, especially for lone females. ==Go next== * For keen walkers, [[Matlock]] and the Derbyshire [[Peak District]] can be reached in about an hour by car. To get there by public transport, catch the Red Arrow (£6 'zigzag' day ticket, takes 30 min, every 10 min) from the Victoria Bus station to Derby, and change to the TransPeak (£5.90 each way, takes about an hour, hourly). An alternative for the more budget conscious traveller is the 6.1 bus from Derby to [[Bakewell]], which takes longer but is included in the trentbarton 'zigzag' day ticket. * [[Derby]] is a neighboring city and is easily accessible by bus (£6 day ticket). * [[Lincoln]] is not too far away by rail. * [[Sheffield]], about an hour away from Nottingham by rail or road, is a slightly larger city and a popular cultural and shopping destination. * There are direct trains from Nottingham to the famous seaside resort of [[Skegness]]. {{routebox | image1=UK-Motorway-M1.svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Sheffield]] | minorl1=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | directionr1=S | minorr1=[[East Midlands Airport]] | majorr1=[[Leicester]] | image2=UK_road_A46.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Lincoln]] | minorl2=[[Newark-on-Trent]] | directionr2=S | minorr2=Bingham | majorr2=[[Leicester]] | image3=UK_road_A52.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Derby]] | minorl3=[[Beeston]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Grantham]] | majorr3=[[Boston (England)|Boston]] | image4=UK_road_A60.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Mansfield_(England)|Mansfield]] | minorl4=[[Arnold (Nottinghamshire)|Arnold]] | directionr4=S | minorr4= | majorr4=[[Loughborough]] | image5=UK road A606.svg | imagesize5=40 | directionl5=NW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=SE | minorr5=[[Melton Mowbray]] | majorr5=[[Peterborough]] }} {{IsPartOf|Nottinghamshire}} {{geo|52.9548|-1.1581}} {{usablecity}} qbsuszlb2baujnvo0nr9mp9054k1n5z 0 25482 4488096 4456332 2022-07-22T05:10:38Z 103.119.66.70 /* Island & snorkelling tours */ Updated listing for Nusa Penida Snorkeling wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Nusa Penida turtle.jpg}} '''Nusa Penida''' is the largest of [[Southeastern Islands|three islands]] off the south eastern coast of [[Bali]], the others being [[Nusa Lembongan]] and [[Nusa Lembongan#Nusa Ceningan|Nusa Ceningan]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Snorkeling site - Nusa Penida.jpg‎|thumb|right|350px|Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida]] With an area of 247 km², Nusa Penida is much larger than the better known [[Nusa Lembongan]]. However, tourist infrastructure is not as advanced as Lembongan. It is an island of outstanding natural rugged beauty. The north shore is the most densely populated part of the island and is where most tourism is based. This is also where the beaches are and where the seaweed farms are. Seaweed farming started on the island in the 1980s as a way for locals to get an income. Sadly prices are declining and so is production. Most locals still derive their income from subsistence farming. The west and south side of the island is carpeted with limestone cliffs and magnificent views but not many beaches that can be accessed by land. Due to a lack of natural fresh water, little is grown or produced on Nusa Penida outside of the rain season, and even a lot of produce comes in by boat. Nusa Penida has also become an unofficial bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali Starling (''Leucopsar rothschildi''). In 2004 the [http://www.fnpf.org/ Friends of the National Park Foundation] (FNPF) started an introduction program onto Nusa Penida of the near-extinct Bali Starling. The waters around Nusa Penida are part of a marine park authority (MPA) and are home to diverse corals and fishes. Nusa Penida is part of the coral triangle which is a massive area renowned to be "the amazon of the sea" as it provides habit for the many fishes to breed in. Nusa Penida is renowned as one of the best diving sites in the world and is also home to the giant manta ray and mola mola (oceanic sunfish). ==Get in== [[Image:Bali-NusaPenida-Map.png|thumb|right|500px|Map of Nusa Penida]] The only way to get to Nusa Penida is by boat. ===From Bali=== ====Speedboats==== Nusa Penida is about 30 min away from the east coast of Bali by speedboat. Operators and timings change constantly, but local booking engines [https://skypenida.com/route Skypenida] and [https://12go.asia/en/travel/bali/nusa-penida 12go] offer reasonably up-to-date schedules and online booking options. Most leave from [[Sanur]] port (''Sanur Beach Pelabuhan Rakyat'') and head to one of the many ports on the north coast &mdash; check carefully to see where you'll end up. The boats are cramped, occasionally unsafe, and depending on the tides you can expect to get wet boarding and disembarking, so dress accordingly! * {{listing | name=Angel Billabong |alt=| url= | email= | address=Sanur to Banjar Nyuh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 853 333 99175 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:00| price=One-way fare Rp 150,000/person and return Rp 300,000/person. Depending on who is staffing the ticket desk, they will ask for much more but stand your ground. Locals pay Rp 100,000 |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-20| content=Angel billabong have 10 total departure time start from 07:00. 5 times a day from Sanur and 5 times also from Nusa Penida. }} * {{listing | name=Caspla Bali Boat |alt=| url=https://baliseaview.com/ | email= | address=Sanur to Buyuk | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 7912299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=One way fare Rp 125,000/person and return Rp 250,000/person |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-20| content=Speed boat service, 3 times daily to Nusa Penida. Scheduled departure from Sanur Beach at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:30. Departure from Buyuk, Nusa Penida at 08:00, 12:30 and 16:00. }} * {{listing | name=Idola Express|alt=| url=https://www.idolaexpress.com/boat | email= | address=Sanur to Sampalan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 878 62251815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=| }} * {{listing | name=Starfish Fast Cruise|alt=| url=https://starfishfastcruise.com/ | email= | address=Sanur to various ports | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=| }} ====Ferries==== You can catch the daily public roll-on, roll-off ferry (large boat that includes vehicles) from [[Padang Bai]]. The ro-ro departs twice a day from either direction. It is slower but much cheaper than the fast boats. In November 2017 only one departure a day at 10:00. Tickets can be bought from 09:00 in a Building called "Loket" for Rp 31,000 per adult. The boat departs between 10:30 and 13:00, depending on the quantity of passengers (Oct 2018). ====Day cruises==== The vast majority of visitors to Nusa Penida do so on '''day trip cruises''', returning to Bali for the night. All the speedboat operators listed earlier also offer tours, but there are a few dedicated cruise operators as well. * {{go | name=Quicksilver | alt= | url=https://quicksilver-bali.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=US$120/60 adult/child | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-27 | content=Runs daily cruises from Benoa Harbour in [[Bali]] to their monstrous pontoon which floats off Toyapakeh. The trip includes watersport activities centred on the pontoon. }} ===From Nusa Lembongan=== *'''Public boats''' depart daily at 06:00 close to the suspension bridge between [[Nusa Lembongan]] and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. *'''Charter boats''' are available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to Yellow Bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen. Rates certainly vary but expect to pay around Rp 300,000. ==Get around== Renting a motorcycle is the most practical option, and this will cost you about Rp 70,000. Look for vendors in Toyopakeh and Sampalan (or more likely, they will find you!) Car rentals are available but very expensive (about Rp 650,000 per day). Some visitors from Nusa Lembongan arrive with rented pushbikes - make sure you get permission to take the bike off Nusa Lembongan first. You should note that roads in Nusa Penida are rough, hilly away from the north coast, and in remote areas no more than stone-strewn tracks. Local public transport is in small old bemos or on the back of a truck. These vehicles ply the north coast road with some regularity, but elsewhere on the island do not bank on anything. ==See== There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Other geographical highlights include limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre. *{{see | name=Crystal Bay | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sakti | lat=-8.7155 | long=115.4594 | directions=take the only small road which heads west from the main road at Sakti village and keep going until you hit the coast | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-04-26 | content=A stunning white sand beach at Banjar Penida west of Sakti village on the north western coast facing Nusa Ceningan. Perfect clear waters and excellent snorkelling. Lovely white sand beach and a great place for a picnic. A truly idyllic spot and you are likely to have it to yourself apart for the odd local villager and maybe a diveboat offshore. }} [[Image:Nusa Penida 03.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The rugged beauty of the south coast of Nusa Penida; the high point in the far background is Puncak Mundi]] *{{see | name=Pura Goa Giri Putri / Goa Karang Sari | alt=Giri Putri Cave Temple / Karangsari or Karangsari Cave | url= | email= | address=Karangsari / Suana | lat=-8.70881 | long=115.58606 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rp 5,000 to hire a sarong, and a temple donation of Rp 20,000 or so | lastedit=2017-01-17 | content=Large limestone caves on the east coast about 4 km north of Suana village, near the village of Karangsari. The entrance is a short, vertical climb from the road level, and leads ot the temple; you will need to be suitably clad in a sarong (can be rented for Rp 5,000 from the shop at the roadside), sign the visitor book, and make a donation. Of great religious and cultural significance, there are Hindu and Buddhist temples and worshippers may be present. Photography is allowed. Along with bats, various cave insects, and whipscorpions, the cave is the only known habitat in the world of two species of freshwater crab, ''Karstama emdi'' and ''Karstarma balicum''. Both crab species are critically endangered and threatened by the increasing development of the cave for worship and tourists. }} *{{see | name=Pura Ped | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ped village | lat=-8.6779 | long=115.5161 | directions=at Ped village on the main north coast road between Toyapakeh and Sampalan | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=An extremely important temple to the Balinese Hindus many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to Nusa Penida specifically to pray here. Worth a visit especially at full moon for the ceremony which goes on into the night. Entry in full ceremonial dress (sarong and sash) for both men and women is required. }} *{{see | name=Puncak Mundi | alt=Mundi Hill | url= | email= | address=Klumpu | lat=-8.732 | long=115.524 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=The highest point of Nusa Penida at some 521 metres above sea level. Great views from here. This area is also home to now defunct alternative energy facility with wind turbines and a solar panel farm. Puncak Mundi temple perches high on the hill. }} *{{see | name=Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Kuning | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7299 | long=115.6023 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Two interesting and stunningly located temples on the east coast road south of Suana. Instead of taking the main road from Suana heading south west, continue on the coast road towards the tiny village of Semaya. You will come to the two temples (Pura Batu Madan first) after about 1.5 km and before you reach Semaya. }} *{{see | name=Broken Beach & Angel Billabong | alt=Pasih Uug | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7334 | long=115.4492 | directions=in the southwest, walking distance from Angels Billabong | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=Stunning views from cliff tops show off the natural hole that encompasses Broken Beach. You can enter the infinity pool at low tide, but for safety reasons please do not enter at high tide when waves are crashing over the edge. }} *{{see | name=Tembeling Rainforest & Spring | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7707 | long=115.4948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=The whole southern coast of Nusa Penida has spectacular, high white limestone cliffs which will simply take your breath away. Tembeling rainforest showcases the last remnants of rainforest that covered the island many years ago. Green, leafy and cool there are also two natural springs that you can bathe in. Continue your walk down to the beach for spectacular views. }} * {{see | name=Peguyangan Spring | alt=Peguyangan Waterfall | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7813 | long=115.5195 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-01-11 | content=Set on the south side of the island the spring is at the bottom of 700 blue stairs. The spring at the bottom is small but the scenery on the way down and at the bottom is magnificent. Wear proper shoes as footings can be a little precarious. This climb down and up is not for everyone especially those that do not like heights as the steps are set at the side of the cliff. }} * {{see | name=Atuh Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pejukutan | lat=-8.7734 | long=115.6218 | directions= | phone=+62 818-793-913 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the east side of the island Atuh beach welcomes the sun first every morning. Walk along magnificent limestone cliff tops and if you are up for a bit of exercise climb down the steps to the beautiful white sand beach. A photographer's delight. Food and refreshments are available, and there is good snorkelling for small fishes. }} * {{see | name=Suwehan Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tanglad | lat=-8.7953 | long=115.6035 | directions= | phone=+62 822-3617-6345 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Set in the south east corner of the island, Suwehan is one of the most remote beaches. The steps down (and up!) are a little strenuous but worth it for the beautiful, secluded white sand beach and magnificent scenery. The beach is not necessarily swimmable, depending on tides. The scenic drive to Suwehan takes one through farming communities, although the road is poor and quite steep in parts. }} * {{see | name=Kelingking Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bunga Mekar Village | lat=-8.75 | long=115.474 | directions= | phone=+62 818-793-913 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-05-15 | content=A hidden beach in the village of Bunga Mekar, with nice views over the hills. The sight features a limestone headland covered in green, against the deep blue waters of the ocean. This unique formation is reminiscent of a Tyrannosaurus Rex head, hence its nickname ‘T-Rex Bay’. The secluded beach itself is down a rugged 400 m cliffside hike, recommended only for the fit and adventurous. }} * {{do | name=Diamond Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pejukutan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q78336550 | lastedit=2019-11-29 | content=A beautiful beach. }} ==Do== [[Image:Nusa Penida 01.jpg|thumb|right|350px|A typical offshore pinnacle on the rugged south coast of Nusa Penida]] This is a wild, rugged and largely untamed island which offers plenty to those with an adventurous spirit. '''Trekking and mountain-biking''' are rewarding with amazing coastline views. The terrain away from the coast is hilly rising to nearly 521m and the vista back to Bali is stunning. Camping is a wise option for those who really want to explore this wild island away from the populated northern coast. '''Absorb the culture'''. The native people are Hindu as in Bali. Locals speak Nusa Penidan, an ancient dialect of Balinese no longer heard elsewhere, younger locals speak Bahasa Indonesia also. The architecture and dance is also distinct to the island. There is also a Muslim village situated in Toyapakeh on the north west shore which faces Nusa Lembongan. '''Birdwatchers''' who find themselves with the opportunity to visit Nusa Penida should know that a thriving population of the superb white-tailed tropicbirds breeds on the south and southeastern cliffs of the island. Keep your eyes peeled. Nusa Penida has been designated an island-wide bird sanctuary by Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF). Various endangered Indonesian bird species have been released onto the island, including the Bali Starling, Java Sparrow, Mitchell's Lorrikeet, Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. ===Island & snorkelling tours=== Tour the 200-km² island or snorkel with giant mantas and dive with mola mola. There are various tour operators on the island that will take you on private guided tours by car or scooter as you prefer. Packages can be tailor made to suit your budget and time schedule. * {{listing | name=Nusa Penida Snorkeling | alt=BaliTravel | url=https://balitravel.id/product/nusa-penida-tour-paket-diving/ | email=info@balitravel.id | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813-9361-6262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content= }} ===Diving=== Nusa Penida is best known as a world class diving destination. There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the island, the most notable including Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay and Malibu Point. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish. Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include fabulous Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish and most likely from July to October although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience as currents are strong and unpredictable. '''Freediving''' the rich waters around the island is one of the most satisfying ways of exploring the underwater world. Several locations provide great opportunities to see the abundant corral and marine life. Going with a knowledgeable operator is important as the currents around the island are quite strong and in places unpredictable. Fancy to see sharks in Malibu point or dive with Mantas away from the snorkeling hotspots? Take a course with one of the freediving schools and learn more about your hidden abilities to dive deep without a tank. ===Dive operators=== *'''[https://www.facebook.com/NusaPenidaWatersportDiveCentre/ Nusa Penida Watersport]''' +62 822 3681 4935 Locally owned and operated with a really good reputation. They have PADI certified instructors and also do snorkelling trips. * '''Octopus Dive''', Ped *{{do | name=Penida Dive Resort | url= | email= | address=Toyapakeh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813 37077590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Czech-run dive centre located on Nusa Penida. |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *{{listing | type=do | name=Purple Dive Penida | alt= | url=http://www.purpledivepenida.com | email=info@purpledivepenida.com | address=Jln Raya Ped | lat=-8.6763 | long=115.5397 | directions= | phone=+6281339986262 | tollfree= | hours=7am-6pm | price= | lastedit=2019-12-18 | content=PADI Dive Center }} * {{do | name=Bali Aqua Penida | alt= | url=https://www.diving-penida.com/ | email=divingpenida@gmail.com | address=Jl Raya PED, Buyuk | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 812 37779099 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-11 | content= }} '''Freediving''' * {{do | name=Freedive Nusa | alt= | url=http://www.freedivenusa.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 821 47417679 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=SSI & Molchanovs certified and led by one of only three instructor trainers in Indonesia. One minute walk to the home reef and regular guided trips including freediving gear. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Apnea Penida | alt= | url=https://apneapenida.com/ | email=info@apneapenida.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 821 46815129 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Offers a variety of freediving classes suitable for any level of experience from total beginner to instructor. Also provides coaching and training sessions, freediving trips, and yoga classes. Offers courses from Apnea Total, AIDA, and Molchanovs. }} ==Buy== There are two ATMs in Sampalan, one for Visa and one for MasterCard, there is one ATM is in Toyapakeh. However, it's best to bring enough rupiah with you just in case the ATMs are out of order. ==Eat== There are simple local warungs on Nusa Penida and since 2016, there are a few great western style places for a meal, music and sunset drink. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=BFC | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Fried Chicken. }} ===Mid-Range=== * {{eat | name=The Gallery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves all day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Dapur Nusa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves fresh grilled fish. }} * {{eat | name=Warung Jungle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves seafood. }} * {{eat | name=Warung Tu Pande | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves western and Indonesian dishes. }} ==Sleep== Most holiday accommodation is to be found between Toyapakeh and Sampalan although accommodation is opening up in other areas too. Visitors wishing to explore the remote, rugged areas of the island in the high centre and south may be able to find informal accommodation with a local family by asking a head of village (''Kepala Desa''). The only other alternative away from the north coast is camping. *{{sleep | name=Friends of National Parks (FNPF) | url= | email= | address=Ped | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 977978 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=FNPF's centre offers simple accommodation. |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *{{sleep | name=Losmen Trang | url= | email= | address=Toyapakeh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 852 37643649 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rooms are on the beachfront in Toyapakeh |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *'''Penginapan Jose Homestay''', Toyapakeh. 6 rooms located right on beach road in Toyapakeh. Great views and affordable. *'''Ari La Casa''', Toyapakeh. *'''Namaste Bungalows''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village, on the way to Crystal Bay. *'''Bintang Bungalows''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village. Locally owned. *'''Coco Resort''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village. *'''Full Moon Bungalows''', Ped *{{sleep | name=Nusa Garden Bungalows | alt= | url=http://nusa-penida.info/ | email=andriec.as@gmail.com | address=Sampalan | lat= | long= | directions=near the hospital on the main road | phone=+62 812 39901421 (WatsApp & Tel) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=Bungalows set across a nice garden complex are decorated in Balinese style, a 5-minute walk to the beach. The staff are very sociable and are happy to take guests to various interesting parts of the island (temples/waterfalls etc). Free Wi-Fi. }} *{{sleep | name=Ring Sameton Inn | url=http://www.ringsameton-nusapenida.com | email=info@ringsameton-nusapenida.com | address=Ped near FNPF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 7853464, +62 821 46763612, +62 813 37985141, +62 813 51542596 | tollfree= | fax=+62 361 7853465 | hours= | price= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=13:00 | content=12 A/C rooms with hot-cold water shower/satellite LCD TV/restaurant/24 hr security, laundry service, wide parking area and garden. }} * {{sleep | name=Rumah Pohon "Tree House" | alt= | url=https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15876025 | email=andriec.as@gmail.com | address=banjar pelilit - Atuh | lat=-8.778578 | long=115.616836 | directions= | phone=+6281239901421 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=Rp 300,000 | image= | lastedit=2016-11-21 | content= }} * '''Mae Mae Beach House''', Kutampi. * '''Caspla Bali Beach Club''', Buyuk * '''Nusa Penida Beach Club''', Buyuk * {{sleep | name=Hostel Nusa Penida | alt= | url= | email=nusapenidahotels@gmail.com | address=Br. Sampalan, Batununggul | lat=-8.675228 | long=115.559366 | directions=near the hospital on the main road, on the territory Nusa Garden Bungalow | phone=+6281239901421 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=13:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=From Rp 85,000 | lastedit=2017-09-24 | content=Nice place, free Wi-fi, with a restaurant serving European food. }} ==Connect== *International phone operators: 101 *International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008. Directory inquiries * 108 from a landline or 0361-108 from a mobile phone. Wi-fi - there are more and more places offering free Wi-fi but connection speed and reliability is still not fast as people would like. ==Go next== The best advice is to get out from one of the northern points in the same way as you came in. A boat to [[Nusa Lembongan]] and then onward to [[Bali]] or [[Lombok]] is recommended. To get to Lombok or other points east you will have to travel to Padang Bai and connect with boats there. {{geo|-8.7333|115.5333}} {{isPartOf|Southeastern Islands}} {{Guidecity}} 6tlk7fth79g3kw616zafehgdiq83jp3 4488097 4488096 2022-07-22T05:12:31Z 103.119.66.70 /* Get around */ Added listing for Balitravel wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Nusa Penida turtle.jpg}} '''Nusa Penida''' is the largest of [[Southeastern Islands|three islands]] off the south eastern coast of [[Bali]], the others being [[Nusa Lembongan]] and [[Nusa Lembongan#Nusa Ceningan|Nusa Ceningan]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Snorkeling site - Nusa Penida.jpg‎|thumb|right|350px|Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida]] With an area of 247 km², Nusa Penida is much larger than the better known [[Nusa Lembongan]]. However, tourist infrastructure is not as advanced as Lembongan. It is an island of outstanding natural rugged beauty. The north shore is the most densely populated part of the island and is where most tourism is based. This is also where the beaches are and where the seaweed farms are. Seaweed farming started on the island in the 1980s as a way for locals to get an income. Sadly prices are declining and so is production. Most locals still derive their income from subsistence farming. The west and south side of the island is carpeted with limestone cliffs and magnificent views but not many beaches that can be accessed by land. Due to a lack of natural fresh water, little is grown or produced on Nusa Penida outside of the rain season, and even a lot of produce comes in by boat. Nusa Penida has also become an unofficial bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali Starling (''Leucopsar rothschildi''). In 2004 the [http://www.fnpf.org/ Friends of the National Park Foundation] (FNPF) started an introduction program onto Nusa Penida of the near-extinct Bali Starling. The waters around Nusa Penida are part of a marine park authority (MPA) and are home to diverse corals and fishes. Nusa Penida is part of the coral triangle which is a massive area renowned to be "the amazon of the sea" as it provides habit for the many fishes to breed in. Nusa Penida is renowned as one of the best diving sites in the world and is also home to the giant manta ray and mola mola (oceanic sunfish). ==Get in== [[Image:Bali-NusaPenida-Map.png|thumb|right|500px|Map of Nusa Penida]] The only way to get to Nusa Penida is by boat. ===From Bali=== ====Speedboats==== Nusa Penida is about 30 min away from the east coast of Bali by speedboat. Operators and timings change constantly, but local booking engines [https://skypenida.com/route Skypenida] and [https://12go.asia/en/travel/bali/nusa-penida 12go] offer reasonably up-to-date schedules and online booking options. Most leave from [[Sanur]] port (''Sanur Beach Pelabuhan Rakyat'') and head to one of the many ports on the north coast &mdash; check carefully to see where you'll end up. The boats are cramped, occasionally unsafe, and depending on the tides you can expect to get wet boarding and disembarking, so dress accordingly! * {{listing | name=Angel Billabong |alt=| url= | email= | address=Sanur to Banjar Nyuh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 853 333 99175 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:00| price=One-way fare Rp 150,000/person and return Rp 300,000/person. Depending on who is staffing the ticket desk, they will ask for much more but stand your ground. Locals pay Rp 100,000 |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-20| content=Angel billabong have 10 total departure time start from 07:00. 5 times a day from Sanur and 5 times also from Nusa Penida. }} * {{listing | name=Caspla Bali Boat |alt=| url=https://baliseaview.com/ | email= | address=Sanur to Buyuk | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 7912299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=One way fare Rp 125,000/person and return Rp 250,000/person |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-20| content=Speed boat service, 3 times daily to Nusa Penida. Scheduled departure from Sanur Beach at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:30. Departure from Buyuk, Nusa Penida at 08:00, 12:30 and 16:00. }} * {{listing | name=Idola Express|alt=| url=https://www.idolaexpress.com/boat | email= | address=Sanur to Sampalan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 878 62251815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=| }} * {{listing | name=Starfish Fast Cruise|alt=| url=https://starfishfastcruise.com/ | email= | address=Sanur to various ports | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=| }} ====Ferries==== You can catch the daily public roll-on, roll-off ferry (large boat that includes vehicles) from [[Padang Bai]]. The ro-ro departs twice a day from either direction. It is slower but much cheaper than the fast boats. In November 2017 only one departure a day at 10:00. Tickets can be bought from 09:00 in a Building called "Loket" for Rp 31,000 per adult. The boat departs between 10:30 and 13:00, depending on the quantity of passengers (Oct 2018). ====Day cruises==== The vast majority of visitors to Nusa Penida do so on '''day trip cruises''', returning to Bali for the night. All the speedboat operators listed earlier also offer tours, but there are a few dedicated cruise operators as well. * {{go | name=Quicksilver | alt= | url=https://quicksilver-bali.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=US$120/60 adult/child | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-27 | content=Runs daily cruises from Benoa Harbour in [[Bali]] to their monstrous pontoon which floats off Toyapakeh. The trip includes watersport activities centred on the pontoon. }} ===From Nusa Lembongan=== *'''Public boats''' depart daily at 06:00 close to the suspension bridge between [[Nusa Lembongan]] and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. *'''Charter boats''' are available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to Yellow Bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen. Rates certainly vary but expect to pay around Rp 300,000. ==Get around== Renting a motorcycle is the most practical option, and this will cost you about Rp 70,000. Look for vendors in Toyopakeh and Sampalan (or more likely, they will find you!) Car rentals are available but very expensive (about Rp 650,000 per day). Some visitors from Nusa Lembongan arrive with rented pushbikes - make sure you get permission to take the bike off Nusa Lembongan first. You should note that roads in Nusa Penida are rough, hilly away from the north coast, and in remote areas no more than stone-strewn tracks. Local public transport is in small old bemos or on the back of a truck. These vehicles ply the north coast road with some regularity, but elsewhere on the island do not bank on anything. * {{go | name=Balitravel | alt=Balitravel.id | url=https://balitravel.id/product/paket-tour-nusa-penida/ | email=info@balutravel.id | address=Toyapakeh Nusa Penida | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813-9361-6262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content= }} ==See== There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Other geographical highlights include limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre. *{{see | name=Crystal Bay | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sakti | lat=-8.7155 | long=115.4594 | directions=take the only small road which heads west from the main road at Sakti village and keep going until you hit the coast | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-04-26 | content=A stunning white sand beach at Banjar Penida west of Sakti village on the north western coast facing Nusa Ceningan. Perfect clear waters and excellent snorkelling. Lovely white sand beach and a great place for a picnic. A truly idyllic spot and you are likely to have it to yourself apart for the odd local villager and maybe a diveboat offshore. }} [[Image:Nusa Penida 03.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The rugged beauty of the south coast of Nusa Penida; the high point in the far background is Puncak Mundi]] *{{see | name=Pura Goa Giri Putri / Goa Karang Sari | alt=Giri Putri Cave Temple / Karangsari or Karangsari Cave | url= | email= | address=Karangsari / Suana | lat=-8.70881 | long=115.58606 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rp 5,000 to hire a sarong, and a temple donation of Rp 20,000 or so | lastedit=2017-01-17 | content=Large limestone caves on the east coast about 4 km north of Suana village, near the village of Karangsari. The entrance is a short, vertical climb from the road level, and leads ot the temple; you will need to be suitably clad in a sarong (can be rented for Rp 5,000 from the shop at the roadside), sign the visitor book, and make a donation. Of great religious and cultural significance, there are Hindu and Buddhist temples and worshippers may be present. Photography is allowed. Along with bats, various cave insects, and whipscorpions, the cave is the only known habitat in the world of two species of freshwater crab, ''Karstama emdi'' and ''Karstarma balicum''. Both crab species are critically endangered and threatened by the increasing development of the cave for worship and tourists. }} *{{see | name=Pura Ped | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ped village | lat=-8.6779 | long=115.5161 | directions=at Ped village on the main north coast road between Toyapakeh and Sampalan | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=An extremely important temple to the Balinese Hindus many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to Nusa Penida specifically to pray here. Worth a visit especially at full moon for the ceremony which goes on into the night. Entry in full ceremonial dress (sarong and sash) for both men and women is required. }} *{{see | name=Puncak Mundi | alt=Mundi Hill | url= | email= | address=Klumpu | lat=-8.732 | long=115.524 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=The highest point of Nusa Penida at some 521 metres above sea level. Great views from here. This area is also home to now defunct alternative energy facility with wind turbines and a solar panel farm. Puncak Mundi temple perches high on the hill. }} *{{see | name=Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Kuning | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7299 | long=115.6023 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Two interesting and stunningly located temples on the east coast road south of Suana. Instead of taking the main road from Suana heading south west, continue on the coast road towards the tiny village of Semaya. You will come to the two temples (Pura Batu Madan first) after about 1.5 km and before you reach Semaya. }} *{{see | name=Broken Beach & Angel Billabong | alt=Pasih Uug | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7334 | long=115.4492 | directions=in the southwest, walking distance from Angels Billabong | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=Stunning views from cliff tops show off the natural hole that encompasses Broken Beach. You can enter the infinity pool at low tide, but for safety reasons please do not enter at high tide when waves are crashing over the edge. }} *{{see | name=Tembeling Rainforest & Spring | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7707 | long=115.4948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=The whole southern coast of Nusa Penida has spectacular, high white limestone cliffs which will simply take your breath away. Tembeling rainforest showcases the last remnants of rainforest that covered the island many years ago. Green, leafy and cool there are also two natural springs that you can bathe in. Continue your walk down to the beach for spectacular views. }} * {{see | name=Peguyangan Spring | alt=Peguyangan Waterfall | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7813 | long=115.5195 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-01-11 | content=Set on the south side of the island the spring is at the bottom of 700 blue stairs. The spring at the bottom is small but the scenery on the way down and at the bottom is magnificent. Wear proper shoes as footings can be a little precarious. This climb down and up is not for everyone especially those that do not like heights as the steps are set at the side of the cliff. }} * {{see | name=Atuh Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pejukutan | lat=-8.7734 | long=115.6218 | directions= | phone=+62 818-793-913 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the east side of the island Atuh beach welcomes the sun first every morning. Walk along magnificent limestone cliff tops and if you are up for a bit of exercise climb down the steps to the beautiful white sand beach. A photographer's delight. Food and refreshments are available, and there is good snorkelling for small fishes. }} * {{see | name=Suwehan Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tanglad | lat=-8.7953 | long=115.6035 | directions= | phone=+62 822-3617-6345 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Set in the south east corner of the island, Suwehan is one of the most remote beaches. The steps down (and up!) are a little strenuous but worth it for the beautiful, secluded white sand beach and magnificent scenery. The beach is not necessarily swimmable, depending on tides. The scenic drive to Suwehan takes one through farming communities, although the road is poor and quite steep in parts. }} * {{see | name=Kelingking Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bunga Mekar Village | lat=-8.75 | long=115.474 | directions= | phone=+62 818-793-913 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-05-15 | content=A hidden beach in the village of Bunga Mekar, with nice views over the hills. The sight features a limestone headland covered in green, against the deep blue waters of the ocean. This unique formation is reminiscent of a Tyrannosaurus Rex head, hence its nickname ‘T-Rex Bay’. The secluded beach itself is down a rugged 400 m cliffside hike, recommended only for the fit and adventurous. }} * {{do | name=Diamond Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pejukutan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q78336550 | lastedit=2019-11-29 | content=A beautiful beach. }} ==Do== [[Image:Nusa Penida 01.jpg|thumb|right|350px|A typical offshore pinnacle on the rugged south coast of Nusa Penida]] This is a wild, rugged and largely untamed island which offers plenty to those with an adventurous spirit. '''Trekking and mountain-biking''' are rewarding with amazing coastline views. The terrain away from the coast is hilly rising to nearly 521m and the vista back to Bali is stunning. Camping is a wise option for those who really want to explore this wild island away from the populated northern coast. '''Absorb the culture'''. The native people are Hindu as in Bali. Locals speak Nusa Penidan, an ancient dialect of Balinese no longer heard elsewhere, younger locals speak Bahasa Indonesia also. The architecture and dance is also distinct to the island. There is also a Muslim village situated in Toyapakeh on the north west shore which faces Nusa Lembongan. '''Birdwatchers''' who find themselves with the opportunity to visit Nusa Penida should know that a thriving population of the superb white-tailed tropicbirds breeds on the south and southeastern cliffs of the island. Keep your eyes peeled. Nusa Penida has been designated an island-wide bird sanctuary by Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF). Various endangered Indonesian bird species have been released onto the island, including the Bali Starling, Java Sparrow, Mitchell's Lorrikeet, Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. ===Island & snorkelling tours=== Tour the 200-km² island or snorkel with giant mantas and dive with mola mola. There are various tour operators on the island that will take you on private guided tours by car or scooter as you prefer. Packages can be tailor made to suit your budget and time schedule. * {{listing | name=Nusa Penida Snorkeling | alt=BaliTravel | url=https://balitravel.id/product/nusa-penida-tour-paket-diving/ | email=info@balitravel.id | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813-9361-6262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content= }} ===Diving=== Nusa Penida is best known as a world class diving destination. There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the island, the most notable including Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay and Malibu Point. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish. Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include fabulous Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish and most likely from July to October although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience as currents are strong and unpredictable. '''Freediving''' the rich waters around the island is one of the most satisfying ways of exploring the underwater world. Several locations provide great opportunities to see the abundant corral and marine life. Going with a knowledgeable operator is important as the currents around the island are quite strong and in places unpredictable. Fancy to see sharks in Malibu point or dive with Mantas away from the snorkeling hotspots? Take a course with one of the freediving schools and learn more about your hidden abilities to dive deep without a tank. ===Dive operators=== *'''[https://www.facebook.com/NusaPenidaWatersportDiveCentre/ Nusa Penida Watersport]''' +62 822 3681 4935 Locally owned and operated with a really good reputation. They have PADI certified instructors and also do snorkelling trips. * '''Octopus Dive''', Ped *{{do | name=Penida Dive Resort | url= | email= | address=Toyapakeh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813 37077590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Czech-run dive centre located on Nusa Penida. |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *{{listing | type=do | name=Purple Dive Penida | alt= | url=http://www.purpledivepenida.com | email=info@purpledivepenida.com | address=Jln Raya Ped | lat=-8.6763 | long=115.5397 | directions= | phone=+6281339986262 | tollfree= | hours=7am-6pm | price= | lastedit=2019-12-18 | content=PADI Dive Center }} * {{do | name=Bali Aqua Penida | alt= | url=https://www.diving-penida.com/ | email=divingpenida@gmail.com | address=Jl Raya PED, Buyuk | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 812 37779099 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-11 | content= }} '''Freediving''' * {{do | name=Freedive Nusa | alt= | url=http://www.freedivenusa.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 821 47417679 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=SSI & Molchanovs certified and led by one of only three instructor trainers in Indonesia. One minute walk to the home reef and regular guided trips including freediving gear. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Apnea Penida | alt= | url=https://apneapenida.com/ | email=info@apneapenida.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 821 46815129 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Offers a variety of freediving classes suitable for any level of experience from total beginner to instructor. Also provides coaching and training sessions, freediving trips, and yoga classes. Offers courses from Apnea Total, AIDA, and Molchanovs. }} ==Buy== There are two ATMs in Sampalan, one for Visa and one for MasterCard, there is one ATM is in Toyapakeh. However, it's best to bring enough rupiah with you just in case the ATMs are out of order. ==Eat== There are simple local warungs on Nusa Penida and since 2016, there are a few great western style places for a meal, music and sunset drink. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=BFC | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Fried Chicken. }} ===Mid-Range=== * {{eat | name=The Gallery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves all day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Dapur Nusa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves fresh grilled fish. }} * {{eat | name=Warung Jungle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves seafood. }} * {{eat | name=Warung Tu Pande | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves western and Indonesian dishes. }} ==Sleep== Most holiday accommodation is to be found between Toyapakeh and Sampalan although accommodation is opening up in other areas too. Visitors wishing to explore the remote, rugged areas of the island in the high centre and south may be able to find informal accommodation with a local family by asking a head of village (''Kepala Desa''). The only other alternative away from the north coast is camping. *{{sleep | name=Friends of National Parks (FNPF) | url= | email= | address=Ped | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 977978 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=FNPF's centre offers simple accommodation. |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *{{sleep | name=Losmen Trang | url= | email= | address=Toyapakeh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 852 37643649 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rooms are on the beachfront in Toyapakeh |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *'''Penginapan Jose Homestay''', Toyapakeh. 6 rooms located right on beach road in Toyapakeh. Great views and affordable. *'''Ari La Casa''', Toyapakeh. *'''Namaste Bungalows''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village, on the way to Crystal Bay. *'''Bintang Bungalows''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village. Locally owned. *'''Coco Resort''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village. *'''Full Moon Bungalows''', Ped *{{sleep | name=Nusa Garden Bungalows | alt= | url=http://nusa-penida.info/ | email=andriec.as@gmail.com | address=Sampalan | lat= | long= | directions=near the hospital on the main road | phone=+62 812 39901421 (WatsApp & Tel) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=Bungalows set across a nice garden complex are decorated in Balinese style, a 5-minute walk to the beach. The staff are very sociable and are happy to take guests to various interesting parts of the island (temples/waterfalls etc). Free Wi-Fi. }} *{{sleep | name=Ring Sameton Inn | url=http://www.ringsameton-nusapenida.com | email=info@ringsameton-nusapenida.com | address=Ped near FNPF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 7853464, +62 821 46763612, +62 813 37985141, +62 813 51542596 | tollfree= | fax=+62 361 7853465 | hours= | price= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=13:00 | content=12 A/C rooms with hot-cold water shower/satellite LCD TV/restaurant/24 hr security, laundry service, wide parking area and garden. }} * {{sleep | name=Rumah Pohon "Tree House" | alt= | url=https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15876025 | email=andriec.as@gmail.com | address=banjar pelilit - Atuh | lat=-8.778578 | long=115.616836 | directions= | phone=+6281239901421 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=Rp 300,000 | image= | lastedit=2016-11-21 | content= }} * '''Mae Mae Beach House''', Kutampi. * '''Caspla Bali Beach Club''', Buyuk * '''Nusa Penida Beach Club''', Buyuk * {{sleep | name=Hostel Nusa Penida | alt= | url= | email=nusapenidahotels@gmail.com | address=Br. Sampalan, Batununggul | lat=-8.675228 | long=115.559366 | directions=near the hospital on the main road, on the territory Nusa Garden Bungalow | phone=+6281239901421 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=13:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=From Rp 85,000 | lastedit=2017-09-24 | content=Nice place, free Wi-fi, with a restaurant serving European food. }} ==Connect== *International phone operators: 101 *International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008. Directory inquiries * 108 from a landline or 0361-108 from a mobile phone. Wi-fi - there are more and more places offering free Wi-fi but connection speed and reliability is still not fast as people would like. ==Go next== The best advice is to get out from one of the northern points in the same way as you came in. A boat to [[Nusa Lembongan]] and then onward to [[Bali]] or [[Lombok]] is recommended. To get to Lombok or other points east you will have to travel to Padang Bai and connect with boats there. {{geo|-8.7333|115.5333}} {{isPartOf|Southeastern Islands}} {{Guidecity}} 0r59ioodbtzcvyblywws26rwncf9pgh 4488098 4488097 2022-07-22T05:12:49Z 103.119.66.70 /* Get around */ Updated listing for Balitravel wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Nusa Penida turtle.jpg}} '''Nusa Penida''' is the largest of [[Southeastern Islands|three islands]] off the south eastern coast of [[Bali]], the others being [[Nusa Lembongan]] and [[Nusa Lembongan#Nusa Ceningan|Nusa Ceningan]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Snorkeling site - Nusa Penida.jpg‎|thumb|right|350px|Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida]] With an area of 247 km², Nusa Penida is much larger than the better known [[Nusa Lembongan]]. However, tourist infrastructure is not as advanced as Lembongan. It is an island of outstanding natural rugged beauty. The north shore is the most densely populated part of the island and is where most tourism is based. This is also where the beaches are and where the seaweed farms are. Seaweed farming started on the island in the 1980s as a way for locals to get an income. Sadly prices are declining and so is production. Most locals still derive their income from subsistence farming. The west and south side of the island is carpeted with limestone cliffs and magnificent views but not many beaches that can be accessed by land. Due to a lack of natural fresh water, little is grown or produced on Nusa Penida outside of the rain season, and even a lot of produce comes in by boat. Nusa Penida has also become an unofficial bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali Starling (''Leucopsar rothschildi''). In 2004 the [http://www.fnpf.org/ Friends of the National Park Foundation] (FNPF) started an introduction program onto Nusa Penida of the near-extinct Bali Starling. The waters around Nusa Penida are part of a marine park authority (MPA) and are home to diverse corals and fishes. Nusa Penida is part of the coral triangle which is a massive area renowned to be "the amazon of the sea" as it provides habit for the many fishes to breed in. Nusa Penida is renowned as one of the best diving sites in the world and is also home to the giant manta ray and mola mola (oceanic sunfish). ==Get in== [[Image:Bali-NusaPenida-Map.png|thumb|right|500px|Map of Nusa Penida]] The only way to get to Nusa Penida is by boat. ===From Bali=== ====Speedboats==== Nusa Penida is about 30 min away from the east coast of Bali by speedboat. Operators and timings change constantly, but local booking engines [https://skypenida.com/route Skypenida] and [https://12go.asia/en/travel/bali/nusa-penida 12go] offer reasonably up-to-date schedules and online booking options. Most leave from [[Sanur]] port (''Sanur Beach Pelabuhan Rakyat'') and head to one of the many ports on the north coast &mdash; check carefully to see where you'll end up. The boats are cramped, occasionally unsafe, and depending on the tides you can expect to get wet boarding and disembarking, so dress accordingly! * {{listing | name=Angel Billabong |alt=| url= | email= | address=Sanur to Banjar Nyuh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 853 333 99175 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:00| price=One-way fare Rp 150,000/person and return Rp 300,000/person. Depending on who is staffing the ticket desk, they will ask for much more but stand your ground. Locals pay Rp 100,000 |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-20| content=Angel billabong have 10 total departure time start from 07:00. 5 times a day from Sanur and 5 times also from Nusa Penida. }} * {{listing | name=Caspla Bali Boat |alt=| url=https://baliseaview.com/ | email= | address=Sanur to Buyuk | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 7912299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=One way fare Rp 125,000/person and return Rp 250,000/person |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-20| content=Speed boat service, 3 times daily to Nusa Penida. Scheduled departure from Sanur Beach at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:30. Departure from Buyuk, Nusa Penida at 08:00, 12:30 and 16:00. }} * {{listing | name=Idola Express|alt=| url=https://www.idolaexpress.com/boat | email= | address=Sanur to Sampalan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 878 62251815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=| }} * {{listing | name=Starfish Fast Cruise|alt=| url=https://starfishfastcruise.com/ | email= | address=Sanur to various ports | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=| }} ====Ferries==== You can catch the daily public roll-on, roll-off ferry (large boat that includes vehicles) from [[Padang Bai]]. The ro-ro departs twice a day from either direction. It is slower but much cheaper than the fast boats. In November 2017 only one departure a day at 10:00. Tickets can be bought from 09:00 in a Building called "Loket" for Rp 31,000 per adult. The boat departs between 10:30 and 13:00, depending on the quantity of passengers (Oct 2018). ====Day cruises==== The vast majority of visitors to Nusa Penida do so on '''day trip cruises''', returning to Bali for the night. All the speedboat operators listed earlier also offer tours, but there are a few dedicated cruise operators as well. * {{go | name=Quicksilver | alt= | url=https://quicksilver-bali.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=US$120/60 adult/child | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-27 | content=Runs daily cruises from Benoa Harbour in [[Bali]] to their monstrous pontoon which floats off Toyapakeh. The trip includes watersport activities centred on the pontoon. }} ===From Nusa Lembongan=== *'''Public boats''' depart daily at 06:00 close to the suspension bridge between [[Nusa Lembongan]] and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. *'''Charter boats''' are available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to Yellow Bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen. Rates certainly vary but expect to pay around Rp 300,000. ==Get around== Renting a motorcycle is the most practical option, and this will cost you about Rp 70,000. Look for vendors in Toyopakeh and Sampalan (or more likely, they will find you!) Car rentals are available but very expensive (about Rp 650,000 per day). Some visitors from Nusa Lembongan arrive with rented pushbikes - make sure you get permission to take the bike off Nusa Lembongan first. You should note that roads in Nusa Penida are rough, hilly away from the north coast, and in remote areas no more than stone-strewn tracks. Local public transport is in small old bemos or on the back of a truck. These vehicles ply the north coast road with some regularity, but elsewhere on the island do not bank on anything. * {{go | name=Balitravel | alt=Balitravel.id | url=https://balitravel.id/product/paket-tour-nusa-penida/ | email=info@balitravel.id | address=Toyapakeh Nusa Penida | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813-9361-6262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content= }} ==See== There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Other geographical highlights include limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre. *{{see | name=Crystal Bay | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sakti | lat=-8.7155 | long=115.4594 | directions=take the only small road which heads west from the main road at Sakti village and keep going until you hit the coast | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-04-26 | content=A stunning white sand beach at Banjar Penida west of Sakti village on the north western coast facing Nusa Ceningan. Perfect clear waters and excellent snorkelling. Lovely white sand beach and a great place for a picnic. A truly idyllic spot and you are likely to have it to yourself apart for the odd local villager and maybe a diveboat offshore. }} [[Image:Nusa Penida 03.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The rugged beauty of the south coast of Nusa Penida; the high point in the far background is Puncak Mundi]] *{{see | name=Pura Goa Giri Putri / Goa Karang Sari | alt=Giri Putri Cave Temple / Karangsari or Karangsari Cave | url= | email= | address=Karangsari / Suana | lat=-8.70881 | long=115.58606 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rp 5,000 to hire a sarong, and a temple donation of Rp 20,000 or so | lastedit=2017-01-17 | content=Large limestone caves on the east coast about 4 km north of Suana village, near the village of Karangsari. The entrance is a short, vertical climb from the road level, and leads ot the temple; you will need to be suitably clad in a sarong (can be rented for Rp 5,000 from the shop at the roadside), sign the visitor book, and make a donation. Of great religious and cultural significance, there are Hindu and Buddhist temples and worshippers may be present. Photography is allowed. Along with bats, various cave insects, and whipscorpions, the cave is the only known habitat in the world of two species of freshwater crab, ''Karstama emdi'' and ''Karstarma balicum''. Both crab species are critically endangered and threatened by the increasing development of the cave for worship and tourists. }} *{{see | name=Pura Ped | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ped village | lat=-8.6779 | long=115.5161 | directions=at Ped village on the main north coast road between Toyapakeh and Sampalan | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=An extremely important temple to the Balinese Hindus many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to Nusa Penida specifically to pray here. Worth a visit especially at full moon for the ceremony which goes on into the night. Entry in full ceremonial dress (sarong and sash) for both men and women is required. }} *{{see | name=Puncak Mundi | alt=Mundi Hill | url= | email= | address=Klumpu | lat=-8.732 | long=115.524 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=The highest point of Nusa Penida at some 521 metres above sea level. Great views from here. This area is also home to now defunct alternative energy facility with wind turbines and a solar panel farm. Puncak Mundi temple perches high on the hill. }} *{{see | name=Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Kuning | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7299 | long=115.6023 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Two interesting and stunningly located temples on the east coast road south of Suana. Instead of taking the main road from Suana heading south west, continue on the coast road towards the tiny village of Semaya. You will come to the two temples (Pura Batu Madan first) after about 1.5 km and before you reach Semaya. }} *{{see | name=Broken Beach & Angel Billabong | alt=Pasih Uug | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7334 | long=115.4492 | directions=in the southwest, walking distance from Angels Billabong | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=Stunning views from cliff tops show off the natural hole that encompasses Broken Beach. You can enter the infinity pool at low tide, but for safety reasons please do not enter at high tide when waves are crashing over the edge. }} *{{see | name=Tembeling Rainforest & Spring | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7707 | long=115.4948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=The whole southern coast of Nusa Penida has spectacular, high white limestone cliffs which will simply take your breath away. Tembeling rainforest showcases the last remnants of rainforest that covered the island many years ago. Green, leafy and cool there are also two natural springs that you can bathe in. Continue your walk down to the beach for spectacular views. }} * {{see | name=Peguyangan Spring | alt=Peguyangan Waterfall | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7813 | long=115.5195 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-01-11 | content=Set on the south side of the island the spring is at the bottom of 700 blue stairs. The spring at the bottom is small but the scenery on the way down and at the bottom is magnificent. Wear proper shoes as footings can be a little precarious. This climb down and up is not for everyone especially those that do not like heights as the steps are set at the side of the cliff. }} * {{see | name=Atuh Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pejukutan | lat=-8.7734 | long=115.6218 | directions= | phone=+62 818-793-913 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the east side of the island Atuh beach welcomes the sun first every morning. Walk along magnificent limestone cliff tops and if you are up for a bit of exercise climb down the steps to the beautiful white sand beach. A photographer's delight. Food and refreshments are available, and there is good snorkelling for small fishes. }} * {{see | name=Suwehan Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tanglad | lat=-8.7953 | long=115.6035 | directions= | phone=+62 822-3617-6345 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Set in the south east corner of the island, Suwehan is one of the most remote beaches. The steps down (and up!) are a little strenuous but worth it for the beautiful, secluded white sand beach and magnificent scenery. The beach is not necessarily swimmable, depending on tides. The scenic drive to Suwehan takes one through farming communities, although the road is poor and quite steep in parts. }} * {{see | name=Kelingking Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bunga Mekar Village | lat=-8.75 | long=115.474 | directions= | phone=+62 818-793-913 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-05-15 | content=A hidden beach in the village of Bunga Mekar, with nice views over the hills. The sight features a limestone headland covered in green, against the deep blue waters of the ocean. This unique formation is reminiscent of a Tyrannosaurus Rex head, hence its nickname ‘T-Rex Bay’. The secluded beach itself is down a rugged 400 m cliffside hike, recommended only for the fit and adventurous. }} * {{do | name=Diamond Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pejukutan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q78336550 | lastedit=2019-11-29 | content=A beautiful beach. }} ==Do== [[Image:Nusa Penida 01.jpg|thumb|right|350px|A typical offshore pinnacle on the rugged south coast of Nusa Penida]] This is a wild, rugged and largely untamed island which offers plenty to those with an adventurous spirit. '''Trekking and mountain-biking''' are rewarding with amazing coastline views. The terrain away from the coast is hilly rising to nearly 521m and the vista back to Bali is stunning. Camping is a wise option for those who really want to explore this wild island away from the populated northern coast. '''Absorb the culture'''. The native people are Hindu as in Bali. Locals speak Nusa Penidan, an ancient dialect of Balinese no longer heard elsewhere, younger locals speak Bahasa Indonesia also. The architecture and dance is also distinct to the island. There is also a Muslim village situated in Toyapakeh on the north west shore which faces Nusa Lembongan. '''Birdwatchers''' who find themselves with the opportunity to visit Nusa Penida should know that a thriving population of the superb white-tailed tropicbirds breeds on the south and southeastern cliffs of the island. Keep your eyes peeled. Nusa Penida has been designated an island-wide bird sanctuary by Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF). Various endangered Indonesian bird species have been released onto the island, including the Bali Starling, Java Sparrow, Mitchell's Lorrikeet, Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. ===Island & snorkelling tours=== Tour the 200-km² island or snorkel with giant mantas and dive with mola mola. There are various tour operators on the island that will take you on private guided tours by car or scooter as you prefer. Packages can be tailor made to suit your budget and time schedule. * {{listing | name=Nusa Penida Snorkeling | alt=BaliTravel | url=https://balitravel.id/product/nusa-penida-tour-paket-diving/ | email=info@balitravel.id | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813-9361-6262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content= }} ===Diving=== Nusa Penida is best known as a world class diving destination. There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the island, the most notable including Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay and Malibu Point. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish. Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include fabulous Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish and most likely from July to October although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience as currents are strong and unpredictable. '''Freediving''' the rich waters around the island is one of the most satisfying ways of exploring the underwater world. Several locations provide great opportunities to see the abundant corral and marine life. Going with a knowledgeable operator is important as the currents around the island are quite strong and in places unpredictable. Fancy to see sharks in Malibu point or dive with Mantas away from the snorkeling hotspots? Take a course with one of the freediving schools and learn more about your hidden abilities to dive deep without a tank. ===Dive operators=== *'''[https://www.facebook.com/NusaPenidaWatersportDiveCentre/ Nusa Penida Watersport]''' +62 822 3681 4935 Locally owned and operated with a really good reputation. They have PADI certified instructors and also do snorkelling trips. * '''Octopus Dive''', Ped *{{do | name=Penida Dive Resort | url= | email= | address=Toyapakeh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813 37077590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Czech-run dive centre located on Nusa Penida. |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *{{listing | type=do | name=Purple Dive Penida | alt= | url=http://www.purpledivepenida.com | email=info@purpledivepenida.com | address=Jln Raya Ped | lat=-8.6763 | long=115.5397 | directions= | phone=+6281339986262 | tollfree= | hours=7am-6pm | price= | lastedit=2019-12-18 | content=PADI Dive Center }} * {{do | name=Bali Aqua Penida | alt= | url=https://www.diving-penida.com/ | email=divingpenida@gmail.com | address=Jl Raya PED, Buyuk | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 812 37779099 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-11 | content= }} '''Freediving''' * {{do | name=Freedive Nusa | alt= | url=http://www.freedivenusa.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 821 47417679 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=SSI & Molchanovs certified and led by one of only three instructor trainers in Indonesia. One minute walk to the home reef and regular guided trips including freediving gear. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Apnea Penida | alt= | url=https://apneapenida.com/ | email=info@apneapenida.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 821 46815129 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Offers a variety of freediving classes suitable for any level of experience from total beginner to instructor. Also provides coaching and training sessions, freediving trips, and yoga classes. Offers courses from Apnea Total, AIDA, and Molchanovs. }} ==Buy== There are two ATMs in Sampalan, one for Visa and one for MasterCard, there is one ATM is in Toyapakeh. However, it's best to bring enough rupiah with you just in case the ATMs are out of order. ==Eat== There are simple local warungs on Nusa Penida and since 2016, there are a few great western style places for a meal, music and sunset drink. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=BFC | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Fried Chicken. }} ===Mid-Range=== * {{eat | name=The Gallery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves all day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Dapur Nusa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves fresh grilled fish. }} * {{eat | name=Warung Jungle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves seafood. }} * {{eat | name=Warung Tu Pande | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves western and Indonesian dishes. }} ==Sleep== Most holiday accommodation is to be found between Toyapakeh and Sampalan although accommodation is opening up in other areas too. Visitors wishing to explore the remote, rugged areas of the island in the high centre and south may be able to find informal accommodation with a local family by asking a head of village (''Kepala Desa''). The only other alternative away from the north coast is camping. *{{sleep | name=Friends of National Parks (FNPF) | url= | email= | address=Ped | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 977978 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=FNPF's centre offers simple accommodation. |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *{{sleep | name=Losmen Trang | url= | email= | address=Toyapakeh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 852 37643649 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rooms are on the beachfront in Toyapakeh |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *'''Penginapan Jose Homestay''', Toyapakeh. 6 rooms located right on beach road in Toyapakeh. Great views and affordable. *'''Ari La Casa''', Toyapakeh. *'''Namaste Bungalows''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village, on the way to Crystal Bay. *'''Bintang Bungalows''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village. Locally owned. *'''Coco Resort''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village. *'''Full Moon Bungalows''', Ped *{{sleep | name=Nusa Garden Bungalows | alt= | url=http://nusa-penida.info/ | email=andriec.as@gmail.com | address=Sampalan | lat= | long= | directions=near the hospital on the main road | phone=+62 812 39901421 (WatsApp & Tel) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=Bungalows set across a nice garden complex are decorated in Balinese style, a 5-minute walk to the beach. The staff are very sociable and are happy to take guests to various interesting parts of the island (temples/waterfalls etc). Free Wi-Fi. }} *{{sleep | name=Ring Sameton Inn | url=http://www.ringsameton-nusapenida.com | email=info@ringsameton-nusapenida.com | address=Ped near FNPF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 7853464, +62 821 46763612, +62 813 37985141, +62 813 51542596 | tollfree= | fax=+62 361 7853465 | hours= | price= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=13:00 | content=12 A/C rooms with hot-cold water shower/satellite LCD TV/restaurant/24 hr security, laundry service, wide parking area and garden. }} * {{sleep | name=Rumah Pohon "Tree House" | alt= | url=https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15876025 | email=andriec.as@gmail.com | address=banjar pelilit - Atuh | lat=-8.778578 | long=115.616836 | directions= | phone=+6281239901421 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=Rp 300,000 | image= | lastedit=2016-11-21 | content= }} * '''Mae Mae Beach House''', Kutampi. * '''Caspla Bali Beach Club''', Buyuk * '''Nusa Penida Beach Club''', Buyuk * {{sleep | name=Hostel Nusa Penida | alt= | url= | email=nusapenidahotels@gmail.com | address=Br. Sampalan, Batununggul | lat=-8.675228 | long=115.559366 | directions=near the hospital on the main road, on the territory Nusa Garden Bungalow | phone=+6281239901421 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=13:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=From Rp 85,000 | lastedit=2017-09-24 | content=Nice place, free Wi-fi, with a restaurant serving European food. }} ==Connect== *International phone operators: 101 *International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008. Directory inquiries * 108 from a landline or 0361-108 from a mobile phone. Wi-fi - there are more and more places offering free Wi-fi but connection speed and reliability is still not fast as people would like. ==Go next== The best advice is to get out from one of the northern points in the same way as you came in. A boat to [[Nusa Lembongan]] and then onward to [[Bali]] or [[Lombok]] is recommended. To get to Lombok or other points east you will have to travel to Padang Bai and connect with boats there. {{geo|-8.7333|115.5333}} {{isPartOf|Southeastern Islands}} {{Guidecity}} on1e7syz6fbd1wyvzj2tj5fm6ngiml0 4488155 4488098 2022-07-22T09:06:31Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Reverted per [[tour]], [[don't tout]]/ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Banner Nusa Penida turtle.jpg}} '''Nusa Penida''' is the largest of [[Southeastern Islands|three islands]] off the south eastern coast of [[Bali]], the others being [[Nusa Lembongan]] and [[Nusa Lembongan#Nusa Ceningan|Nusa Ceningan]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Snorkeling site - Nusa Penida.jpg‎|thumb|right|350px|Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida]] With an area of 247 km², Nusa Penida is much larger than the better known [[Nusa Lembongan]]. However, tourist infrastructure is not as advanced as Lembongan. It is an island of outstanding natural rugged beauty. The north shore is the most densely populated part of the island and is where most tourism is based. This is also where the beaches are and where the seaweed farms are. Seaweed farming started on the island in the 1980s as a way for locals to get an income. Sadly prices are declining and so is production. Most locals still derive their income from subsistence farming. The west and south side of the island is carpeted with limestone cliffs and magnificent views but not many beaches that can be accessed by land. Due to a lack of natural fresh water, little is grown or produced on Nusa Penida outside of the rain season, and even a lot of produce comes in by boat. Nusa Penida has also become an unofficial bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali Starling (''Leucopsar rothschildi''). In 2004 the [http://www.fnpf.org/ Friends of the National Park Foundation] (FNPF) started an introduction program onto Nusa Penida of the near-extinct Bali Starling. The waters around Nusa Penida are part of a marine park authority (MPA) and are home to diverse corals and fishes. Nusa Penida is part of the coral triangle which is a massive area renowned to be "the amazon of the sea" as it provides habit for the many fishes to breed in. Nusa Penida is renowned as one of the best diving sites in the world and is also home to the giant manta ray and mola mola (oceanic sunfish). ==Get in== [[Image:Bali-NusaPenida-Map.png|thumb|right|500px|Map of Nusa Penida]] The only way to get to Nusa Penida is by boat. ===From Bali=== ====Speedboats==== Nusa Penida is about 30 min away from the east coast of Bali by speedboat. Operators and timings change constantly, but local booking engines [https://skypenida.com/route Skypenida] and [https://12go.asia/en/travel/bali/nusa-penida 12go] offer reasonably up-to-date schedules and online booking options. Most leave from [[Sanur]] port (''Sanur Beach Pelabuhan Rakyat'') and head to one of the many ports on the north coast &mdash; check carefully to see where you'll end up. The boats are cramped, occasionally unsafe, and depending on the tides you can expect to get wet boarding and disembarking, so dress accordingly! * {{listing | name=Angel Billabong |alt=| url= | email= | address=Sanur to Banjar Nyuh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 853 333 99175 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 07:00| price=One-way fare Rp 150,000/person and return Rp 300,000/person. Depending on who is staffing the ticket desk, they will ask for much more but stand your ground. Locals pay Rp 100,000 |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-20| content=Angel billabong have 10 total departure time start from 07:00. 5 times a day from Sanur and 5 times also from Nusa Penida. }} * {{listing | name=Caspla Bali Boat |alt=| url=https://baliseaview.com/ | email= | address=Sanur to Buyuk | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 7912299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=One way fare Rp 125,000/person and return Rp 250,000/person |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-20| content=Speed boat service, 3 times daily to Nusa Penida. Scheduled departure from Sanur Beach at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:30. Departure from Buyuk, Nusa Penida at 08:00, 12:30 and 16:00. }} * {{listing | name=Idola Express|alt=| url=https://www.idolaexpress.com/boat | email= | address=Sanur to Sampalan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 878 62251815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=| }} * {{listing | name=Starfish Fast Cruise|alt=| url=https://starfishfastcruise.com/ | email= | address=Sanur to various ports | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=| }} ====Ferries==== You can catch the daily public roll-on, roll-off ferry (large boat that includes vehicles) from [[Padang Bai]]. The ro-ro departs twice a day from either direction. It is slower but much cheaper than the fast boats. In November 2017 only one departure a day at 10:00. Tickets can be bought from 09:00 in a Building called "Loket" for Rp 31,000 per adult. The boat departs between 10:30 and 13:00, depending on the quantity of passengers (Oct 2018). ====Day cruises==== The vast majority of visitors to Nusa Penida do so on '''day trip cruises''', returning to Bali for the night. All the speedboat operators listed earlier also offer tours, but there are a few dedicated cruise operators as well. * {{go | name=Quicksilver | alt= | url=https://quicksilver-bali.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=US$120/60 adult/child | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-27 | content=Runs daily cruises from Benoa Harbour in [[Bali]] to their monstrous pontoon which floats off Toyapakeh. The trip includes watersport activities centred on the pontoon. }} ===From Nusa Lembongan=== *'''Public boats''' depart daily at 06:00 close to the suspension bridge between [[Nusa Lembongan]] and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. *'''Charter boats''' are available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to Yellow Bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen. Rates certainly vary but expect to pay around Rp 300,000. ==Get around== Renting a motorcycle is the most practical option, and this will cost you about Rp 70,000. Look for vendors in Toyopakeh and Sampalan (or more likely, they will find you!) Car rentals are available but very expensive (about Rp 650,000 per day). Some visitors from Nusa Lembongan arrive with rented pushbikes - make sure you get permission to take the bike off Nusa Lembongan first. You should note that roads in Nusa Penida are rough, hilly away from the north coast, and in remote areas no more than stone-strewn tracks. Local public transport is in small old bemos or on the back of a truck. These vehicles ply the north coast road with some regularity, but elsewhere on the island do not bank on anything. ==See== There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Other geographical highlights include limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre. *{{see | name=Crystal Bay | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sakti | lat=-8.7155 | long=115.4594 | directions=take the only small road which heads west from the main road at Sakti village and keep going until you hit the coast | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-04-26 | content=A stunning white sand beach at Banjar Penida west of Sakti village on the north western coast facing Nusa Ceningan. Perfect clear waters and excellent snorkelling. Lovely white sand beach and a great place for a picnic. A truly idyllic spot and you are likely to have it to yourself apart for the odd local villager and maybe a diveboat offshore. }} [[Image:Nusa Penida 03.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The rugged beauty of the south coast of Nusa Penida; the high point in the far background is Puncak Mundi]] *{{see | name=Pura Goa Giri Putri / Goa Karang Sari | alt=Giri Putri Cave Temple / Karangsari or Karangsari Cave | url= | email= | address=Karangsari / Suana | lat=-8.70881 | long=115.58606 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rp 5,000 to hire a sarong, and a temple donation of Rp 20,000 or so | lastedit=2017-01-17 | content=Large limestone caves on the east coast about 4 km north of Suana village, near the village of Karangsari. The entrance is a short, vertical climb from the road level, and leads ot the temple; you will need to be suitably clad in a sarong (can be rented for Rp 5,000 from the shop at the roadside), sign the visitor book, and make a donation. Of great religious and cultural significance, there are Hindu and Buddhist temples and worshippers may be present. Photography is allowed. Along with bats, various cave insects, and whipscorpions, the cave is the only known habitat in the world of two species of freshwater crab, ''Karstama emdi'' and ''Karstarma balicum''. Both crab species are critically endangered and threatened by the increasing development of the cave for worship and tourists. }} *{{see | name=Pura Ped | alt= | url= | email= | address=Ped village | lat=-8.6779 | long=115.5161 | directions=at Ped village on the main north coast road between Toyapakeh and Sampalan | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=An extremely important temple to the Balinese Hindus many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to Nusa Penida specifically to pray here. Worth a visit especially at full moon for the ceremony which goes on into the night. Entry in full ceremonial dress (sarong and sash) for both men and women is required. }} *{{see | name=Puncak Mundi | alt=Mundi Hill | url= | email= | address=Klumpu | lat=-8.732 | long=115.524 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=The highest point of Nusa Penida at some 521 metres above sea level. Great views from here. This area is also home to now defunct alternative energy facility with wind turbines and a solar panel farm. Puncak Mundi temple perches high on the hill. }} *{{see | name=Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Kuning | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7299 | long=115.6023 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Two interesting and stunningly located temples on the east coast road south of Suana. Instead of taking the main road from Suana heading south west, continue on the coast road towards the tiny village of Semaya. You will come to the two temples (Pura Batu Madan first) after about 1.5 km and before you reach Semaya. }} *{{see | name=Broken Beach & Angel Billabong | alt=Pasih Uug | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7334 | long=115.4492 | directions=in the southwest, walking distance from Angels Billabong | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=Stunning views from cliff tops show off the natural hole that encompasses Broken Beach. You can enter the infinity pool at low tide, but for safety reasons please do not enter at high tide when waves are crashing over the edge. }} *{{see | name=Tembeling Rainforest & Spring | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7707 | long=115.4948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=The whole southern coast of Nusa Penida has spectacular, high white limestone cliffs which will simply take your breath away. Tembeling rainforest showcases the last remnants of rainforest that covered the island many years ago. Green, leafy and cool there are also two natural springs that you can bathe in. Continue your walk down to the beach for spectacular views. }} * {{see | name=Peguyangan Spring | alt=Peguyangan Waterfall | url= | email= | address= | lat=-8.7813 | long=115.5195 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-01-11 | content=Set on the south side of the island the spring is at the bottom of 700 blue stairs. The spring at the bottom is small but the scenery on the way down and at the bottom is magnificent. Wear proper shoes as footings can be a little precarious. This climb down and up is not for everyone especially those that do not like heights as the steps are set at the side of the cliff. }} * {{see | name=Atuh Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pejukutan | lat=-8.7734 | long=115.6218 | directions= | phone=+62 818-793-913 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At the east side of the island Atuh beach welcomes the sun first every morning. Walk along magnificent limestone cliff tops and if you are up for a bit of exercise climb down the steps to the beautiful white sand beach. A photographer's delight. Food and refreshments are available, and there is good snorkelling for small fishes. }} * {{see | name=Suwehan Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tanglad | lat=-8.7953 | long=115.6035 | directions= | phone=+62 822-3617-6345 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Set in the south east corner of the island, Suwehan is one of the most remote beaches. The steps down (and up!) are a little strenuous but worth it for the beautiful, secluded white sand beach and magnificent scenery. The beach is not necessarily swimmable, depending on tides. The scenic drive to Suwehan takes one through farming communities, although the road is poor and quite steep in parts. }} * {{see | name=Kelingking Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bunga Mekar Village | lat=-8.75 | long=115.474 | directions= | phone=+62 818-793-913 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-05-15 | content=A hidden beach in the village of Bunga Mekar, with nice views over the hills. The sight features a limestone headland covered in green, against the deep blue waters of the ocean. This unique formation is reminiscent of a Tyrannosaurus Rex head, hence its nickname ‘T-Rex Bay’. The secluded beach itself is down a rugged 400 m cliffside hike, recommended only for the fit and adventurous. }} * {{do | name=Diamond Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Pejukutan | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q78336550 | lastedit=2019-11-29 | content=A beautiful beach. }} ==Do== [[Image:Nusa Penida 01.jpg|thumb|right|350px|A typical offshore pinnacle on the rugged south coast of Nusa Penida]] This is a wild, rugged and largely untamed island which offers plenty to those with an adventurous spirit. '''Trekking and mountain-biking''' are rewarding with amazing coastline views. The terrain away from the coast is hilly rising to nearly 521m and the vista back to Bali is stunning. Camping is a wise option for those who really want to explore this wild island away from the populated northern coast. '''Absorb the culture'''. The native people are Hindu as in Bali. Locals speak Nusa Penidan, an ancient dialect of Balinese no longer heard elsewhere, younger locals speak Bahasa Indonesia also. The architecture and dance is also distinct to the island. There is also a Muslim village situated in Toyapakeh on the north west shore which faces Nusa Lembongan. '''Birdwatchers''' who find themselves with the opportunity to visit Nusa Penida should know that a thriving population of the superb white-tailed tropicbirds breeds on the south and southeastern cliffs of the island. Keep your eyes peeled. Nusa Penida has been designated an island-wide bird sanctuary by Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF). Various endangered Indonesian bird species have been released onto the island, including the Bali Starling, Java Sparrow, Mitchell's Lorrikeet, Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. ===Island & snorkelling tours=== Tour the 200-km² island or snorkel with giant mantas and dive with mola mola. There are various tour operators on the island that will take you on private guided tours by car or scooter as you prefer. Packages can be tailor made to suit your budget and time schedule. * {{listing | name=Nusa Penida Snorkeling | alt= | url=https://www.natanusapenida.com/tour-nusa-penida-1-hari-snorkeling | email=hi@natanusapenida.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62818793913 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-22 | content= }} ===Diving=== Nusa Penida is best known as a world class diving destination. There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the island, the most notable including Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay and Malibu Point. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish. Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include fabulous Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish and most likely from July to October although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience as currents are strong and unpredictable. '''Freediving''' the rich waters around the island is one of the most satisfying ways of exploring the underwater world. Several locations provide great opportunities to see the abundant corral and marine life. Going with a knowledgeable operator is important as the currents around the island are quite strong and in places unpredictable. Fancy to see sharks in Malibu point or dive with Mantas away from the snorkeling hotspots? Take a course with one of the freediving schools and learn more about your hidden abilities to dive deep without a tank. ===Dive operators=== *'''[https://www.facebook.com/NusaPenidaWatersportDiveCentre/ Nusa Penida Watersport]''' +62 822 3681 4935 Locally owned and operated with a really good reputation. They have PADI certified instructors and also do snorkelling trips. * '''Octopus Dive''', Ped *{{do | name=Penida Dive Resort | url= | email= | address=Toyapakeh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 813 37077590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Czech-run dive centre located on Nusa Penida. |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *{{listing | type=do | name=Purple Dive Penida | alt= | url=http://www.purpledivepenida.com | email=info@purpledivepenida.com | address=Jln Raya Ped | lat=-8.6763 | long=115.5397 | directions= | phone=+6281339986262 | tollfree= | hours=7am-6pm | price= | lastedit=2019-12-18 | content=PADI Dive Center }} * {{do | name=Bali Aqua Penida | alt= | url=https://www.diving-penida.com/ | email=divingpenida@gmail.com | address=Jl Raya PED, Buyuk | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 812 37779099 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-11 | content= }} '''Freediving''' * {{do | name=Freedive Nusa | alt= | url=http://www.freedivenusa.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 821 47417679 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=SSI & Molchanovs certified and led by one of only three instructor trainers in Indonesia. One minute walk to the home reef and regular guided trips including freediving gear. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Apnea Penida | alt= | url=https://apneapenida.com/ | email=info@apneapenida.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 821 46815129 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Offers a variety of freediving classes suitable for any level of experience from total beginner to instructor. Also provides coaching and training sessions, freediving trips, and yoga classes. Offers courses from Apnea Total, AIDA, and Molchanovs. }} ==Buy== There are two ATMs in Sampalan, one for Visa and one for MasterCard, there is one ATM is in Toyapakeh. However, it's best to bring enough rupiah with you just in case the ATMs are out of order. ==Eat== There are simple local warungs on Nusa Penida and since 2016, there are a few great western style places for a meal, music and sunset drink. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=BFC | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Fried Chicken. }} ===Mid-Range=== * {{eat | name=The Gallery | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves all day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=Dapur Nusa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves fresh grilled fish. }} * {{eat | name=Warung Jungle | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves seafood. }} * {{eat | name=Warung Tu Pande | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-27 | content=Serves western and Indonesian dishes. }} ==Sleep== Most holiday accommodation is to be found between Toyapakeh and Sampalan although accommodation is opening up in other areas too. Visitors wishing to explore the remote, rugged areas of the island in the high centre and south may be able to find informal accommodation with a local family by asking a head of village (''Kepala Desa''). The only other alternative away from the north coast is camping. *{{sleep | name=Friends of National Parks (FNPF) | url= | email= | address=Ped | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 977978 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=FNPF's centre offers simple accommodation. |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *{{sleep | name=Losmen Trang | url= | email= | address=Toyapakeh | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 852 37643649 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Rooms are on the beachfront in Toyapakeh |alt=|lastedit=2017-01-20}} *'''Penginapan Jose Homestay''', Toyapakeh. 6 rooms located right on beach road in Toyapakeh. Great views and affordable. *'''Ari La Casa''', Toyapakeh. *'''Namaste Bungalows''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village, on the way to Crystal Bay. *'''Bintang Bungalows''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village. Locally owned. *'''Coco Resort''', thatched bungalows, Sakti Village. *'''Full Moon Bungalows''', Ped *{{sleep | name=Nusa Garden Bungalows | alt= | url=http://nusa-penida.info/ | email=andriec.as@gmail.com | address=Sampalan | lat= | long= | directions=near the hospital on the main road | phone=+62 812 39901421 (WatsApp & Tel) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-20 | content=Bungalows set across a nice garden complex are decorated in Balinese style, a 5-minute walk to the beach. The staff are very sociable and are happy to take guests to various interesting parts of the island (temples/waterfalls etc). Free Wi-Fi. }} *{{sleep | name=Ring Sameton Inn | url=http://www.ringsameton-nusapenida.com | email=info@ringsameton-nusapenida.com | address=Ped near FNPF | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+62 361 7853464, +62 821 46763612, +62 813 37985141, +62 813 51542596 | tollfree= | fax=+62 361 7853465 | hours= | price= | checkin=14:00 | checkout=13:00 | content=12 A/C rooms with hot-cold water shower/satellite LCD TV/restaurant/24 hr security, laundry service, wide parking area and garden. }} * {{sleep | name=Rumah Pohon "Tree House" | alt= | url=https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15876025 | email=andriec.as@gmail.com | address=banjar pelilit - Atuh | lat=-8.778578 | long=115.616836 | directions= | phone=+6281239901421 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=12:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=Rp 300,000 | image= | lastedit=2016-11-21 | content= }} * '''Mae Mae Beach House''', Kutampi. * '''Caspla Bali Beach Club''', Buyuk * '''Nusa Penida Beach Club''', Buyuk * {{sleep | name=Hostel Nusa Penida | alt= | url= | email=nusapenidahotels@gmail.com | address=Br. Sampalan, Batununggul | lat=-8.675228 | long=115.559366 | directions=near the hospital on the main road, on the territory Nusa Garden Bungalow | phone=+6281239901421 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=13:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=From Rp 85,000 | lastedit=2017-09-24 | content=Nice place, free Wi-fi, with a restaurant serving European food. }} ==Connect== *International phone operators: 101 *International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008. Directory inquiries * 108 from a landline or 0361-108 from a mobile phone. Wi-fi - there are more and more places offering free Wi-fi but connection speed and reliability is still not fast as people would like. ==Go next== The best advice is to get out from one of the northern points in the same way as you came in. A boat to [[Nusa Lembongan]] and then onward to [[Bali]] or [[Lombok]] is recommended. To get to Lombok or other points east you will have to travel to Padang Bai and connect with boats there. {{geo|-8.7333|115.5333}} {{isPartOf|Southeastern Islands}} {{Guidecity}} mzshphytdd9tcdym8n5n9evvzsfs785 0 26023 4487836 4487509 2022-07-21T17:25:44Z Jonte-- 38175 /* Understand */ +history wikitext text/x-wiki [[File:Theatre d'Oran,Oran, Algeria 2014.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Kristel Oran Algeria.jpg|thumb]] {{pagebanner|Oran_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.visitoran.com/ Oran]''' is a city of more than 1,500,000 people in [[Northwest Algeria]]. [[File:ChapelleSantaCruz.jpeg|thumb|400px|Chapelle Santa Cruz]] ==Understand== Oran's beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice's seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs ("les Falaises"). It was renamed "Boulevard de l'ALN" by the government after the independence but it is still called '''Front de Mer''' by the locals. ==== History ==== Present-day Oran was founded in 903 by the azdaja and ajissa berbers who lived the area. It was captured by the Castilians under Cardinal Cisneros in 1509, and Spanish sovereignty lasted until 1708, when the city was conquered by the Algerians during the siege of Siege of Oran (1707–1708). Spain recaptured the city in 1732. However, its value as a trading post had decreased greatly, so during the reign of King Charles IV the city was recaptured in 1790-1792 by a coalition of Algerian troops against Spain which resulted in victory for the bey of Oran despite the many attempts in 1563. The beylik lasted until 1831, when the city fell to the French. Under French rule during the 19th and 20th centuries, Oran was the capital of a département of the same name. In July 1940, the British navy shelled French warships in the port after they refused a British ultimatum to surrender; this action was taken to ensure the fleet would not fall into German hands, as the Nazis had defeated France and occupied Paris. The Vichy government held Oran during World War II until its capture by the Allies in late 1942, during Operation Torch. Before the Algerian War, 1954–1962, Oran had one of the highest proportions of Europeans of any city in North Africa. In July 1962, after a ceasefire and accords with France, a mob attacked European neighborhoods and massacred hundredes of Europeans in Oran, This triggered a larger exodus of Europeans to France, which was already underway. Shortly after the end of the war, most of the Europeans and Algerian Jews living in Oran fled to France. In less than three months, Oran lost about half its population. ==== Weather ==== ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Ahmed Ben Bella Airport | alt={{IATA|ORN}} Es Sénia Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.627222 | long=-0.611389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q637028 | content=While not as large as [[Algiers]]' airport, it is still serviced by several international airlines. }} ** '''Air Algérie''' (Adrar, Algiers, Alicante, Annaba, Bechar, Brussels—Seasonal--, Casablanca, Constantine, Geneva, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, Jeddah, Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Orly, Ouargla, Toulouse) ** '''Air France''' (Paris CDG, Toulouse) ** '''Iberia''' (Madrid) ** '''Tassili Airlines''' (Algiers, Hassi R'mel) ** '''Transavia''' (Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris ORLY) ** '''Tunisair''' (Tunis) ** '''Turkish Airlines''' (Istanbul) ** '''Vueling''' (Barcelona) ** '''Volotea''' (Alicante, Barcelona) ===By train=== [[File:Oran train station, Boumlik Messaili, 29-07-2008.jpg|thumb|Oran railway station]] Oran is at the western terminus of the Algerian rail network, operated by [http://www.sntf.dz SNTF]. A line continues toward [[Morocco]] but it has been closed for decades due to political conflict. Trains from the capital [[Algiers]] are plentiful, however, with several services daily. Other cities along the Mediterranean coast and in [[Northwest Algeria]] have trains to Oran. Additional routes include an overnight train from [[Bechar]], deep into the Sahara and about halfway from Mauritania. * {{go | name=Oran Central railway station | alt=Gare Centrale d'Oran | url= | email= | address=Rue Mankour Mahi Michel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3095826 | lastedit=2020-11-19 | content=All long-distance trains terminate here. }} ===By boat=== One can also reach Oran by ferries from the ports of Marseilles, Alicante and Almería, via the national company Algérie Ferries or Trasmediterranea. * {{go | name=Oran Ferry Terminal | alt=Gare Maritime d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.71036 | long=-0.64667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Ferries arrive here. }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|35.6910|-0.6342|width=600|height=550|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Oran_tramway.map}} ===By bus=== * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) === By tram === A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre. A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops. [[File:Pasha mosque Oran.jpg|thumb|Mosque of Hassan Basha]] ==See== * historic city centre * district of '''Sidi El Houari''' * municipal gardens * Djebel Murdjadjo * {{see | name=Santa Cruz Fortress | alt=قلعة سانتا كروز | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.7093 | long=-0.6647 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fortress on top of the hill overlooking Oran. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Oran | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.700278 | long=-0.646389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Hassan Basha Mosque | alt=مسجد حسن الباشا, Masjid Hassan El-bacha | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.704444 | long=-0.654722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A very ornate mosque, built in 1797. However, it is in a rather dilapidated state. }} * {{see | name=Oran zoo | alt=zoo d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.68930 | long=-0.64668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA100 and DA60 for children | content=Small zoo with animals such as lions, tigers and monkeys. Cage sizes would probably not pass any animal welfare inspections. }} * {{see | name=Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque | alt=مسجد عبد الله بن سلام | url= | email= | address=Boulevard Maata Mohamed El Habib | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1153491 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Completed in 1918, this is the former Great Synagogue of Oran. After Algerian independence, most Jewish citizens left the country. In 1975, the synagogue was converted into a mosque and named after Abdullah ibn Salam, a seventh-century Jew from Medina and companion of Muhammad who converted to Islam. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Walk along the Corniche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.70605 | long=-0.63523 | directions=Next to the sea from near Place 1er Novembre in the west to the Sheraton hotel in the east. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sidewalk with good views }} ==Buy== Note: most shops and restaurants don't accept payments cards. As of February 2022, withdrawing money from an ATM of an Algerian bank also usually doesn't work. The ATMs of {{marker|type=buy|name=Gulf Bank|lat=35.71182|long=-0.59621}} will accept Visa and MasterCard. *'''Le Marché de Medina Jedida''' with art products *{{buy | name = Es-Senia Shopping & Leisure Center| alt = Es Senia Centre Commercial & De Loisirs| url = | email = | address = | lat = 35.6379| long = -0.5905| directions = | phone = | tollfree = | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit= | content =Large shopping mall. }} ==Eat== Here are some popular places to eat ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Wifi Resto Club | url= | email= | address=14 Boulevard Docteur Ban Zerdjeb | lat=35.69930 | long=-0.64744 | directions= | phone=+213 41-399663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Th 11AM-10PM, closed Fridays | price= | content=Pizzeria and other fast food, offers free WiFi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Le Royaume du Couscous | url=https://web.facebook.com/LeRoyaumeducouscous | email= | address=15 Rue Ho Chi Minh | lat=35.70304 | long=-0.63886 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many types of couscous as well as starters and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Les Ambassadeurs | url= | email= | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves Mediterranean cuisine, located at the Royal Hotel. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant le Corsaire | url=http://www.oran-dz.com/tourisme/restaurants/restaurant-le-corsaire | email= | address=09 République sidi el-Houari, Boulevard de L'A.L.N | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 770 99 99 31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the old town. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== Oran's nightlife is among the most thriving in the continent. The city has always been the capital of Algeria's parties and music. All night long, plenty of nightclubs, bars and cabarets are open and offer music, dance and partying in the city area seafront, called ''La Corniche'', which runs from the city's ''Front de Mer'' to the neighbouring cities of Aïn El Turk, Bou Sfer and El Ançor. All kinds of nightclubs can be found, from the very posh '''Atmosphère''' at the Sheraton Hotel that attracts now international DJs such as David Vendetta to more popular ones in the Corniche, such as ''Les Pins d'Or'', ''SunHouse'' and ''Le Murdjadjo''. ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Le Raja Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 rue Arago Place des victoires | lat=35.701949 | long=-0.637314 | directions= | phone=+213 41 331431 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sarl Hotel El-mansour | url= | email= | address=7 Rue Ozanam | lat= | long= | directions=Near le Cathedrale | phone=+213 41 295590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The best among budget hotels in the town. Friendly staff, clean, shared bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Residence Le Timgad | url= | email= | address=22 Bd Emir Abdelkader | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+213 41 294797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA4600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A 4-star hotel in the centre of the town, free wifi, breakfast, nice and big room with western standard facility. the only small problem is the staff speak little English but very friendly, very good in French and Arabic. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Colombe | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcolombe.com | email=reservation@hotelcolombe.com | address=6 Boulevard Zabour Larbi | lat=35.692754 | long= -0.628158 | directions=Southeast of the train station, near the cathedral as well as the Palace of Cultures | phone=+213 41-466162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Meridien Oran Hotel & Convention Center | url=http://www.lemeridienoran.com | email= | address=Les Genets, Chemin de Wilaya, Route 75 | lat=35.726948 | long=-0.591792 | directions= | phone=+213 41 984000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Situated on a high cliff with a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea and the city centre of Oran. The hotel will form part of a larger complex including an adjacent conference and exhibition centre, and an oceanfront promenade. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel Oran | url=http://www.royalhoteloran.com | email=contact@royalhoteloran.com | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.703330 | long=-0.647773 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax=+213 41-296118 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxorius hotel located in central Oran, not far from the docks. Often rated as great value for money. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Oran | alt=Four Points by Sheraton | url=http://www.sheratonoran.com | email=sheraton.oran@sheraton.com | address=Boulevard du 19 Mars, Route des falaises | lat=35.71659 | long=-0.61062 | directions= | phone=+213-41-590100 | tollfree= | fax=+213-41-590101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices start at DA14,250 | content=One of the fanciest hotels in Oran with breathtaking views of the ocean from each room. The hotel also features a complimentary airport shuttle, restaurants and a tennis court. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Oran is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night. If you walk in crowded streets or use a bus, keep a hand on your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities. Don't feel the need to be polite. ==Cope== ==Go next== {{geo|35.696944|-0.633056}} {{IsPartOf|Northwest Algeria}} {{usablecity}} b5xe3au1h1z79pfkfdevs8hve99xjyr 4487837 4487836 2022-07-21T17:26:20Z Jonte-- 38175 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Oran_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.visitoran.com/ Oran]''' is a city of more than 1,500,000 people in [[Northwest Algeria]]. ==Understand== [[File:Theatre d'Oran,Oran, Algeria 2014.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Kristel Oran Algeria.jpg|thumb]] [[File:ChapelleSantaCruz.jpeg|thumb|Chapelle Santa Cruz]] Oran's beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice's seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs ("les Falaises"). It was renamed "Boulevard de l'ALN" by the government after the independence but it is still called '''Front de Mer''' by the locals. ==== History ==== Present-day Oran was founded in 903 by the azdaja and ajissa berbers who lived the area. It was captured by the Castilians under Cardinal Cisneros in 1509, and Spanish sovereignty lasted until 1708, when the city was conquered by the Algerians during the siege of Siege of Oran (1707–1708). Spain recaptured the city in 1732. However, its value as a trading post had decreased greatly, so during the reign of King Charles IV the city was recaptured in 1790-1792 by a coalition of Algerian troops against Spain which resulted in victory for the bey of Oran despite the many attempts in 1563. The beylik lasted until 1831, when the city fell to the French. Under French rule during the 19th and 20th centuries, Oran was the capital of a département of the same name. In July 1940, the British navy shelled French warships in the port after they refused a British ultimatum to surrender; this action was taken to ensure the fleet would not fall into German hands, as the Nazis had defeated France and occupied Paris. The Vichy government held Oran during World War II until its capture by the Allies in late 1942, during Operation Torch. Before the Algerian War, 1954–1962, Oran had one of the highest proportions of Europeans of any city in North Africa. In July 1962, after a ceasefire and accords with France, a mob attacked European neighborhoods and massacred hundredes of Europeans in Oran, This triggered a larger exodus of Europeans to France, which was already underway. Shortly after the end of the war, most of the Europeans and Algerian Jews living in Oran fled to France. In less than three months, Oran lost about half its population. ==== Weather ==== ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Ahmed Ben Bella Airport | alt={{IATA|ORN}} Es Sénia Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.627222 | long=-0.611389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q637028 | content=While not as large as [[Algiers]]' airport, it is still serviced by several international airlines. }} ** '''Air Algérie''' (Adrar, Algiers, Alicante, Annaba, Bechar, Brussels—Seasonal--, Casablanca, Constantine, Geneva, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, Jeddah, Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Orly, Ouargla, Toulouse) ** '''Air France''' (Paris CDG, Toulouse) ** '''Iberia''' (Madrid) ** '''Tassili Airlines''' (Algiers, Hassi R'mel) ** '''Transavia''' (Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris ORLY) ** '''Tunisair''' (Tunis) ** '''Turkish Airlines''' (Istanbul) ** '''Vueling''' (Barcelona) ** '''Volotea''' (Alicante, Barcelona) ===By train=== [[File:Oran train station, Boumlik Messaili, 29-07-2008.jpg|thumb|Oran railway station]] Oran is at the western terminus of the Algerian rail network, operated by [http://www.sntf.dz SNTF]. A line continues toward [[Morocco]] but it has been closed for decades due to political conflict. Trains from the capital [[Algiers]] are plentiful, however, with several services daily. Other cities along the Mediterranean coast and in [[Northwest Algeria]] have trains to Oran. Additional routes include an overnight train from [[Bechar]], deep into the Sahara and about halfway from Mauritania. * {{go | name=Oran Central railway station | alt=Gare Centrale d'Oran | url= | email= | address=Rue Mankour Mahi Michel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3095826 | lastedit=2020-11-19 | content=All long-distance trains terminate here. }} ===By boat=== One can also reach Oran by ferries from the ports of Marseilles, Alicante and Almería, via the national company Algérie Ferries or Trasmediterranea. * {{go | name=Oran Ferry Terminal | alt=Gare Maritime d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.71036 | long=-0.64667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Ferries arrive here. }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|35.6910|-0.6342|width=600|height=550|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Oran_tramway.map}} ===By bus=== * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) === By tram === A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre. A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops. [[File:Pasha mosque Oran.jpg|thumb|Mosque of Hassan Basha]] ==See== * historic city centre * district of '''Sidi El Houari''' * municipal gardens * Djebel Murdjadjo * {{see | name=Santa Cruz Fortress | alt=قلعة سانتا كروز | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.7093 | long=-0.6647 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fortress on top of the hill overlooking Oran. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Oran | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.700278 | long=-0.646389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Hassan Basha Mosque | alt=مسجد حسن الباشا, Masjid Hassan El-bacha | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.704444 | long=-0.654722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A very ornate mosque, built in 1797. However, it is in a rather dilapidated state. }} * {{see | name=Oran zoo | alt=zoo d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.68930 | long=-0.64668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA100 and DA60 for children | content=Small zoo with animals such as lions, tigers and monkeys. Cage sizes would probably not pass any animal welfare inspections. }} * {{see | name=Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque | alt=مسجد عبد الله بن سلام | url= | email= | address=Boulevard Maata Mohamed El Habib | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1153491 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Completed in 1918, this is the former Great Synagogue of Oran. After Algerian independence, most Jewish citizens left the country. In 1975, the synagogue was converted into a mosque and named after Abdullah ibn Salam, a seventh-century Jew from Medina and companion of Muhammad who converted to Islam. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Walk along the Corniche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.70605 | long=-0.63523 | directions=Next to the sea from near Place 1er Novembre in the west to the Sheraton hotel in the east. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sidewalk with good views }} ==Buy== Note: most shops and restaurants don't accept payments cards. As of February 2022, withdrawing money from an ATM of an Algerian bank also usually doesn't work. The ATMs of {{marker|type=buy|name=Gulf Bank|lat=35.71182|long=-0.59621}} will accept Visa and MasterCard. *'''Le Marché de Medina Jedida''' with art products *{{buy | name = Es-Senia Shopping & Leisure Center| alt = Es Senia Centre Commercial & De Loisirs| url = | email = | address = | lat = 35.6379| long = -0.5905| directions = | phone = | tollfree = | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit= | content =Large shopping mall. }} ==Eat== Here are some popular places to eat ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Wifi Resto Club | url= | email= | address=14 Boulevard Docteur Ban Zerdjeb | lat=35.69930 | long=-0.64744 | directions= | phone=+213 41-399663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Th 11AM-10PM, closed Fridays | price= | content=Pizzeria and other fast food, offers free WiFi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Le Royaume du Couscous | url=https://web.facebook.com/LeRoyaumeducouscous | email= | address=15 Rue Ho Chi Minh | lat=35.70304 | long=-0.63886 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many types of couscous as well as starters and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Les Ambassadeurs | url= | email= | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves Mediterranean cuisine, located at the Royal Hotel. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant le Corsaire | url=http://www.oran-dz.com/tourisme/restaurants/restaurant-le-corsaire | email= | address=09 République sidi el-Houari, Boulevard de L'A.L.N | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 770 99 99 31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the old town. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== Oran's nightlife is among the most thriving in the continent. The city has always been the capital of Algeria's parties and music. All night long, plenty of nightclubs, bars and cabarets are open and offer music, dance and partying in the city area seafront, called ''La Corniche'', which runs from the city's ''Front de Mer'' to the neighbouring cities of Aïn El Turk, Bou Sfer and El Ançor. All kinds of nightclubs can be found, from the very posh '''Atmosphère''' at the Sheraton Hotel that attracts now international DJs such as David Vendetta to more popular ones in the Corniche, such as ''Les Pins d'Or'', ''SunHouse'' and ''Le Murdjadjo''. ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Le Raja Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 rue Arago Place des victoires | lat=35.701949 | long=-0.637314 | directions= | phone=+213 41 331431 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sarl Hotel El-mansour | url= | email= | address=7 Rue Ozanam | lat= | long= | directions=Near le Cathedrale | phone=+213 41 295590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The best among budget hotels in the town. Friendly staff, clean, shared bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Residence Le Timgad | url= | email= | address=22 Bd Emir Abdelkader | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+213 41 294797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA4600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A 4-star hotel in the centre of the town, free wifi, breakfast, nice and big room with western standard facility. the only small problem is the staff speak little English but very friendly, very good in French and Arabic. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Colombe | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcolombe.com | email=reservation@hotelcolombe.com | address=6 Boulevard Zabour Larbi | lat=35.692754 | long= -0.628158 | directions=Southeast of the train station, near the cathedral as well as the Palace of Cultures | phone=+213 41-466162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Meridien Oran Hotel & Convention Center | url=http://www.lemeridienoran.com | email= | address=Les Genets, Chemin de Wilaya, Route 75 | lat=35.726948 | long=-0.591792 | directions= | phone=+213 41 984000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Situated on a high cliff with a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea and the city centre of Oran. The hotel will form part of a larger complex including an adjacent conference and exhibition centre, and an oceanfront promenade. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel Oran | url=http://www.royalhoteloran.com | email=contact@royalhoteloran.com | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.703330 | long=-0.647773 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax=+213 41-296118 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxorius hotel located in central Oran, not far from the docks. Often rated as great value for money. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Oran | alt=Four Points by Sheraton | url=http://www.sheratonoran.com | email=sheraton.oran@sheraton.com | address=Boulevard du 19 Mars, Route des falaises | lat=35.71659 | long=-0.61062 | directions= | phone=+213-41-590100 | tollfree= | fax=+213-41-590101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices start at DA14,250 | content=One of the fanciest hotels in Oran with breathtaking views of the ocean from each room. The hotel also features a complimentary airport shuttle, restaurants and a tennis court. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Oran is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night. If you walk in crowded streets or use a bus, keep a hand on your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities. Don't feel the need to be polite. ==Cope== ==Go next== {{geo|35.696944|-0.633056}} {{IsPartOf|Northwest Algeria}} {{usablecity}} morujxvxv8iva8xo4ajnne7s1tz2qcy 4488136 4487837 2022-07-22T08:05:49Z Jonte-- 38175 /* Understand */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Oran_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.visitoran.com/ Oran]''' is a city of more than 1,500,000 people in [[Northwest Algeria]]. ==Understand== [[File:Kristel Oran Algeria.jpg|thumb]] Oran's beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice's seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs ("les Falaises"). It was renamed "Boulevard de l'ALN" by the government after the independence but it is still called '''Front de Mer''' by the locals. ==== History ==== [[Image:Oran Santa Cruz.JPG|thumb|Santa Cruz Fort, the largest of the three historic forts overlooking Oran. Built between 1577 and 1604 by the Spaniards.]] Present-day Oran was founded in 903 by the azdaja and ajissa berbers who lived the area. It was captured by the Castilians under Cardinal Cisneros in 1509, and Spanish sovereignty lasted until 1708, when the city was conquered by the Algerians during the siege of Siege of Oran (1707–1708). Spain recaptured the city in 1732. However, its value as a trading post had decreased greatly, so during the reign of King Charles IV the city was recaptured in 1790-1792 by a coalition of Algerian troops against Spain which resulted in victory for the bey of Oran despite the many attempts in 1563. The beylik lasted until 1831, when the city fell to the French. Under French rule during the 19th and 20th centuries, Oran was the capital of a département of the same name. In July 1940, the British navy shelled French warships in the port after they refused a British ultimatum to surrender; this action was taken to ensure the fleet would not fall into German hands, as the Nazis had defeated France and occupied Paris. The Vichy government held Oran during World War II until its capture by the Allies in late 1942, during Operation Torch. Before the Algerian War, 1954–1962, Oran had one of the highest proportions of Europeans of any city in North Africa. In July 1962, after a ceasefire and accords with France, a mob attacked European neighborhoods and massacred hundredes of Europeans in Oran, This triggered a larger exodus of Europeans to France, which was already underway. Shortly after the end of the war, most of the Europeans and Algerian Jews living in Oran fled to France. In less than three months, Oran lost about half its population. ==== Weather ==== ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Ahmed Ben Bella Airport | alt={{IATA|ORN}} Es Sénia Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.627222 | long=-0.611389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q637028 | content=While not as large as [[Algiers]]' airport, it is still serviced by several international airlines. }} ** '''Air Algérie''' (Adrar, Algiers, Alicante, Annaba, Bechar, Brussels—Seasonal--, Casablanca, Constantine, Geneva, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, Jeddah, Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Orly, Ouargla, Toulouse) ** '''Air France''' (Paris CDG, Toulouse) ** '''Iberia''' (Madrid) ** '''Tassili Airlines''' (Algiers, Hassi R'mel) ** '''Transavia''' (Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris ORLY) ** '''Tunisair''' (Tunis) ** '''Turkish Airlines''' (Istanbul) ** '''Vueling''' (Barcelona) ** '''Volotea''' (Alicante, Barcelona) ===By train=== [[File:Oran train station, Boumlik Messaili, 29-07-2008.jpg|thumb|Oran railway station]] Oran is at the western terminus of the Algerian rail network, operated by [http://www.sntf.dz SNTF]. A line continues toward [[Morocco]] but it has been closed for decades due to political conflict. Trains from the capital [[Algiers]] are plentiful, however, with several services daily. Other cities along the Mediterranean coast and in [[Northwest Algeria]] have trains to Oran. Additional routes include an overnight train from [[Bechar]], deep into the Sahara and about halfway from Mauritania. * {{go | name=Oran Central railway station | alt=Gare Centrale d'Oran | url= | email= | address=Rue Mankour Mahi Michel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3095826 | lastedit=2020-11-19 | content=All long-distance trains terminate here. }} ===By boat=== One can also reach Oran by ferries from the ports of Marseilles, Alicante and Almería, via the national company Algérie Ferries or Trasmediterranea. * {{go | name=Oran Ferry Terminal | alt=Gare Maritime d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.71036 | long=-0.64667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Ferries arrive here. }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|35.6910|-0.6342|width=600|height=550|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Oran_tramway.map}} ===By bus=== * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) === By tram === A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre. A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops. [[File:Pasha mosque Oran.jpg|thumb|Mosque of Hassan Basha]] ==See== * historic city centre * district of '''Sidi El Houari''' * municipal gardens * Djebel Murdjadjo * {{see | name=Santa Cruz Fortress | alt=قلعة سانتا كروز | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.7093 | long=-0.6647 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fortress on top of the hill overlooking Oran. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Oran | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.700278 | long=-0.646389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Hassan Basha Mosque | alt=مسجد حسن الباشا, Masjid Hassan El-bacha | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.704444 | long=-0.654722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A very ornate mosque, built in 1797. However, it is in a rather dilapidated state. }} * {{see | name=Oran zoo | alt=zoo d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.68930 | long=-0.64668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA100 and DA60 for children | content=Small zoo with animals such as lions, tigers and monkeys. Cage sizes would probably not pass any animal welfare inspections. }} * {{see | name=Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque | alt=مسجد عبد الله بن سلام | url= | email= | address=Boulevard Maata Mohamed El Habib | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1153491 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Completed in 1918, this is the former Great Synagogue of Oran. After Algerian independence, most Jewish citizens left the country. In 1975, the synagogue was converted into a mosque and named after Abdullah ibn Salam, a seventh-century Jew from Medina and companion of Muhammad who converted to Islam. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Walk along the Corniche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.70605 | long=-0.63523 | directions=Next to the sea from near Place 1er Novembre in the west to the Sheraton hotel in the east. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sidewalk with good views }} ==Buy== Note: most shops and restaurants don't accept payments cards. As of February 2022, withdrawing money from an ATM of an Algerian bank also usually doesn't work. The ATMs of {{marker|type=buy|name=Gulf Bank|lat=35.71182|long=-0.59621}} will accept Visa and MasterCard. *'''Le Marché de Medina Jedida''' with art products *{{buy | name = Es-Senia Shopping & Leisure Center| alt = Es Senia Centre Commercial & De Loisirs| url = | email = | address = | lat = 35.6379| long = -0.5905| directions = | phone = | tollfree = | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit= | content =Large shopping mall. }} ==Eat== Here are some popular places to eat ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Wifi Resto Club | url= | email= | address=14 Boulevard Docteur Ban Zerdjeb | lat=35.69930 | long=-0.64744 | directions= | phone=+213 41-399663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Th 11AM-10PM, closed Fridays | price= | content=Pizzeria and other fast food, offers free WiFi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Le Royaume du Couscous | url=https://web.facebook.com/LeRoyaumeducouscous | email= | address=15 Rue Ho Chi Minh | lat=35.70304 | long=-0.63886 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many types of couscous as well as starters and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Les Ambassadeurs | url= | email= | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves Mediterranean cuisine, located at the Royal Hotel. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant le Corsaire | url=http://www.oran-dz.com/tourisme/restaurants/restaurant-le-corsaire | email= | address=09 République sidi el-Houari, Boulevard de L'A.L.N | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 770 99 99 31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the old town. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== Oran's nightlife is among the most thriving in the continent. The city has always been the capital of Algeria's parties and music. All night long, plenty of nightclubs, bars and cabarets are open and offer music, dance and partying in the city area seafront, called ''La Corniche'', which runs from the city's ''Front de Mer'' to the neighbouring cities of Aïn El Turk, Bou Sfer and El Ançor. All kinds of nightclubs can be found, from the very posh '''Atmosphère''' at the Sheraton Hotel that attracts now international DJs such as David Vendetta to more popular ones in the Corniche, such as ''Les Pins d'Or'', ''SunHouse'' and ''Le Murdjadjo''. ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Le Raja Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 rue Arago Place des victoires | lat=35.701949 | long=-0.637314 | directions= | phone=+213 41 331431 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sarl Hotel El-mansour | url= | email= | address=7 Rue Ozanam | lat= | long= | directions=Near le Cathedrale | phone=+213 41 295590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The best among budget hotels in the town. Friendly staff, clean, shared bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Residence Le Timgad | url= | email= | address=22 Bd Emir Abdelkader | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+213 41 294797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA4600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A 4-star hotel in the centre of the town, free wifi, breakfast, nice and big room with western standard facility. the only small problem is the staff speak little English but very friendly, very good in French and Arabic. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Colombe | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcolombe.com | email=reservation@hotelcolombe.com | address=6 Boulevard Zabour Larbi | lat=35.692754 | long= -0.628158 | directions=Southeast of the train station, near the cathedral as well as the Palace of Cultures | phone=+213 41-466162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Meridien Oran Hotel & Convention Center | url=http://www.lemeridienoran.com | email= | address=Les Genets, Chemin de Wilaya, Route 75 | lat=35.726948 | long=-0.591792 | directions= | phone=+213 41 984000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Situated on a high cliff with a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea and the city centre of Oran. The hotel will form part of a larger complex including an adjacent conference and exhibition centre, and an oceanfront promenade. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel Oran | url=http://www.royalhoteloran.com | email=contact@royalhoteloran.com | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.703330 | long=-0.647773 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax=+213 41-296118 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxorius hotel located in central Oran, not far from the docks. Often rated as great value for money. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Oran | alt=Four Points by Sheraton | url=http://www.sheratonoran.com | email=sheraton.oran@sheraton.com | address=Boulevard du 19 Mars, Route des falaises | lat=35.71659 | long=-0.61062 | directions= | phone=+213-41-590100 | tollfree= | fax=+213-41-590101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices start at DA14,250 | content=One of the fanciest hotels in Oran with breathtaking views of the ocean from each room. The hotel also features a complimentary airport shuttle, restaurants and a tennis court. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Oran is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night. If you walk in crowded streets or use a bus, keep a hand on your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities. Don't feel the need to be polite. ==Cope== ==Go next== {{geo|35.696944|-0.633056}} {{IsPartOf|Northwest Algeria}} {{usablecity}} l7iwwrt6exfkzn1v5ugsfl9ho87azcg 4488137 4488136 2022-07-22T08:07:28Z Jonte-- 38175 /* By train */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Oran_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.visitoran.com/ Oran]''' is a city of more than 1,500,000 people in [[Northwest Algeria]]. ==Understand== [[File:Kristel Oran Algeria.jpg|thumb]] Oran's beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice's seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs ("les Falaises"). It was renamed "Boulevard de l'ALN" by the government after the independence but it is still called '''Front de Mer''' by the locals. ==== History ==== [[Image:Oran Santa Cruz.JPG|thumb|Santa Cruz Fort, the largest of the three historic forts overlooking Oran. Built between 1577 and 1604 by the Spaniards.]] Present-day Oran was founded in 903 by the azdaja and ajissa berbers who lived the area. It was captured by the Castilians under Cardinal Cisneros in 1509, and Spanish sovereignty lasted until 1708, when the city was conquered by the Algerians during the siege of Siege of Oran (1707–1708). Spain recaptured the city in 1732. However, its value as a trading post had decreased greatly, so during the reign of King Charles IV the city was recaptured in 1790-1792 by a coalition of Algerian troops against Spain which resulted in victory for the bey of Oran despite the many attempts in 1563. The beylik lasted until 1831, when the city fell to the French. Under French rule during the 19th and 20th centuries, Oran was the capital of a département of the same name. In July 1940, the British navy shelled French warships in the port after they refused a British ultimatum to surrender; this action was taken to ensure the fleet would not fall into German hands, as the Nazis had defeated France and occupied Paris. The Vichy government held Oran during World War II until its capture by the Allies in late 1942, during Operation Torch. Before the Algerian War, 1954–1962, Oran had one of the highest proportions of Europeans of any city in North Africa. In July 1962, after a ceasefire and accords with France, a mob attacked European neighborhoods and massacred hundredes of Europeans in Oran, This triggered a larger exodus of Europeans to France, which was already underway. Shortly after the end of the war, most of the Europeans and Algerian Jews living in Oran fled to France. In less than three months, Oran lost about half its population. ==== Weather ==== ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Ahmed Ben Bella Airport | alt={{IATA|ORN}} Es Sénia Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.627222 | long=-0.611389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q637028 | content=While not as large as [[Algiers]]' airport, it is still serviced by several international airlines. }} ** '''Air Algérie''' (Adrar, Algiers, Alicante, Annaba, Bechar, Brussels—Seasonal--, Casablanca, Constantine, Geneva, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, Jeddah, Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Orly, Ouargla, Toulouse) ** '''Air France''' (Paris CDG, Toulouse) ** '''Iberia''' (Madrid) ** '''Tassili Airlines''' (Algiers, Hassi R'mel) ** '''Transavia''' (Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris ORLY) ** '''Tunisair''' (Tunis) ** '''Turkish Airlines''' (Istanbul) ** '''Vueling''' (Barcelona) ** '''Volotea''' (Alicante, Barcelona) ===By train=== [[File:Oran train station, Boumlik Messaili, 29-07-2008.jpg|thumb|The historic ''Gare d'Oran'', the central railway station, opened in 1913.]] Oran is at the western terminus of the Algerian rail network, operated by [http://www.sntf.dz SNTF]. A line continues toward [[Morocco]] but it has been closed for decades due to political conflict. Trains from the capital [[Algiers]] are plentiful, however, with several services daily. Other cities along the Mediterranean coast and in [[Northwest Algeria]] have trains to Oran. Additional routes include an overnight train from [[Bechar]], deep into the Sahara and about halfway from Mauritania. * {{go | name=Oran Central railway station | alt=Gare Centrale d'Oran | url= | email= | address=Rue Mankour Mahi Michel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3095826 | lastedit=2020-11-19 | content=All long-distance trains terminate here. }} ===By boat=== One can also reach Oran by ferries from the ports of Marseilles, Alicante and Almería, via the national company Algérie Ferries or Trasmediterranea. * {{go | name=Oran Ferry Terminal | alt=Gare Maritime d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.71036 | long=-0.64667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Ferries arrive here. }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|35.6910|-0.6342|width=600|height=550|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Oran_tramway.map}} ===By bus=== * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) === By tram === A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre. A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops. [[File:Pasha mosque Oran.jpg|thumb|Mosque of Hassan Basha]] ==See== * historic city centre * district of '''Sidi El Houari''' * municipal gardens * Djebel Murdjadjo * {{see | name=Santa Cruz Fortress | alt=قلعة سانتا كروز | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.7093 | long=-0.6647 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fortress on top of the hill overlooking Oran. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Oran | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.700278 | long=-0.646389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Hassan Basha Mosque | alt=مسجد حسن الباشا, Masjid Hassan El-bacha | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.704444 | long=-0.654722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A very ornate mosque, built in 1797. However, it is in a rather dilapidated state. }} * {{see | name=Oran zoo | alt=zoo d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.68930 | long=-0.64668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA100 and DA60 for children | content=Small zoo with animals such as lions, tigers and monkeys. Cage sizes would probably not pass any animal welfare inspections. }} * {{see | name=Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque | alt=مسجد عبد الله بن سلام | url= | email= | address=Boulevard Maata Mohamed El Habib | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1153491 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Completed in 1918, this is the former Great Synagogue of Oran. After Algerian independence, most Jewish citizens left the country. In 1975, the synagogue was converted into a mosque and named after Abdullah ibn Salam, a seventh-century Jew from Medina and companion of Muhammad who converted to Islam. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Walk along the Corniche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.70605 | long=-0.63523 | directions=Next to the sea from near Place 1er Novembre in the west to the Sheraton hotel in the east. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sidewalk with good views }} ==Buy== Note: most shops and restaurants don't accept payments cards. As of February 2022, withdrawing money from an ATM of an Algerian bank also usually doesn't work. The ATMs of {{marker|type=buy|name=Gulf Bank|lat=35.71182|long=-0.59621}} will accept Visa and MasterCard. *'''Le Marché de Medina Jedida''' with art products *{{buy | name = Es-Senia Shopping & Leisure Center| alt = Es Senia Centre Commercial & De Loisirs| url = | email = | address = | lat = 35.6379| long = -0.5905| directions = | phone = | tollfree = | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit= | content =Large shopping mall. }} ==Eat== Here are some popular places to eat ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Wifi Resto Club | url= | email= | address=14 Boulevard Docteur Ban Zerdjeb | lat=35.69930 | long=-0.64744 | directions= | phone=+213 41-399663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Th 11AM-10PM, closed Fridays | price= | content=Pizzeria and other fast food, offers free WiFi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Le Royaume du Couscous | url=https://web.facebook.com/LeRoyaumeducouscous | email= | address=15 Rue Ho Chi Minh | lat=35.70304 | long=-0.63886 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many types of couscous as well as starters and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Les Ambassadeurs | url= | email= | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves Mediterranean cuisine, located at the Royal Hotel. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant le Corsaire | url=http://www.oran-dz.com/tourisme/restaurants/restaurant-le-corsaire | email= | address=09 République sidi el-Houari, Boulevard de L'A.L.N | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 770 99 99 31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the old town. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== Oran's nightlife is among the most thriving in the continent. The city has always been the capital of Algeria's parties and music. All night long, plenty of nightclubs, bars and cabarets are open and offer music, dance and partying in the city area seafront, called ''La Corniche'', which runs from the city's ''Front de Mer'' to the neighbouring cities of Aïn El Turk, Bou Sfer and El Ançor. All kinds of nightclubs can be found, from the very posh '''Atmosphère''' at the Sheraton Hotel that attracts now international DJs such as David Vendetta to more popular ones in the Corniche, such as ''Les Pins d'Or'', ''SunHouse'' and ''Le Murdjadjo''. ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Le Raja Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 rue Arago Place des victoires | lat=35.701949 | long=-0.637314 | directions= | phone=+213 41 331431 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sarl Hotel El-mansour | url= | email= | address=7 Rue Ozanam | lat= | long= | directions=Near le Cathedrale | phone=+213 41 295590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The best among budget hotels in the town. Friendly staff, clean, shared bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Residence Le Timgad | url= | email= | address=22 Bd Emir Abdelkader | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+213 41 294797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA4600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A 4-star hotel in the centre of the town, free wifi, breakfast, nice and big room with western standard facility. the only small problem is the staff speak little English but very friendly, very good in French and Arabic. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Colombe | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcolombe.com | email=reservation@hotelcolombe.com | address=6 Boulevard Zabour Larbi | lat=35.692754 | long= -0.628158 | directions=Southeast of the train station, near the cathedral as well as the Palace of Cultures | phone=+213 41-466162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Meridien Oran Hotel & Convention Center | url=http://www.lemeridienoran.com | email= | address=Les Genets, Chemin de Wilaya, Route 75 | lat=35.726948 | long=-0.591792 | directions= | phone=+213 41 984000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Situated on a high cliff with a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea and the city centre of Oran. The hotel will form part of a larger complex including an adjacent conference and exhibition centre, and an oceanfront promenade. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel Oran | url=http://www.royalhoteloran.com | email=contact@royalhoteloran.com | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.703330 | long=-0.647773 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax=+213 41-296118 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxorius hotel located in central Oran, not far from the docks. Often rated as great value for money. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Oran | alt=Four Points by Sheraton | url=http://www.sheratonoran.com | email=sheraton.oran@sheraton.com | address=Boulevard du 19 Mars, Route des falaises | lat=35.71659 | long=-0.61062 | directions= | phone=+213-41-590100 | tollfree= | fax=+213-41-590101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices start at DA14,250 | content=One of the fanciest hotels in Oran with breathtaking views of the ocean from each room. The hotel also features a complimentary airport shuttle, restaurants and a tennis court. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Oran is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night. If you walk in crowded streets or use a bus, keep a hand on your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities. Don't feel the need to be polite. ==Cope== ==Go next== {{geo|35.696944|-0.633056}} {{IsPartOf|Northwest Algeria}} {{usablecity}} m7d8dm5pt76kva7ds9i9yoodlsiduav 4488138 4488137 2022-07-22T08:09:01Z Jonte-- 38175 /* By train */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Oran_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.visitoran.com/ Oran]''' is a city of more than 1,500,000 people in [[Northwest Algeria]]. ==Understand== [[File:Kristel Oran Algeria.jpg|thumb]] Oran's beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice's seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs ("les Falaises"). It was renamed "Boulevard de l'ALN" by the government after the independence but it is still called '''Front de Mer''' by the locals. ==== History ==== [[Image:Oran Santa Cruz.JPG|thumb|Santa Cruz Fort, the largest of the three historic forts overlooking Oran. Built between 1577 and 1604 by the Spaniards.]] Present-day Oran was founded in 903 by the azdaja and ajissa berbers who lived the area. It was captured by the Castilians under Cardinal Cisneros in 1509, and Spanish sovereignty lasted until 1708, when the city was conquered by the Algerians during the siege of Siege of Oran (1707–1708). Spain recaptured the city in 1732. However, its value as a trading post had decreased greatly, so during the reign of King Charles IV the city was recaptured in 1790-1792 by a coalition of Algerian troops against Spain which resulted in victory for the bey of Oran despite the many attempts in 1563. The beylik lasted until 1831, when the city fell to the French. Under French rule during the 19th and 20th centuries, Oran was the capital of a département of the same name. In July 1940, the British navy shelled French warships in the port after they refused a British ultimatum to surrender; this action was taken to ensure the fleet would not fall into German hands, as the Nazis had defeated France and occupied Paris. The Vichy government held Oran during World War II until its capture by the Allies in late 1942, during Operation Torch. Before the Algerian War, 1954–1962, Oran had one of the highest proportions of Europeans of any city in North Africa. In July 1962, after a ceasefire and accords with France, a mob attacked European neighborhoods and massacred hundredes of Europeans in Oran, This triggered a larger exodus of Europeans to France, which was already underway. Shortly after the end of the war, most of the Europeans and Algerian Jews living in Oran fled to France. In less than three months, Oran lost about half its population. ==== Weather ==== ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Ahmed Ben Bella Airport | alt={{IATA|ORN}} Es Sénia Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.627222 | long=-0.611389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q637028 | content=While not as large as [[Algiers]]' airport, it is still serviced by several international airlines. }} ** '''Air Algérie''' (Adrar, Algiers, Alicante, Annaba, Bechar, Brussels—Seasonal--, Casablanca, Constantine, Geneva, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, Jeddah, Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Orly, Ouargla, Toulouse) ** '''Air France''' (Paris CDG, Toulouse) ** '''Iberia''' (Madrid) ** '''Tassili Airlines''' (Algiers, Hassi R'mel) ** '''Transavia''' (Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris ORLY) ** '''Tunisair''' (Tunis) ** '''Turkish Airlines''' (Istanbul) ** '''Vueling''' (Barcelona) ** '''Volotea''' (Alicante, Barcelona) ===By train=== [[File:Oran train station, Boumlik Messaili, 29-07-2008.jpg|thumb|The historic ''Gare d'Oran'', the central railway station, opened in 1913.]] Oran is at the western terminus of the Algerian rail network, operated by [http://www.sntf.dz '''SNTF''']. A line continues toward [[Morocco]] but it has been closed for decades due to political conflict. Trains from the capital [[Algiers]] are plentiful, however, with several services daily. Other cities along the Mediterranean coast and in [[Northwest Algeria]] have trains to Oran. Additional routes include an overnight train from [[Bechar]], deep into the Sahara and about halfway from Mauritania. * {{go | name=Oran Central railway station | alt=Gare Centrale d'Oran | url= | email= | address=Rue Mankour Mahi Michel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3095826 | lastedit=2020-11-19 | content=All long-distance trains terminate here. }} ===By boat=== One can also reach Oran by ferries from the ports of Marseilles, Alicante and Almería, via the national company Algérie Ferries or Trasmediterranea. * {{go | name=Oran Ferry Terminal | alt=Gare Maritime d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.71036 | long=-0.64667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Ferries arrive here. }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|35.6910|-0.6342|width=600|height=550|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Oran_tramway.map}} ===By bus=== * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) === By tram === A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre. A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops. [[File:Pasha mosque Oran.jpg|thumb|Mosque of Hassan Basha]] ==See== * historic city centre * district of '''Sidi El Houari''' * municipal gardens * Djebel Murdjadjo * {{see | name=Santa Cruz Fortress | alt=قلعة سانتا كروز | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.7093 | long=-0.6647 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fortress on top of the hill overlooking Oran. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Oran | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.700278 | long=-0.646389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Hassan Basha Mosque | alt=مسجد حسن الباشا, Masjid Hassan El-bacha | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.704444 | long=-0.654722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A very ornate mosque, built in 1797. However, it is in a rather dilapidated state. }} * {{see | name=Oran zoo | alt=zoo d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.68930 | long=-0.64668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA100 and DA60 for children | content=Small zoo with animals such as lions, tigers and monkeys. Cage sizes would probably not pass any animal welfare inspections. }} * {{see | name=Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque | alt=مسجد عبد الله بن سلام | url= | email= | address=Boulevard Maata Mohamed El Habib | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1153491 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Completed in 1918, this is the former Great Synagogue of Oran. After Algerian independence, most Jewish citizens left the country. In 1975, the synagogue was converted into a mosque and named after Abdullah ibn Salam, a seventh-century Jew from Medina and companion of Muhammad who converted to Islam. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Walk along the Corniche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.70605 | long=-0.63523 | directions=Next to the sea from near Place 1er Novembre in the west to the Sheraton hotel in the east. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sidewalk with good views }} ==Buy== Note: most shops and restaurants don't accept payments cards. As of February 2022, withdrawing money from an ATM of an Algerian bank also usually doesn't work. The ATMs of {{marker|type=buy|name=Gulf Bank|lat=35.71182|long=-0.59621}} will accept Visa and MasterCard. *'''Le Marché de Medina Jedida''' with art products *{{buy | name = Es-Senia Shopping & Leisure Center| alt = Es Senia Centre Commercial & De Loisirs| url = | email = | address = | lat = 35.6379| long = -0.5905| directions = | phone = | tollfree = | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit= | content =Large shopping mall. }} ==Eat== Here are some popular places to eat ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Wifi Resto Club | url= | email= | address=14 Boulevard Docteur Ban Zerdjeb | lat=35.69930 | long=-0.64744 | directions= | phone=+213 41-399663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Th 11AM-10PM, closed Fridays | price= | content=Pizzeria and other fast food, offers free WiFi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Le Royaume du Couscous | url=https://web.facebook.com/LeRoyaumeducouscous | email= | address=15 Rue Ho Chi Minh | lat=35.70304 | long=-0.63886 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many types of couscous as well as starters and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Les Ambassadeurs | url= | email= | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves Mediterranean cuisine, located at the Royal Hotel. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant le Corsaire | url=http://www.oran-dz.com/tourisme/restaurants/restaurant-le-corsaire | email= | address=09 République sidi el-Houari, Boulevard de L'A.L.N | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 770 99 99 31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the old town. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== Oran's nightlife is among the most thriving in the continent. The city has always been the capital of Algeria's parties and music. All night long, plenty of nightclubs, bars and cabarets are open and offer music, dance and partying in the city area seafront, called ''La Corniche'', which runs from the city's ''Front de Mer'' to the neighbouring cities of Aïn El Turk, Bou Sfer and El Ançor. All kinds of nightclubs can be found, from the very posh '''Atmosphère''' at the Sheraton Hotel that attracts now international DJs such as David Vendetta to more popular ones in the Corniche, such as ''Les Pins d'Or'', ''SunHouse'' and ''Le Murdjadjo''. ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Le Raja Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 rue Arago Place des victoires | lat=35.701949 | long=-0.637314 | directions= | phone=+213 41 331431 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sarl Hotel El-mansour | url= | email= | address=7 Rue Ozanam | lat= | long= | directions=Near le Cathedrale | phone=+213 41 295590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The best among budget hotels in the town. Friendly staff, clean, shared bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Residence Le Timgad | url= | email= | address=22 Bd Emir Abdelkader | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+213 41 294797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA4600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A 4-star hotel in the centre of the town, free wifi, breakfast, nice and big room with western standard facility. the only small problem is the staff speak little English but very friendly, very good in French and Arabic. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Colombe | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcolombe.com | email=reservation@hotelcolombe.com | address=6 Boulevard Zabour Larbi | lat=35.692754 | long= -0.628158 | directions=Southeast of the train station, near the cathedral as well as the Palace of Cultures | phone=+213 41-466162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Meridien Oran Hotel & Convention Center | url=http://www.lemeridienoran.com | email= | address=Les Genets, Chemin de Wilaya, Route 75 | lat=35.726948 | long=-0.591792 | directions= | phone=+213 41 984000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Situated on a high cliff with a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea and the city centre of Oran. The hotel will form part of a larger complex including an adjacent conference and exhibition centre, and an oceanfront promenade. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel Oran | url=http://www.royalhoteloran.com | email=contact@royalhoteloran.com | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.703330 | long=-0.647773 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax=+213 41-296118 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxorius hotel located in central Oran, not far from the docks. Often rated as great value for money. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Oran | alt=Four Points by Sheraton | url=http://www.sheratonoran.com | email=sheraton.oran@sheraton.com | address=Boulevard du 19 Mars, Route des falaises | lat=35.71659 | long=-0.61062 | directions= | phone=+213-41-590100 | tollfree= | fax=+213-41-590101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices start at DA14,250 | content=One of the fanciest hotels in Oran with breathtaking views of the ocean from each room. The hotel also features a complimentary airport shuttle, restaurants and a tennis court. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Oran is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night. If you walk in crowded streets or use a bus, keep a hand on your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities. Don't feel the need to be polite. ==Cope== ==Go next== {{geo|35.696944|-0.633056}} {{IsPartOf|Northwest Algeria}} {{usablecity}} bl8qiodikicd5l9bwae1sb9bi71odn1 4488139 4488138 2022-07-22T08:11:54Z Jonte-- 38175 /* Get around */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Oran_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.visitoran.com/ Oran]''' is a city of more than 1,500,000 people in [[Northwest Algeria]]. ==Understand== [[File:Kristel Oran Algeria.jpg|thumb]] Oran's beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice's seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs ("les Falaises"). It was renamed "Boulevard de l'ALN" by the government after the independence but it is still called '''Front de Mer''' by the locals. ==== History ==== [[Image:Oran Santa Cruz.JPG|thumb|Santa Cruz Fort, the largest of the three historic forts overlooking Oran. Built between 1577 and 1604 by the Spaniards.]] Present-day Oran was founded in 903 by the azdaja and ajissa berbers who lived the area. It was captured by the Castilians under Cardinal Cisneros in 1509, and Spanish sovereignty lasted until 1708, when the city was conquered by the Algerians during the siege of Siege of Oran (1707–1708). Spain recaptured the city in 1732. However, its value as a trading post had decreased greatly, so during the reign of King Charles IV the city was recaptured in 1790-1792 by a coalition of Algerian troops against Spain which resulted in victory for the bey of Oran despite the many attempts in 1563. The beylik lasted until 1831, when the city fell to the French. Under French rule during the 19th and 20th centuries, Oran was the capital of a département of the same name. In July 1940, the British navy shelled French warships in the port after they refused a British ultimatum to surrender; this action was taken to ensure the fleet would not fall into German hands, as the Nazis had defeated France and occupied Paris. The Vichy government held Oran during World War II until its capture by the Allies in late 1942, during Operation Torch. Before the Algerian War, 1954–1962, Oran had one of the highest proportions of Europeans of any city in North Africa. In July 1962, after a ceasefire and accords with France, a mob attacked European neighborhoods and massacred hundredes of Europeans in Oran, This triggered a larger exodus of Europeans to France, which was already underway. Shortly after the end of the war, most of the Europeans and Algerian Jews living in Oran fled to France. In less than three months, Oran lost about half its population. ==== Weather ==== ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Ahmed Ben Bella Airport | alt={{IATA|ORN}} Es Sénia Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.627222 | long=-0.611389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q637028 | content=While not as large as [[Algiers]]' airport, it is still serviced by several international airlines. }} ** '''Air Algérie''' (Adrar, Algiers, Alicante, Annaba, Bechar, Brussels—Seasonal--, Casablanca, Constantine, Geneva, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, Jeddah, Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Orly, Ouargla, Toulouse) ** '''Air France''' (Paris CDG, Toulouse) ** '''Iberia''' (Madrid) ** '''Tassili Airlines''' (Algiers, Hassi R'mel) ** '''Transavia''' (Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris ORLY) ** '''Tunisair''' (Tunis) ** '''Turkish Airlines''' (Istanbul) ** '''Vueling''' (Barcelona) ** '''Volotea''' (Alicante, Barcelona) ===By train=== [[File:Oran train station, Boumlik Messaili, 29-07-2008.jpg|thumb|The historic ''Gare d'Oran'', the central railway station, opened in 1913.]] Oran is at the western terminus of the Algerian rail network, operated by [http://www.sntf.dz '''SNTF''']. A line continues toward [[Morocco]] but it has been closed for decades due to political conflict. Trains from the capital [[Algiers]] are plentiful, however, with several services daily. Other cities along the Mediterranean coast and in [[Northwest Algeria]] have trains to Oran. Additional routes include an overnight train from [[Bechar]], deep into the Sahara and about halfway from Mauritania. * {{go | name=Oran Central railway station | alt=Gare Centrale d'Oran | url= | email= | address=Rue Mankour Mahi Michel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3095826 | lastedit=2020-11-19 | content=All long-distance trains terminate here. }} ===By boat=== One can also reach Oran by ferries from the ports of Marseilles, Alicante and Almería, via the national company Algérie Ferries or Trasmediterranea. * {{go | name=Oran Ferry Terminal | alt=Gare Maritime d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.71036 | long=-0.64667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Ferries arrive here. }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|35.6910|-0.6342|width=600|height=550|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Oran_tramway.map}} ===By bus=== * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) === By metro === An underground metro network is under construction, the first line is expected to open in late 2022. === By tram === A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre. A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops. ==See== * historic city centre * district of '''Sidi El Houari''' * municipal gardens * Djebel Murdjadjo * {{see | name=Santa Cruz Fortress | alt=قلعة سانتا كروز | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.7093 | long=-0.6647 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fortress on top of the hill overlooking Oran. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Oran | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.700278 | long=-0.646389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Hassan Basha Mosque | alt=مسجد حسن الباشا, Masjid Hassan El-bacha | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.704444 | long=-0.654722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A very ornate mosque, built in 1797. However, it is in a rather dilapidated state. }} * {{see | name=Oran zoo | alt=zoo d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.68930 | long=-0.64668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA100 and DA60 for children | content=Small zoo with animals such as lions, tigers and monkeys. Cage sizes would probably not pass any animal welfare inspections. }} * {{see | name=Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque | alt=مسجد عبد الله بن سلام | url= | email= | address=Boulevard Maata Mohamed El Habib | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1153491 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Completed in 1918, this is the former Great Synagogue of Oran. After Algerian independence, most Jewish citizens left the country. In 1975, the synagogue was converted into a mosque and named after Abdullah ibn Salam, a seventh-century Jew from Medina and companion of Muhammad who converted to Islam. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Walk along the Corniche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.70605 | long=-0.63523 | directions=Next to the sea from near Place 1er Novembre in the west to the Sheraton hotel in the east. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sidewalk with good views }} ==Buy== Note: most shops and restaurants don't accept payments cards. As of February 2022, withdrawing money from an ATM of an Algerian bank also usually doesn't work. The ATMs of {{marker|type=buy|name=Gulf Bank|lat=35.71182|long=-0.59621}} will accept Visa and MasterCard. *'''Le Marché de Medina Jedida''' with art products *{{buy | name = Es-Senia Shopping & Leisure Center| alt = Es Senia Centre Commercial & De Loisirs| url = | email = | address = | lat = 35.6379| long = -0.5905| directions = | phone = | tollfree = | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit= | content =Large shopping mall. }} ==Eat== Here are some popular places to eat ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Wifi Resto Club | url= | email= | address=14 Boulevard Docteur Ban Zerdjeb | lat=35.69930 | long=-0.64744 | directions= | phone=+213 41-399663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Th 11AM-10PM, closed Fridays | price= | content=Pizzeria and other fast food, offers free WiFi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Le Royaume du Couscous | url=https://web.facebook.com/LeRoyaumeducouscous | email= | address=15 Rue Ho Chi Minh | lat=35.70304 | long=-0.63886 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many types of couscous as well as starters and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Les Ambassadeurs | url= | email= | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves Mediterranean cuisine, located at the Royal Hotel. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant le Corsaire | url=http://www.oran-dz.com/tourisme/restaurants/restaurant-le-corsaire | email= | address=09 République sidi el-Houari, Boulevard de L'A.L.N | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 770 99 99 31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the old town. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== Oran's nightlife is among the most thriving in the continent. The city has always been the capital of Algeria's parties and music. All night long, plenty of nightclubs, bars and cabarets are open and offer music, dance and partying in the city area seafront, called ''La Corniche'', which runs from the city's ''Front de Mer'' to the neighbouring cities of Aïn El Turk, Bou Sfer and El Ançor. All kinds of nightclubs can be found, from the very posh '''Atmosphère''' at the Sheraton Hotel that attracts now international DJs such as David Vendetta to more popular ones in the Corniche, such as ''Les Pins d'Or'', ''SunHouse'' and ''Le Murdjadjo''. ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Le Raja Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 rue Arago Place des victoires | lat=35.701949 | long=-0.637314 | directions= | phone=+213 41 331431 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sarl Hotel El-mansour | url= | email= | address=7 Rue Ozanam | lat= | long= | directions=Near le Cathedrale | phone=+213 41 295590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The best among budget hotels in the town. Friendly staff, clean, shared bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Residence Le Timgad | url= | email= | address=22 Bd Emir Abdelkader | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+213 41 294797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA4600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A 4-star hotel in the centre of the town, free wifi, breakfast, nice and big room with western standard facility. the only small problem is the staff speak little English but very friendly, very good in French and Arabic. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Colombe | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcolombe.com | email=reservation@hotelcolombe.com | address=6 Boulevard Zabour Larbi | lat=35.692754 | long= -0.628158 | directions=Southeast of the train station, near the cathedral as well as the Palace of Cultures | phone=+213 41-466162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Meridien Oran Hotel & Convention Center | url=http://www.lemeridienoran.com | email= | address=Les Genets, Chemin de Wilaya, Route 75 | lat=35.726948 | long=-0.591792 | directions= | phone=+213 41 984000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Situated on a high cliff with a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea and the city centre of Oran. The hotel will form part of a larger complex including an adjacent conference and exhibition centre, and an oceanfront promenade. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel Oran | url=http://www.royalhoteloran.com | email=contact@royalhoteloran.com | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.703330 | long=-0.647773 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax=+213 41-296118 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxorius hotel located in central Oran, not far from the docks. Often rated as great value for money. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Oran | alt=Four Points by Sheraton | url=http://www.sheratonoran.com | email=sheraton.oran@sheraton.com | address=Boulevard du 19 Mars, Route des falaises | lat=35.71659 | long=-0.61062 | directions= | phone=+213-41-590100 | tollfree= | fax=+213-41-590101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices start at DA14,250 | content=One of the fanciest hotels in Oran with breathtaking views of the ocean from each room. The hotel also features a complimentary airport shuttle, restaurants and a tennis court. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Oran is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night. If you walk in crowded streets or use a bus, keep a hand on your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities. Don't feel the need to be polite. ==Cope== ==Go next== {{geo|35.696944|-0.633056}} {{IsPartOf|Northwest Algeria}} {{usablecity}} ppajuwslw6lu4n0bfd19phn8armamz6 4488140 4488139 2022-07-22T08:12:02Z Jonte-- 38175 /* See */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Oran_banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.visitoran.com/ Oran]''' is a city of more than 1,500,000 people in [[Northwest Algeria]]. ==Understand== [[File:Kristel Oran Algeria.jpg|thumb]] Oran's beautiful sea shore, constructed under French rule, was inspired by Nice's seafront. It consists of a long boulevard lined with cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops. The boulevard also offers a splendid view of the sea, the harbour, Santa Cruz and the cliffs ("les Falaises"). It was renamed "Boulevard de l'ALN" by the government after the independence but it is still called '''Front de Mer''' by the locals. ==== History ==== [[Image:Oran Santa Cruz.JPG|thumb|Santa Cruz Fort, the largest of the three historic forts overlooking Oran. Built between 1577 and 1604 by the Spaniards.]] Present-day Oran was founded in 903 by the azdaja and ajissa berbers who lived the area. It was captured by the Castilians under Cardinal Cisneros in 1509, and Spanish sovereignty lasted until 1708, when the city was conquered by the Algerians during the siege of Siege of Oran (1707–1708). Spain recaptured the city in 1732. However, its value as a trading post had decreased greatly, so during the reign of King Charles IV the city was recaptured in 1790-1792 by a coalition of Algerian troops against Spain which resulted in victory for the bey of Oran despite the many attempts in 1563. The beylik lasted until 1831, when the city fell to the French. Under French rule during the 19th and 20th centuries, Oran was the capital of a département of the same name. In July 1940, the British navy shelled French warships in the port after they refused a British ultimatum to surrender; this action was taken to ensure the fleet would not fall into German hands, as the Nazis had defeated France and occupied Paris. The Vichy government held Oran during World War II until its capture by the Allies in late 1942, during Operation Torch. Before the Algerian War, 1954–1962, Oran had one of the highest proportions of Europeans of any city in North Africa. In July 1962, after a ceasefire and accords with France, a mob attacked European neighborhoods and massacred hundredes of Europeans in Oran, This triggered a larger exodus of Europeans to France, which was already underway. Shortly after the end of the war, most of the Europeans and Algerian Jews living in Oran fled to France. In less than three months, Oran lost about half its population. ==== Weather ==== ==Get in== ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Ahmed Ben Bella Airport | alt={{IATA|ORN}} Es Sénia Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.627222 | long=-0.611389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q637028 | content=While not as large as [[Algiers]]' airport, it is still serviced by several international airlines. }} ** '''Air Algérie''' (Adrar, Algiers, Alicante, Annaba, Bechar, Brussels—Seasonal--, Casablanca, Constantine, Geneva, Hassi Messaoud, In Amenas, Jeddah, Lyon, Marseille, Paris-Orly, Ouargla, Toulouse) ** '''Air France''' (Paris CDG, Toulouse) ** '''Iberia''' (Madrid) ** '''Tassili Airlines''' (Algiers, Hassi R'mel) ** '''Transavia''' (Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Paris ORLY) ** '''Tunisair''' (Tunis) ** '''Turkish Airlines''' (Istanbul) ** '''Vueling''' (Barcelona) ** '''Volotea''' (Alicante, Barcelona) ===By train=== [[File:Oran train station, Boumlik Messaili, 29-07-2008.jpg|thumb|The historic ''Gare d'Oran'', the central railway station, opened in 1913.]] Oran is at the western terminus of the Algerian rail network, operated by [http://www.sntf.dz '''SNTF''']. A line continues toward [[Morocco]] but it has been closed for decades due to political conflict. Trains from the capital [[Algiers]] are plentiful, however, with several services daily. Other cities along the Mediterranean coast and in [[Northwest Algeria]] have trains to Oran. Additional routes include an overnight train from [[Bechar]], deep into the Sahara and about halfway from Mauritania. * {{go | name=Oran Central railway station | alt=Gare Centrale d'Oran | url= | email= | address=Rue Mankour Mahi Michel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3095826 | lastedit=2020-11-19 | content=All long-distance trains terminate here. }} ===By boat=== One can also reach Oran by ferries from the ports of Marseilles, Alicante and Almería, via the national company Algérie Ferries or Trasmediterranea. * {{go | name=Oran Ferry Terminal | alt=Gare Maritime d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.71036 | long=-0.64667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Ferries arrive here. }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|35.6910|-0.6342|width=600|height=550|zoom=13}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Oran_tramway.map}} ===By bus=== * 11 Which will take you from the east to west of the city. From Hai El Sabah to Place 1er Novembre * 51 From USTO UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * U From Senia UNIVERSITY to M'Dina Jdida * P1 From City center (Lycée lotfi) to Canastel (ORAN EAST) === By metro === An underground metro network is under construction, the first line is expected to open in late 2022. === By tram === A single tram line runs from Es Sénia in the south to Bir El Djir in the northeast, via Place 1er Novembre. A single ticket is DA40 and can be bought at kiosks near the tram stops. ==See== [[File:Pasha mosque Oran.jpg|thumb|Mosque of Hassan Basha]] * historic city centre * district of '''Sidi El Houari''' * municipal gardens * Djebel Murdjadjo * {{see | name=Santa Cruz Fortress | alt=قلعة سانتا كروز | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.7093 | long=-0.6647 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Fortress on top of the hill overlooking Oran. }} * {{see | name=Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur d'Oran | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.700278 | long=-0.646389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Hassan Basha Mosque | alt=مسجد حسن الباشا, Masjid Hassan El-bacha | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.704444 | long=-0.654722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A very ornate mosque, built in 1797. However, it is in a rather dilapidated state. }} * {{see | name=Oran zoo | alt=zoo d'Oran | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.68930 | long=-0.64668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA100 and DA60 for children | content=Small zoo with animals such as lions, tigers and monkeys. Cage sizes would probably not pass any animal welfare inspections. }} * {{see | name=Abdellah Ben Salem Mosque | alt=مسجد عبد الله بن سلام | url= | email= | address=Boulevard Maata Mohamed El Habib | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1153491 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Completed in 1918, this is the former Great Synagogue of Oran. After Algerian independence, most Jewish citizens left the country. In 1975, the synagogue was converted into a mosque and named after Abdullah ibn Salam, a seventh-century Jew from Medina and companion of Muhammad who converted to Islam. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Walk along the Corniche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.70605 | long=-0.63523 | directions=Next to the sea from near Place 1er Novembre in the west to the Sheraton hotel in the east. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sidewalk with good views }} ==Buy== Note: most shops and restaurants don't accept payments cards. As of February 2022, withdrawing money from an ATM of an Algerian bank also usually doesn't work. The ATMs of {{marker|type=buy|name=Gulf Bank|lat=35.71182|long=-0.59621}} will accept Visa and MasterCard. *'''Le Marché de Medina Jedida''' with art products *{{buy | name = Es-Senia Shopping & Leisure Center| alt = Es Senia Centre Commercial & De Loisirs| url = | email = | address = | lat = 35.6379| long = -0.5905| directions = | phone = | tollfree = | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit= | content =Large shopping mall. }} ==Eat== Here are some popular places to eat ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Wifi Resto Club | url= | email= | address=14 Boulevard Docteur Ban Zerdjeb | lat=35.69930 | long=-0.64744 | directions= | phone=+213 41-399663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa-Th 11AM-10PM, closed Fridays | price= | content=Pizzeria and other fast food, offers free WiFi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Le Royaume du Couscous | url=https://web.facebook.com/LeRoyaumeducouscous | email= | address=15 Rue Ho Chi Minh | lat=35.70304 | long=-0.63886 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Many types of couscous as well as starters and desserts. }} * {{eat | name=Les Ambassadeurs | url= | email= | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves Mediterranean cuisine, located at the Royal Hotel. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant le Corsaire | url=http://www.oran-dz.com/tourisme/restaurants/restaurant-le-corsaire | email= | address=09 République sidi el-Houari, Boulevard de L'A.L.N | lat=35.70325 | long=-0.64779 | directions= | phone=+213 770 99 99 31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Located in the old town. }} ===Splurge=== ==Drink== Oran's nightlife is among the most thriving in the continent. The city has always been the capital of Algeria's parties and music. All night long, plenty of nightclubs, bars and cabarets are open and offer music, dance and partying in the city area seafront, called ''La Corniche'', which runs from the city's ''Front de Mer'' to the neighbouring cities of Aïn El Turk, Bou Sfer and El Ançor. All kinds of nightclubs can be found, from the very posh '''Atmosphère''' at the Sheraton Hotel that attracts now international DJs such as David Vendetta to more popular ones in the Corniche, such as ''Les Pins d'Or'', ''SunHouse'' and ''Le Murdjadjo''. ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Le Raja Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 rue Arago Place des victoires | lat=35.701949 | long=-0.637314 | directions= | phone=+213 41 331431 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sarl Hotel El-mansour | url= | email= | address=7 Rue Ozanam | lat= | long= | directions=Near le Cathedrale | phone=+213 41 295590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=The best among budget hotels in the town. Friendly staff, clean, shared bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Residence Le Timgad | url= | email= | address=22 Bd Emir Abdelkader | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+213 41 294797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=DA4600 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A 4-star hotel in the centre of the town, free wifi, breakfast, nice and big room with western standard facility. the only small problem is the staff speak little English but very friendly, very good in French and Arabic. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Colombe | alt= | url=http://www.hotelcolombe.com | email=reservation@hotelcolombe.com | address=6 Boulevard Zabour Larbi | lat=35.692754 | long= -0.628158 | directions=Southeast of the train station, near the cathedral as well as the Palace of Cultures | phone=+213 41-466162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Meridien Oran Hotel & Convention Center | url=http://www.lemeridienoran.com | email= | address=Les Genets, Chemin de Wilaya, Route 75 | lat=35.726948 | long=-0.591792 | directions= | phone=+213 41 984000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Situated on a high cliff with a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea and the city centre of Oran. The hotel will form part of a larger complex including an adjacent conference and exhibition centre, and an oceanfront promenade. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel Oran | url=http://www.royalhoteloran.com | email=contact@royalhoteloran.com | address=1 Boulevard de la Soummam | lat=35.703330 | long=-0.647773 | directions= | phone=+213 41-981000 | tollfree= | fax=+213 41-296118 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Luxorius hotel located in central Oran, not far from the docks. Often rated as great value for money. }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Oran | alt=Four Points by Sheraton | url=http://www.sheratonoran.com | email=sheraton.oran@sheraton.com | address=Boulevard du 19 Mars, Route des falaises | lat=35.71659 | long=-0.61062 | directions= | phone=+213-41-590100 | tollfree= | fax=+213-41-590101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Prices start at DA14,250 | content=One of the fanciest hotels in Oran with breathtaking views of the ocean from each room. The hotel also features a complimentary airport shuttle, restaurants and a tennis court. }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== Oran is considered a safe city. Just use some common sense: avoid wearing expensive jewellery or looking flashy, do not flash large quantities of cash, and avoid unfamiliar and deserted areas at night. If you walk in crowded streets or use a bus, keep a hand on your pockets. Women should avoid low-cut tops, midriffs, or shorts to avoid harassment (which almost always consists of comments, but nothing physical) although this is less of a problem than in other cities. Don't feel the need to be polite. ==Cope== ==Go next== {{geo|35.696944|-0.633056}} {{IsPartOf|Northwest Algeria}} {{usablecity}} lhb0vjwrihen7mdvjxlesq62xypu4ko 0 26270 4488231 4178085 2022-07-22T11:57:48Z Hassanbouhaik 2273469 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ouarzazate banner Kasbah Taourirt.jpg|caption=The Kasbah Taourirt on Avenue Mohammed V in Ouarzazate just before sunset in April}} '''Ouarzazate (ورزازات)''' is a city in [[Morocco]] and the largest town in the [[Saharan Morocco]]. ==Understand== [[Image:Ouarzazate Medina.JPG|thumb|250px|Old housing around kasbah]] Ouarzazate is relatively small (60 000 inhabitants) and for Morocco quiet town, which can be very refreshing coming from a city like [[Fez]], [[Meknes]] or [[Marrakech]]. You will barely be hassled here and can walk freely and enjoy the streets. It is thus no wonder that its name comes from a Berber phrase meaning "without noise" or "without confusion". At an elevation of 1,135 m, built mostly along main street - Avenue Muhammed V. Once in its history, Ouarzazate had been crossing point for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and administrative centre. ==Get in== ===By bus=== * {{listing | type=go | name=CTM Gare Voyage | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.92066 | long=-6.91132 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content= }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Gare Routière | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.92565 | long=-6.92906 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content= }} There are two bus stations in town, the "Gare Routière" where grand taxis and local buses leave from, and the "CTM Gare Voyage" in the center of town. Don't buy CTM tickets at gare routier as their buses don't leave from there. Buses that pass through Ouarzazate can be badly delayed en-route, and the buses always take a long lunch break, keep this in mind to avoid arriving at your next destination too late. From specific destinations: * From Inezgane (suburb of [[Agadir]]) twice a day with CTM (09:00 & 23:30), 6.5 hr, 140 dirham (fixed price with CTM and a similar price with Supratours). There are also other companies running this route. * From [[Marrakesh]] there are two CTM buses a day (80 dirham), along with three local buses (also 80 dirham). You can also reserve a place in a grand taxi for around 100 dirham per person. * From [[Merzouga]] there is a daily Supratours bus at 07:30, 160 dirham. ===By plane=== Often two flights a day during the week from [[Casablanca]], occasional flights to Agadir and other cities. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} The area around Mohammad V is very walkable. The CTM station is there as well. Petits taxis for within the city (no more than 10 dirham from the airport to the hotel), grands taxis for between cities (no more than 150 dirham to Ait Benhaddou and back, though you can probably get it lower), including to Ait Benhaddou and surrounding kasbahs. For those traveling by car, note kerb colors: red and white means no parking, green and white means OK to park. ===Stay safe=== Don't be surprised if during a local taxi ride the driver requests you to "transfer taxis" or has "a friend to pick up on the way." When this happens, a friendly English (or other language) speaking person will start pitching you outings, most of them to [[Erg Chebbi]] near [[Merzouga]] or [[Zagora]]. Avoid! ==See== [[Image:Ouarzazate kasbah.JPG|thumb|250px|Kasbah Taourirt in Ourzazate]] [[Image:Kashba.JPG|thumb|250px|Kashba near Skoura]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Kasbah Taourirt | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 30.9201242 | long=-6.8994339 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=20 dirham | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q16593169 | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content=A well preserved kasbah inside of the city with a constant exhibition of various artists inside. It is like a little labyrinth, exploring all the rooms and hallways. Sometimes you can sneak in with another group of tourists. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Musée du Cinéma | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 30.9212519 | long=-6.8996159 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=30 dirham | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content=Not that exciting and many items are not marked or signed, but a good alternative if you do not want to head out of the city to the other museums/studios. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Bet Knesset Synagogue | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= Q103826502 | content=Former synagogue turned into some kind of museum. Rooms filled with items, but almost no descriptions. Guided tour only. Admission is "voluntary". }} ===Outside of town=== * {{listing | type=see | name=[[Aït-Benhaddou]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=15 dirham by grand taxi from nearby Gare Routière, a taxi for your own is 300 dirham or 220 dirham after some serious haggle | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q309436 | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content=One of the best preserved Kasbahs. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Very picturesque place, lots of movies were shot there (Gladiator). 10 dirham to visit kasbahs. You don't need a guide, but locals will follow you pretending to help and at the end will ask for money. See more information in the [[Aït-Benhaddou|specific article]]. Be careful not to get too wet from the river when crossing it, since there's been reports of schistosomiasis contracted from the water. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Oasis de Fint | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 30.8209619 | long=-6.9497389 | directions=150 dirham (return) by grand taxi, they will suggest 300 first, but are happy to do something else than waiting. Or rent a bicycle in Tabount. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content=Make a half-day trip to this beautiful and small paradise of vegetation in the midst of the dry hills surrounding Ouazarzate. Cross the river into Tabount, then take the road direction Agadir. After ~1 km there is a signpost, from here it is ~10 km by mostly unpaved roads. At the Oasis there is an auberge with restaurant. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Solar Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.0415 | long=-6.8679 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content=You might wonder what is that huge tower looming over the hills next to the city, which can be seen from dozens of miles around Ouarzazate going along the highway. It is a solar park tower and it uses the reflections of numerous mirrors to generate electricity. Head out there if you have a bicycle or car and admire this wonder of technology, or just take an impressive picture if you have a good camera and an ND filter. This site compares well with the Planta Solar PS10 in Seville Spain. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Atlas Studios | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=4 km from Ouarzazate center | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=50 dirham | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content=Films such as ''Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia, The Man Who Would Be King, Cleopatra, Kundun, Gladiator, The Living Daylights and Alexander, Kingdom of Heaven'' and ''Babel'' were shot there. Most of movie decorations are a bit crumbled, but Egyptian decorations are still impressive but in very poor condition, left to rot. }} *{{see | name=CLA Studios | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=100 dirham | content=CLA Studios aka Dino de Laurentis Cinecitta Studios, is along the same road as Atlas Studios about a km closer to Marrakech. If you have to go to only one of the two studios, this is the one to go to. The Atlas Studios tour is mostly TV movies and ''The Mummy Returns'' remake. The sets are unconvincing in person. CLA, on the other hand, has the Jerusalem set from ''Kingdom of Heaven'', which looks real in person, and a host of great props. }} ==Do== * Go for a '''swim''', Public pool between Tammasint and Gar routier bus station on Mohamed V, 20 dirham. Nice break from a road trip. The river is usually full December-January where you can find locals swimming. * Walk along the '''central square''' behind Muhammad V at night when everyone comes out. Children play football in the square, people eat and socialize, and you'll get a feel for the community just walking around. * <do name="Marrakech Tour Company" alt="Tour operator in Morocco" address="Merzouga centre" directions="" phone="+212 636 996 841" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">A professional Morocco Travel Agency that organizes trips around the country. The company has a friendly team in the area that includes drivers and guides as well as leaders and guards in the field. It offers various trips in the desert such as excursions by 4x4, camel rides, accommodation in desert Camp with sanboarding. Single, small and large groups are welcome for short and long stays and great meals are included in the price. The guides speak English, French, Spanish and Arabic. See website for more information * https://www.marrakechtourcompany.com/</do> ==Buy== Whatever you buy, it is likely you won't find it cheaper in [[Marrakech]] or [[Fes]]. Realize everything is negotiable! In Ouarzazate, there is souk, some local shops. At the town's center, there two western like shops with fixed (but pretty high) prices, but at these you can buy alcohol including Judeo-Berber vodka and local wine. There is a large local market every Saturday in El Hay Mohamadi where locals including the nomads sell their crafts and animals; a great place to buy carpets. There is another market across the river in Tabounte on Sunday with the same goods on offer. ==Eat== Plenty of cheap restaurants along Mohammad V street and around the central square near the market. Normal price for tagine should be about 30 dirham and there are complete meals with drinks for about 30-40 dirham available (May 2019). There is a supermarket across the road from Place de Mouahidine (main square), including 5 l water bottled for 11.50 dirham. ==Drink== There is a {{marker|type=drink|name=small liquor store|lat= 30.9202184|long=-6.9156312}} across the road from the main square, next to the supermarket. ==Sleep== There are plenty of hotels of all ranges around town. If you ask a cabby to bring you to one, you have to realize he will pocket commission for bringing you there. ===Budget=== * {{listing | type=sleep | name=La Palmeraie | alt= | url= | email= | address=Avenue Al Maghreb Al Arabi | lat=30.92485 | long=-6.91004 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=340 dirham for a double | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content=Not the most beautiful and best rated hotel, but centrally located, and they have good offers sometimes, which includes a swimming pool, breakfast, air-con and nice rooms. Check Booking.com beforehand and quote the price. }} *{{sleep | name=La Gazelle | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=156 dirham double room with hot shower | checkin= | checkout= | content=Clean, cheap hotel, safe parking in the courtyard, ATM just next door, bakery across the road. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Atlas | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rue du Marche no.13 | lat= | long= | directions=5-7 dirham by taxi from CTM | phone=+212 0524887745, +212 0605202817 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=singles 60-90 dirham, double 110-160 dirham | lastedit=2017-07-26 | content=Convenient location, English and French spoken, WiFi, clean rooms, Hassan can guide desert tours. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Amlal | alt=Hotel Ouarzazate | url=https://www.hotelriadamlal.com | email= | address=Rue du Marché Nº24-25 Centre Ville | lat= | long= | directions=Located in the town centre, in front of the big Somalian mosque | phone=+212 672-730-585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1 person 200 dirham, 2 persons 250 dirham, 3 persons 300 dirham | checkin=until 23:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Simple and clean hotel located right on the town center. This is a nice cheap option and great quality price and facilities. All rooms have private bathrooms and TV. Breakfast served in downstairs restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Zaghro Hotel | url= | email=hotelrestaurantzaghro@yahoo.fr | address=1½ km on the Route de Zagora, Tabounte Ouarzazate, | lat=30.909775 | long=-6.907528 | directions=From the airport or bus station you have to take a taxi (50 dirham during daytime or 100 dirham at night. At anytime you can have the hotel car to bring you to the hotel just call | phone=+212 524 85 41 35 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7-20 per person with breakfast included | checkin= | checkout= | content=It is located a bit far from the village but is neat and clean, has a restaurant and a pool to enjoy after some time in the desert. }} *{{sleep | name=Hotel Royale | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=triple room 160 dirham | checkin= | checkout= | content=In the centre, has ugly rooms. It can get very cold in winter, and the street facing rooms are very noisy. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel el Salam | url= | email= | address=Mohamed Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=70 dirham for single room with hot shower| checkin= | checkout= | content= Not bad for budget people, however cold in the night. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Marmar | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-marmar.com/ | email= | address=Av My Abdellah | lat=30.928427 | long=-6.9244227 | directions=near CTM buses and grand taxis | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=€15-25 | lastedit=2020-11-08 | content=Cheap hotel with good location and breakfast. Right by many transportation areas. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel la Vallée | alt=Hotel Ouarzazate | url=http://www.hotellavalleemaroc.com/ | email= | address=Km 1 route de Zagora, Taboute Ouarzazate Morocco | lat= | long= | directions=Located in Ouarzazate Tabounte district on the way to Zagora | phone=+212 24-85-40-34 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20-30 per person with breakfast and dinner included | checkin= | checkout= | content=Offers accommodation, restaurant service, swimming pool, Moroccan caidal tent party lounge, tours and organized excursions in Morocco and 4wd/ATV adventure activities. Rooms decorated in traditional Moroccan style. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Dar Rita | alt=Riad Ouarzazate | url=https://www.darrita.com/ | email= | address=Rue de la Mosquée 39 | lat= | long= | directions=Located inside Tassoumate old district on the entrance of Ouarzazate coming from Marrakech | phone=+212 672-730-585 | tollfree= | checkin=until 23:00 | checkout=12:00 | price=Double room w. half board: €70 | content=New riad in Ouarzazate located on the typical district of Tassoumate near the river bank and palm trees. 7 rooms with private bathroom, terrace tend, all amenities. }} ===Nearby=== * {{sleep | name=I Roccha | alt=Irocha | url=http://www.irocha.com | email= | address=Tiseldey/Tisselday | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Extremely friendly hosts and international mix of travellers. Quiet and relaxing place overseeing a valley in a small village of Tisselday. For New Year holidays, normally confirms booking only for those who visited previously (and hosts liked them). }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Yasmina | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Yasmina-Gorges-De-Todra-Hotel-Tinghir/544782046043247 | email=info@hotelyasmina.com | address=Gorges Todra | lat=30.9097 | long=-6.8963 | directions= | phone=+212 524895118 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=300 dirham | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Dar Ahlam | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=10-room hotel in Skoura, about 40 km from Ouarzazate. Expensive, but distinctive in every element: architecture, style, service, and food. They also have villas. }} * {{sleep | name=Riad Ksar Ighnda | alt=Ksar Ighnda | url=http://www.ksar.ighnda.net | email=contact@ighnda.net | address=Douar Asfalou - Amerzane | lat=31.066150154853492 | long=-7.143001556396484 | directions= | phone=+212 5 24 88 76 44 | tollfree= | fax=+212 5 24 88 76 44 | hours= | price=~€100-240 | checkin= | checkout= | content=On the edge of the desert, the Riad Ksar Ighnda opens its doors onto the Atlas Mountains. Authentic yet modern setting. }} ==Stay safe== Ouarzazate is very safe, but don't wander into weird corners at night. Crime throughout the Moroccan south is minimal, but it's best not to take (too many) chances. ==Go next== * Drive further through '''[[Zagora]]''' to '''[[M'Hamid]]''' for trips in the desert by camels, 4x4 or quad bikes. * '''Er Rachida''' &ndash; A mid-sized administrative town which can be a good launching pad for Merzouga and the desert. There is a bus line which runs from Ouarzazate. Touts will join the bus at stops along the way and try to lever you into going on a 'discounted' desert tour. They are persistent and will ask you about yourself. Claiming to be a 'veteran' of Saharan travel (perhaps more convincing if you can speak French) and already booked into a hotel at your destination may help convince them to let you be. * '''Valley of Dadès''' &ndash; Local agencies offer trips to this place in the mountain. Be prepared to negotiate hard; otherwise, they will rip you off. Plan a full day tour by 4WD jeep. Make a shortcut off-road in order to avoid a part of the paved N10. The views are spectacular and you have a great chance to meet shepherds (often young girls) with their herd. In the area are many Kasbahs, some inhabited, some abandoned. Don't be surprised if you see a for-sale sign on an abandoned Kasbah. {{outlinecity}} {{geo|30.9167|-6.9167}} {{IsPartOf|Saharan_Morocco}} fhskixyboryvggaon3mspwhbljw9izr 0 27228 4487967 4486771 2022-07-21T20:44:24Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed links wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pennsylvania State Capitol in Fall banner.jpg|caption=Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg}} {{COVID-19 box|For information and updates, please check with the [https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's COVID-19 Portal] |lastedit=2021-11-26}} '''[https://www.visitpa.com/ Pennsylvania]''' is a state in the eastern [[United States]]. It is known for its Revolutionary War-era historical sites like [[Valley Forge]], its large cities like [[Philadelphia]] and [[Pittsburgh]], its farming regions, some occupied by the [[Amish]], and a (once)-strong industrial history. With equally large swaths of cities and towns as fields and mountains, Pennsylvania is a rich and varied state, as well as a worthy travel destination. ==Regions== {{Regionlist | regionmap=Pennsylvania regions map.png | regionmapsize=350px | region1name=[[Alleghenies and Susquehanna Valley]] | region1color=#c4b066 | region1description= | region2name=[[Erie Region]] | region2color=#cac4a4 | region2description= | region3name=[[Lehigh Valley]] | region3color=#b5b7a0 | region3description= | region4name=[[Pennsylvania Dutch Country]] | region4color=#ffbff3 | region4description= | region5name=[[Pennsylvania Wilds]] | region5color=#8fddc5 | region5description= | region6name=[[Philadelphia Region]] | region6color=#b5b7a0 | region6description= | region7name=[[Pittsburgh Region]] | region7color=#b5888a | region7description= | region8name=[[Poconos and Endless Mountains]] | region8color=#7ca077 | region8description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c4b066|title=[[Alleghenies and Susquehanna Valley]]|wikidata=Q21281854}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#cac4a4|title=[[Erie Region]]|wikidata=Q14913961}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ffbff3|title=[[Pennsylvania Dutch Country]]|wikidata=Q7566771}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8fddc5|title=[[Pennsylvania Wilds]]|wikidata=Q14229092}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b5b7a0|title=[[Philadelphia Region]]|wikidata=Q14925011}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b5888a|title=[[Pittsburgh Region]]|wikidata=Q14207529}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#7ca077|title=[[Poconos and Endless Mountains]]|wikidata=Q2745292}} ==Cities== <!-- Please limit this list to nine, and discuss changes on the talk page. --> [[File:CITY HALL PHILADELPHIA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Philadelphia]], the state's largest city and nation's first capital]] [[File:Pittsburgh dawn city pano 2015.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Pittsburgh]], the second largest city in Pennsylvania and largest city in [[Appalachia]]]] [[File:AllentownPa.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Allentown]], the third largest city in Pennsylvania and the largest city in the [[Lehigh Valley]]]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Harrisburg]]|wikidata=Q25280}} — the state capital *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Allentown]]|wikidata=Q142811}} — largest city of the [[Lehigh Valley]], third largest city in state *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Erie]]|wikidata=Q234061}} — home to Pennsylvania's waterfront on Lake Erie, great for boating and beaches *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hershey]]|wikidata=Q868666}} — Birthplace of Hershey's chocolate *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]|wikidata=Q320514}} — a relatively large city right at the heart of Amish country; the birthplace of the battery-powered watch, and a good shopping destination for Amish goods *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Philadelphia]]|wikidata=Q1345}} — "The City of Brotherly Love," a major city with lots of history, cheesesteaks, and everything in between *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Pittsburgh]]|wikidata=Q1342}} — "The Steel City," a scenic city with some of the most avid sports fans in the nation *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Scranton]]|wikidata=Q271395}} /[[Wilkes-Barre]] — coal region towns perhaps best known for TV's ''The Office'' *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Williamsport]]|wikidata=Q1016159}} — host to the annual Little League World Series ==Other destinations== <!-- Please limit this list to nine, and discuss changes on the talk page. --> *{{marker|name=[[Altoona (Pennsylvania)|Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site]]|wikidata=Q444210}} *{{marker|name=[[Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area]]|wikidata=Q1183971}} *{{marker|name=[[Gettysburg National Military Park]]|wikidata=Q694550}} — the site of the most famous battlefield and bloodiest battle on U.S. soil, and the turning point of the Civil War *{{marker|name=[[Johnstown|Johnstown Flood National Memorial]]|wikidata=Q1070763}} *{{marker|name=[[Lehigh Valley]]|wikidata=Q123202}} *{{marker|name=[[State College|Penn State University]]|wikidata=Q1187041}} — the third-largest "city" in the state, but only when the Nittany Lions football team is playing *{{marker|name=[[Poconos and Endless Mountains]]|wikidata=Q2745292}} *{{marker|name=[[Scranton|Steamtown National Historic Site]]|wikidata=Q271395}} ==Understand== The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a geographically diverse state with a Great Lake on one shore and a major seaport on the other. The climate of Pennsylvania is pleasant, with cold, often snowy winters, mild to hot, humid summers, and gorgeous green springtimes, and most notably, spectacular displays of colorful autumn foliage. Pennsylvania hosts a number of vital cities, from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. The city of Philadelphia houses the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, two major national historical landmarks. The interior of the state has a number of subcultures worth exploring, including the famous Amish countryside, a religious community. Pennsylvania is also home to a diverse group of people, with ethnic enclaves of black, Hispanic, and Southeast Asian populations in its major cities. The culture also differs from region to region, with the eastern part around the city of Philadelphia being largely of [[Mid-Atlantic]] character, and the western part around the city of Pittsburgh having a more [[Midwest]]ern character. The Appalachian regions have a culture akin to that of [[West Virginia]] in the [[South (United States of America)|South]]. Pennsylvania is also diverse in that the Eastern and Southeastern parts of the state are urban and densely populated, while much of the rest of the state is rural and/or mountainous. Pennsylvania is a swing state in presidential elections. The state is bordered by [[New Jersey]], [[New York (state)|New York]], [[Delaware]], [[Maryland]], [[West Virginia]], and [[Ohio]]. The main cities are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and other smaller cities such as [[Allentown]], [[Erie]], [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], and [[Scranton]]. ==Talk== Most Pennsylvanians speak American English, although pound-for-pound its variety of regional dialects and accents is richer and more rugged and blunt than any other state in the Union: the Western Pennsylvania ("Pittsburghese"), Central Pennsylvania, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Southeastern Pennsylvania (centered in Pennsylvania Dutch Country and heavily influenced by that language; see below), and Philadelphia dialects are all audibly distinct from each other. People from the Appalachian Mountains speak with a distinctive accent that is similar to a [[South (United States of America)|Southern]] accent. Travellers may well notice these different speech patterns, but it's highly doubtful they'll present any communication problem for anyone with a workable level of English proficiency. Many of these accents are dying out, and younger people tend to speak with a general American accent. Reading, Allentown, and Philadelphia all have sizable Spanish-speaking populations, and Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have their share of Asian, European, and other languages too. Again, this should not pose a problem for English-speaking travellers, as most of these people speak English in addition to their native language. Finally, though there are now smaller clusters in other states too, Pennsylvania remains the home of the large majority of speakers of the famous Pennsylvania Dutch (''Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch'') dialect of [[German phrasebook|German]]. Although widescale non-Amish use of the language faded circa 1950, there are pockets of young people who are learning the language as a way to preserve their heritage. ==Get in== [[File:Philadelphia212.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Benjamin Franklin Bridge in [[Philadelphia]], connecting the city with [[Camden (New Jersey)|Camden, New Jersey]] on the eastern side of the Delaware River]] ===By car=== Pennsylvania is a densely populous state in a densely populous part of the country, with many roads in and out. Interstate highways lead most traffic into the state. Major national interstate highways leading to Pennsylvania include I-95 S from New England, I-95 N from the American South, and I-70 E, I-80 E & I-90 E from the American West and Midwest. Specifically, clockwise from north of Harrisburg: * from Montreal & Ottawa to Scranton & Harrisburg: I-81 S. * from Boston to Scranton: I-90 W to I-84 W. * from Boston to the Lehigh Valley & Harrisburg: I-84 W to I-91 S to I-95 S to I-287 W to I-78 W. * from Boston to Philadelphia: I-84 W to I-91 S to I-95 S. * from New York City to Scranton: I-80 W. * from New York City to the Lehigh Valley & Harrisburg: I-78 W. * from New York City to Philadelphia: I-95 S. * from Baltimore to Philadelphia: I-95 N. * from Baltimore to Harrisburg: I-83 N. * from Baltimore to Pittsburgh: I-70 W. * from Washington, DC to Philadelphia: I-95 N. * from Washington, DC to Harrisburg: I-95 N to I-83 N. * from Washington, DC to Pittsburgh: I-270 W to I-70 W. * from West Virginia to Pittsburgh: I-79 N. * from Columbus & Indianapolis to Pittsburgh & Harrisburg: I-70 E. * from Cleveland to Pittsburgh: It's close, but complicated. * from Cleveland & Chicago to Erie: I-90 E. * from Toronto & Buffalo to Erie: I- 90 W. Also, U.S. Routes 219, 15, and 220 (soon to be I-99) all enter the state at alternative points from both the north and south. State-operated Welcome Centers and Comfort Facilities are found just inside the borders at all major crossings into Pennsylvania. ===By train=== '''[[Rail travel in the United States|Amtrak]]''' offers a total of nine different passenger train lines in or across the state of Pennsylvania. Most services run through 30th Street Station in [[Philadelphia]] including the ''Acela Express'' and ''Northeast Regional'' trains between [[Boston]], [[New York City|New York]] and [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]], as well as long-distance trains such as the ''Vermonter'' to and from [[Vermont]] and ''Silver Service'' trains to and from [[Florida]]. ''Keystone'' trains run from New York and Philadelphia west to cities including [[Lancaster]] and [[Harrisburg]], while the daily ''Pennsylvanian'' crosses the rest of the state all the way to [[Pittsburgh]]. Service to [[Chicago]] runs via the ''Cardinal'' three times per week from Philadelphia, and the ''Capitol Limited'' daily from Pittsburgh. ===By bus=== Most areas in Pennsylvania are serviced by Greyhound Bus service. Bus service from New York to areas in Eastern Pennsylvania, like Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and the Poconos, is very easy, quick, and inexpensive. A convenient way to find bus service to Eastern Pennsylvania in New York is at Port Authority Bus Terminal in lower Manhattan. To Philadelphia, some options include Chinatown buses, Megabus, and Greyhound. To the Lehigh Valley, some options include Trans-Bridge and Bieber Bus. To the Poconos, some options include USA Coach and Mertz. ===By plane=== The two major airports in Pennsylvania are '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) and '''Pittsburgh International''' ({{IATA|PIT}}). Both are served by all major carriers and have low-fare service by Southwest. Philadelphia is a major hub for American Airlines, and has service from Frontier. Philadelphia is one of the Northeast's major international termini, with flights to an array of European destinations. Regional airports in Pennsylvania include '''[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]] and airports in [[Harrisburg#Get in|Harrisburg]] ({{IATA|MDT}}) and [[Scranton#Get in|Wilkes-Barre/Scranton]] ({{IATA|AVP}}). All of these airports are served by American Airlines, Delta and United. ==Get around== [[File:Weaver's Mill Covered Bridge Three Quarters View 3008px.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Weaver's Mill Covered Bridge in [[Lancaster County]]]] ===By bus=== Information on Pennsylvania transit can be found [https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/public-transportation-links/pennsylvania/ here]. ===By car=== In addition to the Interstate highways that enter Pennsylvania and travel throughout: * The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) is a toll freeway that is the main east-west route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with state capital Harrisburg along the way. Take note of the four tunnels through Appalachian ridges. * The Turnpike's "Northeast Extension" (I-476, also toll) reaches north from Philadelphia to Allentown and Scranton. Another tunnel is found along it. * U.S. Route 322 travels diagonally from the Philadelphia area to just below Erie. Many portions have been converted to freeway, but numerous small towns still lie directly on the way. * U.S. Route 22 is an alternative, more mountainous path west through Altoona and Johnstown to Pittsburgh. * U.S. Route 6 is a long, rural, scenic drive across Pennsylvania's "Northern Tier". Go west from the northern Poconos through the valley of Scranton and its suburbs, follow the Susquehanna River through the "Endless Mountains", spend three hours through state and national forest land, and end near Lake Erie. * U.S Route 30, also named the Lincoln Highway, is a section of the first coast-to-coast paved road in the United States. The highway is especially nice in the central part of Pennsylvania where it passes agricultural areas and is the main street of many small historic towns. Many of these towns have attempted to capitalize on their location on the Lincoln Highway by preserving original structures and opening them as visitors' centers. * Interstate 80 runs east and west throughout the northern area of the state. There also exists a wide network of state highways and municipal roads that reach into the mostly forested and farmed rural areas. The more mountainous of these areas should be traversed with caution by visitors as they can be drastically winding, narrow, or steep (or all three!) in parts. Speed limit signs are almost exclusively posted in miles per hour, "mph". Seatbelt use is mandatory, and a second ticket and fine will be issued to those who are pulled over for speeding, etc. if not worn. Pennsylvania has not yet enacted a ban on hand-held cell phone usage while driving, except for commercial truck drivers. The cities of Philadelphia, Allentown, Bethlehem, Erie, Harrisburg, and Wilkes-Barre have enacted bans. Texting while driving is illegal statewide. As conditions go, Pennsylvania has two seasons according to an old joke: winter and construction. In the rural majority of the state, large snowfalls render the most minor of roads impassable, but the major thoroughfares like Interstates are comparatively well plowed and salted. Still, car travel anywhere should be done with extreme care in the winter, especially by those unfamiliar with the visited area. Likewise, the jest rings true in the remainder of the year. Look out for occasional paving, line painting, or road widening projects on freeways that restrict travel to a single lane. Bridge repair or any major redesign may force detours that are typically marked clearly. Speed limits in work zones are always reduced and State Police will impose ''double fines'' for breaking them. Proceed carefully around PennDOT (state transportation department) crews, who are easily visible in fluorescent yellow attire. Wild animals, most notably deer, can be a problem when driving on rural Interstates and highways. Pennsylvania has an overpopulation of deer, so try to avoid them while they are crossing the road. They are unpredictable animals and panic when scared, so stopping is usually the best option until it has cleared the road. ===By thumb=== Although uncommon, hitchhiking is fairly well-received, especially in more rural areas. It is always illegal to hitchhike on highways closed to pedestrians, so it's better to find a rest stop or a gas station right off the highway. ==See== [[File:2013 Philadelphia City Hall from north at Arch Street.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Philadelphia]]'s City Hall is the world's largest free-standing masonry building]] [[File:Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, Gettysburg, highlighted version.png|thumb|upright=1.3|President Abraham Lincoln (highlighted in red) at the [[Gettysburg|Gettysburg Battlefield]] on November 19, 1863. Roughly three hours later after this photo, Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Only 272 words in length, it is widely considered one of the best known speeches in American history.<ref>{{cite book |last=Conant |first=Sean |date=2015 |title=The Gettysburg Address: Perspectives on Lincoln's Greatest Speech |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_bmyBwAAQBAJ&pg=PR9 |location=New York|publisher=Oxford University Press |page=ix |isbn=978-0-19-022745-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Holsinger |first=M. Paul |date=1999 |title=War and American Popular Culture: A Historical Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Oe4AOVHkJ9oC&pg=PA102 |location=Westport, CT |publisher=Greenwood Press |page=102 |isbn=978-0-313-29908-7}}</ref>|alt=Large group of people]] There is quite a lot to see in Pennsylvania. '''Philadelphia''' is a historic city with a neighborhood full of mostly 18th- and early 19th-century buildings downtown, and was the nation's capital before Washington, D.C. was constructed, with historical buildings to match. It also has a world-class art museum and Fairmount Park, a huge park designed in great part by Vaux and Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York, and is in general a great city. On the other side of the state, '''Pittsburgh''' has a great skyline, world-class art and science museums including the Carnegie Museum which houses the best dinosaur collection in the world with holotypes for many dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus Rex, and some of the most beautiful university buildings in the country, and its geographic position at the confluence of three rivers, with hills rising steeply from their banks, is quite striking. '''Drake Wells''' and surrounding sites in [[Titusville (Pennsylvania)|Titusville]] house the remnants of where oil was first struck in the nation and where the world's first oil drill was invented. Closer to the center of the state, '''Harrisburg''' is a much smaller city with some pleasant buildings and a great Capitol with a park next to it. Not far from there is the battlefield site in Gettysburg. In the southeastern part of the state, between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, is the '''Pennsylvania Dutch Country''', which includes Amish farming towns where the vehicle of choice is still the horse and buggy. Pennsylvania is also a state of much rural land, with small towns, forests and some gorgeous waterfalls. People counting the distance from New York City and Philadelphia strictly by miles may be shocked at how wild the northeast of the state is. '''A [[Solar eclipses|total solar eclipse]]''' on Monday 8 April 2024 crosses the northwest corner of the State from about 3:15PM local time, visible in and around Erie. The track of totality is northeast from Mexico and Texas to Ohio then straddling the Canada–New England border. ===Itineraries=== *[[American Industry Tour]] — Pennsylvania was the heart of the Industrial Revolution, with the mighty steel mills of Bethlehem and Pittsburgh. *[[Underground Railroad]] — follow in the footsteps of Harriet Tubman by boarding the legendary freedom train north to [[Canada]]. For slaves escaping from [[Delaware]] and beyond, [[Philadelphia]] was a first step on the road to liberty. ==Do== [[File:Low brace Youghiogheny River Ohiopyle, PA.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|White water kayaking in [[Ohiopyle]] State Park in Pennsylvania's [[Laurel Highlands]]]] Pennsylvania has many attractions throughout the state, from amusement parks, historic sites, beaches along Lake Erie, world-class casinos, campgrounds and more! ===Amusement parks=== Pennsylvania is home to some of the country's well-known amusement parks, such as: * {{do | name=Conneaut Lake Park | alt= | url=http://www.newconneautlakepark.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Allentown]] }} * {{do | name=Hersheypark | alt= | url=http://www.hersheypark.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Hershey]] }} * {{do | name=Kennywood | alt= | url=http://www.kennywood.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Pittsburgh]] }} * {{do | name=Knoebels | alt= | url=http://www.knoebels.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The largest free-admission theme park in America }} * {{do | name=Sandcastle Water Park | alt= | url=http://www.sandcastlewaterpark.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Pittsburgh]] }} *'''Waldameer Park and Water World''' [[Erie]] * {{do | name=Camelbeach Waterpark | alt= | url=http://www.camelbeach.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Tannersville]] }} ===Casinos=== Pennsylvania has legalized casino gambling. Some of the following casinos are also horse-racing facilities, while others stand alone. * {{do | name=Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack | alt= | url=http://www.harrahschester.com/casinos/harrahs-chester/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Chester (Pennsylvania)|Chester]] ([[Philadelphia]] area) }} * {{do | name=SugarHouse Casino | alt= | url=http://www.sugarhousecasino.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Philadelphia]] }} * {{do | name=Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course | alt= | url=http://www.hcpn.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Harrisburg]] }} * {{do | name=The Meadows Racetrack, Casino & Bowling | alt= | url=http://www.meadowsgaming.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Pittsburgh]] area }} * {{do | name=Mohegan Sun | alt= | url=http://www.poconodowns.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Wilkes-Barre]]/[[Scranton]] }} * {{do | name=Mount Airy Casino Resort Golf | alt= | url=http://www.mountairycasino.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Poconos]] }} * {{do | name=Parx Casino & Racetrack | alt= | url=http://www.philadelphiapark.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Philadelphia]] }} * {{do | name=Presque Isle Downs & Casino | alt= | url=http://www.presqueisledowns.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Erie]] }} * {{do | name=Rivers Casino | alt= | url=http://www.theriverscasino.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Pittsburgh]] }} ===Zoos=== Pennsylvania has Zoos of all sizes. * {{do | name=Erie Zoo | alt= | url=http://www.eriezoo.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Erie]] }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley Zoo | alt= | url=http://www.lvzoo.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Schnecksville]] }} * {{do | name=Philadelphia Zoo | alt= | url=http://philadelphiazoo.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Philadelphia]] }} * {{do | name=Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium | alt= | url=http://zoo.pgh.pa.us/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=[[Pittsburgh]] }} ==Eat== [[File:Philly cheesesteak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A world-famous [[Philadelphia]] cheesesteak (this one from Jim's at 400 South Street)]] *'''Hoagie''' — A sandwich made of a long loaf of bread filled with various meats, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. Commonly referred to as a "hero" or "submarine sandwich" beyond the [[Philadelphia Region]]. *'''Cheesesteak''' — A famous sandwich famously native to [[Philadelphia]] — A hoagie roll filled with chopped steak, melted cheese, and (optionally) onions. *'''"Primanti's" Sandwich''' — A sandwich of hot meat, french fries and vinegar cole slaw on sliced Italian bread, local to the [[Pittsburgh Region]]. A common offshoot is putting french fries on your salad, as well. *'''Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine''': scrapple, funnel cake, shoofly pie, whoopie pie, apple butter, root beer, soft pretzels, etc. * '''Hershey's Chocolate''' — The iconic candy company is headquartered in the eponymous town of [[Hershey]]. *'''Tastykakes''' — Prepackaged pastries and cakes, local to the [[Philadelphia Region]]. ==Drink== [[File:Harrisburg capitol building.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Pennsylvania's state Capitol in [[Harrisburg]]]] *'''Birch beer''' and '''Sarsaparilla''' (softdrinks). * '''Yuengling''' The oldest brewery in the United States still produces this eponymous, locally-cherished beer. Yuengling is available in almost every bar and beer distributor in the state, but is seldom found outside of the Mid-Atlantic region. Tours are available at the brewery in [[Pottsville]]. The locals traditionally order a Yuengling Lager with the term, "Lager." It is one of the best domestic macro beers you can get in the US. Yuengling also produces several other beers that are worth trying. However, Pennsylvania is home to many other beers. It is birthplace of Rolling Rock — "#33". Serious beer drinkers probably know Pennsylvania for its wide selection craft breweries. Hundreds of fine ales are produced each year. Some great labels that every visitor should try include Yards, Sly Fox, Victory, Lancaster, Troegs, Philadelphia Brewing Company, and Stoudts. ===State liquor laws=== Pennsylvania's alcoholic-beverage laws are not only restrictive but confusing. There is a good reason that the last thing you usually pass before driving across the state line from most neighboring states is a liquor store. *The drinking age is 21 as it is in every other state. *Pennsylvania is a liquor-control state, meaning that all hard liquor is sold in state-run stores, along with most wine (although wineries in-state can sell directly to visitors). Outside the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas, these are often only in communities like county seats, so that most residents of smaller towns have to drive considerable distances to get there (which is, of course, the point). The union that represents liquor-store employees is a powerful political force within the state and has worked hard to frustrate any attempt to even partially privatize the stores, much less abolish liquor control entirely. *Buying beer is particularly complex as it depends on the quantity being ordered. If you want to buy any amount less than 12, you can purchase it at a bar or restaurant with a carryout license (not all bars and restaurants that serve beer have carryout licenses); in order to buy more you must leave with the beer, put it in your car (in some cases even take it home, or pretend to, first), and then re-enter and buy more, up to 12.<br />If you want a case of at least 24 beers, or a keg, you must buy it from a licensed beer distributor. Again, you are limited to purchasing two cases at a time and must leave the building and re-enter to purchase more. However, buying in bulk this way is often cheaper than buying from a bar or restaurant. Convenience stores and drugstores cannot sell beer at all, as they do in most neighboring states. However, some of the former have created "cafe" areas within them that are legally separate from the store and can thus sell beer. *This is further complicated by additional restrictions counties and municipalities are allowed to impose, and often do. The borough of S.N.P.J. near the Ohio state line in [[North Pittsburgh Region|Lawrence County]] was specifically created so members of a local fraternal organization could get a liquor license for their clubhouse and serve drinks on Sundays, which the surrounding township would not permit. The combination of the state's laws and these local restrictions mean that much of the interior of the state, particularly the [[Pennsylvania Wilds|north central region]], is dry or very close to it. ==Sleep== [[File:Omni William Penn Hotel.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown [[Pittsburgh]], a grand hotel completed in 1916]] Pennsylvania has many country inns in the Northeast and some grand old hotels in big cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. And naturally, you'll also find branches of national chain hotels and motels at various price points throughout the state. As there are many universities in the state, you may also want to inquire about whether you can stay in a dorm during intersessions or in the summer, as you might be able to save money that way. ==Stay safe== [[File:View of Nuremberg, Pennsylvania from the south.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Nuremberg, a small town in Luzerne County in [[Poconos and Endless Mountains|Northeastern Pennsylvania]]]] Outside of Greater Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley, crime is not a major problem in Pennsylvania. Gang activity is high in the larger cities, [[Philadelphia]], [[Pittsburgh]], [[Allentown]] and [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]]. You know you are in a rough area when you see graffiti, abandoned houses and vehicles, and shoes tossed over telephone wires, known as shoefiti, to mark that drugs are for sale. Street drag racing and prostitution are also problems in the state's urban areas. As with most locations in the United States, a major cause of injury and death in Pennsylvania comes from automobile accidents. Drivers can be down-right hostile on some of the more notorious urban freeways, such as the Schuykill Expressway in Philadelphia (usually it's a parking lot anyway), route 22 in Allentown, the 376 in Pittsburgh and on the Interstate 95 corridor in the southeast section of the state. The roads in Pennsylvania are notoriously bad, so be careful. Road rage can be a problem during rush hour, so if you aren't familiar with the highway system, stay out of the left hand lane. The key to safe driving is to stay defensive, you are in unfamiliar areas and while you may feel wronged, it may be the norm. Motorcyclists are not required to wear helmets in Pennsylvania, but it is still advised. Rural '''mountain roads''' can sometimes be steep, and impassable in times of '''heavy snowfall'''. In many parts of the state, especially around Pittsburgh, steep cliffs reside next to major roads, and rock slides can occur, though rare. When traveling in the central to western part of the state, it is best to stay on main roads and highways. If you're canoeing, skiing, or doing any other outdoor activity, take necessary precautions. Be sure to stay out of '''abandoned mines and quarries'''. As this industry falls out of the state's economy, mines and quarries are left abandoned. If you explore one, you risk the dangers of unstable supports, unstable ground, rats, snakes and other animals, forgotten explosives, blasting caps, explosive methane gas, and pockets of "blackdamp" or air without enough oxygen to support life. Exploring the woods alone can be dangerous, due to the large deer and other wild animal population. Use insect repellent to avoid disease, wear long clothing, and do not wander onto someone's property. '''Flooding''' and '''snow''' are the most common '''natural disasters'''. Flash flooding can be a problem. Tornadoes are rare but experienced, and earthquakes are almost unheard of. Hurricanes coming up the Atlantic can strike, so be prepared. Temperatures in the summer can reach 100 degrees in places, so bring water and sunscreen. Thunderstorms are common in the summer. If you are not from Pennsylvania you can buy any 1.4g (Class C /Consumer Grade) '''fireworks''' from an outlet for transport out of state, however, Pennsylvania residents can only purchase "Safe and Sane" fireworks (those that do not leave the ground or explode) without a permit. All brick and mortar stores will have additional information, but tents and other temporary sales locations may or may not have correct information. Local laws vary greatly and many campsites prohibit their use outright, so you will need to check before you use them in-state. Fireworks stores and tents tend to be in border areas but can be found throughout the state. You do not need a '''permit to carry a firearm openly''' throughout the state, except in the city of [[Philadelphia]]. '''Gun laws''' are fairly loose compared to other states. Carrying concealed, however, requires a state license to carry, issued by county sheriffs (or city police) with various policies and levels of strictness. Licenses for non-residents are available, the county with the most favorable non-resident license policy is Centre County. Carrying a handgun in a vehicle is considered concealed carry, and therefore requires a license. If in possession of a handgun, remember that New York State and New Jersey share very lengthy borders with Pennsylvania, and both have some of the '''strictest gun laws''' in the nation. Drugs, including '''marijuana''' are illegal in Pennsylvania. In [[Philadelphia]], the punishment for under 30 grams of marijuana is only a $25 fine, or $100 if caught smoking in public. Elsewhere, you can expect a heightened punishment. During periods of '''hunting season''', persons entering the woods are advised by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to wear "blaze orange". ==Go next== * '''[[Delaware]]''' - Pennsylvania's southeastern neighbor was the first state to ratify the Constitution (hence its nickname of the "First State") and offers an urban experience in its northern parts while providing a rural experience to the south. * '''[[Maryland]]''' - To the south of Pennsylvania, Maryland offers "America in Miniature" with everything from history to nature to modern cities. * '''[[New York (state)|New York]]''' - The Empire State borders Pennsylvania to the north and west, making the [[Catskills]] and [[New York City]] easy daytrip options. * '''[[New Jersey]]''' - The Garden State borders Pennsylvania to the east, offering everything from the glitz of [[Atlantic City]] to the migratory birds of [[Cape May]]. * '''[[Ohio]]''' - The Buckeye State is Pennsylvania's western neighbor, offering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in [[Cleveland]] and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in [[Canton (Ohio)|Canton]]. * '''[[West Virginia]]''' - Pennsylvania's southwestern neighbor is the only state in the USA to lie completely within a mountain range (in this case, the [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachians]]). * '''[[Washington, D.C.]]''', just beyond Maryland, is not too far from south-central and southeastern parts of the state and contains more history and attractions. {{usableregion}} {{geo|41.0|-77.5|zoom=7}} {{isPartOf|Mid-Atlantic}} avte9qpzlqln6e8vwvahm39r5513368 0 27361 4488028 4458027 2022-07-22T00:01:35Z John Broughton 70028 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Old Chicago Pizza - Adding a comment; changing hours; adding a phone number wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Petaluma''' is located in [[Sonoma County]] in the [[Bay Area (California)|Bay Area]] of [[California]]. ==Understand== Petaluma was founded in 1848, as a crossroads and marketplace for southern Sonoma and northern [[Marin County|Marin]] counties. Agriculture is and always was central to the town's identity. In the early part of the 1900s, Petaluma was known as the "Egg Basket of the World" due to the large number of chicken farms nearby. Although electronic industries, especially telecom, have started displacing Petaluma's numerous cattle, chicken, and sheep ranches, much of Petaluma still maintains the feel of the old cow-town. ==Get in== {{mapframe|38.245833|-122.631389|zoom=13}} There are a few ways to enter the city. However, the two most common ways are from the freeway or the backroads. '''HWY 101:''' The main way to arrive Petaluma is via Highway 101 North or South. HWY 116 W merges with HWY 101 N at the second exit in town. There are four main exits off the freeway: Petaluma Blvd So., Lakeville/116, Washington St. and Petaluma Blvd. No. '''HWY 1:''' Offers another way in to Petaluma. From the coastal Highway take the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road which eventually turns into D Street and leads you directly into downtown Petaluma. '''Old Redwood Highway & Stoney Point Road:''' Alternative backroads between [[Santa Rosa (California)|Santa Rosa]] and Petaluma. All are popular cycling routes for athletes and commuters, so SHARE THE ROAD! While a car is the fastest and easiest way to travel in and out of the city, there is also a bus service. '''[http://www.goldengate.org/ Golden Gate Transit]''' provides intercounty bus service (Sonoma, Marin, & [[San Francisco]] counties). '''[http://www.sctransit.com/ Sonoma County Transit]''' provides service within Sonoma County only. '''[[Amtrak]]''' also provides connecting bus service. One of the more enjoyable ways to enter and exit the city is by bicycle. For cycle enthusiasts there are numerous backroads and alternative routes to enjoy. ===By train=== '''[http://www.sonomamarintrain.org/ Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit]''', or '''SMART''', connects Petaluma with Sonoma County Airport, [[Santa Rosa (California)|Santa Rosa]], [[Rohnert Park]], [[Novato]], [[San Rafael]], and [[Larkspur]], with connections to the ferry to [[San Francisco]]. An extension is planned to [[Cloverdale (California)|Cloverdale]] by 2022. However, the train is primarily for commuters, so the mid-day and weekend schedules are very limited. ==Get around== It's easiest to get around by car if traveling from one end of the city to another. Downtown parking can sometimes be unavailable on the street, and the downtown area is often impassable on weekends due to events. Should you happen to find parking, strictly adhere to the time limits posted. Tickets are given. There are parking garages downtown and ample parking in them. Many places are accessible by foot downtown, but unless you are adventurous, plan to drive from downtown to the outlet shopping area. For those averse to walking or driving, '''Petaluma Transit''' provides intercity transport during limited hours. Cycling is another very pleasant option around town. ==See== Petaluma has a beautiful, historic downtown area which has appeared in several films depicting mid-20th-Century life. *{{see | name=Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park | alt= | url=http://www.petalumaadobe.com/ | email= | address=3325 Adobe Rd | lat=38.25643 | long=-122.58236 | directions= | phone=+1 707-762-4871 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM-5PM | price=$3 for adults, $2 for children between 6 and 16. Children under 5 are free. | content=Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park was the main residence of Rancho Petaluma, the agricultural empire that General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, one of the most powerful men in the Mexican Province of California from 1834 to 1846. |lastedit=2019-07-12}} *{{See|name=Petaluma Trolley Museum|alt=|url=http://www.petalumatrolley.org/railway-museum/|email=info@petalumatrolley.org|address=110 Baylis Street|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707 778-7878|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Open two Saturdays per month; check website for dates and call or email for hours.|price=|lastedit=2019-07-12|content=Focuses on the history of the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Electric Railroad, an electric trolley. The museum houses many artifacts and displays.}} *{{See|name=Petaluma Arts Center|alt=|url=https://petalumaartscenter.org/|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=230 Lakeville Street|phone=+1 707 762-5600|tollfree=|fax=|hours=W-Sa 10:30AM-4:30PM, Su 1-4:30PM|price=$5 general admission; $4 senior/student/teacher/military|lastedit=2019-07-12|content=A 4,500 square foot facility located in the historic Railroad Depot Freight Building, next door to the Petaluma Visitors Center.}} *{{listing | type=see | name=Petaluma Historical Library and Museum | alt= | url=http://www.petalumamuseum.com | email= | address=20 Fourth Street | lat=38.2325 | long=-122.6399 | directions= | phone=+1 707-778-4398 | tollfree= | hours=Th-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q5500020 | lastedit=2019-07-12 | content=Neoclassical library with regional exhibits about the 1850s (Petaluma poultry, dairy, and Miwok Indian history), plus cultural events, guided tours, and a gift shop. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=Petaluma Wildlife & Natural History Museum | alt= | url=http://www.petalumawildlifemuseum.org/ | email= | address=201 Fair St | lat=38.2278 | long=-122.646 | directions= | phone=+1 707 778-4787 | tollfree= | hours=First and third Saturdays of the month, 11AM- 3PM | price=$5; children 5 years and younger are free | wikidata=Q7171669 | lastedit=2019-07-12 | content=The largest student-run museum in the United States, its mission is "to inspire the next generation through practical environmental education and conservation." }} ==Do== * {{do | name=David Yearsley River Heritage Center | alt= | url=https://friendsofthepetalumariver.org/programs/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su 10AM-1PM | price= |lastedit=2019-07-12| content=A popular location for boating, you can watch, or - thanks to the Friends of the Petaluma River - you can participate in the free "Boating at the Barn" program - you can check out a rowboat, canoe, kayak, or possibly even the sailboat, after a short safety demonstration. }} *{{Do|name=Sonoma Horse Park|alt=|url=https://www.sonomahorsepark.com/|email=|address=7600 Lakeville Hwy|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 831 625-3333|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Check website for show information|price=|lastedit=2019-07-12|content=A world-class horse show facility on the banks of the Petaluma River. The 75-acre facility has seventeen arenas and is the ideal showcase for equestrian sports. It hosts seven show jumping competitions annually, each attracting top competitors from all over North America.}} *{{listing | type=do | name=Shollenberger Park | alt= | url=https://cityofpetaluma.net/parksnrec/parks-pages/shollenberger.html | email= | address=1400 Cader Ln | lat=38.23 | long=-122.63 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Sunrise-sunset daily | price= | wikidata=Q7500240 | lastedit=2019-07-12 | Wikipedia=Shollenberger Park | content=The park offers a 2.2 mile, flat walking loop with ponds, next to the Petaluma river, with views of a variety of waterfowl (mostly migratory). A must for birders. }} *{{do | name=Helen Putnam Regional Park | alt= | url=https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Helen-Putnam-Regional-Park/ | email= | address=411 Chileno Valley Road | lat=38.2166 | long=-122.661 | directions= | phone=+1 707 539-8092 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5703010 | lastedit=2019-07-12 | content=A regional park southwest of downtown Petaluma, covering 216 acres. Quiet, with some nice views; lots of trails. The looped trail system lets hikers create walks of varying length and difficulty, making the park a great choice for beginning hikers looking for a bit of a challenge. Trails are also open to cyclists and horseback riders. }} ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Lan Mart Building | alt= | url=http://www.lanmart-petaluma.com/ | email= | address=35 Petaluma Blvd N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-07-12| content=An eclectic mix of antique shops and boutique businesses in a charming, historic building. }} *{{Buy|name=Petaluma Creamery Store|alt=|url=https://www.springhillcheese.com/|email=|address=711 Western Ave|directions=|lat=|long=|phone=+1 707 762-9038|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM; Sat-Sun 8AM-6PM|price=|lastedit=2019-09-28|content=You can get a copy of coffee here, or some great ice cream, but the real attraction is the variety of local cheeses and butter for sale.}} *{{Buy|name=Petaluma Seed Bank|alt=|url=https://www.rareseeds.com/petaluma-seed-bank/|email=seedbank@rareseeds.com|address=110 Petaluma Blvd. North|directions=|lat=|long=|phone=+1 707 773-1336|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Mar 16-Oct 30: F Su M 9AM-5PM, Tu-Th 9AM-6PM; Sa closed; Nov 1-Mar 15: Su M 9AM-5PM, Tu-Th 9AM - 6PM, F 9AM-4PM; Sa closed|price=|lastedit=2019-07-12|content=A place to buy heirloom, non-hybridized seeds - more than 1,000, plus gardening supplies and other items.}} *{{buy | name=Petaluma Village Premium Outlets | alt= | url=http://www.premiumoutlets.com/petaluma | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Off Highway 101. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-07-12| content=Find impressive savings at top outlets from Coach, Banana Republic, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, and more. }} *{{Do|name=Vintage Bank Antiques|alt=|url=http://www.vintagebankantiques.net/|email=|address=101 Petaluma Blvd N|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707-769-3097|tollfree=|fax=|hours=M-F 10:30AM-5:00PM; Sa Su 10:30AM-5:30PM|price=|lastedit=2019-07-12|content=A cornerstone of Petaluma's antique district, with 30 dealers presenting 2,000+ quality paintings, elegant furniture and 60+ cases of choice antique objects.}} ==Eat== Downtown Petaluma is filled with inexpensive yet tasty eateries of many sorts. Thai lovers will want to try all FIVE Thai restaurants within a one-mile stretch along the Boulevard. Numerous small, upscale bistros abound. Vegetarians will have no problem here. Equally, vegans and people on gluten-free diets shouldn't have any real trouble. Petaluma simply has very good restaurants and used to locally be referred to as "the restaurant capital of California." *{{drink | name=Aqus Cafe |alt=| url=https://aqus.com/pages/aquscafe/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-07-12| content=Offering sandwiches, soups & breakfast fare, plus a range of live music, it describes itself as a "community living room attracting a wide diversity of people engaging in vibrant conversations, sharing interests and building relationships". }} *{{Eat|name=Chunky's Taqueria & Grill|alt=|url=|email=|address=701 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 (707) 775-3325|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Daily 10AM-9PM|price=|lastedit=2019-07-27|content=A go-to spot for inexpensive and fast Mexican food.}} *{{Eat|name=Della Fattoria Downtown Café|alt=|url=http://www.dellafattoria.com/|email=alethea@dellafattoria.com|address=143 Petaluma Blvd N|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707 763-0161|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Daily 8AM-3PM; Thu-Sat 5:30-9PM|price=|lastedit=2019-09-28|content=Reservations are taken for dinner only; brunch on weekends is 8AM-3PM. Lots of things come from their bakery next door, at #141, which is open 6AM-4PM daily.}} *{{eat | name=Mi Pueblo | alt= | url=http://eatmipueblo.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For a delicious, reasonably priced meal, absolutely try the Mexican seafood - the camarones fajitas, fish tacos, and tamales are fantastic. Seven in Sonoma and Marin counties, two of which are in Petaluma. |lastedit=2019-07-27}} **{{Eat|name=Mi Pueblo El Centro|alt=|url=http://eatmipuebloelcentro.com/|email=|address=108 Kentucky St|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 (707) 769-9066|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Daily 11AM-9PM|price=|lastedit=2019-07-27|content=}} **{{Eat|name=Mi Pueblo Petaluma|alt=|url=http://www.eatmipueblopetaluma.com/|email=|address=800 Petaluma Blvd N|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 (707) 762-8192|tollfree=|fax=|hours=M-F 11AM-9PM; Sa Su 10AM-9PM|price=|lastedit=2019-07-27|content=}} * {{eat | name=Old Chicago Pizza | alt= | url=http://www.oldchgo.com/ | email= | address=41 Petaluma Boulevard North | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 707 763-3897 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11:30AM–9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Some of the thickest-crust pizza you'll see; the large pizza weighs more than pounds, not including any toppings. }} *{{Eat|name=Petaluma Pie Company|alt=|url=https://petalumapiecompany.com/|email=|address=125 Petaluma Blvd N|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707 766-6743|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2019-09-28|content=A bakery cafe that offers sweet and savory pies, salad, coffee, tea and more; take out or eat-in (outdoor seating).}} *{{eat | name=Real Doner | url=https://www.realdoner.net/ | email= | address=307 F St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 (707) 765-9555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Wed-Mon 11AM-9PM; closed Tue | price= | content=Unexpectedly good Turkish fare. A relaxed and deli-style with an outdoor patio. The doners, dolmas, and mezes (appetizer plate) are sublime. |alt=|lastedit=2019-07-27}} *{{eat | name=Tea Room Cafe |alt=| url=https://www.tearoomcafe.com/ | email= | address=316 Western Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 (707) 765-0199 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-3PM; Sa Su 8AM-2PM | price= |lastedit=2019-07-27| content=Has a light, seasonal menu featuring tons of salads and sandwiches as well as many fine brunch items; limited outdoor seating. }} *{{eat | name=Volpi's Ristorante & Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=124 E Washington St | lat=38.235358 | long=-122.642895 | directions= | phone=+1 (707) 765-0695 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-F 11AM-2PM; W Th Su 4:30-9PM; F-Sa 4:30-9:30PM | price= | content=A generations-old Italian restaurant serving full seven-course family-style meals and the best eggplant Parmesan. |lastedit=2019-07-27}} '''Deserts:''' * {{Eat|name=Fru-ta|alt=|url=https://www.fru-ta.com/|email=|address=279 N Mcdowell Blvd, Suite A|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707 773-1233|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Daily 10AM-9PM|price=|lastedit=2019-09-28|content=Ice cream, sorbets, paletas (fruit bars or ice cream bars), esquimal, smoothies, milkshakes, aqua frescas, and a number of specialty items}} * {{Eat|name=Lala's Creamery|alt=|url=https://www.lalasicecream.com/|email=|address=134 Petaluma Blvd N|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707 774-6567|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Sun-Thu noon-9:30PM; Fri-Sat noon-10PM|price=|lastedit=2019-09-28|content=Organic, local ingredients for 20+ ice creams and sorbets; includes vegan options.}} * * {{Eat|name=Wicked Slush Petalum|alt=|url=https://www.wickedslushpetaluma.com/|email=|address=122 American Alley, Suite B|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707 763-9253|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Sun-Thu 11AM-10PM: Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM|price=|lastedit=2019-09-28|content=The third location of a Healdsburg-based dessert phenomena, you can get a full (East Coast style) slush (aka Italian ice), or soft-serve ice cream, or a half-and-half.}} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Street Social | alt= | url=https://www.streetsocial.social/ | email= | address=29F Petaluma Boulevard North | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 707 774-6185 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-04-08 | content=With just six tables in 300 square feet of dining space, the restaurant experience is intimate; you feel like you’ve found a secret culinary hideout. And the food is quite excellent. }} ==Drink== * {{Drink|name=Lagunitas Brewing Company|alt=|url=https://lagunitas.com/taproom/petaluma|email=|address=1280 N McDowell Blvd|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707 778-8776|tollfree=|fax=|hours=W-F 11:30AM-9PM, Sa Su 11:30AM-8PM|price=|lastedit=2019-07-12|content=A taproom offering snacks, a retail store & regular live music, and, of course, a variety of beers, some not sold elsewhere, from of a top-rated US craft brewery.}} *{{Drink|name=Brewsters Beer Garden + Restaurant|alt=|url=http://brewstersbeergarden.com/#home|email=|address=229 Water Street North|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 707 981-8330|tollfree=|fax=|hours=Tu-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F 11:30AM-midnight, Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-9PM, closed M|price=|lastedit=2019-07-13|content=Laid-back, open-air beer garden featuring modern BBQ, local craft beers, fire pits, and live music. A bocce court and a kids area adds to the fun, and there is plenty of space for friendly pets.}} *{{drink | name=Dempsey's Restaurant & Brewery |alt=| url= | email= | address=50 E Washington St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 707 241-4077 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-07-12| content=Laid-back brewpub offering river views plus house-brewed beers & hearty tavern fare. }} *{{drink | name=The Hideaway |alt=| url= | email= | address=128 Kentucky St (at 4th Street) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 707 763-3290 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-07-12| content= }} *{{drink | name=McNear's | url= | email= | address=Petaluma Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves good American-style food and drinks with a fun atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=Mystic Theater |alt=| url=http://www.mystictheatre.com/ | email= | address=23 Petaluma Blvd N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 707 775-6048 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-07-12| content=Next door to McNear's, a renovated 1911 vaudeville theater now offering live music from bands all over the world, plus a bar and adjacent eatery. }} *{{drink | name=Willowbrook Ale House |alt=| url= | email= | address=3600 Petaluma Blvd N, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 707-775-4232 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-07-12| content=For some pool (billiards), drinks, and karaoke (on Friday and Saturday nights). }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Best Western Petaluma Inn | url=https://www.bestwestern.com/content/best-western/en_US/booking-path/hotel-details.05085.html | email= | address=200 S McDowell Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 707 763-0994 | tollfree=+1-800-297-3846 | fax=+1 707 778-3111 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Motel 6 | alt= | url=https://www.motel6.com/content/g6/en/home/motels.ca.petaluma.1369.html | email= | address=1368 North McDowell Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 707 765-0333 | tollfree= | fax=+1 707 765-4577 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Quality Inn Petaluma |alt=| url=http://www.winecountryqi.com/ | email= | address=5100 Montero Way | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-407-4959 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-28| content= }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/stssi-sheraton-sonoma-wine-country-petaluma/ | email= | address=745 Baywood Dr | lat=38.2309554 | long=-122.614877 | directions= | phone=+1-707-283-2888 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=US 101.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Santa Rosa (California)|Santa Rosa]] | minorl1=[[Cotati]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[San Francisco]] | minorr1=[[Novato]] | image2=California 116.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Jenner]] | minorl2=[[Cotati]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=Ends at [[File:California 121.svg|18px]] | minorr2=[[Sonoma]] | image3=Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit logo.svg | imagesize3=100 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Santa Rosa (California)|Santa Rosa]] | minorl3=[[Cotati]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[San Rafael]] | minorr3=[[Novato]] }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|38.245833|-122.631389|zoom=14}} {{IsPartOf|Sonoma County}} 46zlrcywhl6b07r9qq26odiuuuq59xh 0 27450 4487971 4486770 2022-07-21T20:48:52Z Ikan Kekek 36420 This article isn't for people traveling to the Lehigh Valley. Would someone going to Philly ever fly to Lehigh Valley Airport, or should we delete the mention of it? wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Philadelphia Broad Street night banner.jpg|caption=Night view of Philadelphia City Hall, looking north from Broad Street between Walnut and Locust Streets}} :''For ancient Philadelphia renowned for its role in early Christianity, see [[Alaşehir]].'' {{printDistricts}} [[File:Philadelphia Night Skyline (14146388982).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Philadelphia's skyline]] [[Image:CIMG1532a.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|Rocky statue outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.]] '''[https://www.discoverphl.com/ Philadelphia]''', often referred to as '''Philly''', is known globally as the birthplace of American democracy. In Independence Hall but also in taverns and other locations around the city, the nation's founders planned and ultimately launched the American Revolution, which gave birth to the nation. The city is the largest in [[Pennsylvania]], the second largest in the Northeast megalopolis (behind [[New York City]]), and the sixth largest city in the [[United States]]. Visitors interested in U.S. history will also discover that it is a city of firsts: the first library (1731), first hospital (1751), first medical school (1765), first national capital (1774), first stock exchange (1790), first zoo (1874), and first business school (1881). Philadelphia sits adjacent to [[New Jersey]], on the west side of the Delaware River, and is only 15 miles from [[Delaware]]. The [[Philadelphia Region]], a metropolitan area known as the Delaware Valley with a population exceeding six million, is the nation's sixth and world's 67th largest metropolitan region. It encompasses counties in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and even [[Maryland]]. ==Districts== For most visitors, the focal point will be '''Center City''' and '''Old City''', which comprise the downtown section of Philadelphia. It is bounded by Vine St. to the north, the Delaware River to the east, South St. to the south, and the Schuylkill River to the west. The 2010 Center City residential population of 57,000 makes it the third most populated central business district in America, behind [[New York City]] and [[Chicago]]. Other popular districts to visit are '''West Philly''' and '''South Philly'''. {{Regionlist | regionmap=Philadelphia districts map2.png | regionmaptext= | regionmapsize=341px | region1name=[[Philadelphia/Center City East|Center City East]] | region1color=#ac5c91 | region1items= | region1description=Philadelphia's beautiful City Hall, the Convention Center, Chinatown, Washington Square West, the gay-friendly Gayborhood, and the Broad Street Arts Corridor. | region2name=[[Philadelphia/Center City West|Center City West]] | region2color=#d09440 | region2items= | region2description=West of Broad Street and City Hall, includes the art museum district, Rittenhouse Square, shopping resembling an outdoor mall with dining on Chestnut and Walnut Streets, and a good portion of the central business district with Philadelphia's tallest skyscrapers. | region3name=[[Philadelphia/Old City|Old City]] | region3color=#3650ea | region3items= | region3description=Philadelphia's oldest historic quarter, where the roots of American Independence began. It's between 6th Street and the Delaware River, and features Independence Mall and historical landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, and Independence Hall. Also of significance are the art, design and fashion businesses and galleries, making Old City a vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood with an 'old world' European aesthetic. Evening hours bring added excitement with great restaurants, bars and clubs. | region4name=[[Philadelphia/South|South Philly]] | region4color=#71b37b | region4items= | region4description=South Street, the Italian Market, the Sports Complex, endless cheap dive bars, and Philly cheesesteaks. | region5name=[[Philadelphia/North|North Philly]] | region5color=#b5d29f | region5items= | region5description=Working class neighborhoods, some of which are struggling with crime problems, but also the home of Temple University and Northern Liberties. | region6name=[[Philadelphia/West|West Philly]] | region6color=#d56d76 | region6items= | region6description=West of the Schuylkill River, includes University City comprising of University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University and its surrounding neighborhoods. | region7name=[[Philadelphia/Northwest|Northwest]] | region7color=#4fb7c0 | region7items= | region7description=The off-the-beaten-path northwestern reaches of the city, most notable for its middle-to-upper class residential neighborhoods of Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, East Falls and Mt. Airy. | region8name=[[Philadelphia/Northeast|Northeast]] | region8color=#69999f | region8items= | region8description=The far northeastern part of town, a residential yet multicultural area. }} ==Understand== [[File:Independence Hall.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Independence Hall, the birthplace of American democracy, at 520 Chestnut St.]] Philadelphia, often called the "Birthplace of America", is the birthplace of the country's modern democracy. Philly was founded by William Penn in 1681, and assumed its present-day shape and size in 1784 when [[Montgomery County (Pennsylvania)|Montgomery County]] was split off from Philadelphia. The city's name translates to "City of Brotherly Love" and it has been a seat of freedom since its inception; founded by Quakers, the colony promoted religious freedom among its residents in stark contrast to the [[England]] of the time. The definition of "Philadelphia" changed in 1854. Prior to that time, the term "Philadelphia" referred to what is today called "Center City", and what we today call "Philadelphia" was referred to as "Philadelphia County" (that term is still used today in legal and administrative contexts). For clarity's sake we will use modern terminology, though many people will refer to Center City as "Philadelphia" when referring to pre-1854 periods. ===History=== [[File:Goal in Walnut Street Philadelphia Birch's views plate 24 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|alt=Walnut Street, Philadelphia, c. 1800|Walnut St., c. 1800]] [[File:Liberty Bell 2008.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Liberty Bell, perhaps the most iconic symbol of American liberty, is on display for visitors at the Liberty Bell Center at 526 Market St.]] Known for its role in the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia saw the convening of the Continental Congress as well as the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Shortly after the nation's inception took place in Philadelphia, Center City was named the nation's capital, a role it filled from 1790 until 1800, when [[Washington, D.C.]] took over. Prior to 1854, the city of Philadelphia only consisted roughly of what we now call Center City, extending east to west between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers and north to south between Vine and South Streets. Everything else was Philadelphia County and contained thirteen townships, six boroughs, and nine districts. The Act of Consolidation in 1854 consolidated all these areas within the city of Philadelphia, creating the boundaries you see today. Benjamin Franklin, probably Philadelphia's most famous resident, was responsible for the city's alternative title, the "new Athens." While Franklin's most famous experiment dealt with the conducting of electricity, he was also responsible for the country's first insurance company, the city's first public library and the first fire department; Franklin also played a great role in establishing the city's postal system and inventing new conveniences such as bifocal lenses and the Franklin Stove. Philadelphia has seen its skyline and its name in lights throughout the years in such famous films as the "Rocky" series (the statue from ''Rocky III'' still stands prominently outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art), and films like namesake ''Philadelphia'' and many of Philadelphia native M. Night Shyamalan's thrillers. The Liberty Bell is right in the center of Philadelphia inside of a pavilion near Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell is a major piece in Philly's history. It was rung to announce the news of the passage of the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829 in Great Britain. John Sartain in his book, Reminiscences of a Very Old Man, claims the bell was cracked during this announcement: :"The final passage of the Emancipation Act by the British Parliament is linked to a bit of Philadelphia history. On receipt of the news in Philadelphia the Liberty Bell in the tower of the State House was rung, and cracked in the ringing. When I was up in the tower in 1830, two years after, viewing the cracked bell for the first time, Downing, who was then the custodian of Independence Hall, told me of it and remarked that the bell refused to ring for a British Act, even when the Act was a good one." ===People=== The Philadelphia area's 6.2 million inhabitants comprise a diverse group of almost every nationality. Philadelphia's primary cultural influences can be seen in its plethora of Irish pubs, the city's Italian Market, the Chinatown District, and the Reading Terminal which plays host to a diverse crowd of merchants — from first-generation European and Asian immigrants to the area's local Amish and Mennonite farmers. Compared to other major American cities, especially those in the Northeast, Philadelphia has a much smaller immigrant population; up until 1950 it was a magnet for European immigrants, with smaller African populations. But due to a sluggish economy, racial tensions, and the rising prominence of cities like New York, Boston, or even Atlanta, Philadelphia's immigrant population dwindled. Things have changed since the early 2000s however, with the area once again becoming an immigration gateway. Immigrants now flock from places as varied as China, India, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Ghana, Morocco, and Russia. ===Economy=== Philadelphia's economy is as diverse as the population that inhabits the city. In Old City, the 'Third Street Corridor', from 3rd and Chestnut Streets to Vine Street, is home to many locally owned businesses contributing to art, design and fashion industries. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange, the oldest one in America, has been in operation since 1790. In addition, the city is host to several Fortune 500 companies, including Comcast (the nation's largest cable television and broadband Internet provider), CIGNA insurance, Aramark, and Lincoln Financial Group. The largest private employers in the city are the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Temple University. In the region there are approximately 50 higher educational institutions making Philadelphia a large 'college town'. Dating back to the city's roots as the nation's first capital, the federal government's presence is also strong in Philadelphia. A U.S. Mint is near Philadelphia's historic district and the Philadelphia division of the Federal Reserve Bank is close to that. Thanks to this governmental presence the city plays host to a large number of prestigious law firms and is considered one of the nation's centers of law. The Pennsylvania Railroad, once the largest railroad company in the world, continues to influence Philadelphia's economy under the Amtrak name. Amtrak's second-busiest station, 30th Street Station, is on the west bank of the Schuylkill River and employs many Philadelphians in customer service, engineering, accounting, and IT jobs at the station. Many medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, and medical technology firms make their homes in and around Philadelphia, arguably making it the nation's healthcare capital. And numerous virtual commerce firms have made their home in the Philadelphia area, including QVC, Half.com (purchased by eBay), DuckDuckGo, and Monetate. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 39 | febhigh = 42 | marhigh = 51 | aprhigh = 63 | mayhigh = 73 | junhigh = 82 | julhigh = 87 | aughigh = 85 | sephigh = 78 | octhigh = 67 | novhigh = 55 | dechigh = 44 | janlow = 24 | feblow = 26 | marlow = 33 | aprlow = 43 | maylow = 53 | junlow = 62 | jullow = 68 | auglow = 66 | seplow = 59 | octlow = 47 | novlow = 38 | declow = 29 | janprecip = 3.2 | febprecip = 2.8 | marprecip = 3.7 | aprprecip = 3.4 | mayprecip = 3.6 | junprecip = 3.4 | julprecip = 4.2 | augprecip = 3.9 | sepprecip = 3.3 | octprecip = 2.7 | novprecip = 3.3 | decprecip = 3.3 | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Philadelphia|39.95383|-75.16245}} }} Philadelphia sits at the northernmost boundary of the humid subtropical climate zone; it has many features of a humid continental climate, and the climate has four seasons. Winters are cold and often snowy, but are rarely unbearable like in Boston or Chicago; temperatures usually hover around 32°F (0°C) during the colder months. Average annual snowfall is 24 inches (59 cm) which is spread out mainly from December to March, but the area is sometimes hit by devastating blizzards that can dump up to half that total or even more on the city in one day, such as in 1996 when a single storm dumped 30.7 inches (78 cm) of snow on the city in just a couple days. On the other hand, summers in Philadelphia are notoriously hot and humid, and conditions can get quite unpleasant when the air temperature is near 90°F (32°C) and humidity is high. Spring and fall are rather pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s °F (15°C-25°C). ==Talk== '''Colloquialisms''' For those who are unfamiliar with either the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast or even just Philadelphia regions, local lingo and enunciation can seem rather daunting. Older white working-class locals mostly speak with a distinctive accent, as does Philadelphia's African-American community; in fact, the latter is responsible for many modern-day slang words and expressions that have become ubiquitous in American culture. However, transplants, academics, other ethnic minorities (especially Asians), and Millennials now tend to speak with a more general American accent. Speaking with an "old-school" Philly accent is increasingly seen as juvenile and moronic. With that said, most young people from the Philadelphia area - regardless of race - have made laudable efforts in keeping elements of the accent alive, most notably with regards to vowels and vocabulary. Here is a breakdown of Philadelphia's most popular local terms: * '''Wooder''' Water. This is seen as the ultimate giveaway that someone is from Philadelphia. * '''Youse (guys)''' You guys, you all. Second-person plural. (Can sound like /juːs/ (''yooce'') or /juːz/ (''yooze''.) * '''Water Ice''' A dessert served by local restaurants that features flavored slushy ice. Sometimes called Italian Ice. Pop's, near the corners of Oregon Avenue and Broad Street, is arguably the most popular. * '''Gravy''' This is tomato sauce, and is for the most part only used by those who are of Italian heritage. "Gravy" is usually prepared with meat including meatballs, sausage, and sometimes pork in order to give it flavor. * '''Coffee Regular''' (pronounced Caw-fee Reg-lar) Coffee with cream and sugar. * '''Jimmies''' Chocolate or rainbow colored candy sprinkled onto ice cream or cookies. * '''Steak''' Any sandwich in the cheesesteak family. An entire menu category at neighborhood pizza joints. * '''Hoagie''' Submarine sandwich. * '''Grinder''' A toasted hoagie. * '''Tomato pie''' Pizza crust with tomato sauce but no cheese (besides, perhaps, a little Parmesan). * '''Stromboli''' A sauceless pizza rolled up: like a calzone, but with mozzarella and without ricotta. * '''Jawn''' A substitute noun used as a placeholder for most things. * '''Strapper''' A fairly new term, used derogatorily to describe someone you do not like. ==Get in== [[File:Philadelphia International Airport.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Philadelphia International Airport, the city's primary airport and one of the nation's largest]] ===By plane=== * {{go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|PHL}} | url=http://www.phl.org/index.html | email=contactPHL@phl.org | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q512128 | lastedit=2018-09-24 | content=The largest airport in the [[Delaware Valley]], minutes from the city. It is served by taxis and the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line. The predominant carrier at PHL is American Airlines, which offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, and a handful of European cities, as well as a some Latin American destinations. [http://www.southwest.com Southwest] has become American Airlines' main domestic competitor at PHL, and the two airlines constantly attempt to outbid each other's fares on many trunk routes. Air charter companies such as [http://monarchairgroup.com Monarch Air Group] and [http://mercuryjets.com Mercury Jets] fly a variety of private charter aircraft and jets, from charter luxury Gulfstream's down to economical piston twins for small groups and individuals. }} Taxis offer a flat rate of $28.50 from the airport to Center City. The Airport Line serves each terminal throughout the day until approximately midnight and takes about twenty minutes to travel between the airport and Center City Philadelphia, making stops at all major commuter tunnel stations: 30th Street Station (Amtrak), Suburban Station (Penn Center, City Hall) and Jefferson Station (formerly "Market East Station": East Market Street, The Fashion District, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal). Tickets for the Airport Line can be purchased on the train platform at a fare kiosk, the cost of the journey to center city is $6.75 at the kiosk or $6.50 (plus $4.95 initial fee) from a travel wallet on the SEPTA Key. Tickets purchased at ticket windows at stations in Center City cost $6.75. You can also buy a day pass for $13 valid on all regional rail trains after 9:30AM except into New Jersey either on board the train or at a ticket office. A family pass is available for $30; the same restrictions apply. Or, the #37 SEPTA bus stops at all terminals (Directly outside baggage claim) and goes into South Philadelphia, terminating at the Broad Street Line subway station "Snyder." The trip costs $2.50 cash exact change only or from the SEPTA key, payable to the driver. Alternatively, you can fly to '''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}) or '''[https://www.bwiairport.com/ Baltimore-Washington International Airport]''' ({{IATA|BWI}}), each of which is connected by Amtrak to 30th Street Station (1 hr from EWR; 80 min from BWI). Other New York and Washington-area airports are less convenient. * {{go | name=Northeast Philadelphia Airport | alt={{IATA|PNE}} | url=https://www.phl.org/business/PNE | email= | address= | lat=40.081944 | long=-75.010556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2739991 | content=Philadelphia proper also has a general aviation airport which does not have scheduled commercial airline service. }} *'''[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' in [[Allentown]] is the best option for those traveling to the [[Lehigh Valley]], and is located roughly 60 miles north of Philadelphia. ===By train=== [[File:30th Street Station Philadelphia July 2016 002 edit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|30th Street Station at 2955 Market St.]] Philadelphia's {{marker|type=go|name=30th Street Station |url=https://www.amtrak.com/stations/phl |lat=39.955833 |long=-75.181944}} ({{IATA|ZFV}}) is a major hub along [[Rail travel in the United States|Amtrak]]'s Northeast Corridor and Keystone lines. Inbound trains from [[Washington, D.C.]] and [[New York City]] arrive at least once an hour during the day; some of them are high-speed ''Acela'' trains. Trains from [[Harrisburg]] arrive between 10-14 times daily, and trains from [[Pittsburgh]] arrive once each day. Amtrak also provides service to [[Vermont]], [[Virginia]], [[Charlotte]], and overnight service to [[Florida]] and [[New Orleans]]. Tickets on Amtrak with 30th Street Station as the origin or destination are also valid on SEPTA regional rail to/from Suburban and Jefferson (Market East) stations in Philadelphia Center City. For ongoing 30th Street Station is also a stop on the Market-Frankford subway line, and has a taxi rank, as well as cars from several rental agencies. It's also possible to get to Philadelphia from NYC via commuter rail. Using this method, one would take New Jersey Transit from New York Penn Station to [[Trenton]] and then transfer to the SEPTA Regional Rail Trenton Line. While this is about a third the price of Amtrak service from NYC, it is more than an hour slower; on the other hand, this is comparable to both the speed and price of an average bus trip from New York, with much more frequent journeys and a more comfortable trip. SEPTA Regional Rail lines (commuter rail) connect Philadelphia to its many suburbs. All regional rail lines stop at 30th St Station (at the upper level/SEPTA concourse), and at two stops in Center City (Suburban and Jefferson stations). The New Jersey Transit Atlantic City Line connects 30th Street Station to [[Atlantic City]]. ===By car=== [[File:Walt Whitman Bridge EB 1 mi to US 130 NB-I-676.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|Walt Whitman Bridge, named for the American poet Walt Whitman, connects Philadelphia with Gloucester City and [[Camden County]], New Jersey]] Philadelphia is connected to neighboring cities by freeways: * The New Jersey Turnpike, running just outside Philadelphia in [[New Jersey]], is the main route to [[New York City]]. Strangely, there is no direct freeway connection between the cities - you will have to get off the Turnpike and go through a few traffic lights before getting on a Philadelphia freeway. * Interstate 95 continues south from Philadelphia to [[Baltimore]], [[Washington D.C.]], and the remainder of the East Coast, ending in [[Miami]]. * The Pennsylvania Turnpike traverses the state of Pennsylvania from east to west. The Northeast Extension of the Turnpike connects Philadelphia to the Poconos and Wilkes-Barre-Scranton. * Within the city, the main freeways are I-95 (north-south), I-76 (north-south within the city), and I-676 (east-west). Route 1 (also called the Roosevelt Expressway) connects Northeast Philadelphia to Center City. Several bridges across the Delaware River link Philadelphia to New Jersey. Of these bridges are Tacony Palmyra Bridge (Route 73), Betsy Ross Bridge (Route 90), Benjamin Franklin Bridge (US 30) and Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76). ===By bus=== [[File:NJT bus Philadelphia 2018.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal at 1001 Filbert St. is the city's primary bus terminal]] Philadelphia is served by the Greyhound, Trailways, Bieber, and Peter Pan bus routes to cities across the U.S. The city is also served by a '''Chinatown Bus''' service, which began as a way to shuttle Chinese immigrant workers between various Chinatowns, but are now low-cost bus options for anyone looking to get in to Philadelphia from New York City or Washington, D.C. Although the buses are a bargain compared to corporate competitors like Greyhound, they are far from luxurious; they also use small terminals in both Chinatown districts, and have a poor reputation for safety, which can be daunting for less adventurous visitors. To compete against the Chinatown buses in the low-cost, low-frills bus market, corporate bus companies have started Megabus and BoltBus services. There are two main bus terminals. Greyhound operates the City's main bus terminal at 1001 Filbert Street in Center City. Megabus and BoltBus make curbside stops near 30th Street Station. * {{listing | name=Apex Bus | url=http://www.apexbus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20 one way, $35 round-trip (from NYC) | content=The NYC stop is at 88 E Broadway. The stop for Philadelphia is on 121 N 11th St. The ride is about 1½ hr. }} * {{listing | name=Today's Bus | url=http://www.todaysbus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$12 each way (from NYC) | content=The NYC stop is at 28 Allen St. The stop for Philadelphia is on 121 N 11th St. No advance purchase is required. }} * {{listing | name=Megabus | alt= | url=http://www.megabus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Provides service from NYC, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Pittsburgh, State College, Harrisburg, Toronto, Buffalo, Boston, Richmond, and Hampton; fares start at $1 when ordered far enough in advance. Buses arrive and depart on the east side of Schuylkill Ave. between Chestnut and Walnut streets, a couple of blocks south of 30th street station. }} * {{listing | name=BoltBus | url=http://www.boltbus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Provides service from NYC, Newark, and Boston; fares start at $1 when ordered far enough in advance. Free Wi-Fi. Buses arrive and depart from 30th and Market Sts., near 30th St. Station. }} If you buy tickets online, be sure to get on the right bus. Some companies trick you into taking the wrong bus and then charge you again. ===By boat=== The [http://riverlinkferry.org RiverLink and Freedom Ferry services] provide travel from Philadelphia to neighboring Camden, New Jersey, between April and September. The service provides direct service to Camden's Susquehanna Bank Center on the Waterfront, a popular concert venue for the Philadelphia area. Access to the other waterfront attractions, including an aquarium, is also provided by the ferry service. ==Get around== There are plenty of public transportation options to get around the downtown core of Philadelphia. Buses, trains, and trolleys gather at 30th St. Station and the 69th St. Transportation Center. Absolutely no smoking is allowed in any SEPTA Transit Station. SEPTA Staff, transit police officers, and even fellow riders will ask you to extinguish/dispose of tobacco before entering. Violators may be subject to fines, arrest, or even community service. ===By foot=== Philadelphia is one of America's most walkable cities. This has been taken advantage of and the city is marked extremely well by "Walk! Philadelphia" signs that are placed on each block, sometimes only several feet apart, that guide visitors toward shopping, dining, gallery perusing, cultural enjoyment, local must-sees and public transportation should it need to be taken. The city has two very walkable shopping districts as well as the walkable Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which is home to many museums, including the Franklin Institute and the Museum of Art that was made famous in the "Rocky" movies. ===By bus=== [[File:SEPTA 8130 800px.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A SEPTA bus, part of one of the nation's largest public transportation systems]] '''[http://septa.org SEPTA Bus]'''. SEPTA runs an extensive bus network in Philadelphia. Buses are a convenient (if slow) method of getting almost anywhere within the city. On-time performance is relatively lacking especially in the suburbs, and it's bound to happen to you at least once in a weekend if you take the bus heavily. Frequencies are spotty in the outer suburbs so plan ahead. In Center City, bus routes will be fairly well documented on bus shelters, but in all other locations around Philadelphia, route maps and schedules will generally not be posted; in fact the stops or route markers may only be posted on a tree branch, so do your bus route research early. Seniors ride free with a Medicare Card or a Senior Citizen Transit ID Card. Fares can be paid with cash at $2.50 but passengers must have the exact amount as change will not be given. Tokens (to be discontinued on 30 April) will effectively reduce the cost of a single ride to $2.00 but must be bought in groups of 2 ($4), 5 ($10), or 10 ($20). Because tokens are discounted, you might want to buy tokens in bulk when given a chance; token purchases are most easily done at machines located in the busiest subway stations in Center City and at some convenience stores, but unfortunately, not all stations have token machines. SEPTA also has a reloadable chip Key Card which works like most other contactless SMART cards and the fares are the same as when a token is used ($2). SEPTA Key Cards are also available in selected locations. Passengers who require a transfer need to pay $1 on the first mode of transport they take (either through a deduction of their Key Card balance or payment of exact cash amount). '''[http://www.visitphilly.com/tours/philadelphia/phlash/ Phlash Bus]'''. Philadelphia has a seasonal (May-October) trolley bus for tourists called the Phlash. It runs in a 20-stop east-west circuit of major tourist locations, from the Museum of Art in the west to Penn's Landing in the east. It is $2 per ride or $5 for a one day pass. SEPTA pass and key card holders ride free, as do children ages 4 and under and seniors 65 and older. Look for the purple trolley bus or the winged purple & blue logo. ===By train=== The 69th St. Transportation Center and 30th St. Station are the main hubs of major commuter (regional) rail, subway rail and trolley lines. ====Commuter rail==== [[File:Silverliner IV-SEPTA-400-philadelphia-int-airport-22-6-2012-fws.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|SEPTA offers commuter service to Philadelphia's suburbs]] '''[http://www.septa.org SEPTA Regional Rail]''' regional commuter rail trains stop in Center City at underground commuter rail tunnels. The three major Center City stops, 30th Street Station, Suburban Station and Market East Station, serve most of the city's major attractions. Suburban Station is adjacent to near City Hall, the shopping district, the financial district, and many cultural attractions; Market East Station connects to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, shopping at The Gallery, and the Reading Terminal Market, a famous local marketplace. Traveling within Center City is considered a "Zone 1" fare and will cost $4.75 if purchased in advance and $6 if purchased on board the train. Seniors ride for $1. Fares to other destinations are up to $10. Between Temple University, the city center stations and University City, service is generally frequent enough that you won't need a schedule. Service in other areas tends to be about every half-hour, with more frequent service during peak hours. The Airport Line comes every 30 minutes daily from about 4:30AM to midnight, and Paoli/Thorndale Line (between Center City and Malvern) and Lansdale/Doylestown Line (between Center City and Lansdale) also have half-hourly service during the day on weekdays. The lightly used Cynwyd Line only comes Monday through Friday on an erratic, rush hour centered schedule. '''[http://www.njtransit.com New Jersey Transit Atlantic City Line]''' provides service to suburbs in New Jersey and to Atlantic City. Service patterns are somewhat uneven; be sure to check the schedule online in advance. These trains pick up passengers from the Amtrak concourse at 30th Street Station. ====Subway==== [[File:Philadelphiasubway.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Philadelphia rapid transit map]] [[File:SEPTA AT&T (Pattison) station.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A Broad Street Line train]] [[File:MarketFrankfordLineTrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A much less drab Market-Frankford line train]] [[File:SEPTA Route 34 trolley 9107.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2| A SEPTA trolley]] [[File:NorristownHSL2013USOPEN.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|The not-so-high-speed Norristown High-Speed Line serves some of Philadelphia's suburbs]] [[File:PATCO Rebuilt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|PATCO services New Jersey]] [http://www.septa.org SEPTA] operates two metro (subway/elevated) lines, and a "Subway-Surface" trolley line which crosses Center City in a tunnel but runs in the street elsewhere. Just like SEPTA buses, the cash fare is $2.50. '''Tokens are no longer sold by SEPTA, though they remain valid for use on bus, subway, and trolley.''' A subway ride also costs $2 if a SEPTA contactless Key Card is used. Seniors ride free with ID. '''Broad Street (Orange) Line''' (BSL) — referred to by locals as the "subway" — runs North-South underneath Broad Street, the main north-south arterial. It serves Temple University, City Hall, the Sports Stadium Complex and everywhere in between. The BSL also has a "spur" called the Broad-Ridge Spur that serves Chinatown and 8th & Market Sts. in Center City. At City Hall station, there are free transfers to the Market-Frankford Line and Subway-Surface Lines. Transfers from a subway to a bus or from a bus to a subway cost $1 and must be purchased when you pay for the first leg of your trip. This transfer is also required if transferring from the 8th St Ridge Avenue spur to the 8th St MFL station. '''Market-Frankford (Blue) Line''' (MFL) — referred to by locals as the "el" — follows Market St from 69th St east to 2nd St, then turns northeast to Frankford Transportation Center in Northeast Philadelphia. The line runs underground beneath Market Street from 2nd to 45th Streets, and is elevated elsewhere. An free interchange with the BSL is available at 15th St, and a paid interchange with the Broad-Ridge Spur at 8th St station. Paid interchanges with SEPTA's Regional Rail are available at 11th St, 15th St, and 30th St stations. At 30th St you can also board Amtrak intercity trains. '''Subway-Surface (Green/Trolley) Lines''' — referred to by locals as the "trolleys" — are a set of five streetcar lines: 10 (Lancaster), 11 (Woodland), 13 (Chester), 34 (Baltimore), and 36 (Elmwood). The other routes run along a different avenue in West Philadelphia, but all meet at a subway portal at 40 St. and Woodland Ave. (except the #10, which joins the subway at a portal at 36th St.) to run in a streetcar subway under the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University to 30 St., then under Market St. from 30 to Juniper St, near 13 St. The trolley shares 30th, 15th, and Juniper/13th St stations with the MFL, but is the only subway stopping at 19th and 22nd Sts along Market St. There is a free interchange between the lines at all three shared stations. A sixth trolley line, #15-Girard Avenue, runs through North Philly and uses refurbished vintage PCC streetcars. '''Norristown High Speed Line''' (Route 100) — this above-ground electric train service departs from the MFL's 69th Street terminal, and travels through suburbs in the main line to Norristown. Service comes about every 20 minutes, with more frequent service including express trains during peak hours. Stops are made on request only - to request a train to stop when standing on a platform (except at 69th Street, Ardmore Junction, and Norristown), you must press a button to activate a signal to stop the train. Otherwise, trains can blast through at up to 65 miles per hour, leaving you stranded. '''[http://www.ridepatco.org/ PATCO Hi-Speed Line]''' operated by the Delaware River Port Authority, travels between 16th and Locust Sts. past 8th and Market Sts. in Center City Philadelphia and Lindenwold Station in Southern New Jersey. PATCO runs underground in the city and rises above ground to cross over the Delaware River on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It then runs underground in the center of Camden, then is above ground through the rest of its trip in New Jersey. There is no free interchange between SEPTA's subways or regional rail and the PATCO service, and SEPTA passes are not valid on PATCO; a discounted round-trip transfer to SEPTA can be purchased for $3.10 extra when buying a round trip from a New Jersey station to Philadelphia. The PATCO line is the easiest way to access Camden, NJ's waterfront attractions, including the Adventure Aquarium and the BB&T Pavilion at the Waterfront concert venue. Fares are based on the distance of travel. Those rates are as follows: *Lindenwold, Ashland & Woodcrest Stations and Philadelphia: $3.00 *Haddonfield, Westmont & Collingswood Stations and Philadelphia: $2.60 *Ferry Avenue (Camden) Station and Philadelphia: $2.25 *Travel within Pennsylvania, between Broadway and City Hall (Camden), and between PA and those two stations: $1.40 *Any other trip within New Jersey: $1.60 ===SEPTA one-day passes=== Passengers who wish to use a combination of SEPTA trolley, bus and subway around downtown Philadelphia may purchase a One-Day Convenience Pass. It costs $9 and may be purchased from the ticket booth at a SEPTA subway station. It can be purchased either as a paper pass or loaded into a SEPTA chip Key Card. Unlike other metropolitan transit systems, the one-day pass does not entitle the passenger to unlimited rides on the entire system and is limited to eight rides on the day it was first used. That said, it still effectively brings down the cost of each ride to $1.13 (compared to the standard fares of $2.00 to $2.50). To use the paper pass, just present it to the driver or station attendant at the fare gate who will punch in the current date and ride number (from 1 to 8) you have taken to indicate how many rides were already used. If the pass is loaded on a SEPTA Key Card, just tap the card against the reader you normally would. Transfers that require you to exit the station fare gates (including subway-to-bus transfers) will be counted against your ride allowance. The Convenience Pass is not valid on regional/commuter rail lines. However, SEPTA also offers the Independence Pass, which is a one day pass that is valid on all modes of transit, including the regional rail lines (except to Trenton and West Trenton, which are $5 extra each way). The Independence Pass cannot be used on Regional Rail trains arriving in Center City prior to 9:30AM on weekdays, with the exception of the Airport Line where it is valid at all times. The [http://www.septa.org/fares/pass/independence.html Independence Pass] costs $13 for an individual and $30 for a family. The Independence Pass does not have the 8-ride limit of the Convenience Pass. ===By taxi=== Taxis are regulated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority and display a medallion license on their hood. As a result, Go2Go does not serve Philadelphia and the surrounding area. All taxis are metered. Rates are $2.70 at flagfall and $2.30 per mile (1.6 km). There is also a variable gas surcharge. In July 2012 it was $1.15. For trips from the airport, a flat rate, including fuel surcharge, of $28.50 applies. An additional $1 per passenger ($3 maximum) after the first passenger will be charged on flat rate trips between the airport and Center City for those passengers over the age of 12. Tipping for good service is common. ===By ride-hailing services=== Ride-hailing services [https://www.uber.com/cities/philadelphia/ Uber] and [https://www.lyft.com/cities/philadelphia-pa Lyft] can be used to get around Philadelphia. ===By car=== Philadelphia is also home to [http://www.enterprisecarshare.com/?ctype=2 Enterprise Car Share] and Zipcar, where, after registering, you can book vehicles by the hour or day for significantly less than a rental car. Enterprise Car Share has vehicles including Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Beetle and Mini Cooper stationed at various locations called 'pods' around Philadelphia. You first book online, and then use your personal key to unlock the vehicle and away you go. Rental is $5.90-7.90 per hour, or approximately $50 for a full day, plus a few dollars booking fee and $0.09 per mile (1.6 km) traveled. ====Parking==== You can park at the ends of the subway lines for very little. Remember that Philadelphia is the center of a metro area of 6 million, so the roads are congested from early morning until the mid-evening, and parking is not cheap. Should you choose to bring a car, check with your hotel about parking in the city. Legal street parking is available but is very difficult to find close to Center City attractions or hotels. Secured parking garages can cost $10-35 per day or higher in some cases. In the historic district, there were several parking options under $20. Visitors should also be aware that the Philadelphia Parking Authority is renowned (even notorious) for its efficiency, and PPA parking enforcement personnel are as quick to write tickets as they are unlikely to yield to a violator's plea for leniency. Tickets that are not paid promptly quickly accumulate additional penalty fees. It is also worth mentioning that the only coins that the meters accept are dollar coins and quarters. Putting other coins in the meter will not give you extra time. Fortunately, depending on where you are in the city, a quarter can give you up to a half hour of parking. However, in such busy places such as Chinatown and Center City, a quarter can get you only eight minutes of parking. A new parking method has been brought about in the city -- although there are still parking meters throughout the city, some areas have a kiosk at which patrons can use bills or credit cards (not just quarters) to print a ticket which they leave on the dashboard. You can park and ride for $1 at AT&T Station (the southernmost stop on the Orange subway line) on Mondays through Fridays until 7PM, but you must get there before noon. ====Traffic==== [[File:Schuylkill Expressway Sept 2007.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Schuylkill Expressway, one of the city's main thoroughfares--and one of its most congested]] In terms of congestion Center City Philadelphia compares favorably to most large U.S. cities. Gridlock does occur, however, particularly during rush hour. Traffic generally moves at the slowest pace in the Chinatown neighborhood, on the numbered streets west of Broad and in the South St. and Old City areas on weekend evenings. Broad St. is typically only moderately congested. The most heavily-traveled roads in the area are I-95, I-676/I-76 (the Schuylkill Expressway), which connects Center City to the various suburbs west of the city, and I-476 (the "Blue Route") which curves from the south to the northwest of Philadelphia, connecting I-95 with I-76 and, beyond that, the PA Turnpike. Rush-hour delays are common on all these roadways: During the morning rush-hour I-95 south-bound typically backs up between the Bridge St. and Girard Ave. exits; and eastbound I-76 typically jams from Gladwynne to 30th Street. During the evening rush-hour, I-95 usually slows from the Bridge Street to Academy Road exits. On I-676 and the west-bound Schuylkill, traffic can be stop-and-go from roughly Broad St. potentially all the way to the so-called "Conshohocken Curve," just east of the town of the same name, effectively doubling the time it normally takes to drive from Center City to the PA Turnpike entrance at King of Prussia. Anyone planning to drive through Philadelphia during either rush hours would do well to anticipate traffic conditions and plan accordingly. ===By trolley=== SEPTA operates 8 trolley lines including the 5 subway-surface branch lines and the two suburban trolley lines, numbered 101 and 102, that leave from the 69th Street terminal on the Market Frankford Line. In addition, the 15 line (running along Girard Ave.) has been renovated and vintage trolley cars are now in use on this route. Connections to this line can be made at either the Broad Street Line or Market-Frankford Line Girard Stations; a transfer should be purchased upon boarding the trolley or entering your origin subway station for $1 to avoid paying an additional fare when making the connection. Among its other uses, the 15 line provides the only rail link to the Philadelphia Zoo. SEPTA has also been studying whether to restore trolley service on former lines, as many miles of rail are still in place. ==See== [[File:A358, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, Boathouse Row at night, 2009.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|Philadelphia's historic Boathouse Row on the Schuylkill River]] Travelers planning to visit multiple attractions may benefit from '''[http://www.citypass.com/philadelphia Philadelphia CityPASS]''', which grants admission to 6 Philadelphia attractions within 9 days of first use for a much reduced rate and includes expedited entry in some cases. The included attractions are: THE Franklin Institute; Adventure Aquarium; Phila Trolley & the Big Bus Company, 24 hours of on-off privileges; Philadelphia Zoo; Option Ticket One with choice of either the Academy of Natural Sciences or the National Constitution Center and Option Ticket Two with choice of Please Touch Museum or Eastern State Penitentiary. [[A Weekend in Philly]] offers a detailed itinerary that includes several of these attractions. ===Public art=== Thanks to Philadelphia's innovative [http://www.muralarts.org Mural Arts Program], the city has a truly massive amount of art that can be seen without paying a dime or entering a single building. Originally designed to help stop graffiti and enliven the city's buildings, the Mural Arts Program has led to Philadelphia now having the largest collection of public art in the world, with over 3500 murals completed since its inception. There are [http://muralarts.org/tour tours] offered as well, from trolley or train tours to the mural-mile walking tour. Other public art of note includes the many glass mosaics found throughout the city; a sampling of this great public art can be seen on South St. east of Broad. Center city Philadelphia offers many public statue displays. "The Clothespin" is a sculpture by Claes Oldenburg that resembles a clothespin located just across from City Hall on West Market St. LOVE Park, serving as a terminus between City Hall and the museum-laden Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., features a famous LOVE statue that has come to represent the brotherly love that Philadelphia was founded on. The site once was the city's (and perhaps the nation's) most popular skating attraction until new legislation and remodeling efforts outlawed skating in the park. Just across the JFK Blvd. from City Hall at the Municipal Services Building, visitors can find many larger than life game pieces from popular board games as well as a statue of former mayor Frank Rizzo. More statues can be found throughout '''[http://www.fpaa.org Fairmount Park]''' along Kelly Dr. on east side of the Schuykill River. Sculptures by Remmington can be found on the path, while several sculptures by Alexander Milne Calder can be found in '''[http://www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org Laurel Hill Cemetery]''', which is just off the paved walking path. ===Museums=== [[File:Philadephia Museum of Art.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Philadelphia Museum of Art at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.]] Philadelphia is known for two world-famous art museums, the '''Philadelphia Museum of Art''' and the '''Barnes Foundation''', both located in [[Philadelphia/Center City West|Center City West]]. Center City West also hosts the '''Academy of Natural Sciences''', '''Franklin Institute Science Museum''', '''Mutter Museum''', '''Rosenbach Museum & Library''' and '''Rodin Museum'''. The Rare Book department of the '''Free Library of Philadelphia''' is also worth a visit. [[Philadelphia/Center City East|Center City East]] is home to the '''African American Museum''', and '''Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia History'''. [[Philadelphia/Old City|Old City]] is home to the '''National Museum of American Jewish History''' and '''Independence Seaport Museum'''. [[Philadelphia/West|West Philly]] is home to the '''Penn Museum''' (for archaeology) and the '''Please Touch Museum'''. ===Historic sites=== [[File:Eastern State Penitentiary aerial crop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Historic Eastern State Penitentiary at 2027 Fairmount Ave.]] [[File:City hall Philadelphia.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Philadelphia City Hall at 1 Penn Square, constructed in 1894, as seen from S. Broad St.]] '''Independence National Historic Park''' is Philadelphia's signature historic site in the Old City. It features the '''Liberty Bell''', '''Independence Hall''', '''Constitution Hall''' (home of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution), and other historic buildings. '''Eastern State Penitentiary''' is billed as "America's Most Historic Prison." It is also the site of an annual Bastille Day recreation. In October, the notoriously haunted penitentiary is home to one of the city's most popular Halloween attractions: the "Terror Behind the Walls" haunted house. The '''Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site''' contains the former home of the famous American author of mystery and the macabre. The '''Fairmount Water Works''' features information on local watersheds as well as interpretive art. ===Parks=== [[File:LOVE Park Philly.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|LOVE Park at 16th St. and JFK Blvd. with the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the background]] William Penn designed Philadelphia to have "five squares" of public, open space. Four of the five squares are now city parks, somewhat symmetrically located at the four corners of an imaginary square surrounding the very center of Center City. (The fifth square, at the very center of the city, is now occupied by City Hall.) '''Fairmount Park''' is a large park on both sides of the Schuykill River northwest of Center City. East Fairmount Park is home to the Smith Memorial Playground, Dell East Concerts, and a driving range. West Fairmount Park, much of which has been renamed the Centennial District, includes the Mann Music Center (where the Philadelphia Orchestra plays in summer), the Japanese Tea House, Please Touch Museum for kids in a restored Memorial Hall (from the nation's centennial celebration). '''LOVE Park''' is square near City Hall, known for its Robert Indiana "LOVE" sculpture, and for attracting skateboarders from around the world (but since 2002, a ban on skateboarding has been rigorously enforced). '''Spruce Street Harbor Park''' takes on a fairground atmosphere during summer nights, with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, trees adorned in colored lights, local craft beers, and food trucks from some of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants. '''Rittenhouse Square''' (the southwest park in William Penn's original plan) sits among classic and classy Rittenhouse hotels and residences and attracts people from around the world. It is named after David Rittenhouse, a clockmaker and astronomer. '''Logan Square''' (northwest, better known as Logan Circle), named after William Penn's secretary James Logan, is the gateway to Fairmount Park and the Art Museum area. Until 1823, Logan Circle was an execution site as well as burial ground. In Logan Circle there is the Swann Memorial Fountain. '''Washington Square''' (the southeast park in William Penn's original plan) is near Independence Hall. It was also used as a burial ground and a potter's field. '''Franklin Square''' (northeast) is located on the outskirts of Chinatown at 6th and Race Streets. It is home to the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, has a Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course, two playgrounds, a fountain (new technology causes the water to shoot lower on rainy or windy days so bystanders do not become wet), and a gift shop. The center of '''City Hall''''s Square is a large compass in the ground. There are four archways leading into it. '''Penn Treaty Park''', in [[Philadelphia/North|North Philly]], is a small riverfront park. On this site William Penn famously entered into a treaty of peace with Tamanend, the Lenape Indian chief. The '''Philadelphia Zoo''', the first zoo in the United States, is located in [[Philadelphia/West|West Philly]]. '''Clark Park''', also in West Philly, maintains a busy events schedule with festivals, flea markets, theatrical performances, concerts and a year-round farmers’ market. ==Do== [[File:Aqua2007.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The Mummers Parade, held annually on New Year's Day since 1901]] ===Events=== *Every year, Philadelphia is host to the '''Philadelphia International Championship''', which is a 144-mi (232-km) bike race from Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the hillside community of Manayunk, which is the site of the Manayunk Wall. The event has been run since 1984. The event usually takes place in early June. *The '''Philadelphia Marathon''' is also another annual event. This marathon race is held every 3rd Sunday in November. There are three races: the full marathon, half marathon and the "Rothman Institute 8k". *Every year in the beginning of July, an '''All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival''' is held down Penns Landing. $5, children under 6 free. *The '''Philadelphia Flower Show,''' one of the largest indoor flower shows in the world, is held every spring at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. *'''AIDS Walk Philly''' occurs every October. It is an 8.2-mi (13-km) walk that begins and ends at Eakins Oval (in front of the stairs of the Philadelphia Art Museum). The first walk started in 1987 and raised $33,000 that year. Since then, the event became annual. *The '''Mummers Parade''' is held each New Years Day. The first official parade took place on January 1, 1901. Local clubs (usually called New Years Associations) compete in one of four categories (Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades). They prepare elaborate costumes and moveable scenery, which take months to complete. The parade of over 10,000 marchers travels approximately 3 miles northward on Broad Street, beginning in South Philadelphia and concluding near City Hall in Center City. *The '''Made In America Festival''' is an annual music festival taking place during Labor Day weekend on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. While rappers draw the biggest attention, bands from musical genres as diverse as free-jazz, metalcore, and pop are featured. *'''West Philly Porchfest''' is a beloved annual do-it-yourself music festival featuring free shows on porches all over West Philadelphia. *The '''Odunde''' festival takes over a dozen-block radius in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood on one Sunday every year in June. Hundreds of stalls and several musical stages celebrate Africa and the African diaspora. ===Theater and music=== Philadelphia prides itself on its wide variety of live performances, particularly for music. Venues can be found throughout [[Philadelphia/Center City East|Center City East]] and [[Philadelphia/Center City West|West]], [[Philadelphia/Old City|Old City]], [[Philadelphia/South|South Philly]] and the Northern Liberties/Fishtown districts of [[Philadelphia/South|North Philly]]. '''[http://www.r5productions.com R5 Productions]''' promotes smaller bands and affordable shows at several local venues. The '''Fringe Festival''', held every September, is a 4-week-long, city-wide celebration of innovation and creativity in contemporary performance. Each September, the Festival explodes into every nook and cranny of Philadelphia with more than 1,000 artistically daring performances. ===Sports=== [[File:Philly (45).JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia, home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles]] [[File:Citizens Bank Park 2021.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Citizen's Bank Park in South Philadelphia, home of Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies]] [[File:Wells Fargo Center - 2019 OWL Grand Finals.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia, home to the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers and NBA's Philadelphia 76ers]] As one of the largest metro areas in the U.S., Philadelphia has an extensive sport history and culture. However, whenever the topic of American sports comes up, one will soon notice that Philadelphia is seen with disgust and derision. This is the result of two preconceived notions: 1) Philadelphia sports teams have had very little luck competing for, let alone winning, championships, 2) Philadelphians have a reputation for being hard-nosed and passionate fans who joyfully engage in violent behavior. While these are certainly based in reality, you should not be deterred from enjoying yourself, far from it. In fact, Philly sports fans are often praised for their passion and in-depth knowledge of their teams and league rules, and few cities can boast crowds as electrifying as Philly. Having teams with volatile performances in all major sports will inevitably create fans that stick to their teams through thick and thin. * {{do | name=Philadelphia Phillies | alt= | url=https://www.mlb.com/phillies | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q650840 | content=The city's hometown [[Baseball in the United States|baseball]] team. Founded in 1883, they are the oldest one name, one city franchise in all of professional sports. Since 2004 the team has played at Citizens Bank Park, a $350-million baseball-only facility in South Philadelphia that is among the best in the big leagues. The park is easily accessible on the subway and tickets start at $18. The food at the park was named as Best Ballpark Food in a survey of Food Network viewers in 2007. Keep your eye out for Dollar Dog Nights, where hot dogs are only $1. }} * {{do | name=Philadelphia Eagles | alt= | url=http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q219714 | lastedit=2018-07-24 | content=Philadelphia's divisive NFL team, and without a shadow of a doubt the most beloved by locals. The Eagles have played at Lincoln Financial Field, next door to Citizens Bank Park, since 2003. Known for their rabid and passionate fans, Eagles games routinely sell out, often before the season even starts. }} * {{do | name=Philadelphia 76ers | alt= | url=http://www.nba.com/sixers/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q138089 | content=The city's NBA team, playing at Wells Fargo Center, in the immediate vicinity of the two major stadiums. }} * {{do | name=Philadelphia Flyers | alt= | url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q192083 | content=Hockey fans can also enjoy the city's NHL team, which shares Wells Fargo Center with the Sixers. }} * {{do | name=Philadelphia Union | alt= | url=https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q689874 | content=Members of Major League Soccer since 2010, the Union differ from Philly's other teams in the four biggest sports in North America in that they don't play in South Philly. Home games are played at Subaru Park (which was called Talen Energy Stadium from 2015 to early 2020), their soccer-specific stadium on the waterfront in the nearby suburb of Chester. The Union's reserve side, Philadelphia Union II, plays in the second-level USL Championship at Subaru Park as well. }} * '''College sports''' – The Philadelphia area is also a mecca for college sports, especially men's basketball. One term you will often see or hear in the sports pages, talk shows, and general sports conversation is "Big 5". This refers to the heated men's basketball rivalry between five of the major universities in the area—Temple, Villanova, Saint Joseph's, Penn, and La Salle. **{{do | name=Temple Owls | alt= | url=http://www.owlsports.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3359016 | content=The sports teams of Temple University are in the American Athletic Conference. The football team, the city's only top-level NCAA Division I FBS program, shares Lincoln Financial Field with the Eagles. Temple men's basketball is a regular contender for conference honors. The school's best-known venue is the on-campus Liacouras Center, home to basketball. }} **{{do | name=Villanova Wildcats | alt= | url=http://www.villanova.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7930884 | content=Villanova University (often called "Nova"), a Catholic school located in the Main Line suburb of Villanova, has the city's highest-profile college basketball program, a member of the rugged Big East Conference with national titles in 2016 and 2018. Since the current Big East does not sponsor football, Nova plays that sport in the second-level Division I FCS as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Most of Villanova's venues are on campus, most notably Finneran Pavilion (basketball) and Villanova Stadium (football). However, high-profile basketball games are often played at the Wells Fargo Center. }} **{{do | name=Saint Joseph's Hawks | alt= | url=http://www.sjuhawks.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7401516 | content=Saint Joseph's University, like Villanova a Catholic institution, plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference (A10). Basketball is the hot-button sport on campus—"Saint Joe's" has no football team. Basketball games are played on campus at Hagan Arena. While a part of the Big 5, it has an especially strong rivalry with Villanova, with their matchup locally called the "Holy War". }} **{{do | name=Penn Quakers | alt= | url=https://pennathletics.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q616428 | content=The Ivy League's Philadelphia outpost, the University of Pennsylvania, also enjoys a rich athletic tradition, especially in men's basketball. Historically, Penn and Princeton have dominated the league in that sport, though other schools have emerged as contenders. Penn boasts two of the most historic venues in American sports—the Palestra (basketball) and Franklin Field (football and track). The latter is also home to the historic Penn Relays track meet. }} **{{do | name=La Salle Explorers | alt= | url=http://www.goexplorers.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=La Salle Explorers | content=La Salle University is another Catholic institution in the A10. Like Saint Joe's, it also has no football team. Basketball games are played on-campus at Tom Gola Arena. }} **{{do | name=Drexel Dragons | alt= | url=http://www.drexeldragons.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5307338 | content=Drexel University, a private secular institution, is something of an "odd man out" in the Philly sports landscape. Despite being literally next door to Penn, it is not part of the Big 5. Nonetheless, the Dragons enjoy a strong basketball rivalry with Penn, known as the Battle of 33rd Street—the teams' arenas are a mere three blocks apart along said street. The Dragons are members of the CAA, and like Villanova and Saint Joe's have no football team. Basketball games are played on campus at the Daskalaskis Athletic Center, often called "The DAC". }} ** In addition to the above, Philadelphia is the most common site of the '''[https://armynavygame.com Army–Navy Game]''', one of the most iconic events in college football. The game involves the teams of the country's two oldest service academies—the '''Army Black Knights''' of the United States Military Academy, and the '''Navy Midshipmen''' of the United States Naval Academy. The game is steeped in decades-old military traditions, and combines bitter competitiveness and mutual respect. Its date is now fixed as the second Saturday of December, the week after FBS conference championship games, making it the last game of the FBS regular season. When in Philly, the game is played at Lincoln Financial Field; it is scheduled for "The Linc" in 2022 (the 2021 game will be held at MetLife Stadium near New York City). ==Learn== [[File:Penn campus 2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League university, was founded by Ben Franklin and is one of the world's most prestigious universities]] Philadelphia is rich with educational opportunities. The most prestigious university in the area is the Ivy League '''[http://www.upenn.edu University of Pennsylvania]'''. Other universities include '''Temple University''', '''[https://www.jefferson.edu Thomas Jefferson University]''', '''[http://www.drexel.edu Drexel University]''' with the only co-op program in the area, '''[http://www.lasalle.edu La Salle University]''' a major Catholic university, '''[http://www.sju.edu Saint Joseph's University]''' a Jesuit university, and '''[http://unitedlutheranseminary.edu/ United Lutheran Seminary]''' a divinity school; as well as [http://www.wts.edu "Westminster Theological Seminary"] in Glenside. The '''[http://www.ccp.edu Community College of Philadelphia]''' is Philadelphia's premier community college. Art schools include the '''[http://www.uarts.edu University of the Arts]''', one of the most prestigious art schools in America, '''[http://www.pafa.edu Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts]''', '''[http://www.moore.edu Moore College of Art and Design]''' an all-women college, '''[https://www.hussiancollege.edu Hussian College]''', and the '''[https://www.artinstitutes.edu/philadelphia Art Institute of Philadelphia]'''. Trade schools include '''[http://www.vinology.com The Wine School of Philadelphia]''' which offers professional sommelier & winemaking diplomas, along with [http://www.vinology.com wine tasting classes]. ==Work== Philadelphia's job market is ever-expanding both in the city and in its suburbs. The {{ft|975}} Comcast Center is a constant reminder of the economic revitalization of Philadelphia and of Comcast's presence in the city. Additionally, a Keystone Opportunity Zone over the Powelton Rail Yards adjacent to 30th St. Station promises a bright future for jobs and new office buildings in the city. ==Buy== [[File:Reading Terminal Market.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Reading Terminal Market at 1136 Arch St.]] [[File:Italian Market Vegetable Stand 3000px.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|South Philadelphia's Italian Market]] Philadelphia's [[Philadelphia/Old City|Old City]] has always been a center of commerce, and as Philadelphia grew to be a bigger city many shops and department stores were found on Market Street between Old City and City Hall. Two such landmark department stores on Market Street were Gimbels and Strawbridge & Clothiers, which faced increasing difficulty in competing against suburban department chains in the 20th century. In the 1970s, the '''Gallery at Market East''', an urban mall with Gimbels and Strawbridge & Clothiers as major anchors, opened to stem the tide of retailers fleeing the urban core to the regional shopping malls. Despite success in the first decade or so of operation, the Gallery remained unable to compete; Gimbels closed in 1986, while Strawbridge's closed in 2006 and now stands vacant. The rest of the mall offers mid-range stores catering to the city's working class population, and has a busy food court on the basement level, convenient for the 12,000 or so daily commuters who take the regional rail into the city. Just northwest of the Gallery is the '''Reading Terminal Market,''' a very successful indoor public market that opened in 1893 at the site of the Reading Railroad's headhouse terminal, now part of the Philadelphia Convention Center, after open-air sidewalk markets were closed down in the 1850s due to health and safety concerns. Some of the vendors have been in business for over a century, and sell produce, meats, chocolates, and a variety of other usually handmade foodstuffs and items. There are a lot of small restaurants and a section for Pennsylvania Dutch (or Amish) vendors. The high-end shopping district of [[Philadelphia/Center City West|Center City]] did eventually regain its footing in downtown Philadelphia starting in the 1980s and 1990s, and is along Chestnut Streets and Walnut Streets west of Broad Street to Rittenhouse Square, featuring national brands and boutiques, from the high-end Burberry, Tiffany and Diesel to locally-managed corporate Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. Chestnut Street also has a larger range of mid-range shops as well, with many ma-and-pa outfits in addition to bargain big-leaguers H&M and Daffy's, and extends from as far east as 11th Street to 22nd Streets. ''The Shoppes at Liberty Place'' is in Philadelphia's second-tallest building, and '''The Shops at the Bellevue''' is in a historic building on Broad Street. For a more unique flavor, there are shopping districts with its own distinct character. '''3rd Street Corridor''' in [[Philadelphia/Old City|Old City]] has the city's best in high-end, independent retailers for fashion, art and design. Landmark '''Sugarcube''' should not be missed for the fashion savvy. Beauty-goers will enjoy '''Moko''', an organic beauty studio along the corridor. '''Antique Row''', on Pine Street between 9th and 13th ([[Philadelphia/Center City East|Center City]]), is home to a mix of antique stores and local gift and craft boutiques. '''The Italian Market''' in [[Philadelphia/South|South Philly]] is an open-air street market with fresh produce and food; although it has been a predominantly Italian district, there is now a large infusion of Mexicans. '''Chinatown''' ([[Philadelphia/Center City East|Center City]]) is similar to many other similar Chinatowns in various U.S. cities, as an ethnic enclave of Asian American immigrants and residents. ==Eat== ''See the [[Philadelphia#Districts|Districts]] articles for specific listings.'' ===Cheesesteaks=== [[File:Cheesteak etiquitte.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A sign on how to order a cheesesteak at Pat's King of Steaks at 1237 E. Passyunk Ave.]] [[Image:philly_cheesesteak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Cheesesteak with Provolone cheese and onions from Jim's Steak at 400 South St.]] No trip to Philadelphia is complete without trying the '''cheesesteak''', Philly's most famous homegrown food, a sandwich made of a fresh roll filled with grilled shaved beef and cheese (as well as onions, mushrooms, and other optional sides). The spiritual homes of the cheesesteak are '''[http://www.patskingofsteaks.com Pat's King of Steaks]''', where the cheesesteak was invented, and '''Geno's Steaks''', where they claim to have improved on Pat's version. They are across from each other in [[Philadelphia/South|South Philly]] at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue. There are many ways to order a cheesesteak. Some cheesesteaks are made with chopped steak (Pat's and Geno's), while others are made with sliced top-round (Steve's). While Cheez-Wiz is a local favorite, many people also enjoy American or Provolone cheese on their cheesesteaks. The way the cheese is served makes a huge difference. Some cheesesteak joints simply place the cheese on top to melt (Pat's and Geno's), while others, such as Steve's, ladle hot melted cheese on top, adding to the delicious grease from the meat. Any local will tell you as well that the most important part of the cheesesteak (or hoagie, for that matter) is the roll, which is why many have found it difficult to replicate the cheesesteak outside of the Philadelphia region. Many displaced Philadelphians who have started their own restaurants elsewhere have encountered trouble making authentic cheesesteaks, and import their rolls from the Philly area. Although Pat's and Geno's are the most famous cheesesteak joints, they are far from the best. There are many others to choose from, particularly in South Philadelphia—'''John's Roast Pork''' at Snyder and alley-street Weccacoe is considered by many locals to offer a standout. John's offers what sports radio 610 WIP's Cheesesteak Challenge called the best cheesesteak in the city, and an outstanding roast pork sandwich. It is common for people visiting John's to bring a friend and split a cheesesteak and a roast pork sandwich. Placing at #2 on the 610 cheesesteak list is '''Steve's Prince of Steaks''' in Northeast Philadelphia, which has 2 great locations. They also serve a delicious side of cheese fries, which can be had with wiz, American, or provolone. Many enjoy '''[http://www.jimssteaks.com Jim's Steaks]''' or '''[http://www.tonylukes.com Tony Luke's]'''. 'The Great Northeast' is also home to '''[https://www.joessteaks.com/ Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop]''', a delightful drug-store throwback on Torresdale Avenue near the Delaware River. No cheesesteak aficionado can call himself such without a visit to '''[https://dalessandros.com/ Dalessandro's Steaks]''' or Chubby's on Henry Avenue in the Roxborough section of Northwest Philadelphia (north of Manayunk and East Falls). One of this region's better steaks is found at takeout-only Sorrentino's on Cresson in Manayunk. Sonny's in Old City, on Market St between 3rd and 4th, also serves an excellent cheesesteak in a location close to Independence Hall. Philadelphia's other notable sandwich is roast pork which can be found at Dinic's in the [https://readingterminalmarket.org/ Reading Terminal Market], Tony Luke's, John's, or a Latin version at '''[http://www.hollyeats.com/PorkysPoint.htm Porky's Point]'''. Lastly, the city's best roast beef sandwich served on a locally baked Sarcone's roll is at '''[http://philadelphia.citysearch.com/profile/8988604/philadelphia_pa/caffe_chicco.html#profileTab-reviews caffe chicco]'''. A caveat before ordering a cheesesteak, particularly at the often crowded Pat's and Geno's—know how to order. There is somewhat of a 'no soup for you' attitude at these busy and fast-service oriented establishments which can really make a tourist stand out. The way to order is as follows: It is assumed that you are going to order a cheesesteak, so unless you are not, don't specify this. First, say the type of cheese—only '''American''', '''provolone''', and '''whiz''' are generally available. Ask for Swiss at your own risk. The only condiment that is not available in a jar outside the stand will be fried onions; '''with''' (or ''"wit"'' in Philly parlance) or '''without''' ("witout") will specify your preference on the matter. So 'Whiz "Wit", Provolone "Witout",' etc. Not too complicated, and a straightforward way to have a nice local moment on your travels. ===Local and street food=== [[File:Wawa Market.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Wawa convenience stores are popular throughout Philadelphia and its suburbs]] You can also find cheesesteaks at [http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/ '''Reading Terminal Market'''] at 12th and Arch Sts. Here visitors will find many stands selling produce, meats, flowers, and baked goods. Reading Terminal Market is a good place to get lunch if you are in the area. The multitude of vendors and low prices provide plenty of options for a quick meal. It's also home to one of the city's best pretzels (Miller's). Philadelphia's most famous snack is the salted '''soft pretzel''', which, while shaped with the three holes like soft pretzels everywhere else, are distinctive in that they are flattened into a wide rectangle and are made in long chains in which the wide sides of the pretzels are attached. A person may typically buy two, three, or more attached pretzels at a convenience store or from a street vendor. The price is low, especially compared to national vendor brands sold in other cities and in malls. Unlike pretzels served in many other cities, Philly pretzels are not served hot, but at room temperature and often eaten with mustard. The most famous sweet snack is from the '''Tastykake''' brand. Their main factory is in the Navy Yard in far south Philly, so every flavor and type of TastyKake is sold in Philadelphia, and they are usually extra fresh, since they do not have to travel far to the retail outlet. Also unique to the area are '''[http://www.peanutchews.com Goldenberg's Peanut Chews]''', a bit-sized chocolate bar with a chewy peanut center. Originally developed as a high-energy ration bar during World War I, but still popular today! '''Scrapple''' is a favorite comfort food of native Philadelphians. Best described as a seasoned breakfast pork product, scrapple is of Pennsylvania Dutch origin and is made from pork by-products (you're better off not knowing exactly what's in it) and cornmeal, cooked into a thick pudding, formed into a loaf, sliced, and fried. You'll find it on the breakfast menu of many neighborhood diners in Philly. Ask for it very crispy. Some other Philly foods include Philadelphia Cream Cheese, water ice, and hoagies. The Kraft/Nabisco factory is in the far Northeast of Philadelphia at Byberry and Roosevelt Blvd. Drive by with your windows down and take a whiff! ''' Wawa''' is a chain of local convenience stores similar to 7-Eleven. They are most famous for their deli ordering terminals, which allow you to specify via a touch-screen monitor exactly what you want on a sandwich. Although locals refuse to consider Wawa's cheesesteaks as authentic, due to its use of ground beef rather than sliced or diced beef, the Wawa option is still delicious and you get to customize it with a wide range of options. Many stores also carry a respectably thick and doughy fresh soft pretzel at their counter. ===Fine dining=== Philadelphia has an extremely vibrant '''culinary scene''', with many young and enterprising new chefs coming to the City of Brotherly Love for its food-obsessed culture. Local restauranteurs such as '''[http://www.starr-restaurant.com Stephen Starr]''', '''[https://vetricucina.com/home/ Marc Vetri]''', Iron Chefs '''[http://www.morimotorestaurant.com Masaharu Morimoto]''' and '''[http://www.grg-mgmt.com Jose Garces]''', and others have become household names and food celebrities in their own right, transforming Philadelphia's food scene and exporting its concepts to other parts of the country. In part, the scene is bolstered by a culture of organic and sustainable foodstuffs coming from local farmers. ===BYOBs=== Pennsylvania's draconian liquor laws make it very expensive and inconvenient for restaurants to obtain liquor licenses. As a result, many restaurants—including some of the best—are '''BYOB''', that is, "Bring Your Own Bottle". These restaurants will advertise their BYOB-status, and will usually help you out by supplying corkscrews, glasses, or club soda, so long as you supply the beer, wine, or spirits. You'll have to pick wine or spirits up at a state-sponsored liquor store, or six-packs or individual beers from a neighborhood bar or bottle shop, which are good locations for finding a variety of craft beers. Convenience stores do not sell alcoholic beverages. Even if you don't drink, or don't want a drink, dining at a BYOB can pay off as the restaurant doesn't need to pay off a license and can charge a little less for the food. ==Drink== Because of the state of Pennsylvania's complicated liquor laws (which date from immediately after Prohibition and were designed, in the words of the governor at the time, to "discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and expensive as possible"), supermarkets won't sell beer or spirits, although some small neighborhood convenience stores might. State-sponsored liquor stores are all over the place but don't sell beer, and beer distributors sell beer only in bulk and are scattered in inconvenient locations, and neither will be open late or on Sundays. Thus, even for locals, the most convenient way to get a drink is to find a local bar or restaurant with a liquor license. In part because of this complicated setup, Philadelphia has a visibly strong, public '''beer culture''', celebrated in events such as the annual summertime '''[http://www.phillybeerweek.org Philly Beer Week] {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}}''' or the '''[http://www.phillycraftbeerfest.com Philly Craft Beer Festival]''' in March. Local beers include '''Yuengling''', '''Yards''', or '''Troegs'''. Many bars will have a varied selection of beers you already know and love alongside ones you've never heard of. If you're ever stuck on a choice but don't want to look out of place, just ask for a '''"lager"''', which in Philly specifically means the Yuengling Traditional Lager, a pre-Prohibition style amber lager rather different from the mass-market pale lager you find elsewhere. You can also order a '''"Citywide Special"''', which is a shot of house whiskey with a can or bottle of light lager usually Pabst Blue Ribbon or Miller Lite. Primarily, most of the '''nightlife scene''' takes place in Center City ([[Philadelphia/Center City West|West]] and [[Philadelphia/Center City East|East]]) and in [[Philadelphia/Old City|Old City]]. The areas around Rittenhouse Square in [[Philadelphia/Center City West|Center City]], and Headhouse Square and Penn's Landing in [[Philadelphia/Old City|Old City]], are popular destinations that have a large concentration of bars and clubs, many of them attracting the hip, young, pretty people of the suburbs or the universities. Slightly further out, the rapidly-gentrifying [[Philadelphia/North|Northern Liberties]] district is another solid nightlife destination with more of a "yuppie" or "hipster" vibe. Yet another area that has a vibrant nightlife is the [http://www.manayunk.com/dining-a-nightlife?catid=4 Manayunk neighborhood] {{dead link|December 2020}}. However, bars can be found in just about every corner of Philadelphia, and nothing is more characteristic of Philly than the '''local bar''' as a default place for social gathering; every neighborhood's got one or two just around the corner, even if it's a dark, run-down dive without proper signage and a crowd of blue-collar regulars, or a new-but-looks-old pub attracting the yuppies with outdoor seating and live music. Any major street or well-known district is going to have its own selection of watering holes, and each of these establishments will cater to a crowd, whether it's students, sports fans, hipsters or clubbers. In particular, streets and neighborhoods with a notable collection of drinking locales, not including Center City, Old City or Northern Liberties, include University City and [[Philadelphia/West|West Philly]]; South Street and Passyunk Ave in [[Philadelphia/South|South Philly]]; and the [[Philadelphia/Center City West|Art Museum District]]. In the summer, the Center City District sponsors '''[https://phillyviews.com/complete-guide-center-city-sips/ Center City Sips]''', a downtown-wide Happy Hour every Wednesday from 5PM-7PM where many bars and restaurants all participate in drink specials: $2 beers, $3 wines and $4 cocktails, and usually some selection of food specials. ===Quizzo=== It's been said that Philadelphia invented, or at least popularized, the popular '''pub trivia''' event that is known here as '''[http://www.quizotrivia.com Quizzo]''', which are called by other various names such as "quiz nights" by the time they expanded to other parts of the United States. Philadelphia native Patrick Hines first began running Quizzo games at the New Deck Tavern in [[Philadelphia/West|University City]] in 1993 (though he spelled it with one 'z', as in "Quizo"), and began a second one at Fergie's Pub in [[Philadelphia/Center City East|Center City]] in 1995; there are now plenty of other bars running their own Quizzo nights throughout Philadelphia, and while Hines has moved to Ireland, he still writes the questions for several local bars. If you're able to find yourself in a game (you'll have to have a team and needlessly long and/or hilarious team name, or see if you can join one as a free agent) it's a fun way to spend a night, but be prepared to be completely left in the dust by trivia buffs who play regularly. ===Breweries=== *'''Philadelphia Brewing Company''' produces a variety of beers. If you can't make it to the brewery (or find it in a bar) you can pick up a sampler pack (24 bottles) for around $30 at a beer distributor. * {{drink | name=Yard's Brewing | alt= | url=http://yardsbrewing.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Produces a variety of beers, though notably Philadelphia Pale Ale, ESA (especially if you find this in cask format), and the ales of the revolution. Historically certified beers from recipes tied to Ben Franklin, Jefferson, and a porter named after Gen. Washington. Accessible via the Spring Garden Station on the Market Frankford el. }} ===Brewpubs=== *'''Earth Bread and Brewery''' - Known as much for their well made beer as they are for their bread and locally sourced food. *'''Dock Street Brewery''' - Two locations in West and South Philadelphia. Also famous for their pizza. *'''Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant''' - It's in the Manayunk neighborhood right on Main St. *'''Iron Hill Brewery''' - Local brewpub chain that has two locations within city limits, one in Chestnut Hill and one in Market East. ==Sleep== ===Hostels=== Philadelphia is home to two hostels within the city limits, both are affiliated with Hostelling International USA: *{{sleep | name=Apple Hostels of Philadelphia | url=http://www.applehostels.com | email=philly@applehostels.com | address=32 S Bank St, (Old City) | lat=39.94889 | long=-75.14528 | directions= | phone=+1 215 922-0222 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Less than 3 blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, free wireless Internet (for travelers with laptops), free bed linens, no curfews, no lockouts. Affordable, clean hostel with loads of free activities, friendly & knowledgeable staff and plenty of outside tours you can book at the reception desk that's open 24 hours. }} *{{sleep | name=HI — Chamounix Mansion Hostel | url=http://www.philahostel.org | email= | address=3250 Chamounix Dr (West Fairmount Park) | lat=40.00377 | long=-75.19635 | directions= | phone=+1 215 878-3676 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=On a scenic bluff above the Schuylkill River and 45 minutes to downtown Philadelphia's cultural and historic attractions. Associated with Hostelling International }} ===Hotels=== There is a wide variety of hotels located in Philadelphia. Prices usually range from $100 to $200 a night, excluding weeks with major trade conventions. Center City is home to a wide variety of moderate and high end hotel chains that can be found in five main areas: *Convention Center: Loew's, Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Residences at the Marriott, Four Points, Hampton Inn, Le Meridien, Hilton Garden, Travelodge, Clarion Suites *Rittenhouse/West Market-Palomar, Latham, Rittenhouse hotel, Bellevue at Stratford, Ritz Carlton, Embassy Suites, Four Seasons, Crowne Plaza, Sofitel, Club Quarters, Windsor Suites, Westin *East of Broad/Washington Sq West-Doubletree, Alexander Inn, Independent Hotel, Holiday Inn, Rodeway Inn, Parker Spruce *Old City (near Independence Hall)-Sheraton Society hill, Penn's View, Comfort Inn, Hyatt, Omni, Holiday Inn, Best Western *Philadelphia International Airport in [[Philadelphia/South|South Philadelphia]] ==Connect== Philadelphia is thoroughly covered by all of the major American cellular telephone companies. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile phones will all receive full service in most parts of the city. As always, service indoors varies according to signal strength, phone brand, and the composition of the building itself. AT&T has contracted with SEPTA to provide wireless service in transit tunnels. ==Stay safe== There is no way to sugarcoat it, so let us cut to the chase: yes, Philadelphia has a massive crime problem. As early as the late 1980s it was bestowed the notorious moniker of 'Killadelphia'. Even to this day the city suffers from some of the worst crime rates in the USA. However, as a rule of thumb, it is important to know that the places visitors are likely to spend time in are safe and well policed, so be informed about places that are popular with tourists. ==== Neighborhoods ==== Center City and the surrounding neighborhoods have very low crime rates (some of the lowest in the country). Wealthier neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square, Old City, and Society Hill, are safe, as are Northeast Philadelphia (for the most part), Northwest Philadelphia, the Art Museum Area, Chinatown, the Parkway, and Bella Vista. Some petty crimes (mostly pickpocketing) happen but much less often than the media suggest. South Philadelphia is generally safe, though certain parts should be avoided (especially those near I-95). On the flip side, other parts of the city struggle with rampant crime. The city's criminal activities are overwhelmingly concentrated in North Philadelphia (with the very notable exception of Temple University), far West Philadelphia (though this area has seen improvements), and Southwest Philadelphia. These areas are of little interest to tourists, but do be careful if you do end up venturing there. ==== Non-violent crimes & scams ==== Pickpocketing and scams are nowhere nearly as common in Philadelphia as they are in other cities, but the threat of being mugged or approached by unwanted individuals remains real, so keep an eye on your belongings. One known scam is being "photographed" by homeless men near the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Arts. ==== Driving ==== Be careful of traffic when crossing at major intersections—in Philadelphia, as in many major cities, one must always walk, cross, and drive defensively. The winding Schuylkill expressway provides some beautiful views, particularly around Boathouse Row, but do not try to enjoy them from your car; with the high speeds, the river on one side, and jagged rocks on the other, this is a sure way to cause an accident. ==== Sports ==== Although it is frequently blown out of proportion, Philadelphia sports fans have earned a reputation as a very passionate and notorious bunch. It is advised to be extra vigilant when attending a major sports match at the Sports Complex, particularly those who have the courage to wear the opposing team's gear in hostile territory. For these fans, it is best not to provoke the Philadelphia faithful and take their jabs in stride, as fans have been assaulted and even seriously injured in fights in and around the Sports Complex and around town. Be especially cautious if you are a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, any team from the New York City area (especially the Giants and Mets), Pittsburgh Penguins, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Washington Capitals. ==== Philadelphia's suburbs ==== Whiles Philadelphia has a history of crime, the rest of the Delaware Valley is one of the safest metropolitan areas in the U.S., though certain locations like [[Camden (New Jersey)|Camden]] (across the Delaware river in New Jersey), [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]], [[Tinicum Township]], and [[Chester (Pennsylvania)|Chester]] have very high crime rates, so visitors should exercise caution when visiting these regions. ==Cope== ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium (Honorary) | url=http://unitedstates.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/embassy-and-consulates/honorary-consulates/addresses | email=sjannetta@morganlewis.com | address=1701 Market St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 215 963-5092 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-06-24 | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark (Honorary) | url=http://usa.um.dk/en/about-us/list-of-danish-honorary-consulates-in-the-us/list-of-honorary-consulates-on-the-east-coast/philadelphia-pennsylvania/ | email= kufflerj@whiteandwilliams.com | address=1650 Market Street, Suite 1800 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 215 864-7059 | tollfree= | fax=+1 215 864-7123 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France (Honorary) | url=http://www.consulateoffrancephiladelphia.org/ | email=consulfrancais@yahoo.com | address=One Penn Center, 1617 JFK Blvd Suite 1500 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 215 557-2975 | tollfree= | fax=+1 215 557-2990 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany (Honorary) | url=http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/04__Legal/01__Consulate__Finder/HC/02__ABC/Afanassiev.html | email=honconsulphila@aol.com | address=One Penn Center, 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd Ste 340 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 215 568-5573 | tollfree= | fax=+1 215 665-0375 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Israel}} {{listing | name=Israel | url=http://embassies.gov.il/philadelphia/Pages/default.aspx | email=information@philadelphia.mfa.gov.il | address=1880 John F Kennedy Boulevard #1818 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 267 479-5800 | tollfree= | fax=+1 267 479-5855 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | url=http://www.consfiladelfia.esteri.it | email=urp.filadelfia@esteri.it | address=100 S 6th St, 1026 Public Ledger Bldg | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 215 592-7329 | tollfree= | fax=+1 215 592-9808 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Mexico}} {{listing | name=Mexico | url=https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/filadelfia/ | email= | address=111 S Independence Mall E, Bourse Bldg Ste 1010 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 215 922-4262 | tollfree= | fax=+1 215 923-7281 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands (Honorary) | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/united-states/about-us/honorary-consulate-in-philadelphia | email=philadelphia@nlconsulate.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway (Honorary) | alt= | url=https://www.norway.no/en/usa/norway-usa/honorary-consulates/#Pennsylvania | email=norconsul@verizon.net | address=1735 Market Street | lat= | long= | directions=BNY Mellon Center, Suite 3750 | phone=+1 215 564 5708 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Portugal (Honorary) | url=http://www.un.int/portugal/visainfo.htm | email= | address=7950 Loreto Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 215 745-2889 | tollfree= | fax=+1 215 745-2867 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden (Honorary) | alt= | url=https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/usa-washington/ | email=philadelphia@consulateofsweden.org | address=Larson & Scheuritzel, Centre Square West, Suite 3510, 1500 Market Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 267 507-6174 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== [[File:Longwood 2011 09 02 0295 (6160246987).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The beautiful conservancy, fountains, and landscapes of [https://longwoodgardens.org/ Longwood Gardens] can be found a little less than an hour's drive from Philly in [[Kennett Square]]]] * '''[[Allentown]]''', Pennsylvania's third largest city, is rich in history, contributing to both the American Revolution and the nation's industrialization. Home of Dorney Park. * '''[[Doylestown (Pennsylvania)|Doylestown]]''', Browse world-class museums, including the renowned James A. Michener Art Museum, the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, the Mercer Museum and Fonthill, a 44-room mansion featured on A&Es “America’s Castles.” * '''[[Gettysburg]]''', historic site of American Civil War. * '''[[Harrisburg]]''', Pennsylvania's state capital. * '''[[Hershey (Pennsylvania)|Hershey]]''', home of Hershey Park. * '''[[Jersey Shore]]''', including [[Atlantic City]], [[Cape May]], [[Ocean City (New Jersey)|Ocean City]], and [[Wildwood (New Jersey)|Wildwood]]. Visiting the Jersey shore is referred to locally as "going down the shore." Atlantic City is home to the Borgata, Caesar's, and several other casinos. Cape May offers historical tours (and haunted tours!) of the town. And hey, it's a great way to cool off and unwind—and perhaps work off that cheesesteak! * '''[[Kennett Square]]''', the site of the beautiful [https://longwoodgardens.org Longwood Gardens], featuring over a thousand acres of manicured landscapes and fountains. * '''[[King of Prussia]]''', edge city northwest of Philadelphia that is home to the King of Prussia Mall, which is the largest mall in the United States in terms of leasable retail space offering more than 400 stores. * '''[[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]]''', home of Pennsylvania Amish. * '''[[Langhorne]]''', Home of Sesame Place. Approximately 30-45 minutes outside Philadelphia. [http://www.SesamePlace.com Sesame Place] is a one of a kind theme park aimed towards toddlers, pre-school, and grade school children. The theme of the park is based on all of the characters from the children's show Sesame Street. This park is as close to Disney World that the surrounding Philadelphia Area has to offer. The park includes wet and dry amusement rides, games, shopping, live shows, musical parades, restaurants, and meet and greet opportunities with Elmo, Oscar, Bert and Ernie, among other characters. * '''[[Lehigh Valley]]''', region of eastern Pennsylvania and northwestern New Jersey, equidistant from Philadelphia and New York City. * '''[[New Castle (Delaware)|New Castle, Delaware]]''', quiet, charming town south of Philadelphia. * '''[[New Hope]]''', major shopping center north of Philadelphia. * '''[[New York City]]''' is 1 hour 20 minutes away via Amtrak and somewhat longer on a bus or via SEPTA to Trenton and then NJ Transit to New York Penn Station. Driving is very possible but not recommended, due to traffic and the hassle of parking in New York. * '''[[Poconos and Endless Mountains]]''', home to some ski and other mountain resorts. * '''[[Princeton]]''', New Jersey, home to Princeton University. * '''[[Valley Forge]]''', historic site of American Revolutionary War. * '''[[Washington Crossing]]''', historic site of American Revolutionary War. * '''[[Washington, D.C.|Washington DC]],''' the capital of the United States, is 2 1/2 hours south on I-95 or more with traffic, or around 1 hour 40 minutes-2 hours 10 minutes on Amtrak. * '''[[York (Pennsylvania)|York]]''', historic site of American Revolutionary War. {{routebox | placename=Philadelphia (by long-distance rail) | image1=Amtrak Acela Express icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=SW | majorl1=[[Washington, D.C.]] | minorl1=[[Wilmington (Delaware)|Wilmington]] | directionr1=NE | majorr1=[[New York City]] | minorr1=[[Trenton]] | image2=Amtrak Cardinal icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Baltimore]] | minorl2=[[Wilmington (Delaware)|Wilmington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New York City]] | minorr2=[[Trenton]] | image3=Amtrak Crescent icon.png | imagesize3=65 | image3a=Amtrak Palmetto icon.png | imagesize3a=65 | image3b=Amtrak Silver Meteor icon.png | imagesize3b=65 | image3c=Amtrak Silver Star icon.png | imagesize3c=65 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[New York City]] | minorl3=[[Trenton]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Baltimore]] | minorr3=[[Wilmington (Delaware)|Wilmington]] | image4=Amtrak Keystone Service icon.png | imagesize4=100 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]] | minorl4=[[Ardmore (Pennsylvania)|Ardmore]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[New York City]] | minorr4=[[Bensalem]] | image5=Amtrak Northeast Regional.png | imagesize5=100 | directionl5=SW | majorl5=[[Baltimore]] | minorl5=[[Wilmington (Delaware)|Wilmington]] | directionr5=NE | majorr5=[[New York City]] | minorr5=[[Bensalem]] | image6=Amtrak Pennsylvanian icon.png | imagesize6=100 | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl6=[[Exton]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=[[New York City]] | minorr6=[[Trenton]] | image7=Amtrak Vermonter icon.png | imagesize7=100 | directionl7=SW | majorl7=[[Baltimore]] | minorl7=[[Wilmington (Delaware)|Wilmington]] | directionr7=NE | majorr7=[[New York City]] | minorr7=[[Trenton]] }} {{routebox | placename=Philadelphia (by car) | image1=I-76.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl1=[[Bala Cynwyd]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Atlantic City]] | minorr1=[[Camden (New Jersey)|Camden]] | image2=I-95.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[New York City]] | minorl2=[[Bensalem]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Baltimore]] | minorr2=[[Philadelphia International Airport]] | image3=US 1.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[New York City]] | minorl3=[[Langhorne]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Baltimore]] | minorr3=[[Bala Cynwyd]] | image4=US 13.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Bristol (Pennsylvania)|Bristol]] | minorl4=[[Bensalem]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Wilmington (Delaware)|Wilmington]] | minorr4=[[Sharon Hill]] | image5=US 30.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]] | minorl5=[[Ardmore (Pennsylvania)|Ardmore]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=[[Atlantic City]] | minorr5=[[Camden (New Jersey)|Camden]] | image6=PA-611.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=N | majorl6=[[Doylestown (Pennsylvania)|Doylestown]] | minorl6=[[Elkins Park]] | directionr6=S | majorr6=END | minorr6= }} {{routebox | placename=Philadelphia (by mass transit and commuter rail) | image1=NJT Atlantic City Icon.png | imagesize1=100 | directionl1=NW | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=SE | majorr1=[[Atlantic City]] | minorr1=[[Pennsauken]] | image2=PATCO Speedline icon.png | imagesize2=100 | directionl2=NW | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=SE | majorr2=[[Lindenwold]] | minorr2=[[Camden (New Jersey)|Camden]] | image3=SEPTA Lansdale-Doylestown icon.png | imagesize3=100 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Doylestown (Pennsylvania)|Doylestown]] | minorl3=[[Elkins Park]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=SEPTA Media-Elwyn icon.png | imagesize4=100 | directionl4=W | majorl4=[[Middletown (Delaware County)|Middletown]] | minorl4=[[Lansdowne (Pennsylvania)|Lansdowne]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=END | minorr4= | image5=SEPTA Paoli-Thorndale icon.png | imagesize5=100 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Thorndale]] | minorl5=[[Ardmore (Pennsylvania)|Ardmore]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=END | minorr5= | image6=SEPTA Trenton icon.png | imagesize6=100 | directionl6=SW | majorl6=END | minorl6= | directionr6=NE | majorr6=[[Trenton]] | minorr6=[[Bensalem]] | image7=SEPTA Warminster icon.png | imagesize7=100 | directionl7=N | majorl7=[[Warminster (Pennsylvania)|Warminster]] | minorl7=[[Elkins Park]] | directionr7=S | majorr7=END | minorr7= | image8=SEPTA West Trenton icon.png | imagesize8=100 | directionl8=SW | majorl8=END | minorl8= | directionr8=NE | majorr8=[[Ewing]] | minorr8=[[Elkins Park]] | image9=SEPTA Wilmington-Newark icon.png | imagesize9=100 | directionl9=SW | majorl9=[[Wilmington (Delaware)|Wilmington]] | minorl9=[[Sharon Hill]] | directionr9=NE | majorr9=END | minorr9= }} {{isPartOf|Philadelphia Region}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|39.95383|-75.16245|zoom=12}} ajtcvr2dhwlps10m8cyj69u85f67nsq 0 27475 4487975 4483683 2022-07-21T20:53:23Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link, and on Wikivoyage, we generally link only the first instance of a travel term. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Philadelphia banner.jpg}} The '''[https://www.visitphilly.com/ Philadelphia Region]''' is in eastern [[Pennsylvania]]. Its two largest cities are [[Philadelphia]] and [[Allentown]]. Philadelphia is the cradle of American democracy, a former capital of the [[United States]] and the nation's fifth most populous city. For the portion of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area that's in [[New Jersey]], see [[Delaware River Region]]; for the portion in [[Delaware]], see [[Delaware#Northern (New Castle County)]]. ==Regions== {{Mapframe}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[Berks County]]|wikidata=Q490920|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Delaware Valley]]|wikidata=Q494192,Q27840,Q27844,Q378527,Q1345|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t3}}|title=[[Lehigh Valley]]|wikidata=Q494117,Q495658|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Berks County]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1items= |region1description=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] |region2name = [[Delaware Valley]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2items= |region2description=[[Bucks County]], [[Chester County]], [[Delaware County (Pennsylvania)|Delaware County]], [[Montgomery County (Pennsylvania)|Montgomery County]], [[Philadelphia]] (coterminous with Philadelphia County) |region3name = [[Lehigh Valley]] |region3color={{StdColor|t3}} |region3items= |region3description=[[Lehigh County]], [[Northampton County]] }} ==Cities== *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Allentown]]|wikidata=Q142811}} — Pennsylvania's third largest city is the center of the [[Lehigh Valley]] region and home of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]]|wikidata=Q164380}} — Settled in 1614 by Moravian missionaries, Pennsylvania's seventh largest city was once a major center for the U.S. steel industry. Now, the city is home to a vibrant arts scene and Pennsylvania's largest casino. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Chester (Pennsylvania)|Chester]]|wikidata=Q368045}} — A struggling city located between Philadelphia and [[Wilmington (Delaware)|Wilmington]], the city's redeveloping waterfront is home to a casino and a Major League Soccer team. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]|wikidata=Q1056542}} — Visit the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals *{{marker|type=city|name=[[King of Prussia]]|wikidata=Q1186442}} — Home of Valley Forge National Historic Park and one of the largest malls in the United States. *{{marker|type=city||name=[[Kutztown]]|wikidata=Q376959}} — A university town with a large Mennonite population *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Media]]|wikidata=Q1187804}} — A popular culinary destination accessible by SEPTA regional rail in neighboring Delaware County. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Philadelphia]]|wikidata=Q1345}} — Pennsylvania's largest city is the birthplace of American democracy and home of the cheesesteak. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]]|wikidata=Q237896}} — As the urban center of mostly rural Berks County, Pennsylvania's fifth largest city hosts a number of cultural festivals each year. ==Understand== ==Talk== Philadelphia is home to the Philadelphia accent but is also a home to the greater Mid-Atlantic dialect. Some unique words found in the dialect include "pavement" instead of "concrete," "center city" instead of "downtown" and "hoagie" instead of "sub" or "grinder." ==Get in== ===By plane=== Philadelphia is served by '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''', a large public airport that served nearly 10 million passengers in 2021 and is the 21st busiest airport in the United States. '''[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' in [[Allentown]] serves the Lehigh Valley region roughly 60 miles north of Philadelphia. ==Get around== ===Public transportation=== In the city of Philadelphia, public transportation is extensive and convenient. In the suburbs however, service tends to be more spotty. [http://www.septa.org Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority] ('''SEPTA''') is the body that is in charge of public transportation in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. It has bus, subway, trolley and commuter rail services. [http://www.njtransit.com/ New Jersey Transit] (or NJ Transit) operates bus service between Philadelphia and various points in New Jersey, and also commuter rail services on the Northeast Corridor between [[Trenton]], New Jersey and New York. ==See== * '''Shangy's''' is a famous beer distributor located on Main Street in [[Emmaus]] and one of the largest beer distributors on the East Coast. It advertises itself as having the largest number of beer brands from all over the world of any distributor in the nation. Shangy's attracts beer enthusiasts from around the nation, especially those looking for hard to find domestic or international beers. ==Do== '''Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom''' in [[Allentown]] is a popular amusement park and water park that is home to at least six world-class roller coasters, The '''Lehigh Valley IronPigs''', the AAA-level minor league team of the Philadelphia Phillies, play their home games from early April through early October at Allentown's Coca-Cola Park. The '''Liberty Bell Museum''' in Allentown has exhibits and a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell which was hidden from the British in this historic church during the Revolutionary War. ==Stay safe== ==Go next== Travelers on East Coast itineraries can easily find a bus or train to other major cities on the east coast, including [[Washington, D.C.]], [[New York City]], and [[Baltimore]]. [[Atlantic City]] and the [[Jersey Shore]] are also a short drive, bus, or train ride away. Travelers wishing to see more of Pennsylvania have the option of visiting [[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]] and [[Pennsylvania Dutch Country]] by journeying westward. {{isPartOf|Pennsylvania}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|40.29|-75.50|zoom=9}} a9q88ij612q06y9teyq4ce6rzz28yge 0 28186 4488229 4484774 2022-07-22T11:57:27Z 75.112.191.23 /* By bike */Fixed grammar wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Portland rose test gardens banner.jpg|pgname=Portland, Oregon|caption=International Rose Test Garden|dotm=yes}} {{PrintDistricts}} [[Image:Portland panorama3.jpg|thumb|450px|The Willamette River runs by Downtown Portland]] Few American cities can match the youthful spirit of '''[http://www.travelportland.com/ Portland]''', "The City of Roses". The largest city in the state of [[Oregon]], Portland's residents are proud of their city, which draws people for its scenic beauty, great outdoors environment, excellent [[Beer (beverage)|microbreweries]], and eco-friendly urban planning policies, as well as a reputation for colorful characters and a proudly liberal outlook with an attitude to match. Lying about 70 mi (124 km) from the Pacific Coast on Oregon's northern border, the city straddles the Willamette River (pronounced ''will-LAM-ett''; just remember the rhyme "It's Willamette, dammit.") south of its confluence with the Columbia River. To the east, majestic [[Mount Hood]] forms an inspiring backdrop for Portland's skyline. The mild, wet climate makes this a very green city, and Portland has taken full advantage of this with a wealth of parks and gardens that make the city one of the most beautiful in the country. ==Districts== {{Regionlist | regionmap=WV map Portland.png | regionmaptext=Portland district map | regionmapsize=300px | region1name=[[Portland (Oregon)/Northwest|Northwest Portland]] | region1color=#d09440 | region1items= | region1description=Northwest Portland has the more chic districts of town: NW 23rd Ave. and the Pearl District. Spend a day here for some interesting shopping and check out Portland's Chinatown with the beautiful Lan Su Garden. | region2name=[[Portland (Oregon)/Southwest|Southwest Portland]] | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items= | region2description=Downtown is here, with skyscrapers and many of its "splurge" hotels and restaurants. To the west is the large Washington Park with memorials, gardens and a zoo. | region3name=[[Portland (Oregon)/Eastside|Eastside Portland]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=The Eastside is made up of several neighborhoods sprinkled across this half of the city. Each one offers a unique character and charm of its own. Many of the city's best eating and drinking establishments are on this side of the Willamette River. }} ==Understand== {{quote|The dream of the 90s is alive in Portland!|author=Tagline of ''Portlandia''}} Portland is the largest city lying between [[San Francisco]] and [[Seattle]], but when compared to those cities, Portland's environment is not as fast-paced. It hasn't yet developed to the point of being overwhelming. Instead, it has a more laid-back, small-city feel. Over 600,000 people live in Portland proper; including the suburbs the metro area has 2.4 million people, so Portland has its fair share of amenities, including an impressive music and arts scene, and one of the largest collections of zine and independent publishers of any city in the nation. Its relatively large population also means it has some of the worst traffic congestion in the U.S., a fairly high cost of living relative to wages, and chronic underemployment. The city has a lovely blend of historic and modern architecture and many lush parks to poke your toes into. Forest Park and Washington Park in the hills west of Downtown offer a variety of trees, plants, trails, and wildlife near the city. Vistas of Mount Hood and the Willamette River, stately Douglas-fir trees (Oregon's official state tree), and roses and trees at every turn give the city stunning seasonal color. Environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and an extensive public transportation system, are part of the culture and fuel many progressive city planning practices. Portland metro, like all Oregon urban centers, is surrounded by an urban growth boundary. This limits sprawl and helps make Portland a relatively compact city. Unlike most similarly sized metropolitan areas in the country, you can drive about 15 mi (24 km) from Downtown in just about any direction and be out in the countryside, where u-pick farms welcome the public. Portland is a very fun and welcoming city for LGBT travelers. It has one of the largest and most integrated gay and lesbian communities in the United States, supported by two major LGBT publications and other queer-friendly media. [[Image:Keep Portland Weird (17658598119).jpg|thumb|400px|The unofficial slogan of Portland is to "Keep Portland Weird!"]] ===History=== The first European contact in the area came from none other than [[Lewis and Clark]], who sailed along the Columbia River just north of where Portland lies today in 1805; after a year of exploration they finally reached the Pacific Ocean just to the west. The reports from their expedition fueled interest in the area, and settlers came to stake their claim. Two of those settlers were William Overton and his friend Asa Lovejoy, a lawyer from Boston, who came across the spot where Portland now sits and jointly began to build a settlement. Later, Overton sold his share to F.W. Pettygrove, a man from [[Portland (Maine)|Portland, Maine]]. As of this point, the area was being transformed from a small stopping point between [[Oregon City]] and [[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver, Washington]] to a formal settlement, and the owners now needed to give it a name. Both Lovejoy and Pettygrove wanted to name the new town after their respective hometowns; so in 1845 they decided to leave it up to a coin toss and Pettygrove won two times out of three. In 1851, Portland was incorporated and was growing rapidly; its proximity to the rivers, which funneled a trade with San Francisco to the south, combined by the local fishing, lumber, and agriculture industries fueled Portland's early growth. The railroad arrived in the 1880s, and for a time Portland was the largest city on the west coast north of San Francisco; however the Klondike Gold Rush and the arrival of the railroad to [[Washington (state)|Washington state]] meant Seattle quickly eclipsed Portland's growth. Portland persisted as a booming railroad, lumber and steel town for several decades. During the 1970s, however, Oregon started to gain a reputation for progressive urban planning practices, adopting policies such as an urban growth boundary and constructing new parks in a push to maintain the central neighborhoods as active places in light of suburban development. Through the 1970s and into the 2000s, Portland became a center for counterculture, growing into a hub for punk and indie rock music, zine publishing, and activist movements. The dot-com boom of the 1990s brought an influx of modern tech companies joining the established electronic and computer industry along with the so-called "creative class", who remained even after the economic bubble burst. By this point, the city's progressive policies and politics had won the city a special status among urban designers, environmentalists, and political activists as a very forward-thinking city, which has only fueled further growth and development of the metropolitan area. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 45 | febhigh = 50 | marhigh = 56 | aprhigh = 61 | mayhigh = 68 | junhigh = 73 | julhigh = 79 | aughigh = 80 | sephigh = 74 | octhigh = 64 | novhigh = 52 | dechigh = 46 | janlow = 34 | feblow = 36 | marlow = 39 | aprlow = 42 | maylow = 48 | junlow = 53 | jullow = 57 | auglow = 57 | seplow = 52 | octlow = 46 | novlow = 40 | declow = 36 | janprecip = 5.4 | febprecip = 4.1 | marprecip = 3.7 | aprprecip = 2.5 | mayprecip = 2.0 | junprecip = 1.6 | julprecip = 0.5 | augprecip = 0.9 | sepprecip = 1.6 | octprecip = 3.1 | novprecip = 5.5 | decprecip = 6.5 | jansun = | febsun = | marsun = | aprsun = | maysun = | junsun = | julsun = | augsun = | sepsun = | octsun = | novsun = | decsun = | janh2o = | febh2o = | marh2o = | aprh2o = | mayh2o = | junh2o = | julh2o = | augh2o = | seph2o = | octh2o = | novh2o = | dech2o = | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Portland|45.51188|-122.67557}} }} It's said that there are only two seasons in the Portland area: rain and summer. When the summer comes, the clouds suddenly clear and it's hot and sunny, and often quite pleasant. Any given day in July through mid-October has only a 10% chance of rain, and temperatures uncommonly exceed 85°F (29°C) degrees or so, although it does occasionally exceed 100°F (38°C) in mid-summer. With global warming, Portland has had heat waves (temperatures of up to 115 degrees F in 2021) and fires severe enough to restrict people to the indoors. Despite the nice summers, Portland is really known for its rain, which comes between late September and late June. It is more often a menacing drizzle or mist than a downpour, though. There's a myth that most Portlanders don't use, or even believe in, umbrellas, and instead prefer hoods and raincoats. This has a grain of truth to it, but any stroll through Portland on a rainy day will prove to you that people are not shy about using umbrellas. You shouldn't be shy, either &mdash; if it's not summer and you don't want to get wet, pack your umbrella. Although Portland is roughly at the same latitude as Minneapolis, Minnesota (and is in fact slightly further north), snow is uncommon because of Portland's fairly low elevation and the relative proximity of the Pacific Ocean. It does happen around once or twice a year, but rarely persists more than a few days. As a result, many area drivers do not deal with snow very well, especially when attempting to navigate the hilly terrain along many commuter corridors and neighborhoods. Even a light dusting will increase the risk of accidents, and any substantial snowfall or freezing rain can paralyze the city. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -3 °F (-19 °C), though overnight lows are usually above freezing. A sunny day in the rainy season is not typical, but the sun does come out occasionally. The moment it does, some Portlanders may wear summer clothing, even if it's still somewhat chilly. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Portland Visitor Information and Services Center | alt= | url=http://www.travelportland.com | email=visitorinfo@travelportland.com | address=877 SW Taylor St | lat=45.51852 | long=-122.68159 | directions=in Director Park | phone=+1 503-427-1372 | tollfree=+1-888-503-3291 | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM; Su (May-Oct only) 10AM-2PM | price= | lastedit=2019-08-24 | content= }} ===Watch=== * ''Portlandia'' (IFC, 2011-2018). Sketch comedy series set and filmed in Portland, which parodies many Portland stereotypes and trends (such as hipsters, outdoors enthusiasts, bikers, farm-to-table food, tattoos, and many more). ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Portland International Airport canopy wide - Oregon04.JPG|thumb|500x500px|Portland International Airport Terminal Entrance]] {{listing | type=go | name=Portland International Airport | alt={{IATA|PDX}} | url=http://www.flypdx.com/ | email= | address= | lat=45.5894 | long=-122.5936 | directions={{mi|9}} northeast of downtown, near the Columbia River | phone=+1 503-460-4234 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Portland International Airport | image=AirbusA330NWA.jpg | wikidata=Q1425566 | content=It is a dual-use air force base, which may cause confusion on some maps. Most major airlines serve Portland, though Alaska Airlines carries the most traffic through PDX, using Portland as a hub. Non-stop service is available from most major U.S. airport hubs, a lot of smaller cities in the Pacific Northwest (served by Alaska Airlines and United Express), and there are a few international flights from Canada (Air Canada and Alaska Airlines), [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt am Main]] (Condor); [[Keflavik International Airport]] (Icelandair); Mexico (Alaska Airlines, Volaris); [[Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow]] (British Airways); [[Amsterdam Schiphol]], [[Incheon_International_Airport|Seoul Incheon]] and [[Tokyo Narita Airport]] (Delta). The following airlines serve Portland: }} *'''Concourse B''': Horizon & Skywest for Alaska Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Pen Air *'''Concourse C''': Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Icelandair (departures); JetBlue, Spirit *'''Concourse D''': Delta (International & domestic); British Airways, Frontier, Hawaiian Air, Icelandair arrivals, Spirit, Sun Country, Condor, Volaris, Alaska Airlines arrivals from Mexico. *'''Concourse E''': Southwest, United, Air Canada (to Vancouver. Air Canada flights to Toronto are at Concourse C) * {{marker|type=go|name=Boutique Air|url=https://www.boutiqueair.com/airports/181|lat=45.5855 | long=-122.5814}} have their own terminal at 7909 NE Airport Way which is connected to the main terminal by a complimentary shuttle. They only fly to/from [[Pendleton#By_plane|Pendleton]]. All international arrivals disembark through Gates D12-D15 where passengers proceed to US Customs & Immigration inspections under Concourse D. After inspection, follow the "Connecting Passengers" signs to the re-check center where you can recheck your luggage. Go up the escalators for security screening and re-enter into concourse D by Gate D9 to access connecting flights. If Portland is the final destination follow signs reading "Portland Passengers Bus to Terminal", passengers will board an airside shuttle bus which takes them around to the international arrivals zone in front of the United Airlines baggage reclaim (at carousel #10), in the main terminal building. A taxi from the airport to downtown is around $35, but the Portland airport is well connected by public transit, which allows you to save quite a bit of money. The most convenient and least expensive option is the MAX train, TriMet's light-rail system. Just catch the {{marker|type=go|name=MAX Red Line|url=http://trimet.org/schedules/maxredline.htm|lat=45.5876|long=-122.59313}} in the south end of the airport terminal, near the baggage claim area, at lower level. The ride downtown takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.50, which includes a transfer good for 2½ hours with unlimited transfers to any TriMet bus or train, or even to a C-TRAN bus (except the express buses at the Parkrose Transit Center Stop), which serves Vancouver, Washington. Tickets can be purchased from machines on the train platform, or you can use any contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or contactless card) at card readers on the platform. You can also purchase a prepaid HOP card ([[#Hop FastPass|see below]]). To get downtown from the airport by car, follow Airport Way to the junction with '''Interstate 205''' south, then proceed to exit 21B to take '''Interstate 84''' west. Follow I-84 until it ends at the junction with '''[[Interstate 5]]''', then follow the signs to City Center. Two important notes about returning a [[rental car]] at the airport: * As you approach the airport terminal on Airport Way, pay careful attention to the overhead signs for Rental Car Return. After the road splits to the right, there are a number of left exits close together, and it is very easy to make the mistake of exiting too soon at the control tower/shuttle bus/parking exits. The exit for rental car return is the fourth left exit, after the one for the short-term parking garage. * There are no gas stations in the commercial area between the airport and I-205 (Cascade Station). If you have to fill up the gas tank before returning the car, and are driving north on I-205, take the Sandy/Killingsworth exit (Exit 23-A) to get to the airport's closest and most accessible gas stations. ===By train=== [[File:Portland unionstation.jpg|thumb|225px|Union Station; "Go by Train"]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Portland Union Station | alt= | url=https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=PDX | email= | address=800 NW 6th Ave | lat=45.52910 | long=-122.67681 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Portland Union Station | image=UnionStationPortland.jpg | wikidata=Q861473 | lastedit=2018-07-05 | content='''[[Amtrak]]''' serves Portland Union Station, which is about a 15-minute walk from most places downtown. Union Station is well connected by public transit. It sits on the northern end of the transit mall, so many Trimet buses as well as the MAX Yellow and Green Lines stop nearby. There has been some investment in passenger rail in the region, so journey times and reliability have improved and will likely continue to improve incrementally as new construction is completed. }} Three Amtrak routes serve Union Station: * The '''''[[Amtrak Cascades]]''''' is the most frequent train, coming in from as far south as [[Eugene]] and as far north as [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]]. The ''Cascades'' offers certain amenities not available on the other two routes, such as Wi-Fi, more space for bikes, more power outlets, a bistro car serving Pacific Northwest foods and wine, and the occasional movie. * The '''''Coast Starlight''''' runs between [[Seattle]] and [[Los Angeles]]. Stops include [[Tacoma]], [[Olympia (Washington)|Olympia]], [[Salem (Oregon)|Salem]], [[Eugene]], [[Klamath Falls]], [[Redding]], [[Sacramento]], the [[Bay Area (California)|San Francisco Bay Area]], [[San Luis Obispo]], and [[Santa Barbara]]. * The '''''[[Empire Builder]]''''', Amtrak's busiest long-distance route, runs between [[Chicago]] and its two western termini, Portland and Seattle. It stops at [[Milwaukee]], [[Minneapolis]]–[[Saint Paul]], [[Glacier National Park (Montana)|Glacier National Park]], and [[Spokane]] along the way. The westbound train splits into two branches (or joins into a single route going eastbound) in Spokane with one branch going to [[Seattle#By train|Seattle]] and the other to Portland. ===By car=== The primary road connection between Portland and the rest of the west coast is '''[[Interstate 5#Portland Metropolitan Area|Interstate 5]]''', which runs through Washington, Oregon, and California. Driving from the south, you can take exits to the southern part of downtown before I-5 crosses the Willamette River, or you can take the '''Interstate 405''' bypass to access the rest of downtown. From the north, you can take I-405 over the Fremont Bridge to cross the Willamette River and reach downtown, or take exits 302A or 300B and follow the City Center signs. '''Interstate 205''' is a bypass route that splits from I-5 and serves the eastern side of the Portland metro area. From northeastern Oregon, eastern Washington, [[Boise]], and other points east, take '''Interstate 84'''. It follows the Columbia River on the Oregon side and terminates in the center of Portland, where it meets Interstate 5. '''U.S. Route 26''' comes to Portland from the Pacific coast (near [[Seaside (Oregon)|Seaside]] and [[Cannon Beach]]) in the west, before continuing out of the city east to [[Central Oregon]]. As in most of Oregon, there are no self-serve gas stations in Portland. Just stay in your car and wait as an attendant does the pumping for you. ===By bus=== {{seealso|Long-distance bus travel in the United States}} Intercity buses pick up at the {{marker|type=go|name=Union Station Bus Station|lat=45.52903 | long=-122.67726}} next to the Union Station (800 NW 6th Ave), the airport and/or additional places on the way into or out of Portland (see their websites). They can only pick up passengers on the outbound trip and drop off on the inbound trip but cannot transport passengers between two points within the Tri-Met Service Area (Portland Metropolitan Area). For example, a CoBreeze bus coming from Bend cannot pick up passengers in Gresham and drop them off at the airport. They can only drop off in both places on the inbound trip within the Portland area. See below: * {{listing | type=go | name=CoBreeze | alt= | url=http://www.cobreeze.com | email= | address=(bus stops) Union Station, Portland International Airport & the Cleveland MAX station in Gresham | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541-389-7469 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Goes down to [[Bend]] via Sandy, Welches, Government Camp, [[Madras_(Oregon)|Madras]], Prineville P&R and Redmond Airport along US Hwy 26. Buses may not make all the above stops regularly but on request in advance of travel. Check with them. }} * {{go | name=Columbia Gorge Express | alt=Operated by Columbia Area Transit | url=https://www.ridecatbus.org/columbia-gorge-express/ | email=info@ridecatbus.org | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541-386-4202 | tollfree= | hours=7AM-7PM | price=$10 each way, all stops (to/from Portland) | lastedit=2021-03-08 | content=Bus connects Gateway Transit Center in NE Portland through the Columbia River Gorge to Cascade Locks and Hood River. Connection to The Dallas can be made from Hood River and to downtown Portland from Gateway Transit Center on all westbound MAX trains. Take the northbound MAX Red Line train to the airport from Gateway Transit Center. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Flixbus, Bolt Bus| alt=operated by MTR Western| url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/portland-or | email= | address=(bus stop) 700 NW Station Way | lat=45.53062 | long=-122.67836 | directions=Bus will board on the curbside on NW Station Way. Boarding will take place along the large curb marked for buses only, north of Union Station. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-11-29 | content=European bus service that just expanded to Pacific Northwest in November 2019 with service between Bellingham & Eugene via Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Portland, Corvallis and to other destinations in Pacific Northwest. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Frontera del Norte | alt= | url=http://travelfronteras.com | email= | address=(bus stop) Su Casa Supermercado at 16100 SE Stark St| lat= | long= | directions=SE Stark St & 161st Ave | phone=+1 323 587-5233 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-05-29 | content=Connects Pasco, Sunnyside & Yakima WA in eastern Washington (state) to Los Angeles and the Mexican border in San Ysidro in Southern California via Portland, OR. There's also a travel agent inside the supermarket too. }} * {{go | name=Greyhound, Bolt Bus | alt= | url=http://www.greyhound.com | email= | address=(Ticket Counter) 427 NW 6th Ave; (Bus stops) 1090 NW Station Way | lat=45.53076 | long=-122.67858 | directions=Curbside stops on NW Station Way between Lovejoy & Marshall. | phone=+1 503-243-2361 | tollfree=+1-800-231-2222 | hours= | price=Prices vary depending on your destination | content=Bus station at 550 NW 6th Ave has closed and the property is up for sale. The new ticketing office is at 427 NW 6th, one block south & opposite side of 6th Ave from the old bus station while map marker is at the new curbside stops on NW Station Way, north of Union Station. Greyhound connects Portland to Seattle (via Kelso, Centralia, Olympia, Tacoma); Spokane (Via Stanfield/Hermiston, Tri-Cities); Los Angeles (via Salem, Eugene, Medford, Sacramento); Denver (via Pendleton, Boise, Salt Lake City). Passengers transfer in the final destination city of the route or in an intermediary stop to reach additional cities. Check schedules. Additional transfer points to other parts of Oregon are in [[Corvallis_(Oregon)#By bus|Corvallis]], [[Eugene#By bus|Eugene]] and [[Medford_(Oregon)#By bus|Medford]]. }} * {{go | name=Shuttle Oregon | alt= | url=https://shuttleoregon.com/ | email= | address=(Bus stops) Union Station & Portland International Airport | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541-903-0724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=Goes to Bend through Salem & Sisters via Hwy 22 and I-5. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tillamook Transportation District Rt #5 | alt= | url=http://www.nworegontransit.org/routes/ | email= | address=(stops) Union Station, Sunset Transit Center & NW 185th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-842-0123 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$15 OW or $20 RT | content=Twice daily trip to/from [[Tillamook]] along US Hwy 26 and OR-Hwy 6 }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Oregon Point | alt=Operated by MTR Western | url=http://www.oregon-point.com | email= | address=(bus stop) Union Station @ 800 NW 6th Ave | lat= | long= | directions=Stops in both Greyhound & Union Station | phone=+1 541-484-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Tickets can also be purchased at the Amtrak ticket counters or online for two of their routes: }} :* '''Northwest Point''' goes up to [[Astoria]] via Beaverton, Elsie along US Hwy 26 and Seaside, Cannon Beach, Gearhart and Warrenton along US Hwy 101. Picks up from the Union Station and Sunset Transit Center (Beaverton). :*'''Cascade Point''' goes down to [[Eugene]] via Tualatin, Woodburn, [[Salem_(Oregon)|Salem]] & Albany. Picks up from the Union Station and the Tualatin Park & Ride. ===By public transit=== * {{listing | name=TriMet| alt= | url=http://www.trimet.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2.50 for 2.5 hours, or $5 for a day pass. The same tickets are valid for travel on bus and rail |lastedit=2016-07-20| content=Operates buses, MAX light rail, WES commuter train (between Beaverton and Wilsonville), and the Portland Streetcar across the greater [[Portland Metropolitan Area]]. See "By public transit" under ''Getting Around'' for more details. }} In addition to the above there are other transit providers providing onward transport from Portland to other cities/municipalities surrounding the greater Portland Metropolitan area and outside the Tri-Met service district. They can only make limited local pick-up and drop off stops in the Tri-Met Service Area and some can only drop off in the Portland Metropolitan Area on the inbound trip and pick-up on the outbound trip. Others can pick up and drop off between two points within the Tri-Met Service Area: * {{listing | type=listing | name=C-Tran | alt= | url=http://www.c-tran.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$1.85 within Clark County, WA; $2.50 all zones (to Vanport or Parkrose Transit Centers), $3.85 express to downtown Portland. All zone & express tickets are transferable for onward travel on Tri-Met | content=operates local buses between [[Vancouver_(Washington)|Vancouver, WA]]; Camas, Battlegroud and Washougal in Clark County, Washington as well as express buses to downtown Portland, Lloyd Center &/or Marquam Hill (Rt #105, 134, 157, 190, 199); Parkrose/Sumner MAX station (Rt #65 to NE Portland) and Delta Park/Vanport MAX Station (Rt#60 to N Portland). Transfer to MAX Red line to the airport or to downtown from the Parkrose/Sumner Station and the MAX Yellow Line from the Delta Park/Vanport Station to downtown. }} * {{listing | name=Columbia County Rider (CC Rider) Rt #1 | alt= | url=http://www.nworegontransit.org/routes | email= | address=(stops) SW Salmon between 5th & 6th Ave and NW 113th & US Hwy 30 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-366-8503 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5 base zone + $1 additional zone or $2 on the Flex route | content=It operates buses within Columbia County between St Helens, Clatskanie, Rainier and Scappoose as well as to downtown Portland (Rt#1) and to Kelso, WA (Rt#5). Route #6 only goes up to Vernonia from Willow Creek Transit Center out in Aloha. }} * {{go | name=Columbia Gorge Express | alt= | url=https://www.ridecatbus.org/columbia-gorge-express/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541-386-4202 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-02-22 | content=The Columbia Gorge Express has up to 8 daily trips connecting Portland (Gateway Transit Center), Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River, and The Dalles. $5 each way between Portland and Multnomah Falls, $10 each way for all other stops. Operated by Columbia Area Transit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) | alt= | url=https://www.ridesmart.com/transit | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$3.00 to downtown Portland, Salem & Beaverton; $1.50 to Tualatin, Canby & Barbur Transit Center; free within Wilsonville | content=Operates local buses in Wilsonville (20 mi/30 km south of Portland), Charbonneau & Canby (#3) and express buses to Salem (1x); Tualatin Park & Ride (2x); and Canby (3x). Transfer to Tri-Met #76 to Tigard from Tualatin and transfer to the #12 bus to go downtown from Tigard. Or take the [http://www.trimet.org/wes Tri Met WES train] to Beaverton from Wilsonville and transfer to the eastbound MAX train to downtown Portland. }} * {{listing | name=Sandy Area Metro (SAM) | alt= | url=http://www.ci.sandy.or.us/Transit/ | email= | address=(stop) Gresham Transit Center | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-668-3466 or +1 503-489-0921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$1 one way no transfers. | content=Goes to Estacada and Gresham on two routes from Sandy. Both routes make stops locally in Sandy. Continue to downtown Portland from Gresham Transit Center on 'Blue Line' MAX, #2 bus (SE Division) or #9 bus (SE Powell) }} * {{listing | name=Mt Hood Express | alt= | url=http://www.mthoodexpress.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-668-3466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2 one way no transfers or $5 day pass/ticket transferable on SAM buses | content=The Mt. Hood Express is a bus service for communities along US Hwy 26 between Sandy east to Timberline Lodge in Mt Hood. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tillamook Transportation District | alt= | url=https://www.nworegontransit.org/routes/tillamook_-_portland/ | email= | address=(stops) Union Station, Sunset Transit Center & NW 185th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-842-0123 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$1.50 per zone in Tillamook County or within an adjacent county in the north Oregon Coast; $15 OW to Portland or $20 RT | content=Operates buses in/around Tillamook town and to Manzanita, Cannon Beach and Oceanside in Tillamook County as well inter county service to Lincoln City (Rt #4) and over to Portland (Rt#5). There are no longer Greyhound services to the Oregon Coast from Portland or from anywhere along the I-5 corridor. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Yamhill County Transit | alt= | url=http://ycbus.org/ | email= | address=(stops) downtown Hillsboro (Rt #33) & Tigard Transit Center (Rt #44) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-474-4910 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$1.25 one-way fare or $2.50 day ticket/pass | content=Operates buses in/around McMinnville and to Newberg, Amity, Carlton, Dayton, Dundee, Lafayette, Sheridan & Willamena in Yamhill County and to Tigard Transit Center (nearest point to Portland on Rt #44, 44X); Hillsboro (Rt #33), Salem (Rt #11). Transfer to Tri-Met #12 from Tigard Transit Center to downtown Portland or the 'Blue Line' MAX from Hillsboro to downtown Portland. There are no longer Greyhound bus services to Tigard or to anywhere in Yamhill County along OR Hwy 99W. }} ===By boat=== There are no useful boat lines, although you can take cruises up and down the Willamette River and multi-day tourist cruises from Portand to [[Clarkston (Washington)|Clarkston]], Washington. ==Get around== {{mapframe|45.521|-122.649|zoom=11}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q2584009}} <!-- MAX Light Rail --> [[File:Portland downtown map.png|300px|thumb|Downtown Portland map]] If you are touring the [[United States without a car]], rejoice! Portland is an easy city to bicycle, walk or use public transport. Portland Streets roughly fall on a grid, though history and topography cause a lot of mismatches and exceptions. You may notice that a street is offset by several meters as it crosses an arterial, or that Boulevards like Sandy and Foster are diagonal due to their history as streetcar lines. In general, north/south aligned streets are numbered, while east/west aligned streets are named. The most visible exception to this is in North Portland where all streets are named. Numbered streets descend as they approach the Willamette River. This is true from both sides, so SE 7^th is not the same as SW 7^th. If you want to navigate like a local, get to know the "six sextants" which are often referred to oxymoronically as the "six quadrants". These sectors are generally divided by Burnside Street between north/south and the Willamette River between east/west, with a fifth sector (North) between the Willamette River and Williams Avenue, and a sixth sector (South) between the Willamette and Naito Parkway. Portland addresses contain their sector between house number and street name (i.e. 223 SW Yamhill St.). Address numbers increase 100 per block starting from Burnside Street or the Willamette River. This can make it easy to figure out locations from a street address, with practice. On named streets, the address numbers correspond to the nearest numbered cross-street, so 4534 SE Belmont St. is on SE Belmont near 45th Avenue. A handy fact to keep in mind in inner Northwest Portland is that the streets are arranged alphabetically starting with Ankeny, followed by Burnside, Couch,Davis, and so on through NW Vaughn Street making directions easy to follow here. Some older Southwest street addresses may have a leading zero in the street number. The creation of the South sector was driven largely to resolve this anomaly, and these former addresses are now located in South Portland without the leading zero (e.g. 0715 SW Bancroft Street is now 715 S Bancroft Street). Street signs in South Portland may still indicate SW during the transition period. Most of the city (and everything near downtown) is along the northerly flowing Willamette River. However, the airport and Portland's northern neighbor, [[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver, Washington]], are next to the larger west-flowing Columbia. If you confuse the two rivers, you can easily mix up your bearings. Since the Willamette River can be hard to spot on a map of Oregon, many visitors think Portland is along the nearby Columbia by mistake. ===By car=== Driving around downtown is ''not'' recommended. Inconvenient, expensive, and hard to find parking, combined with active parking meter enforcement (8AM-7PM) and non-intuitive street closures, transit malls, and restrictions, make it frustrating even for locals. Cycling is often as fast as driving (or faster) in the city center. In fact, many of the traffic lights, both downtown and in inner Portland, seem to be timed for bike speeds. Uber and Lyft usually provide speedy and inexpensive service, frequently costing for less than a few hours parking. If you must park downtown, the best parking deal is any of the six [http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/35272 SmartPark] garages maintained by the City of Portland. As of March 2019, rates are $1.80 per hour on weekdays for the first four hours, and $5 flat rate evenings after 5PM and all day on weekends. Also, some businesses can validate ("pay" for some of) your parking. SmartPark locations are: * {{marker|name=SmartPark Naito and Davis|lat=45.5250|long=-122.6709}}, 33 NW Davis St. * {{marker|name=SmartPark O'Bryant Square|lat=45.5216|long=-122.6799}}, 808 SW Stark St. * {{marker|name=SmartPark 10th and Yamhill|lat=45.5195|long=-122.6818}}, 730 SW 10th Ave. * {{marker|name=SmartPark 3rd and Alder|lat=45.5187|long=-122.6758}}, 620 SW 3rd Ave. * {{marker|name=SmartPark 4th and Yamhill|lat=45.5175|long=-122.6766}}, 818 SW 4th Ave. * {{marker|name=SmartPark 1st and Jefferson|lat=45.5141|long=-122.6761}}, 123 SW Jefferson St. Car-sharing is available through [http://www.zipcar.com/portland Zipcar] and [https://www.car2go.com/US/en/portland/ car2go] on a membership basis. ===On foot=== Portland is a great city for walking. The 200-foot (60-m) block size throughout most of Portland were designed in the 1860s for walking convenience and Portland has a lot of street life. Good mass transit also makes walking more feasible in Portland. The City of Portland Office of Transportation offers free, highly detailed [http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/39402 walking maps] that may be ordered online. For a scenic walk, the [http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=105&action=ViewPark Eastside Esplanade] along the Willamette River across from downtown offers lovely views of the skyline. Parts of the esplanade float on the water. ===By bike=== Portland, the self-proclaimed "Bicycle Capital" of the nation, is an excellent city for bicycle travel. The whole metro area has an extensive network of bike lanes and designated bike-friendly streets. Bike streets (also called "neighborhood greenways") are generally signed with green "Bike Route" signs and a bicycle painted on the ground. These are typically quiet residential streets that run parallel to a major arterial. It is highly recommended that cyclists use them where possible, as major thoroughfares can be busy. use You can obtain bike maps from the [http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=10799 Bike There!] section of Metro's website. Even public transit is bike-friendly here. TriMet provides plenty of [http://trimet.org/bikes/index.htm information for bicyclers] on their website. They offer Bike & Ride facilities and bike lockers at many MAX stations and major transit centers. All buses, MAX trains, and [http://trimet.org/bikes/bikesonstreetcar.htm streetcars] have space for bikes too. If you're taking the bus, just be prepared to sometimes wait until a bus comes with an open bike rack, especially on popular routes. The MAX, on the other hand, virtually always has enough bike hooks available. In July 2016, the '''[https://www.biketownpdx.com/ Biketown]''' bike share network was launched. The system has 1,000 bikes at 100 hubs around inner Portland, and it's well suited for brief, one-way trips. Rides cost $1 to unlock the bike and $0.20 per minute of riding. The Portland Bureau of Transportation maintains an online list of [https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/71974 bike rental shops]. ===By public transit=== '''[http://www.trimet.org TriMet]''' operates the Portland metro area's extensive public transit system of buses, MAX light rail trains, and streetcars. Adult fare is $2.50 for 2 hours and $5.00 for the entire day. It is recommended that you purchase a HOP Fastpass upon arrival, and use that throughout the trip (see below). TriMet uses the proof-of-payment system, so there are no fare gates or turnstiles, however if you can't present proof of valid fare to a transit police officer or fare inspector upon request, you will face a $175 fine for fare evasion. You can pay fare, or buy passes, at any MAX station ticket machine (but expect the occasional out-of-order machine), on-board any streetcar, or on any bus (with exact change). TriMet offers trip planning on its [http://trimet.org/m mobile website], but no official app. Transit Maps and trip planning are available on both Apple and Google Maps. ==== Hop FastPass ==== In July 2017, TriMet released the [http://www.myhopcard.com Hop FastPass], a contactless (RFID) smart card for electronic fare payment. Hop works on TriMet, the Portland Streetcar, and C-TRAN in Vancouver. Just tap the card on the card reader on board buses and streetcars, or on MAX station platforms. Cards are sold for $3 at Fred Meyer, Safeway, and other Portland metro area stores. Load fare at these stores, online, by phone, through the Hop app, or at TriMet or C-TRAN customer service centers. The card readers also accept Android Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and NFC-enabled debit/credit cards. Hop users (including those using mobile wallets) travel free for the rest of the day after paying $5 in fare (two one-way trips), as if they had a day pass. Similarly—though only for Hop card or virtual Hop card users and not mobile wallet debit/credit card users—after paying $100 in a calendar month (20 days of round-trip rides), Hop allows free travel for the rest of the month, without the steep upfront cost of a monthly pass. This is very useful for visitors—you won't have to decide whether you'll ride often enough to justify buying a pass. Apple Pay and Android Pay users can buy [https://trimet.org/hop/virtualcard virtual Hop cards] online and load them into Android Pay or Apple Pay. They combine the benefits of Hop with the convenience of mobile payments. [[File:Portland rail map.png|thumb|450px|Map of Portland rail service]] [[File:MAX and bus side-by-side on Portland Mall, 5th & Yamhill.jpg|thumb|300px|TriMet vehicles on the Portland Transit Mall]] ==== MAX light rail ==== There are five '''[http://trimet.org/max/ MAX Light Rail]''' lines, which offer speedy and frequent service across much of Portland: *The ''Blue Line'' runs between [[Hillsboro (Oregon)|Hillsboro]] and [[Gresham]] via [[Beaverton]], Downtown Portland, and the Gateway Transit Center. *The ''Red Line'' runs between the Portland International Airport and Beaverton/Hillsboro via the Gateway Transit Center and Downtown. *The ''Green Line'' runs between Clackamas Town Center and Portland State University via the Gateway Transit Center and Downtown. *The ''Yellow Line'' runs from the Expo Center south to Downtown and Portland State University. * The ''Orange Line'' runs from Milwaukie north to Union Station in Downtown via Portland State University. All the lines go through the city's downtown (referred to as "City Center" on TriMet), with the Red and Blue lines running east-west and overlapping on Morrison/Yamhill Streets, while the Yellow, Orange and Green lines run north-south and overlap on the Portland Transit Mall along 5th and 6th Avenues, with all lines crossing at Pioneer Square. Each MAX line runs every 15 minutes at most stops for most of the day, with service every 30 minutes in the wee hours of the night. ==== Portland Streetcar ==== In addition, TriMet operates the '''[http://www.portlandstreetcar.org Portland Streetcar]''' service, which consists of modern light rail vehicles running along Downtown streets about every 15-20 minutes. Because the streetcars usually share space with car traffic and stop every few blocks, this is a much slower service than the MAX and is intended primarily for getting around the Downtown area. A 2½-hour Streetcar Only ticket can be purchased for $2 at fare machines at Streetcar stops and on the Streetcar vehicles. There are three lines: *The ''NS (North South) Line'', which runs between Northwest Portland and South Waterfront through the Downtown area. The route runs along Lovejoy/Northrup through Northwest Portland and the Pearl District before turning south along 10th and 11th Avenues through Downtown to Portland State University, then winds it way past Riverplace to South Waterfront. *The ''A Loop'' and ''B Loop'' lines, which run clockwise and counterclockwise respectively, between Downtown and Central Eastside. The route runs from SW Market through Downtown along 10th and 11th to the Pearl District, across the Broadway Bridge and along Broadway/Weidler through the Rose Quarter, then along MLK/Grand south past the Convention Center through the Lloyd District and Central Eastside to OMSI, where it crosses the Tilikum Crossing bridge over to South Waterfront before returning north to Portland State University and SW Market. ==== Buses ==== Many of TriMet's '''buses''' run from Downtown to other parts of the city, though a growing number of crosstown or local routes do not. Nearly all TriMet buses connect with MAX at one or more stations. A number of TriMet buses are designated as providing frequent service, meaning they run at least once every 15 minutes. A full list of bus routes, with the frequent lines clearly marked, can be found [http://trimet.org/bus/ here]. ==== Aerial Tram ==== [[File:PortlandTramCar.jpg|thumb|Portland Aerial Tram]] The '''[http://www.gobytram.com/ Portland Aerial Tramway]''' connects the South Waterfront to Marquam Hill, where OHSU and other hospitals are located. A round-trip ticket on the Aerial Tramway costs $5.10. (Fare is checked only westbound, uphill.) TriMet monthly and annual passes are accepted on the Tram, but regular tickets, transfers, and Hop cards are not. ==See== {{SeeDistricts}} Portland has many unique and interesting neighborhoods to explore. One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Portland is constant possibly of discovery. Rather than containing most places of interest to a few busy streets, Portland has food, shopping, parks, and other activities sprinkled all throughout the city. Here are just a few notable neighborhoods: ===[[Portland (Oregon)/Southwest|Southwest]]=== '''Downtown''' Portland is the heart of the city, centered around Pioneer Square and home to modern commercial towers, new condominiums, and converted lofts, along with several museums and urban parks of interest to tourists, including Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the river. To the immediate south of Downtown is the campus of Portland State University and '''South Waterfront''', an urban revitalization area at the southern end of the streetcar line with newly built glass residential towers. ===[[Portland (Oregon)/Northwest|Northwest]]=== Just to the north of Downtown is '''Old Town''', which is where Portland was first settled and which has some historic buildings and is a nightlife center, but also contains a fair amount of social services for homeless and mentally ill. The neighborhood also holds the remnants of '''Chinatown''' which, despite a lovely archway entry at Burnside and 4th Avenue and some Chinese-inspired street decorations, is rather desolate and may prove a disappointment for visitors expecting the bustle of San Francisco's or New York City's Chinatown. [[File:North Bank Depot west building with streetcar, 2011.jpg|thumb|300px|The Pearl District, with a passing streetcar]] Just to the northwest of Downtown is the '''Pearl District''', a very hip and trendy neighborhood on the streetcar line which was not long ago derelict warehouses and empty industrial space. The economic success of the Pearl has made it a frequently cited urban planning model, and it is an excellent place to hang out and people watch, eat in fine restaurants, and visit the famous Powell's Bookstore. Perhaps the best spot to people watch is '''Jamison Square''', a city park at the heart of the Pearl that includes a popular fountain which fills a pool during the summer months that's popular with little kids. For a slightly more quiet retreat, '''Tanner Springs Park''' is just a couple of blocks north and built to resemble a piece of reclaimed wetland, with tall grasses and a nice pond. On the '''First Thursday''' of every month, all art galleries in the Pearl district open their doors for casual viewing, and many serve wine and cheese. To the north of the Pearl, at the northern end of the streetcar line is the '''Northwest District''', also known as Nob Hill and also on the trendy side and with a variety of retail shops, bars, and restaurants along with plenty of lovely Victorians and tree-lined streets. West of this is the '''West Hills''', where the well-to-do of Portland have traditionally lived. Because of the geography, the streets in the West Hills are a bit of a maze, but they still make for an interesting trek; you'll find lavish mansions, ornate public staircases, and good views of Downtown. ===[[Portland (Oregon)/Eastside|Eastside]]=== [[File:Hollywood Theatre.jpg|thumb|300px|Hollywood Theater]] '''Hawthorne Blvd''', which runs east-west across the river from Downtown, has a broad selection of shops including a menagerie of vintage goods at the House of Vintage and the ornate Bagdad Theater Pub, and is a center of the counter-culture/bohemian community which is dissipating to make way for a variety of upscale businesses. The nearby '''Belmont Street''' is also worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood, with a similar - if smaller - array of shops and attractions. Located along Broadway and Sandy Blvd northeast of downtown, '''Hollywood''' is a commercial district for the nearby neighborhoods and home to the '''[http://hollywoodtheatre.org/ Hollywood Theater]''', a historic non-profit theater with an ornate facade showing a variety of independent, second run, and classic films as well as original programming and interactive events. There is also a popular [http://www.hollywoodfarmersmarket.org/ Saturday farmers market] in the neighborhood during the warm months. To the north of the former between MLK Blvd and 30th Avenue, '''Alberta Street''' has much the same feel as Hawthorne Blvd; a counter-culture/bohemian community that's becoming popular with yuppies. Alberta is home to '''Last Thursday''', said by many locals to be the alternative to First Thursday in the Pearl District and also featuring wine tasting and gallery openings, along with street vending and performance artists. The neighborhood between Alberta Street and Broadway is known as '''Irvington''', and contains many historic Craftsman homes. Other neighborhoods to explore include: '''St. Johns''' in North Portland featuring the gorgeous St. Johns Bridge, '''Mississippi Avenue''', quaint '''Sellwood''', '''Inner Southeast''' a loosely defined neighborhood where bars and music venues have been cropping up amidst the industrial landscape, '''Foster-Powell''', '''East Burnside and Stark''', '''Division and Clinton Street''', and '''North Williams'''. ==Do== {{SeeDistricts}} * {{do | name=Portland World Naked Bike Ride | alt= | url=http://pdxwnbr.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Portland's annual World Naked Bike Ride, held in early June, has many goals: to increase visibility of cyclists; to promote confidence in the beauty and individuality of the human body; to affirm nudity as a legal form of protest; to emphasize the bicycles’s place as a catalyst for change in the future of sustainability, transport, community and recreation; to celebrate the coming summer, bicycles in the urban grid, and the fun of a multi-thousand person bike ride; and to protest the automobile. World Naked Bike Ride is an annual, worldwide bike ride that highlights the vulnerability of cyclists everywhere and decries society’s dependence on pollution-based transport. }} *{{do | name=Portland Rose Festival | alt= | url=https://www.rosefestival.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Most events located downtown at Waterfront Park | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Portland's annual Rose Festival is held every year at the beginning of June. The largest event of the year includes multiple parades, a carnival at waterfront park, and several military ships docked for fleet week. |lastedit=2021-07-02}} *'''[https://www.pedalpalooza.org/ Pedalpalooza].''' Three months of community organized (and free!) biking events during the months of June-August. All events are listed on the [https://www.shift2bikes.org/ Shift Calendar]. The type of rides are extremely diverse, ranging from rides where you learn about the history of the city, to ones where you bike from one side of the city to another. Or the dance party rides where you bike around jamming out to a certain artist or genre. Others where you bring along your dog and visit dog parks. Really any type of ride you can think of, it's probably on the calendar. The biggest event in the city is the '''[[Portland_(Oregon)/Southwest#Do|Rose Festival]]''', taking place over several weeks in June. The centerpiece is the Grand Floral Parade, though the festival isn't all about flowers; there's also a fleet week, dragon boat races and fireworks. === Sports === As a major city, there are many venues where you can '''watch sports'''. * {{do | name=Portland Thorns FC | alt= | url=http://www.portlandthornsfc.com/ | email= | address=Providence Park | lat=45.521389 | long=-122.691667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Portland Thorns are the local women's' soccer team who play in the NWSL. They are known to draw a consistently sizeable crowd of fans and have performed well in league play since the founding of the club in 2013, winning two championships since. |lastedit=2021-07-02}} * {{do | name=Portland Timbers FC | alt= | url=https://www.timbers.com/ | email= | address=Providence Park | lat=45.521389 | long=-122.691667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Portland Timbers are Portland's Major League Soccer team. Their most ardent supporters are known as the Timbers Army who sit at the north end of the stadium singing and chanting through the entire match. Visitors are both encouraged and welcomed to join by buying a general admission ticket and lining up hours before the game to get the best seats (if you so choose). If you'd prefer to watch the game and enjoy the energy of the Army from a distance (perhaps if traveling with young children), seating in assigned areas is also available. |lastedit=2021-07-02}} * {{do | name=Portland Trail Blazers | alt= | url=https://www.nba.com/blazers/ | email= | address=Moda Center | lat=45.531667 | long=-122.666667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Portland Trail Blazers play in NBA. The Moda Center is centrally located near downtown next to four MAX lines for those who are interested in catching a game. The Blazers are in the playoffs most seasons. In 2021 they are led by their star Damian Lillard. Nearly every game is a full house, and there aren't many NBA venues that have the same energy for the same value as a Blazer game. |lastedit=2021-07-02}} ===Music=== Portland has a respectable music scene throughout town, with venues holding everything from huge national acts to small underground music groups. Many local pubs and bars offer great local bands on weekends, and the city is developing a national notoriety as the nation's "indie rock capital", with many high (and low) profile independent rock music acts calling the city home. Given its reputation for all that is hip, Portland maintains a fairly diverse range of live music options. Check out one of the two weekly alternative newspapers for comprehensive music listings; the ''[https://www.portlandmercury.com/ Portland Mercury]'' and the ''[http://www.wweek.com/homepage/ Willamette Week]''. ==Learn== The '''Multnomah County Library''' (see "[[Portland (Oregon)#Connect|Connect]]" below) hosts language study groups. * {{listing | name=Reed College | alt= | url=http://www.reed.edu/ | email= | address= | lat=45.48 | long=-122.63 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Reed College | image=EliotHallReedCollege.jpg | wikidata=Q1140775 | content=A top small liberal arts college with a beautiful campus. The college frequently hosts educational events and lectures. The campus is worth checking out, notably for the nuclear reactor that is there. }} * {{listing | name=Lewis & Clark College | alt= | url=http://www.lclark.edu/ | email= | address= | lat=45.450891 | long=-122.670117 | directions=Southwest Portland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lewis & Clark College | image=L&C Frank Manor House.JPG | wikidata=Q4227955 | content=The ''other'' small liberal arts college with a beautiful campus. For information about upcoming events and lectures, check the [https://www.lclark.edu/calendars/events/ campus events calendar]. The library hosts the [http://specialcollections.lclark.edu/collection/roger-d-wendlick-collection-on-lewis-and-clark/ Roger D. Wendlick collection] of Lewis and Clark Expedition literature. }} * {{listing | name=Oregon Health & Science University | alt= | url=http://www.ohsu.edu/ | email= | address= | lat=45.498917 | long=-122.68875 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Oregon Health & Science University | image=OregonHealthSciUniv.jpg | wikidata=Q282097 |lastedit=2022-04-23| content=Arguably the most prestigious research institution and teaching hospital in Oregon. They offer post graduate studies in medicine, nursing, dentistry and pharmacy. The Marquam Hill site is shared with the VA Hospital, Dornebecher Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House looking like a fortress from a distance. Riding the aerial tram from the South Waterfront campus to the Marquam Hill campus at the top is a common weekend activity for families. OHSU is the largest employer in Oregon. }} * {{listing | name=Portland State University | alt= | url=http://www.pdx.edu | email= | address= | lat=45.512778 | long=-122.685278 | directions=Downtown Portland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Portland State University | wikidata=Q1771717 |lastedit=2021-07-02| content=The largest university in Oregon, with nearly 30,000 students. The campus is well integrated in to the southern end of downtown, and is populated a generally older student body (under half of the students are between the ages of 18 and 22). PSU offers degree programs across a wide range of majors. }} * {{listing | name=University of Portland | alt= | url=http://www.up.edu | email= | address= | lat=45.5725 | long=-122.727222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Portland | image=University of Portland entrance sign.JPG | wikidata=Q513658 |lastedit=2022-04-23| content=A private Catholic school in the 'University neighborhood' in North Portland. They are affiliated with the Congregation of the Holy Cross, which also founded the more prestigious University of Notre Dame. }} ==Work== Former Oregon Governor Tom McCall (to whom a major riverfront park downtown is dedicated) said in a 1971 speech, somewhat famously, "We want you to visit our State of Excitement often. Come again and again. But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live. Or if you do have to move in to live, don't tell any of your neighbors where you are going." Since then, the Governor's request has been widely repeated by people who ignore it, then quote it. Portland is a tough job market to navigate. Many Portlanders commute to one of the suburbs such as Hillsboro or Beaverton, with some of the state's largest employers, including Nike and Intel, located in that part of the metro area. ==Buy== As in the rest of Oregon, there is no general sales tax in Portland; the price you see on the tag is the price you pay. This combines with the selection of retail outlets in the city to make Portland an ideal city for a shopping spree! ===Craft and farmers markets=== A visit to either or both of the Farmers Market and Saturday Market downtown is a favorite past time of locals. * {{buy | name=Portland Farmers Market | alt= | url=http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org | email= | address=SW Park and Montgomery at Portland State University | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-241-0032 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturdays 9AM-2PM | price= | content=At the markets, farmers, ranchers and nursery growers offer various conventionally and organically grown fruits, vegetables and pre-cut, pre-packaged meats (usually fish, pork or eggs) and live ornamental and food plants for gardening. There are other artisan food producers offering prepared products, ranging from fruit jams to farmstead cheeses, breads and pastries, pickles, pasta, chocolate, and more.|lastedit=2021-07-02}} * {{buy | name=Portland Saturday Market | alt= | url=https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/ | email= | address=Naito Parkway under the Burnside Bridge | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturdays 10AM-5PM | price= | content=A weekly marketplace for artists and craftspeople to sell their handmade products. Goods you can find include jewelry, clothing, body products, pet treats, and plenty more. Saturday Market is the largest continuously operating market of its type in the United States.|lastedit=2021-07-02}} ==Eat== {{SeeDistricts}} Foodies may find their nirvana in Portland. With its location in one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood raised not far from its boundaries, award-winning wines and beers, and a food culture that supports food artisans and emphasizes local, seasonal food served fresh, it's no surprise that the culinary scene in Portland has received national attention. Restaurants and food carts have popped up in large numbers throughout the city, making it quite easy to enjoy a good meal at a reasonable price. Both the Farmers Market and Saturday Market offer a wide range of cuisines made from healthy, local ingredients, and is great if you prefer to have a variety of choices. Quality restaurants can be found at several price points across town (see district articles for more suggestions), although sudden exposure of popularity of some can cause long wait times. The good news is that there is probably an establishment that is just as good or simply undiscovered just a short distance away if you don't want to wait! ===Local chains=== [[Image:Mediterranean food cart in Portland.jpg|thumb|300px|Food carts]] * [https://www.burgerville.com/ '''Burgerville''']. The Northwest's own fast food chain with a decidedly NW flavor promoting organic, fresh and seasonal ingredients. Great burgers and traditional fast food fare. Amazing seasonal items including sweet potato fries, asparagus, strawberries, blackberries, onion rings and more. * {{eat | name=Cha! Cha! Cha! | url=http://chachachapdx.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content='Rritos, 'ritas, and more. Good quality Mexican food at a middling price. Focus on local, sustainable, and healthy. }} * '''[https://www.mcmenamins.com/ McMenamins]'''. Opening with its original location in 1983, the Barley Mill Pub on Hawthorne, McMenamins now boasts over 50 locations in both Oregon and Washington. In Portland their locations include historic buildings such as the Bagdad Theater and Pub, <nowiki>'''</nowiki>Mission Theater and Pub<nowiki>'''</nowiki> at 1624 NW Glisan St, and the <nowiki>'''</nowiki>Kennedy School Theater<nowiki>'''</nowiki> at 5736 NE 33rd Ave. While not all locations have theaters the McMennamins restaurants have been a reliable option for locals who are looking for decent food and in-house brewed beer, in a Relaxed, often-rustic atmosphere. The larger locations, such as the Kennedy School and Bagdad Theater, contain multiple establishments within, and can take the better part of the evening to explore. * {{eat | name=New Seasons Market | alt= | url=http://newseasonsmarket.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=New Seasons Market | content=Local natural food supermarket chain with fantastic sandwiches and an awesome deli counter. You can choose your bread, meat/tofu pate, veggies, and spreads. Six locations in the city. }} * {{eat | name=Nicholas Restaurant | url=http://nicholasrestaurant.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great value Lebanese food, family owned and operated where everything is made from scratch. Two locations. }} * {{eat | name=¿Por Qué No? | alt= | url=http://www.porquenotacos.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Popular taqueria providing sophisticated but informal food in an evocative setting. Top-notch tortillas that are often purchased on their own. Excellent array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including authentic drinks not often seen north of the border (horchata, mezcal, ''etc.''). Often crowded with lines, especially at mealtimes, but quick service keeps you from waiting too long. Outdoor seating. Kid and bike friendly. Order ahead for take-out and skip the line. }} * {{eat | name=Sizzle Pie | url=http://www.sizzlepie.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-234-7437 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-3AM, F-Sa 11AM-4PM | price= | content=A heavy metal themed pizza joint with some of the best pies in town. Pizza is available by the slice or whole, to eater there or to go. The salads are great as well utilizing yummy homemade dressings. Great for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike! Two locations in Portland. }} * {{eat | name=Taqueria Los Gorditos | alt= | url=http://www.losgorditospdx.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vegan and non-vegan food, cheap but delicious and with a very expansive menu for a taco cart (they also have three brick-and-mortar locations), including quite large burritos. The ingredients are fresh and the staff friendly. }} * {{eat | name=Voodoo Doughnut | url=http://voodoodoughnut.com/ | email= | address=22 SW 3rd Ave. and 1501 NE Davis St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= |lastedit=2021-07-02| content=A distinctly Portland spot, where you can get unusual donuts and a marriage while learning Swahili. While they do have the standard cake doughnuts, the real stars are the doughnuts topped with cereal, candy bars, strawberry Quik powder, and the maple bar with bacon (yes, bacon) on it. It's also the place to get vegan doughnuts. While the vibe is cool and flavour combinations and the naming gimmicks are creative, locals often recommend other local spots like Blue Star Donuts if you are seeking top quality. If it's a sugar rush and possibly a free huge doughnut you're looking for, take the Tex-Ass Challenge; eat one of their oversized glazed doughnuts in under a minute and a half and it's free. (Of course, you have to purchase it in advance!). The Downtown location often has long lines, but this is rarely the case just across the river at the Davis St. location. }} ==Drink== {{SeeDistricts}} [[File:Benson Bubbler - Portland, Oregon.JPG|thumb|250px|Benson Bubbler]] If you're looking for a free drink while walking around downtown, look no further than the iconic '''[http://www.portlandoregon.gov/water/article/352768 Benson Bubblers]'''. These are ornate drinking fountains scattered throughout the downtown area, made of copper and in one-bowl and four-bowl variations. Installed by Simon Benson in the 1910s, the fountains continuously run from 6AM to 11PM daily and offer a cool drink perfect for the summer months. Many cities have asked for Benson Bubblers of their own, but the City of Portland has turned them all down, respecting the wishes of Benson and his family. A single exception has been made, however &mdash; Portland has gifted one Benson Bubbler to its sister city of [[Sapporo]], [[Japan]]. ===Alcohol=== Portland is often referred to as "the microbrewery capital of the world", and it's a well-earned title. Take advantage of the Northwest's famous microbrews &mdash; small breweries that serve their own (and others') craft beers. They are a world away from the generic beers that are America's mainstay. Portland also has more traditional nightlife drinking establishments, mainly downtown, in Old Town, and in the Pearl. You will find everything from dance clubs, gay bars, and an assortment of karaoke bars. Portland likes its alcohol. Although a handful of Portland's key gay bars can be found in Downtown and Old Town, they are not restricted to any identifiable gay neighborhood. They are found in diverse locations throughout the city, reflecting the fact that the Portland LGBT community is highly integrated into the city overall. ===Coffee=== If your beverage tastes veer more to the caffeinated variety: Like the rest of the Pacific Northwest, Portland also loves coffee. You will, of course, have little trouble finding a Starbucks location in Portland, but the Rose City has also developed its own homegrown coffee culture. ==Sleep== {{SeeDistricts}} There are places to sleep all over the city, though somewhat less of them in the city's northwest. As in much of elsewhere in the world, downtown (here: southwestern Portland) is the place to find upscale accommodation and Eastside you will find many mid-range options. Budget lodging is somewhat scarce, though you might find a couple more places in this price range in neighboring cities in the [[Portland Metropolitan Area]]. ==Stay safe== Portland is one of the '''safest ''major'' cities in the United States''' by most measures. Most people, including single female travelers, generally will not face problems walking alone at night. However, Portland is still a large metropolitan city — beware of [[pickpockets]] in crowded areas and don't forget your common sense entirely. Old Town/Chinatown can be a bit dodgy, but generally not dangerous during the day; at night, you're best off avoiding it or sticking to the well-lit transit stations. Some rougher areas of the city exist in East Portland along NE/SE 82nd Avenue and east of Interstate 205, but they are seldom dangerous and should pose no problem to those who mind their own business while seeing the sights or eating at some of the off-the-beaten-track places that can be found there. Due in part to a major shortage of affordable housing throughout the region, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Portland has risen sharply. You may be approached by people asking for food or money while walking in downtown or stopped at a major intersection. Unlike many other major US cities, '''people panhandling are seldom aggressive''', and a simple no will end nearly all encounters. Portlanders — drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike — generally obey traffic lights and signs, and you should, too. Pedestrians and bicyclists are given more respect and deference here than many other locales in the United States, but don't use that as an excuse to not be safe while crossing the road or riding your bicycle. Be aware that the "Idaho Stop" is legal in Oregon. Cyclists are allowed to treat stop signs as "yield" signs, and traffic signals as "stop signs". Portland has a long tradition of anti-government protests as well as occasional clashes between opposing political camps. These swelled in mid-2020, but have since died down almost entirely with the exception of a few late-night vandals. However, use your common sense and steer clear of any rowdy groups. ==Connect== Two area codes cover the Portland metropolitan area: '''503''' and '''971.''' All ten digits must be dialed when dialing local numbers in the Portland area. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Multnomah County Library | alt= | url=http://www.multcolib.org | email= | address=801 SW 10th Ave | lat=45.51912 | long=-122.683105 | directions= | phone=+1 503-988-5123 | tollfree= | hours=M Th-Sa 10AM-6PM, Tu-W 10AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | wikipedia=Multnomah County Library | image=Central Library (Portland, Oregon).jpg | wikidata=Q6935177 | content=Issues one-hour guest passes for Internet terminal use. Numerous branch libraries scattered around Portland. Free wi-fi available to public while the libraries are open. Wi-fi shuts off ten minutes before the libraries close and stays off until the library opens again. }} * {{listing | name=US Postal Service | alt=Post Office | url=http://www.usps.com | email= | address=(main post office) 715 NW Hoyt | lat=45.52755 | long=-122.67830 | directions=NW Corner of NW Hoyt & Broadway | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=(Retail Counter) M-F 8AM-6:30PM, Sa 8AM-5PM; (Passport Acceptance) M-F 11AM-5:30PM by appointment | price= | content= The main post office distributes mail to and receives from zip codes 970xx through 972xx and 986xx (Vancouver WA). There are numerous post office branches in different neighborhoods and at least one (or more) in each adjacent city/municipality serving specific zip codes. }} ==Cope== ===Newspapers=== Portland is the home of two Pulitzer Prize–winning publications and a number of smaller tabloid-format newspapers of note. Due to some heated local politics the town has become a rather thorny place for journalism. Portlanders identify their politics by what paper they read (''The Oregonian'' vs. ''The Tribune'', ''Willamette Week'' vs. ''The Mercury''). * {{listing | name=''The Oregonian'' | url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$1 daily, $1.50 Sundays | content=Nationally recognized, Pulitzer Prize–winning broadsheet newspaper known for cutting-edge design and local-oriented coverage (the paper is distributed throughout the state and into Vancouver, Washington). The paper suffers as a city guide for the out-of-towner as its arts coverage is limited (Friday A&E is comprehensive), but for those interested in longer stays it is a good primer on state politics. Movie times are up to date, however the printed television schedule has been discontinued. }} * {{listing | name=''Willamette Week'' | url=http://www.wweek.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free every Wednesday | content=An alternative weekly newspaper that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2005 for its investigative reporting. This boomer-hipster hybrid sometimes struggles from identity freak-out but is likely the quickest and most immediate help to out-of-towners. The paper's free annual city guide "Finder" can be found around town in late August and is specifically tailored for those new to Portland. ''Willamette Week'' is sometimes referred to as ''Willy Week'' or ''Willy'' by old-guard Portland hipsters or those who disagree with its politics. }} * {{listing | name=''Portland Tribune'' | url=http://www.portlandtribune.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free Tuesdays and Fridays | content=This broadsheet-sized upstart has struggled since its start to find a spot between ''Willamette Week'' and ''The Oregonian'', the city's mainstays and the paper's main competitors. Suburbanites who work in the city tend to favor the ''Tribune''. }} * {{listing | name=''The Portland Mercury'' | alt= | url=http://www.portlandmercury.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free every Thursday | content=Another alt weekly newspaper, the Portland version of Seattle's ''The Stranger''. This tabloid-sized hipster-focused mag has taken a bite out of ''Willamette Week''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s advertising, meaning that those looking for movie times or rock show listings can often find them in the ''Mercury''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s pages. Readers offended by foul language or grammatical errors may be frustrated by the editorial content. }} Most other publications would be of only passing interest to travelers, but to read what locals think and feel, the '''''Northwest Examiner''''', '''''Portland Observer''''', '''''Skanner''''', '''''St. Johns Sentinel''''', and Portland State University's '''''Vanguard''''' are some of the better choices. ===Consulates=== Most consulates in Portland are honorary which means they are there for commercial and business purposes and offer limited or no consular services except in emergency situations. The honorary consulates are only available by appointment only. Most of the foreign consulates are typically located in downtown but can be elsewhere too. The nearest cities for additional foreign consulates are in [[Seattle#Consulates|Seattle]], [[Los Angeles#Consulates|Los Angeles]] and [[San Francisco#Consulates|San Francisco]]: * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark (Honorary) | alt= | url=http://usa.um.dk/en/about-us/list-of-danish-honorary-consulates-in-the-us/list-of-honorary-consulates-on-the-west-coast/portland-oregon/ | email=ingolf@tonkon.com | address=1600 Pioneer Tower, 888 SW 5th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-802-2131 | tollfree= | fax=+1 503-972-3813 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Federated States of Micronesia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Federated States of Micronesia | alt= | url=https://portland.fsmembassy.fm/ | email=cg.portland@gov.fm | address=7931 NE Halsey St Ste 225 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-954-3710 | tollfree= | fax=+1 503-954-3750 | hours=Mo-Fr 9AM-5PM | price= |lastedit=2022-07-02| content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Japan | alt= | url=https://www.portland.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/ | email=visa@cgjpdx.org | address=Wells Fargo Center, 1300 SW 5th Ave Suite 2700 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-221-1811 | tollfree= | fax=+1 503-224-8936 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Mexico}} {{listing | name=Mexico | alt= | url=https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/portland/ | email= | address=1305 SW 12th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-274-1442 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands (Honorary) | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/united-states/about-us/honorary-consulate-in-portland | email=portland@nlconsulate.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-716-1500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway (Honorary) | alt= | url=https://www.norway.no/en/usa/norway-usa/honorary-consulates/#Oregon | email=lbruun@wbgatty.com | address=4380 S.W. Macadam Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=River Forum, Suite 120 | phone=+1 503-221-0870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{flag|Thailand}} {{listing | name=Thailand (Honorary) | alt= | url=http://www.thai-or.com/ | email=thai@siaminc.com | address=1136 NW Hoyt St Ste 210 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-221-0440 | tollfree= | fax=+1 503-221-0550 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2022-07-02}} ==Go next== [[Image:Multfalls.jpg|thumb|Multnomah Falls]] 50 mi (80 km) from the Cascade Range and 90 mi (145 km) from the Pacific Ocean, Portland is the perfect home base for day trips to both mountains and sea. There are several options for day trips or next destinations available: * {{listing | name=[[Columbia River Gorge]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions={{mi|25}} east of Portland on Interstate 84 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-07-02 | content=For a scenic drive, travel east {{mi|20}} on Interstate 84 to exit 22, take the Corbett Exit and follow the road 1.5 mi up the hill to the Historic Columbia River Highway. The windy road travels {{mi|15}} parallel to the freeway passing viewpoints, waterfalls and forest hikes. After merging with the freeway, stop at the Bonneville Dam and observe the large locks in action and the nearby fish hatchery. Continue another 20 minutes up the freeway to [[Hood River]] for lunch and return to Portland on the Washington side (follow WA-14 west to I-205) to get a different view on your way back. }} *The scenic '''[[Oregon Coast]]''' can make a great day or weekend trip away from the city. [[Seaside (Oregon)|Seaside]] and [[Cannon Beach]] are common destinations, especially when the weather is nice. [[Astoria]] and the surrounding area at the mouth of the Columbia River has a ton of history spanning from Indian Tribes meeting the famous Lewis and Clark expedition to a live fire engagement with a Japanese submarine in World War II! [[Tillamook]] is the birthplace of the famed Tillamook Cheese farmer co-op, and [[Lincoln City]] is another popular destination. * {{listing | name=Oregon Wine Country | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=25 mi (40 km) or so southwest of Portland lies some of the most scenic vineyards on the west coast. There are over 100 wineries in this area, from small mom and pop operations with tiny one-room tasting areas all the way up to tasting rooms that rival some of Napa's finest. Oregon is particularly famous for its Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris varietals; the climate is considered perfect for these grapes and the area has gained worldwide renown as one of the premier wine regions on the planet. }}[[Newberg]] and [[Dundee]] are centrally located between many of the top wineries in the region. *'''[[Mount Hood]]''' is about an hour's drive away and provides limitless outdoor recreational activities year-round including: camping, hiking, mountain biking, watersports, and snowsports. *'''[[Bend]]''' is a 3 hour drive to the southeast in [[Central Oregon]]. Bend and the surrounding area is known for incredible scenery and premium outdoor recreation. *'''[[Seattle]]''' is often considered the "big brother" city of Portland, and is just a 3 hour drive or 3.5 hour train ride away. Regular flight and direct bus service is also available (see "Get In" for more information) {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Cascades icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=Amtrak Cascades | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Seattle]] | minorl1=[[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Eugene]] | minorr1=[[Oregon City]] | image2=Amtrak Empire Builder icon.png | imagesize2=100 | link2=Empire Builder | directionl2=W | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Spokane]] | minorr2=[[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver]] | image3=I-5.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Seattle]] | minorl3=[[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Eugene (Oregon)|Eugene]] | minorr3=[[Tigard]] | image4=I-84.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | directionr4=E | minorr4=[[Gresham]] | majorr4=[[The Dalles]] | image5=US 26.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=Ends at [[Seaside (Oregon)|N]] [[Image:US 101.svg|18px]] [[Cannon Beach|S]] | minorl5=[[Beaverton]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=[[Prineville]] | minorr5=[[Gresham]] | image6=US 30.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Astoria]] | minorl6=[[St. Helens (Oregon)|St. Helens]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=[[The Dalles]] | minorr6=[[Gresham]] | image7=OR 99E.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=END | minorl7= | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Eugene]] | minorr7=[[Milwaukie]] | image8=OR 99W.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=N | majorl8=END | minorl8= | directionr8=S | majorr8=[[Eugene]] | minorr8=[[Tigard]] }} {{geo|45.521|-122.649|zoom=11}} {{IsPartOf|Portland_Metropolitan_Area}} {{Guidecity}} 6k9q8s75y97fozciydb0xe6mb59dcxw 4488232 4488229 2022-07-22T11:58:38Z 75.112.191.23 /* By bike */Removed misplaced word wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Portland rose test gardens banner.jpg|pgname=Portland, Oregon|caption=International Rose Test Garden|dotm=yes}} {{PrintDistricts}} [[Image:Portland panorama3.jpg|thumb|450px|The Willamette River runs by Downtown Portland]] Few American cities can match the youthful spirit of '''[http://www.travelportland.com/ Portland]''', "The City of Roses". The largest city in the state of [[Oregon]], Portland's residents are proud of their city, which draws people for its scenic beauty, great outdoors environment, excellent [[Beer (beverage)|microbreweries]], and eco-friendly urban planning policies, as well as a reputation for colorful characters and a proudly liberal outlook with an attitude to match. Lying about 70 mi (124 km) from the Pacific Coast on Oregon's northern border, the city straddles the Willamette River (pronounced ''will-LAM-ett''; just remember the rhyme "It's Willamette, dammit.") south of its confluence with the Columbia River. To the east, majestic [[Mount Hood]] forms an inspiring backdrop for Portland's skyline. The mild, wet climate makes this a very green city, and Portland has taken full advantage of this with a wealth of parks and gardens that make the city one of the most beautiful in the country. ==Districts== {{Regionlist | regionmap=WV map Portland.png | regionmaptext=Portland district map | regionmapsize=300px | region1name=[[Portland (Oregon)/Northwest|Northwest Portland]] | region1color=#d09440 | region1items= | region1description=Northwest Portland has the more chic districts of town: NW 23rd Ave. and the Pearl District. Spend a day here for some interesting shopping and check out Portland's Chinatown with the beautiful Lan Su Garden. | region2name=[[Portland (Oregon)/Southwest|Southwest Portland]] | region2color=#b383b3 | region2items= | region2description=Downtown is here, with skyscrapers and many of its "splurge" hotels and restaurants. To the west is the large Washington Park with memorials, gardens and a zoo. | region3name=[[Portland (Oregon)/Eastside|Eastside Portland]] | region3color=#71b37b | region3items= | region3description=The Eastside is made up of several neighborhoods sprinkled across this half of the city. Each one offers a unique character and charm of its own. Many of the city's best eating and drinking establishments are on this side of the Willamette River. }} ==Understand== {{quote|The dream of the 90s is alive in Portland!|author=Tagline of ''Portlandia''}} Portland is the largest city lying between [[San Francisco]] and [[Seattle]], but when compared to those cities, Portland's environment is not as fast-paced. It hasn't yet developed to the point of being overwhelming. Instead, it has a more laid-back, small-city feel. Over 600,000 people live in Portland proper; including the suburbs the metro area has 2.4 million people, so Portland has its fair share of amenities, including an impressive music and arts scene, and one of the largest collections of zine and independent publishers of any city in the nation. Its relatively large population also means it has some of the worst traffic congestion in the U.S., a fairly high cost of living relative to wages, and chronic underemployment. The city has a lovely blend of historic and modern architecture and many lush parks to poke your toes into. Forest Park and Washington Park in the hills west of Downtown offer a variety of trees, plants, trails, and wildlife near the city. Vistas of Mount Hood and the Willamette River, stately Douglas-fir trees (Oregon's official state tree), and roses and trees at every turn give the city stunning seasonal color. Environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and an extensive public transportation system, are part of the culture and fuel many progressive city planning practices. Portland metro, like all Oregon urban centers, is surrounded by an urban growth boundary. This limits sprawl and helps make Portland a relatively compact city. Unlike most similarly sized metropolitan areas in the country, you can drive about 15 mi (24 km) from Downtown in just about any direction and be out in the countryside, where u-pick farms welcome the public. Portland is a very fun and welcoming city for LGBT travelers. It has one of the largest and most integrated gay and lesbian communities in the United States, supported by two major LGBT publications and other queer-friendly media. [[Image:Keep Portland Weird (17658598119).jpg|thumb|400px|The unofficial slogan of Portland is to "Keep Portland Weird!"]] ===History=== The first European contact in the area came from none other than [[Lewis and Clark]], who sailed along the Columbia River just north of where Portland lies today in 1805; after a year of exploration they finally reached the Pacific Ocean just to the west. The reports from their expedition fueled interest in the area, and settlers came to stake their claim. Two of those settlers were William Overton and his friend Asa Lovejoy, a lawyer from Boston, who came across the spot where Portland now sits and jointly began to build a settlement. Later, Overton sold his share to F.W. Pettygrove, a man from [[Portland (Maine)|Portland, Maine]]. As of this point, the area was being transformed from a small stopping point between [[Oregon City]] and [[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver, Washington]] to a formal settlement, and the owners now needed to give it a name. Both Lovejoy and Pettygrove wanted to name the new town after their respective hometowns; so in 1845 they decided to leave it up to a coin toss and Pettygrove won two times out of three. In 1851, Portland was incorporated and was growing rapidly; its proximity to the rivers, which funneled a trade with San Francisco to the south, combined by the local fishing, lumber, and agriculture industries fueled Portland's early growth. The railroad arrived in the 1880s, and for a time Portland was the largest city on the west coast north of San Francisco; however the Klondike Gold Rush and the arrival of the railroad to [[Washington (state)|Washington state]] meant Seattle quickly eclipsed Portland's growth. Portland persisted as a booming railroad, lumber and steel town for several decades. During the 1970s, however, Oregon started to gain a reputation for progressive urban planning practices, adopting policies such as an urban growth boundary and constructing new parks in a push to maintain the central neighborhoods as active places in light of suburban development. Through the 1970s and into the 2000s, Portland became a center for counterculture, growing into a hub for punk and indie rock music, zine publishing, and activist movements. The dot-com boom of the 1990s brought an influx of modern tech companies joining the established electronic and computer industry along with the so-called "creative class", who remained even after the economic bubble burst. By this point, the city's progressive policies and politics had won the city a special status among urban designers, environmentalists, and political activists as a very forward-thinking city, which has only fueled further growth and development of the metropolitan area. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Imperial | janhigh = 45 | febhigh = 50 | marhigh = 56 | aprhigh = 61 | mayhigh = 68 | junhigh = 73 | julhigh = 79 | aughigh = 80 | sephigh = 74 | octhigh = 64 | novhigh = 52 | dechigh = 46 | janlow = 34 | feblow = 36 | marlow = 39 | aprlow = 42 | maylow = 48 | junlow = 53 | jullow = 57 | auglow = 57 | seplow = 52 | octlow = 46 | novlow = 40 | declow = 36 | janprecip = 5.4 | febprecip = 4.1 | marprecip = 3.7 | aprprecip = 2.5 | mayprecip = 2.0 | junprecip = 1.6 | julprecip = 0.5 | augprecip = 0.9 | sepprecip = 1.6 | octprecip = 3.1 | novprecip = 5.5 | decprecip = 6.5 | jansun = | febsun = | marsun = | aprsun = | maysun = | junsun = | julsun = | augsun = | sepsun = | octsun = | novsun = | decsun = | janh2o = | febh2o = | marh2o = | aprh2o = | mayh2o = | junh2o = | julh2o = | augh2o = | seph2o = | octh2o = | novh2o = | dech2o = | description = {{ForecastNOAA|Portland|45.51188|-122.67557}} }} It's said that there are only two seasons in the Portland area: rain and summer. When the summer comes, the clouds suddenly clear and it's hot and sunny, and often quite pleasant. Any given day in July through mid-October has only a 10% chance of rain, and temperatures uncommonly exceed 85°F (29°C) degrees or so, although it does occasionally exceed 100°F (38°C) in mid-summer. With global warming, Portland has had heat waves (temperatures of up to 115 degrees F in 2021) and fires severe enough to restrict people to the indoors. Despite the nice summers, Portland is really known for its rain, which comes between late September and late June. It is more often a menacing drizzle or mist than a downpour, though. There's a myth that most Portlanders don't use, or even believe in, umbrellas, and instead prefer hoods and raincoats. This has a grain of truth to it, but any stroll through Portland on a rainy day will prove to you that people are not shy about using umbrellas. You shouldn't be shy, either &mdash; if it's not summer and you don't want to get wet, pack your umbrella. Although Portland is roughly at the same latitude as Minneapolis, Minnesota (and is in fact slightly further north), snow is uncommon because of Portland's fairly low elevation and the relative proximity of the Pacific Ocean. It does happen around once or twice a year, but rarely persists more than a few days. As a result, many area drivers do not deal with snow very well, especially when attempting to navigate the hilly terrain along many commuter corridors and neighborhoods. Even a light dusting will increase the risk of accidents, and any substantial snowfall or freezing rain can paralyze the city. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -3 °F (-19 °C), though overnight lows are usually above freezing. A sunny day in the rainy season is not typical, but the sun does come out occasionally. The moment it does, some Portlanders may wear summer clothing, even if it's still somewhat chilly. ===Tourist information=== * {{listing | name=Portland Visitor Information and Services Center | alt= | url=http://www.travelportland.com | email=visitorinfo@travelportland.com | address=877 SW Taylor St | lat=45.51852 | long=-122.68159 | directions=in Director Park | phone=+1 503-427-1372 | tollfree=+1-888-503-3291 | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-4PM; Su (May-Oct only) 10AM-2PM | price= | lastedit=2019-08-24 | content= }} ===Watch=== * ''Portlandia'' (IFC, 2011-2018). Sketch comedy series set and filmed in Portland, which parodies many Portland stereotypes and trends (such as hipsters, outdoors enthusiasts, bikers, farm-to-table food, tattoos, and many more). ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Portland International Airport canopy wide - Oregon04.JPG|thumb|500x500px|Portland International Airport Terminal Entrance]] {{listing | type=go | name=Portland International Airport | alt={{IATA|PDX}} | url=http://www.flypdx.com/ | email= | address= | lat=45.5894 | long=-122.5936 | directions={{mi|9}} northeast of downtown, near the Columbia River | phone=+1 503-460-4234 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Portland International Airport | image=AirbusA330NWA.jpg | wikidata=Q1425566 | content=It is a dual-use air force base, which may cause confusion on some maps. Most major airlines serve Portland, though Alaska Airlines carries the most traffic through PDX, using Portland as a hub. Non-stop service is available from most major U.S. airport hubs, a lot of smaller cities in the Pacific Northwest (served by Alaska Airlines and United Express), and there are a few international flights from Canada (Air Canada and Alaska Airlines), [[Frankfurt Airport|Frankfurt am Main]] (Condor); [[Keflavik International Airport]] (Icelandair); Mexico (Alaska Airlines, Volaris); [[Heathrow Airport|London Heathrow]] (British Airways); [[Amsterdam Schiphol]], [[Incheon_International_Airport|Seoul Incheon]] and [[Tokyo Narita Airport]] (Delta). The following airlines serve Portland: }} *'''Concourse B''': Horizon & Skywest for Alaska Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Pen Air *'''Concourse C''': Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Icelandair (departures); JetBlue, Spirit *'''Concourse D''': Delta (International & domestic); British Airways, Frontier, Hawaiian Air, Icelandair arrivals, Spirit, Sun Country, Condor, Volaris, Alaska Airlines arrivals from Mexico. *'''Concourse E''': Southwest, United, Air Canada (to Vancouver. Air Canada flights to Toronto are at Concourse C) * {{marker|type=go|name=Boutique Air|url=https://www.boutiqueair.com/airports/181|lat=45.5855 | long=-122.5814}} have their own terminal at 7909 NE Airport Way which is connected to the main terminal by a complimentary shuttle. They only fly to/from [[Pendleton#By_plane|Pendleton]]. All international arrivals disembark through Gates D12-D15 where passengers proceed to US Customs & Immigration inspections under Concourse D. After inspection, follow the "Connecting Passengers" signs to the re-check center where you can recheck your luggage. Go up the escalators for security screening and re-enter into concourse D by Gate D9 to access connecting flights. If Portland is the final destination follow signs reading "Portland Passengers Bus to Terminal", passengers will board an airside shuttle bus which takes them around to the international arrivals zone in front of the United Airlines baggage reclaim (at carousel #10), in the main terminal building. A taxi from the airport to downtown is around $35, but the Portland airport is well connected by public transit, which allows you to save quite a bit of money. The most convenient and least expensive option is the MAX train, TriMet's light-rail system. Just catch the {{marker|type=go|name=MAX Red Line|url=http://trimet.org/schedules/maxredline.htm|lat=45.5876|long=-122.59313}} in the south end of the airport terminal, near the baggage claim area, at lower level. The ride downtown takes about 30 minutes and costs $2.50, which includes a transfer good for 2½ hours with unlimited transfers to any TriMet bus or train, or even to a C-TRAN bus (except the express buses at the Parkrose Transit Center Stop), which serves Vancouver, Washington. Tickets can be purchased from machines on the train platform, or you can use any contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or contactless card) at card readers on the platform. You can also purchase a prepaid HOP card ([[#Hop FastPass|see below]]). To get downtown from the airport by car, follow Airport Way to the junction with '''Interstate 205''' south, then proceed to exit 21B to take '''Interstate 84''' west. Follow I-84 until it ends at the junction with '''[[Interstate 5]]''', then follow the signs to City Center. Two important notes about returning a [[rental car]] at the airport: * As you approach the airport terminal on Airport Way, pay careful attention to the overhead signs for Rental Car Return. After the road splits to the right, there are a number of left exits close together, and it is very easy to make the mistake of exiting too soon at the control tower/shuttle bus/parking exits. The exit for rental car return is the fourth left exit, after the one for the short-term parking garage. * There are no gas stations in the commercial area between the airport and I-205 (Cascade Station). If you have to fill up the gas tank before returning the car, and are driving north on I-205, take the Sandy/Killingsworth exit (Exit 23-A) to get to the airport's closest and most accessible gas stations. ===By train=== [[File:Portland unionstation.jpg|thumb|225px|Union Station; "Go by Train"]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Portland Union Station | alt= | url=https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=am/am2Station/Station_Page&code=PDX | email= | address=800 NW 6th Ave | lat=45.52910 | long=-122.67681 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Portland Union Station | image=UnionStationPortland.jpg | wikidata=Q861473 | lastedit=2018-07-05 | content='''[[Amtrak]]''' serves Portland Union Station, which is about a 15-minute walk from most places downtown. Union Station is well connected by public transit. It sits on the northern end of the transit mall, so many Trimet buses as well as the MAX Yellow and Green Lines stop nearby. There has been some investment in passenger rail in the region, so journey times and reliability have improved and will likely continue to improve incrementally as new construction is completed. }} Three Amtrak routes serve Union Station: * The '''''[[Amtrak Cascades]]''''' is the most frequent train, coming in from as far south as [[Eugene]] and as far north as [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]]. The ''Cascades'' offers certain amenities not available on the other two routes, such as Wi-Fi, more space for bikes, more power outlets, a bistro car serving Pacific Northwest foods and wine, and the occasional movie. * The '''''Coast Starlight''''' runs between [[Seattle]] and [[Los Angeles]]. Stops include [[Tacoma]], [[Olympia (Washington)|Olympia]], [[Salem (Oregon)|Salem]], [[Eugene]], [[Klamath Falls]], [[Redding]], [[Sacramento]], the [[Bay Area (California)|San Francisco Bay Area]], [[San Luis Obispo]], and [[Santa Barbara]]. * The '''''[[Empire Builder]]''''', Amtrak's busiest long-distance route, runs between [[Chicago]] and its two western termini, Portland and Seattle. It stops at [[Milwaukee]], [[Minneapolis]]–[[Saint Paul]], [[Glacier National Park (Montana)|Glacier National Park]], and [[Spokane]] along the way. The westbound train splits into two branches (or joins into a single route going eastbound) in Spokane with one branch going to [[Seattle#By train|Seattle]] and the other to Portland. ===By car=== The primary road connection between Portland and the rest of the west coast is '''[[Interstate 5#Portland Metropolitan Area|Interstate 5]]''', which runs through Washington, Oregon, and California. Driving from the south, you can take exits to the southern part of downtown before I-5 crosses the Willamette River, or you can take the '''Interstate 405''' bypass to access the rest of downtown. From the north, you can take I-405 over the Fremont Bridge to cross the Willamette River and reach downtown, or take exits 302A or 300B and follow the City Center signs. '''Interstate 205''' is a bypass route that splits from I-5 and serves the eastern side of the Portland metro area. From northeastern Oregon, eastern Washington, [[Boise]], and other points east, take '''Interstate 84'''. It follows the Columbia River on the Oregon side and terminates in the center of Portland, where it meets Interstate 5. '''U.S. Route 26''' comes to Portland from the Pacific coast (near [[Seaside (Oregon)|Seaside]] and [[Cannon Beach]]) in the west, before continuing out of the city east to [[Central Oregon]]. As in most of Oregon, there are no self-serve gas stations in Portland. Just stay in your car and wait as an attendant does the pumping for you. ===By bus=== {{seealso|Long-distance bus travel in the United States}} Intercity buses pick up at the {{marker|type=go|name=Union Station Bus Station|lat=45.52903 | long=-122.67726}} next to the Union Station (800 NW 6th Ave), the airport and/or additional places on the way into or out of Portland (see their websites). They can only pick up passengers on the outbound trip and drop off on the inbound trip but cannot transport passengers between two points within the Tri-Met Service Area (Portland Metropolitan Area). For example, a CoBreeze bus coming from Bend cannot pick up passengers in Gresham and drop them off at the airport. They can only drop off in both places on the inbound trip within the Portland area. See below: * {{listing | type=go | name=CoBreeze | alt= | url=http://www.cobreeze.com | email= | address=(bus stops) Union Station, Portland International Airport & the Cleveland MAX station in Gresham | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541-389-7469 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Goes down to [[Bend]] via Sandy, Welches, Government Camp, [[Madras_(Oregon)|Madras]], Prineville P&R and Redmond Airport along US Hwy 26. Buses may not make all the above stops regularly but on request in advance of travel. Check with them. }} * {{go | name=Columbia Gorge Express | alt=Operated by Columbia Area Transit | url=https://www.ridecatbus.org/columbia-gorge-express/ | email=info@ridecatbus.org | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541-386-4202 | tollfree= | hours=7AM-7PM | price=$10 each way, all stops (to/from Portland) | lastedit=2021-03-08 | content=Bus connects Gateway Transit Center in NE Portland through the Columbia River Gorge to Cascade Locks and Hood River. Connection to The Dallas can be made from Hood River and to downtown Portland from Gateway Transit Center on all westbound MAX trains. Take the northbound MAX Red Line train to the airport from Gateway Transit Center. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Flixbus, Bolt Bus| alt=operated by MTR Western| url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/portland-or | email= | address=(bus stop) 700 NW Station Way | lat=45.53062 | long=-122.67836 | directions=Bus will board on the curbside on NW Station Way. Boarding will take place along the large curb marked for buses only, north of Union Station. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-11-29 | content=European bus service that just expanded to Pacific Northwest in November 2019 with service between Bellingham & Eugene via Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Portland, Corvallis and to other destinations in Pacific Northwest. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Frontera del Norte | alt= | url=http://travelfronteras.com | email= | address=(bus stop) Su Casa Supermercado at 16100 SE Stark St| lat= | long= | directions=SE Stark St & 161st Ave | phone=+1 323 587-5233 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-05-29 | content=Connects Pasco, Sunnyside & Yakima WA in eastern Washington (state) to Los Angeles and the Mexican border in San Ysidro in Southern California via Portland, OR. There's also a travel agent inside the supermarket too. }} * {{go | name=Greyhound, Bolt Bus | alt= | url=http://www.greyhound.com | email= | address=(Ticket Counter) 427 NW 6th Ave; (Bus stops) 1090 NW Station Way | lat=45.53076 | long=-122.67858 | directions=Curbside stops on NW Station Way between Lovejoy & Marshall. | phone=+1 503-243-2361 | tollfree=+1-800-231-2222 | hours= | price=Prices vary depending on your destination | content=Bus station at 550 NW 6th Ave has closed and the property is up for sale. The new ticketing office is at 427 NW 6th, one block south & opposite side of 6th Ave from the old bus station while map marker is at the new curbside stops on NW Station Way, north of Union Station. Greyhound connects Portland to Seattle (via Kelso, Centralia, Olympia, Tacoma); Spokane (Via Stanfield/Hermiston, Tri-Cities); Los Angeles (via Salem, Eugene, Medford, Sacramento); Denver (via Pendleton, Boise, Salt Lake City). Passengers transfer in the final destination city of the route or in an intermediary stop to reach additional cities. Check schedules. Additional transfer points to other parts of Oregon are in [[Corvallis_(Oregon)#By bus|Corvallis]], [[Eugene#By bus|Eugene]] and [[Medford_(Oregon)#By bus|Medford]]. }} * {{go | name=Shuttle Oregon | alt= | url=https://shuttleoregon.com/ | email= | address=(Bus stops) Union Station & Portland International Airport | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541-903-0724 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-03-05 | content=Goes to Bend through Salem & Sisters via Hwy 22 and I-5. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tillamook Transportation District Rt #5 | alt= | url=http://www.nworegontransit.org/routes/ | email= | address=(stops) Union Station, Sunset Transit Center & NW 185th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-842-0123 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$15 OW or $20 RT | content=Twice daily trip to/from [[Tillamook]] along US Hwy 26 and OR-Hwy 6 }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Oregon Point | alt=Operated by MTR Western | url=http://www.oregon-point.com | email= | address=(bus stop) Union Station @ 800 NW 6th Ave | lat= | long= | directions=Stops in both Greyhound & Union Station | phone=+1 541-484-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Tickets can also be purchased at the Amtrak ticket counters or online for two of their routes: }} :* '''Northwest Point''' goes up to [[Astoria]] via Beaverton, Elsie along US Hwy 26 and Seaside, Cannon Beach, Gearhart and Warrenton along US Hwy 101. Picks up from the Union Station and Sunset Transit Center (Beaverton). :*'''Cascade Point''' goes down to [[Eugene]] via Tualatin, Woodburn, [[Salem_(Oregon)|Salem]] & Albany. Picks up from the Union Station and the Tualatin Park & Ride. ===By public transit=== * {{listing | name=TriMet| alt= | url=http://www.trimet.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2.50 for 2.5 hours, or $5 for a day pass. The same tickets are valid for travel on bus and rail |lastedit=2016-07-20| content=Operates buses, MAX light rail, WES commuter train (between Beaverton and Wilsonville), and the Portland Streetcar across the greater [[Portland Metropolitan Area]]. See "By public transit" under ''Getting Around'' for more details. }} In addition to the above there are other transit providers providing onward transport from Portland to other cities/municipalities surrounding the greater Portland Metropolitan area and outside the Tri-Met service district. They can only make limited local pick-up and drop off stops in the Tri-Met Service Area and some can only drop off in the Portland Metropolitan Area on the inbound trip and pick-up on the outbound trip. Others can pick up and drop off between two points within the Tri-Met Service Area: * {{listing | type=listing | name=C-Tran | alt= | url=http://www.c-tran.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$1.85 within Clark County, WA; $2.50 all zones (to Vanport or Parkrose Transit Centers), $3.85 express to downtown Portland. All zone & express tickets are transferable for onward travel on Tri-Met | content=operates local buses between [[Vancouver_(Washington)|Vancouver, WA]]; Camas, Battlegroud and Washougal in Clark County, Washington as well as express buses to downtown Portland, Lloyd Center &/or Marquam Hill (Rt #105, 134, 157, 190, 199); Parkrose/Sumner MAX station (Rt #65 to NE Portland) and Delta Park/Vanport MAX Station (Rt#60 to N Portland). Transfer to MAX Red line to the airport or to downtown from the Parkrose/Sumner Station and the MAX Yellow Line from the Delta Park/Vanport Station to downtown. }} * {{listing | name=Columbia County Rider (CC Rider) Rt #1 | alt= | url=http://www.nworegontransit.org/routes | email= | address=(stops) SW Salmon between 5th & 6th Ave and NW 113th & US Hwy 30 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-366-8503 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5 base zone + $1 additional zone or $2 on the Flex route | content=It operates buses within Columbia County between St Helens, Clatskanie, Rainier and Scappoose as well as to downtown Portland (Rt#1) and to Kelso, WA (Rt#5). Route #6 only goes up to Vernonia from Willow Creek Transit Center out in Aloha. }} * {{go | name=Columbia Gorge Express | alt= | url=https://www.ridecatbus.org/columbia-gorge-express/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541-386-4202 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-02-22 | content=The Columbia Gorge Express has up to 8 daily trips connecting Portland (Gateway Transit Center), Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River, and The Dalles. $5 each way between Portland and Multnomah Falls, $10 each way for all other stops. Operated by Columbia Area Transit. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) | alt= | url=https://www.ridesmart.com/transit | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$3.00 to downtown Portland, Salem & Beaverton; $1.50 to Tualatin, Canby & Barbur Transit Center; free within Wilsonville | content=Operates local buses in Wilsonville (20 mi/30 km south of Portland), Charbonneau & Canby (#3) and express buses to Salem (1x); Tualatin Park & Ride (2x); and Canby (3x). Transfer to Tri-Met #76 to Tigard from Tualatin and transfer to the #12 bus to go downtown from Tigard. Or take the [http://www.trimet.org/wes Tri Met WES train] to Beaverton from Wilsonville and transfer to the eastbound MAX train to downtown Portland. }} * {{listing | name=Sandy Area Metro (SAM) | alt= | url=http://www.ci.sandy.or.us/Transit/ | email= | address=(stop) Gresham Transit Center | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-668-3466 or +1 503-489-0921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$1 one way no transfers. | content=Goes to Estacada and Gresham on two routes from Sandy. Both routes make stops locally in Sandy. Continue to downtown Portland from Gresham Transit Center on 'Blue Line' MAX, #2 bus (SE Division) or #9 bus (SE Powell) }} * {{listing | name=Mt Hood Express | alt= | url=http://www.mthoodexpress.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-668-3466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$2 one way no transfers or $5 day pass/ticket transferable on SAM buses | content=The Mt. Hood Express is a bus service for communities along US Hwy 26 between Sandy east to Timberline Lodge in Mt Hood. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Tillamook Transportation District | alt= | url=https://www.nworegontransit.org/routes/tillamook_-_portland/ | email= | address=(stops) Union Station, Sunset Transit Center & NW 185th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-842-0123 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$1.50 per zone in Tillamook County or within an adjacent county in the north Oregon Coast; $15 OW to Portland or $20 RT | content=Operates buses in/around Tillamook town and to Manzanita, Cannon Beach and Oceanside in Tillamook County as well inter county service to Lincoln City (Rt #4) and over to Portland (Rt#5). There are no longer Greyhound services to the Oregon Coast from Portland or from anywhere along the I-5 corridor. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Yamhill County Transit | alt= | url=http://ycbus.org/ | email= | address=(stops) downtown Hillsboro (Rt #33) & Tigard Transit Center (Rt #44) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-474-4910 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$1.25 one-way fare or $2.50 day ticket/pass | content=Operates buses in/around McMinnville and to Newberg, Amity, Carlton, Dayton, Dundee, Lafayette, Sheridan & Willamena in Yamhill County and to Tigard Transit Center (nearest point to Portland on Rt #44, 44X); Hillsboro (Rt #33), Salem (Rt #11). Transfer to Tri-Met #12 from Tigard Transit Center to downtown Portland or the 'Blue Line' MAX from Hillsboro to downtown Portland. There are no longer Greyhound bus services to Tigard or to anywhere in Yamhill County along OR Hwy 99W. }} ===By boat=== There are no useful boat lines, although you can take cruises up and down the Willamette River and multi-day tourist cruises from Portand to [[Clarkston (Washington)|Clarkston]], Washington. ==Get around== {{mapframe|45.521|-122.649|zoom=11}} {{mapshape}} {{mapshapes|Q2584009}} <!-- MAX Light Rail --> [[File:Portland downtown map.png|300px|thumb|Downtown Portland map]] If you are touring the [[United States without a car]], rejoice! Portland is an easy city to bicycle, walk or use public transport. Portland Streets roughly fall on a grid, though history and topography cause a lot of mismatches and exceptions. You may notice that a street is offset by several meters as it crosses an arterial, or that Boulevards like Sandy and Foster are diagonal due to their history as streetcar lines. In general, north/south aligned streets are numbered, while east/west aligned streets are named. The most visible exception to this is in North Portland where all streets are named. Numbered streets descend as they approach the Willamette River. This is true from both sides, so SE 7^th is not the same as SW 7^th. If you want to navigate like a local, get to know the "six sextants" which are often referred to oxymoronically as the "six quadrants". These sectors are generally divided by Burnside Street between north/south and the Willamette River between east/west, with a fifth sector (North) between the Willamette River and Williams Avenue, and a sixth sector (South) between the Willamette and Naito Parkway. Portland addresses contain their sector between house number and street name (i.e. 223 SW Yamhill St.). Address numbers increase 100 per block starting from Burnside Street or the Willamette River. This can make it easy to figure out locations from a street address, with practice. On named streets, the address numbers correspond to the nearest numbered cross-street, so 4534 SE Belmont St. is on SE Belmont near 45th Avenue. A handy fact to keep in mind in inner Northwest Portland is that the streets are arranged alphabetically starting with Ankeny, followed by Burnside, Couch,Davis, and so on through NW Vaughn Street making directions easy to follow here. Some older Southwest street addresses may have a leading zero in the street number. The creation of the South sector was driven largely to resolve this anomaly, and these former addresses are now located in South Portland without the leading zero (e.g. 0715 SW Bancroft Street is now 715 S Bancroft Street). Street signs in South Portland may still indicate SW during the transition period. Most of the city (and everything near downtown) is along the northerly flowing Willamette River. However, the airport and Portland's northern neighbor, [[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver, Washington]], are next to the larger west-flowing Columbia. If you confuse the two rivers, you can easily mix up your bearings. Since the Willamette River can be hard to spot on a map of Oregon, many visitors think Portland is along the nearby Columbia by mistake. ===By car=== Driving around downtown is ''not'' recommended. Inconvenient, expensive, and hard to find parking, combined with active parking meter enforcement (8AM-7PM) and non-intuitive street closures, transit malls, and restrictions, make it frustrating even for locals. Cycling is often as fast as driving (or faster) in the city center. In fact, many of the traffic lights, both downtown and in inner Portland, seem to be timed for bike speeds. Uber and Lyft usually provide speedy and inexpensive service, frequently costing for less than a few hours parking. If you must park downtown, the best parking deal is any of the six [http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/35272 SmartPark] garages maintained by the City of Portland. As of March 2019, rates are $1.80 per hour on weekdays for the first four hours, and $5 flat rate evenings after 5PM and all day on weekends. Also, some businesses can validate ("pay" for some of) your parking. SmartPark locations are: * {{marker|name=SmartPark Naito and Davis|lat=45.5250|long=-122.6709}}, 33 NW Davis St. * {{marker|name=SmartPark O'Bryant Square|lat=45.5216|long=-122.6799}}, 808 SW Stark St. * {{marker|name=SmartPark 10th and Yamhill|lat=45.5195|long=-122.6818}}, 730 SW 10th Ave. * {{marker|name=SmartPark 3rd and Alder|lat=45.5187|long=-122.6758}}, 620 SW 3rd Ave. * {{marker|name=SmartPark 4th and Yamhill|lat=45.5175|long=-122.6766}}, 818 SW 4th Ave. * {{marker|name=SmartPark 1st and Jefferson|lat=45.5141|long=-122.6761}}, 123 SW Jefferson St. Car-sharing is available through [http://www.zipcar.com/portland Zipcar] and [https://www.car2go.com/US/en/portland/ car2go] on a membership basis. ===On foot=== Portland is a great city for walking. The 200-foot (60-m) block size throughout most of Portland were designed in the 1860s for walking convenience and Portland has a lot of street life. Good mass transit also makes walking more feasible in Portland. The City of Portland Office of Transportation offers free, highly detailed [http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/39402 walking maps] that may be ordered online. For a scenic walk, the [http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=105&action=ViewPark Eastside Esplanade] along the Willamette River across from downtown offers lovely views of the skyline. Parts of the esplanade float on the water. ===By bike=== Portland, the self-proclaimed "Bicycle Capital" of the nation, is an excellent city for bicycle travel. The whole metro area has an extensive network of bike lanes and designated bike-friendly streets. Bike streets (also called "neighborhood greenways") are generally signed with green "Bike Route" signs and a bicycle painted on the ground. These are typically quiet residential streets that run parallel to a major arterial. It is highly recommended that cyclists use them where possible, as major thoroughfares can be busy. You can obtain bike maps from the [http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=10799 Bike There!] section of Metro's website. Even public transit is bike-friendly here. TriMet provides plenty of [http://trimet.org/bikes/index.htm information for bicyclers] on their website. They offer Bike & Ride facilities and bike lockers at many MAX stations and major transit centers. All buses, MAX trains, and [http://trimet.org/bikes/bikesonstreetcar.htm streetcars] have space for bikes too. If you're taking the bus, just be prepared to sometimes wait until a bus comes with an open bike rack, especially on popular routes. The MAX, on the other hand, virtually always has enough bike hooks available. In July 2016, the '''[https://www.biketownpdx.com/ Biketown]''' bike share network was launched. The system has 1,000 bikes at 100 hubs around inner Portland, and it's well suited for brief, one-way trips. Rides cost $1 to unlock the bike and $0.20 per minute of riding. The Portland Bureau of Transportation maintains an online list of [https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/71974 bike rental shops]. ===By public transit=== '''[http://www.trimet.org TriMet]''' operates the Portland metro area's extensive public transit system of buses, MAX light rail trains, and streetcars. Adult fare is $2.50 for 2 hours and $5.00 for the entire day. It is recommended that you purchase a HOP Fastpass upon arrival, and use that throughout the trip (see below). TriMet uses the proof-of-payment system, so there are no fare gates or turnstiles, however if you can't present proof of valid fare to a transit police officer or fare inspector upon request, you will face a $175 fine for fare evasion. You can pay fare, or buy passes, at any MAX station ticket machine (but expect the occasional out-of-order machine), on-board any streetcar, or on any bus (with exact change). TriMet offers trip planning on its [http://trimet.org/m mobile website], but no official app. Transit Maps and trip planning are available on both Apple and Google Maps. ==== Hop FastPass ==== In July 2017, TriMet released the [http://www.myhopcard.com Hop FastPass], a contactless (RFID) smart card for electronic fare payment. Hop works on TriMet, the Portland Streetcar, and C-TRAN in Vancouver. Just tap the card on the card reader on board buses and streetcars, or on MAX station platforms. Cards are sold for $3 at Fred Meyer, Safeway, and other Portland metro area stores. Load fare at these stores, online, by phone, through the Hop app, or at TriMet or C-TRAN customer service centers. The card readers also accept Android Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and NFC-enabled debit/credit cards. Hop users (including those using mobile wallets) travel free for the rest of the day after paying $5 in fare (two one-way trips), as if they had a day pass. Similarly—though only for Hop card or virtual Hop card users and not mobile wallet debit/credit card users—after paying $100 in a calendar month (20 days of round-trip rides), Hop allows free travel for the rest of the month, without the steep upfront cost of a monthly pass. This is very useful for visitors—you won't have to decide whether you'll ride often enough to justify buying a pass. Apple Pay and Android Pay users can buy [https://trimet.org/hop/virtualcard virtual Hop cards] online and load them into Android Pay or Apple Pay. They combine the benefits of Hop with the convenience of mobile payments. [[File:Portland rail map.png|thumb|450px|Map of Portland rail service]] [[File:MAX and bus side-by-side on Portland Mall, 5th & Yamhill.jpg|thumb|300px|TriMet vehicles on the Portland Transit Mall]] ==== MAX light rail ==== There are five '''[http://trimet.org/max/ MAX Light Rail]''' lines, which offer speedy and frequent service across much of Portland: *The ''Blue Line'' runs between [[Hillsboro (Oregon)|Hillsboro]] and [[Gresham]] via [[Beaverton]], Downtown Portland, and the Gateway Transit Center. *The ''Red Line'' runs between the Portland International Airport and Beaverton/Hillsboro via the Gateway Transit Center and Downtown. *The ''Green Line'' runs between Clackamas Town Center and Portland State University via the Gateway Transit Center and Downtown. *The ''Yellow Line'' runs from the Expo Center south to Downtown and Portland State University. * The ''Orange Line'' runs from Milwaukie north to Union Station in Downtown via Portland State University. All the lines go through the city's downtown (referred to as "City Center" on TriMet), with the Red and Blue lines running east-west and overlapping on Morrison/Yamhill Streets, while the Yellow, Orange and Green lines run north-south and overlap on the Portland Transit Mall along 5th and 6th Avenues, with all lines crossing at Pioneer Square. Each MAX line runs every 15 minutes at most stops for most of the day, with service every 30 minutes in the wee hours of the night. ==== Portland Streetcar ==== In addition, TriMet operates the '''[http://www.portlandstreetcar.org Portland Streetcar]''' service, which consists of modern light rail vehicles running along Downtown streets about every 15-20 minutes. Because the streetcars usually share space with car traffic and stop every few blocks, this is a much slower service than the MAX and is intended primarily for getting around the Downtown area. A 2½-hour Streetcar Only ticket can be purchased for $2 at fare machines at Streetcar stops and on the Streetcar vehicles. There are three lines: *The ''NS (North South) Line'', which runs between Northwest Portland and South Waterfront through the Downtown area. The route runs along Lovejoy/Northrup through Northwest Portland and the Pearl District before turning south along 10th and 11th Avenues through Downtown to Portland State University, then winds it way past Riverplace to South Waterfront. *The ''A Loop'' and ''B Loop'' lines, which run clockwise and counterclockwise respectively, between Downtown and Central Eastside. The route runs from SW Market through Downtown along 10th and 11th to the Pearl District, across the Broadway Bridge and along Broadway/Weidler through the Rose Quarter, then along MLK/Grand south past the Convention Center through the Lloyd District and Central Eastside to OMSI, where it crosses the Tilikum Crossing bridge over to South Waterfront before returning north to Portland State University and SW Market. ==== Buses ==== Many of TriMet's '''buses''' run from Downtown to other parts of the city, though a growing number of crosstown or local routes do not. Nearly all TriMet buses connect with MAX at one or more stations. A number of TriMet buses are designated as providing frequent service, meaning they run at least once every 15 minutes. A full list of bus routes, with the frequent lines clearly marked, can be found [http://trimet.org/bus/ here]. ==== Aerial Tram ==== [[File:PortlandTramCar.jpg|thumb|Portland Aerial Tram]] The '''[http://www.gobytram.com/ Portland Aerial Tramway]''' connects the South Waterfront to Marquam Hill, where OHSU and other hospitals are located. A round-trip ticket on the Aerial Tramway costs $5.10. (Fare is checked only westbound, uphill.) TriMet monthly and annual passes are accepted on the Tram, but regular tickets, transfers, and Hop cards are not. ==See== {{SeeDistricts}} Portland has many unique and interesting neighborhoods to explore. One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Portland is constant possibly of discovery. Rather than containing most places of interest to a few busy streets, Portland has food, shopping, parks, and other activities sprinkled all throughout the city. Here are just a few notable neighborhoods: ===[[Portland (Oregon)/Southwest|Southwest]]=== '''Downtown''' Portland is the heart of the city, centered around Pioneer Square and home to modern commercial towers, new condominiums, and converted lofts, along with several museums and urban parks of interest to tourists, including Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the river. To the immediate south of Downtown is the campus of Portland State University and '''South Waterfront''', an urban revitalization area at the southern end of the streetcar line with newly built glass residential towers. ===[[Portland (Oregon)/Northwest|Northwest]]=== Just to the north of Downtown is '''Old Town''', which is where Portland was first settled and which has some historic buildings and is a nightlife center, but also contains a fair amount of social services for homeless and mentally ill. The neighborhood also holds the remnants of '''Chinatown''' which, despite a lovely archway entry at Burnside and 4th Avenue and some Chinese-inspired street decorations, is rather desolate and may prove a disappointment for visitors expecting the bustle of San Francisco's or New York City's Chinatown. [[File:North Bank Depot west building with streetcar, 2011.jpg|thumb|300px|The Pearl District, with a passing streetcar]] Just to the northwest of Downtown is the '''Pearl District''', a very hip and trendy neighborhood on the streetcar line which was not long ago derelict warehouses and empty industrial space. The economic success of the Pearl has made it a frequently cited urban planning model, and it is an excellent place to hang out and people watch, eat in fine restaurants, and visit the famous Powell's Bookstore. Perhaps the best spot to people watch is '''Jamison Square''', a city park at the heart of the Pearl that includes a popular fountain which fills a pool during the summer months that's popular with little kids. For a slightly more quiet retreat, '''Tanner Springs Park''' is just a couple of blocks north and built to resemble a piece of reclaimed wetland, with tall grasses and a nice pond. On the '''First Thursday''' of every month, all art galleries in the Pearl district open their doors for casual viewing, and many serve wine and cheese. To the north of the Pearl, at the northern end of the streetcar line is the '''Northwest District''', also known as Nob Hill and also on the trendy side and with a variety of retail shops, bars, and restaurants along with plenty of lovely Victorians and tree-lined streets. West of this is the '''West Hills''', where the well-to-do of Portland have traditionally lived. Because of the geography, the streets in the West Hills are a bit of a maze, but they still make for an interesting trek; you'll find lavish mansions, ornate public staircases, and good views of Downtown. ===[[Portland (Oregon)/Eastside|Eastside]]=== [[File:Hollywood Theatre.jpg|thumb|300px|Hollywood Theater]] '''Hawthorne Blvd''', which runs east-west across the river from Downtown, has a broad selection of shops including a menagerie of vintage goods at the House of Vintage and the ornate Bagdad Theater Pub, and is a center of the counter-culture/bohemian community which is dissipating to make way for a variety of upscale businesses. The nearby '''Belmont Street''' is also worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood, with a similar - if smaller - array of shops and attractions. Located along Broadway and Sandy Blvd northeast of downtown, '''Hollywood''' is a commercial district for the nearby neighborhoods and home to the '''[http://hollywoodtheatre.org/ Hollywood Theater]''', a historic non-profit theater with an ornate facade showing a variety of independent, second run, and classic films as well as original programming and interactive events. There is also a popular [http://www.hollywoodfarmersmarket.org/ Saturday farmers market] in the neighborhood during the warm months. To the north of the former between MLK Blvd and 30th Avenue, '''Alberta Street''' has much the same feel as Hawthorne Blvd; a counter-culture/bohemian community that's becoming popular with yuppies. Alberta is home to '''Last Thursday''', said by many locals to be the alternative to First Thursday in the Pearl District and also featuring wine tasting and gallery openings, along with street vending and performance artists. The neighborhood between Alberta Street and Broadway is known as '''Irvington''', and contains many historic Craftsman homes. Other neighborhoods to explore include: '''St. Johns''' in North Portland featuring the gorgeous St. Johns Bridge, '''Mississippi Avenue''', quaint '''Sellwood''', '''Inner Southeast''' a loosely defined neighborhood where bars and music venues have been cropping up amidst the industrial landscape, '''Foster-Powell''', '''East Burnside and Stark''', '''Division and Clinton Street''', and '''North Williams'''. ==Do== {{SeeDistricts}} * {{do | name=Portland World Naked Bike Ride | alt= | url=http://pdxwnbr.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Portland's annual World Naked Bike Ride, held in early June, has many goals: to increase visibility of cyclists; to promote confidence in the beauty and individuality of the human body; to affirm nudity as a legal form of protest; to emphasize the bicycles’s place as a catalyst for change in the future of sustainability, transport, community and recreation; to celebrate the coming summer, bicycles in the urban grid, and the fun of a multi-thousand person bike ride; and to protest the automobile. World Naked Bike Ride is an annual, worldwide bike ride that highlights the vulnerability of cyclists everywhere and decries society’s dependence on pollution-based transport. }} *{{do | name=Portland Rose Festival | alt= | url=https://www.rosefestival.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Most events located downtown at Waterfront Park | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Portland's annual Rose Festival is held every year at the beginning of June. The largest event of the year includes multiple parades, a carnival at waterfront park, and several military ships docked for fleet week. |lastedit=2021-07-02}} *'''[https://www.pedalpalooza.org/ Pedalpalooza].''' Three months of community organized (and free!) biking events during the months of June-August. All events are listed on the [https://www.shift2bikes.org/ Shift Calendar]. The type of rides are extremely diverse, ranging from rides where you learn about the history of the city, to ones where you bike from one side of the city to another. Or the dance party rides where you bike around jamming out to a certain artist or genre. Others where you bring along your dog and visit dog parks. Really any type of ride you can think of, it's probably on the calendar. The biggest event in the city is the '''[[Portland_(Oregon)/Southwest#Do|Rose Festival]]''', taking place over several weeks in June. The centerpiece is the Grand Floral Parade, though the festival isn't all about flowers; there's also a fleet week, dragon boat races and fireworks. === Sports === As a major city, there are many venues where you can '''watch sports'''. * {{do | name=Portland Thorns FC | alt= | url=http://www.portlandthornsfc.com/ | email= | address=Providence Park | lat=45.521389 | long=-122.691667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Portland Thorns are the local women's' soccer team who play in the NWSL. They are known to draw a consistently sizeable crowd of fans and have performed well in league play since the founding of the club in 2013, winning two championships since. |lastedit=2021-07-02}} * {{do | name=Portland Timbers FC | alt= | url=https://www.timbers.com/ | email= | address=Providence Park | lat=45.521389 | long=-122.691667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Portland Timbers are Portland's Major League Soccer team. Their most ardent supporters are known as the Timbers Army who sit at the north end of the stadium singing and chanting through the entire match. Visitors are both encouraged and welcomed to join by buying a general admission ticket and lining up hours before the game to get the best seats (if you so choose). If you'd prefer to watch the game and enjoy the energy of the Army from a distance (perhaps if traveling with young children), seating in assigned areas is also available. |lastedit=2021-07-02}} * {{do | name=Portland Trail Blazers | alt= | url=https://www.nba.com/blazers/ | email= | address=Moda Center | lat=45.531667 | long=-122.666667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Portland Trail Blazers play in NBA. The Moda Center is centrally located near downtown next to four MAX lines for those who are interested in catching a game. The Blazers are in the playoffs most seasons. In 2021 they are led by their star Damian Lillard. Nearly every game is a full house, and there aren't many NBA venues that have the same energy for the same value as a Blazer game. |lastedit=2021-07-02}} ===Music=== Portland has a respectable music scene throughout town, with venues holding everything from huge national acts to small underground music groups. Many local pubs and bars offer great local bands on weekends, and the city is developing a national notoriety as the nation's "indie rock capital", with many high (and low) profile independent rock music acts calling the city home. Given its reputation for all that is hip, Portland maintains a fairly diverse range of live music options. Check out one of the two weekly alternative newspapers for comprehensive music listings; the ''[https://www.portlandmercury.com/ Portland Mercury]'' and the ''[http://www.wweek.com/homepage/ Willamette Week]''. ==Learn== The '''Multnomah County Library''' (see "[[Portland (Oregon)#Connect|Connect]]" below) hosts language study groups. * {{listing | name=Reed College | alt= | url=http://www.reed.edu/ | email= | address= | lat=45.48 | long=-122.63 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Reed College | image=EliotHallReedCollege.jpg | wikidata=Q1140775 | content=A top small liberal arts college with a beautiful campus. The college frequently hosts educational events and lectures. The campus is worth checking out, notably for the nuclear reactor that is there. }} * {{listing | name=Lewis & Clark College | alt= | url=http://www.lclark.edu/ | email= | address= | lat=45.450891 | long=-122.670117 | directions=Southwest Portland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lewis & Clark College | image=L&C Frank Manor House.JPG | wikidata=Q4227955 | content=The ''other'' small liberal arts college with a beautiful campus. For information about upcoming events and lectures, check the [https://www.lclark.edu/calendars/events/ campus events calendar]. The library hosts the [http://specialcollections.lclark.edu/collection/roger-d-wendlick-collection-on-lewis-and-clark/ Roger D. Wendlick collection] of Lewis and Clark Expedition literature. }} * {{listing | name=Oregon Health & Science University | alt= | url=http://www.ohsu.edu/ | email= | address= | lat=45.498917 | long=-122.68875 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Oregon Health & Science University | image=OregonHealthSciUniv.jpg | wikidata=Q282097 |lastedit=2022-04-23| content=Arguably the most prestigious research institution and teaching hospital in Oregon. They offer post graduate studies in medicine, nursing, dentistry and pharmacy. The Marquam Hill site is shared with the VA Hospital, Dornebecher Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House looking like a fortress from a distance. Riding the aerial tram from the South Waterfront campus to the Marquam Hill campus at the top is a common weekend activity for families. OHSU is the largest employer in Oregon. }} * {{listing | name=Portland State University | alt= | url=http://www.pdx.edu | email= | address= | lat=45.512778 | long=-122.685278 | directions=Downtown Portland | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Portland State University | wikidata=Q1771717 |lastedit=2021-07-02| content=The largest university in Oregon, with nearly 30,000 students. The campus is well integrated in to the southern end of downtown, and is populated a generally older student body (under half of the students are between the ages of 18 and 22). PSU offers degree programs across a wide range of majors. }} * {{listing | name=University of Portland | alt= | url=http://www.up.edu | email= | address= | lat=45.5725 | long=-122.727222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Portland | image=University of Portland entrance sign.JPG | wikidata=Q513658 |lastedit=2022-04-23| content=A private Catholic school in the 'University neighborhood' in North Portland. They are affiliated with the Congregation of the Holy Cross, which also founded the more prestigious University of Notre Dame. }} ==Work== Former Oregon Governor Tom McCall (to whom a major riverfront park downtown is dedicated) said in a 1971 speech, somewhat famously, "We want you to visit our State of Excitement often. Come again and again. But for heaven's sake, don't move here to live. Or if you do have to move in to live, don't tell any of your neighbors where you are going." Since then, the Governor's request has been widely repeated by people who ignore it, then quote it. Portland is a tough job market to navigate. Many Portlanders commute to one of the suburbs such as Hillsboro or Beaverton, with some of the state's largest employers, including Nike and Intel, located in that part of the metro area. ==Buy== As in the rest of Oregon, there is no general sales tax in Portland; the price you see on the tag is the price you pay. This combines with the selection of retail outlets in the city to make Portland an ideal city for a shopping spree! ===Craft and farmers markets=== A visit to either or both of the Farmers Market and Saturday Market downtown is a favorite past time of locals. * {{buy | name=Portland Farmers Market | alt= | url=http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org | email= | address=SW Park and Montgomery at Portland State University | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-241-0032 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturdays 9AM-2PM | price= | content=At the markets, farmers, ranchers and nursery growers offer various conventionally and organically grown fruits, vegetables and pre-cut, pre-packaged meats (usually fish, pork or eggs) and live ornamental and food plants for gardening. There are other artisan food producers offering prepared products, ranging from fruit jams to farmstead cheeses, breads and pastries, pickles, pasta, chocolate, and more.|lastedit=2021-07-02}} * {{buy | name=Portland Saturday Market | alt= | url=https://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/ | email= | address=Naito Parkway under the Burnside Bridge | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturdays 10AM-5PM | price= | content=A weekly marketplace for artists and craftspeople to sell their handmade products. Goods you can find include jewelry, clothing, body products, pet treats, and plenty more. Saturday Market is the largest continuously operating market of its type in the United States.|lastedit=2021-07-02}} ==Eat== {{SeeDistricts}} Foodies may find their nirvana in Portland. With its location in one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood raised not far from its boundaries, award-winning wines and beers, and a food culture that supports food artisans and emphasizes local, seasonal food served fresh, it's no surprise that the culinary scene in Portland has received national attention. Restaurants and food carts have popped up in large numbers throughout the city, making it quite easy to enjoy a good meal at a reasonable price. Both the Farmers Market and Saturday Market offer a wide range of cuisines made from healthy, local ingredients, and is great if you prefer to have a variety of choices. Quality restaurants can be found at several price points across town (see district articles for more suggestions), although sudden exposure of popularity of some can cause long wait times. The good news is that there is probably an establishment that is just as good or simply undiscovered just a short distance away if you don't want to wait! ===Local chains=== [[Image:Mediterranean food cart in Portland.jpg|thumb|300px|Food carts]] * [https://www.burgerville.com/ '''Burgerville''']. The Northwest's own fast food chain with a decidedly NW flavor promoting organic, fresh and seasonal ingredients. Great burgers and traditional fast food fare. Amazing seasonal items including sweet potato fries, asparagus, strawberries, blackberries, onion rings and more. * {{eat | name=Cha! Cha! Cha! | url=http://chachachapdx.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content='Rritos, 'ritas, and more. Good quality Mexican food at a middling price. Focus on local, sustainable, and healthy. }} * '''[https://www.mcmenamins.com/ McMenamins]'''. Opening with its original location in 1983, the Barley Mill Pub on Hawthorne, McMenamins now boasts over 50 locations in both Oregon and Washington. In Portland their locations include historic buildings such as the Bagdad Theater and Pub, <nowiki>'''</nowiki>Mission Theater and Pub<nowiki>'''</nowiki> at 1624 NW Glisan St, and the <nowiki>'''</nowiki>Kennedy School Theater<nowiki>'''</nowiki> at 5736 NE 33rd Ave. While not all locations have theaters the McMennamins restaurants have been a reliable option for locals who are looking for decent food and in-house brewed beer, in a Relaxed, often-rustic atmosphere. The larger locations, such as the Kennedy School and Bagdad Theater, contain multiple establishments within, and can take the better part of the evening to explore. * {{eat | name=New Seasons Market | alt= | url=http://newseasonsmarket.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=New Seasons Market | content=Local natural food supermarket chain with fantastic sandwiches and an awesome deli counter. You can choose your bread, meat/tofu pate, veggies, and spreads. Six locations in the city. }} * {{eat | name=Nicholas Restaurant | url=http://nicholasrestaurant.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great value Lebanese food, family owned and operated where everything is made from scratch. Two locations. }} * {{eat | name=¿Por Qué No? | alt= | url=http://www.porquenotacos.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Popular taqueria providing sophisticated but informal food in an evocative setting. Top-notch tortillas that are often purchased on their own. Excellent array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including authentic drinks not often seen north of the border (horchata, mezcal, ''etc.''). Often crowded with lines, especially at mealtimes, but quick service keeps you from waiting too long. Outdoor seating. Kid and bike friendly. Order ahead for take-out and skip the line. }} * {{eat | name=Sizzle Pie | url=http://www.sizzlepie.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-234-7437 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11AM-3AM, F-Sa 11AM-4PM | price= | content=A heavy metal themed pizza joint with some of the best pies in town. Pizza is available by the slice or whole, to eater there or to go. The salads are great as well utilizing yummy homemade dressings. Great for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike! Two locations in Portland. }} * {{eat | name=Taqueria Los Gorditos | alt= | url=http://www.losgorditospdx.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vegan and non-vegan food, cheap but delicious and with a very expansive menu for a taco cart (they also have three brick-and-mortar locations), including quite large burritos. The ingredients are fresh and the staff friendly. }} * {{eat | name=Voodoo Doughnut | url=http://voodoodoughnut.com/ | email= | address=22 SW 3rd Ave. and 1501 NE Davis St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= |lastedit=2021-07-02| content=A distinctly Portland spot, where you can get unusual donuts and a marriage while learning Swahili. While they do have the standard cake doughnuts, the real stars are the doughnuts topped with cereal, candy bars, strawberry Quik powder, and the maple bar with bacon (yes, bacon) on it. It's also the place to get vegan doughnuts. While the vibe is cool and flavour combinations and the naming gimmicks are creative, locals often recommend other local spots like Blue Star Donuts if you are seeking top quality. If it's a sugar rush and possibly a free huge doughnut you're looking for, take the Tex-Ass Challenge; eat one of their oversized glazed doughnuts in under a minute and a half and it's free. (Of course, you have to purchase it in advance!). The Downtown location often has long lines, but this is rarely the case just across the river at the Davis St. location. }} ==Drink== {{SeeDistricts}} [[File:Benson Bubbler - Portland, Oregon.JPG|thumb|250px|Benson Bubbler]] If you're looking for a free drink while walking around downtown, look no further than the iconic '''[http://www.portlandoregon.gov/water/article/352768 Benson Bubblers]'''. These are ornate drinking fountains scattered throughout the downtown area, made of copper and in one-bowl and four-bowl variations. Installed by Simon Benson in the 1910s, the fountains continuously run from 6AM to 11PM daily and offer a cool drink perfect for the summer months. Many cities have asked for Benson Bubblers of their own, but the City of Portland has turned them all down, respecting the wishes of Benson and his family. A single exception has been made, however &mdash; Portland has gifted one Benson Bubbler to its sister city of [[Sapporo]], [[Japan]]. ===Alcohol=== Portland is often referred to as "the microbrewery capital of the world", and it's a well-earned title. Take advantage of the Northwest's famous microbrews &mdash; small breweries that serve their own (and others') craft beers. They are a world away from the generic beers that are America's mainstay. Portland also has more traditional nightlife drinking establishments, mainly downtown, in Old Town, and in the Pearl. You will find everything from dance clubs, gay bars, and an assortment of karaoke bars. Portland likes its alcohol. Although a handful of Portland's key gay bars can be found in Downtown and Old Town, they are not restricted to any identifiable gay neighborhood. They are found in diverse locations throughout the city, reflecting the fact that the Portland LGBT community is highly integrated into the city overall. ===Coffee=== If your beverage tastes veer more to the caffeinated variety: Like the rest of the Pacific Northwest, Portland also loves coffee. You will, of course, have little trouble finding a Starbucks location in Portland, but the Rose City has also developed its own homegrown coffee culture. ==Sleep== {{SeeDistricts}} There are places to sleep all over the city, though somewhat less of them in the city's northwest. As in much of elsewhere in the world, downtown (here: southwestern Portland) is the place to find upscale accommodation and Eastside you will find many mid-range options. Budget lodging is somewhat scarce, though you might find a couple more places in this price range in neighboring cities in the [[Portland Metropolitan Area]]. ==Stay safe== Portland is one of the '''safest ''major'' cities in the United States''' by most measures. Most people, including single female travelers, generally will not face problems walking alone at night. However, Portland is still a large metropolitan city — beware of [[pickpockets]] in crowded areas and don't forget your common sense entirely. Old Town/Chinatown can be a bit dodgy, but generally not dangerous during the day; at night, you're best off avoiding it or sticking to the well-lit transit stations. Some rougher areas of the city exist in East Portland along NE/SE 82nd Avenue and east of Interstate 205, but they are seldom dangerous and should pose no problem to those who mind their own business while seeing the sights or eating at some of the off-the-beaten-track places that can be found there. Due in part to a major shortage of affordable housing throughout the region, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Portland has risen sharply. You may be approached by people asking for food or money while walking in downtown or stopped at a major intersection. Unlike many other major US cities, '''people panhandling are seldom aggressive''', and a simple no will end nearly all encounters. Portlanders — drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike — generally obey traffic lights and signs, and you should, too. Pedestrians and bicyclists are given more respect and deference here than many other locales in the United States, but don't use that as an excuse to not be safe while crossing the road or riding your bicycle. Be aware that the "Idaho Stop" is legal in Oregon. Cyclists are allowed to treat stop signs as "yield" signs, and traffic signals as "stop signs". Portland has a long tradition of anti-government protests as well as occasional clashes between opposing political camps. These swelled in mid-2020, but have since died down almost entirely with the exception of a few late-night vandals. However, use your common sense and steer clear of any rowdy groups. ==Connect== Two area codes cover the Portland metropolitan area: '''503''' and '''971.''' All ten digits must be dialed when dialing local numbers in the Portland area. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Multnomah County Library | alt= | url=http://www.multcolib.org | email= | address=801 SW 10th Ave | lat=45.51912 | long=-122.683105 | directions= | phone=+1 503-988-5123 | tollfree= | hours=M Th-Sa 10AM-6PM, Tu-W 10AM-8PM, Su noon-5PM | price= | wikipedia=Multnomah County Library | image=Central Library (Portland, Oregon).jpg | wikidata=Q6935177 | content=Issues one-hour guest passes for Internet terminal use. Numerous branch libraries scattered around Portland. Free wi-fi available to public while the libraries are open. Wi-fi shuts off ten minutes before the libraries close and stays off until the library opens again. }} * {{listing | name=US Postal Service | alt=Post Office | url=http://www.usps.com | email= | address=(main post office) 715 NW Hoyt | lat=45.52755 | long=-122.67830 | directions=NW Corner of NW Hoyt & Broadway | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=(Retail Counter) M-F 8AM-6:30PM, Sa 8AM-5PM; (Passport Acceptance) M-F 11AM-5:30PM by appointment | price= | content= The main post office distributes mail to and receives from zip codes 970xx through 972xx and 986xx (Vancouver WA). There are numerous post office branches in different neighborhoods and at least one (or more) in each adjacent city/municipality serving specific zip codes. }} ==Cope== ===Newspapers=== Portland is the home of two Pulitzer Prize–winning publications and a number of smaller tabloid-format newspapers of note. Due to some heated local politics the town has become a rather thorny place for journalism. Portlanders identify their politics by what paper they read (''The Oregonian'' vs. ''The Tribune'', ''Willamette Week'' vs. ''The Mercury''). * {{listing | name=''The Oregonian'' | url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$1 daily, $1.50 Sundays | content=Nationally recognized, Pulitzer Prize–winning broadsheet newspaper known for cutting-edge design and local-oriented coverage (the paper is distributed throughout the state and into Vancouver, Washington). The paper suffers as a city guide for the out-of-towner as its arts coverage is limited (Friday A&E is comprehensive), but for those interested in longer stays it is a good primer on state politics. Movie times are up to date, however the printed television schedule has been discontinued. }} * {{listing | name=''Willamette Week'' | url=http://www.wweek.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free every Wednesday | content=An alternative weekly newspaper that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2005 for its investigative reporting. This boomer-hipster hybrid sometimes struggles from identity freak-out but is likely the quickest and most immediate help to out-of-towners. The paper's free annual city guide "Finder" can be found around town in late August and is specifically tailored for those new to Portland. ''Willamette Week'' is sometimes referred to as ''Willy Week'' or ''Willy'' by old-guard Portland hipsters or those who disagree with its politics. }} * {{listing | name=''Portland Tribune'' | url=http://www.portlandtribune.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free Tuesdays and Fridays | content=This broadsheet-sized upstart has struggled since its start to find a spot between ''Willamette Week'' and ''The Oregonian'', the city's mainstays and the paper's main competitors. Suburbanites who work in the city tend to favor the ''Tribune''. }} * {{listing | name=''The Portland Mercury'' | alt= | url=http://www.portlandmercury.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free every Thursday | content=Another alt weekly newspaper, the Portland version of Seattle's ''The Stranger''. This tabloid-sized hipster-focused mag has taken a bite out of ''Willamette Week''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s advertising, meaning that those looking for movie times or rock show listings can often find them in the ''Mercury''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s pages. Readers offended by foul language or grammatical errors may be frustrated by the editorial content. }} Most other publications would be of only passing interest to travelers, but to read what locals think and feel, the '''''Northwest Examiner''''', '''''Portland Observer''''', '''''Skanner''''', '''''St. Johns Sentinel''''', and Portland State University's '''''Vanguard''''' are some of the better choices. ===Consulates=== Most consulates in Portland are honorary which means they are there for commercial and business purposes and offer limited or no consular services except in emergency situations. The honorary consulates are only available by appointment only. Most of the foreign consulates are typically located in downtown but can be elsewhere too. The nearest cities for additional foreign consulates are in [[Seattle#Consulates|Seattle]], [[Los Angeles#Consulates|Los Angeles]] and [[San Francisco#Consulates|San Francisco]]: * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark (Honorary) | alt= | url=http://usa.um.dk/en/about-us/list-of-danish-honorary-consulates-in-the-us/list-of-honorary-consulates-on-the-west-coast/portland-oregon/ | email=ingolf@tonkon.com | address=1600 Pioneer Tower, 888 SW 5th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-802-2131 | tollfree= | fax=+1 503-972-3813 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Federated States of Micronesia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Federated States of Micronesia | alt= | url=https://portland.fsmembassy.fm/ | email=cg.portland@gov.fm | address=7931 NE Halsey St Ste 225 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-954-3710 | tollfree= | fax=+1 503-954-3750 | hours=Mo-Fr 9AM-5PM | price= |lastedit=2022-07-02| content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Japan | alt= | url=https://www.portland.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/ | email=visa@cgjpdx.org | address=Wells Fargo Center, 1300 SW 5th Ave Suite 2700 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-221-1811 | tollfree= | fax=+1 503-224-8936 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Mexico}} {{listing | name=Mexico | alt= | url=https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/portland/ | email= | address=1305 SW 12th Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-274-1442 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands (Honorary) | alt= | url=https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-and-the-netherlands/united-states/about-us/honorary-consulate-in-portland | email=portland@nlconsulate.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-716-1500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway (Honorary) | alt= | url=https://www.norway.no/en/usa/norway-usa/honorary-consulates/#Oregon | email=lbruun@wbgatty.com | address=4380 S.W. Macadam Avenue | lat= | long= | directions=River Forum, Suite 120 | phone=+1 503-221-0870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{flag|Thailand}} {{listing | name=Thailand (Honorary) | alt= | url=http://www.thai-or.com/ | email=thai@siaminc.com | address=1136 NW Hoyt St Ste 210 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 503-221-0440 | tollfree= | fax=+1 503-221-0550 | hours= | price= | content= |lastedit=2022-07-02}} ==Go next== [[Image:Multfalls.jpg|thumb|Multnomah Falls]] 50 mi (80 km) from the Cascade Range and 90 mi (145 km) from the Pacific Ocean, Portland is the perfect home base for day trips to both mountains and sea. There are several options for day trips or next destinations available: * {{listing | name=[[Columbia River Gorge]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions={{mi|25}} east of Portland on Interstate 84 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-07-02 | content=For a scenic drive, travel east {{mi|20}} on Interstate 84 to exit 22, take the Corbett Exit and follow the road 1.5 mi up the hill to the Historic Columbia River Highway. The windy road travels {{mi|15}} parallel to the freeway passing viewpoints, waterfalls and forest hikes. After merging with the freeway, stop at the Bonneville Dam and observe the large locks in action and the nearby fish hatchery. Continue another 20 minutes up the freeway to [[Hood River]] for lunch and return to Portland on the Washington side (follow WA-14 west to I-205) to get a different view on your way back. }} *The scenic '''[[Oregon Coast]]''' can make a great day or weekend trip away from the city. [[Seaside (Oregon)|Seaside]] and [[Cannon Beach]] are common destinations, especially when the weather is nice. [[Astoria]] and the surrounding area at the mouth of the Columbia River has a ton of history spanning from Indian Tribes meeting the famous Lewis and Clark expedition to a live fire engagement with a Japanese submarine in World War II! [[Tillamook]] is the birthplace of the famed Tillamook Cheese farmer co-op, and [[Lincoln City]] is another popular destination. * {{listing | name=Oregon Wine Country | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=25 mi (40 km) or so southwest of Portland lies some of the most scenic vineyards on the west coast. There are over 100 wineries in this area, from small mom and pop operations with tiny one-room tasting areas all the way up to tasting rooms that rival some of Napa's finest. Oregon is particularly famous for its Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris varietals; the climate is considered perfect for these grapes and the area has gained worldwide renown as one of the premier wine regions on the planet. }}[[Newberg]] and [[Dundee]] are centrally located between many of the top wineries in the region. *'''[[Mount Hood]]''' is about an hour's drive away and provides limitless outdoor recreational activities year-round including: camping, hiking, mountain biking, watersports, and snowsports. *'''[[Bend]]''' is a 3 hour drive to the southeast in [[Central Oregon]]. Bend and the surrounding area is known for incredible scenery and premium outdoor recreation. *'''[[Seattle]]''' is often considered the "big brother" city of Portland, and is just a 3 hour drive or 3.5 hour train ride away. Regular flight and direct bus service is also available (see "Get In" for more information) {{routebox | image1=Amtrak Cascades icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=Amtrak Cascades | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Seattle]] | minorl1=[[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Eugene]] | minorr1=[[Oregon City]] | image2=Amtrak Empire Builder icon.png | imagesize2=100 | link2=Empire Builder | directionl2=W | majorl2=END | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Spokane]] | minorr2=[[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver]] | image3=I-5.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Seattle]] | minorl3=[[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Eugene (Oregon)|Eugene]] | minorr3=[[Tigard]] | image4=I-84.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | directionr4=E | minorr4=[[Gresham]] | majorr4=[[The Dalles]] | image5=US 26.svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=Ends at [[Seaside (Oregon)|N]] [[Image:US 101.svg|18px]] [[Cannon Beach|S]] | minorl5=[[Beaverton]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=[[Prineville]] | minorr5=[[Gresham]] | image6=US 30.svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Astoria]] | minorl6=[[St. Helens (Oregon)|St. Helens]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=[[The Dalles]] | minorr6=[[Gresham]] | image7=OR 99E.svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=N | majorl7=END | minorl7= | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Eugene]] | minorr7=[[Milwaukie]] | image8=OR 99W.svg | imagesize8=22 | directionl8=N | majorl8=END | minorl8= | directionr8=S | majorr8=[[Eugene]] | minorr8=[[Tigard]] }} {{geo|45.521|-122.649|zoom=11}} {{IsPartOf|Portland_Metropolitan_Area}} {{Guidecity}} ikrxm98rphialh58d7764fyna63f06y 0 28911 4488012 4483668 2022-07-21T23:11:30Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link and -inessential abbreviation for the state, plus we don't use postal state abbreviations wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Quakertown''' is a borough in [[Bucks County]], [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Get in== ===By plane=== '''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}) is the main airport to arrive in. Quakertown is about 41 miles northwest of PHL. From there, you can get to Quakertown by taking a taxi or renting a car through numerous companies. '''[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) is a locally-based airport located 16 miles north of Quakertown in [[Allentown]]. ===By train=== The closest '''Amtrak''' station is in '''Paoli (PAO)''', roughly 29 miles south of Quakertown on Lancaster Pike & S. Valley Rd. ===By car=== From '''Pennsylvania Turnpike''' - From I-476, take the PA-663 N exit, EXIT 44, toward PA-309/Quakertown. Turn left onto PA Route 663 northbound (John Fries highway). At PA Route 309, the road will become PA Route 313 eastbound. Rt 309 is close to the western border of the Borough of Quakertown. Continuing on PA Route 313 eastbound will lead you to the "uptown" and "downtown" districts. Don't be confused about the highway direction labels, Route 663 is labelled "north" and "south" while Route 313 is labelled "east" and "west", it's continuation of the same road. In town Route 313 is named Broad Street, east of town it's named Doylestown Pike. From the '''North''' - Go south on PA Route 309 to 313 East. Follow above. From the '''East''' - Go west on PA Route 313 into Quakertown. Follow above. From the '''South''' - Go north on PA Route 309 to 313 East. Follow above. From the '''West''' - Go north on PA Route 663 (John Fries Highway) to the intersection of Rt 309 and Rt 313. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} Many people drive their car to commute to and from work and school. However since Quakertown is a smaller town, people can walk or bike to get to closer places downtown. There is no public transportation or taxi service easily available. ==See== The '''Quakertown Swamp''' is a 518-acre wetland, home to a variety of wildlife species, including beavers and waterfowl. You can go on a tour or explore the swamp on your own. * {{see | name=Pearl S. Buck House | alt= | url=http://www.psbi.org/site/PageServer | email= | address=Perkasie | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guided tours of the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author circa 1825 farmhouse and intact collection on a picturesque 68-acre estate. A National Historic Landmark with gift shop, cultural center, beautiful gardens and seasonal special exhibits featured. }} ==Do== Quakertown has a considerable number of public parks in the area. '''Cedar Grove Park''' is located in the western end of Quakertown, off Roan Tree Dr. It has a playground and basketball and street hockey courts. On Mill St. is '''Memorial Park''', complete with a baseball stadium, basketball and tennis courts, a jogging and bicycling path, a skating pond, and pavilions. The Quakertown Public Pool is also located within the park. At the southern end of Main St. is '''Main Street Park''', with basketball courts, a playground, and a softball field. '''Nockamixon State Park''' on 1542 Mountain View Dr. covers 5,283 acres including the 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon. One can boat, fish, bike, picnic, hike, swim, and explore the natural beauty of the park. * {{do | name=Lake Nockamixon | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.465489 | long=-75.220989 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lake Nockamixon | image=Lake Nockamixon Marina.jpg | wikidata=Q7346998 | content=The largest lake in Bucks County. The lake is artificially formed by a dam on the Tohikon Creek. During warm weather, boat rentals and swimming occur in the water. During winter, the lake freezes over allowing for ice skating and ice fishing. Twice a year, in June and November, timed water releases occur from the dam. The timed release creates an overflow on the Tohickon Creek, perfect for whitewater rafting. Kayakers typically trek this course all the way to its intersection with the Delaware River. }} ==Buy== '''Quakertown Farmers Market and Flea Market''' offers over 120 indoor flea market vendors and up to 400 outdoor vendors (in season) covering over 225,000 sq. feet. Open Friday and Saturday 9AM to 9PM and Sunday 10AM to 5PM. Goods from numerous departments: books, electronics, grocery, meats/poultry, construction, automotive, instruments, candy and nuts, flowers, crafts, arcade, bakery, furniture, barber shop, music/CDs, cell phones, deli, jewelry, clothing and accessories, pets, gifts, shoes, produce, tools, sports collectables, tobacco shop, and videos/games. Some specific vendors include Q-Pet, Dollar Center, Sneaker Outlet, Davis Meats and Bakery, Kim's Produce, JK Fashions, Coffee Grinder, Oasis Guitar, Ultimate Comics, O'Flynn's Furniture, and Video Bonanza. Located on 201 Station Rd (Front St). ==Eat== '''John's Plain and Fancy Diner''' serves breakfast, lunch and dinner items 24 hours a day. It is located on Route 309. Also on Route 309 is the '''Quakertown Family Restaurant''' delivering huge portions and a friendly staff. Right across from the Quakertown Family Restaurant is The Trainers Corner Shopping Center (225 North West End Boulevard) which offers many dining options including: '''TGI Friday's''', '''Applebee's Bar and Grill''', '''Red Robin Restaurant''', '''McDonalds''', '''Burger King''', '''Coldstone Creamery''', '''Starbucks Coffee''', and '''Il Garda Restaurant'''. The small local chain and drive-thru '''Yum Yum Bake Shop''' on 1461 W. Broad Street specializes in donuts and coffee. This shop is a local favorite and offers various muffins, pastries, and breakfast foods as well. On 213 W Broad St stop by for a snack at the '''Philly Soft Pretzel Factory''' for hot, freshly baked, hand twisted pretzels. Just over a few blocks is '''Dominick's Restaurant & Pizzeria''' on 327 W. Broad St. This local hotspot has been around for over 35 years, serving pizza, pasta, burgers, strombolis, hoagies, salads, and homemade deserts. '''[http://www.mccoolesredlioninn.com/ McCoole's at the Red Lion Inn]''' serves fine dining at a casual dining price. The '''[http://thebricktaverninn.com/ Brick Tavern Inn]''' offers relaxed country dining with new American Cuisine. The '''[http://www.spinnerstownhotel.com/new/Home Spinnerstown Hotel]''' features pub fare and sandwiches on its menu. ==Drink== '''Hobo's Bar and Grill''' is a local late night hang out spot for the 21 and over crowd. Large selection of beers, specialty drinks and martinis, and after dinner drinks. Located on 85 S West End Blvd. '''Applebee's Bar and Grill''' (145 N West End Blvd) is a great spot to watch sporting events on TV or grab a drink after a day at work. *{{drink | name=McCoole's at the Historic Red Lion Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=4 S Main St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Amidst stone walls, stamped tin ceilings, old wood floors, open fireplaces and period furnishings. Luncheons, celebrations, special occasions. |lastedit=2018-09-15}} ==Sleep== '''McCoole's Historic Red Lion Inn''' is located on 4 S. Main St at the corner of Broad St and Main St. McCoole's offers entertainment, live performances, free wireless internet, and non-smoking rooms. There is an on-site restaurant with outside dining and a bar, serving a variety of reasonably priced menu items. '''Best Western Motor Inn''' sits at 1446 W Broad Street. It offers free wireless internet access, complimentary continental breakfast, a fitness center, and free parking. Minutes from numerous shopping and restaurants. Right off the Quakertown exit on John Fries Highway are an '''Econo Lodge & Suites''' (1905 John Fries Highway) and a '''Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites''' (1918 John Fries Highway). * {{sleep | name=Hostelling International Quakertown | alt=Weisel Hostel | url=http://www.hi-dvc.org/hostels/weisel {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=7347 Richlandtown Rd | lat=40.440146 | long=-75.270740 | directions= | phone=+1 215 536-8749 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$10-15 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ==Connect== Many surrounding hotels have free wireless internet access, however some have restrictions for guests only. Lacey's Pub and Grill on 1907 John Fries Highway offers free wifi, as well as Starbucks on 610 N West End Blvd and McDonald's on 2 N West End Blvd. For more information, contact the '''[https://www.quakertownboro.com Borough of Quakertown]''' 35 N Third Street, {{Phone|+1 215-536-5001}}; E-mail: manager@quakertownboro.com. ==Go next== Bucks County has numerous parks and attractions in the surrounding area. Other small towns nearby to visit include Doylestown, New Hope, Bensalem, Yardley, Newtown, Bristol, Perkasie, Sellersville, and Chalfont. Neighboring bigger cities and towns are Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, and Easton. {{geo|40.44167|-75.34167}} {{IsPartOf|Bucks County}} {{outlinecity}} et9txqbipxon4hnle2c196n4ne3hfah 0 29352 4488013 4483667 2022-07-21T23:12:33Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Why use "in close proximity to" when you can just use "close to"? And the standard [[sh|section header]] is "By plane," not "By air." wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Reading}} [[File:View of Reading area from Pagoda.jpg|thumb|right|View of Reading from The Pagoda]] '''Reading''' is in the state of [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Understand== Reading is a very old and historic city in Pennsylvania. It was once home to one of the largest railway systems in the country (where the familiar Reading Railroad from the [[Monopoly]] board comes from) which radiated in all directions from the City of Reading. The construction of the railroad was probably the single greatest factor in the development of Berks county. While Reading has experienced an economic downturn, efforts are being made to try to revitalize the city's downtown area with such projects as the Sovereign Center, the Sovereign Performing Arts Center, the Miller Center, the Goggle Works Center for the Arts, and the Reading Movies 11, which includes an IMAX theater. Today, Reading is a city pulsating with industrial life. It is also well equipped with agencies that represent civilization at its best-churches, hospitals, clubs, fraternal societies, recreational centers, schools and colleges, a historical society, an art institute, and a daily newspaper. Reading claims the distinction of a symphony orchestra, two choral societies, a chamber musical ensemble, a civic opera company, and many other excellent music groups that have contributed to the city's prestige as a center of art and culture. Reading is not only an excellent place to visit because of what it has to offer but also because it is close to other popular destinations. Reading is centrally located, about an hour northwest of Philadelphia, 2½ hours southwest of New York City, 3 hours north of Washington, DC, 40 minutes from the Amish country and about an hour from Hershey park and Dorney Park which offers a lot of opportunities for day trips for tourists staying in the area. Reading also lies only about 2½ to about 3½ hours from some beautiful shore resorts in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Reading is close to both [[Philadelphia International Airport]] in [[Philadelphia]] and [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]]. ===By bus=== Reading is served by many major bus services such as '''[https://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''', and '''[https://www.trailways.com/ Trailways]'''. Long-distance buses arrive at the {{marker|type=go|name=Inter-City bus terminal|lat=40.336133|long=-75.932023}} at 20 N 3rd St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=12}} '''[http://www.bartabus.com/ BARTA]''', the Berks Area Reading Transit Authority, runs buses in Reading and throughout the Berks Region. Base fare is $1.70, transfers are $.25. The central hub for local and regional bus lines is {{marker|type=around|name=BARTA Transportation Center|lat=40.333967|long=-75.922989}}, at 701 Franklin St. ===By taxi=== There are many taxi cab services that offer 24-hour transportation around Reading. * Reading Yellow Cab: +1 610 374-5111 * Grab A Cab: +1 610 478-1111 ==See== [[File: Pagoda Reading PA USA.jpg|thumb|right|The Pagoda]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Central Pennsylvania African-American Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cpafricanamericanmuseum.org {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=119 N 10th St | lat=40.337273 | long=-75.917851 | directions= | phone=+1 610-371-8713 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4897840 | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=In the old AME Church (the sixth one in the world) and features a hidden tunnel from the [[Underground Railroad]] used by escaping slaves during the pre-Civil War era. }} * {{see | name=Goggle Works Center for the Arts | alt= | url=https://www.goggleworks.org/ | email= | address=201 Washington St | lat=40.337260 | long=-75.932825 | directions= | phone=+1 610-374-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=A large arts center built out of a factory that used to manufacture goggles for World War II. It boasts frequent art exhibitions as well as a very wide variety of art studios and classes. It also has a small theater that shows independent films. }} * {{see | name=Reading Public Museum | alt= | url=http://www.readingpublicmuseum.org | email= | address=500 Museum Rd | lat=40.327354 | long=-75.951347 | directions= | phone=+1 610-371-5850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=Houses a modest collection of exhibits from around the world, most notably a mummy. There's also a planetarium and a botanical garden on the grounds. Many brides from the area choose to have their wedding pictures taken in the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Reading Railroad Heritage Museum | alt= | url=http://www.readingrailroad.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q85796208 | content=Located just North of Reading in Hamburg, features a model train layout and various other exhibits devoted to the history and preservation of the Reading Railroad. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays year-round. }} * {{see | name=The Golden Age Air Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content=In the far reaches of Berks County; nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Bethel, Pennsylvania, features many antique airplanes, most built before 1930, and many still flown today. The museum offers Barnstorming Biplane rides and Flying Circus Air Show several times per year. }} Every September, the Lions Club hosts an antique car show in Strausstown; Directly off of I-78. Several attractions can be seen atop Mount Penn, overlooking the city. The fire tower, which has been restored, and the trademark [http://www.readingpagoda.com Pagoda], which also houses various artwork. The Pagoda was originally intended to be a luxury hotel. Unfortunately, when the application for a license to serve alcohol was denied the luxury inn never materialized and the building went into the hands of a local bank. West Reading, across the river, has a thriving arts scene and Penn Avenue is host to many independent cafés and stores. An [http://rctheatres.com/location/10927/Reading-Movies-11-and-IMAX-Showtimes Imax theater] has been built in Reading. R/C Theatres near the Goggle works on 30 North second street. It offers stadium seating with high back rocking chairs, Imax auditorium, online ticketing, game and party rooms, and free three hour parking. *{{see | name=Reading Pet Expo | url= | email= | address=2525 N. 12th Street, Reading, PA 19605 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It's in Berks County. The Greater Reading area is a convenient destination with easy access to major roadways I-78, Rt. 222, Rt. 422 and the PA Turnpike - a quick connect to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Baltimore, and Allentown. The Greater Reading Expo Center is one of the largest privately owned expo facilities on the east coast with more than 225,000 sq. feet on one floor with over 3000 free on-site parking spaces. This show has brought to Pennsylvania a versatile show, which entertains, educates and offers opportunities for both the general public and pet enthusiasts. }} *{{see | name=Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles | url=http://www.boyertownmuseum.org | email= | address=85 S. Walnut St, Boyertown | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 367-2090 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pennsylvania heritage collection; 100+ autos, trucks, and horse-drawn vehicles built in Southeastern Pennsylvania. }} Reading and the surrounding area of Berks County have a beautiful park system. They have 13 parks to visit and enjoy, including Gring's Mill Recreation Area, the Union Canal Walking & Bicycle Trail, Kaercher Creek Park, Antietam Lake and the Berks County Heritage Center. They offer recreation and educational programs year-round. Whether you enjoy summer concerts in the park, festivals, or historical programs; There is something for all ages! ==Do== There are a few sports clubs around, along with the Santander Arena which houses many sporting events including the Reading Royals, the local hockey team and the Reading Express, an IFL indoor football team. It first opened its doors in September of 2001 and began hosting several different events. The center has attracted many famous artists including Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, the Blue Man Group, Matchbox 20, the American Idol Tour, Rod Stewart, Kid Rock, and Clay Aikan. The Sovereign Performing Arts Center also hosts many traveling productions such as the Nutcracker around the holidays and the Reading Symphony orchestra, a surprisingly excellent group given the town it's in. The Reading Comedy Outlet (cleverly named for Reading's famous shopping centers), at Hiester's lanes Bowling and Billiards, has been serving the Reading area since 1992. The Reading Phillies, the minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, play out of FirstEnergy Stadium. The stadium is one of the oldest minor league stadiums and is regarded as one of the finest facilities in the nation. The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, a diverse collection of military and civilian aircraft, as well as the active restoration of a World War II P-61 Black Widow. Every June the museum hosts 'WWII Weekend', a traveling collection of wartime aircraft, weapons, and wartime vehicles. There are also many golf courses in the Reading area. One in particular is The Reading Country Club. It is 18 holes in the outskirts of Reading in Exeter Township. It is a challenging public course measuring 6,1612 yards and a par of 71. The course had been open since 1922 and in 1937 Byron Nelson, a Masters Champion, was the golf pro. Later in 1940 Henry Clay Poe became the golf pro at The Reading Country Club. Many more golf pro's came after them, but these two are memorable enough to have a room named after each of them in the clubhouse, that is now a beautiful restaurant. Within the clubhouse, you can either enjoy the excellent food in the Grille Room or on the Porch. The Grille room is a casual atmosphere where there are 6 tvs to watch the latest sporting events and a beautiful bar where you can enjoy a drink after a round of golf or while you're waiting for your table. But if you'd rather a more romantic atmosphere try dining in the Porch. The [http://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ '''Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad'''] offers passenger excursions out of the Reading Outer Station located at Pottsville Pike (Route 61) and Bellevue Avenue. Another great place that everyone will enjoy is Berks Lanes. It is in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, at 3190 Shillington Road. Whether you want to join a league, glow bowl, have a birthday party, or just hang out with friends and family, Berks Lanes has something for everyone. They have an extensive food menu, an arcade, billiards, bumpers for kids, and a lounge. '''Hiester Lanes''' offers the same activities and amenities. ===Festivals=== Every October the '''Oktoberfest''' is held right near the historic Stokesay castle in Mount Penn. The Oktoberfest is put on by the Reading Liederkranz. It is a festival of culture, food, clothing, crafts, and dance. [http://www.readingliederkranz.com] Each March the '''Berks Jazz Fest''' comes to town for 10 days and offers many musical experiences for residents and visitors. Some past performers have included some well known names such as Chris Bottie, Betty Carter, the Dave Brubeck Quartet and Wynton Marsalis. '''The Apple Dumpling festival and pageant''' is held every summer at Willow Glen Park. It includes a craft show, company picnics, food, pageants, and carnival rides. [http://appledumplingfest.com/] Every winter Reading hold the '''[http://www.jinglebellfestival.org/ Jingle Bell Fest]'''. A light display, Holiday Music, Childrens rides, and holiday food. Like the Apple Dumpling Festival it is held at Willow Glen Park. Every Fall Willow Glen Park holds '''[http://shocktoberfest.com/ Shocktober fest]''': Pennsylvania’s Premier Haunted Scream Park. It offers 4 different haunted attractions: the Toxic Asylum, Biohazard Hayride w/ The SawKill, Prison of the Dead, and Club Shock. According to the Travel Channel it is “one of the scariest places in America”. Every Spring the '''Cherry Blossom Festival''' of Greater Reading Pennsylvania is held at the River Place on the Schuylkill. It offers a guided bike ride, Japanese films, and dragon viewings. [http://www.riverplacepa.com/cherryblossomfest09.htm] Another popular festival is the '''Kutztown Folk Festival''' about 15 miles northeast of Reading. The festival is very well known and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The '''Oley Valley Community Fair''' is a unique true old fashioned, down-home, country fair. In 2010, it marked the 64th anniversary. The fair promotes good, friendly competition among friends and neighbors of the surrounding area. Each year you can see a wide variety of local products from the farm and home that are entered in many different categories. The '''Duryea Hillclimb''', a biannual race held by the SCCA on Reading's famous Skyline Drive; Beginning at Reading Park, around a series of chicanes, and past the Pagoda has been held since 1951. Another great event to attend in the area would be '''Reading Earth Day'''. On this day, there are many eco activities and presenters for people to enjoy. Also, plenty of entertainment, good food, and free activities for kids. ==Buy== Reading still calls itself the outlet capital of the world, though the name is a remnant of when it was one of the few cities to boast outlets. Still, the [http://www.vffo.com/reading.htm VF Outlet Complex] remains one of Reading's biggest draws with hundreds of out-of-town visitors shopping its dozens of discount stores daily. Another part of Reading's history is the store named Boscovs. Reading is home to Boscovs first store. Boscov's has grown into a 39 store company throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Boscov's is one of the largest family owned department store chains in the U.S. Boscov's used to sponsor the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade previous to its bankruptcy in August of 2008, but don't let that discourage you because Boscov's is back on its feet and reorganizing to save this family owned store and an asset to the community. ===Shopping centers and malls=== *'''Berkshire Mall''' is mid-range and Boscov's and Sears serve as anchors. It became world famous a few years ago after a video of a woman falling into a fountain, while pensively texting on her cellphone went viral. Across the street are smaller outdoor shopping centers and restaurants. Berkshire sports a dated 1970s original interior, but the stores themselves are generally kept up to date. *'''Fairgrounds Square Mall''' was Reading's second indoor mall. Anchors include Boscov's, Burlington Coat Factory, and a movie theater. The interior of the mall has closed due to ceiling leakage. There are also many strip malls and one true mall in the Reading area. Exeter Commons shopping center, in Reading's eastern suburbs, opened in the summer of 2009 and offers Lowe's, Target, Giant, Staples, Petco, Famous Footwear, Sonic, Five Guys, and Red Robin. The Shoppes at Wyomissing opened in 2007 and has slightly higher end shops such as Rack Room Shoes, Justice, New York & Company, Loft, J.Jill, Coldwater Creek, Chico's, Jos. A. Bank, Yankee Candle and Gymboree. Broadcasting Square, in Spring Township in Reading's western suburbs, opened in 2000 and features stores such as Target, Ulta, Dick's, Marshall's, Famous Footwear, Petco, Ross, Barnes and Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as numerous chain restaurants like Buca di Beppo, Chili's, and Smoky Bones. Some of the stores at Broadcasting Square represent that chain's only store in the Reading market, such as Marshall's and Bed Bath & Beyond. The Berkshire Mall, opening in the early 1970s, is a medium scale mall, and features stores such as Hollister, American Eagle, Wet Seal, Christopher Banks, Pacific Sunwear, Bath and Body Works, and Victoria's Secret. Along Penn Avenue (US route 422 Business) in the separate borough of West Reading, you'll find numerous unique boutiques and restaurants, ranging from basic to urban chic. Specifically, Bella Jules has a great selection of items from different well-known designers along with a fabulous selection of prom dresses. You'll also find restaurants in West Reading that offer sidewalk seating along Penn Ave during the warmer months. *'''Cabelas''', situated in Hamburg, north of Reading, at the junctures of Route 61 and I-78 is a popular superstore, and tourist destination featuring large aquariums, animal mounts, as well as a shopping experience catering to those with a love of the outdoors. The business center surrounding Cabelas contains various restaurants and steakhouses, as well as Lowes, Walmart, and smaller strip mall shops. *'''[http://www.ironhorsehobby.com/ Iron Horse Hobby House]''' ==Eat== Until the mid-1990s, Reading was the home of Joe's Restaurant - a humbly named eatery owned by Joe Czarnecki; Whose passion for fine wine and mushroom delicacies created a definitive cook book, "Joe's Book of Mushroom Cookery" and transformed the family business into a world renowned institution of fine dining. It was in 1996, after Joe's passing, the family moved the restaurant to the Palmer House in Dayton, Oregon. Reading has a resurging dining scene with many locally owned ethnic restaurants. * {{eat | name=Jimmy Kramer's Peanut Bar | alt= | url=http://www.peanutbar.com/ | email= | address=332 Penn St | lat=40.335182 | long=-75.930845 | directions= | phone=+1 610-376-8500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=The place where local reporters and politicians have often met. In existence for almost 100 years, the bar allows patrons to throw peanut shells on the floor. }} There are many other wonderful dining options including: *The '''Mezcal's Mexican Restaurant''' is at 150 N. 6th street and offers delicious traditional Mexican cuisine at competitive prices. Reservations are recommended on nights of performances at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. *'''The Captains Cove Restaurant/Bar''' is in Mount Penn at 2619 Hill Rd. It offers a pirate themed outdoor seating area as well as an indoor seating area. It also has several bar areas inside and outside. [http://thecoverestaurantbar.blogspot.com] *The'''Stokesay Castle''' is a gourmet offering. Notable among the 13th-century Scottish castle's architecture is Andrea Heinly, a ''Hell's Kitchen'' contestant and chef on staff. *Another excellent option for fine dining is '''Judy's on Cherry'''. *For Vietnamese food '''Hong Thahn''' is a delicious choice. Privately owned, the restaurant offers well prepared traditional dishes paired with a pleasant atmosphere. *'''Aashiana Indian Restaurant''' for Indian food. When you leave the city, Penn Street continues under the name Penn Avenues and your dining opportunities do not stop either. *'''[http://www.gofishseafood.com/ Go Fish!]''' is a great seafood market and sushi bar in West Reading. Dine in or take out. 619 Penn Ave. Another great place for a sushi lover to visit is the '''Tokyo Hibachi and Bar''' which has a large variety of Asian cuisine options; hibachi, sushi, or traditional Chinese cuisine this restaurant will please everyone. * '''Panda Heaven''', 350 N. Park Rd, Wyomissing, is a great Japanese food restaurant. Their menu consists of miso soup, chicken teriyaki and sushi tuna. They have a sushi bar, hibachi steak house, a conference room available, and they also provide take-out. *For Mexican food in the more suburban areas you should definitely check out the locally owned chain '''Alebreje'''. There are three locations for this restaurant but the most popular is on the 4th street highway. *'''[http://workswyomissing.com/ Works]''' at 1109 Bern Road +1 610 375-2700. Traditional American cuisine. The Works has an arcade, miniature bowling alleys, and real sports inside the restaurant. *For Italian food, check out the family-owned '''G.N.A. Ristorante Pizzeria''' and '''Toscani''' which offer a large variety of delicious Italian dishes, a family friendly atmosphere and are open for brunch on sundays. *'''Aladdin''' is a great option for anyone interested in Mediterranean cuisine. *The area also offers many diners that are favorites of the local residents. These include the '''West Reading Diner''', '''Wyomissing Family Restaurant''', '''Mount Penn Diner''', '''Exeter Family Restaurant''', and '''Queen City Restaurant''' *{{eat | name=Austin's Restaurant & Bar | url= | email= | address=1101 Snyder Road, West Lawn | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 678-5500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{drink | name=The World Famous Pike Cafe | url= | email= | address=930 Pike Street | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Pike & Moss | phone = +1 610 373-6616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=930 Pike Street started as a row-home, then a mom and pop pretzel store, then a small bakery, until it began its claim to fame as the Pike Cafe in the 1940s. Starting as a corner bar in the city of Reading, the Pike was a popular favorite for locals from the 1940s until 1985. The Pike Cafe became "the place to be" in the 1980s. In 1992, they began to start serving wings, which was the original Wing Night in Berks County. The Pike Cafe has become known as one of the best locally owned establishments for dining, drinking, and having fun. }} *{{eat | name=Esposito's Restaurant & Pizza | url= | email= | address=1540 Friedensberg Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 779-9333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Esposito's is another great restaurant for Italian food. Eat in or take out. They have a full bar service. Pizza, sandwiches, great Italian dishes. }} *{{eat | name=Schell's Fast Food Restaurant & Miniature Golf | url= | email= | address=4625 5th Street Hwy, Temple (north of Reading) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 929-9660 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you are looking for a quick, easy, delicious meal, ice cream, and a game of mini golf, Schell's is the place to go. Schell's is casual dining, great for groups and children, and provide outdoor seating. A restaurant, a dairy stand and a 27-hole miniature golf course. }} ==Drink== Many corners of Reading house small bars and pubs, if you're feeling adventurous. *[http://www.winedowncafe.net/ Winedown cafe & wine bar] has a very relaxed atmosphere for wine lovers. Penn Ave in West Reading. * {{drink | name=Canal Street Pub & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.canalstreetpub.com/ | email= | address=535 Canal Street | lat=40.325491 | long=-75.926412 | directions= | phone=+1 610 376-4009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content= Offers billiards, darts, TV, and a private party room. }} * {{drink | name=The Speckled Hen | alt= | url=http://www.speckledhenpub.com/ | email= | address=30 South 4th street | lat=40.334286 | long=-75.930078 | directions= | phone=+1 610 685-8511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content= Can accommodate private parties and offers a wide selection of traditional dishes. }} *{{drink | name=3rd & Spruce Cafe | url=https://www.thirdandspruce.com | email= | address=238 S 3rd Ave | lat=40.332115 | long=-75.944860 | directions=3rd & Spruce | phone=+1 610 376-5254 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=A bar and restaurant in Reading which has been a local landmark for over 60 years. Offering a casual atmosphere with daily food and drink specials, their kitchen is open seven days a week until midnight. }} *{{drink | name=Building 24 Kitchen & Bar | url= | email= | address=1115 Bern Road, Wyomissing | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 375-2700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Set in a renovated turn-of-the-century factory is a dining and entertainment hot spot. The restaurant features upscale cuisine, classic cocktails, an excellent microbrew selection, a diverse wine menu, and open air dining with an expansive covered deck and bar area. Building 24's entertainment area features a cutting edge light and sound system, four bars, VIP section, with regional and national entertainment. }} *{{drink | name=Brewer's Bar & Grill | url= | email= | address=101 South 3rd Avenue, West Reading | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 375-8760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Brewer's Bar & Grill is a hoppin' sports bar and restaurant in West Reading. Brewer's takes you back deep into the history of Reading Brewery's before & after prohibition. Memorabilia from these decades can be found hanging on every wall. Formerly known as Kaley's Korner, a complete renovation of inside and out has made Brewer's Bar & Grill a great place to be! }} *{{drink | name=Legends | url= | email= | address=5th Street Hwy | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Legends is open 365 days a year. Their kitchen serves lunch and dinner and is open until 11&nbsp;PM. The bar is open until 2&nbsp;AM every night. Be prepared to see bartenders flipping bottles, throwing glasses, riding unicycles, or even dressing up in ridiculous costumes for holidays and special events. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Reading | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/reading/rdgcp/hoteldetail | email= | address=1741 Papermill Road | lat=40.347001 | long=-75.969699 | directions= | phone=+1 610-376-3811 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=Hotel offers double rooms, business suites in our Crowne Club Tower. The hotel also offers the area’s largest heated pool and Jacuzzi, an on-location Goodnites Lounge and Nightclub, Prime Steak and Wine Restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center and sauna. }} * {{sleep | name=Inn at Reading-Clarion | alt= | url=http://www.innatreading.com/ | email= | address=1040 N Park Road | lat=40.347689 | long=-75.961011 | directions= | phone=+1 610 372-7811 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-reading-RDGPAHW/index.html | email= | address=2801 Papermill Road | lat=40.361540 | long=-75.988394 | directions= | phone=+1 610 736-3100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=The Homewoodsuites offer complimentary breakfast and beverage areas, a fitness room, and a pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Candlewood Suites Reading | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/reading/rdgcw/hoteldetail | email= | address=55 S 3rd Ave | lat=40.334273 | long=-75.943176 | directions= | phone=+1 610 898-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=The Candlewood suites offer a 24-hour health/fitness center and a convenience store. }} *{{sleep | name=Twin Turrets Inn | url=http://www.twinturrets.com | email= | address=11 E. Philadelphia Ave, Boyertown | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 367-4513 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=1860 Victorian has all the amenities, antiques throughout. Thick robes and thirsty towels compliment your private bath. Breakfast at your convenience in your suite, dining room, patio or gardens. Golf, baseball, antiques and Reading Outlets nearby. Mobil and AAA recommended. }} === Bed and Breakfasts === For visitors interested in a more intimate experience Reading offers some very quaint bed and breakfasts which are in close proximity to many of the most visited attractions. * {{sleep | name=Overlook Mansion Bed & Breakfast | alt= | url=http://www.overlookmansionbedandbreakfast.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=620 Centre Ave | lat=40.345137 | long=-75.929918 | directions= | phone=+1 610-371-9173 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=Aside from being in one of the most historic areas of Reading, this B&B offers complimentary beverages and snacks throughout the day and beautiful grounds where visitors can sit outside on warm days. }} * {{sleep | name=The Inn at Centre Park | alt= | url=http://www.theinnatcentrepark.com/ | email= | address=730 Centre Ave | lat=40.346807 | long=-75.930882 | directions= | phone=+1 610-374-8557 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=It's in a historic Victorian style mansion in one of Reading's oldest neighborhoods. Every room is uniquely and beautifully decorated and there are many activities offered on the grounds daily. }} ==Stay safe== While Reading's crime rate has been falling, it is much higher than the national average. Reading has experienced gang-related crime. The city violent crime rate for Reading in 2016 was higher than the national violent crime rate average by 71.17% and the city property crime rate in Reading was higher than the national property crime rate average by 6.48%. ==Go next== *[[Kutztown]], 17 miles northeast, small town home to Kutztown University, the Kutztown Folk Festival, and Crystal Cave. *[[Allentown]], 30 miles northeast, Pennsylvania's third largest city {{routebox | image1=US 222.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=S | majorl1=[[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]] | minorl1=Jct [[File:I-76.svg|18px]][[File:Pennsylvania Turnpike logo.svg|18px]] | directionr1=N | majorr1=[[Allentown]] | minorr1=[[Kutztown]] | image2=US 422.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl2=[[Lebanon (Pennsylvania)|Lebanon]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] via [[File:I-76.svg|18px]] | minorr2=[[King of Prussia]] | image3=PA-61.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Shamokin Dam]] | minorl3=[[Pottsville]] ← Jct [[File:I-78.svg|18px]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|40.33556|-75.92694}} {{IsPartOf|Philadelphia Region}} 16wefd5oi1yqecynbhiwhvo0sga3kkf 4488020 4488013 2022-07-21T23:27:41Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Tried to improve the lede to the extent I can, not having visited the city. Thanks to [[w:Reading, Pennsylvania]] and Google Maps for this information. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg|pgname=Reading}} [[File:View of Reading area from Pagoda.jpg|thumb|right|View of Reading from The Pagoda]] '''Reading''' is a historic city of about 95,000 (2020 Census) in [[Pennsylvania]], about 50 miles northwest of [[Philadelphia]], 35 miles southwest of [[Allentown]] and 55 miles east of [[Harrisburg]]. It punches above its weight in culture, and its downtown features some iconic buildings, so consider making it a stopover on your way between any of these and other area cities. ==Understand== Reading is a very old and historic city in Pennsylvania. It was once home to one of the largest railway systems in the country (where the familiar Reading Railroad from the [[Monopoly]] board comes from) which radiated in all directions from the City of Reading. The construction of the railroad was probably the single greatest factor in the development of Berks county. While Reading has experienced an economic downturn, efforts are being made to try to revitalize the city's downtown area with such projects as the Sovereign Center, the Sovereign Performing Arts Center, the Miller Center, the Goggle Works Center for the Arts, and the Reading Movies 11, which includes an IMAX theater. Today, Reading is a city pulsating with industrial life. It is also well equipped with agencies that represent civilization at its best-churches, hospitals, clubs, fraternal societies, recreational centers, schools and colleges, a historical society, an art institute, and a daily newspaper. Reading claims the distinction of a symphony orchestra, two choral societies, a chamber musical ensemble, a civic opera company, and many other excellent music groups that have contributed to the city's prestige as a center of art and culture. Reading is not only an excellent place to visit because of what it has to offer but also because it is close to other popular destinations. Reading is centrally located, about an hour northwest of Philadelphia, 2½ hours southwest of New York City, 3 hours north of Washington, DC, 40 minutes from the Amish country and about an hour from Hershey park and Dorney Park which offers a lot of opportunities for day trips for tourists staying in the area. Reading also lies only about 2½ to about 3½ hours from some beautiful shore resorts in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Reading is close to both [[Philadelphia International Airport]] and [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]]. ===By bus=== Reading is served by many major bus services such as '''[https://www.greyhound.com Greyhound]''', and '''[https://www.trailways.com/ Trailways]'''. Long-distance buses arrive at the {{marker|type=go|name=Inter-City bus terminal|lat=40.336133|long=-75.932023}} at 20 N 3rd St. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=12}} '''[http://www.bartabus.com/ BARTA]''', the Berks Area Reading Transit Authority, runs buses in Reading and throughout the Berks Region. Base fare is $1.70, transfers are $.25. The central hub for local and regional bus lines is {{marker|type=around|name=BARTA Transportation Center|lat=40.333967|long=-75.922989}}, at 701 Franklin St. ===By taxi=== There are many taxi cab services that offer 24-hour transportation around Reading. * Reading Yellow Cab: +1 610 374-5111 * Grab A Cab: +1 610 478-1111 ==See== [[File: Pagoda Reading PA USA.jpg|thumb|right|The Pagoda]] * {{listing | type=see | name=Central Pennsylvania African-American Museum | alt= | url=http://www.cpafricanamericanmuseum.org {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=119 N 10th St | lat=40.337273 | long=-75.917851 | directions= | phone=+1 610-371-8713 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4897840 | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=In the old AME Church (the sixth one in the world) and features a hidden tunnel from the [[Underground Railroad]] used by escaping slaves during the pre-Civil War era. }} * {{see | name=Goggle Works Center for the Arts | alt= | url=https://www.goggleworks.org/ | email= | address=201 Washington St | lat=40.337260 | long=-75.932825 | directions= | phone=+1 610-374-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=A large arts center built out of a factory that used to manufacture goggles for World War II. It boasts frequent art exhibitions as well as a very wide variety of art studios and classes. It also has a small theater that shows independent films. }} * {{see | name=Reading Public Museum | alt= | url=http://www.readingpublicmuseum.org | email= | address=500 Museum Rd | lat=40.327354 | long=-75.951347 | directions= | phone=+1 610-371-5850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=Houses a modest collection of exhibits from around the world, most notably a mummy. There's also a planetarium and a botanical garden on the grounds. Many brides from the area choose to have their wedding pictures taken in the gardens. }} * {{see | name=Reading Railroad Heritage Museum | alt= | url=http://www.readingrailroad.org/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q85796208 | content=Located just North of Reading in Hamburg, features a model train layout and various other exhibits devoted to the history and preservation of the Reading Railroad. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays year-round. }} * {{see | name=The Golden Age Air Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | content=In the far reaches of Berks County; nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Bethel, Pennsylvania, features many antique airplanes, most built before 1930, and many still flown today. The museum offers Barnstorming Biplane rides and Flying Circus Air Show several times per year. }} Every September, the Lions Club hosts an antique car show in Strausstown; Directly off of I-78. Several attractions can be seen atop Mount Penn, overlooking the city. The fire tower, which has been restored, and the trademark [http://www.readingpagoda.com Pagoda], which also houses various artwork. The Pagoda was originally intended to be a luxury hotel. Unfortunately, when the application for a license to serve alcohol was denied the luxury inn never materialized and the building went into the hands of a local bank. West Reading, across the river, has a thriving arts scene and Penn Avenue is host to many independent cafés and stores. An [http://rctheatres.com/location/10927/Reading-Movies-11-and-IMAX-Showtimes Imax theater] has been built in Reading. R/C Theatres near the Goggle works on 30 North second street. It offers stadium seating with high back rocking chairs, Imax auditorium, online ticketing, game and party rooms, and free three hour parking. *{{see | name=Reading Pet Expo | url= | email= | address=2525 N. 12th Street, Reading, PA 19605 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It's in Berks County. The Greater Reading area is a convenient destination with easy access to major roadways I-78, Rt. 222, Rt. 422 and the PA Turnpike - a quick connect to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Baltimore, and Allentown. The Greater Reading Expo Center is one of the largest privately owned expo facilities on the east coast with more than 225,000 sq. feet on one floor with over 3000 free on-site parking spaces. This show has brought to Pennsylvania a versatile show, which entertains, educates and offers opportunities for both the general public and pet enthusiasts. }} *{{see | name=Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles | url=http://www.boyertownmuseum.org | email= | address=85 S. Walnut St, Boyertown | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 367-2090 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pennsylvania heritage collection; 100+ autos, trucks, and horse-drawn vehicles built in Southeastern Pennsylvania. }} Reading and the surrounding area of Berks County have a beautiful park system. They have 13 parks to visit and enjoy, including Gring's Mill Recreation Area, the Union Canal Walking & Bicycle Trail, Kaercher Creek Park, Antietam Lake and the Berks County Heritage Center. They offer recreation and educational programs year-round. Whether you enjoy summer concerts in the park, festivals, or historical programs; There is something for all ages! ==Do== There are a few sports clubs around, along with the Santander Arena which houses many sporting events including the Reading Royals, the local hockey team and the Reading Express, an IFL indoor football team. It first opened its doors in September of 2001 and began hosting several different events. The center has attracted many famous artists including Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, the Blue Man Group, Matchbox 20, the American Idol Tour, Rod Stewart, Kid Rock, and Clay Aikan. The Sovereign Performing Arts Center also hosts many traveling productions such as the Nutcracker around the holidays and the Reading Symphony orchestra, a surprisingly excellent group given the town it's in. The Reading Comedy Outlet (cleverly named for Reading's famous shopping centers), at Hiester's lanes Bowling and Billiards, has been serving the Reading area since 1992. The Reading Phillies, the minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, play out of FirstEnergy Stadium. The stadium is one of the oldest minor league stadiums and is regarded as one of the finest facilities in the nation. The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, a diverse collection of military and civilian aircraft, as well as the active restoration of a World War II P-61 Black Widow. Every June the museum hosts 'WWII Weekend', a traveling collection of wartime aircraft, weapons, and wartime vehicles. There are also many golf courses in the Reading area. One in particular is The Reading Country Club. It is 18 holes in the outskirts of Reading in Exeter Township. It is a challenging public course measuring 6,1612 yards and a par of 71. The course had been open since 1922 and in 1937 Byron Nelson, a Masters Champion, was the golf pro. Later in 1940 Henry Clay Poe became the golf pro at The Reading Country Club. Many more golf pro's came after them, but these two are memorable enough to have a room named after each of them in the clubhouse, that is now a beautiful restaurant. Within the clubhouse, you can either enjoy the excellent food in the Grille Room or on the Porch. The Grille room is a casual atmosphere where there are 6 tvs to watch the latest sporting events and a beautiful bar where you can enjoy a drink after a round of golf or while you're waiting for your table. But if you'd rather a more romantic atmosphere try dining in the Porch. The [http://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ '''Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad'''] offers passenger excursions out of the Reading Outer Station located at Pottsville Pike (Route 61) and Bellevue Avenue. Another great place that everyone will enjoy is Berks Lanes. It is in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, at 3190 Shillington Road. Whether you want to join a league, glow bowl, have a birthday party, or just hang out with friends and family, Berks Lanes has something for everyone. They have an extensive food menu, an arcade, billiards, bumpers for kids, and a lounge. '''Hiester Lanes''' offers the same activities and amenities. ===Festivals=== Every October the '''Oktoberfest''' is held right near the historic Stokesay castle in Mount Penn. The Oktoberfest is put on by the Reading Liederkranz. It is a festival of culture, food, clothing, crafts, and dance. [http://www.readingliederkranz.com] Each March the '''Berks Jazz Fest''' comes to town for 10 days and offers many musical experiences for residents and visitors. Some past performers have included some well known names such as Chris Bottie, Betty Carter, the Dave Brubeck Quartet and Wynton Marsalis. '''The Apple Dumpling festival and pageant''' is held every summer at Willow Glen Park. It includes a craft show, company picnics, food, pageants, and carnival rides. [http://appledumplingfest.com/] Every winter Reading hold the '''[http://www.jinglebellfestival.org/ Jingle Bell Fest]'''. A light display, Holiday Music, Childrens rides, and holiday food. Like the Apple Dumpling Festival it is held at Willow Glen Park. Every Fall Willow Glen Park holds '''[http://shocktoberfest.com/ Shocktober fest]''': Pennsylvania’s Premier Haunted Scream Park. It offers 4 different haunted attractions: the Toxic Asylum, Biohazard Hayride w/ The SawKill, Prison of the Dead, and Club Shock. According to the Travel Channel it is “one of the scariest places in America”. Every Spring the '''Cherry Blossom Festival''' of Greater Reading Pennsylvania is held at the River Place on the Schuylkill. It offers a guided bike ride, Japanese films, and dragon viewings. [http://www.riverplacepa.com/cherryblossomfest09.htm] Another popular festival is the '''Kutztown Folk Festival''' about 15 miles northeast of Reading. The festival is very well known and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The '''Oley Valley Community Fair''' is a unique true old fashioned, down-home, country fair. In 2010, it marked the 64th anniversary. The fair promotes good, friendly competition among friends and neighbors of the surrounding area. Each year you can see a wide variety of local products from the farm and home that are entered in many different categories. The '''Duryea Hillclimb''', a biannual race held by the SCCA on Reading's famous Skyline Drive; Beginning at Reading Park, around a series of chicanes, and past the Pagoda has been held since 1951. Another great event to attend in the area would be '''Reading Earth Day'''. On this day, there are many eco activities and presenters for people to enjoy. Also, plenty of entertainment, good food, and free activities for kids. ==Buy== Reading still calls itself the outlet capital of the world, though the name is a remnant of when it was one of the few cities to boast outlets. Still, the [http://www.vffo.com/reading.htm VF Outlet Complex] remains one of Reading's biggest draws with hundreds of out-of-town visitors shopping its dozens of discount stores daily. Another part of Reading's history is the store named Boscovs. Reading is home to Boscovs first store. Boscov's has grown into a 39 store company throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Boscov's is one of the largest family owned department store chains in the U.S. Boscov's used to sponsor the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade previous to its bankruptcy in August of 2008, but don't let that discourage you because Boscov's is back on its feet and reorganizing to save this family owned store and an asset to the community. ===Shopping centers and malls=== *'''Berkshire Mall''' is mid-range and Boscov's and Sears serve as anchors. It became world famous a few years ago after a video of a woman falling into a fountain, while pensively texting on her cellphone went viral. Across the street are smaller outdoor shopping centers and restaurants. Berkshire sports a dated 1970s original interior, but the stores themselves are generally kept up to date. *'''Fairgrounds Square Mall''' was Reading's second indoor mall. Anchors include Boscov's, Burlington Coat Factory, and a movie theater. The interior of the mall has closed due to ceiling leakage. There are also many strip malls and one true mall in the Reading area. Exeter Commons shopping center, in Reading's eastern suburbs, opened in the summer of 2009 and offers Lowe's, Target, Giant, Staples, Petco, Famous Footwear, Sonic, Five Guys, and Red Robin. The Shoppes at Wyomissing opened in 2007 and has slightly higher end shops such as Rack Room Shoes, Justice, New York & Company, Loft, J.Jill, Coldwater Creek, Chico's, Jos. A. Bank, Yankee Candle and Gymboree. Broadcasting Square, in Spring Township in Reading's western suburbs, opened in 2000 and features stores such as Target, Ulta, Dick's, Marshall's, Famous Footwear, Petco, Ross, Barnes and Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, as well as numerous chain restaurants like Buca di Beppo, Chili's, and Smoky Bones. Some of the stores at Broadcasting Square represent that chain's only store in the Reading market, such as Marshall's and Bed Bath & Beyond. The Berkshire Mall, opening in the early 1970s, is a medium scale mall, and features stores such as Hollister, American Eagle, Wet Seal, Christopher Banks, Pacific Sunwear, Bath and Body Works, and Victoria's Secret. Along Penn Avenue (US route 422 Business) in the separate borough of West Reading, you'll find numerous unique boutiques and restaurants, ranging from basic to urban chic. Specifically, Bella Jules has a great selection of items from different well-known designers along with a fabulous selection of prom dresses. You'll also find restaurants in West Reading that offer sidewalk seating along Penn Ave during the warmer months. *'''Cabelas''', situated in Hamburg, north of Reading, at the junctures of Route 61 and I-78 is a popular superstore, and tourist destination featuring large aquariums, animal mounts, as well as a shopping experience catering to those with a love of the outdoors. The business center surrounding Cabelas contains various restaurants and steakhouses, as well as Lowes, Walmart, and smaller strip mall shops. *'''[http://www.ironhorsehobby.com/ Iron Horse Hobby House]''' ==Eat== Until the mid-1990s, Reading was the home of Joe's Restaurant - a humbly named eatery owned by Joe Czarnecki; Whose passion for fine wine and mushroom delicacies created a definitive cook book, "Joe's Book of Mushroom Cookery" and transformed the family business into a world renowned institution of fine dining. It was in 1996, after Joe's passing, the family moved the restaurant to the Palmer House in Dayton, Oregon. Reading has a resurging dining scene with many locally owned ethnic restaurants. * {{eat | name=Jimmy Kramer's Peanut Bar | alt= | url=http://www.peanutbar.com/ | email= | address=332 Penn St | lat=40.335182 | long=-75.930845 | directions= | phone=+1 610-376-8500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=The place where local reporters and politicians have often met. In existence for almost 100 years, the bar allows patrons to throw peanut shells on the floor. }} There are many other wonderful dining options including: *The '''Mezcal's Mexican Restaurant''' is at 150 N. 6th street and offers delicious traditional Mexican cuisine at competitive prices. Reservations are recommended on nights of performances at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center. *'''The Captains Cove Restaurant/Bar''' is in Mount Penn at 2619 Hill Rd. It offers a pirate themed outdoor seating area as well as an indoor seating area. It also has several bar areas inside and outside. [http://thecoverestaurantbar.blogspot.com] *The'''Stokesay Castle''' is a gourmet offering. Notable among the 13th-century Scottish castle's architecture is Andrea Heinly, a ''Hell's Kitchen'' contestant and chef on staff. *Another excellent option for fine dining is '''Judy's on Cherry'''. *For Vietnamese food '''Hong Thahn''' is a delicious choice. Privately owned, the restaurant offers well prepared traditional dishes paired with a pleasant atmosphere. *'''Aashiana Indian Restaurant''' for Indian food. When you leave the city, Penn Street continues under the name Penn Avenues and your dining opportunities do not stop either. *'''[http://www.gofishseafood.com/ Go Fish!]''' is a great seafood market and sushi bar in West Reading. Dine in or take out. 619 Penn Ave. Another great place for a sushi lover to visit is the '''Tokyo Hibachi and Bar''' which has a large variety of Asian cuisine options; hibachi, sushi, or traditional Chinese cuisine this restaurant will please everyone. * '''Panda Heaven''', 350 N. Park Rd, Wyomissing, is a great Japanese food restaurant. Their menu consists of miso soup, chicken teriyaki and sushi tuna. They have a sushi bar, hibachi steak house, a conference room available, and they also provide take-out. *For Mexican food in the more suburban areas you should definitely check out the locally owned chain '''Alebreje'''. There are three locations for this restaurant but the most popular is on the 4th street highway. *'''[http://workswyomissing.com/ Works]''' at 1109 Bern Road +1 610 375-2700. Traditional American cuisine. The Works has an arcade, miniature bowling alleys, and real sports inside the restaurant. *For Italian food, check out the family-owned '''G.N.A. Ristorante Pizzeria''' and '''Toscani''' which offer a large variety of delicious Italian dishes, a family friendly atmosphere and are open for brunch on sundays. *'''Aladdin''' is a great option for anyone interested in Mediterranean cuisine. *The area also offers many diners that are favorites of the local residents. These include the '''West Reading Diner''', '''Wyomissing Family Restaurant''', '''Mount Penn Diner''', '''Exeter Family Restaurant''', and '''Queen City Restaurant''' *{{eat | name=Austin's Restaurant & Bar | url= | email= | address=1101 Snyder Road, West Lawn | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 678-5500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{drink | name=The World Famous Pike Cafe | url= | email= | address=930 Pike Street | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Pike & Moss | phone = +1 610 373-6616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=930 Pike Street started as a row-home, then a mom and pop pretzel store, then a small bakery, until it began its claim to fame as the Pike Cafe in the 1940s. Starting as a corner bar in the city of Reading, the Pike was a popular favorite for locals from the 1940s until 1985. The Pike Cafe became "the place to be" in the 1980s. In 1992, they began to start serving wings, which was the original Wing Night in Berks County. The Pike Cafe has become known as one of the best locally owned establishments for dining, drinking, and having fun. }} *{{eat | name=Esposito's Restaurant & Pizza | url= | email= | address=1540 Friedensberg Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 779-9333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Esposito's is another great restaurant for Italian food. Eat in or take out. They have a full bar service. Pizza, sandwiches, great Italian dishes. }} *{{eat | name=Schell's Fast Food Restaurant & Miniature Golf | url= | email= | address=4625 5th Street Hwy, Temple (north of Reading) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 929-9660 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you are looking for a quick, easy, delicious meal, ice cream, and a game of mini golf, Schell's is the place to go. Schell's is casual dining, great for groups and children, and provide outdoor seating. A restaurant, a dairy stand and a 27-hole miniature golf course. }} ==Drink== Many corners of Reading house small bars and pubs, if you're feeling adventurous. *[http://www.winedowncafe.net/ Winedown cafe & wine bar] has a very relaxed atmosphere for wine lovers. Penn Ave in West Reading. * {{drink | name=Canal Street Pub & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.canalstreetpub.com/ | email= | address=535 Canal Street | lat=40.325491 | long=-75.926412 | directions= | phone=+1 610 376-4009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content= Offers billiards, darts, TV, and a private party room. }} * {{drink | name=The Speckled Hen | alt= | url=http://www.speckledhenpub.com/ | email= | address=30 South 4th street | lat=40.334286 | long=-75.930078 | directions= | phone=+1 610 685-8511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content= Can accommodate private parties and offers a wide selection of traditional dishes. }} *{{drink | name=3rd & Spruce Cafe | url=https://www.thirdandspruce.com | email= | address=238 S 3rd Ave | lat=40.332115 | long=-75.944860 | directions=3rd & Spruce | phone=+1 610 376-5254 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=A bar and restaurant in Reading which has been a local landmark for over 60 years. Offering a casual atmosphere with daily food and drink specials, their kitchen is open seven days a week until midnight. }} *{{drink | name=Building 24 Kitchen & Bar | url= | email= | address=1115 Bern Road, Wyomissing | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 375-2700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Set in a renovated turn-of-the-century factory is a dining and entertainment hot spot. The restaurant features upscale cuisine, classic cocktails, an excellent microbrew selection, a diverse wine menu, and open air dining with an expansive covered deck and bar area. Building 24's entertainment area features a cutting edge light and sound system, four bars, VIP section, with regional and national entertainment. }} *{{drink | name=Brewer's Bar & Grill | url= | email= | address=101 South 3rd Avenue, West Reading | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 375-8760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Brewer's Bar & Grill is a hoppin' sports bar and restaurant in West Reading. Brewer's takes you back deep into the history of Reading Brewery's before & after prohibition. Memorabilia from these decades can be found hanging on every wall. Formerly known as Kaley's Korner, a complete renovation of inside and out has made Brewer's Bar & Grill a great place to be! }} *{{drink | name=Legends | url= | email= | address=5th Street Hwy | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Legends is open 365 days a year. Their kitchen serves lunch and dinner and is open until 11&nbsp;PM. The bar is open until 2&nbsp;AM every night. Be prepared to see bartenders flipping bottles, throwing glasses, riding unicycles, or even dressing up in ridiculous costumes for holidays and special events. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Reading | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/reading/rdgcp/hoteldetail | email= | address=1741 Papermill Road | lat=40.347001 | long=-75.969699 | directions= | phone=+1 610-376-3811 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=Hotel offers double rooms, business suites in our Crowne Club Tower. The hotel also offers the area’s largest heated pool and Jacuzzi, an on-location Goodnites Lounge and Nightclub, Prime Steak and Wine Restaurant, and a 24-hour fitness center and sauna. }} * {{sleep | name=Inn at Reading-Clarion | alt= | url=http://www.innatreading.com/ | email= | address=1040 N Park Road | lat=40.347689 | long=-75.961011 | directions= | phone=+1 610 372-7811 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Homewood Suites by Hilton | alt= | url=https://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/homewood-suites-by-hilton-reading-RDGPAHW/index.html | email= | address=2801 Papermill Road | lat=40.361540 | long=-75.988394 | directions= | phone=+1 610 736-3100 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=The Homewoodsuites offer complimentary breakfast and beverage areas, a fitness room, and a pool. }} * {{sleep | name=Candlewood Suites Reading | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/reading/rdgcw/hoteldetail | email= | address=55 S 3rd Ave | lat=40.334273 | long=-75.943176 | directions= | phone=+1 610 898-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2018-01-28 | content=The Candlewood suites offer a 24-hour health/fitness center and a convenience store. }} *{{sleep | name=Twin Turrets Inn | url=http://www.twinturrets.com | email= | address=11 E. Philadelphia Ave, Boyertown | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610 367-4513 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=1860 Victorian has all the amenities, antiques throughout. Thick robes and thirsty towels compliment your private bath. Breakfast at your convenience in your suite, dining room, patio or gardens. Golf, baseball, antiques and Reading Outlets nearby. Mobil and AAA recommended. }} === Bed and Breakfasts === For visitors interested in a more intimate experience Reading offers some very quaint bed and breakfasts which are in close proximity to many of the most visited attractions. * {{sleep | name=Overlook Mansion Bed & Breakfast | alt= | url=http://www.overlookmansionbedandbreakfast.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=620 Centre Ave | lat=40.345137 | long=-75.929918 | directions= | phone=+1 610-371-9173 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=Aside from being in one of the most historic areas of Reading, this B&B offers complimentary beverages and snacks throughout the day and beautiful grounds where visitors can sit outside on warm days. }} * {{sleep | name=The Inn at Centre Park | alt= | url=http://www.theinnatcentrepark.com/ | email= | address=730 Centre Ave | lat=40.346807 | long=-75.930882 | directions= | phone=+1 610-374-8557 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2018-02-02 | content=It's in a historic Victorian style mansion in one of Reading's oldest neighborhoods. Every room is uniquely and beautifully decorated and there are many activities offered on the grounds daily. }} ==Stay safe== While Reading's crime rate has been falling, it is much higher than the national average. Reading has experienced gang-related crime. The city violent crime rate for Reading in 2016 was higher than the national violent crime rate average by 71.17% and the city property crime rate in Reading was higher than the national property crime rate average by 6.48%. ==Go next== *[[Kutztown]], 17 miles northeast, small town home to Kutztown University, the Kutztown Folk Festival, and Crystal Cave. *[[Allentown]], 30 miles northeast, Pennsylvania's third largest city {{routebox | image1=US 222.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=S | majorl1=[[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]] | minorl1=Jct [[File:I-76.svg|18px]][[File:Pennsylvania Turnpike logo.svg|18px]] | directionr1=N | majorr1=[[Allentown]] | minorr1=[[Kutztown]] | image2=US 422.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Harrisburg]] | minorl2=[[Lebanon (Pennsylvania)|Lebanon]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Philadelphia]] via [[File:I-76.svg|18px]] | minorr2=[[King of Prussia]] | image3=PA-61.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Shamokin Dam]] | minorl3=[[Pottsville]] ← Jct [[File:I-78.svg|18px]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= }} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|40.33556|-75.92694}} {{IsPartOf|Philadelphia Region}} j383selccaahhxullx64v2kf0dz1gbh 0 29534 4487712 4440904 2022-07-21T12:17:12Z 128.204.46.24 /* Talk */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Réunion banner Mountain scenery3.jpg}} {{Translate|fr|Île de la Réunion}} {{quickbar}} '''[http://www.reunion.fr/en/ Réunion]''' (French: ''La Réunion'') is a [[France|French]] overseas department located in the midst of the [[Islands of the Indian Ocean|Indian Ocean]], east of the island of [[Madagascar]] and 200 km to the south-west of [[Mauritius]], in [[East Africa]]. This enchanting destination is blessed with a tropical climate and beautiful volcanic landscapes, with its appeal being as much due to its white sandy beaches as its mountain scenery. Réunion used to be known as the Isle de Bourbon and Isle Bonaparte. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} [[File:Wikivoyage_Reunion_map_PNG.png|thumb|300px|Map of Réunion]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Denis (Réunion)|Saint-Denis]]|wikidata=Q47045}} — the capital of Reunion island * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Gilles (Réunion)|Saint-Gilles]]|wikidata=Q3462334}} — on the west coast, where all the white sand beaches are * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Leu]]|wikidata=Q1649363}} — a well-established city and surfing destination * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Pierre (Réunion)|Saint-Pierre]]|wikidata=Q249884}} — the second most important town of Reunion Island. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Etang-Salé]]|wikidata=Q1014771}} — a small town on the west coast with one of the black volcanic sand beaches * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Saint-Benoît]]|lat=|long=|wikidata=Q478215}} — where you can find the vanilla cooperative factory ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cilaos]]|wikidata=Q1014746}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Salazie]]|wikidata=Q1014778}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mafate]]|wikidata=Q131830}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Takamaka|wikidata=Q7677125}} — location of the only water power plant of the island * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Plaine de Cafres]]|wikidata=Q3390994}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Réunion National Park]]|wikidata=Q550389}} ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cirque de Cilaos]]|wikidata=Q1093094}} ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Cirque de Mafate]]|wikidata=Q131830}} ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Piton de la Fournaise]]|wikidata=Q1049644}} ==Understand== === Climate === The island's climate is tropical. The time from September to mid-December is the best time to go, since rain is uncommon then, and temperatures are mild on the beaches as well as in the hills, so you can both hike in the mountains and enjoy the seashore without issues of humidity or heat. January to March is the rainy season, sometimes marked by cyclones. The island has two climatic zones: the greener windward side (east) that receives moist Indian ocean air, and the noticeably drier leeward side (west) shielded from the wet air by the mountainous landscape. === History === The Portuguese discovered the uninhabited island in 1513. Réunion became officially French territory in 1663. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Malabar Indians gave the island its ethnic mix. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cost the island its importance as a stopover on the East Indies trade route. It remained a colony until 1946, when it became a ''département'' of the [[France|French]] Republic. Locals take great pride in marking the anniversary of the abolition of slavery (which happened on 20 December 1848), in a festival known locally as "La Fête Cafre" (a "cafre" being the name given to an indigenous dweller of the island, now widely used to address a friend). This gesture towards the past is still very much present in society today, and as such the word "slave" ("esclave") is a grave insult to a Réunionnais. Today, the population of Reunion is widely varied in terms of ethnic origin, which each group inheriting its respective traditions. ==Talk== '''[[French phrasebook|French]]''' is the official language of Réunion, although Creole is widely spoken. Everyone understands French, as it is the language of education, but few people understand English. French spoken with the local Reunion accent, intermingled with Creole, can be difficult to understand for native French speakers. Metropolitan French are locally nicknamed ''zoreilles'' ("ears") for their tendency not to understand and ask people to repeat. English speakers meet every Monday evening between 19:30 and 23:00 (including during holidays) at the Moda Bar, 75 rue Pasteur, in Saint-Denis. Infoline 0692 560220. If you speak English, it is a good way of sharing ones accent, culture and language to meet travelling and resident couch-surfers. Ten to twenty people attend each week. The bar allows people to bring take out food. See also: [http://www.creole.org/dictionnaire_creole.htm French/Creole dictionary] ==Get in== [[Image:RouteDesTamarins ViaducBernica.JPG|thumb|250px|Saint Paul viaduct along the ''Route des Tamarins'']] === Passport and visa === Although Reunion is an integral part of France, it is not part of the Schengen area, so it has its own immigration and visa rules. Citizens of Mauritius, for example, do not need a visa for short visits to Reunion but do need a visa to visit mainland France. === By plane === The main airport is '''Roland Garros International Airport''', near Saint-Denis ({{IATA|RUN}}). The vast majority of intercontinental flights arriving at Reunion come from mainland France, with a handful of other airports through the Indian Ocean. Airlines flying to Reunion are the following: * '''[http://www.airfrance.com Air France]''' operates direct flights between [[Paris Orly]] and Roland Garros. * '''[http://www.air-austral.com/ Air Austral]''' is the principal local airline, which serves numerous destinations in [[Africa]] and the [[Indian Ocean]] ([[South Africa]], [[Comoros]], [[Mauritius]], [[Madagascar]], [[Mayotte]] and the [[Seychelles]]), as well as [[Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport]]. Air Austral also offers transfers onto the TGV-Air service for various destinations within France, and the Thalys line from Paris towards Brussels. If coming from Asia, there exists a seasonal service from [[Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport]]. * '''Air Madagascar''' flies from Roland Garros to [[Antananarivo]], [[Antsiranana]], [[Nosy Be]]. Air Madagascar stops in at Roland Garros on its twice-weekly Antananarivo to Guangzhou, China, but does not have traffic rights to carry passengers between Saint-Denis and Guangzhou. * '''[http://www.corsair.fr/ Corsair]''' offers a weekly service to [[Paris Orly]], [[Lyon]], [[Marseille]] and [[Toulouse]]. * '''[http://www.airmauritius.com/ Air Mauritius]''' has multiple daily flights to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport, [[Port Louis]], [[Mauritius]]. The trip is 45 minutes. * '''French Blue''' offers service to Paris-Orly. For travelers from North America, travel direct to Reunion can be very expensive (well over US$2000 in economy and booked months in advance!) due to a lack of competition and lack of codesharing agreements with Air Austral at Paris-CDG. The most affordable way to travel from North America to Reunion is to book a flight to Mauritius, then book a separate flight for about US$180-300 round-trip between Mauritius and Reunion, which are less than an hour apart by air. Mauritius is served by several major carriers, such as British Airways, Emirates, South African Airways, Turkish Airways, Air France (to Paris-CDG, rather than Paris-Orly), KLM (seasonal), Lufthansa (seasonal), and Austrian (seasonal), so fares are competitive at about US$1200-1800 and can involve shorter layovers. The small '''Pierrefonds Airport''' on the southwest side of the island near Saint-Pierre has daily flights to Mauritius on Air Austral and Air Mauritius, plus a seasonal Air Austral flight to [[Rodrigues]]. === By boat === * From Reunion, it is possible to reach [[Mauritius]] and [[Madagascar]] by boat. Two ferry services offer these routes, the Mauritius Pride and the Mauritius Trochetia. They are at 4, avenue du 14-Juillet 1789, 97420, Le Port, telephone: {{phone|+262 262 42 19 45}}.<!--price?--> * Throughout the year, a number of cruise liners dock on the island. More information should be sought through individual cruise companies. ==Get around== It is often said that Réunion has more than its fair share of cars, and it's true. At certain times, the road networks can become jam-packed with vehicles, but in order to overcome this, all a visitor needs to know is when to travel and how to travel. The national road (''route nationale'') which goes round the island is double-laned for each direction in many places. Other roads are usually paved, with one lane in each direction. There have been plans to build a railway to alleviate the traffic congestion, but as of 2018 those plans have been shelved. === By taxi === Hailing a taxi on the island is fairly expensive, especially when leaving the airport (expect to pay €15). === By bus === Intercity bus travel around the island is served by [http://carjaune.re Car Jaune] ("Yellow Bus", buses are easily recognisable by their yellow colour). There are 13 lines. Apart from these buses there are also local buses. Most of lines operate between {{time|06:00}} and {{time|18:00}}. * Car Jaune, Ligne B, from Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre and back, Par les Bas (via the coast). Operates approximately every 1½ hours. === By car === [[Image:Pont du Bras de la Plaine -1.jpg|thumb|250px|Bras de la Plaine Bridge crosses a gorge 110m above the river below]] {{main|Driving in Réunion}} There is one main road around the island (74 km of it is four-lane) and another road from Saint-Pierre to Saint-Benoit (''route des plaines'') through the interior of the island. Due to the volume of cars, traffic jams often occur so you should avoid travelling during peak times. Because of the volcano, the road is sometimes closed along the east side of the island. The four-lane highway between La Possession and Saint-Denis, known as the ''route du littoral'', runs between an unstable cliff and the sea. Because of the rain (mostly between December and March), this highway may be "basculée", that is switched to a two-lane road. Expect traffic jams in such circumstances. It is being replaced by a remarkable €1.7-billion, 5.4-km viaduct a few hundred metres off shore that is planned to open in 2020. The ''Route des Tamarins'' is an expressway linking [[Saint-Paul]] and [[Étang-Salé]] offering spectacular views of the coast. With its completion, a 4-lane divided highway now runs around three-fourths of the island. Do not underestimate driving times, even if the island seems small. The main roads, especially on the west coast, tend to jam; so do the streets of Saint Denis. The roads in the interior are mountain roads, some with many turns and steep slopes. Car hire is available. === On foot === [[Image:Maido.mafate.reunion.2012-34.JPG|thumb|250px|Mafate valley seen from Maido.]] Reunion Island has almost 1000 km of hiking trails, with an astonishing variety of landscapes for an island. The '''cirques''', '''plains''' and '''volcano''' have been classified as a french national natural park. The best hikes are probably in the '''Mafate cirque''' and on the '''volcano''' (see [[Piton de la Fournaise]]). The exceptional Mafate circus has no roads, and about 800 inhabitants. You can find hostings on main hiking places. ===By aircraft=== Some helicopter and airplane companies do scenic flights. These depart very early in the morning (in order to avoid clouds and fog at altitude). There are also some helicopter trips, e.g. to La Nouvelle in Mafate. == See == [[File:2015-05-27-LaReunion 0855-0171+Takamaka 08.JPG|thumb|South coast]] [[File:2015-05-27-LaReunion 0855-0171+Takamaka 09.JPG|thumb|South Coast near Saint Philippe]] ===[[Piton de la Fournaise]]=== The active volcano is located in the south of the island. Even the approach over the Plaine de Sable (sand plain) offers many visual highlights. Directly below the rim of the crater there is a parking lot with a magnificent view. From a safe distance, hikers can watch the activity of Mount Fire. Guided hikes to the best vantage points are offered on site by various agencies. Tours at sunset are particularly fascinating, since then the lava flows can be seen particularly well in the dark. You should not do these tours without a local guide, as the signposts of these 4-5 hour hikes are sometimes very difficult to see. But even when the volcano is not active, hikes of various lengths along the rim of the crater or the descent into the crater floor offer fascinating views. For the descent, however, you should have a head for heights, as the path winds very narrowly in zigzags towards the ground. Once at the bottom you can admire the mini cone "Leo Formica" and walk up to the "Church" (a colorful fault). If you have time and stamina, you can also climb the highest point of the actual volcano, and from there you have a magnificent panoramic view over the various lava flows to the sea. However, this should only be done when the weather is good and there is no volcanic activity (be sure to inquire at the information stand in the parking lot!). The weather changes very quickly and within an hour clouds can gather so thick that you can hardly find your way back. On the way back, make a stop at the "Maison du Volcan" (House of the Volcano) which has some fascinating video images of the last major eruptions. ==Do== [[Image:La Chapelle.jpg|thumb|250px|La Chapelle.]] Reunion is very much an island to be discovered through exploring its mountainous scenery and outdoor activities. The typical landforms of Réunion "Pitons, Cirques and Remparts of Reunion Island", have been inscribed on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]] and the world heritage covers more than 40% of the island. ===Hiking=== {{main|Hiking in Réunion}} Réunion has some very scenic well-developed hiking areas, and it is filled with numerous hiking stages and multi-day routes in different routes. The particularly interesting part is the rugged volcanic interior of the island with the two volcanic peaks and the three crater basins. ===Diving=== [[File:Sagaminopteron psychedelicum.JPG|thumb|A cephalaspid sea slug off the coast of Réunion]] [[File:Idole des Maures (Zanclus cornutus).jpg|thumb|A "Moorish idol" seen off the coast of Réunion]] There is also good diving off the coast of Reunion. ==Buy== ===Money=== [[File:Euro Series Banknotes (2019).jpg|right|thumb|200px|Euro banknotes]] {{exchange rate euros}} Reunion is part of the Eurozone, so as in many other [[European Union]] countries the currency used is the '''euro''' (symbol: '''€'''). It is compulsory, for the large majority of businesses, to post prices in windows. Hotels and restaurants must have their rates visible from outside. Most shops accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) but most of them require a minimum amount for credit cards payments (usually €15). There is a good number of ATMs (called "gabier") which don't charge you for using them. === Shops === Most shops are closed on Sunday. Most of supermarkets are open M-Sa from 09:00 to 20:00. Some of them are open on Sunday morning. You can find traditional objects in some shops but it's often easier and cheaper to go to a market (marché). The market in Saint-Paul is famous and you'll also find fruits and vegetables: it gathers on Friday morning and afternoon and on Saturday morning. It's a good place to buy African traditional objects, such as Oware . === Gifts === Here are some ideas for gifts: * shirts; * rum; * spices; * local music; * book or dvd about volcano's last eruption ==Eat and drink== Thanks to its history, Reunionese cuisine is a mix between different cultures: French, Indian, Chinese & African Typical dishes are '''cari''' and '''rougail''' which are a meat or a fish cooked in a sauce and eaten with rice. [[File:2015-05-27-LaReunion 0855-0171+Takamaka 11.JPG|thumb|Typical menu card]] Depending on the season, many tropical fruits are available, like lychees (December), mangoes, pineapples (the Victoria types in Reunion are said to be the best in the world by the locals), bananas, papaya... At lunchtime, you can have many kinds of sandwiches and '''samosas''' in '''snack-bars''' (cheap but not very balanced, except for the spicy "achards sandwich"), and find restaurants easily (average of USD10-15). Other local specialties are ''bonbons piments'', which are spiced and salted fritters, ''piments farcis'', which are stuffed hot peppers, and ''bouchons''',''''' which are morsels of meat or fish that are surrounded by rice paste and steamed before being served with soy sauce. Réunionnais pastries are often quite thick and sweet. There are pastries made from sweet potatoes (''gâteaux patates'') and (for a bit of an adventure) manioc (''gâteaux manioc'') [[File:2015-06-05-LaReunion 1213-0717 02.JPG|thumb|rhom arrangé on Reunion (rum)]] Reunionese cuisine is quite safe, but ask for some dishes to ensure that they're not too spicy. The spice level is below that of much Indian cuisine. The main local drink is rum. The lowest quality rum is made from fermented cane sugar molasses and is not aged (thus its color is clear). It is often drunk as ''rhum arrangé'' - rum flavored by fruit and spices. ''Rhum arrangé'', being fruity and sugary, is easy to drink but beware of the high alcohol content! Higher quality rum is ''rhum agricole'', made from fermented cane sugar juice. It is either clear, or aged in oak barrels, giving it a brown colour. [[File:2015-06-05-LaReunion 1213-0717 01.JPG|thumb|The local beer on Reunion]] If you are looking for the most famous places, you will find them in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains on the west coast and in Saint-Pierre in the South. These are seaside resorts with many nightclubs and many trendy bars where you will have no trouble attending a Mayola show, or dancing the Sega. On St Denis, the pedestrian area laid out around the cathedral offers many restaurants and lively bars. On Sunday evening from {{time|18:00}}, the "rondavelles" by the sea offer free concerts, enough to end the week well around a cocktail or a local beer, around local "tapas": pepper candies, samosas, corks and other local spring rolls. ===Wine=== The traditional "wine of Cilaos" is a very sweet, quite rustic cooked wine. You will easily find some in the Cirque de Cilaos and along the roads, but not in supermarkets: the legality of this trade is debatable, but the gendarmes allow this tradition to continue. Since 2004, the "Chais de Cilaos" have been selling modern wines (three local wines and one table wine): sweet white, dry white, rosé and red. The cellars can be visited. Fans will go to Cilaos on the occasion of the lentil festival in November or for Saint-Vincent in February. You can buy some at the Cilaos tourist office. ==Sleep== There are many possible accommodation types in reunion: Ordinary hotels; privately run Gîtes d'Étape; Gîtes de Montagne are mountain cabins or lodges located in the central areas appropriate and operated by '''[http://www.reunion.fr/en/ Reunion Island Tourism Board]'''; youth hostels are operated by Auberge de jeunesse de la Réunion. There are five youth hostels at Réunion Island ; Hell Bourg, Bernica, Entre Deux, Saint Denis and Cilaos. ==Work== For European people coming from an EU country, working in Reunion is allowed without a visa or work permit. If you're from outside the EU, you will probably need a work permit. Check with the French Embassy in your country. Do not forget, though, that the unemployment rate is high. If you work in the health sector (doctor, nurse), it will be much easier. ==Stay safe== {{Warningbox|Shark attacks in Réunion have been increasing in frequency since 2011. The rate of death from shark attacks - 3.15 per million - is the highest in the world, over 2000 times higher than the rate in the US, and over four times higher than the second-highest rate (that of South Africa). All ocean swimmers are affected, even close to the shore - one attack took place less than twenty feet from shore. Nevertheless, some beaches, like the lagoon in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, are safe for swimmers and bathers. Enjoy the island's beautiful beaches, but always observe the warning signs posted.|lastedit=2019-05-20}} === Volcanic activity === From time to time the island experiences volcanic activity. However, this is nothing to worry about; the lava flows are fluid and slow moving, and they always go by the less-inhabited Southern part of the island. Alerts are always sent out, and authorities block roads that are covered by lava. === Cyclones === The season when cyclones generally occur is the Southern hemisphere's summer, from October to April. However, alerts are sent out by radio, and it's very hard to ''not'' hear about it. Should a cyclone occur during your visit, stay indoors during it. === Crime === Reunion is fairly safe - even safer than much of metropolitan France. Take common-sense precautions such as: *Don't walk around alone at night *Don't flaunt expensive cameras or jewellery *Don't resist in case of aggression Most crimes are family-related and alcohol-related The major attraction of Reunion is the stunning scenery, with impressive walks on cliffs and, obviously, the volcano. In some high altitude areas, especially the volcano, mid-day fog may really hamper orientation; also, temperatures may drop significantly. In foggy weather, do not stray from well-marked paths. Carry layered clothing. [[File:2015-05-27-LaReunion_0855-0171%2BTakamaka_10.JPG|thumb|harmless giant spiders]] ==Stay healthy== Unlike most tropical islands, Réunion hasn't had issues with malaria or infectious tropical disease for several decades. Travelers should still take precautions against mosquito bites; in 2005-6 the island had an outbreak of Chikungunya virus spread by tiger mosquitoes. Caution should be taken when spending time in the sun. High altitude areas may be scorchingly hot when the sun is high, and cold when it is foggy. You might not notice the sensation of sunburn forming if it's chilly out, so don't hesitate to cover up with light clothing even in the heat. It's advisable to bring your own sunscreen, as it's somewhat expensive on the island. Sanitary and medical facilities in Reunion are very good. As in the rest of France, French and EU residents get most of their health care costs covered by the compulsory health insurance plan (''sécurité sociale''). This plan does not cover nonresidents, who will be expected to pay full price. A travel health insurance is thus advised. Full price costs are significantly lower than in the United States. Visitors from [[European Union]] should bring an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) - obtained in their own country before departure. The E111 form is no longer valid. Ask for details at your local health care organisation. The major hospital is in Saint-Denis but there are various others in important cities. There are doctors in almost every village. Tap water is usually safe for consumption. Public sources of water are unsafe if labeled with "Eau non potable" (Water not drinkable). === Emergency phone numbers === * emergency services: 112 (which can be dialled by any mobile phone, even if not connected to a GSM network); * fire brigade: 18; * police station: 17; * specialised emergency medical service (called SAMU): 15. ===Cyclones=== During the cyclonic season (November to April), you should check cyclone warnings shown in newspapers or broadcast by the radio or TV. There are three states of warning: * Vigilance cyclonique (cyclone watch): risk of cyclones in more than 24 hours, you should buy in advance enough food and water as well as batteries and candles; * Alerte orange (orange alert): risk of a cyclone in the next 24 hours, schools are closed, try to avoid getting around; * Alerte rouge (red alert): risk of a cyclone in the next few hours, don't move from your home and avoid using the phone, stay calm. == Respect == Réunionnais people have a sense of nationalistic pride that may seem a little unusual or unexpected. It's an island phenomenon that's difficult to explain to people from the mainland. However much someone shouts about the island's superiority from the rooftops, don't be concerned about xenophobia. ==Connect== === Phones === Country code: 262 Dialing within Reunion: all numbers have 10 digits. Landlines begin by 0262 and mobile phones by 0692 and with 0693. Dialing to Reunion: international prefix + 262 + phone number without the first 0 (this leads to dial twice 262 which is normal). If you dial from mainland France, just use the 10-digit number. Dialing from Reunion: the international prefix is 00. Calling to a mobile phone is more expensive than to a landline. Number beginning by 0800 are free phone. Number beginning by 089 are premium-rate. When the new EU roaming regulations came into force, more EU-based mobile providers started offering roaming in Reunion. Many of them even treat Reunion the same as roaming in mainland France, so you can use your plan with no additional charge. Few out-of-EU mobile phone companies offer international roaming to Reunion, however, so double-check with your provider about availability and pricing before leaving. Your company should specifically state that they offer roaming to Reunion (or include it in their EU roaming allowances) since it has different mobile phone companies from mainland France (and as an outermost region of the EU, EU providers are not required to include it in their roaming allowances). If you have service from a provider in mainland France, specifically check that your plan covers the "DOM" (overseas departments). Alternatively, you should be able to get a Pay-as-you-go SIM card from various locations. There are three companies offering wireless services: [https://www.sfr.fr/ SFR (SRR)], [http://www.orange.re/ Orange Réunion], and [https://mobile.free.re/ Free Réunion]. As in mainland France, Free is the cheapest offer by far, at €9.99 a month for 50 GB and unlimited talk and text locally, to mainland France, and to landlines across Europe. === Post === Post offices are found in all cities. Post boxes are bright yellow. ==== Rates ==== Less than 20g (postcard, letter with one or two pages in a regular envelope): *France (including Overseas Territories ''DOM-TOM'') and Europe: €0.53 *Area 1 (South Africa, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania): €0.75 *Area 2 (rest of the world) : €1.05 The basic stamp for regular mail is red with the head of "Marianne" (the Republic logo). It does not state its euro value and can therefore be used even after a price increase. It is sold in all Post Offices, Bureaux de Tabacs (Tobacco sellers identified by a red lozenge) and postcard vendors. The latter may also carry other common stamps. In most Post Offices you will find an automatic machine (yellow) with a scale and a screen. Just put your mail on the scale, tell the machine (French or English) the destination, pay the indicated amount and the machine will deliver a printed stamp. === Parcels === Chronopost, UPS and DHL offer parcel services. {{outlineregion}} {{geo|-21.114444|55.532500|zoom=10}} {{isPartOf|East African Islands}} {{related|Islands of the Indian Ocean}} kccf49k36w1qbtquxvzw8a3zivne4pn 0 30693 4487751 3850061 2022-07-21T14:22:17Z Naokijp 2259899 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mozu Kofun Group Osaka prefecture Wikivoyage banner.jpg|pgname=Sakai|unesco=yes}} '''Sakai''' ({{lang|ja|堺}}) is a city in [[Osaka (prefecture)|Osaka prefecture]]. ==Get in== Sakai has two main train stations. Nankai Railway's Sakai station (堺駅), is 15 minutes from Nanaki Namba Station (南海なんば駅) in [[Osaka]] via the Nankai main line and costs &yen;250. JR Sakai-shi station (堺市駅) is 7 minutes from Tennoji Station (天王寺駅) in [[Osaka]] via the JR Hanwa line and costs &yen;170. This trip is fully covered by the JR Rail Pass. ==Get around== Train service in Sakai is largely provided by Nankai rail service with trains running sometimes intermittently ==See== [[File:NintokuTomb Aerial photograph 2007.jpg|thumb|Nintoku-ryo]] Sakai is home to numerous Tumuli. Large burial mounds in various shapes from circular to keyhole mounds with moats around them. The largest--Nintoku-ryo-- is approximately 480 m long, 250-305 m wide and 35 m tall. At Nintoku Ryo there is an accompanying tourist office and volunteer historical interpreters. Take the JR Hanwa Line and get off at Mozu Station. Address: Daisen-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City ==Do== * {{listing | type=do | name= Sakai City Hall Observatory Lobby | alt= | url= | email= | address=3-1 Minami-Kawaramachi, Sakai-ku | lat= | long= | directions=3 min walk from Sakai-higashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line | phone=+81 78 590-0078 | tollfree= | hours=09:00-21:00 | price=Free | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Get above street level and get a panoramic view of the city's many Tumulus tombs. There are exhibitions on the history of Sakai and English language videos and pamphlets. There is also a cafe with drinks and snacks. }} ==Buy== Sakai has always been known for producing some of Japan's best swords and knives. Today there are many stores and even a small museum that houses a coalition of knife makers. If you are a cooking aficionado looking for the best examples of Damascus style blades, or a knife specific to cutting melons, or simply a good sharp knife that you have no idea what it is supposed to be used for. Sakai is a good alternative to the steeper prices in central Osaka. * {{listing | type=buy | name=Commercial and Industrial Cooperative Federation of Sakai knives | alt= | url=http://www.sakaihamono.or.jp/gallery.html | email= | address=1 Street材木町西first thirty-ku, Sakai | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 78 590-0941 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Eat== Plenty of fastfood, from American Bob's Big Boy to Yoshinoya, yakitori joints, etc. ==Drink== ==Sleep== Comfort Sakai Hotel is a basic but presentable hotel a mere hundred meters from Sakai station. Rates run about ¥6,000 for most rooms. Located at 1-5-1 Ryujimbashi-cho ==Connect== ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=Number prefix Nankai Railway line.png | imagesize1=35 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Osaka/Minami|Nanba]] | minorl1=[[Osaka/South|Sumiyoshi Taisha]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Wakayama|Wakayamashi]] | minorr1=[[Kishiwada]] | image2=Number prefix Nankai Railway line.png | imagesize2=35 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Osaka/Minami|Nanba]] | minorl2= | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Mount Koya|Gokurakubashi]] | minorr2=[[Kawachi Nagano]] | image3=Number prefix Hankai Tramway line.png | imagesize3=30 | directionl3=N | majorl3=[[Osaka/Tennoji|Tennoji]] | minorl3=[[Osaka/South|Sumiyoshi Toriimae]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=END | minorr3= | image4=Osaka Metro Midosuji line symbol.png | imagesize4=30 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Osaka/Kita|Umeda]] | minorl4=[[Osaka/Minami|Nanba]] ← [[Osaka/Tennoji|Tennoji]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=END | minorr4= | image5=Hanwa Expwy Route Sign.svg | imagesize5=100 | directionl5=N | majorl5=[[Suita]] | minorl5= in to [[File:Kinki Expwy Route Sign.svg|88px]] | directionr5=S | majorr5=[[Wakayama]] | minorr5=[[Izumisano]] | image6=Minamihanna Road Route Sign.svg | imagesize6=100 | directionl6=W | majorl6=END | minorl6= | directionr6=E | majorr6=[[Katsuragi]] | minorr6=[[Habikino]] | image7=Hanshin Urban Expwy Sign 0004.svg | imagesize7=25 | directionl7=W | majorl7=[[Osaka/Bay Area|Tenpōzan]] | minorl7= | directionr7=S | majorr7=[[Kansai International Airport]] | minorr7=[[Izumisano]] → in to [[File:Kansai-Kuko Expwy Route Sign.svg|88px]] | image8=Hanshin Urban Expwy Sign 0015.svg | imagesize8=33 | directionl8=N | majorl8=[[Osaka/Minami|Minatomachi]] | minorl8=[[Osaka/Bay Area|Suminoe]] | directionr8=S | majorr8=END | minorr8= | image9=Japanese National Route Sign 0309.svg | imagesize9=30 | directionl9=N | majorl9=[[Osaka/South|Hirano]] | minorl9= | directionr9=S | majorr9=[[Kumano]] | minorr9=[[Gose]] → [[Gojō]] }} {{geo|34.573333|135.483056}} {{IsPartOf|Osaka (prefecture)}} {{outlinecity}} tommagdaalr7wkwvq2936c4cp8k2qq1 0 31087 4488021 4426397 2022-07-21T23:28:35Z Lovelano 2238330 /* Historical points of interest */ Created separate listing for Yoda Fountain. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sanfrancisco palaceoffinearts banner.jpg|pgname=Golden Gate|caption=Palace of Fine Arts|star=yes}} With some of the most beautiful scenery and intact natural environments in the city, the '''Golden Gate''' area is the spectacular northern tip of the [[San Francisco]] peninsula. The city's most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, connects this district with [[Marin County]] across the Bay. The area is made up of two National Historic Landmarks &mdash; The Presidio and Fort Mason &mdash; as well as several upscale neighborhoods famed for their Victorian architecture and views of the city, including Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, and the Marina District. The district is roughly bounded by the San Francisco Bay to the north and west, Lake St and California St to the south, and Van Ness Ave to the east. ==Understand== [[Image:GoldenGateBridge1.jpg|thumb|350px|The iconic Golden Gate Bridge with Fort Point in foreground]] ===Pacific Heights=== Pacific Heights, located 370 feet above sea-level and overlooking the Bay, was little more than a sandy hill until 1870, when the Cable Car line was extended and connected the area to downtown. Today, it's favored by visitors for its impressive panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Presidio, its abundance of opulent Victorian mansions, historic chateaus, foreign consulates, and finally its many upscale restaurants. The three blocks on Broadway St between Lyon St and Divisadero St have particularly good vistas and are known as the '''"Gold Coast."''' Some of the buildings date back as far as 1853, with the majority being constructed after the 1906 earthquake. Considered today to be the home of "old money" families and young urban professionals, it was first settled by the "nouveau riche" of the late 1800s. The neighborhood is predominantly peaceful and residential with most of its activities centered around Fillmore St. It was also the backdrop for the 1990 movie "Pacific Heights" starring Melanie Griffith. ===Cow Hollow=== Cow Hollow derived its name from the many dairy farms that were established there in the mid-1800s. However, with the advent of the Gold Rush, the neighborhood flourished. Prominent San Franciscans began to settle the area and erected grandiose well-appointed Victorian, and then later Edwardian mansions. By 1891, the area had become so popular that all the dairy farms were closed down. Today, this once luscious grazing land is more renowned for its impressive mansions and its eclectic mix of antique stores, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Union St is the main drag, where the Union St. Festival is held annually. ===The Marina District=== The Marina district was built on landfill &mdash; some of it wreckage of the 1906 earthquake &mdash; in the early 20th century to provide a fairgrounds for the 1915 [[World's Fair]] (also called the Panama-Pacific Exhibition). Its poor foundation made it the focus of most of the damage (and media attention) in the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989. Today it is an affluent, residential neighborhood with well trimmed hedges and colorful flower window boxes. Bounded by the Bay, the neighborhood actually has an impressive marina, which is home to a couple of prestigious yacht clubs. '''Marina Green''', an 8 block stretch of grass running along the edge of the bay, is a favorite place for jogging, strolling, picnicking, and kite flying. Only a few blocks away, Chestnut St. is where shoppers can peruse boutiques or people watch while sipping on a latte. "Culture vultures" circle round '''Fort Mason''', with its array of museums, art galleries and quirky theaters. ===Fort Mason and the Presidio=== Fort Mason and the Presidio are two former military posts on the northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula. Today, both are national historic landmarks and come under the remit of the [[Golden Gate National Recreation Area]]. Fort Mason is smaller and has a world class youth hostel as well as several museums and theaters. The Presidio is huge, with 1,480 acres of rolling hills, forests, hiking trails, historic buildings, architecture, beaches, and marsh lands. It has one of the most intact natural environments you will find on the peninsula and is a must for every itinerary. ==Get in== {{mapframe|37.7977|-122.4513|zoom=14|height=450|width=100%|align=center}} {{Mapmask|37.8096,-122.4403|37.8103,-122.4281|37.8082,-122.4266|37.8074,-122.4264|37.8065,-122.4256|37.8041,-122.4251|37.7904,-122.4223|37.7857,-122.4592|37.7870,-122.4593|37.7863,-122.4733|37.7872,-122.4733|37.7869,-122.4748|37.7872,-122.4832|37.7874,-122.4842|37.7894,-122.4838|37.7898,-122.4849|37.7903,-122.4852|37.7904,-122.4885|37.7985,-122.4847|37.8073,-122.4800|37.8111,-122.4792|37.8116,-122.4742|37.8103,-122.4695|37.8077,-122.4656|37.8071,-122.4626|37.8080,-122.4539|37.8096,-122.4403}} {{mapshapes|Q278074}} <!-- Muni Metro --> {{infobox|Printable Maps|[[:File:Sanfrancisco presidio map.PNG|Presidio Map]] — [[:File:Sanfrancisco goldengate map.png|Neighborhoods Map]]}} ===By car=== The main entryways are Van Ness Ave from the south and Bay St from the east. From the north and west, take Highway 101 through the Presidio to Lombard St. Chestnut St, one of the main shopping and restaurant streets, is one block north of Lombard St &mdash; parking is scarce and can sometimes take up to an hour to find. The best choice for parking may be the free area in Fort Mason, at Beach and Buchanan Sts, another 4 short blocks north of Chestnut. Union St, being Cow Hollow's main street, is three blocks south of Lombard St. ===By bus=== Public transportation, provided by '''[http://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/transit MUNI]''', is plentiful and frequent. *'''Cross town routes:''' The '''28-19th Avenue''' bus travels along Lombard St to Fort Mason from the Daly City BART station, traveling first a long way up 19th Ave and stopping at the Golden Gate Bridge. Buses '''29-Sunset''' and '''43-Masonic''' traverse much of the western part of San Francisco before terminating in the area, with the 29 stopping at Baker Beach and the 43 running through the Presidio before stopping in the Marina district. The '''22-Fillmore''' bus (24-hour service) from the 16th St BART Station goes north on Fillmore St all the way to the Marina Green. *'''From Downtown:''' From the Caltrain station, traveling through Downtown past the Montgomery St BART station (outbound) or the Powell St BART station (inbound), the '''30-Stockton''' bus (which runs about every 6 minutes during the day, until 1AM) gets you to Chestnut St and near the Palace of Fine Arts. You can also take the '''41-Union''', '''45-Union/Stockton''' (both serve Union St), and '''76X-Marin Headlands Express'''. Routes '''1-California''', '''2-Clement''', and '''3-Jackson''' serve Pacific Heights and Lower Pacific Heights. In addition to the many MUNI routes, there is also the free '''[http://presidiobus.com/ PresidiGo]''' shuttle service with three primary routes: a Downtown route that runs directly between the Transbay Terminal in Downtown to the Presidio, a Presidio Hills route which runs from the main Presidio complex through the hills to Baker Beach, and a Crissy Field line which loops between the main Presidio complex, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Crissy Field. ===On foot=== If you enjoy walking, you can take the Historic '''F-line''' streetcar from downtown along the Embarcadero to [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]], and walk along San Francisco Bay past Fort Mason &mdash; it's a bit of hill &mdash; to the Marina Green. If you're downtown, simply follow Van Ness Ave all the way north and take a left anywhere from California St to Lombard St. ==Get around== With six lanes, going east-west, Lombard St is the main road and considered (along with north-south Van Ness) to be part of Highway 101. The winding section of Lombard St is due east, on [[San Francisco/Nob Hill-Russian Hill|Russian Hill]]. This is a fantastic area to either walk or cycle through as it is predominantly flat (with the obvious exception of Pacific Heights), and also because it's a very safe area. Given the area's popularity with joggers, walkers, power-walkers, and cyclists, you will definitely not be alone. Chestnut St is the business section of the Marina and considered among the poshest of San Francisco's streets. Union St and Fillmore St are the other two main shopping areas in this district. To the north, along San Francisco Bay, runs the 74 acre stretch of Marina Green. Your walk can continue along the bay to the west, through the Presidio, along the restored Crissy Field marshes, all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge; or to the east, a short climb through Fort Mason and down into [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]]. If you are interested in biking around the area &mdash; "biking the bridge" is very popular activity &mdash; there are several companies that rent bikes out to tourists by the hour or for the day, including '''[http://baycitybike.com Bay City Bike]''', '''[http://www.bikerental.com/ Bike and Roll]''', and '''[http://www.blazingsaddles.com/ Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals]'''. ==See== There are lots of things to see in this district ranging from the pristine natural landscapes of the Presidio, to man-made marinas, Victorian architecture, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In places like the Presidio and Fort Mason you'll find an interesting blend of both, with modern offices, historical buildings, and museums making their home alongside sandpipers, coyotes, and fox squirrel. "City slickers" should be more at home further inland where they'll find galleries and museums, architecture, and urban parks. Naturalists will be more at home along the coast line, from Fort Mason all the way along into the Presidio. * {{see | name=The Six Gallery | alt= | url= | email= | address=3119 Fillmore St | lat=37.7983 | long=-122.4359 | directions=between Pixley St and Filbert St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Six Gallery reading | wikidata=Q465480 | content=On Friday, October 7, 1955, the ''"Six Gallery reading"'' took place here. It was a seminal moment in the Beat Generation movement and attracted such poets and writers as Alan Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, Philip Lamantia, Michael McClure, Philip Whalen, and Jack Kerouac. The gallery has since closed but you can still visit the site where this watershed event took place. }} * {{see | name=Wave Organ | alt= | url=http://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/wave-organ | email= | address=at the end of Yacht Rd | lat=37.8086 | long=-122.44 | directions=after the Golden Gate Yacht Club | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=It's best at high-tide &mdash; 5:30AM | price=Free | wikipedia=Wave Organ | image=Wave Organ 1.jpg | wikidata=Q7975291 | content=Designed by George Gonzales and Peter Richards in 1986, the Wave Organ is a system of PVC pipes that harness the power of the ocean to create music... or at least what can be interpreted as music! There is a unique space at the end of a spit of land where you can sit and enjoy the sounds, and even if it's not your kind of music, there are some excellent views and it's also a great place to relax and have a picnic. }} [[Image:marinasf.jpg|thumb|350px|Glassy waters and tall masts at the Marina]] * {{see | name=Yacht Clubs | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can't come to the Marina district without actually seeing, well... the marina! Here where you will find an impressive flotilla of vessels &mdash; both sail and power. There are various "small craft" harbors located at either end of Marina Green, but the two main yacht clubs are: }} ** {{see | name=Golden Gate Yacht Club | alt= | url=http://ggyc.com/ | email=generalmanager@ggyc.com | address=1 Yacht Rd | lat=37.8077 | long=-122.4426 | directions=at the end of Yacht Rd | phone=+1-415-346-2628 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Golden Gate Yacht Club | wikidata=Q611962 | content=Founded in 1939, this club is both a popular destination for pleasure cruises and for competitive regatta racing. It's plainer than its neighbor the SFYC, however it got a major boost of late when Larry Ellison and the Oracle guys signed up and the club became the challenge club of record for the America's Cup. }} ** {{see | name=St Francis Yacht Club | alt= | url=http://www.stfyc.com | email=Frontdesk@StFYC.com | address=700 Marina Blvd | lat=37.8073 | long=-122.447 | directions=at the end of Baker St | phone=+1-415-563-6363 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-563-8670 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=St. Francis Yacht Club | image=Burgee of st francis.svg | wikidata=Q7588038 | content=Founded in 1927, this club has over 2,400 members and is also popular as both a cruise and regatta venue. It is reputedly the most exclusive yacht club in San Francisco and there are some serious vessels docked here. }} ===Parks=== The two largest parks in this area are listed separately under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Fort Mason|Fort Mason section]] and [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#The Presidio|The Presidio section]] below. The Marina Green Park is listed under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Do|Do section]] below as it's primarily used as a recreational area. Other parks include: * {{see | name=Alta Plaza Park | alt= | url=http://www.altaplazapark.com/ | email= | address= | lat=37.7912 | long=-122.4376 | directions=between Jackson St and Steiner St, Clay St and Scott St | phone=+1-415 -67-1265 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alta Plaza | wikidata=Q4735994 | content=A charming and immaculately manicured Pacific Heights park with great vistas over the Bay. It has tennis courts and a playground, and is a pretty good place for a picnic, or even just a rest if you've just scaled the hill. }} * {{see | name=Lafayette Park | alt= | url=https://sfrecpark.org/512/Lafayette-Park | email= | address= | lat=37.7916 | long=-122.4276 | directions=between Sacramento St and Washington St, Laguna St and Gough St | phone=+1-415-321-4342 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lafayette Park (San Francisco) | wikidata=Q6471488 | content=Another little oasis park in the heart of Pacific Heights &mdash; like its neighbor Alta Plaza Park, it is pristinely kept by local residents and it also has excellent views over the Bay. }} ===Galleries and museums=== Many of the galleries and museums are listed separately under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Fort Mason|Fort Mason section]] and [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#The Presidio|The Presidio section]] below. Here are some others: * {{see | name=Images of the North | url=http://www.imagesnorth.com/ | email=gallery@ImagesNorth.com | address=2036 Union St | lat=37.7976 | long=-122.4329 | directions=between Buchanan St and Webster St | phone=+1-415-673-1273 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-673-1272 | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-5:30PM and by appt | price=Free | content=Features a eclectic collection of prints, sculpture, and jewelry from Alaskan and Canadian Inuit artists. The artwork sold here is an interpretation of Arctic life and culture. }} * {{see | name=Wonders of Tibet | url= | email=wot@wondersoftibet.com | address=1771 Union St | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4283 | directions=between Gough St and Octavia St | phone=+1-415-409-2994 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-409-2995 | hours=M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | content=A Tibetan inspired gallery where you will find all kind of original Buddhist treasures like; jewelry and beads, rugs, Dharma, antiques, artifacts, and gifts. }} ===Architecture=== Architecture buffs will definitely enjoy taking a stroll through the Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow neighborhoods, where ornate (''and huge!'') Edwardian and Victorian mansions are on display. Many are privately owned so be respectful, but some are open to the public. If you are a fan of the Spanish Colonial Revival-style, continue your tour through [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#The Presidio|The Presidio section]] below where you will find many fine examples. * {{see | name=Atherton House | url=http://www.noehill.com/sf/landmarks/nat1979000527.asp | email= | address=1990 California St | lat=37.7901 | long=-122.4271 | directions=at Octavia St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=An 1881 Victorian mansion that was built for Mrs. Doming de Goni Atherton by an unknown architect. It was one of the first Queen Anne residences in San Francisco. It is reported to be haunted, and is a stop on the haunted tour of San Francisco. }} * {{see | name=Haas Lilienthal House | alt= | url=http://www.sfheritage.org/haas-lilienthal-house/ | email=hrkraft@sfheritage.org | address=2007 Franklin St | lat=37.7933 | long=-122.4249 | directions=at Washington St | phone=+1-415-441-3004 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-441-3015 | hours=Tours: Su 11AM-4PM, W and Sa noon-3PM. Tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes and last about 1 hour | price=General admission $8, seniors and children 12 and under $5 | wikipedia=Haas-Lilienthal House | wikidata=Q5636548 | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=This is an {{ft2|11,500}} Queen Anne Victorian, built solely out of redwood in 1886 for William Haas. It has been fully preserved to its original design. It houses the San Francisco Architectural Heritage which offer tours inside the house and around the grounds. }} * {{see | name=The Leale House | url= | email= | address=2475 Pacific Ave | lat=37.7930 | long=-122.4359 | directions=between Steiner St and Fillmore St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This house was built in 1853 and as such it is one of the city's oldest residences. A ferry-boat captain known as Captain Leale bought the house three decades later and remodeled it in the popular "Italianate" style. }} * {{see | name=The Octagon House | alt= | url=http://www.nscda.org/museums/california.htm | email= | address=2645 Gough St | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4274 | directions=at Union St | phone=+1-415-441-7512 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open to the public on the second Sunday of every month, and the second and fourth Thursday of every month, from noon-3PM | price=Free | wikipedia=McElroy Octagon House | wikidata=Q6801074 | content=Dating from 1861, this eight-sided house with its cupola top, dormer windows, and roof lanterns was built in the belief that such octagonally shaped houses promote healthier living. Today, the building is an American Colonial museum. It has many artifacts on display including antique furniture and historical documents. It is run by the National Society of the Colonial Dames. }} * {{see | name=San Francisco Public Library &mdash; Golden Gate Valley Branch | alt= | url=https://sfpl.org/locations/golden-gate-valley | email=ggvmgr@sfpl.org | address=1801 Green St | lat=37.7968 | long=-122.429 | directions=at Octavia St | phone=+1 415-355-5666 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5:30PM | price= | wikidata=Q66362951 | lastedit=2021-10-15 | content=Built in 1917 by architect Ernest Coxhead, this unique "Beaux-Arts" library was modeled on a Roman basilica. It has free internet facilities. }} * {{see | name=Spreckles Mansion | alt= | url= | email= | address=2080 Washington St | lat=37.79273 | long=-122.42751 | directions=at Octavia St | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q100451768 | lastedit=2021-10-15 | content=This white "Beaux-Arts" limestone mansion was built in 1913 by sugar baron Adolph Spreckles. It has 55 rooms including a Louis XVI Ballroom. The mansion is a private residence which is owned by the famous romance-novelist, Danielle Steele. }} * {{see | name=Vedanta Temple | url=http://www.sfvedanta.org/ | email=temple@sfvedanta.org | address=2963 Webster St | lat=37.7981 | long=-122.4342 | directions=at Filbert St | phone=+1-415-922-2323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=This temple was built in 1905 by architect Joseph Leonard. Architecturally the building reflects the Vedantic philosophy that all roads lead to one God; hence the building has a mix of architectural styles like Edwardian, Moorish, Queen Anne, Colonial, and Oriental among others. It has five different towers on the top including a Russian-style onion dome and a European-style castle turret. The extraordinary temple was the first Hindu temple built in the West. }} ===Fort Mason=== [[Image:FORTMASON.jpg|thumb|340px|Evening shadows at Fort Mason]] [http://www.fortmason.org/ Fort Mason] was a U.S. Military coastal defense post and port for over 100 years. In 1985, it was ordained as a National Historic Landmark, primarily for its vital logistical role during World War II and then later the Korean War. Today, it is part of the '''[[Golden Gate National Recreation Area]]''' and is under the remit of the National Park Service. Situated on a headland, '''Upper Fort Mason''' has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and of Alcatraz. '''Lower Fort Mason''', which comprises approximately 13 acres, is the site of the former military port and today houses the Fort Mason Center, which is committed to nonprofit and cultural activities with an emphasis on entertainment, recreation, and education in the fields of; the visual/performing arts, humanities, and ecology/environment. It has three museums and six theaters and hosts nearly 20,000 events each year. Most of the activities are provided at nominal or sometimes no cost to the public. The small, specialized museums in Fort Mason include: * {{see | name=Museo ItaloAmericano | alt= | url=http://www.museoitaloamericano.org/ | email=sfmuseo@sbcglobal.net | address=Fort Mason Center, Building C | lat=37.8068 | long=-122.4314 | directions= | phone=+1-415-673-2200 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-673-2292 | hours=Tu-Su noon-4PM, M by appointment | price=Free | wikipedia=Museo ItaloAmericano | wikidata=Q11073602 | content=Hosts photo exhibits and the work of modern Italian artists. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art &mdash; Artists Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.sfmoma.org/visit/artists_gallery | email=artistsgallery@sfmoma.org | address=Fort Mason Center, Landmark Building A | lat=37.8064 | long=-122.4321 | directions= | phone=+1-415-441-4777 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10:30AM-5PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q913672 | content=Housed over two floors, the SFMOMA displays the art &mdash; in a variety of styles and media &mdash; of over 1,000 emerging and established Northern Californian artists. }} * {{see | name=The Long Now Foundation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.longnow.org/ | email=services@longnow.org | address=Landmark Building A | lat=37.8068 | long=-122.4307 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-6582 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-561-6297 | hours=M-F 10:30AM-5PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Long Now Foundation | wikidata=Q568907 | content=The Long Now foundation was established to foster a better understanding of a "slower/better" mind set &mdash; as opposed to "faster/cheaper" one. As well as holding many seminars and talks, they also have a museum and store at their premises. }} ===The Presidio=== [[Image:Presidiosign.jpg|thumb|350px]] [http://www.presidio.gov/ The Presidio] was founded in 1776 and was the longest-running military post in the U.S. before closing as a base in 1994. It is now a part of the '''[[Golden Gate National Recreation Area]]''' and Congress has designated it a National Historic Landmark District, which is the highest historic designation that can be given in the U.S. The park is a beautiful 3 square miles of mostly hilly and wooded areas. The Presidio has around 800 buildings within its perimeter, many of which are of historical significance. Some of the buildings have residential tenants, others commercial ones. At the end of 2005, about 2,500 people lived in the Presidio and it is home to the headquarters of Lucasfilm (owned by George Lucas, the creator of "Star Wars"), a unique situation for a national park. Part of their drinking water comes from Lobos Creek (Rio de los Lobos), the last free-flowing creek in San Francisco. The Presidio Trust, that manages the majority of the park, is renovating the remainder of the buildings, with a view to increasing its list of residents to 5,000. The Presidio contains 11 miles of hiking trails, including the Golden Gate Promenade, the Coastal Trail, an ecology trail, and portions of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the Bay Trail, and the Anza National Historic Trail. Cyclists can explore the area on 14 miles of paved roads and along some unpaved parts of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. A world-class board-sailing area borders Crissy Field, while fishing and crabbing opportunities abound from the nearby rocks and pier. Along the way there are also many historical and architectural points of interest as well as some fantastic vistas and natural scenery. ====Visitor centers and museums==== * {{see | name=Arion Press | alt= | url=http://www.arionpress.com/ | email=arionpress@arionpress.com | address=1802 Hays St | lat=37.7882 | long=-122.4735 | directions=at Belles St | phone=+1-415-668-2542 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-668-2550 | hours=Gallery: M-F 10AM-5PM. Tours: Th 3:30PM | price=Gallery: free. Tours: $10 | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=Arion Press is considered the best publisher of fine press books in the nation. A gallery on-site has a large collection of limited edition books and prints, and they offer tours of their production facility, including the pressroom and the typefoundary that contains the oldest hot metal type foundry in the country. }} * {{see | name=Battery Chamberlin | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/battery-chamberlin.htm | email= | address=Battery Chamberlin Rd | lat=37.7937 | long=-122.4828 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=On the first full weekend of each month, between 11AM-3PM, you can take part in demonstrations of the gun and visit a small seacoast defense museum at the battery | price=Free | wikipedia=Battery Chamberlin | wikidata=Q4869826 | content=Battery Chamberlin, built near Baker Beach in 1904, was constructed as part of a modernization effort to accommodate the lighter, stronger, more powerful coastal defense weapons developed in the 1880s. Today Battery Chamberlin holds the last 6-inch "disappearing gun" of its type on the West Coast. }} * {{see | name=Crissy Field Center | alt= | url=http://www.parksconservancy.org/programs/crissy-field-center/ | email=tellmemore@parksconservancy.org | address=1199 East Beach | lat=37.8058 | long=-122.4491 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-7690 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-561-7695 | hours=9AM-5PM daily | price=Free | wikipedia=Crissy Field | wikidata=Q5186096 | content=The Crissy Field Center includes an activity area, learning and computer labs, a teaching kitchen, library, and an information area and bookstore. The center offers a rich array of education programs that serve the entire San Francisco community. Focusing on the convergence of Urban and Natural Environments, educational programs and activities promote multicultural perspectives, environmental stewardship, and community service. They also have a small cafe inside the premises serving up organic, locally sourced food. }} * {{see | name=Fort Point National Historic Site | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/fopo/ | email= | address=Marine Dr | lat=37.8105 | long=-122.4772 | directions=Long Ave and Marine Dr | phone=+1-415-556-1693 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Video orientations, guided tours, self-guiding materials, exhibits, and publication sales are offered F-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Fort Point, San Francisco | image=Fort Point Courtyard.jpg | wikidata=Q1438659 | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of the master brick masons of the Civil War period. It is best approached from the Marina District along the water through the kites and bay-views of the connected Crissy Field Park. }} * {{see | name=Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://farallones.noaa.gov/ | email=farallones@noaa.gov | address=991 Marine Dr | lat=37.8055 | long=-122.4673 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-6622 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-561-6616 | hours=W-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary | wikidata=Q5617591 | content=The Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center provides information on the sanctuary and features hands-on educational exhibits on local marine life. The visitor center is housed in the historic Coast Guard Station at the west end of Crissy Field. The Life Saving Service and Coast Guard were housed here from 1890 to 1990, providing a variety of services ranging from search and rescue operations to navigational assistance. }} * {{see | name=Walt Disney Family Museum | alt= | url=http://www.waltdisney.org | email= | address=104 Montgomery St | lat=37.8014 | long=-122.4587 | directions=brief walk from the Transit Center | phone=+1-415-345-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-M 10AM-6PM; closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, Dec 25 | price=$25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, $15 for ages 6-17, free for under 6 | wikipedia=The Walt Disney Family Museum | image=Disney Museum 2.JPG | wikidata=Q2415048 | lastedit=2018-01-03 | content=Opened in 2009, this museum focuses on the life of Walt Disney and his accomplishments. The museum is not run by the Walt Disney Company, meaning that while it views Walt Disney in a favorable light, it doesn't come off as corporate propaganda. The collections have some fascinating Disneyana, including the Oscar awarded to Disney for Snow White, a multiplane camera used prominently in Disney animated films, and a number of posters promoting early Disneyland rides. This is an absolute must-see for Disney enthusiasts, but even casual Disney fans will be impressed by the material here, which does a very good job of showing how a man with a gift for cartooning built what would become a modern media empire. }} * {{see | name=William Penn Mott, Jr. Visitor Center | url= | email= | address=Building 50, Moraga Ave | lat=37.7975 | long=-122.4591 | directions=at Graham St | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-5PM daily | price=Free | content=Information on points of interest and Presidio history is available at the Visitor Center, temporarily located in the Presidio Officers' Club. Several videos can be viewed in the theater and a bookstore offers topical books and other media. }} ====Historical points of interest==== * {{see | name=Battery East | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.8085 | long=-122.4746 | directions=off Marina Dr | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=This fortification was built in the 1870s, to withstand newer and heavier ordinance. You can view the earthen works and brick-lined magazines built to protect large Rodman guns and their ammunition. }} *{{see | name=Cavalry Stables and Pet Cemetery | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/cavalry-stables-and-pet-cemetery.htm | email= | address=Cowles St | lat=37.8019 | long=-122.4678 | directions=between Lincoln Blvd and McDowell Ave | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Five brick cavalry stables were built in 1914. Each stable could house 102 horses, enough for a cavalry company. A paddock stood between the stables and the cavalry barracks on the hill behind, and a blacksmith shop was in front. After the cavalry left the stables, they were adapted to other uses &mdash; the Pet Cemetery was started and also a veterinary hospital. }} * {{see | name=Crissy Airfield | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/crissy-airfield.htm | email=tellmemore@parksconservancy.org | address=Crissy Field, 603 Mason St | lat=37.8041 | long=-122.4651 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-7690 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=From 1921 to 1936 Crissy Army Airfield was the center of West Coast military aviation. During these years of explosive advances in air power, pilots from Crissy performed maneuvers and mock battles, flew endurance flights, surveyed the west by air, and scouted for forest fires. }} * {{see | name=Fort Winfield Scott | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/fort-winfield-scott.htm | email= | address=Ruckman Ave | lat=37.8010 | long=-122.4745 | directions=near Appleton St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Situated near the gun batteries of the coastal bluffs, Fort Scott was established in 1912 to serve as headquarters for the Coastal Artillery Corps of the San Francisco Bay area. Spanish Revival style buildings, the first of this style to be built on the Presidio, characterize the post, and the U-shaped parade ground breaks from traditional quadrangular design. The post was eventually converted to an Army Education Center. }} * {{see | name=Infantry Row | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/infantry-row.htm | email= | address=Infantry Terrace | lat=37.8003 | long=-122.4593 | directions=near Moraga Ave | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Buildings 101 through 105, known as "Infantry Row," were constructed to accommodate troops consolidated at the Presidio after the Indian Wars. These were some of the first brick barracks constructed in the west, showing that the Presidio was to be a permanent post. Built in the late 1890s, these barracks display Colonial Revival style architecture with Romanesque elements. }} [[Image:YODA.jpg|thumb|230px|Master Yoda looks after the Presidio at Lucas Films HQ]] * {{see | name=Letterman Complex | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/letterman-complex.htm | email= | address=Letterman Dr | lat=37.7990 | long=-122.4498 | directions=between Lombard St and Presidio Blvd | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Letterman Digital Arts Center | wikidata=Q6533683 | content=Established in 1898 to care for sick and wounded soldiers, it is the Army's oldest named general hospital and during WWII it became the largest Army hospital in the country. Today the complex is home to Lucas Films and lots of Star Wars fans make the pilgrimage there each year. You won't get inside unless you know someone.}} ** {{see | name=Yoda Fountain | price=Free | wikidata=Q106763424 | content= You can practice your "Jedi" skills outside the Letterman Complex with this statue of Yoda on a fountain. }} * {{see | name=Main Post | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/historyculture/main-post.htm | email=mainpost@presidiotrust.gov | address=Lincoln Blvd | lat=37.8006 | long=-122.4583 | directions=at Montgomery St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The Main Post is at the heart of the Presidio. It marks the site of a Spanish garrison established here in 1776 and it is home to the oldest buildings in the Presidio, dating back to 1861. }} * {{see | name=Pershing Square | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/historyculture/pershing-square.htm | email=mainpost@presidiotrust.gov | address=Pershing Dr | lat=37.7984 | long=-122.4589 | directions=between Bliss Ct and Craig Ct | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The flagpole in Pershing Square (at the Main Post) marks the site of a disastrous 1915 fire that destroyed the residence and killed the wife and three daughters of General John "Black Jack" Pershing of World War I fame. Just east lies the site of the original Spanish presidio, built in 1776 on this windswept slope. A boulder by the sidewalk approximates the northwest corner of the original Presidio, which formed a square about 300 feet (100 m) on each side. Two bronze cannons at this site, forged in the 1600s, used to be mounted at Castillo de San Joaquin, a fort built at the point overlooking the Golden Gate. They are among the oldest cannon in North America. }} * {{see | name=Public Health Service Hospital | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/public-health-service-hospital.htm | email=phsh@presidiotrust.gov | address=Wedemeyer St and 15th Ave | lat=37.7886 | long=-122.4746 | | phone=+1-415-561-4183 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built in 1875, the Public Health Service Hospital tended the needs of merchant seamen. Eventually the hospital also cared for members of the U.S. Coast Guard and other governmental agencies, Native Americans and Vietnam refugees. In addition, important research on plague diseases was conducted here. A new hospital replaced the old in 1932, and two wings were added in the 1950s. The hospital closed in 1981. }} * {{see | name=San Francisco National Cemetery | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/historyculture/san-francisco-national-cemetery.htm | email= | address=1 Lincoln Blvd | lat=37.7996 | long=-122.4644 | directions=near Fisher Loop | phone=+1-415-561-2008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=San Francisco National Cemetery | image=SFNC;903 sanfrancisco.jpg | wikidata=Q7414075 | content=Many military personal have been buried here over the years, including a General from the American Civil War and 35 Medal of Honor recipients. }} * {{see | name=West Coast Memorial to the Missing of World War II | alt= | url=https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/americas/west-coast-memorial | email= | address=at Kobbe Ave and Lincoln Blvd | lat=37.7987 | long=-122.478 | directions=near Baker Beach | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7984818 | lastedit=2021-10-16 | content=One of three memorials on U.S. soil dedicated to missing service members of World War II, the West Coast Memorial is a curved wall of California granite set in a grove of Monterey pine and cypress. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it bears the names of 413 members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives or were buried at sea in the offshore Pacific coastal waters. }} ====Architecture==== * {{see | name=The Golden Gate Club | url=http://www.presidio.gov/venues/Pages/Golden-Gate-Club.aspx | email=events@presidiotrust.gov | address=135 Fisher Loop | lat=37.8004 | long=-122.4615 | directions=at Infantry Terrace | phone=+1-415-561-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=With its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival-style exterior, it was dedicated in 1949 as a first-class service club for enlisted men and women and was the site of several historic treaty signings during the early days of the Korean War. Stylishly remodeled, the club is now a full-service conference and events center. }} * {{see | name=Officers Club | alt= | url=http://www.presidioofficersclub.com | email=events@presidiotrust.gov | address=50 Moraga Ave | lat=37.7973 | long=-122.4592 | directions=at Graham St | phone=+1-415-561-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 10AM-6PM | price=Free | content=It was built by the Spanish with adobe walls, and was remodeled in the 1930s in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style adorned with rustic Spanish-tile gable roofs, heavy, rough timber lintels and beams, and decorative ironwork. }} * {{see | name=Old Post Hospital | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/old-post-hospital.htm | email= | address=Funston Ave | lat=37.8005 | long=-122.4552 | directions=at Lincoln Blvd | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Built in 1864, it displays Italianate and Greek Revival architectural styles. Constructed during the Civil War, it is one of the oldest standing buildings on the Presidio. The original structure was modified by adding wings and enclosing the porches. In 1897, an octagonal surgical tower with windows on all sides was added to provide a well-lit operating room. }} * {{see | name=Palace of Fine Arts | alt= | url=http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/ | email=info@palaceoffinearts.org | address=3301 Lyon St | lat=37.802778 | long=-122.448333 | directions=at Bay St | phone=+1-415-567-6642 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-4062 | hours=6AM-9PM daily | price=Free | wikipedia=Palace of Fine Arts | image=Palace of Fine Arts SF CA.jpg | wikidata=Q966263 | content=The only structure remaining from the 1915 World's Fair, it features a classical Roman rotunda (1,100 feet wide, 162 feet high) with curved colonnades (30 Corinthian columns frame a wide walkway in the colonnade) situated in an idyllic park setting with a classical European-Style lagoon. It's a great place to unwind, have a picnic, and watch the swans float elegantly by. It also has a theater offering a variety of shows, musical and cultural events. }} * {{see | name=Interfaith Center at the Presidio | alt= | url=https://www.interfaithpresidio.org/ | email= | address=Fisher Loop, Building 130 | lat=37.7993 | long=-122.4618 | directions=near Infantry Terrace | phone=+1-415-561-3930 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM-2PM, Su 10AM-1PM | price=Free | content=Built in the early 1930s, this cruciform-shaped sanctuary is a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture, with features that embellished early mission churches. Stained glass windows depict virtues of military character, and a large wall mural by Victor Arnautoff (famed Coit Tower muralist) depicts the peacetime activities of the Army. }} ====Nature and recreation==== [[Image:baker Beach 2.jpg|thumb|300px|The gorgeous Baker Beach]] Nature lovers will adore the Presidio. Its geology, climate, and geography &mdash; combined with the Army's decision not to overdevelop the Park &mdash; mean that it has some of the most intact natural habitats on the San Francisco peninsula. It is home to many rare species of flowers including Raven's manzanita and Franciscan thistle as well as mammals like the coyote, gray fox, and the Fox Squirrel. Bird lovers will be pleased to know that there are a great variety of birds milling about including Gulls, Sandpipers, Plovers, Ducks, Herons, Loons, Pelecans, and Kingfishers. * {{see | name=Baker Beach | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/baker-beach.htm | email= | address=Gibson Rd | lat=37.7922 | long=-122.4845 | directions=along Lincoln Blvd and Bowley St | phone=+1-415-831-2750 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baker Beach | wikidata=Q684879 | content=A beautiful, immaculately kept 1-mile stretch of beach, set just behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately, due to strong currents, the beach is not very safe for swimming, but for "land-lovers" it does have many outdoor barbeques and designated picnic areas to eat and relax at. Toward the northern end of the beach there is also an unofficial nude section that mainly seems to attract gay men. It has free parking and clean restrooms. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Coastal Bluffs | alt= | url=https://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/coastal-bluffs.htm | email= | address= | lat=37.8006 | long=-122.4794 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Beaches and rocky shoreline lie at the base of the coastal bluffs, while their tops provide expansive views of the Pacific coastline. The Coastal Trail extends along the wind-swept coastal bluffs, where some of the most intact natural habitat in the Presidio harbors rare plants adapted to serpentine soil and cool foggy conditions. }} [[Image:crissyfield.jpg|thumb|300px|''"Dedicated to those who find this park a beautiful place to dream"'']] * {{see | name=Crissy Field Marsh and Beach | alt= | url=http://www.parksconservancy.org/programs/crissy-field-center/ | email=tellmemore@parksconservancy.org | address=1199 East Beach | lat= 37.8038 | long= -122.4618 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-7690 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Crissy Marsh | wikidata=Q5186098 | content=Known by many names &mdash; "The city's front yard" and "The Golden Gate promenade" &mdash; this used to be one of the country's most active and strategic military airstrips. Today, under the care the Golden Gate National Parks Association, the 28 acre site has been transformed into recreational space for joggers, cyclists, walkers, and picnickers. There is also a significant project underway to return 18 acres back to its original tidal marshlands. With this effort, Crissy Field is fast becoming a great place to see local wildlife such as migrating long-billed curlews, semipalmated plovers and western sandpipers. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=El Polin Spring | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/el-polin-spring.htm | email= | address=El Polin Loop | lat=37.7929 | long=-122.4554 | directions=at the end of MacArthur Ave | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5351856 | content=El Polin spring water bubbles from a rock wall at the head of this riparian valley. The spring provided a source of fresh water for the Spanish Presidio, and Spanish and Mexican families built their homes in this sheltered valley. Today, you can picnic in the bucolic meadows near the spring or explore the surrounding forest and grasslands. }} * {{see | name=Inspiration Point | alt= | url=http://www.presidio.gov/places/inspiration-point-overlook | email=events@presidiotrust.gov | address=Arguello Blvd and Washington Blvd | lat=37.7932 | long=-122.4627 | directions=at the Arguello Boulevard Gate | phone=+1-415-561-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Perched high atop the Presidio, Inspiration Point has great views over the Presidio and the Bay and is great to visit both during the day and at night. }} * {{see | name=Lobos Creek Valley | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/lobos-creek-valley.htm | email= | address= | lat=37.7877 | long=-122.4789 | directions=off Lincoln Blvd, at the south-eastern section of the Presidio | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Contains the last free-flowing stream in San Francisco, which provides water to the inhabitants of the Presidio. }} * {{see | name=Lovers' Lane | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/lovers-lane.htm | email= | address= | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4545 | directions=between Liggett Ave and Clark St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the oldest foot trails in the Presidio, Lovers' Lane is an easy, one-mile walk. U.S. soldiers used the trail to visit their lovers and family in San Francisco. }} * {{see | name=Mountain Lake | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/mountain-lake.htm | email= | address= | lat=37.7879 | long=-122.4711 | directions=at the southern entrance to the park, near 10th Ave and Lake St | phone=+1-415-666-7005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mountain Lake Park | wikidata=Q6925042 | content=The campsite of the Anza settlement party in 1776, it became a source of fresh water for San Francisco during the early years. Ducks and waterfowl make their home among the tule reeds. Mountain Lake today fronts a popular neighborhood park with playground equipment, tennis courts and a Par Course. }} * {{see | name=Presidio Forest | alt= | url=https://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/presidio-forest.htm | email= | address= | lat= 37.797 | long= -122.467 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mature forest of pine, cypress, eucalyptus and other non-native trees covers the higher areas of the Presidio. The army planted these trees from the 1880s through the 1940s in order to make the area appear larger with more relief, to limit visibility within the Presidio, and to beautify the post. }} * {{see | name=Presidio Golf Course | url=http://www.presidiogolf.com/ | email= | address=300 Finley Rd | lat=37.7906 | long=-122.4599 | directions=at Arguello Blvd | phone=+1-415-561-4661 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tee-off times 6:45AM-3:09PM | price=$55-145 | content=Founded in 1895 by the private San Francisco Golf and Country Club, the original 9-hole Presidio Golf Course was one of the earliest courses on the West Coast. In 1910, the course was expanded to 18-holes. Today, the course is open to the general public. }} * {{see | name=Mountain Lake Park | alt= | url=http://www.fmlp.org | email= | address=located just north of the intersection of Lake and Funston at the southern end of the Presidio park | lat=37.7876 | long=-122.4712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mountain Lake Park | image=Mountain Lake (468742548).jpg | wikidata=Q6925042 | content=A small hiking trail winds around this scenic lake, noted for its historic importance in that it supplied water to the nearby colonial Spanish settlement of the Presidio. There is also a playground and a tennis court at the southern side of the lake. }} ===Golden Gate Bridge=== [[Image:ggbridge.jpg|thumb|360px|... a spectacular view through the Golden Gate Bridge]] {{infobox|Golden Gate Bridge trivia|* In total, the bridge is {{ft|8,981}} across (its main span being {{ft|4,200}}). At its tallest point it is 746 feet, but only 90 feet across &mdash; 6 reversible traffic lanes and two walkways. The strait that passes beneath the bridge runs 400 feet deep. * It is famously "over-engineered" &mdash; being over four times stronger than it needs to be. * It took over four years to build and cost over $35 million in 1937 (over $575 million today). * Amazingly, it has over 1.2 million rivets. * Each of its twin towers weighs more than 44,000 tons and the total weight of the bridge is almost 900,000 tons. * It is the second largest suspension bridge in the US and if you untangled all of its cables they would stretch around the world 3 times. * It has been featured in many movies, including "Vertigo" and "Superman." * As advocates for many ambitious modern day construction projects like to point out, there were thousands of lawsuits against construction, it was deemed to "ruin" the Bay and there was significant local opposition against it ever getting built - hard to imagine these days}} {{listing | type=see | name=Golden Gate Bridge | alt= | url=http://www.goldengatebridge.org/ | email=bridgecomments@goldengate.org | address=US 101 | lat=37.8076 | long=-122.4752 | directions=from Park-Presidio or Lombard St entrance | phone=+1 415-921-5858 (general info) | tollfree=+1-877-229-8655 (toll payment inquiries) | hours=Open 24 hours, occasionally closed Sunday morning for events. Welcome Center: daily, 9AM-6PM | price=$8.00 Pay-By-Plate, $7 w/ FasTrak account (toll driving south into San Francisco; free on foot or bike) | wikipedia=Golden Gate Bridge | image=GoldenGateBridge-001.jpg | wikidata=Q44440 | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content= }} Vehicular traffic in both directions share a single deck; a movable barrier (operated on by a zipper machine) used to allot lanes to one direction or the other depending on traffic conditions. Observation areas and parking lots are provided on both the north and south sides of the bridge; the best way to enjoy the bridge is to park and walk across, not least because you don't have to pay a toll. Winds are high and it can be cold and foggy; dress appropriately. Bikes can also be difficult to navigate in the high winds and narrow pathway. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the United States, and has been called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The bridge spans the Golden Gate, a strait between San Francisco and [[Marin County]] to the north, and is one of the major road routes into and out of the city. The masterwork of architect Joseph B. Strauss, whose statue graces the southern observation deck, the bridge took four years to build, and was completed on May 27, 1937. It managed to survive a major earthquake in 1989. The bridge is painted a deep red-orange color known as ''"International Orange,"'' also known as ''"Orange Vermillion,"'' which was specifically chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog that frequently shrouds the bridge. Erroneous legend has it that the bridge is continuously painted, with crews starting at one end and, on getting to the other end, turning around and starting over again. In fact, the bridge is only painted once every few years, but touch up work is done continuously by a team of 40 painters. The San Francisco end of the bridge is accessible by the Muni 28 bus line from Fort Mason in the Marina District near [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]]. The fastest way to reach it from downtown is to take the 38 or 38L up Geary to "Park Presidio" (after 12th Ave) and transfer to a Fort Mason bound 28. Golden Gate Transit buses serve the bridge on request, but buses are very infrequent and unpredictable except at afternoon commute times, when they are crowded. '''Toll collection on the Golden Gate Bridge is entirely electronic (no cash accepted) and done by license plate recognition.''' As you pass through the former tollbooth plaza, reduce your speed but do not stop. If you are driving a rental car, you have 48 hours to pay your toll by going to [http://www.bayareafastrak.org bayareafastrak.org] and following the link for Golden Gate Bridge Toll. From there, you may make a one-time payment of your toll by providing the license plate of your rental vehicle, the date and time of your crossing, and your credit card information. Failing to do so will result in your rental car company being charged the toll, and they will usually pass the charge on to you with additional fees. ==Do== Due to the "outdoorsy" nature of the area, many of the activities here are centered around nature, exercise, and recreation. If you feel like catching a show, there are also many theaters here of all descriptions. * {{do | name=Marina Green | alt= | url= | email= | address=Marina Green Dr | lat=37.8066 | long=-122.4391 | directions=along Marina Blvd between Buchanan St and Scott St | phone=+1-415-831-2700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marina Green | wikidata=Q3293150 | content=Marina Green is a long, flat strip of grass at the front of the Marina that runs along the Bay, equidistant between the Presidio and Fort Mason. The "Green" teems with joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, kite flyers, volleyball players, frisbee throwers, and rollerbladers &mdash; all getting their health kick exercising in an iconic location. The activities continue all the way through Crissy Fields ("The City's Front Yard") to the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge where you will find surfers patiently waiting for that next "big one." }} * {{do | name=Farallon Islands Whale Watching | alt= | url=http://www.oceanic-society.org/farallon%20islands%20season | email= | address=San Francisco Yacht Harbor/Marina Green | lat=37.8066 | long=-122.4424 | directions=just outside the Harbormaster's office | phone=+1-415-256-9604 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-474-3395 | hours=Cruise departs select Saturdays and Sundays May-Nov (check schedule in advance), Check-in time is 7:30AM, boat leaves 8AM | price=$128/person | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=Learn about the importance of preserving our natural environment on a 8 hour cruise to this National Wildlife Refuge, 27 miles off the coast of San Francisco in the Gulf of the Farallons. The islands' 211 acres of rocks and surrounding waters are home to Sea Lions, Tufted Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, and Rhinoceros Auklets among other species. In total, twenty three species of marine mammals, including 18 species of whales and dolphins reside in these waters. }} * {{do | name=Steps at Broadway and Lyon | url= | email= | address=Pacific Heights | lat=37.7933 | long=-122.4465 | directions=at Broadway St and Lyon St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you climb these steps you can get a breathtaking view of the Palace of Fine Arts, the Marina, and the Bay. The Steps are known locally as the "San Francisco Stair Master"... and with good reason! }} * {{do | name=Walking Tours | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a number of themed walking tours available in the area including: }} ** {{do | name=Heritage Walks | alt= | url=https://www.sfheritage.org/news/new-self-guided-walking-tour-of-pacific-heights/ | email=cconmy@sfheritage.org | address=Haas Lilienthal House, 2007 Franklin St | lat= | long= | directions=at Washington St | phone=+1-415-441-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-441-3015 | hours=Hours vary &mdash; see website | price=$8 general, $5 seniors/children | content=These architectural tours of Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow are given by the San Francisco Architectural Heritage Foundation and focus mainly on its abundance of "Painted Ladies" (no... not grandma! &mdash; it refers to Edwardian and Victorian mansions) as well as the historical underpinnings of the area. They offer several different tours of varying lengths so check their website for specific details. }} ** {{do | name=San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour | url=http://www.sfghosthunt.com/ | email=sfghosthunt@yahoo.com | address=Depart from the lobby of the Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter St | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Sutter St and Octavia St | phone=+1-415-922-5590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-M 7PM | price=Reservations not required; adults $20, under 16's $10 | content=Who's afraid of ghosts? Well, if you have the backbone for it, you can visit places long suspected of being haunted by ghostly visitations and spirits on this one hour guided tour. }} ===Theater and performing arts=== * {{listing | type=do | name=BATS Improv at Bayfront Theater | alt= | url=http://www.improv.org | email=bats@improv.org | address=Fort Mason Center, Bldg B, 3rd floor | lat=37.8067 | long=-122.4318 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-474-6776 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-474-9385 | hours=Shows usually start at 7PM/8PM | price=$8-20 | wikipedia=BATS Improv | wikidata=Q4834688 | content=BATS is a performing arts theater company that focuses on all forms of improvisational format, including theatersports. They also provide classes for anyone interested. }} * {{do | name=Blue Bear Performance Hall | url=http://www.bluebearmusic.org | email=contact@bluebearmusic.org | address=Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, 2nd floor | lat=37.8066 | long=-122.4307 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-673-3600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Blue Bear Performance Hall is used mostly for school musical performances. They have a music school that teaches all kind of music from Jazz to rock-n-roll to musicians of all ages. The hall also hosts some independent stage productions. }} [[Image:Clay Movie theatre.jpg|thumb|250px|A French indie movie showing at the Clay theater]] * {{do | name=Clay Theater | alt= | url=http://www.landmarktheatres.com/san-francisco/clay-theatre | email= | address=2261 Fillmore St | lat=37.7905 | long=-122.4344 | directions=between Clay St and Sacramento St | phone=+1-415-561-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=General: $10.50, Bargain Matinee: $8 (M-Th before 6PM, F-Su 1st showing) | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=The Art Deco/Neo-Classical Clay Theater was built in 1910 and is one of the oldest movie theaters in the city. It specializes in indie and international films. It's a small little theater, with smallish seats and an even smaller screen; but its got a cozy atmosphere, its popcorn comes laden with butter, and overall it's a great place to catch an art house film. }} * {{do | name=Cowell Theater | url=http://www.fortmason.org/events | email= | address=Fort Mason Center, Middle Pier | lat=37.8088 | long=-122.4315 | directions=behind Herbst Pavilion | phone=+1-415-441-3400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for schedule and times | price=$0-60 | content=Hosts theater, dance, talks, and film festival productions among other things. }} * {{do | name=Magic Theatre | url=http://www.magictheatre.org | email=info@magictheatre.org | address=Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, 3rd floor | lat=37.8070 | long=-122.4308 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-441-8822 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-771-5505 | hours=W–Sa 8PM, Su 2:30PM and 7PM | price=$25-75 | content=The Magic Theater is where you can go if you are interested in seeing productions from new and established American playwrights such as the Pulitzer Prize-winner, Sam Shepard. }} * {{do | name=Palace of Fine Arts Theatre | url=http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/ | email=info@palaceoffinearts.org | address=3301 Lyon St | lat=37.8021 | long=-122.4487 | directions= | phone=+1-415-567-6642 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-4062 | hours=See website for schedule and times | price=$20-150 | content=This 1,000 seat theater hosts concerts, comedy shoes, film events, and lectures. }} * {{do | name=Young Performers Theatre | url=http://www.ypt.org | email=sf_ypt@hotmail.com | address=Fort Mason Center, Bldg C, 3rd floor | lat=37.8066 | long=-122.4314 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-346-5550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa 1PM, Su 1PM and 3:30PM. Shows do not run every week, see website for exact dates | price=Adults: $10, Children under 13: $7 | content=The Young Performers Theatre is a professional children's theater. It hosts a dozen or so shows each year and also offers classes in the dramatic arts, creative drama, comedy and musical theater. }} ===Events and festivals=== * {{do | name=Ethnic Dance Festival | url=http://www.worldartswest.org/main/home.asp | email=info@worldartswest.org | address=Palace of Fine Arts | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-415-474-3914 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-474-3922 | hours=June &mdash; Sa 2PM and 8PM, Su 2PM | price=Opening Night Gala: $175, Single ticket: $22-44, All four weekends ticket: $80-158 | content=The festival is held over four weekends in June and celebrates traditional ethnic dances like Flamenco, Balinese, Fuego Nuevo, Irish, and YaoYong. It's colorful, energetic, and exciting... and you might actually learn a thing or two for the dance floor! }} * {{do | name=Easter Parade and Spring Celebration | alt= | url= | email= | address=Union St | lat= | long= | directions=Gough St to Fillmore St | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-310-6563 | hours=Easter Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | content=The kid-friendly but diverse festivities include; a petting zoo, pony rides, live music, train rides, alfresco dining, and a parade. It attracts about 35,000 attendees annually. Good family fun for all!. }} * {{do | name=Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon | url=http://www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/ | email=lisa.jenkins@imgworld.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-424-653-1883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Second Su in June | price=Free | content=Ok, hands up who can swim 1.5 miles through chilly waters, jump on a bike and cycle 18 miles, and then polish it all off with a mere 8 mile run... any takers? Well every year this event attracts 2,000 people who can, including world champions and Olympic medalists. The course winds its way through Fort Mason, along Marina Green and through the demanding trails of the Presidio and beyond. Anywhere along the route is good from a spectators point of view, but the transition area and the finish is at Marina Green. }} * {{do | name=Fantasy of Lights | alt= | url= | email= | address=Union St and Fillmore St | lat= | long= | directions=Union St &mdash; between Van Ness Ave and Steiner, Fillmore St &mdash; between Union St and Lombard St | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-310-6563 | hours=First Sa in December, 6PM-9PM | price=Free | content=This is a month long celebration that sees local shop owners adorning their windows with the prettiest of lights, in an attempt to capture the coveted prize of "Best Lighting Effect." It all starts with an opening night parade when the lights are officially turned on and is followed by a month of programs and events. Although it's certainly pretty, it's probably not going to help with the global warming problem!. }} * {{do | name=San Francisco Blues Festival | url=http://www.sfblues.com/ | email=info@sfblues.com | address=Great Meadow, Fort Mason | lat= | long= | directions=Marina Blvd and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-979-5588 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Last weekend in Sept: F-Su | price=Advance: $35 per day, At the gate: $40 per day, Two-day ticket: $55, Single-day reserved lawn seating: $50, Two-day reserved lawn seating: $80, Children under 10 free | content=This is the oldest continually running blues fest in the world and it attracts some great Blues performers every year. Previous performers included B.B. King, Carlos Santana, and Little Richard among others. For the famished, they also have some flavorful New Orleans style barbeques to compliment the music. }} * {{do | name=San Francisco International Film Festival | alt= | url=http://festival.sffs.org/ | email=gga@sffs.org | address=39 Mesa St, Suite 110 | lat= | long= | directions=on the Presidio, near the Officers Club | phone=+1-925-866-9559 | tollfree= | fax=+1-925-866-9597 | hours=Two weeks in Apr/May | price=General admission $12.50, seniors/students/disabled $11 | wikipedia=San Francisco International Film Festival | wikidata=Q579634 | content=This festival has been going on now for over 50 years. It is organized by the San Francisco Film Society who are based in the Presidio, but the arthouse movies, documentaries, and short films are shown throughout the city. }} * {{do | name=Tribal, Folk, and Textile Art Show | alt= | url=https://sanfranciscotribalandtextileartshow.com/ | email=info@caskeylees.com | address=Fort Mason Center | lat= | long= | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-310-455-2886 | tollfree= | hours=Second weekend in February: F-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price=$15 daily | content=More than 100 international dealers and galleries showcase their tribal, folk, and textile art at this show. Thousands of pieces will be on display from places such as Africa, the Himalayas, the Middle East, and the Americas. }} * {{do | name=Union St Art Festival | alt= | url=https://www.unionstreetsf.com/happenings | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=between Union St and Gough St | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-310-6563 | fax=+1-415-456-6436 | hours=First weekend in June: Sa-Su 10AM-6PM | price=Free | content=This festival attracts many local artists who line the streets displaying their arts and crafts, along with live jazz and classical music performances. The festival is one of San Francisco's largest annual free events, and attracts around 100,000 attendees each year. The festival has over a hundred arts and crafts booths, as well as two live entertainment stages, and an organic farmer's market. }} ==Buy== The three main shopping thoroughfares are '''Union St''' (Cow Hollow), '''Fillmore St''' (Pacific Heights) and '''Chestnut St''' (The Marina). Most stores here are of the small specialist boutique variety &mdash; a mix of unique and trendy chain shops reflecting the upscale nature of the neighborhoods. Union St is unquestionably one of the best streets in the city to window shop on (''and hey, that costs nothing!''), so take a slow stroll down Union St and enjoy the vibrancy and atmosphere of the shops, galleries, eateries, cafes and passers-by. With a friendly neighborhood feel, Fillmore St displays its charm through eclectic Victorian buildings that the stores are housed in. The street has a relaxed vibe, shopping here is a leisurely activity &mdash; many stores don't open until 11AM, some are closed on Mondays and most are closed on holidays. Chestnut St in the Marina is the one-stop street for anything you could need. Word to the wise &mdash; watch out for all the double-wide and double-decker baby strollers... they'll run you down. * {{buy | name=Ambiance | alt= | url=https://www.ambiancesf.com/ | email= | address=1858 Union St | lat=37.7980 | long=-122.4300 | directions=between Octavia St and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-923-9796 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2020-08-07 | content=The store has a great selection of women's clothes and jewelry. }} * {{buy | name=Blu | url= | email= | address=2259 Fillmore St | lat=37.7905 | long=-122.4344 | directions=between Clay St and Sacramento St | phone=+1-415-776-0643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | content=Women's modern European clothes and accessories store. }} * {{buy | name=Books Inc | url=http://www.booksinc.net/SFMarina | email=website@booksinc.net | address=2251 Chestnut St | lat=37.8001 | long=-122.4403 | directions=at Avila St | phone=+1-415-931-3633 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 9AM-9PM | price= | content=Unusual and quirky book store that holds a storytelling hour for kids every Sunday afternoon. }} * {{buy | name=Gallery of Jewels | url=http://www.gallery-of-jewels.com/ | email=fillmore@galleryofjewels.com | address=2115 Fillmore St | lat=37.7892 | long=-122.4341 | directions=at California St | phone=+1-415-771-5099 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-550-0424 | hours=M-Sa 10:30AM-6:30PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | content=This gallery sells distinctive, limited edition jewelry handcrafted by local and international designers. They have a good variety of silver, gold and platinum accessories and sell jewelry for both men and women. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Golden Gate Bridge Gift Center | alt= | url=http://goldengatebridge.org/gift/ | email= | address=Golden Gate Bridge Plaza | lat=37.8077 | long=-122.4756 | directions=Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza &mdash; southeast side | phone=+1-415-923-2333 | tollfree= | hours=9AM-6PM daily | price= | content=You can purchase souvenirs of the Golden Gate Bridge here. }} * {{buy | name=Margaret O'Leary | url=http://www.margaretoleary.com/ | email=fillmore@margaretoleary.com | address=2400 Fillmore St | lat=37.7918 | long=-122.4342 | directions=at Washington St | phone=+1-415-771-9982 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11PM-5PM | price= | content=Ladies store specializing in high-end knits and accessories. }} * {{buy | name=Nest | url=http://www.nestsf.com/ | email= | address=2300 Fillmore St | lat=37.7909 | long=-122.4341 | directions=at Clay St | phone=+1-415-292-6199 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-674-1216 | hours=M-F 10:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | content=French-inspired furniture, gifts, and accessories. }} * {{buy | name=Past Perfect | url=http://www.pastperfectsf.com/ | email= | address=2246 Lombard St | lat=37.7997 | long=-122.4387 | directions=between Pierce St and Steiner St | phone=+1-415-929-2288 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-7PM daily | price= | content=Antique store with a large and eclectic selection of vintage goods and artwork to choose from. }} * {{buy | name=Safeway | url=http://www.safeway.com | email= | address=15 Marina Blvd | lat=37.8044 | long=-122.4328 | directions=between Beach St and Buchanan St &mdash; near Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-563-4946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= | content=Large Safeway grocery store on the Marina. }} ==Eat== {{Eatpricerange|$10 or less|$10&ndash;20|$20 or more}} There is an excellent selection of restaurants in this area; everything from regional Chinese restaurants to Tapas bars, and from Japanese sushi houses to American steakhouses, romantic French bistros, and Italian restaurants. A lot of the food plated here is of the healthier variety &mdash; a reflection of the heightened overall health consciousness of residents in this area. Therefore, many of the restaurants serve up food that's organic, vegetarian, or produced from locally sourced ingredients... is there any other way!? Like most other businesses in the area, most restaurants are on Chestnut St, Union St, and Fillmore St; or indeed, one of the side streets leading off them. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Ace Wasabi's Rock-N-Roll Sushi | url=http://acewasabisf.com/ | email= | address=3339 Steiner St | lat=37.8001 | long=-122.4380 | directions=just north of Lombard St | phone=+1-415-567-4903 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-749-1873 | hours=M-Th 5:30PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10PM | price=$5-14.50 | content=This sushi place is popular with the locals, offering good sushi with a rock and roll theme. Quirky and a bit of fun. }} * {{eat | name=Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers | url=http://www.barneyshamburgers.com/ | email= | address=3344 Steiner St | lat=37.8003 | long=-122.4377 | directions=between Chestnut St and Lombard St | phone=+1-415-563-0307 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM | price=$8-12 | content=Great gourmet burgers here at a very affordable price. They have a great selection of burgers including some interesting vegetarian options like "tofu burgers," and fyi, all their burgers can be wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun... give it a try! They also serve salads and sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Home Plate | url=https://www.homeplate-sf.com/ | email= | address=2274 Lombard St | lat=37.7997 | long=-122.4389 | directions=between Pierce St and Steiner St | phone=+1-415-922-4663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Su 7AM-4PM | price=$5-10 |lastedit=2021-09-22| content=Wonderful breakfast/brunch place on Lombard St. Its always busy on weekends and it can feel a tad cramped but the food is worth it &mdash; delicious homemade scones with homemade jam and preserves, omelettes, pancakes/waffles, and eggs benedict. This is certainly one of the best breakfast places in the city! }} * {{eat | name=Pluto's Fresh Food for a Hungry Universe | url=http://www.plutosfreshfood.com/ | email= | address=3258 Scott St | lat=37.8000 | long=-122.4410 | directions=at Chesnut St | phone=+1-415-775-8867 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11AM–10PM, Sa–Su 10:30AM–10PM | price=$7-12 | content=Fun American restaurant that's part of a chain. It's mostly green salads and sandwiches here &mdash; custom made to your discerning specifications! }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Alegrias | url=http://alegriassf.com/ | email= | address=2018 Lombard St | lat=37.8002 | long=-122.4348 | directions=between Webster St and Fillmore St | phone=+1-415-929-8888 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-929-9215 | hours=W-M 5:30PM-10PM | price=$8-23 | content=Alegrias is a colorful, friendly, and romantic little Tapas bar in the Marina. Like many other Tapas bars, it's a great place to go if you want to sample many flavors and tastes from small plates. If you're still hungry after that, they have a more substantial main menu with plates like grilled lamb, paellas, and stewed rabbit. }} * {{eat | name=Bistro Aix | url=http://www.bistroaix.com/ | email= | address=3340 Steiner St | lat=37.8002 | long=-122.4376 | directions=between Lombard St and Chestnut St | phone=+1-415-202-0100 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-202-0153 | hours=W-Th 6PM-10PM, F-Sa 6PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-9:30PM | price=$14-22 | content=A great dating restaurant with intimate, comfortable seating, and a romantic decor. They use fresh seasonal, local ingredients in their dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Dragon Well Restaurant | url=http://www.dragonwell.com/ | email= | address=2142 Chestnut St | lat=37.8007 | long=-122.4386 | directions=between Steiner and Pierce St | phone=+1-415-474-6888 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-775-9888 | hours=11:30AM-10PM daily | price=$11-14 | content=Light but satisfying modern Chinese food &mdash; not your typical oily dishes here! }} [[Image:GreenatGreens.jpg|thumb|300px|''"Waiter, a table with a view please"'' &mdash; Greens Restaurant]] * {{listing | type=eat | name=Greens Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.greensrestaurant.com/ | email=info@greensrestaurant.com | address=Building A, Fort Mason Center | lat=37.8067 | long=-122.4322 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-771-6222 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-771-3472 | hours=M 5:30PM-9PM, Tu-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5:30PM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-2PM, 5:30PM-9PM | price=$16-23 | wikipedia=Greens Restaurant | image=Greens_Restaurant-view.jpg | wikidata=Q5364825 | content=Located in Fort Mason, Greens organic vegetarian restaurant is a firm favorite among veggies and the health conscious. They have fresh, tasty international food that appeases all appetites (except for carnivorous ones of course!). Over the years it has become a bit of a local institution as its views over the water are hard to beat. }} * {{eat | name=La Mediterranee | url=http://www.cafelamed.com/fillmore_new/LaMed_Fillmore-home.html | email=information@cafelamed.com | address=2210 Fillmore St | lat=37.7901 | long=-122.4338 | directions=at Sacramento St | phone=+1-415-921-2956 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-4061 | hours=Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price=$10-15 | content=Serving up affordable Middle Eastern classics like quiche, hummos, pita bread, and kebabs. }} * {{eat | name=Pacific Catch | alt= | url=https://pacificcatch.com/locations/sf-chestnut-st/ | email=michael@pacificcatc.com | address=2027 Chestnut St | lat=37.8006 | long=-122.4367 | directions=at Fillmore St | phone=+1-415-440-1950 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-873-1315 | hours=11AM-10PM daily | price=$11-15 | content=There isn't much seating in this place, but that doesn't seem to matter for the patrons that come here to taste Asian/Pacific cuisine. The tuna bowl comes highly recommended. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=A16 | url=http://www.a16sf.com | email= | address=2355 Chestnut St | lat=37.7999 | long=-122.4422 | directions=between Scott St and Divisadero St | phone=+1-415-771-2216 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Dinner: Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM Lunch: W-F 11:30AM-2:30PM | price=$15-30 | content=This is part wine bar part restaurant; they serve simple Italian favorites (pizza, pastas, salumi) from the Campania region of Italy. They also have traditional wood-burning ovens to perfect your pizza. }} * {{eat | name=Boboquivari's | url=http://www.boboquivaris.com/ | email=comments@boboquivaris.com | address=1450 Lombard St | lat=37.8014 | long=-122.4257 | directions=between Franklin St and Van Ness Ave | phone=+1-415-441-8880 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-441-8805 | hours=Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM | price=$30-65 | content=Popular steakhouse in the Marina, Bobo's is a "surf-n-turfers" dream. The menu boasts excellent steaks (porterhouse, fillet mignon, New York bone-in) combined with mussels, shrimp, lobster, and Dungeness crab... yummy! Bobo's is a colorful, if upscale restaurant, that is very popular and almost always busy. }} * {{eat | name=Brazen Head | url=http://www.brazenheadsf.com/ | email= | address=3166 Buchanan St | lat=37.7992 | long=-122.4324 | directions=at Greenwich St | phone=+1-415-921-7600 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-0164 | hours=Bar Hours: 4PM-2AM Dinner: 5PM-1AM | price=$18-30 | content=Serving wholesome American cuisine including their signature dish "Certified Angus Beef NY Pepper Steak" &mdash; this restaurant is a very well kept local secret. }} * {{eat | name=Capannina | url=http://www.capanninasf.com/ | email=info@capannina.us | address=1809 Union St | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4292 | directions=at Octavia St | phone=+1-415-409-8001 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-409-8004 | hours=Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-10:30PM | price=$25-75 | content=An Italian restaurant that focuses on the familiar and tempting classics of Italian cuisine. They have a "prix-fixe" as well as an "à la carte" menu. }} * {{eat | name=Eastside West Restaurant and Raw Bar | url=http://www.eastsidewestsf.com/ | email=info@eastsidewestsf.com | address=3154 Fillmore St | lat=37.7987 | long=-122.4356 | directions=at Greenwich St | phone=+1-415-885-4000 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-885-4001 | hours=Dinner: Tu-Sa 4PM-10PM, Su 5PM-8PM, Brunch: Sa 11AM-3PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price=$14-40 | content=They have excellent seafood here &mdash; shrimp, mussels, crabs, lobsters, and oysters. It's perfect for appetizers and drinks on a weekend afternoon; or how about their happy hour M-F 4PM-7PM, with $1 oysters and $2 draft beers... ''the perfect combination!'' }} * {{eat | name=Isa | url=http://www.isarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=3324 Steiner St | lat=37.8001 | long=-122.4376 | directions=just off of Chestnut St | phone=+1-415-567-9588 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-409-1879 | hours=M-Th 5:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30-10:30PM | price=$10-30 | content=Comfortable environment with an innovative fusion menu made up of small plates that blend French style with Asian flavors. Owner Luke Sung is one of San Francisco's most celebrated young chefs. }} * {{eat | name=Izzy's Steaks & Chops | url=http://Izzyssteaksandchops.com | email= | address=3345 Steiner St | lat=37.8002 | long=-122.4381 | directions=between Lombard St and Chestnut St | phone=+1-415-563-0487 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30-10:30PM | price=$17-37 | content=Classic steak restaurant with wood floors, saw dust, comfortable booths, steak sauces, and the requisite cowboy hat to boot! Their pricing is affordable and their steaks big and tasty. }} * {{eat | name=Jackson Fillmore Trattoria | url=http://jacksonfillmoresf.com/ | email=dkrietzman@jacksonfillmoresf.com | address=2506 Fillmore St | lat=37.7927 | long=-122.4344 | directions=at Jackson St | phone=+1-415-346-5288 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-454-1768 | hours=Tu-Sa 5:30PM-10PM, Su 5PM-9:30PM | price=$25-45 | content=This 3 star trattoria serves up old-style southern Italian food and wine from the region. The food is excellent and affordable (given the quality) and the place is usually crowded as a result. }} * {{eat | name=Perry's | url=http://www.perryssf.com/ | email=unionstreet@perryssf.com | address=1944 Union St | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4312 | directions=between Charlton Ct and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-922-9022 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-0843 | hours=Lunch & Dinner: F-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su-Th 11AM-11PM, Brunch: Sa 9AM-3PM, Su 8AM-3PM | price=$17-30 | content=Over 40 years old, this restaurant is another Cow Hollow tradition. It is known for its classic American cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Presidio Social Club | url=http://www.presidiosocialclub.com/ | email= | address=563 Ruger St, Bldg 563 | lat=37.7973 | long=-122.4484 | directions=at Lyon St | phone=+1-415-885-1888 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-885-9188 | hours=M-Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-9:30PM, Brunch Sa-Su 10AM-2PM | price=$18-27 | content=Serving traditional American and international cuisine like fish and chips, Kobe beef, and liver and onions. They have a large outdoor veranda that is an excellent place to dine... weather permitting! There is also a lively bar on the premises if you fancy a few stiff drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Rose's Café | url=http://www.rosescafesf.com/ | email=matthew@niceventures.com | address=2298 Union St | lat=37.7970 | long=-122.4370 | directions=at Steiner St | phone=+1-415-775-2200 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-775-9600 | hours=M-Th 7AM-10PM, F 7AM-11PM, Sa 8AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM | price=$16-30 | content=Features Italian and Californian fare created using fresh organic and local produce; this is certainly a restaurant for the more environmentally conscious. It's a very romantic spot and a favorite among locals. }} ==Drink== The area is not particularly well known for its cutting edge nightlife; it's more residential vis-à-vis downtown, and it does not have the cool cachet of trendy hotspot [[San Francisco/SoMa|SoMa]], nor the hipster popularity of [[San Francisco/Chinatown-North Beach|North Beach]] and [[San Francisco/Mission|The Mission]]. So, if you're looking for a progressive clubbing scene, you probably won't find it here. What the area does offer though is many upscale bars, wine bars, sleek lounges, and clubs. The scene here can be pricey and many people deliberately avoid the bars and clubs here feeling that they are too pretentious, and consequently sterile. However, this can be a mistake as there are also plenty of cheaper options where you can get equally raucous and debaucherous on your nights out... ''thank God for that!'' ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Black Horse London Pub | url=http://www.blackhorselondon.com/ | email= | address=1514 Union St | lat=37.7986 | long=-122.4245 | directions=at Van Ness Ave | phone=+1-415-928-2414 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=5PM-midnight | price= | content=They advertise this place as the smallest bar in San Francisco... ''"Small Pub, Big Heart."'' It is exactly 7 wide and 19 foot long... not for the claustrophobic! It may be small but this is a fun little bar with a list of "Tenets" on the wall; including ''"Thou Shall give priority seating to all Women in the Bar. (If you need further explication, please see "Exit.")"'' and ''"Thou Shall have one pub and one pub only. (Ours...)."'' }} * {{drink | name=Blue Light | alt= | url=http://www.bluelightsf.com/ | email=lcossey@sbcglobal.net | address=1979 Union St | lat=37.7974 | long=-122.4317 | directions=between Buchanan St and Charlton Ct | phone=+1-415-922-5510 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-5852 | hours=Bar: M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM Kitchen: Kitchen M-F 5PM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Sunday 11AM-10PM | price= | content=Their "Taco Tuesday" is a long standing favorite among locals and features $3 margaritas for the ladies. Guys are equally well served with $2 Coronas, and with $1.50 tacos, who could go hungry? }} * {{drink | name=Bus Stop | url= | email= | address=1901 Union St | lat=37.7976 | long=-122.4307 | directions=between Charlton Ct and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-567-6905 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-2AM, Sa-Su 9AM-2AM | price=Happy Hour (M-F 4PM-6PM has $1.50 domestic beers and half price cocktails) | content=The Bus Stop has a comfortable "homey" atmosphere with 17 TVs and sports memorabilia on the walls. It attracts a twenty-something/thirty-something crowd. }} * {{drink | name=Mauna Loa Club | url= | email= | address=3009 Fillmore St | lat=37.7973 | long=-122.4357 | directions=between Filbert St and Union St | phone=+1-415-563-5137 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 2PM-2AM, Sa-Su noon-2AM | price= | content=Pretty cool little Hawaiian bar decked out in island regalia. They have a nice circular bar, open windows that peer out over Fillmore St, and lots of games inside to keep you occupied. They have a pretty decent happy hour M-F 4PM-7PM, to get your night started. }} * {{drink | name=Monaghan's | alt= | url= | email=info@monaghanssf.com | address=3259 Pierce St | lat=37.8000 | long=-122.4397 | directions=at Chestnut St | phone=+1-415-567-4466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 4:30PM-2AM, Tu-F 2PM-2AM, Sa-Su noon-2AM | price= | content=Another Irish bar turned sports bar in the Marina district which draws an eclectic crowd. They have a long happy hour that runs M-F 4PM-7PM; and nightly specials including "Ladies Night" on Thursdays where cocktails are half price. }} ===Wine bars=== * {{drink | name=California Wine Merchant | url=http://www.californiawinemerchant.com/ | email=greg@californiawinemerchant.com | address=2113 Chestnut St | lat=37.8004 | long=-122.4382 | directions=at Steiner St | phone=+1-415-567-0646 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-1639 | hours=M-W 10AM-midnight, Th-Sa 10AM-1:30AM, Su 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Formerly just a wine retail shop, the California Wine Merchant is now a hip little spot where you can enjoy a few glasses of wine, watch people walk by on Chestnut St, or pick up a few bottles to bring home. }} * {{drink | name=Ottimista Enoteca Cafe | url=http://www.ottimistasf.com/ | email=info@OttimistaSF.com | address=1838 Union St | lat=37.7980 | long=-122.4295 | directions=between Octavia St and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-674-8400 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-674-8333 | hours=Tu-Th 2PM-11PM, F noon-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-10PM | price= | content=Nice little upscale Italian wine bar that has mostly Italian and Californian wines in their exposed cellar. They have a decent selection of circa 40 wines by the glass; 250 by the bottle. They also serve small plates of food to compliment your wine. }} ===Clubs=== * {{drink | name=The Comet Club | url= | email= | address=3111 Fillmore St | lat=37.7981 | long=-122.4359 | directions=at Filbert St | phone=+1-415-567-5589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su, Tu-W 7PM-2AM, Th-Sa 5:30PM-2AM | price= | content=Good place to go if you like to boogie-on-down to the sounds of the 70s and 80s! It's a bit of a cramped space though and can get crowded as a result. }} * {{drink | name=The HiFi Lounge | url=http://www.maximumproductions.com/ | email=nick@maximumproductions.com | address=2125 Lombard St | lat=37.7996 | long=-122.4365 | directions=between Fillmore St and Steiner St | phone=+1-415-933-6299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Th 8PM-2AM, F 5PM-2AM, Sa 8PM-2AM | price= | content=The HiFi Lounge is where people come to dance the night away. It also features live DJs, games, and big screen TVs. Happy hour begins at 5PM and they offer $2 Budweisers and $3 well Drinks. Their "Girls of Taste" (wine tasting for women) is not to be missed and is held once a month. }} ===Coffee=== This area has a great "cafe culture," with lots of good Americana-style cafes. It's a great place to sit down and unwind at a curbside table, sipping away on latte, after a hard day trekking around. Not listed here are the more ubiquitous coffee chains like Starbucks, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Peet's Coffee; although these are very well represented here too, particularly along Union St, Chestnut St, and Fillmore St. * {{drink | name=Judy's Cafe | url= | email= | address=2268 Chestnut St | lat=37.8004 | long=-122.4408 | directions=between Scott St and Pierce St | phone=+1-415-922-4588 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-4588 | hours=M-F 7:45AM-2:15PM, Sa-Su 7:45AM-3PM | price= | content=Quaint European style Marina cafe serving healthy portions of food. }} * {{drink | name=La Boulangerie de San Francisco | alt= | url=http://www.laboulangeriesf.com/ | email= | address=1909 Union St | lat=37.7975 | long=-122.4309 | directions=at Laguna St | phone=+1-415-440-4450 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-928-3701 | hours=7AM-6PM daily | price= | content=Traditional French bakery and cafe. The owner was born in Bordeaux France and has a lifetime of baking experience. The cafe sells bread made of organic flour from their very own wheat mill. }} * {{drink | name=Tully's Coffee House | url=http://www.tullys.com | email=customer.comments@tullys.com | address=2455 Fillmore St | lat=37.7923 | long=-122.4348 | directions=between Jackson St and Washington St | phone=+1-415-929-8808 | tollfree= | fax=+1-206-233-2077 | hours=M-F 5:30AM-9PM, Sa 6AM-9PM, Su 6AM-8PM | price= | content=Cozy cafe with decent coffee and wi-fi available. They also have a flat screen in store to keep you up to date with the news. The outdoor seating is also a nice touch. }} * {{drink | name=Union Street Coffee Roastery | url= | email= | address=2191 Union St | lat=37.7970 | long=-122.4353 | directions=at Fillmore St | phone=+1-415-922-9559 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-10PM daily | price= | content=Decent coffee, an excellent location, plenty of seating, and very friendly staff are what attract patrons here. }} ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|under $100|$100&ndash;200|$200 and over}} The neighborhoods in this district are really just that &mdash; neighborhoods; as such, you won't find many of the larger luxury chain-hotels here. Many of the areas accommodations are located on Lombard St, which runs east from Russian Hill to the Presidio in the West, and actually forms an informal boundary between the Marina and Cow Hollow. Most of the accommodations along Lombard range from run down motor lodges to slightly more respectable bed and breakfasts. Thankfully, as the area is not as congested as downtown, many of the hotels/motels offer free parking. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Country Hearth Inn | url=http://www.goldengatebi.com/ | email=sanfrancisco@countryhearth.com | address=2707 Lombard St | lat=37.7983 | long=-122.4463 | directions=at Baker St | phone=+1-415-567-2425 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-8222 | price=$75-110 | checkin=1PM | checkout=11AM | content=This hotel is ideally located less than a block from the green expanses of the Presidio. They offer a complimentary continental breakfast and limited free parking. }} * {{sleep | name=Greenwich Inn | url=http://www.greenwichinn.com/ | email=info@greenwichinn.com | address=3201 Steiner St | lat=37.7990 | long=-122.4378 | directions=at Greenwich St | phone=+1-415-921-5162 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-3602 | price=$54-104 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | content=Budget hotel with free parking one block from Union St. It has 32 renovated guest rooms and offers an in-room coffee service and a complimentary newspaper daily. }} * {{sleep | name=Hostelling International-Fisherman's Wharf Hostel | url=http://www.sfhostels.com/fishermans-wharf | email=info@norcalhostel.com | address=Fort Mason, Building 240 | lat=37.8071 | long=-122.4285 | directions=Upper Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-771-7277 | tollfree= | fax= | price=Dorms: $26-30, private family rooms: $65-100 | checkin=2:30PM | checkout=11PM | content=Even if you're unsure about hostels, you should still consider this place; the location alone makes it worth your while, as it is in a park-like setting with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz and is within easy walking distance of [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]]. It has a total of 150 Beds in dormitory style rooms. Quite clean and safe, with wi-fi, laundry facilities, lockers, and free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Presidio Inn & Suites | url=http://www.presidioinn.com/ | email=presidioinn@gmail.com | address=2361 Lombard St | lat=37.7991 | long=-122.4404 | directions=between Pierce St and Scott St | phone=+1-415-931-7810 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-931-5318 | price=$70–140 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small budget European style inn located in the Marina District. They have free wi-fi and offer a complimentary breakfast. It's just one block from Chestnut St. }} *{{sleep | name=Travelodge Golden Gate | url=http://www.travelodge.com/Travelodge/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=09598&brandInfo=TL | email=Travelodge2230@Gmail.com | address=2230 Lombard St | lat=37.7998 | long=-122.4383 | directions=between Greenwich St and Steiner St | phone=+1-415-922-3900 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-4795 | price=$90 year round | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=This hotel has cable TV and high speed internet. As with many of the other hotels in this area, they also offer free parking. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Buena Vista Motor Inn | url=http://www.buenavistamotorinn.com | email=info@buenavistamotorinn.com | address=1599 Lombard St | lat=37.8007 | long=-122.4276 | directions=between Franklin St and gough St | phone=+1-415-923-9600 | tollfree=+1-800-835-4980 | fax=+1-415-441-4775 | price=$80-140 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Another standard motor inn, this one offers free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast to get you going in the morning. }} * {{sleep | name=Chelsea Motor Inn | url=http://www.chelseamotorinn.com/ | email=Reservations@ChelseaMotorInn.com | address=2095 Lombard St | lat=37.7996 | long=-122.4357 | directions=at Fillmore St | phone=+1-415-563-5600 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-6475 | price=$77-145 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Features an English Tudor style building with an antique roof. Clean, good quality rooms at a reasonable price. Nothing too special, but it is centrally located. }} * {{sleep | name=Cow Hollow Motor Inn & Suites | url=http://www.cowhollowmotorinn.com/ | email=reservations@cowhollowmotorinn.com | address=2190 Lombard St | lat=37.7999 | long=-122.4375 | directions=at Steiner | phone=+1-415-921-5800 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-8515 | price=$79-145 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Centrally located in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, this motel offers 112 standard and reasonably priced rooms. The decor is definitely dated and will not suit everyone &mdash; they have floral wallpaper that might just keep you up at night! However, the rooms are comfortable and they do offer free parking. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel del Sol | url=http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/california/san-francisco-hotels/hotel-del-sol/ | email=del@communehotels.com | address=3100 Webster St | lat=37.7994 | long=-122.4341 | directions=at Greenwich St | phone=+1-415-921-5520 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-931-4137 | price=$119-199 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Voted CitySearch San Francisco's "Best Budget Hotel", "Best Family-Friendly Hotel," and "Best Hotel Pool" in 2006. Part of the fancy Joie de Vivre hotel group, this formerly nondescript motor lodge was rejuvenated with some cool colors, interior design, and upgraded management. }} * {{sleep | name=La Luna Inn | url=http://www.lalunainn.com/ | email=reservations@lalunainn.com | address=2599 Lombard St | lat=37.7985 | long=-122.4439 | directions=between Broderick St and Divisadero St | phone=+1-415-346-4664 | tollfree=+1-800-536-8446 | fax=+1-415-346-4665 | price=$79-129 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=A rejuvenated 1960s Motor Inn. The bespoke furniture and colorful decor creates a bright, fun, and fanciful atmosphere here. }} * {{sleep | name=Laurel Inn | url=http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/california/san-francisco-hotels/laurel-inn | email=thelaurelinn@communehotels.com | address=444 Presidio Ave | lat=37.7876 | long=-122.4466 | directions=between California St and Sacramento St | phone=+1-415-567-8467 | tollfree=+1-800-552-8735 | fax=+1-415-928-1866 | price=$159-209 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Built in 1963, this renovated hotel has a comfortable yet fashionable interior. Each room is spacious and similar in size to a studio apartment with some even having kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Lombard Motor Inn | url=http://www.lombardmotorinn.com/ | email= | address=1475 Lombard St | lat=37.8009 | long=-122.4258 | directions=between Van Ness Ave and Franklin St | phone=+1-415-441-6000 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-441-4291 | price=$77-135 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Standard motor inn at an affordable price. The building interior is getting a bit old and worn, however it is clean. If you're a light sleeper, try to get a room that doesn't overlook the busy street. }} * {{sleep | name=Marina Inn | url=http://www.marinainn.com/ | email=info@marinainn.com | address=3110 Octavia St | lat=37.8010 | long=-122.4293 | directions=at Lombard St | phone=+1-415-928-1000 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-928-5909 | price=$69-159 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Comfortable and traditional style inn with a quiet B&B atmosphere. They have 40 guest rooms and offer complimentary continental breakfast and free newspapers. }} * {{sleep | name=Marina Motel | url=http://www.marinamotel.com/ | email=marinamotel@value.net | address=2576 Lombard St | lat=37.7991 | long=-122.4438 | directions=between Broderick St and Divisadero St | phone=+1-415-921-9406 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-0364 | price=$85-135 | checkin=3PM-11:30PM | checkout=11AM | content=Classic motor inn with a Mediterranean flavor &mdash; flower boxes fragrance the quaint European style rooms. They offer free wi-fi, free parking, and complimentary in room coffee. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel Capri | url=http://sfmotelcapri.com/ | email= | address=2015 Greenwich St | lat=37.7992 | long=-122.4329 | directions=at Buchanan St | phone=+1-415-346-4667 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-346-3256 | price=$100-135 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=This is a small family run motel with just 46 guest rooms. Thankfully, this one is set back one block from the noisy Lombard St in a quieter residential area. This is definitely an older, slightly jaded motel, but the rooms are clean and the staff are extremely friendly. It's close to the shopping on Union St as well. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge at the Presidio | url=http://www.travelodgepresidio.com | email=tlsfpresidio@whg.com | address=2755 Lombard St | lat=37.7983 | long=-122.4467 | directions=between Baker St and Lyon St | phone=+1-415-931-8581 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-776-0904 | price=$60-140 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | content=Standard Travelodge, but set in an excellent location right on the cusp of the Presidio. If you like having the natural world close to your doorstep, then this is the place for you. With its proximity to the Palace of Fine Arts and the historic buildings of the Presidio, it's also a good place to come if you are a fan of architecture. }} * {{sleep | name=The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.sonesta.com/us/california/san-francisco/clift-royal-sonesta-hotel | email= | address=495 Geary Street | lat=37.7868 | long=-122.4113 | directions= | phone=+1-415-775-4700 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price={{USD|240-738}} | lastedit=2021-08-20 | content=Four-star, 372-room hotel with fitness centre, restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Francisco Bay Inn | url=http://www.franciscobayinn.com/ | email=franciscobay@staysf.com | address=1501 Lombard St | lat=37.8008 | long=-122.4264 | directions=at Franklin St | phone=+1-415-474-3030 | tollfree=+1-800-410-7007 | fax=+1-415-567-7082 | price=$149-214 | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=All of the rooms and hallways are 100% non-smoking. Free parking. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Drisco | url=http://www.hoteldrisco.com/ | email=reservations@hoteldrisco.com | address=2901 Pacific Ave | lat=37.7921 | long=-122.4432 | directions=at Broderick St | phone=+1-415-346-2880 | tollfree=+1-800-634-7277 | fax=+1-415-567-5537 | price=$189-259 | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | content=Built in 1903, this is a higher-end, boutique hotel right in the heart of Pacific Heights. }} * {{sleep | name=Jackson Court Hotel | url=http://www.jacksoncourt.com/ | email=ej@jacksoncourt.com | address=2198 Jackson St | lat=37.7931 | long=-122.4311 | directions=at Buchanan St | phone=+1-415-929-7670 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-929-1405 | price=$160-230 | checkin=2PM-7PM | checkout=11AM | content=This is an opulent three-story brownstone Victorian mansion set in upscale Pacific Heights. With only 10 rooms, it's more of a B&B than a hotel. The price includes a continental breakfast and afternoon tea. }} * {{sleep | name=Union Street Inn | url=http://www.unionstreetinn.com/index.html | email= | address=2299 Union St | lat=37.7969 | long=-122.4360 | directions=at Steiner St | phone=+1-415-346-0424 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-8046 | price=$190-330 | checkin=2PM-7PM or by special arrangement | checkout=noon | content=Edwardian home with spacious airy rooms and a quaint cottage garden in the back. }} ==Connect== Most of the cafes listed under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Coffee|Coffee section]] above have free wi-fi facilities available upon purchase of a beverage. You can get on the internet for free at the Golden Gate Valley Branch of the San Francisco Public Library &mdash; listed under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Architecture|Architecture section]] above. Other branches include: * {{listing | name=San Francisco Public Library — Marina Branch | alt= | url=http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/ | email= | address=1890 Chestnut St | lat=37.8014 | long=-122.4341 | directions=at Webster St | phone=+1-415-355-2823 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su 1PM-5PM, M-Tu 10AM-6PM, W 1PM-8PM, Th 10AM-8PM, F 1PM-6PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=Free internet facilities. }} * {{listing | name=San Francisco Public Library — Presidio Branch | alt= | url=http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/ | email= | address=3150 Sacramento St | lat=37.7889 | long=-122.4448 | directions=between Lyon St and Baker St | phone=+1-415-355-2880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su 1PM-5PM, M closed, Tu 10AM-9PM, W noon-9PM, Th 10AM-6PM, F 1PM-6PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=Free internet facilities. }} == Go next == [[San Francisco/The Avenues|Golden Gate Park]] &mdash; If you're a fan of either Fort Mason or the Presidio, why not continue your tour into the enormous Golden Gate Park, where you'll find many more museums set in a natural park environment. [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]] &mdash; If you like everything nautical and would like some more, you should check out the flotilla of fishing vessels at the Wharf. [[Marin_Headlands|Marin Headlands]] &mdash; Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can find beaches, hiking, history, and spectacular views of the California coast. {{stardistrict}} {{IsPartOf|San Francisco}} {{geo|37.816666667|-122.48333333}} jn888npa18t6mjhi6l9y3deqwyfddlp 4488023 4488021 2022-07-21T23:29:41Z Lovelano 2238330 /* The Presidio */ Updated listing for Yoda Fountain - Synched shared fields with Wikidata. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Sanfrancisco palaceoffinearts banner.jpg|pgname=Golden Gate|caption=Palace of Fine Arts|star=yes}} With some of the most beautiful scenery and intact natural environments in the city, the '''Golden Gate''' area is the spectacular northern tip of the [[San Francisco]] peninsula. The city's most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, connects this district with [[Marin County]] across the Bay. The area is made up of two National Historic Landmarks &mdash; The Presidio and Fort Mason &mdash; as well as several upscale neighborhoods famed for their Victorian architecture and views of the city, including Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, and the Marina District. The district is roughly bounded by the San Francisco Bay to the north and west, Lake St and California St to the south, and Van Ness Ave to the east. ==Understand== [[Image:GoldenGateBridge1.jpg|thumb|350px|The iconic Golden Gate Bridge with Fort Point in foreground]] ===Pacific Heights=== Pacific Heights, located 370 feet above sea-level and overlooking the Bay, was little more than a sandy hill until 1870, when the Cable Car line was extended and connected the area to downtown. Today, it's favored by visitors for its impressive panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Presidio, its abundance of opulent Victorian mansions, historic chateaus, foreign consulates, and finally its many upscale restaurants. The three blocks on Broadway St between Lyon St and Divisadero St have particularly good vistas and are known as the '''"Gold Coast."''' Some of the buildings date back as far as 1853, with the majority being constructed after the 1906 earthquake. Considered today to be the home of "old money" families and young urban professionals, it was first settled by the "nouveau riche" of the late 1800s. The neighborhood is predominantly peaceful and residential with most of its activities centered around Fillmore St. It was also the backdrop for the 1990 movie "Pacific Heights" starring Melanie Griffith. ===Cow Hollow=== Cow Hollow derived its name from the many dairy farms that were established there in the mid-1800s. However, with the advent of the Gold Rush, the neighborhood flourished. Prominent San Franciscans began to settle the area and erected grandiose well-appointed Victorian, and then later Edwardian mansions. By 1891, the area had become so popular that all the dairy farms were closed down. Today, this once luscious grazing land is more renowned for its impressive mansions and its eclectic mix of antique stores, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Union St is the main drag, where the Union St. Festival is held annually. ===The Marina District=== The Marina district was built on landfill &mdash; some of it wreckage of the 1906 earthquake &mdash; in the early 20th century to provide a fairgrounds for the 1915 [[World's Fair]] (also called the Panama-Pacific Exhibition). Its poor foundation made it the focus of most of the damage (and media attention) in the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989. Today it is an affluent, residential neighborhood with well trimmed hedges and colorful flower window boxes. Bounded by the Bay, the neighborhood actually has an impressive marina, which is home to a couple of prestigious yacht clubs. '''Marina Green''', an 8 block stretch of grass running along the edge of the bay, is a favorite place for jogging, strolling, picnicking, and kite flying. Only a few blocks away, Chestnut St. is where shoppers can peruse boutiques or people watch while sipping on a latte. "Culture vultures" circle round '''Fort Mason''', with its array of museums, art galleries and quirky theaters. ===Fort Mason and the Presidio=== Fort Mason and the Presidio are two former military posts on the northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula. Today, both are national historic landmarks and come under the remit of the [[Golden Gate National Recreation Area]]. Fort Mason is smaller and has a world class youth hostel as well as several museums and theaters. The Presidio is huge, with 1,480 acres of rolling hills, forests, hiking trails, historic buildings, architecture, beaches, and marsh lands. It has one of the most intact natural environments you will find on the peninsula and is a must for every itinerary. ==Get in== {{mapframe|37.7977|-122.4513|zoom=14|height=450|width=100%|align=center}} {{Mapmask|37.8096,-122.4403|37.8103,-122.4281|37.8082,-122.4266|37.8074,-122.4264|37.8065,-122.4256|37.8041,-122.4251|37.7904,-122.4223|37.7857,-122.4592|37.7870,-122.4593|37.7863,-122.4733|37.7872,-122.4733|37.7869,-122.4748|37.7872,-122.4832|37.7874,-122.4842|37.7894,-122.4838|37.7898,-122.4849|37.7903,-122.4852|37.7904,-122.4885|37.7985,-122.4847|37.8073,-122.4800|37.8111,-122.4792|37.8116,-122.4742|37.8103,-122.4695|37.8077,-122.4656|37.8071,-122.4626|37.8080,-122.4539|37.8096,-122.4403}} {{mapshapes|Q278074}} <!-- Muni Metro --> {{infobox|Printable Maps|[[:File:Sanfrancisco presidio map.PNG|Presidio Map]] — [[:File:Sanfrancisco goldengate map.png|Neighborhoods Map]]}} ===By car=== The main entryways are Van Ness Ave from the south and Bay St from the east. From the north and west, take Highway 101 through the Presidio to Lombard St. Chestnut St, one of the main shopping and restaurant streets, is one block north of Lombard St &mdash; parking is scarce and can sometimes take up to an hour to find. The best choice for parking may be the free area in Fort Mason, at Beach and Buchanan Sts, another 4 short blocks north of Chestnut. Union St, being Cow Hollow's main street, is three blocks south of Lombard St. ===By bus=== Public transportation, provided by '''[http://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/transit MUNI]''', is plentiful and frequent. *'''Cross town routes:''' The '''28-19th Avenue''' bus travels along Lombard St to Fort Mason from the Daly City BART station, traveling first a long way up 19th Ave and stopping at the Golden Gate Bridge. Buses '''29-Sunset''' and '''43-Masonic''' traverse much of the western part of San Francisco before terminating in the area, with the 29 stopping at Baker Beach and the 43 running through the Presidio before stopping in the Marina district. The '''22-Fillmore''' bus (24-hour service) from the 16th St BART Station goes north on Fillmore St all the way to the Marina Green. *'''From Downtown:''' From the Caltrain station, traveling through Downtown past the Montgomery St BART station (outbound) or the Powell St BART station (inbound), the '''30-Stockton''' bus (which runs about every 6 minutes during the day, until 1AM) gets you to Chestnut St and near the Palace of Fine Arts. You can also take the '''41-Union''', '''45-Union/Stockton''' (both serve Union St), and '''76X-Marin Headlands Express'''. Routes '''1-California''', '''2-Clement''', and '''3-Jackson''' serve Pacific Heights and Lower Pacific Heights. In addition to the many MUNI routes, there is also the free '''[http://presidiobus.com/ PresidiGo]''' shuttle service with three primary routes: a Downtown route that runs directly between the Transbay Terminal in Downtown to the Presidio, a Presidio Hills route which runs from the main Presidio complex through the hills to Baker Beach, and a Crissy Field line which loops between the main Presidio complex, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Crissy Field. ===On foot=== If you enjoy walking, you can take the Historic '''F-line''' streetcar from downtown along the Embarcadero to [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]], and walk along San Francisco Bay past Fort Mason &mdash; it's a bit of hill &mdash; to the Marina Green. If you're downtown, simply follow Van Ness Ave all the way north and take a left anywhere from California St to Lombard St. ==Get around== With six lanes, going east-west, Lombard St is the main road and considered (along with north-south Van Ness) to be part of Highway 101. The winding section of Lombard St is due east, on [[San Francisco/Nob Hill-Russian Hill|Russian Hill]]. This is a fantastic area to either walk or cycle through as it is predominantly flat (with the obvious exception of Pacific Heights), and also because it's a very safe area. Given the area's popularity with joggers, walkers, power-walkers, and cyclists, you will definitely not be alone. Chestnut St is the business section of the Marina and considered among the poshest of San Francisco's streets. Union St and Fillmore St are the other two main shopping areas in this district. To the north, along San Francisco Bay, runs the 74 acre stretch of Marina Green. Your walk can continue along the bay to the west, through the Presidio, along the restored Crissy Field marshes, all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge; or to the east, a short climb through Fort Mason and down into [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]]. If you are interested in biking around the area &mdash; "biking the bridge" is very popular activity &mdash; there are several companies that rent bikes out to tourists by the hour or for the day, including '''[http://baycitybike.com Bay City Bike]''', '''[http://www.bikerental.com/ Bike and Roll]''', and '''[http://www.blazingsaddles.com/ Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals]'''. ==See== There are lots of things to see in this district ranging from the pristine natural landscapes of the Presidio, to man-made marinas, Victorian architecture, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In places like the Presidio and Fort Mason you'll find an interesting blend of both, with modern offices, historical buildings, and museums making their home alongside sandpipers, coyotes, and fox squirrel. "City slickers" should be more at home further inland where they'll find galleries and museums, architecture, and urban parks. Naturalists will be more at home along the coast line, from Fort Mason all the way along into the Presidio. * {{see | name=The Six Gallery | alt= | url= | email= | address=3119 Fillmore St | lat=37.7983 | long=-122.4359 | directions=between Pixley St and Filbert St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Six Gallery reading | wikidata=Q465480 | content=On Friday, October 7, 1955, the ''"Six Gallery reading"'' took place here. It was a seminal moment in the Beat Generation movement and attracted such poets and writers as Alan Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, Philip Lamantia, Michael McClure, Philip Whalen, and Jack Kerouac. The gallery has since closed but you can still visit the site where this watershed event took place. }} * {{see | name=Wave Organ | alt= | url=http://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/wave-organ | email= | address=at the end of Yacht Rd | lat=37.8086 | long=-122.44 | directions=after the Golden Gate Yacht Club | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=It's best at high-tide &mdash; 5:30AM | price=Free | wikipedia=Wave Organ | image=Wave Organ 1.jpg | wikidata=Q7975291 | content=Designed by George Gonzales and Peter Richards in 1986, the Wave Organ is a system of PVC pipes that harness the power of the ocean to create music... or at least what can be interpreted as music! There is a unique space at the end of a spit of land where you can sit and enjoy the sounds, and even if it's not your kind of music, there are some excellent views and it's also a great place to relax and have a picnic. }} [[Image:marinasf.jpg|thumb|350px|Glassy waters and tall masts at the Marina]] * {{see | name=Yacht Clubs | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=NA | long=NA | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=You can't come to the Marina district without actually seeing, well... the marina! Here where you will find an impressive flotilla of vessels &mdash; both sail and power. There are various "small craft" harbors located at either end of Marina Green, but the two main yacht clubs are: }} ** {{see | name=Golden Gate Yacht Club | alt= | url=http://ggyc.com/ | email=generalmanager@ggyc.com | address=1 Yacht Rd | lat=37.8077 | long=-122.4426 | directions=at the end of Yacht Rd | phone=+1-415-346-2628 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Golden Gate Yacht Club | wikidata=Q611962 | content=Founded in 1939, this club is both a popular destination for pleasure cruises and for competitive regatta racing. It's plainer than its neighbor the SFYC, however it got a major boost of late when Larry Ellison and the Oracle guys signed up and the club became the challenge club of record for the America's Cup. }} ** {{see | name=St Francis Yacht Club | alt= | url=http://www.stfyc.com | email=Frontdesk@StFYC.com | address=700 Marina Blvd | lat=37.8073 | long=-122.447 | directions=at the end of Baker St | phone=+1-415-563-6363 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-563-8670 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=St. Francis Yacht Club | image=Burgee of st francis.svg | wikidata=Q7588038 | content=Founded in 1927, this club has over 2,400 members and is also popular as both a cruise and regatta venue. It is reputedly the most exclusive yacht club in San Francisco and there are some serious vessels docked here. }} ===Parks=== The two largest parks in this area are listed separately under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Fort Mason|Fort Mason section]] and [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#The Presidio|The Presidio section]] below. The Marina Green Park is listed under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Do|Do section]] below as it's primarily used as a recreational area. Other parks include: * {{see | name=Alta Plaza Park | alt= | url=http://www.altaplazapark.com/ | email= | address= | lat=37.7912 | long=-122.4376 | directions=between Jackson St and Steiner St, Clay St and Scott St | phone=+1-415 -67-1265 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alta Plaza | wikidata=Q4735994 | content=A charming and immaculately manicured Pacific Heights park with great vistas over the Bay. It has tennis courts and a playground, and is a pretty good place for a picnic, or even just a rest if you've just scaled the hill. }} * {{see | name=Lafayette Park | alt= | url=https://sfrecpark.org/512/Lafayette-Park | email= | address= | lat=37.7916 | long=-122.4276 | directions=between Sacramento St and Washington St, Laguna St and Gough St | phone=+1-415-321-4342 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lafayette Park (San Francisco) | wikidata=Q6471488 | content=Another little oasis park in the heart of Pacific Heights &mdash; like its neighbor Alta Plaza Park, it is pristinely kept by local residents and it also has excellent views over the Bay. }} ===Galleries and museums=== Many of the galleries and museums are listed separately under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Fort Mason|Fort Mason section]] and [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#The Presidio|The Presidio section]] below. Here are some others: * {{see | name=Images of the North | url=http://www.imagesnorth.com/ | email=gallery@ImagesNorth.com | address=2036 Union St | lat=37.7976 | long=-122.4329 | directions=between Buchanan St and Webster St | phone=+1-415-673-1273 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-673-1272 | hours=Tu-Sa 11AM-5:30PM and by appt | price=Free | content=Features a eclectic collection of prints, sculpture, and jewelry from Alaskan and Canadian Inuit artists. The artwork sold here is an interpretation of Arctic life and culture. }} * {{see | name=Wonders of Tibet | url= | email=wot@wondersoftibet.com | address=1771 Union St | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4283 | directions=between Gough St and Octavia St | phone=+1-415-409-2994 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-409-2995 | hours=M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Free | content=A Tibetan inspired gallery where you will find all kind of original Buddhist treasures like; jewelry and beads, rugs, Dharma, antiques, artifacts, and gifts. }} ===Architecture=== Architecture buffs will definitely enjoy taking a stroll through the Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow neighborhoods, where ornate (''and huge!'') Edwardian and Victorian mansions are on display. Many are privately owned so be respectful, but some are open to the public. If you are a fan of the Spanish Colonial Revival-style, continue your tour through [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#The Presidio|The Presidio section]] below where you will find many fine examples. * {{see | name=Atherton House | url=http://www.noehill.com/sf/landmarks/nat1979000527.asp | email= | address=1990 California St | lat=37.7901 | long=-122.4271 | directions=at Octavia St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=An 1881 Victorian mansion that was built for Mrs. Doming de Goni Atherton by an unknown architect. It was one of the first Queen Anne residences in San Francisco. It is reported to be haunted, and is a stop on the haunted tour of San Francisco. }} * {{see | name=Haas Lilienthal House | alt= | url=http://www.sfheritage.org/haas-lilienthal-house/ | email=hrkraft@sfheritage.org | address=2007 Franklin St | lat=37.7933 | long=-122.4249 | directions=at Washington St | phone=+1-415-441-3004 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-441-3015 | hours=Tours: Su 11AM-4PM, W and Sa noon-3PM. Tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes and last about 1 hour | price=General admission $8, seniors and children 12 and under $5 | wikipedia=Haas-Lilienthal House | wikidata=Q5636548 | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=This is an {{ft2|11,500}} Queen Anne Victorian, built solely out of redwood in 1886 for William Haas. It has been fully preserved to its original design. It houses the San Francisco Architectural Heritage which offer tours inside the house and around the grounds. }} * {{see | name=The Leale House | url= | email= | address=2475 Pacific Ave | lat=37.7930 | long=-122.4359 | directions=between Steiner St and Fillmore St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This house was built in 1853 and as such it is one of the city's oldest residences. A ferry-boat captain known as Captain Leale bought the house three decades later and remodeled it in the popular "Italianate" style. }} * {{see | name=The Octagon House | alt= | url=http://www.nscda.org/museums/california.htm | email= | address=2645 Gough St | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4274 | directions=at Union St | phone=+1-415-441-7512 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open to the public on the second Sunday of every month, and the second and fourth Thursday of every month, from noon-3PM | price=Free | wikipedia=McElroy Octagon House | wikidata=Q6801074 | content=Dating from 1861, this eight-sided house with its cupola top, dormer windows, and roof lanterns was built in the belief that such octagonally shaped houses promote healthier living. Today, the building is an American Colonial museum. It has many artifacts on display including antique furniture and historical documents. It is run by the National Society of the Colonial Dames. }} * {{see | name=San Francisco Public Library &mdash; Golden Gate Valley Branch | alt= | url=https://sfpl.org/locations/golden-gate-valley | email=ggvmgr@sfpl.org | address=1801 Green St | lat=37.7968 | long=-122.429 | directions=at Octavia St | phone=+1 415-355-5666 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5:30PM | price= | wikidata=Q66362951 | lastedit=2021-10-15 | content=Built in 1917 by architect Ernest Coxhead, this unique "Beaux-Arts" library was modeled on a Roman basilica. It has free internet facilities. }} * {{see | name=Spreckles Mansion | alt= | url= | email= | address=2080 Washington St | lat=37.79273 | long=-122.42751 | directions=at Octavia St | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q100451768 | lastedit=2021-10-15 | content=This white "Beaux-Arts" limestone mansion was built in 1913 by sugar baron Adolph Spreckles. It has 55 rooms including a Louis XVI Ballroom. The mansion is a private residence which is owned by the famous romance-novelist, Danielle Steele. }} * {{see | name=Vedanta Temple | url=http://www.sfvedanta.org/ | email=temple@sfvedanta.org | address=2963 Webster St | lat=37.7981 | long=-122.4342 | directions=at Filbert St | phone=+1-415-922-2323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=This temple was built in 1905 by architect Joseph Leonard. Architecturally the building reflects the Vedantic philosophy that all roads lead to one God; hence the building has a mix of architectural styles like Edwardian, Moorish, Queen Anne, Colonial, and Oriental among others. It has five different towers on the top including a Russian-style onion dome and a European-style castle turret. The extraordinary temple was the first Hindu temple built in the West. }} ===Fort Mason=== [[Image:FORTMASON.jpg|thumb|340px|Evening shadows at Fort Mason]] [http://www.fortmason.org/ Fort Mason] was a U.S. Military coastal defense post and port for over 100 years. In 1985, it was ordained as a National Historic Landmark, primarily for its vital logistical role during World War II and then later the Korean War. Today, it is part of the '''[[Golden Gate National Recreation Area]]''' and is under the remit of the National Park Service. Situated on a headland, '''Upper Fort Mason''' has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and of Alcatraz. '''Lower Fort Mason''', which comprises approximately 13 acres, is the site of the former military port and today houses the Fort Mason Center, which is committed to nonprofit and cultural activities with an emphasis on entertainment, recreation, and education in the fields of; the visual/performing arts, humanities, and ecology/environment. It has three museums and six theaters and hosts nearly 20,000 events each year. Most of the activities are provided at nominal or sometimes no cost to the public. The small, specialized museums in Fort Mason include: * {{see | name=Museo ItaloAmericano | alt= | url=http://www.museoitaloamericano.org/ | email=sfmuseo@sbcglobal.net | address=Fort Mason Center, Building C | lat=37.8068 | long=-122.4314 | directions= | phone=+1-415-673-2200 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-673-2292 | hours=Tu-Su noon-4PM, M by appointment | price=Free | wikipedia=Museo ItaloAmericano | wikidata=Q11073602 | content=Hosts photo exhibits and the work of modern Italian artists. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art &mdash; Artists Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.sfmoma.org/visit/artists_gallery | email=artistsgallery@sfmoma.org | address=Fort Mason Center, Landmark Building A | lat=37.8064 | long=-122.4321 | directions= | phone=+1-415-441-4777 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10:30AM-5PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q913672 | content=Housed over two floors, the SFMOMA displays the art &mdash; in a variety of styles and media &mdash; of over 1,000 emerging and established Northern Californian artists. }} * {{see | name=The Long Now Foundation Museum | alt= | url=http://www.longnow.org/ | email=services@longnow.org | address=Landmark Building A | lat=37.8068 | long=-122.4307 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-6582 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-561-6297 | hours=M-F 10:30AM-5PM, Sa Su 11AM-6PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Long Now Foundation | wikidata=Q568907 | content=The Long Now foundation was established to foster a better understanding of a "slower/better" mind set &mdash; as opposed to "faster/cheaper" one. As well as holding many seminars and talks, they also have a museum and store at their premises. }} ===The Presidio=== [[Image:Presidiosign.jpg|thumb|350px]] [http://www.presidio.gov/ The Presidio] was founded in 1776 and was the longest-running military post in the U.S. before closing as a base in 1994. It is now a part of the '''[[Golden Gate National Recreation Area]]''' and Congress has designated it a National Historic Landmark District, which is the highest historic designation that can be given in the U.S. The park is a beautiful 3 square miles of mostly hilly and wooded areas. The Presidio has around 800 buildings within its perimeter, many of which are of historical significance. Some of the buildings have residential tenants, others commercial ones. At the end of 2005, about 2,500 people lived in the Presidio and it is home to the headquarters of Lucasfilm (owned by George Lucas, the creator of "Star Wars"), a unique situation for a national park. Part of their drinking water comes from Lobos Creek (Rio de los Lobos), the last free-flowing creek in San Francisco. The Presidio Trust, that manages the majority of the park, is renovating the remainder of the buildings, with a view to increasing its list of residents to 5,000. The Presidio contains 11 miles of hiking trails, including the Golden Gate Promenade, the Coastal Trail, an ecology trail, and portions of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the Bay Trail, and the Anza National Historic Trail. Cyclists can explore the area on 14 miles of paved roads and along some unpaved parts of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. A world-class board-sailing area borders Crissy Field, while fishing and crabbing opportunities abound from the nearby rocks and pier. Along the way there are also many historical and architectural points of interest as well as some fantastic vistas and natural scenery. ====Visitor centers and museums==== * {{see | name=Arion Press | alt= | url=http://www.arionpress.com/ | email=arionpress@arionpress.com | address=1802 Hays St | lat=37.7882 | long=-122.4735 | directions=at Belles St | phone=+1-415-668-2542 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-668-2550 | hours=Gallery: M-F 10AM-5PM. Tours: Th 3:30PM | price=Gallery: free. Tours: $10 | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=Arion Press is considered the best publisher of fine press books in the nation. A gallery on-site has a large collection of limited edition books and prints, and they offer tours of their production facility, including the pressroom and the typefoundary that contains the oldest hot metal type foundry in the country. }} * {{see | name=Battery Chamberlin | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/battery-chamberlin.htm | email= | address=Battery Chamberlin Rd | lat=37.7937 | long=-122.4828 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=On the first full weekend of each month, between 11AM-3PM, you can take part in demonstrations of the gun and visit a small seacoast defense museum at the battery | price=Free | wikipedia=Battery Chamberlin | wikidata=Q4869826 | content=Battery Chamberlin, built near Baker Beach in 1904, was constructed as part of a modernization effort to accommodate the lighter, stronger, more powerful coastal defense weapons developed in the 1880s. Today Battery Chamberlin holds the last 6-inch "disappearing gun" of its type on the West Coast. }} * {{see | name=Crissy Field Center | alt= | url=http://www.parksconservancy.org/programs/crissy-field-center/ | email=tellmemore@parksconservancy.org | address=1199 East Beach | lat=37.8058 | long=-122.4491 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-7690 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-561-7695 | hours=9AM-5PM daily | price=Free | wikipedia=Crissy Field | wikidata=Q5186096 | content=The Crissy Field Center includes an activity area, learning and computer labs, a teaching kitchen, library, and an information area and bookstore. The center offers a rich array of education programs that serve the entire San Francisco community. Focusing on the convergence of Urban and Natural Environments, educational programs and activities promote multicultural perspectives, environmental stewardship, and community service. They also have a small cafe inside the premises serving up organic, locally sourced food. }} * {{see | name=Fort Point National Historic Site | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/fopo/ | email= | address=Marine Dr | lat=37.8105 | long=-122.4772 | directions=Long Ave and Marine Dr | phone=+1-415-556-1693 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Video orientations, guided tours, self-guiding materials, exhibits, and publication sales are offered F-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Fort Point, San Francisco | image=Fort Point Courtyard.jpg | wikidata=Q1438659 | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of the master brick masons of the Civil War period. It is best approached from the Marina District along the water through the kites and bay-views of the connected Crissy Field Park. }} * {{see | name=Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://farallones.noaa.gov/ | email=farallones@noaa.gov | address=991 Marine Dr | lat=37.8055 | long=-122.4673 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-6622 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-561-6616 | hours=W-Su 10AM-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary | wikidata=Q5617591 | content=The Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center provides information on the sanctuary and features hands-on educational exhibits on local marine life. The visitor center is housed in the historic Coast Guard Station at the west end of Crissy Field. The Life Saving Service and Coast Guard were housed here from 1890 to 1990, providing a variety of services ranging from search and rescue operations to navigational assistance. }} * {{see | name=Walt Disney Family Museum | alt= | url=http://www.waltdisney.org | email= | address=104 Montgomery St | lat=37.8014 | long=-122.4587 | directions=brief walk from the Transit Center | phone=+1-415-345-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-M 10AM-6PM; closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving, Dec 25 | price=$25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, $15 for ages 6-17, free for under 6 | wikipedia=The Walt Disney Family Museum | image=Disney Museum 2.JPG | wikidata=Q2415048 | lastedit=2018-01-03 | content=Opened in 2009, this museum focuses on the life of Walt Disney and his accomplishments. The museum is not run by the Walt Disney Company, meaning that while it views Walt Disney in a favorable light, it doesn't come off as corporate propaganda. The collections have some fascinating Disneyana, including the Oscar awarded to Disney for Snow White, a multiplane camera used prominently in Disney animated films, and a number of posters promoting early Disneyland rides. This is an absolute must-see for Disney enthusiasts, but even casual Disney fans will be impressed by the material here, which does a very good job of showing how a man with a gift for cartooning built what would become a modern media empire. }} * {{see | name=William Penn Mott, Jr. Visitor Center | url= | email= | address=Building 50, Moraga Ave | lat=37.7975 | long=-122.4591 | directions=at Graham St | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-5PM daily | price=Free | content=Information on points of interest and Presidio history is available at the Visitor Center, temporarily located in the Presidio Officers' Club. Several videos can be viewed in the theater and a bookstore offers topical books and other media. }} ====Historical points of interest==== * {{see | name=Battery East | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.8085 | long=-122.4746 | directions=off Marina Dr | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=This fortification was built in the 1870s, to withstand newer and heavier ordinance. You can view the earthen works and brick-lined magazines built to protect large Rodman guns and their ammunition. }} *{{see | name=Cavalry Stables and Pet Cemetery | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/cavalry-stables-and-pet-cemetery.htm | email= | address=Cowles St | lat=37.8019 | long=-122.4678 | directions=between Lincoln Blvd and McDowell Ave | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Five brick cavalry stables were built in 1914. Each stable could house 102 horses, enough for a cavalry company. A paddock stood between the stables and the cavalry barracks on the hill behind, and a blacksmith shop was in front. After the cavalry left the stables, they were adapted to other uses &mdash; the Pet Cemetery was started and also a veterinary hospital. }} * {{see | name=Crissy Airfield | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/crissy-airfield.htm | email=tellmemore@parksconservancy.org | address=Crissy Field, 603 Mason St | lat=37.8041 | long=-122.4651 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-7690 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=From 1921 to 1936 Crissy Army Airfield was the center of West Coast military aviation. During these years of explosive advances in air power, pilots from Crissy performed maneuvers and mock battles, flew endurance flights, surveyed the west by air, and scouted for forest fires. }} * {{see | name=Fort Winfield Scott | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/fort-winfield-scott.htm | email= | address=Ruckman Ave | lat=37.8010 | long=-122.4745 | directions=near Appleton St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Situated near the gun batteries of the coastal bluffs, Fort Scott was established in 1912 to serve as headquarters for the Coastal Artillery Corps of the San Francisco Bay area. Spanish Revival style buildings, the first of this style to be built on the Presidio, characterize the post, and the U-shaped parade ground breaks from traditional quadrangular design. The post was eventually converted to an Army Education Center. }} * {{see | name=Infantry Row | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/infantry-row.htm | email= | address=Infantry Terrace | lat=37.8003 | long=-122.4593 | directions=near Moraga Ave | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Buildings 101 through 105, known as "Infantry Row," were constructed to accommodate troops consolidated at the Presidio after the Indian Wars. These were some of the first brick barracks constructed in the west, showing that the Presidio was to be a permanent post. Built in the late 1890s, these barracks display Colonial Revival style architecture with Romanesque elements. }} [[Image:YODA.jpg|thumb|230px|Master Yoda looks after the Presidio at Lucas Films HQ]] * {{see | name=Letterman Complex | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/letterman-complex.htm | email= | address=Letterman Dr | lat=37.7990 | long=-122.4498 | directions=between Lombard St and Presidio Blvd | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | wikipedia=Letterman Digital Arts Center | wikidata=Q6533683 | content=Established in 1898 to care for sick and wounded soldiers, it is the Army's oldest named general hospital and during WWII it became the largest Army hospital in the country. Today the complex is home to Lucas Films and lots of Star Wars fans make the pilgrimage there each year. You won't get inside unless you know someone.}} ** {{see | name=Yoda Fountain | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.798818 | long=-122.450477 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | wikidata=Q106763424 | content=You can practice your "Jedi" skills outside the Letterman Complex with this statue of Yoda on a fountain. }} * {{see | name=Main Post | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/historyculture/main-post.htm | email=mainpost@presidiotrust.gov | address=Lincoln Blvd | lat=37.8006 | long=-122.4583 | directions=at Montgomery St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The Main Post is at the heart of the Presidio. It marks the site of a Spanish garrison established here in 1776 and it is home to the oldest buildings in the Presidio, dating back to 1861. }} * {{see | name=Pershing Square | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/historyculture/pershing-square.htm | email=mainpost@presidiotrust.gov | address=Pershing Dr | lat=37.7984 | long=-122.4589 | directions=between Bliss Ct and Craig Ct | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=The flagpole in Pershing Square (at the Main Post) marks the site of a disastrous 1915 fire that destroyed the residence and killed the wife and three daughters of General John "Black Jack" Pershing of World War I fame. Just east lies the site of the original Spanish presidio, built in 1776 on this windswept slope. A boulder by the sidewalk approximates the northwest corner of the original Presidio, which formed a square about 300 feet (100 m) on each side. Two bronze cannons at this site, forged in the 1600s, used to be mounted at Castillo de San Joaquin, a fort built at the point overlooking the Golden Gate. They are among the oldest cannon in North America. }} * {{see | name=Public Health Service Hospital | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/public-health-service-hospital.htm | email=phsh@presidiotrust.gov | address=Wedemeyer St and 15th Ave | lat=37.7886 | long=-122.4746 | | phone=+1-415-561-4183 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Built in 1875, the Public Health Service Hospital tended the needs of merchant seamen. Eventually the hospital also cared for members of the U.S. Coast Guard and other governmental agencies, Native Americans and Vietnam refugees. In addition, important research on plague diseases was conducted here. A new hospital replaced the old in 1932, and two wings were added in the 1950s. The hospital closed in 1981. }} * {{see | name=San Francisco National Cemetery | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/historyculture/san-francisco-national-cemetery.htm | email= | address=1 Lincoln Blvd | lat=37.7996 | long=-122.4644 | directions=near Fisher Loop | phone=+1-415-561-2008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=San Francisco National Cemetery | image=SFNC;903 sanfrancisco.jpg | wikidata=Q7414075 | content=Many military personal have been buried here over the years, including a General from the American Civil War and 35 Medal of Honor recipients. }} * {{see | name=West Coast Memorial to the Missing of World War II | alt= | url=https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/americas/west-coast-memorial | email= | address=at Kobbe Ave and Lincoln Blvd | lat=37.7987 | long=-122.478 | directions=near Baker Beach | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7984818 | lastedit=2021-10-16 | content=One of three memorials on U.S. soil dedicated to missing service members of World War II, the West Coast Memorial is a curved wall of California granite set in a grove of Monterey pine and cypress. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it bears the names of 413 members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives or were buried at sea in the offshore Pacific coastal waters. }} ====Architecture==== * {{see | name=The Golden Gate Club | url=http://www.presidio.gov/venues/Pages/Golden-Gate-Club.aspx | email=events@presidiotrust.gov | address=135 Fisher Loop | lat=37.8004 | long=-122.4615 | directions=at Infantry Terrace | phone=+1-415-561-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=With its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival-style exterior, it was dedicated in 1949 as a first-class service club for enlisted men and women and was the site of several historic treaty signings during the early days of the Korean War. Stylishly remodeled, the club is now a full-service conference and events center. }} * {{see | name=Officers Club | alt= | url=http://www.presidioofficersclub.com | email=events@presidiotrust.gov | address=50 Moraga Ave | lat=37.7973 | long=-122.4592 | directions=at Graham St | phone=+1-415-561-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Su 10AM-6PM | price=Free | content=It was built by the Spanish with adobe walls, and was remodeled in the 1930s in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style adorned with rustic Spanish-tile gable roofs, heavy, rough timber lintels and beams, and decorative ironwork. }} * {{see | name=Old Post Hospital | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/old-post-hospital.htm | email= | address=Funston Ave | lat=37.8005 | long=-122.4552 | directions=at Lincoln Blvd | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | content=Built in 1864, it displays Italianate and Greek Revival architectural styles. Constructed during the Civil War, it is one of the oldest standing buildings on the Presidio. The original structure was modified by adding wings and enclosing the porches. In 1897, an octagonal surgical tower with windows on all sides was added to provide a well-lit operating room. }} * {{see | name=Palace of Fine Arts | alt= | url=http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/ | email=info@palaceoffinearts.org | address=3301 Lyon St | lat=37.802778 | long=-122.448333 | directions=at Bay St | phone=+1-415-567-6642 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-4062 | hours=6AM-9PM daily | price=Free | wikipedia=Palace of Fine Arts | image=Palace of Fine Arts SF CA.jpg | wikidata=Q966263 | content=The only structure remaining from the 1915 World's Fair, it features a classical Roman rotunda (1,100 feet wide, 162 feet high) with curved colonnades (30 Corinthian columns frame a wide walkway in the colonnade) situated in an idyllic park setting with a classical European-Style lagoon. It's a great place to unwind, have a picnic, and watch the swans float elegantly by. It also has a theater offering a variety of shows, musical and cultural events. }} * {{see | name=Interfaith Center at the Presidio | alt= | url=https://www.interfaithpresidio.org/ | email= | address=Fisher Loop, Building 130 | lat=37.7993 | long=-122.4618 | directions=near Infantry Terrace | phone=+1-415-561-3930 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM-2PM, Su 10AM-1PM | price=Free | content=Built in the early 1930s, this cruciform-shaped sanctuary is a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture, with features that embellished early mission churches. Stained glass windows depict virtues of military character, and a large wall mural by Victor Arnautoff (famed Coit Tower muralist) depicts the peacetime activities of the Army. }} ====Nature and recreation==== [[Image:baker Beach 2.jpg|thumb|300px|The gorgeous Baker Beach]] Nature lovers will adore the Presidio. Its geology, climate, and geography &mdash; combined with the Army's decision not to overdevelop the Park &mdash; mean that it has some of the most intact natural habitats on the San Francisco peninsula. It is home to many rare species of flowers including Raven's manzanita and Franciscan thistle as well as mammals like the coyote, gray fox, and the Fox Squirrel. Bird lovers will be pleased to know that there are a great variety of birds milling about including Gulls, Sandpipers, Plovers, Ducks, Herons, Loons, Pelecans, and Kingfishers. * {{see | name=Baker Beach | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/baker-beach.htm | email= | address=Gibson Rd | lat=37.7922 | long=-122.4845 | directions=along Lincoln Blvd and Bowley St | phone=+1-415-831-2750 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baker Beach | wikidata=Q684879 | content=A beautiful, immaculately kept 1-mile stretch of beach, set just behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately, due to strong currents, the beach is not very safe for swimming, but for "land-lovers" it does have many outdoor barbeques and designated picnic areas to eat and relax at. Toward the northern end of the beach there is also an unofficial nude section that mainly seems to attract gay men. It has free parking and clean restrooms. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Coastal Bluffs | alt= | url=https://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/coastal-bluffs.htm | email= | address= | lat=37.8006 | long=-122.4794 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Beaches and rocky shoreline lie at the base of the coastal bluffs, while their tops provide expansive views of the Pacific coastline. The Coastal Trail extends along the wind-swept coastal bluffs, where some of the most intact natural habitat in the Presidio harbors rare plants adapted to serpentine soil and cool foggy conditions. }} [[Image:crissyfield.jpg|thumb|300px|''"Dedicated to those who find this park a beautiful place to dream"'']] * {{see | name=Crissy Field Marsh and Beach | alt= | url=http://www.parksconservancy.org/programs/crissy-field-center/ | email=tellmemore@parksconservancy.org | address=1199 East Beach | lat= 37.8038 | long= -122.4618 | directions= | phone=+1-415-561-7690 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Crissy Marsh | wikidata=Q5186098 | content=Known by many names &mdash; "The city's front yard" and "The Golden Gate promenade" &mdash; this used to be one of the country's most active and strategic military airstrips. Today, under the care the Golden Gate National Parks Association, the 28 acre site has been transformed into recreational space for joggers, cyclists, walkers, and picnickers. There is also a significant project underway to return 18 acres back to its original tidal marshlands. With this effort, Crissy Field is fast becoming a great place to see local wildlife such as migrating long-billed curlews, semipalmated plovers and western sandpipers. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=El Polin Spring | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/el-polin-spring.htm | email= | address=El Polin Loop | lat=37.7929 | long=-122.4554 | directions=at the end of MacArthur Ave | phone=+1-415-561-4323 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5351856 | content=El Polin spring water bubbles from a rock wall at the head of this riparian valley. The spring provided a source of fresh water for the Spanish Presidio, and Spanish and Mexican families built their homes in this sheltered valley. Today, you can picnic in the bucolic meadows near the spring or explore the surrounding forest and grasslands. }} * {{see | name=Inspiration Point | alt= | url=http://www.presidio.gov/places/inspiration-point-overlook | email=events@presidiotrust.gov | address=Arguello Blvd and Washington Blvd | lat=37.7932 | long=-122.4627 | directions=at the Arguello Boulevard Gate | phone=+1-415-561-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Perched high atop the Presidio, Inspiration Point has great views over the Presidio and the Bay and is great to visit both during the day and at night. }} * {{see | name=Lobos Creek Valley | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/lobos-creek-valley.htm | email= | address= | lat=37.7877 | long=-122.4789 | directions=off Lincoln Blvd, at the south-eastern section of the Presidio | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Contains the last free-flowing stream in San Francisco, which provides water to the inhabitants of the Presidio. }} * {{see | name=Lovers' Lane | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/lovers-lane.htm | email= | address= | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4545 | directions=between Liggett Ave and Clark St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the oldest foot trails in the Presidio, Lovers' Lane is an easy, one-mile walk. U.S. soldiers used the trail to visit their lovers and family in San Francisco. }} * {{see | name=Mountain Lake | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/mountain-lake.htm | email= | address= | lat=37.7879 | long=-122.4711 | directions=at the southern entrance to the park, near 10th Ave and Lake St | phone=+1-415-666-7005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mountain Lake Park | wikidata=Q6925042 | content=The campsite of the Anza settlement party in 1776, it became a source of fresh water for San Francisco during the early years. Ducks and waterfowl make their home among the tule reeds. Mountain Lake today fronts a popular neighborhood park with playground equipment, tennis courts and a Par Course. }} * {{see | name=Presidio Forest | alt= | url=https://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/presidio-forest.htm | email= | address= | lat= 37.797 | long= -122.467 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A mature forest of pine, cypress, eucalyptus and other non-native trees covers the higher areas of the Presidio. The army planted these trees from the 1880s through the 1940s in order to make the area appear larger with more relief, to limit visibility within the Presidio, and to beautify the post. }} * {{see | name=Presidio Golf Course | url=http://www.presidiogolf.com/ | email= | address=300 Finley Rd | lat=37.7906 | long=-122.4599 | directions=at Arguello Blvd | phone=+1-415-561-4661 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tee-off times 6:45AM-3:09PM | price=$55-145 | content=Founded in 1895 by the private San Francisco Golf and Country Club, the original 9-hole Presidio Golf Course was one of the earliest courses on the West Coast. In 1910, the course was expanded to 18-holes. Today, the course is open to the general public. }} * {{see | name=Mountain Lake Park | alt= | url=http://www.fmlp.org | email= | address=located just north of the intersection of Lake and Funston at the southern end of the Presidio park | lat=37.7876 | long=-122.4712 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mountain Lake Park | image=Mountain Lake (468742548).jpg | wikidata=Q6925042 | content=A small hiking trail winds around this scenic lake, noted for its historic importance in that it supplied water to the nearby colonial Spanish settlement of the Presidio. There is also a playground and a tennis court at the southern side of the lake. }} ===Golden Gate Bridge=== [[Image:ggbridge.jpg|thumb|360px|... a spectacular view through the Golden Gate Bridge]] {{infobox|Golden Gate Bridge trivia|* In total, the bridge is {{ft|8,981}} across (its main span being {{ft|4,200}}). At its tallest point it is 746 feet, but only 90 feet across &mdash; 6 reversible traffic lanes and two walkways. The strait that passes beneath the bridge runs 400 feet deep. * It is famously "over-engineered" &mdash; being over four times stronger than it needs to be. * It took over four years to build and cost over $35 million in 1937 (over $575 million today). * Amazingly, it has over 1.2 million rivets. * Each of its twin towers weighs more than 44,000 tons and the total weight of the bridge is almost 900,000 tons. * It is the second largest suspension bridge in the US and if you untangled all of its cables they would stretch around the world 3 times. * It has been featured in many movies, including "Vertigo" and "Superman." * As advocates for many ambitious modern day construction projects like to point out, there were thousands of lawsuits against construction, it was deemed to "ruin" the Bay and there was significant local opposition against it ever getting built - hard to imagine these days}} {{listing | type=see | name=Golden Gate Bridge | alt= | url=http://www.goldengatebridge.org/ | email=bridgecomments@goldengate.org | address=US 101 | lat=37.8076 | long=-122.4752 | directions=from Park-Presidio or Lombard St entrance | phone=+1 415-921-5858 (general info) | tollfree=+1-877-229-8655 (toll payment inquiries) | hours=Open 24 hours, occasionally closed Sunday morning for events. Welcome Center: daily, 9AM-6PM | price=$8.00 Pay-By-Plate, $7 w/ FasTrak account (toll driving south into San Francisco; free on foot or bike) | wikipedia=Golden Gate Bridge | image=GoldenGateBridge-001.jpg | wikidata=Q44440 | lastedit=2019-05-03 | content= }} Vehicular traffic in both directions share a single deck; a movable barrier (operated on by a zipper machine) used to allot lanes to one direction or the other depending on traffic conditions. Observation areas and parking lots are provided on both the north and south sides of the bridge; the best way to enjoy the bridge is to park and walk across, not least because you don't have to pay a toll. Winds are high and it can be cold and foggy; dress appropriately. Bikes can also be difficult to navigate in the high winds and narrow pathway. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the United States, and has been called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The bridge spans the Golden Gate, a strait between San Francisco and [[Marin County]] to the north, and is one of the major road routes into and out of the city. The masterwork of architect Joseph B. Strauss, whose statue graces the southern observation deck, the bridge took four years to build, and was completed on May 27, 1937. It managed to survive a major earthquake in 1989. The bridge is painted a deep red-orange color known as ''"International Orange,"'' also known as ''"Orange Vermillion,"'' which was specifically chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog that frequently shrouds the bridge. Erroneous legend has it that the bridge is continuously painted, with crews starting at one end and, on getting to the other end, turning around and starting over again. In fact, the bridge is only painted once every few years, but touch up work is done continuously by a team of 40 painters. The San Francisco end of the bridge is accessible by the Muni 28 bus line from Fort Mason in the Marina District near [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]]. The fastest way to reach it from downtown is to take the 38 or 38L up Geary to "Park Presidio" (after 12th Ave) and transfer to a Fort Mason bound 28. Golden Gate Transit buses serve the bridge on request, but buses are very infrequent and unpredictable except at afternoon commute times, when they are crowded. '''Toll collection on the Golden Gate Bridge is entirely electronic (no cash accepted) and done by license plate recognition.''' As you pass through the former tollbooth plaza, reduce your speed but do not stop. If you are driving a rental car, you have 48 hours to pay your toll by going to [http://www.bayareafastrak.org bayareafastrak.org] and following the link for Golden Gate Bridge Toll. From there, you may make a one-time payment of your toll by providing the license plate of your rental vehicle, the date and time of your crossing, and your credit card information. Failing to do so will result in your rental car company being charged the toll, and they will usually pass the charge on to you with additional fees. ==Do== Due to the "outdoorsy" nature of the area, many of the activities here are centered around nature, exercise, and recreation. If you feel like catching a show, there are also many theaters here of all descriptions. * {{do | name=Marina Green | alt= | url= | email= | address=Marina Green Dr | lat=37.8066 | long=-122.4391 | directions=along Marina Blvd between Buchanan St and Scott St | phone=+1-415-831-2700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marina Green | wikidata=Q3293150 | content=Marina Green is a long, flat strip of grass at the front of the Marina that runs along the Bay, equidistant between the Presidio and Fort Mason. The "Green" teems with joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, kite flyers, volleyball players, frisbee throwers, and rollerbladers &mdash; all getting their health kick exercising in an iconic location. The activities continue all the way through Crissy Fields ("The City's Front Yard") to the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge where you will find surfers patiently waiting for that next "big one." }} * {{do | name=Farallon Islands Whale Watching | alt= | url=http://www.oceanic-society.org/farallon%20islands%20season | email= | address=San Francisco Yacht Harbor/Marina Green | lat=37.8066 | long=-122.4424 | directions=just outside the Harbormaster's office | phone=+1-415-256-9604 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-474-3395 | hours=Cruise departs select Saturdays and Sundays May-Nov (check schedule in advance), Check-in time is 7:30AM, boat leaves 8AM | price=$128/person | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=Learn about the importance of preserving our natural environment on a 8 hour cruise to this National Wildlife Refuge, 27 miles off the coast of San Francisco in the Gulf of the Farallons. The islands' 211 acres of rocks and surrounding waters are home to Sea Lions, Tufted Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, and Rhinoceros Auklets among other species. In total, twenty three species of marine mammals, including 18 species of whales and dolphins reside in these waters. }} * {{do | name=Steps at Broadway and Lyon | url= | email= | address=Pacific Heights | lat=37.7933 | long=-122.4465 | directions=at Broadway St and Lyon St | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you climb these steps you can get a breathtaking view of the Palace of Fine Arts, the Marina, and the Bay. The Steps are known locally as the "San Francisco Stair Master"... and with good reason! }} * {{do | name=Walking Tours | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a number of themed walking tours available in the area including: }} ** {{do | name=Heritage Walks | alt= | url=https://www.sfheritage.org/news/new-self-guided-walking-tour-of-pacific-heights/ | email=cconmy@sfheritage.org | address=Haas Lilienthal House, 2007 Franklin St | lat= | long= | directions=at Washington St | phone=+1-415-441-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-441-3015 | hours=Hours vary &mdash; see website | price=$8 general, $5 seniors/children | content=These architectural tours of Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow are given by the San Francisco Architectural Heritage Foundation and focus mainly on its abundance of "Painted Ladies" (no... not grandma! &mdash; it refers to Edwardian and Victorian mansions) as well as the historical underpinnings of the area. They offer several different tours of varying lengths so check their website for specific details. }} ** {{do | name=San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour | url=http://www.sfghosthunt.com/ | email=sfghosthunt@yahoo.com | address=Depart from the lobby of the Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter St | lat= | long= | directions=corner of Sutter St and Octavia St | phone=+1-415-922-5590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-M 7PM | price=Reservations not required; adults $20, under 16's $10 | content=Who's afraid of ghosts? Well, if you have the backbone for it, you can visit places long suspected of being haunted by ghostly visitations and spirits on this one hour guided tour. }} ===Theater and performing arts=== * {{listing | type=do | name=BATS Improv at Bayfront Theater | alt= | url=http://www.improv.org | email=bats@improv.org | address=Fort Mason Center, Bldg B, 3rd floor | lat=37.8067 | long=-122.4318 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-474-6776 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-474-9385 | hours=Shows usually start at 7PM/8PM | price=$8-20 | wikipedia=BATS Improv | wikidata=Q4834688 | content=BATS is a performing arts theater company that focuses on all forms of improvisational format, including theatersports. They also provide classes for anyone interested. }} * {{do | name=Blue Bear Performance Hall | url=http://www.bluebearmusic.org | email=contact@bluebearmusic.org | address=Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, 2nd floor | lat=37.8066 | long=-122.4307 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-673-3600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Blue Bear Performance Hall is used mostly for school musical performances. They have a music school that teaches all kind of music from Jazz to rock-n-roll to musicians of all ages. The hall also hosts some independent stage productions. }} [[Image:Clay Movie theatre.jpg|thumb|250px|A French indie movie showing at the Clay theater]] * {{do | name=Clay Theater | alt= | url=http://www.landmarktheatres.com/san-francisco/clay-theatre | email= | address=2261 Fillmore St | lat=37.7905 | long=-122.4344 | directions=between Clay St and Sacramento St | phone=+1-415-561-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=General: $10.50, Bargain Matinee: $8 (M-Th before 6PM, F-Su 1st showing) | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=The Art Deco/Neo-Classical Clay Theater was built in 1910 and is one of the oldest movie theaters in the city. It specializes in indie and international films. It's a small little theater, with smallish seats and an even smaller screen; but its got a cozy atmosphere, its popcorn comes laden with butter, and overall it's a great place to catch an art house film. }} * {{do | name=Cowell Theater | url=http://www.fortmason.org/events | email= | address=Fort Mason Center, Middle Pier | lat=37.8088 | long=-122.4315 | directions=behind Herbst Pavilion | phone=+1-415-441-3400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=See website for schedule and times | price=$0-60 | content=Hosts theater, dance, talks, and film festival productions among other things. }} * {{do | name=Magic Theatre | url=http://www.magictheatre.org | email=info@magictheatre.org | address=Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, 3rd floor | lat=37.8070 | long=-122.4308 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-441-8822 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-771-5505 | hours=W–Sa 8PM, Su 2:30PM and 7PM | price=$25-75 | content=The Magic Theater is where you can go if you are interested in seeing productions from new and established American playwrights such as the Pulitzer Prize-winner, Sam Shepard. }} * {{do | name=Palace of Fine Arts Theatre | url=http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/ | email=info@palaceoffinearts.org | address=3301 Lyon St | lat=37.8021 | long=-122.4487 | directions= | phone=+1-415-567-6642 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-4062 | hours=See website for schedule and times | price=$20-150 | content=This 1,000 seat theater hosts concerts, comedy shoes, film events, and lectures. }} * {{do | name=Young Performers Theatre | url=http://www.ypt.org | email=sf_ypt@hotmail.com | address=Fort Mason Center, Bldg C, 3rd floor | lat=37.8066 | long=-122.4314 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-346-5550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Sa 1PM, Su 1PM and 3:30PM. Shows do not run every week, see website for exact dates | price=Adults: $10, Children under 13: $7 | content=The Young Performers Theatre is a professional children's theater. It hosts a dozen or so shows each year and also offers classes in the dramatic arts, creative drama, comedy and musical theater. }} ===Events and festivals=== * {{do | name=Ethnic Dance Festival | url=http://www.worldartswest.org/main/home.asp | email=info@worldartswest.org | address=Palace of Fine Arts | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-415-474-3914 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-474-3922 | hours=June &mdash; Sa 2PM and 8PM, Su 2PM | price=Opening Night Gala: $175, Single ticket: $22-44, All four weekends ticket: $80-158 | content=The festival is held over four weekends in June and celebrates traditional ethnic dances like Flamenco, Balinese, Fuego Nuevo, Irish, and YaoYong. It's colorful, energetic, and exciting... and you might actually learn a thing or two for the dance floor! }} * {{do | name=Easter Parade and Spring Celebration | alt= | url= | email= | address=Union St | lat= | long= | directions=Gough St to Fillmore St | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-310-6563 | hours=Easter Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free | content=The kid-friendly but diverse festivities include; a petting zoo, pony rides, live music, train rides, alfresco dining, and a parade. It attracts about 35,000 attendees annually. Good family fun for all!. }} * {{do | name=Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon | url=http://www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/ | email=lisa.jenkins@imgworld.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1-424-653-1883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Second Su in June | price=Free | content=Ok, hands up who can swim 1.5 miles through chilly waters, jump on a bike and cycle 18 miles, and then polish it all off with a mere 8 mile run... any takers? Well every year this event attracts 2,000 people who can, including world champions and Olympic medalists. The course winds its way through Fort Mason, along Marina Green and through the demanding trails of the Presidio and beyond. Anywhere along the route is good from a spectators point of view, but the transition area and the finish is at Marina Green. }} * {{do | name=Fantasy of Lights | alt= | url= | email= | address=Union St and Fillmore St | lat= | long= | directions=Union St &mdash; between Van Ness Ave and Steiner, Fillmore St &mdash; between Union St and Lombard St | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-310-6563 | hours=First Sa in December, 6PM-9PM | price=Free | content=This is a month long celebration that sees local shop owners adorning their windows with the prettiest of lights, in an attempt to capture the coveted prize of "Best Lighting Effect." It all starts with an opening night parade when the lights are officially turned on and is followed by a month of programs and events. Although it's certainly pretty, it's probably not going to help with the global warming problem!. }} * {{do | name=San Francisco Blues Festival | url=http://www.sfblues.com/ | email=info@sfblues.com | address=Great Meadow, Fort Mason | lat= | long= | directions=Marina Blvd and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-979-5588 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Last weekend in Sept: F-Su | price=Advance: $35 per day, At the gate: $40 per day, Two-day ticket: $55, Single-day reserved lawn seating: $50, Two-day reserved lawn seating: $80, Children under 10 free | content=This is the oldest continually running blues fest in the world and it attracts some great Blues performers every year. Previous performers included B.B. King, Carlos Santana, and Little Richard among others. For the famished, they also have some flavorful New Orleans style barbeques to compliment the music. }} * {{do | name=San Francisco International Film Festival | alt= | url=http://festival.sffs.org/ | email=gga@sffs.org | address=39 Mesa St, Suite 110 | lat= | long= | directions=on the Presidio, near the Officers Club | phone=+1-925-866-9559 | tollfree= | fax=+1-925-866-9597 | hours=Two weeks in Apr/May | price=General admission $12.50, seniors/students/disabled $11 | wikipedia=San Francisco International Film Festival | wikidata=Q579634 | content=This festival has been going on now for over 50 years. It is organized by the San Francisco Film Society who are based in the Presidio, but the arthouse movies, documentaries, and short films are shown throughout the city. }} * {{do | name=Tribal, Folk, and Textile Art Show | alt= | url=https://sanfranciscotribalandtextileartshow.com/ | email=info@caskeylees.com | address=Fort Mason Center | lat= | long= | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-310-455-2886 | tollfree= | hours=Second weekend in February: F-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price=$15 daily | content=More than 100 international dealers and galleries showcase their tribal, folk, and textile art at this show. Thousands of pieces will be on display from places such as Africa, the Himalayas, the Middle East, and the Americas. }} * {{do | name=Union St Art Festival | alt= | url=https://www.unionstreetsf.com/happenings | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=between Union St and Gough St | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-310-6563 | fax=+1-415-456-6436 | hours=First weekend in June: Sa-Su 10AM-6PM | price=Free | content=This festival attracts many local artists who line the streets displaying their arts and crafts, along with live jazz and classical music performances. The festival is one of San Francisco's largest annual free events, and attracts around 100,000 attendees each year. The festival has over a hundred arts and crafts booths, as well as two live entertainment stages, and an organic farmer's market. }} ==Buy== The three main shopping thoroughfares are '''Union St''' (Cow Hollow), '''Fillmore St''' (Pacific Heights) and '''Chestnut St''' (The Marina). Most stores here are of the small specialist boutique variety &mdash; a mix of unique and trendy chain shops reflecting the upscale nature of the neighborhoods. Union St is unquestionably one of the best streets in the city to window shop on (''and hey, that costs nothing!''), so take a slow stroll down Union St and enjoy the vibrancy and atmosphere of the shops, galleries, eateries, cafes and passers-by. With a friendly neighborhood feel, Fillmore St displays its charm through eclectic Victorian buildings that the stores are housed in. The street has a relaxed vibe, shopping here is a leisurely activity &mdash; many stores don't open until 11AM, some are closed on Mondays and most are closed on holidays. Chestnut St in the Marina is the one-stop street for anything you could need. Word to the wise &mdash; watch out for all the double-wide and double-decker baby strollers... they'll run you down. * {{buy | name=Ambiance | alt= | url=https://www.ambiancesf.com/ | email= | address=1858 Union St | lat=37.7980 | long=-122.4300 | directions=between Octavia St and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-923-9796 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2020-08-07 | content=The store has a great selection of women's clothes and jewelry. }} * {{buy | name=Blu | url= | email= | address=2259 Fillmore St | lat=37.7905 | long=-122.4344 | directions=between Clay St and Sacramento St | phone=+1-415-776-0643 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | content=Women's modern European clothes and accessories store. }} * {{buy | name=Books Inc | url=http://www.booksinc.net/SFMarina | email=website@booksinc.net | address=2251 Chestnut St | lat=37.8001 | long=-122.4403 | directions=at Avila St | phone=+1-415-931-3633 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 9AM-9PM | price= | content=Unusual and quirky book store that holds a storytelling hour for kids every Sunday afternoon. }} * {{buy | name=Gallery of Jewels | url=http://www.gallery-of-jewels.com/ | email=fillmore@galleryofjewels.com | address=2115 Fillmore St | lat=37.7892 | long=-122.4341 | directions=at California St | phone=+1-415-771-5099 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-550-0424 | hours=M-Sa 10:30AM-6:30PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | content=This gallery sells distinctive, limited edition jewelry handcrafted by local and international designers. They have a good variety of silver, gold and platinum accessories and sell jewelry for both men and women. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Golden Gate Bridge Gift Center | alt= | url=http://goldengatebridge.org/gift/ | email= | address=Golden Gate Bridge Plaza | lat=37.8077 | long=-122.4756 | directions=Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza &mdash; southeast side | phone=+1-415-923-2333 | tollfree= | hours=9AM-6PM daily | price= | content=You can purchase souvenirs of the Golden Gate Bridge here. }} * {{buy | name=Margaret O'Leary | url=http://www.margaretoleary.com/ | email=fillmore@margaretoleary.com | address=2400 Fillmore St | lat=37.7918 | long=-122.4342 | directions=at Washington St | phone=+1-415-771-9982 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11PM-5PM | price= | content=Ladies store specializing in high-end knits and accessories. }} * {{buy | name=Nest | url=http://www.nestsf.com/ | email= | address=2300 Fillmore St | lat=37.7909 | long=-122.4341 | directions=at Clay St | phone=+1-415-292-6199 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-674-1216 | hours=M-F 10:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | content=French-inspired furniture, gifts, and accessories. }} * {{buy | name=Past Perfect | url=http://www.pastperfectsf.com/ | email= | address=2246 Lombard St | lat=37.7997 | long=-122.4387 | directions=between Pierce St and Steiner St | phone=+1-415-929-2288 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-7PM daily | price= | content=Antique store with a large and eclectic selection of vintage goods and artwork to choose from. }} * {{buy | name=Safeway | url=http://www.safeway.com | email= | address=15 Marina Blvd | lat=37.8044 | long=-122.4328 | directions=between Beach St and Buchanan St &mdash; near Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-563-4946 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= | content=Large Safeway grocery store on the Marina. }} ==Eat== {{Eatpricerange|$10 or less|$10&ndash;20|$20 or more}} There is an excellent selection of restaurants in this area; everything from regional Chinese restaurants to Tapas bars, and from Japanese sushi houses to American steakhouses, romantic French bistros, and Italian restaurants. A lot of the food plated here is of the healthier variety &mdash; a reflection of the heightened overall health consciousness of residents in this area. Therefore, many of the restaurants serve up food that's organic, vegetarian, or produced from locally sourced ingredients... is there any other way!? Like most other businesses in the area, most restaurants are on Chestnut St, Union St, and Fillmore St; or indeed, one of the side streets leading off them. ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Ace Wasabi's Rock-N-Roll Sushi | url=http://acewasabisf.com/ | email= | address=3339 Steiner St | lat=37.8001 | long=-122.4380 | directions=just north of Lombard St | phone=+1-415-567-4903 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-749-1873 | hours=M-Th 5:30PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10PM | price=$5-14.50 | content=This sushi place is popular with the locals, offering good sushi with a rock and roll theme. Quirky and a bit of fun. }} * {{eat | name=Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers | url=http://www.barneyshamburgers.com/ | email= | address=3344 Steiner St | lat=37.8003 | long=-122.4377 | directions=between Chestnut St and Lombard St | phone=+1-415-563-0307 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM | price=$8-12 | content=Great gourmet burgers here at a very affordable price. They have a great selection of burgers including some interesting vegetarian options like "tofu burgers," and fyi, all their burgers can be wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun... give it a try! They also serve salads and sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Home Plate | url=https://www.homeplate-sf.com/ | email= | address=2274 Lombard St | lat=37.7997 | long=-122.4389 | directions=between Pierce St and Steiner St | phone=+1-415-922-4663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Su 7AM-4PM | price=$5-10 |lastedit=2021-09-22| content=Wonderful breakfast/brunch place on Lombard St. Its always busy on weekends and it can feel a tad cramped but the food is worth it &mdash; delicious homemade scones with homemade jam and preserves, omelettes, pancakes/waffles, and eggs benedict. This is certainly one of the best breakfast places in the city! }} * {{eat | name=Pluto's Fresh Food for a Hungry Universe | url=http://www.plutosfreshfood.com/ | email= | address=3258 Scott St | lat=37.8000 | long=-122.4410 | directions=at Chesnut St | phone=+1-415-775-8867 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11AM–10PM, Sa–Su 10:30AM–10PM | price=$7-12 | content=Fun American restaurant that's part of a chain. It's mostly green salads and sandwiches here &mdash; custom made to your discerning specifications! }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Alegrias | url=http://alegriassf.com/ | email= | address=2018 Lombard St | lat=37.8002 | long=-122.4348 | directions=between Webster St and Fillmore St | phone=+1-415-929-8888 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-929-9215 | hours=W-M 5:30PM-10PM | price=$8-23 | content=Alegrias is a colorful, friendly, and romantic little Tapas bar in the Marina. Like many other Tapas bars, it's a great place to go if you want to sample many flavors and tastes from small plates. If you're still hungry after that, they have a more substantial main menu with plates like grilled lamb, paellas, and stewed rabbit. }} * {{eat | name=Bistro Aix | url=http://www.bistroaix.com/ | email= | address=3340 Steiner St | lat=37.8002 | long=-122.4376 | directions=between Lombard St and Chestnut St | phone=+1-415-202-0100 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-202-0153 | hours=W-Th 6PM-10PM, F-Sa 6PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-9:30PM | price=$14-22 | content=A great dating restaurant with intimate, comfortable seating, and a romantic decor. They use fresh seasonal, local ingredients in their dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Dragon Well Restaurant | url=http://www.dragonwell.com/ | email= | address=2142 Chestnut St | lat=37.8007 | long=-122.4386 | directions=between Steiner and Pierce St | phone=+1-415-474-6888 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-775-9888 | hours=11:30AM-10PM daily | price=$11-14 | content=Light but satisfying modern Chinese food &mdash; not your typical oily dishes here! }} [[Image:GreenatGreens.jpg|thumb|300px|''"Waiter, a table with a view please"'' &mdash; Greens Restaurant]] * {{listing | type=eat | name=Greens Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.greensrestaurant.com/ | email=info@greensrestaurant.com | address=Building A, Fort Mason Center | lat=37.8067 | long=-122.4322 | directions=Lower Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-771-6222 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-771-3472 | hours=M 5:30PM-9PM, Tu-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5:30PM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-2PM, 5:30PM-9PM | price=$16-23 | wikipedia=Greens Restaurant | image=Greens_Restaurant-view.jpg | wikidata=Q5364825 | content=Located in Fort Mason, Greens organic vegetarian restaurant is a firm favorite among veggies and the health conscious. They have fresh, tasty international food that appeases all appetites (except for carnivorous ones of course!). Over the years it has become a bit of a local institution as its views over the water are hard to beat. }} * {{eat | name=La Mediterranee | url=http://www.cafelamed.com/fillmore_new/LaMed_Fillmore-home.html | email=information@cafelamed.com | address=2210 Fillmore St | lat=37.7901 | long=-122.4338 | directions=at Sacramento St | phone=+1-415-921-2956 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-4061 | hours=Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM | price=$10-15 | content=Serving up affordable Middle Eastern classics like quiche, hummos, pita bread, and kebabs. }} * {{eat | name=Pacific Catch | alt= | url=https://pacificcatch.com/locations/sf-chestnut-st/ | email=michael@pacificcatc.com | address=2027 Chestnut St | lat=37.8006 | long=-122.4367 | directions=at Fillmore St | phone=+1-415-440-1950 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-873-1315 | hours=11AM-10PM daily | price=$11-15 | content=There isn't much seating in this place, but that doesn't seem to matter for the patrons that come here to taste Asian/Pacific cuisine. The tuna bowl comes highly recommended. }} ===Splurge=== * {{eat | name=A16 | url=http://www.a16sf.com | email= | address=2355 Chestnut St | lat=37.7999 | long=-122.4422 | directions=between Scott St and Divisadero St | phone=+1-415-771-2216 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Dinner: Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM Lunch: W-F 11:30AM-2:30PM | price=$15-30 | content=This is part wine bar part restaurant; they serve simple Italian favorites (pizza, pastas, salumi) from the Campania region of Italy. They also have traditional wood-burning ovens to perfect your pizza. }} * {{eat | name=Boboquivari's | url=http://www.boboquivaris.com/ | email=comments@boboquivaris.com | address=1450 Lombard St | lat=37.8014 | long=-122.4257 | directions=between Franklin St and Van Ness Ave | phone=+1-415-441-8880 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-441-8805 | hours=Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM | price=$30-65 | content=Popular steakhouse in the Marina, Bobo's is a "surf-n-turfers" dream. The menu boasts excellent steaks (porterhouse, fillet mignon, New York bone-in) combined with mussels, shrimp, lobster, and Dungeness crab... yummy! Bobo's is a colorful, if upscale restaurant, that is very popular and almost always busy. }} * {{eat | name=Brazen Head | url=http://www.brazenheadsf.com/ | email= | address=3166 Buchanan St | lat=37.7992 | long=-122.4324 | directions=at Greenwich St | phone=+1-415-921-7600 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-0164 | hours=Bar Hours: 4PM-2AM Dinner: 5PM-1AM | price=$18-30 | content=Serving wholesome American cuisine including their signature dish "Certified Angus Beef NY Pepper Steak" &mdash; this restaurant is a very well kept local secret. }} * {{eat | name=Capannina | url=http://www.capanninasf.com/ | email=info@capannina.us | address=1809 Union St | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4292 | directions=at Octavia St | phone=+1-415-409-8001 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-409-8004 | hours=Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-10:30PM | price=$25-75 | content=An Italian restaurant that focuses on the familiar and tempting classics of Italian cuisine. They have a "prix-fixe" as well as an "à la carte" menu. }} * {{eat | name=Eastside West Restaurant and Raw Bar | url=http://www.eastsidewestsf.com/ | email=info@eastsidewestsf.com | address=3154 Fillmore St | lat=37.7987 | long=-122.4356 | directions=at Greenwich St | phone=+1-415-885-4000 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-885-4001 | hours=Dinner: Tu-Sa 4PM-10PM, Su 5PM-8PM, Brunch: Sa 11AM-3PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price=$14-40 | content=They have excellent seafood here &mdash; shrimp, mussels, crabs, lobsters, and oysters. It's perfect for appetizers and drinks on a weekend afternoon; or how about their happy hour M-F 4PM-7PM, with $1 oysters and $2 draft beers... ''the perfect combination!'' }} * {{eat | name=Isa | url=http://www.isarestaurant.com/ | email= | address=3324 Steiner St | lat=37.8001 | long=-122.4376 | directions=just off of Chestnut St | phone=+1-415-567-9588 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-409-1879 | hours=M-Th 5:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30-10:30PM | price=$10-30 | content=Comfortable environment with an innovative fusion menu made up of small plates that blend French style with Asian flavors. Owner Luke Sung is one of San Francisco's most celebrated young chefs. }} * {{eat | name=Izzy's Steaks & Chops | url=http://Izzyssteaksandchops.com | email= | address=3345 Steiner St | lat=37.8002 | long=-122.4381 | directions=between Lombard St and Chestnut St | phone=+1-415-563-0487 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30-10:30PM | price=$17-37 | content=Classic steak restaurant with wood floors, saw dust, comfortable booths, steak sauces, and the requisite cowboy hat to boot! Their pricing is affordable and their steaks big and tasty. }} * {{eat | name=Jackson Fillmore Trattoria | url=http://jacksonfillmoresf.com/ | email=dkrietzman@jacksonfillmoresf.com | address=2506 Fillmore St | lat=37.7927 | long=-122.4344 | directions=at Jackson St | phone=+1-415-346-5288 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-454-1768 | hours=Tu-Sa 5:30PM-10PM, Su 5PM-9:30PM | price=$25-45 | content=This 3 star trattoria serves up old-style southern Italian food and wine from the region. The food is excellent and affordable (given the quality) and the place is usually crowded as a result. }} * {{eat | name=Perry's | url=http://www.perryssf.com/ | email=unionstreet@perryssf.com | address=1944 Union St | lat=37.7978 | long=-122.4312 | directions=between Charlton Ct and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-922-9022 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-0843 | hours=Lunch & Dinner: F-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su-Th 11AM-11PM, Brunch: Sa 9AM-3PM, Su 8AM-3PM | price=$17-30 | content=Over 40 years old, this restaurant is another Cow Hollow tradition. It is known for its classic American cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Presidio Social Club | url=http://www.presidiosocialclub.com/ | email= | address=563 Ruger St, Bldg 563 | lat=37.7973 | long=-122.4484 | directions=at Lyon St | phone=+1-415-885-1888 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-885-9188 | hours=M-Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-9:30PM, Brunch Sa-Su 10AM-2PM | price=$18-27 | content=Serving traditional American and international cuisine like fish and chips, Kobe beef, and liver and onions. They have a large outdoor veranda that is an excellent place to dine... weather permitting! There is also a lively bar on the premises if you fancy a few stiff drinks. }} * {{eat | name=Rose's Café | url=http://www.rosescafesf.com/ | email=matthew@niceventures.com | address=2298 Union St | lat=37.7970 | long=-122.4370 | directions=at Steiner St | phone=+1-415-775-2200 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-775-9600 | hours=M-Th 7AM-10PM, F 7AM-11PM, Sa 8AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM | price=$16-30 | content=Features Italian and Californian fare created using fresh organic and local produce; this is certainly a restaurant for the more environmentally conscious. It's a very romantic spot and a favorite among locals. }} ==Drink== The area is not particularly well known for its cutting edge nightlife; it's more residential vis-à-vis downtown, and it does not have the cool cachet of trendy hotspot [[San Francisco/SoMa|SoMa]], nor the hipster popularity of [[San Francisco/Chinatown-North Beach|North Beach]] and [[San Francisco/Mission|The Mission]]. So, if you're looking for a progressive clubbing scene, you probably won't find it here. What the area does offer though is many upscale bars, wine bars, sleek lounges, and clubs. The scene here can be pricey and many people deliberately avoid the bars and clubs here feeling that they are too pretentious, and consequently sterile. However, this can be a mistake as there are also plenty of cheaper options where you can get equally raucous and debaucherous on your nights out... ''thank God for that!'' ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Black Horse London Pub | url=http://www.blackhorselondon.com/ | email= | address=1514 Union St | lat=37.7986 | long=-122.4245 | directions=at Van Ness Ave | phone=+1-415-928-2414 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=5PM-midnight | price= | content=They advertise this place as the smallest bar in San Francisco... ''"Small Pub, Big Heart."'' It is exactly 7 wide and 19 foot long... not for the claustrophobic! It may be small but this is a fun little bar with a list of "Tenets" on the wall; including ''"Thou Shall give priority seating to all Women in the Bar. (If you need further explication, please see "Exit.")"'' and ''"Thou Shall have one pub and one pub only. (Ours...)."'' }} * {{drink | name=Blue Light | alt= | url=http://www.bluelightsf.com/ | email=lcossey@sbcglobal.net | address=1979 Union St | lat=37.7974 | long=-122.4317 | directions=between Buchanan St and Charlton Ct | phone=+1-415-922-5510 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-5852 | hours=Bar: M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM Kitchen: Kitchen M-F 5PM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Sunday 11AM-10PM | price= | content=Their "Taco Tuesday" is a long standing favorite among locals and features $3 margaritas for the ladies. Guys are equally well served with $2 Coronas, and with $1.50 tacos, who could go hungry? }} * {{drink | name=Bus Stop | url= | email= | address=1901 Union St | lat=37.7976 | long=-122.4307 | directions=between Charlton Ct and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-567-6905 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-2AM, Sa-Su 9AM-2AM | price=Happy Hour (M-F 4PM-6PM has $1.50 domestic beers and half price cocktails) | content=The Bus Stop has a comfortable "homey" atmosphere with 17 TVs and sports memorabilia on the walls. It attracts a twenty-something/thirty-something crowd. }} * {{drink | name=Mauna Loa Club | url= | email= | address=3009 Fillmore St | lat=37.7973 | long=-122.4357 | directions=between Filbert St and Union St | phone=+1-415-563-5137 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 2PM-2AM, Sa-Su noon-2AM | price= | content=Pretty cool little Hawaiian bar decked out in island regalia. They have a nice circular bar, open windows that peer out over Fillmore St, and lots of games inside to keep you occupied. They have a pretty decent happy hour M-F 4PM-7PM, to get your night started. }} * {{drink | name=Monaghan's | alt= | url= | email=info@monaghanssf.com | address=3259 Pierce St | lat=37.8000 | long=-122.4397 | directions=at Chestnut St | phone=+1-415-567-4466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 4:30PM-2AM, Tu-F 2PM-2AM, Sa-Su noon-2AM | price= | content=Another Irish bar turned sports bar in the Marina district which draws an eclectic crowd. They have a long happy hour that runs M-F 4PM-7PM; and nightly specials including "Ladies Night" on Thursdays where cocktails are half price. }} ===Wine bars=== * {{drink | name=California Wine Merchant | url=http://www.californiawinemerchant.com/ | email=greg@californiawinemerchant.com | address=2113 Chestnut St | lat=37.8004 | long=-122.4382 | directions=at Steiner St | phone=+1-415-567-0646 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-1639 | hours=M-W 10AM-midnight, Th-Sa 10AM-1:30AM, Su 11AM-11PM | price= | content=Formerly just a wine retail shop, the California Wine Merchant is now a hip little spot where you can enjoy a few glasses of wine, watch people walk by on Chestnut St, or pick up a few bottles to bring home. }} * {{drink | name=Ottimista Enoteca Cafe | url=http://www.ottimistasf.com/ | email=info@OttimistaSF.com | address=1838 Union St | lat=37.7980 | long=-122.4295 | directions=between Octavia St and Laguna St | phone=+1-415-674-8400 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-674-8333 | hours=Tu-Th 2PM-11PM, F noon-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-10PM | price= | content=Nice little upscale Italian wine bar that has mostly Italian and Californian wines in their exposed cellar. They have a decent selection of circa 40 wines by the glass; 250 by the bottle. They also serve small plates of food to compliment your wine. }} ===Clubs=== * {{drink | name=The Comet Club | url= | email= | address=3111 Fillmore St | lat=37.7981 | long=-122.4359 | directions=at Filbert St | phone=+1-415-567-5589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su, Tu-W 7PM-2AM, Th-Sa 5:30PM-2AM | price= | content=Good place to go if you like to boogie-on-down to the sounds of the 70s and 80s! It's a bit of a cramped space though and can get crowded as a result. }} * {{drink | name=The HiFi Lounge | url=http://www.maximumproductions.com/ | email=nick@maximumproductions.com | address=2125 Lombard St | lat=37.7996 | long=-122.4365 | directions=between Fillmore St and Steiner St | phone=+1-415-933-6299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W-Th 8PM-2AM, F 5PM-2AM, Sa 8PM-2AM | price= | content=The HiFi Lounge is where people come to dance the night away. It also features live DJs, games, and big screen TVs. Happy hour begins at 5PM and they offer $2 Budweisers and $3 well Drinks. Their "Girls of Taste" (wine tasting for women) is not to be missed and is held once a month. }} ===Coffee=== This area has a great "cafe culture," with lots of good Americana-style cafes. It's a great place to sit down and unwind at a curbside table, sipping away on latte, after a hard day trekking around. Not listed here are the more ubiquitous coffee chains like Starbucks, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Peet's Coffee; although these are very well represented here too, particularly along Union St, Chestnut St, and Fillmore St. * {{drink | name=Judy's Cafe | url= | email= | address=2268 Chestnut St | lat=37.8004 | long=-122.4408 | directions=between Scott St and Pierce St | phone=+1-415-922-4588 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-4588 | hours=M-F 7:45AM-2:15PM, Sa-Su 7:45AM-3PM | price= | content=Quaint European style Marina cafe serving healthy portions of food. }} * {{drink | name=La Boulangerie de San Francisco | alt= | url=http://www.laboulangeriesf.com/ | email= | address=1909 Union St | lat=37.7975 | long=-122.4309 | directions=at Laguna St | phone=+1-415-440-4450 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-928-3701 | hours=7AM-6PM daily | price= | content=Traditional French bakery and cafe. The owner was born in Bordeaux France and has a lifetime of baking experience. The cafe sells bread made of organic flour from their very own wheat mill. }} * {{drink | name=Tully's Coffee House | url=http://www.tullys.com | email=customer.comments@tullys.com | address=2455 Fillmore St | lat=37.7923 | long=-122.4348 | directions=between Jackson St and Washington St | phone=+1-415-929-8808 | tollfree= | fax=+1-206-233-2077 | hours=M-F 5:30AM-9PM, Sa 6AM-9PM, Su 6AM-8PM | price= | content=Cozy cafe with decent coffee and wi-fi available. They also have a flat screen in store to keep you up to date with the news. The outdoor seating is also a nice touch. }} * {{drink | name=Union Street Coffee Roastery | url= | email= | address=2191 Union St | lat=37.7970 | long=-122.4353 | directions=at Fillmore St | phone=+1-415-922-9559 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6:30AM-10PM daily | price= | content=Decent coffee, an excellent location, plenty of seating, and very friendly staff are what attract patrons here. }} ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|under $100|$100&ndash;200|$200 and over}} The neighborhoods in this district are really just that &mdash; neighborhoods; as such, you won't find many of the larger luxury chain-hotels here. Many of the areas accommodations are located on Lombard St, which runs east from Russian Hill to the Presidio in the West, and actually forms an informal boundary between the Marina and Cow Hollow. Most of the accommodations along Lombard range from run down motor lodges to slightly more respectable bed and breakfasts. Thankfully, as the area is not as congested as downtown, many of the hotels/motels offer free parking. ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Country Hearth Inn | url=http://www.goldengatebi.com/ | email=sanfrancisco@countryhearth.com | address=2707 Lombard St | lat=37.7983 | long=-122.4463 | directions=at Baker St | phone=+1-415-567-2425 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-8222 | price=$75-110 | checkin=1PM | checkout=11AM | content=This hotel is ideally located less than a block from the green expanses of the Presidio. They offer a complimentary continental breakfast and limited free parking. }} * {{sleep | name=Greenwich Inn | url=http://www.greenwichinn.com/ | email=info@greenwichinn.com | address=3201 Steiner St | lat=37.7990 | long=-122.4378 | directions=at Greenwich St | phone=+1-415-921-5162 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-3602 | price=$54-104 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | content=Budget hotel with free parking one block from Union St. It has 32 renovated guest rooms and offers an in-room coffee service and a complimentary newspaper daily. }} * {{sleep | name=Hostelling International-Fisherman's Wharf Hostel | url=http://www.sfhostels.com/fishermans-wharf | email=info@norcalhostel.com | address=Fort Mason, Building 240 | lat=37.8071 | long=-122.4285 | directions=Upper Fort Mason | phone=+1-415-771-7277 | tollfree= | fax= | price=Dorms: $26-30, private family rooms: $65-100 | checkin=2:30PM | checkout=11PM | content=Even if you're unsure about hostels, you should still consider this place; the location alone makes it worth your while, as it is in a park-like setting with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz and is within easy walking distance of [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]]. It has a total of 150 Beds in dormitory style rooms. Quite clean and safe, with wi-fi, laundry facilities, lockers, and free breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Presidio Inn & Suites | url=http://www.presidioinn.com/ | email=presidioinn@gmail.com | address=2361 Lombard St | lat=37.7991 | long=-122.4404 | directions=between Pierce St and Scott St | phone=+1-415-931-7810 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-931-5318 | price=$70–140 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small budget European style inn located in the Marina District. They have free wi-fi and offer a complimentary breakfast. It's just one block from Chestnut St. }} *{{sleep | name=Travelodge Golden Gate | url=http://www.travelodge.com/Travelodge/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=09598&brandInfo=TL | email=Travelodge2230@Gmail.com | address=2230 Lombard St | lat=37.7998 | long=-122.4383 | directions=between Greenwich St and Steiner St | phone=+1-415-922-3900 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-4795 | price=$90 year round | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=This hotel has cable TV and high speed internet. As with many of the other hotels in this area, they also offer free parking. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Buena Vista Motor Inn | url=http://www.buenavistamotorinn.com | email=info@buenavistamotorinn.com | address=1599 Lombard St | lat=37.8007 | long=-122.4276 | directions=between Franklin St and gough St | phone=+1-415-923-9600 | tollfree=+1-800-835-4980 | fax=+1-415-441-4775 | price=$80-140 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Another standard motor inn, this one offers free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast to get you going in the morning. }} * {{sleep | name=Chelsea Motor Inn | url=http://www.chelseamotorinn.com/ | email=Reservations@ChelseaMotorInn.com | address=2095 Lombard St | lat=37.7996 | long=-122.4357 | directions=at Fillmore St | phone=+1-415-563-5600 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-567-6475 | price=$77-145 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Features an English Tudor style building with an antique roof. Clean, good quality rooms at a reasonable price. Nothing too special, but it is centrally located. }} * {{sleep | name=Cow Hollow Motor Inn & Suites | url=http://www.cowhollowmotorinn.com/ | email=reservations@cowhollowmotorinn.com | address=2190 Lombard St | lat=37.7999 | long=-122.4375 | directions=at Steiner | phone=+1-415-921-5800 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-8515 | price=$79-145 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Centrally located in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, this motel offers 112 standard and reasonably priced rooms. The decor is definitely dated and will not suit everyone &mdash; they have floral wallpaper that might just keep you up at night! However, the rooms are comfortable and they do offer free parking. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel del Sol | url=http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/california/san-francisco-hotels/hotel-del-sol/ | email=del@communehotels.com | address=3100 Webster St | lat=37.7994 | long=-122.4341 | directions=at Greenwich St | phone=+1-415-921-5520 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-931-4137 | price=$119-199 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Voted CitySearch San Francisco's "Best Budget Hotel", "Best Family-Friendly Hotel," and "Best Hotel Pool" in 2006. Part of the fancy Joie de Vivre hotel group, this formerly nondescript motor lodge was rejuvenated with some cool colors, interior design, and upgraded management. }} * {{sleep | name=La Luna Inn | url=http://www.lalunainn.com/ | email=reservations@lalunainn.com | address=2599 Lombard St | lat=37.7985 | long=-122.4439 | directions=between Broderick St and Divisadero St | phone=+1-415-346-4664 | tollfree=+1-800-536-8446 | fax=+1-415-346-4665 | price=$79-129 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=A rejuvenated 1960s Motor Inn. The bespoke furniture and colorful decor creates a bright, fun, and fanciful atmosphere here. }} * {{sleep | name=Laurel Inn | url=http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/california/san-francisco-hotels/laurel-inn | email=thelaurelinn@communehotels.com | address=444 Presidio Ave | lat=37.7876 | long=-122.4466 | directions=between California St and Sacramento St | phone=+1-415-567-8467 | tollfree=+1-800-552-8735 | fax=+1-415-928-1866 | price=$159-209 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Built in 1963, this renovated hotel has a comfortable yet fashionable interior. Each room is spacious and similar in size to a studio apartment with some even having kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Lombard Motor Inn | url=http://www.lombardmotorinn.com/ | email= | address=1475 Lombard St | lat=37.8009 | long=-122.4258 | directions=between Van Ness Ave and Franklin St | phone=+1-415-441-6000 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-441-4291 | price=$77-135 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=Standard motor inn at an affordable price. The building interior is getting a bit old and worn, however it is clean. If you're a light sleeper, try to get a room that doesn't overlook the busy street. }} * {{sleep | name=Marina Inn | url=http://www.marinainn.com/ | email=info@marinainn.com | address=3110 Octavia St | lat=37.8010 | long=-122.4293 | directions=at Lombard St | phone=+1-415-928-1000 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-928-5909 | price=$69-159 | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | content=Comfortable and traditional style inn with a quiet B&B atmosphere. They have 40 guest rooms and offer complimentary continental breakfast and free newspapers. }} * {{sleep | name=Marina Motel | url=http://www.marinamotel.com/ | email=marinamotel@value.net | address=2576 Lombard St | lat=37.7991 | long=-122.4438 | directions=between Broderick St and Divisadero St | phone=+1-415-921-9406 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-921-0364 | price=$85-135 | checkin=3PM-11:30PM | checkout=11AM | content=Classic motor inn with a Mediterranean flavor &mdash; flower boxes fragrance the quaint European style rooms. They offer free wi-fi, free parking, and complimentary in room coffee. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel Capri | url=http://sfmotelcapri.com/ | email= | address=2015 Greenwich St | lat=37.7992 | long=-122.4329 | directions=at Buchanan St | phone=+1-415-346-4667 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-346-3256 | price=$100-135 | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | content=This is a small family run motel with just 46 guest rooms. Thankfully, this one is set back one block from the noisy Lombard St in a quieter residential area. This is definitely an older, slightly jaded motel, but the rooms are clean and the staff are extremely friendly. It's close to the shopping on Union St as well. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge at the Presidio | url=http://www.travelodgepresidio.com | email=tlsfpresidio@whg.com | address=2755 Lombard St | lat=37.7983 | long=-122.4467 | directions=between Baker St and Lyon St | phone=+1-415-931-8581 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-776-0904 | price=$60-140 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | content=Standard Travelodge, but set in an excellent location right on the cusp of the Presidio. If you like having the natural world close to your doorstep, then this is the place for you. With its proximity to the Palace of Fine Arts and the historic buildings of the Presidio, it's also a good place to come if you are a fan of architecture. }} * {{sleep | name=The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.sonesta.com/us/california/san-francisco/clift-royal-sonesta-hotel | email= | address=495 Geary Street | lat=37.7868 | long=-122.4113 | directions= | phone=+1-415-775-4700 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price={{USD|240-738}} | lastedit=2021-08-20 | content=Four-star, 372-room hotel with fitness centre, restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Francisco Bay Inn | url=http://www.franciscobayinn.com/ | email=franciscobay@staysf.com | address=1501 Lombard St | lat=37.8008 | long=-122.4264 | directions=at Franklin St | phone=+1-415-474-3030 | tollfree=+1-800-410-7007 | fax=+1-415-567-7082 | price=$149-214 | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | content=All of the rooms and hallways are 100% non-smoking. Free parking. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Drisco | url=http://www.hoteldrisco.com/ | email=reservations@hoteldrisco.com | address=2901 Pacific Ave | lat=37.7921 | long=-122.4432 | directions=at Broderick St | phone=+1-415-346-2880 | tollfree=+1-800-634-7277 | fax=+1-415-567-5537 | price=$189-259 | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | content=Built in 1903, this is a higher-end, boutique hotel right in the heart of Pacific Heights. }} * {{sleep | name=Jackson Court Hotel | url=http://www.jacksoncourt.com/ | email=ej@jacksoncourt.com | address=2198 Jackson St | lat=37.7931 | long=-122.4311 | directions=at Buchanan St | phone=+1-415-929-7670 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-929-1405 | price=$160-230 | checkin=2PM-7PM | checkout=11AM | content=This is an opulent three-story brownstone Victorian mansion set in upscale Pacific Heights. With only 10 rooms, it's more of a B&B than a hotel. The price includes a continental breakfast and afternoon tea. }} * {{sleep | name=Union Street Inn | url=http://www.unionstreetinn.com/index.html | email= | address=2299 Union St | lat=37.7969 | long=-122.4360 | directions=at Steiner St | phone=+1-415-346-0424 | tollfree= | fax=+1-415-922-8046 | price=$190-330 | checkin=2PM-7PM or by special arrangement | checkout=noon | content=Edwardian home with spacious airy rooms and a quaint cottage garden in the back. }} ==Connect== Most of the cafes listed under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Coffee|Coffee section]] above have free wi-fi facilities available upon purchase of a beverage. You can get on the internet for free at the Golden Gate Valley Branch of the San Francisco Public Library &mdash; listed under the [[San Francisco/Golden Gate#Architecture|Architecture section]] above. Other branches include: * {{listing | name=San Francisco Public Library — Marina Branch | alt= | url=http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/ | email= | address=1890 Chestnut St | lat=37.8014 | long=-122.4341 | directions=at Webster St | phone=+1-415-355-2823 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su 1PM-5PM, M-Tu 10AM-6PM, W 1PM-8PM, Th 10AM-8PM, F 1PM-6PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=Free internet facilities. }} * {{listing | name=San Francisco Public Library — Presidio Branch | alt= | url=http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/ | email= | address=3150 Sacramento St | lat=37.7889 | long=-122.4448 | directions=between Lyon St and Baker St | phone=+1-415-355-2880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su 1PM-5PM, M closed, Tu 10AM-9PM, W noon-9PM, Th 10AM-6PM, F 1PM-6PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2015-04-03 | content=Free internet facilities. }} == Go next == [[San Francisco/The Avenues|Golden Gate Park]] &mdash; If you're a fan of either Fort Mason or the Presidio, why not continue your tour into the enormous Golden Gate Park, where you'll find many more museums set in a natural park environment. [[San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf|Fisherman's Wharf]] &mdash; If you like everything nautical and would like some more, you should check out the flotilla of fishing vessels at the Wharf. [[Marin_Headlands|Marin Headlands]] &mdash; Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can find beaches, hiking, history, and spectacular views of the California coast. {{stardistrict}} {{IsPartOf|San Francisco}} {{geo|37.816666667|-122.48333333}} jbrowbxhymzzeth33pokegr55sfpe0n 0 31652 4488005 4472496 2022-07-21T22:50:22Z OhanaUnited 76122 /* See */ Updated listing for Wanuskewin Heritage Park wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saskatoon-banner.jpg}} [[Image:Saskatoon.jpg|thumb|400px|Downtown Saskatoon as seen from the University Bridge.|right]] '''[https://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/ Saskatoon]''' is a city in [[West Central Saskatchewan]]. With a metropolitan population of approximately 325,000 people, it is the province's largest city, and its economic and cultural hub. It has a beautiful setting along the South Saskatchewan River, and makes the most of it with parks and bridges. It's a little oasis among wheat fields. ==Understand== Saskatoon is located on bluffs along the South Saskatchewan River. Early planners set aside the riverfront for parks. Several bridges cross the river, affording gorgeous views of river, trees, and skyline. {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -10 | febhigh = -6 | marhigh = 1 | aprhigh = 11 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 23 | julhigh = 25 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 18 | octhigh = 11 | novhigh = -1 | dechigh = -8 | janlow = -20 | feblow = -16 | marlow = -9 | aprlow = -1 | maylow = 6 | junlow = 11 | jullow = 13 | auglow = 12 | seplow = 6 | octlow = 0 | novlow = -9 | declow = -17 | janprecip = 15 | febprecip = 11 | marprecip = 12 | aprprecip = 24 | mayprecip = 52 | junprecip = 60 | julprecip = 63 | augprecip = 43 | sepprecip = 33 | octprecip = 17 | novprecip = 13 | decprecip = 14 | description = See the Saskatoon 7-day forecast at [http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/sk-40_metric_e.html Environment Canada] {{dead link|December 2020}} }} Founded in 1906, with growth driven by immigration, railway links, and mining wealth, Saskatoon offers cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture. That, together with the river and its bridges, gives it the nickname of "Paris of the Prairies". The foundation of Saskatoon's economy is potash and other resource mining; oil and gas extraction (fracking and conventional); and wheat and other agriculture. These are abbreviated as "POW". The city hosts corporate headquarters of world-leading firms like PotashCorp (potash) and Cameco (uranium). Until the commodities slump of 2014, Saskatoon had been one of Canada's economically most vibrant cities. From its earliest days, Saskatoon has been home to the University of Saskatchewan. It boasts "[http://www.lightsource.ca The Canadian Light Source]", Canada's only synchrotron. The name ''Saskatoon'' comes from a Cree word for a berry that grows along the river called ''missaskquahtoomina''. === Districts === Roads which run generally east-west are usually named "street"; those running generally north-south are usually named "avenue". The major north-south road called Idylwyld Drive, Louis Riel Trail, and Highway 11 marks the division between "east" and "west" streets. 22nd Street (west of the river) and Aird Street (east of the river) mark the division between "north" and "south" avenues. The '''Meewasin Park''' along the river, from just past University Bridge in the northeast to just past Idylwyld bridge in the southwest, is the heart of the traveler's beat. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to stroll, ride bikes, or skate. On the east side of the river, the '''University of Saskatchewan''' lies just north of University Bridge and College Drive (highway 5); '''Nutana''' is between University Bridge and Idylwyld bridge, to 8th Street East on the south and Clarence Ave South on the east; and the '''Broadway Avenue''' district (within Nutana) runs from the Broadway bridge eastwards, particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side, full of interesting shops and restaurants. On the west side of the river, the '''Central Business District''' is bounded by 19th Street East on the south, Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11) on the west, 25th Street East on the north, and the Meewasin park on the east. (Streets here are "East".) It is pedestrian-oriented, with many shops and restaurants. 21st Street East and 2nd Avenue North and South are the main arteries, and the intersection of these two is the "heart" or centre of the city. Bus lines pass through a transit terminal here. '''"Alphabet Soup"''' is the informal name for the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11), from Avenue B through to Avenue Y, south of 33rd Street West. (Streets here are "West".) It is considered to be sketchy, with more crime than other areas. Gentrification is nibbling away at the sketchiness, along major roads and near the river. There's little reason for tourists to be outside the gentrified areas in this part of town anyway. These neighbourhoods are useful references for travellers, but don't cover the whole city. Other attractions and important transportation hubs are also outside of these areas. === Tourist information === [http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/ Official Tourism Organization] ==Get in== ===By plane=== ==== Airport ==== {{go | name=Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport | alt={{IATA|YXE}} | url=https://skyxe.ca/ | email=info@skyxe.ca | address= | lat=52.170014 | long=-106.690599 | directions= | phone=+1 306-975-8900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport | image=Saskatoon 115.jpg | wikidata=Q1430711 | lastedit=2022-05-26 | content=Serves domestic, international and northern communities. }} Direct flights to Saskatoon within Canada include from [[Calgary]] (1.25 hours), from [[Edmonton]] (1.25 hours), [[Prince Albert]] (30-40 minutes), [[Regina]] (45 minutes), from [[Toronto]] (3.5 hours), from [[Vancouver]] (2 hours), and from [[Winnipeg]] (1.75 hours). ==== Airlines ==== Canadian airlines operating to Saskatoon: * {{Listing|name=Air Canada|url=https://www.aircanada.com/|phone=+1-514-393-3333|tollfree=+1-888-247-2262|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in Vancouver, [[Calgary]], [[Toronto]], and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} * {{Listing|name=Flair Airlines|url=https://flyflair.com/|tollfree=+1-833-711-2333|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A new low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada.}} * {{Listing|name=Rise Air|url=https://riseair.ca|tollfree=+1-800-667-9356|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A regional airline operating in [[Saskatchewan]].}} * {{Listing|name=Sunwing Airlines|url=https://www.sunwing.ca/|phone=|tollfree=+1-877-786-9464|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter.}} * {{Listing|name=Swoop|url=https://help.flyswoop.com/|phone=+1-587-441-1001|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=WestJet's low-cost airline with flights to less-busy airports. Swoop charges a fee for new reservations or changes to reservations made over the phone.}} * {{Listing|name=Westjet|url=https://www.westjet.com/|tollfree=+1-877-952-0100|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and [[Toronto]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} Other airlines operating to Saskatoon: * [http://www.delta.com Delta Air Lines] fly to Saskatoon from [[Minneapolis]] and WestJet fly to this city from [[Phoenix]], and [[Las Vegas]] in the [[United States]]. ==== Ground transportation ==== To get to the city centre from the airport: *Saskatoon Transit: Route 12 *Rent a vehicle from one of the car rental companies *Cab: Should cost you approximately $12 ===By train=== {{go | name=VIA Rail Canada | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/ | email= | address=1701 Chappell Dr | lat=52.104986 | long=-106.73837 | directions=Stops at Saskatoon station, near Chappell Dr and Burma Rd, a remote area southwest of downtown. | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Operates ''[[The Canadian]]'' up to three trips per week between [[Toronto]] and [[Vancouver]] with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]], [[Winnipeg]], [[Portage la Prairie]], Saskatoon, [[Edmonton]], [[Jasper]], and [[Kamloops]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Toronto is 2 days, from Sudbury is 1.75 days, from Winnipeg is 12.25 hours, from Portage La Prairie is 10.75 hours, from Edmonton is 10 hours, from Jasper is 17 hours, from Kamloops is 1 day 4 hours, and from Vancouver is 1 day 14 hours. This rail operator also offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's east coast. }} <!-- Upon further review, Route 62 is a limited service, and the bus times are incompatible with the Via schedule. See https://transit.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/route_62.pdf There is no public transit directly serving the station and the nearest bus stop is a 10-minute walk (Dieppe St., Route 62). --> There are no rental cars at the station. Taxis are an effective way to get into town (20 minutes to downtown, about $25). ===By car=== Saskatoon is on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) which connects to The Battlefords and Edmonton to the west and Winnipeg to the east. This highway is entirely divided (save for a few minor exceptions and construction zones) between Edmonton and Saskatoon. Highway 11 connects to [[Prince Albert]] to the north and [[Regina]] to the south. You can also drive via Alberta Highway 9/Saskatchewan Highway 7 from Calgary, but this highway is not divided. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Rider Express | alt= | url=http://riderexpress.ca | email=contact@riderexpress.ca | address=210 2nd Ave N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-209-3636 | tollfree=+1-833-583-3636 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Operates bus service in western Canada as far east as [[Winnipeg]] and as far west as [[Vancouver]]. }} Routes operating to Saskatoon: ** Between [[Prince Albert]] and Saskatoon including a stop in [[Rosthern]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Prince Albert is 1.5 hours. Operates several days per week. ** Between Regina and [[Edmonton]] with stops in [[Davidson (Saskatchewan)|Davidson]], Sasktoon, [[North Battleford]], [[Lloydminster]], [[Vermilion (Alberta)|Vermilion,]]<nowiki/> and [[Vegreville]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Regina is 3 hours, from North Battleford is 2 hours, from Lloydminster is 3.5 hours and from Edmonton is 7 hours. Operates several days per week. Some additional trips only operate between Regina and Saskatoon. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rainbow Express | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/rainbowexpressofficial/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-11-30 | content=Shuttle service from [[Yorkton]].}} ==Get around== {{mapframe|52.1261|-106.6446|zoom=11}} This is a car-oriented city. There is plentiful street parking downtown ($2/hour typically). Outside the central business district, driving may be your most convenient option. The best choice of rental cars is at the airport. There are few rental car offices in the Central Business District or Nutana. Walking is a great way to get around the compact and pedestrian-friendly tourist haunts of the Meewasin park, Central Business District, Broadway Avenue, and Nutana. Saskatoon Transit serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Pay cash for individual fares, or buy a GoCard and load packages of 10 rides at a discount. You can buy tickets at the Customer Service Centre, City Hall, and at shops like Co-op, Mac's, Safeway, Shopper's Drug Mart (complete list on Saskatoon Transit's web site). Timetables for every bus can be found at the downtown terminal or at Transit's web site. At outlying stops, call the 'Phone & Go' line (below) and use the 4-digit stop code to determine information about the routes that service that stop. There are transit hubs in various locations, of which the City Centre Hub is the most useful for travelers. * {{listing | name=Saskatoon Transit, City Centre Hub | alt= | url=https://transit.saskatoon.ca/route-and-schedules | email= | address=23rd St East | lat=52.1301 | long=-106.6615 | directions=between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on 23rd Street | phone=+1 306-975-7500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult $3 each, or 10-ride package on GoCard for $25; high school and younger $2.75–2.25 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=Most buses go through the downtown terminal and it is very easy to get anywhere in the city from here. This phone number is for the 'Phone & Go' service. This URL is for the bus schedules and route maps. }} * {{listing | name=Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre | alt= | url=http://transit.saskatoon.ca/ | email= | address=226 23rd Street East | lat=52.130156 | long=-106.662101 | directions=at the Cite Centre Transit Hub | phone=+1 306-975-3100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 7AM–5:30PM (phone –7:30PM), Sa 10AM–5:30PM (phone 7AM–7:30PM), Su 10AM–5:30PM (phone 9AM–6:30PM), holidays closed (phone 9AM–1PM, ​2PM–6PM) | price= | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=This walk-in centre can answer questions and sell bus tickets. The phone number can answer questions and is open longer hours. }} Saskatoon is a very bicycling friendly city, and boasts the second highest per capita commuter cycling rate in Canada. Recreational cyclists will enjoy exploring the Meewasin Valley Trail along the South Saskatchewan River. Almost all parts of the city are accessible by bicycle and bicycle lanes and routes are marked along some key corridors... be careful because there are also a lot of bad drivers. Taxis are easy to find but generally pricey. A ten minute drive (enough to get you most places in the city if it's not rush hour) will cost $10-15. Call Blueline at +1 306-653-3333 or Radio at +1 306-242-1221, or just hail a taxi. Prices are set by the city so the cost should be equal. ==See== [[Image:Bessborough.JPG|thumb|right|203px|Bessborough on an early evening from the street(s).]] A good place to start is to walk up and down the Meewasin Trail, crossing the South Saskatchewan River at the University Bridge, the Broadway Bridge, and the Idylwyld Bridge. On a fine day, this rewards you with beautiful views, and connects you to attractions and the districts of most interest to a visitor. * {{see | name=Meewasin Trail | alt= | url=http://meewasin.com/visitors/trails/ | email= | address= | lat=52.12411 | long=-106.65888 | directions=on the east and west banks of the South Saskatchewan River | phone=+1 306-665-6888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The river offers a multitude of beautiful vistas along the Meewasin Trail system that runs the full length of both shores, a total of 60 km. This trail system effectively creates two well-maintained and well-used linear parks cutting through the centre of the city, dotted with attractions, interpretive sites, and full-sized static parks along the way. It passes through or alongside the University of Saskatchewan, the downtown area, and many residential neighbourhoods. "Meewasin" is the Cree word for beautiful. The trail and other sites are managed by an agency, also named Meewasin, formed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the University. }} * {{see | name=Civic Conservatory (ex-Mendel Art Gallery) | alt= | url=http://www.mendel.ca | email= | address=950 Spadina Crescent E | lat=52.1348 | long=-106.6495 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open every day except Christmas | price= | content=A small conservatory thickly planted with flowers, lush plants, and small trees. The Mendal Art Gallery was here, but closed in 2016. Its contemporary and historical art will reappear at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This building will become a Children's Discovery Museum in 2018. }} * {{see | name=Ukrainian Museum of Canada | alt= | url=http://www.umc.sk.ca | email= | address=910 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.130747 | long=-106.653288 | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 1PM–5PM, Mon closed | price=Adult $6+tax, Seniors $5+tax, students $4+tax | content=Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Praries in general and the Saskatoon area in particular welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum tells their story. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Delta Bessborough | alt=Bessborough Hotel | url=https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bessborough-Hotel | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Delta Bessborough | image=Bessborough Hotel.jpg | wikidata=Q14874939 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The castle-like "grand old railway hotel" look of the Bessborough is an anchor to many vistas along the river, and to the downtown streetscape. It's worth ducking inside to the ground, mezzanine, and convention floors to see the grand old detailing. See full listing under "Sleep". }} [[File:RiverLandingLandmark.JPG|right|thumb|Prairie Wind]] * {{see | name=Prairie Wind | alt= | url=http://www.riverlanding.ca/project_update/phase1/prairie_wind/index.html | email= | address= | lat=52.12287 | long=-106.66657 | directions=In the roundabout | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 24 hours | price=free | lastedit=2016-06-03 | content=This public artwork invokes the feeling of prarie grass blowing in the wind. It is a convenient anchor point for the visitor to the River Landing area. }} * {{see | name=Remai Modern Arts Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.remaimodern.org/ | email=info@remaimodern.org | address=102 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.12295 | long=-106.667072 | directions=Part of River Landing, between Idylwyld Bridge and 2nd Ave South | phone=+1 306-975-7610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu F 10AM–10PM; W Th Sa Su & holidays 10AM–5PM | price=Adults $12, seniors $10, family (up to 2 adults, 5 children) $30, children under 6 free | wikipedia=Remai Modern | image=Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan.jpg | wikidata=Q20006889 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=In a gleaming riverside building opened in 2017, the Remai Modern has taken over the collections of the Mendel Art Gallery. The Remai Performing Arts Centre is next door. }} The following attractions are at the University of Saskatchewan: * {{see | name=Diefenbaker Canada Centre | alt= | url=http://www.usask.ca/diefenbaker/ | email=dief.centre@usask.ca | address=101 Diefenbaker Place | lat=52.134 | long=-106.64 | directions= | phone=+1-306-966-8384 | tollfree= | fax=+1-306-966-1967 | hours=M–W 9:30AM–4:30PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM, F 9:30AM–4:30PM, Sa Su and hols noon–4:30PM | price=By donation | wikipedia=The Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker Centre for the Study of Canada | image=DieenbakerCentre.jpg | wikidata=Q1220336 | content=The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. 1950s period replicas of the Prime Minister's office and cabinet rooms, temporary and permanent exhibits on Diefenbaker. }} * {{see | name=Community Campus Tours | alt= | url=https://diefenbaker.usask.ca/visit/Tours.php | email=dief.centre@usask.ca | address=101 Diefenbaker Place | lat=52.13443 | long=-106.63981 | directions=Depart from the lobby of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre | phone=+1-306-966-8384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June–Aug: W Sa 1PM | price=Free | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus. }} * {{see | name=University of Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.usask.ca | email=admissions@usask.ca | address=105 Administration Place | lat=52.129825 | long=-106.6328 | directions=On the east side of the river, north of College Drive | phone=+1 306-966-5788 | tollfree= | fax=+1 (306) 966-2115 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Saskatchewan | image=CollegeBuilding-UofS.jpg | wikidata=Q1514848 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The university's academic buildings are clustered around an open area, called "the bowl". To the west of this lie the Royal University Hospital and medical school. Many academic buildings have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Biology Building, which has 3 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. In addition to the Community Campus Tours during the summer, the University offers a self-guided tour (see PDF linked to here), and a student-led tour for prospective undergraduate students. }} These attractions are outside the core districts of the city. * {{listing | type=see | name=Western Development Museum, Saskatoon | alt= | url=http://wdm.ca/stoon.html | email=saskatoon@wdm.ca | address=2610 Lorne Ave | lat=52.09515 | long=-106.67337 | directions= | phone=+1 306-931-1910 | tollfree= | hours=daily 9AM–5PM | price=Adults $10, seniors $9, students $7 | wikipedia=Western Development Museum | wikidata=Q3473794 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things. There are other locations in [[Moose Jaw]], [[Yorkton]], and [[North Battleford]]. }} * {{see | name=Wanuskewin Heritage Park | alt= | url=http://wanuskewin.com/ | email= | address=RR #4 Penner Road | lat=52.2236 | long=-106.595 | directions=North on Louis Riel Trail/highway 11 for 12.5km, right onto Wanuskewin Rd, left onto Penner Road, follow the bison signs | phone=+1 306-931-6767 | tollfree= | fax=+1 (306) 931-4522 | hours=Daily 9AM–4:30PM, holidays 11AM–4PM | price=Adults $8.50, students $6.50, children $4.00 | wikipedia=Wanuskewin Heritage Park | image=Wanuskewin Heritage Park.jpg | wikidata=Q3566179 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Includes a daily tour of the bison herd within the park. Also has a gift shop and restaurant. }} ==Do== * {{do|name=Eco Glide Adventures|url=http://ecoglideadventures.com/adventure-tours/|address=611 Spadina Crescent East|lat=52.126883|long=-106.658097|directions=in Kiwanis park, beside the bathrooms, just a bit north of the Delta Bessborough Hotel, and across the street from the Sheraton Cavalier |phone=+1 306-250-1817|hours=Afternoons, roughly 3PM-10PM, depending on sunlight.|price=$49.95|lastedit=2016-06-29|content=Explore the pedestrian trails of Meewasin Park on Segway and Ninebot personal transporters, led by a friendly and safety-conscious guide. Helmets and well-maintained transporters supplied. Runs rain or shine.}} * {{do | name=Marquis Downs | alt= | url=http://www.marquisdowns.com/ | email= | address=503 Ruth Street | lat=52.09497 | long=-106.67782 | directions= | phone=+1 306-242-6100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marquis Downs | wikidata=Q6772659 | lastedit=2016-09-05 | content=The only licensed horseracing track in Saskatchewaan. Features thoroughbred and standardbred races in the summer months. }} * {{do | name=Playland at Kinsmen Park | alt= | url=https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/potashcorp-playland-kinsmen-park | email=kpr@saskatoon.ca | address=945 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.133839 | long=-106.649682 | directions=Opposite the Mendel Art Gallery | phone=+1 306-975-3330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May-Sept: M–Sa 10AM–8PM, Su noon–8PM | price=$2/ticket, $20/12 tickets | lastedit=2016-06-29 | content=Rides for children at Kinsmen Park: a miniature train, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Adult goes free with a paid child's ticket. Free sand play, water play and climbing play areas. }} * {{do | name=Prarie Lily River Cruise | alt= | url=http://www.theprairielily.com/html/cruises/regular/index.cfm | email= | address=950 Spadina Crescent E | lat=52.134181 | long=-106.648105 | directions=Dock is on the river, behind the Mendel Art Gallery | phone=+1 306-955-5459 | tollfree=+1-888-747-7572 | fax= | hours=Summer sailings Sa Su 2PM, Tu-Su 4PM and 6PM, F 9PM | price=$24+tax ($22 seniors, youth; $15 children 2–11 years) | lastedit=2016-06-29 | content=Hour-long cruise up and down the river, on the modern riverboat "Prarie Lily". Drinks served. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, there are special dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and combined offers with nearby "Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan". Park near the former Mendel Art Gallery. }} * {{do | name=SaskTel Centre | alt= | url=http://www.sasktelcentre.com | email= | address=3515 Thatcher Ave | lat=52.188977 | long=-106.679398 | directions= | phone=+1 306-975-3155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=At the far north end of the city, SaskTel Centre is Saskatoon's arena and largest events centre. It is the home arena for the Saskatoon Blades hockey team and the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse team, and is the usual landing spot for major concerts and shows in the city. Concerts happen all year round while the Blades and Rush play during the winter; tickets are very affordable for both teams. Often referred to by locals by its old name, Saskatchewan Place. A statue of hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was born and raised in a nearby rural community, stands near the main entrance; the cremated remains of both Howe and his wife are interred at its base. }} *{{do | name=Lucky Bastard Distillers | alt= | url=https://luckybastard.ca/ | email= | address=814 47th Street East | lat=52.1669099 | long=-106.6521747 | directions= | phone=+1 306-979 7280 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2018-01-22 | content=Get a tour of the distillery and taste the products, whisky, gin, vodka. Or try the Saskatoon Liqueur made from Saskatoon berries. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo | alt=Saskatoon Zoo | url=https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/saskatoon-forestry-farm-park-zoo | email=zoo@saskatoon.ca | address=1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive | lat=52.15802 | long=-106.58496 | directions=off Attridge Drive | phone=+1 306-975-3382 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-06-16 | content= }} ===Festivals=== Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include: * {{do | name=Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-10-12| content=The company performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the former home of the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August. }} * '''Art in the Heart''' - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September. * {{do | name=SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://www.saskjazz.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July. }} * {{do | name=Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival | alt= | url=https://nutrienchildrensfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June. }} * '''[http://www.25thstreettheatre.org/ Saskatoon International Fringe Festival]''' - Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in the first half of August. * '''[https://www.saskatoonfolkfest.com Folk Fest]''' - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August. A passport to the 3-day event will cost $16 in 2018. * {{do | name=Taste of Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.tasteofsaskatchewan.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants provide hors d'oeuvres alongside live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location (next to the Bessborough Hotel) provides an excellent atmosphere. }} * {{do | name=Saskatoon Exhibition | alt= | url=http://www.saskatoonexhibition.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Saskatoon's annual exhibition and fair, the Ex takes place every August at Prairieland Park and includes carnival rides, midway games and chuckwagon races at Marquis Downs. }} ==Learn== * '''The [http://www.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan]''' is the oldest and largest university in the province. The U of S is located in the near centre of the city, across the river from downtown. The University is easily accessible by car or public transit from nearly any area of the city. The campus is built around a large central space known as the Bowl, which is used for Orientation events and as a skating rink during winter. Notably, it is the home of the '''[http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/ Western College of Veterinary Medicine]''', the only college of its kind in Western Canada. * '''[http://www.stmcollege.ca/ St. Thomas More College]''' is a Catholic-based federated college of the University of Saskatchewan. The two are academically integrated and students can take classes from either school. STM specializes in undergraduate liberal arts classes and classes taken at the college usually have less students than the same class taken at the College of Arts & Science. * '''[http://www.saskpolytech.ca/ Saskatchewan Polytechnic]''' (known as the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology until 2014) is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. Located on Idylwyld and 33rd Street, the Saskatoon campus is the largest of the four in the province (the other campuses are in Regina, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw). The campus is easily accessible by public transit and is not far from downtown. * '''[http://www.siit.ca/ Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies]''', which specializes in industrial and technical programs for First Nations people in Saskatchewan. Like most major cities in Canada, Saskatoon has several ''English as a Second Language''' (ESL) schools. The [http://learnenglish.usask.ca/ U of S Language Centre] offers full-time and part-time classes, as well as a university prep program for prospective students to the University. ==Buy== *{{listing | type=buy | name=Darrell Bell Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.darrellbellgallery.com/pages/artists.php | email= | address=#405-105 21st Street E | lat=52.127181 | long=-106.665943 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-5701 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 11AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=For contemporary art and craft }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=McNally Robinson | alt= | url=http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home | email= | address=3130 8th St E | lat=52.113783 | long=-106.606192 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-3599 | tollfree=+1 877-506-7456 | hours=M-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Large bookstore and café. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Midtown Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.midtownplaza.ca/ | email= | address=201 1st Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-8844 | tollfree= | hours=M Tu 9:30AM-7PM, W-F 9:30AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia=| | wikidata=Q6843103 | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Downtown and it is one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It has Hudson's Bay Company. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Rouge Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.rougegallery.ca/ | email=wandau@rougegallery.ca | address=208 3rd Ave S | lat=52.126350 | long=-106.663407 | directions= | phone=+1 306-227-4140 | tollfree= | hours=W-F 10AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=For emerging and established Canadian artists. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Saskatoon Farmer's Market | alt= | url=https://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com/ | email= | address=414 Ave B S | lat=52.124339 | long=-106.671343 | directions= | phone=+1 306-384-6262 | tollfree= | hours=Sa 8AM-2PM; We, Su 10AM-3PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, some arts & crafts, and other things. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=SaskMade Marketplace | alt= | url=https://www.saskmade.ca/ | email=store@saskmade.ca | address=1621 8th St E | lat=52.115297 | long=-106.631779 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-1832 | tollfree=+1-888-955-1832 | hours=Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su Noon-6PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Small store that specializes in Saskatchewan-made products, including syrups, jams, jerky, pies, spices, and various types of candy. }} '''Broadway Avenue''' (particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side) is a popular shopping and cultural area. There are many little boutique and specialty shops worth checking out, and many restaurants and bars. It is a pedestrian-friendly environment with a high density of some of Saskatoon's most popular businesses. * {{buy | name=Broadway Shoe Repair | alt= | url=http://broadwayshoerepair.com/ | email=broadwayshoerepair@sasktel.net | address=638 Broadway St | lat=52.1193 | long=-106.6573 | directions=between 11th and 12th streets E | phone=+1-306-652-4399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 10AM–6PM, Th 10AM–8PM, Fr 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su & Hol closed | price= | lastedit=2018-04-02 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | content=A charming blend of old-style, craft-oriented cobbler, with a young, trendy vibe. In addition to shoe repairs, they sell sandals and colourful socks. }} The '''Central Business District''' (bounded by 19th Street on the south, Idylwyld Drive on the west, 25th Street on the north, and Spadina Crescent (South Saskatchewan River) on the east) also contains plenty of shopping opportunities outside of the large Midtown Plaza shopping mall on 1st Ave. The majority of this shopping opportunity is realized along 21st Street and along 2nd Avenue. Where these streets intersect is considered by many to be the "heart" or centre of the city, particularly in terms of pedestrian-oriented amenities. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Baba's Homestyle Perogies | alt= | url=https://babasperogies.com/ | email=babasperogies@sasktel.net | address=720B 51st Street E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-933-4280 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-02-03 | content=Ukrainian cuisine that's available for eat-in or frozen. Also features a perogy drive-thru, the only of its kind in Canada. }} *{{eat | name=Calories Bakery and Restaurant | url=https://caloriesrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=721 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-7991 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A intimate French restaurant with local art, focusing on French cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake }} *{{eat | name=Chianti Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.chianticafe.ca/chianti-saskatoon---home.html | email= | address=102 Idylwyld Dr N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-8466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pasta house. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, all pastas are $8.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes }} *{{eat | name=Park Cafe | url=https://parkcafe.ca/ | email= | address=512 20th Street West| lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 306-652-6781 | tollfree=| content=Uses locally sourced food to make a large variety of fresh dishes. Great breakfast, friendly staff, very awesome and somewhat rad clientele. }} *{{eat | name=Homestead Ice Cream and Cappuccino | url= | email= | address=902 Victoria Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-5588 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundaes and other yummy goodness. A must stop. }} *{{Eat|name=Lavva Kitchen + Bar|alt=|url=https://thelavvabar.com/|email=|address=1013 Broadway Ave|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 306- 653-0000|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2020-11-27|content=Contemporary food and drinks.}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Alexander's Restaurant and Bar | url=http://alexandersrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=414 Cumberland Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-956-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. They have the best French fries in the city. }} *{{eat | name=Broadway Cafe | url=https://broadwaycafesaskatoon.ca/ | email= | address=814 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-8244 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 1950s-themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes. }} * {{eat | name=Fuddruckers |alt=| url= | email= | address=2910 8th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-30| content= One of two locations in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Granada House Family Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=904 22nd St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-664-3700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=An excellent family-owned Greek restaurant. Wonderful lasagna. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Ayden Kitchen and Bar | url=http://www.aydenkitchenandbar.com | email= | address=265 3 Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-954-2590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$12-40 | content=Internationally inspired comfort foods, snacks & elevated cocktails in a stylish, modern space. }} *{{eat | name=The Granary | url=http://www.thegranary.ca/ | email= | address=#2806-8th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-6655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-50 | content="This is a must-visit restaurant in Saskatoon. The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator. Nothing says "Saskatchewan" more than the Granary." }} * {{eat | name=Little Grouse on the Prairie | alt= | url=http://www.littlegrouse.com | email= | address=167 3 Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-979-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$15-75 | content=Italian pasta made with fresh local ingredients in an intimate downtown setting. }} *{{eat | name=Moxie's Bar and Grill | alt=Moxie's | url=https://moxies.com/restaurant-locations/saskatchewan/saskatoon-8th-ave-east | email= | address=3134 8 St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-9800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-60 | content="Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well" }} * {{eat | name=Saboroso | alt= | url=http://www.saboroso.ca {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=340- 2600 8 St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-249-4454 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30-100 | content=Brazilian steakhouse with high-end steaks, seafood, pasta & mixed drinks. Specialty is the authentic rodizio-style meal. }} * {{eat | name=The Samurai | alt= | url= | email= | address=601 Spadina Crescent E | lat= | long= | directions= Located in the Delta Bessborough | phone=+1 306-683-6926 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30-150 | content=Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at the heart of downtown. Also has a large selection of sushi. }} *{{eat | name=2nd Ave Grill | url=http://www.2ndavegrill.com/ | email= | address=10-123 2nd Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-9899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$9-33 | content="The 2nd Avenue Grill has a delicious selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes." }} * {{eat | name=Truffle's Bistro | url=http://trufflesbistro.googlepages.com/ | email= | address=230 21st St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-7779 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=The Yard and Flagon Pub | url= | email= | address=718 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio. }} *{{drink | name=Buds on Broadway | url=http://www.budsonbroadway.com/ | email= | address=817 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-4155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers. }} *{{drink | name=Amigos Cantina | alt= | url=http://www.amigoscantina.com/ | email= | address=632 10th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-4912 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Mexican cantina. Restaurant by day (a great veggie burger) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk. }} *{{drink | name=Hose and Hydrant Brew Pub | url=http://www.hoseandhydrant.com/ | email= | address=612 11th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-477-3473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall. }} *{{drink | name=Vangelis Tavern | url= | email= | address=801 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-5173 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are live Sunday jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink. }} *{{drink | name=Winston's English Pub and Grill | url=http://www.winstonspub.ca/ | email= | address=243 21st St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Winston's has a large selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown. }} *{{drink | name=Louis' Pub | url=http://www.ussu.ca/louis/ | email= | address=University Campus | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-966-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music. }} *{{drink | name=The Sutherland Bar | url= | email= | address=810 Central Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-8873 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students. }} *{{drink | name=Dino's Bar and Grill | url=http://www.foodnow.ca/dinos/ | email= | address=906 Central Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent steak sandwiches. }} *{{drink | name=6Twelve lounge | alt=612 Lounge | url=http://www.6twelve.ca | email= | address=612 Spadina Cres | lat= | long= | directions=Inside the Sheraton | phone=+1 306-652-6770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Saskatoon's Best Lounge (Planet S) 6Twelve is a lounge where guests can experience craft cocktails and cutting edge share plates, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh & creative drinks, music, and food, which are always presented without pretension. }} * {{drink | name=Crackers Restaurant & Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=#1-227 Pinehouse Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-934-1700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Crackers is a karaoke bar and restaurant. They have karaoke Monday-Saturday. With Thursday having live music from 7-10PM. They have fall and winter karaoke leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=13102&brandInfo=DI | email= | address=2000 Idylwyld Dr N, Circle Dr | lat=52.156862 | long= -106.668428 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Campland Rv Resort | url=http://www.camplandrvresort.com | email= | address=| lat=52.259961 | long=-106.781088 | directions=9.5 km NW of Saskatoon on Hw 16 | phone = +1 306-477-7444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Laura's Lodge | alt= | url=http://www.lauraslodge.com/ | email=info@lauraslodge.com | address= 1026 College Drive | lat=52.128680 | long=-106.644683 | directions=Adjacent to Netty's Nest | phone=+1 306-934-7011 | tollfree=+1 306-934-6960 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$60-90/room, breakfast $7 per person | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this economical bed and breakfast was converted from priests' living quarters to a hostel for medical visitors to a general bed and breakfast over several decades. Free wifi, parking. Communal kitchen and living room. Staff present 24 hours/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Netty's Nest | alt= | url= | email=stay@nettysnest.com | address=1024 College Drive | lat=52.128658 | long=-106.644976 | directions=Adjacent to Laura's Lodge | phone=+1 306-979-6378 | tollfree=+1-877-777-0337 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65-127/room | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this 18-room lodge has double and queen-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, wifi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon | url=http://www.travelodgesaskatoon.com | email= | address=106 Circle Drive W | lat=52.158293 | long=-106.671213 | directions=NE corner of Idylwyld Dr and Circle Dr interchange | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-278-4209 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= The Travelodge is on the north side of Saskatoon and is situated at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon is the largest Travelodge in Western Canada and the 2nd largest hotel in Saskatchewan. }} * {{sleep | name=The Parktown Hotel | url=http://www.parktownhotel.com | email= | address=924 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.13154 | long=-106.65261 | directions= | phone=+1 306 244-5564 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Established in 1958, graces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Delta Bessborough | alt= | url=https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bessborough-Hotel | email=CustomerCareDeltaHotels@Marriott.com | address=601 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.1264 | long=-106.659 | directions= | phone=+1-306-244-5521 | tollfree=+1-888-890-3222 | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$199/night and up | wikipedia=Delta Bessborough | image=Bessborough Hotel.jpg | wikidata=Q14874939 | content=A four-star ten-storey hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" typical of [[Grand old hotels#Canada|Canada's other railway hotels]]. Many of the rooms look on to the river. The elegant decoration of the old hotel is well-maintained, and houses an up-to-date business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown | url=http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=YXESDGI | email= | address=90 22nd St E | lat=52.12946 | long=-106.66580 | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-2311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$169-209 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon | url=http://sheratoncavalier.com/saskatoon | email= | address=612 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.12698 | long=-106.65905 | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-6770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Sheraton is across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river. }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Hotel Saskatoon | url= | email= | address=405 20th St E | lat=52.12472 | long=-106.66148 | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-3322 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city. }} ==Stay safe== Saskatoon has a fairly high crime rate per capita, but this tends to be concentrated in small areas of the city. The majority of the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld, from Avenue B through to Avenue Y (often referred to as "Alphabet Soup" by locals) are considered to be sketchy, with a high amount of gang/drug activity, violent crime and prostitution. It's probably best to avoid this part of town, particularly the alphabet avenues south of 22nd Street, and also immediately surrounding the 33rd Street intersection with Idylwyld. That said, it's usually relatively safe during daylight hours - and there's little reason for tourists to be in these parts of town anyway. The east side of the river has the general reputation among locals of being safer than the west side. The usual common-sense rules apply, and you should be fine. ==Cope== There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, Broadway Avenue, and on the University of Saskatchewan campus. ==Go next== * Drive north for 1.5 hours on Highway 11 to [[Prince Albert]] * Drive south along Highway 11 for 2.5 hours to [[Regina]] {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Canadian icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=The Canadian | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Edmonton]] | minorl1=[[Biggar (Saskatchewan)|Biggar]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Winnipeg]] | minorr1=[[Watrous]] | image2=Saskatchewan Highway 16.svg | imagesize2=22 | image2a=Yellowhead Blank.svg | imagesize2a=20 | link2=Yellowhead Highway | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Lloydminster]] | minorl2=[[The Battlefords]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Yorkton]] | minorr2=[[Colonsay (Saskatchewan)|Colonsay]] | image3=Saskatchewan Highway 11 (jct).svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=&nbsp;N | majorl3=[[Prince Albert]] | minorl3=[[Rosthern]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Regina]] | minorr3=[[Davidson (Saskatchewan)|Davidson]] | image4=Saskatchewan Highway 5 (jct).svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Canora]] | minorr4=[[Humboldt]] | image5=Saskatchewan Highway 7 (jct).svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Calgary]] | minorl5=[[Rosetown]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=END | minorr5= | image6=Saskatchewan Highway 14 (jct).svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Camrose]] | minorl6=[[Biggar (Saskatchewan)|Biggar]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=Saskatchewan Highway 41 (jct).svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=W | majorl7=END | minorl7= | directionr7=E | majorr7=[[Melfort]] | minorr7=[[Wakaw]] }} {{IsPartOf|West Central Saskatchewan}} {{geo|52.1318|-106.65939}} {{usablecity}} 1wopyigccvz6qztzsfj5pt6e4vpky4t 4488066 4488005 2022-07-22T02:35:30Z OhanaUnited 76122 /* See */ Updated listing for Wanuskewin Heritage Park wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saskatoon-banner.jpg}} [[Image:Saskatoon.jpg|thumb|400px|Downtown Saskatoon as seen from the University Bridge.|right]] '''[https://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/ Saskatoon]''' is a city in [[West Central Saskatchewan]]. With a metropolitan population of approximately 325,000 people, it is the province's largest city, and its economic and cultural hub. It has a beautiful setting along the South Saskatchewan River, and makes the most of it with parks and bridges. It's a little oasis among wheat fields. ==Understand== Saskatoon is located on bluffs along the South Saskatchewan River. Early planners set aside the riverfront for parks. Several bridges cross the river, affording gorgeous views of river, trees, and skyline. {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -10 | febhigh = -6 | marhigh = 1 | aprhigh = 11 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 23 | julhigh = 25 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 18 | octhigh = 11 | novhigh = -1 | dechigh = -8 | janlow = -20 | feblow = -16 | marlow = -9 | aprlow = -1 | maylow = 6 | junlow = 11 | jullow = 13 | auglow = 12 | seplow = 6 | octlow = 0 | novlow = -9 | declow = -17 | janprecip = 15 | febprecip = 11 | marprecip = 12 | aprprecip = 24 | mayprecip = 52 | junprecip = 60 | julprecip = 63 | augprecip = 43 | sepprecip = 33 | octprecip = 17 | novprecip = 13 | decprecip = 14 | description = See the Saskatoon 7-day forecast at [http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/sk-40_metric_e.html Environment Canada] {{dead link|December 2020}} }} Founded in 1906, with growth driven by immigration, railway links, and mining wealth, Saskatoon offers cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture. That, together with the river and its bridges, gives it the nickname of "Paris of the Prairies". The foundation of Saskatoon's economy is potash and other resource mining; oil and gas extraction (fracking and conventional); and wheat and other agriculture. These are abbreviated as "POW". The city hosts corporate headquarters of world-leading firms like PotashCorp (potash) and Cameco (uranium). Until the commodities slump of 2014, Saskatoon had been one of Canada's economically most vibrant cities. From its earliest days, Saskatoon has been home to the University of Saskatchewan. It boasts "[http://www.lightsource.ca The Canadian Light Source]", Canada's only synchrotron. The name ''Saskatoon'' comes from a Cree word for a berry that grows along the river called ''missaskquahtoomina''. === Districts === Roads which run generally east-west are usually named "street"; those running generally north-south are usually named "avenue". The major north-south road called Idylwyld Drive, Louis Riel Trail, and Highway 11 marks the division between "east" and "west" streets. 22nd Street (west of the river) and Aird Street (east of the river) mark the division between "north" and "south" avenues. The '''Meewasin Park''' along the river, from just past University Bridge in the northeast to just past Idylwyld bridge in the southwest, is the heart of the traveler's beat. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to stroll, ride bikes, or skate. On the east side of the river, the '''University of Saskatchewan''' lies just north of University Bridge and College Drive (highway 5); '''Nutana''' is between University Bridge and Idylwyld bridge, to 8th Street East on the south and Clarence Ave South on the east; and the '''Broadway Avenue''' district (within Nutana) runs from the Broadway bridge eastwards, particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side, full of interesting shops and restaurants. On the west side of the river, the '''Central Business District''' is bounded by 19th Street East on the south, Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11) on the west, 25th Street East on the north, and the Meewasin park on the east. (Streets here are "East".) It is pedestrian-oriented, with many shops and restaurants. 21st Street East and 2nd Avenue North and South are the main arteries, and the intersection of these two is the "heart" or centre of the city. Bus lines pass through a transit terminal here. '''"Alphabet Soup"''' is the informal name for the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11), from Avenue B through to Avenue Y, south of 33rd Street West. (Streets here are "West".) It is considered to be sketchy, with more crime than other areas. Gentrification is nibbling away at the sketchiness, along major roads and near the river. There's little reason for tourists to be outside the gentrified areas in this part of town anyway. These neighbourhoods are useful references for travellers, but don't cover the whole city. Other attractions and important transportation hubs are also outside of these areas. === Tourist information === [http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/ Official Tourism Organization] ==Get in== ===By plane=== ==== Airport ==== {{go | name=Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport | alt={{IATA|YXE}} | url=https://skyxe.ca/ | email=info@skyxe.ca | address= | lat=52.170014 | long=-106.690599 | directions= | phone=+1 306-975-8900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport | image=Saskatoon 115.jpg | wikidata=Q1430711 | lastedit=2022-05-26 | content=Serves domestic, international and northern communities. }} Direct flights to Saskatoon within Canada include from [[Calgary]] (1.25 hours), from [[Edmonton]] (1.25 hours), [[Prince Albert]] (30-40 minutes), [[Regina]] (45 minutes), from [[Toronto]] (3.5 hours), from [[Vancouver]] (2 hours), and from [[Winnipeg]] (1.75 hours). ==== Airlines ==== Canadian airlines operating to Saskatoon: * {{Listing|name=Air Canada|url=https://www.aircanada.com/|phone=+1-514-393-3333|tollfree=+1-888-247-2262|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in Vancouver, [[Calgary]], [[Toronto]], and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} * {{Listing|name=Flair Airlines|url=https://flyflair.com/|tollfree=+1-833-711-2333|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A new low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada.}} * {{Listing|name=Rise Air|url=https://riseair.ca|tollfree=+1-800-667-9356|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A regional airline operating in [[Saskatchewan]].}} * {{Listing|name=Sunwing Airlines|url=https://www.sunwing.ca/|phone=|tollfree=+1-877-786-9464|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter.}} * {{Listing|name=Swoop|url=https://help.flyswoop.com/|phone=+1-587-441-1001|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=WestJet's low-cost airline with flights to less-busy airports. Swoop charges a fee for new reservations or changes to reservations made over the phone.}} * {{Listing|name=Westjet|url=https://www.westjet.com/|tollfree=+1-877-952-0100|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and [[Toronto]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} Other airlines operating to Saskatoon: * [http://www.delta.com Delta Air Lines] fly to Saskatoon from [[Minneapolis]] and WestJet fly to this city from [[Phoenix]], and [[Las Vegas]] in the [[United States]]. ==== Ground transportation ==== To get to the city centre from the airport: *Saskatoon Transit: Route 12 *Rent a vehicle from one of the car rental companies *Cab: Should cost you approximately $12 ===By train=== {{go | name=VIA Rail Canada | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/ | email= | address=1701 Chappell Dr | lat=52.104986 | long=-106.73837 | directions=Stops at Saskatoon station, near Chappell Dr and Burma Rd, a remote area southwest of downtown. | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Operates ''[[The Canadian]]'' up to three trips per week between [[Toronto]] and [[Vancouver]] with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]], [[Winnipeg]], [[Portage la Prairie]], Saskatoon, [[Edmonton]], [[Jasper]], and [[Kamloops]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Toronto is 2 days, from Sudbury is 1.75 days, from Winnipeg is 12.25 hours, from Portage La Prairie is 10.75 hours, from Edmonton is 10 hours, from Jasper is 17 hours, from Kamloops is 1 day 4 hours, and from Vancouver is 1 day 14 hours. This rail operator also offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's east coast. }} <!-- Upon further review, Route 62 is a limited service, and the bus times are incompatible with the Via schedule. See https://transit.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/route_62.pdf There is no public transit directly serving the station and the nearest bus stop is a 10-minute walk (Dieppe St., Route 62). --> There are no rental cars at the station. Taxis are an effective way to get into town (20 minutes to downtown, about $25). ===By car=== Saskatoon is on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) which connects to The Battlefords and Edmonton to the west and Winnipeg to the east. This highway is entirely divided (save for a few minor exceptions and construction zones) between Edmonton and Saskatoon. Highway 11 connects to [[Prince Albert]] to the north and [[Regina]] to the south. You can also drive via Alberta Highway 9/Saskatchewan Highway 7 from Calgary, but this highway is not divided. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Rider Express | alt= | url=http://riderexpress.ca | email=contact@riderexpress.ca | address=210 2nd Ave N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-209-3636 | tollfree=+1-833-583-3636 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Operates bus service in western Canada as far east as [[Winnipeg]] and as far west as [[Vancouver]]. }} Routes operating to Saskatoon: ** Between [[Prince Albert]] and Saskatoon including a stop in [[Rosthern]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Prince Albert is 1.5 hours. Operates several days per week. ** Between Regina and [[Edmonton]] with stops in [[Davidson (Saskatchewan)|Davidson]], Sasktoon, [[North Battleford]], [[Lloydminster]], [[Vermilion (Alberta)|Vermilion,]]<nowiki/> and [[Vegreville]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Regina is 3 hours, from North Battleford is 2 hours, from Lloydminster is 3.5 hours and from Edmonton is 7 hours. Operates several days per week. Some additional trips only operate between Regina and Saskatoon. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rainbow Express | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/rainbowexpressofficial/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-11-30 | content=Shuttle service from [[Yorkton]].}} ==Get around== {{mapframe|52.1261|-106.6446|zoom=11}} This is a car-oriented city. There is plentiful street parking downtown ($2/hour typically). Outside the central business district, driving may be your most convenient option. The best choice of rental cars is at the airport. There are few rental car offices in the Central Business District or Nutana. Walking is a great way to get around the compact and pedestrian-friendly tourist haunts of the Meewasin park, Central Business District, Broadway Avenue, and Nutana. Saskatoon Transit serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Pay cash for individual fares, or buy a GoCard and load packages of 10 rides at a discount. You can buy tickets at the Customer Service Centre, City Hall, and at shops like Co-op, Mac's, Safeway, Shopper's Drug Mart (complete list on Saskatoon Transit's web site). Timetables for every bus can be found at the downtown terminal or at Transit's web site. At outlying stops, call the 'Phone & Go' line (below) and use the 4-digit stop code to determine information about the routes that service that stop. There are transit hubs in various locations, of which the City Centre Hub is the most useful for travelers. * {{listing | name=Saskatoon Transit, City Centre Hub | alt= | url=https://transit.saskatoon.ca/route-and-schedules | email= | address=23rd St East | lat=52.1301 | long=-106.6615 | directions=between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on 23rd Street | phone=+1 306-975-7500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult $3 each, or 10-ride package on GoCard for $25; high school and younger $2.75–2.25 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=Most buses go through the downtown terminal and it is very easy to get anywhere in the city from here. This phone number is for the 'Phone & Go' service. This URL is for the bus schedules and route maps. }} * {{listing | name=Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre | alt= | url=http://transit.saskatoon.ca/ | email= | address=226 23rd Street East | lat=52.130156 | long=-106.662101 | directions=at the Cite Centre Transit Hub | phone=+1 306-975-3100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 7AM–5:30PM (phone –7:30PM), Sa 10AM–5:30PM (phone 7AM–7:30PM), Su 10AM–5:30PM (phone 9AM–6:30PM), holidays closed (phone 9AM–1PM, ​2PM–6PM) | price= | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=This walk-in centre can answer questions and sell bus tickets. The phone number can answer questions and is open longer hours. }} Saskatoon is a very bicycling friendly city, and boasts the second highest per capita commuter cycling rate in Canada. Recreational cyclists will enjoy exploring the Meewasin Valley Trail along the South Saskatchewan River. Almost all parts of the city are accessible by bicycle and bicycle lanes and routes are marked along some key corridors... be careful because there are also a lot of bad drivers. Taxis are easy to find but generally pricey. A ten minute drive (enough to get you most places in the city if it's not rush hour) will cost $10-15. Call Blueline at +1 306-653-3333 or Radio at +1 306-242-1221, or just hail a taxi. Prices are set by the city so the cost should be equal. ==See== [[Image:Bessborough.JPG|thumb|right|203px|Bessborough on an early evening from the street(s).]] A good place to start is to walk up and down the Meewasin Trail, crossing the South Saskatchewan River at the University Bridge, the Broadway Bridge, and the Idylwyld Bridge. On a fine day, this rewards you with beautiful views, and connects you to attractions and the districts of most interest to a visitor. * {{see | name=Meewasin Trail | alt= | url=http://meewasin.com/visitors/trails/ | email= | address= | lat=52.12411 | long=-106.65888 | directions=on the east and west banks of the South Saskatchewan River | phone=+1 306-665-6888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The river offers a multitude of beautiful vistas along the Meewasin Trail system that runs the full length of both shores, a total of 60 km. This trail system effectively creates two well-maintained and well-used linear parks cutting through the centre of the city, dotted with attractions, interpretive sites, and full-sized static parks along the way. It passes through or alongside the University of Saskatchewan, the downtown area, and many residential neighbourhoods. "Meewasin" is the Cree word for beautiful. The trail and other sites are managed by an agency, also named Meewasin, formed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the University. }} * {{see | name=Civic Conservatory (ex-Mendel Art Gallery) | alt= | url=http://www.mendel.ca | email= | address=950 Spadina Crescent E | lat=52.1348 | long=-106.6495 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open every day except Christmas | price= | content=A small conservatory thickly planted with flowers, lush plants, and small trees. The Mendal Art Gallery was here, but closed in 2016. Its contemporary and historical art will reappear at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This building will become a Children's Discovery Museum in 2018. }} * {{see | name=Ukrainian Museum of Canada | alt= | url=http://www.umc.sk.ca | email= | address=910 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.130747 | long=-106.653288 | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 1PM–5PM, Mon closed | price=Adult $6+tax, Seniors $5+tax, students $4+tax | content=Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Praries in general and the Saskatoon area in particular welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum tells their story. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Delta Bessborough | alt=Bessborough Hotel | url=https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bessborough-Hotel | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Delta Bessborough | image=Bessborough Hotel.jpg | wikidata=Q14874939 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The castle-like "grand old railway hotel" look of the Bessborough is an anchor to many vistas along the river, and to the downtown streetscape. It's worth ducking inside to the ground, mezzanine, and convention floors to see the grand old detailing. See full listing under "Sleep". }} [[File:RiverLandingLandmark.JPG|right|thumb|Prairie Wind]] * {{see | name=Prairie Wind | alt= | url=http://www.riverlanding.ca/project_update/phase1/prairie_wind/index.html | email= | address= | lat=52.12287 | long=-106.66657 | directions=In the roundabout | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 24 hours | price=free | lastedit=2016-06-03 | content=This public artwork invokes the feeling of prarie grass blowing in the wind. It is a convenient anchor point for the visitor to the River Landing area. }} * {{see | name=Remai Modern Arts Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.remaimodern.org/ | email=info@remaimodern.org | address=102 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.12295 | long=-106.667072 | directions=Part of River Landing, between Idylwyld Bridge and 2nd Ave South | phone=+1 306-975-7610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu F 10AM–10PM; W Th Sa Su & holidays 10AM–5PM | price=Adults $12, seniors $10, family (up to 2 adults, 5 children) $30, children under 6 free | wikipedia=Remai Modern | image=Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan.jpg | wikidata=Q20006889 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=In a gleaming riverside building opened in 2017, the Remai Modern has taken over the collections of the Mendel Art Gallery. The Remai Performing Arts Centre is next door. }} The following attractions are at the University of Saskatchewan: * {{see | name=Diefenbaker Canada Centre | alt= | url=http://www.usask.ca/diefenbaker/ | email=dief.centre@usask.ca | address=101 Diefenbaker Place | lat=52.134 | long=-106.64 | directions= | phone=+1-306-966-8384 | tollfree= | fax=+1-306-966-1967 | hours=M–W 9:30AM–4:30PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM, F 9:30AM–4:30PM, Sa Su and hols noon–4:30PM | price=By donation | wikipedia=The Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker Centre for the Study of Canada | image=DieenbakerCentre.jpg | wikidata=Q1220336 | content=The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. 1950s period replicas of the Prime Minister's office and cabinet rooms, temporary and permanent exhibits on Diefenbaker. }} * {{see | name=Community Campus Tours | alt= | url=https://diefenbaker.usask.ca/visit/Tours.php | email=dief.centre@usask.ca | address=101 Diefenbaker Place | lat=52.13443 | long=-106.63981 | directions=Depart from the lobby of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre | phone=+1-306-966-8384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June–Aug: W Sa 1PM | price=Free | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus. }} * {{see | name=University of Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.usask.ca | email=admissions@usask.ca | address=105 Administration Place | lat=52.129825 | long=-106.6328 | directions=On the east side of the river, north of College Drive | phone=+1 306-966-5788 | tollfree= | fax=+1 (306) 966-2115 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Saskatchewan | image=CollegeBuilding-UofS.jpg | wikidata=Q1514848 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The university's academic buildings are clustered around an open area, called "the bowl". To the west of this lie the Royal University Hospital and medical school. Many academic buildings have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Biology Building, which has 3 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. In addition to the Community Campus Tours during the summer, the University offers a self-guided tour (see PDF linked to here), and a student-led tour for prospective undergraduate students. }} These attractions are outside the core districts of the city. * {{listing | type=see | name=Western Development Museum, Saskatoon | alt= | url=http://wdm.ca/stoon.html | email=saskatoon@wdm.ca | address=2610 Lorne Ave | lat=52.09515 | long=-106.67337 | directions= | phone=+1 306-931-1910 | tollfree= | hours=daily 9AM–5PM | price=Adults $10, seniors $9, students $7 | wikipedia=Western Development Museum | wikidata=Q3473794 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things. There are other locations in [[Moose Jaw]], [[Yorkton]], and [[North Battleford]]. }} * {{see | name=Wanuskewin Heritage Park | alt= | url=http://wanuskewin.com/ | email= | address=RR #4 Penner Road | lat=52.2236 | long=-106.595 | directions=North on Louis Riel Trail/highway 11 for 12.5km, right onto Wanuskewin Rd, left onto Penner Road, follow the bison signs | phone=+1 306-931-6767 | tollfree= | fax=+1 (306) 931-4522 | hours=Daily 9:30AM–5PM, holidays 10AM–5PM | price=Adults $14, seniors (65+) and students $10, children $8 | wikipedia=Wanuskewin Heritage Park | image=Wanuskewin Heritage Park.jpg | wikidata=Q3566179 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Includes a daily tour of the bison herd within the park. Also has a gift shop and restaurant. }} ==Do== * {{do|name=Eco Glide Adventures|url=http://ecoglideadventures.com/adventure-tours/|address=611 Spadina Crescent East|lat=52.126883|long=-106.658097|directions=in Kiwanis park, beside the bathrooms, just a bit north of the Delta Bessborough Hotel, and across the street from the Sheraton Cavalier |phone=+1 306-250-1817|hours=Afternoons, roughly 3PM-10PM, depending on sunlight.|price=$49.95|lastedit=2016-06-29|content=Explore the pedestrian trails of Meewasin Park on Segway and Ninebot personal transporters, led by a friendly and safety-conscious guide. Helmets and well-maintained transporters supplied. Runs rain or shine.}} * {{do | name=Marquis Downs | alt= | url=http://www.marquisdowns.com/ | email= | address=503 Ruth Street | lat=52.09497 | long=-106.67782 | directions= | phone=+1 306-242-6100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marquis Downs | wikidata=Q6772659 | lastedit=2016-09-05 | content=The only licensed horseracing track in Saskatchewaan. Features thoroughbred and standardbred races in the summer months. }} * {{do | name=Playland at Kinsmen Park | alt= | url=https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/potashcorp-playland-kinsmen-park | email=kpr@saskatoon.ca | address=945 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.133839 | long=-106.649682 | directions=Opposite the Mendel Art Gallery | phone=+1 306-975-3330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May-Sept: M–Sa 10AM–8PM, Su noon–8PM | price=$2/ticket, $20/12 tickets | lastedit=2016-06-29 | content=Rides for children at Kinsmen Park: a miniature train, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Adult goes free with a paid child's ticket. Free sand play, water play and climbing play areas. }} * {{do | name=Prarie Lily River Cruise | alt= | url=http://www.theprairielily.com/html/cruises/regular/index.cfm | email= | address=950 Spadina Crescent E | lat=52.134181 | long=-106.648105 | directions=Dock is on the river, behind the Mendel Art Gallery | phone=+1 306-955-5459 | tollfree=+1-888-747-7572 | fax= | hours=Summer sailings Sa Su 2PM, Tu-Su 4PM and 6PM, F 9PM | price=$24+tax ($22 seniors, youth; $15 children 2–11 years) | lastedit=2016-06-29 | content=Hour-long cruise up and down the river, on the modern riverboat "Prarie Lily". Drinks served. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, there are special dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and combined offers with nearby "Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan". Park near the former Mendel Art Gallery. }} * {{do | name=SaskTel Centre | alt= | url=http://www.sasktelcentre.com | email= | address=3515 Thatcher Ave | lat=52.188977 | long=-106.679398 | directions= | phone=+1 306-975-3155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=At the far north end of the city, SaskTel Centre is Saskatoon's arena and largest events centre. It is the home arena for the Saskatoon Blades hockey team and the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse team, and is the usual landing spot for major concerts and shows in the city. Concerts happen all year round while the Blades and Rush play during the winter; tickets are very affordable for both teams. Often referred to by locals by its old name, Saskatchewan Place. A statue of hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was born and raised in a nearby rural community, stands near the main entrance; the cremated remains of both Howe and his wife are interred at its base. }} *{{do | name=Lucky Bastard Distillers | alt= | url=https://luckybastard.ca/ | email= | address=814 47th Street East | lat=52.1669099 | long=-106.6521747 | directions= | phone=+1 306-979 7280 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2018-01-22 | content=Get a tour of the distillery and taste the products, whisky, gin, vodka. Or try the Saskatoon Liqueur made from Saskatoon berries. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo | alt=Saskatoon Zoo | url=https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/saskatoon-forestry-farm-park-zoo | email=zoo@saskatoon.ca | address=1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive | lat=52.15802 | long=-106.58496 | directions=off Attridge Drive | phone=+1 306-975-3382 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-06-16 | content= }} ===Festivals=== Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include: * {{do | name=Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-10-12| content=The company performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the former home of the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August. }} * '''Art in the Heart''' - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September. * {{do | name=SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://www.saskjazz.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July. }} * {{do | name=Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival | alt= | url=https://nutrienchildrensfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June. }} * '''[http://www.25thstreettheatre.org/ Saskatoon International Fringe Festival]''' - Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in the first half of August. * '''[https://www.saskatoonfolkfest.com Folk Fest]''' - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August. A passport to the 3-day event will cost $16 in 2018. * {{do | name=Taste of Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.tasteofsaskatchewan.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants provide hors d'oeuvres alongside live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location (next to the Bessborough Hotel) provides an excellent atmosphere. }} * {{do | name=Saskatoon Exhibition | alt= | url=http://www.saskatoonexhibition.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Saskatoon's annual exhibition and fair, the Ex takes place every August at Prairieland Park and includes carnival rides, midway games and chuckwagon races at Marquis Downs. }} ==Learn== * '''The [http://www.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan]''' is the oldest and largest university in the province. The U of S is located in the near centre of the city, across the river from downtown. The University is easily accessible by car or public transit from nearly any area of the city. The campus is built around a large central space known as the Bowl, which is used for Orientation events and as a skating rink during winter. Notably, it is the home of the '''[http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/ Western College of Veterinary Medicine]''', the only college of its kind in Western Canada. * '''[http://www.stmcollege.ca/ St. Thomas More College]''' is a Catholic-based federated college of the University of Saskatchewan. The two are academically integrated and students can take classes from either school. STM specializes in undergraduate liberal arts classes and classes taken at the college usually have less students than the same class taken at the College of Arts & Science. * '''[http://www.saskpolytech.ca/ Saskatchewan Polytechnic]''' (known as the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology until 2014) is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. Located on Idylwyld and 33rd Street, the Saskatoon campus is the largest of the four in the province (the other campuses are in Regina, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw). The campus is easily accessible by public transit and is not far from downtown. * '''[http://www.siit.ca/ Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies]''', which specializes in industrial and technical programs for First Nations people in Saskatchewan. Like most major cities in Canada, Saskatoon has several ''English as a Second Language''' (ESL) schools. The [http://learnenglish.usask.ca/ U of S Language Centre] offers full-time and part-time classes, as well as a university prep program for prospective students to the University. ==Buy== *{{listing | type=buy | name=Darrell Bell Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.darrellbellgallery.com/pages/artists.php | email= | address=#405-105 21st Street E | lat=52.127181 | long=-106.665943 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-5701 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 11AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=For contemporary art and craft }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=McNally Robinson | alt= | url=http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home | email= | address=3130 8th St E | lat=52.113783 | long=-106.606192 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-3599 | tollfree=+1 877-506-7456 | hours=M-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Large bookstore and café. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Midtown Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.midtownplaza.ca/ | email= | address=201 1st Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-8844 | tollfree= | hours=M Tu 9:30AM-7PM, W-F 9:30AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia=| | wikidata=Q6843103 | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Downtown and it is one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It has Hudson's Bay Company. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Rouge Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.rougegallery.ca/ | email=wandau@rougegallery.ca | address=208 3rd Ave S | lat=52.126350 | long=-106.663407 | directions= | phone=+1 306-227-4140 | tollfree= | hours=W-F 10AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=For emerging and established Canadian artists. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Saskatoon Farmer's Market | alt= | url=https://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com/ | email= | address=414 Ave B S | lat=52.124339 | long=-106.671343 | directions= | phone=+1 306-384-6262 | tollfree= | hours=Sa 8AM-2PM; We, Su 10AM-3PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, some arts & crafts, and other things. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=SaskMade Marketplace | alt= | url=https://www.saskmade.ca/ | email=store@saskmade.ca | address=1621 8th St E | lat=52.115297 | long=-106.631779 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-1832 | tollfree=+1-888-955-1832 | hours=Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su Noon-6PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Small store that specializes in Saskatchewan-made products, including syrups, jams, jerky, pies, spices, and various types of candy. }} '''Broadway Avenue''' (particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side) is a popular shopping and cultural area. There are many little boutique and specialty shops worth checking out, and many restaurants and bars. It is a pedestrian-friendly environment with a high density of some of Saskatoon's most popular businesses. * {{buy | name=Broadway Shoe Repair | alt= | url=http://broadwayshoerepair.com/ | email=broadwayshoerepair@sasktel.net | address=638 Broadway St | lat=52.1193 | long=-106.6573 | directions=between 11th and 12th streets E | phone=+1-306-652-4399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 10AM–6PM, Th 10AM–8PM, Fr 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su & Hol closed | price= | lastedit=2018-04-02 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | content=A charming blend of old-style, craft-oriented cobbler, with a young, trendy vibe. In addition to shoe repairs, they sell sandals and colourful socks. }} The '''Central Business District''' (bounded by 19th Street on the south, Idylwyld Drive on the west, 25th Street on the north, and Spadina Crescent (South Saskatchewan River) on the east) also contains plenty of shopping opportunities outside of the large Midtown Plaza shopping mall on 1st Ave. The majority of this shopping opportunity is realized along 21st Street and along 2nd Avenue. Where these streets intersect is considered by many to be the "heart" or centre of the city, particularly in terms of pedestrian-oriented amenities. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Baba's Homestyle Perogies | alt= | url=https://babasperogies.com/ | email=babasperogies@sasktel.net | address=720B 51st Street E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-933-4280 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-02-03 | content=Ukrainian cuisine that's available for eat-in or frozen. Also features a perogy drive-thru, the only of its kind in Canada. }} *{{eat | name=Calories Bakery and Restaurant | url=https://caloriesrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=721 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-7991 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A intimate French restaurant with local art, focusing on French cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake }} *{{eat | name=Chianti Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.chianticafe.ca/chianti-saskatoon---home.html | email= | address=102 Idylwyld Dr N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-8466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pasta house. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, all pastas are $8.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes }} *{{eat | name=Park Cafe | url=https://parkcafe.ca/ | email= | address=512 20th Street West| lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 306-652-6781 | tollfree=| content=Uses locally sourced food to make a large variety of fresh dishes. Great breakfast, friendly staff, very awesome and somewhat rad clientele. }} *{{eat | name=Homestead Ice Cream and Cappuccino | url= | email= | address=902 Victoria Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-5588 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundaes and other yummy goodness. A must stop. }} *{{Eat|name=Lavva Kitchen + Bar|alt=|url=https://thelavvabar.com/|email=|address=1013 Broadway Ave|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 306- 653-0000|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2020-11-27|content=Contemporary food and drinks.}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Alexander's Restaurant and Bar | url=http://alexandersrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=414 Cumberland Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-956-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. They have the best French fries in the city. }} *{{eat | name=Broadway Cafe | url=https://broadwaycafesaskatoon.ca/ | email= | address=814 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-8244 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 1950s-themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes. }} * {{eat | name=Fuddruckers |alt=| url= | email= | address=2910 8th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-30| content= One of two locations in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Granada House Family Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=904 22nd St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-664-3700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=An excellent family-owned Greek restaurant. Wonderful lasagna. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Ayden Kitchen and Bar | url=http://www.aydenkitchenandbar.com | email= | address=265 3 Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-954-2590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$12-40 | content=Internationally inspired comfort foods, snacks & elevated cocktails in a stylish, modern space. }} *{{eat | name=The Granary | url=http://www.thegranary.ca/ | email= | address=#2806-8th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-6655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-50 | content="This is a must-visit restaurant in Saskatoon. The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator. Nothing says "Saskatchewan" more than the Granary." }} * {{eat | name=Little Grouse on the Prairie | alt= | url=http://www.littlegrouse.com | email= | address=167 3 Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-979-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$15-75 | content=Italian pasta made with fresh local ingredients in an intimate downtown setting. }} *{{eat | name=Moxie's Bar and Grill | alt=Moxie's | url=https://moxies.com/restaurant-locations/saskatchewan/saskatoon-8th-ave-east | email= | address=3134 8 St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-9800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-60 | content="Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well" }} * {{eat | name=Saboroso | alt= | url=http://www.saboroso.ca {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=340- 2600 8 St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-249-4454 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30-100 | content=Brazilian steakhouse with high-end steaks, seafood, pasta & mixed drinks. Specialty is the authentic rodizio-style meal. }} * {{eat | name=The Samurai | alt= | url= | email= | address=601 Spadina Crescent E | lat= | long= | directions= Located in the Delta Bessborough | phone=+1 306-683-6926 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30-150 | content=Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at the heart of downtown. Also has a large selection of sushi. }} *{{eat | name=2nd Ave Grill | url=http://www.2ndavegrill.com/ | email= | address=10-123 2nd Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-9899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$9-33 | content="The 2nd Avenue Grill has a delicious selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes." }} * {{eat | name=Truffle's Bistro | url=http://trufflesbistro.googlepages.com/ | email= | address=230 21st St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-7779 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=The Yard and Flagon Pub | url= | email= | address=718 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio. }} *{{drink | name=Buds on Broadway | url=http://www.budsonbroadway.com/ | email= | address=817 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-4155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers. }} *{{drink | name=Amigos Cantina | alt= | url=http://www.amigoscantina.com/ | email= | address=632 10th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-4912 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Mexican cantina. Restaurant by day (a great veggie burger) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk. }} *{{drink | name=Hose and Hydrant Brew Pub | url=http://www.hoseandhydrant.com/ | email= | address=612 11th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-477-3473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall. }} *{{drink | name=Vangelis Tavern | url= | email= | address=801 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-5173 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are live Sunday jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink. }} *{{drink | name=Winston's English Pub and Grill | url=http://www.winstonspub.ca/ | email= | address=243 21st St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Winston's has a large selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown. }} *{{drink | name=Louis' Pub | url=http://www.ussu.ca/louis/ | email= | address=University Campus | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-966-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music. }} *{{drink | name=The Sutherland Bar | url= | email= | address=810 Central Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-8873 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students. }} *{{drink | name=Dino's Bar and Grill | url=http://www.foodnow.ca/dinos/ | email= | address=906 Central Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent steak sandwiches. }} *{{drink | name=6Twelve lounge | alt=612 Lounge | url=http://www.6twelve.ca | email= | address=612 Spadina Cres | lat= | long= | directions=Inside the Sheraton | phone=+1 306-652-6770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Saskatoon's Best Lounge (Planet S) 6Twelve is a lounge where guests can experience craft cocktails and cutting edge share plates, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh & creative drinks, music, and food, which are always presented without pretension. }} * {{drink | name=Crackers Restaurant & Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=#1-227 Pinehouse Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-934-1700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Crackers is a karaoke bar and restaurant. They have karaoke Monday-Saturday. With Thursday having live music from 7-10PM. They have fall and winter karaoke leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=13102&brandInfo=DI | email= | address=2000 Idylwyld Dr N, Circle Dr | lat=52.156862 | long= -106.668428 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Campland Rv Resort | url=http://www.camplandrvresort.com | email= | address=| lat=52.259961 | long=-106.781088 | directions=9.5 km NW of Saskatoon on Hw 16 | phone = +1 306-477-7444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Laura's Lodge | alt= | url=http://www.lauraslodge.com/ | email=info@lauraslodge.com | address= 1026 College Drive | lat=52.128680 | long=-106.644683 | directions=Adjacent to Netty's Nest | phone=+1 306-934-7011 | tollfree=+1 306-934-6960 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$60-90/room, breakfast $7 per person | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this economical bed and breakfast was converted from priests' living quarters to a hostel for medical visitors to a general bed and breakfast over several decades. Free wifi, parking. Communal kitchen and living room. Staff present 24 hours/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Netty's Nest | alt= | url= | email=stay@nettysnest.com | address=1024 College Drive | lat=52.128658 | long=-106.644976 | directions=Adjacent to Laura's Lodge | phone=+1 306-979-6378 | tollfree=+1-877-777-0337 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65-127/room | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this 18-room lodge has double and queen-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, wifi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon | url=http://www.travelodgesaskatoon.com | email= | address=106 Circle Drive W | lat=52.158293 | long=-106.671213 | directions=NE corner of Idylwyld Dr and Circle Dr interchange | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-278-4209 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= The Travelodge is on the north side of Saskatoon and is situated at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon is the largest Travelodge in Western Canada and the 2nd largest hotel in Saskatchewan. }} * {{sleep | name=The Parktown Hotel | url=http://www.parktownhotel.com | email= | address=924 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.13154 | long=-106.65261 | directions= | phone=+1 306 244-5564 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Established in 1958, graces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Delta Bessborough | alt= | url=https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bessborough-Hotel | email=CustomerCareDeltaHotels@Marriott.com | address=601 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.1264 | long=-106.659 | directions= | phone=+1-306-244-5521 | tollfree=+1-888-890-3222 | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$199/night and up | wikipedia=Delta Bessborough | image=Bessborough Hotel.jpg | wikidata=Q14874939 | content=A four-star ten-storey hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" typical of [[Grand old hotels#Canada|Canada's other railway hotels]]. Many of the rooms look on to the river. The elegant decoration of the old hotel is well-maintained, and houses an up-to-date business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown | url=http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=YXESDGI | email= | address=90 22nd St E | lat=52.12946 | long=-106.66580 | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-2311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$169-209 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon | url=http://sheratoncavalier.com/saskatoon | email= | address=612 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.12698 | long=-106.65905 | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-6770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Sheraton is across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river. }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Hotel Saskatoon | url= | email= | address=405 20th St E | lat=52.12472 | long=-106.66148 | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-3322 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city. }} ==Stay safe== Saskatoon has a fairly high crime rate per capita, but this tends to be concentrated in small areas of the city. The majority of the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld, from Avenue B through to Avenue Y (often referred to as "Alphabet Soup" by locals) are considered to be sketchy, with a high amount of gang/drug activity, violent crime and prostitution. It's probably best to avoid this part of town, particularly the alphabet avenues south of 22nd Street, and also immediately surrounding the 33rd Street intersection with Idylwyld. That said, it's usually relatively safe during daylight hours - and there's little reason for tourists to be in these parts of town anyway. The east side of the river has the general reputation among locals of being safer than the west side. The usual common-sense rules apply, and you should be fine. ==Cope== There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, Broadway Avenue, and on the University of Saskatchewan campus. ==Go next== * Drive north for 1.5 hours on Highway 11 to [[Prince Albert]] * Drive south along Highway 11 for 2.5 hours to [[Regina]] {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Canadian icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=The Canadian | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Edmonton]] | minorl1=[[Biggar (Saskatchewan)|Biggar]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Winnipeg]] | minorr1=[[Watrous]] | image2=Saskatchewan Highway 16.svg | imagesize2=22 | image2a=Yellowhead Blank.svg | imagesize2a=20 | link2=Yellowhead Highway | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Lloydminster]] | minorl2=[[The Battlefords]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Yorkton]] | minorr2=[[Colonsay (Saskatchewan)|Colonsay]] | image3=Saskatchewan Highway 11 (jct).svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=&nbsp;N | majorl3=[[Prince Albert]] | minorl3=[[Rosthern]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Regina]] | minorr3=[[Davidson (Saskatchewan)|Davidson]] | image4=Saskatchewan Highway 5 (jct).svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Canora]] | minorr4=[[Humboldt]] | image5=Saskatchewan Highway 7 (jct).svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Calgary]] | minorl5=[[Rosetown]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=END | minorr5= | image6=Saskatchewan Highway 14 (jct).svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Camrose]] | minorl6=[[Biggar (Saskatchewan)|Biggar]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=Saskatchewan Highway 41 (jct).svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=W | majorl7=END | minorl7= | directionr7=E | majorr7=[[Melfort]] | minorr7=[[Wakaw]] }} {{IsPartOf|West Central Saskatchewan}} {{geo|52.1318|-106.65939}} {{usablecity}} hhwsu6yk0ocvefviksfj0ag4r5m79jd 4488083 4488066 2022-07-22T03:28:25Z OhanaUnited 76122 /* Understand */ remove extra line wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saskatoon-banner.jpg}} [[Image:Saskatoon.jpg|thumb|400px|Downtown Saskatoon as seen from the University Bridge.|right]] '''[https://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/ Saskatoon]''' is a city in [[West Central Saskatchewan]]. With a metropolitan population of approximately 325,000 people, it is the province's largest city, and its economic and cultural hub. It has a beautiful setting along the South Saskatchewan River, and makes the most of it with parks and bridges. It's a little oasis among wheat fields. ==Understand== Saskatoon is located on bluffs along the South Saskatchewan River. Early planners set aside the riverfront for parks. Several bridges cross the river, affording gorgeous views of river, trees, and skyline. {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -10 | febhigh = -6 | marhigh = 1 | aprhigh = 11 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 23 | julhigh = 25 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 18 | octhigh = 11 | novhigh = -1 | dechigh = -8 | janlow = -20 | feblow = -16 | marlow = -9 | aprlow = -1 | maylow = 6 | junlow = 11 | jullow = 13 | auglow = 12 | seplow = 6 | octlow = 0 | novlow = -9 | declow = -17 | janprecip = 15 | febprecip = 11 | marprecip = 12 | aprprecip = 24 | mayprecip = 52 | junprecip = 60 | julprecip = 63 | augprecip = 43 | sepprecip = 33 | octprecip = 17 | novprecip = 13 | decprecip = 14 | description = See the Saskatoon 7-day forecast at [http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/sk-40_metric_e.html Environment Canada] {{dead link|December 2020}} }} Founded in 1906, with growth driven by immigration, railway links, and mining wealth, Saskatoon offers cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture. That, together with the river and its bridges, gives it the nickname of "Paris of the Prairies". The foundation of Saskatoon's economy is potash and other resource mining; oil and gas extraction (fracking and conventional); and wheat and other agriculture. These are abbreviated as "POW". The city hosts corporate headquarters of world-leading firms like PotashCorp (potash) and Cameco (uranium). Until the commodities slump of 2014, Saskatoon had been one of Canada's economically most vibrant cities. From its earliest days, Saskatoon has been home to the University of Saskatchewan. It boasts "[http://www.lightsource.ca The Canadian Light Source]", Canada's only synchrotron. The name ''Saskatoon'' comes from a Cree word for a berry that grows along the river called ''missaskquahtoomina''. === Districts === Roads which run generally east-west are usually named "street"; those running generally north-south are usually named "avenue". The major north-south road called Idylwyld Drive, Louis Riel Trail, and Highway 11 marks the division between "east" and "west" streets. 22nd Street (west of the river) and Aird Street (east of the river) mark the division between "north" and "south" avenues. The '''Meewasin Park''' along the river, from just past University Bridge in the northeast to just past Idylwyld bridge in the southwest, is the heart of the traveler's beat. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to stroll, ride bikes, or skate. On the east side of the river, the '''University of Saskatchewan''' lies just north of University Bridge and College Drive (highway 5); '''Nutana''' is between University Bridge and Idylwyld bridge, to 8th Street East on the south and Clarence Ave South on the east; and the '''Broadway Avenue''' district (within Nutana) runs from the Broadway bridge eastwards, particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side, full of interesting shops and restaurants. On the west side of the river, the '''Central Business District''' is bounded by 19th Street East on the south, Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11) on the west, 25th Street East on the north, and the Meewasin park on the east. (Streets here are "East".) It is pedestrian-oriented, with many shops and restaurants. 21st Street East and 2nd Avenue North and South are the main arteries, and the intersection of these two is the "heart" or centre of the city. Bus lines pass through a transit terminal here. '''"Alphabet Soup"''' is the informal name for the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11), from Avenue B through to Avenue Y, south of 33rd Street West. (Streets here are "West".) It is considered to be sketchy, with more crime than other areas. Gentrification is nibbling away at the sketchiness, along major roads and near the river. There's little reason for tourists to be outside the gentrified areas in this part of town anyway. These neighbourhoods are useful references for travellers, but don't cover the whole city. Other attractions and important transportation hubs are also outside of these areas. === Tourist information === [http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/ Official Tourism Organization] ==Get in== ===By plane=== ==== Airport ==== {{go | name=Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport | alt={{IATA|YXE}} | url=https://skyxe.ca/ | email=info@skyxe.ca | address= | lat=52.170014 | long=-106.690599 | directions= | phone=+1 306-975-8900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport | image=Saskatoon 115.jpg | wikidata=Q1430711 | lastedit=2022-05-26 | content=Serves domestic, international and northern communities. }} Direct flights to Saskatoon within Canada include from [[Calgary]] (1.25 hours), from [[Edmonton]] (1.25 hours), [[Prince Albert]] (30-40 minutes), [[Regina]] (45 minutes), from [[Toronto]] (3.5 hours), from [[Vancouver]] (2 hours), and from [[Winnipeg]] (1.75 hours). ==== Airlines ==== Canadian airlines operating to Saskatoon: * {{Listing|name=Air Canada|url=https://www.aircanada.com/|phone=+1-514-393-3333|tollfree=+1-888-247-2262|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in Vancouver, [[Calgary]], [[Toronto]], and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} * {{Listing|name=Flair Airlines|url=https://flyflair.com/|tollfree=+1-833-711-2333|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A new low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada.}} * {{Listing|name=Rise Air|url=https://riseair.ca|tollfree=+1-800-667-9356|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A regional airline operating in [[Saskatchewan]].}} * {{Listing|name=Sunwing Airlines|url=https://www.sunwing.ca/|phone=|tollfree=+1-877-786-9464|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter.}} * {{Listing|name=Swoop|url=https://help.flyswoop.com/|phone=+1-587-441-1001|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=WestJet's low-cost airline with flights to less-busy airports. Swoop charges a fee for new reservations or changes to reservations made over the phone.}} * {{Listing|name=Westjet|url=https://www.westjet.com/|tollfree=+1-877-952-0100|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and [[Toronto]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} Other airlines operating to Saskatoon: * [http://www.delta.com Delta Air Lines] fly to Saskatoon from [[Minneapolis]] and WestJet fly to this city from [[Phoenix]], and [[Las Vegas]] in the [[United States]]. ==== Ground transportation ==== To get to the city centre from the airport: *Saskatoon Transit: Route 12 *Rent a vehicle from one of the car rental companies *Cab: Should cost you approximately $12 ===By train=== {{go | name=VIA Rail Canada | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/ | email= | address=1701 Chappell Dr | lat=52.104986 | long=-106.73837 | directions=Stops at Saskatoon station, near Chappell Dr and Burma Rd, a remote area southwest of downtown. | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Operates ''[[The Canadian]]'' up to three trips per week between [[Toronto]] and [[Vancouver]] with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]], [[Winnipeg]], [[Portage la Prairie]], Saskatoon, [[Edmonton]], [[Jasper]], and [[Kamloops]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Toronto is 2 days, from Sudbury is 1.75 days, from Winnipeg is 12.25 hours, from Portage La Prairie is 10.75 hours, from Edmonton is 10 hours, from Jasper is 17 hours, from Kamloops is 1 day 4 hours, and from Vancouver is 1 day 14 hours. This rail operator also offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's east coast. }} <!-- Upon further review, Route 62 is a limited service, and the bus times are incompatible with the Via schedule. See https://transit.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/route_62.pdf There is no public transit directly serving the station and the nearest bus stop is a 10-minute walk (Dieppe St., Route 62). --> There are no rental cars at the station. Taxis are an effective way to get into town (20 minutes to downtown, about $25). ===By car=== Saskatoon is on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) which connects to The Battlefords and Edmonton to the west and Winnipeg to the east. This highway is entirely divided (save for a few minor exceptions and construction zones) between Edmonton and Saskatoon. Highway 11 connects to [[Prince Albert]] to the north and [[Regina]] to the south. You can also drive via Alberta Highway 9/Saskatchewan Highway 7 from Calgary, but this highway is not divided. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Rider Express | alt= | url=http://riderexpress.ca | email=contact@riderexpress.ca | address=210 2nd Ave N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-209-3636 | tollfree=+1-833-583-3636 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Operates bus service in western Canada as far east as [[Winnipeg]] and as far west as [[Vancouver]]. }} Routes operating to Saskatoon: ** Between [[Prince Albert]] and Saskatoon including a stop in [[Rosthern]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Prince Albert is 1.5 hours. Operates several days per week. ** Between Regina and [[Edmonton]] with stops in [[Davidson (Saskatchewan)|Davidson]], Sasktoon, [[North Battleford]], [[Lloydminster]], [[Vermilion (Alberta)|Vermilion,]]<nowiki/> and [[Vegreville]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Regina is 3 hours, from North Battleford is 2 hours, from Lloydminster is 3.5 hours and from Edmonton is 7 hours. Operates several days per week. Some additional trips only operate between Regina and Saskatoon. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rainbow Express | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/rainbowexpressofficial/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-11-30 | content=Shuttle service from [[Yorkton]].}} ==Get around== {{mapframe|52.1261|-106.6446|zoom=11}} This is a car-oriented city. There is plentiful street parking downtown ($2/hour typically). Outside the central business district, driving may be your most convenient option. The best choice of rental cars is at the airport. There are few rental car offices in the Central Business District or Nutana. Walking is a great way to get around the compact and pedestrian-friendly tourist haunts of the Meewasin park, Central Business District, Broadway Avenue, and Nutana. Saskatoon Transit serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Pay cash for individual fares, or buy a GoCard and load packages of 10 rides at a discount. You can buy tickets at the Customer Service Centre, City Hall, and at shops like Co-op, Mac's, Safeway, Shopper's Drug Mart (complete list on Saskatoon Transit's web site). Timetables for every bus can be found at the downtown terminal or at Transit's web site. At outlying stops, call the 'Phone & Go' line (below) and use the 4-digit stop code to determine information about the routes that service that stop. There are transit hubs in various locations, of which the City Centre Hub is the most useful for travelers. * {{listing | name=Saskatoon Transit, City Centre Hub | alt= | url=https://transit.saskatoon.ca/route-and-schedules | email= | address=23rd St East | lat=52.1301 | long=-106.6615 | directions=between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on 23rd Street | phone=+1 306-975-7500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult $3 each, or 10-ride package on GoCard for $25; high school and younger $2.75–2.25 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=Most buses go through the downtown terminal and it is very easy to get anywhere in the city from here. This phone number is for the 'Phone & Go' service. This URL is for the bus schedules and route maps. }} * {{listing | name=Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre | alt= | url=http://transit.saskatoon.ca/ | email= | address=226 23rd Street East | lat=52.130156 | long=-106.662101 | directions=at the Cite Centre Transit Hub | phone=+1 306-975-3100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 7AM–5:30PM (phone –7:30PM), Sa 10AM–5:30PM (phone 7AM–7:30PM), Su 10AM–5:30PM (phone 9AM–6:30PM), holidays closed (phone 9AM–1PM, ​2PM–6PM) | price= | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=This walk-in centre can answer questions and sell bus tickets. The phone number can answer questions and is open longer hours. }} Saskatoon is a very bicycling friendly city, and boasts the second highest per capita commuter cycling rate in Canada. Recreational cyclists will enjoy exploring the Meewasin Valley Trail along the South Saskatchewan River. Almost all parts of the city are accessible by bicycle and bicycle lanes and routes are marked along some key corridors... be careful because there are also a lot of bad drivers. Taxis are easy to find but generally pricey. A ten minute drive (enough to get you most places in the city if it's not rush hour) will cost $10-15. Call Blueline at +1 306-653-3333 or Radio at +1 306-242-1221, or just hail a taxi. Prices are set by the city so the cost should be equal. ==See== [[Image:Bessborough.JPG|thumb|right|203px|Bessborough on an early evening from the street(s).]] A good place to start is to walk up and down the Meewasin Trail, crossing the South Saskatchewan River at the University Bridge, the Broadway Bridge, and the Idylwyld Bridge. On a fine day, this rewards you with beautiful views, and connects you to attractions and the districts of most interest to a visitor. * {{see | name=Meewasin Trail | alt= | url=http://meewasin.com/visitors/trails/ | email= | address= | lat=52.12411 | long=-106.65888 | directions=on the east and west banks of the South Saskatchewan River | phone=+1 306-665-6888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The river offers a multitude of beautiful vistas along the Meewasin Trail system that runs the full length of both shores, a total of 60 km. This trail system effectively creates two well-maintained and well-used linear parks cutting through the centre of the city, dotted with attractions, interpretive sites, and full-sized static parks along the way. It passes through or alongside the University of Saskatchewan, the downtown area, and many residential neighbourhoods. "Meewasin" is the Cree word for beautiful. The trail and other sites are managed by an agency, also named Meewasin, formed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the University. }} * {{see | name=Civic Conservatory (ex-Mendel Art Gallery) | alt= | url=http://www.mendel.ca | email= | address=950 Spadina Crescent E | lat=52.1348 | long=-106.6495 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open every day except Christmas | price= | content=A small conservatory thickly planted with flowers, lush plants, and small trees. The Mendal Art Gallery was here, but closed in 2016. Its contemporary and historical art will reappear at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This building will become a Children's Discovery Museum in 2018. }} * {{see | name=Ukrainian Museum of Canada | alt= | url=http://www.umc.sk.ca | email= | address=910 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.130747 | long=-106.653288 | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 1PM–5PM, Mon closed | price=Adult $6+tax, Seniors $5+tax, students $4+tax | content=Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Praries in general and the Saskatoon area in particular welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum tells their story. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Delta Bessborough | alt=Bessborough Hotel | url=https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bessborough-Hotel | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Delta Bessborough | image=Bessborough Hotel.jpg | wikidata=Q14874939 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The castle-like "grand old railway hotel" look of the Bessborough is an anchor to many vistas along the river, and to the downtown streetscape. It's worth ducking inside to the ground, mezzanine, and convention floors to see the grand old detailing. See full listing under "Sleep". }} [[File:RiverLandingLandmark.JPG|right|thumb|Prairie Wind]] * {{see | name=Prairie Wind | alt= | url=http://www.riverlanding.ca/project_update/phase1/prairie_wind/index.html | email= | address= | lat=52.12287 | long=-106.66657 | directions=In the roundabout | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 24 hours | price=free | lastedit=2016-06-03 | content=This public artwork invokes the feeling of prarie grass blowing in the wind. It is a convenient anchor point for the visitor to the River Landing area. }} * {{see | name=Remai Modern Arts Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.remaimodern.org/ | email=info@remaimodern.org | address=102 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.12295 | long=-106.667072 | directions=Part of River Landing, between Idylwyld Bridge and 2nd Ave South | phone=+1 306-975-7610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu F 10AM–10PM; W Th Sa Su & holidays 10AM–5PM | price=Adults $12, seniors $10, family (up to 2 adults, 5 children) $30, children under 6 free | wikipedia=Remai Modern | image=Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan.jpg | wikidata=Q20006889 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=In a gleaming riverside building opened in 2017, the Remai Modern has taken over the collections of the Mendel Art Gallery. The Remai Performing Arts Centre is next door. }} The following attractions are at the University of Saskatchewan: * {{see | name=Diefenbaker Canada Centre | alt= | url=http://www.usask.ca/diefenbaker/ | email=dief.centre@usask.ca | address=101 Diefenbaker Place | lat=52.134 | long=-106.64 | directions= | phone=+1-306-966-8384 | tollfree= | fax=+1-306-966-1967 | hours=M–W 9:30AM–4:30PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM, F 9:30AM–4:30PM, Sa Su and hols noon–4:30PM | price=By donation | wikipedia=The Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker Centre for the Study of Canada | image=DieenbakerCentre.jpg | wikidata=Q1220336 | content=The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. 1950s period replicas of the Prime Minister's office and cabinet rooms, temporary and permanent exhibits on Diefenbaker. }} * {{see | name=Community Campus Tours | alt= | url=https://diefenbaker.usask.ca/visit/Tours.php | email=dief.centre@usask.ca | address=101 Diefenbaker Place | lat=52.13443 | long=-106.63981 | directions=Depart from the lobby of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre | phone=+1-306-966-8384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June–Aug: W Sa 1PM | price=Free | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus. }} * {{see | name=University of Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.usask.ca | email=admissions@usask.ca | address=105 Administration Place | lat=52.129825 | long=-106.6328 | directions=On the east side of the river, north of College Drive | phone=+1 306-966-5788 | tollfree= | fax=+1 (306) 966-2115 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Saskatchewan | image=CollegeBuilding-UofS.jpg | wikidata=Q1514848 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The university's academic buildings are clustered around an open area, called "the bowl". To the west of this lie the Royal University Hospital and medical school. Many academic buildings have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Biology Building, which has 3 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. In addition to the Community Campus Tours during the summer, the University offers a self-guided tour (see PDF linked to here), and a student-led tour for prospective undergraduate students. }} These attractions are outside the core districts of the city. * {{listing | type=see | name=Western Development Museum, Saskatoon | alt= | url=http://wdm.ca/stoon.html | email=saskatoon@wdm.ca | address=2610 Lorne Ave | lat=52.09515 | long=-106.67337 | directions= | phone=+1 306-931-1910 | tollfree= | hours=daily 9AM–5PM | price=Adults $10, seniors $9, students $7 | wikipedia=Western Development Museum | wikidata=Q3473794 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things. There are other locations in [[Moose Jaw]], [[Yorkton]], and [[North Battleford]]. }} * {{see | name=Wanuskewin Heritage Park | alt= | url=http://wanuskewin.com/ | email= | address=RR #4 Penner Road | lat=52.2236 | long=-106.595 | directions=North on Louis Riel Trail/highway 11 for 12.5km, right onto Wanuskewin Rd, left onto Penner Road, follow the bison signs | phone=+1 306-931-6767 | tollfree= | fax=+1 (306) 931-4522 | hours=Daily 9:30AM–5PM, holidays 10AM–5PM | price=Adults $14, seniors (65+) and students $10, children $8 | wikipedia=Wanuskewin Heritage Park | image=Wanuskewin Heritage Park.jpg | wikidata=Q3566179 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Includes a daily tour of the bison herd within the park. Also has a gift shop and restaurant. }} ==Do== * {{do|name=Eco Glide Adventures|url=http://ecoglideadventures.com/adventure-tours/|address=611 Spadina Crescent East|lat=52.126883|long=-106.658097|directions=in Kiwanis park, beside the bathrooms, just a bit north of the Delta Bessborough Hotel, and across the street from the Sheraton Cavalier |phone=+1 306-250-1817|hours=Afternoons, roughly 3PM-10PM, depending on sunlight.|price=$49.95|lastedit=2016-06-29|content=Explore the pedestrian trails of Meewasin Park on Segway and Ninebot personal transporters, led by a friendly and safety-conscious guide. Helmets and well-maintained transporters supplied. Runs rain or shine.}} * {{do | name=Marquis Downs | alt= | url=http://www.marquisdowns.com/ | email= | address=503 Ruth Street | lat=52.09497 | long=-106.67782 | directions= | phone=+1 306-242-6100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marquis Downs | wikidata=Q6772659 | lastedit=2016-09-05 | content=The only licensed horseracing track in Saskatchewaan. Features thoroughbred and standardbred races in the summer months. }} * {{do | name=Playland at Kinsmen Park | alt= | url=https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/potashcorp-playland-kinsmen-park | email=kpr@saskatoon.ca | address=945 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.133839 | long=-106.649682 | directions=Opposite the Mendel Art Gallery | phone=+1 306-975-3330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May-Sept: M–Sa 10AM–8PM, Su noon–8PM | price=$2/ticket, $20/12 tickets | lastedit=2016-06-29 | content=Rides for children at Kinsmen Park: a miniature train, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Adult goes free with a paid child's ticket. Free sand play, water play and climbing play areas. }} * {{do | name=Prarie Lily River Cruise | alt= | url=http://www.theprairielily.com/html/cruises/regular/index.cfm | email= | address=950 Spadina Crescent E | lat=52.134181 | long=-106.648105 | directions=Dock is on the river, behind the Mendel Art Gallery | phone=+1 306-955-5459 | tollfree=+1-888-747-7572 | fax= | hours=Summer sailings Sa Su 2PM, Tu-Su 4PM and 6PM, F 9PM | price=$24+tax ($22 seniors, youth; $15 children 2–11 years) | lastedit=2016-06-29 | content=Hour-long cruise up and down the river, on the modern riverboat "Prarie Lily". Drinks served. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, there are special dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and combined offers with nearby "Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan". Park near the former Mendel Art Gallery. }} * {{do | name=SaskTel Centre | alt= | url=http://www.sasktelcentre.com | email= | address=3515 Thatcher Ave | lat=52.188977 | long=-106.679398 | directions= | phone=+1 306-975-3155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=At the far north end of the city, SaskTel Centre is Saskatoon's arena and largest events centre. It is the home arena for the Saskatoon Blades hockey team and the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse team, and is the usual landing spot for major concerts and shows in the city. Concerts happen all year round while the Blades and Rush play during the winter; tickets are very affordable for both teams. Often referred to by locals by its old name, Saskatchewan Place. A statue of hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was born and raised in a nearby rural community, stands near the main entrance; the cremated remains of both Howe and his wife are interred at its base. }} *{{do | name=Lucky Bastard Distillers | alt= | url=https://luckybastard.ca/ | email= | address=814 47th Street East | lat=52.1669099 | long=-106.6521747 | directions= | phone=+1 306-979 7280 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2018-01-22 | content=Get a tour of the distillery and taste the products, whisky, gin, vodka. Or try the Saskatoon Liqueur made from Saskatoon berries. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo | alt=Saskatoon Zoo | url=https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/saskatoon-forestry-farm-park-zoo | email=zoo@saskatoon.ca | address=1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive | lat=52.15802 | long=-106.58496 | directions=off Attridge Drive | phone=+1 306-975-3382 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-06-16 | content= }} ===Festivals=== Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include: * {{do | name=Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-10-12| content=The company performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the former home of the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August. }} * '''Art in the Heart''' - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September. * {{do | name=SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://www.saskjazz.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July. }} * {{do | name=Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival | alt= | url=https://nutrienchildrensfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June. }} * '''[http://www.25thstreettheatre.org/ Saskatoon International Fringe Festival]''' - Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in the first half of August. * '''[https://www.saskatoonfolkfest.com Folk Fest]''' - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August. A passport to the 3-day event will cost $16 in 2018. * {{do | name=Taste of Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.tasteofsaskatchewan.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants provide hors d'oeuvres alongside live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location (next to the Bessborough Hotel) provides an excellent atmosphere. }} * {{do | name=Saskatoon Exhibition | alt= | url=http://www.saskatoonexhibition.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Saskatoon's annual exhibition and fair, the Ex takes place every August at Prairieland Park and includes carnival rides, midway games and chuckwagon races at Marquis Downs. }} ==Learn== * '''The [http://www.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan]''' is the oldest and largest university in the province. The U of S is located in the near centre of the city, across the river from downtown. The University is easily accessible by car or public transit from nearly any area of the city. The campus is built around a large central space known as the Bowl, which is used for Orientation events and as a skating rink during winter. Notably, it is the home of the '''[http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/ Western College of Veterinary Medicine]''', the only college of its kind in Western Canada. * '''[http://www.stmcollege.ca/ St. Thomas More College]''' is a Catholic-based federated college of the University of Saskatchewan. The two are academically integrated and students can take classes from either school. STM specializes in undergraduate liberal arts classes and classes taken at the college usually have less students than the same class taken at the College of Arts & Science. * '''[http://www.saskpolytech.ca/ Saskatchewan Polytechnic]''' (known as the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology until 2014) is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. Located on Idylwyld and 33rd Street, the Saskatoon campus is the largest of the four in the province (the other campuses are in Regina, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw). The campus is easily accessible by public transit and is not far from downtown. * '''[http://www.siit.ca/ Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies]''', which specializes in industrial and technical programs for First Nations people in Saskatchewan. Like most major cities in Canada, Saskatoon has several ''English as a Second Language''' (ESL) schools. The [http://learnenglish.usask.ca/ U of S Language Centre] offers full-time and part-time classes, as well as a university prep program for prospective students to the University. ==Buy== *{{listing | type=buy | name=Darrell Bell Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.darrellbellgallery.com/pages/artists.php | email= | address=#405-105 21st Street E | lat=52.127181 | long=-106.665943 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-5701 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 11AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=For contemporary art and craft }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=McNally Robinson | alt= | url=http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home | email= | address=3130 8th St E | lat=52.113783 | long=-106.606192 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-3599 | tollfree=+1 877-506-7456 | hours=M-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Large bookstore and café. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Midtown Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.midtownplaza.ca/ | email= | address=201 1st Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-8844 | tollfree= | hours=M Tu 9:30AM-7PM, W-F 9:30AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia=| | wikidata=Q6843103 | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Downtown and it is one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It has Hudson's Bay Company. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Rouge Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.rougegallery.ca/ | email=wandau@rougegallery.ca | address=208 3rd Ave S | lat=52.126350 | long=-106.663407 | directions= | phone=+1 306-227-4140 | tollfree= | hours=W-F 10AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=For emerging and established Canadian artists. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Saskatoon Farmer's Market | alt= | url=https://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com/ | email= | address=414 Ave B S | lat=52.124339 | long=-106.671343 | directions= | phone=+1 306-384-6262 | tollfree= | hours=Sa 8AM-2PM; We, Su 10AM-3PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, some arts & crafts, and other things. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=SaskMade Marketplace | alt= | url=https://www.saskmade.ca/ | email=store@saskmade.ca | address=1621 8th St E | lat=52.115297 | long=-106.631779 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-1832 | tollfree=+1-888-955-1832 | hours=Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su Noon-6PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Small store that specializes in Saskatchewan-made products, including syrups, jams, jerky, pies, spices, and various types of candy. }} '''Broadway Avenue''' (particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side) is a popular shopping and cultural area. There are many little boutique and specialty shops worth checking out, and many restaurants and bars. It is a pedestrian-friendly environment with a high density of some of Saskatoon's most popular businesses. * {{buy | name=Broadway Shoe Repair | alt= | url=http://broadwayshoerepair.com/ | email=broadwayshoerepair@sasktel.net | address=638 Broadway St | lat=52.1193 | long=-106.6573 | directions=between 11th and 12th streets E | phone=+1-306-652-4399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 10AM–6PM, Th 10AM–8PM, Fr 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su & Hol closed | price= | lastedit=2018-04-02 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | content=A charming blend of old-style, craft-oriented cobbler, with a young, trendy vibe. In addition to shoe repairs, they sell sandals and colourful socks. }} The '''Central Business District''' (bounded by 19th Street on the south, Idylwyld Drive on the west, 25th Street on the north, and Spadina Crescent (South Saskatchewan River) on the east) also contains plenty of shopping opportunities outside of the large Midtown Plaza shopping mall on 1st Ave. The majority of this shopping opportunity is realized along 21st Street and along 2nd Avenue. Where these streets intersect is considered by many to be the "heart" or centre of the city, particularly in terms of pedestrian-oriented amenities. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Baba's Homestyle Perogies | alt= | url=https://babasperogies.com/ | email=babasperogies@sasktel.net | address=720B 51st Street E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-933-4280 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-02-03 | content=Ukrainian cuisine that's available for eat-in or frozen. Also features a perogy drive-thru, the only of its kind in Canada. }} *{{eat | name=Calories Bakery and Restaurant | url=https://caloriesrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=721 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-7991 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A intimate French restaurant with local art, focusing on French cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake }} *{{eat | name=Chianti Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.chianticafe.ca/chianti-saskatoon---home.html | email= | address=102 Idylwyld Dr N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-8466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pasta house. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, all pastas are $8.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes }} *{{eat | name=Park Cafe | url=https://parkcafe.ca/ | email= | address=512 20th Street West| lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 306-652-6781 | tollfree=| content=Uses locally sourced food to make a large variety of fresh dishes. Great breakfast, friendly staff, very awesome and somewhat rad clientele. }} *{{eat | name=Homestead Ice Cream and Cappuccino | url= | email= | address=902 Victoria Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-5588 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundaes and other yummy goodness. A must stop. }} *{{Eat|name=Lavva Kitchen + Bar|alt=|url=https://thelavvabar.com/|email=|address=1013 Broadway Ave|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 306- 653-0000|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2020-11-27|content=Contemporary food and drinks.}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Alexander's Restaurant and Bar | url=http://alexandersrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=414 Cumberland Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-956-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. They have the best French fries in the city. }} *{{eat | name=Broadway Cafe | url=https://broadwaycafesaskatoon.ca/ | email= | address=814 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-8244 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 1950s-themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes. }} * {{eat | name=Fuddruckers |alt=| url= | email= | address=2910 8th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-30| content= One of two locations in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Granada House Family Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=904 22nd St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-664-3700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=An excellent family-owned Greek restaurant. Wonderful lasagna. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Ayden Kitchen and Bar | url=http://www.aydenkitchenandbar.com | email= | address=265 3 Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-954-2590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$12-40 | content=Internationally inspired comfort foods, snacks & elevated cocktails in a stylish, modern space. }} *{{eat | name=The Granary | url=http://www.thegranary.ca/ | email= | address=#2806-8th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-6655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-50 | content="This is a must-visit restaurant in Saskatoon. The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator. Nothing says "Saskatchewan" more than the Granary." }} * {{eat | name=Little Grouse on the Prairie | alt= | url=http://www.littlegrouse.com | email= | address=167 3 Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-979-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$15-75 | content=Italian pasta made with fresh local ingredients in an intimate downtown setting. }} *{{eat | name=Moxie's Bar and Grill | alt=Moxie's | url=https://moxies.com/restaurant-locations/saskatchewan/saskatoon-8th-ave-east | email= | address=3134 8 St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-9800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-60 | content="Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well" }} * {{eat | name=Saboroso | alt= | url=http://www.saboroso.ca {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=340- 2600 8 St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-249-4454 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30-100 | content=Brazilian steakhouse with high-end steaks, seafood, pasta & mixed drinks. Specialty is the authentic rodizio-style meal. }} * {{eat | name=The Samurai | alt= | url= | email= | address=601 Spadina Crescent E | lat= | long= | directions= Located in the Delta Bessborough | phone=+1 306-683-6926 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30-150 | content=Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at the heart of downtown. Also has a large selection of sushi. }} *{{eat | name=2nd Ave Grill | url=http://www.2ndavegrill.com/ | email= | address=10-123 2nd Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-9899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$9-33 | content="The 2nd Avenue Grill has a delicious selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes." }} * {{eat | name=Truffle's Bistro | url=http://trufflesbistro.googlepages.com/ | email= | address=230 21st St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-7779 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=The Yard and Flagon Pub | url= | email= | address=718 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio. }} *{{drink | name=Buds on Broadway | url=http://www.budsonbroadway.com/ | email= | address=817 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-4155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers. }} *{{drink | name=Amigos Cantina | alt= | url=http://www.amigoscantina.com/ | email= | address=632 10th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-4912 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Mexican cantina. Restaurant by day (a great veggie burger) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk. }} *{{drink | name=Hose and Hydrant Brew Pub | url=http://www.hoseandhydrant.com/ | email= | address=612 11th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-477-3473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall. }} *{{drink | name=Vangelis Tavern | url= | email= | address=801 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-5173 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are live Sunday jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink. }} *{{drink | name=Winston's English Pub and Grill | url=http://www.winstonspub.ca/ | email= | address=243 21st St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Winston's has a large selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown. }} *{{drink | name=Louis' Pub | url=http://www.ussu.ca/louis/ | email= | address=University Campus | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-966-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music. }} *{{drink | name=The Sutherland Bar | url= | email= | address=810 Central Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-8873 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students. }} *{{drink | name=Dino's Bar and Grill | url=http://www.foodnow.ca/dinos/ | email= | address=906 Central Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent steak sandwiches. }} *{{drink | name=6Twelve lounge | alt=612 Lounge | url=http://www.6twelve.ca | email= | address=612 Spadina Cres | lat= | long= | directions=Inside the Sheraton | phone=+1 306-652-6770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Saskatoon's Best Lounge (Planet S) 6Twelve is a lounge where guests can experience craft cocktails and cutting edge share plates, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh & creative drinks, music, and food, which are always presented without pretension. }} * {{drink | name=Crackers Restaurant & Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=#1-227 Pinehouse Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-934-1700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Crackers is a karaoke bar and restaurant. They have karaoke Monday-Saturday. With Thursday having live music from 7-10PM. They have fall and winter karaoke leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=13102&brandInfo=DI | email= | address=2000 Idylwyld Dr N, Circle Dr | lat=52.156862 | long= -106.668428 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Campland Rv Resort | url=http://www.camplandrvresort.com | email= | address=| lat=52.259961 | long=-106.781088 | directions=9.5 km NW of Saskatoon on Hw 16 | phone = +1 306-477-7444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Laura's Lodge | alt= | url=http://www.lauraslodge.com/ | email=info@lauraslodge.com | address= 1026 College Drive | lat=52.128680 | long=-106.644683 | directions=Adjacent to Netty's Nest | phone=+1 306-934-7011 | tollfree=+1 306-934-6960 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$60-90/room, breakfast $7 per person | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this economical bed and breakfast was converted from priests' living quarters to a hostel for medical visitors to a general bed and breakfast over several decades. Free wifi, parking. Communal kitchen and living room. Staff present 24 hours/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Netty's Nest | alt= | url= | email=stay@nettysnest.com | address=1024 College Drive | lat=52.128658 | long=-106.644976 | directions=Adjacent to Laura's Lodge | phone=+1 306-979-6378 | tollfree=+1-877-777-0337 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65-127/room | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this 18-room lodge has double and queen-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, wifi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon | url=http://www.travelodgesaskatoon.com | email= | address=106 Circle Drive W | lat=52.158293 | long=-106.671213 | directions=NE corner of Idylwyld Dr and Circle Dr interchange | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-278-4209 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= The Travelodge is on the north side of Saskatoon and is situated at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon is the largest Travelodge in Western Canada and the 2nd largest hotel in Saskatchewan. }} * {{sleep | name=The Parktown Hotel | url=http://www.parktownhotel.com | email= | address=924 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.13154 | long=-106.65261 | directions= | phone=+1 306 244-5564 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Established in 1958, graces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Delta Bessborough | alt= | url=https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bessborough-Hotel | email=CustomerCareDeltaHotels@Marriott.com | address=601 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.1264 | long=-106.659 | directions= | phone=+1-306-244-5521 | tollfree=+1-888-890-3222 | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$199/night and up | wikipedia=Delta Bessborough | image=Bessborough Hotel.jpg | wikidata=Q14874939 | content=A four-star ten-storey hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" typical of [[Grand old hotels#Canada|Canada's other railway hotels]]. Many of the rooms look on to the river. The elegant decoration of the old hotel is well-maintained, and houses an up-to-date business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown | url=http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=YXESDGI | email= | address=90 22nd St E | lat=52.12946 | long=-106.66580 | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-2311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$169-209 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon | url=http://sheratoncavalier.com/saskatoon | email= | address=612 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.12698 | long=-106.65905 | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-6770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Sheraton is across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river. }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Hotel Saskatoon | url= | email= | address=405 20th St E | lat=52.12472 | long=-106.66148 | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-3322 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city. }} ==Stay safe== Saskatoon has a fairly high crime rate per capita, but this tends to be concentrated in small areas of the city. The majority of the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld, from Avenue B through to Avenue Y (often referred to as "Alphabet Soup" by locals) are considered to be sketchy, with a high amount of gang/drug activity, violent crime and prostitution. It's probably best to avoid this part of town, particularly the alphabet avenues south of 22nd Street, and also immediately surrounding the 33rd Street intersection with Idylwyld. That said, it's usually relatively safe during daylight hours - and there's little reason for tourists to be in these parts of town anyway. The east side of the river has the general reputation among locals of being safer than the west side. The usual common-sense rules apply, and you should be fine. ==Cope== There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, Broadway Avenue, and on the University of Saskatchewan campus. ==Go next== * Drive north for 1.5 hours on Highway 11 to [[Prince Albert]] * Drive south along Highway 11 for 2.5 hours to [[Regina]] {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Canadian icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=The Canadian | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Edmonton]] | minorl1=[[Biggar (Saskatchewan)|Biggar]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Winnipeg]] | minorr1=[[Watrous]] | image2=Saskatchewan Highway 16.svg | imagesize2=22 | image2a=Yellowhead Blank.svg | imagesize2a=20 | link2=Yellowhead Highway | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Lloydminster]] | minorl2=[[The Battlefords]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Yorkton]] | minorr2=[[Colonsay (Saskatchewan)|Colonsay]] | image3=Saskatchewan Highway 11 (jct).svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=&nbsp;N | majorl3=[[Prince Albert]] | minorl3=[[Rosthern]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Regina]] | minorr3=[[Davidson (Saskatchewan)|Davidson]] | image4=Saskatchewan Highway 5 (jct).svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Canora]] | minorr4=[[Humboldt]] | image5=Saskatchewan Highway 7 (jct).svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Calgary]] | minorl5=[[Rosetown]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=END | minorr5= | image6=Saskatchewan Highway 14 (jct).svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Camrose]] | minorl6=[[Biggar (Saskatchewan)|Biggar]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=Saskatchewan Highway 41 (jct).svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=W | majorl7=END | minorl7= | directionr7=E | majorr7=[[Melfort]] | minorr7=[[Wakaw]] }} {{IsPartOf|West Central Saskatchewan}} {{geo|52.1318|-106.65939}} {{usablecity}} bj5t5bbc8o6ojtxzyl8jswjch0y7lxu 4488084 4488083 2022-07-22T03:34:39Z OhanaUnited 76122 /* See */ Updated listing for University of Saskatchewan - every wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Saskatoon-banner.jpg}} [[Image:Saskatoon.jpg|thumb|400px|Downtown Saskatoon as seen from the University Bridge.|right]] '''[https://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/ Saskatoon]''' is a city in [[West Central Saskatchewan]]. With a metropolitan population of approximately 325,000 people, it is the province's largest city, and its economic and cultural hub. It has a beautiful setting along the South Saskatchewan River, and makes the most of it with parks and bridges. It's a little oasis among wheat fields. ==Understand== Saskatoon is located on bluffs along the South Saskatchewan River. Early planners set aside the riverfront for parks. Several bridges cross the river, affording gorgeous views of river, trees, and skyline. {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = -10 | febhigh = -6 | marhigh = 1 | aprhigh = 11 | mayhigh = 18 | junhigh = 23 | julhigh = 25 | aughigh = 24 | sephigh = 18 | octhigh = 11 | novhigh = -1 | dechigh = -8 | janlow = -20 | feblow = -16 | marlow = -9 | aprlow = -1 | maylow = 6 | junlow = 11 | jullow = 13 | auglow = 12 | seplow = 6 | octlow = 0 | novlow = -9 | declow = -17 | janprecip = 15 | febprecip = 11 | marprecip = 12 | aprprecip = 24 | mayprecip = 52 | junprecip = 60 | julprecip = 63 | augprecip = 43 | sepprecip = 33 | octprecip = 17 | novprecip = 13 | decprecip = 14 | description = See the Saskatoon 7-day forecast at [http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/sk-40_metric_e.html Environment Canada] {{dead link|December 2020}} }} Founded in 1906, with growth driven by immigration, railway links, and mining wealth, Saskatoon offers cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture. That, together with the river and its bridges, gives it the nickname of "Paris of the Prairies". The foundation of Saskatoon's economy is potash and other resource mining; oil and gas extraction (fracking and conventional); and wheat and other agriculture. These are abbreviated as "POW". The city hosts corporate headquarters of world-leading firms like PotashCorp (potash) and Cameco (uranium). Until the commodities slump of 2014, Saskatoon had been one of Canada's economically most vibrant cities. From its earliest days, Saskatoon has been home to the University of Saskatchewan. It boasts "[http://www.lightsource.ca The Canadian Light Source]", Canada's only synchrotron. The name ''Saskatoon'' comes from a Cree word for a berry that grows along the river called ''missaskquahtoomina''. === Districts === Roads which run generally east-west are usually named "street"; those running generally north-south are usually named "avenue". The major north-south road called Idylwyld Drive, Louis Riel Trail, and Highway 11 marks the division between "east" and "west" streets. 22nd Street (west of the river) and Aird Street (east of the river) mark the division between "north" and "south" avenues. The '''Meewasin Park''' along the river, from just past University Bridge in the northeast to just past Idylwyld bridge in the southwest, is the heart of the traveler's beat. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to stroll, ride bikes, or skate. On the east side of the river, the '''University of Saskatchewan''' lies just north of University Bridge and College Drive (highway 5); '''Nutana''' is between University Bridge and Idylwyld bridge, to 8th Street East on the south and Clarence Ave South on the east; and the '''Broadway Avenue''' district (within Nutana) runs from the Broadway bridge eastwards, particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side, full of interesting shops and restaurants. On the west side of the river, the '''Central Business District''' is bounded by 19th Street East on the south, Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11) on the west, 25th Street East on the north, and the Meewasin park on the east. (Streets here are "East".) It is pedestrian-oriented, with many shops and restaurants. 21st Street East and 2nd Avenue North and South are the main arteries, and the intersection of these two is the "heart" or centre of the city. Bus lines pass through a transit terminal here. '''"Alphabet Soup"''' is the informal name for the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld Drive - Louis Riel Trail (highway 11), from Avenue B through to Avenue Y, south of 33rd Street West. (Streets here are "West".) It is considered to be sketchy, with more crime than other areas. Gentrification is nibbling away at the sketchiness, along major roads and near the river. There's little reason for tourists to be outside the gentrified areas in this part of town anyway. These neighbourhoods are useful references for travellers, but don't cover the whole city. Other attractions and important transportation hubs are also outside of these areas. === Tourist information === [http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/ Official Tourism Organization] ==Get in== ===By plane=== ==== Airport ==== {{go | name=Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport | alt={{IATA|YXE}} | url=https://skyxe.ca/ | email=info@skyxe.ca | address= | lat=52.170014 | long=-106.690599 | directions= | phone=+1 306-975-8900 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport | image=Saskatoon 115.jpg | wikidata=Q1430711 | lastedit=2022-05-26 | content=Serves domestic, international and northern communities. }} Direct flights to Saskatoon within Canada include from [[Calgary]] (1.25 hours), from [[Edmonton]] (1.25 hours), [[Prince Albert]] (30-40 minutes), [[Regina]] (45 minutes), from [[Toronto]] (3.5 hours), from [[Vancouver]] (2 hours), and from [[Winnipeg]] (1.75 hours). ==== Airlines ==== Canadian airlines operating to Saskatoon: * {{Listing|name=Air Canada|url=https://www.aircanada.com/|phone=+1-514-393-3333|tollfree=+1-888-247-2262|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in Vancouver, [[Calgary]], [[Toronto]], and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} * {{Listing|name=Flair Airlines|url=https://flyflair.com/|tollfree=+1-833-711-2333|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A new low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada.}} * {{Listing|name=Rise Air|url=https://riseair.ca|tollfree=+1-800-667-9356|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A regional airline operating in [[Saskatchewan]].}} * {{Listing|name=Sunwing Airlines|url=https://www.sunwing.ca/|phone=|tollfree=+1-877-786-9464|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter.}} * {{Listing|name=Swoop|url=https://help.flyswoop.com/|phone=+1-587-441-1001|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=WestJet's low-cost airline with flights to less-busy airports. Swoop charges a fee for new reservations or changes to reservations made over the phone.}} * {{Listing|name=Westjet|url=https://www.westjet.com/|tollfree=+1-877-952-0100|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and [[Toronto]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} Other airlines operating to Saskatoon: * [http://www.delta.com Delta Air Lines] fly to Saskatoon from [[Minneapolis]] and WestJet fly to this city from [[Phoenix]], and [[Las Vegas]] in the [[United States]]. ==== Ground transportation ==== To get to the city centre from the airport: *Saskatoon Transit: Route 12 *Rent a vehicle from one of the car rental companies *Cab: Should cost you approximately $12 ===By train=== {{go | name=VIA Rail Canada | alt= | url=https://www.viarail.ca/ | email= | address=1701 Chappell Dr | lat=52.104986 | long=-106.73837 | directions=Stops at Saskatoon station, near Chappell Dr and Burma Rd, a remote area southwest of downtown. | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-842-7245 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-31 | content=Operates ''[[The Canadian]]'' up to three trips per week between [[Toronto]] and [[Vancouver]] with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]], [[Winnipeg]], [[Portage la Prairie]], Saskatoon, [[Edmonton]], [[Jasper]], and [[Kamloops]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Toronto is 2 days, from Sudbury is 1.75 days, from Winnipeg is 12.25 hours, from Portage La Prairie is 10.75 hours, from Edmonton is 10 hours, from Jasper is 17 hours, from Kamloops is 1 day 4 hours, and from Vancouver is 1 day 14 hours. This rail operator also offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's east coast. }} <!-- Upon further review, Route 62 is a limited service, and the bus times are incompatible with the Via schedule. See https://transit.saskatoon.ca/sites/default/files/route_62.pdf There is no public transit directly serving the station and the nearest bus stop is a 10-minute walk (Dieppe St., Route 62). --> There are no rental cars at the station. Taxis are an effective way to get into town (20 minutes to downtown, about $25). ===By car=== Saskatoon is on the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) which connects to The Battlefords and Edmonton to the west and Winnipeg to the east. This highway is entirely divided (save for a few minor exceptions and construction zones) between Edmonton and Saskatoon. Highway 11 connects to [[Prince Albert]] to the north and [[Regina]] to the south. You can also drive via Alberta Highway 9/Saskatchewan Highway 7 from Calgary, but this highway is not divided. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Rider Express | alt= | url=http://riderexpress.ca | email=contact@riderexpress.ca | address=210 2nd Ave N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-209-3636 | tollfree=+1-833-583-3636 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Operates bus service in western Canada as far east as [[Winnipeg]] and as far west as [[Vancouver]]. }} Routes operating to Saskatoon: ** Between [[Prince Albert]] and Saskatoon including a stop in [[Rosthern]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Prince Albert is 1.5 hours. Operates several days per week. ** Between Regina and [[Edmonton]] with stops in [[Davidson (Saskatchewan)|Davidson]], Sasktoon, [[North Battleford]], [[Lloydminster]], [[Vermilion (Alberta)|Vermilion,]]<nowiki/> and [[Vegreville]]. Travel time to Saskatoon from Regina is 3 hours, from North Battleford is 2 hours, from Lloydminster is 3.5 hours and from Edmonton is 7 hours. Operates several days per week. Some additional trips only operate between Regina and Saskatoon. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Rainbow Express | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/rainbowexpressofficial/| email= | address= | lat= | long= | | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-11-30 | content=Shuttle service from [[Yorkton]].}} ==Get around== {{mapframe|52.1261|-106.6446|zoom=11}} This is a car-oriented city. There is plentiful street parking downtown ($2/hour typically). Outside the central business district, driving may be your most convenient option. The best choice of rental cars is at the airport. There are few rental car offices in the Central Business District or Nutana. Walking is a great way to get around the compact and pedestrian-friendly tourist haunts of the Meewasin park, Central Business District, Broadway Avenue, and Nutana. Saskatoon Transit serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Pay cash for individual fares, or buy a GoCard and load packages of 10 rides at a discount. You can buy tickets at the Customer Service Centre, City Hall, and at shops like Co-op, Mac's, Safeway, Shopper's Drug Mart (complete list on Saskatoon Transit's web site). Timetables for every bus can be found at the downtown terminal or at Transit's web site. At outlying stops, call the 'Phone & Go' line (below) and use the 4-digit stop code to determine information about the routes that service that stop. There are transit hubs in various locations, of which the City Centre Hub is the most useful for travelers. * {{listing | name=Saskatoon Transit, City Centre Hub | alt= | url=https://transit.saskatoon.ca/route-and-schedules | email= | address=23rd St East | lat=52.1301 | long=-106.6615 | directions=between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on 23rd Street | phone=+1 306-975-7500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Adult $3 each, or 10-ride package on GoCard for $25; high school and younger $2.75–2.25 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=Most buses go through the downtown terminal and it is very easy to get anywhere in the city from here. This phone number is for the 'Phone & Go' service. This URL is for the bus schedules and route maps. }} * {{listing | name=Saskatoon Transit Customer Service Centre | alt= | url=http://transit.saskatoon.ca/ | email= | address=226 23rd Street East | lat=52.130156 | long=-106.662101 | directions=at the Cite Centre Transit Hub | phone=+1 306-975-3100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 7AM–5:30PM (phone –7:30PM), Sa 10AM–5:30PM (phone 7AM–7:30PM), Su 10AM–5:30PM (phone 9AM–6:30PM), holidays closed (phone 9AM–1PM, ​2PM–6PM) | price= | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=This walk-in centre can answer questions and sell bus tickets. The phone number can answer questions and is open longer hours. }} Saskatoon is a very bicycling friendly city, and boasts the second highest per capita commuter cycling rate in Canada. Recreational cyclists will enjoy exploring the Meewasin Valley Trail along the South Saskatchewan River. Almost all parts of the city are accessible by bicycle and bicycle lanes and routes are marked along some key corridors... be careful because there are also a lot of bad drivers. Taxis are easy to find but generally pricey. A ten minute drive (enough to get you most places in the city if it's not rush hour) will cost $10-15. Call Blueline at +1 306-653-3333 or Radio at +1 306-242-1221, or just hail a taxi. Prices are set by the city so the cost should be equal. ==See== [[Image:Bessborough.JPG|thumb|right|203px|Bessborough on an early evening from the street(s).]] A good place to start is to walk up and down the Meewasin Trail, crossing the South Saskatchewan River at the University Bridge, the Broadway Bridge, and the Idylwyld Bridge. On a fine day, this rewards you with beautiful views, and connects you to attractions and the districts of most interest to a visitor. * {{see | name=Meewasin Trail | alt= | url=http://meewasin.com/visitors/trails/ | email= | address= | lat=52.12411 | long=-106.65888 | directions=on the east and west banks of the South Saskatchewan River | phone=+1 306-665-6888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 24 hours | price=Free | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The river offers a multitude of beautiful vistas along the Meewasin Trail system that runs the full length of both shores, a total of 60 km. This trail system effectively creates two well-maintained and well-used linear parks cutting through the centre of the city, dotted with attractions, interpretive sites, and full-sized static parks along the way. It passes through or alongside the University of Saskatchewan, the downtown area, and many residential neighbourhoods. "Meewasin" is the Cree word for beautiful. The trail and other sites are managed by an agency, also named Meewasin, formed by Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the University. }} * {{see | name=Civic Conservatory (ex-Mendel Art Gallery) | alt= | url=http://www.mendel.ca | email= | address=950 Spadina Crescent E | lat=52.1348 | long=-106.6495 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open every day except Christmas | price= | content=A small conservatory thickly planted with flowers, lush plants, and small trees. The Mendal Art Gallery was here, but closed in 2016. Its contemporary and historical art will reappear at the Remai Modern Art Gallery. This building will become a Children's Discovery Museum in 2018. }} * {{see | name=Ukrainian Museum of Canada | alt= | url=http://www.umc.sk.ca | email= | address=910 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.130747 | long=-106.653288 | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-3800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 1PM–5PM, Mon closed | price=Adult $6+tax, Seniors $5+tax, students $4+tax | content=Preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada. Includes schoolbooks, textiles. The Canadian Praries in general and the Saskatoon area in particular welcomed many Ukrainian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This museum tells their story. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Delta Bessborough | alt=Bessborough Hotel | url=https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bessborough-Hotel | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Delta Bessborough | image=Bessborough Hotel.jpg | wikidata=Q14874939 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The castle-like "grand old railway hotel" look of the Bessborough is an anchor to many vistas along the river, and to the downtown streetscape. It's worth ducking inside to the ground, mezzanine, and convention floors to see the grand old detailing. See full listing under "Sleep". }} [[File:RiverLandingLandmark.JPG|right|thumb|Prairie Wind]] * {{see | name=Prairie Wind | alt= | url=http://www.riverlanding.ca/project_update/phase1/prairie_wind/index.html | email= | address= | lat=52.12287 | long=-106.66657 | directions=In the roundabout | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily, 24 hours | price=free | lastedit=2016-06-03 | content=This public artwork invokes the feeling of prarie grass blowing in the wind. It is a convenient anchor point for the visitor to the River Landing area. }} * {{see | name=Remai Modern Arts Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.remaimodern.org/ | email=info@remaimodern.org | address=102 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.12295 | long=-106.667072 | directions=Part of River Landing, between Idylwyld Bridge and 2nd Ave South | phone=+1 306-975-7610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu F 10AM–10PM; W Th Sa Su & holidays 10AM–5PM | price=Adults $12, seniors $10, family (up to 2 adults, 5 children) $30, children under 6 free | wikipedia=Remai Modern | image=Remai Modern Art Gallery of Saskatchewan.jpg | wikidata=Q20006889 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=In a gleaming riverside building opened in 2017, the Remai Modern has taken over the collections of the Mendel Art Gallery. The Remai Performing Arts Centre is next door. }} The following attractions are at the University of Saskatchewan: * {{see | name=Diefenbaker Canada Centre | alt= | url=http://www.usask.ca/diefenbaker/ | email=dief.centre@usask.ca | address=101 Diefenbaker Place | lat=52.134 | long=-106.64 | directions= | phone=+1-306-966-8384 | tollfree= | fax=+1-306-966-1967 | hours=M–W 9:30AM–4:30PM, Th 9:30AM–8PM, F 9:30AM–4:30PM, Sa Su and hols noon–4:30PM | price=By donation | wikipedia=The Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker Centre for the Study of Canada | image=DieenbakerCentre.jpg | wikidata=Q1220336 | content=The only combined Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. 1950s period replicas of the Prime Minister's office and cabinet rooms, temporary and permanent exhibits on Diefenbaker. }} * {{see | name=Community Campus Tours | alt= | url=https://diefenbaker.usask.ca/visit/Tours.php | email=dief.centre@usask.ca | address=101 Diefenbaker Place | lat=52.13443 | long=-106.63981 | directions=Depart from the lobby of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre | phone=+1-306-966-8384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June–Aug: W Sa 1PM | price=Free | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=A historical walking tour of the University of Saskatchewan campus. }} * {{see | name=University of Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.usask.ca | email=admissions@usask.ca | address=105 Administration Place | lat=52.129825 | long=-106.6328 | directions=On the east side of the river, north of College Drive | phone=+1 306-966-5788 | tollfree= | fax=+1 (306) 966-2115 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of Saskatchewan | image=CollegeBuilding-UofS.jpg | wikidata=Q1514848 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The university's academic buildings are clustered around an open area, called "the bowl". To the west of this lie the Royal University Hospital and medical school. Many academic buildings have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Museum of Natural Sciences in the Biology Building, which has 3 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at. There are also Museum of Antiquities (with a collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern sculpture, Roman coins, ancient glass and pottery) and Canada Light Source. }} These attractions are outside the core districts of the city. * {{listing | type=see | name=Western Development Museum, Saskatoon | alt= | url=http://wdm.ca/stoon.html | email=saskatoon@wdm.ca | address=2610 Lorne Ave | lat=52.09515 | long=-106.67337 | directions= | phone=+1 306-931-1910 | tollfree= | hours=daily 9AM–5PM | price=Adults $10, seniors $9, students $7 | wikipedia=Western Development Museum | wikidata=Q3473794 | lastedit=2016-06-04 | content=The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things. There are other locations in [[Moose Jaw]], [[Yorkton]], and [[North Battleford]]. }} * {{see | name=Wanuskewin Heritage Park | alt= | url=http://wanuskewin.com/ | email= | address=RR #4 Penner Road | lat=52.2236 | long=-106.595 | directions=North on Louis Riel Trail/highway 11 for 12.5km, right onto Wanuskewin Rd, left onto Penner Road, follow the bison signs | phone=+1 306-931-6767 | tollfree= | fax=+1 (306) 931-4522 | hours=Daily 9:30AM–5PM, holidays 10AM–5PM | price=Adults $14, seniors (65+) and students $10, children $8 | wikipedia=Wanuskewin Heritage Park | image=Wanuskewin Heritage Park.jpg | wikidata=Q3566179 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture. Includes a daily tour of the bison herd within the park. Also has a gift shop and restaurant. }} ==Do== * {{do|name=Eco Glide Adventures|url=http://ecoglideadventures.com/adventure-tours/|address=611 Spadina Crescent East|lat=52.126883|long=-106.658097|directions=in Kiwanis park, beside the bathrooms, just a bit north of the Delta Bessborough Hotel, and across the street from the Sheraton Cavalier |phone=+1 306-250-1817|hours=Afternoons, roughly 3PM-10PM, depending on sunlight.|price=$49.95|lastedit=2016-06-29|content=Explore the pedestrian trails of Meewasin Park on Segway and Ninebot personal transporters, led by a friendly and safety-conscious guide. Helmets and well-maintained transporters supplied. Runs rain or shine.}} * {{do | name=Marquis Downs | alt= | url=http://www.marquisdowns.com/ | email= | address=503 Ruth Street | lat=52.09497 | long=-106.67782 | directions= | phone=+1 306-242-6100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marquis Downs | wikidata=Q6772659 | lastedit=2016-09-05 | content=The only licensed horseracing track in Saskatchewaan. Features thoroughbred and standardbred races in the summer months. }} * {{do | name=Playland at Kinsmen Park | alt= | url=https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/potashcorp-playland-kinsmen-park | email=kpr@saskatoon.ca | address=945 Spadina Crescent East | lat=52.133839 | long=-106.649682 | directions=Opposite the Mendel Art Gallery | phone=+1 306-975-3330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May-Sept: M–Sa 10AM–8PM, Su noon–8PM | price=$2/ticket, $20/12 tickets | lastedit=2016-06-29 | content=Rides for children at Kinsmen Park: a miniature train, Ferris wheel, and merry-go-round. Adult goes free with a paid child's ticket. Free sand play, water play and climbing play areas. }} * {{do | name=Prarie Lily River Cruise | alt= | url=http://www.theprairielily.com/html/cruises/regular/index.cfm | email= | address=950 Spadina Crescent E | lat=52.134181 | long=-106.648105 | directions=Dock is on the river, behind the Mendel Art Gallery | phone=+1 306-955-5459 | tollfree=+1-888-747-7572 | fax= | hours=Summer sailings Sa Su 2PM, Tu-Su 4PM and 6PM, F 9PM | price=$24+tax ($22 seniors, youth; $15 children 2–11 years) | lastedit=2016-06-29 | content=Hour-long cruise up and down the river, on the modern riverboat "Prarie Lily". Drinks served. In addition to regular sightseeing cruises, there are special dinner cruises, brunch cruises, and combined offers with nearby "Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan". Park near the former Mendel Art Gallery. }} * {{do | name=SaskTel Centre | alt= | url=http://www.sasktelcentre.com | email= | address=3515 Thatcher Ave | lat=52.188977 | long=-106.679398 | directions= | phone=+1 306-975-3155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=At the far north end of the city, SaskTel Centre is Saskatoon's arena and largest events centre. It is the home arena for the Saskatoon Blades hockey team and the Saskatchewan Rush lacrosse team, and is the usual landing spot for major concerts and shows in the city. Concerts happen all year round while the Blades and Rush play during the winter; tickets are very affordable for both teams. Often referred to by locals by its old name, Saskatchewan Place. A statue of hockey legend Gordie Howe, who was born and raised in a nearby rural community, stands near the main entrance; the cremated remains of both Howe and his wife are interred at its base. }} *{{do | name=Lucky Bastard Distillers | alt= | url=https://luckybastard.ca/ | email= | address=814 47th Street East | lat=52.1669099 | long=-106.6521747 | directions= | phone=+1 306-979 7280 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2018-01-22 | content=Get a tour of the distillery and taste the products, whisky, gin, vodka. Or try the Saskatoon Liqueur made from Saskatoon berries. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo | alt=Saskatoon Zoo | url=https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/saskatoon-forestry-farm-park-zoo | email=zoo@saskatoon.ca | address=1903 Forestry Farm Park Drive | lat=52.15802 | long=-106.58496 | directions=off Attridge Drive | phone=+1 306-975-3382 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-06-16 | content= }} ===Festivals=== Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include: * {{do | name=Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-10-12| content=The company performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the former home of the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August. }} * '''Art in the Heart''' - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September. * {{do | name=SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival | alt= | url=http://www.saskjazz.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July. }} * {{do | name=Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival | alt= | url=https://nutrienchildrensfestival.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June. }} * '''[http://www.25thstreettheatre.org/ Saskatoon International Fringe Festival]''' - Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in the first half of August. * '''[https://www.saskatoonfolkfest.com Folk Fest]''' - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August. A passport to the 3-day event will cost $16 in 2018. * {{do | name=Taste of Saskatchewan | alt= | url=http://www.tasteofsaskatchewan.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants provide hors d'oeuvres alongside live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location (next to the Bessborough Hotel) provides an excellent atmosphere. }} * {{do | name=Saskatoon Exhibition | alt= | url=http://www.saskatoonexhibition.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Saskatoon's annual exhibition and fair, the Ex takes place every August at Prairieland Park and includes carnival rides, midway games and chuckwagon races at Marquis Downs. }} ==Learn== * '''The [http://www.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan]''' is the oldest and largest university in the province. The U of S is located in the near centre of the city, across the river from downtown. The University is easily accessible by car or public transit from nearly any area of the city. The campus is built around a large central space known as the Bowl, which is used for Orientation events and as a skating rink during winter. Notably, it is the home of the '''[http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/ Western College of Veterinary Medicine]''', the only college of its kind in Western Canada. * '''[http://www.stmcollege.ca/ St. Thomas More College]''' is a Catholic-based federated college of the University of Saskatchewan. The two are academically integrated and students can take classes from either school. STM specializes in undergraduate liberal arts classes and classes taken at the college usually have less students than the same class taken at the College of Arts & Science. * '''[http://www.saskpolytech.ca/ Saskatchewan Polytechnic]''' (known as the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology until 2014) is Saskatchewan's primary public institution for post-secondary technical education and skills training. Located on Idylwyld and 33rd Street, the Saskatoon campus is the largest of the four in the province (the other campuses are in Regina, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw). The campus is easily accessible by public transit and is not far from downtown. * '''[http://www.siit.ca/ Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies]''', which specializes in industrial and technical programs for First Nations people in Saskatchewan. Like most major cities in Canada, Saskatoon has several ''English as a Second Language''' (ESL) schools. The [http://learnenglish.usask.ca/ U of S Language Centre] offers full-time and part-time classes, as well as a university prep program for prospective students to the University. ==Buy== *{{listing | type=buy | name=Darrell Bell Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.darrellbellgallery.com/pages/artists.php | email= | address=#405-105 21st Street E | lat=52.127181 | long=-106.665943 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-5701 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 11AM-5PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=For contemporary art and craft }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=McNally Robinson | alt= | url=http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home | email= | address=3130 8th St E | lat=52.113783 | long=-106.606192 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-3599 | tollfree=+1 877-506-7456 | hours=M-Th 9AM-10PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Large bookstore and café. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Midtown Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.midtownplaza.ca/ | email= | address=201 1st Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-8844 | tollfree= | hours=M Tu 9:30AM-7PM, W-F 9:30AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia=| | wikidata=Q6843103 | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Downtown and it is one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It has Hudson's Bay Company. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Rouge Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.rougegallery.ca/ | email=wandau@rougegallery.ca | address=208 3rd Ave S | lat=52.126350 | long=-106.663407 | directions= | phone=+1 306-227-4140 | tollfree= | hours=W-F 10AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=For emerging and established Canadian artists. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=Saskatoon Farmer's Market | alt= | url=https://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com/ | email= | address=414 Ave B S | lat=52.124339 | long=-106.671343 | directions= | phone=+1 306-384-6262 | tollfree= | hours=Sa 8AM-2PM; We, Su 10AM-3PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, some arts & crafts, and other things. }} *{{listing | type=buy | name=SaskMade Marketplace | alt= | url=https://www.saskmade.ca/ | email=store@saskmade.ca | address=1621 8th St E | lat=52.115297 | long=-106.631779 | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-1832 | tollfree=+1-888-955-1832 | hours=Winter: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su Noon-6PM; Summer: M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 10AM-7PM | price= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Small store that specializes in Saskatchewan-made products, including syrups, jams, jerky, pies, spices, and various types of candy. }} '''Broadway Avenue''' (particularly between 8th Street and 12th Street, and generally including roughly a block on either side) is a popular shopping and cultural area. There are many little boutique and specialty shops worth checking out, and many restaurants and bars. It is a pedestrian-friendly environment with a high density of some of Saskatoon's most popular businesses. * {{buy | name=Broadway Shoe Repair | alt= | url=http://broadwayshoerepair.com/ | email=broadwayshoerepair@sasktel.net | address=638 Broadway St | lat=52.1193 | long=-106.6573 | directions=between 11th and 12th streets E | phone=+1-306-652-4399 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 10AM–6PM, Th 10AM–8PM, Fr 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su & Hol closed | price= | lastedit=2018-04-02 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | content=A charming blend of old-style, craft-oriented cobbler, with a young, trendy vibe. In addition to shoe repairs, they sell sandals and colourful socks. }} The '''Central Business District''' (bounded by 19th Street on the south, Idylwyld Drive on the west, 25th Street on the north, and Spadina Crescent (South Saskatchewan River) on the east) also contains plenty of shopping opportunities outside of the large Midtown Plaza shopping mall on 1st Ave. The majority of this shopping opportunity is realized along 21st Street and along 2nd Avenue. Where these streets intersect is considered by many to be the "heart" or centre of the city, particularly in terms of pedestrian-oriented amenities. ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name=Baba's Homestyle Perogies | alt= | url=https://babasperogies.com/ | email=babasperogies@sasktel.net | address=720B 51st Street E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-933-4280 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-02-03 | content=Ukrainian cuisine that's available for eat-in or frozen. Also features a perogy drive-thru, the only of its kind in Canada. }} *{{eat | name=Calories Bakery and Restaurant | url=https://caloriesrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=721 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-7991 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A intimate French restaurant with local art, focusing on French cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake }} *{{eat | name=Chianti Cafe | alt= | url=http://www.chianticafe.ca/chianti-saskatoon---home.html | email= | address=102 Idylwyld Dr N | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-8466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pasta house. On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, all pastas are $8.95 - a relaxed, semi-Italian atmosphere with freshly made dishes }} *{{eat | name=Park Cafe | url=https://parkcafe.ca/ | email= | address=512 20th Street West| lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 306-652-6781 | tollfree=| content=Uses locally sourced food to make a large variety of fresh dishes. Great breakfast, friendly staff, very awesome and somewhat rad clientele. }} *{{eat | name=Homestead Ice Cream and Cappuccino | url= | email= | address=902 Victoria Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-5588 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundaes and other yummy goodness. A must stop. }} *{{Eat|name=Lavva Kitchen + Bar|alt=|url=https://thelavvabar.com/|email=|address=1013 Broadway Ave|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+1 306- 653-0000|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2020-11-27|content=Contemporary food and drinks.}} ===Mid-range=== *{{eat | name=Alexander's Restaurant and Bar | url=http://alexandersrestaurant.ca/ | email= | address=414 Cumberland Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-956-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. They have the best French fries in the city. }} *{{eat | name=Broadway Cafe | url=https://broadwaycafesaskatoon.ca/ | email= | address=814 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-8244 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= 1950s-themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes. }} * {{eat | name=Fuddruckers |alt=| url= | email= | address=2910 8th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-955-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-30| content= One of two locations in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended. }} *{{listing | type=eat | name=Granada House Family Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=904 22nd St W | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-664-3700 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=An excellent family-owned Greek restaurant. Wonderful lasagna. }} ===Splurge=== *{{eat | name=Ayden Kitchen and Bar | url=http://www.aydenkitchenandbar.com | email= | address=265 3 Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-954-2590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$12-40 | content=Internationally inspired comfort foods, snacks & elevated cocktails in a stylish, modern space. }} *{{eat | name=The Granary | url=http://www.thegranary.ca/ | email= | address=#2806-8th St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-6655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-50 | content="This is a must-visit restaurant in Saskatoon. The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator. Nothing says "Saskatchewan" more than the Granary." }} * {{eat | name=Little Grouse on the Prairie | alt= | url=http://www.littlegrouse.com | email= | address=167 3 Ave S | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-979-0100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$15-75 | content=Italian pasta made with fresh local ingredients in an intimate downtown setting. }} *{{eat | name=Moxie's Bar and Grill | alt=Moxie's | url=https://moxies.com/restaurant-locations/saskatchewan/saskatoon-8th-ave-east | email= | address=3134 8 St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-9800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-60 | content="Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well" }} * {{eat | name=Saboroso | alt= | url=http://www.saboroso.ca {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=340- 2600 8 St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-249-4454 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30-100 | content=Brazilian steakhouse with high-end steaks, seafood, pasta & mixed drinks. Specialty is the authentic rodizio-style meal. }} * {{eat | name=The Samurai | alt= | url= | email= | address=601 Spadina Crescent E | lat= | long= | directions= Located in the Delta Bessborough | phone=+1 306-683-6926 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$30-150 | content=Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at the heart of downtown. Also has a large selection of sushi. }} *{{eat | name=2nd Ave Grill | url=http://www.2ndavegrill.com/ | email= | address=10-123 2nd Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-9899 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$9-33 | content="The 2nd Avenue Grill has a delicious selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes." }} * {{eat | name=Truffle's Bistro | url=http://trufflesbistro.googlepages.com/ | email= | address=230 21st St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-7779 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes. }} ==Drink== *{{drink | name=The Yard and Flagon Pub | url= | email= | address=718 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-653-8883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio. }} *{{drink | name=Buds on Broadway | url=http://www.budsonbroadway.com/ | email= | address=817 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-4155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers. }} *{{drink | name=Amigos Cantina | alt= | url=http://www.amigoscantina.com/ | email= | address=632 10th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-4912 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A Mexican cantina. Restaurant by day (a great veggie burger) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk. }} *{{drink | name=Hose and Hydrant Brew Pub | url=http://www.hoseandhydrant.com/ | email= | address=612 11th St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-477-3473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall. }} *{{drink | name=Vangelis Tavern | url= | email= | address=801 Broadway Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-5173 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are live Sunday jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink. }} *{{drink | name=Winston's English Pub and Grill | url=http://www.winstonspub.ca/ | email= | address=243 21st St E | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-7468 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Winston's has a large selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown. }} *{{drink | name=Louis' Pub | url=http://www.ussu.ca/louis/ | email= | address=University Campus | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-966-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music. }} *{{drink | name=The Sutherland Bar | url= | email= | address=810 Central Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-374-8873 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students. }} *{{drink | name=Dino's Bar and Grill | url=http://www.foodnow.ca/dinos/ | email= | address=906 Central Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-373-6666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Excellent steak sandwiches. }} *{{drink | name=6Twelve lounge | alt=612 Lounge | url=http://www.6twelve.ca | email= | address=612 Spadina Cres | lat= | long= | directions=Inside the Sheraton | phone=+1 306-652-6770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Saskatoon's Best Lounge (Planet S) 6Twelve is a lounge where guests can experience craft cocktails and cutting edge share plates, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh & creative drinks, music, and food, which are always presented without pretension. }} * {{drink | name=Crackers Restaurant & Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=#1-227 Pinehouse Dr. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 306-934-1700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Crackers is a karaoke bar and restaurant. They have karaoke Monday-Saturday. With Thursday having live music from 7-10PM. They have fall and winter karaoke leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Days Inn | url=http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=13102&brandInfo=DI | email= | address=2000 Idylwyld Dr N, Circle Dr | lat=52.156862 | long= -106.668428 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Campland Rv Resort | url=http://www.camplandrvresort.com | email= | address=| lat=52.259961 | long=-106.781088 | directions=9.5 km NW of Saskatoon on Hw 16 | phone = +1 306-477-7444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Laura's Lodge | alt= | url=http://www.lauraslodge.com/ | email=info@lauraslodge.com | address= 1026 College Drive | lat=52.128680 | long=-106.644683 | directions=Adjacent to Netty's Nest | phone=+1 306-934-7011 | tollfree=+1 306-934-6960 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$60-90/room, breakfast $7 per person | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this economical bed and breakfast was converted from priests' living quarters to a hostel for medical visitors to a general bed and breakfast over several decades. Free wifi, parking. Communal kitchen and living room. Staff present 24 hours/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Netty's Nest | alt= | url= | email=stay@nettysnest.com | address=1024 College Drive | lat=52.128658 | long=-106.644976 | directions=Adjacent to Laura's Lodge | phone=+1 306-979-6378 | tollfree=+1-877-777-0337 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$65-127/room | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Very near the Royal University Hospital, close to the U of Saskatchewan, and just over the bridge from downtown, this 18-room lodge has double and queen-bed rooms with shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, wifi. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon | url=http://www.travelodgesaskatoon.com | email= | address=106 Circle Drive W | lat=52.158293 | long=-106.671213 | directions=NE corner of Idylwyld Dr and Circle Dr interchange | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-278-4209 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= The Travelodge is on the north side of Saskatoon and is situated at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon is the largest Travelodge in Western Canada and the 2nd largest hotel in Saskatchewan. }} * {{sleep | name=The Parktown Hotel | url=http://www.parktownhotel.com | email= | address=924 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.13154 | long=-106.65261 | directions= | phone=+1 306 244-5564 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Established in 1958, graces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail. }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Delta Bessborough | alt= | url=https://www.deltahotels.com/Hotels/Delta-Bessborough-Hotel | email=CustomerCareDeltaHotels@Marriott.com | address=601 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.1264 | long=-106.659 | directions= | phone=+1-306-244-5521 | tollfree=+1-888-890-3222 | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$199/night and up | wikipedia=Delta Bessborough | image=Bessborough Hotel.jpg | wikidata=Q14874939 | content=A four-star ten-storey hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" typical of [[Grand old hotels#Canada|Canada's other railway hotels]]. Many of the rooms look on to the river. The elegant decoration of the old hotel is well-maintained, and houses an up-to-date business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Saskatoon Downtown | url=http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=YXESDGI | email= | address=90 22nd St E | lat=52.12946 | long=-106.66580 | directions= | phone=+1 306-244-2311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$169-209 | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Cavalier Hotel Saskatoon | url=http://sheratoncavalier.com/saskatoon | email= | address=612 Spadina Cres E | lat=52.12698 | long=-106.65905 | directions= | phone=+1 306-652-6770 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Sheraton is across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river. }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Hotel Saskatoon | url= | email= | address=405 20th St E | lat=52.12472 | long=-106.66148 | directions= | phone=+1 306-665-3322 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city. }} ==Stay safe== Saskatoon has a fairly high crime rate per capita, but this tends to be concentrated in small areas of the city. The majority of the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld, from Avenue B through to Avenue Y (often referred to as "Alphabet Soup" by locals) are considered to be sketchy, with a high amount of gang/drug activity, violent crime and prostitution. It's probably best to avoid this part of town, particularly the alphabet avenues south of 22nd Street, and also immediately surrounding the 33rd Street intersection with Idylwyld. That said, it's usually relatively safe during daylight hours - and there's little reason for tourists to be in these parts of town anyway. The east side of the river has the general reputation among locals of being safer than the west side. The usual common-sense rules apply, and you should be fine. ==Cope== There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, Broadway Avenue, and on the University of Saskatchewan campus. ==Go next== * Drive north for 1.5 hours on Highway 11 to [[Prince Albert]] * Drive south along Highway 11 for 2.5 hours to [[Regina]] {{routebox | image1=VIA Rail Canadian icon.png | imagesize1=100 | link1=The Canadian | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Edmonton]] | minorl1=[[Biggar (Saskatchewan)|Biggar]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Winnipeg]] | minorr1=[[Watrous]] | image2=Saskatchewan Highway 16.svg | imagesize2=22 | image2a=Yellowhead Blank.svg | imagesize2a=20 | link2=Yellowhead Highway | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Lloydminster]] | minorl2=[[The Battlefords]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Yorkton]] | minorr2=[[Colonsay (Saskatchewan)|Colonsay]] | image3=Saskatchewan Highway 11 (jct).svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=&nbsp;N | majorl3=[[Prince Albert]] | minorl3=[[Rosthern]] | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[Regina]] | minorr3=[[Davidson (Saskatchewan)|Davidson]] | image4=Saskatchewan Highway 5 (jct).svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Canora]] | minorr4=[[Humboldt]] | image5=Saskatchewan Highway 7 (jct).svg | imagesize5=22 | directionl5=W | majorl5=[[Calgary]] | minorl5=[[Rosetown]] | directionr5=E | majorr5=END | minorr5= | image6=Saskatchewan Highway 14 (jct).svg | imagesize6=22 | directionl6=W | majorl6=[[Camrose]] | minorl6=[[Biggar (Saskatchewan)|Biggar]] | directionr6=E | majorr6=END | minorr6= | image7=Saskatchewan Highway 41 (jct).svg | imagesize7=22 | directionl7=W | majorl7=END | minorl7= | directionr7=E | majorr7=[[Melfort]] | minorr7=[[Wakaw]] }} {{IsPartOf|West Central Saskatchewan}} {{geo|52.1318|-106.65939}} {{usablecity}} 2q8em52ld2mu013jamy8q25qlmdfsdn 0 31760 4488121 4408991 2022-07-22T07:25:54Z SpamHunters 2207375 /* Outdoor sport */ Updated listing for Azorean Active Blueberry wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''São Miguel''' is the largest and most populous island of the [[Azores]] archipelago. Portuguese for Saint Michael, the island is also known by locals as "The Green Island" (Portuguese: ''Ilha Verde''). Most visitors arriving to and from the Azores will pass through São Miguel. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ponta Delgada]]|wikidata=Q208149}} is the capital city of São Miguel, the economic heart of the island, and the administrative capital of the Azores region. Containing the island chain's major airport and the only major cruise ship terminal, many visitors to the region pass through Ponta Delgada before continuing to other destinations in the archipelago. The historic centre and most tourist attractions are located along the coastal Avenida Infante D. Henrique, which extends from the fort of São Brás in the southwest of the city to Clube Naval and the southeast Marina, and includes Campo de São Francisco, the Igreja Matriz (main church), the "Portas da Cidade" (City Gates) and the new "Portas do Mar" development. ** {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sete Cidades]]|wikidata=Q2003616}} is a parish covering the western part of the island, including the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Lagoa (Azores)|Lagoa]]|wikidata=Q564759}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nordeste]]|wikidata=Q564762}}, the northeastern section of São Miguel, contains many beautiful landscapes. Peppered with mountain peaks, forests, and river valleys, it is a popular spot for canyoning and other outdoor adventures. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Povoação]]|wikidata=Q565726}} ** {{marker|type=city|name=[[Furnas]]|wikidata=Q998510}}, the largest parish on the island, is famous for its geothermal activity. Hot springs and geysers are prevalent, and traditional meals are cooked via thermal energy in pots buried in the ground. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ribeira Grande (Azores)|Ribeira Grande]]|wikidata=Q565312}}, the second largest city (pop. 32,112 in 2011), is the gateway to the north and 20 minutes away from Ponta Delgada. It is known for its beautiful historic centre, its northern beaches for windsurfing, as well as being one of better access points to Lagoa do Fogo crater lake. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vila Franca de Campo]]|wikidata=Q565290}} is located on the southern coast of the island, further east than Ponta Delgada. Vila Franca was the original capital city of the Azores before a violent earthquake and subsequent landslide in 1522 destroyed much of the city and forced the capital to relocate to Ponta Delgada. A volcanic crater off the coast created a perfectly circular islet which is a protected nature sanctuary and a popular place for snorkeling. An hourly ferry carries snorkelers to and from the islet. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q208149|title=[[Ponta Delgada]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q564759|title=[[Lagoa (Azores)|Lagoa]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q564762|title=[[Nordeste]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565726|title=[[Povoação]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565312|title=[[Ribeira Grande (Azores)|Ribeira Grande]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565290|title=[[Vila Franca de Campo]]}} ==Other destinations== ==Understand== [[Image:Sao_Miguel-the_green_island.JPG|thumb|right|The landscape of eastern São Miguel]] [[File:LL-Q5146 (por)-Nelson Ricardo 2500-São Miguel.wav]] Although São Miguel ([[Portuguese_phrasebook#Pseudo-phoneticization|SUHNW mee-GEHL]], /ˈsɐ̃w mi.ˈgɛɫ/) is the largest of the Azores Islands in area, the vast majority of the island's 138,000 inhabitants live in the capital city of [[Ponta Delgada]], which as of 2011 had a population of just under 69,000, with the rest of the population clustered in a handful of cities and towns. Cities are a quaint mix of modern and traditional architecture, with beautiful old churches, windmills, and cobblestone streets existing beside more contemporary development. The rest of the island is a showcase to its spectacular natural landscape, with rolling hills, green forests, picturesque waterfalls and beautiful ocean views. Like most of the Azores, São Miguel has volcanic origins, and the remnants of several dormant volcanic cones create much of the island's scenic attractions, including the twin lakes of the Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Fogo (Fire Lake), and the popular snorkeling islet off the coast of Villa Franca de Campo. The island is geothermically active, especially in the Furnas area; bathing in natural hot springs is a popular activity and traditional meals are cooked in pots inside active vents. Those who enjoy outdoors adventure will love the island's numerous hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking, cycling, canyoning, surfing, and diving. Whale watching is also a popular activity in the summer months, as a diverse range of whale species can be found near the island. Although there are beaches of the black, volcanic, sand variety, most of the coastline is rocky and the surf and currents dangerous so it is not the ideal location for a traditional laid-back island beach vacation. However, for those who love the outdoors and a bit of adventure, São Miguel has a lot to offer. ==Get in== The most common entry point to the island is at Ponta Delgada, the island's capital, which is accessible by boat and plane. ===By plane=== * {{go | name=João Paulo II Airport | alt={{IATA|PDL}} | url=https://www.aeroportopontadelgada.pt/ | email= | address= | lat=37.7419 | long=-25.6978 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432424 | content=The main airport for the Azores, named after Pope John Paul II, is 1.9 km from the centre of Ponta Delgada. It has scheduled domestic flights to all islands of the Azores and handles international flights originating in Europe and North America. João Paulo is the hub for the inter-island carrier '''SATA Air Açores''' and its international affiliate, '''[https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en Azores Airlines]'''. }} ===By boat=== The marina at Ponta Delgada also welcomes many yachts and private boats from around the world that make São Miguel a port of call along their transatlantic travels.Visitors arriving by cruise ship will most likely be docked at '''Terminal Maritimo''' which is only a five minute walk into downtown Ponta Delgada. Some cruise ships dock further out by the breakwater, in which case it is a longer, 20-minute walk. There is seasonal (summer only) inter-island ferry service to São Miguel from Santa Maria in the east and [[Terceira]] via the ferry service '''[https://www.atlanticoline.pt/ Atlanticoline]'''. ==Get around== ===By car=== Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the island. São Miguel is small enough to drive in a day, and there are many areas that can only be accessed by car. Rental cars are available at Ponta Delgada Airport, and there are also rental companies which will pick you up at the airport and allow the car to be returned there. Plan ahead and reserve a vehicle with a rental company prior to your trip to avoid long waits at the agency or having to pick a less-than-ideal car. ===By taxi=== There are taxi services at the airport. As of July 2019, from the airport to Ponto Delgado city centre, 3 adults pay €10. ===By bus=== Bus routes that cover the entire island are probably the quickest, cheapest, and most eco friendly way to get around. There are three lines operated by three different companies. The buses are fairly old, but since distances are short, rides are rarely longer than 90 minutes. They're usually not too crowded and are very clean. Buses run the main avenue and are conveniently accessible from major sites in Ponta Delgada. In-town bus services are handled by smaller mini-buses with the larger touring buses handling community-to-community travel on the island. Both services are accessible along Avenida D. Infante Henriques and can confuse the unfamiliar traveller. Schedules are available at bus stops and the tourist office. ==See== Some of the best sights can be found on foot, and hiking is a popular activity on the island. Trail maps can be found at '''[http://trails.visitazores.com/en Trails Azores]''' and the phone app, '''[https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/walkme-portugal-trails/id599980706?mt=8 HikeMe Portugal]''' is useful for on-the-go navigation. [[File:Sete_cidades_twin_lakes.JPG|thumb|right|The Sete Cidades twin lakes, one azure and one gray.]] [[File:Sao Miguel Island (Azores). Sete Cidades Caldera, Lagoa de Santiago, Azores.jpg|thumb|right|Sete Cidades Caldera]] ===Crater lakes and calderas=== * {{see | name=Caldeira Velha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.78156 | long=-25.49956 | directions=between Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The caldera has rich tropical vegetation and hot springs which flow into bathing pools. }} * {{see | name=Lagoa da Fogo | alt=Fire Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.7627 | long=-25.4760 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A caldera lake high up in the mountain, part of a nature reserve, known for its dramatic views and white sand beach. }} * {{see | name=Lagoa das Furnas | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.7582 | long=-25.3331 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An active caldera with steam vents, mud pots, geysers, and hot springs. Locals cook food in earth ovens available in picnic areas}} * {{see | name=Lagoa das Sete Cidades | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.8587 | long=-25.7934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A set of lakes in a caldera northwest of [[Ponta Delgada]]. Steep mountain walls surround the twin lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. The colour of the lakes is explained in a local myth. There is an abandoned hotel nearby ([http://ragstocouture.com/abandoned-hotel-in-the-azores-checking-in-to-the-monte-palace Monte Palace]) with nice views of the twin lakes.}} * {{see | name=Ponta da Ferraria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.85347 | long=-25.85027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Geologically the youngest part of the island, with therapeutic hot springs that have been used since the 15th century. The best time to visit is at low tide. The water starts warming up approximately two hours before low tide and cools down two hours after. The water reaches temperatures up to 62º C (144 °F) but when mixed with ocean water, it reaches temperatures above 30º C (86 °F), depending on the tide. }} ===Historic buildings and museums=== * {{see | name=Farol da Ponta do Arnel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.82412 | long=-25.135973 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Historic and uniquely shaped lighthouse on a cliff in Nordeste. Amazing views but a steep walk. }} * {{see | name=Forte de São Brás | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.73630 | long=-25.67276 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Coastal Renaissance fortress dating to 1552, now home to a military history museum. }} * {{see | name=Nossa Senhora da Paz (Hermitage of Our Lady of Peace) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.72856 | long=-25.43137 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Beautiful 18th-century chapel on the hill looking over Vila Franca de Campo. }} ==Do== [[File:Sao Miguel Island, Caloura (Azores), Tea garden, Gorreana - Azores, Portugal.jpg|thumb|right|Tea plants of Gorreana]] ===Farm and food tours=== * {{do | name=A Arruda Pineapple Plantation | alt= | url=https://www.ananasesarruda.com/ | email= | address= | lat=37.76326 | long=-25.64118 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tour a working pineapple plantation, one of the few open to the public on the island. }} * {{do | name=A Mulher de Capote Liquor Factory | alt= | url=http://www.mulherdecapote.pt/en/site/ | email= | address= | lat=37.8149 | long=-25.5195 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A factory producing local fruit liquors and brandy. Take a tour and taste samples, also purchase locally made liquors. }} * {{do | name=Gorreana Tea Factory | alt= | url=https://gorreana.pt/en/ | email= | address= | lat=37.81838 | long=-25.40243 | directions=In ''Porto Formoso'' | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-29 | content=Europe's oldest and only operating tea factory. Take a self-guided tour of the plantation grounds through well-marked paths and a small museum featuring 19th-century machinery. }} * {{do | name=Quinta Das Raidas Farm | alt= | url=http://www.quintadasraiadas.com/en.html | email= | address= | lat=37.84742 | long=-25.83774 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Farm with horseback riding tours of Sete Cidades. }} ===Natural hot springs=== * {{do | name=Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.78432 | long=-25.50087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Nature preserve near Lagoa da Fogo including hot springs and shower facilities. }} * {{do | name=Poça da Dona Beija | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.76939 | long=-25.31934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hot springs facility featuring thermal pools, tropical landscaping, showers & a gift shop. }} * {{do | name=Terra Nosta Botanical Garden | alt= | url=http://www.parqueterranostra.com/ | email= | address= | lat=37.77259 | long=-25.31586 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A 200-year-old park featuring local flora and fauna, as well as outdoor mineral baths. }} ===Outdoor sport=== * {{do | name=Azorean Active Blueberry | alt= | url=http://www.azoreanactiveblueberry.com/ | email=info@azoreanactiveblueberry.com | address= | lat=37.84199 | long=-25.26699 | directions= | phone=+351 914 822 682 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Offers canyoning, climbing, and coasteering tours along different stretches of the island. Activities involve repelling, waterfall sliding, snorkeling, cliff jumping and climbing. }} * {{do | name=LS Catamarans | alt= | url=http://www.catazores.com/sobre.php?lang=en | email=info@catazores.com | address= | lat=37.74295 | long=-25.67311 | directions= | phone=+351 919 103 031 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small group catamaran cruises from the Ponta Delgada marina. Morning and afternoon trips as well as a sunset cruise with local cheese and wine are offered. }} * {{do | name=Azores Whale Watching Terra Azul | alt= | url=https://www.azoreswhalewatch.com/ | email=info@azoreswhalewatch.com | address=Marina Vila Franca do Campo 4 | lat=37.715780 | long=-25.429745 | directions=from Ponta Delgada city centre by auto, head east along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo; once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards sea level and the marina where their base and yellow boats are stationed - and free parking can be found | phone=+351 296 581 361 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-10-19| content=Offers wildlife tours such as whale watching, bird watching, swimming with dolphins tours, and snorkelling trips to the Islet of Vila Franca de Campo, and other volcanic and natural marvels in the island. }} *Extreme sports are also popular, such as biking, boating, motor sports, water skiing, surfing, four wheeling, hanggliding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, yachting, ziplining, scuba diving, wind surfing, rock climbing. * {{listing | type=do | name=Nature Break | alt= | url=https://naturebreak.co/azores | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= |fax=| hours= | price= |wikidata=| lastedit=2020-02-28 | content=Yoga, meditation and self-development retreat. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Casa Maria de Deus | alt= | url=http://www.casamariadedeus.com/ | email=maria@casamariadedeus.com | address=Rua III Visconde Botelho 4, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, [[Povoação]] | lat=37.7606 | long=-25.234 | directions= | phone=+351 296 559 076 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=<!--Move to [[Povoação]] after the article is created.-->Casa Maria de Deus has been a home for many people travelling to the area for 25 years. A comfortable place to stay in a small village and experience village life of times past. }} ==Stay safe== There is very little crime on the island. Most crimes are drug-related and are generally localized to Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. However, petty theft from vehicles does occur, so it is prudent to lock your car and not leave any valuables in sight, especially when parking at trail heads for an extended hike. Exercise caution driving as roads are often narrow, with blind curves and steep inclines. Wandering livestock and poor lighting are also potential hazards. Pay close attention to any warning signs regarding inclines and avoid dirt or poorly designated roads that are unfamiliar as their conditions may deteriorate at a point in which it is too late to turn back and can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Some deteriorated roads are populated by thieves looking to pilfer from broken-down vehicles. On the beaches, watch out for large waves and strong undertow currents and obey any lifeguards or warning flags which may be present. Unsurprisingly, the Azores, including São Miguel, contain one of the world's largest populations of the venomous Portuguese Man 'o War. The largest concentration of the jellyfish-like creatures appear in the spring, and they can be windswept into sheltered areas. Swimmers should be vigilant for plastic-bottle looking "floats" which may be tinged purple or blue, and be very wary of what lies below the ocean's surface as their tentacles extend an average of 8 feet away from the float, but can be as long as 46 m (156 feet). Their tentacles cause an extremely painful sting, even if the Man 'o War is dead. Never touch a Portuguese Man 'o War, even if it is washed up on the shore, and beware of tentacles hidden beneath the sand. If you are stung, do not touch the tentacles but apply ocean water to remove them from the skin. Do not apply fresh cold water and do not urinate on the stung area, as this will cause the sting to worsen. Also do not use an EpiPen as this can cause a dangerous reaction. Soaking the effected area in hot water mixed with Epsom salts is recommended, and if a severe envenomation is observed, such as difficulty breathing, disorientation, dizziness, or extreme pain, seek medical attention immediately. ==Go next== '''Santa Maria''', nicknamed "The Sun Island," is the southeasternmost island in the Azores. With white sand beaches and protected natural tidal pools, Santa Maria is one of the more popular islands for swimming. The small island is a thirty minute flight or a three hour boat ride from Ponta Delgada. Interisland flights can be booked on '''SATA Air Açores'''. '''[https://www.atlanticoline.pt/p/p/ Atlanticoline]''' runs seasonal ferry service between Ponta Delgada and Vila do Porto, Santa Maria's marina, during the summer months. '''[[Terceira]]''', nicknamed "The Lilac Island," is a six-hour boat ride or 45-minute flight from Ponta Delgada. Unlike Santa Maria and São Miguel, which are rather spread out, Terceira is part of the Central Group of islands in the archipelago, along with [[Pico]], [[Faial]], [[São Jorge (Azores)|São Jorge]] and Graciosa, which are closer together and easier to travel between. {{IsPartOf|Azores}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.7667|-25.4667|zoom=10}} 3u3u6dtjnr2kdiezjuvxb8fo5eczc26 4488122 4488121 2022-07-22T07:26:30Z SpamHunters 2207375 /* Outdoor sport */ Deleted listing for Nature Break - website does not exist anymore wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''São Miguel''' is the largest and most populous island of the [[Azores]] archipelago. Portuguese for Saint Michael, the island is also known by locals as "The Green Island" (Portuguese: ''Ilha Verde''). Most visitors arriving to and from the Azores will pass through São Miguel. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ponta Delgada]]|wikidata=Q208149}} is the capital city of São Miguel, the economic heart of the island, and the administrative capital of the Azores region. Containing the island chain's major airport and the only major cruise ship terminal, many visitors to the region pass through Ponta Delgada before continuing to other destinations in the archipelago. The historic centre and most tourist attractions are located along the coastal Avenida Infante D. Henrique, which extends from the fort of São Brás in the southwest of the city to Clube Naval and the southeast Marina, and includes Campo de São Francisco, the Igreja Matriz (main church), the "Portas da Cidade" (City Gates) and the new "Portas do Mar" development. ** {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sete Cidades]]|wikidata=Q2003616}} is a parish covering the western part of the island, including the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Lagoa (Azores)|Lagoa]]|wikidata=Q564759}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nordeste]]|wikidata=Q564762}}, the northeastern section of São Miguel, contains many beautiful landscapes. Peppered with mountain peaks, forests, and river valleys, it is a popular spot for canyoning and other outdoor adventures. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Povoação]]|wikidata=Q565726}} ** {{marker|type=city|name=[[Furnas]]|wikidata=Q998510}}, the largest parish on the island, is famous for its geothermal activity. Hot springs and geysers are prevalent, and traditional meals are cooked via thermal energy in pots buried in the ground. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ribeira Grande (Azores)|Ribeira Grande]]|wikidata=Q565312}}, the second largest city (pop. 32,112 in 2011), is the gateway to the north and 20 minutes away from Ponta Delgada. It is known for its beautiful historic centre, its northern beaches for windsurfing, as well as being one of better access points to Lagoa do Fogo crater lake. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vila Franca de Campo]]|wikidata=Q565290}} is located on the southern coast of the island, further east than Ponta Delgada. Vila Franca was the original capital city of the Azores before a violent earthquake and subsequent landslide in 1522 destroyed much of the city and forced the capital to relocate to Ponta Delgada. A volcanic crater off the coast created a perfectly circular islet which is a protected nature sanctuary and a popular place for snorkeling. An hourly ferry carries snorkelers to and from the islet. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q208149|title=[[Ponta Delgada]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q564759|title=[[Lagoa (Azores)|Lagoa]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q564762|title=[[Nordeste]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565726|title=[[Povoação]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565312|title=[[Ribeira Grande (Azores)|Ribeira Grande]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565290|title=[[Vila Franca de Campo]]}} ==Other destinations== ==Understand== [[Image:Sao_Miguel-the_green_island.JPG|thumb|right|The landscape of eastern São Miguel]] [[File:LL-Q5146 (por)-Nelson Ricardo 2500-São Miguel.wav]] Although São Miguel ([[Portuguese_phrasebook#Pseudo-phoneticization|SUHNW mee-GEHL]], /ˈsɐ̃w mi.ˈgɛɫ/) is the largest of the Azores Islands in area, the vast majority of the island's 138,000 inhabitants live in the capital city of [[Ponta Delgada]], which as of 2011 had a population of just under 69,000, with the rest of the population clustered in a handful of cities and towns. Cities are a quaint mix of modern and traditional architecture, with beautiful old churches, windmills, and cobblestone streets existing beside more contemporary development. The rest of the island is a showcase to its spectacular natural landscape, with rolling hills, green forests, picturesque waterfalls and beautiful ocean views. Like most of the Azores, São Miguel has volcanic origins, and the remnants of several dormant volcanic cones create much of the island's scenic attractions, including the twin lakes of the Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Fogo (Fire Lake), and the popular snorkeling islet off the coast of Villa Franca de Campo. The island is geothermically active, especially in the Furnas area; bathing in natural hot springs is a popular activity and traditional meals are cooked in pots inside active vents. Those who enjoy outdoors adventure will love the island's numerous hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking, cycling, canyoning, surfing, and diving. Whale watching is also a popular activity in the summer months, as a diverse range of whale species can be found near the island. Although there are beaches of the black, volcanic, sand variety, most of the coastline is rocky and the surf and currents dangerous so it is not the ideal location for a traditional laid-back island beach vacation. However, for those who love the outdoors and a bit of adventure, São Miguel has a lot to offer. ==Get in== The most common entry point to the island is at Ponta Delgada, the island's capital, which is accessible by boat and plane. ===By plane=== * {{go | name=João Paulo II Airport | alt={{IATA|PDL}} | url=https://www.aeroportopontadelgada.pt/ | email= | address= | lat=37.7419 | long=-25.6978 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432424 | content=The main airport for the Azores, named after Pope John Paul II, is 1.9 km from the centre of Ponta Delgada. It has scheduled domestic flights to all islands of the Azores and handles international flights originating in Europe and North America. João Paulo is the hub for the inter-island carrier '''SATA Air Açores''' and its international affiliate, '''[https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en Azores Airlines]'''. }} ===By boat=== The marina at Ponta Delgada also welcomes many yachts and private boats from around the world that make São Miguel a port of call along their transatlantic travels.Visitors arriving by cruise ship will most likely be docked at '''Terminal Maritimo''' which is only a five minute walk into downtown Ponta Delgada. Some cruise ships dock further out by the breakwater, in which case it is a longer, 20-minute walk. There is seasonal (summer only) inter-island ferry service to São Miguel from Santa Maria in the east and [[Terceira]] via the ferry service '''[https://www.atlanticoline.pt/ Atlanticoline]'''. ==Get around== ===By car=== Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the island. São Miguel is small enough to drive in a day, and there are many areas that can only be accessed by car. Rental cars are available at Ponta Delgada Airport, and there are also rental companies which will pick you up at the airport and allow the car to be returned there. Plan ahead and reserve a vehicle with a rental company prior to your trip to avoid long waits at the agency or having to pick a less-than-ideal car. ===By taxi=== There are taxi services at the airport. As of July 2019, from the airport to Ponto Delgado city centre, 3 adults pay €10. ===By bus=== Bus routes that cover the entire island are probably the quickest, cheapest, and most eco friendly way to get around. There are three lines operated by three different companies. The buses are fairly old, but since distances are short, rides are rarely longer than 90 minutes. They're usually not too crowded and are very clean. Buses run the main avenue and are conveniently accessible from major sites in Ponta Delgada. In-town bus services are handled by smaller mini-buses with the larger touring buses handling community-to-community travel on the island. Both services are accessible along Avenida D. Infante Henriques and can confuse the unfamiliar traveller. Schedules are available at bus stops and the tourist office. ==See== Some of the best sights can be found on foot, and hiking is a popular activity on the island. Trail maps can be found at '''[http://trails.visitazores.com/en Trails Azores]''' and the phone app, '''[https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/walkme-portugal-trails/id599980706?mt=8 HikeMe Portugal]''' is useful for on-the-go navigation. [[File:Sete_cidades_twin_lakes.JPG|thumb|right|The Sete Cidades twin lakes, one azure and one gray.]] [[File:Sao Miguel Island (Azores). Sete Cidades Caldera, Lagoa de Santiago, Azores.jpg|thumb|right|Sete Cidades Caldera]] ===Crater lakes and calderas=== * {{see | name=Caldeira Velha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.78156 | long=-25.49956 | directions=between Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The caldera has rich tropical vegetation and hot springs which flow into bathing pools. }} * {{see | name=Lagoa da Fogo | alt=Fire Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.7627 | long=-25.4760 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A caldera lake high up in the mountain, part of a nature reserve, known for its dramatic views and white sand beach. }} * {{see | name=Lagoa das Furnas | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.7582 | long=-25.3331 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An active caldera with steam vents, mud pots, geysers, and hot springs. Locals cook food in earth ovens available in picnic areas}} * {{see | name=Lagoa das Sete Cidades | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.8587 | long=-25.7934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A set of lakes in a caldera northwest of [[Ponta Delgada]]. Steep mountain walls surround the twin lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. The colour of the lakes is explained in a local myth. There is an abandoned hotel nearby ([http://ragstocouture.com/abandoned-hotel-in-the-azores-checking-in-to-the-monte-palace Monte Palace]) with nice views of the twin lakes.}} * {{see | name=Ponta da Ferraria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.85347 | long=-25.85027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Geologically the youngest part of the island, with therapeutic hot springs that have been used since the 15th century. The best time to visit is at low tide. The water starts warming up approximately two hours before low tide and cools down two hours after. The water reaches temperatures up to 62º C (144 °F) but when mixed with ocean water, it reaches temperatures above 30º C (86 °F), depending on the tide. }} ===Historic buildings and museums=== * {{see | name=Farol da Ponta do Arnel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.82412 | long=-25.135973 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Historic and uniquely shaped lighthouse on a cliff in Nordeste. Amazing views but a steep walk. }} * {{see | name=Forte de São Brás | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.73630 | long=-25.67276 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Coastal Renaissance fortress dating to 1552, now home to a military history museum. }} * {{see | name=Nossa Senhora da Paz (Hermitage of Our Lady of Peace) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.72856 | long=-25.43137 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Beautiful 18th-century chapel on the hill looking over Vila Franca de Campo. }} ==Do== [[File:Sao Miguel Island, Caloura (Azores), Tea garden, Gorreana - Azores, Portugal.jpg|thumb|right|Tea plants of Gorreana]] ===Farm and food tours=== * {{do | name=A Arruda Pineapple Plantation | alt= | url=https://www.ananasesarruda.com/ | email= | address= | lat=37.76326 | long=-25.64118 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tour a working pineapple plantation, one of the few open to the public on the island. }} * {{do | name=A Mulher de Capote Liquor Factory | alt= | url=http://www.mulherdecapote.pt/en/site/ | email= | address= | lat=37.8149 | long=-25.5195 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A factory producing local fruit liquors and brandy. Take a tour and taste samples, also purchase locally made liquors. }} * {{do | name=Gorreana Tea Factory | alt= | url=https://gorreana.pt/en/ | email= | address= | lat=37.81838 | long=-25.40243 | directions=In ''Porto Formoso'' | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-29 | content=Europe's oldest and only operating tea factory. Take a self-guided tour of the plantation grounds through well-marked paths and a small museum featuring 19th-century machinery. }} * {{do | name=Quinta Das Raidas Farm | alt= | url=http://www.quintadasraiadas.com/en.html | email= | address= | lat=37.84742 | long=-25.83774 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Farm with horseback riding tours of Sete Cidades. }} ===Natural hot springs=== * {{do | name=Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.78432 | long=-25.50087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Nature preserve near Lagoa da Fogo including hot springs and shower facilities. }} * {{do | name=Poça da Dona Beija | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.76939 | long=-25.31934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hot springs facility featuring thermal pools, tropical landscaping, showers & a gift shop. }} * {{do | name=Terra Nosta Botanical Garden | alt= | url=http://www.parqueterranostra.com/ | email= | address= | lat=37.77259 | long=-25.31586 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A 200-year-old park featuring local flora and fauna, as well as outdoor mineral baths. }} ===Outdoor sport=== * {{do | name=Azorean Active Blueberry | alt= | url=http://www.azoreanactiveblueberry.com/ | email=info@azoreanactiveblueberry.com | address= | lat=37.84199 | long=-25.26699 | directions= | phone=+351 914 822 682 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Offers canyoning, climbing, and coasteering tours along different stretches of the island. Activities involve repelling, waterfall sliding, snorkeling, cliff jumping and climbing. }} * {{do | name=LS Catamarans | alt= | url=http://www.catazores.com/sobre.php?lang=en | email=info@catazores.com | address= | lat=37.74295 | long=-25.67311 | directions= | phone=+351 919 103 031 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small group catamaran cruises from the Ponta Delgada marina. Morning and afternoon trips as well as a sunset cruise with local cheese and wine are offered. }} * {{do | name=Azores Whale Watching Terra Azul | alt= | url=https://www.azoreswhalewatch.com/ | email=info@azoreswhalewatch.com | address=Marina Vila Franca do Campo 4 | lat=37.715780 | long=-25.429745 | directions=from Ponta Delgada city centre by auto, head east along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo; once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards sea level and the marina where their base and yellow boats are stationed - and free parking can be found | phone=+351 296 581 361 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-10-19| content=Offers wildlife tours such as whale watching, bird watching, swimming with dolphins tours, and snorkelling trips to the Islet of Vila Franca de Campo, and other volcanic and natural marvels in the island. }} *Extreme sports are also popular, such as biking, boating, motor sports, water skiing, surfing, four wheeling, hanggliding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, yachting, ziplining, scuba diving, wind surfing, rock climbing. ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Casa Maria de Deus | alt= | url=http://www.casamariadedeus.com/ | email=maria@casamariadedeus.com | address=Rua III Visconde Botelho 4, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, [[Povoação]] | lat=37.7606 | long=-25.234 | directions= | phone=+351 296 559 076 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=<!--Move to [[Povoação]] after the article is created.-->Casa Maria de Deus has been a home for many people travelling to the area for 25 years. A comfortable place to stay in a small village and experience village life of times past. }} ==Stay safe== There is very little crime on the island. Most crimes are drug-related and are generally localized to Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. However, petty theft from vehicles does occur, so it is prudent to lock your car and not leave any valuables in sight, especially when parking at trail heads for an extended hike. Exercise caution driving as roads are often narrow, with blind curves and steep inclines. Wandering livestock and poor lighting are also potential hazards. Pay close attention to any warning signs regarding inclines and avoid dirt or poorly designated roads that are unfamiliar as their conditions may deteriorate at a point in which it is too late to turn back and can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Some deteriorated roads are populated by thieves looking to pilfer from broken-down vehicles. On the beaches, watch out for large waves and strong undertow currents and obey any lifeguards or warning flags which may be present. Unsurprisingly, the Azores, including São Miguel, contain one of the world's largest populations of the venomous Portuguese Man 'o War. The largest concentration of the jellyfish-like creatures appear in the spring, and they can be windswept into sheltered areas. Swimmers should be vigilant for plastic-bottle looking "floats" which may be tinged purple or blue, and be very wary of what lies below the ocean's surface as their tentacles extend an average of 8 feet away from the float, but can be as long as 46 m (156 feet). Their tentacles cause an extremely painful sting, even if the Man 'o War is dead. Never touch a Portuguese Man 'o War, even if it is washed up on the shore, and beware of tentacles hidden beneath the sand. If you are stung, do not touch the tentacles but apply ocean water to remove them from the skin. Do not apply fresh cold water and do not urinate on the stung area, as this will cause the sting to worsen. Also do not use an EpiPen as this can cause a dangerous reaction. Soaking the effected area in hot water mixed with Epsom salts is recommended, and if a severe envenomation is observed, such as difficulty breathing, disorientation, dizziness, or extreme pain, seek medical attention immediately. ==Go next== '''Santa Maria''', nicknamed "The Sun Island," is the southeasternmost island in the Azores. With white sand beaches and protected natural tidal pools, Santa Maria is one of the more popular islands for swimming. The small island is a thirty minute flight or a three hour boat ride from Ponta Delgada. Interisland flights can be booked on '''SATA Air Açores'''. '''[https://www.atlanticoline.pt/p/p/ Atlanticoline]''' runs seasonal ferry service between Ponta Delgada and Vila do Porto, Santa Maria's marina, during the summer months. '''[[Terceira]]''', nicknamed "The Lilac Island," is a six-hour boat ride or 45-minute flight from Ponta Delgada. Unlike Santa Maria and São Miguel, which are rather spread out, Terceira is part of the Central Group of islands in the archipelago, along with [[Pico]], [[Faial]], [[São Jorge (Azores)|São Jorge]] and Graciosa, which are closer together and easier to travel between. {{IsPartOf|Azores}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.7667|-25.4667|zoom=10}} fuksq7nr4qgjlmdhxza5jt8qayft6ll 4488123 4488122 2022-07-22T07:27:11Z SpamHunters 2207375 /* Outdoor sport */ Updated listing for LS Catamarans wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner}} '''São Miguel''' is the largest and most populous island of the [[Azores]] archipelago. Portuguese for Saint Michael, the island is also known by locals as "The Green Island" (Portuguese: ''Ilha Verde''). Most visitors arriving to and from the Azores will pass through São Miguel. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ponta Delgada]]|wikidata=Q208149}} is the capital city of São Miguel, the economic heart of the island, and the administrative capital of the Azores region. Containing the island chain's major airport and the only major cruise ship terminal, many visitors to the region pass through Ponta Delgada before continuing to other destinations in the archipelago. The historic centre and most tourist attractions are located along the coastal Avenida Infante D. Henrique, which extends from the fort of São Brás in the southwest of the city to Clube Naval and the southeast Marina, and includes Campo de São Francisco, the Igreja Matriz (main church), the "Portas da Cidade" (City Gates) and the new "Portas do Mar" development. ** {{marker|type=city|name=[[Sete Cidades]]|wikidata=Q2003616}} is a parish covering the western part of the island, including the famous twin crater lakes, Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Lagoa (Azores)|Lagoa]]|wikidata=Q564759}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nordeste]]|wikidata=Q564762}}, the northeastern section of São Miguel, contains many beautiful landscapes. Peppered with mountain peaks, forests, and river valleys, it is a popular spot for canyoning and other outdoor adventures. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Povoação]]|wikidata=Q565726}} ** {{marker|type=city|name=[[Furnas]]|wikidata=Q998510}}, the largest parish on the island, is famous for its geothermal activity. Hot springs and geysers are prevalent, and traditional meals are cooked via thermal energy in pots buried in the ground. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ribeira Grande (Azores)|Ribeira Grande]]|wikidata=Q565312}}, the second largest city (pop. 32,112 in 2011), is the gateway to the north and 20 minutes away from Ponta Delgada. It is known for its beautiful historic centre, its northern beaches for windsurfing, as well as being one of better access points to Lagoa do Fogo crater lake. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vila Franca de Campo]]|wikidata=Q565290}} is located on the southern coast of the island, further east than Ponta Delgada. Vila Franca was the original capital city of the Azores before a violent earthquake and subsequent landslide in 1522 destroyed much of the city and forced the capital to relocate to Ponta Delgada. A volcanic crater off the coast created a perfectly circular islet which is a protected nature sanctuary and a popular place for snorkeling. An hourly ferry carries snorkelers to and from the islet. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q208149|title=[[Ponta Delgada]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q564759|title=[[Lagoa (Azores)|Lagoa]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q564762|title=[[Nordeste]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565726|title=[[Povoação]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565312|title=[[Ribeira Grande (Azores)|Ribeira Grande]]}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#FFFFFF|wikidata=Q565290|title=[[Vila Franca de Campo]]}} ==Other destinations== ==Understand== [[Image:Sao_Miguel-the_green_island.JPG|thumb|right|The landscape of eastern São Miguel]] [[File:LL-Q5146 (por)-Nelson Ricardo 2500-São Miguel.wav]] Although São Miguel ([[Portuguese_phrasebook#Pseudo-phoneticization|SUHNW mee-GEHL]], /ˈsɐ̃w mi.ˈgɛɫ/) is the largest of the Azores Islands in area, the vast majority of the island's 138,000 inhabitants live in the capital city of [[Ponta Delgada]], which as of 2011 had a population of just under 69,000, with the rest of the population clustered in a handful of cities and towns. Cities are a quaint mix of modern and traditional architecture, with beautiful old churches, windmills, and cobblestone streets existing beside more contemporary development. The rest of the island is a showcase to its spectacular natural landscape, with rolling hills, green forests, picturesque waterfalls and beautiful ocean views. Like most of the Azores, São Miguel has volcanic origins, and the remnants of several dormant volcanic cones create much of the island's scenic attractions, including the twin lakes of the Sete Cidades, Lagoa de Fogo (Fire Lake), and the popular snorkeling islet off the coast of Villa Franca de Campo. The island is geothermically active, especially in the Furnas area; bathing in natural hot springs is a popular activity and traditional meals are cooked in pots inside active vents. Those who enjoy outdoors adventure will love the island's numerous hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking, cycling, canyoning, surfing, and diving. Whale watching is also a popular activity in the summer months, as a diverse range of whale species can be found near the island. Although there are beaches of the black, volcanic, sand variety, most of the coastline is rocky and the surf and currents dangerous so it is not the ideal location for a traditional laid-back island beach vacation. However, for those who love the outdoors and a bit of adventure, São Miguel has a lot to offer. ==Get in== The most common entry point to the island is at Ponta Delgada, the island's capital, which is accessible by boat and plane. ===By plane=== * {{go | name=João Paulo II Airport | alt={{IATA|PDL}} | url=https://www.aeroportopontadelgada.pt/ | email= | address= | lat=37.7419 | long=-25.6978 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1432424 | content=The main airport for the Azores, named after Pope John Paul II, is 1.9 km from the centre of Ponta Delgada. It has scheduled domestic flights to all islands of the Azores and handles international flights originating in Europe and North America. João Paulo is the hub for the inter-island carrier '''SATA Air Açores''' and its international affiliate, '''[https://www.azoresairlines.pt/en Azores Airlines]'''. }} ===By boat=== The marina at Ponta Delgada also welcomes many yachts and private boats from around the world that make São Miguel a port of call along their transatlantic travels.Visitors arriving by cruise ship will most likely be docked at '''Terminal Maritimo''' which is only a five minute walk into downtown Ponta Delgada. Some cruise ships dock further out by the breakwater, in which case it is a longer, 20-minute walk. There is seasonal (summer only) inter-island ferry service to São Miguel from Santa Maria in the east and [[Terceira]] via the ferry service '''[https://www.atlanticoline.pt/ Atlanticoline]'''. ==Get around== ===By car=== Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the island. São Miguel is small enough to drive in a day, and there are many areas that can only be accessed by car. Rental cars are available at Ponta Delgada Airport, and there are also rental companies which will pick you up at the airport and allow the car to be returned there. Plan ahead and reserve a vehicle with a rental company prior to your trip to avoid long waits at the agency or having to pick a less-than-ideal car. ===By taxi=== There are taxi services at the airport. As of July 2019, from the airport to Ponto Delgado city centre, 3 adults pay €10. ===By bus=== Bus routes that cover the entire island are probably the quickest, cheapest, and most eco friendly way to get around. There are three lines operated by three different companies. The buses are fairly old, but since distances are short, rides are rarely longer than 90 minutes. They're usually not too crowded and are very clean. Buses run the main avenue and are conveniently accessible from major sites in Ponta Delgada. In-town bus services are handled by smaller mini-buses with the larger touring buses handling community-to-community travel on the island. Both services are accessible along Avenida D. Infante Henriques and can confuse the unfamiliar traveller. Schedules are available at bus stops and the tourist office. ==See== Some of the best sights can be found on foot, and hiking is a popular activity on the island. Trail maps can be found at '''[http://trails.visitazores.com/en Trails Azores]''' and the phone app, '''[https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/walkme-portugal-trails/id599980706?mt=8 HikeMe Portugal]''' is useful for on-the-go navigation. [[File:Sete_cidades_twin_lakes.JPG|thumb|right|The Sete Cidades twin lakes, one azure and one gray.]] [[File:Sao Miguel Island (Azores). Sete Cidades Caldera, Lagoa de Santiago, Azores.jpg|thumb|right|Sete Cidades Caldera]] ===Crater lakes and calderas=== * {{see | name=Caldeira Velha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.78156 | long=-25.49956 | directions=between Lagoa do Fogo and Ribeira Grande | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The caldera has rich tropical vegetation and hot springs which flow into bathing pools. }} * {{see | name=Lagoa da Fogo | alt=Fire Lake | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.7627 | long=-25.4760 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A caldera lake high up in the mountain, part of a nature reserve, known for its dramatic views and white sand beach. }} * {{see | name=Lagoa das Furnas | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.7582 | long=-25.3331 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An active caldera with steam vents, mud pots, geysers, and hot springs. Locals cook food in earth ovens available in picnic areas}} * {{see | name=Lagoa das Sete Cidades | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.8587 | long=-25.7934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A set of lakes in a caldera northwest of [[Ponta Delgada]]. Steep mountain walls surround the twin lakes, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. The colour of the lakes is explained in a local myth. There is an abandoned hotel nearby ([http://ragstocouture.com/abandoned-hotel-in-the-azores-checking-in-to-the-monte-palace Monte Palace]) with nice views of the twin lakes.}} * {{see | name=Ponta da Ferraria | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.85347 | long=-25.85027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Geologically the youngest part of the island, with therapeutic hot springs that have been used since the 15th century. The best time to visit is at low tide. The water starts warming up approximately two hours before low tide and cools down two hours after. The water reaches temperatures up to 62º C (144 °F) but when mixed with ocean water, it reaches temperatures above 30º C (86 °F), depending on the tide. }} ===Historic buildings and museums=== * {{see | name=Farol da Ponta do Arnel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.82412 | long=-25.135973 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Historic and uniquely shaped lighthouse on a cliff in Nordeste. Amazing views but a steep walk. }} * {{see | name=Forte de São Brás | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.73630 | long=-25.67276 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Coastal Renaissance fortress dating to 1552, now home to a military history museum. }} * {{see | name=Nossa Senhora da Paz (Hermitage of Our Lady of Peace) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.72856 | long=-25.43137 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Beautiful 18th-century chapel on the hill looking over Vila Franca de Campo. }} ==Do== [[File:Sao Miguel Island, Caloura (Azores), Tea garden, Gorreana - Azores, Portugal.jpg|thumb|right|Tea plants of Gorreana]] ===Farm and food tours=== * {{do | name=A Arruda Pineapple Plantation | alt= | url=https://www.ananasesarruda.com/ | email= | address= | lat=37.76326 | long=-25.64118 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Tour a working pineapple plantation, one of the few open to the public on the island. }} * {{do | name=A Mulher de Capote Liquor Factory | alt= | url=http://www.mulherdecapote.pt/en/site/ | email= | address= | lat=37.8149 | long=-25.5195 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A factory producing local fruit liquors and brandy. Take a tour and taste samples, also purchase locally made liquors. }} * {{do | name=Gorreana Tea Factory | alt= | url=https://gorreana.pt/en/ | email= | address= | lat=37.81838 | long=-25.40243 | directions=In ''Porto Formoso'' | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-29 | content=Europe's oldest and only operating tea factory. Take a self-guided tour of the plantation grounds through well-marked paths and a small museum featuring 19th-century machinery. }} * {{do | name=Quinta Das Raidas Farm | alt= | url=http://www.quintadasraiadas.com/en.html | email= | address= | lat=37.84742 | long=-25.83774 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Farm with horseback riding tours of Sete Cidades. }} ===Natural hot springs=== * {{do | name=Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Caldeira Velha | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.78432 | long=-25.50087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Nature preserve near Lagoa da Fogo including hot springs and shower facilities. }} * {{do | name=Poça da Dona Beija | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.76939 | long=-25.31934 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hot springs facility featuring thermal pools, tropical landscaping, showers & a gift shop. }} * {{do | name=Terra Nosta Botanical Garden | alt= | url=http://www.parqueterranostra.com/ | email= | address= | lat=37.77259 | long=-25.31586 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A 200-year-old park featuring local flora and fauna, as well as outdoor mineral baths. }} ===Outdoor sport=== * {{do | name=Azorean Active Blueberry | alt= | url=http://www.azoreanactiveblueberry.com/ | email=info@azoreanactiveblueberry.com | address= | lat=37.84199 | long=-25.26699 | directions= | phone=+351 914 822 682 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Offers canyoning, climbing, and coasteering tours along different stretches of the island. Activities involve repelling, waterfall sliding, snorkeling, cliff jumping and climbing. }} * {{do | name=LS Catamarans | alt= | url=http://www.catazores.com/sobre.php?lang=en | email=info@catazores.com | address= | lat=37.74295 | long=-25.67311 | directions= | phone=+351 919 103 031 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Small group catamaran cruises from the Ponta Delgada marina. Morning and afternoon trips as well as a sunset cruise with local cheese and wine are offered. Private tours. }} * {{do | name=Azores Whale Watching Terra Azul | alt= | url=https://www.azoreswhalewatch.com/ | email=info@azoreswhalewatch.com | address=Marina Vila Franca do Campo 4 | lat=37.715780 | long=-25.429745 | directions=from Ponta Delgada city centre by auto, head east along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo; once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards sea level and the marina where their base and yellow boats are stationed - and free parking can be found | phone=+351 296 581 361 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-10-19| content=Offers wildlife tours such as whale watching, bird watching, swimming with dolphins tours, and snorkelling trips to the Islet of Vila Franca de Campo, and other volcanic and natural marvels in the island. }} *Extreme sports are also popular, such as biking, boating, motor sports, water skiing, surfing, four wheeling, hanggliding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, yachting, ziplining, scuba diving, wind surfing, rock climbing. ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Casa Maria de Deus | alt= | url=http://www.casamariadedeus.com/ | email=maria@casamariadedeus.com | address=Rua III Visconde Botelho 4, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, [[Povoação]] | lat=37.7606 | long=-25.234 | directions= | phone=+351 296 559 076 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=<!--Move to [[Povoação]] after the article is created.-->Casa Maria de Deus has been a home for many people travelling to the area for 25 years. A comfortable place to stay in a small village and experience village life of times past. }} ==Stay safe== There is very little crime on the island. Most crimes are drug-related and are generally localized to Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. However, petty theft from vehicles does occur, so it is prudent to lock your car and not leave any valuables in sight, especially when parking at trail heads for an extended hike. Exercise caution driving as roads are often narrow, with blind curves and steep inclines. Wandering livestock and poor lighting are also potential hazards. Pay close attention to any warning signs regarding inclines and avoid dirt or poorly designated roads that are unfamiliar as their conditions may deteriorate at a point in which it is too late to turn back and can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Some deteriorated roads are populated by thieves looking to pilfer from broken-down vehicles. On the beaches, watch out for large waves and strong undertow currents and obey any lifeguards or warning flags which may be present. Unsurprisingly, the Azores, including São Miguel, contain one of the world's largest populations of the venomous Portuguese Man 'o War. The largest concentration of the jellyfish-like creatures appear in the spring, and they can be windswept into sheltered areas. Swimmers should be vigilant for plastic-bottle looking "floats" which may be tinged purple or blue, and be very wary of what lies below the ocean's surface as their tentacles extend an average of 8 feet away from the float, but can be as long as 46 m (156 feet). Their tentacles cause an extremely painful sting, even if the Man 'o War is dead. Never touch a Portuguese Man 'o War, even if it is washed up on the shore, and beware of tentacles hidden beneath the sand. If you are stung, do not touch the tentacles but apply ocean water to remove them from the skin. Do not apply fresh cold water and do not urinate on the stung area, as this will cause the sting to worsen. Also do not use an EpiPen as this can cause a dangerous reaction. Soaking the effected area in hot water mixed with Epsom salts is recommended, and if a severe envenomation is observed, such as difficulty breathing, disorientation, dizziness, or extreme pain, seek medical attention immediately. ==Go next== '''Santa Maria''', nicknamed "The Sun Island," is the southeasternmost island in the Azores. With white sand beaches and protected natural tidal pools, Santa Maria is one of the more popular islands for swimming. The small island is a thirty minute flight or a three hour boat ride from Ponta Delgada. Interisland flights can be booked on '''SATA Air Açores'''. '''[https://www.atlanticoline.pt/p/p/ Atlanticoline]''' runs seasonal ferry service between Ponta Delgada and Vila do Porto, Santa Maria's marina, during the summer months. '''[[Terceira]]''', nicknamed "The Lilac Island," is a six-hour boat ride or 45-minute flight from Ponta Delgada. Unlike Santa Maria and São Miguel, which are rather spread out, Terceira is part of the Central Group of islands in the archipelago, along with [[Pico]], [[Faial]], [[São Jorge (Azores)|São Jorge]] and Graciosa, which are closer together and easier to travel between. {{IsPartOf|Azores}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|37.7667|-25.4667|zoom=10}} hd7c1g56ffwniphlz38pq66qakyolwd 0 31935 4488014 4483652 2022-07-21T23:13:08Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Scranton Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[File:Downtown Scranton.JPG|thumb|Scranton skyline]] '''[http://www.scrantonpa.gov/ Scranton]''' is a city in northeastern [[Pennsylvania]]. It is near [[Wilkes-Barre]], and is the seventh most populous city in the state. Today, it is perhaps best known as the setting of the hit TV show "The Office" and the birthplace of Joe Biden, the 46^th [[Presidents of the United States|President of the United States]]. ==Understand== The city grew vigorously in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a capital of coal mining and railroads, which were vital to the expanding industry in this part of the country. Prosperity subsided and economic distress followed for decades. Property values have since increased as Scranton is gaining employers and investment. From 2005 to 2013, Scranton entered American popular culture as the setting for the U.S. version of the TV series ''The Office'' (though only the opening credits were shot in the city). ==Get in== ====By plane==== * {{listing | type=go | name=Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport | alt={{IATA|AVP}} | url=http://www.flyavp.com/ | email= | address= | lat=41.338333 | long=-75.723333 | directions=20 minutes south of the city in Avoca | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport | image=KAVP Terminals.jpg | wikidata=Q255637 | content=The airport operates daily flights to [[Atlanta]], [[Charlotte]], [[Chicago]]-[[O'Hare International Airport|O'Hare]], [[Detroit]], [[Newark (New Jersey)|Newark]], and [[Philadelphia]]. Rental cars are available from Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Alamo at the terminal. }} Scranton is within three hours driving distance from [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] ({{IATA|EWR}}) in New Jersey, [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] {{IATA|JFK}} and LaGuardia Airport ({{IATA|LGA}}) in New York City, [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) in Philadelphia, and [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] {{IATA|ABE}} in [[Allentown]]. ====By car==== Scranton is accessible primarily by car (or by coach bus): * I-84 west from New England. * I-80 east to I-380 north from New York City; west from Erie, State College, and Pittsburgh. * I-476 (PA Turnpike Northeast Extension) north from Allentown and Philadelphia * I-81 south from Ontario/Quebec and Syracuse; north from Washington DC via Harrisburg ====By bus==== Scranton is also served by multiple [[bus travel in North America|bus lines]]. All buses stop at {{marker|type=go|name=Scranton Transportation Center|lat=41.410199|long=-75.671173}}, located a few blocks from downtown on Lackawanna Ave. * '''[http://www.martztrailways.com/ Martz Trailways]''', operates routes to New York City and Philadelphia daily, and to other Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York destinations. Check website for schedules and fares. * '''[http://www.greyhound.com/ Greyhound Bus Line]''', has a stop in Scranton and travels to Harrisburg, Binghamton, Allentown, Philadelphia, New York City, and beyond. Check website for schedule and tickets. ====By train==== The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority is working with New Jersey Transit to bring a passenger railroad back to Scranton from New York City and its western suburbs. ==Get around== {{mapframe|layer=W}} ===By bicycle=== The Electric City is a growing biker/commuter city. Gas prices going up help many to decide alternative means of getting to work, restaurants, and shopping. While Scranton does not provide cyclists with bike lanes popular to Philadelphia, New York City, and other big cities, some groups try to bring biker awareness and safety to light. The last Friday of every month, 6PM North Washington side of the courthouse, is where you can find bikers of all sorts gathering to participate in Critical Mass. It is a gathering of cyclists of sorts to participate in a huge group ride. The purpose of Critical Mass is to bring awareness of bicyclists to the public. Some forms Critical Mass have been used to protest certain events, be it political, social, and so on. Careful, you may see the car, but they don't always see you. ===By car=== Virtually all transportation throughout the city is by car. North Main Avenue and the North Scranton Expressway travel north to the Providence section and to the shopping centers of Dickson City. Green Ridge Street and the Central Scranton expressway travel east to the large suburb of Dunmore and I-81. Pittston and Cedar Avenues are the main routes through "South Side" to the Minooka section and beyond to the attractions of Montage Mountain. South Main Avenue and Keyser Avenue are likewise the main routes through "West Side". The [http://www.scrantonparking.com/index.html/ Scranton Parking Authority] operates four daily parking garages in the city. The garages are Casey Garage (corner of Lackawanna Ave. & Adams Ave.), Linden Street Garage (corner of Linden St. & N. Washington St.), Medallion Garage (100 Block of Adams Ave.), and the Electric City Garage (with entrances on Spruce St. & Penn Ave.). Rates are $1.75/1st hour and about $0.75/hr afterwards. They're open daily from 7AM-11PM, with Linden St. open 7AM-2AM on Saturdays. Private taxicabs such as Posten and McCarthy service the area as well. They are hired by telephone through central dispatch and cannot be hailed on the street as in larger cities. ====On foot==== Walking is also safe and practical in "Central City" (or "Central Scranton"/"Downtown Scranton"). This area of two dozen square blocks (approximately bound by Lackawanna Ave. and Jefferson, Vine, and Mifflin Sts.) contains a great deal of what Scranton has to offer tourists, so it may be best to just park at one of many garages for a reasonable day-long fee. ====By bus==== [http://www.coltsbus.com/ County of Lackawanna Transit System] (COLTS) also operates public buses throughout all parts of the city and a few Lackawanna County extremities. Rates are $1.25/ride, $11/10 rides (adult), $10/10 rides (student), or $40/31 day unlimited pass. Travel times are a little more than twice what it would take driving the same route. The system typically operates from 7AM-7PM, check the website for exact schedule. COLTS does not operate on Sundays or Holidays. ==See== Scranton is host to many architecturally interesting buildings from the early 1900s, most notably the '''county courthouse''' in the middle of Central City. Also downtown: * The former '''Lackawanna Train Station & Headquarters''', 700 Lackawanna Ave., which has been converted to a Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel (See "Sleep" section for more information about the Radisson Hotel). * {{see | name=The University of Scranton | alt= | url=http://www.scranton.edu | email= | address= | lat=41.406 | long=-75.657 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2495907 | lastedit=2021-02-10 | content=The university was founded in 1888, it is a nationally recognized Catholic and Jesuit university. It consists of approximately 5,600 students. The campus extends southeast from Central City throughout the Hill section. The University of Scranton has a beautiful campus; there is plenty of green space, a combination of old and new buildings that have been merged to make up the campus. The University of Scranton offers as many as 56 undergraduate degree programs and 25 graduate programs. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple | alt= | url=http://www.scrantonculturalcenter.org/ | email= | address=420 N Washington Ave | lat=41.410808 | long=-75.660153 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7438742 | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=It was built as the Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral. Over the years it has become a central hub for live performances in the area. The Scranton Cultural Center is a great place to see a concert (either in the building ballroom or in the theatre). The venue can also be rented out for weddings, conferences, and other special events. The Scranton Cultural Center is approximately 180,000 square feet, the building houses 2 theatres, meeting rooms, a chapel, a grand ballroom as well as numerous other rooms and areas. }} * {{see | name=Steamtown National Historic Site | alt=Steamtown | url=https://www.nps.gov/stea/index.htm | email= | address=Cliff Street west of Lackawanna Avenue | lat=41.4073 | long=-75.6713 | directions=GPS will take you to 150 S Washington Avenue, but there is no public access at that address. | phone=+1 570 340-5200 | tollfree=+1-888-693-9391 | hours=The park is open daily 9AM-5PM, and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days | price=Admission no longer charged as of 2017 | wikidata=Q2335347 | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=The Steamtown National Historic Site offers tours of a train yard, locomotives, etc. A model train layout and other railroad memorabilia are located at Steamtown. }} * {{see | name=Electric City Trolley Museum | alt=ECTMA | url=http://www.ectma.org/ | email= | address=300 Cliff St | lat=41.4094 | long=-75.6731 | directions= | phone=+1 570 963-6590 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5357338 | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=Cliff Street. On the site of the Steamtown National Historic Site. Offers trolley rides 9AM-5PM W-Su through October and on selected weekends afterwards. Check site for specifics. The Electric City Trolley Museum Association is a volunteer non-profit group that supports the activities of the Electric City Trolley Museum in downtown Scranton. The Electric City Trolley museum is closely affiliated with the Steamtown National Historic Site. During baseball season, trolley service is provided to PNC Field, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders. }} * {{see | name=The Houdini Museum | alt= | url=http://Houdini.org | email= | address=1433 N Main St | lat=41.4326 | long=-75.663 | directions= | phone=+1 570 342-5555 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5912790 | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=Open all weekends throughout the year, including Thanksgiving, Presidents Weekend, Fathers Day Weekend, Mothers Day Weekend, Easter Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend 1-4PM. Reservations required. Open weekends in June and every day in July and August through Labor Day Weekend. A major 2½-3 hour event that includes a rare film, a guided tour, and an hour magic show with many live animals. Featuring nationally known television celebrity magicians Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz. }} * {{see | name=Nay Aug Park | alt= | url=http://www.scrantonpa.gov/nayaug_park.html | email= | address=500 Arthur Ave | lat=41.4014 | long=-75.6428 | directions= | phone=+1 570 348-4189 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6983013 | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=The city's largest park; offering two Olympic-sized pools, multiple playgrounds, a waterslide park, walking trails, picnic areas, kid-friendly rides. Nay Aug Park grants residents and visitors a touch of nature amongst the city's landscape, which may be hard to find in downtown Scranton. The Everhart Museum is also in Nay Aug Park. A rock-strewn gorge and waterfalls add to the allure and have been named a National Natural Landmark. In 2007, a pedestrian footbridge was constructed allowing access to the parkland across the Roaring Brook. }} * {{see | name=Everhart Museum | alt= | url=http://www.everhart-museum.org | email= | address=1901 Mulberry St | lat=41.4006 | long=-75.6442 | directions= | phone=+1 570 346-7186 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5417261 | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=Natural History, Science, and Art Museum on site of Nay Aug Park. Check site for special events. $5/adults, $3 seniors, $2/children, free/ages 5 & under. M Th F noon-4PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. The Everhart Museum is the largest public museum in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is collecting, preserving, and caring for a wide variety of artifacts. The Everhart Museum was founded in 1908 by Dr. Isaiah Fawkes Everhart. }} * {{see | name=Scranton Iron Furnaces | alt= | url=http://www.anthracitemuseum.org/iron%20furnaces.htm | email= | address=159 Cedar Ave | lat=41.404444 | long=-75.6625 | directions= | phone=+1 570 963-3208 | tollfree= | hours=Open year-round, 9AM-5PM. Visitors' center open seasonally | price= | wikidata=Q7438748 | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=Blast furnaces built between 1848 and 1857. The Scranton Iron Furnaces is near the Steamtown National Historic Site. The Iron Furnaces represent the early iron industry in the United States. There are four massive stone blast furnaces that still remain at the historic site and are the sole remnants of a once extensive plant operated by the Lackawanna Iron & Steel Company. }} *{{see | name=Lake Scranton | alt= | url=http://www.visitpa.com/pa-bird-wildlife-watching/lake-scranton | email= | address= | lat=41.383333 | long=-75.633333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lake Scranton | image=Lake Scranton, Pennsylvania.jpg | wikidata=Q28373784 | content=Lake Scranton is owned and operated by Pennsylvania American Water Company for the water supply of Scranton. The trail is accessible to everyone and is popular with joggers and families with strollers. }} *{{listing | type=see | name=William J. Nealon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse | alt= | url= | email= | address=235 N Washington Ave | lat=41.408137 | long=-75.662312 | directions= | phone=+1 570 346-7277 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q8013302 | lastedit=2019-09-07 | content=The William J. Nealon Court houses the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and a U.S. post office. The building was constructed in 1930-1931 to accommodate the needs to the growing city of Scranton. At the time, the court house was much smaller than it is today. In 1981 the GSA (U.S General Services Administration) purchased the building from the post office. In 1999, additions to the Federal building were begun, including construction of the atrium. In the same year, the building was renamed in honor of the city's historic judge, William J. Nealon. }} *Fans of the US version of '''''The Office''''' looking for Scranton Business Park (AKA the Dunder-Mifflin building) at 1725 Slough Avenue will sadly be disappointed! Although the series did feature scenes filmed on location in Scranton, neither the building itself nor Slough Avenue actually exists. The outdoor shots of the Business Park were actually the exterior of Chandler Valley Studios in Van Nuys, California. ==Do== * {{do | name=Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour | alt= | url=http://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/attractions/coal-mine | email= | address=McDade Park, Keyser Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 963-MINE | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2019-09-01| content=A 1/4-mile walking tour of a defunct coal mine. Large museum of artifacts relating to anthracite mining and people of the region. Gift shop. Open April 1st through November 30th, except Easter and Thanksgiving. Enter the 400-foot deep mine in a winched railcar. |wikipedia=Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour}} * {{do | name=Montage Mountain Ski Resort | alt= | url=https://www.montagemountainresorts.com/ | email= | address=1000 Montage Mountain Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 969-7669 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Skiing in winter, world-famous musical acts in concert at the Toyota Pavilion in summer, as well as a water park and zip line ride. }} * {{do | name=Scranton Ghost Walk | alt= | url=http://www.scrantonghostwalk.com | email= | address=Court House Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 383-1821 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 8PM by reservation | price= | content=90-minute scenic walk of Scranton's historic district, the most scenic and most haunted part of the city. They even go into a landmark historic building for a short time that is certified haunted by several paranormal groups. }} * {{do | name=The Icebox Skating Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=3 W Olive St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ice and roller skating year round. The Icebox Skating complex has multiple roller blade or ice skating rinks. It also offers an extensive game room, concession stands and a gift store. The Icebox Skating Complex is a great place to have a birthday party for children, school field trips, or just to spend quality time with family and friends. }} * {{do | name=Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders | alt= | url=http://www.milb.com/scranton-wb | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=AAA [[baseball]], PNC Field, Moosic. The highest level minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees. Home games from April through September. Check website for tickets and dates. }} *{{do | name=Scranton Cultural Center | alt= | url=http://www.scrantonculturalcenter.org/ | email= | address=200 N Washington Ave, Courthouse Sq | lat=41.410808 | long=-75.660153 | directions= | phone=+1 570-344-1111 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7438742 | content=Completed in 1930, this dramatic structure was built as a Masonic Temple and Scottish Rite Cathedral. Today, it hosts social functions, corporate meetings, cultural events, and theater performances. Tours are available. }} *{{do | name=Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons, Inc. | url=http://www.weflyhotair.com | email= | address=R.R.#1 Box 95, Dalton | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Enjoy a spectacular champagne hot air balloon flight over scenic Northeastern Pennsylvania. Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons invites you to experience the exciting sport of hot air ballooning. Also offering tethers and commercial promotions. }} *{{do | name=Psychic Theater's Hauntedǃ Mysteries of THE Beyond. | alt= | url=http://www.psychictheater.com | email= | address=1433 N Main Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 383-9297 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Saturday evenings and other evenings as scheduled. Reservations required. | price=̩$35.00 | content=Picked by The Pennsylvania Department of Tourism as One of the Most Haunted Places in the State. A psychic paranormal evening ending with a seance in the dark. }} *{{do | name=Toyota Amphitheater | url= | email= | address=1000 Montage Mountain Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 961-9000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This location used to be the Montage Mountain Amphitheater, a temporary structure designed to hold small concerts. In 1999, Lackawanna County built a permanent amphitheater next to the Montage Mountain Ski Resort (now Sno Mountain). This concert venue has seating for 7,000 people covered under the pavilion roof, in addition to room for another 10,500 on the lawn (a large grassy hill behind the pavilion). In 2002, The Montage Mountain Amphitheater was purchased from the county by Clear Channel Communications and the name of the venue changed to the Ford Pavilion. In 2006 the amphitheater changed ownership again, leaving Clear Channel behind and merging with Live Nation. The name of the venue changed yet again, becoming known as the Toyota Pavilion. On February 15, 2007, the tent roof of the pavilion collapsed. This occurred because of the weight of snow and ice from the previous day's blizzard. A new roof was completed in time for the summer 2007 concert season. The concert venue has hosted many large acts such as Dave Matthews Band, The Dead, REO Speedwagon, Kanye West, Rush, Meatloaf, the Vans Warp tour, The Allman Brothers Band, Sammy Hagar, Def Leopard, and many more. }} *{{do | name=Cinemark Theatres | url= | email= | address=40 Glenmaura Blvd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-326-3264 ext 1133 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A large movie theater right outside of Scranton. It has 20 different movie theaters in which they run new released movies day and night. Theaters vary in size from large to small scale. It's said to be the best seat in town! }} *{{buy | name=Wisecrackers Comedy Club | url=http://www.wisecrackers.biz/ScrantonClub.html | email= | address=300 Meadow Ave | lat= | long= | directions=Exit #184 off I-81 | phone=+1 570 788-8451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$12 | content=It's in the Clarion Hotel's Hub lounge, with shows every Friday 9PM, Saturday 8 & 10:30PM as needed. Doors open one hour before showtime. 21 and up. Excellent food, good drinks, lots of fun. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=The Mall at Steamtown | alt= | url=http://www.themarketplaceatsteamtown.com/ | email= | address=300 Lackawanna Ave | lat=41.4083 | long=-75.6681 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7749789 | lastedit=2019-09-01 | content=Anchored by Boscov's and The Bon-Ton department stores. }} * {{buy | name=The Viewmont Mall | alt= | url=http://shopviewmontmall.com/ | email= | address= | lat=41.4603 | long=-75.6563 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7928807 | lastedit=2019-09-01 | content=Business Rt. 6 in Dickson City. Anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears department stores. }} * Dozens of small '''specialty shops''' throughout Central City: musical instruments, records, army/navy apparel, model trains (i.e Scranton Hobby Center), comics, day spa services... * {{buy | name=Keyser Oak Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=1762 N Keyser Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Anchored by Gerrity's supermarket and Ollie's Bargain Outlet. Other stores are, Hallmark, Thompson Title and Tags, A liquor store, Dollar General, Hollywood Video and several other store fronts. }} * {{buy | name=Green Ridge Plaza | alt= | url= | email= | address=1600 Nay Aug Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Anchored by Giant supermarket and A.J. Wright discount clothing, Buona Pizza, Fashinon Bug, a liquor store, a Chinese Buffet. }} *{{buy | name=The Shoppes At Montage | alt= | url=http://www.theshoppesatmontage.com/ | email= | address=1035 Shoppes Blvd, Moosic | lat=41.3625 | long=-75.6758 | directions=off Interstate 81 Exit 282 or Exit 282-A depending on the direction | phone=+1 570 341-3271 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7763927 | lastedit=2019-09-01 | content=There are 64 retail store fronts in the outside complex. A few of the major retails stores are: Ann Taylor Loft, J. Jill, Talbots, Chicos, Coldwater Ceek, Eddie Bauer, GAP, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, New York & Co., Limited Too, Lane Bryant, Aeropostale, Guitar Center, DSW Shoes. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cooper's Seafood House | alt= | url=http://www.coopers-seafood.com/ | email= | address=701 N Washington Ave | lat=41.414315 | long=-75.657010 | directions= | phone=+1 570 346-6883 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11AM-midnight, F-Sa 11AM-2AM, Su noon-midnight | price= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content=Seafood fare. Extremely large selection of specialty beers (~15 on tap, over 200 bottles). A local landmark, Cooper Seafood House has been owned and operated by the Cooper family since 1948. The building used to be the passenger station of the Erie - Lackawanna Train Station. Over the years the exterior of the building has been remodeled to resemble a full-sized pirate ship. Cooper's houses the ship's pub, the lighthouse bar (most recent addition consisting of a giant lighthouse that extends upwards off the side of the building), the tiki bar deck, the whale room, the train room and the private coral room. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza by Pappas | alt= | url=http://www.pizzabypappas.com/ | email= | address=303 N Washington Ave | lat=41.409485 | long=-75.662343 | directions= | phone=+1 570 346-2290 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$5-10 | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content=10" specialty pizza, hoagies, pierogies, etc. }} * {{eat | name=Don Pancho Villa | alt= | url=http://www.mypanchovilla.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=402 Pittston Ave | lat=41.400871 | long=-75.663580 | directions= | phone=+1 570-342-7442 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11AM-9PM; closed Wed | price=$5-$10 | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content=Authentic Mexican cuisine. Small and cozy. }} * {{eat | name=Vince the Pizza Prince | alt= | url=http://www.vincethepizzaprince.net/ | email= | address=600 Pittston Ave | lat=41.399268 | long=-75.665526 | directions= | phone=+1 570 347-0675 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content=Closed Monday and Tuesday. One of Scranton's best pizzas, since 1955. }} *{{eat | name=Osaka Restaurant | url=http://www.osakacuisine.com/index.htm {{dead link|October 2017|December 2020}} | email= | address=244 Adams St | lat=41.407958 | long=-75.661112 | directions= | phone=+1 570 341-9600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content=Japanese cuisine. Watch them prepare your food from the bar or have it served right to your table. Good sushi, half off on Sundays 1-9 PM. }} *{{eat | name=Glider Diner | url=http://www.gliderdiner.com/ | email= | address=890 Providence Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 343-8036 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 6AM-10PM, F-Sa 6AM-3AM, Su 7AM-7PM | price= | content=Burgers, fries, shakes, all good. Also offers catering services. }} *'''Chicks Diner''' is on 1032 Moosic St. This 1950s-style diner has been a staple of Scranton for the past several decades. It is best known for its late night menu (popular late night dish - french fries with gravy). Open 24 hours. *{{eat | name=Coney Island of Scranton | alt= | url=http://www.coneyislandofscranton.com/ | email= | address=100 Cedar Ave | lat=41.405808 | long=-75.664026 | directions= | phone=+1 570 961-8288 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-03 | content=The restaurant has been operating since 1923, when it was owned by Steve Karampilas. Over the years it has changed owners, but is still reputed to make the best Texas wieners in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They consist of a soft national roll, hotdog, spicy mustard, raw onions, and their own Coney Island sauce. }} *{{eat | name=Nickie's Fabulous Hoagies | url= | email= | address=1309 Swetland St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 961-9061 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This little "mom and pop" store has little aesthetic appeal from the inside or outside but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in taste. Takeout only, hoagies and pizza. }} *{{eat | name=Kelly's Pub & Eatery | url=http://www.kpehotwings.com/ | email= | address=1802 Cedar Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 346-9758 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kelly's is best known for their wings and accompanying sauce. They have a $0.25 wing night on Wednesdays. Make sure you make reservations or go early because it is very popular, especially on Wednesday nights. }} *{{eat | name=Buona Pizza | url= | email= | address=504 Lackawanna Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 342-4032 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers a variety of pizzeria-style food, but your best bet is sticking with the pizza. Their large trays are enormous, the pizza is delicious, but if you do not like greasy food then shy away from Buona Pizza. }} *{{eat | name=City Cafe Mediterranean Restaurant | url=http://www.CityCafeScranton.com | email= | address=116 N Washington Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 343-3550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Open for lunch Monday - Thursday and lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday. Dinner features change weekly. BYOB. }} * {{eat | name=Granteed's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=817 Mulberry Street | lat=41.40776 | long=-75.65669 | directions=in the heart of the University of Scranton's campus | phone=+1 570-343-0101 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-07 | content=Classic pizza shop serving the community for over 50 years. Stop in for a pizza, hoagie, stromboli or calzone. }} ==Drink== Being a college town it is not hard to find places to drink. Just walking around the hills section of town on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night you can find countless parties. Drink until the Keg is Kicked for $5. Refer to the '''Electric City''', the Scranton area's free entertainment weekly, for plenty of advertisements, listings, and reviews of nightlife. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Cooper's Crab Shack | alt= | url=http://www.cooperscrabshack.com {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=701 N Washington Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Local Tiki style bar with tropical music and cold drinks. The crab shack consists of four levels of outdoor decks. Live entertainment and no cover. }} * {{drink | name=The Bog | alt= | url= | email= | address=341 Adams Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Small pub reminiscent of New York's East Village dive bars. Local music on many nights. $1.75 - $4 beers. Some specialty bottled beers available. Excellent jukebox. }} * {{drink | name=Northern Lights | alt= | url=http://www.nlespresso.com/ {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address=536 Spruce St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=For those interested in coffee. Plenty of couches/chairs & free high-speed internet. }} *{{drink | name=Outrageous | url=http://www.outrageousonline.com/ | email= | address=Historic Casey Laundry 515 Center St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 341-1443 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A delightful place to buy unique gifts, new/used books, jewelry, and coffee. Seating is available outside and couches are on the second floor. }} *{{drink | name=Zummo's Cafe | url=http://www.electriccityroasting.com/ | email= | address=920 Marion St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570 344-2715 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Serves Electric City Roasting Company coffee. Owned and operated by Mary Tellie, a certified Q Grader and nationally recognized roaster. }} *{{drink | name=The Green Frog | alt= | url= | email= | address=815 Mulberry St | lat=41.407793 | long=-75.656759 | directions= | phone=+1 570 969-9989 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-07 | content=Classic bar on Mulberry Street in the heart of the University's campus. Has Karaoke Thursdays. No food; you can grab a slice of Granteed's Pizza next door. }} *{{drink | name=The Backyard Ale House | url=http://www.backyardalehouse.com/ | email= | address=523 Linden St | lat=41.408747 | long=-75.661430 | directions= | phone=+1 570 955-0192 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=Has a spacious interior with a large bar. In warm weather, opens a quaint patio behind that bar with tables, chairs, decorations, and two outside bars. }} *{{drink | name=Whiskey Dick's | url=http://www.whiskeydicksscranton.com | email= | address=308 N Washington Ave | lat=41.409277 | long=-75.661914 | directions= | phone=+1 570 342-9824 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=Cozy, little bar in Downtown Scranton. Cheapest everyday prices. Knowledgeable, courteous bartenders. 60+ beers, very large liquor selection. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-scranton-lackawanna-station | email=rhi_scra@radisson.com | address=700 Lackawanna Ave | lat=41.405555 | long=-75.661419 | directions= | phone=+1 570 342-8300 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=Housed in a neo-classical train station built in 1908. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton, a six-story historic landmark. The historic building once served as a passenger train station, has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel has 145 rooms and suits, three restaurants in the hotel, gift shop, valet parking and a exercise rooms. The hotel is in downtown Scranton, within walking distance to many retail stores, restaurants and bars. }} * {{sleep | name=Hilton Scranton & Conference Center | alt= | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hilton-scranton-and-conference-center-SCRCCHF/index.html | email= | address=100 Adams Ave | lat=41.406154 | long=-75.663063 | directions= | phone=+1 570 343-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2016-09-01 | content=Nearby Steamtown Historic Site. }} * {{sleep | name=The Inn at Nichols Village | alt= | url=http://www.nicholsvillage.com/ | email= | address=1101 Northern Blvd | lat=41.484238 | long=-75.693132 | directions= | phone=+1 570-587-1135 | tollfree=+1-800-642-2215 | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=AAA four-diamond rated. In suburban Clarks Summit, 10 min. north. }} *{{sleep | name=Courtyard Scranton Wilkes-Barre | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/scrcy-courtyard-scranton-wilkes-barre | email= | address=16 Glenmaura National Blvd, Moosic | lat=41.363639 | long=-75.685183 | directions= | phone=+1 570-969-2100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=The Colonnade | url=http://www.poshscranton.com/colonnade-401/ | email= | address=401 Jefferson Ave | lat=41.409057 | long=-75.658624 | directions= | phone=+1 570-342-6114 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Until 2006 the Colonnade was an eyesore, an abandoned building on the corner of Mullberry St. and Jefferson Ave. The building had been owned by a prominent local businessman, Col. Austin Blair. It was close to being condemned when it was purchased by Paul Blackledge and Joshua Mast with the intent of renovating the old building. Paul and Joshua turned the giant rundown building into a hotel/event space. The Colonnade can accommodate 120 guests in its banquet room and another additional 80 guests on a tent-covered outside patio. }} ==Go next== * '''[http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/lackawanna.aspx Lackawanna State Park]''' is approximately 15 minutes away from Scranton in Lackwanna County. The park has facilities for camping, boating, canoe/kayak rental, a swimming pool, and walking/hiking trails. Most facilities are open April through October, check website for specifics. * The '''[http://www.dietrichtheater.com Dietrich Theater]''', Bus. Rt. 6 Tunkhannock, +1 570 836-1022. Offers first run, foreign, independent, & classic films in a restored theater. Fall/Spring Film Festivals and cultural classes on site. Check website for movie times. Approximately 30 minutes from Scranton on Rt. 6. "More Than the Movies!" *'''[http://www.snomtn.com Sno Mountain]''', 1000 Montage Mountain Rd, +1 570 969-7854. Once known as Montage Mountain, Sno Mountain offers a wide range of winter and off season attractions and activities. Ski, snowboard, zip ride, tubing, golf, batting cages, water slides, and a Lazy River (being constructed) in addition to other fun and family friendly attractions. Average ticket prices, check out the web page for group rates and special deals. *'''McDade Park''' is off Snake Road in West Scranton. The land was reclaimed by the city in the 1970s from the Lackawanna coal mining terrain. It has become one of the city’s top leisure destinations offering many different types of activities for visitors to enjoy. McDade Park has a fishing pond (stocked regularly), an Olympic size swimming pool with bath houses, basketball and tennis courts, two baseball fields, a pavilion, playgrounds, outdoor picnic areas with charcoal grills, open fields and rolling hills and a 1.8-mile cross-county ski or walking trail, The Lackawanna Coal Mining Tour and the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum. McDade Park is spread out over 200 acres of land, with free admission to outdoor enthusiasts and visitors. For more information about McDade Park please call +1 570 963-6764. {{routebox | image1=I-81.svg | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Binghamton]] | minorl1=Jct [[File:I-84.svg|18px]][[File:I-380.svg|18px]] ← [[Dunmore]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Harrisburg]] | minorr1=[[Wilkes-Barre]] | image2=I-476.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=Ends at [[File:I-81.svg|18px]] | minorl2=[[Clarks Summit]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Allentown]] | minorr2=[[Wilkes-Barre]] | image3=US 6.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Mansfield (Pennsylvania)|Mansfield]] | minorl3=[[Clarks Summit]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Carbondale (Pennsylvania)|Carbondale]] | minorr3=[[Dunmore]] }} {{geo|41.410556|-75.667500}} {{isPartOf|Coal Region}} {{usablecity}} 914o0zkmqnb1cp7dqdoudz4jj3xuiqk 0 33025 4488015 4483666 2022-07-21T23:13:33Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Skylands Clinton mill.jpg}} The "Skylands" is in the Northwest Region of [[New Jersey]], in the Mountains. ==Counties== {{mapframe}} {{Regionlist |region1name = [[Hunterdon County]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1items= |region1description= |region2name = [[Morris County (New Jersey)|Morris County]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2items= |region2description= |region3name = [[Somerset County (New Jersey)|Somerset County]] |region3color={{StdColor|t3}} |region3items= |region3description= |region4name = [[Sussex County (New Jersey)|Sussex County]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4items= |region4description= |region5name = [[Warren County (New Jersey)|Warren County]] |region5color={{StdColor|t5}} |region5items= |region5description= }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[Hunterdon County]]|wikidata=Q502451}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Morris County (New Jersey)|Morris County]]|wikidata=Q498163}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t3}}|title=[[Somerset County (New Jersey)|Somerset County]]|wikidata=Q502414}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[Sussex County (New Jersey)|Sussex County]]|wikidata=Q495998}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t5}}|title=[[Warren County (New Jersey)|Warren County]]|wikidata=Q502468}} ==Cities== *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Morristown]]|wikidata=Q962499}} — A city of traditions. Washington camped there during the American rebellion. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Madison (New Jersey)|Madison]]|wikidata=Q938359}} — A mixture between a collegetown and a wealthy town. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Newton (New Jersey)|Newton]]|wikidata=Q1089234}} — the county seat of Sussex County. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Vernon (New Jersey)|Vernon]]|wikidata=Q1088430}} — A popular destination with a ski resort in the winter and a water based theme park in the summer. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Phillipsburg (New Jersey)|Phillipsburg]]|wikidata=Q1088690}} — A large, urban town just across the river from [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] in the [[Lehigh Valley]] of [[Pennsylvania]]. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Hackettstown]]|wikidata=Q1085981}} — A small town, with a historic, but struggling, Main Street. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Flemington]]|wikidata=Q1010673}} — Shopping in outlet stores is the thing to do here. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Netcong]]|wikidata=Q1087202}} — a transit hub near the corner of Warren, Morris and Sussex counties, with a train station very close to Interstate 80, and Routes 46 and 206 ==Other destinations== *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area]]|wikidata=Q1183971}} — beautiful park on the river for camping, hiking, tubing, canoeing, more * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lake Hopatcong]]|wikidata=Q6476209}} — the largest body of fresh water in New Jersey: fishing, boating, ice skating, more. ==Understand== *American English is the main language of this part of New Jersey, but Spanish speakers can be found in shops and restaurants in many major towns. Communities of people who speak many major languages in the world can be found in pockets all over this region, as well. ==Get in== ===By plane=== *'''[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}, {{FAA LID|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]] to the west is the closest airport with scheduled air service, about a 20-minute drive to the Delaware River. *'''[[Newark Liberty International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|EWR}}, {{FAA LID|EWR}}) to the east is a major airport and can reach the nearest portions of the region within 30 minutes by car (rush hour traffic notwithstanding). *'''[[Philadelphia International Airport]]''' ({{IATA|PHL}}, {{FAA LID|PHL}}) is also a major airport, but at least a 90-minute drive coming from the south. ===By train=== Three New Jersey Transit lines originating from New York, Hoboken, and Newark reach into the region. * The Montclair-Boonton Line first travels north into Passaic County before turning west into Morris County and terminating at Hackettstown. * The Morristown Line enters Morris County from its southeast after Summit and runs through the eponymous town before joining the Montclair-Boonton Line at Denville and also terminating at Hackettstown; its Gladstone Branch stays south at Summit and instead runs through northern Somerset County, terminating at Gladstone. * The Raritan Valley Line enters central Somerset County; most trains terminate at Raritan though some offer further service into Hunterdon County and terminate at High Bridge. ===By car=== Interstates 80 and 78 are the main east-west highways through the region; those will be your two main options coming from New York City (from the east) or Northeast Pennsylvania (from the west). If you're coming from Westchester or Rockland Counties in New York, I-287 is likely a better bet in order to avoid the worst of New York City-related traffic, although do be cautious about large trucks parked on the side of the road, especially at night, as the highway can be somewhat winding here -- they're not supposed to be there but for the drivers anything to get that early delivery bonus. Coming from farther upstate New York or from New England, consider using I-84 westbound through the Hudson valley and entering Sussex County from the north via US-6 or US-209 (they quickly become US-206 right before crossing the state border). From Philadelphia and its suburbs to the north and west, US-202 reaches directly into Hunterdon County. Suburbs to Philly's northeast, as well as those on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River, will likely find using I-295 before switching to NJ-29 (along the River), NJ-31, or US-206 (through Princeton) to be the best paths (US-206 can be a hassle during rush hour owing to it being only two lanes for a good portion of its route, though). From the Jersey Shore, the Garden State Parkway is the fastest way to get to I-287, from where you can travel into the region (US-9 or NJ-18 are your best bets if you're willing to trade tolls for traffic lights). ===By bus=== ==Get around== ==See== ===Itineraries=== *[[Appalachian Trail]] ==Do== '''Waterloo Village''' in Stanhope is a restored 19th-century canal town and open air museum. The '''New Jersey State Fair''' in [[Sussex County (New Jersey)|Augusta]] is a typical state fair with exhibits, shows and food in a very large fairgrounds facilities for about 10 days every summer. Professional sports fans could take in a game of either of the region's baseball teams, the '''Sussex County Miners''' of the Can-Am League, who play in Skylands Park in Augusta, or the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League who play in TD Bank Park in [[Bridgewater (New Jersey)|Bridgewater]]. '''Mountain Creek Resort''' in [[Vernon (New Jersey)|Vernon]] is famous for its skiing in the winter time and its water park in the summertime. There are other events in the fall: wine tasting, dog and horse shows, and a farmers' market. The '''Land of Make Believe''' near [[Hackettstown]] is an amusement park designed for parent participation with children. ==Eat== *Pizzerias can be found around almost every corner. Most are good, some are better than others. *Hot Dog Johnny's: an iconic road stop off of Route 46 in Buttzville, NJ where you can get fantastic hotdogs and fries and some tasty refreshing birch beer. ==Drink== ==Stay safe== Emergency — Dial 911 *[http://www.morristownmemorialhospital.org/en/morristown/ Morristown Memorial Hospital], 100 Madison Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07962. +1-800-247-9580. Regional Trauma Center *[http://www.hrmcnj.org/ Hackettstown Regional Medical Center], 651 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. +1 908 852-5100 *[http://www.warrenhospital.org/ Warren Hospital], 185 Roseberry Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865. +1 908 859-6700 *[https://www.saintclares.com/Our-Locations.aspx St. Clare's Health System] (4 Hospitals) **Clare's Hospital/Boonton Township — 130 Powerville Road, Boonton, NJ 07005. General Information: +1 973-316-1800. **Saint Clare's Hospital/Denville, 25 Pocono Road, Denville, NJ 07834. General Information: +1 973-625-6000. **Saint Clare's Hospital/Dover, 400 West Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ 07801. General Information: +1 973-989-3000. **[http://www.itsyourlife.com/ Saint Clare's Hospital/Sussex], 20 Walnut Street, Sussex, NJ 07461. General Information: +1 973-702-2600. *[http://www.itsyourlife.com/ Newton Memorial Hospital], 175 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860. +1 973-383-2121. *24 Hour Pharmacy in [[Mt. Olive]] ==Go next== {{geo|41.07694|-74.48694|zoom=10}} {{IsPartOf|New_Jersey}} {{outlineregion}} azh9cjv4pug0mpp6q8akjaxaqbax363 0 33035 4488016 4486046 2022-07-21T23:13:59Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Slatington''' is a borough in Pennsylvania's [[Lehigh Valley]] region. ==Understand== Slatington, originally settled by the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe, is a small Lehigh County town located about 30 minutes northwest of [[Allentown]]. Named after the prosperous slate industry once housed there, Slatington is home to roughly 4,245 residents as of 2013.[http://www.city-data.com/city/Slatington-Pennsylvania.html] Although there are a lack of activities to do within Slatington, there are plenty of nearby outdoor attractions and nature trails to explore the beauty of [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Slatington's closest commercial airport is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in [[Allentown]], which is roughly 16 miles south of Slatington. ===By car=== '''Pennsylvania Route 873''' is the primary artery through Slatington. From Allentown, a driver would take '''Pennsylvania Route 309''' North to Schnecksville and then continue onto Route 873. The journey would take about half an hour. From the north, Route 873 is accessible from '''Pennsylvania Route 248''', which runs between [[Lehighton]] and [[Easton_(Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=LANTA bus route 325 | alt= | url=http://www.lantabus.com | email= | address=110 N. 6th St, Allentown, PA 18101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$2 each way | wikipedia=Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority | wikidata=Q6518871 | lastedit=2018-05-24 | content=The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority regional bus system runs several buses between the Lehigh Valley Mall in [[Whitehall]] and Slatington on weekdays. }} ===By foot=== The '''[[Appalachian Trail]]''' crosses the Lehigh River about 2 miles north of the center of town. Hikers can make a detour along the D&L Trail south into town. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=12}} {{mapshape}} Slatington is a small town and visitors can usually use bikes or simply walk to get around town and visit the trails. ==See== * {{see | name=Fireman's Drinking Fountain | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/delaware/fir.htm | email= | address= | lat=40.75196 | long=-75.61297 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Located in the heart of Slatington, the statue is a symbol of volunteer service, vigilance, and humanity. The fountain is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.lvzoo.org/ | email= | address=5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville | lat=40.6583 | long=-75.626 | directions= | phone=+1 610 799-4171 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Until March 31, 2002: $11, children under 2 free; after adult $14.50, senior 65+ $13.50, child 2-11 $12.50 | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Zoo | wikidata=Q6518868 | lastedit=2021-11-29 | content=Small, yet affordable attraction. This zoo is very welcoming with many creatures. }} ==Do== [[File:Walnut Street Bridge, Slatington PA 02.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Walnut Street Bridge]] ===Outdoor activities=== Numerous outdoor biking/hiking trails converge near Slatington along the Lehigh River. * {{do | name=Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge & Osprey House | alt= | url=http://lgnc.org/ | email= | address=8844 Paint Mill Rd | lat=40.776667 | long=-75.608333 | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-8889 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Gap | wikidata=Q6518806 | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Located near where the Appalachian Trail crosses the Lehigh River, the wildlife refuge contains a series of trails along the Blue Mountain on the Slatington side of the Lehigh River. }} * {{do | name=D&L Trail | alt= | url=http://delawareandlehigh.org/ | email= | address=Main & Railroad Streets | lat=40.752724 | long=-75.604719 | directions=Parking is available at the intersection of Main & Railroad Streets, only yards away from the bridge across the Lehigh River to Walnutport. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=165-mile route that simulates the journey of anthracite coal from Pennsylvania's [[Coal Region]]s to the Philadelphia suburb of [[Bristol (Pennsylvania)]]. }} * {{do | name= Slate Heritage Trail | alt= | url= http://www.nlhistoricalsociety.org/trails.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= Accessible from the D&L Trail | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Free | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A 3.3 mile "Rails-to-Trails" project, the heritage utilizes the former Lehigh Valley Railroad right-of-way. }} * {{do | name=Blue Mountain Ski Area | alt= | url=https://www.skibluemt.com/ | email= | address=1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 826-7700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-13 | content=While best known as a ski resort, Blue Mountain offers family-friendly outdoor events during the summer as well, including laser tag, mountain biking, and disc golf. }} * {{do | name= Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool | alt= | url= | email= | address= 2nd St Ext | lat= 40.744061 | long= -75.608387 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-1355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A public pool for residents and visitors to cool off during hot summer days. }} * {{do | name= Victory Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.743391 | long= -75.609500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A small park offering a large playground for children to play as well as a pavilion with tables for picnics. }} === Sports === * {{do | name=Slatington Bowling Center | alt=Slate Bowl | url=https://www.facebook.com/SlatingtonBC | email= | address=8123 Route 873 | lat=40.764458 | long=-75.607182 | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-9443 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=A bowling alley with an adjacent bar and lounge. }} * {{do | name=Archery Addictions | alt= | url=http://www.archeryaddictions.com | email= | address=1089 Riverview Drive, Walnutport | lat=40.769700 | long=-75.598860 | directions= | phone=+1 484 623-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Starting at $8/hour | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Archery range with both indoor and outdoor facilities. Lessons are offered for beginners and children. }} ==Buy== Slatington lacks major shopping outlets. The nearby communities of Walnutport and [[Whitehall]] provide more opportunities for shopping. * {{buy | name=A.F. Boyer Hardware and Guns | alt= | url=http://www.afboyer.com/ | email=afboyer@ptd.net | address=130 Main St | lat=40.752786 | long=-75.605431 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-3162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=The Slatington Marketplace | alt=Bus Stop Flea Market | url=https://www.theslatingtonmarketplace.com/ | email=jortiz@theslatingtonmarketplace.com | address=8281 Route 873 | lat=40.768333 | long=-75.607629 | directions= | phone=+1 610-766-7495 | tollfree= | hours=See website for hours | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=A flea market selling antiques and collectibles located in a former lamp factory. }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name= China Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= 619 Main St | lat= 40.751348 | long= -75.612661 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Country View Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=6210 PA Route 873 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-1740 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Mama's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 655 Main St | lat= 40.750868 | long= -75.612536 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-9441 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Sal's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 102 Main St | lat= 40.752797 | long= -75.605110 | directions= | phone= +1 610 760-1007 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Slatington Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address= 662 Main Street | lat= 40.750703 | long= -75.612778 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-7407 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Susie's Shady Nook | alt= | url= | email= | address=7115 PA Route 873 | lat=40.732522 | long=-75.617032 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-1301 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name= Homeslate Sports Bar & Grille | alt= | url= | email= | address= 670 Main St | lat= 40.750536 | long= -75.612711 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-4168 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{drink | name= The Shack | alt= | url= | email= | address= 751 Main St | lat= 40.749646 | long= -75.612046 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-6624 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Sleep== There are no hotels or lodging in Slatington. The closest available lodging is located in nearby Danielsville. * {{sleep | name= The Lodge at Woodstone Country Club | alt= | url= https://woodstonegolf.clubhouseonline-e3.com/The_Lodge_(2) | email= admin@woodstonegolf.com | address= 3777 Dogwood Rd, Danielsville, PA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 610 760-2777 | tollfree= | fax= +1 610 760-2770 | checkin= | checkout= | price= from $115/night | lastedit=2020-01-24 | content= }} The nearest chain hotels are located in [[Allentown]] and [[Lehighton]]. ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Slatington Public Library | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/slatingtonlibrary/ | email=slatlib@ptd.net | address=650 Main St | lat=40.750742 | long=-75.612824 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-6461 | tollfree= | hours=See website for hours | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]] - 15 miles *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]] - 26 miles *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] - 20 miles *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] - 23 miles *[[Emmaus]] - 19 miles *[[Fogelsville]] - 15 miles *[[Hellertown]] - 28 miles *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]] - 19 miles *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]] - 19 miles *[[Whitehall]] - 12 miles Leaving Slatington is very much the same as coming in. You can leave by the LANTA bus system or by car taking Route 873 to Route 309 into [[Allentown]]. Slatington is also an entry point to Pennsylvania's [[Coal Region]] and the nearby towns of [[Lehighton]] and [[Jim Thorpe]] are accessible via PA Route 248 and US Route 209. {{geo|40.74833|-75.61194}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} qmz64vp1dl99ztbeeftzu6lychue0wx 4488017 4488016 2022-07-21T23:15:33Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Understand */ Updated, but no reason to be unnecessarily "accurate" wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Slatington''' is a borough in Pennsylvania's [[Lehigh Valley]] region. ==Understand== Slatington, originally settled by the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe, is a small Lehigh County town located about 30 minutes northwest of [[Allentown]]. Named after the prosperous slate industry once housed there, Slatington is home to roughly 4,200 residents (2020 Census). Although there are a lack of activities to do within Slatington, there are plenty of nearby outdoor attractions and nature trails to explore the beauty of [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Slatington's closest commercial airport is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in [[Allentown]], which is roughly 16 miles south of Slatington. ===By car=== '''Pennsylvania Route 873''' is the primary artery through Slatington. From Allentown, a driver would take '''Pennsylvania Route 309''' North to Schnecksville and then continue onto Route 873. The journey would take about half an hour. From the north, Route 873 is accessible from '''Pennsylvania Route 248''', which runs between [[Lehighton]] and [[Easton_(Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=LANTA bus route 325 | alt= | url=http://www.lantabus.com | email= | address=110 N. 6th St, Allentown, PA 18101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$2 each way | wikipedia=Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority | wikidata=Q6518871 | lastedit=2018-05-24 | content=The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority regional bus system runs several buses between the Lehigh Valley Mall in [[Whitehall]] and Slatington on weekdays. }} ===By foot=== The '''[[Appalachian Trail]]''' crosses the Lehigh River about 2 miles north of the center of town. Hikers can make a detour along the D&L Trail south into town. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=12}} {{mapshape}} Slatington is a small town and visitors can usually use bikes or simply walk to get around town and visit the trails. ==See== * {{see | name=Fireman's Drinking Fountain | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/delaware/fir.htm | email= | address= | lat=40.75196 | long=-75.61297 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Located in the heart of Slatington, the statue is a symbol of volunteer service, vigilance, and humanity. The fountain is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.lvzoo.org/ | email= | address=5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville | lat=40.6583 | long=-75.626 | directions= | phone=+1 610 799-4171 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Until March 31, 2002: $11, children under 2 free; after adult $14.50, senior 65+ $13.50, child 2-11 $12.50 | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Zoo | wikidata=Q6518868 | lastedit=2021-11-29 | content=Small, yet affordable attraction. This zoo is very welcoming with many creatures. }} ==Do== [[File:Walnut Street Bridge, Slatington PA 02.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Walnut Street Bridge]] ===Outdoor activities=== Numerous outdoor biking/hiking trails converge near Slatington along the Lehigh River. * {{do | name=Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge & Osprey House | alt= | url=http://lgnc.org/ | email= | address=8844 Paint Mill Rd | lat=40.776667 | long=-75.608333 | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-8889 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Gap | wikidata=Q6518806 | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Located near where the Appalachian Trail crosses the Lehigh River, the wildlife refuge contains a series of trails along the Blue Mountain on the Slatington side of the Lehigh River. }} * {{do | name=D&L Trail | alt= | url=http://delawareandlehigh.org/ | email= | address=Main & Railroad Streets | lat=40.752724 | long=-75.604719 | directions=Parking is available at the intersection of Main & Railroad Streets, only yards away from the bridge across the Lehigh River to Walnutport. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=165-mile route that simulates the journey of anthracite coal from Pennsylvania's [[Coal Region]]s to the Philadelphia suburb of [[Bristol (Pennsylvania)]]. }} * {{do | name= Slate Heritage Trail | alt= | url= http://www.nlhistoricalsociety.org/trails.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= Accessible from the D&L Trail | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Free | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A 3.3 mile "Rails-to-Trails" project, the heritage utilizes the former Lehigh Valley Railroad right-of-way. }} * {{do | name=Blue Mountain Ski Area | alt= | url=https://www.skibluemt.com/ | email= | address=1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 826-7700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-13 | content=While best known as a ski resort, Blue Mountain offers family-friendly outdoor events during the summer as well, including laser tag, mountain biking, and disc golf. }} * {{do | name= Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool | alt= | url= | email= | address= 2nd St Ext | lat= 40.744061 | long= -75.608387 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-1355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A public pool for residents and visitors to cool off during hot summer days. }} * {{do | name= Victory Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.743391 | long= -75.609500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A small park offering a large playground for children to play as well as a pavilion with tables for picnics. }} === Sports === * {{do | name=Slatington Bowling Center | alt=Slate Bowl | url=https://www.facebook.com/SlatingtonBC | email= | address=8123 Route 873 | lat=40.764458 | long=-75.607182 | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-9443 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=A bowling alley with an adjacent bar and lounge. }} * {{do | name=Archery Addictions | alt= | url=http://www.archeryaddictions.com | email= | address=1089 Riverview Drive, Walnutport | lat=40.769700 | long=-75.598860 | directions= | phone=+1 484 623-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Starting at $8/hour | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Archery range with both indoor and outdoor facilities. Lessons are offered for beginners and children. }} ==Buy== Slatington lacks major shopping outlets. The nearby communities of Walnutport and [[Whitehall]] provide more opportunities for shopping. * {{buy | name=A.F. Boyer Hardware and Guns | alt= | url=http://www.afboyer.com/ | email=afboyer@ptd.net | address=130 Main St | lat=40.752786 | long=-75.605431 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-3162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=The Slatington Marketplace | alt=Bus Stop Flea Market | url=https://www.theslatingtonmarketplace.com/ | email=jortiz@theslatingtonmarketplace.com | address=8281 Route 873 | lat=40.768333 | long=-75.607629 | directions= | phone=+1 610-766-7495 | tollfree= | hours=See website for hours | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=A flea market selling antiques and collectibles located in a former lamp factory. }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name= China Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= 619 Main St | lat= 40.751348 | long= -75.612661 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Country View Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=6210 PA Route 873 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-1740 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Mama's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 655 Main St | lat= 40.750868 | long= -75.612536 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-9441 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Sal's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 102 Main St | lat= 40.752797 | long= -75.605110 | directions= | phone= +1 610 760-1007 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Slatington Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address= 662 Main Street | lat= 40.750703 | long= -75.612778 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-7407 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Susie's Shady Nook | alt= | url= | email= | address=7115 PA Route 873 | lat=40.732522 | long=-75.617032 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-1301 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name= Homeslate Sports Bar & Grille | alt= | url= | email= | address= 670 Main St | lat= 40.750536 | long= -75.612711 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-4168 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{drink | name= The Shack | alt= | url= | email= | address= 751 Main St | lat= 40.749646 | long= -75.612046 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-6624 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Sleep== There are no hotels or lodging in Slatington. The closest available lodging is located in nearby Danielsville. * {{sleep | name= The Lodge at Woodstone Country Club | alt= | url= https://woodstonegolf.clubhouseonline-e3.com/The_Lodge_(2) | email= admin@woodstonegolf.com | address= 3777 Dogwood Rd, Danielsville, PA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 610 760-2777 | tollfree= | fax= +1 610 760-2770 | checkin= | checkout= | price= from $115/night | lastedit=2020-01-24 | content= }} The nearest chain hotels are located in [[Allentown]] and [[Lehighton]]. ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Slatington Public Library | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/slatingtonlibrary/ | email=slatlib@ptd.net | address=650 Main St | lat=40.750742 | long=-75.612824 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-6461 | tollfree= | hours=See website for hours | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]] - 15 miles *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]] - 26 miles *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] - 20 miles *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] - 23 miles *[[Emmaus]] - 19 miles *[[Fogelsville]] - 15 miles *[[Hellertown]] - 28 miles *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]] - 19 miles *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]] - 19 miles *[[Whitehall]] - 12 miles Leaving Slatington is very much the same as coming in. You can leave by the LANTA bus system or by car taking Route 873 to Route 309 into [[Allentown]]. Slatington is also an entry point to Pennsylvania's [[Coal Region]] and the nearby towns of [[Lehighton]] and [[Jim Thorpe]] are accessible via PA Route 248 and US Route 209. {{geo|40.74833|-75.61194}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} md0pki6kuntziuoprxd0xsd1bfdvt2u 4488075 4488017 2022-07-22T03:14:40Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Do */ + photo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Slatington''' is a borough in Pennsylvania's [[Lehigh Valley]] region. ==Understand== Slatington, originally settled by the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe, is a small Lehigh County town located about 30 minutes northwest of [[Allentown]]. Named after the prosperous slate industry once housed there, Slatington is home to roughly 4,200 residents (2020 Census). Although there are a lack of activities to do within Slatington, there are plenty of nearby outdoor attractions and nature trails to explore the beauty of [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Slatington's closest commercial airport is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in [[Allentown]], which is roughly 16 miles south of Slatington. ===By car=== '''Pennsylvania Route 873''' is the primary artery through Slatington. From Allentown, a driver would take '''Pennsylvania Route 309''' North to Schnecksville and then continue onto Route 873. The journey would take about half an hour. From the north, Route 873 is accessible from '''Pennsylvania Route 248''', which runs between [[Lehighton]] and [[Easton_(Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=LANTA bus route 325 | alt= | url=http://www.lantabus.com | email= | address=110 N. 6th St, Allentown, PA 18101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$2 each way | wikipedia=Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority | wikidata=Q6518871 | lastedit=2018-05-24 | content=The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority regional bus system runs several buses between the Lehigh Valley Mall in [[Whitehall]] and Slatington on weekdays. }} ===By foot=== The '''[[Appalachian Trail]]''' crosses the Lehigh River about 2 miles north of the center of town. Hikers can make a detour along the D&L Trail south into town. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=12}} {{mapshape}} Slatington is a small town and visitors can usually use bikes or simply walk to get around town and visit the trails. ==See== * {{see | name=Fireman's Drinking Fountain | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/delaware/fir.htm | email= | address= | lat=40.75196 | long=-75.61297 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Located in the heart of Slatington, the statue is a symbol of volunteer service, vigilance, and humanity. The fountain is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.lvzoo.org/ | email= | address=5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville | lat=40.6583 | long=-75.626 | directions= | phone=+1 610 799-4171 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Until March 31, 2002: $11, children under 2 free; after adult $14.50, senior 65+ $13.50, child 2-11 $12.50 | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Zoo | wikidata=Q6518868 | lastedit=2021-11-29 | content=Small, yet affordable attraction. This zoo is very welcoming with many creatures. }} ==Do== [[File:XMAS AT LEHIGH COUNTY ZOO.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Christmas lights at Lehigh Valley Zoo in neighboring Schnecksville, December 2020]] [[File:Walnut Street Bridge, Slatington PA 02.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Walnut Street Bridge]] ===Outdoor activities=== Numerous outdoor biking/hiking trails converge near Slatington along the Lehigh River. * {{do | name=Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge & Osprey House | alt= | url=http://lgnc.org/ | email= | address=8844 Paint Mill Rd | lat=40.776667 | long=-75.608333 | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-8889 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Gap | wikidata=Q6518806 | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Located near where the Appalachian Trail crosses the Lehigh River, the wildlife refuge contains a series of trails along the Blue Mountain on the Slatington side of the Lehigh River. }} * {{do | name=D&L Trail | alt= | url=http://delawareandlehigh.org/ | email= | address=Main & Railroad Streets | lat=40.752724 | long=-75.604719 | directions=Parking is available at the intersection of Main & Railroad Streets, only yards away from the bridge across the Lehigh River to Walnutport. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=165-mile route that simulates the journey of anthracite coal from Pennsylvania's [[Coal Region]]s to the Philadelphia suburb of [[Bristol (Pennsylvania)]]. }} * {{do | name= Slate Heritage Trail | alt= | url= http://www.nlhistoricalsociety.org/trails.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= Accessible from the D&L Trail | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Free | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A 3.3 mile "Rails-to-Trails" project, the heritage utilizes the former Lehigh Valley Railroad right-of-way. }} * {{do | name=Blue Mountain Ski Area | alt= | url=https://www.skibluemt.com/ | email= | address=1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 826-7700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-13 | content=While best known as a ski resort, Blue Mountain offers family-friendly outdoor events during the summer as well, including laser tag, mountain biking, and disc golf. }} * {{do | name= Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool | alt= | url= | email= | address= 2nd St Ext | lat= 40.744061 | long= -75.608387 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-1355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A public pool for residents and visitors to cool off during hot summer days. }} * {{do | name= Victory Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.743391 | long= -75.609500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A small park offering a large playground for children to play as well as a pavilion with tables for picnics. }} === Sports === * {{do | name=Slatington Bowling Center | alt=Slate Bowl | url=https://www.facebook.com/SlatingtonBC | email= | address=8123 Route 873 | lat=40.764458 | long=-75.607182 | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-9443 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=A bowling alley with an adjacent bar and lounge. }} * {{do | name=Archery Addictions | alt= | url=http://www.archeryaddictions.com | email= | address=1089 Riverview Drive, Walnutport | lat=40.769700 | long=-75.598860 | directions= | phone=+1 484 623-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Starting at $8/hour | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Archery range with both indoor and outdoor facilities. Lessons are offered for beginners and children. }} ==Buy== Slatington lacks major shopping outlets. The nearby communities of Walnutport and [[Whitehall]] provide more opportunities for shopping. * {{buy | name=A.F. Boyer Hardware and Guns | alt= | url=http://www.afboyer.com/ | email=afboyer@ptd.net | address=130 Main St | lat=40.752786 | long=-75.605431 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-3162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=The Slatington Marketplace | alt=Bus Stop Flea Market | url=https://www.theslatingtonmarketplace.com/ | email=jortiz@theslatingtonmarketplace.com | address=8281 Route 873 | lat=40.768333 | long=-75.607629 | directions= | phone=+1 610-766-7495 | tollfree= | hours=See website for hours | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=A flea market selling antiques and collectibles located in a former lamp factory. }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name= China Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= 619 Main St | lat= 40.751348 | long= -75.612661 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Country View Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=6210 PA Route 873 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-1740 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Mama's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 655 Main St | lat= 40.750868 | long= -75.612536 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-9441 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Sal's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 102 Main St | lat= 40.752797 | long= -75.605110 | directions= | phone= +1 610 760-1007 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Slatington Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address= 662 Main Street | lat= 40.750703 | long= -75.612778 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-7407 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Susie's Shady Nook | alt= | url= | email= | address=7115 PA Route 873 | lat=40.732522 | long=-75.617032 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-1301 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name= Homeslate Sports Bar & Grille | alt= | url= | email= | address= 670 Main St | lat= 40.750536 | long= -75.612711 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-4168 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{drink | name= The Shack | alt= | url= | email= | address= 751 Main St | lat= 40.749646 | long= -75.612046 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-6624 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Sleep== There are no hotels or lodging in Slatington. The closest available lodging is located in nearby Danielsville. * {{sleep | name= The Lodge at Woodstone Country Club | alt= | url= https://woodstonegolf.clubhouseonline-e3.com/The_Lodge_(2) | email= admin@woodstonegolf.com | address= 3777 Dogwood Rd, Danielsville, PA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 610 760-2777 | tollfree= | fax= +1 610 760-2770 | checkin= | checkout= | price= from $115/night | lastedit=2020-01-24 | content= }} The nearest chain hotels are located in [[Allentown]] and [[Lehighton]]. ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Slatington Public Library | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/slatingtonlibrary/ | email=slatlib@ptd.net | address=650 Main St | lat=40.750742 | long=-75.612824 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-6461 | tollfree= | hours=See website for hours | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]] - 15 miles *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]] - 26 miles *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] - 20 miles *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] - 23 miles *[[Emmaus]] - 19 miles *[[Fogelsville]] - 15 miles *[[Hellertown]] - 28 miles *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]] - 19 miles *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]] - 19 miles *[[Whitehall]] - 12 miles Leaving Slatington is very much the same as coming in. You can leave by the LANTA bus system or by car taking Route 873 to Route 309 into [[Allentown]]. Slatington is also an entry point to Pennsylvania's [[Coal Region]] and the nearby towns of [[Lehighton]] and [[Jim Thorpe]] are accessible via PA Route 248 and US Route 209. {{geo|40.74833|-75.61194}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} b1o8nddwapge6pmz9uihwwbj7gs3uhi 4488077 4488075 2022-07-22T03:21:41Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Do */ + photo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Slatington''' is a borough in Pennsylvania's [[Lehigh Valley]] region. ==Understand== Slatington, originally settled by the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe, is a small Lehigh County town located about 30 minutes northwest of [[Allentown]]. Named after the prosperous slate industry once housed there, Slatington is home to roughly 4,200 residents (2020 Census). Although there are a lack of activities to do within Slatington, there are plenty of nearby outdoor attractions and nature trails to explore the beauty of [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Slatington's closest commercial airport is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] in [[Allentown]], which is roughly 16 miles south of Slatington. ===By car=== '''Pennsylvania Route 873''' is the primary artery through Slatington. From Allentown, a driver would take '''Pennsylvania Route 309''' North to Schnecksville and then continue onto Route 873. The journey would take about half an hour. From the north, Route 873 is accessible from '''Pennsylvania Route 248''', which runs between [[Lehighton]] and [[Easton_(Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=LANTA bus route 325 | alt= | url=http://www.lantabus.com | email= | address=110 N. 6th St, Allentown, PA 18101 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=$2 each way | wikipedia=Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority | wikidata=Q6518871 | lastedit=2018-05-24 | content=The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority regional bus system runs several buses between the Lehigh Valley Mall in [[Whitehall]] and Slatington on weekdays. }} ===By foot=== The '''[[Appalachian Trail]]''' crosses the Lehigh River about 2 miles north of the center of town. Hikers can make a detour along the D&L Trail south into town. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=12}} {{mapshape}} Slatington is a small town and visitors can usually use bikes or simply walk to get around town and visit the trails. ==See== * {{see | name=Fireman's Drinking Fountain | alt= | url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/delaware/fir.htm | email= | address= | lat=40.75196 | long=-75.61297 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Located in the heart of Slatington, the statue is a symbol of volunteer service, vigilance, and humanity. The fountain is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. }} * {{do | name=Lehigh Valley Zoo | alt= | url=https://www.lvzoo.org/ | email= | address=5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville | lat=40.6583 | long=-75.626 | directions= | phone=+1 610 799-4171 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Until March 31, 2002: $11, children under 2 free; after adult $14.50, senior 65+ $13.50, child 2-11 $12.50 | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Zoo | wikidata=Q6518868 | lastedit=2021-11-29 | content=Small, yet affordable attraction. This zoo is very welcoming with many creatures. }} ==Do== [[File:Blue Mountain Resort.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Blue Mountain Resort in neighboring Palmerton]] [[File:XMAS AT LEHIGH COUNTY ZOO.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Christmas lights at Lehigh Valley Zoo in neighboring Schnecksville]] [[File:Walnut Street Bridge, Slatington PA 02.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|Walnut Street Bridge]] ===Outdoor activities=== Numerous outdoor biking/hiking trails converge near Slatington along the Lehigh River. * {{do | name=Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge & Osprey House | alt= | url=http://lgnc.org/ | email= | address=8844 Paint Mill Rd | lat=40.776667 | long=-75.608333 | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-8889 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Gap | wikidata=Q6518806 | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Located near where the Appalachian Trail crosses the Lehigh River, the wildlife refuge contains a series of trails along the Blue Mountain on the Slatington side of the Lehigh River. }} * {{do | name=D&L Trail | alt= | url=http://delawareandlehigh.org/ | email= | address=Main & Railroad Streets | lat=40.752724 | long=-75.604719 | directions=Parking is available at the intersection of Main & Railroad Streets, only yards away from the bridge across the Lehigh River to Walnutport. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=165-mile route that simulates the journey of anthracite coal from Pennsylvania's [[Coal Region]]s to the Philadelphia suburb of [[Bristol (Pennsylvania)]]. }} * {{do | name= Slate Heritage Trail | alt= | url= http://www.nlhistoricalsociety.org/trails.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= Accessible from the D&L Trail | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Free | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A 3.3 mile "Rails-to-Trails" project, the heritage utilizes the former Lehigh Valley Railroad right-of-way. }} * {{do | name=Blue Mountain Ski Area | alt= | url=https://www.skibluemt.com/ | email= | address=1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 826-7700 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-13 | content=While best known as a ski resort, Blue Mountain offers family-friendly outdoor events during the summer as well, including laser tag, mountain biking, and disc golf. }} * {{do | name= Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool | alt= | url= | email= | address= 2nd St Ext | lat= 40.744061 | long= -75.608387 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-1355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A public pool for residents and visitors to cool off during hot summer days. }} * {{do | name= Victory Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 40.743391 | long= -75.609500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= A small park offering a large playground for children to play as well as a pavilion with tables for picnics. }} === Sports === * {{do | name=Slatington Bowling Center | alt=Slate Bowl | url=https://www.facebook.com/SlatingtonBC | email= | address=8123 Route 873 | lat=40.764458 | long=-75.607182 | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-9443 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=A bowling alley with an adjacent bar and lounge. }} * {{do | name=Archery Addictions | alt= | url=http://www.archeryaddictions.com | email= | address=1089 Riverview Drive, Walnutport | lat=40.769700 | long=-75.598860 | directions= | phone=+1 484 623-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Starting at $8/hour | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=Archery range with both indoor and outdoor facilities. Lessons are offered for beginners and children. }} ==Buy== Slatington lacks major shopping outlets. The nearby communities of Walnutport and [[Whitehall]] provide more opportunities for shopping. * {{buy | name=A.F. Boyer Hardware and Guns | alt= | url=http://www.afboyer.com/ | email=afboyer@ptd.net | address=130 Main St | lat=40.752786 | long=-75.605431 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-3162 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=The Slatington Marketplace | alt=Bus Stop Flea Market | url=https://www.theslatingtonmarketplace.com/ | email=jortiz@theslatingtonmarketplace.com | address=8281 Route 873 | lat=40.768333 | long=-75.607629 | directions= | phone=+1 610-766-7495 | tollfree= | hours=See website for hours | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content=A flea market selling antiques and collectibles located in a former lamp factory. }} ==Eat== ===Budget=== * {{eat | name= China Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address= 619 Main St | lat= 40.751348 | long= -75.612661 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Country View Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=6210 PA Route 873 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610 760-1740 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Mama's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 655 Main St | lat= 40.750868 | long= -75.612536 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-9441 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Sal's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address= 102 Main St | lat= 40.752797 | long= -75.605110 | directions= | phone= +1 610 760-1007 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name= Slatington Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address= 662 Main Street | lat= 40.750703 | long= -75.612778 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-7407 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Susie's Shady Nook | alt= | url= | email= | address=7115 PA Route 873 | lat=40.732522 | long=-75.617032 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-1301 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name= Homeslate Sports Bar & Grille | alt= | url= | email= | address= 670 Main St | lat= 40.750536 | long= -75.612711 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-4168 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} * {{drink | name= The Shack | alt= | url= | email= | address= 751 Main St | lat= 40.749646 | long= -75.612046 | directions= | phone= +1 610 767-6624 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Sleep== There are no hotels or lodging in Slatington. The closest available lodging is located in nearby Danielsville. * {{sleep | name= The Lodge at Woodstone Country Club | alt= | url= https://woodstonegolf.clubhouseonline-e3.com/The_Lodge_(2) | email= admin@woodstonegolf.com | address= 3777 Dogwood Rd, Danielsville, PA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 610 760-2777 | tollfree= | fax= +1 610 760-2770 | checkin= | checkout= | price= from $115/night | lastedit=2020-01-24 | content= }} The nearest chain hotels are located in [[Allentown]] and [[Lehighton]]. ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Slatington Public Library | alt= | url=https://sites.google.com/view/slatingtonlibrary/ | email=slatlib@ptd.net | address=650 Main St | lat=40.750742 | long=-75.612824 | directions= | phone=+1 610 767-6461 | tollfree= | hours=See website for hours | price= | lastedit=2015-07-07 | content= }} ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]] - 15 miles *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]] - 26 miles *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] - 20 miles *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] - 23 miles *[[Emmaus]] - 19 miles *[[Fogelsville]] - 15 miles *[[Hellertown]] - 28 miles *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]] - 19 miles *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]] - 19 miles *[[Whitehall]] - 12 miles Leaving Slatington is very much the same as coming in. You can leave by the LANTA bus system or by car taking Route 873 to Route 309 into [[Allentown]]. Slatington is also an entry point to Pennsylvania's [[Coal Region]] and the nearby towns of [[Lehighton]] and [[Jim Thorpe]] are accessible via PA Route 248 and US Route 209. {{geo|40.74833|-75.61194}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{usablecity}} nfqm0henykin7md6m6up68s628pf2ps 0 33364 4487798 4475852 2022-07-21T15:17:06Z 2A02:2454:468:1300:2995:6076:B639:2131 Add box with details of missing train services in South Africa due to Covid 19. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Table_Mountain_panorama.jpg|caption=Panoramic view of Table Mountain, overlooking Cape Town|origin=0.5,0}} {{COVID-19 box| South Africa had a wave of the '''omicron variant''' of the coronavirus before most other countries. It was a mild wave that resulted in many cases but only a moderate increase in hospitalisations and deaths, and the wave is over, but of course you should still exercise the same care you would anywhere else where the disease is present. During the wave, some countries banned direct flights to/from South Africa and denied entry to or required those who had been in South Africa in the last 14 days to quarantine on arrival. Check with them and airlines for the current status of flights and health regulations, but things are close to normal in-country now. All travellers coming into South Africa must complete a Health Questionnaire, and will be subject to Covid-19 testing and temperature scanning. You must also complete another Health Questionnaire and Covid-19 testing before leaving. You may be asked to use the [https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covidalert/ COVID Alert SA app] to check in at various establishments to aid contact tracing. For more information, please check with the [https://sacoronavirus.co.za/ South African Government's COVID-19 portal]|lastedit=2021-11-26}} '''[http://www.southafrica.net South Africa]''' is [[Africa]]'s southernmost country. It is a large country with widely varying landscapes, 11 official languages, and an equally diverse population and is often known as the "Rainbow Nation". ==Regions== South Africa is divided into 9 provinces: {{Regionlist | regionmap=South_Africa-Regions_map.svg | regionmaptext=Regions of South Africa | regionmapsize=450px | region1name=[[Gauteng]] | region1color=#d5a90b | region1items= | region1description=Contains [[Pretoria]], the administrative capital of the country, and [[Johannesburg]], which is the seat the provincial government and touristic heart of Africa. | region2name=[[Western Cape]] | region2color=#6ca26c | region2items= | region2description=Features [[Cape Town]]; the [[Cape Winelands|winelands]] near [[Stellenbosch]]; the Whale Coast along the [[Overberg]]; [[Cape Agulhas|Agulhas]], southernmost point in Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet; and the Cape Floral Region. The [[Garden Route]], one of the country's top destinations, runs along the Southern Coast from [[Mossel Bay]] to Gqeberha/[[Port Elizabeth]] and includes cities like [[Knysna]] and ostrich capital [[Oudtshoorn]]. | region3name=[[Eastern Cape]] | region3color=#e6c997 | region3items= | region3description=The remainder of the [[Garden Route]], known as the [[Tsitsikamma]], is in this province, which also features the former homelands, the spectacular and uncrowded [[Wild Coast]], superb beaches in [[Port Elizabeth]], [[East London]] and [[Jeffreys Bay]], the surfing mecca of South Africa and great parks like [[Addo Elephant National Park]] and [[Tsitsikamma National Park]]. | region4name=[[Northern Cape]] | region4color=#8e6c96 | region4items= | region4description=This is the biggest province and has the fewest people. Capital [[Kimberley (South Africa)|Kimberley]] is known for its diamonds and the "Big Hole". [[Upington]] is the second largest city, a good base when exploring the Kalahari desert, [[Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park]] and the [[Augrabies|Augrabies Falls]] on the Orange River. Also [[Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park|Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park]] and the semi-desert [[Karoo]]. | region5name=[[Free State]] | region5color=#c375a0 | region5items= | region5description=Capital [[Bloemfontein]] which also hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal, the highest court in non-constitutional matters (the Constitutional Court is in Johannesburg since 1994). The world heritage site [[Vredefort|Vredefort Dome]], remnants of the largest and oldest meteorite impact crater. | region6name=[[KwaZulu-Natal]] | region6color=#da8451 | region6items= | region6description=[[Durban]], the largest city in the province and third largest in South Africa, is a popular coastal holiday destination for South Africans. The [[Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park|Drakensberg mountain range]] is a good place to hike, and the [[Royal Natal National Park|Tugela Falls]] are the world's second highest waterfall. | region7name=[[North West Province|North West]] | region7color=#5fb388 | region7items= | region7description=[[Rustenburg]], famous for [[Sun City (South Africa)|Sun City]] and [[Pilanesberg National Park|Pilanesberg Game Reserve]]. | region8name=[[Mpumalanga]] | region8color=#d06666 | region8items= | region8description=Capital [[Mbombela]] is a gateway to [[Mozambique]] and southern section of the [[Kruger National Park]]. The Drakensberg Escarpment with the [[Blyde River Canyon]] is the third largest canyon in the world. | region9name=[[Limpopo]] | region9color=#80afdc | region9items= | region9description=Capital [[Polokwane]] (formerly known as Pietersburg) is a good jump-off point for visits to the northern parts of the [[Kruger National Park]] and [[Zimbabwe]]. }} ===Territories=== * {{marker|name=[[Prince Edward Islands]]|wikidata=}} - two small islands in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean. Access is restricted to research and conservation management. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d5a90b|title=[[Gauteng]]|wikidata=Q133083}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#6ca26c|title=[[Western Cape]]|wikidata=Q127167}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#e6c997|title=[[Eastern Cape]]|wikidata=Q130840}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8e6c96|title=[[Northern Cape]]|wikidata=Q132418}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c375a0|title=[[Free State]]|wikidata=Q160284}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#da8451|title=[[KwaZulu-Natal]]|wikidata=Q81725}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#5fb388|title=[[North West Province|North West]]|wikidata=Q165956}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d06666|title=[[Mpumalanga]]|wikidata=Q132410}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#80afdc|title=[[Limpopo]]|wikidata=Q134907}} ==Cities== [[File:Downtown Kimberley seen from the west 2015.JPG|thumb|Kimberley and the Big Hole]] *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Pretoria]]|wikidata=Q3926}} &ndash; The administrative capital of the country. Home to numerous embassies as well as three universities. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Cape Town]]|wikidata=Q5465}} &ndash; The legislative capital and seat of Parliament. A world-class city named for its proximity to the Cape of Good Hope. Also within a stone's throw of South Africa's [[Cape Winelands|winelands]]. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, nestled between the sea and Table Mountain, it is a popular summer destination by both domestic tourists and those from abroad. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bloemfontein]]|wikidata=Q37701}} &ndash; Location of the Supreme Court of Appeal, the highest court in non-constitutional matters. The Constitutional Court in Johannesburg became the highest court in constitutional matters in 1994. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Durban]]|wikidata=Q5468}} &ndash; Largest city in [[KwaZulu-Natal]], third largest in South Africa, the heart of South Africa's Indian community, and is a popular coastal holiday destination for South Africans. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Johannesburg]]|wikidata=Q34647}} &ndash; The economic heart of South Africa and the most common entry point into [[Southern Africa]]. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Kimberley (South Africa)|Kimberley]]|wikidata=Q125905}}—Capital of the [[Northern Cape]] Province. Famous for its diamonds and the "Big Hole". *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Polokwane]]|wikidata=Q131662}} &ndash; Capital of [[Limpopo]] (''formally known as Pietersburg'') and a good jump off point for visits to the northern parts of the [[Kruger National Park]] and [[Zimbabwe]]. *{{marker|type=city|name=Gqeberha/[[Port Elizabeth]]|wikidata=Q125434}} &ndash; Coastal city in the [[Eastern Cape]] with Port of Ngqura (a deepwater harbour) and [[Addo Elephant National Park]] located close by. *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Upington]]|wikidata=Q575780}} &ndash; Located in the arid [[Northern Cape]] province, this city is a good base when exploring the Kalahari desert and the national parks located in the [[Northern Cape]]. ==Other destinations== ===National Parks=== [[File:South Africa-Mpumalanga-Rhino02.jpg|thumb|Rhino on a private reserve in Mpumalanga]] South Africa is a paradise for anyone interested in natural history. A wide range of species (some potentially dangerous and endangered) may be encountered in parks, farms, private reserves and even on the roads. * The {{marker|name=[[Kruger National Park]]|wikidata=Q24451}} is an exceptionally well managed and favorite tourist destination. * {{marker|name=[[Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park]]|wikidata=Q859385}} in the heart of the Kalahari desert with wide open spaces and hordes of games including the majestic 'Gemsbok'. This is the first park in Africa to cross international borders. * There are also a large number of smaller parks, like the {{marker|name=[[Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park]]|wikidata=Q129867}}, {{marker|name=[[Addo Elephant National Park]]|wikidata=Q353318}}, {{marker|name=[[Marakele National Park]]|wikidata=Q1892280}}, {{marker|name=[[Pilanesberg National Park]]|wikidata=Q1424093}} or the {{marker|name=[[iSimangaliso Wetland Park]]|wikidata=Q310719}}. See [[African flora and fauna|African Flora and Fauna]] and [[African National Parks#South Africa|South African National Parks]] for additional information. There are hiking trails available in almost all the parks and around geographical places of interest, [[Hiking in South Africa]] contains information on those. ===[[UNESCO World Heritage List#South Africa|UNESCO World Heritage Sites]]=== * The {{marker|name=[[Cradle of Humankind]]|wikidata=Q1130112}} near [[Johannesburg]] is a must see for anyone interested in where it all started. A large collection of caves rich in hominid and advanced ape fossils. * {{marker|name=[[Robben Island]]|wikidata=Q192493}} just off the coast from [[Cape Town]], where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years. * The Cape Floral Region in the [[Western Cape]] * {{marker|name=[[iSimangaliso Wetland Park]]|wikidata=Q310719}} * Mapungubwe Kingdom in the [[North-West (South Africa)|North-West]] * Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape in the [[Northern Cape]] * {{marker|name=[[Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park]]|wikidata=Q2744060}} for its landscape, biodiversity and rock art. * {{marker|name=[[Vredefort]]|wikidata=Q1689721}} Dome, remnants of the largest and oldest meteorite impact crater. ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationSouthAfrica.png}} [[File:Flag of South Africa 2.jpg|thumb|Flag of South Africa]] If you want to travel in [[southern Africa]] then South Africa is a good place to start. While you can fly into any country in southern Africa, most flights will route through South Africa anyway. South Africa is also a good place to get used to travelling in the region (though some would argue that Namibia is better for that). Of course South Africa is not only a jumping off point, it is itself a superb destination rich in culture, fauna, flora and history. Contrary to the beliefs of some outsiders, South Africa is not devastatingly poor with an unstable government. Although some rural parts of South Africa remain among the poorest and the least developed parts of the world and poverty in certain areas of townships can be appalling and squatter camps can grow overnight, progress is being made. The process of recovering from apartheid, which lasted almost 46 years, is quite slow. In fact, South Africa's United Nations Human Development Index, which was slowly improving in the final years of apartheid, has declined dramatically since 1996, largely attributed to the AIDS pandemic, but also due to maladministration and squandering of state resources which led to an increase in the poverty rate and ever-widening income disparity between rich and poor. South Africa boasts a well-developed state and privately funded infrastructure and keeps up to date with all the modern amenities and technologies. National quality standards of construction, roads, technologies, goods manufacture, medicine and hospitals, communications and IT, aeronautics, banking, brokerage and investment, beverage and food chain quality are on a par with the best worldwide. The government is stable, although corruption has become prevalent in certain areas such as obtaining drivers licences, academic diplomas and certifications, immigration officials at land border posts for a fee, stamping any passports or home affairs personnel dealing with visas and permits, traffic enforcement officers trying their luck and crime syndicates buying their way out of trouble. Bigger business may bribe high placed government officials to improperly push paper work through or be granted special privileges, also graft may be solicited higher up by willing individuals. The government and the primary political parties generally have a high level of respect for democratic institutions and human rights while the press is free and uncensored and the judicial system and constitutional court are fully independent. Despite structural governance problems the country faces, South Africa remains the strongest and most diversified economy in Africa, and is the only African country to be a member of the elite G-20 group of major economies. ===Economy=== South Africa is renowned for its wines and fruits. Its agriculture output keeps the nation roughly self-sufficient in food, with maize, sugarcane and sunflower oil being major crops. Sea fishing and processing are increasingly important. It is the world's largest producer of platinum and its family group metals and a major producer of gold, iron, coal, diamonds, nickel, chromium, aluminium, stainless steel and uranium, among others. It also manufactures many industrial products and is a pioneer in the production of synthetic fuels. It maintains sizable armed force and is an influential player in African politics. All that said, the economy has more potential than has been realised, as reflected in a 35% unemployment rate, which many South Africans and foreign observers agree is due to mismanagement and corruption. However, the new administration, in power since early 2018, campaigned on cleaning up governance and management and has already taken concrete steps to do so. Another important challenge the state is trying to tackle is a "brain drain" which has worsened since 2000 and includes all types of skilled professionals from doctors and engineers to artisans and teachers. ===Geography=== South Africa is located at the southernmost tip of Africa, with a long coastline that stretches more than 2,500&nbsp;km (1,553&nbsp;mi) and along two oceans (the South Atlantic and the Indian). It is a relatively dry country within the interior and the Kalahari Desert proof of this, particularly in the Northern Cape and north west Atlantic region. The two major river systems are the Limpopo, running easterly along the northern border and the Orange river, running roughly from the central regions southwestwards to the Atlantic Ocean. The Drakensberg Mountain range runs from the lower Eastern Cape to the KwaZulu-Natal and Eswatini with elevations exceeding 3000 meters (Mafadi is 3450m). The Highfelt and Platterland regions of Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Northwest, range between 1200 and 1800 meters altitude and is home to some of the best wildlife conservation reserves in the world. The coastal areas from the southern Cape and farmland region, up the Indian Ocean seaboard all the way to KwaZulu-Natal and the Eswatini and Mozambique borders, provide the country with the densest green regions. ===History=== The tip of Africa has been home to the '''Khoikhoi''' (''collective name for Hottentot '''(derogatory)'''), '''Bushmen''' (San)'' and '''Bantu''' people for thousands of years. '''Khoisan''' or according to the contemporary Khoekhoegowab orthography '''Khoesān''' (pronounced: [kxʰoesaːn]), is an artificial catch-all name for the so-called "non-Bantu" indigenous peoples of Southern Africa''',''' combining the ''Khoekhoen''(formerly "Khoikhoi") and the ''Sān'' or Sākhoen (also, in Kitchen Dutch: ''Boesmans'', or in English: ''Bushmen).'' Rock art believed to be of Khoisan tribes can still be found in many places throughout the South Africa. It is thought that Bantu tribes may have started to slowly expand into the northernmost areas of what is today South Africa more than 2,500 years ago the different cultural groups as we know them today had been established in the areas to the north, east, east central and south east of South Africa. The desert and semi-desert areas of the Western and Northern Cape provinces, as well as the western parts of the Eastern Cape province remained unsettled by the Bantu as the arid climate, limited seasonal rainfall, sparse vegetation, scarcity of natural resources and water could not sustain large migrations of people and herds of cattle. Nguni Cattle were the primary livestock reared by the Bantu and fulfilled numerous cultural and economic functions within the tribal society while growing numbers of Bantu populations settled within green fertile areas. Cattle remains to this day a status symbol and served as a rudimentary currency and basic unit of exchange with a mutually agreeable value between bartering parties, thus fulfilling the function of money. The regions of the Karoo, Cape Peninsula, the Kalahari, Namaqua, Graqua and Bushman land gradually become "Khoisan" territory in South Africa. In these mostly dry areas, the "Khoisan" being already semi-nomadic, are believed to have not permanently settled as conditions of searching desert game and dwindling water sources during winter months, consequently determined their own migration. Not until the Boer "Voortrekkers" keen to avoid conflict with the Bantu (see next paragraph) came into these areas and established boreholes and containment ponds, could any permanent settlements be established in these regions. In the southeast, the Zulu Kingdom would grow into a powerful kingdom under King Shaka, who ruled from 1816-1828, and was also known for being a brilliant warrior and military commander. Today, with more reliable sources of water and modern methods of water conservancy, the agricultural activity remains limited mainly to sheep and ostrich ranching as these animals are better suited to the sparse feed and limited water. ====Colonialism==== Bartolomeo Dias is the first known European to have rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. 10 years later, Vasco da Gama made his first voyage to India, but the Portuguese ignored the Cape of Good Hope as a stopover base; the first permanent European settlement was built at Cape Town by the Dutch East India Company in April 1652. In the late 1700s, the ''Boers'' (''the settling farmers'') slowly started expanding first westward along the coastline and later upwards into the interior. By 1795, [[Britain]] took control of the Cape, as a consequence of the Napoleonic wars on the Dutch, and in 1820, a large group of British settlers arrived in the region, disrupting the Dutch Boers way of life. In 1835, large numbers of ''Boers'' known as the "Voortrekkers" (the first gone seeking) started out on the ''Groot Trek'' (the great migration) northwards into the interior after becoming dissatisfied with the British rule. In the interior, they established their own internationally recognized Oranje Free State and Transvaal republics. Meanwhile, the British would defeat the Zulu Kingdom in the Anglo-Zulu War 1879, thus establishing colonial rule over the Zulu people. ====Modern history==== {{see also|20th-century South Africa}} After the discovery of large deposits of diamonds in Kimberley and gold in the Transvaal, two wars for control over the region were orchestrated by English investment interests to cause the fight between the ''Boer Republics'' and the British in 1880 and 1899, to alienate control of the mineral resources from the "Boers" hands. The second war occurred after British settlers flooded into the area surrounding Johannesburg known as the "Witwatersrand" (white water escarpment) in response to the discovery of gold in 1886. The Second Boer War (Afrikaans: ''Die Tweede Vryheidsoorlog'' or 'Second War of Independence') was particularly brutal, as the British administration imprisoned the Boer civilian population in concentration camps, resulting in one of the earliest recorded genocides. With the victory at any cost and scorched earth policy, most Boer farms, livestock, crops and homesteads were also largely destroyed. Ironically, this war was the first to be captured on motion pictures, with the resulting screenings causing public opinion in the UK to turn against the British Army's inhumane treatment of prisoners in the camps. After peace was restored by the 1902 Treaty of Vereeniging, the ''Union of South Africa'' was formed in 1910, consolidating the various ''Boer'' republics and British colonies into a unified state as a member of the British Commonwealth, contributing significantly to World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, with raw materials, arms production and soldiers. In 1961, the Republic of South Africa under the apartheid regime, was formed and SA exited the Commonwealth. Non-Europeans were largely excluded from these political changes as they had received sovereign lands in which to live under self-rule, in accordance with their own tribal legal system and hierarchical form of government. [[File:Nelson Mandela's cell-Robben Island.jpg|thumb|Nelson Mandela's prison cell on [[Robben Island]]]] In 1948, the National Party came to power. The NP introduced numerous ''apartheid'' laws to give a national/tribal, independent and sovereign "homeland" to each of the various tribes within South Africa, who were frequently engaged in raids and border wars against each other. The laws also implemented a system of institutionalised, or systematic, racial segregation and discrimination, and ensured a continuation of white minority rule over the black majority, and over Indian and Coloured minority groups. This move was welcomed by the majority of the different tribal kings and chieftains, as most of the tribes sought self-governance. But soon, apartheid became practically synonymous with racism and oppression as millions of non white people were forced to leave their homes under housing policies that enforced racial segregation. The African National Congress (ANC) was banned and forced into exile for conducting and plotting terrorist activities. Other political parties that were considered 'dangerous' and 'subversive' were also banned by the South African government during this time, while free thinking individuals and unaffiliated anti apartheid activists of all races were also harassed, ostracised, imprisoned or murdered. Meantime, the refining of the apartheid system became insidious and very efficient, as victims won small legal battles in court, the regime used its parliament majority to pass new laws to close legal loopholes, creating a vicious circle of judicial moving goal posts to suit their objectives, therefore, tying up sympathetic high officials and judges hands to keep everything "legal". South Africa in its attempt to keep apartheid going, used the cold war and communist danger as an excuse to bypass UN sanctions and violently suppress civil disobedience within and on the former German colony of "South West Africa" (Namibia), invaded Angola, supported UDI Rhodesia and aided anti government armed insurrections in post colonial Mozambique and Angola. The Republic, despite experiencing rapid infrastructure development and strong economic growth until the late 1980s, also experienced frequent domestic uprisings in response to the apartheid laws. During this time the international community also increased political pressure mechanisms and trade embargoes against South Africa, and banned its athletes from competing in the Olympic Games and most other international sporting competitions. By the late 1980s, many white citizens began to recognize that change was inevitable, seeing as international sanctions and internal strife were beginning to take a severe toll on South Africa. Thus, moderates within the security services, armed forces and the National Party followed the white liberals' lead and began quietly reaching out to ANC leaders to negotiate how to dismantle apartheid, which started with the freeing of political prisoners in 1990. Political violence worsened during the early 1990s as extremists of all kinds attempted to derail ANC-NP peace talks in favor of their own visions of the future of South Africa. In 1992, 73% of the eligible white population voted in a referendum to have the ''apartheid'' system abolished. This was quickly followed by a new constitution in 1993 and the nation's first truly all inclusive democratic election set for April 1994, in which all voting age South African citizens were allowed to vote regardless of their ethnic and cultural background. Former political prisoner Nelson Mandela was elected the country's first democratically elected president. The ANC won a 63% majority and proceeded to form a Government of National Unity with the NP. Despite much hope for a "rainbow nation" as Nelson Mandela envisioned following the end of apartheid, South Africa's economy began to take a turn for the worse after Mandela stepped down in 1999 and Thabo Mbeki succeeded him. Mbeki would invite controversy by calling into question the causal relationship between HIV and AIDS, instead believing that AIDS was caused by poverty. Mbeki banned anti-retroviral drugs from South African hospitals, leading to countless premature deaths of HIV positive patients. Mbeki would be forced to resign in September 2008, and he would eventually be succeeded by Jacob Zuma in May 2009. As Zuma grew up in poverty and never received any formal education, the masses of poor black South Africans were initially hopeful that he could empathise with them and enact policies to alleviate poverty. However, Zuma's tenure would be plagued with massive corruption scandals, and he was forced to resign in February 2018. Zuma was succeeded by Cyril Ramaphosa, who has promised to fight corruption, revitalise the economy and close the massive wealth gap, though whether or not his policies will prove successful remains to be seen. While affirmative action policies have resulted in the formation of an elite black upper class, much of the black population continues to live in poverty with no access to proper sanitation facilities or good schools. This has caused significant racial tensions, with some extremists in the black community proposing depriving the white community of their properties without compensation for re-distribution to black people as restitution for the atrocities committed under colonialism and apartheid. On the other hand, many right-wing whites blame the black majority for mismanaging the country after power was handed over to them. The Indian and coloured communities, who were also discriminated against under apartheid but to a lesser extent than the black community, also harbour some degree of resentment for not being eligible for affirmative action policies, often using the moniker "not white enough then, not black enough now". Similarly, the Khoisan people, despite having settled in South Africa long before the arrival of the black Bantu peoples, have been largely left out of the post-Apartheid affirmative action policies, resulting in some degree of resentment against the Bantu-dominated government. ===People=== Modern South Africans are very diverse, with many different ethnicities making up the population numbers. Nevertheless, besides the Xhosa, Venda, Shangane, Sotho, amongst others, the Zulu people constitute the largest group with approximately 20% of the total. There are also two main ethnic groups among white South Africans; the Afrikaners, who are descended from Dutch settlers and form the majority of white community, and British South Africans. This melting pot of people also includes sizable numbers of other Africans, Asian and European descendents, with Mozambicans, Zimbabweans, Malawians, Middle Eastern, Indians, Malays, Chinese, Portuguese, Greek, English, Italian and many mixed peoples, to name a few contributing to a true rainbow nation. The existence and survival in Southern Africa of the ancient "Khoikhoi" and "San" people, their culture, language and traditions, provides a window into a way of life largely gone unchanged for more than 10,000 years. By and large, the vast majority of its people irrespective of background, colour or creed, are friendly, helpful and a bit curious about visitors while good manners and respect go a long way towards an enjoyable rapport. ===Retirement destination=== The South African immigration regulations under a special ''temporary residence permit'' system that after some years can be elevated to a ''permanent residence status'', allows older or retired foreigners in an otherwise good health condition, with a certain level of legally obtained steady income or pension and in possession of a clean criminal record certificate, to settle down and buy property locally in their retirement. Such an opportunity may be attractive to Northern Europeans seeking sunny mild weather in a country that offers the best of both worlds by being very cosmopolitan and at the same time, keeping African traditions very much alive, and with a much lower cost of living, given the advantageous exchange rates while being in approximately the same time zone of country of origin. Such permit holders are treated like all South Africans nationals from a legal stand point, thus, subjected to all laws and regulations governing the nation. ===Place names=== Many region, city, street and building names in South Africa have been changed after the end of apartheid and some of them are still being changed today. These changes can sometimes lead to confusion as many of the new names are not yet well known. This travel guide will use the official new names, but also mention the previous names where possible. ===Climate=== {{Climate |units=Metric| janlow=23|feblow=23|marlow=21|aprlow=17|maylow=12|junlow=8|jullow=8|auglow=11|seplow=16|octlow=18|novlow=21|declow=22| janhigh=30|febhigh=30|marhigh=30|aprhigh=27|mayhigh=25|junhigh=24|julhigh=23|aughigh=26|sephigh=29|octhigh=29|novhigh=32|dechigh=30 |janprecip=166|febprecip=100|marprecip=39|aprprecip=35|mayprecip=9|junprecip=3|julprecip=16|augprecip=16|sepprecip=24|octprecip=49|novprecip=114|decprecip=112 }} The climate in South Africa ranges from desert and semi-desert in the north west of the country to sub-tropical on the eastern coastline. The rainy season for most of the country is in the summer, except in the [[Western Cape]] where the rains come in the winter. Rainfall in the [[Eastern Cape]] is distributed evenly throughout the year. Winter temperatures hover around zero, summers can be very hot, in excess of 35&nbsp;°C (95&nbsp;°F) in some places. The [http://www.weathersa.co.za/ South African Weather Service] provides up to date weather information, forecasts and radar imaging. ===Sport=== Football, cricket, rugby union and track and field athletics are the most supported and participated national sports. South African swimming, cycling and tennis produce some world-class athletes from time to time. In 2010, South Africa hosted the first [[Wikivoyage:Past events/World Cup 2010|Association Football World Cup]] to be held on the African continent. South Africa was also host of the 1995 [[Rugby football|Rugby Union]] world cup, the only edition of that tournament to be held in Africa. ===Public holidays=== The public holidays in South Africa are: * '''New Year's Day''' (1 January) * '''Human Rights Day''' (21 March) * '''Easter weekend''' A 4-day long weekend in March or April consisting of "Good Friday", "Holy Saturday", "Easter Sunday" and "Easter Monday", the dates are set according to the Western Christian tradition. * '''Freedom Day''' (27 April) * '''Workers Day''' (1 May) * '''Youth Day''' (16 June) * '''Woman's Day''' (9 August) * '''Heritage Day''' (24 September) * '''Day of Reconciliation''' (16 December) - ''see [[Battlefields (KwaZulu-Natal)#See|Bloodriver]]''. * '''Christmas Day''' (25 December) * '''Day of Goodwill''' (26 December) ''If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday following will be a holiday'' [http://www.info.gov.za/aboutsa/schoolcal.htm School holidays] occur early December to the middle of January, early in April, middle June to the middle of July and in late September. Most South Africans go on leave during these times and accommodation will be harder to find. [[Image:Flower-Protea01.jpg|thumb|The Protea is the national flower of South Africa]] ===Tourism offices=== South African Tourism operates a number of offices in other countries. You might wish to contact the office in your country for any additional information or assistance * {{listing | name=Angola | url= | email= | address=Travessa Rodrigo de Miranda, R/C N33, Luanda | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+244 222 320261 | tollfree= | fax=+244 222 320253 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=Australia | url= | email=info.au@southafrica.net | address=Level 3, 117 York St, Sydney | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 9261-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+61 2 9261-2000 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=China | url= | email=info.cn@southafrica.net | address=6 Gong Ti North Road, Suite 2606, Beijing | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+86 10 8523-6881 | tollfree= | fax=+86 10 8523-6897 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=France | url= | email=info.fr@southafrica.net | address=61 Rue La Boetie, Paris | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+33 1 45610197 | tollfree= | fax=+33 1 45610196 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=Germany | url= | email=info.de@southafrica.net | address=Friedensstrasse 6-10, Frankfurt | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 69 929-1290 | tollfree= | fax=+49 69 28-0950 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=India | url= | email=info.in@southafrica.net | address=Unit No.3, Ground Floor, TGC Financial Centre, Mumbai | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 22 6158 5100 | tollfree= | fax=+91 22 6158 6101 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=Italy | url= | email=info.it@southafrica.net | address=Via XX Settembre 24, 3F, Milano | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+39 2 4391-1765 | tollfree= | fax=+39 02 4391-1158 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=Japan | url= | email=info@southafricantourism.or.jp | address=Akasaka Lions Bldg, 1-1-2 Moto Akasaka, Minato-Ku, Tokyo | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 33 478-7601 | tollfree= | fax=+81 33 478-7605 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=Netherlands | url= | email=info.nl@southafrica.net | address=Jozef Israëlskade 48 A, Amsterdam | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+31 20 471-3181 | tollfree= | fax=+31 20 662-9761 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url= | email=info@uk.southafrica.net | address=No 1 & 2 Castle Lane, 2nd floor, London | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 20 8971-9350 | tollfree= | fax=+44 20 8944-6705 | hours= | price= | content= | }} * {{listing | name=United States | url= | email=info.us@southafrica.net | address=500 Fifth Ave, Ste 2200, New York | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 212 730-2929 | tollfree= | fax=+1 212 764-1980 | hours= | price= | content= | }} ==Get in== [[File:Visa policy of South Africa.svg|thumb|375px|A map showing the visa requirements of South Africa, with countries in green having visa-free access]] === Entry requirements === Foreign nationals of the following countries/territories can enter South Africa '''visa-free''': * For up to '''90 days''': [[Andorra]], [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[Austria]], [[Belgium]], [[Botswana]], [[Brazil]], [[Canada]], [[Chile]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Denmark]], [[Ecuador]], [[Eswatini]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Greece]], [[Iceland]], [[Ireland]], [[Israel]], [[Italy]], [[Jamaica]], [[Japan]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Malta]], [[Monaco]], [[Mozambique]], [[Namibia]], [[Netherlands]], [[Norway]], [[Panama]], [[Paraguay]], [[Portugal]], [[Russia]], [[Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]], [[San Marino]], [[Singapore]], [[Spain]], [[Sweden]], [[Switzerland]], [[Tanzania]] (maximum 90 days in 1 year), [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[United Kingdom]], [[United States]], [[Uruguay]], [[Venezuela]], [[Zambia]] (maximum 90 days in 1 year) and [[Zimbabwe]] * For up to '''30 days''': [[Angola]], [[Antigua and Barbuda]], [[Bahamas]], [[Barbados]], [[Belize]], [[Benin]], [[Bolivia]], [[Cape Verde]], [[Costa Rica]], [[Cyprus]], [[Gabon]], [[Guyana]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Hungary]], [[Jordan]], [[Lesotho]], [[Macau]], [[Malawi]], [[Malaysia]], [[Maldives]], [[Mauritius]], [[Peru]], [[Poland]], [[Seychelles]], [[South Korea]], [[Thailand]] and [[Turkey]] If you are required to have a visa, don't arrive without one, as they are not issued at points of entry. If needed, you can extend your visa in South Africa. With an extension the total amount of time you are allowed to stay is 6 months. Additional information as well as Visa application forms can be found at the [http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa Department of Home Affairs], ph ''+27'' 012 810 8911. Since early 2018, the Department of Home Affairs no longer handles visa applications directly. That task has been moved to VFS.Global, a separate office dealing solely with immigration services, visa applications and processing. A web search will show VFS.Global portal displaying all pertinent information regarding both offices addresses throughout the country and online services available (http://vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica). The Johannesburg, Sandton office is in Rivonia Boulevard next to the ShopRite Checkers Supermarket. Make sure to apply for visas and visa extensions as early as possible. A way to 'extend' your visa while avoiding bureaucracy is by leaving and re-entering South Africa via Mozambique. Contrary to popular belief, a 30-day visa cannot be 'reset' when leaving and re-entering South Africa from the bordering countries of Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. You will ''not'' get a new visa. For example, when you have a 30-day visa, and exit South Africa and enter Lesotho or Eswatini after 5 days of validity, then re-enter South Africa after 5 days, you are only allowed to stay the remaining 20 days of the original visa for South Africa and will not be given a "new" 30-days visa. However, if you fly back to Europe or go to Mozambique, and then re-enter South Africa, you will be issued a new 30 day visa. Make sure you have ''2 blank pages'' back to back in your passport and that it is valid for at least 30 days after your intended date of departure, or you will be sent back! Make sure you have a return ticket available or they will send you back. If you need to pick up a ticket at the airport have the flight number and details handy and speak with the customs officer, they should check your story out and let you in (be firm). Be wary of arriving with a damaged passport as new security measures might trip up your entry. ====With children==== South Africa has the world's strictest laws about travelling into and out of the country with children to combat child trafficking. A child (anyone less than 18 years of age) travelling with both biological parents must bring a full unabridged birth certificate showing the two parents. An "unabridged birth certificate" or any other important paper like a marriage certificate for example, is an official certification of authenticity done at the South African embassy/consular services in your country of origin, to ensure the proper origin and veracity of the document. Scanned copies of original documents to be used overseas must be authenticated at the SA consular services. Authentication is required because of the differences in official document types and bureaucratic processes from every country. If either of the parents are not with the child, you must have a notarised copy of parent ID and parental consent affidavit from that parent (best done before hand with both parents present at the SA consular services in the country of departure). Airlines will check for these documents before you board, as upon arrival in SA, border control will deport the child back to country of origin. ====Document safeguard==== Within South Africa, if you plan to spend time traveling around extensively, like touring with a vehicle, you can use copies of documents to safeguard originals. Such copies of important papers like passports, ID cards and drivers licences, need to and can be authenticated for free at any Police Station. Just bring the original and the copies and ask the agents on duty to help you. In case of passports, the relevant pages showing the visa and entry stamps need to be also copied and placed together with the personal details page. Please note these authenticated copies are only recognized within the national borders. ===By plane=== [[File:Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis.jpg|thumb|[[O.R. Tambo International Airport]], Africa's busiest]] South Africa is a major hub for air travel in the [[Southern Africa]]n region. The country's flag carrier, [http://www.flysaa.com/ South African Airways] (SAA), has an extensive global and pan-African network of connections, some of which are operated by its short-haul subsidiaries [http://www.saairlink.co.za/ SA Airlink] and [http://www.saexpress.co.za/ SA Express]. South Africa has 10 international airports. The primary intercontinental hub is the [[O.R. Tambo International Airport]] in [[Johannesburg]]; the secondary one is [[Cape Town#By plane|Cape Town International]]. They serve as gateways for tourists and foreign visitors, and hubs for travel within South Africa and Southern Africa in general. O.R. Tambo International Airport, has a convenient but rather costly (R175 for single trip to Sandton (incl. cost of reusable card)) commuter rail link system known as " '''Gautrain''' ", connecting the airport to Sandton, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Depending on final destination, two or more people traveling together maybe better off using a taxi or shuttle service but enquire at airport info desk or check the web about all options available. Direct flights arrive from major [[Europe]]an centres, including: [[Amsterdam]], [[Athens]], [[Madrid]], [[London]], [[Paris]], [[Istanbul]], [[Frankfurt]], [[Munich]], [[Zurich]] and [[Lisbon]]. There are also direct flights from [[Abu Dhabi]], [[Dubai]], [[Doha]], [[New York City|New York]], [[Atlanta]], [[Washington, D.C.]], [[Buenos Aires]], [[Mumbai]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], [[São Paulo]], [[Singapore]], [[Sydney]], [[Tel Aviv]] and [[Perth (Western Australia)|Perth]]. You may also want to have a look at [[Discount airlines in Africa]]. All the larger airports in South Africa used to be state-owned, but have been privatised and are now managed by the [http://www.acsa.co.za Airports Company of South Africa]. Durban International Airport is the third biggest airport. Regular Flights from and to: [[Blantyre]], [[Cairo]], [[Gaborone]], [[Dar es Salaam]], [[Harare]], [[Lilongwe]], [[Livingstone]], [[Luanda]], [[Lusaka]], [[Kinshasa]], [[Maputo]], [[Manzini]], [[Maun]], [[Mauritius]], [[Nairobi]], [[Victoria Falls]] and [[Windhoek]]. Baggage theft at airports is common especially at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg so avoid putting valuables such as jewelry and expensive devices in your main luggage if you can and place them in your hand luggage. Since these thieves have only a window of a few seconds to steal, you can make it harder for them by using plastic quick-tie straps in all zippers, even if there are metal locks already and having both fabric or solid case luggage, wrapt up in many layers of cling plastic membrane. The cling wrap can be done at the airport for R80 per item or you can buy a large roll of the stuff in any supermarket and DIY for a fraction of the cost. A real adventure is flying with an old classic airliner. There are some tour operators offering such flights, mainly in the [[Gauteng]] region. One example is [http://www.rovos.co.za Rovos Air], a division of Rovos Rail. Some popular services include: * [[Cape Town]] to [[Gaborone]] - SA Express on Mondays and Fridays * [[Cape Town]] to [[Maun]] - Direct on Monday and Friday * [[Cape Town]] to [[Mauritius]] - Thursday and Saturday on Air Mauritius * [[Cape Town]] to [[Walvis Bay]] - Sunday to Friday on SA Express * [[Cape Town]] to [[Windhoek]] - Daily on SA Airlink and Air Namibia * [[Dar es Salaam]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily on SAA and Air Tanzania * [[Eswatini]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily on SA Airlink * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Dar es Salaam]] - Daily on SAA and Air Tanzania * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Eswatini]] - Daily on SA Airlink * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Gaborone]] - Daily flights on SA Express * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Kilimanjaro]] - Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday on Air Tanzania * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Lusaka]] - Daily on SAA * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Maputo]] - Daily flights on either SAA or Mozambique airlines. * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Mauritius]] - Daily on either SAA or Air Mautirius * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Maun]] - Daily flights * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Maseru]] - Daily flights on SAA Airlink * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Nairobi]] - Daily on either SAA or Kenya Airways * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Seychelles]] - Tuesday and Saturday on Air Seychelles * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Victoria Falls]] - Daily on SAA and BA * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Walvis Bay]] - Sunday to Friday on SA Express * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Windhoek]] - Daily on SAA, BA, Comair, and Air Namibia * [[Johannesburg]] to [[Zanzibar]] - Tuesday and Sunday on SAA. Daily connecting flight via [[Dar es Salaam]]. * [[Gaborone]] to [[Cape Town]] - SA Express on Mondays and Fridays * [[Gaborone]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily flights on SA Express * [[Kilimanjaro]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday on Air Tanzania * [[Lusaka]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily on SAA * [[Maputo]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily flights on either SAA or Mozambique airlines. * [[Maseru]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily flights on SAA Airlink * [[Maun]] to [[Cape Town]] - Direct on Thursday and Sunday * [[Maun]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily flights * [[Mauritius]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily on either SAA or Air Mautirius * [[Mauritius]] to [[Cape Town]] - Thursday and Saturday on Air Mauritius * [[Nairobi]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily on either SAA or Kenya Airways * [[Seychelles]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Tuesday and Sunday on Air Seychelles * [[Victoria Falls]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily on SAA and BA * [[Walvis Bay]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Sunday to Friday on SA Express * [[Walvis Bay]] to [[Cape Town]] - Sunday to Friday on SA Express * [[Windhoek]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Daily on SAA, BA, Comair, and Air Namibia * [[Windhoek]] to [[Cape Town]] - Daily on SA Airlink and Air Namibia * [[Zanzibar]] to [[Johannesburg]] - Tuesday and Sunday on SAA. Daily connecting flight via [[Dar es Salaam]]. ===By car=== Should you be entering from one of the other countries in Southern Africa you might want to do so by car. South Africa operates a number of land border posts between itself and immediately neighboring countries. The more commonly used ones are: '''[[Botswana]] border''' * {{listing | name=Skilpadsnek | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the N4, 54 km/34 mi from Zeerust | phone=+27 18 366-1469 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM-10PM | price= | content= }} '''[[Lesotho]] border''' * {{listing | name=Maseru Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=15 km/9 mi from Ladybrand on the N8 towards Maseru | phone=+27 51 924-4004 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Ficksburg Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Just outside Ficksburg | phone=+27 51 933-2760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Sani Pass | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=In the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg park | phone=+27 51 430-3664 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM-4PM | price= | content= }} '''[[Mozambique]] border''' * {{listing | name=Lebombo | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the N4 btwn Mbombela and Maputo | phone=+27 13 790-7203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6AM to 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Kosi Bay | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=R22 btwn Hluhluwe and Ponta do Ouro | phone=+27 35 592-0251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8AM-4PM | price= | content= }} '''[[Namibia]] border''' * {{listing | name=Nakop | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=132 km/82 mi from Upington on the N10 towards Ariamsvlei | phone=+27 54 571-0008 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Vioolsdrift | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On the N7 N of Springbok | phone=+27 27 761-8760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= | content= }} '''[[Eswatini]] border''' * {{listing | name=Oshoek | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=120 km/75 mi from Ermelo on the N17 towards Mbabane | phone=+27 17 882-0138 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM-10PM | price= | content= }} '''[[Zimbabwe]] border''' * {{listing | name=Beit Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=On N1 approximately 16 km (10 mi) N of Messina | phone=+27 15 530-0070 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open 24 hours | price= | content= }} Open times are often extended during South African holidays.. For a full list of entry ports or any additional information see the [http://www.borders.sars.gov.za/ South African Border Information Service] {{dead link|December 2020}} or contact them on ''+27'' 086 026-7337. ===By boat=== Most of the larger cruise lines, such as [http://www.princess.com/ports/CPT_X.html Princess Cruises] offer [[Cape Town]] as one of their destinations, but you can also try something different ==Get around== {{see also|Disabled travel in South Africa}} ===By plane=== South Africa has a well-established domestic air travel infrastructure with links between all major centres. There are multiple daily flights to all the major airports within the country. Contact any of the airlines for details. The low cost airlines ([http://www.kulula.com Kulula], [http://www.flymango.com Mango]) are usually the cheapest and prices can be compared online. It is also worth comparing with the [http://www.flysaa.com SAA] rates as they usually have online specials which can be cheaper than the "low cost" carriers in some cases. ===By car=== {{see also|Driving in South Africa}} Driving can be a practical way for getting around in South Africa, for instance national parks are some of the country's foremost attractions but they are rarely served by public transport. Visitors hiring or buying a car is fairly common. Major roads are in general in good condition, though South Africa still has a high rate of road accidents. Traffic rules including speed limits are not always respected, and in the countryside animals (wild and domestic) next to or on the road are not an uncommon sight. ===By bus=== There are scheduled bus services between Cape Town, Johannesburg, [[Durban]] and other cities (with stops in between), as well as connections to neighboring countries. The main bus companies are: * {{listing | name=Greyhound | url=http://www.greyhound.co.za/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 83 915-9000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Intercape Mainliner | url=http://www.intercape.co.za/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 21 380-4400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Translux | alt= | url=http://www.translux.co.za/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 86 158-9282 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=SA Roadlink | url=http://www.saroadlink.co.za | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 11 333-2223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} Booking for the above can also be done via [http://www.computicket.co.za Computicket] . Smaller services include '''[http://www.citybug.co.za/ City Bug]''' and '''[http://www.lowveldlink.co.za/ Lowveld Link]'''. An alternative is the '''[http://www.bazbus.com/ Baz Bus]''' . It offers a regular hop-on-hop-off service on some of the most interesting routes for the tourist (Cape Town to Durban via the Garden Route;Durban to Johannesburg via the Drakensberg). Baz Bus picks you up and drops you off at many hostels along the route, so you don't have to hang around at a downtown bus stop at night. If you're really in a pinch, you can use minibus ''taxis''. They are poorly maintained and rarely comply with safety standards. They also require patience as they make many detours and changeovers at the ''taxi rank'' (hub) where the driver will wait for passengers to fill up the bus. But they cover many routes not covered by the main bus service and are quite cheap (25 cents per kilometre per person on the main routes). Warning: Many buses are removed from service by the police, due to lack of legal road-worthiness. Seek up-to-date advice on which companies are more reputable. Occasionally, the driving can be rather wild, and if you're prone to motion sickness, be prepared. ===By train=== [[File:Shosholoza Meyl routes 2012.svg|thumb|350px|Shosholoza Meyl passenger train routes]]{{COVID-19 box|As of July 2022, only minimal train services have resumed in South Africa after being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The only scheduled trains run twice a month between Johannesburg and East London, and are subject to cancellation.|lastedit=2022-07-21}} The [http://www.prasa.com '''Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa''' (PRASA)] is the national rail operator. There are budget passenger services between major South African cities (known as '''[http://www.shosholozameyl.co.za Shosholoza Meyl]''') and luxury services (known as '''[http://www.premierclasse.co.za Premier Classe]''') between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Central Reservations (for both Shosholoza Meyl and Premier Classe) can be contacted as follows: * From within South Africa, phone 086 000 8888 (share-call) * From outside South Africa, phone ''+27'' 11 774 4555 * By using the 0027 prefix instead of +27 calls may cost less, the same applies calling SA from outside. * Email [mailto:mmabathop@spoornet.co.za mmabathop@spoornet.co.za] or [mailto:info@premierclasse.co.za info@premierclasse.co.za] To book tickets, phone Central Reservations on one of the numbers given above and make your booking. You can pick up and pay for the tickets later at any train station. There are also commuter trains in larger cities (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth and [[East London]]); these are run by [http://www.metrorail.co.za MetroRail] . Most services are perfectly safe, but certain routes are overcrowded and not always safe. ====Mid-range==== * {{listing | name=Shongololo Express | url=http://www.shongololo.com | email=info@shongololo.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 11 781-4616 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Rail safaris across South Africa }} ====Splurge==== * {{listing | name=Blue Train |alt=| url=http://www.bluetrain.co.za | email=BlueTrain@Spoornet.co.za | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 334-8459 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|lastedit=2017-01-23| content=This world famous luxury train operates between Pretoria and Cape Town, with a stopover in [[Kimberley (South Africa)|Kimberley]]. They advertise as a "five-star hotel on wheels" and charge accordingly: prices ''start'' from R15,500 one-way per person in low-season "Deluxe" twin-sharing. You can pay as much as R34,925 (high-season "Luxury" single) (2017 prices) The trip takes 27 hours, and your fares includes a private suite with attached bathroom, and all meals and drinks (except champagne and caviar). | phoneextra=Cape Town +27 21 449-2672, UK +44 1403 243619, central Europe +44 20 8924-5126, U.S. +1 305 864-4569 }} * {{listing | name=Rovos Rail | url=http://www.rovos.co.za/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 315-8242 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Offers luxury rail travel throughout Southern Africa. Destinations include Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban, [[George]], [[Swakopmund]] in Namibia, [[Victoria Falls|Vic Falls]] in Zimbabwe and [[Dar es Salaam]] in [[Tanzania]]. }} ===By taxi=== Ride-hailing is available in South Africa and the following are the most anticipated providers: * {{listing | type=go | name=Bolt | alt= | url=https://bolt.eu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Includes many towns. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Uber | alt= | url=https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/johannesburg/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Works in Johannesburg and Pretoria. }} ===By thumb=== [[Hitchhiking]] in South Africa is not so hard, but most people will think you are catching a ride with the local taxis and thus expect you to pay. You may want to tell them you are looking for a free ride before climbing aboard. The main issue is '''crime''': some drivers may hijack you and your belongings. Hitchhiking is generally frowned upon and considered unsafe. Drivers are also wary of potentially criminal hitchhikers. Never hitchhike at night. It is unwise to be outside at night, if you are in an area considered unsafe. Remember, most middle-class homes are protected with walls and armed guards; they have this for a reason. ===By bicycle=== Cycling is probably the best way to experience the country, as you really get to admire the views and get the opportunity to mingle with the locals. It could be considered unsafe to cycle through the cities because of crime and reckless drivers. However, Cape Town is somewhat bicycle friendly with several bike lanes. There are many farm/dirt roads throughout South Africa. Locals and Farmers are generally willing to provide you with food and a place to sleep, as long as you are willing to talk. ==Talk== South Africa has 11 official languages, namely [[Afrikaans phrasebook|Afrikaans]], [[Southern Ndebele phrasebook|Southern Ndebele]], [[Xhosa phrasebook|Xhosa]], [[Zulu phrasebook|Zulu]], [[Swazi phrasebook|Swazi]], [[Northern Sotho phrasebook|Northern Sotho]], [[Southern Sotho phrasebook|Southern Sotho]], [[Tswana phrasebook|Tswana]], [[Tsonga phrasebook|Tsonga]], [[Venda phrasebook|Venda]] and English. [[Afrikaans phrasebook|Afrikaans]] is the mother tongue of the majority of the white and coloured population. Often Afrikaans is incorrectly called 'Afrikan' or 'African' by foreigners. This is very incorrect as 'African' for a South African corresponds with the native-African languages: [[Zulu phrasebook|Zulu]], [[Xhosa phrasebook|Xhosa]], Pedi, etc. (and, of course, there are thousands of languages in Africa so no single language can be called 'African'). Afrikaans has roots in 17th-century Dutch dialects, so it can be understood by Dutch speakers and sometimes deciphered by German speakers. Other widely spoken languages are [[Zulu phrasebook|Zulu]] (mainly in [[KwaZulu-Natal]] - South Africa's largest single linguistic group) and [[Xhosa phrasebook|Xhosa]] (mainly in the [[Western Cape]] and [[Eastern Cape]]), Sotho and Venda. This changes, according to the region you are in. '''English''' is the ''lingua franca'' and spoken as a second language by most urban South Africans, but as a first language only by a minority of the white community. However, English proficiency can be limited in some rural black communities. South African English primarily follows British spelling and vocabulary choices, but is also heavily influenced by Afrikaans and, to a lesser extent, other South African languages. A few words you may encounter are: * ''eish'' - as in, "eish, it's hot today", "eish, that's expensive" or "eish, that's too far to drive" * ''lekker'' - nice, enjoyable * ''howzit'' - how is it? (generally a rhetorical question) * ''yebo'' - yes * ''boet'', ''bru'', ''china'' or ''ou'' - brother or man (equivalent to ''dude'' or ''bro'') * ''koppie'' - a small hill (can also mean a cup) * ''Madiba'' - Nelson Mandela * ''Molo'' - Hello (in Xhosa) * ''robot'' - traffic light * ''tannie'' - (auntie) respectful term for an older woman * ''oom'' - (uncle) respectful term for an older man * ''tinkle'' - phone call * ''just now'' - sometime soon (from Afrikaans "net-nou") * ''now now'' - sooner than just now! (from Afrikaans "nou-nou", pronounced no-no) * ''braai'' - barbecue. * ''cheers'' - used for saying good-bye, as well as saying thank you and for the occasional toast. * ''heita'' - hello * ''sharp'' - (usually pronounced quickly) OK * ''sure-sure'' more pronounced like sho-sho - Correct, Agreement, Thank you * ''ayoba'' - something cool * ''zebra crossing'' - a crosswalk. named for the white & black stripes that are generally painted on crosswalks. * ''bakkie'' - pick-up truck (from Afrikaans) *''Ekse'' -whats up ==See== [[File:Hartebeest (Addo).JPG|thumb|Red hartebeast in Addo Elephant National Park]] [[File:Cathedral Valley.jpg|thumb|[[Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park]], known for extraordinary beauty as well as rock paintings of the San people]] [[File:Soweto township.jpg|thumb|Visits to townships are an increasingly common tourist activity]] Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to South Africa every year to see the country's many natural and cultural attractions. From wild elephants to stunning landscapes, cave paintings, colonial heritage and bustling townships, South Africa is an enchanting land of contradictions and great beauty. Some of the best ways visitors can explore South Africa's natural scenic and cultural experiences, apart from private run enterprises, are provided by state-developed entities such as the various Provincial Park Boards and National Nature Reserves. Also available but less known by outsiders are government resorts mainly operated under the ''Forever Resorts'' brand for example. There are more than 20 of these resorts nationwide. They provide a mix of activities to be enjoyed by small or large groups of people. Activities such as thermal water spas, leisure, kids activities, hiking, camping, mountain biking and guided game viewing are all catered for. Accommodation available in these resorts is reasonably priced outside school holidays or long weekends and consists of a choice between, 3- or 4-star hotel, bungalows, cottages, thatched rondavels, caravan park and camping grounds, accommodation is priced per unit, therefore, making a six-sleeper bungalow or four sleeper cottage, a very affordable proposition. The resorts provide all amenities within and you are free to go to the restaurants or cater for yourself. Bring in your own supplies, as wine, beer, whisky and soft beverages and food items like meat, butter, cheese, coffee, can be substantially more expensive bought inside than from outside supermarkets. ===Wild animals in their natural habitat=== South Africa is the most popular '''[[safaris|safari]]''' destination in the world and for many visitors a glance at the "Big Five" and other wildlife is a must. The iconic '''[[Kruger National Park]]''' in Mpumalanga is surely the most famous place to have that glance, but '''[[Addo Elephant National Park]]''' in the Eastern Cape is another popular pick. The vast dry plains of the '''[[Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park]]''' with its migratory herds of wildebeast covers parts of both South Africa and Botswana. Along the border with Mozambique another transfrontier park, the '''[[iSimangaliso Wetland Park]]''', offers very different landscapes and fauna. For scuba divers, South Africa's underwater wildlife has a lot to offer, with the annual '''[[Diving in South Africa/Sardine run|sardine run]]''' being a highlight. The popular seaside town of '''[[Hermanus]]''' is probably the best place in the world to go [[whale watching]], with cage diving opportunities with great white sharks for the truly adventurous. ===Areas of natural beauty and botanical interest=== South Africa's landscapes are grand and diverse, varying from flat desert scrublands to lush green coastal areas and high peaks. The view from the famous, flat-topped '''[[Table Mountain National Park|Table mountain]]''' is a classic Africa experience. Also in the Cape Town region, the beautiful '''beaches''' attract thousands of sun lovers. The green coastal '''[[Garden Route]]''' is a great natural experience, passing countless lagoons, several interesting towns and the beautiful '''[[Tsitsikamma National Park]]'''. The '''[[Augrabies|Augrabies Falls National Park]]''' boasts a 60-m-high water fall. Close to the Kruger Park is '''God's Window''' and '''[[Blyde River Canyon]]''', the largest green canyon in the world, not far from there are the high peaks of the '''Drakensberg''' mountain range. The [[Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park]] is one of the country's 8 [[UNESCO World Heritage List#South Africa|Unesco World Heritage sites]] for its exceptional natural beauty and the many cave paintings found there. The '''Namaqualand''' transformation from a dry monochromatic landscape into a colourful myriad of flowering during spring season, is a sight to behold, but there are many others including areas of the '''Kalahari''' desert, where stubborn endemic life forms defy the harsh environment and thrive. ===Cultural heritage=== Large numbers and some of the oldest hominid fossils have been found in South Africa, especially in the '''[[Cradle of Humankind]]''', another World Heritage Site. Over 30 different caves held important fossils, but the caves of '''Sterkfontein''' are perhaps the most important one at the site. Far more recent, the 17th-century '''Castle of Good Hope''' in beautiful '''[[Cape Town]]''' is one of the cultural heritage sites from colonial times. '''[[Robben Island]]''', where Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned, has become a major destination. For more insight in the Apartheid times, visit the '''District Six Museum''' in Cape Town or the '''Apartheid museum''' in [[Johannesburg]]. ===Other attractions=== *Although regularly criticized, visits to the infamous '''townships''' are increasingly popular. Some say such trips turn poverty into entertainment while others think they benefit all those involved. In any case, a township tour is an experience that will stick. *'''The Cango Caves''' near Oudtshorn is an extensive and complex cave system within the Swartberg Mountains, containing many unique natural limestone formations. Management of the site falls under the Western Cape Parks Administration and is open to visitors. The shorter "standard tour" is available for everyone and lasts about an hour, however, the "adventure tour" is only open to experienced ''cavers'', as it can last 4 to 6 hours and requires a high degree of physical fitness to belly crawl through tight spots and nooks to reach the various chambers spread over 4&nbsp;km. *'''Soweto''', in [[Johannesburg]], is particularly well known. *South Africa has gained world-wide fame as a wine country, and if you're interested, a visit to one of the over 800 '''wineries''' can be a great addition to your trip. Head to the '''[[Cape Winelands]]''' around [[Stellenbosch]] for some of the best picks. *'''Rand Airport''' in Germiston, near Johannesburg, is a regional airport serving mostly private pilots, small air service operators and flying schools. It also houses several well kept and maintained vintage aircraft such as the privately owned World War II "Harvard Squadron" usually quite active on weekends. Helicopter sight seeing and nostalgic air tours, specifically flying on a "Dakota DC3" and a wind in the face "Tiger Moth" biplane, are also available. ==Do== *'''Hot air ballooning''', the "Cradle of Mankind" in Gauteng near Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape offer some spectacular balloon safaris. Booking arrangements can be made through a variety of operators easily found online. * '''Dive''', see [[Diving in South Africa]] for details. * '''River rafting:''' The Orange River on the border to Namibia is a popular destination for rafting tours. Several tour operators launch 4-6 day trips in blow-up boats from Vioolsdrif with camping under the stars. *'''Hiking''' and mountaneering are very popular in the Highlands of KwaZulu-Natal and in certain areas of the Eastern and Western Cape. Advance bookings may be essential to secure a place as some eco-sensitive places allow only a limited number of people to visit per year. *[[Rugby Football|Rugby Union]], [[Cricket]] and soccer are all popular spectator sports, traditionally associated with Afrikaner, Anglo-South African and black South African culture respectively, although this has changed, and the Springboks (national Rugby union team) has had a lot of black fans at least since the 1995 World Cup, hosted in South Africa, when South Africa won with Nelson Mandela (then president) in attendance wearing a Springbok jersey. *'''Friends of the Rail''' are based in Pretoria. This non-profit preservation society looks after steam locomotives and period rolling stock. Steam train outings are organized regularly departing in the morning from their own station in Hermanstad, Pretoria, and arriving in Cullinan for an extended stop over allowing sufficient time for lunch or a picnic before returning to base in the afternoon. *'''The Magaliesberg steam train''' is another vintage steam train trip, operated by South African Railways (Transnet). It departs Johannesburg's main Park Station in the morning once or twice per month, offering a day long scenic tour through the nearby Magaliesberg Mountains. A packed lunch or picnic basket is essential. *'''Battle sites''': Many well documented Zulu-Indigenous, Boer-Indigenous, Zulu-British and Boer-British war sites are well kept, easy to access and worthwhile a visit. Mostly found in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, The War Museum in Johannesburg can provide maps and literature to help one plan a tour of where to go. *'''Self-driving tours''': Due to the size of the country and well developed extent of the national road network, a practical and fulfilling way of seeing the country is by driving through. The natural beauty of areas like "Golden Gate", "God's Window", "The Garden Route", "The Wild Coast", "St. Lucia and Cape Vidal", offer the leisurely vacationer unskeptic to mingle with locals or stay in farmsteads, a wide variety of tinkling sensations not experienced any other way. *'''Motor racing''' in Gauteng is a regular calendar event, with Kyalami and Swartkops raceway facilities being among others, the main backdrops for all sorts of top notch national and regional two and four wheel competitions. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=South African rand | currencyCode=R | date=January 2022 | USD=16 | EUR=18 | GBP=21 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/zar-south-african-rand XE.com] }} <!--{{exchange rate ZAR}} --> [[File:South African-Money01.jpg|thumb|South African notes and coins (old series)]] The currency is the '''rand''', denoted by the symbol "'''R'''" (ISO code: '''ZAR'''). It is divided into 100 cents (c). Notes are in denominations of R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Higher value notes are slightly larger in physical size than small value notes. All notes have a metallic security strip and a watermark. A new series of banknotes was introduced in 2012, and both the old and the new series are circulating and legal tender. Coins are in denominations of R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. Production of 2c and 1c coins was suspended in 2002 although those still in circulation remain legal tender. All transactions are rounded down to the nearest lower 5c, so as not to require the use of 2c and 1c coins. There are two types of R5 coins in circulation: one is a silver-coloured coin while the other is silver-coloured with a copper insert. Both are legal currency. South Africa is part of the ''Southern African Common Monetary Area'' and the rand can be used in Namibia (where it is an official currency along with the Namibian dollar), and in [[Lesotho]] and [[Eswatini]] (where it is widely accepted, but not an official currency). The currencies of each country are tied to the rand at the rate of 1:1. '''Traveller's cheques''' are a safe way of carrying money around. You can exchange them at all banks (which are found throughout the country even in rural areas) and you will get a refund if they are stolen. The disadvantage is that you cannot pay with them and you will need change when exchanging them into rand. Use ATMs instead if possible. '''Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)''', linked to all major international networks, are available throughout the country and will generally dispense money in a mixture of denominations between R200 and R10, with about 80% of the value requested being high value notes and the rest in smaller denominations. You can use any Cirrus or Maestro card and all major credit and debit cards at the ATMs. South African bank ATMs do not charge any fees above those levied by your own financial institution. It is best to use only ATMs that are inside a mall or other building. Always be careful to make sure no one is watching you enter your PIN, and be vigilant about scams (e.g. machines that seem to eat your card and won't give it back after you enter the PIN). Do not accept help from strangers when withdrawing money at an ATM. If you are approached and offered unwanted help, cancel the transaction immediately and go to a different ATM. The till points at some major retail stores (''such as Pick 'n Pay'') also act as ATMs; simply tell the checkout clerk that you would like to withdraw money. Transaction costs will be less than at ATMs. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere. American Express and Diners Club are also accepted, but not as widely. Most retail stores accept credit cards and pin based debit cards as payment. South Africa has moved towards a chip-and-PIN credit card system like Europe. Thus, credit card users from countries also on that system (like the United States) will have no problem using their credit cards in South Africa, provided that they have notified their bank in advance of their travel plans. '''VAT''' (Value Added Tax) is levied at 15% on almost all products in South Africa. Government legislated bread (rectangular loaf) and basic food stuff like uncooked meats, fresh milk, raw and unprocessed fruit and vegetables, are all tax exempt. By law, advertised prices should be inclusive of VAT except when explicitly stated otherwise. Foreign passport holders may claim back the VAT only on material products that were bought in South Africa and are being taken out of the country, provided that the total value of the goods exceeds R250, but not for things like accommodation and food costs or car rental. Full details of the procedure to follow are available from the [http://www.dfa.gov.za/consular/vat.htm Department of Foreign Affairs] and their new TAX Refund for tourists [http://www.taxrefunds.co.za/ site]. '''VAT Refund''' Administrator's offices are available at both Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) and Cape Town International Airports. Refunds will be credited to a Travelex Visa card that you will be given, denominated in U.S. dollars or euros, the fees in conversion associated with this card can leave you with up to 10% less than you thought you were getting. The cards can only be used outside of South Africa. ===Costs=== ====Petrol and diesel==== Liquid fuel prices in South Africa are regulated and are fixed by region monthly. In general, petrol is cheaper near the ports (Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth). A litre of petrol will cost around R17 (2018). *'''Tyre punctures''' and small vehicle repairs can be done in garages almost anywhere. Private or chain/franchise tyre shops are easily found and charge around R90/120, including puncture repair kit, new air valve and wheel rebalancing. Although prices for things like new radiator hoses or air and oil filters, new batteries, aircon gas refills and so on, may be wise shopping around for better prices, these services are also carried out while you wait. *'''Windscreen chipping''' can often occur both on South African asphalt or dirt roads. Major urban centers have specialists in windscreen repairs able to invisibly and permanently fix small chips and cracks while you wait for about R500. If not found online, any proper garage or windscreen agent will be able to recommend someone near you. If a crack results from someone else's vehicle and you are insured, record the date, time and location, plus the other vehicle's registration plate number, colour and make to give your insurer. ====Toll roads==== The most expensive toll gate in South Africa is the [[Swartruggens]] toll plaza on the ''N4'' between Swartruggens and [[Zeerust]], cost is R71 for a normal car. In total, road tolls between Pretoria and Mbombela or between Johannesburg and Cape Town will cost you just under R100. If travelling from Beitbridge to Cape Town, down the N1, expect to pay as much R270. ====Food==== * You can buy a McDonald's Big Mac for around R39,90 (2020) * A sit-in lunch at an average restaurant will cost you about R120 per person (2018). * A dinner at a restaurant in a fancy or posh area may cost R200 R500 p/person (without drinks). * A basic 30-cm pizza will cost about R85 (2018), however, known chains offer bulk buy specials. * Beverages of all kinds in most restaurants tend to be too overpriced. Unlicensed establishments may charge a "corking" fee, ranging from cheap to questionably high. ===Shopping=== Prices in shops are fixed, but prices in open markets or from street vendors are open to barter. South Africa may not the best place to find bargains for most goods, for example, most ordinary consumer goods, electronics, and appliances are by and large manufactured in China nowadays, while most luxury goods are manufactured in Europe. In any case, by law, everything has to specify place of origin/manufacture in addition to, in the case of garments, accessories and shoes, the various types of materials used and the respective percentages. Nevertheless, the South Africa garment and shoe industry has begun a new chapter by reviving some dormant factories and in partnership with new brilliant local fashion designers, combining to produce very attractive high quality affordable shoes and clothing items made from nationally sourced top grade raw materials, like leather, wool and mohair, the ''Young Designers Forum'' label is an example of this development and Cape Town leads the way, while others can be found on the web. On the electronic goods market, prices needs double checking, a simple GPS navigator for your car will cost about R2000 - more than double the cost in the US or Europe! Nevertheless, in major urban centers like Johannesburg and Cape Town, retail parks with direct to public factory outlets, offer very discounted prices on well known global brands in clothing, sports shoes and equipment, accessories, home entertainment and electronics. However, South Africa is a superior destination for buying African art, curios, and souvenirs which are far more difficult to obtain outside of Africa. In Johannesburg particularly, the Jewellery Council of SA and Diamond Board of SA certified diamond and coloured gemstone dealers and jewellers make jewellery in gold or platinum, available from reputable manufacturers at much better prices than on high street. Much of these business are concentrated in ''Jewel City'', Main St., Jhb. or ''The Hamlet'', Ridge Rd., Parktown, Jhb. All of these business provide the necessary documentation for a full VAT refund when leaving the country. ===Tipping=== Tipping is the norm in restaurants. Indeed, most of these businesses pay their staff the legal minimum-wage, relying on customer tips to bring staff incomes up to live-able levels. Tips of around '''10%''' of the bill are considered the norm but you may refuse to tip if the food and/or service were below par. Please note some restaurants management shares all "official" tips, you may want to rather give an actual cash tip to the waiter involved, instead of adding it to the bill being paid by cr/card. A small amount, usually around R5 or more, is given to petrol station attendants for additional services, such as cleaning one's windscreen. Toilet cleaners at service stations along major road routes are sometimes tipped when they provide good service and keep the facilities clean. "Car guards", who claim to "look after" one's parked car are often given a small tip if they are in uniform and authorized; however those without uniforms are usually regarded as a nuisance, and tipping them is not compulsory, despite the fact that they often harass motorists looking for payment. The 10% tipping rule also applies when taking a taxi. As most cabs work with cash only, it's better to ask how much you'll be expected to pay for your journey before getting in. This will ensure that you always have enough to give the driver as a tip. Lastly, when checking into your hotel, it is customary to tip your porter as well. The generally accepted rule is to give them R5 per bag they handle. ==Eat== [[File:South Africa-Braaivleis01.jpg|thumb|Braaivleis]] ===Cuisine=== South African cuisine is just as diverse as its cultures, with influences from [[UK|British]], [[Netherlands|Dutch]], [[germany|German]], [[India]]n, [[malaysia|Malay]], [[portugal|Portuguese]], [[greece|Greek]], [[italy|Italian]] and of course the native African influences. * '''Braaivleis''', meat roasted over an open wood or charcoal fire, is very popular and generally done at weekend social events. The act of roasting the meat as well as the social event is referred to as a ''braai''. * '''Pap''', a porridge made with corn meal. ''Slappap'' (runny porridge), is smooth and often eaten as a breakfast porridge, ''Stywepap'' (stiff porridge) has a doughy and more lumpy consistency and is often used as a replacement for rice or other starches. "Krummel" pap also called umphokoqo (crumby porridge) is drier, resembles couscous and is often served at a ''braai'' covered in a saucy tomato and onion relish called ''sous''. * '''Potjiekos''', a meat and vegetable stew made in a cast iron pot over an open fire. A favorite at ''braais''. * '''Boerewors''', a spicy sausage. ''Boerewors Rolls'' are hotdog buns with ''boerewors'' rather than hotdogs, traditionally garnished with an onion and tomato relish. * '''Biltong and Droëwors''', seasoned meat or sausage that has been dried. Beef, game and ostrich meat is often used. A favourite at sports events and while travelling. * '''Bunny chows''', half a loaf of bread with the inside replaced by lamb or beef curry, a speciality of the Indian community in [[Durban]]. * '''Bobotie''', meatloaf with a Cape Malay influence, seasoned with curry and spices, topped with a savoury custard. * '''Morogo''', a wild spinach on its own or with potato. Sometimes served with ''pap''. * '''Waterblommetjiebredie''', mutton and indigenous water lily stew. * '''Masonja''', for the culinary adventurer, fried Mopanie worms. * '''Melktert''', "milk tart", a milk-based dessert. * '''Koeksisters''', a deep-fried sticky dessert. * '''Vetkoek''', deep fried dough ball made from flour, served with curry mince or apricot jam. * '''Umvubo''', sour milk mixed with umphokoqo, commonly eaten by the Xhosa people. ===Fast food=== You will find the usual array of international fast food outlets. '''McDonald's''', '''KFC''', '''Domino's Pizza''' and '''Wimpy''' are found throughout the country. Local franchises worth mentioning are '''Black Steer''', '''Spur''' and '''Steers''' for the best burgers and '''[http://www.nandos.co.za/ Nando's]''' peri-peri chicken. '''Chicken Licken''' is also a very popular choice for the locals, especially for their hot wings. Pizza delivery is available in most urban areas whereby food can be ordered online with places such as '''[http://www.dominospizza.co.za/ Domino's Pizza] {{dead link|December 2020}}''' and Debonairs. If you want keep to a budget and not bother with cooking, everywhere all supermarkets chains have a deli, bakery and kitchen sections providing a wide range of ready to eat meals and sandwiches or you can choose yourself from the hot buffet or salad bar. These items are sold by weight at reasonable prices. *'''Seafood''' franchises like '''Ocean Basket''' and '''Fishaways''' specialise in seafood, either to eat in or take away. Inland, due to the distances from the coast, fresh fish dishes are not easily found. However near rivers, some establishments offer what's regionally available. In coastal cities and towns, the situation is reversed with Cape Town and Durban being particularly good in having a choice of excellent seafood establishments at their respective waterfronts. ===Special diets=== *'''Vegetarian and Vegan''' fast food and sit in outlets or restaurants are quite popular in urban South Africa, the '''Kauai''' franchise usually present in shopping malls and CBDs amongst other places, lead the way in variety, quality and keen pricing. Another source of affordable ready made such meals, can be found at supermarket chains like '''Fruit&Veg''', '''Woolworths''', '''Pick & Pay''', '''Spar''' or '''Checkers''', while a growing number of regular restaurants will also cater for such diets. *'''Kosher and Halal''' dietary requirements are well known in SA. In areas with reasonable to high concentration of Jewish and Muslim populations, is quite easy to find restaurants, butcheries and supermarkets catering for these needs. In other areas, it may require searching to ascertain their existence or a Jewish or Muslim person can always contact their nearest respective religious place of worship or organization for enquires. ===Smoking=== Most restaurants and even pubs have been declared "smoke-free" areas. However, this is often ignored. In some restaurants you will find a dedicated smokers area where children are not allowed. Rule of thumb is to check for an ashtray on your table. You will, however, in all probability be greeted at the door of the establishment with a "smoking-or-nonsmoking". Check as smoking in non-designated areas is not permitted and you'll be met with some rude gestures. ==Drink== Municipal tap water is usually safe to drink. In some area such as Hartebeespoort Dam, it is advisable to boil your water before drinking. Milk is widely available at most supermarkets, but bottled orange juice not-from-concentrate is much, much harder to find than in North America. Most South African retailers carry only orange juice reconstituted from concentrate or orange juice blended with other juices or milk. Soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are widely available, though. The legal age to purchase and drink alcohol in South Africa is 18. Almost all restaurants are licensed to serve liquor. Witblits or Mampoer are locally distilled under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, and allocated a manufacturers' licence. They are safe and enjoyable to consume and does not resemble the names for ''moonshine'' or ''firewater''. The alcohol content is controlled by the Department, so is the quality. ===Beer=== [[File:Root44 27.jpg|thumb|Different beers at a beer festival]] Local beer production is dominated by '''[http://www.sabmiller.com SABMiller]''' with Castle, Hansa, Black Label and Castle Milk Stout being most popular brands. There are also Micro Breweries all over South Africa. Imported beers such as Stella Artois and Grolsch or Laurentina, are also widely available. The Namibian Windhoek brand beers are also popular and generally available. Prices can vary widely depending on the establishment. Expect to pay R25 for a 0.5 L beer (July 2017). ===Wine=== South Africa has a well established wine industry with most of the wine produced concentrated in the Cape Winelands in the [[Western Cape]] and along the Orange River in the [[Northern Cape]]. Wine is plentiful throughout the country and prices remain affordable, with 750ml bottles of a really good red starting from R100 and Chardonnay from R90. Good quality wines in bulk are also available in 5L and 3L cartons. A 3L of good red will cost about R110 and a 3L Chardonnay, about R95. Prices are not fixed, it pays to shop around for good deals. ===Liquors=== '''[http://www.amarula.co.za/ Amarula Cream]''' is made from the marula fruit. The marula fruit is a favourite treat for African elephants, baboons and monkeys and in the liqueur form definitely not something to be passed over by humans. Pour over crushed ice and enjoy. The taste, colour and texture is very similar to Baileys Irish Cream. ''Cape Velvet'' is a favourite in and around Cape Town. ===Tea and coffee=== The local '''Rooibos''' tea, made from a herb from the Cederberg Mountains is a favorite for many South Africans. You will find coffee shops in most shopping malls, such as [http://www.muggandbean.co.za Mugg&Bean] and [http://www.houseofcoffees.com/ House of Coffees]. Coffee shops similar in concept to Starbucks, like Seattle Coffee Company and [http://www.vidaecaffe.co.za Vida e Caffe] (Portuguese themed), are becoming commonplace. ==Sleep== Establishments in South Africa can have themselves [[rating systems|graded]] by the ''[http://www.tourismgrading.co.za/ Tourism Grading Council of South Africa] '' on a 5-star basis. Many establishments make use of this service and you will see the star grading displayed on most advertising material. An inconsistent pricing system that sees many establishments offering a "per person" price instead of a "per room" rate, should be made aware of. Also, not everyone makes very it clear if breakfast is included or not and if not, how much extra will be. If you are budget sensitive, in the last few years, accommodation costs at many greedy establishments, in big or small towns alike, have been going up far out of sync with actual inflation, making it unwise to pre-book without doing a thorough search. In certain instances, a global brand or comparable hotel will cost much less in Europe or America than in SA. One of the excuses for this is the exchange rate, so, shop around. Another anomalie, is the inconsistency within the star rating. A three or four star guest house, B&B or hotel, maybe better kitted out, more spacious, better maintained and run than a five star establishment in the same area, therefore, rendering the system a rough guide-line indicator and not a systematic reliable set of standards. Similarly, in game reserve areas for example, is not uncommon to spot a slightly above average establishment charging just a slightly cheaper rate than the nearby ultra luxurious game lodge, but offering nothing comparable in quality or variety to its seven star counterpart, so, beware. For the price conscious and average tourist, the game reserve experience is better done within game camps under the control of the Provincial Parks Authorities or National Parks Board. There, prices for accommodation, food and guided safaris are very reasonable. * 1 star - Clean, comfortable and functional. * 2 star - Good: Quality furnishings, service and guest care. * 3 star - Very good: Better furnishings, service and guest care. * 4 star - Superior: Excellent comfort and very high standard furnishings, service and guest care. * 5 star - Exceptional: Top of the line quality and luxurious accommodation to match the best international standards. Flawless service and guest care. ===Backpacker lodges=== Backpacking lodges or [[hostels]] are widespread all over the country. Most establishments offer great value tours and activities in the areas. There is a great network of transport around the country making it suitable for single and younger travellers. Some lodges provide meals especially in the more remote areas. Most have self-catering facilities and shared bathrooms although en-suite bathrooms are also common. ===B&Bs=== Bed and Breakfast establishments are becoming very popular. The accommodation is usually provided in a family (private) home and the owner/manager lives in the house or on the property. Breakfast is usually served. Bathroom facilities may be en-suite. In general, the guest shares the public areas with the host family. ===Self-catering=== A house, cottage, chalet, bungalow, flat, studio, apartment, villa, houseboat, tents or similar accommodation where facilities and equipment are provided for guests to cater for themselves. (This can include a fridge, oven, stove, and microwave.) The facilities should be adequate to cater for the maximum advertised number of residents the facility can accommodate. ===Guest house=== A guest house is a converted house or manor adapted to accommodate overnight guests or it may be a purpose built facility. A guest house is run as a commercial operation and is often owner-managed. A guest house has areas which are for the exclusive use of the guest. The owner/manager either lives off-site, or in a separate area within the property. ===Camping and caravaning=== [[File:South Africa-Gamtoos River-Caravan Park.jpg|thumb|A small caravan park on the Gamtoos River]] Caravan parks can be found in most towns that are holiday destinations. Most caravan parks also offer [[camping]] sites where you can pitch a tent (double check because sometime tents are excluded). The parks generally have central ablution facilities. Also see the [[South Africa#By motorhome|By motorhome]] and [[South Africa#By offroad vehicle|By offroad vehicle]] sections for additional camping options. ===Timeshare=== There are many timeshare resorts in South Africa, most participate in international exchange agreements. Many timeshare owners also rent their time when they can not make use of it. ===Long-term=== Many real estate agents in South Africa also offer rental services. The rental properties are mostly available on unfurnished long term lease, but you will also find furnished properties on offer with 1 to 12-month lease agreements Your local branch of an international estate agent with a presence in South Africa might also be able to assist you. ==Learn== [[File:South Africa-UNISA01.jpg|thumb|University of South Africa.]] Non-South African citizens need to be in possession of a ''study permit'' to study inside the country. You should apply for one at a South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of origin, or in the nearest country, should there be no South African representation is available in your country. Government form [http://www.home-affairs.gov.za BI-1738] needs to be completed for the application. You will need to do some preparation to gain a ''study permit''. At a minimum you will need acceptance by a South African University, repatriation guarantees, return air ticket and proof that you can cover living expenses while in South Africa, including cover or insurance for the eventuality of medical need, before a permit will be issued. Having a SA family relation or friend with good social standing, does make such matters easier to deal with. The cost for obtaining a study permit is R425 and applications take about 6 weeks to process. Expect to spend at least R6,000 per month on general living expenses (''accommodation, food, travel, etc'') in addition to tuition fees. There are many secondary and tertiary education centres in South Africa. The University of Cape Town is the top-ranked university in Africa, placing 198th in the world, according to the 2007 Times Higher Education ranking. The Universities of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch, Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal also routinely appear in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Top 500 rankings. '''PPL and Boat Skipper''': South Africa is also an excellent venue to learn new skills such as flying, sailing and scuba diving since costs are generally far lower than in more developed countries while quality of training will be equal or better. '''Commercial diving''': South Africa is quite popular for commercial diver training as the qualification is internationally recognised by the International Diver Recognition Forum, and the Department of Labout is a member of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). A South African Department of Labour certification as a Class I or Class II diver is acceptable for offshore work in many other parts of the world, including the North Sea and Nigerian offshore oilfields. ==Work== Due to the high levels of unemployment in South Africa, there are limited work opportunities for foreigners. Non-citizens are only allowed to work in South Africa if they are in possession of a ''work permit''. Students in Canada can apply for a work visa through [http://www.swap.ca/ SWAP], although costs are high the service is helpful and well organized. The process of applying for a work permit is similar to applying for a study permit, contact a South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of origin, or in the nearest country, should there be no South African representation is available in your country. Government form B1-159 (A&C) needs to be completed for the application. Processing of the application will take 8 to 12 weeks. ====Scarce skills and work permit quotas==== There are some skills that are in short supply in the country and the Department of Home Affairs has a ''Quota Work Permit'' program aimed at sourcing these skills from abroad. A list of skills in demand and set quotas for each of those skills are published yearly. Applicants with formal qualification and work experience in the required fields may apply for a quota work permit. This permit costs around R1600 and applications will take between 6 and 8 weeks to process. If the application is approved one will have a 90-day period (''from the time of entering the country'') to find employment in the field that the permit was issued for. Once employed, the permit will stay valid as long as one is employed within the same field of work (''changing employers is allowed''). More information, as well as the skills and quotas list for the current year, can be found on the [http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/skills.asp Department of Home Affairs homepage]. ==Stay safe== ''See also the warning about security at [[O.R. Tambo International Airport]].'' South Africa has very few earthquakes, cyclones, tornadoes, floods, terrorist incidents or contagious diseases (with the notable exception of HIV). However, South Africa has some of the highest '''violent crime''' rates in the world, though by being vigilant and using common sense, you should have a safe and pleasant trip as millions of other people have each year. The key is to know and stick to general safety precautions: never walk around in deserted areas at night or advertise possession of money or expensive accessories. Crime levels are relatively high in South Africa, however, perceptions can be misleading because statistically, most of the criminal activity is concentrated around certain specific areas and perpetrated by specialised criminal organizations connected to copper theft, car theft, transportation of goods and cash in transit theft, home or business and warehouse break-ins, smuggling, drug dealing, prostitution and so on. Opportunistic attacks like robberies or muggings of individuals outside those areas are very uncommon unless one mixes with low life characters or ventures into seedy joints or gangster neighborhoods. As far as tourism goes, most embassies and tourist organizations will have lists of known areas to avoid. If you drive around, you'll notice some bad road behaviour, however inconsiderate it may be to you, just ignore it and make sure there isn't a road rage incident. Like anywhere else, as a general rule, it's advisable for visitors to keep valuables out of sight and to keep a low profile. All South Africans are in general a nice bunch of people but as in any society, there's always a couple of bad apples mixed in the barrel. Do not accept offers from friendly strangers. Do not wear a tummy bag with all your valuables; consider a concealed money belt worn under your shirt instead. Leave passports and other valuables in a safe or other secure location. Although most banks and exchange bureaus require your passport in order to exchange foreign monies to Rands, in South Africa it's legal to carry authenticated photocopies of documents in lieu of originals. To get documents authenticated free of charge, take the original and copies to any South African Police station and ask the officer on duty to help you. The papers will be good for 90 days from police stamp date. Do not carry large sums of money. Do not walk at night through deserted places. Hide that you are a tourist: conceal your camera and binoculars. Do not leave your valuables in plain sight when driving in your car, as "smash and grab" attacks sometimes occur at certain hot spot intersections, and keep your car doors locked and your windows open less than half way. Know where to go so that you avoid getting lost or needing a map: that will avoid signs. If you are carrying bags, try to hook them under a table or chair leg when sitting down, as this will prevent them from being snatched. Visiting the townships is possible, but do not do it alone unless you really know where you're going. Some townships are safe while others can be '''extremely dangerous'''. Go with an experienced guide. Some tour companies offer perfectly safe guided visits to the townships. Taking an evening stroll or walking to venues after dark can be very risky. It simply is ''not'' part of the culture there, as it is in Europe, North America or Australia. It is best to take a taxi (a metered cab, not a minibus taxi) or private vehicle for an "evening out". The same applies to picking up hitchhikers or offering assistance at broken-down car scenes. It is best to ignore anyone who appears to be in distress at the side of the road as it could be part of a scam. Keep going until you see a police station and tell them about what you have seen. If you are driving in South Africa, when police officers stop you to check your licence, and you show them an overseas driver's licence, they may come out with some variant of `Have you got written permission from [random government department] to drive in our country?' If your licence is written in English or you have an International Driving Permit then they can't do anything. Stand your ground and state this fact - be polite, courteous and don't pay any money (bribes). Furthermore, any foreign drivers license with English on it is valid in South Africa for ninety days from day of entry, and the corresponding passport may need to be presented together. After ninety days, a foreign drivers licence maybe deemed invalid and need to be converted to a SA driver licence, as the legal status of such foreigners may fall within the ''temporary resident'' requirements. Take extra care when driving at night. Unlike in Europe and North America, vast stretches of South African roads, especially in rural areas, are poorly lit or often completely unlit. This includes highways. Be extra careful as wildlife and people often walk in the middle of the road in smaller towns (not cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg, or Cape Town). You must also take extra care when driving in South Africa due to the risk of carjackings. ===Important telephone numbers=== [[File:South Africa-Emergency Numbers01.jpg|thumb|Road signs will remind about emergency numbers]] * {{listing | name=The National Tourism Information and Safety Line | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 83 123 2345 (mobile) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Operated by South African Tourism }} * {{listing | name=The National Sea Rescue Institute | alt= | url=http://www.nsri.org.za/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 21 434-4011, +27 82 380 3800 (Mobile after hours) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A volunteer organization with rescue stations around the coast and mayor inland bodies of water }} ====From a fixed line==== * '''107''' - Emergency (in Cape Town, only from fixed lines) * '''10111''' - [http://www.saps.gov.za/ Police] * '''10177''' - Ambulance ====From a mobile phone==== * '''112'''-All Emergencies ====International calls at local rates==== * Step 1: Dial: '''087 150 0823''' from any mobile or landline * Step 2: Dial destination number and press # ** e.g. 00 44 11 123 4567 # * Countries: USA, UK (landline), India, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong and many more. * Supported on: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom and Neotel ===Wildlife=== [[File:Meerkat (Suricata suricatta) Tswalu.jpg|thumb|Meerkats are on the lookout at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve]] One of the main reasons travellers visit South Africa is to experience the outdoors and see the wide range of wildlife. When driving in a wildlife reserve, always keep to the speed limits and stay inside your car at all times. On game drives or walks, always follow the instructions of your guide. Do not drive too close to elephants. Be prepared to back up very quickly if they charge at you. Elephants are strong enough to roll many small cars. They can destroy small cars by sitting on them (which means they blow out all tires and windows and bend the frame beyond repair) while you scream for your life inside. Ensure that you wear socks and boots whenever you are walking in the bush; do not wear open sandals. A good pair of boots can stop snake and insect bites and avoid any possible cuts that may lead to infections. In many areas you may encounter wildlife while driving on public roads, monkeys and baboons are especially common. Do not get out of the vehicle to take photos or otherwise try to interact with the animals. These are wild animals and their actions can be unpredictable. Sometimes you might find yourself in the open with wild animals (''often happens with baboons at Cape Point''). Keep your distance and always ensure that the animals are only to one side of you, do not walk between two groups or individuals. A female baboon may get rather upset if you separate her from her child. Always check with locals before swimming in a river or lake as there may be crocodiles or hippos. Most major beaches in [[KwaZulu-Natal]] have shark nets installed. If you intend to swim anywhere other that the main beaches, check with a local first. Shark nets may be removed for a couple of days during the annual sardine run (''normally along the KwaZulu-Natal coast between early May and late July''). This is done to avoid excessive shark and other marine life fatalities. Notices are posted on beaches during these times. ==Stay healthy== ===Emergency and medical assistance=== There are a number of independent emergency assist companies in South Africa * {{listing | name=Netcare 911 | url=http://www.netcare911.co.za/ | email= | address=49 New Rd, Midrand | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 11 254-1927 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Some travel agents offer Netcare911 cover as an option, but you can also deal with them via Travel Insurance providers. It's worth checking if your existing cover has an association with them. }} * {{listing | name=Travel Insurance | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 11 780-3300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Contracted to Netcare and offers ''comprehensive EMS cover for the inbound traveller to South Africa''. }} * {{listing | name=ER24 | alt= | url=http://www.er24.co.za | email= | address=Manor 1, Cambridge Manor Office Park, corner Witkoppen and Stonehaven, Paulshof, Sandton | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=084 124 (domestic) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A large and well represented emergency assist company incorporating the Medi-Clinic chain of hospitals. }} ===Hospitals=== It is best to avoid public hospitals where possible. Private hospitals are of world class standard. ===Pharmacies=== The major pharmacy chains found at shopping centres catering to tourists (e.g., Sandton City, V&A Waterfront) is Clicks and Dischem. Some supermarket chains like Checkers have in-store pharmacies. South African pharmacies are generally comparable to their counterparts in Europe and North America. However, the retail shelves of South African pharmacies tend to have a smaller selection of drugs than their North American counterparts, and a more dietary supplements. South African pharmacies do carry many OTC drugs, but if you don't see them on the shelf, you'll have to ask for them at the counter when the pharmacist is in. ===Water=== Municipal '''[[tap water]]''' is usually safe to drink throughout the country. In the Western Cape mountain water is safe, even if it has been stained brown due to vegetation. A strong risk of [[Tropical diseases|bilharzia]] exists for still-standing water. ===Sunburn=== Many activities in South Africa are outdoors, see the [[sunburn and sun protection]] travel topic for tips on how to protect yourself. ===HIV and AIDS=== South Africa has one of the highest [[HIV]] infection rates world-wide. 5.4 million people out of a population of 48 million are HIV-positive. The HIV infection rate in the total population older than 2 years varies from around 2% in the Western Cape to over 17% in KwaZulu-Natal (''Avert'' and all together 18.8% of South Africans over 15 years of age are HIV-Positive. One in four females and one in five males aged 20 to 40 is estimated to be infected. ===Malaria=== [[File:Dawn in the Kruger Park (5107123853).jpg|thumb|Dawn in Kruger National Park]] The north-eastern areas of the country (including the [[Kruger National Park]] and [[iSimangaliso Wetland Park|St. Lucia]] and surrounds) are seasonal malaria zones, from about November to May. The peak danger time is just after the wet season from March to May. Consult a physician regarding appropriate precautions, depending on the time of year you will be travelling. The most important defences against malaria are: * using a [[Mosquitoes|DEET-based mosquito repellent]] * covering your skin with long-sleeved clothing, especially around dusk; and * using mosquito nets while sleeping. ''Tabbard'' and ''Peaceful Sleep'' are commonly used mosquito repellents and can be bought almost anywhere. Also read the [[Malaria]] and [[Mosquitoes]] travel topics. ===Smoking=== Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, these include airports, pubs, shopping malls and theaters. However, this is largely ignored. Most restaurants do have smoking sections, either ventilated indoor areas or outdoor open areas. ==Respect== South Africans are generally polite, friendly and accommodating to tourists. Talking slightly loud outdoors is quite normal, as South Africans tend to be a free thinking and exuberant bunch of people and such behaviour is ok amongst friends and acquaintances. Strangers should observe general protocols of politeness at first and if accepted, "when in Rome, do like Romans do". Smiling and acknowledging strangers is normal behaviour and a slight head nod or hand wave common practice. Striking an occasional chat with complete strangers in places like bus stops, supermarkets, bars, government buildings, public transportation, petrol stations, shops, etc., can also happen regularly. Public behaviour is very similar to what you might find in Europe. Heterosexual displays of affection in public are not frowned upon unless you overdo it. Homosexual displays of affection may generate unwelcome attention although they will be tolerated and respected in the more gay-friendly and cosmopolitan areas of Johannesburg (Sandton, Rosebank and Parkhurst), Cape Town (Greenpoint, Clifton and De Waterkant) and Durban. South Africa is the first and only African nation where the government recognizes same-sex relationships and homosexual marriages are recognized by law. Men generally greet with a firm handshake, while women will do the continental kiss on the cheek. Except for designated beaches, nude sunbathing is illegal, although topless sunbathing for women is acceptable along Durban and Umhlanga beaches, and Cape Town's [[Clifton (Western Cape)|Clifton]] and [[Camps Bay]] beaches. Thong bikinis for ladies or swimming trunks for men (speedos if you really have to) and regular swimming costumes are the norm, otherwise, you may be openly stared at. Eating is generally done the British way with the fork in their left hand and the tines pointed downward. Burgers, pizzas, bunny chows and any other fast foods are eaten by hand. It is generally also acceptable to steal a piece of ''boerewors'' from the ''braai'' with your hands. Depending on which cultural group you find yourself with, these rules might change. Indians often eat breyani dishes with their hands, a white person of British descent might insist on eating his pizza with a knife and fork or a black person might eat ''pap-and-stew'' with a spoon. Be flexible, but don't be afraid to also do your own thing; if really unacceptable, people will generally tell you so rather than take offence. South Africans are proud of their country and what they have achieved. Although they often complain about the problems and shortcomings that still exist, you should try not to criticise the country's current and past history; it can cause offence. South Africans know more about their country than you do. Although mannerisms vary from ethnic group to ethnic group, South Africans, in general, are '''direct communicators'''. A South African is likely to tell you exactly what they think or disagree with you on the spot, and at times, they may come across as blunt or even assertive. However, keep in mind that South Africans generally don't intend to cause offence. ===Race=== Those who are more accustomed to North American racial terminology should understand that words that are familiar to them have different meanings in South Africa, and the rules for what terms are polite or not are different. There are many South Africans that think classification according to skin colour or appearance in general, whether for political or social reasons, is inappropriate and would prefer to be referred to as simply South African irrespective of what you think they look like. *If you wish to refer to South Africans of solely African ancestry, "'''black'''" (the term used under apartheid) is still considered appropriate by some. It might help to practice thinking of identifying particular language groups-Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, etc. Most urban blacks are also able to speak English in addition to their native language, though English proficiency can be limited in rural areas. *The term "coloured" refers to a mixed-race cultural group with white and African ancestors from the early colonial period - and who typically speak Afrikaans and dwell chiefly in the Western Cape, although some of these people oppose the term, and simply call themselves black. In general the term does not have as much of a negative connotation as it would in the US or Britain. 'Coloured' can be used incorrectly to describe people who would consider themselves as either black or white and thus should be used with caution. Not every person with ostensibly "mixed" heritage will necessarily consider themselves "coloured" in the cultural sense and may not identify as such; a well-known example is comedian Trevor Noah who is the son of a white Swiss man and a black Xhosa woman born during Apartheid. During Apartheid, the "coloured" group also included the ethnic Chinese community. *White South Africans can quite simply be called "'''white'''" or "white South African". The mother-tongue of white South Africans is either Afrikaans (derived from Dutch) or English, so there are Afrikaners and English-speaking South Africans. Almost all white South Africans can speak English, even if their mother tongue is Afrikaans since commerce and entertainment is predominantly English. Since the fall of Apartheid, it is also becoming increasingly common for white South Africans to be able to speak a native African language. Typical white South Africans consider themselves as "African" as those born in the [[United States]] consider themselves "American"; most have family who have lived in South Africa for centuries, and the only continent they can call home is Africa. Avoid calling Afrikaners "Dutchmen" or "Boers", both considered pejorative and offensive, or Afrikaans "Kitchen Dutch" as they are fiercely independent and proud of their language, and do not consider themselves Dutch. Although primarily used to refer to people of European descent, during Apartheid the term "white" included Japanese people as well. *The fourth racial category left over from the apartheid system is "'''Indian'''" (''from [[India]]''), referring to people whose ancestors came from India during the British colonial period. The largest Indian populations are in KwaZulu-Natal, in particular around Durban. *There is also a small community of '''Cape Malays''', based mainly in the Bo Kaap area of Cape Town, who are descendants of the slaves who were brought over from what is today Malaysia and Indonesia during the colonial period. Though the majority of them are still Muslim, they no longer speak the Malay language and primarily speak either Afrikaans or English. In summary: * Black - the majority of South Africans - of Bantu origin. The three most populous groups are Xhosa (Eastern & Western Cape), Zulu (KwaZulu-Natal) and Sotho (Free State). * White - can be subdivided into Afrikaans speakers (the majority), and English speakers. * Coloured - of mixed heritage - Afrikaans speaking, and concentrated in the Western Cape. * Indian - concentrated around Durban. * Malay - Muslims in the Bo Kaap area of Cape Town It is wise to avoid racial or political remarks while in South Africa if you don't have a good understanding of South African history because the country's very diverse cultural disposition means that "putting your foot in it" is easy. However, you will encounter many South Africans who lived through the apartheid period, and who are willing to talk about their experiences of the time. It can be very interesting to speak with them about their experiences, and if you have an open mind and willingness to listen, you can avoid offence. New criminal laws have been enacted to punish people that insist on publicly using racist language. South Africa is now in its third decade since the end of ''apartheid'' ('''a very sensitive issue for everyone''') in 1990, but it is always easier to change laws than people. You will occasionally still hear overtly racist remarks, which can come from any race group in South Africa, not just white South Africans. This is more common from the older generation than the younger ones. The best thing to do is simply ignore it; leave the responsibility for enlightening lectures to other South Africans, who know the subject better than any foreign traveller as they have lived it. South Africans of different races generally treat each other politely at a personal level. Broadly speaking, non-white South Africans have shown a very high degree of mental toughness, endurance, intelligence, tolerance and forgiveness to their former oppressors, with younger generations of all races mingling and socializing with one another and finding more common ground and a sense of national identity, while some older generations of all races may long for "the good old days" when time seemed to stand still and strict law and order enforcement ruled the day. Political movements are another matter, and political parties have been aligned along the racial fault lines of the society although there is starting to be a move toward better integration. Although politically there's growing racial integration and overlapping, the majority of black South Africans vote for the African National Congress (ANC), and the majority of white and coloured South Africans vote for the liberal centrist Democratic Alliance (DA). The third major party, supported by a minority of black South Africans, is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a far-left nationalistic party that advocates for the expropriation of white people's property without compensation, and for material compensation to be given to black people for the losses and suffering endured under colonialism and apartheid. It also wants criminal prosecution reinstated against surviving perpetrators of the apartheid regime for crimes committed against humanity. Politics in South Africa can be a touchy issue, and it's best to talk about it with care and empathy. Interracial marriages are becoming quite common, and, except for possibly some of the older generation, people no longer take offense if you and your partner are not the same colour. ==Connect== ===Phone=== South Africa's country code is 27. Phone numbers within South Africa are of the format 0XX YYY ZZZZ. Large cities have area codes 0XX (Johannesburg is 011, Pretoria 012, Cape Town 021, Durban 031, Port Elizabeth 041, East London 043, Kimberley 053, Bloemfontein 051) while smaller towns may have longer area codes (0XX Y for example) with shorter local numbers. When dialling a South African number from outside the country, one should dial +27 XX YYY ZZZZ. Dialling within the country one should use all 10 digits, 0XX YYY ZZZZ. To dial out of South Africa, dial 00 followed by the country code and the rest of the number you are trying to reach. Pay phones are available at airports, shopping malls and some petrol stations. The number of pay phones in open public areas have been reduced, but you should still be able to find one when you need one. Pay phones use either coins or prepaid cards that are available at most shops and petrol stations ; '''coin''' phones are generally blue while '''card''' phones are usually green. Generally, mobile network and data costs are not very cheap. However, consumer lobby groups are trying to influence the government to act in this regard by firstly, removing expiry dates on paid for but unused data or air time and secondly, in view of the very high profit margins consistently shown by the mobile network operators, to substantially reduce consumer costs and enable wider use by everyone, as it can help reduce poverty, create new small business opportunities and improve learning on a much bigger scale. [[File:South Africa-Eastern Cape-JBay-MTN Tower01.jpg|thumb|MTN Tower in Jeffrey's Bay]] ===GSM=== South Africa has an extensive GSM network, working on the same frequency as the rest of Africa and [[Europe]]. There are five cell phone providers in South Africa: [http://www.vodacom.co.za Vodacom], [http://www.mtn.co.za MTN], [http://www.cellc.co.za Cell C], [http://www.virginmobile.co.za Virgin Mobile] and [http://www.telkom.co.za Telkom]. The networks support GPRS countrywide and LTE, 3G, EDGE and HSDPA support is available in larger urban areas. Do not assume you will not have network coverage just because you can not see a GSM tower. Many of the towers have been built to look like trees (''Vodacom'') or other structure (''MTN'') in order to better blend into the surroundings and not be an eyesore. In some rural areas, GSM towers still look like towers because of problems with animals damaging them when they look like trees. SIM card prepaid starter kits are available for around R1. You will need a passport and a proof of residential address and it has to be registered before you can call or receive calls. If you call into a Vodacom or MTN store with a passport and drivers licence, you can be all connected on the spot. You can buy credit for prepaid phones just about everywhere, remembering you will usually need cash to do so from service stations. ===Internet=== There are plenty of Internet cafes and access rates are cheap. Even cheaper and more mobile would be to buy a prepaid cell phone starter pack (less than R10) and access the Internet with GPRS or 3G. Generally R2 per MB for out of bundle data from most providers (50c for Virgin Mobile), but it becomes a lot cheaper if you buy a data bundle. Vodacom prices range from 38c per MB on a 500MB bundle to 19c per MB on a 1GB bundle. MTN prices range between R1 per MB on a 10MB to 39c per MB on a 1GB bundle. Mobile data connections are always charged per MB as opposed to per second (as is popular on many European networks). State run Telkom Mobile, offers very advantageous and competitive contracts and "pay as you need" packages, but the lack of sufficient customer service centers may be an hindrance, however, once the initial process in completed, top up data is available online or most major retail outlets and supermarkets. [http://www.neotel.co.za Neotel] offers CDMA coverage in the larger metro areas with prepaid packages starting at R800 for 24GB (''usb device included and data valid for 12 months'') or R400 for the device and R0.20 per MB with the purchase of recharge vouchers. Coverage is still limited, so make sure to check the coverage map first. ADSL1 is popular for residential use and are available in speeds of 384kbit/s, 1Mbit/s and 10Mbit/s. Due to the Telkom monopoly on last-mile infrastructure, operators can get away with labeling 384kbit/s as "broadband internet" simply because there are almost no viable alternatives, and users are usually limited to 1GB to 3GB per month on an account. The average cost of ADSL data is R70/GB. ===Wi-fi=== [http://www.alwayson.co.za AlwaysOn] seem to be leading the way in prepaid Wi-Fi access. Their hotspots can now be found at Cape Town, Durban and O.R. Tambo airports, City Lodge Hotels, Sun International Hotels, some Southern Sun Hotels, Mugg & Bean restaurants and various other places. Simply connect to the access point and you will be given the opportunity to pay for access by credit card. Pricing starts at around R15 for 10 minutes or R60 for 100MB. Their support desk can be contacted on ''+27'' 011 759-7300. ==Cope== ===Beggars=== As is the reality with many developing countries, beggars are rife in South Africa. There are also many children and mothers with babies begging on the streets. People are discouraged by social services from giving children and mother-with-baby beggars money, as there are a number of children's homes available and giving them money keeps them on the street and often feeds a drug or drinking habit. However, if you encounter a particularly friendly beggar, there's nothing stopping you from giving them a few rands or a burger or bag of apples. Just be aware that muggers and con-artists are also rife in South Africa, so be wary at all times. ===Embassies and consulates=== * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | name=Australia | url= | email= | address=292 Orient St, Cnr Schoeman St, Arcadia, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 423-6000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=High Commission | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Austria | url= | email=pretoria-ob@bmaa.gv.at | address=1109 Duncan St, Brooklyn, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 452-9155 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | url= | email=pretoria@diplobel.fed.be | address=625 Leyds St, Muckleneuk, 0002 Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 440-3201 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Brazil | url= | email=pretoria@brazilianembassy.org.za | address=Block C, Hatfield Office Park, 1267 Pretorius St, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 426-9400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Canada}} {{listing | name=Canada | url= | email=pret@international.gc.ca | address=1103 Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 422-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=High Commission | wikidata=}} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France | url= | email=france@ambafrance-rsa.org | address=250 Melk Street, Cnr Middle Street, Pretoria| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 425-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | url= | email=GermanEmbassyPretoria@gonet.co.za | address=180 Blackwood St, Arcadia, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 427-8900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url= | email=embgrsaf@global.co.za | address=1003 Church St, Arcadia, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 430-7351 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|India}} {{listing | name=India | url= | email=indiahc@hicomind.co.za | address=852 Schoeman St, Arcadia, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 342-5392 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Ireland}} {{listing | name=Ireland | url= | email= | address=Southern Life Plaza, 1059 Schoeman St, Arcadia, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 342-5062 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | url= | email=enquiries@embjapan.org.za | address=259 Baines St, Groenkloof, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions=Cnr Frans Oerder St | phone=+27 12 452-1500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Netherlands | url= | email=nlgovpre@cis.co.za | address=210 Queen Wilhelmina Ave, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 425-4500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Portugal | url= | email=portemb@satis.co.za | address=599 Leyds St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 341-2340 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://pretoria.mae.ro/ | email=pretoria@mae.ro | address=877 Justice Mahomed Street, Brooklyn, 0181, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 460-6941 | tollfree= | fax=+27 12 460-6947 | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Russia | alt= | url= | email=ruspospr@mweb.co.za | address=316 Brooks Street, Menlo Park, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 362-1337 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Taiwan}} {{listing | name=Taiwan (Taipei Liaison Office) | alt= | url=https://www.roc-taiwan.org/za_en/index.html | email= | address=1147 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 4306071-3 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= De facto embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|Ukraine}} {{listing | name=Ukraine | url=http://rsa.mfa.gov.ua/ | email=emb_za@mfa.gov.ua | address=398 Marais str., Brooklyn 0181, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 460-1943 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom | url= | email=media.pretoria@fco.gov.uk | address=255 Hill St, Arcadia, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 421-7500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Her Britannic Majesty's High Commission | wikidata=}} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States of America | url= | email= | address=877 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+27 12 431-4000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Embassy | wikidata=}} If your country is not listed here, have at look at the list provided by the [http://www.dirco.gov.za/foreign/forrep/index.htm Department of Foreign Affairs] . === Funerals === Funerals are major community events that are attended by all family members, neighbors, and friends, as well as anyone with any connection to the family or community. Local businesses may close and lesser events may be postponed until after the funeral is over. If you are attending a funeral, dress respectfully in your best black clothes – never anything casual. ===International banks=== A number of international banks operate branches in South Africa. ===Stay legal=== There are some laws that the average tourist might not be aware of * If you intend to do any angling (fishing), either freshwater or at the coast, you will require an ''angling licence'' for the province you are in. These can be obtained at any Post Office and the price depends on the province, but is generally under R50. Fishery and environments officials do from time to time check if anglers are in possession of a licence and you can expect to be fined if you are caught fishing without a licence. Also pick up a booklet from the nearest angling shop that will tell you what the size limits for each species of fish is. * Except for specific areas, clearly indicated by notice boards, it is illegal to drive a vehicle onto any beach. * Boat skippers need a licence to pilot a craft on all water courses, fresh or saltwater, within South Africa. ===Photography=== Automated machines to print (or copy to CD) from digital media (CF, SD, MMC, Memory stick) are also becoming quite common and easy to find. Larger shopping malls have dedicated photography shops where you can buy cameras and lenses or have a camera repaired. Most major camera manufacturers are well represented. {{usablecountry}} {{geo|-29|24|zoom=6}} {{isPartOf|Southern Africa}} {{related|African_National_Parks}} {{related|African_flora_and_fauna}} {{related|Air_travel_in_South_Africa}} {{Related|Disabled_travel_in_South_Africa}} {{related|Discount_airlines_in_Africa}} {{related|Hiking_in_South_Africa}} {{related|World_Cup_2010}} {{related|Afrikaans_phrasebook}} {{related|Xhosa_phrasebook}} {{related|Zulu_phrasebook}} {{related|Sesotho_phrasebook}} 7nbcww2msqaeq6nmo66fd6jn4tbm9mn 0 33817 4487913 4472349 2022-07-21T20:01:31Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay healthy */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{COVID-19 box| All travellers entering Spain by air or sea need to show either an EU COVID digital certificate or a QR code from registration at the [https://www.spth.gob.es/ Spain Travel Health website]. Only vaccinated or recovered travellers may enter Spain from most countries outside the EU/EEA. From other EU/EEA countries, a negative test is also accepted for travel. More information: *[https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/ Travel Safe] *[https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare]|lastedit=2022-05-31}} {{pagebanner|Cardejón banner1.jpg|caption=Cardejón}} '''[http://www.spain.info Spain]''' ([[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]: ''España'') is famous for its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, its cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous folklore and festivities, and its history as the core of the vast [[Spanish Empire]]. Spain shares the [[Iberia]]n Peninsula with [[Andorra]], [[Gibraltar]], and [[Portugal]]. It has the second-largest number of [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] after [[Italy]] and the largest number of World Heritage Cities. ==Regions== Spain is a diverse country with contrasting regions that have different languages and unique historical, political and cultural traditions. Because of this, Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities (''comunidades autónomas''), plus two autonomous cities. As a result, some even describe Spain as a "federation without federalism". Some of the autonomous communities—notably the ones which have other official languages alongside Spanish—have been recognised as "historical nationalities" that have a unique historical identity. These include the Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia, the Valencian region, Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Aragon and the Canary Islands. Spain's many regions can be grouped as follows: {{Regionlist| regionmap=Spain map.png | regionmaptext=Regions of Spain | regionmapsize=400px | region1name=[[Green Spain]] | region1color=#add17b| region1items=[[Galicia]], [[Asturias]], [[Cantabria]] | region1description= Mild climate, stark mountains, and ties to the sea.| region2name=[[Northern Spain]] | region2color=#9572bc | region2items=[[Aragon]], [[Basque Country]], [[Navarre]], [[La Rioja (Spain)|La Rioja]] | region2description= Known for its cuisine and for landscapes ranging from the beaches of [[San Sebastián]] to the wineries of [[La Rioja (Spain)|La Rioja]].| region3name=[[Eastern Spain]] | region3color=#ae7472 | region3items=[[Catalonia]], [[Valencia (region)|Valencia]], [[Murcia (region)|Murcia]] | region3description= Impressive Roman ruins and popular Mediterranean beaches. | region4name=[[Central Spain]] | region4color=#b1a267 | region4items=[[Community of Madrid]], [[Castile-La Mancha]], [[Castile and Leon]], [[Extremadura]] | region4description= With a more extreme climate than elsewhere in Spain, this region is dominated by the capital, [[Madrid]]. | region6name=[[Andalusia]] | region6color=#6886be | region6items= | region6description= Full of history, including Moorish architecture and Arab-influenced culture, as well as mountains and beaches. | region7name=[[Balearic Islands]] | region7color=#009991 | region7items=[[Mallorca]], [[Menorca]], [[Ibiza]], [[Formentera]] | region7description= Super-popular Mediterranean beach destinations. | region8name=[[Canary Islands]] | region8color=#de7d7d | region8items=[[Tenerife]], [[Gran Canaria]], [[Fuerteventura]], [[La Gomera]], [[Lanzarote]], [[La Palma]], [[El Hierro]] | region8description= Volcanic islands off the coast of Africa, a popular escape from mainland Spain. | region9name=[[Spanish North Africa]] | region9color=#000000 | region9items=[[Ceuta]], [[Melilla]], Crag of Vélez de la Gomera, Crag of Alhucemas, Chafarinas Islands, Alboran Island | region9description=Spanish exclaves along the coast of [[Morocco]]. | }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#add17b|title=[[Green Spain]]|wikidata=Q3934,Q3946,Q3908|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9572bc|title=[[Northern Spain]]|wikidata=Q4040,Q3995,Q5727,Q4018|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ae7472|title=[[Eastern Spain]]|wikidata=Q5705,Q5772,Q5720|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b1a267|title=[[Central Spain]]|wikidata=Q5756,Q5748,Q5739,Q5777|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#6886be|title=[[Andalusia]]|wikidata=Q5783|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#009991|title=[[Balearic Islands]]|wikidata=Q8828,Q52636,Q52631,Q52626|stroke-opacity=0.1}} <!-- too far away for this map ... {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#de7d7d|title=[[Canary Islands]]|wikidata=Q5813|stroke-opacity=0.1}} --> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#000000|title=[[Spanish North Africa]]|wikidata=Q28914407|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== <!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS LIST without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. There is a hard limit of NINE in cities lists.--> [[File:Cuatro Torres Business Area.JPG|thumb|At the heart of [[Madrid]]'s business district, the '''Four Towers Business Area''' are the tallest in Spain]] Spain has hundreds of interesting cities. Here are nine of the most popular: *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Madrid]]|url=|lat=40.383333|long=-3.716667|wikidata=Q2807}} — the vibrant capital, with fantastic museums, interesting architecture, great food and nightlife *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Barcelona]]|url=|lat=41.383333|long=2.183333|wikidata=Q1492}} — Spain's second city, full of modernist buildings, a vibrant cultural life, festivals, and beaches *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bilbao]]|url=|lat=43.256944|long=-2.923611|wikidata=Q8692}} — former industrial city, home to the Guggenheim Museum and other cultural features; main Basque city *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Córdoba (city, Spain)|Córdoba]]|url=|lat=37.883333|long=-4.766667|wikidata=Q5818}} — Also called Cordova, The Grand Mosque ('Mezquita') of Cordoba is one of the world's finest buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Granada]]|url=|lat=37.178056|long=-3.600833|wikidata=Q8810}} — stunning city in the south, surrounded by snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, home of La Alhambra *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Málaga]]|url=|lat=36.719444|long=-4.42|wikidata=Q8851}} — the heart of flamenco with the beaches of the Costa del Sol *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Seville]]|url=|lat=37.377222|long=-5.986944|wikidata=Q8717}} (Spanish: Sevilla) — a beautiful, verdant city, and home to the world's third largest cathedral *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Valencia]]|url=|lat=39.466667|long=-0.375|wikidata=Q8818}} — paella was invented here, has a very nice beach *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Zaragoza]]|url=|lat=41.65|long=-0.883333|wikidata=Q10305}} — also called Saragossa. The fifth largest city of Spain that held the World Expo in 2008 <!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS LIST without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. There is a hard limit of NINE in cities lists.--> ==Other destinations== <!--Other destinations sections are for non-city/town/village destinations. All municipalities should be removed from this list and replaced with notable other destinations, such as national parks, islands, etc. The list also should not exceed nine items.--> [[File:Alcázar de Segovia, situado en la Ciudad vieja de Segovia. Patrimonio Mundial por la UNESCO.jpg|thumb|The majestic profile of this '''Castilian Alcázar''' has soared above [[Segovia]] since the twelfth century]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa Blanca]]|url=|lat=|long=|wikidata=Q918717}} — 200 km of white coast with plenty of beaches and small villages *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa Brava]]|url=|lat=42.0228|long=3.22449|wikidata=Q216884}} — the rugged coast with plenty of seaside resorts *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa del Sol]]|url=|lat=36.79|long=-4.48|wikidata=Q215254}} — the sunny coast in the south of the country *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gran Canaria]]|url=|lat=27.966667|long=-15.6|wikidata=Q178925}} — known as "a continent in miniature" due to its many different climates and landscapes *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ibiza]]|url=|lat=38.98|long=1.43|wikidata=Q52631}} — a Balearic island; one of the best places for clubbing, raving, and DJs in the entire world *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mallorca]]|url=|lat=39.616667|long=2.983333|wikidata=Q8828}} — the largest island of the Balears, full of amazing beaches and great nightlife *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sierra Nevada (Spain)|Sierra Nevada]]|url=|lat=37.05|long=-3.3|wikidata=Q26955}} — the highest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula, great for walking and skiing *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Tenerife]]|url=|lat=28.268611|long=-16.605556|wikidata=Q40846}} — offers lush forests, exotic fauna and flora, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, beautiful coastlines and spectacular beaches <!--Other destinations sections are for non-city/town destinations. All municipalities should be removed from this list and replaced with notable other destinations. The list also should not exceed nine items.--> <br clear="right" /> ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationSpain.svg}} With great beaches, mountains, campsites, ski resorts, superb weather, varied and fun nightlife, many cultural regions and historic cities, it is no wonder that Spain is the most popular tourist destination in Europe for any kind of trip. A country of large geographic and cultural diversity, Spain may come as a surprise to those who only know of its reputation for great beach holidays and almost endless sunshine. There is everything from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and deserts in the south east. While summer is the peak season, those who wish to avoid the crowds should consider visiting in the winter as not only is it normally mild and sunny, but attractions such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and La Gran Mezquita in Cordoba will not be overcrowded. However the ski resorts of Sierra Nevada do get very crowded. The Mediterranean climate that predominates in Southern and Central Spain is noted for its dry summers and (somewhat) wet(ter) winters, so visiting in the winter or spring brings the added benefit of the vegetation looking much more healthy. Northern Spain (e.g. Asturias) on the other hand gets quite a bit of rain year round and is ripe with lush green vegetation even in August. ===History=== Some of the earliest known remains of ''Homo'' of any kind ''in Europe'' have been found in Spain. Spain is also thought to have been the last refuge of the Neanderthals, and one of the few places that were inhabitable and inhabited throughout the ice ages. ====Early Spain and Roman Era==== {{seealso|Roman Empire}} The earliest inhabitants of the Iberian peninsula we have any profound knowledge of were Iberians, Celts (related to the Gaulish, Britannic and Central European Celts in language and culture) and Basques. As most of these groups had little to no written records we only know of them due to the descriptions of the Greek, Punic and later Roman settlers and conquerors, who colonised Spain from the South starting in the 3rd century BC. [[Latin Europe|Roman culture]] lasted on the peninsula for roughly half a millennium, when in the age of migrations the Visigoths conquered the Roman province of ''Hispania''. ====Visigoth Spain==== Most inhabitants of the area kept speaking Latin or rather Latin-derived languages/dialects and only a handful of Germanic words entered the Spanish language (''"ganso"'' being the most commonplace). Soon after their conquest, the Visigoths formed a number of rival "kingdoms" and petty noble states in almost constant conflict in ever-shifting shaky alliances with or against one another, giving rise to constant wars. ====Muslim conquest and "al-Andalus"==== [[File:Alhambra palace and surrounding area.jpg|thumbnail|Alhambra and the city of Granada]] {{seealso|Islamic Golden Age}} In 711 one Visigoth ruler apparently called for the Umayyad Muslims to help in his fight against a rival. (Which one is unclear, as the historical records for this era in Spain are scarce and there are for example no contemporary Muslim sources whatsoever.) This proved more successful than he could have imagined, and by the end of the 8th century most of the peninsula was in Muslim hands. While the almost 800 years of divided rule by Christian and Muslim rulers on the Iberian peninsula was by no means peaceful, the modern narrative of a somehow concerted effort to "regain" the "lost lands" for Christendom was never the first, second or any priority for the majority of the Christian rulers. As a matter of fact, many times Christian rulers entered into alliances with Muslim rulers against other Christian rulers and vice versa. While the situation for Muslims in Christian lands and vice versa and Jews in either depended very much on the mood of the ruler and could lie anywhere on a range from benevolent ignorance to murder and expulsion, religious minorities had it a lot better in Spain than in most of the rest of Europe at that time. In fact the Sephardi Jews (named after the Hebrew word for Spain) were at that time not only one of the most important groups inside Spain in terms of science and education, but also dominant among the [[Judaism|Jewish people, worldwide]]. During that time an estimated 90% of Jews were Sephardi. (In the 19th century, on the other hand, roughly 90% of Jews were Ashkenazim [German and Eastern European, and primarily Yiddish-speaking].) However, this period ended when through conquest and marriage the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon as well as a couple of minor Christian lands were united and their rulers started a war of conquest against the Muslim rulers. The union of the numerous Christian kingdoms is commemorated in the modern Spanish coat of arms, which is an amalgamation of the coats of arms of the four main kingdoms prior to the union, namely the kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, León and Navarre. In the process of re-conquering Spain, many of the great mosques and synagogues were desecrated and converted into Christian churches. Some of the most glorious historical attractions in Spain date from the period of Muslim rule, including '''The Mezquita''', built as the Great Mosque of [[Córdoba (city, Spain)|Córdoba]] and the '''Medina Azahara''', also in Córdoba and now in ruins but still visitable as such and built as the Madinat al-Zahra, the Palace of al-Andalus; and the '''Alhambra''' in [[Granada]], a splendid, intact palace. There are also two synagogues still standing that were built during the era of Muslim Spain: '''Santa María la Blanca''' in [[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]] and the '''Synagogue of Córdoba''', in the Old City. ====Reconquista and Imperial era==== This so called "reconquista" was completed in 1492 with the fall of Granada, and all Jews were forced to leave Spain or convert that year; by 1526, all Spanish Muslims had suffered the same fate. 1492 also marks the point when Spain started to become the world's strongest empire with territories in [[North America|North]], [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], [[Africa]], and the [[Philippines]] (named after Spanish king Felipe II). The "new Christians" as they were called were often not sincere in their largely forced conversions and to ensure religious "purity", the notorious Spanish inquisition was set up. <!-- which nobody expected!--> Genetic studies made in modern times suggest that a large percentage of modern Spaniards have at least partial Jewish and/or Muslim ancestry, which might surprise some, as the concept of being a "true Christian" (rather than a "converso") soon began to get hereditary overtones, with the expulsion of all the descendants of forced converts from Islam in 1609. Under the House of Habsburg, Spain became a personal union with the [[Austrian Empire]], and reached its height of power in Europe during the 16th and early 17th centuries, controlling much of [[Benelux]] and [[Italy]]. Spain was weakened as the House of Habsburg lost the [[Thirty Years' War]] in 1648. Spain was further weakened by ineffective governance, religious intolerance that drove out the erstwhile prosperous and productive Jewish and Muslim minorities and hampered free inquiry and - paradoxically - Latin American gold and silver that devalued the currency and still couldn't cover war expenses. The Spanish Habsburgs - prone to marrying inside the family, thus accumulating inheritable diseases - died out when Charles II was unable to produce an heir, which like many of his other afflictions was likely a result of incest. Most powers of Europe fought for the possibility to put one of their own on the Spanish throne, with the House of Bourbon doing it. The Bourbons would attempt a reform of their many domains gaining some successes but enraging those who had held onto old privileges of local autonomy or feudal rights. The colonisation of Central and South America and of [[Mexico]] was particularly profound, with the deaths of millions of native people through disease, war and outright murder as the Spanish sought riches in these 'undiscovered' lands. Today many of the countries in this area are defined by Hispanic language and culture (Spanish is today the world's second most spoken native language after Mandarin and before English, and Catholicism dominates throughout the former Spanish colonies). ====Crises of the 19th century==== With the death of Charles III in 1788, Spain lost its last monarch with will, energy and capability for a long time at a crucial juncture - the French Revolution would break out the next year. His successor Charles IV tried at first to maintain some of his father's policies but ultimately saw more fun in hunting than politics. Soon politics in Spain would come to be dominated by Prime Minister Manuel de Godoy who was rumored to have an affair with the queen. Meanwhile Charles' son, Ferdinand VII was chomping at the bit to replace his father as king, which earned him the contempt of the latter. In 1808 Ferdinand seemed to have briefly succeeded in replacing the hated Godoy and his father but Napoleon Bonaparte invited the two quarrelling kings to Bayonne under the pretext of mediating but forced both to abdicate in favor of his brother Joseph Bonaparte. Many among Spain's elites were having none of it and set up ''Juntas'' to maintain a government nominally loyal to Spanish monarchy. The liberal constitution of Cadiz 1812 was drafted in those years and as Ferdinand was willing to promise everyone everything to return to the throne, he came to be known as "the Desired One", with high hopes that he would rule as a liberal citizen-king under the constitution of Cadiz. Ferdinand never intended any such thing and his heavy-handed policies brought the wrath not only of his Spanish subjects but even of those ''Juntas'' in Latin America that had been set up without making up their mind whether to support a restoration of Bourbon rule or independence - only certain that they would oppose Napoleon and his regime. When Ferdinand died in 1833 he left a nominally absolute monarchy with an unhappy population which had lost most of its colonies to a not-yet three year old Isabella II. Immediately some hyper-conservative elements but also those in the Basque country who wanted back the old ''fuero'' autonomy refused to back Isabella's claim on account of her being female, giving birth to the "Carlist" movement. The 19th century saw independence movements fight back against the kingdom of Spain, with leaders such as Simón Bolívar and Augustín de Iturbide successfully creating new independent nations throughout Latin America. By 1898 Spain lost the majority of its remaining territories during the Spanish-American War: it lost [[Cuba]] and then sold [[Puerto Rico]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Guam]] to the [[United States]]. The war of 1898 was a huge shock to Spanish culture and shattered Spain's self-image of a first-rate power, and it thus inspired a whole literary movement known as the generation of '98. For much of this time, Spain was not really ''one'' realm so much as ''several'' realms which shared a monarch. While the monarch had broad powers, there was no such thing as "absolute" monarchy in Spain and the various regions - notably the Basque country - had numerous special privileges and autonomies granted either to "the people", a local lord or "free men". This proved complicated to resolve when Spain became a Republic and it is still an issue with which Spain is grappling in the 21st century. [[File:Sagrada Familia Eixample from Montjuic.jpg|thumb|Sagrada Familia, the Gaudi masterpiece in the [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]] region of [[Barcelona]].]] ====The 20th century==== Spain experienced a devastating civil war between 1936 and 1939 that killed half a million Spaniards and ushered in more than 30 years of dictatorship under Generalissimo Francisco Franco. The civil war began from a mostly failed coup in Spanish North Africa (today part of Morocco) against Spain's left-wing republican government supported by the popular front (a popular front was in those days a regime including communist, socialist, liberal, Christian Democrat and even conservative parties and originated in France as a response to fascism, though the parties in power in July 1936 were Izquierda Republicana and Unión Republicana, two centre-left wing republican parties, supported by PSOE; the communist party had just 17 seats). The fascist side was led by a group of generals; however, some of them soon died in plane crashes or were pushed to the side by Franco. Although the League of Nations (a precursor of today's United Nations) attempted to make intervention impossible, Mussolini's Italy and Nazi Germany ignored this by aiding the nationalist (Franco) side, while the Soviet Union and to some extent Mexico provided aid to the Republican (popular front) side. The Republican side called for volunteers in the so-called "international brigades", and around 20,000 Brits, Americans, Frenchmen and even Germans joined the fight on their side. However, the Republican side was plagued by lack of weapons and ammunition (some of their rifles were produced in the 19th century), by infighting between communists and anarchists, and by Stalinist purges ordered by the super-paranoid supporters of Republican Spain in Moscow. As many people of that generation fought in the Spanish Civil War or covered it as – often blatantly biased – war correspondents (including George Orwell, Ernest Hemingway and later German chancellor Willy Brandt) there is a lot of well-written literature (and some films), which while not always historically accurate, manage to perfectly capture the spirit of vain idealism that made many of the interbrigadistas go to Spain in the first place. Just as the [[American Civil War]] gave a breakthrough for photojournalism, [[World War I]] for news radio and World War II for the newsreel, the Spanish Civil War made its mark on journalism, literature and arts. The Reina Sofia museum in Madrid has an exhibition for artistic expressions of the war, with Picasso's ''Guernica'' – produced for the republican Spanish pavilion at the 1937 world exhibition in Paris – as its centrepiece. The war was won for Franco through superior fire-power and with military aid from the Nazis (including the war-crime of bombing [[Guernica]]). Franco managed to unify the not at all homogeneous nationalist forces behind his less-than-charismatic leadership and hold onto power through the [[World War II in Europe|Second World War]] (in which he stayed neutral) until his death. He was succeeded by King Juan Carlos. The Spanish Civil War is still in some sense an open wound as it was hardly ever talked about during the days of Franco's regime. To this day, conservatives and Catholics (the Republicans were pretty anti-clerical) are sometimes apologetic about Franco and the "necessity" of the war. Franco's legacy was that the historically important regional identities and languages (such as Catalan and Basque) were brutally suppressed and a policy of strong national identity under the Spanish/Castilian language was promoted. Many republican soldiers and supported continued fighting until the mid 50s in the so called maquis, in 1944 there was even an attempt to invade Spain from France through the Vall d'Aran in 1944 which was quickly suppressed by the Guardia Civil. Violent groups such as ETA (see below) started their activity in the 60s during Franco's time, there was also an increasing protest movement in the last years of franquism. Franco oversaw Spain's rapid economic expansion with its industrialisation in the 1960s. Spain's messy divorce from its African colonies in the last years and days of Franco's life is also one of the reasons for the conflict in [[Western Sahara]], a former Spanish colony. Franco named Juan Carlos as his successor in 1969, with Juan Carlos being crowned king shortly after Franco's death. Shortly after King Juan Carlos – to the surprise of many – insisted on the country becoming a parliamentary democracy with a figurehead king as nominal head of state, right-wing generals tried to overthrow the nascent democracy on 23 February 1981 in what is now known as 23F. One of the most striking images of the coup was the general Tejero storming into the Congress of Deputies at the head of 200 Guardia Civil members and interrupting the vote to replace centre-left Adolfo Suarez with centre-right Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo for Prime Minister. The coup failed mostly due to lack of popular support and because the king – in his capacity of commander-in-chief – appeared on television in full uniform to order the soldiers back into their barracks, thus throwing his lot in with democracy. This resulted in a lot of support for the king personally even among otherwise republican-inclined Spaniards for most of his reign. However, the monarchy is rather unpopular among the autonomist or independist movements of Catalonia or the Basque Country. Spain entered NATO (though not the EU or any of its predecessors) in 1981, which Calvo-Sotelo. The ruling centre-right party UCD under Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo badly misjudged the Andalusian desire for regional self-government and thus lost the 1982 election, in one of the biggest popular vote landslides in any modern democracy, to the leftist PSOE. This led to the formation of Partido Popular (PP) from the rubble left behind by the temporary collapse of the centre-right. PSOE was led at that time by the relatively youthful Andalusian Felipe González and enjoys a strong basis of support in Andalusia to this day. With the peaceful transition to democracy after Franco's death, the restrictions on regional identity were lifted, with autonomy granted to several regions, and the regional languages gaining co-official status in their respective areas. The nature of the transition meant that there was little justice for those who had suffered under the Franco dictatorship and divisions still remain. The Basque Country in Spain's north that had begun violent resistance in 1959 against Franco continued its campaign of bombings and assassinations into the democratic era with the terrorist ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna; Basque for Basque Country and Freedom) group, despite the region having been provided with a high degree of autonomy. The group declared a ceasefire in 2011 and the armed struggle appears over for the time being. Even in the "democratic" 1980s, (under longtime Prime minister Felipe González [PSOE 1982–1996]) the Spanish government responded with methods that are now known to have included "death squadrons" to combat terrorism. ====Uncertain times in the third millennium==== In the 2000s there was more economic expansion and a housing price boom that subsequently collapsed, leaving Spain with high unemployment and economic difficulties. The economically important Catalan region has become louder in its demands for independence. In 2017/18 this conflict erupted as the central government had worked to annul key aspects of a more extensive statute of autonomy while parts of the Catalan parliament held an independence referendum, deemed "illegal" by opponents of independence. The central government cracked down heavily on the independence movement and several people involved in the referendum were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. ====Migration==== Spain holds a historical attachment to its neighbours on the Iberian Peninsula, [[Andorra]] and [[Portugal]], to its former colonies, to former citizens and their descendants, and to a special category of former citizens, namely Sephardic Jews. The population of Spain is growing in large part due to migration by people from relatively poor or politically unstable areas of Latin America, such as [[Colombia]], [[Cuba]], [[Ecuador]], [[El Salvador]] [[Nicaragua]], [[Peru]] or [[Venezuela]]; other parts of Europe, especially Eastern Europe; and Africa and Asia, particularly areas that have a historical or linguistic attachment to Spain. There is also an important segment of immigration that consists mainly of retired people, and people running businesses for them and foreign tourists, coming from wealthier European countries such as the [[United Kingdom]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Benelux]] and the [[Nordic countries]], established all along the Mediterranean shore, especially in the [[Costa Blanca]], [[Costa del Sol]], the [[Canary Islands]] and the [[Balearic Islands]], particularly in the summer months. Internally there have always been migrations from poorer rural areas (such as Andalusia) to the cities and to jobs in construction and tourism. Due to the economic crisis of the 2000s and 2010s, youth unemployment has risen to unbearable levels in the 50% range and quite a number of young people have semi-permanently fled the country to other European Union countries such as Germany to study, work or do internships either until things get better in Spain or forever. In the latter half of the 2010s there were tentative signs of economic improvement with some economic emigrants returning to Spain. ==Talk== {{seealso|Spanish phrasebook}} {{infobox|I'm so pregnant|Many English words have their origins in Latin, which makes it easy for English speakers to guess the meanings of many Spanish words. However, Spanish and English also have a number of false friends that one needs to be aware of to avoid embarrassing mistakes. <br> *'''embarazada''' – pregnant; ''not'' embarrassed <br> *'''preservativo''' – condom; ''not'' preservative <br> *'''bizarro''' – brave; ''not'' bizarre <br> *'''librería''' – bookshop; ''not'' library<br> *'''carta''' - letter; ''not'' card<br> *'''éxito''' - success, ''not'' exit<br> *'''parada''' - stop, ''not'' parade *'''ropa''' - clothes, ''not'' rope *'''carpeta''' - folder, ''not'' carpet}} The official and universal language used in Spain is Spanish (''español'') which is a member of the Romance family of languages (others include Portuguese, Italian, French, and Romanian). Many people, especially outside Castile, prefer to call it '''Castilian''' (''castellano''). However there are a number of languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, etc.) spoken in various parts of Spain. Some of these languages are dominant and co-official in their respective regions, though most people will be bilingual in their local language and Spanish. Catalan, Basque and Galician are recognised as official languages according to the Spanish constitution. With the exception of Basque (whose origins are still debated), the languages of the Iberian Peninsula are part of the Romance family and are fairly easy to pick up if you know Castilian well. * '''[[Catalan phrasebook|Catalan]]''' (Catalan: ''català'', Castilian: ''catalán''), a distinct language similar to Castilian but more closely related to the Oc branch of the Romance Languages and considered by many to be part of a dialect continuum spanning across Spain, France, and Italy and including the other langues d'oc such as Provençal, Beàrnais, Limousin, Auvernhat and Niçard. Various dialects are spoken in the northeastern region of [[Catalonia]], the [[Balearic Islands]], and [[Valencia (region)|Valencia]] (where it is often referred to as ''Valencià''), east of [[Aragon]], as well as neighbouring [[Andorra]] and southern France. To a casual listener, Catalan superficially appears to be a cross of Castilian, French and Portuguese and though it does share features of all three, it is a separate language. * '''[[Galician phrasebook|Galician]]''' (Galician: ''galego'', Castilian: ''gallego''), very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in [[Galicia]] and the western portions of [[Asturias]] and [[Leon_(Spain)|León]]. Galician predates Portuguese and is deemed one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese language family group which includes Brazilian, Southern Portuguese, Central Portuguese, and Galician. While the Portuguese consider it a dialect of Portuguese, Galicians consider their language independent. * '''[[Basque phrasebook|Basque]]''' (Basque: ''euskara'', Castilian: ''vasco''), a language unrelated to Castilian (or any other known language in the world), is spoken in the three provinces of the [[Basque Country]], on the two adjacent provinces on the French side of the Spain-French border, and in Navarre. Basque is considered a language isolate unrelated to any Romance or even Indo-European language. * '''[[Asturiano phrasebook|Asturiano]]''' (Asturiano: ''asturianu'', Castilian: ''asturiano'', also known as ''bable''), spoken in the province of [[Asturias]], where it enjoys semi-official protection. It was also spoken in rural parts of [[León (Spain)|León]], [[Zamora (Spain)|Zamora]], [[Salamanca]], in a few villages in Portugal (where it is called Mirandes) and in villages in the extreme north of [[Extremadura]]. While the constitution of Spain explicitly protects Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the term Catalan, Galician, and Castilian, it does not explicitly protect Asturian. Still, the province of Asturias explicitly protects it, and Spain implicitly protects it by not objecting before the Supreme Court. * '''[[Aragonese phrasebook|Aragonese]]''' (Aragonese: ''aragonés'', Castilian: ''aragonés'', also known colloquially as ''fabla''), spoken in the north of [[Aragon]], and is not officially recognised. This language is close to Catalan (specially in [[Benasque]]) and to Castilian, with some Basque and Occitan (southern France) influences. Nowadays, only a few villages near the [[Pyrenees]] use the language vigorously, while most people mix it with Castilian in their daily speech. * '''[[Aranese phrasebook|Aranese]]''' (Castilian: ''Aranés'', Catalan/Aranese Occitan: ''Aranès''), spoken in the Aran Valley and recognised as an official language of Catalonia (not of Spain), alongside Catalan and Castilian. This language is a variety of Gascon Occitan, and as such is very closely related to Provençal, Limousin, Languedoc, and Catalan. In addition to the native languages, many languages such as English, [[French phrasebook|French]], and [[German phrasebook|German]] are commonly studied in school. However, Spaniards are not known for their proficiency in foreign languages, and it is very rare to find locals conversant in foreign languages outside of tourist establishments or major international hotels. That being said, most establishments in Spain's important tourist industry usually have staff members who speak a decent level of English, particularly in popular beach resorts such as those in the [[Costa del Sol]] where you will find people who are fluent in several languages, the most common ones being German and French. As [[Portuguese phrasebook|Portuguese]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are closely related to Spanish, if you speak either of these languages, locals would be able to puzzle you out with some difficulty. German is spoken in some areas frequented by German tourists, such as Mallorca. In general, people who speak two national languages (e.g. Basque and Castilian or Catalan and Castilian) are more likely to speak a foreign language than monolingual Spanish speakers. Castilian Spanish differs from the '''Latin American Spanish''' varieties in pronunciation and grammar, although all Latin American varieties are easily understood by Spaniards and vice-versa. While the differences in spelling are virtually non-existent, the differences in words and pronunciation between "Spanish-Spanish" and "Latin-Spanish" are arguably bigger than those between "American" and "British" English. French is the most widely understood foreign language in the northeast of Spain. The Basque region and northern Catalonia in particular have sizable populations that speak French. Locals will appreciate any attempts you make to speak their language. For example, know at least the Castilian for "good morning" (''buenos días'') and "thank you" (''gracias''). ==Get in== ===Entry requirements=== {{infobox|Minimum validity of travel documents|* EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need only produce a passport or national identity card that is valid on the date of entry. * Other nationals must produce a passport that is valid for the entirety of their stay in Spain. * More information about the minimum validity of travel documents is on the [http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx Spanish government website].}} {{Schengen}} EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who enter Spain on a national identity card, who are under 18 years old and travelling without their parents are required to have written parental consent. For more information, visit this [http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain]. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles are permitted to work in Spain without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries. A stay of longer than 90 days for non-EEA or Swiss citizens almost invariably requires an advance visa. If one stays for longer than 6 months, a residence permit ('''Titulo de Residencia''') must be obtained within the first 30 days of entering Spain. There are a number of ways to get into Spain. From neighbouring European countries, a drive with the car or a train ride is feasible; from a number of Mediterranean countries more or less [[Ferries in the Mediterranean|regular ferry connections]] are available; visitors from further away will probably be using air travel. ===By plane=== [[File:Torre de control de Madrid-Barajas - 01.jpg|thumb|Control tower of [[Madrid–Barajas Airport|Madrid-Barajas]]]] Spain's flag carrier is '''[http://www.iberia.com Iberia]''', and its two other main airlines are '''[http://www.vueling.com Vueling]''' and '''[http://www.aireuropa.com Air Europa]'''. There are many airlines connecting from most European countries, Africa, the Americas and Asia. Virtually all European low cost carriers provide frequent services to Spain including: [https://www.tui.co.uk/flight/ '''TUI Airways'''], '''[http://www.easyjet.com EasyJet]''', '''[http://www.ryanair.com Ryanair]''', '''[http://wizzair.com Wizz Air]''' and '''[http://www.jet2.com Jet2.com]'''. The busiest airports are [[Madrid–Barajas Airport]], [[Barcelona El Prat]], [[Palma de Mallorca#By plane|Palma de Mallorca]] and [[Malaga#By plane|Malaga]], followed by [[Seville#By plane|Seville]], [[Valencia#By plane|Valencia]], [[Bilbao#By plane|Bilbao]], [[Alicante#By plane|Alicante]] and [[Santiago de Compostela#By plane|Santiago de Compostela]]. For mainland Spain, Madrid Barajas ({{IATA|MAD}}), Barcelona ({{IATA|BCN}}) and Malaga ({{IATA|AGP}}) are your most likely ports of entry, as they have by far the highest number of international flights. For the islands, you will most likely directly arrive at an airport on the island, without connecting through another Spanish airport. If your destination does not have a direct flight, you can make use of Iberia's [[rail air alliance]] with Renfe. Searching for your destination directly on the Iberia website will give you flights with a connecting train service automatically. ===By train=== ''see also'' [[rail travel in Europe]] [[File:AVE in spain.jpg|thumb|AVE in Spain (Spanish High Speed)]] The [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/ train system] in Spain is modern and reliable, most of the trains are brand new and the punctuality rate is one of the highest in Europe, the only problem is that not all the populated areas have a train station; sometimes small towns don't have one, in those cases you need to take a bus. Another issue with the Spanish Rail network is that the lines are disposed in a radial way so almost all the lines head to Madrid. That's why sometimes travelling from one city to another geographically close to it might take longer by train than by bus if they are not on the same line. Always check whether the bus or the train is more convenient. The Spanish [[high speed rail]] system is, however, more reliable than that of - say - Germany, because the gauge of traditional and high speed trains is different and thus high speed lines are only used by high speed passenger trains meaning fewer delays due to congested lines or technical problems. All lines that cross the border into France have either a break of gauge (thus making changing train or a lengthy gauge change necessary) or are high speed, thus making the high speed trains the vastly preferable option to cross the border. Trains between Barcelona and France are operated jointly by SNCF and RENFE and both sell tickets for any international train on that route. Spain has numerous rail links with neighbouring Portugal, none of them high speed. There are only three rail links with France, one at [[Hendaye]] on a traditional line requiring a break of gauge, a connection used for local traffic near Latour de Carol (this is the closest rail line to [[Andorra]]) and one near [[Figueres]] for high speed trains. The former two see the occasional [[sleeper train]] while the latter sees the vast majority of passenger travel and all high speed trains. The former link through the Pyrenees near [[Canfranc]] has been abandoned but the former border station at Canfranc is still served from the Spanish site and worth a visit if you're a railway enthusiast or history buff. ===By bus=== Virtually all companies operating [[Intercity buses in France]] including [http://www.ouibus.com Ouibus] and even German player [http://www.flixbus.de Flixbus] offer buses to/from Spanish destinations. Spanish operators with international connections include [https://www.alsa.es/en/our-destinations/international Alsa] and [http://www.linebus.es/ Linebus]. Generally speaking the buses will be reasonably save and may even have WiFi or electric outlets at your seat, but if your main concern is anything but cost, opt for a train or plane instead as the former is both vastly more comfortable and faster and the latter is still a lot faster and can even be cheaper, if you manages to travel on carry-on only. Buses generally have greater luggage allowances than the airlines, but then again, you'd have the same advantage taking the train. ===By boat=== From the UK, [http://www.brittanyferries.com/ Brittany Ferries] offers services from [[Portsmouth]] and [[Plymouth (England)|Plymouth]] to [[Santander]] and from [[Portsmouth]] to [[Bilbao]]. The journey time from [[Portsmouth]] to [[Santander]] is approximately 24 hours. Spain is also well connected by ferry to Northern Africa (particularly [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]) and the [[Canary Islands]] which are part of Spain. Routes are also naturally available to the Spanish Balearic islands of [[Mallorca]], [[Minorca]], [[Ibiza]] and [[Formentera]]. Another popular route is from [[Barcelona]] to [[Genoa]]. {{related|Ferries in the Mediterranean}} ==Get around== ===By train=== [[File:Red actual de ferrocarriles de España.svg|thumb|Spain's rail network. Green is narrow gauge, red is Iberian gauge and blue is standard gauge - all standard gauge lines are high speed]] * '''[http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/ Renfe]''' is the Spanish national rail carrier. Long-distance trains always run on time, but be aware that short-distance trains (called ''Cercanías'') can bear long delays, from ten to twenty minutes, and especially in the Barcelona area, where delays up to 30 minutes are not uncommon. To be safe, always take the train before the one you need. It also manages '''FEVE''' narrow-gauge trains which mainly run near the northern Atlantic coast (from Ferrol to Bilbao). Buying tickets online with a foreign credit card may be difficult, however, those with a PayPal account may find it easier to pay using the website. Renfe also operates the '''AVE''' [[High-speed rail|high speed trains]], whose network radiates out of Madrid to the major cities along the coasts - Spain boasts the second-longest high speed network (behind [[China]]) and has constructed a lot of new lines until the economic downturn at the end of the 2000s. The AVE is easily the fastest option wherever it goes (faster even than flying in most cases) but can be on the expensive side. Tickets don't go on sale until 30 days before departure, and few discount tickets are available. * '''FGC''' operates several local routes near Barcelona. On these places where both Renfe and FGC operate, usually FGC provides more trains per hour, has better punctuality records and stations are closer to the city centres; on the other side, trains are slower and single fares are more expensive. * '''FGV''' provides local services in Valencia area uncovered by Renfe and a tram service in Alicante. * '''Euskotren''' operates affordable services from Bilbao to Gernika, Bermeo and San Sebastian plus a line connecting San Sebastian with Irun and Hendaye (France). The Bilbao - San Sebastian trip is about 2hr 40min while buses connect the cities in around just an hour, although bus tickets cost about twice as the train. All but the whole Bilbao - San Sebastian line run twice an hour with extra trains on peak hours. <!--there are plans for new "low cost" rail services by both RENFE and SNCF. Someone should add them--> ===By bus=== The least expensive way to get around most parts of Spain is by bus. Most major routes are point to point, and very high frequency. There are many companies serving within certain autonomous communities or provinces of the country on multiple routes or on a single route going from a major city to several surrounding villages and towns. The following operators serve more than a single region: * {{listing | name=ALSA | alt=formerly Continental Auto | url=http://www.alsa.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 422242 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=Largest bus company with point to point routes across the country and alliances with various other regional companies and/or subsidiary brands. }} * {{listing | name=Grupo Avanza | alt= | url=http://www.avanzabus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 020999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=Operates buses between Madrid and the surrounding autonomous communities of Extremadura, Castile-Leon, Valencia (via Castile-Leon). In some areas they operate through their subsidiary brands of Alosa, Tusza, Vitrasa, Suroeste and Auto Res. }} * {{listing | name=Socibus and Secorbus | alt= | url=http://www.socibus.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 229292 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=These companies jointly operate buses between Madrid and western Andalucia including Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva and Seville. }} At the bus station, each operator has its own ticket counter or window and usually a single operator from here to a particular destination. Therefore, the easiest is to ask the staff who will be happy to tell you who operates which route and point you to a specific desk or window. You can also see what is all available on [http://www.movelia.es Movelia.es] or see "By bus" under "Getting in" or "Getting Around" in the article for a particular autonomous community region, province or locale. It is usually not necessary or more advantageous to book tickets in advance as one can show up and get on the next available bus. Most bus companies can be booked in advance online. however English translation on their websites is patchy at best. ===By boat=== Wherever you are in Spain, from your private yacht you can enjoy gorgeous scenery and distance yourself from the inevitable crowds of tourists that flock to these destinations. May is a particularly pleasant time to charter in the regions of Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and the Balearic Islands as the weather is good and the crowds have yet to descend. The summer months of July and August are the hottest and tend to have lighter winds. There is no low season for the [[Canary Islands]], as the weather resembles springtime all year round. If you would like to bareboat anywhere in Spain, including the Balearic or Canary Islands, a US Coast Guard License is the only acceptable certification needed by Americans to bareboat. For everyone else, a RYA Yacht Master Certification or International Certificate of Competence will normally do. Although a skipper may be required, a hostess/chef may or may not be necessary. Dining out is strong part of Spanish custom and tradition. If you are planning on docking in a port and exploring fabulous bars and restaurants a hostess/cook may just be useful for serving drinks and making beds. Extra crew can take up valuable room on a tight ship. === By car === {{seealso|Driving in Spain}} In major cities like [[Madrid]] or [[Barcelona]] and in mid-sized ones like [[San Sebastian]], moving around by car is expensive and nerve-wracking. Fines for improper parking are uncompromising (€85 and up). Access by car has been made more difficult by municipal policies in Barcelona and Madrid in the 2010s. The positive effects on the urban fabric of those policies have proven widely popular, so expect more of this. [[File:Red española de autopistas y autovías2.PNG|thumb|Spanish network of motorways]] Having a driving map is essential - many streets are one-way; left turns are more rare than rights (and are unpredictable). Getting around by car makes sense if you plan to move from one city to another every other day, ideally if you don't plan to park overnight in large cities. It also doesn't hurt that the scenery is beautiful and well worth a drive. With a good public transport network that connects to (almost) all points of interest for travellers, you might ask yourself whether driving is really worth the cost and the hassle, as you are often much faster by train than by car. There are two types of highway in Spain: ''autopistas'', or motorways, and ''autovías'', which are more akin to expressways. Most autopistas are toll roads while autovías are generally free of charge. In some autonomous communities whether a highway is tolled depends on whether the central or regional government built and operates them. To a foreigner the system can seem rather confusing. <!--is there signage at least?--> Tolls often work out to "odd" Euro amounts leading you with a lot of copper coins if you pay cash. Speed limits range from 50 km/h (30 mph) in towns to 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on roads and 120 km/h (75 mph) on autopistas and autovías. Starting from May 2021 all roads with only one lane per direction inside built up areas will have a blanket speed limit of {{kmh|30}}. Spaniards are somewhat notorious for seeing traffic infractions such as speeding, second row parking or red light infractions as "minor", but the government is increasingly cracking down on this kind of behavior and police will have a field day writing a ticket to a foreigner who doesn't speak the language. Gasoline/petrol costs in the range of €1.32/L in Jan 2020, and diesel costs €1.25/L. Filling procedure for gas stations varies from brand to brand. At Agip, you first fill the tank yourself, and then pay inside the shop. === By thumb === Spain isn't a good country for [[Tips for hitchhiking|hitchhiking]]. Sometimes you can wait many hours. Try to speak with people at gas stations, parking lots, etc. They are scared and suspicious, but when you make them feel that they don't need to be afraid, they gladly accept you and mostly also show their generosity. In the south of Spain, in and around the Alpujarras, hitchhiking is very common and it is also very easy to get a ride. As long as you can speak a bit of Spanish and don't look too dirty or frightening, you should be able to get a ride moderately easily. === By bicycle === Spain is a suitable country for cycling, and it is possible to see many cyclists in some of the cities. Cycling lanes are available in most mid-sized and large cities, although they are not comparable in number to what you can find in for example central Europe. Depending on where you are in Spain, you could face a very mountainous area. Much of central Spain is very flat, though elevated, but towards the coast the landscape is often very hilly, especially in the north. There are several options for touring in Spain by bicycle: guided or supported tours, rent bicycles in Spain or bring your own bike, or any combination. Supported tours are ubiquitous on the web. For unsupported tours a little Spanish helps a lot. Shoulder seasons avoid extremes of temperature and ensure hotel availability in non-tourist areas. Good hotels are €35–45 in the interior, breakfast usually included. ''Menú del día'' meals are €8–10 eating where the locals eat. Secondary roads are usually well paved and have good shoulders, and as a rule Spanish drivers are careful and courteous around touring cyclists. Road signs are usually very good and easy to follow. [[File:Bicisvalenbisi.jpg|thumb|Bike rental station in Valencia]] Most municipalities in Spain, towns and cities are modernising their streets to introduce special lanes for bicycles. Bike share systems with usually quite reasonable prices are also being installed in cities throughout the country. === By taxi === All the major cities in Spain are served by taxis, which are a convenient, if somewhat expensive way to get around. That being said, taxis in Spain are more reasonably priced than those in say, the [[United Kingdom]] or [[Japan]]. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or any other foreign languages, so it would be necessary to have the names and/or addresses of your destinations written in Spanish to show your taxi driver. Likewise, get your hotel's business card to show your taxi driver in case you get lost. ==See== The most popular beaches are the ones along the Mediterranean coast, in the Balearic Islands and in the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, for hiking, the mountains of Sierra Nevada in the south, the Central Cordillera and the northern Pyrenees are the best places. ===Historic cities=== [[File:Spain Andalusia Cordoba BW 2015-10-27 13-54-14.jpg|thumbnail|Mezquita in Córdoba]] [[File:AcueductoSegovia edit1.jpg|thumbnail|Segovia aqueduct]] Historically, Spain has been an important crossroads: between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, between North Africa and Europe, and as Europe began colonising the New World, between Europe and the Americas. The country thus is blessed with a fantastic collection of historical landmarks — in fact, it has the second largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites and the largest number of World Heritage Cities of any nation in the world. In the south of Spain, Andalusia holds many reminders of old Spain. '''[[Cadiz]]''' is regarded as one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in western Europe, with remnants of the Roman settlement that once stood here. Nearby, '''[[Ronda]]''' is a beautiful town atop steep cliffs and noted for its gorge-spanning bridge and the oldest bullring in Spain. '''[[Cordoba (city, Spain)|Cordoba]]''' and '''[[Granada (Spain)|Granada]]''' hold the most spectacular reminders of the nation's Muslim past, with the red-and-white striped arches of the Mezquita in Cordoba and the stunning Alhambra palace perched on a hill above Granada. '''[[Seville]]''', the cultural centre of Andalusia, has a dazzling collection of sights built when the city was the main port for goods from the Americas, the grandest of which being the city's cathedral, the largest in the country. Moving north across the plains of La Mancha into Central Spain, picturesque '''[[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]]''' stands as perhaps ''the'' historical centre of the nation, a beautiful medieval city sitting atop a hill that once served as the capital of Spain before Madrid was built. North of Madrid and an easy day-trip from the capital city is '''[[El Escorial]]''', once the centre of the Spanish empire during the time of the Inquisition, and '''[[Segovia]]''', noted for its spectacular Roman aqueduct which spans one of the city's squares. Further north in Castile-Leon is '''[[Salamanca]]''', known for its famous university and abundance of historic architecture. Galicia in northwestern Spain is home to '''[[Santiago de Compostela]]''', the end point of the old [[Way of St. James]] (''Camino de Santiago'') pilgrimage route and the supposed burial place of St. James, with perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in all of Spain at the heart of its lovely old town. Northeastern Spain has a couple of historical centres to note: '''[[Zaragoza]]''', with Roman, Muslim, medieval and Renaissance buildings from throughout its two thousand years of history, and '''[[Barcelona]]''' with its pseudo-medieval [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Barri Gòtic]] neighbourhood. Be prepared to have your luggage scanned airport style at the entrance of most museums. There's usually a locker where you can (or must) leave your bags. ===Art museums=== [[File:Hemispheric - Valencia, Spain - Jan 2007.jpg|thumb|L'Hemisfèric, in The City of Arts and Sciences (Spanish: Ciudad de Las Artes y Las Ciencias) (Valencia)]] Spain has played a key role in Western art, heavily influenced by French and Italian artists but very distinct in its own regard, owing to the nation's history of Muslim influence, Counter-Reformation climate and, later, the hardships from the decline of the Spanish empire, giving rise to such noted artists like El Greco, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. In the last century, Spain's unique position in Europe brought forth some of the leading artists of the Modernist and Surrealist movements, most notably the famed Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. [[File:Museo Guggenheim con el puente de la Salve en primer plano.jpg|thumb|Guggenheim Museum with Salve Bridge in the foreground (Bilbao)]] Today, Spain's two largest cities hold the lion's share of Spain's most famous artworks. Madrid's [[Madrid#Museum_Triangle|Museum Triangle]] is home to the '''Museo del Prado''', the largest art museum in Spain with many of the most famous works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya as well as some notable works by Italian, Flemish, Dutch and German masters. Nearby sits the '''Reina Sofía''', most notable for holding Picasso's ''Guernica'' but also containing a number of works by Dalí and other Modernist, Surrealist and abstract painters. The Prado goes back to the former royal collection and the Reina Sofia Museum is named for King Juan Carlos' wife, in practice the dividing line between the two is largely one of era, with anything made roughly after the birth of Picasso found in the Reina Sofia and everything else in the Prado. Barcelona is renowned for its stunning collection of modern and contemporary art and architecture. This is where you will find the '''Picasso Museum''', which covers the artist's early career quite well, and the architectural wonders of '''Antoni Gaudi''', with their twisting organic forms that are a delight to look at. Outside of Madrid and Barcelona, the art museums quickly dwindle in size and importance, although there are a couple of worthy mentions that should not be overlooked. Many of El Greco's most famous works lie in '''[[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]]''', an easy day trip from Madrid. ''The Disrobing of Christ'', perhaps El Greco's most famous work, sits in the Cathedral, but you can also find work by him in one of the small art museums around town. [[Bilbao]] in the Basque Country of northern Spain is home to a spectacular '''Guggenheim Museum''' designed by Frank Gehry that has put the city on the map. A day trip from Barcelona is the town of [[Figueres]], noted for the '''Salvador Dalí Museum''', designed by the Surrealist himself. [[Málaga]] in the south is Picasso's city of birth, and is also home to two museums dedicated to his life and works. ===Archaeological sites=== * Ampurias, excavations of a Greek and Roman town, Roman basilica, temples of Asclepios and Serapis, (between Gerona and Figueras, Catalonia) * Antequetera, La Menga and Viera dolmens, * Calatrava la Nueva, well preserved medieval castle, * Calatrava la Vieja, remains of the Arab town, castle of the order of Calatrava, * Clunia, Roman town with forum, shops, temple, public bath houses and Roman villa, * Fraga, Roman villa, Bronze Age settlements, * Gormaz, Arab castle, * Italica, Roman town with amphitheatre, city walls, House of the Exedra, House of the Peacocks, Baths of the Moorish Queen, House of the Hylas, temple complex (near Sevilla), * Merida, Roman city, Roman bridge, Amphitheatre, Hippodrome, House of the Amphitheatre, House of the Mithraeum with mosaics, aquaeducts, museum * San Juan de los Banos, Visigoth church (between Burgos and Valladolid), * San Pedro de la Nave, Visigoth church (near Zamora), * Santa Maria de Melque, Visigoth church, * Segobriga (Cabeza del Griego), Roman town, Visigoth church, museum (between Madrid and Albacete) * Tarragona, Roman town with “Cyclopean wall”, amphitheatre, hippodrome, form and triumphal arch, ===Sports=== ====Football==== {{see also|Association football in Europe}} Spain's '''[http://www.laliga.es/en La Liga]''' is one of the strongest association football leagues in the world, boasting world-class teams like '''[http://www.realmadrid.com/en Real Madrid]''' and '''[https://www.fcbarcelona.com/ FC Barcelona]''' that play to sold-out crowds on a weekly basis. The rivalry between the two aforementioned clubs, known as '''''El Clásico''''', is undoubtedly one of the most intense in the world as a result of the long history of political conflict behind it. Other noteworthy clubs include Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, and Sevilla. The Spanish national team is also one of the strongest in the world, being able to draw the best players from its league. It long had a reputation of always failing to win big games, but this reputation has been pretty much shattered by its wins in the 2008 and 2012 European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup. ====Basketball==== Spain also has a strong basketball tradition, with Spanish clubs generally doing well in European competition, and the Spanish national team also being one of the best in Europe. Many of the top football clubs in Spain also have basketball teams, and as with their football counterparts, both Real Madrid Baloncesto and FC Barcelona Bàsquet are among Europe's most successful basketball teams. ====Handball==== {{see also|Handball in Europe}} Spain is among the most successful Handball nations on earth, although it may not always reach the level of play of some Nordic or ex-Yugoslavian countries or Germany. The [http://asobal.es/ Liga Asobal], Spain's national handball league is among the toughest in the world. ====Cycling==== Spain is home to one of the three grand tours on the international cycling calendar, the '''[http://www.lavuelta.com/la-vuelta/2016/us/ Vuelta a España]'''. ===Itineraries=== * [[Via de la Plata Route]] Historic 800-km route from [[Gijón]] to [[Sevilla]]. * [[Way of St. James]] ==Do== ===Festivals=== Spain has a lot of local festivals that are worth going to. * {{listing | type=do | name=Semana Santa | alt=''Holy week'' | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-04-20 | content=Visit Spain when many processions take place in cities and Christians march through the streets in the evening with replicas of Jesus on their shoulders and play music. Make sure to book ahead since accommodations fill up quickly during that time and often nothing is left shortly before the celebrations. Notorious cities to see the best processions are [[Málaga]], [[Girona]], [[Cádiz]], [[Seville]] and the rest of [[Andalusia]]; but it's also interesting in [[Valladolid (Spain)|Valladolid]] (silent processions) and [[Zaragoza]] (where hundreds of drums are played in processions). }} * '''Córdoba en Mayo''' ([[Cordoba (city, Spain)|Cordoba]] in May) - great month to visit the Southern city * '''Las Cruces''' (1st week in May) - big flower-made crosses embellishing public squares in the city centre, where you will also find at night music and drinking and lot of people having fun! * '''Festival de Patios''' - one of the most interesting cultural exhibitions, 2 weeks when some people open doors of their houses to show their old Patios full of flowers * '''Cata del Vino Montilla-Moriles''' - great wine tasting in a big tent in the city centre during one week in May * '''Dia de Sant Jordi''' - The Catalan must. On 23 April [[Barcelona]] is embellished with roses everywhere and book-selling stands can be found in the Rambla. There are also book signings, concerts and diverse animations. * '''Fallas''' - [[Valencia]]'s festival in March - burning the "fallas" is a must [[File:6 Falla Plaza del Ayuntamiento 2012.JPG|thumb|Falla of the Town Hall Square 2012 (Valencia)]] * '''[[Málaga]]'s August Fair''' - flamenco dancing, drinking sherry, bullfights * '''San Fermines''' - July in [[Pamplona]], [[Navarra]]. * '''Fiesta de San Isidro''' - 15 May in [[Madrid]] - a celebration of [[Madrid]]'s patron saint. * '''Carnival''' - best in [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]] and [[Cádiz]] * '''Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos''' (Three wise men parade) - on the eve of Epiphany, 5 January, the night before Spanish kids get their Christmas presents, it rains sweets and toys in every single town and city * '''San Sebastian International Film Festival''' - held annually in [[San Sebastian]], a gorgeous city in the Basque Country, towards the end of September * '''La Tomatina''' - a giant tomato fight in [[Buñol]] * '''Moros y Cristianos''' (Moors and Christians, mostly found in Southeastern Spain during spring time) - parades and "battles" remembering the fights of medieval ages * In '''[[Galicia]]''' 85 festivals take place throughout the year from wine to wild horses. ===Holidays=== '''New Year eve''': "Nochevieja" in Spanish. There's a tradition in Spain to eat grapes as the clock counts down the New Year, one grape for each of the last 12 seconds before midnight. For this, even small packs of grapes (exactly 12 grapes per pack) are sold in supermarkets before New Year. La Puerta del Sol, is the venue for the New Year's party in Spain. At 23:59 sound "los cuartos (In Spanish)" some bells announcing that it will begin to sound the 12 chimes (campanadas in Spanish). While sounding "los cuartos", moves down from the top chime of the clock, with the same purpose as "los cuartos" sound will indicate that "las campanadas". That will sound at 24:00 and that indicate the start of a new year. During each chime must eat a grape, according to tradition. Between each chime, there is a time span of three seconds. "Las Campanadas", are broadcast live on the main national TV channels, as in the rest of Spain, people are still taking grapes from home or on giant screens installed in major cities, following the chimes from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid. [[File:Nochevieja puertadelsol 2006.jpg|thumb|Start the New Year in La Puerta del Sol (Madrid)]] After ringing "las campanadas", starts a fireworks extravaganza. This is a famous party in Spain and is a great time to enjoy because show is secured in the centre of the capital of Spain. ===Outdoor activities=== * '''Canyoning''': see [[Canyoning#Spain|Spain section in the Canyoning article]] * '''Climbing''' in: [[Los Mallos]] ([[Aragon]]) and [[Siurana]] (near [[Barcelona]]) * '''Football''' (soccer): The most popular sport in Spain, with both the Spanish league and national team being among the strongest in the world. * '''Whitewater sports''' in: [[Campo]], [[Murillo de Gallego]] ([[Aragon]]) * '''Hiking''' in Galicia * '''Downhill skiing''': There are a lot of downhill skiing resorts in Spain. Skiing in the northern region of Spain ===Scuba diving=== For a treat, try Costa Brava and the world renowned Canary Islands. ==Work== Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can work in Spain without having to secure a work permit. Everyone else, however, needs to apply for a work permit. Despite the presence of two European behemoths in Madrid and Barcelona, the Spanish job market is weak for such a developed nation. Finding a job in Spain is quite tough, owing the country's fragile economic situation. Unemployment is high (16.2% as of August 2020), and salaries are quite low compared to other western European countries. For these reasons, many Spaniards have emigrated to other countries in search of better opportunities. Tourism is an important economic sector which disproportionately employs foreigners but which took a hit in the Covid crisis. Owing to its sunny climate, Spain is one of Europe's largest agricultural exporters, but most agricultural work in Spain is hard, measly paid and done largely by immigrants from the global south, many of them undocumented. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{Template:Exchange rate euros}} {{Euro}} [[File:Banco de España (Madrid) 06.jpg|thumb|Bank of Spain]] €500 banknotes are not accepted in many stores&mdash;always have alternative banknotes. ====Money exchange==== Do not expect anybody to accept other types of currency, or to be willing to exchange currency. Exceptions are shops and restaurants at airports. These will generally accept at least U.S. dollars at a bad exchange rate. Banks are the main places to exchange money. However, some banks may only exchange money for those with an account there. Currency exchanges, once a common sight, have all but disappeared since the introduction of the euro. Again, international airports are an exception to this rule; other exception is tourist districts in the large cities (Barcelona, Madrid). ====Credit card==== Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Most Spanish stores will ask for ID before accepting your credit card. Some stores may not accept a foreign driving licence or ID card, and you will need to show your passport. This measure is designed to help avoid credit card fraud. ====ATM==== Most ATMs will allow you to withdraw money with your credit card. There is a fee in addition to what your bank charges you of about €2, except with Unicaja Banco machines. ===Tipping=== [[Tipping]], or "propina" in Spanish, is not mandatory or considered customary in Spain unless there was something absolutely exceptional about the service. As a result, you may find that waiters are not as attentive or courteous as you may be used to since they don't work for tips. If you choose to tip, the tip amount in restaurants depends on your economic status, the locale and type of establishment. If you feel that you have experienced good service then leave some loose change on the table - possibly €1 or €2 . If you don't, it is no big deal. Bars expect only tourists, particularly American tourists, to leave a tip. They are aware that it is customary in the United States to leave a tip for every drink or meal. It is rare to see anyone other than Americans tipping in Spain. In major resorts tipping may be common; look around at other diners to assess if tipping is appropriate. Outside the restaurant business, some service providers, such as taxi drivers, hairdressers and hotel personnel may expect a tip in an upscale setting. ===Business hours=== Most businesses (including most shops, but not restaurants) close in the afternoons around 13:30/14:00 and reopen for the evening around 16:30/17:00. Exceptions are large malls or major chain stores. For most Spaniards, lunch is the main meal of the day and you will find bars and restaurants open during this time. On Saturdays, businesses often do not reopen in the evening and almost everywhere is closed on Sundays. The exception is the month of December, where most shops in Madrid and Barcelona will be open as per on weekdays on Sundays to cash in on the festive season. Also, many public offices and banks do not reopen in the evenings even on weekdays, so if you have any important business to take care of, be sure to check hours of operation. If you plan to spend whole day shopping in small shops, the following rule of thumb can work: a closed shop should remind it's also time for your own lunch. And when you finish your lunch, some shops will be likely open again. [[File:Gran Vía (Madrid) 25.jpg|thumb|Gran Vía of Madrid, is a perfect place for shopping]] ===Shopping=== ====Designer brands==== Besides well-known mass brands which are known around the world (Zara, Mango, Bershka, Camper, Desigual), Spain has many designer brands which are more hard to find outside Spain--and may be worth looking for if you shop for designer wear while travelling. Some of these brands include: * {{listing | name=Custo Barcelona | url=http://www.custo-barcelona.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Headquartered in [[Barcelona]], has stores in [[Bilbao]], [[Ibiza]], [[La Coruna]], [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]], [[León (Spain)|León]], [[Madrid]], [[Marbella]], [[Palma de Mallorca]], [[Salamanca]], [[Tenerife]]. }} * {{buy | name=Kowalski | url=http://www.kowalski-shoes.com/ {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=head office: Ctra. del Leon, km, 2; 03293 Elche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 966 630 612 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designer shoes and sneakers (trademark Herman Monster and others) for women, men and unisex. }} ====Department stores==== * {{buy | name=El Corte Ingles | alt= | url=http://elcorteingles.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major national chain that can be found in nearly every city. In most cities, enjoys central location but resides in functional, uninspiring buildings. Has department for everything--but is not good enough for most purposes, except maybe for buying gourmet food and local food specialties. Tax refund for purchases at El Corte Ingles, unlike most other stores in Spain, can be returned only to a debit/credit card, even if you originally paid in cash. }} [[File:Corte Inglés complejo AZCA.JPG|thumb|Corte Inglés store under construction in Madrid]] ====Others==== * {{buy | name=Casas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A chain of footwear stores that selects most popular (?) models from a dozen+ of mid-range brands. }} * {{buy | name=Camper | url=http://www.camper.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Camper shoes can be seen in most cities in the country. While it may seem that they are sold everywhere, finding right model and size may be a trouble--so if you find what you need, don't postpone your purchase. Campers are sold both in standalone branded shops, and as a part of a mix with other brands in local shoe stores. Standalones generally provide wider choice of models and sizes; local stores can help if you need to hunt for a specific model and size. }} * {{buy | name=For | url=http://for.es/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Private national fashion chain featuring many premium brands. Main location is [[Bilbao]]; some stores in [[San Sebastian]] and [[Zaragoza]]. }} ==Eat== {{seealso|Spanish cuisine}} The Spanish are very passionate about their food and wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish food can be described as quite light with a lot of vegetables and a huge variety of meat and fish. Perhaps owing to the inquisition trying to "find out" lapsed ''conversos'' pork (religiously prohibited in both Judaism and Islam) is easily the most consumed meat and features prominently in many dishes. Spanish cuisine does not use many spices; it relies only on the use of high quality ingredients to give a good taste. As such, you may find Spanish food bland at times but there are usually a variety of restaurants in most cities (Italian, Chinese, American fast food) if you would like to experience a variety of flavors. If you are familiar with Latin American cuisines, keep in mind that many Spanish dishes may have the same name as several Latin American dishes, but actually refer to completely different dishes (e.g. ''tortilla'' and ''horchata'' refer to completely different things in Spain and Mexico). Like much of Europe, Spain's top tourism destinations are full of tourist-trap restaurants that serve overpriced and mediocre food. If you want a good and reasonably-priced meal, it's generally best to go to restaurants with a primarily local clientele. However, as it is rare to find English-speaking waiters in such establishments, be prepared to have to speak some Spanish. ===Breakfast, lunch and dinner times=== Spaniards have a different eating timetable than many people are used to. The key thing to remember for a traveller is: * breakfast ('''desayuno''') for most Spaniards is light and consists of just coffee and perhaps a ''galleta'' (like a graham cracker) or ''magdalena'' (sweet muffin-like bread). Later, some will go to a cafe for a pastry midmorning, but not too close to lunchtime. * "el aperitivo" is a light snack eaten around 12:00. However, this could include a couple of glasses of beer and a large filled baguette or a "pincho de tortilla".[[File:TapasenBarcelona.JPG|thumb|"Pinchos" in Barcelona]] * lunch ('''comida''') starts at 13:30-14:30 (though often not until 15:00) and was once typically followed by a short siesta, usually at summer when temperatures can be quite hot in the afternoon. This is the main meal of the day with two courses ('''el primer plato''' and '''el segundo plato''' followed by dessert. ''La comida'' and siesta are usually over by 16:00 at the latest. However, since life has become busier, there is no opportunity for a siesta. * dinner ('''cena''') starts at 20:30 or 21:00, with most clientèle coming after 21:00. It is a lighter meal than lunch. In Madrid restaurants rarely open before 21:00 and most customers do not appear before 23:00. * there is also an afternoon snack that some take between ''la comida'' and ''la cena'' called '''merienda'''. It is similar to a tea time in England and is taken around 18:00 or so. * between the lunch and dinner times, most restaurants and cafes are closed, and it takes extra effort to find a place to eat if you missed lunch time. Despite this, you can always look for a ''bar'' and ask for a ''bocadillo'', a baguette sandwich. There are ''bocadillos fríos'', cold sandwiches, which can be filled with ham, [[cheese]] or any kind of ''embutido'', and ''bocadillos calientes'', hot sandwiches, filled with pork loin, ''tortilla'', bacon, sausage and similar options with cheese. This can be a really cheap and tasty option if you find a good place. Normally, restaurants in big cities don't close until midnight during the week and 02:00-03:00 during the weekend. ===Breakfast=== [[File:Chocolate with churros.jpg|thumb|right|230px|"''Chocolate con churros''"]] Breakfast is eaten by most Spaniards. Traditional Spanish breakfast includes coffee or orange juice, and pastries or a small sandwich. In Madrid, it is also common to have hot chocolate with "churros" or "porras". In cafes, you can expect varieties of ''tortilla de patatas'' (see the [[#Spanish dishes|''Spanish dishes'' section]]), sometimes tapas (either breakfast variety or same kind as served in the evenings with alcohol). ===Tapas=== [[File:Tapas marteñas.jpg|thumb|Spanish Tapas]] The entry level to Spanish food is found in bars as '''tapas''', which are a bit like "starters" or "appetisers", but are instead considered side orders to accompany your drink; in some parts of Spain, a drink is still accompanied automatically by a free tapa, but in places where it's not, ask for ''tapa y caña'' to order a beer and a tapa. Some bars will offer a wide variety of different tapas; others specialise on a specific kind (like seafood-based). A Spanish custom is to have one tapa and one small drink at a bar, then go to the next bar and do the same. A group of two or more individuals may order two or more '''tapas''' or order '''raciones''' instead, which are a bit larger in order to share. ===Types of dishes=== '''Seafood''' (''mariscos''): on the coast, fresh seafood is widely available and quite affordable. In the inner regions, frozen (and poor quality) seafood can be frequently encountered outside few highly reputed (and expensive) restaurants. In coastal areas seafood deserves some attention, especially on the north Atlantic coast. Quality seafood in Spain comes from Spain's northwestern region of Galicia. So restaurants with the words ''Gallego'' (Galician) will generally specialise in seafood. If you are feeling adventurous, you might want to try the Galician regional specialty ''Pulpo a la Gallega'', which is boiled octopus served with paprika, rock salt and olive oil. Another adventurous option is ''Sepia'' which is cuttlefish, a relative of squid, or the various forms of ''Calamares'' (squid) that you can find in most seafood restaurants. If that isn't your style you can always order ''Gambas Ajillo'' (garlic shrimp), ''Pescado Frito'' (fried fish), ''Buñuelos de Bacalao'' (breaded and deep fried cod) or the ever-present ''Paella'' dishes. '''Meat products''' are usually of very good quality, because Spain has maintained quite a high percentage of free range animals. Ordering beef steaks is highly recommended, since most come from free range cows from the mountains. Pork cuts which are also highly coveted are those known as ''presa ibérica'' and ''secreto ibérico'', an absolute must if found in the menu of any restaurant. '''Soups''': the choice of soups beyond gazpacho is very limited in Spanish restaurants. ===Restaurants=== '''Water''' (''agua'') is frequently served without a specific request, and is normally charged for, unless it's included in your ''menu del dia''. If you would like free tap water instead of bottled water, ask for ''agua del grifo''. However, not all restaurants will offer this and you may be forced to order bottled water. '''Appetisers''' such as bread (''pan''), cheese (''queso''), and other items may be brought to your table even if you didn't order them. You may still be charged for them. If you do not want these appetisers, politely inform the waiter that you do not want them. '''World-famous restaurants''': There are several restaurants in Spain which are destinations in themselves, becoming a sole reason to travel to a specific city. One of them is ''El Bulli'' in [[Roses]]. ==== Fast food==== Fast food has not yet established a strong grip on the Spaniards and you will find McDonalds and Burger King only in bigger towns in the usual places. That said, Madrid and other large Spanish cities are often the first place for north American chains to dip their toe into the European market and you'll find Taco Bell, TGI Friday's or Five Guys there but not or only rarely in central European cities. The menu can be a surprise since it has been customised to appeal to the locals and beer, salads, yogurt (primarily Danone), and wine are prominent. Pizza is increasingly popular and you will find some outlets in bigger towns but it can be their own homegrown franchises, such as TelePizza. In spite of beer and wine on the menu, fast food is often seen as "kiddie food." American franchises generally charge higher prices than in the United States, and fast food is not necessarily the cheapest alternative for eating out. ====Service charges and VAT==== No '''service charges''' are included in the bill. A little extra tip is common and you are free to increase that if you are very pleased. Obviously you don’t have to tip a lousy waiter. You would typically leave the small change after paying with a note. ====Menú del día==== Many restaurants offer a complete lunch meal for a fixed price &ndash; ''menú del día'' &ndash; and this often works out as a bargain. Water or wine (''vino'') is commonly included in the price. ====Non-Spanish cuisine==== Things like schnitzel, full English breakfast, pizza, döner, and frozen fish are largely available in tourist destinations. In most cities you can also find international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese, French, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, and Argentinian. The bigger the city, the more variety you can find. Unlike some northern European countries, Spain received very little immigration until after the death of Franco and the 1980s economic boom and as such there may be less variety of immigrant-owned restaurants in small- and medium-sized towns, but this is of course changing with particularly Latin American and Middle Eastern immigration to Spain leaving their mark on the restaurant scene. ==Drink== {{seealso|Spanish cuisine#Beverages}} === Tea and coffee === Spanish people are very passionate about the quality, intensity and taste of their [[coffee]] and good freshly brewed coffee is available almost everywhere. The usual choices are '''solo''', the milk-less espresso version; '''cortado''', solo with a dash of milk; '''con leche''', solo with milk added; and '''manchado''', coffee with lots of milk (sort of like the French ''cafe au lait''). Asking for ''caffee latte'' will likely result in less milk than you are used to--it's always OK to ask for extra milk. Regional variants can be found, such as '''bombón''' in Eastern Spain, solo with condensed milk. '''[http://www.starbucks.es Starbucks]''' is the only national chain operating in Spain. Locals argue that it cannot compete with small local cafes in quality of coffee and visited only by tourists. It is not present in smaller cities. If you eat for €20 per dinner, you will never be served a good tea; expect Pompadour or Lipton. It takes some effort to find a good tea if you spend most time of the day in touristy places. '''Horchata''' is a milky non-alcoholic drink made of tiger nuts and sugar, and very different from drinks of the same name found in [[Latin America]]. [[Alboraia]], a small town close to [[Valencia]], is regarded as a best place where horchata is produced. ===Alcohol=== The drinking age in Spain is 18. People under this age are forbidden to drink and buy alcoholic drinks, although enforcement in tourist and clubbing areas is lax. Drinking in the streets has been banned (although it is still a common practice in most nightlife areas). A "dry law" bans supermarkets from selling alcohol after 22:00. Try an absinthe cocktail (the fabled liquor was never outlawed here, but it is not a popular drink in Spain). ===Bars=== Probably one of the best places to meet people in Spain is in bars. Everyone visits them and they are always busy and sometimes bursting with people. There is no age restriction imposed to enter these premises, but children and teenagers often will not be served alcoholic drinks. Age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol are clearly posted at bars but are enforced only intermittently. It is common to see an entire family at a bar. It's important to know the difference between a pub (which closes at 3-03:30) and a club (which opens until 06:00-08:00 but is usually deserted early in the night). On weekends, the time to go out for ''copas'' (drinks) usually starts at about 23:00-01:00 which is somewhat later than in North and Central Europe. Before that, people usually do any number of things, have some tapas (''raciones'', ''algo para picar''), eat a "real" dinner in a restaurant, stay at home with family, or go to cultural events. If you want to go dancing, you will find that most of the clubs in Madrid are relatively empty before midnight (some do not even open until 01:00) and most won't get crowded until 03:00. People usually go to pubs, then go to the clubs until 06:00-08:00. For a true Spanish experience, after a night of dancing and drinking it is common to have a breakfast of ''chocolate con churros'' with your friends before going home. (''CcC'' is a small cup of thick, melted chocolate served with freshly fried sweet fritters used for dipping in the chocolate and should be tried, if only for the great taste.) Bars are mainly to have drink and a small ''tapa'' while socialising and decompressing from work or studies. Usually Spaniards can control their alcohol consumption better than their northern European neighbours and drunken people are rarely seen at bars or on the streets. A drink, if ordered without an accompanying tapa, is often served with a "minor" or inexpensive tapa as a courtesy. Size and price of tapas changes a lot throughout Spain. For instance, it's almost impossible to get free tapas in big cities like Valencia or Barcelona, excluding Madrid where there are several Tapa Bars although some are a bit expensive. You can eat for free (just paying for the drinks), with huge tapas and cheap prices at cities like Granada, Badajoz or Salamanca. The tapa, and the related pincho, trace their existence in Spain to both acting as a cover ("Tapa") on top of a cup of wine to prevent flies from accessing it, and as a requirement of law when serving wine at an establishment during the Middle Ages. ===Alcoholic beverages=== The Spanish '''[[Beer (beverage)|beer]]''' is well worth a try. Most popular local brands include San Miguel, Cruzcampo, Mahou, Ámbar, Estrella Galicia, Keller and many others, including local brands at most cities; import beers are also available. Spaniards often add lemon juice (Fanta limón, or lemon Fanta) to their beer. Particularly on hot summer days people will drink a refreshing "clara" which is a light beer mixed with lemon/lemonade. '''Cava''' is Spanish sparkling wine and the name went from Spanish Champagne to Cava was after a long lasting dispute with the French. The Spanish called it for a long time champan, but the French argued that champagne can be made only from grapes grown in the Champagne region in France. Nevertheless, Cava is a quite successful sparkling wine and 99% of the production comes from the area around [[Barcelona]]. '''Cider''' (Sidra) can be found in the [[Galicia]], [[Asturias]], [[Cantabria]] and [[Basque Country|País Vasco]]. Spain is a country with great '''[[wine]]'''-making and drinking traditions: 22% of Europe's wine growing area is in Spain, however the production is about half of what the French produce. For red wine in a bar, ask "un tinto por favor", for white wine "un blanco por favor", for rose: "un rosado por favor". '''Wine bars''' proper are more and more popular. In short, a wine bar is a sophisticated tapas bar where you can order wine by the glass. You will immediately see a blackboard with the wines that are available and the price per glass. '''Sangria''' is drink made of wine and fruits and usually is made from simple wines. You will find sangria in areas frequented by tourists. Spanish prepare sangria for fiestas and hot summer, and not every day as seen in touristic regions like [[Mallorca]]. Sangria in restaurants aimed for foreigners are best avoided, but it is a very good drink to try if a Spaniard prepares it for a fiesta! The pale '''sherry''' wine around Jerez called "fino" is fortified with alcohol to 15 percent. If you would like to have one in a bar you have to order a ''fino''. Manzanilla is bit salty, good as an aperitivo. Amontillado and Oloroso are a different types of sherry where the oxidative aging process has taken the lead. ==Sleep== {{infobox|What's the difference?|There are three names for hotel-like accommodation in large cities in Spain: ''hotel'', ''hostal'' and ''pension''. It is important not to confuse a hostel with a ''hostal''; a host'''e'''l offers backpacker-type accommodation with shared rooms, whereas a ''host'''a'''l'' is very similar to a guest house and is generally cheaper than a hotel.}} There are many types of tourist accommodation, ranging from hotels, pensions and rented villas, to camping and even monasteries. "7% VAT is not included" is a common trick for mid-range guesthouses and hotels: always check the small print when you choose your place to stay. VAT is IVA in Spanish. ===Small villages=== Besides the coasts, Spain is rich in small tourist-friendly ''inland'' villages, like [[Alquezar]]: with narrow medieval streets, charming silence and isolation, still good selection of affordable restaurants and accommodation. ===Casa rural, the [[bed and breakfast]] of Spain=== For a more homely sort of accommodation consider the casa rural. A casa rural is the rough equivalent to a bed and breakfast or a gîte. Not all houses are situated in the countryside, as the name implies. Some are situated in the smaller towns, and they are in virtually every province. Casas rurales vary in quality and price throughout Spain. In some regions, like [[Galicia]], they are strictly controlled and inspected. Other regions are not so thorough in applying their regulations. ===Hotels=== Many foreign visitors stay in hotels that have been organised by tour operators who offer package holidays to the popular resorts on the costas and islands. However, for the independent traveller, there are hotels all over the country in all categories and to suit every budget. In fact, due to the well developed internal and foreign tourism markets Spain may well be one of the best served European countries in terms of numbers and quality of hotels. ===Paradores=== A [http://www.parador.es/ ''parador''] is a state-owned hotel in Spain (rating from 3 to 5 stars). This chain of inns was founded in 1928 by the Spanish King Alfonso XIII. The unique aspects of paradores are their location and their history. Found mostly in historical buildings, such as convents, Moorish castles (like [[La Alhambra]]), or haciendas, paradores are the exact opposite of the uncontrolled development found in coastal regions like the [[Costa del Sol]]. Hospitality has been harmoniously integrated with the restoration of castles, palaces and convents, rescuing from ruin and abandonment monuments representative of Spain's historical and cultural heritage. [[File:Parador Santo Estevo, Nogueira de Ramuín.jpg|thumb|Parador de Santo Estevo, in the province of Orense (Galicia).]] For example the parador in Santiago de Compostela is located next to the Cathedral in a former royal hospital built in the year 1499. Rooms are decorated in an old-fashioned way, but nevertheless have modern facilities. Other notable paradores are in [[Arcos de la Frontera]], [[Ronda]], [[Santillana del Mar]] (Altamira cave) as well as more than one hundred other destination all over Spain. Paradores serve breakfast (about €10) and often have very good local cuisine typical of their region (about €25). Accommodation prices are good value, when you consider that the hotels are often found in the heart of scenic areas, varying from €85 for a double room to €245 for a twin room (like in [[Granada (Spain)|Granada]]). Two of the most beautiful paradors are in [[Leon (Spain)|Léon]] and [[Santiago de Compostela]]. There are some promotions available: * Over 60 year-olds can enjoy a discount. * Youngsters under 30 can visit the paradors at a fixed rate of €35 per person. * Two nights half board have a discount of 20%. * A dreamweek of 6 nights is cheaper. * 5 nights at €42 per person. The promotions do not always apply, especially in August they are not valid, and may require advance bookings. ===Hostels=== There are plenty of [[hostels]]. Prices vary from €15 to €25 per night. Spanish "hostales" are not really hostels, but more like unclassified small hotels (with generally no more than a dozen rooms). They can vary in quality from very rudimentary to reasonably smart. * {{sleep | name=Independent-hotels.info Spain | alt= | url=http://independent-hotels.info/spain/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= includes a fair number of good value independent hostales among the hotel listings. }} * {{sleep | name=Xanascat | alt= | url=http://www.xanascat.cat | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Regional Network of Youth Hostels of Catalonia if you are visiting Barcelona, Girona, Taragona or other locations in the region. }} ===Apartment rental=== Short-term, self-catering apartment rental is an option for travellers who want to stay in one place for a week or more. Accommodations range from small apartments to villas. The number of holiday rentals available depends on the area of Spain you are planning to visit. Although they are common in coastal areas, big capitals and other popular tourist cities, if you plan to visit small inland towns, you will find casas rurales more easily. ===Camping=== Camping is the least expensive lodging option. ==Stay safe== As per rest of the [[European Union#Stay safe|European Union]], all emergencies can be reported to the toll-free number '''112'''. ===Police=== [[File:2019 09 19 Cotxe de la Policia nacional aparcat sobre pas de vianants i carril bici 01.jpg|thumb|Police car of the National Police]] [[File:La Palma - El Paso - Calle Paso de Abajo 04 ies.jpg|thumb|Police car of the Guardia Civil]] There are four kinds of police in Spain: * ''Policía Municipal'' or ''Local'' (municipal/local police), In [[Barcelona]]: Guardia Urbana. Uniforms change from town to town, but they usually wear black or blue clothes with pale blue shirt and a blue cap (or white helmet) with a checkered white-and-blue strip. Local police keeps order and rules the traffic inside cities, and they can help in case you are lost and need some directions. Although you can't directly report [[crime]]s to them, they will escort you to the local ''Policia Nacional'' headquarters if required, and they will escort the suspects to be arrested also, if needed. * ''Policía Nacional'' (National Police) wear dark blue clothes and blue cap (sometimes replaced by a baseball-like cap), unlike Policía Municipal, they do not have a checkered flag around their cap/helmet. Inside cities, all offenses/crimes should be reported to them, although the other police forces would help anyone who needs to report an offense. * ''Guardia Civil'' (Civil Guard) keeps the order outside cities, in the country, and regulates traffic in the roads between cities. You would probably see them guarding official buildings, or patrolling the roads. They wear plain green military-like uniform; for ceremonial duties, officers wear a black hat (''tricornio'') resembling a toreador cap, a tradition dated back to the 19th Century, but most of them use green caps or white motorcycle helmets. The Guardia Civil likes to project a "tough guy" image and they are sometimes accused of excessive use of force. * Given that Spain has a high grade of political autonomy granted to its regional governments, four of them have created regional law forces: the Policía Foral in Navarre, the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, the Policía Canaria on the Canary Islands or the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia. These forces have the almost the same competences as the Policía Nacional in their respective territories. Additionally there is BESCAM (Brigadas Especiales de Seguridad de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid) in the Madrid region which sit somewhere between local police and a fully autonomous police of an autonomous region but carry their own uniforms and livery on vehicles. All kinds of police also wear high-visibility clothing ("reflective" jackets) while directing traffic, or in the road. Some thieves have been known to pose as police officers, asking to see wallets for identification purposes. If approached by someone claiming to be a police officer only show only your ID after the person has presented theirs; do not show your wallet or other valuables. If you are a victim of crime call 112. You can ask for a copy of the “denuncia” (police report) if you need it for insurance purposes, or to apply for replacement documents. Make sure that it is a “una denuncia” not a sworn declaration (una declaración judicial), as the latter may not be accepted as evidence of the crime for insurance purposes, or when applying for your new passport. ====Making a police report==== You can make a police report in three different ways: 1. In person. A list of police stations in the different regions of Spain is available here. English language interpreters are not always available at short notice: it may be advisable to bring a Spanish-speaking person with you. 2. By telephone: You can make a police report by phone in English {{phone|+34 901 102 112}}. The English language service is available 09:00-21:00, seven days a week. Once you have made your report, you will be instructed to pick up a signed copy of the report at your nearest police station. However, some crimes, particularly more serious crimes or those involving violence, can only be reported in person. 3. Online: You can also make a police report online, but in Spanish only. Some crimes, especially more serious crimes involving physical violence, must be reported in person. You can read further advice from the Spanish police on this [http://www.policia.es/consejos/consejos_in.html webpage]. === Permissions and documentation === [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-3442 Spanish law] strictly requires foreigners who are in Spanish territory to have documentation proving their identity and the fact of being legally in Spain. You must have that with you all the time because you may be asked by the Police to show those at any moment. If you don't carry it with you, you may be escorted to the nearest police station for identification. ===Safety=== Spain is a safe country, but you should take some basic precautions encouraged in the entire world: *Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you in order that an accomplice can rob you more easily. Theft, including violent theft, occurs at all times of day and night and to people of all ages. * Thieves prefer stealth to direct confrontation so it is unlikely that you will be hurt in the process, but exercise caution all the same. *There have been instances where thieves on motorbikes drive by women and grab their purses, so keep a tight hold on yours even if you don't see anyone around. * Try not to show the money you have in your wallet or purse. * Always watch your bag or purse in touristic places, buses, trains and meetings. A voice message reminding that is played in most of the bus/train stations and airports. * Large cities like Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and Sevilla, in particular, report many incidents of pick-pocketing, mugging, and violent attacks, some of which require the victim to seek medical attention. Although crimes occur at all times of day and night and to people of all ages, older and Asian tourists seem to be particularly at risk. * Do not carry large amounts of money with you, unless needed. Use your credit card (Spain is the first country in number of cash points and most shops/restaurants accept it). Of course, use it with caution. * Beware of [[pickpockets]] when visiting areas with large numbers of people, like crowded buses or the Puerta del Sol(in Madrid). In metro stations, avoid boarding the train near the exit/entrance to the platform, as this is often where pickpockets position themselves. * In Madrid and also in Barcelona, criminals target particularly people from the East Asia (especially China, S. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan ), thinking they carry money and are easy prey. [[File:Barcelona (4624904973).jpg|thumb|View of Barcelona]] * In Madrid, known high-risk locations for thieves are the Puerta del Sol area and surrounding streets, Gran Vìa, Plaza Mayor, near the Prado Museum, the Atocha train station, Retiro Park and on the subway. In Barcelona, thefts occur most frequently at the airport and on the airport shuttle bus (Aerobus), on Las Ramblas (often in Internet cafés), in Plaza Real and surrounding streets of the old city, on the subway, Barceloneta beach, Sagrada Familia church, and at the Sants train and bus station. * Theft from rental vehicles is high. Be vigilant in service areas on the highways along the coast. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities. * Don't hesitate to report crimes to local police, though the processing time is usually long. * In general, you must bear in mind that those areas with a larger number of foreign visitors, like some crowded vacation resorts in the East Coast, are much more likely to attract thieves than places which are not so popular among tourists. * Avoid women offering rosemary, refuse it always; they will read your future, ask for some money, and your pocket will probably be picked. Some women will also approach you on the street repeating "Buena suerte" ("good luck") as a distraction for another woman to try to pickpocket you. * A great tourist attraction is the Flea Market (el Rastro) in Madrid on the weekends. However, as it is nearly standing room only - it is also an attraction for pickpockets. They operate in groups... be extremely cautious in these tight market type environments as it is very common to be targeted... especially if you stand out as a tourist or someone with money. Try to blend in and not stand out and you will likely not be at as much risk. * Women who carry purses should always put the straps across their bodies. Always hold on to the purse itself and keep it in front of your body. Keep one hand on the bottom, as pickpockets can otherwise slit the bottom without you ever knowing. * Never place anything on the back of a chair or on the floor next to you, keep it on your person always. * If you must use an ATM, do not flash the money you have just picked up. * More foreign passports are stolen each year in Spain than anywhere else in the world, especially in Barcelona. Ensure that your passport is protected at all times. * In the event of a road-related incident, be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Thieves have been known to fake or provoke a flat tire, and when a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist’s car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a fake Good Samaritan stops to help a motorist in distress, only to steal the motorist’s car or belongings. * Incidents of drink spiking, followed by theft and sexual assault, have been reported. * Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they are not spiked; female travellers should be particularly watchful. Alcohol and drugs can make you less vigilant, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you drink, know your limit - remember that drinks served in bars are often stronger. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don't go off with people you don't know. ===Scams=== ''see also'' [[common scams]] Some people could try to take advantage of your ignorance of local customs. * In Spanish cities, all taxis should have a visible fare table. Do not agree a fixed price to go from an airport to a city: in most cases, the taxi driver will be earning more money than without a preagreed tariff. Many taxi drivers will also demand a tip from foreign customers or even from national ones on the way to and from the airport. You might round up to the nearest euro when paying though. * In many places of Madrid, especially near Atocha station, and also in the Ramblas of [[Barcelona]], there are people ('trileros') who play the "shell game". They will "fish" you if you play, and they will most likely pick your pocket if you stop to see other people play. * Before paying the bill in bars and restaurants, always check the bill and carefully scrutinise it. Some staff will often attempt to squeeze a few extra euros out of unsuspecting tourists by charging for things they did not eat or drink, or simply overcharging. This is true in both touristy and non-touristy areas. If you feel overcharged, bring it to their attention and/or ask to see a menu. It is also sometimes written (in English only) at the bottom of a bill that a tip is not included: remember that tipping is optional in Spain and Spanish people commonly leave loose change only and no more than a 5%-8% of the price of what they have consumed (not an American-style 15-20%), so avoid being fooled into leaving more than you have to. * Many tourists have reported lottery scams whereby they are contacted via the Internet or fax and informed that they have won a substantial prize in the Spanish lottery (El Gordo), when in fact they have never participated in the lottery. They are asked to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to pay taxes and other fees before collecting the prize or coming to Spain to close the transaction. * There have also been reports of a scam whereby a person is informed that he or she is the recipient of a large inheritance, and that funds must be deposited into a Spanish bank account so the inheritance can be processed. * In another common scam, some tourists have received a bogus email purportedly sent from an individual well known to them and claiming that he or she is in trouble and needs funds. ===Other things you should know=== * Spanish cities can be loud at night, especially on weekends, but the streets are generally safe even for women. * All businesses should have an official complaint form, in case you need it. It is '''illegal''' for a business to deny you this form. * In some cases, police in Spain may target people belonging to ethnic minorities for identity checks. People who are not "European-looking" can be stopped several times a day to have their papers checked on the pretext of "migration control". * The Spanish Government’s threat alert level indicates a ‘probable risk’ of terrorist attack. Potential targets include places frequented by expatriates and tourists and public transport facilities. A serious attack happened in 2004, bombs exploded on commuter trains in Madrid in March 2004, killing 192 people. This attack was attributed to Al Qaeda terrorist network. In 2007, a Spanish court found 21 people guilty of involvement in the bombings. Even though the chance of being in a terrorist attack is '''extremely low''' anywhere, you should only watch out in Madrid or Barcelona. * There has been an increase in political action and public demonstrations on a rolling basis throughout Spain. Demonstrations occur and have sometimes turned violent, mostly to police officers. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media. Strikes may occasionally lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. When a demonstration is planned or in progress you should seek advice on and avoid the routes marchers plan to take. You should also ensure to check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain. [[File:The evening rush.jpg|thumb|Evening rush in Madrid]] * Driving in Spain can be dangerous due to traffic congestion in urban areas, although driving is not particularly aggressive with the exception of common speeding. Be cautious when driving in Spain. Night driving can be particularly dangerous. The use of a mobile phone without a hands-free device can result in a fine and you being banned from driving in Spain. All drivers are required to carry, in the vehicle, a reflective vest and to use a reflective triangle warning sign if they need to stop at the roadside. * Be cautious when approached by someone who claims to be a police officer. On the road, you will always be stopped by an officer in a uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads ''Policía'' or ''Guardia Civil'', or ''Ertzaintza'' in the Basque Country, ''Mossos d'Esquadra'' in Catalonia, or ''Foruzaingoa/Policía Foral'' in Navarre. Most times they will have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights. In non-traffic-related matters police officers may be in casual clothes. Police officers do not have to directly identify themselves unless you ask them to. Should they request identification, they should be shown photographic ID. Your passport or your driver's licence will do, or your national ID card if you are from the European Union, though a passport is always preferred. You can get in trouble or be fined for not having any identification on you. If in any doubt, drivers should converse through the car window and contact the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Spanish National Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle. === Drugs === You can smell marijuana smoke at many street corners in major cities with police apparently unperturbed by it. Still, if you don't know local customs, it is quite possible that the police make a show of enforcing the law on you. Drug possession is also a perennial favorite of charging an arrestee with ''something'' when nothing else can be proven. In Spain, those who carry out acts of cultivation, processing or trafficking, or otherwise promote, favor or facilitate the illegal consumption of toxic drugs, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, or possess them for those purposes is a '''crime''' punished by the [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1995-25444 Penal Code]. It does not matter if you're a foreign person, you'll be prosecuted. Prison sentences or heavy fines are issues for these offences, with the possibility of being also ordered to leave the country and the prohibition to come back for up to 10 years. As stated in the [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-3442 Protection of the Citizens' Safety Act], the consumption of illegal drugs on public places is also prohibited. The illicit consumption or possession of toxic drugs, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, even if they were not destined for traffic, in places, roads, public establishments or public transport, as well as the abandonment of the instruments or other effects used in said places will be fined from €601 up to €30,000. Police are allowed by law to conduct body searches in case they suspect you're carrying drugs according to said laws. Likewise the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the street, or in places, roads, establishments or public transport when it seriously disrupts public tranquillity is fined up to €600. These rules are actively enforced. ==Stay healthy== * Pharmaceuticals are not sold at supermarkets, only at 'farmacias' (pharmacies/chemists), identified with a green cross or a Hygeia's cup. Nearly every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy; for those that close at night, the law requires a poster with the address of the nearest pharmacy, possibly in one of the nearby streets or towns. * People from the European Union and a few more European countries can freely use the public health system, if they have the appropriate European Health Insurance Card. The card does not cover treatment in private hospitals. Agreements are established to treat people from a few American countries; see the Tourspain link below for more info. * '''However, do not hesitate to go to any healthcare facility should you be injured or seriously ill, as it would be illegal for them not to treat you, even if you are uninsured.''' You (or your country if Spain has a Treaty on the matter) will have to pay for the service later, however. * Although many visitors travel to Spain for the warm climate, it can be cold in winter, especially in the Central Region and in the North, and in some places it is also rainy in summer. Remember to travel with adequate clothes. * In summer, avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time to prevent [[Sunburn and sun protection|sunburn and heatstroke]]. Drink water, walk on the shady side of street and keep a container of sun cream (suntan lotion) handy. The '''[[tap water]]''' in Spain is safe and of a drinkable quality. The water in some southern regions of the country, however, is sometimes sourced from salt water which can have a high mineral content. This can cause upset stomachs in those not used to this. While high mineral content water is safe to drink regardless, locals in these areas will often drink bottled water instead as it tastes better. Bottled water is readily available to buy in most areas and in a variety of brands. ===Smoking=== Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces and places of work, in public transportation, and in outdoor public places near hospitals and in playgrounds. Smoking is also banned in outdoor sections of bars and restaurants. Smoking is banned in television broadcasts as well. ==Respect== Generally speaking, Spaniards are widely regarded as welcoming and friendly. ====Culture and identity==== Spaniards are generally '''neutral communicators'''. They're comfortable with expressing their opinions and emotions on something, and they expect the same from you. While this may give you the impression that Spanish people are confident and sociable, you should make every effort to be tactful with your words as they are sensitive to being beckoned directly. In conversational settings, it is common for people to interrupt or talk over one another. Shouting to make oneself heard is common, as is the use of swear words. You may also find that it is common for people to give you advice on all kinds of things. For instance, you can expect people to tell you what to see and where to go. At first, this may come across as annoying, but the information that Spaniards provide is meant to help you in a good way, not lay traps for you. Family values are important to many Spaniards. Passing unwarranted comments and/or criticisms about someone's family members is considered rude. Spaniards, especially the young, generally feel a linguistic and cultural connection to Latin America. However, most will be quick to point out that Spain is a European nation, not a Latin American one and that all Spanish-speaking countries are different and have particularities of their own. Spaniards are not as religious as the media sometimes presents them, and modern Spanish society is for the most part rather secular, but they are and always were a mostly Catholic country (73% officially, although only 10% admit practising and only 20% admit being believers); respect this and avoid making any comments that could offend. In particular, religious festivals, Holy Week (Easter), and Christmas are very important to Spaniards. Tolerance of all religions should be observed, especially in large urban areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville or Malaga (where people and temples of all beliefs can be found) or different regions in southern Spain, which may have a sizable Muslim population (which accounts for almost 4% of the country's population). [[File:Ayuntamiento de Madrid - Rainbow flag - 170627 204010.jpg|thumb|The rainbow flag on Madrid's city hall]] Despite being a Catholic majority country, '''homosexuality''' is quite tolerated in Spain and public display of same-sex affection would not likely stir hostility. A 2013 Pew survey of various countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East found that Spain had the highest percentage of people who believed homosexuality should be accepted by society, at 88%. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 and the government provides legal benefits to same-sex couples. However, this does not always necessarily mean that all Spaniards are friendly to gays; while homophobic aggressions are rare, they still happen. Cities are more tolerant of homosexuality than rural areas, Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country are much more tolerant but overall Spain is gay-friendly. As in any other place, elderly people do usually have far more conservative points of view. The Madrid pride parade is one of the largest in the world. Overall, Spain is one of the '''safest countries for LGBT tourists'''. Avoid talking about the former colonial past and especially about the "Black Legend." Regardless of what you may have heard Spain had several ministers and military leaders of mixed race serving in the military during the colonial era and even a Prime Minister born in the Philippines (Marcelo Azcarraga Palmero). Many Spaniards take pride in their history and former imperial glories. People from Spain's former colonies (Latin America, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, Western Sahara and Northern Morocco) make up a majority of foreign immigrants in Spain (58%) along with the Chinese, Africans and Eastern Europeans. Equally, Spain is one of the main investors and economic and humanitarian aid donors to Latin America and Africa. '''Bullfighting''' (Spanish: ''Tauromaquia'') is seen by many Spaniards as a cultural heritage icon, but the disaffection with bullfighting is increasing in all big cities and obviously among animal activist groups within the country. Many urban Spaniards would consider bullfighting a show aimed at foreign tourists and elderly people from the countryside, and some young Spaniards will feel offended if their country is associated with it. To illustrate how divided the country is, many Spaniards point to the royal family: former king Juan Carlos and his daughter are avid fans, while his wife and son King Felipe VI do not care for the sport. Bullfights and related events, such as the annual San Fermin Pamplona bull-runs, make up a multi-million euro industry and draw many tourists, both foreign and Spanish. In addition, bullfighting has been banned in the northeastern region of Catalonia as well as in several towns and counties all over the country. Take care when mentioning the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975 as well as the Civil War of 1936-1939. This was a painful past as Franco ruled Spain with an iron fist, executing many Spaniards who violated the anti-democratic laws of the regime. It was also a notable period of economic growth in the final years of Franco's regime, and some older Spaniards may have supportive views of him. The Republican flag (red, yellow, purple, either with or without a coat of arms) can be seen hanging from balconies and bought at some souvenir shops. However, it is not an uncontroversial symbol and associated with leftism, often showing up at leftist demonstrations. No symbols from the Franco era are officially forbidden, but using or displaying them is associated with far right extremists. The possibilities of '''[[Catalonia|Catalan]]''' independence, '''[[Basque Country|Basque]]''' independence, and '''[[Galicia|Galician]]''' independence are extremely sensitive issues among many in Spain. You should avoid discussing them where possible. If anything surrounding these subjects is brought up by someone, it's best to stay neutral. Virtually everyone in Spain, regardless of region, is able to speak '''Castilian Spanish''', albeit not always as a mother tongue. In Catalonia, some Catalans prefer to not speak Spanish at all, and will reply to Spanish-speaking interlocutors in Catalan; this is usually a political statement, rather than a lack of Castilian language ability. Foreigners are given a bit more leeway, but there are still some Catalans who'd rather have a conversation in English than Spanish if those are the only options for communication. The political status of Gibraltar is a particularly sensitive issue. Most Spaniards consider Gibraltar to be Spanish sovereign territory that is illegally occupied by Britain. Most Gibraltarians on the other hand are both proud Brits and proud Europeans - a situation made infinitely more awkward by Brexit which passed against near unanimous Gibraltarian opposition. Avoid discussing the Spanish monarchy. Many are generally opposed to the Spanish royal family, although there are some who are staunchly monarchist. Due to the Bourbon dynasty's identification with centralism, supporters of Catalan and Basque independence often don't have a good word to say about them. ====Socialising==== It is customary to kiss friends, family, and acquaintances on both cheeks upon seeing each other and saying goodbye. Male-to-male kisses of this sort are limited to family members or to very close friends; otherwise a firm handshake is expected instead (same as in France or Italy). Spaniards are keen to maintain physical contact while talking, such as putting a hand on your shoulder, patting your back, etc. These should be taken as signs of friendship done among relatives, close friends and colleagues. Spaniards will probably feel comfortable around you more quickly than other Europeans and you may even be receive an offensive comment or even an insult (''cabrón'') for a greeting shortly after meeting someone in an informal environment, especially if it is a young person or a male. '''You should not feel offended by this''', as it is interpreted as proof that you have such a close relationship that you can mess with each other without repercussions. You should reply with a similar comment (never anything serious or something that will genuinely hurt the person) or just greet them. Do not go around insulting people, though, as you will also find people who do not like it. It is recommended that you never do this first as a foreigner and just wait until you get it. Generally, your instinct will be able to distinguish between a joke and a genuine aggression. When in a car, the elderly and pregnant always ride in the passenger's seat, unless they request not to. Spaniards are not as punctual as Northern Europeans, but generally you are expected to arrive no more than ten minutes late, and being punctual will always be received positively. It is especially important to be punctual the first time you meet with someone. As a rule of thumb, you should expect people to be more punctual as you go north and less punctual as you go south. If you are staying at a Spaniard's home, bring shoes to wear inside such as slippers. Walking around barefoot in the house is viewed as unsanitary. Walking in socks may be acceptable in a close friend's house, but you should always ask first. It is acceptable for women to '''sunbathe topless''' in beaches, but full nudity is only practised in "clothing-optional" or nudist beaches. ====Eating and drinking==== During lunch or dinner, Spaniards do not begin eating until everyone is seated and ready to eat. Likewise, they do not leave the table until everyone is finished eating. Table manners are otherwise standard and informal, although this also depends on the place you are eating. When the bill comes, it is common to pay equally, regardless of the amount or price each has consumed (''pagar a escote''). When Spaniards receive a gift or are offered a drink or a meal, they usually refuse for a while, so as not to seem greedy. This sometimes sparks arguments among especially reluctant people, but it is seen as polite. Remember to offer more than once (on the third try, it must be fairly clear if they will accept it or not). On the other hand, if you are interested in the offer, politely smile and decline it, saying that you don't want to be a nuisance, etc., but relent and accept when they insist. Spaniards rarely drink or eat in the street. Bars will rarely offer the option of food to take away but "tapas" are easily available. Taking leftovers home from a restaurant is uncommon but has somewhat less of a stigma than it used to. One asks for "un taper" (derived from "Tupperware") or "una caja." Older Spaniards are still likely to frown on this. Appearing drunk in public is generally frowned upon. ==Cope== Among Spaniards, lunch time is usually between 13:00 and 14:30 (it could be as late as 15:15) while dinner time is between 20:30 and 21:30. However, in special celebrations, dinner can be as late as 22:00. Lunch is considered the biggest and most important meal of the day, instead of dinner. Almost all small businesses close between 14:30 and 17:00, so plan your shopping and sight-seeing accordingly. Shopping malls and supermarkets, however, are usually open from 09:30 to 21:00 or 22:00, and in the larger cities several shops are open 24 hr daily, usually owned by Chinese immigrants. Spanish cities can be noisy in some areas; you might want to check before booking a room. ==Connect== === Wi-Fi === Wi-Fi points in bars and cafeterias are available to customers, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi connection in common areas for their guests. Be conscious of security when using a laptop in an outdoor location. === Mobile phones and SIM cards === Cheap mobile phones (less than €50) with some pre-paid minutes are sold at any phone operator's shop and can be purchased without many formalities (ID is usually required). Topping-up is then done by buying scratch cards from the small stores "Frutos Secos," supermarkets, vending points (often found in tobacco shops) or kiosks -- recharging using the Web or an ATM does not work with foreign credit cards. The three mobile phone networks in Spain are [http://www.vodafone.es/autonomos/es Vodafone], Movistar and Orange. === Discount calling === "Locutorios" (call shops) are widely spread in bigger cities and touristy locations. In Madrid or Toledo it's very easy to find one. Making calls from "Locutorios" tend to be much cheaper, especially international calls (usually made through VoIP). They are usually a good pick for calling home. Prepaid calling cards for cheap international calls are widely available in newsagents or grocery stores around the city. Ask for a "tarjeta telefonica". {{geo|40.4|-3|zoom=6}} {{isPartOf|Iberia}} {{related|Cycling_in_Spain}} {{usablecountry}} lu57x7scj29uxdo0odkazcuj0n06sh5 4487916 4487913 2022-07-21T20:02:27Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay healthy */ removed reference to possibly deleted link wikitext text/x-wiki {{COVID-19 box| All travellers entering Spain by air or sea need to show either an EU COVID digital certificate or a QR code from registration at the [https://www.spth.gob.es/ Spain Travel Health website]. Only vaccinated or recovered travellers may enter Spain from most countries outside the EU/EEA. From other EU/EEA countries, a negative test is also accepted for travel. More information: *[https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/ Travel Safe] *[https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare]|lastedit=2022-05-31}} {{pagebanner|Cardejón banner1.jpg|caption=Cardejón}} '''[http://www.spain.info Spain]''' ([[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]: ''España'') is famous for its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, its cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous folklore and festivities, and its history as the core of the vast [[Spanish Empire]]. Spain shares the [[Iberia]]n Peninsula with [[Andorra]], [[Gibraltar]], and [[Portugal]]. It has the second-largest number of [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] after [[Italy]] and the largest number of World Heritage Cities. ==Regions== Spain is a diverse country with contrasting regions that have different languages and unique historical, political and cultural traditions. Because of this, Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities (''comunidades autónomas''), plus two autonomous cities. As a result, some even describe Spain as a "federation without federalism". Some of the autonomous communities—notably the ones which have other official languages alongside Spanish—have been recognised as "historical nationalities" that have a unique historical identity. These include the Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia, the Valencian region, Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Aragon and the Canary Islands. Spain's many regions can be grouped as follows: {{Regionlist| regionmap=Spain map.png | regionmaptext=Regions of Spain | regionmapsize=400px | region1name=[[Green Spain]] | region1color=#add17b| region1items=[[Galicia]], [[Asturias]], [[Cantabria]] | region1description= Mild climate, stark mountains, and ties to the sea.| region2name=[[Northern Spain]] | region2color=#9572bc | region2items=[[Aragon]], [[Basque Country]], [[Navarre]], [[La Rioja (Spain)|La Rioja]] | region2description= Known for its cuisine and for landscapes ranging from the beaches of [[San Sebastián]] to the wineries of [[La Rioja (Spain)|La Rioja]].| region3name=[[Eastern Spain]] | region3color=#ae7472 | region3items=[[Catalonia]], [[Valencia (region)|Valencia]], [[Murcia (region)|Murcia]] | region3description= Impressive Roman ruins and popular Mediterranean beaches. | region4name=[[Central Spain]] | region4color=#b1a267 | region4items=[[Community of Madrid]], [[Castile-La Mancha]], [[Castile and Leon]], [[Extremadura]] | region4description= With a more extreme climate than elsewhere in Spain, this region is dominated by the capital, [[Madrid]]. | region6name=[[Andalusia]] | region6color=#6886be | region6items= | region6description= Full of history, including Moorish architecture and Arab-influenced culture, as well as mountains and beaches. | region7name=[[Balearic Islands]] | region7color=#009991 | region7items=[[Mallorca]], [[Menorca]], [[Ibiza]], [[Formentera]] | region7description= Super-popular Mediterranean beach destinations. | region8name=[[Canary Islands]] | region8color=#de7d7d | region8items=[[Tenerife]], [[Gran Canaria]], [[Fuerteventura]], [[La Gomera]], [[Lanzarote]], [[La Palma]], [[El Hierro]] | region8description= Volcanic islands off the coast of Africa, a popular escape from mainland Spain. | region9name=[[Spanish North Africa]] | region9color=#000000 | region9items=[[Ceuta]], [[Melilla]], Crag of Vélez de la Gomera, Crag of Alhucemas, Chafarinas Islands, Alboran Island | region9description=Spanish exclaves along the coast of [[Morocco]]. | }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#add17b|title=[[Green Spain]]|wikidata=Q3934,Q3946,Q3908|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9572bc|title=[[Northern Spain]]|wikidata=Q4040,Q3995,Q5727,Q4018|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ae7472|title=[[Eastern Spain]]|wikidata=Q5705,Q5772,Q5720|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b1a267|title=[[Central Spain]]|wikidata=Q5756,Q5748,Q5739,Q5777|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#6886be|title=[[Andalusia]]|wikidata=Q5783|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#009991|title=[[Balearic Islands]]|wikidata=Q8828,Q52636,Q52631,Q52626|stroke-opacity=0.1}} <!-- too far away for this map ... {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#de7d7d|title=[[Canary Islands]]|wikidata=Q5813|stroke-opacity=0.1}} --> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#000000|title=[[Spanish North Africa]]|wikidata=Q28914407|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== <!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS LIST without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. There is a hard limit of NINE in cities lists.--> [[File:Cuatro Torres Business Area.JPG|thumb|At the heart of [[Madrid]]'s business district, the '''Four Towers Business Area''' are the tallest in Spain]] Spain has hundreds of interesting cities. Here are nine of the most popular: *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Madrid]]|url=|lat=40.383333|long=-3.716667|wikidata=Q2807}} — the vibrant capital, with fantastic museums, interesting architecture, great food and nightlife *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Barcelona]]|url=|lat=41.383333|long=2.183333|wikidata=Q1492}} — Spain's second city, full of modernist buildings, a vibrant cultural life, festivals, and beaches *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bilbao]]|url=|lat=43.256944|long=-2.923611|wikidata=Q8692}} — former industrial city, home to the Guggenheim Museum and other cultural features; main Basque city *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Córdoba (city, Spain)|Córdoba]]|url=|lat=37.883333|long=-4.766667|wikidata=Q5818}} — Also called Cordova, The Grand Mosque ('Mezquita') of Cordoba is one of the world's finest buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Granada]]|url=|lat=37.178056|long=-3.600833|wikidata=Q8810}} — stunning city in the south, surrounded by snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, home of La Alhambra *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Málaga]]|url=|lat=36.719444|long=-4.42|wikidata=Q8851}} — the heart of flamenco with the beaches of the Costa del Sol *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Seville]]|url=|lat=37.377222|long=-5.986944|wikidata=Q8717}} (Spanish: Sevilla) — a beautiful, verdant city, and home to the world's third largest cathedral *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Valencia]]|url=|lat=39.466667|long=-0.375|wikidata=Q8818}} — paella was invented here, has a very nice beach *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Zaragoza]]|url=|lat=41.65|long=-0.883333|wikidata=Q10305}} — also called Saragossa. The fifth largest city of Spain that held the World Expo in 2008 <!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS LIST without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. There is a hard limit of NINE in cities lists.--> ==Other destinations== <!--Other destinations sections are for non-city/town/village destinations. All municipalities should be removed from this list and replaced with notable other destinations, such as national parks, islands, etc. The list also should not exceed nine items.--> [[File:Alcázar de Segovia, situado en la Ciudad vieja de Segovia. Patrimonio Mundial por la UNESCO.jpg|thumb|The majestic profile of this '''Castilian Alcázar''' has soared above [[Segovia]] since the twelfth century]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa Blanca]]|url=|lat=|long=|wikidata=Q918717}} — 200 km of white coast with plenty of beaches and small villages *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa Brava]]|url=|lat=42.0228|long=3.22449|wikidata=Q216884}} — the rugged coast with plenty of seaside resorts *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa del Sol]]|url=|lat=36.79|long=-4.48|wikidata=Q215254}} — the sunny coast in the south of the country *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gran Canaria]]|url=|lat=27.966667|long=-15.6|wikidata=Q178925}} — known as "a continent in miniature" due to its many different climates and landscapes *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ibiza]]|url=|lat=38.98|long=1.43|wikidata=Q52631}} — a Balearic island; one of the best places for clubbing, raving, and DJs in the entire world *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mallorca]]|url=|lat=39.616667|long=2.983333|wikidata=Q8828}} — the largest island of the Balears, full of amazing beaches and great nightlife *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sierra Nevada (Spain)|Sierra Nevada]]|url=|lat=37.05|long=-3.3|wikidata=Q26955}} — the highest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula, great for walking and skiing *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Tenerife]]|url=|lat=28.268611|long=-16.605556|wikidata=Q40846}} — offers lush forests, exotic fauna and flora, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, beautiful coastlines and spectacular beaches <!--Other destinations sections are for non-city/town destinations. All municipalities should be removed from this list and replaced with notable other destinations. The list also should not exceed nine items.--> <br clear="right" /> ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationSpain.svg}} With great beaches, mountains, campsites, ski resorts, superb weather, varied and fun nightlife, many cultural regions and historic cities, it is no wonder that Spain is the most popular tourist destination in Europe for any kind of trip. A country of large geographic and cultural diversity, Spain may come as a surprise to those who only know of its reputation for great beach holidays and almost endless sunshine. There is everything from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and deserts in the south east. While summer is the peak season, those who wish to avoid the crowds should consider visiting in the winter as not only is it normally mild and sunny, but attractions such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and La Gran Mezquita in Cordoba will not be overcrowded. However the ski resorts of Sierra Nevada do get very crowded. The Mediterranean climate that predominates in Southern and Central Spain is noted for its dry summers and (somewhat) wet(ter) winters, so visiting in the winter or spring brings the added benefit of the vegetation looking much more healthy. Northern Spain (e.g. Asturias) on the other hand gets quite a bit of rain year round and is ripe with lush green vegetation even in August. ===History=== Some of the earliest known remains of ''Homo'' of any kind ''in Europe'' have been found in Spain. Spain is also thought to have been the last refuge of the Neanderthals, and one of the few places that were inhabitable and inhabited throughout the ice ages. ====Early Spain and Roman Era==== {{seealso|Roman Empire}} The earliest inhabitants of the Iberian peninsula we have any profound knowledge of were Iberians, Celts (related to the Gaulish, Britannic and Central European Celts in language and culture) and Basques. As most of these groups had little to no written records we only know of them due to the descriptions of the Greek, Punic and later Roman settlers and conquerors, who colonised Spain from the South starting in the 3rd century BC. [[Latin Europe|Roman culture]] lasted on the peninsula for roughly half a millennium, when in the age of migrations the Visigoths conquered the Roman province of ''Hispania''. ====Visigoth Spain==== Most inhabitants of the area kept speaking Latin or rather Latin-derived languages/dialects and only a handful of Germanic words entered the Spanish language (''"ganso"'' being the most commonplace). Soon after their conquest, the Visigoths formed a number of rival "kingdoms" and petty noble states in almost constant conflict in ever-shifting shaky alliances with or against one another, giving rise to constant wars. ====Muslim conquest and "al-Andalus"==== [[File:Alhambra palace and surrounding area.jpg|thumbnail|Alhambra and the city of Granada]] {{seealso|Islamic Golden Age}} In 711 one Visigoth ruler apparently called for the Umayyad Muslims to help in his fight against a rival. (Which one is unclear, as the historical records for this era in Spain are scarce and there are for example no contemporary Muslim sources whatsoever.) This proved more successful than he could have imagined, and by the end of the 8th century most of the peninsula was in Muslim hands. While the almost 800 years of divided rule by Christian and Muslim rulers on the Iberian peninsula was by no means peaceful, the modern narrative of a somehow concerted effort to "regain" the "lost lands" for Christendom was never the first, second or any priority for the majority of the Christian rulers. As a matter of fact, many times Christian rulers entered into alliances with Muslim rulers against other Christian rulers and vice versa. While the situation for Muslims in Christian lands and vice versa and Jews in either depended very much on the mood of the ruler and could lie anywhere on a range from benevolent ignorance to murder and expulsion, religious minorities had it a lot better in Spain than in most of the rest of Europe at that time. In fact the Sephardi Jews (named after the Hebrew word for Spain) were at that time not only one of the most important groups inside Spain in terms of science and education, but also dominant among the [[Judaism|Jewish people, worldwide]]. During that time an estimated 90% of Jews were Sephardi. (In the 19th century, on the other hand, roughly 90% of Jews were Ashkenazim [German and Eastern European, and primarily Yiddish-speaking].) However, this period ended when through conquest and marriage the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon as well as a couple of minor Christian lands were united and their rulers started a war of conquest against the Muslim rulers. The union of the numerous Christian kingdoms is commemorated in the modern Spanish coat of arms, which is an amalgamation of the coats of arms of the four main kingdoms prior to the union, namely the kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, León and Navarre. In the process of re-conquering Spain, many of the great mosques and synagogues were desecrated and converted into Christian churches. Some of the most glorious historical attractions in Spain date from the period of Muslim rule, including '''The Mezquita''', built as the Great Mosque of [[Córdoba (city, Spain)|Córdoba]] and the '''Medina Azahara''', also in Córdoba and now in ruins but still visitable as such and built as the Madinat al-Zahra, the Palace of al-Andalus; and the '''Alhambra''' in [[Granada]], a splendid, intact palace. There are also two synagogues still standing that were built during the era of Muslim Spain: '''Santa María la Blanca''' in [[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]] and the '''Synagogue of Córdoba''', in the Old City. ====Reconquista and Imperial era==== This so called "reconquista" was completed in 1492 with the fall of Granada, and all Jews were forced to leave Spain or convert that year; by 1526, all Spanish Muslims had suffered the same fate. 1492 also marks the point when Spain started to become the world's strongest empire with territories in [[North America|North]], [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], [[Africa]], and the [[Philippines]] (named after Spanish king Felipe II). The "new Christians" as they were called were often not sincere in their largely forced conversions and to ensure religious "purity", the notorious Spanish inquisition was set up. <!-- which nobody expected!--> Genetic studies made in modern times suggest that a large percentage of modern Spaniards have at least partial Jewish and/or Muslim ancestry, which might surprise some, as the concept of being a "true Christian" (rather than a "converso") soon began to get hereditary overtones, with the expulsion of all the descendants of forced converts from Islam in 1609. Under the House of Habsburg, Spain became a personal union with the [[Austrian Empire]], and reached its height of power in Europe during the 16th and early 17th centuries, controlling much of [[Benelux]] and [[Italy]]. Spain was weakened as the House of Habsburg lost the [[Thirty Years' War]] in 1648. Spain was further weakened by ineffective governance, religious intolerance that drove out the erstwhile prosperous and productive Jewish and Muslim minorities and hampered free inquiry and - paradoxically - Latin American gold and silver that devalued the currency and still couldn't cover war expenses. The Spanish Habsburgs - prone to marrying inside the family, thus accumulating inheritable diseases - died out when Charles II was unable to produce an heir, which like many of his other afflictions was likely a result of incest. Most powers of Europe fought for the possibility to put one of their own on the Spanish throne, with the House of Bourbon doing it. The Bourbons would attempt a reform of their many domains gaining some successes but enraging those who had held onto old privileges of local autonomy or feudal rights. The colonisation of Central and South America and of [[Mexico]] was particularly profound, with the deaths of millions of native people through disease, war and outright murder as the Spanish sought riches in these 'undiscovered' lands. Today many of the countries in this area are defined by Hispanic language and culture (Spanish is today the world's second most spoken native language after Mandarin and before English, and Catholicism dominates throughout the former Spanish colonies). ====Crises of the 19th century==== With the death of Charles III in 1788, Spain lost its last monarch with will, energy and capability for a long time at a crucial juncture - the French Revolution would break out the next year. His successor Charles IV tried at first to maintain some of his father's policies but ultimately saw more fun in hunting than politics. Soon politics in Spain would come to be dominated by Prime Minister Manuel de Godoy who was rumored to have an affair with the queen. Meanwhile Charles' son, Ferdinand VII was chomping at the bit to replace his father as king, which earned him the contempt of the latter. In 1808 Ferdinand seemed to have briefly succeeded in replacing the hated Godoy and his father but Napoleon Bonaparte invited the two quarrelling kings to Bayonne under the pretext of mediating but forced both to abdicate in favor of his brother Joseph Bonaparte. Many among Spain's elites were having none of it and set up ''Juntas'' to maintain a government nominally loyal to Spanish monarchy. The liberal constitution of Cadiz 1812 was drafted in those years and as Ferdinand was willing to promise everyone everything to return to the throne, he came to be known as "the Desired One", with high hopes that he would rule as a liberal citizen-king under the constitution of Cadiz. Ferdinand never intended any such thing and his heavy-handed policies brought the wrath not only of his Spanish subjects but even of those ''Juntas'' in Latin America that had been set up without making up their mind whether to support a restoration of Bourbon rule or independence - only certain that they would oppose Napoleon and his regime. When Ferdinand died in 1833 he left a nominally absolute monarchy with an unhappy population which had lost most of its colonies to a not-yet three year old Isabella II. Immediately some hyper-conservative elements but also those in the Basque country who wanted back the old ''fuero'' autonomy refused to back Isabella's claim on account of her being female, giving birth to the "Carlist" movement. The 19th century saw independence movements fight back against the kingdom of Spain, with leaders such as Simón Bolívar and Augustín de Iturbide successfully creating new independent nations throughout Latin America. By 1898 Spain lost the majority of its remaining territories during the Spanish-American War: it lost [[Cuba]] and then sold [[Puerto Rico]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Guam]] to the [[United States]]. The war of 1898 was a huge shock to Spanish culture and shattered Spain's self-image of a first-rate power, and it thus inspired a whole literary movement known as the generation of '98. For much of this time, Spain was not really ''one'' realm so much as ''several'' realms which shared a monarch. While the monarch had broad powers, there was no such thing as "absolute" monarchy in Spain and the various regions - notably the Basque country - had numerous special privileges and autonomies granted either to "the people", a local lord or "free men". This proved complicated to resolve when Spain became a Republic and it is still an issue with which Spain is grappling in the 21st century. [[File:Sagrada Familia Eixample from Montjuic.jpg|thumb|Sagrada Familia, the Gaudi masterpiece in the [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]] region of [[Barcelona]].]] ====The 20th century==== Spain experienced a devastating civil war between 1936 and 1939 that killed half a million Spaniards and ushered in more than 30 years of dictatorship under Generalissimo Francisco Franco. The civil war began from a mostly failed coup in Spanish North Africa (today part of Morocco) against Spain's left-wing republican government supported by the popular front (a popular front was in those days a regime including communist, socialist, liberal, Christian Democrat and even conservative parties and originated in France as a response to fascism, though the parties in power in July 1936 were Izquierda Republicana and Unión Republicana, two centre-left wing republican parties, supported by PSOE; the communist party had just 17 seats). The fascist side was led by a group of generals; however, some of them soon died in plane crashes or were pushed to the side by Franco. Although the League of Nations (a precursor of today's United Nations) attempted to make intervention impossible, Mussolini's Italy and Nazi Germany ignored this by aiding the nationalist (Franco) side, while the Soviet Union and to some extent Mexico provided aid to the Republican (popular front) side. The Republican side called for volunteers in the so-called "international brigades", and around 20,000 Brits, Americans, Frenchmen and even Germans joined the fight on their side. However, the Republican side was plagued by lack of weapons and ammunition (some of their rifles were produced in the 19th century), by infighting between communists and anarchists, and by Stalinist purges ordered by the super-paranoid supporters of Republican Spain in Moscow. As many people of that generation fought in the Spanish Civil War or covered it as – often blatantly biased – war correspondents (including George Orwell, Ernest Hemingway and later German chancellor Willy Brandt) there is a lot of well-written literature (and some films), which while not always historically accurate, manage to perfectly capture the spirit of vain idealism that made many of the interbrigadistas go to Spain in the first place. Just as the [[American Civil War]] gave a breakthrough for photojournalism, [[World War I]] for news radio and World War II for the newsreel, the Spanish Civil War made its mark on journalism, literature and arts. The Reina Sofia museum in Madrid has an exhibition for artistic expressions of the war, with Picasso's ''Guernica'' – produced for the republican Spanish pavilion at the 1937 world exhibition in Paris – as its centrepiece. The war was won for Franco through superior fire-power and with military aid from the Nazis (including the war-crime of bombing [[Guernica]]). Franco managed to unify the not at all homogeneous nationalist forces behind his less-than-charismatic leadership and hold onto power through the [[World War II in Europe|Second World War]] (in which he stayed neutral) until his death. He was succeeded by King Juan Carlos. The Spanish Civil War is still in some sense an open wound as it was hardly ever talked about during the days of Franco's regime. To this day, conservatives and Catholics (the Republicans were pretty anti-clerical) are sometimes apologetic about Franco and the "necessity" of the war. Franco's legacy was that the historically important regional identities and languages (such as Catalan and Basque) were brutally suppressed and a policy of strong national identity under the Spanish/Castilian language was promoted. Many republican soldiers and supported continued fighting until the mid 50s in the so called maquis, in 1944 there was even an attempt to invade Spain from France through the Vall d'Aran in 1944 which was quickly suppressed by the Guardia Civil. Violent groups such as ETA (see below) started their activity in the 60s during Franco's time, there was also an increasing protest movement in the last years of franquism. Franco oversaw Spain's rapid economic expansion with its industrialisation in the 1960s. Spain's messy divorce from its African colonies in the last years and days of Franco's life is also one of the reasons for the conflict in [[Western Sahara]], a former Spanish colony. Franco named Juan Carlos as his successor in 1969, with Juan Carlos being crowned king shortly after Franco's death. Shortly after King Juan Carlos – to the surprise of many – insisted on the country becoming a parliamentary democracy with a figurehead king as nominal head of state, right-wing generals tried to overthrow the nascent democracy on 23 February 1981 in what is now known as 23F. One of the most striking images of the coup was the general Tejero storming into the Congress of Deputies at the head of 200 Guardia Civil members and interrupting the vote to replace centre-left Adolfo Suarez with centre-right Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo for Prime Minister. The coup failed mostly due to lack of popular support and because the king – in his capacity of commander-in-chief – appeared on television in full uniform to order the soldiers back into their barracks, thus throwing his lot in with democracy. This resulted in a lot of support for the king personally even among otherwise republican-inclined Spaniards for most of his reign. However, the monarchy is rather unpopular among the autonomist or independist movements of Catalonia or the Basque Country. Spain entered NATO (though not the EU or any of its predecessors) in 1981, which Calvo-Sotelo. The ruling centre-right party UCD under Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo badly misjudged the Andalusian desire for regional self-government and thus lost the 1982 election, in one of the biggest popular vote landslides in any modern democracy, to the leftist PSOE. This led to the formation of Partido Popular (PP) from the rubble left behind by the temporary collapse of the centre-right. PSOE was led at that time by the relatively youthful Andalusian Felipe González and enjoys a strong basis of support in Andalusia to this day. With the peaceful transition to democracy after Franco's death, the restrictions on regional identity were lifted, with autonomy granted to several regions, and the regional languages gaining co-official status in their respective areas. The nature of the transition meant that there was little justice for those who had suffered under the Franco dictatorship and divisions still remain. The Basque Country in Spain's north that had begun violent resistance in 1959 against Franco continued its campaign of bombings and assassinations into the democratic era with the terrorist ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna; Basque for Basque Country and Freedom) group, despite the region having been provided with a high degree of autonomy. The group declared a ceasefire in 2011 and the armed struggle appears over for the time being. Even in the "democratic" 1980s, (under longtime Prime minister Felipe González [PSOE 1982–1996]) the Spanish government responded with methods that are now known to have included "death squadrons" to combat terrorism. ====Uncertain times in the third millennium==== In the 2000s there was more economic expansion and a housing price boom that subsequently collapsed, leaving Spain with high unemployment and economic difficulties. The economically important Catalan region has become louder in its demands for independence. In 2017/18 this conflict erupted as the central government had worked to annul key aspects of a more extensive statute of autonomy while parts of the Catalan parliament held an independence referendum, deemed "illegal" by opponents of independence. The central government cracked down heavily on the independence movement and several people involved in the referendum were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. ====Migration==== Spain holds a historical attachment to its neighbours on the Iberian Peninsula, [[Andorra]] and [[Portugal]], to its former colonies, to former citizens and their descendants, and to a special category of former citizens, namely Sephardic Jews. The population of Spain is growing in large part due to migration by people from relatively poor or politically unstable areas of Latin America, such as [[Colombia]], [[Cuba]], [[Ecuador]], [[El Salvador]] [[Nicaragua]], [[Peru]] or [[Venezuela]]; other parts of Europe, especially Eastern Europe; and Africa and Asia, particularly areas that have a historical or linguistic attachment to Spain. There is also an important segment of immigration that consists mainly of retired people, and people running businesses for them and foreign tourists, coming from wealthier European countries such as the [[United Kingdom]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Benelux]] and the [[Nordic countries]], established all along the Mediterranean shore, especially in the [[Costa Blanca]], [[Costa del Sol]], the [[Canary Islands]] and the [[Balearic Islands]], particularly in the summer months. Internally there have always been migrations from poorer rural areas (such as Andalusia) to the cities and to jobs in construction and tourism. Due to the economic crisis of the 2000s and 2010s, youth unemployment has risen to unbearable levels in the 50% range and quite a number of young people have semi-permanently fled the country to other European Union countries such as Germany to study, work or do internships either until things get better in Spain or forever. In the latter half of the 2010s there were tentative signs of economic improvement with some economic emigrants returning to Spain. ==Talk== {{seealso|Spanish phrasebook}} {{infobox|I'm so pregnant|Many English words have their origins in Latin, which makes it easy for English speakers to guess the meanings of many Spanish words. However, Spanish and English also have a number of false friends that one needs to be aware of to avoid embarrassing mistakes. <br> *'''embarazada''' – pregnant; ''not'' embarrassed <br> *'''preservativo''' – condom; ''not'' preservative <br> *'''bizarro''' – brave; ''not'' bizarre <br> *'''librería''' – bookshop; ''not'' library<br> *'''carta''' - letter; ''not'' card<br> *'''éxito''' - success, ''not'' exit<br> *'''parada''' - stop, ''not'' parade *'''ropa''' - clothes, ''not'' rope *'''carpeta''' - folder, ''not'' carpet}} The official and universal language used in Spain is Spanish (''español'') which is a member of the Romance family of languages (others include Portuguese, Italian, French, and Romanian). Many people, especially outside Castile, prefer to call it '''Castilian''' (''castellano''). However there are a number of languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, etc.) spoken in various parts of Spain. Some of these languages are dominant and co-official in their respective regions, though most people will be bilingual in their local language and Spanish. Catalan, Basque and Galician are recognised as official languages according to the Spanish constitution. With the exception of Basque (whose origins are still debated), the languages of the Iberian Peninsula are part of the Romance family and are fairly easy to pick up if you know Castilian well. * '''[[Catalan phrasebook|Catalan]]''' (Catalan: ''català'', Castilian: ''catalán''), a distinct language similar to Castilian but more closely related to the Oc branch of the Romance Languages and considered by many to be part of a dialect continuum spanning across Spain, France, and Italy and including the other langues d'oc such as Provençal, Beàrnais, Limousin, Auvernhat and Niçard. Various dialects are spoken in the northeastern region of [[Catalonia]], the [[Balearic Islands]], and [[Valencia (region)|Valencia]] (where it is often referred to as ''Valencià''), east of [[Aragon]], as well as neighbouring [[Andorra]] and southern France. To a casual listener, Catalan superficially appears to be a cross of Castilian, French and Portuguese and though it does share features of all three, it is a separate language. * '''[[Galician phrasebook|Galician]]''' (Galician: ''galego'', Castilian: ''gallego''), very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in [[Galicia]] and the western portions of [[Asturias]] and [[Leon_(Spain)|León]]. Galician predates Portuguese and is deemed one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese language family group which includes Brazilian, Southern Portuguese, Central Portuguese, and Galician. While the Portuguese consider it a dialect of Portuguese, Galicians consider their language independent. * '''[[Basque phrasebook|Basque]]''' (Basque: ''euskara'', Castilian: ''vasco''), a language unrelated to Castilian (or any other known language in the world), is spoken in the three provinces of the [[Basque Country]], on the two adjacent provinces on the French side of the Spain-French border, and in Navarre. Basque is considered a language isolate unrelated to any Romance or even Indo-European language. * '''[[Asturiano phrasebook|Asturiano]]''' (Asturiano: ''asturianu'', Castilian: ''asturiano'', also known as ''bable''), spoken in the province of [[Asturias]], where it enjoys semi-official protection. It was also spoken in rural parts of [[León (Spain)|León]], [[Zamora (Spain)|Zamora]], [[Salamanca]], in a few villages in Portugal (where it is called Mirandes) and in villages in the extreme north of [[Extremadura]]. While the constitution of Spain explicitly protects Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the term Catalan, Galician, and Castilian, it does not explicitly protect Asturian. Still, the province of Asturias explicitly protects it, and Spain implicitly protects it by not objecting before the Supreme Court. * '''[[Aragonese phrasebook|Aragonese]]''' (Aragonese: ''aragonés'', Castilian: ''aragonés'', also known colloquially as ''fabla''), spoken in the north of [[Aragon]], and is not officially recognised. This language is close to Catalan (specially in [[Benasque]]) and to Castilian, with some Basque and Occitan (southern France) influences. Nowadays, only a few villages near the [[Pyrenees]] use the language vigorously, while most people mix it with Castilian in their daily speech. * '''[[Aranese phrasebook|Aranese]]''' (Castilian: ''Aranés'', Catalan/Aranese Occitan: ''Aranès''), spoken in the Aran Valley and recognised as an official language of Catalonia (not of Spain), alongside Catalan and Castilian. This language is a variety of Gascon Occitan, and as such is very closely related to Provençal, Limousin, Languedoc, and Catalan. In addition to the native languages, many languages such as English, [[French phrasebook|French]], and [[German phrasebook|German]] are commonly studied in school. However, Spaniards are not known for their proficiency in foreign languages, and it is very rare to find locals conversant in foreign languages outside of tourist establishments or major international hotels. That being said, most establishments in Spain's important tourist industry usually have staff members who speak a decent level of English, particularly in popular beach resorts such as those in the [[Costa del Sol]] where you will find people who are fluent in several languages, the most common ones being German and French. As [[Portuguese phrasebook|Portuguese]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are closely related to Spanish, if you speak either of these languages, locals would be able to puzzle you out with some difficulty. German is spoken in some areas frequented by German tourists, such as Mallorca. In general, people who speak two national languages (e.g. Basque and Castilian or Catalan and Castilian) are more likely to speak a foreign language than monolingual Spanish speakers. Castilian Spanish differs from the '''Latin American Spanish''' varieties in pronunciation and grammar, although all Latin American varieties are easily understood by Spaniards and vice-versa. While the differences in spelling are virtually non-existent, the differences in words and pronunciation between "Spanish-Spanish" and "Latin-Spanish" are arguably bigger than those between "American" and "British" English. French is the most widely understood foreign language in the northeast of Spain. The Basque region and northern Catalonia in particular have sizable populations that speak French. Locals will appreciate any attempts you make to speak their language. For example, know at least the Castilian for "good morning" (''buenos días'') and "thank you" (''gracias''). ==Get in== ===Entry requirements=== {{infobox|Minimum validity of travel documents|* EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need only produce a passport or national identity card that is valid on the date of entry. * Other nationals must produce a passport that is valid for the entirety of their stay in Spain. * More information about the minimum validity of travel documents is on the [http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx Spanish government website].}} {{Schengen}} EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who enter Spain on a national identity card, who are under 18 years old and travelling without their parents are required to have written parental consent. For more information, visit this [http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain]. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles are permitted to work in Spain without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries. A stay of longer than 90 days for non-EEA or Swiss citizens almost invariably requires an advance visa. If one stays for longer than 6 months, a residence permit ('''Titulo de Residencia''') must be obtained within the first 30 days of entering Spain. There are a number of ways to get into Spain. From neighbouring European countries, a drive with the car or a train ride is feasible; from a number of Mediterranean countries more or less [[Ferries in the Mediterranean|regular ferry connections]] are available; visitors from further away will probably be using air travel. ===By plane=== [[File:Torre de control de Madrid-Barajas - 01.jpg|thumb|Control tower of [[Madrid–Barajas Airport|Madrid-Barajas]]]] Spain's flag carrier is '''[http://www.iberia.com Iberia]''', and its two other main airlines are '''[http://www.vueling.com Vueling]''' and '''[http://www.aireuropa.com Air Europa]'''. There are many airlines connecting from most European countries, Africa, the Americas and Asia. Virtually all European low cost carriers provide frequent services to Spain including: [https://www.tui.co.uk/flight/ '''TUI Airways'''], '''[http://www.easyjet.com EasyJet]''', '''[http://www.ryanair.com Ryanair]''', '''[http://wizzair.com Wizz Air]''' and '''[http://www.jet2.com Jet2.com]'''. The busiest airports are [[Madrid–Barajas Airport]], [[Barcelona El Prat]], [[Palma de Mallorca#By plane|Palma de Mallorca]] and [[Malaga#By plane|Malaga]], followed by [[Seville#By plane|Seville]], [[Valencia#By plane|Valencia]], [[Bilbao#By plane|Bilbao]], [[Alicante#By plane|Alicante]] and [[Santiago de Compostela#By plane|Santiago de Compostela]]. For mainland Spain, Madrid Barajas ({{IATA|MAD}}), Barcelona ({{IATA|BCN}}) and Malaga ({{IATA|AGP}}) are your most likely ports of entry, as they have by far the highest number of international flights. For the islands, you will most likely directly arrive at an airport on the island, without connecting through another Spanish airport. If your destination does not have a direct flight, you can make use of Iberia's [[rail air alliance]] with Renfe. Searching for your destination directly on the Iberia website will give you flights with a connecting train service automatically. ===By train=== ''see also'' [[rail travel in Europe]] [[File:AVE in spain.jpg|thumb|AVE in Spain (Spanish High Speed)]] The [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/ train system] in Spain is modern and reliable, most of the trains are brand new and the punctuality rate is one of the highest in Europe, the only problem is that not all the populated areas have a train station; sometimes small towns don't have one, in those cases you need to take a bus. Another issue with the Spanish Rail network is that the lines are disposed in a radial way so almost all the lines head to Madrid. That's why sometimes travelling from one city to another geographically close to it might take longer by train than by bus if they are not on the same line. Always check whether the bus or the train is more convenient. The Spanish [[high speed rail]] system is, however, more reliable than that of - say - Germany, because the gauge of traditional and high speed trains is different and thus high speed lines are only used by high speed passenger trains meaning fewer delays due to congested lines or technical problems. All lines that cross the border into France have either a break of gauge (thus making changing train or a lengthy gauge change necessary) or are high speed, thus making the high speed trains the vastly preferable option to cross the border. Trains between Barcelona and France are operated jointly by SNCF and RENFE and both sell tickets for any international train on that route. Spain has numerous rail links with neighbouring Portugal, none of them high speed. There are only three rail links with France, one at [[Hendaye]] on a traditional line requiring a break of gauge, a connection used for local traffic near Latour de Carol (this is the closest rail line to [[Andorra]]) and one near [[Figueres]] for high speed trains. The former two see the occasional [[sleeper train]] while the latter sees the vast majority of passenger travel and all high speed trains. The former link through the Pyrenees near [[Canfranc]] has been abandoned but the former border station at Canfranc is still served from the Spanish site and worth a visit if you're a railway enthusiast or history buff. ===By bus=== Virtually all companies operating [[Intercity buses in France]] including [http://www.ouibus.com Ouibus] and even German player [http://www.flixbus.de Flixbus] offer buses to/from Spanish destinations. Spanish operators with international connections include [https://www.alsa.es/en/our-destinations/international Alsa] and [http://www.linebus.es/ Linebus]. Generally speaking the buses will be reasonably save and may even have WiFi or electric outlets at your seat, but if your main concern is anything but cost, opt for a train or plane instead as the former is both vastly more comfortable and faster and the latter is still a lot faster and can even be cheaper, if you manages to travel on carry-on only. Buses generally have greater luggage allowances than the airlines, but then again, you'd have the same advantage taking the train. ===By boat=== From the UK, [http://www.brittanyferries.com/ Brittany Ferries] offers services from [[Portsmouth]] and [[Plymouth (England)|Plymouth]] to [[Santander]] and from [[Portsmouth]] to [[Bilbao]]. The journey time from [[Portsmouth]] to [[Santander]] is approximately 24 hours. Spain is also well connected by ferry to Northern Africa (particularly [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]) and the [[Canary Islands]] which are part of Spain. Routes are also naturally available to the Spanish Balearic islands of [[Mallorca]], [[Minorca]], [[Ibiza]] and [[Formentera]]. Another popular route is from [[Barcelona]] to [[Genoa]]. {{related|Ferries in the Mediterranean}} ==Get around== ===By train=== [[File:Red actual de ferrocarriles de España.svg|thumb|Spain's rail network. Green is narrow gauge, red is Iberian gauge and blue is standard gauge - all standard gauge lines are high speed]] * '''[http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/ Renfe]''' is the Spanish national rail carrier. Long-distance trains always run on time, but be aware that short-distance trains (called ''Cercanías'') can bear long delays, from ten to twenty minutes, and especially in the Barcelona area, where delays up to 30 minutes are not uncommon. To be safe, always take the train before the one you need. It also manages '''FEVE''' narrow-gauge trains which mainly run near the northern Atlantic coast (from Ferrol to Bilbao). Buying tickets online with a foreign credit card may be difficult, however, those with a PayPal account may find it easier to pay using the website. Renfe also operates the '''AVE''' [[High-speed rail|high speed trains]], whose network radiates out of Madrid to the major cities along the coasts - Spain boasts the second-longest high speed network (behind [[China]]) and has constructed a lot of new lines until the economic downturn at the end of the 2000s. The AVE is easily the fastest option wherever it goes (faster even than flying in most cases) but can be on the expensive side. Tickets don't go on sale until 30 days before departure, and few discount tickets are available. * '''FGC''' operates several local routes near Barcelona. On these places where both Renfe and FGC operate, usually FGC provides more trains per hour, has better punctuality records and stations are closer to the city centres; on the other side, trains are slower and single fares are more expensive. * '''FGV''' provides local services in Valencia area uncovered by Renfe and a tram service in Alicante. * '''Euskotren''' operates affordable services from Bilbao to Gernika, Bermeo and San Sebastian plus a line connecting San Sebastian with Irun and Hendaye (France). The Bilbao - San Sebastian trip is about 2hr 40min while buses connect the cities in around just an hour, although bus tickets cost about twice as the train. All but the whole Bilbao - San Sebastian line run twice an hour with extra trains on peak hours. <!--there are plans for new "low cost" rail services by both RENFE and SNCF. Someone should add them--> ===By bus=== The least expensive way to get around most parts of Spain is by bus. Most major routes are point to point, and very high frequency. There are many companies serving within certain autonomous communities or provinces of the country on multiple routes or on a single route going from a major city to several surrounding villages and towns. The following operators serve more than a single region: * {{listing | name=ALSA | alt=formerly Continental Auto | url=http://www.alsa.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 422242 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=Largest bus company with point to point routes across the country and alliances with various other regional companies and/or subsidiary brands. }} * {{listing | name=Grupo Avanza | alt= | url=http://www.avanzabus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 020999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=Operates buses between Madrid and the surrounding autonomous communities of Extremadura, Castile-Leon, Valencia (via Castile-Leon). In some areas they operate through their subsidiary brands of Alosa, Tusza, Vitrasa, Suroeste and Auto Res. }} * {{listing | name=Socibus and Secorbus | alt= | url=http://www.socibus.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 229292 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=These companies jointly operate buses between Madrid and western Andalucia including Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva and Seville. }} At the bus station, each operator has its own ticket counter or window and usually a single operator from here to a particular destination. Therefore, the easiest is to ask the staff who will be happy to tell you who operates which route and point you to a specific desk or window. You can also see what is all available on [http://www.movelia.es Movelia.es] or see "By bus" under "Getting in" or "Getting Around" in the article for a particular autonomous community region, province or locale. It is usually not necessary or more advantageous to book tickets in advance as one can show up and get on the next available bus. Most bus companies can be booked in advance online. however English translation on their websites is patchy at best. ===By boat=== Wherever you are in Spain, from your private yacht you can enjoy gorgeous scenery and distance yourself from the inevitable crowds of tourists that flock to these destinations. May is a particularly pleasant time to charter in the regions of Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and the Balearic Islands as the weather is good and the crowds have yet to descend. The summer months of July and August are the hottest and tend to have lighter winds. There is no low season for the [[Canary Islands]], as the weather resembles springtime all year round. If you would like to bareboat anywhere in Spain, including the Balearic or Canary Islands, a US Coast Guard License is the only acceptable certification needed by Americans to bareboat. For everyone else, a RYA Yacht Master Certification or International Certificate of Competence will normally do. Although a skipper may be required, a hostess/chef may or may not be necessary. Dining out is strong part of Spanish custom and tradition. If you are planning on docking in a port and exploring fabulous bars and restaurants a hostess/cook may just be useful for serving drinks and making beds. Extra crew can take up valuable room on a tight ship. === By car === {{seealso|Driving in Spain}} In major cities like [[Madrid]] or [[Barcelona]] and in mid-sized ones like [[San Sebastian]], moving around by car is expensive and nerve-wracking. Fines for improper parking are uncompromising (€85 and up). Access by car has been made more difficult by municipal policies in Barcelona and Madrid in the 2010s. The positive effects on the urban fabric of those policies have proven widely popular, so expect more of this. [[File:Red española de autopistas y autovías2.PNG|thumb|Spanish network of motorways]] Having a driving map is essential - many streets are one-way; left turns are more rare than rights (and are unpredictable). Getting around by car makes sense if you plan to move from one city to another every other day, ideally if you don't plan to park overnight in large cities. It also doesn't hurt that the scenery is beautiful and well worth a drive. With a good public transport network that connects to (almost) all points of interest for travellers, you might ask yourself whether driving is really worth the cost and the hassle, as you are often much faster by train than by car. There are two types of highway in Spain: ''autopistas'', or motorways, and ''autovías'', which are more akin to expressways. Most autopistas are toll roads while autovías are generally free of charge. In some autonomous communities whether a highway is tolled depends on whether the central or regional government built and operates them. To a foreigner the system can seem rather confusing. <!--is there signage at least?--> Tolls often work out to "odd" Euro amounts leading you with a lot of copper coins if you pay cash. Speed limits range from 50 km/h (30 mph) in towns to 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on roads and 120 km/h (75 mph) on autopistas and autovías. Starting from May 2021 all roads with only one lane per direction inside built up areas will have a blanket speed limit of {{kmh|30}}. Spaniards are somewhat notorious for seeing traffic infractions such as speeding, second row parking or red light infractions as "minor", but the government is increasingly cracking down on this kind of behavior and police will have a field day writing a ticket to a foreigner who doesn't speak the language. Gasoline/petrol costs in the range of €1.32/L in Jan 2020, and diesel costs €1.25/L. Filling procedure for gas stations varies from brand to brand. At Agip, you first fill the tank yourself, and then pay inside the shop. === By thumb === Spain isn't a good country for [[Tips for hitchhiking|hitchhiking]]. Sometimes you can wait many hours. Try to speak with people at gas stations, parking lots, etc. They are scared and suspicious, but when you make them feel that they don't need to be afraid, they gladly accept you and mostly also show their generosity. In the south of Spain, in and around the Alpujarras, hitchhiking is very common and it is also very easy to get a ride. As long as you can speak a bit of Spanish and don't look too dirty or frightening, you should be able to get a ride moderately easily. === By bicycle === Spain is a suitable country for cycling, and it is possible to see many cyclists in some of the cities. Cycling lanes are available in most mid-sized and large cities, although they are not comparable in number to what you can find in for example central Europe. Depending on where you are in Spain, you could face a very mountainous area. Much of central Spain is very flat, though elevated, but towards the coast the landscape is often very hilly, especially in the north. There are several options for touring in Spain by bicycle: guided or supported tours, rent bicycles in Spain or bring your own bike, or any combination. Supported tours are ubiquitous on the web. For unsupported tours a little Spanish helps a lot. Shoulder seasons avoid extremes of temperature and ensure hotel availability in non-tourist areas. Good hotels are €35–45 in the interior, breakfast usually included. ''Menú del día'' meals are €8–10 eating where the locals eat. Secondary roads are usually well paved and have good shoulders, and as a rule Spanish drivers are careful and courteous around touring cyclists. Road signs are usually very good and easy to follow. [[File:Bicisvalenbisi.jpg|thumb|Bike rental station in Valencia]] Most municipalities in Spain, towns and cities are modernising their streets to introduce special lanes for bicycles. Bike share systems with usually quite reasonable prices are also being installed in cities throughout the country. === By taxi === All the major cities in Spain are served by taxis, which are a convenient, if somewhat expensive way to get around. That being said, taxis in Spain are more reasonably priced than those in say, the [[United Kingdom]] or [[Japan]]. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or any other foreign languages, so it would be necessary to have the names and/or addresses of your destinations written in Spanish to show your taxi driver. Likewise, get your hotel's business card to show your taxi driver in case you get lost. ==See== The most popular beaches are the ones along the Mediterranean coast, in the Balearic Islands and in the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, for hiking, the mountains of Sierra Nevada in the south, the Central Cordillera and the northern Pyrenees are the best places. ===Historic cities=== [[File:Spain Andalusia Cordoba BW 2015-10-27 13-54-14.jpg|thumbnail|Mezquita in Córdoba]] [[File:AcueductoSegovia edit1.jpg|thumbnail|Segovia aqueduct]] Historically, Spain has been an important crossroads: between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, between North Africa and Europe, and as Europe began colonising the New World, between Europe and the Americas. The country thus is blessed with a fantastic collection of historical landmarks — in fact, it has the second largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites and the largest number of World Heritage Cities of any nation in the world. In the south of Spain, Andalusia holds many reminders of old Spain. '''[[Cadiz]]''' is regarded as one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in western Europe, with remnants of the Roman settlement that once stood here. Nearby, '''[[Ronda]]''' is a beautiful town atop steep cliffs and noted for its gorge-spanning bridge and the oldest bullring in Spain. '''[[Cordoba (city, Spain)|Cordoba]]''' and '''[[Granada (Spain)|Granada]]''' hold the most spectacular reminders of the nation's Muslim past, with the red-and-white striped arches of the Mezquita in Cordoba and the stunning Alhambra palace perched on a hill above Granada. '''[[Seville]]''', the cultural centre of Andalusia, has a dazzling collection of sights built when the city was the main port for goods from the Americas, the grandest of which being the city's cathedral, the largest in the country. Moving north across the plains of La Mancha into Central Spain, picturesque '''[[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]]''' stands as perhaps ''the'' historical centre of the nation, a beautiful medieval city sitting atop a hill that once served as the capital of Spain before Madrid was built. North of Madrid and an easy day-trip from the capital city is '''[[El Escorial]]''', once the centre of the Spanish empire during the time of the Inquisition, and '''[[Segovia]]''', noted for its spectacular Roman aqueduct which spans one of the city's squares. Further north in Castile-Leon is '''[[Salamanca]]''', known for its famous university and abundance of historic architecture. Galicia in northwestern Spain is home to '''[[Santiago de Compostela]]''', the end point of the old [[Way of St. James]] (''Camino de Santiago'') pilgrimage route and the supposed burial place of St. James, with perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in all of Spain at the heart of its lovely old town. Northeastern Spain has a couple of historical centres to note: '''[[Zaragoza]]''', with Roman, Muslim, medieval and Renaissance buildings from throughout its two thousand years of history, and '''[[Barcelona]]''' with its pseudo-medieval [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Barri Gòtic]] neighbourhood. Be prepared to have your luggage scanned airport style at the entrance of most museums. There's usually a locker where you can (or must) leave your bags. ===Art museums=== [[File:Hemispheric - Valencia, Spain - Jan 2007.jpg|thumb|L'Hemisfèric, in The City of Arts and Sciences (Spanish: Ciudad de Las Artes y Las Ciencias) (Valencia)]] Spain has played a key role in Western art, heavily influenced by French and Italian artists but very distinct in its own regard, owing to the nation's history of Muslim influence, Counter-Reformation climate and, later, the hardships from the decline of the Spanish empire, giving rise to such noted artists like El Greco, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. In the last century, Spain's unique position in Europe brought forth some of the leading artists of the Modernist and Surrealist movements, most notably the famed Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. [[File:Museo Guggenheim con el puente de la Salve en primer plano.jpg|thumb|Guggenheim Museum with Salve Bridge in the foreground (Bilbao)]] Today, Spain's two largest cities hold the lion's share of Spain's most famous artworks. Madrid's [[Madrid#Museum_Triangle|Museum Triangle]] is home to the '''Museo del Prado''', the largest art museum in Spain with many of the most famous works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya as well as some notable works by Italian, Flemish, Dutch and German masters. Nearby sits the '''Reina Sofía''', most notable for holding Picasso's ''Guernica'' but also containing a number of works by Dalí and other Modernist, Surrealist and abstract painters. The Prado goes back to the former royal collection and the Reina Sofia Museum is named for King Juan Carlos' wife, in practice the dividing line between the two is largely one of era, with anything made roughly after the birth of Picasso found in the Reina Sofia and everything else in the Prado. Barcelona is renowned for its stunning collection of modern and contemporary art and architecture. This is where you will find the '''Picasso Museum''', which covers the artist's early career quite well, and the architectural wonders of '''Antoni Gaudi''', with their twisting organic forms that are a delight to look at. Outside of Madrid and Barcelona, the art museums quickly dwindle in size and importance, although there are a couple of worthy mentions that should not be overlooked. Many of El Greco's most famous works lie in '''[[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]]''', an easy day trip from Madrid. ''The Disrobing of Christ'', perhaps El Greco's most famous work, sits in the Cathedral, but you can also find work by him in one of the small art museums around town. [[Bilbao]] in the Basque Country of northern Spain is home to a spectacular '''Guggenheim Museum''' designed by Frank Gehry that has put the city on the map. A day trip from Barcelona is the town of [[Figueres]], noted for the '''Salvador Dalí Museum''', designed by the Surrealist himself. [[Málaga]] in the south is Picasso's city of birth, and is also home to two museums dedicated to his life and works. ===Archaeological sites=== * Ampurias, excavations of a Greek and Roman town, Roman basilica, temples of Asclepios and Serapis, (between Gerona and Figueras, Catalonia) * Antequetera, La Menga and Viera dolmens, * Calatrava la Nueva, well preserved medieval castle, * Calatrava la Vieja, remains of the Arab town, castle of the order of Calatrava, * Clunia, Roman town with forum, shops, temple, public bath houses and Roman villa, * Fraga, Roman villa, Bronze Age settlements, * Gormaz, Arab castle, * Italica, Roman town with amphitheatre, city walls, House of the Exedra, House of the Peacocks, Baths of the Moorish Queen, House of the Hylas, temple complex (near Sevilla), * Merida, Roman city, Roman bridge, Amphitheatre, Hippodrome, House of the Amphitheatre, House of the Mithraeum with mosaics, aquaeducts, museum * San Juan de los Banos, Visigoth church (between Burgos and Valladolid), * San Pedro de la Nave, Visigoth church (near Zamora), * Santa Maria de Melque, Visigoth church, * Segobriga (Cabeza del Griego), Roman town, Visigoth church, museum (between Madrid and Albacete) * Tarragona, Roman town with “Cyclopean wall”, amphitheatre, hippodrome, form and triumphal arch, ===Sports=== ====Football==== {{see also|Association football in Europe}} Spain's '''[http://www.laliga.es/en La Liga]''' is one of the strongest association football leagues in the world, boasting world-class teams like '''[http://www.realmadrid.com/en Real Madrid]''' and '''[https://www.fcbarcelona.com/ FC Barcelona]''' that play to sold-out crowds on a weekly basis. The rivalry between the two aforementioned clubs, known as '''''El Clásico''''', is undoubtedly one of the most intense in the world as a result of the long history of political conflict behind it. Other noteworthy clubs include Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, and Sevilla. The Spanish national team is also one of the strongest in the world, being able to draw the best players from its league. It long had a reputation of always failing to win big games, but this reputation has been pretty much shattered by its wins in the 2008 and 2012 European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup. ====Basketball==== Spain also has a strong basketball tradition, with Spanish clubs generally doing well in European competition, and the Spanish national team also being one of the best in Europe. Many of the top football clubs in Spain also have basketball teams, and as with their football counterparts, both Real Madrid Baloncesto and FC Barcelona Bàsquet are among Europe's most successful basketball teams. ====Handball==== {{see also|Handball in Europe}} Spain is among the most successful Handball nations on earth, although it may not always reach the level of play of some Nordic or ex-Yugoslavian countries or Germany. The [http://asobal.es/ Liga Asobal], Spain's national handball league is among the toughest in the world. ====Cycling==== Spain is home to one of the three grand tours on the international cycling calendar, the '''[http://www.lavuelta.com/la-vuelta/2016/us/ Vuelta a España]'''. ===Itineraries=== * [[Via de la Plata Route]] Historic 800-km route from [[Gijón]] to [[Sevilla]]. * [[Way of St. James]] ==Do== ===Festivals=== Spain has a lot of local festivals that are worth going to. * {{listing | type=do | name=Semana Santa | alt=''Holy week'' | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-04-20 | content=Visit Spain when many processions take place in cities and Christians march through the streets in the evening with replicas of Jesus on their shoulders and play music. Make sure to book ahead since accommodations fill up quickly during that time and often nothing is left shortly before the celebrations. Notorious cities to see the best processions are [[Málaga]], [[Girona]], [[Cádiz]], [[Seville]] and the rest of [[Andalusia]]; but it's also interesting in [[Valladolid (Spain)|Valladolid]] (silent processions) and [[Zaragoza]] (where hundreds of drums are played in processions). }} * '''Córdoba en Mayo''' ([[Cordoba (city, Spain)|Cordoba]] in May) - great month to visit the Southern city * '''Las Cruces''' (1st week in May) - big flower-made crosses embellishing public squares in the city centre, where you will also find at night music and drinking and lot of people having fun! * '''Festival de Patios''' - one of the most interesting cultural exhibitions, 2 weeks when some people open doors of their houses to show their old Patios full of flowers * '''Cata del Vino Montilla-Moriles''' - great wine tasting in a big tent in the city centre during one week in May * '''Dia de Sant Jordi''' - The Catalan must. On 23 April [[Barcelona]] is embellished with roses everywhere and book-selling stands can be found in the Rambla. There are also book signings, concerts and diverse animations. * '''Fallas''' - [[Valencia]]'s festival in March - burning the "fallas" is a must [[File:6 Falla Plaza del Ayuntamiento 2012.JPG|thumb|Falla of the Town Hall Square 2012 (Valencia)]] * '''[[Málaga]]'s August Fair''' - flamenco dancing, drinking sherry, bullfights * '''San Fermines''' - July in [[Pamplona]], [[Navarra]]. * '''Fiesta de San Isidro''' - 15 May in [[Madrid]] - a celebration of [[Madrid]]'s patron saint. * '''Carnival''' - best in [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]] and [[Cádiz]] * '''Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos''' (Three wise men parade) - on the eve of Epiphany, 5 January, the night before Spanish kids get their Christmas presents, it rains sweets and toys in every single town and city * '''San Sebastian International Film Festival''' - held annually in [[San Sebastian]], a gorgeous city in the Basque Country, towards the end of September * '''La Tomatina''' - a giant tomato fight in [[Buñol]] * '''Moros y Cristianos''' (Moors and Christians, mostly found in Southeastern Spain during spring time) - parades and "battles" remembering the fights of medieval ages * In '''[[Galicia]]''' 85 festivals take place throughout the year from wine to wild horses. ===Holidays=== '''New Year eve''': "Nochevieja" in Spanish. There's a tradition in Spain to eat grapes as the clock counts down the New Year, one grape for each of the last 12 seconds before midnight. For this, even small packs of grapes (exactly 12 grapes per pack) are sold in supermarkets before New Year. La Puerta del Sol, is the venue for the New Year's party in Spain. At 23:59 sound "los cuartos (In Spanish)" some bells announcing that it will begin to sound the 12 chimes (campanadas in Spanish). While sounding "los cuartos", moves down from the top chime of the clock, with the same purpose as "los cuartos" sound will indicate that "las campanadas". That will sound at 24:00 and that indicate the start of a new year. During each chime must eat a grape, according to tradition. Between each chime, there is a time span of three seconds. "Las Campanadas", are broadcast live on the main national TV channels, as in the rest of Spain, people are still taking grapes from home or on giant screens installed in major cities, following the chimes from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid. [[File:Nochevieja puertadelsol 2006.jpg|thumb|Start the New Year in La Puerta del Sol (Madrid)]] After ringing "las campanadas", starts a fireworks extravaganza. This is a famous party in Spain and is a great time to enjoy because show is secured in the centre of the capital of Spain. ===Outdoor activities=== * '''Canyoning''': see [[Canyoning#Spain|Spain section in the Canyoning article]] * '''Climbing''' in: [[Los Mallos]] ([[Aragon]]) and [[Siurana]] (near [[Barcelona]]) * '''Football''' (soccer): The most popular sport in Spain, with both the Spanish league and national team being among the strongest in the world. * '''Whitewater sports''' in: [[Campo]], [[Murillo de Gallego]] ([[Aragon]]) * '''Hiking''' in Galicia * '''Downhill skiing''': There are a lot of downhill skiing resorts in Spain. Skiing in the northern region of Spain ===Scuba diving=== For a treat, try Costa Brava and the world renowned Canary Islands. ==Work== Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can work in Spain without having to secure a work permit. Everyone else, however, needs to apply for a work permit. Despite the presence of two European behemoths in Madrid and Barcelona, the Spanish job market is weak for such a developed nation. Finding a job in Spain is quite tough, owing the country's fragile economic situation. Unemployment is high (16.2% as of August 2020), and salaries are quite low compared to other western European countries. For these reasons, many Spaniards have emigrated to other countries in search of better opportunities. Tourism is an important economic sector which disproportionately employs foreigners but which took a hit in the Covid crisis. Owing to its sunny climate, Spain is one of Europe's largest agricultural exporters, but most agricultural work in Spain is hard, measly paid and done largely by immigrants from the global south, many of them undocumented. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{Template:Exchange rate euros}} {{Euro}} [[File:Banco de España (Madrid) 06.jpg|thumb|Bank of Spain]] €500 banknotes are not accepted in many stores&mdash;always have alternative banknotes. ====Money exchange==== Do not expect anybody to accept other types of currency, or to be willing to exchange currency. Exceptions are shops and restaurants at airports. These will generally accept at least U.S. dollars at a bad exchange rate. Banks are the main places to exchange money. However, some banks may only exchange money for those with an account there. Currency exchanges, once a common sight, have all but disappeared since the introduction of the euro. Again, international airports are an exception to this rule; other exception is tourist districts in the large cities (Barcelona, Madrid). ====Credit card==== Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Most Spanish stores will ask for ID before accepting your credit card. Some stores may not accept a foreign driving licence or ID card, and you will need to show your passport. This measure is designed to help avoid credit card fraud. ====ATM==== Most ATMs will allow you to withdraw money with your credit card. There is a fee in addition to what your bank charges you of about €2, except with Unicaja Banco machines. ===Tipping=== [[Tipping]], or "propina" in Spanish, is not mandatory or considered customary in Spain unless there was something absolutely exceptional about the service. As a result, you may find that waiters are not as attentive or courteous as you may be used to since they don't work for tips. If you choose to tip, the tip amount in restaurants depends on your economic status, the locale and type of establishment. If you feel that you have experienced good service then leave some loose change on the table - possibly €1 or €2 . If you don't, it is no big deal. Bars expect only tourists, particularly American tourists, to leave a tip. They are aware that it is customary in the United States to leave a tip for every drink or meal. It is rare to see anyone other than Americans tipping in Spain. In major resorts tipping may be common; look around at other diners to assess if tipping is appropriate. Outside the restaurant business, some service providers, such as taxi drivers, hairdressers and hotel personnel may expect a tip in an upscale setting. ===Business hours=== Most businesses (including most shops, but not restaurants) close in the afternoons around 13:30/14:00 and reopen for the evening around 16:30/17:00. Exceptions are large malls or major chain stores. For most Spaniards, lunch is the main meal of the day and you will find bars and restaurants open during this time. On Saturdays, businesses often do not reopen in the evening and almost everywhere is closed on Sundays. The exception is the month of December, where most shops in Madrid and Barcelona will be open as per on weekdays on Sundays to cash in on the festive season. Also, many public offices and banks do not reopen in the evenings even on weekdays, so if you have any important business to take care of, be sure to check hours of operation. If you plan to spend whole day shopping in small shops, the following rule of thumb can work: a closed shop should remind it's also time for your own lunch. And when you finish your lunch, some shops will be likely open again. [[File:Gran Vía (Madrid) 25.jpg|thumb|Gran Vía of Madrid, is a perfect place for shopping]] ===Shopping=== ====Designer brands==== Besides well-known mass brands which are known around the world (Zara, Mango, Bershka, Camper, Desigual), Spain has many designer brands which are more hard to find outside Spain--and may be worth looking for if you shop for designer wear while travelling. Some of these brands include: * {{listing | name=Custo Barcelona | url=http://www.custo-barcelona.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Headquartered in [[Barcelona]], has stores in [[Bilbao]], [[Ibiza]], [[La Coruna]], [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]], [[León (Spain)|León]], [[Madrid]], [[Marbella]], [[Palma de Mallorca]], [[Salamanca]], [[Tenerife]]. }} * {{buy | name=Kowalski | url=http://www.kowalski-shoes.com/ {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=head office: Ctra. del Leon, km, 2; 03293 Elche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 966 630 612 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designer shoes and sneakers (trademark Herman Monster and others) for women, men and unisex. }} ====Department stores==== * {{buy | name=El Corte Ingles | alt= | url=http://elcorteingles.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major national chain that can be found in nearly every city. In most cities, enjoys central location but resides in functional, uninspiring buildings. Has department for everything--but is not good enough for most purposes, except maybe for buying gourmet food and local food specialties. Tax refund for purchases at El Corte Ingles, unlike most other stores in Spain, can be returned only to a debit/credit card, even if you originally paid in cash. }} [[File:Corte Inglés complejo AZCA.JPG|thumb|Corte Inglés store under construction in Madrid]] ====Others==== * {{buy | name=Casas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A chain of footwear stores that selects most popular (?) models from a dozen+ of mid-range brands. }} * {{buy | name=Camper | url=http://www.camper.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Camper shoes can be seen in most cities in the country. While it may seem that they are sold everywhere, finding right model and size may be a trouble--so if you find what you need, don't postpone your purchase. Campers are sold both in standalone branded shops, and as a part of a mix with other brands in local shoe stores. Standalones generally provide wider choice of models and sizes; local stores can help if you need to hunt for a specific model and size. }} * {{buy | name=For | url=http://for.es/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Private national fashion chain featuring many premium brands. Main location is [[Bilbao]]; some stores in [[San Sebastian]] and [[Zaragoza]]. }} ==Eat== {{seealso|Spanish cuisine}} The Spanish are very passionate about their food and wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish food can be described as quite light with a lot of vegetables and a huge variety of meat and fish. Perhaps owing to the inquisition trying to "find out" lapsed ''conversos'' pork (religiously prohibited in both Judaism and Islam) is easily the most consumed meat and features prominently in many dishes. Spanish cuisine does not use many spices; it relies only on the use of high quality ingredients to give a good taste. As such, you may find Spanish food bland at times but there are usually a variety of restaurants in most cities (Italian, Chinese, American fast food) if you would like to experience a variety of flavors. If you are familiar with Latin American cuisines, keep in mind that many Spanish dishes may have the same name as several Latin American dishes, but actually refer to completely different dishes (e.g. ''tortilla'' and ''horchata'' refer to completely different things in Spain and Mexico). Like much of Europe, Spain's top tourism destinations are full of tourist-trap restaurants that serve overpriced and mediocre food. If you want a good and reasonably-priced meal, it's generally best to go to restaurants with a primarily local clientele. However, as it is rare to find English-speaking waiters in such establishments, be prepared to have to speak some Spanish. ===Breakfast, lunch and dinner times=== Spaniards have a different eating timetable than many people are used to. The key thing to remember for a traveller is: * breakfast ('''desayuno''') for most Spaniards is light and consists of just coffee and perhaps a ''galleta'' (like a graham cracker) or ''magdalena'' (sweet muffin-like bread). Later, some will go to a cafe for a pastry midmorning, but not too close to lunchtime. * "el aperitivo" is a light snack eaten around 12:00. However, this could include a couple of glasses of beer and a large filled baguette or a "pincho de tortilla".[[File:TapasenBarcelona.JPG|thumb|"Pinchos" in Barcelona]] * lunch ('''comida''') starts at 13:30-14:30 (though often not until 15:00) and was once typically followed by a short siesta, usually at summer when temperatures can be quite hot in the afternoon. This is the main meal of the day with two courses ('''el primer plato''' and '''el segundo plato''' followed by dessert. ''La comida'' and siesta are usually over by 16:00 at the latest. However, since life has become busier, there is no opportunity for a siesta. * dinner ('''cena''') starts at 20:30 or 21:00, with most clientèle coming after 21:00. It is a lighter meal than lunch. In Madrid restaurants rarely open before 21:00 and most customers do not appear before 23:00. * there is also an afternoon snack that some take between ''la comida'' and ''la cena'' called '''merienda'''. It is similar to a tea time in England and is taken around 18:00 or so. * between the lunch and dinner times, most restaurants and cafes are closed, and it takes extra effort to find a place to eat if you missed lunch time. Despite this, you can always look for a ''bar'' and ask for a ''bocadillo'', a baguette sandwich. There are ''bocadillos fríos'', cold sandwiches, which can be filled with ham, [[cheese]] or any kind of ''embutido'', and ''bocadillos calientes'', hot sandwiches, filled with pork loin, ''tortilla'', bacon, sausage and similar options with cheese. This can be a really cheap and tasty option if you find a good place. Normally, restaurants in big cities don't close until midnight during the week and 02:00-03:00 during the weekend. ===Breakfast=== [[File:Chocolate with churros.jpg|thumb|right|230px|"''Chocolate con churros''"]] Breakfast is eaten by most Spaniards. Traditional Spanish breakfast includes coffee or orange juice, and pastries or a small sandwich. In Madrid, it is also common to have hot chocolate with "churros" or "porras". In cafes, you can expect varieties of ''tortilla de patatas'' (see the [[#Spanish dishes|''Spanish dishes'' section]]), sometimes tapas (either breakfast variety or same kind as served in the evenings with alcohol). ===Tapas=== [[File:Tapas marteñas.jpg|thumb|Spanish Tapas]] The entry level to Spanish food is found in bars as '''tapas''', which are a bit like "starters" or "appetisers", but are instead considered side orders to accompany your drink; in some parts of Spain, a drink is still accompanied automatically by a free tapa, but in places where it's not, ask for ''tapa y caña'' to order a beer and a tapa. Some bars will offer a wide variety of different tapas; others specialise on a specific kind (like seafood-based). A Spanish custom is to have one tapa and one small drink at a bar, then go to the next bar and do the same. A group of two or more individuals may order two or more '''tapas''' or order '''raciones''' instead, which are a bit larger in order to share. ===Types of dishes=== '''Seafood''' (''mariscos''): on the coast, fresh seafood is widely available and quite affordable. In the inner regions, frozen (and poor quality) seafood can be frequently encountered outside few highly reputed (and expensive) restaurants. In coastal areas seafood deserves some attention, especially on the north Atlantic coast. Quality seafood in Spain comes from Spain's northwestern region of Galicia. So restaurants with the words ''Gallego'' (Galician) will generally specialise in seafood. If you are feeling adventurous, you might want to try the Galician regional specialty ''Pulpo a la Gallega'', which is boiled octopus served with paprika, rock salt and olive oil. Another adventurous option is ''Sepia'' which is cuttlefish, a relative of squid, or the various forms of ''Calamares'' (squid) that you can find in most seafood restaurants. If that isn't your style you can always order ''Gambas Ajillo'' (garlic shrimp), ''Pescado Frito'' (fried fish), ''Buñuelos de Bacalao'' (breaded and deep fried cod) or the ever-present ''Paella'' dishes. '''Meat products''' are usually of very good quality, because Spain has maintained quite a high percentage of free range animals. Ordering beef steaks is highly recommended, since most come from free range cows from the mountains. Pork cuts which are also highly coveted are those known as ''presa ibérica'' and ''secreto ibérico'', an absolute must if found in the menu of any restaurant. '''Soups''': the choice of soups beyond gazpacho is very limited in Spanish restaurants. ===Restaurants=== '''Water''' (''agua'') is frequently served without a specific request, and is normally charged for, unless it's included in your ''menu del dia''. If you would like free tap water instead of bottled water, ask for ''agua del grifo''. However, not all restaurants will offer this and you may be forced to order bottled water. '''Appetisers''' such as bread (''pan''), cheese (''queso''), and other items may be brought to your table even if you didn't order them. You may still be charged for them. If you do not want these appetisers, politely inform the waiter that you do not want them. '''World-famous restaurants''': There are several restaurants in Spain which are destinations in themselves, becoming a sole reason to travel to a specific city. One of them is ''El Bulli'' in [[Roses]]. ==== Fast food==== Fast food has not yet established a strong grip on the Spaniards and you will find McDonalds and Burger King only in bigger towns in the usual places. That said, Madrid and other large Spanish cities are often the first place for north American chains to dip their toe into the European market and you'll find Taco Bell, TGI Friday's or Five Guys there but not or only rarely in central European cities. The menu can be a surprise since it has been customised to appeal to the locals and beer, salads, yogurt (primarily Danone), and wine are prominent. Pizza is increasingly popular and you will find some outlets in bigger towns but it can be their own homegrown franchises, such as TelePizza. In spite of beer and wine on the menu, fast food is often seen as "kiddie food." American franchises generally charge higher prices than in the United States, and fast food is not necessarily the cheapest alternative for eating out. ====Service charges and VAT==== No '''service charges''' are included in the bill. A little extra tip is common and you are free to increase that if you are very pleased. Obviously you don’t have to tip a lousy waiter. You would typically leave the small change after paying with a note. ====Menú del día==== Many restaurants offer a complete lunch meal for a fixed price &ndash; ''menú del día'' &ndash; and this often works out as a bargain. Water or wine (''vino'') is commonly included in the price. ====Non-Spanish cuisine==== Things like schnitzel, full English breakfast, pizza, döner, and frozen fish are largely available in tourist destinations. In most cities you can also find international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese, French, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, and Argentinian. The bigger the city, the more variety you can find. Unlike some northern European countries, Spain received very little immigration until after the death of Franco and the 1980s economic boom and as such there may be less variety of immigrant-owned restaurants in small- and medium-sized towns, but this is of course changing with particularly Latin American and Middle Eastern immigration to Spain leaving their mark on the restaurant scene. ==Drink== {{seealso|Spanish cuisine#Beverages}} === Tea and coffee === Spanish people are very passionate about the quality, intensity and taste of their [[coffee]] and good freshly brewed coffee is available almost everywhere. The usual choices are '''solo''', the milk-less espresso version; '''cortado''', solo with a dash of milk; '''con leche''', solo with milk added; and '''manchado''', coffee with lots of milk (sort of like the French ''cafe au lait''). Asking for ''caffee latte'' will likely result in less milk than you are used to--it's always OK to ask for extra milk. Regional variants can be found, such as '''bombón''' in Eastern Spain, solo with condensed milk. '''[http://www.starbucks.es Starbucks]''' is the only national chain operating in Spain. Locals argue that it cannot compete with small local cafes in quality of coffee and visited only by tourists. It is not present in smaller cities. If you eat for €20 per dinner, you will never be served a good tea; expect Pompadour or Lipton. It takes some effort to find a good tea if you spend most time of the day in touristy places. '''Horchata''' is a milky non-alcoholic drink made of tiger nuts and sugar, and very different from drinks of the same name found in [[Latin America]]. [[Alboraia]], a small town close to [[Valencia]], is regarded as a best place where horchata is produced. ===Alcohol=== The drinking age in Spain is 18. People under this age are forbidden to drink and buy alcoholic drinks, although enforcement in tourist and clubbing areas is lax. Drinking in the streets has been banned (although it is still a common practice in most nightlife areas). A "dry law" bans supermarkets from selling alcohol after 22:00. Try an absinthe cocktail (the fabled liquor was never outlawed here, but it is not a popular drink in Spain). ===Bars=== Probably one of the best places to meet people in Spain is in bars. Everyone visits them and they are always busy and sometimes bursting with people. There is no age restriction imposed to enter these premises, but children and teenagers often will not be served alcoholic drinks. Age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol are clearly posted at bars but are enforced only intermittently. It is common to see an entire family at a bar. It's important to know the difference between a pub (which closes at 3-03:30) and a club (which opens until 06:00-08:00 but is usually deserted early in the night). On weekends, the time to go out for ''copas'' (drinks) usually starts at about 23:00-01:00 which is somewhat later than in North and Central Europe. Before that, people usually do any number of things, have some tapas (''raciones'', ''algo para picar''), eat a "real" dinner in a restaurant, stay at home with family, or go to cultural events. If you want to go dancing, you will find that most of the clubs in Madrid are relatively empty before midnight (some do not even open until 01:00) and most won't get crowded until 03:00. People usually go to pubs, then go to the clubs until 06:00-08:00. For a true Spanish experience, after a night of dancing and drinking it is common to have a breakfast of ''chocolate con churros'' with your friends before going home. (''CcC'' is a small cup of thick, melted chocolate served with freshly fried sweet fritters used for dipping in the chocolate and should be tried, if only for the great taste.) Bars are mainly to have drink and a small ''tapa'' while socialising and decompressing from work or studies. Usually Spaniards can control their alcohol consumption better than their northern European neighbours and drunken people are rarely seen at bars or on the streets. A drink, if ordered without an accompanying tapa, is often served with a "minor" or inexpensive tapa as a courtesy. Size and price of tapas changes a lot throughout Spain. For instance, it's almost impossible to get free tapas in big cities like Valencia or Barcelona, excluding Madrid where there are several Tapa Bars although some are a bit expensive. You can eat for free (just paying for the drinks), with huge tapas and cheap prices at cities like Granada, Badajoz or Salamanca. The tapa, and the related pincho, trace their existence in Spain to both acting as a cover ("Tapa") on top of a cup of wine to prevent flies from accessing it, and as a requirement of law when serving wine at an establishment during the Middle Ages. ===Alcoholic beverages=== The Spanish '''[[Beer (beverage)|beer]]''' is well worth a try. Most popular local brands include San Miguel, Cruzcampo, Mahou, Ámbar, Estrella Galicia, Keller and many others, including local brands at most cities; import beers are also available. Spaniards often add lemon juice (Fanta limón, or lemon Fanta) to their beer. Particularly on hot summer days people will drink a refreshing "clara" which is a light beer mixed with lemon/lemonade. '''Cava''' is Spanish sparkling wine and the name went from Spanish Champagne to Cava was after a long lasting dispute with the French. The Spanish called it for a long time champan, but the French argued that champagne can be made only from grapes grown in the Champagne region in France. Nevertheless, Cava is a quite successful sparkling wine and 99% of the production comes from the area around [[Barcelona]]. '''Cider''' (Sidra) can be found in the [[Galicia]], [[Asturias]], [[Cantabria]] and [[Basque Country|País Vasco]]. Spain is a country with great '''[[wine]]'''-making and drinking traditions: 22% of Europe's wine growing area is in Spain, however the production is about half of what the French produce. For red wine in a bar, ask "un tinto por favor", for white wine "un blanco por favor", for rose: "un rosado por favor". '''Wine bars''' proper are more and more popular. In short, a wine bar is a sophisticated tapas bar where you can order wine by the glass. You will immediately see a blackboard with the wines that are available and the price per glass. '''Sangria''' is drink made of wine and fruits and usually is made from simple wines. You will find sangria in areas frequented by tourists. Spanish prepare sangria for fiestas and hot summer, and not every day as seen in touristic regions like [[Mallorca]]. Sangria in restaurants aimed for foreigners are best avoided, but it is a very good drink to try if a Spaniard prepares it for a fiesta! The pale '''sherry''' wine around Jerez called "fino" is fortified with alcohol to 15 percent. If you would like to have one in a bar you have to order a ''fino''. Manzanilla is bit salty, good as an aperitivo. Amontillado and Oloroso are a different types of sherry where the oxidative aging process has taken the lead. ==Sleep== {{infobox|What's the difference?|There are three names for hotel-like accommodation in large cities in Spain: ''hotel'', ''hostal'' and ''pension''. It is important not to confuse a hostel with a ''hostal''; a host'''e'''l offers backpacker-type accommodation with shared rooms, whereas a ''host'''a'''l'' is very similar to a guest house and is generally cheaper than a hotel.}} There are many types of tourist accommodation, ranging from hotels, pensions and rented villas, to camping and even monasteries. "7% VAT is not included" is a common trick for mid-range guesthouses and hotels: always check the small print when you choose your place to stay. VAT is IVA in Spanish. ===Small villages=== Besides the coasts, Spain is rich in small tourist-friendly ''inland'' villages, like [[Alquezar]]: with narrow medieval streets, charming silence and isolation, still good selection of affordable restaurants and accommodation. ===Casa rural, the [[bed and breakfast]] of Spain=== For a more homely sort of accommodation consider the casa rural. A casa rural is the rough equivalent to a bed and breakfast or a gîte. Not all houses are situated in the countryside, as the name implies. Some are situated in the smaller towns, and they are in virtually every province. Casas rurales vary in quality and price throughout Spain. In some regions, like [[Galicia]], they are strictly controlled and inspected. Other regions are not so thorough in applying their regulations. ===Hotels=== Many foreign visitors stay in hotels that have been organised by tour operators who offer package holidays to the popular resorts on the costas and islands. However, for the independent traveller, there are hotels all over the country in all categories and to suit every budget. In fact, due to the well developed internal and foreign tourism markets Spain may well be one of the best served European countries in terms of numbers and quality of hotels. ===Paradores=== A [http://www.parador.es/ ''parador''] is a state-owned hotel in Spain (rating from 3 to 5 stars). This chain of inns was founded in 1928 by the Spanish King Alfonso XIII. The unique aspects of paradores are their location and their history. Found mostly in historical buildings, such as convents, Moorish castles (like [[La Alhambra]]), or haciendas, paradores are the exact opposite of the uncontrolled development found in coastal regions like the [[Costa del Sol]]. Hospitality has been harmoniously integrated with the restoration of castles, palaces and convents, rescuing from ruin and abandonment monuments representative of Spain's historical and cultural heritage. [[File:Parador Santo Estevo, Nogueira de Ramuín.jpg|thumb|Parador de Santo Estevo, in the province of Orense (Galicia).]] For example the parador in Santiago de Compostela is located next to the Cathedral in a former royal hospital built in the year 1499. Rooms are decorated in an old-fashioned way, but nevertheless have modern facilities. Other notable paradores are in [[Arcos de la Frontera]], [[Ronda]], [[Santillana del Mar]] (Altamira cave) as well as more than one hundred other destination all over Spain. Paradores serve breakfast (about €10) and often have very good local cuisine typical of their region (about €25). Accommodation prices are good value, when you consider that the hotels are often found in the heart of scenic areas, varying from €85 for a double room to €245 for a twin room (like in [[Granada (Spain)|Granada]]). Two of the most beautiful paradors are in [[Leon (Spain)|Léon]] and [[Santiago de Compostela]]. There are some promotions available: * Over 60 year-olds can enjoy a discount. * Youngsters under 30 can visit the paradors at a fixed rate of €35 per person. * Two nights half board have a discount of 20%. * A dreamweek of 6 nights is cheaper. * 5 nights at €42 per person. The promotions do not always apply, especially in August they are not valid, and may require advance bookings. ===Hostels=== There are plenty of [[hostels]]. Prices vary from €15 to €25 per night. Spanish "hostales" are not really hostels, but more like unclassified small hotels (with generally no more than a dozen rooms). They can vary in quality from very rudimentary to reasonably smart. * {{sleep | name=Independent-hotels.info Spain | alt= | url=http://independent-hotels.info/spain/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= includes a fair number of good value independent hostales among the hotel listings. }} * {{sleep | name=Xanascat | alt= | url=http://www.xanascat.cat | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Regional Network of Youth Hostels of Catalonia if you are visiting Barcelona, Girona, Taragona or other locations in the region. }} ===Apartment rental=== Short-term, self-catering apartment rental is an option for travellers who want to stay in one place for a week or more. Accommodations range from small apartments to villas. The number of holiday rentals available depends on the area of Spain you are planning to visit. Although they are common in coastal areas, big capitals and other popular tourist cities, if you plan to visit small inland towns, you will find casas rurales more easily. ===Camping=== Camping is the least expensive lodging option. ==Stay safe== As per rest of the [[European Union#Stay safe|European Union]], all emergencies can be reported to the toll-free number '''112'''. ===Police=== [[File:2019 09 19 Cotxe de la Policia nacional aparcat sobre pas de vianants i carril bici 01.jpg|thumb|Police car of the National Police]] [[File:La Palma - El Paso - Calle Paso de Abajo 04 ies.jpg|thumb|Police car of the Guardia Civil]] There are four kinds of police in Spain: * ''Policía Municipal'' or ''Local'' (municipal/local police), In [[Barcelona]]: Guardia Urbana. Uniforms change from town to town, but they usually wear black or blue clothes with pale blue shirt and a blue cap (or white helmet) with a checkered white-and-blue strip. Local police keeps order and rules the traffic inside cities, and they can help in case you are lost and need some directions. Although you can't directly report [[crime]]s to them, they will escort you to the local ''Policia Nacional'' headquarters if required, and they will escort the suspects to be arrested also, if needed. * ''Policía Nacional'' (National Police) wear dark blue clothes and blue cap (sometimes replaced by a baseball-like cap), unlike Policía Municipal, they do not have a checkered flag around their cap/helmet. Inside cities, all offenses/crimes should be reported to them, although the other police forces would help anyone who needs to report an offense. * ''Guardia Civil'' (Civil Guard) keeps the order outside cities, in the country, and regulates traffic in the roads between cities. You would probably see them guarding official buildings, or patrolling the roads. They wear plain green military-like uniform; for ceremonial duties, officers wear a black hat (''tricornio'') resembling a toreador cap, a tradition dated back to the 19th Century, but most of them use green caps or white motorcycle helmets. The Guardia Civil likes to project a "tough guy" image and they are sometimes accused of excessive use of force. * Given that Spain has a high grade of political autonomy granted to its regional governments, four of them have created regional law forces: the Policía Foral in Navarre, the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, the Policía Canaria on the Canary Islands or the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia. These forces have the almost the same competences as the Policía Nacional in their respective territories. Additionally there is BESCAM (Brigadas Especiales de Seguridad de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid) in the Madrid region which sit somewhere between local police and a fully autonomous police of an autonomous region but carry their own uniforms and livery on vehicles. All kinds of police also wear high-visibility clothing ("reflective" jackets) while directing traffic, or in the road. Some thieves have been known to pose as police officers, asking to see wallets for identification purposes. If approached by someone claiming to be a police officer only show only your ID after the person has presented theirs; do not show your wallet or other valuables. If you are a victim of crime call 112. You can ask for a copy of the “denuncia” (police report) if you need it for insurance purposes, or to apply for replacement documents. Make sure that it is a “una denuncia” not a sworn declaration (una declaración judicial), as the latter may not be accepted as evidence of the crime for insurance purposes, or when applying for your new passport. ====Making a police report==== You can make a police report in three different ways: 1. In person. A list of police stations in the different regions of Spain is available here. English language interpreters are not always available at short notice: it may be advisable to bring a Spanish-speaking person with you. 2. By telephone: You can make a police report by phone in English {{phone|+34 901 102 112}}. The English language service is available 09:00-21:00, seven days a week. Once you have made your report, you will be instructed to pick up a signed copy of the report at your nearest police station. However, some crimes, particularly more serious crimes or those involving violence, can only be reported in person. 3. Online: You can also make a police report online, but in Spanish only. Some crimes, especially more serious crimes involving physical violence, must be reported in person. You can read further advice from the Spanish police on this [http://www.policia.es/consejos/consejos_in.html webpage]. === Permissions and documentation === [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-3442 Spanish law] strictly requires foreigners who are in Spanish territory to have documentation proving their identity and the fact of being legally in Spain. You must have that with you all the time because you may be asked by the Police to show those at any moment. If you don't carry it with you, you may be escorted to the nearest police station for identification. ===Safety=== Spain is a safe country, but you should take some basic precautions encouraged in the entire world: *Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you in order that an accomplice can rob you more easily. Theft, including violent theft, occurs at all times of day and night and to people of all ages. * Thieves prefer stealth to direct confrontation so it is unlikely that you will be hurt in the process, but exercise caution all the same. *There have been instances where thieves on motorbikes drive by women and grab their purses, so keep a tight hold on yours even if you don't see anyone around. * Try not to show the money you have in your wallet or purse. * Always watch your bag or purse in touristic places, buses, trains and meetings. A voice message reminding that is played in most of the bus/train stations and airports. * Large cities like Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and Sevilla, in particular, report many incidents of pick-pocketing, mugging, and violent attacks, some of which require the victim to seek medical attention. Although crimes occur at all times of day and night and to people of all ages, older and Asian tourists seem to be particularly at risk. * Do not carry large amounts of money with you, unless needed. Use your credit card (Spain is the first country in number of cash points and most shops/restaurants accept it). Of course, use it with caution. * Beware of [[pickpockets]] when visiting areas with large numbers of people, like crowded buses or the Puerta del Sol(in Madrid). In metro stations, avoid boarding the train near the exit/entrance to the platform, as this is often where pickpockets position themselves. * In Madrid and also in Barcelona, criminals target particularly people from the East Asia (especially China, S. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan ), thinking they carry money and are easy prey. [[File:Barcelona (4624904973).jpg|thumb|View of Barcelona]] * In Madrid, known high-risk locations for thieves are the Puerta del Sol area and surrounding streets, Gran Vìa, Plaza Mayor, near the Prado Museum, the Atocha train station, Retiro Park and on the subway. In Barcelona, thefts occur most frequently at the airport and on the airport shuttle bus (Aerobus), on Las Ramblas (often in Internet cafés), in Plaza Real and surrounding streets of the old city, on the subway, Barceloneta beach, Sagrada Familia church, and at the Sants train and bus station. * Theft from rental vehicles is high. Be vigilant in service areas on the highways along the coast. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities. * Don't hesitate to report crimes to local police, though the processing time is usually long. * In general, you must bear in mind that those areas with a larger number of foreign visitors, like some crowded vacation resorts in the East Coast, are much more likely to attract thieves than places which are not so popular among tourists. * Avoid women offering rosemary, refuse it always; they will read your future, ask for some money, and your pocket will probably be picked. Some women will also approach you on the street repeating "Buena suerte" ("good luck") as a distraction for another woman to try to pickpocket you. * A great tourist attraction is the Flea Market (el Rastro) in Madrid on the weekends. However, as it is nearly standing room only - it is also an attraction for pickpockets. They operate in groups... be extremely cautious in these tight market type environments as it is very common to be targeted... especially if you stand out as a tourist or someone with money. Try to blend in and not stand out and you will likely not be at as much risk. * Women who carry purses should always put the straps across their bodies. Always hold on to the purse itself and keep it in front of your body. Keep one hand on the bottom, as pickpockets can otherwise slit the bottom without you ever knowing. * Never place anything on the back of a chair or on the floor next to you, keep it on your person always. * If you must use an ATM, do not flash the money you have just picked up. * More foreign passports are stolen each year in Spain than anywhere else in the world, especially in Barcelona. Ensure that your passport is protected at all times. * In the event of a road-related incident, be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Thieves have been known to fake or provoke a flat tire, and when a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist’s car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a fake Good Samaritan stops to help a motorist in distress, only to steal the motorist’s car or belongings. * Incidents of drink spiking, followed by theft and sexual assault, have been reported. * Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they are not spiked; female travellers should be particularly watchful. Alcohol and drugs can make you less vigilant, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you drink, know your limit - remember that drinks served in bars are often stronger. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don't go off with people you don't know. ===Scams=== ''see also'' [[common scams]] Some people could try to take advantage of your ignorance of local customs. * In Spanish cities, all taxis should have a visible fare table. Do not agree a fixed price to go from an airport to a city: in most cases, the taxi driver will be earning more money than without a preagreed tariff. Many taxi drivers will also demand a tip from foreign customers or even from national ones on the way to and from the airport. You might round up to the nearest euro when paying though. * In many places of Madrid, especially near Atocha station, and also in the Ramblas of [[Barcelona]], there are people ('trileros') who play the "shell game". They will "fish" you if you play, and they will most likely pick your pocket if you stop to see other people play. * Before paying the bill in bars and restaurants, always check the bill and carefully scrutinise it. Some staff will often attempt to squeeze a few extra euros out of unsuspecting tourists by charging for things they did not eat or drink, or simply overcharging. This is true in both touristy and non-touristy areas. If you feel overcharged, bring it to their attention and/or ask to see a menu. It is also sometimes written (in English only) at the bottom of a bill that a tip is not included: remember that tipping is optional in Spain and Spanish people commonly leave loose change only and no more than a 5%-8% of the price of what they have consumed (not an American-style 15-20%), so avoid being fooled into leaving more than you have to. * Many tourists have reported lottery scams whereby they are contacted via the Internet or fax and informed that they have won a substantial prize in the Spanish lottery (El Gordo), when in fact they have never participated in the lottery. They are asked to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to pay taxes and other fees before collecting the prize or coming to Spain to close the transaction. * There have also been reports of a scam whereby a person is informed that he or she is the recipient of a large inheritance, and that funds must be deposited into a Spanish bank account so the inheritance can be processed. * In another common scam, some tourists have received a bogus email purportedly sent from an individual well known to them and claiming that he or she is in trouble and needs funds. ===Other things you should know=== * Spanish cities can be loud at night, especially on weekends, but the streets are generally safe even for women. * All businesses should have an official complaint form, in case you need it. It is '''illegal''' for a business to deny you this form. * In some cases, police in Spain may target people belonging to ethnic minorities for identity checks. People who are not "European-looking" can be stopped several times a day to have their papers checked on the pretext of "migration control". * The Spanish Government’s threat alert level indicates a ‘probable risk’ of terrorist attack. Potential targets include places frequented by expatriates and tourists and public transport facilities. A serious attack happened in 2004, bombs exploded on commuter trains in Madrid in March 2004, killing 192 people. This attack was attributed to Al Qaeda terrorist network. In 2007, a Spanish court found 21 people guilty of involvement in the bombings. Even though the chance of being in a terrorist attack is '''extremely low''' anywhere, you should only watch out in Madrid or Barcelona. * There has been an increase in political action and public demonstrations on a rolling basis throughout Spain. Demonstrations occur and have sometimes turned violent, mostly to police officers. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media. Strikes may occasionally lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. When a demonstration is planned or in progress you should seek advice on and avoid the routes marchers plan to take. You should also ensure to check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain. [[File:The evening rush.jpg|thumb|Evening rush in Madrid]] * Driving in Spain can be dangerous due to traffic congestion in urban areas, although driving is not particularly aggressive with the exception of common speeding. Be cautious when driving in Spain. Night driving can be particularly dangerous. The use of a mobile phone without a hands-free device can result in a fine and you being banned from driving in Spain. All drivers are required to carry, in the vehicle, a reflective vest and to use a reflective triangle warning sign if they need to stop at the roadside. * Be cautious when approached by someone who claims to be a police officer. On the road, you will always be stopped by an officer in a uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads ''Policía'' or ''Guardia Civil'', or ''Ertzaintza'' in the Basque Country, ''Mossos d'Esquadra'' in Catalonia, or ''Foruzaingoa/Policía Foral'' in Navarre. Most times they will have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights. In non-traffic-related matters police officers may be in casual clothes. Police officers do not have to directly identify themselves unless you ask them to. Should they request identification, they should be shown photographic ID. Your passport or your driver's licence will do, or your national ID card if you are from the European Union, though a passport is always preferred. You can get in trouble or be fined for not having any identification on you. If in any doubt, drivers should converse through the car window and contact the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Spanish National Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle. === Drugs === You can smell marijuana smoke at many street corners in major cities with police apparently unperturbed by it. Still, if you don't know local customs, it is quite possible that the police make a show of enforcing the law on you. Drug possession is also a perennial favorite of charging an arrestee with ''something'' when nothing else can be proven. In Spain, those who carry out acts of cultivation, processing or trafficking, or otherwise promote, favor or facilitate the illegal consumption of toxic drugs, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, or possess them for those purposes is a '''crime''' punished by the [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1995-25444 Penal Code]. It does not matter if you're a foreign person, you'll be prosecuted. Prison sentences or heavy fines are issues for these offences, with the possibility of being also ordered to leave the country and the prohibition to come back for up to 10 years. As stated in the [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-3442 Protection of the Citizens' Safety Act], the consumption of illegal drugs on public places is also prohibited. The illicit consumption or possession of toxic drugs, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, even if they were not destined for traffic, in places, roads, public establishments or public transport, as well as the abandonment of the instruments or other effects used in said places will be fined from €601 up to €30,000. Police are allowed by law to conduct body searches in case they suspect you're carrying drugs according to said laws. Likewise the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the street, or in places, roads, establishments or public transport when it seriously disrupts public tranquillity is fined up to €600. These rules are actively enforced. ==Stay healthy== * Pharmaceuticals are not sold at supermarkets, only at 'farmacias' (pharmacies/chemists), identified with a green cross or a Hygeia's cup. Nearly every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy; for those that close at night, the law requires a poster with the address of the nearest pharmacy, possibly in one of the nearby streets or towns. * People from the European Union and a few more European countries can freely use the public health system, if they have the appropriate European Health Insurance Card. The card does not cover treatment in private hospitals. Agreements are established to treat people from a few American countries. * '''However, do not hesitate to go to any healthcare facility should you be injured or seriously ill, as it would be illegal for them not to treat you, even if you are uninsured.''' You (or your country if Spain has a Treaty on the matter) will have to pay for the service later, however. * Although many visitors travel to Spain for the warm climate, it can be cold in winter, especially in the Central Region and in the North, and in some places it is also rainy in summer. Remember to travel with adequate clothes. * In summer, avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time to prevent [[Sunburn and sun protection|sunburn and heatstroke]]. Drink water, walk on the shady side of street and keep a container of sun cream (suntan lotion) handy. The '''[[tap water]]''' in Spain is safe and of a drinkable quality. The water in some southern regions of the country, however, is sometimes sourced from salt water which can have a high mineral content. This can cause upset stomachs in those not used to this. While high mineral content water is safe to drink regardless, locals in these areas will often drink bottled water instead as it tastes better. Bottled water is readily available to buy in most areas and in a variety of brands. ===Smoking=== Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces and places of work, in public transportation, and in outdoor public places near hospitals and in playgrounds. Smoking is also banned in outdoor sections of bars and restaurants. Smoking is banned in television broadcasts as well. ==Respect== Generally speaking, Spaniards are widely regarded as welcoming and friendly. ====Culture and identity==== Spaniards are generally '''neutral communicators'''. They're comfortable with expressing their opinions and emotions on something, and they expect the same from you. While this may give you the impression that Spanish people are confident and sociable, you should make every effort to be tactful with your words as they are sensitive to being beckoned directly. In conversational settings, it is common for people to interrupt or talk over one another. Shouting to make oneself heard is common, as is the use of swear words. You may also find that it is common for people to give you advice on all kinds of things. For instance, you can expect people to tell you what to see and where to go. At first, this may come across as annoying, but the information that Spaniards provide is meant to help you in a good way, not lay traps for you. Family values are important to many Spaniards. Passing unwarranted comments and/or criticisms about someone's family members is considered rude. Spaniards, especially the young, generally feel a linguistic and cultural connection to Latin America. However, most will be quick to point out that Spain is a European nation, not a Latin American one and that all Spanish-speaking countries are different and have particularities of their own. Spaniards are not as religious as the media sometimes presents them, and modern Spanish society is for the most part rather secular, but they are and always were a mostly Catholic country (73% officially, although only 10% admit practising and only 20% admit being believers); respect this and avoid making any comments that could offend. In particular, religious festivals, Holy Week (Easter), and Christmas are very important to Spaniards. Tolerance of all religions should be observed, especially in large urban areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville or Malaga (where people and temples of all beliefs can be found) or different regions in southern Spain, which may have a sizable Muslim population (which accounts for almost 4% of the country's population). [[File:Ayuntamiento de Madrid - Rainbow flag - 170627 204010.jpg|thumb|The rainbow flag on Madrid's city hall]] Despite being a Catholic majority country, '''homosexuality''' is quite tolerated in Spain and public display of same-sex affection would not likely stir hostility. A 2013 Pew survey of various countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East found that Spain had the highest percentage of people who believed homosexuality should be accepted by society, at 88%. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 and the government provides legal benefits to same-sex couples. However, this does not always necessarily mean that all Spaniards are friendly to gays; while homophobic aggressions are rare, they still happen. Cities are more tolerant of homosexuality than rural areas, Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country are much more tolerant but overall Spain is gay-friendly. As in any other place, elderly people do usually have far more conservative points of view. The Madrid pride parade is one of the largest in the world. Overall, Spain is one of the '''safest countries for LGBT tourists'''. Avoid talking about the former colonial past and especially about the "Black Legend." Regardless of what you may have heard Spain had several ministers and military leaders of mixed race serving in the military during the colonial era and even a Prime Minister born in the Philippines (Marcelo Azcarraga Palmero). Many Spaniards take pride in their history and former imperial glories. People from Spain's former colonies (Latin America, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, Western Sahara and Northern Morocco) make up a majority of foreign immigrants in Spain (58%) along with the Chinese, Africans and Eastern Europeans. Equally, Spain is one of the main investors and economic and humanitarian aid donors to Latin America and Africa. '''Bullfighting''' (Spanish: ''Tauromaquia'') is seen by many Spaniards as a cultural heritage icon, but the disaffection with bullfighting is increasing in all big cities and obviously among animal activist groups within the country. Many urban Spaniards would consider bullfighting a show aimed at foreign tourists and elderly people from the countryside, and some young Spaniards will feel offended if their country is associated with it. To illustrate how divided the country is, many Spaniards point to the royal family: former king Juan Carlos and his daughter are avid fans, while his wife and son King Felipe VI do not care for the sport. Bullfights and related events, such as the annual San Fermin Pamplona bull-runs, make up a multi-million euro industry and draw many tourists, both foreign and Spanish. In addition, bullfighting has been banned in the northeastern region of Catalonia as well as in several towns and counties all over the country. Take care when mentioning the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975 as well as the Civil War of 1936-1939. This was a painful past as Franco ruled Spain with an iron fist, executing many Spaniards who violated the anti-democratic laws of the regime. It was also a notable period of economic growth in the final years of Franco's regime, and some older Spaniards may have supportive views of him. The Republican flag (red, yellow, purple, either with or without a coat of arms) can be seen hanging from balconies and bought at some souvenir shops. However, it is not an uncontroversial symbol and associated with leftism, often showing up at leftist demonstrations. No symbols from the Franco era are officially forbidden, but using or displaying them is associated with far right extremists. The possibilities of '''[[Catalonia|Catalan]]''' independence, '''[[Basque Country|Basque]]''' independence, and '''[[Galicia|Galician]]''' independence are extremely sensitive issues among many in Spain. You should avoid discussing them where possible. If anything surrounding these subjects is brought up by someone, it's best to stay neutral. Virtually everyone in Spain, regardless of region, is able to speak '''Castilian Spanish''', albeit not always as a mother tongue. In Catalonia, some Catalans prefer to not speak Spanish at all, and will reply to Spanish-speaking interlocutors in Catalan; this is usually a political statement, rather than a lack of Castilian language ability. Foreigners are given a bit more leeway, but there are still some Catalans who'd rather have a conversation in English than Spanish if those are the only options for communication. The political status of Gibraltar is a particularly sensitive issue. Most Spaniards consider Gibraltar to be Spanish sovereign territory that is illegally occupied by Britain. Most Gibraltarians on the other hand are both proud Brits and proud Europeans - a situation made infinitely more awkward by Brexit which passed against near unanimous Gibraltarian opposition. Avoid discussing the Spanish monarchy. Many are generally opposed to the Spanish royal family, although there are some who are staunchly monarchist. Due to the Bourbon dynasty's identification with centralism, supporters of Catalan and Basque independence often don't have a good word to say about them. ====Socialising==== It is customary to kiss friends, family, and acquaintances on both cheeks upon seeing each other and saying goodbye. Male-to-male kisses of this sort are limited to family members or to very close friends; otherwise a firm handshake is expected instead (same as in France or Italy). Spaniards are keen to maintain physical contact while talking, such as putting a hand on your shoulder, patting your back, etc. These should be taken as signs of friendship done among relatives, close friends and colleagues. Spaniards will probably feel comfortable around you more quickly than other Europeans and you may even be receive an offensive comment or even an insult (''cabrón'') for a greeting shortly after meeting someone in an informal environment, especially if it is a young person or a male. '''You should not feel offended by this''', as it is interpreted as proof that you have such a close relationship that you can mess with each other without repercussions. You should reply with a similar comment (never anything serious or something that will genuinely hurt the person) or just greet them. Do not go around insulting people, though, as you will also find people who do not like it. It is recommended that you never do this first as a foreigner and just wait until you get it. Generally, your instinct will be able to distinguish between a joke and a genuine aggression. When in a car, the elderly and pregnant always ride in the passenger's seat, unless they request not to. Spaniards are not as punctual as Northern Europeans, but generally you are expected to arrive no more than ten minutes late, and being punctual will always be received positively. It is especially important to be punctual the first time you meet with someone. As a rule of thumb, you should expect people to be more punctual as you go north and less punctual as you go south. If you are staying at a Spaniard's home, bring shoes to wear inside such as slippers. Walking around barefoot in the house is viewed as unsanitary. Walking in socks may be acceptable in a close friend's house, but you should always ask first. It is acceptable for women to '''sunbathe topless''' in beaches, but full nudity is only practised in "clothing-optional" or nudist beaches. ====Eating and drinking==== During lunch or dinner, Spaniards do not begin eating until everyone is seated and ready to eat. Likewise, they do not leave the table until everyone is finished eating. Table manners are otherwise standard and informal, although this also depends on the place you are eating. When the bill comes, it is common to pay equally, regardless of the amount or price each has consumed (''pagar a escote''). When Spaniards receive a gift or are offered a drink or a meal, they usually refuse for a while, so as not to seem greedy. This sometimes sparks arguments among especially reluctant people, but it is seen as polite. Remember to offer more than once (on the third try, it must be fairly clear if they will accept it or not). On the other hand, if you are interested in the offer, politely smile and decline it, saying that you don't want to be a nuisance, etc., but relent and accept when they insist. Spaniards rarely drink or eat in the street. Bars will rarely offer the option of food to take away but "tapas" are easily available. Taking leftovers home from a restaurant is uncommon but has somewhat less of a stigma than it used to. One asks for "un taper" (derived from "Tupperware") or "una caja." Older Spaniards are still likely to frown on this. Appearing drunk in public is generally frowned upon. ==Cope== Among Spaniards, lunch time is usually between 13:00 and 14:30 (it could be as late as 15:15) while dinner time is between 20:30 and 21:30. However, in special celebrations, dinner can be as late as 22:00. Lunch is considered the biggest and most important meal of the day, instead of dinner. Almost all small businesses close between 14:30 and 17:00, so plan your shopping and sight-seeing accordingly. Shopping malls and supermarkets, however, are usually open from 09:30 to 21:00 or 22:00, and in the larger cities several shops are open 24 hr daily, usually owned by Chinese immigrants. Spanish cities can be noisy in some areas; you might want to check before booking a room. ==Connect== === Wi-Fi === Wi-Fi points in bars and cafeterias are available to customers, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi connection in common areas for their guests. Be conscious of security when using a laptop in an outdoor location. === Mobile phones and SIM cards === Cheap mobile phones (less than €50) with some pre-paid minutes are sold at any phone operator's shop and can be purchased without many formalities (ID is usually required). Topping-up is then done by buying scratch cards from the small stores "Frutos Secos," supermarkets, vending points (often found in tobacco shops) or kiosks -- recharging using the Web or an ATM does not work with foreign credit cards. The three mobile phone networks in Spain are [http://www.vodafone.es/autonomos/es Vodafone], Movistar and Orange. === Discount calling === "Locutorios" (call shops) are widely spread in bigger cities and touristy locations. In Madrid or Toledo it's very easy to find one. Making calls from "Locutorios" tend to be much cheaper, especially international calls (usually made through VoIP). They are usually a good pick for calling home. Prepaid calling cards for cheap international calls are widely available in newsagents or grocery stores around the city. Ask for a "tarjeta telefonica". {{geo|40.4|-3|zoom=6}} {{isPartOf|Iberia}} {{related|Cycling_in_Spain}} {{usablecountry}} o25zn7fjyd5j6kqmjxiehiwznuv1b0y 4487922 4487916 2022-07-21T20:04:35Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay healthy */ ce wikitext text/x-wiki {{COVID-19 box| All travellers entering Spain by air or sea need to show either an EU COVID digital certificate or a QR code from registration at the [https://www.spth.gob.es/ Spain Travel Health website]. Only vaccinated or recovered travellers may enter Spain from most countries outside the EU/EEA. From other EU/EEA countries, a negative test is also accepted for travel. More information: *[https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/ Travel Safe] *[https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare]|lastedit=2022-05-31}} {{pagebanner|Cardejón banner1.jpg|caption=Cardejón}} '''[http://www.spain.info Spain]''' ([[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]: ''España'') is famous for its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, its cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous folklore and festivities, and its history as the core of the vast [[Spanish Empire]]. Spain shares the [[Iberia]]n Peninsula with [[Andorra]], [[Gibraltar]], and [[Portugal]]. It has the second-largest number of [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] after [[Italy]] and the largest number of World Heritage Cities. ==Regions== Spain is a diverse country with contrasting regions that have different languages and unique historical, political and cultural traditions. Because of this, Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities (''comunidades autónomas''), plus two autonomous cities. As a result, some even describe Spain as a "federation without federalism". Some of the autonomous communities—notably the ones which have other official languages alongside Spanish—have been recognised as "historical nationalities" that have a unique historical identity. These include the Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia, the Valencian region, Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Aragon and the Canary Islands. Spain's many regions can be grouped as follows: {{Regionlist| regionmap=Spain map.png | regionmaptext=Regions of Spain | regionmapsize=400px | region1name=[[Green Spain]] | region1color=#add17b| region1items=[[Galicia]], [[Asturias]], [[Cantabria]] | region1description= Mild climate, stark mountains, and ties to the sea.| region2name=[[Northern Spain]] | region2color=#9572bc | region2items=[[Aragon]], [[Basque Country]], [[Navarre]], [[La Rioja (Spain)|La Rioja]] | region2description= Known for its cuisine and for landscapes ranging from the beaches of [[San Sebastián]] to the wineries of [[La Rioja (Spain)|La Rioja]].| region3name=[[Eastern Spain]] | region3color=#ae7472 | region3items=[[Catalonia]], [[Valencia (region)|Valencia]], [[Murcia (region)|Murcia]] | region3description= Impressive Roman ruins and popular Mediterranean beaches. | region4name=[[Central Spain]] | region4color=#b1a267 | region4items=[[Community of Madrid]], [[Castile-La Mancha]], [[Castile and Leon]], [[Extremadura]] | region4description= With a more extreme climate than elsewhere in Spain, this region is dominated by the capital, [[Madrid]]. | region6name=[[Andalusia]] | region6color=#6886be | region6items= | region6description= Full of history, including Moorish architecture and Arab-influenced culture, as well as mountains and beaches. | region7name=[[Balearic Islands]] | region7color=#009991 | region7items=[[Mallorca]], [[Menorca]], [[Ibiza]], [[Formentera]] | region7description= Super-popular Mediterranean beach destinations. | region8name=[[Canary Islands]] | region8color=#de7d7d | region8items=[[Tenerife]], [[Gran Canaria]], [[Fuerteventura]], [[La Gomera]], [[Lanzarote]], [[La Palma]], [[El Hierro]] | region8description= Volcanic islands off the coast of Africa, a popular escape from mainland Spain. | region9name=[[Spanish North Africa]] | region9color=#000000 | region9items=[[Ceuta]], [[Melilla]], Crag of Vélez de la Gomera, Crag of Alhucemas, Chafarinas Islands, Alboran Island | region9description=Spanish exclaves along the coast of [[Morocco]]. | }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#add17b|title=[[Green Spain]]|wikidata=Q3934,Q3946,Q3908|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9572bc|title=[[Northern Spain]]|wikidata=Q4040,Q3995,Q5727,Q4018|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ae7472|title=[[Eastern Spain]]|wikidata=Q5705,Q5772,Q5720|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b1a267|title=[[Central Spain]]|wikidata=Q5756,Q5748,Q5739,Q5777|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#6886be|title=[[Andalusia]]|wikidata=Q5783|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#009991|title=[[Balearic Islands]]|wikidata=Q8828,Q52636,Q52631,Q52626|stroke-opacity=0.1}} <!-- too far away for this map ... {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#de7d7d|title=[[Canary Islands]]|wikidata=Q5813|stroke-opacity=0.1}} --> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#000000|title=[[Spanish North Africa]]|wikidata=Q28914407|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== <!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS LIST without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. There is a hard limit of NINE in cities lists.--> [[File:Cuatro Torres Business Area.JPG|thumb|At the heart of [[Madrid]]'s business district, the '''Four Towers Business Area''' are the tallest in Spain]] Spain has hundreds of interesting cities. Here are nine of the most popular: *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Madrid]]|url=|lat=40.383333|long=-3.716667|wikidata=Q2807}} — the vibrant capital, with fantastic museums, interesting architecture, great food and nightlife *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Barcelona]]|url=|lat=41.383333|long=2.183333|wikidata=Q1492}} — Spain's second city, full of modernist buildings, a vibrant cultural life, festivals, and beaches *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bilbao]]|url=|lat=43.256944|long=-2.923611|wikidata=Q8692}} — former industrial city, home to the Guggenheim Museum and other cultural features; main Basque city *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Córdoba (city, Spain)|Córdoba]]|url=|lat=37.883333|long=-4.766667|wikidata=Q5818}} — Also called Cordova, The Grand Mosque ('Mezquita') of Cordoba is one of the world's finest buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Granada]]|url=|lat=37.178056|long=-3.600833|wikidata=Q8810}} — stunning city in the south, surrounded by snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, home of La Alhambra *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Málaga]]|url=|lat=36.719444|long=-4.42|wikidata=Q8851}} — the heart of flamenco with the beaches of the Costa del Sol *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Seville]]|url=|lat=37.377222|long=-5.986944|wikidata=Q8717}} (Spanish: Sevilla) — a beautiful, verdant city, and home to the world's third largest cathedral *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Valencia]]|url=|lat=39.466667|long=-0.375|wikidata=Q8818}} — paella was invented here, has a very nice beach *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Zaragoza]]|url=|lat=41.65|long=-0.883333|wikidata=Q10305}} — also called Saragossa. The fifth largest city of Spain that held the World Expo in 2008 <!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS LIST without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. There is a hard limit of NINE in cities lists.--> ==Other destinations== <!--Other destinations sections are for non-city/town/village destinations. All municipalities should be removed from this list and replaced with notable other destinations, such as national parks, islands, etc. The list also should not exceed nine items.--> [[File:Alcázar de Segovia, situado en la Ciudad vieja de Segovia. Patrimonio Mundial por la UNESCO.jpg|thumb|The majestic profile of this '''Castilian Alcázar''' has soared above [[Segovia]] since the twelfth century]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa Blanca]]|url=|lat=|long=|wikidata=Q918717}} — 200 km of white coast with plenty of beaches and small villages *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa Brava]]|url=|lat=42.0228|long=3.22449|wikidata=Q216884}} — the rugged coast with plenty of seaside resorts *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa del Sol]]|url=|lat=36.79|long=-4.48|wikidata=Q215254}} — the sunny coast in the south of the country *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gran Canaria]]|url=|lat=27.966667|long=-15.6|wikidata=Q178925}} — known as "a continent in miniature" due to its many different climates and landscapes *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ibiza]]|url=|lat=38.98|long=1.43|wikidata=Q52631}} — a Balearic island; one of the best places for clubbing, raving, and DJs in the entire world *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mallorca]]|url=|lat=39.616667|long=2.983333|wikidata=Q8828}} — the largest island of the Balears, full of amazing beaches and great nightlife *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sierra Nevada (Spain)|Sierra Nevada]]|url=|lat=37.05|long=-3.3|wikidata=Q26955}} — the highest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula, great for walking and skiing *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Tenerife]]|url=|lat=28.268611|long=-16.605556|wikidata=Q40846}} — offers lush forests, exotic fauna and flora, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, beautiful coastlines and spectacular beaches <!--Other destinations sections are for non-city/town destinations. All municipalities should be removed from this list and replaced with notable other destinations. The list also should not exceed nine items.--> <br clear="right" /> ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationSpain.svg}} With great beaches, mountains, campsites, ski resorts, superb weather, varied and fun nightlife, many cultural regions and historic cities, it is no wonder that Spain is the most popular tourist destination in Europe for any kind of trip. A country of large geographic and cultural diversity, Spain may come as a surprise to those who only know of its reputation for great beach holidays and almost endless sunshine. There is everything from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and deserts in the south east. While summer is the peak season, those who wish to avoid the crowds should consider visiting in the winter as not only is it normally mild and sunny, but attractions such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and La Gran Mezquita in Cordoba will not be overcrowded. However the ski resorts of Sierra Nevada do get very crowded. The Mediterranean climate that predominates in Southern and Central Spain is noted for its dry summers and (somewhat) wet(ter) winters, so visiting in the winter or spring brings the added benefit of the vegetation looking much more healthy. Northern Spain (e.g. Asturias) on the other hand gets quite a bit of rain year round and is ripe with lush green vegetation even in August. ===History=== Some of the earliest known remains of ''Homo'' of any kind ''in Europe'' have been found in Spain. Spain is also thought to have been the last refuge of the Neanderthals, and one of the few places that were inhabitable and inhabited throughout the ice ages. ====Early Spain and Roman Era==== {{seealso|Roman Empire}} The earliest inhabitants of the Iberian peninsula we have any profound knowledge of were Iberians, Celts (related to the Gaulish, Britannic and Central European Celts in language and culture) and Basques. As most of these groups had little to no written records we only know of them due to the descriptions of the Greek, Punic and later Roman settlers and conquerors, who colonised Spain from the South starting in the 3rd century BC. [[Latin Europe|Roman culture]] lasted on the peninsula for roughly half a millennium, when in the age of migrations the Visigoths conquered the Roman province of ''Hispania''. ====Visigoth Spain==== Most inhabitants of the area kept speaking Latin or rather Latin-derived languages/dialects and only a handful of Germanic words entered the Spanish language (''"ganso"'' being the most commonplace). Soon after their conquest, the Visigoths formed a number of rival "kingdoms" and petty noble states in almost constant conflict in ever-shifting shaky alliances with or against one another, giving rise to constant wars. ====Muslim conquest and "al-Andalus"==== [[File:Alhambra palace and surrounding area.jpg|thumbnail|Alhambra and the city of Granada]] {{seealso|Islamic Golden Age}} In 711 one Visigoth ruler apparently called for the Umayyad Muslims to help in his fight against a rival. (Which one is unclear, as the historical records for this era in Spain are scarce and there are for example no contemporary Muslim sources whatsoever.) This proved more successful than he could have imagined, and by the end of the 8th century most of the peninsula was in Muslim hands. While the almost 800 years of divided rule by Christian and Muslim rulers on the Iberian peninsula was by no means peaceful, the modern narrative of a somehow concerted effort to "regain" the "lost lands" for Christendom was never the first, second or any priority for the majority of the Christian rulers. As a matter of fact, many times Christian rulers entered into alliances with Muslim rulers against other Christian rulers and vice versa. While the situation for Muslims in Christian lands and vice versa and Jews in either depended very much on the mood of the ruler and could lie anywhere on a range from benevolent ignorance to murder and expulsion, religious minorities had it a lot better in Spain than in most of the rest of Europe at that time. In fact the Sephardi Jews (named after the Hebrew word for Spain) were at that time not only one of the most important groups inside Spain in terms of science and education, but also dominant among the [[Judaism|Jewish people, worldwide]]. During that time an estimated 90% of Jews were Sephardi. (In the 19th century, on the other hand, roughly 90% of Jews were Ashkenazim [German and Eastern European, and primarily Yiddish-speaking].) However, this period ended when through conquest and marriage the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon as well as a couple of minor Christian lands were united and their rulers started a war of conquest against the Muslim rulers. The union of the numerous Christian kingdoms is commemorated in the modern Spanish coat of arms, which is an amalgamation of the coats of arms of the four main kingdoms prior to the union, namely the kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, León and Navarre. In the process of re-conquering Spain, many of the great mosques and synagogues were desecrated and converted into Christian churches. Some of the most glorious historical attractions in Spain date from the period of Muslim rule, including '''The Mezquita''', built as the Great Mosque of [[Córdoba (city, Spain)|Córdoba]] and the '''Medina Azahara''', also in Córdoba and now in ruins but still visitable as such and built as the Madinat al-Zahra, the Palace of al-Andalus; and the '''Alhambra''' in [[Granada]], a splendid, intact palace. There are also two synagogues still standing that were built during the era of Muslim Spain: '''Santa María la Blanca''' in [[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]] and the '''Synagogue of Córdoba''', in the Old City. ====Reconquista and Imperial era==== This so called "reconquista" was completed in 1492 with the fall of Granada, and all Jews were forced to leave Spain or convert that year; by 1526, all Spanish Muslims had suffered the same fate. 1492 also marks the point when Spain started to become the world's strongest empire with territories in [[North America|North]], [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], [[Africa]], and the [[Philippines]] (named after Spanish king Felipe II). The "new Christians" as they were called were often not sincere in their largely forced conversions and to ensure religious "purity", the notorious Spanish inquisition was set up. <!-- which nobody expected!--> Genetic studies made in modern times suggest that a large percentage of modern Spaniards have at least partial Jewish and/or Muslim ancestry, which might surprise some, as the concept of being a "true Christian" (rather than a "converso") soon began to get hereditary overtones, with the expulsion of all the descendants of forced converts from Islam in 1609. Under the House of Habsburg, Spain became a personal union with the [[Austrian Empire]], and reached its height of power in Europe during the 16th and early 17th centuries, controlling much of [[Benelux]] and [[Italy]]. Spain was weakened as the House of Habsburg lost the [[Thirty Years' War]] in 1648. Spain was further weakened by ineffective governance, religious intolerance that drove out the erstwhile prosperous and productive Jewish and Muslim minorities and hampered free inquiry and - paradoxically - Latin American gold and silver that devalued the currency and still couldn't cover war expenses. The Spanish Habsburgs - prone to marrying inside the family, thus accumulating inheritable diseases - died out when Charles II was unable to produce an heir, which like many of his other afflictions was likely a result of incest. Most powers of Europe fought for the possibility to put one of their own on the Spanish throne, with the House of Bourbon doing it. The Bourbons would attempt a reform of their many domains gaining some successes but enraging those who had held onto old privileges of local autonomy or feudal rights. The colonisation of Central and South America and of [[Mexico]] was particularly profound, with the deaths of millions of native people through disease, war and outright murder as the Spanish sought riches in these 'undiscovered' lands. Today many of the countries in this area are defined by Hispanic language and culture (Spanish is today the world's second most spoken native language after Mandarin and before English, and Catholicism dominates throughout the former Spanish colonies). ====Crises of the 19th century==== With the death of Charles III in 1788, Spain lost its last monarch with will, energy and capability for a long time at a crucial juncture - the French Revolution would break out the next year. His successor Charles IV tried at first to maintain some of his father's policies but ultimately saw more fun in hunting than politics. Soon politics in Spain would come to be dominated by Prime Minister Manuel de Godoy who was rumored to have an affair with the queen. Meanwhile Charles' son, Ferdinand VII was chomping at the bit to replace his father as king, which earned him the contempt of the latter. In 1808 Ferdinand seemed to have briefly succeeded in replacing the hated Godoy and his father but Napoleon Bonaparte invited the two quarrelling kings to Bayonne under the pretext of mediating but forced both to abdicate in favor of his brother Joseph Bonaparte. Many among Spain's elites were having none of it and set up ''Juntas'' to maintain a government nominally loyal to Spanish monarchy. The liberal constitution of Cadiz 1812 was drafted in those years and as Ferdinand was willing to promise everyone everything to return to the throne, he came to be known as "the Desired One", with high hopes that he would rule as a liberal citizen-king under the constitution of Cadiz. Ferdinand never intended any such thing and his heavy-handed policies brought the wrath not only of his Spanish subjects but even of those ''Juntas'' in Latin America that had been set up without making up their mind whether to support a restoration of Bourbon rule or independence - only certain that they would oppose Napoleon and his regime. When Ferdinand died in 1833 he left a nominally absolute monarchy with an unhappy population which had lost most of its colonies to a not-yet three year old Isabella II. Immediately some hyper-conservative elements but also those in the Basque country who wanted back the old ''fuero'' autonomy refused to back Isabella's claim on account of her being female, giving birth to the "Carlist" movement. The 19th century saw independence movements fight back against the kingdom of Spain, with leaders such as Simón Bolívar and Augustín de Iturbide successfully creating new independent nations throughout Latin America. By 1898 Spain lost the majority of its remaining territories during the Spanish-American War: it lost [[Cuba]] and then sold [[Puerto Rico]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Guam]] to the [[United States]]. The war of 1898 was a huge shock to Spanish culture and shattered Spain's self-image of a first-rate power, and it thus inspired a whole literary movement known as the generation of '98. For much of this time, Spain was not really ''one'' realm so much as ''several'' realms which shared a monarch. While the monarch had broad powers, there was no such thing as "absolute" monarchy in Spain and the various regions - notably the Basque country - had numerous special privileges and autonomies granted either to "the people", a local lord or "free men". This proved complicated to resolve when Spain became a Republic and it is still an issue with which Spain is grappling in the 21st century. [[File:Sagrada Familia Eixample from Montjuic.jpg|thumb|Sagrada Familia, the Gaudi masterpiece in the [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]] region of [[Barcelona]].]] ====The 20th century==== Spain experienced a devastating civil war between 1936 and 1939 that killed half a million Spaniards and ushered in more than 30 years of dictatorship under Generalissimo Francisco Franco. The civil war began from a mostly failed coup in Spanish North Africa (today part of Morocco) against Spain's left-wing republican government supported by the popular front (a popular front was in those days a regime including communist, socialist, liberal, Christian Democrat and even conservative parties and originated in France as a response to fascism, though the parties in power in July 1936 were Izquierda Republicana and Unión Republicana, two centre-left wing republican parties, supported by PSOE; the communist party had just 17 seats). The fascist side was led by a group of generals; however, some of them soon died in plane crashes or were pushed to the side by Franco. Although the League of Nations (a precursor of today's United Nations) attempted to make intervention impossible, Mussolini's Italy and Nazi Germany ignored this by aiding the nationalist (Franco) side, while the Soviet Union and to some extent Mexico provided aid to the Republican (popular front) side. The Republican side called for volunteers in the so-called "international brigades", and around 20,000 Brits, Americans, Frenchmen and even Germans joined the fight on their side. However, the Republican side was plagued by lack of weapons and ammunition (some of their rifles were produced in the 19th century), by infighting between communists and anarchists, and by Stalinist purges ordered by the super-paranoid supporters of Republican Spain in Moscow. As many people of that generation fought in the Spanish Civil War or covered it as – often blatantly biased – war correspondents (including George Orwell, Ernest Hemingway and later German chancellor Willy Brandt) there is a lot of well-written literature (and some films), which while not always historically accurate, manage to perfectly capture the spirit of vain idealism that made many of the interbrigadistas go to Spain in the first place. Just as the [[American Civil War]] gave a breakthrough for photojournalism, [[World War I]] for news radio and World War II for the newsreel, the Spanish Civil War made its mark on journalism, literature and arts. The Reina Sofia museum in Madrid has an exhibition for artistic expressions of the war, with Picasso's ''Guernica'' – produced for the republican Spanish pavilion at the 1937 world exhibition in Paris – as its centrepiece. The war was won for Franco through superior fire-power and with military aid from the Nazis (including the war-crime of bombing [[Guernica]]). Franco managed to unify the not at all homogeneous nationalist forces behind his less-than-charismatic leadership and hold onto power through the [[World War II in Europe|Second World War]] (in which he stayed neutral) until his death. He was succeeded by King Juan Carlos. The Spanish Civil War is still in some sense an open wound as it was hardly ever talked about during the days of Franco's regime. To this day, conservatives and Catholics (the Republicans were pretty anti-clerical) are sometimes apologetic about Franco and the "necessity" of the war. Franco's legacy was that the historically important regional identities and languages (such as Catalan and Basque) were brutally suppressed and a policy of strong national identity under the Spanish/Castilian language was promoted. Many republican soldiers and supported continued fighting until the mid 50s in the so called maquis, in 1944 there was even an attempt to invade Spain from France through the Vall d'Aran in 1944 which was quickly suppressed by the Guardia Civil. Violent groups such as ETA (see below) started their activity in the 60s during Franco's time, there was also an increasing protest movement in the last years of franquism. Franco oversaw Spain's rapid economic expansion with its industrialisation in the 1960s. Spain's messy divorce from its African colonies in the last years and days of Franco's life is also one of the reasons for the conflict in [[Western Sahara]], a former Spanish colony. Franco named Juan Carlos as his successor in 1969, with Juan Carlos being crowned king shortly after Franco's death. Shortly after King Juan Carlos – to the surprise of many – insisted on the country becoming a parliamentary democracy with a figurehead king as nominal head of state, right-wing generals tried to overthrow the nascent democracy on 23 February 1981 in what is now known as 23F. One of the most striking images of the coup was the general Tejero storming into the Congress of Deputies at the head of 200 Guardia Civil members and interrupting the vote to replace centre-left Adolfo Suarez with centre-right Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo for Prime Minister. The coup failed mostly due to lack of popular support and because the king – in his capacity of commander-in-chief – appeared on television in full uniform to order the soldiers back into their barracks, thus throwing his lot in with democracy. This resulted in a lot of support for the king personally even among otherwise republican-inclined Spaniards for most of his reign. However, the monarchy is rather unpopular among the autonomist or independist movements of Catalonia or the Basque Country. Spain entered NATO (though not the EU or any of its predecessors) in 1981, which Calvo-Sotelo. The ruling centre-right party UCD under Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo badly misjudged the Andalusian desire for regional self-government and thus lost the 1982 election, in one of the biggest popular vote landslides in any modern democracy, to the leftist PSOE. This led to the formation of Partido Popular (PP) from the rubble left behind by the temporary collapse of the centre-right. PSOE was led at that time by the relatively youthful Andalusian Felipe González and enjoys a strong basis of support in Andalusia to this day. With the peaceful transition to democracy after Franco's death, the restrictions on regional identity were lifted, with autonomy granted to several regions, and the regional languages gaining co-official status in their respective areas. The nature of the transition meant that there was little justice for those who had suffered under the Franco dictatorship and divisions still remain. The Basque Country in Spain's north that had begun violent resistance in 1959 against Franco continued its campaign of bombings and assassinations into the democratic era with the terrorist ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna; Basque for Basque Country and Freedom) group, despite the region having been provided with a high degree of autonomy. The group declared a ceasefire in 2011 and the armed struggle appears over for the time being. Even in the "democratic" 1980s, (under longtime Prime minister Felipe González [PSOE 1982–1996]) the Spanish government responded with methods that are now known to have included "death squadrons" to combat terrorism. ====Uncertain times in the third millennium==== In the 2000s there was more economic expansion and a housing price boom that subsequently collapsed, leaving Spain with high unemployment and economic difficulties. The economically important Catalan region has become louder in its demands for independence. In 2017/18 this conflict erupted as the central government had worked to annul key aspects of a more extensive statute of autonomy while parts of the Catalan parliament held an independence referendum, deemed "illegal" by opponents of independence. The central government cracked down heavily on the independence movement and several people involved in the referendum were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. ====Migration==== Spain holds a historical attachment to its neighbours on the Iberian Peninsula, [[Andorra]] and [[Portugal]], to its former colonies, to former citizens and their descendants, and to a special category of former citizens, namely Sephardic Jews. The population of Spain is growing in large part due to migration by people from relatively poor or politically unstable areas of Latin America, such as [[Colombia]], [[Cuba]], [[Ecuador]], [[El Salvador]] [[Nicaragua]], [[Peru]] or [[Venezuela]]; other parts of Europe, especially Eastern Europe; and Africa and Asia, particularly areas that have a historical or linguistic attachment to Spain. There is also an important segment of immigration that consists mainly of retired people, and people running businesses for them and foreign tourists, coming from wealthier European countries such as the [[United Kingdom]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Benelux]] and the [[Nordic countries]], established all along the Mediterranean shore, especially in the [[Costa Blanca]], [[Costa del Sol]], the [[Canary Islands]] and the [[Balearic Islands]], particularly in the summer months. Internally there have always been migrations from poorer rural areas (such as Andalusia) to the cities and to jobs in construction and tourism. Due to the economic crisis of the 2000s and 2010s, youth unemployment has risen to unbearable levels in the 50% range and quite a number of young people have semi-permanently fled the country to other European Union countries such as Germany to study, work or do internships either until things get better in Spain or forever. In the latter half of the 2010s there were tentative signs of economic improvement with some economic emigrants returning to Spain. ==Talk== {{seealso|Spanish phrasebook}} {{infobox|I'm so pregnant|Many English words have their origins in Latin, which makes it easy for English speakers to guess the meanings of many Spanish words. However, Spanish and English also have a number of false friends that one needs to be aware of to avoid embarrassing mistakes. <br> *'''embarazada''' – pregnant; ''not'' embarrassed <br> *'''preservativo''' – condom; ''not'' preservative <br> *'''bizarro''' – brave; ''not'' bizarre <br> *'''librería''' – bookshop; ''not'' library<br> *'''carta''' - letter; ''not'' card<br> *'''éxito''' - success, ''not'' exit<br> *'''parada''' - stop, ''not'' parade *'''ropa''' - clothes, ''not'' rope *'''carpeta''' - folder, ''not'' carpet}} The official and universal language used in Spain is Spanish (''español'') which is a member of the Romance family of languages (others include Portuguese, Italian, French, and Romanian). Many people, especially outside Castile, prefer to call it '''Castilian''' (''castellano''). However there are a number of languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, etc.) spoken in various parts of Spain. Some of these languages are dominant and co-official in their respective regions, though most people will be bilingual in their local language and Spanish. Catalan, Basque and Galician are recognised as official languages according to the Spanish constitution. With the exception of Basque (whose origins are still debated), the languages of the Iberian Peninsula are part of the Romance family and are fairly easy to pick up if you know Castilian well. * '''[[Catalan phrasebook|Catalan]]''' (Catalan: ''català'', Castilian: ''catalán''), a distinct language similar to Castilian but more closely related to the Oc branch of the Romance Languages and considered by many to be part of a dialect continuum spanning across Spain, France, and Italy and including the other langues d'oc such as Provençal, Beàrnais, Limousin, Auvernhat and Niçard. Various dialects are spoken in the northeastern region of [[Catalonia]], the [[Balearic Islands]], and [[Valencia (region)|Valencia]] (where it is often referred to as ''Valencià''), east of [[Aragon]], as well as neighbouring [[Andorra]] and southern France. To a casual listener, Catalan superficially appears to be a cross of Castilian, French and Portuguese and though it does share features of all three, it is a separate language. * '''[[Galician phrasebook|Galician]]''' (Galician: ''galego'', Castilian: ''gallego''), very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in [[Galicia]] and the western portions of [[Asturias]] and [[Leon_(Spain)|León]]. Galician predates Portuguese and is deemed one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese language family group which includes Brazilian, Southern Portuguese, Central Portuguese, and Galician. While the Portuguese consider it a dialect of Portuguese, Galicians consider their language independent. * '''[[Basque phrasebook|Basque]]''' (Basque: ''euskara'', Castilian: ''vasco''), a language unrelated to Castilian (or any other known language in the world), is spoken in the three provinces of the [[Basque Country]], on the two adjacent provinces on the French side of the Spain-French border, and in Navarre. Basque is considered a language isolate unrelated to any Romance or even Indo-European language. * '''[[Asturiano phrasebook|Asturiano]]''' (Asturiano: ''asturianu'', Castilian: ''asturiano'', also known as ''bable''), spoken in the province of [[Asturias]], where it enjoys semi-official protection. It was also spoken in rural parts of [[León (Spain)|León]], [[Zamora (Spain)|Zamora]], [[Salamanca]], in a few villages in Portugal (where it is called Mirandes) and in villages in the extreme north of [[Extremadura]]. While the constitution of Spain explicitly protects Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the term Catalan, Galician, and Castilian, it does not explicitly protect Asturian. Still, the province of Asturias explicitly protects it, and Spain implicitly protects it by not objecting before the Supreme Court. * '''[[Aragonese phrasebook|Aragonese]]''' (Aragonese: ''aragonés'', Castilian: ''aragonés'', also known colloquially as ''fabla''), spoken in the north of [[Aragon]], and is not officially recognised. This language is close to Catalan (specially in [[Benasque]]) and to Castilian, with some Basque and Occitan (southern France) influences. Nowadays, only a few villages near the [[Pyrenees]] use the language vigorously, while most people mix it with Castilian in their daily speech. * '''[[Aranese phrasebook|Aranese]]''' (Castilian: ''Aranés'', Catalan/Aranese Occitan: ''Aranès''), spoken in the Aran Valley and recognised as an official language of Catalonia (not of Spain), alongside Catalan and Castilian. This language is a variety of Gascon Occitan, and as such is very closely related to Provençal, Limousin, Languedoc, and Catalan. In addition to the native languages, many languages such as English, [[French phrasebook|French]], and [[German phrasebook|German]] are commonly studied in school. However, Spaniards are not known for their proficiency in foreign languages, and it is very rare to find locals conversant in foreign languages outside of tourist establishments or major international hotels. That being said, most establishments in Spain's important tourist industry usually have staff members who speak a decent level of English, particularly in popular beach resorts such as those in the [[Costa del Sol]] where you will find people who are fluent in several languages, the most common ones being German and French. As [[Portuguese phrasebook|Portuguese]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are closely related to Spanish, if you speak either of these languages, locals would be able to puzzle you out with some difficulty. German is spoken in some areas frequented by German tourists, such as Mallorca. In general, people who speak two national languages (e.g. Basque and Castilian or Catalan and Castilian) are more likely to speak a foreign language than monolingual Spanish speakers. Castilian Spanish differs from the '''Latin American Spanish''' varieties in pronunciation and grammar, although all Latin American varieties are easily understood by Spaniards and vice-versa. While the differences in spelling are virtually non-existent, the differences in words and pronunciation between "Spanish-Spanish" and "Latin-Spanish" are arguably bigger than those between "American" and "British" English. French is the most widely understood foreign language in the northeast of Spain. The Basque region and northern Catalonia in particular have sizable populations that speak French. Locals will appreciate any attempts you make to speak their language. For example, know at least the Castilian for "good morning" (''buenos días'') and "thank you" (''gracias''). ==Get in== ===Entry requirements=== {{infobox|Minimum validity of travel documents|* EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need only produce a passport or national identity card that is valid on the date of entry. * Other nationals must produce a passport that is valid for the entirety of their stay in Spain. * More information about the minimum validity of travel documents is on the [http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx Spanish government website].}} {{Schengen}} EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who enter Spain on a national identity card, who are under 18 years old and travelling without their parents are required to have written parental consent. For more information, visit this [http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain]. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles are permitted to work in Spain without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries. A stay of longer than 90 days for non-EEA or Swiss citizens almost invariably requires an advance visa. If one stays for longer than 6 months, a residence permit ('''Titulo de Residencia''') must be obtained within the first 30 days of entering Spain. There are a number of ways to get into Spain. From neighbouring European countries, a drive with the car or a train ride is feasible; from a number of Mediterranean countries more or less [[Ferries in the Mediterranean|regular ferry connections]] are available; visitors from further away will probably be using air travel. ===By plane=== [[File:Torre de control de Madrid-Barajas - 01.jpg|thumb|Control tower of [[Madrid–Barajas Airport|Madrid-Barajas]]]] Spain's flag carrier is '''[http://www.iberia.com Iberia]''', and its two other main airlines are '''[http://www.vueling.com Vueling]''' and '''[http://www.aireuropa.com Air Europa]'''. There are many airlines connecting from most European countries, Africa, the Americas and Asia. Virtually all European low cost carriers provide frequent services to Spain including: [https://www.tui.co.uk/flight/ '''TUI Airways'''], '''[http://www.easyjet.com EasyJet]''', '''[http://www.ryanair.com Ryanair]''', '''[http://wizzair.com Wizz Air]''' and '''[http://www.jet2.com Jet2.com]'''. The busiest airports are [[Madrid–Barajas Airport]], [[Barcelona El Prat]], [[Palma de Mallorca#By plane|Palma de Mallorca]] and [[Malaga#By plane|Malaga]], followed by [[Seville#By plane|Seville]], [[Valencia#By plane|Valencia]], [[Bilbao#By plane|Bilbao]], [[Alicante#By plane|Alicante]] and [[Santiago de Compostela#By plane|Santiago de Compostela]]. For mainland Spain, Madrid Barajas ({{IATA|MAD}}), Barcelona ({{IATA|BCN}}) and Malaga ({{IATA|AGP}}) are your most likely ports of entry, as they have by far the highest number of international flights. For the islands, you will most likely directly arrive at an airport on the island, without connecting through another Spanish airport. If your destination does not have a direct flight, you can make use of Iberia's [[rail air alliance]] with Renfe. Searching for your destination directly on the Iberia website will give you flights with a connecting train service automatically. ===By train=== ''see also'' [[rail travel in Europe]] [[File:AVE in spain.jpg|thumb|AVE in Spain (Spanish High Speed)]] The [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/ train system] in Spain is modern and reliable, most of the trains are brand new and the punctuality rate is one of the highest in Europe, the only problem is that not all the populated areas have a train station; sometimes small towns don't have one, in those cases you need to take a bus. Another issue with the Spanish Rail network is that the lines are disposed in a radial way so almost all the lines head to Madrid. That's why sometimes travelling from one city to another geographically close to it might take longer by train than by bus if they are not on the same line. Always check whether the bus or the train is more convenient. The Spanish [[high speed rail]] system is, however, more reliable than that of - say - Germany, because the gauge of traditional and high speed trains is different and thus high speed lines are only used by high speed passenger trains meaning fewer delays due to congested lines or technical problems. All lines that cross the border into France have either a break of gauge (thus making changing train or a lengthy gauge change necessary) or are high speed, thus making the high speed trains the vastly preferable option to cross the border. Trains between Barcelona and France are operated jointly by SNCF and RENFE and both sell tickets for any international train on that route. Spain has numerous rail links with neighbouring Portugal, none of them high speed. There are only three rail links with France, one at [[Hendaye]] on a traditional line requiring a break of gauge, a connection used for local traffic near Latour de Carol (this is the closest rail line to [[Andorra]]) and one near [[Figueres]] for high speed trains. The former two see the occasional [[sleeper train]] while the latter sees the vast majority of passenger travel and all high speed trains. The former link through the Pyrenees near [[Canfranc]] has been abandoned but the former border station at Canfranc is still served from the Spanish site and worth a visit if you're a railway enthusiast or history buff. ===By bus=== Virtually all companies operating [[Intercity buses in France]] including [http://www.ouibus.com Ouibus] and even German player [http://www.flixbus.de Flixbus] offer buses to/from Spanish destinations. Spanish operators with international connections include [https://www.alsa.es/en/our-destinations/international Alsa] and [http://www.linebus.es/ Linebus]. Generally speaking the buses will be reasonably save and may even have WiFi or electric outlets at your seat, but if your main concern is anything but cost, opt for a train or plane instead as the former is both vastly more comfortable and faster and the latter is still a lot faster and can even be cheaper, if you manages to travel on carry-on only. Buses generally have greater luggage allowances than the airlines, but then again, you'd have the same advantage taking the train. ===By boat=== From the UK, [http://www.brittanyferries.com/ Brittany Ferries] offers services from [[Portsmouth]] and [[Plymouth (England)|Plymouth]] to [[Santander]] and from [[Portsmouth]] to [[Bilbao]]. The journey time from [[Portsmouth]] to [[Santander]] is approximately 24 hours. Spain is also well connected by ferry to Northern Africa (particularly [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]) and the [[Canary Islands]] which are part of Spain. Routes are also naturally available to the Spanish Balearic islands of [[Mallorca]], [[Minorca]], [[Ibiza]] and [[Formentera]]. Another popular route is from [[Barcelona]] to [[Genoa]]. {{related|Ferries in the Mediterranean}} ==Get around== ===By train=== [[File:Red actual de ferrocarriles de España.svg|thumb|Spain's rail network. Green is narrow gauge, red is Iberian gauge and blue is standard gauge - all standard gauge lines are high speed]] * '''[http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/ Renfe]''' is the Spanish national rail carrier. Long-distance trains always run on time, but be aware that short-distance trains (called ''Cercanías'') can bear long delays, from ten to twenty minutes, and especially in the Barcelona area, where delays up to 30 minutes are not uncommon. To be safe, always take the train before the one you need. It also manages '''FEVE''' narrow-gauge trains which mainly run near the northern Atlantic coast (from Ferrol to Bilbao). Buying tickets online with a foreign credit card may be difficult, however, those with a PayPal account may find it easier to pay using the website. Renfe also operates the '''AVE''' [[High-speed rail|high speed trains]], whose network radiates out of Madrid to the major cities along the coasts - Spain boasts the second-longest high speed network (behind [[China]]) and has constructed a lot of new lines until the economic downturn at the end of the 2000s. The AVE is easily the fastest option wherever it goes (faster even than flying in most cases) but can be on the expensive side. Tickets don't go on sale until 30 days before departure, and few discount tickets are available. * '''FGC''' operates several local routes near Barcelona. On these places where both Renfe and FGC operate, usually FGC provides more trains per hour, has better punctuality records and stations are closer to the city centres; on the other side, trains are slower and single fares are more expensive. * '''FGV''' provides local services in Valencia area uncovered by Renfe and a tram service in Alicante. * '''Euskotren''' operates affordable services from Bilbao to Gernika, Bermeo and San Sebastian plus a line connecting San Sebastian with Irun and Hendaye (France). The Bilbao - San Sebastian trip is about 2hr 40min while buses connect the cities in around just an hour, although bus tickets cost about twice as the train. All but the whole Bilbao - San Sebastian line run twice an hour with extra trains on peak hours. <!--there are plans for new "low cost" rail services by both RENFE and SNCF. Someone should add them--> ===By bus=== The least expensive way to get around most parts of Spain is by bus. Most major routes are point to point, and very high frequency. There are many companies serving within certain autonomous communities or provinces of the country on multiple routes or on a single route going from a major city to several surrounding villages and towns. The following operators serve more than a single region: * {{listing | name=ALSA | alt=formerly Continental Auto | url=http://www.alsa.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 422242 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=Largest bus company with point to point routes across the country and alliances with various other regional companies and/or subsidiary brands. }} * {{listing | name=Grupo Avanza | alt= | url=http://www.avanzabus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 020999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=Operates buses between Madrid and the surrounding autonomous communities of Extremadura, Castile-Leon, Valencia (via Castile-Leon). In some areas they operate through their subsidiary brands of Alosa, Tusza, Vitrasa, Suroeste and Auto Res. }} * {{listing | name=Socibus and Secorbus | alt= | url=http://www.socibus.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 229292 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=These companies jointly operate buses between Madrid and western Andalucia including Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva and Seville. }} At the bus station, each operator has its own ticket counter or window and usually a single operator from here to a particular destination. Therefore, the easiest is to ask the staff who will be happy to tell you who operates which route and point you to a specific desk or window. You can also see what is all available on [http://www.movelia.es Movelia.es] or see "By bus" under "Getting in" or "Getting Around" in the article for a particular autonomous community region, province or locale. It is usually not necessary or more advantageous to book tickets in advance as one can show up and get on the next available bus. Most bus companies can be booked in advance online. however English translation on their websites is patchy at best. ===By boat=== Wherever you are in Spain, from your private yacht you can enjoy gorgeous scenery and distance yourself from the inevitable crowds of tourists that flock to these destinations. May is a particularly pleasant time to charter in the regions of Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and the Balearic Islands as the weather is good and the crowds have yet to descend. The summer months of July and August are the hottest and tend to have lighter winds. There is no low season for the [[Canary Islands]], as the weather resembles springtime all year round. If you would like to bareboat anywhere in Spain, including the Balearic or Canary Islands, a US Coast Guard License is the only acceptable certification needed by Americans to bareboat. For everyone else, a RYA Yacht Master Certification or International Certificate of Competence will normally do. Although a skipper may be required, a hostess/chef may or may not be necessary. Dining out is strong part of Spanish custom and tradition. If you are planning on docking in a port and exploring fabulous bars and restaurants a hostess/cook may just be useful for serving drinks and making beds. Extra crew can take up valuable room on a tight ship. === By car === {{seealso|Driving in Spain}} In major cities like [[Madrid]] or [[Barcelona]] and in mid-sized ones like [[San Sebastian]], moving around by car is expensive and nerve-wracking. Fines for improper parking are uncompromising (€85 and up). Access by car has been made more difficult by municipal policies in Barcelona and Madrid in the 2010s. The positive effects on the urban fabric of those policies have proven widely popular, so expect more of this. [[File:Red española de autopistas y autovías2.PNG|thumb|Spanish network of motorways]] Having a driving map is essential - many streets are one-way; left turns are more rare than rights (and are unpredictable). Getting around by car makes sense if you plan to move from one city to another every other day, ideally if you don't plan to park overnight in large cities. It also doesn't hurt that the scenery is beautiful and well worth a drive. With a good public transport network that connects to (almost) all points of interest for travellers, you might ask yourself whether driving is really worth the cost and the hassle, as you are often much faster by train than by car. There are two types of highway in Spain: ''autopistas'', or motorways, and ''autovías'', which are more akin to expressways. Most autopistas are toll roads while autovías are generally free of charge. In some autonomous communities whether a highway is tolled depends on whether the central or regional government built and operates them. To a foreigner the system can seem rather confusing. <!--is there signage at least?--> Tolls often work out to "odd" Euro amounts leading you with a lot of copper coins if you pay cash. Speed limits range from 50 km/h (30 mph) in towns to 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on roads and 120 km/h (75 mph) on autopistas and autovías. Starting from May 2021 all roads with only one lane per direction inside built up areas will have a blanket speed limit of {{kmh|30}}. Spaniards are somewhat notorious for seeing traffic infractions such as speeding, second row parking or red light infractions as "minor", but the government is increasingly cracking down on this kind of behavior and police will have a field day writing a ticket to a foreigner who doesn't speak the language. Gasoline/petrol costs in the range of €1.32/L in Jan 2020, and diesel costs €1.25/L. Filling procedure for gas stations varies from brand to brand. At Agip, you first fill the tank yourself, and then pay inside the shop. === By thumb === Spain isn't a good country for [[Tips for hitchhiking|hitchhiking]]. Sometimes you can wait many hours. Try to speak with people at gas stations, parking lots, etc. They are scared and suspicious, but when you make them feel that they don't need to be afraid, they gladly accept you and mostly also show their generosity. In the south of Spain, in and around the Alpujarras, hitchhiking is very common and it is also very easy to get a ride. As long as you can speak a bit of Spanish and don't look too dirty or frightening, you should be able to get a ride moderately easily. === By bicycle === Spain is a suitable country for cycling, and it is possible to see many cyclists in some of the cities. Cycling lanes are available in most mid-sized and large cities, although they are not comparable in number to what you can find in for example central Europe. Depending on where you are in Spain, you could face a very mountainous area. Much of central Spain is very flat, though elevated, but towards the coast the landscape is often very hilly, especially in the north. There are several options for touring in Spain by bicycle: guided or supported tours, rent bicycles in Spain or bring your own bike, or any combination. Supported tours are ubiquitous on the web. For unsupported tours a little Spanish helps a lot. Shoulder seasons avoid extremes of temperature and ensure hotel availability in non-tourist areas. Good hotels are €35–45 in the interior, breakfast usually included. ''Menú del día'' meals are €8–10 eating where the locals eat. Secondary roads are usually well paved and have good shoulders, and as a rule Spanish drivers are careful and courteous around touring cyclists. Road signs are usually very good and easy to follow. [[File:Bicisvalenbisi.jpg|thumb|Bike rental station in Valencia]] Most municipalities in Spain, towns and cities are modernising their streets to introduce special lanes for bicycles. Bike share systems with usually quite reasonable prices are also being installed in cities throughout the country. === By taxi === All the major cities in Spain are served by taxis, which are a convenient, if somewhat expensive way to get around. That being said, taxis in Spain are more reasonably priced than those in say, the [[United Kingdom]] or [[Japan]]. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or any other foreign languages, so it would be necessary to have the names and/or addresses of your destinations written in Spanish to show your taxi driver. Likewise, get your hotel's business card to show your taxi driver in case you get lost. ==See== The most popular beaches are the ones along the Mediterranean coast, in the Balearic Islands and in the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, for hiking, the mountains of Sierra Nevada in the south, the Central Cordillera and the northern Pyrenees are the best places. ===Historic cities=== [[File:Spain Andalusia Cordoba BW 2015-10-27 13-54-14.jpg|thumbnail|Mezquita in Córdoba]] [[File:AcueductoSegovia edit1.jpg|thumbnail|Segovia aqueduct]] Historically, Spain has been an important crossroads: between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, between North Africa and Europe, and as Europe began colonising the New World, between Europe and the Americas. The country thus is blessed with a fantastic collection of historical landmarks — in fact, it has the second largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites and the largest number of World Heritage Cities of any nation in the world. In the south of Spain, Andalusia holds many reminders of old Spain. '''[[Cadiz]]''' is regarded as one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in western Europe, with remnants of the Roman settlement that once stood here. Nearby, '''[[Ronda]]''' is a beautiful town atop steep cliffs and noted for its gorge-spanning bridge and the oldest bullring in Spain. '''[[Cordoba (city, Spain)|Cordoba]]''' and '''[[Granada (Spain)|Granada]]''' hold the most spectacular reminders of the nation's Muslim past, with the red-and-white striped arches of the Mezquita in Cordoba and the stunning Alhambra palace perched on a hill above Granada. '''[[Seville]]''', the cultural centre of Andalusia, has a dazzling collection of sights built when the city was the main port for goods from the Americas, the grandest of which being the city's cathedral, the largest in the country. Moving north across the plains of La Mancha into Central Spain, picturesque '''[[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]]''' stands as perhaps ''the'' historical centre of the nation, a beautiful medieval city sitting atop a hill that once served as the capital of Spain before Madrid was built. North of Madrid and an easy day-trip from the capital city is '''[[El Escorial]]''', once the centre of the Spanish empire during the time of the Inquisition, and '''[[Segovia]]''', noted for its spectacular Roman aqueduct which spans one of the city's squares. Further north in Castile-Leon is '''[[Salamanca]]''', known for its famous university and abundance of historic architecture. Galicia in northwestern Spain is home to '''[[Santiago de Compostela]]''', the end point of the old [[Way of St. James]] (''Camino de Santiago'') pilgrimage route and the supposed burial place of St. James, with perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in all of Spain at the heart of its lovely old town. Northeastern Spain has a couple of historical centres to note: '''[[Zaragoza]]''', with Roman, Muslim, medieval and Renaissance buildings from throughout its two thousand years of history, and '''[[Barcelona]]''' with its pseudo-medieval [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Barri Gòtic]] neighbourhood. Be prepared to have your luggage scanned airport style at the entrance of most museums. There's usually a locker where you can (or must) leave your bags. ===Art museums=== [[File:Hemispheric - Valencia, Spain - Jan 2007.jpg|thumb|L'Hemisfèric, in The City of Arts and Sciences (Spanish: Ciudad de Las Artes y Las Ciencias) (Valencia)]] Spain has played a key role in Western art, heavily influenced by French and Italian artists but very distinct in its own regard, owing to the nation's history of Muslim influence, Counter-Reformation climate and, later, the hardships from the decline of the Spanish empire, giving rise to such noted artists like El Greco, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. In the last century, Spain's unique position in Europe brought forth some of the leading artists of the Modernist and Surrealist movements, most notably the famed Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. [[File:Museo Guggenheim con el puente de la Salve en primer plano.jpg|thumb|Guggenheim Museum with Salve Bridge in the foreground (Bilbao)]] Today, Spain's two largest cities hold the lion's share of Spain's most famous artworks. Madrid's [[Madrid#Museum_Triangle|Museum Triangle]] is home to the '''Museo del Prado''', the largest art museum in Spain with many of the most famous works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya as well as some notable works by Italian, Flemish, Dutch and German masters. Nearby sits the '''Reina Sofía''', most notable for holding Picasso's ''Guernica'' but also containing a number of works by Dalí and other Modernist, Surrealist and abstract painters. The Prado goes back to the former royal collection and the Reina Sofia Museum is named for King Juan Carlos' wife, in practice the dividing line between the two is largely one of era, with anything made roughly after the birth of Picasso found in the Reina Sofia and everything else in the Prado. Barcelona is renowned for its stunning collection of modern and contemporary art and architecture. This is where you will find the '''Picasso Museum''', which covers the artist's early career quite well, and the architectural wonders of '''Antoni Gaudi''', with their twisting organic forms that are a delight to look at. Outside of Madrid and Barcelona, the art museums quickly dwindle in size and importance, although there are a couple of worthy mentions that should not be overlooked. Many of El Greco's most famous works lie in '''[[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]]''', an easy day trip from Madrid. ''The Disrobing of Christ'', perhaps El Greco's most famous work, sits in the Cathedral, but you can also find work by him in one of the small art museums around town. [[Bilbao]] in the Basque Country of northern Spain is home to a spectacular '''Guggenheim Museum''' designed by Frank Gehry that has put the city on the map. A day trip from Barcelona is the town of [[Figueres]], noted for the '''Salvador Dalí Museum''', designed by the Surrealist himself. [[Málaga]] in the south is Picasso's city of birth, and is also home to two museums dedicated to his life and works. ===Archaeological sites=== * Ampurias, excavations of a Greek and Roman town, Roman basilica, temples of Asclepios and Serapis, (between Gerona and Figueras, Catalonia) * Antequetera, La Menga and Viera dolmens, * Calatrava la Nueva, well preserved medieval castle, * Calatrava la Vieja, remains of the Arab town, castle of the order of Calatrava, * Clunia, Roman town with forum, shops, temple, public bath houses and Roman villa, * Fraga, Roman villa, Bronze Age settlements, * Gormaz, Arab castle, * Italica, Roman town with amphitheatre, city walls, House of the Exedra, House of the Peacocks, Baths of the Moorish Queen, House of the Hylas, temple complex (near Sevilla), * Merida, Roman city, Roman bridge, Amphitheatre, Hippodrome, House of the Amphitheatre, House of the Mithraeum with mosaics, aquaeducts, museum * San Juan de los Banos, Visigoth church (between Burgos and Valladolid), * San Pedro de la Nave, Visigoth church (near Zamora), * Santa Maria de Melque, Visigoth church, * Segobriga (Cabeza del Griego), Roman town, Visigoth church, museum (between Madrid and Albacete) * Tarragona, Roman town with “Cyclopean wall”, amphitheatre, hippodrome, form and triumphal arch, ===Sports=== ====Football==== {{see also|Association football in Europe}} Spain's '''[http://www.laliga.es/en La Liga]''' is one of the strongest association football leagues in the world, boasting world-class teams like '''[http://www.realmadrid.com/en Real Madrid]''' and '''[https://www.fcbarcelona.com/ FC Barcelona]''' that play to sold-out crowds on a weekly basis. The rivalry between the two aforementioned clubs, known as '''''El Clásico''''', is undoubtedly one of the most intense in the world as a result of the long history of political conflict behind it. Other noteworthy clubs include Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, and Sevilla. The Spanish national team is also one of the strongest in the world, being able to draw the best players from its league. It long had a reputation of always failing to win big games, but this reputation has been pretty much shattered by its wins in the 2008 and 2012 European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup. ====Basketball==== Spain also has a strong basketball tradition, with Spanish clubs generally doing well in European competition, and the Spanish national team also being one of the best in Europe. Many of the top football clubs in Spain also have basketball teams, and as with their football counterparts, both Real Madrid Baloncesto and FC Barcelona Bàsquet are among Europe's most successful basketball teams. ====Handball==== {{see also|Handball in Europe}} Spain is among the most successful Handball nations on earth, although it may not always reach the level of play of some Nordic or ex-Yugoslavian countries or Germany. The [http://asobal.es/ Liga Asobal], Spain's national handball league is among the toughest in the world. ====Cycling==== Spain is home to one of the three grand tours on the international cycling calendar, the '''[http://www.lavuelta.com/la-vuelta/2016/us/ Vuelta a España]'''. ===Itineraries=== * [[Via de la Plata Route]] Historic 800-km route from [[Gijón]] to [[Sevilla]]. * [[Way of St. James]] ==Do== ===Festivals=== Spain has a lot of local festivals that are worth going to. * {{listing | type=do | name=Semana Santa | alt=''Holy week'' | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-04-20 | content=Visit Spain when many processions take place in cities and Christians march through the streets in the evening with replicas of Jesus on their shoulders and play music. Make sure to book ahead since accommodations fill up quickly during that time and often nothing is left shortly before the celebrations. Notorious cities to see the best processions are [[Málaga]], [[Girona]], [[Cádiz]], [[Seville]] and the rest of [[Andalusia]]; but it's also interesting in [[Valladolid (Spain)|Valladolid]] (silent processions) and [[Zaragoza]] (where hundreds of drums are played in processions). }} * '''Córdoba en Mayo''' ([[Cordoba (city, Spain)|Cordoba]] in May) - great month to visit the Southern city * '''Las Cruces''' (1st week in May) - big flower-made crosses embellishing public squares in the city centre, where you will also find at night music and drinking and lot of people having fun! * '''Festival de Patios''' - one of the most interesting cultural exhibitions, 2 weeks when some people open doors of their houses to show their old Patios full of flowers * '''Cata del Vino Montilla-Moriles''' - great wine tasting in a big tent in the city centre during one week in May * '''Dia de Sant Jordi''' - The Catalan must. On 23 April [[Barcelona]] is embellished with roses everywhere and book-selling stands can be found in the Rambla. There are also book signings, concerts and diverse animations. * '''Fallas''' - [[Valencia]]'s festival in March - burning the "fallas" is a must [[File:6 Falla Plaza del Ayuntamiento 2012.JPG|thumb|Falla of the Town Hall Square 2012 (Valencia)]] * '''[[Málaga]]'s August Fair''' - flamenco dancing, drinking sherry, bullfights * '''San Fermines''' - July in [[Pamplona]], [[Navarra]]. * '''Fiesta de San Isidro''' - 15 May in [[Madrid]] - a celebration of [[Madrid]]'s patron saint. * '''Carnival''' - best in [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]] and [[Cádiz]] * '''Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos''' (Three wise men parade) - on the eve of Epiphany, 5 January, the night before Spanish kids get their Christmas presents, it rains sweets and toys in every single town and city * '''San Sebastian International Film Festival''' - held annually in [[San Sebastian]], a gorgeous city in the Basque Country, towards the end of September * '''La Tomatina''' - a giant tomato fight in [[Buñol]] * '''Moros y Cristianos''' (Moors and Christians, mostly found in Southeastern Spain during spring time) - parades and "battles" remembering the fights of medieval ages * In '''[[Galicia]]''' 85 festivals take place throughout the year from wine to wild horses. ===Holidays=== '''New Year eve''': "Nochevieja" in Spanish. There's a tradition in Spain to eat grapes as the clock counts down the New Year, one grape for each of the last 12 seconds before midnight. For this, even small packs of grapes (exactly 12 grapes per pack) are sold in supermarkets before New Year. La Puerta del Sol, is the venue for the New Year's party in Spain. At 23:59 sound "los cuartos (In Spanish)" some bells announcing that it will begin to sound the 12 chimes (campanadas in Spanish). While sounding "los cuartos", moves down from the top chime of the clock, with the same purpose as "los cuartos" sound will indicate that "las campanadas". That will sound at 24:00 and that indicate the start of a new year. During each chime must eat a grape, according to tradition. Between each chime, there is a time span of three seconds. "Las Campanadas", are broadcast live on the main national TV channels, as in the rest of Spain, people are still taking grapes from home or on giant screens installed in major cities, following the chimes from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid. [[File:Nochevieja puertadelsol 2006.jpg|thumb|Start the New Year in La Puerta del Sol (Madrid)]] After ringing "las campanadas", starts a fireworks extravaganza. This is a famous party in Spain and is a great time to enjoy because show is secured in the centre of the capital of Spain. ===Outdoor activities=== * '''Canyoning''': see [[Canyoning#Spain|Spain section in the Canyoning article]] * '''Climbing''' in: [[Los Mallos]] ([[Aragon]]) and [[Siurana]] (near [[Barcelona]]) * '''Football''' (soccer): The most popular sport in Spain, with both the Spanish league and national team being among the strongest in the world. * '''Whitewater sports''' in: [[Campo]], [[Murillo de Gallego]] ([[Aragon]]) * '''Hiking''' in Galicia * '''Downhill skiing''': There are a lot of downhill skiing resorts in Spain. Skiing in the northern region of Spain ===Scuba diving=== For a treat, try Costa Brava and the world renowned Canary Islands. ==Work== Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can work in Spain without having to secure a work permit. Everyone else, however, needs to apply for a work permit. Despite the presence of two European behemoths in Madrid and Barcelona, the Spanish job market is weak for such a developed nation. Finding a job in Spain is quite tough, owing the country's fragile economic situation. Unemployment is high (16.2% as of August 2020), and salaries are quite low compared to other western European countries. For these reasons, many Spaniards have emigrated to other countries in search of better opportunities. Tourism is an important economic sector which disproportionately employs foreigners but which took a hit in the Covid crisis. Owing to its sunny climate, Spain is one of Europe's largest agricultural exporters, but most agricultural work in Spain is hard, measly paid and done largely by immigrants from the global south, many of them undocumented. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{Template:Exchange rate euros}} {{Euro}} [[File:Banco de España (Madrid) 06.jpg|thumb|Bank of Spain]] €500 banknotes are not accepted in many stores&mdash;always have alternative banknotes. ====Money exchange==== Do not expect anybody to accept other types of currency, or to be willing to exchange currency. Exceptions are shops and restaurants at airports. These will generally accept at least U.S. dollars at a bad exchange rate. Banks are the main places to exchange money. However, some banks may only exchange money for those with an account there. Currency exchanges, once a common sight, have all but disappeared since the introduction of the euro. Again, international airports are an exception to this rule; other exception is tourist districts in the large cities (Barcelona, Madrid). ====Credit card==== Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Most Spanish stores will ask for ID before accepting your credit card. Some stores may not accept a foreign driving licence or ID card, and you will need to show your passport. This measure is designed to help avoid credit card fraud. ====ATM==== Most ATMs will allow you to withdraw money with your credit card. There is a fee in addition to what your bank charges you of about €2, except with Unicaja Banco machines. ===Tipping=== [[Tipping]], or "propina" in Spanish, is not mandatory or considered customary in Spain unless there was something absolutely exceptional about the service. As a result, you may find that waiters are not as attentive or courteous as you may be used to since they don't work for tips. If you choose to tip, the tip amount in restaurants depends on your economic status, the locale and type of establishment. If you feel that you have experienced good service then leave some loose change on the table - possibly €1 or €2 . If you don't, it is no big deal. Bars expect only tourists, particularly American tourists, to leave a tip. They are aware that it is customary in the United States to leave a tip for every drink or meal. It is rare to see anyone other than Americans tipping in Spain. In major resorts tipping may be common; look around at other diners to assess if tipping is appropriate. Outside the restaurant business, some service providers, such as taxi drivers, hairdressers and hotel personnel may expect a tip in an upscale setting. ===Business hours=== Most businesses (including most shops, but not restaurants) close in the afternoons around 13:30/14:00 and reopen for the evening around 16:30/17:00. Exceptions are large malls or major chain stores. For most Spaniards, lunch is the main meal of the day and you will find bars and restaurants open during this time. On Saturdays, businesses often do not reopen in the evening and almost everywhere is closed on Sundays. The exception is the month of December, where most shops in Madrid and Barcelona will be open as per on weekdays on Sundays to cash in on the festive season. Also, many public offices and banks do not reopen in the evenings even on weekdays, so if you have any important business to take care of, be sure to check hours of operation. If you plan to spend whole day shopping in small shops, the following rule of thumb can work: a closed shop should remind it's also time for your own lunch. And when you finish your lunch, some shops will be likely open again. [[File:Gran Vía (Madrid) 25.jpg|thumb|Gran Vía of Madrid, is a perfect place for shopping]] ===Shopping=== ====Designer brands==== Besides well-known mass brands which are known around the world (Zara, Mango, Bershka, Camper, Desigual), Spain has many designer brands which are more hard to find outside Spain--and may be worth looking for if you shop for designer wear while travelling. Some of these brands include: * {{listing | name=Custo Barcelona | url=http://www.custo-barcelona.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Headquartered in [[Barcelona]], has stores in [[Bilbao]], [[Ibiza]], [[La Coruna]], [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]], [[León (Spain)|León]], [[Madrid]], [[Marbella]], [[Palma de Mallorca]], [[Salamanca]], [[Tenerife]]. }} * {{buy | name=Kowalski | url=http://www.kowalski-shoes.com/ {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=head office: Ctra. del Leon, km, 2; 03293 Elche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 966 630 612 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designer shoes and sneakers (trademark Herman Monster and others) for women, men and unisex. }} ====Department stores==== * {{buy | name=El Corte Ingles | alt= | url=http://elcorteingles.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major national chain that can be found in nearly every city. In most cities, enjoys central location but resides in functional, uninspiring buildings. Has department for everything--but is not good enough for most purposes, except maybe for buying gourmet food and local food specialties. Tax refund for purchases at El Corte Ingles, unlike most other stores in Spain, can be returned only to a debit/credit card, even if you originally paid in cash. }} [[File:Corte Inglés complejo AZCA.JPG|thumb|Corte Inglés store under construction in Madrid]] ====Others==== * {{buy | name=Casas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A chain of footwear stores that selects most popular (?) models from a dozen+ of mid-range brands. }} * {{buy | name=Camper | url=http://www.camper.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Camper shoes can be seen in most cities in the country. While it may seem that they are sold everywhere, finding right model and size may be a trouble--so if you find what you need, don't postpone your purchase. Campers are sold both in standalone branded shops, and as a part of a mix with other brands in local shoe stores. Standalones generally provide wider choice of models and sizes; local stores can help if you need to hunt for a specific model and size. }} * {{buy | name=For | url=http://for.es/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Private national fashion chain featuring many premium brands. Main location is [[Bilbao]]; some stores in [[San Sebastian]] and [[Zaragoza]]. }} ==Eat== {{seealso|Spanish cuisine}} The Spanish are very passionate about their food and wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish food can be described as quite light with a lot of vegetables and a huge variety of meat and fish. Perhaps owing to the inquisition trying to "find out" lapsed ''conversos'' pork (religiously prohibited in both Judaism and Islam) is easily the most consumed meat and features prominently in many dishes. Spanish cuisine does not use many spices; it relies only on the use of high quality ingredients to give a good taste. As such, you may find Spanish food bland at times but there are usually a variety of restaurants in most cities (Italian, Chinese, American fast food) if you would like to experience a variety of flavors. If you are familiar with Latin American cuisines, keep in mind that many Spanish dishes may have the same name as several Latin American dishes, but actually refer to completely different dishes (e.g. ''tortilla'' and ''horchata'' refer to completely different things in Spain and Mexico). Like much of Europe, Spain's top tourism destinations are full of tourist-trap restaurants that serve overpriced and mediocre food. If you want a good and reasonably-priced meal, it's generally best to go to restaurants with a primarily local clientele. However, as it is rare to find English-speaking waiters in such establishments, be prepared to have to speak some Spanish. ===Breakfast, lunch and dinner times=== Spaniards have a different eating timetable than many people are used to. The key thing to remember for a traveller is: * breakfast ('''desayuno''') for most Spaniards is light and consists of just coffee and perhaps a ''galleta'' (like a graham cracker) or ''magdalena'' (sweet muffin-like bread). Later, some will go to a cafe for a pastry midmorning, but not too close to lunchtime. * "el aperitivo" is a light snack eaten around 12:00. However, this could include a couple of glasses of beer and a large filled baguette or a "pincho de tortilla".[[File:TapasenBarcelona.JPG|thumb|"Pinchos" in Barcelona]] * lunch ('''comida''') starts at 13:30-14:30 (though often not until 15:00) and was once typically followed by a short siesta, usually at summer when temperatures can be quite hot in the afternoon. This is the main meal of the day with two courses ('''el primer plato''' and '''el segundo plato''' followed by dessert. ''La comida'' and siesta are usually over by 16:00 at the latest. However, since life has become busier, there is no opportunity for a siesta. * dinner ('''cena''') starts at 20:30 or 21:00, with most clientèle coming after 21:00. It is a lighter meal than lunch. In Madrid restaurants rarely open before 21:00 and most customers do not appear before 23:00. * there is also an afternoon snack that some take between ''la comida'' and ''la cena'' called '''merienda'''. It is similar to a tea time in England and is taken around 18:00 or so. * between the lunch and dinner times, most restaurants and cafes are closed, and it takes extra effort to find a place to eat if you missed lunch time. Despite this, you can always look for a ''bar'' and ask for a ''bocadillo'', a baguette sandwich. There are ''bocadillos fríos'', cold sandwiches, which can be filled with ham, [[cheese]] or any kind of ''embutido'', and ''bocadillos calientes'', hot sandwiches, filled with pork loin, ''tortilla'', bacon, sausage and similar options with cheese. This can be a really cheap and tasty option if you find a good place. Normally, restaurants in big cities don't close until midnight during the week and 02:00-03:00 during the weekend. ===Breakfast=== [[File:Chocolate with churros.jpg|thumb|right|230px|"''Chocolate con churros''"]] Breakfast is eaten by most Spaniards. Traditional Spanish breakfast includes coffee or orange juice, and pastries or a small sandwich. In Madrid, it is also common to have hot chocolate with "churros" or "porras". In cafes, you can expect varieties of ''tortilla de patatas'' (see the [[#Spanish dishes|''Spanish dishes'' section]]), sometimes tapas (either breakfast variety or same kind as served in the evenings with alcohol). ===Tapas=== [[File:Tapas marteñas.jpg|thumb|Spanish Tapas]] The entry level to Spanish food is found in bars as '''tapas''', which are a bit like "starters" or "appetisers", but are instead considered side orders to accompany your drink; in some parts of Spain, a drink is still accompanied automatically by a free tapa, but in places where it's not, ask for ''tapa y caña'' to order a beer and a tapa. Some bars will offer a wide variety of different tapas; others specialise on a specific kind (like seafood-based). A Spanish custom is to have one tapa and one small drink at a bar, then go to the next bar and do the same. A group of two or more individuals may order two or more '''tapas''' or order '''raciones''' instead, which are a bit larger in order to share. ===Types of dishes=== '''Seafood''' (''mariscos''): on the coast, fresh seafood is widely available and quite affordable. In the inner regions, frozen (and poor quality) seafood can be frequently encountered outside few highly reputed (and expensive) restaurants. In coastal areas seafood deserves some attention, especially on the north Atlantic coast. Quality seafood in Spain comes from Spain's northwestern region of Galicia. So restaurants with the words ''Gallego'' (Galician) will generally specialise in seafood. If you are feeling adventurous, you might want to try the Galician regional specialty ''Pulpo a la Gallega'', which is boiled octopus served with paprika, rock salt and olive oil. Another adventurous option is ''Sepia'' which is cuttlefish, a relative of squid, or the various forms of ''Calamares'' (squid) that you can find in most seafood restaurants. If that isn't your style you can always order ''Gambas Ajillo'' (garlic shrimp), ''Pescado Frito'' (fried fish), ''Buñuelos de Bacalao'' (breaded and deep fried cod) or the ever-present ''Paella'' dishes. '''Meat products''' are usually of very good quality, because Spain has maintained quite a high percentage of free range animals. Ordering beef steaks is highly recommended, since most come from free range cows from the mountains. Pork cuts which are also highly coveted are those known as ''presa ibérica'' and ''secreto ibérico'', an absolute must if found in the menu of any restaurant. '''Soups''': the choice of soups beyond gazpacho is very limited in Spanish restaurants. ===Restaurants=== '''Water''' (''agua'') is frequently served without a specific request, and is normally charged for, unless it's included in your ''menu del dia''. If you would like free tap water instead of bottled water, ask for ''agua del grifo''. However, not all restaurants will offer this and you may be forced to order bottled water. '''Appetisers''' such as bread (''pan''), cheese (''queso''), and other items may be brought to your table even if you didn't order them. You may still be charged for them. If you do not want these appetisers, politely inform the waiter that you do not want them. '''World-famous restaurants''': There are several restaurants in Spain which are destinations in themselves, becoming a sole reason to travel to a specific city. One of them is ''El Bulli'' in [[Roses]]. ==== Fast food==== Fast food has not yet established a strong grip on the Spaniards and you will find McDonalds and Burger King only in bigger towns in the usual places. That said, Madrid and other large Spanish cities are often the first place for north American chains to dip their toe into the European market and you'll find Taco Bell, TGI Friday's or Five Guys there but not or only rarely in central European cities. The menu can be a surprise since it has been customised to appeal to the locals and beer, salads, yogurt (primarily Danone), and wine are prominent. Pizza is increasingly popular and you will find some outlets in bigger towns but it can be their own homegrown franchises, such as TelePizza. In spite of beer and wine on the menu, fast food is often seen as "kiddie food." American franchises generally charge higher prices than in the United States, and fast food is not necessarily the cheapest alternative for eating out. ====Service charges and VAT==== No '''service charges''' are included in the bill. A little extra tip is common and you are free to increase that if you are very pleased. Obviously you don’t have to tip a lousy waiter. You would typically leave the small change after paying with a note. ====Menú del día==== Many restaurants offer a complete lunch meal for a fixed price &ndash; ''menú del día'' &ndash; and this often works out as a bargain. Water or wine (''vino'') is commonly included in the price. ====Non-Spanish cuisine==== Things like schnitzel, full English breakfast, pizza, döner, and frozen fish are largely available in tourist destinations. In most cities you can also find international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese, French, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, and Argentinian. The bigger the city, the more variety you can find. Unlike some northern European countries, Spain received very little immigration until after the death of Franco and the 1980s economic boom and as such there may be less variety of immigrant-owned restaurants in small- and medium-sized towns, but this is of course changing with particularly Latin American and Middle Eastern immigration to Spain leaving their mark on the restaurant scene. ==Drink== {{seealso|Spanish cuisine#Beverages}} === Tea and coffee === Spanish people are very passionate about the quality, intensity and taste of their [[coffee]] and good freshly brewed coffee is available almost everywhere. The usual choices are '''solo''', the milk-less espresso version; '''cortado''', solo with a dash of milk; '''con leche''', solo with milk added; and '''manchado''', coffee with lots of milk (sort of like the French ''cafe au lait''). Asking for ''caffee latte'' will likely result in less milk than you are used to--it's always OK to ask for extra milk. Regional variants can be found, such as '''bombón''' in Eastern Spain, solo with condensed milk. '''[http://www.starbucks.es Starbucks]''' is the only national chain operating in Spain. Locals argue that it cannot compete with small local cafes in quality of coffee and visited only by tourists. It is not present in smaller cities. If you eat for €20 per dinner, you will never be served a good tea; expect Pompadour or Lipton. It takes some effort to find a good tea if you spend most time of the day in touristy places. '''Horchata''' is a milky non-alcoholic drink made of tiger nuts and sugar, and very different from drinks of the same name found in [[Latin America]]. [[Alboraia]], a small town close to [[Valencia]], is regarded as a best place where horchata is produced. ===Alcohol=== The drinking age in Spain is 18. People under this age are forbidden to drink and buy alcoholic drinks, although enforcement in tourist and clubbing areas is lax. Drinking in the streets has been banned (although it is still a common practice in most nightlife areas). A "dry law" bans supermarkets from selling alcohol after 22:00. Try an absinthe cocktail (the fabled liquor was never outlawed here, but it is not a popular drink in Spain). ===Bars=== Probably one of the best places to meet people in Spain is in bars. Everyone visits them and they are always busy and sometimes bursting with people. There is no age restriction imposed to enter these premises, but children and teenagers often will not be served alcoholic drinks. Age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol are clearly posted at bars but are enforced only intermittently. It is common to see an entire family at a bar. It's important to know the difference between a pub (which closes at 3-03:30) and a club (which opens until 06:00-08:00 but is usually deserted early in the night). On weekends, the time to go out for ''copas'' (drinks) usually starts at about 23:00-01:00 which is somewhat later than in North and Central Europe. Before that, people usually do any number of things, have some tapas (''raciones'', ''algo para picar''), eat a "real" dinner in a restaurant, stay at home with family, or go to cultural events. If you want to go dancing, you will find that most of the clubs in Madrid are relatively empty before midnight (some do not even open until 01:00) and most won't get crowded until 03:00. People usually go to pubs, then go to the clubs until 06:00-08:00. For a true Spanish experience, after a night of dancing and drinking it is common to have a breakfast of ''chocolate con churros'' with your friends before going home. (''CcC'' is a small cup of thick, melted chocolate served with freshly fried sweet fritters used for dipping in the chocolate and should be tried, if only for the great taste.) Bars are mainly to have drink and a small ''tapa'' while socialising and decompressing from work or studies. Usually Spaniards can control their alcohol consumption better than their northern European neighbours and drunken people are rarely seen at bars or on the streets. A drink, if ordered without an accompanying tapa, is often served with a "minor" or inexpensive tapa as a courtesy. Size and price of tapas changes a lot throughout Spain. For instance, it's almost impossible to get free tapas in big cities like Valencia or Barcelona, excluding Madrid where there are several Tapa Bars although some are a bit expensive. You can eat for free (just paying for the drinks), with huge tapas and cheap prices at cities like Granada, Badajoz or Salamanca. The tapa, and the related pincho, trace their existence in Spain to both acting as a cover ("Tapa") on top of a cup of wine to prevent flies from accessing it, and as a requirement of law when serving wine at an establishment during the Middle Ages. ===Alcoholic beverages=== The Spanish '''[[Beer (beverage)|beer]]''' is well worth a try. Most popular local brands include San Miguel, Cruzcampo, Mahou, Ámbar, Estrella Galicia, Keller and many others, including local brands at most cities; import beers are also available. Spaniards often add lemon juice (Fanta limón, or lemon Fanta) to their beer. Particularly on hot summer days people will drink a refreshing "clara" which is a light beer mixed with lemon/lemonade. '''Cava''' is Spanish sparkling wine and the name went from Spanish Champagne to Cava was after a long lasting dispute with the French. The Spanish called it for a long time champan, but the French argued that champagne can be made only from grapes grown in the Champagne region in France. Nevertheless, Cava is a quite successful sparkling wine and 99% of the production comes from the area around [[Barcelona]]. '''Cider''' (Sidra) can be found in the [[Galicia]], [[Asturias]], [[Cantabria]] and [[Basque Country|País Vasco]]. Spain is a country with great '''[[wine]]'''-making and drinking traditions: 22% of Europe's wine growing area is in Spain, however the production is about half of what the French produce. For red wine in a bar, ask "un tinto por favor", for white wine "un blanco por favor", for rose: "un rosado por favor". '''Wine bars''' proper are more and more popular. In short, a wine bar is a sophisticated tapas bar where you can order wine by the glass. You will immediately see a blackboard with the wines that are available and the price per glass. '''Sangria''' is drink made of wine and fruits and usually is made from simple wines. You will find sangria in areas frequented by tourists. Spanish prepare sangria for fiestas and hot summer, and not every day as seen in touristic regions like [[Mallorca]]. Sangria in restaurants aimed for foreigners are best avoided, but it is a very good drink to try if a Spaniard prepares it for a fiesta! The pale '''sherry''' wine around Jerez called "fino" is fortified with alcohol to 15 percent. If you would like to have one in a bar you have to order a ''fino''. Manzanilla is bit salty, good as an aperitivo. Amontillado and Oloroso are a different types of sherry where the oxidative aging process has taken the lead. ==Sleep== {{infobox|What's the difference?|There are three names for hotel-like accommodation in large cities in Spain: ''hotel'', ''hostal'' and ''pension''. It is important not to confuse a hostel with a ''hostal''; a host'''e'''l offers backpacker-type accommodation with shared rooms, whereas a ''host'''a'''l'' is very similar to a guest house and is generally cheaper than a hotel.}} There are many types of tourist accommodation, ranging from hotels, pensions and rented villas, to camping and even monasteries. "7% VAT is not included" is a common trick for mid-range guesthouses and hotels: always check the small print when you choose your place to stay. VAT is IVA in Spanish. ===Small villages=== Besides the coasts, Spain is rich in small tourist-friendly ''inland'' villages, like [[Alquezar]]: with narrow medieval streets, charming silence and isolation, still good selection of affordable restaurants and accommodation. ===Casa rural, the [[bed and breakfast]] of Spain=== For a more homely sort of accommodation consider the casa rural. A casa rural is the rough equivalent to a bed and breakfast or a gîte. Not all houses are situated in the countryside, as the name implies. Some are situated in the smaller towns, and they are in virtually every province. Casas rurales vary in quality and price throughout Spain. In some regions, like [[Galicia]], they are strictly controlled and inspected. Other regions are not so thorough in applying their regulations. ===Hotels=== Many foreign visitors stay in hotels that have been organised by tour operators who offer package holidays to the popular resorts on the costas and islands. However, for the independent traveller, there are hotels all over the country in all categories and to suit every budget. In fact, due to the well developed internal and foreign tourism markets Spain may well be one of the best served European countries in terms of numbers and quality of hotels. ===Paradores=== A [http://www.parador.es/ ''parador''] is a state-owned hotel in Spain (rating from 3 to 5 stars). This chain of inns was founded in 1928 by the Spanish King Alfonso XIII. The unique aspects of paradores are their location and their history. Found mostly in historical buildings, such as convents, Moorish castles (like [[La Alhambra]]), or haciendas, paradores are the exact opposite of the uncontrolled development found in coastal regions like the [[Costa del Sol]]. Hospitality has been harmoniously integrated with the restoration of castles, palaces and convents, rescuing from ruin and abandonment monuments representative of Spain's historical and cultural heritage. [[File:Parador Santo Estevo, Nogueira de Ramuín.jpg|thumb|Parador de Santo Estevo, in the province of Orense (Galicia).]] For example the parador in Santiago de Compostela is located next to the Cathedral in a former royal hospital built in the year 1499. Rooms are decorated in an old-fashioned way, but nevertheless have modern facilities. Other notable paradores are in [[Arcos de la Frontera]], [[Ronda]], [[Santillana del Mar]] (Altamira cave) as well as more than one hundred other destination all over Spain. Paradores serve breakfast (about €10) and often have very good local cuisine typical of their region (about €25). Accommodation prices are good value, when you consider that the hotels are often found in the heart of scenic areas, varying from €85 for a double room to €245 for a twin room (like in [[Granada (Spain)|Granada]]). Two of the most beautiful paradors are in [[Leon (Spain)|Léon]] and [[Santiago de Compostela]]. There are some promotions available: * Over 60 year-olds can enjoy a discount. * Youngsters under 30 can visit the paradors at a fixed rate of €35 per person. * Two nights half board have a discount of 20%. * A dreamweek of 6 nights is cheaper. * 5 nights at €42 per person. The promotions do not always apply, especially in August they are not valid, and may require advance bookings. ===Hostels=== There are plenty of [[hostels]]. Prices vary from €15 to €25 per night. Spanish "hostales" are not really hostels, but more like unclassified small hotels (with generally no more than a dozen rooms). They can vary in quality from very rudimentary to reasonably smart. * {{sleep | name=Independent-hotels.info Spain | alt= | url=http://independent-hotels.info/spain/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= includes a fair number of good value independent hostales among the hotel listings. }} * {{sleep | name=Xanascat | alt= | url=http://www.xanascat.cat | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Regional Network of Youth Hostels of Catalonia if you are visiting Barcelona, Girona, Taragona or other locations in the region. }} ===Apartment rental=== Short-term, self-catering apartment rental is an option for travellers who want to stay in one place for a week or more. Accommodations range from small apartments to villas. The number of holiday rentals available depends on the area of Spain you are planning to visit. Although they are common in coastal areas, big capitals and other popular tourist cities, if you plan to visit small inland towns, you will find casas rurales more easily. ===Camping=== Camping is the least expensive lodging option. ==Stay safe== As per rest of the [[European Union#Stay safe|European Union]], all emergencies can be reported to the toll-free number '''112'''. ===Police=== [[File:2019 09 19 Cotxe de la Policia nacional aparcat sobre pas de vianants i carril bici 01.jpg|thumb|Police car of the National Police]] [[File:La Palma - El Paso - Calle Paso de Abajo 04 ies.jpg|thumb|Police car of the Guardia Civil]] There are four kinds of police in Spain: * ''Policía Municipal'' or ''Local'' (municipal/local police), In [[Barcelona]]: Guardia Urbana. Uniforms change from town to town, but they usually wear black or blue clothes with pale blue shirt and a blue cap (or white helmet) with a checkered white-and-blue strip. Local police keeps order and rules the traffic inside cities, and they can help in case you are lost and need some directions. Although you can't directly report [[crime]]s to them, they will escort you to the local ''Policia Nacional'' headquarters if required, and they will escort the suspects to be arrested also, if needed. * ''Policía Nacional'' (National Police) wear dark blue clothes and blue cap (sometimes replaced by a baseball-like cap), unlike Policía Municipal, they do not have a checkered flag around their cap/helmet. Inside cities, all offenses/crimes should be reported to them, although the other police forces would help anyone who needs to report an offense. * ''Guardia Civil'' (Civil Guard) keeps the order outside cities, in the country, and regulates traffic in the roads between cities. You would probably see them guarding official buildings, or patrolling the roads. They wear plain green military-like uniform; for ceremonial duties, officers wear a black hat (''tricornio'') resembling a toreador cap, a tradition dated back to the 19th Century, but most of them use green caps or white motorcycle helmets. The Guardia Civil likes to project a "tough guy" image and they are sometimes accused of excessive use of force. * Given that Spain has a high grade of political autonomy granted to its regional governments, four of them have created regional law forces: the Policía Foral in Navarre, the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, the Policía Canaria on the Canary Islands or the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia. These forces have the almost the same competences as the Policía Nacional in their respective territories. Additionally there is BESCAM (Brigadas Especiales de Seguridad de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid) in the Madrid region which sit somewhere between local police and a fully autonomous police of an autonomous region but carry their own uniforms and livery on vehicles. All kinds of police also wear high-visibility clothing ("reflective" jackets) while directing traffic, or in the road. Some thieves have been known to pose as police officers, asking to see wallets for identification purposes. If approached by someone claiming to be a police officer only show only your ID after the person has presented theirs; do not show your wallet or other valuables. If you are a victim of crime call 112. You can ask for a copy of the “denuncia” (police report) if you need it for insurance purposes, or to apply for replacement documents. Make sure that it is a “una denuncia” not a sworn declaration (una declaración judicial), as the latter may not be accepted as evidence of the crime for insurance purposes, or when applying for your new passport. ====Making a police report==== You can make a police report in three different ways: 1. In person. A list of police stations in the different regions of Spain is available here. English language interpreters are not always available at short notice: it may be advisable to bring a Spanish-speaking person with you. 2. By telephone: You can make a police report by phone in English {{phone|+34 901 102 112}}. The English language service is available 09:00-21:00, seven days a week. Once you have made your report, you will be instructed to pick up a signed copy of the report at your nearest police station. However, some crimes, particularly more serious crimes or those involving violence, can only be reported in person. 3. Online: You can also make a police report online, but in Spanish only. Some crimes, especially more serious crimes involving physical violence, must be reported in person. You can read further advice from the Spanish police on this [http://www.policia.es/consejos/consejos_in.html webpage]. === Permissions and documentation === [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-3442 Spanish law] strictly requires foreigners who are in Spanish territory to have documentation proving their identity and the fact of being legally in Spain. You must have that with you all the time because you may be asked by the Police to show those at any moment. If you don't carry it with you, you may be escorted to the nearest police station for identification. ===Safety=== Spain is a safe country, but you should take some basic precautions encouraged in the entire world: *Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you in order that an accomplice can rob you more easily. Theft, including violent theft, occurs at all times of day and night and to people of all ages. * Thieves prefer stealth to direct confrontation so it is unlikely that you will be hurt in the process, but exercise caution all the same. *There have been instances where thieves on motorbikes drive by women and grab their purses, so keep a tight hold on yours even if you don't see anyone around. * Try not to show the money you have in your wallet or purse. * Always watch your bag or purse in touristic places, buses, trains and meetings. A voice message reminding that is played in most of the bus/train stations and airports. * Large cities like Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and Sevilla, in particular, report many incidents of pick-pocketing, mugging, and violent attacks, some of which require the victim to seek medical attention. Although crimes occur at all times of day and night and to people of all ages, older and Asian tourists seem to be particularly at risk. * Do not carry large amounts of money with you, unless needed. Use your credit card (Spain is the first country in number of cash points and most shops/restaurants accept it). Of course, use it with caution. * Beware of [[pickpockets]] when visiting areas with large numbers of people, like crowded buses or the Puerta del Sol(in Madrid). In metro stations, avoid boarding the train near the exit/entrance to the platform, as this is often where pickpockets position themselves. * In Madrid and also in Barcelona, criminals target particularly people from the East Asia (especially China, S. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan ), thinking they carry money and are easy prey. [[File:Barcelona (4624904973).jpg|thumb|View of Barcelona]] * In Madrid, known high-risk locations for thieves are the Puerta del Sol area and surrounding streets, Gran Vìa, Plaza Mayor, near the Prado Museum, the Atocha train station, Retiro Park and on the subway. In Barcelona, thefts occur most frequently at the airport and on the airport shuttle bus (Aerobus), on Las Ramblas (often in Internet cafés), in Plaza Real and surrounding streets of the old city, on the subway, Barceloneta beach, Sagrada Familia church, and at the Sants train and bus station. * Theft from rental vehicles is high. Be vigilant in service areas on the highways along the coast. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities. * Don't hesitate to report crimes to local police, though the processing time is usually long. * In general, you must bear in mind that those areas with a larger number of foreign visitors, like some crowded vacation resorts in the East Coast, are much more likely to attract thieves than places which are not so popular among tourists. * Avoid women offering rosemary, refuse it always; they will read your future, ask for some money, and your pocket will probably be picked. Some women will also approach you on the street repeating "Buena suerte" ("good luck") as a distraction for another woman to try to pickpocket you. * A great tourist attraction is the Flea Market (el Rastro) in Madrid on the weekends. However, as it is nearly standing room only - it is also an attraction for pickpockets. They operate in groups... be extremely cautious in these tight market type environments as it is very common to be targeted... especially if you stand out as a tourist or someone with money. Try to blend in and not stand out and you will likely not be at as much risk. * Women who carry purses should always put the straps across their bodies. Always hold on to the purse itself and keep it in front of your body. Keep one hand on the bottom, as pickpockets can otherwise slit the bottom without you ever knowing. * Never place anything on the back of a chair or on the floor next to you, keep it on your person always. * If you must use an ATM, do not flash the money you have just picked up. * More foreign passports are stolen each year in Spain than anywhere else in the world, especially in Barcelona. Ensure that your passport is protected at all times. * In the event of a road-related incident, be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Thieves have been known to fake or provoke a flat tire, and when a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist’s car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a fake Good Samaritan stops to help a motorist in distress, only to steal the motorist’s car or belongings. * Incidents of drink spiking, followed by theft and sexual assault, have been reported. * Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they are not spiked; female travellers should be particularly watchful. Alcohol and drugs can make you less vigilant, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you drink, know your limit - remember that drinks served in bars are often stronger. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don't go off with people you don't know. ===Scams=== ''see also'' [[common scams]] Some people could try to take advantage of your ignorance of local customs. * In Spanish cities, all taxis should have a visible fare table. Do not agree a fixed price to go from an airport to a city: in most cases, the taxi driver will be earning more money than without a preagreed tariff. Many taxi drivers will also demand a tip from foreign customers or even from national ones on the way to and from the airport. You might round up to the nearest euro when paying though. * In many places of Madrid, especially near Atocha station, and also in the Ramblas of [[Barcelona]], there are people ('trileros') who play the "shell game". They will "fish" you if you play, and they will most likely pick your pocket if you stop to see other people play. * Before paying the bill in bars and restaurants, always check the bill and carefully scrutinise it. Some staff will often attempt to squeeze a few extra euros out of unsuspecting tourists by charging for things they did not eat or drink, or simply overcharging. This is true in both touristy and non-touristy areas. If you feel overcharged, bring it to their attention and/or ask to see a menu. It is also sometimes written (in English only) at the bottom of a bill that a tip is not included: remember that tipping is optional in Spain and Spanish people commonly leave loose change only and no more than a 5%-8% of the price of what they have consumed (not an American-style 15-20%), so avoid being fooled into leaving more than you have to. * Many tourists have reported lottery scams whereby they are contacted via the Internet or fax and informed that they have won a substantial prize in the Spanish lottery (El Gordo), when in fact they have never participated in the lottery. They are asked to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to pay taxes and other fees before collecting the prize or coming to Spain to close the transaction. * There have also been reports of a scam whereby a person is informed that he or she is the recipient of a large inheritance, and that funds must be deposited into a Spanish bank account so the inheritance can be processed. * In another common scam, some tourists have received a bogus email purportedly sent from an individual well known to them and claiming that he or she is in trouble and needs funds. ===Other things you should know=== * Spanish cities can be loud at night, especially on weekends, but the streets are generally safe even for women. * All businesses should have an official complaint form, in case you need it. It is '''illegal''' for a business to deny you this form. * In some cases, police in Spain may target people belonging to ethnic minorities for identity checks. People who are not "European-looking" can be stopped several times a day to have their papers checked on the pretext of "migration control". * The Spanish Government’s threat alert level indicates a ‘probable risk’ of terrorist attack. Potential targets include places frequented by expatriates and tourists and public transport facilities. A serious attack happened in 2004, bombs exploded on commuter trains in Madrid in March 2004, killing 192 people. This attack was attributed to Al Qaeda terrorist network. In 2007, a Spanish court found 21 people guilty of involvement in the bombings. Even though the chance of being in a terrorist attack is '''extremely low''' anywhere, you should only watch out in Madrid or Barcelona. * There has been an increase in political action and public demonstrations on a rolling basis throughout Spain. Demonstrations occur and have sometimes turned violent, mostly to police officers. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media. Strikes may occasionally lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. When a demonstration is planned or in progress you should seek advice on and avoid the routes marchers plan to take. You should also ensure to check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain. [[File:The evening rush.jpg|thumb|Evening rush in Madrid]] * Driving in Spain can be dangerous due to traffic congestion in urban areas, although driving is not particularly aggressive with the exception of common speeding. Be cautious when driving in Spain. Night driving can be particularly dangerous. The use of a mobile phone without a hands-free device can result in a fine and you being banned from driving in Spain. All drivers are required to carry, in the vehicle, a reflective vest and to use a reflective triangle warning sign if they need to stop at the roadside. * Be cautious when approached by someone who claims to be a police officer. On the road, you will always be stopped by an officer in a uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads ''Policía'' or ''Guardia Civil'', or ''Ertzaintza'' in the Basque Country, ''Mossos d'Esquadra'' in Catalonia, or ''Foruzaingoa/Policía Foral'' in Navarre. Most times they will have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights. In non-traffic-related matters police officers may be in casual clothes. Police officers do not have to directly identify themselves unless you ask them to. Should they request identification, they should be shown photographic ID. Your passport or your driver's licence will do, or your national ID card if you are from the European Union, though a passport is always preferred. You can get in trouble or be fined for not having any identification on you. If in any doubt, drivers should converse through the car window and contact the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Spanish National Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle. === Drugs === You can smell marijuana smoke at many street corners in major cities with police apparently unperturbed by it. Still, if you don't know local customs, it is quite possible that the police make a show of enforcing the law on you. Drug possession is also a perennial favorite of charging an arrestee with ''something'' when nothing else can be proven. In Spain, those who carry out acts of cultivation, processing or trafficking, or otherwise promote, favor or facilitate the illegal consumption of toxic drugs, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, or possess them for those purposes is a '''crime''' punished by the [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1995-25444 Penal Code]. It does not matter if you're a foreign person, you'll be prosecuted. Prison sentences or heavy fines are issues for these offences, with the possibility of being also ordered to leave the country and the prohibition to come back for up to 10 years. As stated in the [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-3442 Protection of the Citizens' Safety Act], the consumption of illegal drugs on public places is also prohibited. The illicit consumption or possession of toxic drugs, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, even if they were not destined for traffic, in places, roads, public establishments or public transport, as well as the abandonment of the instruments or other effects used in said places will be fined from €601 up to €30,000. Police are allowed by law to conduct body searches in case they suspect you're carrying drugs according to said laws. Likewise the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the street, or in places, roads, establishments or public transport when it seriously disrupts public tranquillity is fined up to €600. These rules are actively enforced. ==Stay healthy== * Pharmaceuticals are not sold at supermarkets, only at ''farmacias'' (pharmacies/chemists), identified with a green cross or a Hygeia's cup. Nearly every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy; for those that close at night, the law requires a poster with the address of the nearest pharmacy, possibly in one of the nearby streets or towns. * People from the European Union and a few more European countries can freely use the public health system, if they have the appropriate European Health Insurance Card. The card does not cover treatment in private hospitals. Agreements are established to treat people from a few American countries. * However, do not hesitate to '''go to any healthcare facility''' should you be injured or seriously ill, as it would be illegal for them not to treat you, even if you are uninsured. You (or your country if Spain has a treaty on the matter) will pay for the service later. * Although many visitors travel to Spain for the warm climate, it can be cold in winter, especially in the Central Region and in the North, and in some places it is also rainy in summer. Remember to travel with adequate clothes. * In summer, avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time to prevent [[Sunburn and sun protection|sunburn and heatstroke]]. Drink water, walk on the shady side of street and keep a container of sun cream (suntan lotion) handy. The '''[[tap water]]''' in Spain is safe and of a drinkable quality. The water in some southern regions of the country, however, is sometimes sourced from salt water which can have a high mineral content. This can cause upset stomachs in those not used to this. While high mineral content water is safe to drink regardless, locals in these areas will often drink bottled water instead as it tastes better. Bottled water is readily available to buy in most areas and in a variety of brands. ===Smoking=== Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces and places of work, in public transportation, and in outdoor public places near hospitals and in playgrounds. Smoking is also banned in outdoor sections of bars and restaurants. Smoking is banned in television broadcasts as well. ==Respect== Generally speaking, Spaniards are widely regarded as welcoming and friendly. ====Culture and identity==== Spaniards are generally '''neutral communicators'''. They're comfortable with expressing their opinions and emotions on something, and they expect the same from you. While this may give you the impression that Spanish people are confident and sociable, you should make every effort to be tactful with your words as they are sensitive to being beckoned directly. In conversational settings, it is common for people to interrupt or talk over one another. Shouting to make oneself heard is common, as is the use of swear words. You may also find that it is common for people to give you advice on all kinds of things. For instance, you can expect people to tell you what to see and where to go. At first, this may come across as annoying, but the information that Spaniards provide is meant to help you in a good way, not lay traps for you. Family values are important to many Spaniards. Passing unwarranted comments and/or criticisms about someone's family members is considered rude. Spaniards, especially the young, generally feel a linguistic and cultural connection to Latin America. However, most will be quick to point out that Spain is a European nation, not a Latin American one and that all Spanish-speaking countries are different and have particularities of their own. Spaniards are not as religious as the media sometimes presents them, and modern Spanish society is for the most part rather secular, but they are and always were a mostly Catholic country (73% officially, although only 10% admit practising and only 20% admit being believers); respect this and avoid making any comments that could offend. In particular, religious festivals, Holy Week (Easter), and Christmas are very important to Spaniards. Tolerance of all religions should be observed, especially in large urban areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville or Malaga (where people and temples of all beliefs can be found) or different regions in southern Spain, which may have a sizable Muslim population (which accounts for almost 4% of the country's population). [[File:Ayuntamiento de Madrid - Rainbow flag - 170627 204010.jpg|thumb|The rainbow flag on Madrid's city hall]] Despite being a Catholic majority country, '''homosexuality''' is quite tolerated in Spain and public display of same-sex affection would not likely stir hostility. A 2013 Pew survey of various countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East found that Spain had the highest percentage of people who believed homosexuality should be accepted by society, at 88%. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 and the government provides legal benefits to same-sex couples. However, this does not always necessarily mean that all Spaniards are friendly to gays; while homophobic aggressions are rare, they still happen. Cities are more tolerant of homosexuality than rural areas, Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country are much more tolerant but overall Spain is gay-friendly. As in any other place, elderly people do usually have far more conservative points of view. The Madrid pride parade is one of the largest in the world. Overall, Spain is one of the '''safest countries for LGBT tourists'''. Avoid talking about the former colonial past and especially about the "Black Legend." Regardless of what you may have heard Spain had several ministers and military leaders of mixed race serving in the military during the colonial era and even a Prime Minister born in the Philippines (Marcelo Azcarraga Palmero). Many Spaniards take pride in their history and former imperial glories. People from Spain's former colonies (Latin America, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, Western Sahara and Northern Morocco) make up a majority of foreign immigrants in Spain (58%) along with the Chinese, Africans and Eastern Europeans. Equally, Spain is one of the main investors and economic and humanitarian aid donors to Latin America and Africa. '''Bullfighting''' (Spanish: ''Tauromaquia'') is seen by many Spaniards as a cultural heritage icon, but the disaffection with bullfighting is increasing in all big cities and obviously among animal activist groups within the country. Many urban Spaniards would consider bullfighting a show aimed at foreign tourists and elderly people from the countryside, and some young Spaniards will feel offended if their country is associated with it. To illustrate how divided the country is, many Spaniards point to the royal family: former king Juan Carlos and his daughter are avid fans, while his wife and son King Felipe VI do not care for the sport. Bullfights and related events, such as the annual San Fermin Pamplona bull-runs, make up a multi-million euro industry and draw many tourists, both foreign and Spanish. In addition, bullfighting has been banned in the northeastern region of Catalonia as well as in several towns and counties all over the country. Take care when mentioning the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975 as well as the Civil War of 1936-1939. This was a painful past as Franco ruled Spain with an iron fist, executing many Spaniards who violated the anti-democratic laws of the regime. It was also a notable period of economic growth in the final years of Franco's regime, and some older Spaniards may have supportive views of him. The Republican flag (red, yellow, purple, either with or without a coat of arms) can be seen hanging from balconies and bought at some souvenir shops. However, it is not an uncontroversial symbol and associated with leftism, often showing up at leftist demonstrations. No symbols from the Franco era are officially forbidden, but using or displaying them is associated with far right extremists. The possibilities of '''[[Catalonia|Catalan]]''' independence, '''[[Basque Country|Basque]]''' independence, and '''[[Galicia|Galician]]''' independence are extremely sensitive issues among many in Spain. You should avoid discussing them where possible. If anything surrounding these subjects is brought up by someone, it's best to stay neutral. Virtually everyone in Spain, regardless of region, is able to speak '''Castilian Spanish''', albeit not always as a mother tongue. In Catalonia, some Catalans prefer to not speak Spanish at all, and will reply to Spanish-speaking interlocutors in Catalan; this is usually a political statement, rather than a lack of Castilian language ability. Foreigners are given a bit more leeway, but there are still some Catalans who'd rather have a conversation in English than Spanish if those are the only options for communication. The political status of Gibraltar is a particularly sensitive issue. Most Spaniards consider Gibraltar to be Spanish sovereign territory that is illegally occupied by Britain. Most Gibraltarians on the other hand are both proud Brits and proud Europeans - a situation made infinitely more awkward by Brexit which passed against near unanimous Gibraltarian opposition. Avoid discussing the Spanish monarchy. Many are generally opposed to the Spanish royal family, although there are some who are staunchly monarchist. Due to the Bourbon dynasty's identification with centralism, supporters of Catalan and Basque independence often don't have a good word to say about them. ====Socialising==== It is customary to kiss friends, family, and acquaintances on both cheeks upon seeing each other and saying goodbye. Male-to-male kisses of this sort are limited to family members or to very close friends; otherwise a firm handshake is expected instead (same as in France or Italy). Spaniards are keen to maintain physical contact while talking, such as putting a hand on your shoulder, patting your back, etc. These should be taken as signs of friendship done among relatives, close friends and colleagues. Spaniards will probably feel comfortable around you more quickly than other Europeans and you may even be receive an offensive comment or even an insult (''cabrón'') for a greeting shortly after meeting someone in an informal environment, especially if it is a young person or a male. '''You should not feel offended by this''', as it is interpreted as proof that you have such a close relationship that you can mess with each other without repercussions. You should reply with a similar comment (never anything serious or something that will genuinely hurt the person) or just greet them. Do not go around insulting people, though, as you will also find people who do not like it. It is recommended that you never do this first as a foreigner and just wait until you get it. Generally, your instinct will be able to distinguish between a joke and a genuine aggression. When in a car, the elderly and pregnant always ride in the passenger's seat, unless they request not to. Spaniards are not as punctual as Northern Europeans, but generally you are expected to arrive no more than ten minutes late, and being punctual will always be received positively. It is especially important to be punctual the first time you meet with someone. As a rule of thumb, you should expect people to be more punctual as you go north and less punctual as you go south. If you are staying at a Spaniard's home, bring shoes to wear inside such as slippers. Walking around barefoot in the house is viewed as unsanitary. Walking in socks may be acceptable in a close friend's house, but you should always ask first. It is acceptable for women to '''sunbathe topless''' in beaches, but full nudity is only practised in "clothing-optional" or nudist beaches. ====Eating and drinking==== During lunch or dinner, Spaniards do not begin eating until everyone is seated and ready to eat. Likewise, they do not leave the table until everyone is finished eating. Table manners are otherwise standard and informal, although this also depends on the place you are eating. When the bill comes, it is common to pay equally, regardless of the amount or price each has consumed (''pagar a escote''). When Spaniards receive a gift or are offered a drink or a meal, they usually refuse for a while, so as not to seem greedy. This sometimes sparks arguments among especially reluctant people, but it is seen as polite. Remember to offer more than once (on the third try, it must be fairly clear if they will accept it or not). On the other hand, if you are interested in the offer, politely smile and decline it, saying that you don't want to be a nuisance, etc., but relent and accept when they insist. Spaniards rarely drink or eat in the street. Bars will rarely offer the option of food to take away but "tapas" are easily available. Taking leftovers home from a restaurant is uncommon but has somewhat less of a stigma than it used to. One asks for "un taper" (derived from "Tupperware") or "una caja." Older Spaniards are still likely to frown on this. Appearing drunk in public is generally frowned upon. ==Cope== Among Spaniards, lunch time is usually between 13:00 and 14:30 (it could be as late as 15:15) while dinner time is between 20:30 and 21:30. However, in special celebrations, dinner can be as late as 22:00. Lunch is considered the biggest and most important meal of the day, instead of dinner. Almost all small businesses close between 14:30 and 17:00, so plan your shopping and sight-seeing accordingly. Shopping malls and supermarkets, however, are usually open from 09:30 to 21:00 or 22:00, and in the larger cities several shops are open 24 hr daily, usually owned by Chinese immigrants. Spanish cities can be noisy in some areas; you might want to check before booking a room. ==Connect== === Wi-Fi === Wi-Fi points in bars and cafeterias are available to customers, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi connection in common areas for their guests. Be conscious of security when using a laptop in an outdoor location. === Mobile phones and SIM cards === Cheap mobile phones (less than €50) with some pre-paid minutes are sold at any phone operator's shop and can be purchased without many formalities (ID is usually required). Topping-up is then done by buying scratch cards from the small stores "Frutos Secos," supermarkets, vending points (often found in tobacco shops) or kiosks -- recharging using the Web or an ATM does not work with foreign credit cards. The three mobile phone networks in Spain are [http://www.vodafone.es/autonomos/es Vodafone], Movistar and Orange. === Discount calling === "Locutorios" (call shops) are widely spread in bigger cities and touristy locations. In Madrid or Toledo it's very easy to find one. Making calls from "Locutorios" tend to be much cheaper, especially international calls (usually made through VoIP). They are usually a good pick for calling home. Prepaid calling cards for cheap international calls are widely available in newsagents or grocery stores around the city. Ask for a "tarjeta telefonica". {{geo|40.4|-3|zoom=6}} {{isPartOf|Iberia}} {{related|Cycling_in_Spain}} {{usablecountry}} 0j0ggwj9g52uf0k6liee1lkw9pr4q89 4487924 4487922 2022-07-21T20:06:07Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay healthy */ subheadings wikitext text/x-wiki {{COVID-19 box| All travellers entering Spain by air or sea need to show either an EU COVID digital certificate or a QR code from registration at the [https://www.spth.gob.es/ Spain Travel Health website]. Only vaccinated or recovered travellers may enter Spain from most countries outside the EU/EEA. From other EU/EEA countries, a negative test is also accepted for travel. More information: *[https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/ Travel Safe] *[https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare]|lastedit=2022-05-31}} {{pagebanner|Cardejón banner1.jpg|caption=Cardejón}} '''[http://www.spain.info Spain]''' ([[Spanish phrasebook|Spanish]]: ''España'') is famous for its friendly inhabitants, relaxed lifestyle, its cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous folklore and festivities, and its history as the core of the vast [[Spanish Empire]]. Spain shares the [[Iberia]]n Peninsula with [[Andorra]], [[Gibraltar]], and [[Portugal]]. It has the second-largest number of [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] after [[Italy]] and the largest number of World Heritage Cities. ==Regions== Spain is a diverse country with contrasting regions that have different languages and unique historical, political and cultural traditions. Because of this, Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities (''comunidades autónomas''), plus two autonomous cities. As a result, some even describe Spain as a "federation without federalism". Some of the autonomous communities—notably the ones which have other official languages alongside Spanish—have been recognised as "historical nationalities" that have a unique historical identity. These include the Basque Country, Catalonia, Galicia, the Valencian region, Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Aragon and the Canary Islands. Spain's many regions can be grouped as follows: {{Regionlist| regionmap=Spain map.png | regionmaptext=Regions of Spain | regionmapsize=400px | region1name=[[Green Spain]] | region1color=#add17b| region1items=[[Galicia]], [[Asturias]], [[Cantabria]] | region1description= Mild climate, stark mountains, and ties to the sea.| region2name=[[Northern Spain]] | region2color=#9572bc | region2items=[[Aragon]], [[Basque Country]], [[Navarre]], [[La Rioja (Spain)|La Rioja]] | region2description= Known for its cuisine and for landscapes ranging from the beaches of [[San Sebastián]] to the wineries of [[La Rioja (Spain)|La Rioja]].| region3name=[[Eastern Spain]] | region3color=#ae7472 | region3items=[[Catalonia]], [[Valencia (region)|Valencia]], [[Murcia (region)|Murcia]] | region3description= Impressive Roman ruins and popular Mediterranean beaches. | region4name=[[Central Spain]] | region4color=#b1a267 | region4items=[[Community of Madrid]], [[Castile-La Mancha]], [[Castile and Leon]], [[Extremadura]] | region4description= With a more extreme climate than elsewhere in Spain, this region is dominated by the capital, [[Madrid]]. | region6name=[[Andalusia]] | region6color=#6886be | region6items= | region6description= Full of history, including Moorish architecture and Arab-influenced culture, as well as mountains and beaches. | region7name=[[Balearic Islands]] | region7color=#009991 | region7items=[[Mallorca]], [[Menorca]], [[Ibiza]], [[Formentera]] | region7description= Super-popular Mediterranean beach destinations. | region8name=[[Canary Islands]] | region8color=#de7d7d | region8items=[[Tenerife]], [[Gran Canaria]], [[Fuerteventura]], [[La Gomera]], [[Lanzarote]], [[La Palma]], [[El Hierro]] | region8description= Volcanic islands off the coast of Africa, a popular escape from mainland Spain. | region9name=[[Spanish North Africa]] | region9color=#000000 | region9items=[[Ceuta]], [[Melilla]], Crag of Vélez de la Gomera, Crag of Alhucemas, Chafarinas Islands, Alboran Island | region9description=Spanish exclaves along the coast of [[Morocco]]. | }} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#add17b|title=[[Green Spain]]|wikidata=Q3934,Q3946,Q3908|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9572bc|title=[[Northern Spain]]|wikidata=Q4040,Q3995,Q5727,Q4018|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ae7472|title=[[Eastern Spain]]|wikidata=Q5705,Q5772,Q5720|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b1a267|title=[[Central Spain]]|wikidata=Q5756,Q5748,Q5739,Q5777|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#6886be|title=[[Andalusia]]|wikidata=Q5783|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#009991|title=[[Balearic Islands]]|wikidata=Q8828,Q52636,Q52631,Q52626|stroke-opacity=0.1}} <!-- too far away for this map ... {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#de7d7d|title=[[Canary Islands]]|wikidata=Q5813|stroke-opacity=0.1}} --> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#000000|title=[[Spanish North Africa]]|wikidata=Q28914407|stroke-opacity=0.1}} ==Cities== <!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS LIST without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. There is a hard limit of NINE in cities lists.--> [[File:Cuatro Torres Business Area.JPG|thumb|At the heart of [[Madrid]]'s business district, the '''Four Towers Business Area''' are the tallest in Spain]] Spain has hundreds of interesting cities. Here are nine of the most popular: *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Madrid]]|url=|lat=40.383333|long=-3.716667|wikidata=Q2807}} — the vibrant capital, with fantastic museums, interesting architecture, great food and nightlife *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Barcelona]]|url=|lat=41.383333|long=2.183333|wikidata=Q1492}} — Spain's second city, full of modernist buildings, a vibrant cultural life, festivals, and beaches *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Bilbao]]|url=|lat=43.256944|long=-2.923611|wikidata=Q8692}} — former industrial city, home to the Guggenheim Museum and other cultural features; main Basque city *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Córdoba (city, Spain)|Córdoba]]|url=|lat=37.883333|long=-4.766667|wikidata=Q5818}} — Also called Cordova, The Grand Mosque ('Mezquita') of Cordoba is one of the world's finest buildings *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Granada]]|url=|lat=37.178056|long=-3.600833|wikidata=Q8810}} — stunning city in the south, surrounded by snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada, home of La Alhambra *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Málaga]]|url=|lat=36.719444|long=-4.42|wikidata=Q8851}} — the heart of flamenco with the beaches of the Costa del Sol *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Seville]]|url=|lat=37.377222|long=-5.986944|wikidata=Q8717}} (Spanish: Sevilla) — a beautiful, verdant city, and home to the world's third largest cathedral *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Valencia]]|url=|lat=39.466667|long=-0.375|wikidata=Q8818}} — paella was invented here, has a very nice beach *{{marker|type=city|name=[[Zaragoza]]|url=|lat=41.65|long=-0.883333|wikidata=Q10305}} — also called Saragossa. The fifth largest city of Spain that held the World Expo in 2008 <!--DO NOT CHANGE THIS LIST without first discussing your proposal on the talk page. There is a hard limit of NINE in cities lists.--> ==Other destinations== <!--Other destinations sections are for non-city/town/village destinations. All municipalities should be removed from this list and replaced with notable other destinations, such as national parks, islands, etc. The list also should not exceed nine items.--> [[File:Alcázar de Segovia, situado en la Ciudad vieja de Segovia. Patrimonio Mundial por la UNESCO.jpg|thumb|The majestic profile of this '''Castilian Alcázar''' has soared above [[Segovia]] since the twelfth century]] *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa Blanca]]|url=|lat=|long=|wikidata=Q918717}} — 200 km of white coast with plenty of beaches and small villages *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa Brava]]|url=|lat=42.0228|long=3.22449|wikidata=Q216884}} — the rugged coast with plenty of seaside resorts *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Costa del Sol]]|url=|lat=36.79|long=-4.48|wikidata=Q215254}} — the sunny coast in the south of the country *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Gran Canaria]]|url=|lat=27.966667|long=-15.6|wikidata=Q178925}} — known as "a continent in miniature" due to its many different climates and landscapes *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Ibiza]]|url=|lat=38.98|long=1.43|wikidata=Q52631}} — a Balearic island; one of the best places for clubbing, raving, and DJs in the entire world *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mallorca]]|url=|lat=39.616667|long=2.983333|wikidata=Q8828}} — the largest island of the Balears, full of amazing beaches and great nightlife *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Sierra Nevada (Spain)|Sierra Nevada]]|url=|lat=37.05|long=-3.3|wikidata=Q26955}} — the highest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula, great for walking and skiing *{{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Tenerife]]|url=|lat=28.268611|long=-16.605556|wikidata=Q40846}} — offers lush forests, exotic fauna and flora, deserts, mountains, volcanoes, beautiful coastlines and spectacular beaches <!--Other destinations sections are for non-city/town destinations. All municipalities should be removed from this list and replaced with notable other destinations. The list also should not exceed nine items.--> <br clear="right" /> ==Understand== {{quickbar|location=LocationSpain.svg}} With great beaches, mountains, campsites, ski resorts, superb weather, varied and fun nightlife, many cultural regions and historic cities, it is no wonder that Spain is the most popular tourist destination in Europe for any kind of trip. A country of large geographic and cultural diversity, Spain may come as a surprise to those who only know of its reputation for great beach holidays and almost endless sunshine. There is everything from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and deserts in the south east. While summer is the peak season, those who wish to avoid the crowds should consider visiting in the winter as not only is it normally mild and sunny, but attractions such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and La Gran Mezquita in Cordoba will not be overcrowded. However the ski resorts of Sierra Nevada do get very crowded. The Mediterranean climate that predominates in Southern and Central Spain is noted for its dry summers and (somewhat) wet(ter) winters, so visiting in the winter or spring brings the added benefit of the vegetation looking much more healthy. Northern Spain (e.g. Asturias) on the other hand gets quite a bit of rain year round and is ripe with lush green vegetation even in August. ===History=== Some of the earliest known remains of ''Homo'' of any kind ''in Europe'' have been found in Spain. Spain is also thought to have been the last refuge of the Neanderthals, and one of the few places that were inhabitable and inhabited throughout the ice ages. ====Early Spain and Roman Era==== {{seealso|Roman Empire}} The earliest inhabitants of the Iberian peninsula we have any profound knowledge of were Iberians, Celts (related to the Gaulish, Britannic and Central European Celts in language and culture) and Basques. As most of these groups had little to no written records we only know of them due to the descriptions of the Greek, Punic and later Roman settlers and conquerors, who colonised Spain from the South starting in the 3rd century BC. [[Latin Europe|Roman culture]] lasted on the peninsula for roughly half a millennium, when in the age of migrations the Visigoths conquered the Roman province of ''Hispania''. ====Visigoth Spain==== Most inhabitants of the area kept speaking Latin or rather Latin-derived languages/dialects and only a handful of Germanic words entered the Spanish language (''"ganso"'' being the most commonplace). Soon after their conquest, the Visigoths formed a number of rival "kingdoms" and petty noble states in almost constant conflict in ever-shifting shaky alliances with or against one another, giving rise to constant wars. ====Muslim conquest and "al-Andalus"==== [[File:Alhambra palace and surrounding area.jpg|thumbnail|Alhambra and the city of Granada]] {{seealso|Islamic Golden Age}} In 711 one Visigoth ruler apparently called for the Umayyad Muslims to help in his fight against a rival. (Which one is unclear, as the historical records for this era in Spain are scarce and there are for example no contemporary Muslim sources whatsoever.) This proved more successful than he could have imagined, and by the end of the 8th century most of the peninsula was in Muslim hands. While the almost 800 years of divided rule by Christian and Muslim rulers on the Iberian peninsula was by no means peaceful, the modern narrative of a somehow concerted effort to "regain" the "lost lands" for Christendom was never the first, second or any priority for the majority of the Christian rulers. As a matter of fact, many times Christian rulers entered into alliances with Muslim rulers against other Christian rulers and vice versa. While the situation for Muslims in Christian lands and vice versa and Jews in either depended very much on the mood of the ruler and could lie anywhere on a range from benevolent ignorance to murder and expulsion, religious minorities had it a lot better in Spain than in most of the rest of Europe at that time. In fact the Sephardi Jews (named after the Hebrew word for Spain) were at that time not only one of the most important groups inside Spain in terms of science and education, but also dominant among the [[Judaism|Jewish people, worldwide]]. During that time an estimated 90% of Jews were Sephardi. (In the 19th century, on the other hand, roughly 90% of Jews were Ashkenazim [German and Eastern European, and primarily Yiddish-speaking].) However, this period ended when through conquest and marriage the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon as well as a couple of minor Christian lands were united and their rulers started a war of conquest against the Muslim rulers. The union of the numerous Christian kingdoms is commemorated in the modern Spanish coat of arms, which is an amalgamation of the coats of arms of the four main kingdoms prior to the union, namely the kingdoms of Castile, Aragon, León and Navarre. In the process of re-conquering Spain, many of the great mosques and synagogues were desecrated and converted into Christian churches. Some of the most glorious historical attractions in Spain date from the period of Muslim rule, including '''The Mezquita''', built as the Great Mosque of [[Córdoba (city, Spain)|Córdoba]] and the '''Medina Azahara''', also in Córdoba and now in ruins but still visitable as such and built as the Madinat al-Zahra, the Palace of al-Andalus; and the '''Alhambra''' in [[Granada]], a splendid, intact palace. There are also two synagogues still standing that were built during the era of Muslim Spain: '''Santa María la Blanca''' in [[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]] and the '''Synagogue of Córdoba''', in the Old City. ====Reconquista and Imperial era==== This so called "reconquista" was completed in 1492 with the fall of Granada, and all Jews were forced to leave Spain or convert that year; by 1526, all Spanish Muslims had suffered the same fate. 1492 also marks the point when Spain started to become the world's strongest empire with territories in [[North America|North]], [[Central America|Central]] and [[South America]], [[Africa]], and the [[Philippines]] (named after Spanish king Felipe II). The "new Christians" as they were called were often not sincere in their largely forced conversions and to ensure religious "purity", the notorious Spanish inquisition was set up. <!-- which nobody expected!--> Genetic studies made in modern times suggest that a large percentage of modern Spaniards have at least partial Jewish and/or Muslim ancestry, which might surprise some, as the concept of being a "true Christian" (rather than a "converso") soon began to get hereditary overtones, with the expulsion of all the descendants of forced converts from Islam in 1609. Under the House of Habsburg, Spain became a personal union with the [[Austrian Empire]], and reached its height of power in Europe during the 16th and early 17th centuries, controlling much of [[Benelux]] and [[Italy]]. Spain was weakened as the House of Habsburg lost the [[Thirty Years' War]] in 1648. Spain was further weakened by ineffective governance, religious intolerance that drove out the erstwhile prosperous and productive Jewish and Muslim minorities and hampered free inquiry and - paradoxically - Latin American gold and silver that devalued the currency and still couldn't cover war expenses. The Spanish Habsburgs - prone to marrying inside the family, thus accumulating inheritable diseases - died out when Charles II was unable to produce an heir, which like many of his other afflictions was likely a result of incest. Most powers of Europe fought for the possibility to put one of their own on the Spanish throne, with the House of Bourbon doing it. The Bourbons would attempt a reform of their many domains gaining some successes but enraging those who had held onto old privileges of local autonomy or feudal rights. The colonisation of Central and South America and of [[Mexico]] was particularly profound, with the deaths of millions of native people through disease, war and outright murder as the Spanish sought riches in these 'undiscovered' lands. Today many of the countries in this area are defined by Hispanic language and culture (Spanish is today the world's second most spoken native language after Mandarin and before English, and Catholicism dominates throughout the former Spanish colonies). ====Crises of the 19th century==== With the death of Charles III in 1788, Spain lost its last monarch with will, energy and capability for a long time at a crucial juncture - the French Revolution would break out the next year. His successor Charles IV tried at first to maintain some of his father's policies but ultimately saw more fun in hunting than politics. Soon politics in Spain would come to be dominated by Prime Minister Manuel de Godoy who was rumored to have an affair with the queen. Meanwhile Charles' son, Ferdinand VII was chomping at the bit to replace his father as king, which earned him the contempt of the latter. In 1808 Ferdinand seemed to have briefly succeeded in replacing the hated Godoy and his father but Napoleon Bonaparte invited the two quarrelling kings to Bayonne under the pretext of mediating but forced both to abdicate in favor of his brother Joseph Bonaparte. Many among Spain's elites were having none of it and set up ''Juntas'' to maintain a government nominally loyal to Spanish monarchy. The liberal constitution of Cadiz 1812 was drafted in those years and as Ferdinand was willing to promise everyone everything to return to the throne, he came to be known as "the Desired One", with high hopes that he would rule as a liberal citizen-king under the constitution of Cadiz. Ferdinand never intended any such thing and his heavy-handed policies brought the wrath not only of his Spanish subjects but even of those ''Juntas'' in Latin America that had been set up without making up their mind whether to support a restoration of Bourbon rule or independence - only certain that they would oppose Napoleon and his regime. When Ferdinand died in 1833 he left a nominally absolute monarchy with an unhappy population which had lost most of its colonies to a not-yet three year old Isabella II. Immediately some hyper-conservative elements but also those in the Basque country who wanted back the old ''fuero'' autonomy refused to back Isabella's claim on account of her being female, giving birth to the "Carlist" movement. The 19th century saw independence movements fight back against the kingdom of Spain, with leaders such as Simón Bolívar and Augustín de Iturbide successfully creating new independent nations throughout Latin America. By 1898 Spain lost the majority of its remaining territories during the Spanish-American War: it lost [[Cuba]] and then sold [[Puerto Rico]], the [[Philippines]], and [[Guam]] to the [[United States]]. The war of 1898 was a huge shock to Spanish culture and shattered Spain's self-image of a first-rate power, and it thus inspired a whole literary movement known as the generation of '98. For much of this time, Spain was not really ''one'' realm so much as ''several'' realms which shared a monarch. While the monarch had broad powers, there was no such thing as "absolute" monarchy in Spain and the various regions - notably the Basque country - had numerous special privileges and autonomies granted either to "the people", a local lord or "free men". This proved complicated to resolve when Spain became a Republic and it is still an issue with which Spain is grappling in the 21st century. [[File:Sagrada Familia Eixample from Montjuic.jpg|thumb|Sagrada Familia, the Gaudi masterpiece in the [[Barcelona/Eixample|Eixample]] region of [[Barcelona]].]] ====The 20th century==== Spain experienced a devastating civil war between 1936 and 1939 that killed half a million Spaniards and ushered in more than 30 years of dictatorship under Generalissimo Francisco Franco. The civil war began from a mostly failed coup in Spanish North Africa (today part of Morocco) against Spain's left-wing republican government supported by the popular front (a popular front was in those days a regime including communist, socialist, liberal, Christian Democrat and even conservative parties and originated in France as a response to fascism, though the parties in power in July 1936 were Izquierda Republicana and Unión Republicana, two centre-left wing republican parties, supported by PSOE; the communist party had just 17 seats). The fascist side was led by a group of generals; however, some of them soon died in plane crashes or were pushed to the side by Franco. Although the League of Nations (a precursor of today's United Nations) attempted to make intervention impossible, Mussolini's Italy and Nazi Germany ignored this by aiding the nationalist (Franco) side, while the Soviet Union and to some extent Mexico provided aid to the Republican (popular front) side. The Republican side called for volunteers in the so-called "international brigades", and around 20,000 Brits, Americans, Frenchmen and even Germans joined the fight on their side. However, the Republican side was plagued by lack of weapons and ammunition (some of their rifles were produced in the 19th century), by infighting between communists and anarchists, and by Stalinist purges ordered by the super-paranoid supporters of Republican Spain in Moscow. As many people of that generation fought in the Spanish Civil War or covered it as – often blatantly biased – war correspondents (including George Orwell, Ernest Hemingway and later German chancellor Willy Brandt) there is a lot of well-written literature (and some films), which while not always historically accurate, manage to perfectly capture the spirit of vain idealism that made many of the interbrigadistas go to Spain in the first place. Just as the [[American Civil War]] gave a breakthrough for photojournalism, [[World War I]] for news radio and World War II for the newsreel, the Spanish Civil War made its mark on journalism, literature and arts. The Reina Sofia museum in Madrid has an exhibition for artistic expressions of the war, with Picasso's ''Guernica'' – produced for the republican Spanish pavilion at the 1937 world exhibition in Paris – as its centrepiece. The war was won for Franco through superior fire-power and with military aid from the Nazis (including the war-crime of bombing [[Guernica]]). Franco managed to unify the not at all homogeneous nationalist forces behind his less-than-charismatic leadership and hold onto power through the [[World War II in Europe|Second World War]] (in which he stayed neutral) until his death. He was succeeded by King Juan Carlos. The Spanish Civil War is still in some sense an open wound as it was hardly ever talked about during the days of Franco's regime. To this day, conservatives and Catholics (the Republicans were pretty anti-clerical) are sometimes apologetic about Franco and the "necessity" of the war. Franco's legacy was that the historically important regional identities and languages (such as Catalan and Basque) were brutally suppressed and a policy of strong national identity under the Spanish/Castilian language was promoted. Many republican soldiers and supported continued fighting until the mid 50s in the so called maquis, in 1944 there was even an attempt to invade Spain from France through the Vall d'Aran in 1944 which was quickly suppressed by the Guardia Civil. Violent groups such as ETA (see below) started their activity in the 60s during Franco's time, there was also an increasing protest movement in the last years of franquism. Franco oversaw Spain's rapid economic expansion with its industrialisation in the 1960s. Spain's messy divorce from its African colonies in the last years and days of Franco's life is also one of the reasons for the conflict in [[Western Sahara]], a former Spanish colony. Franco named Juan Carlos as his successor in 1969, with Juan Carlos being crowned king shortly after Franco's death. Shortly after King Juan Carlos – to the surprise of many – insisted on the country becoming a parliamentary democracy with a figurehead king as nominal head of state, right-wing generals tried to overthrow the nascent democracy on 23 February 1981 in what is now known as 23F. One of the most striking images of the coup was the general Tejero storming into the Congress of Deputies at the head of 200 Guardia Civil members and interrupting the vote to replace centre-left Adolfo Suarez with centre-right Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo for Prime Minister. The coup failed mostly due to lack of popular support and because the king – in his capacity of commander-in-chief – appeared on television in full uniform to order the soldiers back into their barracks, thus throwing his lot in with democracy. This resulted in a lot of support for the king personally even among otherwise republican-inclined Spaniards for most of his reign. However, the monarchy is rather unpopular among the autonomist or independist movements of Catalonia or the Basque Country. Spain entered NATO (though not the EU or any of its predecessors) in 1981, which Calvo-Sotelo. The ruling centre-right party UCD under Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo badly misjudged the Andalusian desire for regional self-government and thus lost the 1982 election, in one of the biggest popular vote landslides in any modern democracy, to the leftist PSOE. This led to the formation of Partido Popular (PP) from the rubble left behind by the temporary collapse of the centre-right. PSOE was led at that time by the relatively youthful Andalusian Felipe González and enjoys a strong basis of support in Andalusia to this day. With the peaceful transition to democracy after Franco's death, the restrictions on regional identity were lifted, with autonomy granted to several regions, and the regional languages gaining co-official status in their respective areas. The nature of the transition meant that there was little justice for those who had suffered under the Franco dictatorship and divisions still remain. The Basque Country in Spain's north that had begun violent resistance in 1959 against Franco continued its campaign of bombings and assassinations into the democratic era with the terrorist ETA (Euskadi ta Askatasuna; Basque for Basque Country and Freedom) group, despite the region having been provided with a high degree of autonomy. The group declared a ceasefire in 2011 and the armed struggle appears over for the time being. Even in the "democratic" 1980s, (under longtime Prime minister Felipe González [PSOE 1982–1996]) the Spanish government responded with methods that are now known to have included "death squadrons" to combat terrorism. ====Uncertain times in the third millennium==== In the 2000s there was more economic expansion and a housing price boom that subsequently collapsed, leaving Spain with high unemployment and economic difficulties. The economically important Catalan region has become louder in its demands for independence. In 2017/18 this conflict erupted as the central government had worked to annul key aspects of a more extensive statute of autonomy while parts of the Catalan parliament held an independence referendum, deemed "illegal" by opponents of independence. The central government cracked down heavily on the independence movement and several people involved in the referendum were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. ====Migration==== Spain holds a historical attachment to its neighbours on the Iberian Peninsula, [[Andorra]] and [[Portugal]], to its former colonies, to former citizens and their descendants, and to a special category of former citizens, namely Sephardic Jews. The population of Spain is growing in large part due to migration by people from relatively poor or politically unstable areas of Latin America, such as [[Colombia]], [[Cuba]], [[Ecuador]], [[El Salvador]] [[Nicaragua]], [[Peru]] or [[Venezuela]]; other parts of Europe, especially Eastern Europe; and Africa and Asia, particularly areas that have a historical or linguistic attachment to Spain. There is also an important segment of immigration that consists mainly of retired people, and people running businesses for them and foreign tourists, coming from wealthier European countries such as the [[United Kingdom]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Benelux]] and the [[Nordic countries]], established all along the Mediterranean shore, especially in the [[Costa Blanca]], [[Costa del Sol]], the [[Canary Islands]] and the [[Balearic Islands]], particularly in the summer months. Internally there have always been migrations from poorer rural areas (such as Andalusia) to the cities and to jobs in construction and tourism. Due to the economic crisis of the 2000s and 2010s, youth unemployment has risen to unbearable levels in the 50% range and quite a number of young people have semi-permanently fled the country to other European Union countries such as Germany to study, work or do internships either until things get better in Spain or forever. In the latter half of the 2010s there were tentative signs of economic improvement with some economic emigrants returning to Spain. ==Talk== {{seealso|Spanish phrasebook}} {{infobox|I'm so pregnant|Many English words have their origins in Latin, which makes it easy for English speakers to guess the meanings of many Spanish words. However, Spanish and English also have a number of false friends that one needs to be aware of to avoid embarrassing mistakes. <br> *'''embarazada''' – pregnant; ''not'' embarrassed <br> *'''preservativo''' – condom; ''not'' preservative <br> *'''bizarro''' – brave; ''not'' bizarre <br> *'''librería''' – bookshop; ''not'' library<br> *'''carta''' - letter; ''not'' card<br> *'''éxito''' - success, ''not'' exit<br> *'''parada''' - stop, ''not'' parade *'''ropa''' - clothes, ''not'' rope *'''carpeta''' - folder, ''not'' carpet}} The official and universal language used in Spain is Spanish (''español'') which is a member of the Romance family of languages (others include Portuguese, Italian, French, and Romanian). Many people, especially outside Castile, prefer to call it '''Castilian''' (''castellano''). However there are a number of languages (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Asturian, etc.) spoken in various parts of Spain. Some of these languages are dominant and co-official in their respective regions, though most people will be bilingual in their local language and Spanish. Catalan, Basque and Galician are recognised as official languages according to the Spanish constitution. With the exception of Basque (whose origins are still debated), the languages of the Iberian Peninsula are part of the Romance family and are fairly easy to pick up if you know Castilian well. * '''[[Catalan phrasebook|Catalan]]''' (Catalan: ''català'', Castilian: ''catalán''), a distinct language similar to Castilian but more closely related to the Oc branch of the Romance Languages and considered by many to be part of a dialect continuum spanning across Spain, France, and Italy and including the other langues d'oc such as Provençal, Beàrnais, Limousin, Auvernhat and Niçard. Various dialects are spoken in the northeastern region of [[Catalonia]], the [[Balearic Islands]], and [[Valencia (region)|Valencia]] (where it is often referred to as ''Valencià''), east of [[Aragon]], as well as neighbouring [[Andorra]] and southern France. To a casual listener, Catalan superficially appears to be a cross of Castilian, French and Portuguese and though it does share features of all three, it is a separate language. * '''[[Galician phrasebook|Galician]]''' (Galician: ''galego'', Castilian: ''gallego''), very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in [[Galicia]] and the western portions of [[Asturias]] and [[Leon_(Spain)|León]]. Galician predates Portuguese and is deemed one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese language family group which includes Brazilian, Southern Portuguese, Central Portuguese, and Galician. While the Portuguese consider it a dialect of Portuguese, Galicians consider their language independent. * '''[[Basque phrasebook|Basque]]''' (Basque: ''euskara'', Castilian: ''vasco''), a language unrelated to Castilian (or any other known language in the world), is spoken in the three provinces of the [[Basque Country]], on the two adjacent provinces on the French side of the Spain-French border, and in Navarre. Basque is considered a language isolate unrelated to any Romance or even Indo-European language. * '''[[Asturiano phrasebook|Asturiano]]''' (Asturiano: ''asturianu'', Castilian: ''asturiano'', also known as ''bable''), spoken in the province of [[Asturias]], where it enjoys semi-official protection. It was also spoken in rural parts of [[León (Spain)|León]], [[Zamora (Spain)|Zamora]], [[Salamanca]], in a few villages in Portugal (where it is called Mirandes) and in villages in the extreme north of [[Extremadura]]. While the constitution of Spain explicitly protects Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the term Catalan, Galician, and Castilian, it does not explicitly protect Asturian. Still, the province of Asturias explicitly protects it, and Spain implicitly protects it by not objecting before the Supreme Court. * '''[[Aragonese phrasebook|Aragonese]]''' (Aragonese: ''aragonés'', Castilian: ''aragonés'', also known colloquially as ''fabla''), spoken in the north of [[Aragon]], and is not officially recognised. This language is close to Catalan (specially in [[Benasque]]) and to Castilian, with some Basque and Occitan (southern France) influences. Nowadays, only a few villages near the [[Pyrenees]] use the language vigorously, while most people mix it with Castilian in their daily speech. * '''[[Aranese phrasebook|Aranese]]''' (Castilian: ''Aranés'', Catalan/Aranese Occitan: ''Aranès''), spoken in the Aran Valley and recognised as an official language of Catalonia (not of Spain), alongside Catalan and Castilian. This language is a variety of Gascon Occitan, and as such is very closely related to Provençal, Limousin, Languedoc, and Catalan. In addition to the native languages, many languages such as English, [[French phrasebook|French]], and [[German phrasebook|German]] are commonly studied in school. However, Spaniards are not known for their proficiency in foreign languages, and it is very rare to find locals conversant in foreign languages outside of tourist establishments or major international hotels. That being said, most establishments in Spain's important tourist industry usually have staff members who speak a decent level of English, particularly in popular beach resorts such as those in the [[Costa del Sol]] where you will find people who are fluent in several languages, the most common ones being German and French. As [[Portuguese phrasebook|Portuguese]] and [[Italian phrasebook|Italian]] are closely related to Spanish, if you speak either of these languages, locals would be able to puzzle you out with some difficulty. German is spoken in some areas frequented by German tourists, such as Mallorca. In general, people who speak two national languages (e.g. Basque and Castilian or Catalan and Castilian) are more likely to speak a foreign language than monolingual Spanish speakers. Castilian Spanish differs from the '''Latin American Spanish''' varieties in pronunciation and grammar, although all Latin American varieties are easily understood by Spaniards and vice-versa. While the differences in spelling are virtually non-existent, the differences in words and pronunciation between "Spanish-Spanish" and "Latin-Spanish" are arguably bigger than those between "American" and "British" English. French is the most widely understood foreign language in the northeast of Spain. The Basque region and northern Catalonia in particular have sizable populations that speak French. Locals will appreciate any attempts you make to speak their language. For example, know at least the Castilian for "good morning" (''buenos días'') and "thank you" (''gracias''). ==Get in== ===Entry requirements=== {{infobox|Minimum validity of travel documents|* EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need only produce a passport or national identity card that is valid on the date of entry. * Other nationals must produce a passport that is valid for the entirety of their stay in Spain. * More information about the minimum validity of travel documents is on the [http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx Spanish government website].}} {{Schengen}} EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who enter Spain on a national identity card, who are under 18 years old and travelling without their parents are required to have written parental consent. For more information, visit this [http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/RequisitosDeEntrada.aspx webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain]. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles are permitted to work in Spain without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90 day visa-free stay. However, this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries. A stay of longer than 90 days for non-EEA or Swiss citizens almost invariably requires an advance visa. If one stays for longer than 6 months, a residence permit ('''Titulo de Residencia''') must be obtained within the first 30 days of entering Spain. There are a number of ways to get into Spain. From neighbouring European countries, a drive with the car or a train ride is feasible; from a number of Mediterranean countries more or less [[Ferries in the Mediterranean|regular ferry connections]] are available; visitors from further away will probably be using air travel. ===By plane=== [[File:Torre de control de Madrid-Barajas - 01.jpg|thumb|Control tower of [[Madrid–Barajas Airport|Madrid-Barajas]]]] Spain's flag carrier is '''[http://www.iberia.com Iberia]''', and its two other main airlines are '''[http://www.vueling.com Vueling]''' and '''[http://www.aireuropa.com Air Europa]'''. There are many airlines connecting from most European countries, Africa, the Americas and Asia. Virtually all European low cost carriers provide frequent services to Spain including: [https://www.tui.co.uk/flight/ '''TUI Airways'''], '''[http://www.easyjet.com EasyJet]''', '''[http://www.ryanair.com Ryanair]''', '''[http://wizzair.com Wizz Air]''' and '''[http://www.jet2.com Jet2.com]'''. The busiest airports are [[Madrid–Barajas Airport]], [[Barcelona El Prat]], [[Palma de Mallorca#By plane|Palma de Mallorca]] and [[Malaga#By plane|Malaga]], followed by [[Seville#By plane|Seville]], [[Valencia#By plane|Valencia]], [[Bilbao#By plane|Bilbao]], [[Alicante#By plane|Alicante]] and [[Santiago de Compostela#By plane|Santiago de Compostela]]. For mainland Spain, Madrid Barajas ({{IATA|MAD}}), Barcelona ({{IATA|BCN}}) and Malaga ({{IATA|AGP}}) are your most likely ports of entry, as they have by far the highest number of international flights. For the islands, you will most likely directly arrive at an airport on the island, without connecting through another Spanish airport. If your destination does not have a direct flight, you can make use of Iberia's [[rail air alliance]] with Renfe. Searching for your destination directly on the Iberia website will give you flights with a connecting train service automatically. ===By train=== ''see also'' [[rail travel in Europe]] [[File:AVE in spain.jpg|thumb|AVE in Spain (Spanish High Speed)]] The [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/ train system] in Spain is modern and reliable, most of the trains are brand new and the punctuality rate is one of the highest in Europe, the only problem is that not all the populated areas have a train station; sometimes small towns don't have one, in those cases you need to take a bus. Another issue with the Spanish Rail network is that the lines are disposed in a radial way so almost all the lines head to Madrid. That's why sometimes travelling from one city to another geographically close to it might take longer by train than by bus if they are not on the same line. Always check whether the bus or the train is more convenient. The Spanish [[high speed rail]] system is, however, more reliable than that of - say - Germany, because the gauge of traditional and high speed trains is different and thus high speed lines are only used by high speed passenger trains meaning fewer delays due to congested lines or technical problems. All lines that cross the border into France have either a break of gauge (thus making changing train or a lengthy gauge change necessary) or are high speed, thus making the high speed trains the vastly preferable option to cross the border. Trains between Barcelona and France are operated jointly by SNCF and RENFE and both sell tickets for any international train on that route. Spain has numerous rail links with neighbouring Portugal, none of them high speed. There are only three rail links with France, one at [[Hendaye]] on a traditional line requiring a break of gauge, a connection used for local traffic near Latour de Carol (this is the closest rail line to [[Andorra]]) and one near [[Figueres]] for high speed trains. The former two see the occasional [[sleeper train]] while the latter sees the vast majority of passenger travel and all high speed trains. The former link through the Pyrenees near [[Canfranc]] has been abandoned but the former border station at Canfranc is still served from the Spanish site and worth a visit if you're a railway enthusiast or history buff. ===By bus=== Virtually all companies operating [[Intercity buses in France]] including [http://www.ouibus.com Ouibus] and even German player [http://www.flixbus.de Flixbus] offer buses to/from Spanish destinations. Spanish operators with international connections include [https://www.alsa.es/en/our-destinations/international Alsa] and [http://www.linebus.es/ Linebus]. Generally speaking the buses will be reasonably save and may even have WiFi or electric outlets at your seat, but if your main concern is anything but cost, opt for a train or plane instead as the former is both vastly more comfortable and faster and the latter is still a lot faster and can even be cheaper, if you manages to travel on carry-on only. Buses generally have greater luggage allowances than the airlines, but then again, you'd have the same advantage taking the train. ===By boat=== From the UK, [http://www.brittanyferries.com/ Brittany Ferries] offers services from [[Portsmouth]] and [[Plymouth (England)|Plymouth]] to [[Santander]] and from [[Portsmouth]] to [[Bilbao]]. The journey time from [[Portsmouth]] to [[Santander]] is approximately 24 hours. Spain is also well connected by ferry to Northern Africa (particularly [[Tunisia]] and [[Morocco]]) and the [[Canary Islands]] which are part of Spain. Routes are also naturally available to the Spanish Balearic islands of [[Mallorca]], [[Minorca]], [[Ibiza]] and [[Formentera]]. Another popular route is from [[Barcelona]] to [[Genoa]]. {{related|Ferries in the Mediterranean}} ==Get around== ===By train=== [[File:Red actual de ferrocarriles de España.svg|thumb|Spain's rail network. Green is narrow gauge, red is Iberian gauge and blue is standard gauge - all standard gauge lines are high speed]] * '''[http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/ Renfe]''' is the Spanish national rail carrier. Long-distance trains always run on time, but be aware that short-distance trains (called ''Cercanías'') can bear long delays, from ten to twenty minutes, and especially in the Barcelona area, where delays up to 30 minutes are not uncommon. To be safe, always take the train before the one you need. It also manages '''FEVE''' narrow-gauge trains which mainly run near the northern Atlantic coast (from Ferrol to Bilbao). Buying tickets online with a foreign credit card may be difficult, however, those with a PayPal account may find it easier to pay using the website. Renfe also operates the '''AVE''' [[High-speed rail|high speed trains]], whose network radiates out of Madrid to the major cities along the coasts - Spain boasts the second-longest high speed network (behind [[China]]) and has constructed a lot of new lines until the economic downturn at the end of the 2000s. The AVE is easily the fastest option wherever it goes (faster even than flying in most cases) but can be on the expensive side. Tickets don't go on sale until 30 days before departure, and few discount tickets are available. * '''FGC''' operates several local routes near Barcelona. On these places where both Renfe and FGC operate, usually FGC provides more trains per hour, has better punctuality records and stations are closer to the city centres; on the other side, trains are slower and single fares are more expensive. * '''FGV''' provides local services in Valencia area uncovered by Renfe and a tram service in Alicante. * '''Euskotren''' operates affordable services from Bilbao to Gernika, Bermeo and San Sebastian plus a line connecting San Sebastian with Irun and Hendaye (France). The Bilbao - San Sebastian trip is about 2hr 40min while buses connect the cities in around just an hour, although bus tickets cost about twice as the train. All but the whole Bilbao - San Sebastian line run twice an hour with extra trains on peak hours. <!--there are plans for new "low cost" rail services by both RENFE and SNCF. Someone should add them--> ===By bus=== The least expensive way to get around most parts of Spain is by bus. Most major routes are point to point, and very high frequency. There are many companies serving within certain autonomous communities or provinces of the country on multiple routes or on a single route going from a major city to several surrounding villages and towns. The following operators serve more than a single region: * {{listing | name=ALSA | alt=formerly Continental Auto | url=http://www.alsa.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 422242 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=Largest bus company with point to point routes across the country and alliances with various other regional companies and/or subsidiary brands. }} * {{listing | name=Grupo Avanza | alt= | url=http://www.avanzabus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 020999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=Operates buses between Madrid and the surrounding autonomous communities of Extremadura, Castile-Leon, Valencia (via Castile-Leon). In some areas they operate through their subsidiary brands of Alosa, Tusza, Vitrasa, Suroeste and Auto Res. }} * {{listing | name=Socibus and Secorbus | alt= | url=http://www.socibus.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 902 229292 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-09 | content=These companies jointly operate buses between Madrid and western Andalucia including Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva and Seville. }} At the bus station, each operator has its own ticket counter or window and usually a single operator from here to a particular destination. Therefore, the easiest is to ask the staff who will be happy to tell you who operates which route and point you to a specific desk or window. You can also see what is all available on [http://www.movelia.es Movelia.es] or see "By bus" under "Getting in" or "Getting Around" in the article for a particular autonomous community region, province or locale. It is usually not necessary or more advantageous to book tickets in advance as one can show up and get on the next available bus. Most bus companies can be booked in advance online. however English translation on their websites is patchy at best. ===By boat=== Wherever you are in Spain, from your private yacht you can enjoy gorgeous scenery and distance yourself from the inevitable crowds of tourists that flock to these destinations. May is a particularly pleasant time to charter in the regions of Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and the Balearic Islands as the weather is good and the crowds have yet to descend. The summer months of July and August are the hottest and tend to have lighter winds. There is no low season for the [[Canary Islands]], as the weather resembles springtime all year round. If you would like to bareboat anywhere in Spain, including the Balearic or Canary Islands, a US Coast Guard License is the only acceptable certification needed by Americans to bareboat. For everyone else, a RYA Yacht Master Certification or International Certificate of Competence will normally do. Although a skipper may be required, a hostess/chef may or may not be necessary. Dining out is strong part of Spanish custom and tradition. If you are planning on docking in a port and exploring fabulous bars and restaurants a hostess/cook may just be useful for serving drinks and making beds. Extra crew can take up valuable room on a tight ship. === By car === {{seealso|Driving in Spain}} In major cities like [[Madrid]] or [[Barcelona]] and in mid-sized ones like [[San Sebastian]], moving around by car is expensive and nerve-wracking. Fines for improper parking are uncompromising (€85 and up). Access by car has been made more difficult by municipal policies in Barcelona and Madrid in the 2010s. The positive effects on the urban fabric of those policies have proven widely popular, so expect more of this. [[File:Red española de autopistas y autovías2.PNG|thumb|Spanish network of motorways]] Having a driving map is essential - many streets are one-way; left turns are more rare than rights (and are unpredictable). Getting around by car makes sense if you plan to move from one city to another every other day, ideally if you don't plan to park overnight in large cities. It also doesn't hurt that the scenery is beautiful and well worth a drive. With a good public transport network that connects to (almost) all points of interest for travellers, you might ask yourself whether driving is really worth the cost and the hassle, as you are often much faster by train than by car. There are two types of highway in Spain: ''autopistas'', or motorways, and ''autovías'', which are more akin to expressways. Most autopistas are toll roads while autovías are generally free of charge. In some autonomous communities whether a highway is tolled depends on whether the central or regional government built and operates them. To a foreigner the system can seem rather confusing. <!--is there signage at least?--> Tolls often work out to "odd" Euro amounts leading you with a lot of copper coins if you pay cash. Speed limits range from 50 km/h (30 mph) in towns to 90 km/h on rural roads, 100 km/h on roads and 120 km/h (75 mph) on autopistas and autovías. Starting from May 2021 all roads with only one lane per direction inside built up areas will have a blanket speed limit of {{kmh|30}}. Spaniards are somewhat notorious for seeing traffic infractions such as speeding, second row parking or red light infractions as "minor", but the government is increasingly cracking down on this kind of behavior and police will have a field day writing a ticket to a foreigner who doesn't speak the language. Gasoline/petrol costs in the range of €1.32/L in Jan 2020, and diesel costs €1.25/L. Filling procedure for gas stations varies from brand to brand. At Agip, you first fill the tank yourself, and then pay inside the shop. === By thumb === Spain isn't a good country for [[Tips for hitchhiking|hitchhiking]]. Sometimes you can wait many hours. Try to speak with people at gas stations, parking lots, etc. They are scared and suspicious, but when you make them feel that they don't need to be afraid, they gladly accept you and mostly also show their generosity. In the south of Spain, in and around the Alpujarras, hitchhiking is very common and it is also very easy to get a ride. As long as you can speak a bit of Spanish and don't look too dirty or frightening, you should be able to get a ride moderately easily. === By bicycle === Spain is a suitable country for cycling, and it is possible to see many cyclists in some of the cities. Cycling lanes are available in most mid-sized and large cities, although they are not comparable in number to what you can find in for example central Europe. Depending on where you are in Spain, you could face a very mountainous area. Much of central Spain is very flat, though elevated, but towards the coast the landscape is often very hilly, especially in the north. There are several options for touring in Spain by bicycle: guided or supported tours, rent bicycles in Spain or bring your own bike, or any combination. Supported tours are ubiquitous on the web. For unsupported tours a little Spanish helps a lot. Shoulder seasons avoid extremes of temperature and ensure hotel availability in non-tourist areas. Good hotels are €35–45 in the interior, breakfast usually included. ''Menú del día'' meals are €8–10 eating where the locals eat. Secondary roads are usually well paved and have good shoulders, and as a rule Spanish drivers are careful and courteous around touring cyclists. Road signs are usually very good and easy to follow. [[File:Bicisvalenbisi.jpg|thumb|Bike rental station in Valencia]] Most municipalities in Spain, towns and cities are modernising their streets to introduce special lanes for bicycles. Bike share systems with usually quite reasonable prices are also being installed in cities throughout the country. === By taxi === All the major cities in Spain are served by taxis, which are a convenient, if somewhat expensive way to get around. That being said, taxis in Spain are more reasonably priced than those in say, the [[United Kingdom]] or [[Japan]]. Most taxi drivers do not speak English or any other foreign languages, so it would be necessary to have the names and/or addresses of your destinations written in Spanish to show your taxi driver. Likewise, get your hotel's business card to show your taxi driver in case you get lost. ==See== The most popular beaches are the ones along the Mediterranean coast, in the Balearic Islands and in the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, for hiking, the mountains of Sierra Nevada in the south, the Central Cordillera and the northern Pyrenees are the best places. ===Historic cities=== [[File:Spain Andalusia Cordoba BW 2015-10-27 13-54-14.jpg|thumbnail|Mezquita in Córdoba]] [[File:AcueductoSegovia edit1.jpg|thumbnail|Segovia aqueduct]] Historically, Spain has been an important crossroads: between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, between North Africa and Europe, and as Europe began colonising the New World, between Europe and the Americas. The country thus is blessed with a fantastic collection of historical landmarks — in fact, it has the second largest number of UNESCO Heritage Sites and the largest number of World Heritage Cities of any nation in the world. In the south of Spain, Andalusia holds many reminders of old Spain. '''[[Cadiz]]''' is regarded as one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in western Europe, with remnants of the Roman settlement that once stood here. Nearby, '''[[Ronda]]''' is a beautiful town atop steep cliffs and noted for its gorge-spanning bridge and the oldest bullring in Spain. '''[[Cordoba (city, Spain)|Cordoba]]''' and '''[[Granada (Spain)|Granada]]''' hold the most spectacular reminders of the nation's Muslim past, with the red-and-white striped arches of the Mezquita in Cordoba and the stunning Alhambra palace perched on a hill above Granada. '''[[Seville]]''', the cultural centre of Andalusia, has a dazzling collection of sights built when the city was the main port for goods from the Americas, the grandest of which being the city's cathedral, the largest in the country. Moving north across the plains of La Mancha into Central Spain, picturesque '''[[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]]''' stands as perhaps ''the'' historical centre of the nation, a beautiful medieval city sitting atop a hill that once served as the capital of Spain before Madrid was built. North of Madrid and an easy day-trip from the capital city is '''[[El Escorial]]''', once the centre of the Spanish empire during the time of the Inquisition, and '''[[Segovia]]''', noted for its spectacular Roman aqueduct which spans one of the city's squares. Further north in Castile-Leon is '''[[Salamanca]]''', known for its famous university and abundance of historic architecture. Galicia in northwestern Spain is home to '''[[Santiago de Compostela]]''', the end point of the old [[Way of St. James]] (''Camino de Santiago'') pilgrimage route and the supposed burial place of St. James, with perhaps the most beautiful cathedral in all of Spain at the heart of its lovely old town. Northeastern Spain has a couple of historical centres to note: '''[[Zaragoza]]''', with Roman, Muslim, medieval and Renaissance buildings from throughout its two thousand years of history, and '''[[Barcelona]]''' with its pseudo-medieval [[Barcelona/Ciutat Vella|Barri Gòtic]] neighbourhood. Be prepared to have your luggage scanned airport style at the entrance of most museums. There's usually a locker where you can (or must) leave your bags. ===Art museums=== [[File:Hemispheric - Valencia, Spain - Jan 2007.jpg|thumb|L'Hemisfèric, in The City of Arts and Sciences (Spanish: Ciudad de Las Artes y Las Ciencias) (Valencia)]] Spain has played a key role in Western art, heavily influenced by French and Italian artists but very distinct in its own regard, owing to the nation's history of Muslim influence, Counter-Reformation climate and, later, the hardships from the decline of the Spanish empire, giving rise to such noted artists like El Greco, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. In the last century, Spain's unique position in Europe brought forth some of the leading artists of the Modernist and Surrealist movements, most notably the famed Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. [[File:Museo Guggenheim con el puente de la Salve en primer plano.jpg|thumb|Guggenheim Museum with Salve Bridge in the foreground (Bilbao)]] Today, Spain's two largest cities hold the lion's share of Spain's most famous artworks. Madrid's [[Madrid#Museum_Triangle|Museum Triangle]] is home to the '''Museo del Prado''', the largest art museum in Spain with many of the most famous works by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya as well as some notable works by Italian, Flemish, Dutch and German masters. Nearby sits the '''Reina Sofía''', most notable for holding Picasso's ''Guernica'' but also containing a number of works by Dalí and other Modernist, Surrealist and abstract painters. The Prado goes back to the former royal collection and the Reina Sofia Museum is named for King Juan Carlos' wife, in practice the dividing line between the two is largely one of era, with anything made roughly after the birth of Picasso found in the Reina Sofia and everything else in the Prado. Barcelona is renowned for its stunning collection of modern and contemporary art and architecture. This is where you will find the '''Picasso Museum''', which covers the artist's early career quite well, and the architectural wonders of '''Antoni Gaudi''', with their twisting organic forms that are a delight to look at. Outside of Madrid and Barcelona, the art museums quickly dwindle in size and importance, although there are a couple of worthy mentions that should not be overlooked. Many of El Greco's most famous works lie in '''[[Toledo (Spain)|Toledo]]''', an easy day trip from Madrid. ''The Disrobing of Christ'', perhaps El Greco's most famous work, sits in the Cathedral, but you can also find work by him in one of the small art museums around town. [[Bilbao]] in the Basque Country of northern Spain is home to a spectacular '''Guggenheim Museum''' designed by Frank Gehry that has put the city on the map. A day trip from Barcelona is the town of [[Figueres]], noted for the '''Salvador Dalí Museum''', designed by the Surrealist himself. [[Málaga]] in the south is Picasso's city of birth, and is also home to two museums dedicated to his life and works. ===Archaeological sites=== * Ampurias, excavations of a Greek and Roman town, Roman basilica, temples of Asclepios and Serapis, (between Gerona and Figueras, Catalonia) * Antequetera, La Menga and Viera dolmens, * Calatrava la Nueva, well preserved medieval castle, * Calatrava la Vieja, remains of the Arab town, castle of the order of Calatrava, * Clunia, Roman town with forum, shops, temple, public bath houses and Roman villa, * Fraga, Roman villa, Bronze Age settlements, * Gormaz, Arab castle, * Italica, Roman town with amphitheatre, city walls, House of the Exedra, House of the Peacocks, Baths of the Moorish Queen, House of the Hylas, temple complex (near Sevilla), * Merida, Roman city, Roman bridge, Amphitheatre, Hippodrome, House of the Amphitheatre, House of the Mithraeum with mosaics, aquaeducts, museum * San Juan de los Banos, Visigoth church (between Burgos and Valladolid), * San Pedro de la Nave, Visigoth church (near Zamora), * Santa Maria de Melque, Visigoth church, * Segobriga (Cabeza del Griego), Roman town, Visigoth church, museum (between Madrid and Albacete) * Tarragona, Roman town with “Cyclopean wall”, amphitheatre, hippodrome, form and triumphal arch, ===Sports=== ====Football==== {{see also|Association football in Europe}} Spain's '''[http://www.laliga.es/en La Liga]''' is one of the strongest association football leagues in the world, boasting world-class teams like '''[http://www.realmadrid.com/en Real Madrid]''' and '''[https://www.fcbarcelona.com/ FC Barcelona]''' that play to sold-out crowds on a weekly basis. The rivalry between the two aforementioned clubs, known as '''''El Clásico''''', is undoubtedly one of the most intense in the world as a result of the long history of political conflict behind it. Other noteworthy clubs include Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, and Sevilla. The Spanish national team is also one of the strongest in the world, being able to draw the best players from its league. It long had a reputation of always failing to win big games, but this reputation has been pretty much shattered by its wins in the 2008 and 2012 European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup. ====Basketball==== Spain also has a strong basketball tradition, with Spanish clubs generally doing well in European competition, and the Spanish national team also being one of the best in Europe. Many of the top football clubs in Spain also have basketball teams, and as with their football counterparts, both Real Madrid Baloncesto and FC Barcelona Bàsquet are among Europe's most successful basketball teams. ====Handball==== {{see also|Handball in Europe}} Spain is among the most successful Handball nations on earth, although it may not always reach the level of play of some Nordic or ex-Yugoslavian countries or Germany. The [http://asobal.es/ Liga Asobal], Spain's national handball league is among the toughest in the world. ====Cycling==== Spain is home to one of the three grand tours on the international cycling calendar, the '''[http://www.lavuelta.com/la-vuelta/2016/us/ Vuelta a España]'''. ===Itineraries=== * [[Via de la Plata Route]] Historic 800-km route from [[Gijón]] to [[Sevilla]]. * [[Way of St. James]] ==Do== ===Festivals=== Spain has a lot of local festivals that are worth going to. * {{listing | type=do | name=Semana Santa | alt=''Holy week'' | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-04-20 | content=Visit Spain when many processions take place in cities and Christians march through the streets in the evening with replicas of Jesus on their shoulders and play music. Make sure to book ahead since accommodations fill up quickly during that time and often nothing is left shortly before the celebrations. Notorious cities to see the best processions are [[Málaga]], [[Girona]], [[Cádiz]], [[Seville]] and the rest of [[Andalusia]]; but it's also interesting in [[Valladolid (Spain)|Valladolid]] (silent processions) and [[Zaragoza]] (where hundreds of drums are played in processions). }} * '''Córdoba en Mayo''' ([[Cordoba (city, Spain)|Cordoba]] in May) - great month to visit the Southern city * '''Las Cruces''' (1st week in May) - big flower-made crosses embellishing public squares in the city centre, where you will also find at night music and drinking and lot of people having fun! * '''Festival de Patios''' - one of the most interesting cultural exhibitions, 2 weeks when some people open doors of their houses to show their old Patios full of flowers * '''Cata del Vino Montilla-Moriles''' - great wine tasting in a big tent in the city centre during one week in May * '''Dia de Sant Jordi''' - The Catalan must. On 23 April [[Barcelona]] is embellished with roses everywhere and book-selling stands can be found in the Rambla. There are also book signings, concerts and diverse animations. * '''Fallas''' - [[Valencia]]'s festival in March - burning the "fallas" is a must [[File:6 Falla Plaza del Ayuntamiento 2012.JPG|thumb|Falla of the Town Hall Square 2012 (Valencia)]] * '''[[Málaga]]'s August Fair''' - flamenco dancing, drinking sherry, bullfights * '''San Fermines''' - July in [[Pamplona]], [[Navarra]]. * '''Fiesta de San Isidro''' - 15 May in [[Madrid]] - a celebration of [[Madrid]]'s patron saint. * '''Carnival''' - best in [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]] and [[Cádiz]] * '''Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos''' (Three wise men parade) - on the eve of Epiphany, 5 January, the night before Spanish kids get their Christmas presents, it rains sweets and toys in every single town and city * '''San Sebastian International Film Festival''' - held annually in [[San Sebastian]], a gorgeous city in the Basque Country, towards the end of September * '''La Tomatina''' - a giant tomato fight in [[Buñol]] * '''Moros y Cristianos''' (Moors and Christians, mostly found in Southeastern Spain during spring time) - parades and "battles" remembering the fights of medieval ages * In '''[[Galicia]]''' 85 festivals take place throughout the year from wine to wild horses. ===Holidays=== '''New Year eve''': "Nochevieja" in Spanish. There's a tradition in Spain to eat grapes as the clock counts down the New Year, one grape for each of the last 12 seconds before midnight. For this, even small packs of grapes (exactly 12 grapes per pack) are sold in supermarkets before New Year. La Puerta del Sol, is the venue for the New Year's party in Spain. At 23:59 sound "los cuartos (In Spanish)" some bells announcing that it will begin to sound the 12 chimes (campanadas in Spanish). While sounding "los cuartos", moves down from the top chime of the clock, with the same purpose as "los cuartos" sound will indicate that "las campanadas". That will sound at 24:00 and that indicate the start of a new year. During each chime must eat a grape, according to tradition. Between each chime, there is a time span of three seconds. "Las Campanadas", are broadcast live on the main national TV channels, as in the rest of Spain, people are still taking grapes from home or on giant screens installed in major cities, following the chimes from the Puerta del Sol in Madrid. [[File:Nochevieja puertadelsol 2006.jpg|thumb|Start the New Year in La Puerta del Sol (Madrid)]] After ringing "las campanadas", starts a fireworks extravaganza. This is a famous party in Spain and is a great time to enjoy because show is secured in the centre of the capital of Spain. ===Outdoor activities=== * '''Canyoning''': see [[Canyoning#Spain|Spain section in the Canyoning article]] * '''Climbing''' in: [[Los Mallos]] ([[Aragon]]) and [[Siurana]] (near [[Barcelona]]) * '''Football''' (soccer): The most popular sport in Spain, with both the Spanish league and national team being among the strongest in the world. * '''Whitewater sports''' in: [[Campo]], [[Murillo de Gallego]] ([[Aragon]]) * '''Hiking''' in Galicia * '''Downhill skiing''': There are a lot of downhill skiing resorts in Spain. Skiing in the northern region of Spain ===Scuba diving=== For a treat, try Costa Brava and the world renowned Canary Islands. ==Work== Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can work in Spain without having to secure a work permit. Everyone else, however, needs to apply for a work permit. Despite the presence of two European behemoths in Madrid and Barcelona, the Spanish job market is weak for such a developed nation. Finding a job in Spain is quite tough, owing the country's fragile economic situation. Unemployment is high (16.2% as of August 2020), and salaries are quite low compared to other western European countries. For these reasons, many Spaniards have emigrated to other countries in search of better opportunities. Tourism is an important economic sector which disproportionately employs foreigners but which took a hit in the Covid crisis. Owing to its sunny climate, Spain is one of Europe's largest agricultural exporters, but most agricultural work in Spain is hard, measly paid and done largely by immigrants from the global south, many of them undocumented. ==Buy== ===Money=== {{Template:Exchange rate euros}} {{Euro}} [[File:Banco de España (Madrid) 06.jpg|thumb|Bank of Spain]] €500 banknotes are not accepted in many stores&mdash;always have alternative banknotes. ====Money exchange==== Do not expect anybody to accept other types of currency, or to be willing to exchange currency. Exceptions are shops and restaurants at airports. These will generally accept at least U.S. dollars at a bad exchange rate. Banks are the main places to exchange money. However, some banks may only exchange money for those with an account there. Currency exchanges, once a common sight, have all but disappeared since the introduction of the euro. Again, international airports are an exception to this rule; other exception is tourist districts in the large cities (Barcelona, Madrid). ====Credit card==== Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Most Spanish stores will ask for ID before accepting your credit card. Some stores may not accept a foreign driving licence or ID card, and you will need to show your passport. This measure is designed to help avoid credit card fraud. ====ATM==== Most ATMs will allow you to withdraw money with your credit card. There is a fee in addition to what your bank charges you of about €2, except with Unicaja Banco machines. ===Tipping=== [[Tipping]], or "propina" in Spanish, is not mandatory or considered customary in Spain unless there was something absolutely exceptional about the service. As a result, you may find that waiters are not as attentive or courteous as you may be used to since they don't work for tips. If you choose to tip, the tip amount in restaurants depends on your economic status, the locale and type of establishment. If you feel that you have experienced good service then leave some loose change on the table - possibly €1 or €2 . If you don't, it is no big deal. Bars expect only tourists, particularly American tourists, to leave a tip. They are aware that it is customary in the United States to leave a tip for every drink or meal. It is rare to see anyone other than Americans tipping in Spain. In major resorts tipping may be common; look around at other diners to assess if tipping is appropriate. Outside the restaurant business, some service providers, such as taxi drivers, hairdressers and hotel personnel may expect a tip in an upscale setting. ===Business hours=== Most businesses (including most shops, but not restaurants) close in the afternoons around 13:30/14:00 and reopen for the evening around 16:30/17:00. Exceptions are large malls or major chain stores. For most Spaniards, lunch is the main meal of the day and you will find bars and restaurants open during this time. On Saturdays, businesses often do not reopen in the evening and almost everywhere is closed on Sundays. The exception is the month of December, where most shops in Madrid and Barcelona will be open as per on weekdays on Sundays to cash in on the festive season. Also, many public offices and banks do not reopen in the evenings even on weekdays, so if you have any important business to take care of, be sure to check hours of operation. If you plan to spend whole day shopping in small shops, the following rule of thumb can work: a closed shop should remind it's also time for your own lunch. And when you finish your lunch, some shops will be likely open again. [[File:Gran Vía (Madrid) 25.jpg|thumb|Gran Vía of Madrid, is a perfect place for shopping]] ===Shopping=== ====Designer brands==== Besides well-known mass brands which are known around the world (Zara, Mango, Bershka, Camper, Desigual), Spain has many designer brands which are more hard to find outside Spain--and may be worth looking for if you shop for designer wear while travelling. Some of these brands include: * {{listing | name=Custo Barcelona | url=http://www.custo-barcelona.com/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Headquartered in [[Barcelona]], has stores in [[Bilbao]], [[Ibiza]], [[La Coruna]], [[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria]], [[León (Spain)|León]], [[Madrid]], [[Marbella]], [[Palma de Mallorca]], [[Salamanca]], [[Tenerife]]. }} * {{buy | name=Kowalski | url=http://www.kowalski-shoes.com/ {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=head office: Ctra. del Leon, km, 2; 03293 Elche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+34 966 630 612 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Designer shoes and sneakers (trademark Herman Monster and others) for women, men and unisex. }} ====Department stores==== * {{buy | name=El Corte Ingles | alt= | url=http://elcorteingles.es | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major national chain that can be found in nearly every city. In most cities, enjoys central location but resides in functional, uninspiring buildings. Has department for everything--but is not good enough for most purposes, except maybe for buying gourmet food and local food specialties. Tax refund for purchases at El Corte Ingles, unlike most other stores in Spain, can be returned only to a debit/credit card, even if you originally paid in cash. }} [[File:Corte Inglés complejo AZCA.JPG|thumb|Corte Inglés store under construction in Madrid]] ====Others==== * {{buy | name=Casas | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A chain of footwear stores that selects most popular (?) models from a dozen+ of mid-range brands. }} * {{buy | name=Camper | url=http://www.camper.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Camper shoes can be seen in most cities in the country. While it may seem that they are sold everywhere, finding right model and size may be a trouble--so if you find what you need, don't postpone your purchase. Campers are sold both in standalone branded shops, and as a part of a mix with other brands in local shoe stores. Standalones generally provide wider choice of models and sizes; local stores can help if you need to hunt for a specific model and size. }} * {{buy | name=For | url=http://for.es/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Private national fashion chain featuring many premium brands. Main location is [[Bilbao]]; some stores in [[San Sebastian]] and [[Zaragoza]]. }} ==Eat== {{seealso|Spanish cuisine}} The Spanish are very passionate about their food and wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish food can be described as quite light with a lot of vegetables and a huge variety of meat and fish. Perhaps owing to the inquisition trying to "find out" lapsed ''conversos'' pork (religiously prohibited in both Judaism and Islam) is easily the most consumed meat and features prominently in many dishes. Spanish cuisine does not use many spices; it relies only on the use of high quality ingredients to give a good taste. As such, you may find Spanish food bland at times but there are usually a variety of restaurants in most cities (Italian, Chinese, American fast food) if you would like to experience a variety of flavors. If you are familiar with Latin American cuisines, keep in mind that many Spanish dishes may have the same name as several Latin American dishes, but actually refer to completely different dishes (e.g. ''tortilla'' and ''horchata'' refer to completely different things in Spain and Mexico). Like much of Europe, Spain's top tourism destinations are full of tourist-trap restaurants that serve overpriced and mediocre food. If you want a good and reasonably-priced meal, it's generally best to go to restaurants with a primarily local clientele. However, as it is rare to find English-speaking waiters in such establishments, be prepared to have to speak some Spanish. ===Breakfast, lunch and dinner times=== Spaniards have a different eating timetable than many people are used to. The key thing to remember for a traveller is: * breakfast ('''desayuno''') for most Spaniards is light and consists of just coffee and perhaps a ''galleta'' (like a graham cracker) or ''magdalena'' (sweet muffin-like bread). Later, some will go to a cafe for a pastry midmorning, but not too close to lunchtime. * "el aperitivo" is a light snack eaten around 12:00. However, this could include a couple of glasses of beer and a large filled baguette or a "pincho de tortilla".[[File:TapasenBarcelona.JPG|thumb|"Pinchos" in Barcelona]] * lunch ('''comida''') starts at 13:30-14:30 (though often not until 15:00) and was once typically followed by a short siesta, usually at summer when temperatures can be quite hot in the afternoon. This is the main meal of the day with two courses ('''el primer plato''' and '''el segundo plato''' followed by dessert. ''La comida'' and siesta are usually over by 16:00 at the latest. However, since life has become busier, there is no opportunity for a siesta. * dinner ('''cena''') starts at 20:30 or 21:00, with most clientèle coming after 21:00. It is a lighter meal than lunch. In Madrid restaurants rarely open before 21:00 and most customers do not appear before 23:00. * there is also an afternoon snack that some take between ''la comida'' and ''la cena'' called '''merienda'''. It is similar to a tea time in England and is taken around 18:00 or so. * between the lunch and dinner times, most restaurants and cafes are closed, and it takes extra effort to find a place to eat if you missed lunch time. Despite this, you can always look for a ''bar'' and ask for a ''bocadillo'', a baguette sandwich. There are ''bocadillos fríos'', cold sandwiches, which can be filled with ham, [[cheese]] or any kind of ''embutido'', and ''bocadillos calientes'', hot sandwiches, filled with pork loin, ''tortilla'', bacon, sausage and similar options with cheese. This can be a really cheap and tasty option if you find a good place. Normally, restaurants in big cities don't close until midnight during the week and 02:00-03:00 during the weekend. ===Breakfast=== [[File:Chocolate with churros.jpg|thumb|right|230px|"''Chocolate con churros''"]] Breakfast is eaten by most Spaniards. Traditional Spanish breakfast includes coffee or orange juice, and pastries or a small sandwich. In Madrid, it is also common to have hot chocolate with "churros" or "porras". In cafes, you can expect varieties of ''tortilla de patatas'' (see the [[#Spanish dishes|''Spanish dishes'' section]]), sometimes tapas (either breakfast variety or same kind as served in the evenings with alcohol). ===Tapas=== [[File:Tapas marteñas.jpg|thumb|Spanish Tapas]] The entry level to Spanish food is found in bars as '''tapas''', which are a bit like "starters" or "appetisers", but are instead considered side orders to accompany your drink; in some parts of Spain, a drink is still accompanied automatically by a free tapa, but in places where it's not, ask for ''tapa y caña'' to order a beer and a tapa. Some bars will offer a wide variety of different tapas; others specialise on a specific kind (like seafood-based). A Spanish custom is to have one tapa and one small drink at a bar, then go to the next bar and do the same. A group of two or more individuals may order two or more '''tapas''' or order '''raciones''' instead, which are a bit larger in order to share. ===Types of dishes=== '''Seafood''' (''mariscos''): on the coast, fresh seafood is widely available and quite affordable. In the inner regions, frozen (and poor quality) seafood can be frequently encountered outside few highly reputed (and expensive) restaurants. In coastal areas seafood deserves some attention, especially on the north Atlantic coast. Quality seafood in Spain comes from Spain's northwestern region of Galicia. So restaurants with the words ''Gallego'' (Galician) will generally specialise in seafood. If you are feeling adventurous, you might want to try the Galician regional specialty ''Pulpo a la Gallega'', which is boiled octopus served with paprika, rock salt and olive oil. Another adventurous option is ''Sepia'' which is cuttlefish, a relative of squid, or the various forms of ''Calamares'' (squid) that you can find in most seafood restaurants. If that isn't your style you can always order ''Gambas Ajillo'' (garlic shrimp), ''Pescado Frito'' (fried fish), ''Buñuelos de Bacalao'' (breaded and deep fried cod) or the ever-present ''Paella'' dishes. '''Meat products''' are usually of very good quality, because Spain has maintained quite a high percentage of free range animals. Ordering beef steaks is highly recommended, since most come from free range cows from the mountains. Pork cuts which are also highly coveted are those known as ''presa ibérica'' and ''secreto ibérico'', an absolute must if found in the menu of any restaurant. '''Soups''': the choice of soups beyond gazpacho is very limited in Spanish restaurants. ===Restaurants=== '''Water''' (''agua'') is frequently served without a specific request, and is normally charged for, unless it's included in your ''menu del dia''. If you would like free tap water instead of bottled water, ask for ''agua del grifo''. However, not all restaurants will offer this and you may be forced to order bottled water. '''Appetisers''' such as bread (''pan''), cheese (''queso''), and other items may be brought to your table even if you didn't order them. You may still be charged for them. If you do not want these appetisers, politely inform the waiter that you do not want them. '''World-famous restaurants''': There are several restaurants in Spain which are destinations in themselves, becoming a sole reason to travel to a specific city. One of them is ''El Bulli'' in [[Roses]]. ==== Fast food==== Fast food has not yet established a strong grip on the Spaniards and you will find McDonalds and Burger King only in bigger towns in the usual places. That said, Madrid and other large Spanish cities are often the first place for north American chains to dip their toe into the European market and you'll find Taco Bell, TGI Friday's or Five Guys there but not or only rarely in central European cities. The menu can be a surprise since it has been customised to appeal to the locals and beer, salads, yogurt (primarily Danone), and wine are prominent. Pizza is increasingly popular and you will find some outlets in bigger towns but it can be their own homegrown franchises, such as TelePizza. In spite of beer and wine on the menu, fast food is often seen as "kiddie food." American franchises generally charge higher prices than in the United States, and fast food is not necessarily the cheapest alternative for eating out. ====Service charges and VAT==== No '''service charges''' are included in the bill. A little extra tip is common and you are free to increase that if you are very pleased. Obviously you don’t have to tip a lousy waiter. You would typically leave the small change after paying with a note. ====Menú del día==== Many restaurants offer a complete lunch meal for a fixed price &ndash; ''menú del día'' &ndash; and this often works out as a bargain. Water or wine (''vino'') is commonly included in the price. ====Non-Spanish cuisine==== Things like schnitzel, full English breakfast, pizza, döner, and frozen fish are largely available in tourist destinations. In most cities you can also find international cuisine such as Italian, Chinese, French, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, and Argentinian. The bigger the city, the more variety you can find. Unlike some northern European countries, Spain received very little immigration until after the death of Franco and the 1980s economic boom and as such there may be less variety of immigrant-owned restaurants in small- and medium-sized towns, but this is of course changing with particularly Latin American and Middle Eastern immigration to Spain leaving their mark on the restaurant scene. ==Drink== {{seealso|Spanish cuisine#Beverages}} === Tea and coffee === Spanish people are very passionate about the quality, intensity and taste of their [[coffee]] and good freshly brewed coffee is available almost everywhere. The usual choices are '''solo''', the milk-less espresso version; '''cortado''', solo with a dash of milk; '''con leche''', solo with milk added; and '''manchado''', coffee with lots of milk (sort of like the French ''cafe au lait''). Asking for ''caffee latte'' will likely result in less milk than you are used to--it's always OK to ask for extra milk. Regional variants can be found, such as '''bombón''' in Eastern Spain, solo with condensed milk. '''[http://www.starbucks.es Starbucks]''' is the only national chain operating in Spain. Locals argue that it cannot compete with small local cafes in quality of coffee and visited only by tourists. It is not present in smaller cities. If you eat for €20 per dinner, you will never be served a good tea; expect Pompadour or Lipton. It takes some effort to find a good tea if you spend most time of the day in touristy places. '''Horchata''' is a milky non-alcoholic drink made of tiger nuts and sugar, and very different from drinks of the same name found in [[Latin America]]. [[Alboraia]], a small town close to [[Valencia]], is regarded as a best place where horchata is produced. ===Alcohol=== The drinking age in Spain is 18. People under this age are forbidden to drink and buy alcoholic drinks, although enforcement in tourist and clubbing areas is lax. Drinking in the streets has been banned (although it is still a common practice in most nightlife areas). A "dry law" bans supermarkets from selling alcohol after 22:00. Try an absinthe cocktail (the fabled liquor was never outlawed here, but it is not a popular drink in Spain). ===Bars=== Probably one of the best places to meet people in Spain is in bars. Everyone visits them and they are always busy and sometimes bursting with people. There is no age restriction imposed to enter these premises, but children and teenagers often will not be served alcoholic drinks. Age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol are clearly posted at bars but are enforced only intermittently. It is common to see an entire family at a bar. It's important to know the difference between a pub (which closes at 3-03:30) and a club (which opens until 06:00-08:00 but is usually deserted early in the night). On weekends, the time to go out for ''copas'' (drinks) usually starts at about 23:00-01:00 which is somewhat later than in North and Central Europe. Before that, people usually do any number of things, have some tapas (''raciones'', ''algo para picar''), eat a "real" dinner in a restaurant, stay at home with family, or go to cultural events. If you want to go dancing, you will find that most of the clubs in Madrid are relatively empty before midnight (some do not even open until 01:00) and most won't get crowded until 03:00. People usually go to pubs, then go to the clubs until 06:00-08:00. For a true Spanish experience, after a night of dancing and drinking it is common to have a breakfast of ''chocolate con churros'' with your friends before going home. (''CcC'' is a small cup of thick, melted chocolate served with freshly fried sweet fritters used for dipping in the chocolate and should be tried, if only for the great taste.) Bars are mainly to have drink and a small ''tapa'' while socialising and decompressing from work or studies. Usually Spaniards can control their alcohol consumption better than their northern European neighbours and drunken people are rarely seen at bars or on the streets. A drink, if ordered without an accompanying tapa, is often served with a "minor" or inexpensive tapa as a courtesy. Size and price of tapas changes a lot throughout Spain. For instance, it's almost impossible to get free tapas in big cities like Valencia or Barcelona, excluding Madrid where there are several Tapa Bars although some are a bit expensive. You can eat for free (just paying for the drinks), with huge tapas and cheap prices at cities like Granada, Badajoz or Salamanca. The tapa, and the related pincho, trace their existence in Spain to both acting as a cover ("Tapa") on top of a cup of wine to prevent flies from accessing it, and as a requirement of law when serving wine at an establishment during the Middle Ages. ===Alcoholic beverages=== The Spanish '''[[Beer (beverage)|beer]]''' is well worth a try. Most popular local brands include San Miguel, Cruzcampo, Mahou, Ámbar, Estrella Galicia, Keller and many others, including local brands at most cities; import beers are also available. Spaniards often add lemon juice (Fanta limón, or lemon Fanta) to their beer. Particularly on hot summer days people will drink a refreshing "clara" which is a light beer mixed with lemon/lemonade. '''Cava''' is Spanish sparkling wine and the name went from Spanish Champagne to Cava was after a long lasting dispute with the French. The Spanish called it for a long time champan, but the French argued that champagne can be made only from grapes grown in the Champagne region in France. Nevertheless, Cava is a quite successful sparkling wine and 99% of the production comes from the area around [[Barcelona]]. '''Cider''' (Sidra) can be found in the [[Galicia]], [[Asturias]], [[Cantabria]] and [[Basque Country|País Vasco]]. Spain is a country with great '''[[wine]]'''-making and drinking traditions: 22% of Europe's wine growing area is in Spain, however the production is about half of what the French produce. For red wine in a bar, ask "un tinto por favor", for white wine "un blanco por favor", for rose: "un rosado por favor". '''Wine bars''' proper are more and more popular. In short, a wine bar is a sophisticated tapas bar where you can order wine by the glass. You will immediately see a blackboard with the wines that are available and the price per glass. '''Sangria''' is drink made of wine and fruits and usually is made from simple wines. You will find sangria in areas frequented by tourists. Spanish prepare sangria for fiestas and hot summer, and not every day as seen in touristic regions like [[Mallorca]]. Sangria in restaurants aimed for foreigners are best avoided, but it is a very good drink to try if a Spaniard prepares it for a fiesta! The pale '''sherry''' wine around Jerez called "fino" is fortified with alcohol to 15 percent. If you would like to have one in a bar you have to order a ''fino''. Manzanilla is bit salty, good as an aperitivo. Amontillado and Oloroso are a different types of sherry where the oxidative aging process has taken the lead. ==Sleep== {{infobox|What's the difference?|There are three names for hotel-like accommodation in large cities in Spain: ''hotel'', ''hostal'' and ''pension''. It is important not to confuse a hostel with a ''hostal''; a host'''e'''l offers backpacker-type accommodation with shared rooms, whereas a ''host'''a'''l'' is very similar to a guest house and is generally cheaper than a hotel.}} There are many types of tourist accommodation, ranging from hotels, pensions and rented villas, to camping and even monasteries. "7% VAT is not included" is a common trick for mid-range guesthouses and hotels: always check the small print when you choose your place to stay. VAT is IVA in Spanish. ===Small villages=== Besides the coasts, Spain is rich in small tourist-friendly ''inland'' villages, like [[Alquezar]]: with narrow medieval streets, charming silence and isolation, still good selection of affordable restaurants and accommodation. ===Casa rural, the [[bed and breakfast]] of Spain=== For a more homely sort of accommodation consider the casa rural. A casa rural is the rough equivalent to a bed and breakfast or a gîte. Not all houses are situated in the countryside, as the name implies. Some are situated in the smaller towns, and they are in virtually every province. Casas rurales vary in quality and price throughout Spain. In some regions, like [[Galicia]], they are strictly controlled and inspected. Other regions are not so thorough in applying their regulations. ===Hotels=== Many foreign visitors stay in hotels that have been organised by tour operators who offer package holidays to the popular resorts on the costas and islands. However, for the independent traveller, there are hotels all over the country in all categories and to suit every budget. In fact, due to the well developed internal and foreign tourism markets Spain may well be one of the best served European countries in terms of numbers and quality of hotels. ===Paradores=== A [http://www.parador.es/ ''parador''] is a state-owned hotel in Spain (rating from 3 to 5 stars). This chain of inns was founded in 1928 by the Spanish King Alfonso XIII. The unique aspects of paradores are their location and their history. Found mostly in historical buildings, such as convents, Moorish castles (like [[La Alhambra]]), or haciendas, paradores are the exact opposite of the uncontrolled development found in coastal regions like the [[Costa del Sol]]. Hospitality has been harmoniously integrated with the restoration of castles, palaces and convents, rescuing from ruin and abandonment monuments representative of Spain's historical and cultural heritage. [[File:Parador Santo Estevo, Nogueira de Ramuín.jpg|thumb|Parador de Santo Estevo, in the province of Orense (Galicia).]] For example the parador in Santiago de Compostela is located next to the Cathedral in a former royal hospital built in the year 1499. Rooms are decorated in an old-fashioned way, but nevertheless have modern facilities. Other notable paradores are in [[Arcos de la Frontera]], [[Ronda]], [[Santillana del Mar]] (Altamira cave) as well as more than one hundred other destination all over Spain. Paradores serve breakfast (about €10) and often have very good local cuisine typical of their region (about €25). Accommodation prices are good value, when you consider that the hotels are often found in the heart of scenic areas, varying from €85 for a double room to €245 for a twin room (like in [[Granada (Spain)|Granada]]). Two of the most beautiful paradors are in [[Leon (Spain)|Léon]] and [[Santiago de Compostela]]. There are some promotions available: * Over 60 year-olds can enjoy a discount. * Youngsters under 30 can visit the paradors at a fixed rate of €35 per person. * Two nights half board have a discount of 20%. * A dreamweek of 6 nights is cheaper. * 5 nights at €42 per person. The promotions do not always apply, especially in August they are not valid, and may require advance bookings. ===Hostels=== There are plenty of [[hostels]]. Prices vary from €15 to €25 per night. Spanish "hostales" are not really hostels, but more like unclassified small hotels (with generally no more than a dozen rooms). They can vary in quality from very rudimentary to reasonably smart. * {{sleep | name=Independent-hotels.info Spain | alt= | url=http://independent-hotels.info/spain/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= includes a fair number of good value independent hostales among the hotel listings. }} * {{sleep | name=Xanascat | alt= | url=http://www.xanascat.cat | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The Regional Network of Youth Hostels of Catalonia if you are visiting Barcelona, Girona, Taragona or other locations in the region. }} ===Apartment rental=== Short-term, self-catering apartment rental is an option for travellers who want to stay in one place for a week or more. Accommodations range from small apartments to villas. The number of holiday rentals available depends on the area of Spain you are planning to visit. Although they are common in coastal areas, big capitals and other popular tourist cities, if you plan to visit small inland towns, you will find casas rurales more easily. ===Camping=== Camping is the least expensive lodging option. ==Stay safe== As per rest of the [[European Union#Stay safe|European Union]], all emergencies can be reported to the toll-free number '''112'''. ===Police=== [[File:2019 09 19 Cotxe de la Policia nacional aparcat sobre pas de vianants i carril bici 01.jpg|thumb|Police car of the National Police]] [[File:La Palma - El Paso - Calle Paso de Abajo 04 ies.jpg|thumb|Police car of the Guardia Civil]] There are four kinds of police in Spain: * ''Policía Municipal'' or ''Local'' (municipal/local police), In [[Barcelona]]: Guardia Urbana. Uniforms change from town to town, but they usually wear black or blue clothes with pale blue shirt and a blue cap (or white helmet) with a checkered white-and-blue strip. Local police keeps order and rules the traffic inside cities, and they can help in case you are lost and need some directions. Although you can't directly report [[crime]]s to them, they will escort you to the local ''Policia Nacional'' headquarters if required, and they will escort the suspects to be arrested also, if needed. * ''Policía Nacional'' (National Police) wear dark blue clothes and blue cap (sometimes replaced by a baseball-like cap), unlike Policía Municipal, they do not have a checkered flag around their cap/helmet. Inside cities, all offenses/crimes should be reported to them, although the other police forces would help anyone who needs to report an offense. * ''Guardia Civil'' (Civil Guard) keeps the order outside cities, in the country, and regulates traffic in the roads between cities. You would probably see them guarding official buildings, or patrolling the roads. They wear plain green military-like uniform; for ceremonial duties, officers wear a black hat (''tricornio'') resembling a toreador cap, a tradition dated back to the 19th Century, but most of them use green caps or white motorcycle helmets. The Guardia Civil likes to project a "tough guy" image and they are sometimes accused of excessive use of force. * Given that Spain has a high grade of political autonomy granted to its regional governments, four of them have created regional law forces: the Policía Foral in Navarre, the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, the Policía Canaria on the Canary Islands or the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia. These forces have the almost the same competences as the Policía Nacional in their respective territories. Additionally there is BESCAM (Brigadas Especiales de Seguridad de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid) in the Madrid region which sit somewhere between local police and a fully autonomous police of an autonomous region but carry their own uniforms and livery on vehicles. All kinds of police also wear high-visibility clothing ("reflective" jackets) while directing traffic, or in the road. Some thieves have been known to pose as police officers, asking to see wallets for identification purposes. If approached by someone claiming to be a police officer only show only your ID after the person has presented theirs; do not show your wallet or other valuables. If you are a victim of crime call 112. You can ask for a copy of the “denuncia” (police report) if you need it for insurance purposes, or to apply for replacement documents. Make sure that it is a “una denuncia” not a sworn declaration (una declaración judicial), as the latter may not be accepted as evidence of the crime for insurance purposes, or when applying for your new passport. ====Making a police report==== You can make a police report in three different ways: 1. In person. A list of police stations in the different regions of Spain is available here. English language interpreters are not always available at short notice: it may be advisable to bring a Spanish-speaking person with you. 2. By telephone: You can make a police report by phone in English {{phone|+34 901 102 112}}. The English language service is available 09:00-21:00, seven days a week. Once you have made your report, you will be instructed to pick up a signed copy of the report at your nearest police station. However, some crimes, particularly more serious crimes or those involving violence, can only be reported in person. 3. Online: You can also make a police report online, but in Spanish only. Some crimes, especially more serious crimes involving physical violence, must be reported in person. You can read further advice from the Spanish police on this [http://www.policia.es/consejos/consejos_in.html webpage]. === Permissions and documentation === [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-3442 Spanish law] strictly requires foreigners who are in Spanish territory to have documentation proving their identity and the fact of being legally in Spain. You must have that with you all the time because you may be asked by the Police to show those at any moment. If you don't carry it with you, you may be escorted to the nearest police station for identification. ===Safety=== Spain is a safe country, but you should take some basic precautions encouraged in the entire world: *Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you in order that an accomplice can rob you more easily. Theft, including violent theft, occurs at all times of day and night and to people of all ages. * Thieves prefer stealth to direct confrontation so it is unlikely that you will be hurt in the process, but exercise caution all the same. *There have been instances where thieves on motorbikes drive by women and grab their purses, so keep a tight hold on yours even if you don't see anyone around. * Try not to show the money you have in your wallet or purse. * Always watch your bag or purse in touristic places, buses, trains and meetings. A voice message reminding that is played in most of the bus/train stations and airports. * Large cities like Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, and Sevilla, in particular, report many incidents of pick-pocketing, mugging, and violent attacks, some of which require the victim to seek medical attention. Although crimes occur at all times of day and night and to people of all ages, older and Asian tourists seem to be particularly at risk. * Do not carry large amounts of money with you, unless needed. Use your credit card (Spain is the first country in number of cash points and most shops/restaurants accept it). Of course, use it with caution. * Beware of [[pickpockets]] when visiting areas with large numbers of people, like crowded buses or the Puerta del Sol(in Madrid). In metro stations, avoid boarding the train near the exit/entrance to the platform, as this is often where pickpockets position themselves. * In Madrid and also in Barcelona, criminals target particularly people from the East Asia (especially China, S. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan ), thinking they carry money and are easy prey. [[File:Barcelona (4624904973).jpg|thumb|View of Barcelona]] * In Madrid, known high-risk locations for thieves are the Puerta del Sol area and surrounding streets, Gran Vìa, Plaza Mayor, near the Prado Museum, the Atocha train station, Retiro Park and on the subway. In Barcelona, thefts occur most frequently at the airport and on the airport shuttle bus (Aerobus), on Las Ramblas (often in Internet cafés), in Plaza Real and surrounding streets of the old city, on the subway, Barceloneta beach, Sagrada Familia church, and at the Sants train and bus station. * Theft from rental vehicles is high. Be vigilant in service areas on the highways along the coast. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities. * Don't hesitate to report crimes to local police, though the processing time is usually long. * In general, you must bear in mind that those areas with a larger number of foreign visitors, like some crowded vacation resorts in the East Coast, are much more likely to attract thieves than places which are not so popular among tourists. * Avoid women offering rosemary, refuse it always; they will read your future, ask for some money, and your pocket will probably be picked. Some women will also approach you on the street repeating "Buena suerte" ("good luck") as a distraction for another woman to try to pickpocket you. * A great tourist attraction is the Flea Market (el Rastro) in Madrid on the weekends. However, as it is nearly standing room only - it is also an attraction for pickpockets. They operate in groups... be extremely cautious in these tight market type environments as it is very common to be targeted... especially if you stand out as a tourist or someone with money. Try to blend in and not stand out and you will likely not be at as much risk. * Women who carry purses should always put the straps across their bodies. Always hold on to the purse itself and keep it in front of your body. Keep one hand on the bottom, as pickpockets can otherwise slit the bottom without you ever knowing. * Never place anything on the back of a chair or on the floor next to you, keep it on your person always. * If you must use an ATM, do not flash the money you have just picked up. * More foreign passports are stolen each year in Spain than anywhere else in the world, especially in Barcelona. Ensure that your passport is protected at all times. * In the event of a road-related incident, be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Thieves have been known to fake or provoke a flat tire, and when a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist’s car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a fake Good Samaritan stops to help a motorist in distress, only to steal the motorist’s car or belongings. * Incidents of drink spiking, followed by theft and sexual assault, have been reported. * Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they are not spiked; female travellers should be particularly watchful. Alcohol and drugs can make you less vigilant, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you drink, know your limit - remember that drinks served in bars are often stronger. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don't go off with people you don't know. ===Scams=== ''see also'' [[common scams]] Some people could try to take advantage of your ignorance of local customs. * In Spanish cities, all taxis should have a visible fare table. Do not agree a fixed price to go from an airport to a city: in most cases, the taxi driver will be earning more money than without a preagreed tariff. Many taxi drivers will also demand a tip from foreign customers or even from national ones on the way to and from the airport. You might round up to the nearest euro when paying though. * In many places of Madrid, especially near Atocha station, and also in the Ramblas of [[Barcelona]], there are people ('trileros') who play the "shell game". They will "fish" you if you play, and they will most likely pick your pocket if you stop to see other people play. * Before paying the bill in bars and restaurants, always check the bill and carefully scrutinise it. Some staff will often attempt to squeeze a few extra euros out of unsuspecting tourists by charging for things they did not eat or drink, or simply overcharging. This is true in both touristy and non-touristy areas. If you feel overcharged, bring it to their attention and/or ask to see a menu. It is also sometimes written (in English only) at the bottom of a bill that a tip is not included: remember that tipping is optional in Spain and Spanish people commonly leave loose change only and no more than a 5%-8% of the price of what they have consumed (not an American-style 15-20%), so avoid being fooled into leaving more than you have to. * Many tourists have reported lottery scams whereby they are contacted via the Internet or fax and informed that they have won a substantial prize in the Spanish lottery (El Gordo), when in fact they have never participated in the lottery. They are asked to deposit an amount of money in a bank account to pay taxes and other fees before collecting the prize or coming to Spain to close the transaction. * There have also been reports of a scam whereby a person is informed that he or she is the recipient of a large inheritance, and that funds must be deposited into a Spanish bank account so the inheritance can be processed. * In another common scam, some tourists have received a bogus email purportedly sent from an individual well known to them and claiming that he or she is in trouble and needs funds. ===Other things you should know=== * Spanish cities can be loud at night, especially on weekends, but the streets are generally safe even for women. * All businesses should have an official complaint form, in case you need it. It is '''illegal''' for a business to deny you this form. * In some cases, police in Spain may target people belonging to ethnic minorities for identity checks. People who are not "European-looking" can be stopped several times a day to have their papers checked on the pretext of "migration control". * The Spanish Government’s threat alert level indicates a ‘probable risk’ of terrorist attack. Potential targets include places frequented by expatriates and tourists and public transport facilities. A serious attack happened in 2004, bombs exploded on commuter trains in Madrid in March 2004, killing 192 people. This attack was attributed to Al Qaeda terrorist network. In 2007, a Spanish court found 21 people guilty of involvement in the bombings. Even though the chance of being in a terrorist attack is '''extremely low''' anywhere, you should only watch out in Madrid or Barcelona. * There has been an increase in political action and public demonstrations on a rolling basis throughout Spain. Demonstrations occur and have sometimes turned violent, mostly to police officers. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media. Strikes may occasionally lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. When a demonstration is planned or in progress you should seek advice on and avoid the routes marchers plan to take. You should also ensure to check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain. [[File:The evening rush.jpg|thumb|Evening rush in Madrid]] * Driving in Spain can be dangerous due to traffic congestion in urban areas, although driving is not particularly aggressive with the exception of common speeding. Be cautious when driving in Spain. Night driving can be particularly dangerous. The use of a mobile phone without a hands-free device can result in a fine and you being banned from driving in Spain. All drivers are required to carry, in the vehicle, a reflective vest and to use a reflective triangle warning sign if they need to stop at the roadside. * Be cautious when approached by someone who claims to be a police officer. On the road, you will always be stopped by an officer in a uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads ''Policía'' or ''Guardia Civil'', or ''Ertzaintza'' in the Basque Country, ''Mossos d'Esquadra'' in Catalonia, or ''Foruzaingoa/Policía Foral'' in Navarre. Most times they will have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights. In non-traffic-related matters police officers may be in casual clothes. Police officers do not have to directly identify themselves unless you ask them to. Should they request identification, they should be shown photographic ID. Your passport or your driver's licence will do, or your national ID card if you are from the European Union, though a passport is always preferred. You can get in trouble or be fined for not having any identification on you. If in any doubt, drivers should converse through the car window and contact the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Spanish National Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle. === Drugs === You can smell marijuana smoke at many street corners in major cities with police apparently unperturbed by it. Still, if you don't know local customs, it is quite possible that the police make a show of enforcing the law on you. Drug possession is also a perennial favorite of charging an arrestee with ''something'' when nothing else can be proven. In Spain, those who carry out acts of cultivation, processing or trafficking, or otherwise promote, favor or facilitate the illegal consumption of toxic drugs, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, or possess them for those purposes is a '''crime''' punished by the [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1995-25444 Penal Code]. It does not matter if you're a foreign person, you'll be prosecuted. Prison sentences or heavy fines are issues for these offences, with the possibility of being also ordered to leave the country and the prohibition to come back for up to 10 years. As stated in the [https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-3442 Protection of the Citizens' Safety Act], the consumption of illegal drugs on public places is also prohibited. The illicit consumption or possession of toxic drugs, narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, even if they were not destined for traffic, in places, roads, public establishments or public transport, as well as the abandonment of the instruments or other effects used in said places will be fined from €601 up to €30,000. Police are allowed by law to conduct body searches in case they suspect you're carrying drugs according to said laws. Likewise the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the street, or in places, roads, establishments or public transport when it seriously disrupts public tranquillity is fined up to €600. These rules are actively enforced. ==Stay healthy== ===Healthcare=== * Pharmaceuticals are not sold at supermarkets, only at ''farmacias'' (pharmacies/chemists), identified with a green cross or a Hygeia's cup. Nearly every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy; for those that close at night, the law requires a poster with the address of the nearest pharmacy, possibly in one of the nearby streets or towns. * People from the European Union and a few more European countries can freely use the public health system, if they have the appropriate European Health Insurance Card. The card does not cover treatment in private hospitals. Agreements are established to treat people from a few American countries. * Do not hesitate to '''go to any healthcare facility''' should you be injured or seriously ill, as it would be illegal for them not to treat you, even if you are uninsured. You (or your country if Spain has a treaty on the matter) will pay for the service later. ===Climate=== * Although many visitors travel to Spain for the warm climate, it can be cold in winter, especially in the Central Region and in the North, and in some places it is also rainy in summer. Remember to travel with adequate clothes. * In summer, avoid direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time to prevent [[Sunburn and sun protection|sunburn and heatstroke]]. Drink water, walk on the shady side of street and keep a container of sun cream (suntan lotion) handy. ===Water=== The '''[[tap water]]''' in Spain is safe and of a drinkable quality. The water in some southern regions of the country, however, is sometimes sourced from salt water which can have a high mineral content. This can cause upset stomachs in those not used to this. While high mineral content water is safe to drink regardless, locals in these areas will often drink bottled water instead as it tastes better. Bottled water is readily available to buy in most areas and in a variety of brands. ===Smoking=== Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces and places of work, in public transportation, and in outdoor public places near hospitals and in playgrounds. Smoking is also banned in outdoor sections of bars and restaurants. Smoking is banned in television broadcasts as well. ==Respect== Generally speaking, Spaniards are widely regarded as welcoming and friendly. ====Culture and identity==== Spaniards are generally '''neutral communicators'''. They're comfortable with expressing their opinions and emotions on something, and they expect the same from you. While this may give you the impression that Spanish people are confident and sociable, you should make every effort to be tactful with your words as they are sensitive to being beckoned directly. In conversational settings, it is common for people to interrupt or talk over one another. Shouting to make oneself heard is common, as is the use of swear words. You may also find that it is common for people to give you advice on all kinds of things. For instance, you can expect people to tell you what to see and where to go. At first, this may come across as annoying, but the information that Spaniards provide is meant to help you in a good way, not lay traps for you. Family values are important to many Spaniards. Passing unwarranted comments and/or criticisms about someone's family members is considered rude. Spaniards, especially the young, generally feel a linguistic and cultural connection to Latin America. However, most will be quick to point out that Spain is a European nation, not a Latin American one and that all Spanish-speaking countries are different and have particularities of their own. Spaniards are not as religious as the media sometimes presents them, and modern Spanish society is for the most part rather secular, but they are and always were a mostly Catholic country (73% officially, although only 10% admit practising and only 20% admit being believers); respect this and avoid making any comments that could offend. In particular, religious festivals, Holy Week (Easter), and Christmas are very important to Spaniards. Tolerance of all religions should be observed, especially in large urban areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville or Malaga (where people and temples of all beliefs can be found) or different regions in southern Spain, which may have a sizable Muslim population (which accounts for almost 4% of the country's population). [[File:Ayuntamiento de Madrid - Rainbow flag - 170627 204010.jpg|thumb|The rainbow flag on Madrid's city hall]] Despite being a Catholic majority country, '''homosexuality''' is quite tolerated in Spain and public display of same-sex affection would not likely stir hostility. A 2013 Pew survey of various countries in the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East found that Spain had the highest percentage of people who believed homosexuality should be accepted by society, at 88%. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 and the government provides legal benefits to same-sex couples. However, this does not always necessarily mean that all Spaniards are friendly to gays; while homophobic aggressions are rare, they still happen. Cities are more tolerant of homosexuality than rural areas, Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country are much more tolerant but overall Spain is gay-friendly. As in any other place, elderly people do usually have far more conservative points of view. The Madrid pride parade is one of the largest in the world. Overall, Spain is one of the '''safest countries for LGBT tourists'''. Avoid talking about the former colonial past and especially about the "Black Legend." Regardless of what you may have heard Spain had several ministers and military leaders of mixed race serving in the military during the colonial era and even a Prime Minister born in the Philippines (Marcelo Azcarraga Palmero). Many Spaniards take pride in their history and former imperial glories. People from Spain's former colonies (Latin America, Equatorial Guinea, the Philippines, Western Sahara and Northern Morocco) make up a majority of foreign immigrants in Spain (58%) along with the Chinese, Africans and Eastern Europeans. Equally, Spain is one of the main investors and economic and humanitarian aid donors to Latin America and Africa. '''Bullfighting''' (Spanish: ''Tauromaquia'') is seen by many Spaniards as a cultural heritage icon, but the disaffection with bullfighting is increasing in all big cities and obviously among animal activist groups within the country. Many urban Spaniards would consider bullfighting a show aimed at foreign tourists and elderly people from the countryside, and some young Spaniards will feel offended if their country is associated with it. To illustrate how divided the country is, many Spaniards point to the royal family: former king Juan Carlos and his daughter are avid fans, while his wife and son King Felipe VI do not care for the sport. Bullfights and related events, such as the annual San Fermin Pamplona bull-runs, make up a multi-million euro industry and draw many tourists, both foreign and Spanish. In addition, bullfighting has been banned in the northeastern region of Catalonia as well as in several towns and counties all over the country. Take care when mentioning the fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975 as well as the Civil War of 1936-1939. This was a painful past as Franco ruled Spain with an iron fist, executing many Spaniards who violated the anti-democratic laws of the regime. It was also a notable period of economic growth in the final years of Franco's regime, and some older Spaniards may have supportive views of him. The Republican flag (red, yellow, purple, either with or without a coat of arms) can be seen hanging from balconies and bought at some souvenir shops. However, it is not an uncontroversial symbol and associated with leftism, often showing up at leftist demonstrations. No symbols from the Franco era are officially forbidden, but using or displaying them is associated with far right extremists. The possibilities of '''[[Catalonia|Catalan]]''' independence, '''[[Basque Country|Basque]]''' independence, and '''[[Galicia|Galician]]''' independence are extremely sensitive issues among many in Spain. You should avoid discussing them where possible. If anything surrounding these subjects is brought up by someone, it's best to stay neutral. Virtually everyone in Spain, regardless of region, is able to speak '''Castilian Spanish''', albeit not always as a mother tongue. In Catalonia, some Catalans prefer to not speak Spanish at all, and will reply to Spanish-speaking interlocutors in Catalan; this is usually a political statement, rather than a lack of Castilian language ability. Foreigners are given a bit more leeway, but there are still some Catalans who'd rather have a conversation in English than Spanish if those are the only options for communication. The political status of Gibraltar is a particularly sensitive issue. Most Spaniards consider Gibraltar to be Spanish sovereign territory that is illegally occupied by Britain. Most Gibraltarians on the other hand are both proud Brits and proud Europeans - a situation made infinitely more awkward by Brexit which passed against near unanimous Gibraltarian opposition. Avoid discussing the Spanish monarchy. Many are generally opposed to the Spanish royal family, although there are some who are staunchly monarchist. Due to the Bourbon dynasty's identification with centralism, supporters of Catalan and Basque independence often don't have a good word to say about them. ====Socialising==== It is customary to kiss friends, family, and acquaintances on both cheeks upon seeing each other and saying goodbye. Male-to-male kisses of this sort are limited to family members or to very close friends; otherwise a firm handshake is expected instead (same as in France or Italy). Spaniards are keen to maintain physical contact while talking, such as putting a hand on your shoulder, patting your back, etc. These should be taken as signs of friendship done among relatives, close friends and colleagues. Spaniards will probably feel comfortable around you more quickly than other Europeans and you may even be receive an offensive comment or even an insult (''cabrón'') for a greeting shortly after meeting someone in an informal environment, especially if it is a young person or a male. '''You should not feel offended by this''', as it is interpreted as proof that you have such a close relationship that you can mess with each other without repercussions. You should reply with a similar comment (never anything serious or something that will genuinely hurt the person) or just greet them. Do not go around insulting people, though, as you will also find people who do not like it. It is recommended that you never do this first as a foreigner and just wait until you get it. Generally, your instinct will be able to distinguish between a joke and a genuine aggression. When in a car, the elderly and pregnant always ride in the passenger's seat, unless they request not to. Spaniards are not as punctual as Northern Europeans, but generally you are expected to arrive no more than ten minutes late, and being punctual will always be received positively. It is especially important to be punctual the first time you meet with someone. As a rule of thumb, you should expect people to be more punctual as you go north and less punctual as you go south. If you are staying at a Spaniard's home, bring shoes to wear inside such as slippers. Walking around barefoot in the house is viewed as unsanitary. Walking in socks may be acceptable in a close friend's house, but you should always ask first. It is acceptable for women to '''sunbathe topless''' in beaches, but full nudity is only practised in "clothing-optional" or nudist beaches. ====Eating and drinking==== During lunch or dinner, Spaniards do not begin eating until everyone is seated and ready to eat. Likewise, they do not leave the table until everyone is finished eating. Table manners are otherwise standard and informal, although this also depends on the place you are eating. When the bill comes, it is common to pay equally, regardless of the amount or price each has consumed (''pagar a escote''). When Spaniards receive a gift or are offered a drink or a meal, they usually refuse for a while, so as not to seem greedy. This sometimes sparks arguments among especially reluctant people, but it is seen as polite. Remember to offer more than once (on the third try, it must be fairly clear if they will accept it or not). On the other hand, if you are interested in the offer, politely smile and decline it, saying that you don't want to be a nuisance, etc., but relent and accept when they insist. Spaniards rarely drink or eat in the street. Bars will rarely offer the option of food to take away but "tapas" are easily available. Taking leftovers home from a restaurant is uncommon but has somewhat less of a stigma than it used to. One asks for "un taper" (derived from "Tupperware") or "una caja." Older Spaniards are still likely to frown on this. Appearing drunk in public is generally frowned upon. ==Cope== Among Spaniards, lunch time is usually between 13:00 and 14:30 (it could be as late as 15:15) while dinner time is between 20:30 and 21:30. However, in special celebrations, dinner can be as late as 22:00. Lunch is considered the biggest and most important meal of the day, instead of dinner. Almost all small businesses close between 14:30 and 17:00, so plan your shopping and sight-seeing accordingly. Shopping malls and supermarkets, however, are usually open from 09:30 to 21:00 or 22:00, and in the larger cities several shops are open 24 hr daily, usually owned by Chinese immigrants. Spanish cities can be noisy in some areas; you might want to check before booking a room. ==Connect== === Wi-Fi === Wi-Fi points in bars and cafeterias are available to customers, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi connection in common areas for their guests. Be conscious of security when using a laptop in an outdoor location. === Mobile phones and SIM cards === Cheap mobile phones (less than €50) with some pre-paid minutes are sold at any phone operator's shop and can be purchased without many formalities (ID is usually required). Topping-up is then done by buying scratch cards from the small stores "Frutos Secos," supermarkets, vending points (often found in tobacco shops) or kiosks -- recharging using the Web or an ATM does not work with foreign credit cards. The three mobile phone networks in Spain are [http://www.vodafone.es/autonomos/es Vodafone], Movistar and Orange. === Discount calling === "Locutorios" (call shops) are widely spread in bigger cities and touristy locations. In Madrid or Toledo it's very easy to find one. Making calls from "Locutorios" tend to be much cheaper, especially international calls (usually made through VoIP). They are usually a good pick for calling home. Prepaid calling cards for cheap international calls are widely available in newsagents or grocery stores around the city. Ask for a "tarjeta telefonica". {{geo|40.4|-3|zoom=6}} {{isPartOf|Iberia}} {{related|Cycling_in_Spain}} {{usablecountry}} 2wavkbl0iry6zih3kn40ryw2lviwzcd 0 33971 4488034 4451645 2022-07-22T00:42:34Z Yvwv 100394 {{featurenomination|otbp}} wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stamford (England) Wikivoyage banner.jpg|pgname=Stamford}} {{featurenomination|otbp}} '''Stamford''' is a historic stone town at the southwest corner of [[Lincolnshire]], with beautiful architecture, friendly people and many independent shops. Although the town itself is in Lincolnshire, the area to the north and west is in [[Rutland (England)|Rutland]], the area immediately to the south is in [[Cambridgeshire]] and [[Northamptonshire]] is within walking distance. ==Understand== Stamford was founded where the River Welland could be easily crossed. The name is a Saxon corruption of ‘Stony Ford’. The town has been appreciated as an architectural gem for many years: * "Stamfford town is as fine a built town all of stone as may be seen” — Celia Fiennes * "The finest sight on the road between Edinburgh and London" — Sir Walter Scott * "If there is a more beautiful town in the whole of England, I have yet to see it" — W. G. Hoskins * “The best town we have" — Sir John Betjeman * “The English country market town par excellence” — Nikolaus Pevsner Stamford received a charter from Henry III in 1256. The funeral procession of Queen Eleanor, wife of King Edward I, stopped at Stamford in 1290 on its way to London. An Eleanor Cross was erected in commemoration. Queen Elizabeth I gave the Lordship of the town to her Lord Treasurer, William Cecil, who built Burghley House; he has a splendid tomb in St Martin’s Church. In the Civil War, King Charles I spent his last night as a free man in Stamford. In the 18th century, Stamford was a major coaching stop, half way between London and York: a place to spend the night, not just change horses. Railways eventually killed off coaching, but many of the 40 coaching inns survived to become pubs, restaurants, hotels and private houses. Stamford was designated as the first urban conservation area in 1967. ===Visitor information=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Tourist Information Centre | alt= | url=http://www.southwestlincs.com | email=stamtic@southkesteven.gov.uk | address=27 St Mary's Street, PE9 2DL | lat=52.651620 | long=-0.476883 | directions=inside the Arts Centre | phone=+44 1780 755611 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:30-17:00, Monday-Saturday | price= | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content=The TIC is professionally staffed and offers information on places to visit, where to eat, what’s on and where to stay. Guides, timetables and maps, souvenirs, postcards and stamps are available. The TIC can book accommodation for you and it provides a ‘Book-A-Bed-Ahead’ service for your next destination. }} ==Get in== The ideal way to arrive in Stamford is from the south via the A1 and the B1081. The approaches to most English towns have been spoiled by strip development, but here you arrive at a clear edge of the historic town. ===By plane=== The nearest airport is [[London_Stansted_Airport|Stansted]]; trains run hourly to Stamford from the airport. Other airports include [[London_Luton|Luton]], East Midlands and Birmingham. ===By train=== Trains run hourly to and from [[Peterborough]] (one stop, about 12 minutes away), on the line between Stansted Airport and Birmingham New Street. Peterborough has fast trains to [[London King's Cross]] (less than an hour) and [[Edinburgh]] via [[Leeds]] and [[Newcastle upon Tyne]]. Other Peterborough trains go to [[Bury St Edmunds]], [[Ipswich (England)|Ipswich]], [[Lincoln]], [[Liverpool]], [[Manchester]] Piccadilly, [[Norwich]], [[Nottingham]], [[Sheffield]], [[Sleaford]] and [[Spalding]]. * {{listing | type=go | name=Stamford railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.648 | long=-0.4798 | directions=just south of the River Welland and about 10 minutes' walk from the town centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Stamford railway station | image=Stamford railway station AB1.JPG | wikidata=Q2661650 | content=The station (1848) was designed to resemble a small Tudor manor house. }} ===By bus=== National Express offers a daily coach service between London and Stamford. Local bus services run between Stamford and Peterborough, Grantham, Nottingham and Melton Mowbray. * {{go | name=Bus station | alt= | url=http://www.stagecoachbus.com/customersercontact.aspx | email=south.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com | address=St. Peters Hill, PE9 2PE | lat=52.6514 | long=-0.4819 | directions=near Sheepmarket | phone=+44 345 121 0190 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content= }} ===By car=== Stamford has good road access via the nearby A1 (motorway in parts) running north-south from London to Edinburgh. The A14 connects east-west to the A1. From Northampton, Kettering and Corby, the A43 will also get you there. ===By bicycle=== The town is on [https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-63 Route 63 of the National Cycle Network], a network of long distance cycling routes. Route 63 runs from Burton upon Trent, [[Staffordshire]] to [[Wisbech]], Cambridgeshire. Stamford itself is not ideal for cycling, with pedestrian areas where cycling is not allowed and some narrow roads. ===By foot=== Two long-distance footpaths pass through Stamford. The [https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Macmillan+Way+-+Boston+to+Abbotsbury Macmillan Way] is a 290-mile footpath linking Boston on the Lincolnshire coast with Abbotsbury in Dorset; there are branch routes to Banbury, Bath and Barnstable. The 110-mile [https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Hereward+Way Hereward Way] links the Viking Way (at Oakham) with the Peddars Way near to Knettishall Heath in Suffolk. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|52.6503|-0.4785|zoom=15}} Stamford's town centre is compact. The central shopping area is pedestrianised with many interesting little alleyways, making it ideal for exploration on foot. The town is not particularly cycle-friendly. The main taxi rank is in Broad Street, except on market day (Friday), and they can also be called by phone. ===Car parks=== Many of the roads are narrow and there are some parking restrictions. With minor exceptions, on-street parking is time-limited and off-street car parks require payment. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Bath Row car park | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2WE | lat=52.6507 | long=-0.4802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content=Half of Bath Row has paid parking (50 spaces) and the other half is free, but time-limited; check the signs. }} * {{listing | name=Cattle Market car park | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2WB | lat=52.6493 | long=-0.4805 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content=Long stay. A short walk from the town centre across the Meadows, via the Vence Walk footpath. 310 spaces. }} * {{listing | name=North Street car park | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 1EG | lat=52.65389 | long=-0.47924 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content=110 spaces. }} * {{listing | name=St Leonard's Street car park | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2HX | lat=52.6525 | long=-0.4752 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content=40 spaces. }} * {{listing | name=Scotgate car park | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2YE | lat=52.6526 | long=-0.4837 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content=70 spaces. }} * {{listing | name=Wharf Road car park | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2EB | lat=52.651452 | long=-0.474143 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content=200 spaces. }} There is also a car park at the station, but this is further away from the town centre and mainly used by commuters. ==See== Stamford's main attraction is not a single destination, such as a castle or a cathedral. The town is a collection of over 600 preserved historic ('listed') buildings, together forming a beautiful Georgian town, centred on the river Welland. Stamford was the first urban conservation area in the UK. Its centre has been relatively untouched by Victorian rebuilding and more modern development. Almost all the streets curve gently, leading you on to see around the next corner. You will want to spend some time wandering around and admiring the lovely architecture, exploring the cobbled streets and secret alleyways, and visiting some of the numerous historic churches. Above all, remember to look up. ===Areas to view and walk around=== * {{see | name=Barn Hill | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2AE | lat=52.6529 | long=-0.4820 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Often used as a filming location, in Barn Hill you can imagine yourself transported back to the Georgian era. }} * {{see | name=The Bastion | alt= | url=https://www.stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk/the-bastion.html | email= | address=West Street, PE9 2PR | lat=52.65092 | long=-0.48619 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Little remains of Stamford's 12th century walls, but St Peter’s Bastion, a Grade 1 listed ancient monument, is an example. }} * {{see | name=Eleanor Cross | alt= | url= | email= | address=Sheepmarket, PE9 2RB | lat=52.65151 | long=-0.48098 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=A modern monument inspired by the lost Eleanor Cross stands in Sheepmarket, on the way from the bus and railway stations to the town centre. The carved detail is based on the surviving fragment of the original Cross. }} * {{see | name=Mallory Lane | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2FW | lat=52.6518 | long=-0.4815 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=An outdoor gallery of photographs, created in 2018. }} * {{see | name=The Meadows | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2QU | lat=52.6501 | long=-0.4807 | directions=to the west of the Town Bridge, between the River Welland and the millstream. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=The Meadows are the ancient floodplain of Stamford and they still help to prevent flooding elsewhere. The scant remains of the second Stamford Castle are visible north of the Bath Row car park. To the west is the Old Mill and further west the millstream is near old almshouses. The area is popular for picnics in summer and for walking throughout the year. }} ===Buildings to visit=== * {{see | name=Browne's Hospital | alt= | url=https://www.stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk/brownes-hospital.html | email= | address=Broad Street PE9 1PF | lat=52.6534 | long=-0.4791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Guided tour only (must be booked) | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Almshouse, built 1475. }} * {{see | name=Burghley House | alt= | url=http://www.burghley.co.uk/ | email=burghley@burghley.co.uk | address=PE9 3JY | lat=52.6425 | long=-0.453056 | directions=visitor entrance on Barnack Road, 2 miles from the town centre | phone=+44 1780 752451 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=Burghley House | image=Front of Burghley House 2009.jpg | wikidata=Q1015079 | content=Near Stamford is a grand 16th-century stately home — almost a palace — built for Sir William Cecil, who was Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I from 1558 to 1587. The surrounding parkland was laid out by Capability Brown and the estate covers more than 9,000 acres. It has been a location for films such as ''The Da Vinci Code'' and the 2005 film adaptation of ''Pride and Prejudice''. The house is open every day except Friday from mid-March to October; the park is open all year round. There is also a sculpture garden and a newer 'Garden of Surprises', which is full of water features: you may get wet! }} * {{see | name=Stamford Library | alt= | url=http://www.better.org.uk/venues/stamfordlibrary | email=stamford.library@gll.org | address=High Street, PE9 2BB | lat=52.6527 | long=-0.4779 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday (16:00 Saturday) | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=Contains a 'Discover Stamford' section with exhibits connected with the town and its history, mostly selected from the collection of the former Stamford Museum (now closed). }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Stamford Town Hall | alt= | url=http://www.stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/Town_Hall_18459.aspx | email=townhall@stamfordtowncouncil.gov.uk | address=St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DR | lat=52.651197 | long=-0.478201 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 753808 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-18 | content=Free tours are available on Fridays. }} * {{see | name=Wothorpe Towers | alt= | url=http://www.wothorpe-towers.co.uk/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=wothorpetowers@aol.com | address=Wothorpe on the Hill, PE9 3JG | lat=52.63702 | long=-0.48820 | directions=1.5 miles from Stamford | phone=+44 1780 481977 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wothorpe | wikidata=Q2070153 | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=The ruins of a 17th century stately home. Open by appointment only. Visible from nearby bridleways when not open to the public. }} ===Ecclesiastical buildings=== * {{see | name=The Priest's House | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/priests-house-easton-on-the-hill/ | email=priestshouse2@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=38 West Street, Easton on the Hill, near Stamford, PE9 3LS | lat=52.629364 | long=-0.5095124 | directions={{mi|3}} south west of Stamford | phone=+44 1832 205158 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=The Priest's House - geograph.org.uk - 213873.jpg | content=A small 15th-century building that is unmanned and open to the public primarily on Sundays in July and August but also by appointment at any time during the rest of the year. }} * {{see | name=St George's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2BN | lat=52.65169 | long=-0.47596 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=15th century exterior, except the tower. William Bruges (1375–1450), first Garter King of Arms is buried in the church. }} * {{see | name=St John the Baptist's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2AW | lat=52.65180 | long=-0.48009 | directions=on the corner of High Street and St John's Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=A redundant Anglican church. Tower 14th century, remainder 15th century (including some glass) with 12th century fragments. Finely-carved internal roof with angel bosses. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=St Leonard's Priory | alt= | url=https://www.stamfordcivicsociety.org.uk/st-leonards-priory.html | email= | address=Priory Rd, PE9 2EU | lat=52.6545 | long=-0.4651 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=St Leonard's Priory, Stamford | wikidata=Q7593999 | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=The Priory was a cell of the Durham cathedral monastery since at least 1147. The nave was rebuilt in the 19th century and the remains of the north aisle, transepts, chancel and claustral buildings are buried. Today, it is maintained by South Kesteven District Council and Stamford Civic Society. }} * {{see | name=St Martin Without | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2NT | lat=52.6488 | long=-0.4773 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=Church rebuilt in the 15th century. Contains the Cecil family tombs. Often used as a concert venue. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=PE9 2DS | lat=52.6514 | long=-0.4783 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=Built by the 12th century (tower 13th, spire 14th). Has a rare decorated medieval wagon vault. }} * {{see | name=St Michael the Greater Church | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.6525 | long=-0.4780 | directions=at the junction of High Street and Ironmonger Street | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=A redundant Anglican church, which collapsed in 1832 and was rebuilt; subjected to "an appalling conversion" (Pevsner) in the 1980s, now used for shops. The churchyard survives. }} * {{see | name=Stamford All Saints Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=All Saints' Place PE9 2AG | lat=52.65232 | long=-0.48090 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=Mainly 13th century. Look up from Red Lion Square to see the sundial. }} ==Do== [[File:River Welland.18.6.05.jpg|thumb|River Welland.]] * {{do | name=Burghley Park Golf Club | alt= | url=https://www.burghleyparkgolfclub.co.uk/ | email=professional@burghleyparkgolfclub.co.uk | address=St. Martins Without, PE9 3JX | lat=52.6362 | long=-0.4690 | directions=on B1081, 1.8 miles from the town centre | phone=+44 1780 753789 (opt 1) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F & after 14:30 Sa Su | price=£25-£45 | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=Established 1890 in the Capability Brown park. Dress code applies. }} * {{do | name=Nene Valley Railway | alt= | url=https://nvr.org.uk | email= | address=Wansford PE8 6LR | lat=52.568449 | long=-0.389316 | directions=7 miles south of Stamford via the A1 | phone=+44 1780 784444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Check website for timetables | price=£16 | wikipedia=Nene Valley Railway | wikidata=Q2962386 | lastedit=2018-06-25 | content=A 7-mile preserved railway, running heritage steam and diesel trains. }} * {{do | name=Rutland Water | alt= | url=https://anglianwaterparks.co.uk/rutland-water | email= | address=Rutland Water Nature Reserve, Egleton, Oakham, LE15 8BT | lat=52.6555 | long=-0.7030 | directions=13 miles from Stamford | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-17:00 (16:00 November – April) | price=£5.70 | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=To the west of Stamford lies Rutland Water, an area of 1,000 acres around the man-made reservoir. Rutland Water Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Special Protection Area. It is also a wildfowl sanctuary and home to the successful Rutland Osprey Project. There are nature trails with numerous bird watching hides and a butterfly farm. There is boating on the lake and bicycles are available for hire. }} * {{do | name=Stamford Arts Centre | alt= | url=https://www.stamfordartscentre.com/ | email=boxoffice@stamfordartscentre.com | address=27 St Mary's Street, PE9 2DL | lat=52.6517 | long=-0.4770 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 763203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:30-17:00, Monday-Saturday | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=A 166-seat theatre with professional and amateur drama; the theatre has a second role as a cinema, showing both blockbusters and Art House movies. There is a gallery, a cellar bar, a busy cafe and a large ballroom, hosting varied concerts, including a classical music season from October to May, dances and workshops. Other multifunctional rooms are available to hire. }} * {{do | name=Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre | alt= | url=http://stamfordcornexchange.co.uk/ | email=info@stamfordcornexchange.co.uk | address=Broad Street, PE9 1PX | lat=52.6531 | long=-0.4790 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 766455 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Now a 400-seat theatre, this 1859 building was taken over by local volunteers in 2000, who converted and refurbished it for its new role. }} * {{do | name=Stamford Shakespeare Company | alt=Rutland Open Air Theatre | url=http://stamfordshakespeare.co.uk/ | email= | address=Tolethorpe Hall, Little Casterton, Lincolnshire PE9 4BH | lat=52.6805 | long=-0.4889 | directions=3.5 miles from Stamford | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=One of the great theatrical experiences. The audience is under cover, but the actors take whatever the summer English weather throws at them. You haven't lived until you've seen ''The Importance of Being Earnest'' with pouring rain in a drawing room scene! }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Tallington Lakes Leisure Park | alt= | url=http://www.tallington.com | email=info@tallington.com | address=Barnholm Road, Tallington PE9 4RJ | lat=52.6749 | long=-0.3845 | directions=6 miles from Stamford | phone=+44 1778 34 7000 | tollfree= | hours=09:00-21:00 | price=£3.00 | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=Water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing; a dry ski slope, and a 15 metre climbing tower. }} ===Events=== The annual '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_fair#Rise_of_the_chartered_fair_in_England Mid-Lent Fair]''' is one of the largest street fairs in the country. It runs for a week each year, towards the end of winter. The exact dates depend on Easter: the fair arrives on Mothering Sunday, opens on the following day and closes on Saturday. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is mentioned by Shakespeare. Originally it was a regional market, but it is now almost entirely a travelling funfair. Main streets including Broad Street and Bath Row are closed to traffic and occupied by rides and stalls. '''[http://burghleygameandcountryfair.co.uk Burghley Game & Country Fair]''' has become an annual event, on Spring Bank Holiday weekend in late May, with countryside activities and entertainment in the grounds of Burghley House. The '''[http://www.burghley-horse.co.uk Burghley Horse Trials]''', one of only six four-star eventing competitions in the world, take place in early September. The international importance of the event makes accommodation scarce and expensive for this weekend. Stamford was for more than 600 years famous for its annual '''Bull Run''', a blood sport in which a live bull was hunted on foot on the Meadows and around the town. The practice was abolished in 1839, but the '''[https://stamfordgeorgianfestival.co.uk Stamford Georgian Festival]''' is held in alternate years, in September. The next festival Is planned for 2021. The festival includes a symbolic Bull, paraded through the streets. The annual '''[http://www.stamfordfestival.co.uk Stamford Festival]''' is organised in June by local voluntary service organisations. The highlight is a parade of floats through the main streets. ==Buy== The iconic Stamford shopping experience is its '''[http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8639 Friday Market]''', a tradition since at least the 13th century. The market stalls are set up in the early hours and they offer fresh produce, meat, fish, cheese, clothing and a huge range of other commodities. Broad Street is closed for the market. There is also a Farmers' Market on alternate Fridays. Stalls are cheap to rent and more than a few of the town's independent shops started as market stalls. Many specialist chains also have shops in Stamford. ===Books=== * {{buy | name=Robert Humm | alt= | url=http://www.roberthumm.co.uk | email=books@roberthumm.co.uk | address=59 Scotgate, PE9 2YQ | lat=52.6530 | long=-0.4840 | directions=now moved from the railway station | phone=+44 1780 766266 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Britain's largest railway bookshop, specialising in rare and out-of-print books. }} * {{buy | name=St Mary's Antiquarian Books | alt= | url=http://www.stmarysbooks.com | email=info@stmarysbooks.com | address=9 St Marys Hill, PE9 2DP | lat=52.650891 | long=-0.478321 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 763033 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Rooms full of secondhand books, taxidermy and newspapers. }} * {{buy | name=Walkers Bookshop | alt= | url=http://www.walkersbookshops.co.uk/ | email= | address=10 High Street, PE9 2AL | lat=52.6525 | long=-0.4787 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 764405 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 08:30-17:30, Su 10:00-16:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=A traditional family-run bookshop. Stop by and admire the old building and maybe pick up one of the many books about Stamford's history. }} ===Clothing=== * {{buy | name=Chameleon | alt= | url=http://www.chameleonboutique.co.uk/ | email=sales@chameleonboutique.co.uk | address=5 St Mary's Hill, PE9 2DP | lat=52.650741 | long=-0.478290 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 755405 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=Designer lingerie and swimwear. }} Other clothing brands represented in the centre of the town include '''Crew''', '''Edinburgh Woollen Mill''', '''Fat Face''', '''Jaeger''', '''Joules''', '''Mountain Warehouse''', '''New Look''', '''Phase 8,''' '''Rohan''', '''Seaweed''' and '''White Stuff'''. ===Food=== * {{buy | name=Asker Bakery | alt= | url= | email= | address=5a Red Lion Street, PE9 1PA | lat=52.6525 | long=-0.4799 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 481933 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=The coal-fired oven used for baking is a real rarity. }} * {{buy | name=Stamford Cheese Cellar | alt= | url=https://www.stamfordcheese.com | email=orders@stamfordcheese.com | address=17 St. Mary's Street, PE9 2DG | lat=52.651723 | long=-0.477867 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 489269 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=The spiral staircase down is steep, but the range of cheeses (and accompaniments) is wide. }} ===Independent and specialist shops=== * {{buy | name=Dawson of Stamford | alt= | url=http://www.dawsonofstamford.com | email=dawsonofstamford@hotmail.com | address=6 Red Lion Square, PE9 2AJ | lat=52.651888 | long=-0.480314 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 764321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=Founded by goldsmith John Dawson in 1976. Jewellery, antique furniture and clocks. }} * {{buy | name=Harrison and Dunn | alt= | url=http://harrisonanddunn.co.uk/ | email= | address=3 All Saints Street, PE9 2PA | lat=52.6518 | long=-0.4815 | directions=there is also an entrance on Sheepmarket | phone=+44 1780 762088 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=The hardware shop you remember from many years ago: they have everything, they will sell you one of something and they know where things are. Founded in 1930, it is still managed by Dunns. }} * {{buy | name=Loomes Watchmakers | alt= | url=https://www.loomeswatches.com | email= | address=4 St Mary’s Hill, PE9 2DP | lat=52.650617 | long=-0.478334 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 481319 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Stamford Music Shop | alt= | url=http://www.stamfordmusicshop.co.uk/ | email=info@stamfordmusicshop.co.uk | address=11 St. Mary's Hill, PE9 2DP | lat=52.651111 | long=-0.478399 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 751275 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=One of the largest sheet music specialists in Britain. Extensive range of musical instruments for sale or rental. }} * {{buy | name=St Martins Antiques Centre | alt= | url=http://www.st-martins-antiques.co.uk | email=info@st-martins-antiques.co.uk | address=23a High Street St Martins, PE9 2LF | lat=52.6487 | long=-0.4773 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 481158 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Lease spaces to over 70 dealers with articles displayed in floor units and cabinets. }} * {{buy | name=The Vacuum Store | alt= | url=http://www.vacuum-store.co.uk/ | email=sales@vacuum-store.co.uk | address=18 St. Mary's Street, PE9 2DG | lat=52.651727 | long=-0.477809 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 482935 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=Unusual specialist in vacuum sales, spares and repairs, including test drives on various surfaces. Often have vintage vacuums in the window. }} Other shops include '''Adnams''', '''Moshulu''' and '''Neal's Yard.'''. ==Eat== As with its shops, the town boasts lots of independent eateries alongside many chains. There is significant overlap between pubs, hotels and restaurants. * {{eat | name=The Bull and Swan | alt= | url=https://www.hillbrookehotels.co.uk/the-bull-and-swan/ | email=enquiries@thebullandswan.co.uk | address=24 High St, St Martins PE9 2LJ | lat=52.6482 | long=-0.4769 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 766412 | tollfree= | hours=Meals Th 15:00-23:00, F-Su 12:00-23:00 | price=B&B double £90 | lastedit=2020-07-23 | content=Good pub food, gets booked out. Eat pizza in the potting shed and watch the garden cinema. With nine rooms, 3 are dog-friendly. }} * {{eat | name=Cloisters | alt= | url=http://cloistersbistro.com/ | email= | address=9 St. Marys Street, PE9 2DE | lat=52.651524 | long=-0.479102 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 755162 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 12:00-14:30 & 17:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-05-19 | content=Pasta, pizza and Italian cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Gurkha Oven | alt= | url=http://www.gurkhastamford.co.uk | email=info@gurkhastamford.co.uk | address=11 Broad St, PE9 1PG | lat=52.6536 | long=-0.4782 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 767600 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-05-19 | content=Nepalese food. Book ahead at busy times. }} * {{eat | name=Mama Liz's Soul Food Shack | alt= | url=http://www.mamaliz.co.uk/ | email=bookings@mamaliz.co.uk | address=9a North Street, PE9 1EL | lat=52.6539 | long=-0.4781 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 765888 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=Cajun & Creole, Vegan options; plus music. }} * {{eat | name=No1 Kitchen | alt= | url=http://no1-kitchen.co.uk/ | email=Info@no1-kitchen.co.uk | address=1 Castle Street, PE9 2RA | lat=52.6513 | long=-0.4804 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 766522 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=Burgers, chicken, ribs, steak, skewers, salads and more. }} * {{eat | name=Riverside Fish Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=3 Castle St, PE9 2RE | lat=52.65128 | long=-0.48025 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 766698 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Fish & chips near the river. }} * {{eat | name=Zada Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.zadarestaurant.co.uk | email=zadarestaurant@gmail.com | address=13 St Mary's Hill, PE9 2DP | lat=52.651259 | long=-0.478521 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 766848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=Turkish cuisine. }} * '''[https://www.orbisstamford.co.uk/ Orbis]''', opened in 2021, specialises in gluten-free food. They're on the main strip at 11 All Saints Place and open W-Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 11:00-19:00. They have another branch in [[Oakham]]. * {{eat | name=White Hart | alt= | url=https://www.whitehartufford.co.uk/ | email= | address=Main St, Ufford PE9 3BH | lat=52.624 | long=-0.385 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 740250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=B&B double £120 | lastedit=2021-11-18 | content=Restaurant with rooms in a 17th century coaching inn, the food gets great reviews. }} ==Drink== Despite the small size of the town centre, there are many places to relax and enjoy either alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. ===Cafes=== * {{drink | name=Café Black | alt= | url= | email= | address=21 High St, PE9 2LF | lat=52.6526 | long=-0.4782 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 762999 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-16 | content=Central location, substantial breakfasts, cakes and coffee. }} * {{drink | name=Gooch's Coffee Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address=3 Castle Street, PE9 2RA | lat=52.65129 | long=-0.48029 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-24 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Lambert's | alt= | url=http://lamberts-stamford.co.uk/ | email= | address=5 Cheyne Lane, PE9 2AX | lat=52.6520 | long=-0.4780 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 767063 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Sa 08:30–16:30, Th F 18:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=A bit of an identity crisis here: a coffee shop with great breakfasts; a cafe-cum-deli; and a must-book fine dining restaurant two nights a week. }} * {{drink | name=Pennies From Heaven | alt= | url= | email= | address=17 Maiden Lane, PE9 2AZ | lat=52.65224 | long=-0.47704 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 481634 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-24 | content= }} ===Pubs & bars=== * {{drink | name=The King's Head | alt= | url=https://www.kingsheadstamford.com | email=info@kingsheadstamford.com | address=19 Maiden Lane, PE9 2AZ | lat=52.6524 | long=-0.4773 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 753510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content=Cosy and close to the High Street. }} * {{drink | name=Melbourn Bros | alt=All Saints Brewery | url=http://www.allsaintsbrewery.co.uk/ | email= | address=21-22 All Saints Street, PE9 2PA | lat=52.6519 | long=-0.4818 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 752186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Paten and Co | alt=formerly The Periwig | url=http://www.kneadpubs.co.uk/paten-co | email=paten@kneadpubs.co.uk | address=7 All Saints Place, PE9 2AG | lat=52.652382 | long=-0.480380 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 408647 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Tobie Norris | alt= | url=http://www.kneadpubs.co.uk/our-pubs/the-tobie-norris | email= | address=12 St Pauls Street, PE9 2BE | lat=52.653596 | long=-0.475397 | directions= | phone=+441780 753800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-01-24 | content=A traditional pub featuring several cosy rooms with original timber strutted ceilings. Excellent rustic pizza. }} * {{drink | name=The Wine Bar | alt= | url=http://www.stamfordwinebar.co.uk/ | email=info@stamfordwinebar.co.uk | address=10 St Paul's St, PE9 2BE | lat=52.6539 | long=-0.4749 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 757844 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content= }} There are many other pubs and bars, including those listed under '''Eat''' and '''Sleep'''. ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=The Crown Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.kneadpubs.co.uk/the-crown-hotel | email=reservations@thecrownhotelstamford.co.uk | address=6 All Saints' Place, PE9 2AG | lat=52.6525 | long=-0.4806 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 763136 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£85-£190 | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=The George | alt= | url=http://www.georgehotelofstamford.com/ | email= | address=71 High Street St Martin's, PE9 2LB | lat=52.649721 | long=-0.478165 | directions= | phone=+44 1780 750750 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£215-335 | lastedit=2018-06-20 | content=A historic building near the river, one of the more expensive places to stay, eat or drink in Stamford. The "gallows" across the road is impressive, but it is structural; it was never used for public executions. }} * {{sleep | name=The William Cecil | alt=formerly the Lady Anne's | url=http://www.hillbrookehotels.co.uk/the-william-cecil/ | email=enquiries@thewilliamcecil.co.uk | address=St Martins, PE9 2LJ | lat=52.6468 | long=-0.4758 | directions=near the southern entrance to the town, on the edge of Burghley Park; about half a mile from the town centre | phone=+44 1780 750070 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=£110-200 | lastedit=2018-03-15 | content= }} All these hotels have restaurants and bars. The '''Bull & Swan''' (see above) also offers accommodation. The town has B&Bs for all budgets. The nearest chain hotels are just under 10 miles away: a '''Premier Inn''' to the south near Peterborough; and a '''Travelodge''' to the north, at South Witham. * {{sleep | name=Stamford Cider Huts | alt= | url=https://www.ciderhuts.co.uk/ | email= | address=Grange Farm, Main St, Southorpe PE9 3BX | lat=52.6106 | long=-0.4063 | directions= | phone=+44 7432 643872 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Hut £100 | lastedit=2022-05-16 | content=Styling glamping cabins, open Apr-Sept. }} == Connect == As of May 2022, Stamford has 4G from all UK carriers. 5G has not reached this area. == Go next == * North to [[Grantham]], birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton * West to [[Oakham]], another town built largely of Jurassic limestone * East to [[Bourne_(Lincolnshire)|Bourne]], Market Deeping, Deeping St James, Crowland with its semi-ruined abbey * South to [[Peterborough]] with its medieval cathedral * Further south to [[Cambridge_(England)|Cambridge]] {{routebox | placename=Stamford | image1=British Rail - Flame Red logo.svg | imagesize1=30 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham New Street]] | minorl1=[[Oakham]] | directionr1=SE | majorr1=[[Stansted Airport]] | minorr1=[[Peterborough]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=UK_road_A1.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Doncaster]] | minorl2=[[Grantham]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[London]] | minorr2=[[Peterborough]] | image3=UK_road_A43.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionr3=NE | majorr3=END | minorr3= | directionl3=SW | majorl3=[[Northampton]] | minorl3=[[Corby]] }} {{geo|52.6519|-0.4802}} {{guidecity}} {{IsPartOf|Lincolnshire}} r4uelpgdqajgq2micwy8i9k1b0q95az 0 34319 4488099 4487516 2022-07-22T05:32:37Z BrianM0000 2272790 /* Do */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stockton IL W.E. White Bldg1 (banner).JPG|pgname=Stockton}} '''[http://www.stocktonil.com Stockton]''' is a village in eastern [[Jo Daviess County]] in the northwest corner of [[Illinois]] in the [[Illinois Driftless Area]]. ==Understand== ===History=== Stockton is the youngest town in Jo Daviess County but is the second largest. As part of the Illinois Driftless Area, the area is noted for its high hills, deep river valleys and general scenic beauty. Downtown Stockton is home to many buildings designed in the Queen Anne style of the late 19th century, including the '''W.E. White Building''' listed in the US National Register of Historic Places. Jo Daviess County is home to 8 of the top 10 highest points in Illinois<ref>[https://peakvisor.com/adm/jo-daviess-county.html Peak Visor: Jo Daviess County Illinois.]</ref><ref>[https://peakvisor.com/adm/illinois.html Peak Visor: Illinois.]</ref>, with Stockton's Main Street the highest elevation Main Street in Illinois.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/ Stockton Heritage Museum.]</ref> The Village of Stockton was established in 1886 as a railway town by the Minnesota Northwestern Railroad (later the Chicago Great Western Railway), and the village was later incorporated in 1890.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/the-railroad/ Stockton Heritage Museum: The Railroad.]</ref> In 1914, the Kraft Brothers opened a cheese factory in Stockton. This was the birthplace of the Kraft Corporation and the first cheese plant opened by J.L. Kraft. J.L. Kraft was looking for a place to establish a cheese factory and creamery, and chose Stockton due in part to the abundance of dairy cows and milk production, as well as the readily available railroad transportation. Kraft maintained a cheese factory in Stockton until 1998 when it was sold to Brewster Cheese, which is the top producer of Swiss Cheese in the US.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/home-of-the-first-kraft-cheese-plant/ Stockton Heritage Museum: Home of the First Kraft Cheese Plant.]</ref> ==Get in== {{mapframe|42.350278|-90.006111|zoom=14}} Most travelers to Stockton and Jo Daviess County arrive by car from the east along US 20. Stockton is intersected by U.S. Route 20 (US 20) and Illinois Route 78 (IL 78). * [[Image:US 20.svg|25px]] east towards [[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]], [[Rockford]] and [[Chicago]]; and west towards [[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] and [[Dubuque]], Iowa. * [[Image:Illinois 78.svg|25px]] north towards [[Warren (Illinois)|Warren]] and the [[Wisconsin]] state line; and south towards [[Mount Carroll]]. In Illinois, US 20 is designated the '''General Ulysses S. Grant Highway''' (often abbreviated the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway) and is the longest route in the United States.<ref>[http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/longest.cfm Ask the Rambler: What Is The Longest Road in the United States?] Source published: 27-Jun-2017; accessed: 20-Jul-2022.</ref> In eastern Jo Daviess County US 20 is one of the few areas that remain two-lane across the entire stretch of US 20. The road between Dubuque and Stockton was once known as the most dangerous stretch of road because of the hills and curves flanked by cliffs and valleys. Travelers were greeted with signs reminding them to drive carefully as they entered this stretch of road. ==Get around== By car or by foot. There is no public transportation in Stockton. ==See== * {{see | name=Townsend Home | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.373889 | long=-90.050833 | directions=2 miles (3.2 km) west on US 20, then 1 mile (1.6 km) north on Canyon Park Rd (County route 10) towards Apple River Canyon State Park. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Townsend Home | wikidata=Q7830179 | content= }} - a historic limestone house in the Upright and Wing style, completed in 1856; added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2005. * {{see | name=W.E. White Building | alt=Stella's Cafe | url=https://www.facebook.com/StellasCafeAndCatering/ | email= | address=100 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.35 | long=-90.006667 | directions=downtown on north-west corner of Front and Main | phone=+1 815-947-2080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=W.E. White Building | wikidata=Q7945196 | content= }} - a historic commercial building located downtown, constructed in 1897 in the Queen Anne style; added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1997. ==Do== * {{do | name=Apple River Canyon State Park | alt= | url=https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/AppleRiverCanyon.aspx | email= | address=8763 E Canyon Rd, Apple River, IL | lat=42.448 | long=-90.043 | directions=2 miles (3.2 km) west on US 20, then 6 miles (10 km) north on Canyon Park Rd (County route 10). | phone=815-745-3302 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Apple River Canyon State Park | wikidata=Q4781225 | content=camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, bird-watching. }} - at the confluence of the south fork of the Apple River, camp and hike amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois. * {{do | name=Stockton Heritage Museum | alt= | url=https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/ | email=info@stocktonheritagemuseum.org | address=107 W Front Ave, Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.349969 | long=-90.007203 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2220 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-2PM Sat and 11AM-2PM Sun | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Stockton Heritage Museum is a not-for-profit entity dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Stockton area history. Visit the museum on weekends, May-October, or by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://jdcf.org/properties/valley-of-eden-bird-sanctuary/ | email= | address=5559 E Rush Creek Rd; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.303854 | long=-90.131341 | directions= | phone=+1 815-858-9100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Bird sanctuary with {{convert|409|acre|ha}} and over {{mi|6}} hiking trails. }} * {{do | name=Woodbine Bend Golf Course & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.woodbinebend.com/ | email= | address=3500 E Center Rd; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.3356219 | long=-90.1513247 | directions= | phone=+1 815-858-3939 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Book a tee-time for 18 holes. Add lunch or dinner at their restaurant. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Checo's Family Restaurant & Pizzeria | alt= | url=http://checos.yolasite.com/ | email= | address=622 S Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.342772 | long=-90.007418 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-3240 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=JJ & Freddies | alt= | url=https://jjandfreddies.com/ | email=upmannjay@yahoo.com | address=211 W North Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.35737 | long=-90.011187 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2798 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=For lunch, dinner, dine-in, carry-out, barbecue and catering. }} * {{eat | name=Stella's Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/StellasCafeAndCatering/ | email= | address=100 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.350037 | long=-90.006994 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content=Located in the historic W.E. White Building }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Corner Tap | alt= | url=http://cornertapbar.com/ | email= | address=128 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.350672 | long=-90.007083 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Massbach Ridge Winery - Tasting Room & Vineyard | alt= | url=https://massbachridge.com/ | email= | address=8837 S Massbach Rd; Elizabeth, IL 61028 | lat=42.243539 | long=-90.120729 | directions= | phone=+1 815-291-6700 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-5PM daily | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Vineyard and winery, crafting estate grown wines since 2003. You can walk around the vindard and enjoy the estate of rolling hills. }} * {{drink | name=Mud Run Beer Co | alt= | url=https://mudrunbeer.com/ | email=hello@mudrunbeer.com | address=124 S Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.348964 | long=-90.008017 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-9089 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Craft beer brewed right in town. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-stockton-il | email=cx_stok@countryinnamericas.com | address=200 Dillon Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.358720 | long=-90.005413 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-6060 | tollfree=+1 800-333-3333 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Valley-Vu Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address=400 E North Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.356598 | long=-90.002399 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2529 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} ==Go next== * Around Stockton: ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Canyon State Park]]|wikidata=Q4781225}} and the ghost town of {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Millville|wikidata=Q14687889}} - camping, hiking, fishing and hunting amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois - a 15 minute drive from Stockton (2 miles/3.2 km west on US 20, then 6 miles/10 km north on Canyon Park Rd). ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple Canyon Lake]]|wikidata=Q4781141}} - boating, fishing, golfing - a planned vacation community with {{convert|400|acre}} lake. * Further west along US 20: ** Town of '''[[Elizabeth (Illinois)|Elizabeth]]''', 15 minutes, {{convert|13|mi}} - featuring a replica of a fort used in the Black Hawk War. ** City of '''[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]]''', 40 minutes, {{convert|28|mi}} - the "town that time forgot", a small city that was once a major port on the Mississippi River, is rich in 19th century history, claiming the home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. More than a thousand buildings in Galena are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, with many of the elegantly restored homes now Bed &amp; Breakfasts or open to the public for tours. {{routebox | image1=US 20.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Dubuque]] | minorl1=[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Rockford]] | minorr1=[[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]] | image2=Illinois 78.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Gratiot (Wisconsin)|Gratiot]] | minorl2=enters Wisconsin, becomes [[file:WIS 78.svg|18px]] ← [[Warren (Illinois)|Warren]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Morrison (Illinois)|Morrison]] | minorr2=[[Mount Carroll]] }} {{geo|42.350278|-90.006111|zoom=14}} {{isPartOf|Illinois Driftless Area}} {{outlinecity}} kwxypelz16vix83v67j5ewnisdpx6rv 4488142 4488099 2022-07-22T08:17:18Z BrianM0000 2272790 typo correction wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stockton IL W.E. White Bldg1 (banner).JPG|pgname=Stockton}} '''[http://www.stocktonil.com Stockton]''' is a village in eastern [[Jo Daviess County]] in the northwest corner of [[Illinois]] in the [[Illinois Driftless Area]]. ==Understand== ===History=== Stockton is the youngest town in Jo Daviess County but is the second largest. As part of the Illinois Driftless Area, the area is noted for its high hills, deep river valleys and general scenic beauty. Downtown Stockton is home to many buildings designed in the Queen Anne style of the late 19th century, including the '''W.E. White Building''' listed in the US National Register of Historic Places. Jo Daviess County is home to 8 of the top 10 highest points in Illinois<ref>[https://peakvisor.com/adm/jo-daviess-county.html Peak Visor: Jo Daviess County Illinois.]</ref><ref>[https://peakvisor.com/adm/illinois.html Peak Visor: Illinois.]</ref>, with Stockton's Main Street the highest elevation Main Street in Illinois.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/ Stockton Heritage Museum.]</ref> The Village of Stockton was established in 1886 as a railway town by the Minnesota Northwestern Railroad (later the Chicago Great Western Railway), and the village was later incorporated in 1890.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/the-railroad/ Stockton Heritage Museum: The Railroad.]</ref> In 1914, the Kraft Brothers opened a cheese factory in Stockton. This was the birthplace of the Kraft Corporation and the first cheese plant opened by J.L. Kraft. J.L. Kraft was looking for a place to establish a cheese factory and creamery, and chose Stockton due in part to the abundance of dairy cows and milk production, as well as the readily available railroad transportation. Kraft maintained a cheese factory in Stockton until 1998 when it was sold to Brewster Cheese, which is the top producer of Swiss Cheese in the US.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/home-of-the-first-kraft-cheese-plant/ Stockton Heritage Museum: Home of the First Kraft Cheese Plant.]</ref> ==Get in== {{mapframe|42.350278|-90.006111|zoom=14}} Most travelers to Stockton and Jo Daviess County arrive by car from the east along US 20. Stockton is intersected by U.S. Route 20 (US 20) and Illinois Route 78 (IL 78). * [[Image:US 20.svg|25px]] east towards [[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]], [[Rockford]] and [[Chicago]]; and west towards [[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] and [[Dubuque]], Iowa. * [[Image:Illinois 78.svg|25px]] north towards [[Warren (Illinois)|Warren]] and the [[Wisconsin]] state line; and south towards [[Mount Carroll]]. In Illinois, US 20 is designated the '''General Ulysses S. Grant Highway''' (often abbreviated the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway) and is the longest route in the United States.<ref>[http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/longest.cfm Ask the Rambler: What Is The Longest Road in the United States?] Source published: 27-Jun-2017; accessed: 20-Jul-2022.</ref> In eastern Jo Daviess County US 20 is one of the few areas that remain two-lane across the entire stretch of US 20. The road between Dubuque and Stockton was once known as the most dangerous stretch of road because of the hills and curves flanked by cliffs and valleys. Travelers were greeted with signs reminding them to drive carefully as they entered this stretch of road. ==Get around== By car or by foot. There is no public transportation in Stockton. ==See== * {{see | name=Townsend Home | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.373889 | long=-90.050833 | directions=2 miles (3.2 km) west on US 20, then 1 mile (1.6 km) north on Canyon Park Rd (County route 10) towards Apple River Canyon State Park. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Townsend Home | wikidata=Q7830179 | content= }} - a historic limestone house in the Upright and Wing style, completed in 1856; added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2005. * {{see | name=W.E. White Building | alt=Stella's Cafe | url=https://www.facebook.com/StellasCafeAndCatering/ | email= | address=100 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.35 | long=-90.006667 | directions=downtown on north-west corner of Front and Main | phone=+1 815-947-2080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=W.E. White Building | wikidata=Q7945196 | content= }} - a historic commercial building located downtown, constructed in 1897 in the Queen Anne style; added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1997. ==Do== * {{do | name=Apple River Canyon State Park | alt= | url=https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/AppleRiverCanyon.aspx | email= | address=8763 E Canyon Rd, Apple River, IL | lat=42.448 | long=-90.043 | directions=2 miles (3.2 km) west on US 20, then 6 miles (10 km) north on Canyon Park Rd (County route 10). | phone=815-745-3302 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Apple River Canyon State Park | wikidata=Q4781225 | content=camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, bird-watching. }} - at the confluence of the south fork of the Apple River, camp and hike amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois. * {{do | name=Stockton Heritage Museum | alt= | url=https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/ | email=info@stocktonheritagemuseum.org | address=107 W Front Ave, Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.349969 | long=-90.007203 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2220 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-2PM Sat and 11AM-2PM Sun | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Stockton Heritage Museum is a not-for-profit entity dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Stockton area history. Visit the museum on weekends, May-October, or by appointment. }} * {{do | name=Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://jdcf.org/properties/valley-of-eden-bird-sanctuary/ | email= | address=5559 E Rush Creek Rd; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.303854 | long=-90.131341 | directions= | phone=+1 815-858-9100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Bird sanctuary with {{convert|409|acre|ha}} and over {{mi|6}} hiking trails. }} * {{do | name=Woodbine Bend Golf Course & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.woodbinebend.com/ | email= | address=3500 E Center Rd; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.3356219 | long=-90.1513247 | directions= | phone=+1 815-858-3939 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Book a tee-time for 18 holes. Add lunch or dinner at their restaurant. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Checo's Family Restaurant & Pizzeria | alt= | url=http://checos.yolasite.com/ | email= | address=622 S Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.342772 | long=-90.007418 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-3240 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=JJ & Freddies | alt= | url=https://jjandfreddies.com/ | email=upmannjay@yahoo.com | address=211 W North Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.35737 | long=-90.011187 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2798 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=For lunch, dinner, dine-in, carry-out, barbecue and catering. }} * {{eat | name=Stella's Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/StellasCafeAndCatering/ | email= | address=100 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.350037 | long=-90.006994 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content=Located in the historic W.E. White Building }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Corner Tap | alt= | url=http://cornertapbar.com/ | email= | address=128 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.350672 | long=-90.007083 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Massbach Ridge Winery - Tasting Room & Vineyard | alt= | url=https://massbachridge.com/ | email= | address=8837 S Massbach Rd; Elizabeth, IL 61028 | lat=42.243539 | long=-90.120729 | directions= | phone=+1 815-291-6700 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-5PM daily | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Vineyard and winery, crafting estate grown wines since 2003. You can walk around the vindard and enjoy the estate of rolling hills. }} * {{drink | name=Mud Run Beer Co | alt= | url=https://mudrunbeer.com/ | email=hello@mudrunbeer.com | address=124 S Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.348964 | long=-90.008017 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-9089 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Craft beer brewed right in town. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-stockton-il | email=cx_stok@countryinnamericas.com | address=200 Dillon Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.358720 | long=-90.005413 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-6060 | tollfree=+1 800-333-3333 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Valley-Vu Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address=400 E North Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.356598 | long=-90.002399 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2529 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} ==Go next== * Around Stockton: ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Canyon State Park]]|wikidata=Q4781225}} and the ghost town of {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Millville|wikidata=Q14687889}} - camping, hiking, fishing and hunting amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois - a 15 minute drive from Stockton (2 miles/3.2 km west on US 20, then 6 miles/10 km north on Canyon Park Rd). ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple Canyon Lake]]|wikidata=Q4781141}} - boating, fishing, golfing - a planned vacation community with {{convert|400|acre}} lake. * Further west along US 20: ** Town of '''[[Elizabeth (Illinois)|Elizabeth]]''', 15 minutes, {{convert|13|mi}} - featuring a replica of a fort used in the Black Hawk War. ** City of '''[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]]''', 40 minutes, {{convert|28|mi}} - the "town that time forgot", a small city that was once a major port on the Mississippi River, is rich in 19th century history, claiming the home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. More than a thousand buildings in Galena are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, with many of the elegantly restored homes now bed &amp; breakfasts or open to the public for tours. {{routebox | image1=US 20.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Dubuque]] | minorl1=[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Rockford]] | minorr1=[[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]] | image2=Illinois 78.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Gratiot (Wisconsin)|Gratiot]] | minorl2=enters Wisconsin, becomes [[file:WIS 78.svg|18px]] ← [[Warren (Illinois)|Warren]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Morrison (Illinois)|Morrison]] | minorr2=[[Mount Carroll]] }} {{geo|42.350278|-90.006111|zoom=14}} {{isPartOf|Illinois Driftless Area}} {{outlinecity}} lykm57txecst8j2j5s9vncx5g0vy7kc 4488146 4488142 2022-07-22T08:44:41Z BrianM0000 2272790 add museum detail wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stockton IL W.E. White Bldg1 (banner).JPG|pgname=Stockton}} '''[http://www.stocktonil.com Stockton]''' is a village in eastern [[Jo Daviess County]] in the northwest corner of [[Illinois]] in the [[Illinois Driftless Area]]. ==Understand== ===History=== Stockton is the youngest town in Jo Daviess County but is the second largest. As part of the Illinois Driftless Area, the area is noted for its high hills, deep river valleys and general scenic beauty. Downtown Stockton is home to many buildings designed in the Queen Anne style of the late 19th century, including the '''W.E. White Building''' listed in the US National Register of Historic Places. Jo Daviess County is home to 8 of the top 10 highest points in Illinois<ref>[https://peakvisor.com/adm/jo-daviess-county.html Peak Visor: Jo Daviess County Illinois.]</ref><ref>[https://peakvisor.com/adm/illinois.html Peak Visor: Illinois.]</ref>, with Stockton's Main Street the highest elevation Main Street in Illinois.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/ Stockton Heritage Museum.]</ref> The Village of Stockton was established in 1886 as a railway town by the '''Minnesota Northwestern Railroad''' (later the '''Chicago Great Western Railway'''), and the village was later incorporated in 1890.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/the-railroad/ Stockton Heritage Museum: The Railroad.]</ref> In 1914, the Kraft Brothers opened a cheese factory in Stockton. This was the birthplace of the Kraft Corporation and the first cheese plant opened by J.L. Kraft. J.L. Kraft was looking for a place to establish a cheese factory and creamery, and chose Stockton due in part to the abundance of dairy cows and milk production, as well as the readily available railroad transportation. Kraft maintained a cheese factory in Stockton until 1998 when it was sold to Brewster Cheese, which is the top producer of Swiss Cheese in the US.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/home-of-the-first-kraft-cheese-plant/ Stockton Heritage Museum: Home of the First Kraft Cheese Plant.]</ref> Visit the '''Stockton Heritage Museum''' which has one of the largest collections of Kraft memorabilia and advertising in the country. ==Get in== {{mapframe|42.350278|-90.006111|zoom=14}} Most travelers to Stockton and Jo Daviess County arrive by car from the east along US 20. Stockton is intersected by U.S. Route 20 (US 20) and Illinois Route 78 (IL 78). * [[Image:US 20.svg|25px]] east towards [[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]], [[Rockford]] and [[Chicago]]; and west towards [[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] and [[Dubuque]], Iowa. * [[Image:Illinois 78.svg|25px]] north towards [[Warren (Illinois)|Warren]] and the [[Wisconsin]] state line; and south towards [[Mount Carroll]]. In Illinois, US 20 is designated the '''General Ulysses S. Grant Highway''' (often abbreviated the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway) and is the longest route in the United States.<ref>[http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/longest.cfm Ask the Rambler: What Is The Longest Road in the United States?] Source published: 27-Jun-2017; accessed: 20-Jul-2022.</ref> In eastern Jo Daviess County US 20 is one of the few areas that remain two-lane across the entire stretch of US 20. The road between Dubuque and Stockton was once known as the most dangerous stretch of road because of the hills and curves flanked by cliffs and valleys. Travelers were greeted with signs reminding them to drive carefully as they entered this stretch of road. ==Get around== By car or by foot. There is no public transportation in Stockton. ==See== * {{see | name=Stockton Heritage Museum | alt= | url=https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/ | email=info@stocktonheritagemuseum.org | address=107 W Front Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.349969 | long=-90.007203 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2220 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-2PM Sat and 11AM-2PM Sun | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Museum dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Stockton area history, including exhibits on the Chicago Great Western Railroad and Kraft brother's first cheese plant. Visit the museum on weekends May-October, or by appointment. }} * {{see | name=Townsend Home | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.373889 | long=-90.050833 | directions=2 miles (3.2 km) west on US 20, then 1 mile (1.6 km) north on Canyon Park Rd (County route 10) towards Apple River Canyon State Park. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Townsend Home | wikidata=Q7830179 | content=An historic limestone house in the Upright and Wing style, completed in 1856; added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2005. }} * {{see | name=W.E. White Building | alt=Stella's Cafe | url=https://www.facebook.com/StellasCafeAndCatering/ | email= | address=100 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.349969 | long=-90.006994 | directions=downtown on north-west corner of Front and Main | phone=+1 815-947-2080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=W.E. White Building | wikidata=Q7945196 | content=An historic commercial building located downtown, constructed in 1897 in the Queen Anne style; added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1997. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Apple River Canyon State Park | alt= | url=https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/AppleRiverCanyon.aspx | email= | address=8763 E Canyon Rd, Apple River, IL | lat=42.448 | long=-90.043 | directions=2 miles (3.2 km) west on US 20, then 6 miles (10 km) north on Canyon Park Rd (County route 10). | phone=815-745-3302 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Apple River Canyon State Park | wikidata=Q4781225 | content=camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, bird-watching. }} - at the confluence of the Apple River and its south fork, camp and hike amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois. * {{do | name=Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://jdcf.org/properties/valley-of-eden-bird-sanctuary/ | email= | address=5559 E Rush Creek Rd; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.303854 | long=-90.131341 | directions= | phone=+1 815-858-9100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Bird sanctuary with {{convert|409|acre|ha}} and over {{mi|6}} hiking trails. }} * {{do | name=Woodbine Bend Golf Course & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.woodbinebend.com/ | email= | address=3500 E Center Rd; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.3356219 | long=-90.1513247 | directions= | phone=+1 815-858-3939 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Book a tee-time for 18 holes. Add lunch or dinner at their restaurant. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Checo's Family Restaurant & Pizzeria | alt= | url=http://checos.yolasite.com/ | email= | address=622 S Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.342772 | long=-90.007418 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-3240 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=JJ & Freddies | alt= | url=https://jjandfreddies.com/ | email=upmannjay@yahoo.com | address=211 W North Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.35737 | long=-90.011187 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2798 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=For lunch, dinner, dine-in, carry-out, barbecue and catering. }} * {{eat | name=Stella's Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/StellasCafeAndCatering/ | email= | address=100 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.350037 | long=-90.006994 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content=Located in the historic W.E. White Building }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Corner Tap | alt= | url=http://cornertapbar.com/ | email= | address=128 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.350672 | long=-90.007083 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Massbach Ridge Winery - Tasting Room & Vineyard | alt= | url=https://massbachridge.com/ | email= | address=8837 S Massbach Rd; Elizabeth, IL 61028 | lat=42.243539 | long=-90.120729 | directions= | phone=+1 815-291-6700 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-5PM daily | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Vineyard and winery, crafting estate grown wines since 2003. You can walk around the vindard and enjoy the estate of rolling hills. }} * {{drink | name=Mud Run Beer Co | alt= | url=https://mudrunbeer.com/ | email=hello@mudrunbeer.com | address=124 S Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.348964 | long=-90.008017 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-9089 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Craft beer brewed right in town. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-stockton-il | email=cx_stok@countryinnamericas.com | address=200 Dillon Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.358720 | long=-90.005413 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-6060 | tollfree=+1 800-333-3333 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Valley-Vu Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address=400 E North Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.356598 | long=-90.002399 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2529 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} ==Go next== * Around Stockton: ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Canyon State Park]]|wikidata=Q4781225}} and the ghost town of {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Millville|wikidata=Q14687889}} - camping, hiking, fishing and hunting amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois - a 15 minute drive from Stockton (2 miles/3.2 km west on US 20, then 6 miles/10 km north on Canyon Park Rd). ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple Canyon Lake]]|wikidata=Q4781141}} - boating, fishing, golfing - a planned vacation community with {{convert|400|acre}} lake. * Further west along US 20: ** Town of '''[[Elizabeth (Illinois)|Elizabeth]]''', 15 minutes, {{convert|13|mi}} - featuring a replica of a fort used in the Black Hawk War. ** City of '''[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]]''', 40 minutes, {{convert|28|mi}} - the "town that time forgot", a small city that was once a major port on the Mississippi River, is rich in 19th century history, claiming the home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. More than a thousand buildings in Galena are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, with many of the elegantly restored homes now bed &amp; breakfasts or open to the public for tours. {{routebox | image1=US 20.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Dubuque]] | minorl1=[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Rockford]] | minorr1=[[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]] | image2=Illinois 78.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Gratiot (Wisconsin)|Gratiot]] | minorl2=enters Wisconsin, becomes [[file:WIS 78.svg|18px]] ← [[Warren (Illinois)|Warren]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Morrison (Illinois)|Morrison]] | minorr2=[[Mount Carroll]] }} {{geo|42.350278|-90.006111|zoom=14}} {{isPartOf|Illinois Driftless Area}} {{outlinecity}} od1svqa6epkmhmq7jf8hsnp40xdh6w0 4488153 4488146 2022-07-22T09:03:41Z Ikan Kekek 36420 "An historic" seems pretentious to me in U.S. English, given that we pronounce our "H"s. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stockton IL W.E. White Bldg1 (banner).JPG|pgname=Stockton}} '''[http://www.stocktonil.com Stockton]''' is a village in eastern [[Jo Daviess County]] in the northwest corner of [[Illinois]] in the [[Illinois Driftless Area]]. ==Understand== ===History=== Stockton is the youngest town in Jo Daviess County but is the second largest. As part of the Illinois Driftless Area, the area is noted for its high hills, deep river valleys and general scenic beauty. Downtown Stockton is home to many buildings designed in the Queen Anne style of the late 19th century, including the '''W.E. White Building''' listed in the US National Register of Historic Places. Jo Daviess County is home to 8 of the top 10 highest points in Illinois<ref>[https://peakvisor.com/adm/jo-daviess-county.html Peak Visor: Jo Daviess County Illinois.]</ref><ref>[https://peakvisor.com/adm/illinois.html Peak Visor: Illinois.]</ref>, with Stockton's Main Street the highest elevation Main Street in Illinois.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/ Stockton Heritage Museum.]</ref> The Village of Stockton was established in 1886 as a railway town by the '''Minnesota Northwestern Railroad''' (later the '''Chicago Great Western Railway'''), and the village was later incorporated in 1890.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/the-railroad/ Stockton Heritage Museum: The Railroad.]</ref> In 1914, the Kraft Brothers opened a cheese factory in Stockton. This was the birthplace of the Kraft Corporation and the first cheese plant opened by J.L. Kraft. J.L. Kraft was looking for a place to establish a cheese factory and creamery, and chose Stockton due in part to the abundance of dairy cows and milk production, as well as the readily available railroad transportation. Kraft maintained a cheese factory in Stockton until 1998 when it was sold to Brewster Cheese, which is the top producer of Swiss Cheese in the US.<ref>[https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/exhibits/home-of-the-first-kraft-cheese-plant/ Stockton Heritage Museum: Home of the First Kraft Cheese Plant.]</ref> Visit the '''Stockton Heritage Museum''' which has one of the largest collections of Kraft memorabilia and advertising in the country. ==Get in== {{mapframe|42.350278|-90.006111|zoom=14}} Most travelers to Stockton and Jo Daviess County arrive by car from the east along US 20. Stockton is intersected by U.S. Route 20 (US 20) and Illinois Route 78 (IL 78). * [[Image:US 20.svg|25px]] east towards [[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]], [[Rockford]] and [[Chicago]]; and west towards [[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] and [[Dubuque]], Iowa. * [[Image:Illinois 78.svg|25px]] north towards [[Warren (Illinois)|Warren]] and the [[Wisconsin]] state line; and south towards [[Mount Carroll]]. In Illinois, US 20 is designated the '''General Ulysses S. Grant Highway''' (often abbreviated the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway) and is the longest route in the United States.<ref>[http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/longest.cfm Ask the Rambler: What Is The Longest Road in the United States?] Source published: 27-Jun-2017; accessed: 20-Jul-2022.</ref> In eastern Jo Daviess County US 20 is one of the few areas that remain two-lane across the entire stretch of US 20. The road between Dubuque and Stockton was once known as the most dangerous stretch of road because of the hills and curves flanked by cliffs and valleys. Travelers were greeted with signs reminding them to drive carefully as they entered this stretch of road. ==Get around== By car or by foot. There is no public transportation in Stockton. ==See== * {{see | name=Stockton Heritage Museum | alt= | url=https://www.stocktonheritagemuseum.org/ | email=info@stocktonheritagemuseum.org | address=107 W Front Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.349969 | long=-90.007203 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2220 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-2PM Sat and 11AM-2PM Sun | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Museum dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Stockton area history, including exhibits on the Chicago Great Western Railroad and Kraft brother's first cheese plant. Visit the museum on weekends May-October, or by appointment. }} * {{see | name=Townsend Home | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.373889 | long=-90.050833 | directions=2 miles (3.2 km) west on US 20, then 1 mile (1.6 km) north on Canyon Park Rd (County route 10) towards Apple River Canyon State Park. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Townsend Home | wikidata=Q7830179 | content=A historic limestone house in the Upright and Wing style, completed in 1856; added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2005. }} * {{see | name=W.E. White Building | alt=Stella's Cafe | url=https://www.facebook.com/StellasCafeAndCatering/ | email= | address=100 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.349969 | long=-90.006994 | directions=downtown on north-west corner of Front and Main | phone=+1 815-947-2080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=W.E. White Building | wikidata=Q7945196 | content=A historic commercial building located downtown, constructed in 1897 in the Queen Anne style; added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1997. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Apple River Canyon State Park | alt= | url=https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/AppleRiverCanyon.aspx | email= | address=8763 E Canyon Rd, Apple River, IL | lat=42.448 | long=-90.043 | directions=2 miles (3.2 km) west on US 20, then 6 miles (10 km) north on Canyon Park Rd (County route 10). | phone=815-745-3302 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Apple River Canyon State Park | wikidata=Q4781225 | content=camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, bird-watching. }} - at the confluence of the Apple River and its south fork, camp and hike amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois. * {{do | name=Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary | alt= | url=http://jdcf.org/properties/valley-of-eden-bird-sanctuary/ | email= | address=5559 E Rush Creek Rd; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.303854 | long=-90.131341 | directions= | phone=+1 815-858-9100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Bird sanctuary with {{convert|409|acre|ha}} and over {{mi|6}} hiking trails. }} * {{do | name=Woodbine Bend Golf Course & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.woodbinebend.com/ | email= | address=3500 E Center Rd; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.3356219 | long=-90.1513247 | directions= | phone=+1 815-858-3939 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Book a tee-time for 18 holes. Add lunch or dinner at their restaurant. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Checo's Family Restaurant & Pizzeria | alt= | url=http://checos.yolasite.com/ | email= | address=622 S Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.342772 | long=-90.007418 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-3240 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content= }} * {{eat | name=JJ & Freddies | alt= | url=https://jjandfreddies.com/ | email=upmannjay@yahoo.com | address=211 W North Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.35737 | long=-90.011187 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2798 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=For lunch, dinner, dine-in, carry-out, barbecue and catering. }} * {{eat | name=Stella's Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/StellasCafeAndCatering/ | email= | address=100 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.350037 | long=-90.006994 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2080 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content=Located in the historic W.E. White Building }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Corner Tap | alt= | url=http://cornertapbar.com/ | email= | address=128 N Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.350672 | long=-90.007083 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-04-17 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Massbach Ridge Winery - Tasting Room & Vineyard | alt= | url=https://massbachridge.com/ | email= | address=8837 S Massbach Rd; Elizabeth, IL 61028 | lat=42.243539 | long=-90.120729 | directions= | phone=+1 815-291-6700 | tollfree= | hours=11AM-5PM daily | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Vineyard and winery, crafting estate grown wines since 2003. You can walk around the vindard and enjoy the estate of rolling hills. }} * {{drink | name=Mud Run Beer Co | alt= | url=https://mudrunbeer.com/ | email=hello@mudrunbeer.com | address=124 S Main St; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.348964 | long=-90.008017 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-9089 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Craft beer brewed right in town. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Country Inn & Suites by Radisson | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-stockton-il | email=cx_stok@countryinnamericas.com | address=200 Dillon Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.358720 | long=-90.005413 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-6060 | tollfree=+1 800-333-3333 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Valley-Vu Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address=400 E North Ave; Stockton, IL 61085 | lat=42.356598 | long=-90.002399 | directions= | phone=+1 815-947-2529 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} ==Go next== * Around Stockton: ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Canyon State Park]]|wikidata=Q4781225}} and the ghost town of {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Millville|wikidata=Q14687889}} - camping, hiking, fishing and hunting amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois - a 15 minute drive from Stockton (2 miles/3.2 km west on US 20, then 6 miles/10 km north on Canyon Park Rd). ** {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple Canyon Lake]]|wikidata=Q4781141}} - boating, fishing, golfing - a planned vacation community with {{convert|400|acre}} lake. * Further west along US 20: ** Town of '''[[Elizabeth (Illinois)|Elizabeth]]''', 15 minutes, {{convert|13|mi}} - featuring a replica of a fort used in the Black Hawk War. ** City of '''[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]]''', 40 minutes, {{convert|28|mi}} - the "town that time forgot", a small city that was once a major port on the Mississippi River, is rich in 19th century history, claiming the home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. More than a thousand buildings in Galena are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, with many of the elegantly restored homes now bed &amp; breakfasts or open to the public for tours. {{routebox | image1=US 20.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Dubuque]] | minorl1=[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Rockford]] | minorr1=[[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]] | image2=Illinois 78.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Gratiot (Wisconsin)|Gratiot]] | minorl2=enters Wisconsin, becomes [[file:WIS 78.svg|18px]] ← [[Warren (Illinois)|Warren]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Morrison (Illinois)|Morrison]] | minorr2=[[Mount Carroll]] }} {{geo|42.350278|-90.006111|zoom=14}} {{isPartOf|Illinois Driftless Area}} {{outlinecity}} jlu9odzp2pqd3mj37my58xwyb8e0e53 0 34360 4488002 4421910 2022-07-21T21:57:58Z AlasdairW 1812 /* Budget */ Updated listing for Heb Hostel wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stornoway_page_banner.jpg|caption=Lews Castle and Inner Harbour}} [[File:Steornabhagh Harbour - geograph.org.uk - 574716.jpg|thumb|350px|Stornoway Inner Harbour]] '''Stornoway''' (Gaelic ''Steòrnabhagh'') is the main town on [[Lewis]] and the admin centre for all of Scotland's [[Outer Hebrides]]. Indeed it's the only town in these islands; it has the best amenities and transport links, and it's the obvious base for exploring both Lewis and Harris. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Stornoway Airfield - geograph.org.uk - 1236096.jpg|thumb|Stornoway Airport]] {{listing | type=go | name=Stornoway Airport | alt={{IATA|SYY}} | url=http://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/ | email= | address= | lat=58.215556 | long=-6.331111 | directions=2 miles east of town on A866 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-10 | wikipedia=Stornoway Airport | image=Stornoway Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q2667407 | content=Stornoway has flights across Scotland by [https://www.loganair.co.uk/ Loganair], in twin-prop aircraft. These are not cheap, around £250 return and more at the weekend, but it's a full-service airline so a checked bag is included in the fare. (And think what petrol alone will cost if you drive then take the ferry.) There are four flights M-Th and two F-Su from Glasgow GLA taking an hour, one or two from Edinburgh, 1-3 from Inverness, and M-F one or two from Benbecula. Check-in an hour before flight is soon enough at Stornoway; allow the standard two hours at busy Edinburgh or Glasgow. The airport has toilets and a lounge but the cafe remains closed. There's car hire but you need to book ahead. Bus W5 runs between town and airport five times M-Sa, taking 15 min, fare £1.20. Another five buses M-F pass nearby on the highway out to Point. All the local taxi firms serve the airport, see "Get around". }} === By boat === [https://www.calmac.co.uk Calmac ferries] sail to Stornoway from [[Ullapool]] on the mainland, taking 2 hr 30 min. There are two sailings year-round M-Sa, and on Sunday two Apr-Oct and just one Nov-March. Until 23 Oct 2022, return fares are £111.50 per car, £20.50 per adult including driver, and £10.30 per child. These ferries often sell out in summer, so even foot passengers should book in advance. Be at the pier at least 45 min before sailing. There is also a ferry from Uig on [[Skye]] to [[Tarbert (Harris) | Tarbert]] on Harris, from where you can drive up to Lewis. You can also sail to Lochmaddy on [[North Uist]], or even to [[South Uist]] or [[Barra]], then work your way north by road and ferry, as part of a tour of the Outer Hebrides. ===By bus=== See [[Lewis]] for buses around the island, which all converge on Stornoway. A [https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/public-transport/ linked bus / ferry service] runs up the Western Isles through Barra, the Uists and Harris to Stornoway, so M-Sa it's possible to go the whole way in one day. There are half-a-dozen services part-route, but for the full route you need to set off from Castlebay Barra at 06:20, Lochboisedale South Uist at 09:00, Benbecula at 11:10, Lochmaddy North Uist at 11:30 and Tarbert Harris at 16:20, to reach Stornoway by 17:30. Going south, you leave Stornoway 09:30 to reach Tarbert at 10:45, Lochmaddy at 13:45, Benbecula at 14:25, Lochboisdale at 15:25 and reach Castlebay at 17:35. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|58.213|-6.387|zoom=14}} '''By bus:''' see [[Lewis]] for routes around the island, which all converge on Stornoway. They're sparse M-Sa with nothing on Sunday. The bus station is next to the ferry terminal. The town is small and the only bus you're likely to use is W5, which runs east along A866 to the airport and away out to The Point. Northbound it runs along B895 up the east coast past the hospital towards Tolsta. About a dozen M-F and five on Saturday. Bus W1 (for the north tip of the island) and Bus W2 (west coast loop) run through town along A857 to Perceval roundabout and the hospital before heading off into the countryside. '''Car:''' There are no national car hire companies on the islands. There are a number of small local operators, see the [[Outer_Hebrides#Car_hire|Car hire section of Outer Hebrides article]] for details. '''Taxi:''' the [https://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/airport-information/ Stornoway airport website] lists 14 local operators. ==See== [[File:An Lanntair - geograph.org.uk - 1243043.jpg|thumb|An Lanntair]] * {{listing | type=see | name=An Lanntair Art Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lanntair.com | email=info@lanntair.com | address=Kenneth Street, HS1 2DS | lat=58.20816 | long=-6.38706 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 708480 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-00:00, last Su of month 13:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=An Lanntair | image=An Lanntair - geograph.org.uk - 1243043.jpg | wikidata=Q4750134 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Arts centre offering exhibitions, concerts and films. }} * {{see | name=Lews Castle | alt=Museum nan Eilean | url=https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=58.21158 | long=-6.39434 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Museum Apr-Sept M-W F Sa 10:00-17:00, Oct-Mar M-W F Sa 13:00-16:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Lews Castle | image=LewsCastle.jpg | wikidata=Q2969723 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=The castle was built in the 1850s for Sir James Matheson who made his fortune in the far eastern opium trade. To build it he demolished the remnants of the preceding medieval castle, whilst losing the "i" from Lewis. It was later sold to Lord Leverhulme the soap tycoon. In the 20th century it was used as a navy air base and as student accommodation then fell into disuse, but was refurbished from 2011. It now houses Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean, the museum and archive of island life. The ballroom is used as a ritzy event space, and there's expensive self-catering apartments available. The extensive castle grounds are always open to stroll. }} * {{see | name=Old Gun Battery | alt= | url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/213933/lewis-stornoway-battery-point | email= | address= | lat=58.2037 | long=-6.3721 | directions=At the main entrance to the power station. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-07-16 | content=Two Royal Naval Reserve 6-inch guns, which were taken out of use in 1919. The power station next the guns overwhelms the impression, and somewhat spoils the setting. }} * {{see | name=Stornoway Historical Society | alt= | url= | email= | address=Old Town Hall, 2 Cromwell Street | lat=58.20812 | long=-6.38825 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: M W & F 11:00 -16:00 | price=donation requested | lastedit=2018-07-16 | content=One room changing exhibition on Stornoway History }} * {{marker | name=Iolaire Memorial | type=see | lat=58.190 | long=-6.348 }}: in the early hours of New Year's Day 1919, ''HMY Iolaire'' was bringing home sailors demobilised at the end of the Great War, but she struck a rock at the entrance to Stornoway harbour and sank. The official death toll was 205, mostly local men, but the boat was overcrowded and it may have been higher. The memorial is at Holm east of town, follow the lane south just before the airport entrance. The centenary on 1 Jan 2019 was marked by the unveiling of a new memorial nearby. ==Do== * '''[http://www.hebceltfest.com Hebcelt Music Festival]''' is held in mid-July, multiple venues but mostly in the grounds of Lews Castle and at An Lanntair in town. Flights, ferries and accommodation are booked solid while it's on; there's no camping within the venues, and no dogs allowed. The next event is W 14 - Sat 17 July 2021. * {{do | name=Lews Castle Grounds Mountain Bike Trails | alt= | url=http://www.hebrideancycleclub.com/castlegrounds.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-07-15 | content=About 30 km of mountain bike tracks in the woodland around the castle. The paths are graded by difficulty and require a rugged mountain bike. There are also 24 km of surfaced or gravel tracks which are suitable for road bikes or walking. }} ==Buy== [[File:Stornoway Black Pudding.jpg|thumb|Stornoway Black Pudding]] '''Never on a Sunday'''. Lewis has a stern Sabbatarian tradition that is fighting a bitter rearguard action. They've been unable to resist the ungodliness of flights and ferries on a Sunday, but all shops remain closed except Engebret's filling station, and the majority of eating and drinking places. On Saturday night, pubs and entertainments halt by midnight. Stornoway is the only place in the Outer Hebrides where you will find a selection of shops like in a mainland town. There are both multiples and several independent stores including bakers, butchers and a bookshop. The local delicacy is Stornoway Black Pudding, a blood and oatmeal savoury sausage product. There are several shops selling Harris Tweed, either by the metre or made into clothes and bags. A dwindling fishing fleet provides fresh fish and shellfish which can be bought fresh from the local fish shops. * {{buy | name=Stornoway Fish Smokers | alt= | url=http://www.stornowayfishsmokers.co.uk | email= | address=Shell Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702723 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A good, traditional smokery cures the local fish }} * {{buy | name=Co-op | alt= | url=http://www.co-op.co.uk | email= | address=8 MacAulay Road, HS1 2HU | lat=58.21615 | long=-6.38355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 08:00 - 22:00 | price= | content=The largest supermarket in the Outer Hebrides. Also a smaller store in the centre of town in Cromwell Street. }} * {{buy | name=Tesco | alt= | url=http://www.tesco.co.uk | email= | address=Ferry Road, HS1 2QY | lat=58.20686 | long=-6.38270 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 06:00-00:00, Sa 06:00-22:00 | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Engebret Filling station | alt= | url=http://www.engebret.co.uk/ | email= | address=Sandwick Road, HS1 2SL | lat=58.20821 | long=-6.37581 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702303 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Sa 06:00-23:00, Su 10:00-16:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-01 | content=Filling station & convenience store. }} * {{buy | name=Baltic Bookshop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Balticbookshop/ | email= | address=8-10 Cromwell St | lat=58.20863 | long=-6.38828 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702082 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9:00 - 17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-09-15 | content=Books, including a large selection on island interests, with some stationary and gifts. }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Fusion | alt= | url= | email= | address=Perceval Rd S | lat=58.219432 | long=-6.386398 | directions=Manor roundabout | phone=+44 1851 706373 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 12:00-14:00 & 16:00-22:00, F Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 13:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Chinese & Malaysian takeaway at north edge of town. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Peking Cuisine | alt= | url= | email= | address=30 Church St | lat=58.210228 | long=-6.386766 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 705548 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 16:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Chinese take away. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Thai | alt= | url= | email= | address=27 Church St | lat=58.210148 | long=-6.386594 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 701811 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 12:00-23:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Thai restaurant also does takeaway. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Woodlands Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle grounds | lat=58.211791 | long=-6.391139 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 706916 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Coffee & snacks. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=HS-1 Cafe Bar | alt= | url=http://www.royalstornoway.co.uk/hs-1-cafe-bar-in-stornoway/ | email= | address=within Royal Hotel, Cromwell St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702109 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 12:00-16:00, 17:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=For light bites or dining. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Caladh Inn, 11 James St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 07:00-09:30, 12:00-14:30, 17:00-21:30; Su 08:00-10:00, 12:00-16:00, 17:00-20:00 | price=Buffet £13, dinner £25 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Traditional restaurant with a buffet and carvery. The buffet is also available as a takeaway. }} ==Drink== Stornoway has a high density of pubs which reflect the absence of them around the rest of the island. Around half of them open on Sunday and the licensing hours are generally till 23:00 on weeknights and up until 01:45 on Fridays and 01:00 on Saturdays. Lewis's only distillery, Abhainn Dearg, began production in 2009 so it now has a ten-year malt whisky. See [[Lewis#Drink]] for tours: it's on the far northwest of the island. * {{drink | name=MacNeills | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Cromwell Street | lat=58.208451 | long= -6.388069 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 703330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Live music 22:00 Thursdays. }} * {{drink | name=The Criterion | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 Point Street | lat=58.208408 | long= -6.388937 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 701990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Lewis | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lewis-Bar/240220162668576?rf=481898118512158 | email= | address=8-10 North Beach | lat=58.208351 | long= -6.390807 | directions=Castle Street | phone=+44 1851 704567 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open Sunday | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Sleep== Advance booking is essential June-August, and advisable any time of year. === Budget === * Wild camping is mostly permitted and safe. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Laxdale Holiday Park | alt= | url=http://www.laxdaleholidaypark.com/ | email= | address=6 Laxdale Lane, Laxdale HS2 0DR | lat=58.227260 | long=-6.392415 | directions=off A857 a mile & half north of Stornoway | phone=+44 1851 706966 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Tent pitch £10 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Open April-Oct, with 35 pitches for tents and 19 hook-ups for caravans, plus static caravans, wigwams (accept dogs) and bunkhouse. }} * {{sleep | name=Heb Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.hebhostel.com | email= | address=25 Kenneth Street | lat=58.20891 | long=-6.38691 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 709889 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm £20 ppn, double £70, shepherd's hut £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly well-run central hostel open April-Oct. No pets. }} === Mid-range === There are no national chain hotels. If possible, always choose somewhere that is assessed and graded by Visit Scotland for Quality - there is a good listing on the [http://www.visithebrides.com Visit Hebrides website]. There are other places to stay in and around Stornoway, but if they are not members of the Quality scheme, there's probably a reason. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Jannel B&B | alt= | url=http://www.jannel-stornoway.co.uk | email= | address=5 Stewart Dr | lat=58.220762 | long=-6.387885 | directions=near hospital and golf course | phone=+44 1851 705324 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £120 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Friendly comfy B&B at north end of town. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Crown Hotel | alt=Crown Inn | url=http://www.crownhotelstornoway.com/ | email= | address=Castle St, HS1 2BD | lat=58.20828 | long=-6.39013 | directions=entrance on Point St | phone=+44 1851 703734 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Small hotel, dog-friendly. With a public bar and upstairs restaurant. This is the bar where the 14-year-old Prince Charles (HRH Prince of Wales) came on a sailing outing from his school Gordonstoun. Locals recognised the boat and crowded round. The prince fled in here and ordered the only drink he knew the name of: a cherry brandy. His forebear Bonnie Prince Charlie could have drained the bottle in a trice, but the young prince was under age. His bodyguard was sacked, his only friend and confidant, and Charles was henceforth closely confined to his school regime of cold showers, dawn runs, and bullying, bullying, bullying. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=County Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.countyhotelstornoway.co.uk/ | email= | address=12-14 Francis Street, Stornoway HS1 2XB | lat=58.20871 | long=-6.38676 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 703250 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £140 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Small central 2-star. }} * {{sleep | name=Caladh Inn | alt= | url=http://www.caladhinn.co.uk | email= | address=James Street, HS1 2QN | lat=58.20816 | long=-6.38160 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702740 | tollfree= | fax= | price=B&B double £120 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Simple 3-star with 68 rooms, handy for the ferry and the bus station. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} === Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.royalstornoway.co.uk | email= | address=Cromwell St, HS1 2DG | lat=58.21063 | long=-6.38832 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702109 | tollfree= | fax= | price=B&B double £180 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Comfy hotel on waterfront with 24 rooms and Boatshed restaurant. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} * {{sleep | name=Cabarfeidh Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.cabarfeidh-hotel.co.uk | email= | address=Manor Park, HS1 2EU | lat=58.21948 | long=-6.38808 | directions=North edge of town, 1 mile from ferry pier | phone = +44 1851 702604 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Four-star with 46 rooms and Solas restaurant. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Lews Castle | alt= | url=https://www.togethertravel.co.uk/destinations/scotland/lews-castle | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £170 per night | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Luxury self-catering rooms and apartments upstairs in Lews Castle. The castle has coffee shop open during the day, and a bar open in the evening, but evening meals are only available occasionally. The ground floor rooms are used for functions, but may be open for viewing in the daytime. }} == Connect == As of March 2022, Stornoway has 4G from EE, which extends along the island roads. You might get a signal in town from Three or Vodafone, but nothing from O2. 5G has not yet reached Lewis and Harris. * {{listing | name=Stornoway Library | alt= | url=https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/libraries-and-archives/leabharlannan-nan-eilean-siar/your-library/stornoway-library/ | email= | address=19 Cromwell Street | lat=58.20869 | long=-6.38776 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 822744 | tollfree= | hours=Tu, Th, F 10:00-15:00 Sa 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-17 | content=Library with books and internet access. }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Bayhead Bridge Centre | alt= | url=https://www.bayheadbridgecentre.co.uk/laundrette | email= | address= | lat=58.21322 | long=-6.38756 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 705808 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-17 | content=Community centre with laundrette and public showers. Also has a cafe and student rooms for longer stays. }} ==Go next== *[[Great Bernera]] *[[Tarbert (Harris)]] *[[Leverburgh]] Stornoway has plenty to see and do for the visitor on foot, but travels further afield require bus or car transport. There are no railway lines on the island. The Callanish Stones are around 30 minutes' drive from Stornoway and are the island's most popular outdoor tourist attraction. {{geo|58.209|-6.387|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Lewis}} {{usablecity}} 95f0xy8olfmbeo3zdjfr549dj1jp57f 4488006 4488002 2022-07-21T22:51:29Z AlasdairW 1812 /* See */ Updated listing for Lews Castle wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stornoway_page_banner.jpg|caption=Lews Castle and Inner Harbour}} [[File:Steornabhagh Harbour - geograph.org.uk - 574716.jpg|thumb|350px|Stornoway Inner Harbour]] '''Stornoway''' (Gaelic ''Steòrnabhagh'') is the main town on [[Lewis]] and the admin centre for all of Scotland's [[Outer Hebrides]]. Indeed it's the only town in these islands; it has the best amenities and transport links, and it's the obvious base for exploring both Lewis and Harris. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Stornoway Airfield - geograph.org.uk - 1236096.jpg|thumb|Stornoway Airport]] {{listing | type=go | name=Stornoway Airport | alt={{IATA|SYY}} | url=http://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/ | email= | address= | lat=58.215556 | long=-6.331111 | directions=2 miles east of town on A866 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-10 | wikipedia=Stornoway Airport | image=Stornoway Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q2667407 | content=Stornoway has flights across Scotland by [https://www.loganair.co.uk/ Loganair], in twin-prop aircraft. These are not cheap, around £250 return and more at the weekend, but it's a full-service airline so a checked bag is included in the fare. (And think what petrol alone will cost if you drive then take the ferry.) There are four flights M-Th and two F-Su from Glasgow GLA taking an hour, one or two from Edinburgh, 1-3 from Inverness, and M-F one or two from Benbecula. Check-in an hour before flight is soon enough at Stornoway; allow the standard two hours at busy Edinburgh or Glasgow. The airport has toilets and a lounge but the cafe remains closed. There's car hire but you need to book ahead. Bus W5 runs between town and airport five times M-Sa, taking 15 min, fare £1.20. Another five buses M-F pass nearby on the highway out to Point. All the local taxi firms serve the airport, see "Get around". }} === By boat === [https://www.calmac.co.uk Calmac ferries] sail to Stornoway from [[Ullapool]] on the mainland, taking 2 hr 30 min. There are two sailings year-round M-Sa, and on Sunday two Apr-Oct and just one Nov-March. Until 23 Oct 2022, return fares are £111.50 per car, £20.50 per adult including driver, and £10.30 per child. These ferries often sell out in summer, so even foot passengers should book in advance. Be at the pier at least 45 min before sailing. There is also a ferry from Uig on [[Skye]] to [[Tarbert (Harris) | Tarbert]] on Harris, from where you can drive up to Lewis. You can also sail to Lochmaddy on [[North Uist]], or even to [[South Uist]] or [[Barra]], then work your way north by road and ferry, as part of a tour of the Outer Hebrides. ===By bus=== See [[Lewis]] for buses around the island, which all converge on Stornoway. A [https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/public-transport/ linked bus / ferry service] runs up the Western Isles through Barra, the Uists and Harris to Stornoway, so M-Sa it's possible to go the whole way in one day. There are half-a-dozen services part-route, but for the full route you need to set off from Castlebay Barra at 06:20, Lochboisedale South Uist at 09:00, Benbecula at 11:10, Lochmaddy North Uist at 11:30 and Tarbert Harris at 16:20, to reach Stornoway by 17:30. Going south, you leave Stornoway 09:30 to reach Tarbert at 10:45, Lochmaddy at 13:45, Benbecula at 14:25, Lochboisdale at 15:25 and reach Castlebay at 17:35. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|58.213|-6.387|zoom=14}} '''By bus:''' see [[Lewis]] for routes around the island, which all converge on Stornoway. They're sparse M-Sa with nothing on Sunday. The bus station is next to the ferry terminal. The town is small and the only bus you're likely to use is W5, which runs east along A866 to the airport and away out to The Point. Northbound it runs along B895 up the east coast past the hospital towards Tolsta. About a dozen M-F and five on Saturday. Bus W1 (for the north tip of the island) and Bus W2 (west coast loop) run through town along A857 to Perceval roundabout and the hospital before heading off into the countryside. '''Car:''' There are no national car hire companies on the islands. There are a number of small local operators, see the [[Outer_Hebrides#Car_hire|Car hire section of Outer Hebrides article]] for details. '''Taxi:''' the [https://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/airport-information/ Stornoway airport website] lists 14 local operators. ==See== [[File:An Lanntair - geograph.org.uk - 1243043.jpg|thumb|An Lanntair]] * {{listing | type=see | name=An Lanntair Art Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lanntair.com | email=info@lanntair.com | address=Kenneth Street, HS1 2DS | lat=58.20816 | long=-6.38706 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 708480 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-00:00, last Su of month 13:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=An Lanntair | image=An Lanntair - geograph.org.uk - 1243043.jpg | wikidata=Q4750134 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Arts centre offering exhibitions, concerts and films. }} * {{see | name=Lews Castle | alt=Museum nan Eilean | url=https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=58.21158 | long=-6.39434 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Museum Apr-Sept Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Oct-Mar Tu-Sa 13:00-16:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Lews Castle | image=LewsCastle.jpg | wikidata=Q2969723 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The castle was built in the 1850s for Sir James Matheson who made his fortune in the far eastern opium trade. To build it he demolished the remnants of the preceding medieval castle, whilst losing the "i" from Lewis. It was later sold to Lord Leverhulme the soap tycoon. In the 20th century it was used as a navy air base and as student accommodation then fell into disuse, but was refurbished from 2011. It now houses Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean, the museum and archive of island life. The ballroom is used as a ritzy event space, and there's expensive self-catering apartments available. The extensive castle grounds are always open to stroll. }} * {{see | name=Old Gun Battery | alt= | url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/213933/lewis-stornoway-battery-point | email= | address= | lat=58.2037 | long=-6.3721 | directions=At the main entrance to the power station. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-07-16 | content=Two Royal Naval Reserve 6-inch guns, which were taken out of use in 1919. The power station next the guns overwhelms the impression, and somewhat spoils the setting. }} * {{see | name=Stornoway Historical Society | alt= | url= | email= | address=Old Town Hall, 2 Cromwell Street | lat=58.20812 | long=-6.38825 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: M W & F 11:00 -16:00 | price=donation requested | lastedit=2018-07-16 | content=One room changing exhibition on Stornoway History }} * {{marker | name=Iolaire Memorial | type=see | lat=58.190 | long=-6.348 }}: in the early hours of New Year's Day 1919, ''HMY Iolaire'' was bringing home sailors demobilised at the end of the Great War, but she struck a rock at the entrance to Stornoway harbour and sank. The official death toll was 205, mostly local men, but the boat was overcrowded and it may have been higher. The memorial is at Holm east of town, follow the lane south just before the airport entrance. The centenary on 1 Jan 2019 was marked by the unveiling of a new memorial nearby. ==Do== * '''[http://www.hebceltfest.com Hebcelt Music Festival]''' is held in mid-July, multiple venues but mostly in the grounds of Lews Castle and at An Lanntair in town. Flights, ferries and accommodation are booked solid while it's on; there's no camping within the venues, and no dogs allowed. The next event is W 14 - Sat 17 July 2021. * {{do | name=Lews Castle Grounds Mountain Bike Trails | alt= | url=http://www.hebrideancycleclub.com/castlegrounds.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-07-15 | content=About 30 km of mountain bike tracks in the woodland around the castle. The paths are graded by difficulty and require a rugged mountain bike. There are also 24 km of surfaced or gravel tracks which are suitable for road bikes or walking. }} ==Buy== [[File:Stornoway Black Pudding.jpg|thumb|Stornoway Black Pudding]] '''Never on a Sunday'''. Lewis has a stern Sabbatarian tradition that is fighting a bitter rearguard action. They've been unable to resist the ungodliness of flights and ferries on a Sunday, but all shops remain closed except Engebret's filling station, and the majority of eating and drinking places. On Saturday night, pubs and entertainments halt by midnight. Stornoway is the only place in the Outer Hebrides where you will find a selection of shops like in a mainland town. There are both multiples and several independent stores including bakers, butchers and a bookshop. The local delicacy is Stornoway Black Pudding, a blood and oatmeal savoury sausage product. There are several shops selling Harris Tweed, either by the metre or made into clothes and bags. A dwindling fishing fleet provides fresh fish and shellfish which can be bought fresh from the local fish shops. * {{buy | name=Stornoway Fish Smokers | alt= | url=http://www.stornowayfishsmokers.co.uk | email= | address=Shell Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702723 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A good, traditional smokery cures the local fish }} * {{buy | name=Co-op | alt= | url=http://www.co-op.co.uk | email= | address=8 MacAulay Road, HS1 2HU | lat=58.21615 | long=-6.38355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 08:00 - 22:00 | price= | content=The largest supermarket in the Outer Hebrides. Also a smaller store in the centre of town in Cromwell Street. }} * {{buy | name=Tesco | alt= | url=http://www.tesco.co.uk | email= | address=Ferry Road, HS1 2QY | lat=58.20686 | long=-6.38270 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 06:00-00:00, Sa 06:00-22:00 | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Engebret Filling station | alt= | url=http://www.engebret.co.uk/ | email= | address=Sandwick Road, HS1 2SL | lat=58.20821 | long=-6.37581 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702303 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Sa 06:00-23:00, Su 10:00-16:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-01 | content=Filling station & convenience store. }} * {{buy | name=Baltic Bookshop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Balticbookshop/ | email= | address=8-10 Cromwell St | lat=58.20863 | long=-6.38828 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702082 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9:00 - 17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-09-15 | content=Books, including a large selection on island interests, with some stationary and gifts. }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Fusion | alt= | url= | email= | address=Perceval Rd S | lat=58.219432 | long=-6.386398 | directions=Manor roundabout | phone=+44 1851 706373 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 12:00-14:00 & 16:00-22:00, F Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 13:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Chinese & Malaysian takeaway at north edge of town. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Peking Cuisine | alt= | url= | email= | address=30 Church St | lat=58.210228 | long=-6.386766 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 705548 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 16:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Chinese take away. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Thai | alt= | url= | email= | address=27 Church St | lat=58.210148 | long=-6.386594 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 701811 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 12:00-23:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Thai restaurant also does takeaway. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Woodlands Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle grounds | lat=58.211791 | long=-6.391139 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 706916 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Coffee & snacks. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=HS-1 Cafe Bar | alt= | url=http://www.royalstornoway.co.uk/hs-1-cafe-bar-in-stornoway/ | email= | address=within Royal Hotel, Cromwell St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702109 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 12:00-16:00, 17:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=For light bites or dining. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Caladh Inn, 11 James St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 07:00-09:30, 12:00-14:30, 17:00-21:30; Su 08:00-10:00, 12:00-16:00, 17:00-20:00 | price=Buffet £13, dinner £25 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Traditional restaurant with a buffet and carvery. The buffet is also available as a takeaway. }} ==Drink== Stornoway has a high density of pubs which reflect the absence of them around the rest of the island. Around half of them open on Sunday and the licensing hours are generally till 23:00 on weeknights and up until 01:45 on Fridays and 01:00 on Saturdays. Lewis's only distillery, Abhainn Dearg, began production in 2009 so it now has a ten-year malt whisky. See [[Lewis#Drink]] for tours: it's on the far northwest of the island. * {{drink | name=MacNeills | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Cromwell Street | lat=58.208451 | long= -6.388069 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 703330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Live music 22:00 Thursdays. }} * {{drink | name=The Criterion | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 Point Street | lat=58.208408 | long= -6.388937 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 701990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Lewis | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lewis-Bar/240220162668576?rf=481898118512158 | email= | address=8-10 North Beach | lat=58.208351 | long= -6.390807 | directions=Castle Street | phone=+44 1851 704567 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open Sunday | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Sleep== Advance booking is essential June-August, and advisable any time of year. === Budget === * Wild camping is mostly permitted and safe. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Laxdale Holiday Park | alt= | url=http://www.laxdaleholidaypark.com/ | email= | address=6 Laxdale Lane, Laxdale HS2 0DR | lat=58.227260 | long=-6.392415 | directions=off A857 a mile & half north of Stornoway | phone=+44 1851 706966 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Tent pitch £10 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Open April-Oct, with 35 pitches for tents and 19 hook-ups for caravans, plus static caravans, wigwams (accept dogs) and bunkhouse. }} * {{sleep | name=Heb Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.hebhostel.com | email= | address=25 Kenneth Street | lat=58.20891 | long=-6.38691 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 709889 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm £20 ppn, double £70, shepherd's hut £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly well-run central hostel open April-Oct. No pets. }} === Mid-range === There are no national chain hotels. If possible, always choose somewhere that is assessed and graded by Visit Scotland for Quality - there is a good listing on the [http://www.visithebrides.com Visit Hebrides website]. There are other places to stay in and around Stornoway, but if they are not members of the Quality scheme, there's probably a reason. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Jannel B&B | alt= | url=http://www.jannel-stornoway.co.uk | email= | address=5 Stewart Dr | lat=58.220762 | long=-6.387885 | directions=near hospital and golf course | phone=+44 1851 705324 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £120 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Friendly comfy B&B at north end of town. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Crown Hotel | alt=Crown Inn | url=http://www.crownhotelstornoway.com/ | email= | address=Castle St, HS1 2BD | lat=58.20828 | long=-6.39013 | directions=entrance on Point St | phone=+44 1851 703734 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Small hotel, dog-friendly. With a public bar and upstairs restaurant. This is the bar where the 14-year-old Prince Charles (HRH Prince of Wales) came on a sailing outing from his school Gordonstoun. Locals recognised the boat and crowded round. The prince fled in here and ordered the only drink he knew the name of: a cherry brandy. His forebear Bonnie Prince Charlie could have drained the bottle in a trice, but the young prince was under age. His bodyguard was sacked, his only friend and confidant, and Charles was henceforth closely confined to his school regime of cold showers, dawn runs, and bullying, bullying, bullying. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=County Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.countyhotelstornoway.co.uk/ | email= | address=12-14 Francis Street, Stornoway HS1 2XB | lat=58.20871 | long=-6.38676 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 703250 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £140 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Small central 2-star. }} * {{sleep | name=Caladh Inn | alt= | url=http://www.caladhinn.co.uk | email= | address=James Street, HS1 2QN | lat=58.20816 | long=-6.38160 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702740 | tollfree= | fax= | price=B&B double £120 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Simple 3-star with 68 rooms, handy for the ferry and the bus station. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} === Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.royalstornoway.co.uk | email= | address=Cromwell St, HS1 2DG | lat=58.21063 | long=-6.38832 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702109 | tollfree= | fax= | price=B&B double £180 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Comfy hotel on waterfront with 24 rooms and Boatshed restaurant. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} * {{sleep | name=Cabarfeidh Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.cabarfeidh-hotel.co.uk | email= | address=Manor Park, HS1 2EU | lat=58.21948 | long=-6.38808 | directions=North edge of town, 1 mile from ferry pier | phone = +44 1851 702604 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Four-star with 46 rooms and Solas restaurant. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Lews Castle | alt= | url=https://www.togethertravel.co.uk/destinations/scotland/lews-castle | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £170 per night | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Luxury self-catering rooms and apartments upstairs in Lews Castle. The castle has coffee shop open during the day, and a bar open in the evening, but evening meals are only available occasionally. The ground floor rooms are used for functions, but may be open for viewing in the daytime. }} == Connect == As of March 2022, Stornoway has 4G from EE, which extends along the island roads. You might get a signal in town from Three or Vodafone, but nothing from O2. 5G has not yet reached Lewis and Harris. * {{listing | name=Stornoway Library | alt= | url=https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/libraries-and-archives/leabharlannan-nan-eilean-siar/your-library/stornoway-library/ | email= | address=19 Cromwell Street | lat=58.20869 | long=-6.38776 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 822744 | tollfree= | hours=Tu, Th, F 10:00-15:00 Sa 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-17 | content=Library with books and internet access. }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Bayhead Bridge Centre | alt= | url=https://www.bayheadbridgecentre.co.uk/laundrette | email= | address= | lat=58.21322 | long=-6.38756 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 705808 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-17 | content=Community centre with laundrette and public showers. Also has a cafe and student rooms for longer stays. }} ==Go next== *[[Great Bernera]] *[[Tarbert (Harris)]] *[[Leverburgh]] Stornoway has plenty to see and do for the visitor on foot, but travels further afield require bus or car transport. There are no railway lines on the island. The Callanish Stones are around 30 minutes' drive from Stornoway and are the island's most popular outdoor tourist attraction. {{geo|58.209|-6.387|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Lewis}} {{usablecity}} jprt4b3282jnek1hd7b8pne7z3xz6xa 4488007 4488006 2022-07-21T22:53:56Z AlasdairW 1812 /* Connect */ I got a strong O2 signal on Cromwell Street wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stornoway_page_banner.jpg|caption=Lews Castle and Inner Harbour}} [[File:Steornabhagh Harbour - geograph.org.uk - 574716.jpg|thumb|350px|Stornoway Inner Harbour]] '''Stornoway''' (Gaelic ''Steòrnabhagh'') is the main town on [[Lewis]] and the admin centre for all of Scotland's [[Outer Hebrides]]. Indeed it's the only town in these islands; it has the best amenities and transport links, and it's the obvious base for exploring both Lewis and Harris. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Stornoway Airfield - geograph.org.uk - 1236096.jpg|thumb|Stornoway Airport]] {{listing | type=go | name=Stornoway Airport | alt={{IATA|SYY}} | url=http://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/ | email= | address= | lat=58.215556 | long=-6.331111 | directions=2 miles east of town on A866 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-10 | wikipedia=Stornoway Airport | image=Stornoway Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q2667407 | content=Stornoway has flights across Scotland by [https://www.loganair.co.uk/ Loganair], in twin-prop aircraft. These are not cheap, around £250 return and more at the weekend, but it's a full-service airline so a checked bag is included in the fare. (And think what petrol alone will cost if you drive then take the ferry.) There are four flights M-Th and two F-Su from Glasgow GLA taking an hour, one or two from Edinburgh, 1-3 from Inverness, and M-F one or two from Benbecula. Check-in an hour before flight is soon enough at Stornoway; allow the standard two hours at busy Edinburgh or Glasgow. The airport has toilets and a lounge but the cafe remains closed. There's car hire but you need to book ahead. Bus W5 runs between town and airport five times M-Sa, taking 15 min, fare £1.20. Another five buses M-F pass nearby on the highway out to Point. All the local taxi firms serve the airport, see "Get around". }} === By boat === [https://www.calmac.co.uk Calmac ferries] sail to Stornoway from [[Ullapool]] on the mainland, taking 2 hr 30 min. There are two sailings year-round M-Sa, and on Sunday two Apr-Oct and just one Nov-March. Until 23 Oct 2022, return fares are £111.50 per car, £20.50 per adult including driver, and £10.30 per child. These ferries often sell out in summer, so even foot passengers should book in advance. Be at the pier at least 45 min before sailing. There is also a ferry from Uig on [[Skye]] to [[Tarbert (Harris) | Tarbert]] on Harris, from where you can drive up to Lewis. You can also sail to Lochmaddy on [[North Uist]], or even to [[South Uist]] or [[Barra]], then work your way north by road and ferry, as part of a tour of the Outer Hebrides. ===By bus=== See [[Lewis]] for buses around the island, which all converge on Stornoway. A [https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/public-transport/ linked bus / ferry service] runs up the Western Isles through Barra, the Uists and Harris to Stornoway, so M-Sa it's possible to go the whole way in one day. There are half-a-dozen services part-route, but for the full route you need to set off from Castlebay Barra at 06:20, Lochboisedale South Uist at 09:00, Benbecula at 11:10, Lochmaddy North Uist at 11:30 and Tarbert Harris at 16:20, to reach Stornoway by 17:30. Going south, you leave Stornoway 09:30 to reach Tarbert at 10:45, Lochmaddy at 13:45, Benbecula at 14:25, Lochboisdale at 15:25 and reach Castlebay at 17:35. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|58.213|-6.387|zoom=14}} '''By bus:''' see [[Lewis]] for routes around the island, which all converge on Stornoway. They're sparse M-Sa with nothing on Sunday. The bus station is next to the ferry terminal. The town is small and the only bus you're likely to use is W5, which runs east along A866 to the airport and away out to The Point. Northbound it runs along B895 up the east coast past the hospital towards Tolsta. About a dozen M-F and five on Saturday. Bus W1 (for the north tip of the island) and Bus W2 (west coast loop) run through town along A857 to Perceval roundabout and the hospital before heading off into the countryside. '''Car:''' There are no national car hire companies on the islands. There are a number of small local operators, see the [[Outer_Hebrides#Car_hire|Car hire section of Outer Hebrides article]] for details. '''Taxi:''' the [https://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/airport-information/ Stornoway airport website] lists 14 local operators. ==See== [[File:An Lanntair - geograph.org.uk - 1243043.jpg|thumb|An Lanntair]] * {{listing | type=see | name=An Lanntair Art Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lanntair.com | email=info@lanntair.com | address=Kenneth Street, HS1 2DS | lat=58.20816 | long=-6.38706 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 708480 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-00:00, last Su of month 13:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=An Lanntair | image=An Lanntair - geograph.org.uk - 1243043.jpg | wikidata=Q4750134 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Arts centre offering exhibitions, concerts and films. }} * {{see | name=Lews Castle | alt=Museum nan Eilean | url=https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=58.21158 | long=-6.39434 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Museum Apr-Sept Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Oct-Mar Tu-Sa 13:00-16:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Lews Castle | image=LewsCastle.jpg | wikidata=Q2969723 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The castle was built in the 1850s for Sir James Matheson who made his fortune in the far eastern opium trade. To build it he demolished the remnants of the preceding medieval castle, whilst losing the "i" from Lewis. It was later sold to Lord Leverhulme the soap tycoon. In the 20th century it was used as a navy air base and as student accommodation then fell into disuse, but was refurbished from 2011. It now houses Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean, the museum and archive of island life. The ballroom is used as a ritzy event space, and there's expensive self-catering apartments available. The extensive castle grounds are always open to stroll. }} * {{see | name=Old Gun Battery | alt= | url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/213933/lewis-stornoway-battery-point | email= | address= | lat=58.2037 | long=-6.3721 | directions=At the main entrance to the power station. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-07-16 | content=Two Royal Naval Reserve 6-inch guns, which were taken out of use in 1919. The power station next the guns overwhelms the impression, and somewhat spoils the setting. }} * {{see | name=Stornoway Historical Society | alt= | url= | email= | address=Old Town Hall, 2 Cromwell Street | lat=58.20812 | long=-6.38825 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: M W & F 11:00 -16:00 | price=donation requested | lastedit=2018-07-16 | content=One room changing exhibition on Stornoway History }} * {{marker | name=Iolaire Memorial | type=see | lat=58.190 | long=-6.348 }}: in the early hours of New Year's Day 1919, ''HMY Iolaire'' was bringing home sailors demobilised at the end of the Great War, but she struck a rock at the entrance to Stornoway harbour and sank. The official death toll was 205, mostly local men, but the boat was overcrowded and it may have been higher. The memorial is at Holm east of town, follow the lane south just before the airport entrance. The centenary on 1 Jan 2019 was marked by the unveiling of a new memorial nearby. ==Do== * '''[http://www.hebceltfest.com Hebcelt Music Festival]''' is held in mid-July, multiple venues but mostly in the grounds of Lews Castle and at An Lanntair in town. Flights, ferries and accommodation are booked solid while it's on; there's no camping within the venues, and no dogs allowed. The next event is W 14 - Sat 17 July 2021. * {{do | name=Lews Castle Grounds Mountain Bike Trails | alt= | url=http://www.hebrideancycleclub.com/castlegrounds.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-07-15 | content=About 30 km of mountain bike tracks in the woodland around the castle. The paths are graded by difficulty and require a rugged mountain bike. There are also 24 km of surfaced or gravel tracks which are suitable for road bikes or walking. }} ==Buy== [[File:Stornoway Black Pudding.jpg|thumb|Stornoway Black Pudding]] '''Never on a Sunday'''. Lewis has a stern Sabbatarian tradition that is fighting a bitter rearguard action. They've been unable to resist the ungodliness of flights and ferries on a Sunday, but all shops remain closed except Engebret's filling station, and the majority of eating and drinking places. On Saturday night, pubs and entertainments halt by midnight. Stornoway is the only place in the Outer Hebrides where you will find a selection of shops like in a mainland town. There are both multiples and several independent stores including bakers, butchers and a bookshop. The local delicacy is Stornoway Black Pudding, a blood and oatmeal savoury sausage product. There are several shops selling Harris Tweed, either by the metre or made into clothes and bags. A dwindling fishing fleet provides fresh fish and shellfish which can be bought fresh from the local fish shops. * {{buy | name=Stornoway Fish Smokers | alt= | url=http://www.stornowayfishsmokers.co.uk | email= | address=Shell Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702723 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A good, traditional smokery cures the local fish }} * {{buy | name=Co-op | alt= | url=http://www.co-op.co.uk | email= | address=8 MacAulay Road, HS1 2HU | lat=58.21615 | long=-6.38355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 08:00 - 22:00 | price= | content=The largest supermarket in the Outer Hebrides. Also a smaller store in the centre of town in Cromwell Street. }} * {{buy | name=Tesco | alt= | url=http://www.tesco.co.uk | email= | address=Ferry Road, HS1 2QY | lat=58.20686 | long=-6.38270 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 06:00-00:00, Sa 06:00-22:00 | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Engebret Filling station | alt= | url=http://www.engebret.co.uk/ | email= | address=Sandwick Road, HS1 2SL | lat=58.20821 | long=-6.37581 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702303 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Sa 06:00-23:00, Su 10:00-16:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-01 | content=Filling station & convenience store. }} * {{buy | name=Baltic Bookshop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Balticbookshop/ | email= | address=8-10 Cromwell St | lat=58.20863 | long=-6.38828 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702082 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9:00 - 17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-09-15 | content=Books, including a large selection on island interests, with some stationary and gifts. }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Fusion | alt= | url= | email= | address=Perceval Rd S | lat=58.219432 | long=-6.386398 | directions=Manor roundabout | phone=+44 1851 706373 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 12:00-14:00 & 16:00-22:00, F Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 13:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Chinese & Malaysian takeaway at north edge of town. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Peking Cuisine | alt= | url= | email= | address=30 Church St | lat=58.210228 | long=-6.386766 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 705548 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 16:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Chinese take away. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Thai | alt= | url= | email= | address=27 Church St | lat=58.210148 | long=-6.386594 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 701811 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 12:00-23:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Thai restaurant also does takeaway. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Woodlands Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle grounds | lat=58.211791 | long=-6.391139 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 706916 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Coffee & snacks. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=HS-1 Cafe Bar | alt= | url=http://www.royalstornoway.co.uk/hs-1-cafe-bar-in-stornoway/ | email= | address=within Royal Hotel, Cromwell St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702109 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 12:00-16:00, 17:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=For light bites or dining. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Caladh Inn, 11 James St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 07:00-09:30, 12:00-14:30, 17:00-21:30; Su 08:00-10:00, 12:00-16:00, 17:00-20:00 | price=Buffet £13, dinner £25 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Traditional restaurant with a buffet and carvery. The buffet is also available as a takeaway. }} ==Drink== Stornoway has a high density of pubs which reflect the absence of them around the rest of the island. Around half of them open on Sunday and the licensing hours are generally till 23:00 on weeknights and up until 01:45 on Fridays and 01:00 on Saturdays. Lewis's only distillery, Abhainn Dearg, began production in 2009 so it now has a ten-year malt whisky. See [[Lewis#Drink]] for tours: it's on the far northwest of the island. * {{drink | name=MacNeills | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Cromwell Street | lat=58.208451 | long= -6.388069 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 703330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Live music 22:00 Thursdays. }} * {{drink | name=The Criterion | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 Point Street | lat=58.208408 | long= -6.388937 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 701990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Lewis | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lewis-Bar/240220162668576?rf=481898118512158 | email= | address=8-10 North Beach | lat=58.208351 | long= -6.390807 | directions=Castle Street | phone=+44 1851 704567 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open Sunday | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Sleep== Advance booking is essential June-August, and advisable any time of year. === Budget === * Wild camping is mostly permitted and safe. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Laxdale Holiday Park | alt= | url=http://www.laxdaleholidaypark.com/ | email= | address=6 Laxdale Lane, Laxdale HS2 0DR | lat=58.227260 | long=-6.392415 | directions=off A857 a mile & half north of Stornoway | phone=+44 1851 706966 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Tent pitch £10 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Open April-Oct, with 35 pitches for tents and 19 hook-ups for caravans, plus static caravans, wigwams (accept dogs) and bunkhouse. }} * {{sleep | name=Heb Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.hebhostel.com | email= | address=25 Kenneth Street | lat=58.20891 | long=-6.38691 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 709889 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm £20 ppn, double £70, shepherd's hut £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly well-run central hostel open April-Oct. No pets. }} === Mid-range === There are no national chain hotels. If possible, always choose somewhere that is assessed and graded by Visit Scotland for Quality - there is a good listing on the [http://www.visithebrides.com Visit Hebrides website]. There are other places to stay in and around Stornoway, but if they are not members of the Quality scheme, there's probably a reason. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Jannel B&B | alt= | url=http://www.jannel-stornoway.co.uk | email= | address=5 Stewart Dr | lat=58.220762 | long=-6.387885 | directions=near hospital and golf course | phone=+44 1851 705324 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £120 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Friendly comfy B&B at north end of town. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Crown Hotel | alt=Crown Inn | url=http://www.crownhotelstornoway.com/ | email= | address=Castle St, HS1 2BD | lat=58.20828 | long=-6.39013 | directions=entrance on Point St | phone=+44 1851 703734 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Small hotel, dog-friendly. With a public bar and upstairs restaurant. This is the bar where the 14-year-old Prince Charles (HRH Prince of Wales) came on a sailing outing from his school Gordonstoun. Locals recognised the boat and crowded round. The prince fled in here and ordered the only drink he knew the name of: a cherry brandy. His forebear Bonnie Prince Charlie could have drained the bottle in a trice, but the young prince was under age. His bodyguard was sacked, his only friend and confidant, and Charles was henceforth closely confined to his school regime of cold showers, dawn runs, and bullying, bullying, bullying. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=County Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.countyhotelstornoway.co.uk/ | email= | address=12-14 Francis Street, Stornoway HS1 2XB | lat=58.20871 | long=-6.38676 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 703250 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £140 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Small central 2-star. }} * {{sleep | name=Caladh Inn | alt= | url=http://www.caladhinn.co.uk | email= | address=James Street, HS1 2QN | lat=58.20816 | long=-6.38160 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702740 | tollfree= | fax= | price=B&B double £120 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Simple 3-star with 68 rooms, handy for the ferry and the bus station. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} === Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.royalstornoway.co.uk | email= | address=Cromwell St, HS1 2DG | lat=58.21063 | long=-6.38832 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702109 | tollfree= | fax= | price=B&B double £180 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Comfy hotel on waterfront with 24 rooms and Boatshed restaurant. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} * {{sleep | name=Cabarfeidh Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.cabarfeidh-hotel.co.uk | email= | address=Manor Park, HS1 2EU | lat=58.21948 | long=-6.38808 | directions=North edge of town, 1 mile from ferry pier | phone = +44 1851 702604 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Four-star with 46 rooms and Solas restaurant. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Lews Castle | alt= | url=https://www.togethertravel.co.uk/destinations/scotland/lews-castle | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £170 per night | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Luxury self-catering rooms and apartments upstairs in Lews Castle. The castle has coffee shop open during the day, and a bar open in the evening, but evening meals are only available occasionally. The ground floor rooms are used for functions, but may be open for viewing in the daytime. }} == Connect == As of March 2022, Stornoway has 4G from EE, which extends along the island roads. You might get a signal in town from O2, Three or Vodafone. 5G has not yet reached Lewis and Harris. * {{listing | name=Stornoway Library | alt= | url=https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/libraries-and-archives/leabharlannan-nan-eilean-siar/your-library/stornoway-library/ | email= | address=19 Cromwell Street | lat=58.20869 | long=-6.38776 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 822744 | tollfree= | hours=Tu, Th, F 10:00-15:00 Sa 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-17 | content=Library with books and internet access. }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Bayhead Bridge Centre | alt= | url=https://www.bayheadbridgecentre.co.uk/laundrette | email= | address= | lat=58.21322 | long=-6.38756 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 705808 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-17 | content=Community centre with laundrette and public showers. Also has a cafe and student rooms for longer stays. }} ==Go next== *[[Great Bernera]] *[[Tarbert (Harris)]] *[[Leverburgh]] Stornoway has plenty to see and do for the visitor on foot, but travels further afield require bus or car transport. There are no railway lines on the island. The Callanish Stones are around 30 minutes' drive from Stornoway and are the island's most popular outdoor tourist attraction. {{geo|58.209|-6.387|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Lewis}} {{usablecity}} ltcjyml4cx92yukinvqt6pmbv1gk4l3 4488151 4488007 2022-07-22T09:03:14Z AlasdairW 1812 /* By bus */ buses are more limited and Stornoway - Barra not possible on days when tides disrupt Berneray ferry wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Stornoway_page_banner.jpg|caption=Lews Castle and Inner Harbour}} [[File:Steornabhagh Harbour - geograph.org.uk - 574716.jpg|thumb|350px|Stornoway Inner Harbour]] '''Stornoway''' (Gaelic ''Steòrnabhagh'') is the main town on [[Lewis]] and the admin centre for all of Scotland's [[Outer Hebrides]]. Indeed it's the only town in these islands; it has the best amenities and transport links, and it's the obvious base for exploring both Lewis and Harris. ==Get in== ===By plane=== [[File:Stornoway Airfield - geograph.org.uk - 1236096.jpg|thumb|Stornoway Airport]] {{listing | type=go | name=Stornoway Airport | alt={{IATA|SYY}} | url=http://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/ | email= | address= | lat=58.215556 | long=-6.331111 | directions=2 miles east of town on A866 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-10 | wikipedia=Stornoway Airport | image=Stornoway Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q2667407 | content=Stornoway has flights across Scotland by [https://www.loganair.co.uk/ Loganair], in twin-prop aircraft. These are not cheap, around £250 return and more at the weekend, but it's a full-service airline so a checked bag is included in the fare. (And think what petrol alone will cost if you drive then take the ferry.) There are four flights M-Th and two F-Su from Glasgow GLA taking an hour, one or two from Edinburgh, 1-3 from Inverness, and M-F one or two from Benbecula. Check-in an hour before flight is soon enough at Stornoway; allow the standard two hours at busy Edinburgh or Glasgow. The airport has toilets and a lounge but the cafe remains closed. There's car hire but you need to book ahead. Bus W5 runs between town and airport five times M-Sa, taking 15 min, fare £1.20. Another five buses M-F pass nearby on the highway out to Point. All the local taxi firms serve the airport, see "Get around". }} === By boat === [https://www.calmac.co.uk Calmac ferries] sail to Stornoway from [[Ullapool]] on the mainland, taking 2 hr 30 min. There are two sailings year-round M-Sa, and on Sunday two Apr-Oct and just one Nov-March. Until 23 Oct 2022, return fares are £111.50 per car, £20.50 per adult including driver, and £10.30 per child. These ferries often sell out in summer, so even foot passengers should book in advance. Be at the pier at least 45 min before sailing. There is also a ferry from Uig on [[Skye]] to [[Tarbert (Harris) | Tarbert]] on Harris, from where you can drive up to Lewis. You can also sail to Lochmaddy on [[North Uist]], or even to [[South Uist]] or [[Barra]], then work your way north by road and ferry, as part of a tour of the Outer Hebrides. ===By bus=== See [[Lewis]] for buses around the island, which all converge on Stornoway. A [https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/public-transport/ linked bus / ferry service] runs up the Western Isles through Barra, the Uists and Harris to Stornoway, so M-Sa it may be possible to go the whole way in one day. There are half-a-dozen services part-route, but for the full route you need to set off from Castlebay Barra at 06:20, Lochboisedale South Uist at 09:00, Benbecula at 11:10, Lochmaddy North Uist at 11:30 and Tarbert Harris at 16:20, to reach Stornoway by 17:30. Going south, you leave Stornoway 09:30 to reach Tarbert at 10:45, Lochmaddy at 13:45, Benbecula at 14:25, Lochboisdale at 15:25 and reach Castlebay at 17:35. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|58.213|-6.387|zoom=14}} '''By bus:''' see [[Lewis]] for routes around the island, which all converge on Stornoway. They're sparse M-Sa with nothing on Sunday. The bus station is next to the ferry terminal. The town is small and the only bus you're likely to use is W5, which runs east along A866 to the airport and away out to The Point. Northbound it runs along B895 up the east coast past the hospital towards Tolsta. About a dozen M-F and five on Saturday. Bus W1 (for the north tip of the island) and Bus W2 (west coast loop) run through town along A857 to Perceval roundabout and the hospital before heading off into the countryside. '''Car:''' There are no national car hire companies on the islands. There are a number of small local operators, see the [[Outer_Hebrides#Car_hire|Car hire section of Outer Hebrides article]] for details. '''Taxi:''' the [https://www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport/airport-information/ Stornoway airport website] lists 14 local operators. ==See== [[File:An Lanntair - geograph.org.uk - 1243043.jpg|thumb|An Lanntair]] * {{listing | type=see | name=An Lanntair Art Centre | alt= | url=http://www.lanntair.com | email=info@lanntair.com | address=Kenneth Street, HS1 2DS | lat=58.20816 | long=-6.38706 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 708480 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-00:00, last Su of month 13:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=An Lanntair | image=An Lanntair - geograph.org.uk - 1243043.jpg | wikidata=Q4750134 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Arts centre offering exhibitions, concerts and films. }} * {{see | name=Lews Castle | alt=Museum nan Eilean | url=https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat=58.21158 | long=-6.39434 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Museum Apr-Sept Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Oct-Mar Tu-Sa 13:00-16:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Lews Castle | image=LewsCastle.jpg | wikidata=Q2969723 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The castle was built in the 1850s for Sir James Matheson who made his fortune in the far eastern opium trade. To build it he demolished the remnants of the preceding medieval castle, whilst losing the "i" from Lewis. It was later sold to Lord Leverhulme the soap tycoon. In the 20th century it was used as a navy air base and as student accommodation then fell into disuse, but was refurbished from 2011. It now houses Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean, the museum and archive of island life. The ballroom is used as a ritzy event space, and there's expensive self-catering apartments available. The extensive castle grounds are always open to stroll. }} * {{see | name=Old Gun Battery | alt= | url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/213933/lewis-stornoway-battery-point | email= | address= | lat=58.2037 | long=-6.3721 | directions=At the main entrance to the power station. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-07-16 | content=Two Royal Naval Reserve 6-inch guns, which were taken out of use in 1919. The power station next the guns overwhelms the impression, and somewhat spoils the setting. }} * {{see | name=Stornoway Historical Society | alt= | url= | email= | address=Old Town Hall, 2 Cromwell Street | lat=58.20812 | long=-6.38825 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: M W & F 11:00 -16:00 | price=donation requested | lastedit=2018-07-16 | content=One room changing exhibition on Stornoway History }} * {{marker | name=Iolaire Memorial | type=see | lat=58.190 | long=-6.348 }}: in the early hours of New Year's Day 1919, ''HMY Iolaire'' was bringing home sailors demobilised at the end of the Great War, but she struck a rock at the entrance to Stornoway harbour and sank. The official death toll was 205, mostly local men, but the boat was overcrowded and it may have been higher. The memorial is at Holm east of town, follow the lane south just before the airport entrance. The centenary on 1 Jan 2019 was marked by the unveiling of a new memorial nearby. ==Do== * '''[http://www.hebceltfest.com Hebcelt Music Festival]''' is held in mid-July, multiple venues but mostly in the grounds of Lews Castle and at An Lanntair in town. Flights, ferries and accommodation are booked solid while it's on; there's no camping within the venues, and no dogs allowed. The next event is W 14 - Sat 17 July 2021. * {{do | name=Lews Castle Grounds Mountain Bike Trails | alt= | url=http://www.hebrideancycleclub.com/castlegrounds.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-07-15 | content=About 30 km of mountain bike tracks in the woodland around the castle. The paths are graded by difficulty and require a rugged mountain bike. There are also 24 km of surfaced or gravel tracks which are suitable for road bikes or walking. }} ==Buy== [[File:Stornoway Black Pudding.jpg|thumb|Stornoway Black Pudding]] '''Never on a Sunday'''. Lewis has a stern Sabbatarian tradition that is fighting a bitter rearguard action. They've been unable to resist the ungodliness of flights and ferries on a Sunday, but all shops remain closed except Engebret's filling station, and the majority of eating and drinking places. On Saturday night, pubs and entertainments halt by midnight. Stornoway is the only place in the Outer Hebrides where you will find a selection of shops like in a mainland town. There are both multiples and several independent stores including bakers, butchers and a bookshop. The local delicacy is Stornoway Black Pudding, a blood and oatmeal savoury sausage product. There are several shops selling Harris Tweed, either by the metre or made into clothes and bags. A dwindling fishing fleet provides fresh fish and shellfish which can be bought fresh from the local fish shops. * {{buy | name=Stornoway Fish Smokers | alt= | url=http://www.stornowayfishsmokers.co.uk | email= | address=Shell Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702723 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A good, traditional smokery cures the local fish }} * {{buy | name=Co-op | alt= | url=http://www.co-op.co.uk | email= | address=8 MacAulay Road, HS1 2HU | lat=58.21615 | long=-6.38355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 08:00 - 22:00 | price= | content=The largest supermarket in the Outer Hebrides. Also a smaller store in the centre of town in Cromwell Street. }} * {{buy | name=Tesco | alt= | url=http://www.tesco.co.uk | email= | address=Ferry Road, HS1 2QY | lat=58.20686 | long=-6.38270 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 06:00-00:00, Sa 06:00-22:00 | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Engebret Filling station | alt= | url=http://www.engebret.co.uk/ | email= | address=Sandwick Road, HS1 2SL | lat=58.20821 | long=-6.37581 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702303 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-Sa 06:00-23:00, Su 10:00-16:00 | price= | lastedit=2015-08-01 | content=Filling station & convenience store. }} * {{buy | name=Baltic Bookshop | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Balticbookshop/ | email= | address=8-10 Cromwell St | lat=58.20863 | long=-6.38828 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702082 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9:00 - 17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-09-15 | content=Books, including a large selection on island interests, with some stationary and gifts. }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Fusion | alt= | url= | email= | address=Perceval Rd S | lat=58.219432 | long=-6.386398 | directions=Manor roundabout | phone=+44 1851 706373 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 12:00-14:00 & 16:00-22:00, F Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 13:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Chinese & Malaysian takeaway at north edge of town. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Peking Cuisine | alt= | url= | email= | address=30 Church St | lat=58.210228 | long=-6.386766 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 705548 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 16:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Chinese take away. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Thai | alt= | url= | email= | address=27 Church St | lat=58.210148 | long=-6.386594 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 701811 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 12:00-23:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Thai restaurant also does takeaway. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Woodlands Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address=Castle grounds | lat=58.211791 | long=-6.391139 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 706916 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Coffee & snacks. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=HS-1 Cafe Bar | alt= | url=http://www.royalstornoway.co.uk/hs-1-cafe-bar-in-stornoway/ | email= | address=within Royal Hotel, Cromwell St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702109 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 12:00-16:00, 17:00-21:00 | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=For light bites or dining. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Eleven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Caladh Inn, 11 James St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 07:00-09:30, 12:00-14:30, 17:00-21:30; Su 08:00-10:00, 12:00-16:00, 17:00-20:00 | price=Buffet £13, dinner £25 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Traditional restaurant with a buffet and carvery. The buffet is also available as a takeaway. }} ==Drink== Stornoway has a high density of pubs which reflect the absence of them around the rest of the island. Around half of them open on Sunday and the licensing hours are generally till 23:00 on weeknights and up until 01:45 on Fridays and 01:00 on Saturdays. Lewis's only distillery, Abhainn Dearg, began production in 2009 so it now has a ten-year malt whisky. See [[Lewis#Drink]] for tours: it's on the far northwest of the island. * {{drink | name=MacNeills | alt= | url= | email= | address=11 Cromwell Street | lat=58.208451 | long= -6.388069 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 703330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Live music 22:00 Thursdays. }} * {{drink | name=The Criterion | alt= | url= | email= | address=32 Point Street | lat=58.208408 | long= -6.388937 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 701990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{drink | name=The Lewis | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lewis-Bar/240220162668576?rf=481898118512158 | email= | address=8-10 North Beach | lat=58.208351 | long= -6.390807 | directions=Castle Street | phone=+44 1851 704567 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open Sunday | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Sleep== Advance booking is essential June-August, and advisable any time of year. === Budget === * Wild camping is mostly permitted and safe. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Laxdale Holiday Park | alt= | url=http://www.laxdaleholidaypark.com/ | email= | address=6 Laxdale Lane, Laxdale HS2 0DR | lat=58.227260 | long=-6.392415 | directions=off A857 a mile & half north of Stornoway | phone=+44 1851 706966 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Tent pitch £10 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Open April-Oct, with 35 pitches for tents and 19 hook-ups for caravans, plus static caravans, wigwams (accept dogs) and bunkhouse. }} * {{sleep | name=Heb Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.hebhostel.com | email= | address=25 Kenneth Street | lat=58.20891 | long=-6.38691 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 709889 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Dorm £20 ppn, double £70, shepherd's hut £80 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Friendly well-run central hostel open April-Oct. No pets. }} === Mid-range === There are no national chain hotels. If possible, always choose somewhere that is assessed and graded by Visit Scotland for Quality - there is a good listing on the [http://www.visithebrides.com Visit Hebrides website]. There are other places to stay in and around Stornoway, but if they are not members of the Quality scheme, there's probably a reason. * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Jannel B&B | alt= | url=http://www.jannel-stornoway.co.uk | email= | address=5 Stewart Dr | lat=58.220762 | long=-6.387885 | directions=near hospital and golf course | phone=+44 1851 705324 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £120 | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Friendly comfy B&B at north end of town. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Crown Hotel | alt=Crown Inn | url=http://www.crownhotelstornoway.com/ | email= | address=Castle St, HS1 2BD | lat=58.20828 | long=-6.39013 | directions=entrance on Point St | phone=+44 1851 703734 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Small hotel, dog-friendly. With a public bar and upstairs restaurant. This is the bar where the 14-year-old Prince Charles (HRH Prince of Wales) came on a sailing outing from his school Gordonstoun. Locals recognised the boat and crowded round. The prince fled in here and ordered the only drink he knew the name of: a cherry brandy. His forebear Bonnie Prince Charlie could have drained the bottle in a trice, but the young prince was under age. His bodyguard was sacked, his only friend and confidant, and Charles was henceforth closely confined to his school regime of cold showers, dawn runs, and bullying, bullying, bullying. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=County Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.countyhotelstornoway.co.uk/ | email= | address=12-14 Francis Street, Stornoway HS1 2XB | lat=58.20871 | long=-6.38676 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 703250 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £140 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Small central 2-star. }} * {{sleep | name=Caladh Inn | alt= | url=http://www.caladhinn.co.uk | email= | address=James Street, HS1 2QN | lat=58.20816 | long=-6.38160 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702740 | tollfree= | fax= | price=B&B double £120 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Simple 3-star with 68 rooms, handy for the ferry and the bus station. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} === Splurge === * {{sleep | name=Royal Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.royalstornoway.co.uk | email= | address=Cromwell St, HS1 2DG | lat=58.21063 | long=-6.38832 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 702109 | tollfree= | fax= | price=B&B double £180 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Comfy hotel on waterfront with 24 rooms and Boatshed restaurant. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} * {{sleep | name=Cabarfeidh Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.cabarfeidh-hotel.co.uk | email= | address=Manor Park, HS1 2EU | lat=58.21948 | long=-6.38808 | directions=North edge of town, 1 mile from ferry pier | phone = +44 1851 702604 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Four-star with 46 rooms and Solas restaurant. Part of Cala Hotels chain. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Lews Castle | alt= | url=https://www.togethertravel.co.uk/destinations/scotland/lews-castle | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £170 per night | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Luxury self-catering rooms and apartments upstairs in Lews Castle. The castle has coffee shop open during the day, and a bar open in the evening, but evening meals are only available occasionally. The ground floor rooms are used for functions, but may be open for viewing in the daytime. }} == Connect == As of March 2022, Stornoway has 4G from EE, which extends along the island roads. You might get a signal in town from O2, Three or Vodafone. 5G has not yet reached Lewis and Harris. * {{listing | name=Stornoway Library | alt= | url=https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/libraries-and-archives/leabharlannan-nan-eilean-siar/your-library/stornoway-library/ | email= | address=19 Cromwell Street | lat=58.20869 | long=-6.38776 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 822744 | tollfree= | hours=Tu, Th, F 10:00-15:00 Sa 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00| price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-17 | content=Library with books and internet access. }} ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Bayhead Bridge Centre | alt= | url=https://www.bayheadbridgecentre.co.uk/laundrette | email= | address= | lat=58.21322 | long=-6.38756 | directions= | phone=+44 1851 705808 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-09-17 | content=Community centre with laundrette and public showers. Also has a cafe and student rooms for longer stays. }} ==Go next== *[[Great Bernera]] *[[Tarbert (Harris)]] *[[Leverburgh]] Stornoway has plenty to see and do for the visitor on foot, but travels further afield require bus or car transport. There are no railway lines on the island. The Callanish Stones are around 30 minutes' drive from Stornoway and are the island's most popular outdoor tourist attraction. {{geo|58.209|-6.387|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Lewis}} {{usablecity}} 2o9yx6v4170h0yawmin0anauoeqsczu 0 34898 4488167 4441143 2022-07-22T09:29:24Z SHB2000 2248002 very redundant wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Maroubra_Banner.jpg|pgname=Maroubra}} [http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/coogee/maroubra '''Maroubra'''] is a suburb in the [[Sydney/Eastern Suburbs|Eastern Suburbs]] of [[Sydney]]. It has a popular surfing beach Maroubra Beach. There is a rockpool around the northern point. While many consider it to be one of the best surfing venues, it has an unfortunate, media driven reputation for the tough 'Bra Boys' that surf the area. But if you are visiting the beach just for a dip or a visit, you can swim and sip cappuccino completely unaware of any surfing subculture. ==Understand== ===Name origin=== The name "Maroubra" is taken from a local Aboriginal word meaning "like thunder" - describing the sound of the surf pounding against the rocks on Maroubra Beach. ===History=== In 1861, the first house was built in the suburb's area by Humphrey McKeon. A number of other settlers arrived on the land in the 1870s to work on the wool scouring works located at the northern end of the bay. The suburb first made headlines on the 6 May 1898, when the Hereward - a fully-rigged iron ship weighing 1,513 tons - was caught by the gale force winds and shipwrecked at the northern end of Maroubra Beach while heading north toward Newcastle. The shipwreck remained on the beach for a number of years until a failed attempt to refloat it was made by building a coffer dam around the wreck. Hereward Street in Maroubra is named after the event. Major residential development only began in the 1910s after Herbert Dudley, a real estate developer, subdivided the land into residential blocks. Herbert Dudley also lobbied for the extension of the tramline to Maroubra Junction in 1912, where he had built Dudley's Emporium which has since been redeveloped. More crown land was released for residential use in the 1920s and the tram line was extended to Maroubra Beach in 1921. Between 1925 and 1934, the Olympia Motor Speedway was located in South Maroubra at the corner of Anzac Parade and Fitzgerald Avenue, however due to the dangerous concrete track, a number of deaths occurred and it was closed after only 9 years of operation. ===Description=== While it is a popular surfing beach and has a much more longer stretch of beach than the nearby [[Sydney/Coogee|Coogee]] and [[Bondi Beach|Bondi]] beaches, Maroubra actually is quieter and more downmarket than its neighbouring cousins further north. It has a feel of a peaceful country village but hosts many international surfing events and its coastline is enough to accommodate two surfing clubs. Along with Bondi, Maroubra is divided into Maroubra Beach, South Maroubra and Maroubra Junction. Maroubra Junction is the commercial hub of the beachside suburb, with the Pacific Square shopping centre (formerly Maroubra Mall) as its main attraction. Maroubra Beach is the quieter beachfront area. South Maroubra, as you can guess, lies south of Maroubra Junction and has three shopping areas: South Maroubra Shopping Village (which serves the nearby Maroubra Beach, known to locals as "The Sands"), Duffy's Corner (which serves the surrounding community) and Lexington Place (which serves the residential area framed by Anzac Parade, Beauchamp Road, Malabar Road and Fitzgerald Avenue). Unfortunately, Lexington Place was known infamously for its high crime rates (2003). Ongoing re-development (2008) of community housing estates into mainstream residential properties is having a positive effect. Maroubra has a village community feel despite its fair share of crime hot spots and tough gangs. Nevertheless, Maroubra serves as the second-largest suburb in the Randwick City Council area. ==Get in== ===By bus=== Buses run to Maroubra Beach from Bondi Junction and the city. Bus routes 317 and 353 runs from Bondi Junction and stops at Maroubra Beach. Bus route 395 runs from Railway Square near Central Station. All other bus services (376, 377, 396, 397) run from Circular Quay and either stop or terminate at the beach, being less regular services. Anzac Parade is the major public transport corridor with some other buses going to the city, Railway Square, Eastgardens, airport, University of NSW, the suburbs south of Maroubra (e.g. La Perouse) and even the western suburbs. ===By train=== There are no train stations near Maroubra, but you can catch a train on the Eastern Suburbs Line and get off at Bondi Junction to connect with the 317 bus, or you can get off at Central station to connect with the 376, 395 or 396 buses (for Maroubra Beach). Either way, the train ride will take you 10 minutes. ===By tram=== Nearest light rail stops are at the end of the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford tramlines with bus connections stopping at the Southend Hotel in Maroubra Beach. ===By car=== Maroubra is a 20 minute drive from the city, via Anzac Parade. It must be noted that although Maroubra Beach is less crowded than Bondi or Coogee beaches, it can still be difficult to find a parking space on a hot weekend (parking up to 4 hours is free). There are also car parking at Maroubra Junction and in selected areas of South Maroubra, free of charge. ===By taxi=== Two taxi companies service Maroubra. [http://www.taxiscombined.com.au/ Taxis Combined] (call 131 008) has the most extensive taxi service in Sydney while [http://www.legioncabs.com.au/ Legion Cabs] (call 13 1451) can also take you to Maroubra. The major taxi rank is at Maroubra Junction outside the Commonwealth bank, corner Maroubra Road and Anzac Parade. ==See== *'''Maroubra Beach''' *'''Malabar Beach'''. Slightly further south from Maroubra Beach, Malabar beach is a safer beach with less surf. * {{see | name=[[Malabar Headland National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.95554 | long=151.25075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q21971995 | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Maroubra Fun Run & Oktoberfest | alt= | url=http://maroubrafunrun.com.au/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Annual fun run event and German festival, staged at Maroubra Beach. It is held in October every year. }} *'''Walk''' along the promenade at Maroubra Beach which is the beginning of a coastal walk to [[Sydney/Coogee|Coogee]], [[Sydney/Bronte|Bronte]], [[Tamarama]] and finally, [[Sydney/Bondi Beach|Bondi Beach]]. *'''Show off your skateboarding skills''' at the Maroubra Skate Park at Maroubra Beach. * {{do | name=Swim | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9349 1106 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Between the flags at Maroubra Beach or alternatively, there is the Des Renford Aquatic Centre at Heffron Park just south-west of Maroubra and the Mahon ocean pool just north of Maroubra Beach. }} *'''Surfing''' is a world-renowned at Maroubra Beach for its great beach culture. In fact, Maroubra Beach has a coastline long enough to support two surfing clubs and from Sunday 19 October 2006, Maroubra Beach is Australia's second National Surfing Reserve. Annual surfing carnivals attract large crowds and international competitors to this laid back community. ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maroubra Underground Surf Shop | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sells surf gear, stocking some of Maroubra's own clothing designs. 49 KcKeon St, }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club | alt= | url=http://www.maroubraseals.com.au | email= | address= 212-220 Marine Parade| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Provides reasonably cheap meals, great breakfasts and entertainment and sporting facilities such as a casino and a swimming pool. You must be over 18 years old and provide some form of ID to become a member, as it is a club. }} * {{eat | name=The Big Blu | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9344 4929 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Very friendly and relaxed, wide menu. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Big Stuff | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5631 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open plan, very relaxed, Internet access. }} * {{eat | name=Pavilion Beachfront | alt= | url=http://pavilionbeachfront.com.au/ | email= | address=Maroubra Promenade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 8347 0055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Situated on the beach, voted "Best Cafe Restaurant". }} * {{eat | name=The Pool Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=94 Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 9314 0364, +61 407 221 027 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Overlooking Mahon Pool, perfect for having a brunch. }} * {{eat | name=Marine Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Corner of McKeon Street and Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9344 9908 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Beach View Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open 1st thing in morning, change from $10 possible. }} * {{eat | name=Zebra Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9314 1276 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Traditionally very popular with the local surfers. }} *There are also a number of cafes and restaurants at the new '''Pacific Square''' shopping complex at the heart of Maroubra Junction (corner of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road). *'''On Maroubra Road''', There are a few restaurants, east and west of '''Pacific Square''' along Maroubra road such as '''Fu Lin Chinese''', '''Chris' Pizza''' and '''Joey's Fine Lebanese Cuisine'''. ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Southend Hotel (also known by its original 1972 name "The Sands Hotel") | alt= | url=http://www.southend.com.au | email= | address=32-40 Curtin Crescent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open and friendly with pool, darts, sports coverage and lots of fun, this place also has a garden lounge for a quiet drink and special functions and the best bottle shop in town }} *'''The Bay Hotel and Diner''' (Maroubra Bay Hotel) 182 Marine Parade - great place to hang out for live bands and a drink, right on the beachfront * {{drink | name=Hotel Maroubra (Maroubra Junction Hotel) | alt= | url= | email= | address=199 Maroubra Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another great place for live bands, watching sports and having a drink with your mates. }} * {{drink | name=Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club | alt= | url=http://www.maroubraseals.com.au | email= | address=212-220 Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= The dining area contains a bar and bistro which sell relatively cheap drinks. It also features the Breezes Bar, which has great views of the beach. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Southend Hotel ("The Sands Hotel") | alt= | url=http://www.southend.com.au | email= | address=32-40 Curtin Crescent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9661 5953 | tollfree= | fax=+61 2 9661 9682 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= It's close to the beach and easily accessible by cars and buses, it provides cheap accommodation, the best bottle shop in town, and a nearby shopping village for beach dwellers. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * The French town of [[La Perouse]] isn't too far south {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Sydney/Eastern suburbs}} {{geo|-33.9495|151.2440}} j7odcqmgcgo7pxx7k1wst7ziveq2re7 4488168 4488167 2022-07-22T09:31:52Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Buy */ Updated listing for Maroubra Beach Surf & Skate - update. seems the other surf shop as either gone or moved to this shop. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Maroubra_Banner.jpg|pgname=Maroubra}} [http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/coogee/maroubra '''Maroubra'''] is a suburb in the [[Sydney/Eastern Suburbs|Eastern Suburbs]] of [[Sydney]]. It has a popular surfing beach Maroubra Beach. There is a rockpool around the northern point. While many consider it to be one of the best surfing venues, it has an unfortunate, media driven reputation for the tough 'Bra Boys' that surf the area. But if you are visiting the beach just for a dip or a visit, you can swim and sip cappuccino completely unaware of any surfing subculture. ==Understand== ===Name origin=== The name "Maroubra" is taken from a local Aboriginal word meaning "like thunder" - describing the sound of the surf pounding against the rocks on Maroubra Beach. ===History=== In 1861, the first house was built in the suburb's area by Humphrey McKeon. A number of other settlers arrived on the land in the 1870s to work on the wool scouring works located at the northern end of the bay. The suburb first made headlines on the 6 May 1898, when the Hereward - a fully-rigged iron ship weighing 1,513 tons - was caught by the gale force winds and shipwrecked at the northern end of Maroubra Beach while heading north toward Newcastle. The shipwreck remained on the beach for a number of years until a failed attempt to refloat it was made by building a coffer dam around the wreck. Hereward Street in Maroubra is named after the event. Major residential development only began in the 1910s after Herbert Dudley, a real estate developer, subdivided the land into residential blocks. Herbert Dudley also lobbied for the extension of the tramline to Maroubra Junction in 1912, where he had built Dudley's Emporium which has since been redeveloped. More crown land was released for residential use in the 1920s and the tram line was extended to Maroubra Beach in 1921. Between 1925 and 1934, the Olympia Motor Speedway was located in South Maroubra at the corner of Anzac Parade and Fitzgerald Avenue, however due to the dangerous concrete track, a number of deaths occurred and it was closed after only 9 years of operation. ===Description=== While it is a popular surfing beach and has a much more longer stretch of beach than the nearby [[Sydney/Coogee|Coogee]] and [[Bondi Beach|Bondi]] beaches, Maroubra actually is quieter and more downmarket than its neighbouring cousins further north. It has a feel of a peaceful country village but hosts many international surfing events and its coastline is enough to accommodate two surfing clubs. Along with Bondi, Maroubra is divided into Maroubra Beach, South Maroubra and Maroubra Junction. Maroubra Junction is the commercial hub of the beachside suburb, with the Pacific Square shopping centre (formerly Maroubra Mall) as its main attraction. Maroubra Beach is the quieter beachfront area. South Maroubra, as you can guess, lies south of Maroubra Junction and has three shopping areas: South Maroubra Shopping Village (which serves the nearby Maroubra Beach, known to locals as "The Sands"), Duffy's Corner (which serves the surrounding community) and Lexington Place (which serves the residential area framed by Anzac Parade, Beauchamp Road, Malabar Road and Fitzgerald Avenue). Unfortunately, Lexington Place was known infamously for its high crime rates (2003). Ongoing re-development (2008) of community housing estates into mainstream residential properties is having a positive effect. Maroubra has a village community feel despite its fair share of crime hot spots and tough gangs. Nevertheless, Maroubra serves as the second-largest suburb in the Randwick City Council area. ==Get in== ===By bus=== Buses run to Maroubra Beach from Bondi Junction and the city. Bus routes 317 and 353 runs from Bondi Junction and stops at Maroubra Beach. Bus route 395 runs from Railway Square near Central Station. All other bus services (376, 377, 396, 397) run from Circular Quay and either stop or terminate at the beach, being less regular services. Anzac Parade is the major public transport corridor with some other buses going to the city, Railway Square, Eastgardens, airport, University of NSW, the suburbs south of Maroubra (e.g. La Perouse) and even the western suburbs. ===By train=== There are no train stations near Maroubra, but you can catch a train on the Eastern Suburbs Line and get off at Bondi Junction to connect with the 317 bus, or you can get off at Central station to connect with the 376, 395 or 396 buses (for Maroubra Beach). Either way, the train ride will take you 10 minutes. ===By tram=== Nearest light rail stops are at the end of the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford tramlines with bus connections stopping at the Southend Hotel in Maroubra Beach. ===By car=== Maroubra is a 20 minute drive from the city, via Anzac Parade. It must be noted that although Maroubra Beach is less crowded than Bondi or Coogee beaches, it can still be difficult to find a parking space on a hot weekend (parking up to 4 hours is free). There are also car parking at Maroubra Junction and in selected areas of South Maroubra, free of charge. ===By taxi=== Two taxi companies service Maroubra. [http://www.taxiscombined.com.au/ Taxis Combined] (call 131 008) has the most extensive taxi service in Sydney while [http://www.legioncabs.com.au/ Legion Cabs] (call 13 1451) can also take you to Maroubra. The major taxi rank is at Maroubra Junction outside the Commonwealth bank, corner Maroubra Road and Anzac Parade. ==See== *'''Maroubra Beach''' *'''Malabar Beach'''. Slightly further south from Maroubra Beach, Malabar beach is a safer beach with less surf. * {{see | name=[[Malabar Headland National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.95554 | long=151.25075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q21971995 | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Maroubra Fun Run & Oktoberfest | alt= | url=http://maroubrafunrun.com.au/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Annual fun run event and German festival, staged at Maroubra Beach. It is held in October every year. }} *'''Walk''' along the promenade at Maroubra Beach which is the beginning of a coastal walk to [[Sydney/Coogee|Coogee]], [[Sydney/Bronte|Bronte]], [[Tamarama]] and finally, [[Sydney/Bondi Beach|Bondi Beach]]. *'''Show off your skateboarding skills''' at the Maroubra Skate Park at Maroubra Beach. * {{do | name=Swim | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9349 1106 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Between the flags at Maroubra Beach or alternatively, there is the Des Renford Aquatic Centre at Heffron Park just south-west of Maroubra and the Mahon ocean pool just north of Maroubra Beach. }} *'''Surfing''' is a world-renowned at Maroubra Beach for its great beach culture. In fact, Maroubra Beach has a coastline long enough to support two surfing clubs and from Sunday 19 October 2006, Maroubra Beach is Australia's second National Surfing Reserve. Annual surfing carnivals attract large crowds and international competitors to this laid back community. ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maroubra Beach Surf & Skate | alt= | url=https://maroubrabeachsurf.com/ | email= | address=2/36 McKeon St | lat=-33.9456 | long=151.2559 | directions= | phone=+61 452 627 873 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM–5PM | price= | content=Sells surf gear, stocking some of Maroubra's own clothing designs. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club | alt= | url=http://www.maroubraseals.com.au | email= | address= 212-220 Marine Parade| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Provides reasonably cheap meals, great breakfasts and entertainment and sporting facilities such as a casino and a swimming pool. You must be over 18 years old and provide some form of ID to become a member, as it is a club. }} * {{eat | name=The Big Blu | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9344 4929 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Very friendly and relaxed, wide menu. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Big Stuff | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5631 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open plan, very relaxed, Internet access. }} * {{eat | name=Pavilion Beachfront | alt= | url=http://pavilionbeachfront.com.au/ | email= | address=Maroubra Promenade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 8347 0055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Situated on the beach, voted "Best Cafe Restaurant". }} * {{eat | name=The Pool Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=94 Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 9314 0364, +61 407 221 027 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Overlooking Mahon Pool, perfect for having a brunch. }} * {{eat | name=Marine Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Corner of McKeon Street and Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9344 9908 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Beach View Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open 1st thing in morning, change from $10 possible. }} * {{eat | name=Zebra Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9314 1276 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Traditionally very popular with the local surfers. }} *There are also a number of cafes and restaurants at the new '''Pacific Square''' shopping complex at the heart of Maroubra Junction (corner of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road). *'''On Maroubra Road''', There are a few restaurants, east and west of '''Pacific Square''' along Maroubra road such as '''Fu Lin Chinese''', '''Chris' Pizza''' and '''Joey's Fine Lebanese Cuisine'''. ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Southend Hotel (also known by its original 1972 name "The Sands Hotel") | alt= | url=http://www.southend.com.au | email= | address=32-40 Curtin Crescent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open and friendly with pool, darts, sports coverage and lots of fun, this place also has a garden lounge for a quiet drink and special functions and the best bottle shop in town }} *'''The Bay Hotel and Diner''' (Maroubra Bay Hotel) 182 Marine Parade - great place to hang out for live bands and a drink, right on the beachfront * {{drink | name=Hotel Maroubra (Maroubra Junction Hotel) | alt= | url= | email= | address=199 Maroubra Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another great place for live bands, watching sports and having a drink with your mates. }} * {{drink | name=Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club | alt= | url=http://www.maroubraseals.com.au | email= | address=212-220 Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= The dining area contains a bar and bistro which sell relatively cheap drinks. It also features the Breezes Bar, which has great views of the beach. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Southend Hotel ("The Sands Hotel") | alt= | url=http://www.southend.com.au | email= | address=32-40 Curtin Crescent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9661 5953 | tollfree= | fax=+61 2 9661 9682 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= It's close to the beach and easily accessible by cars and buses, it provides cheap accommodation, the best bottle shop in town, and a nearby shopping village for beach dwellers. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * The French town of [[La Perouse]] isn't too far south {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Sydney/Eastern suburbs}} {{geo|-33.9495|151.2440}} 32i0m7z5ilrvmj50kjzgy8wuanzgtck 4488169 4488168 2022-07-22T09:33:15Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Maroubra_Banner.jpg|pgname=Maroubra}} [http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/coogee/maroubra '''Maroubra'''] is a suburb in the [[Sydney/Eastern Suburbs|Eastern Suburbs]] of [[Sydney]]. It has a popular surfing beach Maroubra Beach. There is a rockpool around the northern point. While many consider it to be one of the best surfing venues, it has an unfortunate, media driven reputation for the tough 'Bra Boys' that surf the area. But if you are visiting the beach just for a dip or a visit, you can swim and sip cappuccino completely unaware of any surfing subculture. ==Understand== ===Name origin=== The name "Maroubra" is taken from a local Aboriginal word meaning "like thunder" - describing the sound of the surf pounding against the rocks on Maroubra Beach. ===History=== In 1861, the first house was built in the suburb's area by Humphrey McKeon. A number of other settlers arrived on the land in the 1870s to work on the wool scouring works located at the northern end of the bay. The suburb first made headlines on the 6 May 1898, when the Hereward - a fully-rigged iron ship weighing 1,513 tons - was caught by the gale force winds and shipwrecked at the northern end of Maroubra Beach while heading north toward Newcastle. The shipwreck remained on the beach for a number of years until a failed attempt to refloat it was made by building a coffer dam around the wreck. Hereward Street in Maroubra is named after the event. Major residential development only began in the 1910s after Herbert Dudley, a real estate developer, subdivided the land into residential blocks. Herbert Dudley also lobbied for the extension of the tramline to Maroubra Junction in 1912, where he had built Dudley's Emporium which has since been redeveloped. More crown land was released for residential use in the 1920s and the tram line was extended to Maroubra Beach in 1921. Between 1925 and 1934, the Olympia Motor Speedway was located in South Maroubra at the corner of Anzac Parade and Fitzgerald Avenue, however due to the dangerous concrete track, a number of deaths occurred and it was closed after only 9 years of operation. ===Description=== While it is a popular surfing beach and has a much more longer stretch of beach than the nearby [[Sydney/Coogee|Coogee]] and [[Bondi Beach|Bondi]] beaches, Maroubra actually is quieter and more downmarket than its neighbouring cousins further north. It has a feel of a peaceful country village but hosts many international surfing events and its coastline is enough to accommodate two surfing clubs. Along with Bondi, Maroubra is divided into Maroubra Beach, South Maroubra and Maroubra Junction. Maroubra Junction is the commercial hub of the beachside suburb, with the Pacific Square shopping centre (formerly Maroubra Mall) as its main attraction. Maroubra Beach is the quieter beachfront area. South Maroubra, as you can guess, lies south of Maroubra Junction and has three shopping areas: South Maroubra Shopping Village (which serves the nearby Maroubra Beach, known to locals as "The Sands"), Duffy's Corner (which serves the surrounding community) and Lexington Place (which serves the residential area framed by Anzac Parade, Beauchamp Road, Malabar Road and Fitzgerald Avenue). Unfortunately, Lexington Place was known infamously for its high crime rates (2003). Ongoing re-development (2008) of community housing estates into mainstream residential properties is having a positive effect. Maroubra has a village community feel despite its fair share of crime hot spots and tough gangs. Nevertheless, Maroubra serves as the second-largest suburb in the Randwick City Council area. ==Get in== ===By bus=== Buses run to Maroubra Beach from Bondi Junction and the city. Bus routes 317 and 353 runs from Bondi Junction and stops at Maroubra Beach. Bus route 395 runs from Railway Square near Central Station. All other bus services (376, 377, 396, 397) run from Circular Quay and either stop or terminate at the beach, being less regular services. Anzac Parade is the major public transport corridor with some other buses going to the city, Railway Square, Eastgardens, airport, University of NSW, the suburbs south of Maroubra (e.g. La Perouse) and even the western suburbs. ===By train=== There are no train stations near Maroubra, but you can catch a train on the Eastern Suburbs Line and get off at Bondi Junction to connect with the 317 bus, or you can get off at Central station to connect with the 376, 395 or 396 buses (for Maroubra Beach). Either way, the train ride will take you 10 minutes. ===By tram=== Nearest light rail stops are at the end of the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford tramlines with bus connections stopping at the Southend Hotel in Maroubra Beach. ===By car=== Maroubra is a 20 minute drive from the city, via Anzac Parade. It must be noted that although Maroubra Beach is less crowded than Bondi or Coogee beaches, it can still be difficult to find a parking space on a hot weekend (parking up to 4 hours is free). There are also car parking at Maroubra Junction and in selected areas of South Maroubra, free of charge. ===By taxi=== Two taxi companies service Maroubra. [http://www.taxiscombined.com.au/ Taxis Combined] (call 131 008) has the most extensive taxi service in Sydney while [http://www.legioncabs.com.au/ Legion Cabs] (call 13 1451) can also take you to Maroubra. The major taxi rank is at Maroubra Junction outside the Commonwealth bank, corner Maroubra Road and Anzac Parade. ==See== *'''Maroubra Beach''' *'''Malabar Beach'''. Slightly further south from Maroubra Beach, Malabar beach is a safer beach with less surf. * {{see | name=[[Malabar Headland National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.95554 | long=151.25075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q21971995 | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Maroubra Fun Run & Oktoberfest | alt= | url=http://maroubrafunrun.com.au/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Annual fun run event and German festival, staged at Maroubra Beach. It is held in October every year. }} *'''Walk''' along the promenade at Maroubra Beach which is the beginning of a coastal walk to [[Sydney/Coogee|Coogee]], [[Sydney/Bronte|Bronte]], [[Tamarama]] and finally, [[Sydney/Bondi Beach|Bondi Beach]]. *'''Show off your skateboarding skills''' at the Maroubra Skate Park at Maroubra Beach. * {{do | name=Swim | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9349 1106 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Between the flags at Maroubra Beach or alternatively, there is the Des Renford Aquatic Centre at Heffron Park just south-west of Maroubra and the Mahon ocean pool just north of Maroubra Beach. }} *'''Surfing''' is a world-renowned at Maroubra Beach for its great beach culture. In fact, Maroubra Beach has a coastline long enough to support two surfing clubs and from Sunday 19 October 2006, Maroubra Beach is Australia's second National Surfing Reserve. Annual surfing carnivals attract large crowds and international competitors to this laid back community. ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maroubra Beach Surf & Skate | alt= | url=https://maroubrabeachsurf.com/ | email= | address=2/36 McKeon St | lat=-33.9456 | long=151.2559 | directions= | phone=+61 452 627 873 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM–5PM | price= | content=Sells surf gear, stocking some of Maroubra's own clothing designs. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club | alt= | url=http://www.maroubraseals.com.au | email= | address=212-220 Marine Parade | lat=-33.9469 | long=151.2557 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Provides reasonably cheap meals, great breakfasts and entertainment and sporting facilities such as a casino and a swimming pool. You must be over 18 years old and provide some form of ID to become a member, as it is a club. }} * {{eat | name=The Big Blu | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9344 4929 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Very friendly and relaxed, wide menu. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Big Stuff | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5631 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open plan, very relaxed, Internet access. }} * {{eat | name=Pavilion Beachfront | alt= | url=http://pavilionbeachfront.com.au/ | email= | address=Maroubra Promenade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 8347 0055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Situated on the beach, voted "Best Cafe Restaurant". }} * {{eat | name=The Pool Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=94 Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 9314 0364, +61 407 221 027 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Overlooking Mahon Pool, perfect for having a brunch. }} * {{eat | name=Marine Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Corner of McKeon Street and Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9344 9908 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Beach View Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open 1st thing in morning, change from $10 possible. }} * {{eat | name=Zebra Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9314 1276 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Traditionally very popular with the local surfers. }} *There are also a number of cafes and restaurants at the new '''Pacific Square''' shopping complex at the heart of Maroubra Junction (corner of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road). *'''On Maroubra Road''', There are a few restaurants, east and west of '''Pacific Square''' along Maroubra road such as '''Fu Lin Chinese''', '''Chris' Pizza''' and '''Joey's Fine Lebanese Cuisine'''. ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Southend Hotel (also known by its original 1972 name "The Sands Hotel") | alt= | url=http://www.southend.com.au | email= | address=32-40 Curtin Crescent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open and friendly with pool, darts, sports coverage and lots of fun, this place also has a garden lounge for a quiet drink and special functions and the best bottle shop in town }} *'''The Bay Hotel and Diner''' (Maroubra Bay Hotel) 182 Marine Parade - great place to hang out for live bands and a drink, right on the beachfront * {{drink | name=Hotel Maroubra (Maroubra Junction Hotel) | alt= | url= | email= | address=199 Maroubra Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another great place for live bands, watching sports and having a drink with your mates. }} * {{drink | name=Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club | alt= | url=http://www.maroubraseals.com.au | email= | address=212-220 Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= The dining area contains a bar and bistro which sell relatively cheap drinks. It also features the Breezes Bar, which has great views of the beach. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Southend Hotel ("The Sands Hotel") | alt= | url=http://www.southend.com.au | email= | address=32-40 Curtin Crescent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9661 5953 | tollfree= | fax=+61 2 9661 9682 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= It's close to the beach and easily accessible by cars and buses, it provides cheap accommodation, the best bottle shop in town, and a nearby shopping village for beach dwellers. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * The French town of [[La Perouse]] isn't too far south {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Sydney/Eastern suburbs}} {{geo|-33.9495|151.2440}} q2ma5ip0cc7ntznla2v5q5fthzc54m3 4488171 4488169 2022-07-22T09:42:33Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Marine Cafe wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Maroubra_Banner.jpg|pgname=Maroubra}} [http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/coogee/maroubra '''Maroubra'''] is a suburb in the [[Sydney/Eastern Suburbs|Eastern Suburbs]] of [[Sydney]]. It has a popular surfing beach Maroubra Beach. There is a rockpool around the northern point. While many consider it to be one of the best surfing venues, it has an unfortunate, media driven reputation for the tough 'Bra Boys' that surf the area. But if you are visiting the beach just for a dip or a visit, you can swim and sip cappuccino completely unaware of any surfing subculture. ==Understand== ===Name origin=== The name "Maroubra" is taken from a local Aboriginal word meaning "like thunder" - describing the sound of the surf pounding against the rocks on Maroubra Beach. ===History=== In 1861, the first house was built in the suburb's area by Humphrey McKeon. A number of other settlers arrived on the land in the 1870s to work on the wool scouring works located at the northern end of the bay. The suburb first made headlines on the 6 May 1898, when the Hereward - a fully-rigged iron ship weighing 1,513 tons - was caught by the gale force winds and shipwrecked at the northern end of Maroubra Beach while heading north toward Newcastle. The shipwreck remained on the beach for a number of years until a failed attempt to refloat it was made by building a coffer dam around the wreck. Hereward Street in Maroubra is named after the event. Major residential development only began in the 1910s after Herbert Dudley, a real estate developer, subdivided the land into residential blocks. Herbert Dudley also lobbied for the extension of the tramline to Maroubra Junction in 1912, where he had built Dudley's Emporium which has since been redeveloped. More crown land was released for residential use in the 1920s and the tram line was extended to Maroubra Beach in 1921. Between 1925 and 1934, the Olympia Motor Speedway was located in South Maroubra at the corner of Anzac Parade and Fitzgerald Avenue, however due to the dangerous concrete track, a number of deaths occurred and it was closed after only 9 years of operation. ===Description=== While it is a popular surfing beach and has a much more longer stretch of beach than the nearby [[Sydney/Coogee|Coogee]] and [[Bondi Beach|Bondi]] beaches, Maroubra actually is quieter and more downmarket than its neighbouring cousins further north. It has a feel of a peaceful country village but hosts many international surfing events and its coastline is enough to accommodate two surfing clubs. Along with Bondi, Maroubra is divided into Maroubra Beach, South Maroubra and Maroubra Junction. Maroubra Junction is the commercial hub of the beachside suburb, with the Pacific Square shopping centre (formerly Maroubra Mall) as its main attraction. Maroubra Beach is the quieter beachfront area. South Maroubra, as you can guess, lies south of Maroubra Junction and has three shopping areas: South Maroubra Shopping Village (which serves the nearby Maroubra Beach, known to locals as "The Sands"), Duffy's Corner (which serves the surrounding community) and Lexington Place (which serves the residential area framed by Anzac Parade, Beauchamp Road, Malabar Road and Fitzgerald Avenue). Unfortunately, Lexington Place was known infamously for its high crime rates (2003). Ongoing re-development (2008) of community housing estates into mainstream residential properties is having a positive effect. Maroubra has a village community feel despite its fair share of crime hot spots and tough gangs. Nevertheless, Maroubra serves as the second-largest suburb in the Randwick City Council area. ==Get in== ===By bus=== Buses run to Maroubra Beach from Bondi Junction and the city. Bus routes 317 and 353 runs from Bondi Junction and stops at Maroubra Beach. Bus route 395 runs from Railway Square near Central Station. All other bus services (376, 377, 396, 397) run from Circular Quay and either stop or terminate at the beach, being less regular services. Anzac Parade is the major public transport corridor with some other buses going to the city, Railway Square, Eastgardens, airport, University of NSW, the suburbs south of Maroubra (e.g. La Perouse) and even the western suburbs. ===By train=== There are no train stations near Maroubra, but you can catch a train on the Eastern Suburbs Line and get off at Bondi Junction to connect with the 317 bus, or you can get off at Central station to connect with the 376, 395 or 396 buses (for Maroubra Beach). Either way, the train ride will take you 10 minutes. ===By tram=== Nearest light rail stops are at the end of the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford tramlines with bus connections stopping at the Southend Hotel in Maroubra Beach. ===By car=== Maroubra is a 20 minute drive from the city, via Anzac Parade. It must be noted that although Maroubra Beach is less crowded than Bondi or Coogee beaches, it can still be difficult to find a parking space on a hot weekend (parking up to 4 hours is free). There are also car parking at Maroubra Junction and in selected areas of South Maroubra, free of charge. ===By taxi=== Two taxi companies service Maroubra. [http://www.taxiscombined.com.au/ Taxis Combined] (call 131 008) has the most extensive taxi service in Sydney while [http://www.legioncabs.com.au/ Legion Cabs] (call 13 1451) can also take you to Maroubra. The major taxi rank is at Maroubra Junction outside the Commonwealth bank, corner Maroubra Road and Anzac Parade. ==See== *'''Maroubra Beach''' *'''Malabar Beach'''. Slightly further south from Maroubra Beach, Malabar beach is a safer beach with less surf. * {{see | name=[[Malabar Headland National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.95554 | long=151.25075 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q21971995 | lastedit=2021-08-02 | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Maroubra Fun Run & Oktoberfest | alt= | url=http://maroubrafunrun.com.au/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Annual fun run event and German festival, staged at Maroubra Beach. It is held in October every year. }} *'''Walk''' along the promenade at Maroubra Beach which is the beginning of a coastal walk to [[Sydney/Coogee|Coogee]], [[Sydney/Bronte|Bronte]], [[Tamarama]] and finally, [[Sydney/Bondi Beach|Bondi Beach]]. *'''Show off your skateboarding skills''' at the Maroubra Skate Park at Maroubra Beach. * {{do | name=Swim | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9349 1106 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Between the flags at Maroubra Beach or alternatively, there is the Des Renford Aquatic Centre at Heffron Park just south-west of Maroubra and the Mahon ocean pool just north of Maroubra Beach. }} *'''Surfing''' is a world-renowned at Maroubra Beach for its great beach culture. In fact, Maroubra Beach has a coastline long enough to support two surfing clubs and from Sunday 19 October 2006, Maroubra Beach is Australia's second National Surfing Reserve. Annual surfing carnivals attract large crowds and international competitors to this laid back community. ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maroubra Beach Surf & Skate | alt= | url=https://maroubrabeachsurf.com/ | email= | address=2/36 McKeon St | lat=-33.9456 | long=151.2559 | directions= | phone=+61 452 627 873 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM–5PM | price= | content=Sells surf gear, stocking some of Maroubra's own clothing designs. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club | alt= | url=http://www.maroubraseals.com.au | email= | address=212-220 Marine Parade | lat=-33.9469 | long=151.2557 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Provides reasonably cheap meals, great breakfasts and entertainment and sporting facilities such as a casino and a swimming pool. You must be over 18 years old and provide some form of ID to become a member, as it is a club. }} * {{eat | name=The Big Blu | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9344 4929 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Very friendly and relaxed, wide menu. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Big Stuff | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5631 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open plan, very relaxed, Internet access. }} * {{eat | name=Pavilion Beachfront | alt= | url=http://pavilionbeachfront.com.au/ | email= | address=Maroubra Promenade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 8347 0055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Situated on the beach, voted "Best Cafe Restaurant". }} * {{eat | name=The Pool Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=94 Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 9314 0364, +61 407 221 027 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Overlooking Mahon Pool, perfect for having a brunch. }} * {{eat | name=Marine Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Marini.Cafe.Maroubra.beach/ | email= | address=57 McKeon St | lat=-33.94645 | long=151.2564 | directions=cnr McKeon Street and Marine Parade | phone=+61 2 9344 9908 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Beach View Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9315 5333 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open 1st thing in morning, change from $10 possible. }} * {{eat | name=Zebra Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=McKeon Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9314 1276 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Traditionally very popular with the local surfers. }} *There are also a number of cafes and restaurants at the new '''Pacific Square''' shopping complex at the heart of Maroubra Junction (corner of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road). *'''On Maroubra Road''', There are a few restaurants, east and west of '''Pacific Square''' along Maroubra road such as '''Fu Lin Chinese''', '''Chris' Pizza''' and '''Joey's Fine Lebanese Cuisine'''. ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Southend Hotel (also known by its original 1972 name "The Sands Hotel") | alt= | url=http://www.southend.com.au | email= | address=32-40 Curtin Crescent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Open and friendly with pool, darts, sports coverage and lots of fun, this place also has a garden lounge for a quiet drink and special functions and the best bottle shop in town }} *'''The Bay Hotel and Diner''' (Maroubra Bay Hotel) 182 Marine Parade - great place to hang out for live bands and a drink, right on the beachfront * {{drink | name=Hotel Maroubra (Maroubra Junction Hotel) | alt= | url= | email= | address=199 Maroubra Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another great place for live bands, watching sports and having a drink with your mates. }} * {{drink | name=Maroubra Seals Sports & Community Club | alt= | url=http://www.maroubraseals.com.au | email= | address=212-220 Marine Parade | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= The dining area contains a bar and bistro which sell relatively cheap drinks. It also features the Breezes Bar, which has great views of the beach. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Southend Hotel ("The Sands Hotel") | alt= | url=http://www.southend.com.au | email= | address=32-40 Curtin Crescent | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +61 2 9661 5953 | tollfree= | fax=+61 2 9661 9682 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= It's close to the beach and easily accessible by cars and buses, it provides cheap accommodation, the best bottle shop in town, and a nearby shopping village for beach dwellers. }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * The French town of [[La Perouse]] isn't too far south {{usabledistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Sydney/Eastern suburbs}} {{geo|-33.9495|151.2440}} nlzd1w0y33901bi35ds9al8oolblg8z 0 34933 4488068 4479081 2022-07-22T02:40:12Z 124.171.213.92 /* See */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hornsby_Banner.jpg | pgname=Upper North Shore }} The '''Upper North Shore''' is a leafy and affluent residential area to the north of the heart of [[Sydney]]. It is east of the Lane Cove river, north of Chatswood and south of the uppermost border of Hornsbyshire council area. == Understand == The Upper North Shore starts north of Chatswood and stretches all the way to the Hawkesbury River. It consists of mainly residential and bushland suburbs, with the apartments and high density of the [[Sydney/Lower North Shore|Lower North Shore]] giving way to the detached houses in the leafy suburbs of Killara, Pymble, Turramurra, Warrawee, Wahroonga and Hornsby and further north to villages carved out of the bush near Berowra and Mt Colah. Containing some of the oldest residential areas of Sydney, the North Shore is known for its extensive gardens and mature European trees, making it one of the most attractive areas within the Sydney metropolitan area. This is particularly true in November of each year, when the blossoming of the Jacaranda trees provides streetscapes of bright purple flowers. ==Get in== [[File:Gordon_Railway_Station_1.JPG|thumb|Gordon railway station.]] The T1 train line and the Pacific Highway provide the spine of the region, running parallel to each other for much of their length. ===By train=== While there are plenty of train stations in the Upper North Shore, the two most important ones are listed. * {{marker|type=go|name=Gordon railway station|lat=-33.7558 | long=151.1544}} is a major station on the North Shore line. All trains on this line, including expresses, stop there. * {{marker|type=go|name=Hornsby railway station|lat=-33.703381 | long=151.098393}} is a terminal station for both North Shore lines, as well as providing onwards services north through the [[Central Coast (New South Wales)|Central Coast]], [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] and beyond. ===By car=== The Sydney/Upper North Shore is very accessible from nearly every part of Sydney, as it faces no major geographical obstructions, and is not too far away from the CBD, being about a 20-40 minute drive, depending on where in the Sydney/Upper North Shore you'd want to go to. From other parts of Sydney it's: * 15 minutes from Mona Vale, via the {{AUR|A3}} Mona Vale Road * 15 minutes from [[Lane Cove National Park]], via the {{AUR|A3}} Ryde Road * 20 minutes from [[Sydney/Brooklyn|Brooklyn]], via the {{AUR|B83}} and {{AUR|M1}} * 30 minutes minimum from Berowra Waters. Although this is part of Outer Sydney, getting here is hard due to the lack of infrastructure * 30 minutes from [[Sydney/Parramatta|Parramatta]], via the {{AUR|A28}} and {{AUR|A1}} * 30 minutes from [[Sydney/Hills District|The Hills]], via the {{AUR|M2}} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|-33.74|151.14|zoom=12}} Trains and public buses are available, mainly centred around a city commute. You'll probably be able to get to a single destination and return to the city by public transport easily enough, but touring the area requires a car especially in the northern areas of Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal National Parks. The main road linking the North Shore suburbs together is the Pacific Highway (A1) in a northwest to southeast (and vice versa) direction. ==See== [[File:RoseSeidlerHouseSulmanPrize.jpg|thumb|Rose Seidler House]] * {{see | name=Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve | alt= | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/DalrympleHay-Nature-Reserve | email=valleys.area@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Entry from Rosedale Road or Vista Road, St Ives | lat=-33.736667 | long=151.154167 | directions= | phone=+61 2 8448 0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open from sunrise to sunset except when it is sometimes closed due to weather issues or risk of fire | price= | wikidata=Q5211617| wikipedia=Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve | lastedit=2017-01-28 | content=A must-see for birdwatchers, conservationists and people with a passion in Australian botany. The nature reserve contains some of the last remaining blue gum forests which once ruled over much of Sydney. Rainbow lorikeets, king parrots and silvereyes are a sample of the birds you will find here. }} * {{see | name=Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden | alt= | url=http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/Services_facilities/Facilities_and_venues/Ku-ring-gai_Wildflower_Garden_and_St_Ives_Showground/Ku-ring-gai_Wildflower_Garden | email=kwg@kmc.nsw.gov.au | address=420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives | lat=-33.701914 | long=151.174466 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9424 0353 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8am - 5pm open every day except for Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday | price=Entry is free |lastedit=2019-03-30| content=The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden features scenic landscape including bushland, gullies, ponds and waterfalls. It is a great spot to have a picnic or go bushwalking/hiking. The picnic area is quite often visited by swamp wallabies so this is a good spot to see these animals relatively close to the city. }} * {{see | name=Rose Seidler House | alt= | url=http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/rose-seidler-house | email=info@sydneylivingmuseums.com.au | address=71 Clissold Road, Wahroonga | lat=-33.70977 | long=151.14209 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9989 8020 | tollfree= | fax=+61 2 9487 2761 | hours=Su 10AM-5PM | price=admission adults $8, child/concession $4, family $17 | wikidata=Q7367931 | content=The first building designed by the renowned Australian architect Harry Seidler. This famed piece of Australian modernist architecture, built in 1948-1950, has been preserved in its original condition and features panoramic views of Kuringai National Park. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Hornsby Water Clock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.704 | long=151.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hornsby Water Clock | wikidata=Q5904512 | lastedit=2019-03-06 | content= }} * {{see | name=Seven Little Australians Park | alt= | url=https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Parks-playgrounds-and-sportsfields/Seven-Little-Australians-Park | email= | address= | lat=-33.7652 | long=151.16789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:30AM–5PM | price= | content=Hidden in the deep bush, the park is known for its beauty and is a popular recreation site for its little hiking trail. The name of the park comes from the classical Australian children's novel by English-born Australian writer Ethel Turner. }} * {{see | name=Annie Wyatt House | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Park Avenue, Gordon | lat=-33.752802 | long=151.155853 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q29018164 | content=Annie Forsyth Wyatt, the founder of the National Trust of Australia spent most of their time in this very cottage. In 1945, the unofficial meeting of the trust was held here. }} ===Suburbs=== * {{see | name=Warrawee | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.723333 | long=151.126111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Warrawee, New South Wales | wikidata=Q7969967 | content=A peaceful residential suburb. Resplendent for its greenery, Warrawee is one of the leafiest of the North Shore suburbs and holds a stunning array of stately houses in styles of Australian architecture. In its literal meaning stop here, the suburb is attached to its nearby railway station. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Roseville Cinema | alt= | url=http://www.rosevillecinemas.com.au/ | email= | address=112 Pacific Highway, Roseville | lat=-33.783975 | long=151.176304 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9416 8555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family-owned, independent cinema with a focus on art house. Runs films not shown in the big multiplexes. }} * {{do | name=Lindfield Rocks | alt= | url= | email=recreationbookings@kmc.nsw.gov.au | address=62a Tryon Road, East Lindfield | lat=-33.7684 | long=151.1788 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9424 0754 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=For groups of 0-25 people the price is $12.50 per hour (2 hour minimum) | lastedit=2015-10-03 | content=The oldest bouldering site in Sydney. Very popular among rock climbing enthusiasts and accessible to beginners. }} * {{do | name=[[Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.678913 | long=151.122668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$12 to enter with a car | lastedit=2016-02-01 | content=Large national park to the north of Hornsby until the Hawkesbury river. }} * {{do | name=North Turramurra Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/facilities_data_upload/north_turramurra_golf_course | email= | address=361b Bobbin Head Rd North Turramurra 2072 | lat=-33.70232 | long=151.14818 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9144 5110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily from sunrise to sunset | price=From $10 to $40 | lastedit=2016-09-17 | content=Public golf course with scenic views. The flattish terrain and golf lessons available make it particularly attractive for beginners though it is probably not challenging enough for pro golfers. }} * {{do | name=St. Ives Medieval Faire | alt= | url=http://www.stivesmedievalfaire.com.au/ | email=stivesevents@kmc.nsw.gov.au | address=420 Mona Vale Rd, St. Ives | lat=-33.7049 | long=151.1849 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9424 0353 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Late September | price=From $15 | lastedit=2018-05-28 | content=Every year the St. Ives Showground turns into a bustling village from the Middle Ages. Events include a jousting tournament, a trebuchet demonstration, seeing fully armoured knights, a reenactment of hawking as well as a lavish medieval feast. }} * {{do | name=[[Berowra Valley National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.64 | long=151.09 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39080126 | lastedit=2021-09-30 | content=Small park with lots of walking trails, greenery and an easy way to escape the bustling Sydney crowds. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Stanley Street Butchery | alt= | url=http://www.stanleystreetbutchery.com.au/ | email=jonty@stanleystreetbutchery.com.au | address=15 Stanley Street, St Ives | lat=-33.7298 | long=151.1628 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9449 9242 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-6PM Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 8AM-2PM | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=South African grocery and butchery. If you're after traditional biltong, boerewors, droëwors or any other authentic South African foodstuff, it will be here. }} * {{buy | name=Westfield Hornsby | alt= | url=http://www.westfield.com.au/hornsby | email= | address=236 Pacific Hwy | lat=-33.705608 | long=151.101812 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q14935036 | lastedit=2016-02-01 | content=A large shopping centre with cinemas, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants etc. Right next to the station. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=St Ives Shopping Village | alt= | url=http://stivesvillage.com.au/ | email= | address=166 Mona Vale Rd | lat=-33.729741 | long=151.158705 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24190439 | lastedit=2020-01-21 | content=True to its name, this carpeted shopping precinct has an 80s vibe with a local flavour and is not as overcrowded as the shopping centres and malls that have sprung up across metropolitan Sydney. Popular among retirees and boomers. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Khob Khun Thai | alt= | url=https://www.khobkhunthai.com.au/ | email= | address=308 Pacific Highway, Lindfield | lat=-33.7761 | long=151.1686 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9880 8020 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains are between $12-19 | lastedit=2020-12-04 | content=Serves light Thai meals quickly. You barely have enough time to sit down or grab some BYO alcohol from the shop around the corner before the food is ready. It is popular with university students from the nearby campus of the University of Technology, Sydney. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Lyon | alt= | url=http://www.cafelyon.com.au/ | email= | address=366 Pacific Highway, Lindfield | lat=-33.7746 | long=151.1680 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9416 5026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-40 mains | content=A local bistro that serves French meals with a modern twist. }} * {{eat | name=Lotus Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga | lat=-33.7195 | long=151.117 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9489 5740 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=$10-20. Serves Chinese cuisine mainly. It is the most popular and well known Chinese restaurant within the area. It is BYO Wine only with no corkage, and there is a bottle shop just down the road. It is approx. 3-5minute walk from the station and is generally full on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday's. Try the Sizzling Beef. }} * {{eat | name=Dosa House | alt= | url=http://www.dosahouse.com.au/ | email= | address=4/100 Pacific Hwy, Waitara | lat=-33.71019 | long=151.10275 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9489 4797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-11-16 | content=The restaurant looks plain and drab but the South Indian dishes are reasonable for budget eaters. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Greengate Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.greengatehotel.com.au | email=manager@greengatehotel.com.au | address=655 Pacific Highway, Killara | lat=-33.761805 | long=151.155773 | directions=on the corner of Pacific Highway and Greengate Road | phone=+61 2 9498 3577 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 10AM-11PM, W-Sa 10AM-midnight, Su 10AM-10PM | price=Drinks $3.50-9.00, mains $10-22 | content=There is always something on every night with entertainment or live music. A trivia night is held every Tuesday. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Hornsby RSL Club | alt= | url=http://www.hornsbyrsl.com.au/ | email=info@hornsbyrsl.com.au | address=4 High Street, Hornsby | lat=-33.7047 | long=151.0973 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9477 7777 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Tu 9:30AM-1AM, W Th 9:30AM-2AM, F Sa 9:30AM-4AM | price= | lastedit=2017-03-01 | content=The go-to place for people passing through Hornsby. Attracts a older crowd than in the past. The RSL offers high tea, tapas and mixed drinks. There is a [https://hornsbyrsl.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Hornsby-RSL-Club-Dress-Regulations-2018.pdf basic dress code] to not wear any offensive, untidy or overly casual clothing. }} * {{drink | name=Kipling's Garage Bar | alt= | url=http://kiplingsgaragebar.com.au/ | email=bookings@kiplingsgaragebar.com.au | address=2 Eastern Rd, Turramurra | lat=-33.73167 | long=151.1286 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9440 4088 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-midnight, Sa noon-midnight Su noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2017-08-27 | content=As hinted by the name, this wine bar was built on what was a mechanic's garage. Nowadays it has a rustic and chic industrial vibe. There is a big fireplace making winter nights very comfy. Over 250 different types of wines are available, along with spirits, craft beers and ciders. Serves tapas. }} * {{drink | name=Garden Tap | alt=The Cook's Garden | url=http://thecooksgarden.com.au/ | email= | address=272 Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra | lat=-33.7135 | long=151.1469 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9144 5086 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 11:30AM-late | price= | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=Has the design and atmosphere of a classic English style pub. The cocktails aren't too flashy but the diners come for the burgers like the wagyu beef and pulled pork. }} * {{drink | name=Cellar 8 Wine Bar | alt= | url=http://cellar8winebar.com.au/ | email= | address=8 Post Office St, Pymble | lat=-33.7437 | long=151.1413 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9440 9044 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 4PM-10:30PM, F Sa 4-11:30PM | price= | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=A modern, boutique bar tucked and hidden away. The large range of wines are all sourced from Australia and New Zealand. Try the caramelised garlic bread. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Ascot Motor Inn | alt= | url=http://www.ascotmotorinn.net.au | email=info@ascotmotorinn.net.au | address=18 Ingram Road, Wahroonga | lat=-33.7162 | long=151.1092 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9487 3355 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=1PM | checkout=10AM | price=Rooms from $112 | lastedit=2016-02-06 | content=Comfortable motel with swimming pool and a quality Indian restaurant and steakhouse. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hornsby Inn | alt= | url=http://www.hornsbyinn.com.au/ | email=info@hornsbyinn.com.au | address=Cnr Hunter & Burdett Street, Hornsby | lat=-33.7028 | long=151.1005 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9477-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This pub style accommodation is not too flash but cosy. Inside there are a few bars, bottle shops and a Thai restaurant. }} * {{sleep | name=Killara Inn Hotel & Conference Centre | alt= | url=http://www.killarainn.com.au | email=info@killarainn.com.au | address=480 Pacific Highway, Killara | lat=-33.77190 | long=151.16115 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9416 1344 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=4 star hotel on the Pacific Highway with friendly service and clean and comfortable rooms. }} [[File:(1)Pymble Hotel.jpg|thumbnail|Pymble Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Pymble Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.pymblehotel.com.au | email=pymble.hotel@alhgroup.com.au | address=1134 Pacific Hwy, Pymble | lat=-33.7439 | long=151.1405 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9144 1039 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | price=Cheapest rooms from $105 | lastedit=2016-01-12 | content=Budget, old-style looking hotel with pub and free parking. }} ==Connect== Mobile coverage is quite strong in most of the area, but is basically non-existent in the national parks at the north. ==Go next== ===Within Sydney=== *Take a break from the nature walks and dive into the [[Sydney/Northern Beaches|Northern Beaches]] via the A3 Mona Vale Road. ===Further away=== * [[Brooklyn (New South Wales)|Brooklyn]] is a pleasant town on the banks of the Hawkesbury river, just a few stops north on the train line. * Wisemans Ferry is a nice pleasant picnic spot on the Hawkesbury. {{informativedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Sydney}} {{geo|-33.74|151.14|zoom=13}} {{RelatedWikipedia|North Shore (Sydney)|rel=y}} nfzoz4n84nhg9ym5cptsx5rnlqod0u5 4488125 4488068 2022-07-22T07:31:04Z SHB2000 2248002 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/124.171.213.92|124.171.213.92]] ([[User talk:124.171.213.92|talk]]) to last version by [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Hornsby_Banner.jpg | pgname=Upper North Shore }} The '''Upper North Shore''' is a leafy and affluent residential area to the north of the heart of [[Sydney]]. It is east of the Lane Cove river, north of Chatswood and south of the uppermost border of Hornsbyshire council area. == Understand == The Upper North Shore starts north of Chatswood and stretches all the way to the Hawkesbury River. It consists of mainly residential and bushland suburbs, with the apartments and high density of the [[Sydney/Lower North Shore|Lower North Shore]] giving way to the detached houses in the leafy suburbs of Killara, Pymble, Turramurra, Warrawee, Wahroonga and Hornsby and further north to villages carved out of the bush near Berowra and Mt Colah. Containing some of the oldest residential areas of Sydney, the North Shore is known for its extensive gardens and mature European trees, making it one of the most attractive areas within the Sydney metropolitan area. This is particularly true in November of each year, when the blossoming of the Jacaranda trees provides streetscapes of bright purple flowers. ==Get in== [[File:Gordon_Railway_Station_1.JPG|thumb|Gordon railway station.]] The T1 train line and the Pacific Highway provide the spine of the region, running parallel to each other for much of their length. ===By train=== While there are plenty of train stations in the Upper North Shore, the two most important ones are listed. * {{marker|type=go|name=Gordon railway station|lat=-33.7558 | long=151.1544}} is a major station on the North Shore line. All trains on this line, including expresses, stop there. * {{marker|type=go|name=Hornsby railway station|lat=-33.703381 | long=151.098393}} is a terminal station for both North Shore lines, as well as providing onwards services north through the [[Central Coast (New South Wales)|Central Coast]], [[Newcastle (New South Wales)|Newcastle]] and beyond. ===By car=== The Sydney/Upper North Shore is very accessible from nearly every part of Sydney, as it faces no major geographical obstructions, and is not too far away from the CBD, being about a 20-40 minute drive, depending on where in the Sydney/Upper North Shore you'd want to go to. From other parts of Sydney it's: * 15 minutes from Mona Vale, via the {{AUR|A3}} Mona Vale Road * 15 minutes from [[Lane Cove National Park]], via the {{AUR|A3}} Ryde Road * 20 minutes from [[Sydney/Brooklyn|Brooklyn]], via the {{AUR|B83}} and {{AUR|M1}} * 30 minutes minimum from Berowra Waters. Although this is part of Outer Sydney, getting here is hard due to the lack of infrastructure * 30 minutes from [[Sydney/Parramatta|Parramatta]], via the {{AUR|A28}} and {{AUR|A1}} * 30 minutes from [[Sydney/Hills District|The Hills]], via the {{AUR|M2}} ==Get around== {{Mapframe|-33.74|151.14|zoom=12}} Trains and public buses are available, mainly centred around a city commute. You'll probably be able to get to a single destination and return to the city by public transport easily enough, but touring the area requires a car especially in the northern areas of Ku-ring-gai Chase and Garigal National Parks. The main road linking the North Shore suburbs together is the Pacific Highway (A1) in a northwest to southeast (and vice versa) direction. ==See== [[File:RoseSeidlerHouseSulmanPrize.jpg|thumb|Rose Seidler House]] * {{see | name=Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve | alt= | url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/DalrympleHay-Nature-Reserve | email=valleys.area@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=Entry from Rosedale Road or Vista Road, St Ives | lat=-33.736667 | long=151.154167 | directions= | phone=+61 2 8448 0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open from sunrise to sunset except when it is sometimes closed due to weather issues or risk of fire | price= | wikidata=Q5211617| wikipedia=Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve | lastedit=2017-01-28 | content=A must-see for birdwatchers, conservationists and people with a passion in Australian botany. The nature reserve contains some of the last remaining blue gum forests which once ruled over much of Sydney. Rainbow lorikeets, king parrots and silvereyes are a sample of the birds you will find here. }} * {{see | name=Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden | alt= | url=http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/Services_facilities/Facilities_and_venues/Ku-ring-gai_Wildflower_Garden_and_St_Ives_Showground/Ku-ring-gai_Wildflower_Garden | email=kwg@kmc.nsw.gov.au | address=420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives | lat=-33.701914 | long=151.174466 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9424 0353 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=8am - 5pm open every day except for Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday | price=Entry is free |lastedit=2019-03-30| content=The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden features scenic landscape including bushland, gullies, ponds and waterfalls. It is a great spot to have a picnic or go bushwalking/hiking. The picnic area is quite often visited by swamp wallabies so this is a good spot to see these animals relatively close to the city. }} * {{see | name=Rose Seidler House | alt= | url=http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/rose-seidler-house | email=info@sydneylivingmuseums.com.au | address=71 Clissold Road, Wahroonga | lat=-33.70977 | long=151.14209 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9989 8020 | tollfree= | fax=+61 2 9487 2761 | hours=Su 10AM-5PM | price=admission adults $8, child/concession $4, family $17 | wikidata=Q7367931 | content=The first building designed by the renowned Australian architect Harry Seidler. This famed piece of Australian modernist architecture, built in 1948-1950, has been preserved in its original condition and features panoramic views of Kuringai National Park. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Hornsby Water Clock | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.704 | long=151.101 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hornsby Water Clock | wikidata=Q5904512 | lastedit=2019-03-06 | content= }} * {{see | name=Seven Little Australians Park | alt= | url=https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Parks-playgrounds-and-sportsfields/Seven-Little-Australians-Park | email= | address= | lat=-33.7652 | long=151.16789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:30AM–5PM | price= | content=Hidden in the deep bush, the park is known for its beauty and is a popular recreation site for its little hiking trail. The name of the park comes from the classical Australian children's novel by English-born Australian writer Ethel Turner. }} * {{see | name=Annie Wyatt House | alt= | url= | email= | address=26 Park Avenue, Gordon | lat=-33.752802 | long=151.155853 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q29018164 | content=Annie Forsyth Wyatt, the founder of the National Trust of Australia spent most of their time in this very cottage. In 1945, the unofficial meeting of the trust was held here. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Roseville Cinema | alt= | url=http://www.rosevillecinemas.com.au/ | email= | address=112 Pacific Highway, Roseville | lat=-33.783975 | long=151.176304 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9416 8555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Family-owned, independent cinema with a focus on art house. Runs films not shown in the big multiplexes. }} * {{do | name=Lindfield Rocks | alt= | url= | email=recreationbookings@kmc.nsw.gov.au | address=62a Tryon Road, East Lindfield | lat=-33.7684 | long=151.1788 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9424 0754 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=For groups of 0-25 people the price is $12.50 per hour (2 hour minimum) | lastedit=2015-10-03 | content=The oldest bouldering site in Sydney. Very popular among rock climbing enthusiasts and accessible to beginners. }} * {{do | name=[[Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.678913 | long=151.122668 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$12 to enter with a car | lastedit=2016-02-01 | content=Large national park to the north of Hornsby until the Hawkesbury river. }} * {{do | name=North Turramurra Golf Course | alt= | url=http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/facilities_data_upload/north_turramurra_golf_course | email= | address=361b Bobbin Head Rd North Turramurra 2072 | lat=-33.70232 | long=151.14818 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9144 5110 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily from sunrise to sunset | price=From $10 to $40 | lastedit=2016-09-17 | content=Public golf course with scenic views. The flattish terrain and golf lessons available make it particularly attractive for beginners though it is probably not challenging enough for pro golfers. }} * {{do | name=St. Ives Medieval Faire | alt= | url=http://www.stivesmedievalfaire.com.au/ | email=stivesevents@kmc.nsw.gov.au | address=420 Mona Vale Rd, St. Ives | lat=-33.7049 | long=151.1849 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9424 0353 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Late September | price=From $15 | lastedit=2018-05-28 | content=Every year the St. Ives Showground turns into a bustling village from the Middle Ages. Events include a jousting tournament, a trebuchet demonstration, seeing fully armoured knights, a reenactment of hawking as well as a lavish medieval feast. }} * {{do | name=[[Berowra Valley National Park]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.64 | long=151.09 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q39080126 | lastedit=2021-09-30 | content=Small park with lots of walking trails, greenery and an easy way to escape the bustling Sydney crowds. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Stanley Street Butchery | alt= | url=http://www.stanleystreetbutchery.com.au/ | email=jonty@stanleystreetbutchery.com.au | address=15 Stanley Street, St Ives | lat=-33.7298 | long=151.1628 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9449 9242 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-6PM Sa 7AM-5PM, Su 8AM-2PM | price= | lastedit=2015-10-04 | content=South African grocery and butchery. If you're after traditional biltong, boerewors, droëwors or any other authentic South African foodstuff, it will be here. }} * {{buy | name=Westfield Hornsby | alt= | url=http://www.westfield.com.au/hornsby | email= | address=236 Pacific Hwy | lat=-33.705608 | long=151.101812 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q14935036 | lastedit=2016-02-01 | content=A large shopping centre with cinemas, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants etc. Right next to the station. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=St Ives Shopping Village | alt= | url=http://stivesvillage.com.au/ | email= | address=166 Mona Vale Rd | lat=-33.729741 | long=151.158705 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24190439 | lastedit=2020-01-21 | content=True to its name, this carpeted shopping precinct has an 80s vibe with a local flavour and is not as overcrowded as the shopping centres and malls that have sprung up across metropolitan Sydney. Popular among retirees and boomers. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Khob Khun Thai | alt= | url=https://www.khobkhunthai.com.au/ | email= | address=308 Pacific Highway, Lindfield | lat=-33.7761 | long=151.1686 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9880 8020 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Mains are between $12-19 | lastedit=2020-12-04 | content=Serves light Thai meals quickly. You barely have enough time to sit down or grab some BYO alcohol from the shop around the corner before the food is ready. It is popular with university students from the nearby campus of the University of Technology, Sydney. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Lyon | alt= | url=http://www.cafelyon.com.au/ | email= | address=366 Pacific Highway, Lindfield | lat=-33.7746 | long=151.1680 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9416 5026 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$20-40 mains | content=A local bistro that serves French meals with a modern twist. }} * {{eat | name=Lotus Inn | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga | lat=-33.7195 | long=151.117 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9489 5740 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=$10-20. Serves Chinese cuisine mainly. It is the most popular and well known Chinese restaurant within the area. It is BYO Wine only with no corkage, and there is a bottle shop just down the road. It is approx. 3-5minute walk from the station and is generally full on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday's. Try the Sizzling Beef. }} * {{eat | name=Dosa House | alt= | url=http://www.dosahouse.com.au/ | email= | address=4/100 Pacific Hwy, Waitara | lat=-33.71019 | long=151.10275 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9489 4797 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-11-16 | content=The restaurant looks plain and drab but the South Indian dishes are reasonable for budget eaters. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Greengate Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.greengatehotel.com.au | email=manager@greengatehotel.com.au | address=655 Pacific Highway, Killara | lat=-33.761805 | long=151.155773 | directions=on the corner of Pacific Highway and Greengate Road | phone=+61 2 9498 3577 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 10AM-11PM, W-Sa 10AM-midnight, Su 10AM-10PM | price=Drinks $3.50-9.00, mains $10-22 | content=There is always something on every night with entertainment or live music. A trivia night is held every Tuesday. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Hornsby RSL Club | alt= | url=http://www.hornsbyrsl.com.au/ | email=info@hornsbyrsl.com.au | address=4 High Street, Hornsby | lat=-33.7047 | long=151.0973 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9477 7777 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Tu 9:30AM-1AM, W Th 9:30AM-2AM, F Sa 9:30AM-4AM | price= | lastedit=2017-03-01 | content=The go-to place for people passing through Hornsby. Attracts a older crowd than in the past. The RSL offers high tea, tapas and mixed drinks. There is a [https://hornsbyrsl.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Hornsby-RSL-Club-Dress-Regulations-2018.pdf basic dress code] to not wear any offensive, untidy or overly casual clothing. }} * {{drink | name=Kipling's Garage Bar | alt= | url=http://kiplingsgaragebar.com.au/ | email=bookings@kiplingsgaragebar.com.au | address=2 Eastern Rd, Turramurra | lat=-33.73167 | long=151.1286 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9440 4088 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-midnight, Sa noon-midnight Su noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2017-08-27 | content=As hinted by the name, this wine bar was built on what was a mechanic's garage. Nowadays it has a rustic and chic industrial vibe. There is a big fireplace making winter nights very comfy. Over 250 different types of wines are available, along with spirits, craft beers and ciders. Serves tapas. }} * {{drink | name=Garden Tap | alt=The Cook's Garden | url=http://thecooksgarden.com.au/ | email= | address=272 Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra | lat=-33.7135 | long=151.1469 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9144 5086 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 11:30AM-late | price= | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=Has the design and atmosphere of a classic English style pub. The cocktails aren't too flashy but the diners come for the burgers like the wagyu beef and pulled pork. }} * {{drink | name=Cellar 8 Wine Bar | alt= | url=http://cellar8winebar.com.au/ | email= | address=8 Post Office St, Pymble | lat=-33.7437 | long=151.1413 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9440 9044 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-Th 4PM-10:30PM, F Sa 4-11:30PM | price= | lastedit=2017-09-05 | content=A modern, boutique bar tucked and hidden away. The large range of wines are all sourced from Australia and New Zealand. Try the caramelised garlic bread. }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Ascot Motor Inn | alt= | url=http://www.ascotmotorinn.net.au | email=info@ascotmotorinn.net.au | address=18 Ingram Road, Wahroonga | lat=-33.7162 | long=151.1092 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9487 3355 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=1PM | checkout=10AM | price=Rooms from $112 | lastedit=2016-02-06 | content=Comfortable motel with swimming pool and a quality Indian restaurant and steakhouse. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hornsby Inn | alt= | url=http://www.hornsbyinn.com.au/ | email=info@hornsbyinn.com.au | address=Cnr Hunter & Burdett Street, Hornsby | lat=-33.7028 | long=151.1005 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9477-5555 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=This pub style accommodation is not too flash but cosy. Inside there are a few bars, bottle shops and a Thai restaurant. }} * {{sleep | name=Killara Inn Hotel & Conference Centre | alt= | url=http://www.killarainn.com.au | email=info@killarainn.com.au | address=480 Pacific Highway, Killara | lat=-33.77190 | long=151.16115 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9416 1344 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=4 star hotel on the Pacific Highway with friendly service and clean and comfortable rooms. }} [[File:(1)Pymble Hotel.jpg|thumbnail|Pymble Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Pymble Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.pymblehotel.com.au | email=pymble.hotel@alhgroup.com.au | address=1134 Pacific Hwy, Pymble | lat=-33.7439 | long=151.1405 | directions= | phone=+61 2 9144 1039 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | price=Cheapest rooms from $105 | lastedit=2016-01-12 | content=Budget, old-style looking hotel with pub and free parking. }} ==Connect== Mobile coverage is quite strong in most of the area, but is basically non-existent in the national parks at the north. ==Go next== ===Within Sydney=== *Take a break from the nature walks and dive into the [[Sydney/Northern Beaches|Northern Beaches]] via the A3 Mona Vale Road. ===Further away=== * [[Brooklyn (New South Wales)|Brooklyn]] is a pleasant town on the banks of the Hawkesbury river, just a few stops north on the train line. * Wisemans Ferry is a nice pleasant picnic spot on the Hawkesbury. {{informativedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Sydney}} {{geo|-33.74|151.14|zoom=13}} {{RelatedWikipedia|North Shore (Sydney)|rel=y}} 8b2fvouhrfvsrcnuao3ldua4ant2h0n 0 34980 4488205 4486605 2022-07-22T11:10:28Z 213.163.50.82 /* Buy */ Added listing for Platán patika wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Szeged Wikivoyage banner 2.png}} '''[http://www.szegedvaros.hu/ Szeged]''' is a [[Hungary|Hungarian]] city in the [[Csongrád-Csanád County]]. The third largest city in the country, it is sometimes called "the city of sunshine", for its brilliant weather. It is known for the imposing cathedral, a wealth of ''Art Nouveau'' and historicist buildings, and for the fish soup ''Halászlé''. [[File:Tisza River with Szeged cathedral.JPG|thumb|Tisza riverbank in Szeged]] ==Understand== [[File:Hungary szeged dom5.jpg|thumb|right|Szeged cityscape seen from atop the cathedral]] Szeged lies on Hungary's south-eastern border, just south of the mouth of the Maros river on both banks of the river Tisza. It is about 171&nbsp;km south of [[Budapest]] on the M5 highway. It is the lowest elevation city in the country and is known as the "City of Sunshine", because it has the most sunny days throughout the year. Szeged is the main city in Csongrád-Csanád county and serves as a commercial and cultural center of the region. The city's population was around 170 000 in 2011. Szeged's Open Air Theatre Festival held in the summer attracts people from all over Europe. Szeged is also famous for its gastronomy. Its delicious fish soup is known all over the world, and it has its own festival in September. One of the main attractions of Szeged is the River Tisza, that offers possibilities to do different water sports or boat trips. While boasting hundreds years of history, Szeged has been rebuilt almost entirely after the flood of 1879, which destroyed most of the city. Today, with its avenues, ring roads and beautiful palaces, Szeged is one of the nicest Hungarian cities. === Tourist information === * {{listing | name=Tourist Information | alt= | url=http://szegedtourism.hu | email= | address=Dugonics tér 2 | lat=46.25095 | long=20.14551 | directions=North of the University of Szeged | phone=+36 62 488-690, +36 62 488699 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 488-690 | hours= Nov-Mar: M-F 09:00-17:00; Apr-May: M-F: 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-13:00; Jun-Aug: M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-13:00; Sep-Oct: M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 9:00-13:00 | price= | content=Today's Szeged is an important university town and a popular tourist attraction. Services of the office: reservation of accommodation, Wine and Gastronomical Tourism, facultative programmes, professional and field trips. Information about accommodation, restaurants, transport, programmes, attractions and services in the local, region or national perspective. Ask about tours to the area (Szeged-Tape: Árpád Age settlement (12th century), Szeged - Kiskundorozsma (remains of a Benedictine monastery), Fehér (White) Lake (Hungary's largest, 14 km² alkaline lakes, fish ponds today), Ópusztaszer (first national legislation and the location of the conquering Hungarians, a great open air exhibit area), Röszke (15km south-west of Szeged, between the Tisza River backwater dragnet, and the Serbian frontier), [[Subotica]] and Palic (City of [[Vojvodina]], the second most populous city in the settlements associated with about 150,000 inhabitants, significant number Hungarian minority live there), Bird Garden of Zákányszék (The decorative bird park (first in Hungary) tiny finches, colorful parrots, rare pheasants, peacocks, Australian ratites.) Spoken languages (in office): English, German, Spanish. }} * {{listing | name=Information Pavilion | alt= | url= | email= | address=Széchenyi Square walkway | lat=46.25363 | long=20.14880 | directions=Close to the Town Hall | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun 1-Sep 15 every day: 08:00-20:00 | price= | content=Information about accommodation, restaurants, transport, programmes, attractions and services in the local. }} ==Get in== ===By car=== If you are flying to Hungary, you will most likely be arriving to the Liszt Ferenc International Airport in Budapest and you will want to take the M5 highway South to Szeged. It will take 1½-2 hours to drive from the airport. You must get a sticker for your car to drive on the highway, which you can buy at any gas station (ask for "matrica"). Szeged has a parking zone system, parking tickets are available from newsagent's, local stores, etc. [[File:NagyállomásSzeged.jpg|thumb|right|Nagyállomás Szeged. train station]] ===By train=== It takes about 2 hours to travel by train from Budapest Nyugati train station to Szeged. These trains also stop at Ferihegy, the station for [[Budapest#By plane|Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport]], meaning it isn't necessary to travel into the centre of Budapest if travelling to Szeged from the airport. * {{go | name=Szeged railway station | alt=Szeged pályaudvar | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.2396 | long=20.1433 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1295359 | lastedit=2021-06-29 | content=The main station, also known as '''Nagyállomás'''. }} ===By plane=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Szeged airfield | alt= | url=http://www.airportszeged.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Szeged has a small airport for small private airplanes. }} ==Get around== [[File:Tramway and trolleybus map of Szeged hu.png|thumb|Tramway and trolleybus map of Szeged]] {{mapframe}} Szeged lies on the banks of Tisza river. The western side is generally referred to as "Szeged", while the newer eastern side is called "Új-szeged" ("New Szeged"). There are further parts of the city, which you can think of as districts (although they do not work as districts): Belváros (the center of the city, downtown), Alsóváros, Móraváros, Rókus, Újrókus, Fölsőváros, Tarján, Fodor-kert, Petőfi-telep, Makkosház, Baktó, Tápé, Újszeged, Odessza, Marostői kiskertek, Klebelsberg telep, Kecskés István telep, Iparváros, Béke-telep, Baktó. === Public transportation === For the size of the city, Szeged has a really good public transportation network. Within the city you can get around by cabs (taxi), trams (villamos), trolley buses (trolibusz) or autobus (autóbusz). If you wish to use these types of public transportation, you will need to find out about their routes, stops and schedules. During the work week, in the busy hours, within the city, most public transportation vehicles will leave every 10–15 minutes. ==== Schedules ==== *Schedule of public transport: [http://www.szegedkozlekedes.hu] {{dead link|June 2020|December 2020}} *Schedule of [http://www.tiszavolan.hu/Default.aspx?pg=MenuDetail&sm=601 City buses] {{dead link|December 2020}} *[http://www.tiszavolan.hu/Schedule/distance/ Schedule of buses] {{dead link|December 2020}} leaving and arriving to Szeged *Schedule of [http://szkt.hu/en trolley buses and trams] ==== Tickets ==== There's no difference in the tickets for the different types of transportation methods. You can usually purchase tickets from the driver, for which you will always have to get on the vehicle using the frontmost door. On trams, you can also purchase tickets on board using your credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). You can also purchase weekly and monthly passes as well as single-trip tickets from various kiosks and newspaper stands throughout the city. These passes will be valid for all 3 types of public transportation, so you can travel by trams, trolley buses and buses. There are also discounts offered to students and seniors. === Taxi === There are a few taxi services in the city. You can call and "order" one to your location. The drivers may not speak English, but should be able to get you where you want to go. Trips usually cost somewhere between Ft&nbsp;1000-2000 within the city. * Szeged Taxi: +36 62 333-333 * Tele-4 Taxi: +36 62 444-444 * Gábriel Taxi: +36 62555-555 [[File:Szeged Kathedrale Unserer Lieben Frau Fassade 2.JPG|thumb|right|Cathedral of Szeged]] ==See== === Churches === [[File:Hungary-szeged-szabadteri.jpg|thumb|right|Cathedral of Our Lady of Hungary or Votive Church, one of the main sights of Szeged]] * {{see | name=Cathedral of Our Lady of Hungary | alt=Votive Church, Szegedi Dóm, Fogadalmi templom | url=http://www.szegedidom.hu/ | email=info@dom.szeged.hu | address=Dóm tér ("Cathedral Square"), 15 | lat=46.2489 | long=20.1492 | directions=Beside the Dömötör tower | phone=+36 62 420157, +36 20 8232901 (mobil) | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 420157 | image=Hungary-szeged-szabadteri.jpg | hours=Church: M-Sa 06:30-19:00, Su 7:30-19:00. Sacristy: 06:15-08:00 and 16:00-19:00, Su 07:30-12:30 and 16:00-19:00. Parish Office: M W 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00, Tu Th F 08:00-12:00 | price=Free entry. Tower: adult/reduced Ft&nbsp;650/400, crypt: Ft&nbsp;200 | content=This twin-spired church serves as the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Szeged–Csanád. After the great flood of 1879 the municipal board made a vow to erect a monumental Votive Church. It was built between 1913 and 1930, in neo-Romanesque style according plans of Frigyes Schulek and Erno Foer. It is the fourth largest church in Hungary. The dome is 54 m outside (33 m above the inside floor) and the towers are both 91 m high. The cathedral decorated inside and outside with numerous mosaics, statues and low-reliefs. Europe's third largest '''church organ''' with over nine thousand pipes is in the Cathedral. One of the most remarkable artistic work among the inside statues is "Christ on the Cross" by János Fadrusz which won Grand Prix in Paris in 1900. Another curiosity is on the '''ceiling of the sancuary''' where maria is depicted dressed in shepherd's felt cloak and Szeged slippers in mosaics. In the '''crypt''' of the Cathedral eminent clerical personalities are buried. The "Heroes' bell" (or bell of St. Gellert) in the tower on the Tisza side weights 8600 kg,-made in 1927,-only seven times per year used. The second biggest bell of the church is 'St. Emeric', (2669kg, made in 1927) and there are more three smaller bells. '''Walk around''' clockwise start at the main entrance (from Cathedral square), Chapel of St. Demetrius, altarpiece of St. Joseph of Kalazant, St. Stephen's side altar, War of the gate (left side, mid part, above the inscription: "Vae Victis" - "Woe to the defeated!"), Cross Fadrusz or Christ on the Cross sculpture (see above), St. Gerard altar, Sacred Heart altar, on the left side of main altar is the St. Demetrius relic shop, before the main altar is the altar with St. Gerard relics, on right of the main oltar is the sacristy, St. Anthony altar, Holy Cross altar, gravestone of Klebelsberg, Gate of Peace (side entrance, above the inscription: "Venite adoremus" - "Come, let us worship"), St. Ladislaus side altar, a altar painting of 'Women at the cross', chapel of 'Maria, the Helper'. }} * {{see | name=Serbian Orthodox Church | alt=St. Nicolas church, Görögkeleti Szerb Ortodox Templom | url= | email=opavle@t-online.hu | address=Somogyi utca 3 | lat=46.24929 | long=20.15033 | directions=Close to Cathedral (north of its) | phone=+36 62 426091, +36 30 4848778 (mobil) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F 13:00-17:00, Sa 10:00-17:00 | price=Ft&nbsp;200/100 | content=This beautiful Baroque church made by János Popovics was erected in honour of St. Nicolas. The icons displaying Baroque influence, the smoke of incense, the candlelight contributes to a special atmosphere. }} * {{see | name=St. Michael's Church of Tápéi | alt=Tápéi Szent Mihály templom | url=http://www.szeged-csanad.egyhazmegye.hu/tape.htm | email= | address=Szeged - Tápé, Honfoglalás u.54. | lat=46.25813 | long=20.20108 | directions=Northeast, close to Tisa | phone=+36 62 496788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: Sa 08:00-9:00, 17:30-18:00, Su 09:00-09:30, 17:00-18:00; winter: Sa 08:00-09:00, 16:30-17:00, Su 09:00-09:30, 16:00-17:00 | price= | content=A Roman Catholic Church built in 1390s, in Gothic style, using the walls of 11th-century church. Remains from this period can be see at buttressed, early Gothic sanctuary and the lower part of the tower of church. The Baroque transept (main nave) and the tower was built in 1770. The present nave dates from 1940. The fresco fragments of the sanctuary }} [[File:Szegedzsinagóga3.jpg|thumb|right|The Torah Ark of Szeged Synagogue]] * {{see | name=Szeged Synagogue | alt=Hungarian: Szegedi zsinagóga, Új zsinagóga | url=https://szzsh4.wixsite.com/szzsh/ | email= | address=Jósika u. 10., Hajnóczy utca 12 | lat=46.253901 | long=20.142649 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-F 09:00-14:00 (closed on Jewish holidays) | price=Adults: Ft&nbsp;500, students: Ft&nbsp;250; the tickets include the guiding, in English | wikipedia=Szeged Synagogue | image=Szeged synagogue SF.jpg | wikidata=Q834288 | content=It is a 1907 building designed by the Jewish Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn. The building one of the finest examples of the unique fin de siecle Hungarian blending of Art Nouveau and Historicist styles sometimes known as Magyar style. It served Szeged's large Neolog community. Inside: its 48.5m tall domed ceiling, draws on multiple historical styles to produce its overall mixed Art Nouveau and Moorish Revival style. The rib-like wall above the organ has Gothic origins, while the columns supporting the galleries are Roman. The interior is decorated with painted stained glass, all of them are the work of the artist Miksa Róth. The design of the Torah Ark alludes to the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Solomon by using sittim wood from the banks of Nile, the wood called for in the building of the Temple of Solomon in 1 Kings. The hinges are in the shape of the Hysop plant, a plant used in the ancient Temple service. The artistically carved pews, the harmonizing blue, gold and ivory-while decorations were made according to the designs of Immanuel Löw. }} * {{see | name=Church of St. Roch | alt=Szent Rókus templom | url= | email= | address=Szent Rókus tér | lat=46.25916 | long=20.14041 | directions=North of Bus Station | phone=+36 62 498294, +36 30 8589189 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 06:00-12:00, 15:00-19:00 | price= | content=A Roman Catholic church. The neo-Gothic Szent Rókus Church has two towers, built by Ferenc Raichle in accordance with Sándor Aigner's and Károly Rainer's design in 1910. }} * {{see | name=The New Reformed church | alt=Új református templom | url=http://www.parokia.hu/lap/szeged-honved-teri-reformatus-egyhazkozseg/cikk/mutat/in-english/ | email= | address=Honvéd tér 1. | lat=46.24871 | long=20.14484 | directions=Close to Big Department Store | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The new Calvinist church planned in 1928. Completed only in 1944. Its dominant brick facade, was built of row. The tower of church has a flight of stone stairs leading up to the main entrance decorated with multiple orders of arches, above which there is a triangle with the Calvinist symbol of the flagged lamb made of coloured mosaics in it. The face of the clock tower is constructed of small illuminated squares. Above it there is the bell chamber with arched windows and an all-round corridor; the tower of 41m height is crowned with a small cap and a star. }} * {{see | name=Demetrius Tower | alt=Dömötör torony | url= | email= | address=Dóm Square | lat=46.24862 | long=20.14870 | directions=front of the much larger Votive Church | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Szeged-domotor.jpg | hours=By appointment | price= | content=The oldest building in Szeged. The foundation was most probably laid during the 11th century, while the lower part was built in Romanesque style from the 12th century, and the upper part in Gothic style from the 13th century. The tower was once part of the former Szent Dömötör templom (St. Demetrius church). The upper part was rebuilt from the original stones in 1926. The architecture of the tower is similar to another found in Southern France, or in the territory of the former Byzantine Empire. Outside on the upper part, there are 48 pointed windows in three levels. On the lower part, a gate was cut and turned to a baptismal chapel in 1931. Above the gate there is a replica of the oldest sculpture in Szeged, the "Kőbárány" (stone lamb), an Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) representation from the early 12th century. The replica replaced the original sculpture in 1991. Inside the tower, there is a fresco by Vilmos Aba-Novák of the baptism of Hungarians in the 11th century }} * {{see | name=Saint Nicholas Church | alt=Minorite Church, Szent Miklós templom | url= | email= | address=Munkácsy Mihály utca 7 | lat=46.25891 | long=20.15797 | directions=St. George's Square (Szent-György tér) | phone=+36 62 420172 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 420172 | hours=M-Sa 17:00-19:00, Su 07:00-12:00 | price= | content=The building of the Roman Catholic church was completed in 1767, in Late Baroque, based on the plans of the architect Vencel Lechner. }} * {{see | name=Szent Gellért church | alt=Szent Gellért templom | url= | email=iroda@szentgellert.szeged.hu | address=Tátra tér 5 | lat=46.27598 | long=20.16174 | directions=North of center | phone=+36 62 483750 (Guidance - only Hungarian), +36 62 483-750 (parish office) | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 483750 | hours=Opening hours: M-F 09:00-12:00, 15:00-18:00 | price=Free | content=A Roman Catholic church. It was built in 1975, in Modern style, designed by István Tarnai. }} * Jesus's Heart church, - Szeged, Fő tér, - Tel +36 62 425370, It was built in 1936, in modern style, planned by Fábián Gáspár, plebania.ptelep@freemail.hu * {{see | name=Reformed church of Kálvin square | alt=Kálvin téri református templom | url= | email= | address=Kálvin tér | lat=46.25663 | long=20.14989 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=built in 1884 }} * Reformed church of Petőfi Telep (Petőfi Telepi Református Templom), 6727 Szeged, Sirály utca 14. Phone: +36 62 426496, Sun:08:30-10:00 * {{see | name=Alsóvárosi Church and Monastery | alt=Church of Grey Friars, Szeged-Alsóvárosi Ferences Templom | url= | email=szeged.pleb@gmail.com | address=Szeged, Mátyás tér 26 | lat=46.24070 | long=20.13709 | directions=West three blocks from Train Station | phone=+36 62 442384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00, Su 07:00-11:00, 17:00-20:00 | price= | content=In the center of Alsóváros district stands a over 500-year-old group of buildings: a Franciscan church and monastery. The church was completed in 1503 in Gothic style. There are two icons of Maria in the Franciscan church of Alsóváros. One of them is placed in the baroque main altar. The other icon is the Black Mary. }} * {{see | name=Church of Saint Elisabeth of Hungary | alt=Árpádházi Szent Erzsébet Templom | url=http://www.ujszegediplebania.hu/ | email=pleb23@invitel.hu | address=Torontál tér 4. / Székely sor 2 | lat=46.24833 | long=20.15912 | directions=Close to Belvárosi bridge, in 'Újszeged' district, East side of the City | phone=+36 62 430350 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 430350 | hours=Masses: Su 07:30, 09:30, 18:00, M-F 18:00 | price= | content=A Roman Catholic church. Built in Neo-Gothic style, in 1910. The main tower was over 30 m high with towers on both sides. The length of the church in the interior is 21 m and it’s 13 m wide. The building’s height is 12 m. In order to construct a main altar, two side altars and a pulpit in New-Gothic style material from the nearby Rochus church in Szeged was delivered to the district New Szeged. The main altar presented the church patron Saint Elisabeth while the right main altar was devoted to the Virgin Mary. On the left side there was a Saint Cross altar erected. The confessional and the cupboard in the vestry were built by József Jamrik. The organ was purchased from the local organ building manufacture of János Szoukenik. }} ===Museums=== [[File:Segedin, Muzej Ferenc Mora, 12.JPG|thumb|right|Ferenc Mora Museum]] * {{see | name=Ferenc Mora Art Museum | alt=Móra Ferenc Képzőművészeti Múzeum | url=https://m.facebook.com/moramuzeum/ | email=info@mfm.u-szeged.hu | address=Roosevelt tér 1-3 | lat=46.2523 | long=20.1521 | directions= | phone=+36 62 549040 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 549049 | image=Ferenc Móra Museum in Szeged.JPG | hours=Daily 10:00-18:00 | price=Ft&nbsp;1290 | content=- works by Hungarian painters like: Munckacsy, Istvan Csok, Rudnay, Josef Rippl-Ronai and Szeged Synagogue. }} * {{see | name=Pick Salami and Szeged Paprika Museum | alt=Pick Szalámi és Szegedi Paprika Múzeum | url=http://www.pickmuzeum.hu/ | email=info@pickmuzeum.hu | address=Felsõ Tisza-part 10 | lat=46.2567 | long=20.1587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 480800 | hours=Tu-Sa 15:00-18:00 | price=Adult Ft&nbsp;980, Reduced Ft&nbsp;740 | content=Industrial History Museum }} * {{see | name=Black House | alt=Museum of Currency, Fekete Ház | url= | email= | address=Somogyi u. 13. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 62 425033, +36 62 425872 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 312033 | hours=Daily 10:00-18:00 | price= | content=A branch of Ferenc Mora Museum. }} * {{see | name=Castle Museum and Kass Gallery | alt=Vármúzeum és a Kass Galéria | url= | email=info@mfm.u-szeged.hu | address=Vár u. 7 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 62 549040 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 549049 | hours=Daily 10:00-18:00. Kass Gallery Tu-Su 13:00-17:00 | price=Ft&nbsp;690 | content= }} * {{see | name=Matthias Varga's Exhibition House of Theatre | alt=Varga Mátyás Színháztörténet Kiállítóház | url= | email= | address=Bécsi krt. 11/A | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 62 549040 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 549049 | hours=By appointment | price=Ft&nbsp;590 | content= }} === Monuments === * {{see | name=Gróf-palace | alt=Gróf-palota | url= | email= | address=Tisza Lajos körút 20/b. | lat=46.2563 | long=20.1516 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Raichle03KJ.jpg | hours= | price= | content=Designed Raichle J. Ferenc, in 1912-13 }} [[File:Szegedi Városháza Somorjai 005.jpg|thumb|right|Szeged Town Hall]] * {{see | name=Town Hall | alt=Városháza | url=http://szegedvaros.hu | email= | address=Széchenyi tér 10 | lat=46.2542 | long=20.1480 | directions= | phone=+36 62 564364 | tollfree= | fax= | image=Szeged Town Hall in winter 2009 (1).JPG | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Segedin, Foto-tura, 045.JPG|thumb|right|The water tower]] * {{see | name=Water tower | alt=Régi Víztorony | url= | email= | address=Szent István Square | lat=46.257747 | long=20.150192 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Water tower Old Lady.JPG | hours= | price= | content=This is the oldest reinforced concrete building in Hungary. }} * {{see | name=Reök Palace | alt=REÖK Palota | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.2515 | long=20.1454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Szeged REÖK Palota facade 2.jpg | hours= | price= | content=This has an Art Nouveau facade, with balconies and wrought iron railings. }} * {{see | name=National Theatre of Szeged | alt=Szegedi Nemzeti Színház | url=http://szinhaz.szeged.hu/ | email=info@szinhaz.szeged.hu | address=Vaszy Viktor tér 1 | lat=46.253739 | long=20.152508 | directions= | phone=+36 62 479279 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 475562 | image=National Theatre of Szeged.jpg | hours=Cash desk opening hours: M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa 10:00-12:00 (entrance at Stefánia út 6), or One hour before the show begins on the spot | price=Tickets Ft&nbsp;800-3500 | content=This is the main theatre of Szeged, built in 1883 by the well-known company of Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer in Eclectic and Neo-baroque style. }} [[File:MagyarEde16KJ.JPG|thumb|right|Ungár-Mayer Palace]] * {{see | name=Monuments of Széchenyi square | alt= | url= | email= | address=Széchenyi tér (vary) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=#2 Photo Studio (Fotóműterem), #2/a Aigner house I., #3 Popper house, #9 Zsótér house, #16 Aigner house II. }} * {{see | name=Monuments of Lechner square | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lechner tér (vary) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=#2/a Raffay house , #2/b Szígyártó house, #9 Saint Rosalia Chapel (Szent Rozália-kápolna) }} * Somogyi Károly Városi és Megyei Könyvtár * Püspöki palota * Indóház tér és vasúti pályaudvar * Dorozsmai szélmalom (ipari műemlék) * Egyetemi Füvészkert * Szegedi Csillagvizsgáló * Szegedi Vadaspark * Szent István-szobor * Gőzfürdő (Anna-fürdő), Tisza Lajos körút 24. * Márer-ház, Tisza Lajos körút * Móricz-ház, Szent Mihály u. 9. * Szeged Állomás, Indóház tér * Ungár-Mayer-palota, Kárász u. 16. built in 1910-1911 * Raichle-palota, Szentháromság u. 2. * Lakóház, Mikszáth Kálmán u. 4. * Wagner-kripta, Belvárosi temető * Tűzoltólaktanya, Kossuth Lajos sugárút * '''Kárász street''' - main street, downtown * '''Tisza river''' ==Do== === Open-air theater === * In the summer you don't want to miss the famous [http://www.szegediszabadteri.hu/ "Open-Air Festival"]. It is called open-air, because the Dóm square is turned into a stage with seats. It usually starts around the beginning of July and ends sometime in August. The shows play for about a week and then they change. Tickets are not always easy to get, but you can always get them from scouts (of course at a higher price) before the show starts. If you are on a limited budget, you can purchase tickets for a lower price and after the show has started you can move to a better (empty) seats. === Festivals === There are several events taking place in Szeged during the summer. The best way to find out about their times is from the free local magazine (called "Szegedi Est") that you can find in most restaurants, bars, clubs and cinemas. * '''Wine Festival''' * '''Beer Festival''' * '''Days of Szeged''' * '''Hungaricum Festival''' * {{do | name=Szegedi Ifjusagi Napok (SZIN) - Szeged Youth Days | alt= | url=http://szin.org | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An open-air festival with Hungarian and international bands, held every year at Partfürdö in late Aug. }} === Movies and theaters === [[File:National Theatre of Szeged.jpg|thumb|right|National Theatre of Szeged]] *There are two main '''theaters''' in Szeged. One the main one is close to the museum, near to the bridge in downtown. The smaller theater is also near-by, a few blocks from there. * {{do | name=Belvárosi Cinema | alt=Belvárosi Mozi | url=http://www.belvarosimozi.hu/ | email= | address= | lat=46.2529 | long=20.1513 | directions=near the Mora museum, next to the main theater. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A traditional, old, large movie theater. It has been upgraded and offers 3D movies. }} * [https://www.cinemacity.hu/cinemas/szeged#/ Cinemacity]: in the [http://szegedplaza.hu/ Szeged Pláza] shopping mall. === Baths and pools === Like some other Hungarian towns, Szeged also has '''thermal baths'''. The two best known are: * {{do | name=Anna Bath | alt=Anna fürdő | url=http://www.szegedifurdok.hu/furdok/index.php?spgmGal=Anna_Furdo&option=com_mambospgm&Itemid=85 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= downtown of the city | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It has been renovated and offers an amazing experience . The bath has two sections, which offer various natural, thermal water based pools, spas, saunas. The younger (mainly 20-30s) crowd enjoys visiting the bath's ''Night Swimming'' events every Monday, Wednesday, Friday night 21:00-00:00. The entry fees are half-priced for these events (about Ft900). }} * {{do | name=Thermal | alt=Thermálfürdő | url=http://www.szegedifurdok.hu/furdok/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=51&Itemid=60 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= at the swimming pool complex on the Újszeged side of the city. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=is an older, indoor thermal bath. }} === Other === *'''See the city from the air''': head out to the local airport. You can select from various airplane tours ranging that last about 15 minutes to 1½ hours around the city. They also have [http://www.rivair.hu/ programs] when they let you fly the airplane. *'''Go-cart''': The [http://www.szegedgokart.hu/ Szeged Go-Cart] ring is on the road 47, outbound from Szeged, just before the junction of M43 and 47. The track is made of old tires in an old parking lot, and is about 800 m in length. Prices are reasonable. *'''Biking''': Along the eastern bank of the Tisza river runs a paved bicycle path; the route is quite scenic and peaceful once you get away from the city a bit. If you head south for seven to eight kilometers, you'll reach the Serbian border, which you can't cross, of course. You can rent a bicycle from the tourist information office. * {{do | name=Zoo-Szeged | alt=Vadaspark | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.2496 | long=20.1165 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= |lastedit=2020-08-08| content= }} [[File:Szeged Media Markt épület Makkosházi körúti homlokzat.JPG|thumb|right|Unusually for a big box store, the local Media Markt is a unique building]] * {{do | name=MolnAir Ballooning | alt= | url=https://www.molnair.hu/en/ballooning-szeged/ | email=info@molnair.hu | address= | lat=46.25344539801072 | long=20.09738041510302 | directions= | phone=+36 70 385-0035 | tollfree= | hours=April to October | price=Adult: 42,000 Ft, children: 25,000 Ft | lastedit=2021-03-18 | content=Hot air balloon flights over Szeged. Meeting in Szeged airport. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Tesco Szeged | alt= | url=http://tesco.hu/akcios-termekek | email= | address=Rókusi blvd. | lat= | long= | directions=can be reached by Line 2 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Tesco, in Móraváros | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=line 4 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Cora Szeged? It was renamed. | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Cora (Auchan) has its own bus line, eliminated. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Spar supermarkets | alt=Spar szupermarket | url=http://www.spar.hu/hu_HU/spar_csoport/uzlettipusok/spar.html | email=info@spar.hu | address=Szivarvany St | lat=46.2430 | long=20.1396 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Buying everyday products (especially groceries) could be cheaper than in other European countries like Britain, France, Italy or Germany. }} * {{buy | name=Lidl discount store | alt=Lidl diszkontáruház | url=http://www.lidl.hu/ | email=info@lidl.hu | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A supermarket chain. Buying everyday products (especially groceries) could be cheaper than in other European countries like Britain, France, Italy or Germany. Most electronic equipment like iPods and computers are, however, considerably more costly here. }} * '''ALDI discount store''' (ALDI diszkontáruház) * {{buy | name=Big Department Store | alt=Nagyáruház | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.2487 | long=20.1462 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Platán patika | alt=Zue Online patika | url=https://zue.hu/ | email=info@platanpatika.hu | address=6722 Szeged Mérey utca 15/B | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 62 420 077 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=A little store mainly for cosmtetic products! }} ==Eat== Szeged is famous for its local, traditional food. The most famous of all is probably the Fisherman's soup (''Halászlé''), which is made from various freshwater fish using lots of paprika (this is not necessarily spicy, but you can definitely order it that way). Szeged is also known for its good quality sausage and salami. '''Pick''' is Szeged's own brand, which is also exported to various countries around the world. Make sure that you try the famous "Pick salami". You can buy these products at most local grocery stores and smaller, family-owned 24/7 stores. If you are looking for international food, just check the local grocery stores. You shouldn't have too much problem finding anything from around the world. Even Americans can find their favorite cream cheese and peanut butter and jelly if they look around. [[File:Segedin 03.JPG|thumb|right|Restaurant garden in Szeged]] ===Restaurants=== The quality of the food varies by restaurants, but is good in general. Meats and cheese can be found at most places, and they are often breaded and fried. If you go to a standard restaurant, the portions will be generous and more than enough to feed an adult. * {{eat | name=Gőry restaurant | alt=Gőry Pince & Terasz | url=http://www.gory.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Extra large portions of food, which are almost impossible to eat all at once. Food is excellent. ''Prices: higher than usual'' }} * {{eat | name=Cirmi Gastropub | alt=Cirmi Kézműves Gasztrokocsma | url=https://m.facebook.com/cirmigasztrokocsma/ | email= | address=Tisza Lajos krt. 76. | lat= | long= | directions=In the downtown | phone=+36 62 800 124 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 12:00-23:00, F-Sa 12:00-01:00 | price= | content=Serving what you might expect at a gastropub, has gained some acclaim for its burgers. }} ==== Fast Food ==== There are lots of fast food places in the city. The most popular ones are local pizza restaurants, which are all around town. Some of them, which are open until the morning hours, are popular gathering places for the late night crowd. Of course, the international fast food chains are also present (Burger King, McDonald's, etc.), they are popular mostly among younger people. Compared to the local fast food places, these chains offer smaller portions for higher prices. * {{eat | name=Burger King | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=at the ''Nagyaruhaz'' mall in the center | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }}More: at Makkosházi boulevard (Drive) * {{eat | name=McDonald's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kárász St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=More: at Rókusi boulevard }}(McDrive) * {{eat | name=BOCI Tejivo | alt= | url=http://www.bocitejivo.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24/7 | price=Ft&nbsp;500 | content=Small canteen that provides a variety of fast food. free wifi. ''Prices: low'' }} ==== Traditional Szeged-style fish restaurants ==== The traditional fisherman's restaurants are a great choice for visitors. Locals also visit these on a regular basis because of their excellent fish soup and wide selection of good other food. There are three main fishmerman's restaurants in town. * {{eat | name=Roosevelt square Fish Tavern | alt=Roosevelt Téri Halászcsárda | url=https://www.sotarto-halaszcsarda.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=close to downtown, right across from the Móra Ferenc Museum by the bridgehead of the "old bridge" | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Kiskörössy Fish Tavern | alt=Kiskörössy Halászcsárda | url=http://www.tiszanet.hu/~kiskorossy/kiskorossy.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the northeastern part of Szeged, on the bank of the Tisza River. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This is an excellent choice in the warmer months, because you can enjoy your meal next to the river and quite often they will also have musicians perform traditional Hungarian folkmusic or Gypsy music for the guests. You'd probably want to catch a cab to get to this restaurant, and then use another cab to get back to your hotel. }} * {{eat | name=Fehértói Fish Tavern | alt=Fehértói Halászcsárda | url=http://www.fehertoihalaszcsarda.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=is outside the city, next to the old E5 highway going towards Budapest. You can ask a cab to drop you off here and they can also bring you back. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant breeds its own fish and is known for its excellent fish soup. Their prices are reasonable as well. }} ==== Other restaurants ==== * {{eat | name=Alabárdos | alt= | url= | email= | address=Oskola str. | lat= | long= | directions=near John Bull Pub | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Prices: higher than usual | content=They have a nice restaurant section and a separate section just for grabbing a beer or tasting wine. Food is good. }} ==== Pastries, cookies ==== [[File:Szeged City Hall.jpg|thumb|Szeged City Hall]] Hungary has very good home made style pastries and cookies. Szeged has a few bakeries around town that have excellent food selection. Ordering is quite simple, since most of the baked goods are displayed behind a glass window. They are usually freshly baked. Just point and pick what your eyes like and enjoy. Some of the more popular pastry shops around town: * {{eat | name=Hatos Rétes | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= on Klauzál square, known for strudels ("rétes" in Hungarian). }} * {{eat | name=Palánk | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ice-cream shop }} * {{eat | name=Z. Nagy Cukrászda | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the best pastry shops in the city, where most of the locals go to. You can find it under József Attila sugárút 24. }} * {{eat | name=A Capella | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= on Klauzál square }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=John Bull Pub | alt= | url=http://johnbullpubszeged.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=downtown, about 50 meters from the Virág Cukrászda | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Great place to grab a beer with clients or friends, and can be an excellent choice for a romantic dinner. They have a big menu, with a good selection. ''Prices: high'' }} === Coffee shops === Coffee shops are very popular among students. There are quite a few in town, where the younger crowd likes to meet up to study or talk. [[File:Belvárosi híd in Szeged by night.JPG|thumb|right|Belvárosi híd by night]] === Clubs === [[File:Fogadalmi templom (12498. számú műemlék) 7.jpg|thumb|right|Szeged cathedral at night]] Szeged is a University town and it has a very active night life throughout the school year. The high school and college crowd gets mixed up at most places, although some clubs try to target specific age groups with their events. Most places have entrance fees, but offer discounts if you have a student ID. Regular fees are around 500-1000 Forints depending on the day of the week, the place and the event. Parties are advertised to start early at night, but the crowd doesn't start to gather really until about midnight or 01:00, and usually party until the morning. This is true even on weekdays (''for example Wednesday is a very big party night''). Many times people meet at local pubs for a drink and talks before hitting these places. * {{drink | name=GinTonic | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=This is a club in the basement of the older Tisza Hotel in downtown. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Ft&nbsp;800 | content=It has dance nights every Friday. It is in the same block as Retro, but on the other side of the building. This is a highly popular party place among foreign students who study in the city. They usually play the latest popular dance songs. }} * {{drink | name=JATE Klub | alt= | url=http://www.jateklub.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Sometimes they collect entrance fees, but you can get in without a fee if you get there earlier.? | content=This is one of the popular university clubs that is open during the day as well as at night. There is a large bar section and several dance floors with different types of music. Concerts and other cultural events are also common here. If the evening appears to be slow, the crowd might go over to the SZOTE Klub (which is true vice-versa). The high school and college crowd blends really well in this place. They play all types of music from alternative through the latest popular dance songs to older Hungarian favorites. }} * {{drink | name=Retro | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/RetroKlub/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Ft&nbsp;1000 | content=A newer coffee house, that turns into a dance club at night. Dance nights are held on Fridays and Saturdays. The place mostly attracts graduates, late 20s and above. They like to play songs from the 1980s, 1990s and today's hits. }} * {{drink | name=Sing-Sing | alt= | url=http://www.sing.hu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This is one of the largest dance clubs in Southern Hungary. It is right next to Szeged's main bus station and farmer's market. This club usually attracts the younger high-school crowd (their average age is probably around 20). It is well known for its semi-monthly nude (both male and female) dance shows, concerts with invited guests and teen parties. They usually play the latest dance hits. }} * '''Sandor Pub''' (''Sándor Söröző''), Csap Str. 1. (Petőfi-telep its, old name Somogyi-telep or Tápé, about 300 meters from the Tisza River) This is one of the smallest dance clubs. It operates once a month (''Szintipop'' Retró-''Video Buli Klub with karaoke).'' [[File:Stefánia 6 - Szeged.jpg|thumb|right|Historic building in Stefania street]] ==Sleep== [[File:Magyar Radio - Szeged.jpg|thumb|right|Magyar Radio building in Stefania street]] You will have various choices to stay at while in Szeged. The city has some larger and more expensive hotels, but there are quite a few cheaper and comparable places where you can stay. [[File:SquareofSzegedUNJ.jpg|thumb|right|The main building of the University of Szeged in the Dom square]] ===Budget=== In Szeged, and in most other, bigger Hungarian cities you can find a cheap room in college dorms. Most places will let you pay cash and stay for a few days. There are a few of these around town and the best way to find one is probably to ask one of the younger, "student looking" locals. * Ortutay Kollégium (Ortutay Kollégium) - Boldogasszony sgt. 26-28. , Center, Cap.: 300 beds. Tel +36 62/547-154, +36 20/299-0829, email=szeged.szvk@gmail.com * Dennis Gabor College (Gábor Dénes Kollégium), Mars tér 14 (W half km ) Capacity: 280 people, Hostel Booking: +36 62 547154, +36 20 2990829, szeged.szvk@gmail.com * {{sleep | name=Balassi Institute College of Aaron Martin | alt=Balassi Intézet Márton Áron Szakkollégiuma | url=https://www.elte.hu/en/student-residence-halls/martonaron/szeged | email=kanyari@freemail.hu | address=Kálvária sugárút (abbrev. sgt.) 87. | lat=46.25423 | long=20.11869 | directions=W two km | phone=+36 62 420140, +36 62 452-141 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 420-140 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Guest rooms: individual placement/dorm Ft&nbsp;2700/2500, student room (3-4 people): individual placement/dorm Ft&nbsp;2200/1400 | content=Occupancy: Jul-Aug 40 rooms/120 beds. During the year: three double guest rooms with refrigerator, toilet, shower. Also email kanyari@mad.hu }} * {{sleep | name=Berdi-Bene Guesthouse | alt= | url=https://www.berdibenevendeghaz.hu/ | email=info@berdibenevendeghaz.hu | address=Erdei Ferenc utca 54. | lat=46.21606 | long=20.08200 | directions=S six km | phone=+36 30 739 7188 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= Double rooms for two person Ft&nbsp;14000/room. Double room for three person Ft&nbsp;18000/room. Children up to 2 years free of charge | content=The rooms have two or three beds, but are also rentable for one or two persons. The rooms have Internet access. All of the room has its private bathroom. Big courtyard. }} * {{sleep | name=Familia Pension | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=a couple of minutes walk from Dóm square (the Votive Church) and a few blocks from the main railway station and the 500-year-old Mátyás Church. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Madzsar Jozsef College | alt=Madzsar József Kollégium | url=http://etszk.u-szeged.hu/kollegium.htm | email=kollegiumiszallas@gmail.com | address=Bal fasor 39-45 | lat=46.24685 | long=20.170764 | directions=Bus 71, 72, 84 | phone=+36 62 545-849 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 546403 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Guest house (apartment) 1 double room with private entrance Ft&nbsp;4800, 1 single room with private entrance Ft&nbsp;4600, guest room Ft&nbsp;3800. Dorms 7 x 3 bed, en-suite room Ft&nbsp;3000, 57 x 2 bed Ft&nbsp;2900. Extra bed in room Ft&nbsp;2000 | content=Year-round guest apartment, a guest room and a few dorm rooms for 4-10 persons; Jul 1-Aug 31 for 139 persons, double dorm rooms with sink and built-in wardrobe; triple-suite dorm room; guest rooms: one bed, kitchenette. On every floor there is a lounge with TV, toilets, showers, kitchen. Guest apartments: apartment with one double and one single room with private entrance, bath, bathroom, kitchen. 24-hour reception service; closed storage for bicycles and motorcycles; courtyard parking, free Wi-Fi internet, laundry facilities; kitchen on each floor, electric cooker, microwave oven, refrigerator; fitness room, computer room; soft drinks and coffee machines. }} * {{sleep | name=Mora Ferenc College | alt=Móra Ferenc Kollégium | url=http://www.mora.u-szeged.hu/ | email=info@mora.u-szeged.hu | address=Közép fasor 31-33. | lat=46.24731 | long=20.16776 | directions=E one km | phone=+36 62 544101 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 544-099 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Traditional dorm rooms per 1-2-3-4. Adults/students Ft&nbsp;2800/2100/person. Children up to 6 years free of charge. Single and double rooms with bath Ft&nbsp;4000/8000 | content=Open only Jul 1-Aug 31. The rooms have three beds, but also rentable for one or two persons. The rooms have Internet access, refrigerator and sink compartment, the showers and toilets are in the hallway. There are a limited number room and apartments with private bath or shower.In the neighbourhood there are two restaurants: the Egyetemi Étterem and the Blues Kert. }} [[File:Somogyi Street - Szeged.jpg|thumb|right|Historic building in Somogyi street]] ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Bella | alt= | url=http://www.hotelbella.hu/ | email=hotelbella@vnet.hu | address=Pacsirta u. 31 | lat= | long= | directions=in downtown | phone=+36 62 542325 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 542326 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=10:00 | price=Single/double Ft&nbsp;10900/15,900, Double with extra/1 apartment (2 rooms) Ft&nbsp;18,900/25900 | content= Number of rooms/beds: 25/48. Five single rooms, 19 double rooms, two double with extra bed, 1 apartment (with two rooms) 25900 }} * {{sleep | name=Matrix Hotel Szeged | alt= | url=http://www.matrixhotel.eu | email=reservation@matrixhotel.eu | address=Zárda u. 8. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 62 556000 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 556010 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=Single/double Ft&nbsp;12 300/15 000, extra bed in room Ft&nbsp;4500, breakfast Ft&nbsp;1800, air-con Ft&nbsp;1 500/day. Three-course lunch or dinner Ft&nbsp;3000. Pet Ft&nbsp;3,000. Parking in closed yard free. Main season prices tax all included. | content= Elegant and friendly rooms. 11 double bedrooms, 3 of which can be supplied with extra beds. }} [[File:Prosecuting Attorney - Szeged.jpg|thumb|right|The Prosecuting Attorney office]] ===Splurge=== [[File:KónyaFürdőKJ.jpg|thumb|right|Anna-fürdő (bathhouse)]] The bigger hotels are usually closer to downtown. Szeged is not that big in size and you can probably walk or use public transportation to most places. [[File:1 Szeged View.jpg|thumb|right|River Tisza in winter]] * {{sleep | name=Hotel Tisza | alt=Tisza Szálloda | url=http://www.tiszahotel.hu/ | email=info@tiszahotel.hu | address=Széchenyi tér 3 | lat=46.25372 | long=20.15042 | directions=Right downtown. | phone=+36 62 478278 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 478278 | checkin= | checkout= | price=May-Sep: apartment for 1/2/3/4 people Ft&nbsp;27 000/31 500/34 500/38 400. Superior room for 1/2/3/4 people Ft&nbsp;18 300/21 500/17 300/19 700. Standard room for 1/2/3/4 people Ft&nbsp;13 000/16 400/20 100/22 500. Air-conditioning Ft&nbsp;1500. Parking in the hotel's garage Ft&nbsp;2000/car/night. During Festival Season in parts of Jul and Aug, there is a 10% surcharge | content=An older, but renovated hotel in an excellent. 45 rooms and 5 suites, some air-conditioned, with colonial style furniture, in-room high-speed internet access, mini-fridge, bathroom amenities, cable TV channels and Cardo mattress. +phone=+36 30 201-5586. Room prices include buffet breakfast, WiFi Internet access in the room. Half or full pension can be provided in the neighbouring restaurant, Port Royal Restaurant, according to previous accordances. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Dóm | alt=Dóm Hotel Szeged | url=http://www.domhotelszeged.info/ | email=foglalas@domhotelszeged.info | address=Bajza u. 6. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 62 423750 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 423750 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Twin room Ft&nbsp;26 500, suite Ft&nbsp;38 000 include all tax | content=A newer hotel. 16 rooms. Air-conditioned rooms, a nice rastaurant, sauna, jacuzzi and a parking lot. Dóm Restaurant has a wide selection of traditional hungarian and international dishes. The restaurant is suitable for 55 people. There is a small meeting room which is suitable for 20 people. +phone=+36 30 8348883. Room prices include Buffet breakfast, use of the hotel spa facilities (jacuzzi, sauna, infrared sauna, massage bed), Wi-Fi, Air conditioning use. }} * {{sleep | name=City Hotel Szeged | alt= | url=https://www.cityhotelszeged.hu/en/ | email= | address=Arany János utca 5. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 20 5813148 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Twin room for one/two people Ft&nbsp;11 000/13 500, standard room for one/two people Ft&nbsp;12 500/15 000, deluxe for one/two people Ft&nbsp;15 500/18 500, Apartment for one/two/three/four people Ft&nbsp;16 500/22 500/25 500/29 500. Penthouse apartment for one/two/three/four people 25 900/32 000/36 000/40 000- | content=Elegant rooms and intimate restaurant Rézangyal Bistro. The 12 rooms provide a beautiful panorama, and are equipped with televisions, safe and wifi connection. }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Hotel | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/2996/index.en.shtml | email= | address= | lat=46.2560 | long=20.1568 | directions=within walking distance from downtown. | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Four star. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Hunguest Hotel Forrás | alt= | url=https://www.hunguesthotels.hu/en/hotel/szeged/hunguest_hotel_forras/ | email= | address=Szent-Györgyi A. u. 16-24 | lat=46.2516 | long=20.1607 | directions= | phone=+36-62-566-466 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-06 | content=In Újszeged, on the Tisza River's opposite side from downtown. The hotel has an indoor thermal bath, which is open around the whole year. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Mozart | alt= | url=http://www.mozarthotel.hu/ | email= | address=Oskola u. 16. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 62 800040 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=14:00 to 22:00 | checkout=07:00 to 10:00 | price=Double room for 1 person/2 persons Ft&nbsp;18 000/21 000 (2014) | content=Four-star hotel, air-conditioned rooms with LCD TV, minibar, safe, kettle, bathroom scales, -Wi-Fi and Internet access, breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Soleil | alt=Soleil Szálló | url=http://www.hotelsoleil.hu/ | email=info@hotelsoleil.hu | address=Kelemen u. 7. | lat= | long= | directions=in the center of the city | phone=+36 62 556575, +36 62 55-65-76 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Mid-Jun-Aug: standard room for 1 person/2 persons/3 persons/4 persons Ft&nbsp;20 600/25 600/36 300/44 600; deluxe suite two/four persons Ft&nbsp;68 000/85 800, Apartment 2 × 2 person occupancy 52600, Apartment 4 × 2 person occupancy Ft&nbsp;96600. Extra bed 6 years/7-14 years/15 years of age Ft&nbsp;0/6000/10000 | content= Thirteen rooms. }} == Stay safe == Szeged is a pretty safe city. You can enjoy walks around the whole town even at late night hours. Most places and streets are well lit, so you won't have to worry about getting lost. == Connect == [[File:Telephone booth - Szeged, Hungary.jpg|thumb|Public telephone booth - Széchenyi Square, Szeged|alt=]] Szeged postal code is: H-6700 to H-6791. Area Phone code: 62 === Internet, hotspots === Szeged has many free WiFi (hotspot) locations. The largest square downtown - the Széchenyi tér - offers free wireless access to anyone with a WiFi capable device (laptop, mobile phone, PDA, etc.). * {{listing | name=Main Post Office | alt=Nagyposta | url=https://posta.hu | email= | address=Széchenyi tér 1 | lat=46.2526 | long=20.1495 | directions=Downtown, Vár street corner | phone=+36 62 623400 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 624192 | hours=Open: M 08:00-20:00, Tu-F 08:00-19:00, Sa 08:00-12:00 | price= | content= }} ==Cope== ===Consulates=== * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://szeged.mae.ro/en | email=szeged@mae.ro | address=Kelemen László utca 5 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+36 62 424 431 | tollfree= | fax=+36 62 424429 | hours=M-F 9:00-15:00 | price= | lastedit=2021-12-03 | content= }} == Go next == * '''Baja''' - This is a local commercial centre and the provider of public services such as education and healthcare. A small cosmopolitan town (pop. 37 000) with some minorites such Germans; Croats; Serbs; Slovaks and Romanis. Also there are some museums and art galleries. The city churches representing the variety of religion. * '''[[Kecskemét]]''' - A city approximately halfway on the road and railway to Budapest. It boasts a pretty historical center that is largely pedestrianized. * '''[[Pécs]]''' - Part of the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. * '''[[Subotica]]''' in [[Serbia]] - Just on the other side of the border. The time you need to get there varies according to the waiting time at the border but usually it takes approximately 2-3 hours. It is a nice first stop if you want to explore some other cities in Serbia as well. {{routebox | image1=M5 (Hu) Otszogletu kek tabla.svg | imagesize1=22 | image1a=E75-HUN.svg | imagesize1a=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Budapest]] | minorl1=[[Kecskemét]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=Röszke [[File:Aiga immigration.svg|14px]] | minorr1= | image2=55 (Hu) Otszogletu zold tabla.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=Bátaszék, close to [[File:M6 (Hu) Otszogletu kek tabla.svg|22px]] | minorl2=[[Baja]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=End | minorr2= | image3=43 (Hu) Otszogletu zold tabla.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=End | minorl3= | directionr3=E | majorr3=Nagylak [[File:Aiga immigration.svg|14px]] | minorr3=[[Makó]] |imagesize4a=22|minorl4=|majorr4=Csanádpalota [[File:Aiga immigration.svg|14px]]|majorl4=End [[File:M5 (Hu) Otszogletu kek tabla.svg|22px]]|directionr4=E|imagesize4=22|image4a=E68-HUN.svg|image4=M43 (Hu) Otszogletu kek tabla.svg|directionl4=W|minorr4=[[Makó]]}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|46.2500|20.1667}} {{IsPartOf|Csongrád-Csanád County}} n8htoy5pj5nh07mg8n784ohacur42on 0 35091 4488055 4473395 2022-07-22T01:58:33Z 98.149.220.34 All proper nouns mentioned like Taiwan Rail 臺鐵 use spelling 臺, see: https://www.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip wikitext text/x-wiki {{hatnote|If you were looking for New Taipei, see [[New Taipei]].}} {{pagebanner | Taipei banner 2.jpg | dotm=yes}} {{printDistricts}} [[File:Taipei,_Taiwan_CBD_Skyline.jpg|thumb|280px|Skyline of Taipei]] [http://www.travel.taipei/en/ '''Taipei'''] (臺北; ''Tâi-pak'' in Taiwanese, ''Táiběi'' in Mandarin) is the national capital of the Republic of China, otherwise known as [[Taiwan]]. Sitting in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains, Taipei serves as the island's financial, cultural, and governmental center. The city is a tantalizing mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, vibrant in its own right yet unhurried by global standards. Besides the architectural and cultural landmarks like Taipei 101 and Longshan Temple, the ''xiaochi'' (small snacks) in bustling night markets are an experience not to be forgotten by your stomach. The capital is also a great jumping off point for day trips to hot springs, old mining towns and national parks around the [[Northern Taiwan]] area. ==Districts== Taipei is a fast-growing city, but despite the pressure on land, a park is never far away, especially in the suburban areas. The downtown area is culturally divided into East and West. The west side, with its narrow streets and road side vendors, is considered the bastion of old Taipei life, whereas East Taipei, with its bustling supermalls, chic boutiques, stylish restaurants and classy cafes, reminiscent of those found in [[Tokyo]], [[Seoul]], [[Paris]] or [[New York City]] represents its metamorphosis. The Greater Taipei metropolitan area beyond Taipei City boundaries includes the surrounding [[New Taipei]] City (新北市) and [[Keelung]] (基隆市), representing the largest urban cluster in Taiwan with nearly 7 million people, though run by three different government authorities. ===Central districts=== {{Mapframe|25.08|121.56|zoom=11||height=420|width=320|staticmap=Wikivoyage Taipei Districts.png}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Old Taipei|Old Taipei]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271060,Q271134|fill=#d56d76}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng and Gongguan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q175581|fill=#ac5c91}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/East District|East District]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q252951,Q271151|fill=#d5dc76}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan and Songshan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271124,Q271167|fill=#4f93c0}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q252864|fill=#b5d29f}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q254626|fill=#b383b3}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Neihu|Neihu and Nangang]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271073,Q271094|fill=#578e86}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271143|fill=#d09440}} {{mapshapes|Q714810}} {{mapshapes|Q7684358}} {{Regionlist |region1name=[[Taipei/Old Taipei|Old Taipei]] | region1color=#d56d76 | region1items=萬華-大同| region1description=Wanhua and Datong make up the oldest parts of Taipei, home to many historic buildings, such as the Longshan Temple and the Red House Theater, although it has lost much of its economic relevance to the [[Taipei/East District|East District]]. Ximending is the "[[Tokyo/Harajuku|Harajuku]] of Taipei", a shopping neighborhood centered around teenager fashion, Japanese culture and subcultures. | region2name=[[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng and Gongguan]] | region2color=#ac5c91 | region2items=中正-公館 | region2description=Zhongzheng is the political center of Taiwan and the location of the Presidential Office and important government ministries. Its prime tourist attraction is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Gongguan, on the other hand, has a youthful feel thanks to students from the Taida and Shida universities visiting the area. | region3name=[[Taipei/East District|East District]] | region3color=#d5dc76 | region3items=大安-信義 | region3description=Daan and Xinyi are the modern commercial and financial districts of Taipei, and can be collectively referred to as the East District. Offering department stores, plenty of fashion boutiques, lounge bars, and atmospheric restaurants, and some of the most expensive real estate in the city, it is also home to Taipei 101, the Taipei World Trade Center, and the International Convention Center. | region4name=[[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan and Songshan]] | region4color=#4f93c0 | region4items=中山-松山 | region4description=Zhongshan has riverside parks, the Martyrs' Shrine, the Fine Arts Museum, and a large pub and bar scene. Many firms and financial institutions are in Songshan, which is directly north of the East District. Raohe Street Night Market is one of the oldest of Taipei's famous street markets. }} ===Suburban districts=== {{Regionlist| region5name=[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] | region5color=#b5d29f | region5items=北投 | region5description=This district is famous for hot springs and the [[Yangmingshan National Park]].| region6name=[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]] | region6color=#b383b3 | region6items=士林 | region6description=A traditional area of the city that is known for its excellent museums, including the world famous National Palace Museum. Shilin is also home to one of Taipei's largest night markets and the expat enclave of Tianmu.| region7name=[[Taipei/Neihu|Neihu and Nangang]] | region7color=#578e86 | region7items=內湖-南港| region7description=Located in the eastern reaches of the city, Neihu and Nangang are hubs of the IT industry in Taipei, home to many large shopping centers, and a great place for hiking and 'templing'. A mouth-watering juxtaposition of local Taiwanese culture and modern shopping malls and restaurants. A definite must-visit, Neihu is largely a secret to the tourist world. | region8name=[[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]] | region8color=#d09440 | region8items=文山 | region8description=This leafy district in the south of the city is known for its tea plantations and tea houses. It is also home to Taipei Zoo and the Maokong Gondola cable car. }} ==Understand== [[File:Taipei_Landscape.jpg|thumb|400px|An evening in Taipei from Elephant Mountain in 2017.]] In 1884, the Qing dynasty governor of Taiwan, Liu Mingchuan, decided to move the prefecture capital to Taipei. With the construction of government offices and the influx of civil servants, Taipei's days as a sleepy market town were over. When Taiwan was granted provincial status in 1887, Taipei remained the provincial capital. As Taipei is in the north of Taiwan (the closest area to Japan), the city continued to thrive when Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. However, as Japan was in the throes of a 'modernize-come-what-may' period, little regard was paid to Taipei's traditional Chinese-style architecture, and many of the old buildings, including the city walls, were demolished. Nevertheless, several Qing Dynasty structures, including the old North Gate, the former Provincial Administration Hall and several temples still survive. In addition, several distinctive buildings were constructed in the city under Japanese rule - these include the Presidential Palace and National Taiwan University. The city's architecture again suffered a major onslaught when the KMT government arrived from mainland China in 1945. In order to cope with the influx of millions of mainland refugees, temporary housing estates sprang up all around the city. Later, these were replaced by Soviet-era style (or 'no-style') concrete apartment buildings, which characterized Taipei's landscape for decades. Many of these building still survive, but as Taiwan's economy took off and people became more affluent, a brighter and bolder city began to emerge from the 1980s. New districts were established, tree lined boulevards were laid, high quality apartment blocks constructed, and chic and stylish cafes and restaurants opened. The Taipei of today is rated as one of the planet's wealthiest and most innovative cities, and is characterized by its friendly people and safe streets. While it is not usually high on the list of tourist destinations, in reality it is a fascinating place to visit and live, and Taipei's local cuisine has deservedly earned its place among Asia's finest. Furthermore, despite its size, Taipei does not have any rough areas that are considered unsafe, even at night - which in itself is attractive. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 19 | febhigh = 19 | marhigh = 22 | aprhigh = 26 | mayhigh = 29 | junhigh = 32 | julhigh = 35 | aughigh = 34 | sephigh = 31 | octhigh = 28 | novhigh = 24 | dechigh = 21 | janlow = 13 | feblow = 14 | marlow = 15 | aprlow = 19 | maylow = 22 | junlow = 24 | jullow = 26 | auglow = 26 | seplow = 24 | octlow = 22 | novlow = 19 | declow = 15 | janprecip = 83 | febprecip = 170 | marprecip = 180 | aprprecip = 178 | mayprecip = 235 | junprecip = 326 | julprecip = 245 | augprecip = 322 | sepprecip = 361 | octprecip = 149 | novprecip = 83 | decprecip = 73 | description = '''[http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm Central Weather Bureau seven day forecast for Taipei]''' }} Taipei has a semi-tropical climate characterized by hot and humid weather. The most comfortable season to visit is the fall, when the rainfall is at its lowest and the temperatures average a pleasant mid 20&nbsp;°C. February to April are particularly damp with little sunlight, while the summers can be very hot, but often punctuated by heavy thunder showers. Taipei is prone to typhoons from May to October, though the highest concentrations are in August and September. Winters can be quite chilly, with temperatures occasionally falling below 10&nbsp;°C at night, though snowfall has never been known to occur except on very rare occasions at higher elevations in Yangmingshan National Park. ===Tourism=== *'''[http://www.taiwan.net.tw Taiwan Tourism Bureau]''' – The official Tourism Bureau website. *'''[http://www.taipeitravel.net/user/main.aspx?Lang=2 Taipei Travel Net]''' – The official travel guide from the Taipei City Government. ==Talk== Taipei is a city of people from many different origins, most of the Chinese population can be divided between those whose families arrived in Taiwan during the 17th to 19th centuries, and those who came over with the ROC government after the Chinese Civil War in the 1940s and 1950s. While '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]]''' is the ''lingua franca'', and is spoken and understood by most people under the age of 60, other Chinese languages can be commonly heard as well. Among the earlier immigrant groups, while speakers of [[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]] form the majority, there is also a significant number of [[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]-speakers living in Taipei. '''English''' is compulsory in all Taiwanese schools, and most people under the age of 40 will have at least a basic grasp of English, though few are fluent. Learning some Mandarin and/or Taiwanese will make your trip much smoother. ==Get in== ===By plane=== ====Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport==== [[File:Taoyuan_International_Airport_Terminal_1_Interior_201506.jpg|thumb|280px|Taoyuan Airport arrival hall]] *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|TPE}}. However, the name was changed only in September 2006 and the old name, '''Chiang Kai Shek International Airport''' is still sometimes used | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.0798 | long=121.2338 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taoyuan International Airport | image=CKS airport-oliv.jpg | wikidata=Q44856 | content=The primary international airport of Taipei. The airport is about 30&nbsp;km from the city and freeway buses ply the route, picking up and dropping off passengers at most of the five-star hotels. They also stop at the Taipei Main Station and the smaller Songshan Airport. There are bus services connecting the airport to nearby cities and [[Taichung]] in central Taiwan. }} The '''Taoyuan Airport''' '''MRT''' rail is the fastest travel option fo/from the airport. * Between 06:00 and 23:00, two trains run every 15 minutes in each direction, one Express, one Commuter. The journey to Taipei by the Express Train takes roughly 38 minutes and the fare is NT$160 for either train type (NT$150 if paid by EasyCard). The train terminates at Taipei Main Station (on the red and blue MRT lines), and there is also an underground walkway to Beimen MRT Station (on the green MRT line). For passengers heading to Taipei, it is best to wait for the Express Train, as the Commuter Train stops at every station. * At Taipei Main Station, some airlines (China Airlines, EVA Air and their subsidiaries) allow you to check-in and check your bags ahead of time, which are also then sent to the airport on the MRT. However, you must do this between 6 hours and 3 hours before your flight departure time. Follow the signs for “In-Town Check-in” on the upper levels of the Taipei Main Airport MRT station. * The platform at Taipei Main Station is some 300 meters from Taipei MRT platforms. Other options, listed from cheapest to most expensive: *'''Express airport buses''' cost between NT$120-150 depending on the bus company, 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and there are stops at both terminals. Most Taipei routes are divided into West and East, with each company operating a service every ten to fifteen minutes on each route. The western line bus terminates at Taipei Main Railway Station and also makes a stop at Yuanshan MRT Station on the Xindian line. (The Airbus company buses on the western line meander through local towns before joining the freeway and therefore take much longer than the blue and white Guoguang buses which enter the freeway directly.) Buses plying the eastern route terminate at the Taipei Grand Hyatt Hotel and make a stop at Zhongxiao-Fuxing MRT Station on the Nangang and Muzha lines. There is also a bus connecting to the domestic Songshan Airport. Ticket counters display route maps showing all stops. In addition, there are some '''non-express buses''' which are slightly cheaper, but pass through towns such as Taoyuan (桃園), Nankan (南崁) or Kueishan (龜山) before arriving in Taipei. :When returning to the airport, express buses can be caught at various stops throughout the city. One major one leaves every 15–20 minutes from {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei West Bus Station|lat=25.04726|long=121.51442}} adjacent to Taipei Main Railway Station (near MRT exit M5 and underground mall exits K12 and Z3). Another is at the terminal at the Songshan Domestic Airport (松山機場). Other stops are outside major hotels and also in front of Minsheng MRT Station. For people taking early morning flights, the earliest available buses to the airport leave at around 04:00 from the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel (臺北遠東國際大飯店) (201 Dunhua South Rd Section 2). *It is also easy to get to {{marker|type=go|name=Taoyuan High Speed Rail station|lat=25.0131|long=121.2148}} from the airport. You can take the MRT rail line there (previously, you had to take a bus). From there, you can catch one of the HSR trains to Taipei Main Station (where it is easy to take a taxi or MRT to your final destination). The bus is NT$30 and the train is NT$165. The total journey time takes 5–15 minutes waiting time, 18–25 minutes on the bus, and 19 minutes to Taoyuan HSR; roughly 1 hour in all. On the way back, there are check-in counters at the station for China Airlines, EVA Air flights. *A one-way '''taxi''' fare between the airport and Taipei will cost at the minimum NT$900 (generally NT$1,000-1,200 from the airport). In Taipei, don't make the mistake of asking a taxi driver to take you to the Taipei airport (Songshan) if you actually mean Taiwan Taoyuan Airport. The international airport is actually about an hour's drive from Taipei, while Songshan is in downtown Taipei. *A one-way '''pre-arranged car''' fare between the airport and Taipei will cost at the minimum NT$1,300-1,500. Generally these sedans are pre-arranged through your hotel and the car company or driver will meet you as soon as you exit baggage claim. Since the price is not much more than taking a taxi, it is usually recommended that you ask your hotel if they offer this service. This is a more comfortable half-hour ride to the hotel. *Direct '''bus connections''' between the airport and other cities in Taiwan are also available. U-bus also runs shuttle buses every 15 min from both terminals to THSR Taoyuan station (15 min away), from where you can continue your journey by high-speed train. In addition to the transit hotel within the airport terminal, there are several hotels near the airport if you want more comfortable quarters for an extended transit or would rather lodge by the airport than in Taipei. The Novotel Taoyuan International Airport, next to the China Airlines headquarters building, is mere minutes from both terminals and has commanding views of the airport's runways. Also nearby is the '''[http://www.citysuites.com.tw/en/%E6%A1%83%E5%9C%92%E8%88%AA%E7%A9%BA%E9%A4%A8 CitySuites Gateway Hotel]''', 10 minutes from the Cing-pu High-speed Rail Station and three minutes away from Taoyuan International Airport. There is a '''night service''', although it's really hard to find information about it. Best source is the [http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english airport website]. As of February 2012 there is overnight bus service to Taipei Railway station at the following times 01:30, 03:00 for Terminal 1 (exit B5), add 10 mins for Terminal 2 (bus station, 1819 stand). Ticket can be purchased from the driver - NT$165. Another bus at 04:00, Wednesday & Saturday at Terminal 2, is unconfirmed. From the Taipei Railway you can take overnight train to connect to other cities or bus from the adherent bus station. It takes about 55 min from the airport to the city (at night). ====Songshan Airport==== [[File:Taipei Songshan Airport (6856495175).jpg|thumb|right|280px|Songshan Airport]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Songshan Airport | alt={{IATA|TSA}}, officially Taipei International Airport (臺北國際航空站) | url=http://www.tsa.gov.tw/ | email= | address= | lat=25.069444 | long=121.551667 | directions=at the northern end of Dunhua North Road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taipei Songshan Airport | image=Taipei Songshan Airport 1st Terminal Building 20090926.JPG | wikidata=Q702019 |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=It serves a few domestic destinations as well as select international routes to regional destinations. There are numerous daily flights arriving and departing for the outlying islands and cities on the east coast of the island. The airport also serves flights to various destinations in mainland China, as well as "city shuttle" services to Tokyo-Haneda, Seoul-Gimpo and Shanghai-Hongqiao. The airport is served by the Taipei Metro Wenhu Line's (officially labeled the Wenshan-Neihu Line) Songshan Airport Station and can be reached in about 15 minutes from Taipei Main Station. Many city and long-distance buses also connect to the airport. }} ===By train=== [[File:TRA Taipei Station & Taipei Station Underground Mall 20041227.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Railway Station]] All inter-city trains, operated by the [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/ Taiwan Railway Administration] (臺鐵) and [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/index_en.html Taiwan High Speed Rail] (臺灣高鐵), arrive at and depart from {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei Railway Station|alt=臺北車站|lat=25.0478|long=121.5171}} on Zhongxiao West Road, Sec 1 - opposite the 53 story Shinkong Mitsukoshi Building (新光三越). Taipei Main Station is a huge facility. Ticket counters are on the first floor and platforms on B2. There is also a food court on the second floor, several underground shopping malls, and directly connects to Taipei Main Station on the Taipei Metro which is served by Tamsui (Red) line and Bannan (Blue) line. In addition to ticket counters, the first floor also has a tourist office, a post office, stores selling aboriginal handicrafts and several booths offering head and neck and full body massage (NT$100 for every ten minutes). There are also three other train stations in Taipei city. Wanhua Station (萬華車站) is in the south-western part of the city and is within walking distance of MRT Longshan Temple Station and is only served by local trains. Songshan Station (松山車站) is close to Raohe Street Night Market and all trains operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration stop at the station. Nangang Station (南港車站) is on the eastern end of the city and is served by local trains and some express trains. It is directly connected to Nangang Station on Taipei Metro's Bannan (Blue) line and the Taiwan High Speed Rail is expected to operate into the station by the beginning of 2015. All train stations in Taipei city accept Easy Cards to enter the station in addition to tickets bought at the vending machines or counters. The THSR stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. ====Baggage storage==== * Lockers of different sizes are available at the Taipei Main Station. NT$20-50 per 3 hours, maximum 3 days. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei Railway Station carry-on baggage center | alt=臺北車站行李託運中心 | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.047428 | long=121.518920 | directions=leave Taipei Main Station by the Exit East 3, cross the road at the traffic light where the taxis wait, walk down the road and turn left into the alley just before the parking lot entrance, the building is on your right side | phone= | tollfree= | hours=daily 08:00–20:00 | price=NT$70 per bag |lastedit=2022-07-22| content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Taipei Bus Station under construction 20090704.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Bus Station]] Intercity buses arrive and depart from the {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei Bus Station|lat=25.0491|long=121.5186}}, which is on Chengde Road, behind Taipei Main Station. Generally speaking, the buses operated by private companies are more comfortable and sport such amenities as wide reclining seats and individual game and video monitors. The government run buses are blue and white and are called ''guóguāng hào'' (國光號). All intercity buses are known as ''kèyùn'' (客運) and can be distinguished from the local city buses called ''gōngchē'' (公車) by the fact that they do not have a route number, but only the name of the destination. ===By boat=== [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hr) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to Taipei (actually [[Bali District]] in New Taipei) and back. As of Feb 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs Tu W F and Sa ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,000/5,300 one-way/round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance] / [http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]). ==Get around== ===By metro=== [[File:Current_TRTS_Map.svg|thumb|300px|Taipei MRT]] Taipei City has a very clean, efficient and safe [http://english.trtc.com.tw/ Mass Rapid Transit system] {{dead link|December 2020}} known most commonly as the '''MRT''', but also called '''Metro Taipei''' (臺北捷運). Fares are between NT$20 and NT$65 for one-way trips around town. It has been widely lauded as one of the most reliable and efficient systems in the world, and is often cited as a gold standard to which Metro systems around the world should aspire to. Stations are clearly identified in English as well as Chinese. All stops are announced in four languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. All stations have information booth/ticket offices close to the ticket vending machines. There is no eating or drinking while in the stations or on the trains. There are priority seats. If you need a seat, there are stickers offered at the information booth that allow passengers to identify those in need. Trains generally run from 06:00 to 00:00, with convenient bus connections outside the stations. Women and/or children traveling at night can benefit from the '''Safe Zones''' - sections of platforms that are under heavy surveillance - in some of the subway lines. Stations and trains (including the monorail) are wheelchair-friendly, but when there are multiple exits from a single station, usually only one of these is equipped with a lift. All trains have '''priority seats''' (博愛座 ''bó ài zuò'') that have a dark blue colour distinct from that of the other seats; these are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children, so do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. [[File:Platform 2, Jiantan Station 20080317.jpg|thumb|200px|MRT Station in Taipei]] In addition to single journey tickets, you can use the [[Taiwan#Get around|EasyCard]] or ''youyouka'' (as in 'yo-yo-ka', also 悠遊卡). These cards only need to be "touched" (sensor) past the barrier monitor to gain entry and exit from paid areas. One great advantage of using the EasyCard is that it gives you a 20% discount on all MRT rides, and if you transfer from the MRT to an ordinary city bus, or vice versa, within an hour, the bus ride is only NT$7. The discount is automatically calculated when you leave the MRT station. It is also possible to buy day cards just for the metro system for NT$200 (refundable deposit of NT$50) and for NT$180 you can buy a card that works on both the metro and buses. Alternatively, the Taipei Pass costs NT$250 (no deposit) and covers travel on the metro and Maokong Gondola for one day, which is cheap and convenient if you take at least six trips. Often limited-edition cards are issued by the transit authority depicting artworks, famous characters, landscapes, etc. These are quite collectible and are perfect souvenirs for your trip. Single-journey tokens are recycled when you exit the stations, so if you want to keep a particular one you should purchase an extra. If you're coming from southern Taiwan, [[Kaohsiung]]'s iPass can be used interchangeably with the EasyCard in Taipei. When using escalators, be sure to '''stand on the right''' so people in a hurry can pass you on the left. ===By bus=== [[Image:Taipei_Bus_197-FU_20110320.jpg|thumb|200px|Taipei City Bus]] Taipei City has a [http://www.e-bus.taipei.gov.tw/ very efficient bus service] {{dead link|December 2020}}, and because all buses display information (destination and the names of stops) in English, the system is very accessible to non-Chinese speaking visitors. '''Payment''' can be made by cash (NT$15) or EasyCard (see [[Taiwan#Get around]]) for each section that the bus passes through. For local buses (all local buses have a number, so do long-distance buses) the maximum will be two sections with a total cost of NT$45. The confusion, however, arises by not knowing where the section boundaries are, and the fact that there is often a buffer zone to prevent people who get on one stop before the boundary from overpayment. Besides that, if you are transferring from the MRT to a bus within one hour, there is a discounted bus fare when using the EasyCard, and vice versa, see [[#By metro]]. As of July 1st, 2019, riders paying by cash must always pay when boarding the bus, and riders paying by EasyCard must tap '''both''' '''on and off''' when entering/exiting the bus. Prior to this change, there was a somewhat confusing system where riders would sometimes pay when entering the bus, and other times pay when leaving the bus. The EasyCard system will automatically calculate the number of zones travelled and deduct this from your card balance. Starting on February 1, 2020, failure to tap your EasyCard upon exiting the bus will not lock your card; however, you will not receive the MRT, bus, or YouBike transfer discount. ===By taxi=== [[Image:Taipei_Taiwan_Taxi-waiting-at-ChengDu-Road-01.jpg|thumb|200px|Taxis in Taipei are usually of the colour yellow for ease of recognition on the road.]] Taxis are the most flexible way to get around, and are extremely numerous. They are expensive in comparison to mass transit, but are cheap compared to taxis in the rest of the world. Taxis are metered, with the meter starting at NT$70 (an additional NT$20 is added at night). Most taxi drivers cannot speak English, and non-Chinese speakers will need to have their '''destination written down in Chinese'''. '''Tipping''' is neither necessary nor expected. Since 2012, all passengers are required to buckle their seatbelt. Women and/or children traveling at night are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies. The toll free taxi hotline is 0800-055850 (maintained by Department of Transportation). Taiwanese taxi drivers tend to be more honest than in many other countries. They are notorious for their strong opinions on politics. A large majority of them support Taiwan independence as they spend all day listening to talk radio. They will probably be unable to share any of this with you if you do not speak Chinese. Avoid any potential political discussion. It is not advisable for lone women at night to hail a random taxi from the street - it is best to have the number of one of the bigger taxi companies and to call for a cab. ===By bicycle=== [[File:Taiwan road sign Art067-1.png|thumb|250px|Some pavements (US English: sidewalks) in Taiwan have this sign to allow bicycling.]] Even though motorized traffic is very heavy in Taipei, bicycles are still legitimate vehicles to get around. There are long cycle paths beside most rivers in the city. Bicycles can also be carried on the Taipei metro but only at Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays and via certain stations - bicycles aren't permitted in larger interchange stations such as Taipei Main Station and Zhongxiao Fuxing, and bicycles are only permitted in the first and last carriages. Properly packaged folded bicycles are exempt from the restrictions upon ordinary bicycles. There are not many segregated bike lanes but on some busy streets cycling on the pavement (US English: sidewalk) is permitted where signed or marked, as in Japan. Taipei has a great bike sharing system - '''YouBike'''. It is very cheap if you register through their site or via large touch panel screen at major parking stations but you need a local mobile number to have a 4 number code sent to it to prove its yours. The first half hour is NT$5, which is enough for most every ride you need, then additional half hours are charged at NT$10. You use '''EasyCard''' or '''iPass''' (the same as for the subway and buses) to rent them. It's all very easy and the bikes are modern and convenient. Check each bicycle for defects before you use them; bike seats are turned backwards to signal some form of maintenance is required. You can't take another bike from the same parking station for 15 minutes after parking. A very useful smart phone app called bikefriend shows where each Youbike bike station is located and how many bikes or parking spots are available. ===By car=== Renting a car is not only unnecessary, but not recommended in Taipei unless you are planning to head out of the city. Traffic tends to be frantic, and parking spaces are expensive and difficult to find. Most of the main tourist destinations are reachable by public transport, and you should use that as your main mode of travel. ===Address system=== The Taipei address system is very logical and user-friendly. The hub of the city is the corner of the east–west running Zhongxiao (忠孝) and north–south running Zhongshan (中山) Rds, however while the north–south divide is made at Zhongxiao here, further east it is made instead at Bade (八德) Rd, something which confuses even people who have lived in Taipei for years. All major roads are identified by their direction in relation to these roads. For example, all sections of the north–south running Fuxing (復興) Rd north of Bade are called Fuxing North Rd (復興北路). Likewise, those sections to the south are called Fuxing South Rd (復興南路). Those that cross Zhongshan road are similarly identified as either east or west. Section (段; duàn) numbers begin at 'one' near the two defining roads and increase at intersections of major highways. For example, Ren'ai (仁愛) Rd (which has only an east location and therefore does not have a direction suffix), Section 1 will be close to Zhongshan South Rd. The section number will increase as one moves further away from Zhongshan Rd. So, for example, when Ren'ai Rd reaches Dunhua South Rd (敦化南路) far in the east of the city, a typical address could be: 7F, 166 Ren'ai Rd, Section 4. The house and lane numbers begin at zero every section. Lanes (巷; xiàng) lead off roads (路; lù) and streets (街; jiē), while alleys (弄; nòng) branch off lanes. ==See== Those who take the time to visit and look around will soon find that Taipei is just as vibrant as any other major city, and is full of a certain charm which makes it unique in its own right. Just spend a day wandering around Taipei's streets and you will start finding many surprises. ===Landmarks=== [[Image:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|280px|Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] Several memorial halls like the '''Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng District]] and '''Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall''' in [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] commemorate the most recognized leaders of the Nationalists to the lesser known war dead in the '''Martyrs' Shrine''' in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan District]]. All three have honor guards which change at set hours, demonstrating military precision and solemn respect for the ROC leaders and soldiers before them. Built in the middle of large parks, the memorial halls are also good places for some quiet reflection. [[File:Taipei_Taiwan_Mengjia-Longshan-Temple-00.jpg|thumb|280px|Longshan Temple]] While Taipei is largely secular, the elaborate Taoist and Buddhist temples such as '''Longshan Temple''' and '''Bao'an Temple''' in the older districts of [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua and Datong]] still draw locals who maintain the old rituals and traditions. On the [[Taipei/East District|glitzier side of town]], '''Taipei 101''' may have relinquished its tallest building status but remains a very popular attraction for its architectural style and observatory deck. On New Year's Eve, Taipei 101 becomes a beacon of lights and fireworks. ===Museums and galleries=== Anyone with even the slightest interest in Chinese history should visit the '''National Palace Museum''' in [[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]], which holds the singular best collection of historical artifacts from China, expertly curated by its staff. It is large enough that only one percent of what it owns is displayed at any one time, chief among them ancient paintings, scrolls, books and ceramics that span over 5000 years. The '''National Museum of History''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] also holds valuable relics. Unfortunately, the National Museum of History is closed for renovations until 2021. There are other quirky little private museums such as the Miniatures Museum (Adult NS$200) and Museum of Drinking Water for more off-beat exploration. Art in classical and contemporary forms can be appreciated too, in the '''Taipei Fine Arts Museum''' and the '''Taipei MOCA'''. Local artists have gathered in various artist villages to find inspiration and cultural centers like '''Huashan Cultural Center''' are interesting informal spaces for a creative spark. Taiwanese auteurs dream of becoming the next Ang Lee, displaying their independent films in the Spot-Taipei Film House. All these can be found in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]]. ===Parks and outdoors=== [[Image:Tsuei Heng Ge 20110203.jpg|thumb|280px|228 Peace Park]] If the cityscape gets a little dreary, there are plenty of parks to escape to. '''[[Taipei/East District|Daan Park]]''' is one of the largest in the city, earning the moniker of Taipei Central Park. '''228 Peace Park''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] was named to remember the bloody 228 Incident of 28 February 1947 and also holds the National Taiwan Museum and the 228 Memorial Museum. A few green spaces can also be found along the banks of the Keelung River, such as [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan District]]'s Dajie Riverside Park. Visit the '''Taipei Zoo''' in [[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]] to see giant pandas, brown bears and gorillas for a low, low price. It's more akin to a walk in a leafy park, where animals are free to roam around in their open enclosures. Combine it with a ride up on the '''Maokong Gondola''', which has a few special glass-floor carriages, to relax further in the hilltop teahouses. ===City gates=== [[image:臺北府城北門 台北商業大樓 20161015.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei North Gate]] Even though very little ancient architecture remains in Taipei, four of Taipei's five original city gates still stand. The city walls which surrounded the old city and the West Gate were demolished by the Japanese to make way for roads and railway lines. Of the four gates still standing, the Kuomintang renovated three of them in its effort to "sinicize" Taipei and converted them from the original [[South Fujian]] style architecture to northern Chinese palace style architecture, leaving only the '''North Gate''' (''beimen'' 北門 or more formally '''Cheng'en men''' 承恩門) in its original Qing Dynasty splendor today. Long obstructed by a busy elevated freeway, the freeway was decommissioned and removed in 2016, and a park has been built around the gate. ==Do== ===Hot springs === [[Image:wulai 3.JPG|thumb|280px|Wulai Hot Springs]] Hot springs (溫泉) come in various brands in Taipei, ranging from basic natural pools, to plush spas at five star hotels. The three main places to have a soak in the Greater Taipei area are: '''[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]]''' (北投), '''[[Wulai]]''' (烏來) and '''[[Yangmingshan National Park]]''' (陽明山). The basic free 'rub and scrub' type public baths are run by the city. Most hotels offer the option of a large sex-segregated bathing area that generally consists of several large baths of various temperatures, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath and also private and family rooms. Some hotels also have outdoor baths (露天溫泉), which offer restful views over the surrounding countryside. Prices range from around NT$300 to NT$800. The law in Taiwan states that for safety reasons, individuals are not allowed to bathe in the private rooms, and there must be at least two people. Etiquette requires that bathers thoroughly wash and rinse off their bodies before entering public baths, do not wear clothing (which includes swimwear, though this is not the case for mixed-sex public areas) and tie up their hair so that it does not touch the water. Finally, people with high blood pressure, heart disease or open wounds should not enter the baths. ===Hiking=== [[File:Chihsingshan,_Tatun_volcanoes.jpg|thumb|280px|Qixingshan in Yangmingshan National Park]] The mountains around Taipei make hiking is a popular exercise in the city. The main hiking spot closest to the city is the '''Four Beasts Mountain''' which border [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] and [[Taipei/Neihu|Nangang]]. One of the most rewarding walks is on '''[[Taipei/East District#Do|Elephant Mountain]]''', where steep steps lead up to several different viewpoints that give a striking contrast between Taipei 101 and its neighboring low-rise buildings, especially against the orange hues of sunset. Continuing on separate trails will head towards the remaining 'beasts' of Leopard, Lion and Tiger, and Nangang mountain and Jiuwufeng beyond them. * {{do | name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]] | alt=陽明山國家公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=just north of [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A favourite destination, particularly during spring when thousands of calla lilies, peonies and cherry blossoms bloom in the valleys. Besides that public hot springs, as well as hot sulphur blow holes and sources are equally worth the visit. There are dozens of hiking trails in the park, most marked out on maps from the visitors centre. Qixingshan is the highest peak in Yangmingshan, and looks out over the Taipei Basin and the north coast. }} ===Theme parks=== [[File:Taipei_Water_Park_entrance_20160101.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Water Park Entrance]] There are a few amusement parks around Taipei. One is the '''Children's Recreation Center''' in [[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]], great for younger kids. The '''Taipei Water Park''' near Museum of Drinking Water in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Gongguan]] is also a good place to spend time during summer, with its water slides and swimming areas. ===Festivals and events=== Taipei hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, but as many follow the lunar calendar the dates according to the Gregorian calendar are inconsistent. Check the Taiwan Tourist Bureau's events section before planning to attend an event. [[File:ChiangKaiShek-MemorialHall-LanternFestival.jpg|thumb|280px|Lantern Festival in CKS Memorial Hall]] * '''The Lantern Festival''' is a dazzling display of lanterns and lasers which runs for several days around the fifteenth day of the lunar new year. While the main city event is held at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and Taipei City Hall grounds, Renai Road perhaps offers the most elegant display, with the whole tree-lined boulevard transformed into a delicate tunnel of lights. [[Pingxi]] in [[New Taipei City]] celebrates the festival with the release of huge lanterns that float serenely across the night sky, carrying with them the dedications and aspirations of those who release them. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' commemorates the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival is marked by races of colorful dragon boats held at various locations throughout the island, with one of the best places to view a race in the Taipei area being the '''Bitan''' River in [[Xindian]]. Special sticky rice balls called ''zongzi'' (pronounced like "dzongdz") are also eaten on this day. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. * {{do | name=Golden Horse Chinese Language Film Festival | alt= | url=http://www.goldenhorse.org.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q22098766 | content=Often referred to as the Oscars of the Chinese film world, while films in the awards section are all in Chinese, they have English subtitles and there is also a large non-competition foreign language section. }} * {{do | name=Taipei Film Festival | alt=臺北電影節 | url=http://www.taipeiff.tw/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taipei Film Festival | wikidata=Q698098 | content=An international festival with two award sections – Taipei Award Nominees and International New Talent Nominees. Films are shown at several venues throughout the city. }} * {{do | name=Taipei Pride Parade | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Buy== It has been said that [[Los Angeles]] has no center. In contrast, one could say that Taipei is all center, and as such it has been given the epithet - "the emporium without end." Basically, however, the main shopping area can be divided into two districts: East and West. West Taipei is the old city and is characterized by narrow streets packed with small shops. East Taipei boasts wide tree lined boulevards and the biggest shopping malls are in this area. ===Shopping areas=== The busiest part of '''East Taipei''' is in between MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Station and MRT Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station (Bannan Line). The axis of this shopping area is '''Zhongxiao East Road, Sec. 4''', which is surrounded by numerous department stores. SOGO has three branches in this area, mainly sales various of boutique. Another notable one is Mingyao Department Store which has the flagship store of Uniqlo in it. East Taipei is also famous for the small stores inside the alleys. On the other hand, '''Daan Road''' in the other side of the area, has more elegant clothing shops. [[File:Miramar Entertainment Park in the evening.jpg|thumb|Miramar Entertainment Park]] [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] is arguably the premier shopping area in Taipei, if not all of Taiwan, and is anchored by a number of department stores and malls. Key among them is '''Taipei 101 Mall''', as part of the larger Taipei 101 complex, and the massive Xinyi branch of the '''Shin Kong Mitsukoshi''' departmental store chain, which is the largest department store in Taiwan. Eslite Mall is an upscale market-style shopping center with a 24-hour bookshop (with a good English selection) on the second floor and ethnic music store in basement. For absolute luxury, try '''Bellavita Shopping Mall''' or '''Breeze Center'''. Also in the East District at near the Zhongxiao Fuxing Metro station is the flagship store of the '''Far Eastern Sogo''' department store chain, consisting of two separate buildings. [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Songshan]] has some shopping malls with distinctive architectural features, such as the '''Miramar Entertainment Park''', which sports a giant ferris wheel along with an IMAX theater. [[Image:In front of Central Pictures New World Building 20070618.jpg|thumb|Ximending, the area with youth]] For trendier fashion catering to youths, check out '''Ximending''' (西門町) in [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua]] just west of Downtown. If it's pink, plastic, and imported from Japan, you can probably find it on sale in a store. Sneakerheads will also find shoe stores with the latest limited releases here in sneaker-crazy Taipei, though you need to get a number and wait in a queue buzzing with anticipation. Several night markets don't just sell food but also have a large variety of clothing, handbags and more, like '''Shida Night Market''' near the university areas in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Gongguan]] and '''[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin Night Market]]'''. ===Electronic goods=== As the sales headquarters for many homegrown multinational electronics manufacturers (including Asus, Garmin and Acer among others), good bargains and unique models can be found in Taipei. Those interested in picking up inexpensive electronic goods and cameras should wander the lanes and alleys around Kaifeng Street and Zhonghua Road, as well as the malls connected to [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Taipei Main Station]]. Computer buffs will enjoy a visit to '''Guanghua Digital Plaza''' (光華數位新天地). Specializing in computer and electronic goods, this market has the largest number of stalls selling hardware and software under one roof in Taiwan, and all at very competitive prices. '''K-Mall''', in the former Asiaworld department store on the east side of Shinkong Mitsukoshi, specializes in electronics of all kinds and is a location for large companies such as Asus, Samsung, Benq, and Acer to showcase their newest products. The '''Taipei Zhongshan Metro Shopping Mall (Easy Mall)''' is a long underground shopping area that houses several stores selling all manner of items, not necessarily limited to electronics. A few stores in the Easy Mall carry current and vintage video games, hardware and software. ===Specialty items=== For jade, flowers and jewelry in one central location, check out the '''Jianguo Holiday Market''' in [[Taipei/East District|Daan]]. There are actually three different markets, the Weekend Jade Market, Weekend Flower Market and Weekend Handicrafts Market in this same location. As the names suggest, they are open only on weekends until 18:00. The '''Chinese Handicraft Mart''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] is also good for handicrafts. [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua's]] Dihua Street, Bopiliao Old Street and Snake Alley night market are throwbacks to the older days of Taipei, back when '''herbal remedies''' and aphrodisiacs were extremely popular. Pottery enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to [[Yingge]] in [[New Taipei City]]. Its old street is a crescent of beautiful '''pottery shops''' interspersed with coffee shops and tea houses. '''Zhongshan North Road''' (中山北路) is a tree-lined boulevard featuring numerous international and local brands. Gucci and Louis Vuitton are among the brands who operate stores along this street. This road, particularly along the second section, is also famous for its numerous '''wedding picture studios and gown boutiques'''. It is possible to find a great deal for wedding portraits here as competition is stiff. Go to just [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|north of the junction]] with Zhongxiao West Rd on Zhongshan North Rd, sec 1 (west side of the road) for '''trekking and backpacking''' stores selling a wide range of high quality equipment, and you'll be ready for all the outdoor hiking that Taipei and Taiwan offers. ===Books=== [[Image:Eslite_Xinyi_Store_20061125_night.jpg|thumb|Eslite Bookstore Xinyi Store]] Taipei has great '''book shops''', and roads such are '''Chongqing South Road''' are packed with stores specializing in Chinese language books. The '''Station Front Area''' (站前) is a section of downtown Taipei just south of the Taipei Railway Station. It is a bustling area filled with shops and stores of all kinds, but it is particularly well known for its high concentration of bookstores due to the bloom of bushibans (also known as cram schools). The following book stores all have good selections of '''English''' titles: * {{buy | name=Eslite | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2775-5977 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=(誠品) – Eslite offers a good selection at most of their branches, although the 24 hour flagship store (2F, 245 Dunhua South Rd. has the best selection. Eslite Book Store and shopping mall (11 Songgau Road), which incidentally is the largest book store in Taiwan, have the greatest selection. The Songgau Rd branch is next to MRT Station 'Taipei City Hall'. }} *'''Caves Books''' (敦煌) has two branches (54-3 Zhongshan North Road, Sec 2, near Yuanshan MRT Station. tel +886 2 2599-1166). This is a temporary location, while the old store is demolished and rebuilt. The other branch (5, Le 38, Tianyu St, Tianmu. Tel: +2 886 2874-2199) is one of the original book stores in Taipei specializing in English titles. And, although it has been surpassed by the newer arrivals, it is still a good place to pick up a popular novel and English language textbooks. * {{buy | name=Lai Lai | alt=來來 | url= | email= | address=4F, 271 Roosevelt Road, Sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2363-4265 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= This shop has a small but interesting selection of English material. }} * {{buy | name=Crane Publishing Company | alt= | url=http://www.crane.com.tw/ | email= | address=200 Section 2, Jinshan S Rd, Da’an District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2393-4497 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Specialists in English language textbooks and teaching material. }} * {{buy | name=Bookman Books | alt= | url=http://www.bookman.com.tw/ | email= | address=Room 5, 2F, 88 Xinsheng South Road, Sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2368-7226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= This is an excellent collection of English literature books, albeit a little expensive. }} * {{buy | name=Mollie Used Books | alt= | url= | email= | address=12, Alley 10, Lane 244, Roosevelt Road sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2369-2780 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= You'll find a reasonable selection of English titles here. }} '''NB''': In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (NT$1) - bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. ==Eat== Taipei probably has one of the highest densities of restaurants in the world. Almost every street and alley offers some kind of eatery. Of course, Chinese food (from all provinces) is well-represented. In addition, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Italian cuisines are also popular. Basically, [[Taipei/East District|East Taipei]], especially around Dunhua and Anhe Roads, and also the expat enclave of [[Taipei/Shilin|Tianmu]] are where to clash chopsticks with the rich and famous, whereas West Taipei offers more smaller, homey restaurants. ===Night markets=== [[File:Taipei_shilin_choudoufu.jpg|thumb|Innocent-looking stinky tofu]] There are several night markets (夜市) in each district. Some are open during daytime, and all are open until around midnight. Night markets consist of restaurants and stores at the permanent locations and little booths along the center. Every night market has a huge variety of food, so a visit to any one is a good bet for good food. A lot of Taiwanese street food hasn't actually originated from Taipei, but any popular ''xiaochi'' (small snack) eventually makes their way up to the capital. Some of the best known night market snacks are: '''oyster vermicelli''' (蚵仔麵線; ô-á mī-sòa), '''oyster omelet''' (蚵仔煎; ô-á-chian), '''fried chicken fillet''' (雞排; jīpái), '''stinky tofu''' (臭豆腐; chòudòufǔ) and '''aiyu jelly''' (愛玉冰; ài-yù-bīng) among a long list of others. Because of the vast selection, the recommendation is to go with a few people and share the food. Otherwise, honestly the best way to eat is to join the longest queue in the market, or just buy whatever catches your eye! Vendor food is generally safe to eat, but use common sense though if you have a sensitive stomach. [[File:Taipei_shilin_tianbula.jpg|thumb|Tianbula (甜不辣; tiánbúlà) Literally "Sweet, not spicy", is a Taiwanese version of Satsuma-age (referred to as Tempura in some regions of Japan)]] The most famous one in Taipei is the '''[[Taipei/Shilin#Eat|Shilin Night Market]]''' (士林夜市). It is easily accessible via the MRT at either the Jiantan (劍潭) or Shilin (士林) stations. Locals in Taipei view Shilin as touristy, with food catering to the tastes of mainland visitors. Another excellent option is '''Ning Xia Night Market''' (寧夏夜市) in [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Datong]] near the '''Taipei Circle''' (建成圓環) and accessible via the MRT at Zhongshan (中山) station. '''[[Taipei/Zhongshan#Eat|Raohe Street Night Market]]''' (饒河街觀光夜市) is also a viable option. It is a mere stone's throw away from the Songshan (松山) railway station. ===Restaurants=== While it might be possible to spend all your dinners at night markets, Taipei also has plenty of sit-down restaurants with more substantial dishes. For upmarket Taiwanese cuisine, which revolves around the mild yet flavorful trio of basil, garlic and chili, in addition to white rice or sweet potato congee (no wheat-based products for example), try '''Ching-yeh Aoba''' in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]] or '''Shinyeh Table''' in [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Daan]]. But for more down-to-earth experiences, don't forget to go to one of the many "hot fry" (熱炒) restaurants in Taipei where the locals go to eat Taiwanese food and drink beer and kaoliang. Be prepared for a noisy atmosphere, tiny seats, lots of empty beer bottles and excellent food at a low price. [[File:鼎泰豐台北101店.jpg|thumb|Din Tai Fung Restaurant - Taipei 101 branch]] The influx of KMT migrants perhaps makes Taipei one of the easiest places to sample a quality spread of Chinese provincial cuisines. ''Xiaolongbao'' (小籠包) or soup dumplings is a [[Shanghai]]nese dish made famous by '''Din Tai Fung''', whose first storefront at [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Xinyi Road]] remains heavily patronised by fans of the world-wide franchise. They have many branches all over the city too, though their branch at Taipei 101 is also extra crowded. Around the corner from Xinyi Road is '''Yongkang Street''', which boasts quite a mix of old and new restaurants like '''Kaochi''' or '''Jin Ji Yuan'''. Both serve ''xiaolongbao'', along with other dishes such as fried chicken, good alternatives for when the queue to Din Tai Fung is an hour long. '''Beef noodle soup''' is a national icon; Taipei even holds a yearly judging event every September to appraise competitors. There are two main types: ''hongshao'' (紅燒牛肉麵), a strongly flavored dish derived from [[Sichuan]] spicy bean paste and soya sauce braised beef, and ''qingdun'' (清燉牛肉麵), a clear light broth, although there are even tomato varieties popping up around the city. On [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Yongkang St]] alone, there're already two beef noodle shops, '''Yongkang Beef Noodle''' and '''Lao Zhang''', which have their own regulars. Those more game to get to hard-to-find places can reward themselves at Lin Tung Fong in [[Taipei/Zhongshan#Eat|Zhongshan]] or the one at [[Taipei/Old Taipei#Eat|Taoyuan Street near Ximending]]. Another popular dish in Taipei is '''ginger duck''' (薑母鴨)，which originated in [[South Fujian]], but has undergone its own unique evolution in Taiwan. It is only eaten in the winter, and shops selling this dish close for the summer months. Ba Wei Ginger Duck (霸味薑母鴨) is a famous shop selling this dish, and while its main branch is in [[Sanchong]], it also has many branches throughout the city. ===Vegetarian=== Vegetarian food (素食) is also common fare, with the city boasting more than two hundred vegetarian restaurants and vendor stands. Another Taipei specialty is '''vegetarian buffets'''. They are common in every neighborhood, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets listed below (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$75-120 will buy you a good-sized, nutritious meal. Many of these veggie restaurants are Buddhist in nature and so meals do not contain garlic or onion (which traditionalists claim inflames passion). *'''Minder Vegetarian'''. This is a restaurant chain offering the above-mentioned vegetarian buffet. Aside from the usual line of vegetarian dishes, contemporary cuisine such as rice rolls, tempura and a range of desserts, all entirely vegetarian, are offered as well. Major branches in Taipei are available at '''Taipei Main Station 2F, Breeze Taipei Branch''', No. 3, Beiping North Road, '''Eslite Bookstore B2, Xinyi Branch''', Xinyi District, No. 11, Songgao Road and '''Eslite Bookstore B1, Dunhua South Branch''', Da-an District, No. 245, Dunhua South Road, Sec. 1. * {{eat | name=Lotus Pavilion Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.lck888.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=153-155 Xinyi Rd B1, Sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions=entrance in alley behind Changhwa Bank | phone=+886 2 2703-5612 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An upscale all-you-can-eat buffet. }} * {{eat | name=King Join | alt= | url=http://www.kingjoin.com.tw | email= | address= No 18 Shin-Wei Rd| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2-2701-3225 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Traditional Chinese setting. }} *For a special Taipei street experience, check out the '''veggie vendor''' outside No. 30, Lane 216, Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 4 (in the alleys behind the Dunhua South Road Eslite Mall and book store). The rice noodles are especially delicious and cheap and a plate of their dougan (dried tofu) makes a great side dish. ==Drink== The nightlife in Taipei runs from boisterous night markets to equally exuberant clubs and bars, and indeed the city comes alive with glittering lights after the last rays of the sun leave the grey buildings. ===Bars and clubs=== [[File:Taiwan Beer aluminium can 20100902.jpg|thumb|A cold can of Taiwan Beer]] [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] is where the biggest and most flashy clubs are, especially the '''ATT4FUN Building''' which has an excellent view of Taipei 101, while smaller shophouses around the [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Taida and Shida university areas]] host live music gigs (although lessened after noise complaints). The "Combat Zone" in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]] used to be the go-to district for [[US]] soldiers in the [[Vietnam]] War and remains fairly gritty with quite the collection of dive bars. The area around [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Red House Theater near Ximending]] has a large number of outdoor bars which are generally known to be gay-friendly. Visit the '''Taiwan Beer Bar''', also known as Taipei Brewery, in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] if you fancy trying cheap and fresh brews of the local favorite Taiwan Beer. Cover charges are usually required for entry, but these will include a free drink at the very least, with some places even offering free flow of house pours for the whole night after payment. Wednesday nights are ladies' night in most venues. ===Tea houses=== Taiwan's speciality tea is ''High Mountain Oolong'' (高山烏龍, a fragrant, light tea) and ''Tieguanyin'' (鐵觀音, a dark, rich brew). The mountainous '''Maokong''' area of Muzha in the [[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan district]] of the city has dozens upon dozens of teahouses, many of which also offer panoramic views of the city. Its especially spectacular on a clear evening. A '''[http://english.gondola.taipei/ Maokong Gondola]''' (cable car) system services the Taipei Zoo MRT station to Maokong. The S10 bus comes up from the Wanfang Community MRT station. ===Cafes=== While traditionally a nation of tea drinkers, the Taiwanese have really embraced the cafe culture, and all the usual chains can be found here in abundance. For cafes with more character, roam the back streets near National Taiwan University between Xinsheng South Road and Roosevelt Road in [[Taipei/Zhengzhong|Gongguan]]. More cafes are in the area around Renai Road, Section 4 and Dunhua South Road. There are also some interesting and characterful places between Yongkang Park and Chaozhou Street, and in the alleys around Shida Road. However, for a particularly impressive range of styles, visit Bitan in [[Xindian]], where all the cafes offer restful views over the river and mountains beyond (though can be noisy during weekends). ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|below NT$2,500|NT$2,500-5,000|NT$5,000+}} Taipei offers an important number of various accommodations ranging from basic dorms to 5-star luxury hotels. See the [[#Districts|districts articles]] to read detailed listings. Tourists sleeping one night in Taipei might want to stay in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]], near the Main Train Station, where many budget accommodations can be found. Hostels can be found in the [[Taipei/Old Taipei|old Taipei]] area. Hotels around the [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Ximending]] area would be convenient for those wanting to eat, shop and party all in one area. Business travelers would probably prefer to stay in [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]], the financial district, where many luxury hotels are found. The Grand Hotel in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]], built back when Chiang Kai-shek decided there wasn't a suitable hotel in which to welcome foreign dignitaries, may appeal to those interested in classical Chinese architecture and history. 10% service fee and 5% VAT are usually not included in the top end hotel rates. If you're staying a bit more long-term in Taipei, do as some daily commuters do and get cheaper rooms outside city boundaries, in places such as [[Xindian]] and [[Yonghe]], which are still somewhat accessible through the Taipei MRT network. ==Learn== ===Buddhism=== *The internationally acclaimed Chan (Zen) Master Sheng-yen (who passed away in Feb 2009) has a monastery in [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] where there are regular meditation meetings with instruction given in English. See [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] page for more information. *'''Tibetan Buddhism''' has become very popular in Taiwan, and the Taipei area alone boasts more than fifty centers. So, on any given night there will be teachings and rituals being held in the city. Taipei has become a regular port of call for many of the well known rinpoches. While most teachings are given in Tibetan with translation into Chinese, some are given in English. For information on teachings, check notice boards at vegetarian restaurants. (For purchase of Buddha statues and other Buddhist artifacts, see 'Potala' under listings for 'Buy') *The international Buddhist foundation '''The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation''' has its headquarters in Taipei. The foundation publishes books on Buddhism in various languages (including English) which it offers for free. For detailed information check the foundation's [http://www.budaedu.org.tw/en/ web site] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===Universities=== [[Image:National Taiwan University Library 20060802.jpg|thumb|250px|National Taiwan University]] * {{listing | name=National Taiwan University | alt=國立臺灣大學 | url=http://www.ntu.edu.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Taiwan's uncontested number one university. Colloquially known by the shortened 臺大 (''Táidà''). }} * {{listing | name=National Taiwan Normal University | alt=國立臺灣師範大學 | url=http://www.ntnu.edu.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Colloquially known by the shortened ''Shida'', one of the oldest universities in Taiwan. NTNU runs the Mandarin Training Center, an excellent program teaching several levels of Mandarin Chinese in semester-long segments. }} * {{listing | name=National Taiwan University of Science and Technology | alt=國立臺灣科技大學 | url=http://www-e.ntust.edu.tw/front/bin/home.phtml {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=The first technical university in Taiwan. }} ===Language=== * {{listing | name=Mandarin Training Center | alt= | url=http://mtc.ntnu.edu.tw/eng/ | email=mtc@mtc.ntnu.edu.tw | address=National Taiwan Normal University (Shida), 162 Heping East Rd, sec. 1. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2321-8457, +886 2 2391-4248 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2341-8431 | content=This school, which is part of Shi-da University, remains one of the most popular schools in Taiwan for serious students of Mandarin. }} * {{listing | name=International Chinese Language Program National Taiwan University | alt=Taida | url=http://ccms.ntu.edu.tw/~iclp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content= This program, which used to be called the IUP program, has a long history of Chinese language training, especially for advanced learners and primarily targeting graduate students, scholars and professionals studying in China and Taiwan. It has very small classes, very high quality instructors and textbooks, but may be considerably more expensive than the alternatives. Only students who expect a very intensive experience, usually with a year or more of time to dedicate to study, should consider this program. }} * {{listing | name=Mandarin Daily News Language Center | alt=more commonly known locally as Guo-Yu-Ri-Bau | url=http://www.mdnkids.com/english_hp/language.asp | email= | address=2F. 2 Fu-zhou Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2391-5134, +886 2 2392-1133 ext 1004 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2391-2008 | content=Along with the Center for Chinese Language and Culture Studies, this is one of the most popular schools in Taiwan for serious students of Mandarin. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Maryknoll Language Service Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rm. 800, 8 Fl., Chung Ying Bldg. 2 Zhongshan North Rd., Sec. 1 | lat= | long= | directions=Near a Taipei Station MRT stop exit | phone=+886 2 2314-1833 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Maryknoll Language Service Center offers Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Hakka classes. Mostly one-on-one tutorials although you may be able to arrange a group class. }} ===Taichi=== *Unless you have a recommendation, the best way to find a good teacher is to visit a park at sunrise and check out the scene for yourself. If you spot a group that impresses you, approach one of the students and inquire about joining them. Most teachers will be happy to have a new student, though some old masters may 'play hard to get.' In the latter case, persistence is required. Most teachers will expect some sort of fee for their tuition. However, as it is considered impolite to directly ask the teacher this question, use a fellow student as mediator. Furthermore, when offering the money on the allotted day, place it in a red envelope (''hongbao'' - available at all convenience and stationery stores) and slip it to the teacher subtly. Offering cash openly to a teacher of a traditional art or religion is considered undignified and demeaning. Most parks host tai'chi groups, but the most popular places are the grounds of the '''Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall''' (nearest MRT station - CKS Memorial Hall) and '''Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall''' (nearest MRT station - SYS Memorial Hall) as well as '''228 Peace Park''' (formerly known as New Park - nearest MRT station - National Taiwan University Hospital). ===Cooking=== * {{listing | name=The Coriander Cooking Studio | alt= | url=https://the-coriander.wixsite.com/cooking-studio | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Offers Taiwanese small eats cooking classes, Certificate of Excellence From Tripadvisor in 2019. }} * {{listing | name=Jodie's Kitchen Cooking School | alt= | url=http://kitchen.j321.com | email= | address=2F, 29-1 Zi Yun St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2720-0053 | tollfree= | fax= | content=Offers Taiwanese and Chinese cooking classes }} *Many community colleges, such as [http://www.zzcc.tp.edu.tw/ Zhongzheng Community College] and [http://university.tamsui.org.tw/ Tamsui Community University] offer weekly cooking courses. These include Chinese, Italian and Thai cooking, for example. The classes are in Chinese or Taiwanese language only. The prices are quite low because the colleges are government-funded. ==Work== Teaching English (or to a lesser extent, other foreign languages) is perhaps the easiest way to work in Taiwan. Work permits will be hard to come by and will take time. Consult your local Taiwan consulate/embassy/representative as far in advance as possible. Anyone staying in Taiwan for an extended period of time can ''find'' English teaching work, albeit illegally. Many people teach English (or other languaged) for pay without a permit in Taipei and elsewhere in Taiwan. ==Connect== ===Hospitals=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Chung-shan Hospital | alt=中山醫院 | url= | email= | address=11, Lane 112, Renai Road, Sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions=Nearest MRT: 'Zhongxiao-Dunhua' (a fifteen minute walk) | phone=+886 2' 2708-1166 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q30293373 | content=A small hospital popular with expats }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Buddhist Tzu-chi Hospital | alt=慈濟醫院 | url= | email= | address=Jianguo Road, Xindian City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 6628-6336, +886 2 6628-9800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A very friendly and efficient hospital with an especially caring environment. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Mackay Memorial Hospital | alt=馬偕紀念醫院 | url=http://www.mmh.org.tw | email= | address=92 Zhongshan North Road Sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions=nearest MRT Station: Shuanglian | phone=+886 2 2543-3535 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6724292 | content=One of the best hospitals in Taipei }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=National Taiwan University Hospital | alt=臺大醫院 | url= | email= | address=1 Changde Street | lat= | long= | directions=Nearest MRT Station: NTU Hospital | phone=+886 2' 2312-3456 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1418766 | content=One of Taiwan's largest and most famous hospitals }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Taiwan Adventist Hospital | alt=臺安醫院 | url= | email= | address=424 Bade Road Sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2771-8151 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3145256 | content=This hospital has English-speaking staff. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Yang-ming Hospital | alt=陽明醫院 | url= | email= | address=105 Yusheng Street, Shilin | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Popular with the Tianmu expat community }} ===Internet=== ====WiFi==== The free ''iTaiwan'' is available all over the city &ndash; for more information read the [[Taiwan#Internet|country article]]. You need to (freely and easily) register to use it. Other WiFis like [http://www.tpe-free.taipei.gov.tw/ ''TPE-Free''] ====Internet cafés==== Internet cafés are plentiful, especially in the maze of alleys between Taipei Main Station and Peace Park. However, you may have to wander around (and look up and down as many are on higher floors or in the basement) before finding one. Some computers are coin operated. Internet cafes are known as ''wang-ka'' in Chinese (a combination of ''wang'', the Chinese word for 'net', and ''ka'' an abbreviation of 'cafe'). Below is a list of a few recommended internet cafes: * {{listing | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=B1 on the corner of Shida Road and Lane 117, two minute walk from Taipower Building MRT station exit 3 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Aztec | alt= | url= | email= | address=2F. 235 Zhongxiao East Road, sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=LHH Cyber Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=28 Guangfu South Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Skywalker Multimedia Entertainment Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=B1, 119 Minsheng East Road, sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Major airlines=== *'''Cathay Pacific''' (國泰航空) – ''+886 2'' 2715 2333 *'''China Airlines''' (中華航空) – ''+886 2'' 2715 1212 *'''EVA Airways''' (長榮航空) – ''+886 2'' 2501 1999 *'''KLM Asia''' (荷蘭皇家航空) – ''+886 2'' 2711 4055 *'''Delta''' (達美航空) – ''+886 2'' 2772 2188 *'''Singapore Airlines''' (新加坡航空) – ''+886 2'' 2551 6655 *'''Thai Airways''' (泰國航空) – ''+886 2'' 2509 6800 For up-to-date information on cheap flights, check the advertisement pages of one of the three local daily English newspapers (see 'Media' section below). ===Media=== Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. There are two daily local newspapers available in English, '''''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]''''' and '''''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]'''''. A third English-language newspaper '''''[http://www.etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]''''' (formerly ''China News'') is no longer available on paper but continues to exist online. Most media in Taiwan has a political slant; ''The China Post'' is more pan-blue while ''Taipei Times'' is more pan-green. Free news and information are available from the following: * '''''[http://www.communitycenter.org.tw/our-magazine/ Centered on Taipei]''''' is a free monthly designed for expats living in Taipei, but it is also very useful for visitors. It can be found in many of the major hotels throughout Taipei, and also in many businesses in the Tian Mu area. *'''''[http://www.tmit-media.com/ This Month in Taiwan] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}}''''' is a free magazine that lists events and has an exhaustive directory of useful numbers in Taiwan. It can be found at tourist offices and major hotels. * '''''[http://englishnews.ftv.com.tw FTV English Edition]''''' – This show is an hour of English news shown on Channel 53 (2005) on the local TV station Formosa TV (FTV) at 23:00 every night. The program features 30 minutes of local news, as well as cultural events. The show is archived online. *'''[http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT]''' (short for "international Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available across Taiwan on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour M-F between 07:00 and 20:00, and Sa between 10:00 and 18:00. ===Telephone=== Mobile phone coverage is relatively good in Taipei. Among the major providers are '''Chunghwa Telecom''' (中華電信), '''Taiwan Mobile''' (臺灣大哥大), '''Vibo''' (威寶電訊) and '''Far EasTone''' (遠傳電訊). Taipei has both GSM 900/1800 and 3G networks and roaming might be possible for users of such mobile phones, subject to agreements between operators. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Prepaid 1GB SIM cards can be purchased for about 500NT with a passport. ===Tourist and emergency numbers=== *Tourist Information Office: 9F, 290 Zhongxiao East Road., Sec. 4. TEL:2349-1500 – There is also a branch tourist office next to the ticket purchasing counters at Taipei Main Station, and near exit 16 in the Metro Mall underground shopping plaza that runs between MRT the Zhongxiao-Fushing and Zhongxiao-Dunhwa Stations. *Tourist Information (emergency number) - {{phone|+886 2 2717-3737}}. === Printing documents === All 24-hour convenience stores, such as 7-11 and Family Mart, have a flat screen monitor. With a USB, this monitor can be used to print documents on the store's photocopy machine. === Reservations === All 24 hour convenience stores offer a reservation service. A flat screen monitor (usually near the check-out) has lists of trains, theater, and movie screenings. Once a reservation has been confirmed, payment can be made at the check-out in exchange for a ticket. == Stay safe == Taipei is one of the safest cities you will ever visit, and violent crime is extremely rare. Most people, including single female travellers, will not encounter any problems roaming the streets alone at night. However, while not as rampant as in major European cities, pickpockets operate in crowded areas, so you should be vigilant of your belongings, particularly in night markets. Local police are a resource you can turn for help, and many officers speak at least basic English. * '''[http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm Central Weather Bureau]''' – In addition to giving a seven-day forecasts for Taipei, this website also has detailed maps showing the path of an approaching typhoon and up-to-the-minute information of earthquakes, giving their location and magnitude. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Division | alt= | url= | email= | address=No.96, Yanping S. Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886-2-2381-8251, +886-2-2381-7494 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-23 | content=The specialized division of the Taipei City Police Department (TCPD) tasked with dealing with crimes involving foreigners. Each precinct of the TCPD has a foreign affairs section; their contact information is listed [https://english.police.gov.taipei/cp.aspx?n=CFC5CEAB8AFFEF3C here]. }} ** {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Service Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 80, Dadong Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886-2-2556-6007 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-23 | content=Branch office of TCPD's Foreign Affairs Division. }} * Emergency numbers: ** Police: '''110''' ** Ambulance, Fire brigade: '''119''' ==Cope== [[File:Taipei Taiwan Presidential-Office-Building-03.jpg|thumb|Presidential Office Building]] * {{listing | name=National Immigration Agency | alt=移民署 | url=https://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1092844&ctNode=32289&mp=2 {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=No.15, Guangzhou Street, Zhongzheng District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2-23889393, +886 2-23899983 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 09:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=National Immigration Agency | wikidata=Q6973478 | content=Visa applications/extensions for foreign residents of Taipei City should be made at this agency. }} ===Foreign missions=== As the People's Republic of China (PRC) does not allow other countries to have diplomatic relations with both itself and the ROC on Taiwan, many of the world's nations do not have official embassies or consulates in Taiwan. However, as the PRC allows recognition of Taiwan as a separate economy, many nations maintain a "Trade Office', "Institute" or something of a similar name in Taipei. These missions serve as ''de facto'' embassies that perform consular activities, such as issuing visas. {| | |style="vertical-align:top:width=50%;"| *{{flag|Argentina}} {{listing | name=Argentina: Argentina Trade and Cultural Office | alt= | url=https://occat.cancilleria.gob.ar/ | email=atco326@ms13.hinet.net | address=Suite 1512, 15 F, No. 333, Sec. 1, Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2757 6556 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2757 6448 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Australia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Australia: The Australian Office Taipei | alt= | url=http://australia.org.tw/tpei/home.html | email= | address=27th-28th Floors, President International Tower, No. 9-11 Song Gao Rd,, Xinyi District, Taipei .11073 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 8725 4100 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 9789 9599 | hours=M-F 08:45-12:30 and 13:30-17:15 | price= | wikidata=Q22773800 | content= }} *{{flag|Austria}} {{listing |name=Austria: Austrian Office Taipei |email=taipeh-ot@bmeia.gv.at |address=10 F No. 167 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 8175 3283 |fax=+886 2 2514 9980 |content= }} *{{flag|Belgium}} {{listing |name=Belgium: Belgian Office, Taipei|url=http://countries.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/taipei |email=taipei@diplobel.fed.be |address=Suite 601, Worldwide House, No. 131 Minsheng East Rd., Sec. 3, Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 2715 1215 |fax=+886 2 2712 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:45 and 14:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Brazil}} {{listing |name=Brazil: Commercial Office of Brazil to Taipei|url=http://taipe.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/|email=consular.taipei@itamaraty.gov.br |address=2 F No. 45 Dexing West Rd., Shihlin, Taipei 11158 |phone=+886 2 2835 7388 |fax=+886 2 2835 712 |content= }} *{{flag|Canada}} {{listing |name=Canada: Canadian Trade Office in Taipei |url=http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/taiwan/taipei.aspx?lang=eng |email=taipei@international.gc.ca |address=6 F Hua-hsin Building, No. 1 SongZhi Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11047 |phone=+886 2 8723 3000 |fax=+886 2 8723 3592 |hours=M-Th 08:15-12:00, F 08:15-12:45 |content= }} *{{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing |name=Czech Republic: Czech Economic and Cultural Office |url=http://www.mzv.cz/taipei|email=Taipei_Ceco@mzv.cz |address=7 F No.200 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11071 |phone=+886 2 2722 5100 |fax=+886 2 2722 5117 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Denmark}} {{listing |name=Denmark: The Trade Council of Denmark |url=http://taipei.um.dk |email=tpehkt@um.dk |address= 12 F, Suite 1207, No. 205 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 10595 |phone=+886 2 2718 2101 |fax=+886 2 2718 2141 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Finland}} {{listing |name=Finland: Finland's Trade Office in Taipei |email=teppro.turkki@finpro.fi |address=Room 1511, 15 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2772 0764 |content= }} *{{flag|France}} {{listing |name=France: Bureau Français de Taipei| url=http://www.france-taipei.org |address=10 F No. 205 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 3518 5151 |fax=+886 2 3518 5190 |content= }} *{{Flag|Germany}} {{listing |name=Germany: German Institute Taipei |url=https://taipei.diplo.de/tw-en |email=info@taipei.diplo.de |address=33 F, No. 7 Xinyi Rd., Sec. 5, Taipei |phone=+886 2 8722 2800 |hours=M-Th 08:30-17:00, F 08:30-14:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Hungary}} {{listing |name=Hungary: Hungarian Trade Office, Taipei|url=http://www.hungary.org.tw |address=3F No. 97 Jingye 1st Rd., Tachih, Taipei 104 |phone=+886 2 8501 1200 |fax=+886 2 8501 1167 |content= }} *{{flag|India}} {{listing |name=India: India-Taipei Association |url=http://www.india.org.tw |address=Suite 2010/2012 International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2757 6112 |fax=+886 2 2757 6117 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:20-17:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing |name=Indonesia: Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei |address=6 F No. 550, Rui Guang Rd., Neihu District, Taipei 114 |phone=+886 2 8752 6176 |fax=+886 2 8752 3706 |content= }} *{{flag|Israel}} {{listing |name=Israel: Israeli Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei |url=https://embassies.gov.il/taipei-en/ConsularServices/Pages/consular-services.aspx |address=Suite 2408, 24 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2757 9692 | fax=+886 2 2757 7247 |hours=M-F 09:30-12:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Italy}} {{listing |name=Italy: Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office |rmail=consolare.taipei@esteri.it |address=Room 1809, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2345 0320 |fax=+886 2 2757 6260 |hours=M-F 09:50-12:50 |content= }} *{{flag|Japan}} {{listing |name=Japan: Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association|url=http://www.koryu.or.jp |email=iaj_center@kory.co.jp |address=28 Qingcheng St,. Taipei 10547 |phone=+886 2 2713 8000 |fax=+886 2 2713 8787 |content= }} *{{flag|Luxembourg}} {{listing |name=Luxembourg: Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office, Taipei|email=assistant@luxtrade.org |address=No. 5 Alley 8, Lane 201, Qiyen Rd., Taipei 11242 |phone=+886 2 2891 6647 |fax=+886 2 2894 8314 |content= }} *{{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing |name=Malaysia: Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre, Taipei |url=http://www.kln.gov.my/web/twn_taipei/home |email=mwtaipei@kln.gov.my |address=9 F San Ho Plastic Building, No. 102 Tun Hwa North Rd., Songshan District, Taipei 10595 |phone=+886 2 2713 2626 |fax=+886 2 2514 9864 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Mexico}} {{listing |name=Mexico: Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office |url=http://oficinaenlace.sre.gob.mx/taiwan/|email=mexico@mextw.com |address=Suite 1502, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 6566 |fax=+886 2 2758 4651 |content= }} *{{flag|Mongolia}} {{listing |name=Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar Trade and Economic Representative Office in Taipei |address=Suite 112, 11 F, No. 333, Sec. 1 Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2722 9740|fax=+886 2 2722 9745' }} *{{flag|Myanmar}} {{listing |name=Myanmar: Myanmar Trade Office (Taipei)|url=https://mtotpe.blogspot.tw |address=6 F, No. 168 Jingmao 2nd. Rd., Nangang District, Taipei 115 |phone=+886 2 2789 2100 |content= }} *{{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing |name=Netherlands: Netherlands Trade and Investment Office | |address=13 F-2, Farglory Financial Center, No. 1 Song Gao Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11073 |phone=+886 2 8758 7200 |fax=+886 2 2720 5005 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 |content= }} |style="vertical-align:top;width=50%;| *{{flag|New Zealand}} {{Listing |name=New Zealand: New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office Taipei | url=http://nzcio.com |email=ncio.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=9 F No. 1 SongZhi Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11047 |phone=+886 2 2720 5228 |fax=+886 2 2720 5255 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Nigeria}} {{listing |name=Nigeria: Nigeria Trade Office in Taiwan R.O.C. |address=Suite 7D06, 7 F, No. 5, Sec. 5, 5 Xinyi Rd., Taipei 11011 |phone=+886 2 2720 2669|fax=+886 2 2720 4242 }} *{{flag|Oman}} {{Listing |name=Oman: Commercial Office of the Sultanate of Oman in Taiwan |url=http://www.omantaiwan.org |address=7G-05 Taipei World Trade Center, No. 5 Xinyi Rd., Sec. 5, Taipei |phone=+886 2 2722-0684 |fax=+886 2 2722-0645 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Philippines}} {{listing |name=Philippines: Manila Economic and Cultural Office |url=http://www.meco.org.tw |email=meco.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=2 F, Chang Hong New Era Building, No. 56 & 57 Zhouzi Street, Neihu District, Taipei 114 |phone=+886 2 2658 8825 |fax=+886 2 2658 8887 |hours=M-F 09:00-18:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Poland}} {{listing |name=Poland: Warsaw Trade Office in Taipei|url=http://poland.tw/en|email=warsaw.office@msa.hinet.net |address=Room 1601, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 7718 3300 |fax=+886 2 7718 3310 |hours=M-F 10:00-14:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Russia}} {{listing |name=Russia: Representative Office in Taipei for the Moscow-Taipei Coordination Commission on Economic and Cultural Cooperation | url=http://www.mtc.org.tw |address=15 F Aurora Building, No. 2, Sec. 5 Xinyi Rd., Taipei |phone=+886 2 8780 3011 |fax=+886 2 8790 2511 |hours=Tu Th 09:30-114:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}{{listing |name=Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei |url=http://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/taiwan/EN/Pages/default.aspx |address=4 F, No. 9 Lane 62, Tienmu West Rd., Shihlin, Taipei 111 |phone=+886 2 2876 1444 |fax=+886 2 2287 2919 |hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Singapore}} {{listing | name=Singapore: Singapore Trade Office in Taipei | alt= | url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/taipei | email=singtr_tpe@mfa.sg | address=9 F No. 85 Jen-Ai Rd, Sec. 4, Taipei 106 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2772 1940 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2711 1784 | hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 and 13:30-17:00 | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Somaliland}} {{listing | name=Somaliland: Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan | alt= | url=https://somaliland.tw | email=admin@somaliland.tw | address=3rd Floor, No. 108, Ningbo West Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei 100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 23333 1939 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2309 0398 | hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 | price= | content= }} *{{flag|South Africa}} {{listing |name=South Africa: Liaison Office of South Africa in Taiwan |url=http://www.southafrica.org.tw |email=south.africa@msa.hinet.net |address=Suite 1301 13 F No. 205 Tun Hua North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 8175 8588 |fax=+886 2 2712 5109 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 |content= }} *{{flag|South Korea}} {{listing |name=South Korea: Korean Mission in Taipei |url=http://taiwan.mofa.go.kr/worldlanguage/asia/taiwan/main/index.jsp |email=taipei@mofa.go.kr |address=Suite 1506, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2758 8320 |fax=+886 2 2757 7006 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Spain}} {{listing |name=Spain: Spanish Chamber of Commerce |url=http://www.icex.es/icex/es/navegacion-principal/todos-nuestros-servicios/informacion-de-mercados/paises/navegacion-superior/nuestras-oficinas/camarataipei.html?idPais=TW|email=taipei@comercio.mineco.es |address=10 F - B 1, No.49 Minsheng East Rd., Sec. 3, Taipei 10478 |phone=+886 2 2518 4905 |fax=+886 2 2518 4891 |content= }} *{{flag|Sweden}} {{listing |name=Sweden: Business Sweden |email=taipei@business-sweden.se |address=Room 1101, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, 11012 Taipei |phone=+886 2 2757 6573 |content= }} *{{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing |name=Switzerland: Trade Office of Swiss Industries |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/taiwan/en/home.html |email=tai.vertretung@eda.admin.ch |address=Room 3101, 3 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2720 1001 |fax=+886 2 2757 6984 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Thailand}} {{listing |name=Thailand: Thailand Trade and Economic Office (Taipei) |url=http://www.tteo.org.tw |email=tteo@ms22.hinet.net |address=12 F No. 168 Sung Chiang Rd., Chungshan District, Taipei 104 |phone=+886 2 2581 1979 |fax=+886 2 2581 8707 |hours=M-F 09:00-114:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Turkey}} {{listing |name=Turkey: Turkish Trade Office in Taiwan |url=http://www.taipei.to.mfa.gov.tr/Default.aspx |email=tr-office.taipei@mfa.gov.tr |address=Suite 1905, 19 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 7318 |fax=+886 2 2757 9432 |hours=M-F 09:30-12:30 |content= }} *{{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing |name=United Kingdom: British Office Taipei | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-trade-cultural-office-taiwan |email-info.taipei@fco.gov/uk |address=26 F President International Tower, No. 9-11 Song Gao Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11073 |phone=+886 2 8758 2088 |fax=+886 2 8758 2050 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|United States}} {{listing | type=listing | name=United States: American Institute in Taiwan | alt= | url=https://www.ait.org.tw/en/ | email= | address=No. 7, Ln. 134, Sec. 3, Xinyi Rd., Da-an District, Taipei | lat=25.032447 | long=121.539558 | directions= | phone=+886 2 2162 2000 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:00-11:00 and 13:00-15:30 | price= | wikidata=Q1195231 | content= }} *{{flag|Vietnam}} {{listing |name=Vietnam: Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office | email=vecotaipei@mofa.gov.vn |address=3 F No. 65 Sung Chiang Rd., Taipei |phone=+886 2 2516 6626 |fax=+886 2 2516 6625 |content= }} |} ===Embassies=== The following countries maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan and have embassies in Taipei. {| |style="vertical-align:top:width=50%;"| *{{flag|Belize}} {{listing |name=Belize|email=embassybzroc@gmail.com |address=11 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 1157 |phone=+886 2 2876 0894|fax=+886 2 2876 0896 |content=}} *{{flag|El Salvador}} {{listing |name=El Salvador|email=embsal.taipei@msa.hinet.net |address=2 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 3606|fax=+886 2 2876 3513 |content=}} *{{flag|Eswatini}} {{listing |name=Eswatini|email=swazitpi@ms41.hinet.net |address=10 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2872 5934 |content=}} *{{flag|Guatemala}} {{listing |name=Guatemala|email=embchina@minex.gob.gt |address=3 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2875 6952|fax=+886 2 2874 0699 |content=}} *{{flag|Haiti}} {{listing |name=Haiti|email=haiti@ms26.hinet.net |address=8 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 6718|fax=+886 2 2876 6719 |content=}} *{{flag|Vatican City}} {{listing |name=Holy See|email=na.taipei@diplomat.va |address=1 F No. 7-1 Lane 265, Heping East Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei 10667 |phone=+886 2 2700 6847|fax=+886 2 2755 1926 |content=}} *{{flag|Honduras}} {{listing |name=Honduras|email=embajadahondurastw@yahoo.com |address=9 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2875 5507|fax=+886 2 2875 5726 |content=}} *{{flag|Marshall Islands}} {{listing |name=Marshall Islands|email=rmiemb.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=4 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 4884|fax=+886 2 2873 4904 |content=}} |style="verical-align:top;width=50%;| *{{flag|Nauru}} {{listing |name=Nauru|email=embassy@nauru.org.tw |address=11 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 1950|fax=+886 2 2876 1930 |content=}} *{{flag|Palau}} {{listing |name=Palau|email=palau.embassy@msa.hinet.net |address=3 F no. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 1157 |phone=+886 2 2876 5415|fax=+886 2 2876 0436 |content=}} *{{flag|Paraguay}} {{listing |name=Paraguay|url=http://www.embapartwroc.com.tw|email=embapartaiwan@embapartwroc.com.tw |address=7 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 63110|fax=+886 2 2873 6312 |content=}} *{{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} {{listing |name=Saint Kitts and Nevis|email=embskn.tw@gmail.com |address=5 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 3252|fax=+886 2 2873 3246 |content=}} *{{flag|Saint Lucia}} {{listing |name=Saint Lucia|email=sluembassy.tw@gmail.com |address=Suite 2407, 24 F N. 333, Sec. 1, Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 6900|fax=+886 2 2757 68000 |content=}} *{{flag|Tuvalu}} {{listing |name=Tuvalu|url=http://www.tuvaluembassyroc.org|email=tuvaluembassyroc@gmail.com |address=9 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 7606|fax=+886 2 2876 7603 |hours=M-F 08:30-16:30 |content=}} |} ==Go next== Taiwan's excellent rail system makes day trips easy, and there's lots to see around the [[New Taipei]] and [[Keelung]]. * [[Tamsui]], an old port town northwest of Taipei, is the main scene of the Taiwanese movie-'''Secret''' by Jay Chou. It's very popular with tourists. * [[Jiufen]] is a former gold mining town on the northeast coast and now a popular tourist destination. * [[Banqiao]] is a town and administrative capital of the other city in the Taipei Metro Area, [[New Taipei City]]. * [[Fulong]] is on the eastern coast of Taipei County. There you will find a coastal town with an excellent beach. Every July, there is the three day '''Ho-hai-yan Rock Festival''' which is a must-see. * [[Yingge]] is famous for its high concentration of potters and ceramic makers. It's even possible to travel to anywhere along the west coast of Taiwan all the way to [[Kaohsiung]] and back within a day, although at the price of a high-speed rail ticket. The [[Eastern Taiwan|eastern parts]] are a little harder to get to, and [[Taroko Gorge]] warrants more than a night's stay anyway. * [[Taroko Gorge]] – Here, the Liwu River cuts through 3,000-foot marble cliffs. The area around the gorge is also designated as '''Taroko Gorge National Park'''. * [[Hsinchu]] is a city with an old heritage and modern science park. * [[Shei-pa National Park]] spans mountains and rivers and is in [[Hsinchu County]] has great hiking trails. Hsinchu County is also home to '''[http://www1.leofoo.com.tw/village/en/ Leofoo Village Theme Park]''', Taiwan's most popular amusement park. * [[Sun Moon Lake]] in [[Nantou County]] is a crystal clear lake embedded into lush mountains. * [[Tainan]] for a laidback atmosphere and in-depth look into the history of Taiwan. {{routebox | placename=Taipei (THSR) | image1=Taiwan High Speed Rail (Logo Only).svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Hsinchu]] | minorr1=[[Taoyuan]] }} {{routebox | placename=Taipei (National Highway) | image1=TWHW1.svg | imagesize1=35 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Keelung]] | minorl1=[[New Taipei]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Taoyuan]] | minorr1=[[New Taipei]] | image2=TWHW3.svg | imagesize2=35 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Keelung]] | minorl2=[[New Taipei]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Taoyuan]] | minorr2=[[New Taipei]] | image3=TWHW3a.svg | imagesize3=35 | directionl3=N | majorl3=END | minorl3= | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[New Taipei]] | minorr3= | image4=TWHW5.svg | imagesize4=35 | directionl4=N | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Yilan]] | minorr4=[[New Taipei]] }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|25.05201|121.54175|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Taiwan}} koc721cymhg6yzzavsy1pm6yu9qqsjv 4488056 4488055 2022-07-22T02:00:24Z 98.149.220.34 "Uncited claim." Do not include said "claims" without statistical or citable citations wikitext text/x-wiki {{hatnote|If you were looking for New Taipei, see [[New Taipei]].}} {{pagebanner | Taipei banner 2.jpg | dotm=yes}} {{printDistricts}} [[File:Taipei,_Taiwan_CBD_Skyline.jpg|thumb|280px|Skyline of Taipei]] [http://www.travel.taipei/en/ '''Taipei'''] (臺北; ''Tâi-pak'' in Taiwanese, ''Táiběi'' in Mandarin) is the national capital of the Republic of China, otherwise known as [[Taiwan]]. Sitting in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains, Taipei serves as the island's financial, cultural, and governmental center. The city is a tantalizing mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, vibrant in its own right yet unhurried by global standards. Besides the architectural and cultural landmarks like Taipei 101 and Longshan Temple, the ''xiaochi'' (small snacks) in bustling night markets are an experience not to be forgotten by your stomach. The capital is also a great jumping off point for day trips to hot springs, old mining towns and national parks around the [[Northern Taiwan]] area. ==Districts== Taipei is a fast-growing city, but despite the pressure on land, a park is never far away, especially in the suburban areas. The downtown area is culturally divided into East and West. The west side, with its narrow streets and road side vendors, is considered the bastion of old Taipei life, whereas East Taipei, with its bustling supermalls, chic boutiques, stylish restaurants and classy cafes, reminiscent of those found in [[Tokyo]], [[Seoul]], [[Paris]] or [[New York City]] represents its metamorphosis. The Greater Taipei metropolitan area beyond Taipei City boundaries includes the surrounding [[New Taipei]] City (新北市) and [[Keelung]] (基隆市), representing the largest urban cluster in Taiwan with nearly 7 million people, though run by three different government authorities. ===Central districts=== {{Mapframe|25.08|121.56|zoom=11||height=420|width=320|staticmap=Wikivoyage Taipei Districts.png}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Old Taipei|Old Taipei]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271060,Q271134|fill=#d56d76}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng and Gongguan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q175581|fill=#ac5c91}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/East District|East District]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q252951,Q271151|fill=#d5dc76}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan and Songshan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271124,Q271167|fill=#4f93c0}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q252864|fill=#b5d29f}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q254626|fill=#b383b3}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Neihu|Neihu and Nangang]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271073,Q271094|fill=#578e86}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271143|fill=#d09440}} {{mapshapes|Q714810}} {{mapshapes|Q7684358}} {{Regionlist |region1name=[[Taipei/Old Taipei|Old Taipei]] | region1color=#d56d76 | region1items=萬華-大同| region1description=Wanhua and Datong make up the oldest parts of Taipei, home to many historic buildings, such as the Longshan Temple and the Red House Theater, although it has lost much of its economic relevance to the [[Taipei/East District|East District]]. Ximending is the "[[Tokyo/Harajuku|Harajuku]] of Taipei", a shopping neighborhood centered around teenager fashion, Japanese culture and subcultures. | region2name=[[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng and Gongguan]] | region2color=#ac5c91 | region2items=中正-公館 | region2description=Zhongzheng is the political center of Taiwan and the location of the Presidential Office and important government ministries. Its prime tourist attraction is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Gongguan, on the other hand, has a youthful feel thanks to students from the Taida and Shida universities visiting the area. | region3name=[[Taipei/East District|East District]] | region3color=#d5dc76 | region3items=大安-信義 | region3description=Daan and Xinyi are the modern commercial and financial districts of Taipei, and can be collectively referred to as the East District. Offering department stores, plenty of fashion boutiques, lounge bars, and atmospheric restaurants, and some of the most expensive real estate in the city, it is also home to Taipei 101, the Taipei World Trade Center, and the International Convention Center. | region4name=[[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan and Songshan]] | region4color=#4f93c0 | region4items=中山-松山 | region4description=Zhongshan has riverside parks, the Martyrs' Shrine, the Fine Arts Museum, and a large pub and bar scene. Many firms and financial institutions are in Songshan, which is directly north of the East District. Raohe Street Night Market is one of the oldest of Taipei's famous street markets. }} ===Suburban districts=== {{Regionlist| region5name=[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] | region5color=#b5d29f | region5items=北投 | region5description=This district is famous for hot springs and the [[Yangmingshan National Park]].| region6name=[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]] | region6color=#b383b3 | region6items=士林 | region6description=A traditional area of the city that is known for its excellent museums, including the world famous National Palace Museum. Shilin is also home to one of Taipei's largest night markets and the expat enclave of Tianmu.| region7name=[[Taipei/Neihu|Neihu and Nangang]] | region7color=#578e86 | region7items=內湖-南港| region7description=Located in the eastern reaches of the city, Neihu and Nangang are hubs of the IT industry in Taipei, home to many large shopping centers, and a great place for hiking and 'templing'. A mouth-watering juxtaposition of local Taiwanese culture and modern shopping malls and restaurants. A definite must-visit, Neihu is largely a secret to the tourist world. | region8name=[[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]] | region8color=#d09440 | region8items=文山 | region8description=This leafy district in the south of the city is known for its tea plantations and tea houses. It is also home to Taipei Zoo and the Maokong Gondola cable car. }} ==Understand== [[File:Taipei_Landscape.jpg|thumb|400px|An evening in Taipei from Elephant Mountain in 2017.]] In 1884, the Qing dynasty governor of Taiwan, Liu Mingchuan, decided to move the prefecture capital to Taipei. With the construction of government offices and the influx of civil servants, Taipei's days as a sleepy market town were over. When Taiwan was granted provincial status in 1887, Taipei remained the provincial capital. As Taipei is in the north of Taiwan (the closest area to Japan), the city continued to thrive when Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. However, as Japan was in the throes of a 'modernize-come-what-may' period, little regard was paid to Taipei's traditional Chinese-style architecture, and many of the old buildings, including the city walls, were demolished. Nevertheless, several Qing Dynasty structures, including the old North Gate, the former Provincial Administration Hall and several temples still survive. In addition, several distinctive buildings were constructed in the city under Japanese rule - these include the Presidential Palace and National Taiwan University. The city's architecture again suffered a major onslaught when the KMT government arrived from mainland China in 1945. In order to cope with the influx of millions of mainland refugees, temporary housing estates sprang up all around the city. Later, these were replaced by Soviet-era style (or 'no-style') concrete apartment buildings, which characterized Taipei's landscape for decades. Many of these building still survive, but as Taiwan's economy took off and people became more affluent, a brighter and bolder city began to emerge from the 1980s. New districts were established, tree lined boulevards were laid, high quality apartment blocks constructed, and chic and stylish cafes and restaurants opened. The Taipei of today is rated as one of the planet's wealthiest and most innovative cities, and is characterized by its friendly people and safe streets. While it is not usually high on the list of tourist destinations, in reality it is a fascinating place to visit and live, and Taipei's local cuisine has deservedly earned its place among Asia's finest. Furthermore, despite its size, Taipei does not have any rough areas that are considered unsafe, even at night - which in itself is attractive. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 19 | febhigh = 19 | marhigh = 22 | aprhigh = 26 | mayhigh = 29 | junhigh = 32 | julhigh = 35 | aughigh = 34 | sephigh = 31 | octhigh = 28 | novhigh = 24 | dechigh = 21 | janlow = 13 | feblow = 14 | marlow = 15 | aprlow = 19 | maylow = 22 | junlow = 24 | jullow = 26 | auglow = 26 | seplow = 24 | octlow = 22 | novlow = 19 | declow = 15 | janprecip = 83 | febprecip = 170 | marprecip = 180 | aprprecip = 178 | mayprecip = 235 | junprecip = 326 | julprecip = 245 | augprecip = 322 | sepprecip = 361 | octprecip = 149 | novprecip = 83 | decprecip = 73 | description = '''[http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm Central Weather Bureau seven day forecast for Taipei]''' }} Taipei has a semi-tropical climate characterized by hot and humid weather. The most comfortable season to visit is the fall, when the rainfall is at its lowest and the temperatures average a pleasant mid 20&nbsp;°C. February to April are particularly damp with little sunlight, while the summers can be very hot, but often punctuated by heavy thunder showers. Taipei is prone to typhoons from May to October, though the highest concentrations are in August and September. Winters can be quite chilly, with temperatures occasionally falling below 10&nbsp;°C at night, though snowfall has never been known to occur except on very rare occasions at higher elevations in Yangmingshan National Park. ===Tourism=== *'''[http://www.taiwan.net.tw Taiwan Tourism Bureau]''' – The official Tourism Bureau website. *'''[http://www.taipeitravel.net/user/main.aspx?Lang=2 Taipei Travel Net]''' – The official travel guide from the Taipei City Government. ==Talk== Taipei is a city of people from many different origins, most of the Chinese population can be divided between those whose families arrived in Taiwan during the 17th to 19th centuries, and those who came over with the ROC government after the Chinese Civil War in the 1940s and 1950s. While '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]]''' is the ''lingua franca'', and is spoken and understood by most people under the age of 60, other Chinese languages can be commonly heard as well. Among the earlier immigrant groups, while speakers of [[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]] form the majority, there is also a significant number of [[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]-speakers living in Taipei. '''English''' is compulsory in all Taiwanese schools, and most people under the age of 40 will have at least a basic grasp of English. Learning some Mandarin and/or Taiwanese will make your trip much smoother. ==Get in== ===By plane=== ====Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport==== [[File:Taoyuan_International_Airport_Terminal_1_Interior_201506.jpg|thumb|280px|Taoyuan Airport arrival hall]] *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|TPE}}. However, the name was changed only in September 2006 and the old name, '''Chiang Kai Shek International Airport''' is still sometimes used | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.0798 | long=121.2338 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taoyuan International Airport | image=CKS airport-oliv.jpg | wikidata=Q44856 | content=The primary international airport of Taipei. The airport is about 30&nbsp;km from the city and freeway buses ply the route, picking up and dropping off passengers at most of the five-star hotels. They also stop at the Taipei Main Station and the smaller Songshan Airport. There are bus services connecting the airport to nearby cities and [[Taichung]] in central Taiwan. }} The '''Taoyuan Airport''' '''MRT''' rail is the fastest travel option fo/from the airport. * Between 06:00 and 23:00, two trains run every 15 minutes in each direction, one Express, one Commuter. The journey to Taipei by the Express Train takes roughly 38 minutes and the fare is NT$160 for either train type (NT$150 if paid by EasyCard). The train terminates at Taipei Main Station (on the red and blue MRT lines), and there is also an underground walkway to Beimen MRT Station (on the green MRT line). For passengers heading to Taipei, it is best to wait for the Express Train, as the Commuter Train stops at every station. * At Taipei Main Station, some airlines (China Airlines, EVA Air and their subsidiaries) allow you to check-in and check your bags ahead of time, which are also then sent to the airport on the MRT. However, you must do this between 6 hours and 3 hours before your flight departure time. Follow the signs for “In-Town Check-in” on the upper levels of the Taipei Main Airport MRT station. * The platform at Taipei Main Station is some 300 meters from Taipei MRT platforms. Other options, listed from cheapest to most expensive: *'''Express airport buses''' cost between NT$120-150 depending on the bus company, 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and there are stops at both terminals. Most Taipei routes are divided into West and East, with each company operating a service every ten to fifteen minutes on each route. The western line bus terminates at Taipei Main Railway Station and also makes a stop at Yuanshan MRT Station on the Xindian line. (The Airbus company buses on the western line meander through local towns before joining the freeway and therefore take much longer than the blue and white Guoguang buses which enter the freeway directly.) Buses plying the eastern route terminate at the Taipei Grand Hyatt Hotel and make a stop at Zhongxiao-Fuxing MRT Station on the Nangang and Muzha lines. There is also a bus connecting to the domestic Songshan Airport. Ticket counters display route maps showing all stops. In addition, there are some '''non-express buses''' which are slightly cheaper, but pass through towns such as Taoyuan (桃園), Nankan (南崁) or Kueishan (龜山) before arriving in Taipei. :When returning to the airport, express buses can be caught at various stops throughout the city. One major one leaves every 15–20 minutes from {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei West Bus Station|lat=25.04726|long=121.51442}} adjacent to Taipei Main Railway Station (near MRT exit M5 and underground mall exits K12 and Z3). Another is at the terminal at the Songshan Domestic Airport (松山機場). Other stops are outside major hotels and also in front of Minsheng MRT Station. For people taking early morning flights, the earliest available buses to the airport leave at around 04:00 from the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel (臺北遠東國際大飯店) (201 Dunhua South Rd Section 2). *It is also easy to get to {{marker|type=go|name=Taoyuan High Speed Rail station|lat=25.0131|long=121.2148}} from the airport. You can take the MRT rail line there (previously, you had to take a bus). From there, you can catch one of the HSR trains to Taipei Main Station (where it is easy to take a taxi or MRT to your final destination). The bus is NT$30 and the train is NT$165. The total journey time takes 5–15 minutes waiting time, 18–25 minutes on the bus, and 19 minutes to Taoyuan HSR; roughly 1 hour in all. On the way back, there are check-in counters at the station for China Airlines, EVA Air flights. *A one-way '''taxi''' fare between the airport and Taipei will cost at the minimum NT$900 (generally NT$1,000-1,200 from the airport). In Taipei, don't make the mistake of asking a taxi driver to take you to the Taipei airport (Songshan) if you actually mean Taiwan Taoyuan Airport. The international airport is actually about an hour's drive from Taipei, while Songshan is in downtown Taipei. *A one-way '''pre-arranged car''' fare between the airport and Taipei will cost at the minimum NT$1,300-1,500. Generally these sedans are pre-arranged through your hotel and the car company or driver will meet you as soon as you exit baggage claim. Since the price is not much more than taking a taxi, it is usually recommended that you ask your hotel if they offer this service. This is a more comfortable half-hour ride to the hotel. *Direct '''bus connections''' between the airport and other cities in Taiwan are also available. U-bus also runs shuttle buses every 15 min from both terminals to THSR Taoyuan station (15 min away), from where you can continue your journey by high-speed train. In addition to the transit hotel within the airport terminal, there are several hotels near the airport if you want more comfortable quarters for an extended transit or would rather lodge by the airport than in Taipei. The Novotel Taoyuan International Airport, next to the China Airlines headquarters building, is mere minutes from both terminals and has commanding views of the airport's runways. Also nearby is the '''[http://www.citysuites.com.tw/en/%E6%A1%83%E5%9C%92%E8%88%AA%E7%A9%BA%E9%A4%A8 CitySuites Gateway Hotel]''', 10 minutes from the Cing-pu High-speed Rail Station and three minutes away from Taoyuan International Airport. There is a '''night service''', although it's really hard to find information about it. Best source is the [http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english airport website]. As of February 2012 there is overnight bus service to Taipei Railway station at the following times 01:30, 03:00 for Terminal 1 (exit B5), add 10 mins for Terminal 2 (bus station, 1819 stand). Ticket can be purchased from the driver - NT$165. Another bus at 04:00, Wednesday & Saturday at Terminal 2, is unconfirmed. From the Taipei Railway you can take overnight train to connect to other cities or bus from the adherent bus station. It takes about 55 min from the airport to the city (at night). ====Songshan Airport==== [[File:Taipei Songshan Airport (6856495175).jpg|thumb|right|280px|Songshan Airport]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Songshan Airport | alt={{IATA|TSA}}, officially Taipei International Airport (臺北國際航空站) | url=http://www.tsa.gov.tw/ | email= | address= | lat=25.069444 | long=121.551667 | directions=at the northern end of Dunhua North Road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taipei Songshan Airport | image=Taipei Songshan Airport 1st Terminal Building 20090926.JPG | wikidata=Q702019 |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=It serves a few domestic destinations as well as select international routes to regional destinations. There are numerous daily flights arriving and departing for the outlying islands and cities on the east coast of the island. The airport also serves flights to various destinations in mainland China, as well as "city shuttle" services to Tokyo-Haneda, Seoul-Gimpo and Shanghai-Hongqiao. The airport is served by the Taipei Metro Wenhu Line's (officially labeled the Wenshan-Neihu Line) Songshan Airport Station and can be reached in about 15 minutes from Taipei Main Station. Many city and long-distance buses also connect to the airport. }} ===By train=== [[File:TRA Taipei Station & Taipei Station Underground Mall 20041227.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Railway Station]] All inter-city trains, operated by the [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/ Taiwan Railway Administration] (臺鐵) and [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/index_en.html Taiwan High Speed Rail] (臺灣高鐵), arrive at and depart from {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei Railway Station|alt=臺北車站|lat=25.0478|long=121.5171}} on Zhongxiao West Road, Sec 1 - opposite the 53 story Shinkong Mitsukoshi Building (新光三越). Taipei Main Station is a huge facility. Ticket counters are on the first floor and platforms on B2. There is also a food court on the second floor, several underground shopping malls, and directly connects to Taipei Main Station on the Taipei Metro which is served by Tamsui (Red) line and Bannan (Blue) line. In addition to ticket counters, the first floor also has a tourist office, a post office, stores selling aboriginal handicrafts and several booths offering head and neck and full body massage (NT$100 for every ten minutes). There are also three other train stations in Taipei city. Wanhua Station (萬華車站) is in the south-western part of the city and is within walking distance of MRT Longshan Temple Station and is only served by local trains. Songshan Station (松山車站) is close to Raohe Street Night Market and all trains operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration stop at the station. Nangang Station (南港車站) is on the eastern end of the city and is served by local trains and some express trains. It is directly connected to Nangang Station on Taipei Metro's Bannan (Blue) line and the Taiwan High Speed Rail is expected to operate into the station by the beginning of 2015. All train stations in Taipei city accept Easy Cards to enter the station in addition to tickets bought at the vending machines or counters. The THSR stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. ====Baggage storage==== * Lockers of different sizes are available at the Taipei Main Station. NT$20-50 per 3 hours, maximum 3 days. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei Railway Station carry-on baggage center | alt=臺北車站行李託運中心 | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.047428 | long=121.518920 | directions=leave Taipei Main Station by the Exit East 3, cross the road at the traffic light where the taxis wait, walk down the road and turn left into the alley just before the parking lot entrance, the building is on your right side | phone= | tollfree= | hours=daily 08:00–20:00 | price=NT$70 per bag |lastedit=2022-07-22| content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Taipei Bus Station under construction 20090704.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Bus Station]] Intercity buses arrive and depart from the {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei Bus Station|lat=25.0491|long=121.5186}}, which is on Chengde Road, behind Taipei Main Station. Generally speaking, the buses operated by private companies are more comfortable and sport such amenities as wide reclining seats and individual game and video monitors. The government run buses are blue and white and are called ''guóguāng hào'' (國光號). All intercity buses are known as ''kèyùn'' (客運) and can be distinguished from the local city buses called ''gōngchē'' (公車) by the fact that they do not have a route number, but only the name of the destination. ===By boat=== [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hr) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to Taipei (actually [[Bali District]] in New Taipei) and back. As of Feb 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs Tu W F and Sa ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,000/5,300 one-way/round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance] / [http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]). ==Get around== ===By metro=== [[File:Current_TRTS_Map.svg|thumb|300px|Taipei MRT]] Taipei City has a very clean, efficient and safe [http://english.trtc.com.tw/ Mass Rapid Transit system] {{dead link|December 2020}} known most commonly as the '''MRT''', but also called '''Metro Taipei''' (臺北捷運). Fares are between NT$20 and NT$65 for one-way trips around town. It has been widely lauded as one of the most reliable and efficient systems in the world, and is often cited as a gold standard to which Metro systems around the world should aspire to. Stations are clearly identified in English as well as Chinese. All stops are announced in four languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. All stations have information booth/ticket offices close to the ticket vending machines. There is no eating or drinking while in the stations or on the trains. There are priority seats. If you need a seat, there are stickers offered at the information booth that allow passengers to identify those in need. Trains generally run from 06:00 to 00:00, with convenient bus connections outside the stations. Women and/or children traveling at night can benefit from the '''Safe Zones''' - sections of platforms that are under heavy surveillance - in some of the subway lines. Stations and trains (including the monorail) are wheelchair-friendly, but when there are multiple exits from a single station, usually only one of these is equipped with a lift. All trains have '''priority seats''' (博愛座 ''bó ài zuò'') that have a dark blue colour distinct from that of the other seats; these are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children, so do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. [[File:Platform 2, Jiantan Station 20080317.jpg|thumb|200px|MRT Station in Taipei]] In addition to single journey tickets, you can use the [[Taiwan#Get around|EasyCard]] or ''youyouka'' (as in 'yo-yo-ka', also 悠遊卡). These cards only need to be "touched" (sensor) past the barrier monitor to gain entry and exit from paid areas. One great advantage of using the EasyCard is that it gives you a 20% discount on all MRT rides, and if you transfer from the MRT to an ordinary city bus, or vice versa, within an hour, the bus ride is only NT$7. The discount is automatically calculated when you leave the MRT station. It is also possible to buy day cards just for the metro system for NT$200 (refundable deposit of NT$50) and for NT$180 you can buy a card that works on both the metro and buses. Alternatively, the Taipei Pass costs NT$250 (no deposit) and covers travel on the metro and Maokong Gondola for one day, which is cheap and convenient if you take at least six trips. Often limited-edition cards are issued by the transit authority depicting artworks, famous characters, landscapes, etc. These are quite collectible and are perfect souvenirs for your trip. Single-journey tokens are recycled when you exit the stations, so if you want to keep a particular one you should purchase an extra. If you're coming from southern Taiwan, [[Kaohsiung]]'s iPass can be used interchangeably with the EasyCard in Taipei. When using escalators, be sure to '''stand on the right''' so people in a hurry can pass you on the left. ===By bus=== [[Image:Taipei_Bus_197-FU_20110320.jpg|thumb|200px|Taipei City Bus]] Taipei City has a [http://www.e-bus.taipei.gov.tw/ very efficient bus service] {{dead link|December 2020}}, and because all buses display information (destination and the names of stops) in English, the system is very accessible to non-Chinese speaking visitors. '''Payment''' can be made by cash (NT$15) or EasyCard (see [[Taiwan#Get around]]) for each section that the bus passes through. For local buses (all local buses have a number, so do long-distance buses) the maximum will be two sections with a total cost of NT$45. The confusion, however, arises by not knowing where the section boundaries are, and the fact that there is often a buffer zone to prevent people who get on one stop before the boundary from overpayment. Besides that, if you are transferring from the MRT to a bus within one hour, there is a discounted bus fare when using the EasyCard, and vice versa, see [[#By metro]]. As of July 1st, 2019, riders paying by cash must always pay when boarding the bus, and riders paying by EasyCard must tap '''both''' '''on and off''' when entering/exiting the bus. Prior to this change, there was a somewhat confusing system where riders would sometimes pay when entering the bus, and other times pay when leaving the bus. The EasyCard system will automatically calculate the number of zones travelled and deduct this from your card balance. Starting on February 1, 2020, failure to tap your EasyCard upon exiting the bus will not lock your card; however, you will not receive the MRT, bus, or YouBike transfer discount. ===By taxi=== [[Image:Taipei_Taiwan_Taxi-waiting-at-ChengDu-Road-01.jpg|thumb|200px|Taxis in Taipei are usually of the colour yellow for ease of recognition on the road.]] Taxis are the most flexible way to get around, and are extremely numerous. They are expensive in comparison to mass transit, but are cheap compared to taxis in the rest of the world. Taxis are metered, with the meter starting at NT$70 (an additional NT$20 is added at night). Most taxi drivers cannot speak English, and non-Chinese speakers will need to have their '''destination written down in Chinese'''. '''Tipping''' is neither necessary nor expected. Since 2012, all passengers are required to buckle their seatbelt. Women and/or children traveling at night are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies. The toll free taxi hotline is 0800-055850 (maintained by Department of Transportation). Taiwanese taxi drivers tend to be more honest than in many other countries. They are notorious for their strong opinions on politics. A large majority of them support Taiwan independence as they spend all day listening to talk radio. They will probably be unable to share any of this with you if you do not speak Chinese. Avoid any potential political discussion. It is not advisable for lone women at night to hail a random taxi from the street - it is best to have the number of one of the bigger taxi companies and to call for a cab. ===By bicycle=== [[File:Taiwan road sign Art067-1.png|thumb|250px|Some pavements (US English: sidewalks) in Taiwan have this sign to allow bicycling.]] Even though motorized traffic is very heavy in Taipei, bicycles are still legitimate vehicles to get around. There are long cycle paths beside most rivers in the city. Bicycles can also be carried on the Taipei metro but only at Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays and via certain stations - bicycles aren't permitted in larger interchange stations such as Taipei Main Station and Zhongxiao Fuxing, and bicycles are only permitted in the first and last carriages. Properly packaged folded bicycles are exempt from the restrictions upon ordinary bicycles. There are not many segregated bike lanes but on some busy streets cycling on the pavement (US English: sidewalk) is permitted where signed or marked, as in Japan. Taipei has a great bike sharing system - '''YouBike'''. It is very cheap if you register through their site or via large touch panel screen at major parking stations but you need a local mobile number to have a 4 number code sent to it to prove its yours. The first half hour is NT$5, which is enough for most every ride you need, then additional half hours are charged at NT$10. You use '''EasyCard''' or '''iPass''' (the same as for the subway and buses) to rent them. It's all very easy and the bikes are modern and convenient. Check each bicycle for defects before you use them; bike seats are turned backwards to signal some form of maintenance is required. You can't take another bike from the same parking station for 15 minutes after parking. A very useful smart phone app called bikefriend shows where each Youbike bike station is located and how many bikes or parking spots are available. ===By car=== Renting a car is not only unnecessary, but not recommended in Taipei unless you are planning to head out of the city. Traffic tends to be frantic, and parking spaces are expensive and difficult to find. Most of the main tourist destinations are reachable by public transport, and you should use that as your main mode of travel. ===Address system=== The Taipei address system is very logical and user-friendly. The hub of the city is the corner of the east–west running Zhongxiao (忠孝) and north–south running Zhongshan (中山) Rds, however while the north–south divide is made at Zhongxiao here, further east it is made instead at Bade (八德) Rd, something which confuses even people who have lived in Taipei for years. All major roads are identified by their direction in relation to these roads. For example, all sections of the north–south running Fuxing (復興) Rd north of Bade are called Fuxing North Rd (復興北路). Likewise, those sections to the south are called Fuxing South Rd (復興南路). Those that cross Zhongshan road are similarly identified as either east or west. Section (段; duàn) numbers begin at 'one' near the two defining roads and increase at intersections of major highways. For example, Ren'ai (仁愛) Rd (which has only an east location and therefore does not have a direction suffix), Section 1 will be close to Zhongshan South Rd. The section number will increase as one moves further away from Zhongshan Rd. So, for example, when Ren'ai Rd reaches Dunhua South Rd (敦化南路) far in the east of the city, a typical address could be: 7F, 166 Ren'ai Rd, Section 4. The house and lane numbers begin at zero every section. Lanes (巷; xiàng) lead off roads (路; lù) and streets (街; jiē), while alleys (弄; nòng) branch off lanes. ==See== Those who take the time to visit and look around will soon find that Taipei is just as vibrant as any other major city, and is full of a certain charm which makes it unique in its own right. Just spend a day wandering around Taipei's streets and you will start finding many surprises. ===Landmarks=== [[Image:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|280px|Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] Several memorial halls like the '''Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng District]] and '''Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall''' in [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] commemorate the most recognized leaders of the Nationalists to the lesser known war dead in the '''Martyrs' Shrine''' in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan District]]. All three have honor guards which change at set hours, demonstrating military precision and solemn respect for the ROC leaders and soldiers before them. Built in the middle of large parks, the memorial halls are also good places for some quiet reflection. [[File:Taipei_Taiwan_Mengjia-Longshan-Temple-00.jpg|thumb|280px|Longshan Temple]] While Taipei is largely secular, the elaborate Taoist and Buddhist temples such as '''Longshan Temple''' and '''Bao'an Temple''' in the older districts of [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua and Datong]] still draw locals who maintain the old rituals and traditions. On the [[Taipei/East District|glitzier side of town]], '''Taipei 101''' may have relinquished its tallest building status but remains a very popular attraction for its architectural style and observatory deck. On New Year's Eve, Taipei 101 becomes a beacon of lights and fireworks. ===Museums and galleries=== Anyone with even the slightest interest in Chinese history should visit the '''National Palace Museum''' in [[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]], which holds the singular best collection of historical artifacts from China, expertly curated by its staff. It is large enough that only one percent of what it owns is displayed at any one time, chief among them ancient paintings, scrolls, books and ceramics that span over 5000 years. The '''National Museum of History''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] also holds valuable relics. Unfortunately, the National Museum of History is closed for renovations until 2021. There are other quirky little private museums such as the Miniatures Museum (Adult NS$200) and Museum of Drinking Water for more off-beat exploration. Art in classical and contemporary forms can be appreciated too, in the '''Taipei Fine Arts Museum''' and the '''Taipei MOCA'''. Local artists have gathered in various artist villages to find inspiration and cultural centers like '''Huashan Cultural Center''' are interesting informal spaces for a creative spark. Taiwanese auteurs dream of becoming the next Ang Lee, displaying their independent films in the Spot-Taipei Film House. All these can be found in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]]. ===Parks and outdoors=== [[Image:Tsuei Heng Ge 20110203.jpg|thumb|280px|228 Peace Park]] If the cityscape gets a little dreary, there are plenty of parks to escape to. '''[[Taipei/East District|Daan Park]]''' is one of the largest in the city, earning the moniker of Taipei Central Park. '''228 Peace Park''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] was named to remember the bloody 228 Incident of 28 February 1947 and also holds the National Taiwan Museum and the 228 Memorial Museum. A few green spaces can also be found along the banks of the Keelung River, such as [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan District]]'s Dajie Riverside Park. Visit the '''Taipei Zoo''' in [[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]] to see giant pandas, brown bears and gorillas for a low, low price. It's more akin to a walk in a leafy park, where animals are free to roam around in their open enclosures. Combine it with a ride up on the '''Maokong Gondola''', which has a few special glass-floor carriages, to relax further in the hilltop teahouses. ===City gates=== [[image:臺北府城北門 台北商業大樓 20161015.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei North Gate]] Even though very little ancient architecture remains in Taipei, four of Taipei's five original city gates still stand. The city walls which surrounded the old city and the West Gate were demolished by the Japanese to make way for roads and railway lines. Of the four gates still standing, the Kuomintang renovated three of them in its effort to "sinicize" Taipei and converted them from the original [[South Fujian]] style architecture to northern Chinese palace style architecture, leaving only the '''North Gate''' (''beimen'' 北門 or more formally '''Cheng'en men''' 承恩門) in its original Qing Dynasty splendor today. Long obstructed by a busy elevated freeway, the freeway was decommissioned and removed in 2016, and a park has been built around the gate. ==Do== ===Hot springs === [[Image:wulai 3.JPG|thumb|280px|Wulai Hot Springs]] Hot springs (溫泉) come in various brands in Taipei, ranging from basic natural pools, to plush spas at five star hotels. The three main places to have a soak in the Greater Taipei area are: '''[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]]''' (北投), '''[[Wulai]]''' (烏來) and '''[[Yangmingshan National Park]]''' (陽明山). The basic free 'rub and scrub' type public baths are run by the city. Most hotels offer the option of a large sex-segregated bathing area that generally consists of several large baths of various temperatures, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath and also private and family rooms. Some hotels also have outdoor baths (露天溫泉), which offer restful views over the surrounding countryside. Prices range from around NT$300 to NT$800. The law in Taiwan states that for safety reasons, individuals are not allowed to bathe in the private rooms, and there must be at least two people. Etiquette requires that bathers thoroughly wash and rinse off their bodies before entering public baths, do not wear clothing (which includes swimwear, though this is not the case for mixed-sex public areas) and tie up their hair so that it does not touch the water. Finally, people with high blood pressure, heart disease or open wounds should not enter the baths. ===Hiking=== [[File:Chihsingshan,_Tatun_volcanoes.jpg|thumb|280px|Qixingshan in Yangmingshan National Park]] The mountains around Taipei make hiking is a popular exercise in the city. The main hiking spot closest to the city is the '''Four Beasts Mountain''' which border [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] and [[Taipei/Neihu|Nangang]]. One of the most rewarding walks is on '''[[Taipei/East District#Do|Elephant Mountain]]''', where steep steps lead up to several different viewpoints that give a striking contrast between Taipei 101 and its neighboring low-rise buildings, especially against the orange hues of sunset. Continuing on separate trails will head towards the remaining 'beasts' of Leopard, Lion and Tiger, and Nangang mountain and Jiuwufeng beyond them. * {{do | name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]] | alt=陽明山國家公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=just north of [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A favourite destination, particularly during spring when thousands of calla lilies, peonies and cherry blossoms bloom in the valleys. Besides that public hot springs, as well as hot sulphur blow holes and sources are equally worth the visit. There are dozens of hiking trails in the park, most marked out on maps from the visitors centre. Qixingshan is the highest peak in Yangmingshan, and looks out over the Taipei Basin and the north coast. }} ===Theme parks=== [[File:Taipei_Water_Park_entrance_20160101.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Water Park Entrance]] There are a few amusement parks around Taipei. One is the '''Children's Recreation Center''' in [[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]], great for younger kids. The '''Taipei Water Park''' near Museum of Drinking Water in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Gongguan]] is also a good place to spend time during summer, with its water slides and swimming areas. ===Festivals and events=== Taipei hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, but as many follow the lunar calendar the dates according to the Gregorian calendar are inconsistent. Check the Taiwan Tourist Bureau's events section before planning to attend an event. [[File:ChiangKaiShek-MemorialHall-LanternFestival.jpg|thumb|280px|Lantern Festival in CKS Memorial Hall]] * '''The Lantern Festival''' is a dazzling display of lanterns and lasers which runs for several days around the fifteenth day of the lunar new year. While the main city event is held at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and Taipei City Hall grounds, Renai Road perhaps offers the most elegant display, with the whole tree-lined boulevard transformed into a delicate tunnel of lights. [[Pingxi]] in [[New Taipei City]] celebrates the festival with the release of huge lanterns that float serenely across the night sky, carrying with them the dedications and aspirations of those who release them. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' commemorates the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival is marked by races of colorful dragon boats held at various locations throughout the island, with one of the best places to view a race in the Taipei area being the '''Bitan''' River in [[Xindian]]. Special sticky rice balls called ''zongzi'' (pronounced like "dzongdz") are also eaten on this day. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. * {{do | name=Golden Horse Chinese Language Film Festival | alt= | url=http://www.goldenhorse.org.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q22098766 | content=Often referred to as the Oscars of the Chinese film world, while films in the awards section are all in Chinese, they have English subtitles and there is also a large non-competition foreign language section. }} * {{do | name=Taipei Film Festival | alt=臺北電影節 | url=http://www.taipeiff.tw/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taipei Film Festival | wikidata=Q698098 | content=An international festival with two award sections – Taipei Award Nominees and International New Talent Nominees. Films are shown at several venues throughout the city. }} * {{do | name=Taipei Pride Parade | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Buy== It has been said that [[Los Angeles]] has no center. In contrast, one could say that Taipei is all center, and as such it has been given the epithet - "the emporium without end." Basically, however, the main shopping area can be divided into two districts: East and West. West Taipei is the old city and is characterized by narrow streets packed with small shops. East Taipei boasts wide tree lined boulevards and the biggest shopping malls are in this area. ===Shopping areas=== The busiest part of '''East Taipei''' is in between MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Station and MRT Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station (Bannan Line). The axis of this shopping area is '''Zhongxiao East Road, Sec. 4''', which is surrounded by numerous department stores. SOGO has three branches in this area, mainly sales various of boutique. Another notable one is Mingyao Department Store which has the flagship store of Uniqlo in it. East Taipei is also famous for the small stores inside the alleys. On the other hand, '''Daan Road''' in the other side of the area, has more elegant clothing shops. [[File:Miramar Entertainment Park in the evening.jpg|thumb|Miramar Entertainment Park]] [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] is arguably the premier shopping area in Taipei, if not all of Taiwan, and is anchored by a number of department stores and malls. Key among them is '''Taipei 101 Mall''', as part of the larger Taipei 101 complex, and the massive Xinyi branch of the '''Shin Kong Mitsukoshi''' departmental store chain, which is the largest department store in Taiwan. Eslite Mall is an upscale market-style shopping center with a 24-hour bookshop (with a good English selection) on the second floor and ethnic music store in basement. For absolute luxury, try '''Bellavita Shopping Mall''' or '''Breeze Center'''. Also in the East District at near the Zhongxiao Fuxing Metro station is the flagship store of the '''Far Eastern Sogo''' department store chain, consisting of two separate buildings. [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Songshan]] has some shopping malls with distinctive architectural features, such as the '''Miramar Entertainment Park''', which sports a giant ferris wheel along with an IMAX theater. [[Image:In front of Central Pictures New World Building 20070618.jpg|thumb|Ximending, the area with youth]] For trendier fashion catering to youths, check out '''Ximending''' (西門町) in [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua]] just west of Downtown. If it's pink, plastic, and imported from Japan, you can probably find it on sale in a store. Sneakerheads will also find shoe stores with the latest limited releases here in sneaker-crazy Taipei, though you need to get a number and wait in a queue buzzing with anticipation. Several night markets don't just sell food but also have a large variety of clothing, handbags and more, like '''Shida Night Market''' near the university areas in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Gongguan]] and '''[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin Night Market]]'''. ===Electronic goods=== As the sales headquarters for many homegrown multinational electronics manufacturers (including Asus, Garmin and Acer among others), good bargains and unique models can be found in Taipei. Those interested in picking up inexpensive electronic goods and cameras should wander the lanes and alleys around Kaifeng Street and Zhonghua Road, as well as the malls connected to [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Taipei Main Station]]. Computer buffs will enjoy a visit to '''Guanghua Digital Plaza''' (光華數位新天地). Specializing in computer and electronic goods, this market has the largest number of stalls selling hardware and software under one roof in Taiwan, and all at very competitive prices. '''K-Mall''', in the former Asiaworld department store on the east side of Shinkong Mitsukoshi, specializes in electronics of all kinds and is a location for large companies such as Asus, Samsung, Benq, and Acer to showcase their newest products. The '''Taipei Zhongshan Metro Shopping Mall (Easy Mall)''' is a long underground shopping area that houses several stores selling all manner of items, not necessarily limited to electronics. A few stores in the Easy Mall carry current and vintage video games, hardware and software. ===Specialty items=== For jade, flowers and jewelry in one central location, check out the '''Jianguo Holiday Market''' in [[Taipei/East District|Daan]]. There are actually three different markets, the Weekend Jade Market, Weekend Flower Market and Weekend Handicrafts Market in this same location. As the names suggest, they are open only on weekends until 18:00. The '''Chinese Handicraft Mart''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] is also good for handicrafts. [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua's]] Dihua Street, Bopiliao Old Street and Snake Alley night market are throwbacks to the older days of Taipei, back when '''herbal remedies''' and aphrodisiacs were extremely popular. Pottery enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to [[Yingge]] in [[New Taipei City]]. Its old street is a crescent of beautiful '''pottery shops''' interspersed with coffee shops and tea houses. '''Zhongshan North Road''' (中山北路) is a tree-lined boulevard featuring numerous international and local brands. Gucci and Louis Vuitton are among the brands who operate stores along this street. This road, particularly along the second section, is also famous for its numerous '''wedding picture studios and gown boutiques'''. It is possible to find a great deal for wedding portraits here as competition is stiff. Go to just [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|north of the junction]] with Zhongxiao West Rd on Zhongshan North Rd, sec 1 (west side of the road) for '''trekking and backpacking''' stores selling a wide range of high quality equipment, and you'll be ready for all the outdoor hiking that Taipei and Taiwan offers. ===Books=== [[Image:Eslite_Xinyi_Store_20061125_night.jpg|thumb|Eslite Bookstore Xinyi Store]] Taipei has great '''book shops''', and roads such are '''Chongqing South Road''' are packed with stores specializing in Chinese language books. The '''Station Front Area''' (站前) is a section of downtown Taipei just south of the Taipei Railway Station. It is a bustling area filled with shops and stores of all kinds, but it is particularly well known for its high concentration of bookstores due to the bloom of bushibans (also known as cram schools). The following book stores all have good selections of '''English''' titles: * {{buy | name=Eslite | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2775-5977 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=(誠品) – Eslite offers a good selection at most of their branches, although the 24 hour flagship store (2F, 245 Dunhua South Rd. has the best selection. Eslite Book Store and shopping mall (11 Songgau Road), which incidentally is the largest book store in Taiwan, have the greatest selection. The Songgau Rd branch is next to MRT Station 'Taipei City Hall'. }} *'''Caves Books''' (敦煌) has two branches (54-3 Zhongshan North Road, Sec 2, near Yuanshan MRT Station. tel +886 2 2599-1166). This is a temporary location, while the old store is demolished and rebuilt. The other branch (5, Le 38, Tianyu St, Tianmu. Tel: +2 886 2874-2199) is one of the original book stores in Taipei specializing in English titles. And, although it has been surpassed by the newer arrivals, it is still a good place to pick up a popular novel and English language textbooks. * {{buy | name=Lai Lai | alt=來來 | url= | email= | address=4F, 271 Roosevelt Road, Sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2363-4265 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= This shop has a small but interesting selection of English material. }} * {{buy | name=Crane Publishing Company | alt= | url=http://www.crane.com.tw/ | email= | address=200 Section 2, Jinshan S Rd, Da’an District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2393-4497 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Specialists in English language textbooks and teaching material. }} * {{buy | name=Bookman Books | alt= | url=http://www.bookman.com.tw/ | email= | address=Room 5, 2F, 88 Xinsheng South Road, Sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2368-7226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= This is an excellent collection of English literature books, albeit a little expensive. }} * {{buy | name=Mollie Used Books | alt= | url= | email= | address=12, Alley 10, Lane 244, Roosevelt Road sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2369-2780 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= You'll find a reasonable selection of English titles here. }} '''NB''': In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (NT$1) - bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. ==Eat== Taipei probably has one of the highest densities of restaurants in the world. Almost every street and alley offers some kind of eatery. Of course, Chinese food (from all provinces) is well-represented. In addition, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Italian cuisines are also popular. Basically, [[Taipei/East District|East Taipei]], especially around Dunhua and Anhe Roads, and also the expat enclave of [[Taipei/Shilin|Tianmu]] are where to clash chopsticks with the rich and famous, whereas West Taipei offers more smaller, homey restaurants. ===Night markets=== [[File:Taipei_shilin_choudoufu.jpg|thumb|Innocent-looking stinky tofu]] There are several night markets (夜市) in each district. Some are open during daytime, and all are open until around midnight. Night markets consist of restaurants and stores at the permanent locations and little booths along the center. Every night market has a huge variety of food, so a visit to any one is a good bet for good food. A lot of Taiwanese street food hasn't actually originated from Taipei, but any popular ''xiaochi'' (small snack) eventually makes their way up to the capital. Some of the best known night market snacks are: '''oyster vermicelli''' (蚵仔麵線; ô-á mī-sòa), '''oyster omelet''' (蚵仔煎; ô-á-chian), '''fried chicken fillet''' (雞排; jīpái), '''stinky tofu''' (臭豆腐; chòudòufǔ) and '''aiyu jelly''' (愛玉冰; ài-yù-bīng) among a long list of others. Because of the vast selection, the recommendation is to go with a few people and share the food. Otherwise, honestly the best way to eat is to join the longest queue in the market, or just buy whatever catches your eye! Vendor food is generally safe to eat, but use common sense though if you have a sensitive stomach. [[File:Taipei_shilin_tianbula.jpg|thumb|Tianbula (甜不辣; tiánbúlà) Literally "Sweet, not spicy", is a Taiwanese version of Satsuma-age (referred to as Tempura in some regions of Japan)]] The most famous one in Taipei is the '''[[Taipei/Shilin#Eat|Shilin Night Market]]''' (士林夜市). It is easily accessible via the MRT at either the Jiantan (劍潭) or Shilin (士林) stations. Locals in Taipei view Shilin as touristy, with food catering to the tastes of mainland visitors. Another excellent option is '''Ning Xia Night Market''' (寧夏夜市) in [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Datong]] near the '''Taipei Circle''' (建成圓環) and accessible via the MRT at Zhongshan (中山) station. '''[[Taipei/Zhongshan#Eat|Raohe Street Night Market]]''' (饒河街觀光夜市) is also a viable option. It is a mere stone's throw away from the Songshan (松山) railway station. ===Restaurants=== While it might be possible to spend all your dinners at night markets, Taipei also has plenty of sit-down restaurants with more substantial dishes. For upmarket Taiwanese cuisine, which revolves around the mild yet flavorful trio of basil, garlic and chili, in addition to white rice or sweet potato congee (no wheat-based products for example), try '''Ching-yeh Aoba''' in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]] or '''Shinyeh Table''' in [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Daan]]. But for more down-to-earth experiences, don't forget to go to one of the many "hot fry" (熱炒) restaurants in Taipei where the locals go to eat Taiwanese food and drink beer and kaoliang. Be prepared for a noisy atmosphere, tiny seats, lots of empty beer bottles and excellent food at a low price. [[File:鼎泰豐台北101店.jpg|thumb|Din Tai Fung Restaurant - Taipei 101 branch]] The influx of KMT migrants perhaps makes Taipei one of the easiest places to sample a quality spread of Chinese provincial cuisines. ''Xiaolongbao'' (小籠包) or soup dumplings is a [[Shanghai]]nese dish made famous by '''Din Tai Fung''', whose first storefront at [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Xinyi Road]] remains heavily patronised by fans of the world-wide franchise. They have many branches all over the city too, though their branch at Taipei 101 is also extra crowded. Around the corner from Xinyi Road is '''Yongkang Street''', which boasts quite a mix of old and new restaurants like '''Kaochi''' or '''Jin Ji Yuan'''. Both serve ''xiaolongbao'', along with other dishes such as fried chicken, good alternatives for when the queue to Din Tai Fung is an hour long. '''Beef noodle soup''' is a national icon; Taipei even holds a yearly judging event every September to appraise competitors. There are two main types: ''hongshao'' (紅燒牛肉麵), a strongly flavored dish derived from [[Sichuan]] spicy bean paste and soya sauce braised beef, and ''qingdun'' (清燉牛肉麵), a clear light broth, although there are even tomato varieties popping up around the city. On [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Yongkang St]] alone, there're already two beef noodle shops, '''Yongkang Beef Noodle''' and '''Lao Zhang''', which have their own regulars. Those more game to get to hard-to-find places can reward themselves at Lin Tung Fong in [[Taipei/Zhongshan#Eat|Zhongshan]] or the one at [[Taipei/Old Taipei#Eat|Taoyuan Street near Ximending]]. Another popular dish in Taipei is '''ginger duck''' (薑母鴨)，which originated in [[South Fujian]], but has undergone its own unique evolution in Taiwan. It is only eaten in the winter, and shops selling this dish close for the summer months. Ba Wei Ginger Duck (霸味薑母鴨) is a famous shop selling this dish, and while its main branch is in [[Sanchong]], it also has many branches throughout the city. ===Vegetarian=== Vegetarian food (素食) is also common fare, with the city boasting more than two hundred vegetarian restaurants and vendor stands. Another Taipei specialty is '''vegetarian buffets'''. They are common in every neighborhood, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets listed below (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$75-120 will buy you a good-sized, nutritious meal. Many of these veggie restaurants are Buddhist in nature and so meals do not contain garlic or onion (which traditionalists claim inflames passion). *'''Minder Vegetarian'''. This is a restaurant chain offering the above-mentioned vegetarian buffet. Aside from the usual line of vegetarian dishes, contemporary cuisine such as rice rolls, tempura and a range of desserts, all entirely vegetarian, are offered as well. Major branches in Taipei are available at '''Taipei Main Station 2F, Breeze Taipei Branch''', No. 3, Beiping North Road, '''Eslite Bookstore B2, Xinyi Branch''', Xinyi District, No. 11, Songgao Road and '''Eslite Bookstore B1, Dunhua South Branch''', Da-an District, No. 245, Dunhua South Road, Sec. 1. * {{eat | name=Lotus Pavilion Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.lck888.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=153-155 Xinyi Rd B1, Sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions=entrance in alley behind Changhwa Bank | phone=+886 2 2703-5612 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An upscale all-you-can-eat buffet. }} * {{eat | name=King Join | alt= | url=http://www.kingjoin.com.tw | email= | address= No 18 Shin-Wei Rd| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2-2701-3225 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Traditional Chinese setting. }} *For a special Taipei street experience, check out the '''veggie vendor''' outside No. 30, Lane 216, Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 4 (in the alleys behind the Dunhua South Road Eslite Mall and book store). The rice noodles are especially delicious and cheap and a plate of their dougan (dried tofu) makes a great side dish. ==Drink== The nightlife in Taipei runs from boisterous night markets to equally exuberant clubs and bars, and indeed the city comes alive with glittering lights after the last rays of the sun leave the grey buildings. ===Bars and clubs=== [[File:Taiwan Beer aluminium can 20100902.jpg|thumb|A cold can of Taiwan Beer]] [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] is where the biggest and most flashy clubs are, especially the '''ATT4FUN Building''' which has an excellent view of Taipei 101, while smaller shophouses around the [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Taida and Shida university areas]] host live music gigs (although lessened after noise complaints). The "Combat Zone" in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]] used to be the go-to district for [[US]] soldiers in the [[Vietnam]] War and remains fairly gritty with quite the collection of dive bars. The area around [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Red House Theater near Ximending]] has a large number of outdoor bars which are generally known to be gay-friendly. Visit the '''Taiwan Beer Bar''', also known as Taipei Brewery, in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] if you fancy trying cheap and fresh brews of the local favorite Taiwan Beer. Cover charges are usually required for entry, but these will include a free drink at the very least, with some places even offering free flow of house pours for the whole night after payment. Wednesday nights are ladies' night in most venues. ===Tea houses=== Taiwan's speciality tea is ''High Mountain Oolong'' (高山烏龍, a fragrant, light tea) and ''Tieguanyin'' (鐵觀音, a dark, rich brew). The mountainous '''Maokong''' area of Muzha in the [[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan district]] of the city has dozens upon dozens of teahouses, many of which also offer panoramic views of the city. Its especially spectacular on a clear evening. A '''[http://english.gondola.taipei/ Maokong Gondola]''' (cable car) system services the Taipei Zoo MRT station to Maokong. The S10 bus comes up from the Wanfang Community MRT station. ===Cafes=== While traditionally a nation of tea drinkers, the Taiwanese have really embraced the cafe culture, and all the usual chains can be found here in abundance. For cafes with more character, roam the back streets near National Taiwan University between Xinsheng South Road and Roosevelt Road in [[Taipei/Zhengzhong|Gongguan]]. More cafes are in the area around Renai Road, Section 4 and Dunhua South Road. There are also some interesting and characterful places between Yongkang Park and Chaozhou Street, and in the alleys around Shida Road. However, for a particularly impressive range of styles, visit Bitan in [[Xindian]], where all the cafes offer restful views over the river and mountains beyond (though can be noisy during weekends). ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|below NT$2,500|NT$2,500-5,000|NT$5,000+}} Taipei offers an important number of various accommodations ranging from basic dorms to 5-star luxury hotels. See the [[#Districts|districts articles]] to read detailed listings. Tourists sleeping one night in Taipei might want to stay in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]], near the Main Train Station, where many budget accommodations can be found. Hostels can be found in the [[Taipei/Old Taipei|old Taipei]] area. Hotels around the [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Ximending]] area would be convenient for those wanting to eat, shop and party all in one area. Business travelers would probably prefer to stay in [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]], the financial district, where many luxury hotels are found. The Grand Hotel in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]], built back when Chiang Kai-shek decided there wasn't a suitable hotel in which to welcome foreign dignitaries, may appeal to those interested in classical Chinese architecture and history. 10% service fee and 5% VAT are usually not included in the top end hotel rates. If you're staying a bit more long-term in Taipei, do as some daily commuters do and get cheaper rooms outside city boundaries, in places such as [[Xindian]] and [[Yonghe]], which are still somewhat accessible through the Taipei MRT network. ==Learn== ===Buddhism=== *The internationally acclaimed Chan (Zen) Master Sheng-yen (who passed away in Feb 2009) has a monastery in [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] where there are regular meditation meetings with instruction given in English. See [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] page for more information. *'''Tibetan Buddhism''' has become very popular in Taiwan, and the Taipei area alone boasts more than fifty centers. So, on any given night there will be teachings and rituals being held in the city. Taipei has become a regular port of call for many of the well known rinpoches. While most teachings are given in Tibetan with translation into Chinese, some are given in English. For information on teachings, check notice boards at vegetarian restaurants. (For purchase of Buddha statues and other Buddhist artifacts, see 'Potala' under listings for 'Buy') *The international Buddhist foundation '''The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation''' has its headquarters in Taipei. The foundation publishes books on Buddhism in various languages (including English) which it offers for free. For detailed information check the foundation's [http://www.budaedu.org.tw/en/ web site] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===Universities=== [[Image:National Taiwan University Library 20060802.jpg|thumb|250px|National Taiwan University]] * {{listing | name=National Taiwan University | alt=國立臺灣大學 | url=http://www.ntu.edu.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Taiwan's uncontested number one university. Colloquially known by the shortened 臺大 (''Táidà''). }} * {{listing | name=National Taiwan Normal University | alt=國立臺灣師範大學 | url=http://www.ntnu.edu.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Colloquially known by the shortened ''Shida'', one of the oldest universities in Taiwan. NTNU runs the Mandarin Training Center, an excellent program teaching several levels of Mandarin Chinese in semester-long segments. }} * {{listing | name=National Taiwan University of Science and Technology | alt=國立臺灣科技大學 | url=http://www-e.ntust.edu.tw/front/bin/home.phtml {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=The first technical university in Taiwan. }} ===Language=== * {{listing | name=Mandarin Training Center | alt= | url=http://mtc.ntnu.edu.tw/eng/ | email=mtc@mtc.ntnu.edu.tw | address=National Taiwan Normal University (Shida), 162 Heping East Rd, sec. 1. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2321-8457, +886 2 2391-4248 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2341-8431 | content=This school, which is part of Shi-da University, remains one of the most popular schools in Taiwan for serious students of Mandarin. }} * {{listing | name=International Chinese Language Program National Taiwan University | alt=Taida | url=http://ccms.ntu.edu.tw/~iclp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content= This program, which used to be called the IUP program, has a long history of Chinese language training, especially for advanced learners and primarily targeting graduate students, scholars and professionals studying in China and Taiwan. It has very small classes, very high quality instructors and textbooks, but may be considerably more expensive than the alternatives. Only students who expect a very intensive experience, usually with a year or more of time to dedicate to study, should consider this program. }} * {{listing | name=Mandarin Daily News Language Center | alt=more commonly known locally as Guo-Yu-Ri-Bau | url=http://www.mdnkids.com/english_hp/language.asp | email= | address=2F. 2 Fu-zhou Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2391-5134, +886 2 2392-1133 ext 1004 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2391-2008 | content=Along with the Center for Chinese Language and Culture Studies, this is one of the most popular schools in Taiwan for serious students of Mandarin. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Maryknoll Language Service Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rm. 800, 8 Fl., Chung Ying Bldg. 2 Zhongshan North Rd., Sec. 1 | lat= | long= | directions=Near a Taipei Station MRT stop exit | phone=+886 2 2314-1833 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Maryknoll Language Service Center offers Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Hakka classes. Mostly one-on-one tutorials although you may be able to arrange a group class. }} ===Taichi=== *Unless you have a recommendation, the best way to find a good teacher is to visit a park at sunrise and check out the scene for yourself. If you spot a group that impresses you, approach one of the students and inquire about joining them. Most teachers will be happy to have a new student, though some old masters may 'play hard to get.' In the latter case, persistence is required. Most teachers will expect some sort of fee for their tuition. However, as it is considered impolite to directly ask the teacher this question, use a fellow student as mediator. Furthermore, when offering the money on the allotted day, place it in a red envelope (''hongbao'' - available at all convenience and stationery stores) and slip it to the teacher subtly. Offering cash openly to a teacher of a traditional art or religion is considered undignified and demeaning. Most parks host tai'chi groups, but the most popular places are the grounds of the '''Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall''' (nearest MRT station - CKS Memorial Hall) and '''Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall''' (nearest MRT station - SYS Memorial Hall) as well as '''228 Peace Park''' (formerly known as New Park - nearest MRT station - National Taiwan University Hospital). ===Cooking=== * {{listing | name=The Coriander Cooking Studio | alt= | url=https://the-coriander.wixsite.com/cooking-studio | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Offers Taiwanese small eats cooking classes, Certificate of Excellence From Tripadvisor in 2019. }} * {{listing | name=Jodie's Kitchen Cooking School | alt= | url=http://kitchen.j321.com | email= | address=2F, 29-1 Zi Yun St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2720-0053 | tollfree= | fax= | content=Offers Taiwanese and Chinese cooking classes }} *Many community colleges, such as [http://www.zzcc.tp.edu.tw/ Zhongzheng Community College] and [http://university.tamsui.org.tw/ Tamsui Community University] offer weekly cooking courses. These include Chinese, Italian and Thai cooking, for example. The classes are in Chinese or Taiwanese language only. The prices are quite low because the colleges are government-funded. ==Work== Teaching English (or to a lesser extent, other foreign languages) is perhaps the easiest way to work in Taiwan. Work permits will be hard to come by and will take time. Consult your local Taiwan consulate/embassy/representative as far in advance as possible. Anyone staying in Taiwan for an extended period of time can ''find'' English teaching work, albeit illegally. Many people teach English (or other languaged) for pay without a permit in Taipei and elsewhere in Taiwan. ==Connect== ===Hospitals=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Chung-shan Hospital | alt=中山醫院 | url= | email= | address=11, Lane 112, Renai Road, Sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions=Nearest MRT: 'Zhongxiao-Dunhua' (a fifteen minute walk) | phone=+886 2' 2708-1166 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q30293373 | content=A small hospital popular with expats }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Buddhist Tzu-chi Hospital | alt=慈濟醫院 | url= | email= | address=Jianguo Road, Xindian City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 6628-6336, +886 2 6628-9800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A very friendly and efficient hospital with an especially caring environment. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Mackay Memorial Hospital | alt=馬偕紀念醫院 | url=http://www.mmh.org.tw | email= | address=92 Zhongshan North Road Sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions=nearest MRT Station: Shuanglian | phone=+886 2 2543-3535 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6724292 | content=One of the best hospitals in Taipei }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=National Taiwan University Hospital | alt=臺大醫院 | url= | email= | address=1 Changde Street | lat= | long= | directions=Nearest MRT Station: NTU Hospital | phone=+886 2' 2312-3456 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1418766 | content=One of Taiwan's largest and most famous hospitals }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Taiwan Adventist Hospital | alt=臺安醫院 | url= | email= | address=424 Bade Road Sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2771-8151 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3145256 | content=This hospital has English-speaking staff. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Yang-ming Hospital | alt=陽明醫院 | url= | email= | address=105 Yusheng Street, Shilin | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Popular with the Tianmu expat community }} ===Internet=== ====WiFi==== The free ''iTaiwan'' is available all over the city &ndash; for more information read the [[Taiwan#Internet|country article]]. You need to (freely and easily) register to use it. Other WiFis like [http://www.tpe-free.taipei.gov.tw/ ''TPE-Free''] ====Internet cafés==== Internet cafés are plentiful, especially in the maze of alleys between Taipei Main Station and Peace Park. However, you may have to wander around (and look up and down as many are on higher floors or in the basement) before finding one. Some computers are coin operated. Internet cafes are known as ''wang-ka'' in Chinese (a combination of ''wang'', the Chinese word for 'net', and ''ka'' an abbreviation of 'cafe'). Below is a list of a few recommended internet cafes: * {{listing | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=B1 on the corner of Shida Road and Lane 117, two minute walk from Taipower Building MRT station exit 3 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Aztec | alt= | url= | email= | address=2F. 235 Zhongxiao East Road, sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=LHH Cyber Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=28 Guangfu South Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Skywalker Multimedia Entertainment Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=B1, 119 Minsheng East Road, sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Major airlines=== *'''Cathay Pacific''' (國泰航空) – ''+886 2'' 2715 2333 *'''China Airlines''' (中華航空) – ''+886 2'' 2715 1212 *'''EVA Airways''' (長榮航空) – ''+886 2'' 2501 1999 *'''KLM Asia''' (荷蘭皇家航空) – ''+886 2'' 2711 4055 *'''Delta''' (達美航空) – ''+886 2'' 2772 2188 *'''Singapore Airlines''' (新加坡航空) – ''+886 2'' 2551 6655 *'''Thai Airways''' (泰國航空) – ''+886 2'' 2509 6800 For up-to-date information on cheap flights, check the advertisement pages of one of the three local daily English newspapers (see 'Media' section below). ===Media=== Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. There are two daily local newspapers available in English, '''''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]''''' and '''''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]'''''. A third English-language newspaper '''''[http://www.etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]''''' (formerly ''China News'') is no longer available on paper but continues to exist online. Most media in Taiwan has a political slant; ''The China Post'' is more pan-blue while ''Taipei Times'' is more pan-green. Free news and information are available from the following: * '''''[http://www.communitycenter.org.tw/our-magazine/ Centered on Taipei]''''' is a free monthly designed for expats living in Taipei, but it is also very useful for visitors. It can be found in many of the major hotels throughout Taipei, and also in many businesses in the Tian Mu area. *'''''[http://www.tmit-media.com/ This Month in Taiwan] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}}''''' is a free magazine that lists events and has an exhaustive directory of useful numbers in Taiwan. It can be found at tourist offices and major hotels. * '''''[http://englishnews.ftv.com.tw FTV English Edition]''''' – This show is an hour of English news shown on Channel 53 (2005) on the local TV station Formosa TV (FTV) at 23:00 every night. The program features 30 minutes of local news, as well as cultural events. The show is archived online. *'''[http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT]''' (short for "international Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available across Taiwan on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour M-F between 07:00 and 20:00, and Sa between 10:00 and 18:00. ===Telephone=== Mobile phone coverage is relatively good in Taipei. Among the major providers are '''Chunghwa Telecom''' (中華電信), '''Taiwan Mobile''' (臺灣大哥大), '''Vibo''' (威寶電訊) and '''Far EasTone''' (遠傳電訊). Taipei has both GSM 900/1800 and 3G networks and roaming might be possible for users of such mobile phones, subject to agreements between operators. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Prepaid 1GB SIM cards can be purchased for about 500NT with a passport. ===Tourist and emergency numbers=== *Tourist Information Office: 9F, 290 Zhongxiao East Road., Sec. 4. TEL:2349-1500 – There is also a branch tourist office next to the ticket purchasing counters at Taipei Main Station, and near exit 16 in the Metro Mall underground shopping plaza that runs between MRT the Zhongxiao-Fushing and Zhongxiao-Dunhwa Stations. *Tourist Information (emergency number) - {{phone|+886 2 2717-3737}}. === Printing documents === All 24-hour convenience stores, such as 7-11 and Family Mart, have a flat screen monitor. With a USB, this monitor can be used to print documents on the store's photocopy machine. === Reservations === All 24 hour convenience stores offer a reservation service. A flat screen monitor (usually near the check-out) has lists of trains, theater, and movie screenings. Once a reservation has been confirmed, payment can be made at the check-out in exchange for a ticket. == Stay safe == Taipei is one of the safest cities you will ever visit, and violent crime is extremely rare. Most people, including single female travellers, will not encounter any problems roaming the streets alone at night. However, while not as rampant as in major European cities, pickpockets operate in crowded areas, so you should be vigilant of your belongings, particularly in night markets. Local police are a resource you can turn for help, and many officers speak at least basic English. * '''[http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm Central Weather Bureau]''' – In addition to giving a seven-day forecasts for Taipei, this website also has detailed maps showing the path of an approaching typhoon and up-to-the-minute information of earthquakes, giving their location and magnitude. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Division | alt= | url= | email= | address=No.96, Yanping S. Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886-2-2381-8251, +886-2-2381-7494 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-23 | content=The specialized division of the Taipei City Police Department (TCPD) tasked with dealing with crimes involving foreigners. Each precinct of the TCPD has a foreign affairs section; their contact information is listed [https://english.police.gov.taipei/cp.aspx?n=CFC5CEAB8AFFEF3C here]. }} ** {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Service Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 80, Dadong Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886-2-2556-6007 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-23 | content=Branch office of TCPD's Foreign Affairs Division. }} * Emergency numbers: ** Police: '''110''' ** Ambulance, Fire brigade: '''119''' ==Cope== [[File:Taipei Taiwan Presidential-Office-Building-03.jpg|thumb|Presidential Office Building]] * {{listing | name=National Immigration Agency | alt=移民署 | url=https://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1092844&ctNode=32289&mp=2 {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=No.15, Guangzhou Street, Zhongzheng District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2-23889393, +886 2-23899983 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 09:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=National Immigration Agency | wikidata=Q6973478 | content=Visa applications/extensions for foreign residents of Taipei City should be made at this agency. }} ===Foreign missions=== As the People's Republic of China (PRC) does not allow other countries to have diplomatic relations with both itself and the ROC on Taiwan, many of the world's nations do not have official embassies or consulates in Taiwan. However, as the PRC allows recognition of Taiwan as a separate economy, many nations maintain a "Trade Office', "Institute" or something of a similar name in Taipei. These missions serve as ''de facto'' embassies that perform consular activities, such as issuing visas. {| | |style="vertical-align:top:width=50%;"| *{{flag|Argentina}} {{listing | name=Argentina: Argentina Trade and Cultural Office | alt= | url=https://occat.cancilleria.gob.ar/ | email=atco326@ms13.hinet.net | address=Suite 1512, 15 F, No. 333, Sec. 1, Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2757 6556 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2757 6448 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Australia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Australia: The Australian Office Taipei | alt= | url=http://australia.org.tw/tpei/home.html | email= | address=27th-28th Floors, President International Tower, No. 9-11 Song Gao Rd,, Xinyi District, Taipei .11073 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 8725 4100 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 9789 9599 | hours=M-F 08:45-12:30 and 13:30-17:15 | price= | wikidata=Q22773800 | content= }} *{{flag|Austria}} {{listing |name=Austria: Austrian Office Taipei |email=taipeh-ot@bmeia.gv.at |address=10 F No. 167 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 8175 3283 |fax=+886 2 2514 9980 |content= }} *{{flag|Belgium}} {{listing |name=Belgium: Belgian Office, Taipei|url=http://countries.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/taipei |email=taipei@diplobel.fed.be |address=Suite 601, Worldwide House, No. 131 Minsheng East Rd., Sec. 3, Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 2715 1215 |fax=+886 2 2712 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:45 and 14:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Brazil}} {{listing |name=Brazil: Commercial Office of Brazil to Taipei|url=http://taipe.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/|email=consular.taipei@itamaraty.gov.br |address=2 F No. 45 Dexing West Rd., Shihlin, Taipei 11158 |phone=+886 2 2835 7388 |fax=+886 2 2835 712 |content= }} *{{flag|Canada}} {{listing |name=Canada: Canadian Trade Office in Taipei |url=http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/taiwan/taipei.aspx?lang=eng |email=taipei@international.gc.ca |address=6 F Hua-hsin Building, No. 1 SongZhi Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11047 |phone=+886 2 8723 3000 |fax=+886 2 8723 3592 |hours=M-Th 08:15-12:00, F 08:15-12:45 |content= }} *{{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing |name=Czech Republic: Czech Economic and Cultural Office |url=http://www.mzv.cz/taipei|email=Taipei_Ceco@mzv.cz |address=7 F No.200 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11071 |phone=+886 2 2722 5100 |fax=+886 2 2722 5117 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Denmark}} {{listing |name=Denmark: The Trade Council of Denmark |url=http://taipei.um.dk |email=tpehkt@um.dk |address= 12 F, Suite 1207, No. 205 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 10595 |phone=+886 2 2718 2101 |fax=+886 2 2718 2141 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Finland}} {{listing |name=Finland: Finland's Trade Office in Taipei |email=teppro.turkki@finpro.fi |address=Room 1511, 15 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2772 0764 |content= }} *{{flag|France}} {{listing |name=France: Bureau Français de Taipei| url=http://www.france-taipei.org |address=10 F No. 205 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 3518 5151 |fax=+886 2 3518 5190 |content= }} *{{Flag|Germany}} {{listing |name=Germany: German Institute Taipei |url=https://taipei.diplo.de/tw-en |email=info@taipei.diplo.de |address=33 F, No. 7 Xinyi Rd., Sec. 5, Taipei |phone=+886 2 8722 2800 |hours=M-Th 08:30-17:00, F 08:30-14:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Hungary}} {{listing |name=Hungary: Hungarian Trade Office, Taipei|url=http://www.hungary.org.tw |address=3F No. 97 Jingye 1st Rd., Tachih, Taipei 104 |phone=+886 2 8501 1200 |fax=+886 2 8501 1167 |content= }} *{{flag|India}} {{listing |name=India: India-Taipei Association |url=http://www.india.org.tw |address=Suite 2010/2012 International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2757 6112 |fax=+886 2 2757 6117 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:20-17:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing |name=Indonesia: Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei |address=6 F No. 550, Rui Guang Rd., Neihu District, Taipei 114 |phone=+886 2 8752 6176 |fax=+886 2 8752 3706 |content= }} *{{flag|Israel}} {{listing |name=Israel: Israeli Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei |url=https://embassies.gov.il/taipei-en/ConsularServices/Pages/consular-services.aspx |address=Suite 2408, 24 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2757 9692 | fax=+886 2 2757 7247 |hours=M-F 09:30-12:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Italy}} {{listing |name=Italy: Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office |rmail=consolare.taipei@esteri.it |address=Room 1809, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2345 0320 |fax=+886 2 2757 6260 |hours=M-F 09:50-12:50 |content= }} *{{flag|Japan}} {{listing |name=Japan: Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association|url=http://www.koryu.or.jp |email=iaj_center@kory.co.jp |address=28 Qingcheng St,. Taipei 10547 |phone=+886 2 2713 8000 |fax=+886 2 2713 8787 |content= }} *{{flag|Luxembourg}} {{listing |name=Luxembourg: Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office, Taipei|email=assistant@luxtrade.org |address=No. 5 Alley 8, Lane 201, Qiyen Rd., Taipei 11242 |phone=+886 2 2891 6647 |fax=+886 2 2894 8314 |content= }} *{{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing |name=Malaysia: Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre, Taipei |url=http://www.kln.gov.my/web/twn_taipei/home |email=mwtaipei@kln.gov.my |address=9 F San Ho Plastic Building, No. 102 Tun Hwa North Rd., Songshan District, Taipei 10595 |phone=+886 2 2713 2626 |fax=+886 2 2514 9864 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Mexico}} {{listing |name=Mexico: Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office |url=http://oficinaenlace.sre.gob.mx/taiwan/|email=mexico@mextw.com |address=Suite 1502, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 6566 |fax=+886 2 2758 4651 |content= }} *{{flag|Mongolia}} {{listing |name=Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar Trade and Economic Representative Office in Taipei |address=Suite 112, 11 F, No. 333, Sec. 1 Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2722 9740|fax=+886 2 2722 9745' }} *{{flag|Myanmar}} {{listing |name=Myanmar: Myanmar Trade Office (Taipei)|url=https://mtotpe.blogspot.tw |address=6 F, No. 168 Jingmao 2nd. Rd., Nangang District, Taipei 115 |phone=+886 2 2789 2100 |content= }} *{{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing |name=Netherlands: Netherlands Trade and Investment Office | |address=13 F-2, Farglory Financial Center, No. 1 Song Gao Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11073 |phone=+886 2 8758 7200 |fax=+886 2 2720 5005 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 |content= }} |style="vertical-align:top;width=50%;| *{{flag|New Zealand}} {{Listing |name=New Zealand: New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office Taipei | url=http://nzcio.com |email=ncio.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=9 F No. 1 SongZhi Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11047 |phone=+886 2 2720 5228 |fax=+886 2 2720 5255 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Nigeria}} {{listing |name=Nigeria: Nigeria Trade Office in Taiwan R.O.C. |address=Suite 7D06, 7 F, No. 5, Sec. 5, 5 Xinyi Rd., Taipei 11011 |phone=+886 2 2720 2669|fax=+886 2 2720 4242 }} *{{flag|Oman}} {{Listing |name=Oman: Commercial Office of the Sultanate of Oman in Taiwan |url=http://www.omantaiwan.org |address=7G-05 Taipei World Trade Center, No. 5 Xinyi Rd., Sec. 5, Taipei |phone=+886 2 2722-0684 |fax=+886 2 2722-0645 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Philippines}} {{listing |name=Philippines: Manila Economic and Cultural Office |url=http://www.meco.org.tw |email=meco.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=2 F, Chang Hong New Era Building, No. 56 & 57 Zhouzi Street, Neihu District, Taipei 114 |phone=+886 2 2658 8825 |fax=+886 2 2658 8887 |hours=M-F 09:00-18:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Poland}} {{listing |name=Poland: Warsaw Trade Office in Taipei|url=http://poland.tw/en|email=warsaw.office@msa.hinet.net |address=Room 1601, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 7718 3300 |fax=+886 2 7718 3310 |hours=M-F 10:00-14:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Russia}} {{listing |name=Russia: Representative Office in Taipei for the Moscow-Taipei Coordination Commission on Economic and Cultural Cooperation | url=http://www.mtc.org.tw |address=15 F Aurora Building, No. 2, Sec. 5 Xinyi Rd., Taipei |phone=+886 2 8780 3011 |fax=+886 2 8790 2511 |hours=Tu Th 09:30-114:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}{{listing |name=Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei |url=http://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/taiwan/EN/Pages/default.aspx |address=4 F, No. 9 Lane 62, Tienmu West Rd., Shihlin, Taipei 111 |phone=+886 2 2876 1444 |fax=+886 2 2287 2919 |hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Singapore}} {{listing | name=Singapore: Singapore Trade Office in Taipei | alt= | url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/taipei | email=singtr_tpe@mfa.sg | address=9 F No. 85 Jen-Ai Rd, Sec. 4, Taipei 106 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2772 1940 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2711 1784 | hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 and 13:30-17:00 | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Somaliland}} {{listing | name=Somaliland: Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan | alt= | url=https://somaliland.tw | email=admin@somaliland.tw | address=3rd Floor, No. 108, Ningbo West Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei 100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 23333 1939 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2309 0398 | hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 | price= | content= }} *{{flag|South Africa}} {{listing |name=South Africa: Liaison Office of South Africa in Taiwan |url=http://www.southafrica.org.tw |email=south.africa@msa.hinet.net |address=Suite 1301 13 F No. 205 Tun Hua North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 8175 8588 |fax=+886 2 2712 5109 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 |content= }} *{{flag|South Korea}} {{listing |name=South Korea: Korean Mission in Taipei |url=http://taiwan.mofa.go.kr/worldlanguage/asia/taiwan/main/index.jsp |email=taipei@mofa.go.kr |address=Suite 1506, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2758 8320 |fax=+886 2 2757 7006 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Spain}} {{listing |name=Spain: Spanish Chamber of Commerce |url=http://www.icex.es/icex/es/navegacion-principal/todos-nuestros-servicios/informacion-de-mercados/paises/navegacion-superior/nuestras-oficinas/camarataipei.html?idPais=TW|email=taipei@comercio.mineco.es |address=10 F - B 1, No.49 Minsheng East Rd., Sec. 3, Taipei 10478 |phone=+886 2 2518 4905 |fax=+886 2 2518 4891 |content= }} *{{flag|Sweden}} {{listing |name=Sweden: Business Sweden |email=taipei@business-sweden.se |address=Room 1101, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, 11012 Taipei |phone=+886 2 2757 6573 |content= }} *{{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing |name=Switzerland: Trade Office of Swiss Industries |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/taiwan/en/home.html |email=tai.vertretung@eda.admin.ch |address=Room 3101, 3 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2720 1001 |fax=+886 2 2757 6984 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Thailand}} {{listing |name=Thailand: Thailand Trade and Economic Office (Taipei) |url=http://www.tteo.org.tw |email=tteo@ms22.hinet.net |address=12 F No. 168 Sung Chiang Rd., Chungshan District, Taipei 104 |phone=+886 2 2581 1979 |fax=+886 2 2581 8707 |hours=M-F 09:00-114:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Turkey}} {{listing |name=Turkey: Turkish Trade Office in Taiwan |url=http://www.taipei.to.mfa.gov.tr/Default.aspx |email=tr-office.taipei@mfa.gov.tr |address=Suite 1905, 19 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 7318 |fax=+886 2 2757 9432 |hours=M-F 09:30-12:30 |content= }} *{{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing |name=United Kingdom: British Office Taipei | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-trade-cultural-office-taiwan |email-info.taipei@fco.gov/uk |address=26 F President International Tower, No. 9-11 Song Gao Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11073 |phone=+886 2 8758 2088 |fax=+886 2 8758 2050 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|United States}} {{listing | type=listing | name=United States: American Institute in Taiwan | alt= | url=https://www.ait.org.tw/en/ | email= | address=No. 7, Ln. 134, Sec. 3, Xinyi Rd., Da-an District, Taipei | lat=25.032447 | long=121.539558 | directions= | phone=+886 2 2162 2000 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:00-11:00 and 13:00-15:30 | price= | wikidata=Q1195231 | content= }} *{{flag|Vietnam}} {{listing |name=Vietnam: Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office | email=vecotaipei@mofa.gov.vn |address=3 F No. 65 Sung Chiang Rd., Taipei |phone=+886 2 2516 6626 |fax=+886 2 2516 6625 |content= }} |} ===Embassies=== The following countries maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan and have embassies in Taipei. {| |style="vertical-align:top:width=50%;"| *{{flag|Belize}} {{listing |name=Belize|email=embassybzroc@gmail.com |address=11 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 1157 |phone=+886 2 2876 0894|fax=+886 2 2876 0896 |content=}} *{{flag|El Salvador}} {{listing |name=El Salvador|email=embsal.taipei@msa.hinet.net |address=2 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 3606|fax=+886 2 2876 3513 |content=}} *{{flag|Eswatini}} {{listing |name=Eswatini|email=swazitpi@ms41.hinet.net |address=10 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2872 5934 |content=}} *{{flag|Guatemala}} {{listing |name=Guatemala|email=embchina@minex.gob.gt |address=3 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2875 6952|fax=+886 2 2874 0699 |content=}} *{{flag|Haiti}} {{listing |name=Haiti|email=haiti@ms26.hinet.net |address=8 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 6718|fax=+886 2 2876 6719 |content=}} *{{flag|Vatican City}} {{listing |name=Holy See|email=na.taipei@diplomat.va |address=1 F No. 7-1 Lane 265, Heping East Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei 10667 |phone=+886 2 2700 6847|fax=+886 2 2755 1926 |content=}} *{{flag|Honduras}} {{listing |name=Honduras|email=embajadahondurastw@yahoo.com |address=9 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2875 5507|fax=+886 2 2875 5726 |content=}} *{{flag|Marshall Islands}} {{listing |name=Marshall Islands|email=rmiemb.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=4 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 4884|fax=+886 2 2873 4904 |content=}} |style="verical-align:top;width=50%;| *{{flag|Nauru}} {{listing |name=Nauru|email=embassy@nauru.org.tw |address=11 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 1950|fax=+886 2 2876 1930 |content=}} *{{flag|Palau}} {{listing |name=Palau|email=palau.embassy@msa.hinet.net |address=3 F no. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 1157 |phone=+886 2 2876 5415|fax=+886 2 2876 0436 |content=}} *{{flag|Paraguay}} {{listing |name=Paraguay|url=http://www.embapartwroc.com.tw|email=embapartaiwan@embapartwroc.com.tw |address=7 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 63110|fax=+886 2 2873 6312 |content=}} *{{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} {{listing |name=Saint Kitts and Nevis|email=embskn.tw@gmail.com |address=5 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 3252|fax=+886 2 2873 3246 |content=}} *{{flag|Saint Lucia}} {{listing |name=Saint Lucia|email=sluembassy.tw@gmail.com |address=Suite 2407, 24 F N. 333, Sec. 1, Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 6900|fax=+886 2 2757 68000 |content=}} *{{flag|Tuvalu}} {{listing |name=Tuvalu|url=http://www.tuvaluembassyroc.org|email=tuvaluembassyroc@gmail.com |address=9 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 7606|fax=+886 2 2876 7603 |hours=M-F 08:30-16:30 |content=}} |} ==Go next== Taiwan's excellent rail system makes day trips easy, and there's lots to see around the [[New Taipei]] and [[Keelung]]. * [[Tamsui]], an old port town northwest of Taipei, is the main scene of the Taiwanese movie-'''Secret''' by Jay Chou. It's very popular with tourists. * [[Jiufen]] is a former gold mining town on the northeast coast and now a popular tourist destination. * [[Banqiao]] is a town and administrative capital of the other city in the Taipei Metro Area, [[New Taipei City]]. * [[Fulong]] is on the eastern coast of Taipei County. There you will find a coastal town with an excellent beach. Every July, there is the three day '''Ho-hai-yan Rock Festival''' which is a must-see. * [[Yingge]] is famous for its high concentration of potters and ceramic makers. It's even possible to travel to anywhere along the west coast of Taiwan all the way to [[Kaohsiung]] and back within a day, although at the price of a high-speed rail ticket. The [[Eastern Taiwan|eastern parts]] are a little harder to get to, and [[Taroko Gorge]] warrants more than a night's stay anyway. * [[Taroko Gorge]] – Here, the Liwu River cuts through 3,000-foot marble cliffs. The area around the gorge is also designated as '''Taroko Gorge National Park'''. * [[Hsinchu]] is a city with an old heritage and modern science park. * [[Shei-pa National Park]] spans mountains and rivers and is in [[Hsinchu County]] has great hiking trails. Hsinchu County is also home to '''[http://www1.leofoo.com.tw/village/en/ Leofoo Village Theme Park]''', Taiwan's most popular amusement park. * [[Sun Moon Lake]] in [[Nantou County]] is a crystal clear lake embedded into lush mountains. * [[Tainan]] for a laidback atmosphere and in-depth look into the history of Taiwan. {{routebox | placename=Taipei (THSR) | image1=Taiwan High Speed Rail (Logo Only).svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Hsinchu]] | minorr1=[[Taoyuan]] }} {{routebox | placename=Taipei (National Highway) | image1=TWHW1.svg | imagesize1=35 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Keelung]] | minorl1=[[New Taipei]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Taoyuan]] | minorr1=[[New Taipei]] | image2=TWHW3.svg | imagesize2=35 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Keelung]] | minorl2=[[New Taipei]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Taoyuan]] | minorr2=[[New Taipei]] | image3=TWHW3a.svg | imagesize3=35 | directionl3=N | majorl3=END | minorl3= | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[New Taipei]] | minorr3= | image4=TWHW5.svg | imagesize4=35 | directionl4=N | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Yilan]] | minorr4=[[New Taipei]] }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|25.05201|121.54175|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Taiwan}} 1v2czn7s7tj8q1m6c1xw0rzesrbp47q 4488059 4488056 2022-07-22T02:11:15Z 98.149.220.34 Use official Chinese name from their Logo/website: https://www.tsa.gov.tw/ wikitext text/x-wiki {{hatnote|If you were looking for New Taipei, see [[New Taipei]].}} {{pagebanner | Taipei banner 2.jpg | dotm=yes}} {{printDistricts}} [[File:Taipei,_Taiwan_CBD_Skyline.jpg|thumb|280px|Skyline of Taipei]] [http://www.travel.taipei/en/ '''Taipei'''] (臺北; ''Tâi-pak'' in Taiwanese, ''Táiběi'' in Mandarin) is the national capital of the Republic of China, otherwise known as [[Taiwan]]. Sitting in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains, Taipei serves as the island's financial, cultural, and governmental center. The city is a tantalizing mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences, vibrant in its own right yet unhurried by global standards. Besides the architectural and cultural landmarks like Taipei 101 and Longshan Temple, the ''xiaochi'' (small snacks) in bustling night markets are an experience not to be forgotten by your stomach. The capital is also a great jumping off point for day trips to hot springs, old mining towns and national parks around the [[Northern Taiwan]] area. ==Districts== Taipei is a fast-growing city, but despite the pressure on land, a park is never far away, especially in the suburban areas. The downtown area is culturally divided into East and West. The west side, with its narrow streets and road side vendors, is considered the bastion of old Taipei life, whereas East Taipei, with its bustling supermalls, chic boutiques, stylish restaurants and classy cafes, reminiscent of those found in [[Tokyo]], [[Seoul]], [[Paris]] or [[New York City]] represents its metamorphosis. The Greater Taipei metropolitan area beyond Taipei City boundaries includes the surrounding [[New Taipei]] City (新北市) and [[Keelung]] (基隆市), representing the largest urban cluster in Taiwan with nearly 7 million people, though run by three different government authorities. ===Central districts=== {{Mapframe|25.08|121.56|zoom=11||height=420|width=320|staticmap=Wikivoyage Taipei Districts.png}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Old Taipei|Old Taipei]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271060,Q271134|fill=#d56d76}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng and Gongguan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q175581|fill=#ac5c91}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/East District|East District]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q252951,Q271151|fill=#d5dc76}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan and Songshan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271124,Q271167|fill=#4f93c0}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q252864|fill=#b5d29f}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q254626|fill=#b383b3}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Neihu|Neihu and Nangang]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271073,Q271094|fill=#578e86}} {{Mapshape|title=[[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]]|type=geoshape|wikidata=Q271143|fill=#d09440}} {{mapshapes|Q714810}} {{mapshapes|Q7684358}} {{Regionlist |region1name=[[Taipei/Old Taipei|Old Taipei]] | region1color=#d56d76 | region1items=萬華-大同| region1description=Wanhua and Datong make up the oldest parts of Taipei, home to many historic buildings, such as the Longshan Temple and the Red House Theater, although it has lost much of its economic relevance to the [[Taipei/East District|East District]]. Ximending is the "[[Tokyo/Harajuku|Harajuku]] of Taipei", a shopping neighborhood centered around teenager fashion, Japanese culture and subcultures. | region2name=[[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng and Gongguan]] | region2color=#ac5c91 | region2items=中正-公館 | region2description=Zhongzheng is the political center of Taiwan and the location of the Presidential Office and important government ministries. Its prime tourist attraction is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Gongguan, on the other hand, has a youthful feel thanks to students from the Taida and Shida universities visiting the area. | region3name=[[Taipei/East District|East District]] | region3color=#d5dc76 | region3items=大安-信義 | region3description=Daan and Xinyi are the modern commercial and financial districts of Taipei, and can be collectively referred to as the East District. Offering department stores, plenty of fashion boutiques, lounge bars, and atmospheric restaurants, and some of the most expensive real estate in the city, it is also home to Taipei 101, the Taipei World Trade Center, and the International Convention Center. | region4name=[[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan and Songshan]] | region4color=#4f93c0 | region4items=中山-松山 | region4description=Zhongshan has riverside parks, the Martyrs' Shrine, the Fine Arts Museum, and a large pub and bar scene. Many firms and financial institutions are in Songshan, which is directly north of the East District. Raohe Street Night Market is one of the oldest of Taipei's famous street markets. }} ===Suburban districts=== {{Regionlist| region5name=[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] | region5color=#b5d29f | region5items=北投 | region5description=This district is famous for hot springs and the [[Yangmingshan National Park]].| region6name=[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]] | region6color=#b383b3 | region6items=士林 | region6description=A traditional area of the city that is known for its excellent museums, including the world famous National Palace Museum. Shilin is also home to one of Taipei's largest night markets and the expat enclave of Tianmu.| region7name=[[Taipei/Neihu|Neihu and Nangang]] | region7color=#578e86 | region7items=內湖-南港| region7description=Located in the eastern reaches of the city, Neihu and Nangang are hubs of the IT industry in Taipei, home to many large shopping centers, and a great place for hiking and 'templing'. A mouth-watering juxtaposition of local Taiwanese culture and modern shopping malls and restaurants. A definite must-visit, Neihu is largely a secret to the tourist world. | region8name=[[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]] | region8color=#d09440 | region8items=文山 | region8description=This leafy district in the south of the city is known for its tea plantations and tea houses. It is also home to Taipei Zoo and the Maokong Gondola cable car. }} ==Understand== [[File:Taipei_Landscape.jpg|thumb|400px|An evening in Taipei from Elephant Mountain in 2017.]] In 1884, the Qing dynasty governor of Taiwan, Liu Mingchuan, decided to move the prefecture capital to Taipei. With the construction of government offices and the influx of civil servants, Taipei's days as a sleepy market town were over. When Taiwan was granted provincial status in 1887, Taipei remained the provincial capital. As Taipei is in the north of Taiwan (the closest area to Japan), the city continued to thrive when Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895. However, as Japan was in the throes of a 'modernize-come-what-may' period, little regard was paid to Taipei's traditional Chinese-style architecture, and many of the old buildings, including the city walls, were demolished. Nevertheless, several Qing Dynasty structures, including the old North Gate, the former Provincial Administration Hall and several temples still survive. In addition, several distinctive buildings were constructed in the city under Japanese rule - these include the Presidential Palace and National Taiwan University. The city's architecture again suffered a major onslaught when the KMT government arrived from mainland China in 1945. In order to cope with the influx of millions of mainland refugees, temporary housing estates sprang up all around the city. Later, these were replaced by Soviet-era style (or 'no-style') concrete apartment buildings, which characterized Taipei's landscape for decades. Many of these building still survive, but as Taiwan's economy took off and people became more affluent, a brighter and bolder city began to emerge from the 1980s. New districts were established, tree lined boulevards were laid, high quality apartment blocks constructed, and chic and stylish cafes and restaurants opened. The Taipei of today is rated as one of the planet's wealthiest and most innovative cities, and is characterized by its friendly people and safe streets. While it is not usually high on the list of tourist destinations, in reality it is a fascinating place to visit and live, and Taipei's local cuisine has deservedly earned its place among Asia's finest. Furthermore, despite its size, Taipei does not have any rough areas that are considered unsafe, even at night - which in itself is attractive. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 19 | febhigh = 19 | marhigh = 22 | aprhigh = 26 | mayhigh = 29 | junhigh = 32 | julhigh = 35 | aughigh = 34 | sephigh = 31 | octhigh = 28 | novhigh = 24 | dechigh = 21 | janlow = 13 | feblow = 14 | marlow = 15 | aprlow = 19 | maylow = 22 | junlow = 24 | jullow = 26 | auglow = 26 | seplow = 24 | octlow = 22 | novlow = 19 | declow = 15 | janprecip = 83 | febprecip = 170 | marprecip = 180 | aprprecip = 178 | mayprecip = 235 | junprecip = 326 | julprecip = 245 | augprecip = 322 | sepprecip = 361 | octprecip = 149 | novprecip = 83 | decprecip = 73 | description = '''[http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm Central Weather Bureau seven day forecast for Taipei]''' }} Taipei has a semi-tropical climate characterized by hot and humid weather. The most comfortable season to visit is the fall, when the rainfall is at its lowest and the temperatures average a pleasant mid 20&nbsp;°C. February to April are particularly damp with little sunlight, while the summers can be very hot, but often punctuated by heavy thunder showers. Taipei is prone to typhoons from May to October, though the highest concentrations are in August and September. Winters can be quite chilly, with temperatures occasionally falling below 10&nbsp;°C at night, though snowfall has never been known to occur except on very rare occasions at higher elevations in Yangmingshan National Park. ===Tourism=== *'''[http://www.taiwan.net.tw Taiwan Tourism Bureau]''' – The official Tourism Bureau website. *'''[http://www.taipeitravel.net/user/main.aspx?Lang=2 Taipei Travel Net]''' – The official travel guide from the Taipei City Government. ==Talk== Taipei is a city of people from many different origins, most of the Chinese population can be divided between those whose families arrived in Taiwan during the 17th to 19th centuries, and those who came over with the ROC government after the Chinese Civil War in the 1940s and 1950s. While '''[[Chinese phrasebook|Mandarin]]''' is the ''lingua franca'', and is spoken and understood by most people under the age of 60, other Chinese languages can be commonly heard as well. Among the earlier immigrant groups, while speakers of [[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]] form the majority, there is also a significant number of [[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]-speakers living in Taipei. '''English''' is compulsory in all Taiwanese schools, and most people under the age of 40 will have at least a basic grasp of English. Learning some Mandarin and/or Taiwanese will make your trip much smoother. ==Get in== ===By plane=== ====Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport==== [[File:Taoyuan_International_Airport_Terminal_1_Interior_201506.jpg|thumb|280px|Taoyuan Airport arrival hall]] *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]] | alt={{IATA|TPE}}. However, the name was changed only in September 2006 and the old name, '''Chiang Kai Shek International Airport''' is still sometimes used | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.0798 | long=121.2338 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taoyuan International Airport | image=CKS airport-oliv.jpg | wikidata=Q44856 | content=The primary international airport of Taipei. The airport is about 30&nbsp;km from the city and freeway buses ply the route, picking up and dropping off passengers at most of the five-star hotels. They also stop at the Taipei Main Station and the smaller Songshan Airport. There are bus services connecting the airport to nearby cities and [[Taichung]] in central Taiwan. }} The '''Taoyuan Airport''' '''MRT''' rail is the fastest travel option fo/from the airport. * Between 06:00 and 23:00, two trains run every 15 minutes in each direction, one Express, one Commuter. The journey to Taipei by the Express Train takes roughly 38 minutes and the fare is NT$160 for either train type (NT$150 if paid by EasyCard). The train terminates at Taipei Main Station (on the red and blue MRT lines), and there is also an underground walkway to Beimen MRT Station (on the green MRT line). For passengers heading to Taipei, it is best to wait for the Express Train, as the Commuter Train stops at every station. * At Taipei Main Station, some airlines (China Airlines, EVA Air and their subsidiaries) allow you to check-in and check your bags ahead of time, which are also then sent to the airport on the MRT. However, you must do this between 6 hours and 3 hours before your flight departure time. Follow the signs for “In-Town Check-in” on the upper levels of the Taipei Main Airport MRT station. * The platform at Taipei Main Station is some 300 meters from Taipei MRT platforms. Other options, listed from cheapest to most expensive: *'''Express airport buses''' cost between NT$120-150 depending on the bus company, 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and there are stops at both terminals. Most Taipei routes are divided into West and East, with each company operating a service every ten to fifteen minutes on each route. The western line bus terminates at Taipei Main Railway Station and also makes a stop at Yuanshan MRT Station on the Xindian line. (The Airbus company buses on the western line meander through local towns before joining the freeway and therefore take much longer than the blue and white Guoguang buses which enter the freeway directly.) Buses plying the eastern route terminate at the Taipei Grand Hyatt Hotel and make a stop at Zhongxiao-Fuxing MRT Station on the Nangang and Muzha lines. There is also a bus connecting to the domestic Songshan Airport. Ticket counters display route maps showing all stops. In addition, there are some '''non-express buses''' which are slightly cheaper, but pass through towns such as Taoyuan (桃園), Nankan (南崁) or Kueishan (龜山) before arriving in Taipei. :When returning to the airport, express buses can be caught at various stops throughout the city. One major one leaves every 15–20 minutes from {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei West Bus Station|lat=25.04726|long=121.51442}} adjacent to Taipei Main Railway Station (near MRT exit M5 and underground mall exits K12 and Z3). Another is at the terminal at the Songshan Domestic Airport (臺北松山機場). Other stops are outside major hotels and also in front of Minsheng MRT Station. For people taking early morning flights, the earliest available buses to the airport leave at around 04:00 from the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel (臺北遠東國際大飯店) (201 Dunhua South Rd Section 2). *It is also easy to get to {{marker|type=go|name=Taoyuan High Speed Rail station|lat=25.0131|long=121.2148}} from the airport. You can take the MRT rail line there (previously, you had to take a bus). From there, you can catch one of the HSR trains to Taipei Main Station (where it is easy to take a taxi or MRT to your final destination). The bus is NT$30 and the train is NT$165. The total journey time takes 5–15 minutes waiting time, 18–25 minutes on the bus, and 19 minutes to Taoyuan HSR; roughly 1 hour in all. On the way back, there are check-in counters at the station for China Airlines, EVA Air flights. *A one-way '''taxi''' fare between the airport and Taipei will cost at the minimum NT$900 (generally NT$1,000-1,200 from the airport). In Taipei, don't make the mistake of asking a taxi driver to take you to the Taipei airport (Songshan) if you actually mean Taiwan Taoyuan Airport. The international airport is actually about an hour's drive from Taipei, while Songshan is in downtown Taipei. *A one-way '''pre-arranged car''' fare between the airport and Taipei will cost at the minimum NT$1,300-1,500. Generally these sedans are pre-arranged through your hotel and the car company or driver will meet you as soon as you exit baggage claim. Since the price is not much more than taking a taxi, it is usually recommended that you ask your hotel if they offer this service. This is a more comfortable half-hour ride to the hotel. *Direct '''bus connections''' between the airport and other cities in Taiwan are also available. U-bus also runs shuttle buses every 15 min from both terminals to THSR Taoyuan station (15 min away), from where you can continue your journey by high-speed train. In addition to the transit hotel within the airport terminal, there are several hotels near the airport if you want more comfortable quarters for an extended transit or would rather lodge by the airport than in Taipei. The Novotel Taoyuan International Airport, next to the China Airlines headquarters building, is mere minutes from both terminals and has commanding views of the airport's runways. Also nearby is the '''[http://www.citysuites.com.tw/en/%E6%A1%83%E5%9C%92%E8%88%AA%E7%A9%BA%E9%A4%A8 CitySuites Gateway Hotel]''', 10 minutes from the Cing-pu High-speed Rail Station and three minutes away from Taoyuan International Airport. There is a '''night service''', although it's really hard to find information about it. Best source is the [http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english airport website]. As of February 2012 there is overnight bus service to Taipei Railway station at the following times 01:30, 03:00 for Terminal 1 (exit B5), add 10 mins for Terminal 2 (bus station, 1819 stand). Ticket can be purchased from the driver - NT$165. Another bus at 04:00, Wednesday & Saturday at Terminal 2, is unconfirmed. From the Taipei Railway you can take overnight train to connect to other cities or bus from the adherent bus station. It takes about 55 min from the airport to the city (at night). ====Songshan Airport==== [[File:Taipei Songshan Airport (6856495175).jpg|thumb|right|280px|Songshan Airport]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Songshan Airport | alt={{IATA|TSA}}, officially Taipei International Airport (臺北國際航空站) | url=http://www.tsa.gov.tw/ | email= | address= | lat=25.069444 | long=121.551667 | directions=at the northern end of Dunhua North Road | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taipei Songshan Airport | image=Taipei Songshan Airport 1st Terminal Building 20090926.JPG | wikidata=Q702019 |lastedit=2022-07-22| content=It serves a few domestic destinations as well as select international routes to regional destinations. There are numerous daily flights arriving and departing for the outlying islands and cities on the east coast of the island. The airport also serves flights to various destinations in mainland China, as well as "city shuttle" services to Tokyo-Haneda, Seoul-Gimpo and Shanghai-Hongqiao. The airport is served by the Taipei Metro Wenhu Line's (officially labeled the Wenshan-Neihu Line) Songshan Airport Station and can be reached in about 15 minutes from Taipei Main Station. Many city and long-distance buses also connect to the airport. }} ===By train=== [[File:TRA Taipei Station & Taipei Station Underground Mall 20041227.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Railway Station]] All inter-city trains, operated by the [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/ Taiwan Railway Administration] (臺鐵) and [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/index_en.html Taiwan High Speed Rail] (臺灣高鐵), arrive at and depart from {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei Railway Station|alt=臺北車站|lat=25.0478|long=121.5171}} on Zhongxiao West Road, Sec 1 - opposite the 53 story Shinkong Mitsukoshi Building (新光三越). Taipei Main Station is a huge facility. Ticket counters are on the first floor and platforms on B2. There is also a food court on the second floor, several underground shopping malls, and directly connects to Taipei Main Station on the Taipei Metro which is served by Tamsui (Red) line and Bannan (Blue) line. In addition to ticket counters, the first floor also has a tourist office, a post office, stores selling aboriginal handicrafts and several booths offering head and neck and full body massage (NT$100 for every ten minutes). There are also three other train stations in Taipei city. Wanhua Station (萬華車站) is in the south-western part of the city and is within walking distance of MRT Longshan Temple Station and is only served by local trains. Songshan Station (松山車站) is close to Raohe Street Night Market and all trains operated by the Taiwan Railway Administration stop at the station. Nangang Station (南港車站) is on the eastern end of the city and is served by local trains and some express trains. It is directly connected to Nangang Station on Taipei Metro's Bannan (Blue) line and the Taiwan High Speed Rail is expected to operate into the station by the beginning of 2015. All train stations in Taipei city accept Easy Cards to enter the station in addition to tickets bought at the vending machines or counters. The THSR stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. ====Baggage storage==== * Lockers of different sizes are available at the Taipei Main Station. NT$20-50 per 3 hours, maximum 3 days. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei Railway Station carry-on baggage center | alt=臺北車站行李託運中心 | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.047428 | long=121.518920 | directions=leave Taipei Main Station by the Exit East 3, cross the road at the traffic light where the taxis wait, walk down the road and turn left into the alley just before the parking lot entrance, the building is on your right side | phone= | tollfree= | hours=daily 08:00–20:00 | price=NT$70 per bag |lastedit=2022-07-22| content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Taipei Bus Station under construction 20090704.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Bus Station]] Intercity buses arrive and depart from the {{marker|type=go|name=Taipei Bus Station|lat=25.0491|long=121.5186}}, which is on Chengde Road, behind Taipei Main Station. Generally speaking, the buses operated by private companies are more comfortable and sport such amenities as wide reclining seats and individual game and video monitors. The government run buses are blue and white and are called ''guóguāng hào'' (國光號). All intercity buses are known as ''kèyùn'' (客運) and can be distinguished from the local city buses called ''gōngchē'' (公車) by the fact that they do not have a route number, but only the name of the destination. ===By boat=== [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hr) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to Taipei (actually [[Bali District]] in New Taipei) and back. As of Feb 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs Tu W F and Sa ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,000/5,300 one-way/round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance] / [http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]). ==Get around== ===By metro=== [[File:Current_TRTS_Map.svg|thumb|300px|Taipei MRT]] Taipei City has a very clean, efficient and safe [http://english.trtc.com.tw/ Mass Rapid Transit system] {{dead link|December 2020}} known most commonly as the '''MRT''', but also called '''Metro Taipei''' (臺北捷運). Fares are between NT$20 and NT$65 for one-way trips around town. It has been widely lauded as one of the most reliable and efficient systems in the world, and is often cited as a gold standard to which Metro systems around the world should aspire to. Stations are clearly identified in English as well as Chinese. All stops are announced in four languages: Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. All stations have information booth/ticket offices close to the ticket vending machines. There is no eating or drinking while in the stations or on the trains. There are priority seats. If you need a seat, there are stickers offered at the information booth that allow passengers to identify those in need. Trains generally run from 06:00 to 00:00, with convenient bus connections outside the stations. Women and/or children traveling at night can benefit from the '''Safe Zones''' - sections of platforms that are under heavy surveillance - in some of the subway lines. Stations and trains (including the monorail) are wheelchair-friendly, but when there are multiple exits from a single station, usually only one of these is equipped with a lift. All trains have '''priority seats''' (博愛座 ''bó ài zuò'') that have a dark blue colour distinct from that of the other seats; these are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children, so do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. [[File:Platform 2, Jiantan Station 20080317.jpg|thumb|200px|MRT Station in Taipei]] In addition to single journey tickets, you can use the [[Taiwan#Get around|EasyCard]] or ''youyouka'' (as in 'yo-yo-ka', also 悠遊卡). These cards only need to be "touched" (sensor) past the barrier monitor to gain entry and exit from paid areas. One great advantage of using the EasyCard is that it gives you a 20% discount on all MRT rides, and if you transfer from the MRT to an ordinary city bus, or vice versa, within an hour, the bus ride is only NT$7. The discount is automatically calculated when you leave the MRT station. It is also possible to buy day cards just for the metro system for NT$200 (refundable deposit of NT$50) and for NT$180 you can buy a card that works on both the metro and buses. Alternatively, the Taipei Pass costs NT$250 (no deposit) and covers travel on the metro and Maokong Gondola for one day, which is cheap and convenient if you take at least six trips. Often limited-edition cards are issued by the transit authority depicting artworks, famous characters, landscapes, etc. These are quite collectible and are perfect souvenirs for your trip. Single-journey tokens are recycled when you exit the stations, so if you want to keep a particular one you should purchase an extra. If you're coming from southern Taiwan, [[Kaohsiung]]'s iPass can be used interchangeably with the EasyCard in Taipei. When using escalators, be sure to '''stand on the right''' so people in a hurry can pass you on the left. ===By bus=== [[Image:Taipei_Bus_197-FU_20110320.jpg|thumb|200px|Taipei City Bus]] Taipei City has a [http://www.e-bus.taipei.gov.tw/ very efficient bus service] {{dead link|December 2020}}, and because all buses display information (destination and the names of stops) in English, the system is very accessible to non-Chinese speaking visitors. '''Payment''' can be made by cash (NT$15) or EasyCard (see [[Taiwan#Get around]]) for each section that the bus passes through. For local buses (all local buses have a number, so do long-distance buses) the maximum will be two sections with a total cost of NT$45. The confusion, however, arises by not knowing where the section boundaries are, and the fact that there is often a buffer zone to prevent people who get on one stop before the boundary from overpayment. Besides that, if you are transferring from the MRT to a bus within one hour, there is a discounted bus fare when using the EasyCard, and vice versa, see [[#By metro]]. As of July 1st, 2019, riders paying by cash must always pay when boarding the bus, and riders paying by EasyCard must tap '''both''' '''on and off''' when entering/exiting the bus. Prior to this change, there was a somewhat confusing system where riders would sometimes pay when entering the bus, and other times pay when leaving the bus. The EasyCard system will automatically calculate the number of zones travelled and deduct this from your card balance. Starting on February 1, 2020, failure to tap your EasyCard upon exiting the bus will not lock your card; however, you will not receive the MRT, bus, or YouBike transfer discount. ===By taxi=== [[Image:Taipei_Taiwan_Taxi-waiting-at-ChengDu-Road-01.jpg|thumb|200px|Taxis in Taipei are usually of the colour yellow for ease of recognition on the road.]] Taxis are the most flexible way to get around, and are extremely numerous. They are expensive in comparison to mass transit, but are cheap compared to taxis in the rest of the world. Taxis are metered, with the meter starting at NT$70 (an additional NT$20 is added at night). Most taxi drivers cannot speak English, and non-Chinese speakers will need to have their '''destination written down in Chinese'''. '''Tipping''' is neither necessary nor expected. Since 2012, all passengers are required to buckle their seatbelt. Women and/or children traveling at night are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies. The toll free taxi hotline is 0800-055850 (maintained by Department of Transportation). Taiwanese taxi drivers tend to be more honest than in many other countries. They are notorious for their strong opinions on politics. A large majority of them support Taiwan independence as they spend all day listening to talk radio. They will probably be unable to share any of this with you if you do not speak Chinese. Avoid any potential political discussion. It is not advisable for lone women at night to hail a random taxi from the street - it is best to have the number of one of the bigger taxi companies and to call for a cab. ===By bicycle=== [[File:Taiwan road sign Art067-1.png|thumb|250px|Some pavements (US English: sidewalks) in Taiwan have this sign to allow bicycling.]] Even though motorized traffic is very heavy in Taipei, bicycles are still legitimate vehicles to get around. There are long cycle paths beside most rivers in the city. Bicycles can also be carried on the Taipei metro but only at Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays and via certain stations - bicycles aren't permitted in larger interchange stations such as Taipei Main Station and Zhongxiao Fuxing, and bicycles are only permitted in the first and last carriages. Properly packaged folded bicycles are exempt from the restrictions upon ordinary bicycles. There are not many segregated bike lanes but on some busy streets cycling on the pavement (US English: sidewalk) is permitted where signed or marked, as in Japan. Taipei has a great bike sharing system - '''YouBike'''. It is very cheap if you register through their site or via large touch panel screen at major parking stations but you need a local mobile number to have a 4 number code sent to it to prove its yours. The first half hour is NT$5, which is enough for most every ride you need, then additional half hours are charged at NT$10. You use '''EasyCard''' or '''iPass''' (the same as for the subway and buses) to rent them. It's all very easy and the bikes are modern and convenient. Check each bicycle for defects before you use them; bike seats are turned backwards to signal some form of maintenance is required. You can't take another bike from the same parking station for 15 minutes after parking. A very useful smart phone app called bikefriend shows where each Youbike bike station is located and how many bikes or parking spots are available. ===By car=== Renting a car is not only unnecessary, but not recommended in Taipei unless you are planning to head out of the city. Traffic tends to be frantic, and parking spaces are expensive and difficult to find. Most of the main tourist destinations are reachable by public transport, and you should use that as your main mode of travel. ===Address system=== The Taipei address system is very logical and user-friendly. The hub of the city is the corner of the east–west running Zhongxiao (忠孝) and north–south running Zhongshan (中山) Rds, however while the north–south divide is made at Zhongxiao here, further east it is made instead at Bade (八德) Rd, something which confuses even people who have lived in Taipei for years. All major roads are identified by their direction in relation to these roads. For example, all sections of the north–south running Fuxing (復興) Rd north of Bade are called Fuxing North Rd (復興北路). Likewise, those sections to the south are called Fuxing South Rd (復興南路). Those that cross Zhongshan road are similarly identified as either east or west. Section (段; duàn) numbers begin at 'one' near the two defining roads and increase at intersections of major highways. For example, Ren'ai (仁愛) Rd (which has only an east location and therefore does not have a direction suffix), Section 1 will be close to Zhongshan South Rd. The section number will increase as one moves further away from Zhongshan Rd. So, for example, when Ren'ai Rd reaches Dunhua South Rd (敦化南路) far in the east of the city, a typical address could be: 7F, 166 Ren'ai Rd, Section 4. The house and lane numbers begin at zero every section. Lanes (巷; xiàng) lead off roads (路; lù) and streets (街; jiē), while alleys (弄; nòng) branch off lanes. ==See== Those who take the time to visit and look around will soon find that Taipei is just as vibrant as any other major city, and is full of a certain charm which makes it unique in its own right. Just spend a day wandering around Taipei's streets and you will start finding many surprises. ===Landmarks=== [[Image:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|280px|Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] Several memorial halls like the '''Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng District]] and '''Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall''' in [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] commemorate the most recognized leaders of the Nationalists to the lesser known war dead in the '''Martyrs' Shrine''' in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan District]]. All three have honor guards which change at set hours, demonstrating military precision and solemn respect for the ROC leaders and soldiers before them. Built in the middle of large parks, the memorial halls are also good places for some quiet reflection. [[File:Taipei_Taiwan_Mengjia-Longshan-Temple-00.jpg|thumb|280px|Longshan Temple]] While Taipei is largely secular, the elaborate Taoist and Buddhist temples such as '''Longshan Temple''' and '''Bao'an Temple''' in the older districts of [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua and Datong]] still draw locals who maintain the old rituals and traditions. On the [[Taipei/East District|glitzier side of town]], '''Taipei 101''' may have relinquished its tallest building status but remains a very popular attraction for its architectural style and observatory deck. On New Year's Eve, Taipei 101 becomes a beacon of lights and fireworks. ===Museums and galleries=== Anyone with even the slightest interest in Chinese history should visit the '''National Palace Museum''' in [[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]], which holds the singular best collection of historical artifacts from China, expertly curated by its staff. It is large enough that only one percent of what it owns is displayed at any one time, chief among them ancient paintings, scrolls, books and ceramics that span over 5000 years. The '''National Museum of History''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] also holds valuable relics. Unfortunately, the National Museum of History is closed for renovations until 2021. There are other quirky little private museums such as the Miniatures Museum (Adult NS$200) and Museum of Drinking Water for more off-beat exploration. Art in classical and contemporary forms can be appreciated too, in the '''Taipei Fine Arts Museum''' and the '''Taipei MOCA'''. Local artists have gathered in various artist villages to find inspiration and cultural centers like '''Huashan Cultural Center''' are interesting informal spaces for a creative spark. Taiwanese auteurs dream of becoming the next Ang Lee, displaying their independent films in the Spot-Taipei Film House. All these can be found in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]]. ===Parks and outdoors=== [[Image:Tsuei Heng Ge 20110203.jpg|thumb|280px|228 Peace Park]] If the cityscape gets a little dreary, there are plenty of parks to escape to. '''[[Taipei/East District|Daan Park]]''' is one of the largest in the city, earning the moniker of Taipei Central Park. '''228 Peace Park''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] was named to remember the bloody 228 Incident of 28 February 1947 and also holds the National Taiwan Museum and the 228 Memorial Museum. A few green spaces can also be found along the banks of the Keelung River, such as [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan District]]'s Dajie Riverside Park. Visit the '''Taipei Zoo''' in [[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan]] to see giant pandas, brown bears and gorillas for a low, low price. It's more akin to a walk in a leafy park, where animals are free to roam around in their open enclosures. Combine it with a ride up on the '''Maokong Gondola''', which has a few special glass-floor carriages, to relax further in the hilltop teahouses. ===City gates=== [[image:臺北府城北門 台北商業大樓 20161015.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei North Gate]] Even though very little ancient architecture remains in Taipei, four of Taipei's five original city gates still stand. The city walls which surrounded the old city and the West Gate were demolished by the Japanese to make way for roads and railway lines. Of the four gates still standing, the Kuomintang renovated three of them in its effort to "sinicize" Taipei and converted them from the original [[South Fujian]] style architecture to northern Chinese palace style architecture, leaving only the '''North Gate''' (''beimen'' 北門 or more formally '''Cheng'en men''' 承恩門) in its original Qing Dynasty splendor today. Long obstructed by a busy elevated freeway, the freeway was decommissioned and removed in 2016, and a park has been built around the gate. ==Do== ===Hot springs === [[Image:wulai 3.JPG|thumb|280px|Wulai Hot Springs]] Hot springs (溫泉) come in various brands in Taipei, ranging from basic natural pools, to plush spas at five star hotels. The three main places to have a soak in the Greater Taipei area are: '''[[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]]''' (北投), '''[[Wulai]]''' (烏來) and '''[[Yangmingshan National Park]]''' (陽明山). The basic free 'rub and scrub' type public baths are run by the city. Most hotels offer the option of a large sex-segregated bathing area that generally consists of several large baths of various temperatures, jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath and also private and family rooms. Some hotels also have outdoor baths (露天溫泉), which offer restful views over the surrounding countryside. Prices range from around NT$300 to NT$800. The law in Taiwan states that for safety reasons, individuals are not allowed to bathe in the private rooms, and there must be at least two people. Etiquette requires that bathers thoroughly wash and rinse off their bodies before entering public baths, do not wear clothing (which includes swimwear, though this is not the case for mixed-sex public areas) and tie up their hair so that it does not touch the water. Finally, people with high blood pressure, heart disease or open wounds should not enter the baths. ===Hiking=== [[File:Chihsingshan,_Tatun_volcanoes.jpg|thumb|280px|Qixingshan in Yangmingshan National Park]] The mountains around Taipei make hiking is a popular exercise in the city. The main hiking spot closest to the city is the '''Four Beasts Mountain''' which border [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] and [[Taipei/Neihu|Nangang]]. One of the most rewarding walks is on '''[[Taipei/East District#Do|Elephant Mountain]]''', where steep steps lead up to several different viewpoints that give a striking contrast between Taipei 101 and its neighboring low-rise buildings, especially against the orange hues of sunset. Continuing on separate trails will head towards the remaining 'beasts' of Leopard, Lion and Tiger, and Nangang mountain and Jiuwufeng beyond them. * {{do | name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]] | alt=陽明山國家公園 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=just north of [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A favourite destination, particularly during spring when thousands of calla lilies, peonies and cherry blossoms bloom in the valleys. Besides that public hot springs, as well as hot sulphur blow holes and sources are equally worth the visit. There are dozens of hiking trails in the park, most marked out on maps from the visitors centre. Qixingshan is the highest peak in Yangmingshan, and looks out over the Taipei Basin and the north coast. }} ===Theme parks=== [[File:Taipei_Water_Park_entrance_20160101.jpg|thumb|280px|Taipei Water Park Entrance]] There are a few amusement parks around Taipei. One is the '''Children's Recreation Center''' in [[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin]], great for younger kids. The '''Taipei Water Park''' near Museum of Drinking Water in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Gongguan]] is also a good place to spend time during summer, with its water slides and swimming areas. ===Festivals and events=== Taipei hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, but as many follow the lunar calendar the dates according to the Gregorian calendar are inconsistent. Check the Taiwan Tourist Bureau's events section before planning to attend an event. [[File:ChiangKaiShek-MemorialHall-LanternFestival.jpg|thumb|280px|Lantern Festival in CKS Memorial Hall]] * '''The Lantern Festival''' is a dazzling display of lanterns and lasers which runs for several days around the fifteenth day of the lunar new year. While the main city event is held at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall and Taipei City Hall grounds, Renai Road perhaps offers the most elegant display, with the whole tree-lined boulevard transformed into a delicate tunnel of lights. [[Pingxi]] in [[New Taipei City]] celebrates the festival with the release of huge lanterns that float serenely across the night sky, carrying with them the dedications and aspirations of those who release them. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' commemorates the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival is marked by races of colorful dragon boats held at various locations throughout the island, with one of the best places to view a race in the Taipei area being the '''Bitan''' River in [[Xindian]]. Special sticky rice balls called ''zongzi'' (pronounced like "dzongdz") are also eaten on this day. The festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. * {{do | name=Golden Horse Chinese Language Film Festival | alt= | url=http://www.goldenhorse.org.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q22098766 | content=Often referred to as the Oscars of the Chinese film world, while films in the awards section are all in Chinese, they have English subtitles and there is also a large non-competition foreign language section. }} * {{do | name=Taipei Film Festival | alt=臺北電影節 | url=http://www.taipeiff.tw/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taipei Film Festival | wikidata=Q698098 | content=An international festival with two award sections – Taipei Award Nominees and International New Talent Nominees. Films are shown at several venues throughout the city. }} * {{do | name=Taipei Pride Parade | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Buy== It has been said that [[Los Angeles]] has no center. In contrast, one could say that Taipei is all center, and as such it has been given the epithet - "the emporium without end." Basically, however, the main shopping area can be divided into two districts: East and West. West Taipei is the old city and is characterized by narrow streets packed with small shops. East Taipei boasts wide tree lined boulevards and the biggest shopping malls are in this area. ===Shopping areas=== The busiest part of '''East Taipei''' is in between MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Station and MRT Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station (Bannan Line). The axis of this shopping area is '''Zhongxiao East Road, Sec. 4''', which is surrounded by numerous department stores. SOGO has three branches in this area, mainly sales various of boutique. Another notable one is Mingyao Department Store which has the flagship store of Uniqlo in it. East Taipei is also famous for the small stores inside the alleys. On the other hand, '''Daan Road''' in the other side of the area, has more elegant clothing shops. [[File:Miramar Entertainment Park in the evening.jpg|thumb|Miramar Entertainment Park]] [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] is arguably the premier shopping area in Taipei, if not all of Taiwan, and is anchored by a number of department stores and malls. Key among them is '''Taipei 101 Mall''', as part of the larger Taipei 101 complex, and the massive Xinyi branch of the '''Shin Kong Mitsukoshi''' departmental store chain, which is the largest department store in Taiwan. Eslite Mall is an upscale market-style shopping center with a 24-hour bookshop (with a good English selection) on the second floor and ethnic music store in basement. For absolute luxury, try '''Bellavita Shopping Mall''' or '''Breeze Center'''. Also in the East District at near the Zhongxiao Fuxing Metro station is the flagship store of the '''Far Eastern Sogo''' department store chain, consisting of two separate buildings. [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Songshan]] has some shopping malls with distinctive architectural features, such as the '''Miramar Entertainment Park''', which sports a giant ferris wheel along with an IMAX theater. [[Image:In front of Central Pictures New World Building 20070618.jpg|thumb|Ximending, the area with youth]] For trendier fashion catering to youths, check out '''Ximending''' (西門町) in [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua]] just west of Downtown. If it's pink, plastic, and imported from Japan, you can probably find it on sale in a store. Sneakerheads will also find shoe stores with the latest limited releases here in sneaker-crazy Taipei, though you need to get a number and wait in a queue buzzing with anticipation. Several night markets don't just sell food but also have a large variety of clothing, handbags and more, like '''Shida Night Market''' near the university areas in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Gongguan]] and '''[[Taipei/Shilin|Shilin Night Market]]'''. ===Electronic goods=== As the sales headquarters for many homegrown multinational electronics manufacturers (including Asus, Garmin and Acer among others), good bargains and unique models can be found in Taipei. Those interested in picking up inexpensive electronic goods and cameras should wander the lanes and alleys around Kaifeng Street and Zhonghua Road, as well as the malls connected to [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Taipei Main Station]]. Computer buffs will enjoy a visit to '''Guanghua Digital Plaza''' (光華數位新天地). Specializing in computer and electronic goods, this market has the largest number of stalls selling hardware and software under one roof in Taiwan, and all at very competitive prices. '''K-Mall''', in the former Asiaworld department store on the east side of Shinkong Mitsukoshi, specializes in electronics of all kinds and is a location for large companies such as Asus, Samsung, Benq, and Acer to showcase their newest products. The '''Taipei Zhongshan Metro Shopping Mall (Easy Mall)''' is a long underground shopping area that houses several stores selling all manner of items, not necessarily limited to electronics. A few stores in the Easy Mall carry current and vintage video games, hardware and software. ===Specialty items=== For jade, flowers and jewelry in one central location, check out the '''Jianguo Holiday Market''' in [[Taipei/East District|Daan]]. There are actually three different markets, the Weekend Jade Market, Weekend Flower Market and Weekend Handicrafts Market in this same location. As the names suggest, they are open only on weekends until 18:00. The '''Chinese Handicraft Mart''' in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] is also good for handicrafts. [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Wanhua's]] Dihua Street, Bopiliao Old Street and Snake Alley night market are throwbacks to the older days of Taipei, back when '''herbal remedies''' and aphrodisiacs were extremely popular. Pottery enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to [[Yingge]] in [[New Taipei City]]. Its old street is a crescent of beautiful '''pottery shops''' interspersed with coffee shops and tea houses. '''Zhongshan North Road''' (中山北路) is a tree-lined boulevard featuring numerous international and local brands. Gucci and Louis Vuitton are among the brands who operate stores along this street. This road, particularly along the second section, is also famous for its numerous '''wedding picture studios and gown boutiques'''. It is possible to find a great deal for wedding portraits here as competition is stiff. Go to just [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|north of the junction]] with Zhongxiao West Rd on Zhongshan North Rd, sec 1 (west side of the road) for '''trekking and backpacking''' stores selling a wide range of high quality equipment, and you'll be ready for all the outdoor hiking that Taipei and Taiwan offers. ===Books=== [[Image:Eslite_Xinyi_Store_20061125_night.jpg|thumb|Eslite Bookstore Xinyi Store]] Taipei has great '''book shops''', and roads such are '''Chongqing South Road''' are packed with stores specializing in Chinese language books. The '''Station Front Area''' (站前) is a section of downtown Taipei just south of the Taipei Railway Station. It is a bustling area filled with shops and stores of all kinds, but it is particularly well known for its high concentration of bookstores due to the bloom of bushibans (also known as cram schools). The following book stores all have good selections of '''English''' titles: * {{buy | name=Eslite | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2775-5977 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=(誠品) – Eslite offers a good selection at most of their branches, although the 24 hour flagship store (2F, 245 Dunhua South Rd. has the best selection. Eslite Book Store and shopping mall (11 Songgau Road), which incidentally is the largest book store in Taiwan, have the greatest selection. The Songgau Rd branch is next to MRT Station 'Taipei City Hall'. }} *'''Caves Books''' (敦煌) has two branches (54-3 Zhongshan North Road, Sec 2, near Yuanshan MRT Station. tel +886 2 2599-1166). This is a temporary location, while the old store is demolished and rebuilt. The other branch (5, Le 38, Tianyu St, Tianmu. Tel: +2 886 2874-2199) is one of the original book stores in Taipei specializing in English titles. And, although it has been surpassed by the newer arrivals, it is still a good place to pick up a popular novel and English language textbooks. * {{buy | name=Lai Lai | alt=來來 | url= | email= | address=4F, 271 Roosevelt Road, Sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2363-4265 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= This shop has a small but interesting selection of English material. }} * {{buy | name=Crane Publishing Company | alt= | url=http://www.crane.com.tw/ | email= | address=200 Section 2, Jinshan S Rd, Da’an District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2393-4497 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Specialists in English language textbooks and teaching material. }} * {{buy | name=Bookman Books | alt= | url=http://www.bookman.com.tw/ | email= | address=Room 5, 2F, 88 Xinsheng South Road, Sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2368-7226 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= This is an excellent collection of English literature books, albeit a little expensive. }} * {{buy | name=Mollie Used Books | alt= | url= | email= | address=12, Alley 10, Lane 244, Roosevelt Road sec 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2369-2780 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= You'll find a reasonable selection of English titles here. }} '''NB''': In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (NT$1) - bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. ==Eat== Taipei probably has one of the highest densities of restaurants in the world. Almost every street and alley offers some kind of eatery. Of course, Chinese food (from all provinces) is well-represented. In addition, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Italian cuisines are also popular. Basically, [[Taipei/East District|East Taipei]], especially around Dunhua and Anhe Roads, and also the expat enclave of [[Taipei/Shilin|Tianmu]] are where to clash chopsticks with the rich and famous, whereas West Taipei offers more smaller, homey restaurants. ===Night markets=== [[File:Taipei_shilin_choudoufu.jpg|thumb|Innocent-looking stinky tofu]] There are several night markets (夜市) in each district. Some are open during daytime, and all are open until around midnight. Night markets consist of restaurants and stores at the permanent locations and little booths along the center. Every night market has a huge variety of food, so a visit to any one is a good bet for good food. A lot of Taiwanese street food hasn't actually originated from Taipei, but any popular ''xiaochi'' (small snack) eventually makes their way up to the capital. Some of the best known night market snacks are: '''oyster vermicelli''' (蚵仔麵線; ô-á mī-sòa), '''oyster omelet''' (蚵仔煎; ô-á-chian), '''fried chicken fillet''' (雞排; jīpái), '''stinky tofu''' (臭豆腐; chòudòufǔ) and '''aiyu jelly''' (愛玉冰; ài-yù-bīng) among a long list of others. Because of the vast selection, the recommendation is to go with a few people and share the food. Otherwise, honestly the best way to eat is to join the longest queue in the market, or just buy whatever catches your eye! Vendor food is generally safe to eat, but use common sense though if you have a sensitive stomach. [[File:Taipei_shilin_tianbula.jpg|thumb|Tianbula (甜不辣; tiánbúlà) Literally "Sweet, not spicy", is a Taiwanese version of Satsuma-age (referred to as Tempura in some regions of Japan)]] The most famous one in Taipei is the '''[[Taipei/Shilin#Eat|Shilin Night Market]]''' (士林夜市). It is easily accessible via the MRT at either the Jiantan (劍潭) or Shilin (士林) stations. Locals in Taipei view Shilin as touristy, with food catering to the tastes of mainland visitors. Another excellent option is '''Ning Xia Night Market''' (寧夏夜市) in [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Datong]] near the '''Taipei Circle''' (建成圓環) and accessible via the MRT at Zhongshan (中山) station. '''[[Taipei/Zhongshan#Eat|Raohe Street Night Market]]''' (饒河街觀光夜市) is also a viable option. It is a mere stone's throw away from the Songshan (松山) railway station. ===Restaurants=== While it might be possible to spend all your dinners at night markets, Taipei also has plenty of sit-down restaurants with more substantial dishes. For upmarket Taiwanese cuisine, which revolves around the mild yet flavorful trio of basil, garlic and chili, in addition to white rice or sweet potato congee (no wheat-based products for example), try '''Ching-yeh Aoba''' in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]] or '''Shinyeh Table''' in [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Daan]]. But for more down-to-earth experiences, don't forget to go to one of the many "hot fry" (熱炒) restaurants in Taipei where the locals go to eat Taiwanese food and drink beer and kaoliang. Be prepared for a noisy atmosphere, tiny seats, lots of empty beer bottles and excellent food at a low price. [[File:鼎泰豐台北101店.jpg|thumb|Din Tai Fung Restaurant - Taipei 101 branch]] The influx of KMT migrants perhaps makes Taipei one of the easiest places to sample a quality spread of Chinese provincial cuisines. ''Xiaolongbao'' (小籠包) or soup dumplings is a [[Shanghai]]nese dish made famous by '''Din Tai Fung''', whose first storefront at [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Xinyi Road]] remains heavily patronised by fans of the world-wide franchise. They have many branches all over the city too, though their branch at Taipei 101 is also extra crowded. Around the corner from Xinyi Road is '''Yongkang Street''', which boasts quite a mix of old and new restaurants like '''Kaochi''' or '''Jin Ji Yuan'''. Both serve ''xiaolongbao'', along with other dishes such as fried chicken, good alternatives for when the queue to Din Tai Fung is an hour long. '''Beef noodle soup''' is a national icon; Taipei even holds a yearly judging event every September to appraise competitors. There are two main types: ''hongshao'' (紅燒牛肉麵), a strongly flavored dish derived from [[Sichuan]] spicy bean paste and soya sauce braised beef, and ''qingdun'' (清燉牛肉麵), a clear light broth, although there are even tomato varieties popping up around the city. On [[Taipei/East District#Eat|Yongkang St]] alone, there're already two beef noodle shops, '''Yongkang Beef Noodle''' and '''Lao Zhang''', which have their own regulars. Those more game to get to hard-to-find places can reward themselves at Lin Tung Fong in [[Taipei/Zhongshan#Eat|Zhongshan]] or the one at [[Taipei/Old Taipei#Eat|Taoyuan Street near Ximending]]. Another popular dish in Taipei is '''ginger duck''' (薑母鴨)，which originated in [[South Fujian]], but has undergone its own unique evolution in Taiwan. It is only eaten in the winter, and shops selling this dish close for the summer months. Ba Wei Ginger Duck (霸味薑母鴨) is a famous shop selling this dish, and while its main branch is in [[Sanchong]], it also has many branches throughout the city. ===Vegetarian=== Vegetarian food (素食) is also common fare, with the city boasting more than two hundred vegetarian restaurants and vendor stands. Another Taipei specialty is '''vegetarian buffets'''. They are common in every neighborhood, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets listed below (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$75-120 will buy you a good-sized, nutritious meal. Many of these veggie restaurants are Buddhist in nature and so meals do not contain garlic or onion (which traditionalists claim inflames passion). *'''Minder Vegetarian'''. This is a restaurant chain offering the above-mentioned vegetarian buffet. Aside from the usual line of vegetarian dishes, contemporary cuisine such as rice rolls, tempura and a range of desserts, all entirely vegetarian, are offered as well. Major branches in Taipei are available at '''Taipei Main Station 2F, Breeze Taipei Branch''', No. 3, Beiping North Road, '''Eslite Bookstore B2, Xinyi Branch''', Xinyi District, No. 11, Songgao Road and '''Eslite Bookstore B1, Dunhua South Branch''', Da-an District, No. 245, Dunhua South Road, Sec. 1. * {{eat | name=Lotus Pavilion Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.lck888.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=153-155 Xinyi Rd B1, Sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions=entrance in alley behind Changhwa Bank | phone=+886 2 2703-5612 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=An upscale all-you-can-eat buffet. }} * {{eat | name=King Join | alt= | url=http://www.kingjoin.com.tw | email= | address= No 18 Shin-Wei Rd| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2-2701-3225 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Traditional Chinese setting. }} *For a special Taipei street experience, check out the '''veggie vendor''' outside No. 30, Lane 216, Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 4 (in the alleys behind the Dunhua South Road Eslite Mall and book store). The rice noodles are especially delicious and cheap and a plate of their dougan (dried tofu) makes a great side dish. ==Drink== The nightlife in Taipei runs from boisterous night markets to equally exuberant clubs and bars, and indeed the city comes alive with glittering lights after the last rays of the sun leave the grey buildings. ===Bars and clubs=== [[File:Taiwan Beer aluminium can 20100902.jpg|thumb|A cold can of Taiwan Beer]] [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]] is where the biggest and most flashy clubs are, especially the '''ATT4FUN Building''' which has an excellent view of Taipei 101, while smaller shophouses around the [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Taida and Shida university areas]] host live music gigs (although lessened after noise complaints). The "Combat Zone" in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]] used to be the go-to district for [[US]] soldiers in the [[Vietnam]] War and remains fairly gritty with quite the collection of dive bars. The area around [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Red House Theater near Ximending]] has a large number of outdoor bars which are generally known to be gay-friendly. Visit the '''Taiwan Beer Bar''', also known as Taipei Brewery, in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]] if you fancy trying cheap and fresh brews of the local favorite Taiwan Beer. Cover charges are usually required for entry, but these will include a free drink at the very least, with some places even offering free flow of house pours for the whole night after payment. Wednesday nights are ladies' night in most venues. ===Tea houses=== Taiwan's speciality tea is ''High Mountain Oolong'' (高山烏龍, a fragrant, light tea) and ''Tieguanyin'' (鐵觀音, a dark, rich brew). The mountainous '''Maokong''' area of Muzha in the [[Taipei/Wenshan|Wenshan district]] of the city has dozens upon dozens of teahouses, many of which also offer panoramic views of the city. Its especially spectacular on a clear evening. A '''[http://english.gondola.taipei/ Maokong Gondola]''' (cable car) system services the Taipei Zoo MRT station to Maokong. The S10 bus comes up from the Wanfang Community MRT station. ===Cafes=== While traditionally a nation of tea drinkers, the Taiwanese have really embraced the cafe culture, and all the usual chains can be found here in abundance. For cafes with more character, roam the back streets near National Taiwan University between Xinsheng South Road and Roosevelt Road in [[Taipei/Zhengzhong|Gongguan]]. More cafes are in the area around Renai Road, Section 4 and Dunhua South Road. There are also some interesting and characterful places between Yongkang Park and Chaozhou Street, and in the alleys around Shida Road. However, for a particularly impressive range of styles, visit Bitan in [[Xindian]], where all the cafes offer restful views over the river and mountains beyond (though can be noisy during weekends). ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|below NT$2,500|NT$2,500-5,000|NT$5,000+}} Taipei offers an important number of various accommodations ranging from basic dorms to 5-star luxury hotels. See the [[#Districts|districts articles]] to read detailed listings. Tourists sleeping one night in Taipei might want to stay in [[Taipei/Zhongzheng|Zhongzheng]], near the Main Train Station, where many budget accommodations can be found. Hostels can be found in the [[Taipei/Old Taipei|old Taipei]] area. Hotels around the [[Taipei/Old Taipei|Ximending]] area would be convenient for those wanting to eat, shop and party all in one area. Business travelers would probably prefer to stay in [[Taipei/East District|Xinyi]], the financial district, where many luxury hotels are found. The Grand Hotel in [[Taipei/Zhongshan|Zhongshan]], built back when Chiang Kai-shek decided there wasn't a suitable hotel in which to welcome foreign dignitaries, may appeal to those interested in classical Chinese architecture and history. 10% service fee and 5% VAT are usually not included in the top end hotel rates. If you're staying a bit more long-term in Taipei, do as some daily commuters do and get cheaper rooms outside city boundaries, in places such as [[Xindian]] and [[Yonghe]], which are still somewhat accessible through the Taipei MRT network. ==Learn== ===Buddhism=== *The internationally acclaimed Chan (Zen) Master Sheng-yen (who passed away in Feb 2009) has a monastery in [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] where there are regular meditation meetings with instruction given in English. See [[Taipei/Beitou|Beitou]] page for more information. *'''Tibetan Buddhism''' has become very popular in Taiwan, and the Taipei area alone boasts more than fifty centers. So, on any given night there will be teachings and rituals being held in the city. Taipei has become a regular port of call for many of the well known rinpoches. While most teachings are given in Tibetan with translation into Chinese, some are given in English. For information on teachings, check notice boards at vegetarian restaurants. (For purchase of Buddha statues and other Buddhist artifacts, see 'Potala' under listings for 'Buy') *The international Buddhist foundation '''The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation''' has its headquarters in Taipei. The foundation publishes books on Buddhism in various languages (including English) which it offers for free. For detailed information check the foundation's [http://www.budaedu.org.tw/en/ web site] {{dead link|December 2020}}. ===Universities=== [[Image:National Taiwan University Library 20060802.jpg|thumb|250px|National Taiwan University]] * {{listing | name=National Taiwan University | alt=國立臺灣大學 | url=http://www.ntu.edu.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Taiwan's uncontested number one university. Colloquially known by the shortened 臺大 (''Táidà''). }} * {{listing | name=National Taiwan Normal University | alt=國立臺灣師範大學 | url=http://www.ntnu.edu.tw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Colloquially known by the shortened ''Shida'', one of the oldest universities in Taiwan. NTNU runs the Mandarin Training Center, an excellent program teaching several levels of Mandarin Chinese in semester-long segments. }} * {{listing | name=National Taiwan University of Science and Technology | alt=國立臺灣科技大學 | url=http://www-e.ntust.edu.tw/front/bin/home.phtml {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=The first technical university in Taiwan. }} ===Language=== * {{listing | name=Mandarin Training Center | alt= | url=http://mtc.ntnu.edu.tw/eng/ | email=mtc@mtc.ntnu.edu.tw | address=National Taiwan Normal University (Shida), 162 Heping East Rd, sec. 1. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2321-8457, +886 2 2391-4248 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2341-8431 | content=This school, which is part of Shi-da University, remains one of the most popular schools in Taiwan for serious students of Mandarin. }} * {{listing | name=International Chinese Language Program National Taiwan University | alt=Taida | url=http://ccms.ntu.edu.tw/~iclp/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content= This program, which used to be called the IUP program, has a long history of Chinese language training, especially for advanced learners and primarily targeting graduate students, scholars and professionals studying in China and Taiwan. It has very small classes, very high quality instructors and textbooks, but may be considerably more expensive than the alternatives. Only students who expect a very intensive experience, usually with a year or more of time to dedicate to study, should consider this program. }} * {{listing | name=Mandarin Daily News Language Center | alt=more commonly known locally as Guo-Yu-Ri-Bau | url=http://www.mdnkids.com/english_hp/language.asp | email= | address=2F. 2 Fu-zhou Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2391-5134, +886 2 2392-1133 ext 1004 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2391-2008 | content=Along with the Center for Chinese Language and Culture Studies, this is one of the most popular schools in Taiwan for serious students of Mandarin. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Maryknoll Language Service Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rm. 800, 8 Fl., Chung Ying Bldg. 2 Zhongshan North Rd., Sec. 1 | lat= | long= | directions=Near a Taipei Station MRT stop exit | phone=+886 2 2314-1833 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Maryknoll Language Service Center offers Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Hakka classes. Mostly one-on-one tutorials although you may be able to arrange a group class. }} ===Taichi=== *Unless you have a recommendation, the best way to find a good teacher is to visit a park at sunrise and check out the scene for yourself. If you spot a group that impresses you, approach one of the students and inquire about joining them. Most teachers will be happy to have a new student, though some old masters may 'play hard to get.' In the latter case, persistence is required. Most teachers will expect some sort of fee for their tuition. However, as it is considered impolite to directly ask the teacher this question, use a fellow student as mediator. Furthermore, when offering the money on the allotted day, place it in a red envelope (''hongbao'' - available at all convenience and stationery stores) and slip it to the teacher subtly. Offering cash openly to a teacher of a traditional art or religion is considered undignified and demeaning. Most parks host tai'chi groups, but the most popular places are the grounds of the '''Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall''' (nearest MRT station - CKS Memorial Hall) and '''Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall''' (nearest MRT station - SYS Memorial Hall) as well as '''228 Peace Park''' (formerly known as New Park - nearest MRT station - National Taiwan University Hospital). ===Cooking=== * {{listing | name=The Coriander Cooking Studio | alt= | url=https://the-coriander.wixsite.com/cooking-studio | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | content=Offers Taiwanese small eats cooking classes, Certificate of Excellence From Tripadvisor in 2019. }} * {{listing | name=Jodie's Kitchen Cooking School | alt= | url=http://kitchen.j321.com | email= | address=2F, 29-1 Zi Yun St. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2720-0053 | tollfree= | fax= | content=Offers Taiwanese and Chinese cooking classes }} *Many community colleges, such as [http://www.zzcc.tp.edu.tw/ Zhongzheng Community College] and [http://university.tamsui.org.tw/ Tamsui Community University] offer weekly cooking courses. These include Chinese, Italian and Thai cooking, for example. The classes are in Chinese or Taiwanese language only. The prices are quite low because the colleges are government-funded. ==Work== Teaching English (or to a lesser extent, other foreign languages) is perhaps the easiest way to work in Taiwan. Work permits will be hard to come by and will take time. Consult your local Taiwan consulate/embassy/representative as far in advance as possible. Anyone staying in Taiwan for an extended period of time can ''find'' English teaching work, albeit illegally. Many people teach English (or other languaged) for pay without a permit in Taipei and elsewhere in Taiwan. ==Connect== ===Hospitals=== *{{listing | type=listing | name=Chung-shan Hospital | alt=中山醫院 | url= | email= | address=11, Lane 112, Renai Road, Sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions=Nearest MRT: 'Zhongxiao-Dunhua' (a fifteen minute walk) | phone=+886 2' 2708-1166 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q30293373 | content=A small hospital popular with expats }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Buddhist Tzu-chi Hospital | alt=慈濟醫院 | url= | email= | address=Jianguo Road, Xindian City | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 6628-6336, +886 2 6628-9800 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A very friendly and efficient hospital with an especially caring environment. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Mackay Memorial Hospital | alt=馬偕紀念醫院 | url=http://www.mmh.org.tw | email= | address=92 Zhongshan North Road Sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions=nearest MRT Station: Shuanglian | phone=+886 2 2543-3535 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6724292 | content=One of the best hospitals in Taipei }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=National Taiwan University Hospital | alt=臺大醫院 | url= | email= | address=1 Changde Street | lat= | long= | directions=Nearest MRT Station: NTU Hospital | phone=+886 2' 2312-3456 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1418766 | content=One of Taiwan's largest and most famous hospitals }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Taiwan Adventist Hospital | alt=臺安醫院 | url= | email= | address=424 Bade Road Sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2771-8151 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3145256 | content=This hospital has English-speaking staff. }} *{{listing | type=listing | name=Yang-ming Hospital | alt=陽明醫院 | url= | email= | address=105 Yusheng Street, Shilin | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Popular with the Tianmu expat community }} ===Internet=== ====WiFi==== The free ''iTaiwan'' is available all over the city &ndash; for more information read the [[Taiwan#Internet|country article]]. You need to (freely and easily) register to use it. Other WiFis like [http://www.tpe-free.taipei.gov.tw/ ''TPE-Free''] ====Internet cafés==== Internet cafés are plentiful, especially in the maze of alleys between Taipei Main Station and Peace Park. However, you may have to wander around (and look up and down as many are on higher floors or in the basement) before finding one. Some computers are coin operated. Internet cafes are known as ''wang-ka'' in Chinese (a combination of ''wang'', the Chinese word for 'net', and ''ka'' an abbreviation of 'cafe'). Below is a list of a few recommended internet cafes: * {{listing | name= | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=B1 on the corner of Shida Road and Lane 117, two minute walk from Taipower Building MRT station exit 3 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Aztec | alt= | url= | email= | address=2F. 235 Zhongxiao East Road, sec. 4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=LHH Cyber Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=28 Guangfu South Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Skywalker Multimedia Entertainment Center | alt= | url= | email= | address=B1, 119 Minsheng East Road, sec. 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Major airlines=== *'''Cathay Pacific''' (國泰航空) – ''+886 2'' 2715 2333 *'''China Airlines''' (中華航空) – ''+886 2'' 2715 1212 *'''EVA Airways''' (長榮航空) – ''+886 2'' 2501 1999 *'''KLM Asia''' (荷蘭皇家航空) – ''+886 2'' 2711 4055 *'''Delta''' (達美航空) – ''+886 2'' 2772 2188 *'''Singapore Airlines''' (新加坡航空) – ''+886 2'' 2551 6655 *'''Thai Airways''' (泰國航空) – ''+886 2'' 2509 6800 For up-to-date information on cheap flights, check the advertisement pages of one of the three local daily English newspapers (see 'Media' section below). ===Media=== Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. There are two daily local newspapers available in English, '''''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]''''' and '''''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]'''''. A third English-language newspaper '''''[http://www.etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]''''' (formerly ''China News'') is no longer available on paper but continues to exist online. Most media in Taiwan has a political slant; ''The China Post'' is more pan-blue while ''Taipei Times'' is more pan-green. Free news and information are available from the following: * '''''[http://www.communitycenter.org.tw/our-magazine/ Centered on Taipei]''''' is a free monthly designed for expats living in Taipei, but it is also very useful for visitors. It can be found in many of the major hotels throughout Taipei, and also in many businesses in the Tian Mu area. *'''''[http://www.tmit-media.com/ This Month in Taiwan] {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}}''''' is a free magazine that lists events and has an exhaustive directory of useful numbers in Taiwan. It can be found at tourist offices and major hotels. * '''''[http://englishnews.ftv.com.tw FTV English Edition]''''' – This show is an hour of English news shown on Channel 53 (2005) on the local TV station Formosa TV (FTV) at 23:00 every night. The program features 30 minutes of local news, as well as cultural events. The show is archived online. *'''[http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT]''' (short for "international Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available across Taiwan on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour M-F between 07:00 and 20:00, and Sa between 10:00 and 18:00. ===Telephone=== Mobile phone coverage is relatively good in Taipei. Among the major providers are '''Chunghwa Telecom''' (中華電信), '''Taiwan Mobile''' (臺灣大哥大), '''Vibo''' (威寶電訊) and '''Far EasTone''' (遠傳電訊). Taipei has both GSM 900/1800 and 3G networks and roaming might be possible for users of such mobile phones, subject to agreements between operators. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Prepaid 1GB SIM cards can be purchased for about 500NT with a passport. ===Tourist and emergency numbers=== *Tourist Information Office: 9F, 290 Zhongxiao East Road., Sec. 4. TEL:2349-1500 – There is also a branch tourist office next to the ticket purchasing counters at Taipei Main Station, and near exit 16 in the Metro Mall underground shopping plaza that runs between MRT the Zhongxiao-Fushing and Zhongxiao-Dunhwa Stations. *Tourist Information (emergency number) - {{phone|+886 2 2717-3737}}. === Printing documents === All 24-hour convenience stores, such as 7-11 and Family Mart, have a flat screen monitor. With a USB, this monitor can be used to print documents on the store's photocopy machine. === Reservations === All 24 hour convenience stores offer a reservation service. A flat screen monitor (usually near the check-out) has lists of trains, theater, and movie screenings. Once a reservation has been confirmed, payment can be made at the check-out in exchange for a ticket. == Stay safe == Taipei is one of the safest cities you will ever visit, and violent crime is extremely rare. Most people, including single female travellers, will not encounter any problems roaming the streets alone at night. However, while not as rampant as in major European cities, pickpockets operate in crowded areas, so you should be vigilant of your belongings, particularly in night markets. Local police are a resource you can turn for help, and many officers speak at least basic English. * '''[http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm Central Weather Bureau]''' – In addition to giving a seven-day forecasts for Taipei, this website also has detailed maps showing the path of an approaching typhoon and up-to-the-minute information of earthquakes, giving their location and magnitude. * {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Division | alt= | url= | email= | address=No.96, Yanping S. Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886-2-2381-8251, +886-2-2381-7494 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-23 | content=The specialized division of the Taipei City Police Department (TCPD) tasked with dealing with crimes involving foreigners. Each precinct of the TCPD has a foreign affairs section; their contact information is listed [https://english.police.gov.taipei/cp.aspx?n=CFC5CEAB8AFFEF3C here]. }} ** {{listing | type=listing | name=Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Service Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=No. 80, Dadong Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886-2-2556-6007 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-23 | content=Branch office of TCPD's Foreign Affairs Division. }} * Emergency numbers: ** Police: '''110''' ** Ambulance, Fire brigade: '''119''' ==Cope== [[File:Taipei Taiwan Presidential-Office-Building-03.jpg|thumb|Presidential Office Building]] * {{listing | name=National Immigration Agency | alt=移民署 | url=https://www.immigration.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1092844&ctNode=32289&mp=2 {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=No.15, Guangzhou Street, Zhongzheng District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2-23889393, +886 2-23899983 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 09:00-17:00 | price= | wikipedia=National Immigration Agency | wikidata=Q6973478 | content=Visa applications/extensions for foreign residents of Taipei City should be made at this agency. }} ===Foreign missions=== As the People's Republic of China (PRC) does not allow other countries to have diplomatic relations with both itself and the ROC on Taiwan, many of the world's nations do not have official embassies or consulates in Taiwan. However, as the PRC allows recognition of Taiwan as a separate economy, many nations maintain a "Trade Office', "Institute" or something of a similar name in Taipei. These missions serve as ''de facto'' embassies that perform consular activities, such as issuing visas. {| | |style="vertical-align:top:width=50%;"| *{{flag|Argentina}} {{listing | name=Argentina: Argentina Trade and Cultural Office | alt= | url=https://occat.cancilleria.gob.ar/ | email=atco326@ms13.hinet.net | address=Suite 1512, 15 F, No. 333, Sec. 1, Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2757 6556 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2757 6448 | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Australia}} {{listing | type=listing | name=Australia: The Australian Office Taipei | alt= | url=http://australia.org.tw/tpei/home.html | email= | address=27th-28th Floors, President International Tower, No. 9-11 Song Gao Rd,, Xinyi District, Taipei .11073 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 8725 4100 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 9789 9599 | hours=M-F 08:45-12:30 and 13:30-17:15 | price= | wikidata=Q22773800 | content= }} *{{flag|Austria}} {{listing |name=Austria: Austrian Office Taipei |email=taipeh-ot@bmeia.gv.at |address=10 F No. 167 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 8175 3283 |fax=+886 2 2514 9980 |content= }} *{{flag|Belgium}} {{listing |name=Belgium: Belgian Office, Taipei|url=http://countries.diplomatie.belgium.be/en/taipei |email=taipei@diplobel.fed.be |address=Suite 601, Worldwide House, No. 131 Minsheng East Rd., Sec. 3, Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 2715 1215 |fax=+886 2 2712 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:45 and 14:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Brazil}} {{listing |name=Brazil: Commercial Office of Brazil to Taipei|url=http://taipe.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/|email=consular.taipei@itamaraty.gov.br |address=2 F No. 45 Dexing West Rd., Shihlin, Taipei 11158 |phone=+886 2 2835 7388 |fax=+886 2 2835 712 |content= }} *{{flag|Canada}} {{listing |name=Canada: Canadian Trade Office in Taipei |url=http://international.gc.ca/world-monde/taiwan/taipei.aspx?lang=eng |email=taipei@international.gc.ca |address=6 F Hua-hsin Building, No. 1 SongZhi Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11047 |phone=+886 2 8723 3000 |fax=+886 2 8723 3592 |hours=M-Th 08:15-12:00, F 08:15-12:45 |content= }} *{{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing |name=Czech Republic: Czech Economic and Cultural Office |url=http://www.mzv.cz/taipei|email=Taipei_Ceco@mzv.cz |address=7 F No.200 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11071 |phone=+886 2 2722 5100 |fax=+886 2 2722 5117 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Denmark}} {{listing |name=Denmark: The Trade Council of Denmark |url=http://taipei.um.dk |email=tpehkt@um.dk |address= 12 F, Suite 1207, No. 205 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 10595 |phone=+886 2 2718 2101 |fax=+886 2 2718 2141 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Finland}} {{listing |name=Finland: Finland's Trade Office in Taipei |email=teppro.turkki@finpro.fi |address=Room 1511, 15 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2772 0764 |content= }} *{{flag|France}} {{listing |name=France: Bureau Français de Taipei| url=http://www.france-taipei.org |address=10 F No. 205 Tun Hwa North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 3518 5151 |fax=+886 2 3518 5190 |content= }} *{{Flag|Germany}} {{listing |name=Germany: German Institute Taipei |url=https://taipei.diplo.de/tw-en |email=info@taipei.diplo.de |address=33 F, No. 7 Xinyi Rd., Sec. 5, Taipei |phone=+886 2 8722 2800 |hours=M-Th 08:30-17:00, F 08:30-14:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Hungary}} {{listing |name=Hungary: Hungarian Trade Office, Taipei|url=http://www.hungary.org.tw |address=3F No. 97 Jingye 1st Rd., Tachih, Taipei 104 |phone=+886 2 8501 1200 |fax=+886 2 8501 1167 |content= }} *{{flag|India}} {{listing |name=India: India-Taipei Association |url=http://www.india.org.tw |address=Suite 2010/2012 International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2757 6112 |fax=+886 2 2757 6117 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:20-17:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing |name=Indonesia: Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei |address=6 F No. 550, Rui Guang Rd., Neihu District, Taipei 114 |phone=+886 2 8752 6176 |fax=+886 2 8752 3706 |content= }} *{{flag|Israel}} {{listing |name=Israel: Israeli Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei |url=https://embassies.gov.il/taipei-en/ConsularServices/Pages/consular-services.aspx |address=Suite 2408, 24 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2757 9692 | fax=+886 2 2757 7247 |hours=M-F 09:30-12:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Italy}} {{listing |name=Italy: Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office |rmail=consolare.taipei@esteri.it |address=Room 1809, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11072 |phone=+886 2 2345 0320 |fax=+886 2 2757 6260 |hours=M-F 09:50-12:50 |content= }} *{{flag|Japan}} {{listing |name=Japan: Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association|url=http://www.koryu.or.jp |email=iaj_center@kory.co.jp |address=28 Qingcheng St,. Taipei 10547 |phone=+886 2 2713 8000 |fax=+886 2 2713 8787 |content= }} *{{flag|Luxembourg}} {{listing |name=Luxembourg: Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office, Taipei|email=assistant@luxtrade.org |address=No. 5 Alley 8, Lane 201, Qiyen Rd., Taipei 11242 |phone=+886 2 2891 6647 |fax=+886 2 2894 8314 |content= }} *{{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing |name=Malaysia: Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre, Taipei |url=http://www.kln.gov.my/web/twn_taipei/home |email=mwtaipei@kln.gov.my |address=9 F San Ho Plastic Building, No. 102 Tun Hwa North Rd., Songshan District, Taipei 10595 |phone=+886 2 2713 2626 |fax=+886 2 2514 9864 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Mexico}} {{listing |name=Mexico: Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office |url=http://oficinaenlace.sre.gob.mx/taiwan/|email=mexico@mextw.com |address=Suite 1502, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 6566 |fax=+886 2 2758 4651 |content= }} *{{flag|Mongolia}} {{listing |name=Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar Trade and Economic Representative Office in Taipei |address=Suite 112, 11 F, No. 333, Sec. 1 Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2722 9740|fax=+886 2 2722 9745' }} *{{flag|Myanmar}} {{listing |name=Myanmar: Myanmar Trade Office (Taipei)|url=https://mtotpe.blogspot.tw |address=6 F, No. 168 Jingmao 2nd. Rd., Nangang District, Taipei 115 |phone=+886 2 2789 2100 |content= }} *{{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing |name=Netherlands: Netherlands Trade and Investment Office | |address=13 F-2, Farglory Financial Center, No. 1 Song Gao Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11073 |phone=+886 2 8758 7200 |fax=+886 2 2720 5005 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 |content= }} |style="vertical-align:top;width=50%;| *{{flag|New Zealand}} {{Listing |name=New Zealand: New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office Taipei | url=http://nzcio.com |email=ncio.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=9 F No. 1 SongZhi Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11047 |phone=+886 2 2720 5228 |fax=+886 2 2720 5255 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Nigeria}} {{listing |name=Nigeria: Nigeria Trade Office in Taiwan R.O.C. |address=Suite 7D06, 7 F, No. 5, Sec. 5, 5 Xinyi Rd., Taipei 11011 |phone=+886 2 2720 2669|fax=+886 2 2720 4242 }} *{{flag|Oman}} {{Listing |name=Oman: Commercial Office of the Sultanate of Oman in Taiwan |url=http://www.omantaiwan.org |address=7G-05 Taipei World Trade Center, No. 5 Xinyi Rd., Sec. 5, Taipei |phone=+886 2 2722-0684 |fax=+886 2 2722-0645 |hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Philippines}} {{listing |name=Philippines: Manila Economic and Cultural Office |url=http://www.meco.org.tw |email=meco.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=2 F, Chang Hong New Era Building, No. 56 & 57 Zhouzi Street, Neihu District, Taipei 114 |phone=+886 2 2658 8825 |fax=+886 2 2658 8887 |hours=M-F 09:00-18:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Poland}} {{listing |name=Poland: Warsaw Trade Office in Taipei|url=http://poland.tw/en|email=warsaw.office@msa.hinet.net |address=Room 1601, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 7718 3300 |fax=+886 2 7718 3310 |hours=M-F 10:00-14:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Russia}} {{listing |name=Russia: Representative Office in Taipei for the Moscow-Taipei Coordination Commission on Economic and Cultural Cooperation | url=http://www.mtc.org.tw |address=15 F Aurora Building, No. 2, Sec. 5 Xinyi Rd., Taipei |phone=+886 2 8780 3011 |fax=+886 2 8790 2511 |hours=Tu Th 09:30-114:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}{{listing |name=Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Trade Office in Taipei |url=http://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/taiwan/EN/Pages/default.aspx |address=4 F, No. 9 Lane 62, Tienmu West Rd., Shihlin, Taipei 111 |phone=+886 2 2876 1444 |fax=+886 2 2287 2919 |hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Singapore}} {{listing | name=Singapore: Singapore Trade Office in Taipei | alt= | url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/taipei | email=singtr_tpe@mfa.sg | address=9 F No. 85 Jen-Ai Rd, Sec. 4, Taipei 106 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 2772 1940 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2711 1784 | hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 and 13:30-17:00 | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Somaliland}} {{listing | name=Somaliland: Republic of Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan | alt= | url=https://somaliland.tw | email=admin@somaliland.tw | address=3rd Floor, No. 108, Ningbo West Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei 100 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+886 2 23333 1939 | tollfree= | fax=+886 2 2309 0398 | hours=M-F 09:00-17:00 | price= | content= }} *{{flag|South Africa}} {{listing |name=South Africa: Liaison Office of South Africa in Taiwan |url=http://www.southafrica.org.tw |email=south.africa@msa.hinet.net |address=Suite 1301 13 F No. 205 Tun Hua North Rd., Taipei 105 |phone=+886 2 8175 8588 |fax=+886 2 2712 5109 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 |content= }} *{{flag|South Korea}} {{listing |name=South Korea: Korean Mission in Taipei |url=http://taiwan.mofa.go.kr/worldlanguage/asia/taiwan/main/index.jsp |email=taipei@mofa.go.kr |address=Suite 1506, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2758 8320 |fax=+886 2 2757 7006 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Spain}} {{listing |name=Spain: Spanish Chamber of Commerce |url=http://www.icex.es/icex/es/navegacion-principal/todos-nuestros-servicios/informacion-de-mercados/paises/navegacion-superior/nuestras-oficinas/camarataipei.html?idPais=TW|email=taipei@comercio.mineco.es |address=10 F - B 1, No.49 Minsheng East Rd., Sec. 3, Taipei 10478 |phone=+886 2 2518 4905 |fax=+886 2 2518 4891 |content= }} *{{flag|Sweden}} {{listing |name=Sweden: Business Sweden |email=taipei@business-sweden.se |address=Room 1101, International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, 11012 Taipei |phone=+886 2 2757 6573 |content= }} *{{flag|Switzerland}} {{listing |name=Switzerland: Trade Office of Swiss Industries |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/taiwan/en/home.html |email=tai.vertretung@eda.admin.ch |address=Room 3101, 3 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2720 1001 |fax=+886 2 2757 6984 |hours=M-F 09:00-11:30 |content= }} *{{flag|Thailand}} {{listing |name=Thailand: Thailand Trade and Economic Office (Taipei) |url=http://www.tteo.org.tw |email=tteo@ms22.hinet.net |address=12 F No. 168 Sung Chiang Rd., Chungshan District, Taipei 104 |phone=+886 2 2581 1979 |fax=+886 2 2581 8707 |hours=M-F 09:00-114:00 |content= }} *{{flag|Turkey}} {{listing |name=Turkey: Turkish Trade Office in Taiwan |url=http://www.taipei.to.mfa.gov.tr/Default.aspx |email=tr-office.taipei@mfa.gov.tr |address=Suite 1905, 19 F International Trade Building, No. 333 Keelung Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 7318 |fax=+886 2 2757 9432 |hours=M-F 09:30-12:30 |content= }} *{{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing |name=United Kingdom: British Office Taipei | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-trade-cultural-office-taiwan |email-info.taipei@fco.gov/uk |address=26 F President International Tower, No. 9-11 Song Gao Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei 11073 |phone=+886 2 8758 2088 |fax=+886 2 8758 2050 |hours=M-F 09:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00 |content= }} *{{flag|United States}} {{listing | type=listing | name=United States: American Institute in Taiwan | alt= | url=https://www.ait.org.tw/en/ | email= | address=No. 7, Ln. 134, Sec. 3, Xinyi Rd., Da-an District, Taipei | lat=25.032447 | long=121.539558 | directions= | phone=+886 2 2162 2000 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:00-11:00 and 13:00-15:30 | price= | wikidata=Q1195231 | content= }} *{{flag|Vietnam}} {{listing |name=Vietnam: Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office | email=vecotaipei@mofa.gov.vn |address=3 F No. 65 Sung Chiang Rd., Taipei |phone=+886 2 2516 6626 |fax=+886 2 2516 6625 |content= }} |} ===Embassies=== The following countries maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan and have embassies in Taipei. {| |style="vertical-align:top:width=50%;"| *{{flag|Belize}} {{listing |name=Belize|email=embassybzroc@gmail.com |address=11 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 1157 |phone=+886 2 2876 0894|fax=+886 2 2876 0896 |content=}} *{{flag|El Salvador}} {{listing |name=El Salvador|email=embsal.taipei@msa.hinet.net |address=2 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 3606|fax=+886 2 2876 3513 |content=}} *{{flag|Eswatini}} {{listing |name=Eswatini|email=swazitpi@ms41.hinet.net |address=10 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2872 5934 |content=}} *{{flag|Guatemala}} {{listing |name=Guatemala|email=embchina@minex.gob.gt |address=3 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2875 6952|fax=+886 2 2874 0699 |content=}} *{{flag|Haiti}} {{listing |name=Haiti|email=haiti@ms26.hinet.net |address=8 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 6718|fax=+886 2 2876 6719 |content=}} *{{flag|Vatican City}} {{listing |name=Holy See|email=na.taipei@diplomat.va |address=1 F No. 7-1 Lane 265, Heping East Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei 10667 |phone=+886 2 2700 6847|fax=+886 2 2755 1926 |content=}} *{{flag|Honduras}} {{listing |name=Honduras|email=embajadahondurastw@yahoo.com |address=9 F No. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2875 5507|fax=+886 2 2875 5726 |content=}} *{{flag|Marshall Islands}} {{listing |name=Marshall Islands|email=rmiemb.tpe@msa.hinet.net |address=4 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 4884|fax=+886 2 2873 4904 |content=}} |style="verical-align:top;width=50%;| *{{flag|Nauru}} {{listing |name=Nauru|email=embassy@nauru.org.tw |address=11 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 1950|fax=+886 2 2876 1930 |content=}} *{{flag|Palau}} {{listing |name=Palau|email=palau.embassy@msa.hinet.net |address=3 F no. 9 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 1157 |phone=+886 2 2876 5415|fax=+886 2 2876 0436 |content=}} *{{flag|Paraguay}} {{listing |name=Paraguay|url=http://www.embapartwroc.com.tw|email=embapartaiwan@embapartwroc.com.tw |address=7 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 63110|fax=+886 2 2873 6312 |content=}} *{{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}} {{listing |name=Saint Kitts and Nevis|email=embskn.tw@gmail.com |address=5 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2873 3252|fax=+886 2 2873 3246 |content=}} *{{flag|Saint Lucia}} {{listing |name=Saint Lucia|email=sluembassy.tw@gmail.com |address=Suite 2407, 24 F N. 333, Sec. 1, Keelung Rd., Taipei 11012 |phone=+886 2 2757 6900|fax=+886 2 2757 68000 |content=}} *{{flag|Tuvalu}} {{listing |name=Tuvalu|url=http://www.tuvaluembassyroc.org|email=tuvaluembassyroc@gmail.com |address=9 F No. 9-1 Lane 62, Tianmu West Rd., Shilin District, Taipei 11157 |phone=+886 2 2876 7606|fax=+886 2 2876 7603 |hours=M-F 08:30-16:30 |content=}} |} ==Go next== Taiwan's excellent rail system makes day trips easy, and there's lots to see around the [[New Taipei]] and [[Keelung]]. * [[Tamsui]], an old port town northwest of Taipei, is the main scene of the Taiwanese movie-'''Secret''' by Jay Chou. It's very popular with tourists. * [[Jiufen]] is a former gold mining town on the northeast coast and now a popular tourist destination. * [[Banqiao]] is a town and administrative capital of the other city in the Taipei Metro Area, [[New Taipei City]]. * [[Fulong]] is on the eastern coast of Taipei County. There you will find a coastal town with an excellent beach. Every July, there is the three day '''Ho-hai-yan Rock Festival''' which is a must-see. * [[Yingge]] is famous for its high concentration of potters and ceramic makers. It's even possible to travel to anywhere along the west coast of Taiwan all the way to [[Kaohsiung]] and back within a day, although at the price of a high-speed rail ticket. The [[Eastern Taiwan|eastern parts]] are a little harder to get to, and [[Taroko Gorge]] warrants more than a night's stay anyway. * [[Taroko Gorge]] – Here, the Liwu River cuts through 3,000-foot marble cliffs. The area around the gorge is also designated as '''Taroko Gorge National Park'''. * [[Hsinchu]] is a city with an old heritage and modern science park. * [[Shei-pa National Park]] spans mountains and rivers and is in [[Hsinchu County]] has great hiking trails. Hsinchu County is also home to '''[http://www1.leofoo.com.tw/village/en/ Leofoo Village Theme Park]''', Taiwan's most popular amusement park. * [[Sun Moon Lake]] in [[Nantou County]] is a crystal clear lake embedded into lush mountains. * [[Tainan]] for a laidback atmosphere and in-depth look into the history of Taiwan. {{routebox | placename=Taipei (THSR) | image1=Taiwan High Speed Rail (Logo Only).svg | imagesize1=50 | directionl1=N | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Hsinchu]] | minorr1=[[Taoyuan]] }} {{routebox | placename=Taipei (National Highway) | image1=TWHW1.svg | imagesize1=35 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Keelung]] | minorl1=[[New Taipei]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Taoyuan]] | minorr1=[[New Taipei]] | image2=TWHW3.svg | imagesize2=35 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Keelung]] | minorl2=[[New Taipei]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Taoyuan]] | minorr2=[[New Taipei]] | image3=TWHW3a.svg | imagesize3=35 | directionl3=N | majorl3=END | minorl3= | directionr3=S | majorr3=[[New Taipei]] | minorr3= | image4=TWHW5.svg | imagesize4=35 | directionl4=N | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=S | majorr4=[[Yilan]] | minorr4=[[New Taipei]] }} {{usablecity}} {{geo|25.05201|121.54175|zoom=13}} {{IsPartOf|Northern Taiwan}} 9vka9mweh3ks7juka49sh8d6n20qf1q 0 35122 4487986 4487298 2022-07-21T21:26:16Z The dog2 35982 /* History */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Formasa Station Banner.jpg}} {{COVID-19 box|Restrictions have been implemented throughout Taiwan due to a surge in COVID cases. Taiwan has '''barred entry to non-resident foreign nationals indefinitely.''' International transit passengers are allowed starting from June 15, 2022, provided they do not leave the secure area of the airport. Those allowed to enter the country are required to '''quarantine for 14 days'''. ''(See [[Taiwan#Get in|Get in]] for more information)''| lastedit=2022-07-20}} '''[https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/ Taiwan]''' (Traditional Chinese: 台灣 or 臺灣, ''Táiwān'') is an island nation off the coast of southeastern mainland [[China]]. The island is officially known as and governed by the '''Republic of China''' (中華民國 ''Zhōnghuá Mínguó'') or '''ROC'''. Shaped roughly like a sweet potato, the nation is home to more than 23 million people and is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. Although most of the population is ethnically Chinese, the legacy of Japanese colonial rule still pervades much of Taiwanese life, and there is also indigenous Austronesian culture to explore for the truly intrepid traveler. {{disclaimerbox|While the political status of Taiwan is a controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveler's point of view, Taiwan is under the ''de facto'' control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate country. ''This page does not represent a political endorsement of the claims of either side of the dispute.''}} == Regions == {{Regionlist | regionmap = Taiwan_Regions_Map.png | regionmapsize = 350px | regionmaptext = Map of Taiwan with regions color-coded (Matsu is not included) | region1name=[[Northern Taiwan]] | region1color=#b08eb0 | region1items=[[Hsinchu]], [[Hsinchu County]], [[Keelung]], [[New Taipei]], [[Taipei]], [[Taoyuan]] | region1description=The capital city, main airport and technology hub of the island | region2name=[[Central Taiwan]] | region2color=#efb86e | region2items=[[Changhua County]], [[Miaoli County]], [[Nantou County]] and [[Taichung]] | region2description=Scenic mountains and lakes and major national parks | region3name=[[Eastern Taiwan]] | region3color=#77c283 | region3items=[[Yilan County]], [[Hualien]], [[Hualien County]], [[Taitung County]], [[Taitung]] | region3description=Hualien and Taitung are cut off from the rest of the island by the central mountains; this is a region of great natural beauty, and the main center of indigenous Austronesian culture | region4name=[[Southern Taiwan]] | region4color=#75a4c3 | region4items= [[Chiayi County]], [[Kaohsiung]], [[Pingtung County]], [[Tainan]] and [[Yunlin County]] | region4description=The tropics of Taiwan with beaches and palm trees and the third largest city | region5name=Outlying Islands | region5color=#c9cf7b | region5items=Tiny islands also governed by the Republic of China: [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]], just off the coast of mainland China's [[Fujian]] Province, [[Penghu]] in the straits, [[Green Island (Taiwan)|Green Island]] and [[Orchid Island]], east of Taiwan | region5description=Small islands that are popular getaway destinations with the locals. }} <br clear="right" /> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b08eb0|title=[[Northern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249994,Q74054,Q249996,Q244898,Q1867,Q115256}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q133865,Q63706,Q82357,Q245023}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Eastern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q237258,Q249868,Q249904}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249995,Q166977,Q181557,Q194989,Q140631,Q153221}} == Cities == {{mapframe|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|title=Taiwan High Speed Rail|wikidata=Q706198|type=geoline|stroke=#c35617|stroke-width=4|stroke-opacity=1}} [[File:TWTC ITB, TICC and Taipei 101 20100410 night.jpg|thumb|300px|Taipei at night]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taipei]]|wikidata=Q1867}} (臺北 or 台北) – The seat of government of Taiwan ROC, as well as the center of commerce and culture. Taipei is also home to Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Miaoli]]|lat=24.57|long=120.82}} (苗栗) – The main center of Hakka culture in Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hualien]]|wikidata=Q713310}} (花蓮) – Near Taroko Gorge and considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan's cities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Jiufen]]|wikidata=Q31093}} (九份) – A former gold mining town on the northeast coast visited for its quaint streets and picturesque views. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kaohsiung]]|wikidata=Q181557}} (高雄) – The third-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest sea ports (the Port of Kaohsiung) in the world and it has the island's second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taichung]]|wikidata=Q245023}} (臺中 or 台中) – The second-largest city on the island. In the center-western region of Taiwan, and famous among the Taiwanese for its pastries such as sun cakes and pineapple cakes. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Puli]]|wikidata=Q706544}} (埔里) – At the geographical center of the island, making it a good base for exploring the central mountains and [[Sun Moon Lake]]. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tainan]]|wikidata=Q140631}} (臺南 or 台南) – The oldest city and former capital of Taiwan. It is famous for its historic buildings, and as the unofficial culinary capital of Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taitung]]|lat=22.758333|long=121.144444}} (臺東 or 台東) – On the southeastern coast, a laid back city that is known for beautiful scenery and large Aboriginal population. == Other destinations == [[File:Alishan Forest Staircase2.JPG|thumb|240px|Mountain trail in [[Alishan]]]] People tend to think of Taiwan as a small, crowded island filled mostly with electronic factories, and if you stay in Taipei or along the west coast you might indeed maintain that impression. However, the island is also home to high mountain ranges, great beaches and stunning national parks, many with hot springs. * {{marker|name=[[Alishan]]|wikidata=Q707585}} (阿里山) – Misty forests of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises at the center of the island, reached by a scenic narrow-gauge train * {{marker|name=[[Kenting National Park]]|wikidata=Q707982}} (墾丁國家公園) – At the extreme southern tip of the island, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. * {{marker|name=[[Shei-pa National Park]]|wikidata=Q707996}} (雪霸國家公園) – A park spanning mountains and rivers in [[Hsinchu County]]—great hiking trails * {{marker|name=[[Sun Moon Lake]]|wikidata=Q716206}} (日月潭) – Nestled at 762 m (2,500&nbsp;ft) in lofty mountains in [[Nantou County]], this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. * {{marker|name=[[Taipingshan]]|wikidata=Q30020365}} (太平山) – A historic logging area and one of Taiwan's most scenic spots. Located in [[Yilan County]]. * {{marker|name=[[Taroko Gorge]]|wikidata=Q707427}} (太魯閣峽谷 ''Tàilǔgé'') – An impressive gorge off the east coast * {{marker|name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]]|wikidata=Q709029}} (陽明山國家公園) – Spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei * {{marker|name=[[Yushan]]|wikidata=Q500275}} (Jade Mountain/玉山) – At 3,952 m the highest mountain in not just Taiwan, but in the entire eastern ⅔ of East Asia * {{marker|name=[[Lalashan]]|wikidata=}} (拉拉山) – In [[Taoyuan County]], "Lala" means "beauty" in the indigenous Atayal language. Mt. Lala is one of natural protection zones in Taiwan. There are some 500–2,800-year-old "divine" trees including the No. 5 divine tree, which is reputedly even older than Confucius. Lalashan is best known for its peach trees, and peach season (July–August) is the most beautiful time to visit Mt. Lala. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=LocationROC.png}} Taiwan is home to a large number of impressive scenic sites, and Taipei is a cultural center of entertainment and leisure activities. The island is also a center of Chinese-language pop culture with a substantial entertainment industry. Japanese and an increasing number of mainland Chinese enjoy taking short trips to Taiwan and enjoy its neighborly hospitality. Taiwan is home to some well-known international companies such as Acer, MSI, Asus, HTC, and Giant Bicycles, whose technologies are some of the most advanced in the world. === History === {{seealso|Imperial China|Chinese Revolutions|Japanese colonial empire|Pacific War}} Taiwan was first populated 30,000 years ago by an Australo-Melanesian group known as the Negrito. The Negrito were eventually assimilated and displaced 5,000 years ago by Proto-Austronesians who arrived from the east coast of mainland China, predominantly from what is now Fujian province. Due to linguistic diversity on Taiwan, these people have been suggested to be the ancestors of [[Austronesian]] speakers across Southeast Asia, the Pacific and even Madagascar. Recorded history began with the partial colonization of Taiwan by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and then the Portuguese in the early 17th century. (The old name of Taiwan, ''Formosa'', comes from the Portuguese ''Ilha Formosa'' for "beautiful island".) Han Chinese immigrants arrived in significant numbers with the onset of European trade. The Ming loyalist Koxinga defeated the Dutch garrisons and set up Taiwan as a rump Ming Empire with the hope of reconquering Qing China. His grandson surrendered to the Qing in the late 1600s. Although contact between China and Taiwan dates back thousands of years, it was not until larger numbers of ethnic Han residents arrived during the Qing dynasty that Taiwan was formally integrated into China as part of Hokkien (Fujian) province. It became a separate province in 1887. The years of Han Chinese settlement during the Qing Dynasty were marred by conflict between the Han settlers and the Aboriginal people, between the Minnan and Hakka speakers among the Han settlers, and between the [[Quanzhou]] and [[Zhangzhou]] immigrants among the Minnan speakers. All these resulted in Minnan speakers largely occupying the fertile lowlands along the coast, the Hakkas being forced to occupy the middle elevations in the mountains, and the Aboriginal people being forced to higher elevations in the mountains and the more typhoon-prone east coast. Defeated by the Japanese, the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan to [[Japan]] under the terms of the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Japan ruled the island until the end of World War II in 1945, and exerted profound influences on its development. The island's entertainment and pop culture was and still is heavily influenced by that of Japan. Much of the infrastructure built by the Japanese can still be seen on the island, and has been in fact continuously used up to the present day (e.g. railroad crossing gates, administrative buildings, and the old port at Kaohsiung). During [[Pacific War|World War II]], many Taiwanese, both Aboriginal and Han Chinese, served in the Imperial Japanese Army, many of whom have been enshrined in the controversial [[Tokyo/Chiyoda#Yasukini Shrine|Yasukuni Shrine]] in [[Tokyo]]. Like their counterparts in [[Korea]] and other occupied territories, many Taiwanese women were forced to serve as "comfort women" (i.e. sex slaves) in Japanese military brothels. Upon the resumption of Chinese rule, the ''Kuomintang'' (KMT, 國民黨) under Chiang Kai-shek, also known as the Nationalists, was suspicious of many of the locals in Taiwan, due to the fact that many Taiwanese had served in the Japanese military and civil service during World War II. Moreover, as the Japanese had sought to turn Taiwan into a model colony, despite having been discriminated against, many locals had seen their standards of living improve under Japanese rule, and were disillusioned by the corruption and incompetence that plagued the Kuomintang at that time. Tensions between the new Kuomintang government and the locals culminated in the '''228 incident''' on 28th February 1947, when many locals revolted against Chinese rule, and the Kuomintang responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of people being killed, and purging many of the Japanese-educated intellectuals in the process. Taiwan would also be placed under martial law following the incident, which would only be lifted in 1987. Discussion of the incident was banned under the years of martial law, but was brought back to the fore once again following democratization in the 1990s, and the incident remains a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day. [[File:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|350px|National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] In the early 20th century, the Nationalists and Communists fought a major bloody civil war in mainland China. Although the two sides were briefly united against Japan during World War II, they quickly began fighting again after the war was over. Eventually, the Communists were victorious in 1949. The Nationalist government, remnants of their army, and hundreds of thousands of supporters then fled to Taiwan, though they would also retain control of several offshore islands of Fujian. From Taipei, they continued to assert their right as the sole legitimate government of all China. Initially very repressive, the government began to loosen control in its fourth decade under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek's son, Chiang Ching-kuo. Taiwan also experienced rapid economic growth and modernisation under the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo, becoming one of the world's richest and most modern economies and earning it a place as one of the East Asian Tigers. Today, Taiwan is generally regarded as a modern, developed economy, and still remains a leader in consumer electronics that is home to well-known computer brands such as Acer, Asus, Garmin, Gigabyte and HTC. Democratization began in earnest through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating with the first direct presidential elections in 1996, and the first peaceful transition of power between two political parties in 2000. Taiwanese politics remain dominated by the issue of relations between Taiwan and the [[China|People's Republic of China]], which still claims Taiwan as a "renegade province" and regularly threatens military action if Taiwan attempts to break away from the awkward '''One China''' status quo, whereby both sides agree that there is only one Chinese nation, but disagree on whether that one nation should be governed by the PRC or the ROC. To summarize a ''very'' complex situation, the '''Pan-Blue''' (泛藍) group spearheaded by the KMT supports eventual unification with the mainland when the political climate is right, while the '''Pan-Green''' (泛綠) group led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports eventual formal independence under the name "Republic of Taiwan". The split extends down to trivial issues like Chinese romanization &mdash; the KMT prefers the mainland's ''Hanyu pinyin'', the DPP prefers a Taiwan-made variant called ''Tongyong pinyin'' &mdash; and political demonstrations and rallies, always turbulent, on occasion even turn violent. In 2014, the '''Sunflower Movement''' was formed in opposition to deepening trade relations between Taiwan and mainland China that was being pursued by the then-KMT government. Although mainland China has been Taiwan's most important trading partner since 2008, many Taiwanese were fearful that deepening economic ties would lead to the Chinese Communist Party using this economic dependence to coerce democratic Taiwan into unifying with mainland China under communist rule. Things came to a head when student protesters stormed the Legislative Yuan on 18 March 2014, forcing the government to abandon ratification of a recently-signed trade deal with mainland China, marking the first time the Taiwanese legislature had been successfully occupied by civilian protesters. The movement is today considered a watershed moment in Taiwanese political history, as it led to the political awakening of much of the formerly apolitical younger generation, galvanized a distinct Taiwanese identity, and united most of the younger generation behind the pro-independence camp. === Government and politics === Taiwan is a presidential republic modelled after the American system of government. The President is popularly elected every four years for up to two terms, and is the head of state. The President has the sole authority to appoint members the executive branch, known as the '''Executive Yuan''', whose leader, known as the Premier, serves as the head of government. The legislative branch is known as the '''Legislative Yuan''', often referred to as the "Parliament", which is elected by the people every four years in parallel with the presidential elections. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy known for its exceptionally dramatic parliamentary sessions, with physical fights between legislators on the floor being a regular occurrence. The other branches of government are the '''Judicial Yuan''', which tops the judiciary branch, the '''Examination Yuan''', which administers civil service examinations, and the '''Control Yuan''', which is responsible for auditing the government's finances. The two main parties in Taiwanese politics are the '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) and the '''Democratic Progressive Party''' (DPP). Generally speaking, the KMT is more socially conservative, and favors friendlier ties with China, while the DPP is more socially liberal, and favors closer ties with Japan and the United States, as well as taking a tougher stance against China. While the older generation is politically split, the younger generation is overwhelmingly pro-DPP. === People === Taiwan was originally populated by indigenous peoples that spoke various Austronesian languages, which are related to Malay, Tagalog and Indonesian. Today the remaining indigenous peoples make up only about 2% of the population, while the other 98% are considered ethnically Han Chinese. The ethnically Han Chinese are further split into Taiwanese, who make up about 84% of the population and whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and mainlanders, who make up about 14% of the population and whose families fled to Taiwan from the mainland after the communist takeover of China in 1949. Among the Taiwanese group, Hoklo (Minnan) speakers form the majority, which is about 70% of the population, while the remaining 14% are largely Hakka speakers. In modern times, Taiwan is also home to immigrants from elsewhere, especially other Asian countries such as Malaysia (most of whom are ethnically Chinese), Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The post-1949 Chinese immigrants come from every province and include many non-Han residents. === Culture === Taiwanese culture is largely based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly that of [[Fujian]] province, because most Taiwanese are Han Chinese whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan from that region. However, in the 20th century, Taiwanese culture diverged from that of mainland China. Substantial Japanese influences can be seen in modern Taiwanese culture because of 50 years of Japanese rule, and this can be seen in its cuisine and in its pop culture. In addition, the Japanese introduced baseball and hot-spring bathing to Taiwan, and these remain popular pastimes for the Taiwanese to this day. As Taiwan was spared from the Cultural Revolution, the Taiwanese have also retained some elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China. Indigenous Austronesian or "Formosan" culture has greatly suffered under multiple different waves of colonial rule. It is having a resurgence today but many aspects of it have been lost forever which is evident in how the majority of the Formosan languages are extinct or moribund. However, efforts are being made to revive the culture through the introduction of the Aboriginal languages into the school curriculum. Numerous indigenous Taiwanese have had successful careers in the entertainment industry, perhaps the most famous example being the singer Kulilay Amit, better known by her Chinese name Chang Huei-mei, who is of Puyuma ethnicity. === Climate === [[File:Footbridge, Taroko 01.jpg|thumb|240px|Taroko Gorge suspension bridge]] Lowland Taiwan has a marine tropical climate during the summer, with sweltering, humid weather (above 30&nbsp;°C, 86&nbsp;°F) from Jun-Sep. In the winter the weather is influenced by the nearby continent, and in the northern areas the temperature can go as low as 8&nbsp;°C at night. The best time of year to visit is from Oct-Dec, although even then occasional typhoons can spoil the fun. Spring is also nice, although it rains more than during autumn. During the typhoon season, the east coast bears the brunt of the damage as it is facing the Pacific Ocean. In the mountainous regions you will encounter more temperate conditions. Rapid weather change can endanger unprepared visitors, so advice on proper preparation should be obtained before visiting those areas. In fact, it snows every year on Taiwan's highest mountains and occasionally even on mountains like Alishan. === Taiwanese calendar === The ''Minguo'' (民國, ROC) calendar, counting years from the establishment of the ROC (1911), is commonly used in Taiwan. To convert a ''Minguo'' date to A.D., just add 1911. {{CURRENTYEAR}} is Minguo {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}−1911}}. Months and days are according to the standard Gregorian calendar for almost everything except traditional holidays and religious matters, which use the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. === Festivals === {{CNYdates}} As Taiwan is majority Han Chinese, traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in Taiwan. Among the most notable are: *'''Chinese New Year''' (春節). This is the most important festival for the Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close on the first three days so it is not an ideal time to visit. However, the days leading up to the festival and the fourth to fifteenth days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Chinese New Year songs. *'''Tomb Sweeping Day''' (Ching Ming Festival, 清明節). This is when many Taiwanese pay respects at their ancestors' graves. *'''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午節). This festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin. To prevent the fishes from eating his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fishes and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten on them to scare away the fishes. Since then, dragon boat racing has been carried out on this day and rice dumplings are also eaten. *'''Hungry Ghost Festival''' (Ghost Month, 中元節). This festival runs throughout the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world. In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese offer food and burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held to appease these wandering spirits. *'''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (Moon Festival, 中秋節). Legend has it that on this day, a woman known as Chang E swallowed some divine pills to prevent her power hungry husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day. This is when many lanterns are put up for decoration in various parks and shops, which is quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so it would be an ideal time to try some. Many Taiwanese have barbecue with family or friends as part of the celebration. === Terrain === [[File:Jiuwanshibaguai.JPG|thumb|Cliffs meet the eastern coast of Taiwan, Hualien County]] Taiwan is largely mountainous with a chain of mountains running from north to south at the centre of the island. The west coast is largely plains and unsurprisingly is where most of the population is concentrated, and is where all the larger cities like [[Taichung]] and [[Kaohsiung]] are located. The east coast also has some plains but they are more sparsely populated due to the higher typhoon risk, but is also home to the cities of [[Hualien]] and [[Taitung]] with significant populations. === Sports === Baseball was brought to Taiwan by the Japanese during the colonial period. Its popularity rose greatly when the Taiwanese baseball team finished second in the Japanese national championships. Today, baseball retains a strong following and remains by far the most popular spectator sport in Taiwan. Several Taiwanese players have also gone on to successful careers in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Taiwanese national team is considered to be one of the strongest in the world. Besides baseball, basketball also has a sizeable following in Taiwan and is quite popular among teenagers. When classes are over, the basketball courts inside schools are not only open to students but also the public. Billiards<!--WHICH VARIANT(S)--> is another popular sport in Taiwan. It's easy to find billiard rooms throughout the country and there are also many championship-winning players in Taiwan, most of whom started training when they were still teens. Other sports which are popular include Taekwondo, table tennis and golf. In international sporting competitions, such as the Olympic Games, Taiwan is called "Chinese Taipei" for political reasons. == Talk == {{infobox|You say Zhongshan, I say Chungshan...|The romanization of Chinese used in Taiwan is not standardized. Most older place names and personal names are derived from a simplified version of Wade-Giles. The government established Hanyu Pinyin (the same system used in the mainland and the international standard) as the official system in 2009, but most local governments that did not already use the system have not switched over, and highway signs are only being gradually changed from the Tongyong Pinyin system, leading to much inconsistency. Some local governments, such as that of Taipei and Taichung, have already converted their street signs to Hanyu Pinyin and New Taipei is implementing the switch to Hanyu Pinyin. However, there are still street signs posted by city governments next to signs installed by the national government having different romanization conventions, as is the case for Kaohsiung, where Tongyong Pinyin, not Hanyu Pinyin, is the local standard. For example, Zhongshan, Chungshan, Jungshan and Jhongshan can easily refer to the same Chinese name. This article attempts to use the romanizations most commonly used ''in'' Taiwan (on street signs, buses, tourist maps, etc.) People know romanisation as 'Roma-Pinyin' (Luoma-Pinyin).}} Taiwan's official languages are four varieties of Chinese — '''[[Chinese phrasebook - Traditional|Mandarin]]''', '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]]''' (a dialect of Minnan), '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''', and '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Matsu dialect]]''' — as well as the '''Aboriginal Austronesian languages''' and '''Taiwan Sign Language'''. Mandarin is the ''lingua franca'', but Taiwanese is the mother tongue of about 70% of the population. In the North where there is a large concentration of so-called "mainlanders" (those whose families came to Taiwan from mainland China in the 1940s as refugees of the Chinese Civil War), most people speak Mandarin as their primary language (although Taiwanese is spoken in abundance), but in the South of the island, Taiwanese is far more common. Hakka is the main language at the middle elevations of the mountainous parts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka are all tonal languages, and are difficult for most foreigners to master. Aboriginal languages can mostly be heard on the East Coast and its offshore islands, as well as at higher elevations in the mountains. The Matsu dialect is a variant of the Fuzhou dialect (also known as ''Hokchiu'' or ''Foochow''), and is almost exclusively concentrated in the [[Matsu]] islands located close to [[Fuzhou]] in mainland China. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (漢字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and many overseas Chinese still use the '''traditional characters''', whereas since the 1950s mainland China has used simplified characters, such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". There are multiple ways of romanizing Mandarin Chinese, but '''pinyin''' (漢語拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn'') is the most useful for a visitor to learn. It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). (However, people in Taiwan are more familiar with a phonetic alphabet called Zhuyin (注音 ''zhùyīn'', written using Zhuyin as ㄓㄨˋ　ㄧㄣ), commonly known in English as '''bopomofo''' (named after the first four letters, ㄅㄆㄇㄈ), which is used for language education and typing.) All dialects of Chinese are also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; Mandarin tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the world, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects'''. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects would read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and couldn't carry on a spoken conversation with each other. Although standard Mandarin in Taiwan is nearly identical to standard Mandarin in mainland China (with differences mostly in technical and translated terms invented post-1949), most people in practice speak a distinctly accented version known as Taiwanese Mandarin. For example, Taiwanese Mandarin tends to not differentiate between the "S" and "Sh" or the "f" and "h" sounds in Mandarin. All people schooled after 1945 are generally fluent in Mandarin, though older people from rural areas often have a very thick accent. Mandarin is fairly popular with young people. Some elderly people do not speak Mandarin as they were schooled in Japanese or not at all. Most Taiwanese are very accepting of foreigners and react with curiosity and admiration for trying the local tongue. Generally, most people in Taiwan converse using a combination of Mandarin and Taiwanese by code-switching. The Taiwanese dialect is a variant of Minnan which is similar to the dialect spoken across the Taiwan Strait in [[South Fujian]]. Unlike in South Fujian, Taiwanese Minnan has some loan words from Japanese as a result of 50 years of Japanese colonization. Taiwanese Minnan and [[Xiamen]] Minnan are both mixtures of the [[Zhangzhou]] and [[Quanzhou]] accents, so as a result, Taiwanese Minnan sounds very similar to Xiamen Minnan. There is also dialectal variation in Taiwanese between different parts of the island; the [[Tainan]] dialect is generally considered to be the prestige dialect. All public announcements in the transportation system are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka, with the exception of the [[Matsu]] islands, where announcements are made in Mandarin and the local Matsu dialect. Especially in Taipei, younger people generally speak a basic conversational level of '''English'''. The children often understand more English than their parents, especially with the emphasis on English language education today, and English being a compulsory subject in Taiwanese schools. However, attempts to speak Mandarin or Taiwanese will be met with beaming smiles and encouragement, by and large. Quite a few people, especially in Taipei, are proficient in '''[[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]]''' due to the high number of Japanese visitors. Staff for tourist attractions such as the Taipei 101, museums, hotels, popular restaurants and airport shops speak Japanese in addition to English, Mandarin and other local languages. In fact, if you are a visitor of East Asian descent who cannot understand Chinese, when a worker realizes this he or she may try speaking to you in Japanese before trying English. There has been an increasing usage of '''[[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]''' by tourism boards due to the large number of Korean people visiting Taiwan. Thus, there are many signs across Taiwan written in Korean. An enthusiasm for Korean-language education due to the influence of Korean pop culture is also gaining momentum. Due to the increasing number of Southeast Asian tourists visiting Taiwan, '''[[Thai phrasebook|Thai]]''', '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' and '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]''' are spoken by some tourist personnel. '''Taiwan Sign Language''' is the language of the deaf community. It has partial mutual intelligibility with Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language, but not with Chinese Sign Language or Hong Kong Sign Language. == Get in == {{COVID-19 box|Taiwan has tightened entry restrictions in response to the spread of COVID-19, in particular the Delta variant of the virus. '''Non-resident foreign nationals are barred from entering or transiting Taiwan indefinitely.''' Valid visas to enter Taiwan have been suspended, and Taiwan is not issuing new visa permits at this time. Those who need to travel to Taiwan because of special circumstances can apply for a special entry permit from Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center and a Taiwanese diplomatic mission. If it is granted, you'll need to [https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/ pre-register online], present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a designated hotel or quarantine facility. Travelers will be required to bear the costs for the quarantine stay, unless arriving from a country or territory that has been designated as "high risk". <small>For more information, see the websites for the [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En Taiwan Centers for Disease Control] and [https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs].</small>| lastedit=2021-06-27}} ===Entry requirements=== [[File:Visa policy of Taiwan.svg|thumb|450px|Visa policy of Taiwan{{legend|#F60501|Taiwan}}{{legend|#20B44A|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#b5e61d|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#65D6A5|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#DCEF9B|Visa on arrival}}{{legend|#9DDEE5|eVisa}}{{legend|#15127D|Exit & Entry Permit on arrival}}{{legend|#ADADAD|Visa required}}]] [[File:ROC entry stamp.JPG|thumb|Entry stamp]] ==== Visas ==== Foreign nationals of the following 44 countries can enter Taiwan '''visa-free''' as a ''visitor'' provided that their passports are valid for at least 6 months upon entry: '''For up to 90 days:''' All 27 '''European Union''' member states, Australia (until 31 December 2021), Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (until 31 March 2025), Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vatican City '''For up to 30 days:''' Belize, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore '''For up to 14 days:''' Brunei, Philippines, Thailand (until 31 July 2019 for all three), Russian Federation If citizens of the above countries present an emergency or temporary passport, they will be required to apply for a landing visa on arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$2,400. Citizens of Japan need only present a passport with at least 3 months' validity (rather than 6 months' validity) upon entry. Citizens of the United States can enter Taiwan on a passport with less than 6 months' validity on the date of arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$5,600. Citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom can extend their stay for an extra 90 days (i.e. a total stay of up to 180 days) free of charge. More information is available on [http://www.boca.gov.tw/public/Attachment/1121416524871.doc this Bureau of Consular Affairs information sheet]. Holders of valid passports from '''[[Hong Kong]]''' (HKSAR or BN(O)) and '''[[Macau]]''', born in either of these territories, may apply for a 30-day entry permit online (free) or on arrival (NT$300). Holders of these passports born outside these territories may also apply for these permits, if they have been to Taiwan previously as a Hong Kong/Macau resident. (If they last visited Taiwan before 1983 they need to supply the travel document used then or first apply for their travel records from the Immigration Agency.) Hong Kong and Macau residents born outside of these territories and have not been to Taiwan before as a HK/Macau resident must apply for a permit online before travelling to Taiwan (NT$600). Hong Kong and Macau residents who also have another passport (except BN(O) or a Portuguese passport obtained before the handover) must use the other passport (and apply for the correct visa, if required) to enter Taiwan and not their Hong Kong/Macau passport. Macau residents using a Portuguese passport may enter visa-free like other Portuguese passport holders. Residents of '''Mainland [[China]]''' (Chinese passport holders) may visit Taiwan for tourism if they join an approved guided tour. Independent mainland Chinese travellers require a Permit for Proceeding to Taiwan (往来台湾通行证/往來台灣通行證) with an endorsement issued by Chinese authorities, and an Exit and Entry Permit (中華民國臺灣地區入出境許可證) issued by Taiwanese authorities. However, endorsement for personal tourism has been '''suspended''' due to political tensions. Citizens of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who have a valid entry visa or permanent resident card issued by a [[Europe#Schengen Agreement|Schengen]] country, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival after making an [https://oa1.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/ online application.] All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 14 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. Entry will be denied if these procedures are refused. Detailed information about visas is available at the website of the '''[http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs]'''. Taiwan does not have formal embassies in most of the world's countries (due to the 'One China' policy of mainland China preventing formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan). Instead Taiwan operates a "Taipei Representative Office", "Taipei Economic and Trade Office", or something of a similar name in most major countries, and these act as ''de facto'' embassies and consulates that can issue Taiwanese visas. ====Arrival card==== Tourists are required to fill in an arrival card. You may do it [https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/ online] before you arrive to save time. Traditional paper versions are still available at ports of entry. Hong Kong and Macau residents who have an online entry permit are exempt. ====Customs==== Fresh fruit and meat may not be brought into Taiwan, and airport staff may check your bags. If you are carrying anything prohibited, though, they might let you eat it before you go through immigration. === By plane === * '''[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]]''' '''(Taipei)''' (台灣桃園國際機場, formerly ''Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport'' 中正國際機場) ({{IATA|TPE}}) is the primary international airport of Taiwan. Located 40&nbsp;km to the southwest of Taipei, it has good connections to neighbouring countries and North America, and decent connections to Europe and Oceania. The airport has a MRT (metro/subway) connection to [[Taipei]], and direct buses to Taipei, [[Taichung]] and other nearby cities. Alternatively, the MRT train and U-Bus company shuttles reach HSR Taoyuan station (台灣高鐵桃園站) for high-speed train connections to other cities; and to Zhongli (中壢) Station for mainline TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration 台灣鐵路管理局) train and southbound bus connections to [[Tainan]], [[Hsinchu]] (新竹) etc. * [http://www.kia.gov.tw/English/ '''Kaohsiung International Airport'''] (高雄國際機場) ({{IATA|KHH}}) is the largest airport in southern Taiwan, with decent connections to neighbouring countries and domestic destinations. * [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx '''Songshan Airport'''] (松山機場) ({{IATA|TSA}}) is a smaller airport in downtown Taipei which serves mostly domestic flights with some flights to China, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Seoul Gimpo Airport. * '''Taichung Airport''' (台中機場) ({{IATA|RMQ}}) serves domestic and international flights to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and China. * [https://www.tna.gov.tw/en/index.php '''Tainan Airport'''] (臺南機場) ({{IATA|TNN}}) serves domestic routes, as well as international routes to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. * [https://www.hulairport.gov.tw/e_content/about/about01.aspx '''Hualien Airport'''] (花蓮機場) ({{IATA|HUN}}) located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, the airport serves domestic routes, as well as international flights to South Korea as well as charter flights to Cambodia. After a break of almost 60 years, regular cross-Strait flights between Taiwan and mainland China resumed in 2008, and travel times on some popular routes have been reduced significantly as flights no longer have to be routed through Hong Kong airspace. The main Taiwanese carriers are [http://www.evaair.com/ '''EVA Air'''] (長榮航空) and flag carrier [http://www.china-airlines.com/ '''China Airlines'''] (中華航空). While China Airlines used to have a poor safety record, things have improved greatly since 2003, and today, it is just as safe as the major Western European airlines. === By boat === {{COVID-19 box|Due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, all ferry services to China have been suspended.|lastedit=2020-02-28}} All scheduled passenger ferry services between Taiwan and Japan have been suspended. [http://www.starcruises.com Star Cruises] operates limited cruise services from [[Keelung]] (基隆) and [[Kaohsiung]] (高雄) to Hong Kong and various Japanese islands, but these are not intended for one-way journeys. ====China to Taiwan via Matsu==== From [[Fuzhou]] (福州), China, there are two daily ferries to the Taiwan-controlled [[Matsu]] (馬祖) islands. Take bus 69 from Fuzhou train station to Wuyilu, then bus 73 to the end station Mawei harbor (馬尾港). The ferry costs RMB350 from China and NT$1,300 from Matsu. The trip takes two hours. You can check the Matsu tourism website for [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=505&l=2 updates on the schedule]. There is a cheaper (NT$650) ferry between Matsu's northern island and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, but because of limitations to immigration facilities, it apparently only accepts Taiwan/ROC citizens as passengers at this time ([https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=781&l=1 schedules and fares]). From Matsu, there the ''Taima Star'' ferry runs daily to [[Keelung]] in Taiwan ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/index.php Official website] / [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=128&l=2 English information]). NT$1,050 includes a bed, as the trip takes 10 hours. Regular seats are available for NT$630 only when the sleeping cabins are full ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/price.htm official fare table]). Schedules can be found at [http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/harbor.php this link]. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or [https://www.matsuebs.com/html/custorder/36 online]. At [[Mawei]] harbor in [[Fuzhou]] there is an opportunity to buy an inclusive ticket all the way to Taipei (臺北) that includes the Fuzhou to Matsu ferry above and a domestic flight from Matsu to Taipei (or Taichung). The price (RMB780) includes transfer between port and airport on Matsu, and a coupon for lunch at the airport while you wait for your connection. The ferry leaves Fuzhou at 09:30. Get to Mawei at 08:00 to buy tickets. ====China to Kinmen==== There are also several ferry services between [[Xiamen]] and [[Quanzhou]] on the mainland and the Taiwan-controlled island of [[Kinmen]] (金門). While foreigners may use the former the latter is only open to Chinese and Taiwanese citizens. Now there also is one weekly ferry from Dongdu Harbor (東渡碼頭) in [[Xiamen]] to Keelung, that leaves on Thursdays at 18:00 starting at less than RMB500, and one to Taichung leaving on Tuesdays. Call 0592-2393128 for information or 0592-6011758 for bookings from China. You can also check [http://www.seat61.com/Taiwan.htm#Ferries_to_Taiwan here] for news. There is apparently no ferry from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan at this time, though flights may be reasonably priced. ====China to Taiwan direct==== The ''Cosco Star'' runs overnight between [[Keelung]] in northern Taiwan and [[Xiamen]] on the mainland, between Keelung and Daimaiyu Port near [[Taizhou]] on the mainland, and between [[Taichung]] in west-central Taiwan and Xiamen. Each leg of each route only runs on one day of the week (see [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-sch.asp here] for departure times of each route and [http://www.cosco.url.tw/hot.html here] for the latest calendar of operations). "Standard" one-way fares start at NT$3,500, but "basic" fares may be available for NT$2,490 ([http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-tick.asp fare table]). On top of the fare there is an additional NT$300-550 in fuel and port surcharges, which varies depending on the route. There are substantial discounts for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). The service's Taiwan-facing website is [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-main.asp here]. [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hours) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to [[Taipei]] and [[Taichung]] in Taiwan. As of February 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and the Pingtan-Taichung-Pingtan route runs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,500 one-way, $6,350 round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance]/[http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]. == Get around == ===''IC Cards''=== [[Taipei]]'s '''[http://www.easycard.com.tw/ EasyCard]''' (悠遊卡 Yōuyóukǎ) and [[Kaohsiung]]'s '''[https://www.i-pass.com.tw/EN/ iPass]''' (一卡通) are the main public transportation smart and electronic payment cards, and replace the need to buy separate tickets for most national, regional and city buses, metro (MRT), as well as train services (TRA) all over Taiwan, and they can be used at retail establishments that display the respective sign, like convenient stores (7eleven, Family Mart), parking lots and some restaurants and shops. Though originally accepted only in their respective cities, the two cards can now be used interchangeably at most (but not all) locations. Besides saving you the hassle of having proper change ready for your ticket, it mostly always gives discount on the chosen journeys. For instance, the price for any train (TRA) is calculated based on the price of a local train and a 10% discount. Thus, you can even take the faster trains with it (but not THSR) like the Tzu-Chiang limited express. The only disadvantage is that you will not have a reserved seat, which however is not an issue except on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon. The EasyCard also provides discounts on [[Taipei#Get around|Taipei's public transportation network]], and likewise with the iPass on Kaohsiung's network. The EasyCard can be bought at the airport, in any of stations of Taipei MRT and most convenient stores. As of Dec 2019 the price was NT$500, consisting of a non-refundable deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 in electronic cash. If you want to add money onto the card, you can do so in MRT stations (including Kaohsiung MRT), TRA stations, and the common convenient stores. The card can hold amounts up to NT$5,000. Student IC cards with even deeper discounts are also available for purchase, but only upon request at a desk and a recognised student ID like ISIC. Whether the card needs to be tapped only once or twice on city buses (on entry or on exit, see [[#By bus|below]]) depends on which city you are in and sometimes how far you travel. Do not forget to tap twice (on entry '''and''' exit) where it is necessary, especially on regional and national buses outside of cities (and some unstaffed railway stations). Otherwise, your card will be blocked with "incomplete journey" (for all bus companies), and you will have to settle this issue with the responsible bus company. This can be a problem, because bus companies only serve certain regions. When leaving that region, e.g. by train, which is still possible with a (bus) locked card, no-one will be willing to unlock your card, even though also other bus companies are able to do so. Be insistent and with the help of the tourist information centre tell them that you cannot go back to fix the problem, or that you tried and they did not solve the issue even though they told you so. Make sure that it is really unlocked (with a different bus company) and do not just trust them &ndash; it seems some cannot operate their machines properly. If you forget to tap the second time, you will only be charged a small initial fee instead of the whole journey, but unless you are at the end of your vacation to Taiwan or possess a second card, you should avoid having your card blocked. That said, most bus drivers and railway staff pay close attention to the tapping, so it is hard to miss. It costs NT$14 to get in and out of the same railway station within an hour, in case you instead decide to take the bus. At the end of your travel, do not put too much money onto your card, because it can only be given back and cashed-out at certain locations, like some THSR stations. In addition to the NT$100 purchase fee, there is a NT$20 fee for returning the card within 3 months. === By train === [[File:THSR 700T train at Taoyuan Station 20070728.jpg|thumb|Taiwan High Speed train]] [[File:TaiwanHighSpeedRail Route en.gif|thumb|Map of Taiwan High Speed Rail; all stations shown are operational]] Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays. The main downside is the lack of cross-island routes between the East Coast and West Coast; for instance, there is no rail line from Taichung to Hualien, so you will have to either drive, fly, or take a major detour via Taipei or Kaohsiung. ====THSR==== The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a [[high speed train]] based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the {{km|345}} route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung station is built next to a railway station, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with branch railway lines. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra, though business class passengers are offered a complementary drink and snack. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted. Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The Official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off. All high-speed trains consist of two seating classes; '''economy class''' and '''business class'''. Although economy class is already clean and comfortable by international standards, paying extra for business class snags you a slightly wider seat, as well as a complimentary drink and snack. All train announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. =====Passes===== The Taiwan High Speed Rail issues a '''[https://pass.thsrc.com.tw/oatsb2c/home.do?G=3 THSR Pass]''' for use on the high speed rail trains. These cost NT$2,400 for a regular 3-day pass, or NT$3,200 for a flexible 3-day pass. While a regular 3-day pass must be used in 3 consecutive days, the 3 days in a flexible 3-day pass may be spread out over any 7-day period. The 5-day joint passes allow for unlimited rides on the high speed rail for 2 days within a 5 day period, and unlimited rides on TRA lines within the same 5-day period. These cost NT$2,800 for a standard pass, which does not allow you to ride on Tzu-Chiang trains, and NT$3,600 for an express pass, which allows you to ride on all TRA lines. The THSR passes may only be used by foreigners who are in Taiwan on tourist visas (or visa exemptions), and must be purchased from travel agents overseas ''before'' you arrive in Taiwan. ====TRA==== Mainline trains are run by the separate [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx '''Taiwan Railway Administration'''] (TRA, 台鐵) , whose services are generally efficient and reliable. Reserving tickets well in advance is recommended when traveling with the train on weekends, especially for long distance travel. Slower (but more frequent) commuter trains without reserved seating are also available. Train timetables and [http://railway.hinet.net/net_eng.htm online booking] (up to 2 weeks in advance) are available on the TRA website for 24 hours. Booking and payment can be made online. You can also pay for the tickets you reserved at your local train station or post office to actually receive it. You can also buy the tickets of TRA in convenient stores now (you can reserve first and take the tickets in convenient stores). The way to buy tickets is same to high speed rail's. Children under 115&nbsp;cm (45&nbsp;in) height go free, and taller kids shorter than 150&nbsp;cm (59&nbsp;in) and under 12 years of age get half-price tickets. If you get return tickets there is a small discount depending upon travel distance. There are also vending machines at the larger stations. The fastest train is Tzu-Chiang (limited express), and the slowest is Pingkuai (Ordinary/Express). There is often little to choose between prices and destination times for adjacent train classes, but the gap can be quite large between the fastest and the slowest. * '''Tze-Chiang''' (自強 ''zìqiáng''): The fastest (and most expensive). Assigned seating. Non-reserved (standing) tickets are supposedly sold at full price, but the boarding is possible with an Easycard for local train prices. There are '''Taroko Express''' (太魯閣號 ''Tàilǔgé Hào'') and '''Puyuma''' (普悠瑪號 ''Pǔyōumǎ Hào'') runnning from Taipei to Hualien, which only sell reserved tickets. * '''Chu-Kuang''' (莒光 ''júguāng''): Second fastest. Assigned seating. In western Taiwan, it is as slow as a local train; in eastern Taiwan, it is still a fast, convenient train. * '''local train''' (區間 ''qūjiān'') : Short to medium distance commuter train, stops at all stations. No assigned seating. There are a few local-fast train, which don't stop at every station. * '''Express / Ordinary''' (普通 ''pǔtōng''): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, most inexpensive. No assigned seating. Some Express trains (the light blue ones running on West Trunk Line) are air-conditioned while others (dark blue ones) are not equipped with air conditioners. Only on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon faster trains are packed, and it might make sense to buy a more expensive reserve-seat ticket, if you do not want to stand for 3 hr, depending on your destination. Otherwise, you can freely use the EasyCard for fast connections without worrying (except for THSR). For travel to nearby cities, you can travel on local commuter trains. These arrive very frequently (about once every ten to fifteen minutes). In addition, "standing tickets" may be purchased on trains with assigned seating that have no available seats. Standing tickets are 80% the original ticket price and may be useful for last-minute travellers. However, you will be required to stand for the duration of your trip if there are no free seats. Station announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English. Some trains offer a bento box meal onboard for an extra charge (not expensive); you can choose vegetarian or with meat. =====Passes===== Similar to Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also offers several rail passes to foreign tourists for unlimited train travel within a stipulated period. The '''[https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip/tip003/tip311/view10 TR Pass]''' can be used by foreigners for unlimited travel on TRA lines for a stipulated period of time. The TR Pass can be bought at railway stations in Taiwan. The TR pass also allows you to reserve seats for free on trains that have assigned seating. '''The TR pass is not valid on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)''' as those trains are not run by the TRA. {| class="wikitable" |+Ticket types/prices (NT$) |- |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''3 Days''' |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''5 Days''' |- | full price || reduced price || 4-person-group || full price || reduced price || 4-person-group |- | 1800 || 900 || 4200 || 2500 || 1250 || 7000 |} : :Note: The 4-person-group ticket must be used by four people simultaneously. You '''cannot''' take the high-speed rail, since it is not operated by the TRA. Validity has to be for consecutive days. Reduced price applies to children (age 7-12), senior citizens (age 65+) and disabled people. * TR Pass Student: The student version of the TR Pass is significantly cheaper than the general version, though unlike the general version, it is ''not'' valid for use on Tzu-Chiang limited express trains, and also cannot be used to ride in train cars with reserved seating. In order to qualify for this pass, you will need to show your passport and a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Ticket types and prices: * 5-day ticket: NT$599 * 7-day ticket: NT$799 * 10-day ticket: NT$1,098 ===By bus=== Taiwan has an extensive bus network, run mostly by private bus companies. Travelling by bus is generally cheaper than by train, especially for long-distance trips. However, on holidays, travel time may be much longer and tickets are more likely to be sold out. There are two categories: intercity buses (客運) and local buses (公車). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a set of distinctly branded bus routes (some intercity, some local) that serve tourist sites, and are generally easier to use than regular routes. The official website offers route maps, timetables and recommended itineraries, but is somewhat confusing to navigate. There is, however, a toll-free number for inquiries. There are also information desks at major transport hubs. [[File:Taipei Bus 1073 stop board.jpg|thumb|Bus stop in Taipei]] Many cities have local buses. They are managed by local governments, therefore information can generally be found on the websites of the respective transportation bureaus. Drivers are usually happy to help, but may not speak English. Route maps at bus stops are mostly in Chinese. For visitors, it may be helpful to have your hotel or accommodation host suggest some routes for you and circle your destination on a map, then show it to the bus driver to make sure you're on the right bus. Announcements are in English, but hopefully the driver will remember to tell you when to get off in case you miss it. Most buses accept either cash (no change) or IC cards (like the EasyCard). Minor cities and towns do not have local buses, but have intercity routes that make frequent stops. These can be found using the method in the previous paragraph. Occasionally a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb at a bus stop. Sometimes it is due to a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop. (Taiwanese traffic law and regulation prohibit vehicles from stopping or parking within 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) of a bus stop.) However, a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb just because he or she does not want to wait for overtaking traffic while leaving a bus stop. Therefore, be ''much more careful'' when getting on or off a bus stopped away from a curb, as many motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles will definitely be tempted to overtake on the right side of the stopped bus where people get on and off! (As traffic drives on the right side of the road in Taiwan, buses have doors on the right side.) In Taiwan you need to hail the bus you are taking as you see it coming—much like hailing a taxi. The terminal stop of the route is listed on the front of the bus in Chinese and sometimes English, so it is important to make sure the bus you get on is going the right direction. For city buses, sometimes you pay when boarding, sometimes when alighting, sometimes both (whether with cash or an IC card). As you get on the bus there will be an LED sign indicating that, opposite the entrance. Sometimes it's only in Chinese: 上 means on boarding, 下 means on alighting (or just watch other people). In some cities such as Kaohsiung and Taichung, failing to swipe your card correctly will result in a locked card. ====Navigation==== Google Maps is a quick way to find a route to your destination, but is not always reliable, especially for trips with changes and for longer distance (like in the south and southwest). Often it will highly overstate bus travel times, because it will consider each stop while the bus might only stop at every third or fourth. Hence, a trip from Kaohsiung or Pingtung to Kenting will be stated with 3-4 hr, even though it will just take 1 hr. Therefore, it will also often suggesting the wrong connections and transfers. However, it gives a very good indication on the possible route, vehicle number(s), frequency, availability and price of buses and trains. Besides, the ''Bus+'' app (Android/iOS) is quite reliable with schedules. You can find bus numbers on it, and it will list its (live) route. This is much easier than reading the Chinese bus stop signs. In combination with Google Maps route search it is quite handy. Furthermore, http://taiwanbus.tw/ has a likewise good overview, in case the Bus+ app is not that helpful. === By metro === [[File:VAL256 on Taipei MRT Muzha Line 20050320.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]] The following areas are served by metro, also known as MRT: * [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] by Taipei Metro * Linkou Plateau, western Taipei and northeastern [[Taoyuan]] City by Taoyuan Metro *[[Taichung]] by Taichung MRT * [[Kaohsiung]] by Kaohsiung MRT It is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke in all metro systems past the fare gates. If multiple journeys are to be made, one can purchase a rechargeable IC card. There are 4 cards: EasyCard (悠遊卡), iPASS (一卡通), icash and HappyCash. For basic MRT transport purposes there is little difference between them. All metro systems are reliable, safe, clean and accessible. Disruptions are rare. The Taipei Metro in particular is widely lauded as one of the world's most reliable and efficient, and is often held up as a gold standard for other Metro systems around the world to emulate. Nearly all stations have toilets, elevators and info desks. There are also special waiting areas that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. === By taxi === {{infobox|Betel nut beauties (檳榔西施) |The highways of Taiwan are lined with brightly lit booths staffed by attractive, skimpily dressed young women, but they're not plying the world's oldest trade; instead, they're betel nut beauties, who compete for the attention of customers to sell the mildly addictive stimulant '''betel''' (檳榔 ''bīnláng''), consisting of areca nuts and slaked lime wrapped in a betel leaf, not themselves. Betel itself is worth a try and there is a chance you will be offered it in the company of farmers or working-class Taiwanese. Be warned, it stains your teeth blood red. To consume it, bite and spit off the cap at the top of the nut, then chew the rest of the bundle. Only the first mouthful of saliva must be spit and afterwards one can either choose to spit or swallow and enjoy the buzz. One sampling on your trip shouldn't be a problem, but do keep in mind that this little treat is habit-forming and cancer-causing for long-term users. Due to the known health risks, consumption of betel nuts is declining, and betel but beauties are becoming increasingly few and far between.}} Taxis are very common in major Taiwanese cities. You do not need to look for a taxi, they'll be looking for you. The standard yellow taxis scour roads looking for potential riders such as lost foreigners. It is possible but generally unnecessary to phone for a taxi. To hail one, simply place your hand in front of you parallel to the ground. But they'll often stop for you even if you're just waiting to cross the street or for a bus. In less heavily trafficked areas further out from the transit hubs, taxis are always available by calling taxi dispatch centers or using mobile apps. Drivers generally cannot converse in English or read Westernized addresses (except for special Taoyuan airport taxis). Get the hotel staff or a Taiwanese friend write out your destination in Chinese, and also take a business card from the hotel. Show the driver the Chinese writing of where you are going. Taxis are visibly metered (starting point priced at NT$70), and taxi drivers are strictly forbidden from taking tips. A maximum of four people can ride in one cab, and for the price of one. Compared to European or American taxis, those in Taiwan are inexpensive. Although taxi drivers in Taiwan tend to be more honest than in many other countries, not all are trustworthy. An indirect trip might cost you half again as much. A cab driver using night-time rates during the daytime will cost you 30% more (make sure he presses the large button on the left on his meter before 23:00). Avoid the especially overzealous drivers who congregate at the exits of train stations. Also, stand your ground and insist on paying meter price only if any driving on mountain roads is involved. Some drivers like to tack on surcharges or use night-time rates if driving to places like [[Wenshan]] (文山) or [[Wulai]] (烏來). Such attempts to cheat are against the law. From Taoyuan Airport (TPE), buses are a much more economical option but if you want a direct route Taoyuan airport drivers are the best choice. They're quite comfortable and get you to your destination as quick as possible. All the TPE taxi drivers are interlinked by radio so they could be forewarned if there are police. Sometimes, if there are traffic jams and no police around, the driver will drive in the emergency lane. Taxis from TPE to destinations in Tao Yuan, parts of Taipei county and some other destinations are 'allowed' to add an additional 50% to the meter fare. The badge and taxi driver identification are displayed inside and the license number marked on the outside. You must also be wary that the driver turns on his meter, otherwise he might rip you off. In such a case, you aren't obliged to pay; but make sure you can find a police officer to settle the matter. If there are stories of passengers boarding fake taxis and being attacked by the driver, it is best not to be paranoid about it. Drivers may be more worried about passengers attacking them! If you do call a taxi dispatch center, you will be given a taxi number to identify the vehicle when it arrives. Generally, dispatch is extremely rapid and efficient, as the taxis are constantly monitoring dispatch calls from the headquarters using radio while they are on the move. This is also the safest way to take a taxi, especially for women. Taxis are also a flexible although relatively expensive way to travel to nearby cities. They have the advantage over the electric trains in that they run very late at night. Drivers are required to provide a receipt if asked, though you might find them unwilling to do so. Taxi drivers, as elsewhere in Asia, are not keen on exchanging large notes. Try to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand to avoid the hassle of fighting with the driver for change. Taxi drivers are known for their strong political opinions. Many are supporters of the pan-green coalition and Taiwanese independence, spending all day listening to Taiwanese political talk radio. Drivers also have negative connotations as being former prisoners. Be careful about your opinions on sensitive political subjects (including, but not necessarily limited to cross-strait relations); also be careful of describing your destination which may be perceived politically (such as the President's Office or Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial Hall). Also watch out for drivers who discriminate against other cultures such as taping "No Korean passengers" on their cars. This is sometimes unavoidable as some drivers provoke such discussion. In addition, if you see what looks like blood spewing from the driver's mouth, or him spitting blood onto the street—not to fret–it's merely him chewing betel nut (see box). Keep in mind, however, that betel nuts are a stimulant. Taxi drivers are generally friendly towards foreigners, and a few of them take the opportunity to try their limited English skills. They are most likely to ask you about yourself, and are a patient audience to your attempts at speaking Mandarin. If you are traveling with small children, don't be surprised if they are given candy when you disembark. Women are sometimes warned not to take taxis alone at night. This is not an extreme risk, although there have been incidents where women have been attacked. To be more safe, women can have the hotel or restaurant phone a cab for them (ensuring a licensed driver), have a companion write down the license number of the driver (clearly displayed on the dashboard), or keep a cell phone handy. Do not get in if the driver doesn't have a license with picture clearly displayed in the cab. === By scooter or motorcycle === Scooters with an engine size of 50cc require a license to drive, and should be insured and registered in the owner's name. Foreign nationals with stay less than 30 days do not have an easy way to get a scooter license. Until 2003 it wasn't possible to get a scooter above 150cc. Many of the scooters within cities are only 50cc and incapable of going faster than 80&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph). The more powerful versions known as ''zhongxing'' (重型, heavy format) scooters are now quite common and can be rented for short-term use, or found for sale used at [http://www.englishintaiwan.com English In Taiwan] if you're going to need it for a while. They are '''not''' allowed on freeways even if they are capable of going faster than 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph) unless used for certain police purposes, but that just means you have to take the scenic route. If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter. Attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city. It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying. One Taipei motorcycle and scooter rental service with English language service is [http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card! The average price you may expect is NT$400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets. Another option is to rent a motorcycle. Many foreigners swear by their 125cc Wild Wolf (野狼) motorcycles, and a trip around the island on a motorcycle can be a great way to see the island up close. It is to be mentioned that since 2007, scooters and motorcycle over 550cc are allowed to go on expressway providing that they have a red license plate. They are however to be considered as cars, and as such cannot be parked in scooter parking spaces. === By car === [[File:Traffic restored on the 133K~135K section of Provincial Highway 21.jpg|thumb|View of Yushan Scenic Highway]] An international driving license is required for driving in Taiwan and may be used for up to 30 days, after which you'll need to apply for a local permit. Some municipalities may impose additional restrictions, so check ahead with the rental shop. [http://www.vipcar.com.tw/ VIP Rentals] in [[Taipei]] is quite happy to rent cars to foreigners, and will even deliver the car to a given destination. A deposit is often required, and the last day of rental is not pro-rated, but calculated on a per-hour basis at a separate (higher) rate. The numbered highway system is very good in Taiwan. Most traffic signs are in international symbols, but many signs show names of places and streets in Chinese only. All road directional signs are written in both Chinese and English, though the non-standardized Romanization means that English names can vary between road signs, making it rather confusing. The highways are in excellent shape with toll stations around every 30&nbsp;km (19&nbsp;mi). Toll is charged electronically and you pay the rental company when you return the car. Traffic moves on the right in Taiwan. Parking in cities is generally charged. A attendant will put a payment slip under your windscreen wiper, you can pay at convenience stores. While driving may be the best way to get around the countryside, in larger cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, traffic jams are a problem as is the difficulty of finding a good parking space, especially during the rush hour and traffic tends to get chaotic so you might be better off relying on public transport instead. === By thumb === While Taiwanese themselves don't generally [[Hitchhiking|hitchhike]], foreigners will have it very easy to find a hitch. However, in rural areas people may not recognize the thumb in the air symbol, and you may try pointing your hand to the ground and waving towards you. It is very easy to flag down a car in rural and mountain regions. So, instead of waiting for that one bus a day that goes by, just hitch a ride. Flagging down a car might work on a country lane with little or no public transportation, but doing so on a major road might lead to confusion, with the driver assuming that you are in trouble. A sign, especially one in Chinese, would therefore be of great help. The East coast around Hualien and Taitung enjoys a reputation for being especially good for getting rides. Taiwanese people are very friendly and helpful, so striking up a conversation with someone at a transport café or freeway service station may well see you on your way. === By bicycle === Although Taiwan is known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and Merida), bicycles used to be considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. This has changed, and bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails. The government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10:00-16:00 on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm). * [https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=F299BF5B3142389A Taipei MRT Route Map], bicycles may be loaded at designated stations * [http://www.krtco.com.tw/en/guide_StipulationsforPassengerswithBicycles.aspx Kaohsiung MRT Bicycle Information] (passengers traveling with non-folding bicycles are assessed a flat rate NT$60 fare irrespective of distance) Giant Bicycles Corporation operates a large network of bicycle retail stores that offer '''rentals''' for as little as NT$100 per day, if requested one week in advance. Generally, the day rate is around NT$300 for a modern bicycle. Also, rented bicycles can be picked up at one station and given back another station. This can be convenient if you want to go down the quiet east coast with a bicycle and back up the busy west coast with the train/bus. A one week finesse bike including bags costs as little as €100. Public shared bicycles are also available for rent at automated kiosks in most Taiwanese cities. Rental fees are usually paid using the rapid transit EasyCard or iPass system. There is YouBike in Taipei, which are available all over the city and even 30&nbsp;km out &ndash; see [[Taipei]] for more details. Additionally, many local police stations provide basic support services for cyclists, such as air pumps, and as a rest stop. === By plane === [[File:UNI Air MD-90-30 (B-17918) at Kaohsiung International Airport.jpg|thumb|Domestic plane, Taiwan]] Domestic air travel in Taiwan is primarily for outlying islands, as Taiwan is fairly compact with a modern and efficient rail network. There are also routes that connect the east and west coasts, since there is a geographical barrier between the two. There are no longer any west coast only routes as [[high speed rail]] has made them redundant. The main carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a subsidiary of China Airlines; and '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', owned by EVA. There is also Daily Air and Far Eastern Air Transport. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance, except during holidays. Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx Songshan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by MRT or taxi. Other domestic airports include those in [[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu/Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Taichung]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travellers heading to [[Kenting]] can use the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei. If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option for travelling to [[Kinmen]] and the easiest method of reaching [[Penghu]] and [[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry which is notorious among Taiwanese for its rough ride. ===On foot and navigation=== Taiwan is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting and picturesque trails in its mountainous centre, or just north-east of Taipei. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/ OpenStreetMap], which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] (complex with many add-ons) and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME] (easy but limited). == See == Perhaps due to its political ambiguity and lack of global presence, Taiwan has never been a significant destination for Westerners. Nevertheless tourists from [[Japan]] and [[Hong Kong]] have been visiting Taiwan in droves for a long time, and they are being joined by an increasing number of Koreans, Southeast Asians and Westerners. The island is home to many cultural attractions, with an excellent selection right in the capital. Taipei is a bustling and modern metropolis, with ancient yet lively streets, and world-famous landmarks like '''Taipei 101'''. However, it's also home to the '''National Palace Museum''', '''Zhongshan Hall''', '''Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall''' and the beautifully restored '''Bao'an Temple'''. Bao'an is just one of many striking temple complexes worth a visit. For more, try the '''Zushi Temple''' in [[Sanxia]] or the '''Mazu temple''' in [[Makung]]. The large '''Longshan Temple''' in [[Lukang]] and the '''Confucian Temples''' of [[Changhua]] and [[Tainan]] are fine choices too. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and therefore full of historic sites, especially colonial buildings, and including the Anping "Tree House" that's being slowly reclaimed by banyan trees. If you're looking for some deeper insights in Taiwan's history and culture, there's a wide range of '''museums''' to be explored, pretty much wherever your go. Taiwan retains its place as a major center of Chinese pop culture. In addition, this state is home to bustling cities with modern, high-tech infrastructure, and good transportation infrastructure means that getting around is easy. For those who have grown weary of the hustle and bustle of cities, Taiwan also offers some very impressive scenery and charming historical villages in its rural areas. === Nature === [[File:Taiwan 2009 HuaLien Taroko Gorge Narrow Gap and Road PB140025.jpg|thumb|200px|Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park]] Some people think of Taiwan as a grimy, densely populated industrial island full of hard disk factories, and you may well maintain this perception if you only stick to the densely populated West Coast. However, for those who take time to venture to the more sparsely populated East Coast will quickly find that Taiwan is actually home to some stunning landscapes. The [[Taroko Gorge]] (太魯閣) near [[Hualien]] in particular is very impressive, and should not be missed, with a side trip to the rugged shores at ''Shihtiping'' (石梯坪) as a worthwhile detour. '''Hehuan Mountain''' and '''[[Sun Moon Lake]]''' are beautiful natural attractions near [[Nantou]], while the huge and ancient trees in '''[[Lalashan]]''' make for great hikes near [[Taoyuan]]. In fact, most of Taiwan is covered with mountains which offer breathtaking views, so hiking opportunities are very diverse. == Do == * '''Hot Springs''' (溫泉) – Taiwan's geographical location between an oceanic trench and volcanic system makes it an ideal hot springs vacation spot. There are several hot springs destinations throughout the country, including [[Beitou]] (北投), [[Wulai]] (烏來) and [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). The culture of bathing in hot springs was introduced by the Japanese during the colonial period, and remains firmly entrenched in the local culture to this day. At traditional establishments segregated by sex, you may be expected to bathe nude. However, many other places, particular those geared for foreigners, are unisex and require a bathing suit. ===Hiking=== Taiwan is an island of huge mountains (more than two hundred peaks over 3,000m) and there are many hiking opportunities. [[Taroko Gorge]] is popular for its incredible scenery, and serious hikers can trek [[Yushan]] or Wuling Sixiu, among many others. Even in [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] there are a variety of trails to suit hikers of any level. Serious trekking is rather complicated due to an advance booking requirement (usually 7 days) and lodging lottery&mdash;see http://np.cpami.gov.tw/. Permits are required for many trails, especially remote or multi-day hikes and some (though not all!) in national parks. Nevertheless, there are also many trails available that do not need an application. They are mostly day hikes, but you can always put together your trip sections as preferred&mdash;consult apps that use [http://www.openstreetmap.org OpenStreetMap], like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME]. They have comprehensive and reliable tracks available. ===Shrimping=== Popular locally, and gaining traction with foreign tourists due to YouTube and travel bloggers, is the pastime of indoor shrimp fishing. For an hourly rate (around NT$300/hr), you will be provided with a fishing rod and a seat at an indoor shrimp pool that is regularly stocked with large live Thai prawns. While drinking beer and enjoying the laid back environment, you will be afforded an opportunity to catch dinner with locals. Almost all locales have a few indoor shrimp fishing pools to seek out. Almost all double as restaurants with tables and ovens available for use, allowing you to cook your catch on-site and order additional dishes as needed. ===Events=== * '''[http://www.springscream.com/ Spring Scream]''' (春天吶喊) – A three day outdoor rock concert in [[Kenting]], held every year. In 2011, it will take place on 1–4 April. Tickets are NT$1,400 for all days, all venues; NT$650 for one day, one venue. Kenting's entire area gets swarmed by young people coming to party for 3 days, and Taiwanese TV heavily reports on the latest bikini fashions seen on the spot. Be aware, though, that police presence will be strong, as the festival has a reputation for being rife with illegal drugs. * '''Buddha's Birthday''' (佛祖誕辰) – Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha and a vegetarian feast. It is appropriate to make offerings to the monks and nuns at this time, though it is not mandatory. Lunar Calendar 8th day of 4th month. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (龍舟賽) – A festival to commemorate the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (25 June 2020), and is marked by races of colorful dragon boats at various locations throughout the island. * '''Cherry Blossom Season''' (櫻花季) – Every spring, in [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). * '''Mazu Festival''' (媽祖生) – Festival commemorating the traditional birthday of Mazu, a traditional Chinese goddess who is popularly worshipped in Taiwan. The biggest celebration is an eight-day long "inspection tour" of a Mazu statue from the Zhenlan Temple in [[Taichung]] to the Chaotian Temple in [[Southern Taiwan|Beigang]] and back, though many other temples throughout Taiwan's main island and the outlying islands also conduct their own festivities. Lunar Calendar 23rd day of 3rd month. === Traditional pastimes === Generally speaking, traditional Chinese games such as [[Go]] (圍棋 ''wéiqí'') and [[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]] (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') are popular in Taiwan too. Both games are played at the professional level in Taiwan, and there are numerous tournaments that visitors may watch. While gambling is illegal in Taiwan, '''mahjong''' (Mandarin: 麻將 ''májiàng''; Taiwanese: 麻雀 ''moâ-chhiok'') remains popular. The Taiwanese version of the game derives from the Fujianese form, which differs significantly from the better known Cantonese and Japanese versions, most notably because a hand consists of 17 tiles instead of the 14 used in other versions. Mahjong in Taiwan is mostly a family and friends affair, and is usually played at social gatherings in people's houses. Mahjong clubs generally cater to groups of friends or family members looking to play together, though they can often assist in helping you find other players if you show up alone. While playing for money is not allowed at mahjong clubs due to Taiwan's anti-gambling laws, they will often allow you to exchange the points you win for various prizes. === Performing Arts === '''Glove puppet shows''' (布袋戲) originated in Fujian province on mainland China, and were brought to Taiwan by the first Han Chinese immigrants. Nevertheless, they have since been somewhat modernised and taken on some uniquely Taiwanese characteristics. Another traditional Taiwanese type of performance is '''Taiwanese opera''' (歌仔戲), which originated in [[Yilan]] based on traditional Chinese opera styles. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=New Taiwan dollars | currencyCode=NT$ | date=January 2022 | CNY=4.3 | EUR=31 | GBP=37 | JPY=24 | USD=28 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/twd-taiwan-new-dollar XE.com]}}The currency of Taiwan is the '''New Taiwan dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''NT$'''" (新臺幣 or 臺幣, ISO code: '''NTD''', but also referred to as TWD). The NT dollar is known locally as NT, ''yuán'' (元 or more formally 圓) when written in Chinese or colloquially in Mandarin as the ''kuài'' (塊). One unit is known colloquially as the ''kho&#x358;'' (箍) in the Taiwanese dialect. One dollar is divided into 100 cents, known as a 分 (''fēn'') in Chinese. 10 cents is formally known as a 角 (''jiǎo''), and colloquially as a 毛 (''máo'') in Chinese. Any '''$''' sign you see in Taiwan or this travel guide for Taiwan generally refers to NTD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ for U.S. dollars). Banknotes come in denominations of NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000, while coins come in denominations of NT$½, NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20 and NT$50. The NT$½ coin is rarely seen or accepted because of its low value, and the price of raw materials used to make the coin is more than the face value of the coin. Taiwanese currency is fully convertible and there are no restrictions on taking currency into or out of the island. Currency exchange is possible internationally, although you will get a much better rate if you wait until you arrive at the airport to exchange currency at the 24-hour window. Most banks in Taipei and Kaohsiung will also exchange money or offer cash advances on credit or debit cards. Should you bring American currency, bring newer bills as the banks and exchange-centers (such as in department stores) will only accept the newer notes (notes from 1996 and 2003 are not accepted at most places, due to a high proportion of forgeries bearing these years). Notes which are torn or damaged will probably not be changed, and old-style small-bust notes are not accepted, including the US$2 bill no matter when it was printed. Taiwan National Bank will take older bank notes and bank notes that are wrinkled or torn for exchange. Department stores will not exchange notes older than 1997. Don't forget to show your passport! ====ATMs==== Taiwan has abundant ATMs to withdraw cash from using the Plus or Cirrus systems. Certain banks' ATMs will even tell you your available balance in your own currency or in NT$. There is a per transaction limit of NT$20,000 for ATM cash withdrawals (HSBC Global Access customers may withdraw NT$30,000 from HSBC ATMs). Post office ATMs will ''not'' accept cards without an EMV chip. However, ATMs are sometimes out of cash, especially in remote (mountain) regions. So, make sure you stock up on cash early enough. 7-Eleven ATMs charge NT$100 per transaction, whilst those in Family Marts do not charge a fee. ====Credit cards==== Most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, generally Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. Diners Club, Discover and American Express cards are seldom accepted. Most restaurants and small stores do not accept cards, and cash is the main form of payment. Because street crime is rare, it is common for people in Taiwan to carry large amounts of cash with them. ===== Mobile Wallets ===== Unlike mainland China, QR code based mobile wallet payments are not quite ubiquitous or essential to the point that a visitor would have a hard time without one. In addition, Taiwan's mobile wallet apps generally require foreigners to register with an ARC, limiting the ability of visitors to use it. However, LINE Pay, one of the most popular, is cross-compatible with its counterparts in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, meaning that if you already have a LINE Pay account from one of those countries, it can be used with any linked credit or debit card to make payments at stores in Taiwan that take LINE Pay. Your card will be directly charged in NT$; LINE Pay does not automatically convert to your account currency. This can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry around as some shops that otherwise do not take card payments will take LINE Pay and other mobile wallets. ====Banks==== If you are planning on staying in Taiwan for a longer time, you should consider opening a Taiwanese bank account. While many of the large foreign banks such as Citibank and HSBC have branches in Taiwan, they often require huge deposits in order for you to open an account, so you might wish to consider one of the major local banks such as the Bank of Taiwan instead. You will need to bring your passport and UI number in order to open an account. The UI number is the number on the Alien Residence Card for those on long-term visas. For short-term tourists, they can obtain an "UI No. Basic Information Form" for free from the local Immigration Agency office, but this is not accepted by all banks. The larger banks will often have English-speaking staff available to assist foreigners. === Costs === Costs in Taiwan are generally lower than in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, but higher than in Southeast Asia and mainland China. For a budget traveller on a bare-bones budget, NT$1,000 will get you by for a day, but you'll probably want to double that for comfort. A meal at a street stall may cost NT$50 or less, a meal at a Western fast food restaurant will run you about NT$150 and at the fanciest restaurants, you can expect a bill in excess of NT$1,000. On the high end of the spectrum, hotel rooms at a swanky hotel might cost NT$5,000 or more. Costs diminish significantly the further you go out of the big cities. Taxis are quite reasonable and often have a set fare for common destinations, so ask in advance and haggle if you disagree. === Tipping === Tipping is generally '''not''' practiced in Taiwan. Bellhops in high end hotels and porters at airports are an exception and should be given NT$50 per bag. Also, tipping to show appreciation for exceptional service is not uncommon. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar. In place of tips is a 10% service charge when dining at most full-service restaurants which is automatically added to the bill. ===Shopping=== [[File:Linjiang Street Night Market 20040610.jpg|thumb|A typical night market in Taiwan may sell anything from food to clothing to fortune telling services]] As in many Asian countries, night markets are a staple of Taiwanese entertainment, shopping and eating. Night markets are open-air markets, usually on a street or alleyway, with vendors selling all sorts of wares on every side. In the larger cities you will have a night market every night and in the same place. In smaller cities, they are only open certain nights of the week, and may move to different streets depending on the day of the week. Every city has at least one night market; larger cities like [[Taipei]] may have a dozen or more. Night markets are crowded, so remember to watch out for your wallet! Shops selling the same items tend to congregate in the same part of the city. If you want to buy something, ask someone to take you to one shop and there will probably be shops selling similar things nearby. There are many shopping centres in Taipei where prices are usually fixed and goods are genuine. Otherwise, shopping streets in larger cities like [[Kaohsiung]] and [[Taichung]] can also easily get you what you want. And of course, there is the trendy Ximending (西門町) in Taipei, where you can pretty much find anything associated with the youths, also at fixed prices. Computer chain shops and department stores normally have fixed prices, but at least in department stores you may get a "registered member discount" if you're shopping a lot. Prices at smaller stores and even some hostels are normally cash prices. If you like to use a credit card, the seller normally wants to add anything up to 8% to the price as a "card fee" etc. The fee consists actually of the credit company's commission and also the local sales tax/VAT. If you pay cash, you might not get an official receipt, as then the seller would have to report and pay their taxes in full. If you ask for a receipt or "fa piao" (發票), you will get it but you may need to pay 3-5% more. ===Bargaining=== Whilst [[bargaining]] was OK in the past and expected in night markets as well as smaller stores, nowadays most prices are fixed. Taiwan has become a sophisticated and wealthy country where most Taiwanese, especially from the cities, generally do not request discounts and any such are likely to receive a friendly ''No''. Nevertheless, you will encounter different prices, e.g. cut fruits will cost NT$30 at the Night Market, but NT$80 in tourist areas. However, it is possible to get a discount of NT$20-100 when renting a motorbike/bicycle, searching for accommodation or such, depending on the circumstances and time of day. While you might miss a general bargaining culture and be bewildered by the general bargain inflexibility of Taiwanese, it can on the other hand be calming to know that no one will try to rip you off as it is common in other less-developed Southeast Asian countries. === What to buy === Popular things to buy include: * '''Jade'''. Although it can be hard to know for sure if the item you're buying is real jade or not, some beautiful objects are sold. Most cities have a specific jade market dealing in jade and other precious stones. * '''Computers'''. Taiwan designs and produces a lot of desktops, laptops, and PC peripherals. Travellers might be interested in visiting the large Information Technology Market at Taiwan for the best prices. Desktop computers and components tend to be the same price in Taiwan as in other areas of the world, though peripherals such as cables and adapters tend to be noticeably cheaper. If you're buying domestic, it's best to go to tourist hangouts to buy your stuff as you might be saddled with Chinese documentation otherwise. Also, notebooks are typically only available with a Chinese Bopomofo and English keyboard. * '''Lingzhi''' (靈芝). A type of bracket fungus that is often used as a Chinese herb. It supposedly has many health benefits with an apparent absence of side effects, earning it a high reputation in East Asian countries and making it rather expensive. Taiwanese lingzhi is particularly famous for being of the highest quality. * '''[[Tea]]'''. Taiwan is particularly famous for its oolong tea (烏龍茶) due to the island's predominant Fujianese culture; it is available at many tea shops. Tea tasting in Chinese culture is akin to wine tasting in Western culture and you will find many grades of this same type of tea, with different methods of treating the tea leaves. * '''[[w:Iron egg|Iron eggs]]''' (鐵蛋) irresistible delicacy In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (at a flat rate of NT$1)—bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. == Eat == {{seealso|Chinese cuisine}} {{infobox|Stinky tofu|Undoubtedly the most infamous Taiwanese delicacy, stinky tofu (臭豆腐 ''chòudòufu'') is fermented tofu with a strong odor often likened to rotting garbage. It's usually sold only by outdoor stalls, as the smell would overwhelm most restaurants, but if you can hold your nose long enough to eat it, the taste is quite mild &mdash; but with distinct earthy overtones that many visitors find off-putting. It's most commonly eaten fried, but for extra Fear Factor points, find some ''mala'' hotpot (麻辣鍋) with stinky tofu and gelatinized duck blood.}} [[File:Food_BeefNoodleSoup.JPG|thumb|Taiwanese beef noodle soup]] [[File:Food_AiyuLemonJelly.JPG|thumb|Lemon ''aiyu'' jelly]] Taiwan's cuisine is very well regarded by other East Asians and the ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia, and for many of them, the food is the primary (and sometimes only) reason to visit Taiwan. While not as highly regarded as the food from Hong Kong due to the traditionally high status Cantonese cuisine holds in Chinese culture, Taiwanese food has become more respected. Generally speaking, the foods of Taiwan are derived from '''mainland Chinese cuisines'''. Because most Taiwanese trace their ancestry to [[Fujian]], it comes as no surprise that much of Taiwanese cuisine was derived from the cuisine of Fujian. It is also possible to find [[Szechuan]] (四川) food, [[Hunan]] (湖南) food, [[Dongbei]] (東北) food, [[Guangdong|Cantonese]] (廣東) food and almost every other Chinese cuisine on the island, because many famous chefs from the mainland fled to Taiwan after the communist victory in 1949, and many Nationalist soldiers brought their family recipes with them when retreating from the mainland. That being said, Taiwanese cuisine has absorbed substantial local influences, and significant Japanese influences because of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule, giving it a unique character that distinguishes it from its mainland Chinese counterparts. The Taiwanese are also passionately in love with eggs and seafood. Fruits are another famous part of Taiwanese food. A wide range of fruits can be found at local fruit shops and stations. The subtropical climate allows different fruits to grow nicely. Taiwan also has many of its own '''local specialties'''. A few found island wide include: * '''[[w:Beef noodles|Beef Noodles]]''' (牛肉麵 ''niúròu miàn'') – Noodle soup with chunks of meltingly soft stewed beef and a dash of pickles derived from the cuisines of Sichuan. * '''[[w:Oyster omelette|Oyster omelette]]''' (蚵仔煎 ''ó āh jiān'' – This is the Taiwanese name, as its Chinese name only exists in characters, but not in oral Mandarin), a dish made from eggs, oysters, sweet potato flour and the leaves of a local chrysanthemum, topped with sweet red sauce. The local version in [[Kinmen]] differs quite considerably from the version on the main island, and is closer to the versions served in mainland China's Fujian province. * '''[[w:Aiyu jelly|Aiyu jelly]]''' (愛玉 ''àiyù'') – Made from the seeds of a local fig and usually served on ice &mdash; sweet, cool and refreshing on a hot day * '''Taiwan Sausage''' (香腸 ''xiāngcháng'') – Usually made from pork, it is a modified version of the Cantonese ''laap cheong'' (臘腸) which has been emulsified and is much sweeter in taste. Unlike ''laap cheong'', which is almost always eaten with rice, Taiwanese ''xiangchang'' is usually eaten on its own with some garlic. * '''Taiwanese Orange''' (柳丁 ''liŭdīng'') – A type of citrus fruit which is similar to usual oranges, except that the skin and flesh tend to look more yellowish like lemon. Unlike lemon, it is usually quite sweet. * '''Taiwanese Porridge''' (粥 ''zhōu'' in Mandarin, 糜 ''beh'' in Taiwanese) — Rice porridge cooked with sweet potato eaten all across China but most commonly in Fujian. It is usually eaten with several different dishes or eaten by people with illnesses. * '''[[w:Braised pork rice|Braised pork rice]]''' (滷肉飯 ''lǔ ròu fàn'') – Rice topped with pork belly that has been stewed in dark soy sauce and other spices and chopped into tiny pieces. A classic Taiwanese comfort dish. For a less fatty version, ask for 肉燥飯 (''ròu zào fàn''), which uses minced pork instead. * '''[[w:Taiwan Railway Bento|Railway Bento]]''' (臺鐵便當 ''Tái tiě biàndang'') - A national culinary icon and Taiwanese train tradition, this takeaway dish is a holdover of the Japanese era, and celebrated in Taiwan. The most popular bento is the braised pork cutlet bento. You can find this dish at train stations in Taiwan (though locals compare the quality of railway bento on a station-by-station basis), but adaptations are sold by various restaurants across Taiwan. Most cities and towns in Taiwan are famous for special foods because of the Taiwanese passion for food and influences from many different countries. For example, Ilan (宜蘭) is famous for its mochi (麻吉), a sticky rice snack often flavored with sesame, peanuts or other flavorings. [[Yungho|Yonghe]] (永和), a suburb of Taipei, is famous for its freshly made soy milk (豆漿) and breakfast foods. [[Taichung]] is famous for its sun cakes (太陽餅 ''tàiyáng bǐng''), a kind of sweet stuffed pastry. In [[Chiayi]], it's square cookies, also called cubic pastry (方塊酥), crispy layered cookies cut into squares and sprinkled liberally with sesame seeds. [[Tainan]] is particularly famous among the Taiwanese for its abundance of good food and should be a stop for all gourmands. The most famous dish is arguably the ''coffin bread'' (棺材板). Virtually every city has its own famous specialties; many Taiwanese tourists will visit other cities on the island simply to try the local foods and then return home. Taiwan also has remarkably good '''bakery items'''. Most specialize in sweet Chinese pastries or Western pastries adjusted to local tastes, but look out for ''We Care'' bakeries which also offer Western options such as whole wheat loaves, sour breads and ciabatta. Vegetarians are better catered for in restaurants and variety than in most other countries. Michelin publishes a [https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei guide] to restaurants in Taipei. That said, it does not cover the whole of Taiwan, and most locals only take the Michelin guide with a pinch of salt. === Places to eat === If you're on a budget, the cheapest food can be found in back-alley noodle shops and night market stalls, where you can get a filling bowl of noodles for around NT$35-70. The Taiwanese love to snack and even many restaurants advertise ''xiaochi'' (小吃), literally "small eats", the Taiwanese equivalent of Cantonese ''dim sum''. There are also the standard '''fast food''' places such as McDonalds (a standard Big Mac Meal costs NT$115), KFC and MOS Burger. In addition there are large numbers of convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart) that sell things like tea eggs, sandwiches, bento boxes (便當盒) and drinks. Night markets are also a good place to try some delicious local Taiwanese fare at attractive prices. Examples would be the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) in [[Taipei]] and the Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) in [[Kaohsiung]], each of which has its own special dishes not to be missed. === Etiquette === As with Chinese cuisine elsewhere, food in Taiwan is generally eaten with chopsticks and served on large plates placed at the center of the table and shared among multiple people. Oftentimes, a serving spoon or pair of chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') accompanies the dishes and guests do not use their own chopsticks to transfer food to their plates. The usual traditional Chinese taboos when eating with chopsticks apply in Taiwan as well. For instance, do not stick your chopsticks straight up or into your bowl of rice. This is reminiscent of incense sticks at a temple, and has connotations of wishing death upon those around you. When putting down chopsticks, either place them on the provided porcelain chopstick rest (at fancier restaurants) or rest the chopsticks across the top of your bowl. Also, do not use your chopsticks to spear your food or move bowls and plates. See [[Chinese cuisine#Etiquette|Chinese table etiquette]] for more details. Although there are minor differences between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese etiquette, much of traditional Chinese table manners apply to Taiwan too. === Dietary restrictions === ====Vegetarians==== [[File:Sush Manji.JPG|thumb|The characters 素食 signal the availability of vegetarian food]] All Mahayana Buddhists, which account for the majority of adherents in Taiwan, aspire to be pure '''vegetarian''' in deference to the Buddha's teaching of non-violence and compassion. So, vegetarian restaurants (called ''su-shi'' 素食 ''tsan-ting'' 餐廳 in Mandarin, and often identified with the 卍 symbol) can be found in abundance all over the island, and they run from cheap buffet style to gourmet and organic. Buffet styled restaurants (called 自助餐, which means "Serve Yourself Restaurant") are common in almost every neighborhood in large cities, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup or cold tea is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$90-120 will buy you a good sized, nutritious meal. However, if you cannot find a veggie restaurant, don't fret. Taiwanese people are very flexible and most restaurants will be happy to cook you up something to suit your requirements. The following sentences in Mandarin might be helpful: 我吃素 (''Wǒ chī sù'') - I'm vegetarian, 我不吃肉 (''Wǒ bù chī ròu'') - I don't eat meat. However, as Mandarin is a tonal language, you might need to say both, plus practice your acting skills to get yourself understood. Good luck! NB: If a restaurant refuses your order, don't push the issue. The reason will not be an unwillingness to accommodate your request, but because the basic ingredients of their dishes may include chicken broth or pork fat. Taiwanese vegetarianism (素食) isn't simply vegetarianism, for there is a notion of "plainness" to it. In most cases it excludes items such onion, ginger, and garlic. Buddhists and Taoists consider these items "un-plain" because they potentially cause physical excitement, which could hinder the meditative process. Thus, when offering food to a strict vegetarian, be aware that they may not eat food containing onion, ginger, and garlic. Although vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan do not aspire to '''vegan''' principles, almost all non-dessert dishes at Chinese style veggie restaurants will actually be vegan because Taiwanese do not have a tradition of eating dairy products. Ensure that your dish does not contain eggs, however. ====Allergies==== Awareness of '''food allergies''' is limited in Taiwan. If you can speak Chinese, you can ask restaurant staff about whether the food contains common allergens like peanuts or shellfish, and depending on the chef, they may be able to make some adjustments to accommodate you. Don't expect that level of accommodation from night markets stalls though. A serious '''soy''' allergy is basically incompatible with Taiwanese cuisine due to the prevalence of soy sauce as an ingredient, and '''gluten-free''' diets are very difficult to come by due to the very low incidence of celiac disease in Taiwan. '''Dairy''' is not commonly used in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, so avoiding it should be straightforward for lactose-intolerant people. ====Religious diets==== People on religious diets will have a ''hard time'' in Taiwan, and you will need to do some planning in advance. [[Islam|Muslims]] should contact the [http://www.cmainroc.org.tw Chinese Muslim Association] for advice on where to find ''halal'' food, while [[Judaism|Jews]] should contact the [https://www.jewish.tw/ Chabad Taiwan] for information on where to find ''kosher'' food. == Drink == [[File:HeySong beverage vending machine 20120917.jpg|thumb|Drinks vending machine in Taiwan]] As Taiwan is a subtropical island with the south part in the tropics, it cannot hurt to drink a lot, especially during summertime. Drink vending machines can be found virtually everywhere and are filled with all kinds of juices, tea and coffee drinks, soy milk and mineral water. === Alcohol === Taiwan's legal age to consume alcohol is 18 years of age. Minors caught drinking can face fines ranging from NT$10,000-50,000. Traditional alcoholic drinks in Taiwan are very strong. '''Kaoliang''' (高粱酒) from [[Kinmen]] is the most famous alcoholic drink. A distilled grain liquor, it is extremely strong, usually 140 proof or more, and often drunk straight. Taiwan also produces many types of '''Shaoxing''' (紹興酒), rice wine, which are considered by many as being some of the best in the world. While a relatively newcomer to the scene, Taiwanese '''[[whisky]]''' (威士忌) has been making waves in the 21st century, with local whiskey brand [http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ Kavalan] having emerged from obscurity to win numerous prestigious international awards. Taiwanese people enjoy beer on ice. A wide variety of imported beers are available, but the standard is '''Taiwan Beer''' (台灣啤酒), produced by a former government monopoly. It is brewed with fragrant penglai rice in addition to barley giving it a distinctive flavor. The beer is served cold and recognized as an especially suitable complement to Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine, especially seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi. Taiwan Beer has won international awards, including the International Monde Selection in 1977 and the Brewing Industry International Awards in 2002. Beer on tap is uncommon in Taiwan, and most places serve beer in bottles. For a special and rare treat, ask for the Taiwan Draft Beer (台灣生啤酒), which comes in a plain green bottle. This has a 2-week expiration, so it can only be found at the breweries (there are a few scattered around Taiwan) or at select stores and restaurants in the vicinity. === Tea and coffee === [[File:TimeForTea BubbleTea.JPG|thumb|Pearl milk tea and pudding milk tea, [[Chiayi]]]] Taiwan's specialty teas are '''High Mountain Oolong''' (高山烏龍, ''Gao-shan wulong''), a fragrant light tea, and '''Tie Guan-yin''' (鐵觀音), a dark, rich brew. Enjoying this tea, served in the traditional way using a very small teapot and tiny cups, is an experience you should not miss. This way of taking tea is called ''lao ren cha'' (老人茶), 'old people's tea', and the name is derived from the fact that only the elderly traditionally had the luxury of time to relax and enjoy tea in this way. Check the small print when visiting a traditional tea house though: in addition to the tea itself, you may be charged a cover (茶水費, literally "tea-water fee") for the elaborate process of preparing it and for any nibbles served on the side. One should also try '''Lei cha''' (擂茶; léi chá) a tasty and nourishing Hakka Chinese tea-based dish consisting of a mix ground tea leaves and rice. Some stores specialize in this product and allows one to grind their own lei cha. As with Chinese teas elsewhere, Chinese teas in Taiwan are always drunk neat, with the use of milk or sugar unknown. However, Taiwan is also the birthplace of pearl milk tea, which uses sugar and milk. '''Pearl milk tea''' (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá''), aka "bubble tea" or "boba tea", is milky tea with chewy balls of tapioca added, drunk through an over-sized straw. Invented in Taiwan in the early 1980s and a huge Asia-wide craze in the 1990s, it's not quite as popular as it once was but can still be found at nearly every coffee or tea shop. Look for a shop where it is freshly made. There are two cafes that maintain rival claims to having invented the drink: '''[https://chunshuitang.com.tw/ Chun Shui Tang]''' (春水堂) in [[Taichung]] and '''[http://www.hanlin-tea.com.tw/ Hanlin Tea Room]''' (翰林茶館) in [[Tainan]]. The '''cafe culture''' has hit Taiwan in a big way, and in addition to an abundance of privately owned cafes, all the major chains, such as Starbucks, have a multitude of branches throughout major towns and cities. === Soft drinks === Taiwan is a great place for fruit drinks. Small fruit-juice bars make them fresh on the spot and are experts at creating fruit-juice cocktails (non-alcoholic, of course). ''zong-he'' (mixed) is usually a sweet and sour combination and ''mu-gwa niou-nai'' (木瓜牛奶) is iced papaya milk. If you don't want ice (though it is safe in Taiwan, even at road side vendors) say, ''chu bing'' (去冰) and no sugar (''wu tang'' (無糖)). '''Soy milk''', or ''doujiang'' (豆漿), is a great treat. Try it hot or cold. Savory soy milk is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast dish. It is somewhat of an acquired taste as vinegar is added to curdle the milk. Both sweet and savory soy milk are often ordered with you-tiao (油條), or deep fried dough crullers. There are a lot of pseudo health drinks in Taiwanese supermarkets and convenience stores. Look out for asparagus juice and lavender milk tea for example. == Sleep == [[File:GrandHotel Fountain.JPG|thumb|250px|The Grand Hotel, Taipei]] ===Types=== * For the budget-minded, there are '''hostels''' in Taipei and most other sizable cities. Some hostels are under table which mean they don't have valid license. * '''Motels''' (汽車旅館) can be easily found in suburbs of major cities. Despite the name, these have little if anything to do with the cheap functional hotels that use the name elsewhere; in Taiwan, motels are intended for '''romantic trysts''' and can be quite extravagant in decor and facilities. Many feature enormous baths with massage jets, separate massage showers, marble tiles, and so forth. Suites come with flat screen TVs and centrally controlled sound systems. During the daytime, most offer "rests" (休息) of a few hours, and indeed check-in times for overnight stays (住宿) can be as late at 22:00. [[Taichung]] is considered the motel-capital of Taiwan. * Taiwanese '''hotels''' range in quality from seedy to very luxurious. Despite the complexities of doing business with both mainland China and Taiwan, most Western hotel chains operate in Taiwan such as Sheraton, Westin and Hyatt. Also, there are plenty of five-star hotels around. Keep in mind, however, that many of the international hotels tend to be outrageously expensive, while comparable and much cheaper accommodation is usually available in the same vicinity. For example, the airport hotel at CKS International charges about three or four times as much as a hotel in Taoyuan which is a half hour cab ride away. Taxi drivers and tourist offices are invaluable resources for finding cheaper hotels. * A uniquely Taiwanese form of accommodation is known as the '''''minsu''''' (民宿), which is similar to Bed and Breakfast accommodation that you usually find in the UK. Although typically cheaper than hotels, the facilities can often be as good as those of some higher end hotels, and many are designed around a specific theme (like fairy tale castle, nature lodge) Accommodation at a minsu typically includes breakfast the next morning, and higher end ones sometimes also give you the option of having a home-cooked style dinner. The downside is that most minsu are either in residential suburbs or in the countryside, meaning that transportation is typically less convenient that at centrally located hotels, and the availability of wi-fi can be a hit or miss. In addition, most minsu advertise in Chinese only. * '''Camping''' does not seem to be an issue in Taiwan and is available in many areas, even in national parks like [[Kenting National Park]]. Although, in [[Taroko Gorge|Taroko Gorge (National Park)]] you will have to pay for the camp ground. In general, a small fees may apply at official camp grounds. Inquire with the local tourist information centre where it is possible to camp and where not. Also, be aware there are "poisonous snakes and wasps" signs all over the country. So, make sure you know where you are camping, and how to keep out "unwanted guests". Consult a map like [http://openpoimap.org/?map=hotels&zoom=14&lat=21.93964&lon=120.72386&layers=B00FFTFFFFFFFF OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd], and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME], use, to find existing camp grounds or good locations. ===Remarks=== Nowadays, '''walk-ins''' are often more expensive that online bookings, especially with bigger hotels. It often seems, they cannot even beat their own online prices and you might need to book online instead of paying in cash on-sight&mdash;they will even courteously offer their WiFi for you to do that. Either way, it is advisable that you know what is the actual price online, which gives you a good bargaining ground. Sometimes they will quote a higher price, sometimes they will give you NT$50 less, but often it is just the online price. If you are still in need of a discount, send the ho(s)tel an email or WeChat/Line message quoting the online price. Some will give you 10 % discount on the online price this way, especially for same day short notice bookings. Generally, short notice bookings will give you a better price, since hotels are trying to sell their stock at a bargain price last-minute. However, do not try this for Saturday/Sunday or Holiday/Holiday bookings, this will leave you with bad or no options. Many hotels in Taiwan have both Chinese and Western names, which can differ radically. Find out and bring along the Chinese name (in Chinese characters), as locals will usually not be able to identify the English ones. Hotel beds in Taiwan are generally much harder than in the West because of the old Asian tradition to sleep on a wood board. Modern mattresses can be found in most hotels, but only in the most upscale Western style hotels will you find beds in a real western style. Many accommodations are not staffed 24/7, but they will leave a contact at their door. Often this will be a '''WeChat''' or '''Line''' contact, which are like WhatsApp. Thus, it makes sense to get these apps while travelling in Taiwan. Agoda seems to list more accommodation options than Booking for Taiwan. However, Agoda's way of claiming additional fees and stating dorm bed availability is a little dodgy. It often says "1 person in a dorm" but then "Occupancy: 2 adults". So, better to book each person separately just in case. Also, never choose the option to get charged in you credit card's home currency (€, US$, or so). This will give you a very bad exchange rate. Always select "TWD" as charged currency&mdash;in this case your home bank is indeed your friend. '''Or''' just get the displayed address/GPS, which is always fully displayed, and walk into the hotel. == Learn == Taiwan is home to several good universities, many of which have exchange agreements with various foreign universities, and these are a good way to experience life in Taiwan. The most prestigious university in Taiwan is the '''[https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/ National Taiwan University]''' (國立臺灣大學). === Mandarin Chinese === Some universities in Taiwan have Chinese Promoting Programs (華語文推廣中心) that offers Chinese lessons to foreigners who wish to live in Taiwan or to learn Mandarin Chinese as their second or foreign language. The romanisation system taught here nowadays is Hanyu Pinyin (漢語拼音), whereas in the past they taught Zhuyin (注音), or BoPoMoFo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). The writing system taught is Traditional Chinese and the form of Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect but the Taiwanese accent is quite noticeable. === [[Martial arts]] === There are many styles of '''kung fu''' (功夫) taught in Taiwan, largely by masters who came here with the Kuomintang in the late 1940s. Styles include Ba Gua (八卦), Tai Chi (太極), Wing Chun (詠春), Praying Mantis (螳螂), Shway (水) Shiao and various weapons systems. Many of the students are westerners in these classes, which has led to the rise of several [http://www.theallegra.com/ NHB Allegra] schools, and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Japanese Aikido. Some of the more famous teachers will provide you with the paperwork needed to extend a student visa twice. Taekwondo is also extremely popular and is often a mandatory part of school children's physical education. == Work == [[File:Kaohsiung birdseyeview.jpg|thumb|Kaohsiung skyline]] The majority of travelers who work in Taiwan pick up temporary jobs [[teaching English]]. Jobs teaching other languages (mainly European or Japanese) do exist but have a much smaller proportion of the market. '''Job requirements''': In finding employment with a language school, experience, teaching qualifications and references are not required but obviously help. On paper, a big issue is also made about accents, with the North American English accent being heavily favored over British, Australian and South African accents in many language schools' sales marketing. However, in practice, many schools that advertise 'American English' and claim that their teachers are all from Canada or the USA, actually employ teachers from anywhere. Age is a factor, with applicants in their 20s seemingly being preferred. More than anything, appearance is probably the major factor in finding employment with most schools—Do you 'look Western'?—and reliability and turning up on time for work is then the major factor for keeping your job. Therefore, if you look the part, it is very easy to find a school willing to take you on for at least a few days. This 'look Western' point has quite a bearing. Unfortunately, Taiwan is hardly a great promoter of '''equal opportunities'''. In many schools there is a prejudice against teachers applying for jobs who are not of white appearance, seen as the typical Western appearance in Asian countries. This is independent of whether or not the teacher has relevant teaching ability and citizenship of one of the permitted ARC countries. Many parents who send their children to schools to be taught English expect the teacher to look like they are from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and so on, and so the decision on the part of the school managers is mainly about economics. For those affected by this, it's a sad fact of Taiwan that is unlikely to change in the near future. Good employers without such prejudiced requirements do exist, but greater perseverance is needed when looking for them. It is illegal to work without a '''work permit''' and an ARC (or Alien Residency Permit), and legal work requires a university degree and usually a long (over two month) application process. Alternatively, if you have a lot of money, you can obtain an '''investor visa''' by investing a large sum of money in a local business, which allows you to work for that company in a management capacity. However, illegal employment is easy to find with many school managers being willing to pay under the table for short durations. If caught or reported, you risk criminal charges and could be deported. The government tends to waver from being very lax on this issue under one administration to suddenly taking action under the next; but it only takes one disgruntled student to report you and have you fined and deported. Consider your options carefully! The '''rules for getting an ARC''' do change often and each administrative part of Taiwan has its own ways of handling them, so it is best to check the pages of the [http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/index.php website Forumosa] and find out what the experiences of others are in your area. Keep in mind, that you can only get an ARC for English teaching if you are a 'citizen of a native English speaking country'. Taiwan's government defines these countries to be only the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Almost all teachers apply for an ARC through their employers only after starting work and it is tied to their ongoing employment with that school. Therefore, if the teacher wishes to leave their employment, they will have to quickly find an alternative employer or lose their ARC and hence be required to leave Taiwan. Also, very few schools will arrange an ARC without at least a year-long contract being signed. Frankly, with all this inflexibility, it's no wonder so many teachers opt for the non-legal route. That and tax evasion. Citizens of Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland and Canada aged 18–30 can apply for a '''working holiday visa'''. For more information, visit the [http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=783&CtUnit=80&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs website]. After living in Taiwan continuously for 5 years, you may apply for '''permanent residency'''. If granted, it allows you to live and work in Taiwan indefinitely without restrictions. A lot of the illegal teaching work that the majority of English teachers partake in is simply through '''private student''' tuition with payment being cash-in-hand. You can find a lot of private students around universities that have a Chinese-teaching department—look for the areas where all the foreign students are and check the noticeboards. Because the majority of adult private students want to practice English conversation, you won't need to have any Chinese ability. However, it is definitely a selling point and, if you do have Chinese-speaking ability, it's worthwhile mentioning that in any advertising of your services. Also, once you have some regular students, remember that in Taiwan, as in most Asian countries, 'connections' or 'guanxi' are very important. If your students like you, they will in all likelihood recommend you to their family and friends. Teaching English in Taiwan can be lucrative, as the '''salaries''' are very high compared to the cost of living, typically ranging NT$500-650 per hour before deductions in most language schools, with anything between NT$500-1,000 per hour being negotiable for private students. In the past few years, the flow of would-be teachers into Taiwan has increased dramatically, resulting in stiffer competition for jobs and a general drop in wages, and this trend may continue. Employers of English teachers are notorious for racial discrimination. White people are much more likely to get better offers than those of other races, regardless of ability. Aside from English-teaching, '''other common kinds of employment''' available for mainly native English-speaking travellers include such tid-bits as small acting parts for TV and film, voice talent (video games, dubbing tracks, etc.), editing and even writing educational materials. Many of these jobs are advertised on billboards in Chinese language-teaching institutes and universities, where there are likely to be many foreign students. If after travelling and living there, you find you are '''serious about working in Taiwan''', the most lucrative employment to be had is if you are employed by a multinational company, perhaps in a high-paying country like the UK, U.S. or Australia, and you are sent across to their office in Taiwan. Many foreigners end up doing the same job as their colleagues who were employed in the Taiwan office, but for perhaps 3 or 4 times their pay. == Stay safe == {{warningbox|'''Taiwan treats drug offenses ''extremely'' severely.''' The '''death penalty is mandatory''' for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin and 1.2 kg of opium, and possession of these quantities is all that is needed for you to be convicted. Unauthorized consumption can result in up to 10 years' jail, or a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorized consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if you can prove that they were consumed outside the country and you can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, even if they aren't yours and regardless of whether you're aware of them. Therefore, be vigilant of your possessions.}} === Crime === [[File:CKS Airport drugs sign.JPG|thumb|A sign at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport warns arriving travellers that drug trafficking is a capital offense in the country.]] Taiwan is very safe for tourists, even for women walking down the street alone at night. This is not to say, however, that there is no crime, and you should always exercise caution. In crowded areas such as night markets or festivals, for example, [[pickpockets]] are a known problem. However, it is fair to say that the streets of Taiwan are generally very safe and that violent crime and muggings are very rare. In addition, it is also very unusual to see drunks on the street, day or night. Like anywhere else in the world, women should be cautious when taking taxis alone late at night. Although they are generally safe, it's a good idea to arrange to have a friend call you when you get home and to be seen making the arrangements for this by the cab driver. It also helps if a friend sees you being picked up as taxis have visible license numbers. As an additional safety precaution, tell taxi drivers just the street name and section instead of your exact address. [[File:RPO First Police Section Taoyaun Police Station in Taoyuan Station.jpg|thumb|A police station in Taiwan]] Police departments in most jurisdictions have a Foreign Affairs Police unit staffed by English-speaking officers. When reporting a major crime, it is advisable to contact the Foreign Affairs unit in addition to officers at the local precinct. Police stations are marked with a red light above the door and display a sign with the word "Police" clearly printed in English. For more information see the [http://www.npa.gov.tw National Police Agency website ]. Foreign victims of a major crime in Taiwan are also advised to report the matter to their government's representative office in Taipei. Also, remember that you call 110 for police in Taiwan, and 119 for fire department or medical help. Most of the public telephone booths allow you to call 110 or 119 for free. See "Emergency Phone Numbers" section below. Taiwan is home to many triads (Chinese organized crime syndicates), although they almost never target the average person in the street, and most tourists will not encounter them. Many operate human trafficking rings involving the sale of poor women from Southeast Asia into sex slavery that the government has struggled to tackle. They are also often involved in illegal betting and loansharking, so it is best to be prudent and avoid these. ===Military exercises=== [[File:20160225 台東縣政新聞 萬安39號演習25日下午實施 9ebfd80f-d8a3-4444-8eca-58d3473dff15.jpg|thumb|Evacuated streets during Wan-an Exercise.]] The Taiwanese military organizes regular civil-defense exercise, known as Wan-an Exercise (萬安演習). Air raid sirens are activated for 30 minutes during the exercise, and you are required to follow any evacuation orders made by the military and police. *If you are in a building, you should close all windows and doors and turn off lights. *If you are driving, you must '''pull over your vehicle and make a complete stop'''. Vehicles must not enter any motorways, but must leave the motorway and pull over your vehicle in exits. Traffic police will give proper instructions to drivers and regulate traffic flow. *If you are taking a train/metro, you must not enter the train or leave the station, and should follow evacuation orders given by railway staff, the military and the police. Failure to comply with instructions can result in a heavy fine. === Emergency phone numbers === * '''Police''': 110 *'''Fire/Ambulance''': 119 The police and fire/ambulance offer service in English. For those who need Taiwanese governmental assistance in English, [https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/6928/6940/ this website] has a 24-hour toll-free foreigner service hotline at 0800-024-111, which you may call for assistance. === Natural hazards === Taiwan often experiences '''[[Cyclones|typhoons]]''' (颱風) during the summer months and early fall, especially on the East Coast. Heavy monsoon rainfall also occurs during the summer. Hikers and mountaineers should be sure to consult weather reports before heading into the mountains. A major hazard following heavy rainfall in the mountains is falling rocks (土石流) caused by the softening of the earth and there are occasional reports of people being killed or injured by these. Taiwan is also on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that '''[[earthquakes]]''' are a common occurrence. Most earthquakes are barely noticeable, though the effect may be slightly amplified for those in higher buildings. While the local building codes are extremely strict, general precautions should still be observed during an earthquake, including opening the door to prevent it from being jammed, taking cover and checking for gas leaks afterwards. While most newer buildings have been built according to strict codes that enable them to withstand major earthquakes, some of the older buildings were not constructed to such high standards and therefore are vulnerable to serious damage or collapse in the case of a strong tremor. Taiwan's wild areas are home to a variety of '''poisonous snakes''', including the bamboo viper, Russel's viper, banded krait, coral snake, Chinese cobra, Taiwan habu, and the so-called "hundred pacer" (百步蛇). Precautions against snake bites include making plenty of noise as you hike, wearing long trousers and avoiding overgrown trails. Most snakes are scared of humans, so if you make noise you will give them time to get away. Walking quietly means that you may suddenly startle them around a corner when you appear, and trigger an attack. The Russel's viper, one of the most dangerous snakes in Taiwan, is an exception: it generally prefers to take a stand against threats. === Traffic === Local drivers have a well-deserved reputation for seeming reckless and downright immoral. It is possible (even normal) to obtain a driving license in Taiwan without ever having driven on the roads, and this may be a reason (along with the overcrowded roads) why courteous or defensive driving is definitely not the norm. The guiding principles seem to be that the right of way belongs to the larger vehicle, i.e. trucks have the right-of-way over cars, cars over motorcycles, motorcycles over people, etc. Despite traffic's chaotic appearance, it is viscerally intuitive to yield the right-of-way to a much larger vehicle barreling towards you. It is advisable to use slow and smooth movements over quick or sudden ones. Local drivers regularly cut in front of moving traffic into spaces that seem too small, try to change lanes regardless of the fact their destination is already full, etc. Be aware that during busy traffic (i.e., nearly always) two-lane roads will spontaneously become three-lane, an orange light will be interpreted as 'speed up', and the smallest moment's pause in oncoming traffic will result in ''everybody'' that's waiting trying to turn across it. Drivers routinely enter a junction when their exit is blocked, and are therefore frequently still there long after the lights change, blocking traffic traveling in other directions. Many motorcycle riders also have a tendency to zip through any space, no matter how tiny. Also be aware that motorcycles often travel through areas typically considered pedestrian-only spaces, like the night-markets. If you drive a car or a motorcycle, the obvious rule is that if someone turns in front of you, you should be the one to adapt. To avoid collisions, drivers need to be extremely vigilant for other vehicles creating hazards and always be willing to adjust speed or direction to accommodate. Do not expect drivers to yield way, or respect traffic lights in many areas, especially in central and southern Taiwan. Sounding the horn is the usual way a Taiwanese driver indicates that they do not intend to accommodate a driver trying to encroach on their lane, etc., and does not necessarily imply the anger or criticism, as it does in other countries. One bright side of Taiwan's chaotic traffic is that drivers tend to have an exceptional awareness of the spatial extents of their vehicle and maneuver well, so that even though it continuously looks like somebody is about to drive straight into you, it's relatively rare that they actually do so. Be extra careful when crossing the road, even to the extent of looking both ways on a one-way street. When crossing at a pedestrian crossing at a T-junction or crossroads, be aware that when the little green man lights up and you start crossing, motorists will still try to turn right, with or without a green feeder light. Even on roads where traffic is infrequent and the green light is in your favor, bike riders are still strongly advised to check the opposite lane. ===Homosexuality=== Taiwan is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers. There are no laws against homosexuality in Taiwan and unprovoked violence against gays and lesbians is almost unheard of. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Taiwan on 24 May 2019, making it the first Asian country to do so. Taiwan is also the first East Asian country to have enacted anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of education and employment. There is an annual gay pride event called Taiwan Pride. Taipei is home to a vibrant gay scene, and there are also gay bars in some of Taiwan's other cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. Acceptance among the Taiwanese public tends to be measured, and homosexuality is still considered to be somewhat of a social taboo, particularly by the older generation. Openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is likely to draw stares and whispers from some people. Nevertheless, attitudes are changing and homosexuality tends to be more accepted by the younger people. ===Dogs=== They can be a problem in remote and rural regions, although they are far less numerous than in Thailand and Myanmar. If they get too close to you, picking up a stone or having a big stick is usually a sufficient deterrent. Taiwanese Aboriginals hold dogs in higher regard than Han Chinese do. Many Aboriginal communities have dogs freely running around their communities. == Stay healthy == ===Pollution=== Air pollution can be significant with the highest ratio of scooters per person in the world and a high west coast urban density. You can check air quality real time monitoring [https://airtw.epa.gov.tw/ENG/default.aspx on this page]. For reference the USA standard for fine particles (PM2.5) over 24 hours should be below 35&nbsp;µg/m³. It is a good idea to use a mask that can filter fine particles ([http://aqicn.org/mask/ how to choose a mask]), especially when traveling with the elderly or children. === Water === '''[[Water]]''' quality in Taiwan varies depending on location and time. According to the sole water company of Taiwan, tap water is in general safe to drink. However, it is advised that drinking water be boiled in order to eliminate residual chlorine and bacteria. Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which adversely affects water quality. Some buildings, particularly older ones, may have poorly maintained water towers and/or pipes, resulting in poor quality that is beyond the control of the water company. Depending on the severity, one might either filter the water in addition to boiling or avoid the taps altogether. Alternative options include buying bottled water or going to a "water station" where water is sold through a metered tap. Water from these sources is licensed to be safe for drinking. Bottled water can be bought in 24 hour convenience stores. Water quality in Kaohsiung used to be very poor. As a result, most people today use alternative sources. However, there is little evidence that this is necessary today as the quality has improved drastically. In addition, the mentioned alternative sources today are mostly filtered tap water and do not circumvent the historical source of contamination. === Healthcare === Medicines are available for minor ailments at drug stores. You may also find common drugs requiring a prescription in the west (like asthma inhalers and birth control pills) cheaply available from drug stores without a prescription. Taiwan has both Chinese physicians and Western doctors, both of which are taken equally seriously. However, as a foreigner, the assumption would generally be to direct you to a Western doctor. The quality of the hospitals in Taiwan is excellent and on par with, if not better than those found in the West. Taiwan's healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Legal residents with a National Health Card can avail themselves of the very convenient and efficient national health service, which covers treatment and medication using both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. However, this service is not available to short term visitors on tourist visas; nor does it cover major hospitalization expenses. Still, hospital visits and medicine in Taiwan tends to be far less expensive than in Western countries. Most Taiwanese doctors are able to communicate in at least basic English, and in fact, many of the top ones have obtained their medical qualifications in the US and are able to speak English fluently. However, you may find the nurses to be more of a challenge. === Hiking === Watch out for mosquito bites when hiking in the mountains. Especially in the summer, the humid and hot weather makes mosquitos very active. Most mosquito bites only cause skin irritation and itching, but in some areas of Taiwan it's possible to contract [[dengue fever]] or Japanese Encephalitis (though they are both rare in Taiwan). Mosquito/insect repellent spray can be found at convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) and local pharmacies. If you are bitten by mosquitos, apply a small amount of ointment for irritation relief. == Respect == The Taiwanese are generally a warm and polite people, having been strongly influenced by Confucianism. As Taiwanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, elderly visitors will find most Taiwanese to be very helpful and accommodating. Naming customs and modes of address are generally the same as in mainland China. See the [[China#Respect|Respect]] section of that article for details. === Culture === [[File:Pagode Kaohsiung amk.jpg|thumb|Pagoda in Kaohsiung]] Taiwan shares several cultural taboos/guidelines with other East Asian nations: * When giving and receiving business cards, always do it using ''both hands'' and with a slight bow of the head. Giving or receiving a business card with only one hand is very disrespectful. * Some Taiwanese are superstitious about anything connected with dying &ndash; unlucky things should never be mentioned. The number 4 (four, pronounced 'si') sounds like the word for death in Mandarin. * Do not write people's names in red. This again has connotations of death. When writing someone's English name, this is not a problem, but avoid writing Chinese names in red. * Do not whistle or ring a bell at night. This is an "invitation to ghosts". * Do not point at cemeteries or graves. This is disrespectful to the dead. * There are numerous taboos dictating that certain objects shouldn't be given to others, often because the word for that object sounds like another unfortunate word: ** Clocks. The phrase "to give a clock" ("song zhong"), in Mandarin, has the same sound as the word "to perform last rites." If you do give someone a clock, the recipient may give you a coin in return to dispel the curse. ** Shoes. Never ever offer shoes as a gift to old people, as it signifies sending them on their way to heaven. This is acceptable only if by mutual arrangement it is nominally sold, where the receiving party gives a small payment of about NT$10. ** Knives or sharp objects, as they are made for or could be used to hurt the person. ** Umbrellas, which in Mandarin sound the same as the word for "break up". Friends should therefore never give friends umbrellas. Instead, friends will euphemistically "rent" each other umbrellas for a tiny amount (NT$1, for example). * The Taiwanese are certainly not puritanical and enjoy a drink, especially the locally brewed Taiwan Beer and Kaoliang. However, Taiwan does not have a culture of heavy drinking like in Northern China and it is rare to see anyone drunk on the streets. While over indulging in alcohol is not a social taboo as such (and some people do so at weddings), it is considered a sign of lack of self-confidence and immaturity, and doing so certainly won't gain you any respect among Taiwanese friends. * You are expected to remove your shoes before entering a house. You will find some slippers to be worn by visitors next to the entrance door. It is likely to be the same ritual for bathrooms and balconies where you will be expected to remove your slippers to wear a pair of plastic sandals (though it is less shocking not to use the sandals by then). * As you will get along with Taiwanese people, you are very likely to receive small presents of any sort, such as drinks, food or little objects. These are a very convenient way to lubricate social relations for Taiwanese people, and are especially common between friends in their 20s. You should reciprocate any such presents with something similar, but it does not need to be immediate or specially tailored to that person (i.e., keep it simple). As a teacher you are not expected to offer anything in return, as long as the relationship stays formal. However, beware of the sometimes overly generous parents who can go as far as offering presents running in the thousands of NT$ and who will then expect you to take special care of their child (understand that their expectations will be considered fair in Taiwanese culture). * You are not expected to tip in hotels, restaurants and taxis, though bellhops may still expect NT$50 or so for carrying your luggage. * Much like the mainland Chinese, "saving face" is also a major value in Taiwanese culture. In general, you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes in order to avoid causing major embarrassment and if you really have to, call the person to one side and do it in private, and try to do it in a polished manner. * If you should need to use a temple's washroom, bow to any statues of deities you see on the way whether or not you believe in them. While most people will not mind you using the temple's washroom, they expect you to treat their place of worship with respect. If you plan to offer gifts (such as simple fruits) to the statues of deities in the temple, it is expected that you wash the fruits and your hands prior to offering. In addition, upon entering and leaving a temple, do take and avoid stepping directly on the raised threshold: always try to step over it. You should also never point to the status of deities with your index finger; use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. * You will often see '''priority seats''' (博愛座) on public transportation in Taiwan. These are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children; do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. * '''Cultural identity''' is a complex and sensitive issue in Taiwan. While most Taiwanese people are ethnically Chinese, many people, especially the youth, seek to distance themselves from China with a distinct Taiwanese identity, and will often emphasize their Japanese colonial heritage instead. === Religion === Most Taiwanese people follow a mix of traditional Chinese folk religions and Buddhism, and it is common to visit temples to offer prayers during important festivals or life events. That said, contemporary Taiwanese society is largely secular in daily life, and religion in general does not play a significant role in people's work or political affiliations. Nevertheless, you are still expected to dress and behave respectfully when visiting temples. As in other Asian countries, swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol. They emphatically do ''not'' represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. When visiting temples, be sure to enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inwards). The larger middle gate is traditionally reserved for deities and the Emperor of China. Also be sure to avoid pointing at the statues of deities with your index figure, as it is considered to be very disrespectful. Use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. The most popular traditional Chinese deity in Taiwan is Mazu, a Fujianese shamaness who is believed to have ascended to godhood and now protects sailors, as the Fujianese were largely a seafaring people. [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion among the Aboriginal people, with Presbyterianism and Roman Catholicism being the main denominations. There is also a significant Christian minority among the ethnic Chinese. Taiwanese people are generally tolerant of different religions, and people of all faiths can usually practice their religion without any major problems. The Falun Gong religion which is banned in mainland China is allowed in Taiwan, though attitudes towards them from the local Taiwanese people tend to be very mixed. === Politics === Taiwanese society is rather polarized by allegiance between supporters of the two major political blocs informally known as "Pan-Blue Coalition" and "Pan-Green Coalition", although there are large numbers of people who are either centrist or who don't care. To simplify a very complex situation, pan-blue supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of reunification or maintaining the status quo with China and pan-green supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of establishing a formally independent Taiwan state, among other differences. Although there are some correlations, it is highly unwise to assume anything about a particular person's political beliefs based on what you think you know about their background. Also, this very brief sketch of Taiwanese politics obscures a large amount of complexity. Traditionally, mainlanders, Aboriginal people, Hakka people and people from Kinmen and Matsu tended to be strongly pan-blue, while Taiwanese speakers from Central and Southern Taiwan tended to be strongly pan-green, though this distinction has largely disappeared among the younger generation, who are now overwhelmingly pro-independence. Unless you know your listener well, it is unwise to say anything (either positive or negative) about the current government, about historical figures in Taiwanese history, about Taiwan's international relations, or about relations with mainland China. Some political figures such as Sun Yat-sen (who is also popular in the PRC and with the Chinese government) and Chiang Ching-kuo are generally seen positively, but others (Chiang Kai-shek, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian in particular) arouse very polarized feelings. Some Taiwanese will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China. Others will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is not part of China. Referring to the PRC as "mainland China" (中國大陸 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') rather than simply China will tend not to offend anyone, as the term is generally used to exclude Hong Kong and Macau as well, making it less subjective. Referring to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan Province" will draw a negative reaction from most Taiwanese. "Greater China" may be used in certain business contexts. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many subtleties and complexities here that if you are talking about these things, you've already wandered into a minefield. However, simply referring to the island as "Taiwan" is fine, as that is the name used by the locals, regardless of their political persuasion. Titles such as "Republic of China" are reserved for official matters only. People from Kinmen and Matsu do not identify as Taiwanese and instead identify as Kinmenese/Matsunese or simply Chinese. '''Relations with mainland China''', as well as the '''Hong Kong protests''', are sensitive issues; tread carefully on these topics. Despite the deep mistrust many Taiwanese have of the communist Chinese government, most locals bear little to no animosity towards individual mainland Chinese visitors. As long as you avoid political discussions and behave yourself properly, you should not run into any problems. ===Japanese occupation=== In contrast to other Asian countries, Taiwanese feelings towards the Japanese occupation (1895-1945) are generally positive, though there are exceptions. Some of the older people who lived through the period of Japanese rule often bear a certain degree of nostalgia for that time, although there was strong resistance, and massacres of both Chinese and Aboriginal people were carried out throughout the occupation. Nevertheless, many Taiwanese bear a sense of gratitude towards the Japanese for modernizing Taiwan, and many people who lived through both periods regard Japanese rule more favorably than the subsequent Kuomintang rule under Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese visitors can expect a particularly warm welcome as most Taiwanese admire Japanese culture, and modern Taiwanese culture continues to be heavily influenced by that of Japan. In particular, many shops and tourist attractions are based on a theme of colonial nostalgia. == Connect == ===Internet=== ====''iTaiwan''==== Introduced in the mid-2010s, this is Taiwan's free, convenient and widespread WiFi, and answer to today's mobile-dependent population. ''iTaiwan'' is available all over Taiwan, (according to marketing) in all the 7 biggest cities, but at least all over Taipei, Tainan and Taitung, at all railway/MRT stations (even at the smallest) and most bus stations all over the country, as well as in most tourist information centres. Where it is not available, there exist related WiFis that offer an ''iTaiwan'' login option, or there are other independent but free options like ''.1.Free Wi-Fi'' that require clicking an advertisement to get online. As a foreigner, you have to apply for access at a tourist information centre using your passport. The login is the passport number and the password is your birthday in ''YYYYMMDD'' form. At some free WiFi spots, like in railway stations, there is a power and USB plug to charge your electronic devices. ====SIM cards==== If you want an Internet connection to your smartphone, you can purchase a prepaid 4G unlimited data sim card from Chunghwa Telecom at a cost of NT$300 for 3 days, or NT$500 for 7 days (other periods are available as well). Just walk into any official Chunghwa Telecom shop to apply (also at all international airports). They need your passport and identification documents of your country of origin, driving license or identification card. Other providers in the market are Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, T-Star, and GT. Their pricing is largely the same for visitor plans as Chunghwa Telecom, however they do offer special promotions on their standard prepaid plans from time to time, and for travelers continuing elsewhere after Taiwan, FarEasTone and GT offer a lineup of reasonably priced "travel SIMs" for travel around Asia, Europe, and North America, while Taiwan Mobile offers flat-rate international data roaming on its standard prepaid SIMs. Importantly, if continuing on to mainland China later, these travel SIMs or Taiwan Mobile's roaming plans do not censor data there as a local SIM would. ====Restaurants, cafés, etc.==== Most in-house eateries, shopping centres, libraries and such have free WiFi for their customers available. ====Gaming cafés==== Not that relevant and widespread anymore, Internet cafés aka gaming cafés. These are often found on the first or second floor of buildings and equipped with very comfortable chairs and large screens. Although people do surf the Internet, most people primarily go there for a smooth experience of online gaming. Each hour of Internet access/game play is cheap, coming in at around NT$20. Some machines in the Internet cafés are coin operated. === Telephone === [[File:Payphones of Taiwan Fixed Network at THSR Taichung Station 20070105.jpg|thumb|Payphones in [[Taichung]]]] The standard prefix for international calls from Taiwan is 002, though some other companies may use alternative prefixes at lower rates. Check with your telecom operator for more details. Calls to mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau require international dialling. The country code for calls to Taiwan is +886. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Numbers Starting With 0800 are commercial toll-free numbers, just like the 1-800 numbers in North America. '''Mobile phone''' coverage is generally excellent in Taiwan, with the exception of some remote mountainous areas. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), Far EasTone (遠傳電信) and Taiwan Star Telecom (台灣之星). Taiwan has both 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) and 4G (LTE) networks and inbound roaming agreements are in place between most international providers and at least one of these four (but check with your operator before departure). The last 2G networks were shut down in July 2017. The internationally popular messaging app Whatsapp is not popular in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese use the Japanese messaging app '''[https://line.me/en/ LINE]''' instead. === Media === Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. Taiwan's main newspapers are the Chinese-language ''[https://www.ltn.com.tw/ Liberty Times]'' (自由時報), ''[https://tw.appledaily.com/ Apple Daily]'' (蘋果日報), ''[https://www.chinatimes.com/ China Times]'' (中國時報) and ''[http://udn.com/ United Daily News]'' (聯合報). The ''[https://money.udn.com Economic Daily News]'' (經濟日報) and ''[https://ctee.com.tw/ Commercial Times]'' (工商時報) focus on financial and business news. The main English-language newspapers are ''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]'' and ''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]''. A third newspaper in English, ''[http://etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]'' (formerly ''China News''), is no longer available in print but continues to exist online. Other news sources: *[http://focustaiwan.tw/ Central News Agency] *[http://english.rti.org.tw/ RTI] (Radio Taiwan International) *[http://news.cens.com/ the Taiwan Economic News] *[http://taiwantoday.tw/ Taiwan Today] *[http://www.taipeinews.net/ TaipeiNews.net] *[http://www.taiwansun.com/ Taiwan Sun] Free magazines: * ''Lifestyle'' – Info on Taiwan relating to what's on and current trends (bilingual). * ''[http://taiphoon.pristine.net/main-page.htm Taiphoon]'' – A magazine dedicated to promoting peace and environmental awareness in Taiwan (bilingual). * ''[http://www.journeyeast.url.tw/ Journey East]'' – A travel and lifestyle magazine for northern Taiwan (bilingual). Radio: * [http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT] (short for "International Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available island-wide on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour 07:00–20:00 M–F and 10:00–18:00 on Sa. ===Printing=== Every 7-Eleven and Familymart has cloud printers available for printing documents and even pictures. But for the latter you might be better off with a professional shop. The instructions are in Chinese or English. Costs: NT$1 per document page, plus NT$1 processing fee. == Cope == ===Electricity=== For electrical sockets, Taiwan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as the United States. Electricity is supplied at 110 V at 60 Hz. === Embassies and foreign missions === ''See [[Taipei#Cope|Cope section]] in [[Taipei]] guide'' {{usablecountry}} {{isPartOf|East Asia}} {{geo|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} h2wj7noi2fslmdg4au5skgbldfsgax8 4488041 4487986 2022-07-22T01:18:55Z The dog2 35982 /* TRA */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Formasa Station Banner.jpg}} {{COVID-19 box|Restrictions have been implemented throughout Taiwan due to a surge in COVID cases. Taiwan has '''barred entry to non-resident foreign nationals indefinitely.''' International transit passengers are allowed starting from June 15, 2022, provided they do not leave the secure area of the airport. Those allowed to enter the country are required to '''quarantine for 14 days'''. ''(See [[Taiwan#Get in|Get in]] for more information)''| lastedit=2022-07-20}} '''[https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/ Taiwan]''' (Traditional Chinese: 台灣 or 臺灣, ''Táiwān'') is an island nation off the coast of southeastern mainland [[China]]. The island is officially known as and governed by the '''Republic of China''' (中華民國 ''Zhōnghuá Mínguó'') or '''ROC'''. Shaped roughly like a sweet potato, the nation is home to more than 23 million people and is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. Although most of the population is ethnically Chinese, the legacy of Japanese colonial rule still pervades much of Taiwanese life, and there is also indigenous Austronesian culture to explore for the truly intrepid traveler. {{disclaimerbox|While the political status of Taiwan is a controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveler's point of view, Taiwan is under the ''de facto'' control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate country. ''This page does not represent a political endorsement of the claims of either side of the dispute.''}} == Regions == {{Regionlist | regionmap = Taiwan_Regions_Map.png | regionmapsize = 350px | regionmaptext = Map of Taiwan with regions color-coded (Matsu is not included) | region1name=[[Northern Taiwan]] | region1color=#b08eb0 | region1items=[[Hsinchu]], [[Hsinchu County]], [[Keelung]], [[New Taipei]], [[Taipei]], [[Taoyuan]] | region1description=The capital city, main airport and technology hub of the island | region2name=[[Central Taiwan]] | region2color=#efb86e | region2items=[[Changhua County]], [[Miaoli County]], [[Nantou County]] and [[Taichung]] | region2description=Scenic mountains and lakes and major national parks | region3name=[[Eastern Taiwan]] | region3color=#77c283 | region3items=[[Yilan County]], [[Hualien]], [[Hualien County]], [[Taitung County]], [[Taitung]] | region3description=Hualien and Taitung are cut off from the rest of the island by the central mountains; this is a region of great natural beauty, and the main center of indigenous Austronesian culture | region4name=[[Southern Taiwan]] | region4color=#75a4c3 | region4items= [[Chiayi County]], [[Kaohsiung]], [[Pingtung County]], [[Tainan]] and [[Yunlin County]] | region4description=The tropics of Taiwan with beaches and palm trees and the third largest city | region5name=Outlying Islands | region5color=#c9cf7b | region5items=Tiny islands also governed by the Republic of China: [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]], just off the coast of mainland China's [[Fujian]] Province, [[Penghu]] in the straits, [[Green Island (Taiwan)|Green Island]] and [[Orchid Island]], east of Taiwan | region5description=Small islands that are popular getaway destinations with the locals. }} <br clear="right" /> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b08eb0|title=[[Northern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249994,Q74054,Q249996,Q244898,Q1867,Q115256}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q133865,Q63706,Q82357,Q245023}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Eastern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q237258,Q249868,Q249904}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249995,Q166977,Q181557,Q194989,Q140631,Q153221}} == Cities == {{mapframe|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|title=Taiwan High Speed Rail|wikidata=Q706198|type=geoline|stroke=#c35617|stroke-width=4|stroke-opacity=1}} [[File:TWTC ITB, TICC and Taipei 101 20100410 night.jpg|thumb|300px|Taipei at night]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taipei]]|wikidata=Q1867}} (臺北 or 台北) – The seat of government of Taiwan ROC, as well as the center of commerce and culture. Taipei is also home to Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Miaoli]]|lat=24.57|long=120.82}} (苗栗) – The main center of Hakka culture in Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hualien]]|wikidata=Q713310}} (花蓮) – Near Taroko Gorge and considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan's cities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Jiufen]]|wikidata=Q31093}} (九份) – A former gold mining town on the northeast coast visited for its quaint streets and picturesque views. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kaohsiung]]|wikidata=Q181557}} (高雄) – The third-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest sea ports (the Port of Kaohsiung) in the world and it has the island's second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taichung]]|wikidata=Q245023}} (臺中 or 台中) – The second-largest city on the island. In the center-western region of Taiwan, and famous among the Taiwanese for its pastries such as sun cakes and pineapple cakes. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Puli]]|wikidata=Q706544}} (埔里) – At the geographical center of the island, making it a good base for exploring the central mountains and [[Sun Moon Lake]]. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tainan]]|wikidata=Q140631}} (臺南 or 台南) – The oldest city and former capital of Taiwan. It is famous for its historic buildings, and as the unofficial culinary capital of Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taitung]]|lat=22.758333|long=121.144444}} (臺東 or 台東) – On the southeastern coast, a laid back city that is known for beautiful scenery and large Aboriginal population. == Other destinations == [[File:Alishan Forest Staircase2.JPG|thumb|240px|Mountain trail in [[Alishan]]]] People tend to think of Taiwan as a small, crowded island filled mostly with electronic factories, and if you stay in Taipei or along the west coast you might indeed maintain that impression. However, the island is also home to high mountain ranges, great beaches and stunning national parks, many with hot springs. * {{marker|name=[[Alishan]]|wikidata=Q707585}} (阿里山) – Misty forests of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises at the center of the island, reached by a scenic narrow-gauge train * {{marker|name=[[Kenting National Park]]|wikidata=Q707982}} (墾丁國家公園) – At the extreme southern tip of the island, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. * {{marker|name=[[Shei-pa National Park]]|wikidata=Q707996}} (雪霸國家公園) – A park spanning mountains and rivers in [[Hsinchu County]]—great hiking trails * {{marker|name=[[Sun Moon Lake]]|wikidata=Q716206}} (日月潭) – Nestled at 762 m (2,500&nbsp;ft) in lofty mountains in [[Nantou County]], this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. * {{marker|name=[[Taipingshan]]|wikidata=Q30020365}} (太平山) – A historic logging area and one of Taiwan's most scenic spots. Located in [[Yilan County]]. * {{marker|name=[[Taroko Gorge]]|wikidata=Q707427}} (太魯閣峽谷 ''Tàilǔgé'') – An impressive gorge off the east coast * {{marker|name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]]|wikidata=Q709029}} (陽明山國家公園) – Spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei * {{marker|name=[[Yushan]]|wikidata=Q500275}} (Jade Mountain/玉山) – At 3,952 m the highest mountain in not just Taiwan, but in the entire eastern ⅔ of East Asia * {{marker|name=[[Lalashan]]|wikidata=}} (拉拉山) – In [[Taoyuan County]], "Lala" means "beauty" in the indigenous Atayal language. Mt. Lala is one of natural protection zones in Taiwan. There are some 500–2,800-year-old "divine" trees including the No. 5 divine tree, which is reputedly even older than Confucius. Lalashan is best known for its peach trees, and peach season (July–August) is the most beautiful time to visit Mt. Lala. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=LocationROC.png}} Taiwan is home to a large number of impressive scenic sites, and Taipei is a cultural center of entertainment and leisure activities. The island is also a center of Chinese-language pop culture with a substantial entertainment industry. Japanese and an increasing number of mainland Chinese enjoy taking short trips to Taiwan and enjoy its neighborly hospitality. Taiwan is home to some well-known international companies such as Acer, MSI, Asus, HTC, and Giant Bicycles, whose technologies are some of the most advanced in the world. === History === {{seealso|Imperial China|Chinese Revolutions|Japanese colonial empire|Pacific War}} Taiwan was first populated 30,000 years ago by an Australo-Melanesian group known as the Negrito. The Negrito were eventually assimilated and displaced 5,000 years ago by Proto-Austronesians who arrived from the east coast of mainland China, predominantly from what is now Fujian province. Due to linguistic diversity on Taiwan, these people have been suggested to be the ancestors of [[Austronesian]] speakers across Southeast Asia, the Pacific and even Madagascar. Recorded history began with the partial colonization of Taiwan by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and then the Portuguese in the early 17th century. (The old name of Taiwan, ''Formosa'', comes from the Portuguese ''Ilha Formosa'' for "beautiful island".) Han Chinese immigrants arrived in significant numbers with the onset of European trade. The Ming loyalist Koxinga defeated the Dutch garrisons and set up Taiwan as a rump Ming Empire with the hope of reconquering Qing China. His grandson surrendered to the Qing in the late 1600s. Although contact between China and Taiwan dates back thousands of years, it was not until larger numbers of ethnic Han residents arrived during the Qing dynasty that Taiwan was formally integrated into China as part of Hokkien (Fujian) province. It became a separate province in 1887. The years of Han Chinese settlement during the Qing Dynasty were marred by conflict between the Han settlers and the Aboriginal people, between the Minnan and Hakka speakers among the Han settlers, and between the [[Quanzhou]] and [[Zhangzhou]] immigrants among the Minnan speakers. All these resulted in Minnan speakers largely occupying the fertile lowlands along the coast, the Hakkas being forced to occupy the middle elevations in the mountains, and the Aboriginal people being forced to higher elevations in the mountains and the more typhoon-prone east coast. Defeated by the Japanese, the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan to [[Japan]] under the terms of the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Japan ruled the island until the end of World War II in 1945, and exerted profound influences on its development. The island's entertainment and pop culture was and still is heavily influenced by that of Japan. Much of the infrastructure built by the Japanese can still be seen on the island, and has been in fact continuously used up to the present day (e.g. railroad crossing gates, administrative buildings, and the old port at Kaohsiung). During [[Pacific War|World War II]], many Taiwanese, both Aboriginal and Han Chinese, served in the Imperial Japanese Army, many of whom have been enshrined in the controversial [[Tokyo/Chiyoda#Yasukini Shrine|Yasukuni Shrine]] in [[Tokyo]]. Like their counterparts in [[Korea]] and other occupied territories, many Taiwanese women were forced to serve as "comfort women" (i.e. sex slaves) in Japanese military brothels. Upon the resumption of Chinese rule, the ''Kuomintang'' (KMT, 國民黨) under Chiang Kai-shek, also known as the Nationalists, was suspicious of many of the locals in Taiwan, due to the fact that many Taiwanese had served in the Japanese military and civil service during World War II. Moreover, as the Japanese had sought to turn Taiwan into a model colony, despite having been discriminated against, many locals had seen their standards of living improve under Japanese rule, and were disillusioned by the corruption and incompetence that plagued the Kuomintang at that time. Tensions between the new Kuomintang government and the locals culminated in the '''228 incident''' on 28th February 1947, when many locals revolted against Chinese rule, and the Kuomintang responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of people being killed, and purging many of the Japanese-educated intellectuals in the process. Taiwan would also be placed under martial law following the incident, which would only be lifted in 1987. Discussion of the incident was banned under the years of martial law, but was brought back to the fore once again following democratization in the 1990s, and the incident remains a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day. [[File:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|350px|National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] In the early 20th century, the Nationalists and Communists fought a major bloody civil war in mainland China. Although the two sides were briefly united against Japan during World War II, they quickly began fighting again after the war was over. Eventually, the Communists were victorious in 1949. The Nationalist government, remnants of their army, and hundreds of thousands of supporters then fled to Taiwan, though they would also retain control of several offshore islands of Fujian. From Taipei, they continued to assert their right as the sole legitimate government of all China. Initially very repressive, the government began to loosen control in its fourth decade under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek's son, Chiang Ching-kuo. Taiwan also experienced rapid economic growth and modernisation under the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo, becoming one of the world's richest and most modern economies and earning it a place as one of the East Asian Tigers. Today, Taiwan is generally regarded as a modern, developed economy, and still remains a leader in consumer electronics that is home to well-known computer brands such as Acer, Asus, Garmin, Gigabyte and HTC. Democratization began in earnest through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating with the first direct presidential elections in 1996, and the first peaceful transition of power between two political parties in 2000. Taiwanese politics remain dominated by the issue of relations between Taiwan and the [[China|People's Republic of China]], which still claims Taiwan as a "renegade province" and regularly threatens military action if Taiwan attempts to break away from the awkward '''One China''' status quo, whereby both sides agree that there is only one Chinese nation, but disagree on whether that one nation should be governed by the PRC or the ROC. To summarize a ''very'' complex situation, the '''Pan-Blue''' (泛藍) group spearheaded by the KMT supports eventual unification with the mainland when the political climate is right, while the '''Pan-Green''' (泛綠) group led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports eventual formal independence under the name "Republic of Taiwan". The split extends down to trivial issues like Chinese romanization &mdash; the KMT prefers the mainland's ''Hanyu pinyin'', the DPP prefers a Taiwan-made variant called ''Tongyong pinyin'' &mdash; and political demonstrations and rallies, always turbulent, on occasion even turn violent. In 2014, the '''Sunflower Movement''' was formed in opposition to deepening trade relations between Taiwan and mainland China that was being pursued by the then-KMT government. Although mainland China has been Taiwan's most important trading partner since 2008, many Taiwanese were fearful that deepening economic ties would lead to the Chinese Communist Party using this economic dependence to coerce democratic Taiwan into unifying with mainland China under communist rule. Things came to a head when student protesters stormed the Legislative Yuan on 18 March 2014, forcing the government to abandon ratification of a recently-signed trade deal with mainland China, marking the first time the Taiwanese legislature had been successfully occupied by civilian protesters. The movement is today considered a watershed moment in Taiwanese political history, as it led to the political awakening of much of the formerly apolitical younger generation, galvanized a distinct Taiwanese identity, and united most of the younger generation behind the pro-independence camp. === Government and politics === Taiwan is a presidential republic modelled after the American system of government. The President is popularly elected every four years for up to two terms, and is the head of state. The President has the sole authority to appoint members the executive branch, known as the '''Executive Yuan''', whose leader, known as the Premier, serves as the head of government. The legislative branch is known as the '''Legislative Yuan''', often referred to as the "Parliament", which is elected by the people every four years in parallel with the presidential elections. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy known for its exceptionally dramatic parliamentary sessions, with physical fights between legislators on the floor being a regular occurrence. The other branches of government are the '''Judicial Yuan''', which tops the judiciary branch, the '''Examination Yuan''', which administers civil service examinations, and the '''Control Yuan''', which is responsible for auditing the government's finances. The two main parties in Taiwanese politics are the '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) and the '''Democratic Progressive Party''' (DPP). Generally speaking, the KMT is more socially conservative, and favors friendlier ties with China, while the DPP is more socially liberal, and favors closer ties with Japan and the United States, as well as taking a tougher stance against China. While the older generation is politically split, the younger generation is overwhelmingly pro-DPP. === People === Taiwan was originally populated by indigenous peoples that spoke various Austronesian languages, which are related to Malay, Tagalog and Indonesian. Today the remaining indigenous peoples make up only about 2% of the population, while the other 98% are considered ethnically Han Chinese. The ethnically Han Chinese are further split into Taiwanese, who make up about 84% of the population and whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and mainlanders, who make up about 14% of the population and whose families fled to Taiwan from the mainland after the communist takeover of China in 1949. Among the Taiwanese group, Hoklo (Minnan) speakers form the majority, which is about 70% of the population, while the remaining 14% are largely Hakka speakers. In modern times, Taiwan is also home to immigrants from elsewhere, especially other Asian countries such as Malaysia (most of whom are ethnically Chinese), Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The post-1949 Chinese immigrants come from every province and include many non-Han residents. === Culture === Taiwanese culture is largely based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly that of [[Fujian]] province, because most Taiwanese are Han Chinese whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan from that region. However, in the 20th century, Taiwanese culture diverged from that of mainland China. Substantial Japanese influences can be seen in modern Taiwanese culture because of 50 years of Japanese rule, and this can be seen in its cuisine and in its pop culture. In addition, the Japanese introduced baseball and hot-spring bathing to Taiwan, and these remain popular pastimes for the Taiwanese to this day. As Taiwan was spared from the Cultural Revolution, the Taiwanese have also retained some elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China. Indigenous Austronesian or "Formosan" culture has greatly suffered under multiple different waves of colonial rule. It is having a resurgence today but many aspects of it have been lost forever which is evident in how the majority of the Formosan languages are extinct or moribund. However, efforts are being made to revive the culture through the introduction of the Aboriginal languages into the school curriculum. Numerous indigenous Taiwanese have had successful careers in the entertainment industry, perhaps the most famous example being the singer Kulilay Amit, better known by her Chinese name Chang Huei-mei, who is of Puyuma ethnicity. === Climate === [[File:Footbridge, Taroko 01.jpg|thumb|240px|Taroko Gorge suspension bridge]] Lowland Taiwan has a marine tropical climate during the summer, with sweltering, humid weather (above 30&nbsp;°C, 86&nbsp;°F) from Jun-Sep. In the winter the weather is influenced by the nearby continent, and in the northern areas the temperature can go as low as 8&nbsp;°C at night. The best time of year to visit is from Oct-Dec, although even then occasional typhoons can spoil the fun. Spring is also nice, although it rains more than during autumn. During the typhoon season, the east coast bears the brunt of the damage as it is facing the Pacific Ocean. In the mountainous regions you will encounter more temperate conditions. Rapid weather change can endanger unprepared visitors, so advice on proper preparation should be obtained before visiting those areas. In fact, it snows every year on Taiwan's highest mountains and occasionally even on mountains like Alishan. === Taiwanese calendar === The ''Minguo'' (民國, ROC) calendar, counting years from the establishment of the ROC (1911), is commonly used in Taiwan. To convert a ''Minguo'' date to A.D., just add 1911. {{CURRENTYEAR}} is Minguo {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}−1911}}. Months and days are according to the standard Gregorian calendar for almost everything except traditional holidays and religious matters, which use the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. === Festivals === {{CNYdates}} As Taiwan is majority Han Chinese, traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in Taiwan. Among the most notable are: *'''Chinese New Year''' (春節). This is the most important festival for the Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close on the first three days so it is not an ideal time to visit. However, the days leading up to the festival and the fourth to fifteenth days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Chinese New Year songs. *'''Tomb Sweeping Day''' (Ching Ming Festival, 清明節). This is when many Taiwanese pay respects at their ancestors' graves. *'''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午節). This festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin. To prevent the fishes from eating his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fishes and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten on them to scare away the fishes. Since then, dragon boat racing has been carried out on this day and rice dumplings are also eaten. *'''Hungry Ghost Festival''' (Ghost Month, 中元節). This festival runs throughout the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world. In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese offer food and burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held to appease these wandering spirits. *'''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (Moon Festival, 中秋節). Legend has it that on this day, a woman known as Chang E swallowed some divine pills to prevent her power hungry husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day. This is when many lanterns are put up for decoration in various parks and shops, which is quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so it would be an ideal time to try some. Many Taiwanese have barbecue with family or friends as part of the celebration. === Terrain === [[File:Jiuwanshibaguai.JPG|thumb|Cliffs meet the eastern coast of Taiwan, Hualien County]] Taiwan is largely mountainous with a chain of mountains running from north to south at the centre of the island. The west coast is largely plains and unsurprisingly is where most of the population is concentrated, and is where all the larger cities like [[Taichung]] and [[Kaohsiung]] are located. The east coast also has some plains but they are more sparsely populated due to the higher typhoon risk, but is also home to the cities of [[Hualien]] and [[Taitung]] with significant populations. === Sports === Baseball was brought to Taiwan by the Japanese during the colonial period. Its popularity rose greatly when the Taiwanese baseball team finished second in the Japanese national championships. Today, baseball retains a strong following and remains by far the most popular spectator sport in Taiwan. Several Taiwanese players have also gone on to successful careers in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Taiwanese national team is considered to be one of the strongest in the world. Besides baseball, basketball also has a sizeable following in Taiwan and is quite popular among teenagers. When classes are over, the basketball courts inside schools are not only open to students but also the public. Billiards<!--WHICH VARIANT(S)--> is another popular sport in Taiwan. It's easy to find billiard rooms throughout the country and there are also many championship-winning players in Taiwan, most of whom started training when they were still teens. Other sports which are popular include Taekwondo, table tennis and golf. In international sporting competitions, such as the Olympic Games, Taiwan is called "Chinese Taipei" for political reasons. == Talk == {{infobox|You say Zhongshan, I say Chungshan...|The romanization of Chinese used in Taiwan is not standardized. Most older place names and personal names are derived from a simplified version of Wade-Giles. The government established Hanyu Pinyin (the same system used in the mainland and the international standard) as the official system in 2009, but most local governments that did not already use the system have not switched over, and highway signs are only being gradually changed from the Tongyong Pinyin system, leading to much inconsistency. Some local governments, such as that of Taipei and Taichung, have already converted their street signs to Hanyu Pinyin and New Taipei is implementing the switch to Hanyu Pinyin. However, there are still street signs posted by city governments next to signs installed by the national government having different romanization conventions, as is the case for Kaohsiung, where Tongyong Pinyin, not Hanyu Pinyin, is the local standard. For example, Zhongshan, Chungshan, Jungshan and Jhongshan can easily refer to the same Chinese name. This article attempts to use the romanizations most commonly used ''in'' Taiwan (on street signs, buses, tourist maps, etc.) People know romanisation as 'Roma-Pinyin' (Luoma-Pinyin).}} Taiwan's official languages are four varieties of Chinese — '''[[Chinese phrasebook - Traditional|Mandarin]]''', '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]]''' (a dialect of Minnan), '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''', and '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Matsu dialect]]''' — as well as the '''Aboriginal Austronesian languages''' and '''Taiwan Sign Language'''. Mandarin is the ''lingua franca'', but Taiwanese is the mother tongue of about 70% of the population. In the North where there is a large concentration of so-called "mainlanders" (those whose families came to Taiwan from mainland China in the 1940s as refugees of the Chinese Civil War), most people speak Mandarin as their primary language (although Taiwanese is spoken in abundance), but in the South of the island, Taiwanese is far more common. Hakka is the main language at the middle elevations of the mountainous parts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka are all tonal languages, and are difficult for most foreigners to master. Aboriginal languages can mostly be heard on the East Coast and its offshore islands, as well as at higher elevations in the mountains. The Matsu dialect is a variant of the Fuzhou dialect (also known as ''Hokchiu'' or ''Foochow''), and is almost exclusively concentrated in the [[Matsu]] islands located close to [[Fuzhou]] in mainland China. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (漢字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and many overseas Chinese still use the '''traditional characters''', whereas since the 1950s mainland China has used simplified characters, such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". There are multiple ways of romanizing Mandarin Chinese, but '''pinyin''' (漢語拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn'') is the most useful for a visitor to learn. It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). (However, people in Taiwan are more familiar with a phonetic alphabet called Zhuyin (注音 ''zhùyīn'', written using Zhuyin as ㄓㄨˋ　ㄧㄣ), commonly known in English as '''bopomofo''' (named after the first four letters, ㄅㄆㄇㄈ), which is used for language education and typing.) All dialects of Chinese are also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; Mandarin tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the world, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects'''. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects would read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and couldn't carry on a spoken conversation with each other. Although standard Mandarin in Taiwan is nearly identical to standard Mandarin in mainland China (with differences mostly in technical and translated terms invented post-1949), most people in practice speak a distinctly accented version known as Taiwanese Mandarin. For example, Taiwanese Mandarin tends to not differentiate between the "S" and "Sh" or the "f" and "h" sounds in Mandarin. All people schooled after 1945 are generally fluent in Mandarin, though older people from rural areas often have a very thick accent. Mandarin is fairly popular with young people. Some elderly people do not speak Mandarin as they were schooled in Japanese or not at all. Most Taiwanese are very accepting of foreigners and react with curiosity and admiration for trying the local tongue. Generally, most people in Taiwan converse using a combination of Mandarin and Taiwanese by code-switching. The Taiwanese dialect is a variant of Minnan which is similar to the dialect spoken across the Taiwan Strait in [[South Fujian]]. Unlike in South Fujian, Taiwanese Minnan has some loan words from Japanese as a result of 50 years of Japanese colonization. Taiwanese Minnan and [[Xiamen]] Minnan are both mixtures of the [[Zhangzhou]] and [[Quanzhou]] accents, so as a result, Taiwanese Minnan sounds very similar to Xiamen Minnan. There is also dialectal variation in Taiwanese between different parts of the island; the [[Tainan]] dialect is generally considered to be the prestige dialect. All public announcements in the transportation system are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka, with the exception of the [[Matsu]] islands, where announcements are made in Mandarin and the local Matsu dialect. Especially in Taipei, younger people generally speak a basic conversational level of '''English'''. The children often understand more English than their parents, especially with the emphasis on English language education today, and English being a compulsory subject in Taiwanese schools. However, attempts to speak Mandarin or Taiwanese will be met with beaming smiles and encouragement, by and large. Quite a few people, especially in Taipei, are proficient in '''[[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]]''' due to the high number of Japanese visitors. Staff for tourist attractions such as the Taipei 101, museums, hotels, popular restaurants and airport shops speak Japanese in addition to English, Mandarin and other local languages. In fact, if you are a visitor of East Asian descent who cannot understand Chinese, when a worker realizes this he or she may try speaking to you in Japanese before trying English. There has been an increasing usage of '''[[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]''' by tourism boards due to the large number of Korean people visiting Taiwan. Thus, there are many signs across Taiwan written in Korean. An enthusiasm for Korean-language education due to the influence of Korean pop culture is also gaining momentum. Due to the increasing number of Southeast Asian tourists visiting Taiwan, '''[[Thai phrasebook|Thai]]''', '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' and '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]''' are spoken by some tourist personnel. '''Taiwan Sign Language''' is the language of the deaf community. It has partial mutual intelligibility with Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language, but not with Chinese Sign Language or Hong Kong Sign Language. == Get in == {{COVID-19 box|Taiwan has tightened entry restrictions in response to the spread of COVID-19, in particular the Delta variant of the virus. '''Non-resident foreign nationals are barred from entering or transiting Taiwan indefinitely.''' Valid visas to enter Taiwan have been suspended, and Taiwan is not issuing new visa permits at this time. Those who need to travel to Taiwan because of special circumstances can apply for a special entry permit from Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center and a Taiwanese diplomatic mission. If it is granted, you'll need to [https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/ pre-register online], present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a designated hotel or quarantine facility. Travelers will be required to bear the costs for the quarantine stay, unless arriving from a country or territory that has been designated as "high risk". <small>For more information, see the websites for the [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En Taiwan Centers for Disease Control] and [https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs].</small>| lastedit=2021-06-27}} ===Entry requirements=== [[File:Visa policy of Taiwan.svg|thumb|450px|Visa policy of Taiwan{{legend|#F60501|Taiwan}}{{legend|#20B44A|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#b5e61d|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#65D6A5|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#DCEF9B|Visa on arrival}}{{legend|#9DDEE5|eVisa}}{{legend|#15127D|Exit & Entry Permit on arrival}}{{legend|#ADADAD|Visa required}}]] [[File:ROC entry stamp.JPG|thumb|Entry stamp]] ==== Visas ==== Foreign nationals of the following 44 countries can enter Taiwan '''visa-free''' as a ''visitor'' provided that their passports are valid for at least 6 months upon entry: '''For up to 90 days:''' All 27 '''European Union''' member states, Australia (until 31 December 2021), Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (until 31 March 2025), Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vatican City '''For up to 30 days:''' Belize, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore '''For up to 14 days:''' Brunei, Philippines, Thailand (until 31 July 2019 for all three), Russian Federation If citizens of the above countries present an emergency or temporary passport, they will be required to apply for a landing visa on arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$2,400. Citizens of Japan need only present a passport with at least 3 months' validity (rather than 6 months' validity) upon entry. Citizens of the United States can enter Taiwan on a passport with less than 6 months' validity on the date of arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$5,600. Citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom can extend their stay for an extra 90 days (i.e. a total stay of up to 180 days) free of charge. More information is available on [http://www.boca.gov.tw/public/Attachment/1121416524871.doc this Bureau of Consular Affairs information sheet]. Holders of valid passports from '''[[Hong Kong]]''' (HKSAR or BN(O)) and '''[[Macau]]''', born in either of these territories, may apply for a 30-day entry permit online (free) or on arrival (NT$300). Holders of these passports born outside these territories may also apply for these permits, if they have been to Taiwan previously as a Hong Kong/Macau resident. (If they last visited Taiwan before 1983 they need to supply the travel document used then or first apply for their travel records from the Immigration Agency.) Hong Kong and Macau residents born outside of these territories and have not been to Taiwan before as a HK/Macau resident must apply for a permit online before travelling to Taiwan (NT$600). Hong Kong and Macau residents who also have another passport (except BN(O) or a Portuguese passport obtained before the handover) must use the other passport (and apply for the correct visa, if required) to enter Taiwan and not their Hong Kong/Macau passport. Macau residents using a Portuguese passport may enter visa-free like other Portuguese passport holders. Residents of '''Mainland [[China]]''' (Chinese passport holders) may visit Taiwan for tourism if they join an approved guided tour. Independent mainland Chinese travellers require a Permit for Proceeding to Taiwan (往来台湾通行证/往來台灣通行證) with an endorsement issued by Chinese authorities, and an Exit and Entry Permit (中華民國臺灣地區入出境許可證) issued by Taiwanese authorities. However, endorsement for personal tourism has been '''suspended''' due to political tensions. Citizens of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who have a valid entry visa or permanent resident card issued by a [[Europe#Schengen Agreement|Schengen]] country, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival after making an [https://oa1.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/ online application.] All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 14 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. Entry will be denied if these procedures are refused. Detailed information about visas is available at the website of the '''[http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs]'''. Taiwan does not have formal embassies in most of the world's countries (due to the 'One China' policy of mainland China preventing formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan). Instead Taiwan operates a "Taipei Representative Office", "Taipei Economic and Trade Office", or something of a similar name in most major countries, and these act as ''de facto'' embassies and consulates that can issue Taiwanese visas. ====Arrival card==== Tourists are required to fill in an arrival card. You may do it [https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/ online] before you arrive to save time. Traditional paper versions are still available at ports of entry. Hong Kong and Macau residents who have an online entry permit are exempt. ====Customs==== Fresh fruit and meat may not be brought into Taiwan, and airport staff may check your bags. If you are carrying anything prohibited, though, they might let you eat it before you go through immigration. === By plane === * '''[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]]''' '''(Taipei)''' (台灣桃園國際機場, formerly ''Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport'' 中正國際機場) ({{IATA|TPE}}) is the primary international airport of Taiwan. Located 40&nbsp;km to the southwest of Taipei, it has good connections to neighbouring countries and North America, and decent connections to Europe and Oceania. The airport has a MRT (metro/subway) connection to [[Taipei]], and direct buses to Taipei, [[Taichung]] and other nearby cities. Alternatively, the MRT train and U-Bus company shuttles reach HSR Taoyuan station (台灣高鐵桃園站) for high-speed train connections to other cities; and to Zhongli (中壢) Station for mainline TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration 台灣鐵路管理局) train and southbound bus connections to [[Tainan]], [[Hsinchu]] (新竹) etc. * [http://www.kia.gov.tw/English/ '''Kaohsiung International Airport'''] (高雄國際機場) ({{IATA|KHH}}) is the largest airport in southern Taiwan, with decent connections to neighbouring countries and domestic destinations. * [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx '''Songshan Airport'''] (松山機場) ({{IATA|TSA}}) is a smaller airport in downtown Taipei which serves mostly domestic flights with some flights to China, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Seoul Gimpo Airport. * '''Taichung Airport''' (台中機場) ({{IATA|RMQ}}) serves domestic and international flights to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and China. * [https://www.tna.gov.tw/en/index.php '''Tainan Airport'''] (臺南機場) ({{IATA|TNN}}) serves domestic routes, as well as international routes to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. * [https://www.hulairport.gov.tw/e_content/about/about01.aspx '''Hualien Airport'''] (花蓮機場) ({{IATA|HUN}}) located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, the airport serves domestic routes, as well as international flights to South Korea as well as charter flights to Cambodia. After a break of almost 60 years, regular cross-Strait flights between Taiwan and mainland China resumed in 2008, and travel times on some popular routes have been reduced significantly as flights no longer have to be routed through Hong Kong airspace. The main Taiwanese carriers are [http://www.evaair.com/ '''EVA Air'''] (長榮航空) and flag carrier [http://www.china-airlines.com/ '''China Airlines'''] (中華航空). While China Airlines used to have a poor safety record, things have improved greatly since 2003, and today, it is just as safe as the major Western European airlines. === By boat === {{COVID-19 box|Due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, all ferry services to China have been suspended.|lastedit=2020-02-28}} All scheduled passenger ferry services between Taiwan and Japan have been suspended. [http://www.starcruises.com Star Cruises] operates limited cruise services from [[Keelung]] (基隆) and [[Kaohsiung]] (高雄) to Hong Kong and various Japanese islands, but these are not intended for one-way journeys. ====China to Taiwan via Matsu==== From [[Fuzhou]] (福州), China, there are two daily ferries to the Taiwan-controlled [[Matsu]] (馬祖) islands. Take bus 69 from Fuzhou train station to Wuyilu, then bus 73 to the end station Mawei harbor (馬尾港). The ferry costs RMB350 from China and NT$1,300 from Matsu. The trip takes two hours. You can check the Matsu tourism website for [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=505&l=2 updates on the schedule]. There is a cheaper (NT$650) ferry between Matsu's northern island and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, but because of limitations to immigration facilities, it apparently only accepts Taiwan/ROC citizens as passengers at this time ([https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=781&l=1 schedules and fares]). From Matsu, there the ''Taima Star'' ferry runs daily to [[Keelung]] in Taiwan ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/index.php Official website] / [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=128&l=2 English information]). NT$1,050 includes a bed, as the trip takes 10 hours. Regular seats are available for NT$630 only when the sleeping cabins are full ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/price.htm official fare table]). Schedules can be found at [http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/harbor.php this link]. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or [https://www.matsuebs.com/html/custorder/36 online]. At [[Mawei]] harbor in [[Fuzhou]] there is an opportunity to buy an inclusive ticket all the way to Taipei (臺北) that includes the Fuzhou to Matsu ferry above and a domestic flight from Matsu to Taipei (or Taichung). The price (RMB780) includes transfer between port and airport on Matsu, and a coupon for lunch at the airport while you wait for your connection. The ferry leaves Fuzhou at 09:30. Get to Mawei at 08:00 to buy tickets. ====China to Kinmen==== There are also several ferry services between [[Xiamen]] and [[Quanzhou]] on the mainland and the Taiwan-controlled island of [[Kinmen]] (金門). While foreigners may use the former the latter is only open to Chinese and Taiwanese citizens. Now there also is one weekly ferry from Dongdu Harbor (東渡碼頭) in [[Xiamen]] to Keelung, that leaves on Thursdays at 18:00 starting at less than RMB500, and one to Taichung leaving on Tuesdays. Call 0592-2393128 for information or 0592-6011758 for bookings from China. You can also check [http://www.seat61.com/Taiwan.htm#Ferries_to_Taiwan here] for news. There is apparently no ferry from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan at this time, though flights may be reasonably priced. ====China to Taiwan direct==== The ''Cosco Star'' runs overnight between [[Keelung]] in northern Taiwan and [[Xiamen]] on the mainland, between Keelung and Daimaiyu Port near [[Taizhou]] on the mainland, and between [[Taichung]] in west-central Taiwan and Xiamen. Each leg of each route only runs on one day of the week (see [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-sch.asp here] for departure times of each route and [http://www.cosco.url.tw/hot.html here] for the latest calendar of operations). "Standard" one-way fares start at NT$3,500, but "basic" fares may be available for NT$2,490 ([http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-tick.asp fare table]). On top of the fare there is an additional NT$300-550 in fuel and port surcharges, which varies depending on the route. There are substantial discounts for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). The service's Taiwan-facing website is [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-main.asp here]. [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hours) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to [[Taipei]] and [[Taichung]] in Taiwan. As of February 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and the Pingtan-Taichung-Pingtan route runs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,500 one-way, $6,350 round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance]/[http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]. == Get around == ===''IC Cards''=== [[Taipei]]'s '''[http://www.easycard.com.tw/ EasyCard]''' (悠遊卡 Yōuyóukǎ) and [[Kaohsiung]]'s '''[https://www.i-pass.com.tw/EN/ iPass]''' (一卡通) are the main public transportation smart and electronic payment cards, and replace the need to buy separate tickets for most national, regional and city buses, metro (MRT), as well as train services (TRA) all over Taiwan, and they can be used at retail establishments that display the respective sign, like convenient stores (7eleven, Family Mart), parking lots and some restaurants and shops. Though originally accepted only in their respective cities, the two cards can now be used interchangeably at most (but not all) locations. Besides saving you the hassle of having proper change ready for your ticket, it mostly always gives discount on the chosen journeys. For instance, the price for any train (TRA) is calculated based on the price of a local train and a 10% discount. Thus, you can even take the faster trains with it (but not THSR) like the Tzu-Chiang limited express. The only disadvantage is that you will not have a reserved seat, which however is not an issue except on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon. The EasyCard also provides discounts on [[Taipei#Get around|Taipei's public transportation network]], and likewise with the iPass on Kaohsiung's network. The EasyCard can be bought at the airport, in any of stations of Taipei MRT and most convenient stores. As of Dec 2019 the price was NT$500, consisting of a non-refundable deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 in electronic cash. If you want to add money onto the card, you can do so in MRT stations (including Kaohsiung MRT), TRA stations, and the common convenient stores. The card can hold amounts up to NT$5,000. Student IC cards with even deeper discounts are also available for purchase, but only upon request at a desk and a recognised student ID like ISIC. Whether the card needs to be tapped only once or twice on city buses (on entry or on exit, see [[#By bus|below]]) depends on which city you are in and sometimes how far you travel. Do not forget to tap twice (on entry '''and''' exit) where it is necessary, especially on regional and national buses outside of cities (and some unstaffed railway stations). Otherwise, your card will be blocked with "incomplete journey" (for all bus companies), and you will have to settle this issue with the responsible bus company. This can be a problem, because bus companies only serve certain regions. When leaving that region, e.g. by train, which is still possible with a (bus) locked card, no-one will be willing to unlock your card, even though also other bus companies are able to do so. Be insistent and with the help of the tourist information centre tell them that you cannot go back to fix the problem, or that you tried and they did not solve the issue even though they told you so. Make sure that it is really unlocked (with a different bus company) and do not just trust them &ndash; it seems some cannot operate their machines properly. If you forget to tap the second time, you will only be charged a small initial fee instead of the whole journey, but unless you are at the end of your vacation to Taiwan or possess a second card, you should avoid having your card blocked. That said, most bus drivers and railway staff pay close attention to the tapping, so it is hard to miss. It costs NT$14 to get in and out of the same railway station within an hour, in case you instead decide to take the bus. At the end of your travel, do not put too much money onto your card, because it can only be given back and cashed-out at certain locations, like some THSR stations. In addition to the NT$100 purchase fee, there is a NT$20 fee for returning the card within 3 months. === By train === [[File:THSR 700T train at Taoyuan Station 20070728.jpg|thumb|Taiwan High Speed train]] [[File:TaiwanHighSpeedRail Route en.gif|thumb|Map of Taiwan High Speed Rail; all stations shown are operational]] Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays. The main downside is the lack of cross-island routes between the East Coast and West Coast; for instance, there is no rail line from Taichung to Hualien, so you will have to either drive, fly, or take a major detour via Taipei or Kaohsiung. ====THSR==== The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a [[high speed train]] based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the {{km|345}} route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung station is built next to a railway station, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with branch railway lines. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra, though business class passengers are offered a complementary drink and snack. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted. Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The Official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off. All high-speed trains consist of two seating classes; '''economy class''' and '''business class'''. Although economy class is already clean and comfortable by international standards, paying extra for business class snags you a slightly wider seat, as well as a complimentary drink and snack. All train announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. =====Passes===== The Taiwan High Speed Rail issues a '''[https://pass.thsrc.com.tw/oatsb2c/home.do?G=3 THSR Pass]''' for use on the high speed rail trains. These cost NT$2,400 for a regular 3-day pass, or NT$3,200 for a flexible 3-day pass. While a regular 3-day pass must be used in 3 consecutive days, the 3 days in a flexible 3-day pass may be spread out over any 7-day period. The 5-day joint passes allow for unlimited rides on the high speed rail for 2 days within a 5 day period, and unlimited rides on TRA lines within the same 5-day period. These cost NT$2,800 for a standard pass, which does not allow you to ride on Tzu-Chiang trains, and NT$3,600 for an express pass, which allows you to ride on all TRA lines. The THSR passes may only be used by foreigners who are in Taiwan on tourist visas (or visa exemptions), and must be purchased from travel agents overseas ''before'' you arrive in Taiwan. ====TRA==== Mainline trains are run by the separate [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx '''Taiwan Railway Administration'''] (TRA, 台鐵) , whose services are generally efficient and reliable. Reserving tickets well in advance is recommended when traveling with the train on weekends, especially for long distance travel. Slower (but more frequent) commuter trains without reserved seating are also available. Train timetables and [http://railway.hinet.net/net_eng.htm online booking] (up to 2 weeks in advance) are available on the TRA website for 24 hours. Booking and payment can be made online. You can also pay for the tickets you reserved at your local train station or post office to actually receive it. You can also buy the tickets of TRA in convenient stores now (you can reserve first and take the tickets in convenient stores). The way to buy tickets is same to high speed rail's. Children under 115&nbsp;cm (45&nbsp;in) height go free, and taller kids shorter than 150&nbsp;cm (59&nbsp;in) and under 12 years of age get half-price tickets. If you get return tickets there is a small discount depending upon travel distance. There are also vending machines at the larger stations. The fastest train is Tzu-Chiang (limited express), and the slowest is Pingkuai (Ordinary/Express). There is often little to choose between prices and destination times for adjacent train classes, but the gap can be quite large between the fastest and the slowest. * '''Tze-Chiang''' (自強 ''zìqiáng''): The fastest (and most expensive). Assigned seating. Non-reserved (standing) tickets are supposedly sold at full price, but the boarding is possible with an Easycard for local train prices. There are '''Taroko Express''' (太魯閣號 ''Tàilǔgé Hào'') and '''Puyuma''' (普悠瑪號 ''Pǔyōumǎ Hào'') runnning from Taipei to Hualien, which only sell reserved tickets. * '''Chu-Kuang''' (莒光 ''júguāng''): Second fastest. Assigned seating. In western Taiwan, it is as slow as a local train; in eastern Taiwan, it is still a fast, convenient train. * '''local train''' (區間 ''qūjiān'') : Short to medium distance commuter train, stops at all stations. No assigned seating. There are a few local-fast train, which don't stop at every station. * '''Express / Ordinary''' (普通 ''pǔtōng''): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, most inexpensive. No assigned seating. Some Express trains (the light blue ones running on West Trunk Line) are air-conditioned while others (dark blue ones) are not equipped with air conditioners. Only on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon faster trains are packed, and it might make sense to buy a more expensive reserve-seat ticket, if you do not want to stand for 3 hr, depending on your destination. Otherwise, you can freely use the EasyCard for fast connections without worrying (except for THSR). For travel to nearby cities, you can travel on local commuter trains. These arrive very frequently (about once every ten to fifteen minutes). In addition, "standing tickets" may be purchased on trains with assigned seating that have no available seats. Standing tickets are 80% the original ticket price and may be useful for last-minute travellers. However, you will be required to stand for the duration of your trip if there are no free seats. Station announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English. Some trains offer a bento box meal onboard for an extra charge (not expensive); you can choose vegetarian or with meat; their pork chop with rice bento is particular famous. Bento boxes can also be bought at major train stations before you board the train. =====Passes===== Similar to Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also offers several rail passes to foreign tourists for unlimited train travel within a stipulated period. The '''[https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip/tip003/tip311/view10 TR Pass]''' can be used by foreigners for unlimited travel on TRA lines for a stipulated period of time. The TR Pass can be bought at railway stations in Taiwan. The TR pass also allows you to reserve seats for free on trains that have assigned seating. '''The TR pass is not valid on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)''' as those trains are not run by the TRA. {| class="wikitable" |+Ticket types/prices (NT$) |- |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''3 Days''' |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''5 Days''' |- | full price || reduced price || 4-person-group || full price || reduced price || 4-person-group |- | 1800 || 900 || 4200 || 2500 || 1250 || 7000 |} : :Note: The 4-person-group ticket must be used by four people simultaneously. You '''cannot''' take the high-speed rail, since it is not operated by the TRA. Validity has to be for consecutive days. Reduced price applies to children (age 7-12), senior citizens (age 65+) and disabled people. * TR Pass Student: The student version of the TR Pass is significantly cheaper than the general version, though unlike the general version, it is ''not'' valid for use on Tzu-Chiang limited express trains, and also cannot be used to ride in train cars with reserved seating. In order to qualify for this pass, you will need to show your passport and a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Ticket types and prices: * 5-day ticket: NT$599 * 7-day ticket: NT$799 * 10-day ticket: NT$1,098 ===By bus=== Taiwan has an extensive bus network, run mostly by private bus companies. Travelling by bus is generally cheaper than by train, especially for long-distance trips. However, on holidays, travel time may be much longer and tickets are more likely to be sold out. There are two categories: intercity buses (客運) and local buses (公車). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a set of distinctly branded bus routes (some intercity, some local) that serve tourist sites, and are generally easier to use than regular routes. The official website offers route maps, timetables and recommended itineraries, but is somewhat confusing to navigate. There is, however, a toll-free number for inquiries. There are also information desks at major transport hubs. [[File:Taipei Bus 1073 stop board.jpg|thumb|Bus stop in Taipei]] Many cities have local buses. They are managed by local governments, therefore information can generally be found on the websites of the respective transportation bureaus. Drivers are usually happy to help, but may not speak English. Route maps at bus stops are mostly in Chinese. For visitors, it may be helpful to have your hotel or accommodation host suggest some routes for you and circle your destination on a map, then show it to the bus driver to make sure you're on the right bus. Announcements are in English, but hopefully the driver will remember to tell you when to get off in case you miss it. Most buses accept either cash (no change) or IC cards (like the EasyCard). Minor cities and towns do not have local buses, but have intercity routes that make frequent stops. These can be found using the method in the previous paragraph. Occasionally a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb at a bus stop. Sometimes it is due to a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop. (Taiwanese traffic law and regulation prohibit vehicles from stopping or parking within 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) of a bus stop.) However, a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb just because he or she does not want to wait for overtaking traffic while leaving a bus stop. Therefore, be ''much more careful'' when getting on or off a bus stopped away from a curb, as many motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles will definitely be tempted to overtake on the right side of the stopped bus where people get on and off! (As traffic drives on the right side of the road in Taiwan, buses have doors on the right side.) In Taiwan you need to hail the bus you are taking as you see it coming—much like hailing a taxi. The terminal stop of the route is listed on the front of the bus in Chinese and sometimes English, so it is important to make sure the bus you get on is going the right direction. For city buses, sometimes you pay when boarding, sometimes when alighting, sometimes both (whether with cash or an IC card). As you get on the bus there will be an LED sign indicating that, opposite the entrance. Sometimes it's only in Chinese: 上 means on boarding, 下 means on alighting (or just watch other people). In some cities such as Kaohsiung and Taichung, failing to swipe your card correctly will result in a locked card. ====Navigation==== Google Maps is a quick way to find a route to your destination, but is not always reliable, especially for trips with changes and for longer distance (like in the south and southwest). Often it will highly overstate bus travel times, because it will consider each stop while the bus might only stop at every third or fourth. Hence, a trip from Kaohsiung or Pingtung to Kenting will be stated with 3-4 hr, even though it will just take 1 hr. Therefore, it will also often suggesting the wrong connections and transfers. However, it gives a very good indication on the possible route, vehicle number(s), frequency, availability and price of buses and trains. Besides, the ''Bus+'' app (Android/iOS) is quite reliable with schedules. You can find bus numbers on it, and it will list its (live) route. This is much easier than reading the Chinese bus stop signs. In combination with Google Maps route search it is quite handy. Furthermore, http://taiwanbus.tw/ has a likewise good overview, in case the Bus+ app is not that helpful. === By metro === [[File:VAL256 on Taipei MRT Muzha Line 20050320.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]] The following areas are served by metro, also known as MRT: * [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] by Taipei Metro * Linkou Plateau, western Taipei and northeastern [[Taoyuan]] City by Taoyuan Metro *[[Taichung]] by Taichung MRT * [[Kaohsiung]] by Kaohsiung MRT It is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke in all metro systems past the fare gates. If multiple journeys are to be made, one can purchase a rechargeable IC card. There are 4 cards: EasyCard (悠遊卡), iPASS (一卡通), icash and HappyCash. For basic MRT transport purposes there is little difference between them. All metro systems are reliable, safe, clean and accessible. Disruptions are rare. The Taipei Metro in particular is widely lauded as one of the world's most reliable and efficient, and is often held up as a gold standard for other Metro systems around the world to emulate. Nearly all stations have toilets, elevators and info desks. There are also special waiting areas that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. === By taxi === {{infobox|Betel nut beauties (檳榔西施) |The highways of Taiwan are lined with brightly lit booths staffed by attractive, skimpily dressed young women, but they're not plying the world's oldest trade; instead, they're betel nut beauties, who compete for the attention of customers to sell the mildly addictive stimulant '''betel''' (檳榔 ''bīnláng''), consisting of areca nuts and slaked lime wrapped in a betel leaf, not themselves. Betel itself is worth a try and there is a chance you will be offered it in the company of farmers or working-class Taiwanese. Be warned, it stains your teeth blood red. To consume it, bite and spit off the cap at the top of the nut, then chew the rest of the bundle. Only the first mouthful of saliva must be spit and afterwards one can either choose to spit or swallow and enjoy the buzz. One sampling on your trip shouldn't be a problem, but do keep in mind that this little treat is habit-forming and cancer-causing for long-term users. Due to the known health risks, consumption of betel nuts is declining, and betel but beauties are becoming increasingly few and far between.}} Taxis are very common in major Taiwanese cities. You do not need to look for a taxi, they'll be looking for you. The standard yellow taxis scour roads looking for potential riders such as lost foreigners. It is possible but generally unnecessary to phone for a taxi. To hail one, simply place your hand in front of you parallel to the ground. But they'll often stop for you even if you're just waiting to cross the street or for a bus. In less heavily trafficked areas further out from the transit hubs, taxis are always available by calling taxi dispatch centers or using mobile apps. Drivers generally cannot converse in English or read Westernized addresses (except for special Taoyuan airport taxis). Get the hotel staff or a Taiwanese friend write out your destination in Chinese, and also take a business card from the hotel. Show the driver the Chinese writing of where you are going. Taxis are visibly metered (starting point priced at NT$70), and taxi drivers are strictly forbidden from taking tips. A maximum of four people can ride in one cab, and for the price of one. Compared to European or American taxis, those in Taiwan are inexpensive. Although taxi drivers in Taiwan tend to be more honest than in many other countries, not all are trustworthy. An indirect trip might cost you half again as much. A cab driver using night-time rates during the daytime will cost you 30% more (make sure he presses the large button on the left on his meter before 23:00). Avoid the especially overzealous drivers who congregate at the exits of train stations. Also, stand your ground and insist on paying meter price only if any driving on mountain roads is involved. Some drivers like to tack on surcharges or use night-time rates if driving to places like [[Wenshan]] (文山) or [[Wulai]] (烏來). Such attempts to cheat are against the law. From Taoyuan Airport (TPE), buses are a much more economical option but if you want a direct route Taoyuan airport drivers are the best choice. They're quite comfortable and get you to your destination as quick as possible. All the TPE taxi drivers are interlinked by radio so they could be forewarned if there are police. Sometimes, if there are traffic jams and no police around, the driver will drive in the emergency lane. Taxis from TPE to destinations in Tao Yuan, parts of Taipei county and some other destinations are 'allowed' to add an additional 50% to the meter fare. The badge and taxi driver identification are displayed inside and the license number marked on the outside. You must also be wary that the driver turns on his meter, otherwise he might rip you off. In such a case, you aren't obliged to pay; but make sure you can find a police officer to settle the matter. If there are stories of passengers boarding fake taxis and being attacked by the driver, it is best not to be paranoid about it. Drivers may be more worried about passengers attacking them! If you do call a taxi dispatch center, you will be given a taxi number to identify the vehicle when it arrives. Generally, dispatch is extremely rapid and efficient, as the taxis are constantly monitoring dispatch calls from the headquarters using radio while they are on the move. This is also the safest way to take a taxi, especially for women. Taxis are also a flexible although relatively expensive way to travel to nearby cities. They have the advantage over the electric trains in that they run very late at night. Drivers are required to provide a receipt if asked, though you might find them unwilling to do so. Taxi drivers, as elsewhere in Asia, are not keen on exchanging large notes. Try to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand to avoid the hassle of fighting with the driver for change. Taxi drivers are known for their strong political opinions. Many are supporters of the pan-green coalition and Taiwanese independence, spending all day listening to Taiwanese political talk radio. Drivers also have negative connotations as being former prisoners. Be careful about your opinions on sensitive political subjects (including, but not necessarily limited to cross-strait relations); also be careful of describing your destination which may be perceived politically (such as the President's Office or Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial Hall). Also watch out for drivers who discriminate against other cultures such as taping "No Korean passengers" on their cars. This is sometimes unavoidable as some drivers provoke such discussion. In addition, if you see what looks like blood spewing from the driver's mouth, or him spitting blood onto the street—not to fret–it's merely him chewing betel nut (see box). Keep in mind, however, that betel nuts are a stimulant. Taxi drivers are generally friendly towards foreigners, and a few of them take the opportunity to try their limited English skills. They are most likely to ask you about yourself, and are a patient audience to your attempts at speaking Mandarin. If you are traveling with small children, don't be surprised if they are given candy when you disembark. Women are sometimes warned not to take taxis alone at night. This is not an extreme risk, although there have been incidents where women have been attacked. To be more safe, women can have the hotel or restaurant phone a cab for them (ensuring a licensed driver), have a companion write down the license number of the driver (clearly displayed on the dashboard), or keep a cell phone handy. Do not get in if the driver doesn't have a license with picture clearly displayed in the cab. === By scooter or motorcycle === Scooters with an engine size of 50cc require a license to drive, and should be insured and registered in the owner's name. Foreign nationals with stay less than 30 days do not have an easy way to get a scooter license. Until 2003 it wasn't possible to get a scooter above 150cc. Many of the scooters within cities are only 50cc and incapable of going faster than 80&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph). The more powerful versions known as ''zhongxing'' (重型, heavy format) scooters are now quite common and can be rented for short-term use, or found for sale used at [http://www.englishintaiwan.com English In Taiwan] if you're going to need it for a while. They are '''not''' allowed on freeways even if they are capable of going faster than 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph) unless used for certain police purposes, but that just means you have to take the scenic route. If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter. Attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city. It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying. One Taipei motorcycle and scooter rental service with English language service is [http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card! The average price you may expect is NT$400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets. Another option is to rent a motorcycle. Many foreigners swear by their 125cc Wild Wolf (野狼) motorcycles, and a trip around the island on a motorcycle can be a great way to see the island up close. It is to be mentioned that since 2007, scooters and motorcycle over 550cc are allowed to go on expressway providing that they have a red license plate. They are however to be considered as cars, and as such cannot be parked in scooter parking spaces. === By car === [[File:Traffic restored on the 133K~135K section of Provincial Highway 21.jpg|thumb|View of Yushan Scenic Highway]] An international driving license is required for driving in Taiwan and may be used for up to 30 days, after which you'll need to apply for a local permit. Some municipalities may impose additional restrictions, so check ahead with the rental shop. [http://www.vipcar.com.tw/ VIP Rentals] in [[Taipei]] is quite happy to rent cars to foreigners, and will even deliver the car to a given destination. A deposit is often required, and the last day of rental is not pro-rated, but calculated on a per-hour basis at a separate (higher) rate. The numbered highway system is very good in Taiwan. Most traffic signs are in international symbols, but many signs show names of places and streets in Chinese only. All road directional signs are written in both Chinese and English, though the non-standardized Romanization means that English names can vary between road signs, making it rather confusing. The highways are in excellent shape with toll stations around every 30&nbsp;km (19&nbsp;mi). Toll is charged electronically and you pay the rental company when you return the car. Traffic moves on the right in Taiwan. Parking in cities is generally charged. A attendant will put a payment slip under your windscreen wiper, you can pay at convenience stores. While driving may be the best way to get around the countryside, in larger cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, traffic jams are a problem as is the difficulty of finding a good parking space, especially during the rush hour and traffic tends to get chaotic so you might be better off relying on public transport instead. === By thumb === While Taiwanese themselves don't generally [[Hitchhiking|hitchhike]], foreigners will have it very easy to find a hitch. However, in rural areas people may not recognize the thumb in the air symbol, and you may try pointing your hand to the ground and waving towards you. It is very easy to flag down a car in rural and mountain regions. So, instead of waiting for that one bus a day that goes by, just hitch a ride. Flagging down a car might work on a country lane with little or no public transportation, but doing so on a major road might lead to confusion, with the driver assuming that you are in trouble. A sign, especially one in Chinese, would therefore be of great help. The East coast around Hualien and Taitung enjoys a reputation for being especially good for getting rides. Taiwanese people are very friendly and helpful, so striking up a conversation with someone at a transport café or freeway service station may well see you on your way. === By bicycle === Although Taiwan is known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and Merida), bicycles used to be considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. This has changed, and bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails. The government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10:00-16:00 on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm). * [https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=F299BF5B3142389A Taipei MRT Route Map], bicycles may be loaded at designated stations * [http://www.krtco.com.tw/en/guide_StipulationsforPassengerswithBicycles.aspx Kaohsiung MRT Bicycle Information] (passengers traveling with non-folding bicycles are assessed a flat rate NT$60 fare irrespective of distance) Giant Bicycles Corporation operates a large network of bicycle retail stores that offer '''rentals''' for as little as NT$100 per day, if requested one week in advance. Generally, the day rate is around NT$300 for a modern bicycle. Also, rented bicycles can be picked up at one station and given back another station. This can be convenient if you want to go down the quiet east coast with a bicycle and back up the busy west coast with the train/bus. A one week finesse bike including bags costs as little as €100. Public shared bicycles are also available for rent at automated kiosks in most Taiwanese cities. Rental fees are usually paid using the rapid transit EasyCard or iPass system. There is YouBike in Taipei, which are available all over the city and even 30&nbsp;km out &ndash; see [[Taipei]] for more details. Additionally, many local police stations provide basic support services for cyclists, such as air pumps, and as a rest stop. === By plane === [[File:UNI Air MD-90-30 (B-17918) at Kaohsiung International Airport.jpg|thumb|Domestic plane, Taiwan]] Domestic air travel in Taiwan is primarily for outlying islands, as Taiwan is fairly compact with a modern and efficient rail network. There are also routes that connect the east and west coasts, since there is a geographical barrier between the two. There are no longer any west coast only routes as [[high speed rail]] has made them redundant. The main carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a subsidiary of China Airlines; and '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', owned by EVA. There is also Daily Air and Far Eastern Air Transport. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance, except during holidays. Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx Songshan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by MRT or taxi. Other domestic airports include those in [[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu/Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Taichung]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travellers heading to [[Kenting]] can use the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei. If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option for travelling to [[Kinmen]] and the easiest method of reaching [[Penghu]] and [[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry which is notorious among Taiwanese for its rough ride. ===On foot and navigation=== Taiwan is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting and picturesque trails in its mountainous centre, or just north-east of Taipei. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/ OpenStreetMap], which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] (complex with many add-ons) and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME] (easy but limited). == See == Perhaps due to its political ambiguity and lack of global presence, Taiwan has never been a significant destination for Westerners. Nevertheless tourists from [[Japan]] and [[Hong Kong]] have been visiting Taiwan in droves for a long time, and they are being joined by an increasing number of Koreans, Southeast Asians and Westerners. The island is home to many cultural attractions, with an excellent selection right in the capital. Taipei is a bustling and modern metropolis, with ancient yet lively streets, and world-famous landmarks like '''Taipei 101'''. However, it's also home to the '''National Palace Museum''', '''Zhongshan Hall''', '''Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall''' and the beautifully restored '''Bao'an Temple'''. Bao'an is just one of many striking temple complexes worth a visit. For more, try the '''Zushi Temple''' in [[Sanxia]] or the '''Mazu temple''' in [[Makung]]. The large '''Longshan Temple''' in [[Lukang]] and the '''Confucian Temples''' of [[Changhua]] and [[Tainan]] are fine choices too. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and therefore full of historic sites, especially colonial buildings, and including the Anping "Tree House" that's being slowly reclaimed by banyan trees. If you're looking for some deeper insights in Taiwan's history and culture, there's a wide range of '''museums''' to be explored, pretty much wherever your go. Taiwan retains its place as a major center of Chinese pop culture. In addition, this state is home to bustling cities with modern, high-tech infrastructure, and good transportation infrastructure means that getting around is easy. For those who have grown weary of the hustle and bustle of cities, Taiwan also offers some very impressive scenery and charming historical villages in its rural areas. === Nature === [[File:Taiwan 2009 HuaLien Taroko Gorge Narrow Gap and Road PB140025.jpg|thumb|200px|Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park]] Some people think of Taiwan as a grimy, densely populated industrial island full of hard disk factories, and you may well maintain this perception if you only stick to the densely populated West Coast. However, for those who take time to venture to the more sparsely populated East Coast will quickly find that Taiwan is actually home to some stunning landscapes. The [[Taroko Gorge]] (太魯閣) near [[Hualien]] in particular is very impressive, and should not be missed, with a side trip to the rugged shores at ''Shihtiping'' (石梯坪) as a worthwhile detour. '''Hehuan Mountain''' and '''[[Sun Moon Lake]]''' are beautiful natural attractions near [[Nantou]], while the huge and ancient trees in '''[[Lalashan]]''' make for great hikes near [[Taoyuan]]. In fact, most of Taiwan is covered with mountains which offer breathtaking views, so hiking opportunities are very diverse. == Do == * '''Hot Springs''' (溫泉) – Taiwan's geographical location between an oceanic trench and volcanic system makes it an ideal hot springs vacation spot. There are several hot springs destinations throughout the country, including [[Beitou]] (北投), [[Wulai]] (烏來) and [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). The culture of bathing in hot springs was introduced by the Japanese during the colonial period, and remains firmly entrenched in the local culture to this day. At traditional establishments segregated by sex, you may be expected to bathe nude. However, many other places, particular those geared for foreigners, are unisex and require a bathing suit. ===Hiking=== Taiwan is an island of huge mountains (more than two hundred peaks over 3,000m) and there are many hiking opportunities. [[Taroko Gorge]] is popular for its incredible scenery, and serious hikers can trek [[Yushan]] or Wuling Sixiu, among many others. Even in [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] there are a variety of trails to suit hikers of any level. Serious trekking is rather complicated due to an advance booking requirement (usually 7 days) and lodging lottery&mdash;see http://np.cpami.gov.tw/. Permits are required for many trails, especially remote or multi-day hikes and some (though not all!) in national parks. Nevertheless, there are also many trails available that do not need an application. They are mostly day hikes, but you can always put together your trip sections as preferred&mdash;consult apps that use [http://www.openstreetmap.org OpenStreetMap], like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME]. They have comprehensive and reliable tracks available. ===Shrimping=== Popular locally, and gaining traction with foreign tourists due to YouTube and travel bloggers, is the pastime of indoor shrimp fishing. For an hourly rate (around NT$300/hr), you will be provided with a fishing rod and a seat at an indoor shrimp pool that is regularly stocked with large live Thai prawns. While drinking beer and enjoying the laid back environment, you will be afforded an opportunity to catch dinner with locals. Almost all locales have a few indoor shrimp fishing pools to seek out. Almost all double as restaurants with tables and ovens available for use, allowing you to cook your catch on-site and order additional dishes as needed. ===Events=== * '''[http://www.springscream.com/ Spring Scream]''' (春天吶喊) – A three day outdoor rock concert in [[Kenting]], held every year. In 2011, it will take place on 1–4 April. Tickets are NT$1,400 for all days, all venues; NT$650 for one day, one venue. Kenting's entire area gets swarmed by young people coming to party for 3 days, and Taiwanese TV heavily reports on the latest bikini fashions seen on the spot. Be aware, though, that police presence will be strong, as the festival has a reputation for being rife with illegal drugs. * '''Buddha's Birthday''' (佛祖誕辰) – Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha and a vegetarian feast. It is appropriate to make offerings to the monks and nuns at this time, though it is not mandatory. Lunar Calendar 8th day of 4th month. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (龍舟賽) – A festival to commemorate the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (25 June 2020), and is marked by races of colorful dragon boats at various locations throughout the island. * '''Cherry Blossom Season''' (櫻花季) – Every spring, in [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). * '''Mazu Festival''' (媽祖生) – Festival commemorating the traditional birthday of Mazu, a traditional Chinese goddess who is popularly worshipped in Taiwan. The biggest celebration is an eight-day long "inspection tour" of a Mazu statue from the Zhenlan Temple in [[Taichung]] to the Chaotian Temple in [[Southern Taiwan|Beigang]] and back, though many other temples throughout Taiwan's main island and the outlying islands also conduct their own festivities. Lunar Calendar 23rd day of 3rd month. === Traditional pastimes === Generally speaking, traditional Chinese games such as [[Go]] (圍棋 ''wéiqí'') and [[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]] (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') are popular in Taiwan too. Both games are played at the professional level in Taiwan, and there are numerous tournaments that visitors may watch. While gambling is illegal in Taiwan, '''mahjong''' (Mandarin: 麻將 ''májiàng''; Taiwanese: 麻雀 ''moâ-chhiok'') remains popular. The Taiwanese version of the game derives from the Fujianese form, which differs significantly from the better known Cantonese and Japanese versions, most notably because a hand consists of 17 tiles instead of the 14 used in other versions. Mahjong in Taiwan is mostly a family and friends affair, and is usually played at social gatherings in people's houses. Mahjong clubs generally cater to groups of friends or family members looking to play together, though they can often assist in helping you find other players if you show up alone. While playing for money is not allowed at mahjong clubs due to Taiwan's anti-gambling laws, they will often allow you to exchange the points you win for various prizes. === Performing Arts === '''Glove puppet shows''' (布袋戲) originated in Fujian province on mainland China, and were brought to Taiwan by the first Han Chinese immigrants. Nevertheless, they have since been somewhat modernised and taken on some uniquely Taiwanese characteristics. Another traditional Taiwanese type of performance is '''Taiwanese opera''' (歌仔戲), which originated in [[Yilan]] based on traditional Chinese opera styles. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=New Taiwan dollars | currencyCode=NT$ | date=January 2022 | CNY=4.3 | EUR=31 | GBP=37 | JPY=24 | USD=28 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/twd-taiwan-new-dollar XE.com]}}The currency of Taiwan is the '''New Taiwan dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''NT$'''" (新臺幣 or 臺幣, ISO code: '''NTD''', but also referred to as TWD). The NT dollar is known locally as NT, ''yuán'' (元 or more formally 圓) when written in Chinese or colloquially in Mandarin as the ''kuài'' (塊). One unit is known colloquially as the ''kho&#x358;'' (箍) in the Taiwanese dialect. One dollar is divided into 100 cents, known as a 分 (''fēn'') in Chinese. 10 cents is formally known as a 角 (''jiǎo''), and colloquially as a 毛 (''máo'') in Chinese. Any '''$''' sign you see in Taiwan or this travel guide for Taiwan generally refers to NTD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ for U.S. dollars). Banknotes come in denominations of NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000, while coins come in denominations of NT$½, NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20 and NT$50. The NT$½ coin is rarely seen or accepted because of its low value, and the price of raw materials used to make the coin is more than the face value of the coin. Taiwanese currency is fully convertible and there are no restrictions on taking currency into or out of the island. Currency exchange is possible internationally, although you will get a much better rate if you wait until you arrive at the airport to exchange currency at the 24-hour window. Most banks in Taipei and Kaohsiung will also exchange money or offer cash advances on credit or debit cards. Should you bring American currency, bring newer bills as the banks and exchange-centers (such as in department stores) will only accept the newer notes (notes from 1996 and 2003 are not accepted at most places, due to a high proportion of forgeries bearing these years). Notes which are torn or damaged will probably not be changed, and old-style small-bust notes are not accepted, including the US$2 bill no matter when it was printed. Taiwan National Bank will take older bank notes and bank notes that are wrinkled or torn for exchange. Department stores will not exchange notes older than 1997. Don't forget to show your passport! ====ATMs==== Taiwan has abundant ATMs to withdraw cash from using the Plus or Cirrus systems. Certain banks' ATMs will even tell you your available balance in your own currency or in NT$. There is a per transaction limit of NT$20,000 for ATM cash withdrawals (HSBC Global Access customers may withdraw NT$30,000 from HSBC ATMs). Post office ATMs will ''not'' accept cards without an EMV chip. However, ATMs are sometimes out of cash, especially in remote (mountain) regions. So, make sure you stock up on cash early enough. 7-Eleven ATMs charge NT$100 per transaction, whilst those in Family Marts do not charge a fee. ====Credit cards==== Most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, generally Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. Diners Club, Discover and American Express cards are seldom accepted. Most restaurants and small stores do not accept cards, and cash is the main form of payment. Because street crime is rare, it is common for people in Taiwan to carry large amounts of cash with them. ===== Mobile Wallets ===== Unlike mainland China, QR code based mobile wallet payments are not quite ubiquitous or essential to the point that a visitor would have a hard time without one. In addition, Taiwan's mobile wallet apps generally require foreigners to register with an ARC, limiting the ability of visitors to use it. However, LINE Pay, one of the most popular, is cross-compatible with its counterparts in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, meaning that if you already have a LINE Pay account from one of those countries, it can be used with any linked credit or debit card to make payments at stores in Taiwan that take LINE Pay. Your card will be directly charged in NT$; LINE Pay does not automatically convert to your account currency. This can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry around as some shops that otherwise do not take card payments will take LINE Pay and other mobile wallets. ====Banks==== If you are planning on staying in Taiwan for a longer time, you should consider opening a Taiwanese bank account. While many of the large foreign banks such as Citibank and HSBC have branches in Taiwan, they often require huge deposits in order for you to open an account, so you might wish to consider one of the major local banks such as the Bank of Taiwan instead. You will need to bring your passport and UI number in order to open an account. The UI number is the number on the Alien Residence Card for those on long-term visas. For short-term tourists, they can obtain an "UI No. Basic Information Form" for free from the local Immigration Agency office, but this is not accepted by all banks. The larger banks will often have English-speaking staff available to assist foreigners. === Costs === Costs in Taiwan are generally lower than in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, but higher than in Southeast Asia and mainland China. For a budget traveller on a bare-bones budget, NT$1,000 will get you by for a day, but you'll probably want to double that for comfort. A meal at a street stall may cost NT$50 or less, a meal at a Western fast food restaurant will run you about NT$150 and at the fanciest restaurants, you can expect a bill in excess of NT$1,000. On the high end of the spectrum, hotel rooms at a swanky hotel might cost NT$5,000 or more. Costs diminish significantly the further you go out of the big cities. Taxis are quite reasonable and often have a set fare for common destinations, so ask in advance and haggle if you disagree. === Tipping === Tipping is generally '''not''' practiced in Taiwan. Bellhops in high end hotels and porters at airports are an exception and should be given NT$50 per bag. Also, tipping to show appreciation for exceptional service is not uncommon. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar. In place of tips is a 10% service charge when dining at most full-service restaurants which is automatically added to the bill. ===Shopping=== [[File:Linjiang Street Night Market 20040610.jpg|thumb|A typical night market in Taiwan may sell anything from food to clothing to fortune telling services]] As in many Asian countries, night markets are a staple of Taiwanese entertainment, shopping and eating. Night markets are open-air markets, usually on a street or alleyway, with vendors selling all sorts of wares on every side. In the larger cities you will have a night market every night and in the same place. In smaller cities, they are only open certain nights of the week, and may move to different streets depending on the day of the week. Every city has at least one night market; larger cities like [[Taipei]] may have a dozen or more. Night markets are crowded, so remember to watch out for your wallet! Shops selling the same items tend to congregate in the same part of the city. If you want to buy something, ask someone to take you to one shop and there will probably be shops selling similar things nearby. There are many shopping centres in Taipei where prices are usually fixed and goods are genuine. Otherwise, shopping streets in larger cities like [[Kaohsiung]] and [[Taichung]] can also easily get you what you want. And of course, there is the trendy Ximending (西門町) in Taipei, where you can pretty much find anything associated with the youths, also at fixed prices. Computer chain shops and department stores normally have fixed prices, but at least in department stores you may get a "registered member discount" if you're shopping a lot. Prices at smaller stores and even some hostels are normally cash prices. If you like to use a credit card, the seller normally wants to add anything up to 8% to the price as a "card fee" etc. The fee consists actually of the credit company's commission and also the local sales tax/VAT. If you pay cash, you might not get an official receipt, as then the seller would have to report and pay their taxes in full. If you ask for a receipt or "fa piao" (發票), you will get it but you may need to pay 3-5% more. ===Bargaining=== Whilst [[bargaining]] was OK in the past and expected in night markets as well as smaller stores, nowadays most prices are fixed. Taiwan has become a sophisticated and wealthy country where most Taiwanese, especially from the cities, generally do not request discounts and any such are likely to receive a friendly ''No''. Nevertheless, you will encounter different prices, e.g. cut fruits will cost NT$30 at the Night Market, but NT$80 in tourist areas. However, it is possible to get a discount of NT$20-100 when renting a motorbike/bicycle, searching for accommodation or such, depending on the circumstances and time of day. While you might miss a general bargaining culture and be bewildered by the general bargain inflexibility of Taiwanese, it can on the other hand be calming to know that no one will try to rip you off as it is common in other less-developed Southeast Asian countries. === What to buy === Popular things to buy include: * '''Jade'''. Although it can be hard to know for sure if the item you're buying is real jade or not, some beautiful objects are sold. Most cities have a specific jade market dealing in jade and other precious stones. * '''Computers'''. Taiwan designs and produces a lot of desktops, laptops, and PC peripherals. Travellers might be interested in visiting the large Information Technology Market at Taiwan for the best prices. Desktop computers and components tend to be the same price in Taiwan as in other areas of the world, though peripherals such as cables and adapters tend to be noticeably cheaper. If you're buying domestic, it's best to go to tourist hangouts to buy your stuff as you might be saddled with Chinese documentation otherwise. Also, notebooks are typically only available with a Chinese Bopomofo and English keyboard. * '''Lingzhi''' (靈芝). A type of bracket fungus that is often used as a Chinese herb. It supposedly has many health benefits with an apparent absence of side effects, earning it a high reputation in East Asian countries and making it rather expensive. Taiwanese lingzhi is particularly famous for being of the highest quality. * '''[[Tea]]'''. Taiwan is particularly famous for its oolong tea (烏龍茶) due to the island's predominant Fujianese culture; it is available at many tea shops. Tea tasting in Chinese culture is akin to wine tasting in Western culture and you will find many grades of this same type of tea, with different methods of treating the tea leaves. * '''[[w:Iron egg|Iron eggs]]''' (鐵蛋) irresistible delicacy In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (at a flat rate of NT$1)—bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. == Eat == {{seealso|Chinese cuisine}} {{infobox|Stinky tofu|Undoubtedly the most infamous Taiwanese delicacy, stinky tofu (臭豆腐 ''chòudòufu'') is fermented tofu with a strong odor often likened to rotting garbage. It's usually sold only by outdoor stalls, as the smell would overwhelm most restaurants, but if you can hold your nose long enough to eat it, the taste is quite mild &mdash; but with distinct earthy overtones that many visitors find off-putting. It's most commonly eaten fried, but for extra Fear Factor points, find some ''mala'' hotpot (麻辣鍋) with stinky tofu and gelatinized duck blood.}} [[File:Food_BeefNoodleSoup.JPG|thumb|Taiwanese beef noodle soup]] [[File:Food_AiyuLemonJelly.JPG|thumb|Lemon ''aiyu'' jelly]] Taiwan's cuisine is very well regarded by other East Asians and the ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia, and for many of them, the food is the primary (and sometimes only) reason to visit Taiwan. While not as highly regarded as the food from Hong Kong due to the traditionally high status Cantonese cuisine holds in Chinese culture, Taiwanese food has become more respected. Generally speaking, the foods of Taiwan are derived from '''mainland Chinese cuisines'''. Because most Taiwanese trace their ancestry to [[Fujian]], it comes as no surprise that much of Taiwanese cuisine was derived from the cuisine of Fujian. It is also possible to find [[Szechuan]] (四川) food, [[Hunan]] (湖南) food, [[Dongbei]] (東北) food, [[Guangdong|Cantonese]] (廣東) food and almost every other Chinese cuisine on the island, because many famous chefs from the mainland fled to Taiwan after the communist victory in 1949, and many Nationalist soldiers brought their family recipes with them when retreating from the mainland. That being said, Taiwanese cuisine has absorbed substantial local influences, and significant Japanese influences because of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule, giving it a unique character that distinguishes it from its mainland Chinese counterparts. The Taiwanese are also passionately in love with eggs and seafood. Fruits are another famous part of Taiwanese food. A wide range of fruits can be found at local fruit shops and stations. The subtropical climate allows different fruits to grow nicely. Taiwan also has many of its own '''local specialties'''. A few found island wide include: * '''[[w:Beef noodles|Beef Noodles]]''' (牛肉麵 ''niúròu miàn'') – Noodle soup with chunks of meltingly soft stewed beef and a dash of pickles derived from the cuisines of Sichuan. * '''[[w:Oyster omelette|Oyster omelette]]''' (蚵仔煎 ''ó āh jiān'' – This is the Taiwanese name, as its Chinese name only exists in characters, but not in oral Mandarin), a dish made from eggs, oysters, sweet potato flour and the leaves of a local chrysanthemum, topped with sweet red sauce. The local version in [[Kinmen]] differs quite considerably from the version on the main island, and is closer to the versions served in mainland China's Fujian province. * '''[[w:Aiyu jelly|Aiyu jelly]]''' (愛玉 ''àiyù'') – Made from the seeds of a local fig and usually served on ice &mdash; sweet, cool and refreshing on a hot day * '''Taiwan Sausage''' (香腸 ''xiāngcháng'') – Usually made from pork, it is a modified version of the Cantonese ''laap cheong'' (臘腸) which has been emulsified and is much sweeter in taste. Unlike ''laap cheong'', which is almost always eaten with rice, Taiwanese ''xiangchang'' is usually eaten on its own with some garlic. * '''Taiwanese Orange''' (柳丁 ''liŭdīng'') – A type of citrus fruit which is similar to usual oranges, except that the skin and flesh tend to look more yellowish like lemon. Unlike lemon, it is usually quite sweet. * '''Taiwanese Porridge''' (粥 ''zhōu'' in Mandarin, 糜 ''beh'' in Taiwanese) — Rice porridge cooked with sweet potato eaten all across China but most commonly in Fujian. It is usually eaten with several different dishes or eaten by people with illnesses. * '''[[w:Braised pork rice|Braised pork rice]]''' (滷肉飯 ''lǔ ròu fàn'') – Rice topped with pork belly that has been stewed in dark soy sauce and other spices and chopped into tiny pieces. A classic Taiwanese comfort dish. For a less fatty version, ask for 肉燥飯 (''ròu zào fàn''), which uses minced pork instead. * '''[[w:Taiwan Railway Bento|Railway Bento]]''' (臺鐵便當 ''Tái tiě biàndang'') - A national culinary icon and Taiwanese train tradition, this takeaway dish is a holdover of the Japanese era, and celebrated in Taiwan. The most popular bento is the braised pork cutlet bento. You can find this dish at train stations in Taiwan (though locals compare the quality of railway bento on a station-by-station basis), but adaptations are sold by various restaurants across Taiwan. Most cities and towns in Taiwan are famous for special foods because of the Taiwanese passion for food and influences from many different countries. For example, Ilan (宜蘭) is famous for its mochi (麻吉), a sticky rice snack often flavored with sesame, peanuts or other flavorings. [[Yungho|Yonghe]] (永和), a suburb of Taipei, is famous for its freshly made soy milk (豆漿) and breakfast foods. [[Taichung]] is famous for its sun cakes (太陽餅 ''tàiyáng bǐng''), a kind of sweet stuffed pastry. In [[Chiayi]], it's square cookies, also called cubic pastry (方塊酥), crispy layered cookies cut into squares and sprinkled liberally with sesame seeds. [[Tainan]] is particularly famous among the Taiwanese for its abundance of good food and should be a stop for all gourmands. The most famous dish is arguably the ''coffin bread'' (棺材板). Virtually every city has its own famous specialties; many Taiwanese tourists will visit other cities on the island simply to try the local foods and then return home. Taiwan also has remarkably good '''bakery items'''. Most specialize in sweet Chinese pastries or Western pastries adjusted to local tastes, but look out for ''We Care'' bakeries which also offer Western options such as whole wheat loaves, sour breads and ciabatta. Vegetarians are better catered for in restaurants and variety than in most other countries. Michelin publishes a [https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei guide] to restaurants in Taipei. That said, it does not cover the whole of Taiwan, and most locals only take the Michelin guide with a pinch of salt. === Places to eat === If you're on a budget, the cheapest food can be found in back-alley noodle shops and night market stalls, where you can get a filling bowl of noodles for around NT$35-70. The Taiwanese love to snack and even many restaurants advertise ''xiaochi'' (小吃), literally "small eats", the Taiwanese equivalent of Cantonese ''dim sum''. There are also the standard '''fast food''' places such as McDonalds (a standard Big Mac Meal costs NT$115), KFC and MOS Burger. In addition there are large numbers of convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart) that sell things like tea eggs, sandwiches, bento boxes (便當盒) and drinks. Night markets are also a good place to try some delicious local Taiwanese fare at attractive prices. Examples would be the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) in [[Taipei]] and the Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) in [[Kaohsiung]], each of which has its own special dishes not to be missed. === Etiquette === As with Chinese cuisine elsewhere, food in Taiwan is generally eaten with chopsticks and served on large plates placed at the center of the table and shared among multiple people. Oftentimes, a serving spoon or pair of chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') accompanies the dishes and guests do not use their own chopsticks to transfer food to their plates. The usual traditional Chinese taboos when eating with chopsticks apply in Taiwan as well. For instance, do not stick your chopsticks straight up or into your bowl of rice. This is reminiscent of incense sticks at a temple, and has connotations of wishing death upon those around you. When putting down chopsticks, either place them on the provided porcelain chopstick rest (at fancier restaurants) or rest the chopsticks across the top of your bowl. Also, do not use your chopsticks to spear your food or move bowls and plates. See [[Chinese cuisine#Etiquette|Chinese table etiquette]] for more details. Although there are minor differences between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese etiquette, much of traditional Chinese table manners apply to Taiwan too. === Dietary restrictions === ====Vegetarians==== [[File:Sush Manji.JPG|thumb|The characters 素食 signal the availability of vegetarian food]] All Mahayana Buddhists, which account for the majority of adherents in Taiwan, aspire to be pure '''vegetarian''' in deference to the Buddha's teaching of non-violence and compassion. So, vegetarian restaurants (called ''su-shi'' 素食 ''tsan-ting'' 餐廳 in Mandarin, and often identified with the 卍 symbol) can be found in abundance all over the island, and they run from cheap buffet style to gourmet and organic. Buffet styled restaurants (called 自助餐, which means "Serve Yourself Restaurant") are common in almost every neighborhood in large cities, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup or cold tea is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$90-120 will buy you a good sized, nutritious meal. However, if you cannot find a veggie restaurant, don't fret. Taiwanese people are very flexible and most restaurants will be happy to cook you up something to suit your requirements. The following sentences in Mandarin might be helpful: 我吃素 (''Wǒ chī sù'') - I'm vegetarian, 我不吃肉 (''Wǒ bù chī ròu'') - I don't eat meat. However, as Mandarin is a tonal language, you might need to say both, plus practice your acting skills to get yourself understood. Good luck! NB: If a restaurant refuses your order, don't push the issue. The reason will not be an unwillingness to accommodate your request, but because the basic ingredients of their dishes may include chicken broth or pork fat. Taiwanese vegetarianism (素食) isn't simply vegetarianism, for there is a notion of "plainness" to it. In most cases it excludes items such onion, ginger, and garlic. Buddhists and Taoists consider these items "un-plain" because they potentially cause physical excitement, which could hinder the meditative process. Thus, when offering food to a strict vegetarian, be aware that they may not eat food containing onion, ginger, and garlic. Although vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan do not aspire to '''vegan''' principles, almost all non-dessert dishes at Chinese style veggie restaurants will actually be vegan because Taiwanese do not have a tradition of eating dairy products. Ensure that your dish does not contain eggs, however. ====Allergies==== Awareness of '''food allergies''' is limited in Taiwan. If you can speak Chinese, you can ask restaurant staff about whether the food contains common allergens like peanuts or shellfish, and depending on the chef, they may be able to make some adjustments to accommodate you. Don't expect that level of accommodation from night markets stalls though. A serious '''soy''' allergy is basically incompatible with Taiwanese cuisine due to the prevalence of soy sauce as an ingredient, and '''gluten-free''' diets are very difficult to come by due to the very low incidence of celiac disease in Taiwan. '''Dairy''' is not commonly used in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, so avoiding it should be straightforward for lactose-intolerant people. ====Religious diets==== People on religious diets will have a ''hard time'' in Taiwan, and you will need to do some planning in advance. [[Islam|Muslims]] should contact the [http://www.cmainroc.org.tw Chinese Muslim Association] for advice on where to find ''halal'' food, while [[Judaism|Jews]] should contact the [https://www.jewish.tw/ Chabad Taiwan] for information on where to find ''kosher'' food. == Drink == [[File:HeySong beverage vending machine 20120917.jpg|thumb|Drinks vending machine in Taiwan]] As Taiwan is a subtropical island with the south part in the tropics, it cannot hurt to drink a lot, especially during summertime. Drink vending machines can be found virtually everywhere and are filled with all kinds of juices, tea and coffee drinks, soy milk and mineral water. === Alcohol === Taiwan's legal age to consume alcohol is 18 years of age. Minors caught drinking can face fines ranging from NT$10,000-50,000. Traditional alcoholic drinks in Taiwan are very strong. '''Kaoliang''' (高粱酒) from [[Kinmen]] is the most famous alcoholic drink. A distilled grain liquor, it is extremely strong, usually 140 proof or more, and often drunk straight. Taiwan also produces many types of '''Shaoxing''' (紹興酒), rice wine, which are considered by many as being some of the best in the world. While a relatively newcomer to the scene, Taiwanese '''[[whisky]]''' (威士忌) has been making waves in the 21st century, with local whiskey brand [http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ Kavalan] having emerged from obscurity to win numerous prestigious international awards. Taiwanese people enjoy beer on ice. A wide variety of imported beers are available, but the standard is '''Taiwan Beer''' (台灣啤酒), produced by a former government monopoly. It is brewed with fragrant penglai rice in addition to barley giving it a distinctive flavor. The beer is served cold and recognized as an especially suitable complement to Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine, especially seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi. Taiwan Beer has won international awards, including the International Monde Selection in 1977 and the Brewing Industry International Awards in 2002. Beer on tap is uncommon in Taiwan, and most places serve beer in bottles. For a special and rare treat, ask for the Taiwan Draft Beer (台灣生啤酒), which comes in a plain green bottle. This has a 2-week expiration, so it can only be found at the breweries (there are a few scattered around Taiwan) or at select stores and restaurants in the vicinity. === Tea and coffee === [[File:TimeForTea BubbleTea.JPG|thumb|Pearl milk tea and pudding milk tea, [[Chiayi]]]] Taiwan's specialty teas are '''High Mountain Oolong''' (高山烏龍, ''Gao-shan wulong''), a fragrant light tea, and '''Tie Guan-yin''' (鐵觀音), a dark, rich brew. Enjoying this tea, served in the traditional way using a very small teapot and tiny cups, is an experience you should not miss. This way of taking tea is called ''lao ren cha'' (老人茶), 'old people's tea', and the name is derived from the fact that only the elderly traditionally had the luxury of time to relax and enjoy tea in this way. Check the small print when visiting a traditional tea house though: in addition to the tea itself, you may be charged a cover (茶水費, literally "tea-water fee") for the elaborate process of preparing it and for any nibbles served on the side. One should also try '''Lei cha''' (擂茶; léi chá) a tasty and nourishing Hakka Chinese tea-based dish consisting of a mix ground tea leaves and rice. Some stores specialize in this product and allows one to grind their own lei cha. As with Chinese teas elsewhere, Chinese teas in Taiwan are always drunk neat, with the use of milk or sugar unknown. However, Taiwan is also the birthplace of pearl milk tea, which uses sugar and milk. '''Pearl milk tea''' (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá''), aka "bubble tea" or "boba tea", is milky tea with chewy balls of tapioca added, drunk through an over-sized straw. Invented in Taiwan in the early 1980s and a huge Asia-wide craze in the 1990s, it's not quite as popular as it once was but can still be found at nearly every coffee or tea shop. Look for a shop where it is freshly made. There are two cafes that maintain rival claims to having invented the drink: '''[https://chunshuitang.com.tw/ Chun Shui Tang]''' (春水堂) in [[Taichung]] and '''[http://www.hanlin-tea.com.tw/ Hanlin Tea Room]''' (翰林茶館) in [[Tainan]]. The '''cafe culture''' has hit Taiwan in a big way, and in addition to an abundance of privately owned cafes, all the major chains, such as Starbucks, have a multitude of branches throughout major towns and cities. === Soft drinks === Taiwan is a great place for fruit drinks. Small fruit-juice bars make them fresh on the spot and are experts at creating fruit-juice cocktails (non-alcoholic, of course). ''zong-he'' (mixed) is usually a sweet and sour combination and ''mu-gwa niou-nai'' (木瓜牛奶) is iced papaya milk. If you don't want ice (though it is safe in Taiwan, even at road side vendors) say, ''chu bing'' (去冰) and no sugar (''wu tang'' (無糖)). '''Soy milk''', or ''doujiang'' (豆漿), is a great treat. Try it hot or cold. Savory soy milk is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast dish. It is somewhat of an acquired taste as vinegar is added to curdle the milk. Both sweet and savory soy milk are often ordered with you-tiao (油條), or deep fried dough crullers. There are a lot of pseudo health drinks in Taiwanese supermarkets and convenience stores. Look out for asparagus juice and lavender milk tea for example. == Sleep == [[File:GrandHotel Fountain.JPG|thumb|250px|The Grand Hotel, Taipei]] ===Types=== * For the budget-minded, there are '''hostels''' in Taipei and most other sizable cities. Some hostels are under table which mean they don't have valid license. * '''Motels''' (汽車旅館) can be easily found in suburbs of major cities. Despite the name, these have little if anything to do with the cheap functional hotels that use the name elsewhere; in Taiwan, motels are intended for '''romantic trysts''' and can be quite extravagant in decor and facilities. Many feature enormous baths with massage jets, separate massage showers, marble tiles, and so forth. Suites come with flat screen TVs and centrally controlled sound systems. During the daytime, most offer "rests" (休息) of a few hours, and indeed check-in times for overnight stays (住宿) can be as late at 22:00. [[Taichung]] is considered the motel-capital of Taiwan. * Taiwanese '''hotels''' range in quality from seedy to very luxurious. Despite the complexities of doing business with both mainland China and Taiwan, most Western hotel chains operate in Taiwan such as Sheraton, Westin and Hyatt. Also, there are plenty of five-star hotels around. Keep in mind, however, that many of the international hotels tend to be outrageously expensive, while comparable and much cheaper accommodation is usually available in the same vicinity. For example, the airport hotel at CKS International charges about three or four times as much as a hotel in Taoyuan which is a half hour cab ride away. Taxi drivers and tourist offices are invaluable resources for finding cheaper hotels. * A uniquely Taiwanese form of accommodation is known as the '''''minsu''''' (民宿), which is similar to Bed and Breakfast accommodation that you usually find in the UK. Although typically cheaper than hotels, the facilities can often be as good as those of some higher end hotels, and many are designed around a specific theme (like fairy tale castle, nature lodge) Accommodation at a minsu typically includes breakfast the next morning, and higher end ones sometimes also give you the option of having a home-cooked style dinner. The downside is that most minsu are either in residential suburbs or in the countryside, meaning that transportation is typically less convenient that at centrally located hotels, and the availability of wi-fi can be a hit or miss. In addition, most minsu advertise in Chinese only. * '''Camping''' does not seem to be an issue in Taiwan and is available in many areas, even in national parks like [[Kenting National Park]]. Although, in [[Taroko Gorge|Taroko Gorge (National Park)]] you will have to pay for the camp ground. In general, a small fees may apply at official camp grounds. Inquire with the local tourist information centre where it is possible to camp and where not. Also, be aware there are "poisonous snakes and wasps" signs all over the country. So, make sure you know where you are camping, and how to keep out "unwanted guests". Consult a map like [http://openpoimap.org/?map=hotels&zoom=14&lat=21.93964&lon=120.72386&layers=B00FFTFFFFFFFF OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd], and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME], use, to find existing camp grounds or good locations. ===Remarks=== Nowadays, '''walk-ins''' are often more expensive that online bookings, especially with bigger hotels. It often seems, they cannot even beat their own online prices and you might need to book online instead of paying in cash on-sight&mdash;they will even courteously offer their WiFi for you to do that. Either way, it is advisable that you know what is the actual price online, which gives you a good bargaining ground. Sometimes they will quote a higher price, sometimes they will give you NT$50 less, but often it is just the online price. If you are still in need of a discount, send the ho(s)tel an email or WeChat/Line message quoting the online price. Some will give you 10 % discount on the online price this way, especially for same day short notice bookings. Generally, short notice bookings will give you a better price, since hotels are trying to sell their stock at a bargain price last-minute. However, do not try this for Saturday/Sunday or Holiday/Holiday bookings, this will leave you with bad or no options. Many hotels in Taiwan have both Chinese and Western names, which can differ radically. Find out and bring along the Chinese name (in Chinese characters), as locals will usually not be able to identify the English ones. Hotel beds in Taiwan are generally much harder than in the West because of the old Asian tradition to sleep on a wood board. Modern mattresses can be found in most hotels, but only in the most upscale Western style hotels will you find beds in a real western style. Many accommodations are not staffed 24/7, but they will leave a contact at their door. Often this will be a '''WeChat''' or '''Line''' contact, which are like WhatsApp. Thus, it makes sense to get these apps while travelling in Taiwan. Agoda seems to list more accommodation options than Booking for Taiwan. However, Agoda's way of claiming additional fees and stating dorm bed availability is a little dodgy. It often says "1 person in a dorm" but then "Occupancy: 2 adults". So, better to book each person separately just in case. Also, never choose the option to get charged in you credit card's home currency (€, US$, or so). This will give you a very bad exchange rate. Always select "TWD" as charged currency&mdash;in this case your home bank is indeed your friend. '''Or''' just get the displayed address/GPS, which is always fully displayed, and walk into the hotel. == Learn == Taiwan is home to several good universities, many of which have exchange agreements with various foreign universities, and these are a good way to experience life in Taiwan. The most prestigious university in Taiwan is the '''[https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/ National Taiwan University]''' (國立臺灣大學). === Mandarin Chinese === Some universities in Taiwan have Chinese Promoting Programs (華語文推廣中心) that offers Chinese lessons to foreigners who wish to live in Taiwan or to learn Mandarin Chinese as their second or foreign language. The romanisation system taught here nowadays is Hanyu Pinyin (漢語拼音), whereas in the past they taught Zhuyin (注音), or BoPoMoFo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). The writing system taught is Traditional Chinese and the form of Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect but the Taiwanese accent is quite noticeable. === [[Martial arts]] === There are many styles of '''kung fu''' (功夫) taught in Taiwan, largely by masters who came here with the Kuomintang in the late 1940s. Styles include Ba Gua (八卦), Tai Chi (太極), Wing Chun (詠春), Praying Mantis (螳螂), Shway (水) Shiao and various weapons systems. Many of the students are westerners in these classes, which has led to the rise of several [http://www.theallegra.com/ NHB Allegra] schools, and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Japanese Aikido. Some of the more famous teachers will provide you with the paperwork needed to extend a student visa twice. Taekwondo is also extremely popular and is often a mandatory part of school children's physical education. == Work == [[File:Kaohsiung birdseyeview.jpg|thumb|Kaohsiung skyline]] The majority of travelers who work in Taiwan pick up temporary jobs [[teaching English]]. Jobs teaching other languages (mainly European or Japanese) do exist but have a much smaller proportion of the market. '''Job requirements''': In finding employment with a language school, experience, teaching qualifications and references are not required but obviously help. On paper, a big issue is also made about accents, with the North American English accent being heavily favored over British, Australian and South African accents in many language schools' sales marketing. However, in practice, many schools that advertise 'American English' and claim that their teachers are all from Canada or the USA, actually employ teachers from anywhere. Age is a factor, with applicants in their 20s seemingly being preferred. More than anything, appearance is probably the major factor in finding employment with most schools—Do you 'look Western'?—and reliability and turning up on time for work is then the major factor for keeping your job. Therefore, if you look the part, it is very easy to find a school willing to take you on for at least a few days. This 'look Western' point has quite a bearing. Unfortunately, Taiwan is hardly a great promoter of '''equal opportunities'''. In many schools there is a prejudice against teachers applying for jobs who are not of white appearance, seen as the typical Western appearance in Asian countries. This is independent of whether or not the teacher has relevant teaching ability and citizenship of one of the permitted ARC countries. Many parents who send their children to schools to be taught English expect the teacher to look like they are from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and so on, and so the decision on the part of the school managers is mainly about economics. For those affected by this, it's a sad fact of Taiwan that is unlikely to change in the near future. Good employers without such prejudiced requirements do exist, but greater perseverance is needed when looking for them. It is illegal to work without a '''work permit''' and an ARC (or Alien Residency Permit), and legal work requires a university degree and usually a long (over two month) application process. Alternatively, if you have a lot of money, you can obtain an '''investor visa''' by investing a large sum of money in a local business, which allows you to work for that company in a management capacity. However, illegal employment is easy to find with many school managers being willing to pay under the table for short durations. If caught or reported, you risk criminal charges and could be deported. The government tends to waver from being very lax on this issue under one administration to suddenly taking action under the next; but it only takes one disgruntled student to report you and have you fined and deported. Consider your options carefully! The '''rules for getting an ARC''' do change often and each administrative part of Taiwan has its own ways of handling them, so it is best to check the pages of the [http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/index.php website Forumosa] and find out what the experiences of others are in your area. Keep in mind, that you can only get an ARC for English teaching if you are a 'citizen of a native English speaking country'. Taiwan's government defines these countries to be only the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Almost all teachers apply for an ARC through their employers only after starting work and it is tied to their ongoing employment with that school. Therefore, if the teacher wishes to leave their employment, they will have to quickly find an alternative employer or lose their ARC and hence be required to leave Taiwan. Also, very few schools will arrange an ARC without at least a year-long contract being signed. Frankly, with all this inflexibility, it's no wonder so many teachers opt for the non-legal route. That and tax evasion. Citizens of Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland and Canada aged 18–30 can apply for a '''working holiday visa'''. For more information, visit the [http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=783&CtUnit=80&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs website]. After living in Taiwan continuously for 5 years, you may apply for '''permanent residency'''. If granted, it allows you to live and work in Taiwan indefinitely without restrictions. A lot of the illegal teaching work that the majority of English teachers partake in is simply through '''private student''' tuition with payment being cash-in-hand. You can find a lot of private students around universities that have a Chinese-teaching department—look for the areas where all the foreign students are and check the noticeboards. Because the majority of adult private students want to practice English conversation, you won't need to have any Chinese ability. However, it is definitely a selling point and, if you do have Chinese-speaking ability, it's worthwhile mentioning that in any advertising of your services. Also, once you have some regular students, remember that in Taiwan, as in most Asian countries, 'connections' or 'guanxi' are very important. If your students like you, they will in all likelihood recommend you to their family and friends. Teaching English in Taiwan can be lucrative, as the '''salaries''' are very high compared to the cost of living, typically ranging NT$500-650 per hour before deductions in most language schools, with anything between NT$500-1,000 per hour being negotiable for private students. In the past few years, the flow of would-be teachers into Taiwan has increased dramatically, resulting in stiffer competition for jobs and a general drop in wages, and this trend may continue. Employers of English teachers are notorious for racial discrimination. White people are much more likely to get better offers than those of other races, regardless of ability. Aside from English-teaching, '''other common kinds of employment''' available for mainly native English-speaking travellers include such tid-bits as small acting parts for TV and film, voice talent (video games, dubbing tracks, etc.), editing and even writing educational materials. Many of these jobs are advertised on billboards in Chinese language-teaching institutes and universities, where there are likely to be many foreign students. If after travelling and living there, you find you are '''serious about working in Taiwan''', the most lucrative employment to be had is if you are employed by a multinational company, perhaps in a high-paying country like the UK, U.S. or Australia, and you are sent across to their office in Taiwan. Many foreigners end up doing the same job as their colleagues who were employed in the Taiwan office, but for perhaps 3 or 4 times their pay. == Stay safe == {{warningbox|'''Taiwan treats drug offenses ''extremely'' severely.''' The '''death penalty is mandatory''' for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin and 1.2 kg of opium, and possession of these quantities is all that is needed for you to be convicted. Unauthorized consumption can result in up to 10 years' jail, or a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorized consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if you can prove that they were consumed outside the country and you can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, even if they aren't yours and regardless of whether you're aware of them. Therefore, be vigilant of your possessions.}} === Crime === [[File:CKS Airport drugs sign.JPG|thumb|A sign at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport warns arriving travellers that drug trafficking is a capital offense in the country.]] Taiwan is very safe for tourists, even for women walking down the street alone at night. This is not to say, however, that there is no crime, and you should always exercise caution. In crowded areas such as night markets or festivals, for example, [[pickpockets]] are a known problem. However, it is fair to say that the streets of Taiwan are generally very safe and that violent crime and muggings are very rare. In addition, it is also very unusual to see drunks on the street, day or night. Like anywhere else in the world, women should be cautious when taking taxis alone late at night. Although they are generally safe, it's a good idea to arrange to have a friend call you when you get home and to be seen making the arrangements for this by the cab driver. It also helps if a friend sees you being picked up as taxis have visible license numbers. As an additional safety precaution, tell taxi drivers just the street name and section instead of your exact address. [[File:RPO First Police Section Taoyaun Police Station in Taoyuan Station.jpg|thumb|A police station in Taiwan]] Police departments in most jurisdictions have a Foreign Affairs Police unit staffed by English-speaking officers. When reporting a major crime, it is advisable to contact the Foreign Affairs unit in addition to officers at the local precinct. Police stations are marked with a red light above the door and display a sign with the word "Police" clearly printed in English. For more information see the [http://www.npa.gov.tw National Police Agency website ]. Foreign victims of a major crime in Taiwan are also advised to report the matter to their government's representative office in Taipei. Also, remember that you call 110 for police in Taiwan, and 119 for fire department or medical help. Most of the public telephone booths allow you to call 110 or 119 for free. See "Emergency Phone Numbers" section below. Taiwan is home to many triads (Chinese organized crime syndicates), although they almost never target the average person in the street, and most tourists will not encounter them. Many operate human trafficking rings involving the sale of poor women from Southeast Asia into sex slavery that the government has struggled to tackle. They are also often involved in illegal betting and loansharking, so it is best to be prudent and avoid these. ===Military exercises=== [[File:20160225 台東縣政新聞 萬安39號演習25日下午實施 9ebfd80f-d8a3-4444-8eca-58d3473dff15.jpg|thumb|Evacuated streets during Wan-an Exercise.]] The Taiwanese military organizes regular civil-defense exercise, known as Wan-an Exercise (萬安演習). Air raid sirens are activated for 30 minutes during the exercise, and you are required to follow any evacuation orders made by the military and police. *If you are in a building, you should close all windows and doors and turn off lights. *If you are driving, you must '''pull over your vehicle and make a complete stop'''. Vehicles must not enter any motorways, but must leave the motorway and pull over your vehicle in exits. Traffic police will give proper instructions to drivers and regulate traffic flow. *If you are taking a train/metro, you must not enter the train or leave the station, and should follow evacuation orders given by railway staff, the military and the police. Failure to comply with instructions can result in a heavy fine. === Emergency phone numbers === * '''Police''': 110 *'''Fire/Ambulance''': 119 The police and fire/ambulance offer service in English. For those who need Taiwanese governmental assistance in English, [https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/6928/6940/ this website] has a 24-hour toll-free foreigner service hotline at 0800-024-111, which you may call for assistance. === Natural hazards === Taiwan often experiences '''[[Cyclones|typhoons]]''' (颱風) during the summer months and early fall, especially on the East Coast. Heavy monsoon rainfall also occurs during the summer. Hikers and mountaineers should be sure to consult weather reports before heading into the mountains. A major hazard following heavy rainfall in the mountains is falling rocks (土石流) caused by the softening of the earth and there are occasional reports of people being killed or injured by these. Taiwan is also on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that '''[[earthquakes]]''' are a common occurrence. Most earthquakes are barely noticeable, though the effect may be slightly amplified for those in higher buildings. While the local building codes are extremely strict, general precautions should still be observed during an earthquake, including opening the door to prevent it from being jammed, taking cover and checking for gas leaks afterwards. While most newer buildings have been built according to strict codes that enable them to withstand major earthquakes, some of the older buildings were not constructed to such high standards and therefore are vulnerable to serious damage or collapse in the case of a strong tremor. Taiwan's wild areas are home to a variety of '''poisonous snakes''', including the bamboo viper, Russel's viper, banded krait, coral snake, Chinese cobra, Taiwan habu, and the so-called "hundred pacer" (百步蛇). Precautions against snake bites include making plenty of noise as you hike, wearing long trousers and avoiding overgrown trails. Most snakes are scared of humans, so if you make noise you will give them time to get away. Walking quietly means that you may suddenly startle them around a corner when you appear, and trigger an attack. The Russel's viper, one of the most dangerous snakes in Taiwan, is an exception: it generally prefers to take a stand against threats. === Traffic === Local drivers have a well-deserved reputation for seeming reckless and downright immoral. It is possible (even normal) to obtain a driving license in Taiwan without ever having driven on the roads, and this may be a reason (along with the overcrowded roads) why courteous or defensive driving is definitely not the norm. The guiding principles seem to be that the right of way belongs to the larger vehicle, i.e. trucks have the right-of-way over cars, cars over motorcycles, motorcycles over people, etc. Despite traffic's chaotic appearance, it is viscerally intuitive to yield the right-of-way to a much larger vehicle barreling towards you. It is advisable to use slow and smooth movements over quick or sudden ones. Local drivers regularly cut in front of moving traffic into spaces that seem too small, try to change lanes regardless of the fact their destination is already full, etc. Be aware that during busy traffic (i.e., nearly always) two-lane roads will spontaneously become three-lane, an orange light will be interpreted as 'speed up', and the smallest moment's pause in oncoming traffic will result in ''everybody'' that's waiting trying to turn across it. Drivers routinely enter a junction when their exit is blocked, and are therefore frequently still there long after the lights change, blocking traffic traveling in other directions. Many motorcycle riders also have a tendency to zip through any space, no matter how tiny. Also be aware that motorcycles often travel through areas typically considered pedestrian-only spaces, like the night-markets. If you drive a car or a motorcycle, the obvious rule is that if someone turns in front of you, you should be the one to adapt. To avoid collisions, drivers need to be extremely vigilant for other vehicles creating hazards and always be willing to adjust speed or direction to accommodate. Do not expect drivers to yield way, or respect traffic lights in many areas, especially in central and southern Taiwan. Sounding the horn is the usual way a Taiwanese driver indicates that they do not intend to accommodate a driver trying to encroach on their lane, etc., and does not necessarily imply the anger or criticism, as it does in other countries. One bright side of Taiwan's chaotic traffic is that drivers tend to have an exceptional awareness of the spatial extents of their vehicle and maneuver well, so that even though it continuously looks like somebody is about to drive straight into you, it's relatively rare that they actually do so. Be extra careful when crossing the road, even to the extent of looking both ways on a one-way street. When crossing at a pedestrian crossing at a T-junction or crossroads, be aware that when the little green man lights up and you start crossing, motorists will still try to turn right, with or without a green feeder light. Even on roads where traffic is infrequent and the green light is in your favor, bike riders are still strongly advised to check the opposite lane. ===Homosexuality=== Taiwan is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers. There are no laws against homosexuality in Taiwan and unprovoked violence against gays and lesbians is almost unheard of. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Taiwan on 24 May 2019, making it the first Asian country to do so. Taiwan is also the first East Asian country to have enacted anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of education and employment. There is an annual gay pride event called Taiwan Pride. Taipei is home to a vibrant gay scene, and there are also gay bars in some of Taiwan's other cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. Acceptance among the Taiwanese public tends to be measured, and homosexuality is still considered to be somewhat of a social taboo, particularly by the older generation. Openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is likely to draw stares and whispers from some people. Nevertheless, attitudes are changing and homosexuality tends to be more accepted by the younger people. ===Dogs=== They can be a problem in remote and rural regions, although they are far less numerous than in Thailand and Myanmar. If they get too close to you, picking up a stone or having a big stick is usually a sufficient deterrent. Taiwanese Aboriginals hold dogs in higher regard than Han Chinese do. Many Aboriginal communities have dogs freely running around their communities. == Stay healthy == ===Pollution=== Air pollution can be significant with the highest ratio of scooters per person in the world and a high west coast urban density. You can check air quality real time monitoring [https://airtw.epa.gov.tw/ENG/default.aspx on this page]. For reference the USA standard for fine particles (PM2.5) over 24 hours should be below 35&nbsp;µg/m³. It is a good idea to use a mask that can filter fine particles ([http://aqicn.org/mask/ how to choose a mask]), especially when traveling with the elderly or children. === Water === '''[[Water]]''' quality in Taiwan varies depending on location and time. According to the sole water company of Taiwan, tap water is in general safe to drink. However, it is advised that drinking water be boiled in order to eliminate residual chlorine and bacteria. Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which adversely affects water quality. Some buildings, particularly older ones, may have poorly maintained water towers and/or pipes, resulting in poor quality that is beyond the control of the water company. Depending on the severity, one might either filter the water in addition to boiling or avoid the taps altogether. Alternative options include buying bottled water or going to a "water station" where water is sold through a metered tap. Water from these sources is licensed to be safe for drinking. Bottled water can be bought in 24 hour convenience stores. Water quality in Kaohsiung used to be very poor. As a result, most people today use alternative sources. However, there is little evidence that this is necessary today as the quality has improved drastically. In addition, the mentioned alternative sources today are mostly filtered tap water and do not circumvent the historical source of contamination. === Healthcare === Medicines are available for minor ailments at drug stores. You may also find common drugs requiring a prescription in the west (like asthma inhalers and birth control pills) cheaply available from drug stores without a prescription. Taiwan has both Chinese physicians and Western doctors, both of which are taken equally seriously. However, as a foreigner, the assumption would generally be to direct you to a Western doctor. The quality of the hospitals in Taiwan is excellent and on par with, if not better than those found in the West. Taiwan's healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Legal residents with a National Health Card can avail themselves of the very convenient and efficient national health service, which covers treatment and medication using both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. However, this service is not available to short term visitors on tourist visas; nor does it cover major hospitalization expenses. Still, hospital visits and medicine in Taiwan tends to be far less expensive than in Western countries. Most Taiwanese doctors are able to communicate in at least basic English, and in fact, many of the top ones have obtained their medical qualifications in the US and are able to speak English fluently. However, you may find the nurses to be more of a challenge. === Hiking === Watch out for mosquito bites when hiking in the mountains. Especially in the summer, the humid and hot weather makes mosquitos very active. Most mosquito bites only cause skin irritation and itching, but in some areas of Taiwan it's possible to contract [[dengue fever]] or Japanese Encephalitis (though they are both rare in Taiwan). Mosquito/insect repellent spray can be found at convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) and local pharmacies. If you are bitten by mosquitos, apply a small amount of ointment for irritation relief. == Respect == The Taiwanese are generally a warm and polite people, having been strongly influenced by Confucianism. As Taiwanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, elderly visitors will find most Taiwanese to be very helpful and accommodating. Naming customs and modes of address are generally the same as in mainland China. See the [[China#Respect|Respect]] section of that article for details. === Culture === [[File:Pagode Kaohsiung amk.jpg|thumb|Pagoda in Kaohsiung]] Taiwan shares several cultural taboos/guidelines with other East Asian nations: * When giving and receiving business cards, always do it using ''both hands'' and with a slight bow of the head. Giving or receiving a business card with only one hand is very disrespectful. * Some Taiwanese are superstitious about anything connected with dying &ndash; unlucky things should never be mentioned. The number 4 (four, pronounced 'si') sounds like the word for death in Mandarin. * Do not write people's names in red. This again has connotations of death. When writing someone's English name, this is not a problem, but avoid writing Chinese names in red. * Do not whistle or ring a bell at night. This is an "invitation to ghosts". * Do not point at cemeteries or graves. This is disrespectful to the dead. * There are numerous taboos dictating that certain objects shouldn't be given to others, often because the word for that object sounds like another unfortunate word: ** Clocks. The phrase "to give a clock" ("song zhong"), in Mandarin, has the same sound as the word "to perform last rites." If you do give someone a clock, the recipient may give you a coin in return to dispel the curse. ** Shoes. Never ever offer shoes as a gift to old people, as it signifies sending them on their way to heaven. This is acceptable only if by mutual arrangement it is nominally sold, where the receiving party gives a small payment of about NT$10. ** Knives or sharp objects, as they are made for or could be used to hurt the person. ** Umbrellas, which in Mandarin sound the same as the word for "break up". Friends should therefore never give friends umbrellas. Instead, friends will euphemistically "rent" each other umbrellas for a tiny amount (NT$1, for example). * The Taiwanese are certainly not puritanical and enjoy a drink, especially the locally brewed Taiwan Beer and Kaoliang. However, Taiwan does not have a culture of heavy drinking like in Northern China and it is rare to see anyone drunk on the streets. While over indulging in alcohol is not a social taboo as such (and some people do so at weddings), it is considered a sign of lack of self-confidence and immaturity, and doing so certainly won't gain you any respect among Taiwanese friends. * You are expected to remove your shoes before entering a house. You will find some slippers to be worn by visitors next to the entrance door. It is likely to be the same ritual for bathrooms and balconies where you will be expected to remove your slippers to wear a pair of plastic sandals (though it is less shocking not to use the sandals by then). * As you will get along with Taiwanese people, you are very likely to receive small presents of any sort, such as drinks, food or little objects. These are a very convenient way to lubricate social relations for Taiwanese people, and are especially common between friends in their 20s. You should reciprocate any such presents with something similar, but it does not need to be immediate or specially tailored to that person (i.e., keep it simple). As a teacher you are not expected to offer anything in return, as long as the relationship stays formal. However, beware of the sometimes overly generous parents who can go as far as offering presents running in the thousands of NT$ and who will then expect you to take special care of their child (understand that their expectations will be considered fair in Taiwanese culture). * You are not expected to tip in hotels, restaurants and taxis, though bellhops may still expect NT$50 or so for carrying your luggage. * Much like the mainland Chinese, "saving face" is also a major value in Taiwanese culture. In general, you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes in order to avoid causing major embarrassment and if you really have to, call the person to one side and do it in private, and try to do it in a polished manner. * If you should need to use a temple's washroom, bow to any statues of deities you see on the way whether or not you believe in them. While most people will not mind you using the temple's washroom, they expect you to treat their place of worship with respect. If you plan to offer gifts (such as simple fruits) to the statues of deities in the temple, it is expected that you wash the fruits and your hands prior to offering. In addition, upon entering and leaving a temple, do take and avoid stepping directly on the raised threshold: always try to step over it. You should also never point to the status of deities with your index finger; use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. * You will often see '''priority seats''' (博愛座) on public transportation in Taiwan. These are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children; do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. * '''Cultural identity''' is a complex and sensitive issue in Taiwan. While most Taiwanese people are ethnically Chinese, many people, especially the youth, seek to distance themselves from China with a distinct Taiwanese identity, and will often emphasize their Japanese colonial heritage instead. === Religion === Most Taiwanese people follow a mix of traditional Chinese folk religions and Buddhism, and it is common to visit temples to offer prayers during important festivals or life events. That said, contemporary Taiwanese society is largely secular in daily life, and religion in general does not play a significant role in people's work or political affiliations. Nevertheless, you are still expected to dress and behave respectfully when visiting temples. As in other Asian countries, swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol. They emphatically do ''not'' represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. When visiting temples, be sure to enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inwards). The larger middle gate is traditionally reserved for deities and the Emperor of China. Also be sure to avoid pointing at the statues of deities with your index figure, as it is considered to be very disrespectful. Use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. The most popular traditional Chinese deity in Taiwan is Mazu, a Fujianese shamaness who is believed to have ascended to godhood and now protects sailors, as the Fujianese were largely a seafaring people. [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion among the Aboriginal people, with Presbyterianism and Roman Catholicism being the main denominations. There is also a significant Christian minority among the ethnic Chinese. Taiwanese people are generally tolerant of different religions, and people of all faiths can usually practice their religion without any major problems. The Falun Gong religion which is banned in mainland China is allowed in Taiwan, though attitudes towards them from the local Taiwanese people tend to be very mixed. === Politics === Taiwanese society is rather polarized by allegiance between supporters of the two major political blocs informally known as "Pan-Blue Coalition" and "Pan-Green Coalition", although there are large numbers of people who are either centrist or who don't care. To simplify a very complex situation, pan-blue supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of reunification or maintaining the status quo with China and pan-green supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of establishing a formally independent Taiwan state, among other differences. Although there are some correlations, it is highly unwise to assume anything about a particular person's political beliefs based on what you think you know about their background. Also, this very brief sketch of Taiwanese politics obscures a large amount of complexity. Traditionally, mainlanders, Aboriginal people, Hakka people and people from Kinmen and Matsu tended to be strongly pan-blue, while Taiwanese speakers from Central and Southern Taiwan tended to be strongly pan-green, though this distinction has largely disappeared among the younger generation, who are now overwhelmingly pro-independence. Unless you know your listener well, it is unwise to say anything (either positive or negative) about the current government, about historical figures in Taiwanese history, about Taiwan's international relations, or about relations with mainland China. Some political figures such as Sun Yat-sen (who is also popular in the PRC and with the Chinese government) and Chiang Ching-kuo are generally seen positively, but others (Chiang Kai-shek, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian in particular) arouse very polarized feelings. Some Taiwanese will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China. Others will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is not part of China. Referring to the PRC as "mainland China" (中國大陸 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') rather than simply China will tend not to offend anyone, as the term is generally used to exclude Hong Kong and Macau as well, making it less subjective. Referring to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan Province" will draw a negative reaction from most Taiwanese. "Greater China" may be used in certain business contexts. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many subtleties and complexities here that if you are talking about these things, you've already wandered into a minefield. However, simply referring to the island as "Taiwan" is fine, as that is the name used by the locals, regardless of their political persuasion. Titles such as "Republic of China" are reserved for official matters only. People from Kinmen and Matsu do not identify as Taiwanese and instead identify as Kinmenese/Matsunese or simply Chinese. '''Relations with mainland China''', as well as the '''Hong Kong protests''', are sensitive issues; tread carefully on these topics. Despite the deep mistrust many Taiwanese have of the communist Chinese government, most locals bear little to no animosity towards individual mainland Chinese visitors. As long as you avoid political discussions and behave yourself properly, you should not run into any problems. ===Japanese occupation=== In contrast to other Asian countries, Taiwanese feelings towards the Japanese occupation (1895-1945) are generally positive, though there are exceptions. Some of the older people who lived through the period of Japanese rule often bear a certain degree of nostalgia for that time, although there was strong resistance, and massacres of both Chinese and Aboriginal people were carried out throughout the occupation. Nevertheless, many Taiwanese bear a sense of gratitude towards the Japanese for modernizing Taiwan, and many people who lived through both periods regard Japanese rule more favorably than the subsequent Kuomintang rule under Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese visitors can expect a particularly warm welcome as most Taiwanese admire Japanese culture, and modern Taiwanese culture continues to be heavily influenced by that of Japan. In particular, many shops and tourist attractions are based on a theme of colonial nostalgia. == Connect == ===Internet=== ====''iTaiwan''==== Introduced in the mid-2010s, this is Taiwan's free, convenient and widespread WiFi, and answer to today's mobile-dependent population. ''iTaiwan'' is available all over Taiwan, (according to marketing) in all the 7 biggest cities, but at least all over Taipei, Tainan and Taitung, at all railway/MRT stations (even at the smallest) and most bus stations all over the country, as well as in most tourist information centres. Where it is not available, there exist related WiFis that offer an ''iTaiwan'' login option, or there are other independent but free options like ''.1.Free Wi-Fi'' that require clicking an advertisement to get online. As a foreigner, you have to apply for access at a tourist information centre using your passport. The login is the passport number and the password is your birthday in ''YYYYMMDD'' form. At some free WiFi spots, like in railway stations, there is a power and USB plug to charge your electronic devices. ====SIM cards==== If you want an Internet connection to your smartphone, you can purchase a prepaid 4G unlimited data sim card from Chunghwa Telecom at a cost of NT$300 for 3 days, or NT$500 for 7 days (other periods are available as well). Just walk into any official Chunghwa Telecom shop to apply (also at all international airports). They need your passport and identification documents of your country of origin, driving license or identification card. Other providers in the market are Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, T-Star, and GT. Their pricing is largely the same for visitor plans as Chunghwa Telecom, however they do offer special promotions on their standard prepaid plans from time to time, and for travelers continuing elsewhere after Taiwan, FarEasTone and GT offer a lineup of reasonably priced "travel SIMs" for travel around Asia, Europe, and North America, while Taiwan Mobile offers flat-rate international data roaming on its standard prepaid SIMs. Importantly, if continuing on to mainland China later, these travel SIMs or Taiwan Mobile's roaming plans do not censor data there as a local SIM would. ====Restaurants, cafés, etc.==== Most in-house eateries, shopping centres, libraries and such have free WiFi for their customers available. ====Gaming cafés==== Not that relevant and widespread anymore, Internet cafés aka gaming cafés. These are often found on the first or second floor of buildings and equipped with very comfortable chairs and large screens. Although people do surf the Internet, most people primarily go there for a smooth experience of online gaming. Each hour of Internet access/game play is cheap, coming in at around NT$20. Some machines in the Internet cafés are coin operated. === Telephone === [[File:Payphones of Taiwan Fixed Network at THSR Taichung Station 20070105.jpg|thumb|Payphones in [[Taichung]]]] The standard prefix for international calls from Taiwan is 002, though some other companies may use alternative prefixes at lower rates. Check with your telecom operator for more details. Calls to mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau require international dialling. The country code for calls to Taiwan is +886. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Numbers Starting With 0800 are commercial toll-free numbers, just like the 1-800 numbers in North America. '''Mobile phone''' coverage is generally excellent in Taiwan, with the exception of some remote mountainous areas. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), Far EasTone (遠傳電信) and Taiwan Star Telecom (台灣之星). Taiwan has both 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) and 4G (LTE) networks and inbound roaming agreements are in place between most international providers and at least one of these four (but check with your operator before departure). The last 2G networks were shut down in July 2017. The internationally popular messaging app Whatsapp is not popular in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese use the Japanese messaging app '''[https://line.me/en/ LINE]''' instead. === Media === Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. Taiwan's main newspapers are the Chinese-language ''[https://www.ltn.com.tw/ Liberty Times]'' (自由時報), ''[https://tw.appledaily.com/ Apple Daily]'' (蘋果日報), ''[https://www.chinatimes.com/ China Times]'' (中國時報) and ''[http://udn.com/ United Daily News]'' (聯合報). The ''[https://money.udn.com Economic Daily News]'' (經濟日報) and ''[https://ctee.com.tw/ Commercial Times]'' (工商時報) focus on financial and business news. The main English-language newspapers are ''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]'' and ''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]''. A third newspaper in English, ''[http://etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]'' (formerly ''China News''), is no longer available in print but continues to exist online. Other news sources: *[http://focustaiwan.tw/ Central News Agency] *[http://english.rti.org.tw/ RTI] (Radio Taiwan International) *[http://news.cens.com/ the Taiwan Economic News] *[http://taiwantoday.tw/ Taiwan Today] *[http://www.taipeinews.net/ TaipeiNews.net] *[http://www.taiwansun.com/ Taiwan Sun] Free magazines: * ''Lifestyle'' – Info on Taiwan relating to what's on and current trends (bilingual). * ''[http://taiphoon.pristine.net/main-page.htm Taiphoon]'' – A magazine dedicated to promoting peace and environmental awareness in Taiwan (bilingual). * ''[http://www.journeyeast.url.tw/ Journey East]'' – A travel and lifestyle magazine for northern Taiwan (bilingual). Radio: * [http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT] (short for "International Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available island-wide on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour 07:00–20:00 M–F and 10:00–18:00 on Sa. ===Printing=== Every 7-Eleven and Familymart has cloud printers available for printing documents and even pictures. But for the latter you might be better off with a professional shop. The instructions are in Chinese or English. Costs: NT$1 per document page, plus NT$1 processing fee. == Cope == ===Electricity=== For electrical sockets, Taiwan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as the United States. Electricity is supplied at 110 V at 60 Hz. === Embassies and foreign missions === ''See [[Taipei#Cope|Cope section]] in [[Taipei]] guide'' {{usablecountry}} {{isPartOf|East Asia}} {{geo|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} g1m0oyx70nzkovbx4i0d2juusd7y9q0 4488057 4488041 2022-07-22T02:01:08Z The dog2 35982 /* TRA */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Formasa Station Banner.jpg}} {{COVID-19 box|Restrictions have been implemented throughout Taiwan due to a surge in COVID cases. Taiwan has '''barred entry to non-resident foreign nationals indefinitely.''' International transit passengers are allowed starting from June 15, 2022, provided they do not leave the secure area of the airport. Those allowed to enter the country are required to '''quarantine for 14 days'''. ''(See [[Taiwan#Get in|Get in]] for more information)''| lastedit=2022-07-20}} '''[https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/ Taiwan]''' (Traditional Chinese: 台灣 or 臺灣, ''Táiwān'') is an island nation off the coast of southeastern mainland [[China]]. The island is officially known as and governed by the '''Republic of China''' (中華民國 ''Zhōnghuá Mínguó'') or '''ROC'''. Shaped roughly like a sweet potato, the nation is home to more than 23 million people and is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. Although most of the population is ethnically Chinese, the legacy of Japanese colonial rule still pervades much of Taiwanese life, and there is also indigenous Austronesian culture to explore for the truly intrepid traveler. {{disclaimerbox|While the political status of Taiwan is a controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveler's point of view, Taiwan is under the ''de facto'' control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate country. ''This page does not represent a political endorsement of the claims of either side of the dispute.''}} == Regions == {{Regionlist | regionmap = Taiwan_Regions_Map.png | regionmapsize = 350px | regionmaptext = Map of Taiwan with regions color-coded (Matsu is not included) | region1name=[[Northern Taiwan]] | region1color=#b08eb0 | region1items=[[Hsinchu]], [[Hsinchu County]], [[Keelung]], [[New Taipei]], [[Taipei]], [[Taoyuan]] | region1description=The capital city, main airport and technology hub of the island | region2name=[[Central Taiwan]] | region2color=#efb86e | region2items=[[Changhua County]], [[Miaoli County]], [[Nantou County]] and [[Taichung]] | region2description=Scenic mountains and lakes and major national parks | region3name=[[Eastern Taiwan]] | region3color=#77c283 | region3items=[[Yilan County]], [[Hualien]], [[Hualien County]], [[Taitung County]], [[Taitung]] | region3description=Hualien and Taitung are cut off from the rest of the island by the central mountains; this is a region of great natural beauty, and the main center of indigenous Austronesian culture | region4name=[[Southern Taiwan]] | region4color=#75a4c3 | region4items= [[Chiayi County]], [[Kaohsiung]], [[Pingtung County]], [[Tainan]] and [[Yunlin County]] | region4description=The tropics of Taiwan with beaches and palm trees and the third largest city | region5name=Outlying Islands | region5color=#c9cf7b | region5items=Tiny islands also governed by the Republic of China: [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]], just off the coast of mainland China's [[Fujian]] Province, [[Penghu]] in the straits, [[Green Island (Taiwan)|Green Island]] and [[Orchid Island]], east of Taiwan | region5description=Small islands that are popular getaway destinations with the locals. }} <br clear="right" /> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b08eb0|title=[[Northern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249994,Q74054,Q249996,Q244898,Q1867,Q115256}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q133865,Q63706,Q82357,Q245023}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Eastern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q237258,Q249868,Q249904}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249995,Q166977,Q181557,Q194989,Q140631,Q153221}} == Cities == {{mapframe|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|title=Taiwan High Speed Rail|wikidata=Q706198|type=geoline|stroke=#c35617|stroke-width=4|stroke-opacity=1}} [[File:TWTC ITB, TICC and Taipei 101 20100410 night.jpg|thumb|300px|Taipei at night]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taipei]]|wikidata=Q1867}} (臺北 or 台北) – The seat of government of Taiwan ROC, as well as the center of commerce and culture. Taipei is also home to Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Miaoli]]|lat=24.57|long=120.82}} (苗栗) – The main center of Hakka culture in Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hualien]]|wikidata=Q713310}} (花蓮) – Near Taroko Gorge and considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan's cities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Jiufen]]|wikidata=Q31093}} (九份) – A former gold mining town on the northeast coast visited for its quaint streets and picturesque views. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kaohsiung]]|wikidata=Q181557}} (高雄) – The third-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest sea ports (the Port of Kaohsiung) in the world and it has the island's second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taichung]]|wikidata=Q245023}} (臺中 or 台中) – The second-largest city on the island. In the center-western region of Taiwan, and famous among the Taiwanese for its pastries such as sun cakes and pineapple cakes. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Puli]]|wikidata=Q706544}} (埔里) – At the geographical center of the island, making it a good base for exploring the central mountains and [[Sun Moon Lake]]. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tainan]]|wikidata=Q140631}} (臺南 or 台南) – The oldest city and former capital of Taiwan. It is famous for its historic buildings, and as the unofficial culinary capital of Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taitung]]|lat=22.758333|long=121.144444}} (臺東 or 台東) – On the southeastern coast, a laid back city that is known for beautiful scenery and large Aboriginal population. == Other destinations == [[File:Alishan Forest Staircase2.JPG|thumb|240px|Mountain trail in [[Alishan]]]] People tend to think of Taiwan as a small, crowded island filled mostly with electronic factories, and if you stay in Taipei or along the west coast you might indeed maintain that impression. However, the island is also home to high mountain ranges, great beaches and stunning national parks, many with hot springs. * {{marker|name=[[Alishan]]|wikidata=Q707585}} (阿里山) – Misty forests of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises at the center of the island, reached by a scenic narrow-gauge train * {{marker|name=[[Kenting National Park]]|wikidata=Q707982}} (墾丁國家公園) – At the extreme southern tip of the island, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. * {{marker|name=[[Shei-pa National Park]]|wikidata=Q707996}} (雪霸國家公園) – A park spanning mountains and rivers in [[Hsinchu County]]—great hiking trails * {{marker|name=[[Sun Moon Lake]]|wikidata=Q716206}} (日月潭) – Nestled at 762 m (2,500&nbsp;ft) in lofty mountains in [[Nantou County]], this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. * {{marker|name=[[Taipingshan]]|wikidata=Q30020365}} (太平山) – A historic logging area and one of Taiwan's most scenic spots. Located in [[Yilan County]]. * {{marker|name=[[Taroko Gorge]]|wikidata=Q707427}} (太魯閣峽谷 ''Tàilǔgé'') – An impressive gorge off the east coast * {{marker|name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]]|wikidata=Q709029}} (陽明山國家公園) – Spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei * {{marker|name=[[Yushan]]|wikidata=Q500275}} (Jade Mountain/玉山) – At 3,952 m the highest mountain in not just Taiwan, but in the entire eastern ⅔ of East Asia * {{marker|name=[[Lalashan]]|wikidata=}} (拉拉山) – In [[Taoyuan County]], "Lala" means "beauty" in the indigenous Atayal language. Mt. Lala is one of natural protection zones in Taiwan. There are some 500–2,800-year-old "divine" trees including the No. 5 divine tree, which is reputedly even older than Confucius. Lalashan is best known for its peach trees, and peach season (July–August) is the most beautiful time to visit Mt. Lala. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=LocationROC.png}} Taiwan is home to a large number of impressive scenic sites, and Taipei is a cultural center of entertainment and leisure activities. The island is also a center of Chinese-language pop culture with a substantial entertainment industry. Japanese and an increasing number of mainland Chinese enjoy taking short trips to Taiwan and enjoy its neighborly hospitality. Taiwan is home to some well-known international companies such as Acer, MSI, Asus, HTC, and Giant Bicycles, whose technologies are some of the most advanced in the world. === History === {{seealso|Imperial China|Chinese Revolutions|Japanese colonial empire|Pacific War}} Taiwan was first populated 30,000 years ago by an Australo-Melanesian group known as the Negrito. The Negrito were eventually assimilated and displaced 5,000 years ago by Proto-Austronesians who arrived from the east coast of mainland China, predominantly from what is now Fujian province. Due to linguistic diversity on Taiwan, these people have been suggested to be the ancestors of [[Austronesian]] speakers across Southeast Asia, the Pacific and even Madagascar. Recorded history began with the partial colonization of Taiwan by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and then the Portuguese in the early 17th century. (The old name of Taiwan, ''Formosa'', comes from the Portuguese ''Ilha Formosa'' for "beautiful island".) Han Chinese immigrants arrived in significant numbers with the onset of European trade. The Ming loyalist Koxinga defeated the Dutch garrisons and set up Taiwan as a rump Ming Empire with the hope of reconquering Qing China. His grandson surrendered to the Qing in the late 1600s. Although contact between China and Taiwan dates back thousands of years, it was not until larger numbers of ethnic Han residents arrived during the Qing dynasty that Taiwan was formally integrated into China as part of Hokkien (Fujian) province. It became a separate province in 1887. The years of Han Chinese settlement during the Qing Dynasty were marred by conflict between the Han settlers and the Aboriginal people, between the Minnan and Hakka speakers among the Han settlers, and between the [[Quanzhou]] and [[Zhangzhou]] immigrants among the Minnan speakers. All these resulted in Minnan speakers largely occupying the fertile lowlands along the coast, the Hakkas being forced to occupy the middle elevations in the mountains, and the Aboriginal people being forced to higher elevations in the mountains and the more typhoon-prone east coast. Defeated by the Japanese, the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan to [[Japan]] under the terms of the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Japan ruled the island until the end of World War II in 1945, and exerted profound influences on its development. The island's entertainment and pop culture was and still is heavily influenced by that of Japan. Much of the infrastructure built by the Japanese can still be seen on the island, and has been in fact continuously used up to the present day (e.g. railroad crossing gates, administrative buildings, and the old port at Kaohsiung). During [[Pacific War|World War II]], many Taiwanese, both Aboriginal and Han Chinese, served in the Imperial Japanese Army, many of whom have been enshrined in the controversial [[Tokyo/Chiyoda#Yasukini Shrine|Yasukuni Shrine]] in [[Tokyo]]. Like their counterparts in [[Korea]] and other occupied territories, many Taiwanese women were forced to serve as "comfort women" (i.e. sex slaves) in Japanese military brothels. Upon the resumption of Chinese rule, the ''Kuomintang'' (KMT, 國民黨) under Chiang Kai-shek, also known as the Nationalists, was suspicious of many of the locals in Taiwan, due to the fact that many Taiwanese had served in the Japanese military and civil service during World War II. Moreover, as the Japanese had sought to turn Taiwan into a model colony, despite having been discriminated against, many locals had seen their standards of living improve under Japanese rule, and were disillusioned by the corruption and incompetence that plagued the Kuomintang at that time. Tensions between the new Kuomintang government and the locals culminated in the '''228 incident''' on 28th February 1947, when many locals revolted against Chinese rule, and the Kuomintang responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of people being killed, and purging many of the Japanese-educated intellectuals in the process. Taiwan would also be placed under martial law following the incident, which would only be lifted in 1987. Discussion of the incident was banned under the years of martial law, but was brought back to the fore once again following democratization in the 1990s, and the incident remains a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day. [[File:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|350px|National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] In the early 20th century, the Nationalists and Communists fought a major bloody civil war in mainland China. Although the two sides were briefly united against Japan during World War II, they quickly began fighting again after the war was over. Eventually, the Communists were victorious in 1949. The Nationalist government, remnants of their army, and hundreds of thousands of supporters then fled to Taiwan, though they would also retain control of several offshore islands of Fujian. From Taipei, they continued to assert their right as the sole legitimate government of all China. Initially very repressive, the government began to loosen control in its fourth decade under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek's son, Chiang Ching-kuo. Taiwan also experienced rapid economic growth and modernisation under the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo, becoming one of the world's richest and most modern economies and earning it a place as one of the East Asian Tigers. Today, Taiwan is generally regarded as a modern, developed economy, and still remains a leader in consumer electronics that is home to well-known computer brands such as Acer, Asus, Garmin, Gigabyte and HTC. Democratization began in earnest through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating with the first direct presidential elections in 1996, and the first peaceful transition of power between two political parties in 2000. Taiwanese politics remain dominated by the issue of relations between Taiwan and the [[China|People's Republic of China]], which still claims Taiwan as a "renegade province" and regularly threatens military action if Taiwan attempts to break away from the awkward '''One China''' status quo, whereby both sides agree that there is only one Chinese nation, but disagree on whether that one nation should be governed by the PRC or the ROC. To summarize a ''very'' complex situation, the '''Pan-Blue''' (泛藍) group spearheaded by the KMT supports eventual unification with the mainland when the political climate is right, while the '''Pan-Green''' (泛綠) group led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports eventual formal independence under the name "Republic of Taiwan". The split extends down to trivial issues like Chinese romanization &mdash; the KMT prefers the mainland's ''Hanyu pinyin'', the DPP prefers a Taiwan-made variant called ''Tongyong pinyin'' &mdash; and political demonstrations and rallies, always turbulent, on occasion even turn violent. In 2014, the '''Sunflower Movement''' was formed in opposition to deepening trade relations between Taiwan and mainland China that was being pursued by the then-KMT government. Although mainland China has been Taiwan's most important trading partner since 2008, many Taiwanese were fearful that deepening economic ties would lead to the Chinese Communist Party using this economic dependence to coerce democratic Taiwan into unifying with mainland China under communist rule. Things came to a head when student protesters stormed the Legislative Yuan on 18 March 2014, forcing the government to abandon ratification of a recently-signed trade deal with mainland China, marking the first time the Taiwanese legislature had been successfully occupied by civilian protesters. The movement is today considered a watershed moment in Taiwanese political history, as it led to the political awakening of much of the formerly apolitical younger generation, galvanized a distinct Taiwanese identity, and united most of the younger generation behind the pro-independence camp. === Government and politics === Taiwan is a presidential republic modelled after the American system of government. The President is popularly elected every four years for up to two terms, and is the head of state. The President has the sole authority to appoint members the executive branch, known as the '''Executive Yuan''', whose leader, known as the Premier, serves as the head of government. The legislative branch is known as the '''Legislative Yuan''', often referred to as the "Parliament", which is elected by the people every four years in parallel with the presidential elections. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy known for its exceptionally dramatic parliamentary sessions, with physical fights between legislators on the floor being a regular occurrence. The other branches of government are the '''Judicial Yuan''', which tops the judiciary branch, the '''Examination Yuan''', which administers civil service examinations, and the '''Control Yuan''', which is responsible for auditing the government's finances. The two main parties in Taiwanese politics are the '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) and the '''Democratic Progressive Party''' (DPP). Generally speaking, the KMT is more socially conservative, and favors friendlier ties with China, while the DPP is more socially liberal, and favors closer ties with Japan and the United States, as well as taking a tougher stance against China. While the older generation is politically split, the younger generation is overwhelmingly pro-DPP. === People === Taiwan was originally populated by indigenous peoples that spoke various Austronesian languages, which are related to Malay, Tagalog and Indonesian. Today the remaining indigenous peoples make up only about 2% of the population, while the other 98% are considered ethnically Han Chinese. The ethnically Han Chinese are further split into Taiwanese, who make up about 84% of the population and whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and mainlanders, who make up about 14% of the population and whose families fled to Taiwan from the mainland after the communist takeover of China in 1949. Among the Taiwanese group, Hoklo (Minnan) speakers form the majority, which is about 70% of the population, while the remaining 14% are largely Hakka speakers. In modern times, Taiwan is also home to immigrants from elsewhere, especially other Asian countries such as Malaysia (most of whom are ethnically Chinese), Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The post-1949 Chinese immigrants come from every province and include many non-Han residents. === Culture === Taiwanese culture is largely based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly that of [[Fujian]] province, because most Taiwanese are Han Chinese whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan from that region. However, in the 20th century, Taiwanese culture diverged from that of mainland China. Substantial Japanese influences can be seen in modern Taiwanese culture because of 50 years of Japanese rule, and this can be seen in its cuisine and in its pop culture. In addition, the Japanese introduced baseball and hot-spring bathing to Taiwan, and these remain popular pastimes for the Taiwanese to this day. As Taiwan was spared from the Cultural Revolution, the Taiwanese have also retained some elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China. Indigenous Austronesian or "Formosan" culture has greatly suffered under multiple different waves of colonial rule. It is having a resurgence today but many aspects of it have been lost forever which is evident in how the majority of the Formosan languages are extinct or moribund. However, efforts are being made to revive the culture through the introduction of the Aboriginal languages into the school curriculum. Numerous indigenous Taiwanese have had successful careers in the entertainment industry, perhaps the most famous example being the singer Kulilay Amit, better known by her Chinese name Chang Huei-mei, who is of Puyuma ethnicity. === Climate === [[File:Footbridge, Taroko 01.jpg|thumb|240px|Taroko Gorge suspension bridge]] Lowland Taiwan has a marine tropical climate during the summer, with sweltering, humid weather (above 30&nbsp;°C, 86&nbsp;°F) from Jun-Sep. In the winter the weather is influenced by the nearby continent, and in the northern areas the temperature can go as low as 8&nbsp;°C at night. The best time of year to visit is from Oct-Dec, although even then occasional typhoons can spoil the fun. Spring is also nice, although it rains more than during autumn. During the typhoon season, the east coast bears the brunt of the damage as it is facing the Pacific Ocean. In the mountainous regions you will encounter more temperate conditions. Rapid weather change can endanger unprepared visitors, so advice on proper preparation should be obtained before visiting those areas. In fact, it snows every year on Taiwan's highest mountains and occasionally even on mountains like Alishan. === Taiwanese calendar === The ''Minguo'' (民國, ROC) calendar, counting years from the establishment of the ROC (1911), is commonly used in Taiwan. To convert a ''Minguo'' date to A.D., just add 1911. {{CURRENTYEAR}} is Minguo {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}−1911}}. Months and days are according to the standard Gregorian calendar for almost everything except traditional holidays and religious matters, which use the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. === Festivals === {{CNYdates}} As Taiwan is majority Han Chinese, traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in Taiwan. Among the most notable are: *'''Chinese New Year''' (春節). This is the most important festival for the Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close on the first three days so it is not an ideal time to visit. However, the days leading up to the festival and the fourth to fifteenth days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Chinese New Year songs. *'''Tomb Sweeping Day''' (Ching Ming Festival, 清明節). This is when many Taiwanese pay respects at their ancestors' graves. *'''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午節). This festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin. To prevent the fishes from eating his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fishes and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten on them to scare away the fishes. Since then, dragon boat racing has been carried out on this day and rice dumplings are also eaten. *'''Hungry Ghost Festival''' (Ghost Month, 中元節). This festival runs throughout the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world. In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese offer food and burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held to appease these wandering spirits. *'''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (Moon Festival, 中秋節). Legend has it that on this day, a woman known as Chang E swallowed some divine pills to prevent her power hungry husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day. This is when many lanterns are put up for decoration in various parks and shops, which is quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so it would be an ideal time to try some. Many Taiwanese have barbecue with family or friends as part of the celebration. === Terrain === [[File:Jiuwanshibaguai.JPG|thumb|Cliffs meet the eastern coast of Taiwan, Hualien County]] Taiwan is largely mountainous with a chain of mountains running from north to south at the centre of the island. The west coast is largely plains and unsurprisingly is where most of the population is concentrated, and is where all the larger cities like [[Taichung]] and [[Kaohsiung]] are located. The east coast also has some plains but they are more sparsely populated due to the higher typhoon risk, but is also home to the cities of [[Hualien]] and [[Taitung]] with significant populations. === Sports === Baseball was brought to Taiwan by the Japanese during the colonial period. Its popularity rose greatly when the Taiwanese baseball team finished second in the Japanese national championships. Today, baseball retains a strong following and remains by far the most popular spectator sport in Taiwan. Several Taiwanese players have also gone on to successful careers in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Taiwanese national team is considered to be one of the strongest in the world. Besides baseball, basketball also has a sizeable following in Taiwan and is quite popular among teenagers. When classes are over, the basketball courts inside schools are not only open to students but also the public. Billiards<!--WHICH VARIANT(S)--> is another popular sport in Taiwan. It's easy to find billiard rooms throughout the country and there are also many championship-winning players in Taiwan, most of whom started training when they were still teens. Other sports which are popular include Taekwondo, table tennis and golf. In international sporting competitions, such as the Olympic Games, Taiwan is called "Chinese Taipei" for political reasons. == Talk == {{infobox|You say Zhongshan, I say Chungshan...|The romanization of Chinese used in Taiwan is not standardized. Most older place names and personal names are derived from a simplified version of Wade-Giles. The government established Hanyu Pinyin (the same system used in the mainland and the international standard) as the official system in 2009, but most local governments that did not already use the system have not switched over, and highway signs are only being gradually changed from the Tongyong Pinyin system, leading to much inconsistency. Some local governments, such as that of Taipei and Taichung, have already converted their street signs to Hanyu Pinyin and New Taipei is implementing the switch to Hanyu Pinyin. However, there are still street signs posted by city governments next to signs installed by the national government having different romanization conventions, as is the case for Kaohsiung, where Tongyong Pinyin, not Hanyu Pinyin, is the local standard. For example, Zhongshan, Chungshan, Jungshan and Jhongshan can easily refer to the same Chinese name. This article attempts to use the romanizations most commonly used ''in'' Taiwan (on street signs, buses, tourist maps, etc.) People know romanisation as 'Roma-Pinyin' (Luoma-Pinyin).}} Taiwan's official languages are four varieties of Chinese — '''[[Chinese phrasebook - Traditional|Mandarin]]''', '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]]''' (a dialect of Minnan), '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''', and '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Matsu dialect]]''' — as well as the '''Aboriginal Austronesian languages''' and '''Taiwan Sign Language'''. Mandarin is the ''lingua franca'', but Taiwanese is the mother tongue of about 70% of the population. In the North where there is a large concentration of so-called "mainlanders" (those whose families came to Taiwan from mainland China in the 1940s as refugees of the Chinese Civil War), most people speak Mandarin as their primary language (although Taiwanese is spoken in abundance), but in the South of the island, Taiwanese is far more common. Hakka is the main language at the middle elevations of the mountainous parts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka are all tonal languages, and are difficult for most foreigners to master. Aboriginal languages can mostly be heard on the East Coast and its offshore islands, as well as at higher elevations in the mountains. The Matsu dialect is a variant of the Fuzhou dialect (also known as ''Hokchiu'' or ''Foochow''), and is almost exclusively concentrated in the [[Matsu]] islands located close to [[Fuzhou]] in mainland China. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (漢字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and many overseas Chinese still use the '''traditional characters''', whereas since the 1950s mainland China has used simplified characters, such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". There are multiple ways of romanizing Mandarin Chinese, but '''pinyin''' (漢語拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn'') is the most useful for a visitor to learn. It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). (However, people in Taiwan are more familiar with a phonetic alphabet called Zhuyin (注音 ''zhùyīn'', written using Zhuyin as ㄓㄨˋ　ㄧㄣ), commonly known in English as '''bopomofo''' (named after the first four letters, ㄅㄆㄇㄈ), which is used for language education and typing.) All dialects of Chinese are also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; Mandarin tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the world, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects'''. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects would read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and couldn't carry on a spoken conversation with each other. Although standard Mandarin in Taiwan is nearly identical to standard Mandarin in mainland China (with differences mostly in technical and translated terms invented post-1949), most people in practice speak a distinctly accented version known as Taiwanese Mandarin. For example, Taiwanese Mandarin tends to not differentiate between the "S" and "Sh" or the "f" and "h" sounds in Mandarin. All people schooled after 1945 are generally fluent in Mandarin, though older people from rural areas often have a very thick accent. Mandarin is fairly popular with young people. Some elderly people do not speak Mandarin as they were schooled in Japanese or not at all. Most Taiwanese are very accepting of foreigners and react with curiosity and admiration for trying the local tongue. Generally, most people in Taiwan converse using a combination of Mandarin and Taiwanese by code-switching. The Taiwanese dialect is a variant of Minnan which is similar to the dialect spoken across the Taiwan Strait in [[South Fujian]]. Unlike in South Fujian, Taiwanese Minnan has some loan words from Japanese as a result of 50 years of Japanese colonization. Taiwanese Minnan and [[Xiamen]] Minnan are both mixtures of the [[Zhangzhou]] and [[Quanzhou]] accents, so as a result, Taiwanese Minnan sounds very similar to Xiamen Minnan. There is also dialectal variation in Taiwanese between different parts of the island; the [[Tainan]] dialect is generally considered to be the prestige dialect. All public announcements in the transportation system are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka, with the exception of the [[Matsu]] islands, where announcements are made in Mandarin and the local Matsu dialect. Especially in Taipei, younger people generally speak a basic conversational level of '''English'''. The children often understand more English than their parents, especially with the emphasis on English language education today, and English being a compulsory subject in Taiwanese schools. However, attempts to speak Mandarin or Taiwanese will be met with beaming smiles and encouragement, by and large. Quite a few people, especially in Taipei, are proficient in '''[[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]]''' due to the high number of Japanese visitors. Staff for tourist attractions such as the Taipei 101, museums, hotels, popular restaurants and airport shops speak Japanese in addition to English, Mandarin and other local languages. In fact, if you are a visitor of East Asian descent who cannot understand Chinese, when a worker realizes this he or she may try speaking to you in Japanese before trying English. There has been an increasing usage of '''[[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]''' by tourism boards due to the large number of Korean people visiting Taiwan. Thus, there are many signs across Taiwan written in Korean. An enthusiasm for Korean-language education due to the influence of Korean pop culture is also gaining momentum. Due to the increasing number of Southeast Asian tourists visiting Taiwan, '''[[Thai phrasebook|Thai]]''', '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' and '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]''' are spoken by some tourist personnel. '''Taiwan Sign Language''' is the language of the deaf community. It has partial mutual intelligibility with Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language, but not with Chinese Sign Language or Hong Kong Sign Language. == Get in == {{COVID-19 box|Taiwan has tightened entry restrictions in response to the spread of COVID-19, in particular the Delta variant of the virus. '''Non-resident foreign nationals are barred from entering or transiting Taiwan indefinitely.''' Valid visas to enter Taiwan have been suspended, and Taiwan is not issuing new visa permits at this time. Those who need to travel to Taiwan because of special circumstances can apply for a special entry permit from Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center and a Taiwanese diplomatic mission. If it is granted, you'll need to [https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/ pre-register online], present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a designated hotel or quarantine facility. Travelers will be required to bear the costs for the quarantine stay, unless arriving from a country or territory that has been designated as "high risk". <small>For more information, see the websites for the [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En Taiwan Centers for Disease Control] and [https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs].</small>| lastedit=2021-06-27}} ===Entry requirements=== [[File:Visa policy of Taiwan.svg|thumb|450px|Visa policy of Taiwan{{legend|#F60501|Taiwan}}{{legend|#20B44A|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#b5e61d|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#65D6A5|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#DCEF9B|Visa on arrival}}{{legend|#9DDEE5|eVisa}}{{legend|#15127D|Exit & Entry Permit on arrival}}{{legend|#ADADAD|Visa required}}]] [[File:ROC entry stamp.JPG|thumb|Entry stamp]] ==== Visas ==== Foreign nationals of the following 44 countries can enter Taiwan '''visa-free''' as a ''visitor'' provided that their passports are valid for at least 6 months upon entry: '''For up to 90 days:''' All 27 '''European Union''' member states, Australia (until 31 December 2021), Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (until 31 March 2025), Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vatican City '''For up to 30 days:''' Belize, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore '''For up to 14 days:''' Brunei, Philippines, Thailand (until 31 July 2019 for all three), Russian Federation If citizens of the above countries present an emergency or temporary passport, they will be required to apply for a landing visa on arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$2,400. Citizens of Japan need only present a passport with at least 3 months' validity (rather than 6 months' validity) upon entry. Citizens of the United States can enter Taiwan on a passport with less than 6 months' validity on the date of arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$5,600. Citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom can extend their stay for an extra 90 days (i.e. a total stay of up to 180 days) free of charge. More information is available on [http://www.boca.gov.tw/public/Attachment/1121416524871.doc this Bureau of Consular Affairs information sheet]. Holders of valid passports from '''[[Hong Kong]]''' (HKSAR or BN(O)) and '''[[Macau]]''', born in either of these territories, may apply for a 30-day entry permit online (free) or on arrival (NT$300). Holders of these passports born outside these territories may also apply for these permits, if they have been to Taiwan previously as a Hong Kong/Macau resident. (If they last visited Taiwan before 1983 they need to supply the travel document used then or first apply for their travel records from the Immigration Agency.) Hong Kong and Macau residents born outside of these territories and have not been to Taiwan before as a HK/Macau resident must apply for a permit online before travelling to Taiwan (NT$600). Hong Kong and Macau residents who also have another passport (except BN(O) or a Portuguese passport obtained before the handover) must use the other passport (and apply for the correct visa, if required) to enter Taiwan and not their Hong Kong/Macau passport. Macau residents using a Portuguese passport may enter visa-free like other Portuguese passport holders. Residents of '''Mainland [[China]]''' (Chinese passport holders) may visit Taiwan for tourism if they join an approved guided tour. Independent mainland Chinese travellers require a Permit for Proceeding to Taiwan (往来台湾通行证/往來台灣通行證) with an endorsement issued by Chinese authorities, and an Exit and Entry Permit (中華民國臺灣地區入出境許可證) issued by Taiwanese authorities. However, endorsement for personal tourism has been '''suspended''' due to political tensions. Citizens of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who have a valid entry visa or permanent resident card issued by a [[Europe#Schengen Agreement|Schengen]] country, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival after making an [https://oa1.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/ online application.] All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 14 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. Entry will be denied if these procedures are refused. Detailed information about visas is available at the website of the '''[http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs]'''. Taiwan does not have formal embassies in most of the world's countries (due to the 'One China' policy of mainland China preventing formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan). Instead Taiwan operates a "Taipei Representative Office", "Taipei Economic and Trade Office", or something of a similar name in most major countries, and these act as ''de facto'' embassies and consulates that can issue Taiwanese visas. ====Arrival card==== Tourists are required to fill in an arrival card. You may do it [https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/ online] before you arrive to save time. Traditional paper versions are still available at ports of entry. Hong Kong and Macau residents who have an online entry permit are exempt. ====Customs==== Fresh fruit and meat may not be brought into Taiwan, and airport staff may check your bags. If you are carrying anything prohibited, though, they might let you eat it before you go through immigration. === By plane === * '''[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]]''' '''(Taipei)''' (台灣桃園國際機場, formerly ''Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport'' 中正國際機場) ({{IATA|TPE}}) is the primary international airport of Taiwan. Located 40&nbsp;km to the southwest of Taipei, it has good connections to neighbouring countries and North America, and decent connections to Europe and Oceania. The airport has a MRT (metro/subway) connection to [[Taipei]], and direct buses to Taipei, [[Taichung]] and other nearby cities. Alternatively, the MRT train and U-Bus company shuttles reach HSR Taoyuan station (台灣高鐵桃園站) for high-speed train connections to other cities; and to Zhongli (中壢) Station for mainline TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration 台灣鐵路管理局) train and southbound bus connections to [[Tainan]], [[Hsinchu]] (新竹) etc. * [http://www.kia.gov.tw/English/ '''Kaohsiung International Airport'''] (高雄國際機場) ({{IATA|KHH}}) is the largest airport in southern Taiwan, with decent connections to neighbouring countries and domestic destinations. * [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx '''Songshan Airport'''] (松山機場) ({{IATA|TSA}}) is a smaller airport in downtown Taipei which serves mostly domestic flights with some flights to China, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Seoul Gimpo Airport. * '''Taichung Airport''' (台中機場) ({{IATA|RMQ}}) serves domestic and international flights to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and China. * [https://www.tna.gov.tw/en/index.php '''Tainan Airport'''] (臺南機場) ({{IATA|TNN}}) serves domestic routes, as well as international routes to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. * [https://www.hulairport.gov.tw/e_content/about/about01.aspx '''Hualien Airport'''] (花蓮機場) ({{IATA|HUN}}) located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, the airport serves domestic routes, as well as international flights to South Korea as well as charter flights to Cambodia. After a break of almost 60 years, regular cross-Strait flights between Taiwan and mainland China resumed in 2008, and travel times on some popular routes have been reduced significantly as flights no longer have to be routed through Hong Kong airspace. The main Taiwanese carriers are [http://www.evaair.com/ '''EVA Air'''] (長榮航空) and flag carrier [http://www.china-airlines.com/ '''China Airlines'''] (中華航空). While China Airlines used to have a poor safety record, things have improved greatly since 2003, and today, it is just as safe as the major Western European airlines. === By boat === {{COVID-19 box|Due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, all ferry services to China have been suspended.|lastedit=2020-02-28}} All scheduled passenger ferry services between Taiwan and Japan have been suspended. [http://www.starcruises.com Star Cruises] operates limited cruise services from [[Keelung]] (基隆) and [[Kaohsiung]] (高雄) to Hong Kong and various Japanese islands, but these are not intended for one-way journeys. ====China to Taiwan via Matsu==== From [[Fuzhou]] (福州), China, there are two daily ferries to the Taiwan-controlled [[Matsu]] (馬祖) islands. Take bus 69 from Fuzhou train station to Wuyilu, then bus 73 to the end station Mawei harbor (馬尾港). The ferry costs RMB350 from China and NT$1,300 from Matsu. The trip takes two hours. You can check the Matsu tourism website for [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=505&l=2 updates on the schedule]. There is a cheaper (NT$650) ferry between Matsu's northern island and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, but because of limitations to immigration facilities, it apparently only accepts Taiwan/ROC citizens as passengers at this time ([https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=781&l=1 schedules and fares]). From Matsu, there the ''Taima Star'' ferry runs daily to [[Keelung]] in Taiwan ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/index.php Official website] / [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=128&l=2 English information]). NT$1,050 includes a bed, as the trip takes 10 hours. Regular seats are available for NT$630 only when the sleeping cabins are full ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/price.htm official fare table]). Schedules can be found at [http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/harbor.php this link]. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or [https://www.matsuebs.com/html/custorder/36 online]. At [[Mawei]] harbor in [[Fuzhou]] there is an opportunity to buy an inclusive ticket all the way to Taipei (臺北) that includes the Fuzhou to Matsu ferry above and a domestic flight from Matsu to Taipei (or Taichung). The price (RMB780) includes transfer between port and airport on Matsu, and a coupon for lunch at the airport while you wait for your connection. The ferry leaves Fuzhou at 09:30. Get to Mawei at 08:00 to buy tickets. ====China to Kinmen==== There are also several ferry services between [[Xiamen]] and [[Quanzhou]] on the mainland and the Taiwan-controlled island of [[Kinmen]] (金門). While foreigners may use the former the latter is only open to Chinese and Taiwanese citizens. Now there also is one weekly ferry from Dongdu Harbor (東渡碼頭) in [[Xiamen]] to Keelung, that leaves on Thursdays at 18:00 starting at less than RMB500, and one to Taichung leaving on Tuesdays. Call 0592-2393128 for information or 0592-6011758 for bookings from China. You can also check [http://www.seat61.com/Taiwan.htm#Ferries_to_Taiwan here] for news. There is apparently no ferry from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan at this time, though flights may be reasonably priced. ====China to Taiwan direct==== The ''Cosco Star'' runs overnight between [[Keelung]] in northern Taiwan and [[Xiamen]] on the mainland, between Keelung and Daimaiyu Port near [[Taizhou]] on the mainland, and between [[Taichung]] in west-central Taiwan and Xiamen. Each leg of each route only runs on one day of the week (see [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-sch.asp here] for departure times of each route and [http://www.cosco.url.tw/hot.html here] for the latest calendar of operations). "Standard" one-way fares start at NT$3,500, but "basic" fares may be available for NT$2,490 ([http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-tick.asp fare table]). On top of the fare there is an additional NT$300-550 in fuel and port surcharges, which varies depending on the route. There are substantial discounts for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). The service's Taiwan-facing website is [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-main.asp here]. [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hours) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to [[Taipei]] and [[Taichung]] in Taiwan. As of February 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and the Pingtan-Taichung-Pingtan route runs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,500 one-way, $6,350 round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance]/[http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]. == Get around == ===''IC Cards''=== [[Taipei]]'s '''[http://www.easycard.com.tw/ EasyCard]''' (悠遊卡 Yōuyóukǎ) and [[Kaohsiung]]'s '''[https://www.i-pass.com.tw/EN/ iPass]''' (一卡通) are the main public transportation smart and electronic payment cards, and replace the need to buy separate tickets for most national, regional and city buses, metro (MRT), as well as train services (TRA) all over Taiwan, and they can be used at retail establishments that display the respective sign, like convenient stores (7eleven, Family Mart), parking lots and some restaurants and shops. Though originally accepted only in their respective cities, the two cards can now be used interchangeably at most (but not all) locations. Besides saving you the hassle of having proper change ready for your ticket, it mostly always gives discount on the chosen journeys. For instance, the price for any train (TRA) is calculated based on the price of a local train and a 10% discount. Thus, you can even take the faster trains with it (but not THSR) like the Tzu-Chiang limited express. The only disadvantage is that you will not have a reserved seat, which however is not an issue except on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon. The EasyCard also provides discounts on [[Taipei#Get around|Taipei's public transportation network]], and likewise with the iPass on Kaohsiung's network. The EasyCard can be bought at the airport, in any of stations of Taipei MRT and most convenient stores. As of Dec 2019 the price was NT$500, consisting of a non-refundable deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 in electronic cash. If you want to add money onto the card, you can do so in MRT stations (including Kaohsiung MRT), TRA stations, and the common convenient stores. The card can hold amounts up to NT$5,000. Student IC cards with even deeper discounts are also available for purchase, but only upon request at a desk and a recognised student ID like ISIC. Whether the card needs to be tapped only once or twice on city buses (on entry or on exit, see [[#By bus|below]]) depends on which city you are in and sometimes how far you travel. Do not forget to tap twice (on entry '''and''' exit) where it is necessary, especially on regional and national buses outside of cities (and some unstaffed railway stations). Otherwise, your card will be blocked with "incomplete journey" (for all bus companies), and you will have to settle this issue with the responsible bus company. This can be a problem, because bus companies only serve certain regions. When leaving that region, e.g. by train, which is still possible with a (bus) locked card, no-one will be willing to unlock your card, even though also other bus companies are able to do so. Be insistent and with the help of the tourist information centre tell them that you cannot go back to fix the problem, or that you tried and they did not solve the issue even though they told you so. Make sure that it is really unlocked (with a different bus company) and do not just trust them &ndash; it seems some cannot operate their machines properly. If you forget to tap the second time, you will only be charged a small initial fee instead of the whole journey, but unless you are at the end of your vacation to Taiwan or possess a second card, you should avoid having your card blocked. That said, most bus drivers and railway staff pay close attention to the tapping, so it is hard to miss. It costs NT$14 to get in and out of the same railway station within an hour, in case you instead decide to take the bus. At the end of your travel, do not put too much money onto your card, because it can only be given back and cashed-out at certain locations, like some THSR stations. In addition to the NT$100 purchase fee, there is a NT$20 fee for returning the card within 3 months. === By train === [[File:THSR 700T train at Taoyuan Station 20070728.jpg|thumb|Taiwan High Speed train]] [[File:TaiwanHighSpeedRail Route en.gif|thumb|Map of Taiwan High Speed Rail; all stations shown are operational]] Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays. The main downside is the lack of cross-island routes between the East Coast and West Coast; for instance, there is no rail line from Taichung to Hualien, so you will have to either drive, fly, or take a major detour via Taipei or Kaohsiung. ====THSR==== The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a [[high speed train]] based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the {{km|345}} route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung station is built next to a railway station, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with branch railway lines. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra, though business class passengers are offered a complementary drink and snack. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted. Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The Official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off. All high-speed trains consist of two seating classes; '''economy class''' and '''business class'''. Although economy class is already clean and comfortable by international standards, paying extra for business class snags you a slightly wider seat, as well as a complimentary drink and snack. All train announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. =====Passes===== The Taiwan High Speed Rail issues a '''[https://pass.thsrc.com.tw/oatsb2c/home.do?G=3 THSR Pass]''' for use on the high speed rail trains. These cost NT$2,400 for a regular 3-day pass, or NT$3,200 for a flexible 3-day pass. While a regular 3-day pass must be used in 3 consecutive days, the 3 days in a flexible 3-day pass may be spread out over any 7-day period. The 5-day joint passes allow for unlimited rides on the high speed rail for 2 days within a 5 day period, and unlimited rides on TRA lines within the same 5-day period. These cost NT$2,800 for a standard pass, which does not allow you to ride on Tzu-Chiang trains, and NT$3,600 for an express pass, which allows you to ride on all TRA lines. The THSR passes may only be used by foreigners who are in Taiwan on tourist visas (or visa exemptions), and must be purchased from travel agents overseas ''before'' you arrive in Taiwan. ====TRA==== Mainline trains are run by the separate [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx '''Taiwan Railway Administration'''] (TRA, 台鐵) , whose services are generally efficient and reliable. Reserving tickets well in advance is recommended when traveling with the train on weekends, especially for long distance travel. Slower (but more frequent) commuter trains without reserved seating are also available. Train timetables and [http://railway.hinet.net/net_eng.htm online booking] (up to 2 weeks in advance) are available on the TRA website for 24 hours. Booking and payment can be made online. You can also pay for the tickets you reserved at your local train station or post office to actually receive it. You can also buy the tickets of TRA in convenient stores now (you can reserve first and take the tickets in convenient stores). The way to buy tickets is same to high speed rail's. Children under 115&nbsp;cm (45&nbsp;in) height go free, and taller kids shorter than 150&nbsp;cm (59&nbsp;in) and under 12 years of age get half-price tickets. If you get return tickets there is a small discount depending upon travel distance. There are also vending machines at the larger stations. The fastest train is Tzu-Chiang (limited express), and the slowest is Pingkuai (Ordinary/Express). There is often little to choose between prices and destination times for adjacent train classes, but the gap can be quite large between the fastest and the slowest. * '''Tze-Chiang''' (自強 ''zìqiáng''): The fastest (and most expensive). Assigned seating. Non-reserved (standing) tickets are supposedly sold at full price, but the boarding is possible with an Easycard for local train prices. There are '''Taroko Express''' (太魯閣號 ''Tàilǔgé Hào'') and '''Puyuma''' (普悠瑪號 ''Pǔyōumǎ Hào'') runnning from Taipei to Hualien, which only sell reserved tickets. * '''Chu-Kuang''' (莒光 ''júguāng''): Second fastest. Assigned seating. In western Taiwan, it is as slow as a local train; in eastern Taiwan, it is still a fast, convenient train. * '''local train''' (區間 ''qūjiān'') : Short to medium distance commuter train, stops at all stations. No assigned seating. There are a few local-fast train, which don't stop at every station. * '''Express / Ordinary''' (普通 ''pǔtōng''): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, most inexpensive. No assigned seating. Some Express trains (the light blue ones running on West Trunk Line) are air-conditioned while others (dark blue ones) are not equipped with air conditioners. Only on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon faster trains are packed, and it might make sense to buy a more expensive reserve-seat ticket, if you do not want to stand for 3 hr, depending on your destination. Otherwise, you can freely use the EasyCard for fast connections without worrying (except for THSR). For travel to nearby cities, you can travel on local commuter trains. These arrive very frequently (about once every ten to fifteen minutes). In addition, "standing tickets" may be purchased on trains with assigned seating that have no available seats. Standing tickets are 80% the original ticket price and may be useful for last-minute travellers. However, you will be required to stand for the duration of your trip if there are no free seats. Station announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English. A holdover from the Japanese colonial era is the railway bento tradition, and most long-distance trains offer a bento box meal onboard for an extra charge (not expensive); you can choose vegetarian or with meat; their pork chop with rice bento is particular famous. TRA Bento boxes can also be bought at major train stations before you board the train. =====Passes===== Similar to Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also offers several rail passes to foreign tourists for unlimited train travel within a stipulated period. The '''[https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip/tip003/tip311/view10 TR Pass]''' can be used by foreigners for unlimited travel on TRA lines for a stipulated period of time. The TR Pass can be bought at railway stations in Taiwan. The TR pass also allows you to reserve seats for free on trains that have assigned seating. '''The TR pass is not valid on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)''' as those trains are not run by the TRA. {| class="wikitable" |+Ticket types/prices (NT$) |- |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''3 Days''' |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''5 Days''' |- | full price || reduced price || 4-person-group || full price || reduced price || 4-person-group |- | 1800 || 900 || 4200 || 2500 || 1250 || 7000 |} : :Note: The 4-person-group ticket must be used by four people simultaneously. You '''cannot''' take the high-speed rail, since it is not operated by the TRA. Validity has to be for consecutive days. Reduced price applies to children (age 7-12), senior citizens (age 65+) and disabled people. * TR Pass Student: The student version of the TR Pass is significantly cheaper than the general version, though unlike the general version, it is ''not'' valid for use on Tzu-Chiang limited express trains, and also cannot be used to ride in train cars with reserved seating. In order to qualify for this pass, you will need to show your passport and a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Ticket types and prices: * 5-day ticket: NT$599 * 7-day ticket: NT$799 * 10-day ticket: NT$1,098 ===By bus=== Taiwan has an extensive bus network, run mostly by private bus companies. Travelling by bus is generally cheaper than by train, especially for long-distance trips. However, on holidays, travel time may be much longer and tickets are more likely to be sold out. There are two categories: intercity buses (客運) and local buses (公車). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a set of distinctly branded bus routes (some intercity, some local) that serve tourist sites, and are generally easier to use than regular routes. The official website offers route maps, timetables and recommended itineraries, but is somewhat confusing to navigate. There is, however, a toll-free number for inquiries. There are also information desks at major transport hubs. [[File:Taipei Bus 1073 stop board.jpg|thumb|Bus stop in Taipei]] Many cities have local buses. They are managed by local governments, therefore information can generally be found on the websites of the respective transportation bureaus. Drivers are usually happy to help, but may not speak English. Route maps at bus stops are mostly in Chinese. For visitors, it may be helpful to have your hotel or accommodation host suggest some routes for you and circle your destination on a map, then show it to the bus driver to make sure you're on the right bus. Announcements are in English, but hopefully the driver will remember to tell you when to get off in case you miss it. Most buses accept either cash (no change) or IC cards (like the EasyCard). Minor cities and towns do not have local buses, but have intercity routes that make frequent stops. These can be found using the method in the previous paragraph. Occasionally a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb at a bus stop. Sometimes it is due to a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop. (Taiwanese traffic law and regulation prohibit vehicles from stopping or parking within 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) of a bus stop.) However, a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb just because he or she does not want to wait for overtaking traffic while leaving a bus stop. Therefore, be ''much more careful'' when getting on or off a bus stopped away from a curb, as many motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles will definitely be tempted to overtake on the right side of the stopped bus where people get on and off! (As traffic drives on the right side of the road in Taiwan, buses have doors on the right side.) In Taiwan you need to hail the bus you are taking as you see it coming—much like hailing a taxi. The terminal stop of the route is listed on the front of the bus in Chinese and sometimes English, so it is important to make sure the bus you get on is going the right direction. For city buses, sometimes you pay when boarding, sometimes when alighting, sometimes both (whether with cash or an IC card). As you get on the bus there will be an LED sign indicating that, opposite the entrance. Sometimes it's only in Chinese: 上 means on boarding, 下 means on alighting (or just watch other people). In some cities such as Kaohsiung and Taichung, failing to swipe your card correctly will result in a locked card. ====Navigation==== Google Maps is a quick way to find a route to your destination, but is not always reliable, especially for trips with changes and for longer distance (like in the south and southwest). Often it will highly overstate bus travel times, because it will consider each stop while the bus might only stop at every third or fourth. Hence, a trip from Kaohsiung or Pingtung to Kenting will be stated with 3-4 hr, even though it will just take 1 hr. Therefore, it will also often suggesting the wrong connections and transfers. However, it gives a very good indication on the possible route, vehicle number(s), frequency, availability and price of buses and trains. Besides, the ''Bus+'' app (Android/iOS) is quite reliable with schedules. You can find bus numbers on it, and it will list its (live) route. This is much easier than reading the Chinese bus stop signs. In combination with Google Maps route search it is quite handy. Furthermore, http://taiwanbus.tw/ has a likewise good overview, in case the Bus+ app is not that helpful. === By metro === [[File:VAL256 on Taipei MRT Muzha Line 20050320.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]] The following areas are served by metro, also known as MRT: * [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] by Taipei Metro * Linkou Plateau, western Taipei and northeastern [[Taoyuan]] City by Taoyuan Metro *[[Taichung]] by Taichung MRT * [[Kaohsiung]] by Kaohsiung MRT It is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke in all metro systems past the fare gates. If multiple journeys are to be made, one can purchase a rechargeable IC card. There are 4 cards: EasyCard (悠遊卡), iPASS (一卡通), icash and HappyCash. For basic MRT transport purposes there is little difference between them. All metro systems are reliable, safe, clean and accessible. Disruptions are rare. The Taipei Metro in particular is widely lauded as one of the world's most reliable and efficient, and is often held up as a gold standard for other Metro systems around the world to emulate. Nearly all stations have toilets, elevators and info desks. There are also special waiting areas that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. === By taxi === {{infobox|Betel nut beauties (檳榔西施) |The highways of Taiwan are lined with brightly lit booths staffed by attractive, skimpily dressed young women, but they're not plying the world's oldest trade; instead, they're betel nut beauties, who compete for the attention of customers to sell the mildly addictive stimulant '''betel''' (檳榔 ''bīnláng''), consisting of areca nuts and slaked lime wrapped in a betel leaf, not themselves. Betel itself is worth a try and there is a chance you will be offered it in the company of farmers or working-class Taiwanese. Be warned, it stains your teeth blood red. To consume it, bite and spit off the cap at the top of the nut, then chew the rest of the bundle. Only the first mouthful of saliva must be spit and afterwards one can either choose to spit or swallow and enjoy the buzz. One sampling on your trip shouldn't be a problem, but do keep in mind that this little treat is habit-forming and cancer-causing for long-term users. Due to the known health risks, consumption of betel nuts is declining, and betel but beauties are becoming increasingly few and far between.}} Taxis are very common in major Taiwanese cities. You do not need to look for a taxi, they'll be looking for you. The standard yellow taxis scour roads looking for potential riders such as lost foreigners. It is possible but generally unnecessary to phone for a taxi. To hail one, simply place your hand in front of you parallel to the ground. But they'll often stop for you even if you're just waiting to cross the street or for a bus. In less heavily trafficked areas further out from the transit hubs, taxis are always available by calling taxi dispatch centers or using mobile apps. Drivers generally cannot converse in English or read Westernized addresses (except for special Taoyuan airport taxis). Get the hotel staff or a Taiwanese friend write out your destination in Chinese, and also take a business card from the hotel. Show the driver the Chinese writing of where you are going. Taxis are visibly metered (starting point priced at NT$70), and taxi drivers are strictly forbidden from taking tips. A maximum of four people can ride in one cab, and for the price of one. Compared to European or American taxis, those in Taiwan are inexpensive. Although taxi drivers in Taiwan tend to be more honest than in many other countries, not all are trustworthy. An indirect trip might cost you half again as much. A cab driver using night-time rates during the daytime will cost you 30% more (make sure he presses the large button on the left on his meter before 23:00). Avoid the especially overzealous drivers who congregate at the exits of train stations. Also, stand your ground and insist on paying meter price only if any driving on mountain roads is involved. Some drivers like to tack on surcharges or use night-time rates if driving to places like [[Wenshan]] (文山) or [[Wulai]] (烏來). Such attempts to cheat are against the law. From Taoyuan Airport (TPE), buses are a much more economical option but if you want a direct route Taoyuan airport drivers are the best choice. They're quite comfortable and get you to your destination as quick as possible. All the TPE taxi drivers are interlinked by radio so they could be forewarned if there are police. Sometimes, if there are traffic jams and no police around, the driver will drive in the emergency lane. Taxis from TPE to destinations in Tao Yuan, parts of Taipei county and some other destinations are 'allowed' to add an additional 50% to the meter fare. The badge and taxi driver identification are displayed inside and the license number marked on the outside. You must also be wary that the driver turns on his meter, otherwise he might rip you off. In such a case, you aren't obliged to pay; but make sure you can find a police officer to settle the matter. If there are stories of passengers boarding fake taxis and being attacked by the driver, it is best not to be paranoid about it. Drivers may be more worried about passengers attacking them! If you do call a taxi dispatch center, you will be given a taxi number to identify the vehicle when it arrives. Generally, dispatch is extremely rapid and efficient, as the taxis are constantly monitoring dispatch calls from the headquarters using radio while they are on the move. This is also the safest way to take a taxi, especially for women. Taxis are also a flexible although relatively expensive way to travel to nearby cities. They have the advantage over the electric trains in that they run very late at night. Drivers are required to provide a receipt if asked, though you might find them unwilling to do so. Taxi drivers, as elsewhere in Asia, are not keen on exchanging large notes. Try to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand to avoid the hassle of fighting with the driver for change. Taxi drivers are known for their strong political opinions. Many are supporters of the pan-green coalition and Taiwanese independence, spending all day listening to Taiwanese political talk radio. Drivers also have negative connotations as being former prisoners. Be careful about your opinions on sensitive political subjects (including, but not necessarily limited to cross-strait relations); also be careful of describing your destination which may be perceived politically (such as the President's Office or Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial Hall). Also watch out for drivers who discriminate against other cultures such as taping "No Korean passengers" on their cars. This is sometimes unavoidable as some drivers provoke such discussion. In addition, if you see what looks like blood spewing from the driver's mouth, or him spitting blood onto the street—not to fret–it's merely him chewing betel nut (see box). Keep in mind, however, that betel nuts are a stimulant. Taxi drivers are generally friendly towards foreigners, and a few of them take the opportunity to try their limited English skills. They are most likely to ask you about yourself, and are a patient audience to your attempts at speaking Mandarin. If you are traveling with small children, don't be surprised if they are given candy when you disembark. Women are sometimes warned not to take taxis alone at night. This is not an extreme risk, although there have been incidents where women have been attacked. To be more safe, women can have the hotel or restaurant phone a cab for them (ensuring a licensed driver), have a companion write down the license number of the driver (clearly displayed on the dashboard), or keep a cell phone handy. Do not get in if the driver doesn't have a license with picture clearly displayed in the cab. === By scooter or motorcycle === Scooters with an engine size of 50cc require a license to drive, and should be insured and registered in the owner's name. Foreign nationals with stay less than 30 days do not have an easy way to get a scooter license. Until 2003 it wasn't possible to get a scooter above 150cc. Many of the scooters within cities are only 50cc and incapable of going faster than 80&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph). The more powerful versions known as ''zhongxing'' (重型, heavy format) scooters are now quite common and can be rented for short-term use, or found for sale used at [http://www.englishintaiwan.com English In Taiwan] if you're going to need it for a while. They are '''not''' allowed on freeways even if they are capable of going faster than 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph) unless used for certain police purposes, but that just means you have to take the scenic route. If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter. Attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city. It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying. One Taipei motorcycle and scooter rental service with English language service is [http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card! The average price you may expect is NT$400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets. Another option is to rent a motorcycle. Many foreigners swear by their 125cc Wild Wolf (野狼) motorcycles, and a trip around the island on a motorcycle can be a great way to see the island up close. It is to be mentioned that since 2007, scooters and motorcycle over 550cc are allowed to go on expressway providing that they have a red license plate. They are however to be considered as cars, and as such cannot be parked in scooter parking spaces. === By car === [[File:Traffic restored on the 133K~135K section of Provincial Highway 21.jpg|thumb|View of Yushan Scenic Highway]] An international driving license is required for driving in Taiwan and may be used for up to 30 days, after which you'll need to apply for a local permit. Some municipalities may impose additional restrictions, so check ahead with the rental shop. [http://www.vipcar.com.tw/ VIP Rentals] in [[Taipei]] is quite happy to rent cars to foreigners, and will even deliver the car to a given destination. A deposit is often required, and the last day of rental is not pro-rated, but calculated on a per-hour basis at a separate (higher) rate. The numbered highway system is very good in Taiwan. Most traffic signs are in international symbols, but many signs show names of places and streets in Chinese only. All road directional signs are written in both Chinese and English, though the non-standardized Romanization means that English names can vary between road signs, making it rather confusing. The highways are in excellent shape with toll stations around every 30&nbsp;km (19&nbsp;mi). Toll is charged electronically and you pay the rental company when you return the car. Traffic moves on the right in Taiwan. Parking in cities is generally charged. A attendant will put a payment slip under your windscreen wiper, you can pay at convenience stores. While driving may be the best way to get around the countryside, in larger cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, traffic jams are a problem as is the difficulty of finding a good parking space, especially during the rush hour and traffic tends to get chaotic so you might be better off relying on public transport instead. === By thumb === While Taiwanese themselves don't generally [[Hitchhiking|hitchhike]], foreigners will have it very easy to find a hitch. However, in rural areas people may not recognize the thumb in the air symbol, and you may try pointing your hand to the ground and waving towards you. It is very easy to flag down a car in rural and mountain regions. So, instead of waiting for that one bus a day that goes by, just hitch a ride. Flagging down a car might work on a country lane with little or no public transportation, but doing so on a major road might lead to confusion, with the driver assuming that you are in trouble. A sign, especially one in Chinese, would therefore be of great help. The East coast around Hualien and Taitung enjoys a reputation for being especially good for getting rides. Taiwanese people are very friendly and helpful, so striking up a conversation with someone at a transport café or freeway service station may well see you on your way. === By bicycle === Although Taiwan is known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and Merida), bicycles used to be considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. This has changed, and bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails. The government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10:00-16:00 on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm). * [https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=F299BF5B3142389A Taipei MRT Route Map], bicycles may be loaded at designated stations * [http://www.krtco.com.tw/en/guide_StipulationsforPassengerswithBicycles.aspx Kaohsiung MRT Bicycle Information] (passengers traveling with non-folding bicycles are assessed a flat rate NT$60 fare irrespective of distance) Giant Bicycles Corporation operates a large network of bicycle retail stores that offer '''rentals''' for as little as NT$100 per day, if requested one week in advance. Generally, the day rate is around NT$300 for a modern bicycle. Also, rented bicycles can be picked up at one station and given back another station. This can be convenient if you want to go down the quiet east coast with a bicycle and back up the busy west coast with the train/bus. A one week finesse bike including bags costs as little as €100. Public shared bicycles are also available for rent at automated kiosks in most Taiwanese cities. Rental fees are usually paid using the rapid transit EasyCard or iPass system. There is YouBike in Taipei, which are available all over the city and even 30&nbsp;km out &ndash; see [[Taipei]] for more details. Additionally, many local police stations provide basic support services for cyclists, such as air pumps, and as a rest stop. === By plane === [[File:UNI Air MD-90-30 (B-17918) at Kaohsiung International Airport.jpg|thumb|Domestic plane, Taiwan]] Domestic air travel in Taiwan is primarily for outlying islands, as Taiwan is fairly compact with a modern and efficient rail network. There are also routes that connect the east and west coasts, since there is a geographical barrier between the two. There are no longer any west coast only routes as [[high speed rail]] has made them redundant. The main carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a subsidiary of China Airlines; and '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', owned by EVA. There is also Daily Air and Far Eastern Air Transport. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance, except during holidays. Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx Songshan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by MRT or taxi. Other domestic airports include those in [[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu/Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Taichung]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travellers heading to [[Kenting]] can use the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei. If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option for travelling to [[Kinmen]] and the easiest method of reaching [[Penghu]] and [[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry which is notorious among Taiwanese for its rough ride. ===On foot and navigation=== Taiwan is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting and picturesque trails in its mountainous centre, or just north-east of Taipei. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/ OpenStreetMap], which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] (complex with many add-ons) and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME] (easy but limited). == See == Perhaps due to its political ambiguity and lack of global presence, Taiwan has never been a significant destination for Westerners. Nevertheless tourists from [[Japan]] and [[Hong Kong]] have been visiting Taiwan in droves for a long time, and they are being joined by an increasing number of Koreans, Southeast Asians and Westerners. The island is home to many cultural attractions, with an excellent selection right in the capital. Taipei is a bustling and modern metropolis, with ancient yet lively streets, and world-famous landmarks like '''Taipei 101'''. However, it's also home to the '''National Palace Museum''', '''Zhongshan Hall''', '''Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall''' and the beautifully restored '''Bao'an Temple'''. Bao'an is just one of many striking temple complexes worth a visit. For more, try the '''Zushi Temple''' in [[Sanxia]] or the '''Mazu temple''' in [[Makung]]. The large '''Longshan Temple''' in [[Lukang]] and the '''Confucian Temples''' of [[Changhua]] and [[Tainan]] are fine choices too. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and therefore full of historic sites, especially colonial buildings, and including the Anping "Tree House" that's being slowly reclaimed by banyan trees. If you're looking for some deeper insights in Taiwan's history and culture, there's a wide range of '''museums''' to be explored, pretty much wherever your go. Taiwan retains its place as a major center of Chinese pop culture. In addition, this state is home to bustling cities with modern, high-tech infrastructure, and good transportation infrastructure means that getting around is easy. For those who have grown weary of the hustle and bustle of cities, Taiwan also offers some very impressive scenery and charming historical villages in its rural areas. === Nature === [[File:Taiwan 2009 HuaLien Taroko Gorge Narrow Gap and Road PB140025.jpg|thumb|200px|Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park]] Some people think of Taiwan as a grimy, densely populated industrial island full of hard disk factories, and you may well maintain this perception if you only stick to the densely populated West Coast. However, for those who take time to venture to the more sparsely populated East Coast will quickly find that Taiwan is actually home to some stunning landscapes. The [[Taroko Gorge]] (太魯閣) near [[Hualien]] in particular is very impressive, and should not be missed, with a side trip to the rugged shores at ''Shihtiping'' (石梯坪) as a worthwhile detour. '''Hehuan Mountain''' and '''[[Sun Moon Lake]]''' are beautiful natural attractions near [[Nantou]], while the huge and ancient trees in '''[[Lalashan]]''' make for great hikes near [[Taoyuan]]. In fact, most of Taiwan is covered with mountains which offer breathtaking views, so hiking opportunities are very diverse. == Do == * '''Hot Springs''' (溫泉) – Taiwan's geographical location between an oceanic trench and volcanic system makes it an ideal hot springs vacation spot. There are several hot springs destinations throughout the country, including [[Beitou]] (北投), [[Wulai]] (烏來) and [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). The culture of bathing in hot springs was introduced by the Japanese during the colonial period, and remains firmly entrenched in the local culture to this day. At traditional establishments segregated by sex, you may be expected to bathe nude. However, many other places, particular those geared for foreigners, are unisex and require a bathing suit. ===Hiking=== Taiwan is an island of huge mountains (more than two hundred peaks over 3,000m) and there are many hiking opportunities. [[Taroko Gorge]] is popular for its incredible scenery, and serious hikers can trek [[Yushan]] or Wuling Sixiu, among many others. Even in [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] there are a variety of trails to suit hikers of any level. Serious trekking is rather complicated due to an advance booking requirement (usually 7 days) and lodging lottery&mdash;see http://np.cpami.gov.tw/. Permits are required for many trails, especially remote or multi-day hikes and some (though not all!) in national parks. Nevertheless, there are also many trails available that do not need an application. They are mostly day hikes, but you can always put together your trip sections as preferred&mdash;consult apps that use [http://www.openstreetmap.org OpenStreetMap], like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME]. They have comprehensive and reliable tracks available. ===Shrimping=== Popular locally, and gaining traction with foreign tourists due to YouTube and travel bloggers, is the pastime of indoor shrimp fishing. For an hourly rate (around NT$300/hr), you will be provided with a fishing rod and a seat at an indoor shrimp pool that is regularly stocked with large live Thai prawns. While drinking beer and enjoying the laid back environment, you will be afforded an opportunity to catch dinner with locals. Almost all locales have a few indoor shrimp fishing pools to seek out. Almost all double as restaurants with tables and ovens available for use, allowing you to cook your catch on-site and order additional dishes as needed. ===Events=== * '''[http://www.springscream.com/ Spring Scream]''' (春天吶喊) – A three day outdoor rock concert in [[Kenting]], held every year. In 2011, it will take place on 1–4 April. Tickets are NT$1,400 for all days, all venues; NT$650 for one day, one venue. Kenting's entire area gets swarmed by young people coming to party for 3 days, and Taiwanese TV heavily reports on the latest bikini fashions seen on the spot. Be aware, though, that police presence will be strong, as the festival has a reputation for being rife with illegal drugs. * '''Buddha's Birthday''' (佛祖誕辰) – Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha and a vegetarian feast. It is appropriate to make offerings to the monks and nuns at this time, though it is not mandatory. Lunar Calendar 8th day of 4th month. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (龍舟賽) – A festival to commemorate the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (25 June 2020), and is marked by races of colorful dragon boats at various locations throughout the island. * '''Cherry Blossom Season''' (櫻花季) – Every spring, in [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). * '''Mazu Festival''' (媽祖生) – Festival commemorating the traditional birthday of Mazu, a traditional Chinese goddess who is popularly worshipped in Taiwan. The biggest celebration is an eight-day long "inspection tour" of a Mazu statue from the Zhenlan Temple in [[Taichung]] to the Chaotian Temple in [[Southern Taiwan|Beigang]] and back, though many other temples throughout Taiwan's main island and the outlying islands also conduct their own festivities. Lunar Calendar 23rd day of 3rd month. === Traditional pastimes === Generally speaking, traditional Chinese games such as [[Go]] (圍棋 ''wéiqí'') and [[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]] (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') are popular in Taiwan too. Both games are played at the professional level in Taiwan, and there are numerous tournaments that visitors may watch. While gambling is illegal in Taiwan, '''mahjong''' (Mandarin: 麻將 ''májiàng''; Taiwanese: 麻雀 ''moâ-chhiok'') remains popular. The Taiwanese version of the game derives from the Fujianese form, which differs significantly from the better known Cantonese and Japanese versions, most notably because a hand consists of 17 tiles instead of the 14 used in other versions. Mahjong in Taiwan is mostly a family and friends affair, and is usually played at social gatherings in people's houses. Mahjong clubs generally cater to groups of friends or family members looking to play together, though they can often assist in helping you find other players if you show up alone. While playing for money is not allowed at mahjong clubs due to Taiwan's anti-gambling laws, they will often allow you to exchange the points you win for various prizes. === Performing Arts === '''Glove puppet shows''' (布袋戲) originated in Fujian province on mainland China, and were brought to Taiwan by the first Han Chinese immigrants. Nevertheless, they have since been somewhat modernised and taken on some uniquely Taiwanese characteristics. Another traditional Taiwanese type of performance is '''Taiwanese opera''' (歌仔戲), which originated in [[Yilan]] based on traditional Chinese opera styles. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=New Taiwan dollars | currencyCode=NT$ | date=January 2022 | CNY=4.3 | EUR=31 | GBP=37 | JPY=24 | USD=28 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/twd-taiwan-new-dollar XE.com]}}The currency of Taiwan is the '''New Taiwan dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''NT$'''" (新臺幣 or 臺幣, ISO code: '''NTD''', but also referred to as TWD). The NT dollar is known locally as NT, ''yuán'' (元 or more formally 圓) when written in Chinese or colloquially in Mandarin as the ''kuài'' (塊). One unit is known colloquially as the ''kho&#x358;'' (箍) in the Taiwanese dialect. One dollar is divided into 100 cents, known as a 分 (''fēn'') in Chinese. 10 cents is formally known as a 角 (''jiǎo''), and colloquially as a 毛 (''máo'') in Chinese. Any '''$''' sign you see in Taiwan or this travel guide for Taiwan generally refers to NTD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ for U.S. dollars). Banknotes come in denominations of NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000, while coins come in denominations of NT$½, NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20 and NT$50. The NT$½ coin is rarely seen or accepted because of its low value, and the price of raw materials used to make the coin is more than the face value of the coin. Taiwanese currency is fully convertible and there are no restrictions on taking currency into or out of the island. Currency exchange is possible internationally, although you will get a much better rate if you wait until you arrive at the airport to exchange currency at the 24-hour window. Most banks in Taipei and Kaohsiung will also exchange money or offer cash advances on credit or debit cards. Should you bring American currency, bring newer bills as the banks and exchange-centers (such as in department stores) will only accept the newer notes (notes from 1996 and 2003 are not accepted at most places, due to a high proportion of forgeries bearing these years). Notes which are torn or damaged will probably not be changed, and old-style small-bust notes are not accepted, including the US$2 bill no matter when it was printed. Taiwan National Bank will take older bank notes and bank notes that are wrinkled or torn for exchange. Department stores will not exchange notes older than 1997. Don't forget to show your passport! ====ATMs==== Taiwan has abundant ATMs to withdraw cash from using the Plus or Cirrus systems. Certain banks' ATMs will even tell you your available balance in your own currency or in NT$. There is a per transaction limit of NT$20,000 for ATM cash withdrawals (HSBC Global Access customers may withdraw NT$30,000 from HSBC ATMs). Post office ATMs will ''not'' accept cards without an EMV chip. However, ATMs are sometimes out of cash, especially in remote (mountain) regions. So, make sure you stock up on cash early enough. 7-Eleven ATMs charge NT$100 per transaction, whilst those in Family Marts do not charge a fee. ====Credit cards==== Most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, generally Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. Diners Club, Discover and American Express cards are seldom accepted. Most restaurants and small stores do not accept cards, and cash is the main form of payment. Because street crime is rare, it is common for people in Taiwan to carry large amounts of cash with them. ===== Mobile Wallets ===== Unlike mainland China, QR code based mobile wallet payments are not quite ubiquitous or essential to the point that a visitor would have a hard time without one. In addition, Taiwan's mobile wallet apps generally require foreigners to register with an ARC, limiting the ability of visitors to use it. However, LINE Pay, one of the most popular, is cross-compatible with its counterparts in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, meaning that if you already have a LINE Pay account from one of those countries, it can be used with any linked credit or debit card to make payments at stores in Taiwan that take LINE Pay. Your card will be directly charged in NT$; LINE Pay does not automatically convert to your account currency. This can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry around as some shops that otherwise do not take card payments will take LINE Pay and other mobile wallets. ====Banks==== If you are planning on staying in Taiwan for a longer time, you should consider opening a Taiwanese bank account. While many of the large foreign banks such as Citibank and HSBC have branches in Taiwan, they often require huge deposits in order for you to open an account, so you might wish to consider one of the major local banks such as the Bank of Taiwan instead. You will need to bring your passport and UI number in order to open an account. The UI number is the number on the Alien Residence Card for those on long-term visas. For short-term tourists, they can obtain an "UI No. Basic Information Form" for free from the local Immigration Agency office, but this is not accepted by all banks. The larger banks will often have English-speaking staff available to assist foreigners. === Costs === Costs in Taiwan are generally lower than in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, but higher than in Southeast Asia and mainland China. For a budget traveller on a bare-bones budget, NT$1,000 will get you by for a day, but you'll probably want to double that for comfort. A meal at a street stall may cost NT$50 or less, a meal at a Western fast food restaurant will run you about NT$150 and at the fanciest restaurants, you can expect a bill in excess of NT$1,000. On the high end of the spectrum, hotel rooms at a swanky hotel might cost NT$5,000 or more. Costs diminish significantly the further you go out of the big cities. Taxis are quite reasonable and often have a set fare for common destinations, so ask in advance and haggle if you disagree. === Tipping === Tipping is generally '''not''' practiced in Taiwan. Bellhops in high end hotels and porters at airports are an exception and should be given NT$50 per bag. Also, tipping to show appreciation for exceptional service is not uncommon. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar. In place of tips is a 10% service charge when dining at most full-service restaurants which is automatically added to the bill. ===Shopping=== [[File:Linjiang Street Night Market 20040610.jpg|thumb|A typical night market in Taiwan may sell anything from food to clothing to fortune telling services]] As in many Asian countries, night markets are a staple of Taiwanese entertainment, shopping and eating. Night markets are open-air markets, usually on a street or alleyway, with vendors selling all sorts of wares on every side. In the larger cities you will have a night market every night and in the same place. In smaller cities, they are only open certain nights of the week, and may move to different streets depending on the day of the week. Every city has at least one night market; larger cities like [[Taipei]] may have a dozen or more. Night markets are crowded, so remember to watch out for your wallet! Shops selling the same items tend to congregate in the same part of the city. If you want to buy something, ask someone to take you to one shop and there will probably be shops selling similar things nearby. There are many shopping centres in Taipei where prices are usually fixed and goods are genuine. Otherwise, shopping streets in larger cities like [[Kaohsiung]] and [[Taichung]] can also easily get you what you want. And of course, there is the trendy Ximending (西門町) in Taipei, where you can pretty much find anything associated with the youths, also at fixed prices. Computer chain shops and department stores normally have fixed prices, but at least in department stores you may get a "registered member discount" if you're shopping a lot. Prices at smaller stores and even some hostels are normally cash prices. If you like to use a credit card, the seller normally wants to add anything up to 8% to the price as a "card fee" etc. The fee consists actually of the credit company's commission and also the local sales tax/VAT. If you pay cash, you might not get an official receipt, as then the seller would have to report and pay their taxes in full. If you ask for a receipt or "fa piao" (發票), you will get it but you may need to pay 3-5% more. ===Bargaining=== Whilst [[bargaining]] was OK in the past and expected in night markets as well as smaller stores, nowadays most prices are fixed. Taiwan has become a sophisticated and wealthy country where most Taiwanese, especially from the cities, generally do not request discounts and any such are likely to receive a friendly ''No''. Nevertheless, you will encounter different prices, e.g. cut fruits will cost NT$30 at the Night Market, but NT$80 in tourist areas. However, it is possible to get a discount of NT$20-100 when renting a motorbike/bicycle, searching for accommodation or such, depending on the circumstances and time of day. While you might miss a general bargaining culture and be bewildered by the general bargain inflexibility of Taiwanese, it can on the other hand be calming to know that no one will try to rip you off as it is common in other less-developed Southeast Asian countries. === What to buy === Popular things to buy include: * '''Jade'''. Although it can be hard to know for sure if the item you're buying is real jade or not, some beautiful objects are sold. Most cities have a specific jade market dealing in jade and other precious stones. * '''Computers'''. Taiwan designs and produces a lot of desktops, laptops, and PC peripherals. Travellers might be interested in visiting the large Information Technology Market at Taiwan for the best prices. Desktop computers and components tend to be the same price in Taiwan as in other areas of the world, though peripherals such as cables and adapters tend to be noticeably cheaper. If you're buying domestic, it's best to go to tourist hangouts to buy your stuff as you might be saddled with Chinese documentation otherwise. Also, notebooks are typically only available with a Chinese Bopomofo and English keyboard. * '''Lingzhi''' (靈芝). A type of bracket fungus that is often used as a Chinese herb. It supposedly has many health benefits with an apparent absence of side effects, earning it a high reputation in East Asian countries and making it rather expensive. Taiwanese lingzhi is particularly famous for being of the highest quality. * '''[[Tea]]'''. Taiwan is particularly famous for its oolong tea (烏龍茶) due to the island's predominant Fujianese culture; it is available at many tea shops. Tea tasting in Chinese culture is akin to wine tasting in Western culture and you will find many grades of this same type of tea, with different methods of treating the tea leaves. * '''[[w:Iron egg|Iron eggs]]''' (鐵蛋) irresistible delicacy In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (at a flat rate of NT$1)—bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. == Eat == {{seealso|Chinese cuisine}} {{infobox|Stinky tofu|Undoubtedly the most infamous Taiwanese delicacy, stinky tofu (臭豆腐 ''chòudòufu'') is fermented tofu with a strong odor often likened to rotting garbage. It's usually sold only by outdoor stalls, as the smell would overwhelm most restaurants, but if you can hold your nose long enough to eat it, the taste is quite mild &mdash; but with distinct earthy overtones that many visitors find off-putting. It's most commonly eaten fried, but for extra Fear Factor points, find some ''mala'' hotpot (麻辣鍋) with stinky tofu and gelatinized duck blood.}} [[File:Food_BeefNoodleSoup.JPG|thumb|Taiwanese beef noodle soup]] [[File:Food_AiyuLemonJelly.JPG|thumb|Lemon ''aiyu'' jelly]] Taiwan's cuisine is very well regarded by other East Asians and the ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia, and for many of them, the food is the primary (and sometimes only) reason to visit Taiwan. While not as highly regarded as the food from Hong Kong due to the traditionally high status Cantonese cuisine holds in Chinese culture, Taiwanese food has become more respected. Generally speaking, the foods of Taiwan are derived from '''mainland Chinese cuisines'''. Because most Taiwanese trace their ancestry to [[Fujian]], it comes as no surprise that much of Taiwanese cuisine was derived from the cuisine of Fujian. It is also possible to find [[Szechuan]] (四川) food, [[Hunan]] (湖南) food, [[Dongbei]] (東北) food, [[Guangdong|Cantonese]] (廣東) food and almost every other Chinese cuisine on the island, because many famous chefs from the mainland fled to Taiwan after the communist victory in 1949, and many Nationalist soldiers brought their family recipes with them when retreating from the mainland. That being said, Taiwanese cuisine has absorbed substantial local influences, and significant Japanese influences because of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule, giving it a unique character that distinguishes it from its mainland Chinese counterparts. The Taiwanese are also passionately in love with eggs and seafood. Fruits are another famous part of Taiwanese food. A wide range of fruits can be found at local fruit shops and stations. The subtropical climate allows different fruits to grow nicely. Taiwan also has many of its own '''local specialties'''. A few found island wide include: * '''[[w:Beef noodles|Beef Noodles]]''' (牛肉麵 ''niúròu miàn'') – Noodle soup with chunks of meltingly soft stewed beef and a dash of pickles derived from the cuisines of Sichuan. * '''[[w:Oyster omelette|Oyster omelette]]''' (蚵仔煎 ''ó āh jiān'' – This is the Taiwanese name, as its Chinese name only exists in characters, but not in oral Mandarin), a dish made from eggs, oysters, sweet potato flour and the leaves of a local chrysanthemum, topped with sweet red sauce. The local version in [[Kinmen]] differs quite considerably from the version on the main island, and is closer to the versions served in mainland China's Fujian province. * '''[[w:Aiyu jelly|Aiyu jelly]]''' (愛玉 ''àiyù'') – Made from the seeds of a local fig and usually served on ice &mdash; sweet, cool and refreshing on a hot day * '''Taiwan Sausage''' (香腸 ''xiāngcháng'') – Usually made from pork, it is a modified version of the Cantonese ''laap cheong'' (臘腸) which has been emulsified and is much sweeter in taste. Unlike ''laap cheong'', which is almost always eaten with rice, Taiwanese ''xiangchang'' is usually eaten on its own with some garlic. * '''Taiwanese Orange''' (柳丁 ''liŭdīng'') – A type of citrus fruit which is similar to usual oranges, except that the skin and flesh tend to look more yellowish like lemon. Unlike lemon, it is usually quite sweet. * '''Taiwanese Porridge''' (粥 ''zhōu'' in Mandarin, 糜 ''beh'' in Taiwanese) — Rice porridge cooked with sweet potato eaten all across China but most commonly in Fujian. It is usually eaten with several different dishes or eaten by people with illnesses. * '''[[w:Braised pork rice|Braised pork rice]]''' (滷肉飯 ''lǔ ròu fàn'') – Rice topped with pork belly that has been stewed in dark soy sauce and other spices and chopped into tiny pieces. A classic Taiwanese comfort dish. For a less fatty version, ask for 肉燥飯 (''ròu zào fàn''), which uses minced pork instead. * '''[[w:Taiwan Railway Bento|Railway Bento]]''' (臺鐵便當 ''Tái tiě biàndang'') - A national culinary icon and Taiwanese train tradition, this takeaway dish is a holdover of the Japanese era, and celebrated in Taiwan. The most popular bento is the braised pork cutlet bento. You can find this dish at train stations in Taiwan (though locals compare the quality of railway bento on a station-by-station basis), but adaptations are sold by various restaurants across Taiwan. Most cities and towns in Taiwan are famous for special foods because of the Taiwanese passion for food and influences from many different countries. For example, Ilan (宜蘭) is famous for its mochi (麻吉), a sticky rice snack often flavored with sesame, peanuts or other flavorings. [[Yungho|Yonghe]] (永和), a suburb of Taipei, is famous for its freshly made soy milk (豆漿) and breakfast foods. [[Taichung]] is famous for its sun cakes (太陽餅 ''tàiyáng bǐng''), a kind of sweet stuffed pastry. In [[Chiayi]], it's square cookies, also called cubic pastry (方塊酥), crispy layered cookies cut into squares and sprinkled liberally with sesame seeds. [[Tainan]] is particularly famous among the Taiwanese for its abundance of good food and should be a stop for all gourmands. The most famous dish is arguably the ''coffin bread'' (棺材板). Virtually every city has its own famous specialties; many Taiwanese tourists will visit other cities on the island simply to try the local foods and then return home. Taiwan also has remarkably good '''bakery items'''. Most specialize in sweet Chinese pastries or Western pastries adjusted to local tastes, but look out for ''We Care'' bakeries which also offer Western options such as whole wheat loaves, sour breads and ciabatta. Vegetarians are better catered for in restaurants and variety than in most other countries. Michelin publishes a [https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei guide] to restaurants in Taipei. That said, it does not cover the whole of Taiwan, and most locals only take the Michelin guide with a pinch of salt. === Places to eat === If you're on a budget, the cheapest food can be found in back-alley noodle shops and night market stalls, where you can get a filling bowl of noodles for around NT$35-70. The Taiwanese love to snack and even many restaurants advertise ''xiaochi'' (小吃), literally "small eats", the Taiwanese equivalent of Cantonese ''dim sum''. There are also the standard '''fast food''' places such as McDonalds (a standard Big Mac Meal costs NT$115), KFC and MOS Burger. In addition there are large numbers of convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart) that sell things like tea eggs, sandwiches, bento boxes (便當盒) and drinks. Night markets are also a good place to try some delicious local Taiwanese fare at attractive prices. Examples would be the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) in [[Taipei]] and the Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) in [[Kaohsiung]], each of which has its own special dishes not to be missed. === Etiquette === As with Chinese cuisine elsewhere, food in Taiwan is generally eaten with chopsticks and served on large plates placed at the center of the table and shared among multiple people. Oftentimes, a serving spoon or pair of chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') accompanies the dishes and guests do not use their own chopsticks to transfer food to their plates. The usual traditional Chinese taboos when eating with chopsticks apply in Taiwan as well. For instance, do not stick your chopsticks straight up or into your bowl of rice. This is reminiscent of incense sticks at a temple, and has connotations of wishing death upon those around you. When putting down chopsticks, either place them on the provided porcelain chopstick rest (at fancier restaurants) or rest the chopsticks across the top of your bowl. Also, do not use your chopsticks to spear your food or move bowls and plates. See [[Chinese cuisine#Etiquette|Chinese table etiquette]] for more details. Although there are minor differences between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese etiquette, much of traditional Chinese table manners apply to Taiwan too. === Dietary restrictions === ====Vegetarians==== [[File:Sush Manji.JPG|thumb|The characters 素食 signal the availability of vegetarian food]] All Mahayana Buddhists, which account for the majority of adherents in Taiwan, aspire to be pure '''vegetarian''' in deference to the Buddha's teaching of non-violence and compassion. So, vegetarian restaurants (called ''su-shi'' 素食 ''tsan-ting'' 餐廳 in Mandarin, and often identified with the 卍 symbol) can be found in abundance all over the island, and they run from cheap buffet style to gourmet and organic. Buffet styled restaurants (called 自助餐, which means "Serve Yourself Restaurant") are common in almost every neighborhood in large cities, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup or cold tea is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$90-120 will buy you a good sized, nutritious meal. However, if you cannot find a veggie restaurant, don't fret. Taiwanese people are very flexible and most restaurants will be happy to cook you up something to suit your requirements. The following sentences in Mandarin might be helpful: 我吃素 (''Wǒ chī sù'') - I'm vegetarian, 我不吃肉 (''Wǒ bù chī ròu'') - I don't eat meat. However, as Mandarin is a tonal language, you might need to say both, plus practice your acting skills to get yourself understood. Good luck! NB: If a restaurant refuses your order, don't push the issue. The reason will not be an unwillingness to accommodate your request, but because the basic ingredients of their dishes may include chicken broth or pork fat. Taiwanese vegetarianism (素食) isn't simply vegetarianism, for there is a notion of "plainness" to it. In most cases it excludes items such onion, ginger, and garlic. Buddhists and Taoists consider these items "un-plain" because they potentially cause physical excitement, which could hinder the meditative process. Thus, when offering food to a strict vegetarian, be aware that they may not eat food containing onion, ginger, and garlic. Although vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan do not aspire to '''vegan''' principles, almost all non-dessert dishes at Chinese style veggie restaurants will actually be vegan because Taiwanese do not have a tradition of eating dairy products. Ensure that your dish does not contain eggs, however. ====Allergies==== Awareness of '''food allergies''' is limited in Taiwan. If you can speak Chinese, you can ask restaurant staff about whether the food contains common allergens like peanuts or shellfish, and depending on the chef, they may be able to make some adjustments to accommodate you. Don't expect that level of accommodation from night markets stalls though. A serious '''soy''' allergy is basically incompatible with Taiwanese cuisine due to the prevalence of soy sauce as an ingredient, and '''gluten-free''' diets are very difficult to come by due to the very low incidence of celiac disease in Taiwan. '''Dairy''' is not commonly used in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, so avoiding it should be straightforward for lactose-intolerant people. ====Religious diets==== People on religious diets will have a ''hard time'' in Taiwan, and you will need to do some planning in advance. [[Islam|Muslims]] should contact the [http://www.cmainroc.org.tw Chinese Muslim Association] for advice on where to find ''halal'' food, while [[Judaism|Jews]] should contact the [https://www.jewish.tw/ Chabad Taiwan] for information on where to find ''kosher'' food. == Drink == [[File:HeySong beverage vending machine 20120917.jpg|thumb|Drinks vending machine in Taiwan]] As Taiwan is a subtropical island with the south part in the tropics, it cannot hurt to drink a lot, especially during summertime. Drink vending machines can be found virtually everywhere and are filled with all kinds of juices, tea and coffee drinks, soy milk and mineral water. === Alcohol === Taiwan's legal age to consume alcohol is 18 years of age. Minors caught drinking can face fines ranging from NT$10,000-50,000. Traditional alcoholic drinks in Taiwan are very strong. '''Kaoliang''' (高粱酒) from [[Kinmen]] is the most famous alcoholic drink. A distilled grain liquor, it is extremely strong, usually 140 proof or more, and often drunk straight. Taiwan also produces many types of '''Shaoxing''' (紹興酒), rice wine, which are considered by many as being some of the best in the world. While a relatively newcomer to the scene, Taiwanese '''[[whisky]]''' (威士忌) has been making waves in the 21st century, with local whiskey brand [http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ Kavalan] having emerged from obscurity to win numerous prestigious international awards. Taiwanese people enjoy beer on ice. A wide variety of imported beers are available, but the standard is '''Taiwan Beer''' (台灣啤酒), produced by a former government monopoly. It is brewed with fragrant penglai rice in addition to barley giving it a distinctive flavor. The beer is served cold and recognized as an especially suitable complement to Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine, especially seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi. Taiwan Beer has won international awards, including the International Monde Selection in 1977 and the Brewing Industry International Awards in 2002. Beer on tap is uncommon in Taiwan, and most places serve beer in bottles. For a special and rare treat, ask for the Taiwan Draft Beer (台灣生啤酒), which comes in a plain green bottle. This has a 2-week expiration, so it can only be found at the breweries (there are a few scattered around Taiwan) or at select stores and restaurants in the vicinity. === Tea and coffee === [[File:TimeForTea BubbleTea.JPG|thumb|Pearl milk tea and pudding milk tea, [[Chiayi]]]] Taiwan's specialty teas are '''High Mountain Oolong''' (高山烏龍, ''Gao-shan wulong''), a fragrant light tea, and '''Tie Guan-yin''' (鐵觀音), a dark, rich brew. Enjoying this tea, served in the traditional way using a very small teapot and tiny cups, is an experience you should not miss. This way of taking tea is called ''lao ren cha'' (老人茶), 'old people's tea', and the name is derived from the fact that only the elderly traditionally had the luxury of time to relax and enjoy tea in this way. Check the small print when visiting a traditional tea house though: in addition to the tea itself, you may be charged a cover (茶水費, literally "tea-water fee") for the elaborate process of preparing it and for any nibbles served on the side. One should also try '''Lei cha''' (擂茶; léi chá) a tasty and nourishing Hakka Chinese tea-based dish consisting of a mix ground tea leaves and rice. Some stores specialize in this product and allows one to grind their own lei cha. As with Chinese teas elsewhere, Chinese teas in Taiwan are always drunk neat, with the use of milk or sugar unknown. However, Taiwan is also the birthplace of pearl milk tea, which uses sugar and milk. '''Pearl milk tea''' (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá''), aka "bubble tea" or "boba tea", is milky tea with chewy balls of tapioca added, drunk through an over-sized straw. Invented in Taiwan in the early 1980s and a huge Asia-wide craze in the 1990s, it's not quite as popular as it once was but can still be found at nearly every coffee or tea shop. Look for a shop where it is freshly made. There are two cafes that maintain rival claims to having invented the drink: '''[https://chunshuitang.com.tw/ Chun Shui Tang]''' (春水堂) in [[Taichung]] and '''[http://www.hanlin-tea.com.tw/ Hanlin Tea Room]''' (翰林茶館) in [[Tainan]]. The '''cafe culture''' has hit Taiwan in a big way, and in addition to an abundance of privately owned cafes, all the major chains, such as Starbucks, have a multitude of branches throughout major towns and cities. === Soft drinks === Taiwan is a great place for fruit drinks. Small fruit-juice bars make them fresh on the spot and are experts at creating fruit-juice cocktails (non-alcoholic, of course). ''zong-he'' (mixed) is usually a sweet and sour combination and ''mu-gwa niou-nai'' (木瓜牛奶) is iced papaya milk. If you don't want ice (though it is safe in Taiwan, even at road side vendors) say, ''chu bing'' (去冰) and no sugar (''wu tang'' (無糖)). '''Soy milk''', or ''doujiang'' (豆漿), is a great treat. Try it hot or cold. Savory soy milk is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast dish. It is somewhat of an acquired taste as vinegar is added to curdle the milk. Both sweet and savory soy milk are often ordered with you-tiao (油條), or deep fried dough crullers. There are a lot of pseudo health drinks in Taiwanese supermarkets and convenience stores. Look out for asparagus juice and lavender milk tea for example. == Sleep == [[File:GrandHotel Fountain.JPG|thumb|250px|The Grand Hotel, Taipei]] ===Types=== * For the budget-minded, there are '''hostels''' in Taipei and most other sizable cities. Some hostels are under table which mean they don't have valid license. * '''Motels''' (汽車旅館) can be easily found in suburbs of major cities. Despite the name, these have little if anything to do with the cheap functional hotels that use the name elsewhere; in Taiwan, motels are intended for '''romantic trysts''' and can be quite extravagant in decor and facilities. Many feature enormous baths with massage jets, separate massage showers, marble tiles, and so forth. Suites come with flat screen TVs and centrally controlled sound systems. During the daytime, most offer "rests" (休息) of a few hours, and indeed check-in times for overnight stays (住宿) can be as late at 22:00. [[Taichung]] is considered the motel-capital of Taiwan. * Taiwanese '''hotels''' range in quality from seedy to very luxurious. Despite the complexities of doing business with both mainland China and Taiwan, most Western hotel chains operate in Taiwan such as Sheraton, Westin and Hyatt. Also, there are plenty of five-star hotels around. Keep in mind, however, that many of the international hotels tend to be outrageously expensive, while comparable and much cheaper accommodation is usually available in the same vicinity. For example, the airport hotel at CKS International charges about three or four times as much as a hotel in Taoyuan which is a half hour cab ride away. Taxi drivers and tourist offices are invaluable resources for finding cheaper hotels. * A uniquely Taiwanese form of accommodation is known as the '''''minsu''''' (民宿), which is similar to Bed and Breakfast accommodation that you usually find in the UK. Although typically cheaper than hotels, the facilities can often be as good as those of some higher end hotels, and many are designed around a specific theme (like fairy tale castle, nature lodge) Accommodation at a minsu typically includes breakfast the next morning, and higher end ones sometimes also give you the option of having a home-cooked style dinner. The downside is that most minsu are either in residential suburbs or in the countryside, meaning that transportation is typically less convenient that at centrally located hotels, and the availability of wi-fi can be a hit or miss. In addition, most minsu advertise in Chinese only. * '''Camping''' does not seem to be an issue in Taiwan and is available in many areas, even in national parks like [[Kenting National Park]]. Although, in [[Taroko Gorge|Taroko Gorge (National Park)]] you will have to pay for the camp ground. In general, a small fees may apply at official camp grounds. Inquire with the local tourist information centre where it is possible to camp and where not. Also, be aware there are "poisonous snakes and wasps" signs all over the country. So, make sure you know where you are camping, and how to keep out "unwanted guests". Consult a map like [http://openpoimap.org/?map=hotels&zoom=14&lat=21.93964&lon=120.72386&layers=B00FFTFFFFFFFF OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd], and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME], use, to find existing camp grounds or good locations. ===Remarks=== Nowadays, '''walk-ins''' are often more expensive that online bookings, especially with bigger hotels. It often seems, they cannot even beat their own online prices and you might need to book online instead of paying in cash on-sight&mdash;they will even courteously offer their WiFi for you to do that. Either way, it is advisable that you know what is the actual price online, which gives you a good bargaining ground. Sometimes they will quote a higher price, sometimes they will give you NT$50 less, but often it is just the online price. If you are still in need of a discount, send the ho(s)tel an email or WeChat/Line message quoting the online price. Some will give you 10 % discount on the online price this way, especially for same day short notice bookings. Generally, short notice bookings will give you a better price, since hotels are trying to sell their stock at a bargain price last-minute. However, do not try this for Saturday/Sunday or Holiday/Holiday bookings, this will leave you with bad or no options. Many hotels in Taiwan have both Chinese and Western names, which can differ radically. Find out and bring along the Chinese name (in Chinese characters), as locals will usually not be able to identify the English ones. Hotel beds in Taiwan are generally much harder than in the West because of the old Asian tradition to sleep on a wood board. Modern mattresses can be found in most hotels, but only in the most upscale Western style hotels will you find beds in a real western style. Many accommodations are not staffed 24/7, but they will leave a contact at their door. Often this will be a '''WeChat''' or '''Line''' contact, which are like WhatsApp. Thus, it makes sense to get these apps while travelling in Taiwan. Agoda seems to list more accommodation options than Booking for Taiwan. However, Agoda's way of claiming additional fees and stating dorm bed availability is a little dodgy. It often says "1 person in a dorm" but then "Occupancy: 2 adults". So, better to book each person separately just in case. Also, never choose the option to get charged in you credit card's home currency (€, US$, or so). This will give you a very bad exchange rate. Always select "TWD" as charged currency&mdash;in this case your home bank is indeed your friend. '''Or''' just get the displayed address/GPS, which is always fully displayed, and walk into the hotel. == Learn == Taiwan is home to several good universities, many of which have exchange agreements with various foreign universities, and these are a good way to experience life in Taiwan. The most prestigious university in Taiwan is the '''[https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/ National Taiwan University]''' (國立臺灣大學). === Mandarin Chinese === Some universities in Taiwan have Chinese Promoting Programs (華語文推廣中心) that offers Chinese lessons to foreigners who wish to live in Taiwan or to learn Mandarin Chinese as their second or foreign language. The romanisation system taught here nowadays is Hanyu Pinyin (漢語拼音), whereas in the past they taught Zhuyin (注音), or BoPoMoFo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). The writing system taught is Traditional Chinese and the form of Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect but the Taiwanese accent is quite noticeable. === [[Martial arts]] === There are many styles of '''kung fu''' (功夫) taught in Taiwan, largely by masters who came here with the Kuomintang in the late 1940s. Styles include Ba Gua (八卦), Tai Chi (太極), Wing Chun (詠春), Praying Mantis (螳螂), Shway (水) Shiao and various weapons systems. Many of the students are westerners in these classes, which has led to the rise of several [http://www.theallegra.com/ NHB Allegra] schools, and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Japanese Aikido. Some of the more famous teachers will provide you with the paperwork needed to extend a student visa twice. Taekwondo is also extremely popular and is often a mandatory part of school children's physical education. == Work == [[File:Kaohsiung birdseyeview.jpg|thumb|Kaohsiung skyline]] The majority of travelers who work in Taiwan pick up temporary jobs [[teaching English]]. Jobs teaching other languages (mainly European or Japanese) do exist but have a much smaller proportion of the market. '''Job requirements''': In finding employment with a language school, experience, teaching qualifications and references are not required but obviously help. On paper, a big issue is also made about accents, with the North American English accent being heavily favored over British, Australian and South African accents in many language schools' sales marketing. However, in practice, many schools that advertise 'American English' and claim that their teachers are all from Canada or the USA, actually employ teachers from anywhere. Age is a factor, with applicants in their 20s seemingly being preferred. More than anything, appearance is probably the major factor in finding employment with most schools—Do you 'look Western'?—and reliability and turning up on time for work is then the major factor for keeping your job. Therefore, if you look the part, it is very easy to find a school willing to take you on for at least a few days. This 'look Western' point has quite a bearing. Unfortunately, Taiwan is hardly a great promoter of '''equal opportunities'''. In many schools there is a prejudice against teachers applying for jobs who are not of white appearance, seen as the typical Western appearance in Asian countries. This is independent of whether or not the teacher has relevant teaching ability and citizenship of one of the permitted ARC countries. Many parents who send their children to schools to be taught English expect the teacher to look like they are from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and so on, and so the decision on the part of the school managers is mainly about economics. For those affected by this, it's a sad fact of Taiwan that is unlikely to change in the near future. Good employers without such prejudiced requirements do exist, but greater perseverance is needed when looking for them. It is illegal to work without a '''work permit''' and an ARC (or Alien Residency Permit), and legal work requires a university degree and usually a long (over two month) application process. Alternatively, if you have a lot of money, you can obtain an '''investor visa''' by investing a large sum of money in a local business, which allows you to work for that company in a management capacity. However, illegal employment is easy to find with many school managers being willing to pay under the table for short durations. If caught or reported, you risk criminal charges and could be deported. The government tends to waver from being very lax on this issue under one administration to suddenly taking action under the next; but it only takes one disgruntled student to report you and have you fined and deported. Consider your options carefully! The '''rules for getting an ARC''' do change often and each administrative part of Taiwan has its own ways of handling them, so it is best to check the pages of the [http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/index.php website Forumosa] and find out what the experiences of others are in your area. Keep in mind, that you can only get an ARC for English teaching if you are a 'citizen of a native English speaking country'. Taiwan's government defines these countries to be only the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Almost all teachers apply for an ARC through their employers only after starting work and it is tied to their ongoing employment with that school. Therefore, if the teacher wishes to leave their employment, they will have to quickly find an alternative employer or lose their ARC and hence be required to leave Taiwan. Also, very few schools will arrange an ARC without at least a year-long contract being signed. Frankly, with all this inflexibility, it's no wonder so many teachers opt for the non-legal route. That and tax evasion. Citizens of Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland and Canada aged 18–30 can apply for a '''working holiday visa'''. For more information, visit the [http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=783&CtUnit=80&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs website]. After living in Taiwan continuously for 5 years, you may apply for '''permanent residency'''. If granted, it allows you to live and work in Taiwan indefinitely without restrictions. A lot of the illegal teaching work that the majority of English teachers partake in is simply through '''private student''' tuition with payment being cash-in-hand. You can find a lot of private students around universities that have a Chinese-teaching department—look for the areas where all the foreign students are and check the noticeboards. Because the majority of adult private students want to practice English conversation, you won't need to have any Chinese ability. However, it is definitely a selling point and, if you do have Chinese-speaking ability, it's worthwhile mentioning that in any advertising of your services. Also, once you have some regular students, remember that in Taiwan, as in most Asian countries, 'connections' or 'guanxi' are very important. If your students like you, they will in all likelihood recommend you to their family and friends. Teaching English in Taiwan can be lucrative, as the '''salaries''' are very high compared to the cost of living, typically ranging NT$500-650 per hour before deductions in most language schools, with anything between NT$500-1,000 per hour being negotiable for private students. In the past few years, the flow of would-be teachers into Taiwan has increased dramatically, resulting in stiffer competition for jobs and a general drop in wages, and this trend may continue. Employers of English teachers are notorious for racial discrimination. White people are much more likely to get better offers than those of other races, regardless of ability. Aside from English-teaching, '''other common kinds of employment''' available for mainly native English-speaking travellers include such tid-bits as small acting parts for TV and film, voice talent (video games, dubbing tracks, etc.), editing and even writing educational materials. Many of these jobs are advertised on billboards in Chinese language-teaching institutes and universities, where there are likely to be many foreign students. If after travelling and living there, you find you are '''serious about working in Taiwan''', the most lucrative employment to be had is if you are employed by a multinational company, perhaps in a high-paying country like the UK, U.S. or Australia, and you are sent across to their office in Taiwan. Many foreigners end up doing the same job as their colleagues who were employed in the Taiwan office, but for perhaps 3 or 4 times their pay. == Stay safe == {{warningbox|'''Taiwan treats drug offenses ''extremely'' severely.''' The '''death penalty is mandatory''' for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin and 1.2 kg of opium, and possession of these quantities is all that is needed for you to be convicted. Unauthorized consumption can result in up to 10 years' jail, or a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorized consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if you can prove that they were consumed outside the country and you can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, even if they aren't yours and regardless of whether you're aware of them. Therefore, be vigilant of your possessions.}} === Crime === [[File:CKS Airport drugs sign.JPG|thumb|A sign at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport warns arriving travellers that drug trafficking is a capital offense in the country.]] Taiwan is very safe for tourists, even for women walking down the street alone at night. This is not to say, however, that there is no crime, and you should always exercise caution. In crowded areas such as night markets or festivals, for example, [[pickpockets]] are a known problem. However, it is fair to say that the streets of Taiwan are generally very safe and that violent crime and muggings are very rare. In addition, it is also very unusual to see drunks on the street, day or night. Like anywhere else in the world, women should be cautious when taking taxis alone late at night. Although they are generally safe, it's a good idea to arrange to have a friend call you when you get home and to be seen making the arrangements for this by the cab driver. It also helps if a friend sees you being picked up as taxis have visible license numbers. As an additional safety precaution, tell taxi drivers just the street name and section instead of your exact address. [[File:RPO First Police Section Taoyaun Police Station in Taoyuan Station.jpg|thumb|A police station in Taiwan]] Police departments in most jurisdictions have a Foreign Affairs Police unit staffed by English-speaking officers. When reporting a major crime, it is advisable to contact the Foreign Affairs unit in addition to officers at the local precinct. Police stations are marked with a red light above the door and display a sign with the word "Police" clearly printed in English. For more information see the [http://www.npa.gov.tw National Police Agency website ]. Foreign victims of a major crime in Taiwan are also advised to report the matter to their government's representative office in Taipei. Also, remember that you call 110 for police in Taiwan, and 119 for fire department or medical help. Most of the public telephone booths allow you to call 110 or 119 for free. See "Emergency Phone Numbers" section below. Taiwan is home to many triads (Chinese organized crime syndicates), although they almost never target the average person in the street, and most tourists will not encounter them. Many operate human trafficking rings involving the sale of poor women from Southeast Asia into sex slavery that the government has struggled to tackle. They are also often involved in illegal betting and loansharking, so it is best to be prudent and avoid these. ===Military exercises=== [[File:20160225 台東縣政新聞 萬安39號演習25日下午實施 9ebfd80f-d8a3-4444-8eca-58d3473dff15.jpg|thumb|Evacuated streets during Wan-an Exercise.]] The Taiwanese military organizes regular civil-defense exercise, known as Wan-an Exercise (萬安演習). Air raid sirens are activated for 30 minutes during the exercise, and you are required to follow any evacuation orders made by the military and police. *If you are in a building, you should close all windows and doors and turn off lights. *If you are driving, you must '''pull over your vehicle and make a complete stop'''. Vehicles must not enter any motorways, but must leave the motorway and pull over your vehicle in exits. Traffic police will give proper instructions to drivers and regulate traffic flow. *If you are taking a train/metro, you must not enter the train or leave the station, and should follow evacuation orders given by railway staff, the military and the police. Failure to comply with instructions can result in a heavy fine. === Emergency phone numbers === * '''Police''': 110 *'''Fire/Ambulance''': 119 The police and fire/ambulance offer service in English. For those who need Taiwanese governmental assistance in English, [https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/6928/6940/ this website] has a 24-hour toll-free foreigner service hotline at 0800-024-111, which you may call for assistance. === Natural hazards === Taiwan often experiences '''[[Cyclones|typhoons]]''' (颱風) during the summer months and early fall, especially on the East Coast. Heavy monsoon rainfall also occurs during the summer. Hikers and mountaineers should be sure to consult weather reports before heading into the mountains. A major hazard following heavy rainfall in the mountains is falling rocks (土石流) caused by the softening of the earth and there are occasional reports of people being killed or injured by these. Taiwan is also on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that '''[[earthquakes]]''' are a common occurrence. Most earthquakes are barely noticeable, though the effect may be slightly amplified for those in higher buildings. While the local building codes are extremely strict, general precautions should still be observed during an earthquake, including opening the door to prevent it from being jammed, taking cover and checking for gas leaks afterwards. While most newer buildings have been built according to strict codes that enable them to withstand major earthquakes, some of the older buildings were not constructed to such high standards and therefore are vulnerable to serious damage or collapse in the case of a strong tremor. Taiwan's wild areas are home to a variety of '''poisonous snakes''', including the bamboo viper, Russel's viper, banded krait, coral snake, Chinese cobra, Taiwan habu, and the so-called "hundred pacer" (百步蛇). Precautions against snake bites include making plenty of noise as you hike, wearing long trousers and avoiding overgrown trails. Most snakes are scared of humans, so if you make noise you will give them time to get away. Walking quietly means that you may suddenly startle them around a corner when you appear, and trigger an attack. The Russel's viper, one of the most dangerous snakes in Taiwan, is an exception: it generally prefers to take a stand against threats. === Traffic === Local drivers have a well-deserved reputation for seeming reckless and downright immoral. It is possible (even normal) to obtain a driving license in Taiwan without ever having driven on the roads, and this may be a reason (along with the overcrowded roads) why courteous or defensive driving is definitely not the norm. The guiding principles seem to be that the right of way belongs to the larger vehicle, i.e. trucks have the right-of-way over cars, cars over motorcycles, motorcycles over people, etc. Despite traffic's chaotic appearance, it is viscerally intuitive to yield the right-of-way to a much larger vehicle barreling towards you. It is advisable to use slow and smooth movements over quick or sudden ones. Local drivers regularly cut in front of moving traffic into spaces that seem too small, try to change lanes regardless of the fact their destination is already full, etc. Be aware that during busy traffic (i.e., nearly always) two-lane roads will spontaneously become three-lane, an orange light will be interpreted as 'speed up', and the smallest moment's pause in oncoming traffic will result in ''everybody'' that's waiting trying to turn across it. Drivers routinely enter a junction when their exit is blocked, and are therefore frequently still there long after the lights change, blocking traffic traveling in other directions. Many motorcycle riders also have a tendency to zip through any space, no matter how tiny. Also be aware that motorcycles often travel through areas typically considered pedestrian-only spaces, like the night-markets. If you drive a car or a motorcycle, the obvious rule is that if someone turns in front of you, you should be the one to adapt. To avoid collisions, drivers need to be extremely vigilant for other vehicles creating hazards and always be willing to adjust speed or direction to accommodate. Do not expect drivers to yield way, or respect traffic lights in many areas, especially in central and southern Taiwan. Sounding the horn is the usual way a Taiwanese driver indicates that they do not intend to accommodate a driver trying to encroach on their lane, etc., and does not necessarily imply the anger or criticism, as it does in other countries. One bright side of Taiwan's chaotic traffic is that drivers tend to have an exceptional awareness of the spatial extents of their vehicle and maneuver well, so that even though it continuously looks like somebody is about to drive straight into you, it's relatively rare that they actually do so. Be extra careful when crossing the road, even to the extent of looking both ways on a one-way street. When crossing at a pedestrian crossing at a T-junction or crossroads, be aware that when the little green man lights up and you start crossing, motorists will still try to turn right, with or without a green feeder light. Even on roads where traffic is infrequent and the green light is in your favor, bike riders are still strongly advised to check the opposite lane. ===Homosexuality=== Taiwan is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers. There are no laws against homosexuality in Taiwan and unprovoked violence against gays and lesbians is almost unheard of. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Taiwan on 24 May 2019, making it the first Asian country to do so. Taiwan is also the first East Asian country to have enacted anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of education and employment. There is an annual gay pride event called Taiwan Pride. Taipei is home to a vibrant gay scene, and there are also gay bars in some of Taiwan's other cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. Acceptance among the Taiwanese public tends to be measured, and homosexuality is still considered to be somewhat of a social taboo, particularly by the older generation. Openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is likely to draw stares and whispers from some people. Nevertheless, attitudes are changing and homosexuality tends to be more accepted by the younger people. ===Dogs=== They can be a problem in remote and rural regions, although they are far less numerous than in Thailand and Myanmar. If they get too close to you, picking up a stone or having a big stick is usually a sufficient deterrent. Taiwanese Aboriginals hold dogs in higher regard than Han Chinese do. Many Aboriginal communities have dogs freely running around their communities. == Stay healthy == ===Pollution=== Air pollution can be significant with the highest ratio of scooters per person in the world and a high west coast urban density. You can check air quality real time monitoring [https://airtw.epa.gov.tw/ENG/default.aspx on this page]. For reference the USA standard for fine particles (PM2.5) over 24 hours should be below 35&nbsp;µg/m³. It is a good idea to use a mask that can filter fine particles ([http://aqicn.org/mask/ how to choose a mask]), especially when traveling with the elderly or children. === Water === '''[[Water]]''' quality in Taiwan varies depending on location and time. According to the sole water company of Taiwan, tap water is in general safe to drink. However, it is advised that drinking water be boiled in order to eliminate residual chlorine and bacteria. Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which adversely affects water quality. Some buildings, particularly older ones, may have poorly maintained water towers and/or pipes, resulting in poor quality that is beyond the control of the water company. Depending on the severity, one might either filter the water in addition to boiling or avoid the taps altogether. Alternative options include buying bottled water or going to a "water station" where water is sold through a metered tap. Water from these sources is licensed to be safe for drinking. Bottled water can be bought in 24 hour convenience stores. Water quality in Kaohsiung used to be very poor. As a result, most people today use alternative sources. However, there is little evidence that this is necessary today as the quality has improved drastically. In addition, the mentioned alternative sources today are mostly filtered tap water and do not circumvent the historical source of contamination. === Healthcare === Medicines are available for minor ailments at drug stores. You may also find common drugs requiring a prescription in the west (like asthma inhalers and birth control pills) cheaply available from drug stores without a prescription. Taiwan has both Chinese physicians and Western doctors, both of which are taken equally seriously. However, as a foreigner, the assumption would generally be to direct you to a Western doctor. The quality of the hospitals in Taiwan is excellent and on par with, if not better than those found in the West. Taiwan's healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Legal residents with a National Health Card can avail themselves of the very convenient and efficient national health service, which covers treatment and medication using both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. However, this service is not available to short term visitors on tourist visas; nor does it cover major hospitalization expenses. Still, hospital visits and medicine in Taiwan tends to be far less expensive than in Western countries. Most Taiwanese doctors are able to communicate in at least basic English, and in fact, many of the top ones have obtained their medical qualifications in the US and are able to speak English fluently. However, you may find the nurses to be more of a challenge. === Hiking === Watch out for mosquito bites when hiking in the mountains. Especially in the summer, the humid and hot weather makes mosquitos very active. Most mosquito bites only cause skin irritation and itching, but in some areas of Taiwan it's possible to contract [[dengue fever]] or Japanese Encephalitis (though they are both rare in Taiwan). Mosquito/insect repellent spray can be found at convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) and local pharmacies. If you are bitten by mosquitos, apply a small amount of ointment for irritation relief. == Respect == The Taiwanese are generally a warm and polite people, having been strongly influenced by Confucianism. As Taiwanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, elderly visitors will find most Taiwanese to be very helpful and accommodating. Naming customs and modes of address are generally the same as in mainland China. See the [[China#Respect|Respect]] section of that article for details. === Culture === [[File:Pagode Kaohsiung amk.jpg|thumb|Pagoda in Kaohsiung]] Taiwan shares several cultural taboos/guidelines with other East Asian nations: * When giving and receiving business cards, always do it using ''both hands'' and with a slight bow of the head. Giving or receiving a business card with only one hand is very disrespectful. * Some Taiwanese are superstitious about anything connected with dying &ndash; unlucky things should never be mentioned. The number 4 (four, pronounced 'si') sounds like the word for death in Mandarin. * Do not write people's names in red. This again has connotations of death. When writing someone's English name, this is not a problem, but avoid writing Chinese names in red. * Do not whistle or ring a bell at night. This is an "invitation to ghosts". * Do not point at cemeteries or graves. This is disrespectful to the dead. * There are numerous taboos dictating that certain objects shouldn't be given to others, often because the word for that object sounds like another unfortunate word: ** Clocks. The phrase "to give a clock" ("song zhong"), in Mandarin, has the same sound as the word "to perform last rites." If you do give someone a clock, the recipient may give you a coin in return to dispel the curse. ** Shoes. Never ever offer shoes as a gift to old people, as it signifies sending them on their way to heaven. This is acceptable only if by mutual arrangement it is nominally sold, where the receiving party gives a small payment of about NT$10. ** Knives or sharp objects, as they are made for or could be used to hurt the person. ** Umbrellas, which in Mandarin sound the same as the word for "break up". Friends should therefore never give friends umbrellas. Instead, friends will euphemistically "rent" each other umbrellas for a tiny amount (NT$1, for example). * The Taiwanese are certainly not puritanical and enjoy a drink, especially the locally brewed Taiwan Beer and Kaoliang. However, Taiwan does not have a culture of heavy drinking like in Northern China and it is rare to see anyone drunk on the streets. While over indulging in alcohol is not a social taboo as such (and some people do so at weddings), it is considered a sign of lack of self-confidence and immaturity, and doing so certainly won't gain you any respect among Taiwanese friends. * You are expected to remove your shoes before entering a house. You will find some slippers to be worn by visitors next to the entrance door. It is likely to be the same ritual for bathrooms and balconies where you will be expected to remove your slippers to wear a pair of plastic sandals (though it is less shocking not to use the sandals by then). * As you will get along with Taiwanese people, you are very likely to receive small presents of any sort, such as drinks, food or little objects. These are a very convenient way to lubricate social relations for Taiwanese people, and are especially common between friends in their 20s. You should reciprocate any such presents with something similar, but it does not need to be immediate or specially tailored to that person (i.e., keep it simple). As a teacher you are not expected to offer anything in return, as long as the relationship stays formal. However, beware of the sometimes overly generous parents who can go as far as offering presents running in the thousands of NT$ and who will then expect you to take special care of their child (understand that their expectations will be considered fair in Taiwanese culture). * You are not expected to tip in hotels, restaurants and taxis, though bellhops may still expect NT$50 or so for carrying your luggage. * Much like the mainland Chinese, "saving face" is also a major value in Taiwanese culture. In general, you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes in order to avoid causing major embarrassment and if you really have to, call the person to one side and do it in private, and try to do it in a polished manner. * If you should need to use a temple's washroom, bow to any statues of deities you see on the way whether or not you believe in them. While most people will not mind you using the temple's washroom, they expect you to treat their place of worship with respect. If you plan to offer gifts (such as simple fruits) to the statues of deities in the temple, it is expected that you wash the fruits and your hands prior to offering. In addition, upon entering and leaving a temple, do take and avoid stepping directly on the raised threshold: always try to step over it. You should also never point to the status of deities with your index finger; use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. * You will often see '''priority seats''' (博愛座) on public transportation in Taiwan. These are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children; do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. * '''Cultural identity''' is a complex and sensitive issue in Taiwan. While most Taiwanese people are ethnically Chinese, many people, especially the youth, seek to distance themselves from China with a distinct Taiwanese identity, and will often emphasize their Japanese colonial heritage instead. === Religion === Most Taiwanese people follow a mix of traditional Chinese folk religions and Buddhism, and it is common to visit temples to offer prayers during important festivals or life events. That said, contemporary Taiwanese society is largely secular in daily life, and religion in general does not play a significant role in people's work or political affiliations. Nevertheless, you are still expected to dress and behave respectfully when visiting temples. As in other Asian countries, swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol. They emphatically do ''not'' represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. When visiting temples, be sure to enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inwards). The larger middle gate is traditionally reserved for deities and the Emperor of China. Also be sure to avoid pointing at the statues of deities with your index figure, as it is considered to be very disrespectful. Use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. The most popular traditional Chinese deity in Taiwan is Mazu, a Fujianese shamaness who is believed to have ascended to godhood and now protects sailors, as the Fujianese were largely a seafaring people. [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion among the Aboriginal people, with Presbyterianism and Roman Catholicism being the main denominations. There is also a significant Christian minority among the ethnic Chinese. Taiwanese people are generally tolerant of different religions, and people of all faiths can usually practice their religion without any major problems. The Falun Gong religion which is banned in mainland China is allowed in Taiwan, though attitudes towards them from the local Taiwanese people tend to be very mixed. === Politics === Taiwanese society is rather polarized by allegiance between supporters of the two major political blocs informally known as "Pan-Blue Coalition" and "Pan-Green Coalition", although there are large numbers of people who are either centrist or who don't care. To simplify a very complex situation, pan-blue supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of reunification or maintaining the status quo with China and pan-green supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of establishing a formally independent Taiwan state, among other differences. Although there are some correlations, it is highly unwise to assume anything about a particular person's political beliefs based on what you think you know about their background. Also, this very brief sketch of Taiwanese politics obscures a large amount of complexity. Traditionally, mainlanders, Aboriginal people, Hakka people and people from Kinmen and Matsu tended to be strongly pan-blue, while Taiwanese speakers from Central and Southern Taiwan tended to be strongly pan-green, though this distinction has largely disappeared among the younger generation, who are now overwhelmingly pro-independence. Unless you know your listener well, it is unwise to say anything (either positive or negative) about the current government, about historical figures in Taiwanese history, about Taiwan's international relations, or about relations with mainland China. Some political figures such as Sun Yat-sen (who is also popular in the PRC and with the Chinese government) and Chiang Ching-kuo are generally seen positively, but others (Chiang Kai-shek, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian in particular) arouse very polarized feelings. Some Taiwanese will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China. Others will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is not part of China. Referring to the PRC as "mainland China" (中國大陸 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') rather than simply China will tend not to offend anyone, as the term is generally used to exclude Hong Kong and Macau as well, making it less subjective. Referring to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan Province" will draw a negative reaction from most Taiwanese. "Greater China" may be used in certain business contexts. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many subtleties and complexities here that if you are talking about these things, you've already wandered into a minefield. However, simply referring to the island as "Taiwan" is fine, as that is the name used by the locals, regardless of their political persuasion. Titles such as "Republic of China" are reserved for official matters only. People from Kinmen and Matsu do not identify as Taiwanese and instead identify as Kinmenese/Matsunese or simply Chinese. '''Relations with mainland China''', as well as the '''Hong Kong protests''', are sensitive issues; tread carefully on these topics. Despite the deep mistrust many Taiwanese have of the communist Chinese government, most locals bear little to no animosity towards individual mainland Chinese visitors. As long as you avoid political discussions and behave yourself properly, you should not run into any problems. ===Japanese occupation=== In contrast to other Asian countries, Taiwanese feelings towards the Japanese occupation (1895-1945) are generally positive, though there are exceptions. Some of the older people who lived through the period of Japanese rule often bear a certain degree of nostalgia for that time, although there was strong resistance, and massacres of both Chinese and Aboriginal people were carried out throughout the occupation. Nevertheless, many Taiwanese bear a sense of gratitude towards the Japanese for modernizing Taiwan, and many people who lived through both periods regard Japanese rule more favorably than the subsequent Kuomintang rule under Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese visitors can expect a particularly warm welcome as most Taiwanese admire Japanese culture, and modern Taiwanese culture continues to be heavily influenced by that of Japan. In particular, many shops and tourist attractions are based on a theme of colonial nostalgia. == Connect == ===Internet=== ====''iTaiwan''==== Introduced in the mid-2010s, this is Taiwan's free, convenient and widespread WiFi, and answer to today's mobile-dependent population. ''iTaiwan'' is available all over Taiwan, (according to marketing) in all the 7 biggest cities, but at least all over Taipei, Tainan and Taitung, at all railway/MRT stations (even at the smallest) and most bus stations all over the country, as well as in most tourist information centres. Where it is not available, there exist related WiFis that offer an ''iTaiwan'' login option, or there are other independent but free options like ''.1.Free Wi-Fi'' that require clicking an advertisement to get online. As a foreigner, you have to apply for access at a tourist information centre using your passport. The login is the passport number and the password is your birthday in ''YYYYMMDD'' form. At some free WiFi spots, like in railway stations, there is a power and USB plug to charge your electronic devices. ====SIM cards==== If you want an Internet connection to your smartphone, you can purchase a prepaid 4G unlimited data sim card from Chunghwa Telecom at a cost of NT$300 for 3 days, or NT$500 for 7 days (other periods are available as well). Just walk into any official Chunghwa Telecom shop to apply (also at all international airports). They need your passport and identification documents of your country of origin, driving license or identification card. Other providers in the market are Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, T-Star, and GT. Their pricing is largely the same for visitor plans as Chunghwa Telecom, however they do offer special promotions on their standard prepaid plans from time to time, and for travelers continuing elsewhere after Taiwan, FarEasTone and GT offer a lineup of reasonably priced "travel SIMs" for travel around Asia, Europe, and North America, while Taiwan Mobile offers flat-rate international data roaming on its standard prepaid SIMs. Importantly, if continuing on to mainland China later, these travel SIMs or Taiwan Mobile's roaming plans do not censor data there as a local SIM would. ====Restaurants, cafés, etc.==== Most in-house eateries, shopping centres, libraries and such have free WiFi for their customers available. ====Gaming cafés==== Not that relevant and widespread anymore, Internet cafés aka gaming cafés. These are often found on the first or second floor of buildings and equipped with very comfortable chairs and large screens. Although people do surf the Internet, most people primarily go there for a smooth experience of online gaming. Each hour of Internet access/game play is cheap, coming in at around NT$20. Some machines in the Internet cafés are coin operated. === Telephone === [[File:Payphones of Taiwan Fixed Network at THSR Taichung Station 20070105.jpg|thumb|Payphones in [[Taichung]]]] The standard prefix for international calls from Taiwan is 002, though some other companies may use alternative prefixes at lower rates. Check with your telecom operator for more details. Calls to mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau require international dialling. The country code for calls to Taiwan is +886. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Numbers Starting With 0800 are commercial toll-free numbers, just like the 1-800 numbers in North America. '''Mobile phone''' coverage is generally excellent in Taiwan, with the exception of some remote mountainous areas. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), Far EasTone (遠傳電信) and Taiwan Star Telecom (台灣之星). Taiwan has both 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) and 4G (LTE) networks and inbound roaming agreements are in place between most international providers and at least one of these four (but check with your operator before departure). The last 2G networks were shut down in July 2017. The internationally popular messaging app Whatsapp is not popular in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese use the Japanese messaging app '''[https://line.me/en/ LINE]''' instead. === Media === Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. Taiwan's main newspapers are the Chinese-language ''[https://www.ltn.com.tw/ Liberty Times]'' (自由時報), ''[https://tw.appledaily.com/ Apple Daily]'' (蘋果日報), ''[https://www.chinatimes.com/ China Times]'' (中國時報) and ''[http://udn.com/ United Daily News]'' (聯合報). The ''[https://money.udn.com Economic Daily News]'' (經濟日報) and ''[https://ctee.com.tw/ Commercial Times]'' (工商時報) focus on financial and business news. The main English-language newspapers are ''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]'' and ''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]''. A third newspaper in English, ''[http://etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]'' (formerly ''China News''), is no longer available in print but continues to exist online. Other news sources: *[http://focustaiwan.tw/ Central News Agency] *[http://english.rti.org.tw/ RTI] (Radio Taiwan International) *[http://news.cens.com/ the Taiwan Economic News] *[http://taiwantoday.tw/ Taiwan Today] *[http://www.taipeinews.net/ TaipeiNews.net] *[http://www.taiwansun.com/ Taiwan Sun] Free magazines: * ''Lifestyle'' – Info on Taiwan relating to what's on and current trends (bilingual). * ''[http://taiphoon.pristine.net/main-page.htm Taiphoon]'' – A magazine dedicated to promoting peace and environmental awareness in Taiwan (bilingual). * ''[http://www.journeyeast.url.tw/ Journey East]'' – A travel and lifestyle magazine for northern Taiwan (bilingual). Radio: * [http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT] (short for "International Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available island-wide on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour 07:00–20:00 M–F and 10:00–18:00 on Sa. ===Printing=== Every 7-Eleven and Familymart has cloud printers available for printing documents and even pictures. But for the latter you might be better off with a professional shop. The instructions are in Chinese or English. Costs: NT$1 per document page, plus NT$1 processing fee. == Cope == ===Electricity=== For electrical sockets, Taiwan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as the United States. Electricity is supplied at 110 V at 60 Hz. === Embassies and foreign missions === ''See [[Taipei#Cope|Cope section]] in [[Taipei]] guide'' {{usablecountry}} {{isPartOf|East Asia}} {{geo|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} aazx9a5o3g0ov1gfiib355n3clqnygq 4488058 4488057 2022-07-22T02:10:38Z The dog2 35982 /* TRA */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Formasa Station Banner.jpg}} {{COVID-19 box|Restrictions have been implemented throughout Taiwan due to a surge in COVID cases. Taiwan has '''barred entry to non-resident foreign nationals indefinitely.''' International transit passengers are allowed starting from June 15, 2022, provided they do not leave the secure area of the airport. Those allowed to enter the country are required to '''quarantine for 14 days'''. ''(See [[Taiwan#Get in|Get in]] for more information)''| lastedit=2022-07-20}} '''[https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/ Taiwan]''' (Traditional Chinese: 台灣 or 臺灣, ''Táiwān'') is an island nation off the coast of southeastern mainland [[China]]. The island is officially known as and governed by the '''Republic of China''' (中華民國 ''Zhōnghuá Mínguó'') or '''ROC'''. Shaped roughly like a sweet potato, the nation is home to more than 23 million people and is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. Although most of the population is ethnically Chinese, the legacy of Japanese colonial rule still pervades much of Taiwanese life, and there is also indigenous Austronesian culture to explore for the truly intrepid traveler. {{disclaimerbox|While the political status of Taiwan is a controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveler's point of view, Taiwan is under the ''de facto'' control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate country. ''This page does not represent a political endorsement of the claims of either side of the dispute.''}} == Regions == {{Regionlist | regionmap = Taiwan_Regions_Map.png | regionmapsize = 350px | regionmaptext = Map of Taiwan with regions color-coded (Matsu is not included) | region1name=[[Northern Taiwan]] | region1color=#b08eb0 | region1items=[[Hsinchu]], [[Hsinchu County]], [[Keelung]], [[New Taipei]], [[Taipei]], [[Taoyuan]] | region1description=The capital city, main airport and technology hub of the island | region2name=[[Central Taiwan]] | region2color=#efb86e | region2items=[[Changhua County]], [[Miaoli County]], [[Nantou County]] and [[Taichung]] | region2description=Scenic mountains and lakes and major national parks | region3name=[[Eastern Taiwan]] | region3color=#77c283 | region3items=[[Yilan County]], [[Hualien]], [[Hualien County]], [[Taitung County]], [[Taitung]] | region3description=Hualien and Taitung are cut off from the rest of the island by the central mountains; this is a region of great natural beauty, and the main center of indigenous Austronesian culture | region4name=[[Southern Taiwan]] | region4color=#75a4c3 | region4items= [[Chiayi County]], [[Kaohsiung]], [[Pingtung County]], [[Tainan]] and [[Yunlin County]] | region4description=The tropics of Taiwan with beaches and palm trees and the third largest city | region5name=Outlying Islands | region5color=#c9cf7b | region5items=Tiny islands also governed by the Republic of China: [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]], just off the coast of mainland China's [[Fujian]] Province, [[Penghu]] in the straits, [[Green Island (Taiwan)|Green Island]] and [[Orchid Island]], east of Taiwan | region5description=Small islands that are popular getaway destinations with the locals. }} <br clear="right" /> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b08eb0|title=[[Northern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249994,Q74054,Q249996,Q244898,Q1867,Q115256}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q133865,Q63706,Q82357,Q245023}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Eastern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q237258,Q249868,Q249904}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249995,Q166977,Q181557,Q194989,Q140631,Q153221}} == Cities == {{mapframe|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|title=Taiwan High Speed Rail|wikidata=Q706198|type=geoline|stroke=#c35617|stroke-width=4|stroke-opacity=1}} [[File:TWTC ITB, TICC and Taipei 101 20100410 night.jpg|thumb|300px|Taipei at night]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taipei]]|wikidata=Q1867}} (臺北 or 台北) – The seat of government of Taiwan ROC, as well as the center of commerce and culture. Taipei is also home to Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Miaoli]]|lat=24.57|long=120.82}} (苗栗) – The main center of Hakka culture in Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hualien]]|wikidata=Q713310}} (花蓮) – Near Taroko Gorge and considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan's cities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Jiufen]]|wikidata=Q31093}} (九份) – A former gold mining town on the northeast coast visited for its quaint streets and picturesque views. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kaohsiung]]|wikidata=Q181557}} (高雄) – The third-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest sea ports (the Port of Kaohsiung) in the world and it has the island's second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taichung]]|wikidata=Q245023}} (臺中 or 台中) – The second-largest city on the island. In the center-western region of Taiwan, and famous among the Taiwanese for its pastries such as sun cakes and pineapple cakes. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Puli]]|wikidata=Q706544}} (埔里) – At the geographical center of the island, making it a good base for exploring the central mountains and [[Sun Moon Lake]]. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tainan]]|wikidata=Q140631}} (臺南 or 台南) – The oldest city and former capital of Taiwan. It is famous for its historic buildings, and as the unofficial culinary capital of Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taitung]]|lat=22.758333|long=121.144444}} (臺東 or 台東) – On the southeastern coast, a laid back city that is known for beautiful scenery and large Aboriginal population. == Other destinations == [[File:Alishan Forest Staircase2.JPG|thumb|240px|Mountain trail in [[Alishan]]]] People tend to think of Taiwan as a small, crowded island filled mostly with electronic factories, and if you stay in Taipei or along the west coast you might indeed maintain that impression. However, the island is also home to high mountain ranges, great beaches and stunning national parks, many with hot springs. * {{marker|name=[[Alishan]]|wikidata=Q707585}} (阿里山) – Misty forests of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises at the center of the island, reached by a scenic narrow-gauge train * {{marker|name=[[Kenting National Park]]|wikidata=Q707982}} (墾丁國家公園) – At the extreme southern tip of the island, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. * {{marker|name=[[Shei-pa National Park]]|wikidata=Q707996}} (雪霸國家公園) – A park spanning mountains and rivers in [[Hsinchu County]]—great hiking trails * {{marker|name=[[Sun Moon Lake]]|wikidata=Q716206}} (日月潭) – Nestled at 762 m (2,500&nbsp;ft) in lofty mountains in [[Nantou County]], this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. * {{marker|name=[[Taipingshan]]|wikidata=Q30020365}} (太平山) – A historic logging area and one of Taiwan's most scenic spots. Located in [[Yilan County]]. * {{marker|name=[[Taroko Gorge]]|wikidata=Q707427}} (太魯閣峽谷 ''Tàilǔgé'') – An impressive gorge off the east coast * {{marker|name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]]|wikidata=Q709029}} (陽明山國家公園) – Spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei * {{marker|name=[[Yushan]]|wikidata=Q500275}} (Jade Mountain/玉山) – At 3,952 m the highest mountain in not just Taiwan, but in the entire eastern ⅔ of East Asia * {{marker|name=[[Lalashan]]|wikidata=}} (拉拉山) – In [[Taoyuan County]], "Lala" means "beauty" in the indigenous Atayal language. Mt. Lala is one of natural protection zones in Taiwan. There are some 500–2,800-year-old "divine" trees including the No. 5 divine tree, which is reputedly even older than Confucius. Lalashan is best known for its peach trees, and peach season (July–August) is the most beautiful time to visit Mt. Lala. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=LocationROC.png}} Taiwan is home to a large number of impressive scenic sites, and Taipei is a cultural center of entertainment and leisure activities. The island is also a center of Chinese-language pop culture with a substantial entertainment industry. Japanese and an increasing number of mainland Chinese enjoy taking short trips to Taiwan and enjoy its neighborly hospitality. Taiwan is home to some well-known international companies such as Acer, MSI, Asus, HTC, and Giant Bicycles, whose technologies are some of the most advanced in the world. === History === {{seealso|Imperial China|Chinese Revolutions|Japanese colonial empire|Pacific War}} Taiwan was first populated 30,000 years ago by an Australo-Melanesian group known as the Negrito. The Negrito were eventually assimilated and displaced 5,000 years ago by Proto-Austronesians who arrived from the east coast of mainland China, predominantly from what is now Fujian province. Due to linguistic diversity on Taiwan, these people have been suggested to be the ancestors of [[Austronesian]] speakers across Southeast Asia, the Pacific and even Madagascar. Recorded history began with the partial colonization of Taiwan by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and then the Portuguese in the early 17th century. (The old name of Taiwan, ''Formosa'', comes from the Portuguese ''Ilha Formosa'' for "beautiful island".) Han Chinese immigrants arrived in significant numbers with the onset of European trade. The Ming loyalist Koxinga defeated the Dutch garrisons and set up Taiwan as a rump Ming Empire with the hope of reconquering Qing China. His grandson surrendered to the Qing in the late 1600s. Although contact between China and Taiwan dates back thousands of years, it was not until larger numbers of ethnic Han residents arrived during the Qing dynasty that Taiwan was formally integrated into China as part of Hokkien (Fujian) province. It became a separate province in 1887. The years of Han Chinese settlement during the Qing Dynasty were marred by conflict between the Han settlers and the Aboriginal people, between the Minnan and Hakka speakers among the Han settlers, and between the [[Quanzhou]] and [[Zhangzhou]] immigrants among the Minnan speakers. All these resulted in Minnan speakers largely occupying the fertile lowlands along the coast, the Hakkas being forced to occupy the middle elevations in the mountains, and the Aboriginal people being forced to higher elevations in the mountains and the more typhoon-prone east coast. Defeated by the Japanese, the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan to [[Japan]] under the terms of the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Japan ruled the island until the end of World War II in 1945, and exerted profound influences on its development. The island's entertainment and pop culture was and still is heavily influenced by that of Japan. Much of the infrastructure built by the Japanese can still be seen on the island, and has been in fact continuously used up to the present day (e.g. railroad crossing gates, administrative buildings, and the old port at Kaohsiung). During [[Pacific War|World War II]], many Taiwanese, both Aboriginal and Han Chinese, served in the Imperial Japanese Army, many of whom have been enshrined in the controversial [[Tokyo/Chiyoda#Yasukini Shrine|Yasukuni Shrine]] in [[Tokyo]]. Like their counterparts in [[Korea]] and other occupied territories, many Taiwanese women were forced to serve as "comfort women" (i.e. sex slaves) in Japanese military brothels. Upon the resumption of Chinese rule, the ''Kuomintang'' (KMT, 國民黨) under Chiang Kai-shek, also known as the Nationalists, was suspicious of many of the locals in Taiwan, due to the fact that many Taiwanese had served in the Japanese military and civil service during World War II. Moreover, as the Japanese had sought to turn Taiwan into a model colony, despite having been discriminated against, many locals had seen their standards of living improve under Japanese rule, and were disillusioned by the corruption and incompetence that plagued the Kuomintang at that time. Tensions between the new Kuomintang government and the locals culminated in the '''228 incident''' on 28th February 1947, when many locals revolted against Chinese rule, and the Kuomintang responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of people being killed, and purging many of the Japanese-educated intellectuals in the process. Taiwan would also be placed under martial law following the incident, which would only be lifted in 1987. Discussion of the incident was banned under the years of martial law, but was brought back to the fore once again following democratization in the 1990s, and the incident remains a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day. [[File:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|350px|National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] In the early 20th century, the Nationalists and Communists fought a major bloody civil war in mainland China. Although the two sides were briefly united against Japan during World War II, they quickly began fighting again after the war was over. Eventually, the Communists were victorious in 1949. The Nationalist government, remnants of their army, and hundreds of thousands of supporters then fled to Taiwan, though they would also retain control of several offshore islands of Fujian. From Taipei, they continued to assert their right as the sole legitimate government of all China. Initially very repressive, the government began to loosen control in its fourth decade under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek's son, Chiang Ching-kuo. Taiwan also experienced rapid economic growth and modernisation under the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo, becoming one of the world's richest and most modern economies and earning it a place as one of the East Asian Tigers. Today, Taiwan is generally regarded as a modern, developed economy, and still remains a leader in consumer electronics that is home to well-known computer brands such as Acer, Asus, Garmin, Gigabyte and HTC. Democratization began in earnest through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating with the first direct presidential elections in 1996, and the first peaceful transition of power between two political parties in 2000. Taiwanese politics remain dominated by the issue of relations between Taiwan and the [[China|People's Republic of China]], which still claims Taiwan as a "renegade province" and regularly threatens military action if Taiwan attempts to break away from the awkward '''One China''' status quo, whereby both sides agree that there is only one Chinese nation, but disagree on whether that one nation should be governed by the PRC or the ROC. To summarize a ''very'' complex situation, the '''Pan-Blue''' (泛藍) group spearheaded by the KMT supports eventual unification with the mainland when the political climate is right, while the '''Pan-Green''' (泛綠) group led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports eventual formal independence under the name "Republic of Taiwan". The split extends down to trivial issues like Chinese romanization &mdash; the KMT prefers the mainland's ''Hanyu pinyin'', the DPP prefers a Taiwan-made variant called ''Tongyong pinyin'' &mdash; and political demonstrations and rallies, always turbulent, on occasion even turn violent. In 2014, the '''Sunflower Movement''' was formed in opposition to deepening trade relations between Taiwan and mainland China that was being pursued by the then-KMT government. Although mainland China has been Taiwan's most important trading partner since 2008, many Taiwanese were fearful that deepening economic ties would lead to the Chinese Communist Party using this economic dependence to coerce democratic Taiwan into unifying with mainland China under communist rule. Things came to a head when student protesters stormed the Legislative Yuan on 18 March 2014, forcing the government to abandon ratification of a recently-signed trade deal with mainland China, marking the first time the Taiwanese legislature had been successfully occupied by civilian protesters. The movement is today considered a watershed moment in Taiwanese political history, as it led to the political awakening of much of the formerly apolitical younger generation, galvanized a distinct Taiwanese identity, and united most of the younger generation behind the pro-independence camp. === Government and politics === Taiwan is a presidential republic modelled after the American system of government. The President is popularly elected every four years for up to two terms, and is the head of state. The President has the sole authority to appoint members the executive branch, known as the '''Executive Yuan''', whose leader, known as the Premier, serves as the head of government. The legislative branch is known as the '''Legislative Yuan''', often referred to as the "Parliament", which is elected by the people every four years in parallel with the presidential elections. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy known for its exceptionally dramatic parliamentary sessions, with physical fights between legislators on the floor being a regular occurrence. The other branches of government are the '''Judicial Yuan''', which tops the judiciary branch, the '''Examination Yuan''', which administers civil service examinations, and the '''Control Yuan''', which is responsible for auditing the government's finances. The two main parties in Taiwanese politics are the '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) and the '''Democratic Progressive Party''' (DPP). Generally speaking, the KMT is more socially conservative, and favors friendlier ties with China, while the DPP is more socially liberal, and favors closer ties with Japan and the United States, as well as taking a tougher stance against China. While the older generation is politically split, the younger generation is overwhelmingly pro-DPP. === People === Taiwan was originally populated by indigenous peoples that spoke various Austronesian languages, which are related to Malay, Tagalog and Indonesian. Today the remaining indigenous peoples make up only about 2% of the population, while the other 98% are considered ethnically Han Chinese. The ethnically Han Chinese are further split into Taiwanese, who make up about 84% of the population and whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and mainlanders, who make up about 14% of the population and whose families fled to Taiwan from the mainland after the communist takeover of China in 1949. Among the Taiwanese group, Hoklo (Minnan) speakers form the majority, which is about 70% of the population, while the remaining 14% are largely Hakka speakers. In modern times, Taiwan is also home to immigrants from elsewhere, especially other Asian countries such as Malaysia (most of whom are ethnically Chinese), Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The post-1949 Chinese immigrants come from every province and include many non-Han residents. === Culture === Taiwanese culture is largely based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly that of [[Fujian]] province, because most Taiwanese are Han Chinese whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan from that region. However, in the 20th century, Taiwanese culture diverged from that of mainland China. Substantial Japanese influences can be seen in modern Taiwanese culture because of 50 years of Japanese rule, and this can be seen in its cuisine and in its pop culture. In addition, the Japanese introduced baseball and hot-spring bathing to Taiwan, and these remain popular pastimes for the Taiwanese to this day. As Taiwan was spared from the Cultural Revolution, the Taiwanese have also retained some elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China. Indigenous Austronesian or "Formosan" culture has greatly suffered under multiple different waves of colonial rule. It is having a resurgence today but many aspects of it have been lost forever which is evident in how the majority of the Formosan languages are extinct or moribund. However, efforts are being made to revive the culture through the introduction of the Aboriginal languages into the school curriculum. Numerous indigenous Taiwanese have had successful careers in the entertainment industry, perhaps the most famous example being the singer Kulilay Amit, better known by her Chinese name Chang Huei-mei, who is of Puyuma ethnicity. === Climate === [[File:Footbridge, Taroko 01.jpg|thumb|240px|Taroko Gorge suspension bridge]] Lowland Taiwan has a marine tropical climate during the summer, with sweltering, humid weather (above 30&nbsp;°C, 86&nbsp;°F) from Jun-Sep. In the winter the weather is influenced by the nearby continent, and in the northern areas the temperature can go as low as 8&nbsp;°C at night. The best time of year to visit is from Oct-Dec, although even then occasional typhoons can spoil the fun. Spring is also nice, although it rains more than during autumn. During the typhoon season, the east coast bears the brunt of the damage as it is facing the Pacific Ocean. In the mountainous regions you will encounter more temperate conditions. Rapid weather change can endanger unprepared visitors, so advice on proper preparation should be obtained before visiting those areas. In fact, it snows every year on Taiwan's highest mountains and occasionally even on mountains like Alishan. === Taiwanese calendar === The ''Minguo'' (民國, ROC) calendar, counting years from the establishment of the ROC (1911), is commonly used in Taiwan. To convert a ''Minguo'' date to A.D., just add 1911. {{CURRENTYEAR}} is Minguo {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}−1911}}. Months and days are according to the standard Gregorian calendar for almost everything except traditional holidays and religious matters, which use the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. === Festivals === {{CNYdates}} As Taiwan is majority Han Chinese, traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in Taiwan. Among the most notable are: *'''Chinese New Year''' (春節). This is the most important festival for the Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close on the first three days so it is not an ideal time to visit. However, the days leading up to the festival and the fourth to fifteenth days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Chinese New Year songs. *'''Tomb Sweeping Day''' (Ching Ming Festival, 清明節). This is when many Taiwanese pay respects at their ancestors' graves. *'''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午節). This festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin. To prevent the fishes from eating his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fishes and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten on them to scare away the fishes. Since then, dragon boat racing has been carried out on this day and rice dumplings are also eaten. *'''Hungry Ghost Festival''' (Ghost Month, 中元節). This festival runs throughout the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world. In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese offer food and burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held to appease these wandering spirits. *'''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (Moon Festival, 中秋節). Legend has it that on this day, a woman known as Chang E swallowed some divine pills to prevent her power hungry husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day. This is when many lanterns are put up for decoration in various parks and shops, which is quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so it would be an ideal time to try some. Many Taiwanese have barbecue with family or friends as part of the celebration. === Terrain === [[File:Jiuwanshibaguai.JPG|thumb|Cliffs meet the eastern coast of Taiwan, Hualien County]] Taiwan is largely mountainous with a chain of mountains running from north to south at the centre of the island. The west coast is largely plains and unsurprisingly is where most of the population is concentrated, and is where all the larger cities like [[Taichung]] and [[Kaohsiung]] are located. The east coast also has some plains but they are more sparsely populated due to the higher typhoon risk, but is also home to the cities of [[Hualien]] and [[Taitung]] with significant populations. === Sports === Baseball was brought to Taiwan by the Japanese during the colonial period. Its popularity rose greatly when the Taiwanese baseball team finished second in the Japanese national championships. Today, baseball retains a strong following and remains by far the most popular spectator sport in Taiwan. Several Taiwanese players have also gone on to successful careers in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Taiwanese national team is considered to be one of the strongest in the world. Besides baseball, basketball also has a sizeable following in Taiwan and is quite popular among teenagers. When classes are over, the basketball courts inside schools are not only open to students but also the public. Billiards<!--WHICH VARIANT(S)--> is another popular sport in Taiwan. It's easy to find billiard rooms throughout the country and there are also many championship-winning players in Taiwan, most of whom started training when they were still teens. Other sports which are popular include Taekwondo, table tennis and golf. In international sporting competitions, such as the Olympic Games, Taiwan is called "Chinese Taipei" for political reasons. == Talk == {{infobox|You say Zhongshan, I say Chungshan...|The romanization of Chinese used in Taiwan is not standardized. Most older place names and personal names are derived from a simplified version of Wade-Giles. The government established Hanyu Pinyin (the same system used in the mainland and the international standard) as the official system in 2009, but most local governments that did not already use the system have not switched over, and highway signs are only being gradually changed from the Tongyong Pinyin system, leading to much inconsistency. Some local governments, such as that of Taipei and Taichung, have already converted their street signs to Hanyu Pinyin and New Taipei is implementing the switch to Hanyu Pinyin. However, there are still street signs posted by city governments next to signs installed by the national government having different romanization conventions, as is the case for Kaohsiung, where Tongyong Pinyin, not Hanyu Pinyin, is the local standard. For example, Zhongshan, Chungshan, Jungshan and Jhongshan can easily refer to the same Chinese name. This article attempts to use the romanizations most commonly used ''in'' Taiwan (on street signs, buses, tourist maps, etc.) People know romanisation as 'Roma-Pinyin' (Luoma-Pinyin).}} Taiwan's official languages are four varieties of Chinese — '''[[Chinese phrasebook - Traditional|Mandarin]]''', '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]]''' (a dialect of Minnan), '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''', and '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Matsu dialect]]''' — as well as the '''Aboriginal Austronesian languages''' and '''Taiwan Sign Language'''. Mandarin is the ''lingua franca'', but Taiwanese is the mother tongue of about 70% of the population. In the North where there is a large concentration of so-called "mainlanders" (those whose families came to Taiwan from mainland China in the 1940s as refugees of the Chinese Civil War), most people speak Mandarin as their primary language (although Taiwanese is spoken in abundance), but in the South of the island, Taiwanese is far more common. Hakka is the main language at the middle elevations of the mountainous parts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka are all tonal languages, and are difficult for most foreigners to master. Aboriginal languages can mostly be heard on the East Coast and its offshore islands, as well as at higher elevations in the mountains. The Matsu dialect is a variant of the Fuzhou dialect (also known as ''Hokchiu'' or ''Foochow''), and is almost exclusively concentrated in the [[Matsu]] islands located close to [[Fuzhou]] in mainland China. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (漢字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and many overseas Chinese still use the '''traditional characters''', whereas since the 1950s mainland China has used simplified characters, such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". There are multiple ways of romanizing Mandarin Chinese, but '''pinyin''' (漢語拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn'') is the most useful for a visitor to learn. It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). (However, people in Taiwan are more familiar with a phonetic alphabet called Zhuyin (注音 ''zhùyīn'', written using Zhuyin as ㄓㄨˋ　ㄧㄣ), commonly known in English as '''bopomofo''' (named after the first four letters, ㄅㄆㄇㄈ), which is used for language education and typing.) All dialects of Chinese are also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; Mandarin tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the world, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects'''. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects would read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and couldn't carry on a spoken conversation with each other. Although standard Mandarin in Taiwan is nearly identical to standard Mandarin in mainland China (with differences mostly in technical and translated terms invented post-1949), most people in practice speak a distinctly accented version known as Taiwanese Mandarin. For example, Taiwanese Mandarin tends to not differentiate between the "S" and "Sh" or the "f" and "h" sounds in Mandarin. All people schooled after 1945 are generally fluent in Mandarin, though older people from rural areas often have a very thick accent. Mandarin is fairly popular with young people. Some elderly people do not speak Mandarin as they were schooled in Japanese or not at all. Most Taiwanese are very accepting of foreigners and react with curiosity and admiration for trying the local tongue. Generally, most people in Taiwan converse using a combination of Mandarin and Taiwanese by code-switching. The Taiwanese dialect is a variant of Minnan which is similar to the dialect spoken across the Taiwan Strait in [[South Fujian]]. Unlike in South Fujian, Taiwanese Minnan has some loan words from Japanese as a result of 50 years of Japanese colonization. Taiwanese Minnan and [[Xiamen]] Minnan are both mixtures of the [[Zhangzhou]] and [[Quanzhou]] accents, so as a result, Taiwanese Minnan sounds very similar to Xiamen Minnan. There is also dialectal variation in Taiwanese between different parts of the island; the [[Tainan]] dialect is generally considered to be the prestige dialect. All public announcements in the transportation system are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka, with the exception of the [[Matsu]] islands, where announcements are made in Mandarin and the local Matsu dialect. Especially in Taipei, younger people generally speak a basic conversational level of '''English'''. The children often understand more English than their parents, especially with the emphasis on English language education today, and English being a compulsory subject in Taiwanese schools. However, attempts to speak Mandarin or Taiwanese will be met with beaming smiles and encouragement, by and large. Quite a few people, especially in Taipei, are proficient in '''[[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]]''' due to the high number of Japanese visitors. Staff for tourist attractions such as the Taipei 101, museums, hotels, popular restaurants and airport shops speak Japanese in addition to English, Mandarin and other local languages. In fact, if you are a visitor of East Asian descent who cannot understand Chinese, when a worker realizes this he or she may try speaking to you in Japanese before trying English. There has been an increasing usage of '''[[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]''' by tourism boards due to the large number of Korean people visiting Taiwan. Thus, there are many signs across Taiwan written in Korean. An enthusiasm for Korean-language education due to the influence of Korean pop culture is also gaining momentum. Due to the increasing number of Southeast Asian tourists visiting Taiwan, '''[[Thai phrasebook|Thai]]''', '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' and '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]''' are spoken by some tourist personnel. '''Taiwan Sign Language''' is the language of the deaf community. It has partial mutual intelligibility with Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language, but not with Chinese Sign Language or Hong Kong Sign Language. == Get in == {{COVID-19 box|Taiwan has tightened entry restrictions in response to the spread of COVID-19, in particular the Delta variant of the virus. '''Non-resident foreign nationals are barred from entering or transiting Taiwan indefinitely.''' Valid visas to enter Taiwan have been suspended, and Taiwan is not issuing new visa permits at this time. Those who need to travel to Taiwan because of special circumstances can apply for a special entry permit from Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center and a Taiwanese diplomatic mission. If it is granted, you'll need to [https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/ pre-register online], present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a designated hotel or quarantine facility. Travelers will be required to bear the costs for the quarantine stay, unless arriving from a country or territory that has been designated as "high risk". <small>For more information, see the websites for the [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En Taiwan Centers for Disease Control] and [https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs].</small>| lastedit=2021-06-27}} ===Entry requirements=== [[File:Visa policy of Taiwan.svg|thumb|450px|Visa policy of Taiwan{{legend|#F60501|Taiwan}}{{legend|#20B44A|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#b5e61d|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#65D6A5|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#DCEF9B|Visa on arrival}}{{legend|#9DDEE5|eVisa}}{{legend|#15127D|Exit & Entry Permit on arrival}}{{legend|#ADADAD|Visa required}}]] [[File:ROC entry stamp.JPG|thumb|Entry stamp]] ==== Visas ==== Foreign nationals of the following 44 countries can enter Taiwan '''visa-free''' as a ''visitor'' provided that their passports are valid for at least 6 months upon entry: '''For up to 90 days:''' All 27 '''European Union''' member states, Australia (until 31 December 2021), Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (until 31 March 2025), Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vatican City '''For up to 30 days:''' Belize, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore '''For up to 14 days:''' Brunei, Philippines, Thailand (until 31 July 2019 for all three), Russian Federation If citizens of the above countries present an emergency or temporary passport, they will be required to apply for a landing visa on arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$2,400. Citizens of Japan need only present a passport with at least 3 months' validity (rather than 6 months' validity) upon entry. Citizens of the United States can enter Taiwan on a passport with less than 6 months' validity on the date of arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$5,600. Citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom can extend their stay for an extra 90 days (i.e. a total stay of up to 180 days) free of charge. More information is available on [http://www.boca.gov.tw/public/Attachment/1121416524871.doc this Bureau of Consular Affairs information sheet]. Holders of valid passports from '''[[Hong Kong]]''' (HKSAR or BN(O)) and '''[[Macau]]''', born in either of these territories, may apply for a 30-day entry permit online (free) or on arrival (NT$300). Holders of these passports born outside these territories may also apply for these permits, if they have been to Taiwan previously as a Hong Kong/Macau resident. (If they last visited Taiwan before 1983 they need to supply the travel document used then or first apply for their travel records from the Immigration Agency.) Hong Kong and Macau residents born outside of these territories and have not been to Taiwan before as a HK/Macau resident must apply for a permit online before travelling to Taiwan (NT$600). Hong Kong and Macau residents who also have another passport (except BN(O) or a Portuguese passport obtained before the handover) must use the other passport (and apply for the correct visa, if required) to enter Taiwan and not their Hong Kong/Macau passport. Macau residents using a Portuguese passport may enter visa-free like other Portuguese passport holders. Residents of '''Mainland [[China]]''' (Chinese passport holders) may visit Taiwan for tourism if they join an approved guided tour. Independent mainland Chinese travellers require a Permit for Proceeding to Taiwan (往来台湾通行证/往來台灣通行證) with an endorsement issued by Chinese authorities, and an Exit and Entry Permit (中華民國臺灣地區入出境許可證) issued by Taiwanese authorities. However, endorsement for personal tourism has been '''suspended''' due to political tensions. Citizens of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who have a valid entry visa or permanent resident card issued by a [[Europe#Schengen Agreement|Schengen]] country, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival after making an [https://oa1.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/ online application.] All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 14 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. Entry will be denied if these procedures are refused. Detailed information about visas is available at the website of the '''[http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs]'''. Taiwan does not have formal embassies in most of the world's countries (due to the 'One China' policy of mainland China preventing formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan). Instead Taiwan operates a "Taipei Representative Office", "Taipei Economic and Trade Office", or something of a similar name in most major countries, and these act as ''de facto'' embassies and consulates that can issue Taiwanese visas. ====Arrival card==== Tourists are required to fill in an arrival card. You may do it [https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/ online] before you arrive to save time. Traditional paper versions are still available at ports of entry. Hong Kong and Macau residents who have an online entry permit are exempt. ====Customs==== Fresh fruit and meat may not be brought into Taiwan, and airport staff may check your bags. If you are carrying anything prohibited, though, they might let you eat it before you go through immigration. === By plane === * '''[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]]''' '''(Taipei)''' (台灣桃園國際機場, formerly ''Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport'' 中正國際機場) ({{IATA|TPE}}) is the primary international airport of Taiwan. Located 40&nbsp;km to the southwest of Taipei, it has good connections to neighbouring countries and North America, and decent connections to Europe and Oceania. The airport has a MRT (metro/subway) connection to [[Taipei]], and direct buses to Taipei, [[Taichung]] and other nearby cities. Alternatively, the MRT train and U-Bus company shuttles reach HSR Taoyuan station (台灣高鐵桃園站) for high-speed train connections to other cities; and to Zhongli (中壢) Station for mainline TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration 台灣鐵路管理局) train and southbound bus connections to [[Tainan]], [[Hsinchu]] (新竹) etc. * [http://www.kia.gov.tw/English/ '''Kaohsiung International Airport'''] (高雄國際機場) ({{IATA|KHH}}) is the largest airport in southern Taiwan, with decent connections to neighbouring countries and domestic destinations. * [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx '''Songshan Airport'''] (松山機場) ({{IATA|TSA}}) is a smaller airport in downtown Taipei which serves mostly domestic flights with some flights to China, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Seoul Gimpo Airport. * '''Taichung Airport''' (台中機場) ({{IATA|RMQ}}) serves domestic and international flights to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and China. * [https://www.tna.gov.tw/en/index.php '''Tainan Airport'''] (臺南機場) ({{IATA|TNN}}) serves domestic routes, as well as international routes to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. * [https://www.hulairport.gov.tw/e_content/about/about01.aspx '''Hualien Airport'''] (花蓮機場) ({{IATA|HUN}}) located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, the airport serves domestic routes, as well as international flights to South Korea as well as charter flights to Cambodia. After a break of almost 60 years, regular cross-Strait flights between Taiwan and mainland China resumed in 2008, and travel times on some popular routes have been reduced significantly as flights no longer have to be routed through Hong Kong airspace. The main Taiwanese carriers are [http://www.evaair.com/ '''EVA Air'''] (長榮航空) and flag carrier [http://www.china-airlines.com/ '''China Airlines'''] (中華航空). While China Airlines used to have a poor safety record, things have improved greatly since 2003, and today, it is just as safe as the major Western European airlines. === By boat === {{COVID-19 box|Due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, all ferry services to China have been suspended.|lastedit=2020-02-28}} All scheduled passenger ferry services between Taiwan and Japan have been suspended. [http://www.starcruises.com Star Cruises] operates limited cruise services from [[Keelung]] (基隆) and [[Kaohsiung]] (高雄) to Hong Kong and various Japanese islands, but these are not intended for one-way journeys. ====China to Taiwan via Matsu==== From [[Fuzhou]] (福州), China, there are two daily ferries to the Taiwan-controlled [[Matsu]] (馬祖) islands. Take bus 69 from Fuzhou train station to Wuyilu, then bus 73 to the end station Mawei harbor (馬尾港). The ferry costs RMB350 from China and NT$1,300 from Matsu. The trip takes two hours. You can check the Matsu tourism website for [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=505&l=2 updates on the schedule]. There is a cheaper (NT$650) ferry between Matsu's northern island and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, but because of limitations to immigration facilities, it apparently only accepts Taiwan/ROC citizens as passengers at this time ([https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=781&l=1 schedules and fares]). From Matsu, there the ''Taima Star'' ferry runs daily to [[Keelung]] in Taiwan ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/index.php Official website] / [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=128&l=2 English information]). NT$1,050 includes a bed, as the trip takes 10 hours. Regular seats are available for NT$630 only when the sleeping cabins are full ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/price.htm official fare table]). Schedules can be found at [http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/harbor.php this link]. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or [https://www.matsuebs.com/html/custorder/36 online]. At [[Mawei]] harbor in [[Fuzhou]] there is an opportunity to buy an inclusive ticket all the way to Taipei (臺北) that includes the Fuzhou to Matsu ferry above and a domestic flight from Matsu to Taipei (or Taichung). The price (RMB780) includes transfer between port and airport on Matsu, and a coupon for lunch at the airport while you wait for your connection. The ferry leaves Fuzhou at 09:30. Get to Mawei at 08:00 to buy tickets. ====China to Kinmen==== There are also several ferry services between [[Xiamen]] and [[Quanzhou]] on the mainland and the Taiwan-controlled island of [[Kinmen]] (金門). While foreigners may use the former the latter is only open to Chinese and Taiwanese citizens. Now there also is one weekly ferry from Dongdu Harbor (東渡碼頭) in [[Xiamen]] to Keelung, that leaves on Thursdays at 18:00 starting at less than RMB500, and one to Taichung leaving on Tuesdays. Call 0592-2393128 for information or 0592-6011758 for bookings from China. You can also check [http://www.seat61.com/Taiwan.htm#Ferries_to_Taiwan here] for news. There is apparently no ferry from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan at this time, though flights may be reasonably priced. ====China to Taiwan direct==== The ''Cosco Star'' runs overnight between [[Keelung]] in northern Taiwan and [[Xiamen]] on the mainland, between Keelung and Daimaiyu Port near [[Taizhou]] on the mainland, and between [[Taichung]] in west-central Taiwan and Xiamen. Each leg of each route only runs on one day of the week (see [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-sch.asp here] for departure times of each route and [http://www.cosco.url.tw/hot.html here] for the latest calendar of operations). "Standard" one-way fares start at NT$3,500, but "basic" fares may be available for NT$2,490 ([http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-tick.asp fare table]). On top of the fare there is an additional NT$300-550 in fuel and port surcharges, which varies depending on the route. There are substantial discounts for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). The service's Taiwan-facing website is [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-main.asp here]. [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hours) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to [[Taipei]] and [[Taichung]] in Taiwan. As of February 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and the Pingtan-Taichung-Pingtan route runs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,500 one-way, $6,350 round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance]/[http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]. == Get around == ===''IC Cards''=== [[Taipei]]'s '''[http://www.easycard.com.tw/ EasyCard]''' (悠遊卡 Yōuyóukǎ) and [[Kaohsiung]]'s '''[https://www.i-pass.com.tw/EN/ iPass]''' (一卡通) are the main public transportation smart and electronic payment cards, and replace the need to buy separate tickets for most national, regional and city buses, metro (MRT), as well as train services (TRA) all over Taiwan, and they can be used at retail establishments that display the respective sign, like convenient stores (7eleven, Family Mart), parking lots and some restaurants and shops. Though originally accepted only in their respective cities, the two cards can now be used interchangeably at most (but not all) locations. Besides saving you the hassle of having proper change ready for your ticket, it mostly always gives discount on the chosen journeys. For instance, the price for any train (TRA) is calculated based on the price of a local train and a 10% discount. Thus, you can even take the faster trains with it (but not THSR) like the Tzu-Chiang limited express. The only disadvantage is that you will not have a reserved seat, which however is not an issue except on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon. The EasyCard also provides discounts on [[Taipei#Get around|Taipei's public transportation network]], and likewise with the iPass on Kaohsiung's network. The EasyCard can be bought at the airport, in any of stations of Taipei MRT and most convenient stores. As of Dec 2019 the price was NT$500, consisting of a non-refundable deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 in electronic cash. If you want to add money onto the card, you can do so in MRT stations (including Kaohsiung MRT), TRA stations, and the common convenient stores. The card can hold amounts up to NT$5,000. Student IC cards with even deeper discounts are also available for purchase, but only upon request at a desk and a recognised student ID like ISIC. Whether the card needs to be tapped only once or twice on city buses (on entry or on exit, see [[#By bus|below]]) depends on which city you are in and sometimes how far you travel. Do not forget to tap twice (on entry '''and''' exit) where it is necessary, especially on regional and national buses outside of cities (and some unstaffed railway stations). Otherwise, your card will be blocked with "incomplete journey" (for all bus companies), and you will have to settle this issue with the responsible bus company. This can be a problem, because bus companies only serve certain regions. When leaving that region, e.g. by train, which is still possible with a (bus) locked card, no-one will be willing to unlock your card, even though also other bus companies are able to do so. Be insistent and with the help of the tourist information centre tell them that you cannot go back to fix the problem, or that you tried and they did not solve the issue even though they told you so. Make sure that it is really unlocked (with a different bus company) and do not just trust them &ndash; it seems some cannot operate their machines properly. If you forget to tap the second time, you will only be charged a small initial fee instead of the whole journey, but unless you are at the end of your vacation to Taiwan or possess a second card, you should avoid having your card blocked. That said, most bus drivers and railway staff pay close attention to the tapping, so it is hard to miss. It costs NT$14 to get in and out of the same railway station within an hour, in case you instead decide to take the bus. At the end of your travel, do not put too much money onto your card, because it can only be given back and cashed-out at certain locations, like some THSR stations. In addition to the NT$100 purchase fee, there is a NT$20 fee for returning the card within 3 months. === By train === [[File:THSR 700T train at Taoyuan Station 20070728.jpg|thumb|Taiwan High Speed train]] [[File:TaiwanHighSpeedRail Route en.gif|thumb|Map of Taiwan High Speed Rail; all stations shown are operational]] Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays. The main downside is the lack of cross-island routes between the East Coast and West Coast; for instance, there is no rail line from Taichung to Hualien, so you will have to either drive, fly, or take a major detour via Taipei or Kaohsiung. ====THSR==== The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a [[high speed train]] based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the {{km|345}} route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung station is built next to a railway station, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with branch railway lines. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra, though business class passengers are offered a complementary drink and snack. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted. Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The Official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off. All high-speed trains consist of two seating classes; '''economy class''' and '''business class'''. Although economy class is already clean and comfortable by international standards, paying extra for business class snags you a slightly wider seat, as well as a complimentary drink and snack. All train announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. =====Passes===== The Taiwan High Speed Rail issues a '''[https://pass.thsrc.com.tw/oatsb2c/home.do?G=3 THSR Pass]''' for use on the high speed rail trains. These cost NT$2,400 for a regular 3-day pass, or NT$3,200 for a flexible 3-day pass. While a regular 3-day pass must be used in 3 consecutive days, the 3 days in a flexible 3-day pass may be spread out over any 7-day period. The 5-day joint passes allow for unlimited rides on the high speed rail for 2 days within a 5 day period, and unlimited rides on TRA lines within the same 5-day period. These cost NT$2,800 for a standard pass, which does not allow you to ride on Tzu-Chiang trains, and NT$3,600 for an express pass, which allows you to ride on all TRA lines. The THSR passes may only be used by foreigners who are in Taiwan on tourist visas (or visa exemptions), and must be purchased from travel agents overseas ''before'' you arrive in Taiwan. ====TRA==== Mainline trains are run by the separate [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx '''Taiwan Railway Administration'''] (TRA, 台鐵) , whose services are generally efficient and reliable. Reserving tickets well in advance is recommended when traveling with the train on weekends, especially for long distance travel. Slower (but more frequent) commuter trains without reserved seating are also available. Train timetables and [http://railway.hinet.net/net_eng.htm online booking] (up to 2 weeks in advance) are available on the TRA website for 24 hours. Booking and payment can be made online. You can also pay for the tickets you reserved at your local train station or post office to actually receive it. You can also buy the tickets of TRA in convenient stores now (you can reserve first and take the tickets in convenient stores). The way to buy tickets is same to high speed rail's. Children under 115&nbsp;cm (45&nbsp;in) height go free, and taller kids shorter than 150&nbsp;cm (59&nbsp;in) and under 12 years of age get half-price tickets. If you get return tickets there is a small discount depending upon travel distance. There are also vending machines at the larger stations. The fastest train is Tzu-Chiang (limited express), and the slowest is Pingkuai (Ordinary/Express). There is often little to choose between prices and destination times for adjacent train classes, but the gap can be quite large between the fastest and the slowest. * '''Tze-Chiang''' (自強 ''zìqiáng''): The fastest (and most expensive). Assigned seating. Non-reserved (standing) tickets are supposedly sold at full price, but the boarding is possible with an Easycard for local train prices. There are '''Taroko Express''' (太魯閣號 ''Tàilǔgé Hào'') and '''Puyuma''' (普悠瑪號 ''Pǔyōumǎ Hào'') runnning from Taipei to Hualien, which only sell reserved tickets. * '''Chu-Kuang''' (莒光 ''júguāng''): Second fastest. Assigned seating. In western Taiwan, it is as slow as a local train; in eastern Taiwan, it is still a fast, convenient train. * '''local train''' (區間 ''qūjiān'') : Short to medium distance commuter train, stops at all stations. No assigned seating. There are a few local-fast train, which don't stop at every station. * '''Express / Ordinary''' (普通 ''pǔtōng''): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, most inexpensive. No assigned seating. Some Express trains (the light blue ones running on West Trunk Line) are air-conditioned while others (dark blue ones) are not equipped with air conditioners. Only on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon faster trains are packed, and it might make sense to buy a more expensive reserve-seat ticket, if you do not want to stand for 3 hr, depending on your destination. Otherwise, you can freely use the EasyCard for fast connections without worrying (except for THSR). For travel to nearby cities, you can travel on local commuter trains. These arrive very frequently (about once every ten to fifteen minutes). In addition, "standing tickets" may be purchased on trains with assigned seating that have no available seats. Standing tickets are 80% the original ticket price and may be useful for last-minute travellers. However, you will be required to stand for the duration of your trip if there are no free seats. Station announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English. A holdover from the Japanese colonial era is the railway bento tradition, known in Taiwan as the TR Bento (臺鐵便當 ''tái tiě biàn dàng''). These are sold at most major train stations, and on board most long distance TRA trains. Both meat and vegetarian options are available, with the pork chop bento being particularly famous and iconic. =====Passes===== Similar to Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also offers several rail passes to foreign tourists for unlimited train travel within a stipulated period. The '''[https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip/tip003/tip311/view10 TR Pass]''' can be used by foreigners for unlimited travel on TRA lines for a stipulated period of time. The TR Pass can be bought at railway stations in Taiwan. The TR pass also allows you to reserve seats for free on trains that have assigned seating. '''The TR pass is not valid on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)''' as those trains are not run by the TRA. {| class="wikitable" |+Ticket types/prices (NT$) |- |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''3 Days''' |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''5 Days''' |- | full price || reduced price || 4-person-group || full price || reduced price || 4-person-group |- | 1800 || 900 || 4200 || 2500 || 1250 || 7000 |} : :Note: The 4-person-group ticket must be used by four people simultaneously. You '''cannot''' take the high-speed rail, since it is not operated by the TRA. Validity has to be for consecutive days. Reduced price applies to children (age 7-12), senior citizens (age 65+) and disabled people. * TR Pass Student: The student version of the TR Pass is significantly cheaper than the general version, though unlike the general version, it is ''not'' valid for use on Tzu-Chiang limited express trains, and also cannot be used to ride in train cars with reserved seating. In order to qualify for this pass, you will need to show your passport and a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Ticket types and prices: * 5-day ticket: NT$599 * 7-day ticket: NT$799 * 10-day ticket: NT$1,098 ===By bus=== Taiwan has an extensive bus network, run mostly by private bus companies. Travelling by bus is generally cheaper than by train, especially for long-distance trips. However, on holidays, travel time may be much longer and tickets are more likely to be sold out. There are two categories: intercity buses (客運) and local buses (公車). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a set of distinctly branded bus routes (some intercity, some local) that serve tourist sites, and are generally easier to use than regular routes. The official website offers route maps, timetables and recommended itineraries, but is somewhat confusing to navigate. There is, however, a toll-free number for inquiries. There are also information desks at major transport hubs. [[File:Taipei Bus 1073 stop board.jpg|thumb|Bus stop in Taipei]] Many cities have local buses. They are managed by local governments, therefore information can generally be found on the websites of the respective transportation bureaus. Drivers are usually happy to help, but may not speak English. Route maps at bus stops are mostly in Chinese. For visitors, it may be helpful to have your hotel or accommodation host suggest some routes for you and circle your destination on a map, then show it to the bus driver to make sure you're on the right bus. Announcements are in English, but hopefully the driver will remember to tell you when to get off in case you miss it. Most buses accept either cash (no change) or IC cards (like the EasyCard). Minor cities and towns do not have local buses, but have intercity routes that make frequent stops. These can be found using the method in the previous paragraph. Occasionally a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb at a bus stop. Sometimes it is due to a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop. (Taiwanese traffic law and regulation prohibit vehicles from stopping or parking within 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) of a bus stop.) However, a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb just because he or she does not want to wait for overtaking traffic while leaving a bus stop. Therefore, be ''much more careful'' when getting on or off a bus stopped away from a curb, as many motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles will definitely be tempted to overtake on the right side of the stopped bus where people get on and off! (As traffic drives on the right side of the road in Taiwan, buses have doors on the right side.) In Taiwan you need to hail the bus you are taking as you see it coming—much like hailing a taxi. The terminal stop of the route is listed on the front of the bus in Chinese and sometimes English, so it is important to make sure the bus you get on is going the right direction. For city buses, sometimes you pay when boarding, sometimes when alighting, sometimes both (whether with cash or an IC card). As you get on the bus there will be an LED sign indicating that, opposite the entrance. Sometimes it's only in Chinese: 上 means on boarding, 下 means on alighting (or just watch other people). In some cities such as Kaohsiung and Taichung, failing to swipe your card correctly will result in a locked card. ====Navigation==== Google Maps is a quick way to find a route to your destination, but is not always reliable, especially for trips with changes and for longer distance (like in the south and southwest). Often it will highly overstate bus travel times, because it will consider each stop while the bus might only stop at every third or fourth. Hence, a trip from Kaohsiung or Pingtung to Kenting will be stated with 3-4 hr, even though it will just take 1 hr. Therefore, it will also often suggesting the wrong connections and transfers. However, it gives a very good indication on the possible route, vehicle number(s), frequency, availability and price of buses and trains. Besides, the ''Bus+'' app (Android/iOS) is quite reliable with schedules. You can find bus numbers on it, and it will list its (live) route. This is much easier than reading the Chinese bus stop signs. In combination with Google Maps route search it is quite handy. Furthermore, http://taiwanbus.tw/ has a likewise good overview, in case the Bus+ app is not that helpful. === By metro === [[File:VAL256 on Taipei MRT Muzha Line 20050320.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]] The following areas are served by metro, also known as MRT: * [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] by Taipei Metro * Linkou Plateau, western Taipei and northeastern [[Taoyuan]] City by Taoyuan Metro *[[Taichung]] by Taichung MRT * [[Kaohsiung]] by Kaohsiung MRT It is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke in all metro systems past the fare gates. If multiple journeys are to be made, one can purchase a rechargeable IC card. There are 4 cards: EasyCard (悠遊卡), iPASS (一卡通), icash and HappyCash. For basic MRT transport purposes there is little difference between them. All metro systems are reliable, safe, clean and accessible. Disruptions are rare. The Taipei Metro in particular is widely lauded as one of the world's most reliable and efficient, and is often held up as a gold standard for other Metro systems around the world to emulate. Nearly all stations have toilets, elevators and info desks. There are also special waiting areas that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. === By taxi === {{infobox|Betel nut beauties (檳榔西施) |The highways of Taiwan are lined with brightly lit booths staffed by attractive, skimpily dressed young women, but they're not plying the world's oldest trade; instead, they're betel nut beauties, who compete for the attention of customers to sell the mildly addictive stimulant '''betel''' (檳榔 ''bīnláng''), consisting of areca nuts and slaked lime wrapped in a betel leaf, not themselves. Betel itself is worth a try and there is a chance you will be offered it in the company of farmers or working-class Taiwanese. Be warned, it stains your teeth blood red. To consume it, bite and spit off the cap at the top of the nut, then chew the rest of the bundle. Only the first mouthful of saliva must be spit and afterwards one can either choose to spit or swallow and enjoy the buzz. One sampling on your trip shouldn't be a problem, but do keep in mind that this little treat is habit-forming and cancer-causing for long-term users. Due to the known health risks, consumption of betel nuts is declining, and betel but beauties are becoming increasingly few and far between.}} Taxis are very common in major Taiwanese cities. You do not need to look for a taxi, they'll be looking for you. The standard yellow taxis scour roads looking for potential riders such as lost foreigners. It is possible but generally unnecessary to phone for a taxi. To hail one, simply place your hand in front of you parallel to the ground. But they'll often stop for you even if you're just waiting to cross the street or for a bus. In less heavily trafficked areas further out from the transit hubs, taxis are always available by calling taxi dispatch centers or using mobile apps. Drivers generally cannot converse in English or read Westernized addresses (except for special Taoyuan airport taxis). Get the hotel staff or a Taiwanese friend write out your destination in Chinese, and also take a business card from the hotel. Show the driver the Chinese writing of where you are going. Taxis are visibly metered (starting point priced at NT$70), and taxi drivers are strictly forbidden from taking tips. A maximum of four people can ride in one cab, and for the price of one. Compared to European or American taxis, those in Taiwan are inexpensive. Although taxi drivers in Taiwan tend to be more honest than in many other countries, not all are trustworthy. An indirect trip might cost you half again as much. A cab driver using night-time rates during the daytime will cost you 30% more (make sure he presses the large button on the left on his meter before 23:00). Avoid the especially overzealous drivers who congregate at the exits of train stations. Also, stand your ground and insist on paying meter price only if any driving on mountain roads is involved. Some drivers like to tack on surcharges or use night-time rates if driving to places like [[Wenshan]] (文山) or [[Wulai]] (烏來). Such attempts to cheat are against the law. From Taoyuan Airport (TPE), buses are a much more economical option but if you want a direct route Taoyuan airport drivers are the best choice. They're quite comfortable and get you to your destination as quick as possible. All the TPE taxi drivers are interlinked by radio so they could be forewarned if there are police. Sometimes, if there are traffic jams and no police around, the driver will drive in the emergency lane. Taxis from TPE to destinations in Tao Yuan, parts of Taipei county and some other destinations are 'allowed' to add an additional 50% to the meter fare. The badge and taxi driver identification are displayed inside and the license number marked on the outside. You must also be wary that the driver turns on his meter, otherwise he might rip you off. In such a case, you aren't obliged to pay; but make sure you can find a police officer to settle the matter. If there are stories of passengers boarding fake taxis and being attacked by the driver, it is best not to be paranoid about it. Drivers may be more worried about passengers attacking them! If you do call a taxi dispatch center, you will be given a taxi number to identify the vehicle when it arrives. Generally, dispatch is extremely rapid and efficient, as the taxis are constantly monitoring dispatch calls from the headquarters using radio while they are on the move. This is also the safest way to take a taxi, especially for women. Taxis are also a flexible although relatively expensive way to travel to nearby cities. They have the advantage over the electric trains in that they run very late at night. Drivers are required to provide a receipt if asked, though you might find them unwilling to do so. Taxi drivers, as elsewhere in Asia, are not keen on exchanging large notes. Try to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand to avoid the hassle of fighting with the driver for change. Taxi drivers are known for their strong political opinions. Many are supporters of the pan-green coalition and Taiwanese independence, spending all day listening to Taiwanese political talk radio. Drivers also have negative connotations as being former prisoners. Be careful about your opinions on sensitive political subjects (including, but not necessarily limited to cross-strait relations); also be careful of describing your destination which may be perceived politically (such as the President's Office or Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial Hall). Also watch out for drivers who discriminate against other cultures such as taping "No Korean passengers" on their cars. This is sometimes unavoidable as some drivers provoke such discussion. In addition, if you see what looks like blood spewing from the driver's mouth, or him spitting blood onto the street—not to fret–it's merely him chewing betel nut (see box). Keep in mind, however, that betel nuts are a stimulant. Taxi drivers are generally friendly towards foreigners, and a few of them take the opportunity to try their limited English skills. They are most likely to ask you about yourself, and are a patient audience to your attempts at speaking Mandarin. If you are traveling with small children, don't be surprised if they are given candy when you disembark. Women are sometimes warned not to take taxis alone at night. This is not an extreme risk, although there have been incidents where women have been attacked. To be more safe, women can have the hotel or restaurant phone a cab for them (ensuring a licensed driver), have a companion write down the license number of the driver (clearly displayed on the dashboard), or keep a cell phone handy. Do not get in if the driver doesn't have a license with picture clearly displayed in the cab. === By scooter or motorcycle === Scooters with an engine size of 50cc require a license to drive, and should be insured and registered in the owner's name. Foreign nationals with stay less than 30 days do not have an easy way to get a scooter license. Until 2003 it wasn't possible to get a scooter above 150cc. Many of the scooters within cities are only 50cc and incapable of going faster than 80&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph). The more powerful versions known as ''zhongxing'' (重型, heavy format) scooters are now quite common and can be rented for short-term use, or found for sale used at [http://www.englishintaiwan.com English In Taiwan] if you're going to need it for a while. They are '''not''' allowed on freeways even if they are capable of going faster than 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph) unless used for certain police purposes, but that just means you have to take the scenic route. If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter. Attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city. It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying. One Taipei motorcycle and scooter rental service with English language service is [http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card! The average price you may expect is NT$400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets. Another option is to rent a motorcycle. Many foreigners swear by their 125cc Wild Wolf (野狼) motorcycles, and a trip around the island on a motorcycle can be a great way to see the island up close. It is to be mentioned that since 2007, scooters and motorcycle over 550cc are allowed to go on expressway providing that they have a red license plate. They are however to be considered as cars, and as such cannot be parked in scooter parking spaces. === By car === [[File:Traffic restored on the 133K~135K section of Provincial Highway 21.jpg|thumb|View of Yushan Scenic Highway]] An international driving license is required for driving in Taiwan and may be used for up to 30 days, after which you'll need to apply for a local permit. Some municipalities may impose additional restrictions, so check ahead with the rental shop. [http://www.vipcar.com.tw/ VIP Rentals] in [[Taipei]] is quite happy to rent cars to foreigners, and will even deliver the car to a given destination. A deposit is often required, and the last day of rental is not pro-rated, but calculated on a per-hour basis at a separate (higher) rate. The numbered highway system is very good in Taiwan. Most traffic signs are in international symbols, but many signs show names of places and streets in Chinese only. All road directional signs are written in both Chinese and English, though the non-standardized Romanization means that English names can vary between road signs, making it rather confusing. The highways are in excellent shape with toll stations around every 30&nbsp;km (19&nbsp;mi). Toll is charged electronically and you pay the rental company when you return the car. Traffic moves on the right in Taiwan. Parking in cities is generally charged. A attendant will put a payment slip under your windscreen wiper, you can pay at convenience stores. While driving may be the best way to get around the countryside, in larger cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, traffic jams are a problem as is the difficulty of finding a good parking space, especially during the rush hour and traffic tends to get chaotic so you might be better off relying on public transport instead. === By thumb === While Taiwanese themselves don't generally [[Hitchhiking|hitchhike]], foreigners will have it very easy to find a hitch. However, in rural areas people may not recognize the thumb in the air symbol, and you may try pointing your hand to the ground and waving towards you. It is very easy to flag down a car in rural and mountain regions. So, instead of waiting for that one bus a day that goes by, just hitch a ride. Flagging down a car might work on a country lane with little or no public transportation, but doing so on a major road might lead to confusion, with the driver assuming that you are in trouble. A sign, especially one in Chinese, would therefore be of great help. The East coast around Hualien and Taitung enjoys a reputation for being especially good for getting rides. Taiwanese people are very friendly and helpful, so striking up a conversation with someone at a transport café or freeway service station may well see you on your way. === By bicycle === Although Taiwan is known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and Merida), bicycles used to be considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. This has changed, and bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails. The government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10:00-16:00 on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm). * [https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=F299BF5B3142389A Taipei MRT Route Map], bicycles may be loaded at designated stations * [http://www.krtco.com.tw/en/guide_StipulationsforPassengerswithBicycles.aspx Kaohsiung MRT Bicycle Information] (passengers traveling with non-folding bicycles are assessed a flat rate NT$60 fare irrespective of distance) Giant Bicycles Corporation operates a large network of bicycle retail stores that offer '''rentals''' for as little as NT$100 per day, if requested one week in advance. Generally, the day rate is around NT$300 for a modern bicycle. Also, rented bicycles can be picked up at one station and given back another station. This can be convenient if you want to go down the quiet east coast with a bicycle and back up the busy west coast with the train/bus. A one week finesse bike including bags costs as little as €100. Public shared bicycles are also available for rent at automated kiosks in most Taiwanese cities. Rental fees are usually paid using the rapid transit EasyCard or iPass system. There is YouBike in Taipei, which are available all over the city and even 30&nbsp;km out &ndash; see [[Taipei]] for more details. Additionally, many local police stations provide basic support services for cyclists, such as air pumps, and as a rest stop. === By plane === [[File:UNI Air MD-90-30 (B-17918) at Kaohsiung International Airport.jpg|thumb|Domestic plane, Taiwan]] Domestic air travel in Taiwan is primarily for outlying islands, as Taiwan is fairly compact with a modern and efficient rail network. There are also routes that connect the east and west coasts, since there is a geographical barrier between the two. There are no longer any west coast only routes as [[high speed rail]] has made them redundant. The main carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a subsidiary of China Airlines; and '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', owned by EVA. There is also Daily Air and Far Eastern Air Transport. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance, except during holidays. Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx Songshan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by MRT or taxi. Other domestic airports include those in [[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu/Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Taichung]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travellers heading to [[Kenting]] can use the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei. If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option for travelling to [[Kinmen]] and the easiest method of reaching [[Penghu]] and [[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry which is notorious among Taiwanese for its rough ride. ===On foot and navigation=== Taiwan is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting and picturesque trails in its mountainous centre, or just north-east of Taipei. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/ OpenStreetMap], which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] (complex with many add-ons) and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME] (easy but limited). == See == Perhaps due to its political ambiguity and lack of global presence, Taiwan has never been a significant destination for Westerners. Nevertheless tourists from [[Japan]] and [[Hong Kong]] have been visiting Taiwan in droves for a long time, and they are being joined by an increasing number of Koreans, Southeast Asians and Westerners. The island is home to many cultural attractions, with an excellent selection right in the capital. Taipei is a bustling and modern metropolis, with ancient yet lively streets, and world-famous landmarks like '''Taipei 101'''. However, it's also home to the '''National Palace Museum''', '''Zhongshan Hall''', '''Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall''' and the beautifully restored '''Bao'an Temple'''. Bao'an is just one of many striking temple complexes worth a visit. For more, try the '''Zushi Temple''' in [[Sanxia]] or the '''Mazu temple''' in [[Makung]]. The large '''Longshan Temple''' in [[Lukang]] and the '''Confucian Temples''' of [[Changhua]] and [[Tainan]] are fine choices too. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and therefore full of historic sites, especially colonial buildings, and including the Anping "Tree House" that's being slowly reclaimed by banyan trees. If you're looking for some deeper insights in Taiwan's history and culture, there's a wide range of '''museums''' to be explored, pretty much wherever your go. Taiwan retains its place as a major center of Chinese pop culture. In addition, this state is home to bustling cities with modern, high-tech infrastructure, and good transportation infrastructure means that getting around is easy. For those who have grown weary of the hustle and bustle of cities, Taiwan also offers some very impressive scenery and charming historical villages in its rural areas. === Nature === [[File:Taiwan 2009 HuaLien Taroko Gorge Narrow Gap and Road PB140025.jpg|thumb|200px|Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park]] Some people think of Taiwan as a grimy, densely populated industrial island full of hard disk factories, and you may well maintain this perception if you only stick to the densely populated West Coast. However, for those who take time to venture to the more sparsely populated East Coast will quickly find that Taiwan is actually home to some stunning landscapes. The [[Taroko Gorge]] (太魯閣) near [[Hualien]] in particular is very impressive, and should not be missed, with a side trip to the rugged shores at ''Shihtiping'' (石梯坪) as a worthwhile detour. '''Hehuan Mountain''' and '''[[Sun Moon Lake]]''' are beautiful natural attractions near [[Nantou]], while the huge and ancient trees in '''[[Lalashan]]''' make for great hikes near [[Taoyuan]]. In fact, most of Taiwan is covered with mountains which offer breathtaking views, so hiking opportunities are very diverse. == Do == * '''Hot Springs''' (溫泉) – Taiwan's geographical location between an oceanic trench and volcanic system makes it an ideal hot springs vacation spot. There are several hot springs destinations throughout the country, including [[Beitou]] (北投), [[Wulai]] (烏來) and [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). The culture of bathing in hot springs was introduced by the Japanese during the colonial period, and remains firmly entrenched in the local culture to this day. At traditional establishments segregated by sex, you may be expected to bathe nude. However, many other places, particular those geared for foreigners, are unisex and require a bathing suit. ===Hiking=== Taiwan is an island of huge mountains (more than two hundred peaks over 3,000m) and there are many hiking opportunities. [[Taroko Gorge]] is popular for its incredible scenery, and serious hikers can trek [[Yushan]] or Wuling Sixiu, among many others. Even in [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] there are a variety of trails to suit hikers of any level. Serious trekking is rather complicated due to an advance booking requirement (usually 7 days) and lodging lottery&mdash;see http://np.cpami.gov.tw/. Permits are required for many trails, especially remote or multi-day hikes and some (though not all!) in national parks. Nevertheless, there are also many trails available that do not need an application. They are mostly day hikes, but you can always put together your trip sections as preferred&mdash;consult apps that use [http://www.openstreetmap.org OpenStreetMap], like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME]. They have comprehensive and reliable tracks available. ===Shrimping=== Popular locally, and gaining traction with foreign tourists due to YouTube and travel bloggers, is the pastime of indoor shrimp fishing. For an hourly rate (around NT$300/hr), you will be provided with a fishing rod and a seat at an indoor shrimp pool that is regularly stocked with large live Thai prawns. While drinking beer and enjoying the laid back environment, you will be afforded an opportunity to catch dinner with locals. Almost all locales have a few indoor shrimp fishing pools to seek out. Almost all double as restaurants with tables and ovens available for use, allowing you to cook your catch on-site and order additional dishes as needed. ===Events=== * '''[http://www.springscream.com/ Spring Scream]''' (春天吶喊) – A three day outdoor rock concert in [[Kenting]], held every year. In 2011, it will take place on 1–4 April. Tickets are NT$1,400 for all days, all venues; NT$650 for one day, one venue. Kenting's entire area gets swarmed by young people coming to party for 3 days, and Taiwanese TV heavily reports on the latest bikini fashions seen on the spot. Be aware, though, that police presence will be strong, as the festival has a reputation for being rife with illegal drugs. * '''Buddha's Birthday''' (佛祖誕辰) – Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha and a vegetarian feast. It is appropriate to make offerings to the monks and nuns at this time, though it is not mandatory. Lunar Calendar 8th day of 4th month. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (龍舟賽) – A festival to commemorate the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (25 June 2020), and is marked by races of colorful dragon boats at various locations throughout the island. * '''Cherry Blossom Season''' (櫻花季) – Every spring, in [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). * '''Mazu Festival''' (媽祖生) – Festival commemorating the traditional birthday of Mazu, a traditional Chinese goddess who is popularly worshipped in Taiwan. The biggest celebration is an eight-day long "inspection tour" of a Mazu statue from the Zhenlan Temple in [[Taichung]] to the Chaotian Temple in [[Southern Taiwan|Beigang]] and back, though many other temples throughout Taiwan's main island and the outlying islands also conduct their own festivities. Lunar Calendar 23rd day of 3rd month. === Traditional pastimes === Generally speaking, traditional Chinese games such as [[Go]] (圍棋 ''wéiqí'') and [[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]] (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') are popular in Taiwan too. Both games are played at the professional level in Taiwan, and there are numerous tournaments that visitors may watch. While gambling is illegal in Taiwan, '''mahjong''' (Mandarin: 麻將 ''májiàng''; Taiwanese: 麻雀 ''moâ-chhiok'') remains popular. The Taiwanese version of the game derives from the Fujianese form, which differs significantly from the better known Cantonese and Japanese versions, most notably because a hand consists of 17 tiles instead of the 14 used in other versions. Mahjong in Taiwan is mostly a family and friends affair, and is usually played at social gatherings in people's houses. Mahjong clubs generally cater to groups of friends or family members looking to play together, though they can often assist in helping you find other players if you show up alone. While playing for money is not allowed at mahjong clubs due to Taiwan's anti-gambling laws, they will often allow you to exchange the points you win for various prizes. === Performing Arts === '''Glove puppet shows''' (布袋戲) originated in Fujian province on mainland China, and were brought to Taiwan by the first Han Chinese immigrants. Nevertheless, they have since been somewhat modernised and taken on some uniquely Taiwanese characteristics. Another traditional Taiwanese type of performance is '''Taiwanese opera''' (歌仔戲), which originated in [[Yilan]] based on traditional Chinese opera styles. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=New Taiwan dollars | currencyCode=NT$ | date=January 2022 | CNY=4.3 | EUR=31 | GBP=37 | JPY=24 | USD=28 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/twd-taiwan-new-dollar XE.com]}}The currency of Taiwan is the '''New Taiwan dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''NT$'''" (新臺幣 or 臺幣, ISO code: '''NTD''', but also referred to as TWD). The NT dollar is known locally as NT, ''yuán'' (元 or more formally 圓) when written in Chinese or colloquially in Mandarin as the ''kuài'' (塊). One unit is known colloquially as the ''kho&#x358;'' (箍) in the Taiwanese dialect. One dollar is divided into 100 cents, known as a 分 (''fēn'') in Chinese. 10 cents is formally known as a 角 (''jiǎo''), and colloquially as a 毛 (''máo'') in Chinese. Any '''$''' sign you see in Taiwan or this travel guide for Taiwan generally refers to NTD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ for U.S. dollars). Banknotes come in denominations of NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000, while coins come in denominations of NT$½, NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20 and NT$50. The NT$½ coin is rarely seen or accepted because of its low value, and the price of raw materials used to make the coin is more than the face value of the coin. Taiwanese currency is fully convertible and there are no restrictions on taking currency into or out of the island. Currency exchange is possible internationally, although you will get a much better rate if you wait until you arrive at the airport to exchange currency at the 24-hour window. Most banks in Taipei and Kaohsiung will also exchange money or offer cash advances on credit or debit cards. Should you bring American currency, bring newer bills as the banks and exchange-centers (such as in department stores) will only accept the newer notes (notes from 1996 and 2003 are not accepted at most places, due to a high proportion of forgeries bearing these years). Notes which are torn or damaged will probably not be changed, and old-style small-bust notes are not accepted, including the US$2 bill no matter when it was printed. Taiwan National Bank will take older bank notes and bank notes that are wrinkled or torn for exchange. Department stores will not exchange notes older than 1997. Don't forget to show your passport! ====ATMs==== Taiwan has abundant ATMs to withdraw cash from using the Plus or Cirrus systems. Certain banks' ATMs will even tell you your available balance in your own currency or in NT$. There is a per transaction limit of NT$20,000 for ATM cash withdrawals (HSBC Global Access customers may withdraw NT$30,000 from HSBC ATMs). Post office ATMs will ''not'' accept cards without an EMV chip. However, ATMs are sometimes out of cash, especially in remote (mountain) regions. So, make sure you stock up on cash early enough. 7-Eleven ATMs charge NT$100 per transaction, whilst those in Family Marts do not charge a fee. ====Credit cards==== Most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, generally Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. Diners Club, Discover and American Express cards are seldom accepted. Most restaurants and small stores do not accept cards, and cash is the main form of payment. Because street crime is rare, it is common for people in Taiwan to carry large amounts of cash with them. ===== Mobile Wallets ===== Unlike mainland China, QR code based mobile wallet payments are not quite ubiquitous or essential to the point that a visitor would have a hard time without one. In addition, Taiwan's mobile wallet apps generally require foreigners to register with an ARC, limiting the ability of visitors to use it. However, LINE Pay, one of the most popular, is cross-compatible with its counterparts in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, meaning that if you already have a LINE Pay account from one of those countries, it can be used with any linked credit or debit card to make payments at stores in Taiwan that take LINE Pay. Your card will be directly charged in NT$; LINE Pay does not automatically convert to your account currency. This can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry around as some shops that otherwise do not take card payments will take LINE Pay and other mobile wallets. ====Banks==== If you are planning on staying in Taiwan for a longer time, you should consider opening a Taiwanese bank account. While many of the large foreign banks such as Citibank and HSBC have branches in Taiwan, they often require huge deposits in order for you to open an account, so you might wish to consider one of the major local banks such as the Bank of Taiwan instead. You will need to bring your passport and UI number in order to open an account. The UI number is the number on the Alien Residence Card for those on long-term visas. For short-term tourists, they can obtain an "UI No. Basic Information Form" for free from the local Immigration Agency office, but this is not accepted by all banks. The larger banks will often have English-speaking staff available to assist foreigners. === Costs === Costs in Taiwan are generally lower than in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, but higher than in Southeast Asia and mainland China. For a budget traveller on a bare-bones budget, NT$1,000 will get you by for a day, but you'll probably want to double that for comfort. A meal at a street stall may cost NT$50 or less, a meal at a Western fast food restaurant will run you about NT$150 and at the fanciest restaurants, you can expect a bill in excess of NT$1,000. On the high end of the spectrum, hotel rooms at a swanky hotel might cost NT$5,000 or more. Costs diminish significantly the further you go out of the big cities. Taxis are quite reasonable and often have a set fare for common destinations, so ask in advance and haggle if you disagree. === Tipping === Tipping is generally '''not''' practiced in Taiwan. Bellhops in high end hotels and porters at airports are an exception and should be given NT$50 per bag. Also, tipping to show appreciation for exceptional service is not uncommon. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar. In place of tips is a 10% service charge when dining at most full-service restaurants which is automatically added to the bill. ===Shopping=== [[File:Linjiang Street Night Market 20040610.jpg|thumb|A typical night market in Taiwan may sell anything from food to clothing to fortune telling services]] As in many Asian countries, night markets are a staple of Taiwanese entertainment, shopping and eating. Night markets are open-air markets, usually on a street or alleyway, with vendors selling all sorts of wares on every side. In the larger cities you will have a night market every night and in the same place. In smaller cities, they are only open certain nights of the week, and may move to different streets depending on the day of the week. Every city has at least one night market; larger cities like [[Taipei]] may have a dozen or more. Night markets are crowded, so remember to watch out for your wallet! Shops selling the same items tend to congregate in the same part of the city. If you want to buy something, ask someone to take you to one shop and there will probably be shops selling similar things nearby. There are many shopping centres in Taipei where prices are usually fixed and goods are genuine. Otherwise, shopping streets in larger cities like [[Kaohsiung]] and [[Taichung]] can also easily get you what you want. And of course, there is the trendy Ximending (西門町) in Taipei, where you can pretty much find anything associated with the youths, also at fixed prices. Computer chain shops and department stores normally have fixed prices, but at least in department stores you may get a "registered member discount" if you're shopping a lot. Prices at smaller stores and even some hostels are normally cash prices. If you like to use a credit card, the seller normally wants to add anything up to 8% to the price as a "card fee" etc. The fee consists actually of the credit company's commission and also the local sales tax/VAT. If you pay cash, you might not get an official receipt, as then the seller would have to report and pay their taxes in full. If you ask for a receipt or "fa piao" (發票), you will get it but you may need to pay 3-5% more. ===Bargaining=== Whilst [[bargaining]] was OK in the past and expected in night markets as well as smaller stores, nowadays most prices are fixed. Taiwan has become a sophisticated and wealthy country where most Taiwanese, especially from the cities, generally do not request discounts and any such are likely to receive a friendly ''No''. Nevertheless, you will encounter different prices, e.g. cut fruits will cost NT$30 at the Night Market, but NT$80 in tourist areas. However, it is possible to get a discount of NT$20-100 when renting a motorbike/bicycle, searching for accommodation or such, depending on the circumstances and time of day. While you might miss a general bargaining culture and be bewildered by the general bargain inflexibility of Taiwanese, it can on the other hand be calming to know that no one will try to rip you off as it is common in other less-developed Southeast Asian countries. === What to buy === Popular things to buy include: * '''Jade'''. Although it can be hard to know for sure if the item you're buying is real jade or not, some beautiful objects are sold. Most cities have a specific jade market dealing in jade and other precious stones. * '''Computers'''. Taiwan designs and produces a lot of desktops, laptops, and PC peripherals. Travellers might be interested in visiting the large Information Technology Market at Taiwan for the best prices. Desktop computers and components tend to be the same price in Taiwan as in other areas of the world, though peripherals such as cables and adapters tend to be noticeably cheaper. If you're buying domestic, it's best to go to tourist hangouts to buy your stuff as you might be saddled with Chinese documentation otherwise. Also, notebooks are typically only available with a Chinese Bopomofo and English keyboard. * '''Lingzhi''' (靈芝). A type of bracket fungus that is often used as a Chinese herb. It supposedly has many health benefits with an apparent absence of side effects, earning it a high reputation in East Asian countries and making it rather expensive. Taiwanese lingzhi is particularly famous for being of the highest quality. * '''[[Tea]]'''. Taiwan is particularly famous for its oolong tea (烏龍茶) due to the island's predominant Fujianese culture; it is available at many tea shops. Tea tasting in Chinese culture is akin to wine tasting in Western culture and you will find many grades of this same type of tea, with different methods of treating the tea leaves. * '''[[w:Iron egg|Iron eggs]]''' (鐵蛋) irresistible delicacy In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (at a flat rate of NT$1)—bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. == Eat == {{seealso|Chinese cuisine}} {{infobox|Stinky tofu|Undoubtedly the most infamous Taiwanese delicacy, stinky tofu (臭豆腐 ''chòudòufu'') is fermented tofu with a strong odor often likened to rotting garbage. It's usually sold only by outdoor stalls, as the smell would overwhelm most restaurants, but if you can hold your nose long enough to eat it, the taste is quite mild &mdash; but with distinct earthy overtones that many visitors find off-putting. It's most commonly eaten fried, but for extra Fear Factor points, find some ''mala'' hotpot (麻辣鍋) with stinky tofu and gelatinized duck blood.}} [[File:Food_BeefNoodleSoup.JPG|thumb|Taiwanese beef noodle soup]] [[File:Food_AiyuLemonJelly.JPG|thumb|Lemon ''aiyu'' jelly]] Taiwan's cuisine is very well regarded by other East Asians and the ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia, and for many of them, the food is the primary (and sometimes only) reason to visit Taiwan. While not as highly regarded as the food from Hong Kong due to the traditionally high status Cantonese cuisine holds in Chinese culture, Taiwanese food has become more respected. Generally speaking, the foods of Taiwan are derived from '''mainland Chinese cuisines'''. Because most Taiwanese trace their ancestry to [[Fujian]], it comes as no surprise that much of Taiwanese cuisine was derived from the cuisine of Fujian. It is also possible to find [[Szechuan]] (四川) food, [[Hunan]] (湖南) food, [[Dongbei]] (東北) food, [[Guangdong|Cantonese]] (廣東) food and almost every other Chinese cuisine on the island, because many famous chefs from the mainland fled to Taiwan after the communist victory in 1949, and many Nationalist soldiers brought their family recipes with them when retreating from the mainland. That being said, Taiwanese cuisine has absorbed substantial local influences, and significant Japanese influences because of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule, giving it a unique character that distinguishes it from its mainland Chinese counterparts. The Taiwanese are also passionately in love with eggs and seafood. Fruits are another famous part of Taiwanese food. A wide range of fruits can be found at local fruit shops and stations. The subtropical climate allows different fruits to grow nicely. Taiwan also has many of its own '''local specialties'''. A few found island wide include: * '''[[w:Beef noodles|Beef Noodles]]''' (牛肉麵 ''niúròu miàn'') – Noodle soup with chunks of meltingly soft stewed beef and a dash of pickles derived from the cuisines of Sichuan. * '''[[w:Oyster omelette|Oyster omelette]]''' (蚵仔煎 ''ó āh jiān'' – This is the Taiwanese name, as its Chinese name only exists in characters, but not in oral Mandarin), a dish made from eggs, oysters, sweet potato flour and the leaves of a local chrysanthemum, topped with sweet red sauce. The local version in [[Kinmen]] differs quite considerably from the version on the main island, and is closer to the versions served in mainland China's Fujian province. * '''[[w:Aiyu jelly|Aiyu jelly]]''' (愛玉 ''àiyù'') – Made from the seeds of a local fig and usually served on ice &mdash; sweet, cool and refreshing on a hot day * '''Taiwan Sausage''' (香腸 ''xiāngcháng'') – Usually made from pork, it is a modified version of the Cantonese ''laap cheong'' (臘腸) which has been emulsified and is much sweeter in taste. Unlike ''laap cheong'', which is almost always eaten with rice, Taiwanese ''xiangchang'' is usually eaten on its own with some garlic. * '''Taiwanese Orange''' (柳丁 ''liŭdīng'') – A type of citrus fruit which is similar to usual oranges, except that the skin and flesh tend to look more yellowish like lemon. Unlike lemon, it is usually quite sweet. * '''Taiwanese Porridge''' (粥 ''zhōu'' in Mandarin, 糜 ''beh'' in Taiwanese) — Rice porridge cooked with sweet potato eaten all across China but most commonly in Fujian. It is usually eaten with several different dishes or eaten by people with illnesses. * '''[[w:Braised pork rice|Braised pork rice]]''' (滷肉飯 ''lǔ ròu fàn'') – Rice topped with pork belly that has been stewed in dark soy sauce and other spices and chopped into tiny pieces. A classic Taiwanese comfort dish. For a less fatty version, ask for 肉燥飯 (''ròu zào fàn''), which uses minced pork instead. * '''[[w:Taiwan Railway Bento|Railway Bento]]''' (臺鐵便當 ''Tái tiě biàndang'') - A national culinary icon and Taiwanese train tradition, this takeaway dish is a holdover of the Japanese era, and celebrated in Taiwan. The most popular bento is the braised pork cutlet bento. You can find this dish at train stations in Taiwan (though locals compare the quality of railway bento on a station-by-station basis), but adaptations are sold by various restaurants across Taiwan. Most cities and towns in Taiwan are famous for special foods because of the Taiwanese passion for food and influences from many different countries. For example, Ilan (宜蘭) is famous for its mochi (麻吉), a sticky rice snack often flavored with sesame, peanuts or other flavorings. [[Yungho|Yonghe]] (永和), a suburb of Taipei, is famous for its freshly made soy milk (豆漿) and breakfast foods. [[Taichung]] is famous for its sun cakes (太陽餅 ''tàiyáng bǐng''), a kind of sweet stuffed pastry. In [[Chiayi]], it's square cookies, also called cubic pastry (方塊酥), crispy layered cookies cut into squares and sprinkled liberally with sesame seeds. [[Tainan]] is particularly famous among the Taiwanese for its abundance of good food and should be a stop for all gourmands. The most famous dish is arguably the ''coffin bread'' (棺材板). Virtually every city has its own famous specialties; many Taiwanese tourists will visit other cities on the island simply to try the local foods and then return home. Taiwan also has remarkably good '''bakery items'''. Most specialize in sweet Chinese pastries or Western pastries adjusted to local tastes, but look out for ''We Care'' bakeries which also offer Western options such as whole wheat loaves, sour breads and ciabatta. Vegetarians are better catered for in restaurants and variety than in most other countries. Michelin publishes a [https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei guide] to restaurants in Taipei. That said, it does not cover the whole of Taiwan, and most locals only take the Michelin guide with a pinch of salt. === Places to eat === If you're on a budget, the cheapest food can be found in back-alley noodle shops and night market stalls, where you can get a filling bowl of noodles for around NT$35-70. The Taiwanese love to snack and even many restaurants advertise ''xiaochi'' (小吃), literally "small eats", the Taiwanese equivalent of Cantonese ''dim sum''. There are also the standard '''fast food''' places such as McDonalds (a standard Big Mac Meal costs NT$115), KFC and MOS Burger. In addition there are large numbers of convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart) that sell things like tea eggs, sandwiches, bento boxes (便當盒) and drinks. Night markets are also a good place to try some delicious local Taiwanese fare at attractive prices. Examples would be the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) in [[Taipei]] and the Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) in [[Kaohsiung]], each of which has its own special dishes not to be missed. === Etiquette === As with Chinese cuisine elsewhere, food in Taiwan is generally eaten with chopsticks and served on large plates placed at the center of the table and shared among multiple people. Oftentimes, a serving spoon or pair of chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') accompanies the dishes and guests do not use their own chopsticks to transfer food to their plates. The usual traditional Chinese taboos when eating with chopsticks apply in Taiwan as well. For instance, do not stick your chopsticks straight up or into your bowl of rice. This is reminiscent of incense sticks at a temple, and has connotations of wishing death upon those around you. When putting down chopsticks, either place them on the provided porcelain chopstick rest (at fancier restaurants) or rest the chopsticks across the top of your bowl. Also, do not use your chopsticks to spear your food or move bowls and plates. See [[Chinese cuisine#Etiquette|Chinese table etiquette]] for more details. Although there are minor differences between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese etiquette, much of traditional Chinese table manners apply to Taiwan too. === Dietary restrictions === ====Vegetarians==== [[File:Sush Manji.JPG|thumb|The characters 素食 signal the availability of vegetarian food]] All Mahayana Buddhists, which account for the majority of adherents in Taiwan, aspire to be pure '''vegetarian''' in deference to the Buddha's teaching of non-violence and compassion. So, vegetarian restaurants (called ''su-shi'' 素食 ''tsan-ting'' 餐廳 in Mandarin, and often identified with the 卍 symbol) can be found in abundance all over the island, and they run from cheap buffet style to gourmet and organic. Buffet styled restaurants (called 自助餐, which means "Serve Yourself Restaurant") are common in almost every neighborhood in large cities, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup or cold tea is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$90-120 will buy you a good sized, nutritious meal. However, if you cannot find a veggie restaurant, don't fret. Taiwanese people are very flexible and most restaurants will be happy to cook you up something to suit your requirements. The following sentences in Mandarin might be helpful: 我吃素 (''Wǒ chī sù'') - I'm vegetarian, 我不吃肉 (''Wǒ bù chī ròu'') - I don't eat meat. However, as Mandarin is a tonal language, you might need to say both, plus practice your acting skills to get yourself understood. Good luck! NB: If a restaurant refuses your order, don't push the issue. The reason will not be an unwillingness to accommodate your request, but because the basic ingredients of their dishes may include chicken broth or pork fat. Taiwanese vegetarianism (素食) isn't simply vegetarianism, for there is a notion of "plainness" to it. In most cases it excludes items such onion, ginger, and garlic. Buddhists and Taoists consider these items "un-plain" because they potentially cause physical excitement, which could hinder the meditative process. Thus, when offering food to a strict vegetarian, be aware that they may not eat food containing onion, ginger, and garlic. Although vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan do not aspire to '''vegan''' principles, almost all non-dessert dishes at Chinese style veggie restaurants will actually be vegan because Taiwanese do not have a tradition of eating dairy products. Ensure that your dish does not contain eggs, however. ====Allergies==== Awareness of '''food allergies''' is limited in Taiwan. If you can speak Chinese, you can ask restaurant staff about whether the food contains common allergens like peanuts or shellfish, and depending on the chef, they may be able to make some adjustments to accommodate you. Don't expect that level of accommodation from night markets stalls though. A serious '''soy''' allergy is basically incompatible with Taiwanese cuisine due to the prevalence of soy sauce as an ingredient, and '''gluten-free''' diets are very difficult to come by due to the very low incidence of celiac disease in Taiwan. '''Dairy''' is not commonly used in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, so avoiding it should be straightforward for lactose-intolerant people. ====Religious diets==== People on religious diets will have a ''hard time'' in Taiwan, and you will need to do some planning in advance. [[Islam|Muslims]] should contact the [http://www.cmainroc.org.tw Chinese Muslim Association] for advice on where to find ''halal'' food, while [[Judaism|Jews]] should contact the [https://www.jewish.tw/ Chabad Taiwan] for information on where to find ''kosher'' food. == Drink == [[File:HeySong beverage vending machine 20120917.jpg|thumb|Drinks vending machine in Taiwan]] As Taiwan is a subtropical island with the south part in the tropics, it cannot hurt to drink a lot, especially during summertime. Drink vending machines can be found virtually everywhere and are filled with all kinds of juices, tea and coffee drinks, soy milk and mineral water. === Alcohol === Taiwan's legal age to consume alcohol is 18 years of age. Minors caught drinking can face fines ranging from NT$10,000-50,000. Traditional alcoholic drinks in Taiwan are very strong. '''Kaoliang''' (高粱酒) from [[Kinmen]] is the most famous alcoholic drink. A distilled grain liquor, it is extremely strong, usually 140 proof or more, and often drunk straight. Taiwan also produces many types of '''Shaoxing''' (紹興酒), rice wine, which are considered by many as being some of the best in the world. While a relatively newcomer to the scene, Taiwanese '''[[whisky]]''' (威士忌) has been making waves in the 21st century, with local whiskey brand [http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ Kavalan] having emerged from obscurity to win numerous prestigious international awards. Taiwanese people enjoy beer on ice. A wide variety of imported beers are available, but the standard is '''Taiwan Beer''' (台灣啤酒), produced by a former government monopoly. It is brewed with fragrant penglai rice in addition to barley giving it a distinctive flavor. The beer is served cold and recognized as an especially suitable complement to Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine, especially seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi. Taiwan Beer has won international awards, including the International Monde Selection in 1977 and the Brewing Industry International Awards in 2002. Beer on tap is uncommon in Taiwan, and most places serve beer in bottles. For a special and rare treat, ask for the Taiwan Draft Beer (台灣生啤酒), which comes in a plain green bottle. This has a 2-week expiration, so it can only be found at the breweries (there are a few scattered around Taiwan) or at select stores and restaurants in the vicinity. === Tea and coffee === [[File:TimeForTea BubbleTea.JPG|thumb|Pearl milk tea and pudding milk tea, [[Chiayi]]]] Taiwan's specialty teas are '''High Mountain Oolong''' (高山烏龍, ''Gao-shan wulong''), a fragrant light tea, and '''Tie Guan-yin''' (鐵觀音), a dark, rich brew. Enjoying this tea, served in the traditional way using a very small teapot and tiny cups, is an experience you should not miss. This way of taking tea is called ''lao ren cha'' (老人茶), 'old people's tea', and the name is derived from the fact that only the elderly traditionally had the luxury of time to relax and enjoy tea in this way. Check the small print when visiting a traditional tea house though: in addition to the tea itself, you may be charged a cover (茶水費, literally "tea-water fee") for the elaborate process of preparing it and for any nibbles served on the side. One should also try '''Lei cha''' (擂茶; léi chá) a tasty and nourishing Hakka Chinese tea-based dish consisting of a mix ground tea leaves and rice. Some stores specialize in this product and allows one to grind their own lei cha. As with Chinese teas elsewhere, Chinese teas in Taiwan are always drunk neat, with the use of milk or sugar unknown. However, Taiwan is also the birthplace of pearl milk tea, which uses sugar and milk. '''Pearl milk tea''' (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá''), aka "bubble tea" or "boba tea", is milky tea with chewy balls of tapioca added, drunk through an over-sized straw. Invented in Taiwan in the early 1980s and a huge Asia-wide craze in the 1990s, it's not quite as popular as it once was but can still be found at nearly every coffee or tea shop. Look for a shop where it is freshly made. There are two cafes that maintain rival claims to having invented the drink: '''[https://chunshuitang.com.tw/ Chun Shui Tang]''' (春水堂) in [[Taichung]] and '''[http://www.hanlin-tea.com.tw/ Hanlin Tea Room]''' (翰林茶館) in [[Tainan]]. The '''cafe culture''' has hit Taiwan in a big way, and in addition to an abundance of privately owned cafes, all the major chains, such as Starbucks, have a multitude of branches throughout major towns and cities. === Soft drinks === Taiwan is a great place for fruit drinks. Small fruit-juice bars make them fresh on the spot and are experts at creating fruit-juice cocktails (non-alcoholic, of course). ''zong-he'' (mixed) is usually a sweet and sour combination and ''mu-gwa niou-nai'' (木瓜牛奶) is iced papaya milk. If you don't want ice (though it is safe in Taiwan, even at road side vendors) say, ''chu bing'' (去冰) and no sugar (''wu tang'' (無糖)). '''Soy milk''', or ''doujiang'' (豆漿), is a great treat. Try it hot or cold. Savory soy milk is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast dish. It is somewhat of an acquired taste as vinegar is added to curdle the milk. Both sweet and savory soy milk are often ordered with you-tiao (油條), or deep fried dough crullers. There are a lot of pseudo health drinks in Taiwanese supermarkets and convenience stores. Look out for asparagus juice and lavender milk tea for example. == Sleep == [[File:GrandHotel Fountain.JPG|thumb|250px|The Grand Hotel, Taipei]] ===Types=== * For the budget-minded, there are '''hostels''' in Taipei and most other sizable cities. Some hostels are under table which mean they don't have valid license. * '''Motels''' (汽車旅館) can be easily found in suburbs of major cities. Despite the name, these have little if anything to do with the cheap functional hotels that use the name elsewhere; in Taiwan, motels are intended for '''romantic trysts''' and can be quite extravagant in decor and facilities. Many feature enormous baths with massage jets, separate massage showers, marble tiles, and so forth. Suites come with flat screen TVs and centrally controlled sound systems. During the daytime, most offer "rests" (休息) of a few hours, and indeed check-in times for overnight stays (住宿) can be as late at 22:00. [[Taichung]] is considered the motel-capital of Taiwan. * Taiwanese '''hotels''' range in quality from seedy to very luxurious. Despite the complexities of doing business with both mainland China and Taiwan, most Western hotel chains operate in Taiwan such as Sheraton, Westin and Hyatt. Also, there are plenty of five-star hotels around. Keep in mind, however, that many of the international hotels tend to be outrageously expensive, while comparable and much cheaper accommodation is usually available in the same vicinity. For example, the airport hotel at CKS International charges about three or four times as much as a hotel in Taoyuan which is a half hour cab ride away. Taxi drivers and tourist offices are invaluable resources for finding cheaper hotels. * A uniquely Taiwanese form of accommodation is known as the '''''minsu''''' (民宿), which is similar to Bed and Breakfast accommodation that you usually find in the UK. Although typically cheaper than hotels, the facilities can often be as good as those of some higher end hotels, and many are designed around a specific theme (like fairy tale castle, nature lodge) Accommodation at a minsu typically includes breakfast the next morning, and higher end ones sometimes also give you the option of having a home-cooked style dinner. The downside is that most minsu are either in residential suburbs or in the countryside, meaning that transportation is typically less convenient that at centrally located hotels, and the availability of wi-fi can be a hit or miss. In addition, most minsu advertise in Chinese only. * '''Camping''' does not seem to be an issue in Taiwan and is available in many areas, even in national parks like [[Kenting National Park]]. Although, in [[Taroko Gorge|Taroko Gorge (National Park)]] you will have to pay for the camp ground. In general, a small fees may apply at official camp grounds. Inquire with the local tourist information centre where it is possible to camp and where not. Also, be aware there are "poisonous snakes and wasps" signs all over the country. So, make sure you know where you are camping, and how to keep out "unwanted guests". Consult a map like [http://openpoimap.org/?map=hotels&zoom=14&lat=21.93964&lon=120.72386&layers=B00FFTFFFFFFFF OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd], and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME], use, to find existing camp grounds or good locations. ===Remarks=== Nowadays, '''walk-ins''' are often more expensive that online bookings, especially with bigger hotels. It often seems, they cannot even beat their own online prices and you might need to book online instead of paying in cash on-sight&mdash;they will even courteously offer their WiFi for you to do that. Either way, it is advisable that you know what is the actual price online, which gives you a good bargaining ground. Sometimes they will quote a higher price, sometimes they will give you NT$50 less, but often it is just the online price. If you are still in need of a discount, send the ho(s)tel an email or WeChat/Line message quoting the online price. Some will give you 10 % discount on the online price this way, especially for same day short notice bookings. Generally, short notice bookings will give you a better price, since hotels are trying to sell their stock at a bargain price last-minute. However, do not try this for Saturday/Sunday or Holiday/Holiday bookings, this will leave you with bad or no options. Many hotels in Taiwan have both Chinese and Western names, which can differ radically. Find out and bring along the Chinese name (in Chinese characters), as locals will usually not be able to identify the English ones. Hotel beds in Taiwan are generally much harder than in the West because of the old Asian tradition to sleep on a wood board. Modern mattresses can be found in most hotels, but only in the most upscale Western style hotels will you find beds in a real western style. Many accommodations are not staffed 24/7, but they will leave a contact at their door. Often this will be a '''WeChat''' or '''Line''' contact, which are like WhatsApp. Thus, it makes sense to get these apps while travelling in Taiwan. Agoda seems to list more accommodation options than Booking for Taiwan. However, Agoda's way of claiming additional fees and stating dorm bed availability is a little dodgy. It often says "1 person in a dorm" but then "Occupancy: 2 adults". So, better to book each person separately just in case. Also, never choose the option to get charged in you credit card's home currency (€, US$, or so). This will give you a very bad exchange rate. Always select "TWD" as charged currency&mdash;in this case your home bank is indeed your friend. '''Or''' just get the displayed address/GPS, which is always fully displayed, and walk into the hotel. == Learn == Taiwan is home to several good universities, many of which have exchange agreements with various foreign universities, and these are a good way to experience life in Taiwan. The most prestigious university in Taiwan is the '''[https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/ National Taiwan University]''' (國立臺灣大學). === Mandarin Chinese === Some universities in Taiwan have Chinese Promoting Programs (華語文推廣中心) that offers Chinese lessons to foreigners who wish to live in Taiwan or to learn Mandarin Chinese as their second or foreign language. The romanisation system taught here nowadays is Hanyu Pinyin (漢語拼音), whereas in the past they taught Zhuyin (注音), or BoPoMoFo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). The writing system taught is Traditional Chinese and the form of Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect but the Taiwanese accent is quite noticeable. === [[Martial arts]] === There are many styles of '''kung fu''' (功夫) taught in Taiwan, largely by masters who came here with the Kuomintang in the late 1940s. Styles include Ba Gua (八卦), Tai Chi (太極), Wing Chun (詠春), Praying Mantis (螳螂), Shway (水) Shiao and various weapons systems. Many of the students are westerners in these classes, which has led to the rise of several [http://www.theallegra.com/ NHB Allegra] schools, and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Japanese Aikido. Some of the more famous teachers will provide you with the paperwork needed to extend a student visa twice. Taekwondo is also extremely popular and is often a mandatory part of school children's physical education. == Work == [[File:Kaohsiung birdseyeview.jpg|thumb|Kaohsiung skyline]] The majority of travelers who work in Taiwan pick up temporary jobs [[teaching English]]. Jobs teaching other languages (mainly European or Japanese) do exist but have a much smaller proportion of the market. '''Job requirements''': In finding employment with a language school, experience, teaching qualifications and references are not required but obviously help. On paper, a big issue is also made about accents, with the North American English accent being heavily favored over British, Australian and South African accents in many language schools' sales marketing. However, in practice, many schools that advertise 'American English' and claim that their teachers are all from Canada or the USA, actually employ teachers from anywhere. Age is a factor, with applicants in their 20s seemingly being preferred. More than anything, appearance is probably the major factor in finding employment with most schools—Do you 'look Western'?—and reliability and turning up on time for work is then the major factor for keeping your job. Therefore, if you look the part, it is very easy to find a school willing to take you on for at least a few days. This 'look Western' point has quite a bearing. Unfortunately, Taiwan is hardly a great promoter of '''equal opportunities'''. In many schools there is a prejudice against teachers applying for jobs who are not of white appearance, seen as the typical Western appearance in Asian countries. This is independent of whether or not the teacher has relevant teaching ability and citizenship of one of the permitted ARC countries. Many parents who send their children to schools to be taught English expect the teacher to look like they are from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and so on, and so the decision on the part of the school managers is mainly about economics. For those affected by this, it's a sad fact of Taiwan that is unlikely to change in the near future. Good employers without such prejudiced requirements do exist, but greater perseverance is needed when looking for them. It is illegal to work without a '''work permit''' and an ARC (or Alien Residency Permit), and legal work requires a university degree and usually a long (over two month) application process. Alternatively, if you have a lot of money, you can obtain an '''investor visa''' by investing a large sum of money in a local business, which allows you to work for that company in a management capacity. However, illegal employment is easy to find with many school managers being willing to pay under the table for short durations. If caught or reported, you risk criminal charges and could be deported. The government tends to waver from being very lax on this issue under one administration to suddenly taking action under the next; but it only takes one disgruntled student to report you and have you fined and deported. Consider your options carefully! The '''rules for getting an ARC''' do change often and each administrative part of Taiwan has its own ways of handling them, so it is best to check the pages of the [http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/index.php website Forumosa] and find out what the experiences of others are in your area. Keep in mind, that you can only get an ARC for English teaching if you are a 'citizen of a native English speaking country'. Taiwan's government defines these countries to be only the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Almost all teachers apply for an ARC through their employers only after starting work and it is tied to their ongoing employment with that school. Therefore, if the teacher wishes to leave their employment, they will have to quickly find an alternative employer or lose their ARC and hence be required to leave Taiwan. Also, very few schools will arrange an ARC without at least a year-long contract being signed. Frankly, with all this inflexibility, it's no wonder so many teachers opt for the non-legal route. That and tax evasion. Citizens of Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland and Canada aged 18–30 can apply for a '''working holiday visa'''. For more information, visit the [http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=783&CtUnit=80&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs website]. After living in Taiwan continuously for 5 years, you may apply for '''permanent residency'''. If granted, it allows you to live and work in Taiwan indefinitely without restrictions. A lot of the illegal teaching work that the majority of English teachers partake in is simply through '''private student''' tuition with payment being cash-in-hand. You can find a lot of private students around universities that have a Chinese-teaching department—look for the areas where all the foreign students are and check the noticeboards. Because the majority of adult private students want to practice English conversation, you won't need to have any Chinese ability. However, it is definitely a selling point and, if you do have Chinese-speaking ability, it's worthwhile mentioning that in any advertising of your services. Also, once you have some regular students, remember that in Taiwan, as in most Asian countries, 'connections' or 'guanxi' are very important. If your students like you, they will in all likelihood recommend you to their family and friends. Teaching English in Taiwan can be lucrative, as the '''salaries''' are very high compared to the cost of living, typically ranging NT$500-650 per hour before deductions in most language schools, with anything between NT$500-1,000 per hour being negotiable for private students. In the past few years, the flow of would-be teachers into Taiwan has increased dramatically, resulting in stiffer competition for jobs and a general drop in wages, and this trend may continue. Employers of English teachers are notorious for racial discrimination. White people are much more likely to get better offers than those of other races, regardless of ability. Aside from English-teaching, '''other common kinds of employment''' available for mainly native English-speaking travellers include such tid-bits as small acting parts for TV and film, voice talent (video games, dubbing tracks, etc.), editing and even writing educational materials. Many of these jobs are advertised on billboards in Chinese language-teaching institutes and universities, where there are likely to be many foreign students. If after travelling and living there, you find you are '''serious about working in Taiwan''', the most lucrative employment to be had is if you are employed by a multinational company, perhaps in a high-paying country like the UK, U.S. or Australia, and you are sent across to their office in Taiwan. Many foreigners end up doing the same job as their colleagues who were employed in the Taiwan office, but for perhaps 3 or 4 times their pay. == Stay safe == {{warningbox|'''Taiwan treats drug offenses ''extremely'' severely.''' The '''death penalty is mandatory''' for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin and 1.2 kg of opium, and possession of these quantities is all that is needed for you to be convicted. Unauthorized consumption can result in up to 10 years' jail, or a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorized consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if you can prove that they were consumed outside the country and you can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, even if they aren't yours and regardless of whether you're aware of them. Therefore, be vigilant of your possessions.}} === Crime === [[File:CKS Airport drugs sign.JPG|thumb|A sign at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport warns arriving travellers that drug trafficking is a capital offense in the country.]] Taiwan is very safe for tourists, even for women walking down the street alone at night. This is not to say, however, that there is no crime, and you should always exercise caution. In crowded areas such as night markets or festivals, for example, [[pickpockets]] are a known problem. However, it is fair to say that the streets of Taiwan are generally very safe and that violent crime and muggings are very rare. In addition, it is also very unusual to see drunks on the street, day or night. Like anywhere else in the world, women should be cautious when taking taxis alone late at night. Although they are generally safe, it's a good idea to arrange to have a friend call you when you get home and to be seen making the arrangements for this by the cab driver. It also helps if a friend sees you being picked up as taxis have visible license numbers. As an additional safety precaution, tell taxi drivers just the street name and section instead of your exact address. [[File:RPO First Police Section Taoyaun Police Station in Taoyuan Station.jpg|thumb|A police station in Taiwan]] Police departments in most jurisdictions have a Foreign Affairs Police unit staffed by English-speaking officers. When reporting a major crime, it is advisable to contact the Foreign Affairs unit in addition to officers at the local precinct. Police stations are marked with a red light above the door and display a sign with the word "Police" clearly printed in English. For more information see the [http://www.npa.gov.tw National Police Agency website ]. Foreign victims of a major crime in Taiwan are also advised to report the matter to their government's representative office in Taipei. Also, remember that you call 110 for police in Taiwan, and 119 for fire department or medical help. Most of the public telephone booths allow you to call 110 or 119 for free. See "Emergency Phone Numbers" section below. Taiwan is home to many triads (Chinese organized crime syndicates), although they almost never target the average person in the street, and most tourists will not encounter them. Many operate human trafficking rings involving the sale of poor women from Southeast Asia into sex slavery that the government has struggled to tackle. They are also often involved in illegal betting and loansharking, so it is best to be prudent and avoid these. ===Military exercises=== [[File:20160225 台東縣政新聞 萬安39號演習25日下午實施 9ebfd80f-d8a3-4444-8eca-58d3473dff15.jpg|thumb|Evacuated streets during Wan-an Exercise.]] The Taiwanese military organizes regular civil-defense exercise, known as Wan-an Exercise (萬安演習). Air raid sirens are activated for 30 minutes during the exercise, and you are required to follow any evacuation orders made by the military and police. *If you are in a building, you should close all windows and doors and turn off lights. *If you are driving, you must '''pull over your vehicle and make a complete stop'''. Vehicles must not enter any motorways, but must leave the motorway and pull over your vehicle in exits. Traffic police will give proper instructions to drivers and regulate traffic flow. *If you are taking a train/metro, you must not enter the train or leave the station, and should follow evacuation orders given by railway staff, the military and the police. Failure to comply with instructions can result in a heavy fine. === Emergency phone numbers === * '''Police''': 110 *'''Fire/Ambulance''': 119 The police and fire/ambulance offer service in English. For those who need Taiwanese governmental assistance in English, [https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/6928/6940/ this website] has a 24-hour toll-free foreigner service hotline at 0800-024-111, which you may call for assistance. === Natural hazards === Taiwan often experiences '''[[Cyclones|typhoons]]''' (颱風) during the summer months and early fall, especially on the East Coast. Heavy monsoon rainfall also occurs during the summer. Hikers and mountaineers should be sure to consult weather reports before heading into the mountains. A major hazard following heavy rainfall in the mountains is falling rocks (土石流) caused by the softening of the earth and there are occasional reports of people being killed or injured by these. Taiwan is also on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that '''[[earthquakes]]''' are a common occurrence. Most earthquakes are barely noticeable, though the effect may be slightly amplified for those in higher buildings. While the local building codes are extremely strict, general precautions should still be observed during an earthquake, including opening the door to prevent it from being jammed, taking cover and checking for gas leaks afterwards. While most newer buildings have been built according to strict codes that enable them to withstand major earthquakes, some of the older buildings were not constructed to such high standards and therefore are vulnerable to serious damage or collapse in the case of a strong tremor. Taiwan's wild areas are home to a variety of '''poisonous snakes''', including the bamboo viper, Russel's viper, banded krait, coral snake, Chinese cobra, Taiwan habu, and the so-called "hundred pacer" (百步蛇). Precautions against snake bites include making plenty of noise as you hike, wearing long trousers and avoiding overgrown trails. Most snakes are scared of humans, so if you make noise you will give them time to get away. Walking quietly means that you may suddenly startle them around a corner when you appear, and trigger an attack. The Russel's viper, one of the most dangerous snakes in Taiwan, is an exception: it generally prefers to take a stand against threats. === Traffic === Local drivers have a well-deserved reputation for seeming reckless and downright immoral. It is possible (even normal) to obtain a driving license in Taiwan without ever having driven on the roads, and this may be a reason (along with the overcrowded roads) why courteous or defensive driving is definitely not the norm. The guiding principles seem to be that the right of way belongs to the larger vehicle, i.e. trucks have the right-of-way over cars, cars over motorcycles, motorcycles over people, etc. Despite traffic's chaotic appearance, it is viscerally intuitive to yield the right-of-way to a much larger vehicle barreling towards you. It is advisable to use slow and smooth movements over quick or sudden ones. Local drivers regularly cut in front of moving traffic into spaces that seem too small, try to change lanes regardless of the fact their destination is already full, etc. Be aware that during busy traffic (i.e., nearly always) two-lane roads will spontaneously become three-lane, an orange light will be interpreted as 'speed up', and the smallest moment's pause in oncoming traffic will result in ''everybody'' that's waiting trying to turn across it. Drivers routinely enter a junction when their exit is blocked, and are therefore frequently still there long after the lights change, blocking traffic traveling in other directions. Many motorcycle riders also have a tendency to zip through any space, no matter how tiny. Also be aware that motorcycles often travel through areas typically considered pedestrian-only spaces, like the night-markets. If you drive a car or a motorcycle, the obvious rule is that if someone turns in front of you, you should be the one to adapt. To avoid collisions, drivers need to be extremely vigilant for other vehicles creating hazards and always be willing to adjust speed or direction to accommodate. Do not expect drivers to yield way, or respect traffic lights in many areas, especially in central and southern Taiwan. Sounding the horn is the usual way a Taiwanese driver indicates that they do not intend to accommodate a driver trying to encroach on their lane, etc., and does not necessarily imply the anger or criticism, as it does in other countries. One bright side of Taiwan's chaotic traffic is that drivers tend to have an exceptional awareness of the spatial extents of their vehicle and maneuver well, so that even though it continuously looks like somebody is about to drive straight into you, it's relatively rare that they actually do so. Be extra careful when crossing the road, even to the extent of looking both ways on a one-way street. When crossing at a pedestrian crossing at a T-junction or crossroads, be aware that when the little green man lights up and you start crossing, motorists will still try to turn right, with or without a green feeder light. Even on roads where traffic is infrequent and the green light is in your favor, bike riders are still strongly advised to check the opposite lane. ===Homosexuality=== Taiwan is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers. There are no laws against homosexuality in Taiwan and unprovoked violence against gays and lesbians is almost unheard of. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Taiwan on 24 May 2019, making it the first Asian country to do so. Taiwan is also the first East Asian country to have enacted anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of education and employment. There is an annual gay pride event called Taiwan Pride. Taipei is home to a vibrant gay scene, and there are also gay bars in some of Taiwan's other cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. Acceptance among the Taiwanese public tends to be measured, and homosexuality is still considered to be somewhat of a social taboo, particularly by the older generation. Openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is likely to draw stares and whispers from some people. Nevertheless, attitudes are changing and homosexuality tends to be more accepted by the younger people. ===Dogs=== They can be a problem in remote and rural regions, although they are far less numerous than in Thailand and Myanmar. If they get too close to you, picking up a stone or having a big stick is usually a sufficient deterrent. Taiwanese Aboriginals hold dogs in higher regard than Han Chinese do. Many Aboriginal communities have dogs freely running around their communities. == Stay healthy == ===Pollution=== Air pollution can be significant with the highest ratio of scooters per person in the world and a high west coast urban density. You can check air quality real time monitoring [https://airtw.epa.gov.tw/ENG/default.aspx on this page]. For reference the USA standard for fine particles (PM2.5) over 24 hours should be below 35&nbsp;µg/m³. It is a good idea to use a mask that can filter fine particles ([http://aqicn.org/mask/ how to choose a mask]), especially when traveling with the elderly or children. === Water === '''[[Water]]''' quality in Taiwan varies depending on location and time. According to the sole water company of Taiwan, tap water is in general safe to drink. However, it is advised that drinking water be boiled in order to eliminate residual chlorine and bacteria. Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which adversely affects water quality. Some buildings, particularly older ones, may have poorly maintained water towers and/or pipes, resulting in poor quality that is beyond the control of the water company. Depending on the severity, one might either filter the water in addition to boiling or avoid the taps altogether. Alternative options include buying bottled water or going to a "water station" where water is sold through a metered tap. Water from these sources is licensed to be safe for drinking. Bottled water can be bought in 24 hour convenience stores. Water quality in Kaohsiung used to be very poor. As a result, most people today use alternative sources. However, there is little evidence that this is necessary today as the quality has improved drastically. In addition, the mentioned alternative sources today are mostly filtered tap water and do not circumvent the historical source of contamination. === Healthcare === Medicines are available for minor ailments at drug stores. You may also find common drugs requiring a prescription in the west (like asthma inhalers and birth control pills) cheaply available from drug stores without a prescription. Taiwan has both Chinese physicians and Western doctors, both of which are taken equally seriously. However, as a foreigner, the assumption would generally be to direct you to a Western doctor. The quality of the hospitals in Taiwan is excellent and on par with, if not better than those found in the West. Taiwan's healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Legal residents with a National Health Card can avail themselves of the very convenient and efficient national health service, which covers treatment and medication using both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. However, this service is not available to short term visitors on tourist visas; nor does it cover major hospitalization expenses. Still, hospital visits and medicine in Taiwan tends to be far less expensive than in Western countries. Most Taiwanese doctors are able to communicate in at least basic English, and in fact, many of the top ones have obtained their medical qualifications in the US and are able to speak English fluently. However, you may find the nurses to be more of a challenge. === Hiking === Watch out for mosquito bites when hiking in the mountains. Especially in the summer, the humid and hot weather makes mosquitos very active. Most mosquito bites only cause skin irritation and itching, but in some areas of Taiwan it's possible to contract [[dengue fever]] or Japanese Encephalitis (though they are both rare in Taiwan). Mosquito/insect repellent spray can be found at convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) and local pharmacies. If you are bitten by mosquitos, apply a small amount of ointment for irritation relief. == Respect == The Taiwanese are generally a warm and polite people, having been strongly influenced by Confucianism. As Taiwanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, elderly visitors will find most Taiwanese to be very helpful and accommodating. Naming customs and modes of address are generally the same as in mainland China. See the [[China#Respect|Respect]] section of that article for details. === Culture === [[File:Pagode Kaohsiung amk.jpg|thumb|Pagoda in Kaohsiung]] Taiwan shares several cultural taboos/guidelines with other East Asian nations: * When giving and receiving business cards, always do it using ''both hands'' and with a slight bow of the head. Giving or receiving a business card with only one hand is very disrespectful. * Some Taiwanese are superstitious about anything connected with dying &ndash; unlucky things should never be mentioned. The number 4 (four, pronounced 'si') sounds like the word for death in Mandarin. * Do not write people's names in red. This again has connotations of death. When writing someone's English name, this is not a problem, but avoid writing Chinese names in red. * Do not whistle or ring a bell at night. This is an "invitation to ghosts". * Do not point at cemeteries or graves. This is disrespectful to the dead. * There are numerous taboos dictating that certain objects shouldn't be given to others, often because the word for that object sounds like another unfortunate word: ** Clocks. The phrase "to give a clock" ("song zhong"), in Mandarin, has the same sound as the word "to perform last rites." If you do give someone a clock, the recipient may give you a coin in return to dispel the curse. ** Shoes. Never ever offer shoes as a gift to old people, as it signifies sending them on their way to heaven. This is acceptable only if by mutual arrangement it is nominally sold, where the receiving party gives a small payment of about NT$10. ** Knives or sharp objects, as they are made for or could be used to hurt the person. ** Umbrellas, which in Mandarin sound the same as the word for "break up". Friends should therefore never give friends umbrellas. Instead, friends will euphemistically "rent" each other umbrellas for a tiny amount (NT$1, for example). * The Taiwanese are certainly not puritanical and enjoy a drink, especially the locally brewed Taiwan Beer and Kaoliang. However, Taiwan does not have a culture of heavy drinking like in Northern China and it is rare to see anyone drunk on the streets. While over indulging in alcohol is not a social taboo as such (and some people do so at weddings), it is considered a sign of lack of self-confidence and immaturity, and doing so certainly won't gain you any respect among Taiwanese friends. * You are expected to remove your shoes before entering a house. You will find some slippers to be worn by visitors next to the entrance door. It is likely to be the same ritual for bathrooms and balconies where you will be expected to remove your slippers to wear a pair of plastic sandals (though it is less shocking not to use the sandals by then). * As you will get along with Taiwanese people, you are very likely to receive small presents of any sort, such as drinks, food or little objects. These are a very convenient way to lubricate social relations for Taiwanese people, and are especially common between friends in their 20s. You should reciprocate any such presents with something similar, but it does not need to be immediate or specially tailored to that person (i.e., keep it simple). As a teacher you are not expected to offer anything in return, as long as the relationship stays formal. However, beware of the sometimes overly generous parents who can go as far as offering presents running in the thousands of NT$ and who will then expect you to take special care of their child (understand that their expectations will be considered fair in Taiwanese culture). * You are not expected to tip in hotels, restaurants and taxis, though bellhops may still expect NT$50 or so for carrying your luggage. * Much like the mainland Chinese, "saving face" is also a major value in Taiwanese culture. In general, you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes in order to avoid causing major embarrassment and if you really have to, call the person to one side and do it in private, and try to do it in a polished manner. * If you should need to use a temple's washroom, bow to any statues of deities you see on the way whether or not you believe in them. While most people will not mind you using the temple's washroom, they expect you to treat their place of worship with respect. If you plan to offer gifts (such as simple fruits) to the statues of deities in the temple, it is expected that you wash the fruits and your hands prior to offering. In addition, upon entering and leaving a temple, do take and avoid stepping directly on the raised threshold: always try to step over it. You should also never point to the status of deities with your index finger; use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. * You will often see '''priority seats''' (博愛座) on public transportation in Taiwan. These are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children; do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. * '''Cultural identity''' is a complex and sensitive issue in Taiwan. While most Taiwanese people are ethnically Chinese, many people, especially the youth, seek to distance themselves from China with a distinct Taiwanese identity, and will often emphasize their Japanese colonial heritage instead. === Religion === Most Taiwanese people follow a mix of traditional Chinese folk religions and Buddhism, and it is common to visit temples to offer prayers during important festivals or life events. That said, contemporary Taiwanese society is largely secular in daily life, and religion in general does not play a significant role in people's work or political affiliations. Nevertheless, you are still expected to dress and behave respectfully when visiting temples. As in other Asian countries, swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol. They emphatically do ''not'' represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. When visiting temples, be sure to enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inwards). The larger middle gate is traditionally reserved for deities and the Emperor of China. Also be sure to avoid pointing at the statues of deities with your index figure, as it is considered to be very disrespectful. Use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. The most popular traditional Chinese deity in Taiwan is Mazu, a Fujianese shamaness who is believed to have ascended to godhood and now protects sailors, as the Fujianese were largely a seafaring people. [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion among the Aboriginal people, with Presbyterianism and Roman Catholicism being the main denominations. There is also a significant Christian minority among the ethnic Chinese. Taiwanese people are generally tolerant of different religions, and people of all faiths can usually practice their religion without any major problems. The Falun Gong religion which is banned in mainland China is allowed in Taiwan, though attitudes towards them from the local Taiwanese people tend to be very mixed. === Politics === Taiwanese society is rather polarized by allegiance between supporters of the two major political blocs informally known as "Pan-Blue Coalition" and "Pan-Green Coalition", although there are large numbers of people who are either centrist or who don't care. To simplify a very complex situation, pan-blue supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of reunification or maintaining the status quo with China and pan-green supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of establishing a formally independent Taiwan state, among other differences. Although there are some correlations, it is highly unwise to assume anything about a particular person's political beliefs based on what you think you know about their background. Also, this very brief sketch of Taiwanese politics obscures a large amount of complexity. Traditionally, mainlanders, Aboriginal people, Hakka people and people from Kinmen and Matsu tended to be strongly pan-blue, while Taiwanese speakers from Central and Southern Taiwan tended to be strongly pan-green, though this distinction has largely disappeared among the younger generation, who are now overwhelmingly pro-independence. Unless you know your listener well, it is unwise to say anything (either positive or negative) about the current government, about historical figures in Taiwanese history, about Taiwan's international relations, or about relations with mainland China. Some political figures such as Sun Yat-sen (who is also popular in the PRC and with the Chinese government) and Chiang Ching-kuo are generally seen positively, but others (Chiang Kai-shek, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian in particular) arouse very polarized feelings. Some Taiwanese will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China. Others will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is not part of China. Referring to the PRC as "mainland China" (中國大陸 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') rather than simply China will tend not to offend anyone, as the term is generally used to exclude Hong Kong and Macau as well, making it less subjective. Referring to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan Province" will draw a negative reaction from most Taiwanese. "Greater China" may be used in certain business contexts. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many subtleties and complexities here that if you are talking about these things, you've already wandered into a minefield. However, simply referring to the island as "Taiwan" is fine, as that is the name used by the locals, regardless of their political persuasion. Titles such as "Republic of China" are reserved for official matters only. People from Kinmen and Matsu do not identify as Taiwanese and instead identify as Kinmenese/Matsunese or simply Chinese. '''Relations with mainland China''', as well as the '''Hong Kong protests''', are sensitive issues; tread carefully on these topics. Despite the deep mistrust many Taiwanese have of the communist Chinese government, most locals bear little to no animosity towards individual mainland Chinese visitors. As long as you avoid political discussions and behave yourself properly, you should not run into any problems. ===Japanese occupation=== In contrast to other Asian countries, Taiwanese feelings towards the Japanese occupation (1895-1945) are generally positive, though there are exceptions. Some of the older people who lived through the period of Japanese rule often bear a certain degree of nostalgia for that time, although there was strong resistance, and massacres of both Chinese and Aboriginal people were carried out throughout the occupation. Nevertheless, many Taiwanese bear a sense of gratitude towards the Japanese for modernizing Taiwan, and many people who lived through both periods regard Japanese rule more favorably than the subsequent Kuomintang rule under Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese visitors can expect a particularly warm welcome as most Taiwanese admire Japanese culture, and modern Taiwanese culture continues to be heavily influenced by that of Japan. In particular, many shops and tourist attractions are based on a theme of colonial nostalgia. == Connect == ===Internet=== ====''iTaiwan''==== Introduced in the mid-2010s, this is Taiwan's free, convenient and widespread WiFi, and answer to today's mobile-dependent population. ''iTaiwan'' is available all over Taiwan, (according to marketing) in all the 7 biggest cities, but at least all over Taipei, Tainan and Taitung, at all railway/MRT stations (even at the smallest) and most bus stations all over the country, as well as in most tourist information centres. Where it is not available, there exist related WiFis that offer an ''iTaiwan'' login option, or there are other independent but free options like ''.1.Free Wi-Fi'' that require clicking an advertisement to get online. As a foreigner, you have to apply for access at a tourist information centre using your passport. The login is the passport number and the password is your birthday in ''YYYYMMDD'' form. At some free WiFi spots, like in railway stations, there is a power and USB plug to charge your electronic devices. ====SIM cards==== If you want an Internet connection to your smartphone, you can purchase a prepaid 4G unlimited data sim card from Chunghwa Telecom at a cost of NT$300 for 3 days, or NT$500 for 7 days (other periods are available as well). Just walk into any official Chunghwa Telecom shop to apply (also at all international airports). They need your passport and identification documents of your country of origin, driving license or identification card. Other providers in the market are Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, T-Star, and GT. Their pricing is largely the same for visitor plans as Chunghwa Telecom, however they do offer special promotions on their standard prepaid plans from time to time, and for travelers continuing elsewhere after Taiwan, FarEasTone and GT offer a lineup of reasonably priced "travel SIMs" for travel around Asia, Europe, and North America, while Taiwan Mobile offers flat-rate international data roaming on its standard prepaid SIMs. Importantly, if continuing on to mainland China later, these travel SIMs or Taiwan Mobile's roaming plans do not censor data there as a local SIM would. ====Restaurants, cafés, etc.==== Most in-house eateries, shopping centres, libraries and such have free WiFi for their customers available. ====Gaming cafés==== Not that relevant and widespread anymore, Internet cafés aka gaming cafés. These are often found on the first or second floor of buildings and equipped with very comfortable chairs and large screens. Although people do surf the Internet, most people primarily go there for a smooth experience of online gaming. Each hour of Internet access/game play is cheap, coming in at around NT$20. Some machines in the Internet cafés are coin operated. === Telephone === [[File:Payphones of Taiwan Fixed Network at THSR Taichung Station 20070105.jpg|thumb|Payphones in [[Taichung]]]] The standard prefix for international calls from Taiwan is 002, though some other companies may use alternative prefixes at lower rates. Check with your telecom operator for more details. Calls to mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau require international dialling. The country code for calls to Taiwan is +886. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Numbers Starting With 0800 are commercial toll-free numbers, just like the 1-800 numbers in North America. '''Mobile phone''' coverage is generally excellent in Taiwan, with the exception of some remote mountainous areas. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), Far EasTone (遠傳電信) and Taiwan Star Telecom (台灣之星). Taiwan has both 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) and 4G (LTE) networks and inbound roaming agreements are in place between most international providers and at least one of these four (but check with your operator before departure). The last 2G networks were shut down in July 2017. The internationally popular messaging app Whatsapp is not popular in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese use the Japanese messaging app '''[https://line.me/en/ LINE]''' instead. === Media === Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. Taiwan's main newspapers are the Chinese-language ''[https://www.ltn.com.tw/ Liberty Times]'' (自由時報), ''[https://tw.appledaily.com/ Apple Daily]'' (蘋果日報), ''[https://www.chinatimes.com/ China Times]'' (中國時報) and ''[http://udn.com/ United Daily News]'' (聯合報). The ''[https://money.udn.com Economic Daily News]'' (經濟日報) and ''[https://ctee.com.tw/ Commercial Times]'' (工商時報) focus on financial and business news. The main English-language newspapers are ''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]'' and ''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]''. A third newspaper in English, ''[http://etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]'' (formerly ''China News''), is no longer available in print but continues to exist online. Other news sources: *[http://focustaiwan.tw/ Central News Agency] *[http://english.rti.org.tw/ RTI] (Radio Taiwan International) *[http://news.cens.com/ the Taiwan Economic News] *[http://taiwantoday.tw/ Taiwan Today] *[http://www.taipeinews.net/ TaipeiNews.net] *[http://www.taiwansun.com/ Taiwan Sun] Free magazines: * ''Lifestyle'' – Info on Taiwan relating to what's on and current trends (bilingual). * ''[http://taiphoon.pristine.net/main-page.htm Taiphoon]'' – A magazine dedicated to promoting peace and environmental awareness in Taiwan (bilingual). * ''[http://www.journeyeast.url.tw/ Journey East]'' – A travel and lifestyle magazine for northern Taiwan (bilingual). Radio: * [http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT] (short for "International Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available island-wide on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour 07:00–20:00 M–F and 10:00–18:00 on Sa. ===Printing=== Every 7-Eleven and Familymart has cloud printers available for printing documents and even pictures. But for the latter you might be better off with a professional shop. The instructions are in Chinese or English. Costs: NT$1 per document page, plus NT$1 processing fee. == Cope == ===Electricity=== For electrical sockets, Taiwan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as the United States. Electricity is supplied at 110 V at 60 Hz. === Embassies and foreign missions === ''See [[Taipei#Cope|Cope section]] in [[Taipei]] guide'' {{usablecountry}} {{isPartOf|East Asia}} {{geo|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} rm8994habty1vm8f4xvq84ot2p8ymii 4488061 4488058 2022-07-22T02:18:44Z The dog2 35982 /* TRA */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Formasa Station Banner.jpg}} {{COVID-19 box|Restrictions have been implemented throughout Taiwan due to a surge in COVID cases. Taiwan has '''barred entry to non-resident foreign nationals indefinitely.''' International transit passengers are allowed starting from June 15, 2022, provided they do not leave the secure area of the airport. Those allowed to enter the country are required to '''quarantine for 14 days'''. ''(See [[Taiwan#Get in|Get in]] for more information)''| lastedit=2022-07-20}} '''[https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/ Taiwan]''' (Traditional Chinese: 台灣 or 臺灣, ''Táiwān'') is an island nation off the coast of southeastern mainland [[China]]. The island is officially known as and governed by the '''Republic of China''' (中華民國 ''Zhōnghuá Mínguó'') or '''ROC'''. Shaped roughly like a sweet potato, the nation is home to more than 23 million people and is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. Although most of the population is ethnically Chinese, the legacy of Japanese colonial rule still pervades much of Taiwanese life, and there is also indigenous Austronesian culture to explore for the truly intrepid traveler. {{disclaimerbox|While the political status of Taiwan is a controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveler's point of view, Taiwan is under the ''de facto'' control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate country. ''This page does not represent a political endorsement of the claims of either side of the dispute.''}} == Regions == {{Regionlist | regionmap = Taiwan_Regions_Map.png | regionmapsize = 350px | regionmaptext = Map of Taiwan with regions color-coded (Matsu is not included) | region1name=[[Northern Taiwan]] | region1color=#b08eb0 | region1items=[[Hsinchu]], [[Hsinchu County]], [[Keelung]], [[New Taipei]], [[Taipei]], [[Taoyuan]] | region1description=The capital city, main airport and technology hub of the island | region2name=[[Central Taiwan]] | region2color=#efb86e | region2items=[[Changhua County]], [[Miaoli County]], [[Nantou County]] and [[Taichung]] | region2description=Scenic mountains and lakes and major national parks | region3name=[[Eastern Taiwan]] | region3color=#77c283 | region3items=[[Yilan County]], [[Hualien]], [[Hualien County]], [[Taitung County]], [[Taitung]] | region3description=Hualien and Taitung are cut off from the rest of the island by the central mountains; this is a region of great natural beauty, and the main center of indigenous Austronesian culture | region4name=[[Southern Taiwan]] | region4color=#75a4c3 | region4items= [[Chiayi County]], [[Kaohsiung]], [[Pingtung County]], [[Tainan]] and [[Yunlin County]] | region4description=The tropics of Taiwan with beaches and palm trees and the third largest city | region5name=Outlying Islands | region5color=#c9cf7b | region5items=Tiny islands also governed by the Republic of China: [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]], just off the coast of mainland China's [[Fujian]] Province, [[Penghu]] in the straits, [[Green Island (Taiwan)|Green Island]] and [[Orchid Island]], east of Taiwan | region5description=Small islands that are popular getaway destinations with the locals. }} <br clear="right" /> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b08eb0|title=[[Northern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249994,Q74054,Q249996,Q244898,Q1867,Q115256}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q133865,Q63706,Q82357,Q245023}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Eastern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q237258,Q249868,Q249904}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249995,Q166977,Q181557,Q194989,Q140631,Q153221}} == Cities == {{mapframe|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|title=Taiwan High Speed Rail|wikidata=Q706198|type=geoline|stroke=#c35617|stroke-width=4|stroke-opacity=1}} [[File:TWTC ITB, TICC and Taipei 101 20100410 night.jpg|thumb|300px|Taipei at night]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taipei]]|wikidata=Q1867}} (臺北 or 台北) – The seat of government of Taiwan ROC, as well as the center of commerce and culture. Taipei is also home to Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Miaoli]]|lat=24.57|long=120.82}} (苗栗) – The main center of Hakka culture in Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hualien]]|wikidata=Q713310}} (花蓮) – Near Taroko Gorge and considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan's cities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Jiufen]]|wikidata=Q31093}} (九份) – A former gold mining town on the northeast coast visited for its quaint streets and picturesque views. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kaohsiung]]|wikidata=Q181557}} (高雄) – The third-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest sea ports (the Port of Kaohsiung) in the world and it has the island's second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taichung]]|wikidata=Q245023}} (臺中 or 台中) – The second-largest city on the island. In the center-western region of Taiwan, and famous among the Taiwanese for its pastries such as sun cakes and pineapple cakes. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Puli]]|wikidata=Q706544}} (埔里) – At the geographical center of the island, making it a good base for exploring the central mountains and [[Sun Moon Lake]]. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tainan]]|wikidata=Q140631}} (臺南 or 台南) – The oldest city and former capital of Taiwan. It is famous for its historic buildings, and as the unofficial culinary capital of Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taitung]]|lat=22.758333|long=121.144444}} (臺東 or 台東) – On the southeastern coast, a laid back city that is known for beautiful scenery and large Aboriginal population. == Other destinations == [[File:Alishan Forest Staircase2.JPG|thumb|240px|Mountain trail in [[Alishan]]]] People tend to think of Taiwan as a small, crowded island filled mostly with electronic factories, and if you stay in Taipei or along the west coast you might indeed maintain that impression. However, the island is also home to high mountain ranges, great beaches and stunning national parks, many with hot springs. * {{marker|name=[[Alishan]]|wikidata=Q707585}} (阿里山) – Misty forests of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises at the center of the island, reached by a scenic narrow-gauge train * {{marker|name=[[Kenting National Park]]|wikidata=Q707982}} (墾丁國家公園) – At the extreme southern tip of the island, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. * {{marker|name=[[Shei-pa National Park]]|wikidata=Q707996}} (雪霸國家公園) – A park spanning mountains and rivers in [[Hsinchu County]]—great hiking trails * {{marker|name=[[Sun Moon Lake]]|wikidata=Q716206}} (日月潭) – Nestled at 762 m (2,500&nbsp;ft) in lofty mountains in [[Nantou County]], this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. * {{marker|name=[[Taipingshan]]|wikidata=Q30020365}} (太平山) – A historic logging area and one of Taiwan's most scenic spots. Located in [[Yilan County]]. * {{marker|name=[[Taroko Gorge]]|wikidata=Q707427}} (太魯閣峽谷 ''Tàilǔgé'') – An impressive gorge off the east coast * {{marker|name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]]|wikidata=Q709029}} (陽明山國家公園) – Spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei * {{marker|name=[[Yushan]]|wikidata=Q500275}} (Jade Mountain/玉山) – At 3,952 m the highest mountain in not just Taiwan, but in the entire eastern ⅔ of East Asia * {{marker|name=[[Lalashan]]|wikidata=}} (拉拉山) – In [[Taoyuan County]], "Lala" means "beauty" in the indigenous Atayal language. Mt. Lala is one of natural protection zones in Taiwan. There are some 500–2,800-year-old "divine" trees including the No. 5 divine tree, which is reputedly even older than Confucius. Lalashan is best known for its peach trees, and peach season (July–August) is the most beautiful time to visit Mt. Lala. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=LocationROC.png}} Taiwan is home to a large number of impressive scenic sites, and Taipei is a cultural center of entertainment and leisure activities. The island is also a center of Chinese-language pop culture with a substantial entertainment industry. Japanese and an increasing number of mainland Chinese enjoy taking short trips to Taiwan and enjoy its neighborly hospitality. Taiwan is home to some well-known international companies such as Acer, MSI, Asus, HTC, and Giant Bicycles, whose technologies are some of the most advanced in the world. === History === {{seealso|Imperial China|Chinese Revolutions|Japanese colonial empire|Pacific War}} Taiwan was first populated 30,000 years ago by an Australo-Melanesian group known as the Negrito. The Negrito were eventually assimilated and displaced 5,000 years ago by Proto-Austronesians who arrived from the east coast of mainland China, predominantly from what is now Fujian province. Due to linguistic diversity on Taiwan, these people have been suggested to be the ancestors of [[Austronesian]] speakers across Southeast Asia, the Pacific and even Madagascar. Recorded history began with the partial colonization of Taiwan by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and then the Portuguese in the early 17th century. (The old name of Taiwan, ''Formosa'', comes from the Portuguese ''Ilha Formosa'' for "beautiful island".) Han Chinese immigrants arrived in significant numbers with the onset of European trade. The Ming loyalist Koxinga defeated the Dutch garrisons and set up Taiwan as a rump Ming Empire with the hope of reconquering Qing China. His grandson surrendered to the Qing in the late 1600s. Although contact between China and Taiwan dates back thousands of years, it was not until larger numbers of ethnic Han residents arrived during the Qing dynasty that Taiwan was formally integrated into China as part of Hokkien (Fujian) province. It became a separate province in 1887. The years of Han Chinese settlement during the Qing Dynasty were marred by conflict between the Han settlers and the Aboriginal people, between the Minnan and Hakka speakers among the Han settlers, and between the [[Quanzhou]] and [[Zhangzhou]] immigrants among the Minnan speakers. All these resulted in Minnan speakers largely occupying the fertile lowlands along the coast, the Hakkas being forced to occupy the middle elevations in the mountains, and the Aboriginal people being forced to higher elevations in the mountains and the more typhoon-prone east coast. Defeated by the Japanese, the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan to [[Japan]] under the terms of the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Japan ruled the island until the end of World War II in 1945, and exerted profound influences on its development. The island's entertainment and pop culture was and still is heavily influenced by that of Japan. Much of the infrastructure built by the Japanese can still be seen on the island, and has been in fact continuously used up to the present day (e.g. railroad crossing gates, administrative buildings, and the old port at Kaohsiung). During [[Pacific War|World War II]], many Taiwanese, both Aboriginal and Han Chinese, served in the Imperial Japanese Army, many of whom have been enshrined in the controversial [[Tokyo/Chiyoda#Yasukini Shrine|Yasukuni Shrine]] in [[Tokyo]]. Like their counterparts in [[Korea]] and other occupied territories, many Taiwanese women were forced to serve as "comfort women" (i.e. sex slaves) in Japanese military brothels. Upon the resumption of Chinese rule, the ''Kuomintang'' (KMT, 國民黨) under Chiang Kai-shek, also known as the Nationalists, was suspicious of many of the locals in Taiwan, due to the fact that many Taiwanese had served in the Japanese military and civil service during World War II. Moreover, as the Japanese had sought to turn Taiwan into a model colony, despite having been discriminated against, many locals had seen their standards of living improve under Japanese rule, and were disillusioned by the corruption and incompetence that plagued the Kuomintang at that time. Tensions between the new Kuomintang government and the locals culminated in the '''228 incident''' on 28th February 1947, when many locals revolted against Chinese rule, and the Kuomintang responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of people being killed, and purging many of the Japanese-educated intellectuals in the process. Taiwan would also be placed under martial law following the incident, which would only be lifted in 1987. Discussion of the incident was banned under the years of martial law, but was brought back to the fore once again following democratization in the 1990s, and the incident remains a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day. [[File:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|350px|National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] In the early 20th century, the Nationalists and Communists fought a major bloody civil war in mainland China. Although the two sides were briefly united against Japan during World War II, they quickly began fighting again after the war was over. Eventually, the Communists were victorious in 1949. The Nationalist government, remnants of their army, and hundreds of thousands of supporters then fled to Taiwan, though they would also retain control of several offshore islands of Fujian. From Taipei, they continued to assert their right as the sole legitimate government of all China. Initially very repressive, the government began to loosen control in its fourth decade under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek's son, Chiang Ching-kuo. Taiwan also experienced rapid economic growth and modernisation under the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo, becoming one of the world's richest and most modern economies and earning it a place as one of the East Asian Tigers. Today, Taiwan is generally regarded as a modern, developed economy, and still remains a leader in consumer electronics that is home to well-known computer brands such as Acer, Asus, Garmin, Gigabyte and HTC. Democratization began in earnest through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating with the first direct presidential elections in 1996, and the first peaceful transition of power between two political parties in 2000. Taiwanese politics remain dominated by the issue of relations between Taiwan and the [[China|People's Republic of China]], which still claims Taiwan as a "renegade province" and regularly threatens military action if Taiwan attempts to break away from the awkward '''One China''' status quo, whereby both sides agree that there is only one Chinese nation, but disagree on whether that one nation should be governed by the PRC or the ROC. To summarize a ''very'' complex situation, the '''Pan-Blue''' (泛藍) group spearheaded by the KMT supports eventual unification with the mainland when the political climate is right, while the '''Pan-Green''' (泛綠) group led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports eventual formal independence under the name "Republic of Taiwan". The split extends down to trivial issues like Chinese romanization &mdash; the KMT prefers the mainland's ''Hanyu pinyin'', the DPP prefers a Taiwan-made variant called ''Tongyong pinyin'' &mdash; and political demonstrations and rallies, always turbulent, on occasion even turn violent. In 2014, the '''Sunflower Movement''' was formed in opposition to deepening trade relations between Taiwan and mainland China that was being pursued by the then-KMT government. Although mainland China has been Taiwan's most important trading partner since 2008, many Taiwanese were fearful that deepening economic ties would lead to the Chinese Communist Party using this economic dependence to coerce democratic Taiwan into unifying with mainland China under communist rule. Things came to a head when student protesters stormed the Legislative Yuan on 18 March 2014, forcing the government to abandon ratification of a recently-signed trade deal with mainland China, marking the first time the Taiwanese legislature had been successfully occupied by civilian protesters. The movement is today considered a watershed moment in Taiwanese political history, as it led to the political awakening of much of the formerly apolitical younger generation, galvanized a distinct Taiwanese identity, and united most of the younger generation behind the pro-independence camp. === Government and politics === Taiwan is a presidential republic modelled after the American system of government. The President is popularly elected every four years for up to two terms, and is the head of state. The President has the sole authority to appoint members the executive branch, known as the '''Executive Yuan''', whose leader, known as the Premier, serves as the head of government. The legislative branch is known as the '''Legislative Yuan''', often referred to as the "Parliament", which is elected by the people every four years in parallel with the presidential elections. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy known for its exceptionally dramatic parliamentary sessions, with physical fights between legislators on the floor being a regular occurrence. The other branches of government are the '''Judicial Yuan''', which tops the judiciary branch, the '''Examination Yuan''', which administers civil service examinations, and the '''Control Yuan''', which is responsible for auditing the government's finances. The two main parties in Taiwanese politics are the '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) and the '''Democratic Progressive Party''' (DPP). Generally speaking, the KMT is more socially conservative, and favors friendlier ties with China, while the DPP is more socially liberal, and favors closer ties with Japan and the United States, as well as taking a tougher stance against China. While the older generation is politically split, the younger generation is overwhelmingly pro-DPP. === People === Taiwan was originally populated by indigenous peoples that spoke various Austronesian languages, which are related to Malay, Tagalog and Indonesian. Today the remaining indigenous peoples make up only about 2% of the population, while the other 98% are considered ethnically Han Chinese. The ethnically Han Chinese are further split into Taiwanese, who make up about 84% of the population and whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and mainlanders, who make up about 14% of the population and whose families fled to Taiwan from the mainland after the communist takeover of China in 1949. Among the Taiwanese group, Hoklo (Minnan) speakers form the majority, which is about 70% of the population, while the remaining 14% are largely Hakka speakers. In modern times, Taiwan is also home to immigrants from elsewhere, especially other Asian countries such as Malaysia (most of whom are ethnically Chinese), Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The post-1949 Chinese immigrants come from every province and include many non-Han residents. === Culture === Taiwanese culture is largely based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly that of [[Fujian]] province, because most Taiwanese are Han Chinese whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan from that region. However, in the 20th century, Taiwanese culture diverged from that of mainland China. Substantial Japanese influences can be seen in modern Taiwanese culture because of 50 years of Japanese rule, and this can be seen in its cuisine and in its pop culture. In addition, the Japanese introduced baseball and hot-spring bathing to Taiwan, and these remain popular pastimes for the Taiwanese to this day. As Taiwan was spared from the Cultural Revolution, the Taiwanese have also retained some elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China. Indigenous Austronesian or "Formosan" culture has greatly suffered under multiple different waves of colonial rule. It is having a resurgence today but many aspects of it have been lost forever which is evident in how the majority of the Formosan languages are extinct or moribund. However, efforts are being made to revive the culture through the introduction of the Aboriginal languages into the school curriculum. Numerous indigenous Taiwanese have had successful careers in the entertainment industry, perhaps the most famous example being the singer Kulilay Amit, better known by her Chinese name Chang Huei-mei, who is of Puyuma ethnicity. === Climate === [[File:Footbridge, Taroko 01.jpg|thumb|240px|Taroko Gorge suspension bridge]] Lowland Taiwan has a marine tropical climate during the summer, with sweltering, humid weather (above 30&nbsp;°C, 86&nbsp;°F) from Jun-Sep. In the winter the weather is influenced by the nearby continent, and in the northern areas the temperature can go as low as 8&nbsp;°C at night. The best time of year to visit is from Oct-Dec, although even then occasional typhoons can spoil the fun. Spring is also nice, although it rains more than during autumn. During the typhoon season, the east coast bears the brunt of the damage as it is facing the Pacific Ocean. In the mountainous regions you will encounter more temperate conditions. Rapid weather change can endanger unprepared visitors, so advice on proper preparation should be obtained before visiting those areas. In fact, it snows every year on Taiwan's highest mountains and occasionally even on mountains like Alishan. === Taiwanese calendar === The ''Minguo'' (民國, ROC) calendar, counting years from the establishment of the ROC (1911), is commonly used in Taiwan. To convert a ''Minguo'' date to A.D., just add 1911. {{CURRENTYEAR}} is Minguo {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}−1911}}. Months and days are according to the standard Gregorian calendar for almost everything except traditional holidays and religious matters, which use the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. === Festivals === {{CNYdates}} As Taiwan is majority Han Chinese, traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in Taiwan. Among the most notable are: *'''Chinese New Year''' (春節). This is the most important festival for the Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close on the first three days so it is not an ideal time to visit. However, the days leading up to the festival and the fourth to fifteenth days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Chinese New Year songs. *'''Tomb Sweeping Day''' (Ching Ming Festival, 清明節). This is when many Taiwanese pay respects at their ancestors' graves. *'''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午節). This festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin. To prevent the fishes from eating his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fishes and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten on them to scare away the fishes. Since then, dragon boat racing has been carried out on this day and rice dumplings are also eaten. *'''Hungry Ghost Festival''' (Ghost Month, 中元節). This festival runs throughout the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world. In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese offer food and burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held to appease these wandering spirits. *'''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (Moon Festival, 中秋節). Legend has it that on this day, a woman known as Chang E swallowed some divine pills to prevent her power hungry husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day. This is when many lanterns are put up for decoration in various parks and shops, which is quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so it would be an ideal time to try some. Many Taiwanese have barbecue with family or friends as part of the celebration. === Terrain === [[File:Jiuwanshibaguai.JPG|thumb|Cliffs meet the eastern coast of Taiwan, Hualien County]] Taiwan is largely mountainous with a chain of mountains running from north to south at the centre of the island. The west coast is largely plains and unsurprisingly is where most of the population is concentrated, and is where all the larger cities like [[Taichung]] and [[Kaohsiung]] are located. The east coast also has some plains but they are more sparsely populated due to the higher typhoon risk, but is also home to the cities of [[Hualien]] and [[Taitung]] with significant populations. === Sports === Baseball was brought to Taiwan by the Japanese during the colonial period. Its popularity rose greatly when the Taiwanese baseball team finished second in the Japanese national championships. Today, baseball retains a strong following and remains by far the most popular spectator sport in Taiwan. Several Taiwanese players have also gone on to successful careers in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Taiwanese national team is considered to be one of the strongest in the world. Besides baseball, basketball also has a sizeable following in Taiwan and is quite popular among teenagers. When classes are over, the basketball courts inside schools are not only open to students but also the public. Billiards<!--WHICH VARIANT(S)--> is another popular sport in Taiwan. It's easy to find billiard rooms throughout the country and there are also many championship-winning players in Taiwan, most of whom started training when they were still teens. Other sports which are popular include Taekwondo, table tennis and golf. In international sporting competitions, such as the Olympic Games, Taiwan is called "Chinese Taipei" for political reasons. == Talk == {{infobox|You say Zhongshan, I say Chungshan...|The romanization of Chinese used in Taiwan is not standardized. Most older place names and personal names are derived from a simplified version of Wade-Giles. The government established Hanyu Pinyin (the same system used in the mainland and the international standard) as the official system in 2009, but most local governments that did not already use the system have not switched over, and highway signs are only being gradually changed from the Tongyong Pinyin system, leading to much inconsistency. Some local governments, such as that of Taipei and Taichung, have already converted their street signs to Hanyu Pinyin and New Taipei is implementing the switch to Hanyu Pinyin. However, there are still street signs posted by city governments next to signs installed by the national government having different romanization conventions, as is the case for Kaohsiung, where Tongyong Pinyin, not Hanyu Pinyin, is the local standard. For example, Zhongshan, Chungshan, Jungshan and Jhongshan can easily refer to the same Chinese name. This article attempts to use the romanizations most commonly used ''in'' Taiwan (on street signs, buses, tourist maps, etc.) People know romanisation as 'Roma-Pinyin' (Luoma-Pinyin).}} Taiwan's official languages are four varieties of Chinese — '''[[Chinese phrasebook - Traditional|Mandarin]]''', '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]]''' (a dialect of Minnan), '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''', and '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Matsu dialect]]''' — as well as the '''Aboriginal Austronesian languages''' and '''Taiwan Sign Language'''. Mandarin is the ''lingua franca'', but Taiwanese is the mother tongue of about 70% of the population. In the North where there is a large concentration of so-called "mainlanders" (those whose families came to Taiwan from mainland China in the 1940s as refugees of the Chinese Civil War), most people speak Mandarin as their primary language (although Taiwanese is spoken in abundance), but in the South of the island, Taiwanese is far more common. Hakka is the main language at the middle elevations of the mountainous parts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka are all tonal languages, and are difficult for most foreigners to master. Aboriginal languages can mostly be heard on the East Coast and its offshore islands, as well as at higher elevations in the mountains. The Matsu dialect is a variant of the Fuzhou dialect (also known as ''Hokchiu'' or ''Foochow''), and is almost exclusively concentrated in the [[Matsu]] islands located close to [[Fuzhou]] in mainland China. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (漢字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and many overseas Chinese still use the '''traditional characters''', whereas since the 1950s mainland China has used simplified characters, such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". There are multiple ways of romanizing Mandarin Chinese, but '''pinyin''' (漢語拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn'') is the most useful for a visitor to learn. It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). (However, people in Taiwan are more familiar with a phonetic alphabet called Zhuyin (注音 ''zhùyīn'', written using Zhuyin as ㄓㄨˋ　ㄧㄣ), commonly known in English as '''bopomofo''' (named after the first four letters, ㄅㄆㄇㄈ), which is used for language education and typing.) All dialects of Chinese are also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; Mandarin tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the world, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects'''. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects would read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and couldn't carry on a spoken conversation with each other. Although standard Mandarin in Taiwan is nearly identical to standard Mandarin in mainland China (with differences mostly in technical and translated terms invented post-1949), most people in practice speak a distinctly accented version known as Taiwanese Mandarin. For example, Taiwanese Mandarin tends to not differentiate between the "S" and "Sh" or the "f" and "h" sounds in Mandarin. All people schooled after 1945 are generally fluent in Mandarin, though older people from rural areas often have a very thick accent. Mandarin is fairly popular with young people. Some elderly people do not speak Mandarin as they were schooled in Japanese or not at all. Most Taiwanese are very accepting of foreigners and react with curiosity and admiration for trying the local tongue. Generally, most people in Taiwan converse using a combination of Mandarin and Taiwanese by code-switching. The Taiwanese dialect is a variant of Minnan which is similar to the dialect spoken across the Taiwan Strait in [[South Fujian]]. Unlike in South Fujian, Taiwanese Minnan has some loan words from Japanese as a result of 50 years of Japanese colonization. Taiwanese Minnan and [[Xiamen]] Minnan are both mixtures of the [[Zhangzhou]] and [[Quanzhou]] accents, so as a result, Taiwanese Minnan sounds very similar to Xiamen Minnan. There is also dialectal variation in Taiwanese between different parts of the island; the [[Tainan]] dialect is generally considered to be the prestige dialect. All public announcements in the transportation system are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka, with the exception of the [[Matsu]] islands, where announcements are made in Mandarin and the local Matsu dialect. Especially in Taipei, younger people generally speak a basic conversational level of '''English'''. The children often understand more English than their parents, especially with the emphasis on English language education today, and English being a compulsory subject in Taiwanese schools. However, attempts to speak Mandarin or Taiwanese will be met with beaming smiles and encouragement, by and large. Quite a few people, especially in Taipei, are proficient in '''[[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]]''' due to the high number of Japanese visitors. Staff for tourist attractions such as the Taipei 101, museums, hotels, popular restaurants and airport shops speak Japanese in addition to English, Mandarin and other local languages. In fact, if you are a visitor of East Asian descent who cannot understand Chinese, when a worker realizes this he or she may try speaking to you in Japanese before trying English. There has been an increasing usage of '''[[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]''' by tourism boards due to the large number of Korean people visiting Taiwan. Thus, there are many signs across Taiwan written in Korean. An enthusiasm for Korean-language education due to the influence of Korean pop culture is also gaining momentum. Due to the increasing number of Southeast Asian tourists visiting Taiwan, '''[[Thai phrasebook|Thai]]''', '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' and '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]''' are spoken by some tourist personnel. '''Taiwan Sign Language''' is the language of the deaf community. It has partial mutual intelligibility with Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language, but not with Chinese Sign Language or Hong Kong Sign Language. == Get in == {{COVID-19 box|Taiwan has tightened entry restrictions in response to the spread of COVID-19, in particular the Delta variant of the virus. '''Non-resident foreign nationals are barred from entering or transiting Taiwan indefinitely.''' Valid visas to enter Taiwan have been suspended, and Taiwan is not issuing new visa permits at this time. Those who need to travel to Taiwan because of special circumstances can apply for a special entry permit from Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center and a Taiwanese diplomatic mission. If it is granted, you'll need to [https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/ pre-register online], present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a designated hotel or quarantine facility. Travelers will be required to bear the costs for the quarantine stay, unless arriving from a country or territory that has been designated as "high risk". <small>For more information, see the websites for the [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En Taiwan Centers for Disease Control] and [https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs].</small>| lastedit=2021-06-27}} ===Entry requirements=== [[File:Visa policy of Taiwan.svg|thumb|450px|Visa policy of Taiwan{{legend|#F60501|Taiwan}}{{legend|#20B44A|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#b5e61d|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#65D6A5|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#DCEF9B|Visa on arrival}}{{legend|#9DDEE5|eVisa}}{{legend|#15127D|Exit & Entry Permit on arrival}}{{legend|#ADADAD|Visa required}}]] [[File:ROC entry stamp.JPG|thumb|Entry stamp]] ==== Visas ==== Foreign nationals of the following 44 countries can enter Taiwan '''visa-free''' as a ''visitor'' provided that their passports are valid for at least 6 months upon entry: '''For up to 90 days:''' All 27 '''European Union''' member states, Australia (until 31 December 2021), Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (until 31 March 2025), Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vatican City '''For up to 30 days:''' Belize, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore '''For up to 14 days:''' Brunei, Philippines, Thailand (until 31 July 2019 for all three), Russian Federation If citizens of the above countries present an emergency or temporary passport, they will be required to apply for a landing visa on arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$2,400. Citizens of Japan need only present a passport with at least 3 months' validity (rather than 6 months' validity) upon entry. Citizens of the United States can enter Taiwan on a passport with less than 6 months' validity on the date of arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$5,600. Citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom can extend their stay for an extra 90 days (i.e. a total stay of up to 180 days) free of charge. More information is available on [http://www.boca.gov.tw/public/Attachment/1121416524871.doc this Bureau of Consular Affairs information sheet]. Holders of valid passports from '''[[Hong Kong]]''' (HKSAR or BN(O)) and '''[[Macau]]''', born in either of these territories, may apply for a 30-day entry permit online (free) or on arrival (NT$300). Holders of these passports born outside these territories may also apply for these permits, if they have been to Taiwan previously as a Hong Kong/Macau resident. (If they last visited Taiwan before 1983 they need to supply the travel document used then or first apply for their travel records from the Immigration Agency.) Hong Kong and Macau residents born outside of these territories and have not been to Taiwan before as a HK/Macau resident must apply for a permit online before travelling to Taiwan (NT$600). Hong Kong and Macau residents who also have another passport (except BN(O) or a Portuguese passport obtained before the handover) must use the other passport (and apply for the correct visa, if required) to enter Taiwan and not their Hong Kong/Macau passport. Macau residents using a Portuguese passport may enter visa-free like other Portuguese passport holders. Residents of '''Mainland [[China]]''' (Chinese passport holders) may visit Taiwan for tourism if they join an approved guided tour. Independent mainland Chinese travellers require a Permit for Proceeding to Taiwan (往来台湾通行证/往來台灣通行證) with an endorsement issued by Chinese authorities, and an Exit and Entry Permit (中華民國臺灣地區入出境許可證) issued by Taiwanese authorities. However, endorsement for personal tourism has been '''suspended''' due to political tensions. Citizens of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who have a valid entry visa or permanent resident card issued by a [[Europe#Schengen Agreement|Schengen]] country, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival after making an [https://oa1.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/ online application.] All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 14 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. Entry will be denied if these procedures are refused. Detailed information about visas is available at the website of the '''[http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs]'''. Taiwan does not have formal embassies in most of the world's countries (due to the 'One China' policy of mainland China preventing formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan). Instead Taiwan operates a "Taipei Representative Office", "Taipei Economic and Trade Office", or something of a similar name in most major countries, and these act as ''de facto'' embassies and consulates that can issue Taiwanese visas. ====Arrival card==== Tourists are required to fill in an arrival card. You may do it [https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/ online] before you arrive to save time. Traditional paper versions are still available at ports of entry. Hong Kong and Macau residents who have an online entry permit are exempt. ====Customs==== Fresh fruit and meat may not be brought into Taiwan, and airport staff may check your bags. If you are carrying anything prohibited, though, they might let you eat it before you go through immigration. === By plane === * '''[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]]''' '''(Taipei)''' (台灣桃園國際機場, formerly ''Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport'' 中正國際機場) ({{IATA|TPE}}) is the primary international airport of Taiwan. Located 40&nbsp;km to the southwest of Taipei, it has good connections to neighbouring countries and North America, and decent connections to Europe and Oceania. The airport has a MRT (metro/subway) connection to [[Taipei]], and direct buses to Taipei, [[Taichung]] and other nearby cities. Alternatively, the MRT train and U-Bus company shuttles reach HSR Taoyuan station (台灣高鐵桃園站) for high-speed train connections to other cities; and to Zhongli (中壢) Station for mainline TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration 台灣鐵路管理局) train and southbound bus connections to [[Tainan]], [[Hsinchu]] (新竹) etc. * [http://www.kia.gov.tw/English/ '''Kaohsiung International Airport'''] (高雄國際機場) ({{IATA|KHH}}) is the largest airport in southern Taiwan, with decent connections to neighbouring countries and domestic destinations. * [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx '''Songshan Airport'''] (松山機場) ({{IATA|TSA}}) is a smaller airport in downtown Taipei which serves mostly domestic flights with some flights to China, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Seoul Gimpo Airport. * '''Taichung Airport''' (台中機場) ({{IATA|RMQ}}) serves domestic and international flights to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and China. * [https://www.tna.gov.tw/en/index.php '''Tainan Airport'''] (臺南機場) ({{IATA|TNN}}) serves domestic routes, as well as international routes to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. * [https://www.hulairport.gov.tw/e_content/about/about01.aspx '''Hualien Airport'''] (花蓮機場) ({{IATA|HUN}}) located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, the airport serves domestic routes, as well as international flights to South Korea as well as charter flights to Cambodia. After a break of almost 60 years, regular cross-Strait flights between Taiwan and mainland China resumed in 2008, and travel times on some popular routes have been reduced significantly as flights no longer have to be routed through Hong Kong airspace. The main Taiwanese carriers are [http://www.evaair.com/ '''EVA Air'''] (長榮航空) and flag carrier [http://www.china-airlines.com/ '''China Airlines'''] (中華航空). While China Airlines used to have a poor safety record, things have improved greatly since 2003, and today, it is just as safe as the major Western European airlines. === By boat === {{COVID-19 box|Due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, all ferry services to China have been suspended.|lastedit=2020-02-28}} All scheduled passenger ferry services between Taiwan and Japan have been suspended. [http://www.starcruises.com Star Cruises] operates limited cruise services from [[Keelung]] (基隆) and [[Kaohsiung]] (高雄) to Hong Kong and various Japanese islands, but these are not intended for one-way journeys. ====China to Taiwan via Matsu==== From [[Fuzhou]] (福州), China, there are two daily ferries to the Taiwan-controlled [[Matsu]] (馬祖) islands. Take bus 69 from Fuzhou train station to Wuyilu, then bus 73 to the end station Mawei harbor (馬尾港). The ferry costs RMB350 from China and NT$1,300 from Matsu. The trip takes two hours. You can check the Matsu tourism website for [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=505&l=2 updates on the schedule]. There is a cheaper (NT$650) ferry between Matsu's northern island and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, but because of limitations to immigration facilities, it apparently only accepts Taiwan/ROC citizens as passengers at this time ([https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=781&l=1 schedules and fares]). From Matsu, there the ''Taima Star'' ferry runs daily to [[Keelung]] in Taiwan ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/index.php Official website] / [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=128&l=2 English information]). NT$1,050 includes a bed, as the trip takes 10 hours. Regular seats are available for NT$630 only when the sleeping cabins are full ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/price.htm official fare table]). Schedules can be found at [http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/harbor.php this link]. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or [https://www.matsuebs.com/html/custorder/36 online]. At [[Mawei]] harbor in [[Fuzhou]] there is an opportunity to buy an inclusive ticket all the way to Taipei (臺北) that includes the Fuzhou to Matsu ferry above and a domestic flight from Matsu to Taipei (or Taichung). The price (RMB780) includes transfer between port and airport on Matsu, and a coupon for lunch at the airport while you wait for your connection. The ferry leaves Fuzhou at 09:30. Get to Mawei at 08:00 to buy tickets. ====China to Kinmen==== There are also several ferry services between [[Xiamen]] and [[Quanzhou]] on the mainland and the Taiwan-controlled island of [[Kinmen]] (金門). While foreigners may use the former the latter is only open to Chinese and Taiwanese citizens. Now there also is one weekly ferry from Dongdu Harbor (東渡碼頭) in [[Xiamen]] to Keelung, that leaves on Thursdays at 18:00 starting at less than RMB500, and one to Taichung leaving on Tuesdays. Call 0592-2393128 for information or 0592-6011758 for bookings from China. You can also check [http://www.seat61.com/Taiwan.htm#Ferries_to_Taiwan here] for news. There is apparently no ferry from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan at this time, though flights may be reasonably priced. ====China to Taiwan direct==== The ''Cosco Star'' runs overnight between [[Keelung]] in northern Taiwan and [[Xiamen]] on the mainland, between Keelung and Daimaiyu Port near [[Taizhou]] on the mainland, and between [[Taichung]] in west-central Taiwan and Xiamen. Each leg of each route only runs on one day of the week (see [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-sch.asp here] for departure times of each route and [http://www.cosco.url.tw/hot.html here] for the latest calendar of operations). "Standard" one-way fares start at NT$3,500, but "basic" fares may be available for NT$2,490 ([http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-tick.asp fare table]). On top of the fare there is an additional NT$300-550 in fuel and port surcharges, which varies depending on the route. There are substantial discounts for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). The service's Taiwan-facing website is [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-main.asp here]. [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hours) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to [[Taipei]] and [[Taichung]] in Taiwan. As of February 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and the Pingtan-Taichung-Pingtan route runs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,500 one-way, $6,350 round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance]/[http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]. == Get around == ===''IC Cards''=== [[Taipei]]'s '''[http://www.easycard.com.tw/ EasyCard]''' (悠遊卡 Yōuyóukǎ) and [[Kaohsiung]]'s '''[https://www.i-pass.com.tw/EN/ iPass]''' (一卡通) are the main public transportation smart and electronic payment cards, and replace the need to buy separate tickets for most national, regional and city buses, metro (MRT), as well as train services (TRA) all over Taiwan, and they can be used at retail establishments that display the respective sign, like convenient stores (7eleven, Family Mart), parking lots and some restaurants and shops. Though originally accepted only in their respective cities, the two cards can now be used interchangeably at most (but not all) locations. Besides saving you the hassle of having proper change ready for your ticket, it mostly always gives discount on the chosen journeys. For instance, the price for any train (TRA) is calculated based on the price of a local train and a 10% discount. Thus, you can even take the faster trains with it (but not THSR) like the Tzu-Chiang limited express. The only disadvantage is that you will not have a reserved seat, which however is not an issue except on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon. The EasyCard also provides discounts on [[Taipei#Get around|Taipei's public transportation network]], and likewise with the iPass on Kaohsiung's network. The EasyCard can be bought at the airport, in any of stations of Taipei MRT and most convenient stores. As of Dec 2019 the price was NT$500, consisting of a non-refundable deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 in electronic cash. If you want to add money onto the card, you can do so in MRT stations (including Kaohsiung MRT), TRA stations, and the common convenient stores. The card can hold amounts up to NT$5,000. Student IC cards with even deeper discounts are also available for purchase, but only upon request at a desk and a recognised student ID like ISIC. Whether the card needs to be tapped only once or twice on city buses (on entry or on exit, see [[#By bus|below]]) depends on which city you are in and sometimes how far you travel. Do not forget to tap twice (on entry '''and''' exit) where it is necessary, especially on regional and national buses outside of cities (and some unstaffed railway stations). Otherwise, your card will be blocked with "incomplete journey" (for all bus companies), and you will have to settle this issue with the responsible bus company. This can be a problem, because bus companies only serve certain regions. When leaving that region, e.g. by train, which is still possible with a (bus) locked card, no-one will be willing to unlock your card, even though also other bus companies are able to do so. Be insistent and with the help of the tourist information centre tell them that you cannot go back to fix the problem, or that you tried and they did not solve the issue even though they told you so. Make sure that it is really unlocked (with a different bus company) and do not just trust them &ndash; it seems some cannot operate their machines properly. If you forget to tap the second time, you will only be charged a small initial fee instead of the whole journey, but unless you are at the end of your vacation to Taiwan or possess a second card, you should avoid having your card blocked. That said, most bus drivers and railway staff pay close attention to the tapping, so it is hard to miss. It costs NT$14 to get in and out of the same railway station within an hour, in case you instead decide to take the bus. At the end of your travel, do not put too much money onto your card, because it can only be given back and cashed-out at certain locations, like some THSR stations. In addition to the NT$100 purchase fee, there is a NT$20 fee for returning the card within 3 months. === By train === [[File:THSR 700T train at Taoyuan Station 20070728.jpg|thumb|Taiwan High Speed train]] [[File:TaiwanHighSpeedRail Route en.gif|thumb|Map of Taiwan High Speed Rail; all stations shown are operational]] Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays. The main downside is the lack of cross-island routes between the East Coast and West Coast; for instance, there is no rail line from Taichung to Hualien, so you will have to either drive, fly, or take a major detour via Taipei or Kaohsiung. ====THSR==== The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a [[high speed train]] based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the {{km|345}} route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung station is built next to a railway station, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with branch railway lines. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra, though business class passengers are offered a complementary drink and snack. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted. Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The Official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off. All high-speed trains consist of two seating classes; '''economy class''' and '''business class'''. Although economy class is already clean and comfortable by international standards, paying extra for business class snags you a slightly wider seat, as well as a complimentary drink and snack. All train announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. =====Passes===== The Taiwan High Speed Rail issues a '''[https://pass.thsrc.com.tw/oatsb2c/home.do?G=3 THSR Pass]''' for use on the high speed rail trains. These cost NT$2,400 for a regular 3-day pass, or NT$3,200 for a flexible 3-day pass. While a regular 3-day pass must be used in 3 consecutive days, the 3 days in a flexible 3-day pass may be spread out over any 7-day period. The 5-day joint passes allow for unlimited rides on the high speed rail for 2 days within a 5 day period, and unlimited rides on TRA lines within the same 5-day period. These cost NT$2,800 for a standard pass, which does not allow you to ride on Tzu-Chiang trains, and NT$3,600 for an express pass, which allows you to ride on all TRA lines. The THSR passes may only be used by foreigners who are in Taiwan on tourist visas (or visa exemptions), and must be purchased from travel agents overseas ''before'' you arrive in Taiwan. ====TRA==== Mainline trains are run by the separate [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx '''Taiwan Railway Administration'''] (TRA, 台鐵) , whose services are generally efficient and reliable. Reserving tickets well in advance is recommended when traveling with the train on weekends, especially for long distance travel. Slower (but more frequent) commuter trains without reserved seating are also available. Train timetables and [http://railway.hinet.net/net_eng.htm online booking] (up to 2 weeks in advance) are available on the TRA website for 24 hours. Booking and payment can be made online. You can also pay for the tickets you reserved at your local train station or post office to actually receive it. You can also buy the tickets of TRA in convenient stores now (you can reserve first and take the tickets in convenient stores). The way to buy tickets is same to high speed rail's. Children under 115&nbsp;cm (45&nbsp;in) height go free, and taller kids shorter than 150&nbsp;cm (59&nbsp;in) and under 12 years of age get half-price tickets. If you get return tickets there is a small discount depending upon travel distance. There are also vending machines at the larger stations. The fastest train is Tzu-Chiang (limited express), and the slowest is Pingkuai (Ordinary/Express). There is often little to choose between prices and destination times for adjacent train classes, but the gap can be quite large between the fastest and the slowest. * '''Tze-Chiang''' (自強 ''zìqiáng''): The fastest (and most expensive). Assigned seating. Non-reserved (standing) tickets are supposedly sold at full price, but the boarding is possible with an Easycard for local train prices. There are '''Taroko Express''' (太魯閣號 ''Tàilǔgé Hào'') and '''Puyuma''' (普悠瑪號 ''Pǔyōumǎ Hào'') runnning from Taipei to Hualien, which only sell reserved tickets. * '''Chu-Kuang''' (莒光 ''júguāng''): Second fastest. Assigned seating. In western Taiwan, it is as slow as a local train; in eastern Taiwan, it is still a fast, convenient train. * '''local train''' (區間 ''qūjiān'') : Short to medium distance commuter train, stops at all stations. No assigned seating. There are a few local-fast train, which don't stop at every station. * '''Express / Ordinary''' (普通 ''pǔtōng''): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, most inexpensive. No assigned seating. Some Express trains (the light blue ones running on West Trunk Line) are air-conditioned while others (dark blue ones) are not equipped with air conditioners. Only on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon faster trains are packed, and it might make sense to buy a more expensive reserve-seat ticket, if you do not want to stand for 3 hr, depending on your destination. Otherwise, you can freely use the EasyCard for fast connections without worrying (except for THSR). For travel to nearby cities, you can travel on local commuter trains. These arrive very frequently (about once every ten to fifteen minutes). In addition, "standing tickets" may be purchased on trains with assigned seating that have no available seats. Standing tickets are 80% the original ticket price and may be useful for last-minute travellers. However, you will be required to stand for the duration of your trip if there are no free seats. Station announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English. A holdover from the Japanese colonial era is the '''railway bento''' tradition, known in Taiwan as the '''TR Bento''' (臺鐵便當 ''tái tiě biàn dàng''). These are sold at most major TRA stations, and on board most long distance TRA trains. Both meat and vegetarian options are available, with the pork chop bento being particularly famous and iconic. =====Passes===== Similar to Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also offers several rail passes to foreign tourists for unlimited train travel within a stipulated period. The '''[https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip/tip003/tip311/view10 TR Pass]''' can be used by foreigners for unlimited travel on TRA lines for a stipulated period of time. The TR Pass can be bought at railway stations in Taiwan. The TR pass also allows you to reserve seats for free on trains that have assigned seating. '''The TR pass is not valid on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)''' as those trains are not run by the TRA. {| class="wikitable" |+Ticket types/prices (NT$) |- |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''3 Days''' |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''5 Days''' |- | full price || reduced price || 4-person-group || full price || reduced price || 4-person-group |- | 1800 || 900 || 4200 || 2500 || 1250 || 7000 |} : :Note: The 4-person-group ticket must be used by four people simultaneously. You '''cannot''' take the high-speed rail, since it is not operated by the TRA. Validity has to be for consecutive days. Reduced price applies to children (age 7-12), senior citizens (age 65+) and disabled people. * TR Pass Student: The student version of the TR Pass is significantly cheaper than the general version, though unlike the general version, it is ''not'' valid for use on Tzu-Chiang limited express trains, and also cannot be used to ride in train cars with reserved seating. In order to qualify for this pass, you will need to show your passport and a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Ticket types and prices: * 5-day ticket: NT$599 * 7-day ticket: NT$799 * 10-day ticket: NT$1,098 ===By bus=== Taiwan has an extensive bus network, run mostly by private bus companies. Travelling by bus is generally cheaper than by train, especially for long-distance trips. However, on holidays, travel time may be much longer and tickets are more likely to be sold out. There are two categories: intercity buses (客運) and local buses (公車). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a set of distinctly branded bus routes (some intercity, some local) that serve tourist sites, and are generally easier to use than regular routes. The official website offers route maps, timetables and recommended itineraries, but is somewhat confusing to navigate. There is, however, a toll-free number for inquiries. There are also information desks at major transport hubs. [[File:Taipei Bus 1073 stop board.jpg|thumb|Bus stop in Taipei]] Many cities have local buses. They are managed by local governments, therefore information can generally be found on the websites of the respective transportation bureaus. Drivers are usually happy to help, but may not speak English. Route maps at bus stops are mostly in Chinese. For visitors, it may be helpful to have your hotel or accommodation host suggest some routes for you and circle your destination on a map, then show it to the bus driver to make sure you're on the right bus. Announcements are in English, but hopefully the driver will remember to tell you when to get off in case you miss it. Most buses accept either cash (no change) or IC cards (like the EasyCard). Minor cities and towns do not have local buses, but have intercity routes that make frequent stops. These can be found using the method in the previous paragraph. Occasionally a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb at a bus stop. Sometimes it is due to a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop. (Taiwanese traffic law and regulation prohibit vehicles from stopping or parking within 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) of a bus stop.) However, a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb just because he or she does not want to wait for overtaking traffic while leaving a bus stop. Therefore, be ''much more careful'' when getting on or off a bus stopped away from a curb, as many motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles will definitely be tempted to overtake on the right side of the stopped bus where people get on and off! (As traffic drives on the right side of the road in Taiwan, buses have doors on the right side.) In Taiwan you need to hail the bus you are taking as you see it coming—much like hailing a taxi. The terminal stop of the route is listed on the front of the bus in Chinese and sometimes English, so it is important to make sure the bus you get on is going the right direction. For city buses, sometimes you pay when boarding, sometimes when alighting, sometimes both (whether with cash or an IC card). As you get on the bus there will be an LED sign indicating that, opposite the entrance. Sometimes it's only in Chinese: 上 means on boarding, 下 means on alighting (or just watch other people). In some cities such as Kaohsiung and Taichung, failing to swipe your card correctly will result in a locked card. ====Navigation==== Google Maps is a quick way to find a route to your destination, but is not always reliable, especially for trips with changes and for longer distance (like in the south and southwest). Often it will highly overstate bus travel times, because it will consider each stop while the bus might only stop at every third or fourth. Hence, a trip from Kaohsiung or Pingtung to Kenting will be stated with 3-4 hr, even though it will just take 1 hr. Therefore, it will also often suggesting the wrong connections and transfers. However, it gives a very good indication on the possible route, vehicle number(s), frequency, availability and price of buses and trains. Besides, the ''Bus+'' app (Android/iOS) is quite reliable with schedules. You can find bus numbers on it, and it will list its (live) route. This is much easier than reading the Chinese bus stop signs. In combination with Google Maps route search it is quite handy. Furthermore, http://taiwanbus.tw/ has a likewise good overview, in case the Bus+ app is not that helpful. === By metro === [[File:VAL256 on Taipei MRT Muzha Line 20050320.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]] The following areas are served by metro, also known as MRT: * [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] by Taipei Metro * Linkou Plateau, western Taipei and northeastern [[Taoyuan]] City by Taoyuan Metro *[[Taichung]] by Taichung MRT * [[Kaohsiung]] by Kaohsiung MRT It is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke in all metro systems past the fare gates. If multiple journeys are to be made, one can purchase a rechargeable IC card. There are 4 cards: EasyCard (悠遊卡), iPASS (一卡通), icash and HappyCash. For basic MRT transport purposes there is little difference between them. All metro systems are reliable, safe, clean and accessible. Disruptions are rare. The Taipei Metro in particular is widely lauded as one of the world's most reliable and efficient, and is often held up as a gold standard for other Metro systems around the world to emulate. Nearly all stations have toilets, elevators and info desks. There are also special waiting areas that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. === By taxi === {{infobox|Betel nut beauties (檳榔西施) |The highways of Taiwan are lined with brightly lit booths staffed by attractive, skimpily dressed young women, but they're not plying the world's oldest trade; instead, they're betel nut beauties, who compete for the attention of customers to sell the mildly addictive stimulant '''betel''' (檳榔 ''bīnláng''), consisting of areca nuts and slaked lime wrapped in a betel leaf, not themselves. Betel itself is worth a try and there is a chance you will be offered it in the company of farmers or working-class Taiwanese. Be warned, it stains your teeth blood red. To consume it, bite and spit off the cap at the top of the nut, then chew the rest of the bundle. Only the first mouthful of saliva must be spit and afterwards one can either choose to spit or swallow and enjoy the buzz. One sampling on your trip shouldn't be a problem, but do keep in mind that this little treat is habit-forming and cancer-causing for long-term users. Due to the known health risks, consumption of betel nuts is declining, and betel but beauties are becoming increasingly few and far between.}} Taxis are very common in major Taiwanese cities. You do not need to look for a taxi, they'll be looking for you. The standard yellow taxis scour roads looking for potential riders such as lost foreigners. It is possible but generally unnecessary to phone for a taxi. To hail one, simply place your hand in front of you parallel to the ground. But they'll often stop for you even if you're just waiting to cross the street or for a bus. In less heavily trafficked areas further out from the transit hubs, taxis are always available by calling taxi dispatch centers or using mobile apps. Drivers generally cannot converse in English or read Westernized addresses (except for special Taoyuan airport taxis). Get the hotel staff or a Taiwanese friend write out your destination in Chinese, and also take a business card from the hotel. Show the driver the Chinese writing of where you are going. Taxis are visibly metered (starting point priced at NT$70), and taxi drivers are strictly forbidden from taking tips. A maximum of four people can ride in one cab, and for the price of one. Compared to European or American taxis, those in Taiwan are inexpensive. Although taxi drivers in Taiwan tend to be more honest than in many other countries, not all are trustworthy. An indirect trip might cost you half again as much. A cab driver using night-time rates during the daytime will cost you 30% more (make sure he presses the large button on the left on his meter before 23:00). Avoid the especially overzealous drivers who congregate at the exits of train stations. Also, stand your ground and insist on paying meter price only if any driving on mountain roads is involved. Some drivers like to tack on surcharges or use night-time rates if driving to places like [[Wenshan]] (文山) or [[Wulai]] (烏來). Such attempts to cheat are against the law. From Taoyuan Airport (TPE), buses are a much more economical option but if you want a direct route Taoyuan airport drivers are the best choice. They're quite comfortable and get you to your destination as quick as possible. All the TPE taxi drivers are interlinked by radio so they could be forewarned if there are police. Sometimes, if there are traffic jams and no police around, the driver will drive in the emergency lane. Taxis from TPE to destinations in Tao Yuan, parts of Taipei county and some other destinations are 'allowed' to add an additional 50% to the meter fare. The badge and taxi driver identification are displayed inside and the license number marked on the outside. You must also be wary that the driver turns on his meter, otherwise he might rip you off. In such a case, you aren't obliged to pay; but make sure you can find a police officer to settle the matter. If there are stories of passengers boarding fake taxis and being attacked by the driver, it is best not to be paranoid about it. Drivers may be more worried about passengers attacking them! If you do call a taxi dispatch center, you will be given a taxi number to identify the vehicle when it arrives. Generally, dispatch is extremely rapid and efficient, as the taxis are constantly monitoring dispatch calls from the headquarters using radio while they are on the move. This is also the safest way to take a taxi, especially for women. Taxis are also a flexible although relatively expensive way to travel to nearby cities. They have the advantage over the electric trains in that they run very late at night. Drivers are required to provide a receipt if asked, though you might find them unwilling to do so. Taxi drivers, as elsewhere in Asia, are not keen on exchanging large notes. Try to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand to avoid the hassle of fighting with the driver for change. Taxi drivers are known for their strong political opinions. Many are supporters of the pan-green coalition and Taiwanese independence, spending all day listening to Taiwanese political talk radio. Drivers also have negative connotations as being former prisoners. Be careful about your opinions on sensitive political subjects (including, but not necessarily limited to cross-strait relations); also be careful of describing your destination which may be perceived politically (such as the President's Office or Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial Hall). Also watch out for drivers who discriminate against other cultures such as taping "No Korean passengers" on their cars. This is sometimes unavoidable as some drivers provoke such discussion. In addition, if you see what looks like blood spewing from the driver's mouth, or him spitting blood onto the street—not to fret–it's merely him chewing betel nut (see box). Keep in mind, however, that betel nuts are a stimulant. Taxi drivers are generally friendly towards foreigners, and a few of them take the opportunity to try their limited English skills. They are most likely to ask you about yourself, and are a patient audience to your attempts at speaking Mandarin. If you are traveling with small children, don't be surprised if they are given candy when you disembark. Women are sometimes warned not to take taxis alone at night. This is not an extreme risk, although there have been incidents where women have been attacked. To be more safe, women can have the hotel or restaurant phone a cab for them (ensuring a licensed driver), have a companion write down the license number of the driver (clearly displayed on the dashboard), or keep a cell phone handy. Do not get in if the driver doesn't have a license with picture clearly displayed in the cab. === By scooter or motorcycle === Scooters with an engine size of 50cc require a license to drive, and should be insured and registered in the owner's name. Foreign nationals with stay less than 30 days do not have an easy way to get a scooter license. Until 2003 it wasn't possible to get a scooter above 150cc. Many of the scooters within cities are only 50cc and incapable of going faster than 80&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph). The more powerful versions known as ''zhongxing'' (重型, heavy format) scooters are now quite common and can be rented for short-term use, or found for sale used at [http://www.englishintaiwan.com English In Taiwan] if you're going to need it for a while. They are '''not''' allowed on freeways even if they are capable of going faster than 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph) unless used for certain police purposes, but that just means you have to take the scenic route. If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter. Attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city. It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying. One Taipei motorcycle and scooter rental service with English language service is [http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card! The average price you may expect is NT$400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets. Another option is to rent a motorcycle. Many foreigners swear by their 125cc Wild Wolf (野狼) motorcycles, and a trip around the island on a motorcycle can be a great way to see the island up close. It is to be mentioned that since 2007, scooters and motorcycle over 550cc are allowed to go on expressway providing that they have a red license plate. They are however to be considered as cars, and as such cannot be parked in scooter parking spaces. === By car === [[File:Traffic restored on the 133K~135K section of Provincial Highway 21.jpg|thumb|View of Yushan Scenic Highway]] An international driving license is required for driving in Taiwan and may be used for up to 30 days, after which you'll need to apply for a local permit. Some municipalities may impose additional restrictions, so check ahead with the rental shop. [http://www.vipcar.com.tw/ VIP Rentals] in [[Taipei]] is quite happy to rent cars to foreigners, and will even deliver the car to a given destination. A deposit is often required, and the last day of rental is not pro-rated, but calculated on a per-hour basis at a separate (higher) rate. The numbered highway system is very good in Taiwan. Most traffic signs are in international symbols, but many signs show names of places and streets in Chinese only. All road directional signs are written in both Chinese and English, though the non-standardized Romanization means that English names can vary between road signs, making it rather confusing. The highways are in excellent shape with toll stations around every 30&nbsp;km (19&nbsp;mi). Toll is charged electronically and you pay the rental company when you return the car. Traffic moves on the right in Taiwan. Parking in cities is generally charged. A attendant will put a payment slip under your windscreen wiper, you can pay at convenience stores. While driving may be the best way to get around the countryside, in larger cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, traffic jams are a problem as is the difficulty of finding a good parking space, especially during the rush hour and traffic tends to get chaotic so you might be better off relying on public transport instead. === By thumb === While Taiwanese themselves don't generally [[Hitchhiking|hitchhike]], foreigners will have it very easy to find a hitch. However, in rural areas people may not recognize the thumb in the air symbol, and you may try pointing your hand to the ground and waving towards you. It is very easy to flag down a car in rural and mountain regions. So, instead of waiting for that one bus a day that goes by, just hitch a ride. Flagging down a car might work on a country lane with little or no public transportation, but doing so on a major road might lead to confusion, with the driver assuming that you are in trouble. A sign, especially one in Chinese, would therefore be of great help. The East coast around Hualien and Taitung enjoys a reputation for being especially good for getting rides. Taiwanese people are very friendly and helpful, so striking up a conversation with someone at a transport café or freeway service station may well see you on your way. === By bicycle === Although Taiwan is known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and Merida), bicycles used to be considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. This has changed, and bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails. The government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10:00-16:00 on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm). * [https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=F299BF5B3142389A Taipei MRT Route Map], bicycles may be loaded at designated stations * [http://www.krtco.com.tw/en/guide_StipulationsforPassengerswithBicycles.aspx Kaohsiung MRT Bicycle Information] (passengers traveling with non-folding bicycles are assessed a flat rate NT$60 fare irrespective of distance) Giant Bicycles Corporation operates a large network of bicycle retail stores that offer '''rentals''' for as little as NT$100 per day, if requested one week in advance. Generally, the day rate is around NT$300 for a modern bicycle. Also, rented bicycles can be picked up at one station and given back another station. This can be convenient if you want to go down the quiet east coast with a bicycle and back up the busy west coast with the train/bus. A one week finesse bike including bags costs as little as €100. Public shared bicycles are also available for rent at automated kiosks in most Taiwanese cities. Rental fees are usually paid using the rapid transit EasyCard or iPass system. There is YouBike in Taipei, which are available all over the city and even 30&nbsp;km out &ndash; see [[Taipei]] for more details. Additionally, many local police stations provide basic support services for cyclists, such as air pumps, and as a rest stop. === By plane === [[File:UNI Air MD-90-30 (B-17918) at Kaohsiung International Airport.jpg|thumb|Domestic plane, Taiwan]] Domestic air travel in Taiwan is primarily for outlying islands, as Taiwan is fairly compact with a modern and efficient rail network. There are also routes that connect the east and west coasts, since there is a geographical barrier between the two. There are no longer any west coast only routes as [[high speed rail]] has made them redundant. The main carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a subsidiary of China Airlines; and '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', owned by EVA. There is also Daily Air and Far Eastern Air Transport. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance, except during holidays. Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx Songshan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by MRT or taxi. Other domestic airports include those in [[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu/Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Taichung]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travellers heading to [[Kenting]] can use the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei. If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option for travelling to [[Kinmen]] and the easiest method of reaching [[Penghu]] and [[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry which is notorious among Taiwanese for its rough ride. ===On foot and navigation=== Taiwan is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting and picturesque trails in its mountainous centre, or just north-east of Taipei. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/ OpenStreetMap], which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] (complex with many add-ons) and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME] (easy but limited). == See == Perhaps due to its political ambiguity and lack of global presence, Taiwan has never been a significant destination for Westerners. Nevertheless tourists from [[Japan]] and [[Hong Kong]] have been visiting Taiwan in droves for a long time, and they are being joined by an increasing number of Koreans, Southeast Asians and Westerners. The island is home to many cultural attractions, with an excellent selection right in the capital. Taipei is a bustling and modern metropolis, with ancient yet lively streets, and world-famous landmarks like '''Taipei 101'''. However, it's also home to the '''National Palace Museum''', '''Zhongshan Hall''', '''Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall''' and the beautifully restored '''Bao'an Temple'''. Bao'an is just one of many striking temple complexes worth a visit. For more, try the '''Zushi Temple''' in [[Sanxia]] or the '''Mazu temple''' in [[Makung]]. The large '''Longshan Temple''' in [[Lukang]] and the '''Confucian Temples''' of [[Changhua]] and [[Tainan]] are fine choices too. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and therefore full of historic sites, especially colonial buildings, and including the Anping "Tree House" that's being slowly reclaimed by banyan trees. If you're looking for some deeper insights in Taiwan's history and culture, there's a wide range of '''museums''' to be explored, pretty much wherever your go. Taiwan retains its place as a major center of Chinese pop culture. In addition, this state is home to bustling cities with modern, high-tech infrastructure, and good transportation infrastructure means that getting around is easy. For those who have grown weary of the hustle and bustle of cities, Taiwan also offers some very impressive scenery and charming historical villages in its rural areas. === Nature === [[File:Taiwan 2009 HuaLien Taroko Gorge Narrow Gap and Road PB140025.jpg|thumb|200px|Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park]] Some people think of Taiwan as a grimy, densely populated industrial island full of hard disk factories, and you may well maintain this perception if you only stick to the densely populated West Coast. However, for those who take time to venture to the more sparsely populated East Coast will quickly find that Taiwan is actually home to some stunning landscapes. The [[Taroko Gorge]] (太魯閣) near [[Hualien]] in particular is very impressive, and should not be missed, with a side trip to the rugged shores at ''Shihtiping'' (石梯坪) as a worthwhile detour. '''Hehuan Mountain''' and '''[[Sun Moon Lake]]''' are beautiful natural attractions near [[Nantou]], while the huge and ancient trees in '''[[Lalashan]]''' make for great hikes near [[Taoyuan]]. In fact, most of Taiwan is covered with mountains which offer breathtaking views, so hiking opportunities are very diverse. == Do == * '''Hot Springs''' (溫泉) – Taiwan's geographical location between an oceanic trench and volcanic system makes it an ideal hot springs vacation spot. There are several hot springs destinations throughout the country, including [[Beitou]] (北投), [[Wulai]] (烏來) and [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). The culture of bathing in hot springs was introduced by the Japanese during the colonial period, and remains firmly entrenched in the local culture to this day. At traditional establishments segregated by sex, you may be expected to bathe nude. However, many other places, particular those geared for foreigners, are unisex and require a bathing suit. ===Hiking=== Taiwan is an island of huge mountains (more than two hundred peaks over 3,000m) and there are many hiking opportunities. [[Taroko Gorge]] is popular for its incredible scenery, and serious hikers can trek [[Yushan]] or Wuling Sixiu, among many others. Even in [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] there are a variety of trails to suit hikers of any level. Serious trekking is rather complicated due to an advance booking requirement (usually 7 days) and lodging lottery&mdash;see http://np.cpami.gov.tw/. Permits are required for many trails, especially remote or multi-day hikes and some (though not all!) in national parks. Nevertheless, there are also many trails available that do not need an application. They are mostly day hikes, but you can always put together your trip sections as preferred&mdash;consult apps that use [http://www.openstreetmap.org OpenStreetMap], like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME]. They have comprehensive and reliable tracks available. ===Shrimping=== Popular locally, and gaining traction with foreign tourists due to YouTube and travel bloggers, is the pastime of indoor shrimp fishing. For an hourly rate (around NT$300/hr), you will be provided with a fishing rod and a seat at an indoor shrimp pool that is regularly stocked with large live Thai prawns. While drinking beer and enjoying the laid back environment, you will be afforded an opportunity to catch dinner with locals. Almost all locales have a few indoor shrimp fishing pools to seek out. Almost all double as restaurants with tables and ovens available for use, allowing you to cook your catch on-site and order additional dishes as needed. ===Events=== * '''[http://www.springscream.com/ Spring Scream]''' (春天吶喊) – A three day outdoor rock concert in [[Kenting]], held every year. In 2011, it will take place on 1–4 April. Tickets are NT$1,400 for all days, all venues; NT$650 for one day, one venue. Kenting's entire area gets swarmed by young people coming to party for 3 days, and Taiwanese TV heavily reports on the latest bikini fashions seen on the spot. Be aware, though, that police presence will be strong, as the festival has a reputation for being rife with illegal drugs. * '''Buddha's Birthday''' (佛祖誕辰) – Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha and a vegetarian feast. It is appropriate to make offerings to the monks and nuns at this time, though it is not mandatory. Lunar Calendar 8th day of 4th month. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (龍舟賽) – A festival to commemorate the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (25 June 2020), and is marked by races of colorful dragon boats at various locations throughout the island. * '''Cherry Blossom Season''' (櫻花季) – Every spring, in [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). * '''Mazu Festival''' (媽祖生) – Festival commemorating the traditional birthday of Mazu, a traditional Chinese goddess who is popularly worshipped in Taiwan. The biggest celebration is an eight-day long "inspection tour" of a Mazu statue from the Zhenlan Temple in [[Taichung]] to the Chaotian Temple in [[Southern Taiwan|Beigang]] and back, though many other temples throughout Taiwan's main island and the outlying islands also conduct their own festivities. Lunar Calendar 23rd day of 3rd month. === Traditional pastimes === Generally speaking, traditional Chinese games such as [[Go]] (圍棋 ''wéiqí'') and [[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]] (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') are popular in Taiwan too. Both games are played at the professional level in Taiwan, and there are numerous tournaments that visitors may watch. While gambling is illegal in Taiwan, '''mahjong''' (Mandarin: 麻將 ''májiàng''; Taiwanese: 麻雀 ''moâ-chhiok'') remains popular. The Taiwanese version of the game derives from the Fujianese form, which differs significantly from the better known Cantonese and Japanese versions, most notably because a hand consists of 17 tiles instead of the 14 used in other versions. Mahjong in Taiwan is mostly a family and friends affair, and is usually played at social gatherings in people's houses. Mahjong clubs generally cater to groups of friends or family members looking to play together, though they can often assist in helping you find other players if you show up alone. While playing for money is not allowed at mahjong clubs due to Taiwan's anti-gambling laws, they will often allow you to exchange the points you win for various prizes. === Performing Arts === '''Glove puppet shows''' (布袋戲) originated in Fujian province on mainland China, and were brought to Taiwan by the first Han Chinese immigrants. Nevertheless, they have since been somewhat modernised and taken on some uniquely Taiwanese characteristics. Another traditional Taiwanese type of performance is '''Taiwanese opera''' (歌仔戲), which originated in [[Yilan]] based on traditional Chinese opera styles. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=New Taiwan dollars | currencyCode=NT$ | date=January 2022 | CNY=4.3 | EUR=31 | GBP=37 | JPY=24 | USD=28 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/twd-taiwan-new-dollar XE.com]}}The currency of Taiwan is the '''New Taiwan dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''NT$'''" (新臺幣 or 臺幣, ISO code: '''NTD''', but also referred to as TWD). The NT dollar is known locally as NT, ''yuán'' (元 or more formally 圓) when written in Chinese or colloquially in Mandarin as the ''kuài'' (塊). One unit is known colloquially as the ''kho&#x358;'' (箍) in the Taiwanese dialect. One dollar is divided into 100 cents, known as a 分 (''fēn'') in Chinese. 10 cents is formally known as a 角 (''jiǎo''), and colloquially as a 毛 (''máo'') in Chinese. Any '''$''' sign you see in Taiwan or this travel guide for Taiwan generally refers to NTD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ for U.S. dollars). Banknotes come in denominations of NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000, while coins come in denominations of NT$½, NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20 and NT$50. The NT$½ coin is rarely seen or accepted because of its low value, and the price of raw materials used to make the coin is more than the face value of the coin. Taiwanese currency is fully convertible and there are no restrictions on taking currency into or out of the island. Currency exchange is possible internationally, although you will get a much better rate if you wait until you arrive at the airport to exchange currency at the 24-hour window. Most banks in Taipei and Kaohsiung will also exchange money or offer cash advances on credit or debit cards. Should you bring American currency, bring newer bills as the banks and exchange-centers (such as in department stores) will only accept the newer notes (notes from 1996 and 2003 are not accepted at most places, due to a high proportion of forgeries bearing these years). Notes which are torn or damaged will probably not be changed, and old-style small-bust notes are not accepted, including the US$2 bill no matter when it was printed. Taiwan National Bank will take older bank notes and bank notes that are wrinkled or torn for exchange. Department stores will not exchange notes older than 1997. Don't forget to show your passport! ====ATMs==== Taiwan has abundant ATMs to withdraw cash from using the Plus or Cirrus systems. Certain banks' ATMs will even tell you your available balance in your own currency or in NT$. There is a per transaction limit of NT$20,000 for ATM cash withdrawals (HSBC Global Access customers may withdraw NT$30,000 from HSBC ATMs). Post office ATMs will ''not'' accept cards without an EMV chip. However, ATMs are sometimes out of cash, especially in remote (mountain) regions. So, make sure you stock up on cash early enough. 7-Eleven ATMs charge NT$100 per transaction, whilst those in Family Marts do not charge a fee. ====Credit cards==== Most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, generally Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. Diners Club, Discover and American Express cards are seldom accepted. Most restaurants and small stores do not accept cards, and cash is the main form of payment. Because street crime is rare, it is common for people in Taiwan to carry large amounts of cash with them. ===== Mobile Wallets ===== Unlike mainland China, QR code based mobile wallet payments are not quite ubiquitous or essential to the point that a visitor would have a hard time without one. In addition, Taiwan's mobile wallet apps generally require foreigners to register with an ARC, limiting the ability of visitors to use it. However, LINE Pay, one of the most popular, is cross-compatible with its counterparts in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, meaning that if you already have a LINE Pay account from one of those countries, it can be used with any linked credit or debit card to make payments at stores in Taiwan that take LINE Pay. Your card will be directly charged in NT$; LINE Pay does not automatically convert to your account currency. This can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry around as some shops that otherwise do not take card payments will take LINE Pay and other mobile wallets. ====Banks==== If you are planning on staying in Taiwan for a longer time, you should consider opening a Taiwanese bank account. While many of the large foreign banks such as Citibank and HSBC have branches in Taiwan, they often require huge deposits in order for you to open an account, so you might wish to consider one of the major local banks such as the Bank of Taiwan instead. You will need to bring your passport and UI number in order to open an account. The UI number is the number on the Alien Residence Card for those on long-term visas. For short-term tourists, they can obtain an "UI No. Basic Information Form" for free from the local Immigration Agency office, but this is not accepted by all banks. The larger banks will often have English-speaking staff available to assist foreigners. === Costs === Costs in Taiwan are generally lower than in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, but higher than in Southeast Asia and mainland China. For a budget traveller on a bare-bones budget, NT$1,000 will get you by for a day, but you'll probably want to double that for comfort. A meal at a street stall may cost NT$50 or less, a meal at a Western fast food restaurant will run you about NT$150 and at the fanciest restaurants, you can expect a bill in excess of NT$1,000. On the high end of the spectrum, hotel rooms at a swanky hotel might cost NT$5,000 or more. Costs diminish significantly the further you go out of the big cities. Taxis are quite reasonable and often have a set fare for common destinations, so ask in advance and haggle if you disagree. === Tipping === Tipping is generally '''not''' practiced in Taiwan. Bellhops in high end hotels and porters at airports are an exception and should be given NT$50 per bag. Also, tipping to show appreciation for exceptional service is not uncommon. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar. In place of tips is a 10% service charge when dining at most full-service restaurants which is automatically added to the bill. ===Shopping=== [[File:Linjiang Street Night Market 20040610.jpg|thumb|A typical night market in Taiwan may sell anything from food to clothing to fortune telling services]] As in many Asian countries, night markets are a staple of Taiwanese entertainment, shopping and eating. Night markets are open-air markets, usually on a street or alleyway, with vendors selling all sorts of wares on every side. In the larger cities you will have a night market every night and in the same place. In smaller cities, they are only open certain nights of the week, and may move to different streets depending on the day of the week. Every city has at least one night market; larger cities like [[Taipei]] may have a dozen or more. Night markets are crowded, so remember to watch out for your wallet! Shops selling the same items tend to congregate in the same part of the city. If you want to buy something, ask someone to take you to one shop and there will probably be shops selling similar things nearby. There are many shopping centres in Taipei where prices are usually fixed and goods are genuine. Otherwise, shopping streets in larger cities like [[Kaohsiung]] and [[Taichung]] can also easily get you what you want. And of course, there is the trendy Ximending (西門町) in Taipei, where you can pretty much find anything associated with the youths, also at fixed prices. Computer chain shops and department stores normally have fixed prices, but at least in department stores you may get a "registered member discount" if you're shopping a lot. Prices at smaller stores and even some hostels are normally cash prices. If you like to use a credit card, the seller normally wants to add anything up to 8% to the price as a "card fee" etc. The fee consists actually of the credit company's commission and also the local sales tax/VAT. If you pay cash, you might not get an official receipt, as then the seller would have to report and pay their taxes in full. If you ask for a receipt or "fa piao" (發票), you will get it but you may need to pay 3-5% more. ===Bargaining=== Whilst [[bargaining]] was OK in the past and expected in night markets as well as smaller stores, nowadays most prices are fixed. Taiwan has become a sophisticated and wealthy country where most Taiwanese, especially from the cities, generally do not request discounts and any such are likely to receive a friendly ''No''. Nevertheless, you will encounter different prices, e.g. cut fruits will cost NT$30 at the Night Market, but NT$80 in tourist areas. However, it is possible to get a discount of NT$20-100 when renting a motorbike/bicycle, searching for accommodation or such, depending on the circumstances and time of day. While you might miss a general bargaining culture and be bewildered by the general bargain inflexibility of Taiwanese, it can on the other hand be calming to know that no one will try to rip you off as it is common in other less-developed Southeast Asian countries. === What to buy === Popular things to buy include: * '''Jade'''. Although it can be hard to know for sure if the item you're buying is real jade or not, some beautiful objects are sold. Most cities have a specific jade market dealing in jade and other precious stones. * '''Computers'''. Taiwan designs and produces a lot of desktops, laptops, and PC peripherals. Travellers might be interested in visiting the large Information Technology Market at Taiwan for the best prices. Desktop computers and components tend to be the same price in Taiwan as in other areas of the world, though peripherals such as cables and adapters tend to be noticeably cheaper. If you're buying domestic, it's best to go to tourist hangouts to buy your stuff as you might be saddled with Chinese documentation otherwise. Also, notebooks are typically only available with a Chinese Bopomofo and English keyboard. * '''Lingzhi''' (靈芝). A type of bracket fungus that is often used as a Chinese herb. It supposedly has many health benefits with an apparent absence of side effects, earning it a high reputation in East Asian countries and making it rather expensive. Taiwanese lingzhi is particularly famous for being of the highest quality. * '''[[Tea]]'''. Taiwan is particularly famous for its oolong tea (烏龍茶) due to the island's predominant Fujianese culture; it is available at many tea shops. Tea tasting in Chinese culture is akin to wine tasting in Western culture and you will find many grades of this same type of tea, with different methods of treating the tea leaves. * '''[[w:Iron egg|Iron eggs]]''' (鐵蛋) irresistible delicacy In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (at a flat rate of NT$1)—bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. == Eat == {{seealso|Chinese cuisine}} {{infobox|Stinky tofu|Undoubtedly the most infamous Taiwanese delicacy, stinky tofu (臭豆腐 ''chòudòufu'') is fermented tofu with a strong odor often likened to rotting garbage. It's usually sold only by outdoor stalls, as the smell would overwhelm most restaurants, but if you can hold your nose long enough to eat it, the taste is quite mild &mdash; but with distinct earthy overtones that many visitors find off-putting. It's most commonly eaten fried, but for extra Fear Factor points, find some ''mala'' hotpot (麻辣鍋) with stinky tofu and gelatinized duck blood.}} [[File:Food_BeefNoodleSoup.JPG|thumb|Taiwanese beef noodle soup]] [[File:Food_AiyuLemonJelly.JPG|thumb|Lemon ''aiyu'' jelly]] Taiwan's cuisine is very well regarded by other East Asians and the ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia, and for many of them, the food is the primary (and sometimes only) reason to visit Taiwan. While not as highly regarded as the food from Hong Kong due to the traditionally high status Cantonese cuisine holds in Chinese culture, Taiwanese food has become more respected. Generally speaking, the foods of Taiwan are derived from '''mainland Chinese cuisines'''. Because most Taiwanese trace their ancestry to [[Fujian]], it comes as no surprise that much of Taiwanese cuisine was derived from the cuisine of Fujian. It is also possible to find [[Szechuan]] (四川) food, [[Hunan]] (湖南) food, [[Dongbei]] (東北) food, [[Guangdong|Cantonese]] (廣東) food and almost every other Chinese cuisine on the island, because many famous chefs from the mainland fled to Taiwan after the communist victory in 1949, and many Nationalist soldiers brought their family recipes with them when retreating from the mainland. That being said, Taiwanese cuisine has absorbed substantial local influences, and significant Japanese influences because of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule, giving it a unique character that distinguishes it from its mainland Chinese counterparts. The Taiwanese are also passionately in love with eggs and seafood. Fruits are another famous part of Taiwanese food. A wide range of fruits can be found at local fruit shops and stations. The subtropical climate allows different fruits to grow nicely. Taiwan also has many of its own '''local specialties'''. A few found island wide include: * '''[[w:Beef noodles|Beef Noodles]]''' (牛肉麵 ''niúròu miàn'') – Noodle soup with chunks of meltingly soft stewed beef and a dash of pickles derived from the cuisines of Sichuan. * '''[[w:Oyster omelette|Oyster omelette]]''' (蚵仔煎 ''ó āh jiān'' – This is the Taiwanese name, as its Chinese name only exists in characters, but not in oral Mandarin), a dish made from eggs, oysters, sweet potato flour and the leaves of a local chrysanthemum, topped with sweet red sauce. The local version in [[Kinmen]] differs quite considerably from the version on the main island, and is closer to the versions served in mainland China's Fujian province. * '''[[w:Aiyu jelly|Aiyu jelly]]''' (愛玉 ''àiyù'') – Made from the seeds of a local fig and usually served on ice &mdash; sweet, cool and refreshing on a hot day * '''Taiwan Sausage''' (香腸 ''xiāngcháng'') – Usually made from pork, it is a modified version of the Cantonese ''laap cheong'' (臘腸) which has been emulsified and is much sweeter in taste. Unlike ''laap cheong'', which is almost always eaten with rice, Taiwanese ''xiangchang'' is usually eaten on its own with some garlic. * '''Taiwanese Orange''' (柳丁 ''liŭdīng'') – A type of citrus fruit which is similar to usual oranges, except that the skin and flesh tend to look more yellowish like lemon. Unlike lemon, it is usually quite sweet. * '''Taiwanese Porridge''' (粥 ''zhōu'' in Mandarin, 糜 ''beh'' in Taiwanese) — Rice porridge cooked with sweet potato eaten all across China but most commonly in Fujian. It is usually eaten with several different dishes or eaten by people with illnesses. * '''[[w:Braised pork rice|Braised pork rice]]''' (滷肉飯 ''lǔ ròu fàn'') – Rice topped with pork belly that has been stewed in dark soy sauce and other spices and chopped into tiny pieces. A classic Taiwanese comfort dish. For a less fatty version, ask for 肉燥飯 (''ròu zào fàn''), which uses minced pork instead. * '''[[w:Taiwan Railway Bento|Railway Bento]]''' (臺鐵便當 ''Tái tiě biàndang'') - A national culinary icon and Taiwanese train tradition, this takeaway dish is a holdover of the Japanese era, and celebrated in Taiwan. The most popular bento is the braised pork cutlet bento. You can find this dish at train stations in Taiwan (though locals compare the quality of railway bento on a station-by-station basis), but adaptations are sold by various restaurants across Taiwan. Most cities and towns in Taiwan are famous for special foods because of the Taiwanese passion for food and influences from many different countries. For example, Ilan (宜蘭) is famous for its mochi (麻吉), a sticky rice snack often flavored with sesame, peanuts or other flavorings. [[Yungho|Yonghe]] (永和), a suburb of Taipei, is famous for its freshly made soy milk (豆漿) and breakfast foods. [[Taichung]] is famous for its sun cakes (太陽餅 ''tàiyáng bǐng''), a kind of sweet stuffed pastry. In [[Chiayi]], it's square cookies, also called cubic pastry (方塊酥), crispy layered cookies cut into squares and sprinkled liberally with sesame seeds. [[Tainan]] is particularly famous among the Taiwanese for its abundance of good food and should be a stop for all gourmands. The most famous dish is arguably the ''coffin bread'' (棺材板). Virtually every city has its own famous specialties; many Taiwanese tourists will visit other cities on the island simply to try the local foods and then return home. Taiwan also has remarkably good '''bakery items'''. Most specialize in sweet Chinese pastries or Western pastries adjusted to local tastes, but look out for ''We Care'' bakeries which also offer Western options such as whole wheat loaves, sour breads and ciabatta. Vegetarians are better catered for in restaurants and variety than in most other countries. Michelin publishes a [https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei guide] to restaurants in Taipei. That said, it does not cover the whole of Taiwan, and most locals only take the Michelin guide with a pinch of salt. === Places to eat === If you're on a budget, the cheapest food can be found in back-alley noodle shops and night market stalls, where you can get a filling bowl of noodles for around NT$35-70. The Taiwanese love to snack and even many restaurants advertise ''xiaochi'' (小吃), literally "small eats", the Taiwanese equivalent of Cantonese ''dim sum''. There are also the standard '''fast food''' places such as McDonalds (a standard Big Mac Meal costs NT$115), KFC and MOS Burger. In addition there are large numbers of convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart) that sell things like tea eggs, sandwiches, bento boxes (便當盒) and drinks. Night markets are also a good place to try some delicious local Taiwanese fare at attractive prices. Examples would be the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) in [[Taipei]] and the Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) in [[Kaohsiung]], each of which has its own special dishes not to be missed. === Etiquette === As with Chinese cuisine elsewhere, food in Taiwan is generally eaten with chopsticks and served on large plates placed at the center of the table and shared among multiple people. Oftentimes, a serving spoon or pair of chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') accompanies the dishes and guests do not use their own chopsticks to transfer food to their plates. The usual traditional Chinese taboos when eating with chopsticks apply in Taiwan as well. For instance, do not stick your chopsticks straight up or into your bowl of rice. This is reminiscent of incense sticks at a temple, and has connotations of wishing death upon those around you. When putting down chopsticks, either place them on the provided porcelain chopstick rest (at fancier restaurants) or rest the chopsticks across the top of your bowl. Also, do not use your chopsticks to spear your food or move bowls and plates. See [[Chinese cuisine#Etiquette|Chinese table etiquette]] for more details. Although there are minor differences between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese etiquette, much of traditional Chinese table manners apply to Taiwan too. === Dietary restrictions === ====Vegetarians==== [[File:Sush Manji.JPG|thumb|The characters 素食 signal the availability of vegetarian food]] All Mahayana Buddhists, which account for the majority of adherents in Taiwan, aspire to be pure '''vegetarian''' in deference to the Buddha's teaching of non-violence and compassion. So, vegetarian restaurants (called ''su-shi'' 素食 ''tsan-ting'' 餐廳 in Mandarin, and often identified with the 卍 symbol) can be found in abundance all over the island, and they run from cheap buffet style to gourmet and organic. Buffet styled restaurants (called 自助餐, which means "Serve Yourself Restaurant") are common in almost every neighborhood in large cities, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup or cold tea is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$90-120 will buy you a good sized, nutritious meal. However, if you cannot find a veggie restaurant, don't fret. Taiwanese people are very flexible and most restaurants will be happy to cook you up something to suit your requirements. The following sentences in Mandarin might be helpful: 我吃素 (''Wǒ chī sù'') - I'm vegetarian, 我不吃肉 (''Wǒ bù chī ròu'') - I don't eat meat. However, as Mandarin is a tonal language, you might need to say both, plus practice your acting skills to get yourself understood. Good luck! NB: If a restaurant refuses your order, don't push the issue. The reason will not be an unwillingness to accommodate your request, but because the basic ingredients of their dishes may include chicken broth or pork fat. Taiwanese vegetarianism (素食) isn't simply vegetarianism, for there is a notion of "plainness" to it. In most cases it excludes items such onion, ginger, and garlic. Buddhists and Taoists consider these items "un-plain" because they potentially cause physical excitement, which could hinder the meditative process. Thus, when offering food to a strict vegetarian, be aware that they may not eat food containing onion, ginger, and garlic. Although vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan do not aspire to '''vegan''' principles, almost all non-dessert dishes at Chinese style veggie restaurants will actually be vegan because Taiwanese do not have a tradition of eating dairy products. Ensure that your dish does not contain eggs, however. ====Allergies==== Awareness of '''food allergies''' is limited in Taiwan. If you can speak Chinese, you can ask restaurant staff about whether the food contains common allergens like peanuts or shellfish, and depending on the chef, they may be able to make some adjustments to accommodate you. Don't expect that level of accommodation from night markets stalls though. A serious '''soy''' allergy is basically incompatible with Taiwanese cuisine due to the prevalence of soy sauce as an ingredient, and '''gluten-free''' diets are very difficult to come by due to the very low incidence of celiac disease in Taiwan. '''Dairy''' is not commonly used in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, so avoiding it should be straightforward for lactose-intolerant people. ====Religious diets==== People on religious diets will have a ''hard time'' in Taiwan, and you will need to do some planning in advance. [[Islam|Muslims]] should contact the [http://www.cmainroc.org.tw Chinese Muslim Association] for advice on where to find ''halal'' food, while [[Judaism|Jews]] should contact the [https://www.jewish.tw/ Chabad Taiwan] for information on where to find ''kosher'' food. == Drink == [[File:HeySong beverage vending machine 20120917.jpg|thumb|Drinks vending machine in Taiwan]] As Taiwan is a subtropical island with the south part in the tropics, it cannot hurt to drink a lot, especially during summertime. Drink vending machines can be found virtually everywhere and are filled with all kinds of juices, tea and coffee drinks, soy milk and mineral water. === Alcohol === Taiwan's legal age to consume alcohol is 18 years of age. Minors caught drinking can face fines ranging from NT$10,000-50,000. Traditional alcoholic drinks in Taiwan are very strong. '''Kaoliang''' (高粱酒) from [[Kinmen]] is the most famous alcoholic drink. A distilled grain liquor, it is extremely strong, usually 140 proof or more, and often drunk straight. Taiwan also produces many types of '''Shaoxing''' (紹興酒), rice wine, which are considered by many as being some of the best in the world. While a relatively newcomer to the scene, Taiwanese '''[[whisky]]''' (威士忌) has been making waves in the 21st century, with local whiskey brand [http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ Kavalan] having emerged from obscurity to win numerous prestigious international awards. Taiwanese people enjoy beer on ice. A wide variety of imported beers are available, but the standard is '''Taiwan Beer''' (台灣啤酒), produced by a former government monopoly. It is brewed with fragrant penglai rice in addition to barley giving it a distinctive flavor. The beer is served cold and recognized as an especially suitable complement to Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine, especially seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi. Taiwan Beer has won international awards, including the International Monde Selection in 1977 and the Brewing Industry International Awards in 2002. Beer on tap is uncommon in Taiwan, and most places serve beer in bottles. For a special and rare treat, ask for the Taiwan Draft Beer (台灣生啤酒), which comes in a plain green bottle. This has a 2-week expiration, so it can only be found at the breweries (there are a few scattered around Taiwan) or at select stores and restaurants in the vicinity. === Tea and coffee === [[File:TimeForTea BubbleTea.JPG|thumb|Pearl milk tea and pudding milk tea, [[Chiayi]]]] Taiwan's specialty teas are '''High Mountain Oolong''' (高山烏龍, ''Gao-shan wulong''), a fragrant light tea, and '''Tie Guan-yin''' (鐵觀音), a dark, rich brew. Enjoying this tea, served in the traditional way using a very small teapot and tiny cups, is an experience you should not miss. This way of taking tea is called ''lao ren cha'' (老人茶), 'old people's tea', and the name is derived from the fact that only the elderly traditionally had the luxury of time to relax and enjoy tea in this way. Check the small print when visiting a traditional tea house though: in addition to the tea itself, you may be charged a cover (茶水費, literally "tea-water fee") for the elaborate process of preparing it and for any nibbles served on the side. One should also try '''Lei cha''' (擂茶; léi chá) a tasty and nourishing Hakka Chinese tea-based dish consisting of a mix ground tea leaves and rice. Some stores specialize in this product and allows one to grind their own lei cha. As with Chinese teas elsewhere, Chinese teas in Taiwan are always drunk neat, with the use of milk or sugar unknown. However, Taiwan is also the birthplace of pearl milk tea, which uses sugar and milk. '''Pearl milk tea''' (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá''), aka "bubble tea" or "boba tea", is milky tea with chewy balls of tapioca added, drunk through an over-sized straw. Invented in Taiwan in the early 1980s and a huge Asia-wide craze in the 1990s, it's not quite as popular as it once was but can still be found at nearly every coffee or tea shop. Look for a shop where it is freshly made. There are two cafes that maintain rival claims to having invented the drink: '''[https://chunshuitang.com.tw/ Chun Shui Tang]''' (春水堂) in [[Taichung]] and '''[http://www.hanlin-tea.com.tw/ Hanlin Tea Room]''' (翰林茶館) in [[Tainan]]. The '''cafe culture''' has hit Taiwan in a big way, and in addition to an abundance of privately owned cafes, all the major chains, such as Starbucks, have a multitude of branches throughout major towns and cities. === Soft drinks === Taiwan is a great place for fruit drinks. Small fruit-juice bars make them fresh on the spot and are experts at creating fruit-juice cocktails (non-alcoholic, of course). ''zong-he'' (mixed) is usually a sweet and sour combination and ''mu-gwa niou-nai'' (木瓜牛奶) is iced papaya milk. If you don't want ice (though it is safe in Taiwan, even at road side vendors) say, ''chu bing'' (去冰) and no sugar (''wu tang'' (無糖)). '''Soy milk''', or ''doujiang'' (豆漿), is a great treat. Try it hot or cold. Savory soy milk is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast dish. It is somewhat of an acquired taste as vinegar is added to curdle the milk. Both sweet and savory soy milk are often ordered with you-tiao (油條), or deep fried dough crullers. There are a lot of pseudo health drinks in Taiwanese supermarkets and convenience stores. Look out for asparagus juice and lavender milk tea for example. == Sleep == [[File:GrandHotel Fountain.JPG|thumb|250px|The Grand Hotel, Taipei]] ===Types=== * For the budget-minded, there are '''hostels''' in Taipei and most other sizable cities. Some hostels are under table which mean they don't have valid license. * '''Motels''' (汽車旅館) can be easily found in suburbs of major cities. Despite the name, these have little if anything to do with the cheap functional hotels that use the name elsewhere; in Taiwan, motels are intended for '''romantic trysts''' and can be quite extravagant in decor and facilities. Many feature enormous baths with massage jets, separate massage showers, marble tiles, and so forth. Suites come with flat screen TVs and centrally controlled sound systems. During the daytime, most offer "rests" (休息) of a few hours, and indeed check-in times for overnight stays (住宿) can be as late at 22:00. [[Taichung]] is considered the motel-capital of Taiwan. * Taiwanese '''hotels''' range in quality from seedy to very luxurious. Despite the complexities of doing business with both mainland China and Taiwan, most Western hotel chains operate in Taiwan such as Sheraton, Westin and Hyatt. Also, there are plenty of five-star hotels around. Keep in mind, however, that many of the international hotels tend to be outrageously expensive, while comparable and much cheaper accommodation is usually available in the same vicinity. For example, the airport hotel at CKS International charges about three or four times as much as a hotel in Taoyuan which is a half hour cab ride away. Taxi drivers and tourist offices are invaluable resources for finding cheaper hotels. * A uniquely Taiwanese form of accommodation is known as the '''''minsu''''' (民宿), which is similar to Bed and Breakfast accommodation that you usually find in the UK. Although typically cheaper than hotels, the facilities can often be as good as those of some higher end hotels, and many are designed around a specific theme (like fairy tale castle, nature lodge) Accommodation at a minsu typically includes breakfast the next morning, and higher end ones sometimes also give you the option of having a home-cooked style dinner. The downside is that most minsu are either in residential suburbs or in the countryside, meaning that transportation is typically less convenient that at centrally located hotels, and the availability of wi-fi can be a hit or miss. In addition, most minsu advertise in Chinese only. * '''Camping''' does not seem to be an issue in Taiwan and is available in many areas, even in national parks like [[Kenting National Park]]. Although, in [[Taroko Gorge|Taroko Gorge (National Park)]] you will have to pay for the camp ground. In general, a small fees may apply at official camp grounds. Inquire with the local tourist information centre where it is possible to camp and where not. Also, be aware there are "poisonous snakes and wasps" signs all over the country. So, make sure you know where you are camping, and how to keep out "unwanted guests". Consult a map like [http://openpoimap.org/?map=hotels&zoom=14&lat=21.93964&lon=120.72386&layers=B00FFTFFFFFFFF OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd], and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME], use, to find existing camp grounds or good locations. ===Remarks=== Nowadays, '''walk-ins''' are often more expensive that online bookings, especially with bigger hotels. It often seems, they cannot even beat their own online prices and you might need to book online instead of paying in cash on-sight&mdash;they will even courteously offer their WiFi for you to do that. Either way, it is advisable that you know what is the actual price online, which gives you a good bargaining ground. Sometimes they will quote a higher price, sometimes they will give you NT$50 less, but often it is just the online price. If you are still in need of a discount, send the ho(s)tel an email or WeChat/Line message quoting the online price. Some will give you 10 % discount on the online price this way, especially for same day short notice bookings. Generally, short notice bookings will give you a better price, since hotels are trying to sell their stock at a bargain price last-minute. However, do not try this for Saturday/Sunday or Holiday/Holiday bookings, this will leave you with bad or no options. Many hotels in Taiwan have both Chinese and Western names, which can differ radically. Find out and bring along the Chinese name (in Chinese characters), as locals will usually not be able to identify the English ones. Hotel beds in Taiwan are generally much harder than in the West because of the old Asian tradition to sleep on a wood board. Modern mattresses can be found in most hotels, but only in the most upscale Western style hotels will you find beds in a real western style. Many accommodations are not staffed 24/7, but they will leave a contact at their door. Often this will be a '''WeChat''' or '''Line''' contact, which are like WhatsApp. Thus, it makes sense to get these apps while travelling in Taiwan. Agoda seems to list more accommodation options than Booking for Taiwan. However, Agoda's way of claiming additional fees and stating dorm bed availability is a little dodgy. It often says "1 person in a dorm" but then "Occupancy: 2 adults". So, better to book each person separately just in case. Also, never choose the option to get charged in you credit card's home currency (€, US$, or so). This will give you a very bad exchange rate. Always select "TWD" as charged currency&mdash;in this case your home bank is indeed your friend. '''Or''' just get the displayed address/GPS, which is always fully displayed, and walk into the hotel. == Learn == Taiwan is home to several good universities, many of which have exchange agreements with various foreign universities, and these are a good way to experience life in Taiwan. The most prestigious university in Taiwan is the '''[https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/ National Taiwan University]''' (國立臺灣大學). === Mandarin Chinese === Some universities in Taiwan have Chinese Promoting Programs (華語文推廣中心) that offers Chinese lessons to foreigners who wish to live in Taiwan or to learn Mandarin Chinese as their second or foreign language. The romanisation system taught here nowadays is Hanyu Pinyin (漢語拼音), whereas in the past they taught Zhuyin (注音), or BoPoMoFo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). The writing system taught is Traditional Chinese and the form of Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect but the Taiwanese accent is quite noticeable. === [[Martial arts]] === There are many styles of '''kung fu''' (功夫) taught in Taiwan, largely by masters who came here with the Kuomintang in the late 1940s. Styles include Ba Gua (八卦), Tai Chi (太極), Wing Chun (詠春), Praying Mantis (螳螂), Shway (水) Shiao and various weapons systems. Many of the students are westerners in these classes, which has led to the rise of several [http://www.theallegra.com/ NHB Allegra] schools, and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Japanese Aikido. Some of the more famous teachers will provide you with the paperwork needed to extend a student visa twice. Taekwondo is also extremely popular and is often a mandatory part of school children's physical education. == Work == [[File:Kaohsiung birdseyeview.jpg|thumb|Kaohsiung skyline]] The majority of travelers who work in Taiwan pick up temporary jobs [[teaching English]]. Jobs teaching other languages (mainly European or Japanese) do exist but have a much smaller proportion of the market. '''Job requirements''': In finding employment with a language school, experience, teaching qualifications and references are not required but obviously help. On paper, a big issue is also made about accents, with the North American English accent being heavily favored over British, Australian and South African accents in many language schools' sales marketing. However, in practice, many schools that advertise 'American English' and claim that their teachers are all from Canada or the USA, actually employ teachers from anywhere. Age is a factor, with applicants in their 20s seemingly being preferred. More than anything, appearance is probably the major factor in finding employment with most schools—Do you 'look Western'?—and reliability and turning up on time for work is then the major factor for keeping your job. Therefore, if you look the part, it is very easy to find a school willing to take you on for at least a few days. This 'look Western' point has quite a bearing. Unfortunately, Taiwan is hardly a great promoter of '''equal opportunities'''. In many schools there is a prejudice against teachers applying for jobs who are not of white appearance, seen as the typical Western appearance in Asian countries. This is independent of whether or not the teacher has relevant teaching ability and citizenship of one of the permitted ARC countries. Many parents who send their children to schools to be taught English expect the teacher to look like they are from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and so on, and so the decision on the part of the school managers is mainly about economics. For those affected by this, it's a sad fact of Taiwan that is unlikely to change in the near future. Good employers without such prejudiced requirements do exist, but greater perseverance is needed when looking for them. It is illegal to work without a '''work permit''' and an ARC (or Alien Residency Permit), and legal work requires a university degree and usually a long (over two month) application process. Alternatively, if you have a lot of money, you can obtain an '''investor visa''' by investing a large sum of money in a local business, which allows you to work for that company in a management capacity. However, illegal employment is easy to find with many school managers being willing to pay under the table for short durations. If caught or reported, you risk criminal charges and could be deported. The government tends to waver from being very lax on this issue under one administration to suddenly taking action under the next; but it only takes one disgruntled student to report you and have you fined and deported. Consider your options carefully! The '''rules for getting an ARC''' do change often and each administrative part of Taiwan has its own ways of handling them, so it is best to check the pages of the [http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/index.php website Forumosa] and find out what the experiences of others are in your area. Keep in mind, that you can only get an ARC for English teaching if you are a 'citizen of a native English speaking country'. Taiwan's government defines these countries to be only the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Almost all teachers apply for an ARC through their employers only after starting work and it is tied to their ongoing employment with that school. Therefore, if the teacher wishes to leave their employment, they will have to quickly find an alternative employer or lose their ARC and hence be required to leave Taiwan. Also, very few schools will arrange an ARC without at least a year-long contract being signed. Frankly, with all this inflexibility, it's no wonder so many teachers opt for the non-legal route. That and tax evasion. Citizens of Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland and Canada aged 18–30 can apply for a '''working holiday visa'''. For more information, visit the [http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=783&CtUnit=80&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs website]. After living in Taiwan continuously for 5 years, you may apply for '''permanent residency'''. If granted, it allows you to live and work in Taiwan indefinitely without restrictions. A lot of the illegal teaching work that the majority of English teachers partake in is simply through '''private student''' tuition with payment being cash-in-hand. You can find a lot of private students around universities that have a Chinese-teaching department—look for the areas where all the foreign students are and check the noticeboards. Because the majority of adult private students want to practice English conversation, you won't need to have any Chinese ability. However, it is definitely a selling point and, if you do have Chinese-speaking ability, it's worthwhile mentioning that in any advertising of your services. Also, once you have some regular students, remember that in Taiwan, as in most Asian countries, 'connections' or 'guanxi' are very important. If your students like you, they will in all likelihood recommend you to their family and friends. Teaching English in Taiwan can be lucrative, as the '''salaries''' are very high compared to the cost of living, typically ranging NT$500-650 per hour before deductions in most language schools, with anything between NT$500-1,000 per hour being negotiable for private students. In the past few years, the flow of would-be teachers into Taiwan has increased dramatically, resulting in stiffer competition for jobs and a general drop in wages, and this trend may continue. Employers of English teachers are notorious for racial discrimination. White people are much more likely to get better offers than those of other races, regardless of ability. Aside from English-teaching, '''other common kinds of employment''' available for mainly native English-speaking travellers include such tid-bits as small acting parts for TV and film, voice talent (video games, dubbing tracks, etc.), editing and even writing educational materials. Many of these jobs are advertised on billboards in Chinese language-teaching institutes and universities, where there are likely to be many foreign students. If after travelling and living there, you find you are '''serious about working in Taiwan''', the most lucrative employment to be had is if you are employed by a multinational company, perhaps in a high-paying country like the UK, U.S. or Australia, and you are sent across to their office in Taiwan. Many foreigners end up doing the same job as their colleagues who were employed in the Taiwan office, but for perhaps 3 or 4 times their pay. == Stay safe == {{warningbox|'''Taiwan treats drug offenses ''extremely'' severely.''' The '''death penalty is mandatory''' for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin and 1.2 kg of opium, and possession of these quantities is all that is needed for you to be convicted. Unauthorized consumption can result in up to 10 years' jail, or a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorized consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if you can prove that they were consumed outside the country and you can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, even if they aren't yours and regardless of whether you're aware of them. Therefore, be vigilant of your possessions.}} === Crime === [[File:CKS Airport drugs sign.JPG|thumb|A sign at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport warns arriving travellers that drug trafficking is a capital offense in the country.]] Taiwan is very safe for tourists, even for women walking down the street alone at night. This is not to say, however, that there is no crime, and you should always exercise caution. In crowded areas such as night markets or festivals, for example, [[pickpockets]] are a known problem. However, it is fair to say that the streets of Taiwan are generally very safe and that violent crime and muggings are very rare. In addition, it is also very unusual to see drunks on the street, day or night. Like anywhere else in the world, women should be cautious when taking taxis alone late at night. Although they are generally safe, it's a good idea to arrange to have a friend call you when you get home and to be seen making the arrangements for this by the cab driver. It also helps if a friend sees you being picked up as taxis have visible license numbers. As an additional safety precaution, tell taxi drivers just the street name and section instead of your exact address. [[File:RPO First Police Section Taoyaun Police Station in Taoyuan Station.jpg|thumb|A police station in Taiwan]] Police departments in most jurisdictions have a Foreign Affairs Police unit staffed by English-speaking officers. When reporting a major crime, it is advisable to contact the Foreign Affairs unit in addition to officers at the local precinct. Police stations are marked with a red light above the door and display a sign with the word "Police" clearly printed in English. For more information see the [http://www.npa.gov.tw National Police Agency website ]. Foreign victims of a major crime in Taiwan are also advised to report the matter to their government's representative office in Taipei. Also, remember that you call 110 for police in Taiwan, and 119 for fire department or medical help. Most of the public telephone booths allow you to call 110 or 119 for free. See "Emergency Phone Numbers" section below. Taiwan is home to many triads (Chinese organized crime syndicates), although they almost never target the average person in the street, and most tourists will not encounter them. Many operate human trafficking rings involving the sale of poor women from Southeast Asia into sex slavery that the government has struggled to tackle. They are also often involved in illegal betting and loansharking, so it is best to be prudent and avoid these. ===Military exercises=== [[File:20160225 台東縣政新聞 萬安39號演習25日下午實施 9ebfd80f-d8a3-4444-8eca-58d3473dff15.jpg|thumb|Evacuated streets during Wan-an Exercise.]] The Taiwanese military organizes regular civil-defense exercise, known as Wan-an Exercise (萬安演習). Air raid sirens are activated for 30 minutes during the exercise, and you are required to follow any evacuation orders made by the military and police. *If you are in a building, you should close all windows and doors and turn off lights. *If you are driving, you must '''pull over your vehicle and make a complete stop'''. Vehicles must not enter any motorways, but must leave the motorway and pull over your vehicle in exits. Traffic police will give proper instructions to drivers and regulate traffic flow. *If you are taking a train/metro, you must not enter the train or leave the station, and should follow evacuation orders given by railway staff, the military and the police. Failure to comply with instructions can result in a heavy fine. === Emergency phone numbers === * '''Police''': 110 *'''Fire/Ambulance''': 119 The police and fire/ambulance offer service in English. For those who need Taiwanese governmental assistance in English, [https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/6928/6940/ this website] has a 24-hour toll-free foreigner service hotline at 0800-024-111, which you may call for assistance. === Natural hazards === Taiwan often experiences '''[[Cyclones|typhoons]]''' (颱風) during the summer months and early fall, especially on the East Coast. Heavy monsoon rainfall also occurs during the summer. Hikers and mountaineers should be sure to consult weather reports before heading into the mountains. A major hazard following heavy rainfall in the mountains is falling rocks (土石流) caused by the softening of the earth and there are occasional reports of people being killed or injured by these. Taiwan is also on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that '''[[earthquakes]]''' are a common occurrence. Most earthquakes are barely noticeable, though the effect may be slightly amplified for those in higher buildings. While the local building codes are extremely strict, general precautions should still be observed during an earthquake, including opening the door to prevent it from being jammed, taking cover and checking for gas leaks afterwards. While most newer buildings have been built according to strict codes that enable them to withstand major earthquakes, some of the older buildings were not constructed to such high standards and therefore are vulnerable to serious damage or collapse in the case of a strong tremor. Taiwan's wild areas are home to a variety of '''poisonous snakes''', including the bamboo viper, Russel's viper, banded krait, coral snake, Chinese cobra, Taiwan habu, and the so-called "hundred pacer" (百步蛇). Precautions against snake bites include making plenty of noise as you hike, wearing long trousers and avoiding overgrown trails. Most snakes are scared of humans, so if you make noise you will give them time to get away. Walking quietly means that you may suddenly startle them around a corner when you appear, and trigger an attack. The Russel's viper, one of the most dangerous snakes in Taiwan, is an exception: it generally prefers to take a stand against threats. === Traffic === Local drivers have a well-deserved reputation for seeming reckless and downright immoral. It is possible (even normal) to obtain a driving license in Taiwan without ever having driven on the roads, and this may be a reason (along with the overcrowded roads) why courteous or defensive driving is definitely not the norm. The guiding principles seem to be that the right of way belongs to the larger vehicle, i.e. trucks have the right-of-way over cars, cars over motorcycles, motorcycles over people, etc. Despite traffic's chaotic appearance, it is viscerally intuitive to yield the right-of-way to a much larger vehicle barreling towards you. It is advisable to use slow and smooth movements over quick or sudden ones. Local drivers regularly cut in front of moving traffic into spaces that seem too small, try to change lanes regardless of the fact their destination is already full, etc. Be aware that during busy traffic (i.e., nearly always) two-lane roads will spontaneously become three-lane, an orange light will be interpreted as 'speed up', and the smallest moment's pause in oncoming traffic will result in ''everybody'' that's waiting trying to turn across it. Drivers routinely enter a junction when their exit is blocked, and are therefore frequently still there long after the lights change, blocking traffic traveling in other directions. Many motorcycle riders also have a tendency to zip through any space, no matter how tiny. Also be aware that motorcycles often travel through areas typically considered pedestrian-only spaces, like the night-markets. If you drive a car or a motorcycle, the obvious rule is that if someone turns in front of you, you should be the one to adapt. To avoid collisions, drivers need to be extremely vigilant for other vehicles creating hazards and always be willing to adjust speed or direction to accommodate. Do not expect drivers to yield way, or respect traffic lights in many areas, especially in central and southern Taiwan. Sounding the horn is the usual way a Taiwanese driver indicates that they do not intend to accommodate a driver trying to encroach on their lane, etc., and does not necessarily imply the anger or criticism, as it does in other countries. One bright side of Taiwan's chaotic traffic is that drivers tend to have an exceptional awareness of the spatial extents of their vehicle and maneuver well, so that even though it continuously looks like somebody is about to drive straight into you, it's relatively rare that they actually do so. Be extra careful when crossing the road, even to the extent of looking both ways on a one-way street. When crossing at a pedestrian crossing at a T-junction or crossroads, be aware that when the little green man lights up and you start crossing, motorists will still try to turn right, with or without a green feeder light. Even on roads where traffic is infrequent and the green light is in your favor, bike riders are still strongly advised to check the opposite lane. ===Homosexuality=== Taiwan is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers. There are no laws against homosexuality in Taiwan and unprovoked violence against gays and lesbians is almost unheard of. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Taiwan on 24 May 2019, making it the first Asian country to do so. Taiwan is also the first East Asian country to have enacted anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of education and employment. There is an annual gay pride event called Taiwan Pride. Taipei is home to a vibrant gay scene, and there are also gay bars in some of Taiwan's other cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. Acceptance among the Taiwanese public tends to be measured, and homosexuality is still considered to be somewhat of a social taboo, particularly by the older generation. Openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is likely to draw stares and whispers from some people. Nevertheless, attitudes are changing and homosexuality tends to be more accepted by the younger people. ===Dogs=== They can be a problem in remote and rural regions, although they are far less numerous than in Thailand and Myanmar. If they get too close to you, picking up a stone or having a big stick is usually a sufficient deterrent. Taiwanese Aboriginals hold dogs in higher regard than Han Chinese do. Many Aboriginal communities have dogs freely running around their communities. == Stay healthy == ===Pollution=== Air pollution can be significant with the highest ratio of scooters per person in the world and a high west coast urban density. You can check air quality real time monitoring [https://airtw.epa.gov.tw/ENG/default.aspx on this page]. For reference the USA standard for fine particles (PM2.5) over 24 hours should be below 35&nbsp;µg/m³. It is a good idea to use a mask that can filter fine particles ([http://aqicn.org/mask/ how to choose a mask]), especially when traveling with the elderly or children. === Water === '''[[Water]]''' quality in Taiwan varies depending on location and time. According to the sole water company of Taiwan, tap water is in general safe to drink. However, it is advised that drinking water be boiled in order to eliminate residual chlorine and bacteria. Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which adversely affects water quality. Some buildings, particularly older ones, may have poorly maintained water towers and/or pipes, resulting in poor quality that is beyond the control of the water company. Depending on the severity, one might either filter the water in addition to boiling or avoid the taps altogether. Alternative options include buying bottled water or going to a "water station" where water is sold through a metered tap. Water from these sources is licensed to be safe for drinking. Bottled water can be bought in 24 hour convenience stores. Water quality in Kaohsiung used to be very poor. As a result, most people today use alternative sources. However, there is little evidence that this is necessary today as the quality has improved drastically. In addition, the mentioned alternative sources today are mostly filtered tap water and do not circumvent the historical source of contamination. === Healthcare === Medicines are available for minor ailments at drug stores. You may also find common drugs requiring a prescription in the west (like asthma inhalers and birth control pills) cheaply available from drug stores without a prescription. Taiwan has both Chinese physicians and Western doctors, both of which are taken equally seriously. However, as a foreigner, the assumption would generally be to direct you to a Western doctor. The quality of the hospitals in Taiwan is excellent and on par with, if not better than those found in the West. Taiwan's healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Legal residents with a National Health Card can avail themselves of the very convenient and efficient national health service, which covers treatment and medication using both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. However, this service is not available to short term visitors on tourist visas; nor does it cover major hospitalization expenses. Still, hospital visits and medicine in Taiwan tends to be far less expensive than in Western countries. Most Taiwanese doctors are able to communicate in at least basic English, and in fact, many of the top ones have obtained their medical qualifications in the US and are able to speak English fluently. However, you may find the nurses to be more of a challenge. === Hiking === Watch out for mosquito bites when hiking in the mountains. Especially in the summer, the humid and hot weather makes mosquitos very active. Most mosquito bites only cause skin irritation and itching, but in some areas of Taiwan it's possible to contract [[dengue fever]] or Japanese Encephalitis (though they are both rare in Taiwan). Mosquito/insect repellent spray can be found at convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) and local pharmacies. If you are bitten by mosquitos, apply a small amount of ointment for irritation relief. == Respect == The Taiwanese are generally a warm and polite people, having been strongly influenced by Confucianism. As Taiwanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, elderly visitors will find most Taiwanese to be very helpful and accommodating. Naming customs and modes of address are generally the same as in mainland China. See the [[China#Respect|Respect]] section of that article for details. === Culture === [[File:Pagode Kaohsiung amk.jpg|thumb|Pagoda in Kaohsiung]] Taiwan shares several cultural taboos/guidelines with other East Asian nations: * When giving and receiving business cards, always do it using ''both hands'' and with a slight bow of the head. Giving or receiving a business card with only one hand is very disrespectful. * Some Taiwanese are superstitious about anything connected with dying &ndash; unlucky things should never be mentioned. The number 4 (four, pronounced 'si') sounds like the word for death in Mandarin. * Do not write people's names in red. This again has connotations of death. When writing someone's English name, this is not a problem, but avoid writing Chinese names in red. * Do not whistle or ring a bell at night. This is an "invitation to ghosts". * Do not point at cemeteries or graves. This is disrespectful to the dead. * There are numerous taboos dictating that certain objects shouldn't be given to others, often because the word for that object sounds like another unfortunate word: ** Clocks. The phrase "to give a clock" ("song zhong"), in Mandarin, has the same sound as the word "to perform last rites." If you do give someone a clock, the recipient may give you a coin in return to dispel the curse. ** Shoes. Never ever offer shoes as a gift to old people, as it signifies sending them on their way to heaven. This is acceptable only if by mutual arrangement it is nominally sold, where the receiving party gives a small payment of about NT$10. ** Knives or sharp objects, as they are made for or could be used to hurt the person. ** Umbrellas, which in Mandarin sound the same as the word for "break up". Friends should therefore never give friends umbrellas. Instead, friends will euphemistically "rent" each other umbrellas for a tiny amount (NT$1, for example). * The Taiwanese are certainly not puritanical and enjoy a drink, especially the locally brewed Taiwan Beer and Kaoliang. However, Taiwan does not have a culture of heavy drinking like in Northern China and it is rare to see anyone drunk on the streets. While over indulging in alcohol is not a social taboo as such (and some people do so at weddings), it is considered a sign of lack of self-confidence and immaturity, and doing so certainly won't gain you any respect among Taiwanese friends. * You are expected to remove your shoes before entering a house. You will find some slippers to be worn by visitors next to the entrance door. It is likely to be the same ritual for bathrooms and balconies where you will be expected to remove your slippers to wear a pair of plastic sandals (though it is less shocking not to use the sandals by then). * As you will get along with Taiwanese people, you are very likely to receive small presents of any sort, such as drinks, food or little objects. These are a very convenient way to lubricate social relations for Taiwanese people, and are especially common between friends in their 20s. You should reciprocate any such presents with something similar, but it does not need to be immediate or specially tailored to that person (i.e., keep it simple). As a teacher you are not expected to offer anything in return, as long as the relationship stays formal. However, beware of the sometimes overly generous parents who can go as far as offering presents running in the thousands of NT$ and who will then expect you to take special care of their child (understand that their expectations will be considered fair in Taiwanese culture). * You are not expected to tip in hotels, restaurants and taxis, though bellhops may still expect NT$50 or so for carrying your luggage. * Much like the mainland Chinese, "saving face" is also a major value in Taiwanese culture. In general, you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes in order to avoid causing major embarrassment and if you really have to, call the person to one side and do it in private, and try to do it in a polished manner. * If you should need to use a temple's washroom, bow to any statues of deities you see on the way whether or not you believe in them. While most people will not mind you using the temple's washroom, they expect you to treat their place of worship with respect. If you plan to offer gifts (such as simple fruits) to the statues of deities in the temple, it is expected that you wash the fruits and your hands prior to offering. In addition, upon entering and leaving a temple, do take and avoid stepping directly on the raised threshold: always try to step over it. You should also never point to the status of deities with your index finger; use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. * You will often see '''priority seats''' (博愛座) on public transportation in Taiwan. These are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children; do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. * '''Cultural identity''' is a complex and sensitive issue in Taiwan. While most Taiwanese people are ethnically Chinese, many people, especially the youth, seek to distance themselves from China with a distinct Taiwanese identity, and will often emphasize their Japanese colonial heritage instead. === Religion === Most Taiwanese people follow a mix of traditional Chinese folk religions and Buddhism, and it is common to visit temples to offer prayers during important festivals or life events. That said, contemporary Taiwanese society is largely secular in daily life, and religion in general does not play a significant role in people's work or political affiliations. Nevertheless, you are still expected to dress and behave respectfully when visiting temples. As in other Asian countries, swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol. They emphatically do ''not'' represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. When visiting temples, be sure to enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inwards). The larger middle gate is traditionally reserved for deities and the Emperor of China. Also be sure to avoid pointing at the statues of deities with your index figure, as it is considered to be very disrespectful. Use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. The most popular traditional Chinese deity in Taiwan is Mazu, a Fujianese shamaness who is believed to have ascended to godhood and now protects sailors, as the Fujianese were largely a seafaring people. [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion among the Aboriginal people, with Presbyterianism and Roman Catholicism being the main denominations. There is also a significant Christian minority among the ethnic Chinese. Taiwanese people are generally tolerant of different religions, and people of all faiths can usually practice their religion without any major problems. The Falun Gong religion which is banned in mainland China is allowed in Taiwan, though attitudes towards them from the local Taiwanese people tend to be very mixed. === Politics === Taiwanese society is rather polarized by allegiance between supporters of the two major political blocs informally known as "Pan-Blue Coalition" and "Pan-Green Coalition", although there are large numbers of people who are either centrist or who don't care. To simplify a very complex situation, pan-blue supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of reunification or maintaining the status quo with China and pan-green supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of establishing a formally independent Taiwan state, among other differences. Although there are some correlations, it is highly unwise to assume anything about a particular person's political beliefs based on what you think you know about their background. Also, this very brief sketch of Taiwanese politics obscures a large amount of complexity. Traditionally, mainlanders, Aboriginal people, Hakka people and people from Kinmen and Matsu tended to be strongly pan-blue, while Taiwanese speakers from Central and Southern Taiwan tended to be strongly pan-green, though this distinction has largely disappeared among the younger generation, who are now overwhelmingly pro-independence. Unless you know your listener well, it is unwise to say anything (either positive or negative) about the current government, about historical figures in Taiwanese history, about Taiwan's international relations, or about relations with mainland China. Some political figures such as Sun Yat-sen (who is also popular in the PRC and with the Chinese government) and Chiang Ching-kuo are generally seen positively, but others (Chiang Kai-shek, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian in particular) arouse very polarized feelings. Some Taiwanese will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China. Others will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is not part of China. Referring to the PRC as "mainland China" (中國大陸 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') rather than simply China will tend not to offend anyone, as the term is generally used to exclude Hong Kong and Macau as well, making it less subjective. Referring to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan Province" will draw a negative reaction from most Taiwanese. "Greater China" may be used in certain business contexts. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many subtleties and complexities here that if you are talking about these things, you've already wandered into a minefield. However, simply referring to the island as "Taiwan" is fine, as that is the name used by the locals, regardless of their political persuasion. Titles such as "Republic of China" are reserved for official matters only. People from Kinmen and Matsu do not identify as Taiwanese and instead identify as Kinmenese/Matsunese or simply Chinese. '''Relations with mainland China''', as well as the '''Hong Kong protests''', are sensitive issues; tread carefully on these topics. Despite the deep mistrust many Taiwanese have of the communist Chinese government, most locals bear little to no animosity towards individual mainland Chinese visitors. As long as you avoid political discussions and behave yourself properly, you should not run into any problems. ===Japanese occupation=== In contrast to other Asian countries, Taiwanese feelings towards the Japanese occupation (1895-1945) are generally positive, though there are exceptions. Some of the older people who lived through the period of Japanese rule often bear a certain degree of nostalgia for that time, although there was strong resistance, and massacres of both Chinese and Aboriginal people were carried out throughout the occupation. Nevertheless, many Taiwanese bear a sense of gratitude towards the Japanese for modernizing Taiwan, and many people who lived through both periods regard Japanese rule more favorably than the subsequent Kuomintang rule under Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese visitors can expect a particularly warm welcome as most Taiwanese admire Japanese culture, and modern Taiwanese culture continues to be heavily influenced by that of Japan. In particular, many shops and tourist attractions are based on a theme of colonial nostalgia. == Connect == ===Internet=== ====''iTaiwan''==== Introduced in the mid-2010s, this is Taiwan's free, convenient and widespread WiFi, and answer to today's mobile-dependent population. ''iTaiwan'' is available all over Taiwan, (according to marketing) in all the 7 biggest cities, but at least all over Taipei, Tainan and Taitung, at all railway/MRT stations (even at the smallest) and most bus stations all over the country, as well as in most tourist information centres. Where it is not available, there exist related WiFis that offer an ''iTaiwan'' login option, or there are other independent but free options like ''.1.Free Wi-Fi'' that require clicking an advertisement to get online. As a foreigner, you have to apply for access at a tourist information centre using your passport. The login is the passport number and the password is your birthday in ''YYYYMMDD'' form. At some free WiFi spots, like in railway stations, there is a power and USB plug to charge your electronic devices. ====SIM cards==== If you want an Internet connection to your smartphone, you can purchase a prepaid 4G unlimited data sim card from Chunghwa Telecom at a cost of NT$300 for 3 days, or NT$500 for 7 days (other periods are available as well). Just walk into any official Chunghwa Telecom shop to apply (also at all international airports). They need your passport and identification documents of your country of origin, driving license or identification card. Other providers in the market are Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, T-Star, and GT. Their pricing is largely the same for visitor plans as Chunghwa Telecom, however they do offer special promotions on their standard prepaid plans from time to time, and for travelers continuing elsewhere after Taiwan, FarEasTone and GT offer a lineup of reasonably priced "travel SIMs" for travel around Asia, Europe, and North America, while Taiwan Mobile offers flat-rate international data roaming on its standard prepaid SIMs. Importantly, if continuing on to mainland China later, these travel SIMs or Taiwan Mobile's roaming plans do not censor data there as a local SIM would. ====Restaurants, cafés, etc.==== Most in-house eateries, shopping centres, libraries and such have free WiFi for their customers available. ====Gaming cafés==== Not that relevant and widespread anymore, Internet cafés aka gaming cafés. These are often found on the first or second floor of buildings and equipped with very comfortable chairs and large screens. Although people do surf the Internet, most people primarily go there for a smooth experience of online gaming. Each hour of Internet access/game play is cheap, coming in at around NT$20. Some machines in the Internet cafés are coin operated. === Telephone === [[File:Payphones of Taiwan Fixed Network at THSR Taichung Station 20070105.jpg|thumb|Payphones in [[Taichung]]]] The standard prefix for international calls from Taiwan is 002, though some other companies may use alternative prefixes at lower rates. Check with your telecom operator for more details. Calls to mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau require international dialling. The country code for calls to Taiwan is +886. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Numbers Starting With 0800 are commercial toll-free numbers, just like the 1-800 numbers in North America. '''Mobile phone''' coverage is generally excellent in Taiwan, with the exception of some remote mountainous areas. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), Far EasTone (遠傳電信) and Taiwan Star Telecom (台灣之星). Taiwan has both 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) and 4G (LTE) networks and inbound roaming agreements are in place between most international providers and at least one of these four (but check with your operator before departure). The last 2G networks were shut down in July 2017. The internationally popular messaging app Whatsapp is not popular in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese use the Japanese messaging app '''[https://line.me/en/ LINE]''' instead. === Media === Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. Taiwan's main newspapers are the Chinese-language ''[https://www.ltn.com.tw/ Liberty Times]'' (自由時報), ''[https://tw.appledaily.com/ Apple Daily]'' (蘋果日報), ''[https://www.chinatimes.com/ China Times]'' (中國時報) and ''[http://udn.com/ United Daily News]'' (聯合報). The ''[https://money.udn.com Economic Daily News]'' (經濟日報) and ''[https://ctee.com.tw/ Commercial Times]'' (工商時報) focus on financial and business news. The main English-language newspapers are ''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]'' and ''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]''. A third newspaper in English, ''[http://etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]'' (formerly ''China News''), is no longer available in print but continues to exist online. Other news sources: *[http://focustaiwan.tw/ Central News Agency] *[http://english.rti.org.tw/ RTI] (Radio Taiwan International) *[http://news.cens.com/ the Taiwan Economic News] *[http://taiwantoday.tw/ Taiwan Today] *[http://www.taipeinews.net/ TaipeiNews.net] *[http://www.taiwansun.com/ Taiwan Sun] Free magazines: * ''Lifestyle'' – Info on Taiwan relating to what's on and current trends (bilingual). * ''[http://taiphoon.pristine.net/main-page.htm Taiphoon]'' – A magazine dedicated to promoting peace and environmental awareness in Taiwan (bilingual). * ''[http://www.journeyeast.url.tw/ Journey East]'' – A travel and lifestyle magazine for northern Taiwan (bilingual). Radio: * [http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT] (short for "International Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available island-wide on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour 07:00–20:00 M–F and 10:00–18:00 on Sa. ===Printing=== Every 7-Eleven and Familymart has cloud printers available for printing documents and even pictures. But for the latter you might be better off with a professional shop. The instructions are in Chinese or English. Costs: NT$1 per document page, plus NT$1 processing fee. == Cope == ===Electricity=== For electrical sockets, Taiwan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as the United States. Electricity is supplied at 110 V at 60 Hz. === Embassies and foreign missions === ''See [[Taipei#Cope|Cope section]] in [[Taipei]] guide'' {{usablecountry}} {{isPartOf|East Asia}} {{geo|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} ed80firdlp7wk364j0othbzf5g4clwu 4488064 4488061 2022-07-22T02:19:49Z The dog2 35982 /* TRA */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Formasa Station Banner.jpg}} {{COVID-19 box|Restrictions have been implemented throughout Taiwan due to a surge in COVID cases. Taiwan has '''barred entry to non-resident foreign nationals indefinitely.''' International transit passengers are allowed starting from June 15, 2022, provided they do not leave the secure area of the airport. Those allowed to enter the country are required to '''quarantine for 14 days'''. ''(See [[Taiwan#Get in|Get in]] for more information)''| lastedit=2022-07-20}} '''[https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/ Taiwan]''' (Traditional Chinese: 台灣 or 臺灣, ''Táiwān'') is an island nation off the coast of southeastern mainland [[China]]. The island is officially known as and governed by the '''Republic of China''' (中華民國 ''Zhōnghuá Mínguó'') or '''ROC'''. Shaped roughly like a sweet potato, the nation is home to more than 23 million people and is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. Although most of the population is ethnically Chinese, the legacy of Japanese colonial rule still pervades much of Taiwanese life, and there is also indigenous Austronesian culture to explore for the truly intrepid traveler. {{disclaimerbox|While the political status of Taiwan is a controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveler's point of view, Taiwan is under the ''de facto'' control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate country. ''This page does not represent a political endorsement of the claims of either side of the dispute.''}} == Regions == {{Regionlist | regionmap = Taiwan_Regions_Map.png | regionmapsize = 350px | regionmaptext = Map of Taiwan with regions color-coded (Matsu is not included) | region1name=[[Northern Taiwan]] | region1color=#b08eb0 | region1items=[[Hsinchu]], [[Hsinchu County]], [[Keelung]], [[New Taipei]], [[Taipei]], [[Taoyuan]] | region1description=The capital city, main airport and technology hub of the island | region2name=[[Central Taiwan]] | region2color=#efb86e | region2items=[[Changhua County]], [[Miaoli County]], [[Nantou County]] and [[Taichung]] | region2description=Scenic mountains and lakes and major national parks | region3name=[[Eastern Taiwan]] | region3color=#77c283 | region3items=[[Yilan County]], [[Hualien]], [[Hualien County]], [[Taitung County]], [[Taitung]] | region3description=Hualien and Taitung are cut off from the rest of the island by the central mountains; this is a region of great natural beauty, and the main center of indigenous Austronesian culture | region4name=[[Southern Taiwan]] | region4color=#75a4c3 | region4items= [[Chiayi County]], [[Kaohsiung]], [[Pingtung County]], [[Tainan]] and [[Yunlin County]] | region4description=The tropics of Taiwan with beaches and palm trees and the third largest city | region5name=Outlying Islands | region5color=#c9cf7b | region5items=Tiny islands also governed by the Republic of China: [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]], just off the coast of mainland China's [[Fujian]] Province, [[Penghu]] in the straits, [[Green Island (Taiwan)|Green Island]] and [[Orchid Island]], east of Taiwan | region5description=Small islands that are popular getaway destinations with the locals. }} <br clear="right" /> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b08eb0|title=[[Northern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249994,Q74054,Q249996,Q244898,Q1867,Q115256}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q133865,Q63706,Q82357,Q245023}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Eastern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q237258,Q249868,Q249904}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249995,Q166977,Q181557,Q194989,Q140631,Q153221}} == Cities == {{mapframe|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|title=Taiwan High Speed Rail|wikidata=Q706198|type=geoline|stroke=#c35617|stroke-width=4|stroke-opacity=1}} [[File:TWTC ITB, TICC and Taipei 101 20100410 night.jpg|thumb|300px|Taipei at night]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taipei]]|wikidata=Q1867}} (臺北 or 台北) – The seat of government of Taiwan ROC, as well as the center of commerce and culture. Taipei is also home to Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Miaoli]]|lat=24.57|long=120.82}} (苗栗) – The main center of Hakka culture in Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hualien]]|wikidata=Q713310}} (花蓮) – Near Taroko Gorge and considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan's cities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Jiufen]]|wikidata=Q31093}} (九份) – A former gold mining town on the northeast coast visited for its quaint streets and picturesque views. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kaohsiung]]|wikidata=Q181557}} (高雄) – The third-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest sea ports (the Port of Kaohsiung) in the world and it has the island's second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taichung]]|wikidata=Q245023}} (臺中 or 台中) – The second-largest city on the island. In the center-western region of Taiwan, and famous among the Taiwanese for its pastries such as sun cakes and pineapple cakes. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Puli]]|wikidata=Q706544}} (埔里) – At the geographical center of the island, making it a good base for exploring the central mountains and [[Sun Moon Lake]]. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tainan]]|wikidata=Q140631}} (臺南 or 台南) – The oldest city and former capital of Taiwan. It is famous for its historic buildings, and as the unofficial culinary capital of Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taitung]]|lat=22.758333|long=121.144444}} (臺東 or 台東) – On the southeastern coast, a laid back city that is known for beautiful scenery and large Aboriginal population. == Other destinations == [[File:Alishan Forest Staircase2.JPG|thumb|240px|Mountain trail in [[Alishan]]]] People tend to think of Taiwan as a small, crowded island filled mostly with electronic factories, and if you stay in Taipei or along the west coast you might indeed maintain that impression. However, the island is also home to high mountain ranges, great beaches and stunning national parks, many with hot springs. * {{marker|name=[[Alishan]]|wikidata=Q707585}} (阿里山) – Misty forests of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises at the center of the island, reached by a scenic narrow-gauge train * {{marker|name=[[Kenting National Park]]|wikidata=Q707982}} (墾丁國家公園) – At the extreme southern tip of the island, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. * {{marker|name=[[Shei-pa National Park]]|wikidata=Q707996}} (雪霸國家公園) – A park spanning mountains and rivers in [[Hsinchu County]]—great hiking trails * {{marker|name=[[Sun Moon Lake]]|wikidata=Q716206}} (日月潭) – Nestled at 762 m (2,500&nbsp;ft) in lofty mountains in [[Nantou County]], this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. * {{marker|name=[[Taipingshan]]|wikidata=Q30020365}} (太平山) – A historic logging area and one of Taiwan's most scenic spots. Located in [[Yilan County]]. * {{marker|name=[[Taroko Gorge]]|wikidata=Q707427}} (太魯閣峽谷 ''Tàilǔgé'') – An impressive gorge off the east coast * {{marker|name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]]|wikidata=Q709029}} (陽明山國家公園) – Spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei * {{marker|name=[[Yushan]]|wikidata=Q500275}} (Jade Mountain/玉山) – At 3,952 m the highest mountain in not just Taiwan, but in the entire eastern ⅔ of East Asia * {{marker|name=[[Lalashan]]|wikidata=}} (拉拉山) – In [[Taoyuan County]], "Lala" means "beauty" in the indigenous Atayal language. Mt. Lala is one of natural protection zones in Taiwan. There are some 500–2,800-year-old "divine" trees including the No. 5 divine tree, which is reputedly even older than Confucius. Lalashan is best known for its peach trees, and peach season (July–August) is the most beautiful time to visit Mt. Lala. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=LocationROC.png}} Taiwan is home to a large number of impressive scenic sites, and Taipei is a cultural center of entertainment and leisure activities. The island is also a center of Chinese-language pop culture with a substantial entertainment industry. Japanese and an increasing number of mainland Chinese enjoy taking short trips to Taiwan and enjoy its neighborly hospitality. Taiwan is home to some well-known international companies such as Acer, MSI, Asus, HTC, and Giant Bicycles, whose technologies are some of the most advanced in the world. === History === {{seealso|Imperial China|Chinese Revolutions|Japanese colonial empire|Pacific War}} Taiwan was first populated 30,000 years ago by an Australo-Melanesian group known as the Negrito. The Negrito were eventually assimilated and displaced 5,000 years ago by Proto-Austronesians who arrived from the east coast of mainland China, predominantly from what is now Fujian province. Due to linguistic diversity on Taiwan, these people have been suggested to be the ancestors of [[Austronesian]] speakers across Southeast Asia, the Pacific and even Madagascar. Recorded history began with the partial colonization of Taiwan by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and then the Portuguese in the early 17th century. (The old name of Taiwan, ''Formosa'', comes from the Portuguese ''Ilha Formosa'' for "beautiful island".) Han Chinese immigrants arrived in significant numbers with the onset of European trade. The Ming loyalist Koxinga defeated the Dutch garrisons and set up Taiwan as a rump Ming Empire with the hope of reconquering Qing China. His grandson surrendered to the Qing in the late 1600s. Although contact between China and Taiwan dates back thousands of years, it was not until larger numbers of ethnic Han residents arrived during the Qing dynasty that Taiwan was formally integrated into China as part of Hokkien (Fujian) province. It became a separate province in 1887. The years of Han Chinese settlement during the Qing Dynasty were marred by conflict between the Han settlers and the Aboriginal people, between the Minnan and Hakka speakers among the Han settlers, and between the [[Quanzhou]] and [[Zhangzhou]] immigrants among the Minnan speakers. All these resulted in Minnan speakers largely occupying the fertile lowlands along the coast, the Hakkas being forced to occupy the middle elevations in the mountains, and the Aboriginal people being forced to higher elevations in the mountains and the more typhoon-prone east coast. Defeated by the Japanese, the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan to [[Japan]] under the terms of the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Japan ruled the island until the end of World War II in 1945, and exerted profound influences on its development. The island's entertainment and pop culture was and still is heavily influenced by that of Japan. Much of the infrastructure built by the Japanese can still be seen on the island, and has been in fact continuously used up to the present day (e.g. railroad crossing gates, administrative buildings, and the old port at Kaohsiung). During [[Pacific War|World War II]], many Taiwanese, both Aboriginal and Han Chinese, served in the Imperial Japanese Army, many of whom have been enshrined in the controversial [[Tokyo/Chiyoda#Yasukini Shrine|Yasukuni Shrine]] in [[Tokyo]]. Like their counterparts in [[Korea]] and other occupied territories, many Taiwanese women were forced to serve as "comfort women" (i.e. sex slaves) in Japanese military brothels. Upon the resumption of Chinese rule, the ''Kuomintang'' (KMT, 國民黨) under Chiang Kai-shek, also known as the Nationalists, was suspicious of many of the locals in Taiwan, due to the fact that many Taiwanese had served in the Japanese military and civil service during World War II. Moreover, as the Japanese had sought to turn Taiwan into a model colony, despite having been discriminated against, many locals had seen their standards of living improve under Japanese rule, and were disillusioned by the corruption and incompetence that plagued the Kuomintang at that time. Tensions between the new Kuomintang government and the locals culminated in the '''228 incident''' on 28th February 1947, when many locals revolted against Chinese rule, and the Kuomintang responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of people being killed, and purging many of the Japanese-educated intellectuals in the process. Taiwan would also be placed under martial law following the incident, which would only be lifted in 1987. Discussion of the incident was banned under the years of martial law, but was brought back to the fore once again following democratization in the 1990s, and the incident remains a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day. [[File:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|350px|National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] In the early 20th century, the Nationalists and Communists fought a major bloody civil war in mainland China. Although the two sides were briefly united against Japan during World War II, they quickly began fighting again after the war was over. Eventually, the Communists were victorious in 1949. The Nationalist government, remnants of their army, and hundreds of thousands of supporters then fled to Taiwan, though they would also retain control of several offshore islands of Fujian. From Taipei, they continued to assert their right as the sole legitimate government of all China. Initially very repressive, the government began to loosen control in its fourth decade under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek's son, Chiang Ching-kuo. Taiwan also experienced rapid economic growth and modernisation under the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo, becoming one of the world's richest and most modern economies and earning it a place as one of the East Asian Tigers. Today, Taiwan is generally regarded as a modern, developed economy, and still remains a leader in consumer electronics that is home to well-known computer brands such as Acer, Asus, Garmin, Gigabyte and HTC. Democratization began in earnest through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating with the first direct presidential elections in 1996, and the first peaceful transition of power between two political parties in 2000. Taiwanese politics remain dominated by the issue of relations between Taiwan and the [[China|People's Republic of China]], which still claims Taiwan as a "renegade province" and regularly threatens military action if Taiwan attempts to break away from the awkward '''One China''' status quo, whereby both sides agree that there is only one Chinese nation, but disagree on whether that one nation should be governed by the PRC or the ROC. To summarize a ''very'' complex situation, the '''Pan-Blue''' (泛藍) group spearheaded by the KMT supports eventual unification with the mainland when the political climate is right, while the '''Pan-Green''' (泛綠) group led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports eventual formal independence under the name "Republic of Taiwan". The split extends down to trivial issues like Chinese romanization &mdash; the KMT prefers the mainland's ''Hanyu pinyin'', the DPP prefers a Taiwan-made variant called ''Tongyong pinyin'' &mdash; and political demonstrations and rallies, always turbulent, on occasion even turn violent. In 2014, the '''Sunflower Movement''' was formed in opposition to deepening trade relations between Taiwan and mainland China that was being pursued by the then-KMT government. Although mainland China has been Taiwan's most important trading partner since 2008, many Taiwanese were fearful that deepening economic ties would lead to the Chinese Communist Party using this economic dependence to coerce democratic Taiwan into unifying with mainland China under communist rule. Things came to a head when student protesters stormed the Legislative Yuan on 18 March 2014, forcing the government to abandon ratification of a recently-signed trade deal with mainland China, marking the first time the Taiwanese legislature had been successfully occupied by civilian protesters. The movement is today considered a watershed moment in Taiwanese political history, as it led to the political awakening of much of the formerly apolitical younger generation, galvanized a distinct Taiwanese identity, and united most of the younger generation behind the pro-independence camp. === Government and politics === Taiwan is a presidential republic modelled after the American system of government. The President is popularly elected every four years for up to two terms, and is the head of state. The President has the sole authority to appoint members the executive branch, known as the '''Executive Yuan''', whose leader, known as the Premier, serves as the head of government. The legislative branch is known as the '''Legislative Yuan''', often referred to as the "Parliament", which is elected by the people every four years in parallel with the presidential elections. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy known for its exceptionally dramatic parliamentary sessions, with physical fights between legislators on the floor being a regular occurrence. The other branches of government are the '''Judicial Yuan''', which tops the judiciary branch, the '''Examination Yuan''', which administers civil service examinations, and the '''Control Yuan''', which is responsible for auditing the government's finances. The two main parties in Taiwanese politics are the '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) and the '''Democratic Progressive Party''' (DPP). Generally speaking, the KMT is more socially conservative, and favors friendlier ties with China, while the DPP is more socially liberal, and favors closer ties with Japan and the United States, as well as taking a tougher stance against China. While the older generation is politically split, the younger generation is overwhelmingly pro-DPP. === People === Taiwan was originally populated by indigenous peoples that spoke various Austronesian languages, which are related to Malay, Tagalog and Indonesian. Today the remaining indigenous peoples make up only about 2% of the population, while the other 98% are considered ethnically Han Chinese. The ethnically Han Chinese are further split into Taiwanese, who make up about 84% of the population and whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and mainlanders, who make up about 14% of the population and whose families fled to Taiwan from the mainland after the communist takeover of China in 1949. Among the Taiwanese group, Hoklo (Minnan) speakers form the majority, which is about 70% of the population, while the remaining 14% are largely Hakka speakers. In modern times, Taiwan is also home to immigrants from elsewhere, especially other Asian countries such as Malaysia (most of whom are ethnically Chinese), Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The post-1949 Chinese immigrants come from every province and include many non-Han residents. === Culture === Taiwanese culture is largely based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly that of [[Fujian]] province, because most Taiwanese are Han Chinese whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan from that region. However, in the 20th century, Taiwanese culture diverged from that of mainland China. Substantial Japanese influences can be seen in modern Taiwanese culture because of 50 years of Japanese rule, and this can be seen in its cuisine and in its pop culture. In addition, the Japanese introduced baseball and hot-spring bathing to Taiwan, and these remain popular pastimes for the Taiwanese to this day. As Taiwan was spared from the Cultural Revolution, the Taiwanese have also retained some elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China. Indigenous Austronesian or "Formosan" culture has greatly suffered under multiple different waves of colonial rule. It is having a resurgence today but many aspects of it have been lost forever which is evident in how the majority of the Formosan languages are extinct or moribund. However, efforts are being made to revive the culture through the introduction of the Aboriginal languages into the school curriculum. Numerous indigenous Taiwanese have had successful careers in the entertainment industry, perhaps the most famous example being the singer Kulilay Amit, better known by her Chinese name Chang Huei-mei, who is of Puyuma ethnicity. === Climate === [[File:Footbridge, Taroko 01.jpg|thumb|240px|Taroko Gorge suspension bridge]] Lowland Taiwan has a marine tropical climate during the summer, with sweltering, humid weather (above 30&nbsp;°C, 86&nbsp;°F) from Jun-Sep. In the winter the weather is influenced by the nearby continent, and in the northern areas the temperature can go as low as 8&nbsp;°C at night. The best time of year to visit is from Oct-Dec, although even then occasional typhoons can spoil the fun. Spring is also nice, although it rains more than during autumn. During the typhoon season, the east coast bears the brunt of the damage as it is facing the Pacific Ocean. In the mountainous regions you will encounter more temperate conditions. Rapid weather change can endanger unprepared visitors, so advice on proper preparation should be obtained before visiting those areas. In fact, it snows every year on Taiwan's highest mountains and occasionally even on mountains like Alishan. === Taiwanese calendar === The ''Minguo'' (民國, ROC) calendar, counting years from the establishment of the ROC (1911), is commonly used in Taiwan. To convert a ''Minguo'' date to A.D., just add 1911. {{CURRENTYEAR}} is Minguo {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}−1911}}. Months and days are according to the standard Gregorian calendar for almost everything except traditional holidays and religious matters, which use the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. === Festivals === {{CNYdates}} As Taiwan is majority Han Chinese, traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in Taiwan. Among the most notable are: *'''Chinese New Year''' (春節). This is the most important festival for the Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close on the first three days so it is not an ideal time to visit. However, the days leading up to the festival and the fourth to fifteenth days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Chinese New Year songs. *'''Tomb Sweeping Day''' (Ching Ming Festival, 清明節). This is when many Taiwanese pay respects at their ancestors' graves. *'''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午節). This festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin. To prevent the fishes from eating his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fishes and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten on them to scare away the fishes. Since then, dragon boat racing has been carried out on this day and rice dumplings are also eaten. *'''Hungry Ghost Festival''' (Ghost Month, 中元節). This festival runs throughout the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world. In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese offer food and burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held to appease these wandering spirits. *'''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (Moon Festival, 中秋節). Legend has it that on this day, a woman known as Chang E swallowed some divine pills to prevent her power hungry husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day. This is when many lanterns are put up for decoration in various parks and shops, which is quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so it would be an ideal time to try some. Many Taiwanese have barbecue with family or friends as part of the celebration. === Terrain === [[File:Jiuwanshibaguai.JPG|thumb|Cliffs meet the eastern coast of Taiwan, Hualien County]] Taiwan is largely mountainous with a chain of mountains running from north to south at the centre of the island. The west coast is largely plains and unsurprisingly is where most of the population is concentrated, and is where all the larger cities like [[Taichung]] and [[Kaohsiung]] are located. The east coast also has some plains but they are more sparsely populated due to the higher typhoon risk, but is also home to the cities of [[Hualien]] and [[Taitung]] with significant populations. === Sports === Baseball was brought to Taiwan by the Japanese during the colonial period. Its popularity rose greatly when the Taiwanese baseball team finished second in the Japanese national championships. Today, baseball retains a strong following and remains by far the most popular spectator sport in Taiwan. Several Taiwanese players have also gone on to successful careers in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Taiwanese national team is considered to be one of the strongest in the world. Besides baseball, basketball also has a sizeable following in Taiwan and is quite popular among teenagers. When classes are over, the basketball courts inside schools are not only open to students but also the public. Billiards<!--WHICH VARIANT(S)--> is another popular sport in Taiwan. It's easy to find billiard rooms throughout the country and there are also many championship-winning players in Taiwan, most of whom started training when they were still teens. Other sports which are popular include Taekwondo, table tennis and golf. In international sporting competitions, such as the Olympic Games, Taiwan is called "Chinese Taipei" for political reasons. == Talk == {{infobox|You say Zhongshan, I say Chungshan...|The romanization of Chinese used in Taiwan is not standardized. Most older place names and personal names are derived from a simplified version of Wade-Giles. The government established Hanyu Pinyin (the same system used in the mainland and the international standard) as the official system in 2009, but most local governments that did not already use the system have not switched over, and highway signs are only being gradually changed from the Tongyong Pinyin system, leading to much inconsistency. Some local governments, such as that of Taipei and Taichung, have already converted their street signs to Hanyu Pinyin and New Taipei is implementing the switch to Hanyu Pinyin. However, there are still street signs posted by city governments next to signs installed by the national government having different romanization conventions, as is the case for Kaohsiung, where Tongyong Pinyin, not Hanyu Pinyin, is the local standard. For example, Zhongshan, Chungshan, Jungshan and Jhongshan can easily refer to the same Chinese name. This article attempts to use the romanizations most commonly used ''in'' Taiwan (on street signs, buses, tourist maps, etc.) People know romanisation as 'Roma-Pinyin' (Luoma-Pinyin).}} Taiwan's official languages are four varieties of Chinese — '''[[Chinese phrasebook - Traditional|Mandarin]]''', '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]]''' (a dialect of Minnan), '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''', and '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Matsu dialect]]''' — as well as the '''Aboriginal Austronesian languages''' and '''Taiwan Sign Language'''. Mandarin is the ''lingua franca'', but Taiwanese is the mother tongue of about 70% of the population. In the North where there is a large concentration of so-called "mainlanders" (those whose families came to Taiwan from mainland China in the 1940s as refugees of the Chinese Civil War), most people speak Mandarin as their primary language (although Taiwanese is spoken in abundance), but in the South of the island, Taiwanese is far more common. Hakka is the main language at the middle elevations of the mountainous parts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka are all tonal languages, and are difficult for most foreigners to master. Aboriginal languages can mostly be heard on the East Coast and its offshore islands, as well as at higher elevations in the mountains. The Matsu dialect is a variant of the Fuzhou dialect (also known as ''Hokchiu'' or ''Foochow''), and is almost exclusively concentrated in the [[Matsu]] islands located close to [[Fuzhou]] in mainland China. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (漢字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and many overseas Chinese still use the '''traditional characters''', whereas since the 1950s mainland China has used simplified characters, such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". There are multiple ways of romanizing Mandarin Chinese, but '''pinyin''' (漢語拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn'') is the most useful for a visitor to learn. It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). (However, people in Taiwan are more familiar with a phonetic alphabet called Zhuyin (注音 ''zhùyīn'', written using Zhuyin as ㄓㄨˋ　ㄧㄣ), commonly known in English as '''bopomofo''' (named after the first four letters, ㄅㄆㄇㄈ), which is used for language education and typing.) All dialects of Chinese are also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; Mandarin tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the world, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects'''. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects would read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and couldn't carry on a spoken conversation with each other. Although standard Mandarin in Taiwan is nearly identical to standard Mandarin in mainland China (with differences mostly in technical and translated terms invented post-1949), most people in practice speak a distinctly accented version known as Taiwanese Mandarin. For example, Taiwanese Mandarin tends to not differentiate between the "S" and "Sh" or the "f" and "h" sounds in Mandarin. All people schooled after 1945 are generally fluent in Mandarin, though older people from rural areas often have a very thick accent. Mandarin is fairly popular with young people. Some elderly people do not speak Mandarin as they were schooled in Japanese or not at all. Most Taiwanese are very accepting of foreigners and react with curiosity and admiration for trying the local tongue. Generally, most people in Taiwan converse using a combination of Mandarin and Taiwanese by code-switching. The Taiwanese dialect is a variant of Minnan which is similar to the dialect spoken across the Taiwan Strait in [[South Fujian]]. Unlike in South Fujian, Taiwanese Minnan has some loan words from Japanese as a result of 50 years of Japanese colonization. Taiwanese Minnan and [[Xiamen]] Minnan are both mixtures of the [[Zhangzhou]] and [[Quanzhou]] accents, so as a result, Taiwanese Minnan sounds very similar to Xiamen Minnan. There is also dialectal variation in Taiwanese between different parts of the island; the [[Tainan]] dialect is generally considered to be the prestige dialect. All public announcements in the transportation system are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka, with the exception of the [[Matsu]] islands, where announcements are made in Mandarin and the local Matsu dialect. Especially in Taipei, younger people generally speak a basic conversational level of '''English'''. The children often understand more English than their parents, especially with the emphasis on English language education today, and English being a compulsory subject in Taiwanese schools. However, attempts to speak Mandarin or Taiwanese will be met with beaming smiles and encouragement, by and large. Quite a few people, especially in Taipei, are proficient in '''[[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]]''' due to the high number of Japanese visitors. Staff for tourist attractions such as the Taipei 101, museums, hotels, popular restaurants and airport shops speak Japanese in addition to English, Mandarin and other local languages. In fact, if you are a visitor of East Asian descent who cannot understand Chinese, when a worker realizes this he or she may try speaking to you in Japanese before trying English. There has been an increasing usage of '''[[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]''' by tourism boards due to the large number of Korean people visiting Taiwan. Thus, there are many signs across Taiwan written in Korean. An enthusiasm for Korean-language education due to the influence of Korean pop culture is also gaining momentum. Due to the increasing number of Southeast Asian tourists visiting Taiwan, '''[[Thai phrasebook|Thai]]''', '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' and '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]''' are spoken by some tourist personnel. '''Taiwan Sign Language''' is the language of the deaf community. It has partial mutual intelligibility with Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language, but not with Chinese Sign Language or Hong Kong Sign Language. == Get in == {{COVID-19 box|Taiwan has tightened entry restrictions in response to the spread of COVID-19, in particular the Delta variant of the virus. '''Non-resident foreign nationals are barred from entering or transiting Taiwan indefinitely.''' Valid visas to enter Taiwan have been suspended, and Taiwan is not issuing new visa permits at this time. Those who need to travel to Taiwan because of special circumstances can apply for a special entry permit from Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center and a Taiwanese diplomatic mission. If it is granted, you'll need to [https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/ pre-register online], present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a designated hotel or quarantine facility. Travelers will be required to bear the costs for the quarantine stay, unless arriving from a country or territory that has been designated as "high risk". <small>For more information, see the websites for the [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En Taiwan Centers for Disease Control] and [https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs].</small>| lastedit=2021-06-27}} ===Entry requirements=== [[File:Visa policy of Taiwan.svg|thumb|450px|Visa policy of Taiwan{{legend|#F60501|Taiwan}}{{legend|#20B44A|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#b5e61d|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#65D6A5|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#DCEF9B|Visa on arrival}}{{legend|#9DDEE5|eVisa}}{{legend|#15127D|Exit & Entry Permit on arrival}}{{legend|#ADADAD|Visa required}}]] [[File:ROC entry stamp.JPG|thumb|Entry stamp]] ==== Visas ==== Foreign nationals of the following 44 countries can enter Taiwan '''visa-free''' as a ''visitor'' provided that their passports are valid for at least 6 months upon entry: '''For up to 90 days:''' All 27 '''European Union''' member states, Australia (until 31 December 2021), Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (until 31 March 2025), Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vatican City '''For up to 30 days:''' Belize, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore '''For up to 14 days:''' Brunei, Philippines, Thailand (until 31 July 2019 for all three), Russian Federation If citizens of the above countries present an emergency or temporary passport, they will be required to apply for a landing visa on arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$2,400. Citizens of Japan need only present a passport with at least 3 months' validity (rather than 6 months' validity) upon entry. Citizens of the United States can enter Taiwan on a passport with less than 6 months' validity on the date of arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$5,600. Citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom can extend their stay for an extra 90 days (i.e. a total stay of up to 180 days) free of charge. More information is available on [http://www.boca.gov.tw/public/Attachment/1121416524871.doc this Bureau of Consular Affairs information sheet]. Holders of valid passports from '''[[Hong Kong]]''' (HKSAR or BN(O)) and '''[[Macau]]''', born in either of these territories, may apply for a 30-day entry permit online (free) or on arrival (NT$300). Holders of these passports born outside these territories may also apply for these permits, if they have been to Taiwan previously as a Hong Kong/Macau resident. (If they last visited Taiwan before 1983 they need to supply the travel document used then or first apply for their travel records from the Immigration Agency.) Hong Kong and Macau residents born outside of these territories and have not been to Taiwan before as a HK/Macau resident must apply for a permit online before travelling to Taiwan (NT$600). Hong Kong and Macau residents who also have another passport (except BN(O) or a Portuguese passport obtained before the handover) must use the other passport (and apply for the correct visa, if required) to enter Taiwan and not their Hong Kong/Macau passport. Macau residents using a Portuguese passport may enter visa-free like other Portuguese passport holders. Residents of '''Mainland [[China]]''' (Chinese passport holders) may visit Taiwan for tourism if they join an approved guided tour. Independent mainland Chinese travellers require a Permit for Proceeding to Taiwan (往来台湾通行证/往來台灣通行證) with an endorsement issued by Chinese authorities, and an Exit and Entry Permit (中華民國臺灣地區入出境許可證) issued by Taiwanese authorities. However, endorsement for personal tourism has been '''suspended''' due to political tensions. Citizens of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who have a valid entry visa or permanent resident card issued by a [[Europe#Schengen Agreement|Schengen]] country, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival after making an [https://oa1.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/ online application.] All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 14 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. Entry will be denied if these procedures are refused. Detailed information about visas is available at the website of the '''[http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs]'''. Taiwan does not have formal embassies in most of the world's countries (due to the 'One China' policy of mainland China preventing formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan). Instead Taiwan operates a "Taipei Representative Office", "Taipei Economic and Trade Office", or something of a similar name in most major countries, and these act as ''de facto'' embassies and consulates that can issue Taiwanese visas. ====Arrival card==== Tourists are required to fill in an arrival card. You may do it [https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/ online] before you arrive to save time. Traditional paper versions are still available at ports of entry. Hong Kong and Macau residents who have an online entry permit are exempt. ====Customs==== Fresh fruit and meat may not be brought into Taiwan, and airport staff may check your bags. If you are carrying anything prohibited, though, they might let you eat it before you go through immigration. === By plane === * '''[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]]''' '''(Taipei)''' (台灣桃園國際機場, formerly ''Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport'' 中正國際機場) ({{IATA|TPE}}) is the primary international airport of Taiwan. Located 40&nbsp;km to the southwest of Taipei, it has good connections to neighbouring countries and North America, and decent connections to Europe and Oceania. The airport has a MRT (metro/subway) connection to [[Taipei]], and direct buses to Taipei, [[Taichung]] and other nearby cities. Alternatively, the MRT train and U-Bus company shuttles reach HSR Taoyuan station (台灣高鐵桃園站) for high-speed train connections to other cities; and to Zhongli (中壢) Station for mainline TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration 台灣鐵路管理局) train and southbound bus connections to [[Tainan]], [[Hsinchu]] (新竹) etc. * [http://www.kia.gov.tw/English/ '''Kaohsiung International Airport'''] (高雄國際機場) ({{IATA|KHH}}) is the largest airport in southern Taiwan, with decent connections to neighbouring countries and domestic destinations. * [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx '''Songshan Airport'''] (松山機場) ({{IATA|TSA}}) is a smaller airport in downtown Taipei which serves mostly domestic flights with some flights to China, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Seoul Gimpo Airport. * '''Taichung Airport''' (台中機場) ({{IATA|RMQ}}) serves domestic and international flights to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and China. * [https://www.tna.gov.tw/en/index.php '''Tainan Airport'''] (臺南機場) ({{IATA|TNN}}) serves domestic routes, as well as international routes to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. * [https://www.hulairport.gov.tw/e_content/about/about01.aspx '''Hualien Airport'''] (花蓮機場) ({{IATA|HUN}}) located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, the airport serves domestic routes, as well as international flights to South Korea as well as charter flights to Cambodia. After a break of almost 60 years, regular cross-Strait flights between Taiwan and mainland China resumed in 2008, and travel times on some popular routes have been reduced significantly as flights no longer have to be routed through Hong Kong airspace. The main Taiwanese carriers are [http://www.evaair.com/ '''EVA Air'''] (長榮航空) and flag carrier [http://www.china-airlines.com/ '''China Airlines'''] (中華航空). While China Airlines used to have a poor safety record, things have improved greatly since 2003, and today, it is just as safe as the major Western European airlines. === By boat === {{COVID-19 box|Due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, all ferry services to China have been suspended.|lastedit=2020-02-28}} All scheduled passenger ferry services between Taiwan and Japan have been suspended. [http://www.starcruises.com Star Cruises] operates limited cruise services from [[Keelung]] (基隆) and [[Kaohsiung]] (高雄) to Hong Kong and various Japanese islands, but these are not intended for one-way journeys. ====China to Taiwan via Matsu==== From [[Fuzhou]] (福州), China, there are two daily ferries to the Taiwan-controlled [[Matsu]] (馬祖) islands. Take bus 69 from Fuzhou train station to Wuyilu, then bus 73 to the end station Mawei harbor (馬尾港). The ferry costs RMB350 from China and NT$1,300 from Matsu. The trip takes two hours. You can check the Matsu tourism website for [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=505&l=2 updates on the schedule]. There is a cheaper (NT$650) ferry between Matsu's northern island and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, but because of limitations to immigration facilities, it apparently only accepts Taiwan/ROC citizens as passengers at this time ([https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=781&l=1 schedules and fares]). From Matsu, there the ''Taima Star'' ferry runs daily to [[Keelung]] in Taiwan ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/index.php Official website] / [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=128&l=2 English information]). NT$1,050 includes a bed, as the trip takes 10 hours. Regular seats are available for NT$630 only when the sleeping cabins are full ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/price.htm official fare table]). Schedules can be found at [http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/harbor.php this link]. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or [https://www.matsuebs.com/html/custorder/36 online]. At [[Mawei]] harbor in [[Fuzhou]] there is an opportunity to buy an inclusive ticket all the way to Taipei (臺北) that includes the Fuzhou to Matsu ferry above and a domestic flight from Matsu to Taipei (or Taichung). The price (RMB780) includes transfer between port and airport on Matsu, and a coupon for lunch at the airport while you wait for your connection. The ferry leaves Fuzhou at 09:30. Get to Mawei at 08:00 to buy tickets. ====China to Kinmen==== There are also several ferry services between [[Xiamen]] and [[Quanzhou]] on the mainland and the Taiwan-controlled island of [[Kinmen]] (金門). While foreigners may use the former the latter is only open to Chinese and Taiwanese citizens. Now there also is one weekly ferry from Dongdu Harbor (東渡碼頭) in [[Xiamen]] to Keelung, that leaves on Thursdays at 18:00 starting at less than RMB500, and one to Taichung leaving on Tuesdays. Call 0592-2393128 for information or 0592-6011758 for bookings from China. You can also check [http://www.seat61.com/Taiwan.htm#Ferries_to_Taiwan here] for news. There is apparently no ferry from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan at this time, though flights may be reasonably priced. ====China to Taiwan direct==== The ''Cosco Star'' runs overnight between [[Keelung]] in northern Taiwan and [[Xiamen]] on the mainland, between Keelung and Daimaiyu Port near [[Taizhou]] on the mainland, and between [[Taichung]] in west-central Taiwan and Xiamen. Each leg of each route only runs on one day of the week (see [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-sch.asp here] for departure times of each route and [http://www.cosco.url.tw/hot.html here] for the latest calendar of operations). "Standard" one-way fares start at NT$3,500, but "basic" fares may be available for NT$2,490 ([http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-tick.asp fare table]). On top of the fare there is an additional NT$300-550 in fuel and port surcharges, which varies depending on the route. There are substantial discounts for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). The service's Taiwan-facing website is [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-main.asp here]. [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hours) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to [[Taipei]] and [[Taichung]] in Taiwan. As of February 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and the Pingtan-Taichung-Pingtan route runs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,500 one-way, $6,350 round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance]/[http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]. == Get around == ===''IC Cards''=== [[Taipei]]'s '''[http://www.easycard.com.tw/ EasyCard]''' (悠遊卡 Yōuyóukǎ) and [[Kaohsiung]]'s '''[https://www.i-pass.com.tw/EN/ iPass]''' (一卡通) are the main public transportation smart and electronic payment cards, and replace the need to buy separate tickets for most national, regional and city buses, metro (MRT), as well as train services (TRA) all over Taiwan, and they can be used at retail establishments that display the respective sign, like convenient stores (7eleven, Family Mart), parking lots and some restaurants and shops. Though originally accepted only in their respective cities, the two cards can now be used interchangeably at most (but not all) locations. Besides saving you the hassle of having proper change ready for your ticket, it mostly always gives discount on the chosen journeys. For instance, the price for any train (TRA) is calculated based on the price of a local train and a 10% discount. Thus, you can even take the faster trains with it (but not THSR) like the Tzu-Chiang limited express. The only disadvantage is that you will not have a reserved seat, which however is not an issue except on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon. The EasyCard also provides discounts on [[Taipei#Get around|Taipei's public transportation network]], and likewise with the iPass on Kaohsiung's network. The EasyCard can be bought at the airport, in any of stations of Taipei MRT and most convenient stores. As of Dec 2019 the price was NT$500, consisting of a non-refundable deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 in electronic cash. If you want to add money onto the card, you can do so in MRT stations (including Kaohsiung MRT), TRA stations, and the common convenient stores. The card can hold amounts up to NT$5,000. Student IC cards with even deeper discounts are also available for purchase, but only upon request at a desk and a recognised student ID like ISIC. Whether the card needs to be tapped only once or twice on city buses (on entry or on exit, see [[#By bus|below]]) depends on which city you are in and sometimes how far you travel. Do not forget to tap twice (on entry '''and''' exit) where it is necessary, especially on regional and national buses outside of cities (and some unstaffed railway stations). Otherwise, your card will be blocked with "incomplete journey" (for all bus companies), and you will have to settle this issue with the responsible bus company. This can be a problem, because bus companies only serve certain regions. When leaving that region, e.g. by train, which is still possible with a (bus) locked card, no-one will be willing to unlock your card, even though also other bus companies are able to do so. Be insistent and with the help of the tourist information centre tell them that you cannot go back to fix the problem, or that you tried and they did not solve the issue even though they told you so. Make sure that it is really unlocked (with a different bus company) and do not just trust them &ndash; it seems some cannot operate their machines properly. If you forget to tap the second time, you will only be charged a small initial fee instead of the whole journey, but unless you are at the end of your vacation to Taiwan or possess a second card, you should avoid having your card blocked. That said, most bus drivers and railway staff pay close attention to the tapping, so it is hard to miss. It costs NT$14 to get in and out of the same railway station within an hour, in case you instead decide to take the bus. At the end of your travel, do not put too much money onto your card, because it can only be given back and cashed-out at certain locations, like some THSR stations. In addition to the NT$100 purchase fee, there is a NT$20 fee for returning the card within 3 months. === By train === [[File:THSR 700T train at Taoyuan Station 20070728.jpg|thumb|Taiwan High Speed train]] [[File:TaiwanHighSpeedRail Route en.gif|thumb|Map of Taiwan High Speed Rail; all stations shown are operational]] Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays. The main downside is the lack of cross-island routes between the East Coast and West Coast; for instance, there is no rail line from Taichung to Hualien, so you will have to either drive, fly, or take a major detour via Taipei or Kaohsiung. ====THSR==== The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a [[high speed train]] based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the {{km|345}} route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung station is built next to a railway station, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with branch railway lines. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra, though business class passengers are offered a complementary drink and snack. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted. Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The Official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off. All high-speed trains consist of two seating classes; '''economy class''' and '''business class'''. Although economy class is already clean and comfortable by international standards, paying extra for business class snags you a slightly wider seat, as well as a complimentary drink and snack. All train announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. =====Passes===== The Taiwan High Speed Rail issues a '''[https://pass.thsrc.com.tw/oatsb2c/home.do?G=3 THSR Pass]''' for use on the high speed rail trains. These cost NT$2,400 for a regular 3-day pass, or NT$3,200 for a flexible 3-day pass. While a regular 3-day pass must be used in 3 consecutive days, the 3 days in a flexible 3-day pass may be spread out over any 7-day period. The 5-day joint passes allow for unlimited rides on the high speed rail for 2 days within a 5 day period, and unlimited rides on TRA lines within the same 5-day period. These cost NT$2,800 for a standard pass, which does not allow you to ride on Tzu-Chiang trains, and NT$3,600 for an express pass, which allows you to ride on all TRA lines. The THSR passes may only be used by foreigners who are in Taiwan on tourist visas (or visa exemptions), and must be purchased from travel agents overseas ''before'' you arrive in Taiwan. ====TRA==== Mainline trains are run by the separate [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx '''Taiwan Railway Administration'''] (TRA, 台鐵) , whose services are generally efficient and reliable. Reserving tickets well in advance is recommended when traveling with the train on weekends, especially for long distance travel. Slower (but more frequent) commuter trains without reserved seating are also available. Train timetables and [http://railway.hinet.net/net_eng.htm online booking] (up to 2 weeks in advance) are available on the TRA website for 24 hours. Booking and payment can be made online. You can also pay for the tickets you reserved at your local train station or post office to actually receive it. You can also buy the tickets of TRA in convenient stores now (you can reserve first and take the tickets in convenient stores). The way to buy tickets is same to high speed rail's. Children under 115&nbsp;cm (45&nbsp;in) height go free, and taller kids shorter than 150&nbsp;cm (59&nbsp;in) and under 12 years of age get half-price tickets. If you get return tickets there is a small discount depending upon travel distance. There are also vending machines at the larger stations. The fastest train is Tzu-Chiang (limited express), and the slowest is Pingkuai (Ordinary/Express). There is often little to choose between prices and destination times for adjacent train classes, but the gap can be quite large between the fastest and the slowest. * '''Tze-Chiang''' (自強 ''zìqiáng''): The fastest (and most expensive). Assigned seating. Non-reserved (standing) tickets are supposedly sold at full price, but the boarding is possible with an Easycard for local train prices. There are '''Taroko Express''' (太魯閣號 ''Tàilǔgé Hào'') and '''Puyuma''' (普悠瑪號 ''Pǔyōumǎ Hào'') runnning from Taipei to Hualien, which only sell reserved tickets. * '''Chu-Kuang''' (莒光 ''júguāng''): Second fastest. Assigned seating. In western Taiwan, it is as slow as a local train; in eastern Taiwan, it is still a fast, convenient train. * '''local train''' (區間 ''qūjiān'') : Short to medium distance commuter train, stops at all stations. No assigned seating. There are a few local-fast train, which don't stop at every station. * '''Express / Ordinary''' (普通 ''pǔtōng''): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, most inexpensive. No assigned seating. Some Express trains (the light blue ones running on West Trunk Line) are air-conditioned while others (dark blue ones) are not equipped with air conditioners. Only on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon faster trains are packed, and it might make sense to buy a more expensive reserve-seat ticket, if you do not want to stand for 3 hr, depending on your destination. Otherwise, you can freely use the EasyCard for fast connections without worrying (except for THSR). For travel to nearby cities, you can travel on local commuter trains. These arrive very frequently (about once every ten to fifteen minutes). In addition, "standing tickets" may be purchased on trains with assigned seating that have no available seats. Standing tickets are 80% the original ticket price and may be useful for last-minute travellers. However, you will be required to stand for the duration of your trip if there are no free seats. Station announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English. A popular holdover from the Japanese colonial era is the '''railway bento''' tradition, known in Taiwan as the '''TR Bento''' (臺鐵便當 ''tái tiě biàn dàng''). These are sold at most major TRA stations, and on board most long distance TRA trains. Both meat and vegetarian options are available, with the pork chop bento being particularly famous and iconic. =====Passes===== Similar to Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also offers several rail passes to foreign tourists for unlimited train travel within a stipulated period. The '''[https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip/tip003/tip311/view10 TR Pass]''' can be used by foreigners for unlimited travel on TRA lines for a stipulated period of time. The TR Pass can be bought at railway stations in Taiwan. The TR pass also allows you to reserve seats for free on trains that have assigned seating. '''The TR pass is not valid on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)''' as those trains are not run by the TRA. {| class="wikitable" |+Ticket types/prices (NT$) |- |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''3 Days''' |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''5 Days''' |- | full price || reduced price || 4-person-group || full price || reduced price || 4-person-group |- | 1800 || 900 || 4200 || 2500 || 1250 || 7000 |} : :Note: The 4-person-group ticket must be used by four people simultaneously. You '''cannot''' take the high-speed rail, since it is not operated by the TRA. Validity has to be for consecutive days. Reduced price applies to children (age 7-12), senior citizens (age 65+) and disabled people. * TR Pass Student: The student version of the TR Pass is significantly cheaper than the general version, though unlike the general version, it is ''not'' valid for use on Tzu-Chiang limited express trains, and also cannot be used to ride in train cars with reserved seating. In order to qualify for this pass, you will need to show your passport and a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Ticket types and prices: * 5-day ticket: NT$599 * 7-day ticket: NT$799 * 10-day ticket: NT$1,098 ===By bus=== Taiwan has an extensive bus network, run mostly by private bus companies. Travelling by bus is generally cheaper than by train, especially for long-distance trips. However, on holidays, travel time may be much longer and tickets are more likely to be sold out. There are two categories: intercity buses (客運) and local buses (公車). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a set of distinctly branded bus routes (some intercity, some local) that serve tourist sites, and are generally easier to use than regular routes. The official website offers route maps, timetables and recommended itineraries, but is somewhat confusing to navigate. There is, however, a toll-free number for inquiries. There are also information desks at major transport hubs. [[File:Taipei Bus 1073 stop board.jpg|thumb|Bus stop in Taipei]] Many cities have local buses. They are managed by local governments, therefore information can generally be found on the websites of the respective transportation bureaus. Drivers are usually happy to help, but may not speak English. Route maps at bus stops are mostly in Chinese. For visitors, it may be helpful to have your hotel or accommodation host suggest some routes for you and circle your destination on a map, then show it to the bus driver to make sure you're on the right bus. Announcements are in English, but hopefully the driver will remember to tell you when to get off in case you miss it. Most buses accept either cash (no change) or IC cards (like the EasyCard). Minor cities and towns do not have local buses, but have intercity routes that make frequent stops. These can be found using the method in the previous paragraph. Occasionally a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb at a bus stop. Sometimes it is due to a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop. (Taiwanese traffic law and regulation prohibit vehicles from stopping or parking within 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) of a bus stop.) However, a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb just because he or she does not want to wait for overtaking traffic while leaving a bus stop. Therefore, be ''much more careful'' when getting on or off a bus stopped away from a curb, as many motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles will definitely be tempted to overtake on the right side of the stopped bus where people get on and off! (As traffic drives on the right side of the road in Taiwan, buses have doors on the right side.) In Taiwan you need to hail the bus you are taking as you see it coming—much like hailing a taxi. The terminal stop of the route is listed on the front of the bus in Chinese and sometimes English, so it is important to make sure the bus you get on is going the right direction. For city buses, sometimes you pay when boarding, sometimes when alighting, sometimes both (whether with cash or an IC card). As you get on the bus there will be an LED sign indicating that, opposite the entrance. Sometimes it's only in Chinese: 上 means on boarding, 下 means on alighting (or just watch other people). In some cities such as Kaohsiung and Taichung, failing to swipe your card correctly will result in a locked card. ====Navigation==== Google Maps is a quick way to find a route to your destination, but is not always reliable, especially for trips with changes and for longer distance (like in the south and southwest). Often it will highly overstate bus travel times, because it will consider each stop while the bus might only stop at every third or fourth. Hence, a trip from Kaohsiung or Pingtung to Kenting will be stated with 3-4 hr, even though it will just take 1 hr. Therefore, it will also often suggesting the wrong connections and transfers. However, it gives a very good indication on the possible route, vehicle number(s), frequency, availability and price of buses and trains. Besides, the ''Bus+'' app (Android/iOS) is quite reliable with schedules. You can find bus numbers on it, and it will list its (live) route. This is much easier than reading the Chinese bus stop signs. In combination with Google Maps route search it is quite handy. Furthermore, http://taiwanbus.tw/ has a likewise good overview, in case the Bus+ app is not that helpful. === By metro === [[File:VAL256 on Taipei MRT Muzha Line 20050320.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]] The following areas are served by metro, also known as MRT: * [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] by Taipei Metro * Linkou Plateau, western Taipei and northeastern [[Taoyuan]] City by Taoyuan Metro *[[Taichung]] by Taichung MRT * [[Kaohsiung]] by Kaohsiung MRT It is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke in all metro systems past the fare gates. If multiple journeys are to be made, one can purchase a rechargeable IC card. There are 4 cards: EasyCard (悠遊卡), iPASS (一卡通), icash and HappyCash. For basic MRT transport purposes there is little difference between them. All metro systems are reliable, safe, clean and accessible. Disruptions are rare. The Taipei Metro in particular is widely lauded as one of the world's most reliable and efficient, and is often held up as a gold standard for other Metro systems around the world to emulate. Nearly all stations have toilets, elevators and info desks. There are also special waiting areas that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. === By taxi === {{infobox|Betel nut beauties (檳榔西施) |The highways of Taiwan are lined with brightly lit booths staffed by attractive, skimpily dressed young women, but they're not plying the world's oldest trade; instead, they're betel nut beauties, who compete for the attention of customers to sell the mildly addictive stimulant '''betel''' (檳榔 ''bīnláng''), consisting of areca nuts and slaked lime wrapped in a betel leaf, not themselves. Betel itself is worth a try and there is a chance you will be offered it in the company of farmers or working-class Taiwanese. Be warned, it stains your teeth blood red. To consume it, bite and spit off the cap at the top of the nut, then chew the rest of the bundle. Only the first mouthful of saliva must be spit and afterwards one can either choose to spit or swallow and enjoy the buzz. One sampling on your trip shouldn't be a problem, but do keep in mind that this little treat is habit-forming and cancer-causing for long-term users. Due to the known health risks, consumption of betel nuts is declining, and betel but beauties are becoming increasingly few and far between.}} Taxis are very common in major Taiwanese cities. You do not need to look for a taxi, they'll be looking for you. The standard yellow taxis scour roads looking for potential riders such as lost foreigners. It is possible but generally unnecessary to phone for a taxi. To hail one, simply place your hand in front of you parallel to the ground. But they'll often stop for you even if you're just waiting to cross the street or for a bus. In less heavily trafficked areas further out from the transit hubs, taxis are always available by calling taxi dispatch centers or using mobile apps. Drivers generally cannot converse in English or read Westernized addresses (except for special Taoyuan airport taxis). Get the hotel staff or a Taiwanese friend write out your destination in Chinese, and also take a business card from the hotel. Show the driver the Chinese writing of where you are going. Taxis are visibly metered (starting point priced at NT$70), and taxi drivers are strictly forbidden from taking tips. A maximum of four people can ride in one cab, and for the price of one. Compared to European or American taxis, those in Taiwan are inexpensive. Although taxi drivers in Taiwan tend to be more honest than in many other countries, not all are trustworthy. An indirect trip might cost you half again as much. A cab driver using night-time rates during the daytime will cost you 30% more (make sure he presses the large button on the left on his meter before 23:00). Avoid the especially overzealous drivers who congregate at the exits of train stations. Also, stand your ground and insist on paying meter price only if any driving on mountain roads is involved. Some drivers like to tack on surcharges or use night-time rates if driving to places like [[Wenshan]] (文山) or [[Wulai]] (烏來). Such attempts to cheat are against the law. From Taoyuan Airport (TPE), buses are a much more economical option but if you want a direct route Taoyuan airport drivers are the best choice. They're quite comfortable and get you to your destination as quick as possible. All the TPE taxi drivers are interlinked by radio so they could be forewarned if there are police. Sometimes, if there are traffic jams and no police around, the driver will drive in the emergency lane. Taxis from TPE to destinations in Tao Yuan, parts of Taipei county and some other destinations are 'allowed' to add an additional 50% to the meter fare. The badge and taxi driver identification are displayed inside and the license number marked on the outside. You must also be wary that the driver turns on his meter, otherwise he might rip you off. In such a case, you aren't obliged to pay; but make sure you can find a police officer to settle the matter. If there are stories of passengers boarding fake taxis and being attacked by the driver, it is best not to be paranoid about it. Drivers may be more worried about passengers attacking them! If you do call a taxi dispatch center, you will be given a taxi number to identify the vehicle when it arrives. Generally, dispatch is extremely rapid and efficient, as the taxis are constantly monitoring dispatch calls from the headquarters using radio while they are on the move. This is also the safest way to take a taxi, especially for women. Taxis are also a flexible although relatively expensive way to travel to nearby cities. They have the advantage over the electric trains in that they run very late at night. Drivers are required to provide a receipt if asked, though you might find them unwilling to do so. Taxi drivers, as elsewhere in Asia, are not keen on exchanging large notes. Try to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand to avoid the hassle of fighting with the driver for change. Taxi drivers are known for their strong political opinions. Many are supporters of the pan-green coalition and Taiwanese independence, spending all day listening to Taiwanese political talk radio. Drivers also have negative connotations as being former prisoners. Be careful about your opinions on sensitive political subjects (including, but not necessarily limited to cross-strait relations); also be careful of describing your destination which may be perceived politically (such as the President's Office or Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial Hall). Also watch out for drivers who discriminate against other cultures such as taping "No Korean passengers" on their cars. This is sometimes unavoidable as some drivers provoke such discussion. In addition, if you see what looks like blood spewing from the driver's mouth, or him spitting blood onto the street—not to fret–it's merely him chewing betel nut (see box). Keep in mind, however, that betel nuts are a stimulant. Taxi drivers are generally friendly towards foreigners, and a few of them take the opportunity to try their limited English skills. They are most likely to ask you about yourself, and are a patient audience to your attempts at speaking Mandarin. If you are traveling with small children, don't be surprised if they are given candy when you disembark. Women are sometimes warned not to take taxis alone at night. This is not an extreme risk, although there have been incidents where women have been attacked. To be more safe, women can have the hotel or restaurant phone a cab for them (ensuring a licensed driver), have a companion write down the license number of the driver (clearly displayed on the dashboard), or keep a cell phone handy. Do not get in if the driver doesn't have a license with picture clearly displayed in the cab. === By scooter or motorcycle === Scooters with an engine size of 50cc require a license to drive, and should be insured and registered in the owner's name. Foreign nationals with stay less than 30 days do not have an easy way to get a scooter license. Until 2003 it wasn't possible to get a scooter above 150cc. Many of the scooters within cities are only 50cc and incapable of going faster than 80&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph). The more powerful versions known as ''zhongxing'' (重型, heavy format) scooters are now quite common and can be rented for short-term use, or found for sale used at [http://www.englishintaiwan.com English In Taiwan] if you're going to need it for a while. They are '''not''' allowed on freeways even if they are capable of going faster than 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph) unless used for certain police purposes, but that just means you have to take the scenic route. If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter. Attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city. It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying. One Taipei motorcycle and scooter rental service with English language service is [http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card! The average price you may expect is NT$400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets. Another option is to rent a motorcycle. Many foreigners swear by their 125cc Wild Wolf (野狼) motorcycles, and a trip around the island on a motorcycle can be a great way to see the island up close. It is to be mentioned that since 2007, scooters and motorcycle over 550cc are allowed to go on expressway providing that they have a red license plate. They are however to be considered as cars, and as such cannot be parked in scooter parking spaces. === By car === [[File:Traffic restored on the 133K~135K section of Provincial Highway 21.jpg|thumb|View of Yushan Scenic Highway]] An international driving license is required for driving in Taiwan and may be used for up to 30 days, after which you'll need to apply for a local permit. Some municipalities may impose additional restrictions, so check ahead with the rental shop. [http://www.vipcar.com.tw/ VIP Rentals] in [[Taipei]] is quite happy to rent cars to foreigners, and will even deliver the car to a given destination. A deposit is often required, and the last day of rental is not pro-rated, but calculated on a per-hour basis at a separate (higher) rate. The numbered highway system is very good in Taiwan. Most traffic signs are in international symbols, but many signs show names of places and streets in Chinese only. All road directional signs are written in both Chinese and English, though the non-standardized Romanization means that English names can vary between road signs, making it rather confusing. The highways are in excellent shape with toll stations around every 30&nbsp;km (19&nbsp;mi). Toll is charged electronically and you pay the rental company when you return the car. Traffic moves on the right in Taiwan. Parking in cities is generally charged. A attendant will put a payment slip under your windscreen wiper, you can pay at convenience stores. While driving may be the best way to get around the countryside, in larger cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, traffic jams are a problem as is the difficulty of finding a good parking space, especially during the rush hour and traffic tends to get chaotic so you might be better off relying on public transport instead. === By thumb === While Taiwanese themselves don't generally [[Hitchhiking|hitchhike]], foreigners will have it very easy to find a hitch. However, in rural areas people may not recognize the thumb in the air symbol, and you may try pointing your hand to the ground and waving towards you. It is very easy to flag down a car in rural and mountain regions. So, instead of waiting for that one bus a day that goes by, just hitch a ride. Flagging down a car might work on a country lane with little or no public transportation, but doing so on a major road might lead to confusion, with the driver assuming that you are in trouble. A sign, especially one in Chinese, would therefore be of great help. The East coast around Hualien and Taitung enjoys a reputation for being especially good for getting rides. Taiwanese people are very friendly and helpful, so striking up a conversation with someone at a transport café or freeway service station may well see you on your way. === By bicycle === Although Taiwan is known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and Merida), bicycles used to be considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. This has changed, and bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails. The government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10:00-16:00 on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm). * [https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=F299BF5B3142389A Taipei MRT Route Map], bicycles may be loaded at designated stations * [http://www.krtco.com.tw/en/guide_StipulationsforPassengerswithBicycles.aspx Kaohsiung MRT Bicycle Information] (passengers traveling with non-folding bicycles are assessed a flat rate NT$60 fare irrespective of distance) Giant Bicycles Corporation operates a large network of bicycle retail stores that offer '''rentals''' for as little as NT$100 per day, if requested one week in advance. Generally, the day rate is around NT$300 for a modern bicycle. Also, rented bicycles can be picked up at one station and given back another station. This can be convenient if you want to go down the quiet east coast with a bicycle and back up the busy west coast with the train/bus. A one week finesse bike including bags costs as little as €100. Public shared bicycles are also available for rent at automated kiosks in most Taiwanese cities. Rental fees are usually paid using the rapid transit EasyCard or iPass system. There is YouBike in Taipei, which are available all over the city and even 30&nbsp;km out &ndash; see [[Taipei]] for more details. Additionally, many local police stations provide basic support services for cyclists, such as air pumps, and as a rest stop. === By plane === [[File:UNI Air MD-90-30 (B-17918) at Kaohsiung International Airport.jpg|thumb|Domestic plane, Taiwan]] Domestic air travel in Taiwan is primarily for outlying islands, as Taiwan is fairly compact with a modern and efficient rail network. There are also routes that connect the east and west coasts, since there is a geographical barrier between the two. There are no longer any west coast only routes as [[high speed rail]] has made them redundant. The main carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a subsidiary of China Airlines; and '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', owned by EVA. There is also Daily Air and Far Eastern Air Transport. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance, except during holidays. Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx Songshan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by MRT or taxi. Other domestic airports include those in [[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu/Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Taichung]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travellers heading to [[Kenting]] can use the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei. If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option for travelling to [[Kinmen]] and the easiest method of reaching [[Penghu]] and [[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry which is notorious among Taiwanese for its rough ride. ===On foot and navigation=== Taiwan is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting and picturesque trails in its mountainous centre, or just north-east of Taipei. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/ OpenStreetMap], which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] (complex with many add-ons) and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME] (easy but limited). == See == Perhaps due to its political ambiguity and lack of global presence, Taiwan has never been a significant destination for Westerners. Nevertheless tourists from [[Japan]] and [[Hong Kong]] have been visiting Taiwan in droves for a long time, and they are being joined by an increasing number of Koreans, Southeast Asians and Westerners. The island is home to many cultural attractions, with an excellent selection right in the capital. Taipei is a bustling and modern metropolis, with ancient yet lively streets, and world-famous landmarks like '''Taipei 101'''. However, it's also home to the '''National Palace Museum''', '''Zhongshan Hall''', '''Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall''' and the beautifully restored '''Bao'an Temple'''. Bao'an is just one of many striking temple complexes worth a visit. For more, try the '''Zushi Temple''' in [[Sanxia]] or the '''Mazu temple''' in [[Makung]]. The large '''Longshan Temple''' in [[Lukang]] and the '''Confucian Temples''' of [[Changhua]] and [[Tainan]] are fine choices too. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and therefore full of historic sites, especially colonial buildings, and including the Anping "Tree House" that's being slowly reclaimed by banyan trees. If you're looking for some deeper insights in Taiwan's history and culture, there's a wide range of '''museums''' to be explored, pretty much wherever your go. Taiwan retains its place as a major center of Chinese pop culture. In addition, this state is home to bustling cities with modern, high-tech infrastructure, and good transportation infrastructure means that getting around is easy. For those who have grown weary of the hustle and bustle of cities, Taiwan also offers some very impressive scenery and charming historical villages in its rural areas. === Nature === [[File:Taiwan 2009 HuaLien Taroko Gorge Narrow Gap and Road PB140025.jpg|thumb|200px|Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park]] Some people think of Taiwan as a grimy, densely populated industrial island full of hard disk factories, and you may well maintain this perception if you only stick to the densely populated West Coast. However, for those who take time to venture to the more sparsely populated East Coast will quickly find that Taiwan is actually home to some stunning landscapes. The [[Taroko Gorge]] (太魯閣) near [[Hualien]] in particular is very impressive, and should not be missed, with a side trip to the rugged shores at ''Shihtiping'' (石梯坪) as a worthwhile detour. '''Hehuan Mountain''' and '''[[Sun Moon Lake]]''' are beautiful natural attractions near [[Nantou]], while the huge and ancient trees in '''[[Lalashan]]''' make for great hikes near [[Taoyuan]]. In fact, most of Taiwan is covered with mountains which offer breathtaking views, so hiking opportunities are very diverse. == Do == * '''Hot Springs''' (溫泉) – Taiwan's geographical location between an oceanic trench and volcanic system makes it an ideal hot springs vacation spot. There are several hot springs destinations throughout the country, including [[Beitou]] (北投), [[Wulai]] (烏來) and [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). The culture of bathing in hot springs was introduced by the Japanese during the colonial period, and remains firmly entrenched in the local culture to this day. At traditional establishments segregated by sex, you may be expected to bathe nude. However, many other places, particular those geared for foreigners, are unisex and require a bathing suit. ===Hiking=== Taiwan is an island of huge mountains (more than two hundred peaks over 3,000m) and there are many hiking opportunities. [[Taroko Gorge]] is popular for its incredible scenery, and serious hikers can trek [[Yushan]] or Wuling Sixiu, among many others. Even in [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] there are a variety of trails to suit hikers of any level. Serious trekking is rather complicated due to an advance booking requirement (usually 7 days) and lodging lottery&mdash;see http://np.cpami.gov.tw/. Permits are required for many trails, especially remote or multi-day hikes and some (though not all!) in national parks. Nevertheless, there are also many trails available that do not need an application. They are mostly day hikes, but you can always put together your trip sections as preferred&mdash;consult apps that use [http://www.openstreetmap.org OpenStreetMap], like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME]. They have comprehensive and reliable tracks available. ===Shrimping=== Popular locally, and gaining traction with foreign tourists due to YouTube and travel bloggers, is the pastime of indoor shrimp fishing. For an hourly rate (around NT$300/hr), you will be provided with a fishing rod and a seat at an indoor shrimp pool that is regularly stocked with large live Thai prawns. While drinking beer and enjoying the laid back environment, you will be afforded an opportunity to catch dinner with locals. Almost all locales have a few indoor shrimp fishing pools to seek out. Almost all double as restaurants with tables and ovens available for use, allowing you to cook your catch on-site and order additional dishes as needed. ===Events=== * '''[http://www.springscream.com/ Spring Scream]''' (春天吶喊) – A three day outdoor rock concert in [[Kenting]], held every year. In 2011, it will take place on 1–4 April. Tickets are NT$1,400 for all days, all venues; NT$650 for one day, one venue. Kenting's entire area gets swarmed by young people coming to party for 3 days, and Taiwanese TV heavily reports on the latest bikini fashions seen on the spot. Be aware, though, that police presence will be strong, as the festival has a reputation for being rife with illegal drugs. * '''Buddha's Birthday''' (佛祖誕辰) – Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha and a vegetarian feast. It is appropriate to make offerings to the monks and nuns at this time, though it is not mandatory. Lunar Calendar 8th day of 4th month. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (龍舟賽) – A festival to commemorate the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (25 June 2020), and is marked by races of colorful dragon boats at various locations throughout the island. * '''Cherry Blossom Season''' (櫻花季) – Every spring, in [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). * '''Mazu Festival''' (媽祖生) – Festival commemorating the traditional birthday of Mazu, a traditional Chinese goddess who is popularly worshipped in Taiwan. The biggest celebration is an eight-day long "inspection tour" of a Mazu statue from the Zhenlan Temple in [[Taichung]] to the Chaotian Temple in [[Southern Taiwan|Beigang]] and back, though many other temples throughout Taiwan's main island and the outlying islands also conduct their own festivities. Lunar Calendar 23rd day of 3rd month. === Traditional pastimes === Generally speaking, traditional Chinese games such as [[Go]] (圍棋 ''wéiqí'') and [[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]] (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') are popular in Taiwan too. Both games are played at the professional level in Taiwan, and there are numerous tournaments that visitors may watch. While gambling is illegal in Taiwan, '''mahjong''' (Mandarin: 麻將 ''májiàng''; Taiwanese: 麻雀 ''moâ-chhiok'') remains popular. The Taiwanese version of the game derives from the Fujianese form, which differs significantly from the better known Cantonese and Japanese versions, most notably because a hand consists of 17 tiles instead of the 14 used in other versions. Mahjong in Taiwan is mostly a family and friends affair, and is usually played at social gatherings in people's houses. Mahjong clubs generally cater to groups of friends or family members looking to play together, though they can often assist in helping you find other players if you show up alone. While playing for money is not allowed at mahjong clubs due to Taiwan's anti-gambling laws, they will often allow you to exchange the points you win for various prizes. === Performing Arts === '''Glove puppet shows''' (布袋戲) originated in Fujian province on mainland China, and were brought to Taiwan by the first Han Chinese immigrants. Nevertheless, they have since been somewhat modernised and taken on some uniquely Taiwanese characteristics. Another traditional Taiwanese type of performance is '''Taiwanese opera''' (歌仔戲), which originated in [[Yilan]] based on traditional Chinese opera styles. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=New Taiwan dollars | currencyCode=NT$ | date=January 2022 | CNY=4.3 | EUR=31 | GBP=37 | JPY=24 | USD=28 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/twd-taiwan-new-dollar XE.com]}}The currency of Taiwan is the '''New Taiwan dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''NT$'''" (新臺幣 or 臺幣, ISO code: '''NTD''', but also referred to as TWD). The NT dollar is known locally as NT, ''yuán'' (元 or more formally 圓) when written in Chinese or colloquially in Mandarin as the ''kuài'' (塊). One unit is known colloquially as the ''kho&#x358;'' (箍) in the Taiwanese dialect. One dollar is divided into 100 cents, known as a 分 (''fēn'') in Chinese. 10 cents is formally known as a 角 (''jiǎo''), and colloquially as a 毛 (''máo'') in Chinese. Any '''$''' sign you see in Taiwan or this travel guide for Taiwan generally refers to NTD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ for U.S. dollars). Banknotes come in denominations of NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000, while coins come in denominations of NT$½, NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20 and NT$50. The NT$½ coin is rarely seen or accepted because of its low value, and the price of raw materials used to make the coin is more than the face value of the coin. Taiwanese currency is fully convertible and there are no restrictions on taking currency into or out of the island. Currency exchange is possible internationally, although you will get a much better rate if you wait until you arrive at the airport to exchange currency at the 24-hour window. Most banks in Taipei and Kaohsiung will also exchange money or offer cash advances on credit or debit cards. Should you bring American currency, bring newer bills as the banks and exchange-centers (such as in department stores) will only accept the newer notes (notes from 1996 and 2003 are not accepted at most places, due to a high proportion of forgeries bearing these years). Notes which are torn or damaged will probably not be changed, and old-style small-bust notes are not accepted, including the US$2 bill no matter when it was printed. Taiwan National Bank will take older bank notes and bank notes that are wrinkled or torn for exchange. Department stores will not exchange notes older than 1997. Don't forget to show your passport! ====ATMs==== Taiwan has abundant ATMs to withdraw cash from using the Plus or Cirrus systems. Certain banks' ATMs will even tell you your available balance in your own currency or in NT$. There is a per transaction limit of NT$20,000 for ATM cash withdrawals (HSBC Global Access customers may withdraw NT$30,000 from HSBC ATMs). Post office ATMs will ''not'' accept cards without an EMV chip. However, ATMs are sometimes out of cash, especially in remote (mountain) regions. So, make sure you stock up on cash early enough. 7-Eleven ATMs charge NT$100 per transaction, whilst those in Family Marts do not charge a fee. ====Credit cards==== Most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, generally Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. Diners Club, Discover and American Express cards are seldom accepted. Most restaurants and small stores do not accept cards, and cash is the main form of payment. Because street crime is rare, it is common for people in Taiwan to carry large amounts of cash with them. ===== Mobile Wallets ===== Unlike mainland China, QR code based mobile wallet payments are not quite ubiquitous or essential to the point that a visitor would have a hard time without one. In addition, Taiwan's mobile wallet apps generally require foreigners to register with an ARC, limiting the ability of visitors to use it. However, LINE Pay, one of the most popular, is cross-compatible with its counterparts in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, meaning that if you already have a LINE Pay account from one of those countries, it can be used with any linked credit or debit card to make payments at stores in Taiwan that take LINE Pay. Your card will be directly charged in NT$; LINE Pay does not automatically convert to your account currency. This can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry around as some shops that otherwise do not take card payments will take LINE Pay and other mobile wallets. ====Banks==== If you are planning on staying in Taiwan for a longer time, you should consider opening a Taiwanese bank account. While many of the large foreign banks such as Citibank and HSBC have branches in Taiwan, they often require huge deposits in order for you to open an account, so you might wish to consider one of the major local banks such as the Bank of Taiwan instead. You will need to bring your passport and UI number in order to open an account. The UI number is the number on the Alien Residence Card for those on long-term visas. For short-term tourists, they can obtain an "UI No. Basic Information Form" for free from the local Immigration Agency office, but this is not accepted by all banks. The larger banks will often have English-speaking staff available to assist foreigners. === Costs === Costs in Taiwan are generally lower than in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, but higher than in Southeast Asia and mainland China. For a budget traveller on a bare-bones budget, NT$1,000 will get you by for a day, but you'll probably want to double that for comfort. A meal at a street stall may cost NT$50 or less, a meal at a Western fast food restaurant will run you about NT$150 and at the fanciest restaurants, you can expect a bill in excess of NT$1,000. On the high end of the spectrum, hotel rooms at a swanky hotel might cost NT$5,000 or more. Costs diminish significantly the further you go out of the big cities. Taxis are quite reasonable and often have a set fare for common destinations, so ask in advance and haggle if you disagree. === Tipping === Tipping is generally '''not''' practiced in Taiwan. Bellhops in high end hotels and porters at airports are an exception and should be given NT$50 per bag. Also, tipping to show appreciation for exceptional service is not uncommon. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar. In place of tips is a 10% service charge when dining at most full-service restaurants which is automatically added to the bill. ===Shopping=== [[File:Linjiang Street Night Market 20040610.jpg|thumb|A typical night market in Taiwan may sell anything from food to clothing to fortune telling services]] As in many Asian countries, night markets are a staple of Taiwanese entertainment, shopping and eating. Night markets are open-air markets, usually on a street or alleyway, with vendors selling all sorts of wares on every side. In the larger cities you will have a night market every night and in the same place. In smaller cities, they are only open certain nights of the week, and may move to different streets depending on the day of the week. Every city has at least one night market; larger cities like [[Taipei]] may have a dozen or more. Night markets are crowded, so remember to watch out for your wallet! Shops selling the same items tend to congregate in the same part of the city. If you want to buy something, ask someone to take you to one shop and there will probably be shops selling similar things nearby. There are many shopping centres in Taipei where prices are usually fixed and goods are genuine. Otherwise, shopping streets in larger cities like [[Kaohsiung]] and [[Taichung]] can also easily get you what you want. And of course, there is the trendy Ximending (西門町) in Taipei, where you can pretty much find anything associated with the youths, also at fixed prices. Computer chain shops and department stores normally have fixed prices, but at least in department stores you may get a "registered member discount" if you're shopping a lot. Prices at smaller stores and even some hostels are normally cash prices. If you like to use a credit card, the seller normally wants to add anything up to 8% to the price as a "card fee" etc. The fee consists actually of the credit company's commission and also the local sales tax/VAT. If you pay cash, you might not get an official receipt, as then the seller would have to report and pay their taxes in full. If you ask for a receipt or "fa piao" (發票), you will get it but you may need to pay 3-5% more. ===Bargaining=== Whilst [[bargaining]] was OK in the past and expected in night markets as well as smaller stores, nowadays most prices are fixed. Taiwan has become a sophisticated and wealthy country where most Taiwanese, especially from the cities, generally do not request discounts and any such are likely to receive a friendly ''No''. Nevertheless, you will encounter different prices, e.g. cut fruits will cost NT$30 at the Night Market, but NT$80 in tourist areas. However, it is possible to get a discount of NT$20-100 when renting a motorbike/bicycle, searching for accommodation or such, depending on the circumstances and time of day. While you might miss a general bargaining culture and be bewildered by the general bargain inflexibility of Taiwanese, it can on the other hand be calming to know that no one will try to rip you off as it is common in other less-developed Southeast Asian countries. === What to buy === Popular things to buy include: * '''Jade'''. Although it can be hard to know for sure if the item you're buying is real jade or not, some beautiful objects are sold. Most cities have a specific jade market dealing in jade and other precious stones. * '''Computers'''. Taiwan designs and produces a lot of desktops, laptops, and PC peripherals. Travellers might be interested in visiting the large Information Technology Market at Taiwan for the best prices. Desktop computers and components tend to be the same price in Taiwan as in other areas of the world, though peripherals such as cables and adapters tend to be noticeably cheaper. If you're buying domestic, it's best to go to tourist hangouts to buy your stuff as you might be saddled with Chinese documentation otherwise. Also, notebooks are typically only available with a Chinese Bopomofo and English keyboard. * '''Lingzhi''' (靈芝). A type of bracket fungus that is often used as a Chinese herb. It supposedly has many health benefits with an apparent absence of side effects, earning it a high reputation in East Asian countries and making it rather expensive. Taiwanese lingzhi is particularly famous for being of the highest quality. * '''[[Tea]]'''. Taiwan is particularly famous for its oolong tea (烏龍茶) due to the island's predominant Fujianese culture; it is available at many tea shops. Tea tasting in Chinese culture is akin to wine tasting in Western culture and you will find many grades of this same type of tea, with different methods of treating the tea leaves. * '''[[w:Iron egg|Iron eggs]]''' (鐵蛋) irresistible delicacy In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (at a flat rate of NT$1)—bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. == Eat == {{seealso|Chinese cuisine}} {{infobox|Stinky tofu|Undoubtedly the most infamous Taiwanese delicacy, stinky tofu (臭豆腐 ''chòudòufu'') is fermented tofu with a strong odor often likened to rotting garbage. It's usually sold only by outdoor stalls, as the smell would overwhelm most restaurants, but if you can hold your nose long enough to eat it, the taste is quite mild &mdash; but with distinct earthy overtones that many visitors find off-putting. It's most commonly eaten fried, but for extra Fear Factor points, find some ''mala'' hotpot (麻辣鍋) with stinky tofu and gelatinized duck blood.}} [[File:Food_BeefNoodleSoup.JPG|thumb|Taiwanese beef noodle soup]] [[File:Food_AiyuLemonJelly.JPG|thumb|Lemon ''aiyu'' jelly]] Taiwan's cuisine is very well regarded by other East Asians and the ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia, and for many of them, the food is the primary (and sometimes only) reason to visit Taiwan. While not as highly regarded as the food from Hong Kong due to the traditionally high status Cantonese cuisine holds in Chinese culture, Taiwanese food has become more respected. Generally speaking, the foods of Taiwan are derived from '''mainland Chinese cuisines'''. Because most Taiwanese trace their ancestry to [[Fujian]], it comes as no surprise that much of Taiwanese cuisine was derived from the cuisine of Fujian. It is also possible to find [[Szechuan]] (四川) food, [[Hunan]] (湖南) food, [[Dongbei]] (東北) food, [[Guangdong|Cantonese]] (廣東) food and almost every other Chinese cuisine on the island, because many famous chefs from the mainland fled to Taiwan after the communist victory in 1949, and many Nationalist soldiers brought their family recipes with them when retreating from the mainland. That being said, Taiwanese cuisine has absorbed substantial local influences, and significant Japanese influences because of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule, giving it a unique character that distinguishes it from its mainland Chinese counterparts. The Taiwanese are also passionately in love with eggs and seafood. Fruits are another famous part of Taiwanese food. A wide range of fruits can be found at local fruit shops and stations. The subtropical climate allows different fruits to grow nicely. Taiwan also has many of its own '''local specialties'''. A few found island wide include: * '''[[w:Beef noodles|Beef Noodles]]''' (牛肉麵 ''niúròu miàn'') – Noodle soup with chunks of meltingly soft stewed beef and a dash of pickles derived from the cuisines of Sichuan. * '''[[w:Oyster omelette|Oyster omelette]]''' (蚵仔煎 ''ó āh jiān'' – This is the Taiwanese name, as its Chinese name only exists in characters, but not in oral Mandarin), a dish made from eggs, oysters, sweet potato flour and the leaves of a local chrysanthemum, topped with sweet red sauce. The local version in [[Kinmen]] differs quite considerably from the version on the main island, and is closer to the versions served in mainland China's Fujian province. * '''[[w:Aiyu jelly|Aiyu jelly]]''' (愛玉 ''àiyù'') – Made from the seeds of a local fig and usually served on ice &mdash; sweet, cool and refreshing on a hot day * '''Taiwan Sausage''' (香腸 ''xiāngcháng'') – Usually made from pork, it is a modified version of the Cantonese ''laap cheong'' (臘腸) which has been emulsified and is much sweeter in taste. Unlike ''laap cheong'', which is almost always eaten with rice, Taiwanese ''xiangchang'' is usually eaten on its own with some garlic. * '''Taiwanese Orange''' (柳丁 ''liŭdīng'') – A type of citrus fruit which is similar to usual oranges, except that the skin and flesh tend to look more yellowish like lemon. Unlike lemon, it is usually quite sweet. * '''Taiwanese Porridge''' (粥 ''zhōu'' in Mandarin, 糜 ''beh'' in Taiwanese) — Rice porridge cooked with sweet potato eaten all across China but most commonly in Fujian. It is usually eaten with several different dishes or eaten by people with illnesses. * '''[[w:Braised pork rice|Braised pork rice]]''' (滷肉飯 ''lǔ ròu fàn'') – Rice topped with pork belly that has been stewed in dark soy sauce and other spices and chopped into tiny pieces. A classic Taiwanese comfort dish. For a less fatty version, ask for 肉燥飯 (''ròu zào fàn''), which uses minced pork instead. * '''[[w:Taiwan Railway Bento|Railway Bento]]''' (臺鐵便當 ''Tái tiě biàndang'') - A national culinary icon and Taiwanese train tradition, this takeaway dish is a holdover of the Japanese era, and celebrated in Taiwan. The most popular bento is the braised pork cutlet bento. You can find this dish at train stations in Taiwan (though locals compare the quality of railway bento on a station-by-station basis), but adaptations are sold by various restaurants across Taiwan. Most cities and towns in Taiwan are famous for special foods because of the Taiwanese passion for food and influences from many different countries. For example, Ilan (宜蘭) is famous for its mochi (麻吉), a sticky rice snack often flavored with sesame, peanuts or other flavorings. [[Yungho|Yonghe]] (永和), a suburb of Taipei, is famous for its freshly made soy milk (豆漿) and breakfast foods. [[Taichung]] is famous for its sun cakes (太陽餅 ''tàiyáng bǐng''), a kind of sweet stuffed pastry. In [[Chiayi]], it's square cookies, also called cubic pastry (方塊酥), crispy layered cookies cut into squares and sprinkled liberally with sesame seeds. [[Tainan]] is particularly famous among the Taiwanese for its abundance of good food and should be a stop for all gourmands. The most famous dish is arguably the ''coffin bread'' (棺材板). Virtually every city has its own famous specialties; many Taiwanese tourists will visit other cities on the island simply to try the local foods and then return home. Taiwan also has remarkably good '''bakery items'''. Most specialize in sweet Chinese pastries or Western pastries adjusted to local tastes, but look out for ''We Care'' bakeries which also offer Western options such as whole wheat loaves, sour breads and ciabatta. Vegetarians are better catered for in restaurants and variety than in most other countries. Michelin publishes a [https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei guide] to restaurants in Taipei. That said, it does not cover the whole of Taiwan, and most locals only take the Michelin guide with a pinch of salt. === Places to eat === If you're on a budget, the cheapest food can be found in back-alley noodle shops and night market stalls, where you can get a filling bowl of noodles for around NT$35-70. The Taiwanese love to snack and even many restaurants advertise ''xiaochi'' (小吃), literally "small eats", the Taiwanese equivalent of Cantonese ''dim sum''. There are also the standard '''fast food''' places such as McDonalds (a standard Big Mac Meal costs NT$115), KFC and MOS Burger. In addition there are large numbers of convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart) that sell things like tea eggs, sandwiches, bento boxes (便當盒) and drinks. Night markets are also a good place to try some delicious local Taiwanese fare at attractive prices. Examples would be the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) in [[Taipei]] and the Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) in [[Kaohsiung]], each of which has its own special dishes not to be missed. === Etiquette === As with Chinese cuisine elsewhere, food in Taiwan is generally eaten with chopsticks and served on large plates placed at the center of the table and shared among multiple people. Oftentimes, a serving spoon or pair of chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') accompanies the dishes and guests do not use their own chopsticks to transfer food to their plates. The usual traditional Chinese taboos when eating with chopsticks apply in Taiwan as well. For instance, do not stick your chopsticks straight up or into your bowl of rice. This is reminiscent of incense sticks at a temple, and has connotations of wishing death upon those around you. When putting down chopsticks, either place them on the provided porcelain chopstick rest (at fancier restaurants) or rest the chopsticks across the top of your bowl. Also, do not use your chopsticks to spear your food or move bowls and plates. See [[Chinese cuisine#Etiquette|Chinese table etiquette]] for more details. Although there are minor differences between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese etiquette, much of traditional Chinese table manners apply to Taiwan too. === Dietary restrictions === ====Vegetarians==== [[File:Sush Manji.JPG|thumb|The characters 素食 signal the availability of vegetarian food]] All Mahayana Buddhists, which account for the majority of adherents in Taiwan, aspire to be pure '''vegetarian''' in deference to the Buddha's teaching of non-violence and compassion. So, vegetarian restaurants (called ''su-shi'' 素食 ''tsan-ting'' 餐廳 in Mandarin, and often identified with the 卍 symbol) can be found in abundance all over the island, and they run from cheap buffet style to gourmet and organic. Buffet styled restaurants (called 自助餐, which means "Serve Yourself Restaurant") are common in almost every neighborhood in large cities, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup or cold tea is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$90-120 will buy you a good sized, nutritious meal. However, if you cannot find a veggie restaurant, don't fret. Taiwanese people are very flexible and most restaurants will be happy to cook you up something to suit your requirements. The following sentences in Mandarin might be helpful: 我吃素 (''Wǒ chī sù'') - I'm vegetarian, 我不吃肉 (''Wǒ bù chī ròu'') - I don't eat meat. However, as Mandarin is a tonal language, you might need to say both, plus practice your acting skills to get yourself understood. Good luck! NB: If a restaurant refuses your order, don't push the issue. The reason will not be an unwillingness to accommodate your request, but because the basic ingredients of their dishes may include chicken broth or pork fat. Taiwanese vegetarianism (素食) isn't simply vegetarianism, for there is a notion of "plainness" to it. In most cases it excludes items such onion, ginger, and garlic. Buddhists and Taoists consider these items "un-plain" because they potentially cause physical excitement, which could hinder the meditative process. Thus, when offering food to a strict vegetarian, be aware that they may not eat food containing onion, ginger, and garlic. Although vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan do not aspire to '''vegan''' principles, almost all non-dessert dishes at Chinese style veggie restaurants will actually be vegan because Taiwanese do not have a tradition of eating dairy products. Ensure that your dish does not contain eggs, however. ====Allergies==== Awareness of '''food allergies''' is limited in Taiwan. If you can speak Chinese, you can ask restaurant staff about whether the food contains common allergens like peanuts or shellfish, and depending on the chef, they may be able to make some adjustments to accommodate you. Don't expect that level of accommodation from night markets stalls though. A serious '''soy''' allergy is basically incompatible with Taiwanese cuisine due to the prevalence of soy sauce as an ingredient, and '''gluten-free''' diets are very difficult to come by due to the very low incidence of celiac disease in Taiwan. '''Dairy''' is not commonly used in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, so avoiding it should be straightforward for lactose-intolerant people. ====Religious diets==== People on religious diets will have a ''hard time'' in Taiwan, and you will need to do some planning in advance. [[Islam|Muslims]] should contact the [http://www.cmainroc.org.tw Chinese Muslim Association] for advice on where to find ''halal'' food, while [[Judaism|Jews]] should contact the [https://www.jewish.tw/ Chabad Taiwan] for information on where to find ''kosher'' food. == Drink == [[File:HeySong beverage vending machine 20120917.jpg|thumb|Drinks vending machine in Taiwan]] As Taiwan is a subtropical island with the south part in the tropics, it cannot hurt to drink a lot, especially during summertime. Drink vending machines can be found virtually everywhere and are filled with all kinds of juices, tea and coffee drinks, soy milk and mineral water. === Alcohol === Taiwan's legal age to consume alcohol is 18 years of age. Minors caught drinking can face fines ranging from NT$10,000-50,000. Traditional alcoholic drinks in Taiwan are very strong. '''Kaoliang''' (高粱酒) from [[Kinmen]] is the most famous alcoholic drink. A distilled grain liquor, it is extremely strong, usually 140 proof or more, and often drunk straight. Taiwan also produces many types of '''Shaoxing''' (紹興酒), rice wine, which are considered by many as being some of the best in the world. While a relatively newcomer to the scene, Taiwanese '''[[whisky]]''' (威士忌) has been making waves in the 21st century, with local whiskey brand [http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ Kavalan] having emerged from obscurity to win numerous prestigious international awards. Taiwanese people enjoy beer on ice. A wide variety of imported beers are available, but the standard is '''Taiwan Beer''' (台灣啤酒), produced by a former government monopoly. It is brewed with fragrant penglai rice in addition to barley giving it a distinctive flavor. The beer is served cold and recognized as an especially suitable complement to Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine, especially seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi. Taiwan Beer has won international awards, including the International Monde Selection in 1977 and the Brewing Industry International Awards in 2002. Beer on tap is uncommon in Taiwan, and most places serve beer in bottles. For a special and rare treat, ask for the Taiwan Draft Beer (台灣生啤酒), which comes in a plain green bottle. This has a 2-week expiration, so it can only be found at the breweries (there are a few scattered around Taiwan) or at select stores and restaurants in the vicinity. === Tea and coffee === [[File:TimeForTea BubbleTea.JPG|thumb|Pearl milk tea and pudding milk tea, [[Chiayi]]]] Taiwan's specialty teas are '''High Mountain Oolong''' (高山烏龍, ''Gao-shan wulong''), a fragrant light tea, and '''Tie Guan-yin''' (鐵觀音), a dark, rich brew. Enjoying this tea, served in the traditional way using a very small teapot and tiny cups, is an experience you should not miss. This way of taking tea is called ''lao ren cha'' (老人茶), 'old people's tea', and the name is derived from the fact that only the elderly traditionally had the luxury of time to relax and enjoy tea in this way. Check the small print when visiting a traditional tea house though: in addition to the tea itself, you may be charged a cover (茶水費, literally "tea-water fee") for the elaborate process of preparing it and for any nibbles served on the side. One should also try '''Lei cha''' (擂茶; léi chá) a tasty and nourishing Hakka Chinese tea-based dish consisting of a mix ground tea leaves and rice. Some stores specialize in this product and allows one to grind their own lei cha. As with Chinese teas elsewhere, Chinese teas in Taiwan are always drunk neat, with the use of milk or sugar unknown. However, Taiwan is also the birthplace of pearl milk tea, which uses sugar and milk. '''Pearl milk tea''' (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá''), aka "bubble tea" or "boba tea", is milky tea with chewy balls of tapioca added, drunk through an over-sized straw. Invented in Taiwan in the early 1980s and a huge Asia-wide craze in the 1990s, it's not quite as popular as it once was but can still be found at nearly every coffee or tea shop. Look for a shop where it is freshly made. There are two cafes that maintain rival claims to having invented the drink: '''[https://chunshuitang.com.tw/ Chun Shui Tang]''' (春水堂) in [[Taichung]] and '''[http://www.hanlin-tea.com.tw/ Hanlin Tea Room]''' (翰林茶館) in [[Tainan]]. The '''cafe culture''' has hit Taiwan in a big way, and in addition to an abundance of privately owned cafes, all the major chains, such as Starbucks, have a multitude of branches throughout major towns and cities. === Soft drinks === Taiwan is a great place for fruit drinks. Small fruit-juice bars make them fresh on the spot and are experts at creating fruit-juice cocktails (non-alcoholic, of course). ''zong-he'' (mixed) is usually a sweet and sour combination and ''mu-gwa niou-nai'' (木瓜牛奶) is iced papaya milk. If you don't want ice (though it is safe in Taiwan, even at road side vendors) say, ''chu bing'' (去冰) and no sugar (''wu tang'' (無糖)). '''Soy milk''', or ''doujiang'' (豆漿), is a great treat. Try it hot or cold. Savory soy milk is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast dish. It is somewhat of an acquired taste as vinegar is added to curdle the milk. Both sweet and savory soy milk are often ordered with you-tiao (油條), or deep fried dough crullers. There are a lot of pseudo health drinks in Taiwanese supermarkets and convenience stores. Look out for asparagus juice and lavender milk tea for example. == Sleep == [[File:GrandHotel Fountain.JPG|thumb|250px|The Grand Hotel, Taipei]] ===Types=== * For the budget-minded, there are '''hostels''' in Taipei and most other sizable cities. Some hostels are under table which mean they don't have valid license. * '''Motels''' (汽車旅館) can be easily found in suburbs of major cities. Despite the name, these have little if anything to do with the cheap functional hotels that use the name elsewhere; in Taiwan, motels are intended for '''romantic trysts''' and can be quite extravagant in decor and facilities. Many feature enormous baths with massage jets, separate massage showers, marble tiles, and so forth. Suites come with flat screen TVs and centrally controlled sound systems. During the daytime, most offer "rests" (休息) of a few hours, and indeed check-in times for overnight stays (住宿) can be as late at 22:00. [[Taichung]] is considered the motel-capital of Taiwan. * Taiwanese '''hotels''' range in quality from seedy to very luxurious. Despite the complexities of doing business with both mainland China and Taiwan, most Western hotel chains operate in Taiwan such as Sheraton, Westin and Hyatt. Also, there are plenty of five-star hotels around. Keep in mind, however, that many of the international hotels tend to be outrageously expensive, while comparable and much cheaper accommodation is usually available in the same vicinity. For example, the airport hotel at CKS International charges about three or four times as much as a hotel in Taoyuan which is a half hour cab ride away. Taxi drivers and tourist offices are invaluable resources for finding cheaper hotels. * A uniquely Taiwanese form of accommodation is known as the '''''minsu''''' (民宿), which is similar to Bed and Breakfast accommodation that you usually find in the UK. Although typically cheaper than hotels, the facilities can often be as good as those of some higher end hotels, and many are designed around a specific theme (like fairy tale castle, nature lodge) Accommodation at a minsu typically includes breakfast the next morning, and higher end ones sometimes also give you the option of having a home-cooked style dinner. The downside is that most minsu are either in residential suburbs or in the countryside, meaning that transportation is typically less convenient that at centrally located hotels, and the availability of wi-fi can be a hit or miss. In addition, most minsu advertise in Chinese only. * '''Camping''' does not seem to be an issue in Taiwan and is available in many areas, even in national parks like [[Kenting National Park]]. Although, in [[Taroko Gorge|Taroko Gorge (National Park)]] you will have to pay for the camp ground. In general, a small fees may apply at official camp grounds. Inquire with the local tourist information centre where it is possible to camp and where not. Also, be aware there are "poisonous snakes and wasps" signs all over the country. So, make sure you know where you are camping, and how to keep out "unwanted guests". Consult a map like [http://openpoimap.org/?map=hotels&zoom=14&lat=21.93964&lon=120.72386&layers=B00FFTFFFFFFFF OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd], and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME], use, to find existing camp grounds or good locations. ===Remarks=== Nowadays, '''walk-ins''' are often more expensive that online bookings, especially with bigger hotels. It often seems, they cannot even beat their own online prices and you might need to book online instead of paying in cash on-sight&mdash;they will even courteously offer their WiFi for you to do that. Either way, it is advisable that you know what is the actual price online, which gives you a good bargaining ground. Sometimes they will quote a higher price, sometimes they will give you NT$50 less, but often it is just the online price. If you are still in need of a discount, send the ho(s)tel an email or WeChat/Line message quoting the online price. Some will give you 10 % discount on the online price this way, especially for same day short notice bookings. Generally, short notice bookings will give you a better price, since hotels are trying to sell their stock at a bargain price last-minute. However, do not try this for Saturday/Sunday or Holiday/Holiday bookings, this will leave you with bad or no options. Many hotels in Taiwan have both Chinese and Western names, which can differ radically. Find out and bring along the Chinese name (in Chinese characters), as locals will usually not be able to identify the English ones. Hotel beds in Taiwan are generally much harder than in the West because of the old Asian tradition to sleep on a wood board. Modern mattresses can be found in most hotels, but only in the most upscale Western style hotels will you find beds in a real western style. Many accommodations are not staffed 24/7, but they will leave a contact at their door. Often this will be a '''WeChat''' or '''Line''' contact, which are like WhatsApp. Thus, it makes sense to get these apps while travelling in Taiwan. Agoda seems to list more accommodation options than Booking for Taiwan. However, Agoda's way of claiming additional fees and stating dorm bed availability is a little dodgy. It often says "1 person in a dorm" but then "Occupancy: 2 adults". So, better to book each person separately just in case. Also, never choose the option to get charged in you credit card's home currency (€, US$, or so). This will give you a very bad exchange rate. Always select "TWD" as charged currency&mdash;in this case your home bank is indeed your friend. '''Or''' just get the displayed address/GPS, which is always fully displayed, and walk into the hotel. == Learn == Taiwan is home to several good universities, many of which have exchange agreements with various foreign universities, and these are a good way to experience life in Taiwan. The most prestigious university in Taiwan is the '''[https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/ National Taiwan University]''' (國立臺灣大學). === Mandarin Chinese === Some universities in Taiwan have Chinese Promoting Programs (華語文推廣中心) that offers Chinese lessons to foreigners who wish to live in Taiwan or to learn Mandarin Chinese as their second or foreign language. The romanisation system taught here nowadays is Hanyu Pinyin (漢語拼音), whereas in the past they taught Zhuyin (注音), or BoPoMoFo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). The writing system taught is Traditional Chinese and the form of Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect but the Taiwanese accent is quite noticeable. === [[Martial arts]] === There are many styles of '''kung fu''' (功夫) taught in Taiwan, largely by masters who came here with the Kuomintang in the late 1940s. Styles include Ba Gua (八卦), Tai Chi (太極), Wing Chun (詠春), Praying Mantis (螳螂), Shway (水) Shiao and various weapons systems. Many of the students are westerners in these classes, which has led to the rise of several [http://www.theallegra.com/ NHB Allegra] schools, and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Japanese Aikido. Some of the more famous teachers will provide you with the paperwork needed to extend a student visa twice. Taekwondo is also extremely popular and is often a mandatory part of school children's physical education. == Work == [[File:Kaohsiung birdseyeview.jpg|thumb|Kaohsiung skyline]] The majority of travelers who work in Taiwan pick up temporary jobs [[teaching English]]. Jobs teaching other languages (mainly European or Japanese) do exist but have a much smaller proportion of the market. '''Job requirements''': In finding employment with a language school, experience, teaching qualifications and references are not required but obviously help. On paper, a big issue is also made about accents, with the North American English accent being heavily favored over British, Australian and South African accents in many language schools' sales marketing. However, in practice, many schools that advertise 'American English' and claim that their teachers are all from Canada or the USA, actually employ teachers from anywhere. Age is a factor, with applicants in their 20s seemingly being preferred. More than anything, appearance is probably the major factor in finding employment with most schools—Do you 'look Western'?—and reliability and turning up on time for work is then the major factor for keeping your job. Therefore, if you look the part, it is very easy to find a school willing to take you on for at least a few days. This 'look Western' point has quite a bearing. Unfortunately, Taiwan is hardly a great promoter of '''equal opportunities'''. In many schools there is a prejudice against teachers applying for jobs who are not of white appearance, seen as the typical Western appearance in Asian countries. This is independent of whether or not the teacher has relevant teaching ability and citizenship of one of the permitted ARC countries. Many parents who send their children to schools to be taught English expect the teacher to look like they are from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and so on, and so the decision on the part of the school managers is mainly about economics. For those affected by this, it's a sad fact of Taiwan that is unlikely to change in the near future. Good employers without such prejudiced requirements do exist, but greater perseverance is needed when looking for them. It is illegal to work without a '''work permit''' and an ARC (or Alien Residency Permit), and legal work requires a university degree and usually a long (over two month) application process. Alternatively, if you have a lot of money, you can obtain an '''investor visa''' by investing a large sum of money in a local business, which allows you to work for that company in a management capacity. However, illegal employment is easy to find with many school managers being willing to pay under the table for short durations. If caught or reported, you risk criminal charges and could be deported. The government tends to waver from being very lax on this issue under one administration to suddenly taking action under the next; but it only takes one disgruntled student to report you and have you fined and deported. Consider your options carefully! The '''rules for getting an ARC''' do change often and each administrative part of Taiwan has its own ways of handling them, so it is best to check the pages of the [http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/index.php website Forumosa] and find out what the experiences of others are in your area. Keep in mind, that you can only get an ARC for English teaching if you are a 'citizen of a native English speaking country'. Taiwan's government defines these countries to be only the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Almost all teachers apply for an ARC through their employers only after starting work and it is tied to their ongoing employment with that school. Therefore, if the teacher wishes to leave their employment, they will have to quickly find an alternative employer or lose their ARC and hence be required to leave Taiwan. Also, very few schools will arrange an ARC without at least a year-long contract being signed. Frankly, with all this inflexibility, it's no wonder so many teachers opt for the non-legal route. That and tax evasion. Citizens of Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland and Canada aged 18–30 can apply for a '''working holiday visa'''. For more information, visit the [http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=783&CtUnit=80&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs website]. After living in Taiwan continuously for 5 years, you may apply for '''permanent residency'''. If granted, it allows you to live and work in Taiwan indefinitely without restrictions. A lot of the illegal teaching work that the majority of English teachers partake in is simply through '''private student''' tuition with payment being cash-in-hand. You can find a lot of private students around universities that have a Chinese-teaching department—look for the areas where all the foreign students are and check the noticeboards. Because the majority of adult private students want to practice English conversation, you won't need to have any Chinese ability. However, it is definitely a selling point and, if you do have Chinese-speaking ability, it's worthwhile mentioning that in any advertising of your services. Also, once you have some regular students, remember that in Taiwan, as in most Asian countries, 'connections' or 'guanxi' are very important. If your students like you, they will in all likelihood recommend you to their family and friends. Teaching English in Taiwan can be lucrative, as the '''salaries''' are very high compared to the cost of living, typically ranging NT$500-650 per hour before deductions in most language schools, with anything between NT$500-1,000 per hour being negotiable for private students. In the past few years, the flow of would-be teachers into Taiwan has increased dramatically, resulting in stiffer competition for jobs and a general drop in wages, and this trend may continue. Employers of English teachers are notorious for racial discrimination. White people are much more likely to get better offers than those of other races, regardless of ability. Aside from English-teaching, '''other common kinds of employment''' available for mainly native English-speaking travellers include such tid-bits as small acting parts for TV and film, voice talent (video games, dubbing tracks, etc.), editing and even writing educational materials. Many of these jobs are advertised on billboards in Chinese language-teaching institutes and universities, where there are likely to be many foreign students. If after travelling and living there, you find you are '''serious about working in Taiwan''', the most lucrative employment to be had is if you are employed by a multinational company, perhaps in a high-paying country like the UK, U.S. or Australia, and you are sent across to their office in Taiwan. Many foreigners end up doing the same job as their colleagues who were employed in the Taiwan office, but for perhaps 3 or 4 times their pay. == Stay safe == {{warningbox|'''Taiwan treats drug offenses ''extremely'' severely.''' The '''death penalty is mandatory''' for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin and 1.2 kg of opium, and possession of these quantities is all that is needed for you to be convicted. Unauthorized consumption can result in up to 10 years' jail, or a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorized consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if you can prove that they were consumed outside the country and you can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, even if they aren't yours and regardless of whether you're aware of them. Therefore, be vigilant of your possessions.}} === Crime === [[File:CKS Airport drugs sign.JPG|thumb|A sign at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport warns arriving travellers that drug trafficking is a capital offense in the country.]] Taiwan is very safe for tourists, even for women walking down the street alone at night. This is not to say, however, that there is no crime, and you should always exercise caution. In crowded areas such as night markets or festivals, for example, [[pickpockets]] are a known problem. However, it is fair to say that the streets of Taiwan are generally very safe and that violent crime and muggings are very rare. In addition, it is also very unusual to see drunks on the street, day or night. Like anywhere else in the world, women should be cautious when taking taxis alone late at night. Although they are generally safe, it's a good idea to arrange to have a friend call you when you get home and to be seen making the arrangements for this by the cab driver. It also helps if a friend sees you being picked up as taxis have visible license numbers. As an additional safety precaution, tell taxi drivers just the street name and section instead of your exact address. [[File:RPO First Police Section Taoyaun Police Station in Taoyuan Station.jpg|thumb|A police station in Taiwan]] Police departments in most jurisdictions have a Foreign Affairs Police unit staffed by English-speaking officers. When reporting a major crime, it is advisable to contact the Foreign Affairs unit in addition to officers at the local precinct. Police stations are marked with a red light above the door and display a sign with the word "Police" clearly printed in English. For more information see the [http://www.npa.gov.tw National Police Agency website ]. Foreign victims of a major crime in Taiwan are also advised to report the matter to their government's representative office in Taipei. Also, remember that you call 110 for police in Taiwan, and 119 for fire department or medical help. Most of the public telephone booths allow you to call 110 or 119 for free. See "Emergency Phone Numbers" section below. Taiwan is home to many triads (Chinese organized crime syndicates), although they almost never target the average person in the street, and most tourists will not encounter them. Many operate human trafficking rings involving the sale of poor women from Southeast Asia into sex slavery that the government has struggled to tackle. They are also often involved in illegal betting and loansharking, so it is best to be prudent and avoid these. ===Military exercises=== [[File:20160225 台東縣政新聞 萬安39號演習25日下午實施 9ebfd80f-d8a3-4444-8eca-58d3473dff15.jpg|thumb|Evacuated streets during Wan-an Exercise.]] The Taiwanese military organizes regular civil-defense exercise, known as Wan-an Exercise (萬安演習). Air raid sirens are activated for 30 minutes during the exercise, and you are required to follow any evacuation orders made by the military and police. *If you are in a building, you should close all windows and doors and turn off lights. *If you are driving, you must '''pull over your vehicle and make a complete stop'''. Vehicles must not enter any motorways, but must leave the motorway and pull over your vehicle in exits. Traffic police will give proper instructions to drivers and regulate traffic flow. *If you are taking a train/metro, you must not enter the train or leave the station, and should follow evacuation orders given by railway staff, the military and the police. Failure to comply with instructions can result in a heavy fine. === Emergency phone numbers === * '''Police''': 110 *'''Fire/Ambulance''': 119 The police and fire/ambulance offer service in English. For those who need Taiwanese governmental assistance in English, [https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/6928/6940/ this website] has a 24-hour toll-free foreigner service hotline at 0800-024-111, which you may call for assistance. === Natural hazards === Taiwan often experiences '''[[Cyclones|typhoons]]''' (颱風) during the summer months and early fall, especially on the East Coast. Heavy monsoon rainfall also occurs during the summer. Hikers and mountaineers should be sure to consult weather reports before heading into the mountains. A major hazard following heavy rainfall in the mountains is falling rocks (土石流) caused by the softening of the earth and there are occasional reports of people being killed or injured by these. Taiwan is also on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that '''[[earthquakes]]''' are a common occurrence. Most earthquakes are barely noticeable, though the effect may be slightly amplified for those in higher buildings. While the local building codes are extremely strict, general precautions should still be observed during an earthquake, including opening the door to prevent it from being jammed, taking cover and checking for gas leaks afterwards. While most newer buildings have been built according to strict codes that enable them to withstand major earthquakes, some of the older buildings were not constructed to such high standards and therefore are vulnerable to serious damage or collapse in the case of a strong tremor. Taiwan's wild areas are home to a variety of '''poisonous snakes''', including the bamboo viper, Russel's viper, banded krait, coral snake, Chinese cobra, Taiwan habu, and the so-called "hundred pacer" (百步蛇). Precautions against snake bites include making plenty of noise as you hike, wearing long trousers and avoiding overgrown trails. Most snakes are scared of humans, so if you make noise you will give them time to get away. Walking quietly means that you may suddenly startle them around a corner when you appear, and trigger an attack. The Russel's viper, one of the most dangerous snakes in Taiwan, is an exception: it generally prefers to take a stand against threats. === Traffic === Local drivers have a well-deserved reputation for seeming reckless and downright immoral. It is possible (even normal) to obtain a driving license in Taiwan without ever having driven on the roads, and this may be a reason (along with the overcrowded roads) why courteous or defensive driving is definitely not the norm. The guiding principles seem to be that the right of way belongs to the larger vehicle, i.e. trucks have the right-of-way over cars, cars over motorcycles, motorcycles over people, etc. Despite traffic's chaotic appearance, it is viscerally intuitive to yield the right-of-way to a much larger vehicle barreling towards you. It is advisable to use slow and smooth movements over quick or sudden ones. Local drivers regularly cut in front of moving traffic into spaces that seem too small, try to change lanes regardless of the fact their destination is already full, etc. Be aware that during busy traffic (i.e., nearly always) two-lane roads will spontaneously become three-lane, an orange light will be interpreted as 'speed up', and the smallest moment's pause in oncoming traffic will result in ''everybody'' that's waiting trying to turn across it. Drivers routinely enter a junction when their exit is blocked, and are therefore frequently still there long after the lights change, blocking traffic traveling in other directions. Many motorcycle riders also have a tendency to zip through any space, no matter how tiny. Also be aware that motorcycles often travel through areas typically considered pedestrian-only spaces, like the night-markets. If you drive a car or a motorcycle, the obvious rule is that if someone turns in front of you, you should be the one to adapt. To avoid collisions, drivers need to be extremely vigilant for other vehicles creating hazards and always be willing to adjust speed or direction to accommodate. Do not expect drivers to yield way, or respect traffic lights in many areas, especially in central and southern Taiwan. Sounding the horn is the usual way a Taiwanese driver indicates that they do not intend to accommodate a driver trying to encroach on their lane, etc., and does not necessarily imply the anger or criticism, as it does in other countries. One bright side of Taiwan's chaotic traffic is that drivers tend to have an exceptional awareness of the spatial extents of their vehicle and maneuver well, so that even though it continuously looks like somebody is about to drive straight into you, it's relatively rare that they actually do so. Be extra careful when crossing the road, even to the extent of looking both ways on a one-way street. When crossing at a pedestrian crossing at a T-junction or crossroads, be aware that when the little green man lights up and you start crossing, motorists will still try to turn right, with or without a green feeder light. Even on roads where traffic is infrequent and the green light is in your favor, bike riders are still strongly advised to check the opposite lane. ===Homosexuality=== Taiwan is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers. There are no laws against homosexuality in Taiwan and unprovoked violence against gays and lesbians is almost unheard of. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Taiwan on 24 May 2019, making it the first Asian country to do so. Taiwan is also the first East Asian country to have enacted anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of education and employment. There is an annual gay pride event called Taiwan Pride. Taipei is home to a vibrant gay scene, and there are also gay bars in some of Taiwan's other cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. Acceptance among the Taiwanese public tends to be measured, and homosexuality is still considered to be somewhat of a social taboo, particularly by the older generation. Openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is likely to draw stares and whispers from some people. Nevertheless, attitudes are changing and homosexuality tends to be more accepted by the younger people. ===Dogs=== They can be a problem in remote and rural regions, although they are far less numerous than in Thailand and Myanmar. If they get too close to you, picking up a stone or having a big stick is usually a sufficient deterrent. Taiwanese Aboriginals hold dogs in higher regard than Han Chinese do. Many Aboriginal communities have dogs freely running around their communities. == Stay healthy == ===Pollution=== Air pollution can be significant with the highest ratio of scooters per person in the world and a high west coast urban density. You can check air quality real time monitoring [https://airtw.epa.gov.tw/ENG/default.aspx on this page]. For reference the USA standard for fine particles (PM2.5) over 24 hours should be below 35&nbsp;µg/m³. It is a good idea to use a mask that can filter fine particles ([http://aqicn.org/mask/ how to choose a mask]), especially when traveling with the elderly or children. === Water === '''[[Water]]''' quality in Taiwan varies depending on location and time. According to the sole water company of Taiwan, tap water is in general safe to drink. However, it is advised that drinking water be boiled in order to eliminate residual chlorine and bacteria. Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which adversely affects water quality. Some buildings, particularly older ones, may have poorly maintained water towers and/or pipes, resulting in poor quality that is beyond the control of the water company. Depending on the severity, one might either filter the water in addition to boiling or avoid the taps altogether. Alternative options include buying bottled water or going to a "water station" where water is sold through a metered tap. Water from these sources is licensed to be safe for drinking. Bottled water can be bought in 24 hour convenience stores. Water quality in Kaohsiung used to be very poor. As a result, most people today use alternative sources. However, there is little evidence that this is necessary today as the quality has improved drastically. In addition, the mentioned alternative sources today are mostly filtered tap water and do not circumvent the historical source of contamination. === Healthcare === Medicines are available for minor ailments at drug stores. You may also find common drugs requiring a prescription in the west (like asthma inhalers and birth control pills) cheaply available from drug stores without a prescription. Taiwan has both Chinese physicians and Western doctors, both of which are taken equally seriously. However, as a foreigner, the assumption would generally be to direct you to a Western doctor. The quality of the hospitals in Taiwan is excellent and on par with, if not better than those found in the West. Taiwan's healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Legal residents with a National Health Card can avail themselves of the very convenient and efficient national health service, which covers treatment and medication using both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. However, this service is not available to short term visitors on tourist visas; nor does it cover major hospitalization expenses. Still, hospital visits and medicine in Taiwan tends to be far less expensive than in Western countries. Most Taiwanese doctors are able to communicate in at least basic English, and in fact, many of the top ones have obtained their medical qualifications in the US and are able to speak English fluently. However, you may find the nurses to be more of a challenge. === Hiking === Watch out for mosquito bites when hiking in the mountains. Especially in the summer, the humid and hot weather makes mosquitos very active. Most mosquito bites only cause skin irritation and itching, but in some areas of Taiwan it's possible to contract [[dengue fever]] or Japanese Encephalitis (though they are both rare in Taiwan). Mosquito/insect repellent spray can be found at convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) and local pharmacies. If you are bitten by mosquitos, apply a small amount of ointment for irritation relief. == Respect == The Taiwanese are generally a warm and polite people, having been strongly influenced by Confucianism. As Taiwanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, elderly visitors will find most Taiwanese to be very helpful and accommodating. Naming customs and modes of address are generally the same as in mainland China. See the [[China#Respect|Respect]] section of that article for details. === Culture === [[File:Pagode Kaohsiung amk.jpg|thumb|Pagoda in Kaohsiung]] Taiwan shares several cultural taboos/guidelines with other East Asian nations: * When giving and receiving business cards, always do it using ''both hands'' and with a slight bow of the head. Giving or receiving a business card with only one hand is very disrespectful. * Some Taiwanese are superstitious about anything connected with dying &ndash; unlucky things should never be mentioned. The number 4 (four, pronounced 'si') sounds like the word for death in Mandarin. * Do not write people's names in red. This again has connotations of death. When writing someone's English name, this is not a problem, but avoid writing Chinese names in red. * Do not whistle or ring a bell at night. This is an "invitation to ghosts". * Do not point at cemeteries or graves. This is disrespectful to the dead. * There are numerous taboos dictating that certain objects shouldn't be given to others, often because the word for that object sounds like another unfortunate word: ** Clocks. The phrase "to give a clock" ("song zhong"), in Mandarin, has the same sound as the word "to perform last rites." If you do give someone a clock, the recipient may give you a coin in return to dispel the curse. ** Shoes. Never ever offer shoes as a gift to old people, as it signifies sending them on their way to heaven. This is acceptable only if by mutual arrangement it is nominally sold, where the receiving party gives a small payment of about NT$10. ** Knives or sharp objects, as they are made for or could be used to hurt the person. ** Umbrellas, which in Mandarin sound the same as the word for "break up". Friends should therefore never give friends umbrellas. Instead, friends will euphemistically "rent" each other umbrellas for a tiny amount (NT$1, for example). * The Taiwanese are certainly not puritanical and enjoy a drink, especially the locally brewed Taiwan Beer and Kaoliang. However, Taiwan does not have a culture of heavy drinking like in Northern China and it is rare to see anyone drunk on the streets. While over indulging in alcohol is not a social taboo as such (and some people do so at weddings), it is considered a sign of lack of self-confidence and immaturity, and doing so certainly won't gain you any respect among Taiwanese friends. * You are expected to remove your shoes before entering a house. You will find some slippers to be worn by visitors next to the entrance door. It is likely to be the same ritual for bathrooms and balconies where you will be expected to remove your slippers to wear a pair of plastic sandals (though it is less shocking not to use the sandals by then). * As you will get along with Taiwanese people, you are very likely to receive small presents of any sort, such as drinks, food or little objects. These are a very convenient way to lubricate social relations for Taiwanese people, and are especially common between friends in their 20s. You should reciprocate any such presents with something similar, but it does not need to be immediate or specially tailored to that person (i.e., keep it simple). As a teacher you are not expected to offer anything in return, as long as the relationship stays formal. However, beware of the sometimes overly generous parents who can go as far as offering presents running in the thousands of NT$ and who will then expect you to take special care of their child (understand that their expectations will be considered fair in Taiwanese culture). * You are not expected to tip in hotels, restaurants and taxis, though bellhops may still expect NT$50 or so for carrying your luggage. * Much like the mainland Chinese, "saving face" is also a major value in Taiwanese culture. In general, you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes in order to avoid causing major embarrassment and if you really have to, call the person to one side and do it in private, and try to do it in a polished manner. * If you should need to use a temple's washroom, bow to any statues of deities you see on the way whether or not you believe in them. While most people will not mind you using the temple's washroom, they expect you to treat their place of worship with respect. If you plan to offer gifts (such as simple fruits) to the statues of deities in the temple, it is expected that you wash the fruits and your hands prior to offering. In addition, upon entering and leaving a temple, do take and avoid stepping directly on the raised threshold: always try to step over it. You should also never point to the status of deities with your index finger; use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. * You will often see '''priority seats''' (博愛座) on public transportation in Taiwan. These are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children; do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. * '''Cultural identity''' is a complex and sensitive issue in Taiwan. While most Taiwanese people are ethnically Chinese, many people, especially the youth, seek to distance themselves from China with a distinct Taiwanese identity, and will often emphasize their Japanese colonial heritage instead. === Religion === Most Taiwanese people follow a mix of traditional Chinese folk religions and Buddhism, and it is common to visit temples to offer prayers during important festivals or life events. That said, contemporary Taiwanese society is largely secular in daily life, and religion in general does not play a significant role in people's work or political affiliations. Nevertheless, you are still expected to dress and behave respectfully when visiting temples. As in other Asian countries, swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol. They emphatically do ''not'' represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. When visiting temples, be sure to enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inwards). The larger middle gate is traditionally reserved for deities and the Emperor of China. Also be sure to avoid pointing at the statues of deities with your index figure, as it is considered to be very disrespectful. Use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. The most popular traditional Chinese deity in Taiwan is Mazu, a Fujianese shamaness who is believed to have ascended to godhood and now protects sailors, as the Fujianese were largely a seafaring people. [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion among the Aboriginal people, with Presbyterianism and Roman Catholicism being the main denominations. There is also a significant Christian minority among the ethnic Chinese. Taiwanese people are generally tolerant of different religions, and people of all faiths can usually practice their religion without any major problems. The Falun Gong religion which is banned in mainland China is allowed in Taiwan, though attitudes towards them from the local Taiwanese people tend to be very mixed. === Politics === Taiwanese society is rather polarized by allegiance between supporters of the two major political blocs informally known as "Pan-Blue Coalition" and "Pan-Green Coalition", although there are large numbers of people who are either centrist or who don't care. To simplify a very complex situation, pan-blue supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of reunification or maintaining the status quo with China and pan-green supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of establishing a formally independent Taiwan state, among other differences. Although there are some correlations, it is highly unwise to assume anything about a particular person's political beliefs based on what you think you know about their background. Also, this very brief sketch of Taiwanese politics obscures a large amount of complexity. Traditionally, mainlanders, Aboriginal people, Hakka people and people from Kinmen and Matsu tended to be strongly pan-blue, while Taiwanese speakers from Central and Southern Taiwan tended to be strongly pan-green, though this distinction has largely disappeared among the younger generation, who are now overwhelmingly pro-independence. Unless you know your listener well, it is unwise to say anything (either positive or negative) about the current government, about historical figures in Taiwanese history, about Taiwan's international relations, or about relations with mainland China. Some political figures such as Sun Yat-sen (who is also popular in the PRC and with the Chinese government) and Chiang Ching-kuo are generally seen positively, but others (Chiang Kai-shek, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian in particular) arouse very polarized feelings. Some Taiwanese will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China. Others will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is not part of China. Referring to the PRC as "mainland China" (中國大陸 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') rather than simply China will tend not to offend anyone, as the term is generally used to exclude Hong Kong and Macau as well, making it less subjective. Referring to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan Province" will draw a negative reaction from most Taiwanese. "Greater China" may be used in certain business contexts. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many subtleties and complexities here that if you are talking about these things, you've already wandered into a minefield. However, simply referring to the island as "Taiwan" is fine, as that is the name used by the locals, regardless of their political persuasion. Titles such as "Republic of China" are reserved for official matters only. People from Kinmen and Matsu do not identify as Taiwanese and instead identify as Kinmenese/Matsunese or simply Chinese. '''Relations with mainland China''', as well as the '''Hong Kong protests''', are sensitive issues; tread carefully on these topics. Despite the deep mistrust many Taiwanese have of the communist Chinese government, most locals bear little to no animosity towards individual mainland Chinese visitors. As long as you avoid political discussions and behave yourself properly, you should not run into any problems. ===Japanese occupation=== In contrast to other Asian countries, Taiwanese feelings towards the Japanese occupation (1895-1945) are generally positive, though there are exceptions. Some of the older people who lived through the period of Japanese rule often bear a certain degree of nostalgia for that time, although there was strong resistance, and massacres of both Chinese and Aboriginal people were carried out throughout the occupation. Nevertheless, many Taiwanese bear a sense of gratitude towards the Japanese for modernizing Taiwan, and many people who lived through both periods regard Japanese rule more favorably than the subsequent Kuomintang rule under Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese visitors can expect a particularly warm welcome as most Taiwanese admire Japanese culture, and modern Taiwanese culture continues to be heavily influenced by that of Japan. In particular, many shops and tourist attractions are based on a theme of colonial nostalgia. == Connect == ===Internet=== ====''iTaiwan''==== Introduced in the mid-2010s, this is Taiwan's free, convenient and widespread WiFi, and answer to today's mobile-dependent population. ''iTaiwan'' is available all over Taiwan, (according to marketing) in all the 7 biggest cities, but at least all over Taipei, Tainan and Taitung, at all railway/MRT stations (even at the smallest) and most bus stations all over the country, as well as in most tourist information centres. Where it is not available, there exist related WiFis that offer an ''iTaiwan'' login option, or there are other independent but free options like ''.1.Free Wi-Fi'' that require clicking an advertisement to get online. As a foreigner, you have to apply for access at a tourist information centre using your passport. The login is the passport number and the password is your birthday in ''YYYYMMDD'' form. At some free WiFi spots, like in railway stations, there is a power and USB plug to charge your electronic devices. ====SIM cards==== If you want an Internet connection to your smartphone, you can purchase a prepaid 4G unlimited data sim card from Chunghwa Telecom at a cost of NT$300 for 3 days, or NT$500 for 7 days (other periods are available as well). Just walk into any official Chunghwa Telecom shop to apply (also at all international airports). They need your passport and identification documents of your country of origin, driving license or identification card. Other providers in the market are Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, T-Star, and GT. Their pricing is largely the same for visitor plans as Chunghwa Telecom, however they do offer special promotions on their standard prepaid plans from time to time, and for travelers continuing elsewhere after Taiwan, FarEasTone and GT offer a lineup of reasonably priced "travel SIMs" for travel around Asia, Europe, and North America, while Taiwan Mobile offers flat-rate international data roaming on its standard prepaid SIMs. Importantly, if continuing on to mainland China later, these travel SIMs or Taiwan Mobile's roaming plans do not censor data there as a local SIM would. ====Restaurants, cafés, etc.==== Most in-house eateries, shopping centres, libraries and such have free WiFi for their customers available. ====Gaming cafés==== Not that relevant and widespread anymore, Internet cafés aka gaming cafés. These are often found on the first or second floor of buildings and equipped with very comfortable chairs and large screens. Although people do surf the Internet, most people primarily go there for a smooth experience of online gaming. Each hour of Internet access/game play is cheap, coming in at around NT$20. Some machines in the Internet cafés are coin operated. === Telephone === [[File:Payphones of Taiwan Fixed Network at THSR Taichung Station 20070105.jpg|thumb|Payphones in [[Taichung]]]] The standard prefix for international calls from Taiwan is 002, though some other companies may use alternative prefixes at lower rates. Check with your telecom operator for more details. Calls to mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau require international dialling. The country code for calls to Taiwan is +886. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Numbers Starting With 0800 are commercial toll-free numbers, just like the 1-800 numbers in North America. '''Mobile phone''' coverage is generally excellent in Taiwan, with the exception of some remote mountainous areas. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), Far EasTone (遠傳電信) and Taiwan Star Telecom (台灣之星). Taiwan has both 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) and 4G (LTE) networks and inbound roaming agreements are in place between most international providers and at least one of these four (but check with your operator before departure). The last 2G networks were shut down in July 2017. The internationally popular messaging app Whatsapp is not popular in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese use the Japanese messaging app '''[https://line.me/en/ LINE]''' instead. === Media === Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. Taiwan's main newspapers are the Chinese-language ''[https://www.ltn.com.tw/ Liberty Times]'' (自由時報), ''[https://tw.appledaily.com/ Apple Daily]'' (蘋果日報), ''[https://www.chinatimes.com/ China Times]'' (中國時報) and ''[http://udn.com/ United Daily News]'' (聯合報). The ''[https://money.udn.com Economic Daily News]'' (經濟日報) and ''[https://ctee.com.tw/ Commercial Times]'' (工商時報) focus on financial and business news. The main English-language newspapers are ''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]'' and ''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]''. A third newspaper in English, ''[http://etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]'' (formerly ''China News''), is no longer available in print but continues to exist online. Other news sources: *[http://focustaiwan.tw/ Central News Agency] *[http://english.rti.org.tw/ RTI] (Radio Taiwan International) *[http://news.cens.com/ the Taiwan Economic News] *[http://taiwantoday.tw/ Taiwan Today] *[http://www.taipeinews.net/ TaipeiNews.net] *[http://www.taiwansun.com/ Taiwan Sun] Free magazines: * ''Lifestyle'' – Info on Taiwan relating to what's on and current trends (bilingual). * ''[http://taiphoon.pristine.net/main-page.htm Taiphoon]'' – A magazine dedicated to promoting peace and environmental awareness in Taiwan (bilingual). * ''[http://www.journeyeast.url.tw/ Journey East]'' – A travel and lifestyle magazine for northern Taiwan (bilingual). Radio: * [http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT] (short for "International Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available island-wide on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour 07:00–20:00 M–F and 10:00–18:00 on Sa. ===Printing=== Every 7-Eleven and Familymart has cloud printers available for printing documents and even pictures. But for the latter you might be better off with a professional shop. The instructions are in Chinese or English. Costs: NT$1 per document page, plus NT$1 processing fee. == Cope == ===Electricity=== For electrical sockets, Taiwan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as the United States. Electricity is supplied at 110 V at 60 Hz. === Embassies and foreign missions === ''See [[Taipei#Cope|Cope section]] in [[Taipei]] guide'' {{usablecountry}} {{isPartOf|East Asia}} {{geo|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} i2c7eznrrpnj983litx3pgzt0f0gs2q 4488090 4488064 2022-07-22T04:26:06Z The dog2 35982 /* Eat */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner | Formasa Station Banner.jpg}} {{COVID-19 box|Restrictions have been implemented throughout Taiwan due to a surge in COVID cases. Taiwan has '''barred entry to non-resident foreign nationals indefinitely.''' International transit passengers are allowed starting from June 15, 2022, provided they do not leave the secure area of the airport. Those allowed to enter the country are required to '''quarantine for 14 days'''. ''(See [[Taiwan#Get in|Get in]] for more information)''| lastedit=2022-07-20}} '''[https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/ Taiwan]''' (Traditional Chinese: 台灣 or 臺灣, ''Táiwān'') is an island nation off the coast of southeastern mainland [[China]]. The island is officially known as and governed by the '''Republic of China''' (中華民國 ''Zhōnghuá Mínguó'') or '''ROC'''. Shaped roughly like a sweet potato, the nation is home to more than 23 million people and is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. Although most of the population is ethnically Chinese, the legacy of Japanese colonial rule still pervades much of Taiwanese life, and there is also indigenous Austronesian culture to explore for the truly intrepid traveler. {{disclaimerbox|While the political status of Taiwan is a controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveler's point of view, Taiwan is under the ''de facto'' control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate country. ''This page does not represent a political endorsement of the claims of either side of the dispute.''}} == Regions == {{Regionlist | regionmap = Taiwan_Regions_Map.png | regionmapsize = 350px | regionmaptext = Map of Taiwan with regions color-coded (Matsu is not included) | region1name=[[Northern Taiwan]] | region1color=#b08eb0 | region1items=[[Hsinchu]], [[Hsinchu County]], [[Keelung]], [[New Taipei]], [[Taipei]], [[Taoyuan]] | region1description=The capital city, main airport and technology hub of the island | region2name=[[Central Taiwan]] | region2color=#efb86e | region2items=[[Changhua County]], [[Miaoli County]], [[Nantou County]] and [[Taichung]] | region2description=Scenic mountains and lakes and major national parks | region3name=[[Eastern Taiwan]] | region3color=#77c283 | region3items=[[Yilan County]], [[Hualien]], [[Hualien County]], [[Taitung County]], [[Taitung]] | region3description=Hualien and Taitung are cut off from the rest of the island by the central mountains; this is a region of great natural beauty, and the main center of indigenous Austronesian culture | region4name=[[Southern Taiwan]] | region4color=#75a4c3 | region4items= [[Chiayi County]], [[Kaohsiung]], [[Pingtung County]], [[Tainan]] and [[Yunlin County]] | region4description=The tropics of Taiwan with beaches and palm trees and the third largest city | region5name=Outlying Islands | region5color=#c9cf7b | region5items=Tiny islands also governed by the Republic of China: [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]], just off the coast of mainland China's [[Fujian]] Province, [[Penghu]] in the straits, [[Green Island (Taiwan)|Green Island]] and [[Orchid Island]], east of Taiwan | region5description=Small islands that are popular getaway destinations with the locals. }} <br clear="right" /> {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b08eb0|title=[[Northern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249994,Q74054,Q249996,Q244898,Q1867,Q115256}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q133865,Q63706,Q82357,Q245023}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Eastern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q237258,Q249868,Q249904}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Taiwan]]|wikidata=Q249995,Q166977,Q181557,Q194989,Q140631,Q153221}} == Cities == {{mapframe|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} {{mapshape|title=Taiwan High Speed Rail|wikidata=Q706198|type=geoline|stroke=#c35617|stroke-width=4|stroke-opacity=1}} [[File:TWTC ITB, TICC and Taipei 101 20100410 night.jpg|thumb|300px|Taipei at night]] * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taipei]]|wikidata=Q1867}} (臺北 or 台北) – The seat of government of Taiwan ROC, as well as the center of commerce and culture. Taipei is also home to Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Miaoli]]|lat=24.57|long=120.82}} (苗栗) – The main center of Hakka culture in Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hualien]]|wikidata=Q713310}} (花蓮) – Near Taroko Gorge and considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan's cities. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Jiufen]]|wikidata=Q31093}} (九份) – A former gold mining town on the northeast coast visited for its quaint streets and picturesque views. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Kaohsiung]]|wikidata=Q181557}} (高雄) – The third-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest sea ports (the Port of Kaohsiung) in the world and it has the island's second-largest airport, Kaohsiung International Airport. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taichung]]|wikidata=Q245023}} (臺中 or 台中) – The second-largest city on the island. In the center-western region of Taiwan, and famous among the Taiwanese for its pastries such as sun cakes and pineapple cakes. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Puli]]|wikidata=Q706544}} (埔里) – At the geographical center of the island, making it a good base for exploring the central mountains and [[Sun Moon Lake]]. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tainan]]|wikidata=Q140631}} (臺南 or 台南) – The oldest city and former capital of Taiwan. It is famous for its historic buildings, and as the unofficial culinary capital of Taiwan. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Taitung]]|lat=22.758333|long=121.144444}} (臺東 or 台東) – On the southeastern coast, a laid back city that is known for beautiful scenery and large Aboriginal population. == Other destinations == [[File:Alishan Forest Staircase2.JPG|thumb|240px|Mountain trail in [[Alishan]]]] People tend to think of Taiwan as a small, crowded island filled mostly with electronic factories, and if you stay in Taipei or along the west coast you might indeed maintain that impression. However, the island is also home to high mountain ranges, great beaches and stunning national parks, many with hot springs. * {{marker|name=[[Alishan]]|wikidata=Q707585}} (阿里山) – Misty forests of giant cypresses and amazing sunrises at the center of the island, reached by a scenic narrow-gauge train * {{marker|name=[[Kenting National Park]]|wikidata=Q707982}} (墾丁國家公園) – At the extreme southern tip of the island, this park is famous for its beaches and lush vegetation. * {{marker|name=[[Shei-pa National Park]]|wikidata=Q707996}} (雪霸國家公園) – A park spanning mountains and rivers in [[Hsinchu County]]—great hiking trails * {{marker|name=[[Sun Moon Lake]]|wikidata=Q716206}} (日月潭) – Nestled at 762 m (2,500&nbsp;ft) in lofty mountains in [[Nantou County]], this lake is famous for its clear sparkling blue water and picturesque mountain backdrop. * {{marker|name=[[Taipingshan]]|wikidata=Q30020365}} (太平山) – A historic logging area and one of Taiwan's most scenic spots. Located in [[Yilan County]]. * {{marker|name=[[Taroko Gorge]]|wikidata=Q707427}} (太魯閣峽谷 ''Tàilǔgé'') – An impressive gorge off the east coast * {{marker|name=[[Yangmingshan National Park]]|wikidata=Q709029}} (陽明山國家公園) – Spanning a mountain range overlooking Taipei * {{marker|name=[[Yushan]]|wikidata=Q500275}} (Jade Mountain/玉山) – At 3,952 m the highest mountain in not just Taiwan, but in the entire eastern ⅔ of East Asia * {{marker|name=[[Lalashan]]|wikidata=}} (拉拉山) – In [[Taoyuan County]], "Lala" means "beauty" in the indigenous Atayal language. Mt. Lala is one of natural protection zones in Taiwan. There are some 500–2,800-year-old "divine" trees including the No. 5 divine tree, which is reputedly even older than Confucius. Lalashan is best known for its peach trees, and peach season (July–August) is the most beautiful time to visit Mt. Lala. == Understand == {{quickbar|location=LocationROC.png}} Taiwan is home to a large number of impressive scenic sites, and Taipei is a cultural center of entertainment and leisure activities. The island is also a center of Chinese-language pop culture with a substantial entertainment industry. Japanese and an increasing number of mainland Chinese enjoy taking short trips to Taiwan and enjoy its neighborly hospitality. Taiwan is home to some well-known international companies such as Acer, MSI, Asus, HTC, and Giant Bicycles, whose technologies are some of the most advanced in the world. === History === {{seealso|Imperial China|Chinese Revolutions|Japanese colonial empire|Pacific War}} Taiwan was first populated 30,000 years ago by an Australo-Melanesian group known as the Negrito. The Negrito were eventually assimilated and displaced 5,000 years ago by Proto-Austronesians who arrived from the east coast of mainland China, predominantly from what is now Fujian province. Due to linguistic diversity on Taiwan, these people have been suggested to be the ancestors of [[Austronesian]] speakers across Southeast Asia, the Pacific and even Madagascar. Recorded history began with the partial colonization of Taiwan by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and then the Portuguese in the early 17th century. (The old name of Taiwan, ''Formosa'', comes from the Portuguese ''Ilha Formosa'' for "beautiful island".) Han Chinese immigrants arrived in significant numbers with the onset of European trade. The Ming loyalist Koxinga defeated the Dutch garrisons and set up Taiwan as a rump Ming Empire with the hope of reconquering Qing China. His grandson surrendered to the Qing in the late 1600s. Although contact between China and Taiwan dates back thousands of years, it was not until larger numbers of ethnic Han residents arrived during the Qing dynasty that Taiwan was formally integrated into China as part of Hokkien (Fujian) province. It became a separate province in 1887. The years of Han Chinese settlement during the Qing Dynasty were marred by conflict between the Han settlers and the Aboriginal people, between the Minnan and Hakka speakers among the Han settlers, and between the [[Quanzhou]] and [[Zhangzhou]] immigrants among the Minnan speakers. All these resulted in Minnan speakers largely occupying the fertile lowlands along the coast, the Hakkas being forced to occupy the middle elevations in the mountains, and the Aboriginal people being forced to higher elevations in the mountains and the more typhoon-prone east coast. Defeated by the Japanese, the Qing Empire ceded Taiwan to [[Japan]] under the terms of the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Japan ruled the island until the end of World War II in 1945, and exerted profound influences on its development. The island's entertainment and pop culture was and still is heavily influenced by that of Japan. Much of the infrastructure built by the Japanese can still be seen on the island, and has been in fact continuously used up to the present day (e.g. railroad crossing gates, administrative buildings, and the old port at Kaohsiung). During [[Pacific War|World War II]], many Taiwanese, both Aboriginal and Han Chinese, served in the Imperial Japanese Army, many of whom have been enshrined in the controversial [[Tokyo/Chiyoda#Yasukini Shrine|Yasukuni Shrine]] in [[Tokyo]]. Like their counterparts in [[Korea]] and other occupied territories, many Taiwanese women were forced to serve as "comfort women" (i.e. sex slaves) in Japanese military brothels. Upon the resumption of Chinese rule, the ''Kuomintang'' (KMT, 國民黨) under Chiang Kai-shek, also known as the Nationalists, was suspicious of many of the locals in Taiwan, due to the fact that many Taiwanese had served in the Japanese military and civil service during World War II. Moreover, as the Japanese had sought to turn Taiwan into a model colony, despite having been discriminated against, many locals had seen their standards of living improve under Japanese rule, and were disillusioned by the corruption and incompetence that plagued the Kuomintang at that time. Tensions between the new Kuomintang government and the locals culminated in the '''228 incident''' on 28th February 1947, when many locals revolted against Chinese rule, and the Kuomintang responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in thousands of people being killed, and purging many of the Japanese-educated intellectuals in the process. Taiwan would also be placed under martial law following the incident, which would only be lifted in 1987. Discussion of the incident was banned under the years of martial law, but was brought back to the fore once again following democratization in the 1990s, and the incident remains a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day. [[File:Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in 2002.jpg|thumb|350px|National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall]] In the early 20th century, the Nationalists and Communists fought a major bloody civil war in mainland China. Although the two sides were briefly united against Japan during World War II, they quickly began fighting again after the war was over. Eventually, the Communists were victorious in 1949. The Nationalist government, remnants of their army, and hundreds of thousands of supporters then fled to Taiwan, though they would also retain control of several offshore islands of Fujian. From Taipei, they continued to assert their right as the sole legitimate government of all China. Initially very repressive, the government began to loosen control in its fourth decade under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek's son, Chiang Ching-kuo. Taiwan also experienced rapid economic growth and modernisation under the leadership of Chiang Ching-kuo, becoming one of the world's richest and most modern economies and earning it a place as one of the East Asian Tigers. Today, Taiwan is generally regarded as a modern, developed economy, and still remains a leader in consumer electronics that is home to well-known computer brands such as Acer, Asus, Garmin, Gigabyte and HTC. Democratization began in earnest through the 1980s and 1990s, culminating with the first direct presidential elections in 1996, and the first peaceful transition of power between two political parties in 2000. Taiwanese politics remain dominated by the issue of relations between Taiwan and the [[China|People's Republic of China]], which still claims Taiwan as a "renegade province" and regularly threatens military action if Taiwan attempts to break away from the awkward '''One China''' status quo, whereby both sides agree that there is only one Chinese nation, but disagree on whether that one nation should be governed by the PRC or the ROC. To summarize a ''very'' complex situation, the '''Pan-Blue''' (泛藍) group spearheaded by the KMT supports eventual unification with the mainland when the political climate is right, while the '''Pan-Green''' (泛綠) group led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports eventual formal independence under the name "Republic of Taiwan". The split extends down to trivial issues like Chinese romanization &mdash; the KMT prefers the mainland's ''Hanyu pinyin'', the DPP prefers a Taiwan-made variant called ''Tongyong pinyin'' &mdash; and political demonstrations and rallies, always turbulent, on occasion even turn violent. In 2014, the '''Sunflower Movement''' was formed in opposition to deepening trade relations between Taiwan and mainland China that was being pursued by the then-KMT government. Although mainland China has been Taiwan's most important trading partner since 2008, many Taiwanese were fearful that deepening economic ties would lead to the Chinese Communist Party using this economic dependence to coerce democratic Taiwan into unifying with mainland China under communist rule. Things came to a head when student protesters stormed the Legislative Yuan on 18 March 2014, forcing the government to abandon ratification of a recently-signed trade deal with mainland China, marking the first time the Taiwanese legislature had been successfully occupied by civilian protesters. The movement is today considered a watershed moment in Taiwanese political history, as it led to the political awakening of much of the formerly apolitical younger generation, galvanized a distinct Taiwanese identity, and united most of the younger generation behind the pro-independence camp. === Government and politics === Taiwan is a presidential republic modelled after the American system of government. The President is popularly elected every four years for up to two terms, and is the head of state. The President has the sole authority to appoint members the executive branch, known as the '''Executive Yuan''', whose leader, known as the Premier, serves as the head of government. The legislative branch is known as the '''Legislative Yuan''', often referred to as the "Parliament", which is elected by the people every four years in parallel with the presidential elections. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy known for its exceptionally dramatic parliamentary sessions, with physical fights between legislators on the floor being a regular occurrence. The other branches of government are the '''Judicial Yuan''', which tops the judiciary branch, the '''Examination Yuan''', which administers civil service examinations, and the '''Control Yuan''', which is responsible for auditing the government's finances. The two main parties in Taiwanese politics are the '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) and the '''Democratic Progressive Party''' (DPP). Generally speaking, the KMT is more socially conservative, and favors friendlier ties with China, while the DPP is more socially liberal, and favors closer ties with Japan and the United States, as well as taking a tougher stance against China. While the older generation is politically split, the younger generation is overwhelmingly pro-DPP. === People === Taiwan was originally populated by indigenous peoples that spoke various Austronesian languages, which are related to Malay, Tagalog and Indonesian. Today the remaining indigenous peoples make up only about 2% of the population, while the other 98% are considered ethnically Han Chinese. The ethnically Han Chinese are further split into Taiwanese, who make up about 84% of the population and whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and mainlanders, who make up about 14% of the population and whose families fled to Taiwan from the mainland after the communist takeover of China in 1949. Among the Taiwanese group, Hoklo (Minnan) speakers form the majority, which is about 70% of the population, while the remaining 14% are largely Hakka speakers. In modern times, Taiwan is also home to immigrants from elsewhere, especially other Asian countries such as Malaysia (most of whom are ethnically Chinese), Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. The post-1949 Chinese immigrants come from every province and include many non-Han residents. === Culture === Taiwanese culture is largely based on traditional Chinese culture, particularly that of [[Fujian]] province, because most Taiwanese are Han Chinese whose ancestors migrated to Taiwan from that region. However, in the 20th century, Taiwanese culture diverged from that of mainland China. Substantial Japanese influences can be seen in modern Taiwanese culture because of 50 years of Japanese rule, and this can be seen in its cuisine and in its pop culture. In addition, the Japanese introduced baseball and hot-spring bathing to Taiwan, and these remain popular pastimes for the Taiwanese to this day. As Taiwan was spared from the Cultural Revolution, the Taiwanese have also retained some elements of traditional Chinese culture that have been lost in mainland China. Indigenous Austronesian or "Formosan" culture has greatly suffered under multiple different waves of colonial rule. It is having a resurgence today but many aspects of it have been lost forever which is evident in how the majority of the Formosan languages are extinct or moribund. However, efforts are being made to revive the culture through the introduction of the Aboriginal languages into the school curriculum. Numerous indigenous Taiwanese have had successful careers in the entertainment industry, perhaps the most famous example being the singer Kulilay Amit, better known by her Chinese name Chang Huei-mei, who is of Puyuma ethnicity. === Climate === [[File:Footbridge, Taroko 01.jpg|thumb|240px|Taroko Gorge suspension bridge]] Lowland Taiwan has a marine tropical climate during the summer, with sweltering, humid weather (above 30&nbsp;°C, 86&nbsp;°F) from Jun-Sep. In the winter the weather is influenced by the nearby continent, and in the northern areas the temperature can go as low as 8&nbsp;°C at night. The best time of year to visit is from Oct-Dec, although even then occasional typhoons can spoil the fun. Spring is also nice, although it rains more than during autumn. During the typhoon season, the east coast bears the brunt of the damage as it is facing the Pacific Ocean. In the mountainous regions you will encounter more temperate conditions. Rapid weather change can endanger unprepared visitors, so advice on proper preparation should be obtained before visiting those areas. In fact, it snows every year on Taiwan's highest mountains and occasionally even on mountains like Alishan. === Taiwanese calendar === The ''Minguo'' (民國, ROC) calendar, counting years from the establishment of the ROC (1911), is commonly used in Taiwan. To convert a ''Minguo'' date to A.D., just add 1911. {{CURRENTYEAR}} is Minguo {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}−1911}}. Months and days are according to the standard Gregorian calendar for almost everything except traditional holidays and religious matters, which use the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. === Festivals === {{CNYdates}} As Taiwan is majority Han Chinese, traditional Chinese festivals are celebrated in Taiwan. Among the most notable are: *'''Chinese New Year''' (春節). This is the most important festival for the Taiwanese and many shops and restaurants close on the first three days so it is not an ideal time to visit. However, the days leading up to the festival and the fourth to fifteenth days are ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and listening to Chinese New Year songs. *'''Tomb Sweeping Day''' (Ching Ming Festival, 清明節). This is when many Taiwanese pay respects at their ancestors' graves. *'''Dragon Boat Festival''' (端午節). This festival honors Qu Yuan, a patriotic official from the state of Chu during the Warring States period of Chinese history who committed suicide by jumping into a river when Chu was conquered by Qin. To prevent the fishes from eating his body, villagers threw rice dumplings into the river to feed the fishes and rowed dragon boats with drums being beaten on them to scare away the fishes. Since then, dragon boat racing has been carried out on this day and rice dumplings are also eaten. *'''Hungry Ghost Festival''' (Ghost Month, 中元節). This festival runs throughout the seventh month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the gates of hell open during this period and hungry ghosts are allowed to roam freely into our world. In order to appease the ghosts and prevent misfortune, many Taiwanese offer food and burn joss paper for them. In addition, traditional Chinese performances such as Chinese opera and puppet shows are held to appease these wandering spirits. *'''Mid-Autumn Festival''' (Moon Festival, 中秋節). Legend has it that on this day, a woman known as Chang E swallowed some divine pills to prevent her power hungry husband from becoming immortal. Afraid of being killed by her husband, she fled to the moon and it is believed that the moon shines brightest on this day. This is when many lanterns are put up for decoration in various parks and shops, which is quite a beautiful sight. Mooncakes are also eaten on this day so it would be an ideal time to try some. Many Taiwanese have barbecue with family or friends as part of the celebration. === Terrain === [[File:Jiuwanshibaguai.JPG|thumb|Cliffs meet the eastern coast of Taiwan, Hualien County]] Taiwan is largely mountainous with a chain of mountains running from north to south at the centre of the island. The west coast is largely plains and unsurprisingly is where most of the population is concentrated, and is where all the larger cities like [[Taichung]] and [[Kaohsiung]] are located. The east coast also has some plains but they are more sparsely populated due to the higher typhoon risk, but is also home to the cities of [[Hualien]] and [[Taitung]] with significant populations. === Sports === Baseball was brought to Taiwan by the Japanese during the colonial period. Its popularity rose greatly when the Taiwanese baseball team finished second in the Japanese national championships. Today, baseball retains a strong following and remains by far the most popular spectator sport in Taiwan. Several Taiwanese players have also gone on to successful careers in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Taiwanese national team is considered to be one of the strongest in the world. Besides baseball, basketball also has a sizeable following in Taiwan and is quite popular among teenagers. When classes are over, the basketball courts inside schools are not only open to students but also the public. Billiards<!--WHICH VARIANT(S)--> is another popular sport in Taiwan. It's easy to find billiard rooms throughout the country and there are also many championship-winning players in Taiwan, most of whom started training when they were still teens. Other sports which are popular include Taekwondo, table tennis and golf. In international sporting competitions, such as the Olympic Games, Taiwan is called "Chinese Taipei" for political reasons. == Talk == {{infobox|You say Zhongshan, I say Chungshan...|The romanization of Chinese used in Taiwan is not standardized. Most older place names and personal names are derived from a simplified version of Wade-Giles. The government established Hanyu Pinyin (the same system used in the mainland and the international standard) as the official system in 2009, but most local governments that did not already use the system have not switched over, and highway signs are only being gradually changed from the Tongyong Pinyin system, leading to much inconsistency. Some local governments, such as that of Taipei and Taichung, have already converted their street signs to Hanyu Pinyin and New Taipei is implementing the switch to Hanyu Pinyin. However, there are still street signs posted by city governments next to signs installed by the national government having different romanization conventions, as is the case for Kaohsiung, where Tongyong Pinyin, not Hanyu Pinyin, is the local standard. For example, Zhongshan, Chungshan, Jungshan and Jhongshan can easily refer to the same Chinese name. This article attempts to use the romanizations most commonly used ''in'' Taiwan (on street signs, buses, tourist maps, etc.) People know romanisation as 'Roma-Pinyin' (Luoma-Pinyin).}} Taiwan's official languages are four varieties of Chinese — '''[[Chinese phrasebook - Traditional|Mandarin]]''', '''[[Minnan phrasebook|Taiwanese]]''' (a dialect of Minnan), '''[[Hakka phrasebook|Hakka]]''', and '''[[Fuzhou dialect phrasebook|Matsu dialect]]''' — as well as the '''Aboriginal Austronesian languages''' and '''Taiwan Sign Language'''. Mandarin is the ''lingua franca'', but Taiwanese is the mother tongue of about 70% of the population. In the North where there is a large concentration of so-called "mainlanders" (those whose families came to Taiwan from mainland China in the 1940s as refugees of the Chinese Civil War), most people speak Mandarin as their primary language (although Taiwanese is spoken in abundance), but in the South of the island, Taiwanese is far more common. Hakka is the main language at the middle elevations of the mountainous parts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka are all tonal languages, and are difficult for most foreigners to master. Aboriginal languages can mostly be heard on the East Coast and its offshore islands, as well as at higher elevations in the mountains. The Matsu dialect is a variant of the Fuzhou dialect (also known as ''Hokchiu'' or ''Foochow''), and is almost exclusively concentrated in the [[Matsu]] islands located close to [[Fuzhou]] in mainland China. Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (漢字, ''hànzì'', lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds without any inherent meaning, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a specific word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and many overseas Chinese still use the '''traditional characters''', whereas since the 1950s mainland China has used simplified characters, such as <span lang="zh-Hans">龟</span> instead of <span lang="zh-Hant">龜</span>. Cursive forms of Chinese characters, often used for effect in logos, range from "looks familiar if you squint" to "impenetrable scribbles". There are multiple ways of romanizing Mandarin Chinese, but '''pinyin''' (漢語拼音 ''hànyǔ pīnyīn'') is the most useful for a visitor to learn. It's a fairly logical system, although it has a few idiosyncrasies, including using some letters in ways that are different from English (such as ''q'' which is similar to English "ch" and ''x'' which is like English "sh"). (However, people in Taiwan are more familiar with a phonetic alphabet called Zhuyin (注音 ''zhùyīn'', written using Zhuyin as ㄓㄨˋ　ㄧㄣ), commonly known in English as '''bopomofo''' (named after the first four letters, ㄅㄆㄇㄈ), which is used for language education and typing.) All dialects of Chinese are also '''tonal''', meaning each syllable has to be pronounced with the correct tone &mdash; high, rising, falling-rising, falling, or neutral &mdash; to be understood; Mandarin tones are marked in pinyin using diacritics that graphically mimic the tones patterns (as in ''mā'', ''má'', ''mǎ'', ''mà'', and ''ma''). With just a few hours of practice, you can learn to pronounce Mandarin words accurately using pinyin. However, as Chinese has many homophones, pinyin is useful for pronunciation but not practical for communicating meaning; for something like a street address, you need to use Chinese characters. Although Chinese is ''written'' nearly the same across the world, '''spoken Chinese''' has a huge array of '''dialects'''. Verbally, Chinese dialects are as different from each other as English and Dutch, or French and Italian &mdash; related, but not mutually intelligible. Two people who speak different Chinese dialects would read and write the same, but they would pronounce the written text differently, and couldn't carry on a spoken conversation with each other. Although standard Mandarin in Taiwan is nearly identical to standard Mandarin in mainland China (with differences mostly in technical and translated terms invented post-1949), most people in practice speak a distinctly accented version known as Taiwanese Mandarin. For example, Taiwanese Mandarin tends to not differentiate between the "S" and "Sh" or the "f" and "h" sounds in Mandarin. All people schooled after 1945 are generally fluent in Mandarin, though older people from rural areas often have a very thick accent. Mandarin is fairly popular with young people. Some elderly people do not speak Mandarin as they were schooled in Japanese or not at all. Most Taiwanese are very accepting of foreigners and react with curiosity and admiration for trying the local tongue. Generally, most people in Taiwan converse using a combination of Mandarin and Taiwanese by code-switching. The Taiwanese dialect is a variant of Minnan which is similar to the dialect spoken across the Taiwan Strait in [[South Fujian]]. Unlike in South Fujian, Taiwanese Minnan has some loan words from Japanese as a result of 50 years of Japanese colonization. Taiwanese Minnan and [[Xiamen]] Minnan are both mixtures of the [[Zhangzhou]] and [[Quanzhou]] accents, so as a result, Taiwanese Minnan sounds very similar to Xiamen Minnan. There is also dialectal variation in Taiwanese between different parts of the island; the [[Tainan]] dialect is generally considered to be the prestige dialect. All public announcements in the transportation system are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Hakka, with the exception of the [[Matsu]] islands, where announcements are made in Mandarin and the local Matsu dialect. Especially in Taipei, younger people generally speak a basic conversational level of '''English'''. The children often understand more English than their parents, especially with the emphasis on English language education today, and English being a compulsory subject in Taiwanese schools. However, attempts to speak Mandarin or Taiwanese will be met with beaming smiles and encouragement, by and large. Quite a few people, especially in Taipei, are proficient in '''[[Japanese phrasebook|Japanese]]''' due to the high number of Japanese visitors. Staff for tourist attractions such as the Taipei 101, museums, hotels, popular restaurants and airport shops speak Japanese in addition to English, Mandarin and other local languages. In fact, if you are a visitor of East Asian descent who cannot understand Chinese, when a worker realizes this he or she may try speaking to you in Japanese before trying English. There has been an increasing usage of '''[[Korean phrasebook|Korean]]''' by tourism boards due to the large number of Korean people visiting Taiwan. Thus, there are many signs across Taiwan written in Korean. An enthusiasm for Korean-language education due to the influence of Korean pop culture is also gaining momentum. Due to the increasing number of Southeast Asian tourists visiting Taiwan, '''[[Thai phrasebook|Thai]]''', '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' and '''[[Indonesian phrasebook|Indonesian]]''' are spoken by some tourist personnel. '''Taiwan Sign Language''' is the language of the deaf community. It has partial mutual intelligibility with Japanese Sign Language and Korean Sign Language, but not with Chinese Sign Language or Hong Kong Sign Language. == Get in == {{COVID-19 box|Taiwan has tightened entry restrictions in response to the spread of COVID-19, in particular the Delta variant of the virus. '''Non-resident foreign nationals are barred from entering or transiting Taiwan indefinitely.''' Valid visas to enter Taiwan have been suspended, and Taiwan is not issuing new visa permits at this time. Those who need to travel to Taiwan because of special circumstances can apply for a special entry permit from Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center and a Taiwanese diplomatic mission. If it is granted, you'll need to [https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/ pre-register online], present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel, and quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a designated hotel or quarantine facility. Travelers will be required to bear the costs for the quarantine stay, unless arriving from a country or territory that has been designated as "high risk". <small>For more information, see the websites for the [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En Taiwan Centers for Disease Control] and [https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-5081-c06dc-2.html Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs].</small>| lastedit=2021-06-27}} ===Entry requirements=== [[File:Visa policy of Taiwan.svg|thumb|450px|Visa policy of Taiwan{{legend|#F60501|Taiwan}}{{legend|#20B44A|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#b5e61d|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#65D6A5|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#DCEF9B|Visa on arrival}}{{legend|#9DDEE5|eVisa}}{{legend|#15127D|Exit & Entry Permit on arrival}}{{legend|#ADADAD|Visa required}}]] [[File:ROC entry stamp.JPG|thumb|Entry stamp]] ==== Visas ==== Foreign nationals of the following 44 countries can enter Taiwan '''visa-free''' as a ''visitor'' provided that their passports are valid for at least 6 months upon entry: '''For up to 90 days:''' All 27 '''European Union''' member states, Australia (until 31 December 2021), Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (until 31 March 2025), Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vatican City '''For up to 30 days:''' Belize, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Nauru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore '''For up to 14 days:''' Brunei, Philippines, Thailand (until 31 July 2019 for all three), Russian Federation If citizens of the above countries present an emergency or temporary passport, they will be required to apply for a landing visa on arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$2,400. Citizens of Japan need only present a passport with at least 3 months' validity (rather than 6 months' validity) upon entry. Citizens of the United States can enter Taiwan on a passport with less than 6 months' validity on the date of arrival by supplying a passport photo and paying a fee of NT$5,600. Citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom can extend their stay for an extra 90 days (i.e. a total stay of up to 180 days) free of charge. More information is available on [http://www.boca.gov.tw/public/Attachment/1121416524871.doc this Bureau of Consular Affairs information sheet]. Holders of valid passports from '''[[Hong Kong]]''' (HKSAR or BN(O)) and '''[[Macau]]''', born in either of these territories, may apply for a 30-day entry permit online (free) or on arrival (NT$300). Holders of these passports born outside these territories may also apply for these permits, if they have been to Taiwan previously as a Hong Kong/Macau resident. (If they last visited Taiwan before 1983 they need to supply the travel document used then or first apply for their travel records from the Immigration Agency.) Hong Kong and Macau residents born outside of these territories and have not been to Taiwan before as a HK/Macau resident must apply for a permit online before travelling to Taiwan (NT$600). Hong Kong and Macau residents who also have another passport (except BN(O) or a Portuguese passport obtained before the handover) must use the other passport (and apply for the correct visa, if required) to enter Taiwan and not their Hong Kong/Macau passport. Macau residents using a Portuguese passport may enter visa-free like other Portuguese passport holders. Residents of '''Mainland [[China]]''' (Chinese passport holders) may visit Taiwan for tourism if they join an approved guided tour. Independent mainland Chinese travellers require a Permit for Proceeding to Taiwan (往来台湾通行证/往來台灣通行證) with an endorsement issued by Chinese authorities, and an Exit and Entry Permit (中華民國臺灣地區入出境許可證) issued by Taiwanese authorities. However, endorsement for personal tourism has been '''suspended''' due to political tensions. Citizens of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who have a valid entry visa or permanent resident card issued by a [[Europe#Schengen Agreement|Schengen]] country, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival after making an [https://oa1.immigration.gov.tw/nia_southeast/ online application.] All foreigners (except those on government business and certain permanent residents) age 14 and older are electronically fingerprinted and photographed as part of immigration entry procedures. Entry will be denied if these procedures are refused. Detailed information about visas is available at the website of the '''[http://www.boca.gov.tw/mp?mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs]'''. Taiwan does not have formal embassies in most of the world's countries (due to the 'One China' policy of mainland China preventing formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan). Instead Taiwan operates a "Taipei Representative Office", "Taipei Economic and Trade Office", or something of a similar name in most major countries, and these act as ''de facto'' embassies and consulates that can issue Taiwanese visas. ====Arrival card==== Tourists are required to fill in an arrival card. You may do it [https://niaspeedy.immigration.gov.tw/webacard/ online] before you arrive to save time. Traditional paper versions are still available at ports of entry. Hong Kong and Macau residents who have an online entry permit are exempt. ====Customs==== Fresh fruit and meat may not be brought into Taiwan, and airport staff may check your bags. If you are carrying anything prohibited, though, they might let you eat it before you go through immigration. === By plane === * '''[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport]]''' '''(Taipei)''' (台灣桃園國際機場, formerly ''Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport'' 中正國際機場) ({{IATA|TPE}}) is the primary international airport of Taiwan. Located 40&nbsp;km to the southwest of Taipei, it has good connections to neighbouring countries and North America, and decent connections to Europe and Oceania. The airport has a MRT (metro/subway) connection to [[Taipei]], and direct buses to Taipei, [[Taichung]] and other nearby cities. Alternatively, the MRT train and U-Bus company shuttles reach HSR Taoyuan station (台灣高鐵桃園站) for high-speed train connections to other cities; and to Zhongli (中壢) Station for mainline TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration 台灣鐵路管理局) train and southbound bus connections to [[Tainan]], [[Hsinchu]] (新竹) etc. * [http://www.kia.gov.tw/English/ '''Kaohsiung International Airport'''] (高雄國際機場) ({{IATA|KHH}}) is the largest airport in southern Taiwan, with decent connections to neighbouring countries and domestic destinations. * [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx '''Songshan Airport'''] (松山機場) ({{IATA|TSA}}) is a smaller airport in downtown Taipei which serves mostly domestic flights with some flights to China, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Seoul Gimpo Airport. * '''Taichung Airport''' (台中機場) ({{IATA|RMQ}}) serves domestic and international flights to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and China. * [https://www.tna.gov.tw/en/index.php '''Tainan Airport'''] (臺南機場) ({{IATA|TNN}}) serves domestic routes, as well as international routes to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. * [https://www.hulairport.gov.tw/e_content/about/about01.aspx '''Hualien Airport'''] (花蓮機場) ({{IATA|HUN}}) located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, the airport serves domestic routes, as well as international flights to South Korea as well as charter flights to Cambodia. After a break of almost 60 years, regular cross-Strait flights between Taiwan and mainland China resumed in 2008, and travel times on some popular routes have been reduced significantly as flights no longer have to be routed through Hong Kong airspace. The main Taiwanese carriers are [http://www.evaair.com/ '''EVA Air'''] (長榮航空) and flag carrier [http://www.china-airlines.com/ '''China Airlines'''] (中華航空). While China Airlines used to have a poor safety record, things have improved greatly since 2003, and today, it is just as safe as the major Western European airlines. === By boat === {{COVID-19 box|Due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, all ferry services to China have been suspended.|lastedit=2020-02-28}} All scheduled passenger ferry services between Taiwan and Japan have been suspended. [http://www.starcruises.com Star Cruises] operates limited cruise services from [[Keelung]] (基隆) and [[Kaohsiung]] (高雄) to Hong Kong and various Japanese islands, but these are not intended for one-way journeys. ====China to Taiwan via Matsu==== From [[Fuzhou]] (福州), China, there are two daily ferries to the Taiwan-controlled [[Matsu]] (馬祖) islands. Take bus 69 from Fuzhou train station to Wuyilu, then bus 73 to the end station Mawei harbor (馬尾港). The ferry costs RMB350 from China and NT$1,300 from Matsu. The trip takes two hours. You can check the Matsu tourism website for [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=505&l=2 updates on the schedule]. There is a cheaper (NT$650) ferry between Matsu's northern island and the nearest point of mainland China, on the Huangqi peninsula, but because of limitations to immigration facilities, it apparently only accepts Taiwan/ROC citizens as passengers at this time ([https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=781&l=1 schedules and fares]). From Matsu, there the ''Taima Star'' ferry runs daily to [[Keelung]] in Taiwan ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/index.php Official website] / [https://www.matsu-nsa.gov.tw/user/Article.aspx?a=128&l=2 English information]). NT$1,050 includes a bed, as the trip takes 10 hours. Regular seats are available for NT$630 only when the sleeping cabins are full ([http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/price.htm official fare table]). Schedules can be found at [http://www.shinhwa.com.tw/harbor.php this link]. Bookings can be made at +886 2 2424 6868 or [https://www.matsuebs.com/html/custorder/36 online]. At [[Mawei]] harbor in [[Fuzhou]] there is an opportunity to buy an inclusive ticket all the way to Taipei (臺北) that includes the Fuzhou to Matsu ferry above and a domestic flight from Matsu to Taipei (or Taichung). The price (RMB780) includes transfer between port and airport on Matsu, and a coupon for lunch at the airport while you wait for your connection. The ferry leaves Fuzhou at 09:30. Get to Mawei at 08:00 to buy tickets. ====China to Kinmen==== There are also several ferry services between [[Xiamen]] and [[Quanzhou]] on the mainland and the Taiwan-controlled island of [[Kinmen]] (金門). While foreigners may use the former the latter is only open to Chinese and Taiwanese citizens. Now there also is one weekly ferry from Dongdu Harbor (東渡碼頭) in [[Xiamen]] to Keelung, that leaves on Thursdays at 18:00 starting at less than RMB500, and one to Taichung leaving on Tuesdays. Call 0592-2393128 for information or 0592-6011758 for bookings from China. You can also check [http://www.seat61.com/Taiwan.htm#Ferries_to_Taiwan here] for news. There is apparently no ferry from Kinmen to the main island of Taiwan at this time, though flights may be reasonably priced. ====China to Taiwan direct==== The ''Cosco Star'' runs overnight between [[Keelung]] in northern Taiwan and [[Xiamen]] on the mainland, between Keelung and Daimaiyu Port near [[Taizhou]] on the mainland, and between [[Taichung]] in west-central Taiwan and Xiamen. Each leg of each route only runs on one day of the week (see [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-sch.asp here] for departure times of each route and [http://www.cosco.url.tw/hot.html here] for the latest calendar of operations). "Standard" one-way fares start at NT$3,500, but "basic" fares may be available for NT$2,490 ([http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-tick.asp fare table]). On top of the fare there is an additional NT$300-550 in fuel and port surcharges, which varies depending on the route. There are substantial discounts for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). The service's Taiwan-facing website is [http://www.coscotw.com.tw/cht/asp/star-main.asp here]. [http://www.taiwancsf.com/default.aspx CSF] operates fast ferries (about 3 hours) from [[Pingtan]] in mainland China to [[Taipei]] and [[Taichung]] in Taiwan. As of February 2019, the Taipei-Pingtan-Taipei route runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and the Pingtan-Taichung-Pingtan route runs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 full schedule]). Adult fares for non-Taiwan citizens start at NT$3,500 one-way, $6,350 round-trip if purchased in advance ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/Content.aspx?sn=7 fare table]), a couple hundred more if purchased at the pier ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=149 fare table]). Fares are cheaper for Taiwan/ROC citizens ([http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=158 advance]/[http://www.taiwancsf.com/content.aspx?sn=159 pier]. == Get around == ===''IC Cards''=== [[Taipei]]'s '''[http://www.easycard.com.tw/ EasyCard]''' (悠遊卡 Yōuyóukǎ) and [[Kaohsiung]]'s '''[https://www.i-pass.com.tw/EN/ iPass]''' (一卡通) are the main public transportation smart and electronic payment cards, and replace the need to buy separate tickets for most national, regional and city buses, metro (MRT), as well as train services (TRA) all over Taiwan, and they can be used at retail establishments that display the respective sign, like convenient stores (7eleven, Family Mart), parking lots and some restaurants and shops. Though originally accepted only in their respective cities, the two cards can now be used interchangeably at most (but not all) locations. Besides saving you the hassle of having proper change ready for your ticket, it mostly always gives discount on the chosen journeys. For instance, the price for any train (TRA) is calculated based on the price of a local train and a 10% discount. Thus, you can even take the faster trains with it (but not THSR) like the Tzu-Chiang limited express. The only disadvantage is that you will not have a reserved seat, which however is not an issue except on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon. The EasyCard also provides discounts on [[Taipei#Get around|Taipei's public transportation network]], and likewise with the iPass on Kaohsiung's network. The EasyCard can be bought at the airport, in any of stations of Taipei MRT and most convenient stores. As of Dec 2019 the price was NT$500, consisting of a non-refundable deposit of NT$100 and NT$400 in electronic cash. If you want to add money onto the card, you can do so in MRT stations (including Kaohsiung MRT), TRA stations, and the common convenient stores. The card can hold amounts up to NT$5,000. Student IC cards with even deeper discounts are also available for purchase, but only upon request at a desk and a recognised student ID like ISIC. Whether the card needs to be tapped only once or twice on city buses (on entry or on exit, see [[#By bus|below]]) depends on which city you are in and sometimes how far you travel. Do not forget to tap twice (on entry '''and''' exit) where it is necessary, especially on regional and national buses outside of cities (and some unstaffed railway stations). Otherwise, your card will be blocked with "incomplete journey" (for all bus companies), and you will have to settle this issue with the responsible bus company. This can be a problem, because bus companies only serve certain regions. When leaving that region, e.g. by train, which is still possible with a (bus) locked card, no-one will be willing to unlock your card, even though also other bus companies are able to do so. Be insistent and with the help of the tourist information centre tell them that you cannot go back to fix the problem, or that you tried and they did not solve the issue even though they told you so. Make sure that it is really unlocked (with a different bus company) and do not just trust them &ndash; it seems some cannot operate their machines properly. If you forget to tap the second time, you will only be charged a small initial fee instead of the whole journey, but unless you are at the end of your vacation to Taiwan or possess a second card, you should avoid having your card blocked. That said, most bus drivers and railway staff pay close attention to the tapping, so it is hard to miss. It costs NT$14 to get in and out of the same railway station within an hour, in case you instead decide to take the bus. At the end of your travel, do not put too much money onto your card, because it can only be given back and cashed-out at certain locations, like some THSR stations. In addition to the NT$100 purchase fee, there is a NT$20 fee for returning the card within 3 months. === By train === [[File:THSR 700T train at Taoyuan Station 20070728.jpg|thumb|Taiwan High Speed train]] [[File:TaiwanHighSpeedRail Route en.gif|thumb|Map of Taiwan High Speed Rail; all stations shown are operational]] Taiwan's train system is excellent, with stops in all major cities. Train stations are often in the centers of most cities and towns and serve as a convenient hub for most types of transportation. In addition, the train system allows you to bypass the highways, which can become extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays. The main downside is the lack of cross-island routes between the East Coast and West Coast; for instance, there is no rail line from Taichung to Hualien, so you will have to either drive, fly, or take a major detour via Taipei or Kaohsiung. ====THSR==== The new train backbone is [http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en '''Taiwan High Speed Rail'''] (HSR, 高鐵 ''gāotiě'') , a [[high speed train]] based on Japanese ''Shinkansen'' technology that covers the {{km|345}} route on the West Coast from [[Taipei]] to Zuoying ([[Kaohsiung]]) in 90 min. Other stops on the route are [[Banqiao]], [[Taoyuan]], [[Hsinchu]], [[Taichung]], [[Chiayi]] and [[Tainan]], but many THSR stations have been built a fair distance from the cities they serve (e.g. a taxi from downtown Tainan costs up to NT$400, but there's a free shuttle bus). Taipei, Banciao, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung (Zuoying) stations are connected with metro. Taichung station is built next to a railway station, convenient to transfer to the city center. Hsinchu and Tainan stations are connected to the city center with branch railway lines. Other stations can only be reached by bus. A one way ticket from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs NT$1,630 in economy or NT$2,140 in business class, but economy seats have plush seats and ample legroom, so there's little reason to pay extra, though business class passengers are offered a complementary drink and snack. All signage and announcements are in English as well, making navigation a snap. Bookings are accepted online and via phone up to two weeks in advance at +886-2-6626-8000 (English spoken), with payment required only when you pick up the tickets. Credit cards are accepted. Bookings can be easily made by internet, and you can pay online or pay and pick up your tickets at almost every FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. You can also avoid the queues for long distance tickets at major stations by buying your tickets from the automated ticket machines. The English prompts on the automated machines are hard to spot but they are present,usually in the top left corner of the screen. The stations and platforms are wheelchair-friendly and all trains include a wheelchair-accessible car (wider doors, ample space, accessible bathroom). The Official English guide for online reservations distinguishes between "senior or disabled tickets" and "handicap-friendly seats"; while it's possible to buy a ticket for the former online ("correct passenger ID" required), a ticket for the latter has to be reserved by calling the ticketing office on the phone. Early Bird tickets are sold from 28 days before the day, and the discount to is up to 35% off. All high-speed trains consist of two seating classes; '''economy class''' and '''business class'''. Although economy class is already clean and comfortable by international standards, paying extra for business class snags you a slightly wider seat, as well as a complimentary drink and snack. All train announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka and English. =====Passes===== The Taiwan High Speed Rail issues a '''[https://pass.thsrc.com.tw/oatsb2c/home.do?G=3 THSR Pass]''' for use on the high speed rail trains. These cost NT$2,400 for a regular 3-day pass, or NT$3,200 for a flexible 3-day pass. While a regular 3-day pass must be used in 3 consecutive days, the 3 days in a flexible 3-day pass may be spread out over any 7-day period. The 5-day joint passes allow for unlimited rides on the high speed rail for 2 days within a 5 day period, and unlimited rides on TRA lines within the same 5-day period. These cost NT$2,800 for a standard pass, which does not allow you to ride on Tzu-Chiang trains, and NT$3,600 for an express pass, which allows you to ride on all TRA lines. The THSR passes may only be used by foreigners who are in Taiwan on tourist visas (or visa exemptions), and must be purchased from travel agents overseas ''before'' you arrive in Taiwan. ====TRA==== Mainline trains are run by the separate [http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx '''Taiwan Railway Administration'''] (TRA, 台鐵) , whose services are generally efficient and reliable. Reserving tickets well in advance is recommended when traveling with the train on weekends, especially for long distance travel. Slower (but more frequent) commuter trains without reserved seating are also available. Train timetables and [http://railway.hinet.net/net_eng.htm online booking] (up to 2 weeks in advance) are available on the TRA website for 24 hours. Booking and payment can be made online. You can also pay for the tickets you reserved at your local train station or post office to actually receive it. You can also buy the tickets of TRA in convenient stores now (you can reserve first and take the tickets in convenient stores). The way to buy tickets is same to high speed rail's. Children under 115&nbsp;cm (45&nbsp;in) height go free, and taller kids shorter than 150&nbsp;cm (59&nbsp;in) and under 12 years of age get half-price tickets. If you get return tickets there is a small discount depending upon travel distance. There are also vending machines at the larger stations. The fastest train is Tzu-Chiang (limited express), and the slowest is Pingkuai (Ordinary/Express). There is often little to choose between prices and destination times for adjacent train classes, but the gap can be quite large between the fastest and the slowest. * '''Tze-Chiang''' (自強 ''zìqiáng''): The fastest (and most expensive). Assigned seating. Non-reserved (standing) tickets are supposedly sold at full price, but the boarding is possible with an Easycard for local train prices. There are '''Taroko Express''' (太魯閣號 ''Tàilǔgé Hào'') and '''Puyuma''' (普悠瑪號 ''Pǔyōumǎ Hào'') runnning from Taipei to Hualien, which only sell reserved tickets. * '''Chu-Kuang''' (莒光 ''júguāng''): Second fastest. Assigned seating. In western Taiwan, it is as slow as a local train; in eastern Taiwan, it is still a fast, convenient train. * '''local train''' (區間 ''qūjiān'') : Short to medium distance commuter train, stops at all stations. No assigned seating. There are a few local-fast train, which don't stop at every station. * '''Express / Ordinary''' (普通 ''pǔtōng''): Stops at all stations, no air conditioning, most inexpensive. No assigned seating. Some Express trains (the light blue ones running on West Trunk Line) are air-conditioned while others (dark blue ones) are not equipped with air conditioners. Only on Saturday morning/noon and Sunday afternoon faster trains are packed, and it might make sense to buy a more expensive reserve-seat ticket, if you do not want to stand for 3 hr, depending on your destination. Otherwise, you can freely use the EasyCard for fast connections without worrying (except for THSR). For travel to nearby cities, you can travel on local commuter trains. These arrive very frequently (about once every ten to fifteen minutes). In addition, "standing tickets" may be purchased on trains with assigned seating that have no available seats. Standing tickets are 80% the original ticket price and may be useful for last-minute travellers. However, you will be required to stand for the duration of your trip if there are no free seats. Station announcements are made in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English. A popular holdover from the Japanese colonial era is the '''railway bento''' tradition, known in Taiwan as the '''TR Bento''' (臺鐵便當 ''tái tiě biàn dàng''). These are sold at most major TRA stations, and on board most long distance TRA trains. Both meat and vegetarian options are available, with the pork chop bento being particularly famous and iconic. =====Passes===== Similar to Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also offers several rail passes to foreign tourists for unlimited train travel within a stipulated period. The '''[https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip/tip003/tip311/view10 TR Pass]''' can be used by foreigners for unlimited travel on TRA lines for a stipulated period of time. The TR Pass can be bought at railway stations in Taiwan. The TR pass also allows you to reserve seats for free on trains that have assigned seating. '''The TR pass is not valid on the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)''' as those trains are not run by the TRA. {| class="wikitable" |+Ticket types/prices (NT$) |- |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''3 Days''' |colspan="3" style="text-align: center" | '''5 Days''' |- | full price || reduced price || 4-person-group || full price || reduced price || 4-person-group |- | 1800 || 900 || 4200 || 2500 || 1250 || 7000 |} : :Note: The 4-person-group ticket must be used by four people simultaneously. You '''cannot''' take the high-speed rail, since it is not operated by the TRA. Validity has to be for consecutive days. Reduced price applies to children (age 7-12), senior citizens (age 65+) and disabled people. * TR Pass Student: The student version of the TR Pass is significantly cheaper than the general version, though unlike the general version, it is ''not'' valid for use on Tzu-Chiang limited express trains, and also cannot be used to ride in train cars with reserved seating. In order to qualify for this pass, you will need to show your passport and a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) Ticket types and prices: * 5-day ticket: NT$599 * 7-day ticket: NT$799 * 10-day ticket: NT$1,098 ===By bus=== Taiwan has an extensive bus network, run mostly by private bus companies. Travelling by bus is generally cheaper than by train, especially for long-distance trips. However, on holidays, travel time may be much longer and tickets are more likely to be sold out. There are two categories: intercity buses (客運) and local buses (公車). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle is a set of distinctly branded bus routes (some intercity, some local) that serve tourist sites, and are generally easier to use than regular routes. The official website offers route maps, timetables and recommended itineraries, but is somewhat confusing to navigate. There is, however, a toll-free number for inquiries. There are also information desks at major transport hubs. [[File:Taipei Bus 1073 stop board.jpg|thumb|Bus stop in Taipei]] Many cities have local buses. They are managed by local governments, therefore information can generally be found on the websites of the respective transportation bureaus. Drivers are usually happy to help, but may not speak English. Route maps at bus stops are mostly in Chinese. For visitors, it may be helpful to have your hotel or accommodation host suggest some routes for you and circle your destination on a map, then show it to the bus driver to make sure you're on the right bus. Announcements are in English, but hopefully the driver will remember to tell you when to get off in case you miss it. Most buses accept either cash (no change) or IC cards (like the EasyCard). Minor cities and towns do not have local buses, but have intercity routes that make frequent stops. These can be found using the method in the previous paragraph. Occasionally a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb at a bus stop. Sometimes it is due to a vehicle illegally parked at a bus stop. (Taiwanese traffic law and regulation prohibit vehicles from stopping or parking within 10&nbsp;m (33&nbsp;ft) of a bus stop.) However, a bus driver might stop a bus away from the curb just because he or she does not want to wait for overtaking traffic while leaving a bus stop. Therefore, be ''much more careful'' when getting on or off a bus stopped away from a curb, as many motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles will definitely be tempted to overtake on the right side of the stopped bus where people get on and off! (As traffic drives on the right side of the road in Taiwan, buses have doors on the right side.) In Taiwan you need to hail the bus you are taking as you see it coming—much like hailing a taxi. The terminal stop of the route is listed on the front of the bus in Chinese and sometimes English, so it is important to make sure the bus you get on is going the right direction. For city buses, sometimes you pay when boarding, sometimes when alighting, sometimes both (whether with cash or an IC card). As you get on the bus there will be an LED sign indicating that, opposite the entrance. Sometimes it's only in Chinese: 上 means on boarding, 下 means on alighting (or just watch other people). In some cities such as Kaohsiung and Taichung, failing to swipe your card correctly will result in a locked card. ====Navigation==== Google Maps is a quick way to find a route to your destination, but is not always reliable, especially for trips with changes and for longer distance (like in the south and southwest). Often it will highly overstate bus travel times, because it will consider each stop while the bus might only stop at every third or fourth. Hence, a trip from Kaohsiung or Pingtung to Kenting will be stated with 3-4 hr, even though it will just take 1 hr. Therefore, it will also often suggesting the wrong connections and transfers. However, it gives a very good indication on the possible route, vehicle number(s), frequency, availability and price of buses and trains. Besides, the ''Bus+'' app (Android/iOS) is quite reliable with schedules. You can find bus numbers on it, and it will list its (live) route. This is much easier than reading the Chinese bus stop signs. In combination with Google Maps route search it is quite handy. Furthermore, http://taiwanbus.tw/ has a likewise good overview, in case the Bus+ app is not that helpful. === By metro === [[File:VAL256 on Taipei MRT Muzha Line 20050320.jpg|thumb|Taipei MRT]] The following areas are served by metro, also known as MRT: * [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] by Taipei Metro * Linkou Plateau, western Taipei and northeastern [[Taoyuan]] City by Taoyuan Metro *[[Taichung]] by Taichung MRT * [[Kaohsiung]] by Kaohsiung MRT It is prohibited to eat, drink or smoke in all metro systems past the fare gates. If multiple journeys are to be made, one can purchase a rechargeable IC card. There are 4 cards: EasyCard (悠遊卡), iPASS (一卡通), icash and HappyCash. For basic MRT transport purposes there is little difference between them. All metro systems are reliable, safe, clean and accessible. Disruptions are rare. The Taipei Metro in particular is widely lauded as one of the world's most reliable and efficient, and is often held up as a gold standard for other Metro systems around the world to emulate. Nearly all stations have toilets, elevators and info desks. There are also special waiting areas that is monitored by security camera for those who are concerned about security late at night. === By taxi === {{infobox|Betel nut beauties (檳榔西施) |The highways of Taiwan are lined with brightly lit booths staffed by attractive, skimpily dressed young women, but they're not plying the world's oldest trade; instead, they're betel nut beauties, who compete for the attention of customers to sell the mildly addictive stimulant '''betel''' (檳榔 ''bīnláng''), consisting of areca nuts and slaked lime wrapped in a betel leaf, not themselves. Betel itself is worth a try and there is a chance you will be offered it in the company of farmers or working-class Taiwanese. Be warned, it stains your teeth blood red. To consume it, bite and spit off the cap at the top of the nut, then chew the rest of the bundle. Only the first mouthful of saliva must be spit and afterwards one can either choose to spit or swallow and enjoy the buzz. One sampling on your trip shouldn't be a problem, but do keep in mind that this little treat is habit-forming and cancer-causing for long-term users. Due to the known health risks, consumption of betel nuts is declining, and betel but beauties are becoming increasingly few and far between.}} Taxis are very common in major Taiwanese cities. You do not need to look for a taxi, they'll be looking for you. The standard yellow taxis scour roads looking for potential riders such as lost foreigners. It is possible but generally unnecessary to phone for a taxi. To hail one, simply place your hand in front of you parallel to the ground. But they'll often stop for you even if you're just waiting to cross the street or for a bus. In less heavily trafficked areas further out from the transit hubs, taxis are always available by calling taxi dispatch centers or using mobile apps. Drivers generally cannot converse in English or read Westernized addresses (except for special Taoyuan airport taxis). Get the hotel staff or a Taiwanese friend write out your destination in Chinese, and also take a business card from the hotel. Show the driver the Chinese writing of where you are going. Taxis are visibly metered (starting point priced at NT$70), and taxi drivers are strictly forbidden from taking tips. A maximum of four people can ride in one cab, and for the price of one. Compared to European or American taxis, those in Taiwan are inexpensive. Although taxi drivers in Taiwan tend to be more honest than in many other countries, not all are trustworthy. An indirect trip might cost you half again as much. A cab driver using night-time rates during the daytime will cost you 30% more (make sure he presses the large button on the left on his meter before 23:00). Avoid the especially overzealous drivers who congregate at the exits of train stations. Also, stand your ground and insist on paying meter price only if any driving on mountain roads is involved. Some drivers like to tack on surcharges or use night-time rates if driving to places like [[Wenshan]] (文山) or [[Wulai]] (烏來). Such attempts to cheat are against the law. From Taoyuan Airport (TPE), buses are a much more economical option but if you want a direct route Taoyuan airport drivers are the best choice. They're quite comfortable and get you to your destination as quick as possible. All the TPE taxi drivers are interlinked by radio so they could be forewarned if there are police. Sometimes, if there are traffic jams and no police around, the driver will drive in the emergency lane. Taxis from TPE to destinations in Tao Yuan, parts of Taipei county and some other destinations are 'allowed' to add an additional 50% to the meter fare. The badge and taxi driver identification are displayed inside and the license number marked on the outside. You must also be wary that the driver turns on his meter, otherwise he might rip you off. In such a case, you aren't obliged to pay; but make sure you can find a police officer to settle the matter. If there are stories of passengers boarding fake taxis and being attacked by the driver, it is best not to be paranoid about it. Drivers may be more worried about passengers attacking them! If you do call a taxi dispatch center, you will be given a taxi number to identify the vehicle when it arrives. Generally, dispatch is extremely rapid and efficient, as the taxis are constantly monitoring dispatch calls from the headquarters using radio while they are on the move. This is also the safest way to take a taxi, especially for women. Taxis are also a flexible although relatively expensive way to travel to nearby cities. They have the advantage over the electric trains in that they run very late at night. Drivers are required to provide a receipt if asked, though you might find them unwilling to do so. Taxi drivers, as elsewhere in Asia, are not keen on exchanging large notes. Try to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand to avoid the hassle of fighting with the driver for change. Taxi drivers are known for their strong political opinions. Many are supporters of the pan-green coalition and Taiwanese independence, spending all day listening to Taiwanese political talk radio. Drivers also have negative connotations as being former prisoners. Be careful about your opinions on sensitive political subjects (including, but not necessarily limited to cross-strait relations); also be careful of describing your destination which may be perceived politically (such as the President's Office or Chiang-Kai-Shek Memorial Hall). Also watch out for drivers who discriminate against other cultures such as taping "No Korean passengers" on their cars. This is sometimes unavoidable as some drivers provoke such discussion. In addition, if you see what looks like blood spewing from the driver's mouth, or him spitting blood onto the street—not to fret–it's merely him chewing betel nut (see box). Keep in mind, however, that betel nuts are a stimulant. Taxi drivers are generally friendly towards foreigners, and a few of them take the opportunity to try their limited English skills. They are most likely to ask you about yourself, and are a patient audience to your attempts at speaking Mandarin. If you are traveling with small children, don't be surprised if they are given candy when you disembark. Women are sometimes warned not to take taxis alone at night. This is not an extreme risk, although there have been incidents where women have been attacked. To be more safe, women can have the hotel or restaurant phone a cab for them (ensuring a licensed driver), have a companion write down the license number of the driver (clearly displayed on the dashboard), or keep a cell phone handy. Do not get in if the driver doesn't have a license with picture clearly displayed in the cab. === By scooter or motorcycle === Scooters with an engine size of 50cc require a license to drive, and should be insured and registered in the owner's name. Foreign nationals with stay less than 30 days do not have an easy way to get a scooter license. Until 2003 it wasn't possible to get a scooter above 150cc. Many of the scooters within cities are only 50cc and incapable of going faster than 80&nbsp;km/h (50&nbsp;mph). The more powerful versions known as ''zhongxing'' (重型, heavy format) scooters are now quite common and can be rented for short-term use, or found for sale used at [http://www.englishintaiwan.com English In Taiwan] if you're going to need it for a while. They are '''not''' allowed on freeways even if they are capable of going faster than 100&nbsp;km/h (62&nbsp;mph) unless used for certain police purposes, but that just means you have to take the scenic route. If you're just learning to drive a scooter on the streets of Taiwan, it would be a good idea to practice a bit on a back road or alley until you have a feel for the scooter. Attempting to do so in the busier cities could easily be fatal. Certainly, things can get pretty hairy on Taiwanese roads and Taipei in particular has narrower more congested roads than many other cities. However if you know what you're doing, it's the perfect way to get around in a city. It should be possible to rent a scooter by the day, week or month, depending on the city in which you're staying. One Taipei motorcycle and scooter rental service with English language service is [http://www.bikefarm.net Bikefarm], which is run by a very friendly and helpful English guy called Jeremy. In Taichung, Foreigner Assistance Services In Taiwan '''[http://www.englishintaiwan.com/foreignerservices/fast.php F.A.S.T]''' offers a rental service for foreign visitors. Otherwise, scooters are generally easy to rent in most major cities, with many such places being near railway or bus stations. Most usually require some form of identification even if, in some cases, it consists of your expired Blockbuster video card! The average price you may expect is NT$400 for 24 hours, this includes one or two helmets. Another option is to rent a motorcycle. Many foreigners swear by their 125cc Wild Wolf (野狼) motorcycles, and a trip around the island on a motorcycle can be a great way to see the island up close. It is to be mentioned that since 2007, scooters and motorcycle over 550cc are allowed to go on expressway providing that they have a red license plate. They are however to be considered as cars, and as such cannot be parked in scooter parking spaces. === By car === [[File:Traffic restored on the 133K~135K section of Provincial Highway 21.jpg|thumb|View of Yushan Scenic Highway]] An international driving license is required for driving in Taiwan and may be used for up to 30 days, after which you'll need to apply for a local permit. Some municipalities may impose additional restrictions, so check ahead with the rental shop. [http://www.vipcar.com.tw/ VIP Rentals] in [[Taipei]] is quite happy to rent cars to foreigners, and will even deliver the car to a given destination. A deposit is often required, and the last day of rental is not pro-rated, but calculated on a per-hour basis at a separate (higher) rate. The numbered highway system is very good in Taiwan. Most traffic signs are in international symbols, but many signs show names of places and streets in Chinese only. All road directional signs are written in both Chinese and English, though the non-standardized Romanization means that English names can vary between road signs, making it rather confusing. The highways are in excellent shape with toll stations around every 30&nbsp;km (19&nbsp;mi). Toll is charged electronically and you pay the rental company when you return the car. Traffic moves on the right in Taiwan. Parking in cities is generally charged. A attendant will put a payment slip under your windscreen wiper, you can pay at convenience stores. While driving may be the best way to get around the countryside, in larger cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, traffic jams are a problem as is the difficulty of finding a good parking space, especially during the rush hour and traffic tends to get chaotic so you might be better off relying on public transport instead. === By thumb === While Taiwanese themselves don't generally [[Hitchhiking|hitchhike]], foreigners will have it very easy to find a hitch. However, in rural areas people may not recognize the thumb in the air symbol, and you may try pointing your hand to the ground and waving towards you. It is very easy to flag down a car in rural and mountain regions. So, instead of waiting for that one bus a day that goes by, just hitch a ride. Flagging down a car might work on a country lane with little or no public transportation, but doing so on a major road might lead to confusion, with the driver assuming that you are in trouble. A sign, especially one in Chinese, would therefore be of great help. The East coast around Hualien and Taitung enjoys a reputation for being especially good for getting rides. Taiwanese people are very friendly and helpful, so striking up a conversation with someone at a transport café or freeway service station may well see you on your way. === By bicycle === Although Taiwan is known for being a major player in the [[cycling|bicycle]] industry (through companies such as Giant and Merida), bicycles used to be considered an unwanted reminder of less prosperous times. This has changed, and bicycling is again on the rise, both as a tool for commuting and recreation, and support infrastructure is slowly being put into place. Several bike paths have been built, and recreational cycling has become quite popular amongst locals, especially on weekends. However, you should also be aware that local drivers have a well deserved reputation for recklessness. As such, you should exercise extreme caution when cycling outside of designated bicycle lanes and trails. The government has been promoting bicycling as a method of clean recreation. Several designated bicycle paths have been built throughout Taiwan (especially along riverside parks). Additionally, [http://www.formosanfattire.com/trails/ long distance rides], including through the Central Mountain Range, and along the coastline around the main island have become popular. For long distance trips, bicycles can be shipped as is using standard freight service from the Taiwan Railway Administration between larger stations. Non-folding bicycles may also be transported aboard the Taipei and Kaohsiung rapid transit systems if loaded at specific stations, during off peak hours (usually 10:00-16:00 on weekdays, check with your local station personnel to confirm). * [https://www.metro.taipei/cp.aspx?n=F299BF5B3142389A Taipei MRT Route Map], bicycles may be loaded at designated stations * [http://www.krtco.com.tw/en/guide_StipulationsforPassengerswithBicycles.aspx Kaohsiung MRT Bicycle Information] (passengers traveling with non-folding bicycles are assessed a flat rate NT$60 fare irrespective of distance) Giant Bicycles Corporation operates a large network of bicycle retail stores that offer '''rentals''' for as little as NT$100 per day, if requested one week in advance. Generally, the day rate is around NT$300 for a modern bicycle. Also, rented bicycles can be picked up at one station and given back another station. This can be convenient if you want to go down the quiet east coast with a bicycle and back up the busy west coast with the train/bus. A one week finesse bike including bags costs as little as €100. Public shared bicycles are also available for rent at automated kiosks in most Taiwanese cities. Rental fees are usually paid using the rapid transit EasyCard or iPass system. There is YouBike in Taipei, which are available all over the city and even 30&nbsp;km out &ndash; see [[Taipei]] for more details. Additionally, many local police stations provide basic support services for cyclists, such as air pumps, and as a rest stop. === By plane === [[File:UNI Air MD-90-30 (B-17918) at Kaohsiung International Airport.jpg|thumb|Domestic plane, Taiwan]] Domestic air travel in Taiwan is primarily for outlying islands, as Taiwan is fairly compact with a modern and efficient rail network. There are also routes that connect the east and west coasts, since there is a geographical barrier between the two. There are no longer any west coast only routes as [[high speed rail]] has made them redundant. The main carriers are '''[http://www.mandarin-airlines.com/ Mandarin Airlines]''', a subsidiary of China Airlines; and '''[http://www.uniair.com.tw/ UNI Air]''', owned by EVA. There is also Daily Air and Far Eastern Air Transport. Flights are frequent, and it is usually unnecessary to book flights in advance, except during holidays. Fares for domestic flights are not too expensive, and local planes are very good. The domestic airport in Taipei is [http://www.tsa.gov.tw/tsa/en/home.aspx Songshan Airport], which is in the north of the Taipei and easily reached by MRT or taxi. Other domestic airports include those in [[Taitung]], [[Hualien]], [[Makung]] (Penghu/Pescadores), [[Kinmen]], [[Taichung]], [[Nangan]] and [[Beigan]]. Travellers heading to [[Kenting]] can use the direct and frequent bus service from Kaohsiung airport that connect with flights arriving from Taipei. If you want to visit Taiwan's smaller islands, the plane is still the best option, and is the only practical option for travelling to [[Kinmen]] and the easiest method of reaching [[Penghu]] and [[Matsu]]. For travel to Green Island and [[Orchid Island]], the plane from Taitung saves several hours over taking the ferry which is notorious among Taiwanese for its rough ride. ===On foot and navigation=== Taiwan is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting and picturesque trails in its mountainous centre, or just north-east of Taipei. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult [https://www.openstreetmap.org/ OpenStreetMap], which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] (complex with many add-ons) and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME] (easy but limited). == See == Perhaps due to its political ambiguity and lack of global presence, Taiwan has never been a significant destination for Westerners. Nevertheless tourists from [[Japan]] and [[Hong Kong]] have been visiting Taiwan in droves for a long time, and they are being joined by an increasing number of Koreans, Southeast Asians and Westerners. The island is home to many cultural attractions, with an excellent selection right in the capital. Taipei is a bustling and modern metropolis, with ancient yet lively streets, and world-famous landmarks like '''Taipei 101'''. However, it's also home to the '''National Palace Museum''', '''Zhongshan Hall''', '''Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall''' and the beautifully restored '''Bao'an Temple'''. Bao'an is just one of many striking temple complexes worth a visit. For more, try the '''Zushi Temple''' in [[Sanxia]] or the '''Mazu temple''' in [[Makung]]. The large '''Longshan Temple''' in [[Lukang]] and the '''Confucian Temples''' of [[Changhua]] and [[Tainan]] are fine choices too. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and therefore full of historic sites, especially colonial buildings, and including the Anping "Tree House" that's being slowly reclaimed by banyan trees. If you're looking for some deeper insights in Taiwan's history and culture, there's a wide range of '''museums''' to be explored, pretty much wherever your go. Taiwan retains its place as a major center of Chinese pop culture. In addition, this state is home to bustling cities with modern, high-tech infrastructure, and good transportation infrastructure means that getting around is easy. For those who have grown weary of the hustle and bustle of cities, Taiwan also offers some very impressive scenery and charming historical villages in its rural areas. === Nature === [[File:Taiwan 2009 HuaLien Taroko Gorge Narrow Gap and Road PB140025.jpg|thumb|200px|Taroko Gorge, Taroko National Park]] Some people think of Taiwan as a grimy, densely populated industrial island full of hard disk factories, and you may well maintain this perception if you only stick to the densely populated West Coast. However, for those who take time to venture to the more sparsely populated East Coast will quickly find that Taiwan is actually home to some stunning landscapes. The [[Taroko Gorge]] (太魯閣) near [[Hualien]] in particular is very impressive, and should not be missed, with a side trip to the rugged shores at ''Shihtiping'' (石梯坪) as a worthwhile detour. '''Hehuan Mountain''' and '''[[Sun Moon Lake]]''' are beautiful natural attractions near [[Nantou]], while the huge and ancient trees in '''[[Lalashan]]''' make for great hikes near [[Taoyuan]]. In fact, most of Taiwan is covered with mountains which offer breathtaking views, so hiking opportunities are very diverse. == Do == * '''Hot Springs''' (溫泉) – Taiwan's geographical location between an oceanic trench and volcanic system makes it an ideal hot springs vacation spot. There are several hot springs destinations throughout the country, including [[Beitou]] (北投), [[Wulai]] (烏來) and [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). The culture of bathing in hot springs was introduced by the Japanese during the colonial period, and remains firmly entrenched in the local culture to this day. At traditional establishments segregated by sex, you may be expected to bathe nude. However, many other places, particular those geared for foreigners, are unisex and require a bathing suit. ===Hiking=== Taiwan is an island of huge mountains (more than two hundred peaks over 3,000m) and there are many hiking opportunities. [[Taroko Gorge]] is popular for its incredible scenery, and serious hikers can trek [[Yushan]] or Wuling Sixiu, among many others. Even in [[Taipei]] and [[New Taipei]] there are a variety of trails to suit hikers of any level. Serious trekking is rather complicated due to an advance booking requirement (usually 7 days) and lodging lottery&mdash;see http://np.cpami.gov.tw/. Permits are required for many trails, especially remote or multi-day hikes and some (though not all!) in national parks. Nevertheless, there are also many trails available that do not need an application. They are mostly day hikes, but you can always put together your trip sections as preferred&mdash;consult apps that use [http://www.openstreetmap.org OpenStreetMap], like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd] and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME]. They have comprehensive and reliable tracks available. ===Shrimping=== Popular locally, and gaining traction with foreign tourists due to YouTube and travel bloggers, is the pastime of indoor shrimp fishing. For an hourly rate (around NT$300/hr), you will be provided with a fishing rod and a seat at an indoor shrimp pool that is regularly stocked with large live Thai prawns. While drinking beer and enjoying the laid back environment, you will be afforded an opportunity to catch dinner with locals. Almost all locales have a few indoor shrimp fishing pools to seek out. Almost all double as restaurants with tables and ovens available for use, allowing you to cook your catch on-site and order additional dishes as needed. ===Events=== * '''[http://www.springscream.com/ Spring Scream]''' (春天吶喊) – A three day outdoor rock concert in [[Kenting]], held every year. In 2011, it will take place on 1–4 April. Tickets are NT$1,400 for all days, all venues; NT$650 for one day, one venue. Kenting's entire area gets swarmed by young people coming to party for 3 days, and Taiwanese TV heavily reports on the latest bikini fashions seen on the spot. Be aware, though, that police presence will be strong, as the festival has a reputation for being rife with illegal drugs. * '''Buddha's Birthday''' (佛祖誕辰) – Colorful but simple ceremonies are held at Buddhist monasteries that generally consist of washing a statue of the Buddha and a vegetarian feast. It is appropriate to make offerings to the monks and nuns at this time, though it is not mandatory. Lunar Calendar 8th day of 4th month. * '''Dragon Boat Festival''' (龍舟賽) – A festival to commemorate the death of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan (born 340 BC), who drowned himself in a river out of despair that his beloved country, Chu, was being plundered by a neighboring country as a result of betrayal by his own people. The festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (25 June 2020), and is marked by races of colorful dragon boats at various locations throughout the island. * '''Cherry Blossom Season''' (櫻花季) – Every spring, in [[Yangmingshan]] (陽明山). * '''Mazu Festival''' (媽祖生) – Festival commemorating the traditional birthday of Mazu, a traditional Chinese goddess who is popularly worshipped in Taiwan. The biggest celebration is an eight-day long "inspection tour" of a Mazu statue from the Zhenlan Temple in [[Taichung]] to the Chaotian Temple in [[Southern Taiwan|Beigang]] and back, though many other temples throughout Taiwan's main island and the outlying islands also conduct their own festivities. Lunar Calendar 23rd day of 3rd month. === Traditional pastimes === Generally speaking, traditional Chinese games such as [[Go]] (圍棋 ''wéiqí'') and [[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]] (象棋 ''xiàngqí'') are popular in Taiwan too. Both games are played at the professional level in Taiwan, and there are numerous tournaments that visitors may watch. While gambling is illegal in Taiwan, '''mahjong''' (Mandarin: 麻將 ''májiàng''; Taiwanese: 麻雀 ''moâ-chhiok'') remains popular. The Taiwanese version of the game derives from the Fujianese form, which differs significantly from the better known Cantonese and Japanese versions, most notably because a hand consists of 17 tiles instead of the 14 used in other versions. Mahjong in Taiwan is mostly a family and friends affair, and is usually played at social gatherings in people's houses. Mahjong clubs generally cater to groups of friends or family members looking to play together, though they can often assist in helping you find other players if you show up alone. While playing for money is not allowed at mahjong clubs due to Taiwan's anti-gambling laws, they will often allow you to exchange the points you win for various prizes. === Performing Arts === '''Glove puppet shows''' (布袋戲) originated in Fujian province on mainland China, and were brought to Taiwan by the first Han Chinese immigrants. Nevertheless, they have since been somewhat modernised and taken on some uniquely Taiwanese characteristics. Another traditional Taiwanese type of performance is '''Taiwanese opera''' (歌仔戲), which originated in [[Yilan]] based on traditional Chinese opera styles. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=New Taiwan dollars | currencyCode=NT$ | date=January 2022 | CNY=4.3 | EUR=31 | GBP=37 | JPY=24 | USD=28 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/twd-taiwan-new-dollar XE.com]}}The currency of Taiwan is the '''New Taiwan dollar''', denoted by the symbol "'''NT$'''" (新臺幣 or 臺幣, ISO code: '''NTD''', but also referred to as TWD). The NT dollar is known locally as NT, ''yuán'' (元 or more formally 圓) when written in Chinese or colloquially in Mandarin as the ''kuài'' (塊). One unit is known colloquially as the ''kho&#x358;'' (箍) in the Taiwanese dialect. One dollar is divided into 100 cents, known as a 分 (''fēn'') in Chinese. 10 cents is formally known as a 角 (''jiǎo''), and colloquially as a 毛 (''máo'') in Chinese. Any '''$''' sign you see in Taiwan or this travel guide for Taiwan generally refers to NTD unless it includes other initials (e.g. US$ for U.S. dollars). Banknotes come in denominations of NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000, while coins come in denominations of NT$½, NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, NT$20 and NT$50. The NT$½ coin is rarely seen or accepted because of its low value, and the price of raw materials used to make the coin is more than the face value of the coin. Taiwanese currency is fully convertible and there are no restrictions on taking currency into or out of the island. Currency exchange is possible internationally, although you will get a much better rate if you wait until you arrive at the airport to exchange currency at the 24-hour window. Most banks in Taipei and Kaohsiung will also exchange money or offer cash advances on credit or debit cards. Should you bring American currency, bring newer bills as the banks and exchange-centers (such as in department stores) will only accept the newer notes (notes from 1996 and 2003 are not accepted at most places, due to a high proportion of forgeries bearing these years). Notes which are torn or damaged will probably not be changed, and old-style small-bust notes are not accepted, including the US$2 bill no matter when it was printed. Taiwan National Bank will take older bank notes and bank notes that are wrinkled or torn for exchange. Department stores will not exchange notes older than 1997. Don't forget to show your passport! ====ATMs==== Taiwan has abundant ATMs to withdraw cash from using the Plus or Cirrus systems. Certain banks' ATMs will even tell you your available balance in your own currency or in NT$. There is a per transaction limit of NT$20,000 for ATM cash withdrawals (HSBC Global Access customers may withdraw NT$30,000 from HSBC ATMs). Post office ATMs will ''not'' accept cards without an EMV chip. However, ATMs are sometimes out of cash, especially in remote (mountain) regions. So, make sure you stock up on cash early enough. 7-Eleven ATMs charge NT$100 per transaction, whilst those in Family Marts do not charge a fee. ====Credit cards==== Most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, generally Visa, MasterCard, and JCB. Diners Club, Discover and American Express cards are seldom accepted. Most restaurants and small stores do not accept cards, and cash is the main form of payment. Because street crime is rare, it is common for people in Taiwan to carry large amounts of cash with them. ===== Mobile Wallets ===== Unlike mainland China, QR code based mobile wallet payments are not quite ubiquitous or essential to the point that a visitor would have a hard time without one. In addition, Taiwan's mobile wallet apps generally require foreigners to register with an ARC, limiting the ability of visitors to use it. However, LINE Pay, one of the most popular, is cross-compatible with its counterparts in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, meaning that if you already have a LINE Pay account from one of those countries, it can be used with any linked credit or debit card to make payments at stores in Taiwan that take LINE Pay. Your card will be directly charged in NT$; LINE Pay does not automatically convert to your account currency. This can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry around as some shops that otherwise do not take card payments will take LINE Pay and other mobile wallets. ====Banks==== If you are planning on staying in Taiwan for a longer time, you should consider opening a Taiwanese bank account. While many of the large foreign banks such as Citibank and HSBC have branches in Taiwan, they often require huge deposits in order for you to open an account, so you might wish to consider one of the major local banks such as the Bank of Taiwan instead. You will need to bring your passport and UI number in order to open an account. The UI number is the number on the Alien Residence Card for those on long-term visas. For short-term tourists, they can obtain an "UI No. Basic Information Form" for free from the local Immigration Agency office, but this is not accepted by all banks. The larger banks will often have English-speaking staff available to assist foreigners. === Costs === Costs in Taiwan are generally lower than in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, but higher than in Southeast Asia and mainland China. For a budget traveller on a bare-bones budget, NT$1,000 will get you by for a day, but you'll probably want to double that for comfort. A meal at a street stall may cost NT$50 or less, a meal at a Western fast food restaurant will run you about NT$150 and at the fanciest restaurants, you can expect a bill in excess of NT$1,000. On the high end of the spectrum, hotel rooms at a swanky hotel might cost NT$5,000 or more. Costs diminish significantly the further you go out of the big cities. Taxis are quite reasonable and often have a set fare for common destinations, so ask in advance and haggle if you disagree. === Tipping === Tipping is generally '''not''' practiced in Taiwan. Bellhops in high end hotels and porters at airports are an exception and should be given NT$50 per bag. Also, tipping to show appreciation for exceptional service is not uncommon. Tipping is also not expected in taxis and drivers would usually return your change to the last dollar. In place of tips is a 10% service charge when dining at most full-service restaurants which is automatically added to the bill. ===Shopping=== [[File:Linjiang Street Night Market 20040610.jpg|thumb|A typical night market in Taiwan may sell anything from food to clothing to fortune telling services]] As in many Asian countries, night markets are a staple of Taiwanese entertainment, shopping and eating. Night markets are open-air markets, usually on a street or alleyway, with vendors selling all sorts of wares on every side. In the larger cities you will have a night market every night and in the same place. In smaller cities, they are only open certain nights of the week, and may move to different streets depending on the day of the week. Every city has at least one night market; larger cities like [[Taipei]] may have a dozen or more. Night markets are crowded, so remember to watch out for your wallet! Shops selling the same items tend to congregate in the same part of the city. If you want to buy something, ask someone to take you to one shop and there will probably be shops selling similar things nearby. There are many shopping centres in Taipei where prices are usually fixed and goods are genuine. Otherwise, shopping streets in larger cities like [[Kaohsiung]] and [[Taichung]] can also easily get you what you want. And of course, there is the trendy Ximending (西門町) in Taipei, where you can pretty much find anything associated with the youths, also at fixed prices. Computer chain shops and department stores normally have fixed prices, but at least in department stores you may get a "registered member discount" if you're shopping a lot. Prices at smaller stores and even some hostels are normally cash prices. If you like to use a credit card, the seller normally wants to add anything up to 8% to the price as a "card fee" etc. The fee consists actually of the credit company's commission and also the local sales tax/VAT. If you pay cash, you might not get an official receipt, as then the seller would have to report and pay their taxes in full. If you ask for a receipt or "fa piao" (發票), you will get it but you may need to pay 3-5% more. ===Bargaining=== Whilst [[bargaining]] was OK in the past and expected in night markets as well as smaller stores, nowadays most prices are fixed. Taiwan has become a sophisticated and wealthy country where most Taiwanese, especially from the cities, generally do not request discounts and any such are likely to receive a friendly ''No''. Nevertheless, you will encounter different prices, e.g. cut fruits will cost NT$30 at the Night Market, but NT$80 in tourist areas. However, it is possible to get a discount of NT$20-100 when renting a motorbike/bicycle, searching for accommodation or such, depending on the circumstances and time of day. While you might miss a general bargaining culture and be bewildered by the general bargain inflexibility of Taiwanese, it can on the other hand be calming to know that no one will try to rip you off as it is common in other less-developed Southeast Asian countries. === What to buy === Popular things to buy include: * '''Jade'''. Although it can be hard to know for sure if the item you're buying is real jade or not, some beautiful objects are sold. Most cities have a specific jade market dealing in jade and other precious stones. * '''Computers'''. Taiwan designs and produces a lot of desktops, laptops, and PC peripherals. Travellers might be interested in visiting the large Information Technology Market at Taiwan for the best prices. Desktop computers and components tend to be the same price in Taiwan as in other areas of the world, though peripherals such as cables and adapters tend to be noticeably cheaper. If you're buying domestic, it's best to go to tourist hangouts to buy your stuff as you might be saddled with Chinese documentation otherwise. Also, notebooks are typically only available with a Chinese Bopomofo and English keyboard. * '''Lingzhi''' (靈芝). A type of bracket fungus that is often used as a Chinese herb. It supposedly has many health benefits with an apparent absence of side effects, earning it a high reputation in East Asian countries and making it rather expensive. Taiwanese lingzhi is particularly famous for being of the highest quality. * '''[[Tea]]'''. Taiwan is particularly famous for its oolong tea (烏龍茶) due to the island's predominant Fujianese culture; it is available at many tea shops. Tea tasting in Chinese culture is akin to wine tasting in Western culture and you will find many grades of this same type of tea, with different methods of treating the tea leaves. * '''[[w:Iron egg|Iron eggs]]''' (鐵蛋) irresistible delicacy In order to protect the environment, a government policy rules that plastic bags cannot be given freely at stores in Taiwan, but have to be bought (at a flat rate of NT$1)—bakeries being an exception as the items need to be hygienically wrapped. Re-usable canvas and nylon bags are sold at most supermarkets. == Eat == {{seealso|Chinese cuisine}} {{infobox|Stinky tofu|Undoubtedly the most infamous Taiwanese delicacy, stinky tofu (臭豆腐 ''chòudòufu'') is fermented tofu with a strong odor often likened to rotting garbage. It's usually sold only by outdoor stalls, as the smell would overwhelm most restaurants, but if you can hold your nose long enough to eat it, the taste is quite mild &mdash; but with distinct earthy overtones that many visitors find off-putting. It's most commonly eaten fried, but for extra Fear Factor points, find some ''mala'' hotpot (麻辣鍋) with stinky tofu and gelatinized duck blood.}} [[File:Food_BeefNoodleSoup.JPG|thumb|Taiwanese beef noodle soup]] [[File:Food_AiyuLemonJelly.JPG|thumb|Lemon ''aiyu'' jelly]] Taiwan is a food lover's paradise, and a popular culinary tourism destination for East and Southeast Asian tourists. While not as highly regarded as the food from Hong Kong due to the traditionally high status Cantonese cuisine holds in Chinese culture, Taiwanese food has become more respected. Generally speaking, the foods of Taiwan are derived from '''mainland Chinese cuisines'''. Because most Taiwanese trace their ancestry to [[Fujian]], it comes as no surprise that much of Taiwanese cuisine was derived from the cuisine of Fujian. It is also possible to find [[Szechuan]] (四川) food, [[Hunan]] (湖南) food, [[Dongbei]] (東北) food, [[Guangdong|Cantonese]] (廣東) food and almost every other Chinese cuisine on the island, because many famous chefs from the mainland fled to Taiwan after the communist victory in 1949, and many Nationalist soldiers brought their family recipes with them when retreating from the mainland. That being said, Taiwanese cuisine has absorbed substantial local influences, and significant Japanese influences because of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule, giving it a unique character that distinguishes it from its mainland Chinese counterparts. The Taiwanese are also passionately in love with eggs and seafood. Fruits are another famous part of Taiwanese food. A wide range of fruits can be found at local fruit shops and stations. The subtropical climate allows different fruits to grow nicely. Taiwan also has many of its own '''local specialties'''. A few found island wide include: * '''[[w:Beef noodles|Beef Noodles]]''' (牛肉麵 ''niúròu miàn'') – Noodle soup with chunks of meltingly soft stewed beef and a dash of pickles derived from the cuisines of Sichuan. * '''[[w:Oyster omelette|Oyster omelette]]''' (蚵仔煎 ''ó āh jiān'' – This is the Taiwanese name, as its Chinese name only exists in characters, but not in oral Mandarin), a dish made from eggs, oysters, sweet potato flour and the leaves of a local chrysanthemum, topped with sweet red sauce. The local version in [[Kinmen]] differs quite considerably from the version on the main island, and is closer to the versions served in mainland China's Fujian province. * '''[[w:Aiyu jelly|Aiyu jelly]]''' (愛玉 ''àiyù'') – Made from the seeds of a local fig and usually served on ice &mdash; sweet, cool and refreshing on a hot day * '''Taiwan Sausage''' (香腸 ''xiāngcháng'') – Usually made from pork, it is a modified version of the Cantonese ''laap cheong'' (臘腸) which has been emulsified and is much sweeter in taste. Unlike ''laap cheong'', which is almost always eaten with rice, Taiwanese ''xiangchang'' is usually eaten on its own with some garlic. * '''Taiwanese Orange''' (柳丁 ''liŭdīng'') – A type of citrus fruit which is similar to usual oranges, except that the skin and flesh tend to look more yellowish like lemon. Unlike lemon, it is usually quite sweet. * '''Taiwanese Porridge''' (粥 ''zhōu'' in Mandarin, 糜 ''beh'' in Taiwanese) — Rice porridge cooked with sweet potato eaten all across China but most commonly in Fujian. It is usually eaten with several different dishes or eaten by people with illnesses. * '''[[w:Braised pork rice|Braised pork rice]]''' (滷肉飯 ''lǔ ròu fàn'') – Rice topped with pork belly that has been stewed in dark soy sauce and other spices and chopped into tiny pieces. A classic Taiwanese comfort dish. For a less fatty version, ask for 肉燥飯 (''ròu zào fàn''), which uses minced pork instead. * '''[[w:Taiwan Railway Bento|Railway Bento]]''' (臺鐵便當 ''Tái tiě biàndang'') - A national culinary icon and Taiwanese train tradition, this takeaway dish is a holdover of the Japanese era, and celebrated in Taiwan. The most popular bento is the braised pork cutlet bento. You can find this dish at train stations in Taiwan (though locals compare the quality of railway bento on a station-by-station basis), but adaptations are sold by various restaurants across Taiwan. Most cities and towns in Taiwan are famous for special foods because of the Taiwanese passion for food and influences from many different countries. For example, Ilan (宜蘭) is famous for its mochi (麻吉), a sticky rice snack often flavored with sesame, peanuts or other flavorings. [[Yungho|Yonghe]] (永和), a suburb of Taipei, is famous for its freshly made soy milk (豆漿) and breakfast foods. [[Taichung]] is famous for its sun cakes (太陽餅 ''tàiyáng bǐng''), a kind of sweet stuffed pastry. In [[Chiayi]], it's square cookies, also called cubic pastry (方塊酥), crispy layered cookies cut into squares and sprinkled liberally with sesame seeds. [[Tainan]] is particularly famous among the Taiwanese for its abundance of good food and should be a stop for all gourmands. The most famous dish is arguably the ''coffin bread'' (棺材板). Virtually every city has its own famous specialties; many Taiwanese tourists will visit other cities on the island simply to try the local foods and then return home. Taiwan also has remarkably good '''bakery items'''. Most specialize in sweet Chinese pastries or Western pastries adjusted to local tastes, but look out for ''We Care'' bakeries which also offer Western options such as whole wheat loaves, sour breads and ciabatta. Vegetarians are better catered for in restaurants and variety than in most other countries. Michelin publishes a [https://guide.michelin.com/tw/en/taipei-region/taipei guide] to restaurants in Taipei. That said, it does not cover the whole of Taiwan, and most locals only take the Michelin guide with a pinch of salt. === Places to eat === If you're on a budget, the cheapest food can be found in back-alley noodle shops and night market stalls, where you can get a filling bowl of noodles for around NT$35-70. The Taiwanese love to snack and even many restaurants advertise ''xiaochi'' (小吃), literally "small eats", the Taiwanese equivalent of Cantonese ''dim sum''. There are also the standard '''fast food''' places such as McDonalds (a standard Big Mac Meal costs NT$115), KFC and MOS Burger. In addition there are large numbers of convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart) that sell things like tea eggs, sandwiches, bento boxes (便當盒) and drinks. Night markets are also a good place to try some delicious local Taiwanese fare at attractive prices. Examples would be the Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) in [[Taipei]] and the Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市) in [[Kaohsiung]], each of which has its own special dishes not to be missed. === Etiquette === As with Chinese cuisine elsewhere, food in Taiwan is generally eaten with chopsticks and served on large plates placed at the center of the table and shared among multiple people. Oftentimes, a serving spoon or pair of chopsticks (公筷 ''gōngkuài'') accompanies the dishes and guests do not use their own chopsticks to transfer food to their plates. The usual traditional Chinese taboos when eating with chopsticks apply in Taiwan as well. For instance, do not stick your chopsticks straight up or into your bowl of rice. This is reminiscent of incense sticks at a temple, and has connotations of wishing death upon those around you. When putting down chopsticks, either place them on the provided porcelain chopstick rest (at fancier restaurants) or rest the chopsticks across the top of your bowl. Also, do not use your chopsticks to spear your food or move bowls and plates. See [[Chinese cuisine#Etiquette|Chinese table etiquette]] for more details. Although there are minor differences between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese etiquette, much of traditional Chinese table manners apply to Taiwan too. === Dietary restrictions === ====Vegetarians==== [[File:Sush Manji.JPG|thumb|The characters 素食 signal the availability of vegetarian food]] All Mahayana Buddhists, which account for the majority of adherents in Taiwan, aspire to be pure '''vegetarian''' in deference to the Buddha's teaching of non-violence and compassion. So, vegetarian restaurants (called ''su-shi'' 素食 ''tsan-ting'' 餐廳 in Mandarin, and often identified with the 卍 symbol) can be found in abundance all over the island, and they run from cheap buffet style to gourmet and organic. Buffet styled restaurants (called 自助餐, which means "Serve Yourself Restaurant") are common in almost every neighborhood in large cities, and unlike the 'all-you-can-eat' buffets (which charge a set price, usually ranging from NT$250-350 including dessert and coffee/tea), the cost is estimated by the weight of the food on your plate. Rice (there is usually a choice of brown or white) is charged separately, but soup or cold tea is free and you can refill as many times as you like. NT$90-120 will buy you a good sized, nutritious meal. However, if you cannot find a veggie restaurant, don't fret. Taiwanese people are very flexible and most restaurants will be happy to cook you up something to suit your requirements. The following sentences in Mandarin might be helpful: 我吃素 (''Wǒ chī sù'') - I'm vegetarian, 我不吃肉 (''Wǒ bù chī ròu'') - I don't eat meat. However, as Mandarin is a tonal language, you might need to say both, plus practice your acting skills to get yourself understood. Good luck! NB: If a restaurant refuses your order, don't push the issue. The reason will not be an unwillingness to accommodate your request, but because the basic ingredients of their dishes may include chicken broth or pork fat. Taiwanese vegetarianism (素食) isn't simply vegetarianism, for there is a notion of "plainness" to it. In most cases it excludes items such onion, ginger, and garlic. Buddhists and Taoists consider these items "un-plain" because they potentially cause physical excitement, which could hinder the meditative process. Thus, when offering food to a strict vegetarian, be aware that they may not eat food containing onion, ginger, and garlic. Although vegetarian restaurants in Taiwan do not aspire to '''vegan''' principles, almost all non-dessert dishes at Chinese style veggie restaurants will actually be vegan because Taiwanese do not have a tradition of eating dairy products. Ensure that your dish does not contain eggs, however. ====Allergies==== Awareness of '''food allergies''' is limited in Taiwan. If you can speak Chinese, you can ask restaurant staff about whether the food contains common allergens like peanuts or shellfish, and depending on the chef, they may be able to make some adjustments to accommodate you. Don't expect that level of accommodation from night markets stalls though. A serious '''soy''' allergy is basically incompatible with Taiwanese cuisine due to the prevalence of soy sauce as an ingredient, and '''gluten-free''' diets are very difficult to come by due to the very low incidence of celiac disease in Taiwan. '''Dairy''' is not commonly used in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, so avoiding it should be straightforward for lactose-intolerant people. ====Religious diets==== People on religious diets will have a ''hard time'' in Taiwan, and you will need to do some planning in advance. [[Islam|Muslims]] should contact the [http://www.cmainroc.org.tw Chinese Muslim Association] for advice on where to find ''halal'' food, while [[Judaism|Jews]] should contact the [https://www.jewish.tw/ Chabad Taiwan] for information on where to find ''kosher'' food. == Drink == [[File:HeySong beverage vending machine 20120917.jpg|thumb|Drinks vending machine in Taiwan]] As Taiwan is a subtropical island with the south part in the tropics, it cannot hurt to drink a lot, especially during summertime. Drink vending machines can be found virtually everywhere and are filled with all kinds of juices, tea and coffee drinks, soy milk and mineral water. === Alcohol === Taiwan's legal age to consume alcohol is 18 years of age. Minors caught drinking can face fines ranging from NT$10,000-50,000. Traditional alcoholic drinks in Taiwan are very strong. '''Kaoliang''' (高粱酒) from [[Kinmen]] is the most famous alcoholic drink. A distilled grain liquor, it is extremely strong, usually 140 proof or more, and often drunk straight. Taiwan also produces many types of '''Shaoxing''' (紹興酒), rice wine, which are considered by many as being some of the best in the world. While a relatively newcomer to the scene, Taiwanese '''[[whisky]]''' (威士忌) has been making waves in the 21st century, with local whiskey brand [http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/ Kavalan] having emerged from obscurity to win numerous prestigious international awards. Taiwanese people enjoy beer on ice. A wide variety of imported beers are available, but the standard is '''Taiwan Beer''' (台灣啤酒), produced by a former government monopoly. It is brewed with fragrant penglai rice in addition to barley giving it a distinctive flavor. The beer is served cold and recognized as an especially suitable complement to Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine, especially seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi. Taiwan Beer has won international awards, including the International Monde Selection in 1977 and the Brewing Industry International Awards in 2002. Beer on tap is uncommon in Taiwan, and most places serve beer in bottles. For a special and rare treat, ask for the Taiwan Draft Beer (台灣生啤酒), which comes in a plain green bottle. This has a 2-week expiration, so it can only be found at the breweries (there are a few scattered around Taiwan) or at select stores and restaurants in the vicinity. === Tea and coffee === [[File:TimeForTea BubbleTea.JPG|thumb|Pearl milk tea and pudding milk tea, [[Chiayi]]]] Taiwan's specialty teas are '''High Mountain Oolong''' (高山烏龍, ''Gao-shan wulong''), a fragrant light tea, and '''Tie Guan-yin''' (鐵觀音), a dark, rich brew. Enjoying this tea, served in the traditional way using a very small teapot and tiny cups, is an experience you should not miss. This way of taking tea is called ''lao ren cha'' (老人茶), 'old people's tea', and the name is derived from the fact that only the elderly traditionally had the luxury of time to relax and enjoy tea in this way. Check the small print when visiting a traditional tea house though: in addition to the tea itself, you may be charged a cover (茶水費, literally "tea-water fee") for the elaborate process of preparing it and for any nibbles served on the side. One should also try '''Lei cha''' (擂茶; léi chá) a tasty and nourishing Hakka Chinese tea-based dish consisting of a mix ground tea leaves and rice. Some stores specialize in this product and allows one to grind their own lei cha. As with Chinese teas elsewhere, Chinese teas in Taiwan are always drunk neat, with the use of milk or sugar unknown. However, Taiwan is also the birthplace of pearl milk tea, which uses sugar and milk. '''Pearl milk tea''' (珍珠奶茶 ''zhēnzhū nǎichá''), aka "bubble tea" or "boba tea", is milky tea with chewy balls of tapioca added, drunk through an over-sized straw. Invented in Taiwan in the early 1980s and a huge Asia-wide craze in the 1990s, it's not quite as popular as it once was but can still be found at nearly every coffee or tea shop. Look for a shop where it is freshly made. There are two cafes that maintain rival claims to having invented the drink: '''[https://chunshuitang.com.tw/ Chun Shui Tang]''' (春水堂) in [[Taichung]] and '''[http://www.hanlin-tea.com.tw/ Hanlin Tea Room]''' (翰林茶館) in [[Tainan]]. The '''cafe culture''' has hit Taiwan in a big way, and in addition to an abundance of privately owned cafes, all the major chains, such as Starbucks, have a multitude of branches throughout major towns and cities. === Soft drinks === Taiwan is a great place for fruit drinks. Small fruit-juice bars make them fresh on the spot and are experts at creating fruit-juice cocktails (non-alcoholic, of course). ''zong-he'' (mixed) is usually a sweet and sour combination and ''mu-gwa niou-nai'' (木瓜牛奶) is iced papaya milk. If you don't want ice (though it is safe in Taiwan, even at road side vendors) say, ''chu bing'' (去冰) and no sugar (''wu tang'' (無糖)). '''Soy milk''', or ''doujiang'' (豆漿), is a great treat. Try it hot or cold. Savory soy milk is a traditional Taiwanese breakfast dish. It is somewhat of an acquired taste as vinegar is added to curdle the milk. Both sweet and savory soy milk are often ordered with you-tiao (油條), or deep fried dough crullers. There are a lot of pseudo health drinks in Taiwanese supermarkets and convenience stores. Look out for asparagus juice and lavender milk tea for example. == Sleep == [[File:GrandHotel Fountain.JPG|thumb|250px|The Grand Hotel, Taipei]] ===Types=== * For the budget-minded, there are '''hostels''' in Taipei and most other sizable cities. Some hostels are under table which mean they don't have valid license. * '''Motels''' (汽車旅館) can be easily found in suburbs of major cities. Despite the name, these have little if anything to do with the cheap functional hotels that use the name elsewhere; in Taiwan, motels are intended for '''romantic trysts''' and can be quite extravagant in decor and facilities. Many feature enormous baths with massage jets, separate massage showers, marble tiles, and so forth. Suites come with flat screen TVs and centrally controlled sound systems. During the daytime, most offer "rests" (休息) of a few hours, and indeed check-in times for overnight stays (住宿) can be as late at 22:00. [[Taichung]] is considered the motel-capital of Taiwan. * Taiwanese '''hotels''' range in quality from seedy to very luxurious. Despite the complexities of doing business with both mainland China and Taiwan, most Western hotel chains operate in Taiwan such as Sheraton, Westin and Hyatt. Also, there are plenty of five-star hotels around. Keep in mind, however, that many of the international hotels tend to be outrageously expensive, while comparable and much cheaper accommodation is usually available in the same vicinity. For example, the airport hotel at CKS International charges about three or four times as much as a hotel in Taoyuan which is a half hour cab ride away. Taxi drivers and tourist offices are invaluable resources for finding cheaper hotels. * A uniquely Taiwanese form of accommodation is known as the '''''minsu''''' (民宿), which is similar to Bed and Breakfast accommodation that you usually find in the UK. Although typically cheaper than hotels, the facilities can often be as good as those of some higher end hotels, and many are designed around a specific theme (like fairy tale castle, nature lodge) Accommodation at a minsu typically includes breakfast the next morning, and higher end ones sometimes also give you the option of having a home-cooked style dinner. The downside is that most minsu are either in residential suburbs or in the countryside, meaning that transportation is typically less convenient that at centrally located hotels, and the availability of wi-fi can be a hit or miss. In addition, most minsu advertise in Chinese only. * '''Camping''' does not seem to be an issue in Taiwan and is available in many areas, even in national parks like [[Kenting National Park]]. Although, in [[Taroko Gorge|Taroko Gorge (National Park)]] you will have to pay for the camp ground. In general, a small fees may apply at official camp grounds. Inquire with the local tourist information centre where it is possible to camp and where not. Also, be aware there are "poisonous snakes and wasps" signs all over the country. So, make sure you know where you are camping, and how to keep out "unwanted guests". Consult a map like [http://openpoimap.org/?map=hotels&zoom=14&lat=21.93964&lon=120.72386&layers=B00FFTFFFFFFFF OpenStreetMap], which many mobile Apps like [http://osmand.net/ OsmAnd], and [https://maps.me/ MAPS.ME], use, to find existing camp grounds or good locations. ===Remarks=== Nowadays, '''walk-ins''' are often more expensive that online bookings, especially with bigger hotels. It often seems, they cannot even beat their own online prices and you might need to book online instead of paying in cash on-sight&mdash;they will even courteously offer their WiFi for you to do that. Either way, it is advisable that you know what is the actual price online, which gives you a good bargaining ground. Sometimes they will quote a higher price, sometimes they will give you NT$50 less, but often it is just the online price. If you are still in need of a discount, send the ho(s)tel an email or WeChat/Line message quoting the online price. Some will give you 10 % discount on the online price this way, especially for same day short notice bookings. Generally, short notice bookings will give you a better price, since hotels are trying to sell their stock at a bargain price last-minute. However, do not try this for Saturday/Sunday or Holiday/Holiday bookings, this will leave you with bad or no options. Many hotels in Taiwan have both Chinese and Western names, which can differ radically. Find out and bring along the Chinese name (in Chinese characters), as locals will usually not be able to identify the English ones. Hotel beds in Taiwan are generally much harder than in the West because of the old Asian tradition to sleep on a wood board. Modern mattresses can be found in most hotels, but only in the most upscale Western style hotels will you find beds in a real western style. Many accommodations are not staffed 24/7, but they will leave a contact at their door. Often this will be a '''WeChat''' or '''Line''' contact, which are like WhatsApp. Thus, it makes sense to get these apps while travelling in Taiwan. Agoda seems to list more accommodation options than Booking for Taiwan. However, Agoda's way of claiming additional fees and stating dorm bed availability is a little dodgy. It often says "1 person in a dorm" but then "Occupancy: 2 adults". So, better to book each person separately just in case. Also, never choose the option to get charged in you credit card's home currency (€, US$, or so). This will give you a very bad exchange rate. Always select "TWD" as charged currency&mdash;in this case your home bank is indeed your friend. '''Or''' just get the displayed address/GPS, which is always fully displayed, and walk into the hotel. == Learn == Taiwan is home to several good universities, many of which have exchange agreements with various foreign universities, and these are a good way to experience life in Taiwan. The most prestigious university in Taiwan is the '''[https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/ National Taiwan University]''' (國立臺灣大學). === Mandarin Chinese === Some universities in Taiwan have Chinese Promoting Programs (華語文推廣中心) that offers Chinese lessons to foreigners who wish to live in Taiwan or to learn Mandarin Chinese as their second or foreign language. The romanisation system taught here nowadays is Hanyu Pinyin (漢語拼音), whereas in the past they taught Zhuyin (注音), or BoPoMoFo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). The writing system taught is Traditional Chinese and the form of Mandarin is based on the Beijing dialect but the Taiwanese accent is quite noticeable. === [[Martial arts]] === There are many styles of '''kung fu''' (功夫) taught in Taiwan, largely by masters who came here with the Kuomintang in the late 1940s. Styles include Ba Gua (八卦), Tai Chi (太極), Wing Chun (詠春), Praying Mantis (螳螂), Shway (水) Shiao and various weapons systems. Many of the students are westerners in these classes, which has led to the rise of several [http://www.theallegra.com/ NHB Allegra] schools, and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, Russian Sambo, Japanese Aikido. Some of the more famous teachers will provide you with the paperwork needed to extend a student visa twice. Taekwondo is also extremely popular and is often a mandatory part of school children's physical education. == Work == [[File:Kaohsiung birdseyeview.jpg|thumb|Kaohsiung skyline]] The majority of travelers who work in Taiwan pick up temporary jobs [[teaching English]]. Jobs teaching other languages (mainly European or Japanese) do exist but have a much smaller proportion of the market. '''Job requirements''': In finding employment with a language school, experience, teaching qualifications and references are not required but obviously help. On paper, a big issue is also made about accents, with the North American English accent being heavily favored over British, Australian and South African accents in many language schools' sales marketing. However, in practice, many schools that advertise 'American English' and claim that their teachers are all from Canada or the USA, actually employ teachers from anywhere. Age is a factor, with applicants in their 20s seemingly being preferred. More than anything, appearance is probably the major factor in finding employment with most schools—Do you 'look Western'?—and reliability and turning up on time for work is then the major factor for keeping your job. Therefore, if you look the part, it is very easy to find a school willing to take you on for at least a few days. This 'look Western' point has quite a bearing. Unfortunately, Taiwan is hardly a great promoter of '''equal opportunities'''. In many schools there is a prejudice against teachers applying for jobs who are not of white appearance, seen as the typical Western appearance in Asian countries. This is independent of whether or not the teacher has relevant teaching ability and citizenship of one of the permitted ARC countries. Many parents who send their children to schools to be taught English expect the teacher to look like they are from the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and so on, and so the decision on the part of the school managers is mainly about economics. For those affected by this, it's a sad fact of Taiwan that is unlikely to change in the near future. Good employers without such prejudiced requirements do exist, but greater perseverance is needed when looking for them. It is illegal to work without a '''work permit''' and an ARC (or Alien Residency Permit), and legal work requires a university degree and usually a long (over two month) application process. Alternatively, if you have a lot of money, you can obtain an '''investor visa''' by investing a large sum of money in a local business, which allows you to work for that company in a management capacity. However, illegal employment is easy to find with many school managers being willing to pay under the table for short durations. If caught or reported, you risk criminal charges and could be deported. The government tends to waver from being very lax on this issue under one administration to suddenly taking action under the next; but it only takes one disgruntled student to report you and have you fined and deported. Consider your options carefully! The '''rules for getting an ARC''' do change often and each administrative part of Taiwan has its own ways of handling them, so it is best to check the pages of the [http://www.forumosa.com/taiwan/index.php website Forumosa] and find out what the experiences of others are in your area. Keep in mind, that you can only get an ARC for English teaching if you are a 'citizen of a native English speaking country'. Taiwan's government defines these countries to be only the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa. Almost all teachers apply for an ARC through their employers only after starting work and it is tied to their ongoing employment with that school. Therefore, if the teacher wishes to leave their employment, they will have to quickly find an alternative employer or lose their ARC and hence be required to leave Taiwan. Also, very few schools will arrange an ARC without at least a year-long contract being signed. Frankly, with all this inflexibility, it's no wonder so many teachers opt for the non-legal route. That and tax evasion. Citizens of Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland and Canada aged 18–30 can apply for a '''working holiday visa'''. For more information, visit the [http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=783&CtUnit=80&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 Bureau of Consular Affairs website]. After living in Taiwan continuously for 5 years, you may apply for '''permanent residency'''. If granted, it allows you to live and work in Taiwan indefinitely without restrictions. A lot of the illegal teaching work that the majority of English teachers partake in is simply through '''private student''' tuition with payment being cash-in-hand. You can find a lot of private students around universities that have a Chinese-teaching department—look for the areas where all the foreign students are and check the noticeboards. Because the majority of adult private students want to practice English conversation, you won't need to have any Chinese ability. However, it is definitely a selling point and, if you do have Chinese-speaking ability, it's worthwhile mentioning that in any advertising of your services. Also, once you have some regular students, remember that in Taiwan, as in most Asian countries, 'connections' or 'guanxi' are very important. If your students like you, they will in all likelihood recommend you to their family and friends. Teaching English in Taiwan can be lucrative, as the '''salaries''' are very high compared to the cost of living, typically ranging NT$500-650 per hour before deductions in most language schools, with anything between NT$500-1,000 per hour being negotiable for private students. In the past few years, the flow of would-be teachers into Taiwan has increased dramatically, resulting in stiffer competition for jobs and a general drop in wages, and this trend may continue. Employers of English teachers are notorious for racial discrimination. White people are much more likely to get better offers than those of other races, regardless of ability. Aside from English-teaching, '''other common kinds of employment''' available for mainly native English-speaking travellers include such tid-bits as small acting parts for TV and film, voice talent (video games, dubbing tracks, etc.), editing and even writing educational materials. Many of these jobs are advertised on billboards in Chinese language-teaching institutes and universities, where there are likely to be many foreign students. If after travelling and living there, you find you are '''serious about working in Taiwan''', the most lucrative employment to be had is if you are employed by a multinational company, perhaps in a high-paying country like the UK, U.S. or Australia, and you are sent across to their office in Taiwan. Many foreigners end up doing the same job as their colleagues who were employed in the Taiwan office, but for perhaps 3 or 4 times their pay. == Stay safe == {{warningbox|'''Taiwan treats drug offenses ''extremely'' severely.''' The '''death penalty is mandatory''' for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin and 1.2 kg of opium, and possession of these quantities is all that is needed for you to be convicted. Unauthorized consumption can result in up to 10 years' jail, or a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorized consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if you can prove that they were consumed outside the country and you can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, even if they aren't yours and regardless of whether you're aware of them. Therefore, be vigilant of your possessions.}} === Crime === [[File:CKS Airport drugs sign.JPG|thumb|A sign at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport warns arriving travellers that drug trafficking is a capital offense in the country.]] Taiwan is very safe for tourists, even for women walking down the street alone at night. This is not to say, however, that there is no crime, and you should always exercise caution. In crowded areas such as night markets or festivals, for example, [[pickpockets]] are a known problem. However, it is fair to say that the streets of Taiwan are generally very safe and that violent crime and muggings are very rare. In addition, it is also very unusual to see drunks on the street, day or night. Like anywhere else in the world, women should be cautious when taking taxis alone late at night. Although they are generally safe, it's a good idea to arrange to have a friend call you when you get home and to be seen making the arrangements for this by the cab driver. It also helps if a friend sees you being picked up as taxis have visible license numbers. As an additional safety precaution, tell taxi drivers just the street name and section instead of your exact address. [[File:RPO First Police Section Taoyaun Police Station in Taoyuan Station.jpg|thumb|A police station in Taiwan]] Police departments in most jurisdictions have a Foreign Affairs Police unit staffed by English-speaking officers. When reporting a major crime, it is advisable to contact the Foreign Affairs unit in addition to officers at the local precinct. Police stations are marked with a red light above the door and display a sign with the word "Police" clearly printed in English. For more information see the [http://www.npa.gov.tw National Police Agency website ]. Foreign victims of a major crime in Taiwan are also advised to report the matter to their government's representative office in Taipei. Also, remember that you call 110 for police in Taiwan, and 119 for fire department or medical help. Most of the public telephone booths allow you to call 110 or 119 for free. See "Emergency Phone Numbers" section below. Taiwan is home to many triads (Chinese organized crime syndicates), although they almost never target the average person in the street, and most tourists will not encounter them. Many operate human trafficking rings involving the sale of poor women from Southeast Asia into sex slavery that the government has struggled to tackle. They are also often involved in illegal betting and loansharking, so it is best to be prudent and avoid these. ===Military exercises=== [[File:20160225 台東縣政新聞 萬安39號演習25日下午實施 9ebfd80f-d8a3-4444-8eca-58d3473dff15.jpg|thumb|Evacuated streets during Wan-an Exercise.]] The Taiwanese military organizes regular civil-defense exercise, known as Wan-an Exercise (萬安演習). Air raid sirens are activated for 30 minutes during the exercise, and you are required to follow any evacuation orders made by the military and police. *If you are in a building, you should close all windows and doors and turn off lights. *If you are driving, you must '''pull over your vehicle and make a complete stop'''. Vehicles must not enter any motorways, but must leave the motorway and pull over your vehicle in exits. Traffic police will give proper instructions to drivers and regulate traffic flow. *If you are taking a train/metro, you must not enter the train or leave the station, and should follow evacuation orders given by railway staff, the military and the police. Failure to comply with instructions can result in a heavy fine. === Emergency phone numbers === * '''Police''': 110 *'''Fire/Ambulance''': 119 The police and fire/ambulance offer service in English. For those who need Taiwanese governmental assistance in English, [https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/5478/6928/6940/ this website] has a 24-hour toll-free foreigner service hotline at 0800-024-111, which you may call for assistance. === Natural hazards === Taiwan often experiences '''[[Cyclones|typhoons]]''' (颱風) during the summer months and early fall, especially on the East Coast. Heavy monsoon rainfall also occurs during the summer. Hikers and mountaineers should be sure to consult weather reports before heading into the mountains. A major hazard following heavy rainfall in the mountains is falling rocks (土石流) caused by the softening of the earth and there are occasional reports of people being killed or injured by these. Taiwan is also on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that '''[[earthquakes]]''' are a common occurrence. Most earthquakes are barely noticeable, though the effect may be slightly amplified for those in higher buildings. While the local building codes are extremely strict, general precautions should still be observed during an earthquake, including opening the door to prevent it from being jammed, taking cover and checking for gas leaks afterwards. While most newer buildings have been built according to strict codes that enable them to withstand major earthquakes, some of the older buildings were not constructed to such high standards and therefore are vulnerable to serious damage or collapse in the case of a strong tremor. Taiwan's wild areas are home to a variety of '''poisonous snakes''', including the bamboo viper, Russel's viper, banded krait, coral snake, Chinese cobra, Taiwan habu, and the so-called "hundred pacer" (百步蛇). Precautions against snake bites include making plenty of noise as you hike, wearing long trousers and avoiding overgrown trails. Most snakes are scared of humans, so if you make noise you will give them time to get away. Walking quietly means that you may suddenly startle them around a corner when you appear, and trigger an attack. The Russel's viper, one of the most dangerous snakes in Taiwan, is an exception: it generally prefers to take a stand against threats. === Traffic === Local drivers have a well-deserved reputation for seeming reckless and downright immoral. It is possible (even normal) to obtain a driving license in Taiwan without ever having driven on the roads, and this may be a reason (along with the overcrowded roads) why courteous or defensive driving is definitely not the norm. The guiding principles seem to be that the right of way belongs to the larger vehicle, i.e. trucks have the right-of-way over cars, cars over motorcycles, motorcycles over people, etc. Despite traffic's chaotic appearance, it is viscerally intuitive to yield the right-of-way to a much larger vehicle barreling towards you. It is advisable to use slow and smooth movements over quick or sudden ones. Local drivers regularly cut in front of moving traffic into spaces that seem too small, try to change lanes regardless of the fact their destination is already full, etc. Be aware that during busy traffic (i.e., nearly always) two-lane roads will spontaneously become three-lane, an orange light will be interpreted as 'speed up', and the smallest moment's pause in oncoming traffic will result in ''everybody'' that's waiting trying to turn across it. Drivers routinely enter a junction when their exit is blocked, and are therefore frequently still there long after the lights change, blocking traffic traveling in other directions. Many motorcycle riders also have a tendency to zip through any space, no matter how tiny. Also be aware that motorcycles often travel through areas typically considered pedestrian-only spaces, like the night-markets. If you drive a car or a motorcycle, the obvious rule is that if someone turns in front of you, you should be the one to adapt. To avoid collisions, drivers need to be extremely vigilant for other vehicles creating hazards and always be willing to adjust speed or direction to accommodate. Do not expect drivers to yield way, or respect traffic lights in many areas, especially in central and southern Taiwan. Sounding the horn is the usual way a Taiwanese driver indicates that they do not intend to accommodate a driver trying to encroach on their lane, etc., and does not necessarily imply the anger or criticism, as it does in other countries. One bright side of Taiwan's chaotic traffic is that drivers tend to have an exceptional awareness of the spatial extents of their vehicle and maneuver well, so that even though it continuously looks like somebody is about to drive straight into you, it's relatively rare that they actually do so. Be extra careful when crossing the road, even to the extent of looking both ways on a one-way street. When crossing at a pedestrian crossing at a T-junction or crossroads, be aware that when the little green man lights up and you start crossing, motorists will still try to turn right, with or without a green feeder light. Even on roads where traffic is infrequent and the green light is in your favor, bike riders are still strongly advised to check the opposite lane. ===Homosexuality=== Taiwan is generally a safe destination for gay and lesbian travellers. There are no laws against homosexuality in Taiwan and unprovoked violence against gays and lesbians is almost unheard of. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Taiwan on 24 May 2019, making it the first Asian country to do so. Taiwan is also the first East Asian country to have enacted anti-discrimination laws on the basis of sexual orientation in the areas of education and employment. There is an annual gay pride event called Taiwan Pride. Taipei is home to a vibrant gay scene, and there are also gay bars in some of Taiwan's other cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. Acceptance among the Taiwanese public tends to be measured, and homosexuality is still considered to be somewhat of a social taboo, particularly by the older generation. Openly displaying your sexual orientation in public is likely to draw stares and whispers from some people. Nevertheless, attitudes are changing and homosexuality tends to be more accepted by the younger people. ===Dogs=== They can be a problem in remote and rural regions, although they are far less numerous than in Thailand and Myanmar. If they get too close to you, picking up a stone or having a big stick is usually a sufficient deterrent. Taiwanese Aboriginals hold dogs in higher regard than Han Chinese do. Many Aboriginal communities have dogs freely running around their communities. == Stay healthy == ===Pollution=== Air pollution can be significant with the highest ratio of scooters per person in the world and a high west coast urban density. You can check air quality real time monitoring [https://airtw.epa.gov.tw/ENG/default.aspx on this page]. For reference the USA standard for fine particles (PM2.5) over 24 hours should be below 35&nbsp;µg/m³. It is a good idea to use a mask that can filter fine particles ([http://aqicn.org/mask/ how to choose a mask]), especially when traveling with the elderly or children. === Water === '''[[Water]]''' quality in Taiwan varies depending on location and time. According to the sole water company of Taiwan, tap water is in general safe to drink. However, it is advised that drinking water be boiled in order to eliminate residual chlorine and bacteria. Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which adversely affects water quality. Some buildings, particularly older ones, may have poorly maintained water towers and/or pipes, resulting in poor quality that is beyond the control of the water company. Depending on the severity, one might either filter the water in addition to boiling or avoid the taps altogether. Alternative options include buying bottled water or going to a "water station" where water is sold through a metered tap. Water from these sources is licensed to be safe for drinking. Bottled water can be bought in 24 hour convenience stores. Water quality in Kaohsiung used to be very poor. As a result, most people today use alternative sources. However, there is little evidence that this is necessary today as the quality has improved drastically. In addition, the mentioned alternative sources today are mostly filtered tap water and do not circumvent the historical source of contamination. === Healthcare === Medicines are available for minor ailments at drug stores. You may also find common drugs requiring a prescription in the west (like asthma inhalers and birth control pills) cheaply available from drug stores without a prescription. Taiwan has both Chinese physicians and Western doctors, both of which are taken equally seriously. However, as a foreigner, the assumption would generally be to direct you to a Western doctor. The quality of the hospitals in Taiwan is excellent and on par with, if not better than those found in the West. Taiwan's healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world. Legal residents with a National Health Card can avail themselves of the very convenient and efficient national health service, which covers treatment and medication using both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. However, this service is not available to short term visitors on tourist visas; nor does it cover major hospitalization expenses. Still, hospital visits and medicine in Taiwan tends to be far less expensive than in Western countries. Most Taiwanese doctors are able to communicate in at least basic English, and in fact, many of the top ones have obtained their medical qualifications in the US and are able to speak English fluently. However, you may find the nurses to be more of a challenge. === Hiking === Watch out for mosquito bites when hiking in the mountains. Especially in the summer, the humid and hot weather makes mosquitos very active. Most mosquito bites only cause skin irritation and itching, but in some areas of Taiwan it's possible to contract [[dengue fever]] or Japanese Encephalitis (though they are both rare in Taiwan). Mosquito/insect repellent spray can be found at convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart) and local pharmacies. If you are bitten by mosquitos, apply a small amount of ointment for irritation relief. == Respect == The Taiwanese are generally a warm and polite people, having been strongly influenced by Confucianism. As Taiwanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, elderly visitors will find most Taiwanese to be very helpful and accommodating. Naming customs and modes of address are generally the same as in mainland China. See the [[China#Respect|Respect]] section of that article for details. === Culture === [[File:Pagode Kaohsiung amk.jpg|thumb|Pagoda in Kaohsiung]] Taiwan shares several cultural taboos/guidelines with other East Asian nations: * When giving and receiving business cards, always do it using ''both hands'' and with a slight bow of the head. Giving or receiving a business card with only one hand is very disrespectful. * Some Taiwanese are superstitious about anything connected with dying &ndash; unlucky things should never be mentioned. The number 4 (four, pronounced 'si') sounds like the word for death in Mandarin. * Do not write people's names in red. This again has connotations of death. When writing someone's English name, this is not a problem, but avoid writing Chinese names in red. * Do not whistle or ring a bell at night. This is an "invitation to ghosts". * Do not point at cemeteries or graves. This is disrespectful to the dead. * There are numerous taboos dictating that certain objects shouldn't be given to others, often because the word for that object sounds like another unfortunate word: ** Clocks. The phrase "to give a clock" ("song zhong"), in Mandarin, has the same sound as the word "to perform last rites." If you do give someone a clock, the recipient may give you a coin in return to dispel the curse. ** Shoes. Never ever offer shoes as a gift to old people, as it signifies sending them on their way to heaven. This is acceptable only if by mutual arrangement it is nominally sold, where the receiving party gives a small payment of about NT$10. ** Knives or sharp objects, as they are made for or could be used to hurt the person. ** Umbrellas, which in Mandarin sound the same as the word for "break up". Friends should therefore never give friends umbrellas. Instead, friends will euphemistically "rent" each other umbrellas for a tiny amount (NT$1, for example). * The Taiwanese are certainly not puritanical and enjoy a drink, especially the locally brewed Taiwan Beer and Kaoliang. However, Taiwan does not have a culture of heavy drinking like in Northern China and it is rare to see anyone drunk on the streets. While over indulging in alcohol is not a social taboo as such (and some people do so at weddings), it is considered a sign of lack of self-confidence and immaturity, and doing so certainly won't gain you any respect among Taiwanese friends. * You are expected to remove your shoes before entering a house. You will find some slippers to be worn by visitors next to the entrance door. It is likely to be the same ritual for bathrooms and balconies where you will be expected to remove your slippers to wear a pair of plastic sandals (though it is less shocking not to use the sandals by then). * As you will get along with Taiwanese people, you are very likely to receive small presents of any sort, such as drinks, food or little objects. These are a very convenient way to lubricate social relations for Taiwanese people, and are especially common between friends in their 20s. You should reciprocate any such presents with something similar, but it does not need to be immediate or specially tailored to that person (i.e., keep it simple). As a teacher you are not expected to offer anything in return, as long as the relationship stays formal. However, beware of the sometimes overly generous parents who can go as far as offering presents running in the thousands of NT$ and who will then expect you to take special care of their child (understand that their expectations will be considered fair in Taiwanese culture). * You are not expected to tip in hotels, restaurants and taxis, though bellhops may still expect NT$50 or so for carrying your luggage. * Much like the mainland Chinese, "saving face" is also a major value in Taiwanese culture. In general, you should avoid pointing out other people's mistakes in order to avoid causing major embarrassment and if you really have to, call the person to one side and do it in private, and try to do it in a polished manner. * If you should need to use a temple's washroom, bow to any statues of deities you see on the way whether or not you believe in them. While most people will not mind you using the temple's washroom, they expect you to treat their place of worship with respect. If you plan to offer gifts (such as simple fruits) to the statues of deities in the temple, it is expected that you wash the fruits and your hands prior to offering. In addition, upon entering and leaving a temple, do take and avoid stepping directly on the raised threshold: always try to step over it. You should also never point to the status of deities with your index finger; use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. * You will often see '''priority seats''' (博愛座) on public transportation in Taiwan. These are reserved for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and women carrying young children; do not sit in them unless one of those situations applies to you. * '''Cultural identity''' is a complex and sensitive issue in Taiwan. While most Taiwanese people are ethnically Chinese, many people, especially the youth, seek to distance themselves from China with a distinct Taiwanese identity, and will often emphasize their Japanese colonial heritage instead. === Religion === Most Taiwanese people follow a mix of traditional Chinese folk religions and Buddhism, and it is common to visit temples to offer prayers during important festivals or life events. That said, contemporary Taiwanese society is largely secular in daily life, and religion in general does not play a significant role in people's work or political affiliations. Nevertheless, you are still expected to dress and behave respectfully when visiting temples. As in other Asian countries, swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol. They emphatically do ''not'' represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. When visiting temples, be sure to enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inwards). The larger middle gate is traditionally reserved for deities and the Emperor of China. Also be sure to avoid pointing at the statues of deities with your index figure, as it is considered to be very disrespectful. Use your thumb or an up-facing open palm instead. The most popular traditional Chinese deity in Taiwan is Mazu, a Fujianese shamaness who is believed to have ascended to godhood and now protects sailors, as the Fujianese were largely a seafaring people. [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion among the Aboriginal people, with Presbyterianism and Roman Catholicism being the main denominations. There is also a significant Christian minority among the ethnic Chinese. Taiwanese people are generally tolerant of different religions, and people of all faiths can usually practice their religion without any major problems. The Falun Gong religion which is banned in mainland China is allowed in Taiwan, though attitudes towards them from the local Taiwanese people tend to be very mixed. === Politics === Taiwanese society is rather polarized by allegiance between supporters of the two major political blocs informally known as "Pan-Blue Coalition" and "Pan-Green Coalition", although there are large numbers of people who are either centrist or who don't care. To simplify a very complex situation, pan-blue supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of reunification or maintaining the status quo with China and pan-green supporters tend to be more favorable toward the idea of establishing a formally independent Taiwan state, among other differences. Although there are some correlations, it is highly unwise to assume anything about a particular person's political beliefs based on what you think you know about their background. Also, this very brief sketch of Taiwanese politics obscures a large amount of complexity. Traditionally, mainlanders, Aboriginal people, Hakka people and people from Kinmen and Matsu tended to be strongly pan-blue, while Taiwanese speakers from Central and Southern Taiwan tended to be strongly pan-green, though this distinction has largely disappeared among the younger generation, who are now overwhelmingly pro-independence. Unless you know your listener well, it is unwise to say anything (either positive or negative) about the current government, about historical figures in Taiwanese history, about Taiwan's international relations, or about relations with mainland China. Some political figures such as Sun Yat-sen (who is also popular in the PRC and with the Chinese government) and Chiang Ching-kuo are generally seen positively, but others (Chiang Kai-shek, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian in particular) arouse very polarized feelings. Some Taiwanese will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China. Others will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is not part of China. Referring to the PRC as "mainland China" (中國大陸 ''zhōngguó dàlù'') rather than simply China will tend not to offend anyone, as the term is generally used to exclude Hong Kong and Macau as well, making it less subjective. Referring to the Republic of China as a whole as "Taiwan Province" will draw a negative reaction from most Taiwanese. "Greater China" may be used in certain business contexts. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many subtleties and complexities here that if you are talking about these things, you've already wandered into a minefield. However, simply referring to the island as "Taiwan" is fine, as that is the name used by the locals, regardless of their political persuasion. Titles such as "Republic of China" are reserved for official matters only. People from Kinmen and Matsu do not identify as Taiwanese and instead identify as Kinmenese/Matsunese or simply Chinese. '''Relations with mainland China''', as well as the '''Hong Kong protests''', are sensitive issues; tread carefully on these topics. Despite the deep mistrust many Taiwanese have of the communist Chinese government, most locals bear little to no animosity towards individual mainland Chinese visitors. As long as you avoid political discussions and behave yourself properly, you should not run into any problems. ===Japanese occupation=== In contrast to other Asian countries, Taiwanese feelings towards the Japanese occupation (1895-1945) are generally positive, though there are exceptions. Some of the older people who lived through the period of Japanese rule often bear a certain degree of nostalgia for that time, although there was strong resistance, and massacres of both Chinese and Aboriginal people were carried out throughout the occupation. Nevertheless, many Taiwanese bear a sense of gratitude towards the Japanese for modernizing Taiwan, and many people who lived through both periods regard Japanese rule more favorably than the subsequent Kuomintang rule under Chiang Kai-shek. Japanese visitors can expect a particularly warm welcome as most Taiwanese admire Japanese culture, and modern Taiwanese culture continues to be heavily influenced by that of Japan. In particular, many shops and tourist attractions are based on a theme of colonial nostalgia. == Connect == ===Internet=== ====''iTaiwan''==== Introduced in the mid-2010s, this is Taiwan's free, convenient and widespread WiFi, and answer to today's mobile-dependent population. ''iTaiwan'' is available all over Taiwan, (according to marketing) in all the 7 biggest cities, but at least all over Taipei, Tainan and Taitung, at all railway/MRT stations (even at the smallest) and most bus stations all over the country, as well as in most tourist information centres. Where it is not available, there exist related WiFis that offer an ''iTaiwan'' login option, or there are other independent but free options like ''.1.Free Wi-Fi'' that require clicking an advertisement to get online. As a foreigner, you have to apply for access at a tourist information centre using your passport. The login is the passport number and the password is your birthday in ''YYYYMMDD'' form. At some free WiFi spots, like in railway stations, there is a power and USB plug to charge your electronic devices. ====SIM cards==== If you want an Internet connection to your smartphone, you can purchase a prepaid 4G unlimited data sim card from Chunghwa Telecom at a cost of NT$300 for 3 days, or NT$500 for 7 days (other periods are available as well). Just walk into any official Chunghwa Telecom shop to apply (also at all international airports). They need your passport and identification documents of your country of origin, driving license or identification card. Other providers in the market are Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, T-Star, and GT. Their pricing is largely the same for visitor plans as Chunghwa Telecom, however they do offer special promotions on their standard prepaid plans from time to time, and for travelers continuing elsewhere after Taiwan, FarEasTone and GT offer a lineup of reasonably priced "travel SIMs" for travel around Asia, Europe, and North America, while Taiwan Mobile offers flat-rate international data roaming on its standard prepaid SIMs. Importantly, if continuing on to mainland China later, these travel SIMs or Taiwan Mobile's roaming plans do not censor data there as a local SIM would. ====Restaurants, cafés, etc.==== Most in-house eateries, shopping centres, libraries and such have free WiFi for their customers available. ====Gaming cafés==== Not that relevant and widespread anymore, Internet cafés aka gaming cafés. These are often found on the first or second floor of buildings and equipped with very comfortable chairs and large screens. Although people do surf the Internet, most people primarily go there for a smooth experience of online gaming. Each hour of Internet access/game play is cheap, coming in at around NT$20. Some machines in the Internet cafés are coin operated. === Telephone === [[File:Payphones of Taiwan Fixed Network at THSR Taichung Station 20070105.jpg|thumb|Payphones in [[Taichung]]]] The standard prefix for international calls from Taiwan is 002, though some other companies may use alternative prefixes at lower rates. Check with your telecom operator for more details. Calls to mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau require international dialling. The country code for calls to Taiwan is +886. Most payphones work with telephone cards (電話卡) which are available at all convenience stores. Numbers Starting With 0800 are commercial toll-free numbers, just like the 1-800 numbers in North America. '''Mobile phone''' coverage is generally excellent in Taiwan, with the exception of some remote mountainous areas. Among the major providers are Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), Far EasTone (遠傳電信) and Taiwan Star Telecom (台灣之星). Taiwan has both 3G (UMTS/W-CDMA 2100) and 4G (LTE) networks and inbound roaming agreements are in place between most international providers and at least one of these four (but check with your operator before departure). The last 2G networks were shut down in July 2017. The internationally popular messaging app Whatsapp is not popular in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese use the Japanese messaging app '''[https://line.me/en/ LINE]''' instead. === Media === Taiwan has a very free and liberal press. Taiwan's main newspapers are the Chinese-language ''[https://www.ltn.com.tw/ Liberty Times]'' (自由時報), ''[https://tw.appledaily.com/ Apple Daily]'' (蘋果日報), ''[https://www.chinatimes.com/ China Times]'' (中國時報) and ''[http://udn.com/ United Daily News]'' (聯合報). The ''[https://money.udn.com Economic Daily News]'' (經濟日報) and ''[https://ctee.com.tw/ Commercial Times]'' (工商時報) focus on financial and business news. The main English-language newspapers are ''[http://chinapost.nownews.com The China Post]'' and ''[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/ Taipei Times]''. A third newspaper in English, ''[http://etaiwannews.com/ Taiwan News]'' (formerly ''China News''), is no longer available in print but continues to exist online. Other news sources: *[http://focustaiwan.tw/ Central News Agency] *[http://english.rti.org.tw/ RTI] (Radio Taiwan International) *[http://news.cens.com/ the Taiwan Economic News] *[http://taiwantoday.tw/ Taiwan Today] *[http://www.taipeinews.net/ TaipeiNews.net] *[http://www.taiwansun.com/ Taiwan Sun] Free magazines: * ''Lifestyle'' – Info on Taiwan relating to what's on and current trends (bilingual). * ''[http://taiphoon.pristine.net/main-page.htm Taiphoon]'' – A magazine dedicated to promoting peace and environmental awareness in Taiwan (bilingual). * ''[http://www.journeyeast.url.tw/ Journey East]'' – A travel and lifestyle magazine for northern Taiwan (bilingual). Radio: * [http://www.icrt.com.tw ICRT] (short for "International Community Radio Taipei") is an English-language radio station available island-wide on FM 100. The programming consists mostly of popular music. There are news bulletins every hour on the hour 07:00–20:00 M–F and 10:00–18:00 on Sa. ===Printing=== Every 7-Eleven and Familymart has cloud printers available for printing documents and even pictures. But for the latter you might be better off with a professional shop. The instructions are in Chinese or English. Costs: NT$1 per document page, plus NT$1 processing fee. == Cope == ===Electricity=== For electrical sockets, Taiwan uses the same Type A two-pin and Type B three-pin electrical sockets as the United States. Electricity is supplied at 110 V at 60 Hz. === Embassies and foreign missions === ''See [[Taipei#Cope|Cope section]] in [[Taipei]] guide'' {{usablecountry}} {{isPartOf|East Asia}} {{geo|23.76|120.97|zoom=7}} i219m96alr6lgjptbts7w7gafuqv2uu 0 36957 4488126 4485654 2022-07-22T07:31:28Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay safe */ listing order; shorter wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Turku Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Turku seen from the tower of the cathedral|otbp=yes}} '''[http://www.visitturku.fi/en Turku]''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Åbo'') is [[Finland|Finland's]] oldest city. Believed to have been founded in the early 13th century, it is the cradle of modern Finnish culture and has extensively influenced Finnish history. Turku's fantastic culinary scene has earned it the nickname "the [[Paris]] of Finland" and the city has been called "Finland's gateway to the West". Bisecting Turku city centre, the River Aura is the heart and soul of the city: this is where Turku was born, and a large part of city life – museums, sights, restaurants and cafés – is still concentrated on the riverside. The river banks form a national urban park allowing for a pleasant stroll from the Turku Cathedral to the Turku Castle. Close to the river mouth is the island of Ruissalo, with oak forests and 19th-century villas. Turku is at its best in summertime, when it hosts many festivals, including rock festivals, chamber music festivals and a medieval fair. But do not forget the winter atmosphere, if you are lucky you may be able to have a thrilling walk on the ice cover of River Aura. In addition to the cultural sights and museums, Turku attracts visitors due to the [[Archipelago Sea]], which stretches all the way from Turku to [[Åland]] and on to [[Stockholm]], forming the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands and islets. ==Understand== [[File:Turun tuomiokirkko.jpg|thumb|Turku Cathedral.]] [[Finland Proper#Greater Turku|Greater Turku]] (as defined here) includes a few surrounding towns and some countryside. Of these '''Raisio''' in the nort-west is included here, while [[Kaarina]] and [[Naantali]] have their own articles, as has the [[Turku countryside]] in the north, including (west to east) Masku, Rusko, Paattinen (part of Turku) and Lieto. === Name === The exact origin of the word "Turku" is unclear. It is possible that it comes from an Old East Slavic word, търгъ (''tŭrgŭ''), which means "marketplace". The [[Swedish]] name of the city is '''Åbo'''. Again, the exact origin of this word is unclear. ===History=== {{seealso|Nordic history}} Turku is Finland’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the entire Nordic region. The city came into existence at Koroinen on the banks of river Aura, a few kilometres north from the Turku market square. Trading took place on this historic site as early as in the 1150s, and in 1229, the bishopric was transferred there as well. The Aura River Valley had already been a prosperous and relatively densely populated area since the Iron Age. The Finnish name, Turku, is an archaic Russian word for 'marketplace' (turgu). The name of the Italian city, Trieste, comes from the same Indo-European origin. Turku Market Square has long been one of the largest and finest on the south coast. The etymology of the Swedish name Åbo is unclear. One possible explanation is that the city was named Åbo by Swedish settlers because it was a settlement (bo) on the Aura River (å). The year 1229 is regarded as the year in which the City of Turku was founded. Excavations in different parts of the city centre have provided more light on the city's history. The construction of Turku Castle began in the 1280s, the Dominican monastery of St. Olof was being built on Samppalinna Hill and Turku Cathedral was consecrated in the year 1300. From this point on, the city held an important position in the Swedish state and it had staple town charter (the right to conduct foreign trade), assuring that trading was brisk. The German bourgeoisie of Turku held a major role in the early development of the city, and Turku had a community that was part of the [[Hansa|Hanseatic League]], which dominated trade along the coasts of Northern Europe. During Swedish rule, Turku was the largest and most important city of its region, as well as being a major city of the Swedish Kingdom. Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following [[Uppsala]] University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]], Estonia. Turku remained the Finnish capital until the year 1812. [[Russian Empire|Russia]], after overtaking Finland from Sweden 1809, moved the capital to [[Helsinki]], which was closer to [[Saint Petersburg]] and farther from [[Stockholm]]. Turku remained Finland's largest city until the end of the 1840s, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827, when a raging fire destroyed most of the city. "Turun palo" is still the largest urban fire in the history of the Nordic countries. The city was almost completely destroyed, and the rest of the major institutions with the exception of the archbishop's seat were moved to Helsinki. The burnt city needed an altogether new town plan, which was drawn up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel the following year. Turku is still a gateway to Sweden. The competition between cruise ferry companies led to ferries ever increasing in size and features, which let the Turku shipyard develop into a world leader of building large cruise ships, with customers such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and TUI Cruises. Turku shipyard employs directly and indirectly 8000 people. In addition to this, follows employment effect to foreign companies. In 2011 Turku was the European Capital of Culture along with [[Tallinn]], the capital of [[Estonia]]. Afterwards Turku has seen a huge boost in domestic and foreign visitors. ===People=== [[File:People at aurariver (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Aura River's banks are very popular among Turku residents, for walking, biking or enjoying nice weather.]] Turku remains a regional capital of [[Finland Proper]] and is the third most populous city-region in Finland and the eighth largest urban area in the [[Nordic countries]], with around 330 000 inhabitants living in the Turku sub-region. Nowadays Turku is a major academic town for Finland: there are two universities (one with Finnish, one with Swedish as its language; with business schools, a law school and a medical school), and four universities of applied sciences. Consequently, you will find that the city is bustling with young adults. The large number of students means that restaurants, live music clubs and nightlife are ample. A true local speciality you will find in few other Finnish cities are the floating bars in the river Aura. There is a cultural spirit in the city, and some of the proud residents are still irked that Helsinki took over as Finland's capital back in 1812. In other parts of Finland people from Turku are stereotypically thought of as being bit reserved and uppish in their views of their hometown. However, if you have a coffee at the Market Square and chat with the locals, you will soon find out that this is not the case. The Turku dialect has many influences from Swedish and historically also from Estonian, and it can from time to time sound even a bit like Estonian. The city is also famous throughout Finland for its processed mustard called Turun Sinappi, though ownership and production was controversially moved abroad in 2008, with production being resumed in Finland in 2014. ===Read=== [[File:Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku Castle.]] * ''Vares'' (book series) (Reijo Mäki, 1986–13). Finnish crime literature usually focuses more on police procedurals, or the psychological and sociological fallout from crime. One writer, Reijo Mäki, however, has written a series of books about a private investigator called Jussi Vares. He is your regular hardboiled PI: he drinks, makes love, hates everyone, and gets beaten up and mugged on a regular basis. All Vares books take place in Turku, which is also home to the books' writer. Mäki is a celebrity in Turku, where you can perhaps catch him in his favourite bar, Uusi Apteekki (New Pharmacy). * ''The Home of Dark Butterflies'' (Leena Lander, 1991). Writer Leena Lander tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy named Juhani, who is haunted by his traumatic past. Juhani has been shuttled between foster homes and temporary families for the past six years, leaving any prospect of stability in his life a faded dream. When Juhani winds up in a remote shelter for troubled youth known as The Island, he has little idea of how ruthless superintendent Olavi Harjula can truly be. In addition to Harjula and the six other boys, The Island is also home to the superintendent's wife Irene, the couple's two young daughters, and Tynne, who tends to the local livestock in addition to catering all the meals. The island of the story has actually existed, though the boys' home was closed already in 1968. The story was also made into a film of the same name in 2008 and shooting took place on the actual island in the Turku archipelago. The film was also Finland's Oscar nominee for a foreign language film in 2008. ===Watch=== * ''Restless'' (Aku Louhimies, 2000) is a story about Ari (Mikko Nousiainen), a 27-year-old ambulance doctor living in Turku, whose main pastime is one-night stands. He doesn't want to meet any of the girls again because he is certain that commitment equals pain. But one day Ari realizes that he cannot feel anything at all. Then he meets a woman named Tiina (Laura Malmivaara) on the beach. Without really intending to, they start dating each other, reaching the point where Tiina, falling in love, begins to look for commitment. Ari is introduced to Tiina's friends, including two other couples. Ari then ends up having sex with Tiina's two best friends (Ilona and Hanna-Riikka). Meanwhile Tiina continues to love Ari. During this Tiina manages to commit Ari to reluctantly become the father of her to be born child. * ''Vares movies'' (Aleksi Mäkelä, 2004-2012). Vares books proved so popular in Finland that in 2004 a film was released, starring Juha Veijonen as the detective, and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, considered by many the number one action-director in Finland. A second film appeared a few years later, and the two films' success led to a series of all together eight films. *''Man Exposed'' (Aku Louhimies, 2006) is a comedy-drama film about a rebel minister working in Turku's St Michael's Church, who is suddenly asked to run for bishop. At the same time he is running into problems in his marriage and life in general. *Tears of April (Aku Louhimies, 2008) is a war drama film based on the novel by Leena Lander, the film is set in the final stages of the Finnish Civil War. The film tells a story of a captured female Red Guard fighter, Miina, and the soldier Aaro who escorts her to her trial. *''Love and Other Troubles'' (Samuli Valkama, 2012) is a Finnish romantic comedy film set in Turku. It stars Emilie de Ravin as Sara, an American line dance teacher, who meets Ville (Jussi Nikkilä), a 25-year-old former child star, and his father (Ville Virtanen), an ex-rock star, who both fall in love with her. *''The Girl King'' (Mika Kaurismäki, 2015) is a biographical drama about Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from 1632 until her abdication in 1654. ===Climate=== [[File:Air temperature in Turku 2016.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Temperature in Turku in 2016]] [[File:Kommunalsjukhusvägen vintern 2010.jpg|thumb|Walk- and bikeway in winter, near the Kupittaa park]] Turku, like the rest of Finland, has four distinct seasons. Situated by the Baltic Sea and sheltered by the islands of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a humid continental climate. Like much of southern Finland, the city experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging up to 30°C (85°F), and winters with frequent snowfall and temperatures down to about −25°C (−15°F). The best time to visit is definitely the warm period from late May to early September. If visiting in wintertime and meeting slush, ride somewhat more inland (a local bus can get you far enough) and you will probably find the real snow. Once in a while you can find it in Turku city center too. Current weather forecasts can be checked at the [http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/turku Finnish Meteorological Institute website]. ===Visitor information=== Turku's official tourist agency is ''Turku Touring''. It serves also the larger region. *{{listing | name=Visit Turku |alt=| url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en | email=info@visitturku.fi | address=Aurakatu 2 | lat=60.44906 | long=22.26784 | directions=next to the City Hall, near the Aura bridge; at busy times also the back door is open<!-- and when it is locked, notices may be absent or confusing--> | phone=+358 2 262-7444 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-7679 | hours=Sep–Mar: daily 10:00–15:00; Apr–Sep: M–F 08:30–18:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-03-13| content=Turku Touring's office offers advice, sight-seeing tours, maps, guide books, souvenirs, bicycle hire instructions, group outings and more. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== ====Turku Airport (TKU)==== [[File:Aero Airlines ATR 72 ES-KRL at EFTU on 20060714.jpg|thumb|Passengers boarding Finnair flight to Helsinki at Turku airport.]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Turku Airport | alt={{IATA|TKU}} | url=http://www.finavia.fi/en/turku | email= | address= | lat=60.5109 | long=22.2743 | directions= 8&nbsp;km north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Airport | image=Terminaali 1, Turun lentoasema, Turku, 11.7.2010.JPG | wikidata=Q1130231 | content=Is a compact airport with 2 terminals for check-in }} As of September 2021 [http://www.airbaltic.com Air Baltic] flies to Turku from [[Riga]], [http://wizzair.com/en-GB/ Wizz Air] from [[Gdansk]] and [[Skopje]], and [https://www.airleap.se Air Leap] from [[Mariehamn]] (and [[Stockholm]]?). Wizz Air will start flights from [[Larnaka]], [[Kaunas]] and [[Kraków]] later in the autumn. [https://www.tui.com TUI] charter flights will likewise start in the autumn. Bus line 1 departs from the airport every 20&nbsp;minutes and goes via the centre to the Port of Turku. Several hotels happen to be along the route. Tickets are available on board for €3/1.50 (free transfers for two hours, see [[#By bus 2|Get around]] for details). The line operates from 05:20 to 00:45. The day's last bus waits as long as 15 minutes if necessary, to allow passengers to catch it. The last buses operate only to Kauppatori, not to the harbour. ====Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)==== If coming by air, a common option is to fly to the internationally well connected [http://www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/home Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport] ({{IATA|HEL}}). Turku is 166 km away from Helsinki and easily reached by plane, train (transfer in Helsinki centre) or coach. With car the voyage by the Finnish national road 1 (E18) takes around 1hr40min. There is an almost hourly [https://www.matkahuolto.fi Matkahuolto] coach connection from Helsinki-Vantaa to Turku bus station operated by [http://www.vainionliikenne.fi/en Vainion Liikenne], departing from platform 13. Usually the voyage starts with AirBus, with an easy transfer to the Vainio coach at Turvesolmu. The service operates round the clock, although there may be a gap of two hours between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 hr 15 min and 2 hr 55 min, depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. [http://www.onnibus.com Onnibus.com] is typically a bit cheaper, but they leave from the central bus station of Helsinki and not directly from the airport. The Onnibus buses are red double-deckers with free Wi-Fi but little legroom. Book ticket online in advance for a cheaper price. ===By train=== [[File:Turun rautatieasema.jpg|thumb|Turku Central Railway Station.]] [[File:Turku railways 2018.jpg|thumb|View from Turku Railway Station to Logomo direction at 2018.]] [http://www.vr.fi/en VR], the state-owned railway company, operates the trains.<!-- all the domestic routes as well as the connections from [[Vyborg]], [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Moscow]] in [[Russia]].--> Turku has three railway stations: the {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Central railway station|lat=60.45380 | long=22.25331}} ("Turku", service M-F 08:10–17:15) on the northern edge of Turku's central business district, {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Kupittaa railway station|lat=60.45050 | long=22.29700}} ("Kupittaa") in the eastern part of the city and {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Turku harbour railway stop|lat=60.43448 | long=22.22334}} ("Turku satama") in Turku harbour on the western edge of Turku centre. Trains arriving from the direction of [[Helsinki]] first stop at Kupittaa and then arrive at the central station, while trains from [[Tampere]] arrive directly at the central station. Some of the trains continue onward to the harbour, which is handy if you are connecting to a passenger ferry towards [[Stockholm]] or [[Mariehamn]]. Kupittaa has limited service (tickets bought in advance or from a machine; service for the disabled available if booked), the harbour none: buy your ticket in advance. Only the central station is manned. From the central station you can purchase all domestic train tickets<!-- Services to Russia suspended -- -- train tickets from Finland to Saint Petersburg, Moscow and Vyborg-->, and InterRail cards to Europe. Links between Turku and the rest of the country are frequent and excellent, although not hourly any more. There are connections from Helsinki and Tampere, travel time approximately 2 hours, [[Jyväskylä]] (3.5 hr), [[Kuopio]] (5.5 hr) and [[Oulu]] (7 hr). There is also an overnight car and sleeper train connection from [[Rovaniemi]] in [[Finnish Lapland|Lapland]] (10–15 hr, often with a transfer to a day train in Tampere). Some of the services have a "restaurant" car (café/pub with sandwiches etc., no real dining, although there may be also simple meals), most others a cart with drinks and snacks. The IC2 services have a family car, with space for prams, a playing corner upstairs and the accessible toilet doubling as family room. <!-- move up this paragraph when people's plans can be expected to be affected: --> A reconstruction of the railway between Kupittaa and the centre will start in 2022. For two years, from 15 August, trains from Helsinki will stop in Kupittaa and won't go further. There will be a bus from the Kupittaa station to the harbour, for those with a train ticket to there. Other passengers are served by the normal city buses, paying the normal fares. The trains from or via Tampere are not affected for the time being, other than concerning transfers towards Helsinki. For most travellers from western Europe, the main option is to take the train to Stockholm and take a ferry cruise from there. This can be a scenic and environmental friendly option, and if you travel by rail otherwise, most of the European railway companies offer discounts for the ferry connection. A few buses (including lines 32 and 42) pass the Kupittaa and Turku stations on their way to the centre, just cross the street and wait for one, if you don't want to walk or take a bike ride. There will probably be bike sharing stations at the railway stations in the summer season (again from June 2022); see [[#By bicycle|By bicycle]] below for updates. ===By bus=== [[File:Busstation of Turku.jpg|thumb|Turku bus station seen over Aninkaistenkatu. The platforms are behind the station building.]] Matkahuolto operates the {{marker|type=go|name=Turku bus station|lat=60.45712 | long=22.26808}}, where long-distance services usually terminate, as do some regional services. The station is at the northern edge of the city centre within walking distance from the central railway station (1 km) and Kauppatori (Market Square, 800 m). Matkahuolto abandoned the station building; facilities are open again, but Matkahuolto (with ticket sale and freight) may still use the freight terminal across Läntinen pitkäkatu. The bus station has good local bus connections, although it is not the hub for them. There are stops for local and regional lines at a few different places on or around the station, note where your bus stops. Some coach lines arriving at the station continue to the Port of Turku, if needed. If going there, tell that when buying your ticket and when boarding. By the station are Hotel Helmi, the café of which offers breakfast, lunch, light meals and take away, and a Hesburger. * {{listing |type=go |name=Matkahuolto Turku | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 7–9 | directions= | hours=M–F 07:00–19:00, Sa 09:00–15:00, Su closed }} Normal bus connections from Kamppi in '''[[Helsinki]]''' leave for Turku more or less every half an hour during the day and every hour or two during the night. Coming via [[Tallinn]], there may be a coach directly from the port, mostly via Kamppi. Direct connections and connections with transfer are available from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. All these connections are either express or special express (there may also be a few hard-to-find "regular" connections). Tickets cost around €30 (round trip around €55) for adults, around €20 for children aged 12–16, €15 for children aged 4–11 and Finnish students (ISIC ''not'' accepted). Children under the age of four travel for free. Cheaper tickets can often be had in advance on the net (check also the individual companies' websites). There are normally more or less hourly connections from '''[[Tampere]]''' and '''[[Pori]]''' in daytime, and each two hours from '''[[Vaasa]]''', some all the way from '''[[Oulu]]'''. <!-- Check: There is a line from '''[[Tampere]]''' hourly in daytime, the last coach arriving 00:55, from '''[[Pori]]''' about hourly (check!) and from '''[[Vaasa]]''' about every two hours, the last arriving 21:20. --> For timetables, for the above mentioned or other connections, see [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto]. Also [http://www.onnibus.fi Onnibus] has connections to Turku. Tickets to these buses vary in price, cheapest well in advance on the Internet, for same day usually about €10 when bought online, €15–20 from Helsinki if bought when boarding (with busy services often sold out). Direct bus services from [[Saint Petersburg]] are provided by [http://ensi-bus.ru/?p=30 Ensi-Bus] and [https://www.transgold.ru/marshrutka-v-turku/ Transgold] (check whether the sanctions have affected them). ===By ferry=== [[File:Viking Grace Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|''Viking Grace'' passing Ruissalo island on its way to [[Stockholm]].]] The most scenic way to get to Turku is by taking a passenger [[Baltic sea ferries|ferry]] across the Baltic Sea, from [[Stockholm]] or from Kapellskär, [[Norrtälje]], in [[Sweden]]. The {{marker|type=go|url=http://www.portofturku.fi/portal/en|name=Port of Turku|lat=60.43482 | long=22.21966}} is next to Turku Castle and is easily accessible on bus line 1, which travels between the port and the airport via the centre. The port also has its own railway and bus station (by the Viking terminal; rail will be rearranged in autumn 2022, check temporary arrangements), and some trains and buses depart at the port. With light luggage [[Turku riverside walk|strolling along the river]] to the centre can be a nice option (3 km to Kauppatori, buses within reach all the time). A new ferry terminal is planned to be ready for use in 2025; there will be changes in arrangements during the construction works. The two biggest ferry lines are the Finnish [http://www.sales.vikingline.com/en/international/ Viking Line] and the now Estonian [http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/web/int/book-a-cruise TallinkSilja]. Both operate two departures each day from Stockholm via [[Åland]]: one in the morning, arriving in the evening, and one in the evening, arriving in the morning. For a scenic view, and less expensive prices, a morning departure is advisable. Going in the night, you avoid one night at a hotel, but the effective sleeping time is short, as you are probably waked up for cleaning of the cabin well before arrival (generous, although not cheap, breakfast available). Evening departures provide adequate night club activities on board if you want to cut loose before arriving. All ferries between Turku and Stockholm make a brief stop in Åland, in either [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs. Due to this stop, plus a Finnish-demanded exception to [[European Union]] rules, passengers can make purchases on the ferries [[Duty free shopping|tax-freely]]. For those with vehicles (e.g. a car or bikes) there are also more quiet ropax ferries from [[Norrtälje|Kapellskär]] (either directly or via Långnäs) to [[Naantali]] 20 km from Turku, by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines]. Local buses serve Naantali, tickets €3/1.50 with transfers included, an additional €5 for a bike. Looking for special offers may save a lot of money on the ferry passage. In summer, book early if you have a car, especially if it exceeds standard dimensions. It is also possible to take '''smaller ferries from Åland''', connecting islands of Åland and the Archipelago Sea with each other and with the mainland. Using the small ferries is more complicated and possibly more expensive, but can be rewarding. See [[Åland#Get around]], [[Korpo]], [[Brändö]] and [[Houtskär]]. During the '''summer of 2020''' ferry routes were started also from Tallinn and Hiiumaa in Estonia and Riga in Latvia, as passenger traffic from Stockholm was diminished. The connections proved popular, so it is possible that some of them will get established in some form after the pandemic. See the Tallink and Viking web sites. ===By yacht=== [[File:Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.jpg|thumb|Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.]] Many people also from other regions, including Helsinki, spend their summer vacation yachting around the [[Archipelago Sea]] surrounding Turku. The Sea of Åland and the Gulf of Finland, coming from Sweden and Estonia respectively, can easily be crossed in a day, while a voyage directly from [[Gotland]] requires overnight sailing. There is an abundance of minor guest harbours on the remaining distance through the archipelago. Turku Guest Harbour is on the Aura river halfway between the port and Kauppatori, while the TPS guest harbour, Ruissalo Marina and Ruissalon Telakka are on the scenic island of Ruissalo, with buses (line 8) to the city centre once an hour or half an hour in daytime. Except Telakka, they have fuel stations and septic tank emptying. There is also a free mooring site above the Aura bridge, but only for short visits without high mast, perhaps a nice tour if you have a suitable dinghy (bridge height 3.6 m; max 3 hr 08:00–22:00). From the cathedral upstream the river is shallow; there are shallows especially in the middle of the river and perhaps at the bridges. There is a portage at the Halinen rapids and dam north of the centre; upstream from there it is a popular canoeing route. * {{listing|type=go | name=Turku Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://www.turunvierasvenesatama.fi/en | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 57 | lat=60.4401 | long=22.2447 | directions=in the centre, 2 km from Kauppatori | phone=+358 400-880-051 or +358 400-536-613 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€28–45; in season with beam <3m and without reservation: €32 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=City guest harbour. Good services, including non-free laundromat. May be full in peak season. For size over 15m×5.2m, check special arrangements. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalon Telakka | alt= | url=https://ruissalontelakka.fi | email= | address=Hevoskarintie 23 | lat=60.43669 | long=22.20569 | directions=Ruissalo, opposite Port of Turku | phone=+358 400-330-413 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€25 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Former boat yard; some of the yachts built here again call the harbour home, and part of the moorings are reserved for classical yachts. From here to the centre you can either take the [https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus water bus] (daytime in season, bikes free) or walk 400 m to the bus stop for a 12-min ride with line 8. Both options use the Föli tickets (€3/1.50). Café and pizzeria. Toilets and showers, but no fuel or septic tank emptying. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=TPS Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://turunpursiseura.fi/satamat/vierassatama-guest-harbour/ | email=toimisto@turunpursiseura.fi | address=Pursiseuranranta 30 | lat=60.4265 | long=22.1593 | directions= | phone=+358 44-376-2655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Marina of one of the local yacht clubs. On the island Ruissalo, a 20-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Services include sauna and Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Guiding to the mooring from the fuel pier, off hours look for orange cones instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalo Marina | alt= | url=https://www.ruissalomarina.fi | email= | address=Ruissalon puistotie 618 | lat=60.4261 | long=22.1073 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-5926 (10:00–19:00), +358 2 445-40 (off hours) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=By the Ruissalon Kylpylä spa hotel near the western end of the island, a 25-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Reservation recommended. }} ===By car=== [[File:Saariston rengastie 11.jpg|thumb|Sign at the [[Archipelago Trail]]]] Turku is well connected by roads to other parts of Finland. Main routes are national road 1 (E18) from [[Helsinki]], 8 ([[E8 through Finland and Norway|E8]]) from [[Tromsø]], [[Vaasa]] and [[Pori]] along the west coast, 9 (E63) from [[Kuopio]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Tampere]], and 10 from [[Hämeenlinna]]. Road 40 circulates Turku. E18 is a high-speed controlled-access highway all the way from Russia, roads 8 and 9 are high-speed highways for some distance outside the city. Turku can be reached from Helsinki in around 1 hr 40 min in summer and 2 hrs 40 in winter. The former main road from Helsinki, now regional road 110, is somewhat slower but allows your seeing more of the landscape. From Sweden, use the [[#By ferry|above]] mentioned ferries. Those to Turku and Naantali, and on the routes from Åland via Korpo or via Brändö and Kustavi, all take cars. There are a few scenic roads around Turku as well: * '''[[Archipelago Trail|The Archipelago Trail]]''' (''Skärgårdens ringväg'', ''Saariston Rengastie'') allows travellers to access [[Archipelago Sea|the archipelago]] without a boat of their own. Part of the "trail" can be used when coming from Sweden via [[Åland]]: drive to Långnäs and take the ferry to Korpo, or use the ferries via Brändö and Kustavi. * '''[[Hämeen Härkätie]]''' leads to Turku from [[Hämeenlinna]] and is the most important road of early Finnish history. The route was once used by merchants, pilgrims, and kings. Along the route, with small detours, you will find a splendid array of interesting sites, such as museums, churches and shopping spots. If you want to really experience a journey in time, you can stay at an old manor house or inn along the way. * The partly medieval '''[[King's Road]]''' (''Kuninkaantie'', ''Kungsvägen'') leads to Turku along the south coast all the way from the eastern border of Finland, passing Helsinki. It is part of the old post roads, dating back to the 14th century, that lead from Stockholm to Christiania (Oslo) and Bergen on the Atlantic coast (of Norway), and, crossing the [[Archipelago Sea]], via Turku to Viborg (now Vyborg in Russia). The modern tourist route is extended all the way to Saint Petersburg. You can see lots of medieval churches, museums and old villages along the road. === By bike === Bikes can be taken on the ferry from Sweden or Åland for €5–12. The fee on trains and coaches is similar. Onnibus does not take bikes. For getting in from Åland, the [[Archipelago Trail]] can be used, taking a ferry to Korpo, Houtskär, Iniö or Kustavi and continuing along the trail from there. The [https://en.eurovelo.com/ev10/finland Eurovelo 10] route around the Baltic Sea goes through Turku. From the east (Vaalimaa–Helsinki–Ekenäs–Salo) it is developed and signposted (not the Russian leg though). From the north it is developed from Vaasa onwards, but not yet signposted (as of 2022). ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.4493|22.2683|zoom=13|height=370|width=620|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=}} {{nowrap|Turku has an excellent}} public transportation system, and its buses reach every corner of the city. The hub for the local bus traffic is normally the Market Square, ''Kauppatori'' (Swedish: ''Salutorget''), which is in the central business district and often considered the midpoint of the city. The construction works of 2018–2022 are getting finished in autumn 2021, and in September 2022 the buses will return. Until then, most bus stops have moved away temporarily to nearby roads. Most main sights are within walking distance from the square. A bike is the quickest way to get around and cycleways are generally good, although not always fast (try a nice trip along the river). === By foot=== {{see also|Turku riverside walk}} The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. The river Aura passes through the centre, and its banks are very popular, allowing for a pleasant stroll from, say, the national shrine of Finland, the Turku Cathedral, to the Turku Castle, which used to house Swedish Kings – or upstream to experience some countryside. Turku Touring, the official tourist agency of the city, offers different walking tours for visitors. There are also leaflets with self guided walking tours, such as Sculpture walk, ArchitecTour, Romantic Turku and Stepping it up. You can get a map from the main library (Linnankatu 2) or the tourist information (Aurakatu 2). If you have a smartphone you can download a Citynomadi app and get a map there. ===By bicycle === The fastest and most flexible way of seeing Turku is on a bike. There are good bike paths mostly as needed, although at the very heart of the city you have to know the routes or sometimes join car traffic, or get off the bike unless sufficiently experienced; not all the best routes are obvious. A four-year experiment with salted [http://www.turku.fi/sv/nyhet/2017-10-26_testrutt-vintercykling-i-centrum winter routes] in the centre started 2017 (12 km first year; Civitas eccentric). These routes lead along the river, around the campuses and through the central business district. Elsewhere cycleways and roads are not always maintained sufficiently in the winter for easy (in the centre: safe) biking, but local hardcore cyclists are biking throughout the year. Main biking routes are well signposted. In the centre there are often temporary disruption of these routes (markets, roadworks etc.), and bicycle arrangements are then often neglected. This is more seldom a problem elsewhere. The map at [https://kartta.turku.fi/IMS/en/Map kartta.turku.fi] can show biking routes: open the layers menu in the upper left corner, choose Traffic, then Bicycle paths, and use the check boxes. Regional biking route 1 goes to the tip of the recreation island Ruissalo, route 2 to Naantali, route 4 to Naantali via Raisio centre, route 9 to Lieto along Hämeentie, route 10 to Piikkiö via Nummi, Varissuo and Littoinen, route 11 along Uudenmaantie via Kaarina and Piikkiö to Paimio, route 12 via Hirvensalo and Satava to Kakskerta, For getting farther out of the city, bikes can be loaded on the local buses (including regional buses in the Föli cooperation) for €6 at the driver's discretion, i.e. probably when there are not too many passengers. Cost on coaches varies by company, often about the price of a children's ticket for longer voyages, sometimes likewise a flat €6. The city tourist office can suggest cycling routes. They also rent bikes (€23/day). '''Bike theft''' is common and vandalism happens. A lock gives some protection. If leaving the bike close to the river it should be locked to something. ====Bike sharing==== [https://www.foli.fi/en/f%C3%B6li-bikes Fölläri bike sharing] is since 2022 in cooperation with [[Urban cycling#Donkey Republic|Donkey Republic]], with 700 seven-geared bikes. The continuation of the Föllläri scheme was postponed repeatedly, but the bikes are now being placed out (8–15 July). You will need an app; using the bikes requires a smartphone (Apple/Android) with Bluetooth and GPS enabled. There are 70 stations, half of which virtual (just leave the bike in the designated area found by the app and register the end of journey as usual). Most of the virtual stations will be outside the centre and they will get moved at times, depending on usage patterns. The hire can also be ended outside stations, for an additional fee. Usage for one hour at the time costs €2 per time, €6 per month or €35 per season (April–October; in 2022 cheaper to pay month for month). Additional time costs €1 for 15 min, €1.50 for 30 min, €2 for 1 hr, €5 for 4 hr, €12 for a day. Thus, for a one-off one-day rental, the cost is €14. The monthly or seasonal payments seems to count as Donkey Republic membership in other towns; whether the reverse is true is unclear as of July 2022 (just try!). * {{listing | name=Donkey Republic customer service | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 4885-8185 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00 Sa–Su 10:00–21:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-12 | content=Customer service for the Fölläri bikes. }} Other options include: * {{listing | name=10Bikes | alt= | url=https://10bikes.fi | email=info@10bikes.fi | address=Yliopistinkatu 8 | lat= | long= | directions=in the yard at Yliopistonkatu; pop-up station by the traffic lights in front of the cathedral | phone=+358 400-176-100 | tollfree= | hours=Shop 10:00–18:00 | price=€5+€5/hr | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Local business. Electricity assisted bikes for rent. Short rentals from the pop-up station with the Movelo smartphone app, longer rentals from the shop. City bikes and bikes for gravel. }} * {{listing | name=Polkupyörävuokraamo | alt= | url=http://www.polkupyoravuokraamo.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the harbour | phone=+358 440-224-161 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€14/day, €63/week | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Bike rental. Also tandems and trailers. }} Those who have a '''library card''' might be able to borrow bikes from the [[#Learn|main library]] in summer (until 30 September), for free. Return the bike before the library closes in the evening. ====Bicycle service==== There are several bike shops offering service for bikers. Here some of them: * {{buy | name=Bikestation | url=http://www.bikestation.fi/info/en/about_us/visit_us/ | email= | address=Kirkonmäentie 3, [[Sauvo]] | lat=60.34245 | long=22.69601 | directions=35 km from Turku | phone=+358 44-324-4010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The only bicycle service and shop specialized in Rohloff bicycles and gears in Turku region. Also mobile power supply (powered by hub dynamo) and hand made wheels for bike travellers. }} * {{buy | name=Visan polkupyörähuolto | url=http://www.visainen.com/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 8 | lat=60.454 | long=22.273 | directions=in the corner of Aninkaistenkatu and Yliopistonkatu | phone=+358 2 231-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Competent bicycle shop hidden in a back yard. Does not sell only mainstream stuff. }} * {{buy | name=Raispo | alt= | url=http://www.raispo.fi | email=info@raispo.fi | address=Itäinen Pitkäkatu 38-40 | lat=60.444481 | long=22.277783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-557-7158 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-04-13 | content=Bike shop with bike service. }} ===By electric kick scooter=== Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier] and Norwegian [https://www.ryde-technology.com Ryde] have electric kick scooters for rent, to use in the centre. Dott seems to be coming. See [[Finland#By motorised scooter|Finland &sect; By motorised scooter]]. ===By bus === <!-- [[File:Åbo salutorg 2010, Blommor och grönsaker.jpg|thumb|Streets around Kauppatori normally form the hub for the local and some regional bus lines – not 2018–2020.]] --> [[File:Föli bus -1 in front of Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku city bus, line 1, by the castle]] [[File:Passenger ferry on Aurajoki.jpg|thumb|Water bus (passenger ferry) on the river]] Tickets are harmonized with some of the surrounding municipalities: Raisio, [[Naantali]], [[Kaarina]], [[Turku countryside|Rusko]] and [[Turku countryside|Lieto]], as the "'''Föli'''" cooperation. Tickets are handled as if all buses serving the area were local, except for lines 117, 118, 119 and 802. * {{listing | name=Monitori | alt= | url= | email=joukkoliikenne@turku.fi | address=Aurakatu | lat= | long= | directions=in KOP-kolmio by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 262-4811 (M–F 08:00–15:00 Sa 09:00–14:00) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 09:00–14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-05 | content=Bus customer service now across the street from the old office, combined with municipal services. Address, hours etc. need updating. }} Information about local buses can be found at the [http://www.foli.fi/en Föli] pages. There are several map views (e.g. one showing the current locations of buses) and tailored timetable views (such as for a specific stop) and a '''route planner'''. The planner works well in most situations, but some sanity checks are needed: the planner can guess at destinations with "similar" spelling, it thinks "Bus station, Turku" means the one in the port, and it may behave oddly when no suitable bus is found for whatever reason. You can also use the [http://nysse.mobi Nysse] mobile app for journey planning. Most buses go through the centre, with the area around '''Kauppatori''' serving as hub – but distance between some stops is long, as the roads around Kauppatori are closed during construction works (2018–2022). Now most "hub" stops have been moved one block down toward the river, to '''Linnankatu''' or its surroundings, some to '''Puutori''' square two blocks toward the bus station. Most regional buses now start from the bus station and most lines use the Aurasilta bridge instead of the Tuomiokirkko bridge. There are also other fundamental changes in the routes in the centre. Buses will return to stops by the square on 26 September 2022. There are few 'circle lines', so usually if you need to transfer, you will need to take one bus to the centre, then transfer there to the bus taking you to your final destination. As buses generally go in two directions from the centre, make sure that you are taking the correct numbered bus in the correct direction as well. Transfer by the cathedral, Puutori or some other suitable stop may be more convenient than using the central stops, as these are spread out during the works at Kauppatori. The Föli route planner does suggest such alternative transfer points. Destinations are mentioned in Finnish on some stops and alternating between languages on most buses, but you should still note the numbers of the lines you intend to use. If going towards Kauppatori it is mostly enough to know on what side of the street to stand. Buses passing the municipality border mostly have 3-digit numbers (notable exceptions lines 6 and 7). Buses not reaching Turku (often minibuses with sparse schedules) have their number prefixed with a letter, such as L for Lieto – but "P" means Turku lines meant primary for seniors. There are some quirks, e.g. some '''regional buses''' use stops for city buses, others those for coaches. Regional buses with destinations outside the Föli area are usually part of the cooperation inside it, but for trips out of the area you cannot use Föli tickets at all (notably 7xx, 8xx and 9xx via Kaarina, and some 4xx buses through Lieto). A few such buses (117, 118, 119 and 802) don't take Föli tickets at all. Only some regional buses are shown on electronic displays and timetables at bus stops. Single '''tickets''' are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of the ticket's purchase. They can be bought with debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard) that have contactless (EMV) payment enabled, with the [https://www.foli.fi/en/mobile-ticket Föli app] or in advance for €3, children 7–14: €1.50. Bought from the driver they cost €4/2. In the night (23:00–04:00) tickets cost €1 more. Notes of more than €20 are not always accepted. Persons in wheelchair and the person assisting travel for free, as does a person with an infant or toddler in a baby carriage (use the middle door, the driver will help with the wheelchair ramp; there is usually sufficient space). Children under 7 years old need a ticket only when travelling alone. If you intend to take the bus more than twice a day (read: in more than two 2-hr periods), it becomes economical to ask the bus driver for a 24-hour ticket, priced €7.50. The electronic payments should do this automatically and subtract already paid single tickets from the price, given that you use the same device all the time. They also keep count of the 2 hr transfer period. The office at Kauppatori, R kiosks and other service points sell cards for one day and more, costing €8 for the first day, €3 for each additional day up to a week, €25 for ten days, with €1.50 for additional days. The equivalent can also be bought in the app. Those staying more than a few days or travelling as a group may want to check other options also, e.g. "value cards", with which trips (including transfers) cost €2.20/1.20, plus €1 in the night. For groups, ask for a group card (ordinary children's cards are personal, adults' cards valid for three persons). Show the card to the machine once for each person the first time, once for all the group at "transfers". Value (and days) can be added on the Internet, in the Föli bureau, in R kiosks and at some other locations. Once upon the time modifier letters (as in 12A and 12B) got removed and numbers changed (in this case to 32 and 42). The lines are ordered according to these associations: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 30, 4, ... Often the '''associated lines''' behave the same most of the route, but have different destinations in one end. In a few cases the destination varies without any change in line number (e.g. 13 going to Impivaara, "uimahalli", half of the time), usually with a sign in the front window of the bus. The corresponding notes in the timetable are often incomprehensible without some understanding of the individual lines, but usually you know when you need to understand them and can ignore them otherwise. The worst trap is some extra rush hour buses on long lines stopping prematurely: check that you get the one going all the way to your stop. '''Timetable''' booklets give starting times at the ends of the route and at Kauppatori, and an estimated duration of the trip to or from Kauppatori. Some lines are (only or additionally) listed in groups, with information for common (possibly intermediate) destinations. Sometimes a line being in the booklet twice is not evident, check carefully if relevant. The timetables at major stops instead give the estimated passing time of the bus (and line number, as lines are grouped together). A timetable booklet can be bought from the bus office at Kauppatori (€1). A map is for sale separately (€2; not including the neighbouring towns, nor the extreme points of Turku). School buses, night lines, rush hour lines and lines serving the elderly, and the quirks of these, are partly handled in their own maps, chapters and booklets, although tickets are valid as usual. Some interesting or useful lines include: * '''1 Seaport – Centre – Airport''' The line to use to and from the airport and seaport. Departs from the airport and seaport every 20 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, twice an hour on Sundays, more often to/from the harbour at ferry arrival/departure times. Much cheaper than taking a cab. Passes the bus station in the centre of Turku between Kauppatori and the airport (except the extra harbour services, which turn at Kauppatori). * '''8 Centre – Railway station – Ruissalo''' The bus route through the large Ruissalo island, a popular summer destination with beaches, villas, a botanic garden and a nature reserve. * '''14, 15 Saramäki – Oriketo – Centre – Erikvalla / Kakskerta''' Bus lines which go to islands of Satava (14) and Kakskerta (15), which have beautiful countryside and archipelago nature to enjoy. 40-min ride from Kauppatori (one way). * '''21, 23 Centre – Paattinen – Tortinmäki''' Long countryside route which you can ride at no more cost than the ordinary city bus ticket. Tortinmäki is a 6-km walk (or bike ride) from [[Kurjenrahka National Park]], in season some of the services extend to the park. * '''99 Ilpoinen / Uittamo – Skanssi – Länsikeskus – Perno / Pansio''' A long suburb sightseeing line bypassing the centre; a one-way ride takes over an hour. * '''[https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus 180 water bus] Martinsilta – Pikisaari and Ruissalo''' A water bus using Föli tickets, bikes free; late May through August, some September weekends). See [[#By ferry 2|By ferry below]]. ===By taxi === [[File:Aurakatu Turku 3 kesä 2011.jpg|thumb|Aura street in central Turku.]] Taxis are abundant and easily available throughout the city. There are three crunch times when getting a taxi might be problematic: the morning and evening ferry departure times (particularly in summer), around 08:00 and 21:00, and the bar closing times (particularly on weekends) around 04:00. Before the deregulation quick 1–3 km trips would cost in the €8–15 vicinity, and you should not have to pay much more now. Most companies add a fee per kilometre and a fee per minute, more or less doubling the nominal price. Taxis generally accept major international credit cards. At the railway station and similar places there may also be a "Kimppataxi" offering rides together with strangers (cf ''minivans'' in some countries), which in some cases is considerably cheaper. Most taxis use the Taxidata call centre. There are several other companies, including Taksi Länsi-Suomi (serving most of Finland Proper), the Helsinki based companies (at least Menevä and Kajon) and some small ones, but their cars are mainly found at certain taxi ranks. If using their call centres it might be wise to check that there is a taxi available nearby before committing. Pre-booking is free for some of these competitors. Like elsewhere in Finland, the taxis belong to smaller companies with just an agreement with the call centre. * {{listing|type=go | name=Taxidata | alt= | url=http://taxidata.fi/hinnasto/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 100-41 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€1.67/call+pvm/mpm (app free); flag-fall M–F 06:00–18:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €3,90, other times €6.90; €1.10/km + €0.90/min for 1–4 passengers or €1.59/km + €0.90/min for 5–8 passengers. Example: 4 persons 5 km in the evening, 30 km/h, called by phone: €1.67+6.90+5.50+9+mpm = €23.07+mpm | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2017-06-30 | content=Also bookable by app. Calling centre used by most taxis. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Menevä Turku | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/varsinais-suomi/turku | email=leif@meneva.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Taksi Länsi-Suomi | alt= | url=https://www.taksilansisuomi.fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-003-000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Flag fall M–F 06:00–20:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €4.90, other times €8.90; 1–4 persons €1.49/km + €0,99/min, 5–8 persons €1.89/km + €0,99/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-19 | content=Serves most of Finland Proper. Call centre in cooperation with Taksi Helsinki. Available also through the Valopilkku app. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/turku/tariff | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6.00+€1.10/km+€0.40/min (Starting fare includes 5 min and 2 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-12-17 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Uber, Taksinappi ===By ferry === [[Image:Turku Ferry across river Aura.jpg|thumb|Föri crossing Aura river in front of the guest harbour.]] * {{go|url=|name=Föri|lat=60.4411 | long=22.2479 |wikipedia=Föri |wikidata=Q1480060 |image=Turku, Finland - panoramio (27).jpg |hours=06:15–21:00 daily, in summer 06:15–23:00, replaced by boardwalk in cold winters |price=Free |content=This city ferry shuttles people and their bikes (no cars allowed) across the Aura River since a century, first taking passengers in 1904. Beloved by Turku citizens, the little orange ferry covers a grand distance of 78 metres and takes about a minute and a half. A running local gag is to ask visitors if they have taken the trip from Turku across to Åbo on the Föri yet; actually, both sides of the river are called the same, Åbo is just the Swedish name. Incidentally, the name comes from the Swedish ''färja'' and is related to the English word "ferry". }} * {{go |url=https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus|name=Föli water buses |price=€3/1.5 (ordinary Föli ticket), bikes free |hours=2022: daily 23 May–28 Aug, Sa–Su until 17 September. Every 45 min, round trip 1.5 hr. First departure 10:15, last return back by Martinsilta 19:55, an additional evening tour to and from Telakka in June–July |content=m/s ''Ruissalo'' and m/s ''Jaarli'' go from just downstream from Martinsilta (eastern, left bank) to the Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo, via Forum Marinum and either Pikisaari on Hirvensalo or the Telakka marina. Tip: Take a bicycle with you without extra fee if the ferry is not too crowded. }} * {{go |url=http://jakkejokilautta.fi/|name=Jakke Jokilautta| image=Jakke Jokilautta.jpg |lat=60.4483 | long=22.2683 |price=€5/2 (children 3–14), family (2+2) €12 |content=''River ferry Jakke'' is a café ferry going up and down the river all the way from the castle to the cathedral. Along the way you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of the city. Some of the cruises are also guided. There are five stops along the river for the ferry: Tintå restaurant, Pharmacy museum, Esposito, Turku guest harbour and Crichton street. The ferry always stops at the Pharmacy museum and Crichton street, and if there are people waiting for the ferry, also on the other stops. }} ====Archipelago cruises==== [[File:SS Ukkopekka Kultaranta 2004.jpg|thumb|Ukkopekka on its way from Naantali to Turku.]] There are a number of cruises in and tour boat connections to the archipelago, e.g. to the island [[Rymättylä#Recreation islands|Vepsä]], a recreational area of the city (1–2 hours), to [[Nagu]] parish village or [[Själö]] (2 hr across Airisto, back in the evening), to [[Utö]] in the very outskirts of the Archipelago Sea (5 hr; twice a week, overnight stay at the island necessary due to the distance) or to [[Naantali]] with the Moomin world, Kultaranta (the summer residence of the President of Finland) and a nice wooden old town. Most ferries taking passengers to the archipelago can be found between Martinsilta bridge and Föri. Some of the tours are available only in summertime, others continue as long as ice conditions permit. On your way out from the city you can see the old ships by Forum Marinum, Turku castle, the harbour and Pikisaari and Ruissalo with their old charming villas, before you reach the open Airisto. * {{listing|type=go|url=http://www.ukkopekka.fi/en |name=s/s Ukkopekka | wikipedia=SS Ukkopekka |image=SS Ukkopekkaa.jpg |wikidata=Q4412741 | directions=just downstream of the Martinsilta bridge |lat=60.44416 | long=22.25336 |phone= |price=Naantali: €24 single, €29 return, family €66/80, lunch €14; Loistokari: €48–55; children 3–12/3–14 half price |content=Family-owned steamship. Archipelago cruises from Turku to Naantali (day cruises; 1 hr 45 min each way, immediate return or 2 hr in Naantali) and to the island of Loistokari (evening cruises, dance at the Loistokari pier, buffet meal included) in the summer season. }} * {{listing|type=go| |name=m/s Rudolfina |url=http://www.rudolfina.fi | email=rudolfina@rudolfina.fi |lat=60.4433 | long=22.2515 |phone=+358 2 250-2995, +358 40-846-3000 |price=€30–40, including a meal |wikidata=Q52333105 |image=Rudolfina Aurajoella 2.JPG |content=Lunch and diner cruises. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Rosita |alt= |url=http://www.rosita.fi/reittiliikenne.php | email=info@rosita.fi | image=Lily Turku.JPG |lat=60.44401 | long=22.25297 | phone=+358 2 213-1500 | price=Return €20/9, single €12/6, family €47, pets €4; children 0–11; reduction €2/ticket on internet | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=With '''m/s ''Lily''''' you can depart for a two-hour cruise in the Airisto or spend the entire summer's day (or a few) on the Vepsä island. The voyage is an hour each way. There is a café on board. The main deck consist of a bright 100-person lounge, with a 40-seater cabinet downstairs and a large deck and sun terrace upstairs. Also plain cruises. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=m/s Norrskär | alt= | url=http://www.vitharun.fi/en/timetables/turku-seili-nagu | email=info@vitharun.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 37 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-684 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=2021: 8 May–19 September Sa–Su, 12 Jun–29 Aug daily; 09:30 or 10:00 from Turku, 11:15 at Själö, 12:15 in Kyrkbacken, start from Kyrkbacken 16:00 or 16:15, back 18:15 or 18:30 | price=Själö or Kyrkbacken single €25/15, return €37/23; bike €6, return €10; children 3–15 years | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=Connects Turku with Själö and Kyrkbacken. Times with guided tours on Själö. Kiosk on board. Lunch possible in Själö or Kyrkbacken. }} ===By car === Parking lots by the street are sparse at rush hours, but otherwise you should be able to park your car for a while quite near the place where you are going. Short time parking often free, otherwise expect to pay €1–2/hr in the centre, less in the outskirts, where even free lots can be found. Parking halls, such as the underground {{marker|type=go|url=http://www.p-louhi.fi|name=P Louhi|lat=60.45490 | long=22.26060}} (stairs/lift to Kauppatori and the pedestrian street) usually have plenty of free space. [https://www.q-park.fi/en-gb/ Q-Park] also operates several parking halls in central Turku. Most of the largest hotels have their own parking halls. When parking in the street in winter and spring, note times reserved for maintenance. The roads around Kauppatori are now (2018–2022) mostly closed for through traffic. ==See== The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. Two sights in the city are considered above others (by Finnish visitors): the medieval castle, which is the symbol of Turku, and Turku cathedral, the national shrine of Finland, but there are several more modest pearls to find. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova invites visitors to explore the medieval history and culture of Turku and to reflect upon thought-provoking contemporary art. ''Luostarinmäki'' is the only larger part of the city that survived the great fire of Turku in 1827. Nowadays it houses an open air living handicrafts museum, with local artisans working in traditional ways. The ''biological museum'' has dioramas showing Finnish fauna of different biotops. The ''museum of art'' has a collection from the time of national awakening in the 19th century, besides more modern works. The '''Museokortti''' card gives free entrance to most museums. ===History and museums=== [[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova 3.jpg|thumb|Entrance of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.]] * {{see | name=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova | url=http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/en | email=info@aboavetusarsnova.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 | lat=60.449844 | long=22.273457 | directions= | phone=+358 20-718-640 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00–19:00 | price=€10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free | wikidata=Q3022430 | content=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also houses [http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/fi/vierailulle-museoon/ravintola-kahvila M Kitchen and Café], the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the [http://linnateatteri.fi/www/ Linnateatteri] theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Botanical Garden | alt= | url=http://www.utu.fi/fi/yksikot/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/Sivut/home.aspx | email=puutarharuissalo@utu.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 215 | lat=60.43330 | long=22.17334 | directions= | phone=+358 2 276-1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Indoor gardens M–Su 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens M–Su 08:00–20:00 | price=Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free | content=The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises. }} * {{see | name= Biological Museum | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/biologicalmuseum | email=museokeskus@turku.fi | address=Neitsytpolku 1 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.2645 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0340 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 09:00–17:00, Mondays closed | price=adults €5, children €3, children under 7 years free, family €13 | wikidata=Q4086898 | content=The Turku Biological Museum is a diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. The Biological Museum has altogether 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species on display. The Biological Museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. The Museum was established in 1907 and most of the Dioramas date back all the way to that period. There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum. Right next to the Museums is the wonderfully green Sports Park of Turku (''Urheilupuisto''). }}<!-- -->[[File:Brinkhallin kartano.jpg|thumb|Brinkhall Manor]] * {{see | name=Brinkhall Manor | alt= | url=https://www.brinkhall.fi/ | email=brinkhall@kulttuuriperinto.fi | address=Brinkhallintie 414 | lat=60.3700 | long=22.2408 | directions= | phone=+358 440-940-048 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 Jun-17 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called ''Hovimäki'', which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming, the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival ''[http://www.brinkhallsoi.fi Brinkhall Soi]''. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ett Hem 03.JPG|thumb|''Ett Hem'' -Museum]] * {{see | name=Ett Hem | alt="A home" | url=http://etthem.fi/?lang=en | email=etthem@abo.fi | address=Piispankatu 14 | lat=60.45386 | long=22.27879 | directions=Just a short walk away from the Cathedral upstream, opposite the Sibelius Museum. | phone=+358 20-786-1470 | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q4165181 | hours=<!--May–Septembe Tu–Su 12:00–15:00, Tu F 11:00–16:00; open also 1 Dec–7 Jan; also by request--> | price=Adults €5, children €4 | content=In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish university of Turku, ''Åbo Akademi'', as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neo-renaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art, the period around 1900, are represented. A virtual version available at [https://digimuseo.fi Digimuseo], the real one closed during demolition and construction by the museum (2022–2023?). }}<!-- -->[[File:Turku - Forum Marinum - Suomen Joutsen 02.jpg|thumb|Sail ship ''Suomen Joutsen'' is one of the main attractions in Forum Marinum.]] * {{see | name=Forum Marinum | alt= | url=http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en | email= | address=Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4366 | long=22.2349 | directions=Just after the guest harbor when going downstream towards Turku Castle, you can't miss it, bus line 1 | phone=+358 2 267-9511 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 267-9515 | hours=wintertime: Daily 11:00–19:00 | price=€9/5/– for the museum; €6/4 ships | wikidata=Q3917218 | content=The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a national special maritime museum, and the Finnish Navy Museum. There are temporary exhibitions and a very interesting [http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en/exhibitions/museum-ships/ boat and ship collection]: two tall sail ships, ''Suomen Joutsen (Swan of Finland)'' and ''Sigyn'', four naval ships and several smaller vessels, ranging from a steam harbour tugboat to a police boat. The museum ships are open during the summer months only, while the exhibitions are open throughout the year. The museum also houses a Café Restaurant called Daphne, which serves café delicacies and a tasty, varied buffet lunch. The Museum Shop offers maritime gifts and other articles, literature and high-quality textiles. }} * {{see | name=Healthcare Museum | alt= | url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en/turku-healthcare-museum_ | email= | address=Kunnallissairaalantie 20 | lat=60.4413 | long=22.2753 | directions= | phone=+358 2 266-2421 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every last Mon of the month 16:00–18:00 and by appointment | price=€4, children under 16 years free | content=At the Turku Health Care Museum you get an insight into the history of healthcare. How were people treated for such things as tuberculosis or polio? What instruments would you find in the operating room? At the Turku Health Care Museum you can see the evil of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis, view medical and autopsy equipment, electro-shock devices, as well as the operating room and the instruments used. The museum also displays artefacts from maternity and childcare clinics as well as items from medical schools from years ago. See an example of a baby carriage box that the midwives and nurses used to carry the new born babies of mothers with tuberculosis to the ''Joulumerkkikoti'' nursery to keep them safe from infection. Another attraction is an entire collection of uniforms for hospital personnel. Many of the styles were abandoned because of the conflict concerning the money spent on uniforms. Of pride of place in the middle of the museum is the ''Heideken'' exhibition showing christening gown, baptismal font, Bible, and the maternity hospital with its equipment. }}<!-- -->[[File:Kuralan kylämäki.jpg|thumb|Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History]] * {{see | name=Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History | alt=Kuralan Kylämäki | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/kylamakivillage | email=infopiste.kurala@turku.fi | address=Jaanintie 45 | lat=60.4622 | long=22.3365 | directions=Bus lines 2 and 2A | phone=+358 2 262-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=summertime Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, also open around Christmas | price=Free | wikidata=Q11873640 | content=Kylämäki in Kurala is a village of living history, where visitors can travel back in time to a typical farm of south-west Finland in the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. It is made up of four farms with buildings standing at their original sites. The Kylämäki Village is ideal for families with children, since touching and experiencing is allowed – and there are corners with period toys and playing equipment. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. In the summer months, you can see women at their domestic chores in the Iso-Kohmo House, making juices and jams, or dairy treats traditionally prepared around Midsummer. Visitors get to participate in some of the farm's tasks, such as hay making and handicraft: 1950s-style items out of clay, paper, yarn or fabric, tablet weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making leather belts and pouches. The themes vary, check in advance to time right. There is also an '''experimental archaeology workshop'''. In addition to research, it lets children explore prehistoric working methods and test their hunting skills using ancient weaponry. There is cooperation with revival associations. The workshop is open all year round. }}<!-- -->[[File:Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki (Cloister Hill) Handicrafts Museum in Turku.jpeg|thumb|Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki outdoor museum.]] * {{see | name=Luostarinmäki | alt=Cloister Hill | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/handicraftsmuseum | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44702 | long=22.27673 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7/4/4, family €18 | wikidata=Q1979979 | content=In 1827 a fire destroyed almost all of Turku. The Luostarinmäki area (then a quite poor area in the outskirts of the town) was the only larger part of the city that was saved. Now the area is preserved and it houses the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (''Käsityöläismuseo''), an outdoor museum with charming late 18th century wooden house quarters. All the buildings are in their original places, which is extremely rare in an outdoor museum. Over thirty workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the City's handicrafts history and old dwellings. During the summer season, the museum's workshops have craftsmen working there every day. The museum's shops, postal office and cafeteria serve customers round the year. The highlight of the year are the Handicrafts Days in August. During the days, masters of different professions, i.e. Golden Apple Guild masters and apprentices get together and their products are sold in the museum's shops. }}<!-- -->[[File:Julfred utlyses Gamla Stortorget 2009.jpg|thumb|View from the Old Great Square during the declaration of Christmas Peace.]] * {{see | name=Old Great Square | alt=Vanha Suurtori | url= | email=kulttuuri.tilat@turku.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 7 | lat=60.45076 | long=22.27582 | directions=across the parks by Turku Cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0961 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Old Great Square area is part of the old Turku city centre. Today, this exceptionally handsome milieu serves as the perfect setting for such events as the annual declaration of Christmas peace and the Medieval Market. The Old Great Square was a major traffic hub, marketplace and administrative centre from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Today, the square has four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, Old City Hall, Hjelt Mansion and Juselius Mansion. The old buildings have been fully restored for use as cultural venues. The Old Great Square comes to life with a wide variety of events. At Christmastime, the square is transformed into a Christmas Market, and in the summer it is time for the Medieval Market. Old Great Square and its vicinities are home to several important neoclassical buildings including the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Academy Building|lat=60.45176 | long=22.27965}} and the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Town Hall|lat=60.45051 | long=22.27613}} }}<!-- -->[[File:Turun apteekkimuseo.jpg|thumb|The Qwensel House, with the Pharmacy Museum.]] * {{see | name=The Qwensel House and Pharmacy Museum | alt=Apteekkimuseo | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/pharmacymuseum | email=apteekkimuseo@turku.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 | lat=60.4486 | long=22.26769 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0280 | tollfree= | hours=2 May–31 Aug and 25 Nov–6 Jan, Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Adults €4.50, children 7–15 €3, 4–6 €0.50, 0–3 free, Family admission (2+2?) €9.50 | wikidata=Q4356801 | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times that has survived in its entirety in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility in the city plan put up by Count Per Brahe the Younger. A pharmacy from the 19th century has been furnished in the shop wing of the building. The pharmacy has a material room and a herb room, two laboratories and an office. The office has the oldest surviving pharmacy interior in Finland. The exhibition wing of the building has an extensive collection of pharmacy utensils on display. There is also a pharmaceutical research laboratory and pharmacy history exhibition in the wing. In addition to the main exhibitions, there are also varying smaller exhibitions and events held at the museum every year. The former stable, outhouse and barn are at the northern end of the baker wing of the building. The Pipping family used to have an orchard by the Linnankatu Street. The cafeteria, in the Pharmacy Museum's inner courtyard, is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters in the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their teas are worth checking. The two chambers, are in the wing that was housed by the building's owners in the 18th century. The chambers have been furnished in 18th-century fashion. The same wing used to have a kitchen, a chamber, maid's chamber, a shed, a carriage shed and an granary according to fire insurance documents from 1791. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Scout Museum of Finland | alt= | url=http://partiomuseo.fi/en/ | email=partiomuseo@partio.fi | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13 | lat=60.4560 | long=22.2633 | directions= | phone=+358 2 237-7692 | tollfree= | hours=1 September–31 May Sa 12:00–15:00 or by agreement (additional €8) | price=€2/1 | content=Finland's Scout Museum is a national special museum that is maintained by the Finnish Scouting Museum Association. It displays uniforms, insignia, flags and literature related to the scout movement in Finland. }} * {{see | name=Turku Castle | alt=Turun linna | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle | email=turunlinna@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 80 | lat=60.4353 | long=22.2287 | directions=near the harbour, bus 1 | phone=+358 2 262-0300 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00; closed M in Sep–May low season | price=€14, students etc. €7, children (7–15) €5, family (2 adults, up to 4 children) €29–33, students of the field and museum staff (ICOM) free; public guided tour €3, private tours €70–300 | image=Castle of Turku, old side.jpg | wikidata=Q136893 | lastedit=2022-03-12 | content=Turku castle is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. The castle, which at times housed Swedish royalty, is the largest castle in Finland, and dates back to end of the 13th century. In addition to telling about the castle and its history, the castle functions as the general historic museum of the region. There are two loops, one around the old (Medieval and 16th century) part, one around the new part. Some of the rooms have been renovated to the style of different periods in the castle's history, although with scarce furniture, some are pure exhibitions. A room redesigned as church in the 19th century still functions as such. Tours of the castle are given hourly in English during high season (check!) and they give a good account of its history. There are also a children's workshop and children's tours. Private tours can be arranged even in off hours, book well in advance. There are many steep and narrow staircases in the old part and there are few shortcuts, check if that might be an issue. }} ===Art=== [[File:Turku Art Museum in 2011.jpg|thumb|Turku Art Museum]] * {{see | name=Turku Art Museum | alt=Turun taidemuseo | url=http://www.turuntaidemuseo.fi/en/ | email=info@turuntaidemuseo.fi | address=Aurakatu 26 | lat=60.45410 | long=22.26188 | directions=dominates the Puolala hill, between Kauppatori and the railway station | phone=+358 2 262-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Sa Su 11:00–17:00 | price=€10/6, children under 16 for free | wikidata=Q4502138 | content=The Art Museum's Art Nouveau building was opened to the public in the spring of 1904. Since the beginning, the museum has presented important works by Finnish and international artist, focusing on Nordic art in particular. Well represented are works from the era known as the Golden Age of Finnish art, around 1900. There are national treasures including self-portraits, landscapes, Finnish surrealism as well as pop art. The museum's national romantic granite façade rises at the end of Aurakatu. Tours are available in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. }}[[File:Wäinö Aaltosen museo.jpg|thumb|Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art]] * {{see | name=Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art | alt=WAM | url=http://www.wam.fi/en | email=wam@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 38 | lat=60.44498 | long=22.26018 | directions=15-min walk from Market Sq, or bus 14 or 15 | phone=+358 2 262-0850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, except Th 10:00-19:00 | price=€10/4/2/– | wikidata=Q3019261 | content=Named in honour of the artist and sculptor ''Wäinö Aaltonen'' (1896–1966), born in Turku, the museum offerings include changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The museum is on the east bank of the Aura River close to the Myllysilta bridge. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses [http://www.cafewaino.fi Café Wäinö] which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls. }} * {{see | name=Sibelius Museum | alt= | url=http://www.sibeliusmuseum.abo.fi/ | email= | address=Piispankatu 17 | lat=60.45370 | long=22.27748 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, W also 18:00–20:00 | price=€5/3, guiding included, children under 18 free; concerts €12/10 | wikidata=Q4306382 | content= 150 m from the Turku cathedral is a low modern concrete building that houses the most significant museum of music in Finland and is named after the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. The museum building, itself considered as a pearl of modernist architecture, exhibits the life and music of the master composer as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments from all around the globe. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events. On Wednesday evenings the Chamber Music Hall hosts concerts during the spring and autumn season. }} * '''Art galleries'''. Turku is home to a number of smaller art galleries scattered around the city. The Turku Artists’ Association maintains a [http://www.turkuart.fi/english.html list of the galleries]. ===Churches=== Most of the churches are quite frequently used for concerts. In the summer of 2020 [https://www.turunseurakunnat.fi/tule-mukaan/kirkkojen-aukiolo-koronatilanteen-aikana only some churches are open]. The cathedral is open daily 09:00–18:00 (mind services). * {{see | name=Turku Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-341-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00–18:00; note services and other events; main services Su 10:00 in Finnish, 12:00 in Swedish, 14:30 in German and 16:00 in English | price=Free. Museum upstairs is €2/1/1 | wikipedia=Turku Cathedral |wikidata=Q1187606 | lastedit= | content=Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, St Henry, Turku Cathedral, on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. It was consecrated in 1300 and is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument as well as the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland. It is familiar, even dear to practically every Finn. Its bells chime at noon over the radio throughout Finland, and they also proclaim the Christmas peace to the country. Every part of the cathedral reflects the details of Finland and Turku's history; resting under the protection of the arches are bishops, captains of war, and one queen, Catherine Månsdotter of Sweden. The south gallery of the cathedral houses a museum, which takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. Displayed in the museum, among other things, are sculptures of saints, and church silverware from the Catholic era. Tours run 09:00–19:00 mid-September to mid-April and 09:00-20:00 mid-April to mid-September. }}[[File:St Michael's Church, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|St Michael's Church.]] * {{see | name=St Michael's Church |alt=Mikaelinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Puistokatu 16 | lat=60.44871 | long=22.24801 | directions=10 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7110 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 261-7112 | hours=Jun–Aug: M-F 11:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–13:00, Su 11:00–13:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St Michael's Church, Turku |wikidata=Q2981811 | lastedit= | content=The western skyline of the city of Turku is dominated by Michael's Church which was consecrated in 1905. It was designed by Professor Lars Sonck. When he won the competition for the church in 1894, Sonck was only a 23-year old architectural student. Michael's church is a distinguished example of the neogothic style in architecture. It is a long church with three aisles, galleries and a multifaceted choir. In addition to the main entrance there are also doors at each corner of the church. The sacristy is behind the choir. The main spire rises to a height of 77 meters from the foundations. Many locals favour it as a wedding Church. }} * {{see | name=Martin's Church | alt=Martinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Huovinkatu | lat=60.44079 | long=22.25434 | directions=By foot 15 min from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Martin's Church | wikidata=Q2336184 | lastedit= | content=Martin's parish was founded in 1921 after which the parish council decided to build a church of its own. The church was consecrated on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, on 12 Nov 1933. The designers of the church were the architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos. The church represents architechtual [[Functionalist architecture in Finland|functionalism]]. Martin's church is a long church with three aisles with very narrow side aisles. The church has a functional and singular practicality of its own. The barrel-vaulting of the roof is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The whole altar wall is covered with an "al secco" painting of the Saviour nailed to the cross at Golgatha. This massive work is 15 m high and 9.5 m in breadth. At the time of painting this was the largest painting of its type in the whole of Scandinavia. }} * {{see | name=Orthodox Church | alt=Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra | url=http://www.ort.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45228 | long=22.26598 | directions=on the north side of Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-5443 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10-15 | price= | wikipedia=Turku Orthodox Church | wikidata=Q2601450 | content=Main church of the Turku orthodox parish, affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The church was built by the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was ordered by Czar Nicholas I of Russia on 5 January 1838. Construction, which began in 1839, cost 67,886&nbsp;rubles and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on 2 September 1845. The church was dedicated to Alexandra, the spouse of Diocletian who had publicly became Christian and thus suffered a martyr’s death on 23 April 303. Most of the icons of the iconostasis have been made in [[Valaam|Valaam Monastery]]. There is also another Orthodox church in Turku, a small wooden one by the Russian consulate, under the Moscow Patriarchate. }} * {{see | name=Turku synagogue | alt= | url=http://www.jcturku.fi | email= | address=Brahenkatu 17 | lat=60.455746 | long=22.266539 | directions= | phone=+358 400-526-009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Synagogue | image=Turku Jewish Synagogue.jpg | wikidata=Q2601015 | lastedit= | content=One of two synagogues in Finland. Built 1912. }} * {{see | name=St Catherine's Church | alt=Pyhän Katariinan kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kirkkotie 46 | lat=60.46221 | long=22.29355 | directions= | phone=+358 2 261-7130 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by arrangement, and special events | price=Free | wikipedia= St. Catherine's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q838441 | lastedit= | content=St Catherine's Church represents old medieval church building tradition. Although it was completely destroyed and has undergone several renovations, it has preserved something of its original appearance and retains the basic plan of a medieval Finnish church. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=Maarian kirkko | url= | email= | address=Maunu Tavastinkatu 2 | lat=60.47341 | long=22.29327 | directions=Bus line 15 | phone=+358 40-341-7140 | tollfree= | hours=Jun–Aug: M–F 12:00-17:00. In wintertime open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St. Mary's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q7594443 | content=Probably built in the 1440s, partly later in the 15th century. According to folk tradition, St Mary's Church was built at a place where sacrifices had been performed in heathen times, in the village of Räntämäki. It had also been the site of the village burial ground and a place of assembly. The village of Räntämäki was renamed after the patron saint of the Church, St Mary, and in the records it is sometimes referred to as the parish of Räntämäki, sometimes as St Mary's. The church took the name of St Mary from the nearby episcopal church of Koroinen, its original patron saint having been the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysios. More of the original decorations have survived than in most other Finnish Medieval churches. }}[[File:Ecumenical Art Chapel of St. Henry in.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of the Ecumenical Hirvensalo Art Chapel.]] * {{see | name=Kakskerta Church | alt=Kakskerran kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kakskerran kirkkotie 110 | lat=60.36998 | long=22.21967 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kakskerta Church |wikidata=Q6349661 | lastedit= | content=Kakskerta Church was built in 1765–1769, and dedicated in 1770. It was designed by Christian Schroder, and is oblong in shape. The altarpiece is from the 17th century, and the interior of the church was renovated in 1940 after the plan by Erik Bryggman. The belfry was designed by C. Bassi in 1824. }} * {{see | name=Ecumenical Art Chapel | alt=Taidekappeli | url=http://www.taidekappeli.fi/yhteystiedot.html | email=taide.kappeli@gmail.com | address=Seiskarinkatu 35 | lat=60.4073 | long=22.2521 | directions=bus 54 | phone=+358 2 265-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–15:00 (May–Aug 11:00–16:00), Th 11:00–18:30, Sa Su 12:00–15:00, except during private events | price=€3, guided tours €5 | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q296532 | lastedit= | content=Wooden chapel with art exhibitions. Built 2004–2005. }} ===Nature=== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Evening view at Ruissalo.]] * {{see | name=Ruissalo Island | alt= | url=https://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-island_en | email= | address= | lat=60.428 | long=22.151 | directions=5 km from Kauppatori. Travel past the harbour district and you cannot miss signs pointing towards Ruissalo. Bus line 8 in every 30 minutes. During summer also a ferry connection. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2097015 | lastedit= | content=The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, [http://www.ruissalospa.fi/english/index.html Ruissalo Spa hotel], Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, [https://www.honkapirtti.fi Honkapirtti] (pea soup daily 11–16, Su also fish soup – the Karelian house is worth a visit for lunch or a bun despite the short menu) and the [http://puutarha.utu.fi Botanical Gardens] have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at [http://www.camping.fi/template_ypage1.asp?sua=2&lang=3&s=142 Saaronniemi] on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, saunas, a small shop, indoor accommodation and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant, even the most demanding traveller is catered for. There is also a championship level golf course, [http://www.auragolf.fi/eng/aura-golf-in-english/ Aura Golf], founded in 1958 nearby. }} * {{marker|type=see|name=The riverside |lat=60.4554|long=22.2762}} upstream from Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge (right bank) or Åbo Akademi (left bank) make for a very [[Turku riverside walk|nice stroll or biking trip]]. Between Tuomiokirkkosilta and the railway bridge there is a walking path close to the water on the right, north-western bank (not for bikes), elsewhere the route is above the river in park like milieu, upstream (from Vähäjoki and Koroinen, and near Halinen) also in agricultural landscapes. A café in Koroinen on Sundays, sometimes with handicraft exhibitions or workshops, the Myllärintupa café with canoe rental by the Halinen rapids in summer (Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; also small scale exhibitions). Bikers could continue upstream to Vanhalinna in Lieto, a hillfort with splendid views ([http://www.vanhalinna.fi mansion] by the hill in use by Turku university; café, summer theatre and exhibitions in or by the mansion if you time right).[[File:Autumn Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|Pikisaari on Hirvensalo seen from Ruissalo.]] * {{marker|type=see|name=Hirvensalo|lat=60.4051 | long=22.2111}}, {{marker|type=see|name=Satava|lat=60.372 | long=22.169}} and {{marker|type=see|name=Kakskerta|lat=60.359 | long=22.233}} are three large islands in line right off the coastline of Turku. The parts facing the city are suburbs, with winding roads lined with often nice villas, while much of the islands are countryside with fields and natural forest. The bus lines 50–56 reach different parts of Hirvensalo, while 14 and 15 continue to Satava and Kakskerta, which once were an independent municipality. Pikisaari on Hirvensalo faces the shipping lane. Today, Hirvensalo is a haven for single-family homes and good, clean living. Some famous names from Hirvensalo are sculptor and academic, Wäinö Aaltonen and artist Jan-Erik Andersson, whose unique leaf-shaped house is near the Hirvensalo bridge. Hirvensalo also has a [http://www.hirvensalo.fi sports centre], where visitors can ski in the winter and ride [http://www.mccaction.com/turku/ downhill cars] in the summer. Ekvalla beach is on the Satava island (buses 14 and 15). This sandy beach is a good choice for families, sun seekers, and people with disabilities. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as this swimming area has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Swimming lifeguards are available during the school summer holiday period. On the last island of the three, Kakskerta (bus 15) you can enjoy lovely archipelago nature, the golf course at Harjattula or the site of the TV series Hovimäki at Brinkhall Manor. There is also a stone church from the 1760s. * {{see | name=Vepsä Island | alt= | url=http://www.vepsa.fi/english.php | email=vepsansaari@gmail.com | address= | lat=60.3742 | long=22.0766 | directions=One hour ferry trip from Turku, ferry leaves from river Aura. | phone=+358 50 411-4963 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open during the summer season only, from 1 June to 31 August | price=Return ticket for the ferry €16/6. Cabin €55–90/night, tent site €5/person. | wikidata=Q24345730 | content=Vepsä island is a beautiful island in the Turku archipelago. From the vantage point on the rugged rock, you can see glittering waters and awesome landscapes of ''Airisto''. On the way up, you can search for geocaches, if you want. Former hiding place of smugglers hides nowadays modern hobbies and hobby equipments. You can go for a walk, swim on a child safe beach, have a barbecue, take a sauna bath, play miniature golf, and enjoy other summery activities. People who like water sports can rent a boat or a canoe. One of the new activities is sumo wrestling in air filled suites. After an active day you can eat in the island's own café-restaurant. Ice-creams and snacks are for sale also in a kiosk. You can go to Vepsä for a one day trip, or stay for a longer time. Cosy summer cabins offer you warm surroundings to stay over night, and are very popular among visitors. There are three saunas to hire, one of them is reserved for enterprises. You can reserve the representation sauna and a barred hot tub beforehand. Three close-by islands – Mustaluoto, Vähä-Tervi and Pikku-Vepsä – are charming targets to visit and available for Vepsä visitors. }} === Itineraries === * [[Turku riverside walk]] ==Do== Turku is especially lively during the summer season, from the latter part of May to early September, as well as around the Advent and Christmas period in December. The banks of the river Aura are regarded Turku's summertime living room. The shores are the setting for many urban events and are also popular for picnic and relaxing. ===Theater, performing arts and cinema=== [[File:Åbo Svenska Teater.jpg|thumb|Turku Swedish Theatre 2018.]] For chamber music, check also the weekly concerts at the Wäinö Aaltonen and Sibelius museums. One-off performances can be harder to find, as information channels vary. * {{do | name=Turku City Theatre | alt=Turun kaupunginteatteri | url=http://teatteri.turku.fi/en | email=kaupunginteatteri@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 14 | lat=60.44604 | long=22.26386 | directions=by the Theatre Bridge | phone=+358 2 262-0030 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-0065 | hours= | price=€30–50/15–40 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | wikidata=Q3739478 | content=The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions. }} * {{do | name=Logomo | alt= | url=https://logomo.fi/ | email=info@logomo.fi | address=Köydenpunojankatu 14 | lat=60.4569 | long=22.2576 | directions=behind the train station | phone=+358 29-1234-800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is next to the Turku city centre and the Central Railway Station. It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop. }} * {{do | name=Turku Philharmonic Orchestra | alt=Turun filharmoninen orkesteri | url=http://www.tfo.fi/en | address=Aninkaistenkatu 9 | lat=60.45556 | long=22.27035 | directions=by the Puutori square | phone=+358 2 262-0804 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Ticket office: M–F 11:00–17:00 and before events | price=Usually €21/9 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Concert Hall, built in 1952, was the first concert hall in Finland. It is mainly used by Turku Philharmonic Orchestra (chief conductor Leif Segerstam). }} * {{do | name=Swedish Theatre of Turku | alt=Åbo Svenska Teater | url=http://www.abosvenskateater.fi | email=info@abosvenskateater.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2660 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-7377 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations, the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays. }} * {{do | name=Linnateatteri | alt= | url=http://linnateatteri.fi | email=info@linnateatteri.fi | address=Linnankatu 31 | lat=60.4467 | long=22.2586 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-1215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as ''the Amazing History of Turku'' and ''the Amazing Near-history of Turku''. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Summer Theatre | alt=Samppalinnan kesäteatteri | url=http://www.samppalinnanteatteri.fi | email= | address=Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3 | lat=60.4442 | long=22.2609 | directions=by the Samppalinna mill in the park Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 232-9050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Samppalinna summer theatre, fifty years old, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals. }} * {{do | name=Kinopalatsi | alt=Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 11 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2669 | directions= | phone=+358 9 131-191 (€1.97/min + pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=around €12 | lastedit= | content=This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens. }} ===Sport arenas=== [[File:Turkuhalli inside.jpg|thumb|Turkuhalli.]] * {{do | name=Turkuhalli | alt=Gatorade Center | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/fi/gatorade-center | email=info@turku-areenat.fi | address=Artukaistentie 8 | lat=60.4562 | long=22.1869 | directions= | phone=+358 2 21-900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This ice hockey and music arena hosts large public events and the games of [http://hc.tps.fi/briefly_in_english TPS (''Turun Palloseura'')], Turku's number one ice hockey team. It offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas. }} * {{do | name=Marli Areena | alt=Ice Hockey Arena | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/en/home | email= | address=Hippoksentie 2 | lat=60.4422 | long=22.2896 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of [http://www.tutohockey.fi/fi/uutiset TuTo (''Turun Toverit'') hockey team]. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center. }} * {{do | name=Veritas Stadion | alt=football (soccer) stadium | url=http://www.veritasstadion.fi/brief/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=varaukset@veritasstadion.com | address=Hippoksentie 6 | lat=60.44282 | long=22.29175 | directions= | phone=+358 2-2722-00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based teams play in the national league of Finland – [http://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter] and [http://fc.tps.fi/tps_in_brief.151.html FC TPS] – play on the grounds of the stadium. }} ===Sports grounds and parks=== [[File:Hirvensalon laskettelukeskus.jpg|thumb|Slopes at the Hirvensalo Ski Resort.]] * {{do | name=Urheilupuisto Sports Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2632 | directions=in the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura behind the City Theater | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11898812 | content=Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. [http://www.turkutrojans.com Turku Trojans], one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Park | alt=Kupittaanpuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2894 | directions=Near the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura, around 15 minutes walk from the Old Great Square and Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5486539 | content=Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football teams, TPS and Inter. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant. }} ** {{see | name=Adventure Park | alt=Seikkailupuisto | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/adventure-park-seikkailupuisto | email=seikkailupuisto@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 2 | lat=60.4472 | long=22.2907 | directions=Bus line 32 (jump out at the bus stop just before the corner of Kerttulinkatu and Sirkkalankatu) | phone=+358 44-907-2986 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Su 10:00–17:00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q11892816 | content=Just on the edge of Kupittaa Park, the Adventure Park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely, the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and snacks. It is also possible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town. }} * {{do | name=Hohtogolf Westcoast | alt=Glow Minigolf and Curling | url=http://www.hohtogolf.fi/turku/ | email=turku@hohtogolf.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 17 | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26652 | directions= underground -- entrance is next to the Turku Orthodox Church | phone=+358 2 253-4355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W–Th 17:00–21:00, F 17:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00, Su–Tu closed | price=€10/12 | content=At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow-in-the-dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the bar. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track. }} ===Winter sports=== * {{do | name=Skating worm | alt=Luistelumato | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/kupittaa | email= | address= | lat=60.447 | long=22.292 | directions=Kupittaanpuisto, behind the sports hall | phone=+358 50-554-6300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Equipment rental M W F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless raining | price=Free; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free | content=Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer. }} * {{do | name=Park Field Artificial Ice Rink | alt=Parkin kenttä | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/park-field-artificial-ice-rink | email= | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.457 | long=22.272 | directions= | phone=+358 50-431-0016 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 08:00–22:00, Sa 10:00-21:00, Su 09:00–21:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental M–F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=€2; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries | lastedit=2018 | content=Big skating field, usually most for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling). }} * {{do | name=Impivaaran jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/impivaara-ice-hall | email= | address=Eskonkatu 1 | lat=60.477474 | long=22.250511 | directions=Bus 13 and 18. | phone=+358 2 262-3550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, W 13:45–14:35, Sa 10:30–11:20 | price= | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Varissuon jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/varissuo-ice-hall | email= | address=Suurpäänkatu 2 | lat=60.443250 | long=22.354862 | directions=Bus 32 and 42. | phone=+358 2 262-3570 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 13:45–14:35, Th also 18:00–18:50, Su 10:00–10:50 | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Ice field in an underground hall, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Minor skating fields | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/natural-1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=There are minor skating fields in most residential areas, without artificial cooling and thus more dependant on weather. Some have ice hockey rinks, some have changing rooms. }} * {{do | name=Hirvensalo Ski Resort | alt= | url=http://www.hirvensalo.fi/ | email=toimisto@tusla.net | address=Kakskerrantie 111 | lat=60.4175 | long=22.2277 | directions= at the Hirvensalo Island on the southern side of the city 5 km from the city centre. You can reach Hirvensalo from the market square of Turku on the Turku city bus lines number 14, 15, 51, 53 and 55. The centre also offers a lot of parking places for private transport. | phone=+358 45-106-3011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€17–28 | content=There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, ski school, and equipment rental. }} * {{do | name=Cross-country skiing | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/recreation/trails-routes-and-ski-tracks/ski-tracks | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-6219 (administration),+358 50-523-8447 (equipment rental) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free; equipment €5/3/1 (children: <20yrs) | content=There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to [http://www.turku.fi/sv/kultur-och-motion/friluftsomraden/stigar-rutter-och-skidspar/skidspar skiing routes], with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 km maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 km on flat ground, 1.7 km in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season (in 2021–2022: from 5 Dec). At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara, there is equipment for rent (Sa–Su 11:00–16:00; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and coffee, warm juice and snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 06:00–22:00. }} ===Climbing=== Be aware of the inherent dangers of [[Rock climbing|climbing]]. Safety cannot be guaranteed even if the businesses take security seriously. Make sure you have understood the instructions. Children usually need permission from their custodians, must respect instructions, and might need to be accompanied. * {{do | name=Flowpark | alt=Climbing park | url=http://www.flowpark.fi/turku/?lang=en | email=info.turku@flowpark.fi | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4287 | long=22.3180 | directions= | phone=+358 400-864-862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Oct: M–Sa 12:00–20:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in January | price=Day ticket €22 | content=Adventure trails up in the trees. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions, where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. For the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre. }} * {{do | name=Irti Maasta | alt= | url=https://irtimaasta.fi/puistot/raisio | email=info.raisio@irtimaasta.fi | address=Myllynkatu 1142 | lat= | long= | directions=in the shopping centre Mylly, Raisio | phone=+358 400-820-037 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–20:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€16 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Climbing centre with playful routes and challenges. Weight limits: 15–150 kg. Automatic belaying. No age limit, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{do | name=Kiipeilypalatsi | alt= | url=https://www.kiipeilypalatsi.com | email= | address=Vesilinnantie 1 | lat=60.4557 | long=22.2846 | directions=a cube-formed building on the hill in the TY campus behind the cathedral | phone=+358 45-670-5991 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–W 15:30–20:30, Sa 13:00–17:00, groups also by agreement | price=€11 + harness, shoes and magnesium €4 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=[[Rock climbing|Climbing]] walls inside a former water tower. Not solo, as you need your own belayer. Newcomers to the sport are welcome, but must tell about being inexperienced. Belayer instruction included. Minors need parent's permission, children under 14 need an adult belayer. }} ===Boating and canoeing=== For skippered yacht cruises or yacht chartering, see [[Archipelago Sea#By yacht and small boats|Archipelago Sea]]. Here are options for smaller vessels and quick trips: * {{do | name=Låna | alt= | url=http://www.lanaturku.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.451766 | long=22.273120 | directions=the river shore at Vähätori, by Tuomiokirkko bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60/hour, €100/2 hours | lastedit=2018 | content=Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor. Also Buster Rent boats available, but rent those at the guest harbour instead (not ideal for cruising the river, and you get the whole day for the price of 3 hr). }} * {{do | name=Buster Rent | alt= | url=http://vuokraa.buster.fi | email=info@buster-rent.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=delivery at the guest harbour or by trailer | phone= +358 20-769-1270| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€140–400/one day, weekend €330–800; trailer included; trailering by agreement | lastedit=2016-05-13 | content=Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather. Two berths in the biggest boats. }} * {{do | name=Sea kayaking | alt=Aavameri | url=http://www.aavameri.fi/en | email=info@aavameri.fi | address= | lat=60.421828 | long=22.095435 | directions=bus 8 from Puutori to Saaronniemi, walk to the beach | phone=+358 44-980-7788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun–Aug: M 10:30, F 17:00 (Puutori 10:00/16:30), by agreement other days throughout the year | price=Evening tour €65; day tour €110/person; child reductions for 8–12 and 13–15 years old; rental: first day €60 | lastedit=2019-04-05 | content=Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. The day and evening tours do not require previous experience and moderate fitness is enough, trips are tailored to suite the participants (3–8 in the group). Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from and back to Turku are available. }} * {{do | name=Saaristomeren melojat | alt= | url=http://melojat.net | email=posti@melojat.net | address=Rykmentintie 55 | lat=60.413961 | long=22.265418 | directions=Uittamo, bus line 13 | phone=+358 41-456-5223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu Th 17–20, Sa Su 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!) | price=Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100 | lastedit=2018 | content=Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash. }} * {{do | name=Aurajokisäätiö | alt= | url=http://aurajoki.net/melonta | email= | address=Valkkimyllynkuja 2 | lat=60.465310 | long=22.305333 | directions=Myllärintupa by Halistenkoski rapids | phone=+358 44-553-7408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour | lastedit=2018 | content=Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours. }} ===Swimming=== [[File:Impivaaran uimahalli.JPG|thumb|Impivaara Swimming Centre]] [[File:Ice swimming in Turku.jpg|thumb|Ice Swimming at the Ispoinen Beach is a popular hobby among locals during the winter months.]] Due to its location at the shores of the [[Archipelago Sea]], Turku has a number of great beaches, some of them really close to the city center. There are also two outdoor pools, a water park, indoor swimming pools and arenas. Most indoor facilities – and some outdoor ones – are open round the year. Turku has a [http://www.turku.fi/en/services/beaches number of '''free beaches'''] around the city. *{{marker|type=do|name=Ispoinen Beach|lat=60.41441 | long=22.25957}} is within easy reach from Turku Centre by bus number 9 or 13. Swimmers can even access the beach during the winter since there is a sauna and option for ice swimming, when the water is frozen over: ** {{do | name= Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club | alt= | url=http://www.turunavantouimarit.fi | email= | address=Rykmentintie 51 |lat=NA | long=NA | directions=Ispoinen Beach | phone= +358 44-377-5475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M 15:00–19:45, W 15:00–20:45, F-Sa 15:00–19:45, Su 15:00–20:45 | price= Non-member single ticket: adults €5,20, children under 16 €1,50, accompanied children under 7 free | content=Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers. }} * {{marker|type=do|name=Ruissalo camping beach|lat=60.42144 | long=22.09492}} is the favourite of many locals. It is at the very end of the Ruissalo Island (bus line 8) and on a beautiful summer day you can really feel the archipelago here. ** {{marker|type=do|name=Saaronnniemen saukot |url=https://www.saaronniemensaukot.fi/in-english}} arrange winter swimming at Tammirannantie 39 (and swimming in summer, too). * {{marker|type=do|name=Ekvalla beach|lat=60.37939 | long=22.22598}} is on the Satava island (bus lines 14 and 15). When the Finnish summer gets hot, this sandy beach is a good choice for families and sun seekers as well as disabled. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as Ekvalla beach has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Lifeguards are supervising swimming on all of the beaches mentioned above during the school summer holiday periods from the beginning of June to the end of August. * Other smaller beaches include ** {{marker|type=do|name=Brinkhall beach|lat=60.36557 | long=22.23673}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Moikoinen beach|lat=60.4167 | long=22.2506}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Sorttamäki beach|lat=60.4084 | long=22.2547}} and ** {{marker|type=do|name=Maaria beach|lat=60.5307 | long=22.3540}}. Outdoor pools, arenas and water parks: * {{do | name=JukuPark Waterpark | alt= | url=http://www.jukupark.fi/tmp_jukupark_turku_site_0.asp?sua=13&lang=3&s=661 | email= | address=Kurrapolku 1 | lat=60.4782 | long=22.2562 | directions= | phone=+358 400-174-640 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00 | price=€21, children under 4 year free | content=JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 kn from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/swimming-places-and-water-sport/kupittaa-outdoor | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 10 | lat=60.4451 | long=22.2909 | directions=in the middle of the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 44-907-2702 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5,50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free | content=Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m pool, there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m deep children's pool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The pool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Swimming Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/places/samppalinna-outdoor-swimming-stadium | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Volter Kilven katu 2 | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2655 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-3590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=From mid-May to mid-Sept: M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 06:00–19:00, Sa Su 08:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free | wikidata=Q18661857 | content=A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin. }} Swimming halls and indoor water parks: * {{listing | type=do | name=Caribia | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kongressgränden 1 | lat= | long= | directions=in the hotel in the student village, near Posanka | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Indoor water park. Also one normal swimming pool. }} * {{do | name=Impivaara Swimming Centre | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/impivaara-swimming-centre | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Uimahallinpolku 4 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.2599 | directions=last stop of bus 13 when marked "u" in the timetable; 18 passes reasonably close | phone=+358 2 262-3588 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 11:00–18:00, Sa Su 09:00–17:00 | price=Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24 | wikidata=Q11864792 | content=The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Turun uimahalli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2875 | directions=in the student union's house | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q18662487 | lastedit= | content=First swimming hall of Turku. Clothing optional, with genders separated by day of week. }} * {{do | name=Ulpukka | alt= | url=https://www.raisio.fi/fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/uintikeskus-ulpukka | email=ulpukka.asiakaspalvelu@raisio.fi | address=Eeronkuja 5 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.1615 | directions=1 km south-west of Raisio centre (along Nesteentie); bus lines 220 and 221 from Turku pass by | phone=+358 44-797-1681 | tollfree= | hours=Winter: M Tu Th F 06:00–21:00, W 11:00–21:00 Sa–Su 11:00–18:00; summer: M Tu Th F 06:00–09:00, 13:30–21:00, W 13:30–21:00, weekends closed; entry min. 1 hr before closing | price=€5–7 (mornings cheaper), students €4.50, children 5–15 years €3, family (2+3) €16; 2 hr | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Swimming hall. Nice also for children. Accessible for the mobility impaired (ask for directions). }} ===Social dancing=== [[File:UIttamon lava 2.JPG|thumb|The Uittamo dance pavilion.]]<!-- should be changed to a seaside view --> Foxtrot, waltz, jive, cha cha, what have you ... The dance pavilions are an essential part of Finnish summer for many, although not any more for a majority. The ones below are probably the most popular ones in the Turku region: * {{do | name=Uittamon paviljonki | alt= | url=http://uittamo.fi/tanssit/ | email=johanna.tuomola@magnumlive.fi | address=Rykmentintie 29 | lat= 60.4206 | long= 22.2528| directions=bus no 9 towards Katariina, bus stop "Tanssilava" | phone=+358 44-906-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Dances 12 May–17 Sept: F 20:00–01:00, Su 19:00–00:00 | price=Mostly €15 | lastedit=2018 | content=Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses. }} * {{do | name=Littoisten lava | alt= | url=http://www.sekahaku.net/kurssit-kesa/kurssit-tanssit/tanssit-ja-tanssikurssi-littoisten-lavalla | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Vanha Littoistentie 153 | lat=60.4596 | long=22.3779 | directions=bus 2B or 2C, last bus back 23:20 | phone=+358 50-919-1325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18 May–31 Aug: Th 18:00/19:30–23:00 | price=Mostly €12 (under 25 years old half price) | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Littoistenjärvi lake in [[Kaarina]]. Dance course Thu 18:00–19:20 included in the price of the dance. }} * {{do | name= Valasranta| alt= | url=http://www.valasranta.fi | email= | address=Valasrannantie 363, [[Loimaa|Yläne]] | lat= 60.8961 |long= 22.3476 | directions=60 km from Turku | phone=+358 2 256 3605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: Sa 20:30–01:30<!--, bus from Turku 19:50, permanently ended?--> | price=€16–18<!--, bus 2×€6--> | lastedit=2017-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake.<!-- Bus from Turku, returning in the night.--> }}<!-- still? * {{do | name= Katutanssit| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4486 | long=22.2710 | directions=by the Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11 June to 13 Aug: Tu 18:00–20:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2015-04-27 | content=Dances by the river. }}--> ===Events=== [[File:Easter 2011 at Cloister Hill outdoor museum in Turku, Finland.jpg|thumb|Easter egg decorators at Cloister hill outdoor museum.]] * {{do | name=Easter at Cloister Hill | alt=Annually around Easter, 15 to 16 April in 2017 | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/luostarinmaki-handicrafts-museum/then-now/luostarinmaki-throughout-year | email= | address=Cloister Hill (Luostarinmäki) outdoor museum, Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.447387 | long=22.275542 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00–16:00 | price=Adults €6, Children aged between 7 to 15 €4, Children aged between 4 to 6 €1, Family ticket €13 | content=Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children. }} * {{do | name=Maritime Markets | alt=April and October | url=http://www.silakka.info/turun_saaristolaismarkkinat {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=60.447958 | long=22.265621 | directions=Along the river Aura | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 09:00–16:00 | price= | content=Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku city centre. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare. }}[[File:Sariola Tivoli in Turku in 2008.jpg|thumb|Tivoli Sariola's carnival is open during ''Vappu'' festivities in Kupittaa Park.]] * {{do | name=Vappu| alt=Annually between 30 April and 1 May | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vappu#Finland | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In Finland, Vappu (Walpurgis day and May Day) is one of the four biggest holidays along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer (Juhannus). Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. The celebration, which begins on the evening of 30 April and continues to 1 May, typically centres on copious consumption of [[w:Sima (mead)|sima]], sparkling wine and other alcoholic beverages. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students on the streets wearing a traditional student cap. On 30 April evening streets are filled with party people and a large market is held in Market Square with vendors selling cheap carnival paraphernalia. On 1 May the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with hungover Finns having a picnic. There are also working union parades around the city centre and politicians from all different parties giving speeches. }} * {{do | name=New Potato Festival | alt=Mid June, 15 to 16 June in 2018 | url=http://www.neitsytperunafestivaali.fi/ | email=info@kaffeli.fi | address=Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.449764 | long=22.264272 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The New Potato Festival, or ''Neitsytperunafestivaali'' in Finnish, celebrates the opening of the early harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival, the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from Finland Proper are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate. }}[[File:Medieval band at Turku Medieval market 2015.jpg|thumb|right|A Medieval band playing at the Turku Medieval Market, by the river.]] * {{do | name=The Medieval Market | alt=End of June | url=http://en.keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi/ | email=info@keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Square) | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2759 | directions= | phone=+358 40-132-9992 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th F 12:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs | content=This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Square and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku.<br/>In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how beer is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can attend the real princess school as well as enjoy watching the wild boars. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.<br/>Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site. }} * {{do | name=International Market of Turku | alt=Mid-June | url=http://www.eurooppamarkkinat.fi/ | email= | address=Around Old Great Square, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura | lat=60.451728 | long=22.272968 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 10:00–20:00 | price= | content=The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities. }} * {{do | name=Juhannus | alt=Midsommar | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually on Saturday between 20–26 June. Juhannus Eve Friday is usually also a day off | price= | content=Juhannus (Midsummer Festival) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing. Large bonfires are lit on the islands Ruissalo and Vepsä. Otherwise the streets are often empty, even though some people have acquired a new habit of spending midsummer in town. }} * {{do | name=Tall Ships' Races | alt= | url=https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2024 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=mooring downstream from the bridges; parade of sails on Airisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Next edition 18–21 July 2024 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-10 | content=The Tall Ships' Races have become a semi-regular event in Turku. Every few years sailing ships large and small moor in the river on their Baltic Sea race, offering opportunities to visit some of the vessels, including schooners, barques and full-rigged ships, and attending programmes arranged for spectators and crews. The event usually attracts half of the city's population. Some vessels offer cruises to Airisto. The parade of sails is best seen from a boat, but most spectators flock to the shores of Kuuva on Ruissalo. }} * {{do | name=The Night of Arts | alt=Mid-August, 16 August in 2018 | url=http://turuntaiteidenyo.fi/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Around Turku Central Business District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Night of the Arts is a versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August around the city centre. The venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori, the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as book stores, museums and galleries. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature, theatre, dance, museums and street culture. }} * {{do | name=Turku Day | alt=Annually third Sunday of September | url=http://www.turku.fi/turunpaiva | email= | address=Events take place all around the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The shops in the city centre are open, there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 21:00. }} ==== Advent and Christmas ==== [[File:BD, Flora och AO, advent 2008.jpg|thumb|The student choirs' concerts in the cathedral mark the start of Advent]] The [https://www.turku.fi/joulukaupunki Christmas season] starts more or less with the turning on of Christmas lights in the pedestrian part of Yliopistonkatu a week before Advent. The market at the Old Great Square opens. Department stores and many shops have nice Christmas displays in their windows. Christmas music is played. Charity bazaars in many schools, parish halls, etc. Usually the first snow has come and melt away, and there will probably again be snow several times during Advent. With good luck the snow will stay. White Christmases are quite common, but there is no guarantee. The lights on the Christmas tree of the cathedral are turned on the Saturday a week before Advent begins (programme usually begins at 17:00). Most every choir gives some kind of Christmas concert in or immediately before Advent. Among the most ambitious are the ones by the student choirs of Åbo Akademi (BD and Flora) and Akademiska Orkestern, in the cathedral on Friday and Saturday leading to Advent ([[European classical music|classical music]] from the 16th century to world premières, including some beloved Christmas songs); most seats are sold out days before, but a few are often left to be got at the door an hour before the concerts. The Church arranges sing-alongs with collect to their development aid. Many museums, also some that otherwise are closed in winter, have displays or events related to the season; table settings and food of Christmas in different times and social classes are shown at the castle, the Qwensel house and the handicraft museum. Handicraft workshops (such as of making candles) are arranged at the Adventure park and Kurala. There are also events at other institutions, such as candle light swimming at Impivaara and Petrelius. Independence Day, December 6th, is celebrated by the philharmonic orchestra by two free day concerts (tickets are distributed a few weeks in advance). The latter, starting 15:00, can be seen on screens at the Old Great Square. There are services in the churches (mostly at 10:00). Charity bazaars. The students have a torch parade to the war graves (start 18:00). People light candles in their windows (originally a silent protest against Russian oppression), which makes for a nice evening stroll. A few associations arrange balls, the one of Turku folk dancers ([http://www.rytky.fi Rytky]) is open for the public, with a dance course in the preceding weeks. On December 13th, Lucia is crowned in the morning, blessed in the cathedral in the evening (be early if you want a seat), and then performing in the Hansa shopping centre. Programme for the rest of the season is changed yearly but generally Lucia and her company will be seen on many occasions, mostly in retirement homes and the like, but also e.g. at the Christmas market. Christmas peace is declared at noon of Christmas Eve in the Old Great Square, with thousands of spectators (programme starts 11:30). The Swedish service in the cathedral afterwards welcomes also the international audience. Most people are going to spend the evening and the Christmas Day with their family; the city will mostly close. Bus traffic in town continues to 20:00. The [[#Learn|main library]] is open 11:00–18:00 on Christmas Eve, with also some programme. Lights on the graves. Services in the churches. Some restaurants are open also in Christmas, but booking a table may be necessary. [[File:Julmarknad Gamla Stortorget lillajul 2010.jpg|thumb|Christmas Market at the Old Great Square]] * {{do | name=Christmas Market at the Old Great Square | alt= | url=http://en.suurtorinjoulumarkkinat.fi/ | email= | address=Old Great Square | lat=60.450783 | long=22.276609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Four weekends before Christmas (last 3rd Sunday of Advent), 11:00–17:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-14 | content=The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm ''glögg'' or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice in the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall. }} * {{do | name=Christmas Market at Kauppatori | alt=Joulutori | url=http://turunjoulutori.fi | email= | address=Kauppatori | lat=60.451667 | long=22.266944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=25 Nov–23 Dec, M–F 12:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-11-28 | content=Much smaller market, but open daily. }} ====Music festivals==== * {{do | name=Seikkisrock | alt=16-17 June in 2018 | url=http://www.seikkisrock.net/info_eng.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=60.445103 | long=22.291159 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Advance ticket €10, at gate €12. Under 2 year olds free | content=A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999 at Turku Adventure Park, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests, have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festivals main focus is on music, but available is also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”Worldvillage” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. Adventure Park, activity center for children and families, which is in the district of Kupittaa, offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience. }}[[File:Ruisrock 2008.jpg|thumb|Ruisrock atmosphere in 2008.]] * {{do | name=Ruisrock | alt=Beginning of July, in 2022: 8–10 July | url=http://www.ruisrock.fi/ | email=palaute@ruisrock.fi | address=Ruissalo Island | lat=60.428771 | long=22.178021 | directions= | phone=+358 44-966-1384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99. Under 7 year old get in free with an adult with a ticket. People over 70 get free entrance and can use a ferry connection from Aura river free of charge | lastedit=2018 | content=Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). Introduction video for the festival can be seen in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U YouTube]. Festival site can be reached with the festival bus or by bike from Turku city centre. The festival buses run from Turku city center to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 km (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site. }} * {{do | name=Turku Modern | alt= Annually in July, 13–16 July in 2018 | url=http://www.turkumodern.com/ | email=toimisto@turkumodern.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price €35-65 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Modern, the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats. }}[[File:Turku M.A.Numminen at DBTL 2006.jpg|thumbnail|M. A. Numminen performs at DBTL.]] * {{do | name=Down by the Laituri (DBTL) | alt=End of July, 26 to 28 July in 2018 | url=http://www.dbtl.fi/ | email= | address=Downtown Turku | lat=60.443022 | long=22.266042 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€55-165 | lastedit=2018 | content=If you are down, don’t hesitate to feel so by down by the laituri! Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival takes place in downtown Turku annually in end of July. DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors every year. With most of the acts performing pop and rock music, this multicultural event is centered on the east bank of the River Aura, around the Turku City Theatre. }} * {{do | name=Aura Fest | alt=Beginning of August, 10 to 12 August in 2018 | url=http://www.aurafest.fi/ | email= | address=Barker Park next to river Aura | lat=60.442576 | long=22.248648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the largest Hiphop and Urban music festivals in Finland, is held annually right next to river Aura. In 2015 the festival took place in Barker Park, just a kilometer away from the central Market Square. Performers include practically all the top domestic Hiphop and urban music performers as well as international guests. }} * {{do | name=Turku Music Festival | alt=Annually in August, 10 to 22 August in 2018 | url=http://www.turkumusicfestival.fi/en | email=info@tmj.fi | address=Around Turku | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland. This diverse city festival offers large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of Turku’s stunning venues, both modern and historical, are being imaginatively used to host performances from the best in their field. }} * {{do | name=Turku Jazz | alt=Beginning of March, 8-10 March in 2018 | url=http://www.turkujazz.fi/ | email= | address=Concerts mainly in Logomo. | lat=60.456692 | long=22.256300 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018 | content=Second oldest jazz festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku. }} ====Expos==== [[File:Turkuhalli.jpg|thumb|Turku Hall, next to the Turku Fair and Congress Center, hosts number of big concerts and hockey tournaments.]] There's a great number of expos and fairs held in Turku annually. Most of the fairs take place outside the summer season in autumn and spring. Large part of these fairs take place in the {{marker|type=do|name=Turku Fair and Congress Center|lat=60.4540 | long=22.1845}}, which is a diverse setting for fairs, meetings, congresses and grand public events. * {{do | name=Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair | alt=Annually end of March, 18 to 19 March in 2017 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-art-antique-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections. }} * {{do | name=Turku International Book Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-international-book-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year, the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme. }} * {{do | name=Turku Food and Wine Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-food-and-wine-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair | price= | content=The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, wine and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop. }} ====Sport events==== [[File:Kalevan Kisat 2011 Turussa (Finnish Championships in Athletics 2011 in Turku).jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi Stadium]] [[File:Paavo Nurmi enters the Olympic Stadium in 1952.jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi entering the Olympic Stadium in the 1952 games.]] <!--* {{do | name=Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run | alt= | url=http://www.kuntovitonen.fi/ | email=info@vitostapahtumat.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 44-725-5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of May, 26 May in 2018; not arranged 2019 | price= | content=The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself. }}--> * '''Watch football''' at [https://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter Turku]. They play soccer in Veikkausliiga, the top tier in Finland. Their home ground is Veritas Stadium, capacity 9400, in Kupitaa district east of town centre. They share it with [http://www.fc.tps.fi/ Turun Palloseura] or TPS, who yo-yo between the top and second tiers. * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Games | alt= | url=http://paavonurmigames.fi/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.fi | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June, 11 June in 2019 | price= | content=The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit. }} * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Marathon | alt= | url=http://paavonurmimarathon.fi/en/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17 august in 2019, 12:00– | price= | content=Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10-km races. The total number of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen. }} * {{do | name=Challenge Turku, Swim, bike and run | alt= | url=http://www.challengeturku.com | email=info@sbrfinland.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10 to 11 August 2019 | price= | content=Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running. }} * {{do | name=FightBack Run | alt= | url=http://fightbackrun.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of September, 7 September in 2019 | price= | content=No-one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2.6 km and the plan is to double the distance every year. In 2015 the distances for running were 250 m (directed to people with reduced mobility), 2.6 km and 5.2 km which Hyysalo will run as well. A half-marathon is in sight for 2018 then will already be up to a full marathon. }} * {{do | name=Ruissalo races | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalojuoksut.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of September, 21 September in 2019 | price= | content=The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half-marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10-km run "Ruisriikki". }} ==Learn== [[File:Turun hovioikeus.jpg|thumb|Academy House used to be the main building of the Turku Academy, but nowadays it houses the Turku Court of Appeal.]] Turku has a long academic history: Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]]. Nowadays Turku is still a major academic town in Finland and because of this the city is bustling with students. Almost 20 per cent of Turku residents are students and many of them are exchange students or otherwise from abroad. The universities have many courses in English and some study programs targeted at exchange students, often in cooperation between the universities. Both universities are legal deposit repositories, which means they have everything of value printed in Finland since the 1920s, usually available at least for reading in both or either, if requested a day or a few in advance. * {{listing | name=University of Turku | alt=Turun yliopisto | url=http://www.utu.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.4542 | long=22.2848 | directions= | phone=+358 2 333-51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The University of Turku is the second largest university in Finland only behind the University of Helsinki. It houses over 20,000 students in seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. Turku University offers its libraries, institutes and museums for Turku residents and visitors to use as well. It offers lectures for children and has an open university for anyone to role in. [http://www.utu.fi/en/units/open-university/Pages/home.aspx Turku Open University] offers several courses also in English. }} * {{listing | name=Åbo Akademi University | alt=Åbo Akademi | url=http://www.abo.fi/?lang=en | email=infowww@abo.fi | address= | lat=60.4510 | long=22.2775 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Åbo Akademi is the only Swedish-language university in Finland. It is at the forefront of research in such areas as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology. It houses around 6,000 students, of which 1/7 are from abroad, and has special collections and museums for visitors to enjoy. Many courses are in English and there are several [https://www.abo.fi/en/study/study-abroad/exchange-students/ exchange programs]. }} * {{listing | name=Turku University of Applied Sciences | alt=Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu | url=http://www.tuas.fi/en/ | email=ammattikorkeakoulu@turkuamk.fi | address= | lat=60.4470 | long=22.2990 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=TUAS, one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Finland, hosts 9,500 students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Its academies and faculties range from economics to art, technology, environment and healthcare. It also offers three English taught Bachelor's and two Master’s programmes as well as open studies for anyone willing to join. }} * {{listing | name=Novia University of Applied Sciences | alt=Novia | url=http://www.novia.fi/exchange-students | email=admissions@novia.fi | address=Henrikinkatu 7 | lat=60.453496 | long=22.280558 | directions= | phone=+358 6 328 5000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Instruction in Swedish, with some courses and modules offered in English. Novia's campus in Turku offers courses in e.g. tourism, social services, design and maritime management. }} * {{listing | name=Turku City Library | alt=Turun kaupunginkirjasto, Åbo stadsbibliotek | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turku-city-library | email=kaupunginkirjasto@turku.fi | address= | lat=60.4504 | long=22.2710 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price=free | lastedit=2015-03-20 | content=Libraries could be boring in other cities, but not in Turku. Turku City Library is open every day and most city residents have taken to it as their second living room. The old and the architecturally distinguished new building also offer facilities for many events and exhibitions. It is a great place to just chill, check e-mail, read a newspaper (quite some foreign ones available), have a coffee or lunch at the inner courtyard's restaurant (or own snacks at a specific table by the newspapers) or enjoy a book from the wide selection of foreign language literature. The library even lends [[#By bicycle|bikes]]. }} ==Buy== There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash in Turku. The city centre is full of major retail and independent shops. Shopping in Turku is generally more affordable than in Helsinki, but, as with the rest of Finland, it is by no means cheap by international standards. The numerous second-hand and antique stores represent a unique shopping alternative. If arriving in the night, there are grocery stores that are open 24 hr daily (except perhaps some holidays), including Citymarket Kupittaa and some Sale stores (in or near the centre). Some more grocery stores are open to 23:00 or 24:00, most close 21:00 or 22:00, often earlier in the weekend. ===Money=== Getting or exchanging money is rarely a problem, as ATM's ("Otto") are common around the centre and they can be operated with international credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). Currencies other than the euro are generally ''not'' accepted, but at least the Swedish krona is accepted on the ferries travelling to Sweden, and the Stockmann department store accepts the krona, rubles, dollars and pounds. [http://www.forex.fi/en/About-FOREX/Branches/Bankbutiksinformation/?BankNum=265 Forex Bank] has an exchange office at Eerikinkatu 13 (by Kauppatori) and is usually the best place to change currencies. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but be prepared to show your passport or ID card. As a rule, '''tipping''' is never necessary, although appreciated by some service personnel (see [[Finland#Tipping]]). Cloakrooms (''narikka'') in nightclubs, theatres and better restaurants often have ''non-negotiable'' fees (usually clearly signposted, €2 is standard), and – in the few hotels that employ them – hotel porters will expect around the same per bag. ===Traditional shopping=== [[File:Lounashetki Turun kauppahallissa.jpg|thumb|Turku Market Hall]] * {{buy | name=Market Square | alt=Kauppatori | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 07:00–18:00, Sa 07:00–15:00; best in summer before 14:00, when most farmers leave | price= | wikidata=Q4411397 | content=The centrepoint of Turku's western city centre is traditionally, without a doubt, the market square, with shopping centres, department stores and independent shops in the surroundings. The market square itself has been a popular shopping and meeting place and an authentic tourist attraction, with possibility to have a coffee with the locals or buy groceries from the stalls of many local producers. In 2018–2010, a parking cave is being built under the square, so the market activity goes on in a more restricted scale, in the part in front of the Orthodox Church. The bus stops, which used to line the streets around the square, have been scattered around in the nearby streets. }} * {{buy | name=Turku Market Hall | alt=Kauppahalli | url=http://www.kauppahalli.fi/en/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2661 | directions=50 metres from Kauppatori downstream along the Eerikinkatu | phone=+358 2 262-4126 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 08:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10726161 | content=Completed in 1896, the Turku Market Hall brings a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. The old and new meet in the corridors. The Market Hall, which extends the length of an entire block, was designed by architect Gustaf Nyström. There are traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, milk and cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafés. Stop by the fish shop S. Wallin, try some reindeer meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen or buy some cheese at Juustopuoti. Have a coffee and cake in Aschan Blue Train café or shop for souvenirs at the nostalgic Wanha Turku Kauppa (''Old Turku Store''). There is also a great lunch court at the market hall, where you can choose to eat either ethnic or domestic food. }} ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Turku Hansa panorama.jpg|thumb|View inside the Hansa Shopping Centre.]] [[File:KOP corner Turku.jpg|thumb|KOP-Triangle ''(KOP-Kolmio)'' is at the corner of the central Market Square.]] * {{buy | name=Forum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2679 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, the block towards the river | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller than Hansa, with less mainstream shops. Local design and even second hand. }} * {{buy | name=Hansa | alt=Kauppakeskus Hansa or Hansakortteli | url=http://hansakortteli.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 20 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2644 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00, Sa 07:30–19:30, Su 10:00–19:00 | price= | content=More than 150 shops found under one roof, Turku’s oldest and largest shopping centre with a number of specialist shops and the classy department store Stockmann. A number of cafés and restaurants. }} * {{buy | name=KOP-Kolmio | alt=KOP-Triangle | url=http://www.kop-kolmio.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.4503 | long=22.2665 | directions= | phone=+358 2 6516-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | content=KOP-Kolmio is a smaller shopping centre next to Kauppatori and the larger Hansa Shopping Centre. It offers mostly fashion stores and a few cosy cafés. Also the Föli customer service, combined with Turku social services etc. The building is mostly home to companies, on the upper floors of the building, including the local branch of ''Yleisradio (YLE)'', Finland's national broadcast company. }} * {{buy | name=Skanssi | alt= Kauppakeskus Skanssi | url=http://www.skanssi.fi | email= | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4300 | long=22.3230 | directions=4 km from the city centre, 20 minutes with bus line 9, fölläri bike station | phone=+358 40-195-3742 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–21:00, Sa 08:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=90 special stores, a hypermarket, a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, an indoor playground, dog sitting service and underground parking. }} * {{buy | name=Mylly | alt=Kauppakeskus Mylly | url=http://www.kauppakeskusmylly.fi | email= | address=Myllynkatu 1–99, Raisio | lat=60.4906 | long=22.2010 | directions=in [[Raisio]], ten minutes' drive on the E18 highway from Turku centre; 30–40 min with bus line 300 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=A hundred shops, cafés and restaurants. Free play area and childcare points. Consistent opening hours across all stores (except Alko and office services). Plenty of parking. }} ===Department stores=== [[File:Stockmann Department Store in Turku.jpg|thumb|Stockmann Department Store in central Turku.]] * {{buy | name=Stockmann | alt= | url=https://stockmann.com/fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2628 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–19:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the centre of Turku at the Hansa Shopping Center, the Stockmann first-class department store offers a wide selection of products from foods to top fashion and electronics, with selected products from Finnish design brands like Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Aarikka. There is also a visitor centre which provides visitors with advice and help on tax-free purchases and buying tickets to events and venues. Opposite to the department store at the shopping center lies Stockmann's bookstore, Akateeminen Kirjakauppa. There is also a café with great lunch and an excellent supermarket at the basement level of the store. }} * {{buy | name=Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.s-kanava.fi/toimipaikka/sokos-wiklund-turku/501019327 | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 11 | lat=60.4517 | long=22.2688 | directions= | phone=+358 10-76-5020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 11:00-18:00 | price= | content=Next to the Market square opposite side of the Hansa Shopping center, Wiklund is a first class department store. It services are built for women and men's fashion, beauty, home and children, outdoor activities and exercise, as well as entertainment. Department store services are complemented by the Café Wiklund, a hair salon, Alko wine and alcohol store, pharmacy, shoemaker and Eurokangas fabric store. }} ===Design=== [[File:Turku Car-free zone.jpg|thumb|Yliopistonkatu next to the Market Square is a pedestrian zone; there are a variety of services in it]] [[File:Turku design bag.jpg|thumb|This design bag asks in Swedish "Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo" ''(Why Paris, when we have Turku)'']] * {{buy | name=Turku Design Now! -Shop | alt= | url=http://turkudesignnow.fi/en/ | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 A | lat=60.4484 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone=+358 44-572-6198 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=TDN shop is owned by a collective of Turku-based designers who sell interior decor goods, accessories, clothing for adults and children, ceramics, popular Turku-themed products, and for example Kotona Design's wonderful magnetic chalkboards. Ingenious products are designed and, in most cases, also manufactured in Finland. The shop carries products from, among others, [http://www.kuidesign.com KUI Design], [http://www.punainennorsu.com Punainen Norsu], [http://www.klodesign.fi Klo Design] and [http://shop.tonfisk-design.fi Tonfisk Design]. }} * {{buy | name=Televisio Lifestyle Store | alt= | url=http://www.televisioon.fi | email=info@televisioon.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 32 | lat=60.4481 | long=22.2712 | directions= | phone=+358 2 231-0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00–19:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=Near the east end of the Aura Bridge, in a secluded courtyard, you'll find a personal boutique offering a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewelry, accessories and little bit of art as well. Everything in store is from young Finnish and Nordic designers. }} * {{buy | name=Sisutuksen koodi | alt= | url=http://www.sisustuksenkoodi.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=shop@sisustuksenkoodi.fi | address=Linnankatu 19 | lat=60.4502 | long=22.2703 | directions= | phone=+358 40-081-1960 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–618:00, Tu–F 10:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Sisustuksen koodi (''The interior code'') is a interior design store in the centre. It sells functional high-quality furniture and everything else you might need to furnish your apartment. You'll also find great Finnish design brands from here such as Artek, which was founded by legendary Finnish architect couple Alvar and Aino Aalto. }} * {{buy | name=Sylvi Salonen | alt= | url=http://www.sylvisalonen.fi | email=info@sylvisalonen.fi | address=Linnankatu 14 | lat=60.44910 | long=22.26689 | directions=the Fortuna quarter in the centre | phone=+358 20-766-0830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This boutique is in an old stall building of the 1880s in central Turku. It was founded in 1928 by Sylvi Salonen, who started selling her own embroidery designs. Nowadays Sylvi Salonen still offers a wide selection of embroidery and handwork accessories but also high quality gifts and trendy home décor items, Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design. Also a versatile range of tableware accessories, candles and lanterns. }} * {{buy | name=Marimekko | alt= | url= https://www.marimekko.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 12:00-18:00 | price= | content=A cornerstone of Finnish design and fashion is Marimekko, known around the world for its fresh and bold patterns and prints. You can find a number of Marimekko shops in Turku, including, amongst others, in the shopping centres of Skanssi and Mylly, with the largest store being in the Hansa Shopping Centre. }} * {{buy | name=Punainen Norsu | alt=Red Elephant | url=http://www.punainennorsu.com/en | email=info@punainennorsu.com | address=Forum shopping centre| lat=60.44999 | long=22.24741 | directions= | phone=+358 44-501-1510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Punainen Norsu (''Red Elephant'') is a children's clothing line originating from Turku. All the colourful and graphic clothes are made mostly from recycled materials. }} * {{buy | name=Baobab Kids & lifestyle | alt= | url= | email=baobab.baby@gmail.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45360 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 10:00–15:00 | price= | content=Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some lovely gifts. }} * {{buy | name=Idea Estradi | alt= | url=http://www.ideaestradi.fi/index.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 4 | lat=60.44954 | long=22.26030 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Idea Estradi sells only Finnish handmade products: interior decoration, business gift, souvenirs, jewelry, bags, candles, ceramics and glass products, paintings, soft toys, textiles, towels, cards, and everything else you can think of to need from a handicrafts shop. }} * {{buy | name=Joutomaa | alt= | url=http://joutomaassa.blogspot.fi | email= | address=Kellonsoittajankatu 8 | lat=60.44775 | long=22.28549 | directions= | phone=+358 50-362-8003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Joutomaa (literally meaning ''Wasteland'') is a small and funny gift shop, which is full of lovely hand-made treasures for yourself or for a friend. Most of the design products are made by the owner Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen, who is specially famous for her cards and prints, which combine old gloss photos which she has found and prints made by herself. She also has a great online store. }} ===Vintage=== * {{buy | name=VintagEija`s | alt= | url=http://www.vintageijas.com | email=eija.mannila@kolumbus.fi | address=Maariankatu 10 | lat=60.4540 | long=22.2666 | directions=a few blocks from the Market Square | phone=+358 50-574-6034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=VintagEija's sells gift, vintage wear and accessories, specializing in American style vintage. There is a rockabilly and burlesque atmosphere in this small boutique, with clothing from 1940s, 50s and 60s. In addition they sell new garment which have been made in the style of vintage for both men and women. }} * {{buy | name=Boutique Minne | alt= | url=http://www.boutiqueminne.com | email=info@boutiqueminne.com | address=Kaskenkatu 2 | lat=60.44781 | long=22.27122 | directions= | phone=+358 50-516-6124 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11:00–17:30 | price= | content=Boutique Minne, in the Kaskenmäki Hill in central Turku, is a small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=8raita | alt= | url=http://www.8raita.fi/shop/ | email=shop@8raita.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45409 | long=22.27258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations. }} * {{buy | name=Asema | alt= | url=http://asematurku.fi/#tapahtumat | email=asematurku@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 22 | lat=60.45332 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 12:00–15:09 | price= | content=Small independent store that sells second-hand and new LPs. Music concentrates more on hiphop, soul, funk, jazz, reggae, punk and electronic. They also sell services ranging from film editing to lighting design. }} * {{buy | name=Iki-Pop | alt= | url=http://www.ikipop.fi/ | email=joska@ikipop.inet.fi | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45070 | long=22.27066 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This personal tiny record store, opposite the Main City Library, sells second-hand CDs and LPs, but the main focus is on vinyl. This is a real haven for those who like to dig through loads of old goodies and find the one you've been looking everywhere. }} * {{buy | name=Kaakko | alt= | url=http://www.kaakko.fi/ | email=info@kaakko.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 38 | lat=60.44811 | long=22.25508 | directions= | phone=+358 45-650-9822 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Founded in 2004 Kaakko sells and buys second-hand vinyl records and has almost 9000 records in stock with daily arrivals – that's probably the largest selection of vinyl records in all of Turku. If you're not able to visit the store, you can find all the records online as well. }} ==Eat== {{quote|''Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo!''<br/>"Why Paris, we have Turku!"|author=Quote from a Swedish journalist}} Turku and other parts of [[Finland Proper]] are home to the more western influenced Finnish cuisine, which has features especially from Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The long traditions of farming and fishing in the area have contributed to the local food culture. Fish, especially herring – the regional fish of Finland Proper – has been at the heart of the regions culinary traditions for centuries. It is eaten all year round salted, fried, grilled and smoked. In addition, perch, whitefish and pike are often used. You must also remember to try the famous raisin sausage, a regional speciality which you can buy for example from the Turku Market Hall. Sausages lovers will also enjoy the wide selection of sausages at [http://www.mestaripalvi.fi/ Turun Mestaripalvi Oy]. On the side you can have a slice of another regional speciality, the Archipelago sweet malt bread. As a dessert enjoy a good cup of coffee together with ''pulla'' (cinnamon roll) or ''Piispanmunkki'' ("Bishops Doughnut"), as people here call the traditional North German pastry ''Berliner''. For fast food, you will generally need to pay under €10 any time, Burger meals are around €5–9 (including drink and fries). Lower end restaurant meals with some simple pasta or soup with water or a soft drink is usually around €10–20. For proper restaurant meals with a high-grade steak and good wine, expect to pay at least €30–60. Generally, proper restaurants are open until 22:00–23:00, on weekends maybe an hour longer. Fast food chains, pizzerias and other such places are open later at night, some as late as 03:00–05:00. In some establishments, the bar may remain open for drinks even though the kitchen has closed and no food is available. ===Lunch and brunch=== [[File:Verdandihuset, Auragatan 1, Åbo.jpg|thumb|Fontana Café is in a Neo-Renaissance building opposite City Hall.]] Most restaurants have offers at €7–10 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. For the student cafés some timing may be needed to avoid long queues. The department stores Wiklund and Stockman have family friendly cafés that can come handy. When you are in the city and want to grab something to eat you can check the [https://www.lounasmenu.fi/turku/ Turku lunch options] page and prices to decide where to go. * {{eat | name=Arvin Grilli ja Lounas | alt= | url=http://www.arvingrilli.fi | email=paulamarjatta.tiainen@gmail.com | address=Nosturinkatu 5 | lat=60.442963 | long=22.229729 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 06:00–15:00 (lunch 10:30–13:30) | price=Lunch €6.90, soup lunch €5.50 including salad, bread, milk and coffee | content=Great price quality relation. }}<!-- -->[[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, kesäterassi.jpg|thumb|Summer terrace at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova courtyard.]] * {{eat | name=M Kitchen & Café | alt= | url=http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/fi/vierailulle-museoon/ravintola-kahvila | email=mkitchencafe@mbakery.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 (In the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum) | lat=60.45001 | long=22.27384 | directions= | phone=+358 40-197-9005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–19:00, lunch served M–F 11:00–14:00, Sa Su brunch 11:00–15:00 | price=Lunch of the day M–F €8–10; brunch €19,90 | content=Serves a very nice lunch, including some great vegetarian choices. Saturday and Sunday it may be packed, since the brunch on the weekend is one of the best ones in the city. Reservation helps, or you need to time your visit early or late. }} * {{eat | name=Elvina Café | alt= | url=http://www.elvina.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45292 | long=22.26801 | directions=near Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 536-8502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products. }} * {{eat | name=Fontana Café | alt= | url=https://www.fontana.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Aurakatu 1 | lat=60.44962 | long=22.26859 | directions=opposite the city hall and tourist office near Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:00–22:00, F 10:00–23:00, Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–20:00 (brunch served 12:00–16:00) | price= | content=Fresh products from own bakery. Bar opens in the evening. Popular brunch in weekends. }} * {{eat | name=Honkapirtti | alt= | url=http://www.honkapirtti.fi | email=info@honkapirtti.fi | address=Albert Ravilan raitti | lat=60.42856 | long=22.14769 | directions=Ruissalo island | phone=+358 44-756-7922 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=East Karelian-style large cabin, since decades a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Its coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies. }} * {{eat | name=PullaPuoti | alt= | url=http://www.pullapuoti.fi | email= | address=Puistokatu 3 | lat=60.44589 | long=22.25407 | directions= | phone=+358 2 236-2121 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–17:00 | price= | content=Close to the Turku Police Station and Hostel Turku. Pastries, snack foods, coffee and filled sandwiches and cakes. For lunch you can choose a soup, salad, pan pizza or pasta. Assortment of gluten-free products. }} * {{eat | name=Café Sirius | alt= | url=http://www.cafesirius.fi | email=info@cafesirius.fi | address=Linnankatu 2 | lat=60.45062 | long=22.27215 | directions=inner yard of the city library | phone=+358 2 231-5760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–17:00 | price= | content=Salty and sweet delicacies, coffee products and ice cream. On weekdays it also serves lunch 11:00–15:00. }} * {{eat | name=Unica Restaurants | alt= | url=http://www.unica.fi/en/ | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 4 | lat=60.4544 | long=22.2874 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Unica, owned by the Student Union of the University of Turku, owns several student restaurants around the campus area behind Turku Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=ÅAS student cafés | alt=Gadolinia Kb | url=http://www.studentlunch.fi | email=anne.peltonen@abo.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 22 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2760 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-3703 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Lunch for outsiders: €4.60–8 | image=Kåren, Åbo.jpg | lastedit=1018 | content=Cafés of the student union of ÅA. Most cafés are close to Piispankatu behind the cathedral, Kåren on Hämeenkatu opposite buildings of the Old Great Square, in the house of the student union by Erik Bryggman (second floor). Kåren is quiet except around noon, when all the cafés have queues. Most cafés are open only around lunch hours during terms, Arken also in summer. }} * {{eat | name=Teboil Herkku | alt= | url=https://www.tbherkku.fi/ravintola/ | email=turku.rautatehtaankatu@huoltoasemat.teboil.fi | address=Rautatehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.4497729 | long=22.1989227 | directions= | phone=+358 10 583 9900 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-16:00, Sa 11:00-16:00 | price=€10.70 | lastedit=2020-10-13 | content=Home cooking styled lunch and dessert. }} * {{eat | name=Amica Mäntymäki | alt= | url=https://www.amica.fi/ravintolat/ravintolat-kaupungeittain/turku/mantymaki/ | email=ravintokeskus.mantymaki@amica.fi | address=Luolavuorentie 2 | lat=60.439415 | long=22.275665 | directions=K-floor | phone=+358 40 482 8556 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-13:30 | price=€10.15, dessert €1.00 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=The staff restaurant at the main health station, which is also open to outsiders. }} * {{eat | name=Kaarea TYKS U restaurant | alt= | url=https://menu.kaarea.fi/AromieMenus/FI/Default/Kaarea/TYKSUR/Restaurant.aspx | email=asiakaspalvelu@kaarea.fi | address=Kiinamyllynkatu 4 | lat=60.453379 | long=22.289324 | directions= | phone=+358 20 764 9850 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-13:30 | price=€7.55-€9.15 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Staff restaurant in the U building of Turku University Hospital, also open to outsiders. Sale of surplus food after lunch 13:30-13:40. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Hesburger hamburger.jpg|thumb|Hesburger originates in Turku, and is the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland.]] For lunch, see [[#Lunch and brunch]] above. Hesburger is the dominant burger chain in Turku, and you will find several of these in the city centre. Pizzerias are frequently cheap kebab-pizzerias, offering Kebab, falafel and pizza. You will find a lot of these in the centre. Unfortunately, the restaurants offering the finest kebabs are in the suburbs. * {{eat | name=Hesburger | alt= | url=http://www.hesburger.com | email= | address= | lat=60.4504 | long=22.2653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open from early morning to dusk, some of them even round the clock | price= €5-10 | content=Just ask any of the locals: Hesburger burgers really do taste better! Originating from Turku, Hesburger is today the largest hamburger chain in Finland, leaving McDonald's and Burger King as marginal players. It is still run by the family that started it in the 1960s. It is especially popular in Turku, where it is based. It is almost hard not to pass one when walking around the city centre. You'll find four Hesburgers just around the Kauppatori area. If you are in a hurry you can also order the food through their mobile app. }}<!-- -->[[File:Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri in Turku.jpg|thumb|right|Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri]] * {{eat | name=Kiinanmuuri | alt=Great Wall of China | url=http://www.chinamarket.fi/kiinanmuuri/index.php | email= | address=Sirkkalankatu 27 and Vähä-Hämeenkatu 1 | lat=60.44523 | long=22.27496 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kiinanmuuri is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Turku. Even though it's usually crowded around noon, decorations are outdated and it seems a bit suspicious, their food is superb. All the ingredients are very fresh and the portions are usually huge. Lunchtime service is really fast. If you're extra hungry or wish to survive a couple of days on one portion, try the take away to get even larger portions. }} * {{eat | name=Kortteliravintola Kerttu | alt=Quarter Restaurant Kerttu | url=http://www.kerttu.fi/en | email= | address=Läntinen pitkäkatu 35 | lat=60.45388 | long=22.25704 | directions=near the railway station | phone=+358 2 250-6990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–23:00, F 10:30–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Kerttu is a popular quarter restaurant with a reasonably priced menu for both omni- and herbivores. Kerttu is very popular amongst students, and there is even a laundromat in the restaurant for visitors to use, while they are enjoying their meals. On weekends they have a special hamburger buffet, that is very popular among locals. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. }} ** {{eat | name=Rantakerttu | alt= | url=http://www.rantakerttu.fi | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu 55 | lat=60.44050 | long=22.24486 | directions=close to the ''Föri'' ferry | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00-15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Kortteliravintola Kerttu's sister restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Latte Café | alt= | url=http://www.lattecafe.biz | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 5 | lat=60.44905 | long=22.26482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Sweet little café, which also serves very inexpensive lunch. Huge list of different coffees from every corner of the earth. Menu includes toasts, paninis, salads, and bagels. No need to go to a restaurant because of hunger because the sizes of these foods are big. Atmosphere is very relaxing thanks to jazz and Latin sounds and warm colours. If you feel like you want more privacy, you can go to the back room and sit on the cosy couch. And during summer you can also sit outside. }} * {{eat | name=Nummis | alt= | url=http://www.nummispizzeria.fi | email= | address=Vanha Hämeentie 19 | lat=60.4554 | long=22.3034 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250 6144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00–22:00 | price=€7–10 | lastedit=2018 | content=A pizza and kebab restaurant in the district of Nummi. Serves quite good pizzas and kebabs, but don't expect anything special. }} * {{eat | name=Rax Buffet | alt= | url=http://www.rax.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 12 | lat=60.45122 | long=22.26536 | directions= | phone=+358 20-766-4911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00-20:00, F 11:00-21:00, Sa 11:00–19:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content= Rax offers an all you can eat style buffet that includes pizza, barbecue food, salads, ice cream and soft-drinks. Good option if you feel like really filling your stomach for a long time inexpensively. }} * {{eat | name=Taco Nito | alt= | url=http://www.taco-nito.com | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45013 | long=22.26778 | directions= | phone=+358 40-653-3112 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Around €10 | content= Owned by Mexican brothers, Taco Nito serves simple but very tasty finger food. Corn, meat, salsa, beans, chili and avocado are cornerstones of the food. Restaurant has continuously had good feedback from customers and has relatively low prices. }} * {{eat | name=Yasukon Keittiö | alt=Yasuko's Kitchen | url=http://www.yasukonkeittio.com | email=yasuko@yasukonkeittio.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 26 C (second floor) | lat=60.45012 | long=22.26080 | directions= | phone=+358 440-335-507 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Yasuko's kitchen is a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves everyday home cooked Japanese meals, and some sushi and other more common dishes. Everything is well-prepared and the atmosphere in the restaurant is very authentic. Yasuko's seats less than 20 people, but more than 10 customers mean you might have to wait for your food, but it's worth it. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Dessert at Restaurant Dennis in Turku.jpg|thumb|Dessert at Ristorante Dennis.]] [[File:Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.jpg|thumb|Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.]] * {{eat | name=Delhi Darbar | alt= | url=http://delhidarbar.fi | email=ravintola@delhidarbar.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.45189 | long=22.28305 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-3988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 10:30–22:00, F 10:30–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=Ristorante Dennis | alt=Dennis | url=http://www.dennis.fi | email=| info@dennis.fi | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44892 | long=22.26555 | directions= | phone=+358 2 469-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:00–23:00, F 11:00–23:30, Sa 12:00–23:30, Su 12:30–22:00, lunch M–F 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Family friendly restaurant that opened in 1975 as the first Italian one. }} * {{eat | name=Hiili | alt= | url=http://www.hiiliravintola.fi | email=info@hiiliravintola.fi | address=Aurakatu 6, Second floor | lat=60.45005 | long=22.26714 | directions= | phone=+358 44-717-7440 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 16:00–23:30, Sa 14:00–23:30, Su 14:00-20:00 | price= | content= Hiili offers an American BBQ experience with nice views to the heart of Turku. Menu includes pulled pork, BBQ ribs and other American delicacies. Hiili chefs have developed their own BBQ sauces and meals from local ingredients. }} * {{eat | name=Kado Sushi | alt= | url=http://www.kadosushi.fi/ | email=info@kadosushi.fi | address=Inside the Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.44940 | long=22.26658 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content= Kado sushi combines the wholesome delicacies with aesthetic pleasures, all prepared using fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Kobe sushi | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KOBESUSHIRAVINTOLA/ | email= | address=Martinkatu 3 | lat=60.4433 | long=22.2570 | directions=20 minute walk from city centre or by bus line 9 | phone=+358 44 9877251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00-21:00, Sa Su 12:00-21:00 | price=Buffet €13 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Authentic Japanese food. }} * {{eat | name=Pippurimylly | alt=Pepper Mill | url=http://pippurimylly.fi/ | email= | address=Stålarminkatu 2 | lat=60.43905 | long=22.25935 | directions=behind the Sports Park | phone=+358 2 277-3350| tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–21:00, kitchen closes 1 hour before closing time | price= | content=Pippurimylly ''(Pepper Mill)'' is a traditional family-owned restaurant that has served locals for decades, and little has changed – nostalgia! It uses Finnish products and is well known for its steaks. }} * {{eat | name=Sergio's | alt= | url=http://www.sergio.fi | email=ravintola@sergio.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 27 | lat=60.44696 | long=22.26216 | directions= | phone=+358 20-769-8585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 16:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00 | price= | content=Authentic Italian restaurant in a 1787 wooden house by the river. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Also, as a rule, the staff is Italian, but the service is of course also in Finnish and English. Pizzas, pasta, fish, meat, risottos, vegetarian dishes and Italian desserts. Good wine selection as well. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Trattoria Romana | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hämeenkatu 9 | lat=60.45182 | long=22.28137 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-9554 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Italian trattoria, owned and run by Italians. Excellent value for money. }} * {{eat | name=Viking Restaurant Harald | alt=Viikinkiravintola Harald | url=http://www.ravintolaharald.fi | email=turku@ravintolaharald.fi | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45002 | long=22.26800 | directions=between Kauppatori and Auransilta bridge | phone=+358 44-766-8204 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 12:00–23:00 Th–F 12:00–24:00, Sa 12:00–01:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=€18–50, children €9–12; lunch from €12.50 | lastedit=2018-06-17 | content=Quasi-authentic with furs on the walls and rustic furniture, with some humour. Good food with surprising combinations, such as jam or berries with the main courses. Perhaps the way the Vikings had it, but never mind if not. Toilets called Harald (gents) and Helga (ladies). }} * {{eat | name=Wanhan Paronin Kellari | alt=Old Baron's Cellar | url=http://www.wpk.fi | email=ravintola@wpk.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44900 | long=22.25661 | directions= | phone=+358 440-225-442 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Tu–Th 14:00–22:00, F Sa 14:00–00:00 | price= | content= Don't be fooled by the humble entrance. A little bit off the city centre Wanhan Paronin Kellari is an atmospheric cellar restaurant that has many medievally decorated small compartments. Food includes seasonal products as well as steaks and game. Value for money is surprisingly good. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Turku cafe.jpg|thumb|Most of the Restaurants, cafés and bars have outdoor terraces during the summer season.]] * {{eat | name=E. Ekblom | alt= | url=https://www.eekblom.fi | email=info@eekblom.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.44978 | long=22.27157 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 17:00–01:00 | price= | content=Comfortable high quality wine restaurant. Its carefully selected wines offer wide variety with seasonal changes. In a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the wine, while the summer terrace has great views towards the river. }} * {{eat | name=Gustavo | alt= | url=http://gustavo.fi | email=info@gustavo.fi | address=Linnankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2743 | directions=Vähätori, next to the bridge |image=Gustavon terassi.jpg | phone=+358 46-922-2488 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:00, Sa 15:00–22:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Mediterranean kitchen with a Scandinavian twist. Tip: gather a few Portuguese pinchos with pizza and share with your friends. Do not hesitate to ask anything that surprises you, staff is very kind and helpful. Gustavo also imports wines of its own. }} * {{eat | name=Kaskis | alt= | url=http://kaskis.fi | email=info@kaskis.fi | address=Kaskenkatu 6 A | lat=60.44672 | long=22.27265 | directions= | phone=+358 44-723-0200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 16:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–00:00, Su M closed | price= | content=Named after its location on the Kaskenmäki hill, Kaskis was opened in 2014 by three friends. Fine dining influenced especially by Southern European, Scandinavian and Asian kitchens. Michelin star. Try to book your table well in advance, busy times are outsold months before. }} * {{eat | name=Ludu | alt= | url=http://ludu.fi/en/ | email=ravintola@ludu.fi | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44957 | long=22.26733 | directions= | phone=+358 20-734-0310 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00-23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price= | content=Ludu is a small fine dining restaurant that serves European food. It also has an excellent wine selection and changing seasonal products on its menu. }} * {{eat | name=Mami | alt= | url=http://www.mami.fi | email=mami@mami.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45174 | long=22.27335 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 2 231-1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F lunch 11:00–15:00, à la carte 17:00–22:00, Sa à la carte 13:00–22:00, Su M closed | price=lunch €10–25 | content=The tiny Mami is considered one of the best restaurants in Turku. It has relaxed service, carefully prepared food and a comfortable and modern environment. The summer terrace offers the most beautiful views. They also serve a great lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Pinella | alt= | url=http://www.pinella.fi | email=info@pinella.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 2 | lat=60.45121 | long=22.27488 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch: Tu–F 11:00–15:00, Sa 12:00–15:00. À la carte: Tu–F 17:00–23:00, Sa 16:00–23:00. Bar: Tu–Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–01:00 | price= | content=Pinella is a landmark building on the river. It has been transformed into a contemporary bar and restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Samppalinna | alt= | url= | email=info@ravintolasamppalinna.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 10 | lat=60.44745 | long=22.26835 | directions= | phone=+358 10-764-5391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer only | price= | content=Restaurant Samppalinna (opened in 1832) is a spectacular wooden villa in the park, with terraces towards the river. For lovers of good food, drink and theatre. }} * {{eat | name=Roster | alt= | url=https://rosterturku.com | email=myyntipalvelu@royalravintolat.com | address=Tuomiokirkonkatu 6 | lat=60.4515 | long=22.2786 | directions=behind the cathedral as seen from the bridge | phone=+358 9 6128-6850 (chain head office?) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:30–22:00, Tu-F 11:30–23:00, Sa 15:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Roster offers a place to wine and dine in a nice milieu. Have a drink before dinner in a fancy cocktail bar. And another after the dinner too. }} * {{eat | name=Smör | alt= | url=http://www.smor.fi | email=info@smor.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.45014 | long=22.27206 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The menu changes according to the seasons. Midst the milieu of the cellar vaults, Smör serves at lunchtime and in the evening. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Suomalainen Pohja | alt= | url=http://www.suomalainenpohja.fi | email=ravintola@suomalainenpohja.com | address=Aurakatu 24 | lat=60.45340 | long=22.26194 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-2000 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00 | price= | content=Club Restaurant Suomalainen Pohja (''Finnish Base'') was built in 1980 and was designed by architect Sigvard Eklund. The interiors were designed by an Englishman, Sir George Salmon. The plan has been the basis for an English club activities. Pohja serves traditional fine dining food and atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=Tintå | alt= | url=http://www.tinta.fi | email=info@tinta.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 9 | lat=60.44916 | long=22.27006 | directions=right bank, by Aurasilta | phone=+358 2 230-7023 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–00:00, Tu–Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Tintå is a wine restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, by the river. It serves more than a hundred different wines, and a short but good menu of gourmet pizzas and tasty lunch on weekdays. Terrace completes the river landscape. }} * {{eat | name=Tårget | alt= | url=http://www.matbar.fi | email=info@matbar.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45156 | long=22.27305 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 400-522-707 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00. Lunch is served M–F 11:00–15:00; those days à la carte is available 16:00– | price= | content=Italian, international and Scandinavian cuisine. It also houses a great wine-bar, which is one of the hot spots of the city especially during the summer. Trendy but casual bistro-style restaurant. }} ===Gastropub=== [[File:Tiirikkala_turku.jpg|thumb|Bartender making a drink in Tiirikkala]] * {{eat | name=Hunsvotti | alt= | url=http://www.satamakapakkahunsvotti.fi | email= | address=Län­tinen Ran­ta­katu 55 | lat=60.44108 | long=22.24608 | directions=near Föri | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content=A combination of a sports bar and gastropub, since you can order food from the Rantakerttu restaurant to the pub. }} * {{eat | name=Löytö | alt= | url=https://www.gastropubloyto.fi | email=palaute@ravintolateini.fi | address=Uudenmaankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2740 | directions=Near Cathedral | phone=+358 2 233-0203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–00:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 14:00–02:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=lunch €8–12; à la carte €3 (fingerfood) – €32 (steak) | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Idyllic cellar underground. }} * {{eat | name=Pikku-Torre | alt= | url=http://www.pikkutorre.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 30 | lat=60.44953 | long=22.25908 | directions= | phone=+358 2 274-4866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 11:00–00:00, W Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00, Su 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Pikku-Torre (Little Torre) is combination of restaurant, sports bar and club. It has a good menu full of steaks, burgers and salads. It also serves lunch every day. In the evening it turns more into a bar and nightclub. }} * {{eat | name=Pub Niska | alt= | url=http://www.niskaturku.com | email=niska@niskaturku.com | address=Kristiinankatu 1 | lat=60.44810 | long=22.26623 | directions= | phone=+358 40-739-1006 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Pub Niska Turku is a restaurant concept developed by chef Michael Björklund from the Åland Islands. Known for its archipelago pizzas made from fresh, high-quality ingredients that mainly come from Åland. Their list includes filling salads, desserts and a versatile drink selection. }} * {{eat | name=Tiirikkala | alt= | url=http://www.tiirikkala.fi | email=tiirikkala@tiirikkala.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45181 | long=22.27351 | directions= | phone= +358 44-756-6160 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 19:30:00–00:00, Tu-Th 11:00–22:00, F Sa 11:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00| price= | content=In addition to a good selection of wine and drinks, Tiirikkala offers traditional Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and pastries that are handmade on the site. The interior design of the restaurant is very Scandinavian, reflecting its dishes. It serves Finnish Microbrewery beers from its taps. }} * {{eat | name=Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki | alt= | url=http://www.vaakahuone.fi | email= | address=Linnankatu 38, | lat=60.44460 | long=22.25374 | directions= | phone=+358 2 515-3300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pavilion restaurant Vaakahuone is an entertainment complex by the river. It offers live music (for dancing or otherwise), a speciality coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and an à la carte restaurant. The end of the building also serves as S/S Ukkopekka's ticket office. }} ===Vegetarian=== * {{eat | name=Kasvis-ravintola | alt= | url=http://www.turunkasvisravintola.fi | email=info@turunkasvisravintola.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 a | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2604 | directions=in the ground floor of the Betel Church in the yard, door in the short wall, follow the signs | phone=+358 50-326-5122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:00–15:00 | price=€7.70–11.50, children 7–12 €5; takeaway €14,50/kg | lastedit=2018-06-08 | content=Vegetarian restaurant serving a lunch buffet, using mostly organic and locally grown products. Vegans can eat most things offered, just check the whiteboard (vegan alternatives often available when needed) and choose the outs milk for your coffee (but unless you must, try the included teas of the day instead). The dining rooms are bland in spite of the exterior, but the food is good. }} * {{eat | name=Kuori | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakuori.fi | email=info@ravintolakuori.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.4519 | long=22.2830 | directions=200 metres from the cathedral | phone=+358 20-794-0330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00, F 11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price=Lunch €7.90–10.40, tasting menu €56 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Very popular vegetarian restaurant. Tip: try 6 courses tasting menu. Its sister restaurant Roots Kitchen in the market hall is a great place for eating, although it might be crowded during lunch time. }} * {{eat | name=Tikitak | alt= | url=http://tikitak.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@tikitak.fi | address=Maariankatu 1 | lat=60.4541 | long=22.2667 | directions=Next to Puutori, a 5 minute walk from Kauppatori | phone=+358 40-935-7614 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–21:00, F Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–21:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Looks like a quite normal kebab-pizzeria but they have a passion for vegan food. Tip: try vöner, vegan version of döner. }} * {{eat | name=VG Wok | alt= | url=http://vg-wok.com | email= | address=Rauninaukio | lat=60.4629 | long=22.2631 | directions=some distance past the railway bridge by the bus station | phone=+358 45-665-1793 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–18:00, F 11:00–20:00, Sa 12:00–20:00, Su | price=Main dishes €7.50 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Really nice vegetarian budget place. Vg Wok has sister restaurants in Tykistönkatu and Arvinkatu. Authentic Asian food. }} ==Drink== Restaurants and bars have varying closing hours, but generally, the popular nightclubs and discos are open until 04:00. Last call always occurs half an hour before closing time, and is indicated by the bar staff turning the lights off for a few seconds, then turning them back on. They may repeat this a few times in quick succession to make sure the patrons get it. It's generally smart to leave about ten minutes before the last call, to avoid being caught in the rush of everybody trying to leave at once, especially if you are planning to get back to your night spot by a taxi. The times are changing somewhat, as the legislation now allow them to keep open after 04:00, which will probably be the new time of last call. Night clubs tend to have guarded cloakrooms where you can leave any of your outer garments in exchange for a ticket. Using the coat service is generally considered mandatory even if this is not explicitly pointed out. The cloakroom fee is usually €2 or 2.50. Do not lose the ticket; the bar staff will often not want to hash out ticket confusions during closing time when things are at their most chaotic. If you lose the ticket, you may be told to come back the following day to get your things, expect to be able to prove the jacket is yours by telling the staff the make of the jacket/colour of lining/contents of pockets. The legal drinking age in Finland is 18 for mild alcoholic drinks (up to 20%/40-proof) and 20 for stronger drinks than that, but virtually all establishments sell stronger drinks to 18-year-olds as well. The minimum age required to enter bars/pubs/nightclubs differs; legally, one must be at least 18 to enter places that serve alcohol, but many clubs and bars have higher age limits (20–24 yrs). ===Cafés=== [[File:Qwenselska gården uteservering 2.jpg|thumb|Courtyard of the Qwensel house, with café (in summer) and the Pharmacy Museum.]] There are many cafés in Turku. The ones listed here are not representative, but mostly more odd ones. See also [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above. * {{drink | name=Café Art | alt= | url=http://www.cafeart.fi | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 5 | lat=60.44951 | long=22.27102 | directions=in the centre by the river | phone=+358 40-158-3383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Special coffees along with delicious cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Aschan | alt= | url=http://www.aschan.fi | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 15 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45054 | long=22.26493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until 2018 a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Fabbes Café | alt= | url=https://fabbescafe.com/en | email=fabbescafe@gmail.com | address=Tehtaankatu 6 | lat=60.45641 | long=22.28056 | directions= | phone=+358 50-535-3647 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–16:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, late lunch if anything left; Lilla Fabbes W–F 12:00–18:00, Sa–Su 11:00–17:00 | price=Breakfast €7, lunch €6–7 (late lunch €4), coffee with bun €4 | lastedit=2021-10-26 | content=Fabbes café is a cosy small café in the beautiful Biskopsgatan area (ÅA campus). 2–3 lunch options, one of which vegan. Coffee included. They have a nice selection of pies (sweet and savoury), cakes, cinnamon rolls and home-made sweet treats, smoothies, etc. Nearly everything at Fabbe's is baked or produced in house, and you can tell the difference – nothing factory made and no additives. They operate the branch Lilla Fabbes by [[Q4165181|Ett hem]], as pure café. }} * {{drink | name=Gaggui | alt= | url=http://gaggui.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45299 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=In this tiny café the cakes are the main thing. They are fantastic and made by hand on the site. Coffee is also top-notch and the service is super friendly. }} * {{drink | name=Kirjakahvila | alt=Book Café | url=http://www.kirjakahvila.org | email= | address=Vanha Suurtori 1 | lat=60.45038 | long=22.27564 | directions=in the Brinkkala yard | phone=+358 2 469-1396 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–19:00, often live acoustic music or other cultural events in the evening | price= | content=At the historical Old Great Square, this is a culture café and a bookshop (books from small publishers, also foreign ones) run by volunteers. Besides books there are also a lot of comics, postcards and posters by local artists for sale. Freshly baked cakes every day. All food vegan. Free wireless Internet available, ask the staff for passwords. }} * {{drink | name=Kisälli | alt= | url=http://www.enkelinkisalli.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@enkelinkisalli.fi | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44706 | long=22.27613 | directions=next to the entrance of the Luostarimäki outdoor museum | phone=+358 40-630-5988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=Old-fashioned style to partly match the location. Self-made fresh bread rolls, buns, donuts and pies. Every day there's also pancake and a variety of sweet and savoury pies. And of course, great coffee and other drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Nuvola Gelateria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45049 | long=22.26560 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=The owners, Italians Angelo and Stefano, make traditional Italian ice cream on the site, without any artificial elements. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy with an Italian touch. }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Promenade | alt= | url=http://www.villapromenade.fi | email=myynti@villapromenade.fi | address=Kansanpuistontie 76 | lat=60.42760 | long=22.18140 | directions=Kansanpuisto ("folk park") in Ruissalo | phone=+358 40-158-8424 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 14 May–30 August and Sa–Su in spring 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream. }} * {{drink | name=Café Qwensel | alt= | url=http://cafeqwensel.fi | email=cc.catering.cc@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 B | lat=60.44872 | long=22.26731 | directions=in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum, entrance to the yard to the left of the main building | phone=+358 50-395-0021 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00; closed in winter | price= | content=Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their tea is worth checking. Lunch on weekdays. }} ===Pubs=== [[File:Panimoravintola koulu.jpg|thumb|Brewery Restaurant Koulu]] * {{drink | name=The Old Bank | alt= | url=http://oldbank.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.44989 | long=22.26822 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su M 12:00–00:00, Tu–Th 12:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–03:00 | price= | content=Considered by many to be the best beer place in Turku, Old Bank is, not surprisingly, a former bank turned into a beer pub. It has beautiful interiors, great service and the widest selection of beers in town. If you feel hungry they serve amazing pie filled with reindeer. }} * {{drink | name=Brewery Restaurant Koulu | alt= | url=http://www.panimoravintolakoulu.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.44967 | long=22.26454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube M–Th 17:00–23:00, F 17:00–02:00, Sa 17:00–02:00. Dining room M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00. Lunch M–F 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other beers, good food and an excellent selection of wines. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of locals. }} * {{drink | name=Seurusteluravintola Uusi apteekki | alt=New Pharmacy | url=http://www.uusiapteekki.fi/ | email= | address=Kaskenkatu 1 | lat=60.44764 | long=22.27063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–02:00 | price= | content=Uusi Apteekki (literally meaning New Pharmacy) is a beer pub in a former pharmacy built in 1907. Great selection of beer and spirits, and the decorations alone are worth seeing. In weekend this pub gets really crowded with locals so be prepared to stand while enjoying your beer. If you are lucky, it's also a good place to catch up with writer Reijo Mäki who has written the famous Vares detective stories that are huge in Finland. }} * {{drink | name=Mallaskukko | alt= | url=http://www.mallaskukko.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44893 | long=22.25634 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 14:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 14:00-00:00 | price= | content=Another good beer pub in Turku, with a great selection of beers, scotch whiskies and ciders. Mallaskukko truly feels like a living room of the locals. Good place to watch sports from the many TV screens on the walls. }} * {{drink | name=Whisky Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whisky-bar/123994847737677?rf=219574744725419 | email= | address= Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45246 | long=22.26533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Th 18:00–02:00, F Sa 18:00–03:00 | price= | content=Whisky Bar in the core downtown of Turku has, as its name suggests, a wide selection of whiskies, but also serves beer and other spirits. Nowadays it is strongly orientated to heavy metal by its music and atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=Cosmic Comic Café | alt= | url=http://cosmic.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 4 (inside Forum shopping center) | lat=60.45074 | long=22.26944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Tu 16:00–00:00, We–Th 15:00–02:00 F–Sa 15:00–03:00 | price= | content=Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where beer meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about beer so do not hesitate to ask for tips. }} * {{drink | name=Daily News | alt= | url=http://dailyravintolat.fi/dailynews/ | email=dailynews@dailyravintolat.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 33 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2583 | directions=5 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 50 5711537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00-02:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest beer in the heart of the city. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Fontti | alt= | url=http://www.fontti.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45095 | long=22.26987 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 16:00–23:00, F 16:00–04:00, Sa 13:00–04:00 | price= | content=It's in the old customers office of the regional newspaper ''Turun-Sanomat''. Fontti (literally meaning font) is a restaurant and serves great food in addition to drinks and coffees. Service can be little slow but otherwise this bar is nice place to spend your weekend evening. }} * {{drink | name=Alvar | alt= | url=http://alvarbaari.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.45140 | long=22.25841 | directions=Halfway between Central Railway Station and Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 14:00-02:00, Su 18:00-00:00 | price= | content=Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of beer. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special beer tasting if you visit with a group of friends. }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kuka | alt=Bar Who | url=http://www.barkuka.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44882 | long=22.26520 | directions= | phone=+358 50-411-6603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18 | price= | content=On the corner of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights. }} * {{drink | name=Rento | url=http://www.rentobar.fi/index.php | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 23 | lat=60.45175 | long=22.26470 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2240 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 11:00–02:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00, Su 12:00–02:00 | price= | content=Rento, literally meaning casual and relaxed, has probably one of the best locations for a bar in Turku right at the end of the pedestrian street next to the Market Square and Hansa Shopping Center. You can either sit inside or on a nice terrace outside. Large selection of beers and little snacks as well. }} ===Riverboats=== [[File:Esposito Turku.JPG|thumb|Esposito]] Riverboats are a unique feature in the Turku cityscape. In the summertime, it is very popular to spend the early evening until midnight or so on one of them, and when it gets a little chilly, move indoors to a restaurant or night club. They are at the riverside of river Aura. Some of them also house fine restaurants while some are mostly just pubs. * {{drink | name=Donna | alt= | url=http://www.donna.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44798 | long=22.26828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Svarte Rudolf | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44773 | long=22.26744 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Papa Joe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RavintolalaivaPapaJoe?rf=197109880325096 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44746 | long=22.26656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Cindy | alt= | url=http://www.cindy.fi/fi#&panel1-1 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44720 | long=22.26569 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Aussie Bar | alt= | url=http://aussiebar.net/turku/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44674 | long=22.26405 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Katarina | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakatarina.fi/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44654 | long=22.26337 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Majland | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44510 | long=22.25640 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Esposito | alt= | url=http://www.espositobar.fi/ | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44141 | long=22.24767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Merihelmi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44140 | long=22.24920 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bruno | alt= | url=http://www.brunocruisers.fi/bruno_2/index.html | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44114 | long=22.24868 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wanha Rahtilaiva | alt= | url=http://www.rahtis.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44075 | long=22.24799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Nightclubs=== * {{drink | name=Forte | alt= | url=http://www.nightclub.fi/ravintolat_forte | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 8 | lat=60.44996 | long=22.26295 | directions= | phone=+358 40-091-6403 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Forte has been one favourite of the locals since 1996. It tends to be busy thanks to cheap drinks and daily opening hours, as opposed to majority of the other clubs in the city. The concept of 'SuFo' (='Sunday Forte'), MoFo, etc., is widely recognized among students in Turku. }} * {{drink | name=Chic | alt= | url=http://chicturku.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 18 | lat=60.44878 | long=22.26591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F–Su 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=In an old Neo-renessaince-style bank, this is the most posh nightclub in Turku. Showroom offers two stories of great atmosphere: Downstairs ''Lanson Club'' is in a beautiful old cellar and has waiters serving you to your table, which is very uncommon in Finnish nightclubs. Upstairs Heineken Bar offers trendy atmosphere with huge screens on the walls showing latest music videos. }} * {{drink | name=Apollo Nightclub | alt= | url=https://www.apolloturku.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 6 | lat=60.45007 | long=22.25957 | directions= | phone=+358 40-827-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation. }} * {{drink | name=Dynamo | alt= | url=http://www.dynamoklubi.com/ | email=palaute@dynamoklubi.com | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45085 | long=22.27106 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-4904 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 21:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students. }} * {{drink | name=Night Club Marilyn | alt= | url=http://www.clubmarilyn.fi/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 19 | lat=60.44944 | long=22.26261 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=For the late teens-early 20s crowd, the Night Club Marilyn is particularly popular as a disco/night club. It is the oldest privately owned Night Club in Turku and has seen all the other clubs come and go. In its history it has been chosen as the Best Nightclub in the city on several occasions. }} * {{drink | name=Gong | alt= | url=http://gong.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 8 | lat=60.45040 | long=22.25849 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F-Sa 21:00–04:00| price= | content=One of the leading live music venues in the city, Gong offers a wide range of music from rock to goth, punk, electronica, ska, prog, grunge, indie/alternative on three different stages. Good club for groups or parties. }} * {{drink | name=Naima | alt= | url= | email= | address= Aurakatu 6 | lat=60.44992 | long=22.26731 | directions= | phone=+358 44 444 1234| tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 20:00–04:00 | price= | content=For [[#Social dancing|proper dancing]] (not night club dancing) in a nightclub setting, Naima is the recommended place in Turku. The age group skews towards the 30s, 40s and 50s. Often music includes live performances by some of the biggest names in Finnish ''Iskelmä'' (entertainer music) music. }} * {{drink | name=Baaribaari | alt= | url=http://baaribaari.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 14 | lat=60.45195 | long=22.26447 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Bar W-Sa 18:00-04:00, Diskodisko F Sa 22:00–04:00. Age limit 20 | price= | content=Popular especially amongst younger locals, since its age limit is only 20. Next to the Market Square. }} * {{drink | name=suXes | alt= | url=http://www.suxes.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 9 | lat=60.45378 | long=22.27049 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 19:00–02:00 | price= | content=Turku, like other larger Finnish cities in general, is quite gay-friendly, though public gestures of affection are not common even for straight couples and might raise some eyebrows. You'll fit in at practically all of the clubs in Turku, but perhaps feel specially at home in suXes, the only gay bar and café in Turku. There you can be openly yourself while enjoying the atmosphere, coffee and drinks. }} ==Sleep== ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Camping | alt= | url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-camping_-0 | email=ruissalo.camping@turku.fi | address=Saarontie 25 | lat=60.4226 | long=22.0941 | directions=bus 8 | phone=+358 2 262-5100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€40/€160; tent €18+€5/2 per person | checkin= | checkout= | content=Camping and indoor accommodation at the outermost tip of the Ruissalo island. The well-equipped camping and caravan area has a beach, sauna, a convenience store and various other amenities, including hot showers and laundry facilities. The entertainment options include mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Open June–August. }} * {{sleep | name=Naantali Camping | url=http://www.visitnaantalifinland.com/camping {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=camping@naantalinmatkailu.fi | address=Kopenkatu 20 | lat=60.4618 | long=22.0287 | directions=500 m from [[Naantali]] city centre | phone=+358 2 435-0855 | tollfree= | fax= | price=Vehicles and tents €14 + €5/person, cottages from €50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A camping ground operated by Naantali's tourist office. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Bore (1960) takaisin Turussa 2010.jpg|thumb|Hostel Borea]] [[File:Turku Catholic Church.jpg|thumb|upright|Bridgettine Convent Guest House is next to the Catholic Church.]] * {{sleep | name=Hostel Borea | alt= | url= | email=hostelborea@turku.fi | address=River Aura, Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4350 | long=22.2337 | directions=by the yard of Forum Marinum | phone=+358 40-843-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €51, twin €82 | content=s/s Bore on the River Aura has unique atmosphere. Built for the Turku–Stockholm route, many remember her as cruise ship in different waters, but now the former steamship is permanently moored on the banks of the River Aura and beside other functions houses an inexpensive hostel with 130 cabins. In most of the (small) cabins there is a private shower and toilet. The prices include linen, towels and breakfast, which is served in the buffet restaurant of the ship. Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you'll find the Turku Castle and Forum Marinum. Lots of narrow stairs, not suitable for the disabled. }} * {{sleep | name=Bridgettine Convent Guest House | alt= | url=https://birgittalaissisaret.fi/en/ | email=birgitta.turku@kolumbus.fi | address=Ursininkatu 15 A | lat=60.44988 | long=22.25492 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-1910 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-3078 | price=Single €45, twin €65 | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=You'll receive a warm welcome and a friendly smile from the Catholic Sisters who run this guesthouse in a central but quiet location in Turku. The rooms are basic and clean, there is secure parking behind the guesthouse and a continental breakfast is included. Only cash is accepted at the moment (July 2020). }} * {{sleep | name=Guesthouse Tapuli | alt= | url=http://www.tapulitalo.fi/en | email= | address=Kaivokatu 14 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2894 | directions=between the university and the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 2 250-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €50, double €65 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-01 | content=Small guesthouse with cosy rooms with TV. No breakfast, kitchen is available for self service. Toilets and showers are by the corridor. Sauna is warm every day (included). There is also free Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Harriet | alt= | url=http://harriet.fi/hotel-harriet/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=turku@harriet.fi | address=Käsityöläiskatu 11 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2560 | directions= | phone=+358 40-910-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-231-1110 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€45/€139 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Modern hotel and hostel-quality rooms in the centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hesehotelli | alt= | url=https://www2.hesburger.fi/hesehotelli | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 1 | lat=60.45762 | long=22.26761 | directions= | phone=+358 45-634-3443 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €50 | checkin=M–W 07:30–03:30, Th 07:30–00:00, F Sa 24 hr and Sun 00:00–03:00 (following day) | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Hesehotel is owned by the burger chain Hesburger, and it's on the second floor of one of their biggest restaurants near central Turku, right next to Turku bus station. It has 15 rooms and 46 beds. Room equipment includes air conditioning, a fridge, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. You can order breakfast and other food from the restaurant below and check-in is also done at the counter of the restaurant. Parking space reservation price is €5/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Interpoint Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 12 A | lat=60.45022 | long=22.28193 | directions= | phone=+358 400-821-905 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€10/person | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Operated by the YWCA of Turku, this is the cheapest place to sleep in Turku, but for good reason: It is just 30 mattresses on the floor, and 1 shower. If that is enough for you, then this is your place. }} * {{sleep | name=Linnasmäki | alt= | url=http://linnasmaki.fi/en | email=info@tk-opisto.fi | address=Lustokatu 7 | lat=60.4804 | long=22.2962 | directions= | phone=+358 40-710-4488 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception: Sept–May: 08:30–15:30, June–Aug: 08:00–20:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €70 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Affordable accommodation in peaceful surroundings 4 km from Turku centre. Guests can use the swimming pool and sauna area. There are plenty of hiking routes with bicycles available to rent during summer. Guests can stay in either a hotel or a refurbished hostel that also offers family rooms and apartments. Individual rooms equipped for disabled guests are also available. Plenty of free parking for guests. }} * {{sleep | name=Bed & Breakfast Tuure | alt= | url=http://www.netti.fi/~tuure2/en/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=tuure@netti.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 17 C, third floor | lat=60.45534 | long=22.26557 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-0230 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception opens at 08:00 and after that you can bring in your luggage when needed. Check-in 14:00–16:00 | checkout= | price=€45/€97 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=A cosy, non-smoking guest house that has provides affordable accommodation only three blocks away from the Market Square. 15 rooms, 5 shared showers/toilets along the corridor, a breakfast room and a kitchen. They also have computers and Wi-Fi as well as washing machine and other necessities of a home all free for the guests to use. Breakfast is plentiful and included in the room price. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|Park Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Centro Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.centrohotel.com/fi/ | email=centro@centrohotel.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 12 A | lat=60.4532 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone=+358 2 211-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€110–150 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern hotel in the inner courtyard of its building block. Family-owned hotel, a bit more personal than the chain hotels in Turku. }} * {{sleep | name=Omena Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.omenahotels.com/fi/hotellit/suomi/turku/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.4512 | long=22.2587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=€80–90 | checkin=16 | checkout=12 | content=No reception staff and no breakfast, but prices are considerably cheaper. Booking is done online, and you get a code which you can use to get into the building and onto your room. There are also vending machines for you to buy snacks and food. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.parkhotelturku.fi/en | email=info@parkhotelturku.fi | address=Rauhankatu 1 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2579 | directions=in the Puolala park between the railway station and Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 273-2555 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 251-9696 | price=€140–150 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Park Hotel is one of the oldest boutique hotels in Finland. In an Art Nouveau building, built in 1902. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Hotel Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Plaza-Turku/#.U3CWqPl_t8E | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2618 | directions= | phone=+358 2 332-00 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 332-0111 | price=125–190 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Restaurant. Sauna. 24-hour gym. Bike can be borrowed. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Hotel Seaport | url=http://www.hotelseaport.fi | email=seaport@hotelseaport.fi | address=Toinen Poikkikatu 2 | lat=60.43443 | long=22.22115 | directions=at the port | phone=+358 2 283-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-283-3100 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Family-owned basic hotel in an old customs house. }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Seurahuone | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-seurahuone | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 23 | lat=60.44897 | long=22.26110 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-301 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 337-2200 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit more business-oriented than the other Sokos Hotels in the city. The hotel restaurant is intended to be Spanish-style. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Turku | alt= | url=http://www.finland.holidayinn.com/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.holidayinn@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 28 | lat=60.44793 | long=22.25930 | directions= | phone=+358 2 338-211 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 338-2299 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Moderately priced. Breakfast spread is decent }} * {{sleep | name=Cumulus Turku | url=http://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.cumulus@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 30 | lat=60.44772 | long=22.25863 | directions= | phone=+358 2 218-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mid-priced business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Helmi | alt= | url=http://www.hotellihelmi.fi/en | email=hotellihelmi@hotellihelmi.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 11 | lat=60.45627 | long=22.26824 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2770 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€95–110; lunch €10.70, breakfast €11.50, children 4–12 €6.90 | hours=Café M–F 06:30–17:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00; lunch M–F 11:00–14:30; breakfast M–F 06:30–10:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small mid-priced hotel next to the bus station, part of the original station plan. The hotel building is an old gas station, which was owned by Shell, hence the name ''Pearl''. Good basic quality no-frills hotel, very good value for money. The café offers also take away breakfast/lunch/snacks. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Hotel Marina Palace Radisson Blu 2012.jpg|thumb|Hotel Marina Palace]] * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-marina-turku | email=info.turku@radissonblu.com | address=Linnankatu 32 | lat=60.4466 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4710 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On Linnankatu overlooking the River Aura Hotel Marina Palace is considered by many to be the best hotel in Turku. It has housed many celebrities visiting Turku, including Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Sweden. With well-appointed rooms overlooking the Aura River. You can dine at two on-site restaurants including the popular ''Grill it! Marina''. Fully equipped gym. Quay for guests (bridges too low for sailing yachts). }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel City Börs | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/fi/turku/sokos-hotel-hamburger-bors | email=myyntipalvelu.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 6 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2687 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-381 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=In the Wiklund department store. Good discounts are often available if you book a package together with the ferry companies. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Julia | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Julia/#.U3CL8vl_t8E | email=julia@scandichotels.com | address=Eerikinkatu 4 | lat=60.4522 | long=22.2721 | directions= | phone=+358 2 336-000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 3360-2211 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Clean comfortable rooms, excellent friendly service, quality breakfast, perhaps the best brunch in town. Fully equipped rooms. Great value for money. }} ===Spa hotels=== [[File:Rslo airphoto 72ppi web.jpg|thumb|Ruissalo Spa]] * {{sleep | name=Spa Hotel Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-caribia | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kongressikuja 1 | lat=60.4606 | long=22.2909 | directions=by the student village, behind the universities, buses 50–54, 20-minute walk from city centre | phone=+358 20-123-4602 | tollfree= | fax=+358 10-784-0180 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Spa Hotel Caribia, on the outskirts of the centre, is good choice for families. It has a big spa decorated in Caribbean style. It also houses lots of conferences and other events. Don't miss the big and pink statue outdoors by the contemporary artist Alvar Gullichsen; it's a mix between Duck and Pig called ''Posankka''. }} * {{sleep | name=Naantali Spa Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.naantalispa.fi/en | email=info@naantalispa.fi | address=Matkailjantie 2 | lat=60.47462 | long=22.03368 | directions=[[Naantali]], 15 km from Turku; bus 6, 7 and 7A | phone=+358 600-555-100 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-5101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Off-season weekday rates can drop as low as €69/person but climb dramatically in high season | content=In a modern building, Naantali Spa has roots dating to the 18th century, even the Russian Czar has paid a visit. The resort includes several restaurants, a variety of rooms, a large spa and beauty and pool services. The spa is the only Scandinavian member in the Royal Spas of Europe -affiliation. The resort is also well known in Scandinavia for arranging conferences. }} * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Spa | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalospa.fi/en | email=info@ruissalospa.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 640 | lat=60.4248 | long=22.1037 | directions=Bus 8 | phone=+358 2 445-40 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-4590 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Ruissalo Spa is located on and named after the scenic Ruissalo Island. The spa is by the sea and you can choose to swim on the pools or in the sea as well. The location is beautiful and there's a golf course and guest harbour right next to the hotel. Beware though: This is the favourite location for elderly locals, so if you're looking for something more youth-oriented, this might not be the place for you. }} ==Stay safe== {{infobox|[[Risks]] in Turku| Crime/violence: '''Low'''<br> <small>Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets</small><br> Authorities/corruption: '''Low'''<br> Transportation: '''Low'''<br> <small>Traffic culture may be sometimes aggressive</small><br> Health: '''Low'''<br> <small>Infectious tick bites in the archipelago</small><br> Nature: '''Low'''<br> }} Turku is generally a very safe city. On weekend nights drunken people may cause annoyance, especially after last call. Swimming in the river is forbidden for good reason: the river banks provide very little access to the shore; what was intended as a quick refreshing dip will result in an expensive rescue operation or worse. In emergencies, always call '''112''', which is the general emergency number for police affairs, fire, medical care and social services. If in doubt, it is always better to call and ask. For non-emergency medical care, the City of Turku provides medical advice over the phone at {{phone|+358 2 100-23}}. Lines are open weekdays 08:00–15:00. The hearing-impaired have their own service for the evaluation of medical care, counselling and making an appointment at a health centre. This can be contacted during office hours by sending an SMS message to {{phone|+358 44-907-3824}}. Turku University Hospital's T-Hospital is the region’s accident and emergency hospital. It provides specialized medical care and treatment around the clock to those who have fallen suddenly ill or sustained injury. * {{listing | name=Turku University Hospital Emergency Department | alt= | url=http://www.vsshp.fi/en/paivystys | email= | address=Savitehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.45347 | long=22.29749 | directions="T-sairaala", across the railway and highway 1, by highway 10, near Kupittaa railway station | phone=+358 2 313-8800 | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Call for advice before coming, queues are often long. }} * Emergency '''social services''' can be contacted through 112; in business hours (weekdays 08:30–15:30) call {{phone|+358 2 262-6003}}. Also life management. * {{listing | name=Police | alt= | url=https://www.poliisi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat=60.4455 | long=22.2525 | directions= | phone=+358 295-440-501 (non-urgent – urgent: 112) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8–17 (shorter hours for many matters) | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-04 | content= }} ==Respect== * Avoid walking in the cycle lanes. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the pavement (sidewalk). Turku cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. Usually, however, they are careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at. * When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues – but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask. * Finns usually don't complain to people who are doing things (in their opinion) wrong. They will just look at your foolish behaviour and swear silently to themselves. You might be embarrassing yourself but Finns might think that complaining about it will make an even bigger scene. * Many Finns are not very open to strangers in public, especially in public transport. They may feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed if you try to start a conversation on the bus. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone's home you will discover that Finns behave very differently and will be very social. Most Finns speak English very well and are more than happy to refresh their skills by talking to tourists. * Do not feed seagulls or pigeons especially in the city centre. Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is officially prohibited in many areas. If you'd like to feed birds you can head to the Kupittaa Park, since there is a Bird Park where you can feed the birds as long as the food is healthy for the birds. ==Connect== SparkNet is the largest WiFi network in Finland. It is free to students of the schools and universities in the city and city personnel. Others can purchase the connection from [http://sparknet.fi/index.php SparkNet's website]. Students and personnel from participating institutions get free Wi-Fi through the Eduroam network. In addition to the SparkNet much of Turku is blanketed with Wi-Fi hotspots. Most cafés and bars offer wireless internet connection without requiring a person to be a paying customer. Some restaurants will do this as well, but may insist that you purchase something. The city main library (see [[#Learn|above]]) offers public computers with Internet access (without booking, mostly there are some free ones). The "15 min" computers can be used without logging in. ==Cope== [[File:Åbo stadsbibliotek 2015 tidningsläsesalen.jpg|thumb|Newspaper reading room of Turku City Library, with public computers]] === Press === An assortment of foreign newspapers is available for reading in the main library (see [[#Learn|above]]) and for sale at some locations (e.g. R-kioski at the main railway station or at Kauppatori). Expect to find some well-known ones at least in Swedish, English, German, French and Spanish. At the main library there are also some more odd ones, e.g. from Russian Karelia. The local papers are Finnish ''Turun Sanomat'', Swedish ''Åbo Underrättelser'' and the free ''Turkulainen''; many locals also subscribe to ''Helsingin Sanomat'' or ''Hufvudstadsbladet'' of Helsinki. === Children === Most any park has a playground with swings, sandbox, some climbing frames, and perhaps a simple playhouse and some more unusual features. For picnics, the Kupittaa and Vartiovuori parks are popular. The swimming pools of Kupittaa and Samppalinna also have picnic areas. [[#Q11892816|Kupittaa Adventure Park]] is a large playground area where also older children can enjoy themselves for quite a while. [[#Q11873640|Kuralan kylämäki]] is a quiet living history museum consisting of a few farms with life of the 1950s. In the main building personnel are doing their domestic chores, while ready to talk to any visitor. Children will find a play corner with period toys, another in the barn, with bigger equipment, and many opportunities to invent their own plays and games. Sheep flock at the pasture fence to be caressed. [[#Q3022430|Aboa Vetus]] allows you to walk in authentic streets in the ruins of medieval Turku. There are computer screens to lead children through the displays in the footsteps of children of their time, perhaps a sandbox for trying to be an archaeologist, and similar activities. [[#Q136893|Turku Castle]] has Knights' and Ladies' Days, where a group of children is led through the castle, ending with dubbing the participants. Check the language issue. If you are into biology, the [[#Q4086898|Biological Museum]] may be a pearl. It features stuffed animals in natural landscapes: see wolves and elks, spot the small birds in the tree, an ermine in the snow, and acquaint yourselves to the different biotopes of Finland. Everything beyond glass screens though. Other museums may or may not suit your children, depending on their interests. For a longer trip, the Moomin World in [[Naantali]] and Zoolandia in [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] may be worth considering. === Dogs === {{see also|Travel with pets#Finland}} Popular walks include the river banks east of the railway bridge (i.e. by Raunistula and the Student Village). There are compost containers for litter at some locations, but you can also use normal trash bins. There are havens in several locations, where dogs can run and play without being on a leash. They have a part for small dogs and another for big ones, use common sense for choosing. Don't go there if your dog is ill, aggressive or could otherwise be disruptive for other dogs. * {{do | name=Kupittaa dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lemminkäisenkatu | lat=60.4456 | long=22.2994 | directions=at the north-east edge of the park Kupittaanpuisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nummenranta dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4651 | long=22.2952 | directions=at the walk on the left river bank, by the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Jäkäläpuisto dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jäkäläpolku | lat=60.4308 | long=22.2698 | directions=Luolavuori, the path to the haven starts at Rätiälänkatu | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} === Consulates === [[File:Russian Consulate1, Turku.jpg|thumb|Russian Consulate-General is by the Vartiovuori park.]] {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Austria | url= | email=mika.sippolainen@simsport.com | address=Linnankatu 36 B 11 | lat=60.44607 | long=22.25819 | directions= | phone=+358 2-275-1411 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-275-1414 | hours=09:00-11:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Belgium | url= | email=antti@wihanto.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 35 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.25752 | directions= | phone=+358 2-515-1655 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-515-1590 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Brazil | url= | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.44969 | long=22.26759 | directions= | phone=+358 2-651-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Denmark | url= | email=ljo@lundbeck.com | address=Joukahaisenkatu 6 | lat=60.44797 | long=22.29920 | directions= | phone=+358 2-276-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-276-5001 | hours= 09:00-14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Estonia | url= | email=rector@utu.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 | lat=60.45028 | long=22.27671 | directions= | phone=+358 2-333-6122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=Consulate of France | url= | email=enrico.casagrande@dlc.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45159 | long=22.27302 | directions= | phone=+358 2-250-0061 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-0013 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Germany | url= | email=turku@hk-diplo.de | address=c/o Sunborn Oy Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 23 | lat=60.45259 | long=22.27170 | directions= | phone=+358 2-445-4501 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-445-4520 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Greece | url= | email=fredrik.sunde@nordea.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 B | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26788 | directions= | phone=+358 2-334-4201 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-334-5414 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Honduras | url= | email=ericlockmer@gmail.com | address=Eristäjänmutka 17 | lat=60.4785 | long=22.2163 | directions= | phone=+358 40-022-2244 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-254-7762 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Hungary | url= | email=urpo-kivikari@tukkk.fi | address=Linnankatu 8 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.26898 | directions= | phone=+358 2-231-2182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Iceland | url= | email= | address=Lukkarinkatu 6 | lat=60.47668 | long=22.29837 | directions= | phone=+358 40-052-4234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Italy | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45177 | long=22.27283 | directions= | phone=+358 400-522-557 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the Netherlands | url= | email=kjell.sundstrom@abo.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 | lat=60.45223 | long=22.26827 | directions= | phone=+358 207-861-419 | tollfree= | fax=+358 9-163-96417 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Norway | url= | email=jan-erik.stenman@veritas.fi | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.44735 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone=+358 50-343-2299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Poland | url= | email=etacom@kolumbus.fi | address=Veistämönaukio 1 | lat=60.43980 | long=22.24039 | directions= | phone=+358 2-281-3186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Portugal | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 35 | lat=60.44554 | long=22.25555 | directions= | phone=+358 21-275-5314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Russia | url=http://www.rusconsul-turku.com/ | email=rusconsul.turku@co.inet.fi | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44739 | long=22.27569 | directions= | phone=+358 2-233-6441 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-233-9779 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Spain | url= | email=info@silverland.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 24 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.25987 | directions= | phone=+358 40-543-2094 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Sweden | url= | email=sihteerit@ts.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45113 | long=22.26966 | directions= | phone=+358 2-269-3303 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-269-3543 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the United Kingdom | url= | email=jari.lahteenmaki@turku.chamber.fi | address=Puolalankatu 1 | lat=60.45170 | long=22.26306 | directions= | phone=+358 2-274-3410 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} |} ==Go next== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Sailing off Ruissalo]] * '''[[Archipelago Sea]]''' – Stretching all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, Archipelago Sea forms the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands and includes a national park. Best way to visit is definitely by bike and camping gear – unless you know how to handle a yacht or kayak or can afford a one-week charter of a manned yacht. ** The [[Archipelago Trail]] is a tourist route of 125 or 250 km, using the roads and inter-island ferries to provide access to the archipelago without a boat of your own – and without backtracking. The route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries. * '''[[Kurjenrahka National Park]]''' – Kurjenrahka is the largest and most diverse protected mire area in the region, the park includes also lakes and old growth forest. One of the best-known sights in the park is the old boundary mark of eight municipalities. Usually a day trip destination, hikes can be extended to last a couple of days. Beginning 2018 you can reach Kurjenrahka by local bus in summer. * The other chartered '''towns of medieval Finland''' were<!-- by time of chartering, but what is the order? -->: ** [[Porvoo]] (Borgå) – in Eastern Uusimaa, reachable by E18 or the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. ** [[Rauma]] (Raumo) – with a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage listed]] old town, Rauma can be reached by coach from Turku in 1½ hr. ** [[Ulvila]] (Ulvsby) – by Pori in the north of the historic Turku and Pori province ** [[Naantali]] (Nådendal, Vallis Gratiæ) – with the summer residence of the President of Finland ''Kultaranta'', the theme park ''Moomin World'' and a beautiful wooden old town, 20-min away by local bus. ** [[Vyborg]] (Viipuri, Viborg) – in its heyday the most metropolitan of Finnish cities; past Porvoo, now in Russia. * '''[[Åland islands]]''' – If you have a day or two to spare there are overnight and day [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferries]] to [[Sweden]] and the [[Åland|Åland Islands]]. [[Stockholm]] is 10 hours away, [[Mariehamn]] on the Åland islands about 5 hours. {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Kaarina]] | majorr1=[[Helsinki]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka_E8.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=NW | majorl2=[[Pori]] | minorl2=[[Turku countryside]] | directionr2=SE | minorr2= | majorr2=END | link2=E8 through Finland and Norway | image3=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Stockholm]] | minorl3=[[Naantali]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Kaarina]] | majorr3=[[Helsinki]] | image4=Tabliczka E63.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=SW | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=NE | minorr4=[[Turku countryside]] | majorr4=[[Tampere]] | image5=Finland road sign F29-10.svg | imagesize5=32 | directionl5=SW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=NE | minorr5=[[Kaarina]] | majorr5=[[Hämeenlinna]] }} {{guidecity}} 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|60.5749,22.3033 |60.5748,22.3059 |60.5745,22.3071 |60.5744,22.3078 |60.5751,22.3090 |60.5763,22.3106 |60.5767,22.3104 |60.5771,22.3107 |60.5772,22.3098 |60.5815,22.3083 |60.5814,22.3127 |60.5824,22.3130 |60.5825,22.3141 |60.5868,22.3138 |60.5870,22.3183 |60.5895,22.3174 |60.5922,22.3203 |60.6097,22.3242 |60.6094,22.3597 |60.6098,22.3602 |60.6099,22.3605 |60.6111,22.3603 |60.6178,22.3627 |60.6188,22.3739 |60.6191,22.3752 |60.6195,22.3742 |60.6199,22.3751 |60.6209,22.3754 |60.6200,22.3764 |60.6199,22.3775 |60.6201,22.3782 |60.6206,22.3786 |60.6209,22.3780 |60.6214,22.3780 |60.6216,22.3790 |60.6237,22.3790 |60.6238,22.3800 |60.6253,22.3807 |60.6253,22.3820 |60.6305,22.3822 |60.6307,22.3880 |60.6325,22.3906 |60.6326,22.3913 |60.6337,22.3904 |60.6344,22.3915 |60.6354,22.3917 |60.6385,22.3914 |60.6392,22.3863 |60.6401,22.3868 |60.6408,22.3880 |60.6403,22.3893 |60.6409,22.3921 |60.6409,22.3924 |60.6419,22.3920 |60.6420,22.3924 |60.6469,22.3934 |60.6475,22.3945 |60.6489,22.3912 |60.6494,22.3915 |60.6531,22.3901 |60.6525,22.3923 |60.6533,22.3948 |60.6579,22.3959 |60.6706,22.3971 |60.6813,22.4001 |60.6892,22.4024 |60.6886,22.4043 |60.6897,22.4073 |60.6906,22.4079 |60.6906,22.4079 |60.6905,22.4074 |60.6905,22.4066 |60.6921,22.4061 |60.6922,22.4068 |60.6924,22.4058 |60.6934,22.4048 |60.6955,22.4024 |60.6950,22.4030 |60.7373,22.4055 |60.7014,22.4150 |60.7011,22.4425 |60.7006,22.4440 |60.6992,22.4442 |60.6963,22.4447 |60.6960,22.4471 |60.6959,22.4472 |60.6957,22.4476 |60.6975,22.4484 |60.6967,22.4500 |60.6944,22.4517 |60.6942,22.4495 |60.6900,22.4480 |60.6861,22.4512 |60.6860,22.4520 |60.6849,22.4530 |60.6846,22.4533 |60.6760,22.4521 |60.6740,22.4536 |60.6727,22.4536 |60.6726,22.4544 |60.6723,22.4580 |60.6721,22.4582 |60.6721,22.4581 |60.6721,22.4580 |60.6723,22.4577 |60.6723,22.4573 |60.6722,22.4571 |60.6722,22.4564 |60.6717,22.4562 |60.6717,22.4564 |60.6716,22.4563 |60.6717,22.4562 |60.6718,22.4560 |60.6718,22.4557 |60.6715,22.4555 |60.6715,22.4550 |60.6717,22.4548 |60.6720,22.4539 |60.6720,22.4536 |60.6679,22.4534 |60.6675,22.4531 |60.6666,22.4532 |60.6653,22.4539 |60.6628,22.4530 |60.6607,22.4528 |60.6601,22.4521 |60.6590,22.4529 |60.6578,22.4521 |60.6569,22.4522 |60.6550,22.4529 |60.6528,22.4538 |60.6510,22.4522 |60.6509,22.4531 |60.6496,22.4528 |60.6494,22.4512 |60.6495,22.4507 |60.6489,22.4506 |60.6485,22.4488 |60.6466,22.4499 |60.6464,22.4495 |60.6463,22.4495 |60.6458,22.4494 |60.6437,22.4491 |60.6431,22.4479 |60.6414,22.4470 |60.6414,22.4466 |60.6414,22.4459 |60.6409,22.4458}} 9rml29s5w26nu6i3en9qol7tu4wy9t2 4488129 4488126 2022-07-22T07:34:55Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay safe */ I don't think the traffic culture is particularly aggressive; ticks to Nature and reworded wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Turku Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Turku seen from the tower of the cathedral|otbp=yes}} '''[http://www.visitturku.fi/en Turku]''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Åbo'') is [[Finland|Finland's]] oldest city. Believed to have been founded in the early 13th century, it is the cradle of modern Finnish culture and has extensively influenced Finnish history. Turku's fantastic culinary scene has earned it the nickname "the [[Paris]] of Finland" and the city has been called "Finland's gateway to the West". Bisecting Turku city centre, the River Aura is the heart and soul of the city: this is where Turku was born, and a large part of city life – museums, sights, restaurants and cafés – is still concentrated on the riverside. The river banks form a national urban park allowing for a pleasant stroll from the Turku Cathedral to the Turku Castle. Close to the river mouth is the island of Ruissalo, with oak forests and 19th-century villas. Turku is at its best in summertime, when it hosts many festivals, including rock festivals, chamber music festivals and a medieval fair. But do not forget the winter atmosphere, if you are lucky you may be able to have a thrilling walk on the ice cover of River Aura. In addition to the cultural sights and museums, Turku attracts visitors due to the [[Archipelago Sea]], which stretches all the way from Turku to [[Åland]] and on to [[Stockholm]], forming the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands and islets. ==Understand== [[File:Turun tuomiokirkko.jpg|thumb|Turku Cathedral.]] [[Finland Proper#Greater Turku|Greater Turku]] (as defined here) includes a few surrounding towns and some countryside. Of these '''Raisio''' in the nort-west is included here, while [[Kaarina]] and [[Naantali]] have their own articles, as has the [[Turku countryside]] in the north, including (west to east) Masku, Rusko, Paattinen (part of Turku) and Lieto. === Name === The exact origin of the word "Turku" is unclear. It is possible that it comes from an Old East Slavic word, търгъ (''tŭrgŭ''), which means "marketplace". The [[Swedish]] name of the city is '''Åbo'''. Again, the exact origin of this word is unclear. ===History=== {{seealso|Nordic history}} Turku is Finland’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the entire Nordic region. The city came into existence at Koroinen on the banks of river Aura, a few kilometres north from the Turku market square. Trading took place on this historic site as early as in the 1150s, and in 1229, the bishopric was transferred there as well. The Aura River Valley had already been a prosperous and relatively densely populated area since the Iron Age. The Finnish name, Turku, is an archaic Russian word for 'marketplace' (turgu). The name of the Italian city, Trieste, comes from the same Indo-European origin. Turku Market Square has long been one of the largest and finest on the south coast. The etymology of the Swedish name Åbo is unclear. One possible explanation is that the city was named Åbo by Swedish settlers because it was a settlement (bo) on the Aura River (å). The year 1229 is regarded as the year in which the City of Turku was founded. Excavations in different parts of the city centre have provided more light on the city's history. The construction of Turku Castle began in the 1280s, the Dominican monastery of St. Olof was being built on Samppalinna Hill and Turku Cathedral was consecrated in the year 1300. From this point on, the city held an important position in the Swedish state and it had staple town charter (the right to conduct foreign trade), assuring that trading was brisk. The German bourgeoisie of Turku held a major role in the early development of the city, and Turku had a community that was part of the [[Hansa|Hanseatic League]], which dominated trade along the coasts of Northern Europe. During Swedish rule, Turku was the largest and most important city of its region, as well as being a major city of the Swedish Kingdom. Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following [[Uppsala]] University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]], Estonia. Turku remained the Finnish capital until the year 1812. [[Russian Empire|Russia]], after overtaking Finland from Sweden 1809, moved the capital to [[Helsinki]], which was closer to [[Saint Petersburg]] and farther from [[Stockholm]]. Turku remained Finland's largest city until the end of the 1840s, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827, when a raging fire destroyed most of the city. "Turun palo" is still the largest urban fire in the history of the Nordic countries. The city was almost completely destroyed, and the rest of the major institutions with the exception of the archbishop's seat were moved to Helsinki. The burnt city needed an altogether new town plan, which was drawn up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel the following year. Turku is still a gateway to Sweden. The competition between cruise ferry companies led to ferries ever increasing in size and features, which let the Turku shipyard develop into a world leader of building large cruise ships, with customers such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and TUI Cruises. Turku shipyard employs directly and indirectly 8000 people. In addition to this, follows employment effect to foreign companies. In 2011 Turku was the European Capital of Culture along with [[Tallinn]], the capital of [[Estonia]]. Afterwards Turku has seen a huge boost in domestic and foreign visitors. ===People=== [[File:People at aurariver (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Aura River's banks are very popular among Turku residents, for walking, biking or enjoying nice weather.]] Turku remains a regional capital of [[Finland Proper]] and is the third most populous city-region in Finland and the eighth largest urban area in the [[Nordic countries]], with around 330 000 inhabitants living in the Turku sub-region. Nowadays Turku is a major academic town for Finland: there are two universities (one with Finnish, one with Swedish as its language; with business schools, a law school and a medical school), and four universities of applied sciences. Consequently, you will find that the city is bustling with young adults. The large number of students means that restaurants, live music clubs and nightlife are ample. A true local speciality you will find in few other Finnish cities are the floating bars in the river Aura. There is a cultural spirit in the city, and some of the proud residents are still irked that Helsinki took over as Finland's capital back in 1812. In other parts of Finland people from Turku are stereotypically thought of as being bit reserved and uppish in their views of their hometown. However, if you have a coffee at the Market Square and chat with the locals, you will soon find out that this is not the case. The Turku dialect has many influences from Swedish and historically also from Estonian, and it can from time to time sound even a bit like Estonian. The city is also famous throughout Finland for its processed mustard called Turun Sinappi, though ownership and production was controversially moved abroad in 2008, with production being resumed in Finland in 2014. ===Read=== [[File:Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku Castle.]] * ''Vares'' (book series) (Reijo Mäki, 1986–13). Finnish crime literature usually focuses more on police procedurals, or the psychological and sociological fallout from crime. One writer, Reijo Mäki, however, has written a series of books about a private investigator called Jussi Vares. He is your regular hardboiled PI: he drinks, makes love, hates everyone, and gets beaten up and mugged on a regular basis. All Vares books take place in Turku, which is also home to the books' writer. Mäki is a celebrity in Turku, where you can perhaps catch him in his favourite bar, Uusi Apteekki (New Pharmacy). * ''The Home of Dark Butterflies'' (Leena Lander, 1991). Writer Leena Lander tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy named Juhani, who is haunted by his traumatic past. Juhani has been shuttled between foster homes and temporary families for the past six years, leaving any prospect of stability in his life a faded dream. When Juhani winds up in a remote shelter for troubled youth known as The Island, he has little idea of how ruthless superintendent Olavi Harjula can truly be. In addition to Harjula and the six other boys, The Island is also home to the superintendent's wife Irene, the couple's two young daughters, and Tynne, who tends to the local livestock in addition to catering all the meals. The island of the story has actually existed, though the boys' home was closed already in 1968. The story was also made into a film of the same name in 2008 and shooting took place on the actual island in the Turku archipelago. The film was also Finland's Oscar nominee for a foreign language film in 2008. ===Watch=== * ''Restless'' (Aku Louhimies, 2000) is a story about Ari (Mikko Nousiainen), a 27-year-old ambulance doctor living in Turku, whose main pastime is one-night stands. He doesn't want to meet any of the girls again because he is certain that commitment equals pain. But one day Ari realizes that he cannot feel anything at all. Then he meets a woman named Tiina (Laura Malmivaara) on the beach. Without really intending to, they start dating each other, reaching the point where Tiina, falling in love, begins to look for commitment. Ari is introduced to Tiina's friends, including two other couples. Ari then ends up having sex with Tiina's two best friends (Ilona and Hanna-Riikka). Meanwhile Tiina continues to love Ari. During this Tiina manages to commit Ari to reluctantly become the father of her to be born child. * ''Vares movies'' (Aleksi Mäkelä, 2004-2012). Vares books proved so popular in Finland that in 2004 a film was released, starring Juha Veijonen as the detective, and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, considered by many the number one action-director in Finland. A second film appeared a few years later, and the two films' success led to a series of all together eight films. *''Man Exposed'' (Aku Louhimies, 2006) is a comedy-drama film about a rebel minister working in Turku's St Michael's Church, who is suddenly asked to run for bishop. At the same time he is running into problems in his marriage and life in general. *Tears of April (Aku Louhimies, 2008) is a war drama film based on the novel by Leena Lander, the film is set in the final stages of the Finnish Civil War. The film tells a story of a captured female Red Guard fighter, Miina, and the soldier Aaro who escorts her to her trial. *''Love and Other Troubles'' (Samuli Valkama, 2012) is a Finnish romantic comedy film set in Turku. It stars Emilie de Ravin as Sara, an American line dance teacher, who meets Ville (Jussi Nikkilä), a 25-year-old former child star, and his father (Ville Virtanen), an ex-rock star, who both fall in love with her. *''The Girl King'' (Mika Kaurismäki, 2015) is a biographical drama about Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from 1632 until her abdication in 1654. ===Climate=== [[File:Air temperature in Turku 2016.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Temperature in Turku in 2016]] [[File:Kommunalsjukhusvägen vintern 2010.jpg|thumb|Walk- and bikeway in winter, near the Kupittaa park]] Turku, like the rest of Finland, has four distinct seasons. Situated by the Baltic Sea and sheltered by the islands of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a humid continental climate. Like much of southern Finland, the city experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging up to 30°C (85°F), and winters with frequent snowfall and temperatures down to about −25°C (−15°F). The best time to visit is definitely the warm period from late May to early September. If visiting in wintertime and meeting slush, ride somewhat more inland (a local bus can get you far enough) and you will probably find the real snow. Once in a while you can find it in Turku city center too. Current weather forecasts can be checked at the [http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/turku Finnish Meteorological Institute website]. ===Visitor information=== Turku's official tourist agency is ''Turku Touring''. It serves also the larger region. *{{listing | name=Visit Turku |alt=| url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en | email=info@visitturku.fi | address=Aurakatu 2 | lat=60.44906 | long=22.26784 | directions=next to the City Hall, near the Aura bridge; at busy times also the back door is open<!-- and when it is locked, notices may be absent or confusing--> | phone=+358 2 262-7444 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-7679 | hours=Sep–Mar: daily 10:00–15:00; Apr–Sep: M–F 08:30–18:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-03-13| content=Turku Touring's office offers advice, sight-seeing tours, maps, guide books, souvenirs, bicycle hire instructions, group outings and more. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== ====Turku Airport (TKU)==== [[File:Aero Airlines ATR 72 ES-KRL at EFTU on 20060714.jpg|thumb|Passengers boarding Finnair flight to Helsinki at Turku airport.]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Turku Airport | alt={{IATA|TKU}} | url=http://www.finavia.fi/en/turku | email= | address= | lat=60.5109 | long=22.2743 | directions= 8&nbsp;km north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Airport | image=Terminaali 1, Turun lentoasema, Turku, 11.7.2010.JPG | wikidata=Q1130231 | content=Is a compact airport with 2 terminals for check-in }} As of September 2021 [http://www.airbaltic.com Air Baltic] flies to Turku from [[Riga]], [http://wizzair.com/en-GB/ Wizz Air] from [[Gdansk]] and [[Skopje]], and [https://www.airleap.se Air Leap] from [[Mariehamn]] (and [[Stockholm]]?). Wizz Air will start flights from [[Larnaka]], [[Kaunas]] and [[Kraków]] later in the autumn. [https://www.tui.com TUI] charter flights will likewise start in the autumn. Bus line 1 departs from the airport every 20&nbsp;minutes and goes via the centre to the Port of Turku. Several hotels happen to be along the route. Tickets are available on board for €3/1.50 (free transfers for two hours, see [[#By bus 2|Get around]] for details). The line operates from 05:20 to 00:45. The day's last bus waits as long as 15 minutes if necessary, to allow passengers to catch it. The last buses operate only to Kauppatori, not to the harbour. ====Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)==== If coming by air, a common option is to fly to the internationally well connected [http://www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/home Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport] ({{IATA|HEL}}). Turku is 166 km away from Helsinki and easily reached by plane, train (transfer in Helsinki centre) or coach. With car the voyage by the Finnish national road 1 (E18) takes around 1hr40min. There is an almost hourly [https://www.matkahuolto.fi Matkahuolto] coach connection from Helsinki-Vantaa to Turku bus station operated by [http://www.vainionliikenne.fi/en Vainion Liikenne], departing from platform 13. Usually the voyage starts with AirBus, with an easy transfer to the Vainio coach at Turvesolmu. The service operates round the clock, although there may be a gap of two hours between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 hr 15 min and 2 hr 55 min, depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. [http://www.onnibus.com Onnibus.com] is typically a bit cheaper, but they leave from the central bus station of Helsinki and not directly from the airport. The Onnibus buses are red double-deckers with free Wi-Fi but little legroom. Book ticket online in advance for a cheaper price. ===By train=== [[File:Turun rautatieasema.jpg|thumb|Turku Central Railway Station.]] [[File:Turku railways 2018.jpg|thumb|View from Turku Railway Station to Logomo direction at 2018.]] [http://www.vr.fi/en VR], the state-owned railway company, operates the trains.<!-- all the domestic routes as well as the connections from [[Vyborg]], [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Moscow]] in [[Russia]].--> Turku has three railway stations: the {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Central railway station|lat=60.45380 | long=22.25331}} ("Turku", service M-F 08:10–17:15) on the northern edge of Turku's central business district, {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Kupittaa railway station|lat=60.45050 | long=22.29700}} ("Kupittaa") in the eastern part of the city and {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Turku harbour railway stop|lat=60.43448 | long=22.22334}} ("Turku satama") in Turku harbour on the western edge of Turku centre. Trains arriving from the direction of [[Helsinki]] first stop at Kupittaa and then arrive at the central station, while trains from [[Tampere]] arrive directly at the central station. Some of the trains continue onward to the harbour, which is handy if you are connecting to a passenger ferry towards [[Stockholm]] or [[Mariehamn]]. Kupittaa has limited service (tickets bought in advance or from a machine; service for the disabled available if booked), the harbour none: buy your ticket in advance. Only the central station is manned. From the central station you can purchase all domestic train tickets<!-- Services to Russia suspended -- -- train tickets from Finland to Saint Petersburg, Moscow and Vyborg-->, and InterRail cards to Europe. Links between Turku and the rest of the country are frequent and excellent, although not hourly any more. There are connections from Helsinki and Tampere, travel time approximately 2 hours, [[Jyväskylä]] (3.5 hr), [[Kuopio]] (5.5 hr) and [[Oulu]] (7 hr). There is also an overnight car and sleeper train connection from [[Rovaniemi]] in [[Finnish Lapland|Lapland]] (10–15 hr, often with a transfer to a day train in Tampere). Some of the services have a "restaurant" car (café/pub with sandwiches etc., no real dining, although there may be also simple meals), most others a cart with drinks and snacks. The IC2 services have a family car, with space for prams, a playing corner upstairs and the accessible toilet doubling as family room. <!-- move up this paragraph when people's plans can be expected to be affected: --> A reconstruction of the railway between Kupittaa and the centre will start in 2022. For two years, from 15 August, trains from Helsinki will stop in Kupittaa and won't go further. There will be a bus from the Kupittaa station to the harbour, for those with a train ticket to there. Other passengers are served by the normal city buses, paying the normal fares. The trains from or via Tampere are not affected for the time being, other than concerning transfers towards Helsinki. For most travellers from western Europe, the main option is to take the train to Stockholm and take a ferry cruise from there. This can be a scenic and environmental friendly option, and if you travel by rail otherwise, most of the European railway companies offer discounts for the ferry connection. A few buses (including lines 32 and 42) pass the Kupittaa and Turku stations on their way to the centre, just cross the street and wait for one, if you don't want to walk or take a bike ride. There will probably be bike sharing stations at the railway stations in the summer season (again from June 2022); see [[#By bicycle|By bicycle]] below for updates. ===By bus=== [[File:Busstation of Turku.jpg|thumb|Turku bus station seen over Aninkaistenkatu. The platforms are behind the station building.]] Matkahuolto operates the {{marker|type=go|name=Turku bus station|lat=60.45712 | long=22.26808}}, where long-distance services usually terminate, as do some regional services. The station is at the northern edge of the city centre within walking distance from the central railway station (1 km) and Kauppatori (Market Square, 800 m). Matkahuolto abandoned the station building; facilities are open again, but Matkahuolto (with ticket sale and freight) may still use the freight terminal across Läntinen pitkäkatu. The bus station has good local bus connections, although it is not the hub for them. There are stops for local and regional lines at a few different places on or around the station, note where your bus stops. Some coach lines arriving at the station continue to the Port of Turku, if needed. If going there, tell that when buying your ticket and when boarding. By the station are Hotel Helmi, the café of which offers breakfast, lunch, light meals and take away, and a Hesburger. * {{listing |type=go |name=Matkahuolto Turku | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 7–9 | directions= | hours=M–F 07:00–19:00, Sa 09:00–15:00, Su closed }} Normal bus connections from Kamppi in '''[[Helsinki]]''' leave for Turku more or less every half an hour during the day and every hour or two during the night. Coming via [[Tallinn]], there may be a coach directly from the port, mostly via Kamppi. Direct connections and connections with transfer are available from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. All these connections are either express or special express (there may also be a few hard-to-find "regular" connections). Tickets cost around €30 (round trip around €55) for adults, around €20 for children aged 12–16, €15 for children aged 4–11 and Finnish students (ISIC ''not'' accepted). Children under the age of four travel for free. Cheaper tickets can often be had in advance on the net (check also the individual companies' websites). There are normally more or less hourly connections from '''[[Tampere]]''' and '''[[Pori]]''' in daytime, and each two hours from '''[[Vaasa]]''', some all the way from '''[[Oulu]]'''. <!-- Check: There is a line from '''[[Tampere]]''' hourly in daytime, the last coach arriving 00:55, from '''[[Pori]]''' about hourly (check!) and from '''[[Vaasa]]''' about every two hours, the last arriving 21:20. --> For timetables, for the above mentioned or other connections, see [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto]. Also [http://www.onnibus.fi Onnibus] has connections to Turku. Tickets to these buses vary in price, cheapest well in advance on the Internet, for same day usually about €10 when bought online, €15–20 from Helsinki if bought when boarding (with busy services often sold out). Direct bus services from [[Saint Petersburg]] are provided by [http://ensi-bus.ru/?p=30 Ensi-Bus] and [https://www.transgold.ru/marshrutka-v-turku/ Transgold] (check whether the sanctions have affected them). ===By ferry=== [[File:Viking Grace Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|''Viking Grace'' passing Ruissalo island on its way to [[Stockholm]].]] The most scenic way to get to Turku is by taking a passenger [[Baltic sea ferries|ferry]] across the Baltic Sea, from [[Stockholm]] or from Kapellskär, [[Norrtälje]], in [[Sweden]]. The {{marker|type=go|url=http://www.portofturku.fi/portal/en|name=Port of Turku|lat=60.43482 | long=22.21966}} is next to Turku Castle and is easily accessible on bus line 1, which travels between the port and the airport via the centre. The port also has its own railway and bus station (by the Viking terminal; rail will be rearranged in autumn 2022, check temporary arrangements), and some trains and buses depart at the port. With light luggage [[Turku riverside walk|strolling along the river]] to the centre can be a nice option (3 km to Kauppatori, buses within reach all the time). A new ferry terminal is planned to be ready for use in 2025; there will be changes in arrangements during the construction works. The two biggest ferry lines are the Finnish [http://www.sales.vikingline.com/en/international/ Viking Line] and the now Estonian [http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/web/int/book-a-cruise TallinkSilja]. Both operate two departures each day from Stockholm via [[Åland]]: one in the morning, arriving in the evening, and one in the evening, arriving in the morning. For a scenic view, and less expensive prices, a morning departure is advisable. Going in the night, you avoid one night at a hotel, but the effective sleeping time is short, as you are probably waked up for cleaning of the cabin well before arrival (generous, although not cheap, breakfast available). Evening departures provide adequate night club activities on board if you want to cut loose before arriving. All ferries between Turku and Stockholm make a brief stop in Åland, in either [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs. Due to this stop, plus a Finnish-demanded exception to [[European Union]] rules, passengers can make purchases on the ferries [[Duty free shopping|tax-freely]]. For those with vehicles (e.g. a car or bikes) there are also more quiet ropax ferries from [[Norrtälje|Kapellskär]] (either directly or via Långnäs) to [[Naantali]] 20 km from Turku, by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines]. Local buses serve Naantali, tickets €3/1.50 with transfers included, an additional €5 for a bike. Looking for special offers may save a lot of money on the ferry passage. In summer, book early if you have a car, especially if it exceeds standard dimensions. It is also possible to take '''smaller ferries from Åland''', connecting islands of Åland and the Archipelago Sea with each other and with the mainland. Using the small ferries is more complicated and possibly more expensive, but can be rewarding. See [[Åland#Get around]], [[Korpo]], [[Brändö]] and [[Houtskär]]. During the '''summer of 2020''' ferry routes were started also from Tallinn and Hiiumaa in Estonia and Riga in Latvia, as passenger traffic from Stockholm was diminished. The connections proved popular, so it is possible that some of them will get established in some form after the pandemic. See the Tallink and Viking web sites. ===By yacht=== [[File:Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.jpg|thumb|Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.]] Many people also from other regions, including Helsinki, spend their summer vacation yachting around the [[Archipelago Sea]] surrounding Turku. The Sea of Åland and the Gulf of Finland, coming from Sweden and Estonia respectively, can easily be crossed in a day, while a voyage directly from [[Gotland]] requires overnight sailing. There is an abundance of minor guest harbours on the remaining distance through the archipelago. Turku Guest Harbour is on the Aura river halfway between the port and Kauppatori, while the TPS guest harbour, Ruissalo Marina and Ruissalon Telakka are on the scenic island of Ruissalo, with buses (line 8) to the city centre once an hour or half an hour in daytime. Except Telakka, they have fuel stations and septic tank emptying. There is also a free mooring site above the Aura bridge, but only for short visits without high mast, perhaps a nice tour if you have a suitable dinghy (bridge height 3.6 m; max 3 hr 08:00–22:00). From the cathedral upstream the river is shallow; there are shallows especially in the middle of the river and perhaps at the bridges. There is a portage at the Halinen rapids and dam north of the centre; upstream from there it is a popular canoeing route. * {{listing|type=go | name=Turku Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://www.turunvierasvenesatama.fi/en | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 57 | lat=60.4401 | long=22.2447 | directions=in the centre, 2 km from Kauppatori | phone=+358 400-880-051 or +358 400-536-613 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€28–45; in season with beam <3m and without reservation: €32 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=City guest harbour. Good services, including non-free laundromat. May be full in peak season. For size over 15m×5.2m, check special arrangements. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalon Telakka | alt= | url=https://ruissalontelakka.fi | email= | address=Hevoskarintie 23 | lat=60.43669 | long=22.20569 | directions=Ruissalo, opposite Port of Turku | phone=+358 400-330-413 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€25 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Former boat yard; some of the yachts built here again call the harbour home, and part of the moorings are reserved for classical yachts. From here to the centre you can either take the [https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus water bus] (daytime in season, bikes free) or walk 400 m to the bus stop for a 12-min ride with line 8. Both options use the Föli tickets (€3/1.50). Café and pizzeria. Toilets and showers, but no fuel or septic tank emptying. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=TPS Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://turunpursiseura.fi/satamat/vierassatama-guest-harbour/ | email=toimisto@turunpursiseura.fi | address=Pursiseuranranta 30 | lat=60.4265 | long=22.1593 | directions= | phone=+358 44-376-2655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Marina of one of the local yacht clubs. On the island Ruissalo, a 20-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Services include sauna and Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Guiding to the mooring from the fuel pier, off hours look for orange cones instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalo Marina | alt= | url=https://www.ruissalomarina.fi | email= | address=Ruissalon puistotie 618 | lat=60.4261 | long=22.1073 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-5926 (10:00–19:00), +358 2 445-40 (off hours) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=By the Ruissalon Kylpylä spa hotel near the western end of the island, a 25-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Reservation recommended. }} ===By car=== [[File:Saariston rengastie 11.jpg|thumb|Sign at the [[Archipelago Trail]]]] Turku is well connected by roads to other parts of Finland. Main routes are national road 1 (E18) from [[Helsinki]], 8 ([[E8 through Finland and Norway|E8]]) from [[Tromsø]], [[Vaasa]] and [[Pori]] along the west coast, 9 (E63) from [[Kuopio]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Tampere]], and 10 from [[Hämeenlinna]]. Road 40 circulates Turku. E18 is a high-speed controlled-access highway all the way from Russia, roads 8 and 9 are high-speed highways for some distance outside the city. Turku can be reached from Helsinki in around 1 hr 40 min in summer and 2 hrs 40 in winter. The former main road from Helsinki, now regional road 110, is somewhat slower but allows your seeing more of the landscape. From Sweden, use the [[#By ferry|above]] mentioned ferries. Those to Turku and Naantali, and on the routes from Åland via Korpo or via Brändö and Kustavi, all take cars. There are a few scenic roads around Turku as well: * '''[[Archipelago Trail|The Archipelago Trail]]''' (''Skärgårdens ringväg'', ''Saariston Rengastie'') allows travellers to access [[Archipelago Sea|the archipelago]] without a boat of their own. Part of the "trail" can be used when coming from Sweden via [[Åland]]: drive to Långnäs and take the ferry to Korpo, or use the ferries via Brändö and Kustavi. * '''[[Hämeen Härkätie]]''' leads to Turku from [[Hämeenlinna]] and is the most important road of early Finnish history. The route was once used by merchants, pilgrims, and kings. Along the route, with small detours, you will find a splendid array of interesting sites, such as museums, churches and shopping spots. If you want to really experience a journey in time, you can stay at an old manor house or inn along the way. * The partly medieval '''[[King's Road]]''' (''Kuninkaantie'', ''Kungsvägen'') leads to Turku along the south coast all the way from the eastern border of Finland, passing Helsinki. It is part of the old post roads, dating back to the 14th century, that lead from Stockholm to Christiania (Oslo) and Bergen on the Atlantic coast (of Norway), and, crossing the [[Archipelago Sea]], via Turku to Viborg (now Vyborg in Russia). The modern tourist route is extended all the way to Saint Petersburg. You can see lots of medieval churches, museums and old villages along the road. === By bike === Bikes can be taken on the ferry from Sweden or Åland for €5–12. The fee on trains and coaches is similar. Onnibus does not take bikes. For getting in from Åland, the [[Archipelago Trail]] can be used, taking a ferry to Korpo, Houtskär, Iniö or Kustavi and continuing along the trail from there. The [https://en.eurovelo.com/ev10/finland Eurovelo 10] route around the Baltic Sea goes through Turku. From the east (Vaalimaa–Helsinki–Ekenäs–Salo) it is developed and signposted (not the Russian leg though). From the north it is developed from Vaasa onwards, but not yet signposted (as of 2022). ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.4493|22.2683|zoom=13|height=370|width=620|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=}} {{nowrap|Turku has an excellent}} public transportation system, and its buses reach every corner of the city. The hub for the local bus traffic is normally the Market Square, ''Kauppatori'' (Swedish: ''Salutorget''), which is in the central business district and often considered the midpoint of the city. The construction works of 2018–2022 are getting finished in autumn 2021, and in September 2022 the buses will return. Until then, most bus stops have moved away temporarily to nearby roads. Most main sights are within walking distance from the square. A bike is the quickest way to get around and cycleways are generally good, although not always fast (try a nice trip along the river). === By foot=== {{see also|Turku riverside walk}} The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. The river Aura passes through the centre, and its banks are very popular, allowing for a pleasant stroll from, say, the national shrine of Finland, the Turku Cathedral, to the Turku Castle, which used to house Swedish Kings – or upstream to experience some countryside. Turku Touring, the official tourist agency of the city, offers different walking tours for visitors. There are also leaflets with self guided walking tours, such as Sculpture walk, ArchitecTour, Romantic Turku and Stepping it up. You can get a map from the main library (Linnankatu 2) or the tourist information (Aurakatu 2). If you have a smartphone you can download a Citynomadi app and get a map there. ===By bicycle === The fastest and most flexible way of seeing Turku is on a bike. There are good bike paths mostly as needed, although at the very heart of the city you have to know the routes or sometimes join car traffic, or get off the bike unless sufficiently experienced; not all the best routes are obvious. A four-year experiment with salted [http://www.turku.fi/sv/nyhet/2017-10-26_testrutt-vintercykling-i-centrum winter routes] in the centre started 2017 (12 km first year; Civitas eccentric). These routes lead along the river, around the campuses and through the central business district. Elsewhere cycleways and roads are not always maintained sufficiently in the winter for easy (in the centre: safe) biking, but local hardcore cyclists are biking throughout the year. Main biking routes are well signposted. In the centre there are often temporary disruption of these routes (markets, roadworks etc.), and bicycle arrangements are then often neglected. This is more seldom a problem elsewhere. The map at [https://kartta.turku.fi/IMS/en/Map kartta.turku.fi] can show biking routes: open the layers menu in the upper left corner, choose Traffic, then Bicycle paths, and use the check boxes. Regional biking route 1 goes to the tip of the recreation island Ruissalo, route 2 to Naantali, route 4 to Naantali via Raisio centre, route 9 to Lieto along Hämeentie, route 10 to Piikkiö via Nummi, Varissuo and Littoinen, route 11 along Uudenmaantie via Kaarina and Piikkiö to Paimio, route 12 via Hirvensalo and Satava to Kakskerta, For getting farther out of the city, bikes can be loaded on the local buses (including regional buses in the Föli cooperation) for €6 at the driver's discretion, i.e. probably when there are not too many passengers. Cost on coaches varies by company, often about the price of a children's ticket for longer voyages, sometimes likewise a flat €6. The city tourist office can suggest cycling routes. They also rent bikes (€23/day). '''Bike theft''' is common and vandalism happens. A lock gives some protection. If leaving the bike close to the river it should be locked to something. ====Bike sharing==== [https://www.foli.fi/en/f%C3%B6li-bikes Fölläri bike sharing] is since 2022 in cooperation with [[Urban cycling#Donkey Republic|Donkey Republic]], with 700 seven-geared bikes. The continuation of the Föllläri scheme was postponed repeatedly, but the bikes are now being placed out (8–15 July). You will need an app; using the bikes requires a smartphone (Apple/Android) with Bluetooth and GPS enabled. There are 70 stations, half of which virtual (just leave the bike in the designated area found by the app and register the end of journey as usual). Most of the virtual stations will be outside the centre and they will get moved at times, depending on usage patterns. The hire can also be ended outside stations, for an additional fee. Usage for one hour at the time costs €2 per time, €6 per month or €35 per season (April–October; in 2022 cheaper to pay month for month). Additional time costs €1 for 15 min, €1.50 for 30 min, €2 for 1 hr, €5 for 4 hr, €12 for a day. Thus, for a one-off one-day rental, the cost is €14. The monthly or seasonal payments seems to count as Donkey Republic membership in other towns; whether the reverse is true is unclear as of July 2022 (just try!). * {{listing | name=Donkey Republic customer service | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 4885-8185 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00 Sa–Su 10:00–21:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-12 | content=Customer service for the Fölläri bikes. }} Other options include: * {{listing | name=10Bikes | alt= | url=https://10bikes.fi | email=info@10bikes.fi | address=Yliopistinkatu 8 | lat= | long= | directions=in the yard at Yliopistonkatu; pop-up station by the traffic lights in front of the cathedral | phone=+358 400-176-100 | tollfree= | hours=Shop 10:00–18:00 | price=€5+€5/hr | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Local business. Electricity assisted bikes for rent. Short rentals from the pop-up station with the Movelo smartphone app, longer rentals from the shop. City bikes and bikes for gravel. }} * {{listing | name=Polkupyörävuokraamo | alt= | url=http://www.polkupyoravuokraamo.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the harbour | phone=+358 440-224-161 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€14/day, €63/week | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Bike rental. Also tandems and trailers. }} Those who have a '''library card''' might be able to borrow bikes from the [[#Learn|main library]] in summer (until 30 September), for free. Return the bike before the library closes in the evening. ====Bicycle service==== There are several bike shops offering service for bikers. Here some of them: * {{buy | name=Bikestation | url=http://www.bikestation.fi/info/en/about_us/visit_us/ | email= | address=Kirkonmäentie 3, [[Sauvo]] | lat=60.34245 | long=22.69601 | directions=35 km from Turku | phone=+358 44-324-4010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The only bicycle service and shop specialized in Rohloff bicycles and gears in Turku region. Also mobile power supply (powered by hub dynamo) and hand made wheels for bike travellers. }} * {{buy | name=Visan polkupyörähuolto | url=http://www.visainen.com/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 8 | lat=60.454 | long=22.273 | directions=in the corner of Aninkaistenkatu and Yliopistonkatu | phone=+358 2 231-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Competent bicycle shop hidden in a back yard. Does not sell only mainstream stuff. }} * {{buy | name=Raispo | alt= | url=http://www.raispo.fi | email=info@raispo.fi | address=Itäinen Pitkäkatu 38-40 | lat=60.444481 | long=22.277783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-557-7158 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-04-13 | content=Bike shop with bike service. }} ===By electric kick scooter=== Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier] and Norwegian [https://www.ryde-technology.com Ryde] have electric kick scooters for rent, to use in the centre. Dott seems to be coming. See [[Finland#By motorised scooter|Finland &sect; By motorised scooter]]. ===By bus === <!-- [[File:Åbo salutorg 2010, Blommor och grönsaker.jpg|thumb|Streets around Kauppatori normally form the hub for the local and some regional bus lines – not 2018–2020.]] --> [[File:Föli bus -1 in front of Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku city bus, line 1, by the castle]] [[File:Passenger ferry on Aurajoki.jpg|thumb|Water bus (passenger ferry) on the river]] Tickets are harmonized with some of the surrounding municipalities: Raisio, [[Naantali]], [[Kaarina]], [[Turku countryside|Rusko]] and [[Turku countryside|Lieto]], as the "'''Föli'''" cooperation. Tickets are handled as if all buses serving the area were local, except for lines 117, 118, 119 and 802. * {{listing | name=Monitori | alt= | url= | email=joukkoliikenne@turku.fi | address=Aurakatu | lat= | long= | directions=in KOP-kolmio by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 262-4811 (M–F 08:00–15:00 Sa 09:00–14:00) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 09:00–14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-05 | content=Bus customer service now across the street from the old office, combined with municipal services. Address, hours etc. need updating. }} Information about local buses can be found at the [http://www.foli.fi/en Föli] pages. There are several map views (e.g. one showing the current locations of buses) and tailored timetable views (such as for a specific stop) and a '''route planner'''. The planner works well in most situations, but some sanity checks are needed: the planner can guess at destinations with "similar" spelling, it thinks "Bus station, Turku" means the one in the port, and it may behave oddly when no suitable bus is found for whatever reason. You can also use the [http://nysse.mobi Nysse] mobile app for journey planning. Most buses go through the centre, with the area around '''Kauppatori''' serving as hub – but distance between some stops is long, as the roads around Kauppatori are closed during construction works (2018–2022). Now most "hub" stops have been moved one block down toward the river, to '''Linnankatu''' or its surroundings, some to '''Puutori''' square two blocks toward the bus station. Most regional buses now start from the bus station and most lines use the Aurasilta bridge instead of the Tuomiokirkko bridge. There are also other fundamental changes in the routes in the centre. Buses will return to stops by the square on 26 September 2022. There are few 'circle lines', so usually if you need to transfer, you will need to take one bus to the centre, then transfer there to the bus taking you to your final destination. As buses generally go in two directions from the centre, make sure that you are taking the correct numbered bus in the correct direction as well. Transfer by the cathedral, Puutori or some other suitable stop may be more convenient than using the central stops, as these are spread out during the works at Kauppatori. The Föli route planner does suggest such alternative transfer points. Destinations are mentioned in Finnish on some stops and alternating between languages on most buses, but you should still note the numbers of the lines you intend to use. If going towards Kauppatori it is mostly enough to know on what side of the street to stand. Buses passing the municipality border mostly have 3-digit numbers (notable exceptions lines 6 and 7). Buses not reaching Turku (often minibuses with sparse schedules) have their number prefixed with a letter, such as L for Lieto – but "P" means Turku lines meant primary for seniors. There are some quirks, e.g. some '''regional buses''' use stops for city buses, others those for coaches. Regional buses with destinations outside the Föli area are usually part of the cooperation inside it, but for trips out of the area you cannot use Föli tickets at all (notably 7xx, 8xx and 9xx via Kaarina, and some 4xx buses through Lieto). A few such buses (117, 118, 119 and 802) don't take Föli tickets at all. Only some regional buses are shown on electronic displays and timetables at bus stops. Single '''tickets''' are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of the ticket's purchase. They can be bought with debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard) that have contactless (EMV) payment enabled, with the [https://www.foli.fi/en/mobile-ticket Föli app] or in advance for €3, children 7–14: €1.50. Bought from the driver they cost €4/2. In the night (23:00–04:00) tickets cost €1 more. Notes of more than €20 are not always accepted. Persons in wheelchair and the person assisting travel for free, as does a person with an infant or toddler in a baby carriage (use the middle door, the driver will help with the wheelchair ramp; there is usually sufficient space). Children under 7 years old need a ticket only when travelling alone. If you intend to take the bus more than twice a day (read: in more than two 2-hr periods), it becomes economical to ask the bus driver for a 24-hour ticket, priced €7.50. The electronic payments should do this automatically and subtract already paid single tickets from the price, given that you use the same device all the time. They also keep count of the 2 hr transfer period. The office at Kauppatori, R kiosks and other service points sell cards for one day and more, costing €8 for the first day, €3 for each additional day up to a week, €25 for ten days, with €1.50 for additional days. The equivalent can also be bought in the app. Those staying more than a few days or travelling as a group may want to check other options also, e.g. "value cards", with which trips (including transfers) cost €2.20/1.20, plus €1 in the night. For groups, ask for a group card (ordinary children's cards are personal, adults' cards valid for three persons). Show the card to the machine once for each person the first time, once for all the group at "transfers". Value (and days) can be added on the Internet, in the Föli bureau, in R kiosks and at some other locations. Once upon the time modifier letters (as in 12A and 12B) got removed and numbers changed (in this case to 32 and 42). The lines are ordered according to these associations: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 30, 4, ... Often the '''associated lines''' behave the same most of the route, but have different destinations in one end. In a few cases the destination varies without any change in line number (e.g. 13 going to Impivaara, "uimahalli", half of the time), usually with a sign in the front window of the bus. The corresponding notes in the timetable are often incomprehensible without some understanding of the individual lines, but usually you know when you need to understand them and can ignore them otherwise. The worst trap is some extra rush hour buses on long lines stopping prematurely: check that you get the one going all the way to your stop. '''Timetable''' booklets give starting times at the ends of the route and at Kauppatori, and an estimated duration of the trip to or from Kauppatori. Some lines are (only or additionally) listed in groups, with information for common (possibly intermediate) destinations. Sometimes a line being in the booklet twice is not evident, check carefully if relevant. The timetables at major stops instead give the estimated passing time of the bus (and line number, as lines are grouped together). A timetable booklet can be bought from the bus office at Kauppatori (€1). A map is for sale separately (€2; not including the neighbouring towns, nor the extreme points of Turku). School buses, night lines, rush hour lines and lines serving the elderly, and the quirks of these, are partly handled in their own maps, chapters and booklets, although tickets are valid as usual. Some interesting or useful lines include: * '''1 Seaport – Centre – Airport''' The line to use to and from the airport and seaport. Departs from the airport and seaport every 20 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, twice an hour on Sundays, more often to/from the harbour at ferry arrival/departure times. Much cheaper than taking a cab. Passes the bus station in the centre of Turku between Kauppatori and the airport (except the extra harbour services, which turn at Kauppatori). * '''8 Centre – Railway station – Ruissalo''' The bus route through the large Ruissalo island, a popular summer destination with beaches, villas, a botanic garden and a nature reserve. * '''14, 15 Saramäki – Oriketo – Centre – Erikvalla / Kakskerta''' Bus lines which go to islands of Satava (14) and Kakskerta (15), which have beautiful countryside and archipelago nature to enjoy. 40-min ride from Kauppatori (one way). * '''21, 23 Centre – Paattinen – Tortinmäki''' Long countryside route which you can ride at no more cost than the ordinary city bus ticket. Tortinmäki is a 6-km walk (or bike ride) from [[Kurjenrahka National Park]], in season some of the services extend to the park. * '''99 Ilpoinen / Uittamo – Skanssi – Länsikeskus – Perno / Pansio''' A long suburb sightseeing line bypassing the centre; a one-way ride takes over an hour. * '''[https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus 180 water bus] Martinsilta – Pikisaari and Ruissalo''' A water bus using Föli tickets, bikes free; late May through August, some September weekends). See [[#By ferry 2|By ferry below]]. ===By taxi === [[File:Aurakatu Turku 3 kesä 2011.jpg|thumb|Aura street in central Turku.]] Taxis are abundant and easily available throughout the city. There are three crunch times when getting a taxi might be problematic: the morning and evening ferry departure times (particularly in summer), around 08:00 and 21:00, and the bar closing times (particularly on weekends) around 04:00. Before the deregulation quick 1–3 km trips would cost in the €8–15 vicinity, and you should not have to pay much more now. Most companies add a fee per kilometre and a fee per minute, more or less doubling the nominal price. Taxis generally accept major international credit cards. At the railway station and similar places there may also be a "Kimppataxi" offering rides together with strangers (cf ''minivans'' in some countries), which in some cases is considerably cheaper. Most taxis use the Taxidata call centre. There are several other companies, including Taksi Länsi-Suomi (serving most of Finland Proper), the Helsinki based companies (at least Menevä and Kajon) and some small ones, but their cars are mainly found at certain taxi ranks. If using their call centres it might be wise to check that there is a taxi available nearby before committing. Pre-booking is free for some of these competitors. Like elsewhere in Finland, the taxis belong to smaller companies with just an agreement with the call centre. * {{listing|type=go | name=Taxidata | alt= | url=http://taxidata.fi/hinnasto/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 100-41 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€1.67/call+pvm/mpm (app free); flag-fall M–F 06:00–18:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €3,90, other times €6.90; €1.10/km + €0.90/min for 1–4 passengers or €1.59/km + €0.90/min for 5–8 passengers. Example: 4 persons 5 km in the evening, 30 km/h, called by phone: €1.67+6.90+5.50+9+mpm = €23.07+mpm | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2017-06-30 | content=Also bookable by app. Calling centre used by most taxis. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Menevä Turku | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/varsinais-suomi/turku | email=leif@meneva.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Taksi Länsi-Suomi | alt= | url=https://www.taksilansisuomi.fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-003-000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Flag fall M–F 06:00–20:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €4.90, other times €8.90; 1–4 persons €1.49/km + €0,99/min, 5–8 persons €1.89/km + €0,99/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-19 | content=Serves most of Finland Proper. Call centre in cooperation with Taksi Helsinki. Available also through the Valopilkku app. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/turku/tariff | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6.00+€1.10/km+€0.40/min (Starting fare includes 5 min and 2 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-12-17 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Uber, Taksinappi ===By ferry === [[Image:Turku Ferry across river Aura.jpg|thumb|Föri crossing Aura river in front of the guest harbour.]] * {{go|url=|name=Föri|lat=60.4411 | long=22.2479 |wikipedia=Föri |wikidata=Q1480060 |image=Turku, Finland - panoramio (27).jpg |hours=06:15–21:00 daily, in summer 06:15–23:00, replaced by boardwalk in cold winters |price=Free |content=This city ferry shuttles people and their bikes (no cars allowed) across the Aura River since a century, first taking passengers in 1904. Beloved by Turku citizens, the little orange ferry covers a grand distance of 78 metres and takes about a minute and a half. A running local gag is to ask visitors if they have taken the trip from Turku across to Åbo on the Föri yet; actually, both sides of the river are called the same, Åbo is just the Swedish name. Incidentally, the name comes from the Swedish ''färja'' and is related to the English word "ferry". }} * {{go |url=https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus|name=Föli water buses |price=€3/1.5 (ordinary Föli ticket), bikes free |hours=2022: daily 23 May–28 Aug, Sa–Su until 17 September. Every 45 min, round trip 1.5 hr. First departure 10:15, last return back by Martinsilta 19:55, an additional evening tour to and from Telakka in June–July |content=m/s ''Ruissalo'' and m/s ''Jaarli'' go from just downstream from Martinsilta (eastern, left bank) to the Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo, via Forum Marinum and either Pikisaari on Hirvensalo or the Telakka marina. Tip: Take a bicycle with you without extra fee if the ferry is not too crowded. }} * {{go |url=http://jakkejokilautta.fi/|name=Jakke Jokilautta| image=Jakke Jokilautta.jpg |lat=60.4483 | long=22.2683 |price=€5/2 (children 3–14), family (2+2) €12 |content=''River ferry Jakke'' is a café ferry going up and down the river all the way from the castle to the cathedral. Along the way you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of the city. Some of the cruises are also guided. There are five stops along the river for the ferry: Tintå restaurant, Pharmacy museum, Esposito, Turku guest harbour and Crichton street. The ferry always stops at the Pharmacy museum and Crichton street, and if there are people waiting for the ferry, also on the other stops. }} ====Archipelago cruises==== [[File:SS Ukkopekka Kultaranta 2004.jpg|thumb|Ukkopekka on its way from Naantali to Turku.]] There are a number of cruises in and tour boat connections to the archipelago, e.g. to the island [[Rymättylä#Recreation islands|Vepsä]], a recreational area of the city (1–2 hours), to [[Nagu]] parish village or [[Själö]] (2 hr across Airisto, back in the evening), to [[Utö]] in the very outskirts of the Archipelago Sea (5 hr; twice a week, overnight stay at the island necessary due to the distance) or to [[Naantali]] with the Moomin world, Kultaranta (the summer residence of the President of Finland) and a nice wooden old town. Most ferries taking passengers to the archipelago can be found between Martinsilta bridge and Föri. Some of the tours are available only in summertime, others continue as long as ice conditions permit. On your way out from the city you can see the old ships by Forum Marinum, Turku castle, the harbour and Pikisaari and Ruissalo with their old charming villas, before you reach the open Airisto. * {{listing|type=go|url=http://www.ukkopekka.fi/en |name=s/s Ukkopekka | wikipedia=SS Ukkopekka |image=SS Ukkopekkaa.jpg |wikidata=Q4412741 | directions=just downstream of the Martinsilta bridge |lat=60.44416 | long=22.25336 |phone= |price=Naantali: €24 single, €29 return, family €66/80, lunch €14; Loistokari: €48–55; children 3–12/3–14 half price |content=Family-owned steamship. Archipelago cruises from Turku to Naantali (day cruises; 1 hr 45 min each way, immediate return or 2 hr in Naantali) and to the island of Loistokari (evening cruises, dance at the Loistokari pier, buffet meal included) in the summer season. }} * {{listing|type=go| |name=m/s Rudolfina |url=http://www.rudolfina.fi | email=rudolfina@rudolfina.fi |lat=60.4433 | long=22.2515 |phone=+358 2 250-2995, +358 40-846-3000 |price=€30–40, including a meal |wikidata=Q52333105 |image=Rudolfina Aurajoella 2.JPG |content=Lunch and diner cruises. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Rosita |alt= |url=http://www.rosita.fi/reittiliikenne.php | email=info@rosita.fi | image=Lily Turku.JPG |lat=60.44401 | long=22.25297 | phone=+358 2 213-1500 | price=Return €20/9, single €12/6, family €47, pets €4; children 0–11; reduction €2/ticket on internet | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=With '''m/s ''Lily''''' you can depart for a two-hour cruise in the Airisto or spend the entire summer's day (or a few) on the Vepsä island. The voyage is an hour each way. There is a café on board. The main deck consist of a bright 100-person lounge, with a 40-seater cabinet downstairs and a large deck and sun terrace upstairs. Also plain cruises. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=m/s Norrskär | alt= | url=http://www.vitharun.fi/en/timetables/turku-seili-nagu | email=info@vitharun.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 37 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-684 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=2021: 8 May–19 September Sa–Su, 12 Jun–29 Aug daily; 09:30 or 10:00 from Turku, 11:15 at Själö, 12:15 in Kyrkbacken, start from Kyrkbacken 16:00 or 16:15, back 18:15 or 18:30 | price=Själö or Kyrkbacken single €25/15, return €37/23; bike €6, return €10; children 3–15 years | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=Connects Turku with Själö and Kyrkbacken. Times with guided tours on Själö. Kiosk on board. Lunch possible in Själö or Kyrkbacken. }} ===By car === Parking lots by the street are sparse at rush hours, but otherwise you should be able to park your car for a while quite near the place where you are going. Short time parking often free, otherwise expect to pay €1–2/hr in the centre, less in the outskirts, where even free lots can be found. Parking halls, such as the underground {{marker|type=go|url=http://www.p-louhi.fi|name=P Louhi|lat=60.45490 | long=22.26060}} (stairs/lift to Kauppatori and the pedestrian street) usually have plenty of free space. [https://www.q-park.fi/en-gb/ Q-Park] also operates several parking halls in central Turku. Most of the largest hotels have their own parking halls. When parking in the street in winter and spring, note times reserved for maintenance. The roads around Kauppatori are now (2018–2022) mostly closed for through traffic. ==See== The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. Two sights in the city are considered above others (by Finnish visitors): the medieval castle, which is the symbol of Turku, and Turku cathedral, the national shrine of Finland, but there are several more modest pearls to find. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova invites visitors to explore the medieval history and culture of Turku and to reflect upon thought-provoking contemporary art. ''Luostarinmäki'' is the only larger part of the city that survived the great fire of Turku in 1827. Nowadays it houses an open air living handicrafts museum, with local artisans working in traditional ways. The ''biological museum'' has dioramas showing Finnish fauna of different biotops. The ''museum of art'' has a collection from the time of national awakening in the 19th century, besides more modern works. The '''Museokortti''' card gives free entrance to most museums. ===History and museums=== [[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova 3.jpg|thumb|Entrance of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.]] * {{see | name=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova | url=http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/en | email=info@aboavetusarsnova.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 | lat=60.449844 | long=22.273457 | directions= | phone=+358 20-718-640 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00–19:00 | price=€10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free | wikidata=Q3022430 | content=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also houses [http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/fi/vierailulle-museoon/ravintola-kahvila M Kitchen and Café], the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the [http://linnateatteri.fi/www/ Linnateatteri] theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Botanical Garden | alt= | url=http://www.utu.fi/fi/yksikot/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/Sivut/home.aspx | email=puutarharuissalo@utu.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 215 | lat=60.43330 | long=22.17334 | directions= | phone=+358 2 276-1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Indoor gardens M–Su 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens M–Su 08:00–20:00 | price=Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free | content=The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises. }} * {{see | name= Biological Museum | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/biologicalmuseum | email=museokeskus@turku.fi | address=Neitsytpolku 1 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.2645 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0340 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 09:00–17:00, Mondays closed | price=adults €5, children €3, children under 7 years free, family €13 | wikidata=Q4086898 | content=The Turku Biological Museum is a diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. The Biological Museum has altogether 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species on display. The Biological Museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. The Museum was established in 1907 and most of the Dioramas date back all the way to that period. There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum. Right next to the Museums is the wonderfully green Sports Park of Turku (''Urheilupuisto''). }}<!-- -->[[File:Brinkhallin kartano.jpg|thumb|Brinkhall Manor]] * {{see | name=Brinkhall Manor | alt= | url=https://www.brinkhall.fi/ | email=brinkhall@kulttuuriperinto.fi | address=Brinkhallintie 414 | lat=60.3700 | long=22.2408 | directions= | phone=+358 440-940-048 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 Jun-17 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called ''Hovimäki'', which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming, the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival ''[http://www.brinkhallsoi.fi Brinkhall Soi]''. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ett Hem 03.JPG|thumb|''Ett Hem'' -Museum]] * {{see | name=Ett Hem | alt="A home" | url=http://etthem.fi/?lang=en | email=etthem@abo.fi | address=Piispankatu 14 | lat=60.45386 | long=22.27879 | directions=Just a short walk away from the Cathedral upstream, opposite the Sibelius Museum. | phone=+358 20-786-1470 | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q4165181 | hours=<!--May–Septembe Tu–Su 12:00–15:00, Tu F 11:00–16:00; open also 1 Dec–7 Jan; also by request--> | price=Adults €5, children €4 | content=In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish university of Turku, ''Åbo Akademi'', as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neo-renaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art, the period around 1900, are represented. A virtual version available at [https://digimuseo.fi Digimuseo], the real one closed during demolition and construction by the museum (2022–2023?). }}<!-- -->[[File:Turku - Forum Marinum - Suomen Joutsen 02.jpg|thumb|Sail ship ''Suomen Joutsen'' is one of the main attractions in Forum Marinum.]] * {{see | name=Forum Marinum | alt= | url=http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en | email= | address=Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4366 | long=22.2349 | directions=Just after the guest harbor when going downstream towards Turku Castle, you can't miss it, bus line 1 | phone=+358 2 267-9511 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 267-9515 | hours=wintertime: Daily 11:00–19:00 | price=€9/5/– for the museum; €6/4 ships | wikidata=Q3917218 | content=The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a national special maritime museum, and the Finnish Navy Museum. There are temporary exhibitions and a very interesting [http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en/exhibitions/museum-ships/ boat and ship collection]: two tall sail ships, ''Suomen Joutsen (Swan of Finland)'' and ''Sigyn'', four naval ships and several smaller vessels, ranging from a steam harbour tugboat to a police boat. The museum ships are open during the summer months only, while the exhibitions are open throughout the year. The museum also houses a Café Restaurant called Daphne, which serves café delicacies and a tasty, varied buffet lunch. The Museum Shop offers maritime gifts and other articles, literature and high-quality textiles. }} * {{see | name=Healthcare Museum | alt= | url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en/turku-healthcare-museum_ | email= | address=Kunnallissairaalantie 20 | lat=60.4413 | long=22.2753 | directions= | phone=+358 2 266-2421 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every last Mon of the month 16:00–18:00 and by appointment | price=€4, children under 16 years free | content=At the Turku Health Care Museum you get an insight into the history of healthcare. How were people treated for such things as tuberculosis or polio? What instruments would you find in the operating room? At the Turku Health Care Museum you can see the evil of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis, view medical and autopsy equipment, electro-shock devices, as well as the operating room and the instruments used. The museum also displays artefacts from maternity and childcare clinics as well as items from medical schools from years ago. See an example of a baby carriage box that the midwives and nurses used to carry the new born babies of mothers with tuberculosis to the ''Joulumerkkikoti'' nursery to keep them safe from infection. Another attraction is an entire collection of uniforms for hospital personnel. Many of the styles were abandoned because of the conflict concerning the money spent on uniforms. Of pride of place in the middle of the museum is the ''Heideken'' exhibition showing christening gown, baptismal font, Bible, and the maternity hospital with its equipment. }}<!-- -->[[File:Kuralan kylämäki.jpg|thumb|Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History]] * {{see | name=Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History | alt=Kuralan Kylämäki | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/kylamakivillage | email=infopiste.kurala@turku.fi | address=Jaanintie 45 | lat=60.4622 | long=22.3365 | directions=Bus lines 2 and 2A | phone=+358 2 262-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=summertime Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, also open around Christmas | price=Free | wikidata=Q11873640 | content=Kylämäki in Kurala is a village of living history, where visitors can travel back in time to a typical farm of south-west Finland in the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. It is made up of four farms with buildings standing at their original sites. The Kylämäki Village is ideal for families with children, since touching and experiencing is allowed – and there are corners with period toys and playing equipment. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. In the summer months, you can see women at their domestic chores in the Iso-Kohmo House, making juices and jams, or dairy treats traditionally prepared around Midsummer. Visitors get to participate in some of the farm's tasks, such as hay making and handicraft: 1950s-style items out of clay, paper, yarn or fabric, tablet weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making leather belts and pouches. The themes vary, check in advance to time right. There is also an '''experimental archaeology workshop'''. In addition to research, it lets children explore prehistoric working methods and test their hunting skills using ancient weaponry. There is cooperation with revival associations. The workshop is open all year round. }}<!-- -->[[File:Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki (Cloister Hill) Handicrafts Museum in Turku.jpeg|thumb|Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki outdoor museum.]] * {{see | name=Luostarinmäki | alt=Cloister Hill | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/handicraftsmuseum | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44702 | long=22.27673 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7/4/4, family €18 | wikidata=Q1979979 | content=In 1827 a fire destroyed almost all of Turku. The Luostarinmäki area (then a quite poor area in the outskirts of the town) was the only larger part of the city that was saved. Now the area is preserved and it houses the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (''Käsityöläismuseo''), an outdoor museum with charming late 18th century wooden house quarters. All the buildings are in their original places, which is extremely rare in an outdoor museum. Over thirty workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the City's handicrafts history and old dwellings. During the summer season, the museum's workshops have craftsmen working there every day. The museum's shops, postal office and cafeteria serve customers round the year. The highlight of the year are the Handicrafts Days in August. During the days, masters of different professions, i.e. Golden Apple Guild masters and apprentices get together and their products are sold in the museum's shops. }}<!-- -->[[File:Julfred utlyses Gamla Stortorget 2009.jpg|thumb|View from the Old Great Square during the declaration of Christmas Peace.]] * {{see | name=Old Great Square | alt=Vanha Suurtori | url= | email=kulttuuri.tilat@turku.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 7 | lat=60.45076 | long=22.27582 | directions=across the parks by Turku Cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0961 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Old Great Square area is part of the old Turku city centre. Today, this exceptionally handsome milieu serves as the perfect setting for such events as the annual declaration of Christmas peace and the Medieval Market. The Old Great Square was a major traffic hub, marketplace and administrative centre from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Today, the square has four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, Old City Hall, Hjelt Mansion and Juselius Mansion. The old buildings have been fully restored for use as cultural venues. The Old Great Square comes to life with a wide variety of events. At Christmastime, the square is transformed into a Christmas Market, and in the summer it is time for the Medieval Market. Old Great Square and its vicinities are home to several important neoclassical buildings including the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Academy Building|lat=60.45176 | long=22.27965}} and the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Town Hall|lat=60.45051 | long=22.27613}} }}<!-- -->[[File:Turun apteekkimuseo.jpg|thumb|The Qwensel House, with the Pharmacy Museum.]] * {{see | name=The Qwensel House and Pharmacy Museum | alt=Apteekkimuseo | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/pharmacymuseum | email=apteekkimuseo@turku.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 | lat=60.4486 | long=22.26769 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0280 | tollfree= | hours=2 May–31 Aug and 25 Nov–6 Jan, Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Adults €4.50, children 7–15 €3, 4–6 €0.50, 0–3 free, Family admission (2+2?) €9.50 | wikidata=Q4356801 | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times that has survived in its entirety in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility in the city plan put up by Count Per Brahe the Younger. A pharmacy from the 19th century has been furnished in the shop wing of the building. The pharmacy has a material room and a herb room, two laboratories and an office. The office has the oldest surviving pharmacy interior in Finland. The exhibition wing of the building has an extensive collection of pharmacy utensils on display. There is also a pharmaceutical research laboratory and pharmacy history exhibition in the wing. In addition to the main exhibitions, there are also varying smaller exhibitions and events held at the museum every year. The former stable, outhouse and barn are at the northern end of the baker wing of the building. The Pipping family used to have an orchard by the Linnankatu Street. The cafeteria, in the Pharmacy Museum's inner courtyard, is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters in the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their teas are worth checking. The two chambers, are in the wing that was housed by the building's owners in the 18th century. The chambers have been furnished in 18th-century fashion. The same wing used to have a kitchen, a chamber, maid's chamber, a shed, a carriage shed and an granary according to fire insurance documents from 1791. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Scout Museum of Finland | alt= | url=http://partiomuseo.fi/en/ | email=partiomuseo@partio.fi | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13 | lat=60.4560 | long=22.2633 | directions= | phone=+358 2 237-7692 | tollfree= | hours=1 September–31 May Sa 12:00–15:00 or by agreement (additional €8) | price=€2/1 | content=Finland's Scout Museum is a national special museum that is maintained by the Finnish Scouting Museum Association. It displays uniforms, insignia, flags and literature related to the scout movement in Finland. }} * {{see | name=Turku Castle | alt=Turun linna | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle | email=turunlinna@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 80 | lat=60.4353 | long=22.2287 | directions=near the harbour, bus 1 | phone=+358 2 262-0300 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00; closed M in Sep–May low season | price=€14, students etc. €7, children (7–15) €5, family (2 adults, up to 4 children) €29–33, students of the field and museum staff (ICOM) free; public guided tour €3, private tours €70–300 | image=Castle of Turku, old side.jpg | wikidata=Q136893 | lastedit=2022-03-12 | content=Turku castle is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. The castle, which at times housed Swedish royalty, is the largest castle in Finland, and dates back to end of the 13th century. In addition to telling about the castle and its history, the castle functions as the general historic museum of the region. There are two loops, one around the old (Medieval and 16th century) part, one around the new part. Some of the rooms have been renovated to the style of different periods in the castle's history, although with scarce furniture, some are pure exhibitions. A room redesigned as church in the 19th century still functions as such. Tours of the castle are given hourly in English during high season (check!) and they give a good account of its history. There are also a children's workshop and children's tours. Private tours can be arranged even in off hours, book well in advance. There are many steep and narrow staircases in the old part and there are few shortcuts, check if that might be an issue. }} ===Art=== [[File:Turku Art Museum in 2011.jpg|thumb|Turku Art Museum]] * {{see | name=Turku Art Museum | alt=Turun taidemuseo | url=http://www.turuntaidemuseo.fi/en/ | email=info@turuntaidemuseo.fi | address=Aurakatu 26 | lat=60.45410 | long=22.26188 | directions=dominates the Puolala hill, between Kauppatori and the railway station | phone=+358 2 262-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Sa Su 11:00–17:00 | price=€10/6, children under 16 for free | wikidata=Q4502138 | content=The Art Museum's Art Nouveau building was opened to the public in the spring of 1904. Since the beginning, the museum has presented important works by Finnish and international artist, focusing on Nordic art in particular. Well represented are works from the era known as the Golden Age of Finnish art, around 1900. There are national treasures including self-portraits, landscapes, Finnish surrealism as well as pop art. The museum's national romantic granite façade rises at the end of Aurakatu. Tours are available in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. }}[[File:Wäinö Aaltosen museo.jpg|thumb|Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art]] * {{see | name=Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art | alt=WAM | url=http://www.wam.fi/en | email=wam@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 38 | lat=60.44498 | long=22.26018 | directions=15-min walk from Market Sq, or bus 14 or 15 | phone=+358 2 262-0850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, except Th 10:00-19:00 | price=€10/4/2/– | wikidata=Q3019261 | content=Named in honour of the artist and sculptor ''Wäinö Aaltonen'' (1896–1966), born in Turku, the museum offerings include changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The museum is on the east bank of the Aura River close to the Myllysilta bridge. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses [http://www.cafewaino.fi Café Wäinö] which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls. }} * {{see | name=Sibelius Museum | alt= | url=http://www.sibeliusmuseum.abo.fi/ | email= | address=Piispankatu 17 | lat=60.45370 | long=22.27748 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, W also 18:00–20:00 | price=€5/3, guiding included, children under 18 free; concerts €12/10 | wikidata=Q4306382 | content= 150 m from the Turku cathedral is a low modern concrete building that houses the most significant museum of music in Finland and is named after the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. The museum building, itself considered as a pearl of modernist architecture, exhibits the life and music of the master composer as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments from all around the globe. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events. On Wednesday evenings the Chamber Music Hall hosts concerts during the spring and autumn season. }} * '''Art galleries'''. Turku is home to a number of smaller art galleries scattered around the city. The Turku Artists’ Association maintains a [http://www.turkuart.fi/english.html list of the galleries]. ===Churches=== Most of the churches are quite frequently used for concerts. In the summer of 2020 [https://www.turunseurakunnat.fi/tule-mukaan/kirkkojen-aukiolo-koronatilanteen-aikana only some churches are open]. The cathedral is open daily 09:00–18:00 (mind services). * {{see | name=Turku Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-341-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00–18:00; note services and other events; main services Su 10:00 in Finnish, 12:00 in Swedish, 14:30 in German and 16:00 in English | price=Free. Museum upstairs is €2/1/1 | wikipedia=Turku Cathedral |wikidata=Q1187606 | lastedit= | content=Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, St Henry, Turku Cathedral, on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. It was consecrated in 1300 and is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument as well as the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland. It is familiar, even dear to practically every Finn. Its bells chime at noon over the radio throughout Finland, and they also proclaim the Christmas peace to the country. Every part of the cathedral reflects the details of Finland and Turku's history; resting under the protection of the arches are bishops, captains of war, and one queen, Catherine Månsdotter of Sweden. The south gallery of the cathedral houses a museum, which takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. Displayed in the museum, among other things, are sculptures of saints, and church silverware from the Catholic era. Tours run 09:00–19:00 mid-September to mid-April and 09:00-20:00 mid-April to mid-September. }}[[File:St Michael's Church, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|St Michael's Church.]] * {{see | name=St Michael's Church |alt=Mikaelinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Puistokatu 16 | lat=60.44871 | long=22.24801 | directions=10 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7110 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 261-7112 | hours=Jun–Aug: M-F 11:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–13:00, Su 11:00–13:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St Michael's Church, Turku |wikidata=Q2981811 | lastedit= | content=The western skyline of the city of Turku is dominated by Michael's Church which was consecrated in 1905. It was designed by Professor Lars Sonck. When he won the competition for the church in 1894, Sonck was only a 23-year old architectural student. Michael's church is a distinguished example of the neogothic style in architecture. It is a long church with three aisles, galleries and a multifaceted choir. In addition to the main entrance there are also doors at each corner of the church. The sacristy is behind the choir. The main spire rises to a height of 77 meters from the foundations. Many locals favour it as a wedding Church. }} * {{see | name=Martin's Church | alt=Martinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Huovinkatu | lat=60.44079 | long=22.25434 | directions=By foot 15 min from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Martin's Church | wikidata=Q2336184 | lastedit= | content=Martin's parish was founded in 1921 after which the parish council decided to build a church of its own. The church was consecrated on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, on 12 Nov 1933. The designers of the church were the architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos. The church represents architechtual [[Functionalist architecture in Finland|functionalism]]. Martin's church is a long church with three aisles with very narrow side aisles. The church has a functional and singular practicality of its own. The barrel-vaulting of the roof is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The whole altar wall is covered with an "al secco" painting of the Saviour nailed to the cross at Golgatha. This massive work is 15 m high and 9.5 m in breadth. At the time of painting this was the largest painting of its type in the whole of Scandinavia. }} * {{see | name=Orthodox Church | alt=Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra | url=http://www.ort.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45228 | long=22.26598 | directions=on the north side of Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-5443 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10-15 | price= | wikipedia=Turku Orthodox Church | wikidata=Q2601450 | content=Main church of the Turku orthodox parish, affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The church was built by the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was ordered by Czar Nicholas I of Russia on 5 January 1838. Construction, which began in 1839, cost 67,886&nbsp;rubles and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on 2 September 1845. The church was dedicated to Alexandra, the spouse of Diocletian who had publicly became Christian and thus suffered a martyr’s death on 23 April 303. Most of the icons of the iconostasis have been made in [[Valaam|Valaam Monastery]]. There is also another Orthodox church in Turku, a small wooden one by the Russian consulate, under the Moscow Patriarchate. }} * {{see | name=Turku synagogue | alt= | url=http://www.jcturku.fi | email= | address=Brahenkatu 17 | lat=60.455746 | long=22.266539 | directions= | phone=+358 400-526-009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Synagogue | image=Turku Jewish Synagogue.jpg | wikidata=Q2601015 | lastedit= | content=One of two synagogues in Finland. Built 1912. }} * {{see | name=St Catherine's Church | alt=Pyhän Katariinan kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kirkkotie 46 | lat=60.46221 | long=22.29355 | directions= | phone=+358 2 261-7130 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by arrangement, and special events | price=Free | wikipedia= St. Catherine's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q838441 | lastedit= | content=St Catherine's Church represents old medieval church building tradition. Although it was completely destroyed and has undergone several renovations, it has preserved something of its original appearance and retains the basic plan of a medieval Finnish church. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=Maarian kirkko | url= | email= | address=Maunu Tavastinkatu 2 | lat=60.47341 | long=22.29327 | directions=Bus line 15 | phone=+358 40-341-7140 | tollfree= | hours=Jun–Aug: M–F 12:00-17:00. In wintertime open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St. Mary's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q7594443 | content=Probably built in the 1440s, partly later in the 15th century. According to folk tradition, St Mary's Church was built at a place where sacrifices had been performed in heathen times, in the village of Räntämäki. It had also been the site of the village burial ground and a place of assembly. The village of Räntämäki was renamed after the patron saint of the Church, St Mary, and in the records it is sometimes referred to as the parish of Räntämäki, sometimes as St Mary's. The church took the name of St Mary from the nearby episcopal church of Koroinen, its original patron saint having been the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysios. More of the original decorations have survived than in most other Finnish Medieval churches. }}[[File:Ecumenical Art Chapel of St. Henry in.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of the Ecumenical Hirvensalo Art Chapel.]] * {{see | name=Kakskerta Church | alt=Kakskerran kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kakskerran kirkkotie 110 | lat=60.36998 | long=22.21967 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kakskerta Church |wikidata=Q6349661 | lastedit= | content=Kakskerta Church was built in 1765–1769, and dedicated in 1770. It was designed by Christian Schroder, and is oblong in shape. The altarpiece is from the 17th century, and the interior of the church was renovated in 1940 after the plan by Erik Bryggman. The belfry was designed by C. Bassi in 1824. }} * {{see | name=Ecumenical Art Chapel | alt=Taidekappeli | url=http://www.taidekappeli.fi/yhteystiedot.html | email=taide.kappeli@gmail.com | address=Seiskarinkatu 35 | lat=60.4073 | long=22.2521 | directions=bus 54 | phone=+358 2 265-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–15:00 (May–Aug 11:00–16:00), Th 11:00–18:30, Sa Su 12:00–15:00, except during private events | price=€3, guided tours €5 | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q296532 | lastedit= | content=Wooden chapel with art exhibitions. Built 2004–2005. }} ===Nature=== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Evening view at Ruissalo.]] * {{see | name=Ruissalo Island | alt= | url=https://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-island_en | email= | address= | lat=60.428 | long=22.151 | directions=5 km from Kauppatori. Travel past the harbour district and you cannot miss signs pointing towards Ruissalo. Bus line 8 in every 30 minutes. During summer also a ferry connection. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2097015 | lastedit= | content=The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, [http://www.ruissalospa.fi/english/index.html Ruissalo Spa hotel], Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, [https://www.honkapirtti.fi Honkapirtti] (pea soup daily 11–16, Su also fish soup – the Karelian house is worth a visit for lunch or a bun despite the short menu) and the [http://puutarha.utu.fi Botanical Gardens] have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at [http://www.camping.fi/template_ypage1.asp?sua=2&lang=3&s=142 Saaronniemi] on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, saunas, a small shop, indoor accommodation and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant, even the most demanding traveller is catered for. There is also a championship level golf course, [http://www.auragolf.fi/eng/aura-golf-in-english/ Aura Golf], founded in 1958 nearby. }} * {{marker|type=see|name=The riverside |lat=60.4554|long=22.2762}} upstream from Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge (right bank) or Åbo Akademi (left bank) make for a very [[Turku riverside walk|nice stroll or biking trip]]. Between Tuomiokirkkosilta and the railway bridge there is a walking path close to the water on the right, north-western bank (not for bikes), elsewhere the route is above the river in park like milieu, upstream (from Vähäjoki and Koroinen, and near Halinen) also in agricultural landscapes. A café in Koroinen on Sundays, sometimes with handicraft exhibitions or workshops, the Myllärintupa café with canoe rental by the Halinen rapids in summer (Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; also small scale exhibitions). Bikers could continue upstream to Vanhalinna in Lieto, a hillfort with splendid views ([http://www.vanhalinna.fi mansion] by the hill in use by Turku university; café, summer theatre and exhibitions in or by the mansion if you time right).[[File:Autumn Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|Pikisaari on Hirvensalo seen from Ruissalo.]] * {{marker|type=see|name=Hirvensalo|lat=60.4051 | long=22.2111}}, {{marker|type=see|name=Satava|lat=60.372 | long=22.169}} and {{marker|type=see|name=Kakskerta|lat=60.359 | long=22.233}} are three large islands in line right off the coastline of Turku. The parts facing the city are suburbs, with winding roads lined with often nice villas, while much of the islands are countryside with fields and natural forest. The bus lines 50–56 reach different parts of Hirvensalo, while 14 and 15 continue to Satava and Kakskerta, which once were an independent municipality. Pikisaari on Hirvensalo faces the shipping lane. Today, Hirvensalo is a haven for single-family homes and good, clean living. Some famous names from Hirvensalo are sculptor and academic, Wäinö Aaltonen and artist Jan-Erik Andersson, whose unique leaf-shaped house is near the Hirvensalo bridge. Hirvensalo also has a [http://www.hirvensalo.fi sports centre], where visitors can ski in the winter and ride [http://www.mccaction.com/turku/ downhill cars] in the summer. Ekvalla beach is on the Satava island (buses 14 and 15). This sandy beach is a good choice for families, sun seekers, and people with disabilities. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as this swimming area has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Swimming lifeguards are available during the school summer holiday period. On the last island of the three, Kakskerta (bus 15) you can enjoy lovely archipelago nature, the golf course at Harjattula or the site of the TV series Hovimäki at Brinkhall Manor. There is also a stone church from the 1760s. * {{see | name=Vepsä Island | alt= | url=http://www.vepsa.fi/english.php | email=vepsansaari@gmail.com | address= | lat=60.3742 | long=22.0766 | directions=One hour ferry trip from Turku, ferry leaves from river Aura. | phone=+358 50 411-4963 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open during the summer season only, from 1 June to 31 August | price=Return ticket for the ferry €16/6. Cabin €55–90/night, tent site €5/person. | wikidata=Q24345730 | content=Vepsä island is a beautiful island in the Turku archipelago. From the vantage point on the rugged rock, you can see glittering waters and awesome landscapes of ''Airisto''. On the way up, you can search for geocaches, if you want. Former hiding place of smugglers hides nowadays modern hobbies and hobby equipments. You can go for a walk, swim on a child safe beach, have a barbecue, take a sauna bath, play miniature golf, and enjoy other summery activities. People who like water sports can rent a boat or a canoe. One of the new activities is sumo wrestling in air filled suites. After an active day you can eat in the island's own café-restaurant. Ice-creams and snacks are for sale also in a kiosk. You can go to Vepsä for a one day trip, or stay for a longer time. Cosy summer cabins offer you warm surroundings to stay over night, and are very popular among visitors. There are three saunas to hire, one of them is reserved for enterprises. You can reserve the representation sauna and a barred hot tub beforehand. Three close-by islands – Mustaluoto, Vähä-Tervi and Pikku-Vepsä – are charming targets to visit and available for Vepsä visitors. }} === Itineraries === * [[Turku riverside walk]] ==Do== Turku is especially lively during the summer season, from the latter part of May to early September, as well as around the Advent and Christmas period in December. The banks of the river Aura are regarded Turku's summertime living room. The shores are the setting for many urban events and are also popular for picnic and relaxing. ===Theater, performing arts and cinema=== [[File:Åbo Svenska Teater.jpg|thumb|Turku Swedish Theatre 2018.]] For chamber music, check also the weekly concerts at the Wäinö Aaltonen and Sibelius museums. One-off performances can be harder to find, as information channels vary. * {{do | name=Turku City Theatre | alt=Turun kaupunginteatteri | url=http://teatteri.turku.fi/en | email=kaupunginteatteri@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 14 | lat=60.44604 | long=22.26386 | directions=by the Theatre Bridge | phone=+358 2 262-0030 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-0065 | hours= | price=€30–50/15–40 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | wikidata=Q3739478 | content=The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions. }} * {{do | name=Logomo | alt= | url=https://logomo.fi/ | email=info@logomo.fi | address=Köydenpunojankatu 14 | lat=60.4569 | long=22.2576 | directions=behind the train station | phone=+358 29-1234-800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is next to the Turku city centre and the Central Railway Station. It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop. }} * {{do | name=Turku Philharmonic Orchestra | alt=Turun filharmoninen orkesteri | url=http://www.tfo.fi/en | address=Aninkaistenkatu 9 | lat=60.45556 | long=22.27035 | directions=by the Puutori square | phone=+358 2 262-0804 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Ticket office: M–F 11:00–17:00 and before events | price=Usually €21/9 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Concert Hall, built in 1952, was the first concert hall in Finland. It is mainly used by Turku Philharmonic Orchestra (chief conductor Leif Segerstam). }} * {{do | name=Swedish Theatre of Turku | alt=Åbo Svenska Teater | url=http://www.abosvenskateater.fi | email=info@abosvenskateater.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2660 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-7377 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations, the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays. }} * {{do | name=Linnateatteri | alt= | url=http://linnateatteri.fi | email=info@linnateatteri.fi | address=Linnankatu 31 | lat=60.4467 | long=22.2586 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-1215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as ''the Amazing History of Turku'' and ''the Amazing Near-history of Turku''. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Summer Theatre | alt=Samppalinnan kesäteatteri | url=http://www.samppalinnanteatteri.fi | email= | address=Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3 | lat=60.4442 | long=22.2609 | directions=by the Samppalinna mill in the park Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 232-9050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Samppalinna summer theatre, fifty years old, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals. }} * {{do | name=Kinopalatsi | alt=Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 11 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2669 | directions= | phone=+358 9 131-191 (€1.97/min + pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=around €12 | lastedit= | content=This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens. }} ===Sport arenas=== [[File:Turkuhalli inside.jpg|thumb|Turkuhalli.]] * {{do | name=Turkuhalli | alt=Gatorade Center | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/fi/gatorade-center | email=info@turku-areenat.fi | address=Artukaistentie 8 | lat=60.4562 | long=22.1869 | directions= | phone=+358 2 21-900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This ice hockey and music arena hosts large public events and the games of [http://hc.tps.fi/briefly_in_english TPS (''Turun Palloseura'')], Turku's number one ice hockey team. It offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas. }} * {{do | name=Marli Areena | alt=Ice Hockey Arena | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/en/home | email= | address=Hippoksentie 2 | lat=60.4422 | long=22.2896 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of [http://www.tutohockey.fi/fi/uutiset TuTo (''Turun Toverit'') hockey team]. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center. }} * {{do | name=Veritas Stadion | alt=football (soccer) stadium | url=http://www.veritasstadion.fi/brief/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=varaukset@veritasstadion.com | address=Hippoksentie 6 | lat=60.44282 | long=22.29175 | directions= | phone=+358 2-2722-00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based teams play in the national league of Finland – [http://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter] and [http://fc.tps.fi/tps_in_brief.151.html FC TPS] – play on the grounds of the stadium. }} ===Sports grounds and parks=== [[File:Hirvensalon laskettelukeskus.jpg|thumb|Slopes at the Hirvensalo Ski Resort.]] * {{do | name=Urheilupuisto Sports Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2632 | directions=in the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura behind the City Theater | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11898812 | content=Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. [http://www.turkutrojans.com Turku Trojans], one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Park | alt=Kupittaanpuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2894 | directions=Near the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura, around 15 minutes walk from the Old Great Square and Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5486539 | content=Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football teams, TPS and Inter. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant. }} ** {{see | name=Adventure Park | alt=Seikkailupuisto | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/adventure-park-seikkailupuisto | email=seikkailupuisto@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 2 | lat=60.4472 | long=22.2907 | directions=Bus line 32 (jump out at the bus stop just before the corner of Kerttulinkatu and Sirkkalankatu) | phone=+358 44-907-2986 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Su 10:00–17:00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q11892816 | content=Just on the edge of Kupittaa Park, the Adventure Park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely, the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and snacks. It is also possible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town. }} * {{do | name=Hohtogolf Westcoast | alt=Glow Minigolf and Curling | url=http://www.hohtogolf.fi/turku/ | email=turku@hohtogolf.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 17 | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26652 | directions= underground -- entrance is next to the Turku Orthodox Church | phone=+358 2 253-4355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W–Th 17:00–21:00, F 17:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00, Su–Tu closed | price=€10/12 | content=At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow-in-the-dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the bar. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track. }} ===Winter sports=== * {{do | name=Skating worm | alt=Luistelumato | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/kupittaa | email= | address= | lat=60.447 | long=22.292 | directions=Kupittaanpuisto, behind the sports hall | phone=+358 50-554-6300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Equipment rental M W F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless raining | price=Free; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free | content=Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer. }} * {{do | name=Park Field Artificial Ice Rink | alt=Parkin kenttä | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/park-field-artificial-ice-rink | email= | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.457 | long=22.272 | directions= | phone=+358 50-431-0016 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 08:00–22:00, Sa 10:00-21:00, Su 09:00–21:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental M–F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=€2; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries | lastedit=2018 | content=Big skating field, usually most for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling). }} * {{do | name=Impivaaran jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/impivaara-ice-hall | email= | address=Eskonkatu 1 | lat=60.477474 | long=22.250511 | directions=Bus 13 and 18. | phone=+358 2 262-3550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, W 13:45–14:35, Sa 10:30–11:20 | price= | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Varissuon jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/varissuo-ice-hall | email= | address=Suurpäänkatu 2 | lat=60.443250 | long=22.354862 | directions=Bus 32 and 42. | phone=+358 2 262-3570 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 13:45–14:35, Th also 18:00–18:50, Su 10:00–10:50 | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Ice field in an underground hall, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Minor skating fields | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/natural-1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=There are minor skating fields in most residential areas, without artificial cooling and thus more dependant on weather. Some have ice hockey rinks, some have changing rooms. }} * {{do | name=Hirvensalo Ski Resort | alt= | url=http://www.hirvensalo.fi/ | email=toimisto@tusla.net | address=Kakskerrantie 111 | lat=60.4175 | long=22.2277 | directions= at the Hirvensalo Island on the southern side of the city 5 km from the city centre. You can reach Hirvensalo from the market square of Turku on the Turku city bus lines number 14, 15, 51, 53 and 55. The centre also offers a lot of parking places for private transport. | phone=+358 45-106-3011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€17–28 | content=There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, ski school, and equipment rental. }} * {{do | name=Cross-country skiing | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/recreation/trails-routes-and-ski-tracks/ski-tracks | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-6219 (administration),+358 50-523-8447 (equipment rental) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free; equipment €5/3/1 (children: <20yrs) | content=There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to [http://www.turku.fi/sv/kultur-och-motion/friluftsomraden/stigar-rutter-och-skidspar/skidspar skiing routes], with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 km maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 km on flat ground, 1.7 km in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season (in 2021–2022: from 5 Dec). At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara, there is equipment for rent (Sa–Su 11:00–16:00; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and coffee, warm juice and snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 06:00–22:00. }} ===Climbing=== Be aware of the inherent dangers of [[Rock climbing|climbing]]. Safety cannot be guaranteed even if the businesses take security seriously. Make sure you have understood the instructions. Children usually need permission from their custodians, must respect instructions, and might need to be accompanied. * {{do | name=Flowpark | alt=Climbing park | url=http://www.flowpark.fi/turku/?lang=en | email=info.turku@flowpark.fi | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4287 | long=22.3180 | directions= | phone=+358 400-864-862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Oct: M–Sa 12:00–20:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in January | price=Day ticket €22 | content=Adventure trails up in the trees. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions, where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. For the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre. }} * {{do | name=Irti Maasta | alt= | url=https://irtimaasta.fi/puistot/raisio | email=info.raisio@irtimaasta.fi | address=Myllynkatu 1142 | lat= | long= | directions=in the shopping centre Mylly, Raisio | phone=+358 400-820-037 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–20:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€16 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Climbing centre with playful routes and challenges. Weight limits: 15–150 kg. Automatic belaying. No age limit, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{do | name=Kiipeilypalatsi | alt= | url=https://www.kiipeilypalatsi.com | email= | address=Vesilinnantie 1 | lat=60.4557 | long=22.2846 | directions=a cube-formed building on the hill in the TY campus behind the cathedral | phone=+358 45-670-5991 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–W 15:30–20:30, Sa 13:00–17:00, groups also by agreement | price=€11 + harness, shoes and magnesium €4 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=[[Rock climbing|Climbing]] walls inside a former water tower. Not solo, as you need your own belayer. Newcomers to the sport are welcome, but must tell about being inexperienced. Belayer instruction included. Minors need parent's permission, children under 14 need an adult belayer. }} ===Boating and canoeing=== For skippered yacht cruises or yacht chartering, see [[Archipelago Sea#By yacht and small boats|Archipelago Sea]]. Here are options for smaller vessels and quick trips: * {{do | name=Låna | alt= | url=http://www.lanaturku.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.451766 | long=22.273120 | directions=the river shore at Vähätori, by Tuomiokirkko bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60/hour, €100/2 hours | lastedit=2018 | content=Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor. Also Buster Rent boats available, but rent those at the guest harbour instead (not ideal for cruising the river, and you get the whole day for the price of 3 hr). }} * {{do | name=Buster Rent | alt= | url=http://vuokraa.buster.fi | email=info@buster-rent.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=delivery at the guest harbour or by trailer | phone= +358 20-769-1270| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€140–400/one day, weekend €330–800; trailer included; trailering by agreement | lastedit=2016-05-13 | content=Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather. Two berths in the biggest boats. }} * {{do | name=Sea kayaking | alt=Aavameri | url=http://www.aavameri.fi/en | email=info@aavameri.fi | address= | lat=60.421828 | long=22.095435 | directions=bus 8 from Puutori to Saaronniemi, walk to the beach | phone=+358 44-980-7788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun–Aug: M 10:30, F 17:00 (Puutori 10:00/16:30), by agreement other days throughout the year | price=Evening tour €65; day tour €110/person; child reductions for 8–12 and 13–15 years old; rental: first day €60 | lastedit=2019-04-05 | content=Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. The day and evening tours do not require previous experience and moderate fitness is enough, trips are tailored to suite the participants (3–8 in the group). Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from and back to Turku are available. }} * {{do | name=Saaristomeren melojat | alt= | url=http://melojat.net | email=posti@melojat.net | address=Rykmentintie 55 | lat=60.413961 | long=22.265418 | directions=Uittamo, bus line 13 | phone=+358 41-456-5223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu Th 17–20, Sa Su 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!) | price=Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100 | lastedit=2018 | content=Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash. }} * {{do | name=Aurajokisäätiö | alt= | url=http://aurajoki.net/melonta | email= | address=Valkkimyllynkuja 2 | lat=60.465310 | long=22.305333 | directions=Myllärintupa by Halistenkoski rapids | phone=+358 44-553-7408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour | lastedit=2018 | content=Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours. }} ===Swimming=== [[File:Impivaaran uimahalli.JPG|thumb|Impivaara Swimming Centre]] [[File:Ice swimming in Turku.jpg|thumb|Ice Swimming at the Ispoinen Beach is a popular hobby among locals during the winter months.]] Due to its location at the shores of the [[Archipelago Sea]], Turku has a number of great beaches, some of them really close to the city center. There are also two outdoor pools, a water park, indoor swimming pools and arenas. Most indoor facilities – and some outdoor ones – are open round the year. Turku has a [http://www.turku.fi/en/services/beaches number of '''free beaches'''] around the city. *{{marker|type=do|name=Ispoinen Beach|lat=60.41441 | long=22.25957}} is within easy reach from Turku Centre by bus number 9 or 13. Swimmers can even access the beach during the winter since there is a sauna and option for ice swimming, when the water is frozen over: ** {{do | name= Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club | alt= | url=http://www.turunavantouimarit.fi | email= | address=Rykmentintie 51 |lat=NA | long=NA | directions=Ispoinen Beach | phone= +358 44-377-5475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M 15:00–19:45, W 15:00–20:45, F-Sa 15:00–19:45, Su 15:00–20:45 | price= Non-member single ticket: adults €5,20, children under 16 €1,50, accompanied children under 7 free | content=Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers. }} * {{marker|type=do|name=Ruissalo camping beach|lat=60.42144 | long=22.09492}} is the favourite of many locals. It is at the very end of the Ruissalo Island (bus line 8) and on a beautiful summer day you can really feel the archipelago here. ** {{marker|type=do|name=Saaronnniemen saukot |url=https://www.saaronniemensaukot.fi/in-english}} arrange winter swimming at Tammirannantie 39 (and swimming in summer, too). * {{marker|type=do|name=Ekvalla beach|lat=60.37939 | long=22.22598}} is on the Satava island (bus lines 14 and 15). When the Finnish summer gets hot, this sandy beach is a good choice for families and sun seekers as well as disabled. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as Ekvalla beach has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Lifeguards are supervising swimming on all of the beaches mentioned above during the school summer holiday periods from the beginning of June to the end of August. * Other smaller beaches include ** {{marker|type=do|name=Brinkhall beach|lat=60.36557 | long=22.23673}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Moikoinen beach|lat=60.4167 | long=22.2506}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Sorttamäki beach|lat=60.4084 | long=22.2547}} and ** {{marker|type=do|name=Maaria beach|lat=60.5307 | long=22.3540}}. Outdoor pools, arenas and water parks: * {{do | name=JukuPark Waterpark | alt= | url=http://www.jukupark.fi/tmp_jukupark_turku_site_0.asp?sua=13&lang=3&s=661 | email= | address=Kurrapolku 1 | lat=60.4782 | long=22.2562 | directions= | phone=+358 400-174-640 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00 | price=€21, children under 4 year free | content=JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 kn from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/swimming-places-and-water-sport/kupittaa-outdoor | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 10 | lat=60.4451 | long=22.2909 | directions=in the middle of the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 44-907-2702 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5,50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free | content=Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m pool, there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m deep children's pool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The pool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Swimming Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/places/samppalinna-outdoor-swimming-stadium | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Volter Kilven katu 2 | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2655 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-3590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=From mid-May to mid-Sept: M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 06:00–19:00, Sa Su 08:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free | wikidata=Q18661857 | content=A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin. }} Swimming halls and indoor water parks: * {{listing | type=do | name=Caribia | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kongressgränden 1 | lat= | long= | directions=in the hotel in the student village, near Posanka | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Indoor water park. Also one normal swimming pool. }} * {{do | name=Impivaara Swimming Centre | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/impivaara-swimming-centre | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Uimahallinpolku 4 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.2599 | directions=last stop of bus 13 when marked "u" in the timetable; 18 passes reasonably close | phone=+358 2 262-3588 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 11:00–18:00, Sa Su 09:00–17:00 | price=Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24 | wikidata=Q11864792 | content=The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Turun uimahalli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2875 | directions=in the student union's house | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q18662487 | lastedit= | content=First swimming hall of Turku. Clothing optional, with genders separated by day of week. }} * {{do | name=Ulpukka | alt= | url=https://www.raisio.fi/fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/uintikeskus-ulpukka | email=ulpukka.asiakaspalvelu@raisio.fi | address=Eeronkuja 5 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.1615 | directions=1 km south-west of Raisio centre (along Nesteentie); bus lines 220 and 221 from Turku pass by | phone=+358 44-797-1681 | tollfree= | hours=Winter: M Tu Th F 06:00–21:00, W 11:00–21:00 Sa–Su 11:00–18:00; summer: M Tu Th F 06:00–09:00, 13:30–21:00, W 13:30–21:00, weekends closed; entry min. 1 hr before closing | price=€5–7 (mornings cheaper), students €4.50, children 5–15 years €3, family (2+3) €16; 2 hr | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Swimming hall. Nice also for children. Accessible for the mobility impaired (ask for directions). }} ===Social dancing=== [[File:UIttamon lava 2.JPG|thumb|The Uittamo dance pavilion.]]<!-- should be changed to a seaside view --> Foxtrot, waltz, jive, cha cha, what have you ... The dance pavilions are an essential part of Finnish summer for many, although not any more for a majority. The ones below are probably the most popular ones in the Turku region: * {{do | name=Uittamon paviljonki | alt= | url=http://uittamo.fi/tanssit/ | email=johanna.tuomola@magnumlive.fi | address=Rykmentintie 29 | lat= 60.4206 | long= 22.2528| directions=bus no 9 towards Katariina, bus stop "Tanssilava" | phone=+358 44-906-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Dances 12 May–17 Sept: F 20:00–01:00, Su 19:00–00:00 | price=Mostly €15 | lastedit=2018 | content=Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses. }} * {{do | name=Littoisten lava | alt= | url=http://www.sekahaku.net/kurssit-kesa/kurssit-tanssit/tanssit-ja-tanssikurssi-littoisten-lavalla | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Vanha Littoistentie 153 | lat=60.4596 | long=22.3779 | directions=bus 2B or 2C, last bus back 23:20 | phone=+358 50-919-1325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18 May–31 Aug: Th 18:00/19:30–23:00 | price=Mostly €12 (under 25 years old half price) | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Littoistenjärvi lake in [[Kaarina]]. Dance course Thu 18:00–19:20 included in the price of the dance. }} * {{do | name= Valasranta| alt= | url=http://www.valasranta.fi | email= | address=Valasrannantie 363, [[Loimaa|Yläne]] | lat= 60.8961 |long= 22.3476 | directions=60 km from Turku | phone=+358 2 256 3605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: Sa 20:30–01:30<!--, bus from Turku 19:50, permanently ended?--> | price=€16–18<!--, bus 2×€6--> | lastedit=2017-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake.<!-- Bus from Turku, returning in the night.--> }}<!-- still? * {{do | name= Katutanssit| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4486 | long=22.2710 | directions=by the Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11 June to 13 Aug: Tu 18:00–20:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2015-04-27 | content=Dances by the river. }}--> ===Events=== [[File:Easter 2011 at Cloister Hill outdoor museum in Turku, Finland.jpg|thumb|Easter egg decorators at Cloister hill outdoor museum.]] * {{do | name=Easter at Cloister Hill | alt=Annually around Easter, 15 to 16 April in 2017 | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/luostarinmaki-handicrafts-museum/then-now/luostarinmaki-throughout-year | email= | address=Cloister Hill (Luostarinmäki) outdoor museum, Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.447387 | long=22.275542 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00–16:00 | price=Adults €6, Children aged between 7 to 15 €4, Children aged between 4 to 6 €1, Family ticket €13 | content=Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children. }} * {{do | name=Maritime Markets | alt=April and October | url=http://www.silakka.info/turun_saaristolaismarkkinat {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=60.447958 | long=22.265621 | directions=Along the river Aura | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 09:00–16:00 | price= | content=Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku city centre. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare. }}[[File:Sariola Tivoli in Turku in 2008.jpg|thumb|Tivoli Sariola's carnival is open during ''Vappu'' festivities in Kupittaa Park.]] * {{do | name=Vappu| alt=Annually between 30 April and 1 May | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vappu#Finland | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In Finland, Vappu (Walpurgis day and May Day) is one of the four biggest holidays along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer (Juhannus). Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. The celebration, which begins on the evening of 30 April and continues to 1 May, typically centres on copious consumption of [[w:Sima (mead)|sima]], sparkling wine and other alcoholic beverages. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students on the streets wearing a traditional student cap. On 30 April evening streets are filled with party people and a large market is held in Market Square with vendors selling cheap carnival paraphernalia. On 1 May the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with hungover Finns having a picnic. There are also working union parades around the city centre and politicians from all different parties giving speeches. }} * {{do | name=New Potato Festival | alt=Mid June, 15 to 16 June in 2018 | url=http://www.neitsytperunafestivaali.fi/ | email=info@kaffeli.fi | address=Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.449764 | long=22.264272 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The New Potato Festival, or ''Neitsytperunafestivaali'' in Finnish, celebrates the opening of the early harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival, the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from Finland Proper are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate. }}[[File:Medieval band at Turku Medieval market 2015.jpg|thumb|right|A Medieval band playing at the Turku Medieval Market, by the river.]] * {{do | name=The Medieval Market | alt=End of June | url=http://en.keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi/ | email=info@keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Square) | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2759 | directions= | phone=+358 40-132-9992 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th F 12:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs | content=This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Square and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku.<br/>In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how beer is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can attend the real princess school as well as enjoy watching the wild boars. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.<br/>Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site. }} * {{do | name=International Market of Turku | alt=Mid-June | url=http://www.eurooppamarkkinat.fi/ | email= | address=Around Old Great Square, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura | lat=60.451728 | long=22.272968 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 10:00–20:00 | price= | content=The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities. }} * {{do | name=Juhannus | alt=Midsommar | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually on Saturday between 20–26 June. Juhannus Eve Friday is usually also a day off | price= | content=Juhannus (Midsummer Festival) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing. Large bonfires are lit on the islands Ruissalo and Vepsä. Otherwise the streets are often empty, even though some people have acquired a new habit of spending midsummer in town. }} * {{do | name=Tall Ships' Races | alt= | url=https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2024 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=mooring downstream from the bridges; parade of sails on Airisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Next edition 18–21 July 2024 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-10 | content=The Tall Ships' Races have become a semi-regular event in Turku. Every few years sailing ships large and small moor in the river on their Baltic Sea race, offering opportunities to visit some of the vessels, including schooners, barques and full-rigged ships, and attending programmes arranged for spectators and crews. The event usually attracts half of the city's population. Some vessels offer cruises to Airisto. The parade of sails is best seen from a boat, but most spectators flock to the shores of Kuuva on Ruissalo. }} * {{do | name=The Night of Arts | alt=Mid-August, 16 August in 2018 | url=http://turuntaiteidenyo.fi/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Around Turku Central Business District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Night of the Arts is a versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August around the city centre. The venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori, the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as book stores, museums and galleries. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature, theatre, dance, museums and street culture. }} * {{do | name=Turku Day | alt=Annually third Sunday of September | url=http://www.turku.fi/turunpaiva | email= | address=Events take place all around the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The shops in the city centre are open, there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 21:00. }} ==== Advent and Christmas ==== [[File:BD, Flora och AO, advent 2008.jpg|thumb|The student choirs' concerts in the cathedral mark the start of Advent]] The [https://www.turku.fi/joulukaupunki Christmas season] starts more or less with the turning on of Christmas lights in the pedestrian part of Yliopistonkatu a week before Advent. The market at the Old Great Square opens. Department stores and many shops have nice Christmas displays in their windows. Christmas music is played. Charity bazaars in many schools, parish halls, etc. Usually the first snow has come and melt away, and there will probably again be snow several times during Advent. With good luck the snow will stay. White Christmases are quite common, but there is no guarantee. The lights on the Christmas tree of the cathedral are turned on the Saturday a week before Advent begins (programme usually begins at 17:00). Most every choir gives some kind of Christmas concert in or immediately before Advent. Among the most ambitious are the ones by the student choirs of Åbo Akademi (BD and Flora) and Akademiska Orkestern, in the cathedral on Friday and Saturday leading to Advent ([[European classical music|classical music]] from the 16th century to world premières, including some beloved Christmas songs); most seats are sold out days before, but a few are often left to be got at the door an hour before the concerts. The Church arranges sing-alongs with collect to their development aid. Many museums, also some that otherwise are closed in winter, have displays or events related to the season; table settings and food of Christmas in different times and social classes are shown at the castle, the Qwensel house and the handicraft museum. Handicraft workshops (such as of making candles) are arranged at the Adventure park and Kurala. There are also events at other institutions, such as candle light swimming at Impivaara and Petrelius. Independence Day, December 6th, is celebrated by the philharmonic orchestra by two free day concerts (tickets are distributed a few weeks in advance). The latter, starting 15:00, can be seen on screens at the Old Great Square. There are services in the churches (mostly at 10:00). Charity bazaars. The students have a torch parade to the war graves (start 18:00). People light candles in their windows (originally a silent protest against Russian oppression), which makes for a nice evening stroll. A few associations arrange balls, the one of Turku folk dancers ([http://www.rytky.fi Rytky]) is open for the public, with a dance course in the preceding weeks. On December 13th, Lucia is crowned in the morning, blessed in the cathedral in the evening (be early if you want a seat), and then performing in the Hansa shopping centre. Programme for the rest of the season is changed yearly but generally Lucia and her company will be seen on many occasions, mostly in retirement homes and the like, but also e.g. at the Christmas market. Christmas peace is declared at noon of Christmas Eve in the Old Great Square, with thousands of spectators (programme starts 11:30). The Swedish service in the cathedral afterwards welcomes also the international audience. Most people are going to spend the evening and the Christmas Day with their family; the city will mostly close. Bus traffic in town continues to 20:00. The [[#Learn|main library]] is open 11:00–18:00 on Christmas Eve, with also some programme. Lights on the graves. Services in the churches. Some restaurants are open also in Christmas, but booking a table may be necessary. [[File:Julmarknad Gamla Stortorget lillajul 2010.jpg|thumb|Christmas Market at the Old Great Square]] * {{do | name=Christmas Market at the Old Great Square | alt= | url=http://en.suurtorinjoulumarkkinat.fi/ | email= | address=Old Great Square | lat=60.450783 | long=22.276609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Four weekends before Christmas (last 3rd Sunday of Advent), 11:00–17:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-14 | content=The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm ''glögg'' or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice in the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall. }} * {{do | name=Christmas Market at Kauppatori | alt=Joulutori | url=http://turunjoulutori.fi | email= | address=Kauppatori | lat=60.451667 | long=22.266944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=25 Nov–23 Dec, M–F 12:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-11-28 | content=Much smaller market, but open daily. }} ====Music festivals==== * {{do | name=Seikkisrock | alt=16-17 June in 2018 | url=http://www.seikkisrock.net/info_eng.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=60.445103 | long=22.291159 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Advance ticket €10, at gate €12. Under 2 year olds free | content=A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999 at Turku Adventure Park, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests, have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festivals main focus is on music, but available is also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”Worldvillage” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. Adventure Park, activity center for children and families, which is in the district of Kupittaa, offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience. }}[[File:Ruisrock 2008.jpg|thumb|Ruisrock atmosphere in 2008.]] * {{do | name=Ruisrock | alt=Beginning of July, in 2022: 8–10 July | url=http://www.ruisrock.fi/ | email=palaute@ruisrock.fi | address=Ruissalo Island | lat=60.428771 | long=22.178021 | directions= | phone=+358 44-966-1384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99. Under 7 year old get in free with an adult with a ticket. People over 70 get free entrance and can use a ferry connection from Aura river free of charge | lastedit=2018 | content=Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). Introduction video for the festival can be seen in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U YouTube]. Festival site can be reached with the festival bus or by bike from Turku city centre. The festival buses run from Turku city center to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 km (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site. }} * {{do | name=Turku Modern | alt= Annually in July, 13–16 July in 2018 | url=http://www.turkumodern.com/ | email=toimisto@turkumodern.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price €35-65 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Modern, the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats. }}[[File:Turku M.A.Numminen at DBTL 2006.jpg|thumbnail|M. A. Numminen performs at DBTL.]] * {{do | name=Down by the Laituri (DBTL) | alt=End of July, 26 to 28 July in 2018 | url=http://www.dbtl.fi/ | email= | address=Downtown Turku | lat=60.443022 | long=22.266042 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€55-165 | lastedit=2018 | content=If you are down, don’t hesitate to feel so by down by the laituri! Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival takes place in downtown Turku annually in end of July. DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors every year. With most of the acts performing pop and rock music, this multicultural event is centered on the east bank of the River Aura, around the Turku City Theatre. }} * {{do | name=Aura Fest | alt=Beginning of August, 10 to 12 August in 2018 | url=http://www.aurafest.fi/ | email= | address=Barker Park next to river Aura | lat=60.442576 | long=22.248648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the largest Hiphop and Urban music festivals in Finland, is held annually right next to river Aura. In 2015 the festival took place in Barker Park, just a kilometer away from the central Market Square. Performers include practically all the top domestic Hiphop and urban music performers as well as international guests. }} * {{do | name=Turku Music Festival | alt=Annually in August, 10 to 22 August in 2018 | url=http://www.turkumusicfestival.fi/en | email=info@tmj.fi | address=Around Turku | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland. This diverse city festival offers large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of Turku’s stunning venues, both modern and historical, are being imaginatively used to host performances from the best in their field. }} * {{do | name=Turku Jazz | alt=Beginning of March, 8-10 March in 2018 | url=http://www.turkujazz.fi/ | email= | address=Concerts mainly in Logomo. | lat=60.456692 | long=22.256300 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018 | content=Second oldest jazz festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku. }} ====Expos==== [[File:Turkuhalli.jpg|thumb|Turku Hall, next to the Turku Fair and Congress Center, hosts number of big concerts and hockey tournaments.]] There's a great number of expos and fairs held in Turku annually. Most of the fairs take place outside the summer season in autumn and spring. Large part of these fairs take place in the {{marker|type=do|name=Turku Fair and Congress Center|lat=60.4540 | long=22.1845}}, which is a diverse setting for fairs, meetings, congresses and grand public events. * {{do | name=Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair | alt=Annually end of March, 18 to 19 March in 2017 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-art-antique-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections. }} * {{do | name=Turku International Book Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-international-book-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year, the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme. }} * {{do | name=Turku Food and Wine Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-food-and-wine-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair | price= | content=The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, wine and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop. }} ====Sport events==== [[File:Kalevan Kisat 2011 Turussa (Finnish Championships in Athletics 2011 in Turku).jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi Stadium]] [[File:Paavo Nurmi enters the Olympic Stadium in 1952.jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi entering the Olympic Stadium in the 1952 games.]] <!--* {{do | name=Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run | alt= | url=http://www.kuntovitonen.fi/ | email=info@vitostapahtumat.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 44-725-5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of May, 26 May in 2018; not arranged 2019 | price= | content=The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself. }}--> * '''Watch football''' at [https://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter Turku]. They play soccer in Veikkausliiga, the top tier in Finland. Their home ground is Veritas Stadium, capacity 9400, in Kupitaa district east of town centre. They share it with [http://www.fc.tps.fi/ Turun Palloseura] or TPS, who yo-yo between the top and second tiers. * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Games | alt= | url=http://paavonurmigames.fi/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.fi | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June, 11 June in 2019 | price= | content=The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit. }} * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Marathon | alt= | url=http://paavonurmimarathon.fi/en/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17 august in 2019, 12:00– | price= | content=Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10-km races. The total number of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen. }} * {{do | name=Challenge Turku, Swim, bike and run | alt= | url=http://www.challengeturku.com | email=info@sbrfinland.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10 to 11 August 2019 | price= | content=Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running. }} * {{do | name=FightBack Run | alt= | url=http://fightbackrun.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of September, 7 September in 2019 | price= | content=No-one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2.6 km and the plan is to double the distance every year. In 2015 the distances for running were 250 m (directed to people with reduced mobility), 2.6 km and 5.2 km which Hyysalo will run as well. A half-marathon is in sight for 2018 then will already be up to a full marathon. }} * {{do | name=Ruissalo races | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalojuoksut.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of September, 21 September in 2019 | price= | content=The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half-marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10-km run "Ruisriikki". }} ==Learn== [[File:Turun hovioikeus.jpg|thumb|Academy House used to be the main building of the Turku Academy, but nowadays it houses the Turku Court of Appeal.]] Turku has a long academic history: Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]]. Nowadays Turku is still a major academic town in Finland and because of this the city is bustling with students. Almost 20 per cent of Turku residents are students and many of them are exchange students or otherwise from abroad. The universities have many courses in English and some study programs targeted at exchange students, often in cooperation between the universities. Both universities are legal deposit repositories, which means they have everything of value printed in Finland since the 1920s, usually available at least for reading in both or either, if requested a day or a few in advance. * {{listing | name=University of Turku | alt=Turun yliopisto | url=http://www.utu.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.4542 | long=22.2848 | directions= | phone=+358 2 333-51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The University of Turku is the second largest university in Finland only behind the University of Helsinki. It houses over 20,000 students in seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. Turku University offers its libraries, institutes and museums for Turku residents and visitors to use as well. It offers lectures for children and has an open university for anyone to role in. [http://www.utu.fi/en/units/open-university/Pages/home.aspx Turku Open University] offers several courses also in English. }} * {{listing | name=Åbo Akademi University | alt=Åbo Akademi | url=http://www.abo.fi/?lang=en | email=infowww@abo.fi | address= | lat=60.4510 | long=22.2775 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Åbo Akademi is the only Swedish-language university in Finland. It is at the forefront of research in such areas as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology. It houses around 6,000 students, of which 1/7 are from abroad, and has special collections and museums for visitors to enjoy. Many courses are in English and there are several [https://www.abo.fi/en/study/study-abroad/exchange-students/ exchange programs]. }} * {{listing | name=Turku University of Applied Sciences | alt=Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu | url=http://www.tuas.fi/en/ | email=ammattikorkeakoulu@turkuamk.fi | address= | lat=60.4470 | long=22.2990 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=TUAS, one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Finland, hosts 9,500 students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Its academies and faculties range from economics to art, technology, environment and healthcare. It also offers three English taught Bachelor's and two Master’s programmes as well as open studies for anyone willing to join. }} * {{listing | name=Novia University of Applied Sciences | alt=Novia | url=http://www.novia.fi/exchange-students | email=admissions@novia.fi | address=Henrikinkatu 7 | lat=60.453496 | long=22.280558 | directions= | phone=+358 6 328 5000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Instruction in Swedish, with some courses and modules offered in English. Novia's campus in Turku offers courses in e.g. tourism, social services, design and maritime management. }} * {{listing | name=Turku City Library | alt=Turun kaupunginkirjasto, Åbo stadsbibliotek | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turku-city-library | email=kaupunginkirjasto@turku.fi | address= | lat=60.4504 | long=22.2710 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price=free | lastedit=2015-03-20 | content=Libraries could be boring in other cities, but not in Turku. Turku City Library is open every day and most city residents have taken to it as their second living room. The old and the architecturally distinguished new building also offer facilities for many events and exhibitions. It is a great place to just chill, check e-mail, read a newspaper (quite some foreign ones available), have a coffee or lunch at the inner courtyard's restaurant (or own snacks at a specific table by the newspapers) or enjoy a book from the wide selection of foreign language literature. The library even lends [[#By bicycle|bikes]]. }} ==Buy== There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash in Turku. The city centre is full of major retail and independent shops. Shopping in Turku is generally more affordable than in Helsinki, but, as with the rest of Finland, it is by no means cheap by international standards. The numerous second-hand and antique stores represent a unique shopping alternative. If arriving in the night, there are grocery stores that are open 24 hr daily (except perhaps some holidays), including Citymarket Kupittaa and some Sale stores (in or near the centre). Some more grocery stores are open to 23:00 or 24:00, most close 21:00 or 22:00, often earlier in the weekend. ===Money=== Getting or exchanging money is rarely a problem, as ATM's ("Otto") are common around the centre and they can be operated with international credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). Currencies other than the euro are generally ''not'' accepted, but at least the Swedish krona is accepted on the ferries travelling to Sweden, and the Stockmann department store accepts the krona, rubles, dollars and pounds. [http://www.forex.fi/en/About-FOREX/Branches/Bankbutiksinformation/?BankNum=265 Forex Bank] has an exchange office at Eerikinkatu 13 (by Kauppatori) and is usually the best place to change currencies. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but be prepared to show your passport or ID card. As a rule, '''tipping''' is never necessary, although appreciated by some service personnel (see [[Finland#Tipping]]). Cloakrooms (''narikka'') in nightclubs, theatres and better restaurants often have ''non-negotiable'' fees (usually clearly signposted, €2 is standard), and – in the few hotels that employ them – hotel porters will expect around the same per bag. ===Traditional shopping=== [[File:Lounashetki Turun kauppahallissa.jpg|thumb|Turku Market Hall]] * {{buy | name=Market Square | alt=Kauppatori | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 07:00–18:00, Sa 07:00–15:00; best in summer before 14:00, when most farmers leave | price= | wikidata=Q4411397 | content=The centrepoint of Turku's western city centre is traditionally, without a doubt, the market square, with shopping centres, department stores and independent shops in the surroundings. The market square itself has been a popular shopping and meeting place and an authentic tourist attraction, with possibility to have a coffee with the locals or buy groceries from the stalls of many local producers. In 2018–2010, a parking cave is being built under the square, so the market activity goes on in a more restricted scale, in the part in front of the Orthodox Church. The bus stops, which used to line the streets around the square, have been scattered around in the nearby streets. }} * {{buy | name=Turku Market Hall | alt=Kauppahalli | url=http://www.kauppahalli.fi/en/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2661 | directions=50 metres from Kauppatori downstream along the Eerikinkatu | phone=+358 2 262-4126 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 08:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10726161 | content=Completed in 1896, the Turku Market Hall brings a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. The old and new meet in the corridors. The Market Hall, which extends the length of an entire block, was designed by architect Gustaf Nyström. There are traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, milk and cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafés. Stop by the fish shop S. Wallin, try some reindeer meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen or buy some cheese at Juustopuoti. Have a coffee and cake in Aschan Blue Train café or shop for souvenirs at the nostalgic Wanha Turku Kauppa (''Old Turku Store''). There is also a great lunch court at the market hall, where you can choose to eat either ethnic or domestic food. }} ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Turku Hansa panorama.jpg|thumb|View inside the Hansa Shopping Centre.]] [[File:KOP corner Turku.jpg|thumb|KOP-Triangle ''(KOP-Kolmio)'' is at the corner of the central Market Square.]] * {{buy | name=Forum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2679 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, the block towards the river | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller than Hansa, with less mainstream shops. Local design and even second hand. }} * {{buy | name=Hansa | alt=Kauppakeskus Hansa or Hansakortteli | url=http://hansakortteli.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 20 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2644 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00, Sa 07:30–19:30, Su 10:00–19:00 | price= | content=More than 150 shops found under one roof, Turku’s oldest and largest shopping centre with a number of specialist shops and the classy department store Stockmann. A number of cafés and restaurants. }} * {{buy | name=KOP-Kolmio | alt=KOP-Triangle | url=http://www.kop-kolmio.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.4503 | long=22.2665 | directions= | phone=+358 2 6516-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | content=KOP-Kolmio is a smaller shopping centre next to Kauppatori and the larger Hansa Shopping Centre. It offers mostly fashion stores and a few cosy cafés. Also the Föli customer service, combined with Turku social services etc. The building is mostly home to companies, on the upper floors of the building, including the local branch of ''Yleisradio (YLE)'', Finland's national broadcast company. }} * {{buy | name=Skanssi | alt= Kauppakeskus Skanssi | url=http://www.skanssi.fi | email= | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4300 | long=22.3230 | directions=4 km from the city centre, 20 minutes with bus line 9, fölläri bike station | phone=+358 40-195-3742 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–21:00, Sa 08:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=90 special stores, a hypermarket, a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, an indoor playground, dog sitting service and underground parking. }} * {{buy | name=Mylly | alt=Kauppakeskus Mylly | url=http://www.kauppakeskusmylly.fi | email= | address=Myllynkatu 1–99, Raisio | lat=60.4906 | long=22.2010 | directions=in [[Raisio]], ten minutes' drive on the E18 highway from Turku centre; 30–40 min with bus line 300 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=A hundred shops, cafés and restaurants. Free play area and childcare points. Consistent opening hours across all stores (except Alko and office services). Plenty of parking. }} ===Department stores=== [[File:Stockmann Department Store in Turku.jpg|thumb|Stockmann Department Store in central Turku.]] * {{buy | name=Stockmann | alt= | url=https://stockmann.com/fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2628 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–19:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the centre of Turku at the Hansa Shopping Center, the Stockmann first-class department store offers a wide selection of products from foods to top fashion and electronics, with selected products from Finnish design brands like Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Aarikka. There is also a visitor centre which provides visitors with advice and help on tax-free purchases and buying tickets to events and venues. Opposite to the department store at the shopping center lies Stockmann's bookstore, Akateeminen Kirjakauppa. There is also a café with great lunch and an excellent supermarket at the basement level of the store. }} * {{buy | name=Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.s-kanava.fi/toimipaikka/sokos-wiklund-turku/501019327 | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 11 | lat=60.4517 | long=22.2688 | directions= | phone=+358 10-76-5020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 11:00-18:00 | price= | content=Next to the Market square opposite side of the Hansa Shopping center, Wiklund is a first class department store. It services are built for women and men's fashion, beauty, home and children, outdoor activities and exercise, as well as entertainment. Department store services are complemented by the Café Wiklund, a hair salon, Alko wine and alcohol store, pharmacy, shoemaker and Eurokangas fabric store. }} ===Design=== [[File:Turku Car-free zone.jpg|thumb|Yliopistonkatu next to the Market Square is a pedestrian zone; there are a variety of services in it]] [[File:Turku design bag.jpg|thumb|This design bag asks in Swedish "Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo" ''(Why Paris, when we have Turku)'']] * {{buy | name=Turku Design Now! -Shop | alt= | url=http://turkudesignnow.fi/en/ | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 A | lat=60.4484 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone=+358 44-572-6198 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=TDN shop is owned by a collective of Turku-based designers who sell interior decor goods, accessories, clothing for adults and children, ceramics, popular Turku-themed products, and for example Kotona Design's wonderful magnetic chalkboards. Ingenious products are designed and, in most cases, also manufactured in Finland. The shop carries products from, among others, [http://www.kuidesign.com KUI Design], [http://www.punainennorsu.com Punainen Norsu], [http://www.klodesign.fi Klo Design] and [http://shop.tonfisk-design.fi Tonfisk Design]. }} * {{buy | name=Televisio Lifestyle Store | alt= | url=http://www.televisioon.fi | email=info@televisioon.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 32 | lat=60.4481 | long=22.2712 | directions= | phone=+358 2 231-0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00–19:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=Near the east end of the Aura Bridge, in a secluded courtyard, you'll find a personal boutique offering a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewelry, accessories and little bit of art as well. Everything in store is from young Finnish and Nordic designers. }} * {{buy | name=Sisutuksen koodi | alt= | url=http://www.sisustuksenkoodi.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=shop@sisustuksenkoodi.fi | address=Linnankatu 19 | lat=60.4502 | long=22.2703 | directions= | phone=+358 40-081-1960 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–618:00, Tu–F 10:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Sisustuksen koodi (''The interior code'') is a interior design store in the centre. It sells functional high-quality furniture and everything else you might need to furnish your apartment. You'll also find great Finnish design brands from here such as Artek, which was founded by legendary Finnish architect couple Alvar and Aino Aalto. }} * {{buy | name=Sylvi Salonen | alt= | url=http://www.sylvisalonen.fi | email=info@sylvisalonen.fi | address=Linnankatu 14 | lat=60.44910 | long=22.26689 | directions=the Fortuna quarter in the centre | phone=+358 20-766-0830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This boutique is in an old stall building of the 1880s in central Turku. It was founded in 1928 by Sylvi Salonen, who started selling her own embroidery designs. Nowadays Sylvi Salonen still offers a wide selection of embroidery and handwork accessories but also high quality gifts and trendy home décor items, Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design. Also a versatile range of tableware accessories, candles and lanterns. }} * {{buy | name=Marimekko | alt= | url= https://www.marimekko.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 12:00-18:00 | price= | content=A cornerstone of Finnish design and fashion is Marimekko, known around the world for its fresh and bold patterns and prints. You can find a number of Marimekko shops in Turku, including, amongst others, in the shopping centres of Skanssi and Mylly, with the largest store being in the Hansa Shopping Centre. }} * {{buy | name=Punainen Norsu | alt=Red Elephant | url=http://www.punainennorsu.com/en | email=info@punainennorsu.com | address=Forum shopping centre| lat=60.44999 | long=22.24741 | directions= | phone=+358 44-501-1510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Punainen Norsu (''Red Elephant'') is a children's clothing line originating from Turku. All the colourful and graphic clothes are made mostly from recycled materials. }} * {{buy | name=Baobab Kids & lifestyle | alt= | url= | email=baobab.baby@gmail.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45360 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 10:00–15:00 | price= | content=Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some lovely gifts. }} * {{buy | name=Idea Estradi | alt= | url=http://www.ideaestradi.fi/index.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 4 | lat=60.44954 | long=22.26030 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Idea Estradi sells only Finnish handmade products: interior decoration, business gift, souvenirs, jewelry, bags, candles, ceramics and glass products, paintings, soft toys, textiles, towels, cards, and everything else you can think of to need from a handicrafts shop. }} * {{buy | name=Joutomaa | alt= | url=http://joutomaassa.blogspot.fi | email= | address=Kellonsoittajankatu 8 | lat=60.44775 | long=22.28549 | directions= | phone=+358 50-362-8003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Joutomaa (literally meaning ''Wasteland'') is a small and funny gift shop, which is full of lovely hand-made treasures for yourself or for a friend. Most of the design products are made by the owner Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen, who is specially famous for her cards and prints, which combine old gloss photos which she has found and prints made by herself. She also has a great online store. }} ===Vintage=== * {{buy | name=VintagEija`s | alt= | url=http://www.vintageijas.com | email=eija.mannila@kolumbus.fi | address=Maariankatu 10 | lat=60.4540 | long=22.2666 | directions=a few blocks from the Market Square | phone=+358 50-574-6034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=VintagEija's sells gift, vintage wear and accessories, specializing in American style vintage. There is a rockabilly and burlesque atmosphere in this small boutique, with clothing from 1940s, 50s and 60s. In addition they sell new garment which have been made in the style of vintage for both men and women. }} * {{buy | name=Boutique Minne | alt= | url=http://www.boutiqueminne.com | email=info@boutiqueminne.com | address=Kaskenkatu 2 | lat=60.44781 | long=22.27122 | directions= | phone=+358 50-516-6124 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11:00–17:30 | price= | content=Boutique Minne, in the Kaskenmäki Hill in central Turku, is a small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=8raita | alt= | url=http://www.8raita.fi/shop/ | email=shop@8raita.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45409 | long=22.27258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations. }} * {{buy | name=Asema | alt= | url=http://asematurku.fi/#tapahtumat | email=asematurku@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 22 | lat=60.45332 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 12:00–15:09 | price= | content=Small independent store that sells second-hand and new LPs. Music concentrates more on hiphop, soul, funk, jazz, reggae, punk and electronic. They also sell services ranging from film editing to lighting design. }} * {{buy | name=Iki-Pop | alt= | url=http://www.ikipop.fi/ | email=joska@ikipop.inet.fi | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45070 | long=22.27066 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This personal tiny record store, opposite the Main City Library, sells second-hand CDs and LPs, but the main focus is on vinyl. This is a real haven for those who like to dig through loads of old goodies and find the one you've been looking everywhere. }} * {{buy | name=Kaakko | alt= | url=http://www.kaakko.fi/ | email=info@kaakko.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 38 | lat=60.44811 | long=22.25508 | directions= | phone=+358 45-650-9822 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Founded in 2004 Kaakko sells and buys second-hand vinyl records and has almost 9000 records in stock with daily arrivals – that's probably the largest selection of vinyl records in all of Turku. If you're not able to visit the store, you can find all the records online as well. }} ==Eat== {{quote|''Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo!''<br/>"Why Paris, we have Turku!"|author=Quote from a Swedish journalist}} Turku and other parts of [[Finland Proper]] are home to the more western influenced Finnish cuisine, which has features especially from Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The long traditions of farming and fishing in the area have contributed to the local food culture. Fish, especially herring – the regional fish of Finland Proper – has been at the heart of the regions culinary traditions for centuries. It is eaten all year round salted, fried, grilled and smoked. In addition, perch, whitefish and pike are often used. You must also remember to try the famous raisin sausage, a regional speciality which you can buy for example from the Turku Market Hall. Sausages lovers will also enjoy the wide selection of sausages at [http://www.mestaripalvi.fi/ Turun Mestaripalvi Oy]. On the side you can have a slice of another regional speciality, the Archipelago sweet malt bread. As a dessert enjoy a good cup of coffee together with ''pulla'' (cinnamon roll) or ''Piispanmunkki'' ("Bishops Doughnut"), as people here call the traditional North German pastry ''Berliner''. For fast food, you will generally need to pay under €10 any time, Burger meals are around €5–9 (including drink and fries). Lower end restaurant meals with some simple pasta or soup with water or a soft drink is usually around €10–20. For proper restaurant meals with a high-grade steak and good wine, expect to pay at least €30–60. Generally, proper restaurants are open until 22:00–23:00, on weekends maybe an hour longer. Fast food chains, pizzerias and other such places are open later at night, some as late as 03:00–05:00. In some establishments, the bar may remain open for drinks even though the kitchen has closed and no food is available. ===Lunch and brunch=== [[File:Verdandihuset, Auragatan 1, Åbo.jpg|thumb|Fontana Café is in a Neo-Renaissance building opposite City Hall.]] Most restaurants have offers at €7–10 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. For the student cafés some timing may be needed to avoid long queues. The department stores Wiklund and Stockman have family friendly cafés that can come handy. When you are in the city and want to grab something to eat you can check the [https://www.lounasmenu.fi/turku/ Turku lunch options] page and prices to decide where to go. * {{eat | name=Arvin Grilli ja Lounas | alt= | url=http://www.arvingrilli.fi | email=paulamarjatta.tiainen@gmail.com | address=Nosturinkatu 5 | lat=60.442963 | long=22.229729 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 06:00–15:00 (lunch 10:30–13:30) | price=Lunch €6.90, soup lunch €5.50 including salad, bread, milk and coffee | content=Great price quality relation. }}<!-- -->[[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, kesäterassi.jpg|thumb|Summer terrace at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova courtyard.]] * {{eat | name=M Kitchen & Café | alt= | url=http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/fi/vierailulle-museoon/ravintola-kahvila | email=mkitchencafe@mbakery.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 (In the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum) | lat=60.45001 | long=22.27384 | directions= | phone=+358 40-197-9005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–19:00, lunch served M–F 11:00–14:00, Sa Su brunch 11:00–15:00 | price=Lunch of the day M–F €8–10; brunch €19,90 | content=Serves a very nice lunch, including some great vegetarian choices. Saturday and Sunday it may be packed, since the brunch on the weekend is one of the best ones in the city. Reservation helps, or you need to time your visit early or late. }} * {{eat | name=Elvina Café | alt= | url=http://www.elvina.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45292 | long=22.26801 | directions=near Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 536-8502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products. }} * {{eat | name=Fontana Café | alt= | url=https://www.fontana.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Aurakatu 1 | lat=60.44962 | long=22.26859 | directions=opposite the city hall and tourist office near Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:00–22:00, F 10:00–23:00, Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–20:00 (brunch served 12:00–16:00) | price= | content=Fresh products from own bakery. Bar opens in the evening. Popular brunch in weekends. }} * {{eat | name=Honkapirtti | alt= | url=http://www.honkapirtti.fi | email=info@honkapirtti.fi | address=Albert Ravilan raitti | lat=60.42856 | long=22.14769 | directions=Ruissalo island | phone=+358 44-756-7922 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=East Karelian-style large cabin, since decades a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Its coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies. }} * {{eat | name=PullaPuoti | alt= | url=http://www.pullapuoti.fi | email= | address=Puistokatu 3 | lat=60.44589 | long=22.25407 | directions= | phone=+358 2 236-2121 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–17:00 | price= | content=Close to the Turku Police Station and Hostel Turku. Pastries, snack foods, coffee and filled sandwiches and cakes. For lunch you can choose a soup, salad, pan pizza or pasta. Assortment of gluten-free products. }} * {{eat | name=Café Sirius | alt= | url=http://www.cafesirius.fi | email=info@cafesirius.fi | address=Linnankatu 2 | lat=60.45062 | long=22.27215 | directions=inner yard of the city library | phone=+358 2 231-5760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–17:00 | price= | content=Salty and sweet delicacies, coffee products and ice cream. On weekdays it also serves lunch 11:00–15:00. }} * {{eat | name=Unica Restaurants | alt= | url=http://www.unica.fi/en/ | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 4 | lat=60.4544 | long=22.2874 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Unica, owned by the Student Union of the University of Turku, owns several student restaurants around the campus area behind Turku Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=ÅAS student cafés | alt=Gadolinia Kb | url=http://www.studentlunch.fi | email=anne.peltonen@abo.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 22 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2760 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-3703 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Lunch for outsiders: €4.60–8 | image=Kåren, Åbo.jpg | lastedit=1018 | content=Cafés of the student union of ÅA. Most cafés are close to Piispankatu behind the cathedral, Kåren on Hämeenkatu opposite buildings of the Old Great Square, in the house of the student union by Erik Bryggman (second floor). Kåren is quiet except around noon, when all the cafés have queues. Most cafés are open only around lunch hours during terms, Arken also in summer. }} * {{eat | name=Teboil Herkku | alt= | url=https://www.tbherkku.fi/ravintola/ | email=turku.rautatehtaankatu@huoltoasemat.teboil.fi | address=Rautatehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.4497729 | long=22.1989227 | directions= | phone=+358 10 583 9900 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-16:00, Sa 11:00-16:00 | price=€10.70 | lastedit=2020-10-13 | content=Home cooking styled lunch and dessert. }} * {{eat | name=Amica Mäntymäki | alt= | url=https://www.amica.fi/ravintolat/ravintolat-kaupungeittain/turku/mantymaki/ | email=ravintokeskus.mantymaki@amica.fi | address=Luolavuorentie 2 | lat=60.439415 | long=22.275665 | directions=K-floor | phone=+358 40 482 8556 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-13:30 | price=€10.15, dessert €1.00 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=The staff restaurant at the main health station, which is also open to outsiders. }} * {{eat | name=Kaarea TYKS U restaurant | alt= | url=https://menu.kaarea.fi/AromieMenus/FI/Default/Kaarea/TYKSUR/Restaurant.aspx | email=asiakaspalvelu@kaarea.fi | address=Kiinamyllynkatu 4 | lat=60.453379 | long=22.289324 | directions= | phone=+358 20 764 9850 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-13:30 | price=€7.55-€9.15 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Staff restaurant in the U building of Turku University Hospital, also open to outsiders. Sale of surplus food after lunch 13:30-13:40. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Hesburger hamburger.jpg|thumb|Hesburger originates in Turku, and is the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland.]] For lunch, see [[#Lunch and brunch]] above. Hesburger is the dominant burger chain in Turku, and you will find several of these in the city centre. Pizzerias are frequently cheap kebab-pizzerias, offering Kebab, falafel and pizza. You will find a lot of these in the centre. Unfortunately, the restaurants offering the finest kebabs are in the suburbs. * {{eat | name=Hesburger | alt= | url=http://www.hesburger.com | email= | address= | lat=60.4504 | long=22.2653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open from early morning to dusk, some of them even round the clock | price= €5-10 | content=Just ask any of the locals: Hesburger burgers really do taste better! Originating from Turku, Hesburger is today the largest hamburger chain in Finland, leaving McDonald's and Burger King as marginal players. It is still run by the family that started it in the 1960s. It is especially popular in Turku, where it is based. It is almost hard not to pass one when walking around the city centre. You'll find four Hesburgers just around the Kauppatori area. If you are in a hurry you can also order the food through their mobile app. }}<!-- -->[[File:Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri in Turku.jpg|thumb|right|Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri]] * {{eat | name=Kiinanmuuri | alt=Great Wall of China | url=http://www.chinamarket.fi/kiinanmuuri/index.php | email= | address=Sirkkalankatu 27 and Vähä-Hämeenkatu 1 | lat=60.44523 | long=22.27496 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kiinanmuuri is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Turku. Even though it's usually crowded around noon, decorations are outdated and it seems a bit suspicious, their food is superb. All the ingredients are very fresh and the portions are usually huge. Lunchtime service is really fast. If you're extra hungry or wish to survive a couple of days on one portion, try the take away to get even larger portions. }} * {{eat | name=Kortteliravintola Kerttu | alt=Quarter Restaurant Kerttu | url=http://www.kerttu.fi/en | email= | address=Läntinen pitkäkatu 35 | lat=60.45388 | long=22.25704 | directions=near the railway station | phone=+358 2 250-6990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–23:00, F 10:30–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Kerttu is a popular quarter restaurant with a reasonably priced menu for both omni- and herbivores. Kerttu is very popular amongst students, and there is even a laundromat in the restaurant for visitors to use, while they are enjoying their meals. On weekends they have a special hamburger buffet, that is very popular among locals. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. }} ** {{eat | name=Rantakerttu | alt= | url=http://www.rantakerttu.fi | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu 55 | lat=60.44050 | long=22.24486 | directions=close to the ''Föri'' ferry | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00-15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Kortteliravintola Kerttu's sister restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Latte Café | alt= | url=http://www.lattecafe.biz | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 5 | lat=60.44905 | long=22.26482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Sweet little café, which also serves very inexpensive lunch. Huge list of different coffees from every corner of the earth. Menu includes toasts, paninis, salads, and bagels. No need to go to a restaurant because of hunger because the sizes of these foods are big. Atmosphere is very relaxing thanks to jazz and Latin sounds and warm colours. If you feel like you want more privacy, you can go to the back room and sit on the cosy couch. And during summer you can also sit outside. }} * {{eat | name=Nummis | alt= | url=http://www.nummispizzeria.fi | email= | address=Vanha Hämeentie 19 | lat=60.4554 | long=22.3034 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250 6144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00–22:00 | price=€7–10 | lastedit=2018 | content=A pizza and kebab restaurant in the district of Nummi. Serves quite good pizzas and kebabs, but don't expect anything special. }} * {{eat | name=Rax Buffet | alt= | url=http://www.rax.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 12 | lat=60.45122 | long=22.26536 | directions= | phone=+358 20-766-4911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00-20:00, F 11:00-21:00, Sa 11:00–19:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content= Rax offers an all you can eat style buffet that includes pizza, barbecue food, salads, ice cream and soft-drinks. Good option if you feel like really filling your stomach for a long time inexpensively. }} * {{eat | name=Taco Nito | alt= | url=http://www.taco-nito.com | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45013 | long=22.26778 | directions= | phone=+358 40-653-3112 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Around €10 | content= Owned by Mexican brothers, Taco Nito serves simple but very tasty finger food. Corn, meat, salsa, beans, chili and avocado are cornerstones of the food. Restaurant has continuously had good feedback from customers and has relatively low prices. }} * {{eat | name=Yasukon Keittiö | alt=Yasuko's Kitchen | url=http://www.yasukonkeittio.com | email=yasuko@yasukonkeittio.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 26 C (second floor) | lat=60.45012 | long=22.26080 | directions= | phone=+358 440-335-507 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Yasuko's kitchen is a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves everyday home cooked Japanese meals, and some sushi and other more common dishes. Everything is well-prepared and the atmosphere in the restaurant is very authentic. Yasuko's seats less than 20 people, but more than 10 customers mean you might have to wait for your food, but it's worth it. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Dessert at Restaurant Dennis in Turku.jpg|thumb|Dessert at Ristorante Dennis.]] [[File:Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.jpg|thumb|Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.]] * {{eat | name=Delhi Darbar | alt= | url=http://delhidarbar.fi | email=ravintola@delhidarbar.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.45189 | long=22.28305 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-3988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 10:30–22:00, F 10:30–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=Ristorante Dennis | alt=Dennis | url=http://www.dennis.fi | email=| info@dennis.fi | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44892 | long=22.26555 | directions= | phone=+358 2 469-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:00–23:00, F 11:00–23:30, Sa 12:00–23:30, Su 12:30–22:00, lunch M–F 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Family friendly restaurant that opened in 1975 as the first Italian one. }} * {{eat | name=Hiili | alt= | url=http://www.hiiliravintola.fi | email=info@hiiliravintola.fi | address=Aurakatu 6, Second floor | lat=60.45005 | long=22.26714 | directions= | phone=+358 44-717-7440 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 16:00–23:30, Sa 14:00–23:30, Su 14:00-20:00 | price= | content= Hiili offers an American BBQ experience with nice views to the heart of Turku. Menu includes pulled pork, BBQ ribs and other American delicacies. Hiili chefs have developed their own BBQ sauces and meals from local ingredients. }} * {{eat | name=Kado Sushi | alt= | url=http://www.kadosushi.fi/ | email=info@kadosushi.fi | address=Inside the Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.44940 | long=22.26658 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content= Kado sushi combines the wholesome delicacies with aesthetic pleasures, all prepared using fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Kobe sushi | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KOBESUSHIRAVINTOLA/ | email= | address=Martinkatu 3 | lat=60.4433 | long=22.2570 | directions=20 minute walk from city centre or by bus line 9 | phone=+358 44 9877251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00-21:00, Sa Su 12:00-21:00 | price=Buffet €13 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Authentic Japanese food. }} * {{eat | name=Pippurimylly | alt=Pepper Mill | url=http://pippurimylly.fi/ | email= | address=Stålarminkatu 2 | lat=60.43905 | long=22.25935 | directions=behind the Sports Park | phone=+358 2 277-3350| tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–21:00, kitchen closes 1 hour before closing time | price= | content=Pippurimylly ''(Pepper Mill)'' is a traditional family-owned restaurant that has served locals for decades, and little has changed – nostalgia! It uses Finnish products and is well known for its steaks. }} * {{eat | name=Sergio's | alt= | url=http://www.sergio.fi | email=ravintola@sergio.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 27 | lat=60.44696 | long=22.26216 | directions= | phone=+358 20-769-8585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 16:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00 | price= | content=Authentic Italian restaurant in a 1787 wooden house by the river. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Also, as a rule, the staff is Italian, but the service is of course also in Finnish and English. Pizzas, pasta, fish, meat, risottos, vegetarian dishes and Italian desserts. Good wine selection as well. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Trattoria Romana | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hämeenkatu 9 | lat=60.45182 | long=22.28137 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-9554 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Italian trattoria, owned and run by Italians. Excellent value for money. }} * {{eat | name=Viking Restaurant Harald | alt=Viikinkiravintola Harald | url=http://www.ravintolaharald.fi | email=turku@ravintolaharald.fi | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45002 | long=22.26800 | directions=between Kauppatori and Auransilta bridge | phone=+358 44-766-8204 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 12:00–23:00 Th–F 12:00–24:00, Sa 12:00–01:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=€18–50, children €9–12; lunch from €12.50 | lastedit=2018-06-17 | content=Quasi-authentic with furs on the walls and rustic furniture, with some humour. Good food with surprising combinations, such as jam or berries with the main courses. Perhaps the way the Vikings had it, but never mind if not. Toilets called Harald (gents) and Helga (ladies). }} * {{eat | name=Wanhan Paronin Kellari | alt=Old Baron's Cellar | url=http://www.wpk.fi | email=ravintola@wpk.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44900 | long=22.25661 | directions= | phone=+358 440-225-442 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Tu–Th 14:00–22:00, F Sa 14:00–00:00 | price= | content= Don't be fooled by the humble entrance. A little bit off the city centre Wanhan Paronin Kellari is an atmospheric cellar restaurant that has many medievally decorated small compartments. Food includes seasonal products as well as steaks and game. Value for money is surprisingly good. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Turku cafe.jpg|thumb|Most of the Restaurants, cafés and bars have outdoor terraces during the summer season.]] * {{eat | name=E. Ekblom | alt= | url=https://www.eekblom.fi | email=info@eekblom.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.44978 | long=22.27157 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 17:00–01:00 | price= | content=Comfortable high quality wine restaurant. Its carefully selected wines offer wide variety with seasonal changes. In a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the wine, while the summer terrace has great views towards the river. }} * {{eat | name=Gustavo | alt= | url=http://gustavo.fi | email=info@gustavo.fi | address=Linnankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2743 | directions=Vähätori, next to the bridge |image=Gustavon terassi.jpg | phone=+358 46-922-2488 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:00, Sa 15:00–22:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Mediterranean kitchen with a Scandinavian twist. Tip: gather a few Portuguese pinchos with pizza and share with your friends. Do not hesitate to ask anything that surprises you, staff is very kind and helpful. Gustavo also imports wines of its own. }} * {{eat | name=Kaskis | alt= | url=http://kaskis.fi | email=info@kaskis.fi | address=Kaskenkatu 6 A | lat=60.44672 | long=22.27265 | directions= | phone=+358 44-723-0200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 16:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–00:00, Su M closed | price= | content=Named after its location on the Kaskenmäki hill, Kaskis was opened in 2014 by three friends. Fine dining influenced especially by Southern European, Scandinavian and Asian kitchens. Michelin star. Try to book your table well in advance, busy times are outsold months before. }} * {{eat | name=Ludu | alt= | url=http://ludu.fi/en/ | email=ravintola@ludu.fi | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44957 | long=22.26733 | directions= | phone=+358 20-734-0310 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00-23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price= | content=Ludu is a small fine dining restaurant that serves European food. It also has an excellent wine selection and changing seasonal products on its menu. }} * {{eat | name=Mami | alt= | url=http://www.mami.fi | email=mami@mami.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45174 | long=22.27335 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 2 231-1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F lunch 11:00–15:00, à la carte 17:00–22:00, Sa à la carte 13:00–22:00, Su M closed | price=lunch €10–25 | content=The tiny Mami is considered one of the best restaurants in Turku. It has relaxed service, carefully prepared food and a comfortable and modern environment. The summer terrace offers the most beautiful views. They also serve a great lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Pinella | alt= | url=http://www.pinella.fi | email=info@pinella.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 2 | lat=60.45121 | long=22.27488 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch: Tu–F 11:00–15:00, Sa 12:00–15:00. À la carte: Tu–F 17:00–23:00, Sa 16:00–23:00. Bar: Tu–Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–01:00 | price= | content=Pinella is a landmark building on the river. It has been transformed into a contemporary bar and restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Samppalinna | alt= | url= | email=info@ravintolasamppalinna.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 10 | lat=60.44745 | long=22.26835 | directions= | phone=+358 10-764-5391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer only | price= | content=Restaurant Samppalinna (opened in 1832) is a spectacular wooden villa in the park, with terraces towards the river. For lovers of good food, drink and theatre. }} * {{eat | name=Roster | alt= | url=https://rosterturku.com | email=myyntipalvelu@royalravintolat.com | address=Tuomiokirkonkatu 6 | lat=60.4515 | long=22.2786 | directions=behind the cathedral as seen from the bridge | phone=+358 9 6128-6850 (chain head office?) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:30–22:00, Tu-F 11:30–23:00, Sa 15:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Roster offers a place to wine and dine in a nice milieu. Have a drink before dinner in a fancy cocktail bar. And another after the dinner too. }} * {{eat | name=Smör | alt= | url=http://www.smor.fi | email=info@smor.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.45014 | long=22.27206 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The menu changes according to the seasons. Midst the milieu of the cellar vaults, Smör serves at lunchtime and in the evening. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Suomalainen Pohja | alt= | url=http://www.suomalainenpohja.fi | email=ravintola@suomalainenpohja.com | address=Aurakatu 24 | lat=60.45340 | long=22.26194 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-2000 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00 | price= | content=Club Restaurant Suomalainen Pohja (''Finnish Base'') was built in 1980 and was designed by architect Sigvard Eklund. The interiors were designed by an Englishman, Sir George Salmon. The plan has been the basis for an English club activities. Pohja serves traditional fine dining food and atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=Tintå | alt= | url=http://www.tinta.fi | email=info@tinta.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 9 | lat=60.44916 | long=22.27006 | directions=right bank, by Aurasilta | phone=+358 2 230-7023 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–00:00, Tu–Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Tintå is a wine restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, by the river. It serves more than a hundred different wines, and a short but good menu of gourmet pizzas and tasty lunch on weekdays. Terrace completes the river landscape. }} * {{eat | name=Tårget | alt= | url=http://www.matbar.fi | email=info@matbar.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45156 | long=22.27305 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 400-522-707 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00. Lunch is served M–F 11:00–15:00; those days à la carte is available 16:00– | price= | content=Italian, international and Scandinavian cuisine. It also houses a great wine-bar, which is one of the hot spots of the city especially during the summer. Trendy but casual bistro-style restaurant. }} ===Gastropub=== [[File:Tiirikkala_turku.jpg|thumb|Bartender making a drink in Tiirikkala]] * {{eat | name=Hunsvotti | alt= | url=http://www.satamakapakkahunsvotti.fi | email= | address=Län­tinen Ran­ta­katu 55 | lat=60.44108 | long=22.24608 | directions=near Föri | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content=A combination of a sports bar and gastropub, since you can order food from the Rantakerttu restaurant to the pub. }} * {{eat | name=Löytö | alt= | url=https://www.gastropubloyto.fi | email=palaute@ravintolateini.fi | address=Uudenmaankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2740 | directions=Near Cathedral | phone=+358 2 233-0203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–00:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 14:00–02:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=lunch €8–12; à la carte €3 (fingerfood) – €32 (steak) | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Idyllic cellar underground. }} * {{eat | name=Pikku-Torre | alt= | url=http://www.pikkutorre.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 30 | lat=60.44953 | long=22.25908 | directions= | phone=+358 2 274-4866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 11:00–00:00, W Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00, Su 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Pikku-Torre (Little Torre) is combination of restaurant, sports bar and club. It has a good menu full of steaks, burgers and salads. It also serves lunch every day. In the evening it turns more into a bar and nightclub. }} * {{eat | name=Pub Niska | alt= | url=http://www.niskaturku.com | email=niska@niskaturku.com | address=Kristiinankatu 1 | lat=60.44810 | long=22.26623 | directions= | phone=+358 40-739-1006 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Pub Niska Turku is a restaurant concept developed by chef Michael Björklund from the Åland Islands. Known for its archipelago pizzas made from fresh, high-quality ingredients that mainly come from Åland. Their list includes filling salads, desserts and a versatile drink selection. }} * {{eat | name=Tiirikkala | alt= | url=http://www.tiirikkala.fi | email=tiirikkala@tiirikkala.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45181 | long=22.27351 | directions= | phone= +358 44-756-6160 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 19:30:00–00:00, Tu-Th 11:00–22:00, F Sa 11:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00| price= | content=In addition to a good selection of wine and drinks, Tiirikkala offers traditional Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and pastries that are handmade on the site. The interior design of the restaurant is very Scandinavian, reflecting its dishes. It serves Finnish Microbrewery beers from its taps. }} * {{eat | name=Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki | alt= | url=http://www.vaakahuone.fi | email= | address=Linnankatu 38, | lat=60.44460 | long=22.25374 | directions= | phone=+358 2 515-3300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pavilion restaurant Vaakahuone is an entertainment complex by the river. It offers live music (for dancing or otherwise), a speciality coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and an à la carte restaurant. The end of the building also serves as S/S Ukkopekka's ticket office. }} ===Vegetarian=== * {{eat | name=Kasvis-ravintola | alt= | url=http://www.turunkasvisravintola.fi | email=info@turunkasvisravintola.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 a | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2604 | directions=in the ground floor of the Betel Church in the yard, door in the short wall, follow the signs | phone=+358 50-326-5122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:00–15:00 | price=€7.70–11.50, children 7–12 €5; takeaway €14,50/kg | lastedit=2018-06-08 | content=Vegetarian restaurant serving a lunch buffet, using mostly organic and locally grown products. Vegans can eat most things offered, just check the whiteboard (vegan alternatives often available when needed) and choose the outs milk for your coffee (but unless you must, try the included teas of the day instead). The dining rooms are bland in spite of the exterior, but the food is good. }} * {{eat | name=Kuori | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakuori.fi | email=info@ravintolakuori.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.4519 | long=22.2830 | directions=200 metres from the cathedral | phone=+358 20-794-0330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00, F 11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price=Lunch €7.90–10.40, tasting menu €56 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Very popular vegetarian restaurant. Tip: try 6 courses tasting menu. Its sister restaurant Roots Kitchen in the market hall is a great place for eating, although it might be crowded during lunch time. }} * {{eat | name=Tikitak | alt= | url=http://tikitak.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@tikitak.fi | address=Maariankatu 1 | lat=60.4541 | long=22.2667 | directions=Next to Puutori, a 5 minute walk from Kauppatori | phone=+358 40-935-7614 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–21:00, F Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–21:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Looks like a quite normal kebab-pizzeria but they have a passion for vegan food. Tip: try vöner, vegan version of döner. }} * {{eat | name=VG Wok | alt= | url=http://vg-wok.com | email= | address=Rauninaukio | lat=60.4629 | long=22.2631 | directions=some distance past the railway bridge by the bus station | phone=+358 45-665-1793 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–18:00, F 11:00–20:00, Sa 12:00–20:00, Su | price=Main dishes €7.50 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Really nice vegetarian budget place. Vg Wok has sister restaurants in Tykistönkatu and Arvinkatu. Authentic Asian food. }} ==Drink== Restaurants and bars have varying closing hours, but generally, the popular nightclubs and discos are open until 04:00. Last call always occurs half an hour before closing time, and is indicated by the bar staff turning the lights off for a few seconds, then turning them back on. They may repeat this a few times in quick succession to make sure the patrons get it. It's generally smart to leave about ten minutes before the last call, to avoid being caught in the rush of everybody trying to leave at once, especially if you are planning to get back to your night spot by a taxi. The times are changing somewhat, as the legislation now allow them to keep open after 04:00, which will probably be the new time of last call. Night clubs tend to have guarded cloakrooms where you can leave any of your outer garments in exchange for a ticket. Using the coat service is generally considered mandatory even if this is not explicitly pointed out. The cloakroom fee is usually €2 or 2.50. Do not lose the ticket; the bar staff will often not want to hash out ticket confusions during closing time when things are at their most chaotic. If you lose the ticket, you may be told to come back the following day to get your things, expect to be able to prove the jacket is yours by telling the staff the make of the jacket/colour of lining/contents of pockets. The legal drinking age in Finland is 18 for mild alcoholic drinks (up to 20%/40-proof) and 20 for stronger drinks than that, but virtually all establishments sell stronger drinks to 18-year-olds as well. The minimum age required to enter bars/pubs/nightclubs differs; legally, one must be at least 18 to enter places that serve alcohol, but many clubs and bars have higher age limits (20–24 yrs). ===Cafés=== [[File:Qwenselska gården uteservering 2.jpg|thumb|Courtyard of the Qwensel house, with café (in summer) and the Pharmacy Museum.]] There are many cafés in Turku. The ones listed here are not representative, but mostly more odd ones. See also [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above. * {{drink | name=Café Art | alt= | url=http://www.cafeart.fi | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 5 | lat=60.44951 | long=22.27102 | directions=in the centre by the river | phone=+358 40-158-3383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Special coffees along with delicious cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Aschan | alt= | url=http://www.aschan.fi | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 15 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45054 | long=22.26493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until 2018 a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Fabbes Café | alt= | url=https://fabbescafe.com/en | email=fabbescafe@gmail.com | address=Tehtaankatu 6 | lat=60.45641 | long=22.28056 | directions= | phone=+358 50-535-3647 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–16:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, late lunch if anything left; Lilla Fabbes W–F 12:00–18:00, Sa–Su 11:00–17:00 | price=Breakfast €7, lunch €6–7 (late lunch €4), coffee with bun €4 | lastedit=2021-10-26 | content=Fabbes café is a cosy small café in the beautiful Biskopsgatan area (ÅA campus). 2–3 lunch options, one of which vegan. Coffee included. They have a nice selection of pies (sweet and savoury), cakes, cinnamon rolls and home-made sweet treats, smoothies, etc. Nearly everything at Fabbe's is baked or produced in house, and you can tell the difference – nothing factory made and no additives. They operate the branch Lilla Fabbes by [[Q4165181|Ett hem]], as pure café. }} * {{drink | name=Gaggui | alt= | url=http://gaggui.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45299 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=In this tiny café the cakes are the main thing. They are fantastic and made by hand on the site. Coffee is also top-notch and the service is super friendly. }} * {{drink | name=Kirjakahvila | alt=Book Café | url=http://www.kirjakahvila.org | email= | address=Vanha Suurtori 1 | lat=60.45038 | long=22.27564 | directions=in the Brinkkala yard | phone=+358 2 469-1396 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–19:00, often live acoustic music or other cultural events in the evening | price= | content=At the historical Old Great Square, this is a culture café and a bookshop (books from small publishers, also foreign ones) run by volunteers. Besides books there are also a lot of comics, postcards and posters by local artists for sale. Freshly baked cakes every day. All food vegan. Free wireless Internet available, ask the staff for passwords. }} * {{drink | name=Kisälli | alt= | url=http://www.enkelinkisalli.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@enkelinkisalli.fi | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44706 | long=22.27613 | directions=next to the entrance of the Luostarimäki outdoor museum | phone=+358 40-630-5988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=Old-fashioned style to partly match the location. Self-made fresh bread rolls, buns, donuts and pies. Every day there's also pancake and a variety of sweet and savoury pies. And of course, great coffee and other drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Nuvola Gelateria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45049 | long=22.26560 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=The owners, Italians Angelo and Stefano, make traditional Italian ice cream on the site, without any artificial elements. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy with an Italian touch. }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Promenade | alt= | url=http://www.villapromenade.fi | email=myynti@villapromenade.fi | address=Kansanpuistontie 76 | lat=60.42760 | long=22.18140 | directions=Kansanpuisto ("folk park") in Ruissalo | phone=+358 40-158-8424 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 14 May–30 August and Sa–Su in spring 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream. }} * {{drink | name=Café Qwensel | alt= | url=http://cafeqwensel.fi | email=cc.catering.cc@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 B | lat=60.44872 | long=22.26731 | directions=in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum, entrance to the yard to the left of the main building | phone=+358 50-395-0021 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00; closed in winter | price= | content=Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their tea is worth checking. Lunch on weekdays. }} ===Pubs=== [[File:Panimoravintola koulu.jpg|thumb|Brewery Restaurant Koulu]] * {{drink | name=The Old Bank | alt= | url=http://oldbank.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.44989 | long=22.26822 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su M 12:00–00:00, Tu–Th 12:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–03:00 | price= | content=Considered by many to be the best beer place in Turku, Old Bank is, not surprisingly, a former bank turned into a beer pub. It has beautiful interiors, great service and the widest selection of beers in town. If you feel hungry they serve amazing pie filled with reindeer. }} * {{drink | name=Brewery Restaurant Koulu | alt= | url=http://www.panimoravintolakoulu.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.44967 | long=22.26454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube M–Th 17:00–23:00, F 17:00–02:00, Sa 17:00–02:00. Dining room M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00. Lunch M–F 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other beers, good food and an excellent selection of wines. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of locals. }} * {{drink | name=Seurusteluravintola Uusi apteekki | alt=New Pharmacy | url=http://www.uusiapteekki.fi/ | email= | address=Kaskenkatu 1 | lat=60.44764 | long=22.27063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–02:00 | price= | content=Uusi Apteekki (literally meaning New Pharmacy) is a beer pub in a former pharmacy built in 1907. Great selection of beer and spirits, and the decorations alone are worth seeing. In weekend this pub gets really crowded with locals so be prepared to stand while enjoying your beer. If you are lucky, it's also a good place to catch up with writer Reijo Mäki who has written the famous Vares detective stories that are huge in Finland. }} * {{drink | name=Mallaskukko | alt= | url=http://www.mallaskukko.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44893 | long=22.25634 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 14:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 14:00-00:00 | price= | content=Another good beer pub in Turku, with a great selection of beers, scotch whiskies and ciders. Mallaskukko truly feels like a living room of the locals. Good place to watch sports from the many TV screens on the walls. }} * {{drink | name=Whisky Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whisky-bar/123994847737677?rf=219574744725419 | email= | address= Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45246 | long=22.26533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Th 18:00–02:00, F Sa 18:00–03:00 | price= | content=Whisky Bar in the core downtown of Turku has, as its name suggests, a wide selection of whiskies, but also serves beer and other spirits. Nowadays it is strongly orientated to heavy metal by its music and atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=Cosmic Comic Café | alt= | url=http://cosmic.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 4 (inside Forum shopping center) | lat=60.45074 | long=22.26944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Tu 16:00–00:00, We–Th 15:00–02:00 F–Sa 15:00–03:00 | price= | content=Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where beer meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about beer so do not hesitate to ask for tips. }} * {{drink | name=Daily News | alt= | url=http://dailyravintolat.fi/dailynews/ | email=dailynews@dailyravintolat.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 33 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2583 | directions=5 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 50 5711537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00-02:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest beer in the heart of the city. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Fontti | alt= | url=http://www.fontti.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45095 | long=22.26987 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 16:00–23:00, F 16:00–04:00, Sa 13:00–04:00 | price= | content=It's in the old customers office of the regional newspaper ''Turun-Sanomat''. Fontti (literally meaning font) is a restaurant and serves great food in addition to drinks and coffees. Service can be little slow but otherwise this bar is nice place to spend your weekend evening. }} * {{drink | name=Alvar | alt= | url=http://alvarbaari.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.45140 | long=22.25841 | directions=Halfway between Central Railway Station and Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 14:00-02:00, Su 18:00-00:00 | price= | content=Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of beer. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special beer tasting if you visit with a group of friends. }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kuka | alt=Bar Who | url=http://www.barkuka.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44882 | long=22.26520 | directions= | phone=+358 50-411-6603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18 | price= | content=On the corner of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights. }} * {{drink | name=Rento | url=http://www.rentobar.fi/index.php | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 23 | lat=60.45175 | long=22.26470 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2240 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 11:00–02:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00, Su 12:00–02:00 | price= | content=Rento, literally meaning casual and relaxed, has probably one of the best locations for a bar in Turku right at the end of the pedestrian street next to the Market Square and Hansa Shopping Center. You can either sit inside or on a nice terrace outside. Large selection of beers and little snacks as well. }} ===Riverboats=== [[File:Esposito Turku.JPG|thumb|Esposito]] Riverboats are a unique feature in the Turku cityscape. In the summertime, it is very popular to spend the early evening until midnight or so on one of them, and when it gets a little chilly, move indoors to a restaurant or night club. They are at the riverside of river Aura. Some of them also house fine restaurants while some are mostly just pubs. * {{drink | name=Donna | alt= | url=http://www.donna.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44798 | long=22.26828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Svarte Rudolf | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44773 | long=22.26744 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Papa Joe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RavintolalaivaPapaJoe?rf=197109880325096 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44746 | long=22.26656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Cindy | alt= | url=http://www.cindy.fi/fi#&panel1-1 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44720 | long=22.26569 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Aussie Bar | alt= | url=http://aussiebar.net/turku/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44674 | long=22.26405 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Katarina | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakatarina.fi/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44654 | long=22.26337 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Majland | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44510 | long=22.25640 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Esposito | alt= | url=http://www.espositobar.fi/ | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44141 | long=22.24767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Merihelmi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44140 | long=22.24920 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bruno | alt= | url=http://www.brunocruisers.fi/bruno_2/index.html | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44114 | long=22.24868 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wanha Rahtilaiva | alt= | url=http://www.rahtis.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44075 | long=22.24799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Nightclubs=== * {{drink | name=Forte | alt= | url=http://www.nightclub.fi/ravintolat_forte | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 8 | lat=60.44996 | long=22.26295 | directions= | phone=+358 40-091-6403 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Forte has been one favourite of the locals since 1996. It tends to be busy thanks to cheap drinks and daily opening hours, as opposed to majority of the other clubs in the city. The concept of 'SuFo' (='Sunday Forte'), MoFo, etc., is widely recognized among students in Turku. }} * {{drink | name=Chic | alt= | url=http://chicturku.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 18 | lat=60.44878 | long=22.26591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F–Su 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=In an old Neo-renessaince-style bank, this is the most posh nightclub in Turku. Showroom offers two stories of great atmosphere: Downstairs ''Lanson Club'' is in a beautiful old cellar and has waiters serving you to your table, which is very uncommon in Finnish nightclubs. Upstairs Heineken Bar offers trendy atmosphere with huge screens on the walls showing latest music videos. }} * {{drink | name=Apollo Nightclub | alt= | url=https://www.apolloturku.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 6 | lat=60.45007 | long=22.25957 | directions= | phone=+358 40-827-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation. }} * {{drink | name=Dynamo | alt= | url=http://www.dynamoklubi.com/ | email=palaute@dynamoklubi.com | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45085 | long=22.27106 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-4904 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 21:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students. }} * {{drink | name=Night Club Marilyn | alt= | url=http://www.clubmarilyn.fi/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 19 | lat=60.44944 | long=22.26261 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=For the late teens-early 20s crowd, the Night Club Marilyn is particularly popular as a disco/night club. It is the oldest privately owned Night Club in Turku and has seen all the other clubs come and go. In its history it has been chosen as the Best Nightclub in the city on several occasions. }} * {{drink | name=Gong | alt= | url=http://gong.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 8 | lat=60.45040 | long=22.25849 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F-Sa 21:00–04:00| price= | content=One of the leading live music venues in the city, Gong offers a wide range of music from rock to goth, punk, electronica, ska, prog, grunge, indie/alternative on three different stages. Good club for groups or parties. }} * {{drink | name=Naima | alt= | url= | email= | address= Aurakatu 6 | lat=60.44992 | long=22.26731 | directions= | phone=+358 44 444 1234| tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 20:00–04:00 | price= | content=For [[#Social dancing|proper dancing]] (not night club dancing) in a nightclub setting, Naima is the recommended place in Turku. The age group skews towards the 30s, 40s and 50s. Often music includes live performances by some of the biggest names in Finnish ''Iskelmä'' (entertainer music) music. }} * {{drink | name=Baaribaari | alt= | url=http://baaribaari.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 14 | lat=60.45195 | long=22.26447 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Bar W-Sa 18:00-04:00, Diskodisko F Sa 22:00–04:00. Age limit 20 | price= | content=Popular especially amongst younger locals, since its age limit is only 20. Next to the Market Square. }} * {{drink | name=suXes | alt= | url=http://www.suxes.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 9 | lat=60.45378 | long=22.27049 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 19:00–02:00 | price= | content=Turku, like other larger Finnish cities in general, is quite gay-friendly, though public gestures of affection are not common even for straight couples and might raise some eyebrows. You'll fit in at practically all of the clubs in Turku, but perhaps feel specially at home in suXes, the only gay bar and café in Turku. There you can be openly yourself while enjoying the atmosphere, coffee and drinks. }} ==Sleep== ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Camping | alt= | url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-camping_-0 | email=ruissalo.camping@turku.fi | address=Saarontie 25 | lat=60.4226 | long=22.0941 | directions=bus 8 | phone=+358 2 262-5100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€40/€160; tent €18+€5/2 per person | checkin= | checkout= | content=Camping and indoor accommodation at the outermost tip of the Ruissalo island. The well-equipped camping and caravan area has a beach, sauna, a convenience store and various other amenities, including hot showers and laundry facilities. The entertainment options include mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Open June–August. }} * {{sleep | name=Naantali Camping | url=http://www.visitnaantalifinland.com/camping {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=camping@naantalinmatkailu.fi | address=Kopenkatu 20 | lat=60.4618 | long=22.0287 | directions=500 m from [[Naantali]] city centre | phone=+358 2 435-0855 | tollfree= | fax= | price=Vehicles and tents €14 + €5/person, cottages from €50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A camping ground operated by Naantali's tourist office. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Bore (1960) takaisin Turussa 2010.jpg|thumb|Hostel Borea]] [[File:Turku Catholic Church.jpg|thumb|upright|Bridgettine Convent Guest House is next to the Catholic Church.]] * {{sleep | name=Hostel Borea | alt= | url= | email=hostelborea@turku.fi | address=River Aura, Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4350 | long=22.2337 | directions=by the yard of Forum Marinum | phone=+358 40-843-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €51, twin €82 | content=s/s Bore on the River Aura has unique atmosphere. Built for the Turku–Stockholm route, many remember her as cruise ship in different waters, but now the former steamship is permanently moored on the banks of the River Aura and beside other functions houses an inexpensive hostel with 130 cabins. In most of the (small) cabins there is a private shower and toilet. The prices include linen, towels and breakfast, which is served in the buffet restaurant of the ship. Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you'll find the Turku Castle and Forum Marinum. Lots of narrow stairs, not suitable for the disabled. }} * {{sleep | name=Bridgettine Convent Guest House | alt= | url=https://birgittalaissisaret.fi/en/ | email=birgitta.turku@kolumbus.fi | address=Ursininkatu 15 A | lat=60.44988 | long=22.25492 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-1910 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-3078 | price=Single €45, twin €65 | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=You'll receive a warm welcome and a friendly smile from the Catholic Sisters who run this guesthouse in a central but quiet location in Turku. The rooms are basic and clean, there is secure parking behind the guesthouse and a continental breakfast is included. Only cash is accepted at the moment (July 2020). }} * {{sleep | name=Guesthouse Tapuli | alt= | url=http://www.tapulitalo.fi/en | email= | address=Kaivokatu 14 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2894 | directions=between the university and the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 2 250-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €50, double €65 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-01 | content=Small guesthouse with cosy rooms with TV. No breakfast, kitchen is available for self service. Toilets and showers are by the corridor. Sauna is warm every day (included). There is also free Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Harriet | alt= | url=http://harriet.fi/hotel-harriet/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=turku@harriet.fi | address=Käsityöläiskatu 11 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2560 | directions= | phone=+358 40-910-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-231-1110 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€45/€139 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Modern hotel and hostel-quality rooms in the centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hesehotelli | alt= | url=https://www2.hesburger.fi/hesehotelli | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 1 | lat=60.45762 | long=22.26761 | directions= | phone=+358 45-634-3443 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €50 | checkin=M–W 07:30–03:30, Th 07:30–00:00, F Sa 24 hr and Sun 00:00–03:00 (following day) | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Hesehotel is owned by the burger chain Hesburger, and it's on the second floor of one of their biggest restaurants near central Turku, right next to Turku bus station. It has 15 rooms and 46 beds. Room equipment includes air conditioning, a fridge, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. You can order breakfast and other food from the restaurant below and check-in is also done at the counter of the restaurant. Parking space reservation price is €5/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Interpoint Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 12 A | lat=60.45022 | long=22.28193 | directions= | phone=+358 400-821-905 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€10/person | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Operated by the YWCA of Turku, this is the cheapest place to sleep in Turku, but for good reason: It is just 30 mattresses on the floor, and 1 shower. If that is enough for you, then this is your place. }} * {{sleep | name=Linnasmäki | alt= | url=http://linnasmaki.fi/en | email=info@tk-opisto.fi | address=Lustokatu 7 | lat=60.4804 | long=22.2962 | directions= | phone=+358 40-710-4488 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception: Sept–May: 08:30–15:30, June–Aug: 08:00–20:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €70 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Affordable accommodation in peaceful surroundings 4 km from Turku centre. Guests can use the swimming pool and sauna area. There are plenty of hiking routes with bicycles available to rent during summer. Guests can stay in either a hotel or a refurbished hostel that also offers family rooms and apartments. Individual rooms equipped for disabled guests are also available. Plenty of free parking for guests. }} * {{sleep | name=Bed & Breakfast Tuure | alt= | url=http://www.netti.fi/~tuure2/en/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=tuure@netti.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 17 C, third floor | lat=60.45534 | long=22.26557 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-0230 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception opens at 08:00 and after that you can bring in your luggage when needed. Check-in 14:00–16:00 | checkout= | price=€45/€97 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=A cosy, non-smoking guest house that has provides affordable accommodation only three blocks away from the Market Square. 15 rooms, 5 shared showers/toilets along the corridor, a breakfast room and a kitchen. They also have computers and Wi-Fi as well as washing machine and other necessities of a home all free for the guests to use. Breakfast is plentiful and included in the room price. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|Park Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Centro Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.centrohotel.com/fi/ | email=centro@centrohotel.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 12 A | lat=60.4532 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone=+358 2 211-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€110–150 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern hotel in the inner courtyard of its building block. Family-owned hotel, a bit more personal than the chain hotels in Turku. }} * {{sleep | name=Omena Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.omenahotels.com/fi/hotellit/suomi/turku/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.4512 | long=22.2587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=€80–90 | checkin=16 | checkout=12 | content=No reception staff and no breakfast, but prices are considerably cheaper. Booking is done online, and you get a code which you can use to get into the building and onto your room. There are also vending machines for you to buy snacks and food. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.parkhotelturku.fi/en | email=info@parkhotelturku.fi | address=Rauhankatu 1 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2579 | directions=in the Puolala park between the railway station and Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 273-2555 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 251-9696 | price=€140–150 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Park Hotel is one of the oldest boutique hotels in Finland. In an Art Nouveau building, built in 1902. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Hotel Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Plaza-Turku/#.U3CWqPl_t8E | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2618 | directions= | phone=+358 2 332-00 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 332-0111 | price=125–190 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Restaurant. Sauna. 24-hour gym. Bike can be borrowed. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Hotel Seaport | url=http://www.hotelseaport.fi | email=seaport@hotelseaport.fi | address=Toinen Poikkikatu 2 | lat=60.43443 | long=22.22115 | directions=at the port | phone=+358 2 283-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-283-3100 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Family-owned basic hotel in an old customs house. }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Seurahuone | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-seurahuone | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 23 | lat=60.44897 | long=22.26110 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-301 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 337-2200 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit more business-oriented than the other Sokos Hotels in the city. The hotel restaurant is intended to be Spanish-style. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Turku | alt= | url=http://www.finland.holidayinn.com/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.holidayinn@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 28 | lat=60.44793 | long=22.25930 | directions= | phone=+358 2 338-211 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 338-2299 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Moderately priced. Breakfast spread is decent }} * {{sleep | name=Cumulus Turku | url=http://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.cumulus@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 30 | lat=60.44772 | long=22.25863 | directions= | phone=+358 2 218-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mid-priced business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Helmi | alt= | url=http://www.hotellihelmi.fi/en | email=hotellihelmi@hotellihelmi.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 11 | lat=60.45627 | long=22.26824 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2770 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€95–110; lunch €10.70, breakfast €11.50, children 4–12 €6.90 | hours=Café M–F 06:30–17:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00; lunch M–F 11:00–14:30; breakfast M–F 06:30–10:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small mid-priced hotel next to the bus station, part of the original station plan. The hotel building is an old gas station, which was owned by Shell, hence the name ''Pearl''. Good basic quality no-frills hotel, very good value for money. The café offers also take away breakfast/lunch/snacks. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Hotel Marina Palace Radisson Blu 2012.jpg|thumb|Hotel Marina Palace]] * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-marina-turku | email=info.turku@radissonblu.com | address=Linnankatu 32 | lat=60.4466 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4710 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On Linnankatu overlooking the River Aura Hotel Marina Palace is considered by many to be the best hotel in Turku. It has housed many celebrities visiting Turku, including Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Sweden. With well-appointed rooms overlooking the Aura River. You can dine at two on-site restaurants including the popular ''Grill it! Marina''. Fully equipped gym. Quay for guests (bridges too low for sailing yachts). }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel City Börs | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/fi/turku/sokos-hotel-hamburger-bors | email=myyntipalvelu.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 6 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2687 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-381 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=In the Wiklund department store. Good discounts are often available if you book a package together with the ferry companies. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Julia | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Julia/#.U3CL8vl_t8E | email=julia@scandichotels.com | address=Eerikinkatu 4 | lat=60.4522 | long=22.2721 | directions= | phone=+358 2 336-000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 3360-2211 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Clean comfortable rooms, excellent friendly service, quality breakfast, perhaps the best brunch in town. Fully equipped rooms. Great value for money. }} ===Spa hotels=== [[File:Rslo airphoto 72ppi web.jpg|thumb|Ruissalo Spa]] * {{sleep | name=Spa Hotel Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-caribia | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kongressikuja 1 | lat=60.4606 | long=22.2909 | directions=by the student village, behind the universities, buses 50–54, 20-minute walk from city centre | phone=+358 20-123-4602 | tollfree= | fax=+358 10-784-0180 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Spa Hotel Caribia, on the outskirts of the centre, is good choice for families. It has a big spa decorated in Caribbean style. It also houses lots of conferences and other events. Don't miss the big and pink statue outdoors by the contemporary artist Alvar Gullichsen; it's a mix between Duck and Pig called ''Posankka''. }} * {{sleep | name=Naantali Spa Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.naantalispa.fi/en | email=info@naantalispa.fi | address=Matkailjantie 2 | lat=60.47462 | long=22.03368 | directions=[[Naantali]], 15 km from Turku; bus 6, 7 and 7A | phone=+358 600-555-100 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-5101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Off-season weekday rates can drop as low as €69/person but climb dramatically in high season | content=In a modern building, Naantali Spa has roots dating to the 18th century, even the Russian Czar has paid a visit. The resort includes several restaurants, a variety of rooms, a large spa and beauty and pool services. The spa is the only Scandinavian member in the Royal Spas of Europe -affiliation. The resort is also well known in Scandinavia for arranging conferences. }} * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Spa | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalospa.fi/en | email=info@ruissalospa.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 640 | lat=60.4248 | long=22.1037 | directions=Bus 8 | phone=+358 2 445-40 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-4590 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Ruissalo Spa is located on and named after the scenic Ruissalo Island. The spa is by the sea and you can choose to swim on the pools or in the sea as well. The location is beautiful and there's a golf course and guest harbour right next to the hotel. Beware though: This is the favourite location for elderly locals, so if you're looking for something more youth-oriented, this might not be the place for you. }} ==Stay safe== {{infobox|[[Risks]] in Turku| Crime/violence: '''Low'''<br> <small>Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets</small><br> Authorities/corruption: '''Low'''<br> Transportation: '''Low'''<br> Health: '''Low'''<br> Nature: '''Low'''<br> <small>[[Ticks]] carrying TBE or borreliosis</small><br> }} Turku is generally a very safe city. On weekend nights drunken people may cause annoyance, especially after last call. Swimming in the river is forbidden for good reason: the river banks provide very little access to the shore; what was intended as a quick refreshing dip will result in an expensive rescue operation or worse. In emergencies, always call '''112''', which is the general emergency number for police affairs, fire, medical care and social services. If in doubt, it is always better to call and ask. For non-emergency medical care, the City of Turku provides medical advice over the phone at {{phone|+358 2 100-23}}. Lines are open weekdays 08:00–15:00. The hearing-impaired have their own service for the evaluation of medical care, counselling and making an appointment at a health centre. This can be contacted during office hours by sending an SMS message to {{phone|+358 44-907-3824}}. Turku University Hospital's T-Hospital is the region’s accident and emergency hospital. It provides specialized medical care and treatment around the clock to those who have fallen suddenly ill or sustained injury. * {{listing | name=Turku University Hospital Emergency Department | alt= | url=http://www.vsshp.fi/en/paivystys | email= | address=Savitehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.45347 | long=22.29749 | directions="T-sairaala", across the railway and highway 1, by highway 10, near Kupittaa railway station | phone=+358 2 313-8800 | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Call for advice before coming, queues are often long. }} * Emergency '''social services''' can be contacted through 112; in business hours (weekdays 08:30–15:30) call {{phone|+358 2 262-6003}}. Also life management. * {{listing | name=Police | alt= | url=https://www.poliisi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat=60.4455 | long=22.2525 | directions= | phone=+358 295-440-501 (non-urgent – urgent: 112) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8–17 (shorter hours for many matters) | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-04 | content= }} ==Respect== * Avoid walking in the cycle lanes. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the pavement (sidewalk). Turku cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. Usually, however, they are careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at. * When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues – but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask. * Finns usually don't complain to people who are doing things (in their opinion) wrong. They will just look at your foolish behaviour and swear silently to themselves. You might be embarrassing yourself but Finns might think that complaining about it will make an even bigger scene. * Many Finns are not very open to strangers in public, especially in public transport. They may feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed if you try to start a conversation on the bus. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone's home you will discover that Finns behave very differently and will be very social. Most Finns speak English very well and are more than happy to refresh their skills by talking to tourists. * Do not feed seagulls or pigeons especially in the city centre. Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is officially prohibited in many areas. If you'd like to feed birds you can head to the Kupittaa Park, since there is a Bird Park where you can feed the birds as long as the food is healthy for the birds. ==Connect== SparkNet is the largest WiFi network in Finland. It is free to students of the schools and universities in the city and city personnel. Others can purchase the connection from [http://sparknet.fi/index.php SparkNet's website]. Students and personnel from participating institutions get free Wi-Fi through the Eduroam network. In addition to the SparkNet much of Turku is blanketed with Wi-Fi hotspots. Most cafés and bars offer wireless internet connection without requiring a person to be a paying customer. Some restaurants will do this as well, but may insist that you purchase something. The city main library (see [[#Learn|above]]) offers public computers with Internet access (without booking, mostly there are some free ones). The "15 min" computers can be used without logging in. ==Cope== [[File:Åbo stadsbibliotek 2015 tidningsläsesalen.jpg|thumb|Newspaper reading room of Turku City Library, with public computers]] === Press === An assortment of foreign newspapers is available for reading in the main library (see [[#Learn|above]]) and for sale at some locations (e.g. R-kioski at the main railway station or at Kauppatori). Expect to find some well-known ones at least in Swedish, English, German, French and Spanish. At the main library there are also some more odd ones, e.g. from Russian Karelia. The local papers are Finnish ''Turun Sanomat'', Swedish ''Åbo Underrättelser'' and the free ''Turkulainen''; many locals also subscribe to ''Helsingin Sanomat'' or ''Hufvudstadsbladet'' of Helsinki. === Children === Most any park has a playground with swings, sandbox, some climbing frames, and perhaps a simple playhouse and some more unusual features. For picnics, the Kupittaa and Vartiovuori parks are popular. The swimming pools of Kupittaa and Samppalinna also have picnic areas. [[#Q11892816|Kupittaa Adventure Park]] is a large playground area where also older children can enjoy themselves for quite a while. [[#Q11873640|Kuralan kylämäki]] is a quiet living history museum consisting of a few farms with life of the 1950s. In the main building personnel are doing their domestic chores, while ready to talk to any visitor. Children will find a play corner with period toys, another in the barn, with bigger equipment, and many opportunities to invent their own plays and games. Sheep flock at the pasture fence to be caressed. [[#Q3022430|Aboa Vetus]] allows you to walk in authentic streets in the ruins of medieval Turku. There are computer screens to lead children through the displays in the footsteps of children of their time, perhaps a sandbox for trying to be an archaeologist, and similar activities. [[#Q136893|Turku Castle]] has Knights' and Ladies' Days, where a group of children is led through the castle, ending with dubbing the participants. Check the language issue. If you are into biology, the [[#Q4086898|Biological Museum]] may be a pearl. It features stuffed animals in natural landscapes: see wolves and elks, spot the small birds in the tree, an ermine in the snow, and acquaint yourselves to the different biotopes of Finland. Everything beyond glass screens though. Other museums may or may not suit your children, depending on their interests. For a longer trip, the Moomin World in [[Naantali]] and Zoolandia in [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] may be worth considering. === Dogs === {{see also|Travel with pets#Finland}} Popular walks include the river banks east of the railway bridge (i.e. by Raunistula and the Student Village). There are compost containers for litter at some locations, but you can also use normal trash bins. There are havens in several locations, where dogs can run and play without being on a leash. They have a part for small dogs and another for big ones, use common sense for choosing. Don't go there if your dog is ill, aggressive or could otherwise be disruptive for other dogs. * {{do | name=Kupittaa dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lemminkäisenkatu | lat=60.4456 | long=22.2994 | directions=at the north-east edge of the park Kupittaanpuisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nummenranta dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4651 | long=22.2952 | directions=at the walk on the left river bank, by the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Jäkäläpuisto dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jäkäläpolku | lat=60.4308 | long=22.2698 | directions=Luolavuori, the path to the haven starts at Rätiälänkatu | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} === Consulates === [[File:Russian Consulate1, Turku.jpg|thumb|Russian Consulate-General is by the Vartiovuori park.]] {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Austria | url= | email=mika.sippolainen@simsport.com | address=Linnankatu 36 B 11 | lat=60.44607 | long=22.25819 | directions= | phone=+358 2-275-1411 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-275-1414 | hours=09:00-11:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Belgium | url= | email=antti@wihanto.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 35 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.25752 | directions= | phone=+358 2-515-1655 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-515-1590 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Brazil | url= | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.44969 | long=22.26759 | directions= | phone=+358 2-651-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Denmark | url= | email=ljo@lundbeck.com | address=Joukahaisenkatu 6 | lat=60.44797 | long=22.29920 | directions= | phone=+358 2-276-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-276-5001 | hours= 09:00-14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Estonia | url= | email=rector@utu.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 | lat=60.45028 | long=22.27671 | directions= | phone=+358 2-333-6122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=Consulate of France | url= | email=enrico.casagrande@dlc.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45159 | long=22.27302 | directions= | phone=+358 2-250-0061 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-0013 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Germany | url= | email=turku@hk-diplo.de | address=c/o Sunborn Oy Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 23 | lat=60.45259 | long=22.27170 | directions= | phone=+358 2-445-4501 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-445-4520 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Greece | url= | email=fredrik.sunde@nordea.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 B | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26788 | directions= | phone=+358 2-334-4201 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-334-5414 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Honduras | url= | email=ericlockmer@gmail.com | address=Eristäjänmutka 17 | lat=60.4785 | long=22.2163 | directions= | phone=+358 40-022-2244 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-254-7762 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Hungary | url= | email=urpo-kivikari@tukkk.fi | address=Linnankatu 8 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.26898 | directions= | phone=+358 2-231-2182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Iceland | url= | email= | address=Lukkarinkatu 6 | lat=60.47668 | long=22.29837 | directions= | phone=+358 40-052-4234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Italy | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45177 | long=22.27283 | directions= | phone=+358 400-522-557 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the Netherlands | url= | email=kjell.sundstrom@abo.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 | lat=60.45223 | long=22.26827 | directions= | phone=+358 207-861-419 | tollfree= | fax=+358 9-163-96417 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Norway | url= | email=jan-erik.stenman@veritas.fi | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.44735 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone=+358 50-343-2299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Poland | url= | email=etacom@kolumbus.fi | address=Veistämönaukio 1 | lat=60.43980 | long=22.24039 | directions= | phone=+358 2-281-3186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Portugal | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 35 | lat=60.44554 | long=22.25555 | directions= | phone=+358 21-275-5314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Russia | url=http://www.rusconsul-turku.com/ | email=rusconsul.turku@co.inet.fi | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44739 | long=22.27569 | directions= | phone=+358 2-233-6441 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-233-9779 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Spain | url= | email=info@silverland.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 24 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.25987 | directions= | phone=+358 40-543-2094 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Sweden | url= | email=sihteerit@ts.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45113 | long=22.26966 | directions= | phone=+358 2-269-3303 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-269-3543 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the United Kingdom | url= | email=jari.lahteenmaki@turku.chamber.fi | address=Puolalankatu 1 | lat=60.45170 | long=22.26306 | directions= | phone=+358 2-274-3410 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} |} ==Go next== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Sailing off Ruissalo]] * '''[[Archipelago Sea]]''' – Stretching all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, Archipelago Sea forms the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands and includes a national park. Best way to visit is definitely by bike and camping gear – unless you know how to handle a yacht or kayak or can afford a one-week charter of a manned yacht. ** The [[Archipelago Trail]] is a tourist route of 125 or 250 km, using the roads and inter-island ferries to provide access to the archipelago without a boat of your own – and without backtracking. The route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries. * '''[[Kurjenrahka National Park]]''' – Kurjenrahka is the largest and most diverse protected mire area in the region, the park includes also lakes and old growth forest. One of the best-known sights in the park is the old boundary mark of eight municipalities. Usually a day trip destination, hikes can be extended to last a couple of days. Beginning 2018 you can reach Kurjenrahka by local bus in summer. * The other chartered '''towns of medieval Finland''' were<!-- by time of chartering, but what is the order? -->: ** [[Porvoo]] (Borgå) – in Eastern Uusimaa, reachable by E18 or the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. ** [[Rauma]] (Raumo) – with a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage listed]] old town, Rauma can be reached by coach from Turku in 1½ hr. ** [[Ulvila]] (Ulvsby) – by Pori in the north of the historic Turku and Pori province ** [[Naantali]] (Nådendal, Vallis Gratiæ) – with the summer residence of the President of Finland ''Kultaranta'', the theme park ''Moomin World'' and a beautiful wooden old town, 20-min away by local bus. ** [[Vyborg]] (Viipuri, Viborg) – in its heyday the most metropolitan of Finnish cities; past Porvoo, now in Russia. * '''[[Åland islands]]''' – If you have a day or two to spare there are overnight and day [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferries]] to [[Sweden]] and the [[Åland|Åland Islands]]. [[Stockholm]] is 10 hours away, [[Mariehamn]] on the Åland islands about 5 hours. {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Kaarina]] | majorr1=[[Helsinki]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka_E8.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=NW | majorl2=[[Pori]] | minorl2=[[Turku countryside]] | directionr2=SE | minorr2= | majorr2=END | link2=E8 through Finland and Norway | image3=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Stockholm]] | minorl3=[[Naantali]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Kaarina]] | majorr3=[[Helsinki]] | image4=Tabliczka E63.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=SW | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=NE | minorr4=[[Turku countryside]] | majorr4=[[Tampere]] | image5=Finland road sign F29-10.svg | imagesize5=32 | directionl5=SW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=NE | minorr5=[[Kaarina]] | majorr5=[[Hämeenlinna]] }} {{guidecity}} 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|60.6717,22.4548 |60.6720,22.4539 |60.6720,22.4536 |60.6679,22.4534 |60.6675,22.4531 |60.6666,22.4532 |60.6653,22.4539 |60.6628,22.4530 |60.6607,22.4528 |60.6601,22.4521 |60.6590,22.4529 |60.6578,22.4521 |60.6569,22.4522 |60.6550,22.4529 |60.6528,22.4538 |60.6510,22.4522 |60.6509,22.4531 |60.6496,22.4528 |60.6494,22.4512 |60.6495,22.4507 |60.6489,22.4506 |60.6485,22.4488 |60.6466,22.4499 |60.6464,22.4495 |60.6463,22.4495 |60.6458,22.4494 |60.6437,22.4491 |60.6431,22.4479 |60.6414,22.4470 |60.6414,22.4466 |60.6414,22.4459 |60.6409,22.4458}} 08g6nbrd1mnl81owy3wml4sm0xh3dig 4488131 4488129 2022-07-22T07:39:12Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay safe */ isn't the infobox meant to summarise the risks, why then have unreadable text? wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Turku Wikivoyage banner.jpg|caption=Turku seen from the tower of the cathedral|otbp=yes}} '''[http://www.visitturku.fi/en Turku]''' ([[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]]: ''Åbo'') is [[Finland|Finland's]] oldest city. Believed to have been founded in the early 13th century, it is the cradle of modern Finnish culture and has extensively influenced Finnish history. Turku's fantastic culinary scene has earned it the nickname "the [[Paris]] of Finland" and the city has been called "Finland's gateway to the West". Bisecting Turku city centre, the River Aura is the heart and soul of the city: this is where Turku was born, and a large part of city life – museums, sights, restaurants and cafés – is still concentrated on the riverside. The river banks form a national urban park allowing for a pleasant stroll from the Turku Cathedral to the Turku Castle. Close to the river mouth is the island of Ruissalo, with oak forests and 19th-century villas. Turku is at its best in summertime, when it hosts many festivals, including rock festivals, chamber music festivals and a medieval fair. But do not forget the winter atmosphere, if you are lucky you may be able to have a thrilling walk on the ice cover of River Aura. In addition to the cultural sights and museums, Turku attracts visitors due to the [[Archipelago Sea]], which stretches all the way from Turku to [[Åland]] and on to [[Stockholm]], forming the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands and islets. ==Understand== [[File:Turun tuomiokirkko.jpg|thumb|Turku Cathedral.]] [[Finland Proper#Greater Turku|Greater Turku]] (as defined here) includes a few surrounding towns and some countryside. Of these '''Raisio''' in the nort-west is included here, while [[Kaarina]] and [[Naantali]] have their own articles, as has the [[Turku countryside]] in the north, including (west to east) Masku, Rusko, Paattinen (part of Turku) and Lieto. === Name === The exact origin of the word "Turku" is unclear. It is possible that it comes from an Old East Slavic word, търгъ (''tŭrgŭ''), which means "marketplace". The [[Swedish]] name of the city is '''Åbo'''. Again, the exact origin of this word is unclear. ===History=== {{seealso|Nordic history}} Turku is Finland’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the entire Nordic region. The city came into existence at Koroinen on the banks of river Aura, a few kilometres north from the Turku market square. Trading took place on this historic site as early as in the 1150s, and in 1229, the bishopric was transferred there as well. The Aura River Valley had already been a prosperous and relatively densely populated area since the Iron Age. The Finnish name, Turku, is an archaic Russian word for 'marketplace' (turgu). The name of the Italian city, Trieste, comes from the same Indo-European origin. Turku Market Square has long been one of the largest and finest on the south coast. The etymology of the Swedish name Åbo is unclear. One possible explanation is that the city was named Åbo by Swedish settlers because it was a settlement (bo) on the Aura River (å). The year 1229 is regarded as the year in which the City of Turku was founded. Excavations in different parts of the city centre have provided more light on the city's history. The construction of Turku Castle began in the 1280s, the Dominican monastery of St. Olof was being built on Samppalinna Hill and Turku Cathedral was consecrated in the year 1300. From this point on, the city held an important position in the Swedish state and it had staple town charter (the right to conduct foreign trade), assuring that trading was brisk. The German bourgeoisie of Turku held a major role in the early development of the city, and Turku had a community that was part of the [[Hansa|Hanseatic League]], which dominated trade along the coasts of Northern Europe. During Swedish rule, Turku was the largest and most important city of its region, as well as being a major city of the Swedish Kingdom. Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following [[Uppsala]] University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]], Estonia. Turku remained the Finnish capital until the year 1812. [[Russian Empire|Russia]], after overtaking Finland from Sweden 1809, moved the capital to [[Helsinki]], which was closer to [[Saint Petersburg]] and farther from [[Stockholm]]. Turku remained Finland's largest city until the end of the 1840s, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827, when a raging fire destroyed most of the city. "Turun palo" is still the largest urban fire in the history of the Nordic countries. The city was almost completely destroyed, and the rest of the major institutions with the exception of the archbishop's seat were moved to Helsinki. The burnt city needed an altogether new town plan, which was drawn up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel the following year. Turku is still a gateway to Sweden. The competition between cruise ferry companies led to ferries ever increasing in size and features, which let the Turku shipyard develop into a world leader of building large cruise ships, with customers such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and TUI Cruises. Turku shipyard employs directly and indirectly 8000 people. In addition to this, follows employment effect to foreign companies. In 2011 Turku was the European Capital of Culture along with [[Tallinn]], the capital of [[Estonia]]. Afterwards Turku has seen a huge boost in domestic and foreign visitors. ===People=== [[File:People at aurariver (cropped).jpg|thumb|The Aura River's banks are very popular among Turku residents, for walking, biking or enjoying nice weather.]] Turku remains a regional capital of [[Finland Proper]] and is the third most populous city-region in Finland and the eighth largest urban area in the [[Nordic countries]], with around 330 000 inhabitants living in the Turku sub-region. Nowadays Turku is a major academic town for Finland: there are two universities (one with Finnish, one with Swedish as its language; with business schools, a law school and a medical school), and four universities of applied sciences. Consequently, you will find that the city is bustling with young adults. The large number of students means that restaurants, live music clubs and nightlife are ample. A true local speciality you will find in few other Finnish cities are the floating bars in the river Aura. There is a cultural spirit in the city, and some of the proud residents are still irked that Helsinki took over as Finland's capital back in 1812. In other parts of Finland people from Turku are stereotypically thought of as being bit reserved and uppish in their views of their hometown. However, if you have a coffee at the Market Square and chat with the locals, you will soon find out that this is not the case. The Turku dialect has many influences from Swedish and historically also from Estonian, and it can from time to time sound even a bit like Estonian. The city is also famous throughout Finland for its processed mustard called Turun Sinappi, though ownership and production was controversially moved abroad in 2008, with production being resumed in Finland in 2014. ===Read=== [[File:Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku Castle.]] * ''Vares'' (book series) (Reijo Mäki, 1986–13). Finnish crime literature usually focuses more on police procedurals, or the psychological and sociological fallout from crime. One writer, Reijo Mäki, however, has written a series of books about a private investigator called Jussi Vares. He is your regular hardboiled PI: he drinks, makes love, hates everyone, and gets beaten up and mugged on a regular basis. All Vares books take place in Turku, which is also home to the books' writer. Mäki is a celebrity in Turku, where you can perhaps catch him in his favourite bar, Uusi Apteekki (New Pharmacy). * ''The Home of Dark Butterflies'' (Leena Lander, 1991). Writer Leena Lander tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy named Juhani, who is haunted by his traumatic past. Juhani has been shuttled between foster homes and temporary families for the past six years, leaving any prospect of stability in his life a faded dream. When Juhani winds up in a remote shelter for troubled youth known as The Island, he has little idea of how ruthless superintendent Olavi Harjula can truly be. In addition to Harjula and the six other boys, The Island is also home to the superintendent's wife Irene, the couple's two young daughters, and Tynne, who tends to the local livestock in addition to catering all the meals. The island of the story has actually existed, though the boys' home was closed already in 1968. The story was also made into a film of the same name in 2008 and shooting took place on the actual island in the Turku archipelago. The film was also Finland's Oscar nominee for a foreign language film in 2008. ===Watch=== * ''Restless'' (Aku Louhimies, 2000) is a story about Ari (Mikko Nousiainen), a 27-year-old ambulance doctor living in Turku, whose main pastime is one-night stands. He doesn't want to meet any of the girls again because he is certain that commitment equals pain. But one day Ari realizes that he cannot feel anything at all. Then he meets a woman named Tiina (Laura Malmivaara) on the beach. Without really intending to, they start dating each other, reaching the point where Tiina, falling in love, begins to look for commitment. Ari is introduced to Tiina's friends, including two other couples. Ari then ends up having sex with Tiina's two best friends (Ilona and Hanna-Riikka). Meanwhile Tiina continues to love Ari. During this Tiina manages to commit Ari to reluctantly become the father of her to be born child. * ''Vares movies'' (Aleksi Mäkelä, 2004-2012). Vares books proved so popular in Finland that in 2004 a film was released, starring Juha Veijonen as the detective, and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, considered by many the number one action-director in Finland. A second film appeared a few years later, and the two films' success led to a series of all together eight films. *''Man Exposed'' (Aku Louhimies, 2006) is a comedy-drama film about a rebel minister working in Turku's St Michael's Church, who is suddenly asked to run for bishop. At the same time he is running into problems in his marriage and life in general. *Tears of April (Aku Louhimies, 2008) is a war drama film based on the novel by Leena Lander, the film is set in the final stages of the Finnish Civil War. The film tells a story of a captured female Red Guard fighter, Miina, and the soldier Aaro who escorts her to her trial. *''Love and Other Troubles'' (Samuli Valkama, 2012) is a Finnish romantic comedy film set in Turku. It stars Emilie de Ravin as Sara, an American line dance teacher, who meets Ville (Jussi Nikkilä), a 25-year-old former child star, and his father (Ville Virtanen), an ex-rock star, who both fall in love with her. *''The Girl King'' (Mika Kaurismäki, 2015) is a biographical drama about Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from 1632 until her abdication in 1654. ===Climate=== [[File:Air temperature in Turku 2016.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Temperature in Turku in 2016]] [[File:Kommunalsjukhusvägen vintern 2010.jpg|thumb|Walk- and bikeway in winter, near the Kupittaa park]] Turku, like the rest of Finland, has four distinct seasons. Situated by the Baltic Sea and sheltered by the islands of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a humid continental climate. Like much of southern Finland, the city experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging up to 30°C (85°F), and winters with frequent snowfall and temperatures down to about −25°C (−15°F). The best time to visit is definitely the warm period from late May to early September. If visiting in wintertime and meeting slush, ride somewhat more inland (a local bus can get you far enough) and you will probably find the real snow. Once in a while you can find it in Turku city center too. Current weather forecasts can be checked at the [http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/turku Finnish Meteorological Institute website]. ===Visitor information=== Turku's official tourist agency is ''Turku Touring''. It serves also the larger region. *{{listing | name=Visit Turku |alt=| url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en | email=info@visitturku.fi | address=Aurakatu 2 | lat=60.44906 | long=22.26784 | directions=next to the City Hall, near the Aura bridge; at busy times also the back door is open<!-- and when it is locked, notices may be absent or confusing--> | phone=+358 2 262-7444 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-7679 | hours=Sep–Mar: daily 10:00–15:00; Apr–Sep: M–F 08:30–18:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= |wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-03-13| content=Turku Touring's office offers advice, sight-seeing tours, maps, guide books, souvenirs, bicycle hire instructions, group outings and more. }} ==Get in== ===By plane=== ====Turku Airport (TKU)==== [[File:Aero Airlines ATR 72 ES-KRL at EFTU on 20060714.jpg|thumb|Passengers boarding Finnair flight to Helsinki at Turku airport.]] *{{listing | type=go | name=Turku Airport | alt={{IATA|TKU}} | url=http://www.finavia.fi/en/turku | email= | address= | lat=60.5109 | long=22.2743 | directions= 8&nbsp;km north of the city centre | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Airport | image=Terminaali 1, Turun lentoasema, Turku, 11.7.2010.JPG | wikidata=Q1130231 | content=Is a compact airport with 2 terminals for check-in }} As of September 2021 [http://www.airbaltic.com Air Baltic] flies to Turku from [[Riga]], [http://wizzair.com/en-GB/ Wizz Air] from [[Gdansk]] and [[Skopje]], and [https://www.airleap.se Air Leap] from [[Mariehamn]] (and [[Stockholm]]?). Wizz Air will start flights from [[Larnaka]], [[Kaunas]] and [[Kraków]] later in the autumn. [https://www.tui.com TUI] charter flights will likewise start in the autumn. Bus line 1 departs from the airport every 20&nbsp;minutes and goes via the centre to the Port of Turku. Several hotels happen to be along the route. Tickets are available on board for €3/1.50 (free transfers for two hours, see [[#By bus 2|Get around]] for details). The line operates from 05:20 to 00:45. The day's last bus waits as long as 15 minutes if necessary, to allow passengers to catch it. The last buses operate only to Kauppatori, not to the harbour. ====Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)==== If coming by air, a common option is to fly to the internationally well connected [http://www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/home Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport] ({{IATA|HEL}}). Turku is 166 km away from Helsinki and easily reached by plane, train (transfer in Helsinki centre) or coach. With car the voyage by the Finnish national road 1 (E18) takes around 1hr40min. There is an almost hourly [https://www.matkahuolto.fi Matkahuolto] coach connection from Helsinki-Vantaa to Turku bus station operated by [http://www.vainionliikenne.fi/en Vainion Liikenne], departing from platform 13. Usually the voyage starts with AirBus, with an easy transfer to the Vainio coach at Turvesolmu. The service operates round the clock, although there may be a gap of two hours between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 hr 15 min and 2 hr 55 min, depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. [http://www.onnibus.com Onnibus.com] is typically a bit cheaper, but they leave from the central bus station of Helsinki and not directly from the airport. The Onnibus buses are red double-deckers with free Wi-Fi but little legroom. Book ticket online in advance for a cheaper price. ===By train=== [[File:Turun rautatieasema.jpg|thumb|Turku Central Railway Station.]] [[File:Turku railways 2018.jpg|thumb|View from Turku Railway Station to Logomo direction at 2018.]] [http://www.vr.fi/en VR], the state-owned railway company, operates the trains.<!-- all the domestic routes as well as the connections from [[Vyborg]], [[Saint Petersburg]] and [[Moscow]] in [[Russia]].--> Turku has three railway stations: the {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Central railway station|lat=60.45380 | long=22.25331}} ("Turku", service M-F 08:10–17:15) on the northern edge of Turku's central business district, {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Kupittaa railway station|lat=60.45050 | long=22.29700}} ("Kupittaa") in the eastern part of the city and {{marker|type=go|url=|name=Turku harbour railway stop|lat=60.43448 | long=22.22334}} ("Turku satama") in Turku harbour on the western edge of Turku centre. Trains arriving from the direction of [[Helsinki]] first stop at Kupittaa and then arrive at the central station, while trains from [[Tampere]] arrive directly at the central station. Some of the trains continue onward to the harbour, which is handy if you are connecting to a passenger ferry towards [[Stockholm]] or [[Mariehamn]]. Kupittaa has limited service (tickets bought in advance or from a machine; service for the disabled available if booked), the harbour none: buy your ticket in advance. Only the central station is manned. From the central station you can purchase all domestic train tickets<!-- Services to Russia suspended -- -- train tickets from Finland to Saint Petersburg, Moscow and Vyborg-->, and InterRail cards to Europe. Links between Turku and the rest of the country are frequent and excellent, although not hourly any more. There are connections from Helsinki and Tampere, travel time approximately 2 hours, [[Jyväskylä]] (3.5 hr), [[Kuopio]] (5.5 hr) and [[Oulu]] (7 hr). There is also an overnight car and sleeper train connection from [[Rovaniemi]] in [[Finnish Lapland|Lapland]] (10–15 hr, often with a transfer to a day train in Tampere). Some of the services have a "restaurant" car (café/pub with sandwiches etc., no real dining, although there may be also simple meals), most others a cart with drinks and snacks. The IC2 services have a family car, with space for prams, a playing corner upstairs and the accessible toilet doubling as family room. <!-- move up this paragraph when people's plans can be expected to be affected: --> A reconstruction of the railway between Kupittaa and the centre will start in 2022. For two years, from 15 August, trains from Helsinki will stop in Kupittaa and won't go further. There will be a bus from the Kupittaa station to the harbour, for those with a train ticket to there. Other passengers are served by the normal city buses, paying the normal fares. The trains from or via Tampere are not affected for the time being, other than concerning transfers towards Helsinki. For most travellers from western Europe, the main option is to take the train to Stockholm and take a ferry cruise from there. This can be a scenic and environmental friendly option, and if you travel by rail otherwise, most of the European railway companies offer discounts for the ferry connection. A few buses (including lines 32 and 42) pass the Kupittaa and Turku stations on their way to the centre, just cross the street and wait for one, if you don't want to walk or take a bike ride. There will probably be bike sharing stations at the railway stations in the summer season (again from June 2022); see [[#By bicycle|By bicycle]] below for updates. ===By bus=== [[File:Busstation of Turku.jpg|thumb|Turku bus station seen over Aninkaistenkatu. The platforms are behind the station building.]] Matkahuolto operates the {{marker|type=go|name=Turku bus station|lat=60.45712 | long=22.26808}}, where long-distance services usually terminate, as do some regional services. The station is at the northern edge of the city centre within walking distance from the central railway station (1 km) and Kauppatori (Market Square, 800 m). Matkahuolto abandoned the station building; facilities are open again, but Matkahuolto (with ticket sale and freight) may still use the freight terminal across Läntinen pitkäkatu. The bus station has good local bus connections, although it is not the hub for them. There are stops for local and regional lines at a few different places on or around the station, note where your bus stops. Some coach lines arriving at the station continue to the Port of Turku, if needed. If going there, tell that when buying your ticket and when boarding. By the station are Hotel Helmi, the café of which offers breakfast, lunch, light meals and take away, and a Hesburger. * {{listing |type=go |name=Matkahuolto Turku | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 7–9 | directions= | hours=M–F 07:00–19:00, Sa 09:00–15:00, Su closed }} Normal bus connections from Kamppi in '''[[Helsinki]]''' leave for Turku more or less every half an hour during the day and every hour or two during the night. Coming via [[Tallinn]], there may be a coach directly from the port, mostly via Kamppi. Direct connections and connections with transfer are available from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. All these connections are either express or special express (there may also be a few hard-to-find "regular" connections). Tickets cost around €30 (round trip around €55) for adults, around €20 for children aged 12–16, €15 for children aged 4–11 and Finnish students (ISIC ''not'' accepted). Children under the age of four travel for free. Cheaper tickets can often be had in advance on the net (check also the individual companies' websites). There are normally more or less hourly connections from '''[[Tampere]]''' and '''[[Pori]]''' in daytime, and each two hours from '''[[Vaasa]]''', some all the way from '''[[Oulu]]'''. <!-- Check: There is a line from '''[[Tampere]]''' hourly in daytime, the last coach arriving 00:55, from '''[[Pori]]''' about hourly (check!) and from '''[[Vaasa]]''' about every two hours, the last arriving 21:20. --> For timetables, for the above mentioned or other connections, see [https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en Matkahuolto]. Also [http://www.onnibus.fi Onnibus] has connections to Turku. Tickets to these buses vary in price, cheapest well in advance on the Internet, for same day usually about €10 when bought online, €15–20 from Helsinki if bought when boarding (with busy services often sold out). Direct bus services from [[Saint Petersburg]] are provided by [http://ensi-bus.ru/?p=30 Ensi-Bus] and [https://www.transgold.ru/marshrutka-v-turku/ Transgold] (check whether the sanctions have affected them). ===By ferry=== [[File:Viking Grace Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|''Viking Grace'' passing Ruissalo island on its way to [[Stockholm]].]] The most scenic way to get to Turku is by taking a passenger [[Baltic sea ferries|ferry]] across the Baltic Sea, from [[Stockholm]] or from Kapellskär, [[Norrtälje]], in [[Sweden]]. The {{marker|type=go|url=http://www.portofturku.fi/portal/en|name=Port of Turku|lat=60.43482 | long=22.21966}} is next to Turku Castle and is easily accessible on bus line 1, which travels between the port and the airport via the centre. The port also has its own railway and bus station (by the Viking terminal; rail will be rearranged in autumn 2022, check temporary arrangements), and some trains and buses depart at the port. With light luggage [[Turku riverside walk|strolling along the river]] to the centre can be a nice option (3 km to Kauppatori, buses within reach all the time). A new ferry terminal is planned to be ready for use in 2025; there will be changes in arrangements during the construction works. The two biggest ferry lines are the Finnish [http://www.sales.vikingline.com/en/international/ Viking Line] and the now Estonian [http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/web/int/book-a-cruise TallinkSilja]. Both operate two departures each day from Stockholm via [[Åland]]: one in the morning, arriving in the evening, and one in the evening, arriving in the morning. For a scenic view, and less expensive prices, a morning departure is advisable. Going in the night, you avoid one night at a hotel, but the effective sleeping time is short, as you are probably waked up for cleaning of the cabin well before arrival (generous, although not cheap, breakfast available). Evening departures provide adequate night club activities on board if you want to cut loose before arriving. All ferries between Turku and Stockholm make a brief stop in Åland, in either [[Mariehamn]] or Långnäs. Due to this stop, plus a Finnish-demanded exception to [[European Union]] rules, passengers can make purchases on the ferries [[Duty free shopping|tax-freely]]. For those with vehicles (e.g. a car or bikes) there are also more quiet ropax ferries from [[Norrtälje|Kapellskär]] (either directly or via Långnäs) to [[Naantali]] 20 km from Turku, by [http://www.finnlines.com Finnlines]. Local buses serve Naantali, tickets €3/1.50 with transfers included, an additional €5 for a bike. Looking for special offers may save a lot of money on the ferry passage. In summer, book early if you have a car, especially if it exceeds standard dimensions. It is also possible to take '''smaller ferries from Åland''', connecting islands of Åland and the Archipelago Sea with each other and with the mainland. Using the small ferries is more complicated and possibly more expensive, but can be rewarding. See [[Åland#Get around]], [[Korpo]], [[Brändö]] and [[Houtskär]]. During the '''summer of 2020''' ferry routes were started also from Tallinn and Hiiumaa in Estonia and Riga in Latvia, as passenger traffic from Stockholm was diminished. The connections proved popular, so it is possible that some of them will get established in some form after the pandemic. See the Tallink and Viking web sites. ===By yacht=== [[File:Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.jpg|thumb|Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.]] Many people also from other regions, including Helsinki, spend their summer vacation yachting around the [[Archipelago Sea]] surrounding Turku. The Sea of Åland and the Gulf of Finland, coming from Sweden and Estonia respectively, can easily be crossed in a day, while a voyage directly from [[Gotland]] requires overnight sailing. There is an abundance of minor guest harbours on the remaining distance through the archipelago. Turku Guest Harbour is on the Aura river halfway between the port and Kauppatori, while the TPS guest harbour, Ruissalo Marina and Ruissalon Telakka are on the scenic island of Ruissalo, with buses (line 8) to the city centre once an hour or half an hour in daytime. Except Telakka, they have fuel stations and septic tank emptying. There is also a free mooring site above the Aura bridge, but only for short visits without high mast, perhaps a nice tour if you have a suitable dinghy (bridge height 3.6 m; max 3 hr 08:00–22:00). From the cathedral upstream the river is shallow; there are shallows especially in the middle of the river and perhaps at the bridges. There is a portage at the Halinen rapids and dam north of the centre; upstream from there it is a popular canoeing route. * {{listing|type=go | name=Turku Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://www.turunvierasvenesatama.fi/en | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 57 | lat=60.4401 | long=22.2447 | directions=in the centre, 2 km from Kauppatori | phone=+358 400-880-051 or +358 400-536-613 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€28–45; in season with beam <3m and without reservation: €32 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=City guest harbour. Good services, including non-free laundromat. May be full in peak season. For size over 15m×5.2m, check special arrangements. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalon Telakka | alt= | url=https://ruissalontelakka.fi | email= | address=Hevoskarintie 23 | lat=60.43669 | long=22.20569 | directions=Ruissalo, opposite Port of Turku | phone=+358 400-330-413 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€25 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Former boat yard; some of the yachts built here again call the harbour home, and part of the moorings are reserved for classical yachts. From here to the centre you can either take the [https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus water bus] (daytime in season, bikes free) or walk 400 m to the bus stop for a 12-min ride with line 8. Both options use the Föli tickets (€3/1.50). Café and pizzeria. Toilets and showers, but no fuel or septic tank emptying. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=TPS Guest Harbour | alt= | url=http://turunpursiseura.fi/satamat/vierassatama-guest-harbour/ | email=toimisto@turunpursiseura.fi | address=Pursiseuranranta 30 | lat=60.4265 | long=22.1593 | directions= | phone=+358 44-376-2655 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€20 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=Marina of one of the local yacht clubs. On the island Ruissalo, a 20-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Services include sauna and Wi-Fi. Restaurant. Guiding to the mooring from the fuel pier, off hours look for orange cones instead. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Ruissalo Marina | alt= | url=https://www.ruissalomarina.fi | email= | address=Ruissalon puistotie 618 | lat=60.4261 | long=22.1073 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-5926 (10:00–19:00), +358 2 445-40 (off hours) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30 | lastedit=2019-06-28 | content=By the Ruissalon Kylpylä spa hotel near the western end of the island, a 25-minute bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Reservation recommended. }} ===By car=== [[File:Saariston rengastie 11.jpg|thumb|Sign at the [[Archipelago Trail]]]] Turku is well connected by roads to other parts of Finland. Main routes are national road 1 (E18) from [[Helsinki]], 8 ([[E8 through Finland and Norway|E8]]) from [[Tromsø]], [[Vaasa]] and [[Pori]] along the west coast, 9 (E63) from [[Kuopio]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Tampere]], and 10 from [[Hämeenlinna]]. Road 40 circulates Turku. E18 is a high-speed controlled-access highway all the way from Russia, roads 8 and 9 are high-speed highways for some distance outside the city. Turku can be reached from Helsinki in around 1 hr 40 min in summer and 2 hrs 40 in winter. The former main road from Helsinki, now regional road 110, is somewhat slower but allows your seeing more of the landscape. From Sweden, use the [[#By ferry|above]] mentioned ferries. Those to Turku and Naantali, and on the routes from Åland via Korpo or via Brändö and Kustavi, all take cars. There are a few scenic roads around Turku as well: * '''[[Archipelago Trail|The Archipelago Trail]]''' (''Skärgårdens ringväg'', ''Saariston Rengastie'') allows travellers to access [[Archipelago Sea|the archipelago]] without a boat of their own. Part of the "trail" can be used when coming from Sweden via [[Åland]]: drive to Långnäs and take the ferry to Korpo, or use the ferries via Brändö and Kustavi. * '''[[Hämeen Härkätie]]''' leads to Turku from [[Hämeenlinna]] and is the most important road of early Finnish history. The route was once used by merchants, pilgrims, and kings. Along the route, with small detours, you will find a splendid array of interesting sites, such as museums, churches and shopping spots. If you want to really experience a journey in time, you can stay at an old manor house or inn along the way. * The partly medieval '''[[King's Road]]''' (''Kuninkaantie'', ''Kungsvägen'') leads to Turku along the south coast all the way from the eastern border of Finland, passing Helsinki. It is part of the old post roads, dating back to the 14th century, that lead from Stockholm to Christiania (Oslo) and Bergen on the Atlantic coast (of Norway), and, crossing the [[Archipelago Sea]], via Turku to Viborg (now Vyborg in Russia). The modern tourist route is extended all the way to Saint Petersburg. You can see lots of medieval churches, museums and old villages along the road. === By bike === Bikes can be taken on the ferry from Sweden or Åland for €5–12. The fee on trains and coaches is similar. Onnibus does not take bikes. For getting in from Åland, the [[Archipelago Trail]] can be used, taking a ferry to Korpo, Houtskär, Iniö or Kustavi and continuing along the trail from there. The [https://en.eurovelo.com/ev10/finland Eurovelo 10] route around the Baltic Sea goes through Turku. From the east (Vaalimaa–Helsinki–Ekenäs–Salo) it is developed and signposted (not the Russian leg though). From the north it is developed from Vaasa onwards, but not yet signposted (as of 2022). ==Get around== {{Mapframe|60.4493|22.2683|zoom=13|height=370|width=620|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=}} {{nowrap|Turku has an excellent}} public transportation system, and its buses reach every corner of the city. The hub for the local bus traffic is normally the Market Square, ''Kauppatori'' (Swedish: ''Salutorget''), which is in the central business district and often considered the midpoint of the city. The construction works of 2018–2022 are getting finished in autumn 2021, and in September 2022 the buses will return. Until then, most bus stops have moved away temporarily to nearby roads. Most main sights are within walking distance from the square. A bike is the quickest way to get around and cycleways are generally good, although not always fast (try a nice trip along the river). === By foot=== {{see also|Turku riverside walk}} The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. The river Aura passes through the centre, and its banks are very popular, allowing for a pleasant stroll from, say, the national shrine of Finland, the Turku Cathedral, to the Turku Castle, which used to house Swedish Kings – or upstream to experience some countryside. Turku Touring, the official tourist agency of the city, offers different walking tours for visitors. There are also leaflets with self guided walking tours, such as Sculpture walk, ArchitecTour, Romantic Turku and Stepping it up. You can get a map from the main library (Linnankatu 2) or the tourist information (Aurakatu 2). If you have a smartphone you can download a Citynomadi app and get a map there. ===By bicycle === The fastest and most flexible way of seeing Turku is on a bike. There are good bike paths mostly as needed, although at the very heart of the city you have to know the routes or sometimes join car traffic, or get off the bike unless sufficiently experienced; not all the best routes are obvious. A four-year experiment with salted [http://www.turku.fi/sv/nyhet/2017-10-26_testrutt-vintercykling-i-centrum winter routes] in the centre started 2017 (12 km first year; Civitas eccentric). These routes lead along the river, around the campuses and through the central business district. Elsewhere cycleways and roads are not always maintained sufficiently in the winter for easy (in the centre: safe) biking, but local hardcore cyclists are biking throughout the year. Main biking routes are well signposted. In the centre there are often temporary disruption of these routes (markets, roadworks etc.), and bicycle arrangements are then often neglected. This is more seldom a problem elsewhere. The map at [https://kartta.turku.fi/IMS/en/Map kartta.turku.fi] can show biking routes: open the layers menu in the upper left corner, choose Traffic, then Bicycle paths, and use the check boxes. Regional biking route 1 goes to the tip of the recreation island Ruissalo, route 2 to Naantali, route 4 to Naantali via Raisio centre, route 9 to Lieto along Hämeentie, route 10 to Piikkiö via Nummi, Varissuo and Littoinen, route 11 along Uudenmaantie via Kaarina and Piikkiö to Paimio, route 12 via Hirvensalo and Satava to Kakskerta, For getting farther out of the city, bikes can be loaded on the local buses (including regional buses in the Föli cooperation) for €6 at the driver's discretion, i.e. probably when there are not too many passengers. Cost on coaches varies by company, often about the price of a children's ticket for longer voyages, sometimes likewise a flat €6. The city tourist office can suggest cycling routes. They also rent bikes (€23/day). '''Bike theft''' is common and vandalism happens. A lock gives some protection. If leaving the bike close to the river it should be locked to something. ====Bike sharing==== [https://www.foli.fi/en/f%C3%B6li-bikes Fölläri bike sharing] is since 2022 in cooperation with [[Urban cycling#Donkey Republic|Donkey Republic]], with 700 seven-geared bikes. The continuation of the Föllläri scheme was postponed repeatedly, but the bikes are now being placed out (8–15 July). You will need an app; using the bikes requires a smartphone (Apple/Android) with Bluetooth and GPS enabled. There are 70 stations, half of which virtual (just leave the bike in the designated area found by the app and register the end of journey as usual). Most of the virtual stations will be outside the centre and they will get moved at times, depending on usage patterns. The hire can also be ended outside stations, for an additional fee. Usage for one hour at the time costs €2 per time, €6 per month or €35 per season (April–October; in 2022 cheaper to pay month for month). Additional time costs €1 for 15 min, €1.50 for 30 min, €2 for 1 hr, €5 for 4 hr, €12 for a day. Thus, for a one-off one-day rental, the cost is €14. The monthly or seasonal payments seems to count as Donkey Republic membership in other towns; whether the reverse is true is unclear as of July 2022 (just try!). * {{listing | name=Donkey Republic customer service | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 4885-8185 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00 Sa–Su 10:00–21:00 | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-12 | content=Customer service for the Fölläri bikes. }} Other options include: * {{listing | name=10Bikes | alt= | url=https://10bikes.fi | email=info@10bikes.fi | address=Yliopistinkatu 8 | lat= | long= | directions=in the yard at Yliopistonkatu; pop-up station by the traffic lights in front of the cathedral | phone=+358 400-176-100 | tollfree= | hours=Shop 10:00–18:00 | price=€5+€5/hr | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Local business. Electricity assisted bikes for rent. Short rentals from the pop-up station with the Movelo smartphone app, longer rentals from the shop. City bikes and bikes for gravel. }} * {{listing | name=Polkupyörävuokraamo | alt= | url=http://www.polkupyoravuokraamo.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in the harbour | phone=+358 440-224-161 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€14/day, €63/week | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Bike rental. Also tandems and trailers. }} Those who have a '''library card''' might be able to borrow bikes from the [[#Learn|main library]] in summer (until 30 September), for free. Return the bike before the library closes in the evening. ====Bicycle service==== There are several bike shops offering service for bikers. Here some of them: * {{buy | name=Bikestation | url=http://www.bikestation.fi/info/en/about_us/visit_us/ | email= | address=Kirkonmäentie 3, [[Sauvo]] | lat=60.34245 | long=22.69601 | directions=35 km from Turku | phone=+358 44-324-4010 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The only bicycle service and shop specialized in Rohloff bicycles and gears in Turku region. Also mobile power supply (powered by hub dynamo) and hand made wheels for bike travellers. }} * {{buy | name=Visan polkupyörähuolto | url=http://www.visainen.com/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 8 | lat=60.454 | long=22.273 | directions=in the corner of Aninkaistenkatu and Yliopistonkatu | phone=+358 2 231-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Competent bicycle shop hidden in a back yard. Does not sell only mainstream stuff. }} * {{buy | name=Raispo | alt= | url=http://www.raispo.fi | email=info@raispo.fi | address=Itäinen Pitkäkatu 38-40 | lat=60.444481 | long=22.277783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-557-7158 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-04-13 | content=Bike shop with bike service. }} ===By electric kick scooter=== Swedish [http://www.voiscooters.com Voi], German [https://tier.app Tier] and Norwegian [https://www.ryde-technology.com Ryde] have electric kick scooters for rent, to use in the centre. Dott seems to be coming. See [[Finland#By motorised scooter|Finland &sect; By motorised scooter]]. ===By bus === <!-- [[File:Åbo salutorg 2010, Blommor och grönsaker.jpg|thumb|Streets around Kauppatori normally form the hub for the local and some regional bus lines – not 2018–2020.]] --> [[File:Föli bus -1 in front of Turku Castle.jpg|thumb|Turku city bus, line 1, by the castle]] [[File:Passenger ferry on Aurajoki.jpg|thumb|Water bus (passenger ferry) on the river]] Tickets are harmonized with some of the surrounding municipalities: Raisio, [[Naantali]], [[Kaarina]], [[Turku countryside|Rusko]] and [[Turku countryside|Lieto]], as the "'''Föli'''" cooperation. Tickets are handled as if all buses serving the area were local, except for lines 117, 118, 119 and 802. * {{listing | name=Monitori | alt= | url= | email=joukkoliikenne@turku.fi | address=Aurakatu | lat= | long= | directions=in KOP-kolmio by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 262-4811 (M–F 08:00–15:00 Sa 09:00–14:00) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 09:00–14:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-05 | content=Bus customer service now across the street from the old office, combined with municipal services. Address, hours etc. need updating. }} Information about local buses can be found at the [http://www.foli.fi/en Föli] pages. There are several map views (e.g. one showing the current locations of buses) and tailored timetable views (such as for a specific stop) and a '''route planner'''. The planner works well in most situations, but some sanity checks are needed: the planner can guess at destinations with "similar" spelling, it thinks "Bus station, Turku" means the one in the port, and it may behave oddly when no suitable bus is found for whatever reason. You can also use the [http://nysse.mobi Nysse] mobile app for journey planning. Most buses go through the centre, with the area around '''Kauppatori''' serving as hub – but distance between some stops is long, as the roads around Kauppatori are closed during construction works (2018–2022). Now most "hub" stops have been moved one block down toward the river, to '''Linnankatu''' or its surroundings, some to '''Puutori''' square two blocks toward the bus station. Most regional buses now start from the bus station and most lines use the Aurasilta bridge instead of the Tuomiokirkko bridge. There are also other fundamental changes in the routes in the centre. Buses will return to stops by the square on 26 September 2022. There are few 'circle lines', so usually if you need to transfer, you will need to take one bus to the centre, then transfer there to the bus taking you to your final destination. As buses generally go in two directions from the centre, make sure that you are taking the correct numbered bus in the correct direction as well. Transfer by the cathedral, Puutori or some other suitable stop may be more convenient than using the central stops, as these are spread out during the works at Kauppatori. The Föli route planner does suggest such alternative transfer points. Destinations are mentioned in Finnish on some stops and alternating between languages on most buses, but you should still note the numbers of the lines you intend to use. If going towards Kauppatori it is mostly enough to know on what side of the street to stand. Buses passing the municipality border mostly have 3-digit numbers (notable exceptions lines 6 and 7). Buses not reaching Turku (often minibuses with sparse schedules) have their number prefixed with a letter, such as L for Lieto – but "P" means Turku lines meant primary for seniors. There are some quirks, e.g. some '''regional buses''' use stops for city buses, others those for coaches. Regional buses with destinations outside the Föli area are usually part of the cooperation inside it, but for trips out of the area you cannot use Föli tickets at all (notably 7xx, 8xx and 9xx via Kaarina, and some 4xx buses through Lieto). A few such buses (117, 118, 119 and 802) don't take Föli tickets at all. Only some regional buses are shown on electronic displays and timetables at bus stops. Single '''tickets''' are valid for unlimited transfers within two hours of the ticket's purchase. They can be bought with debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard) that have contactless (EMV) payment enabled, with the [https://www.foli.fi/en/mobile-ticket Föli app] or in advance for €3, children 7–14: €1.50. Bought from the driver they cost €4/2. In the night (23:00–04:00) tickets cost €1 more. Notes of more than €20 are not always accepted. Persons in wheelchair and the person assisting travel for free, as does a person with an infant or toddler in a baby carriage (use the middle door, the driver will help with the wheelchair ramp; there is usually sufficient space). Children under 7 years old need a ticket only when travelling alone. If you intend to take the bus more than twice a day (read: in more than two 2-hr periods), it becomes economical to ask the bus driver for a 24-hour ticket, priced €7.50. The electronic payments should do this automatically and subtract already paid single tickets from the price, given that you use the same device all the time. They also keep count of the 2 hr transfer period. The office at Kauppatori, R kiosks and other service points sell cards for one day and more, costing €8 for the first day, €3 for each additional day up to a week, €25 for ten days, with €1.50 for additional days. The equivalent can also be bought in the app. Those staying more than a few days or travelling as a group may want to check other options also, e.g. "value cards", with which trips (including transfers) cost €2.20/1.20, plus €1 in the night. For groups, ask for a group card (ordinary children's cards are personal, adults' cards valid for three persons). Show the card to the machine once for each person the first time, once for all the group at "transfers". Value (and days) can be added on the Internet, in the Föli bureau, in R kiosks and at some other locations. Once upon the time modifier letters (as in 12A and 12B) got removed and numbers changed (in this case to 32 and 42). The lines are ordered according to these associations: 1, 2, 2A, 3, 30, 4, ... Often the '''associated lines''' behave the same most of the route, but have different destinations in one end. In a few cases the destination varies without any change in line number (e.g. 13 going to Impivaara, "uimahalli", half of the time), usually with a sign in the front window of the bus. The corresponding notes in the timetable are often incomprehensible without some understanding of the individual lines, but usually you know when you need to understand them and can ignore them otherwise. The worst trap is some extra rush hour buses on long lines stopping prematurely: check that you get the one going all the way to your stop. '''Timetable''' booklets give starting times at the ends of the route and at Kauppatori, and an estimated duration of the trip to or from Kauppatori. Some lines are (only or additionally) listed in groups, with information for common (possibly intermediate) destinations. Sometimes a line being in the booklet twice is not evident, check carefully if relevant. The timetables at major stops instead give the estimated passing time of the bus (and line number, as lines are grouped together). A timetable booklet can be bought from the bus office at Kauppatori (€1). A map is for sale separately (€2; not including the neighbouring towns, nor the extreme points of Turku). School buses, night lines, rush hour lines and lines serving the elderly, and the quirks of these, are partly handled in their own maps, chapters and booklets, although tickets are valid as usual. Some interesting or useful lines include: * '''1 Seaport – Centre – Airport''' The line to use to and from the airport and seaport. Departs from the airport and seaport every 20 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, twice an hour on Sundays, more often to/from the harbour at ferry arrival/departure times. Much cheaper than taking a cab. Passes the bus station in the centre of Turku between Kauppatori and the airport (except the extra harbour services, which turn at Kauppatori). * '''8 Centre – Railway station – Ruissalo''' The bus route through the large Ruissalo island, a popular summer destination with beaches, villas, a botanic garden and a nature reserve. * '''14, 15 Saramäki – Oriketo – Centre – Erikvalla / Kakskerta''' Bus lines which go to islands of Satava (14) and Kakskerta (15), which have beautiful countryside and archipelago nature to enjoy. 40-min ride from Kauppatori (one way). * '''21, 23 Centre – Paattinen – Tortinmäki''' Long countryside route which you can ride at no more cost than the ordinary city bus ticket. Tortinmäki is a 6-km walk (or bike ride) from [[Kurjenrahka National Park]], in season some of the services extend to the park. * '''99 Ilpoinen / Uittamo – Skanssi – Länsikeskus – Perno / Pansio''' A long suburb sightseeing line bypassing the centre; a one-way ride takes over an hour. * '''[https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus 180 water bus] Martinsilta – Pikisaari and Ruissalo''' A water bus using Föli tickets, bikes free; late May through August, some September weekends). See [[#By ferry 2|By ferry below]]. ===By taxi === [[File:Aurakatu Turku 3 kesä 2011.jpg|thumb|Aura street in central Turku.]] Taxis are abundant and easily available throughout the city. There are three crunch times when getting a taxi might be problematic: the morning and evening ferry departure times (particularly in summer), around 08:00 and 21:00, and the bar closing times (particularly on weekends) around 04:00. Before the deregulation quick 1–3 km trips would cost in the €8–15 vicinity, and you should not have to pay much more now. Most companies add a fee per kilometre and a fee per minute, more or less doubling the nominal price. Taxis generally accept major international credit cards. At the railway station and similar places there may also be a "Kimppataxi" offering rides together with strangers (cf ''minivans'' in some countries), which in some cases is considerably cheaper. Most taxis use the Taxidata call centre. There are several other companies, including Taksi Länsi-Suomi (serving most of Finland Proper), the Helsinki based companies (at least Menevä and Kajon) and some small ones, but their cars are mainly found at certain taxi ranks. If using their call centres it might be wise to check that there is a taxi available nearby before committing. Pre-booking is free for some of these competitors. Like elsewhere in Finland, the taxis belong to smaller companies with just an agreement with the call centre. * {{listing|type=go | name=Taxidata | alt= | url=http://taxidata.fi/hinnasto/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 100-41 | tollfree= | hours= | price=€1.67/call+pvm/mpm (app free); flag-fall M–F 06:00–18:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €3,90, other times €6.90; €1.10/km + €0.90/min for 1–4 passengers or €1.59/km + €0.90/min for 5–8 passengers. Example: 4 persons 5 km in the evening, 30 km/h, called by phone: €1.67+6.90+5.50+9+mpm = €23.07+mpm | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2017-06-30 | content=Also bookable by app. Calling centre used by most taxis. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Menevä Turku | url=https://www.meneva.fi/en/service-areas/varsinais-suomi/turku | email=leif@meneva.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-471-0470 (head of office) | tollfree=0800-02120 (booking) | hours= | price=Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-25 | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Taksi Länsi-Suomi | alt= | url=https://www.taksilansisuomi.fi/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 20-003-000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Flag fall M–F 06:00–20:00, Sa 06:00–16:00 €4.90, other times €8.90; 1–4 persons €1.49/km + €0,99/min, 5–8 persons €1.89/km + €0,99/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-19 | content=Serves most of Finland Proper. Call centre in cooperation with Taksi Helsinki. Available also through the Valopilkku app. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=iTaksi | alt= | url=https://www.itaksi.fi | email=info@itaksi.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 10-212-0000 (extra charge?) | tollfree= | hours= | price=€4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. }} * {{listing | name=Yango | alt= | url=https://yango.yandex.com/turku/tariff | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=€6.00+€1.10/km+€0.40/min (Starting fare includes 5 min and 2 km) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-12-17 | content=Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. }} * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Uber, Taksinappi ===By ferry === [[Image:Turku Ferry across river Aura.jpg|thumb|Föri crossing Aura river in front of the guest harbour.]] * {{go|url=|name=Föri|lat=60.4411 | long=22.2479 |wikipedia=Föri |wikidata=Q1480060 |image=Turku, Finland - panoramio (27).jpg |hours=06:15–21:00 daily, in summer 06:15–23:00, replaced by boardwalk in cold winters |price=Free |content=This city ferry shuttles people and their bikes (no cars allowed) across the Aura River since a century, first taking passengers in 1904. Beloved by Turku citizens, the little orange ferry covers a grand distance of 78 metres and takes about a minute and a half. A running local gag is to ask visitors if they have taken the trip from Turku across to Åbo on the Föri yet; actually, both sides of the river are called the same, Åbo is just the Swedish name. Incidentally, the name comes from the Swedish ''färja'' and is related to the English word "ferry". }} * {{go |url=https://www.foli.fi/en/waterbus|name=Föli water buses |price=€3/1.5 (ordinary Föli ticket), bikes free |hours=2022: daily 23 May–28 Aug, Sa–Su until 17 September. Every 45 min, round trip 1.5 hr. First departure 10:15, last return back by Martinsilta 19:55, an additional evening tour to and from Telakka in June–July |content=m/s ''Ruissalo'' and m/s ''Jaarli'' go from just downstream from Martinsilta (eastern, left bank) to the Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo, via Forum Marinum and either Pikisaari on Hirvensalo or the Telakka marina. Tip: Take a bicycle with you without extra fee if the ferry is not too crowded. }} * {{go |url=http://jakkejokilautta.fi/|name=Jakke Jokilautta| image=Jakke Jokilautta.jpg |lat=60.4483 | long=22.2683 |price=€5/2 (children 3–14), family (2+2) €12 |content=''River ferry Jakke'' is a café ferry going up and down the river all the way from the castle to the cathedral. Along the way you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of the city. Some of the cruises are also guided. There are five stops along the river for the ferry: Tintå restaurant, Pharmacy museum, Esposito, Turku guest harbour and Crichton street. The ferry always stops at the Pharmacy museum and Crichton street, and if there are people waiting for the ferry, also on the other stops. }} ====Archipelago cruises==== [[File:SS Ukkopekka Kultaranta 2004.jpg|thumb|Ukkopekka on its way from Naantali to Turku.]] There are a number of cruises in and tour boat connections to the archipelago, e.g. to the island [[Rymättylä#Recreation islands|Vepsä]], a recreational area of the city (1–2 hours), to [[Nagu]] parish village or [[Själö]] (2 hr across Airisto, back in the evening), to [[Utö]] in the very outskirts of the Archipelago Sea (5 hr; twice a week, overnight stay at the island necessary due to the distance) or to [[Naantali]] with the Moomin world, Kultaranta (the summer residence of the President of Finland) and a nice wooden old town. Most ferries taking passengers to the archipelago can be found between Martinsilta bridge and Föri. Some of the tours are available only in summertime, others continue as long as ice conditions permit. On your way out from the city you can see the old ships by Forum Marinum, Turku castle, the harbour and Pikisaari and Ruissalo with their old charming villas, before you reach the open Airisto. * {{listing|type=go|url=http://www.ukkopekka.fi/en |name=s/s Ukkopekka | wikipedia=SS Ukkopekka |image=SS Ukkopekkaa.jpg |wikidata=Q4412741 | directions=just downstream of the Martinsilta bridge |lat=60.44416 | long=22.25336 |phone= |price=Naantali: €24 single, €29 return, family €66/80, lunch €14; Loistokari: €48–55; children 3–12/3–14 half price |content=Family-owned steamship. Archipelago cruises from Turku to Naantali (day cruises; 1 hr 45 min each way, immediate return or 2 hr in Naantali) and to the island of Loistokari (evening cruises, dance at the Loistokari pier, buffet meal included) in the summer season. }} * {{listing|type=go| |name=m/s Rudolfina |url=http://www.rudolfina.fi | email=rudolfina@rudolfina.fi |lat=60.4433 | long=22.2515 |phone=+358 2 250-2995, +358 40-846-3000 |price=€30–40, including a meal |wikidata=Q52333105 |image=Rudolfina Aurajoella 2.JPG |content=Lunch and diner cruises. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Rosita |alt= |url=http://www.rosita.fi/reittiliikenne.php | email=info@rosita.fi | image=Lily Turku.JPG |lat=60.44401 | long=22.25297 | phone=+358 2 213-1500 | price=Return €20/9, single €12/6, family €47, pets €4; children 0–11; reduction €2/ticket on internet | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=With '''m/s ''Lily''''' you can depart for a two-hour cruise in the Airisto or spend the entire summer's day (or a few) on the Vepsä island. The voyage is an hour each way. There is a café on board. The main deck consist of a bright 100-person lounge, with a 40-seater cabinet downstairs and a large deck and sun terrace upstairs. Also plain cruises. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=m/s Norrskär | alt= | url=http://www.vitharun.fi/en/timetables/turku-seili-nagu | email=info@vitharun.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 37 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 400-176-684 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=2021: 8 May–19 September Sa–Su, 12 Jun–29 Aug daily; 09:30 or 10:00 from Turku, 11:15 at Själö, 12:15 in Kyrkbacken, start from Kyrkbacken 16:00 or 16:15, back 18:15 or 18:30 | price=Själö or Kyrkbacken single €25/15, return €37/23; bike €6, return €10; children 3–15 years | lastedit=2021-05-24 | content=Connects Turku with Själö and Kyrkbacken. Times with guided tours on Själö. Kiosk on board. Lunch possible in Själö or Kyrkbacken. }} ===By car === Parking lots by the street are sparse at rush hours, but otherwise you should be able to park your car for a while quite near the place where you are going. Short time parking often free, otherwise expect to pay €1–2/hr in the centre, less in the outskirts, where even free lots can be found. Parking halls, such as the underground {{marker|type=go|url=http://www.p-louhi.fi|name=P Louhi|lat=60.45490 | long=22.26060}} (stairs/lift to Kauppatori and the pedestrian street) usually have plenty of free space. [https://www.q-park.fi/en-gb/ Q-Park] also operates several parking halls in central Turku. Most of the largest hotels have their own parking halls. When parking in the street in winter and spring, note times reserved for maintenance. The roads around Kauppatori are now (2018–2022) mostly closed for through traffic. ==See== The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. Two sights in the city are considered above others (by Finnish visitors): the medieval castle, which is the symbol of Turku, and Turku cathedral, the national shrine of Finland, but there are several more modest pearls to find. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova invites visitors to explore the medieval history and culture of Turku and to reflect upon thought-provoking contemporary art. ''Luostarinmäki'' is the only larger part of the city that survived the great fire of Turku in 1827. Nowadays it houses an open air living handicrafts museum, with local artisans working in traditional ways. The ''biological museum'' has dioramas showing Finnish fauna of different biotops. The ''museum of art'' has a collection from the time of national awakening in the 19th century, besides more modern works. The '''Museokortti''' card gives free entrance to most museums. ===History and museums=== [[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova 3.jpg|thumb|Entrance of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.]] * {{see | name=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova | url=http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/en | email=info@aboavetusarsnova.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 | lat=60.449844 | long=22.273457 | directions= | phone=+358 20-718-640 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:00–19:00 | price=€10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free | wikidata=Q3022430 | content=Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also houses [http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/fi/vierailulle-museoon/ravintola-kahvila M Kitchen and Café], the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the [http://linnateatteri.fi/www/ Linnateatteri] theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard. }} * {{see | name=Botanical Garden | alt= | url=http://www.utu.fi/fi/yksikot/kasvitieteellinen-puutarha/Sivut/home.aspx | email=puutarharuissalo@utu.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 215 | lat=60.43330 | long=22.17334 | directions= | phone=+358 2 276-1900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Indoor gardens M–Su 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens M–Su 08:00–20:00 | price=Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free | content=The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises. }} * {{see | name= Biological Museum | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/biologicalmuseum | email=museokeskus@turku.fi | address=Neitsytpolku 1 | lat=60.4446 | long=22.2645 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0340 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 09:00–17:00, Mondays closed | price=adults €5, children €3, children under 7 years free, family €13 | wikidata=Q4086898 | content=The Turku Biological Museum is a diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. The Biological Museum has altogether 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species on display. The Biological Museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. The Museum was established in 1907 and most of the Dioramas date back all the way to that period. There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum. Right next to the Museums is the wonderfully green Sports Park of Turku (''Urheilupuisto''). }}<!-- -->[[File:Brinkhallin kartano.jpg|thumb|Brinkhall Manor]] * {{see | name=Brinkhall Manor | alt= | url=https://www.brinkhall.fi/ | email=brinkhall@kulttuuriperinto.fi | address=Brinkhallintie 414 | lat=60.3700 | long=22.2408 | directions= | phone=+358 440-940-048 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=24 Jun-17 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called ''Hovimäki'', which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming, the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival ''[http://www.brinkhallsoi.fi Brinkhall Soi]''. }}<!-- -->[[File:Ett Hem 03.JPG|thumb|''Ett Hem'' -Museum]] * {{see | name=Ett Hem | alt="A home" | url=http://etthem.fi/?lang=en | email=etthem@abo.fi | address=Piispankatu 14 | lat=60.45386 | long=22.27879 | directions=Just a short walk away from the Cathedral upstream, opposite the Sibelius Museum. | phone=+358 20-786-1470 | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q4165181 | hours=<!--May–Septembe Tu–Su 12:00–15:00, Tu F 11:00–16:00; open also 1 Dec–7 Jan; also by request--> | price=Adults €5, children €4 | content=In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish university of Turku, ''Åbo Akademi'', as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neo-renaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art, the period around 1900, are represented. A virtual version available at [https://digimuseo.fi Digimuseo], the real one closed during demolition and construction by the museum (2022–2023?). }}<!-- -->[[File:Turku - Forum Marinum - Suomen Joutsen 02.jpg|thumb|Sail ship ''Suomen Joutsen'' is one of the main attractions in Forum Marinum.]] * {{see | name=Forum Marinum | alt= | url=http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en | email= | address=Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4366 | long=22.2349 | directions=Just after the guest harbor when going downstream towards Turku Castle, you can't miss it, bus line 1 | phone=+358 2 267-9511 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 267-9515 | hours=wintertime: Daily 11:00–19:00 | price=€9/5/– for the museum; €6/4 ships | wikidata=Q3917218 | content=The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a national special maritime museum, and the Finnish Navy Museum. There are temporary exhibitions and a very interesting [http://www.forum-marinum.fi/en/exhibitions/museum-ships/ boat and ship collection]: two tall sail ships, ''Suomen Joutsen (Swan of Finland)'' and ''Sigyn'', four naval ships and several smaller vessels, ranging from a steam harbour tugboat to a police boat. The museum ships are open during the summer months only, while the exhibitions are open throughout the year. The museum also houses a Café Restaurant called Daphne, which serves café delicacies and a tasty, varied buffet lunch. The Museum Shop offers maritime gifts and other articles, literature and high-quality textiles. }} * {{see | name=Healthcare Museum | alt= | url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en/turku-healthcare-museum_ | email= | address=Kunnallissairaalantie 20 | lat=60.4413 | long=22.2753 | directions= | phone=+358 2 266-2421 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Every last Mon of the month 16:00–18:00 and by appointment | price=€4, children under 16 years free | content=At the Turku Health Care Museum you get an insight into the history of healthcare. How were people treated for such things as tuberculosis or polio? What instruments would you find in the operating room? At the Turku Health Care Museum you can see the evil of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis, view medical and autopsy equipment, electro-shock devices, as well as the operating room and the instruments used. The museum also displays artefacts from maternity and childcare clinics as well as items from medical schools from years ago. See an example of a baby carriage box that the midwives and nurses used to carry the new born babies of mothers with tuberculosis to the ''Joulumerkkikoti'' nursery to keep them safe from infection. Another attraction is an entire collection of uniforms for hospital personnel. Many of the styles were abandoned because of the conflict concerning the money spent on uniforms. Of pride of place in the middle of the museum is the ''Heideken'' exhibition showing christening gown, baptismal font, Bible, and the maternity hospital with its equipment. }}<!-- -->[[File:Kuralan kylämäki.jpg|thumb|Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History]] * {{see | name=Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History | alt=Kuralan Kylämäki | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/kylamakivillage | email=infopiste.kurala@turku.fi | address=Jaanintie 45 | lat=60.4622 | long=22.3365 | directions=Bus lines 2 and 2A | phone=+358 2 262-0420 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=summertime Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, also open around Christmas | price=Free | wikidata=Q11873640 | content=Kylämäki in Kurala is a village of living history, where visitors can travel back in time to a typical farm of south-west Finland in the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. It is made up of four farms with buildings standing at their original sites. The Kylämäki Village is ideal for families with children, since touching and experiencing is allowed – and there are corners with period toys and playing equipment. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. In the summer months, you can see women at their domestic chores in the Iso-Kohmo House, making juices and jams, or dairy treats traditionally prepared around Midsummer. Visitors get to participate in some of the farm's tasks, such as hay making and handicraft: 1950s-style items out of clay, paper, yarn or fabric, tablet weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making leather belts and pouches. The themes vary, check in advance to time right. There is also an '''experimental archaeology workshop'''. In addition to research, it lets children explore prehistoric working methods and test their hunting skills using ancient weaponry. There is cooperation with revival associations. The workshop is open all year round. }}<!-- -->[[File:Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki (Cloister Hill) Handicrafts Museum in Turku.jpeg|thumb|Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki outdoor museum.]] * {{see | name=Luostarinmäki | alt=Cloister Hill | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/handicraftsmuseum | email= | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44702 | long=22.27673 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0350 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7/4/4, family €18 | wikidata=Q1979979 | content=In 1827 a fire destroyed almost all of Turku. The Luostarinmäki area (then a quite poor area in the outskirts of the town) was the only larger part of the city that was saved. Now the area is preserved and it houses the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (''Käsityöläismuseo''), an outdoor museum with charming late 18th century wooden house quarters. All the buildings are in their original places, which is extremely rare in an outdoor museum. Over thirty workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the City's handicrafts history and old dwellings. During the summer season, the museum's workshops have craftsmen working there every day. The museum's shops, postal office and cafeteria serve customers round the year. The highlight of the year are the Handicrafts Days in August. During the days, masters of different professions, i.e. Golden Apple Guild masters and apprentices get together and their products are sold in the museum's shops. }}<!-- -->[[File:Julfred utlyses Gamla Stortorget 2009.jpg|thumb|View from the Old Great Square during the declaration of Christmas Peace.]] * {{see | name=Old Great Square | alt=Vanha Suurtori | url= | email=kulttuuri.tilat@turku.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 7 | lat=60.45076 | long=22.27582 | directions=across the parks by Turku Cathedral | phone=+358 2 262-0961 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Old Great Square area is part of the old Turku city centre. Today, this exceptionally handsome milieu serves as the perfect setting for such events as the annual declaration of Christmas peace and the Medieval Market. The Old Great Square was a major traffic hub, marketplace and administrative centre from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Today, the square has four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, Old City Hall, Hjelt Mansion and Juselius Mansion. The old buildings have been fully restored for use as cultural venues. The Old Great Square comes to life with a wide variety of events. At Christmastime, the square is transformed into a Christmas Market, and in the summer it is time for the Medieval Market. Old Great Square and its vicinities are home to several important neoclassical buildings including the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Academy Building|lat=60.45176 | long=22.27965}} and the {{marker|type=see|name=Old Town Hall|lat=60.45051 | long=22.27613}} }}<!-- -->[[File:Turun apteekkimuseo.jpg|thumb|The Qwensel House, with the Pharmacy Museum.]] * {{see | name=The Qwensel House and Pharmacy Museum | alt=Apteekkimuseo | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/pharmacymuseum | email=apteekkimuseo@turku.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 | lat=60.4486 | long=22.26769 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0280 | tollfree= | hours=2 May–31 Aug and 25 Nov–6 Jan, Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Adults €4.50, children 7–15 €3, 4–6 €0.50, 0–3 free, Family admission (2+2?) €9.50 | wikidata=Q4356801 | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times that has survived in its entirety in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility in the city plan put up by Count Per Brahe the Younger. A pharmacy from the 19th century has been furnished in the shop wing of the building. The pharmacy has a material room and a herb room, two laboratories and an office. The office has the oldest surviving pharmacy interior in Finland. The exhibition wing of the building has an extensive collection of pharmacy utensils on display. There is also a pharmaceutical research laboratory and pharmacy history exhibition in the wing. In addition to the main exhibitions, there are also varying smaller exhibitions and events held at the museum every year. The former stable, outhouse and barn are at the northern end of the baker wing of the building. The Pipping family used to have an orchard by the Linnankatu Street. The cafeteria, in the Pharmacy Museum's inner courtyard, is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters in the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their teas are worth checking. The two chambers, are in the wing that was housed by the building's owners in the 18th century. The chambers have been furnished in 18th-century fashion. The same wing used to have a kitchen, a chamber, maid's chamber, a shed, a carriage shed and an granary according to fire insurance documents from 1791. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Scout Museum of Finland | alt= | url=http://partiomuseo.fi/en/ | email=partiomuseo@partio.fi | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13 | lat=60.4560 | long=22.2633 | directions= | phone=+358 2 237-7692 | tollfree= | hours=1 September–31 May Sa 12:00–15:00 or by agreement (additional €8) | price=€2/1 | content=Finland's Scout Museum is a national special museum that is maintained by the Finnish Scouting Museum Association. It displays uniforms, insignia, flags and literature related to the scout movement in Finland. }} * {{see | name=Turku Castle | alt=Turun linna | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle | email=turunlinna@turku.fi | address=Linnankatu 80 | lat=60.4353 | long=22.2287 | directions=near the harbour, bus 1 | phone=+358 2 262-0300 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00; closed M in Sep–May low season | price=€14, students etc. €7, children (7–15) €5, family (2 adults, up to 4 children) €29–33, students of the field and museum staff (ICOM) free; public guided tour €3, private tours €70–300 | image=Castle of Turku, old side.jpg | wikidata=Q136893 | lastedit=2022-03-12 | content=Turku castle is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. The castle, which at times housed Swedish royalty, is the largest castle in Finland, and dates back to end of the 13th century. In addition to telling about the castle and its history, the castle functions as the general historic museum of the region. There are two loops, one around the old (Medieval and 16th century) part, one around the new part. Some of the rooms have been renovated to the style of different periods in the castle's history, although with scarce furniture, some are pure exhibitions. A room redesigned as church in the 19th century still functions as such. Tours of the castle are given hourly in English during high season (check!) and they give a good account of its history. There are also a children's workshop and children's tours. Private tours can be arranged even in off hours, book well in advance. There are many steep and narrow staircases in the old part and there are few shortcuts, check if that might be an issue. }} ===Art=== [[File:Turku Art Museum in 2011.jpg|thumb|Turku Art Museum]] * {{see | name=Turku Art Museum | alt=Turun taidemuseo | url=http://www.turuntaidemuseo.fi/en/ | email=info@turuntaidemuseo.fi | address=Aurakatu 26 | lat=60.45410 | long=22.26188 | directions=dominates the Puolala hill, between Kauppatori and the railway station | phone=+358 2 262-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Sa Su 11:00–17:00 | price=€10/6, children under 16 for free | wikidata=Q4502138 | content=The Art Museum's Art Nouveau building was opened to the public in the spring of 1904. Since the beginning, the museum has presented important works by Finnish and international artist, focusing on Nordic art in particular. Well represented are works from the era known as the Golden Age of Finnish art, around 1900. There are national treasures including self-portraits, landscapes, Finnish surrealism as well as pop art. The museum's national romantic granite façade rises at the end of Aurakatu. Tours are available in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. }}[[File:Wäinö Aaltosen museo.jpg|thumb|Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art]] * {{see | name=Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art | alt=WAM | url=http://www.wam.fi/en | email=wam@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 38 | lat=60.44498 | long=22.26018 | directions=15-min walk from Market Sq, or bus 14 or 15 | phone=+358 2 262-0850 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, except Th 10:00-19:00 | price=€10/4/2/– | wikidata=Q3019261 | content=Named in honour of the artist and sculptor ''Wäinö Aaltonen'' (1896–1966), born in Turku, the museum offerings include changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The museum is on the east bank of the Aura River close to the Myllysilta bridge. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses [http://www.cafewaino.fi Café Wäinö] which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls. }} * {{see | name=Sibelius Museum | alt= | url=http://www.sibeliusmuseum.abo.fi/ | email= | address=Piispankatu 17 | lat=60.45370 | long=22.27748 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, W also 18:00–20:00 | price=€5/3, guiding included, children under 18 free; concerts €12/10 | wikidata=Q4306382 | content= 150 m from the Turku cathedral is a low modern concrete building that houses the most significant museum of music in Finland and is named after the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. The museum building, itself considered as a pearl of modernist architecture, exhibits the life and music of the master composer as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments from all around the globe. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events. On Wednesday evenings the Chamber Music Hall hosts concerts during the spring and autumn season. }} * '''Art galleries'''. Turku is home to a number of smaller art galleries scattered around the city. The Turku Artists’ Association maintains a [http://www.turkuart.fi/english.html list of the galleries]. ===Churches=== Most of the churches are quite frequently used for concerts. In the summer of 2020 [https://www.turunseurakunnat.fi/tule-mukaan/kirkkojen-aukiolo-koronatilanteen-aikana only some churches are open]. The cathedral is open daily 09:00–18:00 (mind services). * {{see | name=Turku Cathedral | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4524 | long=22.2783 | directions= | phone=+358 40-341-7100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00–18:00; note services and other events; main services Su 10:00 in Finnish, 12:00 in Swedish, 14:30 in German and 16:00 in English | price=Free. Museum upstairs is €2/1/1 | wikipedia=Turku Cathedral |wikidata=Q1187606 | lastedit= | content=Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, St Henry, Turku Cathedral, on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. It was consecrated in 1300 and is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument as well as the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland. It is familiar, even dear to practically every Finn. Its bells chime at noon over the radio throughout Finland, and they also proclaim the Christmas peace to the country. Every part of the cathedral reflects the details of Finland and Turku's history; resting under the protection of the arches are bishops, captains of war, and one queen, Catherine Månsdotter of Sweden. The south gallery of the cathedral houses a museum, which takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. Displayed in the museum, among other things, are sculptures of saints, and church silverware from the Catholic era. Tours run 09:00–19:00 mid-September to mid-April and 09:00-20:00 mid-April to mid-September. }}[[File:St Michael's Church, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|St Michael's Church.]] * {{see | name=St Michael's Church |alt=Mikaelinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Puistokatu 16 | lat=60.44871 | long=22.24801 | directions=10 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7110 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 261-7112 | hours=Jun–Aug: M-F 11:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–13:00, Su 11:00–13:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St Michael's Church, Turku |wikidata=Q2981811 | lastedit= | content=The western skyline of the city of Turku is dominated by Michael's Church which was consecrated in 1905. It was designed by Professor Lars Sonck. When he won the competition for the church in 1894, Sonck was only a 23-year old architectural student. Michael's church is a distinguished example of the neogothic style in architecture. It is a long church with three aisles, galleries and a multifaceted choir. In addition to the main entrance there are also doors at each corner of the church. The sacristy is behind the choir. The main spire rises to a height of 77 meters from the foundations. Many locals favour it as a wedding Church. }} * {{see | name=Martin's Church | alt=Martinkirkko | url= | email= | address=Huovinkatu | lat=60.44079 | long=22.25434 | directions=By foot 15 min from Market Square | phone=+358 40-341-7120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=Martin's Church | wikidata=Q2336184 | lastedit= | content=Martin's parish was founded in 1921 after which the parish council decided to build a church of its own. The church was consecrated on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, on 12 Nov 1933. The designers of the church were the architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos. The church represents architechtual [[Functionalist architecture in Finland|functionalism]]. Martin's church is a long church with three aisles with very narrow side aisles. The church has a functional and singular practicality of its own. The barrel-vaulting of the roof is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The whole altar wall is covered with an "al secco" painting of the Saviour nailed to the cross at Golgatha. This massive work is 15 m high and 9.5 m in breadth. At the time of painting this was the largest painting of its type in the whole of Scandinavia. }} * {{see | name=Orthodox Church | alt=Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra | url=http://www.ort.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45228 | long=22.26598 | directions=on the north side of Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-5443 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10-15 | price= | wikipedia=Turku Orthodox Church | wikidata=Q2601450 | content=Main church of the Turku orthodox parish, affiliated with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The church was built by the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was ordered by Czar Nicholas I of Russia on 5 January 1838. Construction, which began in 1839, cost 67,886&nbsp;rubles and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on 2 September 1845. The church was dedicated to Alexandra, the spouse of Diocletian who had publicly became Christian and thus suffered a martyr’s death on 23 April 303. Most of the icons of the iconostasis have been made in [[Valaam|Valaam Monastery]]. There is also another Orthodox church in Turku, a small wooden one by the Russian consulate, under the Moscow Patriarchate. }} * {{see | name=Turku synagogue | alt= | url=http://www.jcturku.fi | email= | address=Brahenkatu 17 | lat=60.455746 | long=22.266539 | directions= | phone=+358 400-526-009 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Turku Synagogue | image=Turku Jewish Synagogue.jpg | wikidata=Q2601015 | lastedit= | content=One of two synagogues in Finland. Built 1912. }} * {{see | name=St Catherine's Church | alt=Pyhän Katariinan kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kirkkotie 46 | lat=60.46221 | long=22.29355 | directions= | phone=+358 2 261-7130 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open by arrangement, and special events | price=Free | wikipedia= St. Catherine's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q838441 | lastedit= | content=St Catherine's Church represents old medieval church building tradition. Although it was completely destroyed and has undergone several renovations, it has preserved something of its original appearance and retains the basic plan of a medieval Finnish church. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=Maarian kirkko | url= | email= | address=Maunu Tavastinkatu 2 | lat=60.47341 | long=22.29327 | directions=Bus line 15 | phone=+358 40-341-7140 | tollfree= | hours=Jun–Aug: M–F 12:00-17:00. In wintertime open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 | price=Free | wikipedia=St. Mary's Church, Turku | wikidata=Q7594443 | content=Probably built in the 1440s, partly later in the 15th century. According to folk tradition, St Mary's Church was built at a place where sacrifices had been performed in heathen times, in the village of Räntämäki. It had also been the site of the village burial ground and a place of assembly. The village of Räntämäki was renamed after the patron saint of the Church, St Mary, and in the records it is sometimes referred to as the parish of Räntämäki, sometimes as St Mary's. The church took the name of St Mary from the nearby episcopal church of Koroinen, its original patron saint having been the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysios. More of the original decorations have survived than in most other Finnish Medieval churches. }}[[File:Ecumenical Art Chapel of St. Henry in.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of the Ecumenical Hirvensalo Art Chapel.]] * {{see | name=Kakskerta Church | alt=Kakskerran kirkko | url= | email= | address=Kakskerran kirkkotie 110 | lat=60.36998 | long=22.21967 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kakskerta Church |wikidata=Q6349661 | lastedit= | content=Kakskerta Church was built in 1765–1769, and dedicated in 1770. It was designed by Christian Schroder, and is oblong in shape. The altarpiece is from the 17th century, and the interior of the church was renovated in 1940 after the plan by Erik Bryggman. The belfry was designed by C. Bassi in 1824. }} * {{see | name=Ecumenical Art Chapel | alt=Taidekappeli | url=http://www.taidekappeli.fi/yhteystiedot.html | email=taide.kappeli@gmail.com | address=Seiskarinkatu 35 | lat=60.4073 | long=22.2521 | directions=bus 54 | phone=+358 2 265-7777 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–15:00 (May–Aug 11:00–16:00), Th 11:00–18:30, Sa Su 12:00–15:00, except during private events | price=€3, guided tours €5 | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q296532 | lastedit= | content=Wooden chapel with art exhibitions. Built 2004–2005. }} ===Nature=== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Evening view at Ruissalo.]] * {{see | name=Ruissalo Island | alt= | url=https://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-island_en | email= | address= | lat=60.428 | long=22.151 | directions=5 km from Kauppatori. Travel past the harbour district and you cannot miss signs pointing towards Ruissalo. Bus line 8 in every 30 minutes. During summer also a ferry connection. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2097015 | lastedit= | content=The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, [http://www.ruissalospa.fi/english/index.html Ruissalo Spa hotel], Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, [https://www.honkapirtti.fi Honkapirtti] (pea soup daily 11–16, Su also fish soup – the Karelian house is worth a visit for lunch or a bun despite the short menu) and the [http://puutarha.utu.fi Botanical Gardens] have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at [http://www.camping.fi/template_ypage1.asp?sua=2&lang=3&s=142 Saaronniemi] on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, saunas, a small shop, indoor accommodation and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant, even the most demanding traveller is catered for. There is also a championship level golf course, [http://www.auragolf.fi/eng/aura-golf-in-english/ Aura Golf], founded in 1958 nearby. }} * {{marker|type=see|name=The riverside |lat=60.4554|long=22.2762}} upstream from Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge (right bank) or Åbo Akademi (left bank) make for a very [[Turku riverside walk|nice stroll or biking trip]]. Between Tuomiokirkkosilta and the railway bridge there is a walking path close to the water on the right, north-western bank (not for bikes), elsewhere the route is above the river in park like milieu, upstream (from Vähäjoki and Koroinen, and near Halinen) also in agricultural landscapes. A café in Koroinen on Sundays, sometimes with handicraft exhibitions or workshops, the Myllärintupa café with canoe rental by the Halinen rapids in summer (Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; also small scale exhibitions). Bikers could continue upstream to Vanhalinna in Lieto, a hillfort with splendid views ([http://www.vanhalinna.fi mansion] by the hill in use by Turku university; café, summer theatre and exhibitions in or by the mansion if you time right).[[File:Autumn Ruissalo.jpg|thumb|Pikisaari on Hirvensalo seen from Ruissalo.]] * {{marker|type=see|name=Hirvensalo|lat=60.4051 | long=22.2111}}, {{marker|type=see|name=Satava|lat=60.372 | long=22.169}} and {{marker|type=see|name=Kakskerta|lat=60.359 | long=22.233}} are three large islands in line right off the coastline of Turku. The parts facing the city are suburbs, with winding roads lined with often nice villas, while much of the islands are countryside with fields and natural forest. The bus lines 50–56 reach different parts of Hirvensalo, while 14 and 15 continue to Satava and Kakskerta, which once were an independent municipality. Pikisaari on Hirvensalo faces the shipping lane. Today, Hirvensalo is a haven for single-family homes and good, clean living. Some famous names from Hirvensalo are sculptor and academic, Wäinö Aaltonen and artist Jan-Erik Andersson, whose unique leaf-shaped house is near the Hirvensalo bridge. Hirvensalo also has a [http://www.hirvensalo.fi sports centre], where visitors can ski in the winter and ride [http://www.mccaction.com/turku/ downhill cars] in the summer. Ekvalla beach is on the Satava island (buses 14 and 15). This sandy beach is a good choice for families, sun seekers, and people with disabilities. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as this swimming area has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Swimming lifeguards are available during the school summer holiday period. On the last island of the three, Kakskerta (bus 15) you can enjoy lovely archipelago nature, the golf course at Harjattula or the site of the TV series Hovimäki at Brinkhall Manor. There is also a stone church from the 1760s. * {{see | name=Vepsä Island | alt= | url=http://www.vepsa.fi/english.php | email=vepsansaari@gmail.com | address= | lat=60.3742 | long=22.0766 | directions=One hour ferry trip from Turku, ferry leaves from river Aura. | phone=+358 50 411-4963 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open during the summer season only, from 1 June to 31 August | price=Return ticket for the ferry €16/6. Cabin €55–90/night, tent site €5/person. | wikidata=Q24345730 | content=Vepsä island is a beautiful island in the Turku archipelago. From the vantage point on the rugged rock, you can see glittering waters and awesome landscapes of ''Airisto''. On the way up, you can search for geocaches, if you want. Former hiding place of smugglers hides nowadays modern hobbies and hobby equipments. You can go for a walk, swim on a child safe beach, have a barbecue, take a sauna bath, play miniature golf, and enjoy other summery activities. People who like water sports can rent a boat or a canoe. One of the new activities is sumo wrestling in air filled suites. After an active day you can eat in the island's own café-restaurant. Ice-creams and snacks are for sale also in a kiosk. You can go to Vepsä for a one day trip, or stay for a longer time. Cosy summer cabins offer you warm surroundings to stay over night, and are very popular among visitors. There are three saunas to hire, one of them is reserved for enterprises. You can reserve the representation sauna and a barred hot tub beforehand. Three close-by islands – Mustaluoto, Vähä-Tervi and Pikku-Vepsä – are charming targets to visit and available for Vepsä visitors. }} === Itineraries === * [[Turku riverside walk]] ==Do== Turku is especially lively during the summer season, from the latter part of May to early September, as well as around the Advent and Christmas period in December. The banks of the river Aura are regarded Turku's summertime living room. The shores are the setting for many urban events and are also popular for picnic and relaxing. ===Theater, performing arts and cinema=== [[File:Åbo Svenska Teater.jpg|thumb|Turku Swedish Theatre 2018.]] For chamber music, check also the weekly concerts at the Wäinö Aaltonen and Sibelius museums. One-off performances can be harder to find, as information channels vary. * {{do | name=Turku City Theatre | alt=Turun kaupunginteatteri | url=http://teatteri.turku.fi/en | email=kaupunginteatteri@turku.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 14 | lat=60.44604 | long=22.26386 | directions=by the Theatre Bridge | phone=+358 2 262-0030 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 262-0065 | hours= | price=€30–50/15–40 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | wikidata=Q3739478 | content=The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions. }} * {{do | name=Logomo | alt= | url=https://logomo.fi/ | email=info@logomo.fi | address=Köydenpunojankatu 14 | lat=60.4569 | long=22.2576 | directions=behind the train station | phone=+358 29-1234-800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is next to the Turku city centre and the Central Railway Station. It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop. }} * {{do | name=Turku Philharmonic Orchestra | alt=Turun filharmoninen orkesteri | url=http://www.tfo.fi/en | address=Aninkaistenkatu 9 | lat=60.45556 | long=22.27035 | directions=by the Puutori square | phone=+358 2 262-0804 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Ticket office: M–F 11:00–17:00 and before events | price=Usually €21/9 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Concert Hall, built in 1952, was the first concert hall in Finland. It is mainly used by Turku Philharmonic Orchestra (chief conductor Leif Segerstam). }} * {{do | name=Swedish Theatre of Turku | alt=Åbo Svenska Teater | url=http://www.abosvenskateater.fi | email=info@abosvenskateater.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 13 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2660 | directions=by Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 277-7377 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations, the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays. }} * {{do | name=Linnateatteri | alt= | url=http://linnateatteri.fi | email=info@linnateatteri.fi | address=Linnankatu 31 | lat=60.4467 | long=22.2586 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-1215 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as ''the Amazing History of Turku'' and ''the Amazing Near-history of Turku''. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Summer Theatre | alt=Samppalinnan kesäteatteri | url=http://www.samppalinnanteatteri.fi | email= | address=Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3 | lat=60.4442 | long=22.2609 | directions=by the Samppalinna mill in the park Urheilupuisto | phone=+358 2 232-9050 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Samppalinna summer theatre, fifty years old, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals. }} * {{do | name=Kinopalatsi | alt=Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex | url=http://www.finnkino.fi/eng/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 11 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2669 | directions= | phone=+358 9 131-191 (€1.97/min + pvm/mpm) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=around €12 | lastedit= | content=This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens. }} ===Sport arenas=== [[File:Turkuhalli inside.jpg|thumb|Turkuhalli.]] * {{do | name=Turkuhalli | alt=Gatorade Center | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/fi/gatorade-center | email=info@turku-areenat.fi | address=Artukaistentie 8 | lat=60.4562 | long=22.1869 | directions= | phone=+358 2 21-900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This ice hockey and music arena hosts large public events and the games of [http://hc.tps.fi/briefly_in_english TPS (''Turun Palloseura'')], Turku's number one ice hockey team. It offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas. }} * {{do | name=Marli Areena | alt=Ice Hockey Arena | url=https://turku-areenat.fi/en/home | email= | address=Hippoksentie 2 | lat=60.4422 | long=22.2896 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of [http://www.tutohockey.fi/fi/uutiset TuTo (''Turun Toverit'') hockey team]. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the city center. }} * {{do | name=Veritas Stadion | alt=football (soccer) stadium | url=http://www.veritasstadion.fi/brief/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=varaukset@veritasstadion.com | address=Hippoksentie 6 | lat=60.44282 | long=22.29175 | directions= | phone=+358 2-2722-00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based teams play in the national league of Finland – [http://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter] and [http://fc.tps.fi/tps_in_brief.151.html FC TPS] – play on the grounds of the stadium. }} ===Sports grounds and parks=== [[File:Hirvensalon laskettelukeskus.jpg|thumb|Slopes at the Hirvensalo Ski Resort.]] * {{do | name=Urheilupuisto Sports Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2632 | directions=in the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura behind the City Theater | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q11898812 | content=Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. [http://www.turkutrojans.com Turku Trojans], one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Park | alt=Kupittaanpuisto | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2894 | directions=Near the Turku city centre, on the east bank of the river Aura, around 15 minutes walk from the Old Great Square and Cathedral | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q5486539 | content=Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football teams, TPS and Inter. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant. }} ** {{see | name=Adventure Park | alt=Seikkailupuisto | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/adventure-park-seikkailupuisto | email=seikkailupuisto@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 2 | lat=60.4472 | long=22.2907 | directions=Bus line 32 (jump out at the bus stop just before the corner of Kerttulinkatu and Sirkkalankatu) | phone=+358 44-907-2986 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Su 10:00–17:00 | price=Free | wikidata=Q11892816 | content=Just on the edge of Kupittaa Park, the Adventure Park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely, the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and snacks. It is also possible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town. }} * {{do | name=Hohtogolf Westcoast | alt=Glow Minigolf and Curling | url=http://www.hohtogolf.fi/turku/ | email=turku@hohtogolf.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 17 | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26652 | directions= underground -- entrance is next to the Turku Orthodox Church | phone=+358 2 253-4355 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= W–Th 17:00–21:00, F 17:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00, Su–Tu closed | price=€10/12 | content=At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow-in-the-dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the bar. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track. }} ===Winter sports=== * {{do | name=Skating worm | alt=Luistelumato | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/kupittaa | email= | address= | lat=60.447 | long=22.292 | directions=Kupittaanpuisto, behind the sports hall | phone=+358 50-554-6300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Equipment rental M W F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless raining | price=Free; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free | content=Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer. }} * {{do | name=Park Field Artificial Ice Rink | alt=Parkin kenttä | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/park-field-artificial-ice-rink | email= | address=Tuureporinkatu 2 | lat=60.457 | long=22.272 | directions= | phone=+358 50-431-0016 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 08:00–22:00, Sa 10:00-21:00, Su 09:00–21:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental M–F 17:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=€2; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries | lastedit=2018 | content=Big skating field, usually most for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling). }} * {{do | name=Impivaaran jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/impivaara-ice-hall | email= | address=Eskonkatu 1 | lat=60.477474 | long=22.250511 | directions=Bus 13 and 18. | phone=+358 2 262-3550 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, W 13:45–14:35, Sa 10:30–11:20 | price= | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Varissuon jäähalli | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/ice-halls/varissuo-ice-hall | email= | address=Suurpäänkatu 2 | lat=60.443250 | long=22.354862 | directions=Bus 32 and 42. | phone=+358 2 262-3570 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 13:45–14:35, Th also 18:00–18:50, Su 10:00–10:50 | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=Ice field in an underground hall, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use. }} * {{do | name=Minor skating fields | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/outdoor-sports-facilities/ice-skating-rinks/natural-1 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2017-12-05 | content=There are minor skating fields in most residential areas, without artificial cooling and thus more dependant on weather. Some have ice hockey rinks, some have changing rooms. }} * {{do | name=Hirvensalo Ski Resort | alt= | url=http://www.hirvensalo.fi/ | email=toimisto@tusla.net | address=Kakskerrantie 111 | lat=60.4175 | long=22.2277 | directions= at the Hirvensalo Island on the southern side of the city 5 km from the city centre. You can reach Hirvensalo from the market square of Turku on the Turku city bus lines number 14, 15, 51, 53 and 55. The centre also offers a lot of parking places for private transport. | phone=+358 45-106-3011 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€17–28 | content=There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, ski school, and equipment rental. }} * {{do | name=Cross-country skiing | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/recreation/trails-routes-and-ski-tracks/ski-tracks | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50-554-6219 (administration),+358 50-523-8447 (equipment rental) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free; equipment €5/3/1 (children: <20yrs) | content=There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to [http://www.turku.fi/sv/kultur-och-motion/friluftsomraden/stigar-rutter-och-skidspar/skidspar skiing routes], with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 km maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 km on flat ground, 1.7 km in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season (in 2021–2022: from 5 Dec). At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara, there is equipment for rent (Sa–Su 11:00–16:00; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and coffee, warm juice and snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 06:00–22:00. }} ===Climbing=== Be aware of the inherent dangers of [[Rock climbing|climbing]]. Safety cannot be guaranteed even if the businesses take security seriously. Make sure you have understood the instructions. Children usually need permission from their custodians, must respect instructions, and might need to be accompanied. * {{do | name=Flowpark | alt=Climbing park | url=http://www.flowpark.fi/turku/?lang=en | email=info.turku@flowpark.fi | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4287 | long=22.3180 | directions= | phone=+358 400-864-862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–Oct: M–Sa 12:00–20:00, Su 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in January | price=Day ticket €22 | content=Adventure trails up in the trees. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions, where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. For the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre. }} * {{do | name=Irti Maasta | alt= | url=https://irtimaasta.fi/puistot/raisio | email=info.raisio@irtimaasta.fi | address=Myllynkatu 1142 | lat= | long= | directions=in the shopping centre Mylly, Raisio | phone=+358 400-820-037 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 14:00–20:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=€16 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Climbing centre with playful routes and challenges. Weight limits: 15–150 kg. Automatic belaying. No age limit, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. }} * {{do | name=Kiipeilypalatsi | alt= | url=https://www.kiipeilypalatsi.com | email= | address=Vesilinnantie 1 | lat=60.4557 | long=22.2846 | directions=a cube-formed building on the hill in the TY campus behind the cathedral | phone=+358 45-670-5991 | tollfree= | hours=Tu–W 15:30–20:30, Sa 13:00–17:00, groups also by agreement | price=€11 + harness, shoes and magnesium €4 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=[[Rock climbing|Climbing]] walls inside a former water tower. Not solo, as you need your own belayer. Newcomers to the sport are welcome, but must tell about being inexperienced. Belayer instruction included. Minors need parent's permission, children under 14 need an adult belayer. }} ===Boating and canoeing=== For skippered yacht cruises or yacht chartering, see [[Archipelago Sea#By yacht and small boats|Archipelago Sea]]. Here are options for smaller vessels and quick trips: * {{do | name=Låna | alt= | url=http://www.lanaturku.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.451766 | long=22.273120 | directions=the river shore at Vähätori, by Tuomiokirkko bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60/hour, €100/2 hours | lastedit=2018 | content=Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor. Also Buster Rent boats available, but rent those at the guest harbour instead (not ideal for cruising the river, and you get the whole day for the price of 3 hr). }} * {{do | name=Buster Rent | alt= | url=http://vuokraa.buster.fi | email=info@buster-rent.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions=delivery at the guest harbour or by trailer | phone= +358 20-769-1270| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€140–400/one day, weekend €330–800; trailer included; trailering by agreement | lastedit=2016-05-13 | content=Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather. Two berths in the biggest boats. }} * {{do | name=Sea kayaking | alt=Aavameri | url=http://www.aavameri.fi/en | email=info@aavameri.fi | address= | lat=60.421828 | long=22.095435 | directions=bus 8 from Puutori to Saaronniemi, walk to the beach | phone=+358 44-980-7788 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Jun–Aug: M 10:30, F 17:00 (Puutori 10:00/16:30), by agreement other days throughout the year | price=Evening tour €65; day tour €110/person; child reductions for 8–12 and 13–15 years old; rental: first day €60 | lastedit=2019-04-05 | content=Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. The day and evening tours do not require previous experience and moderate fitness is enough, trips are tailored to suite the participants (3–8 in the group). Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from and back to Turku are available. }} * {{do | name=Saaristomeren melojat | alt= | url=http://melojat.net | email=posti@melojat.net | address=Rykmentintie 55 | lat=60.413961 | long=22.265418 | directions=Uittamo, bus line 13 | phone=+358 41-456-5223 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu Th 17–20, Sa Su 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!) | price=Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100 | lastedit=2018 | content=Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash. }} * {{do | name=Aurajokisäätiö | alt= | url=http://aurajoki.net/melonta | email= | address=Valkkimyllynkuja 2 | lat=60.465310 | long=22.305333 | directions=Myllärintupa by Halistenkoski rapids | phone=+358 44-553-7408 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 | price=Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour | lastedit=2018 | content=Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours. }} ===Swimming=== [[File:Impivaaran uimahalli.JPG|thumb|Impivaara Swimming Centre]] [[File:Ice swimming in Turku.jpg|thumb|Ice Swimming at the Ispoinen Beach is a popular hobby among locals during the winter months.]] Due to its location at the shores of the [[Archipelago Sea]], Turku has a number of great beaches, some of them really close to the city center. There are also two outdoor pools, a water park, indoor swimming pools and arenas. Most indoor facilities – and some outdoor ones – are open round the year. Turku has a [http://www.turku.fi/en/services/beaches number of '''free beaches'''] around the city. *{{marker|type=do|name=Ispoinen Beach|lat=60.41441 | long=22.25957}} is within easy reach from Turku Centre by bus number 9 or 13. Swimmers can even access the beach during the winter since there is a sauna and option for ice swimming, when the water is frozen over: ** {{do | name= Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club | alt= | url=http://www.turunavantouimarit.fi | email= | address=Rykmentintie 51 |lat=NA | long=NA | directions=Ispoinen Beach | phone= +358 44-377-5475 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M 15:00–19:45, W 15:00–20:45, F-Sa 15:00–19:45, Su 15:00–20:45 | price= Non-member single ticket: adults €5,20, children under 16 €1,50, accompanied children under 7 free | content=Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers. }} * {{marker|type=do|name=Ruissalo camping beach|lat=60.42144 | long=22.09492}} is the favourite of many locals. It is at the very end of the Ruissalo Island (bus line 8) and on a beautiful summer day you can really feel the archipelago here. ** {{marker|type=do|name=Saaronnniemen saukot |url=https://www.saaronniemensaukot.fi/in-english}} arrange winter swimming at Tammirannantie 39 (and swimming in summer, too). * {{marker|type=do|name=Ekvalla beach|lat=60.37939 | long=22.22598}} is on the Satava island (bus lines 14 and 15). When the Finnish summer gets hot, this sandy beach is a good choice for families and sun seekers as well as disabled. Whatever your physical impairment you can have a dip as Ekvalla beach has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Lifeguards are supervising swimming on all of the beaches mentioned above during the school summer holiday periods from the beginning of June to the end of August. * Other smaller beaches include ** {{marker|type=do|name=Brinkhall beach|lat=60.36557 | long=22.23673}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Moikoinen beach|lat=60.4167 | long=22.2506}}, ** {{marker|type=do|name=Sorttamäki beach|lat=60.4084 | long=22.2547}} and ** {{marker|type=do|name=Maaria beach|lat=60.5307 | long=22.3540}}. Outdoor pools, arenas and water parks: * {{do | name=JukuPark Waterpark | alt= | url=http://www.jukupark.fi/tmp_jukupark_turku_site_0.asp?sua=13&lang=3&s=661 | email= | address=Kurrapolku 1 | lat=60.4782 | long=22.2562 | directions= | phone=+358 400-174-640 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00 | price=€21, children under 4 year free | content=JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 kn from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available. }} * {{do | name=Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/culture-and-sports/sports/sports-facilities/swimming-places-and-water-sport/kupittaa-outdoor | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Kupittaankatu 10 | lat=60.4451 | long=22.2909 | directions=in the middle of the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 44-907-2702 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5,50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free | content=Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m pool, there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m deep children's pool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The pool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking. }} * {{do | name=Samppalinna Swimming Stadium | alt= | url=https://www.turku.fi/en/places/samppalinna-outdoor-swimming-stadium | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Volter Kilven katu 2 | lat=60.4457 | long=22.2655 | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-3590 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=From mid-May to mid-Sept: M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 06:00–19:00, Sa Su 08:00–19:00 | price=Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free | wikidata=Q18661857 | content=A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the locals. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own pool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics possible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin. }} Swimming halls and indoor water parks: * {{listing | type=do | name=Caribia | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kongressgränden 1 | lat= | long= | directions=in the hotel in the student village, near Posanka | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-29 | content=Indoor water park. Also one normal swimming pool. }} * {{do | name=Impivaara Swimming Centre | alt= | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/impivaara-swimming-centre | email=liikunta@turku.fi | address=Uimahallinpolku 4 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.2599 | directions=last stop of bus 13 when marked "u" in the timetable; 18 passes reasonably close | phone=+358 2 262-3588 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 06:00–20:00, F 11:00–18:00, Sa Su 09:00–17:00 | price=Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24 | wikidata=Q11864792 | content=The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Turun uimahalli | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 3 | lat=60.4543 | long=22.2875 | directions=in the student union's house | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q18662487 | lastedit= | content=First swimming hall of Turku. Clothing optional, with genders separated by day of week. }} * {{do | name=Ulpukka | alt= | url=https://www.raisio.fi/fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/uintikeskus-ulpukka | email=ulpukka.asiakaspalvelu@raisio.fi | address=Eeronkuja 5 | lat=60.4783 | long=22.1615 | directions=1 km south-west of Raisio centre (along Nesteentie); bus lines 220 and 221 from Turku pass by | phone=+358 44-797-1681 | tollfree= | hours=Winter: M Tu Th F 06:00–21:00, W 11:00–21:00 Sa–Su 11:00–18:00; summer: M Tu Th F 06:00–09:00, 13:30–21:00, W 13:30–21:00, weekends closed; entry min. 1 hr before closing | price=€5–7 (mornings cheaper), students €4.50, children 5–15 years €3, family (2+3) €16; 2 hr | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-27 | content=Swimming hall. Nice also for children. Accessible for the mobility impaired (ask for directions). }} ===Social dancing=== [[File:UIttamon lava 2.JPG|thumb|The Uittamo dance pavilion.]]<!-- should be changed to a seaside view --> Foxtrot, waltz, jive, cha cha, what have you ... The dance pavilions are an essential part of Finnish summer for many, although not any more for a majority. The ones below are probably the most popular ones in the Turku region: * {{do | name=Uittamon paviljonki | alt= | url=http://uittamo.fi/tanssit/ | email=johanna.tuomola@magnumlive.fi | address=Rykmentintie 29 | lat= 60.4206 | long= 22.2528| directions=bus no 9 towards Katariina, bus stop "Tanssilava" | phone=+358 44-906-1910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Dances 12 May–17 Sept: F 20:00–01:00, Su 19:00–00:00 | price=Mostly €15 | lastedit=2018 | content=Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses. }} * {{do | name=Littoisten lava | alt= | url=http://www.sekahaku.net/kurssit-kesa/kurssit-tanssit/tanssit-ja-tanssikurssi-littoisten-lavalla | email=erja.vuorinen@sekahaku.net | address=Vanha Littoistentie 153 | lat=60.4596 | long=22.3779 | directions=bus 2B or 2C, last bus back 23:20 | phone=+358 50-919-1325 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=18 May–31 Aug: Th 18:00/19:30–23:00 | price=Mostly €12 (under 25 years old half price) | lastedit=2016-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Littoistenjärvi lake in [[Kaarina]]. Dance course Thu 18:00–19:20 included in the price of the dance. }} * {{do | name= Valasranta| alt= | url=http://www.valasranta.fi | email= | address=Valasrannantie 363, [[Loimaa|Yläne]] | lat= 60.8961 |long= 22.3476 | directions=60 km from Turku | phone=+358 2 256 3605 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer: Sa 20:30–01:30<!--, bus from Turku 19:50, permanently ended?--> | price=€16–18<!--, bus 2×€6--> | lastedit=2017-05-11 | content=Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake.<!-- Bus from Turku, returning in the night.--> }}<!-- still? * {{do | name= Katutanssit| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4486 | long=22.2710 | directions=by the Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= 11 June to 13 Aug: Tu 18:00–20:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2015-04-27 | content=Dances by the river. }}--> ===Events=== [[File:Easter 2011 at Cloister Hill outdoor museum in Turku, Finland.jpg|thumb|Easter egg decorators at Cloister hill outdoor museum.]] * {{do | name=Easter at Cloister Hill | alt=Annually around Easter, 15 to 16 April in 2017 | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/luostarinmaki-handicrafts-museum/then-now/luostarinmaki-throughout-year | email= | address=Cloister Hill (Luostarinmäki) outdoor museum, Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.447387 | long=22.275542 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00–16:00 | price=Adults €6, Children aged between 7 to 15 €4, Children aged between 4 to 6 €1, Family ticket €13 | content=Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children. }} * {{do | name=Maritime Markets | alt=April and October | url=http://www.silakka.info/turun_saaristolaismarkkinat {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=60.447958 | long=22.265621 | directions=Along the river Aura | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 09:00–16:00 | price= | content=Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku city centre. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare. }}[[File:Sariola Tivoli in Turku in 2008.jpg|thumb|Tivoli Sariola's carnival is open during ''Vappu'' festivities in Kupittaa Park.]] * {{do | name=Vappu| alt=Annually between 30 April and 1 May | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vappu#Finland | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=In Finland, Vappu (Walpurgis day and May Day) is one of the four biggest holidays along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer (Juhannus). Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. The celebration, which begins on the evening of 30 April and continues to 1 May, typically centres on copious consumption of [[w:Sima (mead)|sima]], sparkling wine and other alcoholic beverages. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students on the streets wearing a traditional student cap. On 30 April evening streets are filled with party people and a large market is held in Market Square with vendors selling cheap carnival paraphernalia. On 1 May the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with hungover Finns having a picnic. There are also working union parades around the city centre and politicians from all different parties giving speeches. }} * {{do | name=New Potato Festival | alt=Mid June, 15 to 16 June in 2018 | url=http://www.neitsytperunafestivaali.fi/ | email=info@kaffeli.fi | address=Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.449764 | long=22.264272 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The New Potato Festival, or ''Neitsytperunafestivaali'' in Finnish, celebrates the opening of the early harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival, the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from Finland Proper are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate. }}[[File:Medieval band at Turku Medieval market 2015.jpg|thumb|right|A Medieval band playing at the Turku Medieval Market, by the river.]] * {{do | name=The Medieval Market | alt=End of June | url=http://en.keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi/ | email=info@keskiaikaisetmarkkinat.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Square) | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2759 | directions= | phone=+358 40-132-9992 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th F 12:00–20:00, Sa Su 12:00–18:00 | price=Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs | content=This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Square and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku.<br/>In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how beer is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can attend the real princess school as well as enjoy watching the wild boars. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.<br/>Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site. }} * {{do | name=International Market of Turku | alt=Mid-June | url=http://www.eurooppamarkkinat.fi/ | email= | address=Around Old Great Square, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura | lat=60.451728 | long=22.272968 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 10:00–20:00 | price= | content=The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities. }} * {{do | name=Juhannus | alt=Midsommar | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | fax= | hours=Annually on Saturday between 20–26 June. Juhannus Eve Friday is usually also a day off | price= | content=Juhannus (Midsummer Festival) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing. Large bonfires are lit on the islands Ruissalo and Vepsä. Otherwise the streets are often empty, even though some people have acquired a new habit of spending midsummer in town. }} * {{do | name=Tall Ships' Races | alt= | url=https://sailtraininginternational.org/event/tall-ships-races-2024 | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=mooring downstream from the bridges; parade of sails on Airisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Next edition 18–21 July 2024 | price= | lastedit=2022-03-10 | content=The Tall Ships' Races have become a semi-regular event in Turku. Every few years sailing ships large and small moor in the river on their Baltic Sea race, offering opportunities to visit some of the vessels, including schooners, barques and full-rigged ships, and attending programmes arranged for spectators and crews. The event usually attracts half of the city's population. Some vessels offer cruises to Airisto. The parade of sails is best seen from a boat, but most spectators flock to the shores of Kuuva on Ruissalo. }} * {{do | name=The Night of Arts | alt=Mid-August, 16 August in 2018 | url=http://turuntaiteidenyo.fi/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Around Turku Central Business District | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Night of the Arts is a versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August around the city centre. The venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori, the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as book stores, museums and galleries. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature, theatre, dance, museums and street culture. }} * {{do | name=Turku Day | alt=Annually third Sunday of September | url=http://www.turku.fi/turunpaiva | email= | address=Events take place all around the city | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The shops in the city centre are open, there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 21:00. }} ==== Advent and Christmas ==== [[File:BD, Flora och AO, advent 2008.jpg|thumb|The student choirs' concerts in the cathedral mark the start of Advent]] The [https://www.turku.fi/joulukaupunki Christmas season] starts more or less with the turning on of Christmas lights in the pedestrian part of Yliopistonkatu a week before Advent. The market at the Old Great Square opens. Department stores and many shops have nice Christmas displays in their windows. Christmas music is played. Charity bazaars in many schools, parish halls, etc. Usually the first snow has come and melt away, and there will probably again be snow several times during Advent. With good luck the snow will stay. White Christmases are quite common, but there is no guarantee. The lights on the Christmas tree of the cathedral are turned on the Saturday a week before Advent begins (programme usually begins at 17:00). Most every choir gives some kind of Christmas concert in or immediately before Advent. Among the most ambitious are the ones by the student choirs of Åbo Akademi (BD and Flora) and Akademiska Orkestern, in the cathedral on Friday and Saturday leading to Advent ([[European classical music|classical music]] from the 16th century to world premières, including some beloved Christmas songs); most seats are sold out days before, but a few are often left to be got at the door an hour before the concerts. The Church arranges sing-alongs with collect to their development aid. Many museums, also some that otherwise are closed in winter, have displays or events related to the season; table settings and food of Christmas in different times and social classes are shown at the castle, the Qwensel house and the handicraft museum. Handicraft workshops (such as of making candles) are arranged at the Adventure park and Kurala. There are also events at other institutions, such as candle light swimming at Impivaara and Petrelius. Independence Day, December 6th, is celebrated by the philharmonic orchestra by two free day concerts (tickets are distributed a few weeks in advance). The latter, starting 15:00, can be seen on screens at the Old Great Square. There are services in the churches (mostly at 10:00). Charity bazaars. The students have a torch parade to the war graves (start 18:00). People light candles in their windows (originally a silent protest against Russian oppression), which makes for a nice evening stroll. A few associations arrange balls, the one of Turku folk dancers ([http://www.rytky.fi Rytky]) is open for the public, with a dance course in the preceding weeks. On December 13th, Lucia is crowned in the morning, blessed in the cathedral in the evening (be early if you want a seat), and then performing in the Hansa shopping centre. Programme for the rest of the season is changed yearly but generally Lucia and her company will be seen on many occasions, mostly in retirement homes and the like, but also e.g. at the Christmas market. Christmas peace is declared at noon of Christmas Eve in the Old Great Square, with thousands of spectators (programme starts 11:30). The Swedish service in the cathedral afterwards welcomes also the international audience. Most people are going to spend the evening and the Christmas Day with their family; the city will mostly close. Bus traffic in town continues to 20:00. The [[#Learn|main library]] is open 11:00–18:00 on Christmas Eve, with also some programme. Lights on the graves. Services in the churches. Some restaurants are open also in Christmas, but booking a table may be necessary. [[File:Julmarknad Gamla Stortorget lillajul 2010.jpg|thumb|Christmas Market at the Old Great Square]] * {{do | name=Christmas Market at the Old Great Square | alt= | url=http://en.suurtorinjoulumarkkinat.fi/ | email= | address=Old Great Square | lat=60.450783 | long=22.276609 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Four weekends before Christmas (last 3rd Sunday of Advent), 11:00–17:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-14 | content=The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm ''glögg'' or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice in the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall. }} * {{do | name=Christmas Market at Kauppatori | alt=Joulutori | url=http://turunjoulutori.fi | email= | address=Kauppatori | lat=60.451667 | long=22.266944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=25 Nov–23 Dec, M–F 12:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-11-28 | content=Much smaller market, but open daily. }} ====Music festivals==== * {{do | name=Seikkisrock | alt=16-17 June in 2018 | url=http://www.seikkisrock.net/info_eng.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat=60.445103 | long=22.291159 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Advance ticket €10, at gate €12. Under 2 year olds free | content=A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999 at Turku Adventure Park, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests, have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festivals main focus is on music, but available is also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”Worldvillage” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. Adventure Park, activity center for children and families, which is in the district of Kupittaa, offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience. }}[[File:Ruisrock 2008.jpg|thumb|Ruisrock atmosphere in 2008.]] * {{do | name=Ruisrock | alt=Beginning of July, in 2022: 8–10 July | url=http://www.ruisrock.fi/ | email=palaute@ruisrock.fi | address=Ruissalo Island | lat=60.428771 | long=22.178021 | directions= | phone=+358 44-966-1384 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99. Under 7 year old get in free with an adult with a ticket. People over 70 get free entrance and can use a ferry connection from Aura river free of charge | lastedit=2018 | content=Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). Introduction video for the festival can be seen in [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U YouTube]. Festival site can be reached with the festival bus or by bike from Turku city centre. The festival buses run from Turku city center to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 km (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site. }} * {{do | name=Turku Modern | alt= Annually in July, 13–16 July in 2018 | url=http://www.turkumodern.com/ | email=toimisto@turkumodern.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price €35-65 | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Modern, the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats. }}[[File:Turku M.A.Numminen at DBTL 2006.jpg|thumbnail|M. A. Numminen performs at DBTL.]] * {{do | name=Down by the Laituri (DBTL) | alt=End of July, 26 to 28 July in 2018 | url=http://www.dbtl.fi/ | email= | address=Downtown Turku | lat=60.443022 | long=22.266042 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€55-165 | lastedit=2018 | content=If you are down, don’t hesitate to feel so by down by the laituri! Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival takes place in downtown Turku annually in end of July. DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors every year. With most of the acts performing pop and rock music, this multicultural event is centered on the east bank of the River Aura, around the Turku City Theatre. }} * {{do | name=Aura Fest | alt=Beginning of August, 10 to 12 August in 2018 | url=http://www.aurafest.fi/ | email= | address=Barker Park next to river Aura | lat=60.442576 | long=22.248648 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the largest Hiphop and Urban music festivals in Finland, is held annually right next to river Aura. In 2015 the festival took place in Barker Park, just a kilometer away from the central Market Square. Performers include practically all the top domestic Hiphop and urban music performers as well as international guests. }} * {{do | name=Turku Music Festival | alt=Annually in August, 10 to 22 August in 2018 | url=http://www.turkumusicfestival.fi/en | email=info@tmj.fi | address=Around Turku | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 262-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018 | content=Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland. This diverse city festival offers large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of Turku’s stunning venues, both modern and historical, are being imaginatively used to host performances from the best in their field. }} * {{do | name=Turku Jazz | alt=Beginning of March, 8-10 March in 2018 | url=http://www.turkujazz.fi/ | email= | address=Concerts mainly in Logomo. | lat=60.456692 | long=22.256300 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018 | content=Second oldest jazz festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku. }} ====Expos==== [[File:Turkuhalli.jpg|thumb|Turku Hall, next to the Turku Fair and Congress Center, hosts number of big concerts and hockey tournaments.]] There's a great number of expos and fairs held in Turku annually. Most of the fairs take place outside the summer season in autumn and spring. Large part of these fairs take place in the {{marker|type=do|name=Turku Fair and Congress Center|lat=60.4540 | long=22.1845}}, which is a diverse setting for fairs, meetings, congresses and grand public events. * {{do | name=Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair | alt=Annually end of March, 18 to 19 March in 2017 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-art-antique-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections. }} * {{do | name=Turku International Book Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-international-book-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year, the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme. }} * {{do | name=Turku Food and Wine Fair | alt=Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | url=http://www.turunmessukeskus.fi/en/event/turku-food-and-wine-fair/ | email= | address=Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair | price= | content=The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, wine and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop. }} ====Sport events==== [[File:Kalevan Kisat 2011 Turussa (Finnish Championships in Athletics 2011 in Turku).jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi Stadium]] [[File:Paavo Nurmi enters the Olympic Stadium in 1952.jpg|thumb|Paavo Nurmi entering the Olympic Stadium in the 1952 games.]] <!--* {{do | name=Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run | alt= | url=http://www.kuntovitonen.fi/ | email=info@vitostapahtumat.fi | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 44-725-5055 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of May, 26 May in 2018; not arranged 2019 | price= | content=The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself. }}--> * '''Watch football''' at [https://fcinter.fi/ FC Inter Turku]. They play soccer in Veikkausliiga, the top tier in Finland. Their home ground is Veritas Stadium, capacity 9400, in Kupitaa district east of town centre. They share it with [http://www.fc.tps.fi/ Turun Palloseura] or TPS, who yo-yo between the top and second tiers. * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Games | alt= | url=http://paavonurmigames.fi/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.fi | address= | lat=60.4427 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0812 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=June, 11 June in 2019 | price= | content=The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic, the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit. }} * {{do | name=Paavo Nurmi Marathon | alt= | url=http://paavonurmimarathon.fi/en/ | email=info@paavonurmisports.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 2 431-0811 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=17 august in 2019, 12:00– | price= | content=Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10-km races. The total number of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen. }} * {{do | name=Challenge Turku, Swim, bike and run | alt= | url=http://www.challengeturku.com | email=info@sbrfinland.com | address=Around central Turku and Ruissalo island | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10 to 11 August 2019 | price= | content=Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running. }} * {{do | name=FightBack Run | alt= | url=http://fightbackrun.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Beginning of September, 7 September in 2019 | price= | content=No-one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2.6 km and the plan is to double the distance every year. In 2015 the distances for running were 250 m (directed to people with reduced mobility), 2.6 km and 5.2 km which Hyysalo will run as well. A half-marathon is in sight for 2018 then will already be up to a full marathon. }} * {{do | name=Ruissalo races | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalojuoksut.fi | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=End of September, 21 September in 2019 | price= | content=The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half-marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10-km run "Ruisriikki". }} ==Learn== [[File:Turun hovioikeus.jpg|thumb|Academy House used to be the main building of the Turku Academy, but nowadays it houses the Turku Court of Appeal.]] Turku has a long academic history: Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in [[Tartu]]. Nowadays Turku is still a major academic town in Finland and because of this the city is bustling with students. Almost 20 per cent of Turku residents are students and many of them are exchange students or otherwise from abroad. The universities have many courses in English and some study programs targeted at exchange students, often in cooperation between the universities. Both universities are legal deposit repositories, which means they have everything of value printed in Finland since the 1920s, usually available at least for reading in both or either, if requested a day or a few in advance. * {{listing | name=University of Turku | alt=Turun yliopisto | url=http://www.utu.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.4542 | long=22.2848 | directions= | phone=+358 2 333-51 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The University of Turku is the second largest university in Finland only behind the University of Helsinki. It houses over 20,000 students in seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. Turku University offers its libraries, institutes and museums for Turku residents and visitors to use as well. It offers lectures for children and has an open university for anyone to role in. [http://www.utu.fi/en/units/open-university/Pages/home.aspx Turku Open University] offers several courses also in English. }} * {{listing | name=Åbo Akademi University | alt=Åbo Akademi | url=http://www.abo.fi/?lang=en | email=infowww@abo.fi | address= | lat=60.4510 | long=22.2775 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-31 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Åbo Akademi is the only Swedish-language university in Finland. It is at the forefront of research in such areas as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology. It houses around 6,000 students, of which 1/7 are from abroad, and has special collections and museums for visitors to enjoy. Many courses are in English and there are several [https://www.abo.fi/en/study/study-abroad/exchange-students/ exchange programs]. }} * {{listing | name=Turku University of Applied Sciences | alt=Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu | url=http://www.tuas.fi/en/ | email=ammattikorkeakoulu@turkuamk.fi | address= | lat=60.4470 | long=22.2990 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=TUAS, one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Finland, hosts 9,500 students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Its academies and faculties range from economics to art, technology, environment and healthcare. It also offers three English taught Bachelor's and two Master’s programmes as well as open studies for anyone willing to join. }} * {{listing | name=Novia University of Applied Sciences | alt=Novia | url=http://www.novia.fi/exchange-students | email=admissions@novia.fi | address=Henrikinkatu 7 | lat=60.453496 | long=22.280558 | directions= | phone=+358 6 328 5000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Instruction in Swedish, with some courses and modules offered in English. Novia's campus in Turku offers courses in e.g. tourism, social services, design and maritime management. }} * {{listing | name=Turku City Library | alt=Turun kaupunginkirjasto, Åbo stadsbibliotek | url=http://www.turku.fi/en/turku-city-library | email=kaupunginkirjasto@turku.fi | address= | lat=60.4504 | long=22.2710 | directions= | phone=+358 2 330-000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price=free | lastedit=2015-03-20 | content=Libraries could be boring in other cities, but not in Turku. Turku City Library is open every day and most city residents have taken to it as their second living room. The old and the architecturally distinguished new building also offer facilities for many events and exhibitions. It is a great place to just chill, check e-mail, read a newspaper (quite some foreign ones available), have a coffee or lunch at the inner courtyard's restaurant (or own snacks at a specific table by the newspapers) or enjoy a book from the wide selection of foreign language literature. The library even lends [[#By bicycle|bikes]]. }} ==Buy== There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash in Turku. The city centre is full of major retail and independent shops. Shopping in Turku is generally more affordable than in Helsinki, but, as with the rest of Finland, it is by no means cheap by international standards. The numerous second-hand and antique stores represent a unique shopping alternative. If arriving in the night, there are grocery stores that are open 24 hr daily (except perhaps some holidays), including Citymarket Kupittaa and some Sale stores (in or near the centre). Some more grocery stores are open to 23:00 or 24:00, most close 21:00 or 22:00, often earlier in the weekend. ===Money=== Getting or exchanging money is rarely a problem, as ATM's ("Otto") are common around the centre and they can be operated with international credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). Currencies other than the euro are generally ''not'' accepted, but at least the Swedish krona is accepted on the ferries travelling to Sweden, and the Stockmann department store accepts the krona, rubles, dollars and pounds. [http://www.forex.fi/en/About-FOREX/Branches/Bankbutiksinformation/?BankNum=265 Forex Bank] has an exchange office at Eerikinkatu 13 (by Kauppatori) and is usually the best place to change currencies. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but be prepared to show your passport or ID card. As a rule, '''tipping''' is never necessary, although appreciated by some service personnel (see [[Finland#Tipping]]). Cloakrooms (''narikka'') in nightclubs, theatres and better restaurants often have ''non-negotiable'' fees (usually clearly signposted, €2 is standard), and – in the few hotels that employ them – hotel porters will expect around the same per bag. ===Traditional shopping=== [[File:Lounashetki Turun kauppahallissa.jpg|thumb|Turku Market Hall]] * {{buy | name=Market Square | alt=Kauppatori | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4516 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 07:00–18:00, Sa 07:00–15:00; best in summer before 14:00, when most farmers leave | price= | wikidata=Q4411397 | content=The centrepoint of Turku's western city centre is traditionally, without a doubt, the market square, with shopping centres, department stores and independent shops in the surroundings. The market square itself has been a popular shopping and meeting place and an authentic tourist attraction, with possibility to have a coffee with the locals or buy groceries from the stalls of many local producers. In 2018–2010, a parking cave is being built under the square, so the market activity goes on in a more restricted scale, in the part in front of the Orthodox Church. The bus stops, which used to line the streets around the square, have been scattered around in the nearby streets. }} * {{buy | name=Turku Market Hall | alt=Kauppahalli | url=http://www.kauppahalli.fi/en/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2661 | directions=50 metres from Kauppatori downstream along the Eerikinkatu | phone=+358 2 262-4126 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–18:00, Sa 08:00–16:00 | price= | wikidata=Q10726161 | content=Completed in 1896, the Turku Market Hall brings a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. The old and new meet in the corridors. The Market Hall, which extends the length of an entire block, was designed by architect Gustaf Nyström. There are traditional meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, milk and cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafés. Stop by the fish shop S. Wallin, try some reindeer meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen or buy some cheese at Juustopuoti. Have a coffee and cake in Aschan Blue Train café or shop for souvenirs at the nostalgic Wanha Turku Kauppa (''Old Turku Store''). There is also a great lunch court at the market hall, where you can choose to eat either ethnic or domestic food. }} ===Shopping centres=== [[File:Turku Hansa panorama.jpg|thumb|View inside the Hansa Shopping Centre.]] [[File:KOP corner Turku.jpg|thumb|KOP-Triangle ''(KOP-Kolmio)'' is at the corner of the central Market Square.]] * {{buy | name=Forum | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4506 | long=22.2679 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori, the block towards the river | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Smaller than Hansa, with less mainstream shops. Local design and even second hand. }} * {{buy | name=Hansa | alt=Kauppakeskus Hansa or Hansakortteli | url=http://hansakortteli.fi/en | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 20 | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2644 | directions=adjacent to Kauppatori | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 07:00–21:00, Sa 07:30–19:30, Su 10:00–19:00 | price= | content=More than 150 shops found under one roof, Turku’s oldest and largest shopping centre with a number of specialist shops and the classy department store Stockmann. A number of cafés and restaurants. }} * {{buy | name=KOP-Kolmio | alt=KOP-Triangle | url=http://www.kop-kolmio.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.4503 | long=22.2665 | directions= | phone=+358 2 6516-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–16:00 | price= | content=KOP-Kolmio is a smaller shopping centre next to Kauppatori and the larger Hansa Shopping Centre. It offers mostly fashion stores and a few cosy cafés. Also the Föli customer service, combined with Turku social services etc. The building is mostly home to companies, on the upper floors of the building, including the local branch of ''Yleisradio (YLE)'', Finland's national broadcast company. }} * {{buy | name=Skanssi | alt= Kauppakeskus Skanssi | url=http://www.skanssi.fi | email= | address=Skanssinkatu 10 | lat=60.4300 | long=22.3230 | directions=4 km from the city centre, 20 minutes with bus line 9, fölläri bike station | phone=+358 40-195-3742 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–21:00, Sa 08:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=90 special stores, a hypermarket, a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, an indoor playground, dog sitting service and underground parking. }} * {{buy | name=Mylly | alt=Kauppakeskus Mylly | url=http://www.kauppakeskusmylly.fi | email= | address=Myllynkatu 1–99, Raisio | lat=60.4906 | long=22.2010 | directions=in [[Raisio]], ten minutes' drive on the E18 highway from Turku centre; 30–40 min with bus line 300 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=A hundred shops, cafés and restaurants. Free play area and childcare points. Consistent opening hours across all stores (except Alko and office services). Plenty of parking. }} ===Department stores=== [[File:Stockmann Department Store in Turku.jpg|thumb|Stockmann Department Store in central Turku.]] * {{buy | name=Stockmann | alt= | url=https://stockmann.com/fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4507 | long=22.2628 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–19:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the centre of Turku at the Hansa Shopping Center, the Stockmann first-class department store offers a wide selection of products from foods to top fashion and electronics, with selected products from Finnish design brands like Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Aarikka. There is also a visitor centre which provides visitors with advice and help on tax-free purchases and buying tickets to events and venues. Opposite to the department store at the shopping center lies Stockmann's bookstore, Akateeminen Kirjakauppa. There is also a café with great lunch and an excellent supermarket at the basement level of the store. }} * {{buy | name=Wiklund | alt= | url=https://www.s-kanava.fi/toimipaikka/sokos-wiklund-turku/501019327 | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 11 | lat=60.4517 | long=22.2688 | directions= | phone=+358 10-76-5020 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 11:00-18:00 | price= | content=Next to the Market square opposite side of the Hansa Shopping center, Wiklund is a first class department store. It services are built for women and men's fashion, beauty, home and children, outdoor activities and exercise, as well as entertainment. Department store services are complemented by the Café Wiklund, a hair salon, Alko wine and alcohol store, pharmacy, shoemaker and Eurokangas fabric store. }} ===Design=== [[File:Turku Car-free zone.jpg|thumb|Yliopistonkatu next to the Market Square is a pedestrian zone; there are a variety of services in it]] [[File:Turku design bag.jpg|thumb|This design bag asks in Swedish "Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo" ''(Why Paris, when we have Turku)'']] * {{buy | name=Turku Design Now! -Shop | alt= | url=http://turkudesignnow.fi/en/ | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 A | lat=60.4484 | long=22.2671 | directions= | phone=+358 44-572-6198 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=TDN shop is owned by a collective of Turku-based designers who sell interior decor goods, accessories, clothing for adults and children, ceramics, popular Turku-themed products, and for example Kotona Design's wonderful magnetic chalkboards. Ingenious products are designed and, in most cases, also manufactured in Finland. The shop carries products from, among others, [http://www.kuidesign.com KUI Design], [http://www.punainennorsu.com Punainen Norsu], [http://www.klodesign.fi Klo Design] and [http://shop.tonfisk-design.fi Tonfisk Design]. }} * {{buy | name=Televisio Lifestyle Store | alt= | url=http://www.televisioon.fi | email=info@televisioon.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 32 | lat=60.4481 | long=22.2712 | directions= | phone=+358 2 231-0400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00–19:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content=Near the east end of the Aura Bridge, in a secluded courtyard, you'll find a personal boutique offering a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewelry, accessories and little bit of art as well. Everything in store is from young Finnish and Nordic designers. }} * {{buy | name=Sisutuksen koodi | alt= | url=http://www.sisustuksenkoodi.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=shop@sisustuksenkoodi.fi | address=Linnankatu 19 | lat=60.4502 | long=22.2703 | directions= | phone=+358 40-081-1960 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–618:00, Tu–F 10:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Sisustuksen koodi (''The interior code'') is a interior design store in the centre. It sells functional high-quality furniture and everything else you might need to furnish your apartment. You'll also find great Finnish design brands from here such as Artek, which was founded by legendary Finnish architect couple Alvar and Aino Aalto. }} * {{buy | name=Sylvi Salonen | alt= | url=http://www.sylvisalonen.fi | email=info@sylvisalonen.fi | address=Linnankatu 14 | lat=60.44910 | long=22.26689 | directions=the Fortuna quarter in the centre | phone=+358 20-766-0830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This boutique is in an old stall building of the 1880s in central Turku. It was founded in 1928 by Sylvi Salonen, who started selling her own embroidery designs. Nowadays Sylvi Salonen still offers a wide selection of embroidery and handwork accessories but also high quality gifts and trendy home décor items, Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design. Also a versatile range of tableware accessories, candles and lanterns. }} * {{buy | name=Marimekko | alt= | url= https://www.marimekko.fi | email= | address= | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 12:00-18:00 | price= | content=A cornerstone of Finnish design and fashion is Marimekko, known around the world for its fresh and bold patterns and prints. You can find a number of Marimekko shops in Turku, including, amongst others, in the shopping centres of Skanssi and Mylly, with the largest store being in the Hansa Shopping Centre. }} * {{buy | name=Punainen Norsu | alt=Red Elephant | url=http://www.punainennorsu.com/en | email=info@punainennorsu.com | address=Forum shopping centre| lat=60.44999 | long=22.24741 | directions= | phone=+358 44-501-1510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Punainen Norsu (''Red Elephant'') is a children's clothing line originating from Turku. All the colourful and graphic clothes are made mostly from recycled materials. }} * {{buy | name=Baobab Kids & lifestyle | alt= | url= | email=baobab.baby@gmail.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45360 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 10:00–15:00 | price= | content=Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some lovely gifts. }} * {{buy | name=Idea Estradi | alt= | url=http://www.ideaestradi.fi/index.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 4 | lat=60.44954 | long=22.26030 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–17:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Idea Estradi sells only Finnish handmade products: interior decoration, business gift, souvenirs, jewelry, bags, candles, ceramics and glass products, paintings, soft toys, textiles, towels, cards, and everything else you can think of to need from a handicrafts shop. }} * {{buy | name=Joutomaa | alt= | url=http://joutomaassa.blogspot.fi | email= | address=Kellonsoittajankatu 8 | lat=60.44775 | long=22.28549 | directions= | phone=+358 50-362-8003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Joutomaa (literally meaning ''Wasteland'') is a small and funny gift shop, which is full of lovely hand-made treasures for yourself or for a friend. Most of the design products are made by the owner Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen, who is specially famous for her cards and prints, which combine old gloss photos which she has found and prints made by herself. She also has a great online store. }} ===Vintage=== * {{buy | name=VintagEija`s | alt= | url=http://www.vintageijas.com | email=eija.mannila@kolumbus.fi | address=Maariankatu 10 | lat=60.4540 | long=22.2666 | directions=a few blocks from the Market Square | phone=+358 50-574-6034 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=VintagEija's sells gift, vintage wear and accessories, specializing in American style vintage. There is a rockabilly and burlesque atmosphere in this small boutique, with clothing from 1940s, 50s and 60s. In addition they sell new garment which have been made in the style of vintage for both men and women. }} * {{buy | name=Boutique Minne | alt= | url=http://www.boutiqueminne.com | email=info@boutiqueminne.com | address=Kaskenkatu 2 | lat=60.44781 | long=22.27122 | directions= | phone=+358 50-516-6124 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–F 11:00–17:30 | price= | content=Boutique Minne, in the Kaskenmäki Hill in central Turku, is a small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design. }} ===Record stores=== * {{buy | name=8raita | alt= | url=http://www.8raita.fi/shop/ | email=shop@8raita.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 11 | lat=60.45409 | long=22.27258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations. }} * {{buy | name=Asema | alt= | url=http://asematurku.fi/#tapahtumat | email=asematurku@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 22 | lat=60.45332 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 12:00–15:09 | price= | content=Small independent store that sells second-hand and new LPs. Music concentrates more on hiphop, soul, funk, jazz, reggae, punk and electronic. They also sell services ranging from film editing to lighting design. }} * {{buy | name=Iki-Pop | alt= | url=http://www.ikipop.fi/ | email=joska@ikipop.inet.fi | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45070 | long=22.27066 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This personal tiny record store, opposite the Main City Library, sells second-hand CDs and LPs, but the main focus is on vinyl. This is a real haven for those who like to dig through loads of old goodies and find the one you've been looking everywhere. }} * {{buy | name=Kaakko | alt= | url=http://www.kaakko.fi/ | email=info@kaakko.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 38 | lat=60.44811 | long=22.25508 | directions= | phone=+358 45-650-9822 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=Founded in 2004 Kaakko sells and buys second-hand vinyl records and has almost 9000 records in stock with daily arrivals – that's probably the largest selection of vinyl records in all of Turku. If you're not able to visit the store, you can find all the records online as well. }} ==Eat== {{quote|''Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo!''<br/>"Why Paris, we have Turku!"|author=Quote from a Swedish journalist}} Turku and other parts of [[Finland Proper]] are home to the more western influenced Finnish cuisine, which has features especially from Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The long traditions of farming and fishing in the area have contributed to the local food culture. Fish, especially herring – the regional fish of Finland Proper – has been at the heart of the regions culinary traditions for centuries. It is eaten all year round salted, fried, grilled and smoked. In addition, perch, whitefish and pike are often used. You must also remember to try the famous raisin sausage, a regional speciality which you can buy for example from the Turku Market Hall. Sausages lovers will also enjoy the wide selection of sausages at [http://www.mestaripalvi.fi/ Turun Mestaripalvi Oy]. On the side you can have a slice of another regional speciality, the Archipelago sweet malt bread. As a dessert enjoy a good cup of coffee together with ''pulla'' (cinnamon roll) or ''Piispanmunkki'' ("Bishops Doughnut"), as people here call the traditional North German pastry ''Berliner''. For fast food, you will generally need to pay under €10 any time, Burger meals are around €5–9 (including drink and fries). Lower end restaurant meals with some simple pasta or soup with water or a soft drink is usually around €10–20. For proper restaurant meals with a high-grade steak and good wine, expect to pay at least €30–60. Generally, proper restaurants are open until 22:00–23:00, on weekends maybe an hour longer. Fast food chains, pizzerias and other such places are open later at night, some as late as 03:00–05:00. In some establishments, the bar may remain open for drinks even though the kitchen has closed and no food is available. ===Lunch and brunch=== [[File:Verdandihuset, Auragatan 1, Åbo.jpg|thumb|Fontana Café is in a Neo-Renaissance building opposite City Hall.]] Most restaurants have offers at €7–10 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. For the student cafés some timing may be needed to avoid long queues. The department stores Wiklund and Stockman have family friendly cafés that can come handy. When you are in the city and want to grab something to eat you can check the [https://www.lounasmenu.fi/turku/ Turku lunch options] page and prices to decide where to go. * {{eat | name=Arvin Grilli ja Lounas | alt= | url=http://www.arvingrilli.fi | email=paulamarjatta.tiainen@gmail.com | address=Nosturinkatu 5 | lat=60.442963 | long=22.229729 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 06:00–15:00 (lunch 10:30–13:30) | price=Lunch €6.90, soup lunch €5.50 including salad, bread, milk and coffee | content=Great price quality relation. }}<!-- -->[[File:Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, kesäterassi.jpg|thumb|Summer terrace at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova courtyard.]] * {{eat | name=M Kitchen & Café | alt= | url=http://www.aboavetusarsnova.fi/fi/vierailulle-museoon/ravintola-kahvila | email=mkitchencafe@mbakery.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 (In the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum) | lat=60.45001 | long=22.27384 | directions= | phone=+358 40-197-9005 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–19:00, lunch served M–F 11:00–14:00, Sa Su brunch 11:00–15:00 | price=Lunch of the day M–F €8–10; brunch €19,90 | content=Serves a very nice lunch, including some great vegetarian choices. Saturday and Sunday it may be packed, since the brunch on the weekend is one of the best ones in the city. Reservation helps, or you need to time your visit early or late. }} * {{eat | name=Elvina Café | alt= | url=http://www.elvina.fi | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45292 | long=22.26801 | directions=near Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 536-8502 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products. }} * {{eat | name=Fontana Café | alt= | url=https://www.fontana.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Aurakatu 1 | lat=60.44962 | long=22.26859 | directions=opposite the city hall and tourist office near Aura bridge | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:00–22:00, F 10:00–23:00, Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–20:00 (brunch served 12:00–16:00) | price= | content=Fresh products from own bakery. Bar opens in the evening. Popular brunch in weekends. }} * {{eat | name=Honkapirtti | alt= | url=http://www.honkapirtti.fi | email=info@honkapirtti.fi | address=Albert Ravilan raitti | lat=60.42856 | long=22.14769 | directions=Ruissalo island | phone=+358 44-756-7922 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–17:00 | price= | content=East Karelian-style large cabin, since decades a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Its coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies. }} * {{eat | name=PullaPuoti | alt= | url=http://www.pullapuoti.fi | email= | address=Puistokatu 3 | lat=60.44589 | long=22.25407 | directions= | phone=+358 2 236-2121 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–17:00 | price= | content=Close to the Turku Police Station and Hostel Turku. Pastries, snack foods, coffee and filled sandwiches and cakes. For lunch you can choose a soup, salad, pan pizza or pasta. Assortment of gluten-free products. }} * {{eat | name=Café Sirius | alt= | url=http://www.cafesirius.fi | email=info@cafesirius.fi | address=Linnankatu 2 | lat=60.45062 | long=22.27215 | directions=inner yard of the city library | phone=+358 2 231-5760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 09:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–16:00, Su 12:00–17:00 | price= | content=Salty and sweet delicacies, coffee products and ice cream. On weekdays it also serves lunch 11:00–15:00. }} * {{eat | name=Unica Restaurants | alt= | url=http://www.unica.fi/en/ | email= | address=Rehtoripellonkatu 4 | lat=60.4544 | long=22.2874 | directions= | phone=+358 2 232-5444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Unica, owned by the Student Union of the University of Turku, owns several student restaurants around the campus area behind Turku Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=ÅAS student cafés | alt=Gadolinia Kb | url=http://www.studentlunch.fi | email=anne.peltonen@abo.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 22 | lat=60.4497 | long=22.2760 | directions= | phone=+358 2 215-3703 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Lunch for outsiders: €4.60–8 | image=Kåren, Åbo.jpg | lastedit=1018 | content=Cafés of the student union of ÅA. Most cafés are close to Piispankatu behind the cathedral, Kåren on Hämeenkatu opposite buildings of the Old Great Square, in the house of the student union by Erik Bryggman (second floor). Kåren is quiet except around noon, when all the cafés have queues. Most cafés are open only around lunch hours during terms, Arken also in summer. }} * {{eat | name=Teboil Herkku | alt= | url=https://www.tbherkku.fi/ravintola/ | email=turku.rautatehtaankatu@huoltoasemat.teboil.fi | address=Rautatehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.4497729 | long=22.1989227 | directions= | phone=+358 10 583 9900 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-16:00, Sa 11:00-16:00 | price=€10.70 | lastedit=2020-10-13 | content=Home cooking styled lunch and dessert. }} * {{eat | name=Amica Mäntymäki | alt= | url=https://www.amica.fi/ravintolat/ravintolat-kaupungeittain/turku/mantymaki/ | email=ravintokeskus.mantymaki@amica.fi | address=Luolavuorentie 2 | lat=60.439415 | long=22.275665 | directions=K-floor | phone=+358 40 482 8556 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-13:30 | price=€10.15, dessert €1.00 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=The staff restaurant at the main health station, which is also open to outsiders. }} * {{eat | name=Kaarea TYKS U restaurant | alt= | url=https://menu.kaarea.fi/AromieMenus/FI/Default/Kaarea/TYKSUR/Restaurant.aspx | email=asiakaspalvelu@kaarea.fi | address=Kiinamyllynkatu 4 | lat=60.453379 | long=22.289324 | directions= | phone=+358 20 764 9850 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10:30-13:30 | price=€7.55-€9.15 | lastedit=2022-06-08 | content=Staff restaurant in the U building of Turku University Hospital, also open to outsiders. Sale of surplus food after lunch 13:30-13:40. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Hesburger hamburger.jpg|thumb|Hesburger originates in Turku, and is the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland.]] For lunch, see [[#Lunch and brunch]] above. Hesburger is the dominant burger chain in Turku, and you will find several of these in the city centre. Pizzerias are frequently cheap kebab-pizzerias, offering Kebab, falafel and pizza. You will find a lot of these in the centre. Unfortunately, the restaurants offering the finest kebabs are in the suburbs. * {{eat | name=Hesburger | alt= | url=http://www.hesburger.com | email= | address= | lat=60.4504 | long=22.2653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Open from early morning to dusk, some of them even round the clock | price= €5-10 | content=Just ask any of the locals: Hesburger burgers really do taste better! Originating from Turku, Hesburger is today the largest hamburger chain in Finland, leaving McDonald's and Burger King as marginal players. It is still run by the family that started it in the 1960s. It is especially popular in Turku, where it is based. It is almost hard not to pass one when walking around the city centre. You'll find four Hesburgers just around the Kauppatori area. If you are in a hurry you can also order the food through their mobile app. }}<!-- -->[[File:Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri in Turku.jpg|thumb|right|Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri]] * {{eat | name=Kiinanmuuri | alt=Great Wall of China | url=http://www.chinamarket.fi/kiinanmuuri/index.php | email= | address=Sirkkalankatu 27 and Vähä-Hämeenkatu 1 | lat=60.44523 | long=22.27496 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Kiinanmuuri is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Turku. Even though it's usually crowded around noon, decorations are outdated and it seems a bit suspicious, their food is superb. All the ingredients are very fresh and the portions are usually huge. Lunchtime service is really fast. If you're extra hungry or wish to survive a couple of days on one portion, try the take away to get even larger portions. }} * {{eat | name=Kortteliravintola Kerttu | alt=Quarter Restaurant Kerttu | url=http://www.kerttu.fi/en | email= | address=Läntinen pitkäkatu 35 | lat=60.45388 | long=22.25704 | directions=near the railway station | phone=+358 2 250-6990 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 10:30–23:00, F 10:30–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Kerttu is a popular quarter restaurant with a reasonably priced menu for both omni- and herbivores. Kerttu is very popular amongst students, and there is even a laundromat in the restaurant for visitors to use, while they are enjoying their meals. On weekends they have a special hamburger buffet, that is very popular among locals. Staff is very friendly and welcoming. }} ** {{eat | name=Rantakerttu | alt= | url=http://www.rantakerttu.fi | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu 55 | lat=60.44050 | long=22.24486 | directions=close to the ''Föri'' ferry | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00-15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Kortteliravintola Kerttu's sister restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Latte Café | alt= | url=http://www.lattecafe.biz | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 5 | lat=60.44905 | long=22.26482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Sweet little café, which also serves very inexpensive lunch. Huge list of different coffees from every corner of the earth. Menu includes toasts, paninis, salads, and bagels. No need to go to a restaurant because of hunger because the sizes of these foods are big. Atmosphere is very relaxing thanks to jazz and Latin sounds and warm colours. If you feel like you want more privacy, you can go to the back room and sit on the cosy couch. And during summer you can also sit outside. }} * {{eat | name=Nummis | alt= | url=http://www.nummispizzeria.fi | email= | address=Vanha Hämeentie 19 | lat=60.4554 | long=22.3034 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250 6144 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:00–22:00 | price=€7–10 | lastedit=2018 | content=A pizza and kebab restaurant in the district of Nummi. Serves quite good pizzas and kebabs, but don't expect anything special. }} * {{eat | name=Rax Buffet | alt= | url=http://www.rax.fi | email= | address=Aurakatu 12 | lat=60.45122 | long=22.26536 | directions= | phone=+358 20-766-4911 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00-20:00, F 11:00-21:00, Sa 11:00–19:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content= Rax offers an all you can eat style buffet that includes pizza, barbecue food, salads, ice cream and soft-drinks. Good option if you feel like really filling your stomach for a long time inexpensively. }} * {{eat | name=Taco Nito | alt= | url=http://www.taco-nito.com | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45013 | long=22.26778 | directions= | phone=+358 40-653-3112 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Around €10 | content= Owned by Mexican brothers, Taco Nito serves simple but very tasty finger food. Corn, meat, salsa, beans, chili and avocado are cornerstones of the food. Restaurant has continuously had good feedback from customers and has relatively low prices. }} * {{eat | name=Yasukon Keittiö | alt=Yasuko's Kitchen | url=http://www.yasukonkeittio.com | email=yasuko@yasukonkeittio.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 26 C (second floor) | lat=60.45012 | long=22.26080 | directions= | phone=+358 440-335-507 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Yasuko's kitchen is a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves everyday home cooked Japanese meals, and some sushi and other more common dishes. Everything is well-prepared and the atmosphere in the restaurant is very authentic. Yasuko's seats less than 20 people, but more than 10 customers mean you might have to wait for your food, but it's worth it. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Dessert at Restaurant Dennis in Turku.jpg|thumb|Dessert at Ristorante Dennis.]] [[File:Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.jpg|thumb|Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.]] * {{eat | name=Delhi Darbar | alt= | url=http://delhidarbar.fi | email=ravintola@delhidarbar.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.45189 | long=22.28305 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-3988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 10:30–22:00, F 10:30–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral. }} * {{eat | name=Ristorante Dennis | alt=Dennis | url=http://www.dennis.fi | email=| info@dennis.fi | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44892 | long=22.26555 | directions= | phone=+358 2 469-1191 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:00–23:00, F 11:00–23:30, Sa 12:00–23:30, Su 12:30–22:00, lunch M–F 11:00–15:00 | price= | content=Family friendly restaurant that opened in 1975 as the first Italian one. }} * {{eat | name=Hiili | alt= | url=http://www.hiiliravintola.fi | email=info@hiiliravintola.fi | address=Aurakatu 6, Second floor | lat=60.45005 | long=22.26714 | directions= | phone=+358 44-717-7440 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M-F 16:00–23:30, Sa 14:00–23:30, Su 14:00-20:00 | price= | content= Hiili offers an American BBQ experience with nice views to the heart of Turku. Menu includes pulled pork, BBQ ribs and other American delicacies. Hiili chefs have developed their own BBQ sauces and meals from local ingredients. }} * {{eat | name=Kado Sushi | alt= | url=http://www.kadosushi.fi/ | email=info@kadosushi.fi | address=Inside the Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16 | lat=60.44940 | long=22.26658 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 11:00–18:00, Sa 11:00–16:00 | price= | content= Kado sushi combines the wholesome delicacies with aesthetic pleasures, all prepared using fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=Kobe sushi | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/KOBESUSHIRAVINTOLA/ | email= | address=Martinkatu 3 | lat=60.4433 | long=22.2570 | directions=20 minute walk from city centre or by bus line 9 | phone=+358 44 9877251 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu-F 11:00-21:00, Sa Su 12:00-21:00 | price=Buffet €13 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Authentic Japanese food. }} * {{eat | name=Pippurimylly | alt=Pepper Mill | url=http://pippurimylly.fi/ | email= | address=Stålarminkatu 2 | lat=60.43905 | long=22.25935 | directions=behind the Sports Park | phone=+358 2 277-3350| tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–21:00, kitchen closes 1 hour before closing time | price= | content=Pippurimylly ''(Pepper Mill)'' is a traditional family-owned restaurant that has served locals for decades, and little has changed – nostalgia! It uses Finnish products and is well known for its steaks. }} * {{eat | name=Sergio's | alt= | url=http://www.sergio.fi | email=ravintola@sergio.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 27 | lat=60.44696 | long=22.26216 | directions= | phone=+358 20-769-8585 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= M–F 16:00–23:00, Sa 13:00–23:00 | price= | content=Authentic Italian restaurant in a 1787 wooden house by the river. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Also, as a rule, the staff is Italian, but the service is of course also in Finnish and English. Pizzas, pasta, fish, meat, risottos, vegetarian dishes and Italian desserts. Good wine selection as well. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Trattoria Romana | alt= | url= | email= | address=Hämeenkatu 9 | lat=60.45182 | long=22.28137 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-9554 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Authentic Italian trattoria, owned and run by Italians. Excellent value for money. }} * {{eat | name=Viking Restaurant Harald | alt=Viikinkiravintola Harald | url=http://www.ravintolaharald.fi | email=turku@ravintolaharald.fi | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.45002 | long=22.26800 | directions=between Kauppatori and Auransilta bridge | phone=+358 44-766-8204 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 12:00–23:00 Th–F 12:00–24:00, Sa 12:00–01:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=€18–50, children €9–12; lunch from €12.50 | lastedit=2018-06-17 | content=Quasi-authentic with furs on the walls and rustic furniture, with some humour. Good food with surprising combinations, such as jam or berries with the main courses. Perhaps the way the Vikings had it, but never mind if not. Toilets called Harald (gents) and Helga (ladies). }} * {{eat | name=Wanhan Paronin Kellari | alt=Old Baron's Cellar | url=http://www.wpk.fi | email=ravintola@wpk.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44900 | long=22.25661 | directions= | phone=+358 440-225-442 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Tu–Th 14:00–22:00, F Sa 14:00–00:00 | price= | content= Don't be fooled by the humble entrance. A little bit off the city centre Wanhan Paronin Kellari is an atmospheric cellar restaurant that has many medievally decorated small compartments. Food includes seasonal products as well as steaks and game. Value for money is surprisingly good. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Turku cafe.jpg|thumb|Most of the Restaurants, cafés and bars have outdoor terraces during the summer season.]] * {{eat | name=E. Ekblom | alt= | url=https://www.eekblom.fi | email=info@eekblom.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.44978 | long=22.27157 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9445 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=W Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 17:00–01:00 | price= | content=Comfortable high quality wine restaurant. Its carefully selected wines offer wide variety with seasonal changes. In a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the wine, while the summer terrace has great views towards the river. }} * {{eat | name=Gustavo | alt= | url=http://gustavo.fi | email=info@gustavo.fi | address=Linnankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2743 | directions=Vähätori, next to the bridge |image=Gustavon terassi.jpg | phone=+358 46-922-2488 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Th–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00–22:00, Sa 15:00–22:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Mediterranean kitchen with a Scandinavian twist. Tip: gather a few Portuguese pinchos with pizza and share with your friends. Do not hesitate to ask anything that surprises you, staff is very kind and helpful. Gustavo also imports wines of its own. }} * {{eat | name=Kaskis | alt= | url=http://kaskis.fi | email=info@kaskis.fi | address=Kaskenkatu 6 A | lat=60.44672 | long=22.27265 | directions= | phone=+358 44-723-0200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Th 16:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–00:00, Su M closed | price= | content=Named after its location on the Kaskenmäki hill, Kaskis was opened in 2014 by three friends. Fine dining influenced especially by Southern European, Scandinavian and Asian kitchens. Michelin star. Try to book your table well in advance, busy times are outsold months before. }} * {{eat | name=Ludu | alt= | url=http://ludu.fi/en/ | email=ravintola@ludu.fi | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44957 | long=22.26733 | directions= | phone=+358 20-734-0310 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00-23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price= | content=Ludu is a small fine dining restaurant that serves European food. It also has an excellent wine selection and changing seasonal products on its menu. }} * {{eat | name=Mami | alt= | url=http://www.mami.fi | email=mami@mami.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45174 | long=22.27335 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 2 231-1111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F lunch 11:00–15:00, à la carte 17:00–22:00, Sa à la carte 13:00–22:00, Su M closed | price=lunch €10–25 | content=The tiny Mami is considered one of the best restaurants in Turku. It has relaxed service, carefully prepared food and a comfortable and modern environment. The summer terrace offers the most beautiful views. They also serve a great lunch. }} * {{eat | name=Pinella | alt= | url=http://www.pinella.fi | email=info@pinella.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 2 | lat=60.45121 | long=22.27488 | directions= | phone=+358 2 445-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Lunch: Tu–F 11:00–15:00, Sa 12:00–15:00. À la carte: Tu–F 17:00–23:00, Sa 16:00–23:00. Bar: Tu–Th 17:00–23:00, F Sa 16:00–01:00 | price= | content=Pinella is a landmark building on the river. It has been transformed into a contemporary bar and restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Samppalinna | alt= | url= | email=info@ravintolasamppalinna.fi | address=Itäinen Rantakatu 10 | lat=60.44745 | long=22.26835 | directions= | phone=+358 10-764-5391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Summer only | price= | content=Restaurant Samppalinna (opened in 1832) is a spectacular wooden villa in the park, with terraces towards the river. For lovers of good food, drink and theatre. }} * {{eat | name=Roster | alt= | url=https://rosterturku.com | email=myyntipalvelu@royalravintolat.com | address=Tuomiokirkonkatu 6 | lat=60.4515 | long=22.2786 | directions=behind the cathedral as seen from the bridge | phone=+358 9 6128-6850 (chain head office?) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:30–22:00, Tu-F 11:30–23:00, Sa 15:00–23:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Roster offers a place to wine and dine in a nice milieu. Have a drink before dinner in a fancy cocktail bar. And another after the dinner too. }} * {{eat | name=Smör | alt= | url=http://www.smor.fi | email=info@smor.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 3 | lat=60.45014 | long=22.27206 | directions= | phone=+358 2 536-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The menu changes according to the seasons. Midst the milieu of the cellar vaults, Smör serves at lunchtime and in the evening. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Suomalainen Pohja | alt= | url=http://www.suomalainenpohja.fi | email=ravintola@suomalainenpohja.com | address=Aurakatu 24 | lat=60.45340 | long=22.26194 | directions= | phone=+358 2 251-2000 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00 | price= | content=Club Restaurant Suomalainen Pohja (''Finnish Base'') was built in 1980 and was designed by architect Sigvard Eklund. The interiors were designed by an Englishman, Sir George Salmon. The plan has been the basis for an English club activities. Pohja serves traditional fine dining food and atmosphere. }} * {{eat | name=Tintå | alt= | url=http://www.tinta.fi | email=info@tinta.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 9 | lat=60.44916 | long=22.27006 | directions=right bank, by Aurasilta | phone=+358 2 230-7023 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–00:00, Tu–Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Tintå is a wine restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, by the river. It serves more than a hundred different wines, and a short but good menu of gourmet pizzas and tasty lunch on weekdays. Terrace completes the river landscape. }} * {{eat | name=Tårget | alt= | url=http://www.matbar.fi | email=info@matbar.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45156 | long=22.27305 | directions=Vähätori | phone=+358 400-522-707 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00. Lunch is served M–F 11:00–15:00; those days à la carte is available 16:00– | price= | content=Italian, international and Scandinavian cuisine. It also houses a great wine-bar, which is one of the hot spots of the city especially during the summer. Trendy but casual bistro-style restaurant. }} ===Gastropub=== [[File:Tiirikkala_turku.jpg|thumb|Bartender making a drink in Tiirikkala]] * {{eat | name=Hunsvotti | alt= | url=http://www.satamakapakkahunsvotti.fi | email= | address=Län­tinen Ran­ta­katu 55 | lat=60.44108 | long=22.24608 | directions=near Föri | phone=+358 2 258-8000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–19:00 | price= | content=A combination of a sports bar and gastropub, since you can order food from the Rantakerttu restaurant to the pub. }} * {{eat | name=Löytö | alt= | url=https://www.gastropubloyto.fi | email=palaute@ravintolateini.fi | address=Uudenmaankatu 1 | lat=60.4525 | long=22.2740 | directions=Near Cathedral | phone=+358 2 233-0203 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–00:00, F 11:00–02:00, Sa 14:00–02:00, Su 15:00–22:00 | price=lunch €8–12; à la carte €3 (fingerfood) – €32 (steak) | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Idyllic cellar underground. }} * {{eat | name=Pikku-Torre | alt= | url=http://www.pikkutorre.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 30 | lat=60.44953 | long=22.25908 | directions= | phone=+358 2 274-4866 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M Tu 11:00–00:00, W Th 11:00–01:00, F 11:00–03:00, Sa 12:00–03:00, Su 12:00–00:00 | price= | content=Pikku-Torre (Little Torre) is combination of restaurant, sports bar and club. It has a good menu full of steaks, burgers and salads. It also serves lunch every day. In the evening it turns more into a bar and nightclub. }} * {{eat | name=Pub Niska | alt= | url=http://www.niskaturku.com | email=niska@niskaturku.com | address=Kristiinankatu 1 | lat=60.44810 | long=22.26623 | directions= | phone=+358 40-739-1006 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–23:00, Sa 12:00–23:00, Su 12:00–22:00 | price= | content=Pub Niska Turku is a restaurant concept developed by chef Michael Björklund from the Åland Islands. Known for its archipelago pizzas made from fresh, high-quality ingredients that mainly come from Åland. Their list includes filling salads, desserts and a versatile drink selection. }} * {{eat | name=Tiirikkala | alt= | url=http://www.tiirikkala.fi | email=tiirikkala@tiirikkala.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 | lat=60.45181 | long=22.27351 | directions= | phone= +358 44-756-6160 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 19:30:00–00:00, Tu-Th 11:00–22:00, F Sa 11:00–02:00, Su 12:00–22:00| price= | content=In addition to a good selection of wine and drinks, Tiirikkala offers traditional Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and pastries that are handmade on the site. The interior design of the restaurant is very Scandinavian, reflecting its dishes. It serves Finnish Microbrewery beers from its taps. }} * {{eat | name=Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki | alt= | url=http://www.vaakahuone.fi | email= | address=Linnankatu 38, | lat=60.44460 | long=22.25374 | directions= | phone=+358 2 515-3300 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pavilion restaurant Vaakahuone is an entertainment complex by the river. It offers live music (for dancing or otherwise), a speciality coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and an à la carte restaurant. The end of the building also serves as S/S Ukkopekka's ticket office. }} ===Vegetarian=== * {{eat | name=Kasvis-ravintola | alt= | url=http://www.turunkasvisravintola.fi | email=info@turunkasvisravintola.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 a | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2604 | directions=in the ground floor of the Betel Church in the yard, door in the short wall, follow the signs | phone=+358 50-326-5122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11:00–15:00 | price=€7.70–11.50, children 7–12 €5; takeaway €14,50/kg | lastedit=2018-06-08 | content=Vegetarian restaurant serving a lunch buffet, using mostly organic and locally grown products. Vegans can eat most things offered, just check the whiteboard (vegan alternatives often available when needed) and choose the outs milk for your coffee (but unless you must, try the included teas of the day instead). The dining rooms are bland in spite of the exterior, but the food is good. }} * {{eat | name=Kuori | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakuori.fi | email=info@ravintolakuori.fi | address=Hämeenkatu 8 | lat=60.4519 | long=22.2830 | directions=200 metres from the cathedral | phone=+358 20-794-0330 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M 11:00–15:00, Tu–Th 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00, F 11:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00, Sa 17:00–23:00 | price=Lunch €7.90–10.40, tasting menu €56 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Very popular vegetarian restaurant. Tip: try 6 courses tasting menu. Its sister restaurant Roots Kitchen in the market hall is a great place for eating, although it might be crowded during lunch time. }} * {{eat | name=Tikitak | alt= | url=http://tikitak.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@tikitak.fi | address=Maariankatu 1 | lat=60.4541 | long=22.2667 | directions=Next to Puutori, a 5 minute walk from Kauppatori | phone=+358 40-935-7614 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–21:00, F Sa 11:00–00:00, Su 12:00–21:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Looks like a quite normal kebab-pizzeria but they have a passion for vegan food. Tip: try vöner, vegan version of döner. }} * {{eat | name=VG Wok | alt= | url=http://vg-wok.com | email= | address=Rauninaukio | lat=60.4629 | long=22.2631 | directions=some distance past the railway bridge by the bus station | phone=+358 45-665-1793 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 11:00–18:00, F 11:00–20:00, Sa 12:00–20:00, Su | price=Main dishes €7.50 | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=Really nice vegetarian budget place. Vg Wok has sister restaurants in Tykistönkatu and Arvinkatu. Authentic Asian food. }} ==Drink== Restaurants and bars have varying closing hours, but generally, the popular nightclubs and discos are open until 04:00. Last call always occurs half an hour before closing time, and is indicated by the bar staff turning the lights off for a few seconds, then turning them back on. They may repeat this a few times in quick succession to make sure the patrons get it. It's generally smart to leave about ten minutes before the last call, to avoid being caught in the rush of everybody trying to leave at once, especially if you are planning to get back to your night spot by a taxi. The times are changing somewhat, as the legislation now allow them to keep open after 04:00, which will probably be the new time of last call. Night clubs tend to have guarded cloakrooms where you can leave any of your outer garments in exchange for a ticket. Using the coat service is generally considered mandatory even if this is not explicitly pointed out. The cloakroom fee is usually €2 or 2.50. Do not lose the ticket; the bar staff will often not want to hash out ticket confusions during closing time when things are at their most chaotic. If you lose the ticket, you may be told to come back the following day to get your things, expect to be able to prove the jacket is yours by telling the staff the make of the jacket/colour of lining/contents of pockets. The legal drinking age in Finland is 18 for mild alcoholic drinks (up to 20%/40-proof) and 20 for stronger drinks than that, but virtually all establishments sell stronger drinks to 18-year-olds as well. The minimum age required to enter bars/pubs/nightclubs differs; legally, one must be at least 18 to enter places that serve alcohol, but many clubs and bars have higher age limits (20–24 yrs). ===Cafés=== [[File:Qwenselska gården uteservering 2.jpg|thumb|Courtyard of the Qwensel house, with café (in summer) and the Pharmacy Museum.]] There are many cafés in Turku. The ones listed here are not representative, but mostly more odd ones. See also [[#Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch]] above. * {{drink | name=Café Art | alt= | url=http://www.cafeart.fi | email= | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 5 | lat=60.44951 | long=22.27102 | directions=in the centre by the river | phone=+358 40-158-3383 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00, Su 11:00–17:00 | price= | content=Special coffees along with delicious cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Aschan | alt= | url=http://www.aschan.fi | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 15 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45054 | long=22.26493 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until 2018 a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes. }} * {{drink | name=Fabbes Café | alt= | url=https://fabbescafe.com/en | email=fabbescafe@gmail.com | address=Tehtaankatu 6 | lat=60.45641 | long=22.28056 | directions= | phone=+358 50-535-3647 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 08:00–16:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, late lunch if anything left; Lilla Fabbes W–F 12:00–18:00, Sa–Su 11:00–17:00 | price=Breakfast €7, lunch €6–7 (late lunch €4), coffee with bun €4 | lastedit=2021-10-26 | content=Fabbes café is a cosy small café in the beautiful Biskopsgatan area (ÅA campus). 2–3 lunch options, one of which vegan. Coffee included. They have a nice selection of pies (sweet and savoury), cakes, cinnamon rolls and home-made sweet treats, smoothies, etc. Nearly everything at Fabbe's is baked or produced in house, and you can tell the difference – nothing factory made and no additives. They operate the branch Lilla Fabbes by [[Q4165181|Ett hem]], as pure café. }} * {{drink | name=Gaggui | alt= | url=http://gaggui.fi | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 15 | lat=60.45299 | long=22.25618 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–F 10:00–19:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00 | price= | content=In this tiny café the cakes are the main thing. They are fantastic and made by hand on the site. Coffee is also top-notch and the service is super friendly. }} * {{drink | name=Kirjakahvila | alt=Book Café | url=http://www.kirjakahvila.org | email= | address=Vanha Suurtori 1 | lat=60.45038 | long=22.27564 | directions=in the Brinkkala yard | phone=+358 2 469-1396 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–19:00, often live acoustic music or other cultural events in the evening | price= | content=At the historical Old Great Square, this is a culture café and a bookshop (books from small publishers, also foreign ones) run by volunteers. Besides books there are also a lot of comics, postcards and posters by local artists for sale. Freshly baked cakes every day. All food vegan. Free wireless Internet available, ask the staff for passwords. }} * {{drink | name=Kisälli | alt= | url=http://www.enkelinkisalli.fi {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@enkelinkisalli.fi | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44706 | long=22.27613 | directions=next to the entrance of the Luostarimäki outdoor museum | phone=+358 40-630-5988 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=Old-fashioned style to partly match the location. Self-made fresh bread rolls, buns, donuts and pies. Every day there's also pancake and a variety of sweet and savoury pies. And of course, great coffee and other drinks. }} * {{drink | name=Nuvola Gelateria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 13 (in Hansa Shopping Center) | lat=60.45049 | long=22.26560 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–F 11:00–20:00, Sa 10:00–18:00, Su 11:00–18:00 | price= | content=The owners, Italians Angelo and Stefano, make traditional Italian ice cream on the site, without any artificial elements. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy with an Italian touch. }} * {{drink | name=Kahvila Promenade | alt= | url=http://www.villapromenade.fi | email=myynti@villapromenade.fi | address=Kansanpuistontie 76 | lat=60.42760 | long=22.18140 | directions=Kansanpuisto ("folk park") in Ruissalo | phone=+358 40-158-8424 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 14 May–30 August and Sa–Su in spring 10:00–18:00 | price= | content=In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream. }} * {{drink | name=Café Qwensel | alt= | url=http://cafeqwensel.fi | email=cc.catering.cc@gmail.com | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 13 B | lat=60.44872 | long=22.26731 | directions=in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum, entrance to the yard to the left of the main building | phone=+358 50-395-0021 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–18:00; closed in winter | price= | content=Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their tea is worth checking. Lunch on weekdays. }} ===Pubs=== [[File:Panimoravintola koulu.jpg|thumb|Brewery Restaurant Koulu]] * {{drink | name=The Old Bank | alt= | url=http://oldbank.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 3 | lat=60.44989 | long=22.26822 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su M 12:00–00:00, Tu–Th 12:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–03:00 | price= | content=Considered by many to be the best beer place in Turku, Old Bank is, not surprisingly, a former bank turned into a beer pub. It has beautiful interiors, great service and the widest selection of beers in town. If you feel hungry they serve amazing pie filled with reindeer. }} * {{drink | name=Brewery Restaurant Koulu | alt= | url=http://www.panimoravintolakoulu.fi/?lang=en | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 18 | lat=60.44967 | long=22.26454 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube M–Th 17:00–23:00, F 17:00–02:00, Sa 17:00–02:00. Dining room M–Th 11:00–22:00, F 11:00–00:00, Sa 12:00–00:00. Lunch M–F 11:00–14:00 | price= | content=An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other beers, good food and an excellent selection of wines. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of locals. }} * {{drink | name=Seurusteluravintola Uusi apteekki | alt=New Pharmacy | url=http://www.uusiapteekki.fi/ | email= | address=Kaskenkatu 1 | lat=60.44764 | long=22.27063 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10:00–02:00 | price= | content=Uusi Apteekki (literally meaning New Pharmacy) is a beer pub in a former pharmacy built in 1907. Great selection of beer and spirits, and the decorations alone are worth seeing. In weekend this pub gets really crowded with locals so be prepared to stand while enjoying your beer. If you are lucky, it's also a good place to catch up with writer Reijo Mäki who has written the famous Vares detective stories that are huge in Finland. }} * {{drink | name=Mallaskukko | alt= | url=http://www.mallaskukko.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 37 | lat=60.44893 | long=22.25634 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 14:00–02:00, F Sa 12:00–02:00, Su 14:00-00:00 | price= | content=Another good beer pub in Turku, with a great selection of beers, scotch whiskies and ciders. Mallaskukko truly feels like a living room of the locals. Good place to watch sports from the many TV screens on the walls. }} * {{drink | name=Whisky Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whisky-bar/123994847737677?rf=219574744725419 | email= | address= Yliopistonkatu 19 | lat=60.45246 | long=22.26533 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Th 18:00–02:00, F Sa 18:00–03:00 | price= | content=Whisky Bar in the core downtown of Turku has, as its name suggests, a wide selection of whiskies, but also serves beer and other spirits. Nowadays it is strongly orientated to heavy metal by its music and atmosphere. }} * {{drink | name=Cosmic Comic Café | alt= | url=http://cosmic.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 4 (inside Forum shopping center) | lat=60.45074 | long=22.26944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su–Tu 16:00–00:00, We–Th 15:00–02:00 F–Sa 15:00–03:00 | price= | content=Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where beer meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about beer so do not hesitate to ask for tips. }} * {{drink | name=Daily News | alt= | url=http://dailyravintolat.fi/dailynews/ | email=dailynews@dailyravintolat.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 33 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2583 | directions=5 minute walk from Market Square | phone=+358 50 5711537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 09:00-02:00 | price= | lastedit=2018-03-19 | content=A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest beer in the heart of the city. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Fontti | alt= | url=http://www.fontti.fi/ | email= | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45095 | long=22.26987 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–Th 16:00–23:00, F 16:00–04:00, Sa 13:00–04:00 | price= | content=It's in the old customers office of the regional newspaper ''Turun-Sanomat''. Fontti (literally meaning font) is a restaurant and serves great food in addition to drinks and coffees. Service can be little slow but otherwise this bar is nice place to spend your weekend evening. }} * {{drink | name=Alvar | alt= | url=http://alvarbaari.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.45140 | long=22.25841 | directions=Halfway between Central Railway Station and Market Square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 14:00-02:00, Su 18:00-00:00 | price= | content=Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of beer. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special beer tasting if you visit with a group of friends. }} * {{drink | name=Bar Kuka | alt=Bar Who | url=http://www.barkuka.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 17 | lat=60.44882 | long=22.26520 | directions= | phone=+358 50-411-6603 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18 | price= | content=On the corner of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights. }} * {{drink | name=Rento | url=http://www.rentobar.fi/index.php | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 23 | lat=60.45175 | long=22.26470 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2240 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M–W 11:00–02:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00, Su 12:00–02:00 | price= | content=Rento, literally meaning casual and relaxed, has probably one of the best locations for a bar in Turku right at the end of the pedestrian street next to the Market Square and Hansa Shopping Center. You can either sit inside or on a nice terrace outside. Large selection of beers and little snacks as well. }} ===Riverboats=== [[File:Esposito Turku.JPG|thumb|Esposito]] Riverboats are a unique feature in the Turku cityscape. In the summertime, it is very popular to spend the early evening until midnight or so on one of them, and when it gets a little chilly, move indoors to a restaurant or night club. They are at the riverside of river Aura. Some of them also house fine restaurants while some are mostly just pubs. * {{drink | name=Donna | alt= | url=http://www.donna.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44798 | long=22.26828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Svarte Rudolf | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44773 | long=22.26744 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Papa Joe | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RavintolalaivaPapaJoe?rf=197109880325096 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44746 | long=22.26656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Cindy | alt= | url=http://www.cindy.fi/fi#&panel1-1 | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44720 | long=22.26569 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Aussie Bar | alt= | url=http://aussiebar.net/turku/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44674 | long=22.26405 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Katarina | alt= | url=http://www.ravintolakatarina.fi/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44654 | long=22.26337 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Majland | alt= | url= | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44510 | long=22.25640 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Esposito | alt= | url=http://www.espositobar.fi/ | email= | address=Läntinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44141 | long=22.24767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Merihelmi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44140 | long=22.24920 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Bruno | alt= | url=http://www.brunocruisers.fi/bruno_2/index.html | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44114 | long=22.24868 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{drink | name=Wanha Rahtilaiva | alt= | url=http://www.rahtis.fi/ | email= | address=Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) | lat=60.44075 | long=22.24799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Nightclubs=== * {{drink | name=Forte | alt= | url=http://www.nightclub.fi/ravintolat_forte | email= | address=Kristiinankatu 8 | lat=60.44996 | long=22.26295 | directions= | phone=+358 40-091-6403 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Forte has been one favourite of the locals since 1996. It tends to be busy thanks to cheap drinks and daily opening hours, as opposed to majority of the other clubs in the city. The concept of 'SuFo' (='Sunday Forte'), MoFo, etc., is widely recognized among students in Turku. }} * {{drink | name=Chic | alt= | url=http://chicturku.fi/ | email= | address=Linnankatu 18 | lat=60.44878 | long=22.26591 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F–Su 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=In an old Neo-renessaince-style bank, this is the most posh nightclub in Turku. Showroom offers two stories of great atmosphere: Downstairs ''Lanson Club'' is in a beautiful old cellar and has waiters serving you to your table, which is very uncommon in Finnish nightclubs. Upstairs Heineken Bar offers trendy atmosphere with huge screens on the walls showing latest music videos. }} * {{drink | name=Apollo Nightclub | alt= | url=https://www.apolloturku.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 6 | lat=60.45007 | long=22.25957 | directions= | phone=+358 40-827-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation. }} * {{drink | name=Dynamo | alt= | url=http://www.dynamoklubi.com/ | email=palaute@dynamoklubi.com | address=Linnankatu 7 | lat=60.45085 | long=22.27106 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-4904 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 21:00–04:00 | price= | content=Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students. }} * {{drink | name=Night Club Marilyn | alt= | url=http://www.clubmarilyn.fi/ | email= | address=Eerikinkatu 19 | lat=60.44944 | long=22.26261 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu–Sa 22:00–04:00 | price= | content=For the late teens-early 20s crowd, the Night Club Marilyn is particularly popular as a disco/night club. It is the oldest privately owned Night Club in Turku and has seen all the other clubs come and go. In its history it has been chosen as the Best Nightclub in the city on several occasions. }} * {{drink | name=Gong | alt= | url=http://gong.fi/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 8 | lat=60.45040 | long=22.25849 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F-Sa 21:00–04:00| price= | content=One of the leading live music venues in the city, Gong offers a wide range of music from rock to goth, punk, electronica, ska, prog, grunge, indie/alternative on three different stages. Good club for groups or parties. }} * {{drink | name=Naima | alt= | url= | email= | address= Aurakatu 6 | lat=60.44992 | long=22.26731 | directions= | phone=+358 44 444 1234| tollfree= | fax= | hours=W–Sa 20:00–04:00 | price= | content=For [[#Social dancing|proper dancing]] (not night club dancing) in a nightclub setting, Naima is the recommended place in Turku. The age group skews towards the 30s, 40s and 50s. Often music includes live performances by some of the biggest names in Finnish ''Iskelmä'' (entertainer music) music. }} * {{drink | name=Baaribaari | alt= | url=http://baaribaari.fi/ | email= | address=Aurakatu 14 | lat=60.45195 | long=22.26447 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= Bar W-Sa 18:00-04:00, Diskodisko F Sa 22:00–04:00. Age limit 20 | price= | content=Popular especially amongst younger locals, since its age limit is only 20. Next to the Market Square. }} * {{drink | name=suXes | alt= | url=http://www.suxes.fi/ | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 9 | lat=60.45378 | long=22.27049 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 19:00–02:00 | price= | content=Turku, like other larger Finnish cities in general, is quite gay-friendly, though public gestures of affection are not common even for straight couples and might raise some eyebrows. You'll fit in at practically all of the clubs in Turku, but perhaps feel specially at home in suXes, the only gay bar and café in Turku. There you can be openly yourself while enjoying the atmosphere, coffee and drinks. }} ==Sleep== ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Camping | alt= | url=http://www.visitturku.fi/en/ruissalo-camping_-0 | email=ruissalo.camping@turku.fi | address=Saarontie 25 | lat=60.4226 | long=22.0941 | directions=bus 8 | phone=+358 2 262-5100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€40/€160; tent €18+€5/2 per person | checkin= | checkout= | content=Camping and indoor accommodation at the outermost tip of the Ruissalo island. The well-equipped camping and caravan area has a beach, sauna, a convenience store and various other amenities, including hot showers and laundry facilities. The entertainment options include mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Open June–August. }} * {{sleep | name=Naantali Camping | url=http://www.visitnaantalifinland.com/camping {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=camping@naantalinmatkailu.fi | address=Kopenkatu 20 | lat=60.4618 | long=22.0287 | directions=500 m from [[Naantali]] city centre | phone=+358 2 435-0855 | tollfree= | fax= | price=Vehicles and tents €14 + €5/person, cottages from €50 | checkin= | checkout= | content=A camping ground operated by Naantali's tourist office. }} ===Budget=== [[File:Bore (1960) takaisin Turussa 2010.jpg|thumb|Hostel Borea]] [[File:Turku Catholic Church.jpg|thumb|upright|Bridgettine Convent Guest House is next to the Catholic Church.]] * {{sleep | name=Hostel Borea | alt= | url= | email=hostelborea@turku.fi | address=River Aura, Linnankatu 72 | lat=60.4350 | long=22.2337 | directions=by the yard of Forum Marinum | phone=+358 40-843-6611 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €51, twin €82 | content=s/s Bore on the River Aura has unique atmosphere. Built for the Turku–Stockholm route, many remember her as cruise ship in different waters, but now the former steamship is permanently moored on the banks of the River Aura and beside other functions houses an inexpensive hostel with 130 cabins. In most of the (small) cabins there is a private shower and toilet. The prices include linen, towels and breakfast, which is served in the buffet restaurant of the ship. Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you'll find the Turku Castle and Forum Marinum. Lots of narrow stairs, not suitable for the disabled. }} * {{sleep | name=Bridgettine Convent Guest House | alt= | url=https://birgittalaissisaret.fi/en/ | email=birgitta.turku@kolumbus.fi | address=Ursininkatu 15 A | lat=60.44988 | long=22.25492 | directions= | phone=+358 2 250-1910 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-3078 | price=Single €45, twin €65 | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=You'll receive a warm welcome and a friendly smile from the Catholic Sisters who run this guesthouse in a central but quiet location in Turku. The rooms are basic and clean, there is secure parking behind the guesthouse and a continental breakfast is included. Only cash is accepted at the moment (July 2020). }} * {{sleep | name=Guesthouse Tapuli | alt= | url=http://www.tapulitalo.fi/en | email= | address=Kaivokatu 14 | lat=60.4496 | long=22.2894 | directions=between the university and the Kupittaa park | phone=+358 2 250-1600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Single €50, double €65 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-01-01 | content=Small guesthouse with cosy rooms with TV. No breakfast, kitchen is available for self service. Toilets and showers are by the corridor. Sauna is warm every day (included). There is also free Wi-Fi. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Harriet | alt= | url=http://harriet.fi/hotel-harriet/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=turku@harriet.fi | address=Käsityöläiskatu 11 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2560 | directions= | phone=+358 40-910-3333 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-231-1110 | checkin= | checkout= | price=€45/€139 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Modern hotel and hostel-quality rooms in the centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hesehotelli | alt= | url=https://www2.hesburger.fi/hesehotelli | email= | address=Läntinen Pitkäkatu 1 | lat=60.45762 | long=22.26761 | directions= | phone=+358 45-634-3443 | tollfree= | fax= | price= From €50 | checkin=M–W 07:30–03:30, Th 07:30–00:00, F Sa 24 hr and Sun 00:00–03:00 (following day) | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Hesehotel is owned by the burger chain Hesburger, and it's on the second floor of one of their biggest restaurants near central Turku, right next to Turku bus station. It has 15 rooms and 46 beds. Room equipment includes air conditioning, a fridge, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. You can order breakfast and other food from the restaurant below and check-in is also done at the counter of the restaurant. Parking space reservation price is €5/day. }} * {{sleep | name=Interpoint Hostel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Vähä-Hämeenkatu 12 A | lat=60.45022 | long=22.28193 | directions= | phone=+358 400-821-905 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€10/person | checkin= | checkout= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Operated by the YWCA of Turku, this is the cheapest place to sleep in Turku, but for good reason: It is just 30 mattresses on the floor, and 1 shower. If that is enough for you, then this is your place. }} * {{sleep | name=Linnasmäki | alt= | url=http://linnasmaki.fi/en | email=info@tk-opisto.fi | address=Lustokatu 7 | lat=60.4804 | long=22.2962 | directions= | phone=+358 40-710-4488 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception: Sept–May: 08:30–15:30, June–Aug: 08:00–20:00 | checkout= | price=Single €60, twin €70 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Affordable accommodation in peaceful surroundings 4 km from Turku centre. Guests can use the swimming pool and sauna area. There are plenty of hiking routes with bicycles available to rent during summer. Guests can stay in either a hotel or a refurbished hostel that also offers family rooms and apartments. Individual rooms equipped for disabled guests are also available. Plenty of free parking for guests. }} * {{sleep | name=Bed & Breakfast Tuure | alt= | url=http://www.netti.fi/~tuure2/en/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=tuure@netti.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 17 C, third floor | lat=60.45534 | long=22.26557 | directions= | phone=+358 2 233-0230 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=Reception opens at 08:00 and after that you can bring in your luggage when needed. Check-in 14:00–16:00 | checkout= | price=€45/€97 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=A cosy, non-smoking guest house that has provides affordable accommodation only three blocks away from the Market Square. 15 rooms, 5 shared showers/toilets along the corridor, a breakfast room and a kitchen. They also have computers and Wi-Fi as well as washing machine and other necessities of a home all free for the guests to use. Breakfast is plentiful and included in the room price. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, Turku.jpg|thumb|upright|Park Hotel]] * {{sleep | name=Centro Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.centrohotel.com/fi/ | email=centro@centrohotel.com | address=Yliopistonkatu 12 A | lat=60.4532 | long=22.2705 | directions= | phone=+358 2 211-8100 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€110–150 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Modern hotel in the inner courtyard of its building block. Family-owned hotel, a bit more personal than the chain hotels in Turku. }} * {{sleep | name=Omena Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.omenahotels.com/fi/hotellit/suomi/turku/ | email= | address=Humalistonkatu 7 | lat=60.4512 | long=22.2587 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price=€80–90 | checkin=16 | checkout=12 | content=No reception staff and no breakfast, but prices are considerably cheaper. Booking is done online, and you get a code which you can use to get into the building and onto your room. There are also vending machines for you to buy snacks and food. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.parkhotelturku.fi/en | email=info@parkhotelturku.fi | address=Rauhankatu 1 | lat=60.4531 | long=22.2579 | directions=in the Puolala park between the railway station and Kauppatori | phone=+358 2 273-2555 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 251-9696 | price=€140–150 | checkin=14:00 | checkout=12:00 | content=Park Hotel is one of the oldest boutique hotels in Finland. In an Art Nouveau building, built in 1902. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Hotel Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Plaza-Turku/#.U3CWqPl_t8E | email= | address=Yliopistonkatu 29 | lat=60.4508 | long=22.2618 | directions= | phone=+358 2 332-00 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 332-0111 | price=125–190 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Restaurant. Sauna. 24-hour gym. Bike can be borrowed. }} * {{sleep | name=Best Western Hotel Seaport | url=http://www.hotelseaport.fi | email=seaport@hotelseaport.fi | address=Toinen Poikkikatu 2 | lat=60.43443 | long=22.22115 | directions=at the port | phone=+358 2 283-3000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-283-3100 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Family-owned basic hotel in an old customs house. }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel Seurahuone | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-seurahuone | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 23 | lat=60.44897 | long=22.26110 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-301 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 337-2200 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=A bit more business-oriented than the other Sokos Hotels in the city. The hotel restaurant is intended to be Spanish-style. }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn Turku | alt= | url=http://www.finland.holidayinn.com/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.holidayinn@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 28 | lat=60.44793 | long=22.25930 | directions= | phone=+358 2 338-211 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 338-2299 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Moderately priced. Breakfast spread is decent }} * {{sleep | name=Cumulus Turku | url=http://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/turku/en_GB/turku/ | email=turku.cumulus@restel.fi | address=Eerikinkatu 30 | lat=60.44772 | long=22.25863 | directions= | phone=+358 2 218-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Mid-priced business hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Helmi | alt= | url=http://www.hotellihelmi.fi/en | email=hotellihelmi@hotellihelmi.fi | address=Tuureporinkatu 11 | lat=60.45627 | long=22.26824 | directions= | phone=+358 20-786-2770 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€95–110; lunch €10.70, breakfast €11.50, children 4–12 €6.90 | hours=Café M–F 06:30–17:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00; lunch M–F 11:00–14:30; breakfast M–F 06:30–10:00, Sa–Su 07:00–12:00 | checkin= | checkout= | content=Small mid-priced hotel next to the bus station, part of the original station plan. The hotel building is an old gas station, which was owned by Shell, hence the name ''Pearl''. Good basic quality no-frills hotel, very good value for money. The café offers also take away breakfast/lunch/snacks. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Hotel Marina Palace Radisson Blu 2012.jpg|thumb|Hotel Marina Palace]] * {{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-marina-turku | email=info.turku@radissonblu.com | address=Linnankatu 32 | lat=60.4466 | long=22.2603 | directions= | phone=+358 20-123-4710 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On Linnankatu overlooking the River Aura Hotel Marina Palace is considered by many to be the best hotel in Turku. It has housed many celebrities visiting Turku, including Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family of Sweden. With well-appointed rooms overlooking the Aura River. You can dine at two on-site restaurants including the popular ''Grill it! Marina''. Fully equipped gym. Quay for guests (bridges too low for sailing yachts). }} * {{sleep | name=Sokos Hotel City Börs | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/fi/turku/sokos-hotel-hamburger-bors | email=myyntipalvelu.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 6 | lat=60.4511 | long=22.2687 | directions= | phone=+358 2 337-381 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=In the Wiklund department store. Good discounts are often available if you book a package together with the ferry companies. }} * {{sleep | name=Scandic Julia | alt= | url=http://www.scandichotels.com/Hotels/Finland/Turku/Scandic-Julia/#.U3CL8vl_t8E | email=julia@scandichotels.com | address=Eerikinkatu 4 | lat=60.4522 | long=22.2721 | directions= | phone=+358 2 336-000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 3360-2211 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Clean comfortable rooms, excellent friendly service, quality breakfast, perhaps the best brunch in town. Fully equipped rooms. Great value for money. }} ===Spa hotels=== [[File:Rslo airphoto 72ppi web.jpg|thumb|Ruissalo Spa]] * {{sleep | name=Spa Hotel Caribia | alt= | url=https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/sokos-hotel-caribia | email=myynti.turku@sokoshotels.fi | address=Kongressikuja 1 | lat=60.4606 | long=22.2909 | directions=by the student village, behind the universities, buses 50–54, 20-minute walk from city centre | phone=+358 20-123-4602 | tollfree= | fax=+358 10-784-0180 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Spa Hotel Caribia, on the outskirts of the centre, is good choice for families. It has a big spa decorated in Caribbean style. It also houses lots of conferences and other events. Don't miss the big and pink statue outdoors by the contemporary artist Alvar Gullichsen; it's a mix between Duck and Pig called ''Posankka''. }} * {{sleep | name=Naantali Spa Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.naantalispa.fi/en | email=info@naantalispa.fi | address=Matkailjantie 2 | lat=60.47462 | long=22.03368 | directions=[[Naantali]], 15 km from Turku; bus 6, 7 and 7A | phone=+358 600-555-100 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-5101 | checkin= | checkout= | price=Off-season weekday rates can drop as low as €69/person but climb dramatically in high season | content=In a modern building, Naantali Spa has roots dating to the 18th century, even the Russian Czar has paid a visit. The resort includes several restaurants, a variety of rooms, a large spa and beauty and pool services. The spa is the only Scandinavian member in the Royal Spas of Europe -affiliation. The resort is also well known in Scandinavia for arranging conferences. }} * {{sleep | name=Ruissalo Spa | alt= | url=http://www.ruissalospa.fi/en | email=info@ruissalospa.fi | address=Ruissalon puistotie 640 | lat=60.4248 | long=22.1037 | directions=Bus 8 | phone=+358 2 445-40 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2 445-4590 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Ruissalo Spa is located on and named after the scenic Ruissalo Island. The spa is by the sea and you can choose to swim on the pools or in the sea as well. The location is beautiful and there's a golf course and guest harbour right next to the hotel. Beware though: This is the favourite location for elderly locals, so if you're looking for something more youth-oriented, this might not be the place for you. }} ==Stay safe== {{infobox|[[Risks]] in Turku| Crime/violence: '''Low''' * Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets Authorities/corruption: '''Low''' Transportation: '''Low''' Health: '''Low'''<br> Nature: '''Low'''<br> * [[Ticks]] carrying TBE or borreliosis }} Turku is generally a very safe city. On weekend nights drunken people may cause annoyance, especially after last call. Swimming in the river is forbidden for good reason: the river banks provide very little access to the shore; what was intended as a quick refreshing dip will result in an expensive rescue operation or worse. In emergencies, always call '''112''', which is the general emergency number for police affairs, fire, medical care and social services. If in doubt, it is always better to call and ask. For non-emergency medical care, the City of Turku provides medical advice over the phone at {{phone|+358 2 100-23}}. Lines are open weekdays 08:00–15:00. The hearing-impaired have their own service for the evaluation of medical care, counselling and making an appointment at a health centre. This can be contacted during office hours by sending an SMS message to {{phone|+358 44-907-3824}}. Turku University Hospital's T-Hospital is the region’s accident and emergency hospital. It provides specialized medical care and treatment around the clock to those who have fallen suddenly ill or sustained injury. * {{listing | name=Turku University Hospital Emergency Department | alt= | url=http://www.vsshp.fi/en/paivystys | email= | address=Savitehtaankatu 1 | lat=60.45347 | long=22.29749 | directions="T-sairaala", across the railway and highway 1, by highway 10, near Kupittaa railway station | phone=+358 2 313-8800 | tollfree= | hours=24 hr daily | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Call for advice before coming, queues are often long. }} * Emergency '''social services''' can be contacted through 112; in business hours (weekdays 08:30–15:30) call {{phone|+358 2 262-6003}}. Also life management. * {{listing | name=Police | alt= | url=https://www.poliisi.fi/en | email= | address= | lat=60.4455 | long=22.2525 | directions= | phone=+358 295-440-501 (non-urgent – urgent: 112) | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8–17 (shorter hours for many matters) | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-06-04 | content= }} ==Respect== * Avoid walking in the cycle lanes. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the pavement (sidewalk). Turku cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. Usually, however, they are careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at. * When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues – but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask. * Finns usually don't complain to people who are doing things (in their opinion) wrong. They will just look at your foolish behaviour and swear silently to themselves. You might be embarrassing yourself but Finns might think that complaining about it will make an even bigger scene. * Many Finns are not very open to strangers in public, especially in public transport. They may feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed if you try to start a conversation on the bus. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone's home you will discover that Finns behave very differently and will be very social. Most Finns speak English very well and are more than happy to refresh their skills by talking to tourists. * Do not feed seagulls or pigeons especially in the city centre. Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is officially prohibited in many areas. If you'd like to feed birds you can head to the Kupittaa Park, since there is a Bird Park where you can feed the birds as long as the food is healthy for the birds. ==Connect== SparkNet is the largest WiFi network in Finland. It is free to students of the schools and universities in the city and city personnel. Others can purchase the connection from [http://sparknet.fi/index.php SparkNet's website]. Students and personnel from participating institutions get free Wi-Fi through the Eduroam network. In addition to the SparkNet much of Turku is blanketed with Wi-Fi hotspots. Most cafés and bars offer wireless internet connection without requiring a person to be a paying customer. Some restaurants will do this as well, but may insist that you purchase something. The city main library (see [[#Learn|above]]) offers public computers with Internet access (without booking, mostly there are some free ones). The "15 min" computers can be used without logging in. ==Cope== [[File:Åbo stadsbibliotek 2015 tidningsläsesalen.jpg|thumb|Newspaper reading room of Turku City Library, with public computers]] === Press === An assortment of foreign newspapers is available for reading in the main library (see [[#Learn|above]]) and for sale at some locations (e.g. R-kioski at the main railway station or at Kauppatori). Expect to find some well-known ones at least in Swedish, English, German, French and Spanish. At the main library there are also some more odd ones, e.g. from Russian Karelia. The local papers are Finnish ''Turun Sanomat'', Swedish ''Åbo Underrättelser'' and the free ''Turkulainen''; many locals also subscribe to ''Helsingin Sanomat'' or ''Hufvudstadsbladet'' of Helsinki. === Children === Most any park has a playground with swings, sandbox, some climbing frames, and perhaps a simple playhouse and some more unusual features. For picnics, the Kupittaa and Vartiovuori parks are popular. The swimming pools of Kupittaa and Samppalinna also have picnic areas. [[#Q11892816|Kupittaa Adventure Park]] is a large playground area where also older children can enjoy themselves for quite a while. [[#Q11873640|Kuralan kylämäki]] is a quiet living history museum consisting of a few farms with life of the 1950s. In the main building personnel are doing their domestic chores, while ready to talk to any visitor. Children will find a play corner with period toys, another in the barn, with bigger equipment, and many opportunities to invent their own plays and games. Sheep flock at the pasture fence to be caressed. [[#Q3022430|Aboa Vetus]] allows you to walk in authentic streets in the ruins of medieval Turku. There are computer screens to lead children through the displays in the footsteps of children of their time, perhaps a sandbox for trying to be an archaeologist, and similar activities. [[#Q136893|Turku Castle]] has Knights' and Ladies' Days, where a group of children is led through the castle, ending with dubbing the participants. Check the language issue. If you are into biology, the [[#Q4086898|Biological Museum]] may be a pearl. It features stuffed animals in natural landscapes: see wolves and elks, spot the small birds in the tree, an ermine in the snow, and acquaint yourselves to the different biotopes of Finland. Everything beyond glass screens though. Other museums may or may not suit your children, depending on their interests. For a longer trip, the Moomin World in [[Naantali]] and Zoolandia in [[Turku countryside|Lieto]] may be worth considering. === Dogs === {{see also|Travel with pets#Finland}} Popular walks include the river banks east of the railway bridge (i.e. by Raunistula and the Student Village). There are compost containers for litter at some locations, but you can also use normal trash bins. There are havens in several locations, where dogs can run and play without being on a leash. They have a part for small dogs and another for big ones, use common sense for choosing. Don't go there if your dog is ill, aggressive or could otherwise be disruptive for other dogs. * {{do | name=Kupittaa dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lemminkäisenkatu | lat=60.4456 | long=22.2994 | directions=at the north-east edge of the park Kupittaanpuisto | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Nummenranta dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.4651 | long=22.2952 | directions=at the walk on the left river bank, by the Student Village | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} * {{do | name=Jäkäläpuisto dog haven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jäkäläpolku | lat=60.4308 | long=22.2698 | directions=Luolavuori, the path to the haven starts at Rätiälänkatu | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-03-24 | content= }} === Consulates === [[File:Russian Consulate1, Turku.jpg|thumb|Russian Consulate-General is by the Vartiovuori park.]] {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Austria}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Austria | url= | email=mika.sippolainen@simsport.com | address=Linnankatu 36 B 11 | lat=60.44607 | long=22.25819 | directions= | phone=+358 2-275-1411 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-275-1414 | hours=09:00-11:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Belgium | url= | email=antti@wihanto.fi | address=Läntinen Rantakatu 35 | lat=60.44578 | long=22.25752 | directions= | phone=+358 2-515-1655 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-515-1590 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Brazil | url= | email= | address=Aurakatu 8 | lat=60.44969 | long=22.26759 | directions= | phone=+358 2-651-6680 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Denmark | url= | email=ljo@lundbeck.com | address=Joukahaisenkatu 6 | lat=60.44797 | long=22.29920 | directions= | phone=+358 2-276-5000 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-276-5001 | hours= 09:00-14:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Estonia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Estonia | url= | email=rector@utu.fi | address=Vanha Suurtori 3 | lat=60.45028 | long=22.27671 | directions= | phone=+358 2-333-6122 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=Consulate of France | url= | email=enrico.casagrande@dlc.fi | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45159 | long=22.27302 | directions= | phone=+358 2-250-0061 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-250-0013 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Germany | url= | email=turku@hk-diplo.de | address=c/o Sunborn Oy Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 23 | lat=60.45259 | long=22.27170 | directions= | phone=+358 2-445-4501 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-445-4520 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Greece | url= | email=fredrik.sunde@nordea.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 B | lat=60.45242 | long=22.26788 | directions= | phone=+358 2-334-4201 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-334-5414 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Honduras}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Honduras | url= | email=ericlockmer@gmail.com | address=Eristäjänmutka 17 | lat=60.4785 | long=22.2163 | directions= | phone=+358 40-022-2244 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-254-7762 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Hungary | url= | email=urpo-kivikari@tukkk.fi | address=Linnankatu 8 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.26898 | directions= | phone=+358 2-231-2182 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iceland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Iceland | url= | email= | address=Lukkarinkatu 6 | lat=60.47668 | long=22.29837 | directions= | phone=+358 40-052-4234 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Italy | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 3 A | lat=60.45177 | long=22.27283 | directions= | phone=+358 400-522-557 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Netherlands}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the Netherlands | url= | email=kjell.sundstrom@abo.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 9 | lat=60.45223 | long=22.26827 | directions= | phone=+358 207-861-419 | tollfree= | fax=+358 9-163-96417 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Norway | url= | email=jan-erik.stenman@veritas.fi | address=Olavintie 2 | lat=60.44735 | long=22.26986 | directions= | phone=+358 50-343-2299 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Poland | url= | email=etacom@kolumbus.fi | address=Veistämönaukio 1 | lat=60.43980 | long=22.24039 | directions= | phone=+358 2-281-3186 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Portugal}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Portugal | url= | email= | address=Linnankatu 35 | lat=60.44554 | long=22.25555 | directions= | phone=+358 21-275-5314 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-16:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Russia}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Russia | url=http://www.rusconsul-turku.com/ | email=rusconsul.turku@co.inet.fi | address=Vartiovuorenkatu 2 | lat=60.44739 | long=22.27569 | directions= | phone=+358 2-233-6441 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-233-9779 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Spain}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Spain | url= | email=info@silverland.fi | address=Yliopistonkatu 24 | lat=60.44979 | long=22.25987 | directions= | phone=+358 40-543-2094 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Consulate of Sweden | url= | email=sihteerit@ts.fi | address=Kauppiaskatu 5 | lat=60.45113 | long=22.26966 | directions= | phone=+358 2-269-3303 | tollfree= | fax=+358 2-269-3543 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=Consulate of the United Kingdom | url= | email=jari.lahteenmaki@turku.chamber.fi | address=Puolalankatu 1 | lat=60.45170 | long=22.26306 | directions= | phone=+358 2-274-3410 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} |} ==Go next== [[File:Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392).jpg|thumb|Sailing off Ruissalo]] * '''[[Archipelago Sea]]''' – Stretching all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, Archipelago Sea forms the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands and includes a national park. Best way to visit is definitely by bike and camping gear – unless you know how to handle a yacht or kayak or can afford a one-week charter of a manned yacht. ** The [[Archipelago Trail]] is a tourist route of 125 or 250 km, using the roads and inter-island ferries to provide access to the archipelago without a boat of your own – and without backtracking. The route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries. * '''[[Kurjenrahka National Park]]''' – Kurjenrahka is the largest and most diverse protected mire area in the region, the park includes also lakes and old growth forest. One of the best-known sights in the park is the old boundary mark of eight municipalities. Usually a day trip destination, hikes can be extended to last a couple of days. Beginning 2018 you can reach Kurjenrahka by local bus in summer. * The other chartered '''towns of medieval Finland''' were<!-- by time of chartering, but what is the order? -->: ** [[Porvoo]] (Borgå) – in Eastern Uusimaa, reachable by E18 or the [[King's Road (Finland)|King's Road]]. ** [[Rauma]] (Raumo) – with a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage listed]] old town, Rauma can be reached by coach from Turku in 1½ hr. ** [[Ulvila]] (Ulvsby) – by Pori in the north of the historic Turku and Pori province ** [[Naantali]] (Nådendal, Vallis Gratiæ) – with the summer residence of the President of Finland ''Kultaranta'', the theme park ''Moomin World'' and a beautiful wooden old town, 20-min away by local bus. ** [[Vyborg]] (Viipuri, Viborg) – in its heyday the most metropolitan of Finnish cities; past Porvoo, now in Russia. * '''[[Åland islands]]''' – If you have a day or two to spare there are overnight and day [[Baltic Sea ferries|ferries]] to [[Sweden]] and the [[Åland|Åland Islands]]. [[Stockholm]] is 10 hours away, [[Mariehamn]] on the Åland islands about 5 hours. {{routebox | image1=Simple gold crown.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=E | minorr1=[[Kaarina]] | majorr1=[[Helsinki]] | link1=King's Road (Finland) | caption1=King's Road | image2=Tabliczka_E8.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=NW | majorl2=[[Pori]] | minorl2=[[Turku countryside]] | directionr2=SE | minorr2= | majorr2=END | link2=E8 through Finland and Norway | image3=Tabliczka E18.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Stockholm]] | minorl3=[[Naantali]] | directionr3=E | minorr3=[[Kaarina]] | majorr3=[[Helsinki]] | image4=Tabliczka E63.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=SW | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=NE | minorr4=[[Turku countryside]] | majorr4=[[Tampere]] | image5=Finland road sign F29-10.svg | imagesize5=32 | directionl5=SW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=NE | minorr5=[[Kaarina]] | majorr5=[[Hämeenlinna]] }} {{guidecity}} 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|60.6717,22.4548 |60.6720,22.4539 |60.6720,22.4536 |60.6679,22.4534 |60.6675,22.4531 |60.6666,22.4532 |60.6653,22.4539 |60.6628,22.4530 |60.6607,22.4528 |60.6601,22.4521 |60.6590,22.4529 |60.6578,22.4521 |60.6569,22.4522 |60.6550,22.4529 |60.6528,22.4538 |60.6510,22.4522 |60.6509,22.4531 |60.6496,22.4528 |60.6494,22.4512 |60.6495,22.4507 |60.6489,22.4506 |60.6485,22.4488 |60.6466,22.4499 |60.6464,22.4495 |60.6463,22.4495 |60.6458,22.4494 |60.6437,22.4491 |60.6431,22.4479 |60.6414,22.4470 |60.6414,22.4466 |60.6414,22.4459 |60.6409,22.4458}} 0uk1r5ckv9xeglf5hta9wgmgqkttcwu 0 37971 4487700 4449509 2022-07-21T12:07:47Z Skoda9635 2273494 Broken link repairs + some prices were updated for 2022 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Vienna Wikivoyage banner.png|caption=Looking over the rooftops of Vienna from the Haus des Meeres|dotm=yes}} {{otheruses}} {{printDistricts}} '''[http://www.wien.info/en Vienna]''' ([[German phrasebook|German]]: ''Wien''; Austro-Bavarian: ''Wean'') is the capital of the Republic of [[Austria]] and by far its most populous city, with an urban population of 1.9 million and a metropolitan population of 2.4 million. It is by far the largest city in Austria and the country's artistic, cultural, economic and political centre. It is known for its high living standards, relaxed yet elegant lifestyle and rich musical life. The thing about Vienna is that it not only is a large city, but that it has always been – as the former home of the Habsburg court and its various empires, it has always housed a large population and enjoyed a privileged position, being home to many artists, especially composers including Beethoven, Haydn, Liszt, Mozart, Schubert and Johann Strauss II. It was long the largest German-speaking city in the world before being surpassed by [[Berlin]]. The large historic city centre of Vienna filled with monuments to its imperial past is inscribed on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. ==Districts== Vienna is broadly divided in inner (1–9) and outer districts (10–23). The 23 districts or wards each have a name and a number. They vary immensely in size and each has its own flair. These function subordinately to the city as decentralized administrative branches of the commune, and make local decisions. Wikivoyage has divided official 23 districts of Vienna into 13 here for travel purposes. {{Mapframe|48.21650|16.38063|width=600|height=500|zoom=11|show=mask,go|staticmap=Vienna Wikivoyage Map.png}} {{Mapshape|type=page|wikicommons=Vienna Districts.map}} {{Mapshapes|Q209400}} <!--U-bahn --> {{Regionlist | region1name=[[Vienna/Innere Stadt|Innere Stadt (1)]] | region1color=#d5dc76 | region1items= | region1description=The central Old Town and most important part of the city where most sights and tourists can be found. | region2name=[[Vienna/Landstraße|Landstraße (3)]] | region2color=#ac9393 | region2items= | region2description=The third district is the largest inner district including the Belvedere Palace, the Schwarzenbergplatz, embassies and an industrial hinterland. | region3name= [[Vienna/Wieden|Wieden (4)]] | region3color=#c7b49d | region3items= | region3description=The fourth district starts from Karlsplatz with the famous Karlskirche and borders the Naschmarkt with a miniature Chinatown. | region4name= [[Vienna/Margareten|Margareten (5)]] | region4color=#ac5c91 | region4items= | region4description=The outermost inner district is mostly a residential area. | region5name=[[Vienna/Mariahilf|Mariahilf (6)]] | region5color=#d09440 | region5items= | region5description=The sixth district continues on from the Naschmarkt up to the Mariahilfer Straße. It has popular bohemian neighborhoods. | region6name=[[Vienna/Neubau|Neubau (7)]] | region6color=#79aff8 | region6items= | region6description=The seventh district features the acclaimed MuseumsQuartier, which connects directly the modern museums to the classic museums of the inner city, plus other artsy spots. | region7name=[[Vienna/Josefstadt|Josefstadt (8)]] | region7color=#f879af | region7items= | region7description=The eighth district is the smallest inner one and is mostly a classy residential area. | region8name= [[Vienna/Alsergrund|Alsergrund (9)]] | region8color=#4f93c0 | region8items= | region8description=The ninth district has the Vienna University and several hospitals. | region9name=[[Vienna/Inner East|Inner East]] | region9color=#c2cc38 | region9items=''Leopoldstadt (2), Brigittenau (20)'' | region9description=The second district used to be the Jewish part of the Vienna town. It stretches from the more wild forests of the Prater to the newly gentrified areas of the Karmeliterviertel and Augarten. | region10name=[[Vienna/Outer South|Outer South]] | region10color=#b5d29f | region10items=''Favoriten (10), Simmering (11), Meidling (12), Liesing (23)'' | region10description=This groups outer districts that are traditionally worker-oriented in the south of Vienna. | region11name=[[Vienna/Hietzing|Hietzing (13)]] | region11color=#b383b3 | region11items= | region11description=The 13th district is a more residential area with the Schönbrunn palace and old villas. The attractions around it account for the most Viennese tourist visits. | region12name=[[Vienna/Outer West|Outer West]] | region12color=#d56d76 | region12items=''Penzing (14), Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus (15), Ottakring (16), Hernals (17), Währing (18), Döbling (19)'' | region12description=This groups outer districts, which are more worker oriented (14, 15) the newly hyped and multicultural (16), more bourgeois area (17) and the upper class (18, 19). All of them bordering the Wienerwald and often allowing great views on Vienna. | region13name=[[Vienna/Outer East|Outer East]] | region13color=#72b57c | region13items=''Floridsdorf (21), Donaustadt (22)'' | region13description=This groups outer districts containing the regional United Nations Headquarters and including a mix of farms, suburbia, Soviet-style housing blocks, villages. }} [[File:0101-0102 - Wien - Naitonalbibliothek.jpg|thumb|right|New Castle ''(Neue Burg)'' of the Hofburg palace with National Library]] ==Understand== ===History=== [[File:Kanäle und Befestigungen der Stadt Wien 1739.jpg|thumb|Most of the historic core of Vienna has already been in place in early 1700s – do note the fortifications later replaced with the Ring.]] The low-lying Danube plain in and around what is now Vienna has had a human population since at least the late Paleolithic (see [[Prehistoric Europe]]); one of the city's most famous artifacts, the 24,000-year-old '''Venus of Willendorf,''' now in Vienna's Natural History Museum, was found nearby. Vienna's own recorded history began with '''[[Roman Empire|the Romans]],''' who founded it in the 1st century CE as ''Vindobona,'' one of a line of Roman defensive outposts against Germanic tribes. Vindobona's central garrison was on the site of what is now the Hoher Markt (the "High Market" so-called because of its relative height over the Danube), and you can still see astounding excavations of its foundations there today. Given its prestige, Vienna hosted the '''Habsburg court''' for several centuries, first as the Imperial seat of the Holy Roman Empire, then the capital of the Austrian Empire, and later of the [[Austro-Hungarian Empire]], which finally fell in 1918 with the abdication of the last Emperor Karl I. The court tremendously influenced the culture that exists here even today: Vienna's residents are often overly formal, with small doses of courtliness, polite forms of address, and formal dress attire. One distinguishable paradox of the quirky city is that its residents can be equally modern and progressive as they are extremely old-fashioned. [[File:Roman ruins Hofburg Dec 2012.jpg|thumb|right|Vienna existed even as early as the ancient Roman Empire – the ruins of what was then called ''Vindobona'' can be seen right in the city centre.]] The empires also served to make Vienna a very '''metropolitan city''' at an early time, and especially so through the years of industrialization and fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the turn of the 20th century. Imperial Austria and Austro-Hungary were multilingual, multi-ethnic empires and although the German speakers normally played the dominant role in Vienna there has long been ethnic and linguistic diversity in the city. Proof of '''Jews''' in the city dates back to 10th century. After World War II many of the city's minorities had been exiled or killed and much of the city lay in ruin. When Austria was given sovereignty after the post World War II occupation, it was eventually established that Austria would be neutral and not join the Eastern Bloc. So the city became more isolated from its previous ties to its Slavic and Hungarian neighbors; the east of Austria was surrounded by the Iron Curtain. Vienna had gone from being the well-established metropolitan city of Central Europe to the capital of a small, predominately German-speaking nation of states with strong regional identities. But when the Iron Curtain came down in the early 1990s an influx of immigrants and Yugoslav refugees came to Vienna. In 1995 Austria joined the EU and her neighbors to the east joined in 2004. In addition, Vienna became a business hub between Eastern and Western Europe due to its imperial past and location, with many multinational companies having offices and facilities in the city and many Austrian companies investing in Eastern Europe. These series of events helped the city rise from the ashes. Vienna once more sits at the heart rather than at the edge of Central Europe, with connections that had been severed for decades slowly but surely being re-established. Since the formation of the first Austrian Republic and the first mayoral election 1919, the Social Democratic Party of Austria has had the majority of representatives on the common council and controlled the mayoral seat. During the early years, the socialist '''Red Vienna''' ("[http://www.dasrotewien-waschsalon.at/ Rote Wien]") revolutionized the city, improving the extreme conditions that the industrial revolution and rapid urbanization had created. Most famously the city built many housing projects (housing estates or "Gemeindebauten"), and they also began to offer many social services and made improvements across the board in quality of life. The public housing that was built at that time is now famous for its distinctive style. To this day the city continues to build public housing and about a third of the city's residents live in it, some 600,000 people! Through this high percentage, the quality, and the integration of public housing across the city have kept it from becoming as stigmatized as in most cities. The Viennese are used to having the city government in their lives, and of course have a love-hate relationship with it. Vienna functions on its own as a federal state in the Austrian system (along with 8 other states) and the sense of local pride and home is more of being Viennese than being Austrian, many say. Vienna was the host city for the [http://eurovision.tv Eurovision Song Contest], Europe's largest live televised event, in May 2015. ===Culture=== [[File:Zentralfriedhof Kirche Seitenfront 01.JPG|thumbnail|right|The majestic church in the ''Zentralfriedhof'' is a monument to the importance of death in Viennese culture]] '''Traditional Vienna''' is but one of the many façades of this city; the historic center, a UNESCO world heritage site, is sometimes begrudgingly compared to an open-air museum. But Vienna is also a dynamic young city, famous for its (electronic) music scene with independent labels, cult-status underground record stores, a vibrant Monday through Sunday club scene, multitudes of street performers, and a government that seems overly obsessed with complicated paperwork. However, people are willing to go out of their way or bend the rules a little if they feel they can do someone a favor. The Viennese have a singular fascination with '''death''', hence the popularity of the Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery), where there are more graves than living residents in Vienna, as a strolling location and of Schrammelmusik - highly sentimental music with lyrics pertaining to death. Old-fashioned Sterbevereine (funeral insurance societies-literally translated "death clubs") provide members with the opportunity to save up for a nice funeral throughout the course of their lives. This service does not exist solely to save their children the hassle and expense - it is considered absolutely mandatory to provide for an adequate burial. Vienna even has the "Bestattungsmuseum", a museum devoted to coffins and mortuary science. The country’s morbid obsession may be correlated with its higher suicide rate when compared with the rest of Europe. Here too, the socialist Vienna has its hand, the city also offers a [http://www.bestattungwien.at/ socialized undertaking service], with hearses branded in the same department of public works logo as the subway cars, and a link to the transit-planner on their website. [[File:Cafe-prueckel-schanigarten.jpg|thumbnail|right|Ever since the Polish king Sobieski gave Vienna the coffee acquired from his victory over the invading Turks, the ''Kaffeehauskultur'' is an integral part of the Viennese lifestyle]] Vienna is also famous for its '''coffee culture.''' "Let's have a coffee" is a very commonly heard phrase, because despite incursions by Starbucks and Italian-style espresso bars, the Kaffeehauskultur is still the traditional way to drink a cup of coffee, read the newspaper, meet friends, or fall in love. ===Orientation=== [[File:Vienna street sign.JPG|thumb|right|1., An old street [[sign]] with abbreviated district name "Innere Stadt", which is the 1st district.]] '''Addresses''' in the Vienna articles are written with the street name following the district name. ''Badgasse 26, Alsergrund'' is Badgasse #26 in the 9th district. One can always tell what district you are in by the first number on street signs. Districts can also be made into a postal code by substituting the XX in ''1XX0 Vienna'' (0X for districts below 10), for instance 1090 Vienna for the 9th district and 1200 the 20th, and are sometimes referred to as such. Common '''points of reference''' are often used in Vienna in addition to districts, most notably public transportation stops. Reference to ''U1/U4 Schwedenplatz'' or ''Schwedenplatz (U1, U4)'' means that something is near to the Schwedenplatz stop on the underground lines U1 and U4. Normally if the place is not directly at the subway stop you can ask around and find it easily. The '''[http://www.wien.info Vienna Tourist Board]''' operates information and booking booths at the airport Arrival Hall, 07:00-23:00 and the {{marker|type=go|name=Tourist-Info|lat= 48.204493|long=16.369321}} in the center at 1., Albertinaplatz/Maysedergasse (9:00-19:00). Information and free maps are also available from the ÖBB InfoPoints and offices at train stations. The city has a very centralized layout radiating from the historic [[Vienna/Innere Stadt|first district]] with the Stephansdom and Stephansplatz at the centre of a bullseye. It is encircled by the ''Ringstraße'' (Ring Road), a grand boulevard. '''Districts 2-9''' are considered the core districts and are gathered within the ''Gürtel'' (Belt Road), which encircles the core districts as an outer ring concentric to the Ring around the first district, with the notable exception of [[Vienna/Inner East|Leopoldstadt]] (2). The outer 14 districts are largely less urban but are equally as diverse. ===Climate=== {{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 3 | febhigh = 5 | marhigh = 10 | aprhigh = 15 | mayhigh = 20 | junhigh = 23 | julhigh = 26 | aughigh = 25 | sephigh = 20 | octhigh = 14 | novhigh = 7 | dechigh = 4 | janlow = -2 | feblow = -1 | marlow = 2 | aprlow = 6 | maylow = 10 | junlow = 13 | jullow = 15 | auglow = 15 | seplow = 12 | octlow = 7 | novlow = 2 | declow = 0 | janprecip = 37 | febprecip = 39 | marprecip = 46 | aprprecip = 52 | mayprecip = 62 | junprecip = 70 | julprecip = 68 | augprecip = 58 | sepprecip = 54 | octprecip = 40 | novprecip = 50 | decprecip = 44 | description = Averages of Vienna between 1971-2000 }} '''Spring''' starts sometime in late March, normally it is very brief and summer-like weather sets in before the trees have had time to grow back their leaves. '''Summer''' in Vienna is usually warm. Weather in June is moderate and sunny with a light summer windy breeze. In July and August, there are some hot and humid days where it reaches 35°C (95°F), but overall, summer in Vienna is pleasant. '''Autumn''' starts around September, although an "Indian Summer" with warm and sunny days often occurs that month and it gets colder as it approaches November. A main disadvantage of the Viennese climate is that it is rather windy and usually overcast during these months. '''Winter''' in Vienna can be just above 0°C (32°F) and drizzling for days on end, or just below with dustings of snow that manage to melt again quickly. There is the occasional cold snap where it will stay below freezing for a week or two at a time. Due to Vienna's relative easterly position in the Central European Time Zone its daylight hours (if it's not too gray outside entirely) are relatively early during the winter. ===Sunday closures=== The vast majority of shops, restaurants, and cafes are closed on Sunday. The main exceptions are shops and restaurants located in train stations, flea markets, a few small family-run outfits, and tourist oriented souvenir shops. Many museums and other attractions are also closed, and the public transportation system runs less frequently and keeps different hours. If you plan to visit anything on Sunday, be sure to check if it will be open. Besides visiting museums and churches, a stroll through the Prater or a hike in the Wienerwald are good Sunday activities. ==Get in== [[File:2011-06-14 10-23-56 Austria Niederösterreich Fischamend Markt.jpg|thumbnail|right|Vienna International Airport sees direct flights to Europe, North America and Asia]] ===By plane=== ====Vienna International Airport==== {{main|Vienna International Airport}} * {{listing|type=go | name=Vienna International Airport | alt=Flughafen Wien-Schwechat {{IATA|VIE}} | url=http://www.viennaairport.com | email= | address= | lat=48.110278 | long=16.569722 | directions=just outside the city limits of Vienna on the far side of the City of Schwechat | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Vienna International Airport | image=2011-06-14 10-23-53 Austria Niederösterreich Fischamend Markt.jpg | wikidata=Q32999 | content=To get to Vienna, you have three different railway options. The cheaper but slower S-Bahn line S7 (24 minutes; € 4,20) and the more expensive but faster City Airport Train (15 minutes; from € 11) both go to Wien-Mitte/Landstraße. If you are taking the S7 train, and you have a valid Vienna public transportation ticket, you only need to purchase a ticket from the Airport to Swechat, as all onward stations are covered by the zone 100 ticket. To Wien Hauptbahnhof (central station) and onwards, there are long distance trains leaving every 30 min (15 minutes; € 4,20). There are also buses (Vienna Airport Lines) and taxis. For details on the airport transfer see the [[Vienna International Airport]] article. }} [[File:Bratislava Airport new terminal BTS.jpg|thumbnail|right|If you prefer a low-cost flight, choose the Bratislava Airport and be prepared for an extra hour in transit]] ====Bratislava Milan Rastislav Štefánik Airport==== Another option if you're flying to Vienna is Bratislava Airport ({{IATA|BTS}}) which is ~ 54&nbsp;km (34 mi) from Vienna International Airport across the Slovak border and is the largest in the Slovak Republic. The budget airline [http://www.ryanair.com Ryanair] has the most flights. Additional carriers are [http://www.danubewings.com/ Danube Wings] flying to [[Kosice]], [[Rijeka]], [[Split]] and [[Zadar]]; [http://www.norwegian.no/ Norwegian Air Shuttle] to [[Oslo]] and [[Copenhagen]]; [http://www.utair.ru/ UTair] to [[Moscow]] and [http://www.sundor.co.il/ Sun d'Or] to [[Ben Gurion Airport]] (seasonal flights). Transfer options: * {{listing | name=FlixBus | alt= | url=https://www.flixbus.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=06:00-23:00 | price=€4-10 each way | content=Services leave approximately every hour, but check schedule. Leaves from the airport terminal building and arrives at Erdberg (U3) in just over an hour. }} * {{listing | name=Postbus/Slovak Lines (Bus) | alt= | url=http://www.postbus.at/en/International_lines/index.jsp | email=airportlines@postbus.at | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 810 222 333 (Austria), +421 18211 (Slovakia) | tollfree= | fax= | hours=08:00-18:35 | price=€5, €8 return | content=Leaves from the airport terminal building and arrives to Südtiroler Platz (U1) in under two hours. Intermediate stops in Bratislava, at Vienna Airport, some at Erdberg (U3). Check schedule. }} * {{listing | name=Train | url=http://www.oebb.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€13 (return ticket, not one direction ticket) | content= Bratislava public bus 61 to final stop, Hlavná stanica/Main Station (buy bus ticket at yellow machine before boarding and stamp in the bus). Buy a ticket to Vienna and take the train to Wien Hauptbahnhof. Takes about 1 hour. }} * {{listing | name=Late arriving flights: | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Should an evening flight arrive late, after 22:30 you can bargain for a cab or spend the night in Bratislava (last bus for Vienna leaves from the airport at 22:45). }} * {{listing | name=Early departing flights: | url=http://www.oebb.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Take a cab or spend the night at a hostel or at the airport or take the early train leaving from Wien Hauptbahnhof (~05:20) to Bratislava hl. st. (arriving ~06:30) and then take bus No. 61 to the airport (or take a cab). It is possible to catch 08:00 flights this way. }} * {{listing | name=Rosenov Airport Transfer | alt= | url=http://www.rosenov.at/index_en.htm | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43-1-485 77 77 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 09:00-18:00 | price=€75 | content=Offer a flat rate transfer to/from Vienna. }} ====Alternative airports in the region==== [[Budapest]] and [[Munich airport| Munich]] Airports are at least 3 and 5 hours out, respectively. There is a direct albeit not so speedy shuttle van from '''Budapest Ferihegy Airport''' to Vienna Schwechat Airport, departing three time daily, for €36. It is cheaper and quicker to transfer via [[Vienna#Hungary|bus]] or [[Vienna#from Hungary|train]] from Budapest city which can be [[Budapest#Airport transfer|reached easily]] from Ferihegy Airport. From '''[[Munich International Airport]]''' you should take the commuter train into the city and transfer to a [[high speed rail|high-speed]] RailJet train to Vienna at Munich's main station. Austrian Railways [http://www.oebb.at/ (ÖBB)] sell tickets for the entire journey from that airport to Vienna from €29. Some other smaller airports in the region are served by budget airlines: [[Linz]] (2 hours by train), [[Graz]] (2.5 hours by train), and [[Brno]] (2.5 hours by train or bus). ===By train=== [[File:Wien Hauptbahnhof, 2014-10-14 (50).jpg|thumb|Wien Hauptbahnhof]] [[File:Wien Hbf 2.JPG|thumb|Platforms of Wien Hauptbahnhof]] [[File:Karte Railjet-Strecken.png|thumb|Long-distance-trains-map of Austria]] The station names of all stops in Vienna start with its German name "Wien". This is internationally recognized and helpful for buying tickets. The railways are managed by the [http://www.oebb.at/en/ Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB]. Read more about [[Austria#By train and bus|train travel within Austria]] and [[Austria#By train|reaching Austria by train]]. The city's main railway stations include: * {{listing | type=go | name=Wien Hauptbahnhof abbreviated ''Wien Hbf'' | alt= | url=http://www.hauptbahnhof-wien.at/ | email= | address= | lat=48.185 | long=16.377778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wien Hauptbahnhof | image=Bahnsteige Wien Hbf.JPG | wikidata=Q697300 | lastedit=2019-06-23 | content=The city's main train station, where most international and long-distance domestic services call. Like Paris or London Vienna had inherited several rail terminals from the 19th century unlike the former and similar to Berlin the situation was addressed in the 21st century with most trains now serving Hauptbahnhof which is as impressive as you'd think if a newer building. All ÖBB long-distance services have been moved to this station.<br /><br />The ÖBB lounge, on the second level, is worth the time to visit. Coffee and snacks are available, in a quiet atmosphere. }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Wien Meidling | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.175 | long=16.335278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wien Meidling railway station | image=Wien Meidling1.JPG | wikidata=Q514441 | content=Where all services stop arriving from the west and the south towards the Hauptbahnhof. If your final destination is in the west or northwest of the city, you can save significant time if you alight in Meidling instead of Hauptbahnhof and continue with the Metro U6. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Wien Westbahnhof | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.196667 | long=16.337778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Wien Westbahnhof railway station | image=Westbahnhof.jpg | wikidata=Q698145 | content=The services from Salzburg run by the private company '''[http://www.westbahn.at WestBahn]''' terminate here. Apart from it, only regional trains serve the Westbahnhof. Westbahn also serves a few other otherwise regional stations such as Wien Mitte and Wien Praterstern. }} All of those stations are also served by the Wiener S-Bahn and are connected to U-Bahn stations. It is best to check the schedules online. The [http://fahrplan.oebb.at ÖBB connection search] allows to specify the exact train, subway or tram stop you are going to/departing from. Ticket offices are normally open during all departure hours at Wien Hauptbahnhof, Wien Meidling and Wien West (around 05:00-23:00). The automatic ticket machines have English input and allow cash or card payment (Visa, Maestro, etc.) There are very frequent trains for all neighboring regions and countries. Night trains and quicker ''Euro-City'' trains arrive from virtually every city in Central Europe. High-speed ''ICE'' and ''RailJet'' trains arrive from places like [[Munich]], [[Budapest]] and [[Zurich]]. There are frequent (at least hourly) regional trains to Czech, Slovak and Hungarian border regions. The special fare is named '''Sparschiene''' and must be booked quite in advance. It is available for high-speed trains. When buying '''tickets''', consider two domestic tickets instead of one international one, as it is often cheaper. Tickets can normally still be purchased to the border and from there to your destination in another country. In combination, they will have you covered for the entire international route without the need to change trains. Sometimes you can buy both tickets before departure, otherwise see with the ticket agents if the conductor will be able to issue you with a domestic ticket once you cross the border to Austria. ====From Germany==== Vienna has many direct railway connections to German cities. Some of them are: * [[Frankfurt]] - under 7 hours, a few times daily * [[Munich]] - under 4 hours, every two hours * [[Nuremberg]] - 4.5 hours, every two hours * [[Passau]] - 2.5 hours, every two hours Those cities are served by the Austrian ''Railjet'' or German ''Inter-City-Express'' (ICE) [[high-speed trains]]. Some of those services to Vienna also call at [[Cologne]], [[Duesseldorf]], [[Stuttgart]] or [[Wiesbaden]], as well as major stations in between, with lesser frequency than listed above. Even fewer services start as far out as [[Hamburg]], from where the ICE takes 9 hours to reach Vienna. The Railjet ''can'' accommodate bicycles, whereas the German ICE cannot. The classic overnight train ''Metropol'' from [[Berlin]] was discontinued in December 2017, but returned as a [https://www.nightjet.com/ '''ÖBB Nightjet'''] train in December 2018, running via [[Frankfurt (Oder)]] and [[Wroclaw]]. The Nightjet is offering [https://www.nightjet.com/dam/jcr:6a8041cb-0131-4ad3-84fd-25154548e5dd/nightjet-streckennetz.pdf two lines] from Vienna to Germany, Line ''NJ490'' is running from Vienna via Linz, Regensburg, Nuernberg and [[Hanover]] to [[Hamburg]], Line ''NJ40490'' is running from Vienna via Linz, [[Regensburg]], Nuernberg, [[Frankfurt]] and [[Cologne]] to Duesseldorf. ====From Czech Republic==== There are two companies operating trains between Prague (via Brno) to Vienna. Czech Railways (ČD) operate jointly with ÖBB a Railjet service every two hours with prices varying mostly between 15 and 30 € (bookable online or at a ČD ticket office). After cheap tickets are sold out at ČD, there may be some more at ÖBB. Another option is to take a private RegioJet train, which links Prague and Vienna four times a day for a similar price but with a different concept of on-board services. In the Czech Republic, railjet trains are abbreviated as ''rj'' and RegioJet as ''RJ'', Both ČD+ÖBB and RJ accept InterRail passes but they do not recognise each other's tickets. The ÖBB also sell one-way 'SparSchiene' to Brno (€12), Ostrava (€14) and Prague (€29). Its cheaper to just get this to Brno and buy an onward domestic ticket to Prague (€5-10), and there is better availability than with the single Prague ticket. EURegio tickets are valid from Vienna to cities near to the border and tourist towns, including the return ticket with-in four days; [[Znojmo]] €15, [[Mikulov]] €18, [[České Budějovice]] (Budweis) €27 or [[Český Krumlov]] €27, and [[Plzeň]] €29 (children half-price, weekly and monthly tickets available). ====From Hungary==== From [[Budapest]] Keleti buy a discounted round-trip ticket, ''kirándulójegy'' (excursion or 4-day ticket) for €31. It includes the return within 4 days and is valid for all public transportation in Vienna for 2 days. So it's a deal even if you don't need a return ticket to Budapest. There are limited number of SparSchiene tickets each day for €13. All tickets are valid in all trains (including the high-speed RailJet). Trains confusingly depart Budapest East (Keleti pu), and stop at Hauptbanhof and Wien Meidling, from where they continue to Germany or Western Austria. Direct trains run every two hours or more. Otherwise transfer at Győr. To Hungary the ÖBB offers tickets from €19 to Budapest and the EURegio ticket (Vienna to Hungary and return with 4 days); [[Mosonmagyaróvár]] €12, Győr €19, [[Tatabánya]] €25, [[Fertöszentmiklós]] €19, and [[Szombathely]] €22 (children half-price, weekly and monthly tickets available). The MÁV (Hungarian Railways) do not allow combined domestic tickets when crossing the border and you are risking a severe fine if caught by conductors. ====From Slovakia==== From [[Bratislava]] the cheapest ticket is €11 (return), or €14 including a one day public transportation ticket for all of Vienna. A one-way ticket is available to Rail-Plus cardholders for €10. To Bratislava the ÖBB offers an EURegio ticket for €16 valid for return (in 4 days) and for travel on public transportation in Bratislava on the day of arrival. Its also free to take a bike along. A one-way ticket leaving from Vienna also costs €14 but doesn't include public transportation in Bratislava, so get the EURegio ticket and maybe you can give it to someone else who's headed for Vienna once you get to Bratislava. ====From Eastern Europe==== Via [[Slovakia]] or [[Hungary]]. Each railway has an independent partnership with others, so tickets can be much cheaper to (or from) neighboring countries. A common type is the CityStar ticket that is valid for return and can be sold any station in the participating countries. [[Sopron]] in Hungary is near to Vienna (€14, hourly trains) for tickets on [http://www.mav.hu/ MÁV Hungarian Railways] at that train station (operated by the [https://www.gysev.hu/ Raaberbahn Railway]). [http://www.mav-start.hu/res/vasuti_menetdijtablazatok-09-12-13.pdf Hungarian prices]. [[Bratislava]] in Slovakia is another nearby alternative. Most tickets must be purchased 3 days in advance, possibly meaning an extra trip to the border to buy the ticket in advance. *'''Greece''': CityStar tickets are sold between anywhere in Greece and Hungary. *'''Bulgaria''': [http://www.bdz.bg/ BDZ] sell the return CityStar directly to Vienna (€88), a group of 3 will pay €59 each. Conversly you'll have to go to the Hungarian Railways if you want to go the other way. *'''Turkey''': Buy a ticket to the border at Kapikule (€5 from [[Istanbul]]), get a ticket from Bulgarian Railways. *'''Serbia''': [http://www.serbianrailways.com/ Serbian Railways] sell the so-called ''Wien Sepzial'' for €70 return from Belgrade, but a cheaper connection can be made through Budapest, buying the Budapest-Vienna portion in Hungary (€56 return). *'''Russia''': There are once weekly trains from [[Moscow]] and [[Saint Petersburg]], on Thursdays. More departures are often available during the summer season. '''[http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en RZD]''' sells online tickets. *'''Ukraine''': There is a daily overnight train from [[Kyiv]] (22 hr). ===By car=== [[File:2012 Wien 0123 (7387020700).jpg|thumbnail|right|A parking garage in Erdbergstraße]] Only one in two Viennese households has a car and fewer than 1/3 of the trips taken within the city are by car. However, since parking space is scarce in the inner districts and parking fees apply to all inner and include many outer districts too, it is usually a good idea for visitors to leave their car parked somewhere in the periphery and use the city's excellent subway & tram system to get to the center. The '''[http://parkandride.at/ Park and Ride]''' is available at some subway stations in the city periphery for €3 per day. The weekly rates come with a discount if you add a subway/tram ticket. For using the Austrian highway system, you will need a toll sticker ("Autobahnvignette"), which you can buy at gas stations and rest stops. There are stickers for 10 days, 2 months and 1 year. In Vienna, avoid the A23 Südosttangente at rush hour. Traffic jams are almost guaranteed there and throughout the city streets at rush hour. '''Parking''' anywhere within districts 1-10, 12, 14-17, 20, and in specially marked areas is restricted to 120 minutes (M-F, from 09:00 and 22:00) (12:00, 14:00-17:00, 09:00-19:00) and subject to a fee of €2.10 per hour unless you have a resident permit. The municipality provides detailed information on parking [http://www.wien.gv.at/english/transportation/parking/ on their website in English]. If you're unsure whether fees apply to the place you're in there's a free Android app that can help you. Payment is made by marking the time of arrival on a ticket ("Parkschein"), which can be bought at tobacco shops. If you have an Austrian cell number, you can pay by text or using [https://www.handyparken.at/ a smartphone app]. Commercial car parks ("Parkhaus", "Parkgarage") are available throughout the city, but these can be very expensive (for instance, €32 per day in the Parkgarage Freyung). Parking-tickets are not available at machines. You can buy parking-tickets at following places: * Trafik (tobacco-stores) * Ticket-machines and ticket-shops in the metro-stations * Post offices * Gas-stations * Car-mobile clubs (ÖAMTC and ARBÖ) ==== Park-and-Ride Places ==== You can find Park-and-Ride Places in Vienna at following stations of the U-Bahn (Vienna Metro) and S-Bahn (Suburban-Train Vienna): * {{rint|vienna|U1}} Leopoldau, Aderklaaer Straße, Neulaa, Oberlaa * {{rint|vienna|U2}} Donaustadtbrücke * {{rint|vienna|U3}} Ottakring, Erdberg * {{rint|vienna|U4}} Hütteldorf, Spittelau * {{rint|vienna|U6}} Siebenhirten, Perfektastraße, Spittelau * '''Suburban-Train:''' Wien-Hütteldorf (S45, S50, S80), Wien-Liesing (S2, S3, S4), Wien-Leopoldau (S1), Wien-Ottakring (S45) ===By bus=== There is a slew of international bus services coming into Vienna daily. It is safe to assume that discounts are available (about 10% from Eurolines affiliates, about 15% on independent carriers) for those under 26 and over 60 on walk-up fares but not on discounted advanced purchase ("promo") tickets. Eurolines Austria, is the largest operator. Euroline's own vehicles have assured quality, but this is not the case of all of their international partners. Confusingly Eurolines Austria is doesn't always cooperate with an inbound Eurolines affiliate from another country, for instance there are two competing Eurolines services (Slovak and Austria) to Bratislava departing from separate stops. Always check the webpages of both the arrival and departure countries' Eurolines affiliated operator for the best price as well as checking for non-affiliated carriers. There are two main bus stations in Vienna, and other locations where national and international services deposit passengers. *'''[https://www.vib-wien.at/en/vib-busterminal Vienna International Busterminal (VIB)]''' located adjacent to the subway stop Erdberg (U3) is overseen by the local Eurolines affiliate ''Blaguss'', who publish [http://www.eurolines.at/en/home/travel_with_eurolines/timetables/ timetables]. *'''Waldmanngründe''' on the southwest corner of '''Südtiroler Platz'''(U1, S-Bahn) is a stop with an office only for services to Bratislava, other operators have offices in the nearby streets or just operate curbside services. *'''Praterstern''' on the (U1, U2 and S-Bahn) has two main bus stops, one in Lasallestraße for Tourbus services from the Czech Republic and one in Nordbahnstraße for Orangeways service to Hungary. * '''[https://www.flixbus.com/bus-schedule-bus-stop/vienna?wt_eid=2154110066800316018&wt_t=1541100768671&_ga=2.149470646.1071117394.1541100669-860094230.1541100669 Busstation Westbahnhof-Felberstraße/Europaplatz] Felberstraße''', 1150 Wien, stop of long distance-busses at the trainstation Westbahnhof. *'''[https://www.busterminal-vienna.at/en/ Busterminal Vienna/Stadioncenter]''' on the east (Address: Engerthstraße 242-244, 1020 Vienna, near the metro station U2 Stadion) is a stop of the yellow Student Agency coaches. *'''Vienna International Airport''' is served by nearly all buses to Bratislava, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, in addition to each bus line's city stop. ====Austria==== There are few private domestic inter-city bus lines in Austria. Several regional services to Vienna operated by a mix of the federal government, the states of [[Lower Austria]] and [[Burgenland]], local governments and coach operators. Sometimes the cash-price for these is marginally lower than the train, otherwise the normal VOR public transport rates apply. They are most useful for traveling to the countryside, though timing and different departure locations in Vienna can make them attractive for inter-city travel in certain cases. All routes are operated with high-quality coaches and regional buses. * {{listing | name=Dr. Richard | url=http://www.richard.at/ | email= | address=Friedrichstraße 7 | lat= | long= | directions=Karlsplatz (across from the Secession Building) and other stops across Vienna | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Graz €21.80 (€12 cheaper than by train) | content= Southern [[Lower Austria]], [[Burgenland]] and [[Styria]]. The '''[http://www.linie-g1.at/ 311]''' [http://www.linie-g1.at/linie-g1/g1/ Timetable] makes numerous regional stops but gets to [[Graz]] in about the same amount of time as the train. Up to 4 daily buses, free Wi-Fi. }} * {{listing | name=Postbus | url=http://www.postbus.at/de/Services/RM_WNB/index.jsp | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | name=WESTbus | url=http://www.westbus.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€29 | content=[[Klagenfurt]] and [[Graz]]. Twice daily. }} * {{listing | name=Wiesel Bus | url=http://www.wieselbus.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€0.10 less than the train | content=From several points across the city to [[St. Pölten]]. Free wifi on many services. }} * {{listing | name=FlixBus | url=http://www.flixbus.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Tickets from €5 | content= Free Wi-Fi and a guaranteed seat. Connects seven cities in Austria. }} ====Balkans==== If you are traveling from the [[Balkans]] there are plenty of buses daily. Some may not be advertised and tickets are often not for sale at the ticket counter, rather from the bus driver or attendant. Ask around the bus stations, most of them leave in the afternoon. Buses from non-EU countries may be subject to higher scrutiny at the border. Sometimes operators smuggle or transport goods to supplement their low fares and the Hungarian border guards are not afraid to accept bribes from non-EU operators. You will likely never be asked to participate monetarily, although a bus driver may ask to put a carton of cigarettes above your seat or in your luggage. Legally, you're transporting "your own" one-carton cigarette allowance across the border, so you will not get in any trouble for that. It is also okay to decline cooperation. Most buses from [[Serbia]] go to VIB Erdberg (U3) whie most buses from [[Kosovo]] and [[Albania]] go to Südtiroler Platz (U1). Bus lines from [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] and [[Croatia]] are split between the two bus stations. Slovenia * {{listing | name=Turanus.Shuttles | url=http://www.turanus.com | email=turanus.shuttles@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+38640802525 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=from €190 for a group of 5 | content= Exclusive shuttle between Ljubljana and Vienna. }} * {{listing | name=FlixBus | url=http://www.flixbus.com/bus/vienna | | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Routes from Vienna and Graz to Maribor and Ljubljana }} Croatia * {{listing | name=Adria Reisen | url=http://www.adriareisen.at/Urlaub-in-Kroatien/Busreisen/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg / U2 Schottenring | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€150 return | content= Between Vienna and assorted destinations on the Adriatic in Croatia. Three weekly. }} * {{listing | name=Autobusni promet d.d. Varaždin | url=http://www.ap.hr/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€35/€50 return | content= Direct from [[Zagreb]]. Up to 3 times daily. }} * {{listing | name=Croatiabus | url=http://www.croatiabus.hr/ | email= | address=Südtiroler Platz | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€35/€50 return | content= Direct from Zagreb. Twice daily. }} * {{listing | name=WESTbus | alt=by Blaguss Eurolines Austria | url=https://westbus.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€29 | content=Daily afternoon departure from Zagreb to Vienna, morning departure from Vienna to Zagreb. }} Bosnia and Herzegovina * {{listing | name=Autoprevoz Banjaluka | alt= | url=http://www.autoprevoz.ba/ | email=info@autoprevoz.org | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone=+387 51 306 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=~9.5 hr | price=€39/€66 return | content=[[Banja Luka]], [[BiH]]. }} * {{listing | name=Biss-Tours | alt= | url=http://biss-tours.ba/services/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+387 33236620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Sarajevo, Zenica. }} Serbia * {{listing | name=Fudeks | url=http://www.fudeks.rs/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€30/€50 return | content= Belgrade. }} * {{listing | name=Feniks GiZ | url=http://www.feniksgiz.rs/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€25/€40 return | content= Novi Sad (€25) via Subotica (€20). Daily. Onward connection from Belgrade available at Novi Sad. }} * {{listing | name=Jovic Travel | url=http://www.jovictravel.rs/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60 return | content= Belgrade. M Tu Su. }} * {{listing | name=Lasta | url=http://www.lasta.rs/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€45/€72 return | content= Požarevac via Belgrade. Daily. }} * {{listing | name=Niš-Ekspres | url=http://www.nis-ekspres.rs/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€55 return | content= Niš via Belgrade. Tu W Th Su. }} * {{listing | name=Srbijatransport | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€45/€72 return | content= Požarevac via Belgrade. Daily. }} * {{listing | name=Zoran Reisen | url=http://www.zoranreisen.rs/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€45/€80 return | content= Southern Serbia. Twice weekly. }} Greece * {{listing | name=Korona | url=http://www.koronatravel.gr | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= No direct services exist, but Korona Travel offers service from Bratislava. }} Macedonia * {{listing | name=EuroBus Macedonia | url=http://www.eurobus.com.mk | email=eurobus_mk@yahoo.de | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone=+436643014416 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€75/€140 return | content= direct to [[Skopje]], [[Tetovo]], [[Gostivar]], [[Ohrid]], [[Struga]]. }} Bulgaria * {{listing | name=Ecolines | url=http://www.ecolines.net/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Südtiroler Platz | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€60/€100 return | content= Direct from [[Sofia]]. }} ====Baltics==== * {{listing | name=Ecolines | url=http://www.ecolines.net/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Vilnius €85/€128 return | content= Departs from Südtiroler Platz (U1). Makes regular stops along the way to [[Tallinn]]. }} * {{listing | name=Kautra | url=http://www.kautra.lt/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Vilnius €101/182 return | content= Run in conjunction with Tourbus. Makes regular stops along the way to [[Vilnius]]. }} ====Czech Repbulic==== * {{listing | name=WESTbus | alt=Eurolines Austria by Blaguss and Eurolines Bohemia by Touring | url=http://www.westbus.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB Erdberg | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Prague €19 | content=Three daily buses to Brno and Prague some with wifi and power outlets. Compare prices at https://www.elines.cz {{dead link|December 2020}} and http://www.eurolines.at }} * {{listing | name=Student Agency | url=http://www.studentagency.eu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Brno €5-8, Prague €12-18 | content=Six or more daily buses with free coffee, newspapers, movies. Improved service with touchscreen in-ride-entertainment a every seat and free wifi on most buses. Departs from Lasallestraße at Praterstern. }} * {{listing | name=Tourbus, a.s. | url=http://www.tourbus.cz/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Brno €5 | content= Stops at VIB and Lasallestraße at Praterstern. }} Minibuses, or shuttle vans to [[Český Krumlov]] and surrounds are common, but more expensive that EURegio train tickets, especially for round-trips. Buses take around 3 hours, while trains take upwards of 4 hours and often require two easy train changes. Minibuses may match their times to passengers needs. * {{listing | name=Bean Shuttle | alt=Cheapest shuttle between Vienna and Cesky Krumlov | url=http://www.beanshuttle.com/en/transfers/vienna-to-cesky-krumlov/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€35 | content= offers direct shuttle bus between Vienna and Cesky Krumlov for 800 [[Czech Republic#Noney|CZK]] per person and between Vienna and České Budějovice for 900 CZK. }} ====Denmark==== * {{listing | name=Bohemian Lines | url=http://www.bohemianlines.cz {{dead link|December 2020}} | email=info@bohemianlines.cz | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+420 416 810 054 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 08:00-20:00 | price=Copenhagen €65/€117 return | content=Runs twice a week or more from nearby [[Brno]]. Its a cheap connection with no advanced purchase requirement, you just have to get yourself to Brno on another bus company (€5-8 from Vienna). €61+5/€107+10 return. }} * {{listing | name=Eurolines AT/Blaguss | url=http://www.eurolines.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Copenhagen €101/€170 return | content= Requires a change of bus "assisted" by the driver (guaranteed connection) in Prague. "Business class service" through-and-through, free wifi within the Czech Republic and Germany. It can be cheaper to book the same connection in advance through [http://www.elines.cz/en/ Czech Eurolines] {{dead link|December 2020}} (from €40 Copehangen-Prague + €7 Prague-Vienna) or [http://www.eurolines.dk/ Eurolines Scandinavia] and [http://www.eurolines.de/ German Eurolines] (from €18 Copenhagen-Berlin + €18 Berlin-Vienna). }} ====Germany==== Many companies offer [[Intercity buses in Germany]], many of them also serving Vienna. Prices tend to be lower than on the train while travel times can be significantly higher. * {{listing | name=Eurolines | alt=Eurolines Austria by Blaguss, Eurolines Bohemia, Eurolines Deutsche Touring, BEX, Berlin Linien Bus | url=http://www.eurolines.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dresden, Berlin €15-50 | content=These companies run one daily ("Business Class" with outlets and wifi) and one nightly joint service to Berlin. Check the respective website for sale tickets: http://www.eurolines.at/, http://www.eurolines.de/ }} * {{listing | name=Orangeways | url=http://www.orangeways.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Bratislava bus station | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Dresden €22, Berlin €30 | content=It's a slight detour to Bratislava (€7 by bus) to catch one of two daily buses to Berlin, but it can be a lot cheaper and the bus runs on a faster highway. }} * {{listing | name=FlixBus | url=https://www.flixbus.com/bus/vienna | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Prices from €5 | content= Several connections from Austria to Germany. }} ====Hungary==== * {{listing | name=Eurolines | alt=by Blaguss, Blaguss Agora and Volanbusz | url=http://www.eurolines.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=VIB | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Győr €9, Budapest €10-19/€14-38rt | content= Affliates cooperate to run five buses daily from/to Budapest, some stopping in [[Győr]] and resort towns like [[Mosonmagyaróvár]] and [[Sopron]]. Some buses have wifi. Tickets are cheaper if purchased [http://www.volanbusz.hu/en/ online]. }} * {{listing | name=Orangeways | url=http://www.orangeways.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Budapest €6-€14/€14-20 return | content= Cheap way to [[Hungary]]. Arrives at Nordbahnstrasse 50 near Praterstern from [[Budapest]] four times daily. More expensive at peak times, cheaper to book in Hungarian forints. Popular times are often sell out. Free hot drinks, movies, headphones on some services. }} ====Italy==== * {{listing | name=Kautra | url=http://www.kautra.lt/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Walk-up promo-fare €29 all destinations | content= [[Udine]], [[Venice]], [[Bologna]], [[Florence]], [[Rome]]. Tickets at VIB. }} * {{listing | name=Tourbus, a.s. | url=http://www.tourbus.cz/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=from €40 | content= [[Udine]], [[Venice]], [[Bologna]], [[Florence]], [[Rome]], [[Naples]], etc. Tickets at VIB. }} * {{listing | name=Student Agency | url=http://www.studentagency.eu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=from €52 | content= [[Udine]], [[Venice]], [[Bologna]], [[Florence]], [[Rome]]. Book online, stop at Praterstern. }} ====Poland==== * {{listing | name=Eurolines Polska | url=http://eurolines.pl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Polish destinations (Krakow, Warsaw) from €36/72 return | content= }} * {{listing | name=Ecolines | url=http://www.ecolines.net/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Polish destinations (Krakow, Warsaw) €48/€86 return | content= Departs from Südbahnhof/South Station. }} * {{listing | name=Jordan | url=http://autobusy.jordan.pl/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Walk up one-way/return: Katowice €38/€68, Łódź €41/€73, Warsaw €43/€77 | content= Run in conjunction with Veolia Eurolines Polska. Discounted tickets on their [http://www.jordan.billy.pl Polish booking site] [[Kraków]] €30, [[Katowice]] €30, [[Lodz]] €33, [[Warsaw]] €35. }} * {{listing | name=Kautra | url=http://www.kautra.lt/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Krakow €46/€83, Warsaw €61/109 return | content= Run in conjunction with Tourbus. }} * {{listing | name=PolskiBus | url=http://polskibus.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Warsaw (via Katowice) from €1 | content= Cheap, bucket-priced bus around twice daily to Katowice and Warsaw. Departs Südtiroler Platz. }} * {{listing | name=Tatar Czuk | url=http://www.tatarczuk.pl/?site=content&id=45&lang=en | email= | address=Schweizergarten near Südbahnhof S-Bahn | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Wroclaw €24 | content= Daily minibus service. }} ====Romania==== It can be cheaper, faster and the buses can be more frequent if you change buses in Budapest, for instance on Eurolines HU/Volanzbus or Orangeways, depending upon your destination in Romania. * {{listing | name=Atlassib | url=http://www.atlassib.ro/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bucharest €59/€94 return | content= A daily overnight traveling across Romania to Vienna, book through Eurolines.at or with Atlassib. }} * {{listing | name=Eurolines RO | url=http://www.eurolines.ro/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bucharest €124 return | content= Extreme arrival times in Vienna (02:45) and departure times depending on origin and destination. }} * {{listing | name=Turanus.shuttle | url=http://www.turanus.com/ | email=turanus.shuttles@gmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+38640802525 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€120 | content= Fast minibus service. Reservations required by phone, website or email. }} ====Slovakia==== [[Bratislava]]: For information on direct buses from Bratislava Airport see [[Vienna#Bratislava Milan Rastislav .C5.A0tef.C3.A1nik Airport|here]]. * {{listing | name=Blaguss | url=http://www.eurolines.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€6/€11 return | content= 10 daily buses daily from Bratislava Airport, stopping also at Novy Most (city center) and Bratislava Petrzalka (Einsteinova St.) Stops also at Vienna Airport and arrives at Erdberg (Subway U3) in about an hour. }} * {{listing | name=Postbus/Slovak Lines | alt= | url=http://www.slovaklines.sk/main-page.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€7.70, €14.30 return | content=19 daily buses from Bratislava main bus station at Mlynské Nivy (8 of them start from Bratislava Airport and then go to Bratislava main bus station), stopping also at Bratislava Petrzalka (Einsteinova ul.) to Südtiroler Platz (Subway U1) in approximately 90 minutes. Intermediate stop at Vienna Airport. }} [[Nitra]], [[Košice]] and the rest of [[Slovakia]]: There are more frequent buses if you change buses in Bratislava, for instance on SlovakLines. * {{listing | name=eurobus, a. s. | url=https://online.eurobus.sk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Nitra €28 return, Košice €42 return | content= Has frequent buses traveling across Slovakia from their Košice base to across Europe via Vienna. Booking online is possible via their ''homebuy'' service. This service also is the best overview of buses between Slovakia and Vienna since it includes all schedules. }} ====Turkey==== * {{listing | name=Varan | alt= | url=http://www.varan-bus.net/index_en.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Ticket Office: Südtirolerplatz 7 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Istanbul €110/€200 return, Online €104/€190 return | content=On Tuesday and Friday to/from [[Istanbul]] from Südtiroler Platz bus depot. }} ====Ukraine==== * {{listing | name=Евроклуб | alt=Euroclub | url=http://eclub.kiev.ua/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Kyiv €100/€180 return | content= Arriving Sunday from [[Kyiv]] via [[Lvov]] among others returning on Monday. Departure and tickets from VIB. }} ====Long-distance tours==== * {{listing | name=Busabout | url=http://www.busabout.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=from €349 | content= Busabout's "northern loop" passes through Vienna every other day during the summer (May–October). }} ===By boat=== [[File:Schwedenbrücke Donaukanal Wien 2012 04.jpg|thumbnail|Take a Twin City Liner catamaran from Schwedenbrücke in Vienna to the Slovak capital of [[Bratislava]]]] Riverboats on the Danube include connections with [[Linz]], [[Bratislava]] and [[Budapest]], but are slower and more expensive than other options. * {{listing | name=LOD | url=https://www.lod.sk/en/cruises-2/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €22 per adult, €15,50 for a kid |lastedit=2022-07-21| content= Run a fast hydrofoil between Vienna and Bratislava May–October with up to two daily departures. The dock is in the 2nd District on the Danube proper (U1 Vorgartenstraße, Dock 6 on the Danube). Sailing time 13:30 downstream 13:45 upstream. }} * {{listing | name=Twin City Liner | url=http://www.twincityliner.com/web/index.php | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From €33 |lastedit=2022-07-21| content= A fast catamaran between Vienna and Bratislava March–December with up to four daily departures. The dock is in the 1st District at Schwedenplatz. Sailing time 13:15 downstream 13:30 upstream. }} * {{listing | name=Mahart Passnave | url=http://www.mahartpassnave.hu/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Bratislava €29/€39 return, Visegrád/Budapest €89/€109 return, student discount available | content= Operate a fast hydrofoil between Vienna and Budapest May–October with daily departures during the peak season. The dock is in the 2nd District on the Danube proper (U1 Vorgartenstraße, dock on the Danube). Sailing time 05:30 downstream 06:30 upstream. The boat only moors [[Bratislava]] and [[Visegrád]] if arranged. }} * {{listing | name=Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Köck | alt= | url=http://www.donauschiffahrt.de/en/home.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=from €12 | content=Operate ships between Vienna and Linz. Sailing is slow and expensive but the ships travel through the famous [[Wachau]] river valley. Combine tickets including return via train are available. }} ==Get around== {{infobox|Dually-Named Stations|Several stations have more than one name. Get the idea the city and the railways have a tense history? * Wien '''Mitte''' – '''Landstraße''' * Wien '''Nord''' – '''Praterstern'''}} ===Public transportation=== Vienna has a good [http://www.wien.gv.at/english/transportation-urbanplanning/public-transport/ public transportation system], which includes rail, commuter rail, underground, trams (trolleys), and buses. The underground is very efficient and will take you to within a few minutes walk of anywhere you are likely to want to visit. The subway alone has the second highest per-capita ridership in the world, and that is not accounting for the 27 tram lines, dozens of train lines or numerous buses. Enquiries for routes and timetables are possible with the mobile application ''WienMobil'', that is supplied by the public transport operator. The app is available for [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=at.wienerlinien.wienmobillab Android], [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wienmobil/id1107918142 IOS] and can be accessed without installation [https://m.qando.at/wl_qando_mobileweb/monitorSelect on the internet]. ====Accessibility==== The entire U-Bahn system has step-free access, but entering the platform is only allowed with a valid ticket. Buses are all low-floor, with lifts for full wheelchair accessibility. The tram system runs a mixture of older high-floor and modern low-floor trams. At tram stops with digital displays, it is indicated whether the next tram arriving is step-free accessible. Wiener Linien generally schedules the trams so you won't have to let more than one go by before a low-floor one comes along. All U-Bahn stations have textured pavement on the platform to assist blind patrons in recognizing the platform edge. '''Service dogs''' can be taken anywhere on the system, but if they are not officially registered as such with the Austrian government, they must be muzzled (As a practical matter, the transit authorities will pretty much never question whether an obvious service dog is registered, though). Ordinary dogs can be taken almost anywhere on public transit, but must either be in an enclosed carrier or leashed and muzzled. More information about accessibility can be found [https://www.wienerlinien.at/eportal3/ep/channelView.do/pageTypeId/66533/channelId/-4001458 online.] ====Fares==== [[File:Wien Linie 02 20 Stubentor a.jpg|thumb|Vienna Ring Road with a tram]] [[File:Tram interior edit1.jpg|thumbnail|right|Inside a vintage Viennese tram.]] Public transportation within the city proper, including most everywhere you are likely to visit (the entire subway and tram network) is a single zone (Kernzone 100). Any transportation can be used: subway, any train – even high-speed ones – as long as you are traveling between two Vienna stations, trams, buses, night buses, and an interurban railway (the Wiener Lokalbahn) within the city limits. You must validate (stamp) your ticket if the time and date is not printed on it, before entering the subway platform or train or as soon as you get on a bus or tram. You do not need to show your ticket to the bus or tram operator. Although there are not many spot checks, the fee for traveling without a ticket is €100. Tickets are available at machines (Visa, MC accepted) and from counters at subway and rail stations as well as at tobacco shops ("Tabaktrafik"). They can also be bought [https://shop.wienerlinien.at/index.php/generic/culture/en?return=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.wienerlinien.at%2F online] for printout or via [https://shop.wienerlinien.at/index.php/cms/page/27.0/0#wzt3 a mobile app] to present them via the mobile phone. *''Single Trip Ticket'' €2.40: A single direction uninterrupted trip to anywhere, with as many transfers as needed. *''Single Trip Senior Ticket'' €1.50: Like the single ticket, but only for people 65 years or older. *''Discounted Single Trip Ticket'': €1.20: For children between 6 and 15 years. *''Day ticket'' €5.80. Valid till 01:00 on the following day. Available only [https://shop.wienerlinien.at/index.php/product/694/show/0/0/0/0/buy online] or via [https://shop.wienerlinien.at/index.php/cms/page/27.0/0#wzt3 the mobile app]. *''24-hour ticket'' €8.00: Valid from time stamped. *''48-hour ticket'' €14.10: Valid from time stamped. *''72-hour ticket'' €17.10: Valid from time stamped. *''Week ticket/Wochenkarte'' €17.10: Valid Monday 00:00 through next Monday 09:00. *''8-day Climate Ticket'' €40.80: Valid for an entire day until 01:00 the following day, each day you stamp the ticket (fold it and stamp a new box as needed). It is possible stamp the ticket multiple times for multiple people on a single day if traveling in a group. (For example, this ticket may be used by four people on two separate days, but four sections must be stamped each day.) Children up to 14 do not need a ticket on Sundays, holidays and during Austrian school vacations. Children 15–19 are also exempt if they are enrolled in school in Austria. Bicycles will be transported for free, but this is only permitted in the U-Bahn and from Monday to Friday only between 09:00 and 15:00, and after 18:30. On the weekends, you can take the bike on the U-Bahn 24 hours. If you are staying for a few days and hope to do tons of sightseeing and/or shopping, the '''[https://www.viennacitycard.at/index.php?lang=EN Vienna Card]''' (''Wien Karte'') is a good deal. It costs €29 and is good for 72 hours of unlimited public transit within Vienna. The card also gets you discounts (typically €1 or €2 at the major museums and art galleries) to many attractions and shops. You can buy it at the airport, hotels, and underground stops. The Vienna Card allows one kid aged less than 15 to travel with the owner, possibly making it more attractive. One Vienna Card allows shop/museum rebates for the whole family. See the [[Vienna International Airport]] for details on transfer to/from the airport. ====Network==== The best rail (heavy rail and underground) [https://www.oebb.at/dam/jcr:cc6cd585-cb39-4fdd-9039-9c88ff53ab2d/liniennetz-ostregion.pdf transport map] is displayed at all ÖBB stations. There are so many lines that maps are normally very simplified, and there are no maps of the tram network. It can pay to ask or [http://www.wienerlinien.at/wl/ep/home.do?tabId=0 check] the best connection ahead of time. Major stations are well signed and connections are scheduled to match-up if service isn't frequent. ====U-Bahn==== [[File:Schnellverbindungen Wien.png|thumb|Rail lines inside Vienna (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Lokalbahn and local trains)]] The five '''U-Bahn''' lines {{rint|vienna|U1}} {{rint|vienna|U2}} {{rint|vienna|U3}} {{rint|vienna|U4}} {{rint|vienna|U6}} are the most common way of getting around Vienna (the U5 line is under construction, and is expected to be completed by 2026). These underground, metro or subway lines have trains during the day every 1½–5 minutes and cover most of the important parts of the city and sights. The system is easy to understand; none of the lines branch or share track and the direction is indicated by the terminus station, so you'll need to glance at the map to see what those are. Most stations have digital displays on the platforms which tell you the wait time for the next train. On some lines, certain trains do not run all the way to the end, the platform display will tell you at which station the train is terminating. On Sunday nights, Saturday nights, and on the nights before public holidays in Austria, all lines are running also at night (all 15 minutes), you don't need a special ticket to use the nightline. ====Tram==== [[File:Netzplan Straßenbahn Wien 2016.png|thumb|450x450px|Vienna's tramway network]] Tram (''Bim'', ''Straßenbahn'') lines have just a plain number or letter (''O'', ''1''). There are 27 lines which stop locally, useful for taking things a bit slower and seeing more of the city. [[File:Wien Linie 01 08 Schwedenplatz a.jpg|thumb|270px|Tramway in Vienna: public-transport-tram on the right side, ''Vienna-Ring-Tram'' (VRT) sightseeing-tour on the left side]] In 2009 the yellow tourist [http://www.wienerlinien.at/eportal3/ep/channelView.do/pageTypeId/66533/channelId/-47394 Vienna Ring Tram] was established, which travels around the Ringstraße for €9 and has an audio guide in several languages. The famous 'ring lines' 1 and 2, however, will give you the exact same view (without, of course, the audio guide) and are covered by Vienna's normal fare zone. You can take tram 1 (bound for ''Prater-Hauptalle'') from ''Oper'' to ''Schwedenplatz'' and take tram 2 (bound for ''Ottakring'') from ''Schwedenplatz'' back to ''Oper''. ====Bus==== Bus lines are denoted by a number that ends in a letter (i.e. ''3A'', ''80B''). You are unlikely to need to take a bus, but it is safe to assume if you see one that you can get on and it will take you to some higher form of transportation like the U-Bahn. Cheaper tickets (€1) are available for most 'B' buses; regular tickets and passes are also valid. ====Rail==== Vienna's suburban rail network is often overlooked by tourists. It comprises three types of trains: '''S-Bahn''' (S), which mostly serve inner suburbs and stop at all stations with few exceptions, '''Regionalbahn''' (R), which are generally more long-distant than the S-Bahn and make limited stops on parallel S-Bahn routes, but otherwise all stops, and '''RegionalExpress''' (REX), which mostly serve the outermost suburbs and make very limited stops in the inner suburbs (although not all RegionalExpress trains are suburban trains). The network also stretches over the borders of the neighbouring countries. The most important rail streches: *'''Stammstrecke''' (''Meidling''–''Hauptbahnhof'' (main station)–''Quartier Belvedere''–''Rennweg''–''Mitte''–''Praterstern''–''Floridsdorf'') trains run every 2–5 min. This is not a line itself but rather the result of the bunch of lines using the same stretch. *'''S45''' runs in the northwest of the city every 10–15 min along a beautiful railway built by architect Otto Wagner. Rail trips to the suburbs of Vienna (in Vienna city all rail stations start with "Wien") require an extra ticket. These are available as zones in VOR (Austria's Eastern Transit Region) or as point to point tickets from the railways. It is easiest to buy extra zones from the edge of the city. If you have a Vorteilscard a railway ticket will be cheaper; if you are planning to transfer to a bus the VOR-ticket is also valid for it, within the same zone. ====Interurban==== The Wiener Lokalbahn (''WLB'') also referred to as the Badner Bahn is an interurban railway traveling from the Opera running as a tram on-street southwest through Vienna to Meidling station where it becomes a railway continuing onwards through the 23rd District and through suburbs and the rolling wine hills in [[Lower Austria]] to Baden. Within Vienna proper, it's covered by the same zone 100 ticket as the rest of the tram system, but you need an extra ticket to take it out into the suburbs. ====Night Services==== [[File:Nightline Wien.jpg|thumb|NightLine Vienna]] The regular trams, trains and buses run until about 00:30 (just past midnight). Most of the commuter rail is shut between 01:00 and 04:00. On Friday, Saturday and on nights before holidays, the entire U-Bahn network runs all night. Additionally, a dense network of night buses, called "NightLiners" is available every night of the year. All Regular tickets are valid. Most buses terminate at "Kärntner Ring, Oper", which allows for easy interchange. Intervals are 15 minutes (subway), 30 minutes (bus). Daytime service resumes at 05:00. The suburban-train lines S45 (Wien Handelskai - Wien Huetteldorf) and S2 between Wien Floridsdorf and Wien Liesing are also running on Friday nights, Saturday nights and on the nights before public holidays, the interval in 30 Minutes. ===By taxi=== [[File:Fiaker Wien.jpg|thumb|right|Fiaker coachmen waiting for customers]] Motor taxis are plentiful and can normally be hailed on the street or found at a taxi stand. Fares are set to a meter price, but if you prefer, you can always negotiate a fare. Always negotiate when traveling to the airport or outside of the city limits as fares are not set to those places. Horse-drawn taxis, considered a symbol of the city, are also available in the 1st district, although these are more expensive than the motor-taxis. ===By car=== Avoid driving a car within the central ring if possible. While cars are allowed on many of the streets there, the streets are narrow and mostly one-way. They can be confusing for a visitor and parking is extremely limited (and restricted during the day). Due to the comprehensiveness of the transit system, you most likely will not need a car within Vienna, except for excursions elsewhere. Furthermore, it might be a good idea to leave your car at home during rush hours. Vienna's streets can become a little clogged in the mornings and early evenings and the drivers are not really known for being especially polite and friendly. Pedestrians have the right of way in crossing all roads at a crosswalk where there is no pedestrian signal present. If there is such a pedestrian crossing on an otherwise straight section of the road, there will be a warning sign: you are required to yield to any pedestrian on this crossing. Austrians accustomed to experienced local drivers will step out with little thought and force you to stop, so slow down here and be careful. When driving in a neighborhood this "right of way to pedestrians" is an understood rule at every intersection, although pedestrians will be more careful before they step out. Again, be on the lookout for this: if you see a pedestrian waiting to cross, you should stop at the intersection for him or her. ''Be careful when parking near tram tracks.'' Make sure the side of your car does not block the path of the tram. Otherwise the tram will be forced to stop and your car may be towed. ===By bicycle=== [[File:Trois trottinettes électriques Lime, Himmelpfortgasse, Vienne.jpg|thumb|alt=Lime|Lime]] [[File:ViennaBicycleStand.jpg|thumb|right|Bicycle stand pump at Siebensternplatz]] [[File:Citybike Wien.jpg|thumb|Citybike Wien]] [http://www.wien.gv.at/english/leisure/bike/index.htm Cycling] is another option for travelling within Vienna, although it is still seen more as a leisure activity. Vienna's compact size makes cycling attractive. On a bicycle you can reach most places of interest within half an hour. There are many bicycle paths and lanes along major streets, in parks, and by the rivers. However, it can be complicated to cross town because the lanes follow illogical routes. One major complaint is that bicycle facilities were an afterthought and this is very apparent, many stop lights and intersections are dangerously or annoyingly set for bicyclists and paths are very illogical: they are sometimes on-street sometimes off, sometimes shared with pedestrians, sometimes not, and can vary or end out of nowhere. You are required by law to use a bike lane or path if there is one, unless it is blocked, otherwise regular traffic laws apply. Lights are required at night as are independently functioning brakes. Pay attention to tram tracks in the street, and when crossing them, approach them from as close to perpendicular as possible, otherwise your tires can get caught in the groove next to the rail. If your destination is in the outer suburbs, or you want to take a relaxed ride to the countryside, you may consider taking your bike on the U-Bahn (prohibited at rush hour, and always in buses and trams) or on a train. You need a ticket for your bike in trains. On the U-Bahn (metro) it is free to transport your bike on workdays from 09:00-15:00 and after 18:30 and for the whole day on weekends. * '''[http://www.citybikewien.at CityBike]''' runs a short-term shared bike system all over the Vienna city. There are many stations in the inner districts and you can register to borrow a bike with your credit card (€1/to register) or obtain a Touristcard (€2.50/day). The first hour is free, the next €1, the third €2, etc. So always return your bike as soon as you have finished riding. 15 minutes after you return it, you can rent another or the same bike with a new free hour. Foreign credit cards work fine in the machines - but you need one credit card per person. You can't hire two bikes with one card. * '''[http://www.pedalpower.at/ Pedal Power]''' offers guided bicycle tours and bicycle rental. They deliver to hotels or you can pick them up at the Prater for a discount. ===On foot=== [[File:Graben Vienna Sept 2006.jpg|thumb|right|The busy shopping street ''Graben'' is a great starting point for a walk around Vienna]] Walking can also be very pleasant. The inner ring is quite compact with lots of pleasant cobblestoned and paved streets. It can be crossed in about 20 min. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes as this is the most common way of getting around. ==Talk== Most Viennese speak a range and mix of Viennese German and Standard German ("Hochdeutsch") as their mother tongue, unlike in most other parts of Austria where the local dialect is still more prevalent. The Viennese German is counted amongst the Austria-Bavarian dialects. It used to be specifically split by districts. It also had many Yiddish influences ("Hawara", "Beisl"). However, nowadays, basically everyone speaks Standard German as well, though the Austrian variety of German does differ in accent and somewhat in vocabulary (e.g. plastic bag is "Plastiksackerl", not "Plastiktüte") from Standard German as used in [[Germany]]. These differences are small enough that knowing Standard German is enough to get by. Should someone be so proud as to continue speaking in dialect and you don't understand, just ask the person to speak "Hochdeutsch" (standard German, literally "high German") and he/she generally will. Standard German is the sole official language and thus the main recognized written language. People in jobs dealing with foreign visitors are usually fluent in English, though English is not as universally spoken as in northern European countries, and signs (including descriptive signs in museums) don't as often include English translations as in some other European countries, so those who don't speak German may find a traveler's phrase book or bilingual dictionary useful in some situations. Apart from German and Austro-Bavarian, there are sizeable minorities in Vienna, such as Serbian, Croatian, Turkish and Romanian, who use their own languages amongst themselves and might be helpful if you speak any of their languages and come across a person of that origin. ==See== [[File:Donauturm Nacht.jpg|thumb|right|Donauturm (Danube-Tower), viewing platform, restaurant and bar, open daily]] Vienna has a rich history as the capital city of the monarchy, and thus, there is an abundance of historical buildings and museums. Most of these, including '''Stephansdom (St. Stephen's Cathedral)''' and the three most well-known museums, '''Kunsthistorisches Museum''' (Museum of Fine Arts), '''Naturhistorisches Museum''' (Museum of Natural History) and '''Albertina''', are located in the Innere Stadt. The '''Ring Road''' (German: ''Ringstraße'') is a circular road surrounding the Innere Stadt district of Vienna and is one of its main sights. Its architecture is typical of the eclectic, historicist style called Ringstraßenstil (Ring Road Style) of the 1860s to 1890s. Built in the style of the Renaissance according to plans by Heinrich von Ferstel, the '''MAK- Austrian Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Art''' is the first museum building on the ''Ringstraße''. The Schloss Schönbrunn palace, a part of the UNESCO World heritage list, is located in the Outer West area. ==Do== [[File:Opernball 0658.JPG|thumbnail|right|There is hardly a more stylish way to greet the new year than at the Vienna Opera]] * '''Ball Season''': One thing you should not miss when you visit Vienna during the carnival season is to attend one of the many glamorous balls in the city, some of them in wonderful elegant locations like the Vienna Hofburg or the City Hall (Rathaus). The most widely known and elegant balls are the Opera Ball in the [http://www.staatsoper.at State Opera] or the ball of the ''Wiener Philharmoniker''. Many professional guilds have their own ball, e.g. the ''Kaffeesiederball'' by the Vienna Coffee house owners. A different twist is the famous Life Ball, an AIDS/HIV benefit which features celebrities and other attendees wearing outrageous costumes. The ball calendar can be found on the pages of the [http://www.wien.gv.at/vadb/internet/AdvPrSrv.asp?Layout=Ballkalender&Type=S Vienna City Council] * '''River and Canal tours''' — The canal tours are horrible. All you see are trees and industrial buildings. It's a waste of money and time. *There are also a lot of other '''open-air-film festivals''' in summer, e.g. at Karlsplatz, the Vienna Turf Krieau, the Prater, the Arena, the rooftop of City Library on Urban-Loritz-Platz and Schloss Neugebäude. *In the summer, there is also '''[http://www.impulstanz.at the ImPulsTanz Festival]''' for contemporary dance & performance. They are also good if you are interested in dance workshops. * '''Football:''' international soccer matches are played at Ernst Happel Stadium on the riverbank in the [[Vienna/Inner East|Inner East]] district. The city has two club teams playing in the Austrian Bundesliga, the country's top tier: SK Rapid Wien play at Allianz Stadium in the [[Vienna/Outer West|Outer West]], and FK Austria Wien play at Generali (or Viola) Arena in the [[Vienna/Outer South|Outer South]]. ===Classical music=== [[File:Wien - Haus des Wiener Musikvereins (2).JPG|thumb|Musikverein Vienna]] Vienna is considered by many to be the spiritual home of [[European classical music]], with many great composers such as Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert and Johann Strauss II spending a significant part of their careers in Vienna. From May to December you can attend concerts of the '''[http://www.hofburgorchester.at/index.php?lang=en Vienna Hofburg Orchestra]''' which take place in the Festival Hall and the Redoutensäle of Vienna's Hofburg Imperial Palace. The orchestra's program is composed of '''Viennese waltz''' and '''operetta''' melodies by Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár and Emmerich Kálmán along with opera arias and duets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Each year on the evenings of December 31 and January 1 the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra performs traditional Viennese New Year's Eve and '''New Year's Concerts''' in the Hofburg's festival halls. These concerts however, along with those that are from similar ensembles, are quite expensive for what they offer, and are intended for the entertainment of tourists. For a more serious program, other concerts at the Musikverein and the Staatsoper can be attended for '''as little as €3-4''' (standing room). They feature some of the best musicians in the world, including of course, the [http://www.wienerphilharmoniker.at/?set_language=en Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra]. With concerts starting at almost the price of a cup of coffee, Vienna boasts a frequent and outstanding roster that is financially accessible to all. Much of the musical scene in Vienna is absent during the summer months, with the exception of the ensembles that cater to tourists. The solution would be to travel to Salzburg, where the Vienna Philharmonic resides during the summer. For those who wish to watch opera, the [http://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/Content.Node/home/Startseite-Content.en.php Vienna State Opera] is the most famous opera house in the city. === U-Bahn-Stars=== The ''Vienna U-Bahn-Stars'' are free of charge music event, daily running in the subway stations Westbahnhof, Praterstern, Karlsplatz, Stephansplatz, Neubaugasse and Spittelau. ==Buy== [[File:Wien 06 Mariahilfer Straße 065 b.jpg|thumb|right|Innere Mariahilferstrasse]] Store hours are generally M-F 08:00 or 09:00 to 18:00 or 19:00, and Sa 09:00 to 18:00, closed Sunday. There are slightly longer hours at some malls. Credit cards are normally accepted at large and at high-end stores. All chains that you can find in the malls also have stores on the city's shopping streets, which tend to be more accessible and tourist friendly. Flea markets are usually can be found on Sundays, where one can buy items at very reasonable prices. ===Outdoor markets=== [[Image:ViennaKraut.jpg|thumb|right|Kraut on Naschmarkt]] There are 21 '''[http://www.wien.gv.at/english/fima/markets.htm markets]''' with stands and small characteristically Viennese hut-like shops that are open daily (except Sunday). Additionally many of these have true farmers' markets, often on Saturday mornings. There is a large variety of sellers and markets, from the upscale to the dirt cheap. Each has several shops of different kinds (butcher, bakery, produce, coffee, etc.) There is another handful of [http://www.tourmycountry.com/austria/markets-vienna.htm weekly farmers markets] around the city and seasonal markets like the [[Christmas Markets]]. ====Christmas markets==== [[File:Belvedere-Weihnachtsdorf 3845.JPG|thumb|Belvedere Christmas Market]] Open from November 15 or 20 to December 23 or 24, most Viennese [[Christmas Markets]] ("Christkindlmarkt", "Adventmarkt" or simply "Weihnachtsmarkt") are not so much for shopping as for eating and drinking. From midday until the late hours of the night, people gather at Christmas markets to drink mulled wine, punch, and chat to one another and the occasional stranger. Entry to all of these markets is free. While Vienna can be a delightful place to visit during the Christmas season, on December 25 and 26 the city is largely shut down. * {{buy | name=Rathaus | alt= | url=http://www.christkindlmarkt.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=More of a fairground than a Christmas market, this is Vienna's largest and busiest incarnation. Located on the large town square between Rathaus and Burgtheater, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt is by far the largest and probably best known Christmas market in Vienna. Large Christmas tree in front of the townhall, skating possibility, adorned trees in the park, often crowded! }} * {{buy | name=Spittelberg | alt= | url=http://www.spittelberg.at/index.php?en_wm_weihnachtsmarkt | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Probably the most delightful, though often quite packed Christmas market in Vienna, the Spittelberg market is scattered over a series of lanes lined with picturesque early 19th century Biedermeier houses (many of them former brothels, which is the reason the area was spared early 20th century urban renewal). Some of the stalls are extensions of the shops and bars of this normally rather sleepy area. }} * {{buy | name=Maria-Theresien-Platz | alt= | url=https://www.weihnachtsmarkt.at/en/maria-theresien-platz/der-markt/geschichte/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A relatively new market between the two museums and en route to/from the MuseumsQuartier (MQ). It is easy to maneuver than some and the quality of the goods is better than most. }} * {{buy | name=Schönbrunn | alt= | url=http://www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at/en/for-visitors/schoenbrunn-edition/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One of the better markets with higher quality goods and a more festive atmosphere in front of Schönbrunn palace. It is easier to spread out here and the specialties are food, handmade soaps, and candles. }} * {{buy | name=Belvedere | alt= | url=https://www.weihnachtsmarkt.at/en/schloss-belvedere/der-markt/geschichte/ {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Another addition to the city's Christmas markets, the market in front of the Belvedere palace is spacious and emphasizes the homespun. }} * '''Resselpark/Karlsplatz''' - A small, alternative and more rambunctious Christmas market in front of Karlskirche. * {{buy | name=Freyung | alt= | url=http://www.altwiener-markt.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A fine market in the First District frequented by locals and professionals on their lunch break and downtown shoppers. Focus on handicrafts and original gifts such as hand-made Christmas decorations, mangers or objects made of natural materials. Christmas cakes and biscuits as well as hot punch and Glühwein. There are usually fewer tourists. }} Further afield a famous and overly bustling Christmas market may be found at [https://www.grafenegg.com/ Grafenegg castle]. Entry is €7, children under the age of 12 are free. ===Charity sales=== Charity auctions are common in Vienna. Some stores give their proceeds to social programmes (often second-hand store back-to-work programs similar to Goodwill, or other charity shops). ===Groceries=== Viennese '''supermarkets''' are not very large, especially compared with the hypermarkets covering the rest of Central Europe. However, there is practically one on every corner. They are open generally M-F 07:00-19:00, Sa 07:90-18:00, later on Sunday and on public holidays, few stores are open: three in train stations (in Westbahnhof to 23:00, in Praterstern and Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof to 21:00), three at the airport (to 23:09) and one at the General Hospital (Allgemeines Krankenhaus, AKH). '''[http://www.hofer.at Hofer]''', '''[http://www.penny.at/ Penny]''', and '''[http://www.lidl.at Lidl]''' strive to be discount stores, whereas '''[http://www.billa.at/ Billa]''' and '''[http://www.spar.at/ Spar]''' as well as the larger '''[http://www.merkur.at/ Merkur]''' tout selection and quality. There is not a major difference in prices. Most regular stores have a deli where the clerks make sandwiches for the cost of the ingredients you select. Although many products are Austrian none of the chains are actually Austrian-owned. If you want to support the local economy more you can do so by frequenting independent shops or visiting actual markets. '''Upscale grocers''' are not common in Vienna. ==Eat== {{eatpricerange|Below €10|€10-20|€20+}} [[Image:Wiener-Schnitzel02.jpg|thumb|right|''Schnitzel'', a true Viennese mainstay]] Viennese restaurant '''menus''' offer a bewildering variety of terms for dishes, most of which the visitor will never have heard of and many of which aren't in the brief lists of menu terms included in phrase books. However restaurants that have any foreign patrons at all usually have an English menu, though you may have to ask for it: the phrase "English menu" usually will be understood even by wait staff who don't speak English. A small bilingual dictionary will be useful for trying to decipher menu listings: at least it will enable you usually to determine what sort of food (chicken, beef, potato, etc.) is concerned, even if you can't tell how it's prepared. Not only savoury but also sweet main dishes are common in Austria. Classic Viennese dishes to try are the famous '''Wiener schnitzel''', a thin veal cutlet lightly breaded and fried, and the perhaps less well known '''Tafelspitz''', where a beef roast is simmered in a broth with root vegetables and herbs. Schnitzel made from pork ("vom schwein", also called "schnitzel Wiener art") is also popular. By law, restaurant menus are supposed to clarify if anything sold as "Wiener schnitzel" is made from something other than veal. As is common in much of eastern and central Europe, '''mushrooms''' are very popular, and when they're in season, you'll find a plethora of varieties on restaurant menus and for sale in markets, often for surprisingly low prices, at least if you're from North America. Chanterelles for €10/kg, anyone? Viennese restaurant '''portions''' tend to be large. Many restaurants now include vegetarian options. Most restaurants have daily specials listed on a chalk board or sometimes on a printed insert in the regular menu. These are usually the best bet, though they may not be on the English menu, so you may have to ask to have them explained or try to translate them yourself. '''Bread''' in Viennese restaurants is usually charged as an extra; if there is a basket of it on the table, you'll usually be charged by the piece only if you take some. Hotel '''breakfasts''' vary, but typically consist mainly of a buffet with a variety of rolls, cold cuts, and cheese. Fruit, yogurt, muesli, and often other types of cold cereal are also typically available. Many places will cook some eggs if you ask, or sometimes, especially for guests that are American or British, will offer to do so, but that's mainly seen as something for foreigners, cooked breakfasts not being typically Viennese, and you're unlikely to find any cooked food besides eggs on offer. Still, while the overall style may be "continental," Viennese breakfasts are often considerably more substantial than many other parts of Europe. Vienna being a fairly cosmopolitan city, there is a wide variety of international cuisine available. Italian, Greek, and Japanese food are particularly popular, although any international food you can name is represented. '''Tipping customs''' are similar to those in Europe and America though tips are slightly smaller; ten percent is usually sufficient in restaurants. Traditionally the way to tip a waiter is to mention the amount of the bill plus tip when you pay; for instance, if the bill is €15.50 you could give the waiter a €20 note and say "siebzehn (seventeen)," meaning he is to take out €15.50 for the bill, €1.50 for the tip, and so give you only €3 change. In this situation English numbers will usually be understood. Sometimes in less formal restaurants you can alternatively drop the tip into the money pouch the waiter usually carries. '''Credit cards''' aren't quite as commonly used in restaurants in Vienna as in Northern European countries, so ask if it's important to know beforehand. Don't expect "service with a smile" at a Viennese restaurant or cafe. While some servers are friendlier than others, most practice a level of reserved formality that can strike foreigners from more outgoing cultures as austere or even rude. It isn't intended that way, it's mainly a cultural expectation that service should be unobtrusive. So don't be offended if a server doesn't volunteer to discuss the specials or if they don't come to check on you while you're eating - the general expectation is if you want something, you'll get their attention and ask for it, otherwise they should leave you alone. [[File:Sandwiches Vienna.jpg|thumbnail|right|Viennese food offerings go far beyond ''Wienerschnitzel'' - here is a selection of seafood sandwiches]] ===Street food=== The traditional Viennese fast food is '''sausage''' in all shapes and sizes. You can buy hot sausages and hot dogs at snack bars called "Würstlstand" all over the town. The famous Wiener Würstel is known as "Frankfurter" in Vienna, but many inhabitants prefer Bosna (with onions and curry), Burenwurst, and Käsekrainer or "Eitrige" (with melted cheese inside). A würstlstand will typically give a choice of sausages served as a "hot dog" (not a North American hot dog, it just means any kind of sausage served in a bun) or "mit brot" ("with bread," i.e. cut into bite size chunks and served with a small disposable fork, with a roll on the side). You typically get a choice of mustard or ketchup and (rarely) other condiments, which the server will put on for you. '''Roast chestnuts''' ("Maroni") are a common snack during the colder months, and are sold from street stalls all over the city, especially near train and U-Bahn stations, and at Christmas markets. In addition to this, the '''local snack culture''' also includes more ex-Yugoslavian and Turkish varieties of fast food, such as the Döner Kebap, sandwiches of Greek and Turkish origin with roasted meat, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and yogurt and/or hot sauce. Places that sell kebap often sell takeaway slices of pizza too. Good '''kebaps''' can be bought at the Naschmarkt. The lower end of the Naschmarkt (further away from Karlsplatz or city centre) is cheaper than the upper end (closer to Karlsplatz), and the right lane (facing away from the city centre) is reserved for mostly sit-down eateries. Another good place to find snacks (especially while going out) is Schwedenplatz. By far the cheapest way to get a fast food meal in Austria (and probably the only meal available for just over €1) is buying an Austrian sandwich (sliced brown bread + ham/cheese + gherkin) from a supermarket. Supermarkets with a deli counter (Feinkostabteilung) will prepare sandwiches to take away at no extra charge. You only pay for the ingredients. There is usually a large selection of meat products, cheese, and bread rolls available here, too. You point at the combination you want, can also mention the max total you can pay, and then pay at the cash register. One of the favorites is the "Leberkäsesemmel", which is lightly spiced, very finely ground meat baked in a pan, sliced, and served on a roll. If you know a bit of German, you'll note that "Leberkäse" literally translates to "liver cheese," but it contains no cheese and the Viennese version contains no liver. Freshness and quality at the grocery stores are normally better than at a sandwich stand on the street. Another great way to eat on a budget is at one of Vienna's hundreds of bakeries. They sell anything from cinnamon rolls to pizza for a good price. It's also a great breakfast-on-the-run alternative because they also have coffee/espresso to go. However, most places do have a couple of tables and chairs where you can enjoy your food. ==Drink== ===Cafés=== [[File:Cafe central wien vienna philipp von ostau.jpg|thumb|Café Central]] Vienna's ''Kaffeehäuser'' (coffee houses) are world famous for their grandness and the lively coffee house culture. Skipping the ''Kaffeehauskultur'' is missing out a big part of Viennese culture. You should at least visit one of the countless traditional baroque 19th- or funky 20th-century coffee houses where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy refreshments. Most cafés also serve beer, wine and liqueurs. Many serve meals, especially at lunch, and these are often cheaper than in restaurants. Most have a fine selection of ''Torten'' (tortes or cakes), some offer other baked goods. In general some are more restaurant-like, some more café-like and some more bar-like. ====Coffee==== {{infobox|"Entschuldigen Sie Frau/Herr Ober!"|Although the head waitress/waiter (''Ober'') of most cafés is not nearly as snooty as they might let on, there are some '''definite don'ts''': *Don't ask for coffee to go. International chains and many bakeries offer it if you really need it. *Don't just order "coffee" - that is like going into a restaurant and ordering "food." Find a type that suits your taste. *Don't expect your waitress/waiter to just bring you the bill - you are supposed to ask for it when you are finished and ready to go. It is considered impolite for them to rush you by bringing it on their own. *Don't forget to tip when you pay. Just round up about 10%. Say explicitly how much you wish to pay (e.g., €3.50 for a €3.20 coffee) when handing the money the waitress/waiter. Remember: cafés are a very slow-paced environment, approach them as you would a sit-down restaurant, bring a book or some friends, or make use of the newspapers on hand and enjoy your hours relaxing there! }} Coffee is obviously an important part of the coffeehouse culture. Vienna was not only the center of the Austrian Empire but also the center of a much larger coffee empire, and the local roasts were sold across Europe. Today many people are still familiar with the term ''Vienna roast''. Vienna prides itself of its dozens of varieties of different coffees, although the Italian style and names are better known by many youth than the Viennese, the cafés are keeping the traditions alive. Most commonly: *'''Kleiner Schwarzer''' also known simply as a '''Schwarzer''' or as a '''Mokka''' is the Viennese version of espresso. It is made with a tick more water, a Viennese roast (the point between origin and roast flavor) and it is pulled slowly allowing it to oxidize. *'''Großer Schwarzer''' is a double Schwarzer (similar to a double espresso). *'''Kleiner Brauner''' is a mokka (espresso) with cream, often on the side. *'''Großer Brauner''' is a double Mokka with cream. *'''Melange''' is perhaps the most typical Viennese coffee. Similar to cappuccino but with the Viennese style mokka and more foamy milk in equal parts. *'''Verlängerter''' is mokka (espresso) with extra hot water, similar to a small Americano. *'''Kapuziner''' is a mokka (espresso) with a dollop of whipped cream on top. *'''Kaffee Verkehrt''' (or in the more modern places '''Kaffee Latte''') is the local version of a latte. [[File:Wien Café Sperl Zeitungen.jpg|thumb|Vienna Café newspapers]] Also consider specialties like the ''Kaisermelange'' (coffee, milk, egg yolk and cognac) on the menu. Most cafés have a house specialty (for instance, "Kaffee Central" at Café Central). Many coffee houses have a huge selection of international newspapers. ====Coffee houses==== '''Finding a café''' is not hard in Vienna; Finding a particular café you are looking for is another story. Most of the baroque "top" coffee houses are on the Ring and main streets of the [[Vienna/Innere Stadt|Innere Stadt]], mostly cozier and often less formal 1970s or 80s modern-style coffee houses are hidden away on the [[Vienna/Innere Stadt|Innere Stadt]]'s backstreets, and distributed across the rest of the city ([[Vienna/Wieden#Drink|4th district]], [[Vienna/Neubau#Drink|7th district]], [[Vienna/Josefstadt#Drink|8th district]], [[Vienna/Outer West#Drink|Outer West districts]], ..). [[File:Sachertorte DSC03027.JPG|thumb|right|The original ''Sachertorte'' at Cafe Sacher (see [[#Sleep|Hotel Sacher]])]] =====Chains===== * {{drink | name=Oberlaa | url=http://www.oberlaa-wien.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Melange €3.70; Slice of Torte €3.50 | content=Very Viennese cafes, really delicious bakery and well known confectionery. Also some choice of soups and mains. Several locations, mostly in Innere Stadt. }} * {{drink | name=Aida | url=http://www.aida.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chic but artificial design, mediocre quality, depends on location and luck. Many cafés across Vienna and Lower Austria. Their menus have a very useful graphical design indicating the precise ingredients and proportions in each type of coffee, so it's worth visiting if you are a complete beginner. }} ===Water=== Rather unusually it is necessary to say some words about Vienna's drinking water. The majority of Vienna's water comes from the three "Hochquellwasserleitungen." Meaning "high-(as in mountain) spring waterlines (as in aqueducts). Indeed the city's water flows through aqueducts from the mountains around 100 km south of Vienna (Schneeberg and Hochschwab). These were built during the reign of Emperor Franz Josef and supply Vienna with unchlorinated high-quality drinking water, with a considerably higher quality than many bottled waters. So if you visit this city, it is not necessary to buy water. You can simply drink tap water here unless you prefer sparkling water. Another speciality is that at typical coffeehouses a coffee is often accompanied by a glass of cold clear water. In most restaurants, you can get a glass of drinking water for free with any order, just specify tap water ("Leitungswasser"). ===Wine=== New wine is usually enjoyed at a ''Heurigen'' (family-run vineyard bars allowed to the new vintage). Austria in general, but especially the area around Vienna, produces quite a large amount of wine each year. There are even many vineyards within the city in Döbling (19th District). The wine is not often exported and white is more common than red. Grüner Veltliner is a common tart and fresh white wine served almost everywhere. Officially the new wine season begins on November 11 (St Martin's Day), but as early as September, some partially-fermented new wine (called ''Sturm'' which is cloudy, because it has not been strained) is available around town at stands and in 2L green bottles (try the '''Naschmarkt''' – sometimes the vendors will have samples of this drink, which at about 4% alcohol is less strong than wine). Taverns can call themselves Heurigens whether the wine they serve is their own or not – for genuine in-house product look for a ''Buschenschank''. This is a particularly Viennese Heuriger which can only be open 300 days per year or until their supply of house-made wine runs out. Heurigen can be found e.g. in Grinzing, Sievering (19th district) and Mauer & Rodaun (23rd district) areas, but also in almost every suburban area in Vienna. Even in the center, there are some ''Stadtheurigen''. While the Heurigen of Grinzing are bigger and more famous with tourists, they are often a rip-off. If any of the year’s vintage lasts until next year, it officially becomes ''Alte'' (old) wine on the next Saint Martin's Day. The Heurigen in the South of Vienna or in [[Perchtoldsdorf]] are much cheaper and serve the same quality as the Heurigen in Grinzing. Also in the Northern suburbs, you can find cheap and somewhat authentic Heurigen. Try the areas of [[Stammersdorf]] or [[Hagenbrunn]], for example [http://www.matzka.at.tt/ Karl Matzka], hard to reach by public transport. After a long day, the perfect place to relax among Viennese are the Heurigen in the suburbs. Somewhat akin to a beer garden, except with wine, these tiny treasures are the only places authorized to serve new wine. New wine is made from the first pressing of the grape and can appear a little cloudy. Be careful, it's stronger than you might think! This is why it's served in very small glasses, 0.25L and up. Some Heurigen serve food, either elaborate Viennese specialties or very simple bread and cheese platters. No matter which one you choose, you're guaranteed to enjoy yourself. Just hop on a convenient outbound tram line, take it to the very last stop, and look for buildings with large, evergreen foliage hung over the doors. Each one is unique, but all are a good bargain. Locals invariably have a favorite: ask around. '''Glühwein''' is hot, sweetened red wine with cinnamon and cloves, served from stalls at Christmas markets. Some markets have a peculiar system where you'll be asked for a deposit on the mug the wine is served in, and when you're finished, you can return it to any glühwein vendor at that market to get your deposit back - payments are worked out among themselves through some mysterious process. ===Wine bars=== * {{drink | name=Wein & Co | url=http://www.weinco.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 743 42 00-34 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A chain shop for wine lovers featuring a wine bar in every location. Shop locations include Naschmarkt, Mariahilfer Straße, near Burggarten and near Stephansplatz. }} ===Bars and beerhouses=== [[Image:ViennaBeerG.jpg|thumb|right|Beer garden]] ====Microbreweries ==== ''See [[Vienna microbreweries]]''. ===Nightlife=== Despite Vienna's stuck-up reputation don't be led to believe it is a quiet city. There are diverse cafés, bars, clubs, parties and festivals as well as thriving nocturnal scenes. ====Cafés and bars==== The café scene often continues into the early hours, during the week and on weekends. Additionally there are many traditional neighborhood bars some which also have Viennese food. Most popular though, are bars (some with a nominal cover fee) with a DJ and small dance floor. These are quite comfortable and there are plenty to meet anyones musical taste, many are open all night. ====Mainstream==== Although "mainstream" is hardly a majority of people in Vienna it is still referred to as such. Even here there is quite a bit of variance between places the conservative working class goes out and the conservative upper class tends to go. * '''Gürtel at Nussdorfer Straße''' (U6) has a few mid-size cheap clubs like '''[http://www.locobar.at/ Loco]''' and '''[http://www.rideclub.at/ Ride Club]''' around. They all have very cheap booze and cover if you arrive early. ====Alternative==== ====Queer==== Although gay nightlife in Vienna is not concentrated in one area, it's blossoming. It can be difficult to keep up with what's on offer, but luckily Vienna is fairly accepting and you can go out and meet other gay people in most venues. Austria is, however, a very conservative Catholic country, and during the day gay and lesbian couples might get some stares - especially from older people - but at night a younger, less conservative crowd heads out. * {{drink | name=Why Not | alt= | url=http://www.why-not.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Vienna's mainstream everyday gay disco. The crowd is varied. It is in the 1st District at Tiefer Graben 22 (Herrengasse U3). Saturdays are house music free. }} * '''[http://www.heaven.at/ Heavan]''' every Saturday at the [http://www.camera-club.at Camera Club] (Neubaugasse U3) is a mostly younger crowd. * '''Meat Market''' happens regularly at both the Pratersauna and on the Badeschiff (see above). It is more alternative and its the hot major queer party in Vienna these days. The same people put on '''Dem Schönen Frönen''' which is similar but with a focus on minimal, instead of alternative music. * '''HOMO''' is the other mainstream alternative gay party that happens every now and again, sometimes in Heavan @ Camera Club (see above). * {{drink | name=Rosa Lilla Villa | alt= | url=http://www.villa.at/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A gay resource center with an excellent bar and restaurant. (Pilgramgasse U4) }} * '''Gumpendorfer Straße''' in the 6th District has several very gay-friendly bars to meet most any taste, there is one every block or so. ====Indulgent==== '''Brothels''' are legal in Vienna, as is street prostitution. There are male and female prostitutes, many from Austria's neighboring countries (few from Austria), but also from Africa, Latin America and Asia offering their services. Brothels differ greatly from small to the point one-room operations to hokey grand parlors. There is no true red-light district, but there are many 'bars' located on the 'Gürtel' as well as in the 2nd District, but they can be found everywhere. Street prostitution areas exist but should be avoided due to the lack of regulation and high number of trafficked and unregistered workers. There are plenty of go-go clubs as well, though, that are not brothels. Some of these have male and female dancers dancing together and are frequented by men and women together. [[File:InterContinental Wien Lobby.JPG|thumbnail|Viennese hotels provide an endless supply of "revival" furniture, wood panelling, gilded chandeliers and patterned carpeting]] ==Sleep== <!--Please do not list hotels/hostels here, place it in the correct [[Vienna#Districts]] --> Vienna is a major tourist hotspot and offers a complete range of accommodation options. Prices are relatively higher than in neighboring countries, or even in the rest of Austria. Many of the Viennese hotels, hostels and pensions, especially its centre, are housed in historic buildings dating from before the Second World War, most from the 19th-century ''Gründerzeit''. This means that quite many offer relatively small rooms with sometimes compromised views, and rooms within the same property can vary widely, even at the same price. You will probably find that Viennese hotels usually offer very traditional decor, bathrooms with bathtubs and, again, relatively space-limited quarters. There are very few "modern design" hotels, and those looking for American-style over 30m² rooms should do good research before booking and make sure their booked room matches the expectations. On balance, breakfasts in Vienna are usually relatively good, with a good variety of products, even at the less pricey establishments. Moreover, you can count on many local cafes to offer you breakfast should your booking not include one. A typical Viennese hotel breakfast is buffet-style and fairly substantial, and consists of bread and rolls (usually very good quality), a variety of cold cuts, and fruit, as well as muesli and other cold cereals, and juice and coffee. [[File:Sofitel Wien 2.jpg|thumb|''Le Loft'' at the Sofitel is one of the few hotel restaurants with a view over Vienna - and an otherworldly ambiance afforded by its painted and lit ceiling]] In '''choosing an accommodation''' it is important to know which part of the city you want to spend time in. Most accommodations claim to be centrally located, which for the Viennese would mean they should be in or next to the 1st District, few actually are. Many are even outside the core districts 2-9. Still, from the ones located within a 5-minute walk of an underground or at least a rail or tram station, you should be able to get to the center within 20 minutes or less on public transportation. '''Smoking''' rooms are relatively common. '''Non-smoking''' rooms are in limited supply, and hotels with non-smoking floors are less common. Sensitive non-smokers may be bothered that public areas of the hotel, including the hallways, are often heavy with tobacco smoke. During summer there can be several days where the temperature is over 30°C. There are very few hotels that have air conditioning. People who are used to sleeping in a cool environment should seek out hotels that have air conditioning or schedule their trips during those times of the year when the temperature will be cooler. ==Connect== As of Sept 2021, Vienna has 5G from all Austrian carriers. ===Internet=== [[File:Wien Museumsquartier HDR.jpg|thumbnail|right|MuseumsQuartier has free internet, lots of outdoor seating - and quite a few world-class museums to boot!]] Vienna has a large number of mostly free wireless hotspots in bars, restaurants, and cafés (see drink section). Wifi is known locally as ''WLAN'' or ''Wireless LAN''. Those that are on the [http://www.freewave.at Freewave Wi-Fi network] can be found [http://www.freewave.at/en/hotspots here]. MuseumsQuartier has free wireless internet. There are plenty of internet cafes except for in the first district. Touchscreen media terminals are available (including internet) in many phone booths, much of the content about Vienna is free. If you plan to visit also places outside the city and you don't want to stay without internet it's recommended to buy a prepaid 3G-simcard (all providers offers fast 3G service, also in rural and remote areas of Austria) and put it in your smartphone or internet USB stick. Download is mostly around 5-6 Mbit/sec and upload 2-3 Mbit. (for HSDPA). The monthly cost for mobile internet is between €4 (1GB) and €15 (unlimited) (August 2011). The best 3G coverage in rural areas is from A1 [https://www.a1.net/ A1]. Vienna is covered very well by HSDPA, HSPA+ and LTE as well. If you're a European student you can make use of the ''[http://www.univie.ac.at/ZID/eduroam/ eduroam]'' service. The [http://www.univie.ac.at/ZID/wlan-standorte/ University of Vienna], the [http://www.wu-wien.ac.at/zid/anleitungen/wlan/ Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration], the [http://www.zid.tuwien.ac.at/kom/tunet/wlan/eduroam/ University of Technology], the [https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/studierende/service-center/it-services-fuer-studierende/internetzugang/wlan-eduroam/ Medical University of Vienna], the [http://www.dieangewandte.at/jart/prj3/angewandte-2016/main.jart?reserve-mode=active&rel=de&content-id=1452272611326 University of Applied Arts Vienna] as well as the [https://www.mdw.ac.at/ University of Music and Performing Arts] are part of this programme in Vienna. [[File:Hochhaus Neue Donau-DSC 0023w.jpg|thumbnail|right|The modern district of ''Donaustadt'' across the river Danube from central Vienna]] ===Media=== The local public '''radio''' aimed towards youth, [http://fm4.orf.at/ FM4] used to be an English-language channel and still has much programming in English including the news. 103.8 FM or 91.0 FM. '''Television''' in Austria is almost exclusively in German. The national public media ''ORF'' offer limited programming in several Slavonic languages and Hungarian. There are plenty of international English-language channels available. Local news, culture, events and guides are printed in English in a monthly '''magazine''' called the [https://www.metropole.at Metropole – Vienna in English].  International papers are widely available. There is a ''New York Times'' insert in the Monday edition of the local newspaper [http://derstandard.at/ ''Der Standard''] which can be found quickly in coffee houses and elsewhere due to its tan color. ==Stay safe== [[File:Parlament Wien abends.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Austrian Parliament in Vienna at dusk]] Vienna is potentially one of the safest cities in the world for its size. There are no slums or districts you should avoid. In general, you can visit any part of the city at any time of the day without taking many risks — just use your common sense. The Prater (fair grounds/amusement park area) is said by some locals to be less safe at night, though more in reference to pickpockets than anything else. The Praterstern railway station is a magnet for drunks, homeless people and drug addicts, but they generally do not bother passers-by. As a general rule of thumb, its best to avoid train stations, parks (especially Reumannplatz) and some larger subway stations at night, but even then, nothing bad should happen to you. As in any major city, watch out for '''pickpockets''' who grab and run when boarding the U-Bahn. Petty crimes (like jackets 'going missing') are more common and normally go unreported and won't get much sympathy. There have been a very few '''racist assaults''' in Vienna (even some by the police themselves). One runs the risk of being pickpocketed. Schwedenplatz, along the Ring, is sleazy in the evenings, but basically harmless; the Stadtpark, along the Ring, to the East, is a bit deserted at night and therefore best avoided. '''Prostitution''' is legal, even on the street, and is common around the area of the Prater. Ironically, some of the areas are a stone's thrown from the UNODC Headquarters (the UN agency responsible for combating human trafficking) and are human trafficking hubs for all of Europe. Many of these prostitutes are not registered and a high number are known to be trafficked, so take care if seeking their services. It is safer for everyone involved to visit a brothel. Women dressed in a certain manner walking around these areas alone at night might feel uncomfortable being checked-out in a certain way but there is no real danger. (There is no male street-prostitution to speak of in Vienna.) [[File:Opera Toilet Vienna Opernpassage.jpg|thumbnail|right|Vienna has it all - and more! Even a musical toilet in the passage under the Opera (singing during usage not compulsory)]] There have been some reports of '''fraud''' around Karlsplatz and the Ring. The usual scenario is that someone will stop you and ask for directions. A couple of other guys show up claiming to be police, showing a badge (must be fake). They ask if you were getting drugs from the other guy and then will ask for your passport and wallet for verification. When you are busy trying to convince them that your passport is valid, one of them sneaks out some money from your wallet. Best to tell them that you want to go to the police station — there is one at Karlsplatz U-Bahnstation. It's a minor annoyance, but it's better to be careful. In a different case of fraud they try to convince you that your money is counterfeit money and that they have to inspect it. As always use common sense: police are taught to approach you in a very distinctive way (you will notice if they do so), the badge must have ''Polizei'' ([ˌpɔlɪˈʦaɪ̯] police) and the Austrian coat of arms and/or the Austrian flag located somewhere on it, and they will be willing to bring you to the police station or a properly uniformed officer. Real Viennese police officers are virtually always honest and polite, and will do their best to assist you if you need them, although many of them have limited to non-existent English skills. If you need to report a serious crime and don't speak German, they will usually manage to round up an English-speaking officer. Do not walk on the '''bike lanes''' and cross them like you would cross any other road. Some bike lanes are hard to recognize (e.g. on the "Ring" in Vienna) and some cyclists bike rather fast. Walking on bike lines is not only considered impolite but it is illegal and you run the danger of getting hit. Pay attention to the '''tram tracks''' in Vienna. Unlike other cities, Viennese trams move '''very''' '''fast''' and can easily kill you if they hit you. The modern Viennese trams are hard to hear as well. If you encounter tram tracks and you must cross the road, make sure to look both ways before crossing. If you park near tram tracks and you have to get off on the same side as the street, make sure to look both ways as well. If you see people '''gambling''' on the streets (usually in popular tourists' destinations like Stephansplatz or Mariahilfer Straße), stay away! The modus operandi usually involves a guy playing the classic game of "hiding the ball". This involves covering the ball (or small trinket) with either a bottle cap or a match box and swirling it around with two other bottle caps asking people to guess the position of the ball. The game is set in a way that you can easily see the ball's position. This is done to lure the unsuspecting person into placing a wager. There are usually two main players and, between them, they will lose and win money back and forth to give the appearance that it is a fair game - do not be tricked! They are from the same gang. Once you get greedy and get lured in, you will surely lose your money! The person in control of the bottle caps will remove the ball from their position through sleight of hand and you will never see your money back. Besides the two or three other players involved, there are usually at least two lookouts - one on each side of 'stage'. Vienna has plenty of legal casinos if you care to try your luck. [[File:Französische Botschaft Wien.jpg|thumbnail|right|The French Embassy to Austria in Vienna]] In crowded areas such as train stations or the city center, it is not uncommon be approached by beggars. Some sell "[https://augustin.or.at/ Augustin]", a homeless' magazine for critical journalism and social work. If they wear a badge, they are reputable: They received training and are obligated to follow social norms; they do not try to trick you, and can be fun to talk to. However, if they do not have a badge or insist on handing you something (such as a rose or a magazine), dismiss them by walking away and/or shaking your head and saying "Nein danke" ([naɪ̯n ˈdaŋkə] no thank you). Their typical ruse is to give you something and then demand payment for it. Similarly, it is best to ignore people asking for money for train tickets or the like. They can be obtrusive, but never violent. ==Cope== ===Emergency phone numbers=== * Fire department: 122 * Police: 133 * Ambulance/Rescue: 144 * Mountain rescue: 140 * Medical assistance: 141 * Breakdown- or traffic accident help: 120 (OEAMTC), 123 (ARBOE) * Lock for lost or stolen creditcards: 05 990 645 00 (PayLife) ===Embassies=== {| |- | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Afghanistan}} {{listing | name=Afghanistan | url= | email=afg.emb.vie@chello.at | address=9, Lackierergasse 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5247806 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 5247807 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Albania}} {{listing | name=Albania | url= | email= | address=19, An den langen Lüssen 1/6/1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 328865657 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Algeria}} {{listing | name=Algeria | url= | email= | address=19, Rudolfinergasse 16-18 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 3698853 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Argentina}} {{listing | name=Argentina | url= | email= | address=1, Goldschmiedgasse 2/1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5338577 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Armenia}} {{listing | name=Armenia | url=http://www.armeniaforeignministry.com | email=armenia@armembassy.at | address=14, Hadikgasse 28 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5227479 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 5227481 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Australia}} {{listing | name=Australia | url= | email= | address=4, Mattielistraße 2-4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 51285800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belarus}} {{listing | name=Belarus | alt= | url=http://austria.mfa.gov.by/en/ | email= | address=14, Hüttelbergstraße 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 419963011 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belgium}} {{listing | name=Belgium | url= | email= | address=4, Wohllebengasse 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 502070 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Belize}} {{listing | name=Belize (Consulate) | url= | email= | address=1, Franz-Josefs-Kai 13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5337663 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} {{listing | name=Bosnia and Herzegovina | url= | email= | address=12, Tivoligasse 54 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 8118555 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Brazil}} {{listing | name=Brazil | url= | email= | address=1, Lugeck 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 51206310 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Bulgaria}} {{listing | name=Bulgaria | url= | email= | address=4, Schwindgasse 8 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5056444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Canada}} {{listing | name=Canada | url=http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/austria-autriche/ | email=vienn@international.gc.ca | address=1 Laurenzerberg 2/3F | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 531383000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Chile}} {{listing | name=Chile | url= | email= | address=1, Lugeck 1/III/10 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5129208 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|China}} {{listing | name=China | url=http://at.china-embassy.org/chn/ | email= | address=3, Metternichgasse 4 | lat= | long= | directions=梅特涅大街4号 | phone=+43 1 7103648 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 7136816 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Colombia}} {{listing | name=Colombia | url= | email= | address=1, Stadiongasse 6-8 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 4054249 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Croatia}} {{listing | name=Croatia | url= | email= | address=17, Heuberggasse 10 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 48487830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Cuba}} {{listing | name=Cuba | url= | email= | address=13, Himmelhofgasse 40a-c | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 877819830 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Cyprus}} {{listing | name=Cyprus | url= | email= | address=1, Parkring 20 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5130630 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Czech Republic}} {{listing | name=Czech Republic | url= | email= | address=14, Penzinger Straße 11-13 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 8943741 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Denmark}} {{listing | name=Denmark | url= | email= | address=1, Führichgasse 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 51279040 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Ecuador}} {{listing | name=Ecuador | url= | email= | address=1, Goldschmiedgasse 10/2/2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5353208 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Egypt}} {{listing | name=Egypt | url=http://www.mfa.gov.eg/english/embassies/Egyptian_Embassy_Vienna/Pages/default.aspx | email=egyptembassyvienna@egyptembassyvienna.at | address=19, Hohe Warte 50-54 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 3708104 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=09:00-17:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Finland}} {{listing | name=Finland | url=http://www.finnland.at | email=sanomat.wie@formin.fi | address=1, Gonzagagasse 16 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 531590 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 5355703 | hours=M-Th 08:15-12:00, 13:00-16:30, F -15:45 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|France}} {{listing | name=France | url= | email= | address=4, Technikerstraße 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 2029446000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Georgia}} {{listing | name=Georgia | alt= | url=http://www.mfa.gov.ge/MainNav/EmbassiesRepresentations/GeorgianMissionsAbroad/Austria.aspx?lang=en-US | email=vienna.emb@mfa.gov.ge | address=1, Doblhoffgasse 5/5 | lat=48.208241 | long=16.356318 | directions= | phone=+43 1 4039848 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 4039848 | hours=09:00-18:00 | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Germany}} {{listing | name=Germany | url= | email= | address=3, Metternichgasse 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 711540 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} | style="vertical-align:top;width:50%;" | * {{flag|Greece}} {{listing | name=Greece | url=http://www.mfa.gr/vienna | email=gremb@griechischebotschaft.at | address=4, Argentinierstraße 14 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 50557910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Hungary}} {{listing | name=Hungary | url= | email= | address=1, Bankgasse 4-6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5332631 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|India}} {{listing | name=India | url= | email= | address=1, Kärntner Ring 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 2225058666 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Indonesia}} {{listing | name=Indonesia | alt= | url=https://www.kemlu.go.id/vienna/en/default.aspx | email=unitkom@kbriwina.at | address=18, Gustav-Tschermak-Gasse 5-7 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 476230 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iran}} {{listing | name=Iran | url= | email= | address=3, Jaurèsgasse 9 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 7122650 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Iraq}} {{listing | name=Iraq | url= | email= | address=1, Johannesgasse 26 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 7138195 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Ireland}} {{listing | name=Ireland | url= | email= | address=1, Rotenturmstraße 16-18, 5th floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 7154246 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Israel}} {{listing | name=Israel | url=http://vienna.mfa.gov.il/ | email= | address=18, Anton-Frank-Gasse 20 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 476460 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Italy}} {{listing | name=Italy | url= | email= | address=3, Rennweg 27 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 71251210 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Japan}} {{listing | name=Japan | url=http://www.at.emb-japan.go.jp/ | email= | address=1, Heßgasse 6 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 53192 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Kazakhstan}} {{listing | name=Kazakhstan | url=http://www.kazakhstan.at/ | email= | address=19, Felix-Mottl-Straße 23 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 367917510 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Kenya}} {{listing | name=Kenya | url= | email= | address=3, Neulinggasse 24 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 71239190 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|North Korea}} {{listing | name=Democratic People's Republic of Korea | url= | email= | address=14, Beckmanngasse 10 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 8942313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|South Korea}} {{listing | name=Republic of Korea | url= | email= | address=18, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 25 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 47819910 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Kosovo}} {{listing | name=Kosovo | url= | email= | address=4, Goldeggasse 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 9047466 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Macedonia}} {{listing | name=Macedonia | alt= | url=http://www.mfa.gov.mk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=300&Itemid=645&lang=en | email=vienna@mfa.gov.mk | address=9, Kinderspitalgasse 5/2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5248756 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 5248753 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Malaysia}} {{listing | name=Malaysia | url= | email= | address=21, Floridsdorfer Hauptstraße 1-7/24F | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5051042 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{Flag|Netherlands}} {{Listing|name=The Netherlands|alt=|url=https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/landen/oostenrijk/over-ons/ambassade-in-wenen|email=wen@minbuza.nl|address=Opernring 5 (7th Floor)|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=+43 15 893 90|tollfree=|fax=+43 15 8939 - 265|hours=M-F 08:30-17:00 |price=|wikipedia=|wikidata=|image=|lastedit=2018-11-20|content=Visit by appointment only.}} * {{flag|Norway}} {{listing | name=Norway | alt= | url=https://www.norway.no/de/austria/ | email=emb.vienna@mfa.no | address=3, Reisnerstraße 55-57 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 71660 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 7166099 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Poland}} {{listing | name=Poland | url=http://www.wieden.msz.gov.pl/de/root | email=wieden.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl | address=13, Hietzinger Hauptstraße 42C | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 87015100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Romania}} {{listing | name=Romania | alt= | url=http://viena.mae.ro/en | email=viena@mae.ro | address=4, Prinz-Eugen-Straße 60 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5053227 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 5041462 | hours=M-F 08:30-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-12-03 | content= }} * {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} {{listing | name=Saudi Arabia | url=http://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/Austria/EN/Pages/default.aspx | email=Emb.at@mofa.gov.sa | address=19, Formanekgasse 38 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 3672531 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 3672540 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Serbia}} {{listing | name=Serbia | url= | email=ambasada@scg-diplomat.at | address=3, Rennweg 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 7132595, +43 1 7132596, +43 1 7121205, +43 1 7126488, +43 1 7134277 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} *{{flag|Spain}}{{listing | name=Spain |alt=España | url=http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/Viena/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx | email=emb.viena@maec.es | address=4, Argentinierstrasse 34; 1040 | lat=48.191855 | long=16.374701 | directions= | phone=+43 1 505 57 88, +43 1 7132596, +43 1 7121205, +43 1 7126488, +43 1 7134277 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 505 57 88 125 | hours=M-F 09:00 - 13:30, Th 14:30 - 16:30 | price= | content= | lastedit=2018-12-27 }} * {{flag|Sweden}} {{listing | name=Sweden | url=http://www.swedenabroad.com/de-DE/Embassies/Vienna/ | email=ambassaden.wien@foreign.ministry.se | address=2, Obere Donaustraße 49-51 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 217530 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Turkey}} {{listing | name=Turkey | url=http://viyana.be.mfa.gov.tr/ | email=webmaster@tuerkischebotschaftwien.eu | address=4, Prinz-Eugen-Straße 40 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 5057338 (24 hours) | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 5053660 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|Ukraine}} {{listing | name=Ukraine | url=http://austria.mfa.gov.ua/ua/index/city/id/107 | email=emb_at@mfa.gov.ua | address=18, Naaffgasse 23 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 4797172 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 479717247 | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United Kingdom}} {{listing | name=United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | alt= | url=https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-vienna | email= | address=3, Jaurèsgasse 12 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 716130 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{flag|United States}} {{listing | name=United States of America | alt= | url=https://at.usembassy.gov/ | email= | address=9, Boltzmanngasse 16 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+43 1 313390 | tollfree= | fax=+43 1 3100682 | hours= | price= | content=Consular section: 1, Parkring 12a }} |} ==Go next== ===Vienna area=== Vienna's metropolitan area is large, and its suburban rail takes you to suburbs so large that they are worth a visit in their own right. All of the following places are within the metropolitan area and reachable on an all-zone Vienna travelcard (and yes, this also applies to Sopron). * [[Krems]], a smaller and historic town at the entrance of the [[Wachau]] valley about 80&nbsp;km east of Vienna. Reachable by rail from Wien Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, Wien Spittelau (U4, U6) and Wien Heiligenstadt (U4) with suburban trains to "Krems/Donau". There are hourly connections and the travel time is about one hour. Krems is relatively small, so you can walk there or rent a bike. * [[Baden (Austria)|Baden bei Wien]], is a smaller historic town 25 km south of Vienna. Famous for its bathes and thermal waters. It features many beautiful buildings and parks from the Biedermeier period. There is a direct tram line going from the Vienna Opera to Baden otherwise faster trains are available too. * [[St. Pölten]], the capital of [[Lower Austria]], hosts many sights. One is the Dom zu St. Pölten, a baroque church which until 1722 served as a Roman basilica cathedral. The St. Pöltner Rathaus (city hall) and the Pottenbrunn Castle (which can only be seen from the outside) are also worth a visit. St. Pölten is accessible by an hourly suburban rail service from Westbahnhof station (''U-Bahn U3'') which takes 80 minutes to St. Pölten (''passengers for Pottenbrunn Castle should get off at Pottenbrunn, one stop before St. Pölten''). Total travel time from the city centre is 100 min. * [[Wiener Neustadt]] also has a lot to offer for tourists: the cathedral, renovated in 1975-1999, the castle and the city museum to name a few. The city is reachable by suburban train from Wien Mitte station on the S-Bahn S6 (via Ebenfurth) and S9 (via Baden) routes, and the travel time is 75-80 min. * [[Eisenstadt]], the capital of [[Burgenland]], hosts several large churches as well as the Esterházy castle which offers a wine cellar, gift shop, guided tours, and concerts in the famous Haydnsaal as well as the large garden on the back. There are two suburban rail connections: the direct service Hauptbahnhof - Eisenstadt - Wulkaprodersdorf - (Wiener Neustadt) which takes 67 min to Eisenstadt, and the Deutschkreutz-bound service from Meidling to Wulkaprodersdorf + connecting service on the Hauptbahnhof route (opposite direction, towards Hauptbahnhof) to Eisenstadt, which takes 1 hour from Meidling and is thus slightly faster. However, from the city centre both routes take 80 minutes so you might as well go with the direct service from Hauptbahnhof. * [[Sopron]], a historic town in [[Hungary]] which is also reachable by suburban rail: from Wien Meidling (''U-Bahn U1 to Südtiroler Platz and suburban train to Meidling'') the hourly service to Deutschkreutz takes you to Sopron in 70 min. Total travel time from the city centre is 90 minutes. ===Capitals or other places=== * [[Salzburg]] is the fourth largest city in Austria. Its "Old Town", with its world famous baroque architecture, is one of the best-preserved city centers in the German-speaking world and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. There are direct trains from Vienna taking 2½ hours. * [[Graz]] is the second-largest city in Austria. The City of Graz including its historic centre and Schloss Eggenberg is a world heritage site. There are direct trains from Vienna taking 2½ hours. * [[Bratislava]], the capital of [[Slovakia]], is 55&nbsp;km from Vienna and reachable by two suburban rail routes: one runs to Hlavna stanica via eastern Vienna and the other one to Petrzalka via the southeast. The latter takes 57 minutes and the former 71 minutes. Both lines originate at Hauptbahnhof station (''U-Bahn U1 to Hauptbahnhof / Südtiroler Platz or suburban train to Hauptbahnhof''). ''However, depending on your point of origin, taking U-Bahn U2 to Stadlau or U3 to Simmering and suburban train from either to Hlavna stanica may be faster than travelling via Hauptbahnhof''. Travel time from the city centre via Hauptbahnhof (to Petrzalka) or Stadlau (to Hlavna stanica) is 75 min. You may also consider making the journey by ferry: The [https://twincityliner.com/en Twin City Liner] makes the journey through the Danube. It takes about 75 minutes and costs €20. * [[Brno]], a city of around 400,000 people in the [[Czech Republic]] with close historical links with Vienna, is 1½ hours from Vienna by fast train. * [[Prague]], the capital of the [[Czech Republic]], is a very well preserved medieval city. The city's historic buildings and narrow, winding streets are testament to its centuries-old role as capital of the historic region of Bohemia. * [[Innsbruck]], regional capital of [[Tyrol]] and largest city in the [[Alps]]. * [[Budapest]], the capital city of [[Hungary]], is a beautiful city located on the banks of [[Danube]]. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for the cultural and architectural significance. * [[Slovenia]], a small but very beautiful country which offers a lot of tourist attractions (2012 European capital of Culture [[Maribor]], charming [[Ljubljana]], [[Julian Alps]], gorges <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Tolmin]], [[Vintgar]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>, caves <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Postojna]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>, coast <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Piran]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> and amazingly beautiful [[Bled]] lake) ===By air=== Vienna has ultra-low-cost flights to many European countries, to [[Morocco]], [[Jordan]], [[Israel]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] [[Armenia]], [[Egypt]] and to [[Abu Dhabi]] in the [[United Arab Emirates]]. (updated May 2022) {{routebox | image1=A1-AT.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Melk]] | minorl1=[[St. Pölten]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=END | minorr1= | image2=A2-AT.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=Becomes [[File:S1-AT.svg|14px]] | minorl2=becomes [[File:A23-AT.svg|20px]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Wiener Neustadt]] | minorr2=[[Baden (Austria)|Baden]] | image3=A4-AT.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=END | minorl3= | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Neusiedl am See]] | minorr3=[[Vienna International Airport]] | image4=B14-AT.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Tulln]] | minorl4=[[Klosterneuburg]] | directionr4=S | majorr4=END | minorr4= }} {{isPartOf|Austria}} {{guidecity}} {{geo|48.208|16.373|zoom=11}} {{related|UNESCO World Heritage List}} 9xtsusgapx6107g0w0xxp6v85z4rnds 0 37987 4487746 4487267 2022-07-21T13:56:20Z English Sean 2273458 /* China */Re-edited in third person etc, as requested; best wishes wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ha Long bay (Vietnam) banner Islands in the bay.png|caption=Panorama of Halong Bay in Vietnam}} '''[https://vietnam.travel/ Vietnam]''' ([[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]: Việt Nam) is a country in [[Southeast Asia]] with great food and a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. Despite the turmoil of the [[Indochina Wars|American War]] (called the Vietnam War internationally), Vietnam has emerged from the ashes since the 1990s and is undergoing rapid economic development, driven by its young and industrious population. It remains less developed as a tourist destination than [[Thailand]]. == Regions == {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#DBE17C|title=[[Northern Vietnam]]|wikidata=Q1194522,Q1194516,Q342451}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Coast]]|wikidata=Q1022242,Q1202888}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Central Highlands]]|wikidata=Q1140648}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Vietnam]]|wikidata=Q1068987,Q1052867}} {{Regionlist | regionmap=Vietnam Regions Map.png | regionmaptext=Map of Vietnam with regions colour-coded | regionmapsize=400px | region1name=[[Northern Vietnam]] | region1color=#DBE17C | region1description=The cradle of the Vietnamese civilization. Harbors some of the most magnificent views of Vietnam, as well as the capital city with and the chance to visit indigenous hill peoples. | region2name= [[Central Coast (Vietnam)|Central Coast]] | region2color=#E1AC62 | region2description=The ancient city of Hue was the home of the Vietnamese emperors from 1802—1945, and Hoi An is one of the nicest old seacoast towns in Vietnam. | region3name= [[Central Highlands (Vietnam)|Central Highlands]] | region3color=#ADCD96 | region3description=Lush forest-covered hills featuring indigenous peoples and the occasional elephant. | region4name=[[Southern Vietnam]] | region4color=#BE98BE | region4description=The economic engine of Vietnam, built around Ho Chi Minh City but also covering the lush and little-visited Mekong Delta, the rice basket of Vietnam.}} == Cities == <!-- please keep this list to nine cities, no more, and discuss any changes on Talk first --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hanoi]]|wikidata=Q1858}} (''Hà Nội'') — Vietnam's capital and major tourist destination * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ho Chi Minh City]]|wikidata=Q1854}} (''Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh'') — Vietnam's largest and most cosmopolitan city, formerly known as Saigon (''Sài Gòn'') when it was the capital of South Vietnam * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Da Nang]]|wikidata=Q25282}} (''Đà Nẵng'') — largest city in central Vietnam * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dalat]]|wikidata=Q25281}} (''Đà Lạt'') — French colonial [[hill station]] in the highlands * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Haiphong]]|wikidata=Q72818}} (''Hải Phòng'') — the "port city", a major port in north Vietnam * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hoi An]]|wikidata=Q36160}} (''Hội An'') — well-preserved ancient port, near the ruins of My Son * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hue]]|wikidata=Q36167}} (''Huế'') — former home of Vietnam's emperors * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nha Trang]]|wikidata=Q19491}} — burgeoning beach resort * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vinh]]|wikidata=Q33428}} — the major city in north-central Vietnam with very nice Cua Lo Beach == Other destinations == <!-- please keep this list to nine destinations, no more, and discuss any changes on Talk first --> * [[Con Dao]] — islands off the Mekong Delta * [[Cu Chi]] — site of the Cu Chi Tunnels * [[Cuc Phuong National Park]] — home to some of Asia's rarest wildlife and the Muong hill people * [[DMZ (Vietnam)|The DMZ]] — ruins of old American military bases, spectacular mountain scenery and rugged jungles * [[Ha Long Bay]] — famous for its unearthly scenery * [[Phu Quoc]] — island just off the coast of Cambodia, known for its beaches, fish sauce and seafood * [[Sa Pa]] — meet native indigenous people in the hills by the Chinese border * [[Tam Coc]] — Ha Long Bay-like karst scenery along the river * [[Phong Nha-Ke Bang|Phong Nha Caves]] World Heritage cave system in Quang Binh province. == Understand == {{quickbar}} === History === [[File:Son-Tra-Peninsula Da-Nang Vietnam Linh-Ung-Pagoda-01.jpg|thumb|Linh Ung pagoda in Da Nang.]] Vietnam's history is one of war, colonization and rebellion. Occupied by China no fewer than four times, the Vietnamese managed to fight off the invaders just as often. Even during the periods in history when Vietnam was independent, it was mostly a tributary state to China until the French colonization. Vietnam's last emperors were the '''Nguyễn Dynasty''', who ruled from their capital at [[Hue]] from 1802 to 1945, although [[France]] exploited the succession crisis after the fall of Tự Đức to ''de facto'' colonise Vietnam after 1884. Both the Chinese occupation and French colonization have left a lasting impact on Vietnamese culture, with Confucianism forming the basis of Vietnamese social etiquette, and the French influencing Vietnamese cuisine. After a brief Japanese occupation in World War II (see [[Pacific War]]), the Communist '''Viet Minh''' under the leadership of '''Hồ Chí Minh''' continued the war of independence against the French. The last Emperor Bao Dai abdicated in 1945 with a proclamation of independence following soon after. The majority of French had left by 1945, but in 1946 they returned to continue the fight until their decisive defeat at [[Dien Bien Phu]] in 1954. The Geneva Conference partitioned the country into two at the 17th parallel, with a communist-led North supported by the Soviet Union, and '''Ngô Đình Diệm''' establishing a capitalist regime and declaring himself President of the Republic of Vietnam in the South, supported by the United States. South Vietnam would be plagued by numerous domestic problems, including corruption, nepotism and electoral fraud. Diệm, who was a Roman Catholic, enacted laws that discriminated against the Buddhist majority, which led to the Buddhist monk '''Thích Quảng Đức''' self-immolating in protest at a busy intersection in Saigon in 1963. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew during the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the South Vietnamese government. This escalated into the dispatch of 500,000 American troops in 1966 and what became known as the '''Vietnam War''' in the West (the Vietnamese refer to it as the '''American War'''). What was supposed to be a quick and decisive action soon degenerated into a quagmire, and U.S. armed forces withdrew following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, on April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank drove into the South's Presidential Palace in [[Ho Chi Minh City|Saigon]] and the war ended. An estimated 3 million Vietnamese and over 55,000 Americans were killed. Vietnam's war against the United States was one of many that they have fought, but it was the most brutal in its history. Most of the nation's population was born after 1975. American tourists will receive a particularly friendly welcome in Vietnam, as many young Vietnamese are admirers of American culture. See [[Indochina Wars]] for more on these conflicts. After unifying the country, the communist government proceeded to root out the remaining capitalist elements in the south. Many business owners were killed while others, known as the boat people, became refugees and attempted to escape to Western countries, resulting in the establishment of Vietnamese communities in the [[United States]], [[Australia]] and [[Canada]]. The ethnic Chinese, long resented by the ethnic Vietnamese for their perceived economic clout, were particularly hard-hit by the purges. Following the collapse of the state-run economy, the government implemented market-oriented reforms and introduced capitalist elements in 1986 with a policy known as '''đổi mới'''. This policy has proved highly successful, as it spurred impressive economic growth and infrastructure development. Discriminatory laws against the remaining ethnic Chinese were repealed, and many have used their business acumen to contribute greatly to the revitalisation of the Vietnamese economy, also regaining some of their previous economic dominance in the process. Relations with the United States have thawed considerably, with formal defence ties having been re-established in 2016. Some former refugees or their descendants, most of whom were raised and educated in the West, have returned to Vietnam to take advantage of new economic opportunities. Today, Vietnam is widely considered to be one of the rising stars of Asia with a young population and vibrant economy. ===Politics=== [[Image:ReunificationHall Tank843.JPG|thumb|right|The tank that ended the war, [[Ho Chi Minh City]]]] The '''Socialist Republic of Vietnam''' (Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam) is a one-party authoritarian state, with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam as the supreme leader, the president as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. The Vietnamese legislature is the unicameral '''National Assembly''', from which the prime minister is selected. In practice, the president's position is only ceremonial, with the prime minister wielding the most authority in government. === Economy === Economic reconstruction of the reunited country has proven difficult. After the failures of the state-run economy started to become apparent, the country launched a program of '''''đổi mới''''' (renovation), introducing elements of capitalism. The policy has proved highly successful, with Vietnam recording near 10% growth yearly (except for a brief interruption during the Asian economic crisis of 1997). The economy is much stronger than those of neighboring Cambodia and Laos. Like most Communist countries around the world, there is a fine balance between allowing foreign investors and opening up the market. There used to be extreme restrictions on foreigners owning property or attempting to sell. However, a property regulation announced in 2015 allows foreigners to own and lease apartments in Vietnam. It is very difficult for them to trade without negotiating 'fees'. Business can be done via local partnerships with all the attendant risks. Power and services is another issue. There are often rolling blackouts at times when there is not enough electricity. For this reason, many shops have portable generators. According to government estimates, Vietnam saw 12.9 million tourist arrivals in 2017. Vietnam has a return rate <!--a what?--> of just 5% compared to Thailand’s whopping 50%. === People === Most people in Vietnam are ethnic '''Vietnamese''' (Kinh), though there are many minority groups who tend to live in the highlands or big cities. The three biggest minorities are the Tay people, Thais and Muong. Others include the Khmers and Hmong. There is a sizable ethnic Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City, most of whom are descended from migrants from [[Guangdong]] province and are hence bilingual in Cantonese, Teochew or other Chinese dialects and Vietnamese. The Chams, who live in the southern coastal areas of the country, represent the bulk of Muslims in Vietnam. '''[[Buddhism]]''', mostly of the Mahayana school, is the largest religion in Vietnam, with over 80% of Vietnamese people practising it to one degree or another, albeit usually syncretised with Taoism, Confucianism and Vietnamese folk religion. [[Christianity]] (mostly Roman Catholicism) is the second largest religion at 11%, followed by the local Cao Dai religion. [[Islam]], [[Hinduism]] and local religions also share small followings throughout the southern and central areas. === Culture === [[File:Pho in Saigon.jpg|thumb|The country is famous for its food, and Phở is considered Vietnam's national dish.]] Due to its long history as a tributary state of China, as well as several periods of Chinese occupations, Vietnamese culture is strongly influenced by that of southern China, with Confucianism forming the basis of Vietnamese social etiquette. The Vietnamese language also contains many loan words from Chinese, though the two languages are unrelated. Buddhism remains the single largest religion in Vietnam. As in China, but unlike its Southeast Asian neighbors, the dominant school of Buddhism in Vietnam is the Mahayana School. Nevertheless, Vietnamese culture remains distinct from Chinese culture as it has also absorbed cultural elements from neighboring Hindu civilizations such as the Champa and the Khmer empires. The French colonization also left a lasting impact on Vietnamese society, perhaps symbolised best by the Vietnamese fondness for baguettes and coffee. Southern and Central Vietnam, especially along the coast, have a much stronger Western influence, as compared to the North. The division of Vietnam during what is locally called the American War has also resulted in cultural differences between northern and southern Vietnam that can be seen today. To this day, northern Vietnamese have a tendency to be more ideological, while southern Vietnamese tend to be more business-minded. Vietnam is known for several traditional arts, with perhaps the most famous being '''water puppetry'''. In modern times, Vietnam has also jumped on the ''cirque nouveau'' bandwagon, with AO Show from Ho Chi Minh City perhaps being the best known example. Vietnam is also home to a vibrant pop music scene, with [[South Korea]]n pop being the biggest influence on modern Vietnamese pop music. === Climate === Vietnam is large enough to have several distinct climate zones. * The [[Southern Vietnam|south]] has three somewhat distinct seasons: hot and dry from Mar-May/Jun; rainy from Jun/Jul-Nov; and cool and dry from Dec-Feb. April is the hottest month, with mid-day temperatures of 33°C (91°F) or more most days. During the rainy season, downpours can happen every afternoon, and occasional street flooding occurs. Temperatures range from stifling hot before a rainstorm to pleasantly cool afterwards. Mosquitoes are most numerous in the rainy season. Dec-Feb is the most pleasant time to visit, with cool evenings down to around 20°C (68°F). * The [[North (Vietnam)|north]] has four distinct seasons, with a comparatively chilly winter (temperatures can dip below 15°C/59°F in Hanoi), a hot and rainy summer and pleasant spring (Mar-Apr) and autumn (Oct-Dec) seasons. However, in the [[Central Highlands (Vietnam)|Highlands]] both extremes are amplified, with occasional snow in the winter and temperatures hitting 40°C (104°F) in the summer. * In the [[Central Coast (Vietnam)|central]] regions the Hai Van pass separates two different weather patterns of the north starting in Langco (which is hotter in summer and cooler in winter) from the milder conditions south starting in Da Nang. Northeast monsoon conditions Sep-Feb often have strong winds, large sea swells and rain. This is a miserable and difficult time to travel through Central Vietnam by motorbike. Normally summers are hot and dry. === Read === * ''Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam'' by Andrew X. Pham (2000). * ''The Quiet American'' by Graham Greene (1955). Set in 1950s Saigon. A love triangle with a historical backdrop. 2 film adaptations: 1958 & 2002. * ''The Lover'' by Marguerite Duras (1984) (original title: ''L'amant''). Film adaptation: 1992 starring Jane March, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. === Watch === * ''Indochine'' (French, 1992), with Catherine Deneuve, directed by Régis Wargnier. Set in 1930s French Indochina. A good storyline with some interesting insights on the history and politics of the time. Set around Saigon. * ''Cyclo'' (Vietnamese, 1995). Set in Saigon, a dive into the murky violence and poverty of 1990s Saigon. === Holidays === {{Template:CNYdates}} By far the largest holiday is '''Tết''' — the Lunar New Year — which takes place between late January and March. In the period leading up to Tết, the country is abuzz with preparations. Guys on motorbikes rush around delivering potted tangerine trees and flowering bushes, the traditional household decorations. People get a little bit stressed out and the elbows get sharper, especially in big cities, where the usual hectic level of traffic becomes almost homicidal. Then a few days before Tết the pace begins to slow down, as thousands of city residents depart for their ancestral hometowns in the provinces. Finally on the first day of the new year an abrupt transformation occurs: the streets become quiet, almost deserted. Nearly all shops and restaurants close for three days, (the exception being a few that cater especially to foreign visitors; and hotels operate as usual.) In the major cities, streets are decorated with lights and public festivities are organized which attract many thousands of residents. But for Vietnamese, Tết is mostly a private, family celebration. On the eve of the new year, families gather together and exchange good wishes (from more junior to more senior) and gifts of "lucky money" (from more senior to more junior). In the first three days of the year, the daytime hours are devoted to visiting: houses of relatives on the first day, closest friends and important colleagues on the second day, and everyone else on the third day. Many people also visit pagodas. The evening hours are spent drinking and gambling (men) or chatting, playing, singing karaoke, and enjoying traditional snacks and sweets (for women and children.) Visiting Vietnam during Tết has good points and bad points. On the minus side: modes of transport are jammed just before the holiday as many Vietnamese travel to their home towns; hotels fill up, especially in smaller towns; and your choice of shopping and dining is severely limited in the first days of the new year (with a few places closed for up to two weeks). On the plus side, you can observe the preparations and enjoy the public festivities; pagodas are especially active; no admission is charged to those museums and historical sites that stay open; and the foreigner-oriented travel industry of backpacker buses and resort hotels chugs along as usual. Visitors also stand a chance of being invited to join the festivities, especially if you have some local connections or manage to make some Vietnamese friends during your stay. When visiting during Tết, it's wise to get settled somewhere at least two days before the new year, and don't try to move again until a couple of days after. Lesser holidays include 1 May, the traditional socialist labor day, 2 September, Vietnam's national day, King Hung celebration on 10 March of Lunar Calendar, commemorating past kings, and Reunification Day on 30 April, marking the fall of Saigon in 1975. Around those times, trains and planes tend to be sold out, and accommodation at the beach or in Dalat are hard to find. Best to book far in advance. == Talk == {{seealso|Vietnamese phrasebook}} The official language of Vietnam is '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' (''Tiếng Việt''). Vietnamese is a tonal language that uses a change in pitch to inflect different meanings, and this can make it difficult to master. Travellers may still be surprised to learn that the basic grammar is pretty simple. Verbs are static regardless of the past or future and parts of speech are pretty straightforward. The major difficulties lie in the pronunciation of the various tones and some of the sounds. Vietnamese consists of 5 main dialects: the northern dialect spoken around Hanoi, the north-central dialect spoken around Vinh, the central dialect spoken around Hue, the south-central dialect spoken around Phu Yen and the southern dialect spoken around Ho Chi Minh City. While the Hanoi dialect is the prestige dialect and widely used in broadcasting, there is no legally-defined standard dialect of Vietnamese. Northerners often think that southern accent is for "hai lúa" (country folk) and will always recommend you to stick to the northern accent, but the choice of accents should depend on where you plan to live. If you are working in [[Ho Chi Minh City]], the economic centre of Vietnam, the southern accent is what you will hear every day. Vietnamese uses the Latin alphabet, and the spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation. However, the pronunciation of the letters is often different from that in English. Although Chinese characters are no longer used to write Vietnamese, the Vietnamese lexicon continues to be heavily influenced by the Chinese language. Some words are loanwords from Chinese like "hotel" (khách sạn), "children" (nhi đồng), "communist party" (đảng cộng sản); some are formed based on Chinese roots/characters, like "representative" (đại diện) or "bird flu" (cúm gà). Any knowledge of the Chinese language will make it much easier to learn Vietnamese. Vietnamese is also full of French and English loanwords. Nowadays, some English words are used directly in Vietnamese: camera, clip, internet, jeans, PC, sandwich, selfie, radar, show, smartphone , tablet, TV, etc. Although the Vietnamese people appreciate any effort to learn their language, most seldom experience foreign accents. Consequently, learners may find it frustrating that no one can understand what they try to say. Staff in hotels and children tend to have a more tolerant ear for foreign accents and it is not unheard of for children to effectively help translate your badly pronounced Vietnamese into authentic Vietnamese for adults. Ho Chi Minh City is home to a sizeable ethnic Chinese community, many of whom speak [[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]. The more remote parts of the country are also home to many ethnic minorities who speak various languages belonging to the Mon-Khmer, Tai-Kadai and Austronesian language families. Most younger Vietnamese learn '''English''' in school, but proficiency is generally poor. However, most hotel and airline staff will know enough English to communicate. Younger upper and middle class Vietnamese generally have a basic grasp of English. Road directional signs are generally bilingual in Vietnamese and English. Vietnamese people are much more adept at using 'Translate' Apps on phones than in neighbouring countries and will readily use these as means of communicating in English as well as other languages. As a result of its colonial legacy, educated senior citizens are able to speak '''[[French phrasebook|French]]'''. However, English has supplanted French as the foreign language of choice among the younger generations. '''[[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]''' is also spoken by some Vietnamese who have studied, worked, or done business in the USSR or Russia. In the big cities, some of the big international luxury hotel chains will have staff who can speak other foreign languages such as Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean. At the more popular tourist sites, such as Hanoi's Temple of Literature, guides conduct tours in a number of foreign languages, including German, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean or Japanese. == Get in == [[File:Visa policy of Vietnam.svg|thumb|upright=1.8|Visa policy of Vietnam{{legend|#db2017|Vietnam}}{{legend|#085b3e|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#1cb34b|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#007ece|Visa-free - 21 days}}{{legend|#b6e717|Visa-free - 15 days}}{{legend|#9adaeb|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#efe5b1|Visa-free for passports endorsed "for public affairs"}}{{legend|#ff8022|eVisa}}{{legend|#adadad|Visa required in advance}}]] {{COVID-19 box|On May 15, 2022, Vietnam dropped all quarantine and testing requirements.|lastedit=2022-06-01}} ===Entry requirements=== Visitors from the following countries do not require a visa and can stay for the following number of days. * 14 days: [[Brunei]], [[Myanmar]] * 15 days: [[Belarus]], [[Denmark]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Japan]], [[Norway]], [[South Korea]], [[Spain]], [[Sweden]], [[Russia]], the [[United Kingdom]]. * 21 days: [[Philippines]] * 30 days: [[Indonesia]], [[Laos]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]], [[Cambodia]] * 90 days: [[Chile]] All other nationalities will require a '''visa''' in advance to visit Vietnam. However, visitors from [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/Vietnam-Evisa-nation-list.pdf/21e0f88f-d8a0-48b8-bfdb-a0f82b0853e2 many countries] are now eligible for a 30-day electronic visa (e-Visa), which you apply for through an [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt online portal] and print out yourself after it's approved. It typically takes 3 working days to process and costs US$25. See the "E-Visa" section below for more details. In order to boost tourism, the Vietnamese government has made the island of [[Phu Quoc]] a visa-free zone. Those flying there through Ho Chi Minh City or arriving by boat will not need to apply for a visa beforehand. This is regardless of your nationality. Visitors are given 15 days to spend on the island. Those wishing to travel elsewhere can apply for a proper Vietnamese visa at the local immigration office. All passports should be valid for at least 45 days when arriving in Phu Quoc. If you aren't eligible for an e-Visa (because of your nationality), or if it isn't suitable for your purposes (because you need to enter within less than 3 days, or want to enter at a remote border crossing that isn't included in the system), visas can be applied for at most Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad. This will generally cost at least double the price of the e-Visa (see "Visa fees" below). If your country does not have a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, a popular alternative would be to apply at the Vietnamese embassy in [[Bangkok]]. Foreign citizens of Vietnamese origin can apply for visa exemption that allows multiple entry for 3 months at a time which is valid for the duration of the passport. In some cases it is possible to arrange a so-called '''visa on arrival''', though for most visitors this is no longer the best option. See the "Visa on arrival" section below for details. ==== Visa fees ==== e-Visas (see below), if you are from a country for which they are available, cost US$25 from the [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt official website]. If you aren't eligible for an e-Visa, or need a traditional visa for some other reason (for example, because you need to enter within less than three days, or because you want to enter at a remote border crossing that's not included in the e-Visa program), the cost of applying depends on your nationality and the embassy or consulate you are applying at. Check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or the country you are in, for details. Embassies are (oddly) reluctant to announce fees on their websites, as the relatively high visa costs are a tourism deterrent, but nevertheless a source of revenue. Email or, even better, call them to get up-to-date information on prices. Or if you're in the same city, walk in and ask in person. As of 2019, one of the reportedly cheapest places to get a visa are the Vietnamese embassy and consulates in Cambodia, starting at '''US$40 for a one month, single entry visa.''' Some Vietnamese embassies offer a "While you wait service" (May 2008 - it's unclear whether this is still the case), where a single entry visa can be gained in 15 minutes. This service costs US$92, but approval is instant. You are required to bring a valid passport, passport photo and payment in US$ (credit cards not accepted). If this service is not offered, you may still be able apply for a visa and get it back later the same day (for example, at the Vietnamese embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia). Make sure to inquire about the details, since if you don't complete the application before a certain time of day, you will need to wait until the next day to pick up the visa and your passport. ====E-Visa==== Vietnam's e-Visa service provides an online application at the [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt website of the Vietnamese immigration office]. This procedure is available for [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/Vietnam-Evisa-nation-list.pdf/21e0f88f-d8a0-48b8-bfdb-a0f82b0853e2 80 countries], including most European ones. The regular e-Visa is valid for 30 days, for single entry and has a duration of 4 weeks after entering and costs US$25. Don't forget to pay, which is a separate step after confirming your application. It takes about 3 working days to issue, and a delay in payment may or may not delay it further. The automatic email confirmation is not reliable and you have to check for yourself online whether you have received the visa. You should print out a paper copy of your visa once it is approved, and be prepared to show it when entering the country and possibly also when checking in for your flight. e-Visas are valid at major airports and seaports and most, but NOT ALL land crossings (for example, they are not accepted between Banlung, Cambodia and Pleiku, Vietnam). A [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/List-of-evisa-port.pdf/c774e24b-1ab8-4fb6-9ac1-dcdfaccecf8e full list of valid crossings] is available on the e-Visa website, though many of them use obscure local names that can be difficult to find on maps. In theory, entry and exit from the country should be from the same airport, seaport, or land crossing as stipulated on the e-Visa form, but in reality this is usually not enforced on the way out, though you must enter on the date and at the place stipulated on the visa. You are more likely to encounter problems due to typos in vital data such as your name or birth date. Other types of e-Visa, like multiple entry and extended duration, are available with additional documents and information required. If you want to enter Vietnam at a crossing that's not included in the e-Visa program, or if you need to enter within less than 3 business days, you can still apply for a traditional, physical visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The fee will be considerably higher (see "Visa fees" section above). ==== Visa on arrival ==== [[File:Cua Tung Beach.jpg|thumb|Cua Tung Beach]] The "Visa on arrival" (VOA) is generally only for urgent and special cases, or in cases where a country does not have Vietnamese representatives/consulate services locally. In practice it's used when one desires a longer stay, since you're able to get a VOA for up to 3 months at a time (or even longer for US citizens). A 3 month tourist VOA is usually the visa of choice for long-term expats who don't work in the country (and thus don't qualify for a work permit). Since the advent of e-Visas, this has become an uncommon option for short-term tourists, and information here may be out-of-date, so do your own research on the current rules before planning to use this method. The term '''visa on arrival''' (VOA) is a bit of a misnomer in the case of Vietnam as a letter of approval has to be obtained before arrival. This is handled by a growing number of online agencies for a charge of US$8-21 (2017), depending on the agency and number of people applying together. Most agencies accept payment by credit card, and some by Western Union. The agent in Vietnam obtains from the Department of Immigration a letter of approval bearing the visitor's name, date of birth, date of arrival, nationality and passport number, and then forwards that letter to the visitor (in PDF or JPEG format) by email or fax, usually within three working days. It is common to get the letter with several other applicants passport details (passport number, date of birth, name, etc.) You might share your personal information with up to 10-30 other applicants on the same letters. For people who are concerned about their privacy or security, it is recommended to check first if the agencies have an option for a separate or private approval letter (private visa on arrival) on their website. Very few online agencies have this option. Another solution is to apply for a standard visa through the embassies to keep your personal details private. After landing at any of the international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Vinh or Phu Quoc), the visitor goes to the "visa on arrival" counter, shows the letter, fills in an additional arrival form (can be pre-filled before departure), pays the stamping fee and receives an official stamp (sticker) in his or her passport. A stamping fee is US$25 (US$50 for a multiple entry visa) (2016). Only US dollars are accepted, and the notes must be in as-new condition else they will be refused. One passport photo is required as well. Some agencies say that two are required, however only one is usually needed. Without the original letter of approval (with the wet red stamp) a VOA can only be obtained at the three international airports. Many agencies will provide you with the original letter if required, and even ship it to a neighbouring country, but that's slower and will cost you extra. Visitors arriving by land from Cambodia, Laos or China must be in possession of either an original stamped approval letter or a full visa when they arrive at the border. Passengers of most, if not all, airlines travelling to Vietnam must present the approval letter at check-in, otherwise check-in will be refused. Depending on the present level of SARS or avian flu, you may be subjected to a so-called '''health-check'''. There is no examination, though, but yet another form to fill in and, of course, another fee. If you can get hold of a handful of dong it is only 2,000 dong per person, but they charge US$2 for the same "service" if you only have US dollars. ====Visa free zone==== [[Phú Quốc]] island, off of the southwestern coast, is accessible to tourists from all countries without a visa for stays up to 30 days. Phu Quoc International Airport ({{IATA|PQC}}) receives some direct flights from European airports such as Stockholm-Arlanda operated by [http://www.thomson.co.uk/flight/ Thomson], and flights from destinations in Asia. [[File:My Son Ruinen.JPG|thumb|Temple ruins at My Son.]] ==== Dual citizens ==== If you are a citizen of two foreign countries, you may be entering Vietnam on a different passport (Country A) than the one you have used to leave the previous country on your itinerary (Country B's passport) (e.g. because Country A's passport has a Vietnamese visa or offers a visa-free entry to Vietnam, while Country B's passport has a visa for the previous visited country). In this case, the Vietnamese immigration inspector will likely want to see the exit stamp and/or visa in your Country B passport as well. He may suggest putting the Vietnamese entry stamp into Country B passport as well, so that all your stamps would be in one place. '''Don't''' take him up on his offer; make sure that the Vietnamese entry stamp goes into the passport that either has the Vietnamese visa, or offers visa-free entry to Vietnam. Otherwise, you risk having problems when leaving Vietnam; the border control officers at your attempted exit point may declare your entry stamp "invalid" and send you back to your original point of entry to have the error corrected. === By plane === Vietnam's main international airports are located at '''[[Hanoi]]''' ({{IATA|HAN}}) and '''[[Ho Chi Minh City]]''' ({{IATA|SGN}}). Both airports are served by numerous flights from major cities in [[East Asia]] and [[Southeast Asia]], with some intercontinental services to [[Australia]], [[Europe]] and the [[United States of America|United States]]. Other international airports are located at '''[[Da Nang]]''', '''[[Vinh]]''', '''[[Nha Trang]]''' and '''[[Phu Quoc]]''', though flights are limited to those from neighboring Asian countries. As Da Nang is closer to the historical sites of Central Vietnam than the two main airports, it can make a convenient entry point for those who specifically wish to visit those sites. The national carrier is '''[http://www.vietnamairlines.com Vietnam Airlines]''', which operates flights into Vietnam's two largest cities from various cities in Australia, Asia and Europe. Vietnam Airlines serves all capital cities of Southeast Asian countries except Dili, Bandar Seri Begawan and Naypyidaw. The largest low cost carrier is [http://www.vietjetair.com '''Vietjet Air'''] which flies to an increasing number of regional destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Seoul, Singapore and Yangon. === By train === There is a nightly sleeper train between [[Nanning]] in China and Hanoi, taking 12 hours, including a tedious 2+2 hours at the border - see [[Hanoi#Get in]] for details. Through service are also available from [[Beijing]], but travellers will need to change railway coaches at Nanning. The old metre-gauge Kunming-Hanoi line has closed, and the simplest work-around is to take the high speed train from Kunming to Nanning to join the overnight train to Hanoi. Another option is to travel to Hekou North Station in China, walk across the border from [[Hekou]] to [[Lao Cai]], then take a Vietnamese train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. Both sides have several trains a day, so a daytime train from Kunming to Hekou can be matched with an overnight train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. There are no railway links between Vietnam and Laos or Cambodia. === By road === ==== Cambodia ==== The main crossing with [[Cambodia]] is the Moc Bai/Bavet crossing on the [[Ho Chi Minh City]] - [[Phnom Penh]] road. Buses between the two cities cost US$8-12 and take around 6 hr. Passengers vacate the vehicle at both countries' checkpoints. Only one passport photo is required for a Cambodian visa on arrival. Tours of the Mekong Delta (US$25-35, 2-3 days) can provide a more insightful journey between the two cities. Some of these tours, as well as boats between Phnom Penh and [[Chau Doc]], use a border crossing on the banks of the Mekong River, called "Song Tien landport" on Vietnam's eVisa website. Through tickets to [[Siem Reap]] are also available (US$18), though it is cheaper to by a ticket to [[Phnom Penh]] and then arrange onward transport on one of the many connecting buses. Close to the coast is the Xa Xia/Prek Chak border. Cambodian visas are available on arrival. Buses run between Ha Tien in Vietnam to [[Sihanoukville]] and [[Phnom Penh]] in Cambodia. The Vietnamese consulate in [[Sihanoukville#Embassies|Sihanoukville]] issues 30-day tourist visas on a same-day basis. Coastal areas are also served by the Tinh Bien/Phnom Den border near [[Chau Doc]] in Vietnam The Xa Mat/Trapeang Phlong crossing on the [[Ho Chi Minh City]] - [[Kampong Cham]] road is not well served by public transportation but may be useful for accessing [[Kampong Cham]] and [[Eastern Cambodia]]. [[Banlung]] in North [[Eastern Cambodia]] is connected to [[Pleiku]] in [[Vietnam]] by a crossing at Le Tanh/O Yadaw. Vietnam e-Visas are NOT accepted for entering Vietnam at this border crossing, so this is only for people whose nationalities get visa-free entry to Vietnam or who already have a traditional visa from an embassy/consulate in their passports. The Vietnamese entry checkpoint closes to foreigners at 5:30pm. If crossing the other way, from Vietnam to Cambodia, you can get a Cambodian visa on arrival here. One photo required. ==== China ==== There are three border crossings between [[China]] and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners: * Dongxing - Mong Cai (''by road; onward travel Mong Cai to [[Ha Long Bay|Ha Long]] by sea or by road'') * Hekou - Lao Cai (''by road and/or rail, but no international passenger train services'') * Youyi Guan - Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship Pass - ''by road and/or rail'') _ As of July 2022 the Youyi Guan border is closed to passengers entering or exiting China without specific clearance paperwork. Foreign residence permit holders trying to leave China will not be allowed out or to approach the border at all. Trucks and cargo only can get clearance. It's likely that all 14 China land borders are now closed and will stay that way although it's hard to research this in advance, no matter how official the source; China doesn't announce what it's doing. It's shutting itself off and is a fly in and out only destination. _ ==== Laos ==== There are six border crossings between [[Laos]] and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners (from north to south): * Tay Trang (Dien Bien province, Vietnam) - Sobboun (Phongsali province, Laos) * Na Mao (Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam) - Namsoi (Houaphanh province, Laos) * Nam Can (Vietnam) - Namkan (Xiangkhouang province, Laos) * Kaew Neua - Cau Treo (Keo Nua Pass) * Lao Bao (Vietnam) - Dansavan (Laos) * Ngoc Hoi (Kon Tum province, Vietnam) - Bo Y (Attapeu province, Laos) Be wary of catching local buses from Laos to Vietnam. Not only are they often crammed with cargo (coal and live chickens, often underfoot) but many buses run in the middle of the night, stopping for several hours in order to wait for the border to open at 07:00. Whilst waiting, you will be herded off the bus (for several hours) where you will be approached by pushy locals offering assistance in getting a Laos exit stamp in exchange for money (usually US$5+). If you bargain hard (tiring, at 04:00) you can get the figure down to about US$2. The men will take your passports, which can be disconcerting, but they do provide the service they promise. It is unclear whether you can just wait for the border officials to do this. There is also a VIP bus from Savannakhet. == Get around == [[File:Hue Vietnam A-lady-with-her-bike-transporting-goods-01.jpg|thumb|The Vietnamese are experts at transporting huge piles of goods on (motor)bikes.]] === By plane === Flights are the fastest way to traverse this long country. The flight from Hanoi to HCMC is only about 2 hours. There are many flights connecting the two largest cities, [[Hanoi]] and [[HCMC]], to major towns such as [[Da Nang]], [[Hai Phong]], [[Can Tho]], [[Hue]], [[Nha Trang]], [[Da Lat]], [[Phu Quoc]]. In the past most of these flights were cheap compared to European or North American flights. However, prices are higher than previously with, for example, a return connecting Hanoi to Da Nang costing around US$120-150 including taxes. The full-service domestic airlines are flag carrier'''[http://www.vietnamairlines.com/wps/portal/vn/welcome/ Vietnam Airlines]''' with their subsidiary '''[http://www.vasco.com.vn/ Vasco]''' operating some shorter flights, as well as privately-owned '''[http://bambooairways.com/ Bamboo Airways]'''. The main budget airlines are '''[https://www.pacificairlines.com.vn/vn/en Pacific Airlines]''' and '''[http://www.vietjetair.com/ VietJet Air]'''. === By train === Although more expensive than buses, trains are undoubtedly the most comfortable way to travel overland in Vietnam. There is one major train line in Vietnam, the {{km|1723}} trunk between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, on which the '''Reunification Express''' runs. HCMC to Hanoi is more than 30 hours, and overnight hops between major destinations are usually possible, if not entirely convenient. It's a good way to see the countryside and meet upper-middle class locals, but unless you are travelling in a sleeper car it is no more comfortable than buses. Air conditioned soft or hard sleeper is recommended, and purchasing as early as possible is a good idea as popular berths and routes are often bought out by tour companies and travel agents well before the departure time (hence being told the train is sold out at a station ticket window or popular tour company office does not mean there are no tickets available: they've simply been bought by another reseller). Booking at the train station itself is generally the safest way, just prepare on a piece of paper the destination, date, time, no. of passengers and class. However, unsold tickets can often be bought last minute from people hanging around at the station. A train is rarely sold out for real, as the railway company will add cars when demand is high. Commissions on these tickets will drop away as the departure time draws nearer. Tickets can be returned before departure for a 10% fee. There is also an [http://www.dsvn.vn official Vietnamese Railways website], which has an English version and accepts payments by international bank cards. Be cautious when using a travel agent to purchase your train tickets, since there is nothing printed on the ticket noting in which class you are booked. As of July 2018 tickets (now termed 'boarding passes') do indicate the class of ticket. This results in a common scam with private travel agents where you will pay them to book a soft-sleeper ticket, they then book you a cheaper hard-sleeper ticket, and you don't know you've been scammed until you board the train and your berths are in the lower class. By then with the train on the verge of departing it is too late to go back to the scamming agent to demand compensation. With the new boarding passes this scam is less of an issue although buying your ticket directly from the train station remains the best option. Buying your ticket electronically from a booking site such as https://www.baolau.com/ is also safe and reliable. Once purchased you keep the details on your phone and upon arrival at the station simply go to one of the machines available for the purpose and print off your boarding pass. In some cases the staff who help you to access the platforms are able to scan your QR code directly from your phone, in others they direct you to the print option. In either case the process is problem free. In addition, there are shorter routes from [[Hanoi]] leading northwest and northeast, with international crossings into [[China]]. One of the most popular of the shorter routes is the overnight train from Hanoi to [[Lao Cai]] (with a bus service from Lao Cai to the tourist destination of [[Sapa]]). Always try to buy your tickets at least 3 days in advance, to avoid disappointment, especially during peak holiday season, during which you should try to book at least 2 weeks in advance. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke try to book a seat in the middle of the carriage as people smoke in the areas at the end of each carriage and the doors are often left open. === By bus === Long-distance bus services connect most cities in Vietnam. Most depart early in the morning to accommodate traffic and late afternoon rains, or run overnight. Average road speeds are typically quite slow, even when travelling between cities. For example a 276 km (172 mi) journey from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City by bus will likely take about 8 hours. '''Public buses''' travel between the cities' bus stations. In bigger places, you often have to use local transport to get into the city centre from there. Buses are generally in reasonable shape, and you have the chance to interact with locals. Bus stations are generally well organised, safe and easy enough to navigate even if you don't speak Vietnamese. Every major city will have a centralised bus station, and most of the major companies will have ticket offices at the stations. Some reputable companies include '''[http://www.mailinhexpress.vn/ Mai Linh Express]''' and '''[https://www.thesinhtourist.vn/ The Sinh Tourist]''' and '''[https://www.hoanglongasia.com/ Hoang Long]'''. {{cautionbox|As a foreigner, you are likely to get overcharged on local buses, where you pay a conductor during the journey. Find out what the right fare is by looking up the price (it is displayed somewhere, often next to the front door on the outside of the bus; take a photo if you can) or by talking to one of the local travellers. Give the right amount and be prepared to argue your case.}} '''Open tour buses''' are run by a multitude of tour companies. They cater especially to tourists, offering ridiculous low rates (Hanoi to HCMC: US$20-25) and door-to-door service to your desired hostel. You can break the journey at any point and continue on a bus of the same company any time later, or simply buy tickets just for the stage you're willing to cover next. If you're not planning to make more than 3-4 stops, it might be cheaper to buy separate tickets as you go (i.e. Hanoi to Hue can be as low as US$5). Most hotels and guesthouses can book seats for any connection, although you're better to shop around at travel agents, as prices will vary on any given ticket or bus company. Going to the bus company office may net you a commission-free fare, but most major bus operators have fixed pricing policies, which can only be circumvented through a travel agent. '''Deluxe''' or '''interprovincial buses''' are the most luxurious options with regard to bus travel, and are offered by all the major companies on some of the most popular tourist routes. Some of these buses are in the form of '''sleeper buses''', where instead of a seat, you get an angled-flat bunk bed that you can sleep on. Some companies also offer a more expensive '''VIP sleeper bus''', in which you get a wider bunk bed, your own cubicle for more privacy, and a personal TV system similar to those in aeroplanes. Since tour companies charge very little, they do make commission on their stop-offs which are often at souvenir shops, where you do not have to buy; they always have toilets and drinks and water available for purchase. The estimated time for a bus trip will not be accurate and may be an additional couple of hours sometimes, due to the number of stop offs. Collecting the passengers at the start of the journey can also take quite a while too. Always be at least half an hour early to catch the bus. Try not to drink too much water, as rest stops, especially for overnight buses, may be just somewhere where there are a lot of bushes. [[File:Bus on a road in Luong Son District.jpg|thumb|Bus on a road in Luong Son District]] Vietnamese buses are made for Vietnamese people - bigger Westerners will be very uncomfortable, especially on overnight buses. Also, many Vietnamese are not used to travelling on long-haul buses, and will sometimes get sick - not very pleasant if you are stuck on an overnight bus with several Vietnamese throwing up behind you. Even if you are sometimes bus-sick, it is advisable to book a seat at the middle rather than at the front of the bus. First, you will avoid viewing directly the short-sighted risks the driver is taking on the way. Second, you will somewhat escape the loud noise of non-stop honking (each time the bus passes another vehicle, that is about every 10 seconds). Although the bus company will usually be happy to collect you at your hotel or guest house, boarding at the company office will guarantee a choice of seats and you'll avoid getting stuck at the back or unable to sit next to your travelling companions. The offices are generally located in or near the tourist area of town, and a short walk might make your trip that much more pleasant. The long haul bus companies operate from north to south and back on the only main road (QL1). If you take a bus going further than your destination, the bus will drop you off at the most convenient crossroad for it and not as you may have expected at the bus terminal of your destination. For Hué, this crossroad is 13 km from the city centre; for Nha Trang 10 km. At these crossroads, you'll find taxis or mototaxis to get you to your hotel. If you are traveling with a bicycle, negotiate the extra fee with the driver rather than the ticket counter before buying your ticket. The bicycle fee should be no more than 10% of the ticket price. A scam that you may encounter is that after arriving at your location, the guides will ask you whether you have booked a hotel. Even though you haven't, say that you have and prepare the name of a hotel. If you say you have not booked one, they will charter a taxi for you and probably drop you at a hotel which they can collect commission. If you decide not to stay, things may get a little ugly, as they will demand that you pay the taxi fare, which they may quote as several times the actual fare for a ten minute ride. Be very careful of your possessions on the overnight bus, as people (including bus employees) have been known to look through passenger's bags and take expensive items such as iPods and phones and sell them on for profit. If you are travelling with an iPod, do not fall asleep with it in your ear, as the chances are it will be nowhere to be found in the morning. Get a padlock for your hand luggage and lock everything up in there before you go to sleep. === By car === {{infobox|International Driving Permits|As of October 2015, International Driving Permits are recognised in Vietnam. However, hiring a car without a driver is almost unheard of, and unless you have a valid motorcycle license in your home country, your permit is not valid for riding a motorcycle. Always bring your home driving license with you.}} [[File:Van Yen District - Hwy DT163 - P1380777.JPG|thumb|A provincial road (Yen Bai Provincial Route 163) in good condition, with a milestone (80 km from [[Yen Bai]] City)]] Like its former colonial master, France, traffic moves on the '''right''' in Vietnam. International Driving Permits are recognised in Vietnam. However, the concept of renting a car to drive yourself is almost non-existent, and when Vietnamese speak of renting a car they always mean hiring a car with a driver. (After a short time on local roads with their crazy traffic, you will be glad you left the driving to somebody used to it.) Since few Vietnamese own cars, they have frequent occasion to hire vehicles for family outings, special occasions, etc., and a thriving industry exists to serve that need. Vietnamese can easily hire anything from a small car to a 32-seat bus, for one day or several. Tourists can tap into that market indirectly by way of hotels and tour agents found in every tourist area. International car brands have started to surface. Budget Car Rental, one of the largest car rental companies in the world, now offers chauffeur driven services in Vietnam. Hiring a small car for a day trip returning to the point of origin costs around US$60 for 8 hours (though the price changes with the cost of fuel.) (If you shop around and bargain hard for the lowest possible price, you will probably get an older, more beat-up car. If you are paying more than bare minimum, it's worth asking what sort of car it will be, and holding out for something comfortable.) Few drivers speak any English, so make sure you tell the hotel or agent exactly where you want to go, and have that communicated to the driver. It's also possible to hire a car and driver for inter-city travel, at somewhat higher cost. A small car from Saigon to the beach resort of Mui Ne, a 4- or 5-hour trip depending on traffic, costs about US$70, and Dalat to Mui Ne about US$90. Long distance travel by car may be a good choice for several people travelling together, as it provides a flexible schedule and flexible access to remote sites. Keep in mind that although a network of paved roads exists in Vietnam, long-distance road travel in Vietnam by whatever means (bus or car) is slow, with average speed less than 50 km/hour. Highway 1, the north-south backbone of the country, is a two-lane road with very heavy truck and bus traffic. Similarly, the main road of the north-west - the so-called Hanoi (Noi Bai) - Lao Cai Expressway is, in reality, merely a good two-lane paved road, with speed limits varying from 60 to 80 km/h, reduced in many places to 40 km/h due to road work (as of 2017). Tolls on this "expressway" are pretty hefty, but motorists pay them, because the alternative is using local roads, which in some sections are not paved at all. In general, describing Vietnamese driving habits as atrocious would be an understatement. Road courtesy is non-existent and drivers generally do not check their blind spots or mirrors (in fact, many vehicles have had their wing mirrors removed). Vietnamese drivers also tend to use their horn very often to get motorcyclists and cyclists out of their way. In addition, most roads do not have lane markings and even on those that do, drivers generally ignore the lane markings. As such, driving yourself in Vietnam is not recommended and you should leave your transportation needs in the hands of locals. === By bicycle === Adventurous travellers may wish to see Vietnam by [[cycling]]. Several adventure travel tours provide package tours with equipment. Most of the population get around on two wheels, so it's an excellent way to get closer to the people as well as off the beaten path. Bicycles can be rented cheaply in many cities and are often a great way of covering larger distances. Good spots for cycling are [[Dalat]], [[Hoi An]], [[Hue]] and [[Ninh Binh]]. On the other hand, attempting to cycle in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is virtually suicide without proper experience of traffic rules (or lack thereof, 'proper experience' in this case means understanding that everyone around you could potentially change direction without signalling and at any moment.) A general 'rule of thumb' when on a bicycle or motorbike is 'expect the unexpected'. It's like a school of fish traffic situation. In cities like HCMC and Hanoi, parking bicycles on pedestrian areas is not allowed and you'll have to go to a pay parking lot: 2,000 dong per bike, 5,000 dong for a motorbike. === By motorcycle taxi === The ''xe ôm'' (literally "hugging vehicle"), a taxi-motorbike, is a common mode of transport for Vietnamese as well as tourists. They are widely available and reasonably cheap: about 10,000 dong for a 10-minute trip, which should get you anywhere within the city centre. Walk the city streets, and every couple of minutes a guy will flag your attention and say "You! Motobike?" Longer trips to outlying areas can be negotiated for 20,000-25,000 dong. Always agree on the fare before starting your trip. Moto drivers rarely speak English. As with most things, a tourist will often be quoted an above-market price initially, and you need to be firm. If quoted anything over 10,000 dong for a short trip, remind the driver that you could take an air-con taxi for 15,000 dong so forget it. Occasionally drivers will demand more than the negotiated price at the end, so it's best to have exact change handy. Then you can pay the agreed amount and walk away, end of discussion. In some cases they will take you wherever they want (tourist attractions or shops you didn't request to go) and sometimes they will wait for you to come back (even if you don't want them to wait) and will ask you for more money for having been waiting. Even if you speak some Vietnamese, this is not useful, since they will cheat you anyway or they will act as if they don't understand even if they do. Again, be firm and walk away. === By motorcycle === [[File:Van Yen District - Hwy DT163 - P1380790.JPG|thumb|A roadside sign with a Zen message]] The 110 cc motorbike is the preferred mode of transport for the Vietnamese masses, and the large cities swarm with them. It's common to see whole families of four cruising along on a single motorbike. In most places where tourists go, you can easily rent your own, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 160,000 dong per day. It is '''illegal''' for foreigners to ride a motorbike in Vietnam unless they are in possession of a temporary Vietnamese motorcycle licence, or an International Driving Permit with a valid home country ''motorcycle'' licence. To convert your licence or International Driving Permit into a temporary Vietnamese licence you must hold a Vietnamese residence permit of at least three months' validity or a three-month tourist visa. In Hanoi you should apply to the Centre for Automotive Training and Mechanism, 83a Ly Thuong Kiet St; in HCMC to the Office of Transportation, 63 Ly Tu Trong St, District 1. If you ride unlicensed and have an accident in which a third party is injured or killed you could be subject to a term of imprisonment of 10-20 years, and pay a large sum in compensation to the victim or the victim's family. Moreover, even if your travel insurance policy covers you for motorcycling (check the small print as many don't), if you are injured when riding illegally the insurance company will not recompense you for medical attention, hospitalisation, evacuation to another country for hospitalisation or repatriation, the cost of which can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Desk clerks at small hotels often run a side business renting motorbikes to guests, or have a friend or relative who does. Tour booths can usually do the same. In small towns and beach resorts where traffic is light, e.g. Pho Quoc, it's a delightful way to get around and see the sights, and much cheaper than taxis if you make several stops or travel any distance. Roads are usually decent, though it's advisable not to ride too fast and always keep an eye on the road for the occasional pothole. Riding in the big cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City, is a very different matter, and not advisable unless you are an experienced rider with a very cool head. Traffic is intense and chaotic, with a long list of unwritten rules that don't resemble traffic laws anywhere else. "Right of way" is a nearly unknown concept. Riding in HCMC is like finding yourself in the middle of a 3-D video game where anything can come at you from any direction, and you only have one life. Expats who brave the traffic at all typically have an apprenticeship of a few weeks or months riding on the back of others' motorbikes to learn the ways of the traffic, before attempting to ride themselves. Extreme caution is advised for short-term visitors. Riding long-distance in the countryside can also be harrowing depending on the route you take. Major roads between cities tend to be narrow despite being major, and full of tour buses hell-bent on speed, passing slow trucks where maybe they shouldn't have tried, and leaving not much room at the edge for motorbikes. That being said, there are many good roads and beautiful sights to be seen with the freedom of your own motorbike. As an alternative to the coastal highway (AH 1), the Ho Chi Minh Road (AH 17) is a quiet and scenic option for the adventurous. The road is in excellent condition, with upgrades from Buon Ma Thuat to Kon Tum. Shortly after Kon Tum the road enters the mountains close to the Lao border, with majestic scenery quiet and ethnic villages for 700 km, finally emerging back to the lowlands at the world heritage listed Phong Nha caves. This quiet alternative to the coastal chaos can be taken all the way to Ha Noi. Two main categories of motorbike are available to rent: scooters (automatic transmission); and four-speed motorbikes, the gears of which you shift with your left foot. The ubiquitous Honda Super Cub is a common 4-speed bike that has a semi-automatic gearbox, i.e. no clutch so is relatively easy to ride. Other models may be fully manual and therefore you must also operate the clutch using your left hand - this takes a lot of skill and it's all too easy to over-rev and pull a wheelie or stall the engine - if you end up with such a bike then practise releasing the clutch gently before hitting the roads. Dirt bikes are becoming popular for rent in Hanoi; other cities are not yet ready for these beasts. Rental agents tend to steer foreigners toward scooters if available, on the (plausible) assumption that they don't know how to ride motorbikes that require shifting gears. Motorcycles of 175 cc and above are only legal to ride if you make a connection with a Vietnamese motorcycle club. Most places you would want to stop at have parking attendants who will issue you a numbered tag and watch over your bike. Sometimes these parking operations are overseen by the establishment you are visiting, and sometimes they are freelance operations set up in places where a lot of people go. You will usually see rows of bikes lined up parked. Depending on circumstance, you might park the bike yourself, or just take out the key, put it in neutral, and let the staff position it. In all but rare cases you keep the key. Parking is sometimes free at restaurants and cafes (look for "giu xe mien phi"). Elsewhere, fees range from 2,000 to 5,000 to 10,000 dong. Traffic police in the cities pull over lots of locals (often for reasons that are hard to discern), but conventional wisdom has it that they rarely bother foreigners due to the language barrier. Obeying the traffic laws is nevertheless advisable, especially if you have failed to obtain a Vietnamese license. Cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi have several one way streets, and it is too easy to just steer into them unknowingly as there are limited signs warning you. Be sure that if you break the law, the police who are sneaking just at the right spot, will ask you to pull over and will fine you. They will also threaten to confiscate your bike. The quoted price for the fine is negotiable, and being apologetic and friendly can get you back on road quickly, with a few dollars less in your pockets. It is less likely that they will bully or harass you. Helmets are required by law, so if you don't have one already ask your rental agent to provide you with one. Riding without a helmet greatly increases attention from the police. === By cyclo === [[Image:Cyclo Purple.JPG|thumb|Cyclo in [[Hue]]]] While slowly being supplanted by motorbikes, '''cyclo''' pedicabs still roam the streets of Vietnam's cities and towns. They are especially common in scenic smaller, less busy cities like Hue, where it's pleasant to cruise slowly along taking in the sights. Though the ride will be slow, hot and sometimes dangerous, you'll generally need to pay ''more'' than for a motorbike for the equivalent distance. On the plus side, some drivers (particularly in the South) are very friendly and happy to give you a running commentary on the sights. Cyclo drivers are notoriously mercenary and will always ask for a high price to start with. Sometimes they will also demand more than the agreed price at the end. (Japanese tourists, especially women, are most often targeted with this scam since they are more responsive to the threat that the driver will call the police and make trouble for them if they don't pay as demanded.) A reasonable price is about 20,000 dong for up to 2 km (1.2 mi), and if the driver disagrees, simply walk away. (You won't get far before that driver or another takes your offer.) Prices for a sightseeing circuit with intermediate stops are more complex to negotiate and more subject to conflict at the end. If you plan to stop somewhere for any length of time, it's best to settle up with the driver, make no promises, and start fresh later. Some drivers start with a very low rate to get you into their cycle and then if required to wait for you or otherwise vary the agreed price, bring out a typed up price list of their "standard rates" which are inflated beyond belief. If even slightly unsure ask the driver show you his list of charges. Then negotiate from that point or walk away. To avoid trouble, it's also best to have exact change for the amount you agreed to pay, so if the driver tries to revise the deal, you can just lay your cash on the seat and leave. === By boat === [[File:Hue Vietnam Ferry-over-the-Perfume-River-01.jpg|thumb|A ferry on the Perfume River.]] [[Image:KhaiDinh Mist.JPG|thumb|Tomb of Khai Dinh, [[Hue]]]] You will be missing a big part of Vietnamese life if you do not spend some time on a boat. Do be careful though because many boats, although seaworthy, are not designed to first world standards. An example is the ferry from Phu Quoc to the mainland. This ferry has one tiny entrance for all passengers to board. When full, which it usually is, there are approximately 200 people on board. In the event of an accident, the chance of everyone getting out of the boat fast enough would be very small. The idea of an emergency exit does not exist there. Tour boats can be chartered for around US$20 for a day's tour; but beware of safety issues if you charter a boat, make sure the boat is registered for carrying tourists and has enough life jackets and other safety equipment on board. Or you can book a tour through a tour company; but in Vietnam most Tour Agents charge whatever markup they want and therefore the tourist is often paying margins of 30-40% and the boat owner and operator (of anything from a van to a boat etc.) are paid very little of the total amount. [[Ha Long Bay]] is a famous destination for one- to three-day boat trips among its scenic limestone islands. The problem is that all the boats seem to visit the same places - and with high prices, poor quality boats and service real value is hard to come by. Many boats have a US$10 corkage fee, and forbid BYO alcohol, while on-board alcohol and seafood is about the same price as in Europe in some places. If there is rain, mist or low cloud, you may not see much. Try to pick a clear day. Dozens of small family-operated boats ply the river in [[Hue]] taking visitors to the imperial tombs southwest of the city. This journey is long because the boats are slow, taking about 4 hours or so to make the journey in one direction. Snorkel - fishing - lunch trips are available from [[Nha Trang]], [[Hoi An]], and [[Phu Quoc]] to nearby islands. In Central Vietnam northeast monsoon season limits many sea boat tours during the months Sep-Feb; other parts of Vietnam seem less affected. A 90-minute hydrofoil boat operates from Saigon to the seaside resort of [[Vung Tau]] for about 200,000 dong each way, the fastest way to reach the beach from the city. River tours are perhaps the most interesting. A day-long boat trip forms the core of almost any tour of the Mekong region. ===By taxi=== Metered taxis are available in Vietnam's larger cities. However, be wary of common taxi scams, such as drivers refusing to use the meter and quoting ridiculous fares, or rigged meters than jump at ridiculous rates. To minimise your chances of falling for a scam, try to learn to recognise the reputable large taxi companies are the city you are in. In [[Ho Chi Minh City]], these would be '''Mai Linh''' and '''Vinasun''', while in [[Hanoi]], these would be '''Mai Linh''' and '''Taxi Group''' (a consortium of smaller companies including ''Taxi CP'' and ''Hanoi Taxi'', with the same livery but different phone numbers). Be aware of fake taxis impersonating those companies though, usually identifiable with logos that are slightly off, of lower quality or with the wrong phone numbers. Drivers working for those companies are also required to wear a uniform while on duty, so a driver not in uniform is a dead giveaway of an impersonator. As of April 2019 taxi scams are few and far between and Vietnam has one of the most efficient taxi systems in South East Asia. As long as the meter starts automatically after the vehicle has been rolling for a few metres or the driver switches it on manually you shouldn't be scammed. The smaller the taxi the lower the flag fall: so a small compact saloon or equivalent will have a flag fall of 5,000 dong, a mid range saloon 9,000 dong and an SUV 11,000 dong. The flag fall fare is for a shorter distance the smaller the car so the 5,000 dong flag fall takes you 500 m, whilst the 11,000 dong will last for 850 m so on journeys longer than 1 km the size of the vehicle makes no difference. (somewhat complicated but after a few rides you'll understand how the system works. In the evening these flag falls may rise by 1,000 dong. Few drivers speak more than a few words of English, so staff at your hotel write down the names of your travel destinations in Vietnamese to show the driver. Drivers generally have a good command of the geography of their city and the nearest most passengers will come to being scammed is that the driver may select a slightly longer route than is strictly necessary - keeping Google maps open during your journey often prevents this but even if you do go slightly further to get to your destination this should not put you off using taxis, one of Vietnam's transportation bargains. In the more touristy destinations such as Sapa and Cat Ba, it is much more difficult to get drivers to use their meters than in the big cities and beach centres. Be prepared to walk away if the driver refuses to use the meter. ==See== Vietnam will show you sides of Asia that you've dreamed of. Lush rice fields at the bottom of stunningly gorgeous highlands, colourful water markets on the streams of the Mekong Delta and the endless bustling city life of Hanoi, where anything from school children to fridges and huge piles of vegetables are transported on the back of countless motorcycles. Although Vietnam's huge cities are rapidly transforming into modern Asian metropolises, traditional culture is never far away. ===City life=== [[File:Hoi an street.jpg|thumb|Hoi An street life]] Head to '''[[Hoi An]]''' with its '''Venice-like canals''' and beautiful old town for some top sightseeing. Enjoy the old '''port''', wander through its endless winding alleys and take a pick from its countless '''fine restaurants''' and shops, or relax on the beach. Once a fishermen's village, this town's now well-protected by preservation laws and has turned into a major hot spot for visitors. '''[[Hanoi]]''' is of course the summit of Asian city life. It's an incredible myriad of ancient traditions, old and modern architecture, sounds, smells, bustling commerce and famously crazy traffic. It's chaotic and enchanting at once - a great place to discover both ancient and contemporary Vietnam. Most sights are in the '''Old Quarter''', including the famous '''Hoan Kiem Lake''' and the beautiful '''Bach Ma Temple'''. Spend a day or two in '''[[Ho Chi Minh City]]''', or Saigon, the country's largest city. Nowhere are contrasts between old and new more ubiquitous and alive than here, where you'll find ancient pagodas and traditional street life at the feet of giant skyscrapers. Top sights include the '''Reunification Palace''' and '''Giac Lam Pagoda'''. Also well worth visiting is the former imperial town of '''[[Hue]]''', with its beautiful '''Citadel''' and the '''Tombs of the Emperors''' along the '''Perfume River'''. The largest beach city is '''[[Nha Trang]]''' which spreads out along the beach but also has an interesting city-scape. ===Landscapes and nature=== [[File:RiceTerracesVietnam.jpg|thumb|Typical rice terraces]] Few countries are blessed with landscapes as captivating as those of Vietnam. For many, the country's awe-inspiring limestone scenery, perfect beaches, islands, mountain ranges, rice fields and lakes are its greatest treasures. One of Vietnam's top attractions, '''[[Ha Long Bay]]''', boasts thousands of limestone pillars and islands topped with dense jungle vegetation. Among the bustling port life, you'll find floating fishermen's villages, caves, and island lakes. Neighboring '''Lan Ha Bay''' is as spectacular, but less busy. Head to '''[[Sa Pa]]''' and the Muong Hoa valley to get take in the views of local rice fields against a background of bamboo forests. Also in the north is '''Tam Coc''' near [[Ninh Binh]]. This area is famous for its karst scenery, rice fields, and caves and is best explored by hired boat. '''[[Phu Quoc]]''', off the Cambodian coast, is the largest island in the country. Its delightful palm-lined beaches and tropical forests can compete with any in the world. Most famous in the south is of course the '''[[Mekong Delta]]'''. Here, the Mekong River empties into the South China Sea via a maze of smaller streams. It's a lush, green region and the source of half of Vietnam's agricultural produce. It offers scenic views of the rivers and rices fields as far as the eye can see. Here, natural landscapes and culture go hand in hand as life revolves around the water. The Mekong streams are a major means of transportation and host '''floating markets'''. Some best picks in terms of natural wonders can be found in the country's national parks. '''[[Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park]]''', a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its natural caves and grottos, with underground rivers and cave beaches as well as stunning stalagmites and stalactites. For wildlife, try '''[[Cuc Phuong National Park]]'''. ===Museums=== For better insight in Vietnam's ancient traditions, culture and history, visit one of the many museums, some with truly excellent collections. The '''War Remnants Museum''' in [[Ho Chi Minh City]] will leave a lasting impression, particularly the chilling collection of war photography. Although not exactly neutral in tone, there are English labels. The '''HCMC Museum''' is in a building worth seeing on its own, and gives a nice overview of the city's history. For a broader history collection, try the fine '''History Museum''', which has artefacts from several Vietnamese cultures on display. In [[Hanoi]], the '''Vietnam Museum of Ethnology''' is an excellent place to dive into the life of the country's tribal people. In the centre of town is the '''Fine Arts Museum''' has all kinds of arts on display, from high-quality wood and stone carvings to fabulous ceramics and textiles. Descriptions in English. For something completely different try the '''Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms''' in [[Vung Tau]]. This is one mans fascinating collection of arms and uniforms collected from around the world. == Do == Motorbiking is popular with locals and tourists alike. Given that motorbikes are the main mode of transport in Vietnam, they can give a particularly authentic view of travelling through the country. Renting or buying a bike is possible in many cities. Also consider '''Motorbike adventure tours''', which involve being guided on multi-day drives to remote regions of the country. Most tours include accommodation, petrol, helmets, drivers and entry tickets to local places of interest. Guides usually speak good English or French and offer customised tours if desired. '''Motorbike Sightseeing Tours''' are similar but have a more local range specific to one city or area and can focus on food, shopping or sightseeing. [[Trekking Vietnam|Trekking]] is an ideal way to enjoy and experience beautiful nature of Vietnam, from the yellow farmers' terraces in harvesting season of the north, to the off-the-beaten-path Central Highlands, or the frenetic activity of the Mekong Delta in the south. '''[[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]]''' (''cờ tướng'') is a popular game in Vietnam, and you will often notice the elderly having games in the public parks. If you know how to play, this can be an opportunity to befriend the locals. A uniquely Vietnamese tradition pertaining to Chinese chess is human chess (''cờ người''), typically played at temple and village festivals during ''Tết''. As the name suggests, the pieces are played by humans dressed in traditional Vietnamese costumes, usually with 16 teenage boys on one side and 16 teenage girls on the other, and a choreographed traditional martial arts fight between the two pieces always ensues whenever a piece is captured. Retreats, spas, meditation and yoga are increasingly popular in Vietnam, with [[Hoi An]] in particular becoming a hub for like-minded individuals. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Vietnamese đồng | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;dong | date=January 2022 | CNY=3,600 | EUR=26,000 | GBP=31,000 | USD=23,000 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/vnd-vietnamese-dong XE.com]}} The national currency is the '''dong''' (''đồng''), sometimes denoted by the symbol "'''₫'''" (ISO code: '''VND'''). Prices are usually shown without a currency notation, e.g. as "100.000", "100k" or "100K", and in speech it's common to drop the thousands completely. Wikivoyage articles will use ''dong'' to denote the currency. Notes are available in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. Smaller bills and coins in denominations up to 5,000 dong also exist, but are rarely seen and, while technically legal tender, difficult to get rid of if you end up with some. ====Converting dong to dollars, euros and pounds==== Your usual currency equaling between 18,000 and 22,000 dong, do this to convert: Remove the last 3 digits, divide by 100 and multiply by 5. Example: <br> • 600,000 dong -> 600. 600/100=6. 6*5 ≈ 30 of your usual currency. When your usual currency equals between 22,000 and 28,500 dong, do this to convert: Remove the last 3 digits, divide by 100 and multiply by 4. Example: <br> • 700,000 dong -> 700. 700/100=7. 7*4 ≈ 28 of your usual currency. And if your usual currency is between 28,500 and 40,000 dong, to do this to convert: Remove the last 3 digits, divide by 100 and multiply by 3. Example: <br> • 800,000 dong -> 800. 800/100=8. 8*3 ≈ 24 of your usual currency. This works well for everyday expenses. For rather high amounts of money, it's better to convert with the exact exchange rate, e.g. with an app. ==== Exchanging dong==== It is difficult to find or exchange dong outside Vietnam, with some notable exceptions such as Singapore or Bangkok; if you are not coming from either of those places, you should change money on arrival and try to get rid of any leftovers before leaving the country. Continuing inflation and a series of devaluations continue to steadily push down the value of the dong. There is no need to change your cash into U.S. dollars first. Banks and gold shops offer equally attractive rates for most trade-able international and regional currencies. When exchanging dollars (and other hard currencies), "unofficial exchange agents" like hotels and travel agencies often have a considerable spread between dong buy/sell rates, and sometimes they have different rates for different services. Official exchange counters however, e.g. at the airport or in the city centre, have quite competitive buy and sell rates with spreads as low as 2%, depending on the currency. US$50 and US$100 notes get a higher exchange rate than notes of lower denominations. In addition to banks and official exchange counters, you can exchange most hard currencies (sterling pounds; yen; Swiss francs; euros; Thai baht; US, Australian, Singapore dollars) at gold shops. This is vaguely illegal, but enforcement is minimal. The best place in many cities in Vietnam to find gold shops that will transact currency exchange is to head for the central food/clothing market. Exchange rates are close to the Interbank rate (check what that is on the internet beforehand) and the procedure is very straightforward. There is no form filling or passport required. According to Vietnamese laws, foreign currency can be easily changed into dong but not vice versa. Exchanging dong is quite a complicated procedure requiring some time and patience. In order to change dong into another currency, show your ID and your ticket as a confirmation of leaving Vietnam. These documents will be photocopied by the bank employees. Then, fill out a form stating the sum, purpose of the exchange and destination country. Not all Vietnamese banks perform exchange of dong, but Vietcombank is one that does. When leaving Vietnam, on most land borders connecting to Cambodia, China and Laos there are '''freelance money changers''' to take care of your financial leftovers, but be assured they'll get the better of you if you don't know the going rate. In Hanoi airport, there are no money exchange establishments once you finish your immigration, so exchange your dong before you enter the departure hall unless you plan to shop. ==== Acceptance of other currency==== Prices are sometimes advertised in '''U.S. dollars''', but payment is almost always expected in '''dong only''', especially outside major tourist destinations. It is easier to bargain with dong, especially since dollar prices are already rounded. Credit card purchases are required by law to be charged in dong. If paying with dollars, bills in less than perfect condition may be rejected. US$2 bills (especially those printed in the 1970s) are considered lucky in Vietnam and are worth more than US$2. They make a good tip/gift, and many Vietnamese will keep them in their wallet for luck. ====Banking==== For '''credit card''' payments, there is usually a 1.5-3% surcharge although this practice is dying out, so cash may be advantageous for large transactions. If you choose to carry cash, the best rates and least bureaucracy are to be found in jewellery shops. Most don't advertise this service, just ask. '''Traveller cheques''' of well-known companies are accepted, but usually a small fee is charged. Fees might also be the only thing that would keep you from getting '''cash advances''' on Visa- or MasterCard at most banks. Through both ways you can also get hold of U.S. dollars, though there will be even higher fees. There are mentions in some popular travel books about Vietcombank not charging any commission fees to cash American Express travellers cheques. However, this is no longer true. There are branches of '''money transfer''' companies like Western Union, but this is always one of the more expensive ways to get money. However, it's better for larger amounts. A US$800 transfer costs US$5 from America and the exchange rate is quite good. You may also transfer US$s to Vietnam. ====Withdrawing money ==== '''ATMs''' are common and can be found in most cities and every tourist destination. They will accept a selection of credit and bank-cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus and several other systems. Here is a list of the major banks providing ATMs, their withdrawal limits and fees. [[File:ATM Sacombank, 34 Tran Phu street, Da Lat.jpg|thumb|A Sacombank ATM in [[Da Lat]]]] These ATMs have '''no withdrawal fee''': * {{listing | name=EXIMBANK | alt= | url=http://www.eximbank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=18001199 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=VP Bank | alt= | url=http://www.vpbank.com.vn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900545415 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12 | content=Allows up to (at least) 5,000,000 dong per transaction, sometimes as high as 10 million dong in newer ATMs with touch screens (as of Jan 18, in Nha Trang). The screen does not state a maximum. }} *'''TP Bank''' *You can also check the '''ACB''' bank. It's said to have no fees for European visa cards. These ATMs have a withdrawal fee: * {{listing | name=Agribank | alt= | url=http://www.agribank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900558818 (domestic hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=22,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2020-03-01 | content=Allows up to 3,000,000 dong per transaction (25,000,000 dong per day). }} * {{listing | name=ABBank | alt= | url=https://abbank.vn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=18001159 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=20,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content= |wikidata=|wikipedia=|image=}} * {{listing | name=ANZ Bank | alt= | url=http://www.anz.com/vietnam/en/Personal/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 39386901 (Hanoi), +84 28 38272926 (Ho Chi Minh City) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=40,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Allows up to 4,000,000-10,000,000 dong per transaction (15,000,000 dong per day). }} * {{listing | name=BIDV Bank | alt= | url=http://www.bidv.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 4 22205544 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=50,000 dong withdrawal fee plus 5,000 dong VAT | lastedit=2016-03 | content=Allows up to 5,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Citibank | alt= | url=https://www.citibank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 28 35211111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=60,000 dong withdrawal fee, maximum withdrawal of 6,000,000 dong | lastedit=2020-02-18 | content= }} * {{listing | name=DongA Bank | alt= | url=http://www.dongabank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 8 39951483 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=20,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Allows up to (at least) 5,000,000 dong per transaction. The screen does not state a maximum, and 5,000,000 worked for some people. }} * {{listing | name=HSBC | alt= | url=http://www.hsbc.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 28 37247247 (south), +84 24 62707707 (north) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Withdrawal fee unclear: 0 dong in 2017, 100,000 dong in 2016 | lastedit=2017-12 | content=Allows up to 5,000,000 per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Techcombank | alt= | url=https://www.techcombank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 39446368 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=66,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Allows up to 15,000,000 per transaction }} * {{listing | name=VIB | alt= | url=https://vib.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=18008180 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=50,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit= | content=Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Vietcombank | alt= | url=http://www.vietcombank.com.vn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900545413 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1.5% withdrawal fee | lastedit=2020-02-18 | content=Allows up to 3,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Vietinbank | alt= | url=http://www.vietinbank.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900558868 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=55,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2016-06 | content=Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Sacombank | alt= | url=https://www.sacombank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900555588 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1.5% withdrawal fee | lastedit=2020-02-18 | content=Allows up to 3,000,000 dong per transaction. }} ===Tax refund=== Foreign visitors may claim a [http://www.vietnamtourism.com/en/index.php/useful/items/2852 VAT refund] provided they make the purchase at a participating shop, and leave the country through specific ports of exit. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not expected in Vietnam with the exception of bellhops in high-end hotels, and the Vietnamese themselves don't do it, though tips will not be refused if offered. Some establishments which are used to serving Western tourists have come to expect tips, though it is still perfectly acceptable not to tip. In any case, the price quoted to you is often many times what locals will pay, so tipping can be considered unnecessary in most circumstances. To avoid paying an involuntary tip when a taxi driver claims he doesn't have small change always try to carry small denominations. ===Bargaining=== As you travel about, you will find there are clusters of shops all selling similar goods, such as 20 sewing machine shops together, then 30 hardware shops all together, 200 motorcycle repair shops in the same block. Prices are competitive. Be wary of watch shops selling original authentic fakes. Other fake watches are available but not as cheap as other surrounding countries. Pirated software is oddly, very hard to find and not sold openly. However film DVDs of indifferent quality are widely available from US$1, although not all may have an English language option. The local post office will strictly not allow them to be posted abroad. Overcharging has long been an issue in Vietnam tourism, and it is an issue both for foreigners and for Vietnamese people whose accents identify them as being from another region. It can happen anywhere on anything from a hotel room, a ride in a taxi, coffee, a meal, clothing, or basic grocery stuff. Your coffee suddenly becomes 100% more expensive and a restaurant may present you an English menu with inflated prices. A friendly local who spent 30 minutes talking with you may also feel like overcharging you on anything. Vietnamese hold a diverse view on this issue, and the practice also varies somewhat from region to region, but in general it is more common in Vietnam than other neighboring countries to see it socially acceptable to overcharge foreigners. They may argue inflated prices are still cheap and they may blame the cheap cost of living which attracts a lot of backpackers with bare-bone budgets. According to this school of thought, if tourists complain about it, it's because they're stingy. Rich tourists should not have a problem being overcharged. In general, in the south, while vendors have no qualms overcharging an ignorant foreigner, they will generally allow you to bargain prices down to the local price if you know what it is and insist on it. On the other hand, vendors in the north tend to hold more strongly onto the belief that foreigners should be overcharged, and they will usually refuse to sell items to you unless you agree to pay the grossly inflated foreigner price. The good news is that standard prices are much more common than in the early 1990s. You will absolutely spoil your trip if you assume that everyone is cheating you. Just try to be smart. In a restaurant, learn some names of common dishes in Vietnamese, insist that you need to read the Vietnamese menu, and compare it. If owners argue that the portion of dishes in the English menu is different, it's definitely a scam so move to another place. Learn some Vietnamese numbers and try to see how much a local pays a vendor. Also try basic bargaining tactics: Think how much it is back home, ask for a big discount and walk away, pretending that the price isn't right. Many products tend to be standardized and compare more. Try to be as clear as possible on the agreed price. You may agree 20,000 dong with a "xe om" driver for a specific trip, but at the end he may claim you are due 40,000 dong. Then you pay 20,000 dong, smile and say goodbye, because you have a good memory. ===Supermarkets=== Shopping in supermarkets is much less common in Vietnam than in most European and North American countries, or even in China or Thailand. As of 2016, most grocery shopping still happens in traditional street markets. A few supermarkets exist in Hanoi and other major cities, but they are primarily places to shop for imported groceries (European, American, Japanese, or Korean products), as well as local "luxury" brands. Consumer staples, such as fresh produce, even when they are sold in a supermarket, may be considerably more expensive than in a traditional street market. As of July 2018 this is changing. The Thai supermarket chain Big C and the [https://vinatechjsc.vn/gia-ke-sieu-thi-lotte-mart-302-cau-giay-do-vinatech-san-xuat-va-lap-dat/ Korean Lotte Mart] have opened branches in a number of major cities and sell a similar range of groceries, clothing items and household goods as you would find in Thailand or Malaysia. Traditional street and covered markets still thrive alongside these supermarket chains - much as they do in Thailand for example. These supermarkets often have games rooms, massage chairs and food courts and can be a fun way to spend a couple of hours on a hot or rainy afternoon. ===Costs=== Vietnam is cheap by most standards. A month's stay can be as cheap as US$250 using basic rooms, local food and public transportation. == Eat == [[Image:Food SpringRollCaoLau.JPG|thumb|''Gỏi cuốn'' fresh spring rolls, ''cao lầu'' noodles (a specialty of [[Hoi An]]), ''nước mắm'' dipping sauce and local beer]] [[Image:Food PVO KhaoJiPate2.JPG|thumb|''Bánh mì'': French ''baguette'' stuffed with ''pâté'', herbs and pickles]] {{seealso|Vietnamese cuisine}} Food is at the very core of Vietnamese culture: every significant holiday on the Vietnamese cultural calendar, all the important milestones in a Vietnamese person's life, and indeed, most of the important day-to-day social events and interactions - food plays a central role in each. Special dishes are prepared and served with great care for every birth, marriage and death, and the anniversaries of ancestors' deaths. More business deals are struck over dinner tables than over boardroom tables, and when friends get together, they eat together. Preparing food and eating together remains the focus of family life. Vietnamese cuisine varies from region to region, with many regions having their own specialties. Generally, '''northern Vietnamese''' cuisine is known for being subtle, '''central Vietnamese''' cuisine is known for being spicy, while '''southern Vietnamese''' cuisine is known for being sweet. There is also distinctive Vietnamese-Chinese cuisine to be found in Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown. At the same time, the Vietnamese are surprisingly modest about their cuisine. (An old proverb/joke says that "a fortunate man has a French house, a Japanese wife, and a Chinese chef.") High-end restaurants tend to serve "Asian-fusion" cuisine, with elements of Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and occasionally French mixed in. The most authentic Vietnamese food is found at street side "restaurants" (A collection of plastic outdoor furniture placed on the footpath), with most walk-in restaurants being mainly for tourists. Distinct regional styles exist: northern, central, and southern, each with unique dishes. Central style is perhaps the most celebrated, with dishes such as mi quang (wheat noodles with herbs, pork, and shrimp), banh canh cua (crab soup with thick rice noodles) and bun bo Hue (beef soup with herbs and noodles). Many Vietnamese dishes are flavoured with '''fish sauce''' (''nước mắm''), which smells and tastes like anchovies (quite salty and fishy) straight from the bottle, but blends into food very well. (Try taking home a bottle of fish sauce, and using it instead of salt in almost any savoury dish: you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.) Fish sauce is also mixed with lime juice, sugar, water, and spices to form a tasty dip/condiment called ''nước chấm'', served on the table with most meals. Vegetables, herbs and spices, notably '''Vietnamese coriander''' or cilantro (''rau mùi'' or ''rau ngò''), mint (''rau răm'') and basil (''rau húng''), accompany almost every dish and help make Vietnamese food much lighter and more aromatic than the cuisine of its neighboring countries, especially China. Vietnam's national dish is '''phở''' (pronounced like the ''fu-'' in ''funny'', but with tone), a broth soup with beef, pork, chicken or seafood and rice noodles (a form of rice linguine or fettuccine). In the south, phở is normally served with plates of fresh herbs (usually including Asian basil), cut limes, hot chilies and scalded bean sprouts which you can add according to your taste, along with chili paste, chili sauce, and sweet soybean sauce, while in the north, it is usually served only with fried ''quẩy'' fritters and chilli sauce on the side. ''Phở bò'', the classic form of phở, is made with beef broth that is often simmered for many hours and may include one or more types of beef (skirt, flank, tripe, etc.). ''Phở gà'' is the same idea, but with chicken broth and chicken meat, so is ''Phở thit lon'' with pork, ''Phở tom'' with shrimp, and ''Phở chay'' with tofu and vegetable stock. Phở is the original Vietnamese fast food, which locals grab for a quick meal. Most phở places specialize in phở and can serve you a bowl as fast as you could get a Big Mac. It's available at any time of the day, but locals eat most often ''Phở chay'' for breakfast. Famous phở restaurants can be found in Hanoi. The phở served at roadside stalls or informal restaurants tend to be cheaper and taste better than those served in fancier restaurants. Street side eateries in Vietnam typically advertise ''phở'' and ''cơm''. Though ''cơm'' literally means rice, the sign means the restaurant serves a plate of rice accompanied with fish or meat and vegetables. Cơm is used to indicate eating in general, even when rice is not served (i.e., An cơm chua? - Have you eaten yet) Though they may look sketchy, street side eateries are generally safe so long as you eat at places popular among the locals and avoid undercooked food. In rural and regional areas it is usually safest to eat the locally grown types of food as these are usually bought each day from the market. It is not uncommon that after you have ordered your meal a young child of the family will be seen running out the back towards the nearest market to purchase the items. Most restaurants/cafes in Vietnam will have a bewildering variety of food available. It is very common for menus to be up to 10-15 pages. These will include all types of Vietnamese food, plus some token Western food, possibly some Chinese-style ribs and maybe a pad Thai as well. It is generally best to stick with the specialty of the area as this food will be the freshest and also the best-prepared. As in other South East Asian countries, the menu is often more an indication of what a restaurant ''can'' cook and not all items may be available at any given time. In restaurants it is common practice for the wait staff to place a plastic packet (stamped with the restaurant's name) containing a moist towelette on your table. They are not free. They cost between 2,000-4,000 dong. If you open it, you will be charged for it. Also, peanuts or other nuts will be offered to you while you are browsing the menu. Those are not free, either. If you eat any, you will be charged. Vegetarian food is quite easy to find anywhere in Vietnam due in large part to the Mahayana Buddhist influence, and all Vietnamese Buddhist monks are required to be vegetarian. These restaurants will run from upscale to street stall. Any Vietnamese dish with meat can be made vegetarian with the addition of fake meats. Besides the Buddhist influence of two vegetarian days a month, Cao Dai people eat vegetarian for 16 days. Look for any sign that says Com Chay or simply remember the phrase An Chay. Even if you are not a vegetarian, a visit to a Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant will add a few new flavours that you won't find elsewhere. Also vegetarian food tends to be cheap which can help eke out the most hardened meat eaters budget. Be careful at regular stalls and restaurants though, as even dishes that seem vegetarian on the surface can sometimes make use of non-vegetarian seasonings such as fish sauce. '''Coffee''', '''baguettes''', and '''pastries''' were originally introduced by the French colonisers, but all three have been localised and remain popular. More on ''cà phê'' below, but coffee shops that also serve light fare can be found in almost every village and on many street corners in the bigger cities. ''Bánh mì'' are freshly baked baguettes, most commonly filled with grilled meats or liver or pork pâté plus fresh herbs and vegetables as ''bánh mì thịt'', but there are countless variations filled with egg, beef, meatballs, pork skin etc. They are delicious and should be enjoyed at least once during a visit, and can easily be found from the ''bánh mì'' carts that are ubiquitous on the streets of Vietnam. Vietnamese waters are in danger of collapse from over-fishing. Nevertheless, for the moment if you like '''seafood''', you may find bliss in Vietnam. The ultimate seafood experience may be travelling to a seaside village or beach resort area in the south to try the local seafood restaurants that serve shrimp, crab, and locally-caught fish. Follow the locals to a good restaurant. The food will still be swimming when you order it, it will be well-prepared, very affordable by Western standards, and served in friendly surroundings often with spectacular views. Most restaurants' hours are 10:00-22:00, although places serving breakfast-type items like noodles will open and close earlier. In 24-hour restaurants, there will be two prices. Prices are normal from 06:00 to 22:00, then doubled from 22:00 to 06:00. For example, rice usually costs 10,000 dong, but if you order after 22:00, the price will be 20,000 dong. This policy is government-mandated, to discourage people from eating late. Some dishes are not served after 22:00. Cuisines other than Vietnamese, as well as fast foods, are increasingly available in the larger cities in the South and Central regions, less so in the North. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Lao and other Asian restaurants are commonplace and Italian, French, German, Mexican, Russian, Ukrainian and Armenian restaurants can be found in most large cities in the South and Centre, as well as British, Irish an Australian food in bars and pubs. There is usually at least one Indian restaurant in most large towns and cities all over the country, many offering excellent quality food. Increasingly more affluent Vietnamese are sampling the different cuisines now available in their country so the chances of eating in a tourist ghetto are diminishing. == Drink == Drinking in a Vietnamese bar is a great experience. One of the interesting things is that during the day, it is almost impossible to see a bar anywhere. Once the sun goes down though, dozens appear on the streets out of nowhere. Watch out for ice in drinks. Factory-made ice is generally safe, but anything else can be suspect. Factory ice has a hollow, cylindrical shape. Avoid irregular chunks of ice as it may be unclean. === Beer === With a bottle of beer in a supermarket costing from 9,000 dong and in a bar from 20,000 dong, Vietnam is a beer-drinker's paradise. The main brews are light lagers with a strength of 4.5-4.9%. Much research is needed to decide on one's personal preference. Don't miss out on ''bia hơi'', (literally "air beer"), or '''draught beer''' made daily. It's available throughout Vietnam, mostly from small bars on street corners. Bia hoi bars give you the opportunity to relax, drinking in a Vietnamese bar surrounded by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Every traveller can easily find these bars to experience what the locals are enjoying. Only 5,000 dong each. The beer is brewed daily and each bar gets a fresh batch delivered every day in metal kegs. It's a very light (3% alcohol) refreshing lager at a fraction of the cost of draught or bottled beer in the Western-style bars. Bia hoi is not always made in sanitary conditions and its making is not monitored by any health agency. The most popular beer (draught, bottle or can) among the southern Vietnamese is '''Saigon Do (Red Saigon)'''. For the northern Vietnamese '''Bia Hanoi''' (Hanoi beer) is the most popular brand, whereas central Vietnamese prefer '''Bière Larue''' from Da Nang or '''Bia Huda''' from Hue. '''333''', pronounced "ba-ba-ba" is a local brand, but it's somewhat bland; for a bit more flavour, look for '''Bia Saigon''' in the green bottle and a bigger bottle than Bia Saigon Special. Bia Saigon is also available as little stronger export version. Expect to pay about 20,000-30,000 dong per bottle of Saigon or Hanoi, slightly more for other brands, however it is still easy to find restaurants selling Bia Saigon for 10,000 dong in many cities apart from Ho Chi Minh. Locally brewed Tiger and Heineken are also common. The craft beer revolution has well and truly reached Vietnam and bottled IPAs, brown beers and stouts are available in the major cities. Ho Chi Minh boasts an increasing number of brew-pubs and microbreweries. These brews are available at a fraction of the price they cost in Thailand or Singapore. It's common for beer in Vietnam to be drunk with ice. This means that the cans or bottles need not be chilled. If you are drinking with Vietnamese people it is considered polite to top up their beer/ice before re-filling your own drink. It is also considered necessary to drink when a toast is proposed: "mot, hai, ba, do" ("one, two, three, cheers"). Saying "Trăm Phần Trăm" (100% 100) implies you will empty your glass. === Coffee === Another popular drink among locals and tourists alike is the '''coffee''' (''cà phê''). Do be careful when drinking locally-prepared coffee as the locals tend to drink it incredibly strong with about 4 teaspoons of sugar per cup. It is usually served black or with sweetened condensed milk - usually over ice; this style is known in Vietnamese as '''cà phê sữa đá'''. Ask for '''cà phê sữa nóng''' if you want your coffee hot. Vietnamese coffee beans are fried, not roasted. If you are picky, bring your own coffee. === Soft drinks === '''Coconut water''' is a favourite in the hot southern part of the country. ''Nước mía'', or '''sugar cane juice''', is served from distinctive metal carts with a crank-powered sugar cane stalk crushers that release the juice. Another thirst quencher is the fabulous '''sinh tố''', a selection of sliced fresh fruit in a big glass, combined with crushed ice, sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk. You can also have it blended in a mixer. You could place any fruit-type after the word '''sinh tố''', e.g., '''sinh tố bơ''' (avocado smoothie) or '''sinh tố dừa''' (pineapple smoothie). If you prefer to have orange juice, you won't use the word '''sinh tố''' but '''nước''' (literally: water) or '''nước cam''' if you would like to have an orange juice. Juices are usually without condensed milk or coconut milk. === Wine and liquor === Vietnamese "rượu đế" or rice alcohol (''rượu'' means liquor or wine [not beer]) is served in tiny porcelain cups often with candied fruit or pickles. It's commonly served to male guests and visitors. Vietnamese women don't drink much alcohol, well at least in public. It's not recommended for tourists. Dating back to French colonial times, Vietnam adopted a tradition of viticulture. [[Dalat]] is its centre, and you can get '''red and white wine'''. There is a better range and better quality red wines than whites as reds seem to appeal more to the Asian palate. Most restaurant wine is Australian and you will be charged Australian prices as well, making wine comparatively expensive compared to drinking beer or spirits. Vietnamese wine has hit the mass market and is available by the glass or bottle in many restaurants. The quality ranges from the just-about-drinkable Vang Dalat Classic to the more than palatable Vang Dalat Premium. In supermarkets a bottle of Classic can be bought for around 80,000 dong whilst Premium is around 120,000. In restaurants a bottle of Classic costs 120,000 to 150,000 dong. Premium is less widely available in restaurants and where it is costs around 200,000 dong a bottle. Imported wines, mainly Australian, French and Chilean are also available in supermarkets and in mid range and high end restaurants at far more expensive prices. Rice spirits and local vodka is cheap in Vietnam by Western standards. Local vodkas cost about US$2-4 for a 750 ml bottle. Russian champagne is also common. When at Nha Trang, look for the all-you-can-drink boat trips for around US$10-15 for an all-day trip and party with on-board band. == Sleep == [[File:Night in Hanoi, over Hoan Kiem Lake (2005).jpg|thumb|Night in Hanoi, over Hoan Kiem Lake]] Lodging is not an issue in Vietnam, even if you're travelling on a tight budget. Accommodation in Vietnam ranges from scruffy US$6-a-night dorm accommodation in backpacking hostels to world-class resorts, both in large cities and in popular coastal and rural destinations. Even backpacking hostels and budget hotels are far cleaner and nicer than in neighboring countries (Cambodia, Thailand, Laos), and cheap hotels that charge US$8-10 for a double room are often very clean and equipped with towels, clean white sheets, soap, disposable toothbrushes and so on. Service in many of the very inexpensive hotels is quite good (since the rate that a person pays per night could equal a typical Vietnamese national's weekly pay), although daily cleaning and modern amenities like television may not be provided. In hotels costing a few dollars more (US$12 per room upwards, more in Hanoi) you can expect an en suite bath, telephone, air conditioning and television. As with hotels elsewhere in the world, mini-refrigerators in Vietnamese hotels are often stocked with drinks and snacks, but these can be horribly overpriced and you would be much better off buying such items on the street. Adequate plumbing can be a problem in some hotels, but the standard is constantly improving. It is a legal requirement that all hotels register the details of foreign guests with the local police. For this reason they will always ask for your passport when you check in. The process usually only takes a few minutes, after which they will return your passport. However, because non-payment by guests is by no means unknown, some hotels retain passports until check-out. If a place looks dodgy, then ask that they register you while you wait and take your passport with you afterwards. Few people have had a problem with this as it is routine across the country. You might find it helpful to carry some photocopies of your passport (personal data page and visa) which you can hand over to the hotel. Hotels can be noisy, particularly when local families are staying. Vietnamese is one of the world's more vocal languages, and local tourists are happy to give full vent to it from 6AM onward with scant regard for fellow guests. There are also a number of other sounds to be aware of when staying in Vietnamese hotels. Vietnam is a country under construction and the chance of the hotel being next to or very close to a building site is high. Also rooms in many small boutique hotels, guesthouses and home-stays are built fronting a central atrium or stairwell and the activities of the reception, common area and kitchen contribute more noises. Finally, there are the room-maids who start work soon after dawn and seem to think that you should be awake by then and consequently feel free to chat with each other at a loud volume and send and receive messages on mobile phones and walkie-talkies. If you are a light sleeper, bring a supply of earplugs. == Learn == If you want to meet local people, stop by a school. In Ho Chi Minh City, visit the American Language School, where you'll be welcomed enthusiastically and invited to go into a class and say hi. You'll feel like a rock star. The Vietnamese love to meet new people, and teachers welcome the opportunity for their students to meet foreigners. An excellent novel set in modern-day Vietnam is ''Dragon House'' by John Shors. It's the story of two Americans who travel to Vietnam to open a centre to house and educate Vietnamese street children. Former BBC reporter in Hanoi, Bill Hayton, has written a good introduction to most aspects of life in Vietnam, the economy, politics, social life, etc. It's called ''Vietnam, Rising Dragon'', published in 2010. == Work == You can volunteer as an English teacher through many volunteer organisations. However, if you have a TEFL/TESOL qualification and a degree then it's very easy to find paid teaching work. Without qualifications it's also possible to find work, but it takes more patience to find a job, and often there are concessions to make with payment, school location and working hours (weekends). Most teaching jobs will pay US$15-20 an hour. There are also many you-pay-to-volunteer organisations which allow you to help local communities, such as [http://www.lovevolunteers.org/programs/childcare-volunteers-vietnam-community-work-volunteers-vietnam Love Volunteers], [http://www.i-to-i.com/teach-english-abroad/vietnam.html I to I] and [http://www.globalvolunteers.org/vietnam/default.asp Global Volunteers]. (But you must avoid some organized fraud. Ex: V4D, VTYD, RAKI, VVN...) Vietnam also has a booming '''tech startup''' scene, so opportunities may be available for people with expertise in computer science or other closely-related fields. Legally, a work permit is required to work in Vietnam, although many foreigners do not bother, especially if the intention is to work for only a short period of time. Visa extensions are generally easy to obtain (your school will have to do this for you) although the immigration department will eventually insist on you obtaining a work permit before any more visas are issued. If your aim is to remain for a longer term, then it is possible to obtain a work permit although your school will need to do this for you. To apply, your employer will be required to submit the following: A contract and application letter from your school; a full, medical health check (done locally); a criminal record check (the criteria for this varies from province to province, some requiring a check from your home country, others, a check done solely in Vietnam); a copy of your TESOL/CELTA/TEFL and degree certificates; your 'registration of stay' form; a copy of your passport/visa. Sometimes, you may be asked to pay a small fee although the better schools will generally offer to do this for you. Work permits are valid for 3 years and are renewable for a period of up to 12 years. Once you have a work permit, it is then a relatively simple process to apply for a temporary residence permit, which will alleviate your visa worries. The validity and procedure for renewal is the same as a work permit. ==Stay safe== {{warningbox|Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger than in Europe. Vietnam treats '''drug offences''' extremely severely. The ''death penalty is mandatory'' for those convicted of possessing more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin or 1.2 kg of opium. Unauthorised consumption can result in up to 10 years in prison, a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorised consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if they were consumed outside the country. You can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, so be vigilant of your possessions. |canada=https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/vietnam |uk=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/local-laws-and-customs |lastedit=2020-09-04 }} === Unexploded ordnance === As a legacy of the [[Indochina Wars]], much of Vietnam's countryside is still littered with unexploded bombs and landmines, and many locals are still regularly killed or maimed by these. Be very careful about going off the beaten path in rural areas, and ideally do not do so unless you have a guide who knows the area well. === Crime === Vietnam is a relatively safe place for tourists, especially when travelling in groups. While many safety warnings in travel guidebooks are no more than scaremongering, tourist areas are prime petty crime locales. Violent crime towards foreigners is uncommon, but pickpockets and motorbike snatching are not uncommon in larger cities. Thieves on motorbikes snatch bags, mobile phones, cameras, and jewellery off pedestrians and other motorbike drivers. Don't wear your bag on your shoulder when riding a motorbike. Don't place it in the motorbike basket. When walking along a road, keep your bag on your inboard shoulder. If your bag is snatched, don't resist to the point of being dragged onto the roadway. Reports of thefts from hotel rooms, including upmarket hotels, have been heard occasionally. Do not assume that your hotel room strongbox is inviolable. Avoid fights and arguments with locals. Westerners may be bigger than Vietnamese, but if you're dealing with 5 or more Vietnamese guys then you're in serious trouble. Keep in mind that yelling is highly insulting to Vietnamese and may prompt a violent response. Vietnamese in general are placid and kind. As a visitor, you should respect local laws and customs. Altercations can be avoided easily by showing courtesy and tolerating cultural differences. Be on your best behaviour when drinking with Vietnamese men. === Corruption === [[File:Hoa Lo Prison aka "Hanoi Hilton" (11827025123).jpg|thumb|The infamous "Hanoi Hilton" prison is nowadays a museum]] Corruption is a big problem in Vietnam and locals are convinced that the police are not to be trusted. While police officers frequently go on patrol with a specific task or remit, motorcycle drivers may be stopped for a variety of reasons such as random checks of paperwork and licences and will fine foreigners around US$20 for each offence (the average traffic fine for locals is around US$5-10). Remember to be polite but resolute, and stand your ground. Traffic officers are required to write traffic violations in their notebook and must give you a receipt for your fine which must then be paid at the station (not to the officer), although always keep in mind that for certain offences (especially missing paperwork relevant to the vehicle you are riding), officers have the right to confiscate and impound your bike. If you have a phone, you could threaten to call your embassy and he may back down, although in most cases, it is often best to prevent any further escalation of the situation and simply pay the fine. You generally won't encounter any problems with the police in more remote or rural areas because officers are likely to have a very poor command of the English language. That said, the larger cities and areas that are frequented by tourists are seeing an increase in police who are proficient in communicating with tourists. Immigration officers are known to take bribes. During the early Doi Moi (the reform in 1990s), bribes could be a few U.S. dollars, a few packs of 555 cigarettes. Today although officers still seem to have no problems with taking them, it is absolutely risk-free and acceptable if you don't bribe. Most government offices will also require a small "gratuity" before processing paperwork. This is most commonly encountered when trying to obtain permits of residence for private accommodation or work/residence permits. The international monitoring group Transparency International has rated Vietnam as one of the most corrupt nations in Asia. === Prostitution === Despite its seeming abundance, prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. The age of consent is 18. Vietnamese penal law levies penalties of up to 20 years in prison for sexually exploiting women or children, and several other countries have laws that allow them to prosecute their own citizens who travel abroad to engage in sex with children. Remember that under Vietnamese law, it is illegal to take a Vietnamese national to a hotel room. While this law is rarely enforced, you could find yourself in even deeper water if you report a crime disclosing that you shared a room with a Vietnamese national. As well as the legal issues, there are two additional risks for those indulging in this activity. First, HIV/AIDS is prevalent in Vietnam with many going untreated due to the taboo nature of the disease. Second, there is a danger of theft when taking any unfamiliar woman back to a hotel or guest house. The tale of a man waking up to find his wallet, mobile phone or laptop missing is all too common. Stories also abound of Westerners being drugged while in a hotel room or being led to a dark, quiet place where they are relieved of their possessions by criminal gangs. === Scams === Most scams in Vietnam involve transportation, hotel prices, or the two-menu system practised by some restaurants. Many taxi drivers in Saigon and Hanoi install rigged meters, charging up to 2 to 8 times more. As of July 2018 these scams are much reduced. Meters kick in automatically after the car has traveled a few metres and over 90% of drivers are happy to use them. With the few that won't - walk away. The best way to reduce your chances is by taking a taxi from reputable companies such as Mai Linh (+84 38 38 38 38) and Vinasun in Saigon, and Mai Linh and Taxigroup in Hanoi (but taking these companies is not a guarantee). If you don't know what a reasonable fare is, it is generally a bad idea to agree on a price in advance. The two recommended companies have quite reliable meters. Another option is to download the Grab Taxi app and call them. They cost slightly more than the metered fare but are useful whilst you get used to Saigon. If at all possible, ask your hotel or hostel to arrange taxi services for you. This will insure that you get a flat quoted rate as well as a trusted driver. Many hotels will be happy to arrange pick up and drop off from airports if you ask. Nevertheless, this can be more expensive than if you arrange it directly yourself, because the hotel will always try to cut into the deal, earning a little extra. Taxis are abundant in Saigon and you can get a taxi at any time of the day or (night). You can also call a taxi, and usually people at the call centre will be able to either converse in English, or will pass on the phone to someone who can. Rule of thumb to detect scammers: if the taxi doesn't have the fare charges written, or drivers name and photo on the dashboard, immediately ask the taxi to stop and get out. It is a definite scam. As always it is advisable to walk 100m away from any tourist deposit point (bus arrival, train station etc.), as many taxi waiting here are either scammers or pay a commission to the cartel. When leaving the airport, the taxi driver may insist that you pay the airport toll. He might not be very forthcoming with the price, and if you give him cash, he will pay the toll and pocket the rest. The toll is 10,000 dong (July 2018) and having the correct money will avoid you getting fleeced. If you give them anything more than that, expect the driver to pocket the change. Many taxi drivers in Saigon and Hanoi try to overcharge newly arrived gullible travellers. You should consult some guidebooks and travel forums to prepare yourself for those petty scams and to learn more about how to avoid them. The airport toll fee is Saigon is 10,000 dong (Jul 2012). This is quoted along with the fare written on the dashboard of the taxi. You can confidently say "airport toll only 10,000 dong" and refuse to pay anything else such as parking, etc., (unless there were more toll roads in between). Usually, the driver will not argue it out. In Saigon, a trip to backpackers street should not cost more than 250,000 dong from the airport. A metered trip from the airport to Ben Thien Market (close to Backpacker central) costs around 150,000-180,000 dong depending on the route the driver follows - plus the 10,000 dong Airport toll. In several other cities of Vietnam, such as Dalat, Hoi An, Nha Trang, etc., do NOT travel by meter from the airport. The airports are as far as 30-40 km from these places and meter will cost you from 500,000-650,000 dong. However, you can either take a bus from the airport to city centre, or pre-negotiate a rate with the taxi for 200,000-300,000 dong. Pay attention to sides of taxis. Usually a rate for the airport is written on the door. Around town in these cities, metered taxis generally work fine. If you ever get caught in a big taxi scam (such as rigged meter), you should get out of the vehicle and retrieve your belongings as if everything was all right, ''then'' refuse to pay the demanded price and threaten to call the police. Usually they will accept a more reasonable fare, but be prepared to face the driver's anger, so it is better to do this with a few witnesses around. Taxi and cyclo drivers may claim that they don't have change when accepting payment for an agreed-upon fare. The best way to handle this is to either carry smaller bills or be ready to stand your ground. Generally the driver is only trying to get an extra dollar or so by rounding the fare up, but to prevent this scam from becoming more popular it is advised to stay calm and firm about the price. When you meet an over friendly cyclo driver who says, "never mind how much you would pay" or "you can pay whatever you like at the end of the trip". He may try to show you his book of comments from international tourists. This kind of driver has to be a scammer. If you still want to use his service you should make it clear about the agreed price and don't pay more than that. Just be clear what you are willing to pay. The cyclo drivers are just trying to make a living. Hotel owners may tell you that the room price is 200,000 dong. However, when checking out, they may insist that the price is US$20, charging you almost double. Another trick is to tell customers that a room is a few dollars, but following day they'll say that price was for a fan room only and it's another price for an air-con room. These days, legitimate hotel owners seem to be aware of these scams and are usually willing to help by writing down how much the room is per persons per day (in U.S. dollars or dong), if it has air-con or not. Staff of legitimate hotels also never ask for payment from a guest when they check in. Watch out if they insist that you should pay when you check out but refuse to write down the price on paper. Otherwise, just book online with one of the common reservations websites, which will guarantee you the right price, and leave a review if something goes wrong. As of April 2019 most of the dollar versus Dong scams have ended as almost all hotels now quote in Dong and accept Dong. Keep your Dollar stash hidden and deal only in Dong. Also as of April 2019 quite a few low to mid range hotels do requite payment upfront and as long as you get an official receipt there is nothing to worry about in this. Some restaurants are known to have two menus, one for local people and another one for foreigners. The only way to deal with it is to learn a few Vietnamese phrases and insist that you should be shown only the Vietnamese menu. If they hesitate to show you the local menu, walk away. This scam is very unusual. Some hostels in Vietnam will want you to leave your passport at the reception, insisting even. This is not a legitimate business practice. Never leave your passport as collateral for anything. Besides accommodation and transport, another big scam in Vietnam involves copycat tour companies. Anytime a tour company gets famous, copycats will pop out. A very famous example is the dozens of Sinh Cafes which popped up. The real company has since changed its name to TheSinhTourist. ===Fake monks=== Buddhism in Vietnam generally follows the Mahayana school, meaning that the monks are required to be vegetarian and generally do not go on alms rounds. Instead, the monks either grow their own food or buy their food using temple donations. Monks do not sell religious items (shops selling religious items are staffed by laypersons, not by monks) or ask people for donations. Instead, donations are to be placed in temple donation boxes. It is entirely up to an individual to decide whether or not he/she wishes to donate, and how much he/she wishes to donate. "Monks" who approach tourists for donations are imposters. === Traffic === [[File:Tráfico en Ciudad Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 2013-08-14, DD 02.JPG|thumb|Traffic in Vietnam cities is notoriously daunting.]] [[File:Sơn La Province.JPG|thumb|Sơn La province landscapes.]] The first discovery for many tourists who just arrive in Vietnam is that they need to learn how to cross a road all over again. You may see a tourist standing on the road for 5 minutes without knowing how to cross it. Traffic in Vietnam can be a nightmare. Back home, you may never witness the moment of crash, seeing injured victims lying on the road, or hearing a BANG sound. Staying in Vietnam for more than a month, you will have fair chance of experiencing all these. Roads are packed. Some intersections in main cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City have traffic lights patrolled by police; most are either non-functional or ignored. Crossing roads is an art in most of Vietnam, and there are no stop signals that will actually be followed by drivers. The art of crossing the road is fortunately very simple, though scary: # There are some traffic lights and pedestrian crossings but they are by no means everywhere. # If it is night time, and you are wearing dark clothes you should cross in a bright area or shine a torch towards the traffic # If there is a bus / car / taxi wait until it and its motorcycle entourage passes, as vehicles will not stop for pedestrians # Ensure '''you, your fellow travellers and every piece of your luggage''' form an almost perfect line parallel with the traffic # There is no 'ideal' time to start although you could pick a time with a little less traffic # Step a little forward, a little more, and you will see motorcycle drivers to slow down a bit, or go to another way. Make your pace and path predictable to other drivers, don't change your speed or direction suddenly, and move forward until you arrive at your destination. Be aware that motorcycle drivers will swerve to avoid you ''but might swerve into your path.'' #The simplest and best way to cross streets is to make yourself known and be steady. This means spread your arms out and walk at a steady pace. The locals will route around you. They are extremely good drivers and will avoid hitting you; just be sure to walk at a steady pace. # Cars/buses/trucks can do you far more damage than motorcycles where the odds are much or even. Wait for anything with 4 or more wheels to pass and then take on the motorcycles. The simplest way, if available, is to follow a local, stand next to them on the opposite side of the traffic (if you get hit, he will get it first) and he will give you the best chance of crossing a road. If you are injured, don't expect the local people to help, even by calling an ambulance, because it is not free. Make sure you tell the local clearly that you will pay the ambulance fee. Hospitals will also not admit you until you prove that you can pay the bill. Highways are risky, with an average of 30 deaths a day, and some locals will not even venture on them if not in a big vehicle (car or bus). Taking a bicycle or motorbike on highways is an adventure for risk takers, but definitely not for a family with children. Having said that, Vietnamese roads are no more dangerous than elsewhere in South East Asia. === Nightlife === * Petty crime in nightclubs is not unknown. Don't escalate an incident: avoid quarrelling with local people as drunks can be violent. * Clubs are full of working girls trawling for clients. They may also be looking for wallets and mobile phones. * Walking very late alone on the streets in the tourist areas is safe, but avoid unfamiliar women engaging you in conversation. They may try to touch you, sweet talk you, and then pick your pocket. * Don't ask taxi drivers to recommend nightspots. Most taxi drivers earn commissions from bars and lounges to bring in foreign tourists. When you walk in one of these places, they will quote reasonable prices. But when you receive the tab, it may include extravagant charges. Do your homework beforehand, tell the taxi driver where you want to go, and insist on going to where you want to go despite their remonstrations. Most nightspots are reputable. Going to those with a mostly foreign clientele is a good practice. === Wildlife === Little wildlife remains, let alone anything dangerous to humans. Venomous snakes, such as cobras, may still be common in rural areas, but virtually everything else has either become extinct or exists in such small numbers that the chances of even seeing one are remote. Tigers may exist in very small numbers in remote areas, but this is unconfirmed. ===LGBT Travellers=== Vietnam is generally a safe destination for LGBT travellers, and there are no laws against homosexuality in Vietnam. Transgender persons are allowed to change their legal gender after undergoing sex reassignment surgery. That being said, same-sex relationships are not recognised by the government, and the Vietnamese can be rather conservative, meaning that LGBT individuals can often be subject to some degree of prejudice. Fortunately, anti-LGBT violence is extremely rare. ===Politics=== Insulting national heroes such as Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap is '''illegal''' in Vietnam, and many foreigners have been jailed for doing so. == Stay healthy == [[Tropical diseases]] such as [[malaria]], [[dengue fever]] and Japanese encephalitis are endemic in rural Vietnam. Malaria isn't as much a concern in the bigger cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but always remember to take liquid mosquito repellent with you. It may be very useful, especially in the countryside and crowded neighborhoods. Thanks to much improved hygiene, cooked food sold by street vendors and restaurants, including blended ice drinks, is mostly safe. Use common sense and follow the tips under the [[Traveller's diarrhea]] article and you'll most likely be fine. '''[[Tap water]]''' is not safe to drink. ===Healthcare=== Public hospitals in Vietnam are generally not up to the standards of the West, and have a tendency to be understaffed and overcrowded. Doctors and nurses at public hospitals also typically do not speak any foreign languages, so if you do not speak Vietnamese, you will probably need to bring a translator with you. In general, hospitals will only accept your case if you can demonstrate the ability to pay for their services. There are private hospitals in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang that cater mainly to Western expatriates and provide excellent healthcare, with staff members who are able to speak English and French, though you would be paying a steep premium for their services. The French-run '''[http://www.fvhospital.com/en/ FV Hospital]''' in Ho Chi Minh City is the best known of Vietnam's private hospitals, and is a popular destination for medical tourists. '''[https://www.vinmec.com/en/ Vinmec International Hospital]''' is a chain of expatriate-oriented private hospitals with locations in several of Vietnam's larger cities. ===HIV=== Vietnam has a high rate of HIV. (0.5% of the population as of 2014). == Respect == {{infobox|Naming conventions|Vietnamese people generally follow East Asian naming traditions, with a family name followed by a given name. However, unlike in other East Asian cultures, the family name is almost never used when addressing an individual, and the default form of address would be to use a title followed by the second given name. Titles are a complicated business in Vietnamese, which vary based on gender and seniority relative to you; see the [[Vietnamese phrasebook#Grammar|Vietnamese phrasebook]] for a discussion on Vietnamese titles you can use when addressing others. For instance, the current prime minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, has the family name Nguyen, and the given name Xuan Phuc. However, according to Vietnamese custom, he is ''never'' addressed as Mr Nguyen, and people would address him as Mr Phuc in English even in the most formal situations.}} In traditional Vietnamese culture, elders are treated with great deference and respect. While expectations are more relaxed when foreigners are involved, it's a good idea to show politeness, respect and restraint towards those who look older than you. It's common to be stared at by locals in some regions, especially in the rural areas outside of big cities, and in the central and northern parts of the country. Southerners are usually more used to foreigners. Wherever you are, though, expect some probing questions whenever a conversation starts: How old are you? Are you married? Do you have children? While these might seem nosy in the West, they're perfectly normal, good-natured questions here that help people determine how they should address you. The best thing to do is just play along. You probably don't know much about their culture; it's only fair that locals wouldn't know much about yours. An Asian woman travelling with a non-Asian man often attracts a more undesirable kind of attention. Probably due to memories of the sexual escapades of GIs during the American War, people will often assume she is an escort or prostitute, and she may be insulted or harassed, even if she has no relationship to the man. These prejudices have lessened somewhat, but they are still present. As of April 2019 these prejudices have almost completely disappeared for 'respectable looking Asian women' and the nearest they will get to a problem is that almost all locals will assume they are Vietnamese and seek to circumvent the English speaking foreigner by speaking Vietnamese to Thai/Chinese/Singaporean/ Australian-never-been-to-Vietnam before-but-looks Asian, wives or girlfriends. The Vietnamese themselves generally do not engage in public displays of affection, even among married couples, as it is considered to be disrespectful, so it is advisable for couples to show restraint while in public. Vietnamese people tend to be dressed modestly and conservatively, though somewhat less so at bars and nightclubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where young locals can sometimes be spotted in sexy outfits. But generally, you should try to cover your shoulders and knees, as doing so will earn you a lot more respect from the locals. '''Saving face''' is very important in Vietnamese culture. You should generally avoid pointing out the mistakes of others no matter how minor they might be in order to avoid causing major embarrassment. As in many other Asian countries, you are expected to '''remove your shoes''' before entering people's homes, though this practice is much less widespread than in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia. When handing out and receiving business cards, always be sure to do it with '''both hands''', as using only one hand is considered to be very disrespectful. ===Politics=== Relations with [[China]] are a sensitive issue and best not discussed with locals, and tensions boil over periodically over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. However, China is today Vietnam's largest trading partner and source for international tourists, and individual visitors from mainland China should not face any major issues so long as they avoid political discussions. This animosity towards China also generally does not extend to ethnic Chinese from other countries. ===[[Indochina Wars|The American War]]=== The most surprising thing about the topic of the Vietnam War (the American or Reunification War, as it is called in Vietnam) is that most Vietnamese do not bear any animosity against visitors from the countries that participated, and in the South many Vietnamese (especially older Vietnamese involved in the conflict or with relatives in the war) appreciate or at least respect the previous American-led or French-led military efforts against the North. Two-thirds of the population were born after the war and are quite positive towards the West. Some attractions present an anti-American viewpoint on the war, whilst many are surprisingly restrained. Be sensitive if you must discuss past conflicts. Well over 3 million Vietnamese died, and it is best to avoid any conversations that could be taken as an insult to the sacrifices made by both sides during the wars. Do not assume that all Vietnamese think alike as some Vietnamese in the South are still bitter about having lost against the North. Souvenir shops in Vietnam sell lots of T-shirts with the red flag and portraits of "Uncle Ho." Many overseas Vietnamese, particularly in the United States, Canada and Australia, are highly critical of the government of Vietnam, so you may want to consider this before wearing communist paraphernalia in their communities back home. A less controversial purchase if you are American, Canadian or Australian would be a ''nón lá'' (straw hat) instead. ===Religion=== Although the official census claims most Vietnamese are non-religious, you wouldn't know it to see them. Whether they attend services or not, most Vietnamese are in fact strong believers, incorporating a variety of religious traditions, beliefs and rituals into their daily lives. [[File:Miếu Nhị Phủ.jpg|thumb|Miếu Nhị Phủ temple in Ho Chi Minh City]] As in neighboring Southeast Asian countries, the most influential and widespread religion in Vietnam is Buddhism. Buddhism in Vietnam generally follows the Mahayana school, which is widespread in China, unlike the neighboring Southeast Asian countries which follow the Theravada school. This means that monks are required to be vegetarian, and pious individuals seeking a particular blessing will often forgo meat as well. Unlike in other Southeast Asian countries, it is not customary for monks to collect foodstuffs in the streets. Instead, they will either buy their food using temple donations, or grow their own food. Monks who hang out in tourist areas requesting donations are bogus. Similar to China and neighboring countries, Swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol; they are positive signs representing sacredness and blessing, and have no connection to Nazism or anti-Semitism. Also, and more than in neighboring countries, Vietnam has a sizable proportion of Christians (11%; 9% Catholic, 2% Protestant). Christianity is especially prominent in major cities, where at least a few churches can be found. It is common for strangers and acquaintances to ask you to come to their church, although offence will not usually be taken if you decline. Much like the Chinese and other Southeast Asians, Vietnamese people place a strong emphasis on spirits and ancestor worship. You'll see at least one shrine in every Vietnamese home and place of business, where occupants burn incense to honor or placate certain spirits. These are often decorated with statuettes or pictures of sacred figures: for devout Buddhists, this might be Buddha or Bodhisattva; for Roman Catholics, a crucifix or the Virgin Mary; for "non-religious" people, depictions of various traditional deities or spirits. If you see someone's photograph featured on a shrine, it's most often that of a family member who's passed away. Burning joss sticks (sticks of incense) for the spirits of departed family members is generally a token of respect. Many temples require you to remove your shoes before you enter the temple buildings. As a general rule, you should always enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inward); the middle gate is traditionally reserved for the emperor and deities. Do not step on a raised doorway threshold when entering or exiting the temple; always step over it. Also be sure to dress conservatively when visiting temples; do not wear sleeveless shirts, and make sure your knees are covered. Vietnamese are generally quite superstitious when it comes to death and the spirit world, and there are certain taboos you'll want to avoid. Some of these include: *''Placing chopsticks upright in the middle of a bowl of rice'': Bowls of rice are arranged in this way next to the body of the deceased at funerals, so it reminds people of funerals. If you eat your rice with a spoon, place the spoon face down in the bowl, never face up. *''Taking photos of an odd-numbered group'': The superstition goes that the person in the middle of a group will be singled out by evil spirits. Photos of even-numbered groups (2, 4, 6, or 8 people, and so on) are fine. *''Sitting with your back facing a family shrine'': Considered disrespectful to the shrine, and to the spirits of the deceased. *''Climbing onto altars to pose for photographs with the statues'': Considered very disrespectful to the deities being venerated. ==Cope== ===Electricity=== Electricity is delivered at 200 V, 50 Hz in Vietnam. Most Vietnamese sockets are compatible with the 2-pin American Type A, and the 2-pin European Type C, E and F plugs. Some sockets are also compatible with the 3-pin American Type B plugs. ==Connect== ===Telephone=== [[File:Telecom- Da Nang, Vietnam - DSC02415.JPG|thumb|Phone wires in Da Nang]] Land-line numbers in Hanoi and HCMC have a sequence of eight numbers, others have seven. * Vietnam international code: +84 * Hanoi area code : (24) * Ho Chi Minh area code : (28) '''VoIP calls''' Telephone bills are 30% to 40% cheaper if dialed with 171 or 178 services. * Domestic call : 171 (178) + 0 + Area code + Number. * International call : 171 (178) + 00 + Country code + Area code + Number. Since hotels and guesthouses often charge higher for telephone calls, try to find a post office or any reliable public service. ====Mobile phones==== Mobile numbers in Vietnam must always be dialed with all 9 or 10 digits (including a "0" prefixing the "1nn" or "9nn" within Vietnam), no matter where they are being called from. The '''1nn''' or '''9nn''' is a mobile prefix, not an "area code", as such and the second and sometimes third digits (the ''nn'' part) denotes the original mobile network assigned. As is the case with most mobile numbers, they can also be called within or outside Vietnam using the international format. There are many mobile networks with different codes: * G Mobile: 59, 99 (GSM 900) * Mobifone: 90, 93, 70, 76, 77, 78, 79 (GSM 900/1800) * SFone: 95 (CDMA)(not available) * Vietnamobile: 92, 56, 58 (GSM 900) * Viettel: 98, 97, 96, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 (GSM 900) * Vinaphone: 91, 94, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 (GSM 900) * You can buy a SIM card in any shop selling mobile phones. The standard price is no higher than 75,000 dong, but foreigners are often charged 100,000 dong. SIM cards are also easily available at both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Airports from official carrier booths which makes it quick, easy, and scam-free to get a SIM on arrival. One month of 3G data or 4G data, with a limited amount of credit for text and voice calls, can cost as little as 140,000 dong. * Prepaid account charges vary from 890-1,600 dong per minute. Recharge cards are available in denominations of 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. * Roaming on Vietnam's GSM networks is possible with foreign mobile phones, subject to agreements between operators. ====Useful numbers==== *Police 113 *Fire Brigade 114 *Hospital 115 *Time 117 *General Information 1080 ===Internet=== * Wifi is now widespread in Vietnam and most hotels, restaurants and bars in the main tourist centres have free wifi. Ask for the password when you make your purchase. Some Internet cafes are still available in tourist spots and rates are fairly cheap, ranging from 2,000-10,000 dong per hour. Connection speeds are high, especially in the big cities. * A Vietnamese SIM card is a wise investment as your mobile phone is a major means of communication with the locals as well as an atlas and information source. SIM cards from all the main providers: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone and Vietnam Mobile can be purchased on arrival in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. 100,000 dong buys 9 GB of data valid for 30 days which is enough as long as you don't watch too many videos on your phone. If you intend to use your phone a lot then 30 GB data only for 30 days costs around 330,000 VND. They offer phone packages as well but for most tourists Facebook/Skype/Line calls are enough to keep touch with friends and family and your hotel can call taxis/bus companies etc. * Internet censorship is applied to a very small number of Internet services. Most foreign news sites like the BBC and CNN, as well as social media web-sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are usually freely accessible in Vietnam, though they may be temporarily blocked during politically sensitive periods. {{usablecountry}} {{geo|16|108|zoom=6}} {{isPartOf|Southeast_Asia}} 1tgl1umdo0j8ozx32mv2umghwk9dqpa 4487747 4487746 2022-07-21T13:56:55Z English Sean 2273458 /* China */Typo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ha Long bay (Vietnam) banner Islands in the bay.png|caption=Panorama of Halong Bay in Vietnam}} '''[https://vietnam.travel/ Vietnam]''' ([[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]: Việt Nam) is a country in [[Southeast Asia]] with great food and a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. Despite the turmoil of the [[Indochina Wars|American War]] (called the Vietnam War internationally), Vietnam has emerged from the ashes since the 1990s and is undergoing rapid economic development, driven by its young and industrious population. It remains less developed as a tourist destination than [[Thailand]]. == Regions == {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#DBE17C|title=[[Northern Vietnam]]|wikidata=Q1194522,Q1194516,Q342451}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#efb86e|title=[[Central Coast]]|wikidata=Q1022242,Q1202888}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#77c283|title=[[Central Highlands]]|wikidata=Q1140648}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#75a4c3|title=[[Southern Vietnam]]|wikidata=Q1068987,Q1052867}} {{Regionlist | regionmap=Vietnam Regions Map.png | regionmaptext=Map of Vietnam with regions colour-coded | regionmapsize=400px | region1name=[[Northern Vietnam]] | region1color=#DBE17C | region1description=The cradle of the Vietnamese civilization. Harbors some of the most magnificent views of Vietnam, as well as the capital city with and the chance to visit indigenous hill peoples. | region2name= [[Central Coast (Vietnam)|Central Coast]] | region2color=#E1AC62 | region2description=The ancient city of Hue was the home of the Vietnamese emperors from 1802—1945, and Hoi An is one of the nicest old seacoast towns in Vietnam. | region3name= [[Central Highlands (Vietnam)|Central Highlands]] | region3color=#ADCD96 | region3description=Lush forest-covered hills featuring indigenous peoples and the occasional elephant. | region4name=[[Southern Vietnam]] | region4color=#BE98BE | region4description=The economic engine of Vietnam, built around Ho Chi Minh City but also covering the lush and little-visited Mekong Delta, the rice basket of Vietnam.}} == Cities == <!-- please keep this list to nine cities, no more, and discuss any changes on Talk first --> * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hanoi]]|wikidata=Q1858}} (''Hà Nội'') — Vietnam's capital and major tourist destination * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Ho Chi Minh City]]|wikidata=Q1854}} (''Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh'') — Vietnam's largest and most cosmopolitan city, formerly known as Saigon (''Sài Gòn'') when it was the capital of South Vietnam * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Da Nang]]|wikidata=Q25282}} (''Đà Nẵng'') — largest city in central Vietnam * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Dalat]]|wikidata=Q25281}} (''Đà Lạt'') — French colonial [[hill station]] in the highlands * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Haiphong]]|wikidata=Q72818}} (''Hải Phòng'') — the "port city", a major port in north Vietnam * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hoi An]]|wikidata=Q36160}} (''Hội An'') — well-preserved ancient port, near the ruins of My Son * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Hue]]|wikidata=Q36167}} (''Huế'') — former home of Vietnam's emperors * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Nha Trang]]|wikidata=Q19491}} — burgeoning beach resort * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Vinh]]|wikidata=Q33428}} — the major city in north-central Vietnam with very nice Cua Lo Beach == Other destinations == <!-- please keep this list to nine destinations, no more, and discuss any changes on Talk first --> * [[Con Dao]] — islands off the Mekong Delta * [[Cu Chi]] — site of the Cu Chi Tunnels * [[Cuc Phuong National Park]] — home to some of Asia's rarest wildlife and the Muong hill people * [[DMZ (Vietnam)|The DMZ]] — ruins of old American military bases, spectacular mountain scenery and rugged jungles * [[Ha Long Bay]] — famous for its unearthly scenery * [[Phu Quoc]] — island just off the coast of Cambodia, known for its beaches, fish sauce and seafood * [[Sa Pa]] — meet native indigenous people in the hills by the Chinese border * [[Tam Coc]] — Ha Long Bay-like karst scenery along the river * [[Phong Nha-Ke Bang|Phong Nha Caves]] World Heritage cave system in Quang Binh province. == Understand == {{quickbar}} === History === [[File:Son-Tra-Peninsula Da-Nang Vietnam Linh-Ung-Pagoda-01.jpg|thumb|Linh Ung pagoda in Da Nang.]] Vietnam's history is one of war, colonization and rebellion. Occupied by China no fewer than four times, the Vietnamese managed to fight off the invaders just as often. Even during the periods in history when Vietnam was independent, it was mostly a tributary state to China until the French colonization. Vietnam's last emperors were the '''Nguyễn Dynasty''', who ruled from their capital at [[Hue]] from 1802 to 1945, although [[France]] exploited the succession crisis after the fall of Tự Đức to ''de facto'' colonise Vietnam after 1884. Both the Chinese occupation and French colonization have left a lasting impact on Vietnamese culture, with Confucianism forming the basis of Vietnamese social etiquette, and the French influencing Vietnamese cuisine. After a brief Japanese occupation in World War II (see [[Pacific War]]), the Communist '''Viet Minh''' under the leadership of '''Hồ Chí Minh''' continued the war of independence against the French. The last Emperor Bao Dai abdicated in 1945 with a proclamation of independence following soon after. The majority of French had left by 1945, but in 1946 they returned to continue the fight until their decisive defeat at [[Dien Bien Phu]] in 1954. The Geneva Conference partitioned the country into two at the 17th parallel, with a communist-led North supported by the Soviet Union, and '''Ngô Đình Diệm''' establishing a capitalist regime and declaring himself President of the Republic of Vietnam in the South, supported by the United States. South Vietnam would be plagued by numerous domestic problems, including corruption, nepotism and electoral fraud. Diệm, who was a Roman Catholic, enacted laws that discriminated against the Buddhist majority, which led to the Buddhist monk '''Thích Quảng Đức''' self-immolating in protest at a busy intersection in Saigon in 1963. US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew during the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the South Vietnamese government. This escalated into the dispatch of 500,000 American troops in 1966 and what became known as the '''Vietnam War''' in the West (the Vietnamese refer to it as the '''American War'''). What was supposed to be a quick and decisive action soon degenerated into a quagmire, and U.S. armed forces withdrew following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, on April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank drove into the South's Presidential Palace in [[Ho Chi Minh City|Saigon]] and the war ended. An estimated 3 million Vietnamese and over 55,000 Americans were killed. Vietnam's war against the United States was one of many that they have fought, but it was the most brutal in its history. Most of the nation's population was born after 1975. American tourists will receive a particularly friendly welcome in Vietnam, as many young Vietnamese are admirers of American culture. See [[Indochina Wars]] for more on these conflicts. After unifying the country, the communist government proceeded to root out the remaining capitalist elements in the south. Many business owners were killed while others, known as the boat people, became refugees and attempted to escape to Western countries, resulting in the establishment of Vietnamese communities in the [[United States]], [[Australia]] and [[Canada]]. The ethnic Chinese, long resented by the ethnic Vietnamese for their perceived economic clout, were particularly hard-hit by the purges. Following the collapse of the state-run economy, the government implemented market-oriented reforms and introduced capitalist elements in 1986 with a policy known as '''đổi mới'''. This policy has proved highly successful, as it spurred impressive economic growth and infrastructure development. Discriminatory laws against the remaining ethnic Chinese were repealed, and many have used their business acumen to contribute greatly to the revitalisation of the Vietnamese economy, also regaining some of their previous economic dominance in the process. Relations with the United States have thawed considerably, with formal defence ties having been re-established in 2016. Some former refugees or their descendants, most of whom were raised and educated in the West, have returned to Vietnam to take advantage of new economic opportunities. Today, Vietnam is widely considered to be one of the rising stars of Asia with a young population and vibrant economy. ===Politics=== [[Image:ReunificationHall Tank843.JPG|thumb|right|The tank that ended the war, [[Ho Chi Minh City]]]] The '''Socialist Republic of Vietnam''' (Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam) is a one-party authoritarian state, with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam as the supreme leader, the president as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. The Vietnamese legislature is the unicameral '''National Assembly''', from which the prime minister is selected. In practice, the president's position is only ceremonial, with the prime minister wielding the most authority in government. === Economy === Economic reconstruction of the reunited country has proven difficult. After the failures of the state-run economy started to become apparent, the country launched a program of '''''đổi mới''''' (renovation), introducing elements of capitalism. The policy has proved highly successful, with Vietnam recording near 10% growth yearly (except for a brief interruption during the Asian economic crisis of 1997). The economy is much stronger than those of neighboring Cambodia and Laos. Like most Communist countries around the world, there is a fine balance between allowing foreign investors and opening up the market. There used to be extreme restrictions on foreigners owning property or attempting to sell. However, a property regulation announced in 2015 allows foreigners to own and lease apartments in Vietnam. It is very difficult for them to trade without negotiating 'fees'. Business can be done via local partnerships with all the attendant risks. Power and services is another issue. There are often rolling blackouts at times when there is not enough electricity. For this reason, many shops have portable generators. According to government estimates, Vietnam saw 12.9 million tourist arrivals in 2017. Vietnam has a return rate <!--a what?--> of just 5% compared to Thailand’s whopping 50%. === People === Most people in Vietnam are ethnic '''Vietnamese''' (Kinh), though there are many minority groups who tend to live in the highlands or big cities. The three biggest minorities are the Tay people, Thais and Muong. Others include the Khmers and Hmong. There is a sizable ethnic Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City, most of whom are descended from migrants from [[Guangdong]] province and are hence bilingual in Cantonese, Teochew or other Chinese dialects and Vietnamese. The Chams, who live in the southern coastal areas of the country, represent the bulk of Muslims in Vietnam. '''[[Buddhism]]''', mostly of the Mahayana school, is the largest religion in Vietnam, with over 80% of Vietnamese people practising it to one degree or another, albeit usually syncretised with Taoism, Confucianism and Vietnamese folk religion. [[Christianity]] (mostly Roman Catholicism) is the second largest religion at 11%, followed by the local Cao Dai religion. [[Islam]], [[Hinduism]] and local religions also share small followings throughout the southern and central areas. === Culture === [[File:Pho in Saigon.jpg|thumb|The country is famous for its food, and Phở is considered Vietnam's national dish.]] Due to its long history as a tributary state of China, as well as several periods of Chinese occupations, Vietnamese culture is strongly influenced by that of southern China, with Confucianism forming the basis of Vietnamese social etiquette. The Vietnamese language also contains many loan words from Chinese, though the two languages are unrelated. Buddhism remains the single largest religion in Vietnam. As in China, but unlike its Southeast Asian neighbors, the dominant school of Buddhism in Vietnam is the Mahayana School. Nevertheless, Vietnamese culture remains distinct from Chinese culture as it has also absorbed cultural elements from neighboring Hindu civilizations such as the Champa and the Khmer empires. The French colonization also left a lasting impact on Vietnamese society, perhaps symbolised best by the Vietnamese fondness for baguettes and coffee. Southern and Central Vietnam, especially along the coast, have a much stronger Western influence, as compared to the North. The division of Vietnam during what is locally called the American War has also resulted in cultural differences between northern and southern Vietnam that can be seen today. To this day, northern Vietnamese have a tendency to be more ideological, while southern Vietnamese tend to be more business-minded. Vietnam is known for several traditional arts, with perhaps the most famous being '''water puppetry'''. In modern times, Vietnam has also jumped on the ''cirque nouveau'' bandwagon, with AO Show from Ho Chi Minh City perhaps being the best known example. Vietnam is also home to a vibrant pop music scene, with [[South Korea]]n pop being the biggest influence on modern Vietnamese pop music. === Climate === Vietnam is large enough to have several distinct climate zones. * The [[Southern Vietnam|south]] has three somewhat distinct seasons: hot and dry from Mar-May/Jun; rainy from Jun/Jul-Nov; and cool and dry from Dec-Feb. April is the hottest month, with mid-day temperatures of 33°C (91°F) or more most days. During the rainy season, downpours can happen every afternoon, and occasional street flooding occurs. Temperatures range from stifling hot before a rainstorm to pleasantly cool afterwards. Mosquitoes are most numerous in the rainy season. Dec-Feb is the most pleasant time to visit, with cool evenings down to around 20°C (68°F). * The [[North (Vietnam)|north]] has four distinct seasons, with a comparatively chilly winter (temperatures can dip below 15°C/59°F in Hanoi), a hot and rainy summer and pleasant spring (Mar-Apr) and autumn (Oct-Dec) seasons. However, in the [[Central Highlands (Vietnam)|Highlands]] both extremes are amplified, with occasional snow in the winter and temperatures hitting 40°C (104°F) in the summer. * In the [[Central Coast (Vietnam)|central]] regions the Hai Van pass separates two different weather patterns of the north starting in Langco (which is hotter in summer and cooler in winter) from the milder conditions south starting in Da Nang. Northeast monsoon conditions Sep-Feb often have strong winds, large sea swells and rain. This is a miserable and difficult time to travel through Central Vietnam by motorbike. Normally summers are hot and dry. === Read === * ''Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam'' by Andrew X. Pham (2000). * ''The Quiet American'' by Graham Greene (1955). Set in 1950s Saigon. A love triangle with a historical backdrop. 2 film adaptations: 1958 & 2002. * ''The Lover'' by Marguerite Duras (1984) (original title: ''L'amant''). Film adaptation: 1992 starring Jane March, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. === Watch === * ''Indochine'' (French, 1992), with Catherine Deneuve, directed by Régis Wargnier. Set in 1930s French Indochina. A good storyline with some interesting insights on the history and politics of the time. Set around Saigon. * ''Cyclo'' (Vietnamese, 1995). Set in Saigon, a dive into the murky violence and poverty of 1990s Saigon. === Holidays === {{Template:CNYdates}} By far the largest holiday is '''Tết''' — the Lunar New Year — which takes place between late January and March. In the period leading up to Tết, the country is abuzz with preparations. Guys on motorbikes rush around delivering potted tangerine trees and flowering bushes, the traditional household decorations. People get a little bit stressed out and the elbows get sharper, especially in big cities, where the usual hectic level of traffic becomes almost homicidal. Then a few days before Tết the pace begins to slow down, as thousands of city residents depart for their ancestral hometowns in the provinces. Finally on the first day of the new year an abrupt transformation occurs: the streets become quiet, almost deserted. Nearly all shops and restaurants close for three days, (the exception being a few that cater especially to foreign visitors; and hotels operate as usual.) In the major cities, streets are decorated with lights and public festivities are organized which attract many thousands of residents. But for Vietnamese, Tết is mostly a private, family celebration. On the eve of the new year, families gather together and exchange good wishes (from more junior to more senior) and gifts of "lucky money" (from more senior to more junior). In the first three days of the year, the daytime hours are devoted to visiting: houses of relatives on the first day, closest friends and important colleagues on the second day, and everyone else on the third day. Many people also visit pagodas. The evening hours are spent drinking and gambling (men) or chatting, playing, singing karaoke, and enjoying traditional snacks and sweets (for women and children.) Visiting Vietnam during Tết has good points and bad points. On the minus side: modes of transport are jammed just before the holiday as many Vietnamese travel to their home towns; hotels fill up, especially in smaller towns; and your choice of shopping and dining is severely limited in the first days of the new year (with a few places closed for up to two weeks). On the plus side, you can observe the preparations and enjoy the public festivities; pagodas are especially active; no admission is charged to those museums and historical sites that stay open; and the foreigner-oriented travel industry of backpacker buses and resort hotels chugs along as usual. Visitors also stand a chance of being invited to join the festivities, especially if you have some local connections or manage to make some Vietnamese friends during your stay. When visiting during Tết, it's wise to get settled somewhere at least two days before the new year, and don't try to move again until a couple of days after. Lesser holidays include 1 May, the traditional socialist labor day, 2 September, Vietnam's national day, King Hung celebration on 10 March of Lunar Calendar, commemorating past kings, and Reunification Day on 30 April, marking the fall of Saigon in 1975. Around those times, trains and planes tend to be sold out, and accommodation at the beach or in Dalat are hard to find. Best to book far in advance. == Talk == {{seealso|Vietnamese phrasebook}} The official language of Vietnam is '''[[Vietnamese phrasebook|Vietnamese]]''' (''Tiếng Việt''). Vietnamese is a tonal language that uses a change in pitch to inflect different meanings, and this can make it difficult to master. Travellers may still be surprised to learn that the basic grammar is pretty simple. Verbs are static regardless of the past or future and parts of speech are pretty straightforward. The major difficulties lie in the pronunciation of the various tones and some of the sounds. Vietnamese consists of 5 main dialects: the northern dialect spoken around Hanoi, the north-central dialect spoken around Vinh, the central dialect spoken around Hue, the south-central dialect spoken around Phu Yen and the southern dialect spoken around Ho Chi Minh City. While the Hanoi dialect is the prestige dialect and widely used in broadcasting, there is no legally-defined standard dialect of Vietnamese. Northerners often think that southern accent is for "hai lúa" (country folk) and will always recommend you to stick to the northern accent, but the choice of accents should depend on where you plan to live. If you are working in [[Ho Chi Minh City]], the economic centre of Vietnam, the southern accent is what you will hear every day. Vietnamese uses the Latin alphabet, and the spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation. However, the pronunciation of the letters is often different from that in English. Although Chinese characters are no longer used to write Vietnamese, the Vietnamese lexicon continues to be heavily influenced by the Chinese language. Some words are loanwords from Chinese like "hotel" (khách sạn), "children" (nhi đồng), "communist party" (đảng cộng sản); some are formed based on Chinese roots/characters, like "representative" (đại diện) or "bird flu" (cúm gà). Any knowledge of the Chinese language will make it much easier to learn Vietnamese. Vietnamese is also full of French and English loanwords. Nowadays, some English words are used directly in Vietnamese: camera, clip, internet, jeans, PC, sandwich, selfie, radar, show, smartphone , tablet, TV, etc. Although the Vietnamese people appreciate any effort to learn their language, most seldom experience foreign accents. Consequently, learners may find it frustrating that no one can understand what they try to say. Staff in hotels and children tend to have a more tolerant ear for foreign accents and it is not unheard of for children to effectively help translate your badly pronounced Vietnamese into authentic Vietnamese for adults. Ho Chi Minh City is home to a sizeable ethnic Chinese community, many of whom speak [[Cantonese phrasebook|Cantonese]]. The more remote parts of the country are also home to many ethnic minorities who speak various languages belonging to the Mon-Khmer, Tai-Kadai and Austronesian language families. Most younger Vietnamese learn '''English''' in school, but proficiency is generally poor. However, most hotel and airline staff will know enough English to communicate. Younger upper and middle class Vietnamese generally have a basic grasp of English. Road directional signs are generally bilingual in Vietnamese and English. Vietnamese people are much more adept at using 'Translate' Apps on phones than in neighbouring countries and will readily use these as means of communicating in English as well as other languages. As a result of its colonial legacy, educated senior citizens are able to speak '''[[French phrasebook|French]]'''. However, English has supplanted French as the foreign language of choice among the younger generations. '''[[Russian phrasebook|Russian]]''' is also spoken by some Vietnamese who have studied, worked, or done business in the USSR or Russia. In the big cities, some of the big international luxury hotel chains will have staff who can speak other foreign languages such as Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean. At the more popular tourist sites, such as Hanoi's Temple of Literature, guides conduct tours in a number of foreign languages, including German, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean or Japanese. == Get in == [[File:Visa policy of Vietnam.svg|thumb|upright=1.8|Visa policy of Vietnam{{legend|#db2017|Vietnam}}{{legend|#085b3e|Visa-free - 90 days}}{{legend|#1cb34b|Visa-free - 30 days}}{{legend|#007ece|Visa-free - 21 days}}{{legend|#b6e717|Visa-free - 15 days}}{{legend|#9adaeb|Visa-free - 14 days}}{{legend|#efe5b1|Visa-free for passports endorsed "for public affairs"}}{{legend|#ff8022|eVisa}}{{legend|#adadad|Visa required in advance}}]] {{COVID-19 box|On May 15, 2022, Vietnam dropped all quarantine and testing requirements.|lastedit=2022-06-01}} ===Entry requirements=== Visitors from the following countries do not require a visa and can stay for the following number of days. * 14 days: [[Brunei]], [[Myanmar]] * 15 days: [[Belarus]], [[Denmark]], [[Finland]], [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Japan]], [[Norway]], [[South Korea]], [[Spain]], [[Sweden]], [[Russia]], the [[United Kingdom]]. * 21 days: [[Philippines]] * 30 days: [[Indonesia]], [[Laos]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Thailand]], [[Cambodia]] * 90 days: [[Chile]] All other nationalities will require a '''visa''' in advance to visit Vietnam. However, visitors from [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/Vietnam-Evisa-nation-list.pdf/21e0f88f-d8a0-48b8-bfdb-a0f82b0853e2 many countries] are now eligible for a 30-day electronic visa (e-Visa), which you apply for through an [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt online portal] and print out yourself after it's approved. It typically takes 3 working days to process and costs US$25. See the "E-Visa" section below for more details. In order to boost tourism, the Vietnamese government has made the island of [[Phu Quoc]] a visa-free zone. Those flying there through Ho Chi Minh City or arriving by boat will not need to apply for a visa beforehand. This is regardless of your nationality. Visitors are given 15 days to spend on the island. Those wishing to travel elsewhere can apply for a proper Vietnamese visa at the local immigration office. All passports should be valid for at least 45 days when arriving in Phu Quoc. If you aren't eligible for an e-Visa (because of your nationality), or if it isn't suitable for your purposes (because you need to enter within less than 3 days, or want to enter at a remote border crossing that isn't included in the system), visas can be applied for at most Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad. This will generally cost at least double the price of the e-Visa (see "Visa fees" below). If your country does not have a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, a popular alternative would be to apply at the Vietnamese embassy in [[Bangkok]]. Foreign citizens of Vietnamese origin can apply for visa exemption that allows multiple entry for 3 months at a time which is valid for the duration of the passport. In some cases it is possible to arrange a so-called '''visa on arrival''', though for most visitors this is no longer the best option. See the "Visa on arrival" section below for details. ==== Visa fees ==== e-Visas (see below), if you are from a country for which they are available, cost US$25 from the [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt official website]. If you aren't eligible for an e-Visa, or need a traditional visa for some other reason (for example, because you need to enter within less than three days, or because you want to enter at a remote border crossing that's not included in the e-Visa program), the cost of applying depends on your nationality and the embassy or consulate you are applying at. Check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or the country you are in, for details. Embassies are (oddly) reluctant to announce fees on their websites, as the relatively high visa costs are a tourism deterrent, but nevertheless a source of revenue. Email or, even better, call them to get up-to-date information on prices. Or if you're in the same city, walk in and ask in person. As of 2019, one of the reportedly cheapest places to get a visa are the Vietnamese embassy and consulates in Cambodia, starting at '''US$40 for a one month, single entry visa.''' Some Vietnamese embassies offer a "While you wait service" (May 2008 - it's unclear whether this is still the case), where a single entry visa can be gained in 15 minutes. This service costs US$92, but approval is instant. You are required to bring a valid passport, passport photo and payment in US$ (credit cards not accepted). If this service is not offered, you may still be able apply for a visa and get it back later the same day (for example, at the Vietnamese embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia). Make sure to inquire about the details, since if you don't complete the application before a certain time of day, you will need to wait until the next day to pick up the visa and your passport. ====E-Visa==== Vietnam's e-Visa service provides an online application at the [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt website of the Vietnamese immigration office]. This procedure is available for [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/Vietnam-Evisa-nation-list.pdf/21e0f88f-d8a0-48b8-bfdb-a0f82b0853e2 80 countries], including most European ones. The regular e-Visa is valid for 30 days, for single entry and has a duration of 4 weeks after entering and costs US$25. Don't forget to pay, which is a separate step after confirming your application. It takes about 3 working days to issue, and a delay in payment may or may not delay it further. The automatic email confirmation is not reliable and you have to check for yourself online whether you have received the visa. You should print out a paper copy of your visa once it is approved, and be prepared to show it when entering the country and possibly also when checking in for your flight. e-Visas are valid at major airports and seaports and most, but NOT ALL land crossings (for example, they are not accepted between Banlung, Cambodia and Pleiku, Vietnam). A [https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/documents/20181/117155/List-of-evisa-port.pdf/c774e24b-1ab8-4fb6-9ac1-dcdfaccecf8e full list of valid crossings] is available on the e-Visa website, though many of them use obscure local names that can be difficult to find on maps. In theory, entry and exit from the country should be from the same airport, seaport, or land crossing as stipulated on the e-Visa form, but in reality this is usually not enforced on the way out, though you must enter on the date and at the place stipulated on the visa. You are more likely to encounter problems due to typos in vital data such as your name or birth date. Other types of e-Visa, like multiple entry and extended duration, are available with additional documents and information required. If you want to enter Vietnam at a crossing that's not included in the e-Visa program, or if you need to enter within less than 3 business days, you can still apply for a traditional, physical visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The fee will be considerably higher (see "Visa fees" section above). ==== Visa on arrival ==== [[File:Cua Tung Beach.jpg|thumb|Cua Tung Beach]] The "Visa on arrival" (VOA) is generally only for urgent and special cases, or in cases where a country does not have Vietnamese representatives/consulate services locally. In practice it's used when one desires a longer stay, since you're able to get a VOA for up to 3 months at a time (or even longer for US citizens). A 3 month tourist VOA is usually the visa of choice for long-term expats who don't work in the country (and thus don't qualify for a work permit). Since the advent of e-Visas, this has become an uncommon option for short-term tourists, and information here may be out-of-date, so do your own research on the current rules before planning to use this method. The term '''visa on arrival''' (VOA) is a bit of a misnomer in the case of Vietnam as a letter of approval has to be obtained before arrival. This is handled by a growing number of online agencies for a charge of US$8-21 (2017), depending on the agency and number of people applying together. Most agencies accept payment by credit card, and some by Western Union. The agent in Vietnam obtains from the Department of Immigration a letter of approval bearing the visitor's name, date of birth, date of arrival, nationality and passport number, and then forwards that letter to the visitor (in PDF or JPEG format) by email or fax, usually within three working days. It is common to get the letter with several other applicants passport details (passport number, date of birth, name, etc.) You might share your personal information with up to 10-30 other applicants on the same letters. For people who are concerned about their privacy or security, it is recommended to check first if the agencies have an option for a separate or private approval letter (private visa on arrival) on their website. Very few online agencies have this option. Another solution is to apply for a standard visa through the embassies to keep your personal details private. After landing at any of the international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Vinh or Phu Quoc), the visitor goes to the "visa on arrival" counter, shows the letter, fills in an additional arrival form (can be pre-filled before departure), pays the stamping fee and receives an official stamp (sticker) in his or her passport. A stamping fee is US$25 (US$50 for a multiple entry visa) (2016). Only US dollars are accepted, and the notes must be in as-new condition else they will be refused. One passport photo is required as well. Some agencies say that two are required, however only one is usually needed. Without the original letter of approval (with the wet red stamp) a VOA can only be obtained at the three international airports. Many agencies will provide you with the original letter if required, and even ship it to a neighbouring country, but that's slower and will cost you extra. Visitors arriving by land from Cambodia, Laos or China must be in possession of either an original stamped approval letter or a full visa when they arrive at the border. Passengers of most, if not all, airlines travelling to Vietnam must present the approval letter at check-in, otherwise check-in will be refused. Depending on the present level of SARS or avian flu, you may be subjected to a so-called '''health-check'''. There is no examination, though, but yet another form to fill in and, of course, another fee. If you can get hold of a handful of dong it is only 2,000 dong per person, but they charge US$2 for the same "service" if you only have US dollars. ====Visa free zone==== [[Phú Quốc]] island, off of the southwestern coast, is accessible to tourists from all countries without a visa for stays up to 30 days. Phu Quoc International Airport ({{IATA|PQC}}) receives some direct flights from European airports such as Stockholm-Arlanda operated by [http://www.thomson.co.uk/flight/ Thomson], and flights from destinations in Asia. [[File:My Son Ruinen.JPG|thumb|Temple ruins at My Son.]] ==== Dual citizens ==== If you are a citizen of two foreign countries, you may be entering Vietnam on a different passport (Country A) than the one you have used to leave the previous country on your itinerary (Country B's passport) (e.g. because Country A's passport has a Vietnamese visa or offers a visa-free entry to Vietnam, while Country B's passport has a visa for the previous visited country). In this case, the Vietnamese immigration inspector will likely want to see the exit stamp and/or visa in your Country B passport as well. He may suggest putting the Vietnamese entry stamp into Country B passport as well, so that all your stamps would be in one place. '''Don't''' take him up on his offer; make sure that the Vietnamese entry stamp goes into the passport that either has the Vietnamese visa, or offers visa-free entry to Vietnam. Otherwise, you risk having problems when leaving Vietnam; the border control officers at your attempted exit point may declare your entry stamp "invalid" and send you back to your original point of entry to have the error corrected. === By plane === Vietnam's main international airports are located at '''[[Hanoi]]''' ({{IATA|HAN}}) and '''[[Ho Chi Minh City]]''' ({{IATA|SGN}}). Both airports are served by numerous flights from major cities in [[East Asia]] and [[Southeast Asia]], with some intercontinental services to [[Australia]], [[Europe]] and the [[United States of America|United States]]. Other international airports are located at '''[[Da Nang]]''', '''[[Vinh]]''', '''[[Nha Trang]]''' and '''[[Phu Quoc]]''', though flights are limited to those from neighboring Asian countries. As Da Nang is closer to the historical sites of Central Vietnam than the two main airports, it can make a convenient entry point for those who specifically wish to visit those sites. The national carrier is '''[http://www.vietnamairlines.com Vietnam Airlines]''', which operates flights into Vietnam's two largest cities from various cities in Australia, Asia and Europe. Vietnam Airlines serves all capital cities of Southeast Asian countries except Dili, Bandar Seri Begawan and Naypyidaw. The largest low cost carrier is [http://www.vietjetair.com '''Vietjet Air'''] which flies to an increasing number of regional destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Seoul, Singapore and Yangon. === By train === There is a nightly sleeper train between [[Nanning]] in China and Hanoi, taking 12 hours, including a tedious 2+2 hours at the border - see [[Hanoi#Get in]] for details. Through service are also available from [[Beijing]], but travellers will need to change railway coaches at Nanning. The old metre-gauge Kunming-Hanoi line has closed, and the simplest work-around is to take the high speed train from Kunming to Nanning to join the overnight train to Hanoi. Another option is to travel to Hekou North Station in China, walk across the border from [[Hekou]] to [[Lao Cai]], then take a Vietnamese train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. Both sides have several trains a day, so a daytime train from Kunming to Hekou can be matched with an overnight train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. There are no railway links between Vietnam and Laos or Cambodia. === By road === ==== Cambodia ==== The main crossing with [[Cambodia]] is the Moc Bai/Bavet crossing on the [[Ho Chi Minh City]] - [[Phnom Penh]] road. Buses between the two cities cost US$8-12 and take around 6 hr. Passengers vacate the vehicle at both countries' checkpoints. Only one passport photo is required for a Cambodian visa on arrival. Tours of the Mekong Delta (US$25-35, 2-3 days) can provide a more insightful journey between the two cities. Some of these tours, as well as boats between Phnom Penh and [[Chau Doc]], use a border crossing on the banks of the Mekong River, called "Song Tien landport" on Vietnam's eVisa website. Through tickets to [[Siem Reap]] are also available (US$18), though it is cheaper to by a ticket to [[Phnom Penh]] and then arrange onward transport on one of the many connecting buses. Close to the coast is the Xa Xia/Prek Chak border. Cambodian visas are available on arrival. Buses run between Ha Tien in Vietnam to [[Sihanoukville]] and [[Phnom Penh]] in Cambodia. The Vietnamese consulate in [[Sihanoukville#Embassies|Sihanoukville]] issues 30-day tourist visas on a same-day basis. Coastal areas are also served by the Tinh Bien/Phnom Den border near [[Chau Doc]] in Vietnam The Xa Mat/Trapeang Phlong crossing on the [[Ho Chi Minh City]] - [[Kampong Cham]] road is not well served by public transportation but may be useful for accessing [[Kampong Cham]] and [[Eastern Cambodia]]. [[Banlung]] in North [[Eastern Cambodia]] is connected to [[Pleiku]] in [[Vietnam]] by a crossing at Le Tanh/O Yadaw. Vietnam e-Visas are NOT accepted for entering Vietnam at this border crossing, so this is only for people whose nationalities get visa-free entry to Vietnam or who already have a traditional visa from an embassy/consulate in their passports. The Vietnamese entry checkpoint closes to foreigners at 5:30pm. If crossing the other way, from Vietnam to Cambodia, you can get a Cambodian visa on arrival here. One photo required. ==== China ==== There are three border crossings between [[China]] and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners: * Dongxing - Mong Cai (''by road; onward travel Mong Cai to [[Ha Long Bay|Ha Long]] by sea or by road'') * Hekou - Lao Cai (''by road and/or rail, but no international passenger train services'') * Youyi Guan - Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship Pass - ''by road and/or rail'') As of July 2022 the Youyi Guan border is closed to passengers entering or exiting China without specific clearance paperwork. Foreign residence permit holders trying to leave China will not be allowed out or to approach the border at all. Trucks and cargo only can get clearance. It's likely that all 14 China land borders are now closed and will stay that way although it's hard to research this in advance, no matter how official the source; China doesn't announce what it's doing. It's shutting itself off and is a fly in and out only destination. ==== Laos ==== There are six border crossings between [[Laos]] and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners (from north to south): * Tay Trang (Dien Bien province, Vietnam) - Sobboun (Phongsali province, Laos) * Na Mao (Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam) - Namsoi (Houaphanh province, Laos) * Nam Can (Vietnam) - Namkan (Xiangkhouang province, Laos) * Kaew Neua - Cau Treo (Keo Nua Pass) * Lao Bao (Vietnam) - Dansavan (Laos) * Ngoc Hoi (Kon Tum province, Vietnam) - Bo Y (Attapeu province, Laos) Be wary of catching local buses from Laos to Vietnam. Not only are they often crammed with cargo (coal and live chickens, often underfoot) but many buses run in the middle of the night, stopping for several hours in order to wait for the border to open at 07:00. Whilst waiting, you will be herded off the bus (for several hours) where you will be approached by pushy locals offering assistance in getting a Laos exit stamp in exchange for money (usually US$5+). If you bargain hard (tiring, at 04:00) you can get the figure down to about US$2. The men will take your passports, which can be disconcerting, but they do provide the service they promise. It is unclear whether you can just wait for the border officials to do this. There is also a VIP bus from Savannakhet. == Get around == [[File:Hue Vietnam A-lady-with-her-bike-transporting-goods-01.jpg|thumb|The Vietnamese are experts at transporting huge piles of goods on (motor)bikes.]] === By plane === Flights are the fastest way to traverse this long country. The flight from Hanoi to HCMC is only about 2 hours. There are many flights connecting the two largest cities, [[Hanoi]] and [[HCMC]], to major towns such as [[Da Nang]], [[Hai Phong]], [[Can Tho]], [[Hue]], [[Nha Trang]], [[Da Lat]], [[Phu Quoc]]. In the past most of these flights were cheap compared to European or North American flights. However, prices are higher than previously with, for example, a return connecting Hanoi to Da Nang costing around US$120-150 including taxes. The full-service domestic airlines are flag carrier'''[http://www.vietnamairlines.com/wps/portal/vn/welcome/ Vietnam Airlines]''' with their subsidiary '''[http://www.vasco.com.vn/ Vasco]''' operating some shorter flights, as well as privately-owned '''[http://bambooairways.com/ Bamboo Airways]'''. The main budget airlines are '''[https://www.pacificairlines.com.vn/vn/en Pacific Airlines]''' and '''[http://www.vietjetair.com/ VietJet Air]'''. === By train === Although more expensive than buses, trains are undoubtedly the most comfortable way to travel overland in Vietnam. There is one major train line in Vietnam, the {{km|1723}} trunk between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, on which the '''Reunification Express''' runs. HCMC to Hanoi is more than 30 hours, and overnight hops between major destinations are usually possible, if not entirely convenient. It's a good way to see the countryside and meet upper-middle class locals, but unless you are travelling in a sleeper car it is no more comfortable than buses. Air conditioned soft or hard sleeper is recommended, and purchasing as early as possible is a good idea as popular berths and routes are often bought out by tour companies and travel agents well before the departure time (hence being told the train is sold out at a station ticket window or popular tour company office does not mean there are no tickets available: they've simply been bought by another reseller). Booking at the train station itself is generally the safest way, just prepare on a piece of paper the destination, date, time, no. of passengers and class. However, unsold tickets can often be bought last minute from people hanging around at the station. A train is rarely sold out for real, as the railway company will add cars when demand is high. Commissions on these tickets will drop away as the departure time draws nearer. Tickets can be returned before departure for a 10% fee. There is also an [http://www.dsvn.vn official Vietnamese Railways website], which has an English version and accepts payments by international bank cards. Be cautious when using a travel agent to purchase your train tickets, since there is nothing printed on the ticket noting in which class you are booked. As of July 2018 tickets (now termed 'boarding passes') do indicate the class of ticket. This results in a common scam with private travel agents where you will pay them to book a soft-sleeper ticket, they then book you a cheaper hard-sleeper ticket, and you don't know you've been scammed until you board the train and your berths are in the lower class. By then with the train on the verge of departing it is too late to go back to the scamming agent to demand compensation. With the new boarding passes this scam is less of an issue although buying your ticket directly from the train station remains the best option. Buying your ticket electronically from a booking site such as https://www.baolau.com/ is also safe and reliable. Once purchased you keep the details on your phone and upon arrival at the station simply go to one of the machines available for the purpose and print off your boarding pass. In some cases the staff who help you to access the platforms are able to scan your QR code directly from your phone, in others they direct you to the print option. In either case the process is problem free. In addition, there are shorter routes from [[Hanoi]] leading northwest and northeast, with international crossings into [[China]]. One of the most popular of the shorter routes is the overnight train from Hanoi to [[Lao Cai]] (with a bus service from Lao Cai to the tourist destination of [[Sapa]]). Always try to buy your tickets at least 3 days in advance, to avoid disappointment, especially during peak holiday season, during which you should try to book at least 2 weeks in advance. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke try to book a seat in the middle of the carriage as people smoke in the areas at the end of each carriage and the doors are often left open. === By bus === Long-distance bus services connect most cities in Vietnam. Most depart early in the morning to accommodate traffic and late afternoon rains, or run overnight. Average road speeds are typically quite slow, even when travelling between cities. For example a 276 km (172 mi) journey from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City by bus will likely take about 8 hours. '''Public buses''' travel between the cities' bus stations. In bigger places, you often have to use local transport to get into the city centre from there. Buses are generally in reasonable shape, and you have the chance to interact with locals. Bus stations are generally well organised, safe and easy enough to navigate even if you don't speak Vietnamese. Every major city will have a centralised bus station, and most of the major companies will have ticket offices at the stations. Some reputable companies include '''[http://www.mailinhexpress.vn/ Mai Linh Express]''' and '''[https://www.thesinhtourist.vn/ The Sinh Tourist]''' and '''[https://www.hoanglongasia.com/ Hoang Long]'''. {{cautionbox|As a foreigner, you are likely to get overcharged on local buses, where you pay a conductor during the journey. Find out what the right fare is by looking up the price (it is displayed somewhere, often next to the front door on the outside of the bus; take a photo if you can) or by talking to one of the local travellers. Give the right amount and be prepared to argue your case.}} '''Open tour buses''' are run by a multitude of tour companies. They cater especially to tourists, offering ridiculous low rates (Hanoi to HCMC: US$20-25) and door-to-door service to your desired hostel. You can break the journey at any point and continue on a bus of the same company any time later, or simply buy tickets just for the stage you're willing to cover next. If you're not planning to make more than 3-4 stops, it might be cheaper to buy separate tickets as you go (i.e. Hanoi to Hue can be as low as US$5). Most hotels and guesthouses can book seats for any connection, although you're better to shop around at travel agents, as prices will vary on any given ticket or bus company. Going to the bus company office may net you a commission-free fare, but most major bus operators have fixed pricing policies, which can only be circumvented through a travel agent. '''Deluxe''' or '''interprovincial buses''' are the most luxurious options with regard to bus travel, and are offered by all the major companies on some of the most popular tourist routes. Some of these buses are in the form of '''sleeper buses''', where instead of a seat, you get an angled-flat bunk bed that you can sleep on. Some companies also offer a more expensive '''VIP sleeper bus''', in which you get a wider bunk bed, your own cubicle for more privacy, and a personal TV system similar to those in aeroplanes. Since tour companies charge very little, they do make commission on their stop-offs which are often at souvenir shops, where you do not have to buy; they always have toilets and drinks and water available for purchase. The estimated time for a bus trip will not be accurate and may be an additional couple of hours sometimes, due to the number of stop offs. Collecting the passengers at the start of the journey can also take quite a while too. Always be at least half an hour early to catch the bus. Try not to drink too much water, as rest stops, especially for overnight buses, may be just somewhere where there are a lot of bushes. [[File:Bus on a road in Luong Son District.jpg|thumb|Bus on a road in Luong Son District]] Vietnamese buses are made for Vietnamese people - bigger Westerners will be very uncomfortable, especially on overnight buses. Also, many Vietnamese are not used to travelling on long-haul buses, and will sometimes get sick - not very pleasant if you are stuck on an overnight bus with several Vietnamese throwing up behind you. Even if you are sometimes bus-sick, it is advisable to book a seat at the middle rather than at the front of the bus. First, you will avoid viewing directly the short-sighted risks the driver is taking on the way. Second, you will somewhat escape the loud noise of non-stop honking (each time the bus passes another vehicle, that is about every 10 seconds). Although the bus company will usually be happy to collect you at your hotel or guest house, boarding at the company office will guarantee a choice of seats and you'll avoid getting stuck at the back or unable to sit next to your travelling companions. The offices are generally located in or near the tourist area of town, and a short walk might make your trip that much more pleasant. The long haul bus companies operate from north to south and back on the only main road (QL1). If you take a bus going further than your destination, the bus will drop you off at the most convenient crossroad for it and not as you may have expected at the bus terminal of your destination. For Hué, this crossroad is 13 km from the city centre; for Nha Trang 10 km. At these crossroads, you'll find taxis or mototaxis to get you to your hotel. If you are traveling with a bicycle, negotiate the extra fee with the driver rather than the ticket counter before buying your ticket. The bicycle fee should be no more than 10% of the ticket price. A scam that you may encounter is that after arriving at your location, the guides will ask you whether you have booked a hotel. Even though you haven't, say that you have and prepare the name of a hotel. If you say you have not booked one, they will charter a taxi for you and probably drop you at a hotel which they can collect commission. If you decide not to stay, things may get a little ugly, as they will demand that you pay the taxi fare, which they may quote as several times the actual fare for a ten minute ride. Be very careful of your possessions on the overnight bus, as people (including bus employees) have been known to look through passenger's bags and take expensive items such as iPods and phones and sell them on for profit. If you are travelling with an iPod, do not fall asleep with it in your ear, as the chances are it will be nowhere to be found in the morning. Get a padlock for your hand luggage and lock everything up in there before you go to sleep. === By car === {{infobox|International Driving Permits|As of October 2015, International Driving Permits are recognised in Vietnam. However, hiring a car without a driver is almost unheard of, and unless you have a valid motorcycle license in your home country, your permit is not valid for riding a motorcycle. Always bring your home driving license with you.}} [[File:Van Yen District - Hwy DT163 - P1380777.JPG|thumb|A provincial road (Yen Bai Provincial Route 163) in good condition, with a milestone (80 km from [[Yen Bai]] City)]] Like its former colonial master, France, traffic moves on the '''right''' in Vietnam. International Driving Permits are recognised in Vietnam. However, the concept of renting a car to drive yourself is almost non-existent, and when Vietnamese speak of renting a car they always mean hiring a car with a driver. (After a short time on local roads with their crazy traffic, you will be glad you left the driving to somebody used to it.) Since few Vietnamese own cars, they have frequent occasion to hire vehicles for family outings, special occasions, etc., and a thriving industry exists to serve that need. Vietnamese can easily hire anything from a small car to a 32-seat bus, for one day or several. Tourists can tap into that market indirectly by way of hotels and tour agents found in every tourist area. International car brands have started to surface. Budget Car Rental, one of the largest car rental companies in the world, now offers chauffeur driven services in Vietnam. Hiring a small car for a day trip returning to the point of origin costs around US$60 for 8 hours (though the price changes with the cost of fuel.) (If you shop around and bargain hard for the lowest possible price, you will probably get an older, more beat-up car. If you are paying more than bare minimum, it's worth asking what sort of car it will be, and holding out for something comfortable.) Few drivers speak any English, so make sure you tell the hotel or agent exactly where you want to go, and have that communicated to the driver. It's also possible to hire a car and driver for inter-city travel, at somewhat higher cost. A small car from Saigon to the beach resort of Mui Ne, a 4- or 5-hour trip depending on traffic, costs about US$70, and Dalat to Mui Ne about US$90. Long distance travel by car may be a good choice for several people travelling together, as it provides a flexible schedule and flexible access to remote sites. Keep in mind that although a network of paved roads exists in Vietnam, long-distance road travel in Vietnam by whatever means (bus or car) is slow, with average speed less than 50 km/hour. Highway 1, the north-south backbone of the country, is a two-lane road with very heavy truck and bus traffic. Similarly, the main road of the north-west - the so-called Hanoi (Noi Bai) - Lao Cai Expressway is, in reality, merely a good two-lane paved road, with speed limits varying from 60 to 80 km/h, reduced in many places to 40 km/h due to road work (as of 2017). Tolls on this "expressway" are pretty hefty, but motorists pay them, because the alternative is using local roads, which in some sections are not paved at all. In general, describing Vietnamese driving habits as atrocious would be an understatement. Road courtesy is non-existent and drivers generally do not check their blind spots or mirrors (in fact, many vehicles have had their wing mirrors removed). Vietnamese drivers also tend to use their horn very often to get motorcyclists and cyclists out of their way. In addition, most roads do not have lane markings and even on those that do, drivers generally ignore the lane markings. As such, driving yourself in Vietnam is not recommended and you should leave your transportation needs in the hands of locals. === By bicycle === Adventurous travellers may wish to see Vietnam by [[cycling]]. Several adventure travel tours provide package tours with equipment. Most of the population get around on two wheels, so it's an excellent way to get closer to the people as well as off the beaten path. Bicycles can be rented cheaply in many cities and are often a great way of covering larger distances. Good spots for cycling are [[Dalat]], [[Hoi An]], [[Hue]] and [[Ninh Binh]]. On the other hand, attempting to cycle in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is virtually suicide without proper experience of traffic rules (or lack thereof, 'proper experience' in this case means understanding that everyone around you could potentially change direction without signalling and at any moment.) A general 'rule of thumb' when on a bicycle or motorbike is 'expect the unexpected'. It's like a school of fish traffic situation. In cities like HCMC and Hanoi, parking bicycles on pedestrian areas is not allowed and you'll have to go to a pay parking lot: 2,000 dong per bike, 5,000 dong for a motorbike. === By motorcycle taxi === The ''xe ôm'' (literally "hugging vehicle"), a taxi-motorbike, is a common mode of transport for Vietnamese as well as tourists. They are widely available and reasonably cheap: about 10,000 dong for a 10-minute trip, which should get you anywhere within the city centre. Walk the city streets, and every couple of minutes a guy will flag your attention and say "You! Motobike?" Longer trips to outlying areas can be negotiated for 20,000-25,000 dong. Always agree on the fare before starting your trip. Moto drivers rarely speak English. As with most things, a tourist will often be quoted an above-market price initially, and you need to be firm. If quoted anything over 10,000 dong for a short trip, remind the driver that you could take an air-con taxi for 15,000 dong so forget it. Occasionally drivers will demand more than the negotiated price at the end, so it's best to have exact change handy. Then you can pay the agreed amount and walk away, end of discussion. In some cases they will take you wherever they want (tourist attractions or shops you didn't request to go) and sometimes they will wait for you to come back (even if you don't want them to wait) and will ask you for more money for having been waiting. Even if you speak some Vietnamese, this is not useful, since they will cheat you anyway or they will act as if they don't understand even if they do. Again, be firm and walk away. === By motorcycle === [[File:Van Yen District - Hwy DT163 - P1380790.JPG|thumb|A roadside sign with a Zen message]] The 110 cc motorbike is the preferred mode of transport for the Vietnamese masses, and the large cities swarm with them. It's common to see whole families of four cruising along on a single motorbike. In most places where tourists go, you can easily rent your own, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 160,000 dong per day. It is '''illegal''' for foreigners to ride a motorbike in Vietnam unless they are in possession of a temporary Vietnamese motorcycle licence, or an International Driving Permit with a valid home country ''motorcycle'' licence. To convert your licence or International Driving Permit into a temporary Vietnamese licence you must hold a Vietnamese residence permit of at least three months' validity or a three-month tourist visa. In Hanoi you should apply to the Centre for Automotive Training and Mechanism, 83a Ly Thuong Kiet St; in HCMC to the Office of Transportation, 63 Ly Tu Trong St, District 1. If you ride unlicensed and have an accident in which a third party is injured or killed you could be subject to a term of imprisonment of 10-20 years, and pay a large sum in compensation to the victim or the victim's family. Moreover, even if your travel insurance policy covers you for motorcycling (check the small print as many don't), if you are injured when riding illegally the insurance company will not recompense you for medical attention, hospitalisation, evacuation to another country for hospitalisation or repatriation, the cost of which can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Desk clerks at small hotels often run a side business renting motorbikes to guests, or have a friend or relative who does. Tour booths can usually do the same. In small towns and beach resorts where traffic is light, e.g. Pho Quoc, it's a delightful way to get around and see the sights, and much cheaper than taxis if you make several stops or travel any distance. Roads are usually decent, though it's advisable not to ride too fast and always keep an eye on the road for the occasional pothole. Riding in the big cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City, is a very different matter, and not advisable unless you are an experienced rider with a very cool head. Traffic is intense and chaotic, with a long list of unwritten rules that don't resemble traffic laws anywhere else. "Right of way" is a nearly unknown concept. Riding in HCMC is like finding yourself in the middle of a 3-D video game where anything can come at you from any direction, and you only have one life. Expats who brave the traffic at all typically have an apprenticeship of a few weeks or months riding on the back of others' motorbikes to learn the ways of the traffic, before attempting to ride themselves. Extreme caution is advised for short-term visitors. Riding long-distance in the countryside can also be harrowing depending on the route you take. Major roads between cities tend to be narrow despite being major, and full of tour buses hell-bent on speed, passing slow trucks where maybe they shouldn't have tried, and leaving not much room at the edge for motorbikes. That being said, there are many good roads and beautiful sights to be seen with the freedom of your own motorbike. As an alternative to the coastal highway (AH 1), the Ho Chi Minh Road (AH 17) is a quiet and scenic option for the adventurous. The road is in excellent condition, with upgrades from Buon Ma Thuat to Kon Tum. Shortly after Kon Tum the road enters the mountains close to the Lao border, with majestic scenery quiet and ethnic villages for 700 km, finally emerging back to the lowlands at the world heritage listed Phong Nha caves. This quiet alternative to the coastal chaos can be taken all the way to Ha Noi. Two main categories of motorbike are available to rent: scooters (automatic transmission); and four-speed motorbikes, the gears of which you shift with your left foot. The ubiquitous Honda Super Cub is a common 4-speed bike that has a semi-automatic gearbox, i.e. no clutch so is relatively easy to ride. Other models may be fully manual and therefore you must also operate the clutch using your left hand - this takes a lot of skill and it's all too easy to over-rev and pull a wheelie or stall the engine - if you end up with such a bike then practise releasing the clutch gently before hitting the roads. Dirt bikes are becoming popular for rent in Hanoi; other cities are not yet ready for these beasts. Rental agents tend to steer foreigners toward scooters if available, on the (plausible) assumption that they don't know how to ride motorbikes that require shifting gears. Motorcycles of 175 cc and above are only legal to ride if you make a connection with a Vietnamese motorcycle club. Most places you would want to stop at have parking attendants who will issue you a numbered tag and watch over your bike. Sometimes these parking operations are overseen by the establishment you are visiting, and sometimes they are freelance operations set up in places where a lot of people go. You will usually see rows of bikes lined up parked. Depending on circumstance, you might park the bike yourself, or just take out the key, put it in neutral, and let the staff position it. In all but rare cases you keep the key. Parking is sometimes free at restaurants and cafes (look for "giu xe mien phi"). Elsewhere, fees range from 2,000 to 5,000 to 10,000 dong. Traffic police in the cities pull over lots of locals (often for reasons that are hard to discern), but conventional wisdom has it that they rarely bother foreigners due to the language barrier. Obeying the traffic laws is nevertheless advisable, especially if you have failed to obtain a Vietnamese license. Cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi have several one way streets, and it is too easy to just steer into them unknowingly as there are limited signs warning you. Be sure that if you break the law, the police who are sneaking just at the right spot, will ask you to pull over and will fine you. They will also threaten to confiscate your bike. The quoted price for the fine is negotiable, and being apologetic and friendly can get you back on road quickly, with a few dollars less in your pockets. It is less likely that they will bully or harass you. Helmets are required by law, so if you don't have one already ask your rental agent to provide you with one. Riding without a helmet greatly increases attention from the police. === By cyclo === [[Image:Cyclo Purple.JPG|thumb|Cyclo in [[Hue]]]] While slowly being supplanted by motorbikes, '''cyclo''' pedicabs still roam the streets of Vietnam's cities and towns. They are especially common in scenic smaller, less busy cities like Hue, where it's pleasant to cruise slowly along taking in the sights. Though the ride will be slow, hot and sometimes dangerous, you'll generally need to pay ''more'' than for a motorbike for the equivalent distance. On the plus side, some drivers (particularly in the South) are very friendly and happy to give you a running commentary on the sights. Cyclo drivers are notoriously mercenary and will always ask for a high price to start with. Sometimes they will also demand more than the agreed price at the end. (Japanese tourists, especially women, are most often targeted with this scam since they are more responsive to the threat that the driver will call the police and make trouble for them if they don't pay as demanded.) A reasonable price is about 20,000 dong for up to 2 km (1.2 mi), and if the driver disagrees, simply walk away. (You won't get far before that driver or another takes your offer.) Prices for a sightseeing circuit with intermediate stops are more complex to negotiate and more subject to conflict at the end. If you plan to stop somewhere for any length of time, it's best to settle up with the driver, make no promises, and start fresh later. Some drivers start with a very low rate to get you into their cycle and then if required to wait for you or otherwise vary the agreed price, bring out a typed up price list of their "standard rates" which are inflated beyond belief. If even slightly unsure ask the driver show you his list of charges. Then negotiate from that point or walk away. To avoid trouble, it's also best to have exact change for the amount you agreed to pay, so if the driver tries to revise the deal, you can just lay your cash on the seat and leave. === By boat === [[File:Hue Vietnam Ferry-over-the-Perfume-River-01.jpg|thumb|A ferry on the Perfume River.]] [[Image:KhaiDinh Mist.JPG|thumb|Tomb of Khai Dinh, [[Hue]]]] You will be missing a big part of Vietnamese life if you do not spend some time on a boat. Do be careful though because many boats, although seaworthy, are not designed to first world standards. An example is the ferry from Phu Quoc to the mainland. This ferry has one tiny entrance for all passengers to board. When full, which it usually is, there are approximately 200 people on board. In the event of an accident, the chance of everyone getting out of the boat fast enough would be very small. The idea of an emergency exit does not exist there. Tour boats can be chartered for around US$20 for a day's tour; but beware of safety issues if you charter a boat, make sure the boat is registered for carrying tourists and has enough life jackets and other safety equipment on board. Or you can book a tour through a tour company; but in Vietnam most Tour Agents charge whatever markup they want and therefore the tourist is often paying margins of 30-40% and the boat owner and operator (of anything from a van to a boat etc.) are paid very little of the total amount. [[Ha Long Bay]] is a famous destination for one- to three-day boat trips among its scenic limestone islands. The problem is that all the boats seem to visit the same places - and with high prices, poor quality boats and service real value is hard to come by. Many boats have a US$10 corkage fee, and forbid BYO alcohol, while on-board alcohol and seafood is about the same price as in Europe in some places. If there is rain, mist or low cloud, you may not see much. Try to pick a clear day. Dozens of small family-operated boats ply the river in [[Hue]] taking visitors to the imperial tombs southwest of the city. This journey is long because the boats are slow, taking about 4 hours or so to make the journey in one direction. Snorkel - fishing - lunch trips are available from [[Nha Trang]], [[Hoi An]], and [[Phu Quoc]] to nearby islands. In Central Vietnam northeast monsoon season limits many sea boat tours during the months Sep-Feb; other parts of Vietnam seem less affected. A 90-minute hydrofoil boat operates from Saigon to the seaside resort of [[Vung Tau]] for about 200,000 dong each way, the fastest way to reach the beach from the city. River tours are perhaps the most interesting. A day-long boat trip forms the core of almost any tour of the Mekong region. ===By taxi=== Metered taxis are available in Vietnam's larger cities. However, be wary of common taxi scams, such as drivers refusing to use the meter and quoting ridiculous fares, or rigged meters than jump at ridiculous rates. To minimise your chances of falling for a scam, try to learn to recognise the reputable large taxi companies are the city you are in. In [[Ho Chi Minh City]], these would be '''Mai Linh''' and '''Vinasun''', while in [[Hanoi]], these would be '''Mai Linh''' and '''Taxi Group''' (a consortium of smaller companies including ''Taxi CP'' and ''Hanoi Taxi'', with the same livery but different phone numbers). Be aware of fake taxis impersonating those companies though, usually identifiable with logos that are slightly off, of lower quality or with the wrong phone numbers. Drivers working for those companies are also required to wear a uniform while on duty, so a driver not in uniform is a dead giveaway of an impersonator. As of April 2019 taxi scams are few and far between and Vietnam has one of the most efficient taxi systems in South East Asia. As long as the meter starts automatically after the vehicle has been rolling for a few metres or the driver switches it on manually you shouldn't be scammed. The smaller the taxi the lower the flag fall: so a small compact saloon or equivalent will have a flag fall of 5,000 dong, a mid range saloon 9,000 dong and an SUV 11,000 dong. The flag fall fare is for a shorter distance the smaller the car so the 5,000 dong flag fall takes you 500 m, whilst the 11,000 dong will last for 850 m so on journeys longer than 1 km the size of the vehicle makes no difference. (somewhat complicated but after a few rides you'll understand how the system works. In the evening these flag falls may rise by 1,000 dong. Few drivers speak more than a few words of English, so staff at your hotel write down the names of your travel destinations in Vietnamese to show the driver. Drivers generally have a good command of the geography of their city and the nearest most passengers will come to being scammed is that the driver may select a slightly longer route than is strictly necessary - keeping Google maps open during your journey often prevents this but even if you do go slightly further to get to your destination this should not put you off using taxis, one of Vietnam's transportation bargains. In the more touristy destinations such as Sapa and Cat Ba, it is much more difficult to get drivers to use their meters than in the big cities and beach centres. Be prepared to walk away if the driver refuses to use the meter. ==See== Vietnam will show you sides of Asia that you've dreamed of. Lush rice fields at the bottom of stunningly gorgeous highlands, colourful water markets on the streams of the Mekong Delta and the endless bustling city life of Hanoi, where anything from school children to fridges and huge piles of vegetables are transported on the back of countless motorcycles. Although Vietnam's huge cities are rapidly transforming into modern Asian metropolises, traditional culture is never far away. ===City life=== [[File:Hoi an street.jpg|thumb|Hoi An street life]] Head to '''[[Hoi An]]''' with its '''Venice-like canals''' and beautiful old town for some top sightseeing. Enjoy the old '''port''', wander through its endless winding alleys and take a pick from its countless '''fine restaurants''' and shops, or relax on the beach. Once a fishermen's village, this town's now well-protected by preservation laws and has turned into a major hot spot for visitors. '''[[Hanoi]]''' is of course the summit of Asian city life. It's an incredible myriad of ancient traditions, old and modern architecture, sounds, smells, bustling commerce and famously crazy traffic. It's chaotic and enchanting at once - a great place to discover both ancient and contemporary Vietnam. Most sights are in the '''Old Quarter''', including the famous '''Hoan Kiem Lake''' and the beautiful '''Bach Ma Temple'''. Spend a day or two in '''[[Ho Chi Minh City]]''', or Saigon, the country's largest city. Nowhere are contrasts between old and new more ubiquitous and alive than here, where you'll find ancient pagodas and traditional street life at the feet of giant skyscrapers. Top sights include the '''Reunification Palace''' and '''Giac Lam Pagoda'''. Also well worth visiting is the former imperial town of '''[[Hue]]''', with its beautiful '''Citadel''' and the '''Tombs of the Emperors''' along the '''Perfume River'''. The largest beach city is '''[[Nha Trang]]''' which spreads out along the beach but also has an interesting city-scape. ===Landscapes and nature=== [[File:RiceTerracesVietnam.jpg|thumb|Typical rice terraces]] Few countries are blessed with landscapes as captivating as those of Vietnam. For many, the country's awe-inspiring limestone scenery, perfect beaches, islands, mountain ranges, rice fields and lakes are its greatest treasures. One of Vietnam's top attractions, '''[[Ha Long Bay]]''', boasts thousands of limestone pillars and islands topped with dense jungle vegetation. Among the bustling port life, you'll find floating fishermen's villages, caves, and island lakes. Neighboring '''Lan Ha Bay''' is as spectacular, but less busy. Head to '''[[Sa Pa]]''' and the Muong Hoa valley to get take in the views of local rice fields against a background of bamboo forests. Also in the north is '''Tam Coc''' near [[Ninh Binh]]. This area is famous for its karst scenery, rice fields, and caves and is best explored by hired boat. '''[[Phu Quoc]]''', off the Cambodian coast, is the largest island in the country. Its delightful palm-lined beaches and tropical forests can compete with any in the world. Most famous in the south is of course the '''[[Mekong Delta]]'''. Here, the Mekong River empties into the South China Sea via a maze of smaller streams. It's a lush, green region and the source of half of Vietnam's agricultural produce. It offers scenic views of the rivers and rices fields as far as the eye can see. Here, natural landscapes and culture go hand in hand as life revolves around the water. The Mekong streams are a major means of transportation and host '''floating markets'''. Some best picks in terms of natural wonders can be found in the country's national parks. '''[[Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park]]''', a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its natural caves and grottos, with underground rivers and cave beaches as well as stunning stalagmites and stalactites. For wildlife, try '''[[Cuc Phuong National Park]]'''. ===Museums=== For better insight in Vietnam's ancient traditions, culture and history, visit one of the many museums, some with truly excellent collections. The '''War Remnants Museum''' in [[Ho Chi Minh City]] will leave a lasting impression, particularly the chilling collection of war photography. Although not exactly neutral in tone, there are English labels. The '''HCMC Museum''' is in a building worth seeing on its own, and gives a nice overview of the city's history. For a broader history collection, try the fine '''History Museum''', which has artefacts from several Vietnamese cultures on display. In [[Hanoi]], the '''Vietnam Museum of Ethnology''' is an excellent place to dive into the life of the country's tribal people. In the centre of town is the '''Fine Arts Museum''' has all kinds of arts on display, from high-quality wood and stone carvings to fabulous ceramics and textiles. Descriptions in English. For something completely different try the '''Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms''' in [[Vung Tau]]. This is one mans fascinating collection of arms and uniforms collected from around the world. == Do == Motorbiking is popular with locals and tourists alike. Given that motorbikes are the main mode of transport in Vietnam, they can give a particularly authentic view of travelling through the country. Renting or buying a bike is possible in many cities. Also consider '''Motorbike adventure tours''', which involve being guided on multi-day drives to remote regions of the country. Most tours include accommodation, petrol, helmets, drivers and entry tickets to local places of interest. Guides usually speak good English or French and offer customised tours if desired. '''Motorbike Sightseeing Tours''' are similar but have a more local range specific to one city or area and can focus on food, shopping or sightseeing. [[Trekking Vietnam|Trekking]] is an ideal way to enjoy and experience beautiful nature of Vietnam, from the yellow farmers' terraces in harvesting season of the north, to the off-the-beaten-path Central Highlands, or the frenetic activity of the Mekong Delta in the south. '''[[Xiangqi|Chinese chess]]''' (''cờ tướng'') is a popular game in Vietnam, and you will often notice the elderly having games in the public parks. If you know how to play, this can be an opportunity to befriend the locals. A uniquely Vietnamese tradition pertaining to Chinese chess is human chess (''cờ người''), typically played at temple and village festivals during ''Tết''. As the name suggests, the pieces are played by humans dressed in traditional Vietnamese costumes, usually with 16 teenage boys on one side and 16 teenage girls on the other, and a choreographed traditional martial arts fight between the two pieces always ensues whenever a piece is captured. Retreats, spas, meditation and yoga are increasingly popular in Vietnam, with [[Hoi An]] in particular becoming a hub for like-minded individuals. == Buy == ===Money=== {{exchange rates | currency=Vietnamese đồng | currencyCodeAfter=&nbsp;dong | date=January 2022 | CNY=3,600 | EUR=26,000 | GBP=31,000 | USD=23,000 | source=[http://www.xe.com/currency/vnd-vietnamese-dong XE.com]}} The national currency is the '''dong''' (''đồng''), sometimes denoted by the symbol "'''₫'''" (ISO code: '''VND'''). Prices are usually shown without a currency notation, e.g. as "100.000", "100k" or "100K", and in speech it's common to drop the thousands completely. Wikivoyage articles will use ''dong'' to denote the currency. Notes are available in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. Smaller bills and coins in denominations up to 5,000 dong also exist, but are rarely seen and, while technically legal tender, difficult to get rid of if you end up with some. ====Converting dong to dollars, euros and pounds==== Your usual currency equaling between 18,000 and 22,000 dong, do this to convert: Remove the last 3 digits, divide by 100 and multiply by 5. Example: <br> • 600,000 dong -> 600. 600/100=6. 6*5 ≈ 30 of your usual currency. When your usual currency equals between 22,000 and 28,500 dong, do this to convert: Remove the last 3 digits, divide by 100 and multiply by 4. Example: <br> • 700,000 dong -> 700. 700/100=7. 7*4 ≈ 28 of your usual currency. And if your usual currency is between 28,500 and 40,000 dong, to do this to convert: Remove the last 3 digits, divide by 100 and multiply by 3. Example: <br> • 800,000 dong -> 800. 800/100=8. 8*3 ≈ 24 of your usual currency. This works well for everyday expenses. For rather high amounts of money, it's better to convert with the exact exchange rate, e.g. with an app. ==== Exchanging dong==== It is difficult to find or exchange dong outside Vietnam, with some notable exceptions such as Singapore or Bangkok; if you are not coming from either of those places, you should change money on arrival and try to get rid of any leftovers before leaving the country. Continuing inflation and a series of devaluations continue to steadily push down the value of the dong. There is no need to change your cash into U.S. dollars first. Banks and gold shops offer equally attractive rates for most trade-able international and regional currencies. When exchanging dollars (and other hard currencies), "unofficial exchange agents" like hotels and travel agencies often have a considerable spread between dong buy/sell rates, and sometimes they have different rates for different services. Official exchange counters however, e.g. at the airport or in the city centre, have quite competitive buy and sell rates with spreads as low as 2%, depending on the currency. US$50 and US$100 notes get a higher exchange rate than notes of lower denominations. In addition to banks and official exchange counters, you can exchange most hard currencies (sterling pounds; yen; Swiss francs; euros; Thai baht; US, Australian, Singapore dollars) at gold shops. This is vaguely illegal, but enforcement is minimal. The best place in many cities in Vietnam to find gold shops that will transact currency exchange is to head for the central food/clothing market. Exchange rates are close to the Interbank rate (check what that is on the internet beforehand) and the procedure is very straightforward. There is no form filling or passport required. According to Vietnamese laws, foreign currency can be easily changed into dong but not vice versa. Exchanging dong is quite a complicated procedure requiring some time and patience. In order to change dong into another currency, show your ID and your ticket as a confirmation of leaving Vietnam. These documents will be photocopied by the bank employees. Then, fill out a form stating the sum, purpose of the exchange and destination country. Not all Vietnamese banks perform exchange of dong, but Vietcombank is one that does. When leaving Vietnam, on most land borders connecting to Cambodia, China and Laos there are '''freelance money changers''' to take care of your financial leftovers, but be assured they'll get the better of you if you don't know the going rate. In Hanoi airport, there are no money exchange establishments once you finish your immigration, so exchange your dong before you enter the departure hall unless you plan to shop. ==== Acceptance of other currency==== Prices are sometimes advertised in '''U.S. dollars''', but payment is almost always expected in '''dong only''', especially outside major tourist destinations. It is easier to bargain with dong, especially since dollar prices are already rounded. Credit card purchases are required by law to be charged in dong. If paying with dollars, bills in less than perfect condition may be rejected. US$2 bills (especially those printed in the 1970s) are considered lucky in Vietnam and are worth more than US$2. They make a good tip/gift, and many Vietnamese will keep them in their wallet for luck. ====Banking==== For '''credit card''' payments, there is usually a 1.5-3% surcharge although this practice is dying out, so cash may be advantageous for large transactions. If you choose to carry cash, the best rates and least bureaucracy are to be found in jewellery shops. Most don't advertise this service, just ask. '''Traveller cheques''' of well-known companies are accepted, but usually a small fee is charged. Fees might also be the only thing that would keep you from getting '''cash advances''' on Visa- or MasterCard at most banks. Through both ways you can also get hold of U.S. dollars, though there will be even higher fees. There are mentions in some popular travel books about Vietcombank not charging any commission fees to cash American Express travellers cheques. However, this is no longer true. There are branches of '''money transfer''' companies like Western Union, but this is always one of the more expensive ways to get money. However, it's better for larger amounts. A US$800 transfer costs US$5 from America and the exchange rate is quite good. You may also transfer US$s to Vietnam. ====Withdrawing money ==== '''ATMs''' are common and can be found in most cities and every tourist destination. They will accept a selection of credit and bank-cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus and several other systems. Here is a list of the major banks providing ATMs, their withdrawal limits and fees. [[File:ATM Sacombank, 34 Tran Phu street, Da Lat.jpg|thumb|A Sacombank ATM in [[Da Lat]]]] These ATMs have '''no withdrawal fee''': * {{listing | name=EXIMBANK | alt= | url=http://www.eximbank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=18001199 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=VP Bank | alt= | url=http://www.vpbank.com.vn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900545415 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12 | content=Allows up to (at least) 5,000,000 dong per transaction, sometimes as high as 10 million dong in newer ATMs with touch screens (as of Jan 18, in Nha Trang). The screen does not state a maximum. }} *'''TP Bank''' *You can also check the '''ACB''' bank. It's said to have no fees for European visa cards. These ATMs have a withdrawal fee: * {{listing | name=Agribank | alt= | url=http://www.agribank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900558818 (domestic hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=22,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2020-03-01 | content=Allows up to 3,000,000 dong per transaction (25,000,000 dong per day). }} * {{listing | name=ABBank | alt= | url=https://abbank.vn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=18001159 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=20,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content= |wikidata=|wikipedia=|image=}} * {{listing | name=ANZ Bank | alt= | url=http://www.anz.com/vietnam/en/Personal/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 39386901 (Hanoi), +84 28 38272926 (Ho Chi Minh City) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=40,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Allows up to 4,000,000-10,000,000 dong per transaction (15,000,000 dong per day). }} * {{listing | name=BIDV Bank | alt= | url=http://www.bidv.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 4 22205544 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=50,000 dong withdrawal fee plus 5,000 dong VAT | lastedit=2016-03 | content=Allows up to 5,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Citibank | alt= | url=https://www.citibank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 28 35211111 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=60,000 dong withdrawal fee, maximum withdrawal of 6,000,000 dong | lastedit=2020-02-18 | content= }} * {{listing | name=DongA Bank | alt= | url=http://www.dongabank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 8 39951483 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=20,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Allows up to (at least) 5,000,000 dong per transaction. The screen does not state a maximum, and 5,000,000 worked for some people. }} * {{listing | name=HSBC | alt= | url=http://www.hsbc.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 28 37247247 (south), +84 24 62707707 (north) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Withdrawal fee unclear: 0 dong in 2017, 100,000 dong in 2016 | lastedit=2017-12 | content=Allows up to 5,000,000 per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Techcombank | alt= | url=https://www.techcombank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+84 24 39446368 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=66,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2018-01-06 | content=Allows up to 15,000,000 per transaction }} * {{listing | name=VIB | alt= | url=https://vib.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=18008180 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=50,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit= | content=Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Vietcombank | alt= | url=http://www.vietcombank.com.vn/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900545413 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1.5% withdrawal fee | lastedit=2020-02-18 | content=Allows up to 3,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Vietinbank | alt= | url=http://www.vietinbank.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900558868 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=55,000 dong withdrawal fee | lastedit=2016-06 | content=Allows up to 2,000,000 dong per transaction. }} * {{listing | name=Sacombank | alt= | url=https://www.sacombank.com.vn | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=1900555588 (domestic Hotline) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=1.5% withdrawal fee | lastedit=2020-02-18 | content=Allows up to 3,000,000 dong per transaction. }} ===Tax refund=== Foreign visitors may claim a [http://www.vietnamtourism.com/en/index.php/useful/items/2852 VAT refund] provided they make the purchase at a participating shop, and leave the country through specific ports of exit. ===Tipping=== Tipping is not expected in Vietnam with the exception of bellhops in high-end hotels, and the Vietnamese themselves don't do it, though tips will not be refused if offered. Some establishments which are used to serving Western tourists have come to expect tips, though it is still perfectly acceptable not to tip. In any case, the price quoted to you is often many times what locals will pay, so tipping can be considered unnecessary in most circumstances. To avoid paying an involuntary tip when a taxi driver claims he doesn't have small change always try to carry small denominations. ===Bargaining=== As you travel about, you will find there are clusters of shops all selling similar goods, such as 20 sewing machine shops together, then 30 hardware shops all together, 200 motorcycle repair shops in the same block. Prices are competitive. Be wary of watch shops selling original authentic fakes. Other fake watches are available but not as cheap as other surrounding countries. Pirated software is oddly, very hard to find and not sold openly. However film DVDs of indifferent quality are widely available from US$1, although not all may have an English language option. The local post office will strictly not allow them to be posted abroad. Overcharging has long been an issue in Vietnam tourism, and it is an issue both for foreigners and for Vietnamese people whose accents identify them as being from another region. It can happen anywhere on anything from a hotel room, a ride in a taxi, coffee, a meal, clothing, or basic grocery stuff. Your coffee suddenly becomes 100% more expensive and a restaurant may present you an English menu with inflated prices. A friendly local who spent 30 minutes talking with you may also feel like overcharging you on anything. Vietnamese hold a diverse view on this issue, and the practice also varies somewhat from region to region, but in general it is more common in Vietnam than other neighboring countries to see it socially acceptable to overcharge foreigners. They may argue inflated prices are still cheap and they may blame the cheap cost of living which attracts a lot of backpackers with bare-bone budgets. According to this school of thought, if tourists complain about it, it's because they're stingy. Rich tourists should not have a problem being overcharged. In general, in the south, while vendors have no qualms overcharging an ignorant foreigner, they will generally allow you to bargain prices down to the local price if you know what it is and insist on it. On the other hand, vendors in the north tend to hold more strongly onto the belief that foreigners should be overcharged, and they will usually refuse to sell items to you unless you agree to pay the grossly inflated foreigner price. The good news is that standard prices are much more common than in the early 1990s. You will absolutely spoil your trip if you assume that everyone is cheating you. Just try to be smart. In a restaurant, learn some names of common dishes in Vietnamese, insist that you need to read the Vietnamese menu, and compare it. If owners argue that the portion of dishes in the English menu is different, it's definitely a scam so move to another place. Learn some Vietnamese numbers and try to see how much a local pays a vendor. Also try basic bargaining tactics: Think how much it is back home, ask for a big discount and walk away, pretending that the price isn't right. Many products tend to be standardized and compare more. Try to be as clear as possible on the agreed price. You may agree 20,000 dong with a "xe om" driver for a specific trip, but at the end he may claim you are due 40,000 dong. Then you pay 20,000 dong, smile and say goodbye, because you have a good memory. ===Supermarkets=== Shopping in supermarkets is much less common in Vietnam than in most European and North American countries, or even in China or Thailand. As of 2016, most grocery shopping still happens in traditional street markets. A few supermarkets exist in Hanoi and other major cities, but they are primarily places to shop for imported groceries (European, American, Japanese, or Korean products), as well as local "luxury" brands. Consumer staples, such as fresh produce, even when they are sold in a supermarket, may be considerably more expensive than in a traditional street market. As of July 2018 this is changing. The Thai supermarket chain Big C and the [https://vinatechjsc.vn/gia-ke-sieu-thi-lotte-mart-302-cau-giay-do-vinatech-san-xuat-va-lap-dat/ Korean Lotte Mart] have opened branches in a number of major cities and sell a similar range of groceries, clothing items and household goods as you would find in Thailand or Malaysia. Traditional street and covered markets still thrive alongside these supermarket chains - much as they do in Thailand for example. These supermarkets often have games rooms, massage chairs and food courts and can be a fun way to spend a couple of hours on a hot or rainy afternoon. ===Costs=== Vietnam is cheap by most standards. A month's stay can be as cheap as US$250 using basic rooms, local food and public transportation. == Eat == [[Image:Food SpringRollCaoLau.JPG|thumb|''Gỏi cuốn'' fresh spring rolls, ''cao lầu'' noodles (a specialty of [[Hoi An]]), ''nước mắm'' dipping sauce and local beer]] [[Image:Food PVO KhaoJiPate2.JPG|thumb|''Bánh mì'': French ''baguette'' stuffed with ''pâté'', herbs and pickles]] {{seealso|Vietnamese cuisine}} Food is at the very core of Vietnamese culture: every significant holiday on the Vietnamese cultural calendar, all the important milestones in a Vietnamese person's life, and indeed, most of the important day-to-day social events and interactions - food plays a central role in each. Special dishes are prepared and served with great care for every birth, marriage and death, and the anniversaries of ancestors' deaths. More business deals are struck over dinner tables than over boardroom tables, and when friends get together, they eat together. Preparing food and eating together remains the focus of family life. Vietnamese cuisine varies from region to region, with many regions having their own specialties. Generally, '''northern Vietnamese''' cuisine is known for being subtle, '''central Vietnamese''' cuisine is known for being spicy, while '''southern Vietnamese''' cuisine is known for being sweet. There is also distinctive Vietnamese-Chinese cuisine to be found in Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown. At the same time, the Vietnamese are surprisingly modest about their cuisine. (An old proverb/joke says that "a fortunate man has a French house, a Japanese wife, and a Chinese chef.") High-end restaurants tend to serve "Asian-fusion" cuisine, with elements of Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and occasionally French mixed in. The most authentic Vietnamese food is found at street side "restaurants" (A collection of plastic outdoor furniture placed on the footpath), with most walk-in restaurants being mainly for tourists. Distinct regional styles exist: northern, central, and southern, each with unique dishes. Central style is perhaps the most celebrated, with dishes such as mi quang (wheat noodles with herbs, pork, and shrimp), banh canh cua (crab soup with thick rice noodles) and bun bo Hue (beef soup with herbs and noodles). Many Vietnamese dishes are flavoured with '''fish sauce''' (''nước mắm''), which smells and tastes like anchovies (quite salty and fishy) straight from the bottle, but blends into food very well. (Try taking home a bottle of fish sauce, and using it instead of salt in almost any savoury dish: you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.) Fish sauce is also mixed with lime juice, sugar, water, and spices to form a tasty dip/condiment called ''nước chấm'', served on the table with most meals. Vegetables, herbs and spices, notably '''Vietnamese coriander''' or cilantro (''rau mùi'' or ''rau ngò''), mint (''rau răm'') and basil (''rau húng''), accompany almost every dish and help make Vietnamese food much lighter and more aromatic than the cuisine of its neighboring countries, especially China. Vietnam's national dish is '''phở''' (pronounced like the ''fu-'' in ''funny'', but with tone), a broth soup with beef, pork, chicken or seafood and rice noodles (a form of rice linguine or fettuccine). In the south, phở is normally served with plates of fresh herbs (usually including Asian basil), cut limes, hot chilies and scalded bean sprouts which you can add according to your taste, along with chili paste, chili sauce, and sweet soybean sauce, while in the north, it is usually served only with fried ''quẩy'' fritters and chilli sauce on the side. ''Phở bò'', the classic form of phở, is made with beef broth that is often simmered for many hours and may include one or more types of beef (skirt, flank, tripe, etc.). ''Phở gà'' is the same idea, but with chicken broth and chicken meat, so is ''Phở thit lon'' with pork, ''Phở tom'' with shrimp, and ''Phở chay'' with tofu and vegetable stock. Phở is the original Vietnamese fast food, which locals grab for a quick meal. Most phở places specialize in phở and can serve you a bowl as fast as you could get a Big Mac. It's available at any time of the day, but locals eat most often ''Phở chay'' for breakfast. Famous phở restaurants can be found in Hanoi. The phở served at roadside stalls or informal restaurants tend to be cheaper and taste better than those served in fancier restaurants. Street side eateries in Vietnam typically advertise ''phở'' and ''cơm''. Though ''cơm'' literally means rice, the sign means the restaurant serves a plate of rice accompanied with fish or meat and vegetables. Cơm is used to indicate eating in general, even when rice is not served (i.e., An cơm chua? - Have you eaten yet) Though they may look sketchy, street side eateries are generally safe so long as you eat at places popular among the locals and avoid undercooked food. In rural and regional areas it is usually safest to eat the locally grown types of food as these are usually bought each day from the market. It is not uncommon that after you have ordered your meal a young child of the family will be seen running out the back towards the nearest market to purchase the items. Most restaurants/cafes in Vietnam will have a bewildering variety of food available. It is very common for menus to be up to 10-15 pages. These will include all types of Vietnamese food, plus some token Western food, possibly some Chinese-style ribs and maybe a pad Thai as well. It is generally best to stick with the specialty of the area as this food will be the freshest and also the best-prepared. As in other South East Asian countries, the menu is often more an indication of what a restaurant ''can'' cook and not all items may be available at any given time. In restaurants it is common practice for the wait staff to place a plastic packet (stamped with the restaurant's name) containing a moist towelette on your table. They are not free. They cost between 2,000-4,000 dong. If you open it, you will be charged for it. Also, peanuts or other nuts will be offered to you while you are browsing the menu. Those are not free, either. If you eat any, you will be charged. Vegetarian food is quite easy to find anywhere in Vietnam due in large part to the Mahayana Buddhist influence, and all Vietnamese Buddhist monks are required to be vegetarian. These restaurants will run from upscale to street stall. Any Vietnamese dish with meat can be made vegetarian with the addition of fake meats. Besides the Buddhist influence of two vegetarian days a month, Cao Dai people eat vegetarian for 16 days. Look for any sign that says Com Chay or simply remember the phrase An Chay. Even if you are not a vegetarian, a visit to a Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant will add a few new flavours that you won't find elsewhere. Also vegetarian food tends to be cheap which can help eke out the most hardened meat eaters budget. Be careful at regular stalls and restaurants though, as even dishes that seem vegetarian on the surface can sometimes make use of non-vegetarian seasonings such as fish sauce. '''Coffee''', '''baguettes''', and '''pastries''' were originally introduced by the French colonisers, but all three have been localised and remain popular. More on ''cà phê'' below, but coffee shops that also serve light fare can be found in almost every village and on many street corners in the bigger cities. ''Bánh mì'' are freshly baked baguettes, most commonly filled with grilled meats or liver or pork pâté plus fresh herbs and vegetables as ''bánh mì thịt'', but there are countless variations filled with egg, beef, meatballs, pork skin etc. They are delicious and should be enjoyed at least once during a visit, and can easily be found from the ''bánh mì'' carts that are ubiquitous on the streets of Vietnam. Vietnamese waters are in danger of collapse from over-fishing. Nevertheless, for the moment if you like '''seafood''', you may find bliss in Vietnam. The ultimate seafood experience may be travelling to a seaside village or beach resort area in the south to try the local seafood restaurants that serve shrimp, crab, and locally-caught fish. Follow the locals to a good restaurant. The food will still be swimming when you order it, it will be well-prepared, very affordable by Western standards, and served in friendly surroundings often with spectacular views. Most restaurants' hours are 10:00-22:00, although places serving breakfast-type items like noodles will open and close earlier. In 24-hour restaurants, there will be two prices. Prices are normal from 06:00 to 22:00, then doubled from 22:00 to 06:00. For example, rice usually costs 10,000 dong, but if you order after 22:00, the price will be 20,000 dong. This policy is government-mandated, to discourage people from eating late. Some dishes are not served after 22:00. Cuisines other than Vietnamese, as well as fast foods, are increasingly available in the larger cities in the South and Central regions, less so in the North. Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Lao and other Asian restaurants are commonplace and Italian, French, German, Mexican, Russian, Ukrainian and Armenian restaurants can be found in most large cities in the South and Centre, as well as British, Irish an Australian food in bars and pubs. There is usually at least one Indian restaurant in most large towns and cities all over the country, many offering excellent quality food. Increasingly more affluent Vietnamese are sampling the different cuisines now available in their country so the chances of eating in a tourist ghetto are diminishing. == Drink == Drinking in a Vietnamese bar is a great experience. One of the interesting things is that during the day, it is almost impossible to see a bar anywhere. Once the sun goes down though, dozens appear on the streets out of nowhere. Watch out for ice in drinks. Factory-made ice is generally safe, but anything else can be suspect. Factory ice has a hollow, cylindrical shape. Avoid irregular chunks of ice as it may be unclean. === Beer === With a bottle of beer in a supermarket costing from 9,000 dong and in a bar from 20,000 dong, Vietnam is a beer-drinker's paradise. The main brews are light lagers with a strength of 4.5-4.9%. Much research is needed to decide on one's personal preference. Don't miss out on ''bia hơi'', (literally "air beer"), or '''draught beer''' made daily. It's available throughout Vietnam, mostly from small bars on street corners. Bia hoi bars give you the opportunity to relax, drinking in a Vietnamese bar surrounded by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Every traveller can easily find these bars to experience what the locals are enjoying. Only 5,000 dong each. The beer is brewed daily and each bar gets a fresh batch delivered every day in metal kegs. It's a very light (3% alcohol) refreshing lager at a fraction of the cost of draught or bottled beer in the Western-style bars. Bia hoi is not always made in sanitary conditions and its making is not monitored by any health agency. The most popular beer (draught, bottle or can) among the southern Vietnamese is '''Saigon Do (Red Saigon)'''. For the northern Vietnamese '''Bia Hanoi''' (Hanoi beer) is the most popular brand, whereas central Vietnamese prefer '''Bière Larue''' from Da Nang or '''Bia Huda''' from Hue. '''333''', pronounced "ba-ba-ba" is a local brand, but it's somewhat bland; for a bit more flavour, look for '''Bia Saigon''' in the green bottle and a bigger bottle than Bia Saigon Special. Bia Saigon is also available as little stronger export version. Expect to pay about 20,000-30,000 dong per bottle of Saigon or Hanoi, slightly more for other brands, however it is still easy to find restaurants selling Bia Saigon for 10,000 dong in many cities apart from Ho Chi Minh. Locally brewed Tiger and Heineken are also common. The craft beer revolution has well and truly reached Vietnam and bottled IPAs, brown beers and stouts are available in the major cities. Ho Chi Minh boasts an increasing number of brew-pubs and microbreweries. These brews are available at a fraction of the price they cost in Thailand or Singapore. It's common for beer in Vietnam to be drunk with ice. This means that the cans or bottles need not be chilled. If you are drinking with Vietnamese people it is considered polite to top up their beer/ice before re-filling your own drink. It is also considered necessary to drink when a toast is proposed: "mot, hai, ba, do" ("one, two, three, cheers"). Saying "Trăm Phần Trăm" (100% 100) implies you will empty your glass. === Coffee === Another popular drink among locals and tourists alike is the '''coffee''' (''cà phê''). Do be careful when drinking locally-prepared coffee as the locals tend to drink it incredibly strong with about 4 teaspoons of sugar per cup. It is usually served black or with sweetened condensed milk - usually over ice; this style is known in Vietnamese as '''cà phê sữa đá'''. Ask for '''cà phê sữa nóng''' if you want your coffee hot. Vietnamese coffee beans are fried, not roasted. If you are picky, bring your own coffee. === Soft drinks === '''Coconut water''' is a favourite in the hot southern part of the country. ''Nước mía'', or '''sugar cane juice''', is served from distinctive metal carts with a crank-powered sugar cane stalk crushers that release the juice. Another thirst quencher is the fabulous '''sinh tố''', a selection of sliced fresh fruit in a big glass, combined with crushed ice, sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk. You can also have it blended in a mixer. You could place any fruit-type after the word '''sinh tố''', e.g., '''sinh tố bơ''' (avocado smoothie) or '''sinh tố dừa''' (pineapple smoothie). If you prefer to have orange juice, you won't use the word '''sinh tố''' but '''nước''' (literally: water) or '''nước cam''' if you would like to have an orange juice. Juices are usually without condensed milk or coconut milk. === Wine and liquor === Vietnamese "rượu đế" or rice alcohol (''rượu'' means liquor or wine [not beer]) is served in tiny porcelain cups often with candied fruit or pickles. It's commonly served to male guests and visitors. Vietnamese women don't drink much alcohol, well at least in public. It's not recommended for tourists. Dating back to French colonial times, Vietnam adopted a tradition of viticulture. [[Dalat]] is its centre, and you can get '''red and white wine'''. There is a better range and better quality red wines than whites as reds seem to appeal more to the Asian palate. Most restaurant wine is Australian and you will be charged Australian prices as well, making wine comparatively expensive compared to drinking beer or spirits. Vietnamese wine has hit the mass market and is available by the glass or bottle in many restaurants. The quality ranges from the just-about-drinkable Vang Dalat Classic to the more than palatable Vang Dalat Premium. In supermarkets a bottle of Classic can be bought for around 80,000 dong whilst Premium is around 120,000. In restaurants a bottle of Classic costs 120,000 to 150,000 dong. Premium is less widely available in restaurants and where it is costs around 200,000 dong a bottle. Imported wines, mainly Australian, French and Chilean are also available in supermarkets and in mid range and high end restaurants at far more expensive prices. Rice spirits and local vodka is cheap in Vietnam by Western standards. Local vodkas cost about US$2-4 for a 750 ml bottle. Russian champagne is also common. When at Nha Trang, look for the all-you-can-drink boat trips for around US$10-15 for an all-day trip and party with on-board band. == Sleep == [[File:Night in Hanoi, over Hoan Kiem Lake (2005).jpg|thumb|Night in Hanoi, over Hoan Kiem Lake]] Lodging is not an issue in Vietnam, even if you're travelling on a tight budget. Accommodation in Vietnam ranges from scruffy US$6-a-night dorm accommodation in backpacking hostels to world-class resorts, both in large cities and in popular coastal and rural destinations. Even backpacking hostels and budget hotels are far cleaner and nicer than in neighboring countries (Cambodia, Thailand, Laos), and cheap hotels that charge US$8-10 for a double room are often very clean and equipped with towels, clean white sheets, soap, disposable toothbrushes and so on. Service in many of the very inexpensive hotels is quite good (since the rate that a person pays per night could equal a typical Vietnamese national's weekly pay), although daily cleaning and modern amenities like television may not be provided. In hotels costing a few dollars more (US$12 per room upwards, more in Hanoi) you can expect an en suite bath, telephone, air conditioning and television. As with hotels elsewhere in the world, mini-refrigerators in Vietnamese hotels are often stocked with drinks and snacks, but these can be horribly overpriced and you would be much better off buying such items on the street. Adequate plumbing can be a problem in some hotels, but the standard is constantly improving. It is a legal requirement that all hotels register the details of foreign guests with the local police. For this reason they will always ask for your passport when you check in. The process usually only takes a few minutes, after which they will return your passport. However, because non-payment by guests is by no means unknown, some hotels retain passports until check-out. If a place looks dodgy, then ask that they register you while you wait and take your passport with you afterwards. Few people have had a problem with this as it is routine across the country. You might find it helpful to carry some photocopies of your passport (personal data page and visa) which you can hand over to the hotel. Hotels can be noisy, particularly when local families are staying. Vietnamese is one of the world's more vocal languages, and local tourists are happy to give full vent to it from 6AM onward with scant regard for fellow guests. There are also a number of other sounds to be aware of when staying in Vietnamese hotels. Vietnam is a country under construction and the chance of the hotel being next to or very close to a building site is high. Also rooms in many small boutique hotels, guesthouses and home-stays are built fronting a central atrium or stairwell and the activities of the reception, common area and kitchen contribute more noises. Finally, there are the room-maids who start work soon after dawn and seem to think that you should be awake by then and consequently feel free to chat with each other at a loud volume and send and receive messages on mobile phones and walkie-talkies. If you are a light sleeper, bring a supply of earplugs. == Learn == If you want to meet local people, stop by a school. In Ho Chi Minh City, visit the American Language School, where you'll be welcomed enthusiastically and invited to go into a class and say hi. You'll feel like a rock star. The Vietnamese love to meet new people, and teachers welcome the opportunity for their students to meet foreigners. An excellent novel set in modern-day Vietnam is ''Dragon House'' by John Shors. It's the story of two Americans who travel to Vietnam to open a centre to house and educate Vietnamese street children. Former BBC reporter in Hanoi, Bill Hayton, has written a good introduction to most aspects of life in Vietnam, the economy, politics, social life, etc. It's called ''Vietnam, Rising Dragon'', published in 2010. == Work == You can volunteer as an English teacher through many volunteer organisations. However, if you have a TEFL/TESOL qualification and a degree then it's very easy to find paid teaching work. Without qualifications it's also possible to find work, but it takes more patience to find a job, and often there are concessions to make with payment, school location and working hours (weekends). Most teaching jobs will pay US$15-20 an hour. There are also many you-pay-to-volunteer organisations which allow you to help local communities, such as [http://www.lovevolunteers.org/programs/childcare-volunteers-vietnam-community-work-volunteers-vietnam Love Volunteers], [http://www.i-to-i.com/teach-english-abroad/vietnam.html I to I] and [http://www.globalvolunteers.org/vietnam/default.asp Global Volunteers]. (But you must avoid some organized fraud. Ex: V4D, VTYD, RAKI, VVN...) Vietnam also has a booming '''tech startup''' scene, so opportunities may be available for people with expertise in computer science or other closely-related fields. Legally, a work permit is required to work in Vietnam, although many foreigners do not bother, especially if the intention is to work for only a short period of time. Visa extensions are generally easy to obtain (your school will have to do this for you) although the immigration department will eventually insist on you obtaining a work permit before any more visas are issued. If your aim is to remain for a longer term, then it is possible to obtain a work permit although your school will need to do this for you. To apply, your employer will be required to submit the following: A contract and application letter from your school; a full, medical health check (done locally); a criminal record check (the criteria for this varies from province to province, some requiring a check from your home country, others, a check done solely in Vietnam); a copy of your TESOL/CELTA/TEFL and degree certificates; your 'registration of stay' form; a copy of your passport/visa. Sometimes, you may be asked to pay a small fee although the better schools will generally offer to do this for you. Work permits are valid for 3 years and are renewable for a period of up to 12 years. Once you have a work permit, it is then a relatively simple process to apply for a temporary residence permit, which will alleviate your visa worries. The validity and procedure for renewal is the same as a work permit. ==Stay safe== {{warningbox|Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger than in Europe. Vietnam treats '''drug offences''' extremely severely. The ''death penalty is mandatory'' for those convicted of possessing more than 15 g of heroin, 30 g of morphine, 30 g of cocaine, 500 g of cannabis, 200 g of cannabis resin or 1.2 kg of opium. Unauthorised consumption can result in up to 10 years in prison, a heavy fine, or both. You can be charged for unauthorised consumption as long as traces of illicit drugs are found in your system, even if they were consumed outside the country. You can be charged for trafficking as long as drugs are found in bags that are in your possession or in your room, so be vigilant of your possessions. |canada=https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/vietnam |uk=https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/local-laws-and-customs |lastedit=2020-09-04 }} === Unexploded ordnance === As a legacy of the [[Indochina Wars]], much of Vietnam's countryside is still littered with unexploded bombs and landmines, and many locals are still regularly killed or maimed by these. Be very careful about going off the beaten path in rural areas, and ideally do not do so unless you have a guide who knows the area well. === Crime === Vietnam is a relatively safe place for tourists, especially when travelling in groups. While many safety warnings in travel guidebooks are no more than scaremongering, tourist areas are prime petty crime locales. Violent crime towards foreigners is uncommon, but pickpockets and motorbike snatching are not uncommon in larger cities. Thieves on motorbikes snatch bags, mobile phones, cameras, and jewellery off pedestrians and other motorbike drivers. Don't wear your bag on your shoulder when riding a motorbike. Don't place it in the motorbike basket. When walking along a road, keep your bag on your inboard shoulder. If your bag is snatched, don't resist to the point of being dragged onto the roadway. Reports of thefts from hotel rooms, including upmarket hotels, have been heard occasionally. Do not assume that your hotel room strongbox is inviolable. Avoid fights and arguments with locals. Westerners may be bigger than Vietnamese, but if you're dealing with 5 or more Vietnamese guys then you're in serious trouble. Keep in mind that yelling is highly insulting to Vietnamese and may prompt a violent response. Vietnamese in general are placid and kind. As a visitor, you should respect local laws and customs. Altercations can be avoided easily by showing courtesy and tolerating cultural differences. Be on your best behaviour when drinking with Vietnamese men. === Corruption === [[File:Hoa Lo Prison aka "Hanoi Hilton" (11827025123).jpg|thumb|The infamous "Hanoi Hilton" prison is nowadays a museum]] Corruption is a big problem in Vietnam and locals are convinced that the police are not to be trusted. While police officers frequently go on patrol with a specific task or remit, motorcycle drivers may be stopped for a variety of reasons such as random checks of paperwork and licences and will fine foreigners around US$20 for each offence (the average traffic fine for locals is around US$5-10). Remember to be polite but resolute, and stand your ground. Traffic officers are required to write traffic violations in their notebook and must give you a receipt for your fine which must then be paid at the station (not to the officer), although always keep in mind that for certain offences (especially missing paperwork relevant to the vehicle you are riding), officers have the right to confiscate and impound your bike. If you have a phone, you could threaten to call your embassy and he may back down, although in most cases, it is often best to prevent any further escalation of the situation and simply pay the fine. You generally won't encounter any problems with the police in more remote or rural areas because officers are likely to have a very poor command of the English language. That said, the larger cities and areas that are frequented by tourists are seeing an increase in police who are proficient in communicating with tourists. Immigration officers are known to take bribes. During the early Doi Moi (the reform in 1990s), bribes could be a few U.S. dollars, a few packs of 555 cigarettes. Today although officers still seem to have no problems with taking them, it is absolutely risk-free and acceptable if you don't bribe. Most government offices will also require a small "gratuity" before processing paperwork. This is most commonly encountered when trying to obtain permits of residence for private accommodation or work/residence permits. The international monitoring group Transparency International has rated Vietnam as one of the most corrupt nations in Asia. === Prostitution === Despite its seeming abundance, prostitution is illegal in Vietnam. The age of consent is 18. Vietnamese penal law levies penalties of up to 20 years in prison for sexually exploiting women or children, and several other countries have laws that allow them to prosecute their own citizens who travel abroad to engage in sex with children. Remember that under Vietnamese law, it is illegal to take a Vietnamese national to a hotel room. While this law is rarely enforced, you could find yourself in even deeper water if you report a crime disclosing that you shared a room with a Vietnamese national. As well as the legal issues, there are two additional risks for those indulging in this activity. First, HIV/AIDS is prevalent in Vietnam with many going untreated due to the taboo nature of the disease. Second, there is a danger of theft when taking any unfamiliar woman back to a hotel or guest house. The tale of a man waking up to find his wallet, mobile phone or laptop missing is all too common. Stories also abound of Westerners being drugged while in a hotel room or being led to a dark, quiet place where they are relieved of their possessions by criminal gangs. === Scams === Most scams in Vietnam involve transportation, hotel prices, or the two-menu system practised by some restaurants. Many taxi drivers in Saigon and Hanoi install rigged meters, charging up to 2 to 8 times more. As of July 2018 these scams are much reduced. Meters kick in automatically after the car has traveled a few metres and over 90% of drivers are happy to use them. With the few that won't - walk away. The best way to reduce your chances is by taking a taxi from reputable companies such as Mai Linh (+84 38 38 38 38) and Vinasun in Saigon, and Mai Linh and Taxigroup in Hanoi (but taking these companies is not a guarantee). If you don't know what a reasonable fare is, it is generally a bad idea to agree on a price in advance. The two recommended companies have quite reliable meters. Another option is to download the Grab Taxi app and call them. They cost slightly more than the metered fare but are useful whilst you get used to Saigon. If at all possible, ask your hotel or hostel to arrange taxi services for you. This will insure that you get a flat quoted rate as well as a trusted driver. Many hotels will be happy to arrange pick up and drop off from airports if you ask. Nevertheless, this can be more expensive than if you arrange it directly yourself, because the hotel will always try to cut into the deal, earning a little extra. Taxis are abundant in Saigon and you can get a taxi at any time of the day or (night). You can also call a taxi, and usually people at the call centre will be able to either converse in English, or will pass on the phone to someone who can. Rule of thumb to detect scammers: if the taxi doesn't have the fare charges written, or drivers name and photo on the dashboard, immediately ask the taxi to stop and get out. It is a definite scam. As always it is advisable to walk 100m away from any tourist deposit point (bus arrival, train station etc.), as many taxi waiting here are either scammers or pay a commission to the cartel. When leaving the airport, the taxi driver may insist that you pay the airport toll. He might not be very forthcoming with the price, and if you give him cash, he will pay the toll and pocket the rest. The toll is 10,000 dong (July 2018) and having the correct money will avoid you getting fleeced. If you give them anything more than that, expect the driver to pocket the change. Many taxi drivers in Saigon and Hanoi try to overcharge newly arrived gullible travellers. You should consult some guidebooks and travel forums to prepare yourself for those petty scams and to learn more about how to avoid them. The airport toll fee is Saigon is 10,000 dong (Jul 2012). This is quoted along with the fare written on the dashboard of the taxi. You can confidently say "airport toll only 10,000 dong" and refuse to pay anything else such as parking, etc., (unless there were more toll roads in between). Usually, the driver will not argue it out. In Saigon, a trip to backpackers street should not cost more than 250,000 dong from the airport. A metered trip from the airport to Ben Thien Market (close to Backpacker central) costs around 150,000-180,000 dong depending on the route the driver follows - plus the 10,000 dong Airport toll. In several other cities of Vietnam, such as Dalat, Hoi An, Nha Trang, etc., do NOT travel by meter from the airport. The airports are as far as 30-40 km from these places and meter will cost you from 500,000-650,000 dong. However, you can either take a bus from the airport to city centre, or pre-negotiate a rate with the taxi for 200,000-300,000 dong. Pay attention to sides of taxis. Usually a rate for the airport is written on the door. Around town in these cities, metered taxis generally work fine. If you ever get caught in a big taxi scam (such as rigged meter), you should get out of the vehicle and retrieve your belongings as if everything was all right, ''then'' refuse to pay the demanded price and threaten to call the police. Usually they will accept a more reasonable fare, but be prepared to face the driver's anger, so it is better to do this with a few witnesses around. Taxi and cyclo drivers may claim that they don't have change when accepting payment for an agreed-upon fare. The best way to handle this is to either carry smaller bills or be ready to stand your ground. Generally the driver is only trying to get an extra dollar or so by rounding the fare up, but to prevent this scam from becoming more popular it is advised to stay calm and firm about the price. When you meet an over friendly cyclo driver who says, "never mind how much you would pay" or "you can pay whatever you like at the end of the trip". He may try to show you his book of comments from international tourists. This kind of driver has to be a scammer. If you still want to use his service you should make it clear about the agreed price and don't pay more than that. Just be clear what you are willing to pay. The cyclo drivers are just trying to make a living. Hotel owners may tell you that the room price is 200,000 dong. However, when checking out, they may insist that the price is US$20, charging you almost double. Another trick is to tell customers that a room is a few dollars, but following day they'll say that price was for a fan room only and it's another price for an air-con room. These days, legitimate hotel owners seem to be aware of these scams and are usually willing to help by writing down how much the room is per persons per day (in U.S. dollars or dong), if it has air-con or not. Staff of legitimate hotels also never ask for payment from a guest when they check in. Watch out if they insist that you should pay when you check out but refuse to write down the price on paper. Otherwise, just book online with one of the common reservations websites, which will guarantee you the right price, and leave a review if something goes wrong. As of April 2019 most of the dollar versus Dong scams have ended as almost all hotels now quote in Dong and accept Dong. Keep your Dollar stash hidden and deal only in Dong. Also as of April 2019 quite a few low to mid range hotels do requite payment upfront and as long as you get an official receipt there is nothing to worry about in this. Some restaurants are known to have two menus, one for local people and another one for foreigners. The only way to deal with it is to learn a few Vietnamese phrases and insist that you should be shown only the Vietnamese menu. If they hesitate to show you the local menu, walk away. This scam is very unusual. Some hostels in Vietnam will want you to leave your passport at the reception, insisting even. This is not a legitimate business practice. Never leave your passport as collateral for anything. Besides accommodation and transport, another big scam in Vietnam involves copycat tour companies. Anytime a tour company gets famous, copycats will pop out. A very famous example is the dozens of Sinh Cafes which popped up. The real company has since changed its name to TheSinhTourist. ===Fake monks=== Buddhism in Vietnam generally follows the Mahayana school, meaning that the monks are required to be vegetarian and generally do not go on alms rounds. Instead, the monks either grow their own food or buy their food using temple donations. Monks do not sell religious items (shops selling religious items are staffed by laypersons, not by monks) or ask people for donations. Instead, donations are to be placed in temple donation boxes. It is entirely up to an individual to decide whether or not he/she wishes to donate, and how much he/she wishes to donate. "Monks" who approach tourists for donations are imposters. === Traffic === [[File:Tráfico en Ciudad Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 2013-08-14, DD 02.JPG|thumb|Traffic in Vietnam cities is notoriously daunting.]] [[File:Sơn La Province.JPG|thumb|Sơn La province landscapes.]] The first discovery for many tourists who just arrive in Vietnam is that they need to learn how to cross a road all over again. You may see a tourist standing on the road for 5 minutes without knowing how to cross it. Traffic in Vietnam can be a nightmare. Back home, you may never witness the moment of crash, seeing injured victims lying on the road, or hearing a BANG sound. Staying in Vietnam for more than a month, you will have fair chance of experiencing all these. Roads are packed. Some intersections in main cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City have traffic lights patrolled by police; most are either non-functional or ignored. Crossing roads is an art in most of Vietnam, and there are no stop signals that will actually be followed by drivers. The art of crossing the road is fortunately very simple, though scary: # There are some traffic lights and pedestrian crossings but they are by no means everywhere. # If it is night time, and you are wearing dark clothes you should cross in a bright area or shine a torch towards the traffic # If there is a bus / car / taxi wait until it and its motorcycle entourage passes, as vehicles will not stop for pedestrians # Ensure '''you, your fellow travellers and every piece of your luggage''' form an almost perfect line parallel with the traffic # There is no 'ideal' time to start although you could pick a time with a little less traffic # Step a little forward, a little more, and you will see motorcycle drivers to slow down a bit, or go to another way. Make your pace and path predictable to other drivers, don't change your speed or direction suddenly, and move forward until you arrive at your destination. Be aware that motorcycle drivers will swerve to avoid you ''but might swerve into your path.'' #The simplest and best way to cross streets is to make yourself known and be steady. This means spread your arms out and walk at a steady pace. The locals will route around you. They are extremely good drivers and will avoid hitting you; just be sure to walk at a steady pace. # Cars/buses/trucks can do you far more damage than motorcycles where the odds are much or even. Wait for anything with 4 or more wheels to pass and then take on the motorcycles. The simplest way, if available, is to follow a local, stand next to them on the opposite side of the traffic (if you get hit, he will get it first) and he will give you the best chance of crossing a road. If you are injured, don't expect the local people to help, even by calling an ambulance, because it is not free. Make sure you tell the local clearly that you will pay the ambulance fee. Hospitals will also not admit you until you prove that you can pay the bill. Highways are risky, with an average of 30 deaths a day, and some locals will not even venture on them if not in a big vehicle (car or bus). Taking a bicycle or motorbike on highways is an adventure for risk takers, but definitely not for a family with children. Having said that, Vietnamese roads are no more dangerous than elsewhere in South East Asia. === Nightlife === * Petty crime in nightclubs is not unknown. Don't escalate an incident: avoid quarrelling with local people as drunks can be violent. * Clubs are full of working girls trawling for clients. They may also be looking for wallets and mobile phones. * Walking very late alone on the streets in the tourist areas is safe, but avoid unfamiliar women engaging you in conversation. They may try to touch you, sweet talk you, and then pick your pocket. * Don't ask taxi drivers to recommend nightspots. Most taxi drivers earn commissions from bars and lounges to bring in foreign tourists. When you walk in one of these places, they will quote reasonable prices. But when you receive the tab, it may include extravagant charges. Do your homework beforehand, tell the taxi driver where you want to go, and insist on going to where you want to go despite their remonstrations. Most nightspots are reputable. Going to those with a mostly foreign clientele is a good practice. === Wildlife === Little wildlife remains, let alone anything dangerous to humans. Venomous snakes, such as cobras, may still be common in rural areas, but virtually everything else has either become extinct or exists in such small numbers that the chances of even seeing one are remote. Tigers may exist in very small numbers in remote areas, but this is unconfirmed. ===LGBT Travellers=== Vietnam is generally a safe destination for LGBT travellers, and there are no laws against homosexuality in Vietnam. Transgender persons are allowed to change their legal gender after undergoing sex reassignment surgery. That being said, same-sex relationships are not recognised by the government, and the Vietnamese can be rather conservative, meaning that LGBT individuals can often be subject to some degree of prejudice. Fortunately, anti-LGBT violence is extremely rare. ===Politics=== Insulting national heroes such as Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap is '''illegal''' in Vietnam, and many foreigners have been jailed for doing so. == Stay healthy == [[Tropical diseases]] such as [[malaria]], [[dengue fever]] and Japanese encephalitis are endemic in rural Vietnam. Malaria isn't as much a concern in the bigger cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but always remember to take liquid mosquito repellent with you. It may be very useful, especially in the countryside and crowded neighborhoods. Thanks to much improved hygiene, cooked food sold by street vendors and restaurants, including blended ice drinks, is mostly safe. Use common sense and follow the tips under the [[Traveller's diarrhea]] article and you'll most likely be fine. '''[[Tap water]]''' is not safe to drink. ===Healthcare=== Public hospitals in Vietnam are generally not up to the standards of the West, and have a tendency to be understaffed and overcrowded. Doctors and nurses at public hospitals also typically do not speak any foreign languages, so if you do not speak Vietnamese, you will probably need to bring a translator with you. In general, hospitals will only accept your case if you can demonstrate the ability to pay for their services. There are private hospitals in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang that cater mainly to Western expatriates and provide excellent healthcare, with staff members who are able to speak English and French, though you would be paying a steep premium for their services. The French-run '''[http://www.fvhospital.com/en/ FV Hospital]''' in Ho Chi Minh City is the best known of Vietnam's private hospitals, and is a popular destination for medical tourists. '''[https://www.vinmec.com/en/ Vinmec International Hospital]''' is a chain of expatriate-oriented private hospitals with locations in several of Vietnam's larger cities. ===HIV=== Vietnam has a high rate of HIV. (0.5% of the population as of 2014). == Respect == {{infobox|Naming conventions|Vietnamese people generally follow East Asian naming traditions, with a family name followed by a given name. However, unlike in other East Asian cultures, the family name is almost never used when addressing an individual, and the default form of address would be to use a title followed by the second given name. Titles are a complicated business in Vietnamese, which vary based on gender and seniority relative to you; see the [[Vietnamese phrasebook#Grammar|Vietnamese phrasebook]] for a discussion on Vietnamese titles you can use when addressing others. For instance, the current prime minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, has the family name Nguyen, and the given name Xuan Phuc. However, according to Vietnamese custom, he is ''never'' addressed as Mr Nguyen, and people would address him as Mr Phuc in English even in the most formal situations.}} In traditional Vietnamese culture, elders are treated with great deference and respect. While expectations are more relaxed when foreigners are involved, it's a good idea to show politeness, respect and restraint towards those who look older than you. It's common to be stared at by locals in some regions, especially in the rural areas outside of big cities, and in the central and northern parts of the country. Southerners are usually more used to foreigners. Wherever you are, though, expect some probing questions whenever a conversation starts: How old are you? Are you married? Do you have children? While these might seem nosy in the West, they're perfectly normal, good-natured questions here that help people determine how they should address you. The best thing to do is just play along. You probably don't know much about their culture; it's only fair that locals wouldn't know much about yours. An Asian woman travelling with a non-Asian man often attracts a more undesirable kind of attention. Probably due to memories of the sexual escapades of GIs during the American War, people will often assume she is an escort or prostitute, and she may be insulted or harassed, even if she has no relationship to the man. These prejudices have lessened somewhat, but they are still present. As of April 2019 these prejudices have almost completely disappeared for 'respectable looking Asian women' and the nearest they will get to a problem is that almost all locals will assume they are Vietnamese and seek to circumvent the English speaking foreigner by speaking Vietnamese to Thai/Chinese/Singaporean/ Australian-never-been-to-Vietnam before-but-looks Asian, wives or girlfriends. The Vietnamese themselves generally do not engage in public displays of affection, even among married couples, as it is considered to be disrespectful, so it is advisable for couples to show restraint while in public. Vietnamese people tend to be dressed modestly and conservatively, though somewhat less so at bars and nightclubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where young locals can sometimes be spotted in sexy outfits. But generally, you should try to cover your shoulders and knees, as doing so will earn you a lot more respect from the locals. '''Saving face''' is very important in Vietnamese culture. You should generally avoid pointing out the mistakes of others no matter how minor they might be in order to avoid causing major embarrassment. As in many other Asian countries, you are expected to '''remove your shoes''' before entering people's homes, though this practice is much less widespread than in Thailand, Laos or Cambodia. When handing out and receiving business cards, always be sure to do it with '''both hands''', as using only one hand is considered to be very disrespectful. ===Politics=== Relations with [[China]] are a sensitive issue and best not discussed with locals, and tensions boil over periodically over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. However, China is today Vietnam's largest trading partner and source for international tourists, and individual visitors from mainland China should not face any major issues so long as they avoid political discussions. This animosity towards China also generally does not extend to ethnic Chinese from other countries. ===[[Indochina Wars|The American War]]=== The most surprising thing about the topic of the Vietnam War (the American or Reunification War, as it is called in Vietnam) is that most Vietnamese do not bear any animosity against visitors from the countries that participated, and in the South many Vietnamese (especially older Vietnamese involved in the conflict or with relatives in the war) appreciate or at least respect the previous American-led or French-led military efforts against the North. Two-thirds of the population were born after the war and are quite positive towards the West. Some attractions present an anti-American viewpoint on the war, whilst many are surprisingly restrained. Be sensitive if you must discuss past conflicts. Well over 3 million Vietnamese died, and it is best to avoid any conversations that could be taken as an insult to the sacrifices made by both sides during the wars. Do not assume that all Vietnamese think alike as some Vietnamese in the South are still bitter about having lost against the North. Souvenir shops in Vietnam sell lots of T-shirts with the red flag and portraits of "Uncle Ho." Many overseas Vietnamese, particularly in the United States, Canada and Australia, are highly critical of the government of Vietnam, so you may want to consider this before wearing communist paraphernalia in their communities back home. A less controversial purchase if you are American, Canadian or Australian would be a ''nón lá'' (straw hat) instead. ===Religion=== Although the official census claims most Vietnamese are non-religious, you wouldn't know it to see them. Whether they attend services or not, most Vietnamese are in fact strong believers, incorporating a variety of religious traditions, beliefs and rituals into their daily lives. [[File:Miếu Nhị Phủ.jpg|thumb|Miếu Nhị Phủ temple in Ho Chi Minh City]] As in neighboring Southeast Asian countries, the most influential and widespread religion in Vietnam is Buddhism. Buddhism in Vietnam generally follows the Mahayana school, which is widespread in China, unlike the neighboring Southeast Asian countries which follow the Theravada school. This means that monks are required to be vegetarian, and pious individuals seeking a particular blessing will often forgo meat as well. Unlike in other Southeast Asian countries, it is not customary for monks to collect foodstuffs in the streets. Instead, they will either buy their food using temple donations, or grow their own food. Monks who hang out in tourist areas requesting donations are bogus. Similar to China and neighboring countries, Swastikas are commonly seen in Buddhist temples as a religious symbol; they are positive signs representing sacredness and blessing, and have no connection to Nazism or anti-Semitism. Also, and more than in neighboring countries, Vietnam has a sizable proportion of Christians (11%; 9% Catholic, 2% Protestant). Christianity is especially prominent in major cities, where at least a few churches can be found. It is common for strangers and acquaintances to ask you to come to their church, although offence will not usually be taken if you decline. Much like the Chinese and other Southeast Asians, Vietnamese people place a strong emphasis on spirits and ancestor worship. You'll see at least one shrine in every Vietnamese home and place of business, where occupants burn incense to honor or placate certain spirits. These are often decorated with statuettes or pictures of sacred figures: for devout Buddhists, this might be Buddha or Bodhisattva; for Roman Catholics, a crucifix or the Virgin Mary; for "non-religious" people, depictions of various traditional deities or spirits. If you see someone's photograph featured on a shrine, it's most often that of a family member who's passed away. Burning joss sticks (sticks of incense) for the spirits of departed family members is generally a token of respect. Many temples require you to remove your shoes before you enter the temple buildings. As a general rule, you should always enter using the right gate and exit using the left gate (facing inward); the middle gate is traditionally reserved for the emperor and deities. Do not step on a raised doorway threshold when entering or exiting the temple; always step over it. Also be sure to dress conservatively when visiting temples; do not wear sleeveless shirts, and make sure your knees are covered. Vietnamese are generally quite superstitious when it comes to death and the spirit world, and there are certain taboos you'll want to avoid. Some of these include: *''Placing chopsticks upright in the middle of a bowl of rice'': Bowls of rice are arranged in this way next to the body of the deceased at funerals, so it reminds people of funerals. If you eat your rice with a spoon, place the spoon face down in the bowl, never face up. *''Taking photos of an odd-numbered group'': The superstition goes that the person in the middle of a group will be singled out by evil spirits. Photos of even-numbered groups (2, 4, 6, or 8 people, and so on) are fine. *''Sitting with your back facing a family shrine'': Considered disrespectful to the shrine, and to the spirits of the deceased. *''Climbing onto altars to pose for photographs with the statues'': Considered very disrespectful to the deities being venerated. ==Cope== ===Electricity=== Electricity is delivered at 200 V, 50 Hz in Vietnam. Most Vietnamese sockets are compatible with the 2-pin American Type A, and the 2-pin European Type C, E and F plugs. Some sockets are also compatible with the 3-pin American Type B plugs. ==Connect== ===Telephone=== [[File:Telecom- Da Nang, Vietnam - DSC02415.JPG|thumb|Phone wires in Da Nang]] Land-line numbers in Hanoi and HCMC have a sequence of eight numbers, others have seven. * Vietnam international code: +84 * Hanoi area code : (24) * Ho Chi Minh area code : (28) '''VoIP calls''' Telephone bills are 30% to 40% cheaper if dialed with 171 or 178 services. * Domestic call : 171 (178) + 0 + Area code + Number. * International call : 171 (178) + 00 + Country code + Area code + Number. Since hotels and guesthouses often charge higher for telephone calls, try to find a post office or any reliable public service. ====Mobile phones==== Mobile numbers in Vietnam must always be dialed with all 9 or 10 digits (including a "0" prefixing the "1nn" or "9nn" within Vietnam), no matter where they are being called from. The '''1nn''' or '''9nn''' is a mobile prefix, not an "area code", as such and the second and sometimes third digits (the ''nn'' part) denotes the original mobile network assigned. As is the case with most mobile numbers, they can also be called within or outside Vietnam using the international format. There are many mobile networks with different codes: * G Mobile: 59, 99 (GSM 900) * Mobifone: 90, 93, 70, 76, 77, 78, 79 (GSM 900/1800) * SFone: 95 (CDMA)(not available) * Vietnamobile: 92, 56, 58 (GSM 900) * Viettel: 98, 97, 96, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 (GSM 900) * Vinaphone: 91, 94, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 (GSM 900) * You can buy a SIM card in any shop selling mobile phones. The standard price is no higher than 75,000 dong, but foreigners are often charged 100,000 dong. SIM cards are also easily available at both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Airports from official carrier booths which makes it quick, easy, and scam-free to get a SIM on arrival. One month of 3G data or 4G data, with a limited amount of credit for text and voice calls, can cost as little as 140,000 dong. * Prepaid account charges vary from 890-1,600 dong per minute. Recharge cards are available in denominations of 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. * Roaming on Vietnam's GSM networks is possible with foreign mobile phones, subject to agreements between operators. ====Useful numbers==== *Police 113 *Fire Brigade 114 *Hospital 115 *Time 117 *General Information 1080 ===Internet=== * Wifi is now widespread in Vietnam and most hotels, restaurants and bars in the main tourist centres have free wifi. Ask for the password when you make your purchase. Some Internet cafes are still available in tourist spots and rates are fairly cheap, ranging from 2,000-10,000 dong per hour. Connection speeds are high, especially in the big cities. * A Vietnamese SIM card is a wise investment as your mobile phone is a major means of communication with the locals as well as an atlas and information source. SIM cards from all the main providers: Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone and Vietnam Mobile can be purchased on arrival in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. 100,000 dong buys 9 GB of data valid for 30 days which is enough as long as you don't watch too many videos on your phone. If you intend to use your phone a lot then 30 GB data only for 30 days costs around 330,000 VND. They offer phone packages as well but for most tourists Facebook/Skype/Line calls are enough to keep touch with friends and family and your hotel can call taxis/bus companies etc. * Internet censorship is applied to a very small number of Internet services. Most foreign news sites like the BBC and CNN, as well as social media web-sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are usually freely accessible in Vietnam, though they may be temporarily blocked during politically sensitive periods. {{usablecountry}} {{geo|16|108|zoom=6}} {{isPartOf|Southeast_Asia}} 3dbai46peb126gvmt4zeqn4oh54p2r5 0 38263 4487856 4480315 2022-07-21T18:01:36Z Andree.sk 2166688 Added listing for Energylandia wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wadowice Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[Image:Wadowice LuftB.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Wadowice]] '''[http://www.wadowice.pl/ Wadowice]''' is a small town in [[Małopolskie]] Province in southern Poland. It's best known as the 1920 birthplace of Karol Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II. Wadowice and the nearby monastery at [[Kalwaria Zebrzydowska]] have become pilgrimage sites, easily reached on a day-trip from Kraków. ==Get in== {{Mapframe}} It is easily accessible from [[Kraków]] and [[Katowice]] by car, bus or train. The {{marker|type=go|name=Wadowice Railway Station|url=|lat=49.88486|long=19.501527}} is located on walking distance from the most important sights. Regional trains from Kraków's main train station cover the distance in around 1,5 hours. One way tickets cost 12,50 zł. ==See== [[File:Wadowice Basilika.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Basilica in Wadowice]] [[Image:Geb-Haus Papst.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Birth house of JP II]] * {{see | name=Birth House of Karol Wojtyła | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kościelna 7 | lat=49.883310 | long=19.493714 | directions= | phone=+48 33 823 35 65 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image= | content=Now a museum. }} * {{see | name=St. Mary Basilica | alt= | url= | email= | address=plac Jana Pawła II 1 | lat=49.883570 | long=19.493633 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image= | content=This is the church where Karol Wojtyła was baptized. }} * {{see | name=Municipal Museum | alt=Muzeum Miejskie WCK im. M. Wadowity | url=http://wck.wadowice.pl/muzeum | email=muzeum@wck.wadowice.pl | address=Kościelna 4 | lat=49.883406 | long=19.494356 | directions= | phone=+48 33 873 81 00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Energylandia | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Poland's largest amusement park with area of 35 hectares and one of the Europe most searched attractions acc. to google search. Its four zones provide rollercoasters, water rides and carousels, as well as a water park - with different levels of "extremity". }} ==Eat== Numerous cafes around the market square sell famous '''papal cake''' (''kremówka''). ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Go next== * [[Kalwaria Zebrzydowska]] * [[Bielsko-Biała]] {{outlinecity}} {{isPartOf|Małopolskie}} {{geo|49.883 |19.500}} bzd9758aksazb18c06gkrt0gkngrof1 4487857 4487856 2022-07-21T18:01:52Z Andree.sk 2166688 /* Do */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wadowice Wikivoyage banner.jpg}} [[Image:Wadowice LuftB.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Wadowice]] '''[http://www.wadowice.pl/ Wadowice]''' is a small town in [[Małopolskie]] Province in southern Poland. It's best known as the 1920 birthplace of Karol Wojtyła, Pope John Paul II. Wadowice and the nearby monastery at [[Kalwaria Zebrzydowska]] have become pilgrimage sites, easily reached on a day-trip from Kraków. ==Get in== {{Mapframe}} It is easily accessible from [[Kraków]] and [[Katowice]] by car, bus or train. The {{marker|type=go|name=Wadowice Railway Station|url=|lat=49.88486|long=19.501527}} is located on walking distance from the most important sights. Regional trains from Kraków's main train station cover the distance in around 1,5 hours. One way tickets cost 12,50 zł. ==See== [[File:Wadowice Basilika.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Basilica in Wadowice]] [[Image:Geb-Haus Papst.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Birth house of JP II]] * {{see | name=Birth House of Karol Wojtyła | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kościelna 7 | lat=49.883310 | long=19.493714 | directions= | phone=+48 33 823 35 65 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image= | content=Now a museum. }} * {{see | name=St. Mary Basilica | alt= | url= | email= | address=plac Jana Pawła II 1 | lat=49.883570 | long=19.493633 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image= | content=This is the church where Karol Wojtyła was baptized. }} * {{see | name=Municipal Museum | alt=Muzeum Miejskie WCK im. M. Wadowity | url=http://wck.wadowice.pl/muzeum | email=muzeum@wck.wadowice.pl | address=Kościelna 4 | lat=49.883406 | long=19.494356 | directions= | phone=+48 33 873 81 00 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Energylandia | alt= | url= | email=|wikidata=Q23805582 | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Poland's largest amusement park with area of 35 hectares and one of the Europe most searched attractions acc. to google search. Its four zones provide rollercoasters, water rides and carousels, as well as a water park - with different levels of "extremity". }} ==Eat== Numerous cafes around the market square sell famous '''papal cake''' (''kremówka''). ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Go next== * [[Kalwaria Zebrzydowska]] * [[Bielsko-Biała]] {{outlinecity}} {{isPartOf|Małopolskie}} {{geo|49.883 |19.500}} orfm3vv896mm75smfjkifgms17pu3sl 0 38603 4487915 4486124 2022-07-21T20:01:43Z 2600:4040:45A2:D700:4D24:D999:12BC:5BB5 /* Drink */ Added listing for Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions= (Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, <br /> unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Williamsburg]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} kaqxy22xo6192n8npol2enunfpd7ozp 4487917 4487915 2022-07-21T20:02:52Z 2600:4040:45A2:D700:4D24:D999:12BC:5BB5 /* Drink */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions= (Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, <br /> unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Williamsburg]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} 8xr29ux3vcksa86ih8ml2tmwkoiav1s 4487921 4487917 2022-07-21T20:04:27Z 2600:4040:45A2:D700:4D24:D999:12BC:5BB5 /* Bars */ Updated listing for Mercy Me wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions= (Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, <br /> unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Brooklyn]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} ib6pu5tvp72vd46uob158z3tyk4vx9o 4487923 4487921 2022-07-21T20:04:49Z 2600:4040:45A2:D700:4D24:D999:12BC:5BB5 /* Bars */ Updated listing for Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions=(Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Brooklyn]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} 7zg5kgaeaq8poatnxqyn4hhsigvrm7t 4488069 4487923 2022-07-22T02:49:54Z 2600:4040:45A2:D700:E116:8C44:7E6C:1DB7 /* Buy */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=El Donut Shope | alt= | url=http://www.eldonutshoppe.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Suite A, Washington, DC 20037 | directions= Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 670 1002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | lastedit=2022-02-02 | content= Breathing a much need bohemian air amid a sea of upscale hotels and condos, is Orlando import El Donut Shoppe in the West End. Browse the small but well curated vinyl collection, specializing in jazz, soul, punk and hip-hop, flyers for upcoming shows around, and all the assorted music-related merchandise }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions=(Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Brooklyn]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} q1vtunfhygqx1z8ymqdpqwvvmm54nnz 4488070 4488069 2022-07-22T02:50:21Z 2600:4040:45A2:D700:E116:8C44:7E6C:1DB7 /* Buy */ sp wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=El Donut Shoppe | alt= | url=http://www.eldonutshoppe.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Suite A, Washington, DC 20037 | directions= Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 670 1002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | lastedit=2022-02-02 | content= Breathing a much need bohemian air amid a sea of upscale hotels and condos, is Orlando import El Donut Shoppe in the West End. Browse the small but well curated vinyl collection, specializing in jazz, soul, punk and hip-hop, flyers for upcoming shows around, and all the assorted music-related merchandise }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions=(Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Brooklyn]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} 91vc0prh8nvs6qzox0apeal093gzpw1 4488071 4488070 2022-07-22T02:51:00Z 2600:4040:45A2:D700:E116:8C44:7E6C:1DB7 /* Buy */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=El Donut Shoppe | alt= | url=http://www.eldonutshoppe.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Suite A, 20037 | directions= Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 670 1002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | lastedit=2022-02-02 | content= Breathing a much need bohemian air amid a sea of upscale hotels and condos, is Orlando import El Donut Shoppe in the West End. Browse the small but well curated vinyl collection, specializing in jazz, soul, punk and hip-hop, flyers for upcoming shows around, and all the assorted music-related merchandise }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions=(Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Brooklyn]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} eznx1e3al9rzg97iq4xqhj7d1tjkpbb 4488072 4488071 2022-07-22T02:52:16Z 2600:4040:45A2:D700:E116:8C44:7E6C:1DB7 /* Buy */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=El Donut Shoppe | alt= | url=http://www.eldonutshoppe.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Suite A, 20037 | directions= Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 670 1002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | lastedit=2022-02-02 | content= Breathing a much needed bohemian air amid the West End's sea of upscale hotels and condos, is Orlando import El Donut Shoppe on New Hampshire Ave. Browse the small but well curated vinyl collection, specializing in jazz, soul, punk and hip-hop, flyers for upcoming shows around, and all the assorted music-related merchandise }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions=(Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Brooklyn]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} f78m36ox5l0yjeirez94tsnsm0ev2gv 4488157 4488072 2022-07-22T09:08:55Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Nice writing, but no need to repeat the name wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|West End-banner.jpg|pgname=West End|caption=The White House south facade}} The '''West End''' of '''Downtown D.C.''' is the area immediately west of downtown. This guide focuses on the areas of '''K Street''', the '''West End''' and '''Foggy Bottom''' neighborhoods. The White House and its grounds function as a barrier between the East End and the West End, with the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave closed to motorists. In the daytime, '''Lafayette Square''' and the block of Pennsylvania Ave are closed to motorists in front of the White House are popular with tourists and street hockey enthusiasts. ==Understand== [[File:Andrew Jackson (14130889).jpg|thumb|300px|Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park]] '''K Street''' is famous or infamous depending on who you ask as the physical location where money and power in the U.S. collude. The "fourth branch of government": Lobbyists, special interest groups, contractors, and out of work Congressmen all engage in the extremely lucrative business of political influence. This impression isn't totally fair—first of all, some of the lobbying firms are pushing for noble causes, and secondly, many if not most of the professionals are doing business unrelated to politics. But, K St's infamy outside the city is matched by its local infamy as the most boring section of town. Office buildings dominate and everybody leaves after punching out, leaving the neighborhood empty and quiet, however the addition of a few new hotels and restaurants have added some color to this otherwise staid neighborhood. There is some truth to this, but the caricature overlooks the fact that there are some incredible restaurants and sights to see, including nearby '''McPherson Square''', increasingly home to its own nightlife scene. And then, of course, there is the '''White House'''. Famous around the world as the home and office of the world's most powerful person, it is ''the'' capital icon most associated with the American government. Surrounded by parks, '''Lafayette Square''' and the '''Ellipse''', it's also surprisingly accessible to visitors, and makes a nice backdrop for a casual picnic surrounded by history. And, just west of the White House and grounds are some great art galleries, especially at the '''Corcoran Museum'''. To the southwest is '''Foggy Bottom''', an old Washingtonian neighborhood home to '''George Washington University''' and its many students and the once ritzy stretch of waterfront home to the '''Watergate''' and the '''Kennedy Center'''. Foggy Bottom also houses several big international organizations, like the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the American Red Cross, and several embassies. To the immediate north of Foggy Bottom lies the '''West End,''' an affluent neighborhood developed in the post-war era between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Confusingly, the area that was traditionally referred to as the West End now lies entirely within Foggy Bottom and is now part of the '''Old West End/ GW Historic District''', featuring historic Victorian homes reminiscent of Dupont Circle, but now associated with George Washington University. The was home to many African American residents and institutions in the early 20th century, who were displaced by post war freeway and urban renewal schemes. What is now called the West End dates back to the 1970 DC city plan, '''''The New Town for the West End''''', which sought to build up the area north of L Street into a commercial and residential zone to relieve congestion from Downtown D.C. Less housing than anticipated ended up being built (virtually no affordable housing at all) and now the area is best known for its many upscale hotels and condos, home to some the city's priciest rents. ==Get in== ===By metro=== [[Image:West End map.png|thumb|550px]] Metro's '''Blue''', '''Orange''', and '''Silver''' Lines run through the West End along I St. '''Foggy Bottom''' in the west is the most convenient to the Kennedy Center and to George Washington University; it is also the closest station to the eastern part of [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. The walk from Foggy Bottom to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]] is a little far, but it is the closest metro station in D.C. to West Potomac Park. '''Farragut West''' and '''McPherson Square''' are mainly for the business district, but they are also close to Lafayette Park. The latter is also just a couple blocks from the White House Visitor Center. The '''Red Line''' cuts across the northeast part of the area, with one stop at '''Dupont Circle South,''' which is a short walk to the West End, '''Farragut North''' right on K St. '''Metro Center''' is the next stop to the east, in the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]], and is the closest Red Line stop to the White House Visitor Center. ===By car=== Downtown is not driver friendly. There are no above-ground garages, and underground garages are expensive. Street parking is metered, near impossible to find on weekdays, and has a two hour limit. Weeknights and weekends see some easier to find parking west of the White House and south of Pennsylvania Ave. Meter restrictions end Saturday at 6:30PM and all day Sunday. It's harder to find parking near [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] on weekends, although you might luck out around K St after 8PM weeknights. K St is the main road, while M St is the (one way) route to [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. Connecticut Ave (17th St below K St) is the main route heading north. I-66 comes in from [[Arlington (Virginia)|Virginia]], but leaving is easier via the Arlington Memorial Bridge south of 23rd St. It is possible to hail a taxi from the street around the clock, but M St going to Georgetown has awful traffic during rush hour and weekend nights — it's often quicker to walk. <!--PRINT [[Image:West End map.png|]] PRINT--> ===By bus=== Metrobus routes downtown can be ''confusing'', so it's best to make sure you don't ride past your intended stop, or you could find yourself lost in a strange part of town quickly. The following run daily roughly until midnight: '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=80 80]''' runs until midnight from Farragut Square east on K St to Chinatown, and west down 18th St past the Corcoran, through Foggy Bottom, and right by the Kennedy Center. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/?q=38B 38B]''' runs west on K St from Farragut Square, then up Pennsylvania to M St through Georgetown, and then over the Key Bridge into [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], right along Arlington's main commercial strips. '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=32 32]''' and '''[https://buseta.wmata.com/m/index?q=36 36]''' follow the same route as 38B, but turn north on Wisconsin Ave instead of going to Virginia. They also will take you straight east to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|the Mall]], and then on to [[Washington, D.C./Capitol Hill|Eastern Market]] The '''D.C. Circulator's''' [https://www.dccirculator.com/georgetown-union-station/ "Yellow" line] heads east along K St to [[Washington, D.C./East End|Chinatown]] and west, after Washington Circle, up Pennsylvania to M St into [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ==See== [[Image:Whitehousemap.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Map of the White House grounds and vicinity]] ===White House=== {{see| name=White House | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events | address=1600 Pennsylvania Ave | lat=38.897669 | long=-77.03655 | phone=+1 202 456-7041 | hours=Tours: Tu-Th 7:30AM-11AM, F 7:30AM-noon, Sa 7:30AM-1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=White House | image=WhiteHouseSouthFacade.JPG | wikidata=Q35525 | content= }} Built starting in 1792, by a combination of enslaved laborers, free Blacks and immigrants, and first residence for the nation's second president, John Adams, the '''White House''' has been the residence and office for each presidency since. The building's chief architect, James Hoban, an Irishman, left a nationalistic mark on the U.S., modeling the President's home after Ireland's National Parliament building in [[Dublin]]. While Hoban's vision has survived more than 225 years, including the 1814 fire set by invading British forces, the interior has hardly been static. As it is, after all, the president's house, each president has taken the liberty of various redecoratings, expansions, and additions—the entire East Wing, for example, was added only during the Coolidge Administration. The last major renovation occurred under President Truman, but much of the antiques, artwork, and decorating styles you'll see today come courtesy of a certain First Lady of renowned taste, Jackie Kennedy. President Jefferson opened the White House to the public, and it has remained so during peacetime (with varying restrictions) ever since. Following the attacks of September 11th in 2001, tours have been available only for groups of ten or more, and these must be requested up to six months and at least one month in advance through your congressman if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your country's embassy in Washington, D.C. if you're not. The standard tours focus on the social/residential part of the White House—the East Wing, rather than the working West Wing. Abide by the stated dress code, or you will be refused admission! You can see the front door from Lafayette Square on the north side, and the back (the more famous curved facade) from the Ellipse on the south side. Political demonstrations typically take place at the front, though larger ones have been known to encircle the fence. ===The Ellipse=== The Ellipse is the park to the south of the White House. During the Civil War, the space was used as a cattle and horse corral, the smell of which festered in the summer humidity, making life at the White House unpleasant enough where there was a proposal to abandon it and relocate—possibly to Meridian Hill, in [[Washington, D.C./Adams_Morgan|Adams Morgan]]. President Grant nixed the idea, and had the grounds improved, installing a fountain in 1876, and two gatehouses relocated from the Capitol to the southwest and southeast corners of the Ellipse. Memorials on the Ellipse include the Butt-Millet Fountain, added in 1913 in honor of two prominent Titanic victims—Army Major Archibald Butt and painter Francis Millet. The '''Zero Milestone''' stands at the north end of the park, and is the marker by which all road distances would be measured (this idea was a flop, and only D.C.'s roads use it as a measure). Larger memorials on the Ellipse include a memorial to 5,599 soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force killed in World War I, and another memorial in honor of the Second Division in World War I on Constitution Ave. In nice weather, the park serves mostly for the public to enjoy the good views and play frisbee. ===Lafayette Park=== Named for French General Lafayette of American Revolutionary fame (better known to his friends as Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette), this park is a national historic landmark seemingly dedicated to the purpose of taking pictures of the White House. The large equestrian statue at its center is of President Andrew Jackson, while the statues on the four corners of the park are dedicated to Revolutionary heroes, all of them foreign: Lafayette, French Major General Rochambeau, Polish General Kosciuszko, and Prussian Major General Friedrich von Steuben. And if you like '''bushy-tailed rodents''', you're in luck—Lafayette Park is home to the densest squirrel population known to science, lured here no doubt by their lust for power. Look especially for those black squirrels, descendants of a group of 18 Canadians that escaped the National Zoo during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency. ====Lafayette Square==== [[Image:Blair House daylight.jpg|thumb|250px|Blair House, and the adjoining Lee House]] {{mapframe|38.8997|-77.0444|zoom=14}} {{mapmask| 38.89270,-77.05721 |38.89286,-77.05524 |38.89266,-77.05327 |38.89220,-77.05100 |38.89203,-77.03181 |38.90562,-77.03194 |38.90726,-77.03106 |38.90724,-77.03653 |38.90563,-77.03660 |38.90565,-77.04660 |38.90525,-77.04775 |38.90528,-77.04886 |38.90964,-77.04877 |38.90964,-77.05006 |38.90914,-77.05023 |38.90892,-77.05070 |38.90879,-77.05163 |38.90884,-77.05236 |38.90877,-77.05309 |38.90821,-77.05384 |38.90650,-77.05476 |38.90488,-77.05579 |38.90378,-77.05667 |38.90328,-77.05712 |38.90246,-77.05783 |38.90158,-77.05849 |38.90118,-77.05845 |38.90049,-77.05757 |38.90021,-77.05725 |38.89992,-77.05727 |38.89937,-77.05755 |38.89890,-77.05830 |38.89748,-77.05766 |38.89598,-77.05766 |38.89421,-77.05755 |38.89270,-77.05721 }} {{mapshapes|Q171221}} The blocks immediately surrounding Lafayette Park are part of the National Historic Landmark, and there is much to see here: * {{see | name=Blair House | alt= | url=http://blairhouse.org/ | email= | address=1651 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898889 | long=-77.038611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=President's Guest House | image=Blair House.jpg | wikidata=Q881182 | content=The Blair House was built in 1824 for Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lowell, and sold in 1837 to real estate mogul, Francis Preston Blair and inherited by Montgomery Blair. The adjacent house was owned by the Robert E. Lee family. The U.S. government bought the Blair House in 1942, and has since used it as the official guest house for state visitors, at the insistence of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was tired of running into Winston Churchill and other visitors roaming around the White House in the middle of the night. Today, the Blair house not only consists of the original townhouse, but includes the Lee House and two other adjacent townhouses. The total space of 70,000 sq ft exceeds that of the White House. Blair House is not open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Decatur House | alt= | url=https://www.whitehousehistory.org/decatur-house/facility-details | email= | address=1610 H St NW | lat=38.899706 | long=-77.038897 | directions= | phone=+1 202 842-1856 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; guided tours: hourly F-Sa 10:15AM-4:15PM, Su 12:15PM-3:15PM | price=Free; gallery: $5; guided tours: $5 | wikipedia=Decatur House | image=Decatur House north side.jpg | wikidata=Q5248791 | content=Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the house, completed in 1818, for naval hero Stephen Decatur and his wife. Its distinguished neo-classical architecture and prominent location across from the White House made Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses and home of many of the nation's most prominent figures. Later residents included Henry Clay, Martin Van Buren, and Judah P. Benjamin. The Decatur House is now used as a museum, and is open to the public. }} * {{see | name=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | alt= | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/eisenhower-executive-office-building/ | email= | address=17th & Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.897567 | long=-77.039147 | directions= | phone=+1 202 395-5895 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=No tours are available | price= | wikipedia=Eisenhower Executive Office Building | image=Old Executive Office Building 1981.jpg | wikidata=Q1312965 | content=The Eisenhower Executive Office Building was built in 1871 to house the War and Navy Departments, replacing the obsolete War Office building on the same site. By World War II, the War and Navy Departments outgrew the building, and were spread out in numerous additional temporary structures on the National Mall. After the military relocated to the Pentagon in 1943, the building fell into disrepair and was regarded by President Harry Truman as "the greatest monstrosity in America". The Eisenhower Executive Office Building has since been used for Presidential executive offices. The first televised Presidential news conference took place in the Indian Treaty Room in 1955, and the building now houses the Vice President's office, along with the National Security Council and other executive offices. }} * {{see | name=Renwick Gallery | alt= | url=https://americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick | email= | address=1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.898867 | long=-77.039447 | directions= | phone=+1 202 633-1000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-5:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Renwick Gallery | image=Renwick Gallery - Pennsylvania Avenue.JPG | wikidata=Q876537 | content=The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art. }} * {{see | name=St. John's Church | alt= | url=https://stjohns-dc.org/ | email= | address=1525 H St NW | lat=38.900392 | long=-77.036086 | directions=16th St and H St NW, across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 347-8766 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Services M-F noon; Su 7:45AM, 9AM, 11AM; Spanish-language: Su 1PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square | image=St. John's Episcopal Church.JPG | wikidata=Q7588667 | content=Every President since James Madison has gone to a mass at St John's. The church building was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and completed in June 1816. The church also occupies the adjacent Ashburton House, on H St NW, built for Lord Alexander Ashburton, the British minister to the U.S., and was used for a period of time as the British Embassy. }} ===Other sites=== [[Image:Octagon house.jpg|thumb|250px|The Octagon House]] * {{see | name=Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State | alt= | url=https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/ | email= | address=2201 C St NW | lat=38.8938164 | long=-77.0481590 | directions=Harry S. Truman Building | phone=+1 202 647-3241 | tollfree= | fax=+1 202 736-4232 | hours=Tours M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM & 2:45PM | price= | wikipedia=Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State | image=U.S. State Department - Truman Building.JPG | wikidata=Q5279920 | lastedit=2017-03-18 | content=The Department of State offers guided tours of its formal reception rooms, used for official meetings with foreign representatives. The rooms are a trove of antiques and gifts, old and new, given by foreign governments to the U.S. Tours only by appointment, must show valid ID to be admitted. }} * {{see | name=George Washington University Museum & Textile Museum | alt= | url=https://museum.gwu.edu/ | email= | address=701 21st Street NW | lat=38.89871 | long=-77.04645 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-5200 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M & W-F 11:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, Closed on Tuesdays | price=Free, suggested donation $8 | wikipedia=Textile Museum (Washington, D.C.) | wikidata=Q7708465 | content=Fabric heaven. Everything is very thoughtfully exhibited and this museum happens to have one of the finest collection of fabrics in the world. }} * {{see | name=National Geographic Museum | alt= | url=https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/visit-our-museum/ | email=ngtickets@ngs.org | address=1145 17th St NW | lat=38.90526 | long=-77.03819 | directions= | phone=+1 202-857-7700 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 10AM-5PM | price=Free, special exhibits: $10-35 | wikidata=Q23813327 | lastedit=2021-12-01 | content=Photography and other exhibits on nature, history, and culture. Films, lectures, and concerts take place at the National Geographic Society's Grosvenor Auditorium. The gift shop has numerous books, DVDs, and other items. Good for kids. }} {{infobox|The Nixon tapes|The tapes weren't shocking just for implicating the president in federal crimes, they were devastating for what they revealed about him personally. Memorable quotes include:<br> *''The Mexicans are a different cup of tea. They have a heritage. At the present time they steal, they're dishonest, but they do have some concept of family life. They don't live like a bunch of dogs, which the Negroes do live like.'' *''You know what happened to the Romans? The last six Roman emperors were fags. Neither in a public way. You know what happened to the popes? They were layin' the nuns; that's been goin' on for years, centuries. But the Catholic Church went to hell three or four centuries ago. It was homosexual, and it had to be cleaned out.'' *''There are times when an abortion is necessary. I know that. When you have a black and a white. Or a rape.'' *To Kissinger: ''The only place where you and I disagree ... is with regard to the bombing. You're so goddamned concerned about civilians and I don't give a damn. I don't care.'' *''I'm not for women, frankly, in any job. I don't want any of them around. Thank God we don't have any in the Cabinet.'' *On Jews: ''But by God, they're exceptions... you can't trust the bastards. They turn on us.'' }} * {{see | name=Octagon Museum | alt= | url=https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/ | email=info@theoctagon.org | address=1799 New York Ave NW | lat=38.8963 | long=-77.0415 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-3221 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Gallery: M-F 8:30AM-5PM; tours Th-F 1-4PM | price=Free; 45-minute tour: $10 | wikipedia=The Octagon House | image=Octagon house.jpg | wikidata=Q7754672 | content=Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum. }} * {{see | name=Ringgold-Carroll House | alt=Dacor-Bacon House | url=http://www.dacorbacon.org/ | email= | address=1801 F St NW | lat=38.8975 | long=-77.041917 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ringgold-Carroll House | wikidata=Q7334875 | content=The Ringgold-Carroll House was built in 1825 for Tench Ringgold, who was part of a three-member team in charge of restoring public buildings in the District of Columbia, following the War of 1812. From 1832-1833, Chief Justice John Marshall resided with Ringgold in the house. In 1835, the house was sold, and a number of prominent people have since lived in the house, including William Thomas Carroll, a clerk at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Senator Joseph Medill McCormick, and Congressman Robert Low Bacon. The Diplomatic and Consular Officers Retired (DACOR) now occupy the house, which is not open to the public except for special events. }} * {{see | name=Watergate Hotel complex | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.89895 | long=-77.055403 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Watergate complex | image=Watergate WDC 2jun92.jpg | wikidata=Q1419538 | content=The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. [https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/dine-and-drink/top-of-the-gate Top of the Gate] rooftop bar with great 360-degree views. }} ==Do== ===Kennedy Center=== [[Image:Kennedy center at night.jpg|thumb|250px|Kennedy Center]] {{do| name=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | url=http://www.kennedy-center.org | address=2700 F St NW | lat=38.8957 | long=-77.0559 | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | image=KennedyCtr.jpg | wikidata=Q1631981 | content= }} The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is on the bank of the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate Complex, in Foggy Bottom. It was built as a private-public partnership, in effort to create a National Cultural Center for the nation's capital. President Kennedy helped move the project forward, and when he was assassinated, the center was named after him as a living memorial. Architect Edward Durrell Stone designed the building, which opened in 1971. A new addition, named the REACH, opened in 2019. There are three main theaters in the Kennedy Center: the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater. The National Symphony Orchestra performs at the Concert Hall, while the Opera House is home to the Washington National Opera and the annual Kennedy Center Honors. The Eisenhower Theater is a smaller venue that hosts theater, musicals, operas, ballet, and dance performances. The Kennedy Center has a number of smaller venues, with various events geared towards children and other audiences. The Millennium Stage, at the end of the Grand Foyer, hosts daily, free performances. If you are looking for a really special, classic Washingtonian event, the two big ones are right around Christmas—the National Ballet's yearly performance of '''''The Nutcracker''''', and the Handel's ''Messiah'' Singalong. For the latter, the entire audience, mostly of amateur and professional choirs, join the Master Chorus and Orchestra in singing the full oratorio—it's an amazing experience for singers and non-singers alike. Docent-led tours are available for walk-ins M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-1PM every ten minutes. Just head over to the tour desk to get on one. At any time you can head up to the rooftop terrace for a spectacular view (it's probably best to skip the overpriced restaurant). The building more or less closes 30 minutes after the end of the night's last performance. * {{do | name=Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center | url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/calendar | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 467-4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=6PM daily | price=Free | content=Free shows every night at the top of the Kennedy Center, with typical fare including concerts, theater, and dance. Arrive 30 minutes early to be assured a seat; standing room is available. }} ===White House=== The White House hosts a number of special annual events, including the popular White House '''Easter Egg Roll''' on the south lawn. The annual tradition was started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes, who invited local children to the White House lawn for the event. The event includes various other activities for children, including face painting, music, magicians, egg coloring, and story telling, along with food. The event is open to children ages 7 or younger. Free tickets are distributed a few days before Easter, though people usually begin lining up many hours in advance, in the wee hours of the morning, as demand far exceeds supply. Each year in December, the '''White House Christmas Tree''' is displayed on the Ellipse, along with a huge Menorah for Hanukkah. Tickets are required for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which features the President and/or First Lady lighting the tree. People line up to get free tickets for the event when they are handed out—usually a month in advance. Once the tree is lit, it is open to the public who can see it lit up each evening, along with smaller trees for each state. Twice each year, tours take place of the '''Rose Garden''' and other gardens on the White House grounds. Over the years, the Presidents and First Ladies changed up the gardens to suit their tastes, including a colonial garden planted by Edith Roosevelt in 1902. President Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen, replaced the colonial garden with a Rose Garden, which has remained. The East Garden was redesigned by Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson created a Children's Garden at the White House. The White House holds the '''Fall Garden''' Tours in October, while the '''Spring Garden''' Tours are held in April. Tickets are distributed on the morning of the tour—first-come, first served. ===Other venues=== [[File:US Navy 011200-N-0773H-003 United States Navy Band .jpg|thumb|270px|The U.S. Navy Band at D.A.R. Constitution Hall]] * {{listing | type=do | name=D.A.R. Constitution Hall | alt= | url=https://www.dar.org/constitution-hall | email= | address=1776 D St NW | lat=38.893056 | long=-77.041667 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-1776 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=DAR Constitution Hall | image=DAR Constitution Hall.JPG | wikidata=Q1151716 | content=D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, ''Jeopardy!'' and ''Wheel of Fortune''. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center. }} * {{do | name=GWU Lisner Auditorium | alt= | url=https://events-venues.gwu.edu/lisner-auditorium | email= | address=730 21st St NW | lat=38.899325 | long=-77.046981 | directions= | phone=+1 202 994-6800 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisner Auditorium | wikidata=Q6559047 | content=The Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University hosts various events including concerts and dance performances. }} ==Learn== * {{listing | name=George Washington University | alt= | url=https://www.gwu.edu | email= | address=1918 F St | lat=38.900833 | long=-77.050833 | directions= | phone=+1 202-994-1000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q432637 | lastedit=2022-01-16 | content=The largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. }} ==Buy== Western Market, at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, near George Washington University, is a historic building with many nice shops. There are a couple of really top notch bookstores as well. Downtown shopping in the West End is rather dispersed, but there are shops at International Square, near the Farragut West station on the Orange and Blue Lines, and along Connecticut Ave north of K St, and here and there on streets near Connecticut Ave. * {{buy | name=American Institute of Architects Bookstore | alt= | url=https://store.aia.org/ | email=bookstore@aia.org | address=1735 New York Ave NW | lat=38.89666 | long=-77.04109 | directions= | phone=+1 202 626-7541 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5PM | price= | content=Possibly the best museum bookstore around, with a great selection of books on architecture and history, along with some architectural photography books and other items. The AIA also host a gallery in their main building and library of artwork related to architecture, which is free and worth a peruse. }} * {{buy | name=GW University Bookstore | alt= | url=https://www.bkstr.com/georgewashingtonstore | email= | address=800 21st St NW | lat=38.90006 | long=-77.04700 | directions=inside the Marvin Center | phone=+1 202 994-6870 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-4PM, Su noon-4PM | price= | content=There's one reason to come here, and that's GW paraphernalia—apparel, mugs, stationery, books, etc. }} * {{buy | name=El Donut Shoppe | alt= | url=http://www.eldonutshoppe.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Suite A, 20037 | directions= Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 670 1002 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-8PM, Su noon-6PM | price= | lastedit=2022-02-02 | content=This Orlando import breathes a much needed bohemian air amid the West End's sea of upscale hotels and condos. Browse the small but well curated vinyl collection, specializing in jazz, soul, punk and hip-hop, flyers for upcoming shows around, and all the assorted music-related merchandise. }} * {{buy | name=Indian Craft & Map Store shops | alt= | url=https://www.indiancraftshop.com/ | email= | address=1849 C St NW | lat=38.893889 | long=-77.0425 | directions= inside the Department of Interior building; photo ID required | phone=+1 202 208-4056 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-4:30PM | price= | wikipedia=Main Interior Building | image=Department of the Interior by Matthew Bisanz.JPG | wikidata=Q6735987 | content=Want to own a piece of America? OK, you can't actually walk in and purchase federal lands, or buy a mining permit. The gift shops, however, are open to the public. In business since 1938, the Indian Craft Shop has numerous American Indian handcrafted items, including pottery and jewelry, as well as books. The map store resides under the name of "Earth Science Information Center." }} * {{buy | name=Reiter's Scientific Books | alt= | url=https://www.reiters.com/ | email= | address=1900 G St NW | lat=38.89816 | long=-77.04387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-3327 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 9:30AM-7:30PM, F 9:30AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-6PM | price= | content=The leading scientific, medical and technical bookstore on the East Coast, with a loyal following of visiting scientists and scholars. It also claims the distinction of the city's oldest bookstore, in business since 1936. }} :* {{buy | name=Washington Law Books | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5543 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-5PM | price= | content=Washington Law Books, affiliated with Reiters, has a selection of books geared towards law students and professionals, as well as books on international studies, political science, and economics. }} ==Eat== [[File:White House and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2009.jpg|thumb|270px|The National Christmas Tree in President's Park]] Downtown dining has long been equated with power dining, however a revolution in the local dining scene means plenty of interesting places about especially away from the White House and K Street. Closer to downtown you'll find plenty lobbyists, lawyers, contractors, tourists and politicos. There are several stand-out restaurants here, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Old Ebbitt Grill and the Lafayette Room. The Western Market Food Hall in '''Foggy Bottom''' represents the new D.C. and is a great place for casual dining. Additionally, the '''West End''' neighborhood has an emerging dining scene away from its many hotel restaurants. ===Budget=== * {{listing | name=Cafe Phillips | url=http://cafephillips.com | email= | address=1401 H St NW, 1776 G St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 408-4900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price= | content=Sandwich place near McPherson Square with free Wi-Fi. }} * {{eat | name=Greek Deli & Catering | alt= | url=https://greekdelidc.com/ | email= | address=1120 19th St NW | lat=38.904566 | long=-77.0437 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-2111 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7AM-4PM | price=$3-9 | content=There are a couple ''very'' popular bottom-budget Greek places just north in Dupont Circle (which shall remain nameless), with simply awful food. This place, on the other hand, no one seems to know about, and serves fantastic, authentic Greek food at prices just as low. Carryout only, but you've got nice parks right nearby to turn this into a picnic. }} * {{eat | name=Rasol Indian Kitchen | alt= | url=https://www.rasoidc.com/ | email= | address=1810 K St NW | lat=38.902022 | long=-77.0423 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-5043 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM, Sa Noon-3PM; dinner: F-Sa 5PM-10PM, Su-Th 5PM-9PM | price=$8-18 | content=Serves Indian cuisine (all vegetarian) as a lunch buffet, featuring different regions of India each day of the week. For dinner, a regular menu is offered. }} * {{eat | name=Swahili Village Bar and Grill | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=1990 M St NW | lat=38.905422 | long=-77.0445 | directions= | phone=+1 202 758-3384 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-midnight | price= | content=Kenyan food such as goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef & cornmeal mash. }} * {{eat | name=Teaism | alt= | url=https://www.teaism.com/ | email= | address=800 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900472 | long=-77.0385 | directions=Across from Lafayette Park | phone=+1 202 835-2233 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-5:30PM | price=$2-9 | content=Serves Asian/Japanese dishes, such as bento boxes, along with many varieties of pricey tea. Also a good option for breakfast. }} * {{eat | name=Watergate Pastry | alt= | url=http://watergatepastries.com/ | email= | address= | lat=38.89893 | long=-77.0544 | directions=in the Watergate | phone=+1 202 342-1777 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-2PM | price=$5-8 | content=This pastry shop is both one of the capital's best and a good reason to wander into the Watergate Hotel. Specialties include their excellent sacher torte, as well as the "Nixon donut.". }} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=El Chalán | alt= | url=https://www.elchalandc.com/ | email= | address=1924 I St NW | lat=38.901158 | long=-77.0446 | directions= | phone=+1 202 293-2765 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM | price=$14-22 | content=Fine Peruvian dining at a very reasonable price, across the street from the World Bank. If you haven't tried Peruvian before, it's a rich mix of Incan, Spanish, and East Asian cuisines (Peru has a large East Asian immigrant population). Look for dishes with potatoes—Peru is the birthplace of the spud, and its cuisine uses some 40 odd varieties. The ''lomo saltado'', a steak dish with heavy Chinese influence, is a local favorite, but if you are up to something more adventurous, the chicken hearts (''anticuchos de corazón'') are out of this world. This is one of the best options for fine dining on a budget anywhere near the White House, and a great place to relax, sip a ''pisco sour'', and enjoy some fresh ''ceviche''. Noisy on busy nights. }} * {{eat | name=Kaz Sushi Bistro | alt= | url=https://www.kazsushi.com/ | email= | address=1915 I St NW | lat=38.901518 | long=-77.0443 | directions= | phone=+1 202 530-5500 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2PM; dinner: M-Sa 5:30-10PM | price=$16-30; individual sushi or rolls: $4-7 | content=The decor is a little uninspired, but the sushi and especially the other Japanese cuisine here is exceptional and creative (great chef!). }} * {{eat | name=Old Ebbitt Grill | alt= | url=https://www.ebbitt.com/ | email= | address=675 15th St NW | lat=38.897947 | long=-77.0332 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-4800 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 7:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 8:30AM-midnight | price=$18-35 | content=The venerable Old Ebbitt Grill. You don't come for the food (which is just fine, American cuisine), you come here for the tradition and the history. This Victorian restaurant and bar a couple blocks from the White House was a personal favorite with steak-eating Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt back in the nineteenth century. It remains a symbol of the classic Washingtonian experience, and will probably always attract power diners. The one selection on the menu that really is excellent is the rightly famous oyster menu. You will need reservations. }} * {{eat | name=Blue Duck Tavern | alt= | url=https://www.blueducktavern.com/ | email= | address=1201 24th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=Located in: Park Hyatt Washington D.C. | phone=(202) 419-6755 | tollfree= | hours= Mon-Sun 7AM–10PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The restaurant that put the West End on the map, at least in most Washingtonians' minds, who used to breeze through the area headed to either Dupont or Georgetown. Seasonal New American cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Not as popular or cutting-edge as it once was, as the center of dining in the city has shifted eastwards to Logan Circle and Adams Morgan, and the restaurant shakes of its post-Covid hangover, but still a reliable staple in the area. $22-72. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:Eisenhower Executive Office Building-9.jpg|thumb|270px|The Old Executive Office Building]] * {{eat | name=Equinox | alt= | url=https://www.equinoxrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=818 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.900848 | long=-77.0387 | directions= | phone=+1 202 331-8118 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30-10PM; Sa 5:30-10:30PM; Su 5:30-9PM | price=$45-60; tasting menus: $75-90 | content=Celebrity chef Todd Gray's D.C. restaurant, serving fine seasonal American cuisine. Offers a tasting menu, with pasta, fish, and cheese courses. Vegetarian options also available. }} * {{eat | name=Georgia Brown's | alt= | url=https://www.gbrowns.com/ | email= | address=950 15 St NW | lat=38.901883 | long=-77.0348 | directions= | phone=+1 202 393-4499 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F 11:30AM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su 10AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-10PM | price=$27-55 | content=This restaurant serves some of D.C.'s favorite upscale southern cooking, such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, or southern fried chicken, along with traditional southern side dishes. Lunch on weekdays sees a $24 prix fixe three-course menu. Book ahead for the very popular Sunday jazz brunch. }} * {{eat | name=The Lafayette | alt= | url=http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-restaurant/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900485 | long=-77.0368 | directions=inside the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-2716 | tollfree= | hours=7-11AM, 11:30AM-2PM daily; dinner: M-F 5:30-10PM | price=$45-55 | content=This restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House, and is a premier place for power dining. For the price, the food here is underwhelming, but the food, obviously, is not why you come here. }} * {{eat | name=Marcel's | alt= | url=http://marcelsdc.com/ | email= | address=2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.903541 | long=-77.0521 | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-1166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su 5:30-9:30PM | price=pre-theatre: $52; prix fixe: four-course $75, five-course $90, seven-course $125 | content=Self described French cuisine with Flemish flair. Quiet, elegant atmosphere. They will wow you with the service, with extra touches everywhere, from occasional free cocktails to the limo service to the Kennedy Center included in the pre-theatre dining. Jacket required. }} * {{eat | name=Occidental Grill | alt= | url=http://www.occidentaldc.com/ | email= | address=1475 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896767 | long=-77.0331 | directions= | phone=+1 202 783-1475 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11AM-2:30PM, 5-10PM; Su 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM | price=$50-65 | content=The Old Ebbitt Grill outshines this century-old establishment by the White House "Where Statesmen Dine" in terms of fame and age, but not in terms of quality. Anybody who is anybody in D.C. has dined here going back to its opening in 1906, and their images remain on the famous photo-lined walls. If the endless politicos bore you, keep in mind that the Occidental also hosted the Washington Senators victory banquet when the city won its first and only World Series. This restaurant doesn't rest on its star-studded laurels, though, and practices top-notch cookery, and is looking quite sharp following its centennial anniversary and $2 million renovation. }} * {{eat | name=Taberna del Alabardero | alt= | url=https://alabardero.com/ | email= | address=1776 I St NW | lat=38.900984 | long=-77.0414 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2200 | tollfree= | hours=Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: M-Th 5:30-10:30PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM | price=$50-70; M-F prix-fixe: three-course $26, five-course $70, seven-course $85, wine-pairings $40 | content=Traditional Spanish cuisine served a la carte and as tapas, served in one very romantic restaurant. The three-course prix fixe is highway robbery. The restaurant also offers a dedicated vegetarian menu. Neither tapas nor prix-fixe menus are available on Saturday nights, so that's not the night to get your money's worth. }} * {{eat | name=Imperfecto | alt= | url=https://www.imperfectodc.com/ | email= | address=124 23rd St NW, | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=(202) 964-1012 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sat 11AM-11PM | price=$35-$100 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=The West End outpost of Chef Enrique Limardo, one of D.C.'s most notable chefs. Ultra chic and luxe for the relatively low key West End. Michelin-starred Mediterranean cooking in a postmodern apartment building. Weekend brunches are a much more affordable alternative to the expensive dinner menu. Reservations necessary. }} ==Drink== [[File:Interior - Corcoran Gallery of Art - DSC01195.JPG|thumb|270px|Inside the Corcoran]] Downtown, Foggy Bottom and the West End are generally not known for nightlife. Offices (and hotels) empty out after work, and happy hour at the hotel bars and restaurants can be a tad pricey, if not unimaginative. After that, the whole area generally slows down. The notable exception is the area around New Hampshire and M Street, which has become the area's hippest corner by far, led by the '''Yours Truly''' hotel and its restaurant/bars/cafes, '''Mercy Me''' and '''Call Your Mother'''. Expect a younger, hipper crowd here along with popular café, Tatté, directly opposite the hotel. Next door is the reliable Indian staple, '''Rasika''', which attracts an affluent, middle aged crowd. There are a couple of nice, standard bars by George Washington University and Foggy Bottom station, but the area is surprisingly quiet for a student ghetto. For more options, walk to [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] or [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]]. ===Bars=== * {{drink | name=Bottom Line | alt= | url=http://www.thebottomlinedc.com/ | email= | address=1716 Eye Street NW | lat=38.9011 | long=-77.040365 | directions= | phone=+1 202 298-8488 | tollfree= | hours=Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight | price= | content=Established in 1979. A good dive bar. 12 beers on tap and another 18 beers available in bottles. }} * {{drink | name=Froggy Bottom Pub | url=https://www.froggybottompub.com/ | email= | address=2021 K Street NW | lat=38.902888 | long=-77.045937 | directions= | phone=+1 202 338-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM | price= | content=Serving the community and the university for several years, Froggy Bottom is a good place to hang out with friends and enjoy a beer, with the food and beer fairly inexpensive. There is patio seating when the weather is warm, and some pool and foosball in the back. }} * {{drink | name=Duke's Grocery- Foggy Bottom | alt= | url=https://www.dukesgrocery.com/foggybottom | email= | address=2000 Pennsylvania Ave St NW Washington, DC 20006 | lat= | long= | directions=(Metro: Foggy Bottom, Circulator -Yellow Line) | phone=(202) 733-5623 | tollfree= | hours=Monday - Friday: 11:30am-10pm, Weekends 10am- 10pm | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A friendly, relaxing British gastropub in otherwise workaday Foggy Bottom. Best known for its excellent 'Proper burger' and other modern British highlights. Popular with GW students, unwinding hospitality professionals and British expats alike. Strong cocktail program and lovely food in an modern British pub atmosphere. Other locations in Dupont, Woodley Park and Navy Yard. Pints $5-9, dinner $15-30. }} * {{drink | name=Off The Record @ The Hay Adams Hotel | url=https://www.hayadams.com/dining/off-the-record | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat= | long= | directions=in the Hay-Adams Hotel | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | content=Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the world’s best hotel bars, Off the Record is known as Washington’s premiere "power bar" (right across the park from the White House), and a place to be seen and not heard. }} * {{drink | name=Recessions Bar and Grill | url=https://www.recessionsdc.com/ | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 296-6686 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa 5PM-2AM | price= | content=This has got to be the West End's cheapest dive bar, with $3 burgers and $4.50 sandwiches. Weekday happy hours 5PM-8PM see $2.75 "King Kongs"—26oz draft beers, as well as $2 bottles and $2.50 food specials. It's filled with after-work yuppies, of course, but it's still kind of amazing that this place is next to Farragut Square! }} * {{drink | name=Mercy Me | alt= | url=http://mercymedc.com | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW Ground Floor | lat= | long= | directions=Metro: Dupont Circle South, Circulator- Blue Line | phone=+1 202 828-7762 | tollfree= | hours=5–10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2022-04-20 | content=Hip, modern bar/ lounge with a Latin influenced menu that's more [[Brooklyn]]/ [[Adams Morgan]] than West End. Very popular with a young cool crowd as well as hip out-of-towners. Although it is a hotel bar, it attracts a strong local crowd. Unpretentious and very welcoming. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Georgetown Inn West End | url=https://www.georgetowninnwestend.com/ | email= | address=1121 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 457-0565 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$150-185 | checkin= | checkout= | content=An all suite hotel. It's claim to be in Georgetown is a blatant lie—it's in the business district, and closer to Dupont Circle. The only reason to stay here would be if you find a good deal online. }} * {{sleep | name=Melrose Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.melrosehoteldc.com/ | email= | address=2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.90307 | long=-77.05227 | directions= | phone=+1 202 955-6400 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$140-250 | content=The decor is a bit outdated, but the location and prices are good. It's in the business district, and close enough to Georgetown and the Kennedy Center where you could walk. }} * {{sleep | name=The Quincy | alt= | url=https://www.sonder.com/destinations/washington/the-quincy/c32476?sleeps=1 | email= | address=1823 L St NW | lat=38.90400 | long=-77.04272 | directions= | phone=+1 202 223-4320 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$120-180 | content=A fine hotel with some great rates, and has extended stay suites and meeting rooms geared towards business travelers. }} ===Mid-range=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Lombardy | alt= | url=https://www.hotellombardy.com/ | email=info@hotellombardy.com | address=2019 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.9015 | long=-77.04599 | directions= | phone=+1 202 828-2600 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$160-270 | wikidata=Q56426566 | content=Old-fashioned boutique hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks from the White House. Rooms are slightly dated, but comfortable. }} * {{sleep | name=The River Inn | alt= | url=https://www.theriverinn.com/ | email= | address=924 25th Street NW | lat=38.90148 | long=-77.05355 | directions= | phone=+1 202 337-7600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$119-$354 | content=This comfortable apartment hotel is near Foggy Bottom station and the Kennedy Center and boasts large rooms. }} * {{sleep | name=Yours Truly DC Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.yourstrulydc.com/ | email= | address=1143 New Hampshire Ave NW | lat=38.90492 | long=-77.04751 | directions= | phone=+1 833 588 9465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$190-350 | content=Rooms are on the small side. }} ===Splurge=== [[File:W Hotel - POV Roof Terrace and Lounge.JPG|thumb|270px|VUE Rooftop Bar on top of the Hotel Washington]] * {{sleep | name=Fairmont Washington, D.C. | alt= | url=http://fairmont.com | email= | address=2401 M St NW | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=$250-650 | lastedit=2022-04-15 | content=Modern property in the heart of the West End, with classic touches and a picturesque lobby and courtyard. Popular with business travelers and an international crowd. }} * {{sleep | name=The Hay-Adams | alt= | url=https://www.hayadams.com/ | email= | address=800 16th St NW | lat=38.900476 | long=-77.036826 | directions= | phone=+1 202 638-6600 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$300-800 | wikidata=Q11861763| wikipedia=Hay–Adams Hotel | image=Hay Adams Hotel.jpg | content=A prominent historic hotel right on Lafayette Square—if you get a window facing south, you'll have quite the view. As you might expect, you have to pay for this location, but the service and accommodations match those prices in quality even without the view. Also offers corporate suite accommodation. }} * {{sleep | name=The Mayflower Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.themayflowerhotel.com/ | email= | address=1127 Connecticut Ave NW | lat=38.904432 | long=-77.039946 | directions= | phone=+1 202 347-3000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$280-430 | wikidata=Q6797227 | content=Built in 1925, with extensive gold trim and elegance, this old hotel is has hosted several Presidents and other famous politicians. The level of service, though, has not kept pace with the other historic hotels in the area—the Hay-Adams and the Willard. }} * {{sleep | name=Park Hyatt Washington | alt= | url=https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/park-hyatt-washington-dc/wasph | email= | address=1221 24th St NW | lat=38.906009 | long=-77.051015 | directions= | phone=+1 202 789-1234 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$400-800 | wikidata=Q18386726 | content=This is a modern, classy, and big hotel with the level of service you would expect from the prices. The somewhat odd location makes this a better hotel for business travelers. The location is very quiet. }} * {{sleep | name=Ritz Carlton Washington | alt= | url=https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/washington-dc/dc | email= | address=1150 22nd St NW | lat=38.904744 | long=-77.049074 | directions= | phone=+1 202 835-0500 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-550 | wikidata=Q7760944 |lastedit=2022-01-28| content=Modern, luxurious hotel in between the Foggy Bottom and Dupont Metro stations, with the deluxe gym and spa in the hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Washington | alt= | url=https://www.thehotelwashington.com/ | email=reservations@thehotelwashington.com | address=515 15th St NW | lat=38.896915 | long=-77.033435 | directions= | phone=+1 202 661-2400 | tollfree= | checkin=4PM | checkout=noon | price=$270-500 | wikidata=Q15225890 | lastedit=2021-12-04 | content=Number one reason to stay here is aesthetic — the rooms, lobby, everything, are gorgeous. Fantastic views from the rooftop bar/restaurant. Huge gym. }} * {{sleep | name=Westin Georgetown | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wastw-the-westin-georgetown-washington-dc/ | email= | address=2350 M St NW | lat=38.904950 | long=-77.050971 | directions= | phone=+1 202 429-0100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$250-500 | wikidata=Q18393956 | content=An unexceptional, but comfortable modern hotel geared towards business travelers, with a quiet location in the business district, and just a few blocks from Georgetown. }} * {{sleep | name=The Watergate Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thewatergatehotel.com/ | email=info@thewatergatehotel.com | address=2650 Virginia Ave NW | lat=38.89972 | long=-77.05546 | directions= | phone=+1 202-827-1600 | tollfree=+1 844-617-1972 | checkin=4PM | checkout=11AM | price= | wikidata=Q109349448 | content=When it opened in 1965, celebrity Italian architect Luigi Moretti's curvy, sprawling design sent shock waves through conservative D.C. Despite criticism, this luxury hotel quickly became a playground for the fabulous. Actors and models hobnobbed with the congressmen and Supreme Court justices who lived in the Watergate apartments. Its glamorous reputation was eclipsed with political scandal on June 17, 1972, when five intruders were caught in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, leading to Richard Nixon’s resignation from the presidency. }} * {{sleep | name=The Willard InterContinental | alt= | url=https://washington.intercontinental.com/ | email= | address=1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW | lat=38.896766 | long=-77.032184 | directions= | phone=+1 202 628-9100 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=$360-1,000 | wikidata=Q731089 | content=D.C.'s [[Grand old hotels|grand old hotel]] two blocks from the White House. The hotel has ''tons'' of history. Every president since Franklin Pierce has stayed here, the first Japanese diplomats to ever stay at a foreign country stayed here, Martin Luther King penned his ''I Have a Dream'' speech here—you get the idea. The hotel isn't gliding on previous successes either; the service here is top-notch. It's on the east side of the White House, so it's not as convenient to the business district, but is very convenient to the [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Mall]] and the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]. }} == Respect == Unlike '''K Street''', '''Foggy Bottom''' and the '''West End''' are also residential neighborhoods. Visitors are of course welcome, but please do not walk slowly, block the sidewalk, entrances to residences, or intersections where people may want to cross the street on green or red lights, and do not make a lot of noise outside at 3 in the morning. Remember that local residents have places to get to quickly day and night, and though D.C. is a global city (a name that's particularly apt west of downtown), most residents above a certain age do need some shut-eye before 3AM. ==Connect== Most bars and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. * {{listing | name=West End Neighborhood Library | alt=DC Public Library | url=https://www.dclibrary.org/westend | email=westendlibrary@dc.gov | address=2301 L St NW | lat=38.903896 | long=-77.050579 | directions= | phone=+1 202-724-8707 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65071772 | content= }} ==Go next== * The obvious next stops are [[Washington, D.C./Georgetown|Georgetown]] to the west or the [[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]] to the east for dining, shopping, and nightlife (a 10- to 15-minute walk or a $1 Circulator bus ride from Foggy Bottom), and south to [[Washington, D.C./National Mall|Potomac Park, the Tidal Basin, and the Mall]]. * Also nearby is [[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]], the once bohemian but increasingly upscale counterpart to Georgetown. It melts seamlessly with the smaller '''West End''', especially around New Hampshire Avenue. Today, Dupont is a neighborhood of upscale boutiques, plush rowhouses and posh, bottle service clubs; and further afield is [[Adams Morgan]], far more diverse, bustling and home to the young and hip, with plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars, classic buildings and interesting side streets. All of these neighborhoods are a scenic detour from the '''West End''' but a bit far from '''Foggy Bottom''' and '''K Street'''. * [[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]], home to the famous cemetery, National Airport, and more downtown dining and business, is just across the bridge, and is easy to reach via the Blue/Orange lines or by bus (or taxi). {{routebox | image1=WMATA Blue.svg | imagesize1=22px | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Springfield (Virginia)|Springfield]] | minorl1=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr1='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image2=WMATA Orange.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Vienna (Virginia)|Vienna]] | minorl2=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[New Carrollton]] | minorr2='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image3=WMATA Silver.svg | imagesize3=22 | directionl3=W | majorl3=[[Reston (Virginia)|Reston]] | minorl3=[[Arlington (Virginia)|Arlington]] | directionr3=E | majorr3=[[Largo (Maryland)|Largo]] | minorr3='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' | image4=WMATA Red.svg | imagesize4=22 | directionl4=N | majorl4=[[Gaithersburg]] | minorl4=[[Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle|Dupont Circle]] | directionr4=E | majorr4=[[Wheaton]] | minorr4='''[[Washington, D.C./East End|East End]]''' }} {{guidedistrict}} {{IsPartOf|Washington, D.C.}} {{geo|38.899049|-77.043521|scale=15000}} hkvtvozlc235cqh8tuwf7ly2bgrs9le 0 38809 4487685 4487683 2022-07-21T11:59:52Z ThunderingTyphoons! 106394 /* Basics */Shwmae wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wales banner Llyn Llydaw Snowdonia.jpg}} '''Welsh''' (''Cymraeg'') is a language spoken by 29% of the population, or around 870,000 people, in [[Wales]] (''Cymru''), according to a 2020 population survey. Welsh speakers are found in every part of Wales, but the highest percentages are in communities in the north and west of the country, where 50% or more use the language every day. There is a sizeable Welsh-speaking diaspora in the rest of the UK, but especially in [[England]] (''Lloegr''), along the border and in its larger cities. The language is also spoken by several thousand people in the [[Chubut]] province of [[Argentina]] (''yr Ariannin''), as well as by people scattered around the world. All Welsh speakers old enough to attend school in Wales also speak English, while those in Argentina speak Spanish. Welsh is a [[Celts|Celtic]] language closely related to [[Breton phrasebook|Breton]] and [[Cornwall#Talk|Cornish]], and more distantly to Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic. It has also adopted many loanwords from Latin, French, and English, although the spelling and pronunciation of such words has often been radically altered; for instance, the English verb ''to smoke'' and the Latin noun ''leo'' (lion) are barely recognisable as ''ysmygu'' or ''llew''. The Welsh of Patagonia (''Cymraeg y Wladfa'') has taken on some loanwords from Spanish not found in British dialects. ==Pronunciation guide== Welsh is a relatively phonetic language, with most letters having only one pronunciation. Complications may arise with the various consonantal digraphs, particularly "dd" which is represented in English as "th" as in "breathe", while "th" is represented in English as "th" as in "think"; "ll" is a famously difficult (and common) sound for non-Welsh speakers to produce - made by positioning the tongue at the top front of the mouth and blowing, and represented here as "lh". "Ch" is ''always'' pronounced like the German name "Bach" or the Scottish "loch"; the sound which appears in the English word ''"church"'' is represented by "ts". There are relatively minor pronunciation differences between northern and southern Welsh, most notably that "i" on the one hand and "u" and "y" are two distinct sounds on the other in the north, while in the south these letters are pronounced identically as the sound of "i". Unless overridden by an accent mark, the stress in Welsh words nearly always falls on the last but one syllable of a word. As syllables get added to words, for example to denote a plural or a female person of a particular occupation, the sound of a word can change dramatically. Welsh is written in a version of the Latin alphabet containing 28 letters, including 8 digraphs which count as separate letters for collating purposes (and crossword puzzles): a, b, c, ch, d, dd, e, f, ff, g, ng, h, i, l, ll, m, n, o, p, ph, r, rh, s, t, th, u, w, y. The letters j, v, x and z do not exist in normal Welsh usage, but have been adopted from English for limited use e.g. in personal names. "K" is regarded as redundant in Welsh as the sound is always represented by "c", but it is found in the prefix "kilo-", although "cilo-" is always acceptable. ===Vowels=== Vowels in Welsh can have accent marks, most commonly the circumflex (^), called the ''to bach (little roof)'', which lengthens the sound of the vowel, and the acute (´), which shortens it. Occasionally the diaresis appears, dividing two vowel sounds from each other. Vowel sounds tend to resemble those of major continental European languages rather than English. There are seven vowels in Welsh, which have both short and long forms. The following sounds are only approximations in English: ; a : like "p'''a'''t" ; â : like "f'''a'''ther" ; e : like "p'''e'''t" ; ê : like "p'''ea'''r" ; i : like "p'''i'''t" ; î : like "mach'''i'''ne" ; o : like "p'''o'''t" ; ô : "p'''o'''rt" ; u : like "p'''i'''t" (South Wales) :like a French "u" as in "t'''u'''" (North Wales) ; û : like "mach'''i'''ne" (South Wales) : longer version of French "u" as in "t'''u'''" (North Wales) ; w : like "u" in "p'''u'''t" ; ŵ : like "oo" as in "m'''oo'''n" ; y : when the only or last vowel in a word, like "i" in "p'''i'''t" : when earlier in a word, like "u" in "p'''u'''t" : NB: in a few common words, such as ''fy'' (my) and ''dy'' (your), '''y''' is pronounced as in "p'''u'''t" ; ŷ : like "mach'''i'''ne" ===Consonants=== ; b : like "b" in "'''b'''ed". ; c : like "c" in "'''c'''at". ; ch : like "ch" in German ''"''Ba'''ch'''''"'' or Scottish ''"''lo'''ch'''''"''. ; d : like "d" in "'''d'''eath". ; dd : like "th" in "'''th'''e". ; f : like "v" in "'''v'''an". ; ff : like "f" in "'''f'''un". ; g : like "g" in "'''g'''arden". ; ng : like "ng" in "po'''ng'''". Sometimes, like in "fi'''ng'''er". ; h : like "h" in "'''h'''eart". ; j : like "j" in "'''j'''ump" ; l : like "l" in "'''l'''ink". ; ll : place the tongue at the top of the mouth, and blow. ; m : like "m" in "'''m'''eet". ; n : like "n" in "'''n'''ews". ; p : like "p" in "'''p'''en". ; ph : like "ph" in "'''ph'''iloso'''ph'''y". ; r : like "r" in "'''r'''ed" (well rolled, as in Scottish pronunciation). ; rh : an aspirated, breathy "r". ; s : like "s" in "'''s'''tate". ; si + vowel (not a consonant, but a sound) : like "sh" in "'''sh'''ore". ; t : like "t" in "'''t'''ime". ; th : like "th" in "'''th'''ink". ; ts + vowel (not a consonant, but a sound) : like "ch" in "'''ch'''ocolate" ===Common diphthongs=== Only southern forms unless otherwise stated. English approximations are also given. ; ae : like "eye". ; ai : like "eye". ; au : like "aye", with a rounded closing sound. When used as the plural marker, often pronounced "ah" in the north and "eh" in the south. ; aw : like "ow!". ; ei : like "ey" in "hey!" ; eu : like "ey" in "hey!", but with a rounded closing sound. ; ew : like "eh-oo" said quickly. ; ey : like "ey" in "hey!". ; iw : like "you". ; oe : like "oy" in "boy". ; oi : like "oy" in "boy". ; ou : like "oy" in "boy". ; uw : like "you". ; wy : like "oo-ee". ; yw : like "you" (in monosyllables). ; yw : like "uh-oo" (in polysyllabics). The differences between some of the diphthongs are often very subtle. ==Grammar== Grammatically, Welsh is relatively complex with two grammatical genders, masculine and feminine, which all nouns are assigned to, and also masculine and feminine forms of the numbers "two" "three" and "four" which have to match the gender of the object being counted; there are also two separate counting systems, decimal (base 10) and the more traditional vigesimal (base 20). The phenomenon of ''mutation'' is a characteristic of the Celtic languages, where the initial letters of words change depending on the grammar of the sentence, which can make tracking words down in a dictionary difficult. ==Phrase list== ===Basics=== ; Hello. : Helo. (''Hello'') ; Hello. (''informal'') : S'mae. (''s-my'') (north) / Shwmae (''shoo-my?'') (south)) ; How are you? (''formal''): Sut ydych chi? (north) Shwd ych chi? (south) ; How are you? (''informal''): Sut wyt ti? (north) Shwd wyt ti? (south) ; Fine, thank you. : Iawn, diolch. (''yown, DEE-ol'ch'') ; What is your name? (''formal'') : Be' ydy'ch enw chi? (''bay UHdi'ch ENoo ch'ee?'') ; What is your name? (''informal'') : Be' ydy dy enw di? (''bay UHdi duh ENoo dee?'') ; My name is ______ . : ______ ydy f'enw i. (''_____ you ven-oo ee.'')(South) ______ (North) ; Nice to meet you. : Braf cwrdd â chi. (''Brahv corth ah khi'') ; Please. : Os gwelwch chi'n dda. (''Ahs guWELLuch in tha'') ; Thank you [very much]. : Diolch [yn fawr]. (''DEE-ol'ch [un vowr]'') ; You're welcome. : Croeso. (''CROY-so'') There are no exact equivalents of "yes" and "no" in Welsh; the concept is conveyed grammatically with regard to agreement between the person and tense by indicating agreement or disagreement e.g. "yes there is" or "no there is not", which is said in different ways depending on how the question was phrased. If the question begins "Oes...?" or "A oes...?" (''"Is there...?"'') then the reply is "oes" or "nac oes"; if the question begins "Ydy...?" (''"Is...?"'') then the reply is "ydy" or "nac ydy" etc ; Yes. : Ie (''ee-yeah'') ; No. : Na (''Nah'') ; Excuse me. (''getting attention'') : Esgusodwch fi. (''es-gis-OD-oo'ch vee'') ; Excuse me. (''begging pardon'') : Esgusodwch fi. (''es-gis-OD-oo'ch vee'') ; I'm sorry. : Mae'n ddrwg gen i. (''My uhn th'roog gen ee'') ; Goodbye (''Formal'') : Da bo chi. (''Da BO ch'ee'') ; Goodbye (''Informal'') : Hwyl! (''hooill'') ; I can't speak Welsh [well]. : Alla i ddim siarad Cymraeg [yn dda]. (''Alh'a ee thim SHARad kym-RYE-g [uhn tha]'') ; Do you speak English? : Ydych chi'n siarad Saesneg? (''UD-ich ch'een SHARad SAYES-neg?'') ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : Oes rhywun yma sy'n siarad Saesneg? (''Oyss RHEEW-in UMma seen SHARad SAYES-neg?'') ; Help! : Help! (''Help'') ; Look out! : Hendiwch! (''HEN-dyoo'ch!'') ; Good morning. : Bore da. (''BOR-eh dah'') ; Good afternoon. : Prynhawn da. (''PROINhaun dah'') (North) ; Good evening. : Noswaith dda. (''NOSS-why-th thah'') (South) (''NOSS-waith-thah'') (North) ; Good night. : Nos da. (''NOHS dah'') ; Good night (''to sleep'') : Nos da. (''NOHS dah'') ; I don't understand. : Dw i ddim yn ddeall. (''DWEE thim in THEEall'') ; Where is the toilet? : Ble mae'r tŷ bach? (''Blay my'r tee bahch?'') ===Problems=== ===Numbers=== ; 0 : dim (''dim'') ; 1 : un (''een'') ; 2 : dau (''die'') (m); dwy (''doo-ey'') (f) ; 3 : tri (''tree'') (m); tair (''tire'') (f) ; 4 : pedwar (''PED-war'') (m); pedair (''PED-ire'') (f) ; 5 : pump (''pimp''); pum (''pim'') before a noun ; 6 : chwech (''ch'way'ch''); chwe (''ch'way'') before a noun ; 7 : saith (''sayeth'') ; 8 : wyth (''oo-ith'') ; 9 : naw (''now'') ; 10 : deg (''day-g''); deng (''deng'') before a noun ;''From this point, the first term is the vigesimal form, the second is the decimal form. Replace "dau", "tri" and "pedwar" with "dwy", "tair", and "pedair" as appropriate.'' ; 11 : un ar ddeg (''een ar thayg''); un deg un ; 12 : deuddeg (''DAY-theg'') deuddeng (''DAY-theng'')before a noun; un deg dau ; 13 : tri ar ddeg (''tree ar thayg''); un deg tri ; 14 : pedwar ar ddeg (''PED-war ar thayg''); un deg pedwar ; 15 : pumtheg (''PUM-theg''), pumtheng (''PUM-theng'')before a noun; un deg pump ; 16 : un ar bymtheg (''een ar BUM-theg''); un deg chwech ; 17 : dau ar bymtheg (''die ar BUM-theg''); un deg saith ; 18 : deunaw (''DAY-now''); un deg wyth ; 19 : pedwar ar bymtheg (''PED-war ar BUM-theg''); un deg naw ; 20 : ugain (''IG-ine''); dau ddeg ; 21 : un ar hugain (''een ar IG-ine''); dau ddeg un ; 22 : dau ar hugain (''die ar HIG-ine''); dau ddeg dau ; 23 : tri ar hugain (''tree ar HIG-ine''); dau ddeg tri ; 30 : deg ar hugain (''DAYG ar HIG-ine''); tri ddeg ; 40 : deugain (''DAY-gine''); pedwar deg ; 50 : hanner cant (''HAN-ner kant''); pum deg ; 60 : trigain (''TRIG-ine''); chwe deg ; 70 : deg a thrigain (''DAYG ah THRIG-ine''); saith deg ; 80 : pedwar ugain (''PED-war IG-ine''); wyth deg ; 90 : deg a phedwar ugain (''DAYG ah FED-war IG-ine''); naw deg ; 91 : un ar ddeg a phedwar ugain (''een ar thayg ah FED-war IG-ine''); naw deg un ; 100 : cant (''KANT''); can (''can'') before a noun ; 200 : dau gant (''die gant'') ; 300 : tri chant (''tree ch'ant'') ; 1000 : mil (''meel'') ; 2000 : dwy fil (''doo-eey veel'') ; 1,000,000 : miliwn (''MIL-ioon'') ; number _____ (''train, bus, etc.'') : rhif _____ (''Rheev'') ; half : hanner (''HAN-ner'') ; less : llai (''lhie'') ; more : mwy (''moo-ee'') ===Time=== ; now : rŵan (''ROO-an'')[North]; nawr (''NOW-r'') [South] ; later : hwyrach (''HOOIR-ach'') ; before : cyn (''kin'') ; after : wedi (''weddy'') ; morning : bore (''BOR-eh'') ; in the morning : yn y bore (''un uh BOR-eh'') ; afternoon : prynhawn (''PRUN-hown'') - commonly pronounced ''p'nown'' ; evening : noswaith (''NOSooaith''); noson (''nosson'') ; in the evening: gyda'r nos (''Gudar nohs'') ; night : nos (''nohs'') ====Clock time==== ; one o'clock AM : un o'r gloch y bore (''een oh'r glo'ch uh bor-eh'') - 1:00 y.b.; 01:00 ; two o'clock AM : dau o'r gloch y bore (''die oh'r glo'ch uh bor-eh'') - 2:00 y.b.; 02:00 ; noon : hanner dydd (''HAN-ner DEE-th'') - 12:00 pm ; one o'clock PM, <nowiki>13:00</nowiki> : un o'r gloch y p'nawn (''een oh'r glo'ch uh p'nown'') - 1:00 y.p.; 13:00 ; two o'clock PM, <nowiki>14:00</nowiki> : dau o'r gloch y p'nawn (''die oh'r glo'ch uh p'nown'') - 2:00 y.p.; 14:00 ; quarter to seven, <nowiki>18:45</nowiki> : chwarter i saith - 6.45 y.h. ; quarter past seven, <nowiki>19:15</nowiki> : chwarter wedi saith - 7.15 y.h. ; half past seven, <nowiki>19:30</nowiki> :hanner wedi saith - 7:30 y.h. ; midnight : hanner nos (''HAN-ner nohs'') 12:00 y.b. ====Duration==== ; _____ minute(s) : _____ munud(au) (''MINNID(eh)'') ; _____ hour(s) : _____ awr, ''pl.'' oriau (''our'', plural ''OR-yai'') ; _____ day(s) : _____ dydd(iau) (''DEEth'', plural ''DUTH-yai'') ; _____ week(s) : _____ wythnos(au) (''OOITH-noss'', plural ''ooith-NOSS-eye'') ; _____ month(s) : _____ mis(oedd)(''mees'', plural ''MIS-oeth'') ; _____ year(s) : _____ blwyddyn, ''pl.'' blynyddoedd (''BLOOITH-in'', plural ''blun-UTH-oeth'') ; daily : yn ddyddiol (''uhn dhuh-iol'') ; weekly : yn wythnosol (''uhn ooith-NOSS-ol'') ; monthly : yn fisol (''uhn VIS-ol'') ; yearly : yn flynyddol (''uhn vluh-NUTH-ol'') ====Days==== ; today : heddiw (''HETH-you'') ; yesterday : ddoe (''THOY'') ; tomorrow : yfory (''uh-VOR-ee'') ; last night : neithiwr (''NAI-thee-uhr'') ; the day before yesterday : echdoe (''ECH-doy'') ; the night before last : echnos (''ECH-nos'') ; this week : yr wythnos hon (''uhr WITH-nos hon'') ; last week : yr wythnos diwethaf (''uhr WITH-nos xxx'') ; next week : yr wythnos nesaf (''uhr WITH-nos NESS-av'' ''(commonly pronounced "nessa'")'') ; Monday : Dydd Llun (''deeth lheen'') ; Tuesday : Dydd Mawrth (''deeth MOW-rth'') ; Wednesday : Dydd Mercher (''deeth MER-cher'') ; Thursday : Dydd Iau (''deeth IAI'') ; Friday : Dydd Gwener (''deeth GWEN-er'') ; Saturday : Dydd Sadwrn (''deeth SAD-oorn'') ; Sunday : Dydd Sul (''deeth seel'') ====Months==== ; January : Ionawr (''ION-our'') ; February : Chwefror (''CHWEV-ror'') ; March : Mawrth (''MOWRTH'') ; April : Ebrill (''EB-rilh'') ; May : Mai (''MY'') ; June : Mehefin (''me-HEV-in'') ; July : Gorffennaf (''gor-FEN-nav'') ; August : Awst (''OWST'') ; September : Medi (''MED-ee'') ; October : Hydref (''HUD-rev'') ; November : Tachwedd (''TACH-weth'') ; December : Rhagfyr (''RAG-vir'') It's sometimes necessary to put the word ''mis'' (month) in front of the name, as some have other common meanings. For instance, ''Mawrth'' means both "Tuesday" and "Mars", while ''hydref'' means "autumn". ====Writing time and date==== Dates are written day/month/year. So if you see 04-12-2003, you know that's ''y pedwerydd o Rhagfyr'', not April 12. A date (18-12-1963) fully spelled out is ''y deunawfed o Ragfyr mil naw chwe tri'' (you specify the number of thousands, then the individual number of the hundreds, tens, and units; for years from 2000 onwards say "dwy fil" (two thousand) followed by the significant number, omitting the zeroes - thus 2005 is "dwy fil a phump" (two thousand and five), compared with 1987 which was "mil naw wyth saith" ((one) thousand nine eight seven). The ordinals are as follows. The feminine form is given with feminine nouns. :1st - 1af, cyntaf :2nd - 2il, ail :3rd - 3ydd, trydydd (m.), trydedd (f.) :4th - 4ydd, pedwerydd (m.), pedwaredd (f.) :5th - 5ed, pumed :6th - 6ed, chweched :7th - 7fed, seithfed :8th - 8fed, wythfed :9th - 9fed, nawfed :10th - 10fed, degfed Times are either written in the 24 hour clock or with hours and minutes separated by a colon or dot and suffixed by "y.b." (y bore),"y.p." (y p'nawn) or "y.h." (yr hwyr) equivalent to "a.m." and "p.m.". ====Seasons==== ; spring : gwanwyn (''GWAN-win'') ; summer : haf (''haav'') ; autumn : hydref (''HUD-rev'') ; winter : gaeaf (''GAI-yav'') ===Colours=== ; black : du (''dee'') ; white : gwyn (m) / gwen (f) (''gwin/gwen'') ; grey : llwyd (''lh'oo-id'') ; red : coch (''KO'ch'') ; blue : glas (''glaas'') - ''note that this word is also used to describe the colour of grass.'' ; yellow : melyn (''MELLIN'') ; green : gwyrdd (m) / gwerdd (f) (''gwirth/gwer'th'') ; orange : oren (''ORRen'') ; pink : pinc (''pink'') ; purple : porffor ''or'' glascoch (''POR-for'' or ''GLASko'ch'') ; brown : brown (''brown'') ; silver : arian (''AR-yan'') ; gold : aur (''ire'') ===Transportation=== ====Bus and train==== ; How much is a ticket to _____? : Faint yw tocyn i _____ ? (''Vy-nt yoo TOK-in ee'') ; One ticket to _____, please. : Tocyn i _____, os gwelwch yn dda. (''TOK-in ee ____ oss GWEL-ookh uhn thah'') ; Where does this train/bus go? : Ble mae'r trên/bws hwn yn mynd? (''blay mire trayn/boos hoon uhn mind?'') ; Where is the train/bus to _____? : Ble mae'r trên/bws i _____ ? (''blay mire trayn/boos i ____'') ; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : Ydy'r trên/bws hwn yn galw yn _____ ? (''Uh deer trayn/bws hoon uhn GA-loo uhn _____'') ; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : Pryd mae'r trên/bws i ______ yn gadael? (''preed mire trayn/boos i _______ un GAD-ile'') ; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : Pryd fydd y trên/bws hwn yn cyrraedd _____ ? (''preed veeth uh trayn/boos hoon un KUHR-ithe _____'') ;a one-way ticket: tocyn sengl ;a return/round trip ticket: tocyn dwy ffordd ====Directions==== ; Where is the _____? : Ble mae'r _____ ? (''blay my'r _____'') ; North : y Gogledd (''uh GOG-leth''') ; South : y De (''uh day'') ; East : y Dwyrain (''uh DOOY-rine'') ; West : y Gorllewin (''uh gor-LH'EW-in'') ====Taxi==== ; Taxi : Tacsi ===Lodging=== ; Hotel : Gwesty ; Bed & Breakfast : Gwely a Brecwast ; Campsite : Gwersyll, Maes Gwersylla ; tent : pabell (pl: pebyll) ; caravan : carafan ; self-catering : hunan arlwyo ===Money=== ; Pound : Punt ; Penny : Ceiniog ===Eating=== ; Milk : Llaeth (south), Llefrith (north) ; Bread : Bara ; Chips (fries) : Sglodion ; Fish : Pysgod ; Cheese : Caws ; Sausage : Selsig ; Cake : Cacen, Teisen ; Chocolate : Siocled ; Coffee : Coffi ; Tea : Te ; Water : Dŵr ===Bars=== ; Pub : Tafarn ; Cheers (''good health'') : Iechyd da ; Beer : Cwrw ; Bitter : Chwerw ; Real ale : Cwrw go iawn ; Wine : Gwin ; White wine : Gwin gwyn ; Red wine : Gwin coch ; Half a bottle : haner potel ; Crisps (''potato chips'') : Creision (Tatws) ; Nuts : Cnau ; whisky : chwisgi ; vodka : fodca ; rum : rym ===Shopping=== ; Shops : Siopau ; Shop : Siop ; Dairy : Llaethdy ; Bakery : Popty ; Butcher : Cigydd ; change : newid ; open : ar agor ; closed : ar gau ; buy : prynu ; sell : gwerthu ===Driving=== ; road : ffordd ; motorway : traffordd ; services : gwasanaethau ; car park : maes parcio ; insurance : yswiriant ; accident : damwain ; Is there a petrol station here? : Oes na orsaf petrol fan hyn? ; Where's the road to Pandy? : Ble mae'r ffordd i'r Pandy? ; The road via Gwersyllt is quicker. : Mae'r ffordd drwy Gwersyllt yn gyflymach. ; Try to avoid Cefn-y-Bedd. : Ceisiwch osgoi Cefn-y-Bedd. ; Is there a prettier route to Brymbo? : Oes ffordd perta i fynd i Frymbo? ; Turn left at the old steel works. : Trowch i'r chwith ger yr hen waith dur. ; There's nothing to see there. : Does dim byd yna i weld yno. ; There's a petrol station in Rossett but Sainsbury's is cheaper. : Mae na orsaf petrol yn Yr Orsedd ond mae Sainsbury's yn rhatach ; You can park in Heol Hyfryd for free. : Gewch chi barcio yn Heol Hyfryd am ddim. ; Don't park in Bryn Hyfryd it's a rough area. : Peidiwch â pharcio ym Mryn Hyfryd - mae'n ardal ryff. ===Authority=== ; Police : Heddlu ; Fire Station : Gorsaf Dân {{usablephrasebook}} {{phrasebookguide}} 098e1nexht556slp7uyz5j1037t2zaz 4487688 4487685 2022-07-21T12:01:34Z ThunderingTyphoons! 106394 /* Lodging */m. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wales banner Llyn Llydaw Snowdonia.jpg}} '''Welsh''' (''Cymraeg'') is a language spoken by 29% of the population, or around 870,000 people, in [[Wales]] (''Cymru''), according to a 2020 population survey. Welsh speakers are found in every part of Wales, but the highest percentages are in communities in the north and west of the country, where 50% or more use the language every day. There is a sizeable Welsh-speaking diaspora in the rest of the UK, but especially in [[England]] (''Lloegr''), along the border and in its larger cities. The language is also spoken by several thousand people in the [[Chubut]] province of [[Argentina]] (''yr Ariannin''), as well as by people scattered around the world. All Welsh speakers old enough to attend school in Wales also speak English, while those in Argentina speak Spanish. Welsh is a [[Celts|Celtic]] language closely related to [[Breton phrasebook|Breton]] and [[Cornwall#Talk|Cornish]], and more distantly to Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic. It has also adopted many loanwords from Latin, French, and English, although the spelling and pronunciation of such words has often been radically altered; for instance, the English verb ''to smoke'' and the Latin noun ''leo'' (lion) are barely recognisable as ''ysmygu'' or ''llew''. The Welsh of Patagonia (''Cymraeg y Wladfa'') has taken on some loanwords from Spanish not found in British dialects. ==Pronunciation guide== Welsh is a relatively phonetic language, with most letters having only one pronunciation. Complications may arise with the various consonantal digraphs, particularly "dd" which is represented in English as "th" as in "breathe", while "th" is represented in English as "th" as in "think"; "ll" is a famously difficult (and common) sound for non-Welsh speakers to produce - made by positioning the tongue at the top front of the mouth and blowing, and represented here as "lh". "Ch" is ''always'' pronounced like the German name "Bach" or the Scottish "loch"; the sound which appears in the English word ''"church"'' is represented by "ts". There are relatively minor pronunciation differences between northern and southern Welsh, most notably that "i" on the one hand and "u" and "y" are two distinct sounds on the other in the north, while in the south these letters are pronounced identically as the sound of "i". Unless overridden by an accent mark, the stress in Welsh words nearly always falls on the last but one syllable of a word. As syllables get added to words, for example to denote a plural or a female person of a particular occupation, the sound of a word can change dramatically. Welsh is written in a version of the Latin alphabet containing 28 letters, including 8 digraphs which count as separate letters for collating purposes (and crossword puzzles): a, b, c, ch, d, dd, e, f, ff, g, ng, h, i, l, ll, m, n, o, p, ph, r, rh, s, t, th, u, w, y. The letters j, v, x and z do not exist in normal Welsh usage, but have been adopted from English for limited use e.g. in personal names. "K" is regarded as redundant in Welsh as the sound is always represented by "c", but it is found in the prefix "kilo-", although "cilo-" is always acceptable. ===Vowels=== Vowels in Welsh can have accent marks, most commonly the circumflex (^), called the ''to bach (little roof)'', which lengthens the sound of the vowel, and the acute (´), which shortens it. Occasionally the diaresis appears, dividing two vowel sounds from each other. Vowel sounds tend to resemble those of major continental European languages rather than English. There are seven vowels in Welsh, which have both short and long forms. The following sounds are only approximations in English: ; a : like "p'''a'''t" ; â : like "f'''a'''ther" ; e : like "p'''e'''t" ; ê : like "p'''ea'''r" ; i : like "p'''i'''t" ; î : like "mach'''i'''ne" ; o : like "p'''o'''t" ; ô : "p'''o'''rt" ; u : like "p'''i'''t" (South Wales) :like a French "u" as in "t'''u'''" (North Wales) ; û : like "mach'''i'''ne" (South Wales) : longer version of French "u" as in "t'''u'''" (North Wales) ; w : like "u" in "p'''u'''t" ; ŵ : like "oo" as in "m'''oo'''n" ; y : when the only or last vowel in a word, like "i" in "p'''i'''t" : when earlier in a word, like "u" in "p'''u'''t" : NB: in a few common words, such as ''fy'' (my) and ''dy'' (your), '''y''' is pronounced as in "p'''u'''t" ; ŷ : like "mach'''i'''ne" ===Consonants=== ; b : like "b" in "'''b'''ed". ; c : like "c" in "'''c'''at". ; ch : like "ch" in German ''"''Ba'''ch'''''"'' or Scottish ''"''lo'''ch'''''"''. ; d : like "d" in "'''d'''eath". ; dd : like "th" in "'''th'''e". ; f : like "v" in "'''v'''an". ; ff : like "f" in "'''f'''un". ; g : like "g" in "'''g'''arden". ; ng : like "ng" in "po'''ng'''". Sometimes, like in "fi'''ng'''er". ; h : like "h" in "'''h'''eart". ; j : like "j" in "'''j'''ump" ; l : like "l" in "'''l'''ink". ; ll : place the tongue at the top of the mouth, and blow. ; m : like "m" in "'''m'''eet". ; n : like "n" in "'''n'''ews". ; p : like "p" in "'''p'''en". ; ph : like "ph" in "'''ph'''iloso'''ph'''y". ; r : like "r" in "'''r'''ed" (well rolled, as in Scottish pronunciation). ; rh : an aspirated, breathy "r". ; s : like "s" in "'''s'''tate". ; si + vowel (not a consonant, but a sound) : like "sh" in "'''sh'''ore". ; t : like "t" in "'''t'''ime". ; th : like "th" in "'''th'''ink". ; ts + vowel (not a consonant, but a sound) : like "ch" in "'''ch'''ocolate" ===Common diphthongs=== Only southern forms unless otherwise stated. English approximations are also given. ; ae : like "eye". ; ai : like "eye". ; au : like "aye", with a rounded closing sound. When used as the plural marker, often pronounced "ah" in the north and "eh" in the south. ; aw : like "ow!". ; ei : like "ey" in "hey!" ; eu : like "ey" in "hey!", but with a rounded closing sound. ; ew : like "eh-oo" said quickly. ; ey : like "ey" in "hey!". ; iw : like "you". ; oe : like "oy" in "boy". ; oi : like "oy" in "boy". ; ou : like "oy" in "boy". ; uw : like "you". ; wy : like "oo-ee". ; yw : like "you" (in monosyllables). ; yw : like "uh-oo" (in polysyllabics). The differences between some of the diphthongs are often very subtle. ==Grammar== Grammatically, Welsh is relatively complex with two grammatical genders, masculine and feminine, which all nouns are assigned to, and also masculine and feminine forms of the numbers "two" "three" and "four" which have to match the gender of the object being counted; there are also two separate counting systems, decimal (base 10) and the more traditional vigesimal (base 20). The phenomenon of ''mutation'' is a characteristic of the Celtic languages, where the initial letters of words change depending on the grammar of the sentence, which can make tracking words down in a dictionary difficult. ==Phrase list== ===Basics=== ; Hello. : Helo. (''Hello'') ; Hello. (''informal'') : S'mae. (''s-my'') (north) / Shwmae (''shoo-my?'') (south)) ; How are you? (''formal''): Sut ydych chi? (north) Shwd ych chi? (south) ; How are you? (''informal''): Sut wyt ti? (north) Shwd wyt ti? (south) ; Fine, thank you. : Iawn, diolch. (''yown, DEE-ol'ch'') ; What is your name? (''formal'') : Be' ydy'ch enw chi? (''bay UHdi'ch ENoo ch'ee?'') ; What is your name? (''informal'') : Be' ydy dy enw di? (''bay UHdi duh ENoo dee?'') ; My name is ______ . : ______ ydy f'enw i. (''_____ you ven-oo ee.'')(South) ______ (North) ; Nice to meet you. : Braf cwrdd â chi. (''Brahv corth ah khi'') ; Please. : Os gwelwch chi'n dda. (''Ahs guWELLuch in tha'') ; Thank you [very much]. : Diolch [yn fawr]. (''DEE-ol'ch [un vowr]'') ; You're welcome. : Croeso. (''CROY-so'') There are no exact equivalents of "yes" and "no" in Welsh; the concept is conveyed grammatically with regard to agreement between the person and tense by indicating agreement or disagreement e.g. "yes there is" or "no there is not", which is said in different ways depending on how the question was phrased. If the question begins "Oes...?" or "A oes...?" (''"Is there...?"'') then the reply is "oes" or "nac oes"; if the question begins "Ydy...?" (''"Is...?"'') then the reply is "ydy" or "nac ydy" etc ; Yes. : Ie (''ee-yeah'') ; No. : Na (''Nah'') ; Excuse me. (''getting attention'') : Esgusodwch fi. (''es-gis-OD-oo'ch vee'') ; Excuse me. (''begging pardon'') : Esgusodwch fi. (''es-gis-OD-oo'ch vee'') ; I'm sorry. : Mae'n ddrwg gen i. (''My uhn th'roog gen ee'') ; Goodbye (''Formal'') : Da bo chi. (''Da BO ch'ee'') ; Goodbye (''Informal'') : Hwyl! (''hooill'') ; I can't speak Welsh [well]. : Alla i ddim siarad Cymraeg [yn dda]. (''Alh'a ee thim SHARad kym-RYE-g [uhn tha]'') ; Do you speak English? : Ydych chi'n siarad Saesneg? (''UD-ich ch'een SHARad SAYES-neg?'') ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : Oes rhywun yma sy'n siarad Saesneg? (''Oyss RHEEW-in UMma seen SHARad SAYES-neg?'') ; Help! : Help! (''Help'') ; Look out! : Hendiwch! (''HEN-dyoo'ch!'') ; Good morning. : Bore da. (''BOR-eh dah'') ; Good afternoon. : Prynhawn da. (''PROINhaun dah'') (North) ; Good evening. : Noswaith dda. (''NOSS-why-th thah'') (South) (''NOSS-waith-thah'') (North) ; Good night. : Nos da. (''NOHS dah'') ; Good night (''to sleep'') : Nos da. (''NOHS dah'') ; I don't understand. : Dw i ddim yn ddeall. (''DWEE thim in THEEall'') ; Where is the toilet? : Ble mae'r tŷ bach? (''Blay my'r tee bahch?'') ===Problems=== ===Numbers=== ; 0 : dim (''dim'') ; 1 : un (''een'') ; 2 : dau (''die'') (m); dwy (''doo-ey'') (f) ; 3 : tri (''tree'') (m); tair (''tire'') (f) ; 4 : pedwar (''PED-war'') (m); pedair (''PED-ire'') (f) ; 5 : pump (''pimp''); pum (''pim'') before a noun ; 6 : chwech (''ch'way'ch''); chwe (''ch'way'') before a noun ; 7 : saith (''sayeth'') ; 8 : wyth (''oo-ith'') ; 9 : naw (''now'') ; 10 : deg (''day-g''); deng (''deng'') before a noun ;''From this point, the first term is the vigesimal form, the second is the decimal form. Replace "dau", "tri" and "pedwar" with "dwy", "tair", and "pedair" as appropriate.'' ; 11 : un ar ddeg (''een ar thayg''); un deg un ; 12 : deuddeg (''DAY-theg'') deuddeng (''DAY-theng'')before a noun; un deg dau ; 13 : tri ar ddeg (''tree ar thayg''); un deg tri ; 14 : pedwar ar ddeg (''PED-war ar thayg''); un deg pedwar ; 15 : pumtheg (''PUM-theg''), pumtheng (''PUM-theng'')before a noun; un deg pump ; 16 : un ar bymtheg (''een ar BUM-theg''); un deg chwech ; 17 : dau ar bymtheg (''die ar BUM-theg''); un deg saith ; 18 : deunaw (''DAY-now''); un deg wyth ; 19 : pedwar ar bymtheg (''PED-war ar BUM-theg''); un deg naw ; 20 : ugain (''IG-ine''); dau ddeg ; 21 : un ar hugain (''een ar IG-ine''); dau ddeg un ; 22 : dau ar hugain (''die ar HIG-ine''); dau ddeg dau ; 23 : tri ar hugain (''tree ar HIG-ine''); dau ddeg tri ; 30 : deg ar hugain (''DAYG ar HIG-ine''); tri ddeg ; 40 : deugain (''DAY-gine''); pedwar deg ; 50 : hanner cant (''HAN-ner kant''); pum deg ; 60 : trigain (''TRIG-ine''); chwe deg ; 70 : deg a thrigain (''DAYG ah THRIG-ine''); saith deg ; 80 : pedwar ugain (''PED-war IG-ine''); wyth deg ; 90 : deg a phedwar ugain (''DAYG ah FED-war IG-ine''); naw deg ; 91 : un ar ddeg a phedwar ugain (''een ar thayg ah FED-war IG-ine''); naw deg un ; 100 : cant (''KANT''); can (''can'') before a noun ; 200 : dau gant (''die gant'') ; 300 : tri chant (''tree ch'ant'') ; 1000 : mil (''meel'') ; 2000 : dwy fil (''doo-eey veel'') ; 1,000,000 : miliwn (''MIL-ioon'') ; number _____ (''train, bus, etc.'') : rhif _____ (''Rheev'') ; half : hanner (''HAN-ner'') ; less : llai (''lhie'') ; more : mwy (''moo-ee'') ===Time=== ; now : rŵan (''ROO-an'')[North]; nawr (''NOW-r'') [South] ; later : hwyrach (''HOOIR-ach'') ; before : cyn (''kin'') ; after : wedi (''weddy'') ; morning : bore (''BOR-eh'') ; in the morning : yn y bore (''un uh BOR-eh'') ; afternoon : prynhawn (''PRUN-hown'') - commonly pronounced ''p'nown'' ; evening : noswaith (''NOSooaith''); noson (''nosson'') ; in the evening: gyda'r nos (''Gudar nohs'') ; night : nos (''nohs'') ====Clock time==== ; one o'clock AM : un o'r gloch y bore (''een oh'r glo'ch uh bor-eh'') - 1:00 y.b.; 01:00 ; two o'clock AM : dau o'r gloch y bore (''die oh'r glo'ch uh bor-eh'') - 2:00 y.b.; 02:00 ; noon : hanner dydd (''HAN-ner DEE-th'') - 12:00 pm ; one o'clock PM, <nowiki>13:00</nowiki> : un o'r gloch y p'nawn (''een oh'r glo'ch uh p'nown'') - 1:00 y.p.; 13:00 ; two o'clock PM, <nowiki>14:00</nowiki> : dau o'r gloch y p'nawn (''die oh'r glo'ch uh p'nown'') - 2:00 y.p.; 14:00 ; quarter to seven, <nowiki>18:45</nowiki> : chwarter i saith - 6.45 y.h. ; quarter past seven, <nowiki>19:15</nowiki> : chwarter wedi saith - 7.15 y.h. ; half past seven, <nowiki>19:30</nowiki> :hanner wedi saith - 7:30 y.h. ; midnight : hanner nos (''HAN-ner nohs'') 12:00 y.b. ====Duration==== ; _____ minute(s) : _____ munud(au) (''MINNID(eh)'') ; _____ hour(s) : _____ awr, ''pl.'' oriau (''our'', plural ''OR-yai'') ; _____ day(s) : _____ dydd(iau) (''DEEth'', plural ''DUTH-yai'') ; _____ week(s) : _____ wythnos(au) (''OOITH-noss'', plural ''ooith-NOSS-eye'') ; _____ month(s) : _____ mis(oedd)(''mees'', plural ''MIS-oeth'') ; _____ year(s) : _____ blwyddyn, ''pl.'' blynyddoedd (''BLOOITH-in'', plural ''blun-UTH-oeth'') ; daily : yn ddyddiol (''uhn dhuh-iol'') ; weekly : yn wythnosol (''uhn ooith-NOSS-ol'') ; monthly : yn fisol (''uhn VIS-ol'') ; yearly : yn flynyddol (''uhn vluh-NUTH-ol'') ====Days==== ; today : heddiw (''HETH-you'') ; yesterday : ddoe (''THOY'') ; tomorrow : yfory (''uh-VOR-ee'') ; last night : neithiwr (''NAI-thee-uhr'') ; the day before yesterday : echdoe (''ECH-doy'') ; the night before last : echnos (''ECH-nos'') ; this week : yr wythnos hon (''uhr WITH-nos hon'') ; last week : yr wythnos diwethaf (''uhr WITH-nos xxx'') ; next week : yr wythnos nesaf (''uhr WITH-nos NESS-av'' ''(commonly pronounced "nessa'")'') ; Monday : Dydd Llun (''deeth lheen'') ; Tuesday : Dydd Mawrth (''deeth MOW-rth'') ; Wednesday : Dydd Mercher (''deeth MER-cher'') ; Thursday : Dydd Iau (''deeth IAI'') ; Friday : Dydd Gwener (''deeth GWEN-er'') ; Saturday : Dydd Sadwrn (''deeth SAD-oorn'') ; Sunday : Dydd Sul (''deeth seel'') ====Months==== ; January : Ionawr (''ION-our'') ; February : Chwefror (''CHWEV-ror'') ; March : Mawrth (''MOWRTH'') ; April : Ebrill (''EB-rilh'') ; May : Mai (''MY'') ; June : Mehefin (''me-HEV-in'') ; July : Gorffennaf (''gor-FEN-nav'') ; August : Awst (''OWST'') ; September : Medi (''MED-ee'') ; October : Hydref (''HUD-rev'') ; November : Tachwedd (''TACH-weth'') ; December : Rhagfyr (''RAG-vir'') It's sometimes necessary to put the word ''mis'' (month) in front of the name, as some have other common meanings. For instance, ''Mawrth'' means both "Tuesday" and "Mars", while ''hydref'' means "autumn". ====Writing time and date==== Dates are written day/month/year. So if you see 04-12-2003, you know that's ''y pedwerydd o Rhagfyr'', not April 12. A date (18-12-1963) fully spelled out is ''y deunawfed o Ragfyr mil naw chwe tri'' (you specify the number of thousands, then the individual number of the hundreds, tens, and units; for years from 2000 onwards say "dwy fil" (two thousand) followed by the significant number, omitting the zeroes - thus 2005 is "dwy fil a phump" (two thousand and five), compared with 1987 which was "mil naw wyth saith" ((one) thousand nine eight seven). The ordinals are as follows. The feminine form is given with feminine nouns. :1st - 1af, cyntaf :2nd - 2il, ail :3rd - 3ydd, trydydd (m.), trydedd (f.) :4th - 4ydd, pedwerydd (m.), pedwaredd (f.) :5th - 5ed, pumed :6th - 6ed, chweched :7th - 7fed, seithfed :8th - 8fed, wythfed :9th - 9fed, nawfed :10th - 10fed, degfed Times are either written in the 24 hour clock or with hours and minutes separated by a colon or dot and suffixed by "y.b." (y bore),"y.p." (y p'nawn) or "y.h." (yr hwyr) equivalent to "a.m." and "p.m.". ====Seasons==== ; spring : gwanwyn (''GWAN-win'') ; summer : haf (''haav'') ; autumn : hydref (''HUD-rev'') ; winter : gaeaf (''GAI-yav'') ===Colours=== ; black : du (''dee'') ; white : gwyn (m) / gwen (f) (''gwin/gwen'') ; grey : llwyd (''lh'oo-id'') ; red : coch (''KO'ch'') ; blue : glas (''glaas'') - ''note that this word is also used to describe the colour of grass.'' ; yellow : melyn (''MELLIN'') ; green : gwyrdd (m) / gwerdd (f) (''gwirth/gwer'th'') ; orange : oren (''ORRen'') ; pink : pinc (''pink'') ; purple : porffor ''or'' glascoch (''POR-for'' or ''GLASko'ch'') ; brown : brown (''brown'') ; silver : arian (''AR-yan'') ; gold : aur (''ire'') ===Transportation=== ====Bus and train==== ; How much is a ticket to _____? : Faint yw tocyn i _____ ? (''Vy-nt yoo TOK-in ee'') ; One ticket to _____, please. : Tocyn i _____, os gwelwch yn dda. (''TOK-in ee ____ oss GWEL-ookh uhn thah'') ; Where does this train/bus go? : Ble mae'r trên/bws hwn yn mynd? (''blay mire trayn/boos hoon uhn mind?'') ; Where is the train/bus to _____? : Ble mae'r trên/bws i _____ ? (''blay mire trayn/boos i ____'') ; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : Ydy'r trên/bws hwn yn galw yn _____ ? (''Uh deer trayn/bws hoon uhn GA-loo uhn _____'') ; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : Pryd mae'r trên/bws i ______ yn gadael? (''preed mire trayn/boos i _______ un GAD-ile'') ; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : Pryd fydd y trên/bws hwn yn cyrraedd _____ ? (''preed veeth uh trayn/boos hoon un KUHR-ithe _____'') ;a one-way ticket: tocyn sengl ;a return/round trip ticket: tocyn dwy ffordd ====Directions==== ; Where is the _____? : Ble mae'r _____ ? (''blay my'r _____'') ; North : y Gogledd (''uh GOG-leth''') ; South : y De (''uh day'') ; East : y Dwyrain (''uh DOOY-rine'') ; West : y Gorllewin (''uh gor-LH'EW-in'') ====Taxi==== ; Taxi : Tacsi ===Lodging=== ; Hotel : Gwesty ; Bed & Breakfast : Gwely a Brecwast ; Campsite : Gwersyll, Maes Gwersylla ; tent : pabell (pl: pebyll) ; caravan : carafán ; self-catering : hunan arlwyo ===Money=== ; Pound : Punt ; Penny : Ceiniog ===Eating=== ; Milk : Llaeth (south), Llefrith (north) ; Bread : Bara ; Chips (fries) : Sglodion ; Fish : Pysgod ; Cheese : Caws ; Sausage : Selsig ; Cake : Cacen, Teisen ; Chocolate : Siocled ; Coffee : Coffi ; Tea : Te ; Water : Dŵr ===Bars=== ; Pub : Tafarn ; Cheers (''good health'') : Iechyd da ; Beer : Cwrw ; Bitter : Chwerw ; Real ale : Cwrw go iawn ; Wine : Gwin ; White wine : Gwin gwyn ; Red wine : Gwin coch ; Half a bottle : haner potel ; Crisps (''potato chips'') : Creision (Tatws) ; Nuts : Cnau ; whisky : chwisgi ; vodka : fodca ; rum : rym ===Shopping=== ; Shops : Siopau ; Shop : Siop ; Dairy : Llaethdy ; Bakery : Popty ; Butcher : Cigydd ; change : newid ; open : ar agor ; closed : ar gau ; buy : prynu ; sell : gwerthu ===Driving=== ; road : ffordd ; motorway : traffordd ; services : gwasanaethau ; car park : maes parcio ; insurance : yswiriant ; accident : damwain ; Is there a petrol station here? : Oes na orsaf petrol fan hyn? ; Where's the road to Pandy? : Ble mae'r ffordd i'r Pandy? ; The road via Gwersyllt is quicker. : Mae'r ffordd drwy Gwersyllt yn gyflymach. ; Try to avoid Cefn-y-Bedd. : Ceisiwch osgoi Cefn-y-Bedd. ; Is there a prettier route to Brymbo? : Oes ffordd perta i fynd i Frymbo? ; Turn left at the old steel works. : Trowch i'r chwith ger yr hen waith dur. ; There's nothing to see there. : Does dim byd yna i weld yno. ; There's a petrol station in Rossett but Sainsbury's is cheaper. : Mae na orsaf petrol yn Yr Orsedd ond mae Sainsbury's yn rhatach ; You can park in Heol Hyfryd for free. : Gewch chi barcio yn Heol Hyfryd am ddim. ; Don't park in Bryn Hyfryd it's a rough area. : Peidiwch â pharcio ym Mryn Hyfryd - mae'n ardal ryff. ===Authority=== ; Police : Heddlu ; Fire Station : Gorsaf Dân {{usablephrasebook}} {{phrasebookguide}} jyb0uc2ki17io6reijdqmnzfflb747h 4487795 4487688 2022-07-21T15:14:51Z ThunderingTyphoons! 106394 /* Lodging */Capitalisation wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wales banner Llyn Llydaw Snowdonia.jpg}} '''Welsh''' (''Cymraeg'') is a language spoken by 29% of the population, or around 870,000 people, in [[Wales]] (''Cymru''), according to a 2020 population survey. Welsh speakers are found in every part of Wales, but the highest percentages are in communities in the north and west of the country, where 50% or more use the language every day. There is a sizeable Welsh-speaking diaspora in the rest of the UK, but especially in [[England]] (''Lloegr''), along the border and in its larger cities. The language is also spoken by several thousand people in the [[Chubut]] province of [[Argentina]] (''yr Ariannin''), as well as by people scattered around the world. All Welsh speakers old enough to attend school in Wales also speak English, while those in Argentina speak Spanish. Welsh is a [[Celts|Celtic]] language closely related to [[Breton phrasebook|Breton]] and [[Cornwall#Talk|Cornish]], and more distantly to Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic. It has also adopted many loanwords from Latin, French, and English, although the spelling and pronunciation of such words has often been radically altered; for instance, the English verb ''to smoke'' and the Latin noun ''leo'' (lion) are barely recognisable as ''ysmygu'' or ''llew''. The Welsh of Patagonia (''Cymraeg y Wladfa'') has taken on some loanwords from Spanish not found in British dialects. ==Pronunciation guide== Welsh is a relatively phonetic language, with most letters having only one pronunciation. Complications may arise with the various consonantal digraphs, particularly "dd" which is represented in English as "th" as in "breathe", while "th" is represented in English as "th" as in "think"; "ll" is a famously difficult (and common) sound for non-Welsh speakers to produce - made by positioning the tongue at the top front of the mouth and blowing, and represented here as "lh". "Ch" is ''always'' pronounced like the German name "Bach" or the Scottish "loch"; the sound which appears in the English word ''"church"'' is represented by "ts". There are relatively minor pronunciation differences between northern and southern Welsh, most notably that "i" on the one hand and "u" and "y" are two distinct sounds on the other in the north, while in the south these letters are pronounced identically as the sound of "i". Unless overridden by an accent mark, the stress in Welsh words nearly always falls on the last but one syllable of a word. As syllables get added to words, for example to denote a plural or a female person of a particular occupation, the sound of a word can change dramatically. Welsh is written in a version of the Latin alphabet containing 28 letters, including 8 digraphs which count as separate letters for collating purposes (and crossword puzzles): a, b, c, ch, d, dd, e, f, ff, g, ng, h, i, l, ll, m, n, o, p, ph, r, rh, s, t, th, u, w, y. The letters j, v, x and z do not exist in normal Welsh usage, but have been adopted from English for limited use e.g. in personal names. "K" is regarded as redundant in Welsh as the sound is always represented by "c", but it is found in the prefix "kilo-", although "cilo-" is always acceptable. ===Vowels=== Vowels in Welsh can have accent marks, most commonly the circumflex (^), called the ''to bach (little roof)'', which lengthens the sound of the vowel, and the acute (´), which shortens it. Occasionally the diaresis appears, dividing two vowel sounds from each other. Vowel sounds tend to resemble those of major continental European languages rather than English. There are seven vowels in Welsh, which have both short and long forms. The following sounds are only approximations in English: ; a : like "p'''a'''t" ; â : like "f'''a'''ther" ; e : like "p'''e'''t" ; ê : like "p'''ea'''r" ; i : like "p'''i'''t" ; î : like "mach'''i'''ne" ; o : like "p'''o'''t" ; ô : "p'''o'''rt" ; u : like "p'''i'''t" (South Wales) :like a French "u" as in "t'''u'''" (North Wales) ; û : like "mach'''i'''ne" (South Wales) : longer version of French "u" as in "t'''u'''" (North Wales) ; w : like "u" in "p'''u'''t" ; ŵ : like "oo" as in "m'''oo'''n" ; y : when the only or last vowel in a word, like "i" in "p'''i'''t" : when earlier in a word, like "u" in "p'''u'''t" : NB: in a few common words, such as ''fy'' (my) and ''dy'' (your), '''y''' is pronounced as in "p'''u'''t" ; ŷ : like "mach'''i'''ne" ===Consonants=== ; b : like "b" in "'''b'''ed". ; c : like "c" in "'''c'''at". ; ch : like "ch" in German ''"''Ba'''ch'''''"'' or Scottish ''"''lo'''ch'''''"''. ; d : like "d" in "'''d'''eath". ; dd : like "th" in "'''th'''e". ; f : like "v" in "'''v'''an". ; ff : like "f" in "'''f'''un". ; g : like "g" in "'''g'''arden". ; ng : like "ng" in "po'''ng'''". Sometimes, like in "fi'''ng'''er". ; h : like "h" in "'''h'''eart". ; j : like "j" in "'''j'''ump" ; l : like "l" in "'''l'''ink". ; ll : place the tongue at the top of the mouth, and blow. ; m : like "m" in "'''m'''eet". ; n : like "n" in "'''n'''ews". ; p : like "p" in "'''p'''en". ; ph : like "ph" in "'''ph'''iloso'''ph'''y". ; r : like "r" in "'''r'''ed" (well rolled, as in Scottish pronunciation). ; rh : an aspirated, breathy "r". ; s : like "s" in "'''s'''tate". ; si + vowel (not a consonant, but a sound) : like "sh" in "'''sh'''ore". ; t : like "t" in "'''t'''ime". ; th : like "th" in "'''th'''ink". ; ts + vowel (not a consonant, but a sound) : like "ch" in "'''ch'''ocolate" ===Common diphthongs=== Only southern forms unless otherwise stated. English approximations are also given. ; ae : like "eye". ; ai : like "eye". ; au : like "aye", with a rounded closing sound. When used as the plural marker, often pronounced "ah" in the north and "eh" in the south. ; aw : like "ow!". ; ei : like "ey" in "hey!" ; eu : like "ey" in "hey!", but with a rounded closing sound. ; ew : like "eh-oo" said quickly. ; ey : like "ey" in "hey!". ; iw : like "you". ; oe : like "oy" in "boy". ; oi : like "oy" in "boy". ; ou : like "oy" in "boy". ; uw : like "you". ; wy : like "oo-ee". ; yw : like "you" (in monosyllables). ; yw : like "uh-oo" (in polysyllabics). The differences between some of the diphthongs are often very subtle. ==Grammar== Grammatically, Welsh is relatively complex with two grammatical genders, masculine and feminine, which all nouns are assigned to, and also masculine and feminine forms of the numbers "two" "three" and "four" which have to match the gender of the object being counted; there are also two separate counting systems, decimal (base 10) and the more traditional vigesimal (base 20). The phenomenon of ''mutation'' is a characteristic of the Celtic languages, where the initial letters of words change depending on the grammar of the sentence, which can make tracking words down in a dictionary difficult. ==Phrase list== ===Basics=== ; Hello. : Helo. (''Hello'') ; Hello. (''informal'') : S'mae. (''s-my'') (north) / Shwmae (''shoo-my?'') (south)) ; How are you? (''formal''): Sut ydych chi? (north) Shwd ych chi? (south) ; How are you? (''informal''): Sut wyt ti? (north) Shwd wyt ti? (south) ; Fine, thank you. : Iawn, diolch. (''yown, DEE-ol'ch'') ; What is your name? (''formal'') : Be' ydy'ch enw chi? (''bay UHdi'ch ENoo ch'ee?'') ; What is your name? (''informal'') : Be' ydy dy enw di? (''bay UHdi duh ENoo dee?'') ; My name is ______ . : ______ ydy f'enw i. (''_____ you ven-oo ee.'')(South) ______ (North) ; Nice to meet you. : Braf cwrdd â chi. (''Brahv corth ah khi'') ; Please. : Os gwelwch chi'n dda. (''Ahs guWELLuch in tha'') ; Thank you [very much]. : Diolch [yn fawr]. (''DEE-ol'ch [un vowr]'') ; You're welcome. : Croeso. (''CROY-so'') There are no exact equivalents of "yes" and "no" in Welsh; the concept is conveyed grammatically with regard to agreement between the person and tense by indicating agreement or disagreement e.g. "yes there is" or "no there is not", which is said in different ways depending on how the question was phrased. If the question begins "Oes...?" or "A oes...?" (''"Is there...?"'') then the reply is "oes" or "nac oes"; if the question begins "Ydy...?" (''"Is...?"'') then the reply is "ydy" or "nac ydy" etc ; Yes. : Ie (''ee-yeah'') ; No. : Na (''Nah'') ; Excuse me. (''getting attention'') : Esgusodwch fi. (''es-gis-OD-oo'ch vee'') ; Excuse me. (''begging pardon'') : Esgusodwch fi. (''es-gis-OD-oo'ch vee'') ; I'm sorry. : Mae'n ddrwg gen i. (''My uhn th'roog gen ee'') ; Goodbye (''Formal'') : Da bo chi. (''Da BO ch'ee'') ; Goodbye (''Informal'') : Hwyl! (''hooill'') ; I can't speak Welsh [well]. : Alla i ddim siarad Cymraeg [yn dda]. (''Alh'a ee thim SHARad kym-RYE-g [uhn tha]'') ; Do you speak English? : Ydych chi'n siarad Saesneg? (''UD-ich ch'een SHARad SAYES-neg?'') ; Is there someone here who speaks English? : Oes rhywun yma sy'n siarad Saesneg? (''Oyss RHEEW-in UMma seen SHARad SAYES-neg?'') ; Help! : Help! (''Help'') ; Look out! : Hendiwch! (''HEN-dyoo'ch!'') ; Good morning. : Bore da. (''BOR-eh dah'') ; Good afternoon. : Prynhawn da. (''PROINhaun dah'') (North) ; Good evening. : Noswaith dda. (''NOSS-why-th thah'') (South) (''NOSS-waith-thah'') (North) ; Good night. : Nos da. (''NOHS dah'') ; Good night (''to sleep'') : Nos da. (''NOHS dah'') ; I don't understand. : Dw i ddim yn ddeall. (''DWEE thim in THEEall'') ; Where is the toilet? : Ble mae'r tŷ bach? (''Blay my'r tee bahch?'') ===Problems=== ===Numbers=== ; 0 : dim (''dim'') ; 1 : un (''een'') ; 2 : dau (''die'') (m); dwy (''doo-ey'') (f) ; 3 : tri (''tree'') (m); tair (''tire'') (f) ; 4 : pedwar (''PED-war'') (m); pedair (''PED-ire'') (f) ; 5 : pump (''pimp''); pum (''pim'') before a noun ; 6 : chwech (''ch'way'ch''); chwe (''ch'way'') before a noun ; 7 : saith (''sayeth'') ; 8 : wyth (''oo-ith'') ; 9 : naw (''now'') ; 10 : deg (''day-g''); deng (''deng'') before a noun ;''From this point, the first term is the vigesimal form, the second is the decimal form. Replace "dau", "tri" and "pedwar" with "dwy", "tair", and "pedair" as appropriate.'' ; 11 : un ar ddeg (''een ar thayg''); un deg un ; 12 : deuddeg (''DAY-theg'') deuddeng (''DAY-theng'')before a noun; un deg dau ; 13 : tri ar ddeg (''tree ar thayg''); un deg tri ; 14 : pedwar ar ddeg (''PED-war ar thayg''); un deg pedwar ; 15 : pumtheg (''PUM-theg''), pumtheng (''PUM-theng'')before a noun; un deg pump ; 16 : un ar bymtheg (''een ar BUM-theg''); un deg chwech ; 17 : dau ar bymtheg (''die ar BUM-theg''); un deg saith ; 18 : deunaw (''DAY-now''); un deg wyth ; 19 : pedwar ar bymtheg (''PED-war ar BUM-theg''); un deg naw ; 20 : ugain (''IG-ine''); dau ddeg ; 21 : un ar hugain (''een ar IG-ine''); dau ddeg un ; 22 : dau ar hugain (''die ar HIG-ine''); dau ddeg dau ; 23 : tri ar hugain (''tree ar HIG-ine''); dau ddeg tri ; 30 : deg ar hugain (''DAYG ar HIG-ine''); tri ddeg ; 40 : deugain (''DAY-gine''); pedwar deg ; 50 : hanner cant (''HAN-ner kant''); pum deg ; 60 : trigain (''TRIG-ine''); chwe deg ; 70 : deg a thrigain (''DAYG ah THRIG-ine''); saith deg ; 80 : pedwar ugain (''PED-war IG-ine''); wyth deg ; 90 : deg a phedwar ugain (''DAYG ah FED-war IG-ine''); naw deg ; 91 : un ar ddeg a phedwar ugain (''een ar thayg ah FED-war IG-ine''); naw deg un ; 100 : cant (''KANT''); can (''can'') before a noun ; 200 : dau gant (''die gant'') ; 300 : tri chant (''tree ch'ant'') ; 1000 : mil (''meel'') ; 2000 : dwy fil (''doo-eey veel'') ; 1,000,000 : miliwn (''MIL-ioon'') ; number _____ (''train, bus, etc.'') : rhif _____ (''Rheev'') ; half : hanner (''HAN-ner'') ; less : llai (''lhie'') ; more : mwy (''moo-ee'') ===Time=== ; now : rŵan (''ROO-an'')[North]; nawr (''NOW-r'') [South] ; later : hwyrach (''HOOIR-ach'') ; before : cyn (''kin'') ; after : wedi (''weddy'') ; morning : bore (''BOR-eh'') ; in the morning : yn y bore (''un uh BOR-eh'') ; afternoon : prynhawn (''PRUN-hown'') - commonly pronounced ''p'nown'' ; evening : noswaith (''NOSooaith''); noson (''nosson'') ; in the evening: gyda'r nos (''Gudar nohs'') ; night : nos (''nohs'') ====Clock time==== ; one o'clock AM : un o'r gloch y bore (''een oh'r glo'ch uh bor-eh'') - 1:00 y.b.; 01:00 ; two o'clock AM : dau o'r gloch y bore (''die oh'r glo'ch uh bor-eh'') - 2:00 y.b.; 02:00 ; noon : hanner dydd (''HAN-ner DEE-th'') - 12:00 pm ; one o'clock PM, <nowiki>13:00</nowiki> : un o'r gloch y p'nawn (''een oh'r glo'ch uh p'nown'') - 1:00 y.p.; 13:00 ; two o'clock PM, <nowiki>14:00</nowiki> : dau o'r gloch y p'nawn (''die oh'r glo'ch uh p'nown'') - 2:00 y.p.; 14:00 ; quarter to seven, <nowiki>18:45</nowiki> : chwarter i saith - 6.45 y.h. ; quarter past seven, <nowiki>19:15</nowiki> : chwarter wedi saith - 7.15 y.h. ; half past seven, <nowiki>19:30</nowiki> :hanner wedi saith - 7:30 y.h. ; midnight : hanner nos (''HAN-ner nohs'') 12:00 y.b. ====Duration==== ; _____ minute(s) : _____ munud(au) (''MINNID(eh)'') ; _____ hour(s) : _____ awr, ''pl.'' oriau (''our'', plural ''OR-yai'') ; _____ day(s) : _____ dydd(iau) (''DEEth'', plural ''DUTH-yai'') ; _____ week(s) : _____ wythnos(au) (''OOITH-noss'', plural ''ooith-NOSS-eye'') ; _____ month(s) : _____ mis(oedd)(''mees'', plural ''MIS-oeth'') ; _____ year(s) : _____ blwyddyn, ''pl.'' blynyddoedd (''BLOOITH-in'', plural ''blun-UTH-oeth'') ; daily : yn ddyddiol (''uhn dhuh-iol'') ; weekly : yn wythnosol (''uhn ooith-NOSS-ol'') ; monthly : yn fisol (''uhn VIS-ol'') ; yearly : yn flynyddol (''uhn vluh-NUTH-ol'') ====Days==== ; today : heddiw (''HETH-you'') ; yesterday : ddoe (''THOY'') ; tomorrow : yfory (''uh-VOR-ee'') ; last night : neithiwr (''NAI-thee-uhr'') ; the day before yesterday : echdoe (''ECH-doy'') ; the night before last : echnos (''ECH-nos'') ; this week : yr wythnos hon (''uhr WITH-nos hon'') ; last week : yr wythnos diwethaf (''uhr WITH-nos xxx'') ; next week : yr wythnos nesaf (''uhr WITH-nos NESS-av'' ''(commonly pronounced "nessa'")'') ; Monday : Dydd Llun (''deeth lheen'') ; Tuesday : Dydd Mawrth (''deeth MOW-rth'') ; Wednesday : Dydd Mercher (''deeth MER-cher'') ; Thursday : Dydd Iau (''deeth IAI'') ; Friday : Dydd Gwener (''deeth GWEN-er'') ; Saturday : Dydd Sadwrn (''deeth SAD-oorn'') ; Sunday : Dydd Sul (''deeth seel'') ====Months==== ; January : Ionawr (''ION-our'') ; February : Chwefror (''CHWEV-ror'') ; March : Mawrth (''MOWRTH'') ; April : Ebrill (''EB-rilh'') ; May : Mai (''MY'') ; June : Mehefin (''me-HEV-in'') ; July : Gorffennaf (''gor-FEN-nav'') ; August : Awst (''OWST'') ; September : Medi (''MED-ee'') ; October : Hydref (''HUD-rev'') ; November : Tachwedd (''TACH-weth'') ; December : Rhagfyr (''RAG-vir'') It's sometimes necessary to put the word ''mis'' (month) in front of the name, as some have other common meanings. For instance, ''Mawrth'' means both "Tuesday" and "Mars", while ''hydref'' means "autumn". ====Writing time and date==== Dates are written day/month/year. So if you see 04-12-2003, you know that's ''y pedwerydd o Rhagfyr'', not April 12. A date (18-12-1963) fully spelled out is ''y deunawfed o Ragfyr mil naw chwe tri'' (you specify the number of thousands, then the individual number of the hundreds, tens, and units; for years from 2000 onwards say "dwy fil" (two thousand) followed by the significant number, omitting the zeroes - thus 2005 is "dwy fil a phump" (two thousand and five), compared with 1987 which was "mil naw wyth saith" ((one) thousand nine eight seven). The ordinals are as follows. The feminine form is given with feminine nouns. :1st - 1af, cyntaf :2nd - 2il, ail :3rd - 3ydd, trydydd (m.), trydedd (f.) :4th - 4ydd, pedwerydd (m.), pedwaredd (f.) :5th - 5ed, pumed :6th - 6ed, chweched :7th - 7fed, seithfed :8th - 8fed, wythfed :9th - 9fed, nawfed :10th - 10fed, degfed Times are either written in the 24 hour clock or with hours and minutes separated by a colon or dot and suffixed by "y.b." (y bore),"y.p." (y p'nawn) or "y.h." (yr hwyr) equivalent to "a.m." and "p.m.". ====Seasons==== ; spring : gwanwyn (''GWAN-win'') ; summer : haf (''haav'') ; autumn : hydref (''HUD-rev'') ; winter : gaeaf (''GAI-yav'') ===Colours=== ; black : du (''dee'') ; white : gwyn (m) / gwen (f) (''gwin/gwen'') ; grey : llwyd (''lh'oo-id'') ; red : coch (''KO'ch'') ; blue : glas (''glaas'') - ''note that this word is also used to describe the colour of grass.'' ; yellow : melyn (''MELLIN'') ; green : gwyrdd (m) / gwerdd (f) (''gwirth/gwer'th'') ; orange : oren (''ORRen'') ; pink : pinc (''pink'') ; purple : porffor ''or'' glascoch (''POR-for'' or ''GLASko'ch'') ; brown : brown (''brown'') ; silver : arian (''AR-yan'') ; gold : aur (''ire'') ===Transportation=== ====Bus and train==== ; How much is a ticket to _____? : Faint yw tocyn i _____ ? (''Vy-nt yoo TOK-in ee'') ; One ticket to _____, please. : Tocyn i _____, os gwelwch yn dda. (''TOK-in ee ____ oss GWEL-ookh uhn thah'') ; Where does this train/bus go? : Ble mae'r trên/bws hwn yn mynd? (''blay mire trayn/boos hoon uhn mind?'') ; Where is the train/bus to _____? : Ble mae'r trên/bws i _____ ? (''blay mire trayn/boos i ____'') ; Does this train/bus stop in _____? : Ydy'r trên/bws hwn yn galw yn _____ ? (''Uh deer trayn/bws hoon uhn GA-loo uhn _____'') ; When does the train/bus for _____ leave? : Pryd mae'r trên/bws i ______ yn gadael? (''preed mire trayn/boos i _______ un GAD-ile'') ; When will this train/bus arrive in _____? : Pryd fydd y trên/bws hwn yn cyrraedd _____ ? (''preed veeth uh trayn/boos hoon un KUHR-ithe _____'') ;a one-way ticket: tocyn sengl ;a return/round trip ticket: tocyn dwy ffordd ====Directions==== ; Where is the _____? : Ble mae'r _____ ? (''blay my'r _____'') ; North : y Gogledd (''uh GOG-leth''') ; South : y De (''uh day'') ; East : y Dwyrain (''uh DOOY-rine'') ; West : y Gorllewin (''uh gor-LH'EW-in'') ====Taxi==== ; Taxi : Tacsi ===Lodging=== ; hotel : gwesty ; bed & breakfast : gwely a brecwast ; campsite : gwersyll / maes gwersylla ; tent : pabell (pl: pebyll) ; caravan : carafán ; self-catering : hunan arlwyo ===Money=== ; Pound : Punt ; Penny : Ceiniog ===Eating=== ; Milk : Llaeth (south), Llefrith (north) ; Bread : Bara ; Chips (fries) : Sglodion ; Fish : Pysgod ; Cheese : Caws ; Sausage : Selsig ; Cake : Cacen, Teisen ; Chocolate : Siocled ; Coffee : Coffi ; Tea : Te ; Water : Dŵr ===Bars=== ; Pub : Tafarn ; Cheers (''good health'') : Iechyd da ; Beer : Cwrw ; Bitter : Chwerw ; Real ale : Cwrw go iawn ; Wine : Gwin ; White wine : Gwin gwyn ; Red wine : Gwin coch ; Half a bottle : haner potel ; Crisps (''potato chips'') : Creision (Tatws) ; Nuts : Cnau ; whisky : chwisgi ; vodka : fodca ; rum : rym ===Shopping=== ; Shops : Siopau ; Shop : Siop ; Dairy : Llaethdy ; Bakery : Popty ; Butcher : Cigydd ; change : newid ; open : ar agor ; closed : ar gau ; buy : prynu ; sell : gwerthu ===Driving=== ; road : ffordd ; motorway : traffordd ; services : gwasanaethau ; car park : maes parcio ; insurance : yswiriant ; accident : damwain ; Is there a petrol station here? : Oes na orsaf petrol fan hyn? ; Where's the road to Pandy? : Ble mae'r ffordd i'r Pandy? ; The road via Gwersyllt is quicker. : Mae'r ffordd drwy Gwersyllt yn gyflymach. ; Try to avoid Cefn-y-Bedd. : Ceisiwch osgoi Cefn-y-Bedd. ; Is there a prettier route to Brymbo? : Oes ffordd perta i fynd i Frymbo? ; Turn left at the old steel works. : Trowch i'r chwith ger yr hen waith dur. ; There's nothing to see there. : Does dim byd yna i weld yno. ; There's a petrol station in Rossett but Sainsbury's is cheaper. : Mae na orsaf petrol yn Yr Orsedd ond mae Sainsbury's yn rhatach ; You can park in Heol Hyfryd for free. : Gewch chi barcio yn Heol Hyfryd am ddim. ; Don't park in Bryn Hyfryd it's a rough area. : Peidiwch â pharcio ym Mryn Hyfryd - mae'n ardal ryff. ===Authority=== ; Police : Heddlu ; Fire Station : Gorsaf Dân {{usablephrasebook}} {{phrasebookguide}} sfjzksqd4jh2k9tohl8oh9lby0hv6ji 0 38857 4488116 4483316 2022-07-22T06:57:39Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Eat */ Copied to Kolkata as certain dishes mentioned there can also found in other parts of the state (even in my undisclosed city :-) ). wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:West Bengal in India (disputed hatched).svg|thumb|Map of West Bengal in India]] '''[https://www.wbtourismgov.in West Bengal]''' is a state in [[Eastern India]]. ==Regions== {{mapframe|height=600|staticmap=West Bengal Wikivoyage map.png}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[North Bengal]]|wikidata=Q1134759,Q1351487,Q28769140, Q2728658,Q4726845,Q2019766,Q533839, Q2049820}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Birbhum-Murshidabad]]|wikidata=Q2088440,Q1546240}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t3}}|title=[[Rarh]]|wikidata=Q2088458, Q307474, Q29257278, Q29215602}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[Southwest Bengal]]|wikidata=Q29168456,Q1855537,Q1431920}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t5}}|title=[[Southeast Bengal]]|wikidata=Q1143880,Q548518,Q1478937,Q2308319,Q338425,Q1348}} {{Regionlist |region1name = [[North Bengal]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1description=A gateway to [[North-Eastern India]], it is known for its wide range of animals and forests. |region2name = [[Birbhum-Murshidabad]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2description=Best known as the home of [[Murshidabad]] and [[Santiniketan]], Birbhum-Murshidabad is famous for its folk culture. |region3name = [[Rarh]] |region3color={{StdColor|t3}} |region3description=A historical region on the western fringe of West Bengal. |region4name = [[Southwest Bengal]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4description= |region5name = [[Southeast Bengal]] |region5color={{StdColor|t5}} |region5description=Home to the [[Kolkata|capital of West Bengal]]. }} ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Kolkata]] | lat=22.5435 |long=88.3342 | image=Indian_Museum.jpg |wikidata=Q1348}} (Calcutta) &mdash; centre of Bengali culture, the largest city in the state, current capital of West Bengal and former capital of British India until 1911, is known as the "City of Palaces" * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Baharampur]] | lat=24.1 |long=88.25 | image= |wikidata=Q633530}} (Berhampore) &mdash; a fortified British cantonment with Dutch, French, Mughal and Portuguese architecture and remniscences * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Bardhaman]] | lat=23.2403 |long=87.8674 | image=Sarbamangala_temple.jpg |wikidata=Q709267}} (Burdwan) &mdash; a major agricultural city * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Chandannagar]] | lat=22.8667 |long=88.3833 | image=Strand_Road_-_Chandan_Nagar_-_Hooghly_-_2013-05-19_7911.JPG }} (Chandernagore) &mdash; a former French colony * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Darjeeling]] | lat=27.0500 |long=88.2667 | image=Tea_plantation_Darjeeling.JPG |wikidata=Q169997}} &mdash; a beautiful hill station and centre of a major tea growing area * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Durgapur]] | lat=23.5354 |long=87.3022 | image= |wikidata=Q5088}} &mdash; an industrial city in the Rarh region * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Howrah]] | lat=22.59 |long=88.31 | image=Howrah_Bridge_et_les_ablutions_dans_la_Howrah.jpg |wikidata=Q205697}} &mdash; Kolkata's twin city, the second-largest in the state, with the largest railway complex in India * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Murshidabad]] | lat=24.18 |long=88.27 | image=Katra_debaditya_chatterjee.jpg |wikidata=Q1017175}} &mdash; former capital of Bengal under the Mughals * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Siliguri]] | lat=26.7265 |long=88.4152 | image=SIT.JPG |wikidata=Q5087}} &mdash; a major business and shopping centre and gateway for travellers to [[Sikkim]] and [[Northeastern India]] ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area]] | lat=23.21545 |long=86.11410 | image= }} &mdash; a low lying hill in tue Rarh region * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=Buxa Tiger Reserve |lat=26.62037 |long=89.52582 | image= }} &mdash; a forested area located in Buxa Hills is habitat for tigers, Asian elephants and other mammals plus a variety of birds, amphibians and reptiles * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gorumara National Park]] | lat=26.75636 |long=88.79748 | image=B. cyanea near Gorumara National Park.jpg }}, &mdash; rolling grasslands and forest is rich with herbivores such as the Indian rhinoceros and elephants birds, reptiles and amphibians * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sagar Island]] | lat=21.73 |long=88.12 | image= }} &mdash; deltaic island on the mouth of river Hooghly, a major pilgrimage site * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sandakphu - Phalut Trek]] | lat=27.10553 |long=88.00160 | image= }} &mdash; Sandakphu (3,636 metres) is the highest point in West Bengal and Phalut (3,600 metres) is the northern most point of West Bengal. The trek combines both these points offering great views of Kangchenjunga and several other snow peak including [[Mount Everest]]. * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Santiniketan]] | lat=23.6833 |long=87.6833 | image=Santiniketan_1.JPG }} &mdash; town of Rabindranath Tagore's university Visva Bharati and known for exotic handmade goods * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | lat=21.945000 |long=88.895833 | image=Sunderbans_059.jpg }} &mdash; a wildlife sanctuary with Royal Bengal Tigers and deer found in forests and mangrove swamps [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gour-Pandua|Gour]] | lat= 24.8748199 |long=88.1340191 | image= }} and {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gour-Pandua|Pandua]] | lat= 25.1524338 |long=88.1669475 | image= }} &mdash; Twin historical and heritage site near Malda town ==Understand== ===History=== West Bengal's history dates back before 20,000 years. The region was a part of the Vanga Kingdom, the kingdom of [[Magadha]]. Bengal had ancient trade relations with Burma ([[Myanmar]]), [[Thailand]] and [[Sumatra]]. She was invaded by Rajendra Chola I of Chola Dynasty between 1021 and 1023. During the 12th century Sufi missionaries arrived in Bengal, bringing along with them the message of Islam. Bakhtiar Khilji, a military commander from the [[Delhi]] Sultanate, overran Bengal between 1202 and 1206. Bengal was conquered by the Mughals in 1576. There were several independent Hindu states established in Bengal during the Mughal period like those of Maharaja Pratap Aditya of [[Jessore]] and Raja Sitaram Ray of Burdwan. Koch Bihar Kingdom in the northern Bengal flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries. European traders arrived late in the 15th century. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 saw the defeat of Siraj ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal. Bengal Presidency was established by 1765, eventually including all British territories north of the Central Provinces (now [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Chhattisgarh]]), from the mouths of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra to the Himalayas and the [[Punjab]] region. Calcutta was named the capital of British India in 1772. The Bengal Renaissance and Brahmo Samaj movement had great impact on the cultural and economic life of Bengal. There was a failed uprising against British rule in 1857 that resulted in the disbandment of the British East India Company. Between 1905 and 1911, attempts were made to divide the province of Bengal into two zones, to curb nationalism, but widespread protest forced the British to call it off. Bengal played a major role in the Indian independence movement, producing some of Indian's greatest revolutionaries including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. When India gained independence in 1947, Bengal was partitioned along religious lines. The western part remained in India as West Bengal while the eastern part joined [[Pakistan]] as East Bengal (later renamed East Pakistan, giving rise to independent [[Bangladesh]] in 1971). In 1950, the princely state of [[Cooch Behar]] merged with West Bengal. In 1955, the former French enclave of [[Chandannagar]] was integrated into West Bengal. The 1970s saw the rise of Left-Radicals in the name of Maoism, with a significant portion of the youth refusing to recognise the independence of 1947. Incidents surrounding the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 caused millions of refugees to influx into West Bengal, most of them Hindus. The Left Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), governed the state for the subsequent three decades, making it the longest serving democratically elected communist party in the world. Although they were defeated in the 2011 and later legislative elections, the Communists' imprint remains powerful on the state, with many streets named after Marx and other local and foreign revolutionary figures. ===Geography=== West Bengal is diverse in terms of geography and is distinctively unique for being the only state in India with mountains in the north and sea in the south, with vast stretches of plains, plateaus and deltas between them. The Eastern Himalaya range starts abruptly up from the Terai region near [[Siliguri]]. The region is further divided into two parts: the Singalila and Darjeeling ranges. The Singalila range is located along the border of [[Darjeeling]] and [[Nepal]]. [[Sandakphu]] at {{m|3,636}} is the highest point of West Bengal. Remnants of the Sivaliks can be seen in the [[Dooars]] region, where they are known as the Buxa-Jayanti Hills. The Terai is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas and forests at the base of the Himalaya range. The Dooars region stretching across the middle of the Terai belt are a conglomerate of tall grasslands, savannas and evergreen and deciduous forests. South of Terai region the plain of North Bengal starts and continues up to the left bank of the Ganges. It gets fed by rivers and rivulets originating in the Eastern Himalaya. The Rarh region lies south of the Ganges and east of the Chotanagpur plateau, eastern part of which is in West Bengal. Part of the Sunderbans is located in the vast deltaic region, South-East of the state. ===Climate=== West Bengal experiences 5 seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autmn and winter. Spring is short and more dominant in the northern region. Summer commences from the first week of March and continues till June. The weather remains hot and humid during the day, accompanied by cool breezes at night. The western highlands will experience a hot dry climate. Thunderstorms locally called ''Kalbaishakhi'' occurs late summer. Monsoon starts from July and ends late September, when torrential rainfall gives rise to severe floods in the south. Autmn is short, between October and mid-November. The retreating monsoon at this time may give rise to storms. Winter sets by late November and continues till Spring arrives in February, January being the coldest. The Himalayan region in the north experiences snowfall during winter, usually after mid-December. ====Temperature==== In the plains during summer the temperature ranges between 26 °C (79 °F) and 40 °C (104 °F) while winter experiences between 13 °C (55 °F) to 19 °C (66 °F). The [[Darjeeling Hills]] have average temperature of about 15 °C (59 °F) during summer and 2 °C (36 °F) during winter. ====Rainfall==== [[North Bengal]] receives the highest rainfall: 200-400 cm, the coastal region around 200 cm, while the western region 100-150 cm. Draught-like condition may occur in the districts of Purulia and Bankura. ==Talk== The official languages of the state are '''[[Bengali]]''' and '''English'''. '''[[Nepali]]''' is widely spoken in the [[Darjeeling Hills]]. '''[[Hindi]]''' is spoken in major cities, and you're likely to find a Hindi-speaker in [[Kolkata]]. Other commonly spoken languages include [[Santali]], [[Odia]], and [[Urdu]]. ==Get in== [[Kolkata]] is normally the gateway to the state, but there are entry points all around. ===By plane=== West Bengal has two international airports at [[Kolkata]] and [[Siliguri]] respectively. The state also has some smaller airports, among which Andal Airport at [[Durgapur]] has commercial operations. ===By train=== Railways link it with other states from all sides. ===By car=== Major road connections are NH 2 from [[Delhi]], NH 5 from [[Chennai]], NH 6 from [[Western India]] and NH 31 from [[Guwahati]]. Kolkata is also connected by the Golden Quadrilateral that joins the four metropolitan cities of the country (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai). ===By boat=== Major ports are Kolkata and Haldia, and there are a number of smaller ports. ==Get around== Within the state the main transport links are trains and buses. Taxis and hired cars are available in most places. ===By train=== West Bengal is part of the three zones of Indian Railways: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Eastern Railway (ER) and South Eastern Railway (SER). Apart from the mail and express trains coming from outside the state (they are generally very crowded), there are a number of fast trains within the state and a large number of passenger trains and locals (mostly around Kolkata). ==See== West Bengal has numerous independent theatre groups locally called "Jatra dol" (travelling group/band), who perform shows mostly in the rural areas. Foreigners, not familiar with the dialect spoken, can enjoy the atmosphere surrounding these events, as fairs organized by local inhabitants, merchants and craftsmen often accompany such gatherings.<br /> Kolkata has many established theatre houses, which host events by international theatre groups frequently. Such events draw people from around the globe as it offers a unique opportunity to share culture and ideas.<br/> Museums of various discipline are located in the Southeastern region. Several science museums and technology demonstration institutions are scattered across the state. <br /> The Himalaya in the north offers a great number of destinations and tourist spots. Wildlife sanctuaries also have resorts scattered on their periphery. <br /> Monuments and places of worship had been influenced by several culture, their distinct architecture also speaks of the time of their construction. British influence had led to the construction of many buildings featuring European style architecture, few noteworthy of them carries a Gothic influence. ===World Heritage Site=== * [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] *[[Sundarbans National Park]] ==Do== * {{do | name= Adda| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content= "Adda" is a term Bengalis use for freestyle intellectual verbal information sharing. It is a common sight in Bengal to find groups engaged in rigorous discussion and debates, though more notably in Calcutta. Such gathering always welcome anyone who wishes to join them. It offers a great opportunity to learn more about the local customs, the people and their views on different things and happenings in and around West Bengal.English speaking travellers can visit Nandan film complex anytime of the day to find the place brimming with such activities. People from various age groups will happily invite foreign tourists to join their discussions and share thoughts, ideas and experience. }} * {{do | name=Boat ride | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Boatmen usually demand ₹ 500 for an hour. Price is negotiable through bargaining | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=Take a boat ride across the Hooghly River, or hire a small boat and spend the evening discovering the banks of the river around Kolkata, Howrah, Diamond Harbour, Chandannagar or Murshidabad. }} ==Eat== [[File:Luchi&alurdom.jpg|thumbnail|Traditional Bengali breakfast comprising of luchis with alur dom, dal and sandesh.]] Bengal is famous for fish preparations and sweet-meat but some of the vegetarian dishes are also a speciality. In earlier centuries widows were prohibited from taking anything other than vegetarian food (predominantly they still are but now rules are being broken) and they were principal chefs in large homes. They developed the vegetarian dishes extensively. Bengali food is centred around fish. ''Macher jhol'', fish in curry gravy, is a watery fish curry available everywhere and goes well with rice, but Bengalis everywhere swear by the ''hilsa'' fish (a variant of shad). Hilsa, lightly marinaded in mustard and steamed is up there with the best fish dishes in the world. There are a number of restaurants serving Bengali cuisine in all the districts. Bengali sweets are famous all over India. ''Roshogolla'' (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), ''pantua'', a fried variant of the same, ''roshomalai'', the same cheeseballs dipped in creamy sweetened milk, ''mishti doi'' (sweet yoghurt), ''shondesh'' (another type of milk-based sweet, available in several variations). In a big city such as Kolkata one will get all types of food from any part of the country. Even one can get Chinese, Thai and continental. In most of the other towns, one can mostly find Bengali hotel and restaurants, though Punjabi, North Indian and South Indian outlets are also available. Mughlai dishes are very popular. ==Drink== There are plenty of bars across the state. ==Stay safe== West Bengal is very safe for foreigners. People are friendly and accept people of different cultures warmly. As a foreigner you might find people staring at you but they are just curious. But if you notice anything objectionable in their behaviour with you, face them boldly and ask for help. People are helpful and you will have them coming to your rescue. You may also call the police. But people on the roads are helpful to foreigners and they can be relied upon. West Bengal is a very politically active state. You may witness clashes, which most often occur between students of fronts affiliated to the ruling party and the opposition parties. It is better to stay out of the matter and leave the area, as even the police sometimes get involved. ==Respect== Although West Bengal has a lot in common with [[Bangladesh]], don't treat it as a part of Bangladesh, It can be considered offensive. The Indian rupee is commonly known as ''taka'' in West Bengal. It is not to be confused with the Bangladeshi taka. The various respect tips in the [[Bangladesh#Respect|Bangladesh]] article apply here, except that the state is Hindu-majority. {{IsPartOf|Eastern India}} [[la:Bengala Occidentalis]] {{usableregion}} {{geo|22.566666666667|88.366666666667|zoom=8}} 695o7itfnbsi8f7h1e07hha1ewwgifu 4488117 4488116 2022-07-22T06:59:02Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Eat */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:West Bengal in India (disputed hatched).svg|thumb|Map of West Bengal in India]] '''[https://www.wbtourismgov.in West Bengal]''' is a state in [[Eastern India]]. ==Regions== {{mapframe|height=600|staticmap=West Bengal Wikivoyage map.png}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[North Bengal]]|wikidata=Q1134759,Q1351487,Q28769140, Q2728658,Q4726845,Q2019766,Q533839, Q2049820}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Birbhum-Murshidabad]]|wikidata=Q2088440,Q1546240}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t3}}|title=[[Rarh]]|wikidata=Q2088458, Q307474, Q29257278, Q29215602}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[Southwest Bengal]]|wikidata=Q29168456,Q1855537,Q1431920}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t5}}|title=[[Southeast Bengal]]|wikidata=Q1143880,Q548518,Q1478937,Q2308319,Q338425,Q1348}} {{Regionlist |region1name = [[North Bengal]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1description=A gateway to [[North-Eastern India]], it is known for its wide range of animals and forests. |region2name = [[Birbhum-Murshidabad]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2description=Best known as the home of [[Murshidabad]] and [[Santiniketan]], Birbhum-Murshidabad is famous for its folk culture. |region3name = [[Rarh]] |region3color={{StdColor|t3}} |region3description=A historical region on the western fringe of West Bengal. |region4name = [[Southwest Bengal]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4description= |region5name = [[Southeast Bengal]] |region5color={{StdColor|t5}} |region5description=Home to the [[Kolkata|capital of West Bengal]]. }} ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Kolkata]] | lat=22.5435 |long=88.3342 | image=Indian_Museum.jpg |wikidata=Q1348}} (Calcutta) &mdash; centre of Bengali culture, the largest city in the state, current capital of West Bengal and former capital of British India until 1911, is known as the "City of Palaces" * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Baharampur]] | lat=24.1 |long=88.25 | image= |wikidata=Q633530}} (Berhampore) &mdash; a fortified British cantonment with Dutch, French, Mughal and Portuguese architecture and remniscences * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Bardhaman]] | lat=23.2403 |long=87.8674 | image=Sarbamangala_temple.jpg |wikidata=Q709267}} (Burdwan) &mdash; a major agricultural city * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Chandannagar]] | lat=22.8667 |long=88.3833 | image=Strand_Road_-_Chandan_Nagar_-_Hooghly_-_2013-05-19_7911.JPG }} (Chandernagore) &mdash; a former French colony * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Darjeeling]] | lat=27.0500 |long=88.2667 | image=Tea_plantation_Darjeeling.JPG |wikidata=Q169997}} &mdash; a beautiful hill station and centre of a major tea growing area * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Durgapur]] | lat=23.5354 |long=87.3022 | image= |wikidata=Q5088}} &mdash; an industrial city in the Rarh region * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Howrah]] | lat=22.59 |long=88.31 | image=Howrah_Bridge_et_les_ablutions_dans_la_Howrah.jpg |wikidata=Q205697}} &mdash; Kolkata's twin city, the second-largest in the state, with the largest railway complex in India * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Murshidabad]] | lat=24.18 |long=88.27 | image=Katra_debaditya_chatterjee.jpg |wikidata=Q1017175}} &mdash; former capital of Bengal under the Mughals * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Siliguri]] | lat=26.7265 |long=88.4152 | image=SIT.JPG |wikidata=Q5087}} &mdash; a major business and shopping centre and gateway for travellers to [[Sikkim]] and [[Northeastern India]] ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area]] | lat=23.21545 |long=86.11410 | image= }} &mdash; a low lying hill in tue Rarh region * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=Buxa Tiger Reserve |lat=26.62037 |long=89.52582 | image= }} &mdash; a forested area located in Buxa Hills is habitat for tigers, Asian elephants and other mammals plus a variety of birds, amphibians and reptiles * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gorumara National Park]] | lat=26.75636 |long=88.79748 | image=B. cyanea near Gorumara National Park.jpg }}, &mdash; rolling grasslands and forest is rich with herbivores such as the Indian rhinoceros and elephants birds, reptiles and amphibians * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sagar Island]] | lat=21.73 |long=88.12 | image= }} &mdash; deltaic island on the mouth of river Hooghly, a major pilgrimage site * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sandakphu - Phalut Trek]] | lat=27.10553 |long=88.00160 | image= }} &mdash; Sandakphu (3,636 metres) is the highest point in West Bengal and Phalut (3,600 metres) is the northern most point of West Bengal. The trek combines both these points offering great views of Kangchenjunga and several other snow peak including [[Mount Everest]]. * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Santiniketan]] | lat=23.6833 |long=87.6833 | image=Santiniketan_1.JPG }} &mdash; town of Rabindranath Tagore's university Visva Bharati and known for exotic handmade goods * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | lat=21.945000 |long=88.895833 | image=Sunderbans_059.jpg }} &mdash; a wildlife sanctuary with Royal Bengal Tigers and deer found in forests and mangrove swamps [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gour-Pandua|Gour]] | lat= 24.8748199 |long=88.1340191 | image= }} and {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gour-Pandua|Pandua]] | lat= 25.1524338 |long=88.1669475 | image= }} &mdash; Twin historical and heritage site near Malda town ==Understand== ===History=== West Bengal's history dates back before 20,000 years. The region was a part of the Vanga Kingdom, the kingdom of [[Magadha]]. Bengal had ancient trade relations with Burma ([[Myanmar]]), [[Thailand]] and [[Sumatra]]. She was invaded by Rajendra Chola I of Chola Dynasty between 1021 and 1023. During the 12th century Sufi missionaries arrived in Bengal, bringing along with them the message of Islam. Bakhtiar Khilji, a military commander from the [[Delhi]] Sultanate, overran Bengal between 1202 and 1206. Bengal was conquered by the Mughals in 1576. There were several independent Hindu states established in Bengal during the Mughal period like those of Maharaja Pratap Aditya of [[Jessore]] and Raja Sitaram Ray of Burdwan. Koch Bihar Kingdom in the northern Bengal flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries. European traders arrived late in the 15th century. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 saw the defeat of Siraj ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal. Bengal Presidency was established by 1765, eventually including all British territories north of the Central Provinces (now [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Chhattisgarh]]), from the mouths of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra to the Himalayas and the [[Punjab]] region. Calcutta was named the capital of British India in 1772. The Bengal Renaissance and Brahmo Samaj movement had great impact on the cultural and economic life of Bengal. There was a failed uprising against British rule in 1857 that resulted in the disbandment of the British East India Company. Between 1905 and 1911, attempts were made to divide the province of Bengal into two zones, to curb nationalism, but widespread protest forced the British to call it off. Bengal played a major role in the Indian independence movement, producing some of Indian's greatest revolutionaries including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. When India gained independence in 1947, Bengal was partitioned along religious lines. The western part remained in India as West Bengal while the eastern part joined [[Pakistan]] as East Bengal (later renamed East Pakistan, giving rise to independent [[Bangladesh]] in 1971). In 1950, the princely state of [[Cooch Behar]] merged with West Bengal. In 1955, the former French enclave of [[Chandannagar]] was integrated into West Bengal. The 1970s saw the rise of Left-Radicals in the name of Maoism, with a significant portion of the youth refusing to recognise the independence of 1947. Incidents surrounding the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 caused millions of refugees to influx into West Bengal, most of them Hindus. The Left Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), governed the state for the subsequent three decades, making it the longest serving democratically elected communist party in the world. Although they were defeated in the 2011 and later legislative elections, the Communists' imprint remains powerful on the state, with many streets named after Marx and other local and foreign revolutionary figures. ===Geography=== West Bengal is diverse in terms of geography and is distinctively unique for being the only state in India with mountains in the north and sea in the south, with vast stretches of plains, plateaus and deltas between them. The Eastern Himalaya range starts abruptly up from the Terai region near [[Siliguri]]. The region is further divided into two parts: the Singalila and Darjeeling ranges. The Singalila range is located along the border of [[Darjeeling]] and [[Nepal]]. [[Sandakphu]] at {{m|3,636}} is the highest point of West Bengal. Remnants of the Sivaliks can be seen in the [[Dooars]] region, where they are known as the Buxa-Jayanti Hills. The Terai is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas and forests at the base of the Himalaya range. The Dooars region stretching across the middle of the Terai belt are a conglomerate of tall grasslands, savannas and evergreen and deciduous forests. South of Terai region the plain of North Bengal starts and continues up to the left bank of the Ganges. It gets fed by rivers and rivulets originating in the Eastern Himalaya. The Rarh region lies south of the Ganges and east of the Chotanagpur plateau, eastern part of which is in West Bengal. Part of the Sunderbans is located in the vast deltaic region, South-East of the state. ===Climate=== West Bengal experiences 5 seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autmn and winter. Spring is short and more dominant in the northern region. Summer commences from the first week of March and continues till June. The weather remains hot and humid during the day, accompanied by cool breezes at night. The western highlands will experience a hot dry climate. Thunderstorms locally called ''Kalbaishakhi'' occurs late summer. Monsoon starts from July and ends late September, when torrential rainfall gives rise to severe floods in the south. Autmn is short, between October and mid-November. The retreating monsoon at this time may give rise to storms. Winter sets by late November and continues till Spring arrives in February, January being the coldest. The Himalayan region in the north experiences snowfall during winter, usually after mid-December. ====Temperature==== In the plains during summer the temperature ranges between 26 °C (79 °F) and 40 °C (104 °F) while winter experiences between 13 °C (55 °F) to 19 °C (66 °F). The [[Darjeeling Hills]] have average temperature of about 15 °C (59 °F) during summer and 2 °C (36 °F) during winter. ====Rainfall==== [[North Bengal]] receives the highest rainfall: 200-400 cm, the coastal region around 200 cm, while the western region 100-150 cm. Draught-like condition may occur in the districts of Purulia and Bankura. ==Talk== The official languages of the state are '''[[Bengali]]''' and '''English'''. '''[[Nepali]]''' is widely spoken in the [[Darjeeling Hills]]. '''[[Hindi]]''' is spoken in major cities, and you're likely to find a Hindi-speaker in [[Kolkata]]. Other commonly spoken languages include [[Santali]], [[Odia]], and [[Urdu]]. ==Get in== [[Kolkata]] is normally the gateway to the state, but there are entry points all around. ===By plane=== West Bengal has two international airports at [[Kolkata]] and [[Siliguri]] respectively. The state also has some smaller airports, among which Andal Airport at [[Durgapur]] has commercial operations. ===By train=== Railways link it with other states from all sides. ===By car=== Major road connections are NH 2 from [[Delhi]], NH 5 from [[Chennai]], NH 6 from [[Western India]] and NH 31 from [[Guwahati]]. Kolkata is also connected by the Golden Quadrilateral that joins the four metropolitan cities of the country (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai). ===By boat=== Major ports are Kolkata and Haldia, and there are a number of smaller ports. ==Get around== Within the state the main transport links are trains and buses. Taxis and hired cars are available in most places. ===By train=== West Bengal is part of the three zones of Indian Railways: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Eastern Railway (ER) and South Eastern Railway (SER). Apart from the mail and express trains coming from outside the state (they are generally very crowded), there are a number of fast trains within the state and a large number of passenger trains and locals (mostly around Kolkata). ==See== West Bengal has numerous independent theatre groups locally called "Jatra dol" (travelling group/band), who perform shows mostly in the rural areas. Foreigners, not familiar with the dialect spoken, can enjoy the atmosphere surrounding these events, as fairs organized by local inhabitants, merchants and craftsmen often accompany such gatherings.<br /> Kolkata has many established theatre houses, which host events by international theatre groups frequently. Such events draw people from around the globe as it offers a unique opportunity to share culture and ideas.<br/> Museums of various discipline are located in the Southeastern region. Several science museums and technology demonstration institutions are scattered across the state. <br /> The Himalaya in the north offers a great number of destinations and tourist spots. Wildlife sanctuaries also have resorts scattered on their periphery. <br /> Monuments and places of worship had been influenced by several culture, their distinct architecture also speaks of the time of their construction. British influence had led to the construction of many buildings featuring European style architecture, few noteworthy of them carries a Gothic influence. ===World Heritage Site=== * [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] *[[Sundarbans National Park]] ==Do== * {{do | name= Adda| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content= "Adda" is a term Bengalis use for freestyle intellectual verbal information sharing. It is a common sight in Bengal to find groups engaged in rigorous discussion and debates, though more notably in Calcutta. Such gathering always welcome anyone who wishes to join them. It offers a great opportunity to learn more about the local customs, the people and their views on different things and happenings in and around West Bengal.English speaking travellers can visit Nandan film complex anytime of the day to find the place brimming with such activities. People from various age groups will happily invite foreign tourists to join their discussions and share thoughts, ideas and experience. }} * {{do | name=Boat ride | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Boatmen usually demand ₹ 500 for an hour. Price is negotiable through bargaining | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=Take a boat ride across the Hooghly River, or hire a small boat and spend the evening discovering the banks of the river around Kolkata, Howrah, Diamond Harbour, Chandannagar or Murshidabad. }} ==Eat== [[File:Luchi&alurdom.jpg|thumbnail|Traditional Bengali breakfast comprising of ''luchi'' with ''alur dom'', ''dal'' and ''shondesh''.]] Bengal is famous for fish preparations and sweet meat but some of the vegetarian dishes are also a speciality. In earlier centuries widows were prohibited from taking anything other than vegetarian food (predominantly they still are but now rules are being broken) and they were principal chefs in large homes. They developed vegetarian dishes extensively. Bengali cuisine is centred around fish. ''Macher jhol'', fish in curry gravy, is a watery fish curry available everywhere and goes well with rice, but Bengalis everywhere swear by the ''hilsa'' fish (a variant of shad). Hilsa, lightly marinaded in mustard and steamed is up there with the best fish dishes in the world. Bengali sweets are famous all over India. ''Roshogolla'' (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), ''pantua'', a fried variant of the same, ''roshomalai'', the same cheeseballs dipped in creamy sweetened milk, ''mishti doi'' (sweet yoghurt), ''shondesh'' (another type of milk-based sweet, available in several variations). In a big city such as Kolkata one will get all types of food from any part of the country. Even one can get Chinese, Thai and continental. In most of the other towns, one can mostly find Bengali hotel and restaurants, though Punjabi, North Indian and South Indian outlets are also available. Mughlai dishes are very popular. ==Drink== There are plenty of bars across the state. ==Stay safe== West Bengal is very safe for foreigners. People are friendly and accept people of different cultures warmly. As a foreigner you might find people staring at you but they are just curious. But if you notice anything objectionable in their behaviour with you, face them boldly and ask for help. People are helpful and you will have them coming to your rescue. You may also call the police. But people on the roads are helpful to foreigners and they can be relied upon. West Bengal is a very politically active state. You may witness clashes, which most often occur between students of fronts affiliated to the ruling party and the opposition parties. It is better to stay out of the matter and leave the area, as even the police sometimes get involved. ==Respect== Although West Bengal has a lot in common with [[Bangladesh]], don't treat it as a part of Bangladesh, It can be considered offensive. The Indian rupee is commonly known as ''taka'' in West Bengal. It is not to be confused with the Bangladeshi taka. The various respect tips in the [[Bangladesh#Respect|Bangladesh]] article apply here, except that the state is Hindu-majority. {{IsPartOf|Eastern India}} [[la:Bengala Occidentalis]] {{usableregion}} {{geo|22.566666666667|88.366666666667|zoom=8}} 2fky4fhfh2rx2inji1eu2bvkckntd8k 4488118 4488117 2022-07-22T06:59:30Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Eat */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:West Bengal in India (disputed hatched).svg|thumb|Map of West Bengal in India]] '''[https://www.wbtourismgov.in West Bengal]''' is a state in [[Eastern India]]. ==Regions== {{mapframe|height=600|staticmap=West Bengal Wikivoyage map.png}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[North Bengal]]|wikidata=Q1134759,Q1351487,Q28769140, Q2728658,Q4726845,Q2019766,Q533839, Q2049820}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Birbhum-Murshidabad]]|wikidata=Q2088440,Q1546240}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t3}}|title=[[Rarh]]|wikidata=Q2088458, Q307474, Q29257278, Q29215602}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[Southwest Bengal]]|wikidata=Q29168456,Q1855537,Q1431920}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t5}}|title=[[Southeast Bengal]]|wikidata=Q1143880,Q548518,Q1478937,Q2308319,Q338425,Q1348}} {{Regionlist |region1name = [[North Bengal]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1description=A gateway to [[North-Eastern India]], it is known for its wide range of animals and forests. |region2name = [[Birbhum-Murshidabad]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2description=Best known as the home of [[Murshidabad]] and [[Santiniketan]], Birbhum-Murshidabad is famous for its folk culture. |region3name = [[Rarh]] |region3color={{StdColor|t3}} |region3description=A historical region on the western fringe of West Bengal. |region4name = [[Southwest Bengal]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4description= |region5name = [[Southeast Bengal]] |region5color={{StdColor|t5}} |region5description=Home to the [[Kolkata|capital of West Bengal]]. }} ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Kolkata]] | lat=22.5435 |long=88.3342 | image=Indian_Museum.jpg |wikidata=Q1348}} (Calcutta) &mdash; centre of Bengali culture, the largest city in the state, current capital of West Bengal and former capital of British India until 1911, is known as the "City of Palaces" * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Baharampur]] | lat=24.1 |long=88.25 | image= |wikidata=Q633530}} (Berhampore) &mdash; a fortified British cantonment with Dutch, French, Mughal and Portuguese architecture and remniscences * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Bardhaman]] | lat=23.2403 |long=87.8674 | image=Sarbamangala_temple.jpg |wikidata=Q709267}} (Burdwan) &mdash; a major agricultural city * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Chandannagar]] | lat=22.8667 |long=88.3833 | image=Strand_Road_-_Chandan_Nagar_-_Hooghly_-_2013-05-19_7911.JPG }} (Chandernagore) &mdash; a former French colony * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Darjeeling]] | lat=27.0500 |long=88.2667 | image=Tea_plantation_Darjeeling.JPG |wikidata=Q169997}} &mdash; a beautiful hill station and centre of a major tea growing area * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Durgapur]] | lat=23.5354 |long=87.3022 | image= |wikidata=Q5088}} &mdash; an industrial city in the Rarh region * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Howrah]] | lat=22.59 |long=88.31 | image=Howrah_Bridge_et_les_ablutions_dans_la_Howrah.jpg |wikidata=Q205697}} &mdash; Kolkata's twin city, the second-largest in the state, with the largest railway complex in India * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Murshidabad]] | lat=24.18 |long=88.27 | image=Katra_debaditya_chatterjee.jpg |wikidata=Q1017175}} &mdash; former capital of Bengal under the Mughals * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Siliguri]] | lat=26.7265 |long=88.4152 | image=SIT.JPG |wikidata=Q5087}} &mdash; a major business and shopping centre and gateway for travellers to [[Sikkim]] and [[Northeastern India]] ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area]] | lat=23.21545 |long=86.11410 | image= }} &mdash; a low lying hill in tue Rarh region * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=Buxa Tiger Reserve |lat=26.62037 |long=89.52582 | image= }} &mdash; a forested area located in Buxa Hills is habitat for tigers, Asian elephants and other mammals plus a variety of birds, amphibians and reptiles * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gorumara National Park]] | lat=26.75636 |long=88.79748 | image=B. cyanea near Gorumara National Park.jpg }}, &mdash; rolling grasslands and forest is rich with herbivores such as the Indian rhinoceros and elephants birds, reptiles and amphibians * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sagar Island]] | lat=21.73 |long=88.12 | image= }} &mdash; deltaic island on the mouth of river Hooghly, a major pilgrimage site * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sandakphu - Phalut Trek]] | lat=27.10553 |long=88.00160 | image= }} &mdash; Sandakphu (3,636 metres) is the highest point in West Bengal and Phalut (3,600 metres) is the northern most point of West Bengal. The trek combines both these points offering great views of Kangchenjunga and several other snow peak including [[Mount Everest]]. * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Santiniketan]] | lat=23.6833 |long=87.6833 | image=Santiniketan_1.JPG }} &mdash; town of Rabindranath Tagore's university Visva Bharati and known for exotic handmade goods * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | lat=21.945000 |long=88.895833 | image=Sunderbans_059.jpg }} &mdash; a wildlife sanctuary with Royal Bengal Tigers and deer found in forests and mangrove swamps [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gour-Pandua|Gour]] | lat= 24.8748199 |long=88.1340191 | image= }} and {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gour-Pandua|Pandua]] | lat= 25.1524338 |long=88.1669475 | image= }} &mdash; Twin historical and heritage site near Malda town ==Understand== ===History=== West Bengal's history dates back before 20,000 years. The region was a part of the Vanga Kingdom, the kingdom of [[Magadha]]. Bengal had ancient trade relations with Burma ([[Myanmar]]), [[Thailand]] and [[Sumatra]]. She was invaded by Rajendra Chola I of Chola Dynasty between 1021 and 1023. During the 12th century Sufi missionaries arrived in Bengal, bringing along with them the message of Islam. Bakhtiar Khilji, a military commander from the [[Delhi]] Sultanate, overran Bengal between 1202 and 1206. Bengal was conquered by the Mughals in 1576. There were several independent Hindu states established in Bengal during the Mughal period like those of Maharaja Pratap Aditya of [[Jessore]] and Raja Sitaram Ray of Burdwan. Koch Bihar Kingdom in the northern Bengal flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries. European traders arrived late in the 15th century. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 saw the defeat of Siraj ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal. Bengal Presidency was established by 1765, eventually including all British territories north of the Central Provinces (now [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Chhattisgarh]]), from the mouths of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra to the Himalayas and the [[Punjab]] region. Calcutta was named the capital of British India in 1772. The Bengal Renaissance and Brahmo Samaj movement had great impact on the cultural and economic life of Bengal. There was a failed uprising against British rule in 1857 that resulted in the disbandment of the British East India Company. Between 1905 and 1911, attempts were made to divide the province of Bengal into two zones, to curb nationalism, but widespread protest forced the British to call it off. Bengal played a major role in the Indian independence movement, producing some of Indian's greatest revolutionaries including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. When India gained independence in 1947, Bengal was partitioned along religious lines. The western part remained in India as West Bengal while the eastern part joined [[Pakistan]] as East Bengal (later renamed East Pakistan, giving rise to independent [[Bangladesh]] in 1971). In 1950, the princely state of [[Cooch Behar]] merged with West Bengal. In 1955, the former French enclave of [[Chandannagar]] was integrated into West Bengal. The 1970s saw the rise of Left-Radicals in the name of Maoism, with a significant portion of the youth refusing to recognise the independence of 1947. Incidents surrounding the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 caused millions of refugees to influx into West Bengal, most of them Hindus. The Left Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), governed the state for the subsequent three decades, making it the longest serving democratically elected communist party in the world. Although they were defeated in the 2011 and later legislative elections, the Communists' imprint remains powerful on the state, with many streets named after Marx and other local and foreign revolutionary figures. ===Geography=== West Bengal is diverse in terms of geography and is distinctively unique for being the only state in India with mountains in the north and sea in the south, with vast stretches of plains, plateaus and deltas between them. The Eastern Himalaya range starts abruptly up from the Terai region near [[Siliguri]]. The region is further divided into two parts: the Singalila and Darjeeling ranges. The Singalila range is located along the border of [[Darjeeling]] and [[Nepal]]. [[Sandakphu]] at {{m|3,636}} is the highest point of West Bengal. Remnants of the Sivaliks can be seen in the [[Dooars]] region, where they are known as the Buxa-Jayanti Hills. The Terai is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas and forests at the base of the Himalaya range. The Dooars region stretching across the middle of the Terai belt are a conglomerate of tall grasslands, savannas and evergreen and deciduous forests. South of Terai region the plain of North Bengal starts and continues up to the left bank of the Ganges. It gets fed by rivers and rivulets originating in the Eastern Himalaya. The Rarh region lies south of the Ganges and east of the Chotanagpur plateau, eastern part of which is in West Bengal. Part of the Sunderbans is located in the vast deltaic region, South-East of the state. ===Climate=== West Bengal experiences 5 seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autmn and winter. Spring is short and more dominant in the northern region. Summer commences from the first week of March and continues till June. The weather remains hot and humid during the day, accompanied by cool breezes at night. The western highlands will experience a hot dry climate. Thunderstorms locally called ''Kalbaishakhi'' occurs late summer. Monsoon starts from July and ends late September, when torrential rainfall gives rise to severe floods in the south. Autmn is short, between October and mid-November. The retreating monsoon at this time may give rise to storms. Winter sets by late November and continues till Spring arrives in February, January being the coldest. The Himalayan region in the north experiences snowfall during winter, usually after mid-December. ====Temperature==== In the plains during summer the temperature ranges between 26 °C (79 °F) and 40 °C (104 °F) while winter experiences between 13 °C (55 °F) to 19 °C (66 °F). The [[Darjeeling Hills]] have average temperature of about 15 °C (59 °F) during summer and 2 °C (36 °F) during winter. ====Rainfall==== [[North Bengal]] receives the highest rainfall: 200-400 cm, the coastal region around 200 cm, while the western region 100-150 cm. Draught-like condition may occur in the districts of Purulia and Bankura. ==Talk== The official languages of the state are '''[[Bengali]]''' and '''English'''. '''[[Nepali]]''' is widely spoken in the [[Darjeeling Hills]]. '''[[Hindi]]''' is spoken in major cities, and you're likely to find a Hindi-speaker in [[Kolkata]]. Other commonly spoken languages include [[Santali]], [[Odia]], and [[Urdu]]. ==Get in== [[Kolkata]] is normally the gateway to the state, but there are entry points all around. ===By plane=== West Bengal has two international airports at [[Kolkata]] and [[Siliguri]] respectively. The state also has some smaller airports, among which Andal Airport at [[Durgapur]] has commercial operations. ===By train=== Railways link it with other states from all sides. ===By car=== Major road connections are NH 2 from [[Delhi]], NH 5 from [[Chennai]], NH 6 from [[Western India]] and NH 31 from [[Guwahati]]. Kolkata is also connected by the Golden Quadrilateral that joins the four metropolitan cities of the country (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai). ===By boat=== Major ports are Kolkata and Haldia, and there are a number of smaller ports. ==Get around== Within the state the main transport links are trains and buses. Taxis and hired cars are available in most places. ===By train=== West Bengal is part of the three zones of Indian Railways: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Eastern Railway (ER) and South Eastern Railway (SER). Apart from the mail and express trains coming from outside the state (they are generally very crowded), there are a number of fast trains within the state and a large number of passenger trains and locals (mostly around Kolkata). ==See== West Bengal has numerous independent theatre groups locally called "Jatra dol" (travelling group/band), who perform shows mostly in the rural areas. Foreigners, not familiar with the dialect spoken, can enjoy the atmosphere surrounding these events, as fairs organized by local inhabitants, merchants and craftsmen often accompany such gatherings.<br /> Kolkata has many established theatre houses, which host events by international theatre groups frequently. Such events draw people from around the globe as it offers a unique opportunity to share culture and ideas.<br/> Museums of various discipline are located in the Southeastern region. Several science museums and technology demonstration institutions are scattered across the state. <br /> The Himalaya in the north offers a great number of destinations and tourist spots. Wildlife sanctuaries also have resorts scattered on their periphery. <br /> Monuments and places of worship had been influenced by several culture, their distinct architecture also speaks of the time of their construction. British influence had led to the construction of many buildings featuring European style architecture, few noteworthy of them carries a Gothic influence. ===World Heritage Site=== * [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] *[[Sundarbans National Park]] ==Do== * {{do | name= Adda| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content= "Adda" is a term Bengalis use for freestyle intellectual verbal information sharing. It is a common sight in Bengal to find groups engaged in rigorous discussion and debates, though more notably in Calcutta. Such gathering always welcome anyone who wishes to join them. It offers a great opportunity to learn more about the local customs, the people and their views on different things and happenings in and around West Bengal.English speaking travellers can visit Nandan film complex anytime of the day to find the place brimming with such activities. People from various age groups will happily invite foreign tourists to join their discussions and share thoughts, ideas and experience. }} * {{do | name=Boat ride | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Boatmen usually demand ₹ 500 for an hour. Price is negotiable through bargaining | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=Take a boat ride across the Hooghly River, or hire a small boat and spend the evening discovering the banks of the river around Kolkata, Howrah, Diamond Harbour, Chandannagar or Murshidabad. }} ==Eat== [[File:Luchi&alurdom.jpg|thumbnail|Traditional Bengali breakfast comprising of ''luchi'' with ''alur dom'', ''dal'' and ''shondesh''.]] West Bengal is famous for fish preparations and sweet meat but some of the vegetarian dishes are also a speciality. In earlier centuries widows were prohibited from taking anything other than vegetarian food (predominantly they still are but now rules are being broken) and they were principal chefs in large homes. They developed vegetarian dishes extensively. Bengali cuisine is centred around fish. ''Macher jhol'', fish in curry gravy, is a watery fish curry available everywhere and goes well with rice, but Bengalis everywhere swear by the ''hilsa'' fish (a variant of shad). Hilsa, lightly marinaded in mustard and steamed is up there with the best fish dishes in the world. Bengali sweets are famous all over India. ''Roshogolla'' (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), ''pantua'', a fried variant of the same, ''roshomalai'', the same cheeseballs dipped in creamy sweetened milk, ''mishti doi'' (sweet yoghurt), ''shondesh'' (another type of milk-based sweet, available in several variations). In a big city such as Kolkata one will get all types of food from any part of the country. Even one can get Chinese, Thai and continental. In most of the other towns, one can mostly find Bengali hotel and restaurants, though Punjabi, North Indian and South Indian outlets are also available. Mughlai dishes are very popular. ==Drink== There are plenty of bars across the state. ==Stay safe== West Bengal is very safe for foreigners. People are friendly and accept people of different cultures warmly. As a foreigner you might find people staring at you but they are just curious. But if you notice anything objectionable in their behaviour with you, face them boldly and ask for help. People are helpful and you will have them coming to your rescue. You may also call the police. But people on the roads are helpful to foreigners and they can be relied upon. West Bengal is a very politically active state. You may witness clashes, which most often occur between students of fronts affiliated to the ruling party and the opposition parties. It is better to stay out of the matter and leave the area, as even the police sometimes get involved. ==Respect== Although West Bengal has a lot in common with [[Bangladesh]], don't treat it as a part of Bangladesh, It can be considered offensive. The Indian rupee is commonly known as ''taka'' in West Bengal. It is not to be confused with the Bangladeshi taka. The various respect tips in the [[Bangladesh#Respect|Bangladesh]] article apply here, except that the state is Hindu-majority. {{IsPartOf|Eastern India}} [[la:Bengala Occidentalis]] {{usableregion}} {{geo|22.566666666667|88.366666666667|zoom=8}} m0u9kc1d8frqfcomkqhvv1q77skxb6k 4488119 4488118 2022-07-22T07:02:37Z Sbb1413 2217354 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mena-asia_default_banner.jpg}} [[Image:West Bengal in India (disputed hatched).svg|thumb|Map of West Bengal in India]] '''[https://www.wbtourismgov.in West Bengal]''' is a state in [[Eastern India]]. ==Regions== {{mapframe|height=600|staticmap=West Bengal Wikivoyage map.png}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t1}}|title=[[North Bengal]]|wikidata=Q1134759,Q1351487,Q28769140, Q2728658,Q4726845,Q2019766,Q533839, Q2049820}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t2}}|title=[[Birbhum-Murshidabad]]|wikidata=Q2088440,Q1546240}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t3}}|title=[[Rarh]]|wikidata=Q2088458, Q307474, Q29257278, Q29215602}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t4}}|title=[[Southwest Bengal]]|wikidata=Q29168456,Q1855537,Q1431920}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill={{StdColor|t5}}|title=[[Southeast Bengal]]|wikidata=Q1143880,Q548518,Q1478937,Q2308319,Q338425,Q1348}} {{Regionlist |region1name = [[North Bengal]] |region1color={{StdColor|t1}} |region1description=A gateway to [[North-Eastern India]], it is known for its wide range of animals and forests. |region2name = [[Birbhum-Murshidabad]] |region2color={{StdColor|t2}} |region2description=Best known as the home of [[Murshidabad]] and [[Santiniketan]], Birbhum-Murshidabad is famous for its folk culture. |region3name = [[Rarh]] |region3color={{StdColor|t3}} |region3description=A historical region on the western fringe of West Bengal. |region4name = [[Southwest Bengal]] |region4color={{StdColor|t4}} |region4description= |region5name = [[Southeast Bengal]] |region5color={{StdColor|t5}} |region5description=Home to the [[Kolkata|capital of West Bengal]]. }} ==Cities== * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Kolkata]] | lat=22.5435 |long=88.3342 | image=Indian_Museum.jpg |wikidata=Q1348}} (Calcutta) &mdash; centre of Bengali culture, the largest city in the state, the current capital of West Bengal and former capital of British India until 1911, is known as the "City of Palaces" * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Baharampur]] | lat=24.1 |long=88.25 | image= |wikidata=Q633530}} (Berhampore) &mdash; a fortified British cantonment with Dutch, French, Mughal and Portuguese architecture and reminiscences * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Bardhaman]] | lat=23.2403 |long=87.8674 | image=Sarbamangala_temple.jpg |wikidata=Q709267}} (Burdwan) &mdash; a major agricultural city * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Chandannagar]] | lat=22.8667 |long=88.3833 | image=Strand_Road_-_Chandan_Nagar_-_Hooghly_-_2013-05-19_7911.JPG }} (Chandernagore) &mdash; a former French colony * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Darjeeling]] | lat=27.0500 |long=88.2667 | image=Tea_plantation_Darjeeling.JPG |wikidata=Q169997}} &mdash; a beautiful hill station and centre of a major tea growing area * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Durgapur]] | lat=23.5354 |long=87.3022 | image= |wikidata=Q5088}} &mdash; an industrial city in the Rarh region * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Howrah]] | lat=22.59 |long=88.31 | image=Howrah_Bridge_et_les_ablutions_dans_la_Howrah.jpg |wikidata=Q205697}} &mdash; Kolkata's twin city, the second-largest in the state, with the largest railway complex in India * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Murshidabad]] | lat=24.18 |long=88.27 | image=Katra_debaditya_chatterjee.jpg |wikidata=Q1017175}} &mdash; former capital of Bengal under the Mughals * {{marker|type=city|zoom=13 | name=[[Siliguri]] | lat=26.7265 |long=88.4152 | image=SIT.JPG |wikidata=Q5087}} &mdash; a major business and shopping centre and gateway for travellers to [[Sikkim]] and [[Northeastern India]] ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Ajodhya Hill and Forest Reserve Area]] | lat=23.21545 |long=86.11410 | image= }} &mdash; a low-lying hill in the Rarh region * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=Buxa Tiger Reserve |lat=26.62037 |long=89.52582 | image= }} &mdash; a forested area located in Buxa Hills is a habitat for tigers, Asian elephants and other mammals plus a variety of birds, amphibians and reptiles * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gorumara National Park]] | lat=26.75636 |long=88.79748 | image=B. cyanea near Gorumara National Park.jpg }}, &mdash; rolling grasslands and forest is rich with herbivores such as the Indian rhinoceros and elephants birds, reptiles and amphibians * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sagar Island]] | lat=21.73 |long=88.12 | image= }} &mdash; deltaic island on the mouth of river Hooghly, a major pilgrimage site * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sandakphu - Phalut Trek]] | lat=27.10553 |long=88.00160 | image= }} &mdash; Sandakphu (3,636 metres) is the highest point in West Bengal and Phalut (3,600 metres) is the northernmost point of West Bengal. The trek combines both these points offering great views of Kangchenjunga and several other snow peaks including [[Mount Everest]]. * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Santiniketan]] | lat=23.6833 |long=87.6833 | image=Santiniketan_1.JPG }} &mdash; town of Rabindranath Tagore's university Visva Bharati and known for exotic handmade goods * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Sundarbans National Park]] | lat=21.945000 |long=88.895833 | image=Sunderbans_059.jpg }} &mdash; a wildlife sanctuary with Royal Bengal Tigers and deer found in forests and mangrove swamps [[UNESCO World Heritage site]] * {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gour-Pandua|Gour]] | lat= 24.8748199 |long=88.1340191 | image= }} and {{marker|type=go|zoom=13 | name=[[Gour-Pandua|Pandua]] | lat= 25.1524338 |long=88.1669475 | image= }} &mdash; Twin historical and heritage sites near Malda town ==Understand== ===History=== West Bengal's history dates back to 20,000 years. The region was a part of the Vanga Kingdom, the kingdom of [[Magadha]]. Bengal had ancient trade relations with Burma ([[Myanmar]]), [[Thailand]] and [[Sumatra]]. She was invaded by Rajendra Chola I of the Chola Dynasty between 1021 and 1023. During the 12th century, Sufi missionaries arrived in Bengal, bringing along with them the message of Islam. Bakhtiar Khilji, a military commander from the [[Delhi]] Sultanate, overran Bengal between 1202 and 1206. Bengal was conquered by the Mughals in 1576. There were several independent Hindu states established in Bengal during the Mughal period like those of Maharaja Pratap Aditya of [[Jessore]] and Raja Sitaram Ray of Burdwan. The Koch Bihar Kingdom in northern Bengal flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries. European traders arrived late in the 15th century. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 saw the defeat of Siraj ud-Daulah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal. Bengal Presidency was established by 1765, eventually including all British territories north of the Central Provinces (now [[Madhya Pradesh]] and [[Chhattisgarh]]), from the mouths of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra to the Himalayas and the [[Punjab]] region. Calcutta was named the capital of British India in 1772. The Bengal Renaissance and Brahmo Samaj movement had a great impact on the cultural and economic life of Bengal. There was a failed uprising against British rule in 1857 that resulted in the disbandment of the British East India Company. Between 1905 and 1911, attempts were made to divide the province of Bengal into two zones, to curb nationalism, but widespread protest forced the British to call it off. Bengal played a major role in the Indian independence movement, producing some of India's greatest revolutionaries including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. When India gained independence in 1947, Bengal was partitioned along religious lines. The western part remained in India as West Bengal while the eastern part joined [[Pakistan]] as East Bengal (later renamed East Pakistan, giving rise to independent [[Bangladesh]] in 1971). In 1950, the princely state of [[Cooch Behar]] merged with West Bengal. In 1955, the former French enclave of [[Chandannagar]] was integrated into West Bengal. The 1970s saw the rise of Left-Radicals in the name of Maoism, with a significant portion of the youth refusing to recognise the independence of 1947. Incidents surrounding the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 caused millions of refugees to influx into West Bengal, most of them Hindus. The Left Front, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), governed the state for the subsequent three decades, making it the longest-serving democratically elected communist party in the world. Although they were defeated in the 2011 and later legislative elections, the Communists' imprint remains powerful on the state, with many streets named after Marx and other local and foreign revolutionary figures. ===Geography=== West Bengal is diverse in terms of geography and is distinctively unique for being the only state in India with mountains in the north and sea in the south, with vast stretches of plains, plateaus and deltas between them. The Eastern Himalayas range starts abruptly up from the Terai region near [[Siliguri]]. The region is further divided into two parts: the Singalila and Darjeeling ranges. The Singalila range is located along the border of [[Darjeeling]] and [[Nepal]]. [[Sandakphu]] at {{m|3,636}} is the highest point of West Bengal. Remnants of the Sivaliks can be seen in the [[Dooars]] region, where they are known as the Buxa-Jayanti Hills. The Terai is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas and forests at the base of the Himalayas range. The Dooars region stretching across the middle of the Terai belt are a conglomerate of tall grasslands, savannas and evergreen and deciduous forests. South of the Terai region the plain of North Bengal starts and continues up to the left bank of the Ganges. It gets fed by rivers and rivulets originating in the Eastern Himalayas. The Rarh region lies south of the Ganges and east of the Chotanagpur plateau, the eastern part of which is in West Bengal. Part of the Sunderbans is located in the vast deltaic region, South-East of the state. ===Climate=== West Bengal experiences 5 seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. Spring is short and more dominant in the northern region. Summer commences from the first week of March and continues till June. The weather remains hot and humid during the day, accompanied by cool breezes at night. The western highlands will experience a hot dry climate. Thunderstorms locally called ''Kalbaishakhi'' occurs in late summer. Monsoon starts in July and ends in late September when torrential rainfall gives rise to severe floods in the south. Autumn is short, between October and mid-November. The retreating monsoon at this time may give rise to storms. Winter sets by late November and continues till Spring arrives in February, January being the coldest. The Himalayan region in the north experiences snowfall during winter, usually after mid-December. ====Temperature==== In the plains, during summer the temperature ranges between 26 °C (79 °F) and 40 °C (104 °F) while winter experiences between 13 °C (55 °F) to 19 °C (66 °F). The [[Darjeeling Hills]] have an average temperature of about 15 °C (59 °F) during summer and 2 °C (36 °F) during winter. ====Rainfall==== [[North Bengal]] receives the highest rainfall: 200-400 cm, the coastal region around 200 cm, while the western region is 100-150 cm. The drought-like condition may occur in the districts of Purulia and Bankura. ==Talk== The official languages of the state are '''[[Bengali]]''' and '''English'''. '''[[Nepali]]''' is widely spoken in the [[Darjeeling Hills]]. '''[[Hindi]]''' is spoken in major cities, and you're likely to find a Hindi speaker in [[Kolkata]]. Other commonly spoken languages include [[Santali]], [[Odia]], and [[Urdu]]. ==Get in== [[Kolkata]] is normally the gateway to the state, but there are entry points all around. ===By plane=== West Bengal has two international airports at [[Kolkata]] and [[Siliguri]] respectively. The state also has some smaller airports, among which Andal Airport at [[Durgapur]] has commercial operations. ===By train=== Railways link it with other states from all sides. ===By car=== Major road connections are NH 2 from [[Delhi]], NH 5 from [[Chennai]], NH 6 from [[Western India]] and NH 31 from [[Guwahati]]. Kolkata is also connected by the Golden Quadrilateral that joins the four metropolitan cities of the country (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai). ===By boat=== Major ports are Kolkata and Haldia, and there are some smaller ports. ==Get around== Within the state, the main transport links are trains and buses. Taxis and hired cars are available in most places. ===By train=== West Bengal is part of the three zones of Indian Railways: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Eastern Railway (ER) and South Eastern Railway (SER). Apart from the mail and express trains coming from outside the state (they are generally very crowded), there are some fast trains within the state and a large number of passenger trains and locals (mostly around Kolkata). ==See== West Bengal has numerous independent theatre groups locally called "Jatra dol" (travelling group/band), who perform shows mostly in the rural areas. Foreigners, not familiar with the dialect spoken, can enjoy the atmosphere surrounding these events, as fairs organized by local inhabitants, merchants and craftsmen often accompany such gatherings. Kolkata has many established theatre houses, which host events by international theatre groups frequently. Such events draw people from around the globe as it offers a unique opportunity to share culture and ideas. Museums of various discipline are located in the Southeastern region. Several science museums and technology demonstration institutions are scattered across the state. The Himalaya in the north offers a great number of destinations and tourist spots. Wildlife sanctuaries also have resorts scattered on their periphery. Monuments and places of worship had been influenced by several culture, their distinct architecture also speaks of the time of their construction. British influence had led to the construction of many buildings featuring European style architecture, few noteworthy of them carries a Gothic influence. ===World Heritage Site=== * [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] *[[Sundarbans National Park]] ==Do== * {{do | name= Adda| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content= "Adda" is a term Bengalis use for freestyle intellectual verbal information sharing. It is a common sight in Bengal to find groups engaged in rigorous discussion and debates, though more notably in Calcutta. Such gathering always welcome anyone who wishes to join them. It offers a great opportunity to learn more about the local customs, the people and their views on different things and happenings in and around West Bengal.English speaking travellers can visit Nandan film complex anytime of the day to find the place brimming with such activities. People from various age groups will happily invite foreign tourists to join their discussions and share thoughts, ideas and experience. }} * {{do | name=Boat ride | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= Boatmen usually demand ₹ 500 for an hour. Price is negotiable through bargaining | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=Take a boat ride across the Hooghly River, or hire a small boat and spend the evening discovering the banks of the river around Kolkata, Howrah, Diamond Harbour, Chandannagar or Murshidabad. }} ==Eat== [[File:Luchi&alurdom.jpg|thumbnail|Traditional Bengali breakfast comprising of ''luchi'' with ''alur dom'', ''dal'' and ''shondesh''.]] West Bengal is famous for fish preparations and sweet meat but some of the vegetarian dishes are also a speciality. In earlier centuries widows were prohibited from taking anything other than vegetarian food (predominantly they still are but now rules are being broken) and they were principal chefs in large homes. They developed vegetarian dishes extensively. Bengali cuisine is centred around fish. ''Macher jhol'', fish in curry gravy, is a watery fish curry available everywhere and goes well with rice, but Bengalis everywhere swear by the ''hilsa'' fish (a variant of shad). Hilsa, lightly marinaded in mustard and steamed is up there with the best fish dishes in the world. Bengali sweets are famous all over India. ''Roshogolla'' (cheese balls dipped in a sugary syrup), ''pantua'', a fried variant of the same, ''roshomalai'', the same cheeseballs dipped in creamy sweetened milk, ''mishti doi'' (sweet yoghurt), ''shondesh'' (another type of milk-based sweet, available in several variations). In a big city such as Kolkata one will get all types of food from any part of the country. Even one can get Chinese, Thai and continental. In most of the other towns, one can mostly find Bengali hotel and restaurants, though Punjabi, North Indian and South Indian outlets are also available. Mughlai dishes are very popular. ==Drink== There are plenty of bars across the state. ==Stay safe== West Bengal is very safe for foreigners. People are friendly and accept people of different cultures warmly. As a foreigner you might find people staring at you but they are just curious. But if you notice anything objectionable in their behaviour with you, face them boldly and ask for help. People are helpful and you will have them coming to your rescue. You may also call the police. But people on the roads are helpful to foreigners and they can be relied upon. West Bengal is a very politically active state. You may witness clashes, which most often occur between students of fronts affiliated to the ruling party and the opposition parties. It is better to stay out of the matter and leave the area, as even the police sometimes get involved. ==Respect== Although West Bengal has a lot in common with [[Bangladesh]], don't treat it as a part of Bangladesh, It can be considered offensive. The Indian rupee is commonly known as ''taka'' in West Bengal. It is not to be confused with the Bangladeshi taka. The various respect tips in the [[Bangladesh#Respect|Bangladesh]] article apply here, except that the state is Hindu-majority. {{IsPartOf|Eastern India}} [[la:Bengala Occidentalis]] {{usableregion}} {{geo|22.566666666667|88.366666666667|zoom=8}} hajno1nzz5qbk7uyehsw7bbj0gytllk 0 39220 4487819 4486589 2022-07-21T16:38:20Z Keystone18 2203296 /* Buy */ link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Whitehall''', officially Whitehall Township, is a suburban township near [[Allentown]], [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Get in== ===By car=== *From the east/west, use Route 22 to Route 145 N./MacArthur Rd. *From the north/south, use Route 145. *From the north/south, use Route 33 south to Route 22 west to Route 145 N./MacArthur Rd. *From the north/south, use Interstate 476 (Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike) to Route 22 east to Route 145 N./MacArthur Rd. ===By plane=== The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Whitehall and Lehigh Valley is [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]]. Various airlines operate out of this airport. [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} Whitehall is not a walking town. If you don't have a car of your own, the easiest way to get around is by [http://www.lantabus.com LANTA] (Lehigh And Northampton Transportation Authority) Buses. If you're traveling to more rural areas of [[Lehigh Valley]], a car is the only option and can be rented through [http://www.lvia.org LVIA]. ==See== * {{see | name=George Taylor House | alt= | url=http://catasauquaborough.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={601A5ED2-8913-456E-8698-42934A66256A} {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=35 S Front St, Catasauqua | lat=40.647778 | long=-75.466389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=George Taylor House (Catasauqua, Pennsylvania) | wikidata=Q5545106 | content=George Taylor, signer of the Declaration of Independence built this Georgian Style House in 1768. It is one of the last remaining homes of the original signers. The Taylor House was restored under the direction of John K. Heyl in 1966-1968 and is now open to visitors as an historic house exhibit. }} For more things to do in the area, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Do== Whitehall is primarily a shopping and dining town, centered around MacArthur Road. However, there are a few "hidden" things to do: * There's the '''[http://www.irontonrailtrail.org Ironton Rail Trail]''' for hiking, biking, jogging. Connected to the Ironton Rail Trail is the '''Whitehall Parkway''', over 100 acres to fish, hike, watch birds and even see some historical buildings. * {{do | name=Roller skating | alt= | url=http://www.skateaway.biz/skateawaywhitehall.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Skateaway/Whitehall Family Skating Center just off MacArthur Rd on Lehigh St }} * {{do | name=Ice skating | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyicearena.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At The Rink/Lehigh Valley Ice Arena }} * {{do | name=Bowling | alt= | url=http://bowljordanlanes.com/default.aspx {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Jordan Lanes }} *There's '''[http://www.wisecrackers.biz/allentown.html Wisecrackers Comedy Club]''' at the Ramada hotel but must be 21 to enter Whitehall is a short distance from lots more to do in [[Lehigh Valley]]. For more things to do, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall]]] *{{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions=Route 145 N./MacArthur Road exit off Route 22 | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Anchored by JCPenney, Macy's and Boscov's and includes over 140 stores. Indoor and outdoor shopping. Outdoor stores include Coach, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Store. }} *While the Lehigh Valley Mall is the main mall in Whitehall, next door is the '''[https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx Whitehall Mall]''', which is anchored by a Sears and Kohls. There's also a Bed, Bath & Beyond, Michael's Arts & Crafts and a few others in a small strip just outside the Whitehall Mall. *Moving north on MacArthur Road, you'll find another shopping center on the left side, '''Whitehall Square''', which has a Redner's Supermarket, Petsmart, Staples and some more clothing and furniture stores. *Continuing north, on the right will be a shopping center anchored by a Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory, and Dick's Sporting Goods. *On the left will be '''MacArthur Towne Centre''' with a Lowe's. Further up north, there is a Weis Markets, which is not in a shopping center. *Aside from the stores mentioned, there are small shops of all shapes and sizes selling everything from mattresses to pet supplies to cars up and down '''MacArthur Road'''. The best way to see what's there is to drive the main drag. ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Buca di Beppo | url=http://www.bucadibeppo.com | email= | address=714 Grape Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-264-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. Kid's menu available. }} *{{eat | name=Dunderbak's | url=http://www.dunderbak.com/ | email= | address=121 Lehigh Valley Mall | lat= | long= | directions=inside the Lehigh Valley Mall | phone = +1 610-252-1519 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Where every day is Oktoberfest. }} *{{eat | name=Spice India | url=http://www.spriceindia.us {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=2407 Mickley Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-432-0980 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Indian cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch available. BYOB. Outdoor seating available. }} Due to the abundance of shopping, restaurants line the main drag of Whitehall, MacArthur Road, and shopping centers. Dining options include: *'''Fast food chains''' including Burger King, KFC, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chuck E. Cheese's, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, and the only White Castle location in Pennsylvania *'''Other national chain restaurants''' including Perkins, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Chili's, Friendly's, Panera Bread, Longhorn Steakhouse, Old Country Buffet *Still more restaurants include '''City View Diner''', '''Bonefish Grill''', '''Bravo!''' (italian), '''Whitehall Diner''' ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Ramada | url=http://www.ramadaallentown.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=1500 MacArthur Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Route 145 North/MacArthur Road exit off Route 22 | phone = +1 610-439-1037 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Newly renovated. Across from the Lehigh Valley Mall. Restaurant and comedy club onsite. }} This is the only hotel in Whitehall. There are plenty of hotels just two exits east off Route 22 (the Airport Road exit). Check out the listings on the [[Allentown]] page. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]] - home of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom - 2 miles *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]] - 32 miles *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] - home of the Sands Casino Resort - 10 miles *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] - home of The Crayola FACTORY - 18 miles *[[Emmaus]] - 9 miles *[[Fogelsville]] - 11 miles *[[Hellertown]] - 14 miles *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]] - 16 miles *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]] - 6 miles ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - 125 miles *[[Harrisburg]] - 83 miles *[[New York City]] - 92 miles *[[Philadelphia]] - 64 miles {{outlinecity}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{geo|40.6667|-75.5000}} c1ef0tmbm86f46qnr8l3run9evbxyfx 4488018 4487819 2022-07-21T23:16:01Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Whitehall''', officially Whitehall Township, is a suburban township near [[Allentown]], [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Get in== ===By car=== *From the east/west, use Route 22 to Route 145 N./MacArthur Rd. *From the north/south, use Route 145. *From the north/south, use Route 33 south to Route 22 west to Route 145 N./MacArthur Rd. *From the north/south, use Interstate 476 (Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike) to Route 22 east to Route 145 N./MacArthur Rd. ===By plane=== The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to Whitehall and Lehigh Valley is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]]. Various airlines operate out of this airport. [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=auto}} {{mapshape}} Whitehall is not a walking town. If you don't have a car of your own, the easiest way to get around is by [http://www.lantabus.com LANTA] (Lehigh And Northampton Transportation Authority) Buses. If you're traveling to more rural areas of [[Lehigh Valley]], a car is the only option and can be rented through [http://www.lvia.org LVIA]. ==See== * {{see | name=George Taylor House | alt= | url=http://catasauquaborough.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={601A5ED2-8913-456E-8698-42934A66256A} {{dead link|August 2020|December 2020}} | email= | address=35 S Front St, Catasauqua | lat=40.647778 | long=-75.466389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=George Taylor House (Catasauqua, Pennsylvania) | wikidata=Q5545106 | content=George Taylor, signer of the Declaration of Independence built this Georgian Style House in 1768. It is one of the last remaining homes of the original signers. The Taylor House was restored under the direction of John K. Heyl in 1966-1968 and is now open to visitors as an historic house exhibit. }} For more things to do in the area, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Do== Whitehall is primarily a shopping and dining town, centered around MacArthur Road. However, there are a few "hidden" things to do: * There's the '''[http://www.irontonrailtrail.org Ironton Rail Trail]''' for hiking, biking, jogging. Connected to the Ironton Rail Trail is the '''Whitehall Parkway''', over 100 acres to fish, hike, watch birds and even see some historical buildings. * {{do | name=Roller skating | alt= | url=http://www.skateaway.biz/skateawaywhitehall.htm {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Skateaway/Whitehall Family Skating Center just off MacArthur Rd on Lehigh St }} * {{do | name=Ice skating | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleyicearena.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At The Rink/Lehigh Valley Ice Arena }} * {{do | name=Bowling | alt= | url=http://bowljordanlanes.com/default.aspx {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=At Jordan Lanes }} *There's '''[http://www.wisecrackers.biz/allentown.html Wisecrackers Comedy Club]''' at the Ramada hotel but must be 21 to enter Whitehall is a short distance from lots more to do in [[Lehigh Valley]]. For more things to do, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Buy== [[File:Lehigh Valley Mall lifestyle center entrance.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|[https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall Lehigh Valley Mall]]] *{{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall | email= | address=250 Lehigh Valley Mall | lat=40.631 | long=-75.48 | directions=Route 145 N./MacArthur Road exit off Route 22 | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Anchored by JCPenney, Macy's and Boscov's and includes over 140 stores. Indoor and outdoor shopping. Outdoor stores include Coach, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Store. }} *While the Lehigh Valley Mall is the main mall in Whitehall, next door is the '''[https://washingtonprime.com/properties/portfolio/whitehall-mall/default.aspx Whitehall Mall]''', which is anchored by a Sears and Kohls. There's also a Bed, Bath & Beyond, Michael's Arts & Crafts and a few others in a small strip just outside the Whitehall Mall. *Moving north on MacArthur Road, you'll find another shopping center on the left side, '''Whitehall Square''', which has a Redner's Supermarket, Petsmart, Staples and some more clothing and furniture stores. *Continuing north, on the right will be a shopping center anchored by a Walmart, Burlington Coat Factory, and Dick's Sporting Goods. *On the left will be '''MacArthur Towne Centre''' with a Lowe's. Further up north, there is a Weis Markets, which is not in a shopping center. *Aside from the stores mentioned, there are small shops of all shapes and sizes selling everything from mattresses to pet supplies to cars up and down '''MacArthur Road'''. The best way to see what's there is to drive the main drag. ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Buca di Beppo | url=http://www.bucadibeppo.com | email= | address=714 Grape Street | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-264-4268 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. Kid's menu available. }} *{{eat | name=Dunderbak's | url=http://www.dunderbak.com/ | email= | address=121 Lehigh Valley Mall | lat= | long= | directions=inside the Lehigh Valley Mall | phone = +1 610-252-1519 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Where every day is Oktoberfest. }} *{{eat | name=Spice India | url=http://www.spriceindia.us {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=2407 Mickley Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 610-432-0980 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Indian cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch available. BYOB. Outdoor seating available. }} Due to the abundance of shopping, restaurants line the main drag of Whitehall, MacArthur Road, and shopping centers. Dining options include: *'''Fast food chains''' including Burger King, KFC, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chuck E. Cheese's, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, and the only White Castle location in Pennsylvania *'''Other national chain restaurants''' including Perkins, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Chili's, Friendly's, Panera Bread, Longhorn Steakhouse, Old Country Buffet *Still more restaurants include '''City View Diner''', '''Bonefish Grill''', '''Bravo!''' (italian), '''Whitehall Diner''' ==Drink== ==Sleep== *{{sleep | name=Ramada | url=http://www.ramadaallentown.com {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=1500 MacArthur Rd | lat= | long= | directions=Route 145 North/MacArthur Road exit off Route 22 | phone = +1 610-439-1037 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Newly renovated. Across from the Lehigh Valley Mall. Restaurant and comedy club onsite. }} This is the only hotel in Whitehall. There are plenty of hotels just two exits east off Route 22 (the Airport Road exit). Check out the listings on the [[Allentown]] page. ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]] - home of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom - 2 miles *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]] - 32 miles *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] - home of the Sands Casino Resort - 10 miles *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] - home of The Crayola FACTORY - 18 miles *[[Emmaus]] - 9 miles *[[Fogelsville]] - 11 miles *[[Hellertown]] - 14 miles *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]] - 16 miles *[[South Whitehall (Pennsylvania)|South Whitehall Township]] - 6 miles ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - 125 miles *[[Harrisburg]] - 83 miles *[[New York City]] - 92 miles *[[Philadelphia]] - 64 miles {{outlinecity}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{geo|40.6667|-75.5000}} 3nr4y68ei6hokt7e66sh17jiqer2jvt 0 39291 4488033 4473460 2022-07-22T00:27:14Z Ground Zero 1423298 Various clean up and copyedits, [[WV:TDF]], wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wiesbaden banner Bowling-Green Panorama Nacht.jpg}} [[File:Kurhaus Wiesbaden blaue Stunde 290-L4.jpg|thumb|300px|Kurhaus portal with cascade fountain on bowling green]] [[File:Ev Marktkirche Wiesbaden 945-v4.jpg|thumb|175px|Marktkirche at Schloßplatz]] '''[http://english.wiesbaden.de/ Wiesbaden]''' is the capital of the [[Germany|German]] state of [[Hesse]]. Wiesbaden is a historic spa city which has catered to people from countries near and far for many centuries. At one time, Wiesbaden boasted 26 hot springs. Fourteen of the springs are still flowing today. Even the "old" Romans knew of the "Aquis Mattiacis". Today it is part of the larger Rhine area and profits from its proximity to the '''Frankfurt Airport''' and the business centre of [[Frankfurt]]. During peak times (trade fairs, conventions, etc.) a lot of business travellers stay in Wiesbaden instead of in [[Frankfurt]] and relax from the busy metropolis in this smaller city with a charming old city. ==Understand== ==Get in== Wiesbaden is very well connected by many highways from Frankfurt, Cologne or Mainz. Trains travel frequently and are very enjoyable. Travel times by car are roughly 15 minutes from Mainz), 35 minutes from Frankfurt, or 2 hours from Cologne (Köln). ===By plane=== ====From Frankfurt Airport (FRA)==== A taxi from [[Frankfurt Airport]] ({{IATA|FRA}}) to Wiesbaden costs around €60, S-Bahn is a much better deal at €4.35 one-way and goes every 15 minutes. No bus service. From the Terminal 1, follow the signs to the regional train station „''Frankfurt(Main) Flughafen '''Regionalbahnhof'''''“ which is in the basement of the Airport building. Usually Wiesbaden is the terminal station for the S-Bahn and regional train so you can easily find the correct platform. There are two train stations at the airport; in the basement the regional train station (S-Bahn & fast regional trains) and near the motorway the „''Frankfurt(Main) Flughafen '''Fernbahnhof'''''“ for mid-/long-distance trains (ICE and IC). The long-distance train station is a longer walk (about an extra 10 minutes). It has much less frequent and more expensive service to Wiesbaden. Please see additional notes in the sections below regarding train tickets. ===== Buying RMV tickets ===== Buying your ticket: The new vending machines sell both [http://www.rmv.de/en/ RMV] (local travel network) and DB (long distance) tickets. To buy a ticket, e.g., for the S-Bahn, make sure you are in RMV mode. After having named your destination, choose "Einzelfahrt Erwachsene" for a single trip and the screen should display €4.35 if you are at the airport or €7.80 if you are in Frankfurt. Insert € coins or bills. All machines accept credit card or EC card, too. The printed ticket is already validated and you can board the S8 or S9 for Wiesbaden. (S1 and SE10 from Frankfurt city as well). Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it! There is also a RMV information desk at the airport's short-distance train station. ==== From Frankfurt-Hahn airport ({{IATA|HHN}}) ==== This airport is located in [[Hahn]] 100&nbsp;km (60&nbsp;mi) West of Wiesbaden. A taxi would shoot your Ryanair bargain down, so the recommended option is a bus to Mainz (9 connections per day, 1-hour ride, €13) and from there a S-Bahn or RB to Wiesbaden (3 trains per hour, €2.60). See the: [http://hahn.orn-online.de/busfahrplan_mainz.htm timetable HHN–Mainz] There is unfortunately no direct bus HHN-Wiesbaden. Another option is a bus to the actual airport of Frankfurt which has S-Bahn connections to Wiesbaden as well – slightly slower and more expensive. You can also take a taxi (9 km) to [[Traben-Trarbach]] and take the train from there (via [[Koblenz]]). ===By car=== If you start in Frankfurt, take the A66 until Wiesbaden-Erbenheim (Exit 6). Here you follow the signs to Wiesbaden City Center and Wiesbaden Kurhaus. If starting from the Frankfurt Airport follow signs for Wiesbaden, which takes you on the A3 until the Wiesbadener Kreuz, where you switch to the A66 until Exit 6. ===By train=== ====Frankfurt-Wiesbaden==== S-Bahns heading to Wiesbaden are S1, S8 and S9. Slightly faster is VIA's regional train (StadtExpress) which departs at the {{marker|type=go|name=Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof|lat=50.071141|long=8.243570}}. All these trains cost €7.60, travelling by ICE is more expensive and not faster. If you are travelling in a group, ask for group prices. Get to the train station a few minutes early to allow time to figure out the ticket machine; don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. On trains marked IC or ICE, you can buy a ticket from the conductor on the train at a slightly higher price. However, in common with most areas in Germany, there are no ticket-sales staff on local trains (marked S-Bahn, RB, SE or RE) in the RMV tariff area and you must buy your ticket from a machine (or ticket office) before boarding the train. Such trains are patrolled regularly by ticket inspectors, sometimes plain-clothed, but always carrying identification, and you will be fined at least €40 if found without a ticket on a local train. ====Cologne-Wiesbaden==== If you are travelling to or from Cologne (Köln) Airport ({{IATA|CGN}}), an unforgettable experience is the ICE high-speed train run. The direct Wiesbaden-Köln ICE reaches a top speed of {{kmh|300}}. However, there are only two direct trains a day in both directions; the morning trains depart 06:24, while the evening trains depart 16:45. The journey takes about one hour. There are several other indirect trains available with one connection, the travel times for these is between 1 hr 30 min and 2 hr 15 min. If you are able to buy a ticket a day or more in advance, you will get the best price on long-distance ICE trains with the [http://www.bahn.de/international/view/en/prices/germany/sparpreis.shtml Sparpreis] (Savings Fare), however on busy days those fares may be sold out. Go online or look for the red ticket machines at any big train station. More information and online purchase are available here: If you buy a Sparpreis ticket in the DB Reisezentrum, they charge €5 per person and direction. Another interesting option is the route through the [[Middle Rhine Valley]]. You can either take regional trains or long distance trains and pass through towns like [[Boppard]], [[Koblenz]], [[Bingen]] or [[Rüdesheim]], enjoying the sight at vineyards, medieval castles and the Rhine river. ====Train and bus ==== Wiesbaden trains and buses operate under the [http://www.rmv.de/en/ RMV] Travel Network (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund). If you already have a RMV ticket to Wiesbaden, you can use the bus lines without extra charge to reach your final destination. Some train tickets come with a "+City" option which includes municipal transport as well. Wiesbaden Bus information can also be found [http://www.eswe-verkehr.de here:] [https://www.eswe-verkehr.de/english.html English] [http://www.bahn.de/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml Deutsche Bahn] the German National railway. ==Get around== {{mapframe}} {{mapshape}} Once you are in the city centre it's pretty comfortable to just walk around. There's a main pedestrian area (Fußgängerzone) which is similar to an open-air mall, but more relaxed. Shops line the street and alleys, and it's mostly closed off to cars. Many shops, cafes and restaurants can be found in this area. Be sure to walk around the "Old City" (Altstadt) as well. If you want to go further out of the city centre, you can use the developed bus system. Buses travel frequently and on time. It is possible to buy tickets on the bus, just ask the driver (because of possible language barrier issues, just say the name of the street you want to go to). Your trip will cost you a minimum of €1.60 (adult), but probably no more than €2.60 (one way). At the ticket machines, five such single tickets are available at a reduction as "Sammelkarte". There's also a one day ticket ("Tagesticket"), with which you can go wherever you want, available at the ticket machines (or the bus driver) at €6.30 for adults and €3.70 for children, respectively. Weekly tickets are available for €21.90, and have the added bonus of one other adult and all of your own children (up to 14 y.o.) travelling for free from 7PM weeknights, and all day Saturday and Sunday (and public holidays). <small>(Dec. 2013)</small> ==See== [[File:Friedrich-von-Thiersch-Saal Bühne.jpg|thumb|250px|Kurhaus: Friedrich von Thiersch Hall]] [[Image:Wiesbaden-Theater0138.jpg|thumb|250px|Hessisches Staatstheater, backside from the park]] [[File:Hessischer Landtag Stadtschloss Wiesbaden.jpg|thumb|170px|Wiesbaden City Palace - The Landtag of Hesse at Wiesbaden]] One of the most attractive buildings in Wiesbaden is the ''Kurhaus'' in the city centre. Built for emperor Wilhelm around 1900 it serves as a wellness and leisure time centre. It also offers a pretty garden where you can walk around or relax. Next to it are two further important buildings: the famous casino and the theatre. Kurviertel: * {{see | name=Kurhaus | alt= | url=http://www.wiesbaden.de/microsite/kurhaus-en/index.php | email= | address= | lat=50.085170 | long=8.247375 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=– the spa house in Wiesbaden from 1907 in neo-classical style. }} * {{see | name=Kurpark | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=the spa park behind the Kurhaus is a public English landscape park includes a lake. }} * {{see | name=Bowling Green | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= is a place in front of the Kurhaus and State Theatre with two pools, one of each in the middle of three shells cascading fountain stands. }} * {{see | name=Hessisches Staatstheater | alt= | url=http://www.wiesbaden.de/en/tourism/virtual-tours/panorama/Theatre_interior_view.php {{dead link|August 2018|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= It was built by order of Kaiser Wilhelm II between 1892 and 1894. The theatre auditorium is a revival of the Baroque style and has 1041 seats. The magnificent and majestic foyer in Rococo style was added in 1902. }} * {{see | name=Warmer Damm | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=behind the State Theatre is a public English landscape park includes a lake. }} * {{see | name=Villa Clementine | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=was built in 1882 in the roman-pompeian style for a factory owner Meer and his wife Clementine. Today: Literaturhaus (House of Literature). }} * {{see | name=Englische Kirche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Episcopal Church St. Augustine of Canterbury. }} Kranzplatz/Kochbrunnenplatz: * {{see | name=Kochbrunnen | alt=boil foutain | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=the water temperature of about 66 °C. }} * {{see | name=Hessische Staatskanzlei | alt=Government of the State of Hesse | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Former Hotel Rose at Kranzplatz, it was the greatest hotel in Wiesbaden. }} [[Image:Altes Rathaus & ESWE-Bus Wiesbaden 562-vbBh.jpg|thumb|250px|Old city hall of 1610, city bus from 1961]] At the Schloßplatz: * {{see | name=Stadtschloss | alt=City Palace | url=http://www.wiesbaden.de/en/tourism/sightseeing/buildings/City_Palace.php | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 611 350-294 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Since 1946: Hessian State Parliament building ''(Hessischer Landtag).'' }} * {{see | name=Marktkirche | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Protestant Market Church }} * {{see | name=Neues Rathaus | alt=New Town Hall | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Neo-Renaissance façade. }} * {{see | name=Altes Rathaus | alt=Old Town Hall of 1610 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Marktbrunnen | alt=Market Well | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= of 1753 }} Wiesbaden-Biebrich: * {{see | name=Schloss Biebrich | alt= Biebrich Palace | url=http://www.sehenswertes-biebrich.de/geschichte.html | email= | address=Rheingaustraße 140, 65203 Wiesbaden | lat=50.037278 | long=8.234143 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Biebrich Palace is a Baroque residence (Schloss) in the borough of Biebrich in the city of Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany. Built in 1702 by Prince Georg August Samuel of Nassau-Idstein as the summer residence, it served as the ducal residence for the independent Duchy of Nassau from 1816 until 1866. }} * {{see | name=Sektkellerei Henkel | alt=Henkell Champagne Production Facility | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} [[File:Russ Orth Kirche Wiesbaden 865-h.jpg|thumb|175px|Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth on the Neroberg]] Neroberg and Nerotal: * {{see | name=Nerobergbahn | alt=Neroberg Mountain Train | url=http://www.nerobergbahn.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€3.30 | content=The is a water ballast funicular railway. It is the last and the only water ballast funicular train in Germany. You can get tickets from the ticket controller. This can also be a good starting point for a hike in the Taunus forest. }} * {{see | name=Löwenterrasse | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=View from the terrace of the lions. }} * {{see | name=Monopteros | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Tower | alt=Turm | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=and 'experience hollow' (Erlebnismulde) }} * {{see | name=Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth | alt=Russische Orthodoxe Kirche der heiligen Elisabeth | url= | email= | address=Christian-Spielmann-Weg 1 | lat=50.097556 | long=8.234727 | directions=north of the city centre, up the hill | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=St Elizabeth's Church, Wiesbaden | wikidata=Q125229 | content=with its five golden domes, common local name Griechische Kapelle, "Greek chapel". }} * {{see | name=Manfred von Richthofen's grave | alt=Red Baron | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Von Richtofen famously flew a red Fokker Tri-plane in which he made 80 aerial kills during the [[First World War]]. He became the leading fighter pilot of his age in the fledgling "art" of aerial combat, the ace of aces. Recent forensic study indicates he was killed by an Australian soldier's rifle shot during a low-level dog fight. Von Richtofen is buried along with other family members in a cemetery in Wiesbaden, relocated from Berlin. As a result of de-emphasizing Germany's militaristic history many locals do not know of von Richtofen's presence in their community. Enter the Sudfriedhof ("Southern") Cemetery on Siegfriedring Strasse. After you enter under the arches turn right on the gravel path. Just past the buildings on the right there is a semi-circlular gravel path that enters the Westhain Section. Follow the path counter-clockwise about 40 yards ( 35 meters ) to the most Northwestern point on the semi-circle (there is a map on the wall under the arched cemetery entrance - although the von Ricthofen family graves are not marked on it). Manfred, Lothar and other family members rest on the left side of the path - commemorated with a large stone family marker and individual stone markers in the ground. Manfred and Lothar both received the highest German military honor of its time - the order "pour le Merite". }} Wiesbaden-Frauenstein: * {{see | name=Goethestein | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= near Restaurant Nürnberger Hof. · ''Bus line 24 from Wiesbaden'' | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-24 | content=13.5-m-high stone obelisk and beautiful view to Rheingau }} ==Do== [[File:Nerotal Wiesbaden 780-Gh.jpg|thumb|150px|Nerotal park]] * {{do | name=Opelbad | alt= | url=http://www.wiesbaden.de/microsite/mattiaqua-en/frei-hallenbaeder/freibad-opelbad/index.php | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= great swimming pool on Wiesbaden’s own hill the Neroberg Mountain. }} * {{do | name=Kletterwald Neroberg | alt= | url=http://www.kletterwald-neroberg.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-07-16 | content=A climbing park that features obstacles to be navigated individually or with accompanying guests. Obstacles and routes vary in difficulty and intensity. }} * {{do | name=Neroberg Lookout | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=for a great view overlooking Wiesbaden. You can either drive up and park near the top, take the Nerobergbahn [http://www.nerobergbahn.de/ ''(Nerobergbahn)''] (cable car) up to the top from Nerotal (Street off the end of Taunus St and Nerotal) or simply walk up. There is a quite frequent bus service from both the railway station (Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof) and the bus stop next to Kurhaus to the Mountain Railway`s lower terminus (Prices: Adults €2.50 one way, €3.30 return. Simply hop on line 1 to Nerotal and leave at the final stop, which is right next to the mountain railway. Children €1.25 one way, €1.65 return. See their flyer for further details (timetable, group fares, etc.). }} * {{do | name=Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Wiesbaden is famous for its spas. }} * {{do | name=Kaiser-Friedrich Therme | alt= | url=http://www.wiesbaden.de/microsite/mattiaqua-en/kaiser-friedrich-therme/index.php | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=If you like sauna and wellness you really have to plan one day for relaxing at the '''Irish-Roman Bath''' in the city centre. This old spa (clothing free) lets you feel like Caesar with its old Roman frescoes and its four saunas, swimming pool and whirlpools. }} * {{do | name=Thermalbad Aukammtal | alt=Thermal Bath Aukammtal | url=http://www.wiesbaden.de/microsite/mattiaqua-en/thermalbad-aukammtal/index.php | email=thermalbad@wiesbaden.de | address=Leibnizstraße 7 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 611 31-7080 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=– Bathing area with indoor pool 435 m2 and outdoor pool 450 m2, with water massage recliners. Sauna area with fireplace sauna, sauna loft, adventure shower, lodge sauna, crystal sanarium, Finnish sauna, crushed ice fountain/cold water basin, steam bath, adventure shower, mental relaxation sauna and whirlpool. }} * {{do | name=Lamduan Massage | alt= | url=http://lamduan-massage.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Traditional Thai massage. A bit pricier than Thailand, but €18 will buy you a half-an-hour back, neck and shoulder massage. Be prepared for a bit of back cracking! They have private "booths" separated only by hanging sheets, but you will find the atmosphere inside quiet and relaxing. It is imperative to tell them beforehand if you have any medical conditions. At the end of your massage they bring you a cup of jasmin tea and a hot cloth for your neck and shoulders which is very refreshing! You are also supplied with a clean set of clothes (loose-fitting pants and a t-shirt) to wear during the massage. }} * {{do | name=Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden | alt= | url=http://www.staatstheater-wiesbaden.de/?page=home | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=It usually produces plays only in German, however offers operas in their original languages. One of the top tier theaters in Germany. }} * {{do | name=Amelia Earhart Playhouse | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{do | name=Kryptonite Radio Theater | alt= | url=https://www.kryptoniteradio.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{do | name=Wiesbaden English Language Theater (WELT) | alt= | url=http://www.wiesbaden-english-language-theater.de | email=info@wiesbaden-english-language-theater.de | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 1525-2468588 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=WELT brings the world of English language theater to Wiesbaden }} * {{do | name=Galli Theatre | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{do | name=Caligari Filmbühne | alt= | url=http://www.wiesbaden.de/microsite/caligari/index.php | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= Marktplatz/Market square | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=a wonderful arthouse movie theater. The selection is great as they show films from different countries, usually not dubbed (subtitles are hardly known in Germany). Free seating for €7 every day. }} * {{do | name=Hollywood | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=just across from the McDonald's opposite Karstadt | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=It plays English movies, on Tuesdays. It's one company but they have three buildings across the city. English movies usually play at the one in the city centre. Their program is available [http://www.cineplex.de/kino/programm/city53/?reihe=33 online]. Look out for posters with OV (Original Version) or OmU (Original mit Untertiteln). }} *{{do | name=Wiesbaden Magic History Tour | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Take a unique Guided Walking Tour with the Wiesbaden Magic History Tour. Learn about Wiesbaden’s many historic spots (Palace Square, Market Church, State Theater, Kurhaus and Casino, Roman Gate,) be amazed by several clever magic tricks and get the inside scoop on local bars and restaurants. The English-speaking tour finishes at a local pub for a complimentary drink. }} * {{do | name=[[Rheinsteig]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Start from Schloss Biebrich the hike down the [[Rheingau]] and [[Middle Rhine Valley]]. }} ==Buy== * '''Pedestrian zone''': Kirchgasse and Langgasse: ** {{buy | name=Karstadt | url= | email= | address=Mauritiusplatz, Kirchgasse 35-43 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A department store, the chain of which is found all throughout Germany. In addition to what you'd expect in such a store, there is also a restaurant cafe on one of the upper floors as well as a grocery store in the basement. }} ** {{buy | name=Kaufhof | url= | email= | address=Kirchgasse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Another department store but more expensive than Karstadt and pretty much the same choice. }} ** '''Luisencenter''', Kirchgasse: stores include Karstadt Sport and Saturn (electronics). * {{buy | name=Lilien-Carré Wiesbaden | url=http://www.lilien-carre.com/ | email= | address=Bahnhofsplatz 3 | lat= | long= | directions=Next to Hauptbahnhof | phone=+49 611 411407-0 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Sa 10:00 - 20:00; hairdresser 09:00 - 20:00 | price= | content=An attractive mall with underground parking. Stores include Saturn (music, videos, electronics) and several quick dining establishments. }} * {{buy | name=Market | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= Wednesday and Saturday on the Dernsches Gelände or Schloßplatz at Neues Rathaus ''(New city hall)''. }} ==Eat== Very good restaurants are in the '''Taunusstraße''' . Pizza, pasta and more classy italian style you find in the '''Goldgasse'''. And the '''Moritzstraße''' has inexpensive döner kebab restaurants. ===Budget=== ====In the city centre==== * {{eat | name=Harput Restaurant | alt= | url=http://builder1.netestate.de/stm_c_551425_eng/ | email= | address=Wellritzstraße 9 | lat=50.082874 | long=8.234527 | directions= | phone=+49 611 406196 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Turkish r3staurant. }} * {{eat | name=Zur Hauptwache | alt= | url= | email= | address=Faulbrunnenstraße 8 | lat=50.0807604 | long= 8.2371873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=German cuisine.}} * {{eat | name= Palmen Grill 2| alt= | url= | email= | address=Michelsberg 32 | lat=50.0830885 | long=8.2363280 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=German fast food}} * {{eat | name=Sahara Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= Kleine Schwalbacher Str. 7| lat=50.0818140 | long= 8.2372785 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A Syrian restaurant.}} * {{eat | name=Café, Restaurant Gegenüber | alt= | url= | email= | address=Michelsberg 13 | lat=50.0829175 | long= 8.2377891 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=An Afghani restaurant. Another Afghani restaurant called "Die Waffel" is just opposite.}} * {{eat | name=Mung Mung Asia Bistro | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schwalbacher Str. 29 | lat=50.0799306 | long=8.2367276 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=A Chinese restaurant.}} * {{eat | name=Kumpir & Salat | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schwalbacher Str. 29 | lat=50.0798691 | long=8.2366284 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} ====Around the main train station==== * {{eat | name=Phoenix Suppenbar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bahnhofstraße 59 | lat=50.0745229 | long=8.2425772 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name= Al Petra| alt= | url= | email= | address=Moritzstraße 34 | lat=50.0746855 | long=8.2387406 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Arabic cuisine}} * {{eat | name= Saigon Tapas Asian Cuisine| alt= | url= | email= | address= Bahnhofspl. 3| lat= 50.0705955| long= 8.2414610 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} * {{eat | name=City Kebap XXL | alt= | url= | email= | address=Moritzstraße 45 | lat= 50.0722768| long=8.2389025 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=}} ===Mid-range=== * {{eat | name=Thai Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=Langgasse 36 | lat= | long= | directions=at the beginning of the pedestrian | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Thai food for around €7-8 a dish | price= | lastedit= | content=They also have the best homemade lemonade in town. }} * {{eat | name=Sombrero Latino | alt= | url= | email= | address=Adolfstraße 3 | lat= | long= | directions= between Luisenplatz and Adolfallee | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Argentinean restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Hubertushütte | alt= | url=http://www.diehubertushuette.de | email= | address=Goldsteintal 60 | lat=50.12161 | long=8.253604 | directions=In the woods just north of Wiesbaden-Sonnenberg | phone=+49 611 54 24 10 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Good food in a wooded valley setting. Good indoor and outdoor seating. Service sometimes suspect. }} * {{eat | name=Palmyra | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taunusstraße 15 | lat=50.087560 | long=8.242128 | directions= | phone=+49 611 522121 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-01 | content=Syrian restaurant }} ===Splurge=== <br> ==Drink== *{{drink | name=Scotch n Soda | url= | email= | address=Goldgasse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A family run pub and steakhouse with a Scottish theme, old friends make the best antiques. Great food and drink in the Altstadt. }} * {{drink | name=Gestüt Renz | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A nice bar in the Nerostraße with events on the weekend. }} *{{drink | name=Irish Pub Wiesbaden | url=http://www.irish-pub-mainz.de/index_1.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=Michelsberg 15 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 611-300849 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 17:00 - 01:00, F 17:00 - 02:00, Sa 13:45 - 02:00, Su 15:00 - 01:00 | price= | content=The pub, with its cosy decor, quality Irish and German beers and friendly, chatty staff has the traditional feel of the great old Dublin pub. The Irish Pub is well-known for nightly entertainment and live music and its vibrant and friendly atmosphere enjoyed by our international guests and German regulars alike. It's a pub, with great-tasting Guinness and Kilkenny beer, where you immediately feel at home. }} *{{drink | name=Yours Sports Bar Wiesbaden | url=http://www.yours-bars.de/sports_bar_wi/index.htm | email= | address=Wilhelmstraße 38 | lat= | long= | directions=Marktplatz | phone=+49 611-9101201 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 16:00-close; Sa Sun 11:00-close | price= | content=An "American Style" sports bar featuring menus rife with American bar food, from burgers to nachos and everything in between. Come to watch European and American sports on their many flat screen TVs, or huge projector screen. Sometimes they offer Karaoke. }} *{{drink | name=Europalace | url=http://www.europalace.de | email= | address=Peter-Sander-Straße 39 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 6134 230411 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Massive dance-club with multiple rooms and floors, offering a unique variety of music, from Hip-Hop and Rap, to Techno and Country. }} ==Sleep== ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Youth Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.djh-hessen.de/jugendherbergen/wiesbaden/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Motel One | url=http://www.motel-one.com/de/hotels/hotels-wiesbaden.html | email= | address=Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 81 | lat= | long= | directions=next to main station | phone=+49 611 450 20 80 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€59 per room | checkin= | checkout= | content=Renovated budget hotel with free WiFi. }} ===Mid-range=== *{{sleep | name=Hotel Drei Lilien | url=http://www.dreililien.com/ | email= | address=Spiegelgasse 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 611 991780 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Family-run hotel with just 15 rooms right in the centre. Excellent fresh and hand made breakfast. Free wifi and own parking facilities. }} * {{sleep | name=NH Aukamm Wiesbaden | url=http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/germany/wiesbaden/nh-aukamm-wiesbaden.html | email= | address=Aukamm Allee 31 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 611 5760 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Rooms from €85 | checkin= | checkout= | content=4 star hotel with 130 rooms in a quiet part of the city. }} [[File:Nassauer Hof0115.jpg|thumb|250px|Bowling Green and Hotel Nassauer Hof]] * {{sleep | name=Hotel Alexander | alt= | url=http://www.hotel-alexander.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Admiral | alt= | url=http://www.admiral-hotel.de/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Splurge=== * {{sleep | name=Nassauer Hof | alt= | url=http://www.nassauer-hof.de/en/home | email= | address=Kaiser-Friedrich-Platz 3-4 | lat= | long= | directions=Set in the heart of Wiesbaden opposite the Kurhaus | phone=+49 611 133-0 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Crowne Plaza Wiesbaden | url=http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/394/de/hd/wiege?_requestid=216486 | email= | address=Bahnhofstraße 10-12 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 611 1620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} *{{sleep | name=Radisson Blu Schwarzer Bock Hotel, Wiesbaden | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-wiesbaden-schwarzer-bock | email=info.wiesbaden@radissonblu.com | address=Kranzplatz 12 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 611 155-0 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Outstanding restaurant and lots of conference rooms. Free WiFi. }} * {{sleep | name=Dorint Pallas Wiesbaden | alt= | url=https://hotel-wiesbaden.dorint.com/en/ | email=info.wiesbaden@dorint.com | address=Auguste-Viktoria-Straße 15, 65185 Wiesbaden | lat=50.07388739921568 | long=8.245988618910246 | directions= | phone=+49 611 33060 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from €99 per room/night | lastedit=2017-09-26 | content=The former officer's hotel, built in 1954, offers 297 rooms including 30 suites and accommodated numerous celebrities in its vivid history. }} ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Tourist information | alt= | url=http://www.wiesbaden.de/en/tourism/index.php | email=tourist-service@wiesbaden-marketing.de | address=Marktplatz 1 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+49 611 1729 930 | tollfree= | fax=+49 611 1729 798 | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== [[File:Rüdeshem Burg Ehrenfels 564-65-kh.jpg|thumb|300px|Ruins of Ehrenfels Castle near [[Rüdesheim]] in [[Rheingau]]]] * [[Eltville]] am Rhein in the [[Rheingau]] * [[Rüdesheim|Rüdesheim am Rhein]] in the [[Rheingau]] near the [[Middle Rhine Valley]] * [[Mainz]] is just across the Rhine, 11 min by train or 30 min by bus * [[Worms]] * [[Darmstadt]] * [[Frankfurt]] {{translate|de|Wiesbaden}} {{geo|50.0821|8.2414|zoom=13}} {{isPartOf|Rhine-Main}} {{usablecity}} rowev6zdl12b2arivv78278jomlnlex 0 40106 4487897 4473116 2022-07-21T19:11:41Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Further out */ update wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|York banner.jpg|caption=York Minster in the morning|disambig=yes|dotm=yes|star=yes}} [[File:A crippled beggar (4409040601).jpg|thumb|200px|York is a medievalist's paradise]] The ancient cathedral city of '''[https://www.visityork.org/ York]''' has a history dating back over 2000 years. Romans, Saxons, Vikings, and Britons from all eras have each left their mark. It is home to some of [[Europe]]'s best-preserved historical buildings and structures, including York Minster and dozens of other churches, the Shambles medieval shopping street, countless handsome townhouses, and the city's walls and gatehouses. Other popular attractions on the bucket lists of York's 7 million annual visitors include the Jorvik Viking Centre and Britain's National Railway Museum. York is in [[North Yorkshire]], [[England]], and is the unofficial capital of the entire region of [[Yorkshire]]. The city is a perfect base for exploring "God's own county", having some of the finest hotels around, and all the comforts and amenities of a large city, while retaining the atmosphere and scale of a small town. York's shops, markets, pubs, and restaurants delight in offering Yorkshire-made produce, so you will find it difficult not to overindulge. A UNESCO City of Media Arts, York has a festival for every occasion, celebrating everything that has shaped the city's culture over the centuries: music, dance, chocolate, theatre, literature, horseracing, digital media. Whatever time of year you come, you're sure to find a gig, show or exhibition that tickles your fancy. So, plunge forward, and discover York! == Understand == ''Navigate to: [[#Orientation|Orientation]], [[#History|History]], [[#When to visit|When to visit]], [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]]'' {{COVID-19 box|1=York's tourism industry is resilient and has been affected by lockdown far less than feared. The vast majority of attractions, bars, restaurants, and hotels have survived and will be reopening in one form or another. To reflect the unusual times, and to help you stay safe while making the most of York, some aspects of this travel guide article are a bit different to normal: * All listings on this pages marked as being updated in '''July 2020''' (or later) have been verified by Wikivoyage editors as being open at that time or with plans to reopen later in the year. Where possible, revised opening hours and prices have also been added, but you are strongly advised to check these with the venues directly before visiting. * Listings which are marked as updated before July 2020 have been checked, but the results were inconclusive: if the business or attraction plans to reopen, its owners have not said so publicly. These places may take many months to reopen, or they may never reopen. Wikivoyage will update when possible. * Listings which were verified as permanently closed as a result of the lockdown have been deleted from the article. * Where other changes due to the pandemic are necessary to note, the tag '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' has been employed.|lastedit=2021-12-15}} ===Orientation=== Although only the sixth-largest city in [[Yorkshire]] and having no official status, York is regarded as the county's '''capital''', and is also positioned just east of its geographic centre. For 1800 years, it was the largest and most important city in northern England, though today has a rather modest population just shy of 200,000 people. Despite its size, York packs in more history and culture than many much larger places, and is a fascinating and beautiful destination any time of year. {{infobox|'Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma' ''what?''|York is popularly known as a place "where the streets are ''gates'', the gates are ''bars'', and the bars are ''pubs''!" If none of this makes any sense to you, remember that York has Viking roots, and the Norsemen also influenced the local language. So, yes, many streets are called '''gates''' (from Old Norse ''gata''), among them Micklegate, Fossgate, and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, the shortest street in York with an insensibly long name, apparently meaning "What a street!" The fortified gates in the city walls are invariably known as '''bars''' (think "barrier" and it makes sense), pedestrianised areas are logically called '''footstreets''', and simple alleys take on a new magic as '''snickelways'''. Need a drink after all that? Ask for the nearest '''pub'''.}} York '''city centre''' is a compact and dense warren of mostly pedestrianised streets lined with centuries-old buildings in a mix of architectural styles, from Roman and Viking remnants, through timber frame medieval structures, to much grander stone and brick edifices from later periods. The centre straddles both banks of two rivers - the '''Ouse''' (pronounced ''ooze'') and the '''Foss''' - which merge just south of the castle. At the city's heart stands the imposing '''York Minster''', one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and the mother church for northern England's Anglican community. The '''Archbishop of York''' (Stephen Cottrell, as of 2020) holds the third-highest office in the Church of England, after the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Queen. York's old town is completely encircled by a series of defensive medieval '''walls'''. At just over 2 miles (3.2 km) long, 13 feet (4 m) high, and 6 feet (1.8 m) thick, they are the UK's most extensive and best-preserved city walls. Most visitor attractions are within or just outside these walls, so you will seldom find yourself venturing into York's outer neighbourhoods. However, if you do, you will find them pleasant and residential, mostly containing red brick houses from the 19th and 20th centuries. There is a modern '''university''' campus around Heslington in the south-eastern suburbs, a large racecourse called the '''Knavesmire''' in the south-west, and extensive parks along the Ouse's journey through the northern and southern suburbs. This urban sprawl is bounded by a modern day city wall of sorts: the '''ring road''' separates York from its rural surroundings, the well-endowed farmlands and villages of the [[North Yorkshire#Vale of York|Vale of York]]. ===History=== York has played a crucial role in many eras of English history, and the city's own story closely mirrors that of the country as a whole. Evidence of human settlement in York dates back to 8000 BC, but the city wasn't founded until 71 AD by the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], who named it '''''Eboracum''''', as a Latinisation of the Celtic ''Eburākon'', meaning "yew tree place". ''Eboracum'' began as little more than a military outpost at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, but quickly became one of the most important cities in Roman Britain, and from 211 was the capital of the ''Britannia Inferior'' province; Emperors Hadrian, Septimius Severus and Constantius I all visited during their military campaigns against the native Britons and Picts. The latter of the three actually died during his stay, and his son, the future Constantine the Great, was first proclaimed Emperor in the city by his generals. Constantine later converted to [[Christianity]], and legalised freedom of religion throughout the Empire. ''Eboracum'' was prosperous and particularly attracted merchants and retired veterans of the Emperors' wars. Why said retirees apparently chose the damp and chilly Yorkshire climate over the Empire's many Mediterranean provinces remains one of history's great mysteries. After Rome, the 5th century brought the arrival of the Angles - the first Englishmen. This period saw the expansion of the city's trading prowess, the founding of York Minster as a small wooden church, and a spell of political prominence under the Kings of Northumbria. By 735, the Minster was already important enough to be the seat of an archbishop. But '''''Eoforwic''''' ("place rich in boar"), as it was now known, proved too much of a success and quickly caught the attention of avaricious Norsemen: [[Vikings]] had been harrying and raiding the north of England since the 700s, but why sail for days just to snatch a pig and a bracelet and rush back to sea, when they could harvest this rich farmland for their own? So, in 866, a huge army of Danes captured ''Eoforwic'' and, realising that name was a hopeless mouthful, rechristened their new city '''''Jórvík''''' (pronounced "Yor-vik"). From here, they controlled pretty much all of northern and eastern England, in a region known as the Danelaw. ''Jórvík'' was pretty perfect as a Viking capital, since its inland location offered defence and shelter, while the Ouse provided their longboats easy access to the sea via the Humber. Even though Viking power waxed and waned over the centuries, large numbers of Scandinavian people settled permanently in the region, meaning ''Jórvík'' was a bilingual (Old English and Old Norse) city at the time of the '''Norman Conquest'''. By 1066, the Vikings had once again been ousted by the Saxons, but nursed ambitions to return. Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England, but faced a combined invasion by his exiled brother Tostig and the Norse king Harald Hardrada. The invaders won a battle at Fulford just outside York, but King Harold marched north and defeated them at Stamford Bridge 15 miles east. Yet, while his back was turned, William the Conqueror's [[Normandy|Normans]] invaded from across the English Channel. Harold's exhausted army marched south again, this time to crippling defeat at [[Hastings (England)|Hastings]]. England came under Norman rule, and the Anglo-Saxon/Norse society that the country had developed, and York exemplified, was dismantled swiftly and brutally. [[Image:York cathedra.jpg|thumb|250px|York Minster]] The '''Harrying of the North''' was a violent campaign of oppression against rebellious northerners in the years after the Conquest. From his castle in York, King William ordered the mass murder of civilians, demolition of numerous villages and burning of crops across the north of England, and York was also heavily damaged. As in the rest of the country, Normans became the new aristocracy, with the English and remaining Norse people reduced to serfdom. From this point on, the Normans consolidated their rule with the construction of castles, monasteries and great cathedrals. York Minster's Gothic design first took shape in the 12th century, while the present city walls, their gates (known as ''bars''), and Clifford's Tower also cemented the Normans' impact on York's cityscape. The late Medieval period produced much important architectural and cultural heritage, which are still evident today. The centuries-long construction of the Minster finally wrapped in 1472, while the higgledy-piggledy timber-frame shops of the Shambles mostly date from the 14th and 15th centuries. York's '''Mystery Plays''', performing weird and wonderful Bible stories, were begun in the same era and continue to the present day. Then, in 1455, England was consumed by civil war: rival royals from York and [[Lancaster (England)|Lancaster]] fought a brutal series of campaigns for control of the crown. Yorkist armies marched under the banner of a white rose, while their enemy Lancastrians followed the red rose, hence the name of this conflict, the '''Wars of the Roses'''. The last Yorkist king, Richard III, was finally defeated in combat at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, 30 years after the wars began. The Lancastrians' leader, Henry VII, became the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, and both York in general and King Richard in particular were subsequently demonised. The city's economy and status went into a long decline which wouldn't be recovered until after England's second Civil War, during which Royalist York was again on the wrong side of history, and besieged by the ultimate victors (Parliament) for 10 weeks in 1644. The siege and subsequent storming of the city destroyed many medieval buildings, but paved the way for fashionable new brick townhouses to be built as York regained its mojo in the late 17th and 18th centuries. This resurgence in the city's wealth may have been what saved York's ancient streets from the smoke-stack industry which sprang up in many other northern towns from the late 18th century onwards. However, the [[industrial revolution]] didn't bypass York completely. In the 1840s, the first long-distance '''railway''' raced north from London to Edinburgh, and York's station was constructed as a cathedral of sorts in homage to the great connecting power of trains, while the locomotive yards next door kept the country's engines moving. The city found its other manufacturing niche soon after when the '''Rowntree family''' opened their chocolate factory. Many of their creations - among them KitKat, Aero and Smarties - are still staple snacks in the UK and around the world. The Rowntrees, known for their philanthropy, were Quakers, a religious group which has had a strong presence in York for three centuries, and whose members have done much to shape its development - they were also behind the burgeoning rail industry. While its prominence and relative size in comparison to other cities have dwindled since the 19th century, and its status as capital of the north credibly challenged by the likes of Manchester and Leeds, York remains prosperous and lively; in 2018, it was named the best city to live in the UK by ''The Sunday Times''. In 2021, the city is 1,950 years old, and today's visitor will easily recognise and marvel at just how well York has preserved aspects from every major episode of its history, as much in the way of culture and traditions as in the built environment. ===When to visit=== {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =7 | febhigh =8 | marhigh =10 | aprhigh =13 | mayhigh =16 | junhigh =19 | julhigh =21 | aughigh =21 | sephigh =18 | octhigh =14 | novhigh =10 | dechigh =7 | janlow =2 | feblow =1 | marlow =1 | aprlow =4 | maylow =7 | junlow =10 | jullow =12 | auglow =12 | seplow =9 | octlow =7 | novlow =4 | declow =2 | janprecip =29.6 | febprecip =24.5 | marprecip =20.1 | aprprecip =27.6 | mayprecip =27.6 | junprecip =29.4 | julprecip =29.9 | augprecip =33.6 | sepprecip =22.6 | octprecip =34.1 | novprecip =34.8 | decprecip =32.1 }} '''Summer''' clearly brings the best chance of sun and warmth, and is thus the finest time to make the most of the city's squares, parks and rivers. If you really like flat caps and whippets, then be sure to be in town on 1 August for Yorkshire Day, when a procession of proud Yorkshiremen march their white rose flags all through the streets. Summer visitors may also get the chance to see festivals dedicated to chocolate, early music and folk dance, and the really lucky may even catch a mystery play - although these follow an irregular schedule and don't take place every year. On the other hand, summer is when ''everyone'' visits, so is not the best time if you don't like mingling with thousands of your fellow tourists. Besides, nobody comes to North Yorkshire for the weather, and summer washouts are just as likely as heatwaves, so why not take a punt on '''autumn''' or '''winter'''? Some of the city's key annual events, such as the Viking Festival and Christmas celebrations, take place in the chillier half of the year. What's more, you need short days in order to experience the magical atmosphere of a twilit evensong in the Minster, and you need to get cold to fully appreciate the cosiness of a hearty meal and pint next to a roaring fire in one of York's pubs. By the way, if you're planning to use York as a base to explore the wider region's countryside and coast, then '''spring''' is the season for you. The fields and trees are at their greenest, wildflowers are in bloom, visitor numbers are fewer, and the late spring weather is often better suited to hiking and walking than high summer. And honestly, who doesn't love the sight of spring lambs gamboling about joyfully? ===Visitor information and York Pass=== * {{listing | name=Visitor Information Centre | alt= | url=https://www.visityork.org/business-directory/visit-york-information-centre-gift-shop | email=info@visityork.org | address=1 Museum Street, YO1 7DT | lat=53.9612 | long=-1.0852 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 555 670 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=A first port-of-call for maps, hundreds of leaflets, attraction discounts and impartial advice from local experts. }} If you plan to do a ''lot'' of sightseeing, you can save money by purchasing the '''[https://yorkpass.com/ York Pass]''', a ticket which gives you access to [https://yorkpass.com/city-pass-attractions/ 17 attractions] in York, and discounted entry to a number of others. The pass also includes a 24-hour ticket for the City Sightseeing bus tour, a free Italian meal, and a guidebook and map. A one-day pass costs {{GBP|48}} per adult and {{GBP|30}} per child, while a two-day pass costs {{GBP|65}} per adult and {{GBP|35}} per child. You can buy online or in person at the visitor information centre. When buying online, your pass is downloaded to your smartphone. <small>(December 2021)</small> The pass is valid for 24 months after purchase and activated when you enter your first attraction. The one-day pass is '''valid for one calendar day, not a 24-hour period'''. Two-day passes are valid for consecutive calendar days. The pass covers the entry fee of every participating attraction, but does not allow you to queue jump or to have privileged access. To get your money's worth, you should visit at least five ticketed attractions on a one-day pass, or three attractions per day on a two-day pass; if this sounds like too much, the pass is not for you. == Get in == ''Navigate to: [[#By train|By train]], [[#By bus|By bus]], [[#By car|By car]], [[#Luggage|Luggage]]'' {{mapframe|53.9626|-1.0776|show=go|zoom=7|name=Map of airports and other transportation around York}} === By plane === {{marker|type=go|name=Manchester Airport|url=https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/|lat=53.3539|long=-2.2750}} ({{IATA|MAN}}), {{mi|85}} south-west of York, has global direct connections, including from [[North America]], [[Africa]], the [[Middle East]], [[Pakistan]], [[East Asia]], the [[Caribbean]] and pretty much everywhere in [[Europe]]. A direct train to York, operated by [https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/ Transpennine Express], runs every 30 min, taking 1 hr 50 min. By road, from the airport, follow the M56 onto the M60 Manchester Ring Road (east/anticlockwise), then at junction 18 take the M62 towards Leeds. This takes you across Saddleworth Moor, the highest section of motorway in Britain; in good weather, it's very scenic, but snow and extremely dense fog can badly affect or even close the route any time of the year. At junction 29, take the M1 north. This soon merges onto the A1 (M), and from here you take the next exit for the A64 towards York. {{marker|type=go|name=Leeds-Bradford Airport|url=https://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/|lat=53.865|long=-1.660}} ({{IATA|LBA}}) is the closest airport to York, {{mi|31}} away by road. It has decent connections across western Europe, and is served by budget carriers Jet2 and Ryanair. British Airways and KLM connect to their respective hubs at [[London Heathrow]] and [[Amsterdam Schiphol]]. The airport is north of [[Leeds]], so you can mostly dodge the city traffic by following the A658 past Harrogate to the A59, where you pick up signs to York. By public transport, take bus [https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/flyer/services/YCD/A1 A1] from the airport into Central Leeds. From here, you have the choice of taking the train or the bus. Crosscountry, LNER and Transpennine Express all operate [http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ trains] to York, taking 25 mins and offering a 'turn-up-and-go' frequency. The [http://www.cityzap.co.uk/ Cityzap] and [http://www.yorkbus.co.uk/Coastliner.htm Coastliner] buses both leave every 30 mins during the day (M-Sa; Su every hour) and take 60 mins; Cityzap stops at 7PM, but Coastliner maintains an hourly service until 10:15PM. {{marker|type=go|name=Doncaster-Sheffield Airport (Robin Hood)|url=http://flydsa.co.uk/|lat=53.475|long=-1.004}} ({{IATA|DSA}}) has flights from some European hubs and cities in [[Poland]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Romania]], and is {{mi|44}} away by road. You can drive to York via the M18 (north), M62 (west) and A19 (north), or if you're using public transport, get a half-hourly [https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/TSY/media/TSYMediaLibrary/Content%20pages/Popular%20destinations/Airports/Doncaster-Sheffield-Airport-Guide-valid-from-26-January-2020.pdf bus] to [[Doncaster]] station and catch a frequent direct train to York using LNER, which takes 20-25 min. The [[London]] airports obviously have a huge range of flights, especially '''[https://www.heathrow.com/ Heathrow]''' ({{IATA|LHR}}) and '''[https://www.gatwickairport.com/ Gatwick]''' ({{IATA|LGW}}). However, by public transport you have to travel into central London before heading north to York from King's Cross Station: from Heathrow use the Underground (Piccadilly line); from Gatwick take the Thameslink train to St Pancras, adjacent to King's Cross. LNER trains leave every 30 min and take roughly 2 hr. Alternatively, with a car you have to endure a long journey (at least 5 hours in good traffic) around the M25 ring road and up the A1. === By train === ''Wikivoyage has a guide to [[Rail travel in Great Britain]].'' [[Image:York Station Summer Sun.JPG|thumb|300px|The roof of York station]] York is on the East Coast mainline, with [https://www.lner.co.uk/ LNER] trains running every 30 min or so from [[Doncaster]] (20 min), [[Durham (England)|Durham]] (50 min), [[Edinburgh]] Waverley (2 hr 30 min), [[Leeds]] (25 min), [[London King's Cross]] (2 hr) and [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] (1 hr). Hourly [https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/ Crosscountry] trains link to York from [[Birmingham (England) |Birmingham]] New Street (2 hr 45 min - 3 hr 15 min), [[Bristol]] Temple Meads (4 hr 10 min), [[Plymouth (England)|Plymouth]] (6 hr 15 min) and [[Sheffield]] (45 min - 1 hr). [https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/ Transpennine Express] trains run hourly from [[Manchester]] [[MAN|Airport]] (1 hr 45 min), Manchester Piccadilly (1 hr 30 min) and Manchester Victoria (1 hr 15 min), via [[Huddersfield]] (47 min) and Leeds. [https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/ Northern] branch lines run from [[Scarborough]] (50 min) and [[Kingston upon Hull |Hull]] (1 hr 10 min) on Yorkshire's east coast, and from [[Harrogate]] (40 min) and [[Knaresborough]] (30 min) in the west of the county. Although there are multiple train companies, times and prices for all can be found on the [http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ National Rail Planner] or by calling {{phone|+44 845 748 4950 (non-geographic)}}. King's Cross in London is adjacent to St Pancras International, the British terminus for high-speed [https://www.eurostar.com/ Eurostar] trains from the near continent. This very easy interchange brings York within 4 hr 30 min from [[Paris]] and [[Brussels]], 3 hr 30 from [[Lille]], and under 6 hr from [[Amsterdam]] * {{go | name=York railway station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/YRK/details.html | email= | address=Station Road, YO24 1AB | lat=53.958 | long=-1.0929 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2269429 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Just outside the western walls, access the city north along Station Road for the Museum Gardens and Minster, or south via Queen Street to Micklegate and the Jorvik Centre. A cycle hire stand is just outside the main exit. Bus stops for many services are in the station forecourt, and any bus that doesn't pass here is likely to run through Rougier Street just inside the walls. The excellent National Railway Museum is adjacent on the west and is signposted from the platforms. There is no left luggage service at the station; the [[#Luggage|nearest one]] is on High Petergate, about 50 m from York Minster. }} === By bus === [[Image:YorkSigns1.jpg|thumb|300px|Navigating York's streets is a breeze]] '''[http://www.nationalexpress.com/ National Express]''' has two direct daytime coaches (426) and one overnight (436) to/from [[London]] Victoria, taking around six hours. Both routes also serve [[Milton Keynes]], [[Sunderland]] and [[South Shields]], while the night route 436 makes an additional stop at [[Heathrow Airport]]. A third route (530) runs daily via York from [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] to [[Paignton]], in [[Devon]], and back. Other calling points en route include Sunderland, [[Middlesbrough]], [[Leeds]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]], [[Cheltenham]], [[Bristol]], [[Exeter]] and [[Torquay]]. All three of these routes call outside the railway station, at {{marker|type=go|name=bus stop RC|lat=53.957|long=-1.091}} for northbound services, and at {{marker|type=go|name=bus stop RG|lat=53.958|long=-1.092}} for southbound services. For other connections, change at [[Leeds]]. '''[http://www.cityzap.co.uk/ Cityzap]''' (sometimes signed as just '''ZAP''') buses run every 30 minutes from [[Leeds]] between 7AM and 7PM, taking around 55 minutes. '''[http://www.yorkbus.co.uk/Coastliner.htm Coastliner]''' run two different bus routes (840 and 843) through York from Leeds (840, 843), [[Tadcaster]] (840, 843), [[Malton (England)|Malton]] (840, 843), [[Pickering_(England)|Pickering]] (840), [[Scarborough]] (843) and [[Whitby]] (840) every 30 minutes during the daytime and every hour in the evenings. Both routes have two calling points in York city centre: outside the railway station at stops RC and RJ, and on {{marker|type=go|name=The Stonebow|lat=53.959|long=-1.076}}. The last buses ''to'' York depart Leeds at 10:15PM, Scarborough at 8:25PM, and Whitby at 5:45PM. However, daytrippers from Leeds can get the last bus back ''from'' York at 11:05PM. Enjoy the view - Coastliner's 840 service has won the prodigious title of "Britain's most scenic bus route". '''[https://uk.megabus.com/ Megabus]''' doesn't serve York directly, but offers tickets in partnership with Cityzap via Leeds. === By car === ''Wikivoyage has a guide to [[Driving in the United Kingdom]].'' From the south, take the M1 north to junction 32, then the M18 east to junction 2, A1 (M) north to junction 44 and finally the A64 east to York. Or you can stay on the M1 all the way to the A64, but it gets very congested around [[Sheffield]] and [[Leeds]] in rush hour. Lighter traffic may be found by taking the A1 all the way from [[London]]. From the north, approach via the A1 (M) onto the A59 east, or take the A19. If you're coming from the urban [[North West England|north-west]], follow the M62 east onto the M1; from the [[Yorkshire Dales]] and [[Lake District National Park|Lakes]], use the A59. Approach from Leeds using the A64, and from [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]] (for ferries from [[Rotterdam]]) by the A1079. The old city is not designed for driving and is positively hostile to parking. If you are just visiting York for the day, don't try to park in town. Instead, use one of the '''[https://www.itravelyork.info/park-ride park and ride]''' sites, located close to the ring road and well signposted from the main roads. Each site is connected to the city centre by a unique colour-coded bus route, every 10 minutes, seven days a week. A day's parking is free, and a return bus fare costs £3.30. However, you can't use the park and ride overnight, so if you are staying in York, make sure that your accommodation offers parking, or consider leaving your car at home. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - Poppleton Bar is closed until further notice <small>(June 2022)</small>. It is advised to wear a facemask on all public transport in the United Kingdom. {{mapframe|53.9626|-1.083|show=go|zoom=11|name=Map of park and ride sites and other transportation}} {| class="wikitable floatcenter" ! !Road access !Which bus? !Hours |- !{{marker|name=Askham Bar|type=go|lat=53.928|long=-1.117}} |[[Image:UK road A64.svg|40px]] from [[Leeds]] and the south-west [[Image:UK-Motorway-A1 (M).svg|50px]] from the south |{{RouteBox|White||##FFFFFF|black}} |'''M-Sa''' 6AM-10PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-10:30PM |- !{{marker|name=Designer Outlet|type=go|lat=53.922|long=-1.074}} |[[Image:UK road A19.svg|40px]] from [[Selby]] and the south |{{RouteBox|Red||#FF0000|white}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-10PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-10:30PM |- !{{marker|name=Grimston Bar|type=go|lat=53.955|long=-1.017}} |[[Image:UK road A166.svg|40px]] from [[Bridlington]] and the east [[Image:UK road A1079.svg|40px]] from [[Kingston-upon-Hull|Hull]] and the south-east |{{RouteBox|Yellow||#FFFF00|black}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-8:30PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-6PM |- !{{marker|name=Monks Cross|type=go|lat=53.982|long=-1.051}} |[[Image:UK road A64.svg|40px]] from [[Scarborough]] and the north-east |{{RouteBox|Silver||#C0C0C0|black}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-9:30PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-6PM |- !{{marker|name=Poppleton Bar|type=go|lat=53.972|long=-1.150}} |[[Image:UK road A59.svg|40px]] from [[Harrogate]] and the west [[Image:UK-Motorway-A1 (M).svg|50px]] from the north |{{RouteBox|Turquoise||#40E0D0|black}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-8:30PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-6PM |- !{{marker|name=Rawcliffe Bar|type=go|lat=53.984|long=-1.123}} |[[Image:UK road A19.svg|40px]] from [[Thirsk]] and the north-west |{{RouteBox|Green||#008000|white}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-10:30PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-10:30PM |- |} ===Luggage=== * {{listing | name=Yorbag | alt= | url=http://yorbag.co.uk/ | email=info@yorbag.co.uk | address=20 High Petergate, YO1 7EH | lat=53.962355 | long=-1.084287 | directions= | phone=+44 7561 852 654 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-7PM, last drop 5PM | price=Small case (55cm x 35cm x 25cm or smaller): £3 up to 10 hr. Large case: £3 up to 2 hr, £5 up to 10 hr. Storage box for smaller items and shopping: £3 up to 2 hr, £5 up to 10 hr | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Centrally-located Visit York-endorsed left luggage service. No overnight service. }} == Get around == ''Navigate to: [[#By bike|By bike]], [[#By bus|By bus]], [[#By taxi|By taxi]], [[#By car|By car]]'' {{Mapframe|53.9570|-1.0826|zoom=14}} [[Image:OSM map of York UK 2.png|thumb|417px|York within the city walls]] [[Image:OSM map of York UK 1.png|thumb|417px|York and its surrounding villages]] The City of York Council have a website named '''[https://www.itravelyork.info/ i-Travel York]''', which provides unbiased information for travelling around the city on foot, by bike, by bus and by car. === On foot === The best way to discover York: the city centre is small enough to walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes, and there is only a short distance on flat terrain between most of the sights. That said, the winding, narrow streets can be confusing and aren't always well-signposted, so a map is always handy. Some streets within the old city (i.e. inside the city walls) are pedestrianised during the day, closed to all cars except disabled drivers and emergency vehicles between 10:30AM and 5PM daily. You can see a map of these roads, locally known as '''''footstreets''''', on [https://www.itravelyork.info/pedestrianised-city-centre i-Travel York]. Some streets are subject to additional controls, for instance the Shambles is pedestrian-only at all times. Take care walking around the city centre when the roads open to car traffic at 5PM, as they fill up quickly with delivery vehicles servicing local shops and businesses. If you enjoy walking, you must do the 2-mile (3.2-km) city wall circuit (see [[#Tours and trips|below]] for details), which offers views all around and should give you a feel for York's layout. Additionally, footpaths line the River Ouse for most of its journey through the city north to south, and there is a lot of parkland to discover alongside with the promise of wildlife sightings - see [https://www.itravelyork.info/downloads/download/9/wildlife-walks i-Travel's wildlife walks booklet] for ideas. === By bike === York is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK - there's an extensive network of cycle routes in and around the city, and most of the traffic controls have been set up to give cyclists priority. There are no significant hills in or around the city centre, which is a big help. The river path along the Ouse contains some wonderful bike routes out of the city. Also beware that police and CCTV operators take a very dim view of cycling without lights after dusk, or cycling in the city centre pedestrianised area before 5PM, and will hand out an on-the-spot £60 fine for doing so. You should be able to pick up a copy of the York Cycle Route Map for free from cycle shops, or alternatively you can find [https://www.itravelyork.info/downloads/download/8/cycle-route-map online]. * {{listing | name=Cycle Heaven Bike Hire | alt= | url=https://www.cycle-heaven.co.uk/ | email=yorkstation@cycle-heaven.co.uk | address=Station Road, YO24 1AY | lat=53.957668 | long=-1.092505 | directions=On your right as you exit the railway station through the main entrance. | phone=+44 1904 622 701 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM | price=2 hr £10, 5 hr £15, 24 hr £20, 3 days £50, 5 days £65, 7 days £75, 14 days £100 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=You can rent bikes adapted to short city hops (Gazelle) and longer country trips (Ridgeback), plus folding bikes (Brompton). Hire price includes a helmet, lock and an optional basket and toolkit. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - cycle hire is suspended until further notice. }} === By bus === [http://www.itravelyork.info/buses Bus services] connect all the points of interest in the city. Download a PDF of the city's network map [https://www.itravelyork.info/buses/bus-routes-and-journey-times/york-bus-route-map/ here]. A variety of operators run the individual routes, but thankfully you can still buy a ticket which works on every company and line in the city within a set period: '''[https://www.itravelyork.info/buses/fares-and-passes/allyork All York]''' comes in three flavours, one day (£4.90), one week (£19) and one month (£66) passes <small>(March 2021)</small>. The day tickets are ''not'' 24 hour passes, rather they are valid until midnight on the day of purchase. If you are staying a week or longer, consider getting a [https://www.itravelyork.info/buses/fares-and-passes/smartcard smartcard], onto which you can load your All York ticket. Some operators accept contactless payment by credit and debit card. These tickets are only valid on public bus services, and not on sightseeing tours. That said, the majority of bus routes are operated by [https://www.firstgroup.com/york/ First York], a private company. Adult single fares are from £1.20 <small>(March 2021)</small>, but increase for longer journeys. You can purchase your ticket with cash or contactless. For groups looking for a discount, here's a corker: if you are in a group divisible by five, you can get a [https://www.firstgroup.com/york/tickets/ticket-types/group-travel group ticket] which gives five people unlimited travel in York for a whole day, valid every day of the week after 9AM Monday to Friday, and anytime weekends and bank holidays. You can only buy this ticket via the [https://www.firstbus.co.uk/york/tickets/ticket-types/mtickets First Bus app], but each five-person ticket costs £9 <small>(March 2021)</small>, so as long as you travel everywhere as a group it is great value compared even to the All York pass. === By taxi === Like everywhere else in the UK, all taxi services are provided by private companies, but the fares are metered and strictly regulated by the local government authority. In this case, it is the City of York Council which sets the rates, the details of which you can download [https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/download/59/hackney-carriage-fares-and-charges from the city's website]. During the daytime (7AM-10PM), the base fare is £2.90, while the nighttime (10PM-7AM) base fare is £3.70. To these, 10p is added for every 80 metres travelled. Higher rates exist at Christmas, New Year, on bank holidays, and for travelling to/from the Knavesmire on race days. There are small additional charges for pets and extra passengers. <small>(December 2021)</small> All four of the following companies have apps for iOS and Android: * {{listing | name=Fleetways | alt= | url=https://www.fleetways.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 365 365 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Getaway Cars | alt= | url=http://www.taxis-in-york.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 707 070 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Streamline Taxis | alt= | url=http://www.streamlinetaxisyork.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 656 565 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content= }} * {{listing | name=York Cars | alt= | url=https://yorkcars-taxis.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 765 765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content= }} === By car === The best advice for driving in York is ''don't''. The roads were designed for carts pulled by oxen, and the city council is actively discouraging car use through a combination of high parking charges and traffic-calming measures. If you are bringing a car to York, your best bet is to leave it in a park and ride, at your hotel, or if absolutely necessary, a city centre car park. If you're using York as a base from which to explore the Yorkshire countryside, you will find all the major '''car hire''' companies in town, mostly by the railway station. ==See== ''Navigate to: [[#York Archaeological Trust|York Archaeological Trust]], [[#York Museums Trust|York Museums Trust]], [[#Churches|Churches]], [[#Further out|Out-of-town sights]]'' [[File:Clifford's Tower, York - geograph.org.uk - 889063.jpg|thumb|300px|Clifford's Tower]] There's plenty to see in York, but if you leave without visiting the '''Minster''' and either the '''[[#Q1704043|Jorvik Viking Centre]]''' or the '''[[#Q579958|National Railway Museum]]''', you're doing it wrong. If you only have a day, prioritise two of these. Aside from these three standout attractions, the joy of York is in wandering the ancient streets and coming across surprising buildings and beautiful views all by yourself. You might find old churches, timber-framed shops, the ruins of an abbey, or the leftovers of medieval defences. ===Landmarks=== * {{see | name=York Minster | alt=Cathedral of St Peter in York | url=http://www.yorkminster.org | email=info@yorkminster.org | address=Deangate, YO1 7HH | lat=53.961944 | long=-1.081944 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 557 200 | tollfree= | hours=Minster visits: M-Sa 9AM-4:30PM, Su 12:30PM-3PM; Museum: M-Sa 10AM-4:30PM, Su 1PM-3:15PM; Worship: 4 or more services daily 7:30AM-6PM | price=Adult £11.50, senior £10.50, student with ID £9, child under 17 free. Access to Minster, museum and guided tour included; £5 extra for tower. Worship, park and plaza free. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=York Minster | image=York Minster from M&S.JPG | wikidata=Q252575 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The largest [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] cathedral in northern Europe, York Minster dominates the skyline and dates back to the 8th century at least. The inside of the cathedral has beautiful stained glass and several interesting and peculiar features – look for the modern statues signalling "Christ is here" in semaphore and the dragon hanging from near the ceiling. The '''Undercroft Museum''', beneath the Minster, displays centuries worth of archaeological findings in an interactive display. Then, climb the 275 steps to the top of the Minster's '''Central Tower''' to experience panoramic views from York's highest spot (ages 8+ only). The nightly Evensong worship has haunting acoustics, and is the only way of accessing the cathedral on Sunday late afternoons. On the south side of the Minster outside, don't miss the {{marker|type=see|name=statue of Constantine the Great|lat=53.961826|long=-1.081745}}, who was in 306 AD proclaimed emperor of Rome in York. At the far end of the plaza from this is a {{marker|type=see|name=Roman column|lat=53.961634|long=-1.081813}} which was unearthed beneath the Minster and reerected in 1971 to mark the 1,900th anniversary of the city's founding. Once you've seen all this, relax in the {{marker|type=see|name=Dean's Park|lat=53.963206|long=-1.082479}} - a simple expanse of grass and trees that affords views of the north side of the Minster. In spring or summer, you may catch a glimpse of nesting peregrine falcons. }} {{infobox|York's medieval pogrom|'''[[Judaism|Jews]]''' settled in England for the first time in recorded history after the Norman Conquest. Being exempt from Catholic laws prohibiting money-lending, Jewish people were seen as engines for economic growth, and were thus granted special immunities under the Crown. As one of the most important cities in the kingdom, York had a significant Jewish population by the 12th century, but the ongoing wars of religion in the [[Holy Land]] and indebted townspeople's ill-feeling towards their creditors fuelled antisemitism. On 16 March 1190 - the Friday of Passover - in such a climate, all it took was for an accidental fire to be blamed on Jews, and a lynch mob was formed. York's Jewish families were forced to flee and invoke the royal protection granted to them by seeking refuge in '''Clifford's Tower'''. Once inside, they were effectively under siege, however, and the soldiers who were supposed to be protecting them turned coat and joined the baying mob outside. At some point, a fire started in the tower - whether by the occupants or their tormentors is unknown. Vastly outnumbered, and faced with an ultimatum to convert to Christianity or be slaughtered, the community realised the only way out was suicide; on the advice of their Rabbi, the father of each family killed his wife and children, before taking his own life. Consumed by flames, the wooden tower burnt to the ground, and among its ashes the Earthly remains of 150 people.}} * {{see | name=Clifford's Tower | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/ | email= | address=Tower Street, YO1 9SA | lat=53.955856 | long=-1.079992 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 646 940 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-6PM | price=Adult £8.10, child £5.40, concession £7.30, English Heritage members free | wikipedia=York Castle | image=Cliffords Tower York UK.JPG | wikidata=Q80637 | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content=In the 11th century, the Normans built a castle here to keep the Vikings at bay and subdue the local population following their conquest of England. The Vikings being Vikings, they promptly smashed it, so the Normans built bigger and better - the tower you see today was the castle's keep. The tower was the scene of the infamous massacre of York's Jews in 1190. In 1684, its interior was wrecked by an explosion, but the hollow tower is now the oldest remnant of the castle. The rest fell into disrepair, before being re-built as a gaol, and in modern times housing the Castle Museum. Access is by very steep steps up the hillock; it's a bit like climbing a pyramid. After closure, you can still climb to the front door and look back over the square - this is especially atmospheric after dark. }} * {{see | name=Fairfax House | alt= | url=http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk | email=info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk | address=Castlegate, YO1 9RN | lat=53.9568 | long=-1.08006 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 655 543 | tollfree= | hours=Sa–Th 11AM–4PM, F entrance by guided tour only 11AM, 2PM | price=Adult £7.50, guided tour £9. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikidata=Q15978988 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=A Georgian townhouse built as the winter home for the Viscount Fairfax and his daughter, which has today been lovingly restored as a charming example of aristocratic life in York. It is decorated and furnished similar to how it would have been in the 1760s, almost exclusively using objects from the private collection of chocolatier Noel Terry (1889–1979). Giuseppe Cortese's elaborately-wrought stucco ceilings are a particular highlight, adorning half a dozen of the Fairfaxs' stately rooms. 'Gregory the Townhouse Mouse' will keep your kids entertained with his exploration trails around the property. Audio tours in eight languages. }} * {{see | name=Guildhall | alt= | url=https://www.york.gov.uk/guildhall | email=civic@york.gov.uk | address=St. Helen’s Square, YO1 9QN | lat=53.959734 | long=-1.085468 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 553 979 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=York Guildhall | image=Guildhall, York.jpg | wikidata=Q1553813 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Built in the 15th century as a meeting hall for the guilds of York, the Guildhall is now also home to the city council chamber. Guilds are associations of artisans and merchants of a particular industry akin to something between a professional association, a trade union and a monopolistic cartel. In the middle ages, these guilds had a dominant role in the economies of every English city. However, the Guildhall you see today is a faithful replica, as the original was mostly destroyed by bombing in 1942. Notice the stained-glass window depicting York's history. }} * {{see | name=King's Manor | alt= | url=https://www.york.ac.uk/about/campus/landmarks/kings-manor/ | email= | address=Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP | lat=53.962385 | long=-1.086606 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 320 000 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-6PM | price=Free | wikipedia=King's Manor | image=King's Manor, York - DSC07900.JPG | wikidata=Q6411006 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Now the very apt home for the University of York's Archaeology Department, this was a royal headquarters during the Tudor and Stuart dynasties (16th and 17th centuries). As this is a working academic building, you may have to content yourself with admiring the Grade I listed architecture from the outside, unless you can pass as a scholar that is! Respect the students and staff, or you'll ruin it for future visitors. }} [[File:York P1020256 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px|"God give us good fortune"]] * {{see | name=Merchant Adventurers' Hall | alt= | url=http://www.merchantshallyork.org/ | email=enquiries@merchantshallyork.org | address=Fossgate, YO1 9XD | lat=53.957850 | long=-1.078798 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 654 818 | tollfree= | hours=Su-F 10AM-4:30PM, Sa 10AM-1:30PM | price=Adult £6.50, concession £5.50, under 17s free. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. Admission includes audio tour in English / written guide in other languages | wikipedia=Merchant Adventurers' Hall | image=Merchant Adventurers' Hall.jpg | wikidata=Q6818359 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Remarkable timbered guild hall, built by city merchants between 1357 and 1361. The great hall was where they gathered for business and socialising, the undercroft was an almshouse for the poor and sick, and in the chapel all mercantile sins were conveniently forgiven. Good café on-site. }} * {{see | name=National Railway Museum | alt= | url=https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/ | email=info@railwaymuseum.org.uk | address=Leeman Road, YO26 4XJ | lat=53.9598 | long=-1.09771 | directions=Adjacent to York railway station. Bus: 2, 10, or take the road train from the Minster | phone=+44 3330 161 010 | tollfree= | hours=Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-6PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-5PM | price=Museum and all exhibitions free. Steam rides £4, miniature railway £3, under-2s free | wikipedia=National Railway Museum | image=National Railway Museum, York (1981).JPG | wikidata=Q579958 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The largest railway museum in the world, with a magnificent collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records. The bulk of it is British, but there are also great snorting monsters from China and the U.S. Highlights include Queen Victoria's opulent Royal Train, famous locos such as Stephenson's Rocket and Mallard, and a first-generation ''Shinkansen'' - the only one outside of Japan. When it's not cruising the rails in summer, Flying Scotsman overwinters at the NRM. Out in the yard, a steam-engine hauls rides in the summer, and a miniature railway operates year-round. And the best thing for railbuffs: the museum is in sight of York station and has a viewing deck overlooking the East Coast Main Line!. }} * {{see | name=Snickelways | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.959289 | long=-1.080034 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Snickelways of York | image=Lady Peckett's Yard - 2007-04-14.jpg | wikidata=Q7547729 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=These are the famous medieval (and later) alleys and narrow streets that thread the centre of the city, typically lined with timber frame and brick houses and shops. They are all pedestrianised in the daytime, and indeed most are too narrow for vehicles to use. See Mark W Jones' book ''A Walk Around the Snickelways of York'' ({{ISBN|1871125723}}) or its hardback companion ''The Complete Snickelways of York'' ({{ISBN|1871125049}}) with their quirky, hand-written descriptions, and follow his suggested route taking in 50 of the snickelways within the city walls. Jones himself coined the term for his books in 1983, as a triple portmanteau of the Yorkshire dialect words ''snicket'' and ''ginnel'', and their standard English equivalent ''alleyway''. }} [[File:Treasurers House, York - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px|Tulips in the gardens of the Treasurer's House]] * {{see | name=Treasurer's House | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/treasurers-house-york/ | email=treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=Minster Yard, YO1 7JL | lat=53.962764 | long=-1.080973 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 624 247 | tollfree= | hours=Sa–Tu noon–4PM. Closed winter 2022 | price=Adult £8, child £4. NT members free | wikipedia=Treasurer's House, York | image=The Treasurer's House1.jpg | wikidata=Q7836749 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=Grade I-listed town house and garden dating from the 12th century that acted as the official residence of York Minster's treasurers over the centuries. Frank Green, heir to an industrialist's fortune, purchased it in 1897 and transformed it into a lavish pad to flaunt his enormous wealth and eclectic decorating tastes and collection of art, antiques, and furniture. Today it is managed by the National Trust, and the visitor can discover both Green's dizzying collection and the contrastingly calming gardens. Like all good Trust properties, there's an on-site shop and café. }} * {{see | name=York Army Museum | alt= | url=http://www.yorkarmymuseum.co.uk/ | email= | address=3 Tower Street, YO1 9SB | lat=53.9561 | long=-1.0809 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 461 010 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Adult £5, child aged 5-16 years £2.50, under 5 years free, concession £4, service personnel 50% off applicable ticket. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikidata=Q45112549 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Contact via [https://www.facebook.com/yorkarmymuseum Facebook] and [https://twitter.com/YorkArmyMuseum Twitter]. The museum brings together the collections of one of the Army's oldest cavalry regiments - the Royal Dragoon Guards, dating from 1685, with one of its newest infantry regiments - the Yorkshire Regiment, which was only formed in 2006. Charting the relationship between Yorkshire and the Army going back centuries, the collections span medals, standards, uniforms, firearms, swords and soldiers' personal effects, with interactive exhibits and many tales of individual courage and hardships to bring the history to life. }} * {{see | name=York Mansion House | alt= | url=http://www.mansionhouseyork.com/ | email=mansionhouse@york.gov.uk | address=St Helen's Square, YO1 9QL | lat=53.9599 | long=-1.0848 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 553 663 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su, bank holidays 10:30AM-5PM | price=Adult £6.50, concession £5, child £3.50. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=Mansion House, York | image=City of York Mansion House - geograph.org.uk - 1515688.jpg | wikidata=Q6751751 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The grand official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, dating from 1732, holds an unparalleled collection of civic gold and silver, plus extensive items of furniture, ceramics, glassware and art. Gastronomes will be interested in the daily cooking demonstrations in the authentically-restored 18th-century kitchen. }} ===York Archaeological Trust=== The [https://www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk/ York Archaeological Trust] run five attractions, which can be visited on various individual or combined tickets. The most useful of these is the '''[https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/visit/triple-ticket/ Triple Ticket]''', valid for 12 months, and allowing you entrance to three of the Trust's attractions: Jorvik, Barley Hall and DIG. This is available for £18 per adult, £14.50 per concession, and £12.50 per child. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' – The Henry VII and Richard III Experiences are closed. <small>(November 2021)</small> * {{see | name=Jorvik Viking Centre | alt= | url=http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/ | email=jorvik@yorkat.co.uk | address=19 Coppergate, YO1 9WT | lat=53.9578 | long=-1.08056 | directions=within the Coppergate Shopping Centre | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours=Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-6PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM, longer hours during school holidays | price=Adult £12.50, child 5-16 years £8.50, concession £10.50. Fasttrack entry with Pastport. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=Jorvik Viking Centre | image=Coin making at Jorvik Viking Centre.jpg | wikidata=Q1704043 | lastedit=2021-03-21 | content=Reconstruction of York as it might have looked 1000+ years ago. The visit takes the form of a sit-down ride as you experience the sights, sounds, smells and diverse languages and faces of everyday 10th century life, with the aid of animatronics, dioramas and touchscreen technology. Although a bit like the Viking version of ''It's a Small World'', everything you see has been meticulously researched and the centre is itself built on the archaeological remains of the real Jórvík. Audio commentary available in 15 languages. After the ride is a collection of artefacts, including replicas - for more visit the Yorkshire Museum. }} * {{see | name=Barley Hall | alt= | url=http://www.barleyhall.org.uk/ | email=barleyhall@yorkat.co.uk | address=2 Coffee Yard, off Stonegate, YO1 8AR | lat=53.960830 | long=-1.082586 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-3PM/4PM | price=Adult £6.50, child 5-16 years £3.50, concession £5. Combo ticket with Jorvik: adult £15, child £10, concession £12. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=Barley Hall | image=Barley Hall 1.jpg | wikidata=Q4861158 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=Reconstruction of a medieval townhouse. Built in the 14th century by the monks of Nostell Priory in [[Wakefield (England)|Wakefield]], but serially chopped, changed and neglected over the centuries. By 1970 it was a plumber's storeroom, on the brink of demolition. It's now been rebuilt to how it was in the 15th century, discarding later additions. Its detractors say this was more like a retro-fit and prettification of history, but it's difficult to see how anything more "authentic" could have been made viable, and it can be accurately described as a large piece of experimental archaeology carried out by experts. }} [[File:Micklegate Bar, York 2.JPG|thumb|300px|Micklegate Bar]] * {{see | name=Micklegate Bar | alt=Henry VII Experience | url=https://richardiiiexperience.com/discover-medieval-york/about-henry-vii/ | email=info@richardiiiexperience.com | address=Micklegate, YO1 6JX | lat=53.9558362 | long=-1.0908759 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-4PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-3PM weather dependant | price=Adult £5, child 5-16 years £3, concession £3.50. Includes admission to Richard III Experience | wikipedia=Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar | image=Micklegate Bar.jpg | wikidata=Q28232884 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Micklegate Bar was first recorded in the 12th century, but reuses stone from an earlier Roman gate. It has long been the official entrance to the city of York for royalty, most recently welcoming Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Henry Tudor won the Wars of the Roses in 1485 and founded a monarchic dynasty that would shape the next 120 years of English history. The Henry VII Experience charts his life and the troubled relationship he had with the people of York, who had backed his enemy Richard during the War, and continued to rebel during his reign. Free written guides available in eight foreign languages. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Monk Bar | alt=Richard III Experience | url=https://richardiiiexperience.com/discover-medieval-york/about-richard-iii/ | email=info@richardiiiexperience.com | address=6 Goodramgate, YO1 7LQ | lat=53.962739 | long=-1.078452 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Oct 10AM-5PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM | price=Adult £5, child 5-16 years £3, concession £3.50. Includes admission to Henry VII experience | image=Monk Bar - geograph.org.uk - 62752.jpg | wikidata=Q7326656 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Monk Bar is one of four heavily-fortified medieval gates in the city wall, built in several stages in the early 14th century, to defend from Scottish attacks. Inside, an exhibition tells the story of Richard of York, the last Plantagenet king of England, and the man who lost the Wars of the Roses. Free written guides available in eight foreign languages. }} The fifth attraction, '''DIG''', is listed in the ''[[#Q20128209|Do]]'' section below. ===York Museums Trust=== The York Museums Trust operate several civic museums and galleries. You can buy a [https://www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/ymtcard/ YMT card] for unlimited visits to any of the Trust's sites in a twelve month period. Children aged 16 years and under get in free to all YMT sites, so the YMT costs £25 per adult (or £20 by renewable direct debit), and £15 for a student in possession of ID (£12 by direct debit). Since the card only offers a very modest saving from the standard costs of the three ticketed YMT attractions, it is probably not worth it unless you plan to revisit one or more of the museums during your stay, and is definitely not worth it if you don't plan to visit all three. * {{see | name=York Art Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/ | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address=Exhibition Square, YO1 7EW | lat=53.963001 | long=-1.086323 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM-5PM | price=Adult £7.27, student £5.60, child free | wikipedia=York Art Gallery | image=York Art Gallery.jpg | wikidata=Q8055361 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=A public art gallery with a collection of paintings, prints, watercolours, drawings and ceramics from the 14th century to the contemporary era. The Burton Gallery hosts Italian and Flemish Old Masters, and early 20th century modern art, while an 18th century automaton clock featuring Hercules, waterfalls and dancing figures has pride of place. Look out for paintings by York natives William Etty and Albert Moore. There are regular temporary exhibitions throughout the year. }} [[File:Coppergate Helmet YORCM CA665-1.jpg|thumb|250px|The 8th century Coppergate Helmet in the Yorkshire Museum]] * {{see | name=York Castle Museum | alt= | url=http://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/ | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address=Tower Street, YO1 9RY | lat=53.9556 | long=-1.07827 | directions=next to Clifford's Tower | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 9:30AM-5PM | price=Adult £10.90, student £8.40, child free | wikipedia=York Castle Museum | image=York Castle Museum.jpg | wikidata=Q2024016 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Outstanding museum of everyday life with exhibits to appeal to all ages. Highlights are Kirkgate, a recreated Victorian street, and Half Moon Court, an Edwardian street, exhibitions of York's confectionery industry, plus costumes and toys through the ages. The site includes a former prison, in which you can experience the cells, and imagine what it was like in 1739 when infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was awaiting his execution by hanging. There are numerous special exhibitions and events throughout the year. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Yorkshire Museum | alt= | url=http://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address=Museum Gardens, Museum Street, YO1 7FR | lat=53.9618 | long=-1.08744 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-5PM | price=Adult £7.27, student £5.60, child free | wikipedia=Yorkshire Museum | image=Yorkshire Museum.jpg | wikidata=Q2086562 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Interesting, and quite good for curious children. Features permanent displays of Roman and medieval riches, including the Vale of York Hoard of Viking treasure. There are also natural history sections dedicated to astronomy, biology and geology. A long-term exhibition exploring Yorkshire's Jurassic World uses VR technology and up-to-date research to engage you in the county's prehistoric past. }} :* {{see | name=York Museum Gardens | alt= | url=http://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/ | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address= | lat=53.96152 | long=-1.08848 | directions=outside Yorkshire Museum | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Summer daily 7:30AM-8PM, winter daily 7:30AM-6PM--> Daily 10:30AM-6PM. Free tours every Su 1PM | price=Free. Wheelchair accessible | wikipedia=York Museum Gardens | image=Main Gates of York Museum Grounds, York.jpg | wikidata=Q2883914 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=This extensive botanical collection is a great place for a picnic. Perambulate through a variety of borders (butterfly-friendly, oriental, prairie), not missing out the fern garden and rockery. Daffodils and bluebells abound in spring. The gardens are not just for nature lovers, however, as they also contain much significant archaeology: the third century Roman fortification known as the {{marker|type=see|name=Multangular Tower|url=https://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/about/the-multangular-tower/|lat=53.961|long=-1.087}}, which only saw action 14 centuries later during the English Civil War; the remains of {{marker|type=see|name=St Leonard's Hospital|url=https://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/about/st-leonards-hospital/|lat=53.961|long=-1.086}}, where the poor and sick of medieval York were cared for physically and spiritually; the ruins of the Benedictine {{marker|type=see|name=St Mary's Abbey|url=http://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/about/st-marys-abbey/|lat=53.962|long=-1.088}}, which date from 1088 and once rivalled the Minster for grandeur. The small {{marker|type=see|name=York Observatory|url=http://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/about/york-observatory/|lat=53.961|long=-1.088}}, which was constructed in 1832/33 and is still in working condition, is also located in the gardens. It's open most days 11:30AM-2:30PM, plus some winter evenings for public astronomy events. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=not to be confused with St Mary's Abbey | url=https://www.yorkstmarys.org.uk/ | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address=Castlegate, YO1 9RN | lat=53.9572 | long=-1.0805 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM, closed W | price=Access to building normally free. Van Gogh: Adult £13, concession £11, child £9. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=St Mary's Church, Castlegate, York | image=St Mary's Church, York.JPG | wikidata=Q19946085 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=A Saxon church, though most of the current building dates from the 13th century. Its 47 m steeple is the tallest in York and it has some fine stained-glass windows. Deconsecrated in the 1950s, St Mary's was reborn as a contemporary art venue in 2004, and now hosts exhibitions throughout the year. Until at least 31 August 2021, the church is fully dedicated to a major exhibition: the UK première of '''''[http://www.vangoghexpo.co.uk/ Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience]''''', which has come to York following successful runs in [[Amsterdam]] and several other European cities. The "Experience" is a 360-degree multisensory digital presentation of hundreds of the Dutch post-impressionist's works, allowing you to see through the eyes of the great man himself and gain an insight to his unique mind. }} ===Churches=== As well as the Minster, York has a number of parish churches which are of architectural or historical interest: * {{listing | type=see | name=All Saints, North Street | alt= | url=https://the-shrine-and-parish-church-of-all-saints-north-street.business.site/ | email= | address=North Street, YO1 5JD | lat=53.9584 | long=-1.0863 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 728 122, +44 1904 867 113 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 10:15AM-6:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=All Saints' Church, North Street, York | image=Nine orders of Angels window, All Saints' Church, North Street, York.jpg | wikidata=Q2647818 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Colourful angels smile cheekily down at you from the ceiling in this 12th century church, which is grade I-listed due to having the finest collection of medieval stained glass windows in the city. The most famous window, dating from around 1410, depicts the Prick of Conscience - a popular Middle English poem. }} [[File:Stained glass detail, All Saints' church, Pavement, York (16487632997).jpg|thumb|300px|St Paul, St Peter and St Andrew in the window at All Saints' Pavement]] * {{listing | type=see | name=All Saints Pavement | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/ASPYork/ | email= | address=32-37 Coppergate, YO1 9NR | lat=53.958167 | long=-1.080694 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-7PM | price=Free | wikipedia=All Saints' Church, Pavement, York | image=All Saints, Pavement - geograph.org.uk - 674276.jpg | wikidata=Q2647826 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Best viewed from the outside, from where you can admire its unusual octagonal tower. All Saints is also the civic church of various city guilds and the garrison church of the Royal Dragoon Guards. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Holy Trinity, Goodramgate | alt= | url=https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/holy-trinity-york.html | email= | address=70 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF | lat=53.9612 | long=-1.0803 | directions=Enter via an unassuming gated archway opposite Tesco Express. Wheelchair access via Petergate next to Poundland | phone=+44 1904 613 451 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 11AM-3PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York | image=Holy Trinity, Goodramgate - geograph.org.uk - 1400910.jpg | wikidata=Q17530619 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Peaceful and atmospheric grade I-listed 12th century church that you won't find unless you're looking for it. The wooden box pews and stone altar are once-common rarities from an early period in church history. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Holy Trinity, Micklegate | alt= | url=http://www.holytrinityyork.org | email=info@holytrinityyork.org | address=Micklegate, YO1 6LE | lat=53.9566 | long=-1.08881 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 593 608 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate, York | image=Holy Trinity church, Micklegate - geograph.org.uk - 673484.jpg | wikidata=Q17530596 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Founded prior to 1066, this is the only pre-Reformation monastic building in York that is in use today. The wooden beams supporting the roof are breathtaking, and there is a small interactive exhibition about those medieval monks and their priory, making use of touchscreens and 3D imagery. }} * {{see | name=St Helen Stonegate | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/yorkcitycentregroup/ | email= | address=5 St Helen's Square, YO1 8QN | lat=53.9604 | long=-1.0835 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 636 512 | tollfree= | hours=Daily dawn-dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=St Helen's Church, Stonegate, York | image=St Helena York 1.jpg | wikidata=Q20714228 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=A largely 15th century building, but built on a site important in Roman times and possibly founded as early as the 8th century, this is now a quiet refuge from the city's bustle. It also serves as an atmospheric and intimate concert venue. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=St Martin-le-Grand | alt= | url= | email= | address=13 Coney Street, YO1 9QL | lat=53.9593 | long=-1.08459 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 636 512 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St Martin le Grand, York | image=St Martins Church hdr.jpg | wikidata=Q17549993 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Named for Martin of Tours, the bulk of the church dates from the 15th century, and what was the Great West Window depicts 13 moments from the saint's life. The building suffered heavy fire damage during an air raid of 1942, but fortunately much was restored, including some perky grinning gargoyles and a very attractive 17th century clock which adorns the façade. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=St Olave | alt= | url=https://stolaveschurch.org.uk/ | email= | address=8 Marygate Lane, YO30 7BJ | lat=53.962 | long=-1.089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily dawn-dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=St Olave's Church, York | image=StOlavesinterior.jpg | wikidata=Q7594998 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Believed to be the oldest church dedication to Olaf, patron saint of Norway, it once lay in the shadows of St Mary's Abbey and is still within the abbey grounds. In the English Civil War, it formed part of York's defences during the Parliamentarians' siege of the city. Today, the churchyard is a green oasis, and St Olave's maintains its links with Scandinavia. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Bar Convent | alt= | url=https://www.bar-convent.org.uk/ | email=reception@bar-convent.org.uk | address=17 Blossom Street, YO24 1AQ | lat=53.9549 | long=-1.0918 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 643 248 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM | price=Adult £5, child £2, concession £4. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikidata=Q4857921 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Founded in the 17th century, when Catholics were widely persecuted in England, the convent is still home to a community of nuns, members of the Congregation of Jesus. In a small interactive museum, you can discover the brave sisters' remarkable story, from their underground origins hidden in plain sight of the authorities, right through to their survival under the bombs of the Luftwaffe. There is also an on-site café and 'secret' garden, as well as [https://www.bar-convent.org.uk/accommodation.htm B&B-style accommodation]. }} '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - churches are prioritising their congregations and reopening for worship, so may take longer to welcome visitors again. ===Further out=== ''For other nearby attractions, see [[North York Moors]] and [[North Yorkshire]].'' [[File:Holgate Windmill (8579).jpg|thumb|300px|Holgate Windmill]] * {{see | name=Beningbrough Hall | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough-hall-gallery-and-gardens | email=beningbrough@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=Beningbrough, YO30 1DD | lat=54.02053 | long=-1.21357 | directions={{convert|8|mi}} north of city centre off the A19 - follow brown sign; free parking; no convenient public transport access | phone=+44 1904 472 027 | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Oct: F-Su 10AM-5PM, Nov-Mar Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price=Adult £10, concession £9, child £6. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. NT members free | wikipedia=Beningbrough Hall | image=Beningbrough Hall - Georgian perfection.jpg | wikidata=Q4888052 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=18th century mansion in Italianate Baroque style, now managed by the National Trust. It is the red-brick creation of John Bourchier, who was inspired by the Grand Tour of Europe he took as a 20-year-old. Inside, it's all gilt and ornate white plaster, with an ever-changing rotation of over 100 period portraits on permanent loan from the National Portrait Gallery in [[London]], while outside the gardens are rich, extensive and diverse. Eclectic too are the attractions on offer: Beningbrough is no staid stately home, with dogs welcome in the gardens and children well catered for by heaps of activities throughout the year, bicycle hire and several themed walking routes with such intriguing titles as 'Top ten trees of interest'. A restaurant, shop and adventure playground complete the package. }} * {{see | name=Cold War Bunker | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/york-cold-war-bunker/ | email= | address=Monument Close, YO24 4HT | lat=53.956389 | long=-1.117473 | directions=off B1224 Acomb Road, 1 mile (1.6 km) west of city centre. Park on Acomb Road or at Carlton Tavern. Bus: 1 | phone=+44 1904 797 935 | tollfree= | hours='''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - due to the enclosed nature of the visit, this attraction is likely to remain closed for several months after most others have reopened <!--Apr-Oct W-Su 10AM-6PM, last tour 5PM, Nov-Mar Sa Su 10AM-4PM, last tour 3PM--> | price=Adult £8.30, child £5, concession £7.50, EH member free | wikipedia=York Cold War Bunker | image=York Cold War Bunker.jpg | wikidata=Q12073377 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=From the 1960s to the 1990s, behind blast-proof doors, sat volunteers of the Royal Observer Corps, waiting to log nuclear bomb explosions in the region and monitor radioactive fallout. Fortunately they had a quiet few decades at the office. It is now English Heritage's most modern property, and also one of its spookiest. Visit only by guided tour, which takes an hour and includes a film and thorough radiation decontamination. }} * {{see | name=Goddards House | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/goddards/ | email=goddards@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=27 Tadcaster Road, YO24 1GG | lat=53.9403 | long=-1.10405 | directions=1¾ miles (2.7 km) south-west of centre. Bus: 4, 12, 13, 840, 843, ZAP | phone=+44 1904 771 930 | tollfree= | hours=April-Oct: W-Su 10:30AM-5PM, mid Nov- mid Dec: Th-Su 10:30AM-4PM | price=<!--Adult £7.70, child £3.85--> Adult £5, child £2.50, NT member free | wikipedia=Goddards House and Garden | wikidata=Q17530540 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=The family home of Noel Goddard Terry, of the Terry's chocolate company. Built in 1927 in Arts & Crafts style, but mostly furnished in Georgian, parts of the house are open to the public to offer glimpses of what the Terrys' family life would have been like, but some of the building is a regional office of the National Trust. On the other hand, the typically English gardens can be visited in their entirety, and you can hunt down birds, bees and butterflies like a true twenties gent. }} * {{see | name=Holgate Windmill | alt= | url=https://www.holgatewindmill.org/ | email=contact@holgatewindmill.org | address=Windmill Rise, YO26 4TX | lat=53.9561 | long=-1.1113 | directions=1½ miles (2.4 km) west of centre. Park on Acomb Road (YO24 4AE) or at Carlton Tavern (YO24 4HA). Bus: 1, 5, 5A, P+R Turquoise | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Mill open for tours on irregular weekends 11AM-4PM, very frequently in summer, but seldom in winter. Mill shop every Sa 10AM-noon. Full calendar [https://www.holgatewindmill.org/events here] | price=Adult £3, child (5-18 years) £1 | wikidata=Q5880199 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=One of York's more unusual sights is this 18th century windmill, unique in Britain for having five sails, which sits rather conspicuously in the middle - literally - of a very ordinary residential street. After falling into disuse in the 1930s, the mill was painstakingly restored to working condition by volunteers between 2001 and 2012. On open days, you can see the sails moving, then go inside the mill and understand how the power of wind is harnessed to turn the millstone and grind wheat and spelt into flour. The same volunteers are on hand to answer your questions and sell you some of their freshly-ground flour!. }} * {{see | name=Murton Park | alt= | url=http://www.murtonpark.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@murtonpark.co.uk | address=Murton Lane, Murton, YO19 5UF | lat=53.961 | long=-1.00875 | directions={{convert|4|mi}} east of centre, just outside ring road (Grimston Bar). Bus: 747 from York station to Murton village - limited service, see timetable [https://www.eyms.co.uk/bus-services/timetable/747 here] | phone=+44 1904 489 966 | tollfree= | hours=Farming museum: Easter-October daily 10:30AM-4:30PM. Living history: school holidays daily, same hours. DVLR: Su, bank holidays, same hours | price=Adult £11, child/concession £9, includes all living history activities (when available) and unlimited access for one year. Locomotive driving experience (adult only): £10 | wikidata=Q8055731 | lastedit=2021-07-09 | content=Three attractions in one:<br />The '''Yorkshire Museum of Farming''' takes visitors through a typical year on the farm, and charts the industry's development from the 1800s to the 1960s, with farming equipment and lovable animals to meet too. Explore reconstructions of a dairy parlour, blacksmith's forge and veterinary surgery which features equipment from James Herriot's famous clinic in Thirsk. Special focus is on an indoor exhibition about the Women's Land Army, who helped keep Britain fed during two world wars, and paved the way for postwar gender equality. Afterwards, take a walk along the nature trail to discover the rich diversity of wildlife that lives on farmland.[[File:Murton Park - geograph.org.uk - 1356435.jpg|thumb|300px|The Danelaw Centre will make you thankful for central heating]]<br />The '''Danelaw Centre for Living History''' presents a number of recreated rural dwellings from Yorkshire's past, from Iron Age, Saxon/Viking villages and a Roman fort, to a Tudor homestead and wartime farm. As it is used as an outdoor history classroom during term time, access to the centre for the general public is limited to weekends and school holidays, and if you want to make the most of the 'living history' aspects (reenactors, stories from long ago, hands-on activities, weapons training etc), you'll need some children with you. The range of cool stuff for them to do will make you wish you were a kid again. To find exactly which activities are happening on which days see the site's [http://www.murtonpark.co.uk/whats-on/ events page].<br />The '''Derwent Valley Light Railway''' is the half-mile remnant of a line which once linked York to Selby. Nowadays, you can enjoy unlimited - if admittedly short - diesel-hauled rides from Murton Park's cute little station. And if you're still put out at not being able to join your little Vikings in defending their village from attack, you can console yourself by learning to be a train driver, with a practical lesson from one of the DVLR experts. Once you've learnt the ropes, you can drive your loco the length of the track and back - sorry, kids, you have to be 18 or over. }} * {{see | name=Yorkshire Air Museum | alt=Allied Air Forces Memorial | url=https://yorkshireairmuseum.org/ | email=museum@yorkshireairmuseum.org | address=Halifax Way, Elvington, YO41 4AU | lat=53.9248 | long=-0.96531 | directions=7½ miles (12 km) south-east of city centre on B1228. Bus: 36, X36 (M-Sa), 18a (Su - limited service). Read times and details [http://yorkshireairmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/ here] | phone=+44 1904 608 595 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-5PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM--> W-Su 10AM-4PM (summer until 5PM) | price=Adult £12, child 5-15 years £5, under 5 free, concession £9. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=Yorkshire Air Museum | image=Elvington - YAM replica Wright Flyer 16-6-2015 10-46-53.JPG | wikidata=Q8055672 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=The former site of RAF Elvington (a [[World War II in Europe|WWII]] bomber command station and base for the Free French Air Force) has been converted into a large open-air museum. In addition to over 60 historic aircraft and vehicles, many original elements of the RAF base - such as the air traffic control tower, hangars and an officers' mess - remain as testament to the sacrifices of airmen and women in all conflict. It also hosts the only Allied Air Forces memorial in Europe. Dogs on leads welcome. On-site NAAFI-style canteen. Information brochures in five European languages available. }} == Do == ''Navigate to: [[#Tours and trips|Tours and trips]], [[#Theatres|Theatres]], [[#Cinemas|Cinemas]], [[#Events and festivals|Events]]'' ===Attractions=== * {{listing | type=do | name=GR8escape | alt=escape rooms | url=http://www.gr8escapeyork.co.uk/ | email= | address=4a Colliergate, YO1 8BP | lat=53.9597 | long=-1.0797 | directions= | phone=+44 7897 122 834 | tollfree= | hours=Daily, pre-booked time slot. No guaranteed entry if you turn up without a reservation | price=M-F £48-£78, Sa Su £54-£88. Prices are per team and vary according to the number of players | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content=Email via [http://www.gr8escapeyork.co.uk/contact online contact form]. Your team is put in one of three themed rooms (Atlantis, NYPD, Ministry of Wizards), and you have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and codes in order to escape. Teams from 2 to 6 players, ages 8 years and up with accompanying adult. }} * {{do | name=Horse racing | alt=The Knavesmire | url=http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk | email=enquiries@yorkracecourse.co.uk | address=Knavesmire Road, YO23 1EX | lat=53.938611 | long=-1.0975 | directions=1 mile (1.6 km) south of the city centre. Bus: 197 shuttle operates between railway station and course on race days | phone=+44 1904 620 911 | tollfree= | hours=Regular flat-racing events April-Oct, though the big fixture is Ebor Races in late August | price=£5-£300, depending on race and desired seats | wikipedia=York Racecourse | image=York racecourse.jpg | wikidata=Q8055519 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=York has been going to the races since Roman times, and the current site, in use since the early 18th century, is one of England's largest horse racing venues. Racegoers to the County Stand must adhere to a formal [https://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/what-to-wear.html dresscode]. Outside that, dressing up smart is not required, but does add to the sense of occasion. }} [[File:York Racecourse - Stands.jpg|thumb|300px|Packed-out stands at the Knavesmire]] * {{do | name=Jorvik DIG | alt= | url=http://www.digyork.com/ | email=dig@yorkat.co.uk | address=St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate, YO1 8NN | lat=53.959573 | long=-1.078023 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours=Daily, hours vary, last admission one hour before closing | price=Adult £7, child/concession £6.50. Combo ticket with Jorvik Centre: adult £15.50, concession £13, child £12. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. Booking recommended | wikipedia=St Saviour's Church, York | wikidata=Q20128209 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=Hands-on experience for children, who are briefed and then let loose on fake archaeology pits to turn up what they can. The 'synthetic soil' means germaphobe parents can relax and wonder why ''they''<nowiki>'</nowiki>ve been charged an entry fee to sit and watch. After the dig, the kids can handle real finds discovered on actual York Archaeological Trust digs. }} * {{do | name=Rowntree Park | alt= | url=https://www.york.gov.uk/directory_record/376/rowntree_park | email=parks@york.gov.uk | address=Terry Avenue, YO23 1JQ | lat=53.9472 | long=-1.0825 | directions=Walk: follow the New Walk along the Ouse for about 1 mile (1.6 km) from town, then access via the Millennium Bridge. Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 1904 553 392 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-dusk, Sa Su 9AM-dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Rowntree Park | wikidata=Q7372266 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=Named for the Rowntree company, which gifted the park to the city, and dedicated to company employees lost during the First World War, this is a 30-acre green flag oasis next to the Ouse. Facilities include tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, children's playground and café. Use the Millennium Bridge to cross over the river and grab something cold from the {{marker|type=eat|name=Two Hoots|url=https://www.facebook.com/TwoHootsIceCream/|lat=53.9450|long=-1.0812}} "ice cream boat" ({{phone|+44 7903 813 701}}), which is moored on the opposite bank on fine afternoons. }} * {{do | name=York Dungeon | alt= | url=https://www.thedungeons.com/york/en/ | email=yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz | address=12 Clifford Street, YO1 9RD | lat=53.956897 | long=-1.08196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily, mostly 10AM-5PM, with periodic late night adult-only events | price=Walkup prices: adult/child from £17; online prices: adult from £13, child from £12 with timed entry. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. Merlin Pass holders free | wikipedia=York Dungeon | image=York Dungeon.jpg | wikidata=Q8055440 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Knock-about version of horrible history, suitable for ages 8+. 75-minute tour with storytelling and a very liberal interpretation of historical events that will keep you laughing and screaming. Part of The Dungeons international franchise, run by Merlin Entertainments. }} * {{do | name=York Maze | alt= | url=http://www.yorkmaze.com/ | email=info@yorkmaze.com | address=Elvington Lane, YO19 5LT | lat=53.93874 | long=-0.98685 | directions=5 miles (8 km) east of city centre on the B1228. Bus: 36, X36 (M-Sa); timetable and details [https://www.yorkpullmanbus.co.uk/local-bus/route-36 here]. | phone=+44 1904 607 341 | tollfree= | hours=Summer 2021 | price=Adult £16, senior/child £15, under 3 years free. 50% off all prices for disabled visitors and their carers. £1 discount when bought online in advance | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The largest 'maize maze' in Europe. Each year is different; the 2018 maze was shaped like two giant ''Jurassic Park'' dinosaurs. There are numerous other activities, such as mini-mazes for children, quadbiking, games such as crazy golf, and funfair-style fun like pig racing (seriously), stage shows and rides. Grill restaurant and café on-site. Be prepared for an assault of corny puns about how 'a-maize-ing' everything is. }} :* {{do | name=Hallowscream | alt= | url=http://www.yorkmazehallowscream.co.uk/ | email=info@yorkmaze.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Will provide private bus shuttle from Memorial Gardens, YO26 4ZF | phone=+44 1904 607 341 | tollfree= | hours=<!--2019 11 Oct-2 Nov, entry by prebooked time slot from 6:30PM--> Autumn 2021 | price=£20-£42, depending on date and type of ticket. Add £8 for bus return ticket. Tickets by online reservation only. Aged 14 and over only, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=In autumn, things get gory at the York Maze: five night mazes stalked by insane scientists and bloodthirsty monsters, plus scary sideshows and seasonal food and drink. Wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and prepare to get wet - regardless of whether it rains. }} * {{do | name=York's Chocolate Story | alt= | url=https://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/ | email= | address=King's Square, YO1 7LD | lat=53.96 | long=-1.0803 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 527 765 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-4PM (start time of last tour) | price=Adult £15, child 4-15 years £12.50, under 4 years free | wikipedia=York's Chocolate Story | wikidata=Q41235388 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Email via [https://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/plan-your-visit/contact-us/ online contact form]. A guided tour telling you all about York's historic role in the confectionery industry. Find out about the origins of chocolate and the city's big name brands, hear testimonies of the people employed by local factories, watch chocolate-making demos and taste some of the good stuff yourself. As a bonus, you can make your own chocolate lolly (full chocolatier workshops can be arranged upon appointment). There is a café and chocolate shop at the end of the visit. }} ===Tours and trips=== [[File:York MMB 43.jpg|thumb|300px|Walking the walls with superb views]] * {{do | name=City walls walk | alt= | url=https://www.york.gov.uk/info/20114/york_city_centre/1340/the_city_walls | email=ycc@york.gov.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 551 550 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-dusk | price=Free, except the Micklegate Bar, and Monk Bar towers, which are [[#Q28232884|small museums]] | wikidata=Q4205980 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Enjoy the great views, and try to imagine yourself in the role of city watch keeping a lookout for approaching enemy armies. The walls are medieval, built on Roman foundations, though the Station Road bridges are modern. The total walk is around {{mi|2}}: if short on time or energy, the best section is along the western perimeter from {{marker|type=do|name=Bootham Bar|lat=53.96271 | long=-1.08510}} to {{marker|type=do|name=Monk Bar|lat=53.96277 | long=-1.07855}}, close to the Minster. There never was a wall to the north-east, as the swamps along the River Foss were sufficient defence, so this is the least interesting section, where you have to walk along busy Foss Islands Road. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on the walls. You can download a map and guide of the walls courtesy of the Friends of York Walls [http://www.yorkwalls.org.uk/?page_id=3690 here]. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - a clockwise one-way system is in operation on the walls to facilitate social-distancing. }} * {{do | name=Lucky Cat Trail | alt= | url=https://www.yorkluckycats.co.uk/york-cat-trail/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Start on the Shambles | phone=+44 1904 541 122 | tollfree= | hours= | price=[https://www.yorkluckycats.co.uk/york-cat-trail/ Download the trail map] for free | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Cats have been considered good-luck omens in York for centuries, and cat statues were once placed on buildings throughout the city to ward off rats, mice, and the plague they were thought to carry. A mummified cat was even found concealed in the Mansion House. The original statues have now all long-since weathered away, but the concept was resurrected by a local architect in 1979. Since then, more and more buildings have added sculptures of cats clinging to walls or perched on balconies. Today, you can follow a trail around the old town in an attempt to find 22 cats, and spot plenty of landmarks while you're doing so. }} * {{do | name=Walking tours: history, culture and ghost walks | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=History and culture tours free, ghost walks around £5 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Wonderful. There are many walking tours and ghost walks that run throughout the year. The volunteer-led walking tours tend to focus on history and culture, and take place throughout the daytime, while the ghost walks normally start from 6PM onwards and invariably include an element of street theatre. Tours last for one or two hours. Just look for the posters and billboards posted throughout the city centre for details and the meeting point for that evening, or else look through Visit York's [https://www.visityork.org/explore/activities-and-experiences/tours-walks-and-river-cruises directory]. While most tours are in English, '''[http://www.descubreyork.co.uk/ Descubre York]''' also offers tours in Spanish and Portuguese, while '''[https://www.yorktour.com/ Yorktour]''' offers French, German, Italian and Turkish tours. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - many guided walks are still taking place, but under social-distancing conditions, i.e much smaller groups - contact a provider to find out more. }} ** {{listing | type=do | name=The Original Ghost Walk of York | alt= | url=http://www.theoriginalghostwalkofyork.co.uk | email= | address=Depart the King's Arms pub, Ouse Bridge | lat=53.95711 | long=-1.08316 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 764 222 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Nightly 8PM-->'''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - not running until further notice | price=Adult £6, child/concession £4; no need to book | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Email via [http://www.theoriginalghostwalkofyork.co.uk/contact.html online contact form]. No gimmicks, tricks or jumpscares, just experienced storytellers doing what they do best, helped by the atmospheric background of this ancient city and a very real gruesome history to draw from. }} *'''Bus tours''' are an easy way to discover the city, especially if your time or mobility is limited, though they do come at a much higher price than the public bus fares. York is not especially big, so most travellers could easily cover everything on the tour under their own steam. ** {{do | name=City Sightseeing York | alt= | url=https://www.yorkcitysightseeing.com/ | email=hello@yorkbus.co.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions=You can embark at any stop along the route, but the most logical places would be on Station Road or from the tourist office on Museum Street | phone=+44 1904 633 990 | tollfree= | hours=Late Feb-early Nov daily 9AM-3:30PM, every 30 min | price=Adult £16, child £9, concession £13, under 5s free, valid for 24 hr from activation. Offers discounts to some attractions en route. Bus tour free with [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Double-decker open-top bus tour of the city, with commentary in nine languages, plus a kids' commentary and bonus Yorkshire dialect narration. Operates a continuous hop-on/hop-off service in a circuit; the full loop takes 60 minutes. }} ** {{do | name=The Ghost Bus Tours | alt= | url=https://www.theghostbustours.com/york | email=info@theghostbustours.com | address=Station Road, YO24 1AA | lat=53.9585 | long=-1.0916 | directions=Departs from bus stop RE next to the Principal Hotel, 100 m from the railway station | phone=+44 844 567 8666 (premium) | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 7:30PM; F 7:30PM, 9PM; Sa 6PM, 7:30PM, 9PM; Su 7:30PM | price=Adult £16, child £12, concession £13 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Approximately 75-minute comedic horror tour of the city in a black routemaster bus, with onboard actors and technical wizardry creating an experience you're unlikely to forget. }} * {{do | name=Road train | alt= | url=https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/road-train | email=info@ScienceMuseumGroup.ac.uk | address= | lat=53.961788 | long=-1.084147 | directions=Duncombe Place by the Minster / National Railway Museum | phone=+44 033 0058 0058 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM–3:45PM. Departs every 30 mins from the museum on the hour and half-past, from the Minster at quarter-past and quarter-to | price=Adult £3 one-way, child £2 one-way. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=A fun way to travel between the centre of York (Duncombe Place, next to York Minster) and the Railway Museum. }} [[File:York MMB 46 River Ouse.jpg|thumb|300px|Tourist boats plying the waters]] *'''Go cruising on the River Ouse:''' :* {{listing | type=do | name=City Cruises | alt= | url=https://www.citycruisesyork.com | email=infoyork@citycruises.com | address=Lendal Bridge, YO1 7DP / King's Staith, YO1 9SN (check where your cruise departs from) | lat=53.9603 | long=-1.086883 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 628 324 | tollfree= | hours=Daytime city cruise: Feb-Nov daily, regular departures 10:30AM-3PM, takes 1 hr. Early evening cruise: Mar-Nov nightly, departs 6PM (Mar, Oct-Nov) / 7:30PM (Apr-Sep), takes 1 hr. Floodlit evening cruise: May-Sep nightly, departs 9:15PM, takes 1 hr 10 min | price=Daytime: adult £10.50, child 5-15 years £6, concession £9 ([[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted). Early evening: adult £11.50, child £6.50, concession £10. Floodlit evening: adult £15, child/concession £13. Online discounts available | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content=Various boat trips along the Ouse. The three listed here are the most popular, but there are many other cruises throughout the year, including lunchtime and dinner cruises, Halloween ghost tours and Santa specials; check website. }} :* {{do | name=Motor boats for hire | alt=Red Boats | url=https://www.citycruisesyork.com/self-drive-red-boats/ | email=infoyork@citycruises.com | address=King's Staith, YO1 9SN | lat=53.9562 | long=-1.0828 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 628 324 | tollfree= | hours=1 Apr-31 Oct from 10AM until late afternoon | price=From £20 for half an hour, from £30 for one hour + £40 refundable deposit. Online discounts available | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=8-seater red motor launches for you to explore the Ouse under your own steam, river conditions permitting. Full training and lifejackets are provided. The person hiring the boat must be an adult and be in possession of valid ID. }} :* {{do | name=York Skiff Hire | alt= | url=https://www.yorkboathire.co.uk/ | email=steve.newby@btinternet.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 7742 669 107 | tollfree= | hours= | price=£50 for 4 hr, £80 for 1 day. £100 refundable deposit | lastedit=2019-07-08 | content=Rowing boats for hire. A skiff is a traditional wooden rowing boat from the Thames in London. You will receive coaching if needed, then get free rein to take either ''Amelia'' or ''Belle Époque'' for a leisurely trip along the Ouse. }} ===Theatres=== * {{do | name=Grand Opera House | alt= | url=https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/ | email= | address=Clifford and Cumberland Streets, YO1 9SW | lat=53.9573 | long=-1.08186 | directions= | phone=+44 3330 096 690 (non-geographic; standard rates apply) | tollfree= | hours=Box office M-Sa noon-4PM, show days until 15 mins before start of performance | price= | wikipedia=Grand Opera House, York | image=The Grand Opera House.jpg | wikidata=Q5594856 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=First built as a corn exchange in 1868, it was converted to full-time theatre use in 1902. The auditorium is indeed very grand, if a little faded. Despite the name, the Grand hosts a wide variety of plays, musicals, gigs and dance, although opera and ballet performances are rather scarce. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=National Centre for Early Music | alt= | url=https://tickets.ncem.co.uk/ | email=boxoffice@ncem.co.uk | address=St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, YO1 9TL | lat=53.9564 | long=-1.07332 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658 338 | tollfree= | hours=Box office M-F 9AM-5PM | price=Prices vary per concert; under 35s and full time students of any age receive very generous discounts | wikipedia=National Centre for Early Music | wikidata=Q6971404 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Early music is European music from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, although the centre has broadened its study to encompass all pre-modern music from cultures around the world. In addition to its two festivals (see [[#YEMF|below]]), the NCEM has an extremely lively and diverse annual programme of concerts, seminars and workshops, mostly held at its base in a 12th-century deconsecrated church. }} [[Image:York (Aerial view).jpg|thumb|300px|The Old Town from the air]] * {{listing | type=do | name=Theatre Royal | alt= | url=http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk | email=boxoffice@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk | address=St Leonard's Place, YO1 7HD | lat=53.962 | long=-1.0853 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 623 568 | tollfree= | hours=Box office M 10AM-5PM, Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=York Theatre Royal | image=York Theatre Royal2.jpg | wikidata=Q3572609 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=York's home of 'serious' theatre, dating from 1744 and built on the site of St Leonard's Hospital, whose remains can still be seen in the present building. The company puts on its own plays and also receives touring productions. }} * {{do | name=York Barbican | alt= | url=http://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/ | email= | address=Paragon Street, YO10 4AH | lat=53.9534 | long=-1.07424 | directions= | phone=+44 203 356 5441 (London number) | tollfree= | hours=Box office M-F 10AM-2PM, show nights from 5PM | price= | wikipedia=Barbican Centre, York | image=York, Barbican Centre - geograph.org.uk - 495341.jpg | wikidata=Q4859653 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Email via [http://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/contact-us/ online contact form]. A medium-sized venue for touring music and comedy gigs, orchestral performances, opera, ballet, and tribute acts for past pop legends. One of two venues for the [https://lolcomedyclubs.co.uk/venue/the-basement-york/ Laugh Out Loud] comedy club. }} ===Cinemas=== All cinemas are open daily from around 9:30AM until midnight or just after. * {{listing | type=do | name=City Screen | alt=Picturehouse York | url=https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/York_Picturehouse | email=enquiries@picturehouses.co.uk | address=13-17 Coney Street, YO1 9QL | lat=53.959175 | long=-1.084076 | directions= | phone=+44 871 902 5747 (premium) | tollfree= | hours=Peak time is Tu-F after 5PM, Sa Su, bank holidays all day. Discount day is M | price=Adult £10.70 (£12.50 peak), child £7.20 (£8 peak), concession £9.70 (£11.50 peak), Mondays £7.90 all patrons, autism-friendly £3, dementia-friendly £4 | wikidata=Q39012390 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=A modern cinema which shows a mix of mainstream and arthouse films. It has a bar/cafe with a fantastic balcony overlooking the River Ouse. }} * {{do | name=Everyman York | alt= | url=https://www.everymancinema.com/york | email=talk@everymangroup.com | address=Blossom Street, YO24 1AJ | lat=53.954826 | long=-1.09312 | directions=10-minute walk SW of the city centre. Bus: 1, 4, 5, 10, 13 and the 3 from Askham Bar Park & Ride. Very limited parking. | phone=+44 872 436 9060 (premium) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary per film and showing time, but around £11-£13 adult, £10-£12 concession | image=Reel Cinema, The Mount, York (12th June 2013) 002.JPG | wikidata=Q26550610 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Inside a distinctive art deco building, this cinema is held close to the hearts of York residents. }} * {{do | name=Vue Cinema | alt= | url=http://www.myvue.com/cinema/york/ | email= | address=Clifton Moor Centre, Stirling Road, YO30 4XY | lat=53.99071 | long=-1.102496 | directions=On the A1237 ring road, 3 miles (5 km) NW of town. Bus: 6 | phone=+44 345 308 4620 | tollfree= | hours= | price=£4.99 <abbr title="per person">p.p</abbr> | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The city's largest multiplex with 12 screens. }} === Sports === * '''[https://yorkcityknights.com/ York City Knights]''' play Rugby League - 13-a-side - in the Championship, the game's second tier. Their home ground is York Community Stadium, capacity 8500, shared with the soccer club and now sponsored as LNER Community Stadium; it's 3 miles northeast of city centre off Malton Rd. The RL playing season is Mar-Sept. * '''[https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/ York City FC]''' were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the National League, England's fifth tier. They too play at Community Stadium. ===Events and festivals=== There is a very full [https://www.visityork.org/whats-on series of events] in York. The most important are listed below, January to December; events taking place in the latter half of the current year are listed near the bottom. [[File:Vikings shopping in York.jpg|thumb|300px|Vikings out shopping]] * {{do | name=Jorvik Viking Festival | alt=February 2022 | url=https://www.jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk | email=jorvik@yorkat.co.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary; lots of free events | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=A city-wide celebration of all things Norse; the largest Viking festival in Europe. There are 'living' Viking encampments, guided walks and talks. This festival holds lots of appeal for children, with dressing up, have-a-go activities and combat performances on the cards, and it's all backed up with the serious educational purpose of the Jorvik Centre. }} :*At other times of the year, scandiphile visitors should check out the '''[https://yorkangloscan.org.uk/ York Anglo-Scandinavian Society]''', which put on regular talks, activities and film screenings with a Nordic slant, mostly at the University of York's Norwegian Study Centre. * {{do | name=York Literature Festival | alt=March 2022 | url=http://www.yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary; some free events | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Email via [https://yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk/contact/ online contact form]. Takes place annually for a week and a half in March. This city-wide festival promotes the arts in York, with an emphasis on literature, spoken word and poetry. It also features music, comedy, cinema and theatre. }} * {{do | name=York Chocolate Festival | alt=14 - 18 April 2022 | url=https://www.yorkfoodfestival.com/ | email=admin@yorkfoodfestival.com | address=Parliament Street / Shambles Market | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 635 149 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=A city-wide celebration of the chocolate industry with a chocolate market, artisan chocolatiers and attractions which share a piece of York's chocolate history. }} * '''[https://yorkfestivalofideas.com/ York Festival of Ideas]''' is next held 11-24 June 2022, multiple venues. * {{do | name=York Festival of Traditional Dance | alt=26 June 2021 | url=http://www.ebormorris.org.uk/32nd-york-festival-of-traditional-dance.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Email via [http://www.ebormorris.org.uk/contact.html online contact form]. A rich variety of traditional (or Morris) dance sides from all over the country join in a celebration of the diversity of ritual dancing, normally held over two days<!--in September-->. The Saturday begins with a colourful dance procession from St Helens Square, to Parliament Street, before the teams separate to dance in Exhibition Square, King’s Square, Minster Piazza, St Helens Square, and St Sampson's Square throughout the day, before a final grand show in front of dignitaries. The Sunday dancing is less formal, taking place in the squares over lunchtime. }} {{anchor|YEMF}} * {{do | name=York Early Music Festival | alt=12 - 16 July 2021 | url=http://www.ncem.co.uk/yemf | email=boxoffice@ncem.co.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658 338 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary per concert | wikipedia=York Early Music Festival | wikidata=Q8055441 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=World class series of concerts, lectures and workshops focusing on pre-18th century music which takes place at venues across the city. Each year has a theme; 2021's is called ''Encounters'' and mixes COVID-safe live concerts with online-only performances. }} * {{do | name=York Mystery Plays | alt=summer 2022 | url=http://www.yorkmysteryplays.co.uk | email=info@yorkmysteryplays.co.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=£10–£15 per ticketed performance | price= | wikipedia=York Mystery Plays | wikidata=Q2516416 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=This is "mystery" like the meaning of life, not like a modern whodunnit story. A medieval tradition to showcase stories from the Bible through the medium of colourful, humorous and entertaining plays, performed on floats carried around the city. The performances can be accompanied by traditional bands of musicians called "waits". They don't run every year; the most recent was 2021. }} * {{do | name=York Food and Drink Festival | alt=17 - 26 September 2021 | url=http://www.yorkfoodfestival.com/ | email=admin@yorkfoodfestival.com | address=Parliament Street / Shambles Market / St Sampson's Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Markets and demos free. Other events ticketed at various prices | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The food element majors on Yorkshire food, while the drinks programme has a worldwide and wine-oriented theme. The range of events is very wide, with demonstrations, tastings, recipe hunts, markets and dinners everyday. Big 'slow food', Fairtrade and other worthy projects allied with lots of hands-on cooking for kids at the Food Factory. Or, if you want to get exploring the city's culinary prowess, pick up a Taste Trail booklet for £5 which pays for all the samples you'll be gorging on. }} [[File:Waites-in-York-july2010 (Cropped).jpg|thumb|300px|Waits at the Mystery Plays.]] :* {{do | name=York Beer & Cider Festival | alt=15-18 September 2021 (TBC) | url=http://www.yorkbeerfestival.org.uk | email=comms@yorkbeerfestival.org.uk | address=The Knavesmire | lat= | long= | directions=A steady 25 min walk from York Station; also served by an hourly festival bus service opposite the station. | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W 5PM-11PM, Th-Sa noon-11PM | price=W £7, Th £8, F Sa £9.50. Prices include £3 deposit for glass, refundable upon return of glass. CAMRA members £2 discount on these prices | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Yorkshire's biggest beer festival, run by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) serving up over 500 beers (including 300 which are produced in Yorkshire), 100 ciders and perries, plus a large foreign beer bar, wine and soft drinks. There is live music and an extensive range of world foods from numerous caterers and other stalls. Seating is in a huge beer garden or under massive marquees if it’s wet. Children welcome (accompanied) until 8PM. }} * {{do | name=York Mediale | alt=autumn 2021 (TBC) | url=http://yorkmediale.com | email=info@yorkmediale.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 829 735 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary per event | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A biennial festival providing a showcase for leading international digital artists and the best emerging media art talent. The event presents a citywide celebration of exhibitions, installations, live performances, dance, music and workshops. York is a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts. }} * '''Snooker:''' The [http://https://wst.tv/ UK Championship] is held in the Barbican, with the next on 8-20 Nov 2022. * {{do | name=York Christmas Festival | alt=November - December 2021 | url=https://www.visityork.org/whats-on/christmas | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The streets of York come alive in the run up to Christmas. Carol singers and buskers flock to perform to thousands of festive shoppers. The '''St Nicholas Fair''' has market stalls and wooden chalets on Parliament Street, St Sampson's Square and Coppergate, specialising in gifts, crafts, and local yuletide foods. Elsewhere, the '''[https://barleyhall.co.uk/about/christmas-at-barley-hall/ Barley Hall]''' presents a special insight into how people celebrated Christmas in the Middle Ages, while '''St William's College''' houses an arts and crafts market for fine handmade items. }} :* {{do | name=York Early Music Christmas Festival | alt=December 2021 | url=https://www.ncem.co.uk/whats-on/york-early-music-christmas-festival/ | email=boxoffice@ncem.co.uk | address=St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, YO1 9TL and other venues | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658 338 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Various prices; under 35s get ridiculously generous discounts | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The Christmas sister festival of the summer event presents a series of concerts with internationally-renowned artists performing seasonal music from the 18th century and earlier. }} :* {{do | name=Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland | alt=19 November 2021 - 9 January 2022 (closed 25 Dec) | url= | email= | address=York Designer Outlet, St. Nicholas Avenue, Fulford, YO19 4TA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Skate: daily 9:30AM-9:30PM. Funfair: until 15 Dec M-F 3PM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-8PM, from 16 Dec daily 11AM-8PM. Santa: daily 9:30AM-5PM | price=Skate: adult £10.95, child/concession £9.95 for 1 hr. Skate hire included. Santa: £4.50, including wrapped gift | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The main attraction is '''The Ice Factor''', which is the North's largest seasonal ice rink with a giant Christmas tree as centrepiece. Surrounding the rink is an excellent little vintage funfair, log cabin stalls, and of course Santa's Grotto. }} == Learn == York is an excellent place to be a student; it's friendly, compact, walkable and beautiful, with a lively cultural scene to rival cities many times its size. You'll find York a cheaper place to live and study than other historic cities down south, such as Bath, Cambridge or Oxford, though certainly pricier than other, less desirable, parts of the North. Being on the East Coast Main Line, it's within easy reach of most parts of England and Scotland. ===Higher education=== * {{listing | type=learn | name=University of York | alt= | url=https://www.york.ac.uk/ | email= | address=YO10 5DD | lat=53.94659 | long=-1.0525 | directions=The two campuses (east and west) are both in Heslington, 2 - 3 miles (3 - 5 km) east of centre | phone=+44 1904 320 000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of York | image=York central hall.jpg | wikidata=Q967165 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Consistently ranked one of the UK's better universities, and part of the prestigious Russell Group. The departments of English literature, chemistry, computer science and psychology are particularly well-regarded internationally as leading research centres. York is a collegiate university with around 18,000 students across nine colleges, though is not particularly old for such an historic city, being founded in only 1963. }} [[Image:York central hall.jpg|thumb|300px|A 1960s vision of the space age - York University's Central Hall]] * {{listing | type=learn | name=York St John University | alt= | url=http://www.yorksj.ac.uk/ | email= | address=Lord Mayor's Walk, YO31 7EX | lat=53.9654 | long=-1.08067 | directions=About ½ mile (800 m) north of centre, in Bootham | phone=+44 1904 624 624 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=York St John University | wikidata=Q8055565 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A small and modern university with just 6000 students, St John's is ranked fairly low nationally, but has strengths in drama, education, English language and literature, health, psychology, sports and theology. }} ===Language schools=== All three of the language schools listed here are accredited by the British Council, and each are set in large former townhouses. * {{listing | type=learn | name=British Study Centres York | alt=formerly English Language Centre York | url=https://www.british-study.com/adults/english-language-schools/york/ | email= | address=5 New Street, YO1 8RA | lat=53.9596 | long=-1.0832 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 672 243 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Email via [https://www.british-study.com/contact/ online contact form]. With 20 years' experience, this school is open to students aged 16 and over, though the average age of its students is 30 years old and there is a course specifically catering to the over-50s. Course lengths vary 1-48 weeks. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=English in York Language School | alt= | url=https://www.english-in-york.co.uk/ | email=admin@english-in-york.co.uk | address=Peasholme House, St Saviours Place, YO1 7PJ | lat=53.9601 | long=-1.0765 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 636 771 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Established in 1985, this school caters only to over-16s and has a variety of courses such as general English, business English and intense programmes. For most courses, you have to commit to a minimum of one week, but some are shorter or longer. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Melton College, York | alt= | url=https://www.melton-college.co.uk/ | email= | address=137 Holgate Road, YO24 4DH | lat=53.9542 | long=-1.1039 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 622 250 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Email via [https://www.melton-college.co.uk/contact/ online contact form]. Almost 50 years old, Melton College caters to students of all abilities and from ages 11 up. Older learners may be pleased to enrol in an age 40+ class. Course lengths vary 1-36 weeks. }} == Buy == York comes highly recommended for its unique shops and boutiques. There's the usual range of high street stores, but York is also a great place for independent shops, especially if you're looking for gifts, high-end English and Italian fashion, books, or - it has to be said - tourist tat! Shops in York change from year to year, but the beautiful old-fashioned shop fronts, both medieval wood and Victorian red brick, haven't changed much since they were first built. The extensive pedestrianisation and interesting architecture make shopping and spending a pleasure for even the most miserly Yorkshireman. [[File:Shambles York.jpg|thumb|200px|Shopping in York needn't be a Shambles]] * {{listing | type=buy | name=Coney Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.9589 | long=-1.0838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Along with Parliament Street, this is the place in the city centre to head for the chain high street shops you can find all over the UK: Boots, H&M, TK Maxx, Zara et al. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Fossgate | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.95777 | long=-1.07802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Assorted specialist fashion shops selling bowler hats, smart gentlemen's outfits, and clothing and accessories specifically for tall women. {{marker|type=buy|name=Walmgate|lat=53.9564|long=-1.0743}}, which it leads onto, has a number of homeware stores, a cycling shop and a modelling shop. }} * {{buy | name=Gillygate | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.9656 | long=-1.0802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Several interesting shops to fill your home with mementos of your time in York, plus an independent bookshop, cheesemonger and retro gaming store. }} * {{buy | name=High Petergate and Low Petergate | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.9615 | long=-1.0824 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A hub of small fashion and jewellery stores with a mix of high-end brand names and independents. Those with a sweet tooth should check out the Fudge Kitchen. At the point where the two Petergates meet is {{marker|type=buy|name=Stonegate|lat=53.9610 | long=-1.0831}}, where you'll find several fashionable independent retailers and the original House of Trembling Madness, which stocks 900 bottled beers. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Parliament Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.9590 | long=-1.0813 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=One of very few wide and straight roads in the centre is this very attractive tree-lined boulevard mostly home to larger chain stores such as Disney, M&S, and most high street banks and building societies. The row continues northwest onto the much narrower {{marker|type=buy|name=Davygate|lat=53.9598 | long=-1.0832}}, which has high street fashion giants such as New Look, Pandora and Superdry. }} :* {{buy | name=Browns | alt= | url=http://www.brownsyork.co.uk/ | email= | address=21 Davygate, YO1 8QT | lat=53.95969 | long=-1.08252 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 611 166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | wikipedia=Browns of York | wikidata=Q4976688 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A good quality family-run department store that has been trading in York for over 100 years, stocks most of the global fashion brands, and features large beauty, furniture, and handbag departments. }} :* {{buy | name=York Farmers' Market | alt= | url=http://www.yorkshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk/york-farmers-market/ | email= | address=Parliament Street, YO1 8SG | lat=53.9596 | long=-1.082 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 550 099 | tollfree= | hours=First Friday of the month 9AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=An excellent place to buy and discuss food, drink and crafts with local producers. Meat, eggs, organic veg, cheese, pies, fudge, honey, pottery, wool - it's all here. }} * {{buy | name=Shambles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.95932 | long=-1.08002 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7763628 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A medieval shopping street with overhanging timber-framed buildings, which was once a street of butchers. This is easily the most touristy street in York and is mostly devoted to eateries and gift shops. The most notable of the latter are a loose-leaf tea emporium, a popular artisan bakery, a sweet little chinaware shop and a crowded store dedicated to selling ''Harry Potter'' memorabilia. }} :* {{buy | name=Shambles Market | alt= | url=https://www.visityork.org/shopping/shambles-market | email= | address=5 Silver Street, YO1 8RY | lat=53.95927 | long=-1.08052 | directions=Between Shambles and Parliament Street | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-5PM | price= | image=Shambles Market.jpg | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A permanent outdoor market with more than 85 stalls of which some sell fresh local produce, some the ubiquitous world street food, others clothes and accessories, and others still arts, crafts, fabrics and ceramics. }} * {{buy | name=York Designer Outlet | alt= | url=http://www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/york-designer-outlet/en | email= | address=St Nicholas Ave, YO19 4TA | lat=53.92215 | long=-1.07747 | directions=On the A64 southern ring road, 3½ miles (5.6 km) south of the city. Bus: 7, 415 | phone=+44 1904 682 700 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q8055437 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Of particular interest to followers of fashion, this indoor shopping centre contains 120 clothes stores from many top-name brands such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Fred Perry, GAP, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Levi's, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Superdry and Ted Baker. The sweet-toothed will find a good selection of confectionery chains too: Cadbury, Haribo, Hotel Chocolat, Lindt... }} == Eat == ''Navigate to: [[#Budget|Budget]], [[#Mid-range|Mid-range]] and [[#Splurge|Splurge]] options, and places for [[#Afternoon tea|afternoon tea]]'' ===Local specialities=== {{anchor|Local specialities}} {{see also|Yorkshire#Eat}} [[Image:York ham.jpg|thumb|300px|A breaded York ham]] As capital of [[Yorkshire]], the county's cuisine is front and centre on many of York's menus. This is honest and rustic fare, in which generous portions are the norm, and large tasting platters are common. Yorkshire puddings, pies, local game, lamb and beef are all prized by restaurateurs, as are the local cheeses: wensleydale from the [[Yorkshire Dales|Dales]], shepherd's purse blues from north of [[Thirsk]] and St Helen's Farm hard goat's cheese, produced in the Vale of York. The fish and crab in restaurants is often landed at East Coast ports such as [[Grimsby]] and [[Whitby]], while the county's [[Vikings and the Old Norse|Norse]] connections are maintained by the serving of Yorkshire-made gravadlax. The city itself has two famous products: ham and chocolate. '''York ham''' has been produced within the city walls for hundreds of years, and far-fetched local legend states that the first hams were smoked with sawdust generated by the building of the Minster. Made with the meat of the large white pig, in taste the ham is mild, salty, smoky and often breaded, and in appearance a delicate pink. When served hot, it is traditionally accompanied by Madeira sauce. Disaster struck in the mid-2000s, when the last curer in town went out of business, and for 10 years there was no ham produced in York. Appleton's Butchers had a shop on Lendal from 2016, marking the return of York-cured hams, but closed down in 2020 as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. As a result, traditional York ham is no longer regularly produced in the city, though specialist butchers around Yorkshire do cure large white hams to a similar or identical recipe. While other northern towns busied themselves manufacturing useful but boring things like [[Sheffield|steel]] and [[Manchester|cotton]], 19th-century York took a sweeter path. '''Rowntree's''' created Aero bars, Fruit Pastilles, Kit-Kat, Smarties and Yorkie bars, among other internationally-known sweets. Although bought out by Nestlé in the 1980s with most products rebranded, the original factory has been maintained and expanded, and the Rowntree's brand lives on with Fruit Pastilles and newer products brought out since the acquisition such as Rowntree's Randoms. The other large York company, '''Terry's''' (of Chocolate Orange fame) has had a less rosy time: upon acquisition by Modelez, production was moved overseas. But alongside Nestlé's investment, a number of small '''independent chocolatiers''' have appeared in York: [https://www.choc-affair.com/ Choc Affair], [http://www.guppyschocolates.co.uk/ Guppy's], [https://www.indieyork.co.uk/directory/monk-bar-chocolatiers/ Monk Bar] and the [https://www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk/ York Cocoa House]. ===Eating out=== As diverse as York's restaurant scene is, there are some generalities that apply to many of the city's addresses. No matter the cuisine on offer, they have a sense of place and like working with local ingredients; even if you never eat a Yorkshire pudding, you'll be hard pressed to find a good café or restaurant not cooking food produced in the county. In addition to the aforementioned platters, many restaurants seem to be gripped by an obsession with "tasting menus": multi-course extravaganzas of small dishes, often with suggested drink pairings at a hefty premium. While this can be good for sampling variety, it's not so fun for cash- or time-poor travellers to be roped into spending hours eating and drinking expensively. On the other hand, at many places, you can get high-quality food experiences on the cheap if you plum for a weekday lunch or early evening meal, rather than waiting for dinner. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - All the listings posted here and marked as up-to-date June 2021 have been verified to be still in business. Opening hours are as up-to-date as possible, but double check with the business before you go. ====Budget==== [[Image:The Merchant Adventurers Hall The Great Hall.jpg|thumb|300px|Merchant Adventurers' Hall]] {{anchor|Madness Lendal}} * {{eat | name=House of the Trembling Madness (Lendal) | alt= | url=https://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/lendal.html | email=info@tremblingmadness.co.uk | address=14 Lendal, YO1 8AA | lat=53.96036 | long=-1.08563 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 848 998 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-11:30PM | price=Mains £9-£10 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Email via [http://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/contact-us.html online contact form]. An ale house which promotes the pairing of good beer with quality food. The menu is bursting with regional produce, from bread baked in the city, to platters of locally-smoked meats and rich, savoury pies. Schnitzel, salchichón, and other continental comfort foods complete the picture. The same company has a much smaller venue [[#Madness Stonegate|on Stonegate]]. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Horace | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Hungry-Horace-1786937588283342/ | email= | address=39 Layerthorpe, YO31 7UZ | lat=53.96228 | long=-1.0727 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 622 629 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-12:30PM | price=Mains from £4 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Classic working men's cafe for breakfast or brunch. Greasy and tatty but the food is of a very high standard. The staff are very friendly and may refer to you as love or flower. }} * {{eat | name=Ippuku Tea House | alt= | url=https://www.ippukuteahouse.com/ | email= | address=15 Blake Street, YO1 8QJ | lat=53.9606 | long=-1.0845 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 671 311 | tollfree= | hours=M-F noon-9PM, Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price=Mains £7-£13 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Email via [https://www.ippukuteahouse.com/contact online contact form]. Authentic Japanese restaurant with vegan and gluten-free options, and an enormous tea menu to accompany your meal. }} * {{eat | name=Millers Fish & Chips | alt= | url=http://millershaxby.com | email=info@millershaxby.com | address=55 The Village, Haxby, YO32 2JE | lat=54.0166 | long=-1.0778 | directions=4½ miles (7.2 km) north of town up Haxby Road. Bus: 13 | phone=+44 1904 769 169 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Takeaway: M 4:30PM-10PM, Tu-Th 11:30AM-2PM/4:30PM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-2PM/4PM-10PM. Restaurant: M 4:30PM-8PM, Tu-Sa 11:30AM-2PM/4:30PM-8PM, Su closed--> Tu-Th 4PM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-2PM, 4PM-9PM | price=Haddock and chips £7.20 (takeaway)<!--, £10 (restaurant)--> | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Award-winning family-run chippy with takeaway and restaurant. As good a plate's worth as you'll get in York, so it's worth the trip. Gluten free and halal options available. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Chippy | alt= | url=https://mrchippyyork.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Church Street | lat=53.959825 | long=-1.081422 | directions= | phone=+44 01904 672 888 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 11AM–8:30PM, F Sa 11AM–10PM, Su noon–8:30PM | price=£9–12 | image=Vegan fish and chips with mushy peas.jpg | lastedit=2021-07-05 | content=Fish and chips with the usual sides. Offers delicious vegan options (including vegan fish and chips, with the "fish" made from banana blossom) and outdoor seating. }} * {{eat | name=Spring Espresso | alt= | url=http://www.springespresso.co.uk/ | email= | address=45 Fossgate, YO1 9TF | lat=53.9583 | long=-1.0787 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 627 730 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=Food items £3-£8; full or vegetarian English breakfast £10.75 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Email via [http://www.springespresso.co.uk/contact-us/ online contact form]. Snazzy artisan sandwiches and paninis (think York ham, goat's cheese, pastrami, hummus...) for lunch, and a selection of toasts, pancakes, and pastries for all day breakfast or brunch. Excellent fresh coffee, made [[Seattle]]-style. Another identical café is at 31 Lendal. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=St Crux Church | alt=St Crux Parish Hall | url= | email= | address=Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, YO1 8BL | lat=53.9590 | long=-1.0793 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 621 756 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-4PM | price=£3 for bacon butty and tea | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Part jumble sale for second-hand books, part cafeteria selling good cheap homemade sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks in a tiny deconsecrated church - eat on the grass outside. }} <!-- * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Nook | alt= | url=https://www.thenookyork.co.uk/ | email=hello@thenookyork.co.uk | address=3a Castlegate, YO1 9RN | lat=53.9574 | long=-1.0813 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 627 122 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM | price=Mains £7-£9 | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Specialists of international street food, brought indoors for a cosy, convivial atmosphere. Each of their specialities is from a different culinary tradition: Cambodian beef lok lak, Indian tandoori chicken, Lebanese fattoush, Cajun king prawns. }}--> * {{eat | name=The Taylor Made Kitchen | alt= | url=https://thetaylormadekitchen.com/ | email= | address=Shambles Market, 5 Silver Street, YO1 8RY | lat=53.9591 | long=-1.0806 | directions= | phone=+44 7702 120 504 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th noon-4PM, F Sa noon-8PM | price=Meals £5-£9 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Email via [https://thetaylormadekitchen.com/contact/ online contact form]. Excellent fast food wagon serving burgers, burritos, and dirty fries in epic portions using fresh local ingredients. }} * {{eat | name=Shambles Sausage & Pie Company | alt= | url=https://www.shamblessausageandpie.co.uk/ | email= | address=45 Shambles, YO1 7LX | lat=53.9595 | long=-1.0802 | directions= | phone=+44 7488 370 552 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 8AM-4PM | price=£2-£8 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Pick up some truly divine pork pies in a plethora of flavours, both traditional and exotic, to munch on outside. The husband-and-wife duo also dry-cure their own bacon on-site, and make a selection of sausages, some of which, in a pleasant surprise, are more French than British. }} ====Mid-range==== [[Image:York's Chocolate Story (8456).jpg|thumb|300px|Inside York's Chocolate Story]] * {{eat | name=Ambiente | alt= | url=https://www.ambiente-tapas.co.uk/ | email=bookings@ambiente-tapas.co.uk | address=31 Fossgate, YO1 9TA | lat=53.9579 | long=-1.0781 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 638 252 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11:30AM-10PM | price=£4-£8 per tapa | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Tapas restaurant with a semi-industrial interior design channelling the modern [[Madrid|Madrileño]] look. On the menu is a cool mix of classic favourites such as albóndigas and patatas bravas, alongside innovative creations like the Yorkshire morcilla. They have a second, much smaller, restaurant at 14 Goodramgate. }} * {{eat | name=ASK Italian | alt= | url=https://www.askitalian.co.uk/restaurant/york/ | email= | address=The Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake Street, YO1 8QG | lat=53.961 | long=-1.0848 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 637 254 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM | price=Mains £11-£15 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Come for the setting rather than the food (which is fine for a chain, just nothing special): 18th century marble-columned Palladian assembly rooms with 40-foot ceilings and plaster cherubs. Extremely busy at weekends and tourist periods. }} * {{eat | name=The Blue Barbakan | alt= | url=https://www.bluebarbakan.co.uk/ | email=info@bluebarbakan.co.uk | address=35 Fossgate, YO1 9TA | lat=53.958 | long=-1.0779 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 672 474 | tollfree= | hours=M 9AM-3PM/5:30PM-9PM, Tu-F 9AM-3PM/5:30PM-10PM, Sa 9AM-4PM/5PM-10PM, Su 10AM-9PM | price=Lunch mains £7-£11, dinner mains £15-£20 | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=Hearty Eastern European food given Western panache. The resulting roast meats, soups and pies are not a million miles away from English cuisine, but with an intriguing Polish or Hungarian twist. }} * {{eat | name=The Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House | alt= | url=https://www.thechoppingblock.co.uk/ | email=choppingblock@walmgateale.co.uk | address=25 Walmgate, YO1 9TX | lat=53.9571 | long=-1.0769 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 629 222 | tollfree= | hours=W 5PM-10PM, Th-Su noon-10PM | price=Lunch mains £10-£12, dinner mains £14-£22, set menu £7.95 for two courses, £19.95 for three courses | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=Formerly known for its quirky modern British cooking, a change of chef has brought a new menu serving French classics such as beef bourguignon and duck confit. Yorkshire ingredients are still key, and the setting is as pubby as ever. }} * {{eat | name=Double Dutch Pancake House | alt= | url=https://doubledutchpancakehouse.com/ | email= | address=7 Church Street | lat=53.96016 | long=-1.08088 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658728 | tollfree= | hours=M Tu Th F Sa 9AM–5PM, Su 9AM–4PM, closed W | price=£9–13 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-06 | content=Dutch pancakes, savoury or sweet, with a variety of creative variations like "Mexican" and "Independence Day". They make a delicious breakfast, lunch, or afternoon snack. Extensive vegan menu and gluten-free options. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Express | alt= | url=https://www.pizzaexpress.com/york-river-house | email= | address=17 Museum Street, YO1 7DJ | lat=53.9603 | long=-1.0865 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 672 904 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11:30AM-11PM | price=Mains £11-£16 | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=A chain which needs no introduction, but this one is worth a look for the setting - a spectacular 19th century gentlemen's club perched on the bank of the River Ouse. Summer evenings on the terraces are pleasant, and their toilets are marble temples of Victorian excess - it's worth eating there just for the chance to use a solid brass-and-marble urinal. }} * {{eat | name=Skosh | alt= | url=https://skoshyork.co.uk/ | email=info@skoshyork.co.uk | address=98 Micklegate, YO1 6JX | lat=53.9568 | long=-1.0895 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 634 849 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa noon-2PM / 5:30PM-10PM, Su noon-4:30PM | price=Dishes £4-£18. Count on 6-8 dishes to share between two | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=You choose a series of small dishes, and the staff are on hand to advise you on what order to eat them. Think of it as a tapas or meze place, but without the constraints of a single cuisine. The dishes themselves are ambitious, imaginative and memorable, with distinctly Japanese flavours and making excellent use of British produce. Reservation recommended. Has held Michelin's ''bib gourmand'' since 2018. }} * {{eat | name=The Ivy | alt= | url=https://www.theivyyork.com | email= | address=2 St Helen's Square, YO1 8QP | lat=53.9602 | long=-1.0844 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 403 888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9AM-10:30PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 9AM-10PM. Set menu M-F 11:30AM-6:30PM | price=Mains £14-£25, set menu 2 courses £16.95, 3 courses £21.50 | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=Email via [https://theivyyork.com/contact-us/ online contact form]. A national chain serving modern British and European cuisine. While there are no knock-out unique dishes on the large menu, the cooking is of high quality and there are extensive vegetarian and vegan options. One speciality is their version of an English classic - shepherd's pie with slow-braised shoulder of lamb and cave-matured cheddar. }} * {{eat | name=The Masons Arms | alt= | url=http://www.masonsarmsyork.co.uk/ | email= | address=6 Fishergate, YO10 4AB | lat=53.954 | long=-1.0773 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 541 479 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM. Last food orders 8:30PM nightly. | price=Mains £11-£16, Sunday roast £12.45 for one course, £14.95 for two courses, £15.95 for three courses | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Email via [http://www.masonsarmsyork.co.uk/contact-us/ online contact form]. Quality pub grub favourites with daily specials for soup, homemade pie, local bangers and mash, and curry, plus separate steak and risotto menus. Mix things up a bit with a spicy lamb stew or a slow-roasted belly porchetta. Very limited choice for vegetarians. }} * {{eat | name=The Rattle Owl | alt= | url=https://www.rattleowl.co.uk/ | email=info@rattleowl.co.uk | address=104 Micklegate, YO1 6JX | lat=53.9567 | long=-1.0897 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658 658 | tollfree= | hours=W-F 6PM-9:30PM, Sa noon-2PM / 6PM-9:30PM, Su noon-6:30PM | price=Mains £19-£23; Sunday lunch two courses £27, three courses £33; tasting menu six courses £60 + £15 pp deposite | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Thoughtfully-crafted seasonal menu drawing from what's available locally. Each course has very limited options, so you'd really hope the chef's knowledge of his cooking and attention to detail would be there, and on these counts the Rattle Owl aims high. Full marks, too, for the sympathetic restoration of their 17th century building and bonus points for the Roman archaeological remains in the wine cellar! }} * {{eat | name=The Viceroy | alt=part of small local chain, Jinnah Restaurants | url=http://www.viceroy-restaurant.co.uk/ | email= | address=26 Monkgate, YO31 7PF | lat=53.9633 | long=-1.0773 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 622 370 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5:30PM-midnight | price=Mains £10-£16 | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Email via [http://www.viceroy-restaurant.co.uk/contact/ online contact form]. Always busy even in early evening, this long-established North Indian (Kashmiri) restaurant is a favourite of York residents who keep returning time after time for its excellent food and friendly atmosphere. As they say - when in Rome. }} ====Splurge==== [[Image:The Ivy St Helen's Square York.jpg|thumb|300px|Al fresco dining is not uncommon in summer]] * {{eat | name=Arras | alt= | url=http://www.arrasrestaurant.co.uk/ | email=reservations@arrasrestaurant.co.uk | address=The Old Coach House, Peasholme Green, YO1 7PW | lat=53.9605 | long=-1.0754 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 633 737 | tollfree= | hours=Tu 6PM-9:30PM, W-Sa noon-2PM / 6PM-9:30PM | price=Lunch £22.50 for two courses, £27.50 for three courses; dinner £39.50 for two courses, £49.50 for three courses, £60 for five courses, with wine pairing £100 | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Despite the name, the French influence on Arras's set menu is not overly pronounced. Instead, focus is on unloved ingredients that most chefs stay away from: offal, Brussels sprouts, eel; this could be a recipe for disaster, but somehow it works. The dishes are refined and flavoursome, and the service knowledgeable and personable. They save the best to last, in the form of a bumper British cheese board introduced by chef himself. }} * {{eat | name=Café No.8 Bistro | alt= | url=https://cafeno8.co.uk/establishments/bistro/ | email=bistro@cafeno8.co.uk | address=8 Gillygate, YO31 7EQ | lat=53.9632 | long=-1.0849 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 653 074 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 5PM-10PM Su noon-5PM | price=Dinner mains £14-£32, Sunday lunch mains £14-£18 | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=Refined food which has Yorkshire in its soul: lamb from the Wolds, fish from the North Sea, cheese from Thirsk, and rhubarb and custard for pudding! The intimate indoor space is complemented by a small dining garden at the rear. }} * {{eat | name=Le Cochon Aveugle | alt= | url=http://www.lecochonaveugle.uk/ | email=contact@lecochonaveugle.uk | address=37 Walmgate, YO1 9TX | lat=53.9569 | long=-1.0763 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 640 222 | tollfree= | hours=Dinner service W-Sa sitting at 7PM and 8:30PM, lunch Sa sitting at 12:30PM and 1:30PM. Arrive up to 30 minutes ahead of sitting for apéritifs | price=Four-course lunch £75, with wine pairing £135; four-course dinner £95, with wine pairing £175 | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Closed for half the week, limited sittings when it is open, no children or special diets allowed and a ruthless cancellation policy: "The Blind Pig" is like a parody of a stuffy and inflexible French restaurant. In this regard, the food completely subverts expectations: while based in the Gallic tradition and with an impressive ''cave à vin'' to match, it is not afraid to do its own thing and draw from diverse influences. Expect creative, bold and expressive dishes across a 4-course blind tasting menu (with the expectation that you, the diner, fill the role of pig). With room for only 20 covers, reservation is essential. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Melton's | alt= | url=https://meltonsrestaurant.co.uk/ | email=greatfood@meltonsrestaurant.co.uk | address=7 Scarcroft Road, YO23 1ND | lat=53.9508 | long=-1.0858 | directions={{mi|1}} south of the city centre. Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 1904 634 341 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa noon-1:45PM / Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price=Set menu (dinner only): £42 for two courses, £50 for three courses; both include canapés and bread. Six-course tasting menu (lunch and dinner): £62, with cheese course £70. Add wine pairing for £38 | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=Promoting fine dining without the formalities, and run by the York Food Festival's director, this is yet another place in town proving the worth of modern British gastronomy. Try the East Coast cod, or else the wild garlic gnocchi. Scrummy. Vegetarian and vegan tasting menus available. }} * {{eat | name=The Judge's Lodging | alt= | url=https://www.judgeslodgingyork.co.uk/food-drink/ | email=relax@judgeslodgingyork.co.uk | address=9 Lendal, YO1 8AQ | lat=53.9606 | long=-1.0854 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 638 733 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-9:30PM, Su 9AM-8PM | price=Mains £13-£30 | lastedit=2021-06-26 | content=Fine cuisine in rococo splendour. Actually, most of the main dishes - a range of posh burgers, plus a nice collection of salads, platters, meat and fish dishes - belong firmly in the mid-range bracket, but it's the steak and the shellfish - and the drinks - that will lighten your pockets. }} * {{eat | name=The Rise | alt= | url=https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk/drinking-and-dining/the-rise/ | email=dining@thegrandyork.co.uk | address=Station Rise, YO1 6GD | lat=53.9585 | long=-1.0889 | directions=within the [[#Q30628746|Grand Hotel]] | phone=+44 1904 894 580 | tollfree= | hours=Daily12:30PM-9:30PM | price=Mains £17-£34 | lastedit=2021-06-26 | content=Don't be fooled by the posh hotel setting, this is essentially pub food at a premium. If you're paying £22 for a burger, you'll want it to be the best damn burger you've ever eaten, but it won't be. Couple this with variable customer service, and it's hard to believe this and the Grand are run by the same people. }} * {{eat | name=The Star Inn the City | alt= | url=http://www.starinnthecity.co.uk/ | email=info@starinnthecity.co.uk | address=Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, YO1 7DR | lat=53.9605 | long=-1.0872 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 619 208 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th noon-9PM, F-Su 9:30AM-9PM | price=Mains £15-£32, brunch £9-£12 | lastedit=2021-06-26 | content=Dine on seasonal Yorkshire produce beside the Ouse within a warm velvet and tartan décor. Cook has a knack for making trad dishes look like intrepid new creations - or for overworking and needlessly 'cheffing up' old favourites, depending on your perspective. That said, the Star's [[Helmsley#Star inn|sister restaurant]] in Helmsley has a Michelin star, so this is definitely one to watch. }} ====Afternoon tea==== York is known for its decadent '''afternoon teas''': a pot of tea to a blend of your choice, served with dainty sandwiches with the crusts cut off, finger cakes and patisseries, and of course fruit scones with clotted cream and jam. Your food will arrive on a stacked metal stand, with three-tiered platters containing each course of the meal. To this can be added a glass of champagne or some other alcoholic beverage, for those who really want to indulge in luxury. If this sounds like a lot of food and drink, that's because it is; afternoon tea will typically replace lunch, and you may not feel like your dinner until much later on, if at all! The price of a full afternoon tea is fairly high; count on spending at least £20 per person, and add up to £10 more if you're having champagne too. Take into account that the venue itself is often as much a part of the experience as the tea, with Bettys, the Garden Room and the Countess of York arguably offering the most luxurious surroundings. A less indulgent and cheaper option can be just to have a '''cream tea''', that is jam-and-cream scones plus a pot of tea, which should cost no more than £10. Most cafés in York, though not listed here, will serve this, plus a selection of other traditional cakes. [[File:Betty's York interior.jpg|thumb|300px|Inside Bettys Tea Rooms]] * {{eat | name=Bettys Tea Rooms | alt= | url=https://www.bettys.co.uk/cafe-tea-rooms/our-locations/bettys-york | email=customer.service@bettys.co.uk | address=6-8 St Helen's Square, YO1 8QP | lat=53.9601 | long=-1.0842 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 659 142 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-9PM | price=Afternoon teas £25–33, breakfast £7–20, lunch/dinner £10–20 | wikidata=Q2397938 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=World-famous for its nostalgic atmosphere and spectacular Swiss-Yorkshire patisserie-style catering. It is a 1930s-style tea room complete with palm trees, aproned waitresses and live pianist, and is best known for its afternoon teas but also serves breakfast and lunch/dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, and non-gluten menu options. As Bettys is the tea room all the tourists want to visit, be prepared to queue outside at peak times or book well in advance. Alternatively, you can try the Little Bettys at 46 Stonegate, which doesn't get as busy. }} * {{eat | name=Countess of York | alt= | url=https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit/countess-york | email=countessofyork@nrm.org.uk | address=Leeman Road, YO26 4XJ | lat=53.96 | long=-1.0956 | directions=within the [[#Q579958|National Railway Museum]] | phone=+44 1904 686 295 | tollfree= | hours=Tea served at noon, 2PM, 4PM | price=Traditional afternoon tea £26, with champagne £36 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=Railfans rejoice! You can get your afternoon tea fix in the NRM's opulently-restored train carriage, the ''Countess of York''. There are a dozen blends of Harrogate tea to choose from, and a seasonal selection of sandwiches and cakes, with the highlight being traditional Yorkshire scones, vanilla cream and homemade jam. As capacity is constrained by the size of the carriage, it is recommended to book weeks in advance. Free parking token for the museum's car park. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Cake Shop and Tea House | alt= | url= | email= | address=24 Fossgate, YO1 9TA | lat=53.9583 | long=-1.0785 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 671 199 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Afternoon tea: 12:30PM-3PM | price=Tea for two £35 | lastedit=2020-07-26 | content=Step into the 1940s for a slightly more economical afternoon tea that is certainly less refined than other options in the city, but is nonetheless still tasty, filling and satisfying. The advantages of going to a much smaller tea house like here is that you can be sure all the food is freshly made on-site, you don't need to make a reservation and you won't have to queue upon arrival. The place does some quirky house rules (no children under 10, no devices out at tables) and somewhat temperamental owners. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Garden Room | alt= | url=https://www.gardenroomyork.co.uk/ | email=info@therefectory.co.uk | address=The Principal York, Station Road, YO24 1AA | lat=53.9586 | long=-1.0916 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 688 677 | tollfree= | hours=Daily noon-4PM<!--, twilight tea 5PM-8PM--> | price=Traditional afternoon tea £23.50, incl. champagne £30.50<!--, children £14.95, cream tea £7.50. Twilight tea M-F £21.95, Sa Su £25--> | lastedit=2020-07-26 | content=A grand and comfortable lounge with armchairs and sofas, and views across the lawns to the Minster. <!--Gluten free and vegan versions of afternoon tea are available when booked in advance, and cost the same as the traditional. The twilight tea includes the addition of a cocktail or mocktail.--> }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Grand Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk/drinking-and-dining/afternoon-tea/ | email=dining@thegrandyork.co.uk | address=Station Rise, YO1 6GD | lat=53.9585 | long=-1.0888 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 899 521 | tollfree= | hours=Daily noon-6PM (must be seated by 3:45PM) | price=Grand afternoon tea £25.50, incl. sparkling wine £30.50, incl. gin and tonic £33.50, incl. champagne £34.50, children £17 | lastedit=2020-07-26 | content=Take a four-course tea in the hotel's swish Rise restaurant, which offers views over the city walls. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. There's also a special menu for kids. }} == Drink == ''Navigate to: [[#Traditional pubs|Pubs]], [[#Bars|Bars]], [[#Nightclubs|Nightclubs]], [[#Live music and comedy venues|Live music and comedy venues]]'' [[Image:Printer's Devil - geograph.org.uk - 852716.jpg|thumb|250px|Stonegate is a street of temptation for many.]] === Brewing and distilling === The city of York is the site of three breweries, one combined with a vineyard, and one distillery. '''Beer''', that is '''ale''', has been brewed within the city walls for centuries, and the latest iteration of this tradition is [http://www.york-brewery.co.uk/ York Brewery], which brews a range of three pale ales, the award-winning dark ruby ale ''Centurion's Ghost'', and their signature golden ale ''Yorkshire Terrier''. There is also a constantly changing selection of limited-edition creations, which adds a touch of FOMO-fuelled uniqueness to any beer-lover's visit to York. You can also visit the brewery; see the '[[#Q15966937|Do]]' section for details. The new kid on the block is [https://brewyork.co.uk/ Brew York], which eschews tradition by selling its brews by can. They specialise in U.S.-style craft beers, with hipsterish names such as ''Cereal Killa'' (a gluten-free citrusy pale ale), ''Goose Willis'' (gooseberry fool in beer form), and ''Tonkoko'' (the "9th best stout in the world!"). Periodically, they mix things up by discontinuing their entire range and releasing a new selection; there's even an IPA which changes its hops with each batch. You can drink at their achingly trendy "tap room" (see [[#Brew York|below]]), or else look out for the odd brew of theirs in pubs. '''Wine:''' Yorkshire has no fewer than six vineyards. The closest is [https://yorkshireheart.com/ Yorkshire Heart] at Pool Lane, Nun Monkton YO26 8EL. They also have a brewery and a campsite, and offer tours. And then there's '''gin'''. Running with the established zeitgeist of stunningly unimaginative names, the [https://www.yorkgin.com/ York Gin Company] launched its range in March 2018. It has already become a fixture in the local drinks culture, being stocked by dozens of shops, bars and hotels in and around the city, and is now making a splash in international industry awards. The varieties available include the classic London-style dry gin which was at its peak popularity in York in the 18th century; ''Old Tom'', imbued with the white rose of Yorkshire; and the imperial-red juniper, apple and berry-infused ''Roman Fruit'' — all nod to the city's heritage. For Yorkshire whiskey you'll have to visit [[Filey]] on the coast. '''Cider''' is not made in York, and indeed has never been hugely popular up north, but if you like your apple tipple, then look out for Ampleforth Abbey Cider from nearby [[Thirsk]]. ===Traditional pubs=== York has perhaps the most pubs per square mile of any city in the country; supposedly there's one for every day of the year. * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Ackhorne | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/theackhorne/ | email=theackhorneyork@aol.com | address=St Martin's Lane, YO1 6LR | lat=53.9567 | long=-1.0871 | directions=Tucked down a very narrow streetlet off Micklegate, past the church | phone=+44 7977 190 297 | tollfree= | hours=M-F noon-9PM, Sa Su 11AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Cosy locals' haunt that is too well hidden to be a major tourist trap. Think pub quiz, pork pies and Yorkshire ales and ciders. }} * {{drink | name=The Blue Bell | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/The-Blue-Bell-194681907239090/ | email=bluebellyork@gmail.com | address=53 Fossgate, YO1 9TF | lat=53.9587 | long=-1.07919 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 654 904 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM | price= | image=The Blue Bell, York.jpg | wikidata=Q17549920 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The smallest pub in York really is ''tiny'', but the Edwardian interior (grade II* listed), conversational atmosphere and real ales mostly from around Yorkshire make this a firm locals' favourite. As there is nowhere to go but the bar area, children are not allowed. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Keystones | alt= | url=https://www.social-squirrel.com/thekeystonesyork | email=thekeystones.york@stonegatepubs.com | address=4 Monkgate, YO31 7PE | lat=53.9629 | long=-1.0781 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 656 202 | tollfree= | hours=Daily noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Popular with a younger crowd for its live sports on telly at the weekends, pool table, variety of board games and free Playstation 4. Beer garden at rear. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Kings Arms | alt= | url=https://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/ | email= | address=3 King's Staith, YO1 9SN | lat=53.957162 | long=-1.083019 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 659 435 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM | price= | image=Kings Arm public house Sept 2012.jpg | wikidata=Q26548870 | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=The king in question is Richard III, and his house is right on the river bank, meaning one of its annual traditions is becoming ''part'' of the river, a fact which is cheerfully recorded on its flood level gauge on the wall inside. Some of the bar rules ('no swearing', 'no drunkenness') are a bit suspect for a pub, and it exclusively serves beers from local brewery Samuel Smith's. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Lendal Cellars | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/north-yorkshire/lendal-cellars/ | email=7760@greeneking.co.uk | address=26 Lendal, YO1 8AA | lat=53.9599 | long=-1.0849 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 623 121 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=A standard Greene King chain pub in all ways but one: the building. To access, the visitor must leave the street via a passageway, then descend into this arch-ceilinged underground bar, which was the Lord Mayor's personal wine cellar in the 18th century. An atmospheric venue for drinks, but avoid the food. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Maltings | alt= | url=http://www.maltings.co.uk/ | email=info@maltings.co.uk | address=Tanner's Moat, YO1 1HU | lat=53.95927 | long=-1.08802 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 655 387 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Absolutely cracking real-ale free house. The resident beer is Yorkshire's famous Black Sheep bitter, and there is a constant rotation of six other guest beers and four traditional ciders. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Micklegate | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/127micklegate | email= | address=127 Micklegate, YO1 6LB | lat=53.9559 | long=-1.0905 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 541 656 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Good for a noisy couple of hours. If there's no live football with eager fans staring at the multitude of screens, then the music will be playing loud. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Minster Inn | alt= | url=http://minsterinn.co.uk/ | email=minsterinnyork@gmail.com | address=24 Marygate, YO30 7BH | lat=53.96311 | long=-1.08827 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 849 240 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 4PM-10PM, F 3PM-10:30PM, Sa noon-10:30PM, Su noon-8PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Not actually by the Minster and off the beaten track, most of the inn's clientele are regulars. Full of local charm, serving a wide range of traditional ales and, as a bonus from 4PM, pizzas stone-baked to order. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Priory | alt= | url= | email= | address=103 Micklegate, YO1 6LB | lat=53.95635 | long=-1.09007 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 653 231 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 3PM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-1AM Su 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Part of the Wear Inns chain, this pub has a pool table, jukebox and live sport on the telly. There is better beer to be had in York, and frankly better places to drink it, but the late-night opening makes The Priory stand out from the crowd. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Roman Bath | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/roman.bath.3/ | email= | address=9 St. Sampson's Square, YO1 8RN | lat=53.9599 | long=-1.0819 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 620 455 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-11PM | price= | wikipedia=Roman Bath, York | wikidata=Q17549513 | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Shabby John Smiths pub with a wide selection of lagers and frequent open-mic nights. As the name hints at, the building is on top of the remains of a real Roman bath that you can visit for a fee ([[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted). }} * {{drink | name=The Three Legged Mare | alt=The Wonky Donkey | url=https://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/our-pubs/ | email=enquiries@york-brewery.co.uk | address=15 High Petergate, YO1 7EN | lat=53.96221 | long=-1.0843 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 638 246 | tollfree= | hours=W–Sa noon–midnight, Su noon–10:30PM, M–Tu noon–11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=Black Sheep Brewery pub which serves their ales and bar snacks, it has quite an active social week, with a Monday quiz, Thursday open mic night, Friday live folk music and various live music acts on Saturday nights. Dogs welcome. }}. [[File:Shambles, York - panoramio (11).jpg|thumb|200px|The Shambles by dusk]] ===Bars=== In this section, you'll find a selection of the most recommended bars in town, with a bit of everything from brewery tap rooms to cocktail bars, and places to nab a Viking brewski. {{anchor|Brew York}} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Brew York | alt= | url=http://brewyork.co.uk/ | email=info@brewyork.co.uk | address=Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, YO1 9TT | lat=53.95757 | long=-1.07619 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 848 448 | tollfree= | hours=Beer hall: Tu-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-9PM. Tap room: W, Th 6PM-11PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-9PM. Brewery tours (duration 45-60 min): F 5:30PM, Sa 1:30PM, 3:30PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=This craft brewery's 200-seater beer hall and tap room are right alongside the brewing machinery; the beer couldn't be fresher! They also have a nice small open-air seating area in the back facing the River Foss. Burgers and Korean sides will help soak up the alcohol. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Dusk | alt= | url=https://www.duskyork.co.uk/ | email=duskyork@gmail.com | address=8 New Street, YO1 8RA | lat=53.9595 | long=-1.0837 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 634 851 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-2AM. 2-for-1 cocktails M-Th all night, F-Su until 10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=A great place for cocktails, that describes itself as a "laid-back café bar by day, den of iniquity by night." While it does indeed get busy of an evening, especially when there's a live music act, you can usually find some space upstairs. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Evil Eye | alt= | url=http://www.evileyelounge.com/ | email=info@evileyelounge.com | address=42 Stonegate, YO1 8AS | lat=53.9611 | long=-1.0830 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 640 002 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 4PM-midnight, F 4PM-1AM, Sa noon-1AM, Su noon-midnight | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=Colourful cocktail bar tucked behind a gin shop owned by the same people. You may have to queue to enter, as the place is very small. }} {{anchor|Madness Stonegate}} * {{drink | name=House of the Trembling Madness (Stonegate) | alt= | url=http://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/stonegate.html | email=info@tremblingmadness.co.uk | address=48 Stonegate, YO1 8AS | lat=53.9612 | long=-1.0829 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 640 009 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2021-04-05 | content=Email via [http://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/contact-us.html online contact form]. If the name doesn't put you off, then presumably neither will the taxidermied lion's head hanging over the bar, or the wax-encrusted candlesticks on the tables. Work your way through their encyclopedic collection of Belgian beers, and then soak up the booze with some maddeningly superior barsnacks. The same company has a much larger venue [[#Madness Lendal|on Lendal]]. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Jalou | alt= | url=https://www.jalou.co.uk/york | email= | address=2 Micklegate, YO1 6JG | lat=53.9573 | long=-1.0853 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 466 502 | tollfree= | hours=Su-W 4PM-1AM, Th-Sa noon-2AM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=Email via [https://www.jalou.co.uk/york online contact form]. [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Geordie]] glam meets medieval York: lavish and pricey cocktails served to an RnB soundtrack in a grade II-listed Gothic church with an impressive 'neon chandelier' centrepiece. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Biltmore | alt= | url=http://thebiltmore.co.uk/ | email=biltmore@biltmoreandoscars.co.uk | address=29 Swinegate, YO1 8AZ | lat=53.9602 | long=-1.0817 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 610 075 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 5PM-midnight, Fr 3PM-at least midnight, Sa Su noon-at least midnight | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=Housed in a converted historic church, this New York-inspired swish champagne and cocktail bar is relaxed in the week and buzzing at the weekend with the house DJ's music. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The York Tap | alt= | url=http://www.yorktap.com | email=enquiries@yorktap.com | address=York Station, Station Road, YO24 1AB | lat=53.95842 | long=-1.09265 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 659 009 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-11:40PM, Su 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2019-08-15 | content=Housed in a smartly converted Edwardian tea room, this is the place for a decent (if not cheap) pint while waiting for a train. True to its former life, you can still get hot drinks, pies, and homemade cakes here too. }} * {{drink | name=Vahe Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/VaheBar | email= | address=31-33 Goodramgate, YO1 7LS | lat=53.9619 | long=-1.0796 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 628 344 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 5PM-11PM, F 10:30AM-midnight, Sa 12:30PM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Lovely relaxed bar overlooking York Minster serving British ales and Belgian draughts, plus over 200 bottled continental beers and 300 spirits. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Valhalla | alt= | url=https://valhallayork.com/ | email= | address=4 Patrick Pool, YO1 8BB | lat=53.9598 | long=-1.0807 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 653 999 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th noon-11:30PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=Anyone versed in Norse mythology will love this bar, which offers proof if it were needed that the Viking spirit is alive and well in York. A place for loudly drinking mead, cider and ale from a big horn, and feasting from platters stuffed to bursting with quality Yorkshire and Scandi produce. }} [[Image:Madness (4409040609).jpg|thumb|250px|York's nightclubs be like.]] ===Nightclubs=== The weak link in York's nightlife offering. If you're legally or mentally 18, you'll probably love the singularly awful half-dozen offerings which are aimed squarely at the city's population of students (and underage teens), but if you want any kind of sophistication or musical variety, then you should heed the call of [[Leeds#Drink|Leeds]]. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Club Salvation | alt=Salvo | url=https://www.facebook.com/ClubSalvation | email=davesear@clubsalvation.co.uk | address=3 George Hudson Street, YO1 6JL | lat=53.9582 | long=-1.0873 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 635 144 | tollfree= | hours=University term time: W F 10:30PM-4AM, Sa 11PM-4AM. University holidays: Sa 11PM-4AM | price=Free entry before 10PM, then £5 (combo ticket with Society) | lastedit=2019-08-16 | content=Essentially for boozed-up undergrad students, Salvo has cheap drinks, chart music and absolutely no class. The bouncers have a bad attitude, but a strict policy against drugs. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Kuda Bar and Club | alt= | url=https://www.kudaclub.com/york | email=york@kudaclub.com | address=12 Clifford Street, YO1 9RD | lat=53.9568 | long=-1.0818 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 647 947 | tollfree= | hours=M-W, F 11PM-3:30AM, Sa 9PM-3:30AM | price=Entry from £3 | lastedit=2019-08-16 | content=Split over two floors and three rooms, including a tiki bar complete with hula girls, and a cocktail lounge. VIP booths available. Drinks are pricey. }} <!--MAY NOT REOPEN AT ALL, AS THEY LOST THEIR LEASE IN 2019. BUT AS THEY WERE SEEKING RELOCATION BEFORE COVID, KEEP HERE FOR NOW. TT! 31/07/20 * {{listing | type=drink | name=Mansion | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Mansion.York | email=mansionyork@mail.com | address=55 Micklegate, YO1 6LJ | lat=53.9572 | long=-1.0879 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 500 880 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 9PM-5AM | price=Entry £3-£5 | lastedit=2019-08-17 | content=The kind of place where projectile vomiting adds to the fun, this is a hard-drinking, slightly filthy club. }}--> * {{drink | name=Popworld | alt= | url=https://www.popworldparty.co.uk/york | email=popworld.york@stonegatepubs.com | address=George Hudson Street, YO1 6JL | lat=53.9574 | long=-1.0867 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 645 161 | tollfree= | hours=Fr Sa 9PM-2AM | price=Entry generally free, some events £3 | lastedit=2020-07-31 | content=Describing itself as "cheese with style", Popworld is deeply proud of how uncool it is. This chain club is smaller than most of its sister venues, but has a revolving dancefloor on which you can bust out your worst moves to music as sugary as the floor's sticky coating. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Society Bar & Lounge | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Society-Lounge-Bar-York-193976940707386/ | email= | address=1 Rougier Street, YO1 6HZ | lat=53.9586 | long=-1.0870 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 625 438 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 9PM-2AM, 3AM Sa | price=Free entry before 10PM, then £5 (combo ticket with Salvo) | lastedit=2019-08-17 | content=Cheap drinks and mainstream party music, popular with students. It gets cramped at the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=The Stone Roses | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheStoneRosesBarYork/ | email=stonerosesstaff@gmail.com | address=4 King Street, YO1 9SP | lat=53.9573 | long=-1.0821 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 670 696 | tollfree= | hours=M-F noon-1AM, Sa Su 11AM-1AM | price=Free entry except for gigs | lastedit=2020-07-31 | content=A 90s-themed rock/britpop bar which steadily morphs into a club as the night goes on. Decent atmosphere and bargain bevvies. }} ===Live music and comedy venues=== [[Image:Vintage Trouble, York 2011.jpg|thumb|300px|Live music at Fibbers]] * {{listing | type=drink | name=Fibbers | alt= | url=http://www.fibbers.co.uk/ | email=mrhpresents@gmail.com | address=3-5 Toft Green, YO1 6JT | lat=53.9574 | long=-1.0897 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 848 558 (general), +44 8444 771 000 (tickets - premium rate) | tollfree= | hours=Most shows 7:30PM-10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2019-08-18 | content=Long running music venue which has hosted many of the UK's biggest acts since the 1990s. Gigs several nights a week. 14-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult (18+). No under 14s. As of summer 2019, facing an uncertain future - enjoy it while you can. }} * {{drink | name=The Basement | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/thebasementyork | email=cityscreenyork.basement@picturehouses.co.uk | address=13-17 Coney Street, YO1 9QL | lat=53.9591 | long=-1.0848 | directions=Under the City Screen Picturehouse | phone=+44 871 902 5747 (premium rate) | tollfree= | hours=Most gigs 8PM-11PM, most other events 7:30PM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2019-08-18 | content=100-seater underground venue for live music (especially jazz), comedy, film, poetry, workshops and discussions. One of two venues for the [https://lolcomedyclubs.co.uk/venue/the-basement-york/ Laugh Out Loud] comedy club. 16+ only. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Crescent | alt= | url=http://thecrescentyork.com/ | email=thecrescentyork@gmail.com | address=8 The Crescent, YO24 1AW | lat=53.9549 | long=-1.0936 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 622 510 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 4PM-midnight (Sa Su until 1AM) | price= | lastedit=2019-08-18 | content=Working men's club turned community events venue. Tuesdays are for retro gaming, Wednesday is open decks night, and there are music gigs several times a week. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Fulford Arms | alt= | url=http://www.thefulfordarms.com/ | email=thefulfordarms@gmail.com | address=​121 Fulford Road, YO10 4EX | lat=53.9471 | long=-1.0736 | directions=Bus: 7, 25, 26, 415 | phone=+44 1904 620 410 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 4PM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-1AM, Su 11:30AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Real ale pub with a relaxed 'suburban local' atmosphere by day, but with live music and other events such as charity fundraisers nearly every night. }} ==Sleep== ''Navigate to: [[#Budget|Budget]], [[#Mid-range|Mid-range]], and [[#Splurge|Splurge]] options, places for [[#Camping|camping]]'' York has everything from humble hostels and cosy guesthouses, to some of England's grandest historic hotels. The usual chains are present in abundance, but there are also plenty of unique independents worth seeking out. Most accommodation listings here are in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance from attractions and services, but some are situated in quieter residential neighbourhoods or just on the fringes, though nowhere is very far apart in compact York. And while most people don't associate city breaks with camping opportunities, there are a surprising number of places to pitch a tent or park a campervan both in town and a little way outside. {{Sleeppricerange | Under £60 | £60-£120 | Over £120 }} ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Astor York Hostel | alt=Holgate Hill Hostel | url=https://astorhostels.com/hostels/york/ | email=york@astorhostels.com | address=124 Holgate Road, YO24 4BB | lat=53.9543 | long=-1.1018 | directions=Bus: 1, 5, 5A | phone=+44 1904 653 786 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £10 | lastedit=2019-08-18 | content=Small, basic rooms. Wi-Fi signal not great. Nice communal areas, including a bar. Unbeatable £1 breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Diamonds Guest House | alt= | url=https://www.diamondsguesthouse.com/ | email=diamondsguesthouse@gmail.com | address=114 Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 1JX | lat=53.9482 | long=-1.0850 | directions=Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 7717 941 122 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £38 | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Cosy but basic B&B in a Victorian house, offering a continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. No alcohol on premises, but there are good pubs and restaurants close by. Diamonds also has three other guesthouses in period properties around York. }} <!--IT LOOKS AS THOUGH HOLMLEA IS CLOSED. NO CONFIRMATION YET, BUT WILL HIDE FOR NOW.-TT! 2019/09/21 * {{sleep | name=Holmlea Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.yorkbedbreakfast.com/ | email= | address=6 Southlands Road, YO23 1NP | lat=53.9491 | long=-1.0868 | directions={{mi|1}} south of city centre, close to racecourse. Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 7798 856 443 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=10AM | checkout=10AM | price=From £25 pppn | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Email via [https://www.yorkbedbreakfast.com/contact-us online contact form]. ''Homely'' by name... this cosy corner terrace house has about five cutely-decorated rooms and is in a quiet residential setting. Free continental breakfast served in your room. Limited on-street parking; reserve a permit for £5 per day. }}--> * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Park View Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.parkviewguesthouse.co.uk/ | email=AhmForh@aol.com | address=22 Haxby Road, YO31 8JX | lat=53.9686 | long=-1.0799 | directions=½ mile (800 m) north of city centre. Bus: 1, 5, 5A, 6, 40 | phone=+44 1904 611 396 | tollfree= | checkin=11:30AM | checkout=10AM | price=From £20 pppn | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Victorian-era villa with a range of en-suite rooms, including an accessible ground floor double room. Full English and continental breakfast. Private parking. Wi-Fi. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Queen Anne's Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.queen-annes-guesthouse.co.uk/ | email=info@queen-annes-guesthouse.co.uk | address=24 Queen Anne's Road, YO30 7AA | lat=53.9648 | long=-1.0920 | directions=Bus: 2 | phone=+44 1904 629 389 | tollfree= | checkin=11:30AM-1:30PM or 4:30PM-7:30PM | checkout=10AM | price=From £30 pppn, incl. very tasty full English / vegan breakfasts | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Traditional B&B run by a friendly husband-and-wife team. Has a mix of en-suite rooms and a few with shared bathrooms. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Safestay York Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.safestay.com/york/ | email=reception-yk@safestay.com | address=88-90 Micklegate, YO1 6JX | lat=53.9570 | long=-1.0891 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 627 720 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £10 | lastedit=2019-09-15 | content=Handsome Georgian townhouse right in the centre of York's nightlife: free earplugs available if you find it noisy. A mix of shared dormitories (4-12 people, some female only) with bunk beds and private rooms (2-4 people). Free Wi-Fi, bar, breakfast £3.50. }} {{infobox|Where are the budget chains?|If you're looking for the likes of '''Premier Inn''', '''Travelodge''' or '''Ibis''' in travel hotspot York, you'll either have to spend a bit more, or compromise on location. The city centre hotels of these usually budget-friendly chains charge premium room rates and are therefore listed in the 'Mid-range' section below. Alternatively, there are cheaper motel options for the former two brands on the A64, around {{mi|10}} west of the city; see [[Tadcaster]] for details.}} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Fort Boutique Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.thefortyork.co.uk/ | email=info@thefortyork.co.uk | address=1 Little Stonegate, YO1 8AX | lat=53.9606 | long=-1.0834 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 620 222 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £10 | lastedit=2019-09-15 | content=Five individually-decorated rooms created by five up-and-coming UK artists and designers. Also several dorms for 6-8 people. Common room with microwave, fridge and toaster. Two bar-restaurants on-site. Breakfast £4-£9. }} *{{sleep | name=YHA York Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/york | email= | address=Water End, YO30 6LP | lat=53.9686 | long=-1.1027 | directions={{mi|1}} north of city walls. You can walk along the river. Bus: 2 | phone=+44 345 371 9051 (non-geographic number) | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | price=Dorm from £15, private room from £25 pppn | lastedit=2020-07-30 | content=This youth hostel is clean and has good showers. Good family rooms for four. Adequate breakfast is included in the price, and they'll pack you a breakfast if you're leaving especially early. Free Wi-Fi. Free parking. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Statue Constantin 1er York 9.jpg|thumb|300px|Constantine the Great was crowned emperor of the known world while staying in York. Since you can't top that, you might as well find somewhere that serves a good breakfast.]] *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Holiday Inn York City Centre | alt=formerly Hotel 53 - beware, as the old website is still active as of Aug 2019 | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/york/qqyct/hoteldetail | email=reservations@yorkhi.co.uk | address=53 Piccadilly, YO1 9PL | lat=53.9549 | long=-1.0764 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 559 000 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £55 | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Modern design 6-storey hotel, with stylish contemporary interiors. The standard Holiday Inn experience (gym, air conditioning, good breakfast); there's also another one a bit further out of town on Tadcaster Road. }} * {{sleep | name=Ibis York Centre | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/6390/index.en.shtml | email= | address=77 The Mount, YO24 1BN | lat=53.9533 | long=-1.0939 | directions=Bus: 1, 4, 5, 5A, 12, 13, 840, 843, ZAP | phone=+44 113 396 8032 (Leeds number) | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=From £49 | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=The setting in a large brick townhouse means the rooms are a bit smaller than with other Ibis hotels. Onsite restaurant and bar. Pets welcome. }} {{anchor|Marmadukes}} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Marmadukes Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.marmadukestownhousehotelyork.com/ | email=reservations@marmadukestownhousehotelyork.com | address=4 St Peter's Grove, YO30 6AQ | lat=53.9673 | long=-1.0918 | directions=Bus: 2 | phone=+44 1904 640 101 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £69 | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Boutique 4-star hotel in a Victorian property. All 21 rooms have en-suites and free Wi-Fi. Dogs welcome. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Middletons | alt= | url=https://www.middletonsyork.co.uk/ | email=reception@middletonsyork.co.uk | address=Skeldergate, YO1 6DS | lat=53.9547 | long=-1.0842 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 611 570 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £89. Parking £10 pn | lastedit=2019-09-29 | content=56 rooms spread across a complex of listed historic buildings - Charlie Chaplin was once a guest here - and pleasant outdoor space, Middletons features a restaurant, bar and fitness centre including a small pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Mercure York, Fairfield Manor Hotel | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/8342/index.en.shtml | email=038rs@jupiterhotels.co.uk | address=Shipton Road, YO30 1XW | lat=53.9940 | long=-1.1317 | directions={{mi|4}} northwest of centre on A19. Bus: 19, 29, 30, 30X, 31, 31X | phone=+44 1904 225 012 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=From £60 pppn. Pets £15 | lastedit=2020-07-30 | content=18th century manor house with some original features, set in six acres of private grounds, offering countryside views. On-site restaurant. '''July 2020: temporarily closed'''. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Premier Inn York City | alt=Blossom Street North | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/north-yorkshire/york/york-city-blossom-st-north.html | email= | address=20 Blossom Street, YO24 1AJ | lat=53.9553 | long=-1.0918 | directions=Sat-nav: YO24 1AD | phone=+44 333 321 9198 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=From £33 pppn | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Features an art deco clocktower. Standard rooms have a king-size bed and excellent showers. Two kids can sleep in the same room on pull out beds, and they get breakfast for free with a paying adult. There is another Premier Inn, "Blossom Street South", just down the street. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Travelodge York Central | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/196/York-Central-hotel | email= | address=90 Piccadilly, YO1 9NX | lat=53.9547 | long=-1.0770 | directions=Bus: 1, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 12, 13, 59, 840, 843, ZAP | phone=+44 871 984 6187 (premium) | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From £30 pppn | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Rooms are comfortable and private, and are good value for the location. But don't take the breakfast, as the Wetherspoons next door is better value. There are two other central Travelodges in York - at Layerthorpe and Micklegate. }} <!-- July 2020: Property has just changed hands, and website not currently taking bookings, so commented out * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Bloomsbury | alt= | url=https://www.thebloomsburyguesthouse.com/ | email= | address=127 Clifton YO30 6BL | lat=53.971 | long=-1.098 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 634031 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £110 | lastedit=2020-07-15 | content=Charming B&B in three-storey Victorian building. Open Feb-mid Dec, no children under 17 or dogs. }} --> * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Bar Convent | alt= | url=https://www.bar-convent.org.uk/ | email= | address=17 Blossom St YO24 1AQ | lat=53.955 | long=-1.091 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 643238 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | wikipedia=Bar Convent | lastedit=2020-07-15 | content=Peaceful B&B within a working convent, perilously established in 1686, "welcomes those of all faiths and none". Assistance dogs only. The cafe in the charming atrium is open M-Sa 8AM-3PM. }} ===Splurge=== [[Image:194-SFEC-YORK-20070827.JPG|thumb|Fancy your own castle? Lendal Tower from across the Ouse.]] *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Lendal Tower | alt= | url=http://lendaltower.com/ | email=info@tiercel-leisure.com | address=Lendal Bridge, YO1 7DP | lat=53.9603 | long=-1.0871 | directions= | phone=+44 1423 709 713 (Harrogate number) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Around £250 per night, minimum four-night stay | image=Lendal Tower and River Ouse.JPG | wikidata=Q17530580 | lastedit=2019-09-25 | content=This proud 14th-century tower guarding the river bridge is now a boutique self-catering property which sleeps six. Highlights of your stay may include enjoying the panorama from the rooftop terrace or relaxing like a lord in a four-poster bed. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Middlethorpe Hall | alt= | url=https://www.middlethorpe.com/ | email=info@middlethorpe.com | address=Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 2GB | lat=53.9306 | long=-1.08998 | directions=On southern edge of Knavesmire racecourse, {{mi|3}} from city centre. Bus: 11 | phone=+44 1904 641 241 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=From £106 pppn | wikipedia=Middlethorpe Hall | image=Middlethorpe Hall.jpg | wikidata=Q6841964 | lastedit=2019-09-25 | content=If you've ever wanted to stay in one of the National Trust's stately homes, this is your chance: a country hall and estate dating from 1698, set in an impressive 20 acres of garden. The rooms and suites make full use of antiques and period features, but there are multiple dining options and a cottage pool and spa. }} *{{sleep | name=Park Inn by Radisson York City Centre | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-inn-york-city-centre | email=reservations.york@parkinn.com | address=North Street, YO1 6JF | lat=53.9583 | long=-1.0851 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 459 988 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £64 pppn | lastedit=2019-09-25 | content=From the outside, this is a hideous mid-20th century cornflakes box that sits awkwardly on the Ouse riverfront. Once you're inside, of course, the building's memory quickly fades as you admire unhindered views of the river and the attractive medieval surroundings. There's also a swimming pool, bar, grill restaurant and large conference space. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The Dean Court Hotel | alt=Best Western | url=https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/hotels/dean-court-hotel-bw-premier-collection-83119 | email= | address=Duncombe Place, YO1 7EF | lat=53.96201 | long=-1.08405 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 625 082 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £80 pppn. Valet parking £20 pn | lastedit=2019-09-25 | content=An imposing Victorian pile, this hotel is lauded for its comfortable rooms and suites, and its views of the Minster, which towers over on the opposite side of the street. Free Wi-Fi, on-site bar and restaurant. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Grand Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk | email=reservations@thegrandyork.co.uk | address=Station Rise, YO1 6GD | lat=53.9588 | long=-1.0891 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 896 349 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £128 pppn. Valet parking £35 pn. Dog £25 per stay | wikipedia=Grand Hotel and Spa (York) | image=York-Grand-Hotel-27th-June-2017.jpg | wikidata=Q30628746 | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Very luxurious Edwardian hotel from the golden age of the railway. There are numerous top catering options, a large conference room, and a spa, gymnasium and swimming pool which hark back to Roman ''Eboracum''. No on-site parking, but the concierge team can provide a meet-and-greet service at the station, chauffeur pick-ups and even a helicopter transfer! }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The Grange Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.grangehotel.co.uk/ | email=info@grangehotel.co.uk | address=1 Clifton, YO30 6AA | lat=53.9658 | long=-1.0911 | directions=Bus: 2 | phone=+44 1904 644 744 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £89 pppn. Breakfast £15.95 pp. Parking £10 pn. Dog £20 including treats | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=In a Regency town house, it's gone for the country-house-chic look - all deep sofas, open fires and unobtrusive service. There are three restaurants ranging from a seafood bar, through contemporary cellar bar to the full-on French silver service. Not cheap, but deeply luxurious, and a real change from the standard pre-packaged international chain hotels. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The Judge's Lodging | alt= | url=http://www.judgeslodgingyork.co.uk | email=relax@judgeslodgingyork.co.uk | address=9 Lendal, YO1 8AQ | lat=53.9606 | long=-1.0853 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 638 733 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £135 pppn | wikidata=Q6302730 | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Upmarket place in Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse, with a collection of characterful and smartly-decorated rooms. On-site is a traditional cellar bar and restaurant. No parking. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The Principal York | alt= | url=https://www.phcompany.com/principal/york-hotel | email= | address=Station Road, YO24 1AA | lat=53.958378 | long=-1.091604 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 653 681 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £100 pppn | wikidata=Q7761744 | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Email via [https://www.phcompany.com/principal/york-hotel/contact-us/ online contact form]. In a Victorian mansion right next to the railway station. Try for a higher floor to avoid noise from the street and function room. Good restaurant, but you pay a premium for the view of the Minster. Also has a bar, swimming pool and gym. }} ===Camping=== Unusually, York has an inner city campsite: [[Image:Rowntree Park, York (20035035135).jpg|thumb|300px|Tranquility in Rowntree Park]] * {{sleep | name=York Rowntree Park | alt=Caravan Club | url=https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/england/yorkshire/north-yorkshire/york-rowntree-park-caravan-club-site/ | email= | address=Terry Avenue, YO23 1JQ | lat=53.9507 | long=-1.0797 | directions=Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 1904 658 997 | tollfree= | checkin=1PM | checkout= | price=Tariffs are seasonal: adults £8-£12 pppn, children £1-£3 pppn, extra charges for hardstanding with awning, tent pitch £6-£11 pn. CC members' discounts available | lastedit=2020-09-12 | content=Camp in the city! Next to both Rowntree Park and the River Ouse, this is mostly a site for caravans and motorhomes, though there are pitches for tents too. Washroom, laundry room, electricity and gas hook-ups, Wi-Fi. Disability friendly. Barbecues and dogs allowed. Non-members welcome. }} There are several campsites on the outskirts of York or in the near hinterland. The following three have been chosen for their locations just outside the city ring road and for their high ratings: * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Nurseries Caravan Park | alt= | url=https://nurseriescaravanpark.com/ | email=enquiries@nurseriescaravanpark.com | address=Askham Bryan Lane, YO23 3QY | lat=53.9365 | long=-1.1465 | directions={{mi|4}} south-west of city centre, off A1237 ring road and 1½ miles (2.4 km) from A64. Bus: 37 - infrequent | phone=+44 1904 797 427 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Tariffs are seasonal: 2 adults with car and power hookup £19-£21, £5/£3 per extra adult/child | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Pitches for tourers and tents in a 7 acre park. Heated washroom with hot showers, launderette, small shop for camping essentials. Dogs welcome on a lead. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Little Hide | alt=Adult-only glamping | url=https://thelittlehide.co.uk/ | email=relax@thelittlehide.co.uk | address=Willow House Caravan Park, Wigginton Road, YO32 2RH | lat=54.0027 | long=1.0922 | directions=On B1363, {{mi|3}} north of city, off A1237 ring road. Bus: 40 - hourly all day until 7PM | phone=+44 7713 194 299 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin=1PM | checkout=10AM | price=From £41 pn. Over 18s only, dogs welcome | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Two-person wooden 'pod' cabins, three-person yurt. All units are heated and lit and have beds, sofa, table and chairs. Bring your own kitchen appliances, plates and cutlery, and a gas stove if you intend to cook. BBQs provided. On-site washing and laundry, café. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Wagtail Park | alt= | url=http://wagtailpark.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@wagtailpark.co.uk | address=23 North Lane, YO32 9SU | lat=53.9988 | long=-1.0305 | directions={{mi|4}} north-east of city centre, off A1237 ring road. No public transport access | phone=+44 7970 643 777 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin=1PM-8PM | checkout=noon | price=Tent, caravan or campervan pitch from £17 or from £20 with electricity hookup. Pods from £40 | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=A quiet campsite on the edge of town; just pitch up with your vehicle, trailer or tent, or you can try one of the site's four 'pods', snug two-person cabins with heating and electricity. There's a fishing pond on site, but no facilities or activities specifically for children. Washroom with wet room showers. Dogs welcome. }} ==Stay safe== York is a safe city with no significant crime problem. It is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the whole UK, and high safety levels help to influence this. Unlike certain other European cities popular with tourists, visitors to York are not a particular target for scams and crimes. Terrorism is locally unheard of, though the nationwide threat level remains high. There are, however, some precautions worth taking. ===Nightlife=== Take care on weekend evenings in York. Plenty of local youngsters overestimate their capacity for alcohol and the city centre can seem to be awash with lager louts, mainly in the Micklegate area. If you are approached just keep on walking and they will find another victim to pester. Aim for Wikivoyage's recommended pubs, though, and you'll find that safe socialising in the company of affable locals is still possible! Try to avoid secluded cycle paths and ginnels (alleyways) at night as it is not unknown for robberies to take place in these parts, however this tends to be away from the main city centre. ===River safety=== Be careful near and on the River Ouse, as it is deep and cold, and the current is surprisingly strong. If you have been drinking, avoid going near the river altogether, especially at night. The bankside paths can be slippery and poorly lit, and if you do fall in, there may well be no-one around to help you out. Several people drown in the Ouse every year, and alcohol and darkness play a role in the majority of deaths. [[Image:Flooding in York - 20151227 13 08 40.jpg|thumb|300px|All of a sudden, that riverside B&B seems less attractive...]] ===Flooding=== In spite of elaborate defences, York floods pretty much every winter. All it takes is a few days of sustained rainfall somewhere upstream, and the houses and businesses nearest to the Ouse are submerged. There's about 30 miles of [[Yorkshire Dales|Pennine]] moors, from [[Harrogate]] to [[Richmond (Yorkshire)|Richmond]], where the pouring rain has only one way out. If it keeps raining, then 48 hours later the river at York is brimming; another day of rain and riverside properties start to become inundated. Aside from providing the press with a dependable annual news story, the only upside to York's frequent inundations is that locals know what to do. If you're caught in a flood, follow their lead. You can also access the city council's [https://www.york.gov.uk/floods flood advice portal]. While water damage to property is often serious, flood-related injuries and deaths are extremely rare. Follow the authorities' advice, and you'll be fine. ==Stay healthy== * {{listing | type=listing | name=York Hospital | alt= | url=https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-hospitals/-the-york-hospital/ | email= | address=Wigginton Road, YO31 8HE | lat=53.9705 | long=-1.0835 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 631 313, 999, 112 (emergency) | tollfree= | hours=24 hours. Visiting times 1PM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=York Hospital | wikidata=Q8055478 | lastedit=2019-09-29 | content=NHS hospital with accident and emergency facilities }} ===Late-night pharmacies=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Monkbar Pharmacy | alt= | url=https://www.monkbarpharmacy.co.uk/ | email=contact@monkbarpharmacy.co.uk | address=3 Goodramgate, YO1 7LJ | lat=53.9626 | long=-1.0784 | directions=By Monk Bar / Richard III Experience | phone=+44 1904 626 181 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7:30AM-10:30PM, Su 8:30AM-6:30PM | price= | lastedit=2019-09-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=The Priory Pharmacy | alt= | url=https://thepriorypharmacy.co.uk/ | email= | address=Priory Medical Centre, Cornlands Road, YO24 3WX | lat=53.9492 | long=-1.1994 | directions=2⅓ miles (3.6 km) south-west of city in Acomb | phone=+44 1904 404 101 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 8AM-11PM, Su 10AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2019-09-29 | content=Email via [https://thepriorypharmacy.co.uk/index.php/contact_us online contact form] }} ==Cope== ===Worship=== [[Image:The Shambles, York (8464).jpg|thumb|Timber-framed shops on the Shambles]] York has dozens of '''Christian''' churches, including of the [https://dioceseofyork.org.uk/ Anglican], [https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/parishes/ Catholic], [http://www.yorkbaptist.org.uk/ Baptist], [https://www.yorkmethodist.org.uk/ Methodist], [http://www.yorkquakers.org.uk/ Quaker], [https://www.trinitychurchyork.org.uk/ Presbyterian], [http://russianorthodoxyork.org.uk/en/ Russian Orthodox], and [https://www.facebook.com/yorkldschurch/ Latter Day Saints] denominations. '''Muslims''' can worship at the city's first and only [http://www.yorkmosque.com/ mosque] on Bull Lane (YO10 3EN). The Quaker meeting house on Friargate (YO1 9RL) also hosts York's '''[https://jewsinyork.org.uk/ Liberal Jewish]''' and '''[https://yorkbuddhistgroup.com/ Buddhist]''' communities. Adherents of other faiths and denominations will generally find their nearest place of worship to be in [[Leeds]]. ===Toilets=== There are numerous public toilets around York city centre. These are open daily 9AM-7PM and nearly all charge a fee of £0.40 <small>(July 2021)</small>; various coins are accepted but no change is given. Three handy locations include: * {{marker|type=cope|name=Castle Walk WC|lat=53.9567|long=-1.0794}}, 31 Castle Walk, YO1 9WT (''close to Clifford's Tower, Fairfax House, Jorvik, York Castle Museum'') * {{marker|type=cope|name=Silver Street WC|lat=53.9595|long=-1.0813}}, 32C Parliament Street, YO1 8RS (''centrally-positioned for most shopping and eating'') * {{marker|type=cope|name=St Leonard's Place WC|lat=53.9629|long=-1.0852}}, YO1 7HB (''next to Bootham Bar and close to the Minster and York Art Gallery'') Free public toilets are available in the railway station, on the first platform from the ticket office, right of the York Tap. ==Connect== === Phone === York's area code for landline numbers is 01904 when dialled from within the UK or +44 1904 from outside the UK. Calls made from landlines within York do not require the area code to connect. === Internet === Most of York is covered by the '''[https://www.york.gov.uk/info/20151/community_innovation/695/free_wi-fi_in_york CityConnect]''' free Wi-Fi service - see the website for a map of all the hotspots. Complete a brief online registration form, and you're good to go. Alternatively, if you don't have a device capable of connecting to the internet, or you need to get online on a desktop computer: *{{listing | name=York Explore Library | alt= | url=https://www.exploreyork.org.uk/ | email=york@exploreyork.org.uk | address=Library Square, Museum Street, YO1 7DS | lat=53.9614 | long=-1.0862 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 552 828 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9AM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=York Library | image=York Library (15th July 2013) 002.JPG | wikidata=Q8055614 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Ask at the enquiry desk - you'll see plenty of locals using the computers, but the staff can arrange web access for visitors too. Printing facilities are also available. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - reopens April. }} ==Go next== York is centrally located in [[Yorkshire]], making it a great base for days out in any direction. ===[[North Yorkshire#Vale of York|Vale of York]]=== [[Image:York Minster Evening (7177963603).jpg|thumb|300px|The Minster at sunset]] The Vale is a prosperous agricultural country sandwiched between the Pennines and the East Coast. Peppered with medieval monasteries, castles and stately homes, it also has a selection of attractive small towns: * [[Harrogate]] is the obvious next move from York, being an elegant Regency-era spa town {{mi|21}} west on the A59, or 33 min on the train, and home to the original Bettys Tea Rooms. Worth a stop on the way is [[Knaresborough]] (25 min on the train), to see the 12th century castle and visit a witch's lair. * [[Ripon (England)|Ripon]] is a village-sized city that still packs in an impressive Early English cathedral, the haunting ruins of Fountains Abbey, and a host of justice-themed museums. It's {{mi|25}} north-west via the A59 and A1 (M), or bus 22 takes an absurd <br> 1 hr 20 min. On the way, why not check out the Roman villa at [[Ripon (England)#Q17647743|Aldborough]]? * [[Selby]]'s 11th century abbey is worth the {{mi|14}} journey south on the A19, or 20-30 min on the train. * [[Tadcaster]] is a brewery town noted for its Sam Smiths beers {{mi|10}} south-west on the A64, or 25 min on buses 840, 843, or 845. * [[Thirsk]] is a small market town {{mi|23}} north on the A19, or 15-20 min on the train, with a museum dedicated to the vet James Herriot. ===Further afield=== * [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]] is a major East Coast seaport in the midst of long-awaited urban renaissance, having successfully reinvented itself from a synonym for dull into the UK's 2017 City of Culture. It's {{mi|41}} south-east via the A1079 and A63, or 1 hr 5 min by train. * [[Leeds]] is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Yorkshire, known for its palatial shopping arcades and fantastic for clubbing, drinking and dining. It's {{mi|25}} south-west on the A64, or 25 min by train. * Rural Yorkshire's apotheosis, the [[Yorkshire Dales|Dales National Park]], sits west of Harrogate. Drive as far as [[Skipton#Q891638|Bolton Abbey]] on the A59, then up the Wharfedale road into the heart of the park: the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire's Three Peaks, cheese town [[Hawes]], and bucolic Swaledale await. Access via public transport is easiest in summer, as there are some [https://www.dalesbus.org/york.html seasonal bus routes]. Journeys at other times of the year will likely take you via Leeds, but you can equally get a bus up Nidderdale from Harrogate; see [[Yorkshire Dales#Get in]] for details. * The heather expanses of the [[North York Moors|North York Moors National Park]] stretch north of [[Pickering]] ({{mi|26}}, best accessed by the A64, turning off near [[Malton (England)|Malton]]). The National Trust property [[Malton (England)|Nunnington Hall]], English Heritage ruin [[Helmsley|Rievaulx Abbey]] and baroque magnificence of [[North York Moors#Q1049514|Castle Howard]] are within the park. Coastliner bus 840 runs from York through the moors. * [[Bridlington]] (via the A166), [[Filey]] (via the A64) and [[Scarborough]] (via the A64) are all Victorian seaside resorts, and all {{mi|41}} from York, via different routes. The scenic coast road north of Scarborough leads past little coves and windswept moors to [[Whitby]], where you can contemplate Count Dracula, while eating possibly the best fish and chips in the world. The train from York to Scarborough takes 55 min, and you can then catch onward trains or buses to the other destinations mentioned here See the main [[Yorkshire]] article for many more ideas. {{routebox | image1=UK road A19.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Middlesbrough]] | minorl1=[[Thirsk]] | directionr1=S | minorr1=[[Selby]] | majorr1=[[Doncaster]] | image2=UK road A59.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Yorkshire Dales]] ← [[Harrogate]] | minorl2=[[Knaresborough]] ← [[Image:UK-Motorway-A1 (M).svg|40px]] (North) | directionr2=E | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=UK road A64.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=SW | majorl3=[[Leeds]] | minorl3=[[Image:UK-Motorway-A1 (M).svg|40px]] (South) ← [[Tadcaster]] | directionr3=NE | minorr3=[[Malton (England)|Malton]] | majorr3=[[Scarborough]]/[[North York Moors]] | image4=UK road A166.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=E | minorr4=Driffield | majorr4=[[Bridlington]] | image5=UK road A1079.svg | imagesize5=40 | directionl5=NW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=SE | minorr5=[[Pocklington]] | majorr5=[[Kingston-upon-Hull]] }} {{IsPartOf|North_Yorkshire}} {{geo|53.9626|-1.0776}} {{starcity}} szlboofpa005gbj827r8erob3a295s8 4487899 4487897 2022-07-21T19:14:50Z Ground Zero 1423298 Correction wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|York banner.jpg|caption=York Minster in the morning|disambig=yes|dotm=yes|star=yes}} [[File:A crippled beggar (4409040601).jpg|thumb|200px|York is a medievalist's paradise]] The ancient cathedral city of '''[https://www.visityork.org/ York]''' has a history dating back over 2000 years. Romans, Saxons, Vikings, and Britons from all eras have each left their mark. It is home to some of [[Europe]]'s best-preserved historical buildings and structures, including York Minster and dozens of other churches, the Shambles medieval shopping street, countless handsome townhouses, and the city's walls and gatehouses. Other popular attractions on the bucket lists of York's 7 million annual visitors include the Jorvik Viking Centre and Britain's National Railway Museum. York is in [[North Yorkshire]], [[England]], and is the unofficial capital of the entire region of [[Yorkshire]]. The city is a perfect base for exploring "God's own county", having some of the finest hotels around, and all the comforts and amenities of a large city, while retaining the atmosphere and scale of a small town. York's shops, markets, pubs, and restaurants delight in offering Yorkshire-made produce, so you will find it difficult not to overindulge. A UNESCO City of Media Arts, York has a festival for every occasion, celebrating everything that has shaped the city's culture over the centuries: music, dance, chocolate, theatre, literature, horseracing, digital media. Whatever time of year you come, you're sure to find a gig, show or exhibition that tickles your fancy. So, plunge forward, and discover York! == Understand == ''Navigate to: [[#Orientation|Orientation]], [[#History|History]], [[#When to visit|When to visit]], [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]]'' {{COVID-19 box|1=York's tourism industry is resilient and has been affected by lockdown far less than feared. The vast majority of attractions, bars, restaurants, and hotels have survived and will be reopening in one form or another. To reflect the unusual times, and to help you stay safe while making the most of York, some aspects of this travel guide article are a bit different to normal: * All listings on this pages marked as being updated in '''July 2020''' (or later) have been verified by Wikivoyage editors as being open at that time or with plans to reopen later in the year. Where possible, revised opening hours and prices have also been added, but you are strongly advised to check these with the venues directly before visiting. * Listings which are marked as updated before July 2020 have been checked, but the results were inconclusive: if the business or attraction plans to reopen, its owners have not said so publicly. These places may take many months to reopen, or they may never reopen. Wikivoyage will update when possible. * Listings which were verified as permanently closed as a result of the lockdown have been deleted from the article. * Where other changes due to the pandemic are necessary to note, the tag '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' has been employed.|lastedit=2021-12-15}} ===Orientation=== Although only the sixth-largest city in [[Yorkshire]] and having no official status, York is regarded as the county's '''capital''', and is also positioned just east of its geographic centre. For 1800 years, it was the largest and most important city in northern England, though today has a rather modest population just shy of 200,000 people. Despite its size, York packs in more history and culture than many much larger places, and is a fascinating and beautiful destination any time of year. {{infobox|'Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma' ''what?''|York is popularly known as a place "where the streets are ''gates'', the gates are ''bars'', and the bars are ''pubs''!" If none of this makes any sense to you, remember that York has Viking roots, and the Norsemen also influenced the local language. So, yes, many streets are called '''gates''' (from Old Norse ''gata''), among them Micklegate, Fossgate, and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, the shortest street in York with an insensibly long name, apparently meaning "What a street!" The fortified gates in the city walls are invariably known as '''bars''' (think "barrier" and it makes sense), pedestrianised areas are logically called '''footstreets''', and simple alleys take on a new magic as '''snickelways'''. Need a drink after all that? Ask for the nearest '''pub'''.}} York '''city centre''' is a compact and dense warren of mostly pedestrianised streets lined with centuries-old buildings in a mix of architectural styles, from Roman and Viking remnants, through timber frame medieval structures, to much grander stone and brick edifices from later periods. The centre straddles both banks of two rivers - the '''Ouse''' (pronounced ''ooze'') and the '''Foss''' - which merge just south of the castle. At the city's heart stands the imposing '''York Minster''', one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, and the mother church for northern England's Anglican community. The '''Archbishop of York''' (Stephen Cottrell, as of 2020) holds the third-highest office in the Church of England, after the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Queen. York's old town is completely encircled by a series of defensive medieval '''walls'''. At just over 2 miles (3.2 km) long, 13 feet (4 m) high, and 6 feet (1.8 m) thick, they are the UK's most extensive and best-preserved city walls. Most visitor attractions are within or just outside these walls, so you will seldom find yourself venturing into York's outer neighbourhoods. However, if you do, you will find them pleasant and residential, mostly containing red brick houses from the 19th and 20th centuries. There is a modern '''university''' campus around Heslington in the south-eastern suburbs, a large racecourse called the '''Knavesmire''' in the south-west, and extensive parks along the Ouse's journey through the northern and southern suburbs. This urban sprawl is bounded by a modern day city wall of sorts: the '''ring road''' separates York from its rural surroundings, the well-endowed farmlands and villages of the [[North Yorkshire#Vale of York|Vale of York]]. ===History=== York has played a crucial role in many eras of English history, and the city's own story closely mirrors that of the country as a whole. Evidence of human settlement in York dates back to 8000 BC, but the city wasn't founded until 71 AD by the [[Roman Empire|Romans]], who named it '''''Eboracum''''', as a Latinisation of the Celtic ''Eburākon'', meaning "yew tree place". ''Eboracum'' began as little more than a military outpost at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, but quickly became one of the most important cities in Roman Britain, and from 211 was the capital of the ''Britannia Inferior'' province; Emperors Hadrian, Septimius Severus and Constantius I all visited during their military campaigns against the native Britons and Picts. The latter of the three actually died during his stay, and his son, the future Constantine the Great, was first proclaimed Emperor in the city by his generals. Constantine later converted to [[Christianity]], and legalised freedom of religion throughout the Empire. ''Eboracum'' was prosperous and particularly attracted merchants and retired veterans of the Emperors' wars. Why said retirees apparently chose the damp and chilly Yorkshire climate over the Empire's many Mediterranean provinces remains one of history's great mysteries. After Rome, the 5th century brought the arrival of the Angles - the first Englishmen. This period saw the expansion of the city's trading prowess, the founding of York Minster as a small wooden church, and a spell of political prominence under the Kings of Northumbria. By 735, the Minster was already important enough to be the seat of an archbishop. But '''''Eoforwic''''' ("place rich in boar"), as it was now known, proved too much of a success and quickly caught the attention of avaricious Norsemen: [[Vikings]] had been harrying and raiding the north of England since the 700s, but why sail for days just to snatch a pig and a bracelet and rush back to sea, when they could harvest this rich farmland for their own? So, in 866, a huge army of Danes captured ''Eoforwic'' and, realising that name was a hopeless mouthful, rechristened their new city '''''Jórvík''''' (pronounced "Yor-vik"). From here, they controlled pretty much all of northern and eastern England, in a region known as the Danelaw. ''Jórvík'' was pretty perfect as a Viking capital, since its inland location offered defence and shelter, while the Ouse provided their longboats easy access to the sea via the Humber. Even though Viking power waxed and waned over the centuries, large numbers of Scandinavian people settled permanently in the region, meaning ''Jórvík'' was a bilingual (Old English and Old Norse) city at the time of the '''Norman Conquest'''. By 1066, the Vikings had once again been ousted by the Saxons, but nursed ambitions to return. Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England, but faced a combined invasion by his exiled brother Tostig and the Norse king Harald Hardrada. The invaders won a battle at Fulford just outside York, but King Harold marched north and defeated them at Stamford Bridge 15 miles east. Yet, while his back was turned, William the Conqueror's [[Normandy|Normans]] invaded from across the English Channel. Harold's exhausted army marched south again, this time to crippling defeat at [[Hastings (England)|Hastings]]. England came under Norman rule, and the Anglo-Saxon/Norse society that the country had developed, and York exemplified, was dismantled swiftly and brutally. [[Image:York cathedra.jpg|thumb|250px|York Minster]] The '''Harrying of the North''' was a violent campaign of oppression against rebellious northerners in the years after the Conquest. From his castle in York, King William ordered the mass murder of civilians, demolition of numerous villages and burning of crops across the north of England, and York was also heavily damaged. As in the rest of the country, Normans became the new aristocracy, with the English and remaining Norse people reduced to serfdom. From this point on, the Normans consolidated their rule with the construction of castles, monasteries and great cathedrals. York Minster's Gothic design first took shape in the 12th century, while the present city walls, their gates (known as ''bars''), and Clifford's Tower also cemented the Normans' impact on York's cityscape. The late Medieval period produced much important architectural and cultural heritage, which are still evident today. The centuries-long construction of the Minster finally wrapped in 1472, while the higgledy-piggledy timber-frame shops of the Shambles mostly date from the 14th and 15th centuries. York's '''Mystery Plays''', performing weird and wonderful Bible stories, were begun in the same era and continue to the present day. Then, in 1455, England was consumed by civil war: rival royals from York and [[Lancaster (England)|Lancaster]] fought a brutal series of campaigns for control of the crown. Yorkist armies marched under the banner of a white rose, while their enemy Lancastrians followed the red rose, hence the name of this conflict, the '''Wars of the Roses'''. The last Yorkist king, Richard III, was finally defeated in combat at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, 30 years after the wars began. The Lancastrians' leader, Henry VII, became the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, and both York in general and King Richard in particular were subsequently demonised. The city's economy and status went into a long decline which wouldn't be recovered until after England's second Civil War, during which Royalist York was again on the wrong side of history, and besieged by the ultimate victors (Parliament) for 10 weeks in 1644. The siege and subsequent storming of the city destroyed many medieval buildings, but paved the way for fashionable new brick townhouses to be built as York regained its mojo in the late 17th and 18th centuries. This resurgence in the city's wealth may have been what saved York's ancient streets from the smoke-stack industry which sprang up in many other northern towns from the late 18th century onwards. However, the [[industrial revolution]] didn't bypass York completely. In the 1840s, the first long-distance '''railway''' raced north from London to Edinburgh, and York's station was constructed as a cathedral of sorts in homage to the great connecting power of trains, while the locomotive yards next door kept the country's engines moving. The city found its other manufacturing niche soon after when the '''Rowntree family''' opened their chocolate factory. Many of their creations - among them KitKat, Aero and Smarties - are still staple snacks in the UK and around the world. The Rowntrees, known for their philanthropy, were Quakers, a religious group which has had a strong presence in York for three centuries, and whose members have done much to shape its development - they were also behind the burgeoning rail industry. While its prominence and relative size in comparison to other cities have dwindled since the 19th century, and its status as capital of the north credibly challenged by the likes of Manchester and Leeds, York remains prosperous and lively; in 2018, it was named the best city to live in the UK by ''The Sunday Times''. In 2021, the city is 1,950 years old, and today's visitor will easily recognise and marvel at just how well York has preserved aspects from every major episode of its history, as much in the way of culture and traditions as in the built environment. ===When to visit=== {{Climate| units = Metric | janhigh =7 | febhigh =8 | marhigh =10 | aprhigh =13 | mayhigh =16 | junhigh =19 | julhigh =21 | aughigh =21 | sephigh =18 | octhigh =14 | novhigh =10 | dechigh =7 | janlow =2 | feblow =1 | marlow =1 | aprlow =4 | maylow =7 | junlow =10 | jullow =12 | auglow =12 | seplow =9 | octlow =7 | novlow =4 | declow =2 | janprecip =29.6 | febprecip =24.5 | marprecip =20.1 | aprprecip =27.6 | mayprecip =27.6 | junprecip =29.4 | julprecip =29.9 | augprecip =33.6 | sepprecip =22.6 | octprecip =34.1 | novprecip =34.8 | decprecip =32.1 }} '''Summer''' clearly brings the best chance of sun and warmth, and is thus the finest time to make the most of the city's squares, parks and rivers. If you really like flat caps and whippets, then be sure to be in town on 1 August for Yorkshire Day, when a procession of proud Yorkshiremen march their white rose flags all through the streets. Summer visitors may also get the chance to see festivals dedicated to chocolate, early music and folk dance, and the really lucky may even catch a mystery play - although these follow an irregular schedule and don't take place every year. On the other hand, summer is when ''everyone'' visits, so is not the best time if you don't like mingling with thousands of your fellow tourists. Besides, nobody comes to North Yorkshire for the weather, and summer washouts are just as likely as heatwaves, so why not take a punt on '''autumn''' or '''winter'''? Some of the city's key annual events, such as the Viking Festival and Christmas celebrations, take place in the chillier half of the year. What's more, you need short days in order to experience the magical atmosphere of a twilit evensong in the Minster, and you need to get cold to fully appreciate the cosiness of a hearty meal and pint next to a roaring fire in one of York's pubs. By the way, if you're planning to use York as a base to explore the wider region's countryside and coast, then '''spring''' is the season for you. The fields and trees are at their greenest, wildflowers are in bloom, visitor numbers are fewer, and the late spring weather is often better suited to hiking and walking than high summer. And honestly, who doesn't love the sight of spring lambs gamboling about joyfully? ===Visitor information and York Pass=== * {{listing | name=Visitor Information Centre | alt= | url=https://www.visityork.org/business-directory/visit-york-information-centre-gift-shop | email=info@visityork.org | address=1 Museum Street, YO1 7DT | lat=53.9612 | long=-1.0852 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 555 670 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=A first port-of-call for maps, hundreds of leaflets, attraction discounts and impartial advice from local experts. }} If you plan to do a ''lot'' of sightseeing, you can save money by purchasing the '''[https://yorkpass.com/ York Pass]''', a ticket which gives you access to [https://yorkpass.com/city-pass-attractions/ 17 attractions] in York, and discounted entry to a number of others. The pass also includes a 24-hour ticket for the City Sightseeing bus tour, a free Italian meal, and a guidebook and map. A one-day pass costs {{GBP|48}} per adult and {{GBP|30}} per child, while a two-day pass costs {{GBP|65}} per adult and {{GBP|35}} per child. You can buy online or in person at the visitor information centre. When buying online, your pass is downloaded to your smartphone. <small>(December 2021)</small> The pass is valid for 24 months after purchase and activated when you enter your first attraction. The one-day pass is '''valid for one calendar day, not a 24-hour period'''. Two-day passes are valid for consecutive calendar days. The pass covers the entry fee of every participating attraction, but does not allow you to queue jump or to have privileged access. To get your money's worth, you should visit at least five ticketed attractions on a one-day pass, or three attractions per day on a two-day pass; if this sounds like too much, the pass is not for you. == Get in == ''Navigate to: [[#By train|By train]], [[#By bus|By bus]], [[#By car|By car]], [[#Luggage|Luggage]]'' {{mapframe|53.9626|-1.0776|show=go|zoom=7|name=Map of airports and other transportation around York}} === By plane === {{marker|type=go|name=Manchester Airport|url=https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/|lat=53.3539|long=-2.2750}} ({{IATA|MAN}}), {{mi|85}} south-west of York, has global direct connections, including from [[North America]], [[Africa]], the [[Middle East]], [[Pakistan]], [[East Asia]], the [[Caribbean]] and pretty much everywhere in [[Europe]]. A direct train to York, operated by [https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/ Transpennine Express], runs every 30 min, taking 1 hr 50 min. By road, from the airport, follow the M56 onto the M60 Manchester Ring Road (east/anticlockwise), then at junction 18 take the M62 towards Leeds. This takes you across Saddleworth Moor, the highest section of motorway in Britain; in good weather, it's very scenic, but snow and extremely dense fog can badly affect or even close the route any time of the year. At junction 29, take the M1 north. This soon merges onto the A1 (M), and from here you take the next exit for the A64 towards York. {{marker|type=go|name=Leeds-Bradford Airport|url=https://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/|lat=53.865|long=-1.660}} ({{IATA|LBA}}) is the closest airport to York, {{mi|31}} away by road. It has decent connections across western Europe, and is served by budget carriers Jet2 and Ryanair. British Airways and KLM connect to their respective hubs at [[London Heathrow]] and [[Amsterdam Schiphol]]. The airport is north of [[Leeds]], so you can mostly dodge the city traffic by following the A658 past Harrogate to the A59, where you pick up signs to York. By public transport, take bus [https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/flyer/services/YCD/A1 A1] from the airport into Central Leeds. From here, you have the choice of taking the train or the bus. Crosscountry, LNER and Transpennine Express all operate [http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ trains] to York, taking 25 mins and offering a 'turn-up-and-go' frequency. The [http://www.cityzap.co.uk/ Cityzap] and [http://www.yorkbus.co.uk/Coastliner.htm Coastliner] buses both leave every 30 mins during the day (M-Sa; Su every hour) and take 60 mins; Cityzap stops at 7PM, but Coastliner maintains an hourly service until 10:15PM. {{marker|type=go|name=Doncaster-Sheffield Airport (Robin Hood)|url=http://flydsa.co.uk/|lat=53.475|long=-1.004}} ({{IATA|DSA}}) has flights from some European hubs and cities in [[Poland]], [[Lithuania]] and [[Romania]], and is {{mi|44}} away by road. You can drive to York via the M18 (north), M62 (west) and A19 (north), or if you're using public transport, get a half-hourly [https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/TSY/media/TSYMediaLibrary/Content%20pages/Popular%20destinations/Airports/Doncaster-Sheffield-Airport-Guide-valid-from-26-January-2020.pdf bus] to [[Doncaster]] station and catch a frequent direct train to York using LNER, which takes 20-25 min. The [[London]] airports obviously have a huge range of flights, especially '''[https://www.heathrow.com/ Heathrow]''' ({{IATA|LHR}}) and '''[https://www.gatwickairport.com/ Gatwick]''' ({{IATA|LGW}}). However, by public transport you have to travel into central London before heading north to York from King's Cross Station: from Heathrow use the Underground (Piccadilly line); from Gatwick take the Thameslink train to St Pancras, adjacent to King's Cross. LNER trains leave every 30 min and take roughly 2 hr. Alternatively, with a car you have to endure a long journey (at least 5 hours in good traffic) around the M25 ring road and up the A1. === By train === ''Wikivoyage has a guide to [[Rail travel in Great Britain]].'' [[Image:York Station Summer Sun.JPG|thumb|300px|The roof of York station]] York is on the East Coast mainline, with [https://www.lner.co.uk/ LNER] trains running every 30 min or so from [[Doncaster]] (20 min), [[Durham (England)|Durham]] (50 min), [[Edinburgh]] Waverley (2 hr 30 min), [[Leeds]] (25 min), [[London King's Cross]] (2 hr) and [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] (1 hr). Hourly [https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/ Crosscountry] trains link to York from [[Birmingham (England) |Birmingham]] New Street (2 hr 45 min - 3 hr 15 min), [[Bristol]] Temple Meads (4 hr 10 min), [[Plymouth (England)|Plymouth]] (6 hr 15 min) and [[Sheffield]] (45 min - 1 hr). [https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/ Transpennine Express] trains run hourly from [[Manchester]] [[MAN|Airport]] (1 hr 45 min), Manchester Piccadilly (1 hr 30 min) and Manchester Victoria (1 hr 15 min), via [[Huddersfield]] (47 min) and Leeds. [https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/ Northern] branch lines run from [[Scarborough]] (50 min) and [[Kingston upon Hull |Hull]] (1 hr 10 min) on Yorkshire's east coast, and from [[Harrogate]] (40 min) and [[Knaresborough]] (30 min) in the west of the county. Although there are multiple train companies, times and prices for all can be found on the [http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ National Rail Planner] or by calling {{phone|+44 845 748 4950 (non-geographic)}}. King's Cross in London is adjacent to St Pancras International, the British terminus for high-speed [https://www.eurostar.com/ Eurostar] trains from the near continent. This very easy interchange brings York within 4 hr 30 min from [[Paris]] and [[Brussels]], 3 hr 30 from [[Lille]], and under 6 hr from [[Amsterdam]] * {{go | name=York railway station | alt= | url=http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/YRK/details.html | email= | address=Station Road, YO24 1AB | lat=53.958 | long=-1.0929 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2269429 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Just outside the western walls, access the city north along Station Road for the Museum Gardens and Minster, or south via Queen Street to Micklegate and the Jorvik Centre. A cycle hire stand is just outside the main exit. Bus stops for many services are in the station forecourt, and any bus that doesn't pass here is likely to run through Rougier Street just inside the walls. The excellent National Railway Museum is adjacent on the west and is signposted from the platforms. There is no left luggage service at the station; the [[#Luggage|nearest one]] is on High Petergate, about 50 m from York Minster. }} === By bus === [[Image:YorkSigns1.jpg|thumb|300px|Navigating York's streets is a breeze]] '''[http://www.nationalexpress.com/ National Express]''' has two direct daytime coaches (426) and one overnight (436) to/from [[London]] Victoria, taking around six hours. Both routes also serve [[Milton Keynes]], [[Sunderland]] and [[South Shields]], while the night route 436 makes an additional stop at [[Heathrow Airport]]. A third route (530) runs daily via York from [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] to [[Paignton]], in [[Devon]], and back. Other calling points en route include Sunderland, [[Middlesbrough]], [[Leeds]], [[Birmingham (England)|Birmingham]], [[Cheltenham]], [[Bristol]], [[Exeter]] and [[Torquay]]. All three of these routes call outside the railway station, at {{marker|type=go|name=bus stop RC|lat=53.957|long=-1.091}} for northbound services, and at {{marker|type=go|name=bus stop RG|lat=53.958|long=-1.092}} for southbound services. For other connections, change at [[Leeds]]. '''[http://www.cityzap.co.uk/ Cityzap]''' (sometimes signed as just '''ZAP''') buses run every 30 minutes from [[Leeds]] between 7AM and 7PM, taking around 55 minutes. '''[http://www.yorkbus.co.uk/Coastliner.htm Coastliner]''' run two different bus routes (840 and 843) through York from Leeds (840, 843), [[Tadcaster]] (840, 843), [[Malton (England)|Malton]] (840, 843), [[Pickering_(England)|Pickering]] (840), [[Scarborough]] (843) and [[Whitby]] (840) every 30 minutes during the daytime and every hour in the evenings. Both routes have two calling points in York city centre: outside the railway station at stops RC and RJ, and on {{marker|type=go|name=The Stonebow|lat=53.959|long=-1.076}}. The last buses ''to'' York depart Leeds at 10:15PM, Scarborough at 8:25PM, and Whitby at 5:45PM. However, daytrippers from Leeds can get the last bus back ''from'' York at 11:05PM. Enjoy the view - Coastliner's 840 service has won the prodigious title of "Britain's most scenic bus route". '''[https://uk.megabus.com/ Megabus]''' doesn't serve York directly, but offers tickets in partnership with Cityzap via Leeds. === By car === ''Wikivoyage has a guide to [[Driving in the United Kingdom]].'' From the south, take the M1 north to junction 32, then the M18 east to junction 2, A1 (M) north to junction 44 and finally the A64 east to York. Or you can stay on the M1 all the way to the A64, but it gets very congested around [[Sheffield]] and [[Leeds]] in rush hour. Lighter traffic may be found by taking the A1 all the way from [[London]]. From the north, approach via the A1 (M) onto the A59 east, or take the A19. If you're coming from the urban [[North West England|north-west]], follow the M62 east onto the M1; from the [[Yorkshire Dales]] and [[Lake District National Park|Lakes]], use the A59. Approach from Leeds using the A64, and from [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]] (for ferries from [[Rotterdam]]) by the A1079. The old city is not designed for driving and is positively hostile to parking. If you are just visiting York for the day, don't try to park in town. Instead, use one of the '''[https://www.itravelyork.info/park-ride park and ride]''' sites, located close to the ring road and well signposted from the main roads. Each site is connected to the city centre by a unique colour-coded bus route, every 10 minutes, seven days a week. A day's parking is free, and a return bus fare costs £3.30. However, you can't use the park and ride overnight, so if you are staying in York, make sure that your accommodation offers parking, or consider leaving your car at home. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - Poppleton Bar is closed until further notice <small>(June 2022)</small>. It is advised to wear a facemask on all public transport in the United Kingdom. {{mapframe|53.9626|-1.083|show=go|zoom=11|name=Map of park and ride sites and other transportation}} {| class="wikitable floatcenter" ! !Road access !Which bus? !Hours |- !{{marker|name=Askham Bar|type=go|lat=53.928|long=-1.117}} |[[Image:UK road A64.svg|40px]] from [[Leeds]] and the south-west [[Image:UK-Motorway-A1 (M).svg|50px]] from the south |{{RouteBox|White||##FFFFFF|black}} |'''M-Sa''' 6AM-10PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-10:30PM |- !{{marker|name=Designer Outlet|type=go|lat=53.922|long=-1.074}} |[[Image:UK road A19.svg|40px]] from [[Selby]] and the south |{{RouteBox|Red||#FF0000|white}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-10PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-10:30PM |- !{{marker|name=Grimston Bar|type=go|lat=53.955|long=-1.017}} |[[Image:UK road A166.svg|40px]] from [[Bridlington]] and the east [[Image:UK road A1079.svg|40px]] from [[Kingston-upon-Hull|Hull]] and the south-east |{{RouteBox|Yellow||#FFFF00|black}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-8:30PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-6PM |- !{{marker|name=Monks Cross|type=go|lat=53.982|long=-1.051}} |[[Image:UK road A64.svg|40px]] from [[Scarborough]] and the north-east |{{RouteBox|Silver||#C0C0C0|black}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-9:30PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-6PM |- !{{marker|name=Poppleton Bar|type=go|lat=53.972|long=-1.150}} |[[Image:UK road A59.svg|40px]] from [[Harrogate]] and the west [[Image:UK-Motorway-A1 (M).svg|50px]] from the north |{{RouteBox|Turquoise||#40E0D0|black}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-8:30PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-6PM |- !{{marker|name=Rawcliffe Bar|type=go|lat=53.984|long=-1.123}} |[[Image:UK road A19.svg|40px]] from [[Thirsk]] and the north-west |{{RouteBox|Green||#008000|white}} |'''M-Sa''' 7AM-10:30PM, '''Su''' 9:30AM-10:30PM |- |} ===Luggage=== * {{listing | name=Yorbag | alt= | url=http://yorbag.co.uk/ | email=info@yorbag.co.uk | address=20 High Petergate, YO1 7EH | lat=53.962355 | long=-1.084287 | directions= | phone=+44 7561 852 654 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-7PM, last drop 5PM | price=Small case (55cm x 35cm x 25cm or smaller): £3 up to 10 hr. Large case: £3 up to 2 hr, £5 up to 10 hr. Storage box for smaller items and shopping: £3 up to 2 hr, £5 up to 10 hr | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Centrally-located Visit York-endorsed left luggage service. No overnight service. }} == Get around == ''Navigate to: [[#By bike|By bike]], [[#By bus|By bus]], [[#By taxi|By taxi]], [[#By car|By car]]'' {{Mapframe|53.9570|-1.0826|zoom=14}} [[Image:OSM map of York UK 2.png|thumb|417px|York within the city walls]] [[Image:OSM map of York UK 1.png|thumb|417px|York and its surrounding villages]] The City of York Council have a website named '''[https://www.itravelyork.info/ i-Travel York]''', which provides unbiased information for travelling around the city on foot, by bike, by bus and by car. === On foot === The best way to discover York: the city centre is small enough to walk from one side to the other in 20 minutes, and there is only a short distance on flat terrain between most of the sights. That said, the winding, narrow streets can be confusing and aren't always well-signposted, so a map is always handy. Some streets within the old city (i.e. inside the city walls) are pedestrianised during the day, closed to all cars except disabled drivers and emergency vehicles between 10:30AM and 5PM daily. You can see a map of these roads, locally known as '''''footstreets''''', on [https://www.itravelyork.info/pedestrianised-city-centre i-Travel York]. Some streets are subject to additional controls, for instance the Shambles is pedestrian-only at all times. Take care walking around the city centre when the roads open to car traffic at 5PM, as they fill up quickly with delivery vehicles servicing local shops and businesses. If you enjoy walking, you must do the 2-mile (3.2-km) city wall circuit (see [[#Tours and trips|below]] for details), which offers views all around and should give you a feel for York's layout. Additionally, footpaths line the River Ouse for most of its journey through the city north to south, and there is a lot of parkland to discover alongside with the promise of wildlife sightings - see [https://www.itravelyork.info/downloads/download/9/wildlife-walks i-Travel's wildlife walks booklet] for ideas. === By bike === York is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK - there's an extensive network of cycle routes in and around the city, and most of the traffic controls have been set up to give cyclists priority. There are no significant hills in or around the city centre, which is a big help. The river path along the Ouse contains some wonderful bike routes out of the city. Also beware that police and CCTV operators take a very dim view of cycling without lights after dusk, or cycling in the city centre pedestrianised area before 5PM, and will hand out an on-the-spot £60 fine for doing so. You should be able to pick up a copy of the York Cycle Route Map for free from cycle shops, or alternatively you can find [https://www.itravelyork.info/downloads/download/8/cycle-route-map online]. * {{listing | name=Cycle Heaven Bike Hire | alt= | url=https://www.cycle-heaven.co.uk/ | email=yorkstation@cycle-heaven.co.uk | address=Station Road, YO24 1AY | lat=53.957668 | long=-1.092505 | directions=On your right as you exit the railway station through the main entrance. | phone=+44 1904 622 701 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM | price=2 hr £10, 5 hr £15, 24 hr £20, 3 days £50, 5 days £65, 7 days £75, 14 days £100 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=You can rent bikes adapted to short city hops (Gazelle) and longer country trips (Ridgeback), plus folding bikes (Brompton). Hire price includes a helmet, lock and an optional basket and toolkit. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - cycle hire is suspended until further notice. }} === By bus === [http://www.itravelyork.info/buses Bus services] connect all the points of interest in the city. Download a PDF of the city's network map [https://www.itravelyork.info/buses/bus-routes-and-journey-times/york-bus-route-map/ here]. A variety of operators run the individual routes, but thankfully you can still buy a ticket which works on every company and line in the city within a set period: '''[https://www.itravelyork.info/buses/fares-and-passes/allyork All York]''' comes in three flavours, one day (£4.90), one week (£19) and one month (£66) passes <small>(March 2021)</small>. The day tickets are ''not'' 24 hour passes, rather they are valid until midnight on the day of purchase. If you are staying a week or longer, consider getting a [https://www.itravelyork.info/buses/fares-and-passes/smartcard smartcard], onto which you can load your All York ticket. Some operators accept contactless payment by credit and debit card. These tickets are only valid on public bus services, and not on sightseeing tours. That said, the majority of bus routes are operated by [https://www.firstgroup.com/york/ First York], a private company. Adult single fares are from £1.20 <small>(March 2021)</small>, but increase for longer journeys. You can purchase your ticket with cash or contactless. For groups looking for a discount, here's a corker: if you are in a group divisible by five, you can get a [https://www.firstgroup.com/york/tickets/ticket-types/group-travel group ticket] which gives five people unlimited travel in York for a whole day, valid every day of the week after 9AM Monday to Friday, and anytime weekends and bank holidays. You can only buy this ticket via the [https://www.firstbus.co.uk/york/tickets/ticket-types/mtickets First Bus app], but each five-person ticket costs £9 <small>(March 2021)</small>, so as long as you travel everywhere as a group it is great value compared even to the All York pass. === By taxi === Like everywhere else in the UK, all taxi services are provided by private companies, but the fares are metered and strictly regulated by the local government authority. In this case, it is the City of York Council which sets the rates, the details of which you can download [https://www.york.gov.uk/downloads/download/59/hackney-carriage-fares-and-charges from the city's website]. During the daytime (7AM-10PM), the base fare is £2.90, while the nighttime (10PM-7AM) base fare is £3.70. To these, 10p is added for every 80 metres travelled. Higher rates exist at Christmas, New Year, on bank holidays, and for travelling to/from the Knavesmire on race days. There are small additional charges for pets and extra passengers. <small>(December 2021)</small> All four of the following companies have apps for iOS and Android: * {{listing | name=Fleetways | alt= | url=https://www.fleetways.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 365 365 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Getaway Cars | alt= | url=http://www.taxis-in-york.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 707 070 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Streamline Taxis | alt= | url=http://www.streamlinetaxisyork.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 656 565 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content= }} * {{listing | name=York Cars | alt= | url=https://yorkcars-taxis.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 765 765 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content= }} === By car === The best advice for driving in York is ''don't''. The roads were designed for carts pulled by oxen, and the city council is actively discouraging car use through a combination of high parking charges and traffic-calming measures. If you are bringing a car to York, your best bet is to leave it in a park and ride, at your hotel, or if absolutely necessary, a city centre car park. If you're using York as a base from which to explore the Yorkshire countryside, you will find all the major '''car hire''' companies in town, mostly by the railway station. ==See== ''Navigate to: [[#York Archaeological Trust|York Archaeological Trust]], [[#York Museums Trust|York Museums Trust]], [[#Churches|Churches]], [[#Further out|Out-of-town sights]]'' [[File:Clifford's Tower, York - geograph.org.uk - 889063.jpg|thumb|300px|Clifford's Tower]] There's plenty to see in York, but if you leave without visiting the '''Minster''' and either the '''[[#Q1704043|Jorvik Viking Centre]]''' or the '''[[#Q579958|National Railway Museum]]''', you're doing it wrong. If you only have a day, prioritise two of these. Aside from these three standout attractions, the joy of York is in wandering the ancient streets and coming across surprising buildings and beautiful views all by yourself. You might find old churches, timber-framed shops, the ruins of an abbey, or the leftovers of medieval defences. ===Landmarks=== * {{see | name=York Minster | alt=Cathedral of St Peter in York | url=http://www.yorkminster.org | email=info@yorkminster.org | address=Deangate, YO1 7HH | lat=53.961944 | long=-1.081944 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 557 200 | tollfree= | hours=Minster visits: M-Sa 9AM-4:30PM, Su 12:30PM-3PM; Museum: M-Sa 10AM-4:30PM, Su 1PM-3:15PM; Worship: 4 or more services daily 7:30AM-6PM | price=Adult £11.50, senior £10.50, student with ID £9, child under 17 free. Access to Minster, museum and guided tour included; £5 extra for tower. Worship, park and plaza free. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=York Minster | image=York Minster from M&S.JPG | wikidata=Q252575 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The largest [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] cathedral in northern Europe, York Minster dominates the skyline and dates back to the 8th century at least. The inside of the cathedral has beautiful stained glass and several interesting and peculiar features – look for the modern statues signalling "Christ is here" in semaphore and the dragon hanging from near the ceiling. The '''Undercroft Museum''', beneath the Minster, displays centuries worth of archaeological findings in an interactive display. Then, climb the 275 steps to the top of the Minster's '''Central Tower''' to experience panoramic views from York's highest spot (ages 8+ only). The nightly Evensong worship has haunting acoustics, and is the only way of accessing the cathedral on Sunday late afternoons. On the south side of the Minster outside, don't miss the {{marker|type=see|name=statue of Constantine the Great|lat=53.961826|long=-1.081745}}, who was in 306 AD proclaimed emperor of Rome in York. At the far end of the plaza from this is a {{marker|type=see|name=Roman column|lat=53.961634|long=-1.081813}} which was unearthed beneath the Minster and reerected in 1971 to mark the 1,900th anniversary of the city's founding. Once you've seen all this, relax in the {{marker|type=see|name=Dean's Park|lat=53.963206|long=-1.082479}} - a simple expanse of grass and trees that affords views of the north side of the Minster. In spring or summer, you may catch a glimpse of nesting peregrine falcons. }} {{infobox|York's medieval pogrom|'''[[Judaism|Jews]]''' settled in England for the first time in recorded history after the Norman Conquest. Being exempt from Catholic laws prohibiting money-lending, Jewish people were seen as engines for economic growth, and were thus granted special immunities under the Crown. As one of the most important cities in the kingdom, York had a significant Jewish population by the 12th century, but the ongoing wars of religion in the [[Holy Land]] and indebted townspeople's ill-feeling towards their creditors fuelled antisemitism. On 16 March 1190 - the Friday of Passover - in such a climate, all it took was for an accidental fire to be blamed on Jews, and a lynch mob was formed. York's Jewish families were forced to flee and invoke the royal protection granted to them by seeking refuge in '''Clifford's Tower'''. Once inside, they were effectively under siege, however, and the soldiers who were supposed to be protecting them turned coat and joined the baying mob outside. At some point, a fire started in the tower - whether by the occupants or their tormentors is unknown. Vastly outnumbered, and faced with an ultimatum to convert to Christianity or be slaughtered, the community realised the only way out was suicide; on the advice of their Rabbi, the father of each family killed his wife and children, before taking his own life. Consumed by flames, the wooden tower burnt to the ground, and among its ashes the Earthly remains of 150 people.}} * {{see | name=Clifford's Tower | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/ | email= | address=Tower Street, YO1 9SA | lat=53.955856 | long=-1.079992 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 646 940 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-6PM | price=Adult £8.10, child £5.40, concession £7.30, English Heritage members free | wikipedia=York Castle | image=Cliffords Tower York UK.JPG | wikidata=Q80637 | lastedit=2022-06-26 | content=In the 11th century, the Normans built a castle here to keep the Vikings at bay and subdue the local population following their conquest of England. The Vikings being Vikings, they promptly smashed it, so the Normans built bigger and better - the tower you see today was the castle's keep. The tower was the scene of the infamous massacre of York's Jews in 1190. In 1684, its interior was wrecked by an explosion, but the hollow tower is now the oldest remnant of the castle. The rest fell into disrepair, before being re-built as a gaol, and in modern times housing the Castle Museum. Access is by very steep steps up the hillock; it's a bit like climbing a pyramid. After closure, you can still climb to the front door and look back over the square - this is especially atmospheric after dark. }} * {{see | name=Fairfax House | alt= | url=http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk | email=info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk | address=Castlegate, YO1 9RN | lat=53.9568 | long=-1.08006 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 655 543 | tollfree= | hours=Sa–Th 11AM–4PM, F entrance by guided tour only 11AM, 2PM | price=Adult £7.50, guided tour £9. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikidata=Q15978988 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=A Georgian townhouse built as the winter home for the Viscount Fairfax and his daughter, which has today been lovingly restored as a charming example of aristocratic life in York. It is decorated and furnished similar to how it would have been in the 1760s, almost exclusively using objects from the private collection of chocolatier Noel Terry (1889–1979). Giuseppe Cortese's elaborately-wrought stucco ceilings are a particular highlight, adorning half a dozen of the Fairfaxs' stately rooms. 'Gregory the Townhouse Mouse' will keep your kids entertained with his exploration trails around the property. Audio tours in eight languages. }} * {{see | name=Guildhall | alt= | url=https://www.york.gov.uk/guildhall | email=civic@york.gov.uk | address=St. Helen’s Square, YO1 9QN | lat=53.959734 | long=-1.085468 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 553 979 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=York Guildhall | image=Guildhall, York.jpg | wikidata=Q1553813 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Built in the 15th century as a meeting hall for the guilds of York, the Guildhall is now also home to the city council chamber. Guilds are associations of artisans and merchants of a particular industry akin to something between a professional association, a trade union and a monopolistic cartel. In the middle ages, these guilds had a dominant role in the economies of every English city. However, the Guildhall you see today is a faithful replica, as the original was mostly destroyed by bombing in 1942. Notice the stained-glass window depicting York's history. }} * {{see | name=King's Manor | alt= | url=https://www.york.ac.uk/about/campus/landmarks/kings-manor/ | email= | address=Exhibition Square, YO1 7EP | lat=53.962385 | long=-1.086606 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 320 000 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-6PM | price=Free | wikipedia=King's Manor | image=King's Manor, York - DSC07900.JPG | wikidata=Q6411006 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Now the very apt home for the University of York's Archaeology Department, this was a royal headquarters during the Tudor and Stuart dynasties (16th and 17th centuries). As this is a working academic building, you may have to content yourself with admiring the Grade I listed architecture from the outside, unless you can pass as a scholar that is! Respect the students and staff, or you'll ruin it for future visitors. }} [[File:York P1020256 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px|"God give us good fortune"]] * {{see | name=Merchant Adventurers' Hall | alt= | url=http://www.merchantshallyork.org/ | email=enquiries@merchantshallyork.org | address=Fossgate, YO1 9XD | lat=53.957850 | long=-1.078798 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 654 818 | tollfree= | hours=Su-F 10AM-4:30PM, Sa 10AM-1:30PM | price=Adult £6.50, concession £5.50, under 17s free. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. Admission includes audio tour in English / written guide in other languages | wikipedia=Merchant Adventurers' Hall | image=Merchant Adventurers' Hall.jpg | wikidata=Q6818359 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Remarkable timbered guild hall, built by city merchants between 1357 and 1361. The great hall was where they gathered for business and socialising, the undercroft was an almshouse for the poor and sick, and in the chapel all mercantile sins were conveniently forgiven. Good café on-site. }} * {{see | name=National Railway Museum | alt= | url=https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/ | email=info@railwaymuseum.org.uk | address=Leeman Road, YO26 4XJ | lat=53.9598 | long=-1.09771 | directions=Adjacent to York railway station. Bus: 2, 10, or take the road train from the Minster | phone=+44 3330 161 010 | tollfree= | hours=Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-6PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-5PM | price=Museum and all exhibitions free. Steam rides £4, miniature railway £3, under-2s free | wikipedia=National Railway Museum | image=National Railway Museum, York (1981).JPG | wikidata=Q579958 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The largest railway museum in the world, with a magnificent collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records. The bulk of it is British, but there are also great snorting monsters from China and the U.S. Highlights include Queen Victoria's opulent Royal Train, famous locos such as Stephenson's Rocket and Mallard, and a first-generation ''Shinkansen'' - the only one outside of Japan. When it's not cruising the rails in summer, Flying Scotsman overwinters at the NRM. Out in the yard, a steam-engine hauls rides in the summer, and a miniature railway operates year-round. And the best thing for railbuffs: the museum is in sight of York station and has a viewing deck overlooking the East Coast Main Line!. }} * {{see | name=Snickelways | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.959289 | long=-1.080034 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Snickelways of York | image=Lady Peckett's Yard - 2007-04-14.jpg | wikidata=Q7547729 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=These are the famous medieval (and later) alleys and narrow streets that thread the centre of the city, typically lined with timber frame and brick houses and shops. They are all pedestrianised in the daytime, and indeed most are too narrow for vehicles to use. See Mark W Jones' book ''A Walk Around the Snickelways of York'' ({{ISBN|1871125723}}) or its hardback companion ''The Complete Snickelways of York'' ({{ISBN|1871125049}}) with their quirky, hand-written descriptions, and follow his suggested route taking in 50 of the snickelways within the city walls. Jones himself coined the term for his books in 1983, as a triple portmanteau of the Yorkshire dialect words ''snicket'' and ''ginnel'', and their standard English equivalent ''alleyway''. }} [[File:Treasurers House, York - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px|Tulips in the gardens of the Treasurer's House]] * {{see | name=Treasurer's House | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/treasurers-house-york/ | email=treasurershouse@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=Minster Yard, YO1 7JL | lat=53.962764 | long=-1.080973 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 624 247 | tollfree= | hours=Sa–Tu noon–4PM. Closed winter 2022 | price=Adult £8, child £4. NT members free | wikipedia=Treasurer's House, York | image=The Treasurer's House1.jpg | wikidata=Q7836749 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=Grade I-listed town house and garden dating from the 12th century that acted as the official residence of York Minster's treasurers over the centuries. Frank Green, heir to an industrialist's fortune, purchased it in 1897 and transformed it into a lavish pad to flaunt his enormous wealth and eclectic decorating tastes and collection of art, antiques, and furniture. Today it is managed by the National Trust, and the visitor can discover both Green's dizzying collection and the contrastingly calming gardens. Like all good Trust properties, there's an on-site shop and café. }} * {{see | name=York Army Museum | alt= | url=http://www.yorkarmymuseum.co.uk/ | email= | address=3 Tower Street, YO1 9SB | lat=53.9561 | long=-1.0809 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 461 010 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM | price=Adult £5, child aged 5-16 years £2.50, under 5 years free, concession £4, service personnel 50% off applicable ticket. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikidata=Q45112549 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Contact via [https://www.facebook.com/yorkarmymuseum Facebook] and [https://twitter.com/YorkArmyMuseum Twitter]. The museum brings together the collections of one of the Army's oldest cavalry regiments - the Royal Dragoon Guards, dating from 1685, with one of its newest infantry regiments - the Yorkshire Regiment, which was only formed in 2006. Charting the relationship between Yorkshire and the Army going back centuries, the collections span medals, standards, uniforms, firearms, swords and soldiers' personal effects, with interactive exhibits and many tales of individual courage and hardships to bring the history to life. }} * {{see | name=York Mansion House | alt= | url=http://www.mansionhouseyork.com/ | email=mansionhouse@york.gov.uk | address=St Helen's Square, YO1 9QL | lat=53.9599 | long=-1.0848 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 553 663 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su, bank holidays 10:30AM-5PM | price=Adult £6.50, concession £5, child £3.50. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=Mansion House, York | image=City of York Mansion House - geograph.org.uk - 1515688.jpg | wikidata=Q6751751 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The grand official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, dating from 1732, holds an unparalleled collection of civic gold and silver, plus extensive items of furniture, ceramics, glassware and art. Gastronomes will be interested in the daily cooking demonstrations in the authentically-restored 18th-century kitchen. }} ===York Archaeological Trust=== The [https://www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk/ York Archaeological Trust] run five attractions, which can be visited on various individual or combined tickets. The most useful of these is the '''[https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/visit/triple-ticket/ Triple Ticket]''', valid for 12 months, and allowing you entrance to three of the Trust's attractions: Jorvik, Barley Hall and DIG. This is available for £18 per adult, £14.50 per concession, and £12.50 per child. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' – The Henry VII and Richard III Experiences are closed. <small>(November 2021)</small> * {{see | name=Jorvik Viking Centre | alt= | url=http://www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/ | email=jorvik@yorkat.co.uk | address=19 Coppergate, YO1 9WT | lat=53.9578 | long=-1.08056 | directions=within the Coppergate Shopping Centre | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours=Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-6PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM, longer hours during school holidays | price=Adult £12.50, child 5-16 years £8.50, concession £10.50. Fasttrack entry with Pastport. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=Jorvik Viking Centre | image=Coin making at Jorvik Viking Centre.jpg | wikidata=Q1704043 | lastedit=2021-03-21 | content=Reconstruction of York as it might have looked 1000+ years ago. The visit takes the form of a sit-down ride as you experience the sights, sounds, smells and diverse languages and faces of everyday 10th century life, with the aid of animatronics, dioramas and touchscreen technology. Although a bit like the Viking version of ''It's a Small World'', everything you see has been meticulously researched and the centre is itself built on the archaeological remains of the real Jórvík. Audio commentary available in 15 languages. After the ride is a collection of artefacts, including replicas - for more visit the Yorkshire Museum. }} * {{see | name=Barley Hall | alt= | url=http://www.barleyhall.org.uk/ | email=barleyhall@yorkat.co.uk | address=2 Coffee Yard, off Stonegate, YO1 8AR | lat=53.960830 | long=-1.082586 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-3PM/4PM | price=Adult £6.50, child 5-16 years £3.50, concession £5. Combo ticket with Jorvik: adult £15, child £10, concession £12. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=Barley Hall | image=Barley Hall 1.jpg | wikidata=Q4861158 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=Reconstruction of a medieval townhouse. Built in the 14th century by the monks of Nostell Priory in [[Wakefield (England)|Wakefield]], but serially chopped, changed and neglected over the centuries. By 1970 it was a plumber's storeroom, on the brink of demolition. It's now been rebuilt to how it was in the 15th century, discarding later additions. Its detractors say this was more like a retro-fit and prettification of history, but it's difficult to see how anything more "authentic" could have been made viable, and it can be accurately described as a large piece of experimental archaeology carried out by experts. }} [[File:Micklegate Bar, York 2.JPG|thumb|300px|Micklegate Bar]] * {{see | name=Micklegate Bar | alt=Henry VII Experience | url=https://richardiiiexperience.com/discover-medieval-york/about-henry-vii/ | email=info@richardiiiexperience.com | address=Micklegate, YO1 6JX | lat=53.9558362 | long=-1.0908759 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-4PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-3PM weather dependant | price=Adult £5, child 5-16 years £3, concession £3.50. Includes admission to Richard III Experience | wikipedia=Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar | image=Micklegate Bar.jpg | wikidata=Q28232884 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Micklegate Bar was first recorded in the 12th century, but reuses stone from an earlier Roman gate. It has long been the official entrance to the city of York for royalty, most recently welcoming Elizabeth II during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Henry Tudor won the Wars of the Roses in 1485 and founded a monarchic dynasty that would shape the next 120 years of English history. The Henry VII Experience charts his life and the troubled relationship he had with the people of York, who had backed his enemy Richard during the War, and continued to rebel during his reign. Free written guides available in eight foreign languages. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Monk Bar | alt=Richard III Experience | url=https://richardiiiexperience.com/discover-medieval-york/about-richard-iii/ | email=info@richardiiiexperience.com | address=6 Goodramgate, YO1 7LQ | lat=53.962739 | long=-1.078452 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Oct 10AM-5PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM | price=Adult £5, child 5-16 years £3, concession £3.50. Includes admission to Henry VII experience | image=Monk Bar - geograph.org.uk - 62752.jpg | wikidata=Q7326656 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Monk Bar is one of four heavily-fortified medieval gates in the city wall, built in several stages in the early 14th century, to defend from Scottish attacks. Inside, an exhibition tells the story of Richard of York, the last Plantagenet king of England, and the man who lost the Wars of the Roses. Free written guides available in eight foreign languages. }} The fifth attraction, '''DIG''', is listed in the ''[[#Q20128209|Do]]'' section below. ===York Museums Trust=== The York Museums Trust operate several civic museums and galleries. You can buy a [https://www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/ymtcard/ YMT card] for unlimited visits to any of the Trust's sites in a twelve month period. Children aged 16 years and under get in free to all YMT sites, so the YMT costs £25 per adult (or £20 by renewable direct debit), and £15 for a student in possession of ID (£12 by direct debit). Since the card only offers a very modest saving from the standard costs of the three ticketed YMT attractions, it is probably not worth it unless you plan to revisit one or more of the museums during your stay, and is definitely not worth it if you don't plan to visit all three. * {{see | name=York Art Gallery | alt= | url=http://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/ | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address=Exhibition Square, YO1 7EW | lat=53.963001 | long=-1.086323 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM-5PM | price=Adult £7.27, student £5.60, child free | wikipedia=York Art Gallery | image=York Art Gallery.jpg | wikidata=Q8055361 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=A public art gallery with a collection of paintings, prints, watercolours, drawings and ceramics from the 14th century to the contemporary era. The Burton Gallery hosts Italian and Flemish Old Masters, and early 20th century modern art, while an 18th century automaton clock featuring Hercules, waterfalls and dancing figures has pride of place. Look out for paintings by York natives William Etty and Albert Moore. There are regular temporary exhibitions throughout the year. }} [[File:Coppergate Helmet YORCM CA665-1.jpg|thumb|250px|The 8th century Coppergate Helmet in the Yorkshire Museum]] * {{see | name=York Castle Museum | alt= | url=http://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/ | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address=Tower Street, YO1 9RY | lat=53.9556 | long=-1.07827 | directions=next to Clifford's Tower | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 9:30AM-5PM | price=Adult £10.90, student £8.40, child free | wikipedia=York Castle Museum | image=York Castle Museum.jpg | wikidata=Q2024016 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Outstanding museum of everyday life with exhibits to appeal to all ages. Highlights are Kirkgate, a recreated Victorian street, and Half Moon Court, an Edwardian street, exhibitions of York's confectionery industry, plus costumes and toys through the ages. The site includes a former prison, in which you can experience the cells, and imagine what it was like in 1739 when infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was awaiting his execution by hanging. There are numerous special exhibitions and events throughout the year. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Yorkshire Museum | alt= | url=http://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address=Museum Gardens, Museum Street, YO1 7FR | lat=53.9618 | long=-1.08744 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-5PM | price=Adult £7.27, student £5.60, child free | wikipedia=Yorkshire Museum | image=Yorkshire Museum.jpg | wikidata=Q2086562 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Interesting, and quite good for curious children. Features permanent displays of Roman and medieval riches, including the Vale of York Hoard of Viking treasure. There are also natural history sections dedicated to astronomy, biology and geology. A long-term exhibition exploring Yorkshire's Jurassic World uses VR technology and up-to-date research to engage you in the county's prehistoric past. }} :* {{see | name=York Museum Gardens | alt= | url=http://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/ | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address= | lat=53.96152 | long=-1.08848 | directions=outside Yorkshire Museum | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Summer daily 7:30AM-8PM, winter daily 7:30AM-6PM--> Daily 10:30AM-6PM. Free tours every Su 1PM | price=Free. Wheelchair accessible | wikipedia=York Museum Gardens | image=Main Gates of York Museum Grounds, York.jpg | wikidata=Q2883914 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=This extensive botanical collection is a great place for a picnic. Perambulate through a variety of borders (butterfly-friendly, oriental, prairie), not missing out the fern garden and rockery. Daffodils and bluebells abound in spring. The gardens are not just for nature lovers, however, as they also contain much significant archaeology: the third century Roman fortification known as the {{marker|type=see|name=Multangular Tower|url=https://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/about/the-multangular-tower/|lat=53.961|long=-1.087}}, which only saw action 14 centuries later during the English Civil War; the remains of {{marker|type=see|name=St Leonard's Hospital|url=https://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/about/st-leonards-hospital/|lat=53.961|long=-1.086}}, where the poor and sick of medieval York were cared for physically and spiritually; the ruins of the Benedictine {{marker|type=see|name=St Mary's Abbey|url=http://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/about/st-marys-abbey/|lat=53.962|long=-1.088}}, which date from 1088 and once rivalled the Minster for grandeur. The small {{marker|type=see|name=York Observatory|url=http://www.yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk/about/york-observatory/|lat=53.961|long=-1.088}}, which was constructed in 1832/33 and is still in working condition, is also located in the gardens. It's open most days 11:30AM-2:30PM, plus some winter evenings for public astronomy events. }} * {{see | name=St Mary's Church | alt=not to be confused with St Mary's Abbey | url=https://www.yorkstmarys.org.uk/ | email=enquiries@ymt.org.uk | address=Castlegate, YO1 9RN | lat=53.9572 | long=-1.0805 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 687 687 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM, closed W | price=Access to building normally free. Van Gogh: Adult £13, concession £11, child £9. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=St Mary's Church, Castlegate, York | image=St Mary's Church, York.JPG | wikidata=Q19946085 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=A Saxon church, though most of the current building dates from the 13th century. Its 47 m steeple is the tallest in York and it has some fine stained-glass windows. Deconsecrated in the 1950s, St Mary's was reborn as a contemporary art venue in 2004, and now hosts exhibitions throughout the year. Until at least 31 August 2021, the church is fully dedicated to a major exhibition: the UK première of '''''[http://www.vangoghexpo.co.uk/ Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience]''''', which has come to York following successful runs in [[Amsterdam]] and several other European cities. The "Experience" is a 360-degree multisensory digital presentation of hundreds of the Dutch post-impressionist's works, allowing you to see through the eyes of the great man himself and gain an insight to his unique mind. }} ===Churches=== As well as the Minster, York has a number of parish churches which are of architectural or historical interest: * {{listing | type=see | name=All Saints, North Street | alt= | url=https://the-shrine-and-parish-church-of-all-saints-north-street.business.site/ | email= | address=North Street, YO1 5JD | lat=53.9584 | long=-1.0863 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 728 122, +44 1904 867 113 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 10:15AM-6:30PM | price=Free | wikipedia=All Saints' Church, North Street, York | image=Nine orders of Angels window, All Saints' Church, North Street, York.jpg | wikidata=Q2647818 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Colourful angels smile cheekily down at you from the ceiling in this 12th century church, which is grade I-listed due to having the finest collection of medieval stained glass windows in the city. The most famous window, dating from around 1410, depicts the Prick of Conscience - a popular Middle English poem. }} [[File:Stained glass detail, All Saints' church, Pavement, York (16487632997).jpg|thumb|300px|St Paul, St Peter and St Andrew in the window at All Saints' Pavement]] * {{listing | type=see | name=All Saints Pavement | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/ASPYork/ | email= | address=32-37 Coppergate, YO1 9NR | lat=53.958167 | long=-1.080694 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-7PM | price=Free | wikipedia=All Saints' Church, Pavement, York | image=All Saints, Pavement - geograph.org.uk - 674276.jpg | wikidata=Q2647826 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Best viewed from the outside, from where you can admire its unusual octagonal tower. All Saints is also the civic church of various city guilds and the garrison church of the Royal Dragoon Guards. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Holy Trinity, Goodramgate | alt= | url=https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/holy-trinity-york.html | email= | address=70 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF | lat=53.9612 | long=-1.0803 | directions=Enter via an unassuming gated archway opposite Tesco Express. Wheelchair access via Petergate next to Poundland | phone=+44 1904 613 451 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 11AM-3PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York | image=Holy Trinity, Goodramgate - geograph.org.uk - 1400910.jpg | wikidata=Q17530619 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Peaceful and atmospheric grade I-listed 12th century church that you won't find unless you're looking for it. The wooden box pews and stone altar are once-common rarities from an early period in church history. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Holy Trinity, Micklegate | alt= | url=http://www.holytrinityyork.org | email=info@holytrinityyork.org | address=Micklegate, YO1 6LE | lat=53.9566 | long=-1.08881 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 593 608 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-4PM | price=Free | wikipedia=Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate, York | image=Holy Trinity church, Micklegate - geograph.org.uk - 673484.jpg | wikidata=Q17530596 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Founded prior to 1066, this is the only pre-Reformation monastic building in York that is in use today. The wooden beams supporting the roof are breathtaking, and there is a small interactive exhibition about those medieval monks and their priory, making use of touchscreens and 3D imagery. }} * {{see | name=St Helen Stonegate | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/yorkcitycentregroup/ | email= | address=5 St Helen's Square, YO1 8QN | lat=53.9604 | long=-1.0835 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 636 512 | tollfree= | hours=Daily dawn-dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=St Helen's Church, Stonegate, York | image=St Helena York 1.jpg | wikidata=Q20714228 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=A largely 15th century building, but built on a site important in Roman times and possibly founded as early as the 8th century, this is now a quiet refuge from the city's bustle. It also serves as an atmospheric and intimate concert venue. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=St Martin-le-Grand | alt= | url= | email= | address=13 Coney Street, YO1 9QL | lat=53.9593 | long=-1.08459 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 636 512 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-5PM | price=Free | wikipedia=St Martin le Grand, York | image=St Martins Church hdr.jpg | wikidata=Q17549993 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Named for Martin of Tours, the bulk of the church dates from the 15th century, and what was the Great West Window depicts 13 moments from the saint's life. The building suffered heavy fire damage during an air raid of 1942, but fortunately much was restored, including some perky grinning gargoyles and a very attractive 17th century clock which adorns the façade. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=St Olave | alt= | url=https://stolaveschurch.org.uk/ | email= | address=8 Marygate Lane, YO30 7BJ | lat=53.962 | long=-1.089 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily dawn-dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=St Olave's Church, York | image=StOlavesinterior.jpg | wikidata=Q7594998 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Believed to be the oldest church dedication to Olaf, patron saint of Norway, it once lay in the shadows of St Mary's Abbey and is still within the abbey grounds. In the English Civil War, it formed part of York's defences during the Parliamentarians' siege of the city. Today, the churchyard is a green oasis, and St Olave's maintains its links with Scandinavia. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The Bar Convent | alt= | url=https://www.bar-convent.org.uk/ | email=reception@bar-convent.org.uk | address=17 Blossom Street, YO24 1AQ | lat=53.9549 | long=-1.0918 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 643 248 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 10AM-5PM | price=Adult £5, child £2, concession £4. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikidata=Q4857921 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=Founded in the 17th century, when Catholics were widely persecuted in England, the convent is still home to a community of nuns, members of the Congregation of Jesus. In a small interactive museum, you can discover the brave sisters' remarkable story, from their underground origins hidden in plain sight of the authorities, right through to their survival under the bombs of the Luftwaffe. There is also an on-site café and 'secret' garden, as well as [https://www.bar-convent.org.uk/accommodation.htm B&B-style accommodation]. }} '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - churches are prioritising their congregations and reopening for worship, so may take longer to welcome visitors again. ===Further out=== ''For other nearby attractions, see [[North York Moors]] and [[North Yorkshire]].'' [[File:Holgate Windmill (8579).jpg|thumb|300px|Holgate Windmill]] * {{see | name=Beningbrough Hall | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough-hall-gallery-and-gardens | email=beningbrough@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=Beningbrough, YO30 1DD | lat=54.02053 | long=-1.21357 | directions={{convert|8|mi}} north of city centre off the A19 - follow brown signs. Free parking. No convenient public transport access | phone=+44 1904 472 027 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Jun-Aug daily 11AM-4:30PM, Sept Oct Tu-Su, Nov-Mar Sa Su same hours--> '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - garden only: daily 10AM-5PM | price=<!--Mar-Oct: adult £14.40, child £7.20, Apr-May/Nov-Feb: adult £8, child £4.--> Adult £10, child £5. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. NT members free | wikipedia=Beningbrough Hall | image=Beningbrough Hall - Georgian perfection.jpg | wikidata=Q4888052 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=18th century mansion in Italianate Baroque style, now managed by the National Trust. It is the red-brick creation of John Bourchier, who was inspired by the Grand Tour of Europe he took as a 20 year-old. Inside, it's all gilt and ornate white plaster, with an ever-changing rotation of over 100 period portraits on permanent loan from the National Portrait Gallery in [[London]], while outside the gardens are rich, extensive and diverse. Eclectic too are the attractions on offer: Beningbrough is no staid stately home, with dogs welcome in the gardens and children well catered for by heaps of activities throughout the year, bicycle hire and several themed walking routes with such intriguing titles as 'Top ten trees of interest'. A restaurant, shop and adventure playground complete the package. }} * {{see | name=Cold War Bunker | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/york-cold-war-bunker/ | email= | address=Monument Close, YO24 4HT | lat=53.956389 | long=-1.117473 | directions=off B1224 Acomb Road, 1 mile (1.6 km) west of city centre. Park on Acomb Road or at Carlton Tavern; Bus: 1 | phone=+44 1904 797 935 | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Oct: F-Su 10AM-5PM, Nov-Mar Sa Su 10AM-5PM | price=Adult £10, concession £9, child £6. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. EH member free | wikipedia=York Cold War Bunker | image=York Cold War Bunker.jpg | wikidata=Q12073377 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=From the 1960s to the 1990s, behind blast-proof doors, sat volunteers of the Royal Observer Corps, waiting to log nuclear bomb explosions in the region and monitor radioactive fallout. Fortunately they had a quiet few decades at the office. It is now English Heritage's most modern property, and also one of its spookiest. Visit only by guided tour, which takes an hour and includes a film and thorough radiation decontamination. }} * {{see | name=Goddards House | alt= | url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/goddards/ | email=goddards@nationaltrust.org.uk | address=27 Tadcaster Road, YO24 1GG | lat=53.9403 | long=-1.10405 | directions=1¾ miles (2.7 km) south-west of centre. Bus: 4, 12, 13, 840, 843, ZAP | phone=+44 1904 771 930 | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Oct: W-Su 10:30AM-5PM, mid-Nov to mid-Dec: Th-Su 10:30AM-4PM | price=<!--Adult £7.70, child £3.85--> Adult £5, child £2.50, NT member free | wikipedia=Goddards House and Garden | wikidata=Q17530540 | lastedit=2020-07-02 | content=The family home of Noel Goddard Terry, of the Terry's chocolate company. Built in 1927 in Arts & Crafts style, but mostly furnished in Georgian, parts of the house are open to the public to offer glimpses of what the Terrys' family life would have been like, but some of the building is a regional office of the National Trust. On the other hand, the typically English gardens can be visited in their entirety, and you can hunt down birds, bees and butterflies like a true twenties gent. }} * {{see | name=Holgate Windmill | alt= | url=https://www.holgatewindmill.org/ | email=contact@holgatewindmill.org | address=Windmill Rise, YO26 4TX | lat=53.9561 | long=-1.1113 | directions=1½ miles (2.4 km) west of centre. Park on Acomb Road (YO24 4AE) or at Carlton Tavern (YO24 4HA). Bus: 1, 5, 5A, P+R Turquoise | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Mill open for tours on irregular weekends 11AM-4PM, very frequently in summer, but seldom in winter. Mill shop every Sa 10AM-noon. Full calendar [https://www.holgatewindmill.org/events here] | price=Adult £3, child (5-18 years) £1 | wikidata=Q5880199 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=One of York's more unusual sights is this 18th century windmill, unique in Britain for having five sails, which sits rather conspicuously in the middle - literally - of a very ordinary residential street. After falling into disuse in the 1930s, the mill was painstakingly restored to working condition by volunteers between 2001 and 2012. On open days, you can see the sails moving, then go inside the mill and understand how the power of wind is harnessed to turn the millstone and grind wheat and spelt into flour. The same volunteers are on hand to answer your questions and sell you some of their freshly-ground flour!. }} * {{see | name=Murton Park | alt= | url=http://www.murtonpark.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@murtonpark.co.uk | address=Murton Lane, Murton, YO19 5UF | lat=53.961 | long=-1.00875 | directions={{convert|4|mi}} east of centre, just outside ring road (Grimston Bar). Bus: 747 from York station to Murton village - limited service, see timetable [https://www.eyms.co.uk/bus-services/timetable/747 here] | phone=+44 1904 489 966 | tollfree= | hours=Farming museum: Easter-October daily 10:30AM-4:30PM. Living history: school holidays daily, same hours. DVLR: Su, bank holidays, same hours | price=Adult £11, child/concession £9, includes all living history activities (when available) and unlimited access for one year. Locomotive driving experience (adult only): £10 | wikidata=Q8055731 | lastedit=2021-07-09 | content=Three attractions in one:<br />The '''Yorkshire Museum of Farming''' takes visitors through a typical year on the farm, and charts the industry's development from the 1800s to the 1960s, with farming equipment and lovable animals to meet too. Explore reconstructions of a dairy parlour, blacksmith's forge and veterinary surgery which features equipment from James Herriot's famous clinic in Thirsk. Special focus is on an indoor exhibition about the Women's Land Army, who helped keep Britain fed during two world wars, and paved the way for postwar gender equality. Afterwards, take a walk along the nature trail to discover the rich diversity of wildlife that lives on farmland.[[File:Murton Park - geograph.org.uk - 1356435.jpg|thumb|300px|The Danelaw Centre will make you thankful for central heating]]<br />The '''Danelaw Centre for Living History''' presents a number of recreated rural dwellings from Yorkshire's past, from Iron Age, Saxon/Viking villages and a Roman fort, to a Tudor homestead and wartime farm. As it is used as an outdoor history classroom during term time, access to the centre for the general public is limited to weekends and school holidays, and if you want to make the most of the 'living history' aspects (reenactors, stories from long ago, hands-on activities, weapons training etc), you'll need some children with you. The range of cool stuff for them to do will make you wish you were a kid again. To find exactly which activities are happening on which days see the site's [http://www.murtonpark.co.uk/whats-on/ events page].<br />The '''Derwent Valley Light Railway''' is the half-mile remnant of a line which once linked York to Selby. Nowadays, you can enjoy unlimited - if admittedly short - diesel-hauled rides from Murton Park's cute little station. And if you're still put out at not being able to join your little Vikings in defending their village from attack, you can console yourself by learning to be a train driver, with a practical lesson from one of the DVLR experts. Once you've learnt the ropes, you can drive your loco the length of the track and back - sorry, kids, you have to be 18 or over. }} * {{see | name=Yorkshire Air Museum | alt=Allied Air Forces Memorial | url=https://yorkshireairmuseum.org/ | email=museum@yorkshireairmuseum.org | address=Halifax Way, Elvington, YO41 4AU | lat=53.9248 | long=-0.96531 | directions=7½ miles (12 km) south-east of city centre on B1228. Bus: 36, X36 (M-Sa), 18a (Su - limited service). Read times and details [http://yorkshireairmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/ here] | phone=+44 1904 608 595 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Daily Apr-Oct 10AM-5PM, Nov-Mar 10AM-4PM--> W-Su 10AM-4PM (summer until 5PM) | price=Adult £12, child 5-15 years £5, under 5 free, concession £9. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | wikipedia=Yorkshire Air Museum | image=Elvington - YAM replica Wright Flyer 16-6-2015 10-46-53.JPG | wikidata=Q8055672 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=The former site of RAF Elvington (a [[World War II in Europe|WWII]] bomber command station and base for the Free French Air Force) has been converted into a large open-air museum. In addition to over 60 historic aircraft and vehicles, many original elements of the RAF base - such as the air traffic control tower, hangars and an officers' mess - remain as testament to the sacrifices of airmen and women in all conflict. It also hosts the only Allied Air Forces memorial in Europe. Dogs on leads welcome. On-site NAAFI-style canteen. Information brochures in five European languages available. }} == Do == ''Navigate to: [[#Tours and trips|Tours and trips]], [[#Theatres|Theatres]], [[#Cinemas|Cinemas]], [[#Events and festivals|Events]]'' ===Attractions=== * {{listing | type=do | name=GR8escape | alt=escape rooms | url=http://www.gr8escapeyork.co.uk/ | email= | address=4a Colliergate, YO1 8BP | lat=53.9597 | long=-1.0797 | directions= | phone=+44 7897 122 834 | tollfree= | hours=Daily, pre-booked time slot. No guaranteed entry if you turn up without a reservation | price=M-F £48-£78, Sa Su £54-£88. Prices are per team and vary according to the number of players | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content=Email via [http://www.gr8escapeyork.co.uk/contact online contact form]. Your team is put in one of three themed rooms (Atlantis, NYPD, Ministry of Wizards), and you have 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and codes in order to escape. Teams from 2 to 6 players, ages 8 years and up with accompanying adult. }} * {{do | name=Horse racing | alt=The Knavesmire | url=http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk | email=enquiries@yorkracecourse.co.uk | address=Knavesmire Road, YO23 1EX | lat=53.938611 | long=-1.0975 | directions=1 mile (1.6 km) south of the city centre. Bus: 197 shuttle operates between railway station and course on race days | phone=+44 1904 620 911 | tollfree= | hours=Regular flat-racing events April-Oct, though the big fixture is Ebor Races in late August | price=£5-£300, depending on race and desired seats | wikipedia=York Racecourse | image=York racecourse.jpg | wikidata=Q8055519 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=York has been going to the races since Roman times, and the current site, in use since the early 18th century, is one of England's largest horse racing venues. Racegoers to the County Stand must adhere to a formal [https://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/what-to-wear.html dresscode]. Outside that, dressing up smart is not required, but does add to the sense of occasion. }} [[File:York Racecourse - Stands.jpg|thumb|300px|Packed-out stands at the Knavesmire]] * {{do | name=Jorvik DIG | alt= | url=http://www.digyork.com/ | email=dig@yorkat.co.uk | address=St Saviour's Church, St Saviourgate, YO1 8NN | lat=53.959573 | long=-1.078023 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours=Daily, hours vary, last admission one hour before closing | price=Adult £7, child/concession £6.50. Combo ticket with Jorvik Centre: adult £15.50, concession £13, child £12. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. Booking recommended | wikipedia=St Saviour's Church, York | wikidata=Q20128209 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=Hands-on experience for children, who are briefed and then let loose on fake archaeology pits to turn up what they can. The 'synthetic soil' means germaphobe parents can relax and wonder why ''they''<nowiki>'</nowiki>ve been charged an entry fee to sit and watch. After the dig, the kids can handle real finds discovered on actual York Archaeological Trust digs. }} * {{do | name=Rowntree Park | alt= | url=https://www.york.gov.uk/directory_record/376/rowntree_park | email=parks@york.gov.uk | address=Terry Avenue, YO23 1JQ | lat=53.9472 | long=-1.0825 | directions=Walk: follow the New Walk along the Ouse for about 1 mile (1.6 km) from town, then access via the Millennium Bridge. Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 1904 553 392 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-dusk, Sa Su 9AM-dusk | price=Free | wikipedia=Rowntree Park | wikidata=Q7372266 | lastedit=2021-03-25 | content=Named for the Rowntree company, which gifted the park to the city, and dedicated to company employees lost during the First World War, this is a 30-acre green flag oasis next to the Ouse. Facilities include tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, children's playground and café. Use the Millennium Bridge to cross over the river and grab something cold from the {{marker|type=eat|name=Two Hoots|url=https://www.facebook.com/TwoHootsIceCream/|lat=53.9450|long=-1.0812}} "ice cream boat" ({{phone|+44 7903 813 701}}), which is moored on the opposite bank on fine afternoons. }} * {{do | name=York Dungeon | alt= | url=https://www.thedungeons.com/york/en/ | email=yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz | address=12 Clifford Street, YO1 9RD | lat=53.956897 | long=-1.08196 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily, mostly 10AM-5PM, with periodic late night adult-only events | price=Walkup prices: adult/child from £17; online prices: adult from £13, child from £12 with timed entry. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted. Merlin Pass holders free | wikipedia=York Dungeon | image=York Dungeon.jpg | wikidata=Q8055440 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Knock-about version of horrible history, suitable for ages 8+. 75-minute tour with storytelling and a very liberal interpretation of historical events that will keep you laughing and screaming. Part of The Dungeons international franchise, run by Merlin Entertainments. }} * {{do | name=York Maze | alt= | url=http://www.yorkmaze.com/ | email=info@yorkmaze.com | address=Elvington Lane, YO19 5LT | lat=53.93874 | long=-0.98685 | directions=5 miles (8 km) east of city centre on the B1228. Bus: 36, X36 (M-Sa); timetable and details [https://www.yorkpullmanbus.co.uk/local-bus/route-36 here]. | phone=+44 1904 607 341 | tollfree= | hours=Summer 2021 | price=Adult £16, senior/child £15, under 3 years free. 50% off all prices for disabled visitors and their carers. £1 discount when bought online in advance | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The largest 'maize maze' in Europe. Each year is different; the 2018 maze was shaped like two giant ''Jurassic Park'' dinosaurs. There are numerous other activities, such as mini-mazes for children, quadbiking, games such as crazy golf, and funfair-style fun like pig racing (seriously), stage shows and rides. Grill restaurant and café on-site. Be prepared for an assault of corny puns about how 'a-maize-ing' everything is. }} :* {{do | name=Hallowscream | alt= | url=http://www.yorkmazehallowscream.co.uk/ | email=info@yorkmaze.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Will provide private bus shuttle from Memorial Gardens, YO26 4ZF | phone=+44 1904 607 341 | tollfree= | hours=<!--2019 11 Oct-2 Nov, entry by prebooked time slot from 6:30PM--> Autumn 2021 | price=£20-£42, depending on date and type of ticket. Add £8 for bus return ticket. Tickets by online reservation only. Aged 14 and over only, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=In autumn, things get gory at the York Maze: five night mazes stalked by insane scientists and bloodthirsty monsters, plus scary sideshows and seasonal food and drink. Wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and prepare to get wet - regardless of whether it rains. }} * {{do | name=York's Chocolate Story | alt= | url=https://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/ | email= | address=King's Square, YO1 7LD | lat=53.96 | long=-1.0803 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 527 765 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-4PM (start time of last tour) | price=Adult £15, child 4-15 years £12.50, under 4 years free | wikipedia=York's Chocolate Story | wikidata=Q41235388 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Email via [https://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/plan-your-visit/contact-us/ online contact form]. A guided tour telling you all about York's historic role in the confectionery industry. Find out about the origins of chocolate and the city's big name brands, hear testimonies of the people employed by local factories, watch chocolate-making demos and taste some of the good stuff yourself. As a bonus, you can make your own chocolate lolly (full chocolatier workshops can be arranged upon appointment). There is a café and chocolate shop at the end of the visit. }} ===Tours and trips=== [[File:York MMB 43.jpg|thumb|300px|Walking the walls with superb views]] * {{do | name=City walls walk | alt= | url=https://www.york.gov.uk/info/20114/york_city_centre/1340/the_city_walls | email=ycc@york.gov.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 551 550 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-dusk | price=Free, except the Micklegate Bar, and Monk Bar towers, which are [[#Q28232884|small museums]] | wikidata=Q4205980 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Enjoy the great views, and try to imagine yourself in the role of city watch keeping a lookout for approaching enemy armies. The walls are medieval, built on Roman foundations, though the Station Road bridges are modern. The total walk is around {{mi|2}}: if short on time or energy, the best section is along the western perimeter from {{marker|type=do|name=Bootham Bar|lat=53.96271 | long=-1.08510}} to {{marker|type=do|name=Monk Bar|lat=53.96277 | long=-1.07855}}, close to the Minster. There never was a wall to the north-east, as the swamps along the River Foss were sufficient defence, so this is the least interesting section, where you have to walk along busy Foss Islands Road. No dogs, except guide dogs, are allowed on the walls. You can download a map and guide of the walls courtesy of the Friends of York Walls [http://www.yorkwalls.org.uk/?page_id=3690 here]. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - a clockwise one-way system is in operation on the walls to facilitate social-distancing. }} * {{do | name=Lucky Cat Trail | alt= | url=https://www.yorkluckycats.co.uk/york-cat-trail/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Start on the Shambles | phone=+44 1904 541 122 | tollfree= | hours= | price=[https://www.yorkluckycats.co.uk/york-cat-trail/ Download the trail map] for free | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Cats have been considered good-luck omens in York for centuries, and cat statues were once placed on buildings throughout the city to ward off rats, mice, and the plague they were thought to carry. A mummified cat was even found concealed in the Mansion House. The original statues have now all long-since weathered away, but the concept was resurrected by a local architect in 1979. Since then, more and more buildings have added sculptures of cats clinging to walls or perched on balconies. Today, you can follow a trail around the old town in an attempt to find 22 cats, and spot plenty of landmarks while you're doing so. }} * {{do | name=Walking tours: history, culture and ghost walks | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=History and culture tours free, ghost walks around £5 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Wonderful. There are many walking tours and ghost walks that run throughout the year. The volunteer-led walking tours tend to focus on history and culture, and take place throughout the daytime, while the ghost walks normally start from 6PM onwards and invariably include an element of street theatre. Tours last for one or two hours. Just look for the posters and billboards posted throughout the city centre for details and the meeting point for that evening, or else look through Visit York's [https://www.visityork.org/explore/activities-and-experiences/tours-walks-and-river-cruises directory]. While most tours are in English, '''[http://www.descubreyork.co.uk/ Descubre York]''' also offers tours in Spanish and Portuguese, while '''[https://www.yorktour.com/ Yorktour]''' offers French, German, Italian and Turkish tours. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - many guided walks are still taking place, but under social-distancing conditions, i.e much smaller groups - contact a provider to find out more. }} ** {{listing | type=do | name=The Original Ghost Walk of York | alt= | url=http://www.theoriginalghostwalkofyork.co.uk | email= | address=Depart the King's Arms pub, Ouse Bridge | lat=53.95711 | long=-1.08316 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 764 222 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Nightly 8PM-->'''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - not running until further notice | price=Adult £6, child/concession £4; no need to book | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Email via [http://www.theoriginalghostwalkofyork.co.uk/contact.html online contact form]. No gimmicks, tricks or jumpscares, just experienced storytellers doing what they do best, helped by the atmospheric background of this ancient city and a very real gruesome history to draw from. }} *'''Bus tours''' are an easy way to discover the city, especially if your time or mobility is limited, though they do come at a much higher price than the public bus fares. York is not especially big, so most travellers could easily cover everything on the tour under their own steam. ** {{do | name=City Sightseeing York | alt= | url=https://www.yorkcitysightseeing.com/ | email=hello@yorkbus.co.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions=You can embark at any stop along the route, but the most logical places would be on Station Road or from the tourist office on Museum Street | phone=+44 1904 633 990 | tollfree= | hours=Late Feb-early Nov daily 9AM-3:30PM, every 30 min | price=Adult £16, child £9, concession £13, under 5s free, valid for 24 hr from activation. Offers discounts to some attractions en route. Bus tour free with [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Double-decker open-top bus tour of the city, with commentary in nine languages, plus a kids' commentary and bonus Yorkshire dialect narration. Operates a continuous hop-on/hop-off service in a circuit; the full loop takes 60 minutes. }} ** {{do | name=The Ghost Bus Tours | alt= | url=https://www.theghostbustours.com/york | email=info@theghostbustours.com | address=Station Road, YO24 1AA | lat=53.9585 | long=-1.0916 | directions=Departs from bus stop RE next to the Principal Hotel, 100 m from the railway station | phone=+44 844 567 8666 (premium) | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 7:30PM; F 7:30PM, 9PM; Sa 6PM, 7:30PM, 9PM; Su 7:30PM | price=Adult £16, child £12, concession £13 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Approximately 75-minute comedic horror tour of the city in a black routemaster bus, with onboard actors and technical wizardry creating an experience you're unlikely to forget. }} * {{do | name=Road train | alt= | url=https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/road-train | email=info@ScienceMuseumGroup.ac.uk | address= | lat=53.961788 | long=-1.084147 | directions=Duncombe Place by the Minster / National Railway Museum | phone=+44 033 0058 0058 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM–3:45PM. Departs every 30 mins from the museum on the hour and half-past, from the Minster at quarter-past and quarter-to | price=Adult £3 one-way, child £2 one-way. [[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=A fun way to travel between the centre of York (Duncombe Place, next to York Minster) and the Railway Museum. }} [[File:York MMB 46 River Ouse.jpg|thumb|300px|Tourist boats plying the waters]] *'''Go cruising on the River Ouse:''' :* {{listing | type=do | name=City Cruises | alt= | url=https://www.citycruisesyork.com | email=infoyork@citycruises.com | address=Lendal Bridge, YO1 7DP / King's Staith, YO1 9SN (check where your cruise departs from) | lat=53.9603 | long=-1.086883 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 628 324 | tollfree= | hours=Daytime city cruise: Feb-Nov daily, regular departures 10:30AM-3PM, takes 1 hr. Early evening cruise: Mar-Nov nightly, departs 6PM (Mar, Oct-Nov) / 7:30PM (Apr-Sep), takes 1 hr. Floodlit evening cruise: May-Sep nightly, departs 9:15PM, takes 1 hr 10 min | price=Daytime: adult £10.50, child 5-15 years £6, concession £9 ([[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted). Early evening: adult £11.50, child £6.50, concession £10. Floodlit evening: adult £15, child/concession £13. Online discounts available | lastedit=2020-07-01 | content=Various boat trips along the Ouse. The three listed here are the most popular, but there are many other cruises throughout the year, including lunchtime and dinner cruises, Halloween ghost tours and Santa specials; check website. }} :* {{do | name=Motor boats for hire | alt=Red Boats | url=https://www.citycruisesyork.com/self-drive-red-boats/ | email=infoyork@citycruises.com | address=King's Staith, YO1 9SN | lat=53.9562 | long=-1.0828 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 628 324 | tollfree= | hours=1 Apr-31 Oct from 10AM until late afternoon | price=From £20 for half an hour, from £30 for one hour + £40 refundable deposit. Online discounts available | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=8-seater red motor launches for you to explore the Ouse under your own steam, river conditions permitting. Full training and lifejackets are provided. The person hiring the boat must be an adult and be in possession of valid ID. }} :* {{do | name=York Skiff Hire | alt= | url=https://www.yorkboathire.co.uk/ | email=steve.newby@btinternet.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 7742 669 107 | tollfree= | hours= | price=£50 for 4 hr, £80 for 1 day. £100 refundable deposit | lastedit=2019-07-08 | content=Rowing boats for hire. A skiff is a traditional wooden rowing boat from the Thames in London. You will receive coaching if needed, then get free rein to take either ''Amelia'' or ''Belle Époque'' for a leisurely trip along the Ouse. }} ===Theatres=== * {{do | name=Grand Opera House | alt= | url=https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york/ | email= | address=Clifford and Cumberland Streets, YO1 9SW | lat=53.9573 | long=-1.08186 | directions= | phone=+44 3330 096 690 (non-geographic; standard rates apply) | tollfree= | hours=Box office M-Sa noon-4PM, show days until 15 mins before start of performance | price= | wikipedia=Grand Opera House, York | image=The Grand Opera House.jpg | wikidata=Q5594856 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=First built as a corn exchange in 1868, it was converted to full-time theatre use in 1902. The auditorium is indeed very grand, if a little faded. Despite the name, the Grand hosts a wide variety of plays, musicals, gigs and dance, although opera and ballet performances are rather scarce. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=National Centre for Early Music | alt= | url=https://tickets.ncem.co.uk/ | email=boxoffice@ncem.co.uk | address=St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, YO1 9TL | lat=53.9564 | long=-1.07332 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658 338 | tollfree= | hours=Box office M-F 9AM-5PM | price=Prices vary per concert; under 35s and full time students of any age receive very generous discounts | wikipedia=National Centre for Early Music | wikidata=Q6971404 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Early music is European music from the medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, although the centre has broadened its study to encompass all pre-modern music from cultures around the world. In addition to its two festivals (see [[#YEMF|below]]), the NCEM has an extremely lively and diverse annual programme of concerts, seminars and workshops, mostly held at its base in a 12th-century deconsecrated church. }} [[Image:York (Aerial view).jpg|thumb|300px|The Old Town from the air]] * {{listing | type=do | name=Theatre Royal | alt= | url=http://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk | email=boxoffice@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk | address=St Leonard's Place, YO1 7HD | lat=53.962 | long=-1.0853 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 623 568 | tollfree= | hours=Box office M 10AM-5PM, Tu-Sa 10AM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=York Theatre Royal | image=York Theatre Royal2.jpg | wikidata=Q3572609 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=York's home of 'serious' theatre, dating from 1744 and built on the site of St Leonard's Hospital, whose remains can still be seen in the present building. The company puts on its own plays and also receives touring productions. }} * {{do | name=York Barbican | alt= | url=http://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/ | email= | address=Paragon Street, YO10 4AH | lat=53.9534 | long=-1.07424 | directions= | phone=+44 203 356 5441 (London number) | tollfree= | hours=Box office M-F 10AM-2PM, show nights from 5PM | price= | wikipedia=Barbican Centre, York | image=York, Barbican Centre - geograph.org.uk - 495341.jpg | wikidata=Q4859653 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Email via [http://www.yorkbarbican.co.uk/contact-us/ online contact form]. A medium-sized venue for touring music and comedy gigs, orchestral performances, opera, ballet, and tribute acts for past pop legends. One of two venues for the [https://lolcomedyclubs.co.uk/venue/the-basement-york/ Laugh Out Loud] comedy club. }} ===Cinemas=== All cinemas are open daily from around 9:30AM until midnight or just after. * {{listing | type=do | name=City Screen | alt=Picturehouse York | url=https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/York_Picturehouse | email=enquiries@picturehouses.co.uk | address=13-17 Coney Street, YO1 9QL | lat=53.959175 | long=-1.084076 | directions= | phone=+44 871 902 5747 (premium) | tollfree= | hours=Peak time is Tu-F after 5PM, Sa Su, bank holidays all day. Discount day is M | price=Adult £10.70 (£12.50 peak), child £7.20 (£8 peak), concession £9.70 (£11.50 peak), Mondays £7.90 all patrons, autism-friendly £3, dementia-friendly £4 | wikidata=Q39012390 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=A modern cinema which shows a mix of mainstream and arthouse films. It has a bar/cafe with a fantastic balcony overlooking the River Ouse. }} * {{do | name=Everyman York | alt= | url=https://www.everymancinema.com/york | email=talk@everymangroup.com | address=Blossom Street, YO24 1AJ | lat=53.954826 | long=-1.09312 | directions=10-minute walk SW of the city centre. Bus: 1, 4, 5, 10, 13 and the 3 from Askham Bar Park & Ride. Very limited parking. | phone=+44 872 436 9060 (premium) | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary per film and showing time, but around £11-£13 adult, £10-£12 concession | image=Reel Cinema, The Mount, York (12th June 2013) 002.JPG | wikidata=Q26550610 | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Inside a distinctive art deco building, this cinema is held close to the hearts of York residents. }} * {{do | name=Vue Cinema | alt= | url=http://www.myvue.com/cinema/york/ | email= | address=Clifton Moor Centre, Stirling Road, YO30 4XY | lat=53.99071 | long=-1.102496 | directions=On the A1237 ring road, 3 miles (5 km) NW of town. Bus: 6 | phone=+44 345 308 4620 | tollfree= | hours= | price=£4.99 <abbr title="per person">p.p</abbr> | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The city's largest multiplex with 12 screens. }} === Sports === * '''[https://yorkcityknights.com/ York City Knights]''' play Rugby League - 13-a-side - in the Championship, the game's second tier. Their home ground is York Community Stadium, capacity 8500, shared with the soccer club and now sponsored as LNER Community Stadium; it's 3 miles northeast of city centre off Malton Rd. The RL playing season is Mar-Sept. * '''[https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/ York City FC]''' were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in the National League, England's fifth tier. They too play at Community Stadium. ===Events and festivals=== There is a very full [https://www.visityork.org/whats-on series of events] in York. The most important are listed below, January to December; events taking place in the latter half of the current year are listed near the bottom. [[File:Vikings shopping in York.jpg|thumb|300px|Vikings out shopping]] * {{do | name=Jorvik Viking Festival | alt=February 2022 | url=https://www.jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk | email=jorvik@yorkat.co.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 615 505 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary; lots of free events | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=A city-wide celebration of all things Norse; the largest Viking festival in Europe. There are 'living' Viking encampments, guided walks and talks. This festival holds lots of appeal for children, with dressing up, have-a-go activities and combat performances on the cards, and it's all backed up with the serious educational purpose of the Jorvik Centre. }} :*At other times of the year, scandiphile visitors should check out the '''[https://yorkangloscan.org.uk/ York Anglo-Scandinavian Society]''', which put on regular talks, activities and film screenings with a Nordic slant, mostly at the University of York's Norwegian Study Centre. * {{do | name=York Literature Festival | alt=March 2022 | url=http://www.yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary; some free events | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Email via [https://yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk/contact/ online contact form]. Takes place annually for a week and a half in March. This city-wide festival promotes the arts in York, with an emphasis on literature, spoken word and poetry. It also features music, comedy, cinema and theatre. }} * {{do | name=York Chocolate Festival | alt=14 - 18 April 2022 | url=https://www.yorkfoodfestival.com/ | email=admin@yorkfoodfestival.com | address=Parliament Street / Shambles Market | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 635 149 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=A city-wide celebration of the chocolate industry with a chocolate market, artisan chocolatiers and attractions which share a piece of York's chocolate history. }} * '''[https://yorkfestivalofideas.com/ York Festival of Ideas]''' is next held 11-24 June 2022, multiple venues. * {{do | name=York Festival of Traditional Dance | alt=26 June 2021 | url=http://www.ebormorris.org.uk/32nd-york-festival-of-traditional-dance.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=Email via [http://www.ebormorris.org.uk/contact.html online contact form]. A rich variety of traditional (or Morris) dance sides from all over the country join in a celebration of the diversity of ritual dancing, normally held over two days<!--in September-->. The Saturday begins with a colourful dance procession from St Helens Square, to Parliament Street, before the teams separate to dance in Exhibition Square, King’s Square, Minster Piazza, St Helens Square, and St Sampson's Square throughout the day, before a final grand show in front of dignitaries. The Sunday dancing is less formal, taking place in the squares over lunchtime. }} {{anchor|YEMF}} * {{do | name=York Early Music Festival | alt=12 - 16 July 2021 | url=http://www.ncem.co.uk/yemf | email=boxoffice@ncem.co.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658 338 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary per concert | wikipedia=York Early Music Festival | wikidata=Q8055441 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=World class series of concerts, lectures and workshops focusing on pre-18th century music which takes place at venues across the city. Each year has a theme; 2021's is called ''Encounters'' and mixes COVID-safe live concerts with online-only performances. }} * {{do | name=York Mystery Plays | alt=summer 2022 | url=http://www.yorkmysteryplays.co.uk | email=info@yorkmysteryplays.co.uk | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=£10–£15 per ticketed performance | price= | wikipedia=York Mystery Plays | wikidata=Q2516416 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=This is "mystery" like the meaning of life, not like a modern whodunnit story. A medieval tradition to showcase stories from the Bible through the medium of colourful, humorous and entertaining plays, performed on floats carried around the city. The performances can be accompanied by traditional bands of musicians called "waits". They don't run every year; the most recent was 2021. }} * {{do | name=York Food and Drink Festival | alt=17 - 26 September 2021 | url=http://www.yorkfoodfestival.com/ | email=admin@yorkfoodfestival.com | address=Parliament Street / Shambles Market / St Sampson's Square | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Markets and demos free. Other events ticketed at various prices | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The food element majors on Yorkshire food, while the drinks programme has a worldwide and wine-oriented theme. The range of events is very wide, with demonstrations, tastings, recipe hunts, markets and dinners everyday. Big 'slow food', Fairtrade and other worthy projects allied with lots of hands-on cooking for kids at the Food Factory. Or, if you want to get exploring the city's culinary prowess, pick up a Taste Trail booklet for £5 which pays for all the samples you'll be gorging on. }} [[File:Waites-in-York-july2010 (Cropped).jpg|thumb|300px|Waits at the Mystery Plays.]] :* {{do | name=York Beer & Cider Festival | alt=15-18 September 2021 (TBC) | url=http://www.yorkbeerfestival.org.uk | email=comms@yorkbeerfestival.org.uk | address=The Knavesmire | lat= | long= | directions=A steady 25 min walk from York Station; also served by an hourly festival bus service opposite the station. | phone= | tollfree= | hours=W 5PM-11PM, Th-Sa noon-11PM | price=W £7, Th £8, F Sa £9.50. Prices include £3 deposit for glass, refundable upon return of glass. CAMRA members £2 discount on these prices | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Yorkshire's biggest beer festival, run by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) serving up over 500 beers (including 300 which are produced in Yorkshire), 100 ciders and perries, plus a large foreign beer bar, wine and soft drinks. There is live music and an extensive range of world foods from numerous caterers and other stalls. Seating is in a huge beer garden or under massive marquees if it’s wet. Children welcome (accompanied) until 8PM. }} * {{do | name=York Mediale | alt=autumn 2021 (TBC) | url=http://yorkmediale.com | email=info@yorkmediale.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 829 735 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Prices vary per event | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A biennial festival providing a showcase for leading international digital artists and the best emerging media art talent. The event presents a citywide celebration of exhibitions, installations, live performances, dance, music and workshops. York is a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts. }} * '''Snooker:''' The [http://https://wst.tv/ UK Championship] is held in the Barbican, with the next on 8-20 Nov 2022. * {{do | name=York Christmas Festival | alt=November - December 2021 | url=https://www.visityork.org/whats-on/christmas | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The streets of York come alive in the run up to Christmas. Carol singers and buskers flock to perform to thousands of festive shoppers. The '''St Nicholas Fair''' has market stalls and wooden chalets on Parliament Street, St Sampson's Square and Coppergate, specialising in gifts, crafts, and local yuletide foods. Elsewhere, the '''[https://barleyhall.co.uk/about/christmas-at-barley-hall/ Barley Hall]''' presents a special insight into how people celebrated Christmas in the Middle Ages, while '''St William's College''' houses an arts and crafts market for fine handmade items. }} :* {{do | name=York Early Music Christmas Festival | alt=December 2021 | url=https://www.ncem.co.uk/whats-on/york-early-music-christmas-festival/ | email=boxoffice@ncem.co.uk | address=St Margaret's Church, Walmgate, YO1 9TL and other venues | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658 338 | tollfree= | hours= | price=Various prices; under 35s get ridiculously generous discounts | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The Christmas sister festival of the summer event presents a series of concerts with internationally-renowned artists performing seasonal music from the 18th century and earlier. }} :* {{do | name=Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland | alt=19 November 2021 - 9 January 2022 (closed 25 Dec) | url= | email= | address=York Designer Outlet, St. Nicholas Avenue, Fulford, YO19 4TA | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Skate: daily 9:30AM-9:30PM. Funfair: until 15 Dec M-F 3PM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-8PM, from 16 Dec daily 11AM-8PM. Santa: daily 9:30AM-5PM | price=Skate: adult £10.95, child/concession £9.95 for 1 hr. Skate hire included. Santa: £4.50, including wrapped gift | lastedit=2021-03-30 | content=The main attraction is '''The Ice Factor''', which is the North's largest seasonal ice rink with a giant Christmas tree as centrepiece. Surrounding the rink is an excellent little vintage funfair, log cabin stalls, and of course Santa's Grotto. }} == Learn == York is an excellent place to be a student; it's friendly, compact, walkable and beautiful, with a lively cultural scene to rival cities many times its size. You'll find York a cheaper place to live and study than other historic cities down south, such as Bath, Cambridge or Oxford, though certainly pricier than other, less desirable, parts of the North. Being on the East Coast Main Line, it's within easy reach of most parts of England and Scotland. ===Higher education=== * {{listing | type=learn | name=University of York | alt= | url=https://www.york.ac.uk/ | email= | address=YO10 5DD | lat=53.94659 | long=-1.0525 | directions=The two campuses (east and west) are both in Heslington, 2 - 3 miles (3 - 5 km) east of centre | phone=+44 1904 320 000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=University of York | image=York central hall.jpg | wikidata=Q967165 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Consistently ranked one of the UK's better universities, and part of the prestigious Russell Group. The departments of English literature, chemistry, computer science and psychology are particularly well-regarded internationally as leading research centres. York is a collegiate university with around 18,000 students across nine colleges, though is not particularly old for such an historic city, being founded in only 1963. }} [[Image:York central hall.jpg|thumb|300px|A 1960s vision of the space age - York University's Central Hall]] * {{listing | type=learn | name=York St John University | alt= | url=http://www.yorksj.ac.uk/ | email= | address=Lord Mayor's Walk, YO31 7EX | lat=53.9654 | long=-1.08067 | directions=About ½ mile (800 m) north of centre, in Bootham | phone=+44 1904 624 624 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=York St John University | wikidata=Q8055565 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A small and modern university with just 6000 students, St John's is ranked fairly low nationally, but has strengths in drama, education, English language and literature, health, psychology, sports and theology. }} ===Language schools=== All three of the language schools listed here are accredited by the British Council, and each are set in large former townhouses. * {{listing | type=learn | name=British Study Centres York | alt=formerly English Language Centre York | url=https://www.british-study.com/adults/english-language-schools/york/ | email= | address=5 New Street, YO1 8RA | lat=53.9596 | long=-1.0832 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 672 243 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Email via [https://www.british-study.com/contact/ online contact form]. With 20 years' experience, this school is open to students aged 16 and over, though the average age of its students is 30 years old and there is a course specifically catering to the over-50s. Course lengths vary 1-48 weeks. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=English in York Language School | alt= | url=https://www.english-in-york.co.uk/ | email=admin@english-in-york.co.uk | address=Peasholme House, St Saviours Place, YO1 7PJ | lat=53.9601 | long=-1.0765 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 636 771 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Established in 1985, this school caters only to over-16s and has a variety of courses such as general English, business English and intense programmes. For most courses, you have to commit to a minimum of one week, but some are shorter or longer. }} * {{listing | type=learn | name=Melton College, York | alt= | url=https://www.melton-college.co.uk/ | email= | address=137 Holgate Road, YO24 4DH | lat=53.9542 | long=-1.1039 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 622 250 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Email via [https://www.melton-college.co.uk/contact/ online contact form]. Almost 50 years old, Melton College caters to students of all abilities and from ages 11 up. Older learners may be pleased to enrol in an age 40+ class. Course lengths vary 1-36 weeks. }} == Buy == York comes highly recommended for its unique shops and boutiques. There's the usual range of high street stores, but York is also a great place for independent shops, especially if you're looking for gifts, high-end English and Italian fashion, books, or - it has to be said - tourist tat! Shops in York change from year to year, but the beautiful old-fashioned shop fronts, both medieval wood and Victorian red brick, haven't changed much since they were first built. The extensive pedestrianisation and interesting architecture make shopping and spending a pleasure for even the most miserly Yorkshireman. [[File:Shambles York.jpg|thumb|200px|Shopping in York needn't be a Shambles]] * {{listing | type=buy | name=Coney Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.9589 | long=-1.0838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Along with Parliament Street, this is the place in the city centre to head for the chain high street shops you can find all over the UK: Boots, H&M, TK Maxx, Zara et al. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Fossgate | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.95777 | long=-1.07802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Assorted specialist fashion shops selling bowler hats, smart gentlemen's outfits, and clothing and accessories specifically for tall women. {{marker|type=buy|name=Walmgate|lat=53.9564|long=-1.0743}}, which it leads onto, has a number of homeware stores, a cycling shop and a modelling shop. }} * {{buy | name=Gillygate | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.9656 | long=-1.0802 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Several interesting shops to fill your home with mementos of your time in York, plus an independent bookshop, cheesemonger and retro gaming store. }} * {{buy | name=High Petergate and Low Petergate | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.9615 | long=-1.0824 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A hub of small fashion and jewellery stores with a mix of high-end brand names and independents. Those with a sweet tooth should check out the Fudge Kitchen. At the point where the two Petergates meet is {{marker|type=buy|name=Stonegate|lat=53.9610 | long=-1.0831}}, where you'll find several fashionable independent retailers and the original House of Trembling Madness, which stocks 900 bottled beers. }} * {{listing | type=buy | name=Parliament Street | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.9590 | long=-1.0813 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=One of very few wide and straight roads in the centre is this very attractive tree-lined boulevard mostly home to larger chain stores such as Disney, M&S, and most high street banks and building societies. The row continues northwest onto the much narrower {{marker|type=buy|name=Davygate|lat=53.9598 | long=-1.0832}}, which has high street fashion giants such as New Look, Pandora and Superdry. }} :* {{buy | name=Browns | alt= | url=http://www.brownsyork.co.uk/ | email= | address=21 Davygate, YO1 8QT | lat=53.95969 | long=-1.08252 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 611 166 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-5PM | price= | wikipedia=Browns of York | wikidata=Q4976688 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A good quality family-run department store that has been trading in York for over 100 years, stocks most of the global fashion brands, and features large beauty, furniture, and handbag departments. }} :* {{buy | name=York Farmers' Market | alt= | url=http://www.yorkshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk/york-farmers-market/ | email= | address=Parliament Street, YO1 8SG | lat=53.9596 | long=-1.082 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 550 099 | tollfree= | hours=First Friday of the month 9AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=An excellent place to buy and discuss food, drink and crafts with local producers. Meat, eggs, organic veg, cheese, pies, fudge, honey, pottery, wool - it's all here. }} * {{buy | name=Shambles | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.95932 | long=-1.08002 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7763628 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A medieval shopping street with overhanging timber-framed buildings, which was once a street of butchers. This is easily the most touristy street in York and is mostly devoted to eateries and gift shops. The most notable of the latter are a loose-leaf tea emporium, a popular artisan bakery, a sweet little chinaware shop and a crowded store dedicated to selling ''Harry Potter'' memorabilia. }} :* {{buy | name=Shambles Market | alt= | url=https://www.visityork.org/shopping/shambles-market | email= | address=5 Silver Street, YO1 8RY | lat=53.95927 | long=-1.08052 | directions=Between Shambles and Parliament Street | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 7AM-5PM | price= | image=Shambles Market.jpg | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=A permanent outdoor market with more than 85 stalls of which some sell fresh local produce, some the ubiquitous world street food, others clothes and accessories, and others still arts, crafts, fabrics and ceramics. }} * {{buy | name=York Designer Outlet | alt= | url=http://www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/york-designer-outlet/en | email= | address=St Nicholas Ave, YO19 4TA | lat=53.92215 | long=-1.07747 | directions=On the A64 southern ring road, 3½ miles (5.6 km) south of the city. Bus: 7, 415 | phone=+44 1904 682 700 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 10AM-6PM | price= | wikidata=Q8055437 | lastedit=2021-04-03 | content=Of particular interest to followers of fashion, this indoor shopping centre contains 120 clothes stores from many top-name brands such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Fred Perry, GAP, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Levi's, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Superdry and Ted Baker. The sweet-toothed will find a good selection of confectionery chains too: Cadbury, Haribo, Hotel Chocolat, Lindt... }} == Eat == ''Navigate to: [[#Budget|Budget]], [[#Mid-range|Mid-range]] and [[#Splurge|Splurge]] options, and places for [[#Afternoon tea|afternoon tea]]'' ===Local specialities=== {{anchor|Local specialities}} {{see also|Yorkshire#Eat}} [[Image:York ham.jpg|thumb|300px|A breaded York ham]] As capital of [[Yorkshire]], the county's cuisine is front and centre on many of York's menus. This is honest and rustic fare, in which generous portions are the norm, and large tasting platters are common. Yorkshire puddings, pies, local game, lamb and beef are all prized by restaurateurs, as are the local cheeses: wensleydale from the [[Yorkshire Dales|Dales]], shepherd's purse blues from north of [[Thirsk]] and St Helen's Farm hard goat's cheese, produced in the Vale of York. The fish and crab in restaurants is often landed at East Coast ports such as [[Grimsby]] and [[Whitby]], while the county's [[Vikings and the Old Norse|Norse]] connections are maintained by the serving of Yorkshire-made gravadlax. The city itself has two famous products: ham and chocolate. '''York ham''' has been produced within the city walls for hundreds of years, and far-fetched local legend states that the first hams were smoked with sawdust generated by the building of the Minster. Made with the meat of the large white pig, in taste the ham is mild, salty, smoky and often breaded, and in appearance a delicate pink. When served hot, it is traditionally accompanied by Madeira sauce. Disaster struck in the mid-2000s, when the last curer in town went out of business, and for 10 years there was no ham produced in York. Appleton's Butchers had a shop on Lendal from 2016, marking the return of York-cured hams, but closed down in 2020 as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. As a result, traditional York ham is no longer regularly produced in the city, though specialist butchers around Yorkshire do cure large white hams to a similar or identical recipe. While other northern towns busied themselves manufacturing useful but boring things like [[Sheffield|steel]] and [[Manchester|cotton]], 19th-century York took a sweeter path. '''Rowntree's''' created Aero bars, Fruit Pastilles, Kit-Kat, Smarties and Yorkie bars, among other internationally-known sweets. Although bought out by Nestlé in the 1980s with most products rebranded, the original factory has been maintained and expanded, and the Rowntree's brand lives on with Fruit Pastilles and newer products brought out since the acquisition such as Rowntree's Randoms. The other large York company, '''Terry's''' (of Chocolate Orange fame) has had a less rosy time: upon acquisition by Modelez, production was moved overseas. But alongside Nestlé's investment, a number of small '''independent chocolatiers''' have appeared in York: [https://www.choc-affair.com/ Choc Affair], [http://www.guppyschocolates.co.uk/ Guppy's], [https://www.indieyork.co.uk/directory/monk-bar-chocolatiers/ Monk Bar] and the [https://www.yorkcocoahouse.co.uk/ York Cocoa House]. ===Eating out=== As diverse as York's restaurant scene is, there are some generalities that apply to many of the city's addresses. No matter the cuisine on offer, they have a sense of place and like working with local ingredients; even if you never eat a Yorkshire pudding, you'll be hard pressed to find a good café or restaurant not cooking food produced in the county. In addition to the aforementioned platters, many restaurants seem to be gripped by an obsession with "tasting menus": multi-course extravaganzas of small dishes, often with suggested drink pairings at a hefty premium. While this can be good for sampling variety, it's not so fun for cash- or time-poor travellers to be roped into spending hours eating and drinking expensively. On the other hand, at many places, you can get high-quality food experiences on the cheap if you plum for a weekday lunch or early evening meal, rather than waiting for dinner. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - All the listings posted here and marked as up-to-date June 2021 have been verified to be still in business. Opening hours are as up-to-date as possible, but double check with the business before you go. ====Budget==== [[Image:The Merchant Adventurers Hall The Great Hall.jpg|thumb|300px|Merchant Adventurers' Hall]] {{anchor|Madness Lendal}} * {{eat | name=House of the Trembling Madness (Lendal) | alt= | url=https://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/lendal.html | email=info@tremblingmadness.co.uk | address=14 Lendal, YO1 8AA | lat=53.96036 | long=-1.08563 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 848 998 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-11:30PM | price=Mains £9-£10 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Email via [http://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/contact-us.html online contact form]. An ale house which promotes the pairing of good beer with quality food. The menu is bursting with regional produce, from bread baked in the city, to platters of locally-smoked meats and rich, savoury pies. Schnitzel, salchichón, and other continental comfort foods complete the picture. The same company has a much smaller venue [[#Madness Stonegate|on Stonegate]]. }} * {{eat | name=Hungry Horace | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Hungry-Horace-1786937588283342/ | email= | address=39 Layerthorpe, YO31 7UZ | lat=53.96228 | long=-1.0727 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 622 629 | tollfree= | hours=M-F 8AM-12:30PM | price=Mains from £4 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Classic working men's cafe for breakfast or brunch. Greasy and tatty but the food is of a very high standard. The staff are very friendly and may refer to you as love or flower. }} * {{eat | name=Ippuku Tea House | alt= | url=https://www.ippukuteahouse.com/ | email= | address=15 Blake Street, YO1 8QJ | lat=53.9606 | long=-1.0845 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 671 311 | tollfree= | hours=M-F noon-9PM, Sa 11AM-9PM, Su 11AM-8PM | price=Mains £7-£13 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Email via [https://www.ippukuteahouse.com/contact online contact form]. Authentic Japanese restaurant with vegan and gluten-free options, and an enormous tea menu to accompany your meal. }} * {{eat | name=Millers Fish & Chips | alt= | url=http://millershaxby.com | email=info@millershaxby.com | address=55 The Village, Haxby, YO32 2JE | lat=54.0166 | long=-1.0778 | directions=4½ miles (7.2 km) north of town up Haxby Road. Bus: 13 | phone=+44 1904 769 169 | tollfree= | hours=<!--Takeaway: M 4:30PM-10PM, Tu-Th 11:30AM-2PM/4:30PM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-2PM/4PM-10PM. Restaurant: M 4:30PM-8PM, Tu-Sa 11:30AM-2PM/4:30PM-8PM, Su closed--> Tu-Th 4PM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-2PM, 4PM-9PM | price=Haddock and chips £7.20 (takeaway)<!--, £10 (restaurant)--> | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Award-winning family-run chippy with takeaway and restaurant. As good a plate's worth as you'll get in York, so it's worth the trip. Gluten free and halal options available. }} * {{eat | name=Mr Chippy | alt= | url=https://mrchippyyork.co.uk/ | email= | address=2 Church Street | lat=53.959825 | long=-1.081422 | directions= | phone=+44 01904 672 888 | tollfree= | hours=M–Th 11AM–8:30PM, F Sa 11AM–10PM, Su noon–8:30PM | price=£9–12 | image=Vegan fish and chips with mushy peas.jpg | lastedit=2021-07-05 | content=Fish and chips with the usual sides. Offers delicious vegan options (including vegan fish and chips, with the "fish" made from banana blossom) and outdoor seating. }} * {{eat | name=Spring Espresso | alt= | url=http://www.springespresso.co.uk/ | email= | address=45 Fossgate, YO1 9TF | lat=53.9583 | long=-1.0787 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 627 730 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 8AM-5PM | price=Food items £3-£8; full or vegetarian English breakfast £10.75 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Email via [http://www.springespresso.co.uk/contact-us/ online contact form]. Snazzy artisan sandwiches and paninis (think York ham, goat's cheese, pastrami, hummus...) for lunch, and a selection of toasts, pancakes, and pastries for all day breakfast or brunch. Excellent fresh coffee, made [[Seattle]]-style. Another identical café is at 31 Lendal. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=St Crux Church | alt=St Crux Parish Hall | url= | email= | address=Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, YO1 8BL | lat=53.9590 | long=-1.0793 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 621 756 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-4PM | price=£3 for bacon butty and tea | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Part jumble sale for second-hand books, part cafeteria selling good cheap homemade sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks in a tiny deconsecrated church - eat on the grass outside. }} <!-- * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Nook | alt= | url=https://www.thenookyork.co.uk/ | email=hello@thenookyork.co.uk | address=3a Castlegate, YO1 9RN | lat=53.9574 | long=-1.0813 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 627 122 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM | price=Mains £7-£9 | lastedit=2020-07-09 | content=Specialists of international street food, brought indoors for a cosy, convivial atmosphere. Each of their specialities is from a different culinary tradition: Cambodian beef lok lak, Indian tandoori chicken, Lebanese fattoush, Cajun king prawns. }}--> * {{eat | name=The Taylor Made Kitchen | alt= | url=https://thetaylormadekitchen.com/ | email= | address=Shambles Market, 5 Silver Street, YO1 8RY | lat=53.9591 | long=-1.0806 | directions= | phone=+44 7702 120 504 (mobile) | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th noon-4PM, F Sa noon-8PM | price=Meals £5-£9 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Email via [https://thetaylormadekitchen.com/contact/ online contact form]. Excellent fast food wagon serving burgers, burritos, and dirty fries in epic portions using fresh local ingredients. }} * {{eat | name=Shambles Sausage & Pie Company | alt= | url=https://www.shamblessausageandpie.co.uk/ | email= | address=45 Shambles, YO1 7LX | lat=53.9595 | long=-1.0802 | directions= | phone=+44 7488 370 552 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 8AM-4PM | price=£2-£8 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Pick up some truly divine pork pies in a plethora of flavours, both traditional and exotic, to munch on outside. The husband-and-wife duo also dry-cure their own bacon on-site, and make a selection of sausages, some of which, in a pleasant surprise, are more French than British. }} ====Mid-range==== [[Image:York's Chocolate Story (8456).jpg|thumb|300px|Inside York's Chocolate Story]] * {{eat | name=Ambiente | alt= | url=https://www.ambiente-tapas.co.uk/ | email=bookings@ambiente-tapas.co.uk | address=31 Fossgate, YO1 9TA | lat=53.9579 | long=-1.0781 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 638 252 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11:30AM-10PM | price=£4-£8 per tapa | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Tapas restaurant with a semi-industrial interior design channelling the modern [[Madrid|Madrileño]] look. On the menu is a cool mix of classic favourites such as albóndigas and patatas bravas, alongside innovative creations like the Yorkshire morcilla. They have a second, much smaller, restaurant at 14 Goodramgate. }} * {{eat | name=ASK Italian | alt= | url=https://www.askitalian.co.uk/restaurant/york/ | email= | address=The Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake Street, YO1 8QG | lat=53.961 | long=-1.0848 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 637 254 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM | price=Mains £11-£15 | lastedit=2021-06-20 | content=Come for the setting rather than the food (which is fine for a chain, just nothing special): 18th century marble-columned Palladian assembly rooms with 40-foot ceilings and plaster cherubs. Extremely busy at weekends and tourist periods. }} * {{eat | name=The Blue Barbakan | alt= | url=https://www.bluebarbakan.co.uk/ | email=info@bluebarbakan.co.uk | address=35 Fossgate, YO1 9TA | lat=53.958 | long=-1.0779 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 672 474 | tollfree= | hours=M 9AM-3PM/5:30PM-9PM, Tu-F 9AM-3PM/5:30PM-10PM, Sa 9AM-4PM/5PM-10PM, Su 10AM-9PM | price=Lunch mains £7-£11, dinner mains £15-£20 | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=Hearty Eastern European food given Western panache. The resulting roast meats, soups and pies are not a million miles away from English cuisine, but with an intriguing Polish or Hungarian twist. }} * {{eat | name=The Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House | alt= | url=https://www.thechoppingblock.co.uk/ | email=choppingblock@walmgateale.co.uk | address=25 Walmgate, YO1 9TX | lat=53.9571 | long=-1.0769 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 629 222 | tollfree= | hours=W 5PM-10PM, Th-Su noon-10PM | price=Lunch mains £10-£12, dinner mains £14-£22, set menu £7.95 for two courses, £19.95 for three courses | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=Formerly known for its quirky modern British cooking, a change of chef has brought a new menu serving French classics such as beef bourguignon and duck confit. Yorkshire ingredients are still key, and the setting is as pubby as ever. }} * {{eat | name=Double Dutch Pancake House | alt= | url=https://doubledutchpancakehouse.com/ | email= | address=7 Church Street | lat=53.96016 | long=-1.08088 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658728 | tollfree= | hours=M Tu Th F Sa 9AM–5PM, Su 9AM–4PM, closed W | price=£9–13 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-07-06 | content=Dutch pancakes, savoury or sweet, with a variety of creative variations like "Mexican" and "Independence Day". They make a delicious breakfast, lunch, or afternoon snack. Extensive vegan menu and gluten-free options. }} * {{eat | name=Pizza Express | alt= | url=https://www.pizzaexpress.com/york-river-house | email= | address=17 Museum Street, YO1 7DJ | lat=53.9603 | long=-1.0865 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 672 904 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11:30AM-11PM | price=Mains £11-£16 | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=A chain which needs no introduction, but this one is worth a look for the setting - a spectacular 19th century gentlemen's club perched on the bank of the River Ouse. Summer evenings on the terraces are pleasant, and their toilets are marble temples of Victorian excess - it's worth eating there just for the chance to use a solid brass-and-marble urinal. }} * {{eat | name=Skosh | alt= | url=https://skoshyork.co.uk/ | email=info@skoshyork.co.uk | address=98 Micklegate, YO1 6JX | lat=53.9568 | long=-1.0895 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 634 849 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa noon-2PM / 5:30PM-10PM, Su noon-4:30PM | price=Dishes £4-£18. Count on 6-8 dishes to share between two | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=You choose a series of small dishes, and the staff are on hand to advise you on what order to eat them. Think of it as a tapas or meze place, but without the constraints of a single cuisine. The dishes themselves are ambitious, imaginative and memorable, with distinctly Japanese flavours and making excellent use of British produce. Reservation recommended. Has held Michelin's ''bib gourmand'' since 2018. }} * {{eat | name=The Ivy | alt= | url=https://www.theivyyork.com | email= | address=2 St Helen's Square, YO1 8QP | lat=53.9602 | long=-1.0844 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 403 888 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9AM-10:30PM, F Sa 9AM-11PM, Su 9AM-10PM. Set menu M-F 11:30AM-6:30PM | price=Mains £14-£25, set menu 2 courses £16.95, 3 courses £21.50 | lastedit=2021-06-25 | content=Email via [https://theivyyork.com/contact-us/ online contact form]. A national chain serving modern British and European cuisine. While there are no knock-out unique dishes on the large menu, the cooking is of high quality and there are extensive vegetarian and vegan options. One speciality is their version of an English classic - shepherd's pie with slow-braised shoulder of lamb and cave-matured cheddar. }} * {{eat | name=The Masons Arms | alt= | url=http://www.masonsarmsyork.co.uk/ | email= | address=6 Fishergate, YO10 4AB | lat=53.954 | long=-1.0773 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 541 479 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-11PM. Last food orders 8:30PM nightly. | price=Mains £11-£16, Sunday roast £12.45 for one course, £14.95 for two courses, £15.95 for three courses | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Email via [http://www.masonsarmsyork.co.uk/contact-us/ online contact form]. Quality pub grub favourites with daily specials for soup, homemade pie, local bangers and mash, and curry, plus separate steak and risotto menus. Mix things up a bit with a spicy lamb stew or a slow-roasted belly porchetta. Very limited choice for vegetarians. }} * {{eat | name=The Rattle Owl | alt= | url=https://www.rattleowl.co.uk/ | email=info@rattleowl.co.uk | address=104 Micklegate, YO1 6JX | lat=53.9567 | long=-1.0897 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 658 658 | tollfree= | hours=W-F 6PM-9:30PM, Sa noon-2PM / 6PM-9:30PM, Su noon-6:30PM | price=Mains £19-£23; Sunday lunch two courses £27, three courses £33; tasting menu six courses £60 + £15 pp deposite | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Thoughtfully-crafted seasonal menu drawing from what's available locally. Each course has very limited options, so you'd really hope the chef's knowledge of his cooking and attention to detail would be there, and on these counts the Rattle Owl aims high. Full marks, too, for the sympathetic restoration of their 17th century building and bonus points for the Roman archaeological remains in the wine cellar! }} * {{eat | name=The Viceroy | alt=part of small local chain, Jinnah Restaurants | url=http://www.viceroy-restaurant.co.uk/ | email= | address=26 Monkgate, YO31 7PF | lat=53.9633 | long=-1.0773 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 622 370 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5:30PM-midnight | price=Mains £10-£16 | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Email via [http://www.viceroy-restaurant.co.uk/contact/ online contact form]. Always busy even in early evening, this long-established North Indian (Kashmiri) restaurant is a favourite of York residents who keep returning time after time for its excellent food and friendly atmosphere. As they say - when in Rome. }} ====Splurge==== [[Image:The Ivy St Helen's Square York.jpg|thumb|300px|Al fresco dining is not uncommon in summer]] * {{eat | name=Arras | alt= | url=http://www.arrasrestaurant.co.uk/ | email=reservations@arrasrestaurant.co.uk | address=The Old Coach House, Peasholme Green, YO1 7PW | lat=53.9605 | long=-1.0754 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 633 737 | tollfree= | hours=Tu 6PM-9:30PM, W-Sa noon-2PM / 6PM-9:30PM | price=Lunch £22.50 for two courses, £27.50 for three courses; dinner £39.50 for two courses, £49.50 for three courses, £60 for five courses, with wine pairing £100 | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Despite the name, the French influence on Arras's set menu is not overly pronounced. Instead, focus is on unloved ingredients that most chefs stay away from: offal, Brussels sprouts, eel; this could be a recipe for disaster, but somehow it works. The dishes are refined and flavoursome, and the service knowledgeable and personable. They save the best to last, in the form of a bumper British cheese board introduced by chef himself. }} * {{eat | name=Café No.8 Bistro | alt= | url=https://cafeno8.co.uk/establishments/bistro/ | email=bistro@cafeno8.co.uk | address=8 Gillygate, YO31 7EQ | lat=53.9632 | long=-1.0849 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 653 074 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa 5PM-10PM Su noon-5PM | price=Dinner mains £14-£32, Sunday lunch mains £14-£18 | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=Refined food which has Yorkshire in its soul: lamb from the Wolds, fish from the North Sea, cheese from Thirsk, and rhubarb and custard for pudding! The intimate indoor space is complemented by a small dining garden at the rear. }} * {{eat | name=Le Cochon Aveugle | alt= | url=http://www.lecochonaveugle.uk/ | email=contact@lecochonaveugle.uk | address=37 Walmgate, YO1 9TX | lat=53.9569 | long=-1.0763 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 640 222 | tollfree= | hours=Dinner service W-Sa sitting at 7PM and 8:30PM, lunch Sa sitting at 12:30PM and 1:30PM. Arrive up to 30 minutes ahead of sitting for apéritifs | price=Four-course lunch £75, with wine pairing £135; four-course dinner £95, with wine pairing £175 | lastedit=2021-06-24 | content=Closed for half the week, limited sittings when it is open, no children or special diets allowed and a ruthless cancellation policy: "The Blind Pig" is like a parody of a stuffy and inflexible French restaurant. In this regard, the food completely subverts expectations: while based in the Gallic tradition and with an impressive ''cave à vin'' to match, it is not afraid to do its own thing and draw from diverse influences. Expect creative, bold and expressive dishes across a 4-course blind tasting menu (with the expectation that you, the diner, fill the role of pig). With room for only 20 covers, reservation is essential. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=Melton's | alt= | url=https://meltonsrestaurant.co.uk/ | email=greatfood@meltonsrestaurant.co.uk | address=7 Scarcroft Road, YO23 1ND | lat=53.9508 | long=-1.0858 | directions={{mi|1}} south of the city centre. Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 1904 634 341 | tollfree= | hours=W-Sa noon-1:45PM / Tu-Sa 5:30PM-9:30PM | price=Set menu (dinner only): £42 for two courses, £50 for three courses; both include canapés and bread. Six-course tasting menu (lunch and dinner): £62, with cheese course £70. Add wine pairing for £38 | lastedit=2021-06-23 | content=Promoting fine dining without the formalities, and run by the York Food Festival's director, this is yet another place in town proving the worth of modern British gastronomy. Try the East Coast cod, or else the wild garlic gnocchi. Scrummy. Vegetarian and vegan tasting menus available. }} * {{eat | name=The Judge's Lodging | alt= | url=https://www.judgeslodgingyork.co.uk/food-drink/ | email=relax@judgeslodgingyork.co.uk | address=9 Lendal, YO1 8AQ | lat=53.9606 | long=-1.0854 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 638 733 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-9:30PM, Su 9AM-8PM | price=Mains £13-£30 | lastedit=2021-06-26 | content=Fine cuisine in rococo splendour. Actually, most of the main dishes - a range of posh burgers, plus a nice collection of salads, platters, meat and fish dishes - belong firmly in the mid-range bracket, but it's the steak and the shellfish - and the drinks - that will lighten your pockets. }} * {{eat | name=The Rise | alt= | url=https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk/drinking-and-dining/the-rise/ | email=dining@thegrandyork.co.uk | address=Station Rise, YO1 6GD | lat=53.9585 | long=-1.0889 | directions=within the [[#Q30628746|Grand Hotel]] | phone=+44 1904 894 580 | tollfree= | hours=Daily12:30PM-9:30PM | price=Mains £17-£34 | lastedit=2021-06-26 | content=Don't be fooled by the posh hotel setting, this is essentially pub food at a premium. If you're paying £22 for a burger, you'll want it to be the best damn burger you've ever eaten, but it won't be. Couple this with variable customer service, and it's hard to believe this and the Grand are run by the same people. }} * {{eat | name=The Star Inn the City | alt= | url=http://www.starinnthecity.co.uk/ | email=info@starinnthecity.co.uk | address=Lendal Engine House, Museum Street, YO1 7DR | lat=53.9605 | long=-1.0872 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 619 208 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th noon-9PM, F-Su 9:30AM-9PM | price=Mains £15-£32, brunch £9-£12 | lastedit=2021-06-26 | content=Dine on seasonal Yorkshire produce beside the Ouse within a warm velvet and tartan décor. Cook has a knack for making trad dishes look like intrepid new creations - or for overworking and needlessly 'cheffing up' old favourites, depending on your perspective. That said, the Star's [[Helmsley#Star inn|sister restaurant]] in Helmsley has a Michelin star, so this is definitely one to watch. }} ====Afternoon tea==== York is known for its decadent '''afternoon teas''': a pot of tea to a blend of your choice, served with dainty sandwiches with the crusts cut off, finger cakes and patisseries, and of course fruit scones with clotted cream and jam. Your food will arrive on a stacked metal stand, with three-tiered platters containing each course of the meal. To this can be added a glass of champagne or some other alcoholic beverage, for those who really want to indulge in luxury. If this sounds like a lot of food and drink, that's because it is; afternoon tea will typically replace lunch, and you may not feel like your dinner until much later on, if at all! The price of a full afternoon tea is fairly high; count on spending at least £20 per person, and add up to £10 more if you're having champagne too. Take into account that the venue itself is often as much a part of the experience as the tea, with Bettys, the Garden Room and the Countess of York arguably offering the most luxurious surroundings. A less indulgent and cheaper option can be just to have a '''cream tea''', that is jam-and-cream scones plus a pot of tea, which should cost no more than £10. Most cafés in York, though not listed here, will serve this, plus a selection of other traditional cakes. [[File:Betty's York interior.jpg|thumb|300px|Inside Bettys Tea Rooms]] * {{eat | name=Bettys Tea Rooms | alt= | url=https://www.bettys.co.uk/cafe-tea-rooms/our-locations/bettys-york | email=customer.service@bettys.co.uk | address=6-8 St Helen's Square, YO1 8QP | lat=53.9601 | long=-1.0842 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 659 142 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-9PM | price=Afternoon teas £25–33, breakfast £7–20, lunch/dinner £10–20 | wikidata=Q2397938 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=World-famous for its nostalgic atmosphere and spectacular Swiss-Yorkshire patisserie-style catering. It is a 1930s-style tea room complete with palm trees, aproned waitresses and live pianist, and is best known for its afternoon teas but also serves breakfast and lunch/dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, and non-gluten menu options. As Bettys is the tea room all the tourists want to visit, be prepared to queue outside at peak times or book well in advance. Alternatively, you can try the Little Bettys at 46 Stonegate, which doesn't get as busy. }} * {{eat | name=Countess of York | alt= | url=https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit/countess-york | email=countessofyork@nrm.org.uk | address=Leeman Road, YO26 4XJ | lat=53.96 | long=-1.0956 | directions=within the [[#Q579958|National Railway Museum]] | phone=+44 1904 686 295 | tollfree= | hours=Tea served at noon, 2PM, 4PM | price=Traditional afternoon tea £26, with champagne £36 | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=Railfans rejoice! You can get your afternoon tea fix in the NRM's opulently-restored train carriage, the ''Countess of York''. There are a dozen blends of Harrogate tea to choose from, and a seasonal selection of sandwiches and cakes, with the highlight being traditional Yorkshire scones, vanilla cream and homemade jam. As capacity is constrained by the size of the carriage, it is recommended to book weeks in advance. Free parking token for the museum's car park. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Cake Shop and Tea House | alt= | url= | email= | address=24 Fossgate, YO1 9TA | lat=53.9583 | long=-1.0785 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 671 199 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. Afternoon tea: 12:30PM-3PM | price=Tea for two £35 | lastedit=2020-07-26 | content=Step into the 1940s for a slightly more economical afternoon tea that is certainly less refined than other options in the city, but is nonetheless still tasty, filling and satisfying. The advantages of going to a much smaller tea house like here is that you can be sure all the food is freshly made on-site, you don't need to make a reservation and you won't have to queue upon arrival. The place does some quirky house rules (no children under 10, no devices out at tables) and somewhat temperamental owners. }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Garden Room | alt= | url=https://www.gardenroomyork.co.uk/ | email=info@therefectory.co.uk | address=The Principal York, Station Road, YO24 1AA | lat=53.9586 | long=-1.0916 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 688 677 | tollfree= | hours=Daily noon-4PM<!--, twilight tea 5PM-8PM--> | price=Traditional afternoon tea £23.50, incl. champagne £30.50<!--, children £14.95, cream tea £7.50. Twilight tea M-F £21.95, Sa Su £25--> | lastedit=2020-07-26 | content=A grand and comfortable lounge with armchairs and sofas, and views across the lawns to the Minster. <!--Gluten free and vegan versions of afternoon tea are available when booked in advance, and cost the same as the traditional. The twilight tea includes the addition of a cocktail or mocktail.--> }} * {{listing | type=eat | name=The Grand Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk/drinking-and-dining/afternoon-tea/ | email=dining@thegrandyork.co.uk | address=Station Rise, YO1 6GD | lat=53.9585 | long=-1.0888 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 899 521 | tollfree= | hours=Daily noon-6PM (must be seated by 3:45PM) | price=Grand afternoon tea £25.50, incl. sparkling wine £30.50, incl. gin and tonic £33.50, incl. champagne £34.50, children £17 | lastedit=2020-07-26 | content=Take a four-course tea in the hotel's swish Rise restaurant, which offers views over the city walls. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. There's also a special menu for kids. }} == Drink == ''Navigate to: [[#Traditional pubs|Pubs]], [[#Bars|Bars]], [[#Nightclubs|Nightclubs]], [[#Live music and comedy venues|Live music and comedy venues]]'' [[Image:Printer's Devil - geograph.org.uk - 852716.jpg|thumb|250px|Stonegate is a street of temptation for many.]] === Brewing and distilling === The city of York is the site of three breweries, one combined with a vineyard, and one distillery. '''Beer''', that is '''ale''', has been brewed within the city walls for centuries, and the latest iteration of this tradition is [http://www.york-brewery.co.uk/ York Brewery], which brews a range of three pale ales, the award-winning dark ruby ale ''Centurion's Ghost'', and their signature golden ale ''Yorkshire Terrier''. There is also a constantly changing selection of limited-edition creations, which adds a touch of FOMO-fuelled uniqueness to any beer-lover's visit to York. You can also visit the brewery; see the '[[#Q15966937|Do]]' section for details. The new kid on the block is [https://brewyork.co.uk/ Brew York], which eschews tradition by selling its brews by can. They specialise in U.S.-style craft beers, with hipsterish names such as ''Cereal Killa'' (a gluten-free citrusy pale ale), ''Goose Willis'' (gooseberry fool in beer form), and ''Tonkoko'' (the "9th best stout in the world!"). Periodically, they mix things up by discontinuing their entire range and releasing a new selection; there's even an IPA which changes its hops with each batch. You can drink at their achingly trendy "tap room" (see [[#Brew York|below]]), or else look out for the odd brew of theirs in pubs. '''Wine:''' Yorkshire has no fewer than six vineyards. The closest is [https://yorkshireheart.com/ Yorkshire Heart] at Pool Lane, Nun Monkton YO26 8EL. They also have a brewery and a campsite, and offer tours. And then there's '''gin'''. Running with the established zeitgeist of stunningly unimaginative names, the [https://www.yorkgin.com/ York Gin Company] launched its range in March 2018. It has already become a fixture in the local drinks culture, being stocked by dozens of shops, bars and hotels in and around the city, and is now making a splash in international industry awards. The varieties available include the classic London-style dry gin which was at its peak popularity in York in the 18th century; ''Old Tom'', imbued with the white rose of Yorkshire; and the imperial-red juniper, apple and berry-infused ''Roman Fruit'' — all nod to the city's heritage. For Yorkshire whiskey you'll have to visit [[Filey]] on the coast. '''Cider''' is not made in York, and indeed has never been hugely popular up north, but if you like your apple tipple, then look out for Ampleforth Abbey Cider from nearby [[Thirsk]]. ===Traditional pubs=== York has perhaps the most pubs per square mile of any city in the country; supposedly there's one for every day of the year. * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Ackhorne | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/theackhorne/ | email=theackhorneyork@aol.com | address=St Martin's Lane, YO1 6LR | lat=53.9567 | long=-1.0871 | directions=Tucked down a very narrow streetlet off Micklegate, past the church | phone=+44 7977 190 297 | tollfree= | hours=M-F noon-9PM, Sa Su 11AM-9PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Cosy locals' haunt that is too well hidden to be a major tourist trap. Think pub quiz, pork pies and Yorkshire ales and ciders. }} * {{drink | name=The Blue Bell | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/The-Blue-Bell-194681907239090/ | email=bluebellyork@gmail.com | address=53 Fossgate, YO1 9TF | lat=53.9587 | long=-1.07919 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 654 904 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM | price= | image=The Blue Bell, York.jpg | wikidata=Q17549920 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=The smallest pub in York really is ''tiny'', but the Edwardian interior (grade II* listed), conversational atmosphere and real ales mostly from around Yorkshire make this a firm locals' favourite. As there is nowhere to go but the bar area, children are not allowed. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Keystones | alt= | url=https://www.social-squirrel.com/thekeystonesyork | email=thekeystones.york@stonegatepubs.com | address=4 Monkgate, YO31 7PE | lat=53.9629 | long=-1.0781 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 656 202 | tollfree= | hours=Daily noon-10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Popular with a younger crowd for its live sports on telly at the weekends, pool table, variety of board games and free Playstation 4. Beer garden at rear. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Kings Arms | alt= | url=https://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/ | email= | address=3 King's Staith, YO1 9SN | lat=53.957162 | long=-1.083019 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 659 435 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-10:30PM | price= | image=Kings Arm public house Sept 2012.jpg | wikidata=Q26548870 | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=The king in question is Richard III, and his house is right on the river bank, meaning one of its annual traditions is becoming ''part'' of the river, a fact which is cheerfully recorded on its flood level gauge on the wall inside. Some of the bar rules ('no swearing', 'no drunkenness') are a bit suspect for a pub, and it exclusively serves beers from local brewery Samuel Smith's. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Lendal Cellars | alt= | url=https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/north-yorkshire/lendal-cellars/ | email=7760@greeneking.co.uk | address=26 Lendal, YO1 8AA | lat=53.9599 | long=-1.0849 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 623 121 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=A standard Greene King chain pub in all ways but one: the building. To access, the visitor must leave the street via a passageway, then descend into this arch-ceilinged underground bar, which was the Lord Mayor's personal wine cellar in the 18th century. An atmospheric venue for drinks, but avoid the food. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Maltings | alt= | url=http://www.maltings.co.uk/ | email=info@maltings.co.uk | address=Tanner's Moat, YO1 1HU | lat=53.95927 | long=-1.08802 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 655 387 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Absolutely cracking real-ale free house. The resident beer is Yorkshire's famous Black Sheep bitter, and there is a constant rotation of six other guest beers and four traditional ciders. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Micklegate | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/127micklegate | email= | address=127 Micklegate, YO1 6LB | lat=53.9559 | long=-1.0905 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 541 656 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Good for a noisy couple of hours. If there's no live football with eager fans staring at the multitude of screens, then the music will be playing loud. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Minster Inn | alt= | url=http://minsterinn.co.uk/ | email=minsterinnyork@gmail.com | address=24 Marygate, YO30 7BH | lat=53.96311 | long=-1.08827 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 849 240 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 4PM-10PM, F 3PM-10:30PM, Sa noon-10:30PM, Su noon-8PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Not actually by the Minster and off the beaten track, most of the inn's clientele are regulars. Full of local charm, serving a wide range of traditional ales and, as a bonus from 4PM, pizzas stone-baked to order. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Priory | alt= | url= | email= | address=103 Micklegate, YO1 6LB | lat=53.95635 | long=-1.09007 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 653 231 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 3PM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-1AM Su 11AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Part of the Wear Inns chain, this pub has a pool table, jukebox and live sport on the telly. There is better beer to be had in York, and frankly better places to drink it, but the late-night opening makes The Priory stand out from the crowd. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Roman Bath | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/roman.bath.3/ | email= | address=9 St. Sampson's Square, YO1 8RN | lat=53.9599 | long=-1.0819 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 620 455 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 11AM-11PM | price= | wikipedia=Roman Bath, York | wikidata=Q17549513 | lastedit=2020-07-27 | content=Shabby John Smiths pub with a wide selection of lagers and frequent open-mic nights. As the name hints at, the building is on top of the remains of a real Roman bath that you can visit for a fee ([[#Visitor information and York Pass|York Pass]] accepted). }} * {{drink | name=The Three Legged Mare | alt=The Wonky Donkey | url=https://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/our-pubs/ | email=enquiries@york-brewery.co.uk | address=15 High Petergate, YO1 7EN | lat=53.96221 | long=-1.0843 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 638 246 | tollfree= | hours=W–Sa noon–midnight, Su noon–10:30PM, M–Tu noon–11PM | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=Black Sheep Brewery pub which serves their ales and bar snacks, it has quite an active social week, with a Monday quiz, Thursday open mic night, Friday live folk music and various live music acts on Saturday nights. Dogs welcome. }}. [[File:Shambles, York - panoramio (11).jpg|thumb|200px|The Shambles by dusk]] ===Bars=== In this section, you'll find a selection of the most recommended bars in town, with a bit of everything from brewery tap rooms to cocktail bars, and places to nab a Viking brewski. {{anchor|Brew York}} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Brew York | alt= | url=http://brewyork.co.uk/ | email=info@brewyork.co.uk | address=Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, YO1 9TT | lat=53.95757 | long=-1.07619 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 848 448 | tollfree= | hours=Beer hall: Tu-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-9PM. Tap room: W, Th 6PM-11PM, F 4PM-11PM, Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-9PM. Brewery tours (duration 45-60 min): F 5:30PM, Sa 1:30PM, 3:30PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=This craft brewery's 200-seater beer hall and tap room are right alongside the brewing machinery; the beer couldn't be fresher! They also have a nice small open-air seating area in the back facing the River Foss. Burgers and Korean sides will help soak up the alcohol. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Dusk | alt= | url=https://www.duskyork.co.uk/ | email=duskyork@gmail.com | address=8 New Street, YO1 8RA | lat=53.9595 | long=-1.0837 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 634 851 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-2AM. 2-for-1 cocktails M-Th all night, F-Su until 10PM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=A great place for cocktails, that describes itself as a "laid-back café bar by day, den of iniquity by night." While it does indeed get busy of an evening, especially when there's a live music act, you can usually find some space upstairs. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Evil Eye | alt= | url=http://www.evileyelounge.com/ | email=info@evileyelounge.com | address=42 Stonegate, YO1 8AS | lat=53.9611 | long=-1.0830 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 640 002 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 4PM-midnight, F 4PM-1AM, Sa noon-1AM, Su noon-midnight | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=Colourful cocktail bar tucked behind a gin shop owned by the same people. You may have to queue to enter, as the place is very small. }} {{anchor|Madness Stonegate}} * {{drink | name=House of the Trembling Madness (Stonegate) | alt= | url=http://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/stonegate.html | email=info@tremblingmadness.co.uk | address=48 Stonegate, YO1 8AS | lat=53.9612 | long=-1.0829 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 640 009 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 10AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2021-04-05 | content=Email via [http://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/contact-us.html online contact form]. If the name doesn't put you off, then presumably neither will the taxidermied lion's head hanging over the bar, or the wax-encrusted candlesticks on the tables. Work your way through their encyclopedic collection of Belgian beers, and then soak up the booze with some maddeningly superior barsnacks. The same company has a much larger venue [[#Madness Lendal|on Lendal]]. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Jalou | alt= | url=https://www.jalou.co.uk/york | email= | address=2 Micklegate, YO1 6JG | lat=53.9573 | long=-1.0853 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 466 502 | tollfree= | hours=Su-W 4PM-1AM, Th-Sa noon-2AM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=Email via [https://www.jalou.co.uk/york online contact form]. [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Geordie]] glam meets medieval York: lavish and pricey cocktails served to an RnB soundtrack in a grade II-listed Gothic church with an impressive 'neon chandelier' centrepiece. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Biltmore | alt= | url=http://thebiltmore.co.uk/ | email=biltmore@biltmoreandoscars.co.uk | address=29 Swinegate, YO1 8AZ | lat=53.9602 | long=-1.0817 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 610 075 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Th 5PM-midnight, Fr 3PM-at least midnight, Sa Su noon-at least midnight | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=Housed in a converted historic church, this New York-inspired swish champagne and cocktail bar is relaxed in the week and buzzing at the weekend with the house DJ's music. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The York Tap | alt= | url=http://www.yorktap.com | email=enquiries@yorktap.com | address=York Station, Station Road, YO24 1AB | lat=53.95842 | long=-1.09265 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 659 009 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-11:40PM, Su 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2019-08-15 | content=Housed in a smartly converted Edwardian tea room, this is the place for a decent (if not cheap) pint while waiting for a train. True to its former life, you can still get hot drinks, pies, and homemade cakes here too. }} * {{drink | name=Vahe Bar | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/VaheBar | email= | address=31-33 Goodramgate, YO1 7LS | lat=53.9619 | long=-1.0796 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 628 344 | tollfree= | hours=W Th 5PM-11PM, F 10:30AM-midnight, Sa 12:30PM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Lovely relaxed bar overlooking York Minster serving British ales and Belgian draughts, plus over 200 bottled continental beers and 300 spirits. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Valhalla | alt= | url=https://valhallayork.com/ | email= | address=4 Patrick Pool, YO1 8BB | lat=53.9598 | long=-1.0807 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 653 999 | tollfree= | hours=Su-Th noon-11:30PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-12:30AM | price= | lastedit=2020-07-28 | content=Anyone versed in Norse mythology will love this bar, which offers proof if it were needed that the Viking spirit is alive and well in York. A place for loudly drinking mead, cider and ale from a big horn, and feasting from platters stuffed to bursting with quality Yorkshire and Scandi produce. }} [[Image:Madness (4409040609).jpg|thumb|250px|York's nightclubs be like.]] ===Nightclubs=== The weak link in York's nightlife offering. If you're legally or mentally 18, you'll probably love the singularly awful half-dozen offerings which are aimed squarely at the city's population of students (and underage teens), but if you want any kind of sophistication or musical variety, then you should heed the call of [[Leeds#Drink|Leeds]]. * {{listing | type=drink | name=Club Salvation | alt=Salvo | url=https://www.facebook.com/ClubSalvation | email=davesear@clubsalvation.co.uk | address=3 George Hudson Street, YO1 6JL | lat=53.9582 | long=-1.0873 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 635 144 | tollfree= | hours=University term time: W F 10:30PM-4AM, Sa 11PM-4AM. University holidays: Sa 11PM-4AM | price=Free entry before 10PM, then £5 (combo ticket with Society) | lastedit=2019-08-16 | content=Essentially for boozed-up undergrad students, Salvo has cheap drinks, chart music and absolutely no class. The bouncers have a bad attitude, but a strict policy against drugs. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Kuda Bar and Club | alt= | url=https://www.kudaclub.com/york | email=york@kudaclub.com | address=12 Clifford Street, YO1 9RD | lat=53.9568 | long=-1.0818 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 647 947 | tollfree= | hours=M-W, F 11PM-3:30AM, Sa 9PM-3:30AM | price=Entry from £3 | lastedit=2019-08-16 | content=Split over two floors and three rooms, including a tiki bar complete with hula girls, and a cocktail lounge. VIP booths available. Drinks are pricey. }} <!--MAY NOT REOPEN AT ALL, AS THEY LOST THEIR LEASE IN 2019. BUT AS THEY WERE SEEKING RELOCATION BEFORE COVID, KEEP HERE FOR NOW. TT! 31/07/20 * {{listing | type=drink | name=Mansion | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Mansion.York | email=mansionyork@mail.com | address=55 Micklegate, YO1 6LJ | lat=53.9572 | long=-1.0879 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 500 880 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 9PM-5AM | price=Entry £3-£5 | lastedit=2019-08-17 | content=The kind of place where projectile vomiting adds to the fun, this is a hard-drinking, slightly filthy club. }}--> * {{drink | name=Popworld | alt= | url=https://www.popworldparty.co.uk/york | email=popworld.york@stonegatepubs.com | address=George Hudson Street, YO1 6JL | lat=53.9574 | long=-1.0867 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 645 161 | tollfree= | hours=Fr Sa 9PM-2AM | price=Entry generally free, some events £3 | lastedit=2020-07-31 | content=Describing itself as "cheese with style", Popworld is deeply proud of how uncool it is. This chain club is smaller than most of its sister venues, but has a revolving dancefloor on which you can bust out your worst moves to music as sugary as the floor's sticky coating. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Society Bar & Lounge | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/Society-Lounge-Bar-York-193976940707386/ | email= | address=1 Rougier Street, YO1 6HZ | lat=53.9586 | long=-1.0870 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 625 438 | tollfree= | hours=W-Su 9PM-2AM, 3AM Sa | price=Free entry before 10PM, then £5 (combo ticket with Salvo) | lastedit=2019-08-17 | content=Cheap drinks and mainstream party music, popular with students. It gets cramped at the weekend. }} * {{drink | name=The Stone Roses | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheStoneRosesBarYork/ | email=stonerosesstaff@gmail.com | address=4 King Street, YO1 9SP | lat=53.9573 | long=-1.0821 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 670 696 | tollfree= | hours=M-F noon-1AM, Sa Su 11AM-1AM | price=Free entry except for gigs | lastedit=2020-07-31 | content=A 90s-themed rock/britpop bar which steadily morphs into a club as the night goes on. Decent atmosphere and bargain bevvies. }} ===Live music and comedy venues=== [[Image:Vintage Trouble, York 2011.jpg|thumb|300px|Live music at Fibbers]] * {{listing | type=drink | name=Fibbers | alt= | url=http://www.fibbers.co.uk/ | email=mrhpresents@gmail.com | address=3-5 Toft Green, YO1 6JT | lat=53.9574 | long=-1.0897 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 848 558 (general), +44 8444 771 000 (tickets - premium rate) | tollfree= | hours=Most shows 7:30PM-10:30PM | price= | lastedit=2019-08-18 | content=Long running music venue which has hosted many of the UK's biggest acts since the 1990s. Gigs several nights a week. 14-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult (18+). No under 14s. As of summer 2019, facing an uncertain future - enjoy it while you can. }} * {{drink | name=The Basement | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/thebasementyork | email=cityscreenyork.basement@picturehouses.co.uk | address=13-17 Coney Street, YO1 9QL | lat=53.9591 | long=-1.0848 | directions=Under the City Screen Picturehouse | phone=+44 871 902 5747 (premium rate) | tollfree= | hours=Most gigs 8PM-11PM, most other events 7:30PM-10PM | price= | lastedit=2019-08-18 | content=100-seater underground venue for live music (especially jazz), comedy, film, poetry, workshops and discussions. One of two venues for the [https://lolcomedyclubs.co.uk/venue/the-basement-york/ Laugh Out Loud] comedy club. 16+ only. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Crescent | alt= | url=http://thecrescentyork.com/ | email=thecrescentyork@gmail.com | address=8 The Crescent, YO24 1AW | lat=53.9549 | long=-1.0936 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 622 510 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 4PM-midnight (Sa Su until 1AM) | price= | lastedit=2019-08-18 | content=Working men's club turned community events venue. Tuesdays are for retro gaming, Wednesday is open decks night, and there are music gigs several times a week. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=The Fulford Arms | alt= | url=http://www.thefulfordarms.com/ | email=thefulfordarms@gmail.com | address=​121 Fulford Road, YO10 4EX | lat=53.9471 | long=-1.0736 | directions=Bus: 7, 25, 26, 415 | phone=+44 1904 620 410 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 4PM-midnight, F Sa 11:30AM-1AM, Su 11:30AM-midnight | price= | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Real ale pub with a relaxed 'suburban local' atmosphere by day, but with live music and other events such as charity fundraisers nearly every night. }} ==Sleep== ''Navigate to: [[#Budget|Budget]], [[#Mid-range|Mid-range]], and [[#Splurge|Splurge]] options, places for [[#Camping|camping]]'' York has everything from humble hostels and cosy guesthouses, to some of England's grandest historic hotels. The usual chains are present in abundance, but there are also plenty of unique independents worth seeking out. Most accommodation listings here are in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance from attractions and services, but some are situated in quieter residential neighbourhoods or just on the fringes, though nowhere is very far apart in compact York. And while most people don't associate city breaks with camping opportunities, there are a surprising number of places to pitch a tent or park a campervan both in town and a little way outside. {{Sleeppricerange | Under £60 | £60-£120 | Over £120 }} ===Budget=== * {{sleep | name=Astor York Hostel | alt=Holgate Hill Hostel | url=https://astorhostels.com/hostels/york/ | email=york@astorhostels.com | address=124 Holgate Road, YO24 4BB | lat=53.9543 | long=-1.1018 | directions=Bus: 1, 5, 5A | phone=+44 1904 653 786 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £10 | lastedit=2019-08-18 | content=Small, basic rooms. Wi-Fi signal not great. Nice communal areas, including a bar. Unbeatable £1 breakfast. }} * {{sleep | name=Diamonds Guest House | alt= | url=https://www.diamondsguesthouse.com/ | email=diamondsguesthouse@gmail.com | address=114 Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 1JX | lat=53.9482 | long=-1.0850 | directions=Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 7717 941 122 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £38 | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Cosy but basic B&B in a Victorian house, offering a continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. No alcohol on premises, but there are good pubs and restaurants close by. Diamonds also has three other guesthouses in period properties around York. }} <!--IT LOOKS AS THOUGH HOLMLEA IS CLOSED. NO CONFIRMATION YET, BUT WILL HIDE FOR NOW.-TT! 2019/09/21 * {{sleep | name=Holmlea Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.yorkbedbreakfast.com/ | email= | address=6 Southlands Road, YO23 1NP | lat=53.9491 | long=-1.0868 | directions={{mi|1}} south of city centre, close to racecourse. Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 7798 856 443 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=10AM | checkout=10AM | price=From £25 pppn | lastedit=2018-12-04 | content=Email via [https://www.yorkbedbreakfast.com/contact-us online contact form]. ''Homely'' by name... this cosy corner terrace house has about five cutely-decorated rooms and is in a quiet residential setting. Free continental breakfast served in your room. Limited on-street parking; reserve a permit for £5 per day. }}--> * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Park View Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.parkviewguesthouse.co.uk/ | email=AhmForh@aol.com | address=22 Haxby Road, YO31 8JX | lat=53.9686 | long=-1.0799 | directions=½ mile (800 m) north of city centre. Bus: 1, 5, 5A, 6, 40 | phone=+44 1904 611 396 | tollfree= | checkin=11:30AM | checkout=10AM | price=From £20 pppn | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Victorian-era villa with a range of en-suite rooms, including an accessible ground floor double room. Full English and continental breakfast. Private parking. Wi-Fi. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Queen Anne's Guest House | alt= | url=http://www.queen-annes-guesthouse.co.uk/ | email=info@queen-annes-guesthouse.co.uk | address=24 Queen Anne's Road, YO30 7AA | lat=53.9648 | long=-1.0920 | directions=Bus: 2 | phone=+44 1904 629 389 | tollfree= | checkin=11:30AM-1:30PM or 4:30PM-7:30PM | checkout=10AM | price=From £30 pppn, incl. very tasty full English / vegan breakfasts | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Traditional B&B run by a friendly husband-and-wife team. Has a mix of en-suite rooms and a few with shared bathrooms. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Safestay York Hostel | alt= | url=https://www.safestay.com/york/ | email=reception-yk@safestay.com | address=88-90 Micklegate, YO1 6JX | lat=53.9570 | long=-1.0891 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 627 720 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £10 | lastedit=2019-09-15 | content=Handsome Georgian townhouse right in the centre of York's nightlife: free earplugs available if you find it noisy. A mix of shared dormitories (4-12 people, some female only) with bunk beds and private rooms (2-4 people). Free Wi-Fi, bar, breakfast £3.50. }} {{infobox|Where are the budget chains?|If you're looking for the likes of '''Premier Inn''', '''Travelodge''' or '''Ibis''' in travel hotspot York, you'll either have to spend a bit more, or compromise on location. The city centre hotels of these usually budget-friendly chains charge premium room rates and are therefore listed in the 'Mid-range' section below. Alternatively, there are cheaper motel options for the former two brands on the A64, around {{mi|10}} west of the city; see [[Tadcaster]] for details.}} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Fort Boutique Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.thefortyork.co.uk/ | email=info@thefortyork.co.uk | address=1 Little Stonegate, YO1 8AX | lat=53.9606 | long=-1.0834 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 620 222 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £10 | lastedit=2019-09-15 | content=Five individually-decorated rooms created by five up-and-coming UK artists and designers. Also several dorms for 6-8 people. Common room with microwave, fridge and toaster. Two bar-restaurants on-site. Breakfast £4-£9. }} *{{sleep | name=YHA York Hostel | alt= | url=http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/york | email= | address=Water End, YO30 6LP | lat=53.9686 | long=-1.1027 | directions={{mi|1}} north of city walls. You can walk along the river. Bus: 2 | phone=+44 345 371 9051 (non-geographic number) | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | price=Dorm from £15, private room from £25 pppn | lastedit=2020-07-30 | content=This youth hostel is clean and has good showers. Good family rooms for four. Adequate breakfast is included in the price, and they'll pack you a breakfast if you're leaving especially early. Free Wi-Fi. Free parking. }} ===Mid-range=== [[File:Statue Constantin 1er York 9.jpg|thumb|300px|Constantine the Great was crowned emperor of the known world while staying in York. Since you can't top that, you might as well find somewhere that serves a good breakfast.]] *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Holiday Inn York City Centre | alt=formerly Hotel 53 - beware, as the old website is still active as of Aug 2019 | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/york/qqyct/hoteldetail | email=reservations@yorkhi.co.uk | address=53 Piccadilly, YO1 9PL | lat=53.9549 | long=-1.0764 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 559 000 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £55 | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Modern design 6-storey hotel, with stylish contemporary interiors. The standard Holiday Inn experience (gym, air conditioning, good breakfast); there's also another one a bit further out of town on Tadcaster Road. }} * {{sleep | name=Ibis York Centre | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/6390/index.en.shtml | email= | address=77 The Mount, YO24 1BN | lat=53.9533 | long=-1.0939 | directions=Bus: 1, 4, 5, 5A, 12, 13, 840, 843, ZAP | phone=+44 113 396 8032 (Leeds number) | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=From £49 | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=The setting in a large brick townhouse means the rooms are a bit smaller than with other Ibis hotels. Onsite restaurant and bar. Pets welcome. }} {{anchor|Marmadukes}} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Marmadukes Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.marmadukestownhousehotelyork.com/ | email=reservations@marmadukestownhousehotelyork.com | address=4 St Peter's Grove, YO30 6AQ | lat=53.9673 | long=-1.0918 | directions=Bus: 2 | phone=+44 1904 640 101 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £69 | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Boutique 4-star hotel in a Victorian property. All 21 rooms have en-suites and free Wi-Fi. Dogs welcome. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Middletons | alt= | url=https://www.middletonsyork.co.uk/ | email=reception@middletonsyork.co.uk | address=Skeldergate, YO1 6DS | lat=53.9547 | long=-1.0842 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 611 570 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £89. Parking £10 pn | lastedit=2019-09-29 | content=56 rooms spread across a complex of listed historic buildings - Charlie Chaplin was once a guest here - and pleasant outdoor space, Middletons features a restaurant, bar and fitness centre including a small pool. }} *{{sleep | name=Mercure York, Fairfield Manor Hotel | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/8342/index.en.shtml | email=038rs@jupiterhotels.co.uk | address=Shipton Road, YO30 1XW | lat=53.9940 | long=-1.1317 | directions={{mi|4}} northwest of centre on A19. Bus: 19, 29, 30, 30X, 31, 31X | phone=+44 1904 225 012 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=From £60 pppn. Pets £15 | lastedit=2020-07-30 | content=18th century manor house with some original features, set in six acres of private grounds, offering countryside views. On-site restaurant. '''July 2020: temporarily closed'''. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Premier Inn York City | alt=Blossom Street North | url=https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/north-yorkshire/york/york-city-blossom-st-north.html | email= | address=20 Blossom Street, YO24 1AJ | lat=53.9553 | long=-1.0918 | directions=Sat-nav: YO24 1AD | phone=+44 333 321 9198 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=From £33 pppn | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Features an art deco clocktower. Standard rooms have a king-size bed and excellent showers. Two kids can sleep in the same room on pull out beds, and they get breakfast for free with a paying adult. There is another Premier Inn, "Blossom Street South", just down the street. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Travelodge York Central | alt= | url=https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/196/York-Central-hotel | email= | address=90 Piccadilly, YO1 9NX | lat=53.9547 | long=-1.0770 | directions=Bus: 1, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 12, 13, 59, 840, 843, ZAP | phone=+44 871 984 6187 (premium) | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=noon | price=From £30 pppn | lastedit=2019-09-21 | content=Rooms are comfortable and private, and are good value for the location. But don't take the breakfast, as the Wetherspoons next door is better value. There are two other central Travelodges in York - at Layerthorpe and Micklegate. }} <!-- July 2020: Property has just changed hands, and website not currently taking bookings, so commented out * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Bloomsbury | alt= | url=https://www.thebloomsburyguesthouse.com/ | email= | address=127 Clifton YO30 6BL | lat=53.971 | long=-1.098 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 634031 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £110 | lastedit=2020-07-15 | content=Charming B&B in three-storey Victorian building. Open Feb-mid Dec, no children under 17 or dogs. }} --> * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Bar Convent | alt= | url=https://www.bar-convent.org.uk/ | email= | address=17 Blossom St YO24 1AQ | lat=53.955 | long=-1.091 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 643238 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double £100 | wikipedia=Bar Convent | lastedit=2020-07-15 | content=Peaceful B&B within a working convent, perilously established in 1686, "welcomes those of all faiths and none". Assistance dogs only. The cafe in the charming atrium is open M-Sa 8AM-3PM. }} ===Splurge=== [[Image:194-SFEC-YORK-20070827.JPG|thumb|Fancy your own castle? Lendal Tower from across the Ouse.]] *{{listing | type=sleep | name=Lendal Tower | alt= | url=http://lendaltower.com/ | email=info@tiercel-leisure.com | address=Lendal Bridge, YO1 7DP | lat=53.9603 | long=-1.0871 | directions= | phone=+44 1423 709 713 (Harrogate number) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Around £250 per night, minimum four-night stay | image=Lendal Tower and River Ouse.JPG | wikidata=Q17530580 | lastedit=2019-09-25 | content=This proud 14th-century tower guarding the river bridge is now a boutique self-catering property which sleeps six. Highlights of your stay may include enjoying the panorama from the rooftop terrace or relaxing like a lord in a four-poster bed. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Middlethorpe Hall | alt= | url=https://www.middlethorpe.com/ | email=info@middlethorpe.com | address=Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 2GB | lat=53.9306 | long=-1.08998 | directions=On southern edge of Knavesmire racecourse, {{mi|3}} from city centre. Bus: 11 | phone=+44 1904 641 241 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=noon | price=From £106 pppn | wikipedia=Middlethorpe Hall | image=Middlethorpe Hall.jpg | wikidata=Q6841964 | lastedit=2019-09-25 | content=If you've ever wanted to stay in one of the National Trust's stately homes, this is your chance: a country hall and estate dating from 1698, set in an impressive 20 acres of garden. The rooms and suites make full use of antiques and period features, but there are multiple dining options and a cottage pool and spa. }} *{{sleep | name=Park Inn by Radisson York City Centre | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-inn-york-city-centre | email=reservations.york@parkinn.com | address=North Street, YO1 6JF | lat=53.9583 | long=-1.0851 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 459 988 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £64 pppn | lastedit=2019-09-25 | content=From the outside, this is a hideous mid-20th century cornflakes box that sits awkwardly on the Ouse riverfront. Once you're inside, of course, the building's memory quickly fades as you admire unhindered views of the river and the attractive medieval surroundings. There's also a swimming pool, bar, grill restaurant and large conference space. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The Dean Court Hotel | alt=Best Western | url=https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/hotels/dean-court-hotel-bw-premier-collection-83119 | email= | address=Duncombe Place, YO1 7EF | lat=53.96201 | long=-1.08405 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 625 082 | tollfree= | checkin=2PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £80 pppn. Valet parking £20 pn | lastedit=2019-09-25 | content=An imposing Victorian pile, this hotel is lauded for its comfortable rooms and suites, and its views of the Minster, which towers over on the opposite side of the street. Free Wi-Fi, on-site bar and restaurant. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Grand Hotel | alt= | url=https://www.thegrandyork.co.uk | email=reservations@thegrandyork.co.uk | address=Station Rise, YO1 6GD | lat=53.9588 | long=-1.0891 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 896 349 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £128 pppn. Valet parking £35 pn. Dog £25 per stay | wikipedia=Grand Hotel and Spa (York) | image=York-Grand-Hotel-27th-June-2017.jpg | wikidata=Q30628746 | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Very luxurious Edwardian hotel from the golden age of the railway. There are numerous top catering options, a large conference room, and a spa, gymnasium and swimming pool which hark back to Roman ''Eboracum''. No on-site parking, but the concierge team can provide a meet-and-greet service at the station, chauffeur pick-ups and even a helicopter transfer! }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The Grange Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.grangehotel.co.uk/ | email=info@grangehotel.co.uk | address=1 Clifton, YO30 6AA | lat=53.9658 | long=-1.0911 | directions=Bus: 2 | phone=+44 1904 644 744 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From £89 pppn. Breakfast £15.95 pp. Parking £10 pn. Dog £20 including treats | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=In a Regency town house, it's gone for the country-house-chic look - all deep sofas, open fires and unobtrusive service. There are three restaurants ranging from a seafood bar, through contemporary cellar bar to the full-on French silver service. Not cheap, but deeply luxurious, and a real change from the standard pre-packaged international chain hotels. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The Judge's Lodging | alt= | url=http://www.judgeslodgingyork.co.uk | email=relax@judgeslodgingyork.co.uk | address=9 Lendal, YO1 8AQ | lat=53.9606 | long=-1.0853 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 638 733 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £135 pppn | wikidata=Q6302730 | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Upmarket place in Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse, with a collection of characterful and smartly-decorated rooms. On-site is a traditional cellar bar and restaurant. No parking. }} *{{listing | type=sleep | name=The Principal York | alt= | url=https://www.phcompany.com/principal/york-hotel | email= | address=Station Road, YO24 1AA | lat=53.958378 | long=-1.091604 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 653 681 | tollfree= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=From £100 pppn | wikidata=Q7761744 | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Email via [https://www.phcompany.com/principal/york-hotel/contact-us/ online contact form]. In a Victorian mansion right next to the railway station. Try for a higher floor to avoid noise from the street and function room. Good restaurant, but you pay a premium for the view of the Minster. Also has a bar, swimming pool and gym. }} ===Camping=== Unusually, York has an inner city campsite: [[Image:Rowntree Park, York (20035035135).jpg|thumb|300px|Tranquility in Rowntree Park]] * {{sleep | name=York Rowntree Park | alt=Caravan Club | url=https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-sites/england/yorkshire/north-yorkshire/york-rowntree-park-caravan-club-site/ | email= | address=Terry Avenue, YO23 1JQ | lat=53.9507 | long=-1.0797 | directions=Bus: 11, 26 | phone=+44 1904 658 997 | tollfree= | checkin=1PM | checkout= | price=Tariffs are seasonal: adults £8-£12 pppn, children £1-£3 pppn, extra charges for hardstanding with awning, tent pitch £6-£11 pn. CC members' discounts available | lastedit=2020-09-12 | content=Camp in the city! Next to both Rowntree Park and the River Ouse, this is mostly a site for caravans and motorhomes, though there are pitches for tents too. Washroom, laundry room, electricity and gas hook-ups, Wi-Fi. Disability friendly. Barbecues and dogs allowed. Non-members welcome. }} There are several campsites on the outskirts of York or in the near hinterland. The following three have been chosen for their locations just outside the city ring road and for their high ratings: * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Nurseries Caravan Park | alt= | url=https://nurseriescaravanpark.com/ | email=enquiries@nurseriescaravanpark.com | address=Askham Bryan Lane, YO23 3QY | lat=53.9365 | long=-1.1465 | directions={{mi|4}} south-west of city centre, off A1237 ring road and 1½ miles (2.4 km) from A64. Bus: 37 - infrequent | phone=+44 1904 797 427 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Tariffs are seasonal: 2 adults with car and power hookup £19-£21, £5/£3 per extra adult/child | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Pitches for tourers and tents in a 7 acre park. Heated washroom with hot showers, launderette, small shop for camping essentials. Dogs welcome on a lead. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=The Little Hide | alt=Adult-only glamping | url=https://thelittlehide.co.uk/ | email=relax@thelittlehide.co.uk | address=Willow House Caravan Park, Wigginton Road, YO32 2RH | lat=54.0027 | long=1.0922 | directions=On B1363, {{mi|3}} north of city, off A1237 ring road. Bus: 40 - hourly all day until 7PM | phone=+44 7713 194 299 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin=1PM | checkout=10AM | price=From £41 pn. Over 18s only, dogs welcome | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=Two-person wooden 'pod' cabins, three-person yurt. All units are heated and lit and have beds, sofa, table and chairs. Bring your own kitchen appliances, plates and cutlery, and a gas stove if you intend to cook. BBQs provided. On-site washing and laundry, café. }} * {{listing | type=sleep | name=Wagtail Park | alt= | url=http://wagtailpark.co.uk/ | email=enquiries@wagtailpark.co.uk | address=23 North Lane, YO32 9SU | lat=53.9988 | long=-1.0305 | directions={{mi|4}} north-east of city centre, off A1237 ring road. No public transport access | phone=+44 7970 643 777 (mobile) | tollfree= | checkin=1PM-8PM | checkout=noon | price=Tent, caravan or campervan pitch from £17 or from £20 with electricity hookup. Pods from £40 | lastedit=2019-09-28 | content=A quiet campsite on the edge of town; just pitch up with your vehicle, trailer or tent, or you can try one of the site's four 'pods', snug two-person cabins with heating and electricity. There's a fishing pond on site, but no facilities or activities specifically for children. Washroom with wet room showers. Dogs welcome. }} ==Stay safe== York is a safe city with no significant crime problem. It is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the whole UK, and high safety levels help to influence this. Unlike certain other European cities popular with tourists, visitors to York are not a particular target for scams and crimes. Terrorism is locally unheard of, though the nationwide threat level remains high. There are, however, some precautions worth taking. ===Nightlife=== Take care on weekend evenings in York. Plenty of local youngsters overestimate their capacity for alcohol and the city centre can seem to be awash with lager louts, mainly in the Micklegate area. If you are approached just keep on walking and they will find another victim to pester. Aim for Wikivoyage's recommended pubs, though, and you'll find that safe socialising in the company of affable locals is still possible! Try to avoid secluded cycle paths and ginnels (alleyways) at night as it is not unknown for robberies to take place in these parts, however this tends to be away from the main city centre. ===River safety=== Be careful near and on the River Ouse, as it is deep and cold, and the current is surprisingly strong. If you have been drinking, avoid going near the river altogether, especially at night. The bankside paths can be slippery and poorly lit, and if you do fall in, there may well be no-one around to help you out. Several people drown in the Ouse every year, and alcohol and darkness play a role in the majority of deaths. [[Image:Flooding in York - 20151227 13 08 40.jpg|thumb|300px|All of a sudden, that riverside B&B seems less attractive...]] ===Flooding=== In spite of elaborate defences, York floods pretty much every winter. All it takes is a few days of sustained rainfall somewhere upstream, and the houses and businesses nearest to the Ouse are submerged. There's about 30 miles of [[Yorkshire Dales|Pennine]] moors, from [[Harrogate]] to [[Richmond (Yorkshire)|Richmond]], where the pouring rain has only one way out. If it keeps raining, then 48 hours later the river at York is brimming; another day of rain and riverside properties start to become inundated. Aside from providing the press with a dependable annual news story, the only upside to York's frequent inundations is that locals know what to do. If you're caught in a flood, follow their lead. You can also access the city council's [https://www.york.gov.uk/floods flood advice portal]. While water damage to property is often serious, flood-related injuries and deaths are extremely rare. Follow the authorities' advice, and you'll be fine. ==Stay healthy== * {{listing | type=listing | name=York Hospital | alt= | url=https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-hospitals/-the-york-hospital/ | email= | address=Wigginton Road, YO31 8HE | lat=53.9705 | long=-1.0835 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 631 313, 999, 112 (emergency) | tollfree= | hours=24 hours. Visiting times 1PM-8PM | price= | wikipedia=York Hospital | wikidata=Q8055478 | lastedit=2019-09-29 | content=NHS hospital with accident and emergency facilities }} ===Late-night pharmacies=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Monkbar Pharmacy | alt= | url=https://www.monkbarpharmacy.co.uk/ | email=contact@monkbarpharmacy.co.uk | address=3 Goodramgate, YO1 7LJ | lat=53.9626 | long=-1.0784 | directions=By Monk Bar / Richard III Experience | phone=+44 1904 626 181 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 7:30AM-10:30PM, Su 8:30AM-6:30PM | price= | lastedit=2019-09-29 | content= }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=The Priory Pharmacy | alt= | url=https://thepriorypharmacy.co.uk/ | email= | address=Priory Medical Centre, Cornlands Road, YO24 3WX | lat=53.9492 | long=-1.1994 | directions=2⅓ miles (3.6 km) south-west of city in Acomb | phone=+44 1904 404 101 | tollfree= | hours=M-Sa 8AM-11PM, Su 10AM-8PM | price= | lastedit=2019-09-29 | content=Email via [https://thepriorypharmacy.co.uk/index.php/contact_us online contact form] }} ==Cope== ===Worship=== [[Image:The Shambles, York (8464).jpg|thumb|Timber-framed shops on the Shambles]] York has dozens of '''Christian''' churches, including of the [https://dioceseofyork.org.uk/ Anglican], [https://middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/parishes/ Catholic], [http://www.yorkbaptist.org.uk/ Baptist], [https://www.yorkmethodist.org.uk/ Methodist], [http://www.yorkquakers.org.uk/ Quaker], [https://www.trinitychurchyork.org.uk/ Presbyterian], [http://russianorthodoxyork.org.uk/en/ Russian Orthodox], and [https://www.facebook.com/yorkldschurch/ Latter Day Saints] denominations. '''Muslims''' can worship at the city's first and only [http://www.yorkmosque.com/ mosque] on Bull Lane (YO10 3EN). The Quaker meeting house on Friargate (YO1 9RL) also hosts York's '''[https://jewsinyork.org.uk/ Liberal Jewish]''' and '''[https://yorkbuddhistgroup.com/ Buddhist]''' communities. Adherents of other faiths and denominations will generally find their nearest place of worship to be in [[Leeds]]. ===Toilets=== There are numerous public toilets around York city centre. These are open daily 9AM-7PM and nearly all charge a fee of £0.40 <small>(July 2021)</small>; various coins are accepted but no change is given. Three handy locations include: * {{marker|type=cope|name=Castle Walk WC|lat=53.9567|long=-1.0794}}, 31 Castle Walk, YO1 9WT (''close to Clifford's Tower, Fairfax House, Jorvik, York Castle Museum'') * {{marker|type=cope|name=Silver Street WC|lat=53.9595|long=-1.0813}}, 32C Parliament Street, YO1 8RS (''centrally-positioned for most shopping and eating'') * {{marker|type=cope|name=St Leonard's Place WC|lat=53.9629|long=-1.0852}}, YO1 7HB (''next to Bootham Bar and close to the Minster and York Art Gallery'') Free public toilets are available in the railway station, on the first platform from the ticket office, right of the York Tap. ==Connect== === Phone === York's area code for landline numbers is 01904 when dialled from within the UK or +44 1904 from outside the UK. Calls made from landlines within York do not require the area code to connect. === Internet === Most of York is covered by the '''[https://www.york.gov.uk/info/20151/community_innovation/695/free_wi-fi_in_york CityConnect]''' free Wi-Fi service - see the website for a map of all the hotspots. Complete a brief online registration form, and you're good to go. Alternatively, if you don't have a device capable of connecting to the internet, or you need to get online on a desktop computer: *{{listing | name=York Explore Library | alt= | url=https://www.exploreyork.org.uk/ | email=york@exploreyork.org.uk | address=Library Square, Museum Street, YO1 7DS | lat=53.9614 | long=-1.0862 | directions= | phone=+44 1904 552 828 | tollfree= | hours=M-Th 9AM-8PM, F 10AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM | price= | wikipedia=York Library | image=York Library (15th July 2013) 002.JPG | wikidata=Q8055614 | lastedit=2021-03-19 | content=Ask at the enquiry desk - you'll see plenty of locals using the computers, but the staff can arrange web access for visitors too. Printing facilities are also available. '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Coronavirus</span>''' - reopens April. }} ==Go next== York is centrally located in [[Yorkshire]], making it a great base for days out in any direction. ===[[North Yorkshire#Vale of York|Vale of York]]=== [[Image:York Minster Evening (7177963603).jpg|thumb|300px|The Minster at sunset]] The Vale is a prosperous agricultural country sandwiched between the Pennines and the East Coast. Peppered with medieval monasteries, castles and stately homes, it also has a selection of attractive small towns: * [[Harrogate]] is the obvious next move from York, being an elegant Regency-era spa town {{mi|21}} west on the A59, or 33 min on the train, and home to the original Bettys Tea Rooms. Worth a stop on the way is [[Knaresborough]] (25 min on the train), to see the 12th century castle and visit a witch's lair. * [[Ripon (England)|Ripon]] is a village-sized city that still packs in an impressive Early English cathedral, the haunting ruins of Fountains Abbey, and a host of justice-themed museums. It's {{mi|25}} north-west via the A59 and A1 (M), or bus 22 takes an absurd <br> 1 hr 20 min. On the way, why not check out the Roman villa at [[Ripon (England)#Q17647743|Aldborough]]? * [[Selby]]'s 11th century abbey is worth the {{mi|14}} journey south on the A19, or 20-30 min on the train. * [[Tadcaster]] is a brewery town noted for its Sam Smiths beers {{mi|10}} south-west on the A64, or 25 min on buses 840, 843, or 845. * [[Thirsk]] is a small market town {{mi|23}} north on the A19, or 15-20 min on the train, with a museum dedicated to the vet James Herriot. ===Further afield=== * [[Kingston upon Hull|Hull]] is a major East Coast seaport in the midst of long-awaited urban renaissance, having successfully reinvented itself from a synonym for dull into the UK's 2017 City of Culture. It's {{mi|41}} south-east via the A1079 and A63, or 1 hr 5 min by train. * [[Leeds]] is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Yorkshire, known for its palatial shopping arcades and fantastic for clubbing, drinking and dining. It's {{mi|25}} south-west on the A64, or 25 min by train. * Rural Yorkshire's apotheosis, the [[Yorkshire Dales|Dales National Park]], sits west of Harrogate. Drive as far as [[Skipton#Q891638|Bolton Abbey]] on the A59, then up the Wharfedale road into the heart of the park: the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct, Yorkshire's Three Peaks, cheese town [[Hawes]], and bucolic Swaledale await. Access via public transport is easiest in summer, as there are some [https://www.dalesbus.org/york.html seasonal bus routes]. Journeys at other times of the year will likely take you via Leeds, but you can equally get a bus up Nidderdale from Harrogate; see [[Yorkshire Dales#Get in]] for details. * The heather expanses of the [[North York Moors|North York Moors National Park]] stretch north of [[Pickering]] ({{mi|26}}, best accessed by the A64, turning off near [[Malton (England)|Malton]]). The National Trust property [[Malton (England)|Nunnington Hall]], English Heritage ruin [[Helmsley|Rievaulx Abbey]] and baroque magnificence of [[North York Moors#Q1049514|Castle Howard]] are within the park. Coastliner bus 840 runs from York through the moors. * [[Bridlington]] (via the A166), [[Filey]] (via the A64) and [[Scarborough]] (via the A64) are all Victorian seaside resorts, and all {{mi|41}} from York, via different routes. The scenic coast road north of Scarborough leads past little coves and windswept moors to [[Whitby]], where you can contemplate Count Dracula, while eating possibly the best fish and chips in the world. The train from York to Scarborough takes 55 min, and you can then catch onward trains or buses to the other destinations mentioned here See the main [[Yorkshire]] article for many more ideas. {{routebox | image1=UK road A19.svg | imagesize1=40 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Middlesbrough]] | minorl1=[[Thirsk]] | directionr1=S | minorr1=[[Selby]] | majorr1=[[Doncaster]] | image2=UK road A59.svg | imagesize2=40 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Yorkshire Dales]] ← [[Harrogate]] | minorl2=[[Knaresborough]] ← [[Image:UK-Motorway-A1 (M).svg|40px]] (North) | directionr2=E | minorr2= | majorr2=END | image3=UK road A64.svg | imagesize3=40 | directionl3=SW | majorl3=[[Leeds]] | minorl3=[[Image:UK-Motorway-A1 (M).svg|40px]] (South) ← [[Tadcaster]] | directionr3=NE | minorr3=[[Malton (England)|Malton]] | majorr3=[[Scarborough]]/[[North York Moors]] | image4=UK road A166.svg | imagesize4=40 | directionl4=W | majorl4=END | minorl4= | directionr4=E | minorr4=Driffield | majorr4=[[Bridlington]] | image5=UK road A1079.svg | imagesize5=40 | directionl5=NW | majorl5=END | minorl5= | directionr5=SE | minorr5=[[Pocklington]] | majorr5=[[Kingston-upon-Hull]] }} {{IsPartOf|North_Yorkshire}} {{geo|53.9626|-1.0776}} {{starcity}} 4p5srifady3jbbfmo8hl35f5rxbhs4b 0 40458 4487770 4481056 2022-07-21T14:42:32Z Vidimian 1815 /* Understand */ + dry dung fuel - thematically relevant, so i felt like had to be mentioned somewhere wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Zonguldak banner.jpg}} '''Zonguldak''' is a port on the Black Sea in the [[Western Karadeniz]] Region of Turkey. It's a grubby industrial place, mining and exporting coal, with a population of 103,417 in 2020. == Understand == [[File:Zonguldak 9.jpg | thumb | 300px | The concrete towers ]] Turkey has little coal, oil or gas of its own, and its villages traditionally dwelt in a fug of wood-smoke — or of dry dung fumes when all else failed, which was often the case in the arid, tree-scarce interior. Its reserves were mostly lignite, "brown coal", poor polluting stuff, but in the mid 19th century "hard coal" was discovered in the Zonguldak region. This is what you need to make coke, for steel and glass furnaces, and it could also power the engines of the Ottoman navy. Zonguldak burgeoned into a dusty grubby port, exporting the coal across the Black Sea to mostly domestic markets. (One suggestion for the origin of its name is "Zone Geul-Dagh", a French garbling of ''Göldağı'' the mountain above.) The city also made cement and steel. And it manufactured lung disease in industrial quantities, since the natural response of a miner or foundry worker released from his shift into the fresh air is to smoke furiously. Self-sufficiency trumped environmental concerns throughout the 20th century, but the coalfield is nearing the end of its life, and is of inferior quality to imports. Zonguldak is thus degenerating into a post-industrial brownfield landscape of conveyors, hoppers and railway tracks. You can easily get away into the lush mountains, but it will help if you have an abiding interest in the late-stage coal industry. == Get in == {{mapframe | 41.450 | 31.790 | height=500 | width=550 | zoom=13 }} Buses from Istanbul run every hour or two and take 7 hours (350 TL); from Ankara they take 4 hours. Operators are [https://www.pamukkale.com.tr/ Pamukkale], [https://www.metroturizm.com.tr/ Metro Turizm] and Flixbus. {{marker | name=Otogar | type=go | lat=41.4534 | long=31.7764 }} the main bus station is by the port. Ferries to this and other Black Sea ports no longer sail. Zonguldak remains cut off from the national railway network. The north part of the line was restored in 2021, and a regional train trundles four times a day from Karabük, taking 3 hours via Gökçebey, Çaycuma and thirty other little places you've never heard of. Another four trains run part-route on the Gökçebey-Zonguldak section. The south part from Ankara to Karabük might resume once the high-speed railway works around Irmak are complete, who knows. '''The''' {{marker | name=railway station | type=go | lat=41.4471 | long=31.7932 }} is 500 m south of town centre. Zonguldak Çaycuma Airport ({{IATA|ONQ}}) 30 km east has no scheduled passenger flights. == Get around == ''Dolmuş''es ply the coast road east to Kilimli and west to Kozlu. The inland streets are steep, with flights of steps on the side-walks. Alleys following the contour are often rooftops of the houses in the alley below. == See == * '''Harbour breakwater''' has nice views of town and along the rugged coast. * '''Old Mosque''' (''Ulu Cami'') of 1901 and '''New Mosque''' (''Yeni Cami'') of 1948 are east bank of the creek just above the harbour. * {{marker | name=Three concrete towers | type=see | lat=41.4522 | long=31.7836 }} on a brownfield site are all that remains of what was once a busy coal-handling complex. Not pretty, but real history generally isn't. * '''Uzun Mehmet Mosque''', opened in 2021, is the grand building facing the bus station across the coast highway. * {{marker | name=Varagele Tunnel | type=see | lat=41.4654 | long=31.7888 }} was built to transport coal but has been turned into an atmospheric pedestrian tunnel. It's sometimes trash-strewn. [[File:Zonguldak coal miners of Zonguldak 7880.jpg | thumb | 300px | Monument to the coal miners of Zonguldak ]] * {{see | name=Mining Museum | alt= | url=https://zonguldak.ktb.gov.tr/TR-186810/zonguldak-maden-muzesi.html | email= | address=Dağyolu Sk | lat=41.4475 | long=31.8146 | directions= | phone=+90 372 230 0333 | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 09:00-17:30 | price=Free | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content=Interesting museum of the area's mining history. You descend from the exhibition area into the seam. }} * {{see | name=Karaelmas Mine Martyrs Museum | alt=Karaelmas Maden Şehitleri Müzesi | url= | email= | address=Poyraz Sk 3 | lat=41.4557 | long=31.8248 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Su 09:00-17:00 | price=Free | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content=Another take on mining history. }} * {{marker | name=[http://www.zonguldakozelidare.gov.tr/gokgol-magarasi-tanitim Gökgöl Caves] | type=see | lat=41.4408 | long=31.8332 }} are decorated show caves, open Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, 15 TL. * {{marker | name=Harmankaya waterfalls | type=see | lat=41.4070 | long=31.8388 }} have six main and four minor cascades, best viewed after rainfall. == Do == * '''Football:''' Zonguldak Kömürspor play soccer in TFF Second League, the country's third tier. Their home ground Kemal Köksal Stadium (capacity 13,800) is 500 m east of the harbour. * '''Emka Aqua Park''' and Macera Adası funfair are on Kozlu beach 4 km west of city centre. == Buy == [[File:Zonguldak harbour area 7909.jpg | thumb | 300px | Wharf for exporting coal ]] * Lots of supermarkets, the main chains are Migros, Akbal and Şok. * Banks and ATMs are around the old and new mosques near the harbour. == Eat == * Harbour area has [https://meydanlokantas-restaurant.business.site/ Meydan], Berat Cafe, Ocak Basi Durumcusu, TTK Memurla, Kilise, Fener, Yaman and Üst Cemiyet. == Drink == * Harbour area has Merhaba, Deniz Klubu and [http://www.pergoleimalatcisi.com/ Pergole] micro-brewery. == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Staron Otel | alt= | url=https://www.staronotel.com/ | email= | address=Acılık Cd 27 | lat= | long= | directions=200 m north of railway station | phone=+90 372 252 1616 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double 500 TL | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content=Clean comfy place, central. }} * {{sleep | name=Mer Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Uzun Mehmet Cd 5 | lat= | long= | directions=by harbour | phone=+90 372 252 3067 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double 450 TL | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content=Simple but comfy mid-town hotel. }} * {{sleep | name=Dedeman | alt= | url=https://www.dedeman.com/7-Oteller/286-Dedeman-Zonguldak/ | email= | address=Milli Egemenlik Cd 128 | lat=41.4548 | long=31.7641 | directions= | phone=+90 372 291 0000 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=B&B double 1200 TL | lastedit=2022-07-07 | content=Great slab of a chain hotel by the university, well-run. }} == Connect == Zonguldak and its approach highways have 4G from all Turkish carriers. As of July 2022, 5G has not rolled out in Turkey. == Go next == * [[Akçakoca]] is a seaside resort one hour bus ride away from Zonguldak in the west. * [[Safranbolu]] is a nearby town inland to southeast, noted for its preserved traditional architecture and is in the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. * [[Amasra]] is a historical town on the Black Sea coast to the east. {{routebox | image1=D010-TR.svg | imagesize1=35 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END at [[File:D650-TR.svg|35px]] ([[Osmaneli|S]]) | minorl1='''[[Akçakoca]]''' | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Samsun]] | minorr1=[[Amasra]] | image2=D750-TR.svg | imagesize2=35 | directionl2=N | majorl2=END at [[File:D010-TR.svg|35px]] | minorl2= | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Ankara]] | minorr2=Junction [[File:D030-TR.svg|35px]] ([[Safranbolu|E]]) → Junction [[File:E80-TR.svg|35px]] ([[Bolu|W]] / [[Amasya|E]]) }} {{geo|41.4500|31.7833}} {{IsPartOf|Western_Karadeniz}} {{usablecity}} ejtvf8c1d7eexn08y757424olr1u4ie 1 41508 4488191 4481491 2022-07-22T10:43:36Z SHB2000 2248002 /* A few minor adjustments to the districts */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki ''see also:'' [[Talk:Canberra/Archive]] ==Suggestions to add== Hi I would like to add a couple of things, but I don't know the details of them so if someone comes along and knows them can you consider these suggestions:<br><br> - If you have a care or are are able to hire one, there is a really beautiful scenic drive below tuggeranong and out to where the observatory and the dam. The bushfires of a couple of years ago have dramatically altered the landscape but it's still really beautiful.<br> - You could also go swimming in the local swimming spots such as Pine Island (South East) of Tuggeranong Mall or Kambah Pool which is to the left of the suburb Kambah. They are both really lovely places to swim and Kambah Pool has nice picnic areas and a nudist beach (or so legend has it). Both of these swimming places are in the river (don't know what name)<br> - Also the town Tharwa is nice and if you drive down, you could go to Lanyon homestead.<br> - I don't know if it still exists after the fires, but there used to be a wonderful animal sanctuary in Tuggeranong on the way to the observatory. When we went, there were a lot of kangaroos by the road and we saw an emu as well.<br> - I also know it's possible to hike up some of the mountains in the ACT, but I don't know the details.<br> - The botanic garden are also lovely. - I would just like to thank the person who typed the fact each greyhound leg must be booked seperatly to obtain a discount. You've saved me about $16. thankyou I'm not sure about the nudist beach to be honest, but it certainly wouldn't be at Kambah Pool, which isn't in the river (the Molonglo, I believe). Pine Island is most certainly beautiful, yeah, I'd love to get some photos down there to put in this article. It's one of those "local treasures" that isn't really advertised anywhere. Being a resident of Queanbeyan/Canberra, I look forward to including some information about this myself, as it's one of my favourite places in the whole world for sanctuary. The "animal sanctuary" referred to is the National Zoo & Aquarium and most certainly still exists :) The ACT is perfect for hikers, I believe. There are several mountains to choose from, each offering their own unique experience (haha I sound like a brochure...), and none of them are particularly intensive - they're all very gradual inclines. I'd personally recommend Mt. Stromlo (North Canberra/Inner North), Mt. Ainslie (North Canberra/Inner North), Mt. Rogers (Belconnen), Mt. Taylor (Tuggeranong) and Red Hill (Woden Valley). There's also a great mountain bike trail in the pine plantation near the airport, I'll have to get more details on that. Also, I'm pretty sure you don't need permits or anything like that to hike up the aforementioned peaks. You just do it :). Peace & Love :) [[User:Psychonavigation|Psychonavigation]] ([[User talk:Psychonavigation|talk]]) 01:45, 16 January 2013 (UTC) Kambah Pool ( Right turn at the round a bout junction) Carpark at bottom of Rock pool is in fact a sanctioned Nude Beach. Follow concrete path (past toilet block) you will see the sign declaring the 'Nude Bathing'. Kambah Pool in Tuggeranong on the Murrumbidgee River indeed does have a nude bathing area, I've been there on a bushwalk. It's very pretty and has excellent hiking trails and swimming. I'll get around to finding a photo (obviously not of the nude people!) and updating that part of the page. [[User:ChristiesChicken|ChristiesChicken]] ([[User talk:ChristiesChicken|talk]]) 05:24, 5 March 2017 (UTC) ==Hotel photos== Hi, everyone. Are those buildings particularly notable, such that they would be exceptions to our [[Wikivoyage:Image policy|image policy]] regarding business photos? I doubt it, as Rydges looks fairly typical of the boxy style of modern hotel architecture to me, and the Hyatt photo is possibly even less interesting. Am I missing something? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:41, 11 February 2013 (UTC) :I added those photos, not being aware that they contravened policy - sorry about that. The Rydges is unremarkable (it's main claim to fame is that it's really ugly! - it looks even worse on the inside, believe it or not), but the Hyatt is Canberra's oldest (I think) and most posh hotel. That photo could go as well though. Regards, [[User:Nick-D|Nick-D]] ([[User talk:Nick-D|talk]]) 08:01, 11 February 2013 (UTC) ::Well, if a photo that showed how posh the Hyatt is could be found, it might be justifiable to put that photo up, with the remark that it's Canberra's oldest and poshest hotel, but how old is it, actually? If you don't mind, it seems like it might be best for both photos to be deleted. Don't feel bad about putting them up, though. :-) Best, [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:15, 11 February 2013 (UTC) ::: It is historic, as it was built at the same time as the capital as the first residence for the politicians coming to Canberra. It is a fine place for afternoon tea and a look around, but the photo doesn't show off that aspect of it. --[[User:Inas|Inas]] ([[User talk:Inas|talk]]) 08:32, 11 February 2013 (UTC) ::::Sounds like a good target for a photo hunt or new photo. We can leave the current photo up for the time being, but it should be thought of as a placeholder, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:50, 11 February 2013 (UTC) :::::I agree completely. There's a history of the hotel [http://www.library.act.gov.au/find/history/frequentlyaskedquestions/Place_Stories/hotelcanberra here] which may be of interest - it's about 90 years old in a city which is currently celebrating its centenary. [[User:Nick-D|Nick-D]] ([[User talk:Nick-D|talk]]) 10:52, 11 February 2013 (UTC) :::::::Maybe put that historic comment above as a photo caption? Hi everyone. Hotel Canberra, in its current guise the 'Hyatt Canberra', is indeed historic and a well-known landmark in Canberra. Along with the Brassy Hotel and the Hotel Kurrajong, it was built in the early days of Canberra for the purpose of housing early politicians and public servants to the fledgling city. An Australian Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, died in the hotel Kurrajong and all three hotels have a lot of political history that Australians may find interesting. I agree that that information could probably be placed with the hotel listings themselves [[User:ChristiesChicken|ChristiesChicken]] ([[User talk:ChristiesChicken|talk]]) 05:24, 5 March 2017 (UTC) ==Small edits to the history part of "understand"== Hi, I'm very familiar with this city. I made a few small edits to the 'Understand' section to replace some factually incorrect information. Melbourne has never been the capital of Australia, but a number of national institutions were housed there while Canberra was being established. Canberra was in fact established by the signing of the Australian constitution into UK law in 1901, not in 1912 when the city was founded. There is a whole section of the Constitution dedicated to it with specific references to the distances between Sydney and Melbourne. That information is still in the Australian constitution. Perhaps more controversially, I also made a wee change to the end of that sentence to reflect something that was mentioned above in this talk page, that Canberra remains something of a controversial city. Just look above under 'why', and also in the Wikipedia talk page for Canberra, or speak to the nearest Australian, for evidence of this. This is something that I think is important for understanding Canberra at a city, but that should not overshadow the fact that its actually a really beautiful city with undeniably important and interesting national institutions like Parliament House and the National War Memorial. I think that the first few lines at the top of the page, which mention that, mean that that kind of overshadowing doesn't occur. [[User:ChristiesChicken|ChristiesChicken]] ([[User talk:ChristiesChicken|talk]]) 05:24, 5 March 2017 (UTC) : Thanks [[User:ChristiesChicken|ChristiesChicken]], there are also some Australian residents who are frequent WV contributors as well. --[[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:29, 5 March 2017 (UTC) == Needs a table of contents == This page needs a table of contents template at the top. <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:‎99.190.132.77|‎99.190.132.77]] ([[User_talk:‎99.190.132.77|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/‎99.190.132.77|contribs]]) 17:26, 12 December 2017</small> * No it does not. Would you kindly consult [[Wikivoyage:Manual_of_style]] and get acquainted with the fact that, in this Wiki, "tables of contents" are hardly used. Thanks for the attention [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 17:33, 12 December 2017 (UTC) ::And, as with all other Wikivoyage articles, there ''is'' a table of contents anyway, at the bottom of the banner (the rectangular image at the very top of the page) — try moving your cursor around over "Understand", "Get in", "Get around", "See", etc, on that line. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 23:30, 12 December 2017 (UTC) == Putting the Tram on the map == The Wikipedia article on [[w:Trams in Canberra]] has what appears to me to be a properly geocoded map of the first line. I think it would serve the traveler to put this line onto the map like we do with other urban rail systems. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 08:13, 4 May 2020 (UTC) :Makes sense. I don't think anyone would disagree with you.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:28, 4 May 2020 (UTC) ::Can someone who knows the necessary coding do the honors? Oh and we might also wish to include it in the rint template... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 08:33, 4 May 2020 (UTC) :::The tram still doesn't show up :-( [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 11:47, 7 June 2020 (UTC) == "Town Centre?" infobox == I'm not sure whether it should be included. I was in Canberra last week and it didn't really confuse me ''that'' much. Instead, I was much more confused on the inconsistencies with "City", "City centre", "CBD", and "Civic", not to say that nearly every sign in Canberra is half-torn and is barely legible and are confusing for the most part. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:41, 23 December 2021 (UTC) == Time for districts == {{User:SHB2000/Can map}}{{User:SHB2000/Canberra CBD proposed districts}} Canberra has gotten quite long and so I think it is time to districtify Canberra. I made a proposed map in [[User:SHB2000/Can map|my userspace]] on how the districts would work, but a map of the districts can be seen on the right. Does that look good, or should some of them be merged? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:34, 5 February 2022 (UTC) :In particular, I should say that I'll be using an acronym in Western Country ACT because no-one calls it Country Australian Capital Territory. Do many people outside Australia know what ACT stands for? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:17, 6 February 2022 (UTC) ::What I also didn't mention earlier is that Canberra Central would be divided by six. I've added a map for illustration. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:52, 6 February 2022 (UTC) :::No, I don't think many people outside Australia, or certainly in the U.S., know what the ACT is. But I think it's OK to use "Western Country ACT" instead of "Western Country Australian Capital Territory," for brevity. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:48, 6 February 2022 (UTC) ::::Okay sure. Thanks for the clarification. ::::On top of that, I think my proposed South Canberra might get very long and it too will eventually have to be divided, but we can follow the official boundaries (listed on [[User:SHB2000/Canberra CBD map]]). The only issue with that is that Capital Hill doesn't fit anywhere into those six (because of the nice layout of the city), and as far as I'm aware, we never have articles for just a parliament house as it fails [[wv:wiaa]] but this could be an exception, but I'll raise this in the travelers pub. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:30, 7 February 2022 (UTC) :::::I think for now, I'll leave S Canberra as it is as proposed, but it can always be split up later. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:33, 11 February 2022 (UTC) ::::::But for now, I have a quick district progress guide [[User:SHB2000/CBN articles|here]] in my userspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:27, 11 February 2022 (UTC) ::::::After a further look, it seems the three districts just southwest of Canberra Central don't have much in them. Should they be merged? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:30, 11 February 2022 (UTC) ===Merger=== It seems the three small districts just west of Canberra Central only have four see listings altogether. I merged them, so it serves the [[ttcf|traveler]]. Hope noone minds. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 13 February 2022 (UTC) :It seems that I was a terrible planner, and overestimated the number of listings there would be for each district. However, I'd like to do the following: :* Merge Belconnen and Gungahlin together. :* Merge Fyshwick into Canberra. A single wetland does not get its own article :* Merge Tuggeranong and surrounds along with Western Country ACT and make call it Tuggeranong and Country ACT :* Merge Campbell and North Canberra together. :If they do ever turn out to be very very long, we can split them up from there, but right now I think my planning was terrible and too many districts doesn't exactly serve the traveler. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:58, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::Done, and one more final merger – I propose to merge Eastern Canberra as there are no points of interests apart from a business park and a hotel. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:57, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===Districts complete=== Although some of the districts are still only at usable, I've finished all the districts and most are either at informative, or guide. I'll be reforming this page in the next few days to move them out, and then try and get our first complete southern hemisphere city with all districts at guide status. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:18, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :As I've finished, I'll be moving the districts out of my userspace in the next hour – this page will need a bit of a cleanup, but I am currently on that. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) == Small adjustments to districts – breadcrumbing Namadgi National Park under Tuggeranong and Country ACT instead of Canberra == I decided to make a better dynamic map given we don't have many users who can make a static map, and one problem I've always thought was dealing with [[Canberra/Namadgi National Park]]. It's entirely within Country ACT, and it does require you to drive a little, and it is not really a district (hence its categorization). However, now I'm thinking Namadgi National Park might be better off being breadcrumbed under [[Canberra/Tuggeranong and Country ACT]], as the park IS in Country ACT, it may be more beneficial to recategorize it somewhat like the categorization of [[Taman Mini Indonesia Indah]]. Other thoughts? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:00, 31 May 2022 (UTC) :Done. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:57, 5 June 2022 (UTC) == A few minor adjustments to the districts == {{User:SHB2000/CD}} I was wondering whether including the District of Stromlo under [[Canberra/Weston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden]] instead of [[Canberra/Tuggeranong and Country ACT]]. Some new housing recent developments have extended into the District of Stromlo to the point where the residential part of it is interwined with Weston Creek. While the MTB park and the observatory used to be in Country ACT, these are at the brink of becoming a part of the urban Canberra; some may even say that the MTB park has already become a part of Weston Another adjustment that I was thinking of making was having a new [[Canberra/Airport and East]] district. Some travellers do like to stay near airports and this would narrow down the scope of the already very large [[Canberra/Tuggeranong and Country ACT]]. Other comments? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:36, 10 July 2022 (UTC) :A map of the new proposed districts [[User:SHB2000/CD3|here]]. Took six failed attempts but finally got it done. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:25, 12 July 2022 (UTC) ::If there are no objections by tomorrow, I'll move out [[User:SHB2000/Airport and East]] and adjust the various maps. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:43, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 9q2es2u8wjk32dta9llxw8mzibsi8t8 1 41767 4487809 4475081 2022-07-21T16:06:04Z The dog2 35982 /* Superpower? */ new section wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, south Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) e6red641decjl5ajact9d7ca1batif6 4487810 4487809 2022-07-21T16:10:17Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, south Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not user the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) 2o5shc2g7bok11c40ed90pq7o48jtaj 4487811 4487810 2022-07-21T16:13:06Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Who are Lao wai? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, south Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not user the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) qap12gk3znrgj1v7t9vb8sbt3l20jmb 4487812 4487811 2022-07-21T16:13:54Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, south Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not user the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not an authority on geopolitics. There is no benefit to travellers of this discussion. Anyone who learn about global geopolitics from a travel guide is getting a bad education. Please stop wasting time on political discussions. There is no need to change the text at all. Let's focus on what Wikivoyage is good at: providing travel information. That is Wikivoyage's prupose. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) 4rldie38p93nosyluj9hdz3e8mpnk1y 4487813 4487812 2022-07-21T16:17:44Z The dog2 35982 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, south Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not user the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not an authority on geopolitics. There is no benefit to travellers of this discussion. Anyone who learn about global geopolitics from a travel guide is getting a bad education. Please stop wasting time on political discussions. There is no need to change the text at all. Let's focus on what Wikivoyage is good at: providing travel information. That is Wikivoyage's prupose. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::The lede right now called China a "superpower". The point I'm getting at is is, when it comes to the United States, there is no debate on whether or not it is a superpower; it is almost universally recognised as such. On the other hand, whether or not China can be considered a superpower is debatable, so I suggest using the term "major world power" instead of "superpower" since that would be a term that is accurate and uncontroversial. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) l41dfin49mcto68b6lt9m8l2pvo5k04 4487814 4487813 2022-07-21T16:21:29Z The dog2 35982 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, south Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not user the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not an authority on geopolitics. There is no benefit to travellers of this discussion. Anyone who learn about global geopolitics from a travel guide is getting a bad education. Please stop wasting time on political discussions. There is no need to change the text at all. Let's focus on what Wikivoyage is good at: providing travel information. That is Wikivoyage's prupose. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::The lede right now calls China a "superpower". The point I'm getting at is is, when it comes to the United States, there is no debate on whether or not it is a superpower; it is almost universally recognised as such. On the other hand, whether or not China can be considered a superpower is debatable, so I suggest using the term "major world power" instead of "superpower" since that would be a term that is accurate and uncontroversial. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) jumcqrklqto57ml4gwqaw2v9tgps8sf 4487815 4487814 2022-07-21T16:21:46Z The dog2 35982 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, south Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not user the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not an authority on geopolitics. There is no benefit to travellers of this discussion. Anyone who learn about global geopolitics from a travel guide is getting a bad education. Please stop wasting time on political discussions. There is no need to change the text at all. Let's focus on what Wikivoyage is good at: providing travel information. That is Wikivoyage's prupose. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::The lede right now calls China a "superpower". The point I'm getting at is is, when it comes to the United States, there is no debate on whether or not it is a superpower; it is almost universally recognised as such. On the other hand, whether or not China can be considered a superpower right now is debatable, so I suggest using the term "major world power" instead of "superpower" since that would be a term that is accurate and uncontroversial. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) gzut7gtoon7ptj65rr43sjae8wk1s3n 4487816 4487815 2022-07-21T16:22:38Z The dog2 35982 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not user the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not an authority on geopolitics. There is no benefit to travellers of this discussion. Anyone who learn about global geopolitics from a travel guide is getting a bad education. Please stop wasting time on political discussions. There is no need to change the text at all. Let's focus on what Wikivoyage is good at: providing travel information. That is Wikivoyage's prupose. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::The lede right now calls China a "superpower". The point I'm getting at is is, when it comes to the United States, there is no debate on whether or not it is a superpower; it is almost universally recognised as such. On the other hand, whether or not China can be considered a superpower right now is debatable, so I suggest using the term "major world power" instead of "superpower" since that would be a term that is accurate and uncontroversial. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) qibcfdrktvq8n0d3312q21ygp5o5gcs 4487828 4487816 2022-07-21T17:06:04Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not user the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not an authority on geopolitics. There is no benefit to travellers of this discussion. Anyone who learn about global geopolitics from a travel guide is getting a bad education. Please stop wasting time on political discussions. There is no need to change the text at all. Let's focus on what Wikivoyage is good at: providing travel information. That is Wikivoyage's prupose. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::The lede right now calls China a "superpower". The point I'm getting at is is, when it comes to the United States, there is no debate on whether or not it is a superpower; it is almost universally recognised as such. On the other hand, whether or not China can be considered a superpower right now is debatable, so I suggest using the term "major world power" instead of "superpower" since that would be a term that is accurate and uncontroversial. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::I've deleted the reference so that we can avoid debating it. It is not a necessary part of our travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:05, 21 July 2022 (UTC) maorntaj6d1m88zhdorjcm6og3ty609 4487865 4487828 2022-07-21T18:08:57Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not use the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not an authority on geopolitics. There is no benefit to travellers of this discussion. Anyone who learn about global geopolitics from a travel guide is getting a bad education. Please stop wasting time on political discussions. There is no need to change the text at all. Let's focus on what Wikivoyage is good at: providing travel information. That is Wikivoyage's prupose. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::The lede right now calls China a "superpower". The point I'm getting at is is, when it comes to the United States, there is no debate on whether or not it is a superpower; it is almost universally recognised as such. On the other hand, whether or not China can be considered a superpower right now is debatable, so I suggest using the term "major world power" instead of "superpower" since that would be a term that is accurate and uncontroversial. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::I've deleted the reference so that we can avoid debating it. It is not a necessary part of our travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:05, 21 July 2022 (UTC) a1uzl559fdqotaoxclmnwrhahqzzfy9 4487980 4487865 2022-07-21T21:11:16Z The dog2 35982 /* Superpower? */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|* [[Talk:China/Archive 2003-2012]] * [[Talk:China/Archive 2013-2018]] }} {{infobox|Formatting and language conventions|For articles about China, please use the '''[[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats|24-hour clock]]''' to show times, e.g. 09:00-12:00 and 18:00-00:00. Please show [[Wikivoyage:Currency|prices]] in this format: '''¥100''', and not not RMB 100, 100 yuan or 100元. Please use [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|American spelling]]. }} == General section on retaliatory actions and/or or arbitrrary law enforcement? == The current problems Canadians have are clearly retaliation for the arrest of the Huawei exec, but there are other examples of retaliatory or arbitrary actions: * Americans pay more for Chinese visas than other countries & are fingerprinted in at least some cases, because Chinese pay more for a US visa & are fingerprinted * After Nigeria extended diplomatic recognition to Taiwan, Chinese visas were no longer issued to Nigerians in Hong Kong or Macau; Nigerians were told to go home to get a visa * One reason Hong Kong men swarm to Shenzhen (and I saw some in Zhuhai too) is that whores are much cheaper there. Some anti-Beijing Hong Kong politicians have been arrested for this when almost nobody else ever is. Is there anything general & useful that we could say about this? I think there is a real difference in the role of law in Chinese vs Western societies, but am not sure what a travel guide might usefully say about it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Reciprocal visa fees are common around the world, certainly not just in China. Other kinds of visa restrictions for political reasons are certainly not unheard of internationally either – remember the spat between Turkey and the US a year or two ago? I don't think there's anything China-specific about either of those. :As for arresting anti-Beijing politicians, this type of risk is mentioned implicitly in "Respect" but maybe it would be worth saying something more specific about it. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:08, 26 February 2019 (UTC) :Maybe I'm missing the forest for the trees. Still, I'm struggling to figure out what the difference you're trying to illustrate is, unless it's just the difference between more democratic and less democratic countries. I'm going to bed soon—maybe after I sleep on it I'll have a better idea what you mean. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:43, 26 February 2019 (UTC) == China regionalization tweaking == {{swept}} Please look at [[Talk:China#Southwest China region]] and express your opinion about some proposed changes to the regional groupings of provinces in the country. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:48, 13 March 2019 (UTC) :The changes were agreed to, but now, we need someone to change the static maps for [[China]], [[East China]], [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China), [[Southwest China]] and [[South-central China]]. The changes needed: (1) [[Guangxi]] was moved from [[Southwest China]] to [[South China]] (formerly Southeast China); (2) [[Fujian]] was moved from the former Southeast China (now [[South China]]) to [[East China]]; (3) [[Sichuan]] and [[Chongqing]] were moved from [[South-central China]] to [[Southwest China]]. Anyone who would like to take on this important task would be much appreciated! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 16 March 2019 (UTC) == Golden Age == While of course there will be some disagreement on this, from personal experience, I think it is safe to say that most Chinese regard the Han and Tang Dynasties the most highly among all the Chinese imperial dynasties. There is of course some basis to consider these the golden ages, since the Chinese military was strong, the arts and sciences flourished within Chinese society, and there were thriving trade routes between China and other civilisations. Of course, that may well be just my perception, so if anybody disagrees on this, please say so and why you would disagree with calling these the golden ages. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:29, 10 May 2019 (UTC) : I'd say this is fair and matches what I have been told by Chinese people. Thanks for seeking consensus. [[User:ARR8|ARR8]] ([[User talk:ARR8|{{int:Talkpagelinktext}}]] | [[Special:Contributions/ARR8|{{int:Contribslink}}]]) 19:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) ::No disagreement from me, either. In particular, Tang Dynasty art is pretty universally considered the pinnacle of Chinese art. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:33, 10 May 2019 (UTC) == Trimming this article to make it more usable == This article is now about 305,000 bytes, up by 3,000 from the beginning of the year. It is the second-longest country page after Japan. Long articles are more difficult for readers to navigate, and often get that way because information is added that would be more appropriate to a regional or city article, or in a topic article? Is there any interest is working together to give the reader a more concise introduction to China by removing excessive verbosity, and moving details to other destination and topic articles? Here are some suggestions to illustrate what I am proposing: #<s> [[China#Vietnam]] section has specific details on where to get buses and trains from Hanoi and other cities. It should only identify the availability, and the people find the details in the corresponding city articles.</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#By train]] has a great deal of detail that could be moved into a [[Rail travel in China]] article combined with [[High-speed rail in China]].</s> Done. ✔ #<s>[[China#Massage]] -- move the phrase book for massages to [[Chinese phrasebook]]</s> Done. ✔ # <s>[[China#Shopping]] is very, very long (several times longer than Eat, which is surely a more important travel experience for people going to China -- ''mon dieu'' the food is so good!), and could be branched off into its own article linked from this one.</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:09, 19 May 2019 (UTC) {{ping|Ground Zero}} i agree with you... this certainly doesnt work as an article. In fact this page has a very large scroll, that it would go on about 4 papers. That isn’t easy to take around when travelling.... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:17, 20 May 2019 (UTC) i would say move the by rail section like you mentioned and try and trim the vietnam section or move it into the vietnam article. Definitely move the massage language part into the phrase book and make a section there... id ont think its worth to be in the main article.[[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:20, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :I agree with these four suggestions. For rail information, keep in mind that we have an article on [[High-speed rail in China]]—maybe it would be best to combine that with most of the rail information in this article to create one comprehensive article on rail travel in China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:41, 21 May 2019 (UTC) ::I think we should look at [[Rail travel in Japan]] for an example. It is very well-written with comprehensive information on both high-speed and conventional rail lines. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:13, 28 May 2019 (UTC) {{Ping|Mx. Granger}} Couldn't agree more... [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 15:26, 21 May 2019 (UTC) <s>'''5.''' The lengthy cycling section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Cycling in China]], following the model of [[Cycling in Switzerland]], and other articles. </s> Done. ✔ <s>'''6.''' The lengthy "Learn" section could be summarized, and the detail transferred to [[Studying in China]], following the model of [[Studying in the United States]].</s> Done. ✔ [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:38, 28 May 2019 (UTC) ::I'd say we can also delete the "Learning Chinese" subsection under "Talk". To my knowledge, none of our other country articles have that, and such information better belongs in the Chinese phrasebook. We could, however, have short summary in the "Learn" section with basic information for foreigners who want to learn Chinese while living in China. ::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} As a American who has lived in China, perhaps you can help with providing this information if you don't mind. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:40, 28 May 2019 (UTC) :::Moving the learning Chinese stuff to the phrase book with a "for more info" link makes sense to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I am happy to go with that. But I think in the "Learn" section, we could have a short statement giving a broad overview of the options for foreigners who want to learn Chinese in China. Of course, we won't list individual institutions, but we can mention whether these classes are available at universities, private tuition centres or any other places. Unfortunately, I've never lived in China, and such classes are of no use to me since I already know the language, so I am not the best source for such information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:53, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::I've added some advice about learning Chinese to the "Learn" section. I know that classes are available at both universities and private tutoring centers. Others may know more. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) Thanks for everyone's comments so far, and {{ping|The dog2}} for assistance in trimming the excess from the article. I am waiting to see if there are any objections to renaming the rail article before I proceed with further changes. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:22, 31 May 2019 (UTC) *Rail section is done. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:01, 1 June 2019 (UTC) *''Learn'' is now done, which brings the article from 296,000 bytes to 241,000 bytes, and means that it isn't longer loaded with details that will be of interest primarily to niche groups. The information is still available is dedicated articles. I hope that the article won't return to becoming a repository for everything there is to know about China. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ===[[Chinese art]]=== In editing, I am finding that there is some stuff that is interesting, but more appropriate for an encyclopedia, like the [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&type=revision&diff=3787622&oldid=3787620 different styles of calligraphy], which really isn't relevant to travellers. As this article is very long, I am removing it. People looking for a deeper understanding of Chinese topics should go to Wikipedia, which his linked in the sidebar. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:48, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :That kind of information could be useful for an article on Chinese art, if anyone wanted to start one. It's useful background for that topic, but the topic would have to have a primarily travel focus, recommending a bunch of places to see Chinese art, including places in Taiwan and some that everyone would agree are outside of China entirely and giving some basic descriptions of what the average traveler could see there (I write that advisedly, as my father told me that when he lectured in Taipei in 1976, he was shown the greatest collections in the art museum in Taipei that the graduate students in art that he was lecturing to had never been allowed to see and saw during his visit only because he insisted they also be invited; I hope Taiwan is less class-and-title-oriented now). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:05, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::There are many museums in China you can go to see Chinese art like the Shanghai Museum. And yes, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a great place for that. Outside China, of the places I've been, I would say the Met in New York City and the British Museum in London have really nice collections. The Chinese government considers all these to be stolen (which is actually true, since these were mostly pillaged from China during wars with the Eight-nation alliance) and wants them returned to China, but in all honesty, the reason why these art pieces survived is probably because they were not in China when they had the Cultural Revolution. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:11, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::The Musee Guimet in Paris has [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/chine/ some good Chinese art], too, although as I remember, they have more spectacular pieces from [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/asie-du-sud-est/ Cambodia, Java] and I think [http://www.guimet.fr/collections/inde/ India] (the photos at the links give you only a very small taste of their collection; I believe I remember correctly that they had an entire Cambodian temple set up on the ground floor). It's been a while since I was there (I don't know if I went there in 2002, in which case, it would have been in 1992). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::There is an [[w:Asian Art Museum (San Francisco)]] in San Francisco. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:52, 29 May 2019 (UTC) :::::One more that I just recalled is Tokyo National Museum. Its collection is not as big as the Met or the British Museum, but it's got some really nice pieces. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:13, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ::::::I remember the [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/ Sackler Gallery (now Freer/Sackler) in D.C.] also had some [https://www.freersackler.si.edu/collections-area/chinese/ nice pieces]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 29 May 2019 (UTC) ==archiving the talk page activity so far== the talk page seems to be crowded with posts... why dont we consider archiving it? [[User:Arepticous|<span style="color:Lightblue"><span style="background:Black"> Arep</span></span> <span style="color:Yellow"><span style="background:black"> Ticous</span></span>]] 13:23, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :You can definitely go ahead and do that. I created a new archive page to get you started (see the red link at the top of this page). [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:41, 20 May 2019 (UTC) :Yes, good to ask permission, but not required. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:10, 20 May 2019 (UTC) == A Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion == The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page has been nominated for deletion: * [[commons:File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|China - Stop Ahead.svg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2019-05-22T20:06:20.775867 | China - Stop Ahead.svg --> Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/File:China - Stop Ahead.svg|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 20:06, 22 May 2019 (UTC) == Upgrade to Usable/Guide == I will say first of all kudos to everyone who contributed to trimming this article to make it more readable. Now that we have a lot of improvement on that front, it appears that this article is no longer and outline and probably has enough information to be promoted to usable or guide status. What does everyone say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :The content in a large country article isn't usually the issue in promoting it to usable or guide. The problem is the quality of articles breadcrumbed under it. To promote this article to usable, we first need to get the listed cities and other destinations up to usable. [[Leshan]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Mount Tai]] are still at outline status. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:55, 2 June 2019 (UTC) == Swap Kunming for Dali? == Yes, Kunming is the provincial capital, but it's not so much of a tourist destination—certainly not as much as nearby [[Dali]]. Kunming is visited less as a destination in itself and more as a transit point to reach other places in Yunnan. In the list of 5–9 cities, I want to suggest swapping Kunming for Dali, which better represents what travelers go to Yunnan for. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:00, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :Is there a lot of business travel to Kunming? Remember, this isn't a guide only for tourists but a travel guide. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::Broadly speaking, I think the lists of 5–9 cities should be geared more towards leisure travelers than towards business travelers. Business travelers usually pick their destination based on their company's needs. Travelers browsing a list of cities in a country article are usually trying to figure out what destinations will be most interesting or fun. ::But regardless, I don't think Kunming is a particular business hub. I don't know for sure, but I would guess it gets less business travel than various coastal cities that aren't listed. [[Shenzhen]], [[Dongguan]], [[Xiamen]], [[Shantou]], [[Tianjin]], [[Dalian]] and [[Qinghai]] all come to mind. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:42, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::Maybe one of them should be listed. If geographic balance is at issue, Dongbei has no representative, so it would be kind of a wash if Dalian were put in. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:46, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I listed those cities to make the point about Kunming, but I'm not trying to argue we should change the list to include more business hubs. For the reasons I stated, I think the list should focus on interesting destinations rather than business opportunities, and in any case it already includes the economic powerhouses of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:04, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::The thing is, I don't think Dali will be considered a major city, while say, Dalian or Qingdao would be. As far as tourist attractions go, Dalian is known for its Russian buildings, while Qingdao is known for its German buildings and, of course, the Tsingtao beer brewery. If we want to add a city in the northeast, I would suggest Harbin. Like Dalian, it is known for its Russian buildings, and there is the snow and ice festival that is a major tourist draw. It is also a provincial capital, so that makes it a business destination too. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::Good points. I considered suggesting Harbin too. It would be a shame not to have Yunnan represented in "Cities" or "Other destinations", since the province is an important tourist destination, but of course in such a big country not everything can be represented. Replacing Kunming with Harbin works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:24, 2 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I've switched Kunming for Harbin. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:43, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :The current cities are too concentrated at the Shanghai region, with 4 cities clumping at that region. And [[Chengdu]] is also a major tourism city but it doesn't get a list. If I'd say, I'll have the 9 cities listings like this: *[[Beijing]] *[[Chengdu]] (Major tourism city) *[[Guangzhou]] ([[Guilin]] removed because to me it doesn't seem that well known compared to other places, maybe it could go under Other Destinations.) *[[Hangzhou]] *[[Harbin]] ([[Nanjing]] removed because [[Suzhou]] and [[Hangzhou]] are both major well-known tourist destinations and [[Shanghai]] is the largest city in China, but [[Nanjing]] isn't that important to travellers) *[[Shenzhen]] (To balance out the Shanghai region, I added another city of the Pearl River Delta region and according to Wikipedia, it is the most visited city in China, although I doubt it. But I had just been there and it seems like a pretty nice and famous destination) *[[Shanghai]] *[[Suzhou]] *[[Xi'an]] The '''''[[User:SmileKat40|SmileKat40]]!''''' ([[User talk:SmileKat40|*Meow* chat with me!]] | [[Special:Contributions/SmileKat40|What did I do?]]) 15:17, 12 June 2019 (UTC) :My reactions: First of all, Guilin, as a city, cannot be put in "Other destinations". Secondly, Guilin is super-famous from the entire tradition of Chinese landscape painting! It should not be removed, in my opinion. However, if it is, the recourse would be to put not Guilin but something like "Karst limestone cliffs on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo" in "Other destinations". On Nanjing, it's of great historic importance as the former Southern Capital, but I haven't been there and don't know if removing it is justifiable or not. Without considering what substitutes for what, Chengdu would certainly be reasonable to list, and Shenzhen, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:48, 12 June 2019 (UTC) ::Listing Chengdu seems reasonable enough to me. I don't support listing Shenzhen—it's an important business hub but not a major international tourist destination compared to the other cities we're discussing here (see my comments above for why I think the list should focus more on tourism than business travel). And we already list Guangzhou, so Shenzhen would exacerbate the problem of our destinations being concentrated in too few regions. I don't know about Nanjing, though it's a very famous and historically important city, for whatever that's worth. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 09:02, 13 June 2019 (UTC) :::My views in brief: I support Guilin and Nanjing remaining on the list for the reasons stated above and I agree with Granger that Shenzhen probably shouldn't be on it. I would suggest instead replacing Harbin with Chengdu. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 13:01, 13 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Although I have never been to Chengdu, but I know it is famous for having a giant panda research centre you can visit. As for Shenzhen, I have been there and it certainly has tourist attractions, such as the two theme parks; Window of the World (世界之窗) with miniatures of the world's most famous landmarks, and Splendid China Folk Village (中国民俗文化村) with miniatures of China's most famous landmarks, as well as spas for many visitors from Hong Kong. That said, I don't think it should be listed because it is so close to Guangzhou, which is already listed, and a much better place if you want to experience Cantonese culture because of its much longer history. As for Nanjing, you can visit the tomb of the first Ming Dynasty emperer, the tomb of Sun Yat-sen and the presidential palace of the Republic of China. It is most certainly a major tourist attraction. ::::In general I think our city lists should balance showcasing China's regional diversity and being important tourism and/or business hubs. Therefore, I think that having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all listed is overkill, as it doesn't showcase China's regional diversity, even though these four cities are all major tourist destination. I would say, we should have two; Shanghai and one other city. Perhaps we can consider Xiamen, since like Guangzhou, it was a major source of immigration to Southeast Asia, and you could in some way consider it a gateway to Taiwan since they speak the same language and have very similar cultures, and it is really close to the Taiwan-controlled island of Kinmen. I would also suggest perhaps adding a city in western China like Urumqi or Lhasa. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 14 June 2019 (UTC) :::::I don't really know how much we should agonize over this. It's super-hard to pick just 9 cities to represent China, and there are a number of ways we could go. That said, if we really want to emphasize regional diversity over everything else, we could keep just one of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Nanjing and plug in Chengdu and Lhasa in place of the ones we remove. Or we could add Chengdu and Xiamen, your other suggestion. I don't think it would make that much sense to put Urumqi in this list. It has no attraction on the level of the Potala, yet it's the capital of a province that is suffering severe repression. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:01, 14 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I don't think we need to add Lhasa—we already have two Other Destinations in Tibet. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:15, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Fair enough. I surely don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 15 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} Fair enough, I was just throwing a few cities out there to see what people think. Speaking of which, Chongqing is another major city that is not listed. I'm not sure how big of a tourist attraction it is, but it was the capital of China during World War II after Nanjing was taken by the Japanese. But that said, Chongqing and Chengdu are very close to each other, so listing both might be overkill. Which city would most people consider to be more important? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:14, 15 June 2019 (UTC) :I would say Chengdu. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:54, 15 June 2019 (UTC) ::So how does swapping Hangzhou and Suzhou for Chengdu and Xiamen sound then? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:23, 16 June 2019 (UTC) :::OK, if you figure that [[Nanjing]] is more important to include than Hangzhou or Suzhou. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 16 June 2019 (UTC) Perhaps it might be helpful in this context to take a look at some statistics on tourist numbers. I found the following figures for 2017 on [https://www.jiemian.com/article/2489458.html Jiemian.com]: :List of cities by tourist numbers (all tourists, foreign and domestic) *1. Chongqing: 542 million *2. Shanghai: 327 million *3. Beijing: 293 million *4. Wuhan: 259 million *5. Chengdu: 213 million *6. Tianjin: 209 million *7. Guangzhou: 200 million *8. Xi'an: 180 million *9. Hangzhou: 162 million *10. Shangrao; 160 million :List of cities by tourist numbers (inbound tourists only) *1. Shenzhen: 12.07 million *2. Guangzhou: 9 million *3. Shanghai: 8.73 million *4. Hangzhou: 4.02 million *5. Beijing: 3.93 million *6. Xiamen: 3.86 million *7. Chongqing: 3.58 million *8. Tianjin: 3.45 million *9. Chengdu: 3.01 million *10. Wuhan: 2.5 million Note: 'Inbound tourists' includes tourists from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Moreover, a large percentage of inbound tourists come from those areas. In the case of Shenzhen , about 80% of inbound tourists were from Hong Kong or Macau. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 06:07, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :Thanks a lot. these statistics would argue in favor of [[Chongqing]] over [[Chengdu]]. Does that site have numbers on business travelers? Also, we don't have an article about [[Shangrao]]! A city that has 160 million tourists visiting it every year needs an article! I'm not familiar with the place but would encourage anyone to start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::No, I don't see any numbers on business travellers. Regarding Shangrao, it is true we don't yet have an article on the city's urban area. However, we do have articles on [[Wuyuan|Wuyuan County]] and [[Mount Sanqingshan National Park]], which are jurisdictionally part of Shangrao. Shangrao is one of those cities where the rural area is much larger than the urban area, and where the top attractions are also mostly situated in the rural area. That being said, urban Shangrao is clearly an important transit point, so it would be useful to have an article about it. Perhaps I'll create that article myself in the not-too-distant future. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 09:58, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::Great! :::On business travelers: I know that a majority of those participating in this thread think business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide, but in cases in which different factors are at play, perhaps some figures on business travel might function as some kind of tiebreaker. My feeling is that our criteria are (1) number of visits by foreign tourists; (2) number of visits by domestic tourists; (3) regional balance; (4) number of visits by businesspeople, academics and foreign students (including those spending a year abroad). And the reason I think number of visits by foreign tourists is a more relevant criterion than number of visits by domestic tourists is that, presumably, few Chinese people would rely on English-language Wikivoyage for information on places in China; they'd rely on a domestic travel site or Chinese-language Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:37, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} I worry that I've been misunderstood. I haven't said "business travelers are less important than tourists for the purpose of this guide". My point is that for the ''list of cities'' specifically we shouldn't worry about business travel, because travelers using this list to choose a destination are almost certainly using it to choose based on tourist interest rather than business opportunities. Business opportunities are so industry-specific (and even organization-specific) that I can't imagine a business traveler coming to us to figure out which cities offer the best business opportunities for their specific situation. I suspect that in most cases, a business traveler's destination has been chosen before they ever look at a travel guide. Once the business traveler has figured out their destination, I do think we can play an important role helping them figure out transport, safety, fun stuff to do in the evening, etc. I've worked on some articles such as [[Rocha]] and [[High Point]] with business travelers in mind. (In general, though, I do think the majority of our audience is leisure travelers.) I have more thoughts on this but don't want to be too long-winded; I can explain my reasoning more if you want. ::::I agree with you that foreign tourist numbers are more relevant for this purpose than domestic tourist numbers. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:41, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::OK, noted. And academics and students? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:52, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::My impression is that academics and students are a mixed bag. Some are interested in doing Program X or researching Narrow Topic Y, and their destination will be determined by that. Some just want to have a fun time or an adventure abroad and are more focused on tourist interest than academic value. Many are somewhere in between. ::::::To the extent that a traveler is looking to have fun doing tourist-type stuff, they might look at our list of cities for ideas. To the extent that they're focused on academics, I don't see them getting that information from the list of cities. (That said, they might get it from some other part of the travel guide, which is why I just made [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Studying_in_China&diff=prev&oldid=3799116 this edit].) In a way I guess my point isn't so much about the type of traveler using the list of cities, but more about the type of information that the list can feasibly convey. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:13, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::A 1-liner listing could possibly mention that a place is a center of business or education, but that might not be nearly as striking as other things about it — in which case, your point is made. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:20, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Yeah, in some places (like [[Dongguan]], [[Chapel Hill]], [[High Point]], probably [[Shenzhen]], maybe [[Guangzhou/Panyu]]) I'd say the local education or industry is important enough to mention in a one-liner listing. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:33, 19 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}As for Xiamen, it is a major business destination for Taiwanese, as well as many ethnic Chinese from Southeast Asia. As I mentioned, Chengdu is notable for its panda sanctuary, and it is also a major business destination. Chongqing would be a tourist destination if you are interested in World War II history. As a side note, there are nonstop flights to all three cities from Singapore, so they most certainly have some international importance. I'd be open to considering Chaozhou as well, given the large Teochew communities in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore, and how famous Teochew cuisine is in all these areas. And not to mention, you can catch nonstop flights to Shantou (since Chaozhou doesn't have its own airport, and is served by Shantou's airport) from both Bangkok and Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:21, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :I don't think we can consider so many coastal cities and have any hope of reasonable regional balance. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:31, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::Chengdu and Chongqing are not coastal cities. And for the record, Xi'an, which is already listed, is not either. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:17, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::I hope you don't think I lack basic geographic knowledge of China! You mentioned Xiamen, Chaozhou and Shantou. Why would we consider any of these but Xiamen? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:29, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I personally would lean towards including Xiamen since it's more economically important than Chaozhou and Shantou, but I'm just putting several suggestions out there. That said, it is certainly true that Teochew cuisine (from Chaozhou and Shantou) is very highly regarded among Singaporean Chinese, and it is more common for people to want to go to a Teochew restaurant than a Hokkien restaurant (in Singaporean terminology, this refers to people from the area around Xiamen), even though the Hokkiens are more numerous in Singapore. ::::Speaking of geographic knowledge, this is not targeted at you, and I believe that someone like you with a doctorate are more knowledgeable than that, but you'll be surprised at how ignorant some Americans can be when it comes to foreign geography. I have encountered many Americans who think that Singapore is in China. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:39, 19 June 2019 (UTC) :::::My geographic knowledge doesn't have anything to do with my being a Doctor of Musical Arts. I've been a geography buff since I was 6 and used to have a collection of over 20 atlases before I donated most of them to the library to save space. My travels over the years have added to my geographic knowledge, but it's primarily from pure interest. And no, I would decidedly '''not''' be surprised how ignorant many if not most American are about geography, but I'm not "most Americans", thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 19 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::I think some people here might be forgetting that Chinese cities often have vast areas of rural land under their jurisdiction, so it's not just urban centres we are talking about here. Chongqing is an extreme example, covering an area the size of a small province - more than double the size of Hainan. Indeed, that probably explains why Chongqing gets so many visitors. Of the city's eight 5A-rated tourst attractions, each and every one of them are to be found outside the city's urban core. And no, those are not the World War II sites, they are cultural sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings and scenic areas such as the Three Gorges and the Wulong Karst Landscape. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 14:15, 23 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::Point very well taken. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:37, 23 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} So what do you think of Chengdu and Xiamen replacing Suzhou and Hangzhou then for regional balance? There hasn't been much objection from what I have seen, so perhaps it's time we move forward with this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:17, 25 June 2019 (UTC) [unindent] The figures for domestic and foreign tourism above would seem to argue against removing Hangzhou. Suzhou and Nanjing aren’t on those lists above, so if we’re going to remove 2 cities from that general area of Central Eastern China, I think those make more sense to remove. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:57, 26 June 2019 (UTC) : Joining the discussion late. :: Beijing, Shanghai & Xi'an should obviously stay. I'd say also Harbin & Guangzhou, important cities & they help with regional balance. :: That's five. :: I'd say keep Kunming; it is the transport hub of the region & almost anyone bound for Dali, and/or [[Lijiang]] which is equally important as a tourist town, will pass through it. :: To me, Chengdu seems more important for our purposes than Chongqing; it is the cultural capital of the region with great temples, market, ... :: That's seven, with a decent regional balance. :: Both Suzhou & Hangzhou should stay; they are top destinations for domestic tourism, get lots of international tourists, & have World Heritage sites. :: That's nine. I think we are done. :: Guilin is not important enough as a city to rate mention here, but the region that includes it & [[Yangshuo]] is a top tourist destination; I'm not sure how to handle that. :: Shenzhen, and [[Zhuhai]] across the river, do get huge numbers of visitors,mainly from Hong Kong & Taiwan. :: I would not add Daiian; one city up north seems enough & Harbin is probably more important : To what extent is this whole discussion unimportant, or can it be made less important by adding appropriate links? Region articles like [[PRD]] & [[East China]], and itineraries like [[Yunnan tourist trail]] cover many of these destinations. Can we just link to those & therefore drop Dali or Shenzhen here? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 14:58, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::The thing is, having Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing all on the list is a bit overkill. Sure, those cities are all economic powerhouses and major tourist destinations, but we also need to think about regional balance. I have been to all those four cities (albeit to Nanjing way back in the 1990s as a kid), and they are great places to visit, but when almost half the list is comprised of cities from one single region, that's a problem for regional balance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:03, 26 June 2019 (UTC) :::A lot has just been said here, so I won't respond to everything, but some key points: I think Chengdu would be nice to include if there's a good way to make room for it. I don't know one way or the other about Xiamen. I agree it feels like we have too many cities in the Shanghai area but I don't know the relative importance of Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Suzhou—I won't object to removing one of those in favor of Chengdu. I continue to oppose including Kunming or Shenzhen, for reasons I've already mentioned. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:13, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::::As tourist destinations, I think all 3 are almost equally important from a perspective of historical tourism. Hangzhou is known for West Lake and the surrounding attractions, most notably including the Yue Fei temple and his tomb. Suzhou is know for its traditional Chinese gardens, and the city itself is generally just a pleasant one with streets in traditional Chinese architecture. Nanjing is home to the presidential palace of the Republic of China, as well as the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, and the tomb of the first Ming emperor. I would say Hangzhou and Nanjing are probably a little more important than Suzhou economically. Both Hangzhou and Nanjing have their own airports, while Suzhou does not, and relies on the airport in Wuxi. That said, it is also true that Suzhou is considered to be the main cultural centre of the region. I don't know how relevant this point would be, but Nanjing is a Mandarin-speaking city, albeit with a dialect that is somewhat different from standard Mandarin, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are both Wu-speaking cities like Shanghai, albeit with all 3 cities having dialectal differences from each other. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:21, 26 June 2019 (UTC) ::: I was ''not'' saying keep Nanjing. Granted it is an important city, but China has dozens of those & we want omly nine here. ::: My nine cities, as listed above, would be '''Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Harbin, Guangzhou, Kunming, Chengdu, Suzhou & Hangzhou'''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:31, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::I'm good with that list except for Kunming. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:54, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::That list still has 3 cities in the Shanghai area, but I guess it will have to do. If we are to leave Kunming in, perhaps the description can say that it is the gateway to Dali and Lijiang. In that way, it will keep its travel relevance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::In a country as vast, diverse, and fascinating as China, I think it's weird and misleading for a "Top 5–9" list to include a city that, from the traveler's perspective, is basically just a transportation hub. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:36, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::I get what you're saying, but Kunming is also famous for a certain type of noodle (called 米线 in Chinese; I don't know what the English name is), and culinary tourism is very much a major part of many East Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. And that is not just for Michelin-starred fine dining. Many people do in fact travel to different cities to sample the regular working-class food as the primary purpose of the trip. So it's not as if there's no value to tourists. And Lijiang and Dali don't have international airports, so if you want to visit those cities from overseas, you'll probably have to fly into Kunming and take one of the high-speed trains over. Personally, I'm ambivalent about whether or not to list it, but I just want to point out the potential value in case the consensus goes in favour of Kunming. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:33, 27 June 2019 (UTC) ::::::::米线 are easy to find in Dali too—if I remember correctly, that was the first meal I ate when I got there. Anyway, I'm not saying Kunming has nothing of tourist value—I'm saying that if we include it in our shortlist of cities in China, that would make it sound like much more of a destination than it really is. ::::::::If we want to give more focus to culinary tourism, that would be a good argument for [[Chengdu]] (for world-famous Sichuanese numbing-spicy food, and I've also heard it's a good place to try Tibetan cuisine if you don't want to get a permit to go to Tibet) or maybe [[Xiamen]] (for seafood and Fujian cuisine). For what it's worth, [[Dali]] is a good place to get Bai cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 18:45, 27 June 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I haven't been to Sichuan or Fujian province, nor for that matter Guangxi, but I'm not sure I understand why Guilin, with a population of 4,747,963 as of 2010, is definitively too small to be listed, in spite of its role as the anchor of an area that has largely defined Chinese classical landscape composition for hundreds of years. I'm not sure this is an apples-to-apples comparison, but per [[w:Suzhou]], "Suzhou is a prefecture-level city with a population of 4.33 million in its city proper, and a total resident population (as of 2013) of 10.58 million in its administrative area." According to [[w:Guilin#Demographics]], "Population: 4,747,963[1]; Urban population: 975,638[citation needed]", so I don't know where that leaves us. Meanwhile, I think the regional question is relevant. If we can't list Shenzhen or other huge Pearl River Delta cities because they're too close to Guangzhou, we shouldn't be able to list both Hangzhou and Suzhou, and the tourism figures above suggest Suzhou should be the odd city out. I won't argue strongly for listing Guilin, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:21, 28 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}If you ask me, I'm fine with just leaving Shanghai, and taking away the other three nearby cities. In that way, we can make way for a listing in western China, and also include Chengdu and perhaps Xiamen. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :And as to culinary tourism, I didn't say we should focus on that. I was just saying that it is just as valid a reason to travel as any other type of tourism, so it should definitely be taken into consideration in formulating our city lists. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:31, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::Hangzhou is #4 in foreign tourism, ahead of Beijing. I doubt we should remove it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:12, 28 June 2019 (UTC) :::I do agree with you on culinary tourism, and that argues for the inclusion of a city in (or formerly in) Sichuan province. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:10, 28 June 2019 (UTC) ::::Agreed on that. I do lean towards Chengdu since it is the heart of Sichuan culture. And besides, it's also famous for the giant panda sanctuaries, which many tourists visiting China will be interested in checking out. How about for now, we just swap out Suzhou for Chengdu, and we can try building consensus for another swap after this to achieve more regional balance? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:01, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :::::[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] doesn't agree, but I think the rest of us do. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:08, 29 June 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}I've implemented the change. I think we should do one more swap to achieve regional balance. The question is what for what? Hangzhou and Nanjing are both major tourist destinations, but I still feel that having 3 cities in the Shanghai area is overkill. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:00, 5 July 2019 (UTC) == Phone tapping == [https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/7xgame/at-chinese-border-tourists-forced-to-install-a-text-stealing-piece-of-malware China Is Forcing Tourists to Install Text-Stealing Malware at its Border] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:23, 3 July 2019 (UTC) :This should be mentioned somewhere. Is it a "Get in" issue? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 3 July 2019 (UTC) ::Maybe Canada's Government travel advisories has updated for the reason. ("Entry and exit requirements - Screening of digital devices") [[User:Mariogoods|Mariogoods]] ([[User talk:Mariogoods|talk]]) 08:42, 23 August 2019 (UTC) == How to characterize Chinese characters == The recent edits to this paragraph by me and others have produced something that I think isn't very clear, so I want to suggest a rewrite that we can workshop here on the talk page. :Chinese is written using '''Chinese characters''' (汉字, hànzì, lit. "Han characters"). Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a word or part of a word. Although they look impenetrable at first, there is some method to the madness: most characters are composed from base components combined with other characters (often giving clues to both pronunciation and general meaning). The same characters are used in Japan and Korea with usually similar meanings, albeit different pronunciations. {{ping|Bigpeteb}} What do you think? Is this a fair characterization? Is there anything you think is misleading or given undue emphasis? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:26, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :: Yeah, that's a pretty good way to rephrase and condense it! I'd amend it slightly to say "Unlike an alphabet that represents individual sounds <u>without any inherent meaning</u>, each Chinese character represents a meaningful syllable: a <u>specific</u> word or part of a word" or something like that. :: (Thanks for bringing this to the talk page. I should have done so myself sooner.) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 03:36, 10 August 2019 (UTC) :::Okay, rewritten accordingly. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:44, 10 August 2019 (UTC) ::::That looks just about right. Admittedly, as a fluent speaker of the language, I don't think much about this, but we do learn in class that you can group Chinese characters into different categories. Some are pictograms, some are ideograms, some have both phonetic and semantic components and so on. Unfortunately, it will probably get too complicated for us to go into that kind of detail in a travel guide. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:57, 10 August 2019 (UTC) == Law enforcement == I have commented out this section: :"An alternate interpretation is that China simply takes a different approach to law and freedom. Liberal democratic countries are also known to spy on their own citizens, for example, and the freedoms espoused by other countries demonstrably do not eliminate religious and racial segregation, crime, or political extremism. The Chinese view, which began evolving in the 18th century as new Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to traditional Confucian values, is that '''too much freedom is dangerous'''. While American culture emphasizes individual freedoms and self-interest, Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." This section, to me, is political discussion, it's background, it's not directly relevant to travel. Since the beginning of July, the article has grown steadily from 242,000 bytes to 257,000 bytes because of the tendancy to add anything and everything that is interesting or may be relevant to China. If we want to keep this '''a useful guide for travellers''', we must be selective about what we include, and choose the '''most relevant''',, not just anything that is relevant. I propose to delete this paragraph. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:57, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :I think the second part of the paragraph, from "The Chinese view..." is useful for travelers. The first two sentences are useless to the traveler. I propose a different wording: ::"Westerners visiting China should remember that the Chinese view on politics, which began evolving when Enlightenment ideas about democracy were compared to Confucian values, is that too much freedom is dangerous. Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole." :Is this an improvement?<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:43, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::Are we going to give similar analyses for every country with an authoritarian government? Didn't Italy have similar views under Fascism? The basic principles of Confucianism - and not only those about the relationship between the people and the government - are relevant but seem to me to belong in a "Religion" section, not a section about oppressive actions by the government that sometimes impinge on visitors. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:38, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::We could remove that phrase completely. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:16, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::How does this help travelers "stay safe"? This is an example of how things get dumped into country articles, losing sight of this being a ''travel guide''. Or do we think it's okay for articles to expand indefinitely without regard for usability? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:25, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If we use my wording, we’ll actually be shortening the article, not making it longer. It’s a safety issue because you need to know how not to be arrested by the government, in this case the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:52, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Sorry, I don't see advice on how to avoid being arrested in what you've written above. This is background or context information, not practical advice. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:00, 3 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::”Chinese culture emphasizes the collective good of the society, and hence considers it acceptable for personal freedoms to be curtailed if doing so benefits the society as a whole.” That’s worth noting if you’re a traveler that is considering doing anything with the slightest risk of trouble with the Chinese government. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:59, 3 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::Oh sure, there are lots and lots of things the are "good to know" about China. We could fill a whole wiki about a 5000-year-old country of of 1.3 billion people. But if we put it all into one article, no-one will read it. That's why ''practical advice'' is probably best. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:33, 4 November 2019 (UTC) : I think it is ''much'' more than just a difference in emphasis, collective good vs personal freedom. See [[#General_section_on_retaliatory_actions_and/or_or_arbitrrary_law_enforcement?|above]]. I think the Party sees law & law enforcement as ''primarily'' means of moving toward their goals; some notions that are fairly basic elsewhere &mdash; rule of law, no-one being above the law, checks & balances, ... &mdash; are pretty much absent. I'm not at all certain what we could usefully say about this, though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::Could you try writing a paragraph with this information that we can use? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:32, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::That said, I think what we really need to reflect here is that China is generally safe for the average tourist. Sure, you may here horror stories about people getting detained and what not, and while it's true that Chinese punishments are harsh by the standards of the Western world, but if you're just doing the regular touristy things, the police aren't going to target you. The main thing that may catch Western visitors off guard is that while illicit drug use is socially accepted in the West, especially among teenagers and young adults, and most Western countries are moving towards drug legalisation, the really do not tolerate drugs in China. So if you try taking drugs in China, you will get into serious legal trouble. :::As for the collective good vs personal freedom thing, there is definitely some truth to it. Even though I wasn't born in China, I grew up in an ethnically Chinese family and the general sentiment among my older relatives is that bread and butter issues, as well as economic well-being are the most important things, and democracy is only a peripheral concern so long as the aforementioned two needs are met. If you ever listen to an election rally in Singapore and compare it to an American election rally, you will notice that difference in emphasis. That said, I'm not sure how travel related it is, so I'm fine leaving that out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 4 November 2019 (UTC) ::::[[User:The dog2|The dog2]], don't ignore that Singapore in particular has that attitude. I think that Taiwan is a lot less like that, considering how their politics is (are?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:48, 4 November 2019 (UTC) :::::That's a fair point, but of course, the thing to remember is that Taiwan was under Japanese rule for 50 years, so when the Kuomintang took over in 1945, the Taiwanese people would probably have felt more Japanese than Chinese. But even so, there is still not as strong an emphasis on individual freedoms in Taiwanese culture as there is in American culture; the family is still a lot more important to Taiwanese than to Americans. As for Singapore, things are changing among the younger generation, especially with the rise of social media; it is certainly conceivable that the PAP would lose the election once my parents' and grandparents' generations pass on as the younger generation gets more and more exposed to American ideals of individual freedom. And not to mention, most of the upper class elites in Singapore go to university in the United Kingdom or United States, so they will most certainly have been exposed to Western ideals, and bring some of that back with them. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:08, 4 November 2019 (UTC) == New coronavirus == I propose we keep the main warning on China page so it can be easily updated, with only xref warnings for Wuhan and other cities, the outbreak is clearly heading to be nationwide. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:46, 22 January 2020 (UTC) :Excellent idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 18:00, 22 January 2020 (UTC) This story is fast-moving and we'll need to stick to headline stuff, and simply signpost the relevant advice. [[User talk:JRHorse |JRHorse]], I restored the mention of Wuhan's transport shutdown as that impacts the whole of China and might be replicated in other cities. Although IHMO the shutdown is a sure way to convert a serious situation into a full-on crisis. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 08:46, 23 January 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks. Let's see how this all turns out over there... [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]] ([[User talk:JRHorse|talk]]) 13:40, 23 January 2020 (UTC) : A recent edit by [[User:Grahamsands]] had the comment "remove ref to face-masks which have only placebo value". Is that correct? [[User:Doc James]]? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:42, 27 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.cp24.com/news/should-you-buy-a-mask-health-experts-weigh-on-coronavirus-worries-1.4784746 Should you buy a mask? Health experts weigh on coronavirus worries] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:31, 28 January 2020 (UTC) :: [https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231535-can-an-n95-face-mask-protect-you-from-catching-the-new-coronavirus/ Can an N95 face mask protect you from catching the new coronavirus?] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:47, 28 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the mask questions are more general than China or this virus; see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub#Face_masks]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:29, 28 January 2020 (UTC) A US newspaper: [https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/01/27/coronavirus-cancel-travel-to-china-say-health-officials/ Coronavirus: Cancel travel to China, say health officials]. A friend with a contract (not her first) to do some teaching in China has been told by the employer not to come. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:30, 28 January 2020 (UTC) [https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/01/28/national/japan-charter-flights-evacuate-japanese-virus-wuhan-china/ Flight to evacuate Japanese nationals from virus-hit Wuhan set to leave Tokyo on Tuesday] and [https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-plans-to-evacuate-citizens-from-epidemic-stricken-chinese-city-11579951256 U.S. Working to Evacuate American Citizens From Epidemic-Stricken Chinese City], plus rumours about other countries. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 07:36, 28 January 2020 (UTC) This is the [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Johns Hopkins dashboard] with updated cases and deaths around the world. Used by a variety of public health agencies, but is public facing. [[User:Thuegh|Thuegh]] ([[User talk:Thuegh|talk]]) 07:53, 1 February 2020 (UTC) == The article is growing again == Last August, we cut this article down to 247,000 bytes in order to to make it a more useful introduction for travellers to the world's most populous country. It was cut down largely by moving information to branch articles where readers with a specific interest can find that information more easily. The article has already grown to over 265,000 bytes. If it grows like this every seven months, it will quickly become the sort of massive article that readers won't want to read. Can we go back to trying to keep this focused? If you are adding something, ask yourself if it could be instead added to a branch article. If it really is important, look for text that is as long but less important, and move that text. Thank you. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:21, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :It's hard to focus on an abstract issue like length. Maybe you could mention what was added that should be shortened or moved somewhere else. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::It comes in bits and pieces. What triggered me was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=prev&oldid=3944989 this addition] of information about a not-very-important part of Chinese drinking that was put here instead of in the [[Chinese cuisine]] article. :: In starting another full, I found that detail listings of boats that go to China were added here in Feb 2020 in addition to or instead of in the port city articles. See [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945018] and [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=next&oldid=3945022]. ::There is a big section in Stay Safe with photos about the different types of police. I guess this is useful, but it seems disproportionate, but I don't know where to move it. Maybe it can be summarized. ::The Arts section has been growing. Maybe it should be split out into a branch article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:25, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::I'm wondering if the best title for such an article would be "Chinese arts" and include a section on ways to see and participate in them outside of China, too? I'll have a look at the other sections you mentioned later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:07, 4 April 2020 (UTC) ::::It looks like you already removed or summarized the other specific things you mentioned, other than the various photos of law enforcement, which don't seem to me to be a problem, unless perhaps the badge of the PAP is not necessary. Is it useful? I'm not sure. Let's see what others say and not rush to remove it. I'd give that at least 2 days if not more, as hardly anything about travel is urgent right now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:11, 4 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree that the article is getting long. The different types of police in China can be confusing for foreigners, but I think it should be possible to condense that information into a concise summary. Other things that can be cut down: ::::::Parts of the "Shopping" section could be summarized or moved to the [[Shopping in China]] article. ::::::We currently have a lot of details about banking. A lot of this is not relevant to short-term travellers, and I think some of it could be moved to [[Working in China]]. ::::::Some other sections could be condensed, with dated or overly detailed material culled. I'm thinking of "Get around", "Buy", and "Connect". I can try to do something about these sometime soon. :::::I have not found [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)|pedicab taxis]] to be common in China. Is this a regional thing or have they gone out of fashion? Anyone who's been to China in the past few years, have you encountered them? If not, we can condense or remove the subsection. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:42, 4 April 2020 (UTC) : This sort of problem occurs in many articles; see for example [[Talk:Philippines#Bloat]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:05, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::With regards to my addition, I want to say that just because China is not famous for wine doesn't mean that tourists cannot visit China to try their local wines. And it just so happens that Yantai is the cradle of China's wine industry, just as Qingdao is known for its beer. But anyway, I have no objection to it being moved to the Chinese cuisine article if people feel that that is the more appropriate place. ::And with regards to traditional arts, I just felt that a country article with no mention of that is kind of lacking one of the country's main attraction to foreign tourists. Just as many foreigners will visit the U.S. to watch a musical on Broadway, or visit Italy to catch an opera in La Scala, there is no reason why we can't mention anything about traditional Chinese theatre. The only catch is that because China is such a big country, it is only natural that these will differ by region, and while details can go into the regional articles, the main country article should have an overview that conveys this diversity to our readers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I hope no-one disagrees that traditional (and, for that matter, modern) Chinese theater should be mentioned. The only question is whether to spin off more detailed information to another article. As for wine-growing regions, well, some good cider is made in the U.S., but the [[United States]] article doesn't mention any cider-growing regions. I'm not upset about one wine-growing region being mentioned in this article, but I don't think it's necessary, either. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::With regard to modern Chinese theatre, Beijing is actually famous among the Chinese for their plays, and I in fact went to watch one the last time I visited Beijing. They're in Mandarin and don't usually have English surtitles, as they're aimed at domestic rather than foreign tourists, so a foreigner who doesn't understand Mandarin is probably not going to be able to follow the plot. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:55, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, but not all Beijing opera is actually purely classic. Besides, there are a fair number of foreigners who do speak Mandarin, nowadays. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:02, 5 April 2020 (UTC) The information that is being added is usually useful and interesting, but the question is whether we want this article to cover everything that is useful and interesting about China. If we do that, the article will become a sprawling behemoth that won't be useful or interesting to travellers. What is it most useful to travellers is to provide an introduction to China that can be navigated and read fairly easily on a phone, with links to branch articles that go into more depth on particular subjects. And links to province and city articles that provide details and listings for individual destinations. The article size as measured by bytes is just an indicator of how good a job we are doing of keeping the article as a useful introduction. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :Agreed, although keep in mind that the coronavirus is influencing articles such as this one (and articles about some [[Europe]]an countries) in an unusual way. I recommend trying to get this article into a state where it's more permanent than how it is currently, without needing details that cause the article to expand beyond a reasonable length. On the other hand, however, length is not the only issue that must be considered; we shouldn't remove important travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:47, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::The article did most of its growth before Covid. And no one is talking about removing important travel information. It's not helpful to suggest that anyone in this discussion wants to remove important travel information. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:22, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think the nature of a wiki, not to mention travel, is that nothing is permanent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:36, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::True. What I mean is an article that doesn't need to be changed particularly often, with the exception of during the virus or other important events. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:33, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{ping|STW932}} What do you think about [[China#By pedicab (rickshaw)]]? Are pedicabs/rickshaws (三轮车) for passengers still common in some parts of China, or should we remove the section? As far as I can remember, I've seen these used to transport goods but not as taxis. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:13, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :I think the section should remain. Sanlunche are still common in some parts of China, particularly in the smaller towns and cities. For instance, I remember seeing quite a few of them when I was in [[Mengshan]] last October, and I personally used one to get from the bus station to my hotel. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:38, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::Couldn't we have a travel topic such as [[Rickshaws in China]], though, and add a link from the China article to that travel topic for more information? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:48, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I added a small blurb about modern Chinese theatre. If anyone knows how to condense the section while retaining all the important information, please do so. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:06, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I think it would be better to preserve and expand the text by moving it to a [[Chinese arts]] article as Ikan Kekek suggested above. Trying to keep it as a focused section in the [[China]] article would lead to leaving stuff out. I think it's a big enough topic for its own article, and creating the article could result in us providing even more information to readers. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:18, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I agree. There's ample content to focus on in regard to Chinese arts. In such an article, the initial question would be how broad a scope to cover. There's great stuff to see in Chinese museums, Chinese music is very varied and IMO its traditional and modern classical music is superb, there's also Western and hybrid classical music there and various folk traditions, different provinces have their own forms of classic and modern opera, etc., etc. We'd want to give readers a sense of what to experience and look for and where and how to find it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:59, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I'm no expert in this, but I agree that if someone has the knowledge, a Chinese arts article certainly has the potential to become a good article. And it's not just between provinces. There are differences in traditional arts even within provinces. For instance, in [[Fujian]], [[Quanzhou]] alone gave rise two distinct styles of opera, while [[Putian]] and [[Fuzhou]] each have their own distinct styles that are sung in their local dialects. And perhaps most obviously, both Cantonese and Teochew opera originated in Guangdong, as well as the less well-known Hakka opera. Certainly if someone is knowledgeable, the article can even cover the traditional arts of China's ethnic minorities, though even if we want to restrict it to only ethnic Han arts, there's already an incredible amount of diversity within that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:49, 5 April 2020 (UTC) : Can I suggest the the 'By Road' section is shortened and moved to a new article? It is a great way to experience China, but realistically there are 14 countries bordering China and the percentage of travelers using these border crossings is really low. Why not just a sentence describing all the crossings with a link to the new article? : Additionally the 'By Boat' section can be visually shortened. The usage of a sub-header for each country really uses a lot of space. It could be shortened nicely with a sentance per country, with just the country name in '''bold'''? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:46, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::I think a [[Chinese arts]] article can also cover non-Han arts. [[Chinese cuisine]] covers the cuisines of non-Han minorities to some extent. Anyway, how much to cover Overseas Chinese arts and non-Han Chinese arts are things that could be discussed more in the talk page of the new article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:30, 5 April 2020 (UTC) {{Ping|Thedog2}} since you've been adding the content on the arts, it seems like you are the active editor who is best suited to starting the [[Chinese arts]] article. I encourage you to plunge forward and get the article started. I'm sure that once you do, others will join in and develop it further. Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :OK, I'll get it started in the next few days. I'm no expert on this, and I'm certainly not familiar with all forms of Chinese theatre, but I'll do my best. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:47, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::Before I start this, I wonder if we should have two separate articles for performing arts and visual arts. In the case of the latter, you can actually see a lot of them outside mainland China. The British Museum, the Met, the Louvre and Tokyo National Museum are some obvious examples, and so is the National Palace Museum in Taipei. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:41, 9 April 2020 (UTC) :::Sure, go ahead. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:06, 9 April 2020 (UTC) == 'Sacred mountains' as a seperate article? == The 'Sacred Mountains' section is very much a list, and lacking much context about why you would want to visit any of them. A traveler wanting to visit China wouldn't get any value from reviewing this section. Would anyone object to having this moved to a seperate article with more content, context and maps? [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 22:53, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :These mountains have a very prominent role in traditional Chinese culture. If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts television series, films and novels, you'll find that all these mountains feature very prominently, and each of those mountains is typically associated with a martial arts sect in popular culture. They also have a lot of religious significance to believers of traditional Chinese religion, and there are many historically significant temples on those mountains that you can visit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:01, 5 April 2020 (UTC) :::I wasn't asking for the justification for this content (I've lived in PRC and am aware of the cultural significance of some of these mountains), just asking if the content as it currently stands is truely adding value at the country level article. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) ::No objection. Summarize here with a link, once the separate article is in halfway decent shape. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:28, 5 April 2020 (UTC) ::: Thanks [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 05:27, 6 April 2020 (UTC) : I'd prefer a more general article along the lines of [[Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent]], covering not just the mountains, but also things like the [[Dunhuang]] caves and [[Quanzhou#Religious_structures]] [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:09, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :: That is a good suggestion [[User talk:Pashley|talk]]. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 23:20, 6 April 2020 (UTC) :::Agreed. That will also allow us to cover places like Meizhou Island, the birthplace of Mazu, which is very significant for people from coastal Fujian and Guangdong (and of course, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and many Southeast Asian overseas Chinese). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:03, 7 April 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[Sacred sites of China]] would be a worthwhile article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:12, 7 April 2020 (UTC) == City list revisited == Coming to think of it, we don't have a listing for a city in western China, and I still feel like having 3 cities in the same region, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing is overkill. I'm thinking that maybe we should swap Hangzhou or Nanjing for maybe Kashgar or Lhasa. My preference would be for Kashgar to be in the list. It is perhaps China's main centre of Uyghur culture, with a famous Uyghur mosque you can visit (Id Kah Mosque), and with a surviving old town that has traditional Uyghur buildings. And it would certainly be nice to have a city where one of China's ethnic minorities forms a majority. And unlike Lhasa, you don't need any special permits to visit Kashgar, and you can wander around the city freely. What do you say? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:39, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :We already have two "other destinations" in Tibet (including Tibet itself), so I wouldn't add Lhasa. Xinjiang is also represented in "other destinations" by Turpan. Both Tibet and Xinjiang are off-the-beaten-path parts of China, so I don't think it necessarily makes sense to emphasize them further by adding another one of their cities. :Also, the cities list already includes Chengdu and Xi'an, both of which are considered to be in western China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:20, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :I'm open to replacing Turpan with Kashgar or something like that, though—I have no idea which of the two is a more interesting destination. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:22, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::My main issue is still with regional balance. 3 cities in the Huaiyang region is a little overkill. If we want to limit the list to majority-Han cities, I can suggest maybe replacing one of those cities with Xiamen, which is still a major city, notable for its cultural and linguistic links to Taiwan and many overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. And it's also home to one of China's premier universities, which is historically significant because the university's main benefactor actually made his fortune in Singapore and Malaysia. The only issue is whether or not this is putting too heavy an emphasis on southeastern China, since we already have Guangzhou in the list. ::I don't know if Kashgar or Turpan is more important for tourists. Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar is certainly one of China's most famous mosques; the only other one that approaches its fame is the Great Mosque of Xi'an. If you do a Google search for a list of mosques to visit in China, these two mosques are the only ones that appear on every list. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:07, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::In [[United States of America#Cities]], Boston, New York City, and D.C. are all included. I don’t think it’s an issue. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:12, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::I don't think we need to limit it to majority-Han or minority-Han cities. Xiamen works for me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:15, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::So what do you say about swapping Hangzhou for Xiamen. Hangzhou is a beautiful city, but Nanjing is probably more important in the context of recent Chinese history. The Republic of China had its capital in Nanjing, and Sun Yat-sen was buried there, so I think that one should stay. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:37, 27 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::That works for me. Let's see what others think. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:34, 27 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::No opposition. I assume you guys know what you’re doing, as I don’t know much about China’s geography. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:36, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::: Ultimately the city list shouldn't be about evenly spreading the cities across China but rather what are the top cities to visit for China as a destination country. Truth is that most things are on the east coast. :::::::: Agree to swap out [[Hangzhou]] for another however. It is a great city worthy of visiting, but in the context of all China it can probably be bumped. [[User:Andrewssi2|Andrewssi2]] ([[User talk:Andrewssi2|talk]]) 01:08, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::::I loved my visit to Hangzhou in 1987 but boy oh boy is that a long time ago, I've never been to Xiamen but heard then that it was nice, and like SelfieCity said, you guys, take care of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:54, 28 April 2020 (UTC) : '''Keep Hangzhou!''' Over 10 million population, major tourist destination, two sites on World Heritage list (West Lake & [[Liangzhu Culture]]), [[Marco Polo#Hangzhou]] wrote ''the city is beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world''. If we need to lose a city in East China, then it must be Nanjing, though I'd rather add Suzhou than remove any there. I could make a case for replacing Nanjing with Suzhou, but not a particularly strong case. : If we need to remove a city on the current list to add Kashgar (a fine addition, if there's room), then I'd say the obvious candidate is Guilin. It is a major tourist destination but ''as a city'' it is not even close to as important others on the list or to ones that might be added such as Kunming or Xiamen. I'd move Gulin to "other destinations" & add Kashgar to Cities. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:03, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::Guilin is a city and can't be an "Other destination", but the karst limestone cliffs on the Li River can be. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:27, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::I've been to both Suzhou and Hangzhou, and I love them both, but I think in an article about a country as big as China, we should at least make some effort to showcase its internal cultural diversity. Although Western media often portrays China as one gigantic culturally homogenous nation, this couldn't be further from the truth, and in fact, many Chinese people make use to social media to showcase the uniqueness of their local cultures to other Chinese. (And to be fair though, it's also true many foreigners also have the misconception that Hollywood is American culture.) Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai are all in the same region and while there are of course some differences, they're culturally quite similar, while when you get down to Fujian, it's quite distinct from Shanghai. Showcasing this cultural diversity is the reason why I initially suggested a majority non-Han city like Kashgar, but I also get the point that it's not a major city. There's Urumqi too but based on my understanding, it's Han majority these days and not really a tourist attraction, and if you really want to experience Uyghur culture, Kashgar is better for that. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:24, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::Re Kashgar and Urumqi: though I've never been to Xinjiang, I agree with your impression that Kashgar is a better destination for experiencing Uyghur culture. Re cultural diversity: I agree we should try to give a sense of this. Re Guilin: though I've never been there either, my impression is that the main attractions are not urban sights but rural landscapes. (Those rural landscapes are administered as part of Guilin, though we have separate articles for some of them, like [[Longsheng]] and [[Yangshuo]].) In that sense Guilin makes more sense in "other destinations" than in "cities". If we wanted we could phrase it as "Karst landscape surrounding [[Guilin]]" or something like that. ::::How about this? We remove Turpan from other destinations, move Guilin there in some form (maybe rephrased in some way), and add Kashgar to "Cities"? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:00, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::I haven't been to the Guilin area, but I do know that the karst cliffs don't surround Guilin but extend for some ways between Guilin and Yanghuo (and then some?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:10, 28 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I've not been to Xinjiang myself, but I do watch Chinese travel vlogs semi regularly, and Kashgar's old town looked beautiful in those vlogs. It's an Uyghur city, so the architecture is very different from that of the Han Chinese heartland; it's a lot closer to Middle Eastern than traditional Chinese architecture. Kashgar actually has an airport, so while a bit of a detour, it's not that hard to reach. You can just catch a flight from Urumqi. ::::::And I just want to say that since we're not commercially motivated, this should give us the freedom to recommend places that are worthy tourist destinations but not very well known. No Western travel agent is going to advertise Kashgar because it doesn't fit people's image of "China", and is thus not conducive to their marketing, but we can since we are only concerned about travel and not profits here. ::::::And finally, I would be happy with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 28 April 2020 (UTC) :::::::Just one more thing for those who might be worried that such a listing will be politically sensitive. You don't have to worry about that. Officially, the Chinese government promotes the concept of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic Chinese nation. Of course, whether or not it actually does so in practice is a matter of debate that is beyond our scope here on WV. That said, you can see ethnic minority cultural performances on Chinese state media, and there are vloggers from China's ethnic minorities, including some Uyghurs, who make videos about their language and culture and post them on Chinese social media. So merely promoting the appreciation of an ethnic minority culture or language in China is not a problem, and will not get you into any legal trouble. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:58, 29 April 2020 (UTC) ::::::I also like [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion. Do we have enough consensus to implement it? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:33, 29 April 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}}It looks like nobody is objecting. I'll go ahead and implement it in the next couple of days if nobody voices any objection. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:37, 1 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm also in favour of the proposed changes. 'Guilin' could be reworded as 'Guilin Karst', the name used by UNESCO (See https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1248). [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:16, 2 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, that's fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:20, 2 May 2020 (UTC) :::OK, I've made the change. Please copyedit as you see fit. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:29, 4 May 2020 (UTC) == Variety of English spelling in China == :''Swept from [[User talk:Ground Zero]]'' Hi, and thanks for the follow up edits. I thought we used British spellings for China. When I was there in 2004, I remember seeing words like centre on official buildings consistently. Was there a discussion somewhere stating that this had changed since then? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 20 May 2020 (UTC) :{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} In May 2019, I went through a whole bunch of country article talk pages to make sure that there was a formatting box on each of them. On a bunch of them, I posted the boxes as proposals, and then waited as no-one commented. For China, I thought it was obvious because it is neither a Commonwealth nor a EU country, so it would follow the general policy of using American spelling. There has been no comment on this until now. But I also overlooked [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#British/Commonwealth_English_or_American_English?|this discussion]] (before my time), where British spelling was slightly preferred. I kind of remember seeing more American spelling when I was there, but it was 13 years ago, and I wasn't looking out for it. So on the basis of that discussion, I'll change the formatting box above and restore UK spelling on the article that I changed. I've moved your comment here to create a more recent record. Regards, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::I think I've seen more US spellings than UK spellings in mainland China. To test that impression, I checked three listings in Shenzhen where we use the spelling "centre", and found that in all three the official websites say "center": [https://www.shenzhenmuseum.com/museum/html/aboutus/contact-us.html] [https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/china/grand-hyatt-shenzhen/shegh] [http://shenzhenfreesky.com/]. (That's despite the fact that Shenzhen is right next to Hong Kong.) —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:01, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::This is the kind of thing that could have changed since 2004, as Hong Kong's economic importance to China has declined somewhat. For what it's worth, some students/schools in China have a preference for American English as opposed to British English (not as many the other way around), which could partly explain a shift in which spellings are used more in the country. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:05, 20 May 2020 (UTC) ::::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} what do you think? Maybe we should post in Request for Comments to get more input. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:57, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::: Granger has more current experience than I do, and we should go with current observations if they are consistent with one another. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Thanks. I've posted in Request for Comments. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ::::::I haven't gone to China for a while, and for obvious reasons, I've never really spoken English in China, but it does seem that it's mixed, but with a slight preference for American English. Things may have changed now given the current geopolitical situation, but back in the 1990s-early 2010s, the dream of most Chinese was to immigrate to America, and hence, American English had somewhat more prestige than British English. Chinese people back in 1990s told me that they learnt American English in school, but recently, I've also seen conflicting reports regarding this. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:49, 21 May 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} A friend who has worked teaching English as a foreign language in the UK for decades says that her students (half of whom were Japanese in the 1990s) used to tell her that they had chosen the UK for foreign studies to learn the Queen's English, while now her students (95% of whom are Chinese) tell her that they chose the UK because of Harry Potter. (Her university does not look like Hogwarts.) We haven't had any more input in this question. I found [https://www.quora.com/Which-is-preferred-in-mainland-China-American-English-or-British-English this discussion] on Quora, and it doesn't really resolve the question. There are varying opinions, but several people suggest that the textbooks use British English, while students tend to use American English. I'm kind of inclined to follow Granger and Thedog 2's advice, which is leans toward American English. Comments or objections? 15:23, 29 May 2020 (UTC) :I'm fine with using American English in this case. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:44, 30 May 2020 (UTC) == Crime == I wonder if we should update the section somehow. A lot of that information is from a couple of years ago, and according to my relatives who do business in China, crime rates have declined even further since they installed the CCTV cameras, since the police have been able to track down a lot of the criminals and arrest them. For the child kidnapping part, does anyone have any information on whether it is still accurate? I originally wrote it in after hearing about it from some YouTubers based in China at the time, and back then, their content was fairly balanced and more slice-of-life. But now that they have moved to America, their content has shifted to exclusively hard-core anti-China propaganda, which is making me suspicious of whether or not that information is accurate. As of now, given the number of CCTV cameras around, I think it's highly unlikely that your kid will be snatched from you in the street when you're in downtown Beijing or Shanghai, because the police will be able to track them down fairly easily using all that CCTV footage. So what do you guys think? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:21, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :A few thoughts: ::I've seen children going about their lives in Shenzhen, Beijing, and other big cities in China without adult supervision, including kids young enough that most American parents wouldn't be comfortable letting them go out on their own in such a big city. ::My vague memory is that my students told me child kidnapping is a bigger problem in the countryside than in big cities. That matches the general feeling that the government has less control over what goes on in the countryside than in the cities. ::Overall I get the sense that rates of crime and begging have gone down in China compared to a couple of decades ago. ::I'm not sure we need to credit CCTV cameras (or anything else) for the reduced crime rate. Crime rates are affected by many factors, including economic well-being, and at least the rates of some crimes have been going down since well before surveillance cameras became ubiquitous in big cities. :Not sure about bike theft, but battery packs and chargers are definitely a target for theft. I haven't heard of bus robberies in recent years (but that's just me, it's possible they still happen). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:55, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::So instead of saying that child kidnapping is "rampant", how about something along the lines of "known to happen, especially in rural areas"? And speaking of crime in general, maybe I'm being biased here, but I feel safer walking through a Chinese slum than an American slum. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:33, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::Sounds reasonable. I don't think I've been anywhere in China or the US that I would call a slum, but I agree that I feel safer in a rough neighborhood in China than a rough neighborhood in the US, and I've talked to other travelers who feel the same way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 20:42, 27 May 2020 (UTC) ::::Students also told me that pickpocketing has gone down since most people don't carry wallets anymore. Not sure if that's worth indicating in some way. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:35, 27 May 2020 (UTC) :::::Sure, but I'm not sure if that applies to someone who is visibly foreign. The Chinese may use mobile payments extensively, but seasoned thieves will probably know that a foreigner is less likely to have Alipay or WeChat Pay, and will therefore probably be carrying a fair bit of cash. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:38, 27 May 2020 (UTC) * Speaking of China I found [https://thehill.com/homenews/house/499826-house-passes-bill-that-would-sanction-chinese-officials-over-xinjiang-camps this news] is relevant. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:46, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, but I don't think it will affect average travellers. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:54, 28 May 2020 (UTC) I took out the bit about childnapping as it was long and concluded with "foreign children are not targeted". Foreigners are generally not going to have to worry about securities crime either, or paying bribes to get construction contracts, or trains being hijacked. But if we start to list all of the crimes that ''don't'' often affect foreigners, this will be a useless mess of an article. Yes, I know I've ranted about this article being loaded up with bunches of non-travel-related stuff before, but every time I come back to this article I have to hack back the jungle again. And I will continue to be ruthless whenever I see stuff going in that should be in an encyclopedia, or really anywhere but a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:33, 10 June 2020 (UTC) == Chinese translations == I'm all in favour of providing Chinese character and pinyin translations for things travellers need to know, like city and street names, and train stations, etc. But travellers don't need these to understand history and political concepts. What traveller needs to know the Chinese for Great Leap Forward, Special Administrative Regions, or National People's Congress? Translations for things like these will be of interest to only a few readers who are able to speak Mandarin well enough to discuss politics. But we advise readers against discussing politics. These translations are appropriate for — and can be found in — an encyclopedia article. Wikivoyage is not an encyclopedia. Let's not try to be Wikipedia-without-references. Wikivoyage is better as a travel guide than as an "encyclopedia lite". [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:01, 10 June 2020 (UTC) :Agreed. It's also harder to patrol edits changing or "updating" words in foreign languages, when for all we non-Chinese speakers know, the changes could be adding curse words in said language. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:04, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I'm a fluent Mandarin speaker, so I can easily patrol for vulgarities. But I agree that providing the Chinese names for all historical events is unnecessary. Providing the Chinese name for National People's Congress can be useful in the relevant listing in the Beijing article though, as you can go and visit the Great Hall of the People where it meets as a tourist. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:29, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! But I'm also thinking about the possibility that at some point in the future, we might not have enough Chinese-speaking editors for the [[WV:Recent changes patrol]], which though unlikely is possible. Agreed that the Chinese name for the National People's Congress can be stated in both languages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:46, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::: I agree that the National People's Congress should be translated when it is a site listed in the See section of the Beijing article, and not here in the Understand discussion about Chinese government. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::: {{ping|Ground Zero}} Just to make sure it's clear, you're only talking about the Chinese names of a few modern terms with fairly well-known English translations that you removed in [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=China&diff=3998372&oldid=3998352 this edit], and not removing ''all'' Chinese from the History section? If so, then I would agree with you. Compare [[Japan#History]] and [[South Korea#History]], which also provide the original language for ancient historical names and terms, but drop it when reaching more modern history. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:12, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Its "The Republic and World War II" and "Politics" sections where someone has added both hanzi and pinyin translations. They really disrupt the flow of the text, and come across as encyclopedic detail. I would remove them from these sections. In the earlier history, on the hanzi are provided, and they do disrupt the text in the way that providing both do. But again, i don't really think they are needed in a travel article history. Students of Chinese language can and should read an encyclopedia article to get their history. Our travel guide should be written for a more general audience. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:17, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::A good point. I think the Chinese translations of terms like "Belt and Road", "National People's Congress", "Tang Dynasty", and probably even "Xi Jinping" are not necessary. A typical non-Chinese-speaking traveler will not need to know how to read or say these in Chinese; a traveler who speaks some Chinese can look the terms up in a dictionary or on Wikipedia. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:09, 11 June 2020 (UTC) Done. There is a similar issue with the list of holidays. Do we need pinyin there? Do we need hanyu there? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:26, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :And are the hanyu versions of airline names worth including, when airlines advertise themselves with their English names? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:52, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::I think the Chinese names for the holidays and airlines seem useful. I seem to remember not all signs at airports are bilingual. Others may disagree. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:43, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::All the airports I have been to in China so far have bilingual signs. To be fair though, I haven't been to any really small regional airports, but I have been to several medium-sized ones like Haikou and Fuzhou. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:55, 25 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I would keep names of airports in Chinese, as they're not doing any harm. But if the article gets longer once again, which is quite likely to happen, we could reconsider including this information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:19, 25 June 2020 (UTC) == "they function like different countries" == The recent history of Hong Kong, and the Communist Party's clear intent to impose its will on HK, makes it clear they are ''not'' like "different countries". Also, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. "Separate jurisdictions" is a better, and not self-contradicting, phrase. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:18, 10 June 2020 (UTC) : Call a spade a spade. For travel purposes, they are in effect different countries; each has its own currency & visas. The word "like" is unnecessary & at least for Taiwan "separate jurisdictions" strikes me as absurd. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:17, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::Fair point on Taiwan, but Hong Kong doesn't resemble a different country at all. Currency and visas are minor in the grand scheme of things. And China is not the only country that has separate visa regimes within its borders. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:03, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::Not only currency and visas, but languages, culture, laws... Politically Hong Kong and Macau are not separate countries, but what the article says is "for practical travel purposes, they function like different countries". That was true enough when I visited Hong Kong and Macau last year and the year before—has it changed from ''the traveller's perspective'' since then? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:20, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::Probably not yet. But we have a pandemic today, anyway, so until there's a clear change, we have no great reason to change anything, except that we could say something like "this may be subject to change, and if it does change, this article will be updated". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::As far as I can tell, the internet is still uncensored in Hong Kong and Macau, but heavily censored in the mainland. Until the law is implemented, we don't know what will happen, but as of now, they are still like different countries from a traveller's perspective. They even drive on opposite sides of the road from mainland China, and cultural differences are something you can't just erase overnight by passing a law. And the word "like" makes an important distinction. Taiwan is effectively a different country because Beijing currently has no political control over them (they have their own military and foreign policy, for instance), but Beijing has control over Hong Kong and Macau, so they are effectively ''not'' different countries, but as a casual tourist, it feels as if you are going to a different country because of the separate visa requirements, currency, legal system, etc., hence the term "''like'' different countries". And I don't know what it's like anymore because I haven't gone to China in a while, but while I wouldn't trust the public hospitals in mainland China, I have absolutely no problem going to one in Hong Kong, so that's another big difference that makes it like a different country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:07, 11 June 2020 (UTC) ::::::Or we could avoid contradicting the advice we provide in the [[China#Respect]] section of the article by using "jurisdictions" which is a term that refers to the laws and regulations of a place. That seems simpler to me. We just dont need to make a political statement about this. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:23, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :::::::Sure, let's use "jurisdiction." Going against our own advice ''in the same article'' requires changing either [[China#Respect]] or the controversial wording that caused the discussion. More importantly, however, I might be missing a discussion somewhere, but I don't understand the rationale for deleting content about driving in China. Was that content moved to the [[Driving in China]] article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 01:25, 11 June 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think that it is a political statement. It's simply reflecting what things feel like from the perspective of the average traveller. (I'm assuming most of us here are just casual tourists, and not travelling for the purpose of toppling the Chinese government.) And from my experience having visited Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China, and having crossed both borders, it really does feel like you are going to a different country. I just think that the phrasing I used is clearer because it avoids fancy words, but if the consensus goes against me, I will accept it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:37, 11 June 2020 (UTC) :Again, we advise travellers elsewhere in the article: "Do not suggest that Hong Kong and Taiwan are not part of China", and then we do that very thing. I think it looks stupid that we do exactly what we advise travellers not to do. And I don't think "jurisdiction" is a 'fancy word' in a discussion of visas, currencies and laws, which by their nature are technical matters. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:33, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::Yes, because that is advice on what you should do while in China in order not to offend people. However, we do not take sides on political disputes and simply reflect what the situation on the ground is for travellers, regardless of what either side of the political dispute says. Sure, Chinese people regard Taiwan as part of China, but in practice it is a different country. Mentioning that does not mean that we are endorsing the Taiwan independence movement; it's simply reflecting what the ''de facto'' situation is. Hong Kong is different from Taiwan in that while it is in practice not a different country as China controls certain aspects of its governance (for instance, Taiwan has an independent military and foreign policy while Hong Kong doesn't), but because of its autonomous status, it resembles a different country in some aspects, including those that are most relevant for travellers. Again, mentioning that doesn't mean that we are endorsing the Hong Kong independence movement. And note the difference between "function ''as'' different countries", and "function ''like'' different countries"; the former case applies to Taiwan, while the latter case applies to Hong Kong and Macau, and that single word difference is important in the meaning it conveys. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:53, 16 June 2020 (UTC) :::The text in question is about Hong Kong and Macau, not about Taiwan. Telling readers that they function ''as separate jurisdictions'' is surely clearer than introducing the simile ''like different countries''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:03, 16 June 2020 (UTC) ::::I still disagree on which phrasing is clearer, but I've said my piece and I will go with whatever the consensus is. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:42, 16 June 2020 (UTC) == Taiwan == While this is not the place to go into detail, I think the blurb in the disclaimer box about Taiwan is misleading. Sure, the government of Taiwan considers itself to be the legitimate government of China on paper, but you'll be nuts to think the current government is pursuing this claim. Tsai Ing-wen has publicly rejected the 1992 consensus and said that she considers Taiwan to be a separate country from China. She just hasn't officially amended the Taiwanese constitution to reflect that, because it will almost certainly trigger a Chinese invasion, but let's not kid ourselves about the reality on the ground. I think we should at least have a qualifier along the lines of "on paper" to reflect reality. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 21:45, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :The text does not claim that Taiwan is pursuing the claim. Let's focus on writing a travel guide instead of endlessly tinkering with politics and history sections. It drains energy away from adding to travel content. Wikivoyage is not Wikipedia. It does not require the same degree of precision, and it absolutely should not have the same degree of detail. If it did, then we would have to require references to reliable sources. The politics section is already very long and detracts from the usefulness of this article as a travel guide. The less we dive deep into these issues, the better. Relentlessy expanding the politics and history sections is not improving Wikivoyage. I think we should be cutting the detail as anyone looking for a more complete discussion would be better off reading the properly sourced Wikipedia article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 21:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::I agree with [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. Please, let's try not to introduce politics, and especially a political agenda, into our useful travel information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:43, 29 July 2020 (UTC) ::However, adding the words “in theory” seems accurate given the context and I would not oppose that addition of wording. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:53, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::I am not trying to advocate for or against Taiwanese independence, and frankly speaking, I don't care either way. But I think adding the words "in theory" or "on paper" reflects the current situation more accurately. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 23:58, 29 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::You know what you're implying by "in theory". Should we explain it to the readers, or just leave it at "both governments claim", which is perfectly accurate. The article does not say that the ROC government is or is not actively pursuing the claim, and nor does it need to get into that. What does "pursuing the claim" even mean? Do we need another paragraph to explain this concept? Or should we focus on travel content? Really, if you want to get deeper into politics and government, [[w:China]] would be a better place to do that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:32, 30 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} I don't think we should dive deeply into the issue, since that is out of scope of a travel guide, but at the same time, what we write needs to be in step with reality. As I mentioned, yes, Taiwanese constitution continues to claim that the Taiwanese government is the legitimate government for all of China. Therefore, "both governments claim" is true on paper. However, the current governing party of Taiwan is the pro-independence DPP, and they most certainly do not believe in the claim; they instead believe that Taiwan is a separate independent country and want nothing to do with China. They haven't amended the Taiwanese constitution, so the claim over "all of China" still stands in theory, but for all intents and purposes, the claim is dead and exists only on paper. If "in theory" is too politically contentious, how about using "on paper" instead? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 01:06, 30 July 2020 (UTC) :You keep adding modifiers to ''imply'' things that readers can't be expected pick up on. We can agree that the statement that the ROC claims sovereignty over all of China is '''true'''. Not "in theory", not "on paper; it is true -- the claim of sovereignty is in the constitution of the country without modification. No one can ever accuse us of being inaccurate in saying this. And no-one ever would, so there is no need for is to write like lawyers trying to sneak in weasel words to cover our backsides. Writing like lawyers is not [[wv:tone|lively]]. I worked with lawyers for most of my career, so I get where they are coming from, and why Wikivoyage shouldn't write that way. Less time nit-picking about politics, and more time adding travel content is how to build a travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:42, 30 July 2020 (UTC) : I've rewritten it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 02:41, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ::Both governments do actually claim sovereignty, but I'm moving on, and ask that The dog2 respect Pashley's work to end this by not making further edits to the politics and history sections of this article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:57, 30 July 2020 (UTC) == Before anyone complains about me trimming this article.... == The edits I have made this evening have only cut back the article to the size it was on July 13 of this year. It does not do travellers any favour to insist on adding back encyclopedic details (but this is ''so important''! Everyone should know about this thing that I find to be interesting!) and restoring the extra words that don't add meaning, but just add unnecessary emphasis or repetition. I hope that those who continue adding to thus article will balance their additions by cutting back an equivalent amount of less important detail, or by moving stuff to subsidiary articles. If this article tries to include everything there is to know about China, it will not be of use to anyone. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:19, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :The last time I cut this article back was only six weeks ago, and since then it has been expanded and expanded and expanded. That is why I think it is a really bad idea to start adding in regional bits of information like coffee culture in Hainan. It is only 1 of 31 administrative units in the country, and it is not one of the more popular places for foreign visitors. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recall our policy is to use a lively writing style, and not to write in a formal, monotonous style like what I would do when writing a research paper. I understand the rationale behind not going into encyclopaedic detail, but surely it doesn't mean that we should adopt a plain writing style just for the sake of keeping the article as short as possible. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 04:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes, we should have a lively style per [[wv:tone]]. Wordiness is not lively. Repetition and redundancy is not lively. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 04:45, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : Hainan does normally get a lot of tourism, though perhaps not now due to COVID. Lots of Russians since back in the Cold War era, when I was there ~2008 a lot of Europeans on package holidays. I do not think that is a reason to mention its coffee culture here though. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:20, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I recognize that this article is on the long side, but I agree with The dog2 that we should be careful not to copyedit out the liveliness. No opinion on coffee culture. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:17, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::Before COVID-19 hit, there were nonstop flights from Singapore to Haikou, and in fact, that was how I got to Hainan when I visited. It may not be known to American and Canadian tourists, but an international flight to Singapore can be sustained, there has to be at least a decent amount of international tourism from Southeast Asia. And yes, I understand that this article is longer than most and we don't want it to be unnecessarily long, but keep in mind that China is a huge country, about the same size as the United States. It's no accident that this article and the United States are article are among our longest country; for such huge and diverse countries, there will inevitable be a lot more to cover than for a country of average size, and this will naturally result in longer than normal articles. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:27, 31 July 2020 (UTC) : I didn't read every word, but I scanned through the changes and didn't see much to complain about. Overall, it looks like only minor details have been removed, and a lot of text has been tightened up so it's not so wordy. I wouldn't say that it's not "lively" anymore. In general, thank you and good job! : The one thing I'd advocate to restore is the paragraph about political parties. This is for two reasons. One is that we have a similar paragraph in other countries like [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[South Korea]], [[Japan]], and maybe others. The other is that since we're not an encyclopedia, we don't have to make the reader read between the lines; we can call a spade a spade. There are more than 300 million Google results for "[https://www.google.com/search?q=china+multi-party china multi-party]" (many of which come from PRC media), but as you know if you've read the paragraph in question (or WP), it's [[wv:be fair|pretty misleading]] to call it a multi-party system in the same sense as most democratic countries. I think it's important for the same reason we haven't shied away from describing China as "authoritarian", or why we added a summary at the top of "Stay safe" about the status of human rights. Many people have probably heard that China holds elections, but I think it's worth the space in this article to disabuse readers of the idea that those elections are as meaningful as they would be in many other countries. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 18:21, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::I'm not sure we should get into detail about China's political system. Everyone knows that it is an authoritarian state, and we already state that in the existing text. As for elections in China, they do have some elections for low-level positions such as village chiefs, for instance. However for all intents and purposes, they aren't free elections like what you get in a democratic country, since all candidates have to be approved by the Communist Party, and they don't really have a say in national policy, so the elections don't really have an effect on governance. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:58, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::In other countries, political parties are an important part of the governance structure. In China, they are not, so I think if we say anything, it should be a brief explanation that while there are other parties, they are controlled by the CPC, and leave it at that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:03, 31 July 2020 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) In the US and UK, it makes sense to go into some level of detail about different parties because they are directly relevant to the governance of the country and sometimes even to locals' identities. In China, the minority parties are so irrelevant that some Chinese people don't even know they exist. :::I think it's unlikely readers will assume China is a multiparty democracy, and if they do, the existing sentence "China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China" clarifies the situation. Perhaps it could be made clearer with a phrase like "one-party authoritarian state" (which is what it is in practice). We could even add a sentence mentioning that while minority parties technically exist, they are in practice irrelevant. But I don't think it's worth adding a whole paragraph going into the minutiae of the system. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:06, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think the paragraph is unnecessary and was removed for good reason. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:22, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::::: Fair points, all! I withdraw my request. :-) --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 21:56, 31 July 2020 (UTC) And today I cut the article back to the size it was three weeks ago. So I am not geing heavy-handed here. Could anyone adding more text to this article spend some time to see what should be moved to another article, stated more simply, or removed because it's already said elsewhere? Thanks, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:54, 26 April 2021 (UTC) :Good edits. I made some very small emendations. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:07, 26 April 2021 (UTC) == Leader's title == [[User:嘉傑]] made some edits at [[China#Government_and_politics]], getting rid of the term "President of China". I mostly agree but [[User:The dog2]] reverted some of them & suggested a talk page discussion might be needed. OK, I'll start the discussion. Here's what I would have for the critical paragraph, different from both their versions: : China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title), and for ceremonial purposes he is head of state and can be called President, though this term is rarely used. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. Other opinions? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:17, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :It's true that the most common title for China's head of state in Chinese 国家主席, which literally translates to "Chairman of the nation". However, the official English translation that China's state media uses is "President", and that is the most common title used in English-language publications. Sure, Xi Jinping's power may derive from his position as General Secretary of the Communist Party and not as President of China, but regardless, Xi is most commonly described as the "President of China" in the English media. And likewise for Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin before him. Therefore, I think for simplicity sake, these three leaders should just be referred to as "President". And as a side note, the dictionary definition of "president" does not require that the person be the head of state of a democratic country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 06:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::I'll point out, as I have elsewhere, that "president" usually means 总统 zǒngtǒng (like Obama) rather than 主席 zhǔxí (like Mao or Xi), while 主席 zhǔxí is translated as "chairman" or "chair" in other contexts. This can lead to confusion for travelers and their hosts in China. Not sure what that means for this paragraph, but it might be nice to steer readers away from this confusion while also acknowledging that "president" is now the standard translation for 主席 zhǔxí when talking about Xi, Hu, and Jiang. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 06:39, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I'm fine with adding a bit more detail about the literal and official translations of titles so as not to confuse readers. But I maintain my stance that we should use "president" to refer to Jiang, Hu and Xi because that is the most common title used in English-language publications. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:23, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::::That seems reasonable. Maybe in the paragraph introducing the term we can say something like "president (literally 'chairman')". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::{{re|Mx. Granger}} That sounds reasonable to me. Maybe we should do something like "president (主席 ''zhǔxí'', literally 'chairman'). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:57, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::: That does not sound reasonable to me. They are different titles & we should not pretend one is correct & the other merely a more literal translation. :::::: I did not believe the dog's claim that president is the usual term in English, so I did some web searches to check. To my surprise, I found that the BBC & Al Jazeera do sometimes use it. The Guardian, however, does not, referring instead to "Chinese leader Xi". I prefer the Guardian's style & suggest we use that here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:31, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a little tangential, but with regard to Spain, who we call the "Prime Minister" in English is called the "President" in Spanish, but we still use "Prime Minister" here on English Wikivoyage. The official translation of the title of the Chinese leader is "President", even if "Chairman" is the literal translation. And as far as I know, based on the dictionary definition, the title "President" does not necessarily apply only to heads of state of democratic countries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:40, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : Another draft, adjusted per the above discussion: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party, and his cabinet is the State Council. The General Secretary also holds other titles ''ex officio''; he chairs the State Council and can therefore be called Chairman (Mao's preferred title). He is also the country's President; that title is standard in China's state media and is used in some Western media. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. : I do not think adding the Chinese terms is useful here. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:48, 3 September 2020 (UTC) ::Seems like too much detail to me. Why would we go into Mao's preferred English translation and analyzing comparative media terminology? In any case my impression is that "president" has become the standard translation in English-language media both in China and abroad. For our purposes I think "leader" is also fine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:56, 3 September 2020 (UTC) A simpler version for your consideration, keeping in mind that this a travel guide, not an encyclopedia: :: China is an authoritarian state ruled by the Communist Party of China. The most important leader is the General Secretary of the Communist Party (also called "Chairman", or "President"), and his cabinet is the State Council. The next most powerful leader is the Premier of the State Council, who is the head of government (like a prime minister in other countries). The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National People's Congress (NPC), the largest legislature in the world with almost 3,000 delegates. The NPC is often described as a "rubber stamping" body; it has vetoed almost no bills and members have complained about their lack of power. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:01, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :That looks good to me. If we want to acknowledge the fact that General Secretary and Chairman/President are strictly speaking separate offices held by the same person, we could change the parenthetical to '(who is also the "Chairman", or "President")'. From the traveller's perspective, I think either way works and there's no need to get into details and technicalities. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:12, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :: (edit conflict) I agree with [[User:The dog2]], it's best to stick with the most common English usage. According to [[wikt:主席]], that terms can mean chairperson, president, or premier. I think that's accurate based on how it's conventionally used and translated. (And conversely, [[wikt:president]] lists multiple translations of that term into Chinese, which includes 主席 and 总统.) However, the adjusted versions that were first proposed are not accurate. The [[w:President of the People's Republic of China|president]] is the 主席 ('chairperson', 'president', or 'premier'), while the [[w:General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] is a 总书记 ('general secretary'). In that light, I certainly don't see a problem with the current text that just says "president (formerly translated as "chairman")". (And in fact, [[w:Paramount leader#cite note-6]] points out that the position Mao held was different in function from the current office of President, even though they both used the same term in Chinese. So aside from the differing translations, we should probably follow suit and not try to equate the terms.) :: The trimmed version is not bad. I guess we do need to remember that [[TTCF]] and we're not WP. I agree with [[User:Mx. Granger]]'s suggested change to the parenthetical, but we should probably just say "president" and omit "chairman", or retain the "formerly translated as" bit. I do think it would be nice to explain the functional difference between the president and premier, but in this trimmed version perhaps it's not as necessary. I also think it might be helpful to keep the phrase "executive branch" in there somewhere to clue the reader in to the structure of the government. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:24, 3 September 2020 (UTC) :::I think [[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] mostly strike the right note here. We could go with [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s suggestion and use "previously translated as Chairman" in the parentheses. A travel guide is not the place to go into detail about the Chinese political system. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:15, 3 September 2020 (UTC) : I like Ground Zero's simpler draft. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:06, 4 September 2020 (UTC) == Nice Work == These Chinese guides are really outstanding, so thorough and helpful. Nicely done. [[User:Lazarus1255|Lazarus1255]] ([[User talk:Lazarus1255|talk]]) 02:59, 9 September 2020 (UTC) == Upgrade to guide? == There's already quite a fair bit of content in the article. I think it's time to upgrade the status, because the amount of information present certainly goes way beyond what a normal outline article will have. I personally think it's ready for guide status, but even if others don't think so, I think at the very least it should be good enough to be upgraded to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:14, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :Per [[Wikivoyage:Country article status]], all featured cities and other destinations, and all immediate subregions have to be at usable status or better (and this is precisely why so few countries and top-level regions are already guides). If that's case the case with China, then I agree with you that the article can be upgraded.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::OK, I guess there are still some regions that are still at outline status. In that case, will everybody be OK with upgrading this to usable? I certainly think it is more than an outline. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:43, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::The nine cities are all at least usable, but all regions except NE China, and the 'Other destinations' [[Mount Tai]], [[Qomolangma]], and [[Leshan]] are at outline. So, yes I'd agree that China is now usable.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:45, 30 March 2021 (UTC) :::If anyone's interested, there are [[:Category:Usable_countries|42 usable countries]] (China will be 43rd), [[:Category:Guide_countries|6 guide countries]], and only one star country ([[Singapore]]).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:48, 30 March 2021 (UTC) ::::OK, if nobody objects in the next 24 hours, I'll upgrade to usable. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:05, 31 March 2021 (UTC) == Spinoff article on foreign colonial possessions and concessions in China == {{swept}} I wonder if this article is worth creating, since there were many countries, among them the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Austria-Hungary, Belgium and Portugal, that established colonies in China, and each of those countries would have left its own cultural footprint behind. As such, I think this is a potentially viable travel topic where we can cover destinations in China where you can go and see the legacy of colonial rule, and of course some really pretty colonial buildings as well. If the community thinks this will be a good article to start, one thing we could discuss is how we should name the article. "Colonialism in China" or "Foreign colonies and concessions in China" are some of the names I can think of. "China's Century of Humiliation" is another potential name for it, though I am concerned that this name might be too politically loaded. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:45, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :That last name doesn't appeal to me. :I wonder whether one article about colonialism in general would be more interesting, or separate articles about each colonizer. I'm thinking that "My country in China" might be more interesting to a traveler than an article covering an assortment of countries. (Or maybe we want all of the above?) [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:12, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::An article like this could actually be useful for someone who wants to travel around China to explore the legacy of colonialism, as it can point you to places to go to explore that legacy. So for instance you could go to Weihai to see British colonial buildings, Dalian and Harbin for Russian colonial buildings, Qingdao for German colonial buildings, Zhanjiang for French colonial buildings and so on. But that said, I'm also open to an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. We do cover some aspects of colonialism in the [[Age of Discovery]] article. The main issue is that such an article would be very long, since almost every country outside Europe (with a few exceptions like Thailand and Japan) had been a colony at some point in the 15th to 20th centuries. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:04, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::If the article is likely to be very long, [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s idea is better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:35, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} One of [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s suggestions was to create an article about colonialism in general on a global scale. I'm concerned that an article like that will be too long, which is why I would prefer to have an article about colonialism in China specifically, rather than one about colonialism in general, as it would be much more manageable. And given the number of colonial powers that were in China, there is potentially enough content to justify an article about that. If we want separate articles about each colonial power in China, then there might not be enough content for some of the smaller colonial powers like say, Belgium. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:51, 21 April 2021 (UTC) :::::I see. Sure, start the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:08, 21 April 2021 (UTC) ::::::I think this is a good idea for a travel topic, and I think [[Foreign colonies and concessions in China]] is by far the best of the three titles suggested above. Please make sure to keep the article focused on travel. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:02, 22 April 2021 (UTC) (After the pub discussion) This is already covered at [[Chinese_provinces_and_regions#Treaty_ports_and_concessions]]. I suggest you just expand that and/or add redirects that point to it. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:35, 5 October 2021 (UTC) == Rural areas in China == My understanding is that administrative regions of China use the main city as the name for the region. In a case such as [[Laiyuan County]], should this qualify as a rural area article or a city article? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :A good question. My guess is that most counties in China would make more sense as rural area articles than city articles, but it might depend on the county. Others who have spent more time in rural China may know more than I do. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:18, 24 November 2021 (UTC) ::In that case we may want to add to policy that administrative regions sharing the name of the capital can be a rural area if they are mostly rural. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:19, 24 November 2021 (UTC) :::Well, if it's an area centered around a city/town that forms a clear urban core (e.g. [[Kaiping]]), I think a city article may make more sense, I'm not sure. I suppose an article like [[Kaiping]] is like a city article in some ways and a rural area in other ways. When you first raised the question, I was imagining places where the administrative capital isn't much more of a town than the other small towns or villages in the area. :::I'm not sure the naming of the administrative capital is an important consideration here. Often the urban core will have its own official name (e.g. Hailing in [[Taizhou (Jiangsu)|Taizhou]]) even if people informally call it by the name that's also used for the larger administrative region. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 07:59, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::Ultimately I guess it's not very important whether we label them as rural areas or cities, since the "rural area" designation was invented mainly to avoid confusion about what we meant by "city" articles. Probably fine to leave it up to case-by-case judgement. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 08:07, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::They do also have the same criteria as well. The only concern I would have had was that before August or July (iirc) add rural areas couldn't be added onto {{tl|RegionStats}} but I've fixed that up now so ultimately, agree that case-by-case seems the way forward. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:33, 26 November 2021 (UTC) Why wouldn't a county be treated as a region article? Are Chinese counties tiny or something? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:47, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :Well, to be a region article, it needs to have towns breadcrumbed underneath it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:48, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::True, and if they're big enough maybe they should have city articles under them.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:01, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::It's worth mentioning that the term "county" in China is used differently from the US or UK. Most counties in China are rural and have relatively little to interest a typical foreign traveler. In principle many of them could be regions, I think, but in practice it would be uncommon for us to have enough information about them to fill multiple city articles for a single county. So I suspect it often makes the most sense to treat them as city or rural area articles. Alternatively, sometimes we cover them as part of a city article about the prefecture-level city (e.g. Dongchuan County and Longyuan County in [[Heyuan]]), and in other cases we ignore them in our region structure, breadcrumbing their towns under a larger region (e.g. [[Shaxi]] is breadcrumbed under [[Central Yunnan]], not Jianchuan County). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 10:53, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::I wasn’t thinking of all Chinese Counties, only rural ones like the one I linked at the beginning of this thread. Not ones where the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:22, 26 November 2021 (UTC) :::::When the main city has hundreds of thousands of inhabitants, the county will normally be classified as a county-level city. There are, however, a small number of county-level cities where the main town has a population of less than a hundred thousand. For instance, Tongza, the main town in the county-level city of [[Wuzhishan]] only has around 64,000 people, which means it's much smaller than the county seat of Chengmai County (in northern Hainan), which has a population of 163,000. Town population figures, however, include the population of rural villages under the towns' jurisidiction. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:03, 26 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::Per this discussion, I have reclassified [[Laiyuan County]] as a rural area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 16:44, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : There's a mismatch between our terms & China's administrative terms, so this sort of problem is pervasive. Some previous discussions are at [[Talk:Fuzhou]], [[Talk:Dengfeng]] and [[Talk:China/Archive_2013-2018#Merge_districts_and_prefecture_cities?]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 01:59, 5 December 2021 (UTC) : As far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of our articles about counties in China are city articles. Except for the recently reclassified Laiyuan County article, I'm not aware of any other counties that we have classified as rural areas. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:11, 5 December 2021 (UTC) ::China has "prefecture-level cities" and "county-level cities", with the latter under the jurisdiction of the former. For instance, the prefecture-level city of [[Jieyang]] is naturally centred on its namesake city, but under its jurisdiction is also the county-level city of Puning. And if you talk to someone from Puning, they will never say that they are from Jieyang. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:55, 7 December 2021 (UTC) :Regarding [[Laiyuan County]], although the main attraction (Baishi Mountain) is in the rural area, there are a couple of historical sites and other tourist attractions in the county seat - a town of about 50,000 people, which is also named Laiyuan. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) :There are a few rural counties in China where the county seat is the main attraction. One example is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shou_County Shou County] in Anhui Province. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 16:16, 8 December 2021 (UTC) == Stronger warnings? == The US State Dep't now has quite a strong [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html warning] against visiting China, especially Shanghai or Hong Kong. Should the WV warnings change? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:51, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :The US State Department has been issuing unreasonable, presumably politically motivated travel warnings about China for some time. [https://web.archive.org/web/20200701000839/https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html Two years ago] they had China in their highest-level warning category due to COVID, at a time when COVID was under control in China but raging in the US. I would look to other countries' travel advice for guidance instead. The [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china UK government] doesn't seem to have a similar warning for China. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:35, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::I'm with Granger here. Looking at the travel advisories for the other three major English speaking countries, [https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/china? Australia], [https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/china Canada] and [https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/china New Zealand] don't seem to have harsh warnings, and the primary reason is due to COVID. While we often take US government warnings fairly seriously, I think we should leave China for the other four major Anglophone countries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:55, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't even trust them because those countries are very close U.S. allies, so when push comes to shove, there is still a possibility they might issue politically-motivated travel warnings in solidarity with the U.S., like what has happened with say, Myanmar, previously. I'd say Singapore's warnings are less likely to be politically motivated vis-a-vis China, so that's what I would go with. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:42, 26 June 2022 (UTC) == Who are Lao wai? == Our current text has: : People from everywhere else are called ‘’wàiguórén‘’ (外国人, "outside country people"), or colloquially lǎowài, "old outsider" with "old" in the sense of venerable or respected (in practice, these terms mostly refer to white people or Westerners, and almost never to any foreigner of Chinese descent). What about other Asians? Some look a lot like Chinese while others are quite distinct; is either group called lao wai? If not, what term is used? And what about blacks? [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 21:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::They might not be recognized as foreigners. I traveled to Hong Kong with an acquaintance from college in 1987, for whom it was her second trip to China, and she told me she was constantly mistaken for being Chinese. She was an American from South Korea, and of course there are millions of Korean-Chinese in Dongbei, so it wasn't surprising that people mistook her for Chinese, especially since she spoke some Mandarin. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == Superpower? == I wonder if we can call China a superpower as of now. Sure, it may be the closest thing the United States has to a peer competitor, but China is still some ways behind, not actually neck to neck with the United States like the Soviet Union was. For instance, China's military expenditure is not even close to that of the United States, be it in absolute terms, or if measured as a percentage of their GDP (1.7% for China vs 3.7% for the United States). And China has only 3 overseas military bases (and potentially one more in Cambodia, if you believe the Western media's claims, though China officially denies it), while the United States is estimated to have about 800. For that matter, even much smaller countries (in terms of GDP) like Australia, the UK, France and Russia have a much larger overseas military footprint than China. As it now stands, the United States could potentially launch a military invasion of China, using its bases in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Guam as forward bases to provide logistics support for the invasion, while China does not have any bases anywhere close enough to provide the necessary logistics support for a potential invasion of the United States or Europe. So while China certainly is a major world power, I do seriously question whether we could call it a superpower given this huge disparity in military footprint between the United States and China. I'd still lean towards calling the United states the world's sole superpower, while I would just refer to China as a major world power. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:06, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :It's really best not to get into these kinds of debates on a travel guide. We could simply state that China is widely regarded as a superpower and leave it at that, or we could just not use the word. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:10, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Wikivoyage is a travel guide, not an authority on geopolitics. There is no benefit to travellers of this discussion. Anyone who learn about global geopolitics from a travel guide is getting a bad education. Please stop wasting time on political discussions. There is no need to change the text at all. Let's focus on what Wikivoyage is good at: providing travel information. That is Wikivoyage's prupose. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 16:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::The lede right now calls China a "superpower". The point I'm getting at is, when it comes to the United States, there is no debate on whether or not it is a superpower; it is almost universally recognised as such. On the other hand, whether or not China can be considered a superpower right now is debatable, so I suggest using the term "major world power" instead of "superpower" since that would be a term that is accurate and uncontroversial. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 16:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::I've deleted the reference so that we can avoid debating it. It is not a necessary part of our travel guide. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 17:05, 21 July 2022 (UTC) gzmvo1evhdyt62zfwmtch43yzshypyf 1 42473 4488174 1639273 2022-07-22T09:58:00Z SHB2000 2248002 wikitext text/x-wiki Why [[Tropical North Queensland]] and not just [[North Queensland]] or perhaps [[Tropical Queensland]]? The name seems to be a tautology and sounds like marketing hyperbole rather than fair dinkim Aussie usage. This is likely to just be called [[North (Queensland)|North]]? What is the most common English name? See [[Project:Article naming conventions]]. -- [[User:(WT-en) Huttite|(WT-en) Huttite]] 08:57, 12 Jul 2005 (EDT) : I'd suggest "Far North Queensland", which is a [http://www.lgp.qld.gov.au/?id=173 semi-official] term. [[User:(WT-en) Jpatokal|(WT-en) Jpatokal]] 09:42, 12 Jul 2005 (EDT) :Is the [[Cape York Peninsula]] a separate region or a sub-region of Far North Queensland? If it's a sub-region, we need a separate sub-region for Cairns/Port Douglas etc anyway. [[User:218.214.66.203|218.214.66.203]] 18:41, 12 Jul 2005 (EDT) ::Sigh, I'm [[User:(WT-en) Hypatia]]. It even says I'm logged in at the top of the page, so goodness knows what's wrong. [[User:218.214.66.203|218.214.66.203]] 18:42, 12 Jul 2005 (EDT) :::It's a bug. It happens every time you add an item to your watchlist, and maybe other times too. Just click "Log out" and log in again. -- [[User:(WT-en) Cjensen|(WT-en) Colin]] 18:47, 12 Jul 2005 (EDT) :17 years late to the discussion, but Tropical Queensland is misleading. Technically, Tropical Queensland covers everything in Queensland north of the 23° line, but a lot of that is covered in [[Outback Queensland]] and [[Central Queensland]], and as someone who's lived in Queeensland before, nobody ever called the region Tropical Queensland when I was living there – only Far North Queensland or Far North. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:58, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 565dhzsw7hb6xr43gg2ve902zy6jm9z 4 68782 4487694 4485679 2022-07-21T12:04:32Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Schedule */ rm July wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=New Golden Route|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=New Golden Route banner Thunderbird Train.jpg|width=30%|quote=Connecting Tokyo and Kyoto via Northern Chubu, explore one of Japan's popular tourist trails.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[New Golden Route]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=New Golden Route | blurb=Connecting Tokyo and Kyoto via Northern Chubu, explore one of Japan's popular tourist trails. | status=Guide | time=Not sure. Will defer to {{ping|Tai123.123}} | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:13, 19 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had much itineraries from Asia being featured before. Here's one good recently created one. | DotMImage=[[File:Shiraito Falls Karuizawa.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment ''' As this was the first article I worked on I'm unsure if everything fits the Manual of Style though I think the content should be fine, the [[Magome-Tsumago Trail]] is another Japanese itinerary I wrote but Magome is already going to be featured soon. Also [[Karuizawa]] which is on the route is only an outline. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 04:18, 19 December 2021 (UTC) :@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] I've just upgraded [[Karuizawa]] to usable now. Although Magome is going to be featured soon, this is probably only going to be featured sometime late next year or so. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:26, 19 December 2021 (UTC) ::As others are fine with it '''Support!''' [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:25, 7 February 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It looks good to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:14, 21 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' For most destinations along the route, May-June and Sept-Oct seem to have the most comfortable temperature, and not too much rain. Not sure whether [[Golden Week in Japan]] is more of an attraction or an obstacle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:20, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. This article continues to develop into one of our best itineraries. It is concise, which is convenient for the traveler, and all included information is useful for travel. Although in my past I objected to this article's promotion to guide status, now I support it and its FTT nomination due to how it has been written and developed. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:24, 2 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for July/August 2022, as we have few other Asian features, and northern summer gets filled up by European, US and Canadian destinations. If weather is too hot, we can consider another month. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:06, 16 January 2022 (UTC) ::That's fine, Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:26, 7 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in an of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) lufufjsn5kijbw173adv6bqlmc7lx6o 4487696 4487694 2022-07-21T12:05:47Z SHB2000 2248002 /* New Golden Route */ archive wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=New Golden Route|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=New Golden Route banner Thunderbird Train.jpg|width=30%|quote=Connecting Tokyo and Kyoto via Northern Chubu, explore one of Japan's popular tourist trails.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in an of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) 2kdl8f44hstoqrj2r9ohojrr15i62rv 4487767 4487696 2022-07-21T14:40:41Z The dog2 35982 /* Hamad International Airport */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=New Golden Route|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=New Golden Route banner Thunderbird Train.jpg|width=30%|quote=Connecting Tokyo and Kyoto via Northern Chubu, explore one of Japan's popular tourist trails.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in and of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ik88ve706eknjmrdfsbbn5coijx88cn 4488003 4487767 2022-07-21T22:18:10Z AlasdairW 1812 /* Next changes */ Istanbul to Izmir is next topic wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik waterfront.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in and of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) qvf0ar12g59fcss50pb877bc9tt0i36 4488036 4488003 2022-07-22T00:50:11Z Yvwv 100394 nominating Stamford (England) wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik waterfront.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===Stamford (England)=== {{FeatureNom | place=Stamford | blurb=The United Kingdom's first urban conservation area features hundreds of Georgian buildings. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:50, 22 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Isles. Needs a more inspiring intro, and more pictures. | DotMImage=[[File:River Welland.18.6.05.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in and of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) isxsu5kcxtv4lsasaz51p14o365xxyl 4488037 4488036 2022-07-22T00:51:00Z Yvwv 100394 /* Stamford (England) */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik waterfront.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Stamford (England)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Stamford | blurb=The United Kingdom's first urban conservation area features hundreds of Georgian buildings. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:50, 22 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Isles. Needs a more inspiring intro, and more pictures. | DotMImage=[[File:River Welland.18.6.05.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in and of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) niu9cdmqja47hapes7lanlpwtdxvbwa 4488133 4488037 2022-07-22T07:47:11Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Sopron */ slush? wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik waterfront.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Slush?''' no major improvements apart from GZ's formatting fixes. I was unaware that Hungary has had a 30 per cent inflation in the last 7-8 years, hence my "very close", but the 99 issue will remain unless someone who knows the city well enough will be able to fix the historic sites issue. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:47, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Stamford (England)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Stamford | blurb=The United Kingdom's first urban conservation area features hundreds of Georgian buildings. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:50, 22 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Isles. Needs a more inspiring intro, and more pictures. | DotMImage=[[File:River Welland.18.6.05.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in and of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) 176qjh9plk8tacrd1a8dd4ateqmn0yq 4488141 4488133 2022-07-22T08:17:11Z LPfi 79572 /* Suwon */ not yet wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik waterfront.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Not yet'''. Several sections need serious copy editing. The language issues often make the text hard to understand or even incomprehensible for somebody unfamiliar with the context. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:16, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Slush?''' no major improvements apart from GZ's formatting fixes. I was unaware that Hungary has had a 30 per cent inflation in the last 7-8 years, hence my "very close", but the 99 issue will remain unless someone who knows the city well enough will be able to fix the historic sites issue. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:47, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Stamford (England)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Stamford | blurb=The United Kingdom's first urban conservation area features hundreds of Georgian buildings. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:50, 22 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Isles. Needs a more inspiring intro, and more pictures. | DotMImage=[[File:River Welland.18.6.05.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in and of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) d6cw97oashj1o8oxhd2l2ofwnwui2bx 4488211 4488141 2022-07-22T11:33:36Z Yvwv 100394 /* Sopron */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik waterfront.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Not yet'''. Several sections need serious copy editing. The language issues often make the text hard to understand or even incomprehensible for somebody unfamiliar with the context. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:16, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Slush?''' no major improvements apart from GZ's formatting fixes. I was unaware that Hungary has had a 30 per cent inflation in the last 7-8 years, hence my "very close", but the 99 issue will remain unless someone who knows the city well enough will be able to fix the historic sites issue. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:47, 22 July 2022 (UTC) :: Shall we find another worthy guide-level Hungarian town? [[Hévíz]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:33, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Stamford (England)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Stamford | blurb=The United Kingdom's first urban conservation area features hundreds of Georgian buildings. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:50, 22 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Isles. Needs a more inspiring intro, and more pictures. | DotMImage=[[File:River Welland.18.6.05.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in and of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) 8gpdokdcmtsp8bcrj7luzc2nszoij33 4488218 4488211 2022-07-22T11:48:03Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Suwon */ needs work, but if we want a feature from SK, then why not [[Seoul/Jongno]] and [[Seoul/Jung]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|[[Dotm]]<br>[[Otbp]]<br>[[Ftt]]}} Here we determine which articles are featured on the [[Main Page]] as [[Previous Destinations of the month|Destination of the month]] (DotM), [[Previously Off the beaten path|Off the Beaten Path]] (OtBP) and [[Previous Featured travel topics|Featured travel topics]] (FTT). ==Nominate== You can nominate any '''article''' you would like to see featured. Any destination, region, itinerary or event that passes the "[[Project:What is an article?|What is an article?]]" test is eligible for nomination. However, ''before'' nominating, please check that the article follows these basic guidelines: * The nominated article should have an [[Project:article status|article status]] of '''''guide'' or ''star'''''. This includes having at least one good picture, and listings/headers/etc. that match our [[Project:manual of style|manual of style]]. * The nominated article must not have been featured since Wikivoyage became a WMF project in 2013. ** See [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], and [[Previous Featured travel topics]] to check. * If the article has been nominated previously but failed, any objections should be addressed before nominating it again. ** See [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]] to check. ** If you think a once-slushed destination is now ready to go, list it as new, but with a pointer to the slush pile entry. * The article should be good enough to feature within 12 months; as is, or with edits that can be done before the intended time slot. Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as '''Destination of the Month''', while more obscure destinations should be nominated for '''Off the Beaten Path'''. '''Featured Travel Topic''' includes travel topics, phrasebooks, itineraries, and other articles not part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographic hierarchy|geographic hierarchy]], as well as airports (as they are not usually destinations in their own right). Where applicable, you should propose a good time to visit the destination as a month to be featured. The basic format of a nomination is as follows: <span style=color:green><nowiki>{{FeatureNom</nowiki> <nowiki>| place=Destination</nowiki> <nowiki>| blurb='''[[Destination]]''' is a place of contrasts, and as such it...</nowiki> <nowiki>| status=Guide</nowiki> <nowiki>| time=March-June</nowiki> <nowiki>| nominatedBy=~~~~</nowiki> <nowiki>| comment=Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime.</nowiki> <nowiki>| DotMImage=[[File:Destinationimage.jpg|thumb|300px]]</nowiki> <nowiki>}}</nowiki></span> Add a nomination to the ''end'' of the appropriate section. ==Discuss== You can comment on any nomination based on timeliness and adherence to the criteria above, just add a bullet point (*) and your signed opinion. <nowiki>===[[Destination]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <span style=color:green><nowiki>* Looks nice, but shouldn't the Do section contain more than just quilting contests? ~~~~</nowiki></span> Please note that the following are '''not''' considered valid reasons to oppose a nomination: * '''"I don't like it."''' All objections have to be based on the guidelines above: poor formatting, missing information, etc. Personal opinions, dislikes, etc. do not count. * '''"Wrong time of year."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Timing can be worked out later. * '''"Wrong type of place."''' Articles are supported or opposed based on their content. Whether it's DotM or OtBP can be worked out later. ==Select== If an article gets several comments in favor and none against for a week or so, it's eligible to be placed in an appropriate time-slot in the '''Upcoming''' queue. If the objections are relatively minor and are being worked on, add them to the '''Upcoming''' queue tentatively (add a question mark "?" after the article). Feel free to move the queue around or swap articles if it makes sense. If a nomination clearly does not make the grade and if the objections are not easily fixable, they go into the [[Project:Destination of the Month candidates/Slush pile|Slush pile]]. Once a nomination has been scheduled, an appropriate banner image and text blurb must be selected. Go to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]] to start that discussion. ==Archive== Discussions for previously selected destinations are kept in the [[Project:Destination of the month candidates/Archive|Archive]]. ==Upcoming== ===Schedule=== The following queue should contain about the next few months' worth of upcoming destinations. Note that new DotMs are rotated in on the '''1st''' of each month, OtBPs on the '''11th''' and travel topics on the '''21st'''. {|border="1" cellspacing=0 cellpadding="3" style="text-align:center" !Month !DotM !OtBP !FTT |- ! align="right" | August 2022 | [[Newfoundland and Labrador]] | [[Deventer]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Istanbul to Izmir]] |- ! align="right" | September 2022 | [[Dresden]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Budderoo National Park]] – pending stronger consensus to support | [[Around the World in Eighty Days]] – pending stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | October 2022 | [[Arches National Park]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Savaii]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | November 2022 | [[Singapore/Orchard]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Cooch Behar]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Georgian cuisine]] |- ! align="right" | December 2022 | [[Rome/Vatican]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Gävle]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Indira Gandhi International Airport]] – pending fixes (?) |- ! align="right" | January 2023 | [[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Punta Arenas]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Portuguese phrasebook]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |- ! align="right" | February 2023 | [[Milford Sound]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Jimbaran]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support | [[Driving in South Africa]] – pending fixes and stronger consensus to support |} Try to avoid two overlapping or back-to-back features from the same country, as well as long streaks of features from the same continent. The schedule is not cast in stone. However, any change made to the schedule should have a compelling reason behind it, and should be effected as far in advance as possible of the article's scheduled term on the Main Page. In particular, unless absolutely necessary, we discourage nominee articles from being slushed or rescheduled after [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners|banners]] have been made for them, which usually happens 2-3 months before being featured. Whenever an article becomes a current feature, it should be removed from the list, the discussion archived, and (when changing out Featured Travel Topics) a new month added to the end of the queue. ===Next changes=== Decisions regarding which images to use as the banners are made at '''[[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners]]'''. The section below provides an opportunity to see what the upcoming featured articles will look like on the [[Main Page]] using the banners that are currently most popular on the above page. {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik waterfront.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} ===Updating=== On the date of the scheduled change, the DotM, OtBP, or FTT should be changed as close to midnight UTC as possible. When the featured page is changed, please follow the following procedures to do so and archive content to the appropriate pages. At each stage, please double-check that you are correctly moving content. #Update the featured articles on the main page by replacing the current 'banner' template section with those of the appropriate banner for the new DotM/OtBP/FTT found in the ''Next change'' section above. #Update the [[Main_Page/Photo_credits|Photo credits]] page with the banner's '''original image''', title and attribution. #Add the former featured article to the appropriate archive page: [[Previous Destinations of the month]], [[Previously Off the beaten path]], or [[Previous Featured travel topics]]. #Remove [[Template:Featurenomination]] from newly featured article. #For the former featured article, add the appropriate parameter to the pagebanner template (directly after the image filename) to label the page as having been featured previously. #*For former DotMs, add: {{!}}dotm=yes #*For former OtBPs, add: {{!}}otbp=yes #*For former FTTs, add: {{!}}ftt=yes #Archive the newly featured article's nomination. Simply cut-and-paste the nomination section of the newly featured article from this page to [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive]]. #Update the '''Next change''' section above by adding the banner from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners|the discussion page]]. View the table in the '''Schedule''' section above to determine what next month's change will be, then update the image and blurb in the "Next change" section with that found in the upcoming featured article's nomination. #In the schedule, use <nowiki><s> and </s></nowiki> to strikethrough the newly featured article. Remove the row from the table if the newly featured article is the FTT. #Archive the newly featured article's banner by cutting-and-pasting all banner suggestions and the associated discussion into [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners/Archive]]. ==Nominations for Destination of the Month== ===[[Rome/Vatican]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Vatican City | blurb=The world's smallest country is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and has an impressive art collection. | status=Guide | time=Should be avoided at summer. April includes Easter and good weather. Winter is a good time to avoid crowds. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:39, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Well-known destination which was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Rome/Vatican|slushed in 2017]] but has improved a lot since then. One of few relevant destinations for [[Easter travel]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Sãopedro1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close'''. Some formatting fixes needed, but that can be resolved later, and the translation tag? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:41, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', pending checks on which listed establishments are still in business, as usual. I haven't been voting here for a while because I'm very ambivalent about travel, given its carbon footprint, and we're also still in a pandemic, but I recently reread and did some edits on this article, and I think it's good and covers a destination that will always attract visitors as long as there are human beings and things to see and do there. We have to hope that'll be a long time... [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:45, 20 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' as Turin is scheduled for May. Can be considered for Christmas 2022 or Easter 2023, as we don't have many destinations with worldwide relevance for these holidays. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:16, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * I have some concern with its categorization (being placed as a "district" of Rome instead of treating it as an official country). Yes I know it's the smallest country in the world, but we don't give the same treatment to Monaco or San Marino which are also tiny countries in Europe. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 03:29, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :*But it really '''is''' a district of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:31, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :The thing is, would you ever visit the Vatican without visiting Rome? San Marino and Monaco are a bit different as they're not fully surrounded by another city on all four corners. OTOH, I was also first confused when I first saw the categorisation too, and I have a feeling most of our readers will too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:35, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::*Any other way of treating the Vatican would be more confusing. Regardless of the political arrangement, it's a neighborhood in Rome, period. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:38, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::: I remain unconvinced. Going by [[WV:GH|geography hierarchy]], it's country -> region -> city -> district. Vatican is small enough that it doesn't need region, city or district. But putting it as a district of Rome (and not even giving it a city status) seems like a large deviation from the hiearchy. I'm marking it as '''not yet''' [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 20:49, 18 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::Have you ever visited the Vatican? It is not its own city. Listen, if tomorrow, my block in Manhattan were declared an independent state, would it suddenly no longer be part of New York City? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:28, 18 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::I have not visited Vatican. Vatican is and will remain an independent state. Your block in Manhattan will not. So please don't apply strawman argument here. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 19:59, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::It's not a straw man. The Vatican was the small part of Rome that the Pope was allowed to maintain authority over in a concession by newly unified Italy that they made in order to achieve the withdrawal of French troops from Rome. It's hugely important, but it's simply part of Rome, and don't forget that [[the traveller comes first]] on this site, not whether a neighborhood in a particular city is officially treated as an independent country or not. By your standards, we should be using only official districts in our breadcrumb navigation and never including suburbs in any city article - not to mention, always using official names of places - but we do in instances in which that best serves the traveler. Go and visit the Vatican some time and see for yourself how it's just part of Rome. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:27, 24 December 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I agree with Ikan in that I don't see how it's unreasonable, from a practical perspective, to classify the Vatican as part of Rome. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:21, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Even have a look at [[San Marino]]. It's a country, but breadcrumbed under Italy. Why? Because you have no choice but to enter thru Italy. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:24, 24 December 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: The geographic hierarchy of Europe is always under discussion at [[Talk:Europe/Hierarchy]]. [[Southwestern Europe]] is a proposed continental section which would include the whole Italian peninsula. We can hopefully settle this issue before the article gets featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:41, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And what about [[Andorra]]? Other than a few rich guys chartering a helicopter, the rest of us have to go through either Spain or France to get in. Yet it's breadcrumbed under [[Iberia]]. Same for [[Liechtenstein]]. You have to go through either Switzerland or Australia to get there but it's listed under Central Europe. [[Monaco]] has access to water but its land is completely surrounded by [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] in France, yet it's not listed as a district/city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Going back to Vatican. As AlasdairW pointed out, this looked like a Rome/Vatican district nomination, yet the proposed blurb is pitching it as a country. Add the breadcrumb issue to the mix and this blurred line led to all sorts of confusion. I agree with Yvwv that this should be settled first. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 21:21, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Andorra is a difference case since you can enter through both France and Spain. Monaco as you said, has access to water, but [[San Marino]] is still categorised as a part of Italy given it's surrounded by Italy on every side. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I haven't been to San Marino, but I have visited Monaco, and while it's definitely on the Cote d'Azur, it is at least a city in a somewhat recognizably geographically discrete area (Le Roque and the city down below). If people want to breadcrumb it to [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]], that's OK with me. But when you're talking about the Vatican, even ignoring the fact that the article also covers areas not under the control of the Pope, it's just part of Rome, and you can't even stay there, with few exceptions. To me, the argument to breadcrumb Monaco to France is a much stronger argument than treating the Vatican as separate from Rome. For a traveler, it is part of Rome, period. In terms of the other more or less small landlocked countries in Europe that are being discussed, it would make no sense to treat Andorra as part of either France or Spain because it is between the two, and the situation for Liechtenstein is analogous. In terms of selling the Vatican as the world's smallest country somehow confusing people because the article is breadcrumbed to Rome, that seems like a nonexistent problem. It is both a country and part of Rome, and that's one of the things that makes it unique. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:32, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' The article is about both the Vatican and the Borgo and Prati districts of Rome. Although this is stated at the top of the article, it maybe could be clearer and the blurb could also be clear that the article we are featuring is Vatican++. All the eat and sleep listings are actually in Rome. This is correctly a district of Rome. There are a few dead links in the article, and few of the listings have recently been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:00, 20 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Not a copyvio according to Earwig's. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:22, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Christmas 2022. Easter could be considered, but might be too crowded for visitors who are not devout Catholics. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:19, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Las Vegas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Las Vegas | blurb=''Sin City'', the uncrowned capital of gambling, offers all kinds of entertainment year round. | status=Guide | time=Events are always ongoing. Spring or fall have the best weather. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 1 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed back in 2009, but has improved a lot. Can be featured anytime when we do not have too many North American articles. | DotMImage=[[File:Las Vegas (Nevada, USA), The Strip -- 2012 -- 6232.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Comment:''' Sorry for the lack of geographic diversity, with a fourth DoTM candidate from the American Sun Belt. They all have international appeal to be featured, though. IMO we should run the best and most relevant US article in March 2022, and the next one for fall 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:27, 1 November 2021 (UTC) :{{re|Yvwv}} we do have around three Australian destinations featured next year + this December, so don't think it's a huge problem. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:59, 3 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Singapore/Orchard]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Singapore/Orchard | blurb=The main shopping street of Singapore is well known for having an extensive range of malls. | status=Guide | time=June-August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't add many articles from Singapore being featured recently, and this looks a good one. It's been a long time since I've been to Orchard Road, but I cannot see anything missing from when I went there, although I have yet to look in detail. | DotMImage=[[File:Presenting... the real ION (8200217734).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator and cannot see anything missing from when I went there, but if {{u|The dog2}} has any concerns with it, I may change my opinion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in August. Any specific reason for the timing? In my opinion, we should designate January for destinations which celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year, in particular places with favourable weather. Is Singapore too rainy during northern winter? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:25, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::Possibly, but would also defer to [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] on that. My experience there was that it rains nearly most afternoons, but I went there during spring. I would prefer June or July for the [[w:Great Singapore Sale]] but around Lunar New Year is also fine with me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:29, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::: As most of south, southeast and east Asia get the monsoon rains during northern summer, we tend use these slots for destinations in Europe and North America instead. Singapore seems to be among the exceptions, with more rain in November to January, so for geographic diversity it would make sense to schedule Singapore during northern summer. Is the GSS planned be held as usual in 2022, given the pandemic situation? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:00, 25 November 2021 (UTC) ::::The southeastern coast of Southeast Asia from southern Thailand all the way down to Singapore have their monsoon season in November-January, which is why the dive sites off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are closed in those months, because the sea just becomes too choppy. But what you said is true of places like Penang, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dry season is during the northern winter, and in the case of the latter two, also coincides with their winter, meaning the temperatures are not so hot. ::::As for festivals, while you can of course go to Orchard Road for Chinese New Year (and locals still go to Orchard Road for their Chinese New Year shopping), in reality Chinatown is where you should go if you really want to soak up the festive atmosphere. Orchard Road's street decorations are mainly Christmas-themed, and if I'm not wrong, they have in recent years also added a Menorah for Hanukkah at the request of the local rabbi. It is in Chinatown where you can see street decorations with the Chinese New Year theme, and likewise, for Deepavali (Diwali), you go to Little India for that, and for Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), you go to Geylang Serai for that. ::::So if you're talking about an appropriate time to visit Singapore if you specifically want to see Orchard Road at its best, I'd say it would be December, when all the Christmas decorations are up. It is during the monsoon, but all the major shopping malls are linked underground, so it is quite easy to find shelter whenever it rains. And in any case, the rains tend to be brief, though intense, so you can always wait inside one of the shopping centres for the rain to stop before heading out. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:02, 26 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' I was last in Singapore in 2005, so I can't say if it is up-to-date, but it looks good. Few of the listings have recent dates, and need to be checked, particularly the eat listings. I have checked the budget and mid-range hotels, and found 3 closed (2 temporarily). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:32, 25 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a more inspiring intro. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:28, 6 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally again for November 2022, as suggested under [[#Newfoundland and Labrador]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:43, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Bangkok/Yaowarat and Phahurat | blurb=The multicultural district and Chinatown in the capital of the largest overseas Chinese community becomes particularly lively for the Chinese New Year. | status=Star | time=Jan 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Here's an article for the Lunar New Year for 2023. The article is a star, so I'd trust that all requirements are met. | DotMImage=[[File:Arch in Samphanthawong District, Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very very close''' Just would be nice if the routebox at the bottom could be fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:25, 27 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Close.''' Need ''get around'' and ''stay safe'' sections. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:16, 27 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} It appears that a #Get around section isn't needed for city districts (see {{u|Ypsilon}}'s comment on [[#Helsinki/West]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:04, 28 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' Is this DOTM or Otbp, the [[Yaowarat and Phahurat tour]] page makes it seem like an OTBP destination despite being in a large city.[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:32, 23 December 2021 (UTC) *:DoTM – how is this "off the beaten path"? From experience it was definitely one of my highlights when I went to Bangkok and I can't see anything missing here. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 23 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Lunar New Year 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Yangshuo]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Yangshuo | blurb=Famous among backpackers for its scenic karst mountains. | status=Guide | time=March-April and Oct-Nov seem to have the best weather. Possibly January for Lunar New Year. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:07, 11 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no nominees from mainland China. Most venues need to be tagged. Re-categorized from OtBP to DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:YangshuoFromTvTower.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment:''' I wonder if this qualifies as OtBP given that this is a heavily touristed area. Anyway, I'll support this nomination if others do. It looks like the article hasn't been updated much recently, so I will try to do some work on it early next year. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 17:53, 10 December 2021 (UTC) :I also think this fits as a DOTM [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:56, 10 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' some brushups needed + coordinates and dead links. I'm neutral on dotm or otbp. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:40, 16 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' just want to say it was slushed in 2015, it seems it’s improved since then though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:34, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: Thanks for pointing out. See [[/Slush pile#Yangshuo]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:50, 23 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Dresden]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dresden | blurb=The capital of Saxony once suffered catastrophic damage from Allied bombing in 1945, today it stands as a charming, relaxed and in many ways a beautiful city and a relaxing destination. | status=Guide | time=Not sure tbh | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=I'm kind of surprised this has yet to be featured, but there's always a start for everything. Can't see anything missing here. | DotMImage=[[File:DD-blick-von-frauenkirche.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' some minor fixes needed but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:55, 18 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Needs a climate graph. The text has a bit of a German accent, and should be proofread by a native English speaker. Just like most of Germany, weather is most pleasant at summer, and the Christmas fair could make the city worth to visit in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:42, 18 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October. Could be a bit chilly though, and not sure about festivals or events. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:28, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' I visited Dresden about 15 years ago, and the article looks good. I have done some updates, but it is hard to check all the details at the moment as many places are impacted by current restrictions. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 17:59, 28 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in September for milder weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Gaborone]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gaborone | blurb=Botswana's capital is just a few decades old, already established as the gateway to this friendly county. | status=Guide | time=March-May or Aug-Oct, weather-wise. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have had few African features, and none from Botswana. This article seems to be up to date. | DotMImage=[[File:Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''', whenever it's halfway reasonable to travel. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:46, 3 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>{{s}}</s> per Ikan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:28, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ::I did not take the time to fully look at the article earlier, but now I have so I'm going to say it '''needs work'''. Some issues: :::*Understand is ''way'' too short. :::*The "Modern architecture" section has no description nor addresses :::*The same with the other "See" listings :::*The same goes with the other sections ::That's just a start. So until this is fixed, I'm going to oppose a feature. However, in saying that, I'd like to see this being featured one day, perhaps maybe after these have been fixed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:47, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for September, for good safari weather and Botswana Day on 30 September. Scheduling was made before the comment above, and can always be reconsidered. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:51, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:28, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Slush?''' The article has unaddressed issues some months past nomination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:25, 1 May 2022 (UTC) ::Don't know to be fair. I'd love to see an article from Botswana be featured (as outside ZA, Southern Africa has had relatively few features), but at the same time, it needs some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:03, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the current page banner is dreadful and should be replaced. Was just looking at the page and noticed it was nominated.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Newfoundland and Labrador | blurb=One of Canada's Atlantic provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Canada deserves more features, especially given that its the world's second largest country in size. This one is in good shape and looks good to go. I would like it to be featured in 2022 replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]] and moving Orchard Road to Christmas. Hopefully, this will increase our geographic variety for this coming northern summer/southern winter. As for the timing, is August a good time to visit NL? Pinging our Canadians {{ping|Ground Zero|Pashley|OhanaUnited}} --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:27, 14 January 2022 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Gros Morne NP westernbrookpond2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:58, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} I'd say avoid any Canadian winter, including N&L. (That's why I'm in the Philippines :-) However, spring & fall are likely OK. Some travellers might be interested in the many icebergs that come down the strait between N&L and Greenland, mostly in spring. We might say more about that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:02, 14 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} July and August are definitely the best months. The iceberg calving (that is what it us called) in April attracts a lot of Germans. I've added an iceberg viewing infobox. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:30, 14 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Scheduled''' for August replacing [[Singapore/Orchard]]. As per {{u|The dog2}}'s suggestion, that is probably better off for November or December for Christmas shopping. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:56, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :: The August slot overlaps with [[Wine Regions of Ontario]]. While both deserve to be featured, we should avoid to have simultaneous features from the same country. We could switch [[Wine Regions of Ontario]] with [[Ohio State Parks]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:12, 14 January 2022 (UTC) :::I've switched it. Also switched Percé as well. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:45, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * {{s}} It looks ready. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 16:31, 14 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Freetown]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Freetown | blurb=Sierra Leone's capital is a fast-developing city with some of Africa's finest beaches. | status=Guide | time=December to April to avoid rain. Possibly March for Film Festival and Ballanta Music Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:58, 2 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=Africa is severely under-featured. This article has been considered for featuring for a while, and has the essentials. | DotMImage=[[File:Freetown street (13992704238).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' – I'd love to see this featured, and I agree that outside South Africa, Africa is severely underrepresented. Some issues tho: ::* There are two national parks on the static map, but there is no mention about them in the article. Maybe I'm nitpicky about this as someone who's into the concepts of metro national parks ::* Many listings are missing contact info. ::* There are no buy listings. ::* Many of the beach listings have just the beach name and coords with nothing else :Otherwise, it looks good to go. Once they're fixed, I'll support. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:32, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Arches National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Arches National Park | blurb=Containing one of the world's highest concentration of Arches, the park has become one of the state icons of Utah. | status=Guide | time=During autumn or spring (northern) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have not have a park article from North America being featured for some time. I went here a few years back and everything here seems up-to-date. | DotMImage=[[File:5028-arches-delicate-arch RJ.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:47, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Is it OTBP or DOTM according to [[w:List of national parks of the United States]] it gets 1.8 millin visitors a year which puts around the top 15 most visited parks in the USA. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:37, 19 March 2022 (UTC) *:I've known this park for a long time and I did eventually get around to visiting it on my last trip to Utah, but I am going to say OtBP. I was even thinking on whether it should be a dotm or otbp for a while, before I finalized my decision on otbp. The US NPS promotes their national parks so much, to the point where most people around the world know the most parks in the US but barely any outside it. If I really had to make a list of US national parks that could make it to dotm, here's what I'd think: *:* Yosemite NP* *:* Yellowstone NP *:* Death Valley NP* *:* Grand Canyon NP *:* Olympic NP *:* Zion NP* *:* Golden Gate NRA *:* Hawaii Volcanoes NP *:* Mount Rushmore NM *:Note that a * means it has already been featured *:These are probably a borderline: *:* Arches NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Everglades NP *:* Glacier NP *:* Great Smokey Mountains NP *:That too is quite a lot for a single country. Also, it's worth noting that visitor numbers don't necessarily correlate with fame – Ulu<u>r</u>u-Kata Tju<u>t</u>a NP in the centre of Australia is pretty much known worldwide, but it does not get as many visitors due to its isolation. As the US gets a lot of domestic tourism, it gets a lot of visitor numbers. *:As another example, that I could give is [[Fiordland National Park]], which is one of New Zealand's finest parks and most international visitors pay a visit to the park. However, as New Zealand only as 5 million inhabitants, the visitor numbers are way lower. Banff or Jasper in Canada would be a similar case, if Canada did not have a land border with the United States and both would qualify for a dotm. *:So ultimately, it should be an otbp. Visitor numbers don't exactly represent how well-known it is, which is what is needed to be a dotm and if we feature this as a dotm, we will then have to feature the other three national parks in Utah as dotms, which then we'll fall into the loophole of featuring every single national park well-known to people from a certain regions as dotms. Let's not fall into that pitfall. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*I'd say noplace with 1.8 million visitors is "off the beaten path." DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:30, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*:Per the comment at the very top: "Well-known and/or popular destinations should be nominated as Destination of the Month, while more obscure destinations should be nominated for Off the Beaten Path" – I don't think Arches NP is well known outside the US. If that's the case, then should we feature [[Acadia National Park]] as a dotm? It received 4,069,098 visitors in 2021, but hardly anyone outside the US (and maybe Canada) knows that park – and it's not well-known. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::*::If a park gets more than 1.5 million visitors its definitely a popular destination and therefore DOTM. Some former Japanese DOTMS like [[Hamamatsu]] and [[Okayama]] aren't known very well outside of Japan but due to their popularity with domestic (and size) they were DOTM rather than OTBP. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:21, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*Yes, Acadia definitely should be DotM. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:40, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:If we're okay with featuring places that get a lot of domestic tourism, I'd be more than happy to move this up to dotm. I always thought that dotm was only for the most well-known internationally, but I guess it's time to feature more national parks as dotms. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*::Moved. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:39, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::*:::Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:05, 19 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use a more inspiring intro. Otherwise, not much else is needed to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I agree that the intro could be improved, additionally I wish [[Moab]]'s eat and sleep sections were better considering that this article's eat and sleep section basically say "go to Moab for amenities". The article it self is fine though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:52, 24 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for October. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:27, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Milford Sound]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Milford Sound | blurb=One of New Zealand's prime icons, this fiord nestled in the north of Fiordland National Park contains a spectacular combination of mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls and marine life. | status=Guide | time=Southern summer | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 28 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=I've recently taken some interest in Fiordland National Park recently and have recently upgraded this to guide. As for dotm/otbp, Milford is an important tourist spot not just in South Island, but NZ as a whole, so it'd be absurd to feature this as otbp and Arches NP as dotm. I'm willing to do any changes if needed. | DotMImage=[[File:Milford Sound 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:32, 28 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. The boundary between DoTM and OtBP might need a deeper discussion than we could have for an individual article vote. Absolute number of visitors might be an incomplete measure. Let's say that a city in a high-income, high-population region such as Germany, Virginia or South Korea has around 100,000 citizens, but is no tourist attraction in its own right. We would probably feature it as OtBP, though it is likely to attract many thousands of visitors per year for business, sports, performance events and family occasions. In absolute numbers, more people would visit that city, than a national park or natural landmark which is world famous, but more isolated. The limit has to be subjective. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:54, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *:I agree. To me, it seems absolutely absurd if we were feature to Arches National Park as a dotm and if this as an otbp when Arches NP is only heavily visited because of the large domestic tourism in the US but otherwise relatively unknown outside, while Milford is one of New Zealand's prime tourist destinations but gets fewer visitors because NZ's population is 66 times smaller than that of the US. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:05, 7 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February 2023. / 10:41, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lyon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lyon | blurb=France's third city is famous for its Roman heritage, its cuisine, and its proximity to the mountains. | status=Guide | time=Any. Aug-Oct is harvest season, and has decent weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:17, 2 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=France receives more international tourists than any other country, but has had rather few features. This is a lengthy article, though many places need coordinates. [[/Slush pile#Lyon|Slushed in 2010]]. | DotMImage=[[File:FourviereNight.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very very close''' – I'd love to see this featured. Only thing that's missing is coordinates as you mentioned, which I'll start later this month. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:07, 7 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': The districts map needs better color-coordination. It's unusual for an undistricted city to have a districts map, but I think it's fine with a map and good descriptions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:34, 28 June 2022 (UTC) *:{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I'm stuck with the flu at home this week so I'll try and make a better districts map if I can. No promises though, as I'm still a rookie at making static maps (the [[c:User:SHB2000#Static maps|few I've made]] are nowhere near good as our existing maps, but given that few can make these maps, I'll give it a shot), but I'll try my best. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::I hope you get better soon! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wengen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wengen | blurb=With steep slopes and reliable snowfall, this picturesque car-free village nestled deep in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland is one of the world's top downhill skiing destinations. | status=Guide | time=Winter (Nov-Apr, roughly) | nominatedBy=[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:53, 20 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Wengen is small, but it's a major tourist destination, so off the beaten path would be a stretch. Great article and it's just luvvly-jubbly in the springtime. | DotMImage=[[File:View From Wengen, Bernese Oberland (2521799368).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} :'''Close, but needs some work''': *Why is there only one listing in "[[Wengen#Drink|Drink]]"? There are others mentioned, but they should be in a listing format. *Do the churches pass [[wv:worship]]? If so, they should be in a listing or markered at the bare minimum *The buy section is missing contact details, coordinates and addresses :That's all from me right now. Will do the smaller fixes myself. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:05, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::No personal experience re: the other bars mentioned, alas. The Lutheran Church is picturesque and has great views, so it's worth a mention, but I'd drop the rest. I've cleaned up the Buy section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:27, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work.''' A ski resort should have a description of the lift system and spectator events. Could use a climate chart. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:10, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::Wengen is not a standalone ski resort, but just a node in the rather vast Grindelwald-Wengen-Murren-First-Schilthorn ski area: you can ski down ''to'' Wengen, but getting up the slopes requires taking the train or gondola. This is mentioned in passing but I'll try to make this clearer. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 12:50, 20 April 2022 (UTC) ::: Maybe the region should have an article on its own, whether it is called [[Jungfrau Region]] or something else. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:21, 21 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sucre]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sucre | blurb=Bolivia's nominal capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a showcase of indigenous and colonial history. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid the cold. Carnival in February. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:59, 31 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have few upcoming features from South America, and we never had a feature from Bolivia (except on The Other Site, back in 2006). The article has the essentials, but could mention more on topics such as the new airport, shopping, and crime. | DotMImage=[[File:Blue Sky, White City - panoramio.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – a few see listings need descriptions, but that is relatively minor and this article can run as it is if it has to. Would love a feature from Bolivia! --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:32, 1 June 2022 (UTC) ::The "History" section also needs an update, as it doesn't seem to have been updated since the coup that ousted Evo Morales. I just changed one "is" to "was", but that's not enough. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Suwon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Suwon | blurb=South Korea's only walled city is within reach of Seoul's public transit, and a showcase of Korean history. | status=Guide | time=May, June, September for weather. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:36, 6 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=Korea has been under-featured (and the northern part is likely to remain so). South Korean popular culture is in vogue, and the harsh pandemic rules have been dropped. The article needs some history information and a new district map. | DotMImage=[[File:Jangan Gate - Hwaseong Fortress - Nighttime western view - 2008-10-23.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *There's a red-linked image of Suwon districts until I delete it. "Traffic" is usually not in "Understand". A walled city deserves a bit of historical background in that section. A lot of restaurant names are oddly given with initial lowercase letters. I don't have time to look through the rest with a fine-toothed comb, but this article clearly needs more editing and a more meaningful "Understand" section to be featured. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:27, 6 July 2022 (UTC) ** I removed the Traffic section, which I think didn't add anything to what is in Get in. Much of Get in is confusing, possibly because of language issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:52, 7 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' I remember {{u|The dog2}} once mentioned that motels in South Korea was a place to have sex (I can't remember where though). Would the motels listed in [[Suwon#Motels]] pass the [[Wikivoyage:Sex tourism policy]]? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:07, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I can't remember where, but yes, in South Korea and Taiwan, motels are a place to have sex, just like the love hotels in Japan. But that said, if you stay a night and decide not to have sex, nobody will say you can't. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:19, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Found it; [[Talk:English_language_varieties#Motel|here]] it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::But would it pass our sex tourism policy though? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::The sex tourism policy is about paying for sex, not going to a love motel with the person who is already your partner and having a discreet experience you choose to have as a couple. Houses of prostitution can't be listed, and we've discussed issues relating to gay spas (saunas?), I think they are, which are apparently really a euphemism for places where people pay to have sex with strangers of the same sex. That's not what love motels are, I think. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:21, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::It that case, I don't think it will be a problem. Many people do engage a prostitute from outside and bring her to the love motel to have sex, but these love motels generally do not provide prostitution services. They are just providing a place for people to have sex. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:35, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::If these motels are seedy and patrons are likely to run into prostitutes and their johns, we should warn people and could consider whether to list them or not, but if they're well-taken-care-of, clean and discreet and used by couples who are married or in relationships as well as people hiring sex workers, it's fine to list them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Not yet'''. Several sections need serious copy editing. The language issues often make the text hard to understand or even incomprehensible for somebody unfamiliar with the context. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:16, 22 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Needs a lot of work''' Apart from the motels issue, there are a hell lot of issues with this article **Its understand section is ridiculously short **There is no information on how to get in to Suwon by car. **The tone and language used is a serious problem. It's dull, for the most part, incomprehensible, and has a hell lot of grammar issues. **[[Suwon#Supermarket]] (though the SH should be Supermarket'''s''') is very bland **The drink section needs a cleanup. : Therefore, I '''oppose''' a feature of Suwon. However, if we do want a feature from SK, then maybe we should pick one of the Seoul districts at guide status. namely [[Seoul/Jongno]] and [[Seoul/Jung]] (the other two are missing coords). [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], what do you think of that? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:47, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ==Nominations for Off the Beaten Path== ===[[Gävle]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Gävle | blurb=Joe Hill's hometown is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for Sweden's largest rail museum, and a Christmas market with a giant Yule Goat. | status=Guide | time=Great weather and outdoor events June to August. The notorious Christmas goat is inaugurated in late November, and Gävle is one of few large Swedish cities to usually have snow in December. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:50, 8 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Has improved during 2021. While Gävle is decently sized and has many interesting venues, it does not seem heavyweight enough for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Yule goat Gefle Sweden 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' assuming the nature reserves get a description and contact information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:03, 8 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': If featuring before Christmas, I'd say November, as 11 December is very close to Christmas, and there is little reason to go in January – at least there are no hints on winter activities in the article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 06:52, 9 September 2021 (UTC) :: It is true that we should be a bit prospective. [[Banteay Chhmar]] is not good to go, so we could run Gävle in November. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:30, 9 September 2021 (UTC) ::: Added two ski facilities. Gävle usually gets the first snow in early December, so there will be some chances for winter sport. The ice hockey season will be ongoing, though the horse races close down for winter. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:29, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Close''' I just added an Understand section, that even the smallest articles should have. And that section should have a couple of paragraphs of Gävle. A pic or two towards the end, and in the lead could be added and a few listings need coordinates. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:32, 11 September 2021 (UTC) :: Added history and climate. How extensively should we mention the traditional arson attacks on the goat? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:04, 14 September 2021 (UTC) :::Looking good. Perhaps a few more lines (in its listing or in Understand), given that the goat is mentioned in the blurb, but not more than that. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:14, 20 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Nästan stöd''' per Ypsilon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:54, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * Shall we run [[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]] for the 400th anniversary of the First Thanksgiving, and put Gävle on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:51, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:Why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 15:02, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::I'm otherwise neutral but I think we're now starting to have too many articles nominated that are to be run during an event or anniversary so I'd prefer Gävle because of that (also it's nice to have a "real winter article" every now and then, we haven't had that many of those). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:54, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :::: Featuring a holiday-related article at the end of the year would be a good concept, be it for Christmas, Gregorian New Year, Chinese New Year, or Thanksgiving. There are just a handful of those destinations ([[Bethlehem]] and [[Rovaniemi]] can be considered), so we can save Gävle for 2022 and run Plymouth in 2021. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:02, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: Gävle is an underrated summer destination, with Furuvik, white nights, and great outdoors within walking distance. They will stage Atlas Rock on 4 June, and Gefle Metal Festival in July. As a winter resort it is mediocre compared to many other Nordic towns. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:37, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' Have added a few summer-related venues. White nights, Midsummer and rock music give a more gratifying experience than the goat and darkness from 3 pm. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:05, 30 October 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', replaced by [[Deventer]], which has stronger support. I would love to see Gävle featured for May, June or July, but these slots tend to get filled by other Nordic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:08, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Christmas 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:44, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Budderoo National Park]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Budderoo National Park | blurb=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that. | status=Guide | time=Late Mar-Oct except Jul | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:55, 21 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I have always wanted to nominate an Australian rainforest to be an otbp and before yesterday, [[Dorrigo National Park]] was the only guide Australian rainforest park. Unfortunately, that article needs a lot of updates, and I don't think I can do the 600km trip given the current Covid situation, so here's a new article, but up to date and a 150km trip down here can be done easily (can do that in the upcoming few days). Given we usually feature one national park every year and we haven't picked a national park yet, thought this might be a good one. | DotMImage=[[File:Minnamurra Rainforest - panoramio (19).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' I also did make some banners well in advance although it's not locally uploaded ([[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_1.jpg|1]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_2.jpg|2]], [[:File:Budderoo_otbp_banner_3.jpg|3]]), although that's something to decide on later. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:19, 22 October 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Close.'''</s> Could use a climate graph, and more info on flora and fauna. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:{{re|Yvwv}} {{done}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. '''Scheduled''' provisionally for October/November, following the guideline that a scheduled article should have at least one support vote from someone else than the nominator. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:52, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Punta Arenas]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Punta Arenas | blurb=The capital of Chilean Patagonia is a gateway to Antarctica, and a good place to see penguins. | status=Guide | time=December to March | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:24, 22 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have no upcoming South American articles. This article has improved a lot lately, and is clearly in the OtBP category. | DotMImage=[[File:Punta arenas city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but is this an OtBP?''' It's a good article overall, except that the dead links need to be fixed. However, is it really an OtBP? It's fairly internationally significant, at least from what I know. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:38, 23 December 2021 (UTC) :: There is no clear defining line between DoTM and OtBP. Number of visitors per year would be a decent guideline, but I cannot find any statistics for Punta Arenas. While the city has more than 100,000 inhabitants and many hospitality venues, it is fairly isolated, 3,000 kilometres from Santiago. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:50, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Well, we did feature [[Yosemite National Park]] and [[Zion National Park]] as dotms even though they're national parks. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:24, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs a bit of work''', though hopefully not much. 'Get around' is very sparse on details for a city that size, and there are a few too many dead links for my liking. PA is undoubtedly off the beaten path, right at the bottom of Patagonia, and cut off by road from the rest of Chile. I haven't been there, but my father has, as part of the tortuous LATAM airline route to the Falkland Islands (the Santiago to PA stretch alone was like 3½ hours). Most visitors are on their way to somewhere even more remote: Antarctica, rural Patagonia or one of the islands.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:00, 12 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:20, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Cooch Behar]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Cooch Behar | blurb=The capital of the Koch Kingdom and the only planned city in North Bengal, near the border with Bangladesh. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Dec for Rash Mela. November to March to avoid the monsoon. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:08, 30 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=With a billion inhabitants, millennia of history and steadily improving infrastructure, India deserves more featured articles. When it comes to DoTM versus OtBP, we have yet to settle on a definition. Cooch Behar has around 100,000 inhabitants, but it has few foreign visitors. | DotMImage=[[File:Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''', there is a need for some guides from India and this guide seems quite good as compared to its previous versions. But there must be a clear-cut definition about DoTM and OtBP. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 18:01, 3 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Cooch Behar is an interesting town that, despite enjoying a long and esteemed history, is generally overlooked by travelers heading to nearby Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and Bhutan. [[User:SingyeDzong|SingyeDzong]] ([[User talk:SingyeDzong|talk]]) *Sorry, but I'm going to have to <s>'''oppose'''</s>. <s>It recently got districtified unilaterally with no discussion on the talk page. Since it's been districtified, the only thing we could do now is possibly just work on the districts. However,</s> some of the districts are just an outline with no banners made for them yet. Regarding whether it's a dotm or an otbp, I'd say OtBP. India has so many cities over 100k inhabitants, well more than most other countries. There's some other articles about India at guide status and they could possibly be alternatives. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:22, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :: Discussion is ongoing at [[Talk:Cooch Behar#Districts]]. Hopefully we can settle on a good solution for the geographic hierarchy. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:03, 12 January 2022 (UTC) :::Apologies, didn't realise that discussion. But until [[Cooch Behar]] is reasonably districtified, it can't go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:07, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::::The districtification issue has been fixed by creating redirects and merging. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 14:34, 12 January 2022 (UTC) ::Even apart from the districts, the formatting isn't great. There's a lot of [[tdf]] violations, a lot of listings with no description or addresses. IMO, this looks more like a usable article rather than a guide article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:27, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::[[tdf]] issues have been fixed and I am working on the listing issues. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:59, 13 January 2022 (UTC) ::::okay, that's great. I'll be ready to support once you've finished. I do have hopes that this will be featured one day. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], template issues have been fixed. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:23, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Okay, good work as always. It's '''very close'''. If I may suggest, creating section headers may be useful separating things like parks, other POIs as it's currently a bit unreadable. I also noticed that there's a lot of places of worship – I'm not sure whether they can all be listed per [[wv:worship]]. If not, then some of them can be listed in the #Cope section. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Okay, I will do it soon! I have some lectures to attend now. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Sure thing. It's turning out really nicely, so nice work :) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Some non-significant places of worship have been removed. Created sub-sections in the see section and minor edits. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Okay, now '''Support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 17 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::👍 [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 02:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Nov/Dec 2022 for Rash Mela. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:44, 18 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Jimbaran]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Jimbaran | blurb=Known as the "Beverly Hills of Bali" or "Millionaire's Row" for its high-end resorts. | status=Guide | time=April to October, weather-wise. Not sure about festivals or events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:38, 8 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Indonesia is a large country with no scheduled features. [[Bali]] itself has been featured, but none of the many places on Bali with guide-level articles. We can also consider [[Amed]], [[Bedugul]], [[Candidasa]], [[Denpasar]], [[Kintamani]], [[Lovina]], [[Nusa Dua]], [[Nusa Penida]] or [[Sanur]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Jimbaran Bay.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''' The two maps seem similar and I feel it would be better if there was only one, if dynamic is more up to date we should keep that one [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 08:03, 8 January 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. I would like to see more information in "get around," such as main roads in the resort, so travelers have a better idea than merely what a phone's GPS would provide. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 14:59, 17 January 2022 (UTC) *:I have added main roads. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 17:56, 7 February 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. Not the driest season, but decently sunny. / 10:42, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Trabzon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Trabzon | blurb=With an ancient Greek heritage, Trabzon was an empire in its own right during the Middle Ages. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, as climate is cooler than the rest of Turkey. June for Kadirga Festival, or August for Sultan Murat Festival. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:10, 25 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Turkey is very under-featured. Not sure whether Trabzon would weigh in for DoTM. | DotMImage=[[File:Kustul Monastery Trabzon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment'''. This is one of the greatest articles of Turkish locations, thanks to the hard work by many of our contributors, first and foremost [[User:NeoRetro]]. However, it needs some '''tidying up''': some of the information pertains to the [[Eastern Karadeniz|region as a whole]], not only to the city, and as for the listed attractions, the article currently works as a semi-[[Wikivoyage:Rural area article template|rural area]], with many sites in the surrounding area lumped in together with those in the city itself, including some which should be moved to the places we have articles for. However, most are visited as day-trips from Trabzon, so I'm not sure how big a problem this presents. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 15:00, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * I’d lean DOTM on this [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 20:45, 25 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' per Vidimian. For dotm/otbp, I'd generally say dotm, but as we have a lot more otbp slots available, I wouldn't mind it being an otbp. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 26 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Deventer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Deventer | blurb=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer, July, September or December for notable events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Previously [[/Slush pile#Deventer|requested]] by @[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]], but speedily slushed for not being a guide article. Yvwv's reason for nomination was to fill a lack in featured Benelux articles. The article's been expanded upon and officially made guide status (per [[Talk:Deventer#Guide status?]]), so the previously existing issues should now have been addressed. | DotMImage=[[File:20150630 Zicht op Deventer1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:46, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Good, well-written article in good shape and an interesting-sounding destination. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Close''' </s>some descriptions needed for some of the sleep listings. Otherwise, it's a great and interesting read. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:31, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *:I haven't stayed in many hotels myself, so my descriptions might not be the best, but you may consider this done. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 23:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *::Thanks for adding them :-) I now {{s}}. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:12, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' following recent improvement. This article is superior to [[Gävle]], and could run for August 2022. Gävle would fit better for early summer, with white nights, Midsummer and festivals. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:28, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:I know I suggested August myself, but I should have thought about it for more than two seconds. The book market takes place in August, but on the 7th. Seen as how the August slot starts on the 11th, that's kind of wasted. There isn't a lot of things during the August timeslot that would be big enough to be worthwhile. I am not sure how much anything can be shuffled, but actual slots that would line up with events would be: *:* July for the book market; *:* September for "Open Monumentendag" (national event; monumental buildings open their doors to the public during the weekend, which is likely to include a lot of places in Deventer) and the Deventer Bock Beer Festival (relatively new event, but still very popular); *:* December for the Dickens Festival and Christmas markets. *:I'm not saying that August isn't doable, just that there's better alternatives. I'll edit the ''Time to feature'' in the nomination as well. [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 20:59, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::July is probably not the best time to feature it given that [[Farnborough]] is scheduled then (for the airshow). December is probably a good time as this has more votes than Punta Arenas. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:32, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::: The 2022 Dickens Festival is planned for 10 and 11 December. It makes sense to pick a featured period so that a public event happens at the end. That would make the Nov/Dec slot suitable for Deventer. However, [[Cooch Behar]] is lined up for the Rash Mela festival in Nov/Dec. We should wait and see. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:10, 30 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for Aug/Sept, as Open Monumentendag is on 10/11 Sept, at the end of the slot. Replaces Gävle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:06, 15 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Schedule for May/June?''' [[Ingolstadt]] is not really good to go. [[Gävle]] is good to go, but should not feature with the neighbouring [[Archipelago Trail]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:54, 25 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Savaii]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Savaii | blurb=The largest island of Samoa is known for caves, lava fields and waterfalls. | status=Guide | time=May to October to avoid rain. The island has few public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:24, 12 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Pacific Islands. [[Apia]] featured in August 2020, and it has been customary to have at least 24 months between neighbouring featured articles. The article could need a more inspiring intro. | DotMImage=[[File:Savaii Coast (7079031273).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs work''' – many of the listings don't have contact details and coords. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:03, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'm on it – I'll do this in the next week or two. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sopron]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sopron | blurb=Also known as Ödenburg, this Austro-Hungarian border city has roots back to the Roman Empire. | status=Guide | time=Weather is warm enough from May to September. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:29, 11 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=Hungary is appealing to visitors, but has had very few features. Many Hungarian town articles are nominally at Guide level ([[Érd]], [[Hévíz]], [[Budakeszi]], [[Keszthely]], [[Rétság]], [[Zalaszentgrót]], [[Zalalövő]], etc), some of them hardly deserving the ranking. The Sopron article is one of the most extensive, with a good Understand section, as well as elaborate entries with coordinates for most venues. | DotMImage=[[File:Sopron z19.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close, but not yet'''. On a quick read it looks a good article, but I did see a few things that need to be worked on: **There are about a dozen see listings with the marker 99 - maybe some of these should be moved to Go next and become a different type of listing. **Interesting knowing what the bus fares were in 2014, but today? **Several dead links. **Following the recent changes, there are now more supermarket listings than we normally allow. **Very few listings have edit dates, which implies that they are old and need to be checked. Otherwise it looks promising. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:59, 12 April 2022 (UTC) : You have a point that the article has entries for too many historic buildings. Those that are not normally open to the public, and do not have any extraordinary importance (palace of a ruler, etc) do not need to be listed individually. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:15, 12 April 2022 (UTC) *'''Very close''' I don't have a problem with too many historic buildings, and as long as the churches listed pass [[wv:worship]], it is fine. However, the we have the 99 problem, but that can be solved by creating a travel topic (such as [[Historic sites in Sopron]]), which also doesn't make this article long and unwieldy. However, the buy section does need a bit of work to reflect the recent [[wv:grocery]] addition and some of the eat/drink listings need descriptions, but otherwise the article has all the essentials for a feature. It seems a majority of the content here was added by {{u|Globetrotter19}} in 2015, so it's reasonably up-to-date, but the dead links need a check but that can be done soon. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:26, 19 April 2022 (UTC) '''Oppose''' - excessive detail, and out of date. Do we want to feature an article that lists every supermarket and the services it offers? Do we want to feature an article that lists all of the restaurants available in 2014 and their prices? (Hungary has had 30% inflation in the 78 years since these were posted.) I think this article need a major overhaul and update before it is featured. I cleaned up a lot of formatting, spelling and punctuation errors, but this still needs more work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:32, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Slush?''' no major improvements apart from GZ's formatting fixes. I was unaware that Hungary has had a 30 per cent inflation in the last 7-8 years, hence my "very close", but the 99 issue will remain unless someone who knows the city well enough will be able to fix the historic sites issue. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:47, 22 July 2022 (UTC) :: Shall we find another worthy guide-level Hungarian town? [[Hévíz]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:33, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Longyearbyen]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=The population centre of Svalbard is the northernmost town in the world and a base for exploring the remote Arctic wilderness. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We've have few features of Norway and this one seems like a good article for another Norwegian feature. As to dotm or otbp, Longyearbyen is reasonably well known but not enough for dotm. | DotMImage=[[File:LongyearbyenDowntown.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' as nominator. Some listings are missing addresses (which I will add in the next few days), but otherwise it has all the essentials needed for a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:44, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' As this is a rather unusual destination, the article could use some more trivia. Svalbard itself featured back in 2006, and since then we have had very few Arctic and Antarctic destinations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:08, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :: A preferrable timing would be June/July, with the [[midnight sun]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:56, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::I'd prefer that slot too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:04, 18 April 2022 (UTC) :::: We might have a diversity problem as June is high season for the Nordic countries, and we have both [[E8 through Finland and Norway]] and [[Swedish Empire]] considered for June 2023. Svalbard is administered by Norway and most visitors arrive through Norway, but nature and culture are very different from Norway proper. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:16, 20 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I don't think there's a problem with featuring all three at once. The islands are around 700 kilometres from the mainland at the closest, but that's in the far north of Norway and I would more so consider Svalbard as an Arctic destination rather than a Nordic destination. :::::Another possibility is to hold of E8 till 2024, and two years after we feature the nearby Archipelago Trail and do what we do with neighbouring destinations (as the closest points are closer than 80 km apart based on a quick google earth line). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 20 April 2022 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' On the talk page, we have concluded that features on Wikitravel before 2012 should be seen as unofficial, and eligible to feature again on Wikivoyage. However, very few of the OtBP's of that time would make the cut today. [[Svalbard]] is one of few pre-2012 features which deserves its Guide status. Shall we nominate Svalbard itself? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:20, 12 May 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know to be fair. The Svalbard article is overall one of the best region articles we have on the English Wikivoyage, but only one of Svalbard's six national parks have an article. But if Svalbard is run again, it should be featured as dotm, not otbp, as it strikes me as absolutely absurd to feature one of the world's most famous islands as "off the beaten path" (and as it has regular flights from [[Oslo]], it would bring it in line with [[Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park]] which was a dotm). ::That said, I'll start some of the national park articles soon, and five is not many to work on. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:33, 12 May 2022 (UTC) :::Alternatively, we could consider [[Klaksvík]], which is the only guide level article from the [[Faroe Islands]] as there have been zero features from the Faroes before. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:31, 22 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Guanajuato]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Guanajuato | blurb=The "city of Frogs" is capital of the namesake state in Mexico is known for its silver mines and flood tunnels. | status=Guide | time=October to April to avoid rain and heat. October for Day of the Dead, or March for Baile de las Flores. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:40, 13 May 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from Mexico, and few from Latin America. Nominating as OtBP, as it is not among the most famous Mexican destinations. | DotMImage=[[File:View of guanajuato city.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' – this article is one of our best Mexican articles that could be featured as it is. However, the splurge section in Eat has no listings. Are there no splurge restaurants in Guanajuato? Otherwise, a few descriptions are needed for some listings, but otherwise it has all the essentials. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:48, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Klaksvík]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Klaksvík | blurb=Visit the Faroe Islands’ second largest town for some great scenery, a historic and scenic harbour and for its annual summer festival, ''Summarfestivalurin''. | status=Guide | time=July for Summarfestivalurin (as it happens annually during early August.) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=First up, I'll admit I’m a bit biased given I started this article, but I’ve always wanted to feature this article ever since this became a guide article. We’ve never had a feature of the Faroe Islands, and often it’s forgotten and while I’m aware that we do have several Nordic nominations, this could replace Longyearbyen if we don’t want a back-to-back Norway/Sweden feature. That said, <s>it does need some copyedits,</s> and it could do with a better get in/around section. I tried to add a climate chart, but I couldn’t find any online information for the town's climate, but I’m not sure whether it’s needed given it’s only 40 km from Tórshavn, and there’s not much deviation in weather through the Faroes at all. | DotMImage=[[File:Faroe_Islands,_Borðoy,_Klaksvík_(3).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Almost''' per my remark. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:29, 12 June 2022 (UTC) ::What copy edits does it need after I made some today? I would have supported, but if you think it's not ready yet, why did you nominate it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:53, 12 June 2022 (UTC) :::I'll admit I only skimmed through the article after you copyedited it, but now that I've had a full re-read, I think it's good to go. I might expand the "get in" section, but we have more than a year to do this, but I think that's all that's needed for a feature. As for why I nominated it now, I nominated it now, I nominated it so we could reserve July/August 2023 for Klaksvik. Anyway, thanks for your copyedits. Looking much better now :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 12 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment:''' Klaksvík narrowly meets the limit for creating a standalone article, with one hotel and at least three other venues, but can still be considered a bit too small. We could consider merging the article with [[Borðoy]] (the island) to include some smaller villages, mountains, birdwatching locations, and other points of interest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:58, 15 June 2022 (UTC) *:I'm a bit unsure on this one. I think it would make more sense to cover everything else on Borðoy in [[Northern Islands]] or otherwise it makes Borðoy (after renaming) a bit redundant. Maybe we should do something along the lines with [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]], where Torshavn only covers the city, while Streymoy (the rural area article) covers everything outside Torshavn (apologies for omitting the accent; can't get the accent on my keyboard). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::*The article certainly looks long enough to stand alone, and recall that we previously featured and starred [[Childs]], [[New York (state)|New York]], which has but one inn and one sight (albeit a complex) in "See and Do". That said, there is no Borðoy article; the term redirects to [[Northern Islands]]. So if there's more to say about the island outside of town, we could rename the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:29, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::*:I think based on the regionalisation of the Faroes, towns that are large enough to have their own article can have so, while everything else gets mentioned in the relevant rural area article, so in this case, everything else in Borðoy would be mentioned in [[Northern Islands]]. But I'm not entirely sure though, but I assume it works that way due to how [[Torshavn]] and [[Streymoy]] are covered. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:34, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Iquitos]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Iquitos | blurb=A metropolis in the Peruvian Amazon, with great opportunities for boat safaris. | status=Guide | time=While the dry season (April-Sept) is more comfortable, the wet season (Oct-March) is more appealing for wildlife watching. We are short on features for northern winter, and we usually feature Latin American cities for carnival season. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:23, 22 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't too many South American candidates, and this is a rather unusual city. Though its size, it can be considered off the beaten path for the difficulty to get there. | DotMImage=[[File:Belen Iquitos Peru.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} ===[[Kent (Ohio)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Kent | blurb=An Ohio college town known for its parks and festivals. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather. April/May for remembrance of the Kent State massacre. June/July for festivals. March/April 2024 for total solar eclipse. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:45, 4 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=While the United States have been well-featured, we have had few features from the Midwest, and none yet from Ohio. | DotMImage=[[File:KentOhioPufferbelly.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} : '''Needs a little bit of work''', though hopefully not much. A few points: ::* The "By plane" section violates [[wv:airports]]. While it isn't the blatant kind of violation like what we encountered in the Nigeria Expedition where there'd be seven unrelated airports, there is still no information on how to get from the airports to Kent ::* Some eat and drink listings need more contact details, if it can be found. ::* Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites seems to be outside Kent. If it's covered in another article, should it be removed? :Otherwise, it is mostly looking good, but the "By plane" section needs to be fixed before a feature. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:07, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Stamford (England)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Stamford | blurb=The United Kingdom's first urban conservation area features hundreds of Georgian buildings. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer. Not sure about public events. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:50, 22 July 2022 (UTC) | comment=We have no current nominees from the Isles. Needs a more inspiring intro, and more pictures. | DotMImage=[[File:River Welland.18.6.05.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} ==Nominations for Featured travel topic== ===[[Loop Art Tour]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Loop Art Tour | blurb=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago? | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2020-2023#Along_the_Magnificent_Mile|Magnificient Mile's]] and [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nominations]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 29 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=OK, as you probably all know, I don't like having articles sitting around here for longer than necessary (also it looks like some of the already nominated articles from the U.S. will still sit around here into 2022). But there has to be two years or more between articles from the same city, an article from Chicago was featured in April 2020, so the earliest possible slot for a Chicago article will thus be in April 2022. Now all, or almost, all districts from there are at guide or star status and could be run as DotM or OtBP, and as such Chicago together with Washington D.C. and San Francisco and perhaps some other cities, have high quality articles for DotM and OtBP for years to come. But this is not the case when it comes to FTT; other than Peter Southwood's famous diving guides <small>(speaking of which...in northern winter 2021-22 three years will have passed since one of those was featured, so it's time to nominated a new one soon)</small> we don't have any other ''travel topics'' at star status - except for this one. So before a district of Chicago is nominated, I hereby nominate Loop Art Tour for FTT for some month in 2022. As a star article, there shouldn't be anything to complain about when it comes to formatting or language. Though, a month or so before the article is featured we should check online that the artworks are still there. | DotMImage=[[File:Cloud Gate at dawn.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' The talk page says that one of the sculptures has been removed. It has been 8 years since any real update, and so I think it needs somebody to walk the route to confirm that everything is still there, and there are no new major attractions enroute that need a mention. The main sights should be markers, with wikidata links so the reader can find out more, or use a full page map. For an article on the main page, there should be links to relevant travel topics. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:33, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::Nobody needs to walk the route, and we don't have any active Wikivoyagers in Chicago anyway. The status of the sculpture that's been removed can probably be determined by a Google search. If not, then just delete it from the itinerary. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 17:42, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::I might be wrong, but I think [[user:The dog2]] is in Chicago. If not, you may not need an actual person to walk it, but the internet research should be more involved than you imply, per Alasdair's suggestions. Most readers will likely assume that featured articles have been thoroughly researched, and as recently as possible.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:58, 29 January 2021 (UTC) ::::There's also [[User:SewChicago]], who unlike me is an actual local who was born and raised in Chicago. I'm currently based in Chicago, but I'm still a foreigner. I haven't really been going out recently thanks to the pandemic, but I'd be happy to go around a bit more after I get vaccinated. Unfortunately, I don't know when that will be. They're currently having a severe shortage of vaccine doses in Illinois, and things are just so disorganised here. It's kind of sad that what is supposed to be the best and greatest country in the history of mankind is bungling the vaccine rollout so badly, in contrast to how organised and competent the rollout has been in my native Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:05, 29 January 2021 (UTC) :::::Since the meat of the article has already been written, it shouldn't matter that you're not a native Chicagoan. But, yeah, any time later in the year that you feel safe to go out, your help would be much appreciated (and much needed, given that by the time this is featured, it'll be 10 years since it was last done). I don't expect to get the vaccine for months yet, but I am lucky enough to not be in a rush and don't envy anyone with a more urgent need. I'm just thankful that most of my older family members have all either had their first jab or have an appointment scheduled.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 29 January 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}}By the way, I noticed that the Buckingham Fountain is missing from the tour. That would add some extra time, but if you want to look at art installations in Chicago, I'd recommend it. I actually prefer it to the Crown Fountain. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:39, 30 January 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support'''. I haven't felt motivated to vote on nominations for features during the pandemic, but this is a star article, so I have full confidence that it'll be in great condition by the time it runs. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:22, 30 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It's a star article. Unless it's degarded since starring, it deserves to be a DotM. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 05:20, 10 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. As a star article there shouldn’t be too much to worry about regarding this one. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:45, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for April/May. The article is good to go, and late April is sufficiently warm in Chicago. [[Ohio State Parks]] is delayed to June/July, as it needs some work, and is more of a summery destination. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 16 December 2021 (UTC) ::I just noticed that if we schedule this in May, it will overlap with Homer for its last ten days. Is there any objections in switching Homer with Ingolstadt? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ====Freedom of panorama issues==== It seems that Commons does not have many images of the tour due to freedom of panorama, and as such there is barely any image selection to choose from and none of the images in the article work out as a banner to the dimensions of 3:1. We can only feature it if someone finds a photo that can be uploaded locally that works as a banner, or else we might have to slush it due to the lack of banner (which nobody would like to do). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 19 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to lack of images. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:46, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]]: It may be the most strangest reasons, but should this be slushed? As far as I'm aware, Wikivoyage needs to comply with US and Californian law as the servers are hosted in California, and the freedom of panorama issue is not going to change anytime soon and so until that is ever resolved, this can never be a featured article unless the law somehow changes. (cc nominator {{ping|Ypsilon}}). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:12, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::There are photos on Commons of the Bean (Cloud Gate) and I have a couple of my own photos of it. The question is whether we can claim editorial use for a main page banner rather than an image in the article next to text describing the artwork - it might be good to mention the specific artwork in the blurb. The BP Bridge has a functional purpose and so may not be affected by US FOP. I can't make a banner at the moment, but I will take a look next week. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 10:50, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::If you have some photos which are not affected by FoP, I guess we don't have to slush it then. However, this is on hold, and will probably only run in November, so there's plenty of time. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:01, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Are all of the artworks mentioned in the article copyrighted, if there's a single one that is not we could use a photo of that as banner if such a photo is available. How about the picture the article's banner is cropped from? Or if there's no artwork we could use, we could just use a view along the itinerary that wouldn't include any of the artworks (shouldn't be a problem to find photos as we're talking about central parts of U.S's third largest city?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:13, 21 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::'''Fixed'''. There are two banners to choose from, showing the BP Bridge which is a functional structure that should be free of FOP concerns. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 14:38, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[German cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=German cuisine | blurb=While Germany is famous for meat dishes with cheese, bread and beer, their cuisine is cosmopolitan with flavours from the whole world. | status=Guide | time=All months have their signature dishes, but Germany is best enjoyed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:48, 21 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Meets the expectations of a cuisine article, with [[Bavarian cuisine]] and [[Franconian cuisine]] as appendices. | DotMImage=[[File:Bratwurst with sauerkraut, potatoes and beer.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I myself thought about nominating either this or [[Georgian cuisine]] for 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:27, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Unterstütze''' (Support) LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:41, 29 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 10:27, 29 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for mushroom season, just before Oktoberfest and Erntedankfest. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:34, 2 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''': I don't have the time or energy to reread this article in its entirety right now (I feel fluish from side effects from a COVID booster I got Thursday afternoon), but I've helped copy-edit this article before and I think it's great. I especially like all the seasons set out by month, because they're so important in Germany. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 14 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''', as [[Georgian cuisine]] is an even better article, and we will have enough German features now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:01, 15 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for November to December, with Christmas fairs. If we find three food and drink topics to be too much for a year, we can consider rescheduling. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:43, 28 March 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' again to feature in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:50, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Yvwv}} A continuation of the thread in [[#Georgian cuisine]], but should this article still be featured for Oktoberfest, now that we have [[German beer and wine]]? I don't really have much of an opinion on the timing, but if there are other famous times of the year known for food, then we should consider it, though just a suggestion, as I don't know much about German cuisine, and I'd defer to both of you. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As said before, the Oktoberfest isn't that much of a culinary event, but mostly suggested for its world fame. This article can feature any time of the year when we do not have too many features about Germany or food. Georgian cuisine got priority since it is even better, and we have had very few features from the Caucasus. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:38, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense, and based on your reasoning, I now don't have a problem with featuring it in Oktober. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:49, 3 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Around the World in Eighty Days]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Around the World in Eighty Days | blurb=Jules Verne's 1872 novel gave travellers a demanding but possible challenge. 150 years later, circumnavigating the planet in 80 days without flying, is still not easy. | status=Guide | time=The plot in the book begins on 2 October 1872. Sept-Oct 2022 is the 150th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:07, 24 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Non-flight journeys are in vogue again, and this article has most of the essentials. Nominating early to make the anniversary date. | DotMImage=[[File:Verne_Tour_du_Monde.jpg|thumb|180px]] }} * {{s}} LGTM. Would be nice to feature this for its 150th anniversary. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 12:20, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I think the parts about replicating the trip today could be italicized or boldened, like in [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] or [[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:05, 1 October 2021 (UTC) :: Made it the other way around. The summary of the book is italicized. We could add more details about the real-life recreations (at least Nellie Bly's journey) and the movie adaptations. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not sure about safety considerations. Regardless this looks like an entertaining article to feature on the anniversary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:29, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': "In particular, the main transcontinental line no longer passes through Wyoming (which has been left without passenger railroads altogether), instead having been routed further south through Denver, Colorado. This means that you will have to hitchhike on a freight train for the leg between Salt Lake City and Omaha if you want to replicate the route taken by Fogg." Is that possible, safe and legal? Otherwise, I think it's a good article and worth a feature, though the linked [[Freighter travel]] would benefit from having some examples of prices as of November 2021. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:44, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[E8 through Finland and Norway]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=From Turku to Tromsø, '''[[E8 through Finland and Norway|European route E8]]''' passes through various types of Finnish and Norwegian landscapes. | status=Guide | time=May to June for the Midnight Sun, or April to August | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:22, 20 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=We don't feature itineraries that much, and this seems a good candidate for sometime next year. | DotMImage=[[File:Skibotndalen, E8.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''': We hopefully have the Archipelago Trail in May–June, and if this is to be featured in (Nordic) summer, to avoid darkness and icy roads, I think it comes too close. Perhaps <s>2022</s> 2023? If for some reason there are problems with the Archipelago Trail this could of course be a backup. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:56, 20 October 2021 (UTC) :: I introduced the guideline that a nomination should be intended to feature within the coming 12 months. This is more a requirement for quality, than for available spots. We should preferrably have a backlog of nominated high-quality articles, so we can afford to choose the most suitable article, with regard to factors such as climate, holidays, public events and safety. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:03, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::: May to June would be a great time to feature, for the [[Midnight Sun]]. That would make us wait until 2023, unless we run E8 instead of the Archipelago Trail. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:13, 26 October 2021 (UTC) ::::I'd prefer to keep this until 2023, since the Archipelago Trail is more developed than this one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:56, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::::: I agree, but I take the opportunity to ask: what should be done to improve this article, except developing the listed articles, and perhaps doing some more research on the bus and bike options? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:37, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::In my opinion, nothing major needs to be done, at least from what I've noticed (more specific to this article), but maybe an infobox or two would be nice, but we've plenty of guide and star articles without them. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:59, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::::::: For May-June 2023 we can also consider [[Swedish Empire]], during the 500th anniversary of Sweden's independence. That article also has several destinations in Finland. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 16 November 2021 (UTC) :::::::: Yes. This road isn't going to disappear in the near future, it can be featured any year. If we get somebody writing about the Ostrobothnian destinations before that, it'd be a big bonus. I know them only superficially. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:39, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' The article is great overall, though it should be proofread by a native English speaker for better flow in the language. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:39, 22 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Christianity]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Christianity | blurb=The world's most prolific religion has more than 2 billion followers, and churches and shrines on all continents. | status=Guide | time=Preferably around Christmas or Easter. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:03, 7 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=A fine travel topic to schedule for the holidays. We have had very few religious features. | DotMImage=[[File:Última Cena - Juan de Juanes.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support, but hold it''', I feel it might be too close to [[Rome/Vatican]], but when you mean "for the holidays", you mean Christmas, right? Maybe 2023 Easter, but I don't have too much issues with it being featured in December 2022. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:55, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :: We have [[Rome/Vatican]] on hold. [[Jerusalem/Old City]] is a decent candidate. [[Exodus of Moses]] needs work. That will keep us a few Easters forward. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:08, 25 November 2021 (UTC) :::{{re|Yvwv}} if that's the case, then '''support'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:40, 2 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' on the basis another religion or religious culture is nominated for FTT by the time this one is featured. [[Judaism]] looks like the likeliest candidate right now but [[Islam]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Hinduism]] are also all close to guide status and could be considered to increase diversity in our FTT nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:20, 2 January 2022 (UTC) * [[Hajj]] is not yet rated Guide, but it looks close to me. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 12 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Portuguese phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Portuguese phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to ever visit Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste or just learn a couple of phrases in Portuguese, here's a quick guide. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in early 2023, one year after the [[Sinhala phrasebook]] | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Currently being nominated for star article which should be promoted any day now. It's one of the only phrasebooks where we have audio pronunciations, thanks to the hard work of {{u|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}, and now it's time for that effort to be shown on the main page. | DotMImage=[[File:Hiking sign in Soajo.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very very close''' a bit more images would be nice. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:39, 14 November 2021 (UTC) * Thank you for the nomination. I've added a few more images. Given my contributions to this phrasebook, it goes with saying (but I'll say it anyway) that I '''Support''' it for Featured Travel Topic. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 19:00, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *First of all, this looks better than any other phrasebook I've seen on this site, and I especially love that there are speech samples we can listen to for everything, so I definitely '''support'''. I have a couple of marginal comments: (1) There is a remark that Portuguese descends from Galician. To my understanding, modern Galician and Portuguese instead descend from [[w:Galician-Portuguese]]. My other comment is that the thumbnail chart of international phonetics seems too small to be useful to include, even to make the point the caption makes, but I wouldn't try to insist on removing it. Also, perhaps some of the other thumbnails are a little smaller than necessary. I don't know Portuguese, but this seems like it might be a star-level phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:54, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:Thank you, IK. I have clarified re Galician-Portuguese. I have added a note to the caption on the IPA chart that it can be clicked to enlarge, since many casual readers won't know that. (I definitely want to keep the chart in, since the article uses IPA as a supplement to pseudo-phoneticization and sound files.) All images are at default size, which allows users to specify their own desired thumbnail size at [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering]]. I prefer to not override those user preference settings. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:29, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Thank you. I'm good with your decisions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Ikan Kekek}} to "it might be a star-level phrasebook", it's why it's currently nominated for a star ;) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:47, 15 November 2021 (UTC) ::: Northern winter would be good timing, as most Portuguese-speaking countries are tropical, and Portugal itself is among the mildest countries in Europe. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:12, 16 November 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Yvwv}} Northern summer works for countries like Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Timor-Leste et cetera, but northern summer is typhoon season in Macau. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 21 November 2021 (UTC) *I just realized, I never offered my '''support''' for featuring this phrasebook. It would be silly for me not to do so, seeing how I support its promotion to star status. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for Dec 2022/Jan 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 25 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Nov 2022/Dec 2023. We have some tradition to feature phrasebook at the beginning of the year, but nothing is set in stone. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:04, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::I guess that works climate-wise too as the storm season in Timor hits more after January. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Jan/Feb, as customary for phrasebooks, right before carnival season in many Portuguese-speaking countries. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:52, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Planning your flight]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Planning your flight | blurb=Flying presents the traveller with many choices: airline, flight, cabin class, and sometimes a specific seat. | status=Guide | time=Any. Possibly northern spring, before the global high season for tourist flights. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 03:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=With many of the world's flights on hold for nearly two years, this is a good time to feature the basics. We could feature the flight articles one by one. | DotMImage=[[File:ANA 777-300 Taking off from JFK.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' Some brushups needed, but otherwise looks good. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:45, 21 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Land Art Trail on Mount Učka | blurb=A mountain at the Adriatic Sea has become an outdoor art gallery. | status=Guide | time=Weather is probably best in May-June or September-October | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:49, 5 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have had very few features from the Balkans, and none from Croatia. Outdoor attractions can be more compatible with the pandemic. | DotMImage=[[File:Signpost on Land Art Trail - Invitation.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' LGTM. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in Oct/Nov 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:31, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as one of our quirkier and well-planned itinerary articles. I noticed this article some time ago and remember it being well-written and organized. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:15, 2 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I didn't feel up to reading all the way through the article, but am I the only one who finds the "Understand" section overly preachy? I did [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359917&oldid=4339917 edit it] somewhat - the use of "man" and male pronouns for humanity is very old-fashioned and kind of jarring, at least for many Americans - but just how much do we need to push an idea of how to experience that trail? My feeling is that we definitely should state what the author's intention is, but we can then let people experience it however they do and go on to practical descriptions and advice on how to get from Point A to Point B, etc. I'll try posting a briefer alternative version of that section on the article's talk page later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:08, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::[https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Talk%3ALand_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4359932&oldid=3293582 Done]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Also, having just recently discussed about images in [[Talk:Canadian national parks]], are the galleries a violation of the image policy? Per [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Montages and galleries]], "should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions). Image galleries should not be used solely as a way to include a large number of different pictures in a destination article". This isn't a destination article, but it is depicting attractions. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 19 March 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say the composite image at the top definitely violates the prohibition against montages and should be removed. Some of the galleries, such as the one that shows two views of the same spiral geograph, are not needed. Most of the rest seem OK to me, since this is not a destination article, as you said, but an itinerary in which it may be necessary to recognize every artwork. The Sentinel picture is problematic per [[WV:Image policy#People in photos]], though. I'm not sure we should do anything about that. "Land Art Trail on Mt. Učka in winter" doesn't need a gallery; one image could do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:09, 19 March 2022 (UTC) :::::Okay, anyway we have about 7 months left to fix this up so nothing urgent, but we can't feature an article that blatantly violates [[WV:IP]] though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 28 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::I made a [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4418443&oldid=4416596 few] [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Land_Art_Trail_on_Mt._U%C4%8Dka&type=revision&diff=4416141&oldid=4412415 edits] in the last few days, but we should make decisions about whether it's appropriate for this article to violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]]. I think that the density of images and the galleries still violate those guidelines, and while that might be OK as an exception, featuring this article carries strong risks that readers will believe this is exemplary in that respect and copy it in ordinary destination articles. Are the descriptions of the artworks clear enough that we can reduce the number of images to a more limited selection that excludes some of the works, eliminating the galleries with the possible exception of "Signposts and markings on the Land Art Trail" and creating 3 times more space on the right margin between most images, as we would be likely to do in any other article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:36, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::Yeah, we should take extra care that featured articles as many new users look up to them to see how they're meant to be formatted and usually think that format is okay. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:23, 28 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::: I'd assume the trail markings are enough to find the artworks, and they seem to be named on the map, so I think the images are needed more for telling the reader what to expect than for use on the trail. For that it is enough to have examples, and perhaps a few that give examples on how you can "use" the artwork. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:00, 29 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::It sounds like you guys are agreeable with removing the rest of the galleries and having only single thumbnails; is that correct? If so, let's make the changes. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 4 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Yes, go ahead. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:50, 7 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I just removed the remainder of the galleries, other than the one with markings and signposts, which might be OK. The article still might violate [[Wikivoyage:Image policy#Minimal use of images]], though. What do you all think? Should we delete half the remaining images? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:18, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::There are still way too many images and I feel very skeptical of featuring an article that's a blatant violation of a simple Wikivoyage policy. Leaving the images may also encourage new editors to well, add a whole slew of galleries because a featured article contained them. Feel free to delete half the remaining images. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:21, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::How is it now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::Looking much better! However, I think the signposts/markings gallery should also go too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:25, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Let's talk about that. From [[Wikivoyage:Image policy]]: "Image galleries are discouraged, and should only be considered for showing multiple examples of a specific topic (for example, in describing flora and fauna or cuisine – but not attractions)." How does that apply to signposts/markings? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:40, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I thought the reason why we discouraged such galleries was because these chew up data and are slow to load, especially in places with poor reception. The reason why I'm okay with these in cuisine articles is because nobody prints these out, and many will read these articles before they're going to that destination (e.g. if I'm going to say Franconia, I would read [[Franconian cuisine]] before leaving to Franconia, but I wouldn't print it out, nor would I want to read it in Franconia) ::::::::::::::::Also, from experience last Saturday (18 June), just the map in [[Telangana]] took at least 10 seconds to load while I was on the road with poor 4G signal. If that one image took so long to load, then how long do you think it'll take for the gallery to load? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:09, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::I was thinking of it as a matter of style, and I see your point. So maybe select 1 or 2 of the best images from that bunch to use as thumbnails, possibly deleting another one in the process. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:24, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Quebec Route 389]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Quebec Route 389 | blurb= | status=Guide | time=<s>I don't know, but I would say sometime during the northern summer months? Will defer to either {{ping|Ground Zero}} who wrote most of the article or {{ping|Veillg1}}, our most active contributor from Quebec.</s> July or August | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:06, 17 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=This article has been one of my "articles for inspiration" in my early days on this site, and it's a pretty detailed article. More recently, I've added a mapline to the article too, one of only a few articles on this site to have one. Cannot see anything missing from here as well. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:31, 17 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as a July or August destination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:13, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I think it needs more detail about the route. Why would someone want to visit these places? What makes each place along the route interesting and connects them to each other? However this is well on its way to being an FTT feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:25, 2 January 2022 (UTC) :*I agree with this. Very good information, but we need a bit more macro-level context. Is this mainly just a challenge, or is it a really beautiful drive, even if desolate? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Georgian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Georgian cuisine | blurb=The cuisine of Georgia has drawn influences from the Silk Road, and is famous abroad for its quality. | status=Guide | time=August to October is the main harvest season, and has comfortable weather across the country. We could make it customary to run a cuisine article for northern autumn. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A near-star article. We have had very few features from the Caucasus. While [[German cuisine]] is nominated, Germany is already well-represented in the schedule. We can save the German food for 2023. | DotMImage=[[File:Mtsvadi.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Definitely '''support'''! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:55, 5 January 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. '''მომხრე'''! (Georgian for support). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:27, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''! On a side note, Georgian cuisine is absolutely delicious! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:44, 14 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for August. [[German cuisine]] is on hold for another time. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:02, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::Perfect! [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 03:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''', with one caveat. I'd like to see the image galleries designed so they stay on the screen. On smaller screens, the gallery is too wide for the screen and not all the images can be seen. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:18, 23 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for November-December as many fruits are in season and the climate is milder. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:51, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Swedish Empire]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Swedish Empire | blurb=In the 17th century, Sweden encircled the Baltic Sea and had farflung possessions; today, they are yours to explore. | status=Guide | time=Weather is best in northern summer. May/June 2023 would include the 500th anniversary of independent Sweden, and give the customary 24 month cooldown time since a feature from a neighboring destination ([[Stockholm history tour]], featured in May 2021). | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 21 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=A history article which both includes a concise historical description, and many relevant destinations with Wikidata links and descriptions. While most of them are in today's Sweden and Finland, some are in less featured regions such as Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and West Africa. | DotMImage=[[File:Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld-Johann Walter-f3706497.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Needs some work'''. I did a bit of copy editing, but the entire article is likely to need some edits by native English speakers for some polish before we run it. Also, can we substitute some other word for "withe", which although English is a term I'd never seen before just now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:17, 21 January 2022 (UTC) *<s> '''Needs work'''</s> per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:00, 22 January 2022 (UTC) ::I had a reread of the article, and I don't think there are that much issues with the tone anymore and therefore, I now '''support''' featuring the article for the 500th anniversary. The 0,0 coord issue also seems to be resolved, and so really, I don't think there's anything that's missing. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:20, 2 May 2022 (UTC) *'''Needs work''' per Ikan. Also Skattkammaren has coords at 0,0 this should be fixed see my message at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers%27_pub#NA_creates_coords_at_0,0]] <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User_talk:Tai123.123|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tai123.123|contribs]]) </small> : '''Comment:''' The history section has been completely rewritten since the nomination. The timeline and the trivia sections are less prominent. Please reconsider votes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:40, 25 February 2022 (UTC) ::I don't know if the phrase I put after a semicolon is too cliched, but I found the previous wording of the blurb awkward. For the record, this was the previous phrasing: "A great power of the 17th century encircled the Baltic Sea, and reached far overseas, with a legacy surviving far outside Sweden's current borders." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:49, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Indira Gandhi International Airport | blurb='''[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]''' is the main airport of India’s capital, New Delhi. Has great connectivity to numerous destinations. The interiors of the airport are stunning. It houses numerous shops and other facilities. | status=Guide | time=March-June for summer season, November-February for festivals and winter. | nominatedBy=[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:13, 27 January 2022 (UTC) | comment= I have visited the airport several times. In the past few days, I have edited it and upgraded it to ''guide'' status. It does have amazing interior designs. This guide now provides a full-view of the airport operations and services. | DotMImage=[[File:Sculpture of hasta mudras at Indira Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:16, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs more work'''. I don't deny you've done good work on this article, but I couldn't help but notice that some of the sentences used in the article don't present the airport in a good light. Case in point, in the "Eat" section, it was mentioned that some of the restaurants "are mediocre at best". I changed it to something better sounding. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 12:09, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|Roovinn}} If "mediocre at best" is true, then that's what we should say. [[WV:Be fair]] means "be honest"; it doesn't mean "paint everywhere in a good light".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:54, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::Fair enough I suppose. [[User:Roovinn|Roovinn]] ([[User talk:Roovinn|talk]]) 13:51, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::I have been to the airport several times, and I have tried to be as honest as possible while contributing to the guide. :) [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:49, 27 January 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] what do you think? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 16:58, 27 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::Per [[Wikivoyage:Be fair]], I'd mention it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:10, 28 January 2022 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], what's your opinion on this? [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:52, 29 January 2022 (UTC) :::::::Absolutely. If Wikivoyage recommended restaurants that sucked, I'd be mad. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:54, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I have written "but many are mediocre at best" which gives a general conception about '''some''' restaurants. In the listings, I have tried to put the restaurants all with good and positive reviews. I have avoided restaurants that really suck. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 06:16, 14 March 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]], if the restaurants that are listed are good, that needs to be mentioned, for example like this: "Each terminal has plenty of restaurant options before and after security, but many are mediocre at best. However, the ones listed below are good." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:04, 28 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' - Looks good and up-to-date. The writing is tight, concise and grammatically correct.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:59, 27 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' per above. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:11, 27 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' The only thing I feel is missing are ways to access the airport from nearby cities like Agra which lack international airports of their own [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 19:49, 29 January 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]], I'll add it [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:40, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:: In many cases the Get in of those other cities should handle it. Only if there is something general to say about transport from the airport to other cities, I feel it needs to be in the airport article. That could be a train line or coaches with direct services to cities elsewhere, where the existence of such services and the location of the stations should be in the airport article. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 11:53, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Working on it! [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:30, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *:::Yeah I meant cities with direct connections, probably could've worded my prior message much better. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 09:39, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *::::Like agra has direct road and rail connection while noida has direct routes via metro [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 09:50, 15 March 2022 (UTC) *'''Support.''' Has the essentials. Could be a feature soon, as India is very under-featured. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) *:Would also be nice to feature an airport article after so long. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:59, 24 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2022/January 2023, avoiding collision with [[Cooch Behar]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 27 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent example of an article that uses brevity to best effect, providing critical information directly to the traveler. This is a well-written article with all the essential details. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:08, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Australian cuisine]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Australian cuisine | blurb=While Australia isn't really known for its cuisine, Australian cuisine is a multicultural cuisine incorporating many Indigenous ingredients and perhaps one of the sweetest cuisines. | status=Guide | time=Jan or Feb 2023 – around the time where there's good produce but anytime during the start of southern summer will also work. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:10, 23 February 2022 (UTC) | comment=As you can probably see, it's a fairly new article having only been created recently. That being said, it does need some work on its beverages section. Additionally I've tried not to add a list of ingredients like in [[American cuisine]], since it looks awfully encyclopedic and I don't think many will read it. That being said, I think the article could also cover a bit about etiquette, which while I can do, I'm not really sure how to explain it. The drinks section could also do better with a bit of work too, especially given Australia's large coffee culture, but can do that soon. Also before it gets lost in my banner collection, [[:File:ACftt banner.jpg|here's]], a banner that I cropped. | DotMImage=[[File:Lamingtons on a plate.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment''': I think it needs a lot of work. Most sections don't look complete. The Meat section should mention that nearly all beef (and meat in general) is grass fed, not grain fed like it is in so many other countries of the world. Australia is also renowned internationally for its Black Angus beef and its marbled texture. There should also be a point on how experimental Australians are with meat. To what extent is game and offal eaten, for instance. The Fruit and Vegetable section briefly talks about one type of apple, no other kind of fruit and nothing about veggies. There should at least be a mention of Pink Lady apples and Calypso mangoes. The dietary requirements only touches on kosher, halal, vegetarianism and veganism. I think gluten free and nut allergies also need to be covered as a minimum. Iconic Australia ice creams like Paddle Pop, Golden Gaytime and Drumstick are all missing as are Twisties. Regarding seafood, Australia is known for its southern bluefin tuna and salmon (particularly Tasmania). There is no information on burgers which are more popular than e.g. Mexican-American, and no information on unique Australian twists on burgers like adding beetroot. It will come as a surprise to many foreign visitors the first time they order a burger in Australia. The takeaway section should have a sentence on Chinese takeaway plastic containers/boxes, which is different to the cardboard cartons you may find overseas. There's no mention of the great Australian barbecue nor anything on what kind of food is eaten on Christmas, the most important cultural event and festival of the year. Also missing Australian specific chains like Oporto and Red Rooster (see [[Chinese cuisine]] for comparison) and types of food establishments like the milk bar. I'll stop rambling now but I believe there is still a lot to do. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 13:55, 23 February 2022 (UTC) *'''Not yet''' As the Australian drawbridge has only just been lowered, I think we should wait a year to allow edits as a result of readers using the guide. I agree with DaGizza that there is much to do. Snacks are well covered, but I think there is work to do on meals. Is kangaroo meat farmed, or are wild kangaroo's hunted or culled? Are there standards for the welfare of farm animals? Do Australian hotels serve breakfast? What times do Austrialians usually eat meals - will the restauarant be full of locals or empty at 6:30pm? What kind of food can be found in supermarkets - ready meals, hot food or just raw ingredients? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:21, 23 February 2022 (UTC) * I'd realised I as the nominator forgot to give my vote, but my vote is also '''needs work'''. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:46, 6 March 2022 (UTC) ::My comment as nominator still remains needs work, but I feel skeptical of the "fruit and veg" section or an ingredients section itself. I'm making this judgment based on [[American_cuisine#Ingredients]] which is pretty much a blob of super long user unfriendly text and it's mostly not travel related. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::The issue with the American cuisine section is that it lists nearly everything that's eaten by Americans. My suggestions were more towards mentioning varieties of fruit and veg which are unique or originated in Australia. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 06:40, 14 March 2022 (UTC) ::::That makes sense and it is more doable, user friendly and travel related. We could also list some important food festivals too. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:58, 14 March 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for February/March 2023. The article has improved, and can probably get good enough for next year. / 10:43, 2 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Needs work'''. The blurb, the intro and the article itself all need work: not a single mention of Mod Oz food (!), and the characterizations as "sweetest" (what?) and "not be the greatest culinary destination" are offputting. Also, I'm sorry to say, but Indigeous ingredients are basically non-existent. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 03:42, 17 May 2022 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to remaining issues. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:38, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Rail travel in Japan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Destination | blurb=With trains over 320 km/h and a network of 27,000 km, rail travel is one of the most efficient ways to get around Japan. | status=Guide | time=March-June 2023 | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) | comment=This is possibly one of our best rail articles we have so far, and also one of our most detailed rail articles. As we have two articles featured from Japan, around 2023 would be the ideal time, around northern spring. With that said, some dead links need to be fixed. | DotMImage=[[File:Hakata-general-train-base.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close''' per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has all the essentials. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:41, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Support.''' I last used trains in Japan in October 2005, so I can't comment on all the details, but it looked good and fairly complete. It might have a little more about what the trains are like inside - I was surprised to find that all the seats face forward (except on commuter trains), as the seats are turned around at the terminal stations. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:13, 22 March 2022 (UTC) * '''Close''' I don't think the joyful train section should be part of the overnight train section as there are many non luxury joyful trains that don't run overnight, I feel this section could also mention other notable joyful trains like the Resort Shirakami or Hello kitty Shinkansen. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:22, 23 March 2022 (UTC) ::Also I wish the regional rail pass section was longer. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 07:24, 23 March 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Tai123.123}} Though I'm not sure whether the joyful trains should even be mentioned though. I don't think any of our other "rail" articles mention tourist trains, as these are more supposed to be articles for getting around Japan by train, but this seems to be an outlier. That said, it is very useful information, so I don't see any reason to remove it, though I don't know much about Japan's train system (or any train system outside of Australia's and Singapore's), so I'd defer to you. On another note, while we're at joyful trains, are these synonymous with [[tourist trains]], or do they have a different meaning? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:16, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah, joyful trains are tourist trains. Perhaps it may be to create a [[Joyful Trains in Japan]] travel topic as they’re very popular with both domestic and international visitors. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:57, 2 May 2022 (UTC) :::::<small>Preferably [[Joyful trains in Japan]] per [[wv:capitalization]] ;-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 7 May 2022 (UTC)</small> ===[[Driving in South Africa]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in South Africa | blurb=Without a good public transport network and many of South Africa's attractions in rural areas, driving is an excellent way to get around the country. | status=Guide | time=2023 southern winter. | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:03, 17 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had a driving article featured for some time and this one seems in good shape to go. I'd expect that by 2023 mid-winter, the damage caused by recent floods would have been cleaned up. | DotMImage=[[File:Speed Camera Sign.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''. I think this is a thorough article with detailed but reliable information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:13, 15 May 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for February-March 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:40, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::{{ping|Pbsouthwood}} Do you think anything important is missing in this article? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Looks pretty good to me in general. One thing that is missing is what the correct procedure is/should be at mini circles. I think part of the problem with them is that many/most drivers actually don't know what to do and some just assume they have right of way because there is nothing obvious saying that they don't, or because the vehicle ahead did not stop. I approach them as accidents waiting to happen, preferably to someone else. Cheers &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 07:01, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Are mini circles just mini-roundabouts? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Istanbul to Izmir]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Istanbul to Izmir | blurb=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to. | status=Guide | time= | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) | comment=From vfd to ftt, this is one of the site's most developed itineraries with geolines. Not sure about timing. The article may need a little bit of copyediting, but that's about it. | DotMImage=[[File:Sazova Park 3.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --09:45, 22 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't think of anything significant omitted from the article. Proofreading for the language used, or other quirks which might have escaped from my pair of eyes would be much appreciated indeed. As for the timing, I'd say the best times to do the route is Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct, but many who actually travel it down do so for the summer holidays, so that gives us a span of more than half a year. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 09:55, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::One thing that I feel I have to mention being omitted is the imperial units in distances. I left them out on purpose, because most distances are in the "directions" parameter of the listings, which lead to them being in paranthesis, and using [[Template:km]] would result in paranthesis within paranthesis. If anyone feels like they should be added though, I would be happy to oblige. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:50, 22 April 2022 (UTC) *I'm happy to '''support''' this itinerary that I helped to rescue from deletion, and the wonderful work Vidimian has done on it. I plan to look through it and probably do more copyediting when I am healthier (I've had COVID since Sunday night, though I've been improving in the last 3 days), but that's not a reason not to support. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:17, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :: The schedule is overloaded with food and drink topics. Could we run this article in November/December instead of [[German cuisine]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:34, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::Of course there are business travellers following this route any time of the year, but for leisure Nov/Dec is too late (I think insofar as possible we've always tried featuring articles during the part of the year the places they are associated with are most suitable to travel). I'd think early boreal spring, for which we usually have had a shortage of suitable articles to feature (particularly in the past), is fine. :::<small>Get well soon, Ikan!</small> [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 14:44, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Thank you. I was able to walk down a flight of stairs to get mail today, a big milestone. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:13, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ::::: <small>Best wishes.</small> We could run this article in Aug-Sept and Georgian cuisine in Nov-Dec, as many fruits are in season by then, and many parts of Georgia are more pleasant in late autumn than summer. We can save German cuisine for the Oktoberfest in 2023. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:12, 22 April 2022 (UTC) :::::Hey Ikan, firstly, hope you have a speedy recovery. Having been infected with Covid a few weeks ago, I can understand how that feels. To German cuisine, if [[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] thinks that Oktoberfest is a better time to feature Deutsch cuisine, then we may as well hold it for Oktoberfest next year. It would mean we're not featuring Dresden and German cuisine too close to each other. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:16, 23 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thank you. I'm sorry you had it. My feeling is that anytime is a good time to feature German cuisine. Oktoberfest is about excessive beer drinking, and a lot of the Müchners I spoke with loathe it for the influx of huge crowds of out-of-control drunk tourists, maybe something like the way we New Yorkers loathe New Year's Eve at Times Square and steer well clear of it, but worse, so I really question whether we would want to time anything German with Oktoberfest except an article about beer. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:49, 23 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::Thanks for your message. re Oktoberfest, I don't know too much about Oktoberfest, so I'd defer to you and Yvwv. My experience in Germany is fairly limited outside a few days in Berlin but if it attracts a swathe of out-of-control drunk tourists, then not sure whether Oktober is a good time to feature it. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:08, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' I'm glad to see that this has very much improved since I nominated it for VFD, one of the best itineraries I've read. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:46, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Scheduled''' for August to September. Featuring four itineraries in a row could be seen as a diversity problem. However, they are very different in locations and themes. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:48, 23 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' though mostly on the supporting destination pages. Main issues: : - out of date, eg the Dardanelles bridge opening has knock on for travel routes which are still playing out; : - some weak destination pages especially eastern routes, we need these for detail of transport, accommodation, POIs etc; : - overlap and duplication, the western route is described on five or six pages. [[Along the Troad Coast]] is a subset of this itinerary and my suggestion is to merge it here. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:37, 6 May 2022 (UTC) ::My thoughts: ::* The Dardanelles Bridge: "By car" has a mention of it, specifically recommends ''not'' using it (together with the reasoning), but without leaving those who decide to give it a go out in the cold. I think the bridge opening has little implication on the "By bus" section as it is (although I am very much open to hear arguments to the contrary, and to develop this and other possibly relevant articles accordingly). ::* The eastern route articles: Would be great to have the articles linked from this one in a better shape (I would be only happy to join in an effort towards that goal but having not visited many of the locations myself, my help would be limited), and the current state of some of them may reduce the actual usability of this one, but a total hindrance thereof? I guess not. And given that the destination articles aren't hierarchically connected with this one (cf. huge cities and the district articles beneath), I think that shouldn't prevent this article from being featured. ::* Overlap in the western route: I assume you mean the "Get in" sections of various articles linked from this one. I think there is no harm in providing the relevant information to someone just driving from Istanbul straight to Gelibolu, Çanakkale or wherever and to another looking for a leisurely multiday drive at where they are most likely to look for that piece of information without clicking back and forth between the articles. ::* Along the Troad Coast: I don't agree with merging, because: ::** The two itineraries are on different levels of scale and prominency: The Troad itinerary covers a much narrower geography in a much greater detail. ::** Troad is an independent itinerary; many who travel it do not set the ends of their trip at Istanbul or Izmir (but many others do). I myself have done that route repeatedly, without setting foot at either city in close succession. One of those was by hitchhiking: I hitched a ride from a couple who were driving from Istanbul to Assos as the final destination, just after (or before, I can't remember) getting a lift from another couple who were from [[Łódź]] (and were horrified by my pronounciation of their hometown's name), coming in from Greece and heading simply anywhere south. ::** It is an alternative side trip to this one. The main route of this nominated itinerary, as described in its map and text, goes down the inland highway, and there is no obligation to stray away from it. The three suggested destinations here in common with the Troad itinerary (Troy, Bozcaada, and Assos) can be easily visited without covering the full length of that route, by branching off the highway and then retracing back (or can be skipped singularly or in combinations just as easily). ::[[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:46, 7 May 2022 (UTC) ::: As what I have in mind needn't affect the nomination, I've started a thread on the Ist-Iz page. Probably simpler to post examples of what I'm thinking. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:10, 24 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Hamad International Airport]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamad International Airport | blurb=Visiting Qatar for the FIFA world cup? Here's a quick guide on getting around Qatar's prime airport. | status=Guide | time=October 2022 for FIFA world cup | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) | comment=I'm no fan of soccer and I know I'm a bit late to nominate this, but after seeing what the Italian Wikivoyage did, I also wanted to nominate [[Doha]] for the FIFA world cup. However, it has already been featured, and otherwise this currently unfeatured article could replace Land Trail on Mount Ucka, which has some MoS issues. [[#Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi International Airport]] should ideally be pushed back further so it's not featured so close to Cooch Behar. As for the article itself, it looks good to me. I last visited Hamad Int'l Airport on transit in 2017 and I cannot see anything missing, but I was only there for two hours. | DotMImage=[[File:Children's play area at Hamad Airport, May 2014.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:37, 26 June 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' based on quality, but not ready to re-schedule. There have been concerns about human rights in Qatar, but we have not settled whether those should disqualify an article from featuring. If [[Land Art Trail on Mount Učka]] has issues, we should bring it up in the nomination process. Similar travel topics and destinations should preferrably not feature too close together, so delaying Indira Gandhi makes sense. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 05:48, 28 June 2022 (UTC) :Let's not base our decision on politics here. I can also list human rights abuses by Western countries (the invasion of Iraq, anyone?) if we really want to get into that, and that will disqualify all countries from being listed since all countries have blood on their hands in one way or another. Let's just consider things from a purely practical travel perspective here. That said, I don't know if we should feature airport articles. These are there to help travellers in transit or waiting to fly, but they are not usually destinations in and of themselves. People use airports to get to a place, then go sightseeing elsewhere. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't see that a category of articles should be excluded from a feature, although I definitely understand your argument. Human rights are a difficult issue. If a large number of foreigners are essentially enslaved somewhere, is that an issue for travelers, such that we should hesitate to feature an article? How about when a lot of visitors are treated nastily or worse at border crossings and airports, as in the U.S.? I don't know what standard we should have, but I'm not comfortable with saying that human rights abuses that can affect visitors should never be considered a factor in whether we feature an article or not. At the very least, we should be careful to include clear warnings in the relevant articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:26, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::A further thought, though: Big airports are often used for transit, so we shouldn't assume everyone who goes to this airport is even visiting Qatar, not that there's anything wrong with that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:28, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::If there are major issues with the rights of foreign workers then yes, we should mention that. After all, we also want to serve people looking to move abroad to work. I've heard rumors that if a female foreign domestic worker in Dubai gets raped by her boss who is a UAE citizen, she has no legal recourse whatsoever even though it is of course illegal on paper. I don't know if that is just an exaggeration but if it is known that it's true, then yes, things like that should be covered. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:25, 18 July 2022 (UTC) 3w10bemaaht6jqr50eejhxh6yuql3pf 4 69268 4487704 4487655 2022-07-21T12:11:22Z LtPowers 1809 /* Crazy new feature idea -- personal itineraries */ wikitext text/x-wiki {|style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em" |- | style="text-align:left"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''<span style="color:#454442;">Welcome to the pub</span>'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} <span style="color:#454442;">The Travellers' Pub is the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>)</span> <div style="color:#454442;"> Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|Tourist Office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Vandalism in progress|Vandalism in progress]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. 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If we have too many conversations on this page, it gets too noisy and hard to read. If you see an old conversation (i.e. '''a month''' dormant) that could be moved to a [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]], please do so, and add "{{[[Template:Swept|swept]]}}" there, to note that it has been swept in from the pub. Try to place it on the discussion page roughly in chronological order. * A question regarding a destination article should be swept to the article discussion page. * A discussion regarding a policy or the subject of an expedition can be swept to the policy or expedition discussion page. * A simple question asked by a user can be swept to that user's talk page, but consider if the documentation needs a quick update to make it clearer for the next user with the same question. * A pointer to a discussion going on elsewhere, such as a notice of a star nomination or a request to comment on another talk page, can be removed when it is old. Any discussion that occurred in the pub can be swept to where the main discussion took place. Any discussions that do not fall into any of these categories, and are not of any special importance for posterity, should be archived to '''[[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]''' and removed from here. If you are not sure where to put a discussion, let it be—better to spend your efforts on those that you do know where to place.</div> </div> |style="background: #003300;" | [[File:Wikivoyage sysop.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == Budget flights in country articles == There is disagreement about whether adding cheap flight destinations to Go next sections of country articles is beneficial for Wikivoyage. I think it is better to discuss this with all the community. Perhaps [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] and [[User:SHB2000]] would like to sum up the arguments. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:24, 25 May 2022 (UTC) :For a bit of a starter, this is specifically referring to "Go next" sections – I don't have anything against adding them in "Get in", though this should be in the relevant airport or city article. :I've already made my argument in [[User talk:Flightnavigator#Your revert]], but I'll mention it here: :* Wikivoyage is a guide for everyone, not just budget travellers – what Flightnavigator has been adding is not appealing to everyone, and in fact discourages some people like me to go there. :* This gives an impression that "ultra-low-budget flights" are the standard way of getting from one destination to another. Should budget flights be added, then normal flights that are not budget flights should also be added :* This same information is spammed across articles, and in some cases, it's very unrealistic – do you really think someone would really travel from [[Iceland]] to [[Poland]] only because of cheap flights? (see [[Special:PermaLink/4447268#Go next]] for what I'm talking about) :* Building upon the previous point, the same information on "ultra-low-cost" repeated in every country article makes Wikivoyage less interesting to read, somewhat like the solar eclipse situation we have :* In some cases, Flightnavigator seems to have been selective in where the budget flights are rather far away or unrealistic, such in the case of many European destinations. :So that sums it up and why I am strongly opposed to adding budget flights in country go next articles. Wikivoyage is a guide for everyone, and not just budget travellers. Presenting information which makes it look like travelling on a budget flight is the primary way does not [[ttcf|serve the traveller]], because not everyone wants to go on budget flights – in fact in some parts of the world, many care more about comfort rather than cost. My removal of this information is so Wikivoyage is '''not''' budget traveller-centric, and the same thing repeated in every single makes it worse. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:51, 26 May 2022 (UTC) :: I'd prefer to leave travel specifics such as flights to 'Get in'. Mentioning which bordering/neighbouring countries you can visit is usually sufficient for 'Go next' unless you're writing about an island that's only accessible from one or two faraway countries, and even then you don't want to be writing a 'Get in' section in reverse. And I agree with SHB that repeating information with narrow appeal across multiple articles doesn't improve Wikivoyage for most of its users. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:43, 26 May 2022 (UTC) ::: You are usually not able to choose from where to fly in, while you might choose your next destination based on flight prices, so Go next is more logical. On the other hand, you should look in Get in for transport details anyway, so you'd just need to take a look before deciding. The only thing that would be illogic is where the cheap flights are just one way (out), but that can be said in a few words, and choosing the words right you could even say that while talking about getting in. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:55, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::: I am not sure I agree about restricting this to airport and city articles. You tell about flights in Get ins of countries, and it'd be logical to say something about price also there ("most budget flights use A, although there are some cheap flights also to B and C"). :::: Few would fly from Iceland to Poland just because there is a cheap flight to there, but somebody on their way from America via Iceland to Europe for a [[European rail passes|Eurail]] holiday could very well choose to use that flight instead of Berlin or Frankfurt, which might have been their first thought. We do mention more far-fetched go-next options in some articles. :::: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:05, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::Rail is usually cheaper than flying in Europe, right? So if we wanted to cater to the ultra-low-budget traveler, I don't think we'd be mentioning flights within Europe at all. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:11, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::: Rail to Iceland requires some preparations that most travellers wouldn't do :-) Also getting from Poland to Finland might be much cheaper by plane than by alternative means. I assume these are not the only examples. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:49, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::A destination you never thought about can very easily become your next destination if prices are enticing. I've definitely planned trips around cheap transportation to places I previously had no plans to visit. Is Poland really such an off-putting place that people can't imagine anyone willingly choosing to visit? Is this just about Country articles? For cities, for example, I think nearby destinations (on the ground) are preferable in the "Get out" section. For countries, I suppose places accessible by air could make sense, but nearby countries when they exist, still makes the most sense to me. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 07:08, 29 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Likewise, do you also think someone will go to the [[Canary Islands]] from Morocco just because of cheap flights? (see [[Special:Diff/4417910]]). The Canary Islands are a popular travel destination from Morocco, but budget flights are '''not''' the prime reason why many visit the Canaries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:46, 29 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Looking at your link: If flights from Morocco are particularly cheap to the Canary Islands compared to flights from all/most other places that service it (especially if the others are more commonly used or traveled) then it's a noteworthy detail. It reads as if flights for everywhere are cheaper, though, so that makes the Canary Islands seem less worth specifying. If flights from Morocco are universally cheaper, it may be worth mentioning but reframing it without the CI focus. Also, if the Canary Islands are particularly affordable from Morocco, that doesn't mean other things that make it worthwhile cannot be added. Most of the "problem" seems to be that no one has added anything else to the "Get out" sections. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 09:33, 29 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And that's another case of something that's only appealing to you. Likewise, would you really travel from Georgia to the UAE because of cheap flights? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:50, 30 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I have at least one friend who will fly off somewhere at the drop of a hat because she found a super-cheap flight in the middle of a new wave of COVID (she's also had COVID 3 times). I have no problem with mentioning cheap flights, except for one thing: Can we really expect things to be updated when those flights become expensive and somewhere else becomes cheap? Also, my friend won't go '''anywhere'''; she has no interest in having a vacation in Dubai, but did go to Lisbon when there were $300 round trip flights from San Francisco through Boston. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:59, 30 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::I don't think the argument that cheap flights don't inspire travel is convincing, but you are right that the "cheap flights" need to be stable or the cheapness in comparison to other flights needs to be mostly stable. It couldn't be based on a travel sale or something temporary. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 05:51, 30 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::Agreed. Cheap flights do motivate travellers who are interested in the locations in question. But if, for example, it's easy to get cheap flights to Dubai from a whole slew of places in Europe and the Caucasus, I'm not sure that should be mentioned in every article for a place with its own airport throughout those regions. Instead, maybe it should be mentioned in the [[Dubai]] article and in "Go next" for the relevant multi-national regions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:03, 30 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::20 days later, Flightnavigator has not commented since then and nobody has made a convincing argument against the budget traveller-centric content going out-of-date. Any last minute objections before I remove this from all country articles? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:34, 20 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Based on the prior discussion there seems to be a consensus for keeping the info on budget flights though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 18:01, 20 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I think outline information on budget flights should be kept. In country articles probably the most useful thing is to say which airports the budget airlines use. Precise details of destinations and prices is likely to go out of date, but budget flights will often continue to use the same "cheaper" airports. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:38, 20 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::But surely not in 'Go next'? These sections have always been brief, with travel specifics going to the relevant 'Get in'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:36, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::Agreed. It should be in the "Get in" section. Those who are saying "You can't choose where you go in from" are just not using the "Get in" section to its full potential. If you are in a city, the "Get in" section can give you ideas on where you can go easily and/or cheaply FROM that location much better than the "Get out" section, which is meant for quick and convenient daytrips. I would say that's the best use of the "Get in" section in many cases. It wouldn't make sense to list [[Tsuyama]] in [[Tokyo]]'s "Get out" section, because it's far and not likely to even make the top 100 list of places someone would go from Tokyo. However, if you look at [[Tsuyama]]'s "Get in" section, you can see that there is actually a direct, comparatively cheap night bus to Tsuyama from Tokyo. You could use that if you are in Tokyo to "Get in" to Tsuyama, but more likely you will use it if you are in Tsuyama to figure out how to get to Tokyo cheaply. [[Tokyo/Shinagawa]]'s "Get in" section also lists [[Tsuyama]], but again, the most likely use for this is to realize that you can go all the way to Tsuyama cheaply from Tokyo/Shinagawa. No one is going to go to the Shinagawa article hoping to find information specifically about how to visit Shinagawa from Tsuyama. In this case Tsuyama is there, but very few articles have information specific to someone traveling from Tsuyama. The "Get in" section of Tsuyama is the best place to learn how to travel outward FROM Tsuyama. This is true for every destination that isn't of similar status to [[Paris]]. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 12:19, 21 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::The section you're talking about is called "Go next", and it is not at all only for day trips, but at least as much for logical places to literally go next and stay at. So for [[New York City]], that includes Philadelphia, Boston and DC, only one of which (Philly) is really fairly reasonable as a day trip but all of which are logical places to visit for several days or more. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:28, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::I should have said "nearby", but in most articles they will be almost the same. I don't think NYC is a very good example of a typical city or city article anyway since it's a megacity that, to be honest, could just as easily list Los Angeles in the Go Next given that it's "the other city" that foreign travelers who want to visit NYC most often mention. The NYC article also lists Montreal and all of New England, so it has room for improvement. But that is all besides the point, which was that you can use the "Get in" section however it benefits you. And that I don't think the Go Next of country articles should generally list extremely far off places in place of neighboring countries, so stable discount or cheap flights should be in "Get in" not "Go next". [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 12:35, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::::Montreal is questionable to list in [[New York City#Go next]], but Boston is not, IMO. I wasn't disputing your points on country articles and don't have any strong opinion on the point you're arguing; I just wanted to deal with the side point on Wikivoyage not having "Get out" sections and "Go next" sections not being at all exclusively about day trips. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:14, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::Alasdair, this is about them going in "go next", not in get in. I'm not going to repeat my arguments again, but in simple words, Flightnavigator spammed a bunch of country articles with "There are cheap flights to xxx", which is way too budget traveller-centric. I don't have a problem with budget flights being listed in "get in", but this should really be in the relevant airport, city or in rare cases, park article – not in a country article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:12, 23 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::I am fine with moving the budget flights from "Go next" to "Get in" and sumarising it in the process. With the possible exception of short distance travel experiences like hiking tracks or steam trains, practical travel details belong in get in, not go next. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:46, 23 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Tai123.123, where's the consensus? Nobody gave a convincing argument as to why they should be mentioned in "Go next". I'm aware the section header is misleading, but this is about budget flights being mentioned in "Go next", not "Get in". <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:14, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::Sorry, I misunderstood your statement as you never stated where you were removing info from. I thought you were going to remove all budget flight info, not just the flights in Go Next. There seems to be consensus for removing it from go next. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 00:12, 24 June 2022 (UTC) :Does WN have any statistics about its audience? For example, a breakdown by age of the audience. :In this particular example I believe that the older you are the less you care about the price of the flight (up to a limit?) and the more you care about convenience: comfortable seating, meals, good connections, timing, Etc. Also, I think(?), older people are more concerned about COVID and prefer to travel by automobile, when at all possible. [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 16:21, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::It has been 1.5 months and as Flightnavigator simply hasn't bothered to comment along with clear consensus, I'll be removing all budget flights from "Go next" in the next few days. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:27, 11 July 2022 (UTC) == "neighbourhood maps" == I've always wondered on how these should be formatted. They're not usually standard in district articles (and in fact, the only one I could find was [[Sydney/City East]]), but I did a small experiment today with [[Canberra/Civic]] with the use of a "neighbourhood map" (or whatever they're called). It did leave me with three questions though, merely because we don't have other examples of such maps and I'd like some answers before I implement more of these maps. # Which section should a map like this go in? For [[Canberra/Civic]], I chose "districts", but [[Sydney/City East]] has it in an "Orientation" section in Understand # Do the duplicate maps pose an issue? # Do these maps help? I guess it helps to sort of know which neighbourhoods are in a certain district, but then you don't ''need'' to know, and it might appear too encyclopedic. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:23, 13 June 2022 (UTC) :I don't have any advice for you or answers to your questions, but I like what you've done. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 13 June 2022 (UTC) :: [[Image policy#Minimal use of images]] and [[WV:Map]]: do we really need to display multiple dynamic maps in one article? It seems redundant and tiresome to me. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 17:30, 13 June 2022 (UTC) ::: Can't we integrate the neighbourhoods into the normal map. Probably opacity should be tweaked for them not to dominate. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:02, 13 June 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|LPfi}} [[Special:PermaLink/4467260]] is what it would look like if we merged the maps together. As someone with visual impairments, I find the second map (the one with listings) hard to read with all the colours as all the listings look cluttered, making it hard to identify where the POI is located. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 14 June 2022 (UTC) ::::: I lessened the opacity of the districts. Is <s>[[Special:Permalink/4467746|this]]</s> [[Special:Permalink/4467763|this]] still hard to read? It could still be lessened a tad if needed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:56, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::My eyes still prefer the map without the mapmasks, and I think the older map is easier to read for people with visual impairments. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:11, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::: OK. I undid the edit. I hope you noticed that I linked the previous version (oops), now fixed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:10, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think that the neighborhood map ''needs'' to be dynamic, but since dynamic is what we've got/until someone wants to make a static map, I've no objection to it being a dynamic map. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:28, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I might be in the minority, but I actually think a dynamic map is better for all region articles, and not just bottom level region articles, and it brings me to the question; are there any users here who can make a static map? I've tried to make several static maps before, but unfortunately [[Wikivoyage:How to draw static maps]] is either unclear or out-of-date, and the only successful one that I've managed to draw was [[:File:Mungo NP static map.svg]], and that also looks terrible. Anecdotally speaking, the only time where I've found a static map way more helpful was when I was in [[Yosemite National Park]] earlier this year (and T-mobile was not that great in the [[Sierra Nevada]], but I didn't really need the map since it was a second visit to Yosemite). They're often difficult and time consuming to make, and they become hard to modify when change is required. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::::I'm sure they have all of those downsides, but I understand that dynamic maps don't print properly, which is also a problem. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:11, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Yes, I can make static maps, although I do not have much experience with this particular kind of map. I've never done it for WV, because it's a lot of work if you want to do it right. I don't really think it's worth the effort: 1) I'd never use a WV map (static nor dynamic) for actual navigation. That's what navigation apps (preferably with offline options) and proper paper maps are for. 2) I've been meaning to update the static map in [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] for years now. But it's a raster graphics file, so in order to make clean changes, I'd basically have to re-create the whole map ([[Wikivoyage:How to draw static maps]] has some really bad advice in that regard). Even if it was SVG, I'd probably rather make a new one, because there's only so much you can do in a graphics program compared to something like Qqis. 3) The styles for static city/district and especially country/region maps look like it's still 2007. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 15:40, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Ibaman}} I made a static map but it's togglable. Does it still look a bit redundant? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:25, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ==API Key== On this map it says [https://wikivoyage.toolforge.org/w/poimap2.php?lat=-40.850425&lon=172.447319&zoom=16&layer=W&lang=en&name=Heaphy_Track API key required] when you switch to relief maps. Not sure who to raise this with to see about getting it fixed? [[User:Doc James|<span style="color:#0000f1">'''Travel Doc James'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Doc_James|talk]] · [[Special:Contributions/Doc_James|contribs]] · [[Special:EmailUser/Doc_James|email]]) 17:01, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :Just going by [[phab:T170976|this old phabricator task]], it seems that tool has been depreciated in favour of [[Heaphy_Track#/map/0/10/-40.7681/172.5609|Kartographer]] — are you able to use that instead? [[User:TheresNoTime|TheresNoTime]] ([[User talk:TheresNoTime|talk]]) 20:35, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::The mapframe in [[Heaphy_Track#Walk]] doesn't appear to show the issue with the relief map layer. It appears that is only an issue with the full page map (from the icon at the top right of most pages. I think that mapframe is Kartographer based, but I don't know about the full page map. (It is worth keeping the full page map as it has some features missing from mapframe as is better for printing.) [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:38, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == [[Nizamabad]] == This article needs major cleanup, copyedited a bit the best I can. Are there any templates for articles needing cleanup or copyediting? [[User:Rubbish computer|''Rubbish computer'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my'' [[User talk:Rubbish computer|''talk page'']]) 19:08, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :Yes, such as "style," but the problem is that they seldom produce any corrective action, so my advice to you would be, do what cleanup you can and post remarks to that article's talk page with comments about other work that should be done. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:32, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::Hi {{u|Ikan Kekek}}, will do, thanks for the response. [[User:Rubbish computer|''Rubbish computer'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my'' [[User talk:Rubbish computer|''talk page'']]) 21:35, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == Help archiving a talk page == Could someone please help me archive [[Talk:Bulgaria]]? I've already copied the old comments to a subpage and linked the subpage in the main talk, you only have to delete the old discussions. I can't do that because I'm too new and trying to do that triggers the page blanking filter. I want to start a new discussion about regions, and the old stuff on the talk page has made it unwieldy. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 16:59, 17 June 2022 (UTC) :It's done. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 17:12, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ::If you want to discuss regions, we should unarchive the previous regions discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 17 June 2022 (UTC) == "Regional County Municipality" and "Agglomeration" article titles == We need to change all of these article titles that don't merit deletion. What's the best way to do it? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 June 2022 (UTC) :There is a discussion underway at [[Talk:Mont%C3%A9r%C3%A9gie]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:46, 18 June 2022 (UTC) == Article on bridges == I wonder if there are any engineers here who would be able to write an article on famous bridges. Of course, the ones that immediately come to mind are New York City's Brooklyn Bridge, London's Tower Bridge, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but I believe there would be numerous others that could be mentioned in such an article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:12, 20 June 2022 (UTC) == Desktop Improvements update == [[File:Table of contents shown on English Wikipedia 02.webm|thumb]] ; Making this the new default Hello. I wanted to give you an update about the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|Desktop Improvements]] project, which the Wikimedia Foundation Web team has been working on for the past few years. Our work is almost finished! 🎉 We would love to see these improvements become the default for readers and editors across all wikis. <span style="background-color:#fc3;">In the coming weeks, we will begin conversations on more wikis, including yours. 🗓️</span> We will gladly read your suggestions! The goals of the project are to make the interface more welcoming and comfortable for readers and useful for advanced users. The project consists of a series of feature improvements which make it easier to read and learn, navigate within the page, search, switch between languages, use article tabs and the user menu, and more. The improvements are already visible by default for readers and editors on more than 30 wikis, including Wikipedias in [[:fr:|French]], [[:pt:|Portuguese]], and [[:fa:|Persian]]. The changes apply to the [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=vector}} Vector] skin only, although it will always be possible to revert to the previous version on an individual basis. [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=monobook}} Monobook] or [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=timeless}} Timeless] users will not notice any changes. ; The newest features * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Features/Table of contents|Table of contents]] - our version is easier to reach, gain context of the page, and navigate throughout the page without needing to scroll. It is currently tested across our pilot wikis. It is also available for editors who have opted into the Vector 2022 skin. * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Features/Page tools|Page tools]] - now, there are two types of links in the sidebar. There are actions and tools for individual pages (like [[Special:RecentChangesLinked|Related changes]]) and links of the wiki-wide nature (like [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]]). We are going to separate these into two intuitive menus. ; How to enable/disable the improvements [[File:Desktop Improvements - how to enable globally.png|thumb|[[Special:GlobalPreferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|{{int:globalpreferences}}]]]] * It is possible to opt-in individually [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|in the appearance tab within the preferences]] by selecting "{{int:skinname-vector-2022}}". Also, it is possible to opt-in on all wikis using the [[Special:GlobalPreferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|global preferences]]. * On wikis where the changes are visible by default for all, logged-in users can always opt-out to the Legacy Vector. There is an easily accessible link in the sidebar of the new Vector. ; Learn more and join our events If you would like to follow the progress of our project, you can [[mw:Special:Newsletter/28/subscribe|subscribe to our newsletter]]. You can read the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|pages of the project]], check [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Frequently_asked_questions|our FAQ]], write on the [[mw:Talk:Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|project talk page]], and [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates/Talk to Web|join an online meeting with us]]. Thank you! [[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]] ([[User talk:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|talk]]) 16:59, 21 June 2022 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:SGrabarczuk_(WMF)/sandbox/MM/En_fallback&oldid=23430301 --> :Thank you. :Most of our pages use the pagebanner template to display the table of contents rather than the standard method. Will this be impacted by your proposed changes? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:58, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::At least in the current version they seem to get along quite well. Page banner still works, but there's an additional TOC in the side bar. You can try for yourself by enabling ''Vector (2022)'' in your preferences. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 14:22, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::Try it out: :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Main_Page?useskin=Vector-2022 (still cropping the first image, so we only get half of Australia) :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Random?useskin=Vector-2022 :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Random?useskin=Vector-2022&tableofcontents=0 (with the floating Table of Contents disabled) :::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:31, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks. That looks fine. ::::Looking at an example page, it does appear that slightly less page width is allocated to the article and more to the left column, but I haven't investigated, and the different appearance may be an improvement. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:49, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ; Join us on Tuesday Join an online meeting with the team working on the Desktop Improvements! It will take place on '''28 June 2022 at [https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20220628T1200 12:00 UTC] and [https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20220628T1900 19:00 UTC]''' on Zoom. '''[https://wikimedia.zoom.us/j/5304280674 Click here to join]'''. Meeting ID: 5304280674. [https://wikimedia.zoom.us/u/kc2hamfYz9 Dial by your location]. The following events will take place on 12 July and 26 July. The meeting will not be recorded or streamed. Notes will be taken in a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G4tfss-JBVxyZMxGlOj5MCBhOO-0sLekquFoa2XiQb8/edit# Google Docs file] and copied to [[etherpad:p/web-team-office-hours|Etherpad]]. [[mw:User:OVasileva_(WMF)|Olga Vasileva]] (the Product Manager) will be hosting this meeting. The presentation part will be given in English. At this meeting, both [[foundation:Friendly_space_policy|Friendly space policy]] and the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Code_of_Conduct|Code of Conduct]] for Wikimedia technical spaces apply. Zoom is not subject to the [[foundation:Privacy_policy|WMF Privacy Policy]]. We can answer questions asked in English and [[mw:Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates/Talk to Web/28-06-2022|a number of other languages]]. If you would like to ask questions in advance, add them on the [[mw:Talk:Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|talk page]] or send them to sgrabarczuk{{@}}wikimedia.org. We hope to see you! [[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]] ([[User talk:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|talk]]) 21:44, 23 June 2022 (UTC) {{tracked|T311771}} :I have just posted a new topic here and immediately had to edit it. See: :https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage%3ATravellers%27_pub&type=revision&diff=4472722&oldid=4472721 [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:22, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]],@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:22, 25 June 2022 (UTC) :::This needs [[User:Whatamidoing (WMF)|work-me]] to file a Phab ticket. Thanks for letting me know. I'm curious: could you see the <nowiki><blockquote> tags in the visual editor while you were typing? Did you paste them in, or type them, or use a keyboard shortcut?</nowiki> [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 05:25, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks for your prompt reply @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]],believe it or not my memory of this incident is already fuzzy in my memory. I know I originally typed in the ''< blockquote >'' tag, but I may have copy&mpasted it later (I sometimes do that if I have to go investigate somewhere else before posting a half-baked post). ::::I also discovered since, that this version of the software implemented on wiki-voyage (it is different on other wmf-wikis I participate on) has two alternative modes of input (undocumented?): ::::*Visual ::::and ::::*Source ::::I think I was originally put on '''Visual''' by default, but now I am on '''Source''' by default, and I am also seeing a preview pane which was not there before, I think? It would also be great if I could add an edit summary, which I can using the shall-we-call-it-reply software elsewhere. ::::I hope I am making sense in this garbled reply? [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 14:41, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Click on the "Advanced" option above the copyright/licensing statement. Most people don't use a meaningful/custom edit summary in discussions, but you can add one if you want to. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:18, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::::: Edit summaries are very useful also for discussions, especially at busy pages like the pub. It is often the case that some of the threads have gone down some less interesting paths, and I read them only if somebody brings up a new point (mentioned in the edit summary). When there have been new posts in several threads, I might miss some of them, unless the edit summary caught my attention on the watchlist. And the most irritating of all: making an edit to existing posts without telling that in the summary – I scroll down to the end of the thread, find nothing new, check earlier pre-outdent posts, finding nothing there, search for today's date, no match, then click history and diff, to finally find that change of phrasing or whatever, which often didn't add anything of value to what I've already read. Please write "ce" or whatever. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:38, 1 July 2022 (UTC) == Is COVID over? == I was surprised to see this announcement on <nowiki>https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases</nowiki> : <blockquote> As of 20 June 2022, ECDC is discontinuing the data collection and publication of the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths worldwide. Please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) data on COVID-19 and the WHO Weekly Epidemiological and Weekly Operational Updates page for the non-EU/EEA countries. ECDC will continue providing weekly updates for EU/EEA Member States and report on an ad-hoc basis about significant events related to COVID-19 globally. ECDC has been collecting data on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths for all countries in the EU/EEA and globally for more than two years. The data collected by ECDC will continue to be available in an archived format.</blockquote>< So it appears that the EU thinks COVID is no longer an issue? [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:06, 25 June 2022 (UTC) :COVID will never be "over", in that it will not stop circulating in our lifetimes, but broadly speaking people's lifestyles will continue to get closer to how they were before the pandemic. Evidently ECDC has decided not to publish this particular set of data anymore, but if I understand correctly, other sources are still publishing substantively the same data for the time being. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:07, 25 June 2022 (UTC) : It is definitely not over. Current statistics are available from many sources, none 100% reliable. [https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries Worldometers] Probably the most worrisome number is that there are still 18.75 million active cases (diagnosed but not yet either dead or recovered) plus some infected but not diagnosed; those can spread the disease. The US still has about 3.3 million active cases, though that number has been falling. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:59, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :: I don't know whether Finland is typical for EU, but here the government more or less gave up on COVID-19 in early spring. They decided that it is spreading too fast to be stopped, that with most of the population triple-vaccinated "few" get a serious disease, and life has to go on. It seems people took them on the word, I think that less than one in ten is using masks. Incidence and death toll have been record high (statistics on cases is unreliable though, as people don't get official tests), but there are only some critical voices. Non-vaccinated have restrictions on passing the border (tests or quarantine required) but vaccinated EU-citizens can come and go as they please, nightclubs etc. are crowded, and big events are taking place like they used to. You can still find masks and tests in any shop, not as in Denmark where that is finished too. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:55, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::Yes, in Finland COVID hasn't been the main news topic for several months (partially also due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine). On 1 July they're dropping also the entry restrictions and health controls for people entering from outside the Schengen and in shops I've as of lately seen discounts on home tests and masks being "phased out from our product selection". The Department of Health and Wellbeing (THL) publishes [https://www.thl.fi/episeuranta/tautitapaukset/coronamap.html statistics] showing cases and deaths have dropped remarkably since the spring. So at least for the moment it seems to be over, but one can never know what the situation looks like in the autumn. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:33, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::: Confirmed cases per 100,000 per 14 days is still in the hundreds, even though you aren't recommended to take an official test unless you get serious symptoms (as in needing hospital care). In some professions the tests are still taken, I assume. Anyway, the incidence – if counting factual cases – seems to be at least as bad as in the late autumn. 30% of actual tests are positive, when the figure used to be ~1% before the vaccines. There are about 10 persons in intensive care, while the number was about 50 at the worst time. Much better now, but far from over. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::: The health care centre still recommends mask use. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:03, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::Data collection has ended, but I don't think the EU considers COVID to no longer be an issue. I think we should leave, in current circumstances, the COVID notice on our [[main page]] until the end of the year, pending future updates on its spread. Apart from that notice and international travel information, COVID is barely mentioned on this wiki. I think the current notices in place make sense in our environment. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 13:15, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::Right now, the focus where I am in [[New South Wales]] is mostly the flu (for the record, I've caught it twice within the last 31 days, with the last time just 4 days ago, hence why my editing activity has increased). The only news of COVID that I've really been hearing is either about COVID in China, or about our lockdown last year. However, as some countries still have restrictions on entry, I would say keep the COVID banner on the main page until September, and if September is deemed too early, then we can do another review then. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:51, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::In New South Wales, masking is still compulsory on public transport and the majority of people follow the rule. There is also a 7-day isolation rule if you test positive. I disagree about messaging only being about the flu. Public messaging from the government and media has always been about a dual virus winter here over the past few months (encouraging both vaccinations, etc.). In any case, this wiki is about travel, not just living in one's own city. Travellers started to get affected by Covid-19 from Janaury 2020, not March 2020 when most countries first went into lockdown. International travel will also be the last activity/industry that will fully return to normal so it makes sense to keep the notice for a while longer. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 14:34, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::To me, if the purpose is to help people, it can be removed. I don't think the article has been helpful for at least a year if ever. If the purpose is just to have something there, then it could stay or go. I don't think it's necessary to leave it up until every last country has lifted every restriction. Japan hasn't had any meaningful changes in its policies for 2 years in spite of less severe variants and vaccines, but it is already an outlier and becoming increasingly so. The country articles should still have information about entry which is basically the only information people care about. Leaving it until then end of the summer (September) as suggested seems reasonable though. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 14:52, 27 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} Most of the world has transitioned to living with the virus. The main exceptions are Japan, China and Taiwan. In the case of China, most of the elderly are unwilling to get vaccinated, and given how Hong Kong's hospitals were overwhelmed (to the point that the mortuaries ran out of space and bodies of COVID victims were piling up in the wards) during their last surge due to the same problem, I don't think China will reopen for the forseeable future. They might want to wait until all these unvaccinated elderly die of other causes before they reopen to foreigners. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:12, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :The idea that the pandemic is over is absurd and highly premature. I would strongly suggest for us to wait until at least the end of the year before jumping to conclusions, because it's quite likely that there will be another surge in the fall, and the large number of unvaccinated people around the world are a great source of new strains. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:04, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::I think whether "the pandemic" is over depends a lot on how you define "a pandemic". It's basically a political definition, not a biological one, so reasonable people and organizations can disagree on whether the current state should still be called "a pandemic". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::: Whether it is still a pandemic by some definition is less relevant. Are the restrictions stable enough that they are better handled together with other entry requirements, and in Cope, or in the current boxes? Is the disease different enough (as disease and as a social phenomenon) that it warrants its own article instead of being a bullet in [[Infectuous diseases]]? I think restrictions still vary fast enough that ease of maintenance is important, and then a template is the better solution, and people still see it as different from the flue and tuberculosis. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:39, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::The [https://www.medicinenet.com/pandemic/definition.htm definition of "pandemic"] is basically a medical one. If you'd like to say that the definition of "high degree of death" is a political one, that's another question. "The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627,000 in 2020" per the [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria WHO], yet it's considered endemic to Africa, rather than even epidemic. Why? I think in significant part because those with enough money to stanch the death rate mostly live outside of Africa and prefer to ignore the deaths, plus it doesn't get spread around the world in areas with no types of mosquitoes that are vectors. But saying that the definition of "pandemic" is basically political is odd, because most people hadn't heard the word used at all until 2019-20, or at least not since at least the days when AIDS was out of control in their countries (and again, Africa suffers from less medical care; see the pattern?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:48, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::The definition of pandemic varies between sources. Is it an epidemic [https://books.google.com/books?id=3Dr8dyuzvTkC&pg=PA179#v=onepage&q&f=false "crossing international boundaries, and usually affecting a large number of people"]? How do you define "affecting", and what constitutes "a large number" of people? Those are both political choices. Is it instead something that happens [https://www.britannica.com/science/pandemic "over a wide geographical area and that is of high prevalence, generally affecting a significant proportion of the world’s population"]? Who decides what constitutes "high" prevalence, and "a significant proportion"? Basically, people make these decisions. They'll decide that these effects are really "affecting" you but these others aren't (e.g., every new version of the common cold), or that the people affected aren't "large" or "significant" enough, or that (as with the malaria decision) the key point is that it happens all the time at a fairly stable rate within each population, rather than being new. (Some definitions say that pandemics must always be a new disease, or at least one that almost nobody has immunological resistance to; others don't.) :::::People – not science – pick which definition to apply (different definitions for different conditions), people decide which effects "count" and whether enough people are affected, and then people decide whether to apply this label. There have been hard-and-fast definitions for some similar concepts in the past, but pandemic is a somewhat flexible concept. ("School epidemic" in some places has been defined as a certain percentage of enrolled students being out of school with the same disease/symptoms. An old friend of mine accidentally set off a measles epidemic in her high school in the 1950s. She caught it somewhere, unwittingly brought it to school, and it turned out that almost none of the students in her school had had measles before. The teachers were mostly fine, but a huge number of students were out sick over the next month.) :::::Here at the English Wikivoyage, though, I think LPfi has good advice. We should consider it from the practical angle rather than the "does the current situation technically match my preferred definition" angle. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:56, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::It seems to me, the most likely way to have fair definitions of medical concepts is to let public health authorities and not politicians define them. In any case, I think that it's fairly clear that COVID-19 remains a serious disease that's affecting travel in various ways, so we shouldn't be in a rush to deemphasize it and should let the crisis play out. Seeing how there's been a surge each Northern Hemisphere fall, I would suggest waiting till we see what happens in January, 2023 (i.e., after any effects of Christmas/New Years travel and get-togethers are clear) before possibly making any decisions about a fundamental change in coverage here. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:14, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::Personally, I think that late January 2023 would be a fine time to discuss it. Christmas travel includes Epiphany in some countries, and if you add two or three weeks after that to find out what happened, then we should have fairly clear information. :::::::Thinking long-term, one possibility is to consider a seasonal cold-and-flu-and-covid page. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:36, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::That could be a good thing in the longer term, if it's not felt to be giving short shrift to other threats like malaria, zika, dengue, Lyme disease and so forth. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:39, 30 June 2022 (UTC) == Flying hotel? == [https://www.ladbible.com/news/sky-hotel-will-fly-5000-guests-20220627 Hotel That Never Lands Set To Fly 5,000 Guests Through Sky] Not built yet & I can see no significant advantages, but interesting. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:40, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :How many centuries before it is technically possible? The engines (which look like existing jet engines) require nuclear fusion which might just be available on the ground at the end of this century. Consider how difficult inflight refuelling is, then multiply by 100 when you try to use a lift to transfer passengers to another plane inflight. Maybe Wikivoyage will have reviews of it in 3022! [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:57, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::That looks about as absurd as the ''Titanium Turkey'' from [[:w:TaleSpin|TaleSpin]]. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 10:05, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::Inflight refuelling... like in the [[w:Stealth (film)|Stealth]]? [[User:Veracious|Veracious]] ([[User talk:Veracious|talk]]) 10:24, 15 July 2022 (UTC) == Separate cuisine articles considered harmful == Do we ''really'' need to separate out a single country's food/drink into separate articles, like [[Vietnam#Eat]] vs [[Vietnamese cuisine]]? Most readers will not click through on the little ''Main'' links, so in practice this seems to lead to an awful lot of duplication, since anything dropped from the main article just gets added back in because it's "missing". The size savings are marginal, eg. Vietnamese cuisine is 20k bytes vs over 150k for Vietnam even with the sad, truncated food section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 04:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :{{re|Jpatokal}} I'm not so sure on this one. Some cuisine articles such as [[American cuisine]] have an awful lot of encyclopedic content, while others like [[Thai cuisine]] or [[Central European cuisines]] don't duplicate their parent articles, they simply aren't long enough to warrant a separate article. We do have a lot of other good cuisine articles like [[Georgian cuisine]] or [[Chinese cuisine]] that ideally all cuisine articles should follow suit. But what about [[Overseas Chinese cuisine]]? It obviously doesn't go in [[China#Eat]], and is way too long to go in the 76,733-byte [[Chinese cuisine]] article. We did have a discussion about these cuisine articles earlier this year (see [[Talk:Food and drink#Renewed discussion for 2022]]), so maybe it's time to revive that discussion again. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:21, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::I had only gotten started looking through cuisine articles here and comparing them to their Wikipedia counterparts and any Wikipedia subtopic article, with some help from you and several other people, but it would be good to complete the survey, even if only to start again, because of course some articles have been significantly improved since I started. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:28, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::Instead of getting bogged down in individual articles, I would suggest we go up a level and get agreement on a) when separate cuisine articles are needed/beneficial, and b) how do we draw the line between what goes into the main article and what should go into the cuisine article. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 09:12, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::First, if you haven't looked at the discussion thread linked above, do, because we've already gotten into that discussion in regard to several articles, but at the simplest level, the reason to start a "cuisine" article is if and when there's too much information for it to really fit in a country (or sometimes region) article, just as is the case with "Driving in" articles and so forth. And whenever that happens, a summary should be left in the relevant section of the country article, with a link to the spinoff article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:45, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Perhaps we can reorganise these articles by region instead of by ingredients and types of dishes. Then we can describe what to expect of the cuisines of each region, and what dishes to try. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:16, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::I don't know what you mean, in particular by "region," which can mean a group of several countries or an area within a country. If you mean a group of countries, I don't know how logical it would be to conflate Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian and Burmese cuisines, just because they're all in Southeast Asia, or for that matter, Spanish, French and German cuisines because they're all in Europe. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:42, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::We could discuss your suggestion more at the linked thread, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:42, 29 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} In the case of Vietnamese cuisine, we could discuss the differences between Northern, Central and Southern Vietnamese cuisines, and if someone knows enough, perhaps some of the ethnic minority cuisines as well. And likewise, Thai cuisine can be broadly divided into Lanna, Isaan, Central Thai and Southern Thai cuisines. And in the case of Malaysia, there are also many local specialities, so laksa in Penang is not the same as laksa in Sarawak for instance. Unfortunately, I have never been to Kajang, but I have been told that their satay is a little different from our satay in Singapore. 19:49, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :Of course. As this is a travel guide, we need all articles to focus on travel, and letting people know what dishes you can expect in x, y and z region and whether there's a particular place or set of places to get the best a and b should be part of the heart of Wikivoyage cuisine articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:08, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::Precisely, so I am suggesting this as a way to make the cuisine articles more directly relevant to travel. So people can then know what to expect as they travel around the country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:27, 29 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{re|Ikan Kekek}} ''"if and when there's too much information for it to really fit in a country"'' So where do we draw the line at what's "too much information"? AFAIK there's no real technical limit (Mediawiki caps out at 2 MB per page), so is the concern that people won't scroll if it gets too long, that the articles will devolve into encyclopedic lists of dishes, or what? Also, "Driving in X" articles are only relevant to people who want to drive in X. Everybody has to eat, and we don't spin out "Sleeping in X" articles (even when that section gets really long, eg [[Japan#Sleep]]), so I don't think we should do that for any other top-level heading either. I have no objection to regional cuisine articles spanning several countries though, as long as they form a cohesive whole (Singaporean and Malaysian, sure; "Asian", nope). [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:50, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :You make good points. Of course, "too much information" is always a judgment call. I'd again invite you to have a look at [[Talk:Food and drink#Renewed discussion for 2022]]. I do have some preliminary thoughts, though: Yes, everyone has to eat, but not everyone cares greatly what they eat, as long as it's in their price range, doesn't make them sick and gives them energy. I know people like that. And then there's a continuum, the other end of which would be a trip specifically or mainly to dine. Similarly, we have a [[Grand old hotels]] article for people who prioritize a particular type of accommodations and have or save up money to indulge. Leaving a useful summary is not the same as merging an article like [[Georgian cuisine]] into the [[Georgia (country)]] article. If you'd favor doing that, we really have something to talk about, and I suppose since this discussion is continuing here, it'll eventually be swept to [[Talk:Food and drink]]. I would note that some cuisine articles have been judged to be too short and light on information to stand on their own and have been merged and redirected to the "Eat" sections of country or even multi-country region articles. See [[Talk:Balkan cuisines]], [[Talk:Benelux cuisines]]. I feel like we can and should judge each "Eat" section and each cuisine article on its own, but if you'd like to propose to merge and redirect every one to "Name of Country#Eat", I would suggest to you that that is not optimal, but that if you want to make that suggestion, you have to argue that in regard to the very best cuisine articles on the site, the ones that are guide-rated. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]], I just looked at [[Vietnamese cuisine]]. It's not very good, and for an "Eat" section, [[Vietnam#Eat]] is quite a detailed summary that I think is more tightly organized than the cuisine article. I agree with The dog2 that reorganizing the article by region, with remarks about the character of regional cuisines and then subsections by type of dish, may be more helpful that the current organization. Right now, I definitely see why you could prefer to just merge the additional information and redirect, and I don't oppose that outcome, as the watchword, as always, is [[The traveller comes first]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:24, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :::I wouldn't be opposed to spinning off Sleep sections into "Accommodation in X" if the section gets too long. There are detailed blogs and online articles on the hotels/motels, campsites, Airbnb sitautionm etc. of a particular destination so it is certainly feasible. I suspect they haven't been created because the topic in general is more boring than cuisine, shopping or other sections. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 03:39, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ::::"Everyone has to eat", but not everyone wants to explore the cuisine of a country. There are people who travel to other countries to see the sights, but prefer to seek out familiar cuisine or eat only in their hotels. ::::When a subject is branched off from a country article, usually it ends up being expanded because writers no longer feel the constraint of overwhelming the main article, so more information is available to readers. There should always be a concise summary in the country article, but details should be branched off. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 14:00, 4 July 2022 (UTC) == How to fix a bunch of grey unnecessary markers on the map? == {{mapframe|55.7773|37.6062|zoom=9}} {{Mapshape}} {{Mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[Moscow/Central-East|Moscow Central-East]]|wikidata=Q1412002|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[Moscow/Zelenograd and New Moscow|Zelenograd and New Moscow]]|wikidata=Q207695,Q462497,Q462589|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Mapshapes|Q5499}} <!-- Moscow Metro --> Results as shown on the map, how to fix a bunch of grey unnecessary markers on the map? Can help? thanks. [[User:Yuriy_kosygin|✈ IGOR]] ／ [[User talk:Yuriy_kosygin| ✉ TALK?!]] ^{''．WIKIVOYAGER !''} 17:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Yuriy kosygin|Yuriy kosygin]] We've discussed this quite a number of times before. The issue is this data comes from OpenStreetMap and there's no way to remove the unnecessary grey markers unless you completely comment out the transport lines. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::Alas... Wikivoyage is really weak, I'm afraid we'll have to draw the route own. [[User:Yuriy_kosygin|✈ IGOR]] ／ [[User talk:Yuriy_kosygin| ✉ TALK?!]] ^{''．WIKIVOYAGER !''} 15:34, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::There has to be a way to fix this idiocy on OpenStreetMap, but in the meantime, we need to eliminate this crap from our site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Could we make the gray actually be 100% transparent? It would still be visible, but perhaps not such a disaster. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:38, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::If I recall correctly, the issue at hand was that we couldn't make the distinction between line elements and point elements. I don't master Lua myself, so I can't make sense of whether this would be a viable workaround for [[Module:Mapshapes]]. @[[User:Andree.sk|Andree.sk]], any words on this? <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 18:22, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::: Mapshapes is just a thin helper to instantiate {{tl|mapshape}}, which is the main culprint. In turn, that one uses the kartographer stuff, which can't be trivially adjusted. But there may be some hacks, I'll try to try something in the coming weeks... -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 20:47, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::The only other solution is to manually trace out the route on geojson.io and then add it to the article (see [[Canberra/Acton]] for an example of how this is done) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::While I don't question this working, it does come with a substantial downside: It's not 'automatically' updated whenever the line changes route (in reality, OSM-contributors update it and we import the dataset they edit). This leaves us with a lot of extra work, which I expect will get out of date quite quickly. Perhaps not for metro's, but definitely for trams or BRT's. Drawing the lines ourselves can work for cities that see regular edits or that have docents capable of editing GeoJSON data (and willing to do so). I strongly prefer making Mapshapes work, even if it's a workaround over manually doing the work ourselves. <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 08:30, 1 July 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} At the German Wikivoyage I added a rule to [[MediaWiki:Kartographer.css]] which hides the grey pushpin markers. <syntaxhighlight lang="css"> /* Removing grey pushpin markers on mapframe maps */ img[src$="pin-m+7e7e7e.png"], img[src$="pin-m+7e7e7e@2x.png"] { display: none; } </syntaxhighlight> Unfortunately, I cannot make the edit by myself. But I am sure your admins can do it. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 09:24, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :{{ping|Andyrom75}} given you're the only active interface admin here, can you add the three-line code? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:16, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::I checked the positions of the markers, and they are the stops/stations of the public transport lines. However they don't give the name of the stop, but only the name of the line. The name of the line is already displayed by clicking the line. So, with the present marker texts, no new info is available. If the marker info would have the name of the stop it indicates, displaying them could be useful. I tested from which zoom level displaying the markers is not disturbing anymore, and came to zoom level 14-19 may show the markers, below 14 not. And this zoom level dependent conditional showing of the markers should only be done if the markers contain the names of the stops. If it is impossible to have the names of the stops in the markers, markers should never be shown. --[[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 11:18, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :::While I agree that they could be useful to some extent, the thing is that we can't properly make the distinction between lines, polygons or points/markers in the data that we fetch from OpenStreetMap. At present we also cannot import the names of these stations/halts (I believe this data gets lost between Wikidata and OSM, but I might be wrong). Roland's solution above is just a workaround that hides the marker, but the point itself stays on the map albeit invisible. So long as we can't make the distinction properly, we sadly can't implement these markers in a more useful way either. For that distinction to be made, the Kartographer extension needs additional functionalities, which we've been asking for for several years already. Until we get that, it's either hiding the markers or accepting them as-they-come, the latter of which is a lot less popular. <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 12:48, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], do we have any other admins who can do this? Another option would be using JavaScript, but using CSS is much cleaner... Also, alternatively to 'display: none', we could change opacity to e.g. 0.3, that also looks quite ok. -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 09:31, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::I really don't know. I hope other admins are reading this thread. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::This needs an interface admin to do it and as far as I'm aware, {{ping|Andyrom75}} is the only interface admin who has been active recently. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:38, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say it wouldn't hurt to have at least 2-3 people with those permissions - even if they need guidance for doing technical changes... -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 10:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:WOSlinker|WOSlinker]] maybe, then? -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 10:51, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Sorry guys, I've read the conversation just right now. ::::::[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]], I have created [[MediaWiki:Kartographer.css]] as per your code, but not so much time for testing. The gray POI has disappeared; it's enough? Any side effect to be checked? ::::::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for pinging me twice. Next time, in case of emergency, leave a message on my it:voy talk page. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 16:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::It helped, thanks both to you and Roland! :) -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 19:28, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::: There are no side effects. The names of the pushpin images contain their colors, and this particular color is not used elsewhere. Of course, the way proposed is a workaround not a real solution but it is useful. The grey pushpin markers are present up to now, but they are invisible (hidden). --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 04:23, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]], thanks for your confirmation. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 10:00, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::: Brilliant work. Thanks to everyone who contributed to finding a workaround.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:52, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Is this something that we should share with other wikis? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:15, 14 July 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} A permanent solution to this problem has been implemented but not published for whatever reason (see https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T292613). --[[User:Renek78|Renek78]] ([[User talk:Renek78|talk]]) 14:14, 16 July 2022 (UTC) == Results of Wiki Loves Folklore 2022 is out! == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{int:please-translate}} [[File:Wiki Loves Folklore Logo.svg|right|150px|frameless]] Hi, Greetings The winners for '''[[c:Commons:Wiki Loves Folklore 2022|Wiki Loves Folklore 2022]]''' is announced! We are happy to share with you winning images for this year's edition. This year saw over 8,584 images represented on commons in over 92 countries. Kindly see images '''[[:c:Commons:Wiki Loves Folklore 2022/Winners|here]]''' Our profound gratitude to all the people who participated and organized local contests and photo walks for this project. We hope to have you contribute to the campaign next year. '''Thank you,''' '''Wiki Loves Folklore International Team''' --[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 16:12, 4 July 2022 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Tiven2240@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Non-Technical_Village_Pumps_distribution_list&oldid=23454230 --> == Using a separate colour for freeways on static maps == [[File:Greater Brisbane regions map.png|thumb|350px]] Right now, our current Wikivoyage style for static maps is to use red for a main road, while use yellow for secondary roads. While the criteria for what's a main road and what's a secondary road is fairly arbitrary and up to whoever's making the map to decide, I was wondering whether we should consider using a different colour for freeways/motorways? While I'm still new to this static mapmaking business, I personally find such a distinction of what's an ordinary road and what's a freeway useful, and many people often either want to use freeways or try to avoid them. Our dynamic maps already use a different colour for freeways, so why not static? I wanted to make such a distinction when I made a static map for [[Greater Brisbane]] today (on right), but such a change would be against Wikivoyage-style, so I'm asking the community for input; and if we do use a separate colour to distinguish freeways from normal roads, what would it be? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:24, 5 July 2022 (UTC) [[File:Southern Tasmania regions.png|thumb|350px]] :I tried using orange to identify freeways in the map of Southern Tasmania that I just created (on right). Is it obvious that the route coloured orange means a freeway? (I really want answers so I can take note of what I should do differently for my next static map) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:32, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :: What a colour means is never obvious, unless you know something about the destination. The colour could just mean "main highways" or whatever. :: I think that there are many more things that might be interesting for at least some travellers, and most travellers to some destinations. How do we show good cycling routes? Roads with good bus service? Nice pedestrian routes? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:14, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think any colour schemes are immediately obvious wordwide. For a UK map, I would be tempted to use the same as some OS maps - blue for motorways, red for A roads, brown for B roads and yellow for minor roads, but some UK road atlases use green for A roads as this is the colour used on road signs. Another complication is the use of different colour fills for regions - a yellow road on a yellow background isn't good - spot the roads going to Richmond in Southern Tasmania. :::Is it possible to use slightly different line widths to indicate road importance? We also need to allow for things like long distance walking tracks or off-road cycle routes. As both examples have a lot of sea, they could have a key explaining the colours. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:45, 5 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Agreed. Map making 101: Every map needs a legend (key), and every symbol used in that map (intuitive or not) needs to be explained in that legend. That way you can add whatever is needed. Having a consistent style for static maps is a ''nice to have''; it should not get in the way of making maps ''useful''. ::::The color issue mentioned by AlasdairW is part of of a bigger problem: The different elements used in the map are unbalanced in terms of contrast (color, saturation, brightness) and visual weight (size, thickness). ::::1) The lines used for the roads are too thin in relation to everything else. After enlarging enough to properly see the roads, the text labels are way larger than they need to be. This is a static map: pick one scale and apply it consistently, using an appropriate degree of generalization. ::::2) Visual importance of borders (thickness, color contrast of the white vs. area colors) is too high given that areas already have different colors. Line thickness of borders is also inconsistent in the second map. ::::3) In general, having areas colored that heavily (dark & saturated) creates all kinds of problems for the visibility of makers, line elements and text labels. "Brisbane" in the first map is practically unreadable, for example. In [[:File:Georgia_regions_map2.png]], for example, that is much less of an issue due to different color choices. ::::Unfortunately, the region maps template is basically calling for many of these problems to occur. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 13:41, 6 July 2022 (UTC) [[File:Southern Tasmania regions map.png|thumb|350px]] :::::I've added a key to the Southern Tas static map (on right). How does this look? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 9 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::But unfortunately, I have to agree with El Grafo that our region maps are at the very least, unreadable and awful-looking. If I had to design a static map from the start, this is not the way I would do it, but unfortunately the community is unwilling to accept that, in this very day and age, dynamic maps are far superior to static maps. There are few people who can edit static maps in the first place, and the two only editors (excluding myself) that I'm aware of who have even edited in the past month are {{u|Shaundd}} and {{u|SelfieCity}}. The only reason I'm making these maps is because our policy favours static maps in region articles but otherwise I think we need to revamp the region maps template. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:15, 9 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a minor point, but I like the color scheme you are using. It feels just the right amount of trendy/modern/not outdated. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:11, 9 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I do like the lighter colours in the color scheme though. From [[Template:StdColor]], T1, T6, T8 and T9 feel a bit too dark (hence what's causing these problems), but a static map does look very nice if the right colors are used. So far, my favorite has to be the map I made for [[Southeastern New South Wales]], and I've been trying to make more maps like that. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:37, 10 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::: Hi {{u|SHB2000}}, I think it's fine if you want to experiment a bit use different colours and distinguish motorways. I did motorways differently for a while on maps I drew but eventually stopped because I felt it was more detail/clutter than benefit and it became another colour that had to integrated with the colour palette (which didn't always work). ::::::::: I also agree with the others above that our standard colours don't always work. I ended up moving away from them so I could get a better contrast between the region colour and the text (improves readability quite a bit). -[[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] ([[User talk:Shaundd|talk]]) 07:05, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::: The problem may be that our regional map template colors were not originally designed to accommodate details like roads. They work fine for plainer regional maps like [[New York (state)]] or [[Massachusetts]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 20:34, 15 July 2022 (UTC) == Road signs == There have been some discussions and addition and removal of galleries related to European road signs. As European non-driver it is hard for me to guess what signs are important to explain e.g. for US drivers. As the signs are pictogram-based, many of them are intuitive, but certainly not all. I assume other European editors also don't know what would be optimal, so I think we need others to weight in. There are some galleries in [[Driving in Europe]] and more for individual countries. As the variation is small between continental EU countries, there is little need for duplication per se, but I don't know to what extent one can assume drivers to read both the European article and the ones for individual countries (which have their peculiarities). Do drivers study traffic law or traffic signs before driving in a new country? I assume they are not, at least not to any great degree, but I might be wrong, and that would of course affect what we need to tell. Some of the articles became rather picture-heavy with a few less-established editors doing a lot of editing regarding images. I think we shouldn't apply our minimal-use-of-images policy to hard, as most images in these articles are informative rather than decorations. Some are of course also needed to give a feeling for the driving environment. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:57, 11 July 2022 (UTC) :As a US driver, I think that stop signs and signs for speed limits would be the most immediately necessary. You can't really drive anywhere if you don't know those two. There are others that might be useful (e.g., Yield) but won't turn up as often. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:00, 11 July 2022 (UTC) ::EU driver here. Wikipedia has a great [[:w:Comparison of European road signs]]. Road signs in Europe are indeed pretty consistent and mostly follow the Vienna conventions. I think it would make sense for the individual ''Driving in country X'' articles to mostly rely on (and prominently link to) a central article about that (e.g. [[Driving in Europe]] or the Rules section of [[:w:Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]]), so that the country articles can focus on pointing out where the country diverges from the norm in a way that could cause confusion. ::So for example, [[Driving in Europe]] would tell you that stop signs are always stop sign-shaped, always stop sign-colored and ''almost'' always use the word STOP, whereas [[Driving in Turkey]] might tell you that Turkey is pretty much the only country in Europe where they use local language (DUR) instead of STOP. [[Driving in Ireland]] might feel tempted to point out that the country uses [[:w:Comparison_of_MUTCD-influenced_traffic_signs|MUTCD-style]] warning signs, but that's probably more of a ''nice to know''. Pointing out that they (apparently) use [[:w:Belisha beacon]]s for pedestrian crossings would probably be a good idea, though. [[Driving in the Netherlands]] would probably talk about the relevance of blue vs. yellow curbs for parking rather than re-iterating that the prohibitory signs are round? ::Looking at existing ''Driving in X'' articles, I feel that ::* most of the example pictures in [[Driving_in_France#Traffic rules]] are unnecessary, as they are no different from other European countries and thus redundant to [[Driving in Europe]] (currently not linked). ::* [[Driving in Portugal#Road signs]] contains so many redundant examples that it's difficult to identify the ones that are specific to Portugal. ::* [[Driving in Sweden#Road signs]] and [[Driving in the United Kingdom#Road signs]] are mostly redundant too, but at least they stick to the important ones. ::*I don't know how I feel about the use of miniature versions of road signs in lists in [[Driving in Norway#Rules and regulations]] and [[Driving in Iceland#Rules and regulations]]. ::The other articles listed in [[Driving in Europe#Countries]] loo fine to me. Links to [[Driving in Europe]] are largely missing, though. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 14:49, 12 July 2022 (UTC) :::Australian driver here. Our signage is very similar to US signage, but with four major exceptions: :::* we have give way signs as opposed to yield signs :::* passing cars is called overtaking as passing is only used when you pass cyclists :::* signs that are only used RHS countries are flipped (e.g. roundabout signs) :::* our speed signs is a mix of both US and EU speed signs; we have that white background but use the red circle ([https://goo.gl/maps/uRJbytw9jRVq4SRC9 a sign in the NT for ref]) :::Sometimes we do have our own minor modifications, such as exit signs (cf. [https://goo.gl/maps/nR3uHo2B9Qb75mSp9 US] and [https://goo.gl/maps/JaiaKyXX9qtMvaQGA Aus (specifically Qld)]), but whenever I travel to the US, I've never had an issue with understanding signage. For the record, from my limited experience in NZ, they look very similar to Australian signs but with a few minor differences. :::In Europe, were very different to what I saw in Aus or the US, but thankfully due to standardised signs, I did not have a problem when travelling in different countries (the signs in Norway, albeit different were very similar to the signs in France). However, most EU signs were self-explanatory, so for the most part, comprehending them wasn't a problem. In South and Southeast Asia, they weren't standardised, but they were very similar. ::: Re [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s comment: I understand speed signs (though they're pretty much the same everywhere outside the US, Canada and maybe Liberia), aren't stop signs the same, octagonal sign everywhere? I've yet to see a stop sign that isn't red and octagonal. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:57, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::[[File:Japan_road_sign_330-B.svg|thumb|What's this?]] ::::Most places are using red octagons, frequently even with the English word "STOP", but not quite everywhere. Even in places where the red octagon is common, there may be a few old signs that haven't quite been replaced yet or the occasional variation, like [[:File:Blue stop sign - hawaii - oct 2015.jpg|Hawaii's blue stop signs]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:56, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::After doing more digging, it seems [[:File:Cuban Stop Sign.svg|Cuba's stop sign]] is also triangular (like Japan's), but if a country uses the standard octagonal sign, wouldn't it simply make more sense to write that in plain text? (e.g. New Zealand's stop sign is exactly the same as in Australia or the United States or something like that) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:07, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It seems stop signs are among the most standardized signs worldwide, both in areas that use Vienna convention and MUTCD-style signs. I'd go so far to say that they are not worth mentioning (let alone showing) at all unless they actually diverge from that de-facto norm (red and white octagon). <small>Interestingly enough, you can actually find the Cuban design in the [[:w:Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]] as an alternative design.</small> [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 08:58, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::The "Cuban design" is (or was) a fairly common alternative. It was being installed in the UK up to 1975, and in Italy to 1990. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:06, 13 July 2022 (UTC) == Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass == :''<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div>'' Hi all, Community members in the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022|2022 Board of Trustees election]] are invited to [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Community_Voting/Election_Compass|propose statements to use in the Election Compass.]] An Election Compass is a tool to help voters select the candidates that best align with their beliefs and views. The community members will propose statements for the candidates to answer using a Lickert scale (agree/neutral/disagree). The candidates’ answers to the statements will be loaded into the Election Compass tool. Voters will use the tool by entering in their answer to the statements (agree/disagree/neutral). The results will show the candidates that best align with the voter’s beliefs and views. Here is the timeline for the Election Compass: July 8 - 20: Community members propose statements for the Election Compass July 21 - 22: Elections Committee reviews statements for clarity and removes off-topic statements July 23 - August 1: Volunteers vote on the statements August 2 - 4: Elections Committee selects the top 15 statements August 5 - 12: candidates align themselves with the statements August 15: The Election Compass opens for voters to use to help guide their voting decision The Elections Committee will select the top 15 statements at the beginning of August. The Elections Committee will oversee the process, supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance team. MSG will check that the questions are clear, there are no duplicates, no typos, and so on. Best, Movement Strategy and Governance ''This message was sent on behalf of the Board Selection Task Force and the Elections Committee'' [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 13:26, 11 July 2022 (UTC) == Crazy new feature idea -- personal itineraries == What if we had a way for a user (probably a logged-in user) to save individual listings to a custom itinerary? (Not a [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|Wikivoyage Itinerary]], just in the generic sense of the word.) Or even save individual listings to a Google Map? Some way a user could record places he or she wants to go? [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 20:37, 15 July 2022 (UTC) :Something kinda like this? [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500/test places]] --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 23:29, 15 July 2022 (UTC) ::Roughly, but see my response to WhatamIdoing well below. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::The way I understand the idea, is it's like a personalised version of an article, that lists only the POIs that the owner is interested in. That is already doable by a manual copy-and-paste, but I assume the idea is for something more high-tech, where the user could just tap or click a button on a listing in [[Prague]], which copies the listing over to [[ThunderingTyphoons!' Prague itinerary]]. ::That seems like a great idea to me, but I don't know how to implement it.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:22, 16 July 2022 (UTC) *{{o}} First of all, there are multiple issues with this proposal. The first and the foremost is that most readers don't have an account and IP users are not allowed to have user pages or user subpages; IPs periodically change over time so if we are going to be the only Wikimedia project that openly allows such, then we're going to have to do some serious janitorial work in deleting these subpages after a few months. Additionally, this is going to require some brand new tools and gadgets that will take a lot of time – really not worth the time and effort. Finally, saving individual listings to Google Maps is against our [[what not to link to]] policy, so no, I oppose this proposal. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:04, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::What do you mean, IP users are not allowed to have user pages or subpages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:32, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::I don't know whether it's a global policy or a policy only on Meta-Wiki and I think Wikipedia too, but as far as I'm aware, both those projects speedily delete IP userpages or IP subpages as IPs aren't permanently assigned to one user. Our policies don't seem to say anything about this, but maybe {{u|WhatamIdoing}} might be able to explain this better. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:41, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::::enwiki allows IP user pages, for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:220.101.28.25 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:81.168.80.170 [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 14:39, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::::We do, too. IPs' user pages are never deleted here unless they are spam or vandalism. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:50, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Those seem to be at least a decade old though. I just tried making one and the software wouldn't allow me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:23, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::That's very disconcerting. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:07, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I managed to create one, first ensuring I was in an incognito window. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 23:25, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::With respect, SHB2000, I think your objections are ill-considered. Firstly, I didn't say anything about IP user pages or subpages; there may very well be ways to implement this that don't rely on them. Second, while it's true that this would require some development effort, you don't even attempt to make a case that the benefit isn't "worth the time and effort". Yes, it would be a lot of effort, but if the return is great enough, it might still be "worth it". (I'm not making a claim either way, just pointing out that you failed to support yours.) Third, [[what not to link to]] is about things that are better done here on Wikivoyage; if you're claiming it shouldn't be on Wikivoyage in the first place, then [[what not to link to]] doesn't apply. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Okay, so if I wasn't clear enough, here's a longer but briefer explanation. Such a tool would work very similar to the already existing editor, but maintaining such scripts is ''very'' difficult (I do maintain a few of these scripts IRL) and even if this went ahead, there are a few issues: :::* Like the listing editor, users will need to have javascript enabled. Without javascript, it simply won't work. :::* If this tool just copies down all the important pieces of a listing to a separate page, the tool needs to give attribution in the edit summary – otherwise, it's a violation of our copyleft license. :::* This won't work for outline articles that have little to no content :::* Users might be intimidated if they want to edit the listing – I'm guessing only maybe 1 or 2 per cent of our readers will know what Wikidata is (which is one of the main sources we use to get coordinates). :::What more, this exact same thing can be done with [http://geojson.io/#map=10/-34.9602/149.1497 geojson.io]. We have few editors who actively maintain scripts like these, and only a fraction out of the few who can will be willing to spend a lot of time and effort into something that isn't even really worth spending that much time anyway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 19 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks for explaining further, but I really think you're getting hung up on implementation details that might not even apply for some of the directions we could go with this feature. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 12:11, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Powers, were you thinking about individual listings (first the museum, then the restaurant, back to the hotel), or about destinations (San Francisco, then Napa Valley, then Yosemite)? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:07, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::Individual listings. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) * What's stopping a user from creating a personal itinerary in userspace under current policy? I'm curious as to the need for a change. As for as I'm concerned, I could create an itinerary in userspace based on an OSM map, and surely, it wouldn't be deleted as out of scope? I'd prefer for the above reasons to avoid Google Maps. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:22, 18 July 2022 (UTC) *:I already have that: [[User:AlasdairW/Testpage]]. This is currently showing a few places that I stayed in in 2018. At that time it was used to send to friends showing where I would be staying on a trip - they got the dates etc in an email that linked to this page. *:I would support having a policy that explicitly allowed such a page (for signed in users), as they might be more inclined to also update the article pages at the same time. I think that such pages should stick to using our mapframes, although I would be happy with a tool that allowed a list of lat/longs to exported for use with other tools including Google maps, car GPS systems etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) *:Well, willingness and ability to edit wiki pages, primarily, as well as the cumbersome need to copy+paste listings. I'm envisioning a one-click kind of "add to personal itinerary" button on each listing. The use case would be a non-editor coming to Wikivoyage to learn about a destination (or several related ones) and assembling a list/map of highlights she wants to be sure to hit on her trip. Can she just write them down somewhere, or copy+paste them to a personal Google map? Sure, but the proposed feature would remove several steps. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 12:11, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == New user ban nomination == There's a new [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations|user ban]] nomination going on to ban a fairly long-term contributor and any input is more that welcome. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:58, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :Thanks for alerting us to this. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:22, 18 July 2022 (UTC) == Movement Strategy and Governance News - Issue 7 == <div style = "line-height: 1.2"> <span style="font-size:200%;">'''Movement Strategy and Governance News'''</span><br> <span style="font-size:120%; color:#404040;">'''Issue 7, July-September 2022'''</span><span style="font-size:120%; float:right;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7|'''Read the full newsletter''']]</span> ---- Welcome to the 7th issue of Movement Strategy and Governance News! The newsletter distributes relevant news and events about the implementation of Wikimedia's [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Initiatives|Movement Strategy recommendations]], other relevant topics regarding Movement governance, as well as different projects and activities supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance (MSG) team of the Wikimedia Foundation. The MSG Newsletter is delivered quarterly, while the more frequent [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Updates|Movement Strategy Weekly]] will be delivered weekly. Please remember to subscribe [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/MSG Newsletter Subscription|here]] if you would like to receive future issues of this newsletter. </div><div style="margin-top:3px; padding:10px 10px 10px 20px; background:#fffff; border:2px solid #808080; border-radius:4px; font-size:100%;"> * '''Movement sustainability''': Wikimedia Foundation's annual sustainability report has been published. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A1</tvar>|continue reading]]) * '''Improving user experience''': recent improvements on the desktop interface for Wikimedia projects. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A2|continue reading]]) * '''Safety and inclusion''': updates on the revision process of the Universal Code of Conduct Enforcement Guidelines. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A3|continue reading]]) * '''Equity in decisionmaking''': reports from Hubs pilots conversations, recent progress from the Movement Charter Drafting Committee, and a new white paper for futures of participation in the Wikimedia movement. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A4|continue reading]]) * '''Stakeholders coordination''': launch of a helpdesk for Affiliates and volunteer communities working on content partnership. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A5|continue reading]]) * '''Leadership development''': updates on leadership projects by Wikimedia movement organizers in Brazil and Cape Verde. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A6|continue reading]]) * '''Internal knowledge management''': launch of a new portal for technical documentation and community resources. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A7|continue reading]]) * '''Innovate in free knowledge''': high-quality audiovisual resources for scientific experiments and a new toolkit to record oral transcripts. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A8|continue reading]]) * '''Evaluate, iterate, and adapt''': results from the Equity Landscape project pilot ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A9|continue reading]]) * '''Other news and updates''': a new forum to discuss Movement Strategy implementation, upcoming Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees election, a new podcast to discuss Movement Strategy, and change of personnel for the Foundation's Movement Strategy and Governance team. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A10|continue reading]]) </div><section end="msg-newsletter"/> [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 22:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) == "PIN codes" == This redirect was created to go to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]], but I daresay, most non-<s>Australians</s>Indians have never heard of this term in a postal context and would expect it to link to an article about banking. Please express your opinion at [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]]. Should we create a disambiguation for two terms that are not destinations, or should we delete the redirect? Those seem to me to be the only two reasonable options. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:12, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :PIN-pass, you pay cash or are you PIN-ing, and more, are usual expressions in The Netherlands.--[[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 06:17, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::Right, but this is treating "PIN codes" as an <s>Australian</s>Indian postal expression, and I'm saying that's too obscure to non-<s>Australians</s>Indians to be a good redirect. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :First of all, remember, [[w:WP:CHEAP|redirects are cheap]] – there is really no point in discussing pointless redirects. The first sentence of [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy#Redirects]] explicitly says "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names.". :Secondly, what made you think that this was an Australian term? The page I linked, [[English language varieties#Connect]] explicitly mentioned that it's sometimes redundantly called such in India (whilst redundant, again, redirects are cheap). Did you think that it was an Australian term just because I created it? I honestly had no idea what that meant before my first trip to India (and I'll add that my driver did constantly mention "PIN code", not "PIN"). :Thirdly, this could have really been handled in a much better way. Unless it's something major (e.g. userban nominations, major proposal change or something alike), this should go in [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment]], not in the pub. Perhaps you missed "If you'd like to draw attention to a comment to get feedback from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]."? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:17, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::People pay more attention to the Pub. I thought about also putting the announcement in Requests for comment but got lazy. But confusing redirects aren't cheap. If you really want to fight this, then yes, a nomination will need to be made at [[vfd]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:30, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :::Btw, sorry if anything about this annoys you, and sorry for getting wrong where "PIN code" comes from, but I also felt like you decided to ignore my reply about how confusing redirects are not cheap, so I had to do something in order to generate more discussion, and I don't think there's any important matter of protocol involved in whether notice is given in requests for comment as well as the pub. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Now there's a Votes for deletion thread, [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]. Feel free to put a notice on Requests for comment if you like. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:21, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election == :''<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election/Short|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election/Short}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div>'' Hi everyone, The Affiliate Representatives have completed their voting period. The selected 2022 Board of Trustees candidates are: * Tobechukwu Precious Friday ([[:m:User:Tochiprecious|Tochiprecious]]) * Farah Jack Mustaklem ([[:m:User:Fjmustak|Fjmustak]]) * Shani Evenstein Sigalov ([[:m:User:Esh77|Esh77]]) * Kunal Mehta ([[:m:User:Legoktm|Legoktm]]) * Michał Buczyński ([[:m:User:Aegis Maelstrom|Aegis Maelstrom]]) * Mike Peel ([[:m:User:Mike Peel|Mike Peel]]) You may see more information about the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Results|Results]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Stats|Statistics]] of this Board election. The Affiliate organizations selected representatives to vote on behalf of the Affiliate organization. The Affiliate Representatives proposed questions for the candidates to answer in mid-June. These answers from candidates and the information provided from the Analysis Committee provided support for the representatives as they made their decision. Please take a moment to appreciate the Affiliate Representatives and Analysis Committee members for taking part in this process and helping to grow the Board of Trustees in capacity and diversity. These hours of volunteer work connect us across understanding and perspective. Thank you for your participation. Thank you to the community members who put themselves forward as candidates for the Board of Trustees. Considering joining the Board of Trustees is no small decision. The time and dedication candidates have shown to this point speaks to their commitment to this movement. Congratulations to those candidates who have been selected. A great amount of appreciation and gratitude for those candidates not selected. Please continue to share your leadership with Wikimedia. What can voters do now? [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Results|Review the results of the Affiliate selection process]]. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election|Read more here about the next steps in the 2022 Board of Trustee election]]. Best, Movement Strategy and Governance ''This message was sent on behalf of the Board Selection Task Force and the Elections Committee''</translate><br /><section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 19:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Another copyvio site == Just as an FYI, I found another copy of Wikivoyage a few days ago: [https://www.travelerandfree.com/ Traveler and Free]. This one is a mirror site, which updates in real time (go ahead and find this very post on their mirror of the Pub!). It's not copyleft-compliant: there's no credit given to WV, and each page has a fraudulent copyright symbol on it. There seems to be real people behind it, as the same site hosts a blog that appears to be original content. On Monday, I sent an email to the address listed on their contact page, and have also notified Wikimedia Legal. Will let you know if there are any developments. [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:35, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Their [https://www.travelerandfree.com/terms_of_service terms of service] reads an absolute joke to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Ah, I didn't spot that, but Legal might be interested. It expressly forbids other sites to mirror it! ::Forgot to mention that it's not just a mirror of en.wikivoyage, but of all the language additions.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:57, 21 July 2022 (UTC) d479l8aufz5mv5acgiq9ennsqojhod2 4487777 4487704 2022-07-21T14:49:58Z LPfi 79572 /* top */ general discussion; you shouldn't start new sections for every post wikitext text/x-wiki {|style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em" |- | style="text-align:left"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''<span style="color:#454442;">Welcome to the pub</span>'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} <span style="color:#454442;">The Travellers' Pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>)</span> <div style="color:#454442;"> Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|Tourist Office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Vandalism in progress|Vandalism in progress]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. 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Perhaps [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] and [[User:SHB2000]] would like to sum up the arguments. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:24, 25 May 2022 (UTC) :For a bit of a starter, this is specifically referring to "Go next" sections – I don't have anything against adding them in "Get in", though this should be in the relevant airport or city article. :I've already made my argument in [[User talk:Flightnavigator#Your revert]], but I'll mention it here: :* Wikivoyage is a guide for everyone, not just budget travellers – what Flightnavigator has been adding is not appealing to everyone, and in fact discourages some people like me to go there. :* This gives an impression that "ultra-low-budget flights" are the standard way of getting from one destination to another. Should budget flights be added, then normal flights that are not budget flights should also be added :* This same information is spammed across articles, and in some cases, it's very unrealistic – do you really think someone would really travel from [[Iceland]] to [[Poland]] only because of cheap flights? (see [[Special:PermaLink/4447268#Go next]] for what I'm talking about) :* Building upon the previous point, the same information on "ultra-low-cost" repeated in every country article makes Wikivoyage less interesting to read, somewhat like the solar eclipse situation we have :* In some cases, Flightnavigator seems to have been selective in where the budget flights are rather far away or unrealistic, such in the case of many European destinations. :So that sums it up and why I am strongly opposed to adding budget flights in country go next articles. Wikivoyage is a guide for everyone, and not just budget travellers. Presenting information which makes it look like travelling on a budget flight is the primary way does not [[ttcf|serve the traveller]], because not everyone wants to go on budget flights – in fact in some parts of the world, many care more about comfort rather than cost. My removal of this information is so Wikivoyage is '''not''' budget traveller-centric, and the same thing repeated in every single makes it worse. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:51, 26 May 2022 (UTC) :: I'd prefer to leave travel specifics such as flights to 'Get in'. Mentioning which bordering/neighbouring countries you can visit is usually sufficient for 'Go next' unless you're writing about an island that's only accessible from one or two faraway countries, and even then you don't want to be writing a 'Get in' section in reverse. And I agree with SHB that repeating information with narrow appeal across multiple articles doesn't improve Wikivoyage for most of its users. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:43, 26 May 2022 (UTC) ::: You are usually not able to choose from where to fly in, while you might choose your next destination based on flight prices, so Go next is more logical. On the other hand, you should look in Get in for transport details anyway, so you'd just need to take a look before deciding. The only thing that would be illogic is where the cheap flights are just one way (out), but that can be said in a few words, and choosing the words right you could even say that while talking about getting in. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:55, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::: I am not sure I agree about restricting this to airport and city articles. You tell about flights in Get ins of countries, and it'd be logical to say something about price also there ("most budget flights use A, although there are some cheap flights also to B and C"). :::: Few would fly from Iceland to Poland just because there is a cheap flight to there, but somebody on their way from America via Iceland to Europe for a [[European rail passes|Eurail]] holiday could very well choose to use that flight instead of Berlin or Frankfurt, which might have been their first thought. We do mention more far-fetched go-next options in some articles. :::: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:05, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::Rail is usually cheaper than flying in Europe, right? So if we wanted to cater to the ultra-low-budget traveler, I don't think we'd be mentioning flights within Europe at all. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:11, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::: Rail to Iceland requires some preparations that most travellers wouldn't do :-) Also getting from Poland to Finland might be much cheaper by plane than by alternative means. I assume these are not the only examples. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:49, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::A destination you never thought about can very easily become your next destination if prices are enticing. I've definitely planned trips around cheap transportation to places I previously had no plans to visit. Is Poland really such an off-putting place that people can't imagine anyone willingly choosing to visit? Is this just about Country articles? For cities, for example, I think nearby destinations (on the ground) are preferable in the "Get out" section. For countries, I suppose places accessible by air could make sense, but nearby countries when they exist, still makes the most sense to me. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 07:08, 29 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Likewise, do you also think someone will go to the [[Canary Islands]] from Morocco just because of cheap flights? (see [[Special:Diff/4417910]]). The Canary Islands are a popular travel destination from Morocco, but budget flights are '''not''' the prime reason why many visit the Canaries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:46, 29 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Looking at your link: If flights from Morocco are particularly cheap to the Canary Islands compared to flights from all/most other places that service it (especially if the others are more commonly used or traveled) then it's a noteworthy detail. It reads as if flights for everywhere are cheaper, though, so that makes the Canary Islands seem less worth specifying. If flights from Morocco are universally cheaper, it may be worth mentioning but reframing it without the CI focus. Also, if the Canary Islands are particularly affordable from Morocco, that doesn't mean other things that make it worthwhile cannot be added. Most of the "problem" seems to be that no one has added anything else to the "Get out" sections. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 09:33, 29 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And that's another case of something that's only appealing to you. Likewise, would you really travel from Georgia to the UAE because of cheap flights? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:50, 30 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I have at least one friend who will fly off somewhere at the drop of a hat because she found a super-cheap flight in the middle of a new wave of COVID (she's also had COVID 3 times). I have no problem with mentioning cheap flights, except for one thing: Can we really expect things to be updated when those flights become expensive and somewhere else becomes cheap? Also, my friend won't go '''anywhere'''; she has no interest in having a vacation in Dubai, but did go to Lisbon when there were $300 round trip flights from San Francisco through Boston. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:59, 30 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::I don't think the argument that cheap flights don't inspire travel is convincing, but you are right that the "cheap flights" need to be stable or the cheapness in comparison to other flights needs to be mostly stable. It couldn't be based on a travel sale or something temporary. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 05:51, 30 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::Agreed. Cheap flights do motivate travellers who are interested in the locations in question. But if, for example, it's easy to get cheap flights to Dubai from a whole slew of places in Europe and the Caucasus, I'm not sure that should be mentioned in every article for a place with its own airport throughout those regions. Instead, maybe it should be mentioned in the [[Dubai]] article and in "Go next" for the relevant multi-national regions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:03, 30 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::20 days later, Flightnavigator has not commented since then and nobody has made a convincing argument against the budget traveller-centric content going out-of-date. Any last minute objections before I remove this from all country articles? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:34, 20 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Based on the prior discussion there seems to be a consensus for keeping the info on budget flights though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 18:01, 20 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I think outline information on budget flights should be kept. In country articles probably the most useful thing is to say which airports the budget airlines use. Precise details of destinations and prices is likely to go out of date, but budget flights will often continue to use the same "cheaper" airports. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:38, 20 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::But surely not in 'Go next'? These sections have always been brief, with travel specifics going to the relevant 'Get in'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:36, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::Agreed. It should be in the "Get in" section. Those who are saying "You can't choose where you go in from" are just not using the "Get in" section to its full potential. If you are in a city, the "Get in" section can give you ideas on where you can go easily and/or cheaply FROM that location much better than the "Get out" section, which is meant for quick and convenient daytrips. I would say that's the best use of the "Get in" section in many cases. It wouldn't make sense to list [[Tsuyama]] in [[Tokyo]]'s "Get out" section, because it's far and not likely to even make the top 100 list of places someone would go from Tokyo. However, if you look at [[Tsuyama]]'s "Get in" section, you can see that there is actually a direct, comparatively cheap night bus to Tsuyama from Tokyo. You could use that if you are in Tokyo to "Get in" to Tsuyama, but more likely you will use it if you are in Tsuyama to figure out how to get to Tokyo cheaply. [[Tokyo/Shinagawa]]'s "Get in" section also lists [[Tsuyama]], but again, the most likely use for this is to realize that you can go all the way to Tsuyama cheaply from Tokyo/Shinagawa. No one is going to go to the Shinagawa article hoping to find information specifically about how to visit Shinagawa from Tsuyama. In this case Tsuyama is there, but very few articles have information specific to someone traveling from Tsuyama. The "Get in" section of Tsuyama is the best place to learn how to travel outward FROM Tsuyama. This is true for every destination that isn't of similar status to [[Paris]]. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 12:19, 21 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::The section you're talking about is called "Go next", and it is not at all only for day trips, but at least as much for logical places to literally go next and stay at. So for [[New York City]], that includes Philadelphia, Boston and DC, only one of which (Philly) is really fairly reasonable as a day trip but all of which are logical places to visit for several days or more. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:28, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::I should have said "nearby", but in most articles they will be almost the same. I don't think NYC is a very good example of a typical city or city article anyway since it's a megacity that, to be honest, could just as easily list Los Angeles in the Go Next given that it's "the other city" that foreign travelers who want to visit NYC most often mention. The NYC article also lists Montreal and all of New England, so it has room for improvement. But that is all besides the point, which was that you can use the "Get in" section however it benefits you. And that I don't think the Go Next of country articles should generally list extremely far off places in place of neighboring countries, so stable discount or cheap flights should be in "Get in" not "Go next". [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 12:35, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::::Montreal is questionable to list in [[New York City#Go next]], but Boston is not, IMO. I wasn't disputing your points on country articles and don't have any strong opinion on the point you're arguing; I just wanted to deal with the side point on Wikivoyage not having "Get out" sections and "Go next" sections not being at all exclusively about day trips. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:14, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::Alasdair, this is about them going in "go next", not in get in. I'm not going to repeat my arguments again, but in simple words, Flightnavigator spammed a bunch of country articles with "There are cheap flights to xxx", which is way too budget traveller-centric. I don't have a problem with budget flights being listed in "get in", but this should really be in the relevant airport, city or in rare cases, park article – not in a country article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:12, 23 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::I am fine with moving the budget flights from "Go next" to "Get in" and sumarising it in the process. With the possible exception of short distance travel experiences like hiking tracks or steam trains, practical travel details belong in get in, not go next. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:46, 23 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Tai123.123, where's the consensus? Nobody gave a convincing argument as to why they should be mentioned in "Go next". I'm aware the section header is misleading, but this is about budget flights being mentioned in "Go next", not "Get in". <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:14, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::Sorry, I misunderstood your statement as you never stated where you were removing info from. I thought you were going to remove all budget flight info, not just the flights in Go Next. There seems to be consensus for removing it from go next. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 00:12, 24 June 2022 (UTC) :Does WN have any statistics about its audience? For example, a breakdown by age of the audience. :In this particular example I believe that the older you are the less you care about the price of the flight (up to a limit?) and the more you care about convenience: comfortable seating, meals, good connections, timing, Etc. Also, I think(?), older people are more concerned about COVID and prefer to travel by automobile, when at all possible. [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 16:21, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::It has been 1.5 months and as Flightnavigator simply hasn't bothered to comment along with clear consensus, I'll be removing all budget flights from "Go next" in the next few days. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:27, 11 July 2022 (UTC) == "neighbourhood maps" == I've always wondered on how these should be formatted. They're not usually standard in district articles (and in fact, the only one I could find was [[Sydney/City East]]), but I did a small experiment today with [[Canberra/Civic]] with the use of a "neighbourhood map" (or whatever they're called). It did leave me with three questions though, merely because we don't have other examples of such maps and I'd like some answers before I implement more of these maps. # Which section should a map like this go in? For [[Canberra/Civic]], I chose "districts", but [[Sydney/City East]] has it in an "Orientation" section in Understand # Do the duplicate maps pose an issue? # Do these maps help? I guess it helps to sort of know which neighbourhoods are in a certain district, but then you don't ''need'' to know, and it might appear too encyclopedic. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:23, 13 June 2022 (UTC) :I don't have any advice for you or answers to your questions, but I like what you've done. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 13 June 2022 (UTC) :: [[Image policy#Minimal use of images]] and [[WV:Map]]: do we really need to display multiple dynamic maps in one article? It seems redundant and tiresome to me. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 17:30, 13 June 2022 (UTC) ::: Can't we integrate the neighbourhoods into the normal map. Probably opacity should be tweaked for them not to dominate. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:02, 13 June 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|LPfi}} [[Special:PermaLink/4467260]] is what it would look like if we merged the maps together. As someone with visual impairments, I find the second map (the one with listings) hard to read with all the colours as all the listings look cluttered, making it hard to identify where the POI is located. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 14 June 2022 (UTC) ::::: I lessened the opacity of the districts. Is <s>[[Special:Permalink/4467746|this]]</s> [[Special:Permalink/4467763|this]] still hard to read? It could still be lessened a tad if needed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:56, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::My eyes still prefer the map without the mapmasks, and I think the older map is easier to read for people with visual impairments. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:11, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::: OK. I undid the edit. I hope you noticed that I linked the previous version (oops), now fixed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:10, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think that the neighborhood map ''needs'' to be dynamic, but since dynamic is what we've got/until someone wants to make a static map, I've no objection to it being a dynamic map. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:28, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I might be in the minority, but I actually think a dynamic map is better for all region articles, and not just bottom level region articles, and it brings me to the question; are there any users here who can make a static map? I've tried to make several static maps before, but unfortunately [[Wikivoyage:How to draw static maps]] is either unclear or out-of-date, and the only successful one that I've managed to draw was [[:File:Mungo NP static map.svg]], and that also looks terrible. Anecdotally speaking, the only time where I've found a static map way more helpful was when I was in [[Yosemite National Park]] earlier this year (and T-mobile was not that great in the [[Sierra Nevada]], but I didn't really need the map since it was a second visit to Yosemite). They're often difficult and time consuming to make, and they become hard to modify when change is required. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::::I'm sure they have all of those downsides, but I understand that dynamic maps don't print properly, which is also a problem. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:11, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Yes, I can make static maps, although I do not have much experience with this particular kind of map. I've never done it for WV, because it's a lot of work if you want to do it right. I don't really think it's worth the effort: 1) I'd never use a WV map (static nor dynamic) for actual navigation. That's what navigation apps (preferably with offline options) and proper paper maps are for. 2) I've been meaning to update the static map in [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] for years now. But it's a raster graphics file, so in order to make clean changes, I'd basically have to re-create the whole map ([[Wikivoyage:How to draw static maps]] has some really bad advice in that regard). Even if it was SVG, I'd probably rather make a new one, because there's only so much you can do in a graphics program compared to something like Qqis. 3) The styles for static city/district and especially country/region maps look like it's still 2007. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 15:40, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Ibaman}} I made a static map but it's togglable. Does it still look a bit redundant? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:25, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ==API Key== On this map it says [https://wikivoyage.toolforge.org/w/poimap2.php?lat=-40.850425&lon=172.447319&zoom=16&layer=W&lang=en&name=Heaphy_Track API key required] when you switch to relief maps. Not sure who to raise this with to see about getting it fixed? [[User:Doc James|<span style="color:#0000f1">'''Travel Doc James'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Doc_James|talk]] · [[Special:Contributions/Doc_James|contribs]] · [[Special:EmailUser/Doc_James|email]]) 17:01, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :Just going by [[phab:T170976|this old phabricator task]], it seems that tool has been depreciated in favour of [[Heaphy_Track#/map/0/10/-40.7681/172.5609|Kartographer]] — are you able to use that instead? [[User:TheresNoTime|TheresNoTime]] ([[User talk:TheresNoTime|talk]]) 20:35, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::The mapframe in [[Heaphy_Track#Walk]] doesn't appear to show the issue with the relief map layer. It appears that is only an issue with the full page map (from the icon at the top right of most pages. I think that mapframe is Kartographer based, but I don't know about the full page map. (It is worth keeping the full page map as it has some features missing from mapframe as is better for printing.) [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:38, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == [[Nizamabad]] == This article needs major cleanup, copyedited a bit the best I can. Are there any templates for articles needing cleanup or copyediting? [[User:Rubbish computer|''Rubbish computer'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my'' [[User talk:Rubbish computer|''talk page'']]) 19:08, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :Yes, such as "style," but the problem is that they seldom produce any corrective action, so my advice to you would be, do what cleanup you can and post remarks to that article's talk page with comments about other work that should be done. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:32, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::Hi {{u|Ikan Kekek}}, will do, thanks for the response. [[User:Rubbish computer|''Rubbish computer'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my'' [[User talk:Rubbish computer|''talk page'']]) 21:35, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == Help archiving a talk page == Could someone please help me archive [[Talk:Bulgaria]]? I've already copied the old comments to a subpage and linked the subpage in the main talk, you only have to delete the old discussions. I can't do that because I'm too new and trying to do that triggers the page blanking filter. I want to start a new discussion about regions, and the old stuff on the talk page has made it unwieldy. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 16:59, 17 June 2022 (UTC) :It's done. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 17:12, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ::If you want to discuss regions, we should unarchive the previous regions discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 17 June 2022 (UTC) == "Regional County Municipality" and "Agglomeration" article titles == We need to change all of these article titles that don't merit deletion. What's the best way to do it? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 June 2022 (UTC) :There is a discussion underway at [[Talk:Mont%C3%A9r%C3%A9gie]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:46, 18 June 2022 (UTC) == Article on bridges == I wonder if there are any engineers here who would be able to write an article on famous bridges. Of course, the ones that immediately come to mind are New York City's Brooklyn Bridge, London's Tower Bridge, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but I believe there would be numerous others that could be mentioned in such an article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:12, 20 June 2022 (UTC) == Desktop Improvements update == [[File:Table of contents shown on English Wikipedia 02.webm|thumb]] ; Making this the new default Hello. I wanted to give you an update about the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|Desktop Improvements]] project, which the Wikimedia Foundation Web team has been working on for the past few years. Our work is almost finished! 🎉 We would love to see these improvements become the default for readers and editors across all wikis. <span style="background-color:#fc3;">In the coming weeks, we will begin conversations on more wikis, including yours. 🗓️</span> We will gladly read your suggestions! The goals of the project are to make the interface more welcoming and comfortable for readers and useful for advanced users. The project consists of a series of feature improvements which make it easier to read and learn, navigate within the page, search, switch between languages, use article tabs and the user menu, and more. The improvements are already visible by default for readers and editors on more than 30 wikis, including Wikipedias in [[:fr:|French]], [[:pt:|Portuguese]], and [[:fa:|Persian]]. The changes apply to the [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=vector}} Vector] skin only, although it will always be possible to revert to the previous version on an individual basis. [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=monobook}} Monobook] or [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=timeless}} Timeless] users will not notice any changes. ; The newest features * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Features/Table of contents|Table of contents]] - our version is easier to reach, gain context of the page, and navigate throughout the page without needing to scroll. It is currently tested across our pilot wikis. It is also available for editors who have opted into the Vector 2022 skin. * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Features/Page tools|Page tools]] - now, there are two types of links in the sidebar. There are actions and tools for individual pages (like [[Special:RecentChangesLinked|Related changes]]) and links of the wiki-wide nature (like [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]]). We are going to separate these into two intuitive menus. ; How to enable/disable the improvements [[File:Desktop Improvements - how to enable globally.png|thumb|[[Special:GlobalPreferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|{{int:globalpreferences}}]]]] * It is possible to opt-in individually [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|in the appearance tab within the preferences]] by selecting "{{int:skinname-vector-2022}}". Also, it is possible to opt-in on all wikis using the [[Special:GlobalPreferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|global preferences]]. * On wikis where the changes are visible by default for all, logged-in users can always opt-out to the Legacy Vector. There is an easily accessible link in the sidebar of the new Vector. ; Learn more and join our events If you would like to follow the progress of our project, you can [[mw:Special:Newsletter/28/subscribe|subscribe to our newsletter]]. You can read the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|pages of the project]], check [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Frequently_asked_questions|our FAQ]], write on the [[mw:Talk:Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|project talk page]], and [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates/Talk to Web|join an online meeting with us]]. Thank you! [[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]] ([[User talk:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|talk]]) 16:59, 21 June 2022 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:SGrabarczuk_(WMF)/sandbox/MM/En_fallback&oldid=23430301 --> :Thank you. :Most of our pages use the pagebanner template to display the table of contents rather than the standard method. Will this be impacted by your proposed changes? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:58, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::At least in the current version they seem to get along quite well. Page banner still works, but there's an additional TOC in the side bar. You can try for yourself by enabling ''Vector (2022)'' in your preferences. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 14:22, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::Try it out: :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Main_Page?useskin=Vector-2022 (still cropping the first image, so we only get half of Australia) :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Random?useskin=Vector-2022 :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Random?useskin=Vector-2022&tableofcontents=0 (with the floating Table of Contents disabled) :::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:31, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks. That looks fine. ::::Looking at an example page, it does appear that slightly less page width is allocated to the article and more to the left column, but I haven't investigated, and the different appearance may be an improvement. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:49, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ; Join us on Tuesday Join an online meeting with the team working on the Desktop Improvements! It will take place on '''28 June 2022 at [https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20220628T1200 12:00 UTC] and [https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20220628T1900 19:00 UTC]''' on Zoom. '''[https://wikimedia.zoom.us/j/5304280674 Click here to join]'''. Meeting ID: 5304280674. [https://wikimedia.zoom.us/u/kc2hamfYz9 Dial by your location]. The following events will take place on 12 July and 26 July. The meeting will not be recorded or streamed. Notes will be taken in a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G4tfss-JBVxyZMxGlOj5MCBhOO-0sLekquFoa2XiQb8/edit# Google Docs file] and copied to [[etherpad:p/web-team-office-hours|Etherpad]]. [[mw:User:OVasileva_(WMF)|Olga Vasileva]] (the Product Manager) will be hosting this meeting. The presentation part will be given in English. At this meeting, both [[foundation:Friendly_space_policy|Friendly space policy]] and the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Code_of_Conduct|Code of Conduct]] for Wikimedia technical spaces apply. Zoom is not subject to the [[foundation:Privacy_policy|WMF Privacy Policy]]. We can answer questions asked in English and [[mw:Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates/Talk to Web/28-06-2022|a number of other languages]]. If you would like to ask questions in advance, add them on the [[mw:Talk:Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|talk page]] or send them to sgrabarczuk{{@}}wikimedia.org. We hope to see you! [[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]] ([[User talk:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|talk]]) 21:44, 23 June 2022 (UTC) {{tracked|T311771}} :I have just posted a new topic here and immediately had to edit it. See: :https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage%3ATravellers%27_pub&type=revision&diff=4472722&oldid=4472721 [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:22, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]],@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:22, 25 June 2022 (UTC) :::This needs [[User:Whatamidoing (WMF)|work-me]] to file a Phab ticket. Thanks for letting me know. I'm curious: could you see the <nowiki><blockquote> tags in the visual editor while you were typing? Did you paste them in, or type them, or use a keyboard shortcut?</nowiki> [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 05:25, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks for your prompt reply @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]],believe it or not my memory of this incident is already fuzzy in my memory. I know I originally typed in the ''< blockquote >'' tag, but I may have copy&mpasted it later (I sometimes do that if I have to go investigate somewhere else before posting a half-baked post). ::::I also discovered since, that this version of the software implemented on wiki-voyage (it is different on other wmf-wikis I participate on) has two alternative modes of input (undocumented?): ::::*Visual ::::and ::::*Source ::::I think I was originally put on '''Visual''' by default, but now I am on '''Source''' by default, and I am also seeing a preview pane which was not there before, I think? It would also be great if I could add an edit summary, which I can using the shall-we-call-it-reply software elsewhere. ::::I hope I am making sense in this garbled reply? [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 14:41, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Click on the "Advanced" option above the copyright/licensing statement. Most people don't use a meaningful/custom edit summary in discussions, but you can add one if you want to. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:18, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::::: Edit summaries are very useful also for discussions, especially at busy pages like the pub. It is often the case that some of the threads have gone down some less interesting paths, and I read them only if somebody brings up a new point (mentioned in the edit summary). When there have been new posts in several threads, I might miss some of them, unless the edit summary caught my attention on the watchlist. And the most irritating of all: making an edit to existing posts without telling that in the summary – I scroll down to the end of the thread, find nothing new, check earlier pre-outdent posts, finding nothing there, search for today's date, no match, then click history and diff, to finally find that change of phrasing or whatever, which often didn't add anything of value to what I've already read. Please write "ce" or whatever. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:38, 1 July 2022 (UTC) == Is COVID over? == I was surprised to see this announcement on <nowiki>https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases</nowiki> : <blockquote> As of 20 June 2022, ECDC is discontinuing the data collection and publication of the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths worldwide. Please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) data on COVID-19 and the WHO Weekly Epidemiological and Weekly Operational Updates page for the non-EU/EEA countries. ECDC will continue providing weekly updates for EU/EEA Member States and report on an ad-hoc basis about significant events related to COVID-19 globally. ECDC has been collecting data on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths for all countries in the EU/EEA and globally for more than two years. The data collected by ECDC will continue to be available in an archived format.</blockquote>< So it appears that the EU thinks COVID is no longer an issue? [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:06, 25 June 2022 (UTC) :COVID will never be "over", in that it will not stop circulating in our lifetimes, but broadly speaking people's lifestyles will continue to get closer to how they were before the pandemic. Evidently ECDC has decided not to publish this particular set of data anymore, but if I understand correctly, other sources are still publishing substantively the same data for the time being. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:07, 25 June 2022 (UTC) : It is definitely not over. Current statistics are available from many sources, none 100% reliable. [https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries Worldometers] Probably the most worrisome number is that there are still 18.75 million active cases (diagnosed but not yet either dead or recovered) plus some infected but not diagnosed; those can spread the disease. The US still has about 3.3 million active cases, though that number has been falling. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:59, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :: I don't know whether Finland is typical for EU, but here the government more or less gave up on COVID-19 in early spring. They decided that it is spreading too fast to be stopped, that with most of the population triple-vaccinated "few" get a serious disease, and life has to go on. It seems people took them on the word, I think that less than one in ten is using masks. Incidence and death toll have been record high (statistics on cases is unreliable though, as people don't get official tests), but there are only some critical voices. Non-vaccinated have restrictions on passing the border (tests or quarantine required) but vaccinated EU-citizens can come and go as they please, nightclubs etc. are crowded, and big events are taking place like they used to. You can still find masks and tests in any shop, not as in Denmark where that is finished too. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:55, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::Yes, in Finland COVID hasn't been the main news topic for several months (partially also due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine). On 1 July they're dropping also the entry restrictions and health controls for people entering from outside the Schengen and in shops I've as of lately seen discounts on home tests and masks being "phased out from our product selection". The Department of Health and Wellbeing (THL) publishes [https://www.thl.fi/episeuranta/tautitapaukset/coronamap.html statistics] showing cases and deaths have dropped remarkably since the spring. So at least for the moment it seems to be over, but one can never know what the situation looks like in the autumn. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:33, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::: Confirmed cases per 100,000 per 14 days is still in the hundreds, even though you aren't recommended to take an official test unless you get serious symptoms (as in needing hospital care). In some professions the tests are still taken, I assume. Anyway, the incidence – if counting factual cases – seems to be at least as bad as in the late autumn. 30% of actual tests are positive, when the figure used to be ~1% before the vaccines. There are about 10 persons in intensive care, while the number was about 50 at the worst time. Much better now, but far from over. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::: The health care centre still recommends mask use. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:03, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::Data collection has ended, but I don't think the EU considers COVID to no longer be an issue. I think we should leave, in current circumstances, the COVID notice on our [[main page]] until the end of the year, pending future updates on its spread. Apart from that notice and international travel information, COVID is barely mentioned on this wiki. I think the current notices in place make sense in our environment. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 13:15, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::Right now, the focus where I am in [[New South Wales]] is mostly the flu (for the record, I've caught it twice within the last 31 days, with the last time just 4 days ago, hence why my editing activity has increased). The only news of COVID that I've really been hearing is either about COVID in China, or about our lockdown last year. However, as some countries still have restrictions on entry, I would say keep the COVID banner on the main page until September, and if September is deemed too early, then we can do another review then. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:51, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::In New South Wales, masking is still compulsory on public transport and the majority of people follow the rule. There is also a 7-day isolation rule if you test positive. I disagree about messaging only being about the flu. Public messaging from the government and media has always been about a dual virus winter here over the past few months (encouraging both vaccinations, etc.). In any case, this wiki is about travel, not just living in one's own city. Travellers started to get affected by Covid-19 from Janaury 2020, not March 2020 when most countries first went into lockdown. International travel will also be the last activity/industry that will fully return to normal so it makes sense to keep the notice for a while longer. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 14:34, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::To me, if the purpose is to help people, it can be removed. I don't think the article has been helpful for at least a year if ever. If the purpose is just to have something there, then it could stay or go. I don't think it's necessary to leave it up until every last country has lifted every restriction. Japan hasn't had any meaningful changes in its policies for 2 years in spite of less severe variants and vaccines, but it is already an outlier and becoming increasingly so. The country articles should still have information about entry which is basically the only information people care about. Leaving it until then end of the summer (September) as suggested seems reasonable though. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 14:52, 27 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} Most of the world has transitioned to living with the virus. The main exceptions are Japan, China and Taiwan. In the case of China, most of the elderly are unwilling to get vaccinated, and given how Hong Kong's hospitals were overwhelmed (to the point that the mortuaries ran out of space and bodies of COVID victims were piling up in the wards) during their last surge due to the same problem, I don't think China will reopen for the forseeable future. They might want to wait until all these unvaccinated elderly die of other causes before they reopen to foreigners. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:12, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :The idea that the pandemic is over is absurd and highly premature. I would strongly suggest for us to wait until at least the end of the year before jumping to conclusions, because it's quite likely that there will be another surge in the fall, and the large number of unvaccinated people around the world are a great source of new strains. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:04, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::I think whether "the pandemic" is over depends a lot on how you define "a pandemic". It's basically a political definition, not a biological one, so reasonable people and organizations can disagree on whether the current state should still be called "a pandemic". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::: Whether it is still a pandemic by some definition is less relevant. Are the restrictions stable enough that they are better handled together with other entry requirements, and in Cope, or in the current boxes? Is the disease different enough (as disease and as a social phenomenon) that it warrants its own article instead of being a bullet in [[Infectuous diseases]]? I think restrictions still vary fast enough that ease of maintenance is important, and then a template is the better solution, and people still see it as different from the flue and tuberculosis. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:39, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::The [https://www.medicinenet.com/pandemic/definition.htm definition of "pandemic"] is basically a medical one. If you'd like to say that the definition of "high degree of death" is a political one, that's another question. "The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627,000 in 2020" per the [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria WHO], yet it's considered endemic to Africa, rather than even epidemic. Why? I think in significant part because those with enough money to stanch the death rate mostly live outside of Africa and prefer to ignore the deaths, plus it doesn't get spread around the world in areas with no types of mosquitoes that are vectors. But saying that the definition of "pandemic" is basically political is odd, because most people hadn't heard the word used at all until 2019-20, or at least not since at least the days when AIDS was out of control in their countries (and again, Africa suffers from less medical care; see the pattern?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:48, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::The definition of pandemic varies between sources. Is it an epidemic [https://books.google.com/books?id=3Dr8dyuzvTkC&pg=PA179#v=onepage&q&f=false "crossing international boundaries, and usually affecting a large number of people"]? How do you define "affecting", and what constitutes "a large number" of people? Those are both political choices. Is it instead something that happens [https://www.britannica.com/science/pandemic "over a wide geographical area and that is of high prevalence, generally affecting a significant proportion of the world’s population"]? Who decides what constitutes "high" prevalence, and "a significant proportion"? Basically, people make these decisions. They'll decide that these effects are really "affecting" you but these others aren't (e.g., every new version of the common cold), or that the people affected aren't "large" or "significant" enough, or that (as with the malaria decision) the key point is that it happens all the time at a fairly stable rate within each population, rather than being new. (Some definitions say that pandemics must always be a new disease, or at least one that almost nobody has immunological resistance to; others don't.) :::::People – not science – pick which definition to apply (different definitions for different conditions), people decide which effects "count" and whether enough people are affected, and then people decide whether to apply this label. There have been hard-and-fast definitions for some similar concepts in the past, but pandemic is a somewhat flexible concept. ("School epidemic" in some places has been defined as a certain percentage of enrolled students being out of school with the same disease/symptoms. An old friend of mine accidentally set off a measles epidemic in her high school in the 1950s. She caught it somewhere, unwittingly brought it to school, and it turned out that almost none of the students in her school had had measles before. The teachers were mostly fine, but a huge number of students were out sick over the next month.) :::::Here at the English Wikivoyage, though, I think LPfi has good advice. We should consider it from the practical angle rather than the "does the current situation technically match my preferred definition" angle. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:56, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::It seems to me, the most likely way to have fair definitions of medical concepts is to let public health authorities and not politicians define them. In any case, I think that it's fairly clear that COVID-19 remains a serious disease that's affecting travel in various ways, so we shouldn't be in a rush to deemphasize it and should let the crisis play out. Seeing how there's been a surge each Northern Hemisphere fall, I would suggest waiting till we see what happens in January, 2023 (i.e., after any effects of Christmas/New Years travel and get-togethers are clear) before possibly making any decisions about a fundamental change in coverage here. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:14, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::Personally, I think that late January 2023 would be a fine time to discuss it. Christmas travel includes Epiphany in some countries, and if you add two or three weeks after that to find out what happened, then we should have fairly clear information. :::::::Thinking long-term, one possibility is to consider a seasonal cold-and-flu-and-covid page. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:36, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::That could be a good thing in the longer term, if it's not felt to be giving short shrift to other threats like malaria, zika, dengue, Lyme disease and so forth. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:39, 30 June 2022 (UTC) == Flying hotel? == [https://www.ladbible.com/news/sky-hotel-will-fly-5000-guests-20220627 Hotel That Never Lands Set To Fly 5,000 Guests Through Sky] Not built yet & I can see no significant advantages, but interesting. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:40, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :How many centuries before it is technically possible? The engines (which look like existing jet engines) require nuclear fusion which might just be available on the ground at the end of this century. Consider how difficult inflight refuelling is, then multiply by 100 when you try to use a lift to transfer passengers to another plane inflight. Maybe Wikivoyage will have reviews of it in 3022! [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:57, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::That looks about as absurd as the ''Titanium Turkey'' from [[:w:TaleSpin|TaleSpin]]. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 10:05, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::Inflight refuelling... like in the [[w:Stealth (film)|Stealth]]? [[User:Veracious|Veracious]] ([[User talk:Veracious|talk]]) 10:24, 15 July 2022 (UTC) == Separate cuisine articles considered harmful == Do we ''really'' need to separate out a single country's food/drink into separate articles, like [[Vietnam#Eat]] vs [[Vietnamese cuisine]]? Most readers will not click through on the little ''Main'' links, so in practice this seems to lead to an awful lot of duplication, since anything dropped from the main article just gets added back in because it's "missing". The size savings are marginal, eg. Vietnamese cuisine is 20k bytes vs over 150k for Vietnam even with the sad, truncated food section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 04:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :{{re|Jpatokal}} I'm not so sure on this one. Some cuisine articles such as [[American cuisine]] have an awful lot of encyclopedic content, while others like [[Thai cuisine]] or [[Central European cuisines]] don't duplicate their parent articles, they simply aren't long enough to warrant a separate article. We do have a lot of other good cuisine articles like [[Georgian cuisine]] or [[Chinese cuisine]] that ideally all cuisine articles should follow suit. But what about [[Overseas Chinese cuisine]]? It obviously doesn't go in [[China#Eat]], and is way too long to go in the 76,733-byte [[Chinese cuisine]] article. We did have a discussion about these cuisine articles earlier this year (see [[Talk:Food and drink#Renewed discussion for 2022]]), so maybe it's time to revive that discussion again. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:21, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::I had only gotten started looking through cuisine articles here and comparing them to their Wikipedia counterparts and any Wikipedia subtopic article, with some help from you and several other people, but it would be good to complete the survey, even if only to start again, because of course some articles have been significantly improved since I started. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:28, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::Instead of getting bogged down in individual articles, I would suggest we go up a level and get agreement on a) when separate cuisine articles are needed/beneficial, and b) how do we draw the line between what goes into the main article and what should go into the cuisine article. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 09:12, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::First, if you haven't looked at the discussion thread linked above, do, because we've already gotten into that discussion in regard to several articles, but at the simplest level, the reason to start a "cuisine" article is if and when there's too much information for it to really fit in a country (or sometimes region) article, just as is the case with "Driving in" articles and so forth. And whenever that happens, a summary should be left in the relevant section of the country article, with a link to the spinoff article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:45, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Perhaps we can reorganise these articles by region instead of by ingredients and types of dishes. Then we can describe what to expect of the cuisines of each region, and what dishes to try. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:16, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::I don't know what you mean, in particular by "region," which can mean a group of several countries or an area within a country. If you mean a group of countries, I don't know how logical it would be to conflate Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian and Burmese cuisines, just because they're all in Southeast Asia, or for that matter, Spanish, French and German cuisines because they're all in Europe. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:42, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::We could discuss your suggestion more at the linked thread, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:42, 29 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} In the case of Vietnamese cuisine, we could discuss the differences between Northern, Central and Southern Vietnamese cuisines, and if someone knows enough, perhaps some of the ethnic minority cuisines as well. And likewise, Thai cuisine can be broadly divided into Lanna, Isaan, Central Thai and Southern Thai cuisines. And in the case of Malaysia, there are also many local specialities, so laksa in Penang is not the same as laksa in Sarawak for instance. Unfortunately, I have never been to Kajang, but I have been told that their satay is a little different from our satay in Singapore. 19:49, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :Of course. As this is a travel guide, we need all articles to focus on travel, and letting people know what dishes you can expect in x, y and z region and whether there's a particular place or set of places to get the best a and b should be part of the heart of Wikivoyage cuisine articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:08, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::Precisely, so I am suggesting this as a way to make the cuisine articles more directly relevant to travel. So people can then know what to expect as they travel around the country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:27, 29 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{re|Ikan Kekek}} ''"if and when there's too much information for it to really fit in a country"'' So where do we draw the line at what's "too much information"? AFAIK there's no real technical limit (Mediawiki caps out at 2 MB per page), so is the concern that people won't scroll if it gets too long, that the articles will devolve into encyclopedic lists of dishes, or what? Also, "Driving in X" articles are only relevant to people who want to drive in X. Everybody has to eat, and we don't spin out "Sleeping in X" articles (even when that section gets really long, eg [[Japan#Sleep]]), so I don't think we should do that for any other top-level heading either. I have no objection to regional cuisine articles spanning several countries though, as long as they form a cohesive whole (Singaporean and Malaysian, sure; "Asian", nope). [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:50, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :You make good points. Of course, "too much information" is always a judgment call. I'd again invite you to have a look at [[Talk:Food and drink#Renewed discussion for 2022]]. I do have some preliminary thoughts, though: Yes, everyone has to eat, but not everyone cares greatly what they eat, as long as it's in their price range, doesn't make them sick and gives them energy. I know people like that. And then there's a continuum, the other end of which would be a trip specifically or mainly to dine. Similarly, we have a [[Grand old hotels]] article for people who prioritize a particular type of accommodations and have or save up money to indulge. Leaving a useful summary is not the same as merging an article like [[Georgian cuisine]] into the [[Georgia (country)]] article. If you'd favor doing that, we really have something to talk about, and I suppose since this discussion is continuing here, it'll eventually be swept to [[Talk:Food and drink]]. I would note that some cuisine articles have been judged to be too short and light on information to stand on their own and have been merged and redirected to the "Eat" sections of country or even multi-country region articles. See [[Talk:Balkan cuisines]], [[Talk:Benelux cuisines]]. I feel like we can and should judge each "Eat" section and each cuisine article on its own, but if you'd like to propose to merge and redirect every one to "Name of Country#Eat", I would suggest to you that that is not optimal, but that if you want to make that suggestion, you have to argue that in regard to the very best cuisine articles on the site, the ones that are guide-rated. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]], I just looked at [[Vietnamese cuisine]]. It's not very good, and for an "Eat" section, [[Vietnam#Eat]] is quite a detailed summary that I think is more tightly organized than the cuisine article. I agree with The dog2 that reorganizing the article by region, with remarks about the character of regional cuisines and then subsections by type of dish, may be more helpful that the current organization. Right now, I definitely see why you could prefer to just merge the additional information and redirect, and I don't oppose that outcome, as the watchword, as always, is [[The traveller comes first]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:24, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :::I wouldn't be opposed to spinning off Sleep sections into "Accommodation in X" if the section gets too long. There are detailed blogs and online articles on the hotels/motels, campsites, Airbnb sitautionm etc. of a particular destination so it is certainly feasible. I suspect they haven't been created because the topic in general is more boring than cuisine, shopping or other sections. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 03:39, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ::::"Everyone has to eat", but not everyone wants to explore the cuisine of a country. There are people who travel to other countries to see the sights, but prefer to seek out familiar cuisine or eat only in their hotels. ::::When a subject is branched off from a country article, usually it ends up being expanded because writers no longer feel the constraint of overwhelming the main article, so more information is available to readers. There should always be a concise summary in the country article, but details should be branched off. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 14:00, 4 July 2022 (UTC) == How to fix a bunch of grey unnecessary markers on the map? == {{mapframe|55.7773|37.6062|zoom=9}} {{Mapshape}} {{Mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[Moscow/Central-East|Moscow Central-East]]|wikidata=Q1412002|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[Moscow/Zelenograd and New Moscow|Zelenograd and New Moscow]]|wikidata=Q207695,Q462497,Q462589|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Mapshapes|Q5499}} <!-- Moscow Metro --> Results as shown on the map, how to fix a bunch of grey unnecessary markers on the map? Can help? thanks. [[User:Yuriy_kosygin|✈ IGOR]] ／ [[User talk:Yuriy_kosygin| ✉ TALK?!]] ^{''．WIKIVOYAGER !''} 17:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Yuriy kosygin|Yuriy kosygin]] We've discussed this quite a number of times before. The issue is this data comes from OpenStreetMap and there's no way to remove the unnecessary grey markers unless you completely comment out the transport lines. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::Alas... Wikivoyage is really weak, I'm afraid we'll have to draw the route own. [[User:Yuriy_kosygin|✈ IGOR]] ／ [[User talk:Yuriy_kosygin| ✉ TALK?!]] ^{''．WIKIVOYAGER !''} 15:34, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::There has to be a way to fix this idiocy on OpenStreetMap, but in the meantime, we need to eliminate this crap from our site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Could we make the gray actually be 100% transparent? It would still be visible, but perhaps not such a disaster. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:38, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::If I recall correctly, the issue at hand was that we couldn't make the distinction between line elements and point elements. I don't master Lua myself, so I can't make sense of whether this would be a viable workaround for [[Module:Mapshapes]]. @[[User:Andree.sk|Andree.sk]], any words on this? <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 18:22, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::: Mapshapes is just a thin helper to instantiate {{tl|mapshape}}, which is the main culprint. In turn, that one uses the kartographer stuff, which can't be trivially adjusted. But there may be some hacks, I'll try to try something in the coming weeks... -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 20:47, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::The only other solution is to manually trace out the route on geojson.io and then add it to the article (see [[Canberra/Acton]] for an example of how this is done) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::While I don't question this working, it does come with a substantial downside: It's not 'automatically' updated whenever the line changes route (in reality, OSM-contributors update it and we import the dataset they edit). This leaves us with a lot of extra work, which I expect will get out of date quite quickly. Perhaps not for metro's, but definitely for trams or BRT's. Drawing the lines ourselves can work for cities that see regular edits or that have docents capable of editing GeoJSON data (and willing to do so). I strongly prefer making Mapshapes work, even if it's a workaround over manually doing the work ourselves. <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 08:30, 1 July 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} At the German Wikivoyage I added a rule to [[MediaWiki:Kartographer.css]] which hides the grey pushpin markers. <syntaxhighlight lang="css"> /* Removing grey pushpin markers on mapframe maps */ img[src$="pin-m+7e7e7e.png"], img[src$="pin-m+7e7e7e@2x.png"] { display: none; } </syntaxhighlight> Unfortunately, I cannot make the edit by myself. But I am sure your admins can do it. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 09:24, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :{{ping|Andyrom75}} given you're the only active interface admin here, can you add the three-line code? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:16, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::I checked the positions of the markers, and they are the stops/stations of the public transport lines. However they don't give the name of the stop, but only the name of the line. The name of the line is already displayed by clicking the line. So, with the present marker texts, no new info is available. If the marker info would have the name of the stop it indicates, displaying them could be useful. I tested from which zoom level displaying the markers is not disturbing anymore, and came to zoom level 14-19 may show the markers, below 14 not. And this zoom level dependent conditional showing of the markers should only be done if the markers contain the names of the stops. If it is impossible to have the names of the stops in the markers, markers should never be shown. --[[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 11:18, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :::While I agree that they could be useful to some extent, the thing is that we can't properly make the distinction between lines, polygons or points/markers in the data that we fetch from OpenStreetMap. At present we also cannot import the names of these stations/halts (I believe this data gets lost between Wikidata and OSM, but I might be wrong). Roland's solution above is just a workaround that hides the marker, but the point itself stays on the map albeit invisible. So long as we can't make the distinction properly, we sadly can't implement these markers in a more useful way either. For that distinction to be made, the Kartographer extension needs additional functionalities, which we've been asking for for several years already. Until we get that, it's either hiding the markers or accepting them as-they-come, the latter of which is a lot less popular. <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 12:48, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], do we have any other admins who can do this? Another option would be using JavaScript, but using CSS is much cleaner... Also, alternatively to 'display: none', we could change opacity to e.g. 0.3, that also looks quite ok. -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 09:31, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::I really don't know. I hope other admins are reading this thread. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::This needs an interface admin to do it and as far as I'm aware, {{ping|Andyrom75}} is the only interface admin who has been active recently. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:38, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say it wouldn't hurt to have at least 2-3 people with those permissions - even if they need guidance for doing technical changes... -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 10:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:WOSlinker|WOSlinker]] maybe, then? -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 10:51, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Sorry guys, I've read the conversation just right now. ::::::[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]], I have created [[MediaWiki:Kartographer.css]] as per your code, but not so much time for testing. The gray POI has disappeared; it's enough? Any side effect to be checked? ::::::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for pinging me twice. Next time, in case of emergency, leave a message on my it:voy talk page. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 16:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::It helped, thanks both to you and Roland! :) -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 19:28, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::: There are no side effects. The names of the pushpin images contain their colors, and this particular color is not used elsewhere. Of course, the way proposed is a workaround not a real solution but it is useful. The grey pushpin markers are present up to now, but they are invisible (hidden). --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 04:23, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]], thanks for your confirmation. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 10:00, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::: Brilliant work. Thanks to everyone who contributed to finding a workaround.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:52, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Is this something that we should share with other wikis? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:15, 14 July 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} A permanent solution to this problem has been implemented but not published for whatever reason (see https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T292613). --[[User:Renek78|Renek78]] ([[User talk:Renek78|talk]]) 14:14, 16 July 2022 (UTC) == Results of Wiki Loves Folklore 2022 is out! == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{int:please-translate}} [[File:Wiki Loves Folklore Logo.svg|right|150px|frameless]] Hi, Greetings The winners for '''[[c:Commons:Wiki Loves Folklore 2022|Wiki Loves Folklore 2022]]''' is announced! We are happy to share with you winning images for this year's edition. This year saw over 8,584 images represented on commons in over 92 countries. Kindly see images '''[[:c:Commons:Wiki Loves Folklore 2022/Winners|here]]''' Our profound gratitude to all the people who participated and organized local contests and photo walks for this project. We hope to have you contribute to the campaign next year. '''Thank you,''' '''Wiki Loves Folklore International Team''' --[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 16:12, 4 July 2022 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Tiven2240@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Non-Technical_Village_Pumps_distribution_list&oldid=23454230 --> == Using a separate colour for freeways on static maps == [[File:Greater Brisbane regions map.png|thumb|350px]] Right now, our current Wikivoyage style for static maps is to use red for a main road, while use yellow for secondary roads. While the criteria for what's a main road and what's a secondary road is fairly arbitrary and up to whoever's making the map to decide, I was wondering whether we should consider using a different colour for freeways/motorways? While I'm still new to this static mapmaking business, I personally find such a distinction of what's an ordinary road and what's a freeway useful, and many people often either want to use freeways or try to avoid them. Our dynamic maps already use a different colour for freeways, so why not static? I wanted to make such a distinction when I made a static map for [[Greater Brisbane]] today (on right), but such a change would be against Wikivoyage-style, so I'm asking the community for input; and if we do use a separate colour to distinguish freeways from normal roads, what would it be? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:24, 5 July 2022 (UTC) [[File:Southern Tasmania regions.png|thumb|350px]] :I tried using orange to identify freeways in the map of Southern Tasmania that I just created (on right). Is it obvious that the route coloured orange means a freeway? (I really want answers so I can take note of what I should do differently for my next static map) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:32, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :: What a colour means is never obvious, unless you know something about the destination. The colour could just mean "main highways" or whatever. :: I think that there are many more things that might be interesting for at least some travellers, and most travellers to some destinations. How do we show good cycling routes? Roads with good bus service? Nice pedestrian routes? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:14, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think any colour schemes are immediately obvious wordwide. For a UK map, I would be tempted to use the same as some OS maps - blue for motorways, red for A roads, brown for B roads and yellow for minor roads, but some UK road atlases use green for A roads as this is the colour used on road signs. Another complication is the use of different colour fills for regions - a yellow road on a yellow background isn't good - spot the roads going to Richmond in Southern Tasmania. :::Is it possible to use slightly different line widths to indicate road importance? We also need to allow for things like long distance walking tracks or off-road cycle routes. As both examples have a lot of sea, they could have a key explaining the colours. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:45, 5 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Agreed. Map making 101: Every map needs a legend (key), and every symbol used in that map (intuitive or not) needs to be explained in that legend. That way you can add whatever is needed. Having a consistent style for static maps is a ''nice to have''; it should not get in the way of making maps ''useful''. ::::The color issue mentioned by AlasdairW is part of of a bigger problem: The different elements used in the map are unbalanced in terms of contrast (color, saturation, brightness) and visual weight (size, thickness). ::::1) The lines used for the roads are too thin in relation to everything else. After enlarging enough to properly see the roads, the text labels are way larger than they need to be. This is a static map: pick one scale and apply it consistently, using an appropriate degree of generalization. ::::2) Visual importance of borders (thickness, color contrast of the white vs. area colors) is too high given that areas already have different colors. Line thickness of borders is also inconsistent in the second map. ::::3) In general, having areas colored that heavily (dark & saturated) creates all kinds of problems for the visibility of makers, line elements and text labels. "Brisbane" in the first map is practically unreadable, for example. In [[:File:Georgia_regions_map2.png]], for example, that is much less of an issue due to different color choices. ::::Unfortunately, the region maps template is basically calling for many of these problems to occur. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 13:41, 6 July 2022 (UTC) [[File:Southern Tasmania regions map.png|thumb|350px]] :::::I've added a key to the Southern Tas static map (on right). How does this look? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 9 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::But unfortunately, I have to agree with El Grafo that our region maps are at the very least, unreadable and awful-looking. If I had to design a static map from the start, this is not the way I would do it, but unfortunately the community is unwilling to accept that, in this very day and age, dynamic maps are far superior to static maps. There are few people who can edit static maps in the first place, and the two only editors (excluding myself) that I'm aware of who have even edited in the past month are {{u|Shaundd}} and {{u|SelfieCity}}. The only reason I'm making these maps is because our policy favours static maps in region articles but otherwise I think we need to revamp the region maps template. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:15, 9 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a minor point, but I like the color scheme you are using. It feels just the right amount of trendy/modern/not outdated. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:11, 9 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I do like the lighter colours in the color scheme though. From [[Template:StdColor]], T1, T6, T8 and T9 feel a bit too dark (hence what's causing these problems), but a static map does look very nice if the right colors are used. So far, my favorite has to be the map I made for [[Southeastern New South Wales]], and I've been trying to make more maps like that. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:37, 10 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::: Hi {{u|SHB2000}}, I think it's fine if you want to experiment a bit use different colours and distinguish motorways. I did motorways differently for a while on maps I drew but eventually stopped because I felt it was more detail/clutter than benefit and it became another colour that had to integrated with the colour palette (which didn't always work). ::::::::: I also agree with the others above that our standard colours don't always work. I ended up moving away from them so I could get a better contrast between the region colour and the text (improves readability quite a bit). -[[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] ([[User talk:Shaundd|talk]]) 07:05, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::: The problem may be that our regional map template colors were not originally designed to accommodate details like roads. They work fine for plainer regional maps like [[New York (state)]] or [[Massachusetts]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 20:34, 15 July 2022 (UTC) == Road signs == There have been some discussions and addition and removal of galleries related to European road signs. As European non-driver it is hard for me to guess what signs are important to explain e.g. for US drivers. As the signs are pictogram-based, many of them are intuitive, but certainly not all. I assume other European editors also don't know what would be optimal, so I think we need others to weight in. There are some galleries in [[Driving in Europe]] and more for individual countries. As the variation is small between continental EU countries, there is little need for duplication per se, but I don't know to what extent one can assume drivers to read both the European article and the ones for individual countries (which have their peculiarities). Do drivers study traffic law or traffic signs before driving in a new country? I assume they are not, at least not to any great degree, but I might be wrong, and that would of course affect what we need to tell. Some of the articles became rather picture-heavy with a few less-established editors doing a lot of editing regarding images. I think we shouldn't apply our minimal-use-of-images policy to hard, as most images in these articles are informative rather than decorations. Some are of course also needed to give a feeling for the driving environment. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:57, 11 July 2022 (UTC) :As a US driver, I think that stop signs and signs for speed limits would be the most immediately necessary. You can't really drive anywhere if you don't know those two. There are others that might be useful (e.g., Yield) but won't turn up as often. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:00, 11 July 2022 (UTC) ::EU driver here. Wikipedia has a great [[:w:Comparison of European road signs]]. Road signs in Europe are indeed pretty consistent and mostly follow the Vienna conventions. I think it would make sense for the individual ''Driving in country X'' articles to mostly rely on (and prominently link to) a central article about that (e.g. [[Driving in Europe]] or the Rules section of [[:w:Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]]), so that the country articles can focus on pointing out where the country diverges from the norm in a way that could cause confusion. ::So for example, [[Driving in Europe]] would tell you that stop signs are always stop sign-shaped, always stop sign-colored and ''almost'' always use the word STOP, whereas [[Driving in Turkey]] might tell you that Turkey is pretty much the only country in Europe where they use local language (DUR) instead of STOP. [[Driving in Ireland]] might feel tempted to point out that the country uses [[:w:Comparison_of_MUTCD-influenced_traffic_signs|MUTCD-style]] warning signs, but that's probably more of a ''nice to know''. Pointing out that they (apparently) use [[:w:Belisha beacon]]s for pedestrian crossings would probably be a good idea, though. [[Driving in the Netherlands]] would probably talk about the relevance of blue vs. yellow curbs for parking rather than re-iterating that the prohibitory signs are round? ::Looking at existing ''Driving in X'' articles, I feel that ::* most of the example pictures in [[Driving_in_France#Traffic rules]] are unnecessary, as they are no different from other European countries and thus redundant to [[Driving in Europe]] (currently not linked). ::* [[Driving in Portugal#Road signs]] contains so many redundant examples that it's difficult to identify the ones that are specific to Portugal. ::* [[Driving in Sweden#Road signs]] and [[Driving in the United Kingdom#Road signs]] are mostly redundant too, but at least they stick to the important ones. ::*I don't know how I feel about the use of miniature versions of road signs in lists in [[Driving in Norway#Rules and regulations]] and [[Driving in Iceland#Rules and regulations]]. ::The other articles listed in [[Driving in Europe#Countries]] loo fine to me. Links to [[Driving in Europe]] are largely missing, though. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 14:49, 12 July 2022 (UTC) :::Australian driver here. Our signage is very similar to US signage, but with four major exceptions: :::* we have give way signs as opposed to yield signs :::* passing cars is called overtaking as passing is only used when you pass cyclists :::* signs that are only used RHS countries are flipped (e.g. roundabout signs) :::* our speed signs is a mix of both US and EU speed signs; we have that white background but use the red circle ([https://goo.gl/maps/uRJbytw9jRVq4SRC9 a sign in the NT for ref]) :::Sometimes we do have our own minor modifications, such as exit signs (cf. [https://goo.gl/maps/nR3uHo2B9Qb75mSp9 US] and [https://goo.gl/maps/JaiaKyXX9qtMvaQGA Aus (specifically Qld)]), but whenever I travel to the US, I've never had an issue with understanding signage. For the record, from my limited experience in NZ, they look very similar to Australian signs but with a few minor differences. :::In Europe, were very different to what I saw in Aus or the US, but thankfully due to standardised signs, I did not have a problem when travelling in different countries (the signs in Norway, albeit different were very similar to the signs in France). However, most EU signs were self-explanatory, so for the most part, comprehending them wasn't a problem. In South and Southeast Asia, they weren't standardised, but they were very similar. ::: Re [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s comment: I understand speed signs (though they're pretty much the same everywhere outside the US, Canada and maybe Liberia), aren't stop signs the same, octagonal sign everywhere? I've yet to see a stop sign that isn't red and octagonal. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:57, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::[[File:Japan_road_sign_330-B.svg|thumb|What's this?]] ::::Most places are using red octagons, frequently even with the English word "STOP", but not quite everywhere. Even in places where the red octagon is common, there may be a few old signs that haven't quite been replaced yet or the occasional variation, like [[:File:Blue stop sign - hawaii - oct 2015.jpg|Hawaii's blue stop signs]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:56, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::After doing more digging, it seems [[:File:Cuban Stop Sign.svg|Cuba's stop sign]] is also triangular (like Japan's), but if a country uses the standard octagonal sign, wouldn't it simply make more sense to write that in plain text? (e.g. New Zealand's stop sign is exactly the same as in Australia or the United States or something like that) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:07, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It seems stop signs are among the most standardized signs worldwide, both in areas that use Vienna convention and MUTCD-style signs. I'd go so far to say that they are not worth mentioning (let alone showing) at all unless they actually diverge from that de-facto norm (red and white octagon). <small>Interestingly enough, you can actually find the Cuban design in the [[:w:Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]] as an alternative design.</small> [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 08:58, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::The "Cuban design" is (or was) a fairly common alternative. It was being installed in the UK up to 1975, and in Italy to 1990. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:06, 13 July 2022 (UTC) == Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass == :''<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div>'' Hi all, Community members in the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022|2022 Board of Trustees election]] are invited to [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Community_Voting/Election_Compass|propose statements to use in the Election Compass.]] An Election Compass is a tool to help voters select the candidates that best align with their beliefs and views. The community members will propose statements for the candidates to answer using a Lickert scale (agree/neutral/disagree). The candidates’ answers to the statements will be loaded into the Election Compass tool. Voters will use the tool by entering in their answer to the statements (agree/disagree/neutral). The results will show the candidates that best align with the voter’s beliefs and views. Here is the timeline for the Election Compass: July 8 - 20: Community members propose statements for the Election Compass July 21 - 22: Elections Committee reviews statements for clarity and removes off-topic statements July 23 - August 1: Volunteers vote on the statements August 2 - 4: Elections Committee selects the top 15 statements August 5 - 12: candidates align themselves with the statements August 15: The Election Compass opens for voters to use to help guide their voting decision The Elections Committee will select the top 15 statements at the beginning of August. The Elections Committee will oversee the process, supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance team. MSG will check that the questions are clear, there are no duplicates, no typos, and so on. Best, Movement Strategy and Governance ''This message was sent on behalf of the Board Selection Task Force and the Elections Committee'' [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 13:26, 11 July 2022 (UTC) == Crazy new feature idea -- personal itineraries == What if we had a way for a user (probably a logged-in user) to save individual listings to a custom itinerary? (Not a [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|Wikivoyage Itinerary]], just in the generic sense of the word.) Or even save individual listings to a Google Map? Some way a user could record places he or she wants to go? [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 20:37, 15 July 2022 (UTC) :Something kinda like this? [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500/test places]] --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 23:29, 15 July 2022 (UTC) ::Roughly, but see my response to WhatamIdoing well below. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::The way I understand the idea, is it's like a personalised version of an article, that lists only the POIs that the owner is interested in. That is already doable by a manual copy-and-paste, but I assume the idea is for something more high-tech, where the user could just tap or click a button on a listing in [[Prague]], which copies the listing over to [[ThunderingTyphoons!' Prague itinerary]]. ::That seems like a great idea to me, but I don't know how to implement it.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:22, 16 July 2022 (UTC) *{{o}} First of all, there are multiple issues with this proposal. The first and the foremost is that most readers don't have an account and IP users are not allowed to have user pages or user subpages; IPs periodically change over time so if we are going to be the only Wikimedia project that openly allows such, then we're going to have to do some serious janitorial work in deleting these subpages after a few months. Additionally, this is going to require some brand new tools and gadgets that will take a lot of time – really not worth the time and effort. Finally, saving individual listings to Google Maps is against our [[what not to link to]] policy, so no, I oppose this proposal. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:04, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::What do you mean, IP users are not allowed to have user pages or subpages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:32, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::I don't know whether it's a global policy or a policy only on Meta-Wiki and I think Wikipedia too, but as far as I'm aware, both those projects speedily delete IP userpages or IP subpages as IPs aren't permanently assigned to one user. Our policies don't seem to say anything about this, but maybe {{u|WhatamIdoing}} might be able to explain this better. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:41, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::::enwiki allows IP user pages, for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:220.101.28.25 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:81.168.80.170 [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 14:39, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::::We do, too. IPs' user pages are never deleted here unless they are spam or vandalism. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:50, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Those seem to be at least a decade old though. I just tried making one and the software wouldn't allow me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:23, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::That's very disconcerting. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:07, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I managed to create one, first ensuring I was in an incognito window. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 23:25, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::With respect, SHB2000, I think your objections are ill-considered. Firstly, I didn't say anything about IP user pages or subpages; there may very well be ways to implement this that don't rely on them. Second, while it's true that this would require some development effort, you don't even attempt to make a case that the benefit isn't "worth the time and effort". Yes, it would be a lot of effort, but if the return is great enough, it might still be "worth it". (I'm not making a claim either way, just pointing out that you failed to support yours.) Third, [[what not to link to]] is about things that are better done here on Wikivoyage; if you're claiming it shouldn't be on Wikivoyage in the first place, then [[what not to link to]] doesn't apply. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Okay, so if I wasn't clear enough, here's a longer but briefer explanation. Such a tool would work very similar to the already existing editor, but maintaining such scripts is ''very'' difficult (I do maintain a few of these scripts IRL) and even if this went ahead, there are a few issues: :::* Like the listing editor, users will need to have javascript enabled. Without javascript, it simply won't work. :::* If this tool just copies down all the important pieces of a listing to a separate page, the tool needs to give attribution in the edit summary – otherwise, it's a violation of our copyleft license. :::* This won't work for outline articles that have little to no content :::* Users might be intimidated if they want to edit the listing – I'm guessing only maybe 1 or 2 per cent of our readers will know what Wikidata is (which is one of the main sources we use to get coordinates). :::What more, this exact same thing can be done with [http://geojson.io/#map=10/-34.9602/149.1497 geojson.io]. We have few editors who actively maintain scripts like these, and only a fraction out of the few who can will be willing to spend a lot of time and effort into something that isn't even really worth spending that much time anyway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 19 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks for explaining further, but I really think you're getting hung up on implementation details that might not even apply for some of the directions we could go with this feature. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 12:11, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Powers, were you thinking about individual listings (first the museum, then the restaurant, back to the hotel), or about destinations (San Francisco, then Napa Valley, then Yosemite)? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:07, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::Individual listings. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) * What's stopping a user from creating a personal itinerary in userspace under current policy? I'm curious as to the need for a change. As for as I'm concerned, I could create an itinerary in userspace based on an OSM map, and surely, it wouldn't be deleted as out of scope? I'd prefer for the above reasons to avoid Google Maps. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:22, 18 July 2022 (UTC) *:I already have that: [[User:AlasdairW/Testpage]]. This is currently showing a few places that I stayed in in 2018. At that time it was used to send to friends showing where I would be staying on a trip - they got the dates etc in an email that linked to this page. *:I would support having a policy that explicitly allowed such a page (for signed in users), as they might be more inclined to also update the article pages at the same time. I think that such pages should stick to using our mapframes, although I would be happy with a tool that allowed a list of lat/longs to exported for use with other tools including Google maps, car GPS systems etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) *:Well, willingness and ability to edit wiki pages, primarily, as well as the cumbersome need to copy+paste listings. I'm envisioning a one-click kind of "add to personal itinerary" button on each listing. The use case would be a non-editor coming to Wikivoyage to learn about a destination (or several related ones) and assembling a list/map of highlights she wants to be sure to hit on her trip. Can she just write them down somewhere, or copy+paste them to a personal Google map? Sure, but the proposed feature would remove several steps. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 12:11, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == New user ban nomination == There's a new [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations|user ban]] nomination going on to ban a fairly long-term contributor and any input is more that welcome. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:58, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :Thanks for alerting us to this. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:22, 18 July 2022 (UTC) == Movement Strategy and Governance News - Issue 7 == <div style = "line-height: 1.2"> <span style="font-size:200%;">'''Movement Strategy and Governance News'''</span><br> <span style="font-size:120%; color:#404040;">'''Issue 7, July-September 2022'''</span><span style="font-size:120%; float:right;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7|'''Read the full newsletter''']]</span> ---- Welcome to the 7th issue of Movement Strategy and Governance News! The newsletter distributes relevant news and events about the implementation of Wikimedia's [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Initiatives|Movement Strategy recommendations]], other relevant topics regarding Movement governance, as well as different projects and activities supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance (MSG) team of the Wikimedia Foundation. The MSG Newsletter is delivered quarterly, while the more frequent [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Updates|Movement Strategy Weekly]] will be delivered weekly. Please remember to subscribe [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/MSG Newsletter Subscription|here]] if you would like to receive future issues of this newsletter. </div><div style="margin-top:3px; padding:10px 10px 10px 20px; background:#fffff; border:2px solid #808080; border-radius:4px; font-size:100%;"> * '''Movement sustainability''': Wikimedia Foundation's annual sustainability report has been published. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A1</tvar>|continue reading]]) * '''Improving user experience''': recent improvements on the desktop interface for Wikimedia projects. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A2|continue reading]]) * '''Safety and inclusion''': updates on the revision process of the Universal Code of Conduct Enforcement Guidelines. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A3|continue reading]]) * '''Equity in decisionmaking''': reports from Hubs pilots conversations, recent progress from the Movement Charter Drafting Committee, and a new white paper for futures of participation in the Wikimedia movement. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A4|continue reading]]) * '''Stakeholders coordination''': launch of a helpdesk for Affiliates and volunteer communities working on content partnership. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A5|continue reading]]) * '''Leadership development''': updates on leadership projects by Wikimedia movement organizers in Brazil and Cape Verde. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A6|continue reading]]) * '''Internal knowledge management''': launch of a new portal for technical documentation and community resources. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A7|continue reading]]) * '''Innovate in free knowledge''': high-quality audiovisual resources for scientific experiments and a new toolkit to record oral transcripts. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A8|continue reading]]) * '''Evaluate, iterate, and adapt''': results from the Equity Landscape project pilot ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A9|continue reading]]) * '''Other news and updates''': a new forum to discuss Movement Strategy implementation, upcoming Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees election, a new podcast to discuss Movement Strategy, and change of personnel for the Foundation's Movement Strategy and Governance team. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A10|continue reading]]) </div><section end="msg-newsletter"/> [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 22:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) == "PIN codes" == This redirect was created to go to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]], but I daresay, most non-<s>Australians</s>Indians have never heard of this term in a postal context and would expect it to link to an article about banking. Please express your opinion at [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]]. Should we create a disambiguation for two terms that are not destinations, or should we delete the redirect? Those seem to me to be the only two reasonable options. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:12, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :PIN-pass, you pay cash or are you PIN-ing, and more, are usual expressions in The Netherlands.--[[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 06:17, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::Right, but this is treating "PIN codes" as an <s>Australian</s>Indian postal expression, and I'm saying that's too obscure to non-<s>Australians</s>Indians to be a good redirect. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :First of all, remember, [[w:WP:CHEAP|redirects are cheap]] – there is really no point in discussing pointless redirects. The first sentence of [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy#Redirects]] explicitly says "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names.". :Secondly, what made you think that this was an Australian term? The page I linked, [[English language varieties#Connect]] explicitly mentioned that it's sometimes redundantly called such in India (whilst redundant, again, redirects are cheap). Did you think that it was an Australian term just because I created it? I honestly had no idea what that meant before my first trip to India (and I'll add that my driver did constantly mention "PIN code", not "PIN"). :Thirdly, this could have really been handled in a much better way. Unless it's something major (e.g. userban nominations, major proposal change or something alike), this should go in [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment]], not in the pub. Perhaps you missed "If you'd like to draw attention to a comment to get feedback from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]."? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:17, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::People pay more attention to the Pub. I thought about also putting the announcement in Requests for comment but got lazy. But confusing redirects aren't cheap. If you really want to fight this, then yes, a nomination will need to be made at [[vfd]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:30, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :::Btw, sorry if anything about this annoys you, and sorry for getting wrong where "PIN code" comes from, but I also felt like you decided to ignore my reply about how confusing redirects are not cheap, so I had to do something in order to generate more discussion, and I don't think there's any important matter of protocol involved in whether notice is given in requests for comment as well as the pub. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Now there's a Votes for deletion thread, [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]. Feel free to put a notice on Requests for comment if you like. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:21, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election == :''<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election/Short|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election/Short}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div>'' Hi everyone, The Affiliate Representatives have completed their voting period. The selected 2022 Board of Trustees candidates are: * Tobechukwu Precious Friday ([[:m:User:Tochiprecious|Tochiprecious]]) * Farah Jack Mustaklem ([[:m:User:Fjmustak|Fjmustak]]) * Shani Evenstein Sigalov ([[:m:User:Esh77|Esh77]]) * Kunal Mehta ([[:m:User:Legoktm|Legoktm]]) * Michał Buczyński ([[:m:User:Aegis Maelstrom|Aegis Maelstrom]]) * Mike Peel ([[:m:User:Mike Peel|Mike Peel]]) You may see more information about the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Results|Results]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Stats|Statistics]] of this Board election. The Affiliate organizations selected representatives to vote on behalf of the Affiliate organization. The Affiliate Representatives proposed questions for the candidates to answer in mid-June. These answers from candidates and the information provided from the Analysis Committee provided support for the representatives as they made their decision. Please take a moment to appreciate the Affiliate Representatives and Analysis Committee members for taking part in this process and helping to grow the Board of Trustees in capacity and diversity. These hours of volunteer work connect us across understanding and perspective. Thank you for your participation. Thank you to the community members who put themselves forward as candidates for the Board of Trustees. Considering joining the Board of Trustees is no small decision. The time and dedication candidates have shown to this point speaks to their commitment to this movement. Congratulations to those candidates who have been selected. A great amount of appreciation and gratitude for those candidates not selected. Please continue to share your leadership with Wikimedia. What can voters do now? [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Results|Review the results of the Affiliate selection process]]. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election|Read more here about the next steps in the 2022 Board of Trustee election]]. Best, Movement Strategy and Governance ''This message was sent on behalf of the Board Selection Task Force and the Elections Committee''</translate><br /><section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 19:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Another copyvio site == Just as an FYI, I found another copy of Wikivoyage a few days ago: [https://www.travelerandfree.com/ Traveler and Free]. This one is a mirror site, which updates in real time (go ahead and find this very post on their mirror of the Pub!). It's not copyleft-compliant: there's no credit given to WV, and each page has a fraudulent copyright symbol on it. There seems to be real people behind it, as the same site hosts a blog that appears to be original content. On Monday, I sent an email to the address listed on their contact page, and have also notified Wikimedia Legal. Will let you know if there are any developments. [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:35, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Their [https://www.travelerandfree.com/terms_of_service terms of service] reads an absolute joke to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Ah, I didn't spot that, but Legal might be interested. It expressly forbids other sites to mirror it! ::Forgot to mention that it's not just a mirror of en.wikivoyage, but of all the language additions.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:57, 21 July 2022 (UTC) sj35z8qkq7r6egm64u7p3gcowplqoiw 4487912 4487777 2022-07-21T19:59:25Z Zblace 113974 /* alternative-indy culture */ new section wikitext text/x-wiki {|style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em" |- | style="text-align:left"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''<span style="color:#454442;">Welcome to the pub</span>'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} <span style="color:#454442;">The Travellers' Pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>)</span> <div style="color:#454442;"> Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|Tourist Office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Vandalism in progress|Vandalism in progress]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives and celebrations as well as issues with certain articles. * Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania café|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives and celebrations as well as issues with certain articles. <big>'''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!'''</big><br> [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread''']</div> |style="background: #003300;" | [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {|style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em" class="nomobile" |- | style="text-align:left"| <div class="toccolours mw-collapsible" style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 0px solid #abc;"> Experienced users: '''Please sweep the pub''' <div class="mw-collapsible-content">Keeping the pub clean is a group effort. If we have too many conversations on this page, it gets too noisy and hard to read. If you see an old conversation (i.e. '''a month''' dormant) that could be moved to a [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]], please do so, and add "{{[[Template:Swept|swept]]}}" there, to note that it has been swept in from the pub. Try to place it on the discussion page roughly in chronological order. * A question regarding a destination article should be swept to the article discussion page. * A discussion regarding a policy or the subject of an expedition can be swept to the policy or expedition discussion page. * A simple question asked by a user can be swept to that user's talk page, but consider if the documentation needs a quick update to make it clearer for the next user with the same question. * A pointer to a discussion going on elsewhere, such as a notice of a star nomination or a request to comment on another talk page, can be removed when it is old. Any discussion that occurred in the pub can be swept to where the main discussion took place. Any discussions that do not fall into any of these categories, and are not of any special importance for posterity, should be archived to '''[[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]''' and removed from here. If you are not sure where to put a discussion, let it be—better to spend your efforts on those that you do know where to place.</div> </div> |style="background: #003300;" | [[File:Wikivoyage sysop.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == Budget flights in country articles == There is disagreement about whether adding cheap flight destinations to Go next sections of country articles is beneficial for Wikivoyage. I think it is better to discuss this with all the community. Perhaps [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] and [[User:SHB2000]] would like to sum up the arguments. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:24, 25 May 2022 (UTC) :For a bit of a starter, this is specifically referring to "Go next" sections – I don't have anything against adding them in "Get in", though this should be in the relevant airport or city article. :I've already made my argument in [[User talk:Flightnavigator#Your revert]], but I'll mention it here: :* Wikivoyage is a guide for everyone, not just budget travellers – what Flightnavigator has been adding is not appealing to everyone, and in fact discourages some people like me to go there. :* This gives an impression that "ultra-low-budget flights" are the standard way of getting from one destination to another. Should budget flights be added, then normal flights that are not budget flights should also be added :* This same information is spammed across articles, and in some cases, it's very unrealistic – do you really think someone would really travel from [[Iceland]] to [[Poland]] only because of cheap flights? (see [[Special:PermaLink/4447268#Go next]] for what I'm talking about) :* Building upon the previous point, the same information on "ultra-low-cost" repeated in every country article makes Wikivoyage less interesting to read, somewhat like the solar eclipse situation we have :* In some cases, Flightnavigator seems to have been selective in where the budget flights are rather far away or unrealistic, such in the case of many European destinations. :So that sums it up and why I am strongly opposed to adding budget flights in country go next articles. Wikivoyage is a guide for everyone, and not just budget travellers. Presenting information which makes it look like travelling on a budget flight is the primary way does not [[ttcf|serve the traveller]], because not everyone wants to go on budget flights – in fact in some parts of the world, many care more about comfort rather than cost. My removal of this information is so Wikivoyage is '''not''' budget traveller-centric, and the same thing repeated in every single makes it worse. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:51, 26 May 2022 (UTC) :: I'd prefer to leave travel specifics such as flights to 'Get in'. Mentioning which bordering/neighbouring countries you can visit is usually sufficient for 'Go next' unless you're writing about an island that's only accessible from one or two faraway countries, and even then you don't want to be writing a 'Get in' section in reverse. And I agree with SHB that repeating information with narrow appeal across multiple articles doesn't improve Wikivoyage for most of its users. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:43, 26 May 2022 (UTC) ::: You are usually not able to choose from where to fly in, while you might choose your next destination based on flight prices, so Go next is more logical. On the other hand, you should look in Get in for transport details anyway, so you'd just need to take a look before deciding. The only thing that would be illogic is where the cheap flights are just one way (out), but that can be said in a few words, and choosing the words right you could even say that while talking about getting in. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:55, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::: I am not sure I agree about restricting this to airport and city articles. You tell about flights in Get ins of countries, and it'd be logical to say something about price also there ("most budget flights use A, although there are some cheap flights also to B and C"). :::: Few would fly from Iceland to Poland just because there is a cheap flight to there, but somebody on their way from America via Iceland to Europe for a [[European rail passes|Eurail]] holiday could very well choose to use that flight instead of Berlin or Frankfurt, which might have been their first thought. We do mention more far-fetched go-next options in some articles. :::: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:05, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::Rail is usually cheaper than flying in Europe, right? So if we wanted to cater to the ultra-low-budget traveler, I don't think we'd be mentioning flights within Europe at all. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:11, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::: Rail to Iceland requires some preparations that most travellers wouldn't do :-) Also getting from Poland to Finland might be much cheaper by plane than by alternative means. I assume these are not the only examples. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:49, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::A destination you never thought about can very easily become your next destination if prices are enticing. I've definitely planned trips around cheap transportation to places I previously had no plans to visit. Is Poland really such an off-putting place that people can't imagine anyone willingly choosing to visit? Is this just about Country articles? For cities, for example, I think nearby destinations (on the ground) are preferable in the "Get out" section. For countries, I suppose places accessible by air could make sense, but nearby countries when they exist, still makes the most sense to me. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 07:08, 29 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Likewise, do you also think someone will go to the [[Canary Islands]] from Morocco just because of cheap flights? (see [[Special:Diff/4417910]]). The Canary Islands are a popular travel destination from Morocco, but budget flights are '''not''' the prime reason why many visit the Canaries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:46, 29 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Looking at your link: If flights from Morocco are particularly cheap to the Canary Islands compared to flights from all/most other places that service it (especially if the others are more commonly used or traveled) then it's a noteworthy detail. It reads as if flights for everywhere are cheaper, though, so that makes the Canary Islands seem less worth specifying. If flights from Morocco are universally cheaper, it may be worth mentioning but reframing it without the CI focus. Also, if the Canary Islands are particularly affordable from Morocco, that doesn't mean other things that make it worthwhile cannot be added. Most of the "problem" seems to be that no one has added anything else to the "Get out" sections. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 09:33, 29 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And that's another case of something that's only appealing to you. Likewise, would you really travel from Georgia to the UAE because of cheap flights? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:50, 30 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I have at least one friend who will fly off somewhere at the drop of a hat because she found a super-cheap flight in the middle of a new wave of COVID (she's also had COVID 3 times). I have no problem with mentioning cheap flights, except for one thing: Can we really expect things to be updated when those flights become expensive and somewhere else becomes cheap? Also, my friend won't go '''anywhere'''; she has no interest in having a vacation in Dubai, but did go to Lisbon when there were $300 round trip flights from San Francisco through Boston. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:59, 30 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::I don't think the argument that cheap flights don't inspire travel is convincing, but you are right that the "cheap flights" need to be stable or the cheapness in comparison to other flights needs to be mostly stable. It couldn't be based on a travel sale or something temporary. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 05:51, 30 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::Agreed. Cheap flights do motivate travellers who are interested in the locations in question. But if, for example, it's easy to get cheap flights to Dubai from a whole slew of places in Europe and the Caucasus, I'm not sure that should be mentioned in every article for a place with its own airport throughout those regions. Instead, maybe it should be mentioned in the [[Dubai]] article and in "Go next" for the relevant multi-national regions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:03, 30 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::20 days later, Flightnavigator has not commented since then and nobody has made a convincing argument against the budget traveller-centric content going out-of-date. Any last minute objections before I remove this from all country articles? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:34, 20 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Based on the prior discussion there seems to be a consensus for keeping the info on budget flights though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 18:01, 20 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I think outline information on budget flights should be kept. In country articles probably the most useful thing is to say which airports the budget airlines use. Precise details of destinations and prices is likely to go out of date, but budget flights will often continue to use the same "cheaper" airports. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:38, 20 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::But surely not in 'Go next'? These sections have always been brief, with travel specifics going to the relevant 'Get in'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:36, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::Agreed. It should be in the "Get in" section. Those who are saying "You can't choose where you go in from" are just not using the "Get in" section to its full potential. If you are in a city, the "Get in" section can give you ideas on where you can go easily and/or cheaply FROM that location much better than the "Get out" section, which is meant for quick and convenient daytrips. I would say that's the best use of the "Get in" section in many cases. It wouldn't make sense to list [[Tsuyama]] in [[Tokyo]]'s "Get out" section, because it's far and not likely to even make the top 100 list of places someone would go from Tokyo. However, if you look at [[Tsuyama]]'s "Get in" section, you can see that there is actually a direct, comparatively cheap night bus to Tsuyama from Tokyo. You could use that if you are in Tokyo to "Get in" to Tsuyama, but more likely you will use it if you are in Tsuyama to figure out how to get to Tokyo cheaply. [[Tokyo/Shinagawa]]'s "Get in" section also lists [[Tsuyama]], but again, the most likely use for this is to realize that you can go all the way to Tsuyama cheaply from Tokyo/Shinagawa. No one is going to go to the Shinagawa article hoping to find information specifically about how to visit Shinagawa from Tsuyama. In this case Tsuyama is there, but very few articles have information specific to someone traveling from Tsuyama. The "Get in" section of Tsuyama is the best place to learn how to travel outward FROM Tsuyama. This is true for every destination that isn't of similar status to [[Paris]]. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 12:19, 21 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::The section you're talking about is called "Go next", and it is not at all only for day trips, but at least as much for logical places to literally go next and stay at. So for [[New York City]], that includes Philadelphia, Boston and DC, only one of which (Philly) is really fairly reasonable as a day trip but all of which are logical places to visit for several days or more. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:28, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::I should have said "nearby", but in most articles they will be almost the same. I don't think NYC is a very good example of a typical city or city article anyway since it's a megacity that, to be honest, could just as easily list Los Angeles in the Go Next given that it's "the other city" that foreign travelers who want to visit NYC most often mention. The NYC article also lists Montreal and all of New England, so it has room for improvement. But that is all besides the point, which was that you can use the "Get in" section however it benefits you. And that I don't think the Go Next of country articles should generally list extremely far off places in place of neighboring countries, so stable discount or cheap flights should be in "Get in" not "Go next". [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 12:35, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::::Montreal is questionable to list in [[New York City#Go next]], but Boston is not, IMO. I wasn't disputing your points on country articles and don't have any strong opinion on the point you're arguing; I just wanted to deal with the side point on Wikivoyage not having "Get out" sections and "Go next" sections not being at all exclusively about day trips. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:14, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::Alasdair, this is about them going in "go next", not in get in. I'm not going to repeat my arguments again, but in simple words, Flightnavigator spammed a bunch of country articles with "There are cheap flights to xxx", which is way too budget traveller-centric. I don't have a problem with budget flights being listed in "get in", but this should really be in the relevant airport, city or in rare cases, park article – not in a country article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:12, 23 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::I am fine with moving the budget flights from "Go next" to "Get in" and sumarising it in the process. With the possible exception of short distance travel experiences like hiking tracks or steam trains, practical travel details belong in get in, not go next. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:46, 23 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Tai123.123, where's the consensus? Nobody gave a convincing argument as to why they should be mentioned in "Go next". I'm aware the section header is misleading, but this is about budget flights being mentioned in "Go next", not "Get in". <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:14, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::Sorry, I misunderstood your statement as you never stated where you were removing info from. I thought you were going to remove all budget flight info, not just the flights in Go Next. There seems to be consensus for removing it from go next. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 00:12, 24 June 2022 (UTC) :Does WN have any statistics about its audience? For example, a breakdown by age of the audience. :In this particular example I believe that the older you are the less you care about the price of the flight (up to a limit?) and the more you care about convenience: comfortable seating, meals, good connections, timing, Etc. Also, I think(?), older people are more concerned about COVID and prefer to travel by automobile, when at all possible. [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 16:21, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::It has been 1.5 months and as Flightnavigator simply hasn't bothered to comment along with clear consensus, I'll be removing all budget flights from "Go next" in the next few days. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:27, 11 July 2022 (UTC) == "neighbourhood maps" == I've always wondered on how these should be formatted. They're not usually standard in district articles (and in fact, the only one I could find was [[Sydney/City East]]), but I did a small experiment today with [[Canberra/Civic]] with the use of a "neighbourhood map" (or whatever they're called). It did leave me with three questions though, merely because we don't have other examples of such maps and I'd like some answers before I implement more of these maps. # Which section should a map like this go in? For [[Canberra/Civic]], I chose "districts", but [[Sydney/City East]] has it in an "Orientation" section in Understand # Do the duplicate maps pose an issue? # Do these maps help? I guess it helps to sort of know which neighbourhoods are in a certain district, but then you don't ''need'' to know, and it might appear too encyclopedic. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:23, 13 June 2022 (UTC) :I don't have any advice for you or answers to your questions, but I like what you've done. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 13 June 2022 (UTC) :: [[Image policy#Minimal use of images]] and [[WV:Map]]: do we really need to display multiple dynamic maps in one article? It seems redundant and tiresome to me. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 17:30, 13 June 2022 (UTC) ::: Can't we integrate the neighbourhoods into the normal map. Probably opacity should be tweaked for them not to dominate. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:02, 13 June 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|LPfi}} [[Special:PermaLink/4467260]] is what it would look like if we merged the maps together. As someone with visual impairments, I find the second map (the one with listings) hard to read with all the colours as all the listings look cluttered, making it hard to identify where the POI is located. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 14 June 2022 (UTC) ::::: I lessened the opacity of the districts. Is <s>[[Special:Permalink/4467746|this]]</s> [[Special:Permalink/4467763|this]] still hard to read? It could still be lessened a tad if needed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:56, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::My eyes still prefer the map without the mapmasks, and I think the older map is easier to read for people with visual impairments. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:11, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::: OK. I undid the edit. I hope you noticed that I linked the previous version (oops), now fixed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:10, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think that the neighborhood map ''needs'' to be dynamic, but since dynamic is what we've got/until someone wants to make a static map, I've no objection to it being a dynamic map. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:28, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I might be in the minority, but I actually think a dynamic map is better for all region articles, and not just bottom level region articles, and it brings me to the question; are there any users here who can make a static map? I've tried to make several static maps before, but unfortunately [[Wikivoyage:How to draw static maps]] is either unclear or out-of-date, and the only successful one that I've managed to draw was [[:File:Mungo NP static map.svg]], and that also looks terrible. Anecdotally speaking, the only time where I've found a static map way more helpful was when I was in [[Yosemite National Park]] earlier this year (and T-mobile was not that great in the [[Sierra Nevada]], but I didn't really need the map since it was a second visit to Yosemite). They're often difficult and time consuming to make, and they become hard to modify when change is required. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::::I'm sure they have all of those downsides, but I understand that dynamic maps don't print properly, which is also a problem. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:11, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Yes, I can make static maps, although I do not have much experience with this particular kind of map. I've never done it for WV, because it's a lot of work if you want to do it right. I don't really think it's worth the effort: 1) I'd never use a WV map (static nor dynamic) for actual navigation. That's what navigation apps (preferably with offline options) and proper paper maps are for. 2) I've been meaning to update the static map in [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] for years now. But it's a raster graphics file, so in order to make clean changes, I'd basically have to re-create the whole map ([[Wikivoyage:How to draw static maps]] has some really bad advice in that regard). Even if it was SVG, I'd probably rather make a new one, because there's only so much you can do in a graphics program compared to something like Qqis. 3) The styles for static city/district and especially country/region maps look like it's still 2007. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 15:40, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Ibaman}} I made a static map but it's togglable. Does it still look a bit redundant? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:25, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ==API Key== On this map it says [https://wikivoyage.toolforge.org/w/poimap2.php?lat=-40.850425&lon=172.447319&zoom=16&layer=W&lang=en&name=Heaphy_Track API key required] when you switch to relief maps. Not sure who to raise this with to see about getting it fixed? [[User:Doc James|<span style="color:#0000f1">'''Travel Doc James'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Doc_James|talk]] · [[Special:Contributions/Doc_James|contribs]] · [[Special:EmailUser/Doc_James|email]]) 17:01, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :Just going by [[phab:T170976|this old phabricator task]], it seems that tool has been depreciated in favour of [[Heaphy_Track#/map/0/10/-40.7681/172.5609|Kartographer]] — are you able to use that instead? [[User:TheresNoTime|TheresNoTime]] ([[User talk:TheresNoTime|talk]]) 20:35, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::The mapframe in [[Heaphy_Track#Walk]] doesn't appear to show the issue with the relief map layer. It appears that is only an issue with the full page map (from the icon at the top right of most pages. I think that mapframe is Kartographer based, but I don't know about the full page map. (It is worth keeping the full page map as it has some features missing from mapframe as is better for printing.) [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:38, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == [[Nizamabad]] == This article needs major cleanup, copyedited a bit the best I can. Are there any templates for articles needing cleanup or copyediting? [[User:Rubbish computer|''Rubbish computer'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my'' [[User talk:Rubbish computer|''talk page'']]) 19:08, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :Yes, such as "style," but the problem is that they seldom produce any corrective action, so my advice to you would be, do what cleanup you can and post remarks to that article's talk page with comments about other work that should be done. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:32, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::Hi {{u|Ikan Kekek}}, will do, thanks for the response. [[User:Rubbish computer|''Rubbish computer'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my'' [[User talk:Rubbish computer|''talk page'']]) 21:35, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == Help archiving a talk page == Could someone please help me archive [[Talk:Bulgaria]]? I've already copied the old comments to a subpage and linked the subpage in the main talk, you only have to delete the old discussions. I can't do that because I'm too new and trying to do that triggers the page blanking filter. I want to start a new discussion about regions, and the old stuff on the talk page has made it unwieldy. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 16:59, 17 June 2022 (UTC) :It's done. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 17:12, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ::If you want to discuss regions, we should unarchive the previous regions discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 17 June 2022 (UTC) == "Regional County Municipality" and "Agglomeration" article titles == We need to change all of these article titles that don't merit deletion. What's the best way to do it? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 June 2022 (UTC) :There is a discussion underway at [[Talk:Mont%C3%A9r%C3%A9gie]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:46, 18 June 2022 (UTC) == Article on bridges == I wonder if there are any engineers here who would be able to write an article on famous bridges. Of course, the ones that immediately come to mind are New York City's Brooklyn Bridge, London's Tower Bridge, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but I believe there would be numerous others that could be mentioned in such an article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:12, 20 June 2022 (UTC) == Desktop Improvements update == [[File:Table of contents shown on English Wikipedia 02.webm|thumb]] ; Making this the new default Hello. I wanted to give you an update about the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|Desktop Improvements]] project, which the Wikimedia Foundation Web team has been working on for the past few years. Our work is almost finished! 🎉 We would love to see these improvements become the default for readers and editors across all wikis. <span style="background-color:#fc3;">In the coming weeks, we will begin conversations on more wikis, including yours. 🗓️</span> We will gladly read your suggestions! The goals of the project are to make the interface more welcoming and comfortable for readers and useful for advanced users. The project consists of a series of feature improvements which make it easier to read and learn, navigate within the page, search, switch between languages, use article tabs and the user menu, and more. The improvements are already visible by default for readers and editors on more than 30 wikis, including Wikipedias in [[:fr:|French]], [[:pt:|Portuguese]], and [[:fa:|Persian]]. The changes apply to the [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=vector}} Vector] skin only, although it will always be possible to revert to the previous version on an individual basis. [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=monobook}} Monobook] or [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=timeless}} Timeless] users will not notice any changes. ; The newest features * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Features/Table of contents|Table of contents]] - our version is easier to reach, gain context of the page, and navigate throughout the page without needing to scroll. It is currently tested across our pilot wikis. It is also available for editors who have opted into the Vector 2022 skin. * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Features/Page tools|Page tools]] - now, there are two types of links in the sidebar. There are actions and tools for individual pages (like [[Special:RecentChangesLinked|Related changes]]) and links of the wiki-wide nature (like [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]]). We are going to separate these into two intuitive menus. ; How to enable/disable the improvements [[File:Desktop Improvements - how to enable globally.png|thumb|[[Special:GlobalPreferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|{{int:globalpreferences}}]]]] * It is possible to opt-in individually [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|in the appearance tab within the preferences]] by selecting "{{int:skinname-vector-2022}}". Also, it is possible to opt-in on all wikis using the [[Special:GlobalPreferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|global preferences]]. * On wikis where the changes are visible by default for all, logged-in users can always opt-out to the Legacy Vector. There is an easily accessible link in the sidebar of the new Vector. ; Learn more and join our events If you would like to follow the progress of our project, you can [[mw:Special:Newsletter/28/subscribe|subscribe to our newsletter]]. You can read the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|pages of the project]], check [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Frequently_asked_questions|our FAQ]], write on the [[mw:Talk:Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|project talk page]], and [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates/Talk to Web|join an online meeting with us]]. Thank you! [[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]] ([[User talk:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|talk]]) 16:59, 21 June 2022 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:SGrabarczuk_(WMF)/sandbox/MM/En_fallback&oldid=23430301 --> :Thank you. :Most of our pages use the pagebanner template to display the table of contents rather than the standard method. Will this be impacted by your proposed changes? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:58, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::At least in the current version they seem to get along quite well. Page banner still works, but there's an additional TOC in the side bar. You can try for yourself by enabling ''Vector (2022)'' in your preferences. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 14:22, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::Try it out: :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Main_Page?useskin=Vector-2022 (still cropping the first image, so we only get half of Australia) :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Random?useskin=Vector-2022 :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Random?useskin=Vector-2022&tableofcontents=0 (with the floating Table of Contents disabled) :::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:31, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks. That looks fine. ::::Looking at an example page, it does appear that slightly less page width is allocated to the article and more to the left column, but I haven't investigated, and the different appearance may be an improvement. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:49, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ; Join us on Tuesday Join an online meeting with the team working on the Desktop Improvements! It will take place on '''28 June 2022 at [https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20220628T1200 12:00 UTC] and [https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20220628T1900 19:00 UTC]''' on Zoom. '''[https://wikimedia.zoom.us/j/5304280674 Click here to join]'''. Meeting ID: 5304280674. [https://wikimedia.zoom.us/u/kc2hamfYz9 Dial by your location]. The following events will take place on 12 July and 26 July. The meeting will not be recorded or streamed. Notes will be taken in a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G4tfss-JBVxyZMxGlOj5MCBhOO-0sLekquFoa2XiQb8/edit# Google Docs file] and copied to [[etherpad:p/web-team-office-hours|Etherpad]]. [[mw:User:OVasileva_(WMF)|Olga Vasileva]] (the Product Manager) will be hosting this meeting. The presentation part will be given in English. At this meeting, both [[foundation:Friendly_space_policy|Friendly space policy]] and the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Code_of_Conduct|Code of Conduct]] for Wikimedia technical spaces apply. Zoom is not subject to the [[foundation:Privacy_policy|WMF Privacy Policy]]. We can answer questions asked in English and [[mw:Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates/Talk to Web/28-06-2022|a number of other languages]]. If you would like to ask questions in advance, add them on the [[mw:Talk:Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|talk page]] or send them to sgrabarczuk{{@}}wikimedia.org. We hope to see you! [[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]] ([[User talk:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|talk]]) 21:44, 23 June 2022 (UTC) {{tracked|T311771}} :I have just posted a new topic here and immediately had to edit it. See: :https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage%3ATravellers%27_pub&type=revision&diff=4472722&oldid=4472721 [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:22, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]],@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:22, 25 June 2022 (UTC) :::This needs [[User:Whatamidoing (WMF)|work-me]] to file a Phab ticket. Thanks for letting me know. I'm curious: could you see the <nowiki><blockquote> tags in the visual editor while you were typing? Did you paste them in, or type them, or use a keyboard shortcut?</nowiki> [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 05:25, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks for your prompt reply @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]],believe it or not my memory of this incident is already fuzzy in my memory. I know I originally typed in the ''< blockquote >'' tag, but I may have copy&mpasted it later (I sometimes do that if I have to go investigate somewhere else before posting a half-baked post). ::::I also discovered since, that this version of the software implemented on wiki-voyage (it is different on other wmf-wikis I participate on) has two alternative modes of input (undocumented?): ::::*Visual ::::and ::::*Source ::::I think I was originally put on '''Visual''' by default, but now I am on '''Source''' by default, and I am also seeing a preview pane which was not there before, I think? It would also be great if I could add an edit summary, which I can using the shall-we-call-it-reply software elsewhere. ::::I hope I am making sense in this garbled reply? [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 14:41, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Click on the "Advanced" option above the copyright/licensing statement. Most people don't use a meaningful/custom edit summary in discussions, but you can add one if you want to. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:18, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::::: Edit summaries are very useful also for discussions, especially at busy pages like the pub. It is often the case that some of the threads have gone down some less interesting paths, and I read them only if somebody brings up a new point (mentioned in the edit summary). When there have been new posts in several threads, I might miss some of them, unless the edit summary caught my attention on the watchlist. And the most irritating of all: making an edit to existing posts without telling that in the summary – I scroll down to the end of the thread, find nothing new, check earlier pre-outdent posts, finding nothing there, search for today's date, no match, then click history and diff, to finally find that change of phrasing or whatever, which often didn't add anything of value to what I've already read. Please write "ce" or whatever. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:38, 1 July 2022 (UTC) == Is COVID over? == I was surprised to see this announcement on <nowiki>https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases</nowiki> : <blockquote> As of 20 June 2022, ECDC is discontinuing the data collection and publication of the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths worldwide. Please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) data on COVID-19 and the WHO Weekly Epidemiological and Weekly Operational Updates page for the non-EU/EEA countries. ECDC will continue providing weekly updates for EU/EEA Member States and report on an ad-hoc basis about significant events related to COVID-19 globally. ECDC has been collecting data on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths for all countries in the EU/EEA and globally for more than two years. The data collected by ECDC will continue to be available in an archived format.</blockquote>< So it appears that the EU thinks COVID is no longer an issue? [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:06, 25 June 2022 (UTC) :COVID will never be "over", in that it will not stop circulating in our lifetimes, but broadly speaking people's lifestyles will continue to get closer to how they were before the pandemic. Evidently ECDC has decided not to publish this particular set of data anymore, but if I understand correctly, other sources are still publishing substantively the same data for the time being. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:07, 25 June 2022 (UTC) : It is definitely not over. Current statistics are available from many sources, none 100% reliable. [https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries Worldometers] Probably the most worrisome number is that there are still 18.75 million active cases (diagnosed but not yet either dead or recovered) plus some infected but not diagnosed; those can spread the disease. The US still has about 3.3 million active cases, though that number has been falling. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:59, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :: I don't know whether Finland is typical for EU, but here the government more or less gave up on COVID-19 in early spring. They decided that it is spreading too fast to be stopped, that with most of the population triple-vaccinated "few" get a serious disease, and life has to go on. It seems people took them on the word, I think that less than one in ten is using masks. Incidence and death toll have been record high (statistics on cases is unreliable though, as people don't get official tests), but there are only some critical voices. Non-vaccinated have restrictions on passing the border (tests or quarantine required) but vaccinated EU-citizens can come and go as they please, nightclubs etc. are crowded, and big events are taking place like they used to. You can still find masks and tests in any shop, not as in Denmark where that is finished too. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:55, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::Yes, in Finland COVID hasn't been the main news topic for several months (partially also due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine). On 1 July they're dropping also the entry restrictions and health controls for people entering from outside the Schengen and in shops I've as of lately seen discounts on home tests and masks being "phased out from our product selection". The Department of Health and Wellbeing (THL) publishes [https://www.thl.fi/episeuranta/tautitapaukset/coronamap.html statistics] showing cases and deaths have dropped remarkably since the spring. So at least for the moment it seems to be over, but one can never know what the situation looks like in the autumn. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:33, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::: Confirmed cases per 100,000 per 14 days is still in the hundreds, even though you aren't recommended to take an official test unless you get serious symptoms (as in needing hospital care). In some professions the tests are still taken, I assume. Anyway, the incidence – if counting factual cases – seems to be at least as bad as in the late autumn. 30% of actual tests are positive, when the figure used to be ~1% before the vaccines. There are about 10 persons in intensive care, while the number was about 50 at the worst time. Much better now, but far from over. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::: The health care centre still recommends mask use. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:03, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::Data collection has ended, but I don't think the EU considers COVID to no longer be an issue. I think we should leave, in current circumstances, the COVID notice on our [[main page]] until the end of the year, pending future updates on its spread. Apart from that notice and international travel information, COVID is barely mentioned on this wiki. I think the current notices in place make sense in our environment. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 13:15, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::Right now, the focus where I am in [[New South Wales]] is mostly the flu (for the record, I've caught it twice within the last 31 days, with the last time just 4 days ago, hence why my editing activity has increased). The only news of COVID that I've really been hearing is either about COVID in China, or about our lockdown last year. However, as some countries still have restrictions on entry, I would say keep the COVID banner on the main page until September, and if September is deemed too early, then we can do another review then. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:51, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::In New South Wales, masking is still compulsory on public transport and the majority of people follow the rule. There is also a 7-day isolation rule if you test positive. I disagree about messaging only being about the flu. Public messaging from the government and media has always been about a dual virus winter here over the past few months (encouraging both vaccinations, etc.). In any case, this wiki is about travel, not just living in one's own city. Travellers started to get affected by Covid-19 from Janaury 2020, not March 2020 when most countries first went into lockdown. International travel will also be the last activity/industry that will fully return to normal so it makes sense to keep the notice for a while longer. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 14:34, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::To me, if the purpose is to help people, it can be removed. I don't think the article has been helpful for at least a year if ever. If the purpose is just to have something there, then it could stay or go. I don't think it's necessary to leave it up until every last country has lifted every restriction. Japan hasn't had any meaningful changes in its policies for 2 years in spite of less severe variants and vaccines, but it is already an outlier and becoming increasingly so. The country articles should still have information about entry which is basically the only information people care about. Leaving it until then end of the summer (September) as suggested seems reasonable though. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 14:52, 27 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} Most of the world has transitioned to living with the virus. The main exceptions are Japan, China and Taiwan. In the case of China, most of the elderly are unwilling to get vaccinated, and given how Hong Kong's hospitals were overwhelmed (to the point that the mortuaries ran out of space and bodies of COVID victims were piling up in the wards) during their last surge due to the same problem, I don't think China will reopen for the forseeable future. They might want to wait until all these unvaccinated elderly die of other causes before they reopen to foreigners. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:12, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :The idea that the pandemic is over is absurd and highly premature. I would strongly suggest for us to wait until at least the end of the year before jumping to conclusions, because it's quite likely that there will be another surge in the fall, and the large number of unvaccinated people around the world are a great source of new strains. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:04, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::I think whether "the pandemic" is over depends a lot on how you define "a pandemic". It's basically a political definition, not a biological one, so reasonable people and organizations can disagree on whether the current state should still be called "a pandemic". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::: Whether it is still a pandemic by some definition is less relevant. Are the restrictions stable enough that they are better handled together with other entry requirements, and in Cope, or in the current boxes? Is the disease different enough (as disease and as a social phenomenon) that it warrants its own article instead of being a bullet in [[Infectuous diseases]]? I think restrictions still vary fast enough that ease of maintenance is important, and then a template is the better solution, and people still see it as different from the flue and tuberculosis. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:39, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::The [https://www.medicinenet.com/pandemic/definition.htm definition of "pandemic"] is basically a medical one. If you'd like to say that the definition of "high degree of death" is a political one, that's another question. "The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627,000 in 2020" per the [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria WHO], yet it's considered endemic to Africa, rather than even epidemic. Why? I think in significant part because those with enough money to stanch the death rate mostly live outside of Africa and prefer to ignore the deaths, plus it doesn't get spread around the world in areas with no types of mosquitoes that are vectors. But saying that the definition of "pandemic" is basically political is odd, because most people hadn't heard the word used at all until 2019-20, or at least not since at least the days when AIDS was out of control in their countries (and again, Africa suffers from less medical care; see the pattern?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:48, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::The definition of pandemic varies between sources. Is it an epidemic [https://books.google.com/books?id=3Dr8dyuzvTkC&pg=PA179#v=onepage&q&f=false "crossing international boundaries, and usually affecting a large number of people"]? How do you define "affecting", and what constitutes "a large number" of people? Those are both political choices. Is it instead something that happens [https://www.britannica.com/science/pandemic "over a wide geographical area and that is of high prevalence, generally affecting a significant proportion of the world’s population"]? Who decides what constitutes "high" prevalence, and "a significant proportion"? Basically, people make these decisions. They'll decide that these effects are really "affecting" you but these others aren't (e.g., every new version of the common cold), or that the people affected aren't "large" or "significant" enough, or that (as with the malaria decision) the key point is that it happens all the time at a fairly stable rate within each population, rather than being new. (Some definitions say that pandemics must always be a new disease, or at least one that almost nobody has immunological resistance to; others don't.) :::::People – not science – pick which definition to apply (different definitions for different conditions), people decide which effects "count" and whether enough people are affected, and then people decide whether to apply this label. There have been hard-and-fast definitions for some similar concepts in the past, but pandemic is a somewhat flexible concept. ("School epidemic" in some places has been defined as a certain percentage of enrolled students being out of school with the same disease/symptoms. An old friend of mine accidentally set off a measles epidemic in her high school in the 1950s. She caught it somewhere, unwittingly brought it to school, and it turned out that almost none of the students in her school had had measles before. The teachers were mostly fine, but a huge number of students were out sick over the next month.) :::::Here at the English Wikivoyage, though, I think LPfi has good advice. We should consider it from the practical angle rather than the "does the current situation technically match my preferred definition" angle. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:56, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::It seems to me, the most likely way to have fair definitions of medical concepts is to let public health authorities and not politicians define them. In any case, I think that it's fairly clear that COVID-19 remains a serious disease that's affecting travel in various ways, so we shouldn't be in a rush to deemphasize it and should let the crisis play out. Seeing how there's been a surge each Northern Hemisphere fall, I would suggest waiting till we see what happens in January, 2023 (i.e., after any effects of Christmas/New Years travel and get-togethers are clear) before possibly making any decisions about a fundamental change in coverage here. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:14, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::Personally, I think that late January 2023 would be a fine time to discuss it. Christmas travel includes Epiphany in some countries, and if you add two or three weeks after that to find out what happened, then we should have fairly clear information. :::::::Thinking long-term, one possibility is to consider a seasonal cold-and-flu-and-covid page. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:36, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::That could be a good thing in the longer term, if it's not felt to be giving short shrift to other threats like malaria, zika, dengue, Lyme disease and so forth. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:39, 30 June 2022 (UTC) == Flying hotel? == [https://www.ladbible.com/news/sky-hotel-will-fly-5000-guests-20220627 Hotel That Never Lands Set To Fly 5,000 Guests Through Sky] Not built yet & I can see no significant advantages, but interesting. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:40, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :How many centuries before it is technically possible? The engines (which look like existing jet engines) require nuclear fusion which might just be available on the ground at the end of this century. Consider how difficult inflight refuelling is, then multiply by 100 when you try to use a lift to transfer passengers to another plane inflight. Maybe Wikivoyage will have reviews of it in 3022! [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:57, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::That looks about as absurd as the ''Titanium Turkey'' from [[:w:TaleSpin|TaleSpin]]. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 10:05, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::Inflight refuelling... like in the [[w:Stealth (film)|Stealth]]? [[User:Veracious|Veracious]] ([[User talk:Veracious|talk]]) 10:24, 15 July 2022 (UTC) == Separate cuisine articles considered harmful == Do we ''really'' need to separate out a single country's food/drink into separate articles, like [[Vietnam#Eat]] vs [[Vietnamese cuisine]]? Most readers will not click through on the little ''Main'' links, so in practice this seems to lead to an awful lot of duplication, since anything dropped from the main article just gets added back in because it's "missing". The size savings are marginal, eg. Vietnamese cuisine is 20k bytes vs over 150k for Vietnam even with the sad, truncated food section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 04:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :{{re|Jpatokal}} I'm not so sure on this one. Some cuisine articles such as [[American cuisine]] have an awful lot of encyclopedic content, while others like [[Thai cuisine]] or [[Central European cuisines]] don't duplicate their parent articles, they simply aren't long enough to warrant a separate article. We do have a lot of other good cuisine articles like [[Georgian cuisine]] or [[Chinese cuisine]] that ideally all cuisine articles should follow suit. But what about [[Overseas Chinese cuisine]]? It obviously doesn't go in [[China#Eat]], and is way too long to go in the 76,733-byte [[Chinese cuisine]] article. We did have a discussion about these cuisine articles earlier this year (see [[Talk:Food and drink#Renewed discussion for 2022]]), so maybe it's time to revive that discussion again. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:21, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::I had only gotten started looking through cuisine articles here and comparing them to their Wikipedia counterparts and any Wikipedia subtopic article, with some help from you and several other people, but it would be good to complete the survey, even if only to start again, because of course some articles have been significantly improved since I started. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:28, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::Instead of getting bogged down in individual articles, I would suggest we go up a level and get agreement on a) when separate cuisine articles are needed/beneficial, and b) how do we draw the line between what goes into the main article and what should go into the cuisine article. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 09:12, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::First, if you haven't looked at the discussion thread linked above, do, because we've already gotten into that discussion in regard to several articles, but at the simplest level, the reason to start a "cuisine" article is if and when there's too much information for it to really fit in a country (or sometimes region) article, just as is the case with "Driving in" articles and so forth. And whenever that happens, a summary should be left in the relevant section of the country article, with a link to the spinoff article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:45, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Perhaps we can reorganise these articles by region instead of by ingredients and types of dishes. Then we can describe what to expect of the cuisines of each region, and what dishes to try. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:16, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::I don't know what you mean, in particular by "region," which can mean a group of several countries or an area within a country. If you mean a group of countries, I don't know how logical it would be to conflate Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian and Burmese cuisines, just because they're all in Southeast Asia, or for that matter, Spanish, French and German cuisines because they're all in Europe. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:42, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::We could discuss your suggestion more at the linked thread, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:42, 29 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} In the case of Vietnamese cuisine, we could discuss the differences between Northern, Central and Southern Vietnamese cuisines, and if someone knows enough, perhaps some of the ethnic minority cuisines as well. And likewise, Thai cuisine can be broadly divided into Lanna, Isaan, Central Thai and Southern Thai cuisines. And in the case of Malaysia, there are also many local specialities, so laksa in Penang is not the same as laksa in Sarawak for instance. Unfortunately, I have never been to Kajang, but I have been told that their satay is a little different from our satay in Singapore. 19:49, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :Of course. As this is a travel guide, we need all articles to focus on travel, and letting people know what dishes you can expect in x, y and z region and whether there's a particular place or set of places to get the best a and b should be part of the heart of Wikivoyage cuisine articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:08, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::Precisely, so I am suggesting this as a way to make the cuisine articles more directly relevant to travel. So people can then know what to expect as they travel around the country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:27, 29 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{re|Ikan Kekek}} ''"if and when there's too much information for it to really fit in a country"'' So where do we draw the line at what's "too much information"? AFAIK there's no real technical limit (Mediawiki caps out at 2 MB per page), so is the concern that people won't scroll if it gets too long, that the articles will devolve into encyclopedic lists of dishes, or what? Also, "Driving in X" articles are only relevant to people who want to drive in X. Everybody has to eat, and we don't spin out "Sleeping in X" articles (even when that section gets really long, eg [[Japan#Sleep]]), so I don't think we should do that for any other top-level heading either. I have no objection to regional cuisine articles spanning several countries though, as long as they form a cohesive whole (Singaporean and Malaysian, sure; "Asian", nope). [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:50, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :You make good points. Of course, "too much information" is always a judgment call. I'd again invite you to have a look at [[Talk:Food and drink#Renewed discussion for 2022]]. I do have some preliminary thoughts, though: Yes, everyone has to eat, but not everyone cares greatly what they eat, as long as it's in their price range, doesn't make them sick and gives them energy. I know people like that. And then there's a continuum, the other end of which would be a trip specifically or mainly to dine. Similarly, we have a [[Grand old hotels]] article for people who prioritize a particular type of accommodations and have or save up money to indulge. Leaving a useful summary is not the same as merging an article like [[Georgian cuisine]] into the [[Georgia (country)]] article. If you'd favor doing that, we really have something to talk about, and I suppose since this discussion is continuing here, it'll eventually be swept to [[Talk:Food and drink]]. I would note that some cuisine articles have been judged to be too short and light on information to stand on their own and have been merged and redirected to the "Eat" sections of country or even multi-country region articles. See [[Talk:Balkan cuisines]], [[Talk:Benelux cuisines]]. I feel like we can and should judge each "Eat" section and each cuisine article on its own, but if you'd like to propose to merge and redirect every one to "Name of Country#Eat", I would suggest to you that that is not optimal, but that if you want to make that suggestion, you have to argue that in regard to the very best cuisine articles on the site, the ones that are guide-rated. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]], I just looked at [[Vietnamese cuisine]]. It's not very good, and for an "Eat" section, [[Vietnam#Eat]] is quite a detailed summary that I think is more tightly organized than the cuisine article. I agree with The dog2 that reorganizing the article by region, with remarks about the character of regional cuisines and then subsections by type of dish, may be more helpful that the current organization. Right now, I definitely see why you could prefer to just merge the additional information and redirect, and I don't oppose that outcome, as the watchword, as always, is [[The traveller comes first]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:24, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :::I wouldn't be opposed to spinning off Sleep sections into "Accommodation in X" if the section gets too long. There are detailed blogs and online articles on the hotels/motels, campsites, Airbnb sitautionm etc. of a particular destination so it is certainly feasible. I suspect they haven't been created because the topic in general is more boring than cuisine, shopping or other sections. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 03:39, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ::::"Everyone has to eat", but not everyone wants to explore the cuisine of a country. There are people who travel to other countries to see the sights, but prefer to seek out familiar cuisine or eat only in their hotels. ::::When a subject is branched off from a country article, usually it ends up being expanded because writers no longer feel the constraint of overwhelming the main article, so more information is available to readers. There should always be a concise summary in the country article, but details should be branched off. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 14:00, 4 July 2022 (UTC) == How to fix a bunch of grey unnecessary markers on the map? == {{mapframe|55.7773|37.6062|zoom=9}} {{Mapshape}} {{Mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[Moscow/Central-East|Moscow Central-East]]|wikidata=Q1412002|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[Moscow/Zelenograd and New Moscow|Zelenograd and New Moscow]]|wikidata=Q207695,Q462497,Q462589|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Mapshapes|Q5499}} <!-- Moscow Metro --> Results as shown on the map, how to fix a bunch of grey unnecessary markers on the map? Can help? thanks. [[User:Yuriy_kosygin|✈ IGOR]] ／ [[User talk:Yuriy_kosygin| ✉ TALK?!]] ^{''．WIKIVOYAGER !''} 17:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Yuriy kosygin|Yuriy kosygin]] We've discussed this quite a number of times before. The issue is this data comes from OpenStreetMap and there's no way to remove the unnecessary grey markers unless you completely comment out the transport lines. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::Alas... Wikivoyage is really weak, I'm afraid we'll have to draw the route own. [[User:Yuriy_kosygin|✈ IGOR]] ／ [[User talk:Yuriy_kosygin| ✉ TALK?!]] ^{''．WIKIVOYAGER !''} 15:34, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::There has to be a way to fix this idiocy on OpenStreetMap, but in the meantime, we need to eliminate this crap from our site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Could we make the gray actually be 100% transparent? It would still be visible, but perhaps not such a disaster. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:38, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::If I recall correctly, the issue at hand was that we couldn't make the distinction between line elements and point elements. I don't master Lua myself, so I can't make sense of whether this would be a viable workaround for [[Module:Mapshapes]]. @[[User:Andree.sk|Andree.sk]], any words on this? <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 18:22, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::: Mapshapes is just a thin helper to instantiate {{tl|mapshape}}, which is the main culprint. In turn, that one uses the kartographer stuff, which can't be trivially adjusted. But there may be some hacks, I'll try to try something in the coming weeks... -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 20:47, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::The only other solution is to manually trace out the route on geojson.io and then add it to the article (see [[Canberra/Acton]] for an example of how this is done) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::While I don't question this working, it does come with a substantial downside: It's not 'automatically' updated whenever the line changes route (in reality, OSM-contributors update it and we import the dataset they edit). This leaves us with a lot of extra work, which I expect will get out of date quite quickly. Perhaps not for metro's, but definitely for trams or BRT's. Drawing the lines ourselves can work for cities that see regular edits or that have docents capable of editing GeoJSON data (and willing to do so). I strongly prefer making Mapshapes work, even if it's a workaround over manually doing the work ourselves. <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 08:30, 1 July 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} At the German Wikivoyage I added a rule to [[MediaWiki:Kartographer.css]] which hides the grey pushpin markers. <syntaxhighlight lang="css"> /* Removing grey pushpin markers on mapframe maps */ img[src$="pin-m+7e7e7e.png"], img[src$="pin-m+7e7e7e@2x.png"] { display: none; } </syntaxhighlight> Unfortunately, I cannot make the edit by myself. But I am sure your admins can do it. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 09:24, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :{{ping|Andyrom75}} given you're the only active interface admin here, can you add the three-line code? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:16, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::I checked the positions of the markers, and they are the stops/stations of the public transport lines. However they don't give the name of the stop, but only the name of the line. The name of the line is already displayed by clicking the line. So, with the present marker texts, no new info is available. If the marker info would have the name of the stop it indicates, displaying them could be useful. I tested from which zoom level displaying the markers is not disturbing anymore, and came to zoom level 14-19 may show the markers, below 14 not. And this zoom level dependent conditional showing of the markers should only be done if the markers contain the names of the stops. If it is impossible to have the names of the stops in the markers, markers should never be shown. --[[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 11:18, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :::While I agree that they could be useful to some extent, the thing is that we can't properly make the distinction between lines, polygons or points/markers in the data that we fetch from OpenStreetMap. At present we also cannot import the names of these stations/halts (I believe this data gets lost between Wikidata and OSM, but I might be wrong). Roland's solution above is just a workaround that hides the marker, but the point itself stays on the map albeit invisible. So long as we can't make the distinction properly, we sadly can't implement these markers in a more useful way either. For that distinction to be made, the Kartographer extension needs additional functionalities, which we've been asking for for several years already. Until we get that, it's either hiding the markers or accepting them as-they-come, the latter of which is a lot less popular. <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 12:48, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], do we have any other admins who can do this? Another option would be using JavaScript, but using CSS is much cleaner... Also, alternatively to 'display: none', we could change opacity to e.g. 0.3, that also looks quite ok. -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 09:31, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::I really don't know. I hope other admins are reading this thread. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::This needs an interface admin to do it and as far as I'm aware, {{ping|Andyrom75}} is the only interface admin who has been active recently. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:38, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say it wouldn't hurt to have at least 2-3 people with those permissions - even if they need guidance for doing technical changes... -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 10:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:WOSlinker|WOSlinker]] maybe, then? -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 10:51, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Sorry guys, I've read the conversation just right now. ::::::[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]], I have created [[MediaWiki:Kartographer.css]] as per your code, but not so much time for testing. The gray POI has disappeared; it's enough? Any side effect to be checked? ::::::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for pinging me twice. Next time, in case of emergency, leave a message on my it:voy talk page. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 16:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::It helped, thanks both to you and Roland! :) -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 19:28, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::: There are no side effects. The names of the pushpin images contain their colors, and this particular color is not used elsewhere. Of course, the way proposed is a workaround not a real solution but it is useful. The grey pushpin markers are present up to now, but they are invisible (hidden). --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 04:23, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]], thanks for your confirmation. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 10:00, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::: Brilliant work. Thanks to everyone who contributed to finding a workaround.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:52, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Is this something that we should share with other wikis? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:15, 14 July 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} A permanent solution to this problem has been implemented but not published for whatever reason (see https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T292613). --[[User:Renek78|Renek78]] ([[User talk:Renek78|talk]]) 14:14, 16 July 2022 (UTC) == Results of Wiki Loves Folklore 2022 is out! == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{int:please-translate}} [[File:Wiki Loves Folklore Logo.svg|right|150px|frameless]] Hi, Greetings The winners for '''[[c:Commons:Wiki Loves Folklore 2022|Wiki Loves Folklore 2022]]''' is announced! We are happy to share with you winning images for this year's edition. This year saw over 8,584 images represented on commons in over 92 countries. Kindly see images '''[[:c:Commons:Wiki Loves Folklore 2022/Winners|here]]''' Our profound gratitude to all the people who participated and organized local contests and photo walks for this project. We hope to have you contribute to the campaign next year. '''Thank you,''' '''Wiki Loves Folklore International Team''' --[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 16:12, 4 July 2022 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Tiven2240@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Non-Technical_Village_Pumps_distribution_list&oldid=23454230 --> == Using a separate colour for freeways on static maps == [[File:Greater Brisbane regions map.png|thumb|350px]] Right now, our current Wikivoyage style for static maps is to use red for a main road, while use yellow for secondary roads. While the criteria for what's a main road and what's a secondary road is fairly arbitrary and up to whoever's making the map to decide, I was wondering whether we should consider using a different colour for freeways/motorways? While I'm still new to this static mapmaking business, I personally find such a distinction of what's an ordinary road and what's a freeway useful, and many people often either want to use freeways or try to avoid them. Our dynamic maps already use a different colour for freeways, so why not static? I wanted to make such a distinction when I made a static map for [[Greater Brisbane]] today (on right), but such a change would be against Wikivoyage-style, so I'm asking the community for input; and if we do use a separate colour to distinguish freeways from normal roads, what would it be? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:24, 5 July 2022 (UTC) [[File:Southern Tasmania regions.png|thumb|350px]] :I tried using orange to identify freeways in the map of Southern Tasmania that I just created (on right). Is it obvious that the route coloured orange means a freeway? (I really want answers so I can take note of what I should do differently for my next static map) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:32, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :: What a colour means is never obvious, unless you know something about the destination. The colour could just mean "main highways" or whatever. :: I think that there are many more things that might be interesting for at least some travellers, and most travellers to some destinations. How do we show good cycling routes? Roads with good bus service? Nice pedestrian routes? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:14, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think any colour schemes are immediately obvious wordwide. For a UK map, I would be tempted to use the same as some OS maps - blue for motorways, red for A roads, brown for B roads and yellow for minor roads, but some UK road atlases use green for A roads as this is the colour used on road signs. Another complication is the use of different colour fills for regions - a yellow road on a yellow background isn't good - spot the roads going to Richmond in Southern Tasmania. :::Is it possible to use slightly different line widths to indicate road importance? We also need to allow for things like long distance walking tracks or off-road cycle routes. As both examples have a lot of sea, they could have a key explaining the colours. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:45, 5 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Agreed. Map making 101: Every map needs a legend (key), and every symbol used in that map (intuitive or not) needs to be explained in that legend. That way you can add whatever is needed. Having a consistent style for static maps is a ''nice to have''; it should not get in the way of making maps ''useful''. ::::The color issue mentioned by AlasdairW is part of of a bigger problem: The different elements used in the map are unbalanced in terms of contrast (color, saturation, brightness) and visual weight (size, thickness). ::::1) The lines used for the roads are too thin in relation to everything else. After enlarging enough to properly see the roads, the text labels are way larger than they need to be. This is a static map: pick one scale and apply it consistently, using an appropriate degree of generalization. ::::2) Visual importance of borders (thickness, color contrast of the white vs. area colors) is too high given that areas already have different colors. Line thickness of borders is also inconsistent in the second map. ::::3) In general, having areas colored that heavily (dark & saturated) creates all kinds of problems for the visibility of makers, line elements and text labels. "Brisbane" in the first map is practically unreadable, for example. In [[:File:Georgia_regions_map2.png]], for example, that is much less of an issue due to different color choices. ::::Unfortunately, the region maps template is basically calling for many of these problems to occur. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 13:41, 6 July 2022 (UTC) [[File:Southern Tasmania regions map.png|thumb|350px]] :::::I've added a key to the Southern Tas static map (on right). How does this look? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 9 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::But unfortunately, I have to agree with El Grafo that our region maps are at the very least, unreadable and awful-looking. If I had to design a static map from the start, this is not the way I would do it, but unfortunately the community is unwilling to accept that, in this very day and age, dynamic maps are far superior to static maps. There are few people who can edit static maps in the first place, and the two only editors (excluding myself) that I'm aware of who have even edited in the past month are {{u|Shaundd}} and {{u|SelfieCity}}. The only reason I'm making these maps is because our policy favours static maps in region articles but otherwise I think we need to revamp the region maps template. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:15, 9 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a minor point, but I like the color scheme you are using. It feels just the right amount of trendy/modern/not outdated. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:11, 9 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I do like the lighter colours in the color scheme though. From [[Template:StdColor]], T1, T6, T8 and T9 feel a bit too dark (hence what's causing these problems), but a static map does look very nice if the right colors are used. So far, my favorite has to be the map I made for [[Southeastern New South Wales]], and I've been trying to make more maps like that. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:37, 10 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::: Hi {{u|SHB2000}}, I think it's fine if you want to experiment a bit use different colours and distinguish motorways. I did motorways differently for a while on maps I drew but eventually stopped because I felt it was more detail/clutter than benefit and it became another colour that had to integrated with the colour palette (which didn't always work). ::::::::: I also agree with the others above that our standard colours don't always work. I ended up moving away from them so I could get a better contrast between the region colour and the text (improves readability quite a bit). -[[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] ([[User talk:Shaundd|talk]]) 07:05, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::: The problem may be that our regional map template colors were not originally designed to accommodate details like roads. They work fine for plainer regional maps like [[New York (state)]] or [[Massachusetts]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 20:34, 15 July 2022 (UTC) == Road signs == There have been some discussions and addition and removal of galleries related to European road signs. As European non-driver it is hard for me to guess what signs are important to explain e.g. for US drivers. As the signs are pictogram-based, many of them are intuitive, but certainly not all. I assume other European editors also don't know what would be optimal, so I think we need others to weight in. There are some galleries in [[Driving in Europe]] and more for individual countries. As the variation is small between continental EU countries, there is little need for duplication per se, but I don't know to what extent one can assume drivers to read both the European article and the ones for individual countries (which have their peculiarities). Do drivers study traffic law or traffic signs before driving in a new country? I assume they are not, at least not to any great degree, but I might be wrong, and that would of course affect what we need to tell. Some of the articles became rather picture-heavy with a few less-established editors doing a lot of editing regarding images. I think we shouldn't apply our minimal-use-of-images policy to hard, as most images in these articles are informative rather than decorations. Some are of course also needed to give a feeling for the driving environment. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:57, 11 July 2022 (UTC) :As a US driver, I think that stop signs and signs for speed limits would be the most immediately necessary. You can't really drive anywhere if you don't know those two. There are others that might be useful (e.g., Yield) but won't turn up as often. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:00, 11 July 2022 (UTC) ::EU driver here. Wikipedia has a great [[:w:Comparison of European road signs]]. Road signs in Europe are indeed pretty consistent and mostly follow the Vienna conventions. I think it would make sense for the individual ''Driving in country X'' articles to mostly rely on (and prominently link to) a central article about that (e.g. [[Driving in Europe]] or the Rules section of [[:w:Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]]), so that the country articles can focus on pointing out where the country diverges from the norm in a way that could cause confusion. ::So for example, [[Driving in Europe]] would tell you that stop signs are always stop sign-shaped, always stop sign-colored and ''almost'' always use the word STOP, whereas [[Driving in Turkey]] might tell you that Turkey is pretty much the only country in Europe where they use local language (DUR) instead of STOP. [[Driving in Ireland]] might feel tempted to point out that the country uses [[:w:Comparison_of_MUTCD-influenced_traffic_signs|MUTCD-style]] warning signs, but that's probably more of a ''nice to know''. Pointing out that they (apparently) use [[:w:Belisha beacon]]s for pedestrian crossings would probably be a good idea, though. [[Driving in the Netherlands]] would probably talk about the relevance of blue vs. yellow curbs for parking rather than re-iterating that the prohibitory signs are round? ::Looking at existing ''Driving in X'' articles, I feel that ::* most of the example pictures in [[Driving_in_France#Traffic rules]] are unnecessary, as they are no different from other European countries and thus redundant to [[Driving in Europe]] (currently not linked). ::* [[Driving in Portugal#Road signs]] contains so many redundant examples that it's difficult to identify the ones that are specific to Portugal. ::* [[Driving in Sweden#Road signs]] and [[Driving in the United Kingdom#Road signs]] are mostly redundant too, but at least they stick to the important ones. ::*I don't know how I feel about the use of miniature versions of road signs in lists in [[Driving in Norway#Rules and regulations]] and [[Driving in Iceland#Rules and regulations]]. ::The other articles listed in [[Driving in Europe#Countries]] loo fine to me. Links to [[Driving in Europe]] are largely missing, though. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 14:49, 12 July 2022 (UTC) :::Australian driver here. Our signage is very similar to US signage, but with four major exceptions: :::* we have give way signs as opposed to yield signs :::* passing cars is called overtaking as passing is only used when you pass cyclists :::* signs that are only used RHS countries are flipped (e.g. roundabout signs) :::* our speed signs is a mix of both US and EU speed signs; we have that white background but use the red circle ([https://goo.gl/maps/uRJbytw9jRVq4SRC9 a sign in the NT for ref]) :::Sometimes we do have our own minor modifications, such as exit signs (cf. [https://goo.gl/maps/nR3uHo2B9Qb75mSp9 US] and [https://goo.gl/maps/JaiaKyXX9qtMvaQGA Aus (specifically Qld)]), but whenever I travel to the US, I've never had an issue with understanding signage. For the record, from my limited experience in NZ, they look very similar to Australian signs but with a few minor differences. :::In Europe, were very different to what I saw in Aus or the US, but thankfully due to standardised signs, I did not have a problem when travelling in different countries (the signs in Norway, albeit different were very similar to the signs in France). However, most EU signs were self-explanatory, so for the most part, comprehending them wasn't a problem. In South and Southeast Asia, they weren't standardised, but they were very similar. ::: Re [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s comment: I understand speed signs (though they're pretty much the same everywhere outside the US, Canada and maybe Liberia), aren't stop signs the same, octagonal sign everywhere? I've yet to see a stop sign that isn't red and octagonal. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:57, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::[[File:Japan_road_sign_330-B.svg|thumb|What's this?]] ::::Most places are using red octagons, frequently even with the English word "STOP", but not quite everywhere. Even in places where the red octagon is common, there may be a few old signs that haven't quite been replaced yet or the occasional variation, like [[:File:Blue stop sign - hawaii - oct 2015.jpg|Hawaii's blue stop signs]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:56, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::After doing more digging, it seems [[:File:Cuban Stop Sign.svg|Cuba's stop sign]] is also triangular (like Japan's), but if a country uses the standard octagonal sign, wouldn't it simply make more sense to write that in plain text? (e.g. New Zealand's stop sign is exactly the same as in Australia or the United States or something like that) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:07, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It seems stop signs are among the most standardized signs worldwide, both in areas that use Vienna convention and MUTCD-style signs. I'd go so far to say that they are not worth mentioning (let alone showing) at all unless they actually diverge from that de-facto norm (red and white octagon). <small>Interestingly enough, you can actually find the Cuban design in the [[:w:Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]] as an alternative design.</small> [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 08:58, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::The "Cuban design" is (or was) a fairly common alternative. It was being installed in the UK up to 1975, and in Italy to 1990. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:06, 13 July 2022 (UTC) == Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass == :''<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div>'' Hi all, Community members in the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022|2022 Board of Trustees election]] are invited to [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Community_Voting/Election_Compass|propose statements to use in the Election Compass.]] An Election Compass is a tool to help voters select the candidates that best align with their beliefs and views. The community members will propose statements for the candidates to answer using a Lickert scale (agree/neutral/disagree). The candidates’ answers to the statements will be loaded into the Election Compass tool. Voters will use the tool by entering in their answer to the statements (agree/disagree/neutral). The results will show the candidates that best align with the voter’s beliefs and views. Here is the timeline for the Election Compass: July 8 - 20: Community members propose statements for the Election Compass July 21 - 22: Elections Committee reviews statements for clarity and removes off-topic statements July 23 - August 1: Volunteers vote on the statements August 2 - 4: Elections Committee selects the top 15 statements August 5 - 12: candidates align themselves with the statements August 15: The Election Compass opens for voters to use to help guide their voting decision The Elections Committee will select the top 15 statements at the beginning of August. The Elections Committee will oversee the process, supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance team. MSG will check that the questions are clear, there are no duplicates, no typos, and so on. Best, Movement Strategy and Governance ''This message was sent on behalf of the Board Selection Task Force and the Elections Committee'' [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 13:26, 11 July 2022 (UTC) == Crazy new feature idea -- personal itineraries == What if we had a way for a user (probably a logged-in user) to save individual listings to a custom itinerary? (Not a [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|Wikivoyage Itinerary]], just in the generic sense of the word.) Or even save individual listings to a Google Map? Some way a user could record places he or she wants to go? [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 20:37, 15 July 2022 (UTC) :Something kinda like this? [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500/test places]] --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 23:29, 15 July 2022 (UTC) ::Roughly, but see my response to WhatamIdoing well below. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::The way I understand the idea, is it's like a personalised version of an article, that lists only the POIs that the owner is interested in. That is already doable by a manual copy-and-paste, but I assume the idea is for something more high-tech, where the user could just tap or click a button on a listing in [[Prague]], which copies the listing over to [[ThunderingTyphoons!' Prague itinerary]]. ::That seems like a great idea to me, but I don't know how to implement it.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:22, 16 July 2022 (UTC) *{{o}} First of all, there are multiple issues with this proposal. The first and the foremost is that most readers don't have an account and IP users are not allowed to have user pages or user subpages; IPs periodically change over time so if we are going to be the only Wikimedia project that openly allows such, then we're going to have to do some serious janitorial work in deleting these subpages after a few months. Additionally, this is going to require some brand new tools and gadgets that will take a lot of time – really not worth the time and effort. Finally, saving individual listings to Google Maps is against our [[what not to link to]] policy, so no, I oppose this proposal. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:04, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::What do you mean, IP users are not allowed to have user pages or subpages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:32, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::I don't know whether it's a global policy or a policy only on Meta-Wiki and I think Wikipedia too, but as far as I'm aware, both those projects speedily delete IP userpages or IP subpages as IPs aren't permanently assigned to one user. Our policies don't seem to say anything about this, but maybe {{u|WhatamIdoing}} might be able to explain this better. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:41, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::::enwiki allows IP user pages, for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:220.101.28.25 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:81.168.80.170 [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 14:39, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::::We do, too. IPs' user pages are never deleted here unless they are spam or vandalism. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:50, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Those seem to be at least a decade old though. I just tried making one and the software wouldn't allow me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:23, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::That's very disconcerting. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:07, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I managed to create one, first ensuring I was in an incognito window. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 23:25, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::With respect, SHB2000, I think your objections are ill-considered. Firstly, I didn't say anything about IP user pages or subpages; there may very well be ways to implement this that don't rely on them. Second, while it's true that this would require some development effort, you don't even attempt to make a case that the benefit isn't "worth the time and effort". Yes, it would be a lot of effort, but if the return is great enough, it might still be "worth it". (I'm not making a claim either way, just pointing out that you failed to support yours.) Third, [[what not to link to]] is about things that are better done here on Wikivoyage; if you're claiming it shouldn't be on Wikivoyage in the first place, then [[what not to link to]] doesn't apply. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Okay, so if I wasn't clear enough, here's a longer but briefer explanation. Such a tool would work very similar to the already existing editor, but maintaining such scripts is ''very'' difficult (I do maintain a few of these scripts IRL) and even if this went ahead, there are a few issues: :::* Like the listing editor, users will need to have javascript enabled. Without javascript, it simply won't work. :::* If this tool just copies down all the important pieces of a listing to a separate page, the tool needs to give attribution in the edit summary – otherwise, it's a violation of our copyleft license. :::* This won't work for outline articles that have little to no content :::* Users might be intimidated if they want to edit the listing – I'm guessing only maybe 1 or 2 per cent of our readers will know what Wikidata is (which is one of the main sources we use to get coordinates). :::What more, this exact same thing can be done with [http://geojson.io/#map=10/-34.9602/149.1497 geojson.io]. We have few editors who actively maintain scripts like these, and only a fraction out of the few who can will be willing to spend a lot of time and effort into something that isn't even really worth spending that much time anyway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 19 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks for explaining further, but I really think you're getting hung up on implementation details that might not even apply for some of the directions we could go with this feature. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 12:11, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Powers, were you thinking about individual listings (first the museum, then the restaurant, back to the hotel), or about destinations (San Francisco, then Napa Valley, then Yosemite)? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:07, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::Individual listings. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) * What's stopping a user from creating a personal itinerary in userspace under current policy? I'm curious as to the need for a change. As for as I'm concerned, I could create an itinerary in userspace based on an OSM map, and surely, it wouldn't be deleted as out of scope? I'd prefer for the above reasons to avoid Google Maps. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:22, 18 July 2022 (UTC) *:I already have that: [[User:AlasdairW/Testpage]]. This is currently showing a few places that I stayed in in 2018. At that time it was used to send to friends showing where I would be staying on a trip - they got the dates etc in an email that linked to this page. *:I would support having a policy that explicitly allowed such a page (for signed in users), as they might be more inclined to also update the article pages at the same time. I think that such pages should stick to using our mapframes, although I would be happy with a tool that allowed a list of lat/longs to exported for use with other tools including Google maps, car GPS systems etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) *:Well, willingness and ability to edit wiki pages, primarily, as well as the cumbersome need to copy+paste listings. I'm envisioning a one-click kind of "add to personal itinerary" button on each listing. The use case would be a non-editor coming to Wikivoyage to learn about a destination (or several related ones) and assembling a list/map of highlights she wants to be sure to hit on her trip. Can she just write them down somewhere, or copy+paste them to a personal Google map? Sure, but the proposed feature would remove several steps. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 12:11, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == New user ban nomination == There's a new [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations|user ban]] nomination going on to ban a fairly long-term contributor and any input is more that welcome. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:58, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :Thanks for alerting us to this. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:22, 18 July 2022 (UTC) == Movement Strategy and Governance News - Issue 7 == <div style = "line-height: 1.2"> <span style="font-size:200%;">'''Movement Strategy and Governance News'''</span><br> <span style="font-size:120%; color:#404040;">'''Issue 7, July-September 2022'''</span><span style="font-size:120%; float:right;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7|'''Read the full newsletter''']]</span> ---- Welcome to the 7th issue of Movement Strategy and Governance News! The newsletter distributes relevant news and events about the implementation of Wikimedia's [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Initiatives|Movement Strategy recommendations]], other relevant topics regarding Movement governance, as well as different projects and activities supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance (MSG) team of the Wikimedia Foundation. The MSG Newsletter is delivered quarterly, while the more frequent [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Updates|Movement Strategy Weekly]] will be delivered weekly. Please remember to subscribe [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/MSG Newsletter Subscription|here]] if you would like to receive future issues of this newsletter. </div><div style="margin-top:3px; padding:10px 10px 10px 20px; background:#fffff; border:2px solid #808080; border-radius:4px; font-size:100%;"> * '''Movement sustainability''': Wikimedia Foundation's annual sustainability report has been published. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A1</tvar>|continue reading]]) * '''Improving user experience''': recent improvements on the desktop interface for Wikimedia projects. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A2|continue reading]]) * '''Safety and inclusion''': updates on the revision process of the Universal Code of Conduct Enforcement Guidelines. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A3|continue reading]]) * '''Equity in decisionmaking''': reports from Hubs pilots conversations, recent progress from the Movement Charter Drafting Committee, and a new white paper for futures of participation in the Wikimedia movement. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A4|continue reading]]) * '''Stakeholders coordination''': launch of a helpdesk for Affiliates and volunteer communities working on content partnership. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A5|continue reading]]) * '''Leadership development''': updates on leadership projects by Wikimedia movement organizers in Brazil and Cape Verde. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A6|continue reading]]) * '''Internal knowledge management''': launch of a new portal for technical documentation and community resources. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A7|continue reading]]) * '''Innovate in free knowledge''': high-quality audiovisual resources for scientific experiments and a new toolkit to record oral transcripts. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A8|continue reading]]) * '''Evaluate, iterate, and adapt''': results from the Equity Landscape project pilot ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A9|continue reading]]) * '''Other news and updates''': a new forum to discuss Movement Strategy implementation, upcoming Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees election, a new podcast to discuss Movement Strategy, and change of personnel for the Foundation's Movement Strategy and Governance team. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A10|continue reading]]) </div><section end="msg-newsletter"/> [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 22:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) == "PIN codes" == This redirect was created to go to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]], but I daresay, most non-<s>Australians</s>Indians have never heard of this term in a postal context and would expect it to link to an article about banking. Please express your opinion at [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]]. Should we create a disambiguation for two terms that are not destinations, or should we delete the redirect? Those seem to me to be the only two reasonable options. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:12, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :PIN-pass, you pay cash or are you PIN-ing, and more, are usual expressions in The Netherlands.--[[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 06:17, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::Right, but this is treating "PIN codes" as an <s>Australian</s>Indian postal expression, and I'm saying that's too obscure to non-<s>Australians</s>Indians to be a good redirect. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :First of all, remember, [[w:WP:CHEAP|redirects are cheap]] – there is really no point in discussing pointless redirects. The first sentence of [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy#Redirects]] explicitly says "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names.". :Secondly, what made you think that this was an Australian term? The page I linked, [[English language varieties#Connect]] explicitly mentioned that it's sometimes redundantly called such in India (whilst redundant, again, redirects are cheap). Did you think that it was an Australian term just because I created it? I honestly had no idea what that meant before my first trip to India (and I'll add that my driver did constantly mention "PIN code", not "PIN"). :Thirdly, this could have really been handled in a much better way. Unless it's something major (e.g. userban nominations, major proposal change or something alike), this should go in [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment]], not in the pub. Perhaps you missed "If you'd like to draw attention to a comment to get feedback from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]."? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:17, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::People pay more attention to the Pub. I thought about also putting the announcement in Requests for comment but got lazy. But confusing redirects aren't cheap. If you really want to fight this, then yes, a nomination will need to be made at [[vfd]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:30, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :::Btw, sorry if anything about this annoys you, and sorry for getting wrong where "PIN code" comes from, but I also felt like you decided to ignore my reply about how confusing redirects are not cheap, so I had to do something in order to generate more discussion, and I don't think there's any important matter of protocol involved in whether notice is given in requests for comment as well as the pub. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Now there's a Votes for deletion thread, [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]. Feel free to put a notice on Requests for comment if you like. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:21, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election == :''<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election/Short|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election/Short}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div>'' Hi everyone, The Affiliate Representatives have completed their voting period. The selected 2022 Board of Trustees candidates are: * Tobechukwu Precious Friday ([[:m:User:Tochiprecious|Tochiprecious]]) * Farah Jack Mustaklem ([[:m:User:Fjmustak|Fjmustak]]) * Shani Evenstein Sigalov ([[:m:User:Esh77|Esh77]]) * Kunal Mehta ([[:m:User:Legoktm|Legoktm]]) * Michał Buczyński ([[:m:User:Aegis Maelstrom|Aegis Maelstrom]]) * Mike Peel ([[:m:User:Mike Peel|Mike Peel]]) You may see more information about the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Results|Results]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Stats|Statistics]] of this Board election. The Affiliate organizations selected representatives to vote on behalf of the Affiliate organization. The Affiliate Representatives proposed questions for the candidates to answer in mid-June. These answers from candidates and the information provided from the Analysis Committee provided support for the representatives as they made their decision. Please take a moment to appreciate the Affiliate Representatives and Analysis Committee members for taking part in this process and helping to grow the Board of Trustees in capacity and diversity. These hours of volunteer work connect us across understanding and perspective. Thank you for your participation. Thank you to the community members who put themselves forward as candidates for the Board of Trustees. Considering joining the Board of Trustees is no small decision. The time and dedication candidates have shown to this point speaks to their commitment to this movement. Congratulations to those candidates who have been selected. A great amount of appreciation and gratitude for those candidates not selected. Please continue to share your leadership with Wikimedia. What can voters do now? [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Results|Review the results of the Affiliate selection process]]. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election|Read more here about the next steps in the 2022 Board of Trustee election]]. Best, Movement Strategy and Governance ''This message was sent on behalf of the Board Selection Task Force and the Elections Committee''</translate><br /><section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 19:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Another copyvio site == Just as an FYI, I found another copy of Wikivoyage a few days ago: [https://www.travelerandfree.com/ Traveler and Free]. This one is a mirror site, which updates in real time (go ahead and find this very post on their mirror of the Pub!). It's not copyleft-compliant: there's no credit given to WV, and each page has a fraudulent copyright symbol on it. There seems to be real people behind it, as the same site hosts a blog that appears to be original content. On Monday, I sent an email to the address listed on their contact page, and have also notified Wikimedia Legal. Will let you know if there are any developments. [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:35, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Their [https://www.travelerandfree.com/terms_of_service terms of service] reads an absolute joke to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Ah, I didn't spot that, but Legal might be interested. It expressly forbids other sites to mirror it! ::Forgot to mention that it's not just a mirror of en.wikivoyage, but of all the language additions.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:57, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == alternative-indy culture == Anyone knows of good guide to alternative-indy culture in any Wikivoyage language? --[[User:Zblace|Zblace]] ([[User talk:Zblace|talk]]) 19:59, 21 July 2022 (UTC) 96my4a9y6yb4b6dcraxlouum133raww 4487931 4487912 2022-07-21T20:16:48Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* alternative-indy culture */ wikitext text/x-wiki {|style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em" |- | style="text-align:left"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px;">'''<span style="color:#454442;">Welcome to the pub</span>'''</div> {{shortcut|[[WV:Pub]]|[[WV:TP]]}} <span style="color:#454442;">The Travellers' Pub is for general discussion on Wikivoyage, and the place to ask questions when you're confused, lost, afraid, tired, annoyed, thoughtful, or helpful. To start a new topic, click the "Add topic" tab, so that it gets added '''at the bottom''' of the page, and sign your post by appending four tildes (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>)</span> <div style="color:#454442;"> Before asking a question or making a comment: * Have a look at our [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], [[Wikivoyage:FAQ|FAQ]] and [[Wikivoyage:Policies|Policies]] pages. * If you are a '''new user''' and you have any questions about using the website, try the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|Arrivals lounge]]. * If you have a '''question or suggestion about a particular article''', use the article's [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]] to keep the discussion associated with that article. * If you'd like to '''draw attention to a comment''' to '''get feedback''' from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]. * If you are '''wanting travel advice on a specific matter''' see the [[Wikivoyage:Tourist office|Tourist Office]]. * If you have an '''issue you need to bring to the attention of an administrator''', try [[Wikivoyage:Vandalism in progress|Vandalism in progress]]. * If you are having a '''problem that you think has to do with the [[mw:|MediaWiki software]]''', please post that on [[phab:|Phabricator]] instead. * If you want to '''celebrate a significant contribution''' to Wikivoyage by yourself or others, hold a party at [[Project:Celebrate a contribution|Celebrate a contribution]]. * Discuss '''issues related to more than one language version''' of Wikivoyage in the [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge|Wikivoyage Lounge]] on Meta. * Anything that is '''Nigeria-related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Nigeria café|Nigeria café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives and celebrations as well as issues with certain articles. * Anything that is '''Kosovo or Albania related''' is now meant to go in the [[Wikivoyage:Kosovo and Albania café|Kosovo and Albania café]] instead. This includes announcements, initiatives and celebrations as well as issues with certain articles. <big>'''Pull up a chair and join in the conversation!'''</big><br> [{{fullurl:Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|action=edit&section=new}} '''Click here to start a new thread''']</div> |style="background: #003300;" | [[File:QA_icon_clr.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {|style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em" class="nomobile" |- | style="text-align:left"| <div class="toccolours mw-collapsible" style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 0px solid #abc;"> Experienced users: '''Please sweep the pub''' <div class="mw-collapsible-content">Keeping the pub clean is a group effort. If we have too many conversations on this page, it gets too noisy and hard to read. If you see an old conversation (i.e. '''a month''' dormant) that could be moved to a [[Project:using talk pages|talk page]], please do so, and add "{{[[Template:Swept|swept]]}}" there, to note that it has been swept in from the pub. Try to place it on the discussion page roughly in chronological order. * A question regarding a destination article should be swept to the article discussion page. * A discussion regarding a policy or the subject of an expedition can be swept to the policy or expedition discussion page. * A simple question asked by a user can be swept to that user's talk page, but consider if the documentation needs a quick update to make it clearer for the next user with the same question. * A pointer to a discussion going on elsewhere, such as a notice of a star nomination or a request to comment on another talk page, can be removed when it is old. Any discussion that occurred in the pub can be swept to where the main discussion took place. Any discussions that do not fall into any of these categories, and are not of any special importance for posterity, should be archived to '''[[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub/Archives]]''' and removed from here. If you are not sure where to put a discussion, let it be—better to spend your efforts on those that you do know where to place.</div> </div> |style="background: #003300;" | [[File:Wikivoyage sysop.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <!-- Discussions start here --> __TOC__ __NEWSECTIONLINK__ == Budget flights in country articles == There is disagreement about whether adding cheap flight destinations to Go next sections of country articles is beneficial for Wikivoyage. I think it is better to discuss this with all the community. Perhaps [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] and [[User:SHB2000]] would like to sum up the arguments. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:24, 25 May 2022 (UTC) :For a bit of a starter, this is specifically referring to "Go next" sections – I don't have anything against adding them in "Get in", though this should be in the relevant airport or city article. :I've already made my argument in [[User talk:Flightnavigator#Your revert]], but I'll mention it here: :* Wikivoyage is a guide for everyone, not just budget travellers – what Flightnavigator has been adding is not appealing to everyone, and in fact discourages some people like me to go there. :* This gives an impression that "ultra-low-budget flights" are the standard way of getting from one destination to another. Should budget flights be added, then normal flights that are not budget flights should also be added :* This same information is spammed across articles, and in some cases, it's very unrealistic – do you really think someone would really travel from [[Iceland]] to [[Poland]] only because of cheap flights? (see [[Special:PermaLink/4447268#Go next]] for what I'm talking about) :* Building upon the previous point, the same information on "ultra-low-cost" repeated in every country article makes Wikivoyage less interesting to read, somewhat like the solar eclipse situation we have :* In some cases, Flightnavigator seems to have been selective in where the budget flights are rather far away or unrealistic, such in the case of many European destinations. :So that sums it up and why I am strongly opposed to adding budget flights in country go next articles. Wikivoyage is a guide for everyone, and not just budget travellers. Presenting information which makes it look like travelling on a budget flight is the primary way does not [[ttcf|serve the traveller]], because not everyone wants to go on budget flights – in fact in some parts of the world, many care more about comfort rather than cost. My removal of this information is so Wikivoyage is '''not''' budget traveller-centric, and the same thing repeated in every single makes it worse. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:51, 26 May 2022 (UTC) :: I'd prefer to leave travel specifics such as flights to 'Get in'. Mentioning which bordering/neighbouring countries you can visit is usually sufficient for 'Go next' unless you're writing about an island that's only accessible from one or two faraway countries, and even then you don't want to be writing a 'Get in' section in reverse. And I agree with SHB that repeating information with narrow appeal across multiple articles doesn't improve Wikivoyage for most of its users. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:43, 26 May 2022 (UTC) ::: You are usually not able to choose from where to fly in, while you might choose your next destination based on flight prices, so Go next is more logical. On the other hand, you should look in Get in for transport details anyway, so you'd just need to take a look before deciding. The only thing that would be illogic is where the cheap flights are just one way (out), but that can be said in a few words, and choosing the words right you could even say that while talking about getting in. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:55, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::: I am not sure I agree about restricting this to airport and city articles. You tell about flights in Get ins of countries, and it'd be logical to say something about price also there ("most budget flights use A, although there are some cheap flights also to B and C"). :::: Few would fly from Iceland to Poland just because there is a cheap flight to there, but somebody on their way from America via Iceland to Europe for a [[European rail passes|Eurail]] holiday could very well choose to use that flight instead of Berlin or Frankfurt, which might have been their first thought. We do mention more far-fetched go-next options in some articles. :::: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:05, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::Rail is usually cheaper than flying in Europe, right? So if we wanted to cater to the ultra-low-budget traveler, I don't think we'd be mentioning flights within Europe at all. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:11, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::: Rail to Iceland requires some preparations that most travellers wouldn't do :-) Also getting from Poland to Finland might be much cheaper by plane than by alternative means. I assume these are not the only examples. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:49, 28 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::A destination you never thought about can very easily become your next destination if prices are enticing. I've definitely planned trips around cheap transportation to places I previously had no plans to visit. Is Poland really such an off-putting place that people can't imagine anyone willingly choosing to visit? Is this just about Country articles? For cities, for example, I think nearby destinations (on the ground) are preferable in the "Get out" section. For countries, I suppose places accessible by air could make sense, but nearby countries when they exist, still makes the most sense to me. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 07:08, 29 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Likewise, do you also think someone will go to the [[Canary Islands]] from Morocco just because of cheap flights? (see [[Special:Diff/4417910]]). The Canary Islands are a popular travel destination from Morocco, but budget flights are '''not''' the prime reason why many visit the Canaries. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:46, 29 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Looking at your link: If flights from Morocco are particularly cheap to the Canary Islands compared to flights from all/most other places that service it (especially if the others are more commonly used or traveled) then it's a noteworthy detail. It reads as if flights for everywhere are cheaper, though, so that makes the Canary Islands seem less worth specifying. If flights from Morocco are universally cheaper, it may be worth mentioning but reframing it without the CI focus. Also, if the Canary Islands are particularly affordable from Morocco, that doesn't mean other things that make it worthwhile cannot be added. Most of the "problem" seems to be that no one has added anything else to the "Get out" sections. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 09:33, 29 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::And that's another case of something that's only appealing to you. Likewise, would you really travel from Georgia to the UAE because of cheap flights? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:50, 30 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::I have at least one friend who will fly off somewhere at the drop of a hat because she found a super-cheap flight in the middle of a new wave of COVID (she's also had COVID 3 times). I have no problem with mentioning cheap flights, except for one thing: Can we really expect things to be updated when those flights become expensive and somewhere else becomes cheap? Also, my friend won't go '''anywhere'''; she has no interest in having a vacation in Dubai, but did go to Lisbon when there were $300 round trip flights from San Francisco through Boston. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:59, 30 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::I don't think the argument that cheap flights don't inspire travel is convincing, but you are right that the "cheap flights" need to be stable or the cheapness in comparison to other flights needs to be mostly stable. It couldn't be based on a travel sale or something temporary. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 05:51, 30 May 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::Agreed. Cheap flights do motivate travellers who are interested in the locations in question. But if, for example, it's easy to get cheap flights to Dubai from a whole slew of places in Europe and the Caucasus, I'm not sure that should be mentioned in every article for a place with its own airport throughout those regions. Instead, maybe it should be mentioned in the [[Dubai]] article and in "Go next" for the relevant multi-national regions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:03, 30 May 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::20 days later, Flightnavigator has not commented since then and nobody has made a convincing argument against the budget traveller-centric content going out-of-date. Any last minute objections before I remove this from all country articles? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:34, 20 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Based on the prior discussion there seems to be a consensus for keeping the info on budget flights though. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 18:01, 20 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::I think outline information on budget flights should be kept. In country articles probably the most useful thing is to say which airports the budget airlines use. Precise details of destinations and prices is likely to go out of date, but budget flights will often continue to use the same "cheaper" airports. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:38, 20 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::But surely not in 'Go next'? These sections have always been brief, with travel specifics going to the relevant 'Get in'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:36, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::Agreed. It should be in the "Get in" section. Those who are saying "You can't choose where you go in from" are just not using the "Get in" section to its full potential. If you are in a city, the "Get in" section can give you ideas on where you can go easily and/or cheaply FROM that location much better than the "Get out" section, which is meant for quick and convenient daytrips. I would say that's the best use of the "Get in" section in many cases. It wouldn't make sense to list [[Tsuyama]] in [[Tokyo]]'s "Get out" section, because it's far and not likely to even make the top 100 list of places someone would go from Tokyo. However, if you look at [[Tsuyama]]'s "Get in" section, you can see that there is actually a direct, comparatively cheap night bus to Tsuyama from Tokyo. You could use that if you are in Tokyo to "Get in" to Tsuyama, but more likely you will use it if you are in Tsuyama to figure out how to get to Tokyo cheaply. [[Tokyo/Shinagawa]]'s "Get in" section also lists [[Tsuyama]], but again, the most likely use for this is to realize that you can go all the way to Tsuyama cheaply from Tokyo/Shinagawa. No one is going to go to the Shinagawa article hoping to find information specifically about how to visit Shinagawa from Tsuyama. In this case Tsuyama is there, but very few articles have information specific to someone traveling from Tsuyama. The "Get in" section of Tsuyama is the best place to learn how to travel outward FROM Tsuyama. This is true for every destination that isn't of similar status to [[Paris]]. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 12:19, 21 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::The section you're talking about is called "Go next", and it is not at all only for day trips, but at least as much for logical places to literally go next and stay at. So for [[New York City]], that includes Philadelphia, Boston and DC, only one of which (Philly) is really fairly reasonable as a day trip but all of which are logical places to visit for several days or more. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:28, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::::I should have said "nearby", but in most articles they will be almost the same. I don't think NYC is a very good example of a typical city or city article anyway since it's a megacity that, to be honest, could just as easily list Los Angeles in the Go Next given that it's "the other city" that foreign travelers who want to visit NYC most often mention. The NYC article also lists Montreal and all of New England, so it has room for improvement. But that is all besides the point, which was that you can use the "Get in" section however it benefits you. And that I don't think the Go Next of country articles should generally list extremely far off places in place of neighboring countries, so stable discount or cheap flights should be in "Get in" not "Go next". [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 12:35, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::::::Montreal is questionable to list in [[New York City#Go next]], but Boston is not, IMO. I wasn't disputing your points on country articles and don't have any strong opinion on the point you're arguing; I just wanted to deal with the side point on Wikivoyage not having "Get out" sections and "Go next" sections not being at all exclusively about day trips. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:14, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::Alasdair, this is about them going in "go next", not in get in. I'm not going to repeat my arguments again, but in simple words, Flightnavigator spammed a bunch of country articles with "There are cheap flights to xxx", which is way too budget traveller-centric. I don't have a problem with budget flights being listed in "get in", but this should really be in the relevant airport, city or in rare cases, park article – not in a country article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:12, 23 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::I am fine with moving the budget flights from "Go next" to "Get in" and sumarising it in the process. With the possible exception of short distance travel experiences like hiking tracks or steam trains, practical travel details belong in get in, not go next. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:46, 23 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::Tai123.123, where's the consensus? Nobody gave a convincing argument as to why they should be mentioned in "Go next". I'm aware the section header is misleading, but this is about budget flights being mentioned in "Go next", not "Get in". <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:14, 23 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::Sorry, I misunderstood your statement as you never stated where you were removing info from. I thought you were going to remove all budget flight info, not just the flights in Go Next. There seems to be consensus for removing it from go next. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 00:12, 24 June 2022 (UTC) :Does WN have any statistics about its audience? For example, a breakdown by age of the audience. :In this particular example I believe that the older you are the less you care about the price of the flight (up to a limit?) and the more you care about convenience: comfortable seating, meals, good connections, timing, Etc. Also, I think(?), older people are more concerned about COVID and prefer to travel by automobile, when at all possible. [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 16:21, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::It has been 1.5 months and as Flightnavigator simply hasn't bothered to comment along with clear consensus, I'll be removing all budget flights from "Go next" in the next few days. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:27, 11 July 2022 (UTC) == "neighbourhood maps" == I've always wondered on how these should be formatted. They're not usually standard in district articles (and in fact, the only one I could find was [[Sydney/City East]]), but I did a small experiment today with [[Canberra/Civic]] with the use of a "neighbourhood map" (or whatever they're called). It did leave me with three questions though, merely because we don't have other examples of such maps and I'd like some answers before I implement more of these maps. # Which section should a map like this go in? For [[Canberra/Civic]], I chose "districts", but [[Sydney/City East]] has it in an "Orientation" section in Understand # Do the duplicate maps pose an issue? # Do these maps help? I guess it helps to sort of know which neighbourhoods are in a certain district, but then you don't ''need'' to know, and it might appear too encyclopedic. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:23, 13 June 2022 (UTC) :I don't have any advice for you or answers to your questions, but I like what you've done. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:26, 13 June 2022 (UTC) :: [[Image policy#Minimal use of images]] and [[WV:Map]]: do we really need to display multiple dynamic maps in one article? It seems redundant and tiresome to me. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 17:30, 13 June 2022 (UTC) ::: Can't we integrate the neighbourhoods into the normal map. Probably opacity should be tweaked for them not to dominate. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:02, 13 June 2022 (UTC) ::::{{re|LPfi}} [[Special:PermaLink/4467260]] is what it would look like if we merged the maps together. As someone with visual impairments, I find the second map (the one with listings) hard to read with all the colours as all the listings look cluttered, making it hard to identify where the POI is located. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 14 June 2022 (UTC) ::::: I lessened the opacity of the districts. Is <s>[[Special:Permalink/4467746|this]]</s> [[Special:Permalink/4467763|this]] still hard to read? It could still be lessened a tad if needed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:56, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::My eyes still prefer the map without the mapmasks, and I think the older map is easier to read for people with visual impairments. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:11, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::: OK. I undid the edit. I hope you noticed that I linked the previous version (oops), now fixed. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:10, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think that the neighborhood map ''needs'' to be dynamic, but since dynamic is what we've got/until someone wants to make a static map, I've no objection to it being a dynamic map. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:28, 15 June 2022 (UTC) ::::I might be in the minority, but I actually think a dynamic map is better for all region articles, and not just bottom level region articles, and it brings me to the question; are there any users here who can make a static map? I've tried to make several static maps before, but unfortunately [[Wikivoyage:How to draw static maps]] is either unclear or out-of-date, and the only successful one that I've managed to draw was [[:File:Mungo NP static map.svg]], and that also looks terrible. Anecdotally speaking, the only time where I've found a static map way more helpful was when I was in [[Yosemite National Park]] earlier this year (and T-mobile was not that great in the [[Sierra Nevada]], but I didn't really need the map since it was a second visit to Yosemite). They're often difficult and time consuming to make, and they become hard to modify when change is required. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:44, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::::I'm sure they have all of those downsides, but I understand that dynamic maps don't print properly, which is also a problem. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:11, 15 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Yes, I can make static maps, although I do not have much experience with this particular kind of map. I've never done it for WV, because it's a lot of work if you want to do it right. I don't really think it's worth the effort: 1) I'd never use a WV map (static nor dynamic) for actual navigation. That's what navigation apps (preferably with offline options) and proper paper maps are for. 2) I've been meaning to update the static map in [[North Rhine-Westphalia]] for years now. But it's a raster graphics file, so in order to make clean changes, I'd basically have to re-create the whole map ([[Wikivoyage:How to draw static maps]] has some really bad advice in that regard). Even if it was SVG, I'd probably rather make a new one, because there's only so much you can do in a graphics program compared to something like Qqis. 3) The styles for static city/district and especially country/region maps look like it's still 2007. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 15:40, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :::{{re|Ibaman}} I made a static map but it's togglable. Does it still look a bit redundant? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:25, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ==API Key== On this map it says [https://wikivoyage.toolforge.org/w/poimap2.php?lat=-40.850425&lon=172.447319&zoom=16&layer=W&lang=en&name=Heaphy_Track API key required] when you switch to relief maps. Not sure who to raise this with to see about getting it fixed? [[User:Doc James|<span style="color:#0000f1">'''Travel Doc James'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Doc_James|talk]] · [[Special:Contributions/Doc_James|contribs]] · [[Special:EmailUser/Doc_James|email]]) 17:01, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :Just going by [[phab:T170976|this old phabricator task]], it seems that tool has been depreciated in favour of [[Heaphy_Track#/map/0/10/-40.7681/172.5609|Kartographer]] — are you able to use that instead? [[User:TheresNoTime|TheresNoTime]] ([[User talk:TheresNoTime|talk]]) 20:35, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::The mapframe in [[Heaphy_Track#Walk]] doesn't appear to show the issue with the relief map layer. It appears that is only an issue with the full page map (from the icon at the top right of most pages. I think that mapframe is Kartographer based, but I don't know about the full page map. (It is worth keeping the full page map as it has some features missing from mapframe as is better for printing.) [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:38, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == [[Nizamabad]] == This article needs major cleanup, copyedited a bit the best I can. Are there any templates for articles needing cleanup or copyediting? [[User:Rubbish computer|''Rubbish computer'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my'' [[User talk:Rubbish computer|''talk page'']]) 19:08, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :Yes, such as "style," but the problem is that they seldom produce any corrective action, so my advice to you would be, do what cleanup you can and post remarks to that article's talk page with comments about other work that should be done. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:32, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::Hi {{u|Ikan Kekek}}, will do, thanks for the response. [[User:Rubbish computer|''Rubbish computer'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my'' [[User talk:Rubbish computer|''talk page'']]) 21:35, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == Help archiving a talk page == Could someone please help me archive [[Talk:Bulgaria]]? I've already copied the old comments to a subpage and linked the subpage in the main talk, you only have to delete the old discussions. I can't do that because I'm too new and trying to do that triggers the page blanking filter. I want to start a new discussion about regions, and the old stuff on the talk page has made it unwieldy. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 16:59, 17 June 2022 (UTC) :It's done. [[User:Daggerstab|Daggerstab]] ([[User talk:Daggerstab|talk]]) 17:12, 17 June 2022 (UTC) ::If you want to discuss regions, we should unarchive the previous regions discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:54, 17 June 2022 (UTC) == "Regional County Municipality" and "Agglomeration" article titles == We need to change all of these article titles that don't merit deletion. What's the best way to do it? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:11, 18 June 2022 (UTC) :There is a discussion underway at [[Talk:Mont%C3%A9r%C3%A9gie]]. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:46, 18 June 2022 (UTC) == Article on bridges == I wonder if there are any engineers here who would be able to write an article on famous bridges. Of course, the ones that immediately come to mind are New York City's Brooklyn Bridge, London's Tower Bridge, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but I believe there would be numerous others that could be mentioned in such an article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:12, 20 June 2022 (UTC) == Desktop Improvements update == [[File:Table of contents shown on English Wikipedia 02.webm|thumb]] ; Making this the new default Hello. I wanted to give you an update about the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|Desktop Improvements]] project, which the Wikimedia Foundation Web team has been working on for the past few years. Our work is almost finished! 🎉 We would love to see these improvements become the default for readers and editors across all wikis. <span style="background-color:#fc3;">In the coming weeks, we will begin conversations on more wikis, including yours. 🗓️</span> We will gladly read your suggestions! The goals of the project are to make the interface more welcoming and comfortable for readers and useful for advanced users. The project consists of a series of feature improvements which make it easier to read and learn, navigate within the page, search, switch between languages, use article tabs and the user menu, and more. The improvements are already visible by default for readers and editors on more than 30 wikis, including Wikipedias in [[:fr:|French]], [[:pt:|Portuguese]], and [[:fa:|Persian]]. The changes apply to the [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=vector}} Vector] skin only, although it will always be possible to revert to the previous version on an individual basis. [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=monobook}} Monobook] or [{{fullurl:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}|useskin=timeless}} Timeless] users will not notice any changes. ; The newest features * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Features/Table of contents|Table of contents]] - our version is easier to reach, gain context of the page, and navigate throughout the page without needing to scroll. It is currently tested across our pilot wikis. It is also available for editors who have opted into the Vector 2022 skin. * [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Features/Page tools|Page tools]] - now, there are two types of links in the sidebar. There are actions and tools for individual pages (like [[Special:RecentChangesLinked|Related changes]]) and links of the wiki-wide nature (like [[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]]). We are going to separate these into two intuitive menus. ; How to enable/disable the improvements [[File:Desktop Improvements - how to enable globally.png|thumb|[[Special:GlobalPreferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|{{int:globalpreferences}}]]]] * It is possible to opt-in individually [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|in the appearance tab within the preferences]] by selecting "{{int:skinname-vector-2022}}". Also, it is possible to opt-in on all wikis using the [[Special:GlobalPreferences#mw-prefsection-rendering|global preferences]]. * On wikis where the changes are visible by default for all, logged-in users can always opt-out to the Legacy Vector. There is an easily accessible link in the sidebar of the new Vector. ; Learn more and join our events If you would like to follow the progress of our project, you can [[mw:Special:Newsletter/28/subscribe|subscribe to our newsletter]]. You can read the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|pages of the project]], check [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements/Frequently_asked_questions|our FAQ]], write on the [[mw:Talk:Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|project talk page]], and [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates/Talk to Web|join an online meeting with us]]. Thank you! [[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]] ([[User talk:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|talk]]) 16:59, 21 June 2022 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:SGrabarczuk_(WMF)/sandbox/MM/En_fallback&oldid=23430301 --> :Thank you. :Most of our pages use the pagebanner template to display the table of contents rather than the standard method. Will this be impacted by your proposed changes? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:58, 21 June 2022 (UTC) ::At least in the current version they seem to get along quite well. Page banner still works, but there's an additional TOC in the side bar. You can try for yourself by enabling ''Vector (2022)'' in your preferences. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 14:22, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :::Try it out: :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Main_Page?useskin=Vector-2022 (still cropping the first image, so we only get half of Australia) :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Random?useskin=Vector-2022 :::* https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Special:Random?useskin=Vector-2022&tableofcontents=0 (with the floating Table of Contents disabled) :::[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:31, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks. That looks fine. ::::Looking at an example page, it does appear that slightly less page width is allocated to the article and more to the left column, but I haven't investigated, and the different appearance may be an improvement. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:49, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ; Join us on Tuesday Join an online meeting with the team working on the Desktop Improvements! It will take place on '''28 June 2022 at [https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20220628T1200 12:00 UTC] and [https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20220628T1900 19:00 UTC]''' on Zoom. '''[https://wikimedia.zoom.us/j/5304280674 Click here to join]'''. Meeting ID: 5304280674. [https://wikimedia.zoom.us/u/kc2hamfYz9 Dial by your location]. The following events will take place on 12 July and 26 July. The meeting will not be recorded or streamed. Notes will be taken in a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G4tfss-JBVxyZMxGlOj5MCBhOO-0sLekquFoa2XiQb8/edit# Google Docs file] and copied to [[etherpad:p/web-team-office-hours|Etherpad]]. [[mw:User:OVasileva_(WMF)|Olga Vasileva]] (the Product Manager) will be hosting this meeting. The presentation part will be given in English. At this meeting, both [[foundation:Friendly_space_policy|Friendly space policy]] and the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Code_of_Conduct|Code of Conduct]] for Wikimedia technical spaces apply. Zoom is not subject to the [[foundation:Privacy_policy|WMF Privacy Policy]]. We can answer questions asked in English and [[mw:Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates/Talk to Web/28-06-2022|a number of other languages]]. If you would like to ask questions in advance, add them on the [[mw:Talk:Reading/Web/Desktop_Improvements|talk page]] or send them to sgrabarczuk{{@}}wikimedia.org. We hope to see you! [[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]] ([[User talk:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|talk]]) 21:44, 23 June 2022 (UTC) {{tracked|T311771}} :I have just posted a new topic here and immediately had to edit it. See: :https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Wikivoyage%3ATravellers%27_pub&type=revision&diff=4472722&oldid=4472721 [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:22, 25 June 2022 (UTC) ::@[[User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)|SGrabarczuk (WMF)]],@[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:22, 25 June 2022 (UTC) :::This needs [[User:Whatamidoing (WMF)|work-me]] to file a Phab ticket. Thanks for letting me know. I'm curious: could you see the <nowiki><blockquote> tags in the visual editor while you were typing? Did you paste them in, or type them, or use a keyboard shortcut?</nowiki> [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 05:25, 26 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks for your prompt reply @[[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]],believe it or not my memory of this incident is already fuzzy in my memory. I know I originally typed in the ''< blockquote >'' tag, but I may have copy&mpasted it later (I sometimes do that if I have to go investigate somewhere else before posting a half-baked post). ::::I also discovered since, that this version of the software implemented on wiki-voyage (it is different on other wmf-wikis I participate on) has two alternative modes of input (undocumented?): ::::*Visual ::::and ::::*Source ::::I think I was originally put on '''Visual''' by default, but now I am on '''Source''' by default, and I am also seeing a preview pane which was not there before, I think? It would also be great if I could add an edit summary, which I can using the shall-we-call-it-reply software elsewhere. ::::I hope I am making sense in this garbled reply? [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 14:41, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Click on the "Advanced" option above the copyright/licensing statement. Most people don't use a meaningful/custom edit summary in discussions, but you can add one if you want to. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:18, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::::: Edit summaries are very useful also for discussions, especially at busy pages like the pub. It is often the case that some of the threads have gone down some less interesting paths, and I read them only if somebody brings up a new point (mentioned in the edit summary). When there have been new posts in several threads, I might miss some of them, unless the edit summary caught my attention on the watchlist. And the most irritating of all: making an edit to existing posts without telling that in the summary – I scroll down to the end of the thread, find nothing new, check earlier pre-outdent posts, finding nothing there, search for today's date, no match, then click history and diff, to finally find that change of phrasing or whatever, which often didn't add anything of value to what I've already read. Please write "ce" or whatever. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:38, 1 July 2022 (UTC) == Is COVID over? == I was surprised to see this announcement on <nowiki>https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases</nowiki> : <blockquote> As of 20 June 2022, ECDC is discontinuing the data collection and publication of the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths worldwide. Please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO) data on COVID-19 and the WHO Weekly Epidemiological and Weekly Operational Updates page for the non-EU/EEA countries. ECDC will continue providing weekly updates for EU/EEA Member States and report on an ad-hoc basis about significant events related to COVID-19 globally. ECDC has been collecting data on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths for all countries in the EU/EEA and globally for more than two years. The data collected by ECDC will continue to be available in an archived format.</blockquote>< So it appears that the EU thinks COVID is no longer an issue? [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 15:06, 25 June 2022 (UTC) :COVID will never be "over", in that it will not stop circulating in our lifetimes, but broadly speaking people's lifestyles will continue to get closer to how they were before the pandemic. Evidently ECDC has decided not to publish this particular set of data anymore, but if I understand correctly, other sources are still publishing substantively the same data for the time being. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 22:07, 25 June 2022 (UTC) : It is definitely not over. Current statistics are available from many sources, none 100% reliable. [https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries Worldometers] Probably the most worrisome number is that there are still 18.75 million active cases (diagnosed but not yet either dead or recovered) plus some infected but not diagnosed; those can spread the disease. The US still has about 3.3 million active cases, though that number has been falling. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:59, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :: I don't know whether Finland is typical for EU, but here the government more or less gave up on COVID-19 in early spring. They decided that it is spreading too fast to be stopped, that with most of the population triple-vaccinated "few" get a serious disease, and life has to go on. It seems people took them on the word, I think that less than one in ten is using masks. Incidence and death toll have been record high (statistics on cases is unreliable though, as people don't get official tests), but there are only some critical voices. Non-vaccinated have restrictions on passing the border (tests or quarantine required) but vaccinated EU-citizens can come and go as they please, nightclubs etc. are crowded, and big events are taking place like they used to. You can still find masks and tests in any shop, not as in Denmark where that is finished too. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:55, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::Yes, in Finland COVID hasn't been the main news topic for several months (partially also due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine). On 1 July they're dropping also the entry restrictions and health controls for people entering from outside the Schengen and in shops I've as of lately seen discounts on home tests and masks being "phased out from our product selection". The Department of Health and Wellbeing (THL) publishes [https://www.thl.fi/episeuranta/tautitapaukset/coronamap.html statistics] showing cases and deaths have dropped remarkably since the spring. So at least for the moment it seems to be over, but one can never know what the situation looks like in the autumn. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:33, 26 June 2022 (UTC) :::: Confirmed cases per 100,000 per 14 days is still in the hundreds, even though you aren't recommended to take an official test unless you get serious symptoms (as in needing hospital care). In some professions the tests are still taken, I assume. Anyway, the incidence – if counting factual cases – seems to be at least as bad as in the late autumn. 30% of actual tests are positive, when the figure used to be ~1% before the vaccines. There are about 10 persons in intensive care, while the number was about 50 at the worst time. Much better now, but far from over. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:00, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::: The health care centre still recommends mask use. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 13:03, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::Data collection has ended, but I don't think the EU considers COVID to no longer be an issue. I think we should leave, in current circumstances, the COVID notice on our [[main page]] until the end of the year, pending future updates on its spread. Apart from that notice and international travel information, COVID is barely mentioned on this wiki. I think the current notices in place make sense in our environment. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 13:15, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::Right now, the focus where I am in [[New South Wales]] is mostly the flu (for the record, I've caught it twice within the last 31 days, with the last time just 4 days ago, hence why my editing activity has increased). The only news of COVID that I've really been hearing is either about COVID in China, or about our lockdown last year. However, as some countries still have restrictions on entry, I would say keep the COVID banner on the main page until September, and if September is deemed too early, then we can do another review then. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:51, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::In New South Wales, masking is still compulsory on public transport and the majority of people follow the rule. There is also a 7-day isolation rule if you test positive. I disagree about messaging only being about the flu. Public messaging from the government and media has always been about a dual virus winter here over the past few months (encouraging both vaccinations, etc.). In any case, this wiki is about travel, not just living in one's own city. Travellers started to get affected by Covid-19 from Janaury 2020, not March 2020 when most countries first went into lockdown. International travel will also be the last activity/industry that will fully return to normal so it makes sense to keep the notice for a while longer. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 14:34, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::::To me, if the purpose is to help people, it can be removed. I don't think the article has been helpful for at least a year if ever. If the purpose is just to have something there, then it could stay or go. I don't think it's necessary to leave it up until every last country has lifted every restriction. Japan hasn't had any meaningful changes in its policies for 2 years in spite of less severe variants and vaccines, but it is already an outlier and becoming increasingly so. The country articles should still have information about entry which is basically the only information people care about. Leaving it until then end of the summer (September) as suggested seems reasonable though. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 14:52, 27 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} Most of the world has transitioned to living with the virus. The main exceptions are Japan, China and Taiwan. In the case of China, most of the elderly are unwilling to get vaccinated, and given how Hong Kong's hospitals were overwhelmed (to the point that the mortuaries ran out of space and bodies of COVID victims were piling up in the wards) during their last surge due to the same problem, I don't think China will reopen for the forseeable future. They might want to wait until all these unvaccinated elderly die of other causes before they reopen to foreigners. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:12, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :The idea that the pandemic is over is absurd and highly premature. I would strongly suggest for us to wait until at least the end of the year before jumping to conclusions, because it's quite likely that there will be another surge in the fall, and the large number of unvaccinated people around the world are a great source of new strains. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:04, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::I think whether "the pandemic" is over depends a lot on how you define "a pandemic". It's basically a political definition, not a biological one, so reasonable people and organizations can disagree on whether the current state should still be called "a pandemic". [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:08, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::: Whether it is still a pandemic by some definition is less relevant. Are the restrictions stable enough that they are better handled together with other entry requirements, and in Cope, or in the current boxes? Is the disease different enough (as disease and as a social phenomenon) that it warrants its own article instead of being a bullet in [[Infectuous diseases]]? I think restrictions still vary fast enough that ease of maintenance is important, and then a template is the better solution, and people still see it as different from the flue and tuberculosis. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 20:39, 28 June 2022 (UTC) ::::The [https://www.medicinenet.com/pandemic/definition.htm definition of "pandemic"] is basically a medical one. If you'd like to say that the definition of "high degree of death" is a political one, that's another question. "The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627,000 in 2020" per the [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria WHO], yet it's considered endemic to Africa, rather than even epidemic. Why? I think in significant part because those with enough money to stanch the death rate mostly live outside of Africa and prefer to ignore the deaths, plus it doesn't get spread around the world in areas with no types of mosquitoes that are vectors. But saying that the definition of "pandemic" is basically political is odd, because most people hadn't heard the word used at all until 2019-20, or at least not since at least the days when AIDS was out of control in their countries (and again, Africa suffers from less medical care; see the pattern?). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:48, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::The definition of pandemic varies between sources. Is it an epidemic [https://books.google.com/books?id=3Dr8dyuzvTkC&pg=PA179#v=onepage&q&f=false "crossing international boundaries, and usually affecting a large number of people"]? How do you define "affecting", and what constitutes "a large number" of people? Those are both political choices. Is it instead something that happens [https://www.britannica.com/science/pandemic "over a wide geographical area and that is of high prevalence, generally affecting a significant proportion of the world’s population"]? Who decides what constitutes "high" prevalence, and "a significant proportion"? Basically, people make these decisions. They'll decide that these effects are really "affecting" you but these others aren't (e.g., every new version of the common cold), or that the people affected aren't "large" or "significant" enough, or that (as with the malaria decision) the key point is that it happens all the time at a fairly stable rate within each population, rather than being new. (Some definitions say that pandemics must always be a new disease, or at least one that almost nobody has immunological resistance to; others don't.) :::::People – not science – pick which definition to apply (different definitions for different conditions), people decide which effects "count" and whether enough people are affected, and then people decide whether to apply this label. There have been hard-and-fast definitions for some similar concepts in the past, but pandemic is a somewhat flexible concept. ("School epidemic" in some places has been defined as a certain percentage of enrolled students being out of school with the same disease/symptoms. An old friend of mine accidentally set off a measles epidemic in her high school in the 1950s. She caught it somewhere, unwittingly brought it to school, and it turned out that almost none of the students in her school had had measles before. The teachers were mostly fine, but a huge number of students were out sick over the next month.) :::::Here at the English Wikivoyage, though, I think LPfi has good advice. We should consider it from the practical angle rather than the "does the current situation technically match my preferred definition" angle. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:56, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::It seems to me, the most likely way to have fair definitions of medical concepts is to let public health authorities and not politicians define them. In any case, I think that it's fairly clear that COVID-19 remains a serious disease that's affecting travel in various ways, so we shouldn't be in a rush to deemphasize it and should let the crisis play out. Seeing how there's been a surge each Northern Hemisphere fall, I would suggest waiting till we see what happens in January, 2023 (i.e., after any effects of Christmas/New Years travel and get-togethers are clear) before possibly making any decisions about a fundamental change in coverage here. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:14, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::Personally, I think that late January 2023 would be a fine time to discuss it. Christmas travel includes Epiphany in some countries, and if you add two or three weeks after that to find out what happened, then we should have fairly clear information. :::::::Thinking long-term, one possibility is to consider a seasonal cold-and-flu-and-covid page. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:36, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::::That could be a good thing in the longer term, if it's not felt to be giving short shrift to other threats like malaria, zika, dengue, Lyme disease and so forth. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:39, 30 June 2022 (UTC) == Flying hotel? == [https://www.ladbible.com/news/sky-hotel-will-fly-5000-guests-20220627 Hotel That Never Lands Set To Fly 5,000 Guests Through Sky] Not built yet & I can see no significant advantages, but interesting. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:40, 27 June 2022 (UTC) :How many centuries before it is technically possible? The engines (which look like existing jet engines) require nuclear fusion which might just be available on the ground at the end of this century. Consider how difficult inflight refuelling is, then multiply by 100 when you try to use a lift to transfer passengers to another plane inflight. Maybe Wikivoyage will have reviews of it in 3022! [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:57, 27 June 2022 (UTC) ::That looks about as absurd as the ''Titanium Turkey'' from [[:w:TaleSpin|TaleSpin]]. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 10:05, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::Inflight refuelling... like in the [[w:Stealth (film)|Stealth]]? [[User:Veracious|Veracious]] ([[User talk:Veracious|talk]]) 10:24, 15 July 2022 (UTC) == Separate cuisine articles considered harmful == Do we ''really'' need to separate out a single country's food/drink into separate articles, like [[Vietnam#Eat]] vs [[Vietnamese cuisine]]? Most readers will not click through on the little ''Main'' links, so in practice this seems to lead to an awful lot of duplication, since anything dropped from the main article just gets added back in because it's "missing". The size savings are marginal, eg. Vietnamese cuisine is 20k bytes vs over 150k for Vietnam even with the sad, truncated food section. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 04:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :{{re|Jpatokal}} I'm not so sure on this one. Some cuisine articles such as [[American cuisine]] have an awful lot of encyclopedic content, while others like [[Thai cuisine]] or [[Central European cuisines]] don't duplicate their parent articles, they simply aren't long enough to warrant a separate article. We do have a lot of other good cuisine articles like [[Georgian cuisine]] or [[Chinese cuisine]] that ideally all cuisine articles should follow suit. But what about [[Overseas Chinese cuisine]]? It obviously doesn't go in [[China#Eat]], and is way too long to go in the 76,733-byte [[Chinese cuisine]] article. We did have a discussion about these cuisine articles earlier this year (see [[Talk:Food and drink#Renewed discussion for 2022]]), so maybe it's time to revive that discussion again. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:21, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::I had only gotten started looking through cuisine articles here and comparing them to their Wikipedia counterparts and any Wikipedia subtopic article, with some help from you and several other people, but it would be good to complete the survey, even if only to start again, because of course some articles have been significantly improved since I started. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:28, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::Instead of getting bogged down in individual articles, I would suggest we go up a level and get agreement on a) when separate cuisine articles are needed/beneficial, and b) how do we draw the line between what goes into the main article and what should go into the cuisine article. [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 09:12, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::First, if you haven't looked at the discussion thread linked above, do, because we've already gotten into that discussion in regard to several articles, but at the simplest level, the reason to start a "cuisine" article is if and when there's too much information for it to really fit in a country (or sometimes region) article, just as is the case with "Driving in" articles and so forth. And whenever that happens, a summary should be left in the relevant section of the country article, with a link to the spinoff article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:45, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::Perhaps we can reorganise these articles by region instead of by ingredients and types of dishes. Then we can describe what to expect of the cuisines of each region, and what dishes to try. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:16, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::::::I don't know what you mean, in particular by "region," which can mean a group of several countries or an area within a country. If you mean a group of countries, I don't know how logical it would be to conflate Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian and Burmese cuisines, just because they're all in Southeast Asia, or for that matter, Spanish, French and German cuisines because they're all in Europe. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:42, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::We could discuss your suggestion more at the linked thread, though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:42, 29 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} In the case of Vietnamese cuisine, we could discuss the differences between Northern, Central and Southern Vietnamese cuisines, and if someone knows enough, perhaps some of the ethnic minority cuisines as well. And likewise, Thai cuisine can be broadly divided into Lanna, Isaan, Central Thai and Southern Thai cuisines. And in the case of Malaysia, there are also many local specialities, so laksa in Penang is not the same as laksa in Sarawak for instance. Unfortunately, I have never been to Kajang, but I have been told that their satay is a little different from our satay in Singapore. 19:49, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :Of course. As this is a travel guide, we need all articles to focus on travel, and letting people know what dishes you can expect in x, y and z region and whether there's a particular place or set of places to get the best a and b should be part of the heart of Wikivoyage cuisine articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:08, 29 June 2022 (UTC) ::Precisely, so I am suggesting this as a way to make the cuisine articles more directly relevant to travel. So people can then know what to expect as they travel around the country. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:27, 29 June 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} {{re|Ikan Kekek}} ''"if and when there's too much information for it to really fit in a country"'' So where do we draw the line at what's "too much information"? AFAIK there's no real technical limit (Mediawiki caps out at 2 MB per page), so is the concern that people won't scroll if it gets too long, that the articles will devolve into encyclopedic lists of dishes, or what? Also, "Driving in X" articles are only relevant to people who want to drive in X. Everybody has to eat, and we don't spin out "Sleeping in X" articles (even when that section gets really long, eg [[Japan#Sleep]]), so I don't think we should do that for any other top-level heading either. I have no objection to regional cuisine articles spanning several countries though, as long as they form a cohesive whole (Singaporean and Malaysian, sure; "Asian", nope). [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 06:50, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :You make good points. Of course, "too much information" is always a judgment call. I'd again invite you to have a look at [[Talk:Food and drink#Renewed discussion for 2022]]. I do have some preliminary thoughts, though: Yes, everyone has to eat, but not everyone cares greatly what they eat, as long as it's in their price range, doesn't make them sick and gives them energy. I know people like that. And then there's a continuum, the other end of which would be a trip specifically or mainly to dine. Similarly, we have a [[Grand old hotels]] article for people who prioritize a particular type of accommodations and have or save up money to indulge. Leaving a useful summary is not the same as merging an article like [[Georgian cuisine]] into the [[Georgia (country)]] article. If you'd favor doing that, we really have something to talk about, and I suppose since this discussion is continuing here, it'll eventually be swept to [[Talk:Food and drink]]. I would note that some cuisine articles have been judged to be too short and light on information to stand on their own and have been merged and redirected to the "Eat" sections of country or even multi-country region articles. See [[Talk:Balkan cuisines]], [[Talk:Benelux cuisines]]. I feel like we can and should judge each "Eat" section and each cuisine article on its own, but if you'd like to propose to merge and redirect every one to "Name of Country#Eat", I would suggest to you that that is not optimal, but that if you want to make that suggestion, you have to argue that in regard to the very best cuisine articles on the site, the ones that are guide-rated. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]], I just looked at [[Vietnamese cuisine]]. It's not very good, and for an "Eat" section, [[Vietnam#Eat]] is quite a detailed summary that I think is more tightly organized than the cuisine article. I agree with The dog2 that reorganizing the article by region, with remarks about the character of regional cuisines and then subsections by type of dish, may be more helpful that the current organization. Right now, I definitely see why you could prefer to just merge the additional information and redirect, and I don't oppose that outcome, as the watchword, as always, is [[The traveller comes first]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:24, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :::I wouldn't be opposed to spinning off Sleep sections into "Accommodation in X" if the section gets too long. There are detailed blogs and online articles on the hotels/motels, campsites, Airbnb sitautionm etc. of a particular destination so it is certainly feasible. I suspect they haven't been created because the topic in general is more boring than cuisine, shopping or other sections. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 03:39, 4 July 2022 (UTC) ::::"Everyone has to eat", but not everyone wants to explore the cuisine of a country. There are people who travel to other countries to see the sights, but prefer to seek out familiar cuisine or eat only in their hotels. ::::When a subject is branched off from a country article, usually it ends up being expanded because writers no longer feel the constraint of overwhelming the main article, so more information is available to readers. There should always be a concise summary in the country article, but details should be branched off. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 14:00, 4 July 2022 (UTC) == How to fix a bunch of grey unnecessary markers on the map? == {{mapframe|55.7773|37.6062|zoom=9}} {{Mapshape}} {{Mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[Moscow/Central-East|Moscow Central-East]]|wikidata=Q1412002|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c8aa92|title=[[Moscow/Zelenograd and New Moscow|Zelenograd and New Moscow]]|wikidata=Q207695,Q462497,Q462589|stroke-opacity=0.1}} {{Mapshapes|Q5499}} <!-- Moscow Metro --> Results as shown on the map, how to fix a bunch of grey unnecessary markers on the map? Can help? thanks. [[User:Yuriy_kosygin|✈ IGOR]] ／ [[User talk:Yuriy_kosygin| ✉ TALK?!]] ^{''．WIKIVOYAGER !''} 17:17, 29 June 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Yuriy kosygin|Yuriy kosygin]] We've discussed this quite a number of times before. The issue is this data comes from OpenStreetMap and there's no way to remove the unnecessary grey markers unless you completely comment out the transport lines. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:31, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::Alas... Wikivoyage is really weak, I'm afraid we'll have to draw the route own. [[User:Yuriy_kosygin|✈ IGOR]] ／ [[User talk:Yuriy_kosygin| ✉ TALK?!]] ^{''．WIKIVOYAGER !''} 15:34, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::There has to be a way to fix this idiocy on OpenStreetMap, but in the meantime, we need to eliminate this crap from our site. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:25, 30 June 2022 (UTC) ::::Could we make the gray actually be 100% transparent? It would still be visible, but perhaps not such a disaster. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:38, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::If I recall correctly, the issue at hand was that we couldn't make the distinction between line elements and point elements. I don't master Lua myself, so I can't make sense of whether this would be a viable workaround for [[Module:Mapshapes]]. @[[User:Andree.sk|Andree.sk]], any words on this? <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 18:22, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::: Mapshapes is just a thin helper to instantiate {{tl|mapshape}}, which is the main culprint. In turn, that one uses the kartographer stuff, which can't be trivially adjusted. But there may be some hacks, I'll try to try something in the coming weeks... -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 20:47, 30 June 2022 (UTC) :::::::The only other solution is to manually trace out the route on geojson.io and then add it to the article (see [[Canberra/Acton]] for an example of how this is done) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::While I don't question this working, it does come with a substantial downside: It's not 'automatically' updated whenever the line changes route (in reality, OSM-contributors update it and we import the dataset they edit). This leaves us with a lot of extra work, which I expect will get out of date quite quickly. Perhaps not for metro's, but definitely for trams or BRT's. Drawing the lines ourselves can work for cities that see regular edits or that have docents capable of editing GeoJSON data (and willing to do so). I strongly prefer making Mapshapes work, even if it's a workaround over manually doing the work ourselves. <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 08:30, 1 July 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} At the German Wikivoyage I added a rule to [[MediaWiki:Kartographer.css]] which hides the grey pushpin markers. <syntaxhighlight lang="css"> /* Removing grey pushpin markers on mapframe maps */ img[src$="pin-m+7e7e7e.png"], img[src$="pin-m+7e7e7e@2x.png"] { display: none; } </syntaxhighlight> Unfortunately, I cannot make the edit by myself. But I am sure your admins can do it. --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 09:24, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :{{ping|Andyrom75}} given you're the only active interface admin here, can you add the three-line code? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:16, 1 July 2022 (UTC) ::I checked the positions of the markers, and they are the stops/stations of the public transport lines. However they don't give the name of the stop, but only the name of the line. The name of the line is already displayed by clicking the line. So, with the present marker texts, no new info is available. If the marker info would have the name of the stop it indicates, displaying them could be useful. I tested from which zoom level displaying the markers is not disturbing anymore, and came to zoom level 14-19 may show the markers, below 14 not. And this zoom level dependent conditional showing of the markers should only be done if the markers contain the names of the stops. If it is impossible to have the names of the stops in the markers, markers should never be shown. --[[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 11:18, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :::While I agree that they could be useful to some extent, the thing is that we can't properly make the distinction between lines, polygons or points/markers in the data that we fetch from OpenStreetMap. At present we also cannot import the names of these stations/halts (I believe this data gets lost between Wikidata and OSM, but I might be wrong). Roland's solution above is just a workaround that hides the marker, but the point itself stays on the map albeit invisible. So long as we can't make the distinction properly, we sadly can't implement these markers in a more useful way either. For that distinction to be made, the Kartographer extension needs additional functionalities, which we've been asking for for several years already. Until we get that, it's either hiding the markers or accepting them as-they-come, the latter of which is a lot less popular. <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 12:48, 1 July 2022 (UTC) :@[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], do we have any other admins who can do this? Another option would be using JavaScript, but using CSS is much cleaner... Also, alternatively to 'display: none', we could change opacity to e.g. 0.3, that also looks quite ok. -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 09:31, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::I really don't know. I hope other admins are reading this thread. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::This needs an interface admin to do it and as far as I'm aware, {{ping|Andyrom75}} is the only interface admin who has been active recently. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:38, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I'd say it wouldn't hurt to have at least 2-3 people with those permissions - even if they need guidance for doing technical changes... -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 10:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::@[[User:WOSlinker|WOSlinker]] maybe, then? -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 10:51, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Sorry guys, I've read the conversation just right now. ::::::[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]], I have created [[MediaWiki:Kartographer.css]] as per your code, but not so much time for testing. The gray POI has disappeared; it's enough? Any side effect to be checked? ::::::[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], thanks for pinging me twice. Next time, in case of emergency, leave a message on my it:voy talk page. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 16:35, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::It helped, thanks both to you and Roland! :) -- [[User_talk:Andree.sk|andree]] 19:28, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::: There are no side effects. The names of the pushpin images contain their colors, and this particular color is not used elsewhere. Of course, the way proposed is a workaround not a real solution but it is useful. The grey pushpin markers are present up to now, but they are invisible (hidden). --[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]] ([[User talk:RolandUnger|talk]]) 04:23, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::[[User:RolandUnger|RolandUnger]], thanks for your confirmation. --[[User:Andyrom75|<span style="color:#BB0000; font-family:Papyrus; font-size:12px">'''Andyrom75'''</span>]] ([[User talk:Andyrom75|talk]]) 10:00, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::: Brilliant work. Thanks to everyone who contributed to finding a workaround.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:52, 14 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::::Is this something that we should share with other wikis? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 16:15, 14 July 2022 (UTC) {{outdent}} A permanent solution to this problem has been implemented but not published for whatever reason (see https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T292613). --[[User:Renek78|Renek78]] ([[User talk:Renek78|talk]]) 14:14, 16 July 2022 (UTC) == Results of Wiki Loves Folklore 2022 is out! == <div lang="en" dir="ltr" class="mw-content-ltr"> {{int:please-translate}} [[File:Wiki Loves Folklore Logo.svg|right|150px|frameless]] Hi, Greetings The winners for '''[[c:Commons:Wiki Loves Folklore 2022|Wiki Loves Folklore 2022]]''' is announced! We are happy to share with you winning images for this year's edition. This year saw over 8,584 images represented on commons in over 92 countries. Kindly see images '''[[:c:Commons:Wiki Loves Folklore 2022/Winners|here]]''' Our profound gratitude to all the people who participated and organized local contests and photo walks for this project. We hope to have you contribute to the campaign next year. '''Thank you,''' '''Wiki Loves Folklore International Team''' --[[User:MediaWiki message delivery|MediaWiki message delivery]] ([[User talk:MediaWiki message delivery|talk]]) 16:12, 4 July 2022 (UTC) </div> <!-- Message sent by User:Tiven2240@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Non-Technical_Village_Pumps_distribution_list&oldid=23454230 --> == Using a separate colour for freeways on static maps == [[File:Greater Brisbane regions map.png|thumb|350px]] Right now, our current Wikivoyage style for static maps is to use red for a main road, while use yellow for secondary roads. While the criteria for what's a main road and what's a secondary road is fairly arbitrary and up to whoever's making the map to decide, I was wondering whether we should consider using a different colour for freeways/motorways? While I'm still new to this static mapmaking business, I personally find such a distinction of what's an ordinary road and what's a freeway useful, and many people often either want to use freeways or try to avoid them. Our dynamic maps already use a different colour for freeways, so why not static? I wanted to make such a distinction when I made a static map for [[Greater Brisbane]] today (on right), but such a change would be against Wikivoyage-style, so I'm asking the community for input; and if we do use a separate colour to distinguish freeways from normal roads, what would it be? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:24, 5 July 2022 (UTC) [[File:Southern Tasmania regions.png|thumb|350px]] :I tried using orange to identify freeways in the map of Southern Tasmania that I just created (on right). Is it obvious that the route coloured orange means a freeway? (I really want answers so I can take note of what I should do differently for my next static map) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:32, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :: What a colour means is never obvious, unless you know something about the destination. The colour could just mean "main highways" or whatever. :: I think that there are many more things that might be interesting for at least some travellers, and most travellers to some destinations. How do we show good cycling routes? Roads with good bus service? Nice pedestrian routes? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:14, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :::I don't think any colour schemes are immediately obvious wordwide. For a UK map, I would be tempted to use the same as some OS maps - blue for motorways, red for A roads, brown for B roads and yellow for minor roads, but some UK road atlases use green for A roads as this is the colour used on road signs. Another complication is the use of different colour fills for regions - a yellow road on a yellow background isn't good - spot the roads going to Richmond in Southern Tasmania. :::Is it possible to use slightly different line widths to indicate road importance? We also need to allow for things like long distance walking tracks or off-road cycle routes. As both examples have a lot of sea, they could have a key explaining the colours. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:45, 5 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Agreed. Map making 101: Every map needs a legend (key), and every symbol used in that map (intuitive or not) needs to be explained in that legend. That way you can add whatever is needed. Having a consistent style for static maps is a ''nice to have''; it should not get in the way of making maps ''useful''. ::::The color issue mentioned by AlasdairW is part of of a bigger problem: The different elements used in the map are unbalanced in terms of contrast (color, saturation, brightness) and visual weight (size, thickness). ::::1) The lines used for the roads are too thin in relation to everything else. After enlarging enough to properly see the roads, the text labels are way larger than they need to be. This is a static map: pick one scale and apply it consistently, using an appropriate degree of generalization. ::::2) Visual importance of borders (thickness, color contrast of the white vs. area colors) is too high given that areas already have different colors. Line thickness of borders is also inconsistent in the second map. ::::3) In general, having areas colored that heavily (dark & saturated) creates all kinds of problems for the visibility of makers, line elements and text labels. "Brisbane" in the first map is practically unreadable, for example. In [[:File:Georgia_regions_map2.png]], for example, that is much less of an issue due to different color choices. ::::Unfortunately, the region maps template is basically calling for many of these problems to occur. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 13:41, 6 July 2022 (UTC) [[File:Southern Tasmania regions map.png|thumb|350px]] :::::I've added a key to the Southern Tas static map (on right). How does this look? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:24, 9 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::But unfortunately, I have to agree with El Grafo that our region maps are at the very least, unreadable and awful-looking. If I had to design a static map from the start, this is not the way I would do it, but unfortunately the community is unwilling to accept that, in this very day and age, dynamic maps are far superior to static maps. There are few people who can edit static maps in the first place, and the two only editors (excluding myself) that I'm aware of who have even edited in the past month are {{u|Shaundd}} and {{u|SelfieCity}}. The only reason I'm making these maps is because our policy favours static maps in region articles but otherwise I think we need to revamp the region maps template. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:15, 9 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::I know this is a minor point, but I like the color scheme you are using. It feels just the right amount of trendy/modern/not outdated. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 18:11, 9 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I do like the lighter colours in the color scheme though. From [[Template:StdColor]], T1, T6, T8 and T9 feel a bit too dark (hence what's causing these problems), but a static map does look very nice if the right colors are used. So far, my favorite has to be the map I made for [[Southeastern New South Wales]], and I've been trying to make more maps like that. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:37, 10 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::: Hi {{u|SHB2000}}, I think it's fine if you want to experiment a bit use different colours and distinguish motorways. I did motorways differently for a while on maps I drew but eventually stopped because I felt it was more detail/clutter than benefit and it became another colour that had to integrated with the colour palette (which didn't always work). ::::::::: I also agree with the others above that our standard colours don't always work. I ended up moving away from them so I could get a better contrast between the region colour and the text (improves readability quite a bit). -[[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] ([[User talk:Shaundd|talk]]) 07:05, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::: The problem may be that our regional map template colors were not originally designed to accommodate details like roads. They work fine for plainer regional maps like [[New York (state)]] or [[Massachusetts]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 20:34, 15 July 2022 (UTC) == Road signs == There have been some discussions and addition and removal of galleries related to European road signs. As European non-driver it is hard for me to guess what signs are important to explain e.g. for US drivers. As the signs are pictogram-based, many of them are intuitive, but certainly not all. I assume other European editors also don't know what would be optimal, so I think we need others to weight in. There are some galleries in [[Driving in Europe]] and more for individual countries. As the variation is small between continental EU countries, there is little need for duplication per se, but I don't know to what extent one can assume drivers to read both the European article and the ones for individual countries (which have their peculiarities). Do drivers study traffic law or traffic signs before driving in a new country? I assume they are not, at least not to any great degree, but I might be wrong, and that would of course affect what we need to tell. Some of the articles became rather picture-heavy with a few less-established editors doing a lot of editing regarding images. I think we shouldn't apply our minimal-use-of-images policy to hard, as most images in these articles are informative rather than decorations. Some are of course also needed to give a feeling for the driving environment. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:57, 11 July 2022 (UTC) :As a US driver, I think that stop signs and signs for speed limits would be the most immediately necessary. You can't really drive anywhere if you don't know those two. There are others that might be useful (e.g., Yield) but won't turn up as often. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 20:00, 11 July 2022 (UTC) ::EU driver here. Wikipedia has a great [[:w:Comparison of European road signs]]. Road signs in Europe are indeed pretty consistent and mostly follow the Vienna conventions. I think it would make sense for the individual ''Driving in country X'' articles to mostly rely on (and prominently link to) a central article about that (e.g. [[Driving in Europe]] or the Rules section of [[:w:Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]]), so that the country articles can focus on pointing out where the country diverges from the norm in a way that could cause confusion. ::So for example, [[Driving in Europe]] would tell you that stop signs are always stop sign-shaped, always stop sign-colored and ''almost'' always use the word STOP, whereas [[Driving in Turkey]] might tell you that Turkey is pretty much the only country in Europe where they use local language (DUR) instead of STOP. [[Driving in Ireland]] might feel tempted to point out that the country uses [[:w:Comparison_of_MUTCD-influenced_traffic_signs|MUTCD-style]] warning signs, but that's probably more of a ''nice to know''. Pointing out that they (apparently) use [[:w:Belisha beacon]]s for pedestrian crossings would probably be a good idea, though. [[Driving in the Netherlands]] would probably talk about the relevance of blue vs. yellow curbs for parking rather than re-iterating that the prohibitory signs are round? ::Looking at existing ''Driving in X'' articles, I feel that ::* most of the example pictures in [[Driving_in_France#Traffic rules]] are unnecessary, as they are no different from other European countries and thus redundant to [[Driving in Europe]] (currently not linked). ::* [[Driving in Portugal#Road signs]] contains so many redundant examples that it's difficult to identify the ones that are specific to Portugal. ::* [[Driving in Sweden#Road signs]] and [[Driving in the United Kingdom#Road signs]] are mostly redundant too, but at least they stick to the important ones. ::*I don't know how I feel about the use of miniature versions of road signs in lists in [[Driving in Norway#Rules and regulations]] and [[Driving in Iceland#Rules and regulations]]. ::The other articles listed in [[Driving in Europe#Countries]] loo fine to me. Links to [[Driving in Europe]] are largely missing, though. [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 14:49, 12 July 2022 (UTC) :::Australian driver here. Our signage is very similar to US signage, but with four major exceptions: :::* we have give way signs as opposed to yield signs :::* passing cars is called overtaking as passing is only used when you pass cyclists :::* signs that are only used RHS countries are flipped (e.g. roundabout signs) :::* our speed signs is a mix of both US and EU speed signs; we have that white background but use the red circle ([https://goo.gl/maps/uRJbytw9jRVq4SRC9 a sign in the NT for ref]) :::Sometimes we do have our own minor modifications, such as exit signs (cf. [https://goo.gl/maps/nR3uHo2B9Qb75mSp9 US] and [https://goo.gl/maps/JaiaKyXX9qtMvaQGA Aus (specifically Qld)]), but whenever I travel to the US, I've never had an issue with understanding signage. For the record, from my limited experience in NZ, they look very similar to Australian signs but with a few minor differences. :::In Europe, were very different to what I saw in Aus or the US, but thankfully due to standardised signs, I did not have a problem when travelling in different countries (the signs in Norway, albeit different were very similar to the signs in France). However, most EU signs were self-explanatory, so for the most part, comprehending them wasn't a problem. In South and Southeast Asia, they weren't standardised, but they were very similar. ::: Re [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]]'s comment: I understand speed signs (though they're pretty much the same everywhere outside the US, Canada and maybe Liberia), aren't stop signs the same, octagonal sign everywhere? I've yet to see a stop sign that isn't red and octagonal. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:57, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::[[File:Japan_road_sign_330-B.svg|thumb|What's this?]] ::::Most places are using red octagons, frequently even with the English word "STOP", but not quite everywhere. Even in places where the red octagon is common, there may be a few old signs that haven't quite been replaced yet or the occasional variation, like [[:File:Blue stop sign - hawaii - oct 2015.jpg|Hawaii's blue stop signs]]. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:56, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::After doing more digging, it seems [[:File:Cuban Stop Sign.svg|Cuba's stop sign]] is also triangular (like Japan's), but if a country uses the standard octagonal sign, wouldn't it simply make more sense to write that in plain text? (e.g. New Zealand's stop sign is exactly the same as in Australia or the United States or something like that) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:07, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It seems stop signs are among the most standardized signs worldwide, both in areas that use Vienna convention and MUTCD-style signs. I'd go so far to say that they are not worth mentioning (let alone showing) at all unless they actually diverge from that de-facto norm (red and white octagon). <small>Interestingly enough, you can actually find the Cuban design in the [[:w:Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals]] as an alternative design.</small> [[User:El Grafo|El Grafo]] ([[User talk:El Grafo|talk]]) 08:58, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::The "Cuban design" is (or was) a fairly common alternative. It was being installed in the UK up to 1975, and in Italy to 1990. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:06, 13 July 2022 (UTC) == Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass == :''<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Propose statements for the 2022 Election Compass}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div>'' Hi all, Community members in the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022|2022 Board of Trustees election]] are invited to [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_elections/2022/Community_Voting/Election_Compass|propose statements to use in the Election Compass.]] An Election Compass is a tool to help voters select the candidates that best align with their beliefs and views. The community members will propose statements for the candidates to answer using a Lickert scale (agree/neutral/disagree). The candidates’ answers to the statements will be loaded into the Election Compass tool. Voters will use the tool by entering in their answer to the statements (agree/disagree/neutral). The results will show the candidates that best align with the voter’s beliefs and views. Here is the timeline for the Election Compass: July 8 - 20: Community members propose statements for the Election Compass July 21 - 22: Elections Committee reviews statements for clarity and removes off-topic statements July 23 - August 1: Volunteers vote on the statements August 2 - 4: Elections Committee selects the top 15 statements August 5 - 12: candidates align themselves with the statements August 15: The Election Compass opens for voters to use to help guide their voting decision The Elections Committee will select the top 15 statements at the beginning of August. The Elections Committee will oversee the process, supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance team. MSG will check that the questions are clear, there are no duplicates, no typos, and so on. Best, Movement Strategy and Governance ''This message was sent on behalf of the Board Selection Task Force and the Elections Committee'' [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 13:26, 11 July 2022 (UTC) == Crazy new feature idea -- personal itineraries == What if we had a way for a user (probably a logged-in user) to save individual listings to a custom itinerary? (Not a [[Wikivoyage:Itineraries|Wikivoyage Itinerary]], just in the generic sense of the word.) Or even save individual listings to a Google Map? Some way a user could record places he or she wants to go? [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 20:37, 15 July 2022 (UTC) :Something kinda like this? [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500/test places]] --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 23:29, 15 July 2022 (UTC) ::Roughly, but see my response to WhatamIdoing well below. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::The way I understand the idea, is it's like a personalised version of an article, that lists only the POIs that the owner is interested in. That is already doable by a manual copy-and-paste, but I assume the idea is for something more high-tech, where the user could just tap or click a button on a listing in [[Prague]], which copies the listing over to [[ThunderingTyphoons!' Prague itinerary]]. ::That seems like a great idea to me, but I don't know how to implement it.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:22, 16 July 2022 (UTC) *{{o}} First of all, there are multiple issues with this proposal. The first and the foremost is that most readers don't have an account and IP users are not allowed to have user pages or user subpages; IPs periodically change over time so if we are going to be the only Wikimedia project that openly allows such, then we're going to have to do some serious janitorial work in deleting these subpages after a few months. Additionally, this is going to require some brand new tools and gadgets that will take a lot of time – really not worth the time and effort. Finally, saving individual listings to Google Maps is against our [[what not to link to]] policy, so no, I oppose this proposal. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:04, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::What do you mean, IP users are not allowed to have user pages or subpages? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:32, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::I don't know whether it's a global policy or a policy only on Meta-Wiki and I think Wikipedia too, but as far as I'm aware, both those projects speedily delete IP userpages or IP subpages as IPs aren't permanently assigned to one user. Our policies don't seem to say anything about this, but maybe {{u|WhatamIdoing}} might be able to explain this better. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:41, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::::enwiki allows IP user pages, for example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:220.101.28.25 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:81.168.80.170 [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 14:39, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::::We do, too. IPs' user pages are never deleted here unless they are spam or vandalism. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:50, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Those seem to be at least a decade old though. I just tried making one and the software wouldn't allow me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:23, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::That's very disconcerting. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:07, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I managed to create one, first ensuring I was in an incognito window. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 23:25, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::With respect, SHB2000, I think your objections are ill-considered. Firstly, I didn't say anything about IP user pages or subpages; there may very well be ways to implement this that don't rely on them. Second, while it's true that this would require some development effort, you don't even attempt to make a case that the benefit isn't "worth the time and effort". Yes, it would be a lot of effort, but if the return is great enough, it might still be "worth it". (I'm not making a claim either way, just pointing out that you failed to support yours.) Third, [[what not to link to]] is about things that are better done here on Wikivoyage; if you're claiming it shouldn't be on Wikivoyage in the first place, then [[what not to link to]] doesn't apply. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::Okay, so if I wasn't clear enough, here's a longer but briefer explanation. Such a tool would work very similar to the already existing editor, but maintaining such scripts is ''very'' difficult (I do maintain a few of these scripts IRL) and even if this went ahead, there are a few issues: :::* Like the listing editor, users will need to have javascript enabled. Without javascript, it simply won't work. :::* If this tool just copies down all the important pieces of a listing to a separate page, the tool needs to give attribution in the edit summary – otherwise, it's a violation of our copyleft license. :::* This won't work for outline articles that have little to no content :::* Users might be intimidated if they want to edit the listing – I'm guessing only maybe 1 or 2 per cent of our readers will know what Wikidata is (which is one of the main sources we use to get coordinates). :::What more, this exact same thing can be done with [http://geojson.io/#map=10/-34.9602/149.1497 geojson.io]. We have few editors who actively maintain scripts like these, and only a fraction out of the few who can will be willing to spend a lot of time and effort into something that isn't even really worth spending that much time anyway. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 19 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Thanks for explaining further, but I really think you're getting hung up on implementation details that might not even apply for some of the directions we could go with this feature. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 12:11, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Powers, were you thinking about individual listings (first the museum, then the restaurant, back to the hotel), or about destinations (San Francisco, then Napa Valley, then Yosemite)? [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 21:07, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::Individual listings. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 19:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) * What's stopping a user from creating a personal itinerary in userspace under current policy? I'm curious as to the need for a change. As for as I'm concerned, I could create an itinerary in userspace based on an OSM map, and surely, it wouldn't be deleted as out of scope? I'd prefer for the above reasons to avoid Google Maps. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:22, 18 July 2022 (UTC) *:I already have that: [[User:AlasdairW/Testpage]]. This is currently showing a few places that I stayed in in 2018. At that time it was used to send to friends showing where I would be staying on a trip - they got the dates etc in an email that linked to this page. *:I would support having a policy that explicitly allowed such a page (for signed in users), as they might be more inclined to also update the article pages at the same time. I think that such pages should stick to using our mapframes, although I would be happy with a tool that allowed a list of lat/longs to exported for use with other tools including Google maps, car GPS systems etc. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) *:Well, willingness and ability to edit wiki pages, primarily, as well as the cumbersome need to copy+paste listings. I'm envisioning a one-click kind of "add to personal itinerary" button on each listing. The use case would be a non-editor coming to Wikivoyage to learn about a destination (or several related ones) and assembling a list/map of highlights she wants to be sure to hit on her trip. Can she just write them down somewhere, or copy+paste them to a personal Google map? Sure, but the proposed feature would remove several steps. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 12:11, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == New user ban nomination == There's a new [[Wikivoyage:User ban nominations|user ban]] nomination going on to ban a fairly long-term contributor and any input is more that welcome. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:58, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :Thanks for alerting us to this. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:22, 18 July 2022 (UTC) == Movement Strategy and Governance News - Issue 7 == <div style = "line-height: 1.2"> <span style="font-size:200%;">'''Movement Strategy and Governance News'''</span><br> <span style="font-size:120%; color:#404040;">'''Issue 7, July-September 2022'''</span><span style="font-size:120%; float:right;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7|'''Read the full newsletter''']]</span> ---- Welcome to the 7th issue of Movement Strategy and Governance News! The newsletter distributes relevant news and events about the implementation of Wikimedia's [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Initiatives|Movement Strategy recommendations]], other relevant topics regarding Movement governance, as well as different projects and activities supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance (MSG) team of the Wikimedia Foundation. The MSG Newsletter is delivered quarterly, while the more frequent [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Updates|Movement Strategy Weekly]] will be delivered weekly. Please remember to subscribe [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/MSG Newsletter Subscription|here]] if you would like to receive future issues of this newsletter. </div><div style="margin-top:3px; padding:10px 10px 10px 20px; background:#fffff; border:2px solid #808080; border-radius:4px; font-size:100%;"> * '''Movement sustainability''': Wikimedia Foundation's annual sustainability report has been published. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A1</tvar>|continue reading]]) * '''Improving user experience''': recent improvements on the desktop interface for Wikimedia projects. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A2|continue reading]]) * '''Safety and inclusion''': updates on the revision process of the Universal Code of Conduct Enforcement Guidelines. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A3|continue reading]]) * '''Equity in decisionmaking''': reports from Hubs pilots conversations, recent progress from the Movement Charter Drafting Committee, and a new white paper for futures of participation in the Wikimedia movement. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A4|continue reading]]) * '''Stakeholders coordination''': launch of a helpdesk for Affiliates and volunteer communities working on content partnership. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A5|continue reading]]) * '''Leadership development''': updates on leadership projects by Wikimedia movement organizers in Brazil and Cape Verde. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A6|continue reading]]) * '''Internal knowledge management''': launch of a new portal for technical documentation and community resources. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A7|continue reading]]) * '''Innovate in free knowledge''': high-quality audiovisual resources for scientific experiments and a new toolkit to record oral transcripts. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A8|continue reading]]) * '''Evaluate, iterate, and adapt''': results from the Equity Landscape project pilot ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A9|continue reading]]) * '''Other news and updates''': a new forum to discuss Movement Strategy implementation, upcoming Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees election, a new podcast to discuss Movement Strategy, and change of personnel for the Foundation's Movement Strategy and Governance team. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A10|continue reading]]) </div><section end="msg-newsletter"/> [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 22:58, 18 July 2022 (UTC) == "PIN codes" == This redirect was created to go to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]], but I daresay, most non-<s>Australians</s>Indians have never heard of this term in a postal context and would expect it to link to an article about banking. Please express your opinion at [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]]. Should we create a disambiguation for two terms that are not destinations, or should we delete the redirect? Those seem to me to be the only two reasonable options. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:12, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :PIN-pass, you pay cash or are you PIN-ing, and more, are usual expressions in The Netherlands.--[[User:FredTC|FredTC]] ([[User talk:FredTC|talk]]) 06:17, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::Right, but this is treating "PIN codes" as an <s>Australian</s>Indian postal expression, and I'm saying that's too obscure to non-<s>Australians</s>Indians to be a good redirect. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :First of all, remember, [[w:WP:CHEAP|redirects are cheap]] – there is really no point in discussing pointless redirects. The first sentence of [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy#Redirects]] explicitly says "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names.". :Secondly, what made you think that this was an Australian term? The page I linked, [[English language varieties#Connect]] explicitly mentioned that it's sometimes redundantly called such in India (whilst redundant, again, redirects are cheap). Did you think that it was an Australian term just because I created it? I honestly had no idea what that meant before my first trip to India (and I'll add that my driver did constantly mention "PIN code", not "PIN"). :Thirdly, this could have really been handled in a much better way. Unless it's something major (e.g. userban nominations, major proposal change or something alike), this should go in [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment]], not in the pub. Perhaps you missed "If you'd like to draw attention to a comment to get feedback from other Wikivoyagers, try [[Wikivoyage:Requests for comment|Requests for comment]]."? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:17, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::People pay more attention to the Pub. I thought about also putting the announcement in Requests for comment but got lazy. But confusing redirects aren't cheap. If you really want to fight this, then yes, a nomination will need to be made at [[vfd]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:30, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :::Btw, sorry if anything about this annoys you, and sorry for getting wrong where "PIN code" comes from, but I also felt like you decided to ignore my reply about how confusing redirects are not cheap, so I had to do something in order to generate more discussion, and I don't think there's any important matter of protocol involved in whether notice is given in requests for comment as well as the pub. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Now there's a Votes for deletion thread, [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion#Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]. Feel free to put a notice on Requests for comment if you like. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:21, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election == :''<div class="plainlinks">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election/Short|{{int:interlanguage-link-mul}}]] • [https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Translate&group=page-{{urlencode:Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election/Short}}&language=&action=page&filter= {{int:please-translate}}]</div>'' Hi everyone, The Affiliate Representatives have completed their voting period. The selected 2022 Board of Trustees candidates are: * Tobechukwu Precious Friday ([[:m:User:Tochiprecious|Tochiprecious]]) * Farah Jack Mustaklem ([[:m:User:Fjmustak|Fjmustak]]) * Shani Evenstein Sigalov ([[:m:User:Esh77|Esh77]]) * Kunal Mehta ([[:m:User:Legoktm|Legoktm]]) * Michał Buczyński ([[:m:User:Aegis Maelstrom|Aegis Maelstrom]]) * Mike Peel ([[:m:User:Mike Peel|Mike Peel]]) You may see more information about the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Results|Results]] and [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Stats|Statistics]] of this Board election. The Affiliate organizations selected representatives to vote on behalf of the Affiliate organization. The Affiliate Representatives proposed questions for the candidates to answer in mid-June. These answers from candidates and the information provided from the Analysis Committee provided support for the representatives as they made their decision. Please take a moment to appreciate the Affiliate Representatives and Analysis Committee members for taking part in this process and helping to grow the Board of Trustees in capacity and diversity. These hours of volunteer work connect us across understanding and perspective. Thank you for your participation. Thank you to the community members who put themselves forward as candidates for the Board of Trustees. Considering joining the Board of Trustees is no small decision. The time and dedication candidates have shown to this point speaks to their commitment to this movement. Congratulations to those candidates who have been selected. A great amount of appreciation and gratitude for those candidates not selected. Please continue to share your leadership with Wikimedia. What can voters do now? [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Results|Review the results of the Affiliate selection process]]. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation elections/2022/Announcement/Announcing the six candidates for the 2022 Board of Trustees election|Read more here about the next steps in the 2022 Board of Trustee election]]. Best, Movement Strategy and Governance ''This message was sent on behalf of the Board Selection Task Force and the Elections Committee''</translate><br /><section end="announcement-content" /> [[User:Zuz (WMF)|Zuz (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Zuz (WMF)|talk]]) 19:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Another copyvio site == Just as an FYI, I found another copy of Wikivoyage a few days ago: [https://www.travelerandfree.com/ Traveler and Free]. This one is a mirror site, which updates in real time (go ahead and find this very post on their mirror of the Pub!). It's not copyleft-compliant: there's no credit given to WV, and each page has a fraudulent copyright symbol on it. There seems to be real people behind it, as the same site hosts a blog that appears to be original content. On Monday, I sent an email to the address listed on their contact page, and have also notified Wikimedia Legal. Will let you know if there are any developments. [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:35, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Their [https://www.travelerandfree.com/terms_of_service terms of service] reads an absolute joke to me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Ah, I didn't spot that, but Legal might be interested. It expressly forbids other sites to mirror it! ::Forgot to mention that it's not just a mirror of en.wikivoyage, but of all the language additions.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:57, 21 July 2022 (UTC) == alternative-indy culture == Anyone knows of good guide to alternative-indy culture in any Wikivoyage language? --[[User:Zblace|Zblace]] ([[User talk:Zblace|talk]]) 19:59, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :Like I said in the Interlingual Lounge, I don't know of any, and that sounds like a travel topic to me, that perhaps you'd like to start, but first, what do you mean by alternative-indy culture and what part of the world would you like to cover? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:16, 21 July 2022 (UTC) cvusmaeay432e1hdk072yo9gz0c8zpv 4 69340 4487757 4487614 2022-07-21T14:34:13Z LPfi 79572 /* Wikivoyage:PIN codes */ we don't make redirects from all conceivable alternative names wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ <!-- generates a "+"-Tab so we can easily add a new topic --> {| style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px; color:#454442;">'''Votes for deletion'''</div>{{shortcut|[[WV:VFD]]|[[vfd]]}} This page lists articles, files and templates that are nominated for deletion. Any Wikivoyager can make a nomination or comment on any nomination. Nominations or comments should follow a rationale based on our [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|deletion policy]]. If our deletion policy leads towards a merge or redirect, then coordinate this on the discussion page of the article. The purpose of this page is limited to the interpretation and application of our deletion policy. You can discuss what our deletion policies should be on the [[Wikivoyage_talk:Deletion_policy|deletion policy discussion page]]. ===Nominating=== Add a {{tl|vfd}} tag to the top of the article, file or template being proposed for deletion, so that people viewing it will be aware. Place the tag '''at the very top''', before everything else, except the page banner. Do note though, if you're tagging a template for deletion, use <nowiki><noinclude>{{vfd}}</noinclude></nowiki> instead of {{tl|vfd}} alone. Add a link to the article, file or template at the end of the list below, along with the reason why it is being listed for deletion. Sign your recommendation using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). If you're nominating a file for deletion, make sure it's actually located on the English Wikivoyage and not on Wikimedia Commons. The basic format for a deletion nomination is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Not a valid travel article topic. ~~~~</nowiki> ===Commenting=== All Wikivoyagers are invited to comment on articles, files or templates listed for deletion. The format for comments is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Delete'''. Not a valid travel article topic. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Keep'''. There is a town in [[Alaska]] called Chicken. ~~~~</nowiki> When leaving comments you may elect to '''delete''', '''keep''', or '''redirect''' the article. If you recommend redirection, you may suggest where it should be redirected to. Any attempt to merge content from an article to some other destination must retain the edit history to comply with the attribution (CC BY-SA) requirements of the free license, so it may be possible to '''merge and redirect''' but not to merge and delete. Sign your comment using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). ===Deleting, or not=== * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''delete''', an administrator may delete it. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''redirect''' or '''merge''', any Wikivoyager may do it. If you make a redirect, please check for any resulting broken redirects or double redirects. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''keep''', any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is a consensus, implement it in line with the first three points above. * When deleting an article, check [[Special:WhatLinksHere|"What links here"]]. Either remove the newly-broken links from the articles or point them somewhere else. Inbound redirects to a deleted page should either be deleted or redirected elsewhere. * When deleting a template, either replace it wherever it's been transcluded, especially if it served a formatting function. You can do this by adding "subst:" before the template name. Once that's done, you can delete the template without affecting individual uses of it. Otherwise, remove the template from all pages that use the template. However, do '''not''' delete the template first – this breaks links and will cause a swathe of red links, requiring a lot of cleanups. ===Archiving=== After you keep/redirect/merge/delete the article, file or template, '''move the deletion discussion''' to the [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}|Archives page for the appropriate month]]. The [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|root archives page]] has a directory. Note that it's the month in which the ''action'' was taken, rather than when the ''nomination'' was first posted, that should be used for the archived discussion; that way, recourse to the deletion log can lead subsequent readers right to the discussion (at least for the pages that were deleted). When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. See also: * [[Special:Log/delete|Deletion log]] * [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|Votes for deletion/Archives]] - the VFD archives index page * [[Project:Votes for undeletion|Votes for undeletion]] * [[:Category:Vfd]] - A page that collects every image and article that is currently tagged with the [[:Template:Vfd|vfd template]]. |style="background: #FF6600;" | [[File:Icon delete talk.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} ==July 2022== ===[[Wikivoyage:Time and date formats/New version]]=== Unclear scope, created (and only edited) by an IP user and I don't see a discussion approving this page. Since this is not an official Wikivoyage policy or guideline, I really cannot see a convincing argument for keeping this. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:14, 13 July 2022 (UTC) : Probably a draft for a changed layout. But it has been untouched and uncommented for eight years, so will probably not advance. If somebody thinks there are merits to it, we could discuss merging it in, and if that is done we should probably keep it in some form, but otherwise it can be deleted. As it stands it is a bit confusing. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:55, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::There was a short discussion about it in the pub, see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub/2013_(additional)#Help_pages_clean_up]]. It could be moved (no redirect) to somewhere in the pub archive space if we want to keep it, but I don't see this as essential. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::I do find this "new version" much easier to read. It will be nice to apply that to the official policy page. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 04:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::But unless this draft becomes official, it cannot stay in projectspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This is a much clearer presentation than [[wv:tdf]]. I have started a discussion at [[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats]] to propose incorporating this version into the policy. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:10, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]=== *'''Delete''' Most people when seeing "PIN" in all caps think of the personal identification number they need to use at an ATM to get money, so when I saw this redirect, I was expecting it to go to an article about banking, but instead, it goes to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]]. Apparently, postal codes are called "PIN codes" in India. If we don't delete this redirect on account of its being confusing, I think we would have to turn it into a disambiguation page, and do we really want a disambiguation page for two non-destination terms, one relating to banking and purchasing and the other relating to mail? See [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]] for more context and discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:09, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *:What's the second page would you link on the disambiguation page? The 'when to put postal codes in an article' page, plus ??? We don't have pages like [[Wikivoyage:Banking]] or [[Wikivoyage:ATM]], and it doesn't make sense for a page in the <code>Wikivoyage:</code> namespace to link to actual articles. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:50, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Speedy keep''' First of all, quoting [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|the policy]], "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted." Nowhere does it say, confusing redirects (in this case, this isn't even confusing at all) are an exception. I'm not going to repeat my argument, but see [[Special:Diff/4486907]]. It's a term commonly (albeit redundantly) used in India, so someone may very well be searching that term up. If this were in namespace 0, I'd have supported deletion (and I'd not have created such a redirect in the first place) but this is in namespace 4 (i.e. projectspace), so the chances of us needing a projectspace page for banking is next to zero. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 20 July 2022 (UTC) **A general rule has exceptions. I think we would all agree that as a general rule, redirects shouldn't be deleted, but that there are cases when they should be. This thread is to determine whether this is one such case, and I hope you don't mean to say that if a consensus votes to delete, you wouldn't consider that legitimate because you believe "a general rule" means "never". Care to clarify your views on this? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:31, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Delete''' I would expect PIN codes to link to an article about banking, or possibly about protecting your valuables ("set your phone to have a pin code to prevent others using it"). It shouldn't link to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]] as the article doesn't use the term. If the redirect is a kept a sentence must be added explaining this term. It should always be possible for the reader to find the redirected term in the article, otherwise they just give up and go elsewhere - then redirects are expensive as they cost us readers. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 13:18, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - I'm on the fence. On the one hand, it's confusing to anyone not familiar with Indian English, as already proven by those of us who thought it was Australian, or that it referred to bank card PINs, as it does in much of the world. For that reason alone, it's not a great redirect unless it's the only likely search term that an Indian Wikivoyager would think to use when searching for our postcode policy. :But on the other hand, how likely is it that we'd ever have a ''Wikivoyage policy'' about ''banking''? A redirect that's clearly pointing to Wikivoyage space is never going to land you on a mainspace article about money. So yeah, initial confusion is justified, but if you think about it, the idea that anyone would be searching for our nonexistent credit card policy by typing "WV:PIN codes" is a little farfetched. :If anyone is going to search this, it'll be an Indian, and they'll be looking for the postcode policy. Would anyone with the appropriate qualifications care to comment on how likely this is? 🙂 --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} Not someone from India, and my experience in India has been pretty limited to [[South India]], mostly in [[Kerala]], but I will note that I heard "PIN codes" very often. Most notably, my driver kept requesting what the "PIN code" (not just "PIN") was from getting between destinations – I'm not exactly sure why though, but he did (often in sentences like "What is hotel PIN code"). Meanwhile, I, on the other hand, a brand new visitor to the state (and India for that matter), had no idea what he meant. Another local (with good English proficiency) eventually told me what "PIN" and "PIN code" meant. Now I will add that my stay in India was only for a bit more than a week so I really don't know whether this is the case throughout or just in the South. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::PIN code is undoubtedly in common use in India; that's not in question. My question (which no one who has commented yet would be able to answer) is whether Indian Wikivoyagers would ''only'' use the term PIN code, and not think to search for any other expression before giving up. ::::If that's at all likely, then the redirect serves a purpose.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Keep'''. My views mostly align with TT's comments. I think we need to keep this and add some content to the target ("We ''may'' use postal codes (US: ZIP codes; India: PIN codes)...") to help people understand why they ended up there. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::We could do the second thing regardless of the outcome of this nomination. Oh look, I just have.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:58, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * <s>Keep</s> '''Delete''' /as a useless project space redirect; changed vote based on the discussion below this comment and after a careful read of the policy: "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide <u>alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names</u> -- this is not relevant in this situation because the target is not an article, it's a policy page/. I added a disambiguating hatnote ([[Special:Diff/4487307]]; EDIT: and [[Special:Diff/4487309]]), which I believe should suffice. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 23:06, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :*The hatnote does make me happier. Thanks. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:42, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::*When I think a little harder, I have to admit that the redirect in the project namespace is odd, because who will ever type: W-i-k-i-v-o-y-g-e-:-P-I-N-... Would someone speculatively type it to see if a ''policy'' under that name exists? Redirects are supposed to redirect to relevant pages from realistic search terms IMO. Maybe a better argument for deletion than the one relating to the confusion with bank PIN would have been the one that the redirect is probably completely useless as such. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 00:08, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::*That seems like a good point to me. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) : '''Delete'''; it is useless clutter. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:55, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Please explain how it's "useless clutter"? It's a redirect and redirects don't take up maybe 20 bytes at max – the exact opposite of "clutter" and that itself is not a valid reason for deletion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: The question is whether somebody would use the redirect. Is it realistic that an Indian editor would look up our policy by that name? It isn't about 20 bytes (although I'd guess at 4 kB at minimum), but cluttering the namespace. If it is likely that somebody uses the redirect and wouldn't easily find our policy without it, then by all means keep it, but I find that scenario very unlikely. We shouldn't make redirects for all possible search terms. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:33, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I thought we allowed redirects if it was standard in a different English variety, right? From [[w:MOS:ENGVAR]], I thought such redirects were encouraged. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::: It is useless because it redirects to the wrong thing, not the normal use of "PIN code", because it is in the wrong namespace & because it is an unlikely search term. If we did need something for PIN code (we don't!), it would need to be a disambig not a redirect & in mainspace not project space. :::: It is clutter because it is useless & in the wrong namespace. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::: We don't have [[Wikivoyage:Spelling guidelines]], [[Wikivoyage:Spelling at Wikivoyage]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography guidelines]], ... It is better to have just a couple of names for a certain guidelines, as otherwise people might start using the alternative names in discussions and it becomes very hard to know whether any one such reference is to the well-known page. I get very frustrated by people using redirects in discussions, forcing me to either memorize them or every time click to check what they are talking about. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Apatity]], [[Umba]] and [[Zapolyarny]]=== {{anchor|Apatity}}{{anchor|Zapolyarny}}{{anchor|Umba}} These three articles were created by [[Special:Contributions/87.74.129.131|87.74.129.131]], who, albeit not confirmed, is a likely IP sock of the indef banned [[m:voy:User:ArticCynda|ArticCynda]]. It was even more obvious when AC's latest sockpuppet, [[Special:Contributions/2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827|2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827]] made a bunch of edits (now reverted), but most of the content here was written by AC, and as was concluded last year, they may not edit Wikivoyage. [[Zell am Ziller]] was also created by 87.74.129.131, but since the article was not edited by AC's latest sockpuppet, this should ideally be handled in a separate deletion request IMO. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) <!--==August 2022== :''None currently'' --> cdnsrxmedap4oqxau1negb0phj1wfz3 4487760 4487757 2022-07-21T14:35:49Z LPfi 79572 /* Wikivoyage:PIN codes */ wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ <!-- generates a "+"-Tab so we can easily add a new topic --> {| style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px; color:#454442;">'''Votes for deletion'''</div>{{shortcut|[[WV:VFD]]|[[vfd]]}} This page lists articles, files and templates that are nominated for deletion. Any Wikivoyager can make a nomination or comment on any nomination. Nominations or comments should follow a rationale based on our [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|deletion policy]]. If our deletion policy leads towards a merge or redirect, then coordinate this on the discussion page of the article. The purpose of this page is limited to the interpretation and application of our deletion policy. You can discuss what our deletion policies should be on the [[Wikivoyage_talk:Deletion_policy|deletion policy discussion page]]. ===Nominating=== Add a {{tl|vfd}} tag to the top of the article, file or template being proposed for deletion, so that people viewing it will be aware. Place the tag '''at the very top''', before everything else, except the page banner. Do note though, if you're tagging a template for deletion, use <nowiki><noinclude>{{vfd}}</noinclude></nowiki> instead of {{tl|vfd}} alone. Add a link to the article, file or template at the end of the list below, along with the reason why it is being listed for deletion. Sign your recommendation using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). If you're nominating a file for deletion, make sure it's actually located on the English Wikivoyage and not on Wikimedia Commons. The basic format for a deletion nomination is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Not a valid travel article topic. ~~~~</nowiki> ===Commenting=== All Wikivoyagers are invited to comment on articles, files or templates listed for deletion. The format for comments is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Delete'''. Not a valid travel article topic. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Keep'''. There is a town in [[Alaska]] called Chicken. ~~~~</nowiki> When leaving comments you may elect to '''delete''', '''keep''', or '''redirect''' the article. If you recommend redirection, you may suggest where it should be redirected to. Any attempt to merge content from an article to some other destination must retain the edit history to comply with the attribution (CC BY-SA) requirements of the free license, so it may be possible to '''merge and redirect''' but not to merge and delete. Sign your comment using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). ===Deleting, or not=== * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''delete''', an administrator may delete it. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''redirect''' or '''merge''', any Wikivoyager may do it. If you make a redirect, please check for any resulting broken redirects or double redirects. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''keep''', any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is a consensus, implement it in line with the first three points above. * When deleting an article, check [[Special:WhatLinksHere|"What links here"]]. Either remove the newly-broken links from the articles or point them somewhere else. Inbound redirects to a deleted page should either be deleted or redirected elsewhere. * When deleting a template, either replace it wherever it's been transcluded, especially if it served a formatting function. You can do this by adding "subst:" before the template name. Once that's done, you can delete the template without affecting individual uses of it. Otherwise, remove the template from all pages that use the template. However, do '''not''' delete the template first – this breaks links and will cause a swathe of red links, requiring a lot of cleanups. ===Archiving=== After you keep/redirect/merge/delete the article, file or template, '''move the deletion discussion''' to the [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}|Archives page for the appropriate month]]. The [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|root archives page]] has a directory. Note that it's the month in which the ''action'' was taken, rather than when the ''nomination'' was first posted, that should be used for the archived discussion; that way, recourse to the deletion log can lead subsequent readers right to the discussion (at least for the pages that were deleted). When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. See also: * [[Special:Log/delete|Deletion log]] * [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|Votes for deletion/Archives]] - the VFD archives index page * [[Project:Votes for undeletion|Votes for undeletion]] * [[:Category:Vfd]] - A page that collects every image and article that is currently tagged with the [[:Template:Vfd|vfd template]]. |style="background: #FF6600;" | [[File:Icon delete talk.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} ==July 2022== ===[[Wikivoyage:Time and date formats/New version]]=== Unclear scope, created (and only edited) by an IP user and I don't see a discussion approving this page. Since this is not an official Wikivoyage policy or guideline, I really cannot see a convincing argument for keeping this. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:14, 13 July 2022 (UTC) : Probably a draft for a changed layout. But it has been untouched and uncommented for eight years, so will probably not advance. If somebody thinks there are merits to it, we could discuss merging it in, and if that is done we should probably keep it in some form, but otherwise it can be deleted. As it stands it is a bit confusing. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:55, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::There was a short discussion about it in the pub, see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub/2013_(additional)#Help_pages_clean_up]]. It could be moved (no redirect) to somewhere in the pub archive space if we want to keep it, but I don't see this as essential. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::I do find this "new version" much easier to read. It will be nice to apply that to the official policy page. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 04:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::But unless this draft becomes official, it cannot stay in projectspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This is a much clearer presentation than [[wv:tdf]]. I have started a discussion at [[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats]] to propose incorporating this version into the policy. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:10, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]=== *'''Delete''' Most people when seeing "PIN" in all caps think of the personal identification number they need to use at an ATM to get money, so when I saw this redirect, I was expecting it to go to an article about banking, but instead, it goes to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]]. Apparently, postal codes are called "PIN codes" in India. If we don't delete this redirect on account of its being confusing, I think we would have to turn it into a disambiguation page, and do we really want a disambiguation page for two non-destination terms, one relating to banking and purchasing and the other relating to mail? See [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]] for more context and discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:09, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *:What's the second page would you link on the disambiguation page? The 'when to put postal codes in an article' page, plus ??? We don't have pages like [[Wikivoyage:Banking]] or [[Wikivoyage:ATM]], and it doesn't make sense for a page in the <code>Wikivoyage:</code> namespace to link to actual articles. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:50, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Speedy keep''' First of all, quoting [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|the policy]], "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted." Nowhere does it say, confusing redirects (in this case, this isn't even confusing at all) are an exception. I'm not going to repeat my argument, but see [[Special:Diff/4486907]]. It's a term commonly (albeit redundantly) used in India, so someone may very well be searching that term up. If this were in namespace 0, I'd have supported deletion (and I'd not have created such a redirect in the first place) but this is in namespace 4 (i.e. projectspace), so the chances of us needing a projectspace page for banking is next to zero. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 20 July 2022 (UTC) **A general rule has exceptions. I think we would all agree that as a general rule, redirects shouldn't be deleted, but that there are cases when they should be. This thread is to determine whether this is one such case, and I hope you don't mean to say that if a consensus votes to delete, you wouldn't consider that legitimate because you believe "a general rule" means "never". Care to clarify your views on this? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:31, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Delete''' I would expect PIN codes to link to an article about banking, or possibly about protecting your valuables ("set your phone to have a pin code to prevent others using it"). It shouldn't link to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]] as the article doesn't use the term. If the redirect is a kept a sentence must be added explaining this term. It should always be possible for the reader to find the redirected term in the article, otherwise they just give up and go elsewhere - then redirects are expensive as they cost us readers. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 13:18, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - I'm on the fence. On the one hand, it's confusing to anyone not familiar with Indian English, as already proven by those of us who thought it was Australian, or that it referred to bank card PINs, as it does in much of the world. For that reason alone, it's not a great redirect unless it's the only likely search term that an Indian Wikivoyager would think to use when searching for our postcode policy. :But on the other hand, how likely is it that we'd ever have a ''Wikivoyage policy'' about ''banking''? A redirect that's clearly pointing to Wikivoyage space is never going to land you on a mainspace article about money. So yeah, initial confusion is justified, but if you think about it, the idea that anyone would be searching for our nonexistent credit card policy by typing "WV:PIN codes" is a little farfetched. :If anyone is going to search this, it'll be an Indian, and they'll be looking for the postcode policy. Would anyone with the appropriate qualifications care to comment on how likely this is? 🙂 --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} Not someone from India, and my experience in India has been pretty limited to [[South India]], mostly in [[Kerala]], but I will note that I heard "PIN codes" very often. Most notably, my driver kept requesting what the "PIN code" (not just "PIN") was from getting between destinations – I'm not exactly sure why though, but he did (often in sentences like "What is hotel PIN code"). Meanwhile, I, on the other hand, a brand new visitor to the state (and India for that matter), had no idea what he meant. Another local (with good English proficiency) eventually told me what "PIN" and "PIN code" meant. Now I will add that my stay in India was only for a bit more than a week so I really don't know whether this is the case throughout or just in the South. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::PIN code is undoubtedly in common use in India; that's not in question. My question (which no one who has commented yet would be able to answer) is whether Indian Wikivoyagers would ''only'' use the term PIN code, and not think to search for any other expression before giving up. ::::If that's at all likely, then the redirect serves a purpose.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Keep'''. My views mostly align with TT's comments. I think we need to keep this and add some content to the target ("We ''may'' use postal codes (US: ZIP codes; India: PIN codes)...") to help people understand why they ended up there. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::We could do the second thing regardless of the outcome of this nomination. Oh look, I just have.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:58, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * <s>Keep</s> '''Delete''' /as a useless project space redirect; changed vote based on the discussion below this comment and after a careful read of the policy: "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide <u>alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names</u> -- this is not relevant in this situation because the target is not an article, it's a policy page/. I added a disambiguating hatnote ([[Special:Diff/4487307]]; EDIT: and [[Special:Diff/4487309]]), which I believe should suffice. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 23:06, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :*The hatnote does make me happier. Thanks. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:42, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::*When I think a little harder, I have to admit that the redirect in the project namespace is odd, because who will ever type: W-i-k-i-v-o-y-g-e-:-P-I-N-... Would someone speculatively type it to see if a ''policy'' under that name exists? Redirects are supposed to redirect to relevant pages from realistic search terms IMO. Maybe a better argument for deletion than the one relating to the confusion with bank PIN would have been the one that the redirect is probably completely useless as such. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 00:08, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::*That seems like a good point to me. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) : '''Delete'''; it is useless clutter. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:55, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Please explain how it's "useless clutter"? It's a redirect and redirects don't take up maybe 20 bytes at max – the exact opposite of "clutter" and that itself is not a valid reason for deletion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: The question is whether somebody would use the redirect. Is it realistic that an Indian editor would look up our policy by that name? It isn't about 20 bytes (although I'd guess at 4 kB at minimum), but cluttering the namespace. If it is likely that somebody uses the redirect and wouldn't easily find our policy without it, then by all means keep it, but I find that scenario very unlikely. We shouldn't make redirects for all possible search terms. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:33, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I thought we allowed redirects if it was standard in a different English variety, right? From [[w:MOS:ENGVAR]], I thought such redirects were encouraged. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::: It is useless because it redirects to the wrong thing, not the normal use of "PIN code", because it is in the wrong namespace & because it is an unlikely search term. If we did need something for PIN code (we don't!), it would need to be a disambig not a redirect & in mainspace not project space. :::: It is clutter because it is useless & in the wrong namespace. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::: We don't have [[Wikivoyage:Spelling guidelines]], [[Wikivoyage:Spelling at Wikivoyage]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography guidelines]], ... It is better to have just a couple of names for a certain guideline, as otherwise people might start using the alternative names in discussions and it becomes very hard to know whether any one such reference is to the well-known page. I get very frustrated by people using redirects in discussions, forcing me to either memorize them or every time click to check what they are talking about. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Apatity]], [[Umba]] and [[Zapolyarny]]=== {{anchor|Apatity}}{{anchor|Zapolyarny}}{{anchor|Umba}} These three articles were created by [[Special:Contributions/87.74.129.131|87.74.129.131]], who, albeit not confirmed, is a likely IP sock of the indef banned [[m:voy:User:ArticCynda|ArticCynda]]. It was even more obvious when AC's latest sockpuppet, [[Special:Contributions/2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827|2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827]] made a bunch of edits (now reverted), but most of the content here was written by AC, and as was concluded last year, they may not edit Wikivoyage. [[Zell am Ziller]] was also created by 87.74.129.131, but since the article was not edited by AC's latest sockpuppet, this should ideally be handled in a separate deletion request IMO. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) <!--==August 2022== :''None currently'' --> flmrgn78tf6za0y5ewjiuk6dbz76yrs 4487761 4487760 2022-07-21T14:37:03Z LPfi 79572 /* Wikivoyage:PIN codes */ wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ <!-- generates a "+"-Tab so we can easily add a new topic --> {| style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px; color:#454442;">'''Votes for deletion'''</div>{{shortcut|[[WV:VFD]]|[[vfd]]}} This page lists articles, files and templates that are nominated for deletion. Any Wikivoyager can make a nomination or comment on any nomination. Nominations or comments should follow a rationale based on our [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|deletion policy]]. If our deletion policy leads towards a merge or redirect, then coordinate this on the discussion page of the article. The purpose of this page is limited to the interpretation and application of our deletion policy. You can discuss what our deletion policies should be on the [[Wikivoyage_talk:Deletion_policy|deletion policy discussion page]]. ===Nominating=== Add a {{tl|vfd}} tag to the top of the article, file or template being proposed for deletion, so that people viewing it will be aware. Place the tag '''at the very top''', before everything else, except the page banner. Do note though, if you're tagging a template for deletion, use <nowiki><noinclude>{{vfd}}</noinclude></nowiki> instead of {{tl|vfd}} alone. Add a link to the article, file or template at the end of the list below, along with the reason why it is being listed for deletion. Sign your recommendation using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). If you're nominating a file for deletion, make sure it's actually located on the English Wikivoyage and not on Wikimedia Commons. The basic format for a deletion nomination is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Not a valid travel article topic. ~~~~</nowiki> ===Commenting=== All Wikivoyagers are invited to comment on articles, files or templates listed for deletion. The format for comments is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Delete'''. Not a valid travel article topic. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Keep'''. There is a town in [[Alaska]] called Chicken. ~~~~</nowiki> When leaving comments you may elect to '''delete''', '''keep''', or '''redirect''' the article. If you recommend redirection, you may suggest where it should be redirected to. Any attempt to merge content from an article to some other destination must retain the edit history to comply with the attribution (CC BY-SA) requirements of the free license, so it may be possible to '''merge and redirect''' but not to merge and delete. Sign your comment using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). ===Deleting, or not=== * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''delete''', an administrator may delete it. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''redirect''' or '''merge''', any Wikivoyager may do it. If you make a redirect, please check for any resulting broken redirects or double redirects. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''keep''', any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is a consensus, implement it in line with the first three points above. * When deleting an article, check [[Special:WhatLinksHere|"What links here"]]. Either remove the newly-broken links from the articles or point them somewhere else. Inbound redirects to a deleted page should either be deleted or redirected elsewhere. * When deleting a template, either replace it wherever it's been transcluded, especially if it served a formatting function. You can do this by adding "subst:" before the template name. Once that's done, you can delete the template without affecting individual uses of it. Otherwise, remove the template from all pages that use the template. However, do '''not''' delete the template first – this breaks links and will cause a swathe of red links, requiring a lot of cleanups. ===Archiving=== After you keep/redirect/merge/delete the article, file or template, '''move the deletion discussion''' to the [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}|Archives page for the appropriate month]]. The [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|root archives page]] has a directory. Note that it's the month in which the ''action'' was taken, rather than when the ''nomination'' was first posted, that should be used for the archived discussion; that way, recourse to the deletion log can lead subsequent readers right to the discussion (at least for the pages that were deleted). When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. See also: * [[Special:Log/delete|Deletion log]] * [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|Votes for deletion/Archives]] - the VFD archives index page * [[Project:Votes for undeletion|Votes for undeletion]] * [[:Category:Vfd]] - A page that collects every image and article that is currently tagged with the [[:Template:Vfd|vfd template]]. |style="background: #FF6600;" | [[File:Icon delete talk.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} ==July 2022== ===[[Wikivoyage:Time and date formats/New version]]=== Unclear scope, created (and only edited) by an IP user and I don't see a discussion approving this page. Since this is not an official Wikivoyage policy or guideline, I really cannot see a convincing argument for keeping this. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:14, 13 July 2022 (UTC) : Probably a draft for a changed layout. But it has been untouched and uncommented for eight years, so will probably not advance. If somebody thinks there are merits to it, we could discuss merging it in, and if that is done we should probably keep it in some form, but otherwise it can be deleted. As it stands it is a bit confusing. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:55, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::There was a short discussion about it in the pub, see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub/2013_(additional)#Help_pages_clean_up]]. It could be moved (no redirect) to somewhere in the pub archive space if we want to keep it, but I don't see this as essential. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::I do find this "new version" much easier to read. It will be nice to apply that to the official policy page. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 04:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::But unless this draft becomes official, it cannot stay in projectspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This is a much clearer presentation than [[wv:tdf]]. I have started a discussion at [[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats]] to propose incorporating this version into the policy. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:10, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]=== *'''Delete''' Most people when seeing "PIN" in all caps think of the personal identification number they need to use at an ATM to get money, so when I saw this redirect, I was expecting it to go to an article about banking, but instead, it goes to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]]. Apparently, postal codes are called "PIN codes" in India. If we don't delete this redirect on account of its being confusing, I think we would have to turn it into a disambiguation page, and do we really want a disambiguation page for two non-destination terms, one relating to banking and purchasing and the other relating to mail? See [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]] for more context and discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:09, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *:What's the second page would you link on the disambiguation page? The 'when to put postal codes in an article' page, plus ??? We don't have pages like [[Wikivoyage:Banking]] or [[Wikivoyage:ATM]], and it doesn't make sense for a page in the <code>Wikivoyage:</code> namespace to link to actual articles. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:50, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Speedy keep''' First of all, quoting [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|the policy]], "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted." Nowhere does it say, confusing redirects (in this case, this isn't even confusing at all) are an exception. I'm not going to repeat my argument, but see [[Special:Diff/4486907]]. It's a term commonly (albeit redundantly) used in India, so someone may very well be searching that term up. If this were in namespace 0, I'd have supported deletion (and I'd not have created such a redirect in the first place) but this is in namespace 4 (i.e. projectspace), so the chances of us needing a projectspace page for banking is next to zero. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 20 July 2022 (UTC) **A general rule has exceptions. I think we would all agree that as a general rule, redirects shouldn't be deleted, but that there are cases when they should be. This thread is to determine whether this is one such case, and I hope you don't mean to say that if a consensus votes to delete, you wouldn't consider that legitimate because you believe "a general rule" means "never". Care to clarify your views on this? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:31, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Delete''' I would expect PIN codes to link to an article about banking, or possibly about protecting your valuables ("set your phone to have a pin code to prevent others using it"). It shouldn't link to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]] as the article doesn't use the term. If the redirect is a kept a sentence must be added explaining this term. It should always be possible for the reader to find the redirected term in the article, otherwise they just give up and go elsewhere - then redirects are expensive as they cost us readers. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 13:18, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - I'm on the fence. On the one hand, it's confusing to anyone not familiar with Indian English, as already proven by those of us who thought it was Australian, or that it referred to bank card PINs, as it does in much of the world. For that reason alone, it's not a great redirect unless it's the only likely search term that an Indian Wikivoyager would think to use when searching for our postcode policy. :But on the other hand, how likely is it that we'd ever have a ''Wikivoyage policy'' about ''banking''? A redirect that's clearly pointing to Wikivoyage space is never going to land you on a mainspace article about money. So yeah, initial confusion is justified, but if you think about it, the idea that anyone would be searching for our nonexistent credit card policy by typing "WV:PIN codes" is a little farfetched. :If anyone is going to search this, it'll be an Indian, and they'll be looking for the postcode policy. Would anyone with the appropriate qualifications care to comment on how likely this is? 🙂 --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} Not someone from India, and my experience in India has been pretty limited to [[South India]], mostly in [[Kerala]], but I will note that I heard "PIN codes" very often. Most notably, my driver kept requesting what the "PIN code" (not just "PIN") was from getting between destinations – I'm not exactly sure why though, but he did (often in sentences like "What is hotel PIN code"). Meanwhile, I, on the other hand, a brand new visitor to the state (and India for that matter), had no idea what he meant. Another local (with good English proficiency) eventually told me what "PIN" and "PIN code" meant. Now I will add that my stay in India was only for a bit more than a week so I really don't know whether this is the case throughout or just in the South. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::PIN code is undoubtedly in common use in India; that's not in question. My question (which no one who has commented yet would be able to answer) is whether Indian Wikivoyagers would ''only'' use the term PIN code, and not think to search for any other expression before giving up. ::::If that's at all likely, then the redirect serves a purpose.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Keep'''. My views mostly align with TT's comments. I think we need to keep this and add some content to the target ("We ''may'' use postal codes (US: ZIP codes; India: PIN codes)...") to help people understand why they ended up there. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::We could do the second thing regardless of the outcome of this nomination. Oh look, I just have.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:58, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * <s>Keep</s> '''Delete''' /as a useless project space redirect; changed vote based on the discussion below this comment and after a careful read of the policy: "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide <u>alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names</u> -- this is not relevant in this situation because the target is not an article, it's a policy page/. I added a disambiguating hatnote ([[Special:Diff/4487307]]; EDIT: and [[Special:Diff/4487309]]), which I believe should suffice. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 23:06, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :*The hatnote does make me happier. Thanks. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:42, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::*When I think a little harder, I have to admit that the redirect in the project namespace is odd, because who will ever type: W-i-k-i-v-o-y-g-e-:-P-I-N-... Would someone speculatively type it to see if a ''policy'' under that name exists? Redirects are supposed to redirect to relevant pages from realistic search terms IMO. Maybe a better argument for deletion than the one relating to the confusion with bank PIN would have been the one that the redirect is probably completely useless as such. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 00:08, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::*That seems like a good point to me. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) : '''Delete'''; it is useless clutter. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:55, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Please explain how it's "useless clutter"? It's a redirect and redirects don't take up maybe 20 bytes at max – the exact opposite of "clutter" and that itself is not a valid reason for deletion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: The question is whether somebody would use the redirect. Is it realistic that an Indian editor would look up our policy by that name? It isn't about 20 bytes (although I'd guess at 4 kB at minimum), but cluttering the namespace. If it is likely that somebody uses the redirect and wouldn't easily find our policy without it, then by all means keep it, but I find that scenario very unlikely. We shouldn't make redirects for all possible search terms. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:33, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I thought we allowed redirects if it was standard in a different English variety, right? From [[w:MOS:ENGVAR]], I thought such redirects were encouraged. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::: It is useless because it redirects to the wrong thing, not the normal use of "PIN code", because it is in the wrong namespace & because it is an unlikely search term. If we did need something for PIN code (we don't!), it would need to be a disambig not a redirect & in mainspace not project space. :::: It is clutter because it is useless & in the wrong namespace. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::: We don't have [[Wikivoyage:Spelling guidelines]], [[Wikivoyage:Spelling at Wikivoyage]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography guidelines]], ... It is better to have just a couple of names for a certain guideline, as otherwise people might start using the alternative names in discussions and it becomes very hard to know whether any one such reference is to the well-known page. I get very frustrated by people using redirects in discussions, forcing me to either memorize them or click every time to check what they are talking about. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Apatity]], [[Umba]] and [[Zapolyarny]]=== {{anchor|Apatity}}{{anchor|Zapolyarny}}{{anchor|Umba}} These three articles were created by [[Special:Contributions/87.74.129.131|87.74.129.131]], who, albeit not confirmed, is a likely IP sock of the indef banned [[m:voy:User:ArticCynda|ArticCynda]]. It was even more obvious when AC's latest sockpuppet, [[Special:Contributions/2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827|2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827]] made a bunch of edits (now reverted), but most of the content here was written by AC, and as was concluded last year, they may not edit Wikivoyage. [[Zell am Ziller]] was also created by 87.74.129.131, but since the article was not edited by AC's latest sockpuppet, this should ideally be handled in a separate deletion request IMO. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) <!--==August 2022== :''None currently'' --> gtf3mavl3wvel3q4cvifob3padpf8p8 4487822 4487761 2022-07-21T16:43:14Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Wikivoyage:PIN codes */ wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ <!-- generates a "+"-Tab so we can easily add a new topic --> {| style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px; color:#454442;">'''Votes for deletion'''</div>{{shortcut|[[WV:VFD]]|[[vfd]]}} This page lists articles, files and templates that are nominated for deletion. Any Wikivoyager can make a nomination or comment on any nomination. Nominations or comments should follow a rationale based on our [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|deletion policy]]. If our deletion policy leads towards a merge or redirect, then coordinate this on the discussion page of the article. The purpose of this page is limited to the interpretation and application of our deletion policy. You can discuss what our deletion policies should be on the [[Wikivoyage_talk:Deletion_policy|deletion policy discussion page]]. ===Nominating=== Add a {{tl|vfd}} tag to the top of the article, file or template being proposed for deletion, so that people viewing it will be aware. Place the tag '''at the very top''', before everything else, except the page banner. Do note though, if you're tagging a template for deletion, use <nowiki><noinclude>{{vfd}}</noinclude></nowiki> instead of {{tl|vfd}} alone. Add a link to the article, file or template at the end of the list below, along with the reason why it is being listed for deletion. Sign your recommendation using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). If you're nominating a file for deletion, make sure it's actually located on the English Wikivoyage and not on Wikimedia Commons. The basic format for a deletion nomination is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Not a valid travel article topic. ~~~~</nowiki> ===Commenting=== All Wikivoyagers are invited to comment on articles, files or templates listed for deletion. The format for comments is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Delete'''. Not a valid travel article topic. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Keep'''. There is a town in [[Alaska]] called Chicken. ~~~~</nowiki> When leaving comments you may elect to '''delete''', '''keep''', or '''redirect''' the article. If you recommend redirection, you may suggest where it should be redirected to. Any attempt to merge content from an article to some other destination must retain the edit history to comply with the attribution (CC BY-SA) requirements of the free license, so it may be possible to '''merge and redirect''' but not to merge and delete. Sign your comment using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). ===Deleting, or not=== * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''delete''', an administrator may delete it. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''redirect''' or '''merge''', any Wikivoyager may do it. If you make a redirect, please check for any resulting broken redirects or double redirects. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''keep''', any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is a consensus, implement it in line with the first three points above. * When deleting an article, check [[Special:WhatLinksHere|"What links here"]]. Either remove the newly-broken links from the articles or point them somewhere else. Inbound redirects to a deleted page should either be deleted or redirected elsewhere. * When deleting a template, either replace it wherever it's been transcluded, especially if it served a formatting function. You can do this by adding "subst:" before the template name. Once that's done, you can delete the template without affecting individual uses of it. Otherwise, remove the template from all pages that use the template. However, do '''not''' delete the template first – this breaks links and will cause a swathe of red links, requiring a lot of cleanups. ===Archiving=== After you keep/redirect/merge/delete the article, file or template, '''move the deletion discussion''' to the [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}|Archives page for the appropriate month]]. The [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|root archives page]] has a directory. Note that it's the month in which the ''action'' was taken, rather than when the ''nomination'' was first posted, that should be used for the archived discussion; that way, recourse to the deletion log can lead subsequent readers right to the discussion (at least for the pages that were deleted). When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. See also: * [[Special:Log/delete|Deletion log]] * [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|Votes for deletion/Archives]] - the VFD archives index page * [[Project:Votes for undeletion|Votes for undeletion]] * [[:Category:Vfd]] - A page that collects every image and article that is currently tagged with the [[:Template:Vfd|vfd template]]. |style="background: #FF6600;" | [[File:Icon delete talk.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} ==July 2022== ===[[Wikivoyage:Time and date formats/New version]]=== Unclear scope, created (and only edited) by an IP user and I don't see a discussion approving this page. Since this is not an official Wikivoyage policy or guideline, I really cannot see a convincing argument for keeping this. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:14, 13 July 2022 (UTC) : Probably a draft for a changed layout. But it has been untouched and uncommented for eight years, so will probably not advance. If somebody thinks there are merits to it, we could discuss merging it in, and if that is done we should probably keep it in some form, but otherwise it can be deleted. As it stands it is a bit confusing. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:55, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::There was a short discussion about it in the pub, see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub/2013_(additional)#Help_pages_clean_up]]. It could be moved (no redirect) to somewhere in the pub archive space if we want to keep it, but I don't see this as essential. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::I do find this "new version" much easier to read. It will be nice to apply that to the official policy page. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 04:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::But unless this draft becomes official, it cannot stay in projectspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This is a much clearer presentation than [[wv:tdf]]. I have started a discussion at [[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats]] to propose incorporating this version into the policy. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:10, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]=== *'''Delete''' Most people when seeing "PIN" in all caps think of the personal identification number they need to use at an ATM to get money, so when I saw this redirect, I was expecting it to go to an article about banking, but instead, it goes to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]]. Apparently, postal codes are called "PIN codes" in India. If we don't delete this redirect on account of its being confusing, I think we would have to turn it into a disambiguation page, and do we really want a disambiguation page for two non-destination terms, one relating to banking and purchasing and the other relating to mail? See [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]] for more context and discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:09, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *:What's the second page would you link on the disambiguation page? The 'when to put postal codes in an article' page, plus ??? We don't have pages like [[Wikivoyage:Banking]] or [[Wikivoyage:ATM]], and it doesn't make sense for a page in the <code>Wikivoyage:</code> namespace to link to actual articles. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:50, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Speedy keep''' First of all, quoting [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|the policy]], "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted." Nowhere does it say, confusing redirects (in this case, this isn't even confusing at all) are an exception. I'm not going to repeat my argument, but see [[Special:Diff/4486907]]. It's a term commonly (albeit redundantly) used in India, so someone may very well be searching that term up. If this were in namespace 0, I'd have supported deletion (and I'd not have created such a redirect in the first place) but this is in namespace 4 (i.e. projectspace), so the chances of us needing a projectspace page for banking is next to zero. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 20 July 2022 (UTC) **A general rule has exceptions. I think we would all agree that as a general rule, redirects shouldn't be deleted, but that there are cases when they should be. This thread is to determine whether this is one such case, and I hope you don't mean to say that if a consensus votes to delete, you wouldn't consider that legitimate because you believe "a general rule" means "never". Care to clarify your views on this? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:31, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Delete''' I would expect PIN codes to link to an article about banking, or possibly about protecting your valuables ("set your phone to have a pin code to prevent others using it"). It shouldn't link to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]] as the article doesn't use the term. If the redirect is a kept a sentence must be added explaining this term. It should always be possible for the reader to find the redirected term in the article, otherwise they just give up and go elsewhere - then redirects are expensive as they cost us readers. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 13:18, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - I'm on the fence. On the one hand, it's confusing to anyone not familiar with Indian English, as already proven by those of us who thought it was Australian, or that it referred to bank card PINs, as it does in much of the world. For that reason alone, it's not a great redirect unless it's the only likely search term that an Indian Wikivoyager would think to use when searching for our postcode policy. :But on the other hand, how likely is it that we'd ever have a ''Wikivoyage policy'' about ''banking''? A redirect that's clearly pointing to Wikivoyage space is never going to land you on a mainspace article about money. So yeah, initial confusion is justified, but if you think about it, the idea that anyone would be searching for our nonexistent credit card policy by typing "WV:PIN codes" is a little farfetched. :If anyone is going to search this, it'll be an Indian, and they'll be looking for the postcode policy. Would anyone with the appropriate qualifications care to comment on how likely this is? 🙂 --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} Not someone from India, and my experience in India has been pretty limited to [[South India]], mostly in [[Kerala]], but I will note that I heard "PIN codes" very often. Most notably, my driver kept requesting what the "PIN code" (not just "PIN") was from getting between destinations – I'm not exactly sure why though, but he did (often in sentences like "What is hotel PIN code"). Meanwhile, I, on the other hand, a brand new visitor to the state (and India for that matter), had no idea what he meant. Another local (with good English proficiency) eventually told me what "PIN" and "PIN code" meant. Now I will add that my stay in India was only for a bit more than a week so I really don't know whether this is the case throughout or just in the South. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::PIN code is undoubtedly in common use in India; that's not in question. My question (which no one who has commented yet would be able to answer) is whether Indian Wikivoyagers would ''only'' use the term PIN code, and not think to search for any other expression before giving up. ::::If that's at all likely, then the redirect serves a purpose.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Keep'''. My views mostly align with TT's comments. I think we need to keep this and add some content to the target ("We ''may'' use postal codes (US: ZIP codes; India: PIN codes)...") to help people understand why they ended up there. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::We could do the second thing regardless of the outcome of this nomination. Oh look, I just have.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:58, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * <s>Keep</s> '''Delete''' /as a useless project space redirect; changed vote based on the discussion below this comment and after a careful read of the policy: "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide <u>alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names</u> -- this is not relevant in this situation because the target is not an article, it's a policy page/. I added a disambiguating hatnote ([[Special:Diff/4487307]]; EDIT: and [[Special:Diff/4487309]]), which I believe should suffice. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 23:06, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :*The hatnote does make me happier. Thanks. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:42, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::*When I think a little harder, I have to admit that the redirect in the project namespace is odd, because who will ever type: W-i-k-i-v-o-y-g-e-:-P-I-N-... Would someone speculatively type it to see if a ''policy'' under that name exists? Redirects are supposed to redirect to relevant pages from realistic search terms IMO. Maybe a better argument for deletion than the one relating to the confusion with bank PIN would have been the one that the redirect is probably completely useless as such. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 00:08, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::*That seems like a good point to me. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::*And the hatnote was removed. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:43, 21 July 2022 (UTC) : '''Delete'''; it is useless clutter. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:55, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Please explain how it's "useless clutter"? It's a redirect and redirects don't take up maybe 20 bytes at max – the exact opposite of "clutter" and that itself is not a valid reason for deletion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: The question is whether somebody would use the redirect. Is it realistic that an Indian editor would look up our policy by that name? It isn't about 20 bytes (although I'd guess at 4 kB at minimum), but cluttering the namespace. If it is likely that somebody uses the redirect and wouldn't easily find our policy without it, then by all means keep it, but I find that scenario very unlikely. We shouldn't make redirects for all possible search terms. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:33, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I thought we allowed redirects if it was standard in a different English variety, right? From [[w:MOS:ENGVAR]], I thought such redirects were encouraged. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::: It is useless because it redirects to the wrong thing, not the normal use of "PIN code", because it is in the wrong namespace & because it is an unlikely search term. If we did need something for PIN code (we don't!), it would need to be a disambig not a redirect & in mainspace not project space. :::: It is clutter because it is useless & in the wrong namespace. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::: We don't have [[Wikivoyage:Spelling guidelines]], [[Wikivoyage:Spelling at Wikivoyage]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography guidelines]], ... It is better to have just a couple of names for a certain guideline, as otherwise people might start using the alternative names in discussions and it becomes very hard to know whether any one such reference is to the well-known page. I get very frustrated by people using redirects in discussions, forcing me to either memorize them or click every time to check what they are talking about. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Apatity]], [[Umba]] and [[Zapolyarny]]=== {{anchor|Apatity}}{{anchor|Zapolyarny}}{{anchor|Umba}} These three articles were created by [[Special:Contributions/87.74.129.131|87.74.129.131]], who, albeit not confirmed, is a likely IP sock of the indef banned [[m:voy:User:ArticCynda|ArticCynda]]. It was even more obvious when AC's latest sockpuppet, [[Special:Contributions/2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827|2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827]] made a bunch of edits (now reverted), but most of the content here was written by AC, and as was concluded last year, they may not edit Wikivoyage. [[Zell am Ziller]] was also created by 87.74.129.131, but since the article was not edited by AC's latest sockpuppet, this should ideally be handled in a separate deletion request IMO. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) <!--==August 2022== :''None currently'' --> que42gm1ni5dxrstrvnw3zvee9h5bqo 4488163 4487822 2022-07-22T09:22:20Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Apatity, Umba and Zapolyarny */ wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ <!-- generates a "+"-Tab so we can easily add a new topic --> {| style="background: #f4f7fa; border: 1px solid #abc; text-align: center; padding-left: .3em; margin-bottom: 1.5em;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| <div style="text-align:center; font-size:300%; line-height: 1; padding: 10px; color:#454442;">'''Votes for deletion'''</div>{{shortcut|[[WV:VFD]]|[[vfd]]}} This page lists articles, files and templates that are nominated for deletion. Any Wikivoyager can make a nomination or comment on any nomination. Nominations or comments should follow a rationale based on our [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|deletion policy]]. If our deletion policy leads towards a merge or redirect, then coordinate this on the discussion page of the article. The purpose of this page is limited to the interpretation and application of our deletion policy. You can discuss what our deletion policies should be on the [[Wikivoyage_talk:Deletion_policy|deletion policy discussion page]]. ===Nominating=== Add a {{tl|vfd}} tag to the top of the article, file or template being proposed for deletion, so that people viewing it will be aware. Place the tag '''at the very top''', before everything else, except the page banner. Do note though, if you're tagging a template for deletion, use <nowiki><noinclude>{{vfd}}</noinclude></nowiki> instead of {{tl|vfd}} alone. Add a link to the article, file or template at the end of the list below, along with the reason why it is being listed for deletion. Sign your recommendation using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). If you're nominating a file for deletion, make sure it's actually located on the English Wikivoyage and not on Wikimedia Commons. The basic format for a deletion nomination is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>Not a valid travel article topic. ~~~~</nowiki> ===Commenting=== All Wikivoyagers are invited to comment on articles, files or templates listed for deletion. The format for comments is: <nowiki>===[[Chicken]]===</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Delete'''. Not a valid travel article topic. TravelNut 25:25, 31 Feb 2525 (UTC)</nowiki> <nowiki>* '''Keep'''. There is a town in [[Alaska]] called Chicken. ~~~~</nowiki> When leaving comments you may elect to '''delete''', '''keep''', or '''redirect''' the article. If you recommend redirection, you may suggest where it should be redirected to. Any attempt to merge content from an article to some other destination must retain the edit history to comply with the attribution (CC BY-SA) requirements of the free license, so it may be possible to '''merge and redirect''' but not to merge and delete. Sign your comment using four tildes ("<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>"). ===Deleting, or not=== * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''delete''', an administrator may delete it. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''redirect''' or '''merge''', any Wikivoyager may do it. If you make a redirect, please check for any resulting broken redirects or double redirects. * If, after 14 days of discussion, the consensus is to '''keep''', any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. * If there is '''no consensus''' after 14 days, allow a further 7 days for discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is '''no consensus''', the page should be '''kept''' – any Wikivoyager may remove any VFD notices from that page, and archive the deletion discussion. ** If, after the additional 7 days, there is a consensus, implement it in line with the first three points above. * When deleting an article, check [[Special:WhatLinksHere|"What links here"]]. Either remove the newly-broken links from the articles or point them somewhere else. Inbound redirects to a deleted page should either be deleted or redirected elsewhere. * When deleting a template, either replace it wherever it's been transcluded, especially if it served a formatting function. You can do this by adding "subst:" before the template name. Once that's done, you can delete the template without affecting individual uses of it. Otherwise, remove the template from all pages that use the template. However, do '''not''' delete the template first – this breaks links and will cause a swathe of red links, requiring a lot of cleanups. ===Archiving=== After you keep/redirect/merge/delete the article, file or template, '''move the deletion discussion''' to the [[Wikivoyage:Votes for deletion/{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}|Archives page for the appropriate month]]. The [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|root archives page]] has a directory. Note that it's the month in which the ''action'' was taken, rather than when the ''nomination'' was first posted, that should be used for the archived discussion; that way, recourse to the deletion log can lead subsequent readers right to the discussion (at least for the pages that were deleted). When archiving, always '''make it clear''' to other editors what '''the outcome of the discussion''' was. This can be done by adding the result to the discussion in a ''separate edit'' from the one in which you remove the discussion from this page; or you can describe the outcome in the edit summary when you remove the discussion. If the nominated article, file or template '''was not deleted''', then place another (identical duplicate) copy of the deletion discussion on the discussion page of the article, file or template being kept or redirected. See also: * [[Special:Log/delete|Deletion log]] * [[Project:Votes for deletion/Archives|Votes for deletion/Archives]] - the VFD archives index page * [[Project:Votes for undeletion|Votes for undeletion]] * [[:Category:Vfd]] - A page that collects every image and article that is currently tagged with the [[:Template:Vfd|vfd template]]. |style="background: #FF6600;" | [[File:Icon delete talk.svg|150px|link=|right]] |} {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} ==July 2022== ===[[Wikivoyage:Time and date formats/New version]]=== Unclear scope, created (and only edited) by an IP user and I don't see a discussion approving this page. Since this is not an official Wikivoyage policy or guideline, I really cannot see a convincing argument for keeping this. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:14, 13 July 2022 (UTC) : Probably a draft for a changed layout. But it has been untouched and uncommented for eight years, so will probably not advance. If somebody thinks there are merits to it, we could discuss merging it in, and if that is done we should probably keep it in some form, but otherwise it can be deleted. As it stands it is a bit confusing. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:55, 13 July 2022 (UTC) ::There was a short discussion about it in the pub, see [[Wikivoyage:Travellers'_pub/2013_(additional)#Help_pages_clean_up]]. It could be moved (no redirect) to somewhere in the pub archive space if we want to keep it, but I don't see this as essential. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:15, 13 July 2022 (UTC) :::I do find this "new version" much easier to read. It will be nice to apply that to the official policy page. [[User:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: #0000FF;">OhanaUnited</b>]][[User talk:OhanaUnited|<b style="color: green;">^{Talk page}</b>]] 04:54, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::But unless this draft becomes official, it cannot stay in projectspace. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:18, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This is a much clearer presentation than [[wv:tdf]]. I have started a discussion at [[Wikivoyage talk:Time and date formats]] to propose incorporating this version into the policy. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:10, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wikivoyage:PIN codes]]=== *'''Delete''' Most people when seeing "PIN" in all caps think of the personal identification number they need to use at an ATM to get money, so when I saw this redirect, I was expecting it to go to an article about banking, but instead, it goes to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]]. Apparently, postal codes are called "PIN codes" in India. If we don't delete this redirect on account of its being confusing, I think we would have to turn it into a disambiguation page, and do we really want a disambiguation page for two non-destination terms, one relating to banking and purchasing and the other relating to mail? See [[Wikivoyage talk:PIN codes]] for more context and discussion. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:09, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *:What's the second page would you link on the disambiguation page? The 'when to put postal codes in an article' page, plus ??? We don't have pages like [[Wikivoyage:Banking]] or [[Wikivoyage:ATM]], and it doesn't make sense for a page in the <code>Wikivoyage:</code> namespace to link to actual articles. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:50, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Speedy keep''' First of all, quoting [[Wikivoyage:Deletion policy|the policy]], "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted." Nowhere does it say, confusing redirects (in this case, this isn't even confusing at all) are an exception. I'm not going to repeat my argument, but see [[Special:Diff/4486907]]. It's a term commonly (albeit redundantly) used in India, so someone may very well be searching that term up. If this were in namespace 0, I'd have supported deletion (and I'd not have created such a redirect in the first place) but this is in namespace 4 (i.e. projectspace), so the chances of us needing a projectspace page for banking is next to zero. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:22, 20 July 2022 (UTC) **A general rule has exceptions. I think we would all agree that as a general rule, redirects shouldn't be deleted, but that there are cases when they should be. This thread is to determine whether this is one such case, and I hope you don't mean to say that if a consensus votes to delete, you wouldn't consider that legitimate because you believe "a general rule" means "never". Care to clarify your views on this? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:31, 20 July 2022 (UTC) *'''Delete''' I would expect PIN codes to link to an article about banking, or possibly about protecting your valuables ("set your phone to have a pin code to prevent others using it"). It shouldn't link to [[Wikivoyage:Postal codes]] as the article doesn't use the term. If the redirect is a kept a sentence must be added explaining this term. It should always be possible for the reader to find the redirected term in the article, otherwise they just give up and go elsewhere - then redirects are expensive as they cost us readers. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 13:18, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - I'm on the fence. On the one hand, it's confusing to anyone not familiar with Indian English, as already proven by those of us who thought it was Australian, or that it referred to bank card PINs, as it does in much of the world. For that reason alone, it's not a great redirect unless it's the only likely search term that an Indian Wikivoyager would think to use when searching for our postcode policy. :But on the other hand, how likely is it that we'd ever have a ''Wikivoyage policy'' about ''banking''? A redirect that's clearly pointing to Wikivoyage space is never going to land you on a mainspace article about money. So yeah, initial confusion is justified, but if you think about it, the idea that anyone would be searching for our nonexistent credit card policy by typing "WV:PIN codes" is a little farfetched. :If anyone is going to search this, it'll be an Indian, and they'll be looking for the postcode policy. Would anyone with the appropriate qualifications care to comment on how likely this is? 🙂 --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:14, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::{{re|ThunderingTyphoons!}} Not someone from India, and my experience in India has been pretty limited to [[South India]], mostly in [[Kerala]], but I will note that I heard "PIN codes" very often. Most notably, my driver kept requesting what the "PIN code" (not just "PIN") was from getting between destinations – I'm not exactly sure why though, but he did (often in sentences like "What is hotel PIN code"). Meanwhile, I, on the other hand, a brand new visitor to the state (and India for that matter), had no idea what he meant. Another local (with good English proficiency) eventually told me what "PIN" and "PIN code" meant. Now I will add that my stay in India was only for a bit more than a week so I really don't know whether this is the case throughout or just in the South. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::PIN code is undoubtedly in common use in India; that's not in question. My question (which no one who has commented yet would be able to answer) is whether Indian Wikivoyagers would ''only'' use the term PIN code, and not think to search for any other expression before giving up. ::::If that's at all likely, then the redirect serves a purpose.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) * '''Keep'''. My views mostly align with TT's comments. I think we need to keep this and add some content to the target ("We ''may'' use postal codes (US: ZIP codes; India: PIN codes)...") to help people understand why they ended up there. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 15:32, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::We could do the second thing regardless of the outcome of this nomination. Oh look, I just have.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:58, 20 July 2022 (UTC) * <s>Keep</s> '''Delete''' /as a useless project space redirect; changed vote based on the discussion below this comment and after a careful read of the policy: "As a general rule, redirect pages should not be deleted. Redirection pages provide <u>alternative page titles for articles and allow search engines to locate articles by their alternative names</u> -- this is not relevant in this situation because the target is not an article, it's a policy page/. I added a disambiguating hatnote ([[Special:Diff/4487307]]; EDIT: and [[Special:Diff/4487309]]), which I believe should suffice. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 23:06, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :*The hatnote does make me happier. Thanks. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:42, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::*When I think a little harder, I have to admit that the redirect in the project namespace is odd, because who will ever type: W-i-k-i-v-o-y-g-e-:-P-I-N-... Would someone speculatively type it to see if a ''policy'' under that name exists? Redirects are supposed to redirect to relevant pages from realistic search terms IMO. Maybe a better argument for deletion than the one relating to the confusion with bank PIN would have been the one that the redirect is probably completely useless as such. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 00:08, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::*That seems like a good point to me. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::*And the hatnote was removed. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:43, 21 July 2022 (UTC) : '''Delete'''; it is useless clutter. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 05:55, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Please explain how it's "useless clutter"? It's a redirect and redirects don't take up maybe 20 bytes at max – the exact opposite of "clutter" and that itself is not a valid reason for deletion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:32, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: The question is whether somebody would use the redirect. Is it realistic that an Indian editor would look up our policy by that name? It isn't about 20 bytes (although I'd guess at 4 kB at minimum), but cluttering the namespace. If it is likely that somebody uses the redirect and wouldn't easily find our policy without it, then by all means keep it, but I find that scenario very unlikely. We shouldn't make redirects for all possible search terms. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:33, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I thought we allowed redirects if it was standard in a different English variety, right? From [[w:MOS:ENGVAR]], I thought such redirects were encouraged. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::: It is useless because it redirects to the wrong thing, not the normal use of "PIN code", because it is in the wrong namespace & because it is an unlikely search term. If we did need something for PIN code (we don't!), it would need to be a disambig not a redirect & in mainspace not project space. :::: It is clutter because it is useless & in the wrong namespace. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 09:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::: We don't have [[Wikivoyage:Spelling guidelines]], [[Wikivoyage:Spelling at Wikivoyage]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography]], [[Wikivoyage:Orthography guidelines]], ... It is better to have just a couple of names for a certain guideline, as otherwise people might start using the alternative names in discussions and it becomes very hard to know whether any one such reference is to the well-known page. I get very frustrated by people using redirects in discussions, forcing me to either memorize them or click every time to check what they are talking about. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ===[[Apatity]], [[Umba]] and [[Zapolyarny]]=== {{anchor|Apatity}}{{anchor|Zapolyarny}}{{anchor|Umba}} These three articles were created by [[Special:Contributions/87.74.129.131|87.74.129.131]], who, albeit not confirmed, is a likely IP sock of the indef banned [[m:voy:User:ArticCynda|ArticCynda]]. It was even more obvious when AC's latest sockpuppet, [[Special:Contributions/2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827|2A02:8070:2183:6561:2CD1:C387:2464:A827]] made a bunch of edits (now reverted), but most of the content here was written by AC, and as was concluded last year, they may not edit Wikivoyage. [[Zell am Ziller]] was also created by 87.74.129.131, but since the article was not edited by AC's latest sockpuppet, this should ideally be handled in a separate deletion request IMO. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...I would trust you on this. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:22, 22 July 2022 (UTC) <!--==August 2022== :''None currently'' --> czv2mzfsguvot1ld8w5wlvuwkoz31ak 4 111361 4487823 4487523 2022-07-21T16:54:46Z LPfi 79572 removed the Synonyms section: most of the codes shouldn't be used, and "postcode" should be obvious wikitext text/x-wiki {{Shortcut|[[wv:zip]]}} We ''may'' use '''postal codes''' for listings in those countries where they provide a useful degree of precision. This does NOT necessarily imply that any current addressing information should be removed but rather that a judgement needs to be made about whether a postal code provides any information useful to travellers or is just needlessly occupying additional space in a listing. For countries like [[New Zealand]] and the [[United States]], where postal codes are allocated to large areas, other users may wish to remove them. (Note that the US also has extended postal codes, which have an extra four digits that are far more specific.) ==GPS navigation systems== Postal codes are often necessary to correctly program navigation systems (most commonly used when travelling by car, but sometimes with other modes as well), especially with street addresses that may appear in several neighbouring municipalities or districts because the street name is so common. In Europe, at least, postal codes are very important for navigation. In the future, Wikivoyage may have applications to apps or devices which can scrape this information from templates and other structured data. For instance, a traveller may be able to search for Mexican restaurants within a certain postal code or plot a route from one postal code to another and plot out where to sleep, etc. ==Countries with precision postal codes== Countries where the postal code is sufficiently precise to pinpoint a specific code to 1,000&nbsp;m or less (in the case of 7 of these countries to about 30 buildings or less): *[[Argentina]] (only 8 character CPA or ''Código Postal Argentino'', Argentine Postal Code) *[[Guernsey]] *[[Isle of Man]] *[[Jersey]] *[[Malta]] *[[Netherlands]] *[[Portugal]] (the 7-digit code in the format XXXX-XXX identifies "building blocks" and designated addresses with high volumes of mail) *[[Singapore]] (the 6-digit code uniquely identifies each individual building) *[[United Kingdom]] {{WikivoyageDoc|policies}} 286sgeh1z51mcmzywdbnaynm8qhqlh3 4487824 4487823 2022-07-21T16:55:42Z LPfi 79572 mentioned "ZIP codes" wikitext text/x-wiki {{Shortcut|[[wv:zip]]}} We ''may'' use '''postal codes''' for listings in those countries where they provide a useful degree of precision. This does NOT necessarily imply that any current addressing information should be removed but rather that a judgement needs to be made about whether a postal code provides any information useful to travellers or is just needlessly occupying additional space in a listing. For countries like [[New Zealand]] and the [[United States]] ("ZIP codes"), where postal codes are allocated to large areas, other users may wish to remove them. (Note that the US also has extended postal codes, which have an extra four digits that are far more specific.) ==GPS navigation systems== Postal codes are often necessary to correctly program navigation systems (most commonly used when travelling by car, but sometimes with other modes as well), especially with street addresses that may appear in several neighbouring municipalities or districts because the street name is so common. In Europe, at least, postal codes are very important for navigation. In the future, Wikivoyage may have applications to apps or devices which can scrape this information from templates and other structured data. For instance, a traveller may be able to search for Mexican restaurants within a certain postal code or plot a route from one postal code to another and plot out where to sleep, etc. ==Countries with precision postal codes== Countries where the postal code is sufficiently precise to pinpoint a specific code to 1,000&nbsp;m or less (in the case of 7 of these countries to about 30 buildings or less): *[[Argentina]] (only 8 character CPA or ''Código Postal Argentino'', Argentine Postal Code) *[[Guernsey]] *[[Isle of Man]] *[[Jersey]] *[[Malta]] *[[Netherlands]] *[[Portugal]] (the 7-digit code in the format XXXX-XXX identifies "building blocks" and designated addresses with high volumes of mail) *[[Singapore]] (the 6-digit code uniquely identifies each individual building) *[[United Kingdom]] {{WikivoyageDoc|policies}} 79allg4dt80y4jx7cy6893x5kwqso1a 4487825 4487824 2022-07-21T16:56:11Z LPfi 79572 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Shortcut|[[wv:zip]]}} We ''may'' use '''postal codes''' for listings in those countries where they provide a useful degree of precision. This does NOT necessarily imply that any current addressing information should be removed but rather that a judgement needs to be made about whether a postal code provides any information useful to travellers or is just needlessly occupying additional space in a listing. For countries like [[New Zealand]] and the [[United States]], where postal codes (USA: "ZIP codes") are allocated to large areas, other users may wish to remove them. (Note that the US also has extended postal codes, which have an extra four digits that are far more specific.) ==GPS navigation systems== Postal codes are often necessary to correctly program navigation systems (most commonly used when travelling by car, but sometimes with other modes as well), especially with street addresses that may appear in several neighbouring municipalities or districts because the street name is so common. In Europe, at least, postal codes are very important for navigation. In the future, Wikivoyage may have applications to apps or devices which can scrape this information from templates and other structured data. For instance, a traveller may be able to search for Mexican restaurants within a certain postal code or plot a route from one postal code to another and plot out where to sleep, etc. ==Countries with precision postal codes== Countries where the postal code is sufficiently precise to pinpoint a specific code to 1,000&nbsp;m or less (in the case of 7 of these countries to about 30 buildings or less): *[[Argentina]] (only 8 character CPA or ''Código Postal Argentino'', Argentine Postal Code) *[[Guernsey]] *[[Isle of Man]] *[[Jersey]] *[[Malta]] *[[Netherlands]] *[[Portugal]] (the 7-digit code in the format XXXX-XXX identifies "building blocks" and designated addresses with high volumes of mail) *[[Singapore]] (the 6-digit code uniquely identifies each individual building) *[[United Kingdom]] {{WikivoyageDoc|policies}} 6dpe1ov3np43q6ohujgc5mhh6xcr14r 4487826 4487825 2022-07-21T16:57:04Z LPfi 79572 /* GPS navigation systems */ are postal codes important for navigation in all of Europe? wikitext text/x-wiki {{Shortcut|[[wv:zip]]}} We ''may'' use '''postal codes''' for listings in those countries where they provide a useful degree of precision. This does NOT necessarily imply that any current addressing information should be removed but rather that a judgement needs to be made about whether a postal code provides any information useful to travellers or is just needlessly occupying additional space in a listing. For countries like [[New Zealand]] and the [[United States]], where postal codes (USA: "ZIP codes") are allocated to large areas, other users may wish to remove them. (Note that the US also has extended postal codes, which have an extra four digits that are far more specific.) ==GPS navigation systems== Postal codes are often necessary to correctly program navigation systems (most commonly used when travelling by car, but sometimes with other modes as well), especially with street addresses that may appear in several neighbouring municipalities or districts because the street name is so common. In parts of Europe, at least, postal codes are very important for navigation. In the future, Wikivoyage may have applications to apps or devices which can scrape this information from templates and other structured data. For instance, a traveller may be able to search for Mexican restaurants within a certain postal code or plot a route from one postal code to another and plot out where to sleep, etc. ==Countries with precision postal codes== Countries where the postal code is sufficiently precise to pinpoint a specific code to 1,000&nbsp;m or less (in the case of 7 of these countries to about 30 buildings or less): *[[Argentina]] (only 8 character CPA or ''Código Postal Argentino'', Argentine Postal Code) *[[Guernsey]] *[[Isle of Man]] *[[Jersey]] *[[Malta]] *[[Netherlands]] *[[Portugal]] (the 7-digit code in the format XXXX-XXX identifies "building blocks" and designated addresses with high volumes of mail) *[[Singapore]] (the 6-digit code uniquely identifies each individual building) *[[United Kingdom]] {{WikivoyageDoc|policies}} 6npanhbpiiz9bk4hgwzvv57yz3k8gyl 4488181 4487826 2022-07-22T10:01:31Z SHB2000 2248002 restore ThunderingTyphoons!' edit wikitext text/x-wiki {{Shortcut|[[wv:zip]]}} We ''may'' use '''postal codes''' (U.S.: '''ZIP codes'''; India: '''PIN codes''') for listings in those countries where they provide a useful degree of precision. This does NOT necessarily imply that any current addressing information should be removed but rather that a judgement needs to be made about whether a postal code provides any information useful to travellers or is just needlessly occupying additional space in a listing. For countries like [[New Zealand]] and the [[United States]], where postal codes (USA: "ZIP codes") are allocated to large areas, other users may wish to remove them. (Note that the US also has extended postal codes, which have an extra four digits that are far more specific.) ==GPS navigation systems== Postal codes are often necessary to correctly program navigation systems (most commonly used when travelling by car, but sometimes with other modes as well), especially with street addresses that may appear in several neighbouring municipalities or districts because the street name is so common. In parts of Europe, at least, postal codes are very important for navigation. In the future, Wikivoyage may have applications to apps or devices which can scrape this information from templates and other structured data. For instance, a traveller may be able to search for Mexican restaurants within a certain postal code or plot a route from one postal code to another and plot out where to sleep, etc. ==Countries with precision postal codes== Countries where the postal code is sufficiently precise to pinpoint a specific code to 1,000&nbsp;m or less (in the case of 7 of these countries to about 30 buildings or less): *[[Argentina]] (only 8 character CPA or ''Código Postal Argentino'', Argentine Postal Code) *[[Guernsey]] *[[Isle of Man]] *[[Jersey]] *[[Malta]] *[[Netherlands]] *[[Portugal]] (the 7-digit code in the format XXXX-XXX identifies "building blocks" and designated addresses with high volumes of mail) *[[Singapore]] (the 6-digit code uniquely identifies each individual building) *[[United Kingdom]] {{WikivoyageDoc|policies}} 7j83qgt468bz8rcbz7zt2bbp3qejf10 5 111362 4487842 3443732 2022-07-21T17:29:12Z LPfi 79572 /* GPS and postal codes in Europe */ new section wikitext text/x-wiki ==Distinguish ourselves from WT?== '''''Lengthy''' discussion swept from the pub:'' I propose that we slightly distinguish ourselves from WT by being less USA-centric. Our primary rule is [[tcf|"'''The traveller comes first'''"]], so our default language for article creation should remain USA English since, now that many Chinese are learning that [[Wikivoyage:Spelling|particular variety of English]], it may have already achieved a plurality of use amongst the approximately 2.1 billion potential travellers in the world that have a working knowledge of English. However, I believe that same primary rule means we should, by default, adopt the 24 hour clock in articles (rather than the AM PM system). Even travellers from the USA (who have had no encounter with the 24 hour clock in military, police, aviation and medical applications) will have to come to terms with the 24 hour clock system when they consult airline timetables in China, railway schedules in Malaysia and restaurant opening hours in Germany so we do them no disservice to be precise in our travel guide. I believe that same primary rule of [[tcf]] also means that we '''should''' use post codes for those civilised countries such as Canada and Wales where they provide a useful degree of precision. (Go to Google Maps and enter [https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=g2+4nb&hl=en&sll=55.85546,-4.232459&sspn=0.195399,0.523224&t=m&hnear=Glasgow+G2+4NB,+United+Kingdom&z=15 G2 4NB] to see how useful post codes can be in ''some'' countries). --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 17:41, 23 September 2012 (CEST) *'''Support'''. I also think the prohibition on post codes leads to a lot of unnecessary editing work. There's never any harm in them that I can think of. [[User:(WV-en) Ikan Kekek|(WV-en) Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:(WV-en) Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:15, 24 September 2012 (CEST) * '''Don't support'''. I didn't know you could lookup postal codes like that, and I agree it's helpful... but an address is even more useful for the traveller so why include the postal code? It also won't work in places like the US and New Zealand (where post/zip codes cover large areas) so it's a policy that will have checkered application. I also prefer to leave the time expressed in whatever the local usage is. It's not perfect, but it makes more sense than saying North American articles have to use the 24 hour clock even though it's ''rarely'' used outside of train and plane schedules, or forcing the AM/PM system elsewhere in the world. -[[User:Shaund|Shaund]] ([[User talk:Shaund|talk]]) 07:02, 24 September 2012 (CEST) ::You may have misunderstood my proposals and thought them more dogmatic than what I actually wrote. ::I am ''not'' suggesting that we leave out any part of the address and neither am I suggesting that we use postal codes in any situation where they are neither useful nor an integral part of addressing information. The [[Tcf|traveller comes first]] so I am just suggesting the removal of the current ''blanket ban'' on post codes, useful or not. ::The suggestion to use the 24hour clock as the ''default'' style is analogous to the current ''default'' position of using US English; it would allow for the alternative prolix method to be used for a good reason. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 07:51, 24 September 2012 (CEST) :::: Thanks for clarifying. I'm OK with having the 24 hour clock as the default where it's not clear which system is used. When I was in Barcelona, I saw both 12 and 24 hour times so I wasn't sure how to translate that to Wikivoyage. A default would help. :::: I'm still not convinced about postal codes though. -[[User:Shaund|Shaund]] ([[User talk:Shaund|talk]]) 16:26, 24 September 2012 (CEST) :::There is no default to US English. Instead, there is an agreement that certain countries default to US English, others to UK English, and others to whatever the local standard English is (e.g., in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa). [[User:(WV-en) Ikan Kekek|(WV-en) Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:(WV-en) Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:28, 24 September 2012 (CEST) ::::Our policy article [[Wikivoyage:Spelling]] currently states: "''If the destination has no history of using English and no clear preference for the variety to use, we prefer US English spelling. This isn't because US English is somehow better or to stomp on the rights, heritage, and cultures of other English-speaking countries. We just need to pick one '''default spelling style''' for consistency. ''" (my emphasis added) and I have no beef with that. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 09:41, 24 September 2012 (CEST) *'''Support'''. I am not concerned about the postal code usage, but the 24 hr clock is definitely a good idea. [[User:Riggwelter|Riggwelter]] ([[User talk:Riggwelter|talk]]) 09:44, 24 September 2012 (CEST) *'''Comment''' - The postcode sounds like a good idea for places it is useful. In Australia, sometimes postcodes can cover outback areas of hundreds of kilometres. So make it optional. I'd oppose any change to a compulsory 24 hour clock. In Australia, usage is extremely rare. Even as someone who travels a lot and is well-informed on these issues, it still takes me a few moments to decipher the time sometimes. I think, continue to allow 24hr in places where it is common, and 12hr in places where that is what travellers will encounter. I support any less Americanization of the wiki, though. [[User:JamesA|<font color="#4682b4">James'''A'''</font>]] ^{[[User talk:JamesA|<font color="#191970">'''>talk'''</font>]]} 13:35, 24 September 2012 (CEST) *'''Support''' for time and postal code. [[User:Nicolas1981|Nicolas1981]] ([[User talk:Nicolas1981|talk]]) 08:08, 12 November 2012 (UTC) ===Optional postal code use (i)=== ''Summary'': May I now conclude that there is a consensus that: ''We '''should''' use post codes for listings in those countries where they provide a useful degree of precision.''? Anybody still opposed to introducing a little appropriate flexibility? --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 11:08, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::I'm for postcodes in places where they're useful. I'm also for the 24hr clock across the board; if you can't remove one dozen from two dozen or less, you shouldn't be let out without an umbrella to follow.[[User:(WV-en) Travelpleb|(WV-en) Travelpleb]] ([[User talk:(WV-en) Travelpleb|talk]]) 11:39, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::My current summary of consensus is just with regard to '''postal coding'''. :::I don't yet think there is a clear consensus as to: ''By default, adopt the 24 hour clock in articles (rather than the AM PM system).''' even though, as a default, this change in policy would still allow, (similar to the varieties of English policy,) for local (consistent) use (eg in the US and Philippines articles) of the AM PM system. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 11:56, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::There does not seem to be any oppositiomn to using postcodes where they are useful. I favour less prescriptive wording at this stage, and would prefer ''We '''may''' use post codes for listings in those countries where they provide a useful degree of precision.'' and suggest a list of countries where they are considered to comply with this requirement, and objective criteria for usefulness in this context, because there will otherwise be people making their own interpretations of usefulness and getting upset when somebody else sees it differently and changes the listing. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 12:37, 30 September 2012 (CEST) '''Modified consensus summary''': ''We '''may''' use post codes for listings in those countries where they provide a useful degree of precision.'' Note: This does NOT imply that any current addressing information should be removed. I also '''Propose''' that the initial list of countries where they provide a useful degree of precision include: [[Argentina]] (only 8 character CPA or ''Código Postal Argentino'', Argentine Postal Code), <del>[[Canada]]</del>, [[Guernsey]], [[Isle of Man]], [[Jersey]], [[Malta]], [[Netherlands]], [[Portugal]], [[UK]] since these are all countries where the postal code is sufficiently precise to pinpoint a specific code to 1000&nbsp;m or less (in the case of 7 of these countries to about 30 buildings or less). --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 15:53, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :I'm still not clear on why post codes are useful. They are generally intended for use by post offices for administrative purposes; if the information encoded is decipherable and useful to outside agents, that's just a bonus. By themselves, do they tell the traveler anything useful that they can't already determine from the street address? [[User:LtPowers|LtPowers]] ([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]]) 16:18, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::Please read all of the discussion above - especially my example using a Scottish Post Code. In the countries listed immediately above, addresses may be variable and usually don't parse as precisely as the (unique) and precise postal codes these countries have available. A practical use for the Traveller is to plug them into a GPS or smart phone. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 16:28, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::: I can't comment on other countries, but I strongly disagree with using postal codes in Canadian listings. A Canadian postal code ''is not'' more precise than a street address (outside of some rural areas it's pretty much mandatory to have a unique street address in Canada, so ambulances, fire trucks, etc know where to go if needed). I really think -- in the case of Canada anyway -- that it's just unnecessary information. -[[User:Shaund|Shaund]] ([[User talk:Shaund|talk]]) 18:39, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::At the risk of seeming tedious, may I repeat that this proposal does NOT ''mandate'' the use of Post Codes anywhere. Not in Canadian listings, not in US listings, nowhere. ::::It does mean though, that it would be impolite for you to remove them in a few country's listings (without reasoned fore-warning) where other editors have thought them useful and appropriate to add. ::::And at the risk of seeming picky, "it's pretty much mandatory to have a unique street address in Canada" is rather different from the 100% coverage of Canadian Post Codes. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 19:26, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::: No worries, I'm being tedious on this issue. But the point about it being impolite for me to remove postal code listings is very to the point -- I ''do'' want to remove postal code listings in Canada. ::::: One reason is (as I've mentioned before) they're not more useful than a street address. You're right, postal codes have 100% coverage. At the same time, according to Wikipedia, 98% of locations in Canada and US can make use of 911 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9-1-1#Locating_callers_automatically] and it's 911 that drives the unique address requirement. For those 2% (or so) that don't have a unique address, it's going to be in rural areas where the postal code covers several square kilometers. In a city, town or village (and most rural areas), the address is ''always'' going to be more precise. ::::: Which leads to my second reason, which is it will be inconsistently applied. Some contributors copy the whole shebang from Google (address, city, province, country, postal code) while others just put in the address. As you mentioned, it's not mandated, so over time, listings in a guide will become inconsistent with some having a postal code and some not. This can make the article look messy, and could cause a hang-up if we want to feature the article or make it into a star article (we can get very pedantic about these things). ::::: I'm not wanting to be difficult here, and if postal codes provide useful info in some cases, let's use them. But in the case of Canadian postal codes, I'm really hesitant to add extra information that's not more useful than the information we already provide and will be applied inconsistently within an article. -[[User:Shaund|Shaund]] ([[User talk:Shaund|talk]]) 21:21, 30 September 2012 (CEST) I suspect that the 7 digit Japanese code also provides a practical degree of precision (being related to land parcels, which are typically very small in urban areas). Does any one have any practical experience of using them in Japan in a GPS or Smarphone? --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 16:36, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::::: I live in Japan, and navigating by postal code is neither common nor practical. Street addresses are not used, either. The regular Japanese address system is difficult for online mapping in general ... OpenStreetMap and Google Maps are both best searched using place names, not with addresses. In Japan, everything is subdivided, but the system varies widely, and while <em>areas</em> have numbers, streets and buildings generally don't, which means you frequently can't interpolate a location given its address. Even locals may know how to navigate to a given address. For accurately describing something's location, GPS is by far the most useful tool for a traveler (or resident). --[[User:Orcrist|Orcrist]] ([[User talk:Orcrist|talk]]) 14:16, 13 December 2012 (UTC) :I have looked at the link to google maps you provided above, and the postal code gives a point value on the map, i.e. it indicates a point presumably within the area defined by the postal code. What is not clear is where the boundaries of the area defined by that code are, so the possible error is not shown on the map, so I still don't know how useful it would be for locating an address. Within 1000m is a fairly large error - some places the town itself would be smaller. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 19:00, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::You misunderstand the precision of a British Post Code. In the G2 4NB example, because it is in a dense city, this postcode example is precise to the extent of describing one particular 1859 tenement at the junction of Bath Lane and Holland Street. The marker point on the Google example is approximately 3m from where I am writing this. ::A Scottish highlands postcode will cover a much larger area, but the granularity depends on how many addresses are covered. That is the essential difference between the modern semantic postcodes in the countries I have listed and more primitive "administrative boundary" postal codes in countries like the US. ::In none of the advanced countries presently specified would a postal code specify more than a handful of buildings - even small villages and hamlets have many postal codes to be useful and allow precision! ::Putting it another way, tapping a British Post Code into a competent GPS will always allow me to drive to so precise a position that I will have to get out and WALK when I arrive if I need to get any closer. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 19:26, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ===Optional postal code use (ii)=== This is an option. At present, I don't have the option to use a Post Code in a Scottish listing - even though it would help the most important person in our hierarchy, [[Wikivoyage:Hierarchy|the Traveller]], use a GPS quickly and easily --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 19:26, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::Frank, you are advocating a system with which many of us are ''very'' unfamiliar. I am trying to get a reasonable picture of the usefulness of the system. Earlier you used 1000m as an indication of necessary accuracy to be eligible for use, which as a general rule is too vague to be useful. ::::No. You yourself suggested that we specify which were the countries where editors are ''allowed'' to use postal codes in listings (in other words, pre-define which countries were ''exempt'' from the current draconian '''ban'''). Instead of just introducing an arbitrary list of exempt countries, I have suggested a metric by which we can measure which actual countries may use postal coding information in listings that is likely to be useful to the traveller: those countries which have (advanced, granular) postal code systems capable of a precision of at least 1000&nbsp;m or '''less'''. All of my listed countries meet that criterion. Most of them will typically provide an accuracy of 20&nbsp;m or ''less'' for the addresses of 95% of their populations. With the British Post Codes which I am most familiar that figure approaches 97%. The literature is extensive and quite technical and I'm sorry that I do not have the time or digital stamina to give an executive summary here. Perhaps a bit of Googling? --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 21:50, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::Accuracy to pinpoint a single building is definitely useful, and I think should be allowed, even encouraged, though not obligatory. However, When I test google maps with alternative codes differing only in the last character, the precision seems considerably less than the precise building (adjacent codes give locations more than a block apart). ::::British Post Codes are not susceptible to that sort of testing. Many BS compliant Post Codes have not yet been assigned, so if you fabricate or use an incomplete British Post Code you are actually testing how well Google functions as a search engine. If you want to test, use real British Post Codes taken from actual British addresses. In the case of some buildings in Canary Wharf, London you will need to use a sideways view since the granularity is so fine that actual ''parts'' of floors within buildings will be specified by their real British Post Code. is that accurate enough? --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 21:50, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::::Fair comment, but using google maps as a demo was your choice. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 22:39, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::As I mentioned before, I don't know the system, and am trying to understand it. I would guess that several others have this problem. You are the advocate for using the system, so we can reasonably expect you to explain how it works and how precise it typically would be so we can take an informed position on whether it should be allowed. (It would not trouble me for postcodes to be allowed in any case, but for that proposal I would simply abstain. To support this one I would like to know what I am supporting.) ::::That's responsible democracy. ::::I would hope that others who can't find the time to understand the technicalities would also abstain.--[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 21:50, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::An analogy I would use is phone numbers for some mythic hermit who has never used a phone - all he needs to know is that phones exist and phone numbers are a system for more easily contacting specific parties with sufficient precision to make listing them for Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions, Embassies and Bars well worth the tiny amount of space they take up. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 21:50, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::In the example you used, the code identifies your building, but does it identify any other buildings, and if so, what is the furthest distance from the map point which has the given code? ::::In my G2 4NB example, my own Post Code identifies my particular tenement building (and no other) which contains the following addresses: Interstop, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 138 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 0/2, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 1/1, 134 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 1/1, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 1/2, 134 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 1/2, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 2/1, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 2/2, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 3/1, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB 3/2, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB Basement Flat, 136 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NB ::::None of the front doors of the addresses above are ''laterally'' more than 7&nbsp;m from the point of the Google map pointer, which gives a bird's eye view of course. ::::Neither G2 4NC, nor G2 4ND, nor G2 4NE nor G2 4NF Post Codes have yet been allocated, but G2 4NG has for the next most Northerly building to mine: Blue Triangle Housing Association, 150 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG The State Bar, 148 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG 0/1, 146 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG 0/2, 146 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG 1/1, 146 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG 1/2, 146 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG 2/1, 146 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG 2/2, 146 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG 3/1, 146 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG 3/2, 146 Holland Street, GLASGOW, G2 4NG ::::Some British Apps will also provide altitude information. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 21:50, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::: I assume that central Glasgow (and other densely populated areas) is one of the areas where postcodes give the highest resolution. Is this correct? &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 20:41, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::Yes. Conversely Mountain Peaks typically do not have a postal address so, while in some countries postal codes are highly useful for pinpointing, distinguishing and navigating to Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions, Embassies and Bars, etc., postalcodes are entirely useless in every country I know for hill walking or rambling! --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 21:50, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::::I take your point, and now that the details are available, others may too. With the information you have provided I can support the proposal, at least for the UK. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 22:39, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::In short, a UK post code describes about 6-10 addresses (sometimes fewer). If they're rural, the area's spread out. If they're urban, there will be several post codes per street. Either way, they're useful. The first half describes the city and district of the city. Beyond that there's no apparent order, changing a letter or number in the second half will point to a completely unrelated location but they very accurately and uniquely describe addresses. :::::That is useful information for interpreting the results of my experiments with google maps. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 22:39, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::Frank's "1000 m radius" is an upper bound of all the countries he's mentioned. It looks like it's up to us to establish what level of usefulness is worthwhile and what isn't and then find out the precision of each country's postal code system. :::::Agreed. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 22:39, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::::Without going into the sordid forensic detail of what I used to do before I retired, I am reasonably confident that my preliminary list of ''qualifying'' countries is both accurate and (currently) exhaustive (with the possible exception of Japan). I'm going to email some of my RCMP contacts about the current Canadian situation since I am somewhat shocked to be told here that a single Canadian Post Code might encompass an entire small town - that certainly was NOT the case when they were originally introduced. Perhaps this was a side effect of the Canadian Postal workers initial industrial action... --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 23:38, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::::: I think it depends on how you define "small town". The entire village of Lakefield, about 2,700 people, has the same postal code (K0L 2H0) along with a chunk of the surrounding township (it looks like up to 10 km away from Lakefield). Canada Post provides a detailed listing of everything it includes [http://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/fpc/personal/findByCity?execution=e1s8]. The Google Maps search, [http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&cp=7&gs_id=6&xhr=t&q=k0l+2h0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&biw=1344&bih=660&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl for reference]. -[[User:Shaund|Shaund]] ([[User talk:Shaund|talk]]) 00:10, 1 October 2012 (CEST) ::::I read that Canada's post codes are accurate to ''an entire small town, a significant part of a medium-sized town, a single side of a city block in larger cities, a single large building or a portion of a very large one, a single (large) institution such as a university or a hospital, or a business that receives large volumes of mail'', which looks pretty useful to me. ::::[[User:(WV-en) Travelpleb|(WV-en) Travelpleb]] ([[User talk:(WV-en) Travelpleb|talk]]) 21:03, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::::Apparently, in the UK, there's 27 million addresses and 1.7 million postcodes. So that's actually average of about 16 addresses per post code. [[User:(WV-en) Travelpleb|(WV-en) Travelpleb]] ([[User talk:(WV-en) Travelpleb|talk]]) 21:15, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::::That looks potentially useful to me. I would support allowing inclusion of a code that gives location with that resolution. The Canadian codes appear to be sometimes useful, but not always. I would not oppose their use. ::::::South African postal codes would not be useful. They are accurate only to suburb or small town level. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 22:39, 30 September 2012 (CEST) :::::::Correct. That's why they're not in my exempt list, omitted along with about another 190 countries with either no postal code system or one with insufficient geographical exactitude. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 23:38, 30 September 2012 (CEST) ::::::::Help me out, Frank; even with the precision of British post codes, how does that improve on the street address? Even in cases where a unique post code identifies a specific building, or even a specific floor, is that ever ''more'' precise than the street address (e.g., "0/1 146 Holland Street, Glasgow")? [[User:LtPowers|LtPowers]] ([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]]) 01:46, 1 October 2012 (CEST) :::::::::Yes, post codes can be more precise than an address. At least for the Googler. An example, a hostel: ::::::::::YHA Canterbury ::::::::::Ellerslie, 54 New Dover Road ::::::::::Kent, CT1 3DT ::::::::::Canterbury ::::::::::England :::::::::Find that on Google maps using the address. Zoom in. You'll see a Google-generated place marker. You'll think you'll have found your mark. :::::::::But no. You're wrong. Now try the post code. You end up on St Christopher's School; which, while not perfect, is the correct side of the road and only one or two buildings from the correct spot. :::::::::Conclusion, horrah for UK post codes. [[User:(WV-en) Travelpleb|(WV-en) Travelpleb]] ([[User talk:(WV-en) Travelpleb|talk]]) 08:05, 1 October 2012 (CEST) ::::::::::Good enough for me to support allowing the inclusion of postcodes where they are sufficiently accurate. I am also happy to go with Frank's recommendations, as he has been accurate with information provided so far. ::::::::::I think a short explanation of why and how to use them should be included on the policy page to explain to those millions who are unfamiliar with their utility if this gets the nod.&bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 08:18, 1 October 2012 (CEST) :::::::::::Postal codes are primarily for sorting mail more easily by machines. As a travel guide, I don't really see how they are of much help to travellers. Imagine a traveller standing in a street carrying a guide—a street address will help the traveller find a particular listing, a map will help, but a postal code will not. In a few countries it might be of some, but an address or a map will be even more precise and better. Besides, if we'd have different postal code rules for different countries, this would create even less consistency than we already have in formatting. --[[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 17:10, 1 October 2012 (CEST) ::::::::::::I'd perhaps rather see us make better use of geographic coordinates, which have more universal applicability and work just as well in Google Maps. [[User:LtPowers|LtPowers]] ([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]]) 17:19, 1 October 2012 (CEST) :::::::::::::Better use of geographic coordinates would be ideal. However, the potential for better use of geographic coordinates does not make postcodes valueless. Usefulness to the traveller comes before consistent formatting the way I understand the guiding principles of this wiki. To provide the best value to the traveller we must make use of what is currently available. Postcodes are often more easily available than geographic coordinates. I will concede that it is not particularly useful to have both postcode and accurate coordinates in a listing. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 18:46, 1 October 2012 (CEST) ===Optional postal code use (iii)=== As Peter so often does, [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] has nutshelled things nicely above. I concur that, '''if available''', ''accurate'' geographic co-ordinates are far more useful to most rich-world and technologically competent travellers than postal codes. My next (annoying) project should probably be to [[Wikivoyage:Accommodation listings|get the use of geographic co-ordinates allowed in listings too (annoying grin)...]] However, we are already relatively unique among on-line sources in trying to think of even poorer and armchair travellers (eg. by trying to include all the information here without travellers having to use a slow or non-existent internet connection to click links) and I would like to give a specific (if far fetched example) of where a Post Code might be useful to a poor traveller: There is an elderly Irish priest currently located in the Tawi Tawi islands of the Philippines archipelago. He is 91 and has continuously been a mendicant missionary in various boondocks since just before the occupying Japanese forces left. He has finally been persuaded to retire after more than 68 years of unstinting service. He has no living relatives left back home in Co. Down, Northern Ireland but the Vatican will make all the travel arrangements and pay for them all. World War II was still being fought when Sean left the seminary in Maynooth and was able to make the long sea journey, travelling on both a (neutral) Eire passport and a Vatican laissez passer via Spain, Mozambique and occupied Malaya to Manila and thence to Dapitan and Zamboanga and then by outrigger canoes to his remote maritime parish. He has not been home to Europe since 1951 - even when his Mother died - since news of the funeral reached him too late. He wants to return home to Newry to die but doubts whether any of his friends or the B&B's or Hotels that he knew, as a boy pre-war, have survived. There is no mobile, let alone Internet coverage in his maritime parish. He wishes to book pre-arranged accommodation in Newry (since, truthfully, he is a cantankerous old sod and knows that he couldn't tolerate any convent arrangements that the Vatican would arrange).<br /> How to do it?<br /> He discusses the situation with his young 23 year old, South Korean replacement, 곽. 곽 has a brainwave, he will make the two day voyage to Zamboanga, go on-line at one of the many Internet cafe's, print out the Wikivoyage "Sleep" listing section of Newry and take it back to Sean so Sean can make his informed choice.<br /> When he arrives back, Sean has lost his bi-focals overboard. Not to worry,곽 reads Sean our great listings and Sean finally makes his choice. Sean writes a long letter (Sean can write, even without his bi-focals) requesting a reservation and explaining his requirements and giving the Vatican City phone number (in proper international format!) of the curia office that will settle Sean's bill each month. He requests in his letter that his putative hosts meet him at Dublin airport in 5 weeks time. Sean can now pack peacefully and look forward to his final trip. 곽 copies out the address of Sean's chosen Guest House (from the printed out WV listing 곽 made in Zamboanga) on to the front of an envelope and puts Sean's painstakingly crafted letter inside - after noting the estimated monthly cost for a single room. 곽 writes more letters to the curia office so that they can arrange the airline tickets for Sean, a passport expedited by the Irish envoy to the Papal See, and all the other necessary stuff and then gives all 5 letters to a trusted parishioner to paddle to Zamboanga and then post. Four of the 5 letters are definitely correctly addressed and reach the Vatican and Maynooth two weeks later. However, there are then at least two (farcically unlikely) scenarios. Scenario 1: 곽 addresses Sean's letter as The Proprietor Newry Shamrock B&B 83 Dublin St Ireland Sadly 곽 printed out an old copy of WV from before we slightly changed our listing possibilities. Also, sadly 곽 did not realise the niceties of the political reality in the "North East Atlantic Archipelago" or "Britain and Ireland" (or, less politically correctly, "British Isles") and neither did he understand that the listing did not have a full postal address. Sean's letter spent 8 days getting to Dublin, but then was delivered (very promptly) by a Christmas relief postie to 83 Dublin Street in Coolrock in the Republic of Ireland. Unfortunately, the occupants there had gone to Perth to work for 6 months (after the "Irish economic Tiger" wilted) and nobody did ever meet Sean at the airport. Instead he wandered off looking for a bus and was mugged to death by one of Dublin's many cocaine junkies. The junkies were really pissed off to discover that Sean had nothing of value, not even a watch, and even his banknotes were obsolete Irish punt. However they did get €20 for his brand new Irish passport. Nobody ever did find out who the old "drunk" was lying in the road after he was run over by one of the corporation's finest and he was buried in a pauper's grave. Scenario 2: 곽 addresses Sean's letter as The Proprietor Newry Shamrock B&B BT34 5HT luckily 곽 printed out a copy of a listing from WV after we slightly changed our listing possibilities. Although 곽 still did not realise the niceties of the political reality in the "North East Atlantic Archipelago" or "Britain and Ireland" (or, less politically correctly, "British Isles") and neither did he understand that the listing did not have a full postal address, the Postal people in Manila are not stupid and immediately recognised the "BT34 5HT" as representing a UK Post Code and popped Sean's letter into the postbag for London. Sean's letter spent 4 days getting to London, but then was delayed 9 days by industrial action. However it was then delivered (very promptly) by a Christmas relief postie to the Thierafurth Inn, 83 Dublin Road, Kilcoo, NEWRY, BT34 5HT in Northern Ireland. Fortunately the new owners remembered the previous name of "Shamrock B&B", opened and read the heart-touching missive and met Sean at the airport. Turns out that Sean was distantly related to one of the Powers who had died intestate. Sean lives long enough to collect a 14 million euro inheritance and, after establishing a small educational trust fund for his host's daughters, dies in his home town 8 months later. He leaves the balance of his estate split 50/50 between the Church and his former parish. His statue can be seen if you go to the Tawi Tawi islands... --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 21:10, 1 October 2012 (CEST) ::I shall now demonstrate a difficulty that Travelpleb will have to address with the proposed guidance for talk page discussions, in that I would support a proposal to allow geographical coordinates in listings, as mentioned somewhere above, in a position that I have no recommended way of referencing. (actually in this case it is quite easy, 2nd paragraph of this subsection, but it could as easily have been lost in the middle somewhere) &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 22:04, 1 October 2012 (CEST) :::Shhhhhhh, Peter. :::Coming immediately after my prolix fable, they'll begin to think we're a comedy team... And thanks for biting your tongue! --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 22:13, 1 October 2012 (CEST) ==Navigation systems?I == I think one thing was overlooked here. Postal codes are often necessary to correctly program navigation systems (most commonly used when travelling by car, but sometimes with other modes as well), especially with street addresses that may appear in several neighbouring municipalities or districts ecause the street name is so common. In Europe, at least, postal codes are very important for navigation with regard to that. [[User:PrinceGloria|PrinceGloria]] ([[User talk:PrinceGloria|talk]]) 04:13, 14 August 2013 (UTC) :I agree. :Since I see that there have been no objections in the past two weeks, I'll amend the project page so that it's more in line with the consensus achieved. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 02:27, 2 September 2013 (UTC) ==Canada== I strongly disagree with lumping [[Canada]] in with the wretched [[United States of America]] as, in Canadian cities (typically anything over 5000 population), a postal code uniquely identifies one side of one block. Contrast this to the US where '13601' is the entire city of [[Watertown (New York)]], pop 30000? Not the same system. [[User:K7L|K7L]] ([[User talk:K7L|talk]]) 15:33, 20 September 2013 (UTC) :That was certainly my take on Canadian Postal Codes too, but [[User:Shaund|Shaund]] argued vehemently (above) that they were not useful for Canada and were a "waste of space". Since I have a suspicion you're both Canadians, perhaps you may want to alert him on his talk page to this discussion so the policy page can be amended if necessary? --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">email</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 16:29, 20 September 2013 (UTC) == Postal Area Codes (Postleitzahlen) in Germany == {{swept}} [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Dortmund&curid=9957&diff=3352218&oldid=3352185 this] is one of several edits where postal area codes (Postleitzahlen) have been removed from an article about Germany as supposedly redundant. I know that this is in line with current policy, but I disagree with policy on that. First of all, an address is only fully clear and unambiguous ''with'' the area code. Just google "Goethestraße 20, Berlin" to see what I mean. Second of all, the PLZ will give locals an idea where it is and it will also help if you want to look up the place in google maps or OSM or an old style paper map. Lastly, people are also often immensely proud of their local area code as they often reflect suburbs that have since been annexed or divide a traditionally "red" borough from one where bourgeois Catholicism was strong, one soccer team from another or the "haves" from the "have nots". Perhaps the most iconic example of (former) area codes defining neighborhoods are the two parts of [[Berlin]] - Kreuzberg "SO 36" and "SW 61" with the former full of notorious anti-establishment types and surrounded by the wall on three sides and the latter, well, not. So in short we should allow German postal codes and to make this whole thing easier, we should simply add an extra field to listings for the area code to be added. If there is any serious objection that this information is supposed clutter, we can make display of said information and opt-in feature for registered users. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:27, 19 December 2017 (UTC) :Just to clarify, does this apply only to Berlin, or more generally to the country as a whole? If the latter, I have no problem modifying policy to add Germany to our exception(s) - this club of one with the UK as the sole member state is awfully lonely.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:06, 19 December 2017 (UTC) ::Well even a city as seemingly small as [[Erlangen]] (~100 000 inhabitants) has several PLZs contained in it; I am not sure how many street addresses need the PLZ as disambiguation there, but if - for example - you send a letter to "Neustadt" (without PLZ) it has a lower chance of getting there than if you send it to [five digit code] without the name of the town, as the latter is much more precise and unique. Side note here, before reunification, there were four digit postal codes and the GDR played a practical joke on the West by giving [[Weimar]] the exact same postal code as [[Bonn]] - the "old" BRD is often known as the "Bonn Republic" while the failed 1919 constitution was debated passed and signed in Weimar, so yes, the GDR tried to make a political statement out of postal codes. At any rate, postal codes give people a rough indication as to which part of town something is in. They are not "accurate to within a few houses" like in the UK (5 digits can never be) but they ''can'' sometimes tell you "[https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sch%C3%A4l_Sick wrong side of the tracks]". [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 18:34, 19 December 2017 (UTC) :::The Federal Republic had the last laugh of course.The only remotely political postcoding I'm aware of here is Buckingham Palace getting assigned SW1A 1AA. The royal cult of personality is all consuming! :::I'm thinking that postal usage is less important on Wikivoyage (otherwise why wouldn't we always including the code as standard?), but the PLZ would be helpful for navigating to the right neighbourhood, especially if the same street names come up a lot in different cities and even between districts of the same city. [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:53, 19 December 2017 (UTC) ::::We talked about this a while back, and I thought that the conclusion was that the policy needed to be changed to be generally more permissive about postal codes, more or less on a "whenever it's useful to the traveler" basis. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 01:39, 22 December 2017 (UTC) :::::I've generally been opposed to including postal codes, but now that it seems more people are using them for sat nav, they are useful for travellers. I agree that it is time to loosen the policy, e.g., to allow them to be included "in countries where the postal codes is specific enough to enable its use in navigation apps", or something to that effect. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:45, 22 December 2017 (UTC) ::::::Well in [[Nicaragua]] for instance, the [http://www.correos.gob.ni/index.php/codigo-postal postal] [http://www.correos.gob.ni/index.php/codigo-postal-2 code] is probably of more use in [[Managua]] than elsewhere. By the way, the first digit of the postal code isn't too bad a scheme for subdividing the country if the current scheme ever disagrees with us. And it produces 9 regions, easily reducable to 8 by merging RAAN and RAAS. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 09:30, 22 December 2017 (UTC) :::::::And I would say there is no reason why we couldn't use postcodes in some cities of a country, and not others, depending on where they're useful (i.e. if they're useful in Managua, but not other parts of the country). The postcodes in Paris are reasonably useful, as they indicate the arrondissement, but elsewhere in the country most municipalities only have one or a few postcodes, assigned haphazardly. Well, all postcodes in France indicate the department, but most people outside of France don't know the department numbers by heart, so there's little use there as far as the average traveller is concerned! --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:48, 22 December 2017 (UTC) == GPS and postal codes in Europe == Here it says that postal codes can be included where they are useful, and that they are very important for Europe (I added "parts of"). At [[Wikivoyage:Listings#Template parameters]] we instead say that they should only be included for the United Kingdom and Germany. This needs to be cleared up. In Finland street and road names are unique by municipality, so knowing the municipality may be important, the postcode not, unless the navigation software requires it – and that would be by app, not by country, I think. For countries where postal codes, municipalities or other such information should be added, there should be a note in some obvious place, perhaps together with the time format, currency designation etc. on the country article talk page. I don't remember having seen such notes anywhere. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 17:28, 21 July 2022 (UTC) kapd4gyzwyc24gbhgtdcsfzt78v7za2 14 118103 4488086 2112697 2022-07-22T04:18:14Z Keystone18 2203296 not technically part of Philadelphia region wikitext text/x-wiki {{RegionCat}} lpj5optem7jutinie9093u7myn4ae9n 4488143 4488086 2022-07-22T08:31:26Z ThunderingTyphoons! 106394 Undo revision 4488086 by [[Special:Contributions/Keystone18|Keystone18]] ([[User talk:Keystone18|talk]]) On Wikivoyage it is. wikitext text/x-wiki {{RegionCat}} {{IsPartOf|Philadelphia Region}} s287llrjnlul5vdidsxm61octxd7jb5 0 120537 4487690 4480873 2022-07-21T12:03:16Z SHB2000 2248002 replace wroo with New Golden Route wikitext text/x-wiki {{mapbanner | title=[[Wikivoyage:Welcome, newcomers|Welcome]] to [[Wikivoyage:About|Wikivoyage]] | tagline=The free worldwide travel guide that ''[[Wikivoyage:Plunge forward|you can edit]]''.<br><span style="font-size:smaller">The official, non-commercial [[#siteContainer|sister site]] '''of Wikipedia''' for sightseeing, activities, cuisine and accommodation around the world.</span> | touristoffice=Got a specific question? 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So, why doesn't Salt Lake City's airport have an article? According to the article for [[Salt Lake City]], there are more than 120 flights a day at the airport (for one airline, imagine what the total number must be). If it wasn't already clear, I propose we create an article for the airport at Salt Lake, but I would probably need help from others. I'm not sure about [[San Jose (California)|SJC]], but I expect it's pretty high, as it seems from the [[w:San Jose International Airport|wikipedia article]]. Over the years, I would think the number of airport with at least 100 flights a day has increased dramatically, and this may not show in our Wikivoyage articles. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 18:56, 3 January 2019 (UTC) : It is not about number of flight but about what there is to say about the airport. If the airport is a major hub with many services catering for passenger such as restaurants, shops, entertainment and hotels then it can have its own article. However even in those cases you should start by expanding the information about the airport on the city page. When the amount of information start to dominate and get out of hand there, then move to its own article. Do not create an article that is almost empty just because it could or should deserve its own article. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:10, 3 January 2019 (UTC) ::That's what I mean about needing help. I fear that, by myself, the articles will not have the information I think they should have. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 19:55, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :::I think Traveler100 is right: you're putting the cart before the horse. When there is enough info on an airport in a city article to warrant splitting it out, then create an airport article. Don't create an airport article just because it ''could'' qualify. I'm not discouraging you from creating new content, I'm just saying that Salt Lake City and San Jose airports don't ''need'' their own articles yet. As for me, I'd rather spend time creating content for and cleaning up ''destination'' articles, than creating new airport articles, but you're free to work on whatever you want to work on. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) :::: Ditto from me as well. :::: I was going to ask where "100 flights per day" came from, but then I found it on [[wv:wiaa|What is an article]]. In any case, that's a poor metric. 100 flights per day is a very small number. Just picking an arbitrary example, [[Indianapolis]]'s airport sees more than 300 commercial flights per day, but it's certainly not significant or complex enough to merit its own article. :::: [[WV:Airport Expedition]] has another set of criteria, and taken in conjunction I would hope that the underlying intention is clear: it's not about the number of flights or the physical size or any such measurable numbers, it's about how "difficult" is the airport for travellers. Airports by design tend to be laid out similarly and are usually easy to navigate. If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all. The airports we create articles for are the exceptions: they're so huge that their layouts require explanation rather than letting travellers just read the signs, and/or they're places where travellers are likely to spend a few hours or more and will want to know which of the ''hundreds'' of restaurants are good or where they can sleep. :::: Having done some editing on it recently, I would actually say that [[Orlando International Airport]] is an example of an airport that maybe ''doesn't'' need to be an article. It's not a hub, the layout looks fairly simple, and there's a paltry selection of restaurants, almost all of which are chains, and few that are good enough to recommend. The most useful information there is ground transportation, but that could be folded back into the city article if necessary. :::: So don't go crazy creating new airport articles just yet. Try working on one of the outline-status articles first like [[Miami International Airport]] or [[Newark Liberty International Airport]]. Having worked on a couple myself, it's hard to research anything inside an airport, and even harder to come up with good recommendations for Buy/Eat/Drink. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 20:15, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :::::I would think that text about "100 flights" is from 2004, when perhaps that was a lot. Perhaps that text in [[WV:What is an article?]] should be changed? <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 20:42, 3 January 2019 (UTC) ::::::100 flights is a simple objective minimum (defined in 2013). In some cases finding the number of flights means counting them on a list of departures, and I don't fancy counting 250 or 500 on a list when discussing an article. I think that it is useful to have articles for international transit airports, and I am not sure what limit would start to limit these (which includes isolated islands where all flights are international). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:24, 3 January 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}Okay, but still, I think [[WV:What is an article]] should be changed at least a little in some way to reflect that the number of flights is not considered a standard for what is a large airport and what is not. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 21:38, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :: London Stansted is a good example of earlier arguments. It's well over the 100 flights threshold, it's not particularly huge, but it merits detail that would unbalance a simple "get in" listing. Although it's badged "London" it's some way out, forming a little township in its own right. (The residents of historic Stansted are understandably peeved at this.) There are various little quirks and crafty wrinkles that the traveller might appreciate knowing. By contrast London Luton is almost as busy but is sufficiently described under "Luton". [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 10:19, 4 January 2019 (UTC) ::: Another good example is [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]] which is currently a redirect to a section of a city article. There's a fair bit of text in the city article, but I (who wrote much of that text) do not think it needs its own article yet mainly because there's not a lot to say. ::: It might need an article soon; they've just opened a new terminal and are adding a second runway. [[w:Mactan–Cebu International Airport]] says over 10 million passengers and over 86,000 flights (237/day on average) in 2017. My guess is it a good example of a borderline case; once someone adds text about the new terminal it might be worth moving it out. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:04, 4 January 2019 (UTC) :::: I don't know if I agree about [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]]. A lot of the length in that description comes from a laundry list of all the airlines and destinations, which I feel is something that does ''not'' belong in WV most of the time (not for a large hub airport like this). It's fine in WP where such encyclopedic knowledge is appropriate, and where there are more editors to keep such lists up to date. In WV, such a list is of minimal use to travelers. For offline reading, I can't imagine what use such information would be. Online, they can easily find the same information elsewhere if they need it, and many times they'll probably discover it themselves while searching for airfares. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:36, 4 January 2019 (UTC) :::::I was of the opinion there was a soft floor of roughly 20 million pax/p.a. or a damn good reason otherways... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:57, 4 January 2019 (UTC) == Canadian Airports == I notice that the only Canadian airport with an article is [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]]. I think at the very least, the airport in [[Vancouver]] should get its own article since it is one of the main North American gateways to East Asia, and arguably [[Montreal]]'s airport is also significant enough to warrant its own article. Unfortunately, I've never been to Vancouver, while I've only been to Montreal once, so I'll most certainly need help if we go ahead with this. What do you guys think about listing these two under "Future Targets"? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:08, 15 May 2019 (UTC) : Good question. I've always thought Vancouver's airport is a borderline case. It's a gateway to East Asia as you say and it has good passenger volumes (25 mn last year (2018)). On the other hand, it's a pretty straightforward airport to navigate, there are only two terminals (excluding the South terminal, which very few people are going to use), one hotel on site, fairly typical airport shops and an average number of restaurants (which are mostly fast food). I also live in Vancouver, so the airport is just an in and out for me. I don't think I can add more that what's already in [[Vancouver#Get in]]. If someone has experience using it to connect/stay overnight, it would be good to get that perspective. : For Montreal, I've transited through it twice on connecting flights. My impression from those brief visits is it's a larger and more complicated airport to navigate than Vancouver. I was also looking for specific (in my mind) Montreal specialties of Montreal smoked meat and French croissants. From my experience, I think Montreal's airport would need an article more than Vancouver, but as I said above, Vancouver's airport is an in and out for me so that colours my perspective. -[[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] ([[User talk:Shaundd|talk]]) 16:52, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::I can write a little when it comes to Montreal, but I've only been through the U.S. departures wing. Someone else will have to fill in for the domestic and international wings. And as far as statistics go, Vancouver is Canada's second busiest airport after Toronto, so it definitely has a higher passenger volume than Montreal even though Montreal may be a bigger city. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:12, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::: Okay, but remember: size and importance are not absolute criteria for whether an airport merits an article. If an airport is easy to navigate, and doesn't have many noteworthy restaurants or stores, then what else would there be to write about? I don't know anything about Vancouver to decide that, but want to make sure it's not forgotten after I spent some time editing [[Orlando International Airport]] and realized it possibly doesn't merit an article, either. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:39, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't know about the shops and restaurants at Vancouver since I've never been there. As for Montreal, there are several cafes and a duty free shop airside in the U.S. departures section, but no luxury brands like what you get in London Heathrow, Hong Kong or Tokyo Haneda international terminal. I guess I'm not the best person to judge but the only airport I've ever gotten lost in is Dubai (considering I've flown out of many major airports like JFK, Heathrow, Hong Kong, both of Tokyo's airports and Survarnabhumi), and that is because the signage to connecting flights in the arrival concourse is bad, and the staff were very unhelpful. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:28, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::::: {{Yo|The dog2}} Montreal has/had(?) two airports (I think there is a long convoluted political story behind it). As far as [[w:Vancouver International Airport|Vancouver International Airport]], it has a nice aquarium [[File:Aquarium at YVR.jpg|thumb]]. Just hoping to revive this interesting discussion. [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 16:49, 30 October 2020 (UTC) {{re|Ottawahitech}} That said, this is a travel guide, and given that Montreal-Mirabel Airport does not serve commercial passenger flights, an article for that airport is not appropriate. If you have enough information and want to create articles for Dorval and Vancovuer International Airport, go ahead. I've only flown out of the US departures section of Dorval, so that's the only part I can contribute to, while I've never been to Vancouver. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:44, 30 October 2020 (UTC) :How do people feel about Vancouver Airport now? There has been an edit war about whether to keep most of the details of how to get from there to Vancouver in the Vancouver article or to move them (improperly, in my opinion) to the parent region article, and moving them to an airport article would solve that problem. However, the section on the airport at [[Vancouver#Get in]] is hardly overwhelming. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:08, 10 March 2021 (UTC) ::I've never been to Vancouver so I won't be able to contribute much, but given that it's the main hub for flights from Canada to East Asia, and Canada's second busiest airport after Toronto, I don't see why we shouldn't have an article for it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:13, 10 March 2021 (UTC) :::Looks like Vancouver finally got is airport article. The only other Canadian airport that could potentially merit an article now is Montreal, though in my experience, it was quite easy to navigate, at least for the U.S. departures section. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:33, 7 April 2021 (UTC) == Duplicate maps in airport articles == {{swept}} Are duplicate maps allowed in airport articles? See: * [[San Francisco International Airport#Ground transportation|San Francisco International Airport]] * [[Frankfurt Airport#Get around|Frankfurt Airport]] * [[Los Angeles International Airport]] * [[Tokyo Narita Airport]] * [[Washington Dulles International Airport]] * [[Munich Airport]] * [[O'Hare International Airport#Ground transportation|O'Hare International Airport]] * [[Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport]] &mdash; {{done}} dynamic map removed * [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport]] * [[Newark Liberty International Airport#Ground transportation|Newark Liberty International Airport]] <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:40, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :When both are potentially useful to the traveler, then why wouldn't we? For example, the Munich article seems to have a dynamic map of the current airport and a static drawing of future expansion plans. But in the DFW article, they feel a bit more redundant. :Dulles doesn't seem to have two maps. The second one seems to just be a photo of a sign at the airport. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:30, 30 June 2019 (UTC) ::Yeah, in the DFW article the dynamic map doesn't seem to add much. I'd say evaluate it on a case-by-case basis, with the recognition that double maps are more often useful in airport articles than in most types of articles, due to the value of an airport map with clearly outlined and labeled terminals (harder to achieve with a dynamic map). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:31, 30 June 2019 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing}} Yes, you're right, that's a photo, which I count as a map; you don't have to count it that way. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:02, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ::::Granger, I think you're right about the value of a simple map. An airport map could emphasize how to get there (highways, bus stations, parking lots, etc.), which general part of the airport you want to be in (Terminal A is over there), or how to get around once you're inside (trains between terminals, location of restaurants, etc.). Two or three maps that each do just one of those things well would often be better for the harried traveler than a single map that tries to be all things to all people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:19, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ===Nominations for the removal of dynamic maps=== I have listed here the articles which have dynamic maps that serve little or no purpose and, in my opinion, could be removed. Please feel free to support or oppose below. * [[San Francisco International Airport]] {{done}} removed * [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] {{done}} removed <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:43, 1 July 2019 (UTC) :Sure, that makes sense. If they do become useful down the road (for instance to display POI markers), we can always add them back. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:46, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ::I'd plunge forward and just remove them. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 22:37, 1 July 2019 (UTC) :::{{done}} <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:26, 2 July 2019 (UTC) == Airports closed due to conflict == Looking for opinions on the best way to handle airports currently closed due to conflict? This is particularly relevant for airports in [[Syria]] and [[Libya]] but there are a few others around the world. Should listings and references be: # kept with text stating currently not operational. # deleted from city, region and country pages. # commented out from city, region and country pages so can be added back later. Although some will be closed for some time to come, airport do eventually come back in to operation, for example recently Jaffna ({{IATA|JAF}}). --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 10:10, 20 October 2019 (UTC) : I would generally prefer 1, for the nearest city page, but it can commented out elsewhere. It is useful to the traveller to know that the airport has closed, as there will be information about the airport elsewhere. Even if the airport has stopped having commercial flights it may still be used by relief agencies, or for evacuation flights. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:43, 20 October 2019 (UTC) == IATA code == Well it took a couple of years but all airports referenced using {{tl|IATA}} code now have a link to them ([[:Category:Airport listing|2279]] at time if writing this). --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 12:15, 2 November 2019 (UTC) ==Airport hotels, O'Hare, and policy== ''Discussion copied from [[Talk:O'Hare International Airport#Hotel listings]]:'' Nice list, but all listings for hotels outside of the airport must be deleted, or, better, moved to appropriate local guides. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC) :I have done so. It seems like a shame—airport hotels are probably a lot more useful all in one list than scattered through guides to boring suburbs that no one reads (I'm exaggerating a bit). Especially if reading the guide on mobile or even worse if printed out. But I think this is unavoidable, given the no gaps/no overlap part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographical hierarchy]]. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 06:50, 17 July 2013 (UTC) ::Yeah, it is less than an ideal solution, but no matter which approach we take, it will be some kind of compromise. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:04, 17 July 2013 (UTC) :::This is really disappointing to see, and though I know that everyone involved has good intentions, this is a clear case of a policy being prioritized over the traveler (who's supposed to come first, after all). As anyone with experience there knows, O'Hare is an eco-system unto itself, connected to Chicago by a long, thin strip (due to old land-grab issues). Probably half (or more) of the city's hotel room capacity is around O'Hare, in hotels with "Chicago O'Hare" in the name. Would anyone argue that a traveler is better served by having to open several unmapped, outline suburb articles to compare O'Hare hotels and rates...or by having the "O'Hare" hotels in the O'Hare article? If there's a "compromise" to be made, it's better to inconvenience a policy than a traveler. [[User:Gorilla Jones|Gorilla Jones]] ([[User talk:Gorilla Jones|talk]]) 00:56, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::I agree with that, it is not convenient to spread airport hotels over other articles. [[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 01:09, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::You guys may be right, but you need to propose a change of policy at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]], since your argument could be made just as well for several other airport articles ([[Frankfurt Airport]] comes to mind). Have a look at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition#Airport template]] for current policy and discussion. The basic difficulty, though, is whether to allow duplication of listings; if so, in what discrete situations; and at what distance from airports we would draw the line on listings, other than actually within the airport. I don't think we would do better adopting ad hoc, inconsistent policies on these questions, but if you think we would, please make the argument there. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:10, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::I think we're all in agreement that what makes most sense for travelers is to have a consolidated list on this article. The problem is in how to go about it. The reason we avoid duplicate listings (in general) is that it's too hard to keep them updated if they're in multiple articles. That would change if we had a listings database, though, and hopefully we will get that through Wikidata at some point. In the meantime, though, maybe we should just swallow our discomfort with duplicate listings in the case of airport articles? To Ikan Kekek's point about where to draw the line—in cases I'm familiar with, it's usually pretty obvious what is and what isn't an "airport hotel." I think we could leave that judgement to the discretion of our writers. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 06:42, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::I really think we really need to discuss this at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]], because when things were discussed there, it wasn't at all obvious. How many miles away from the airport do we draw the line, or should we include every hotel that has a shuttle from the airport? Also, I thought we disallowed duplicate listings in large part because double listings constitutes [[tout]]ing, much of the time. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:46, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ''Discussion above from [[Talk:O'Hare International Airport#Hotel listings]]'' ::::::::We don't allow duplicate listings ''within articles'' to prevent touting; we don't allow listings in more than one article because of no gap, no overlap. But these airport articles essentially exist outside the hierarchy, and it is not reasonable to ask readers to browse a bunch of bland suburban non-articles to find the listings. So I still think the biggest problem is keeping them updated across more than one article. As for what is an airport hotel? It's a hotel that wouldn't exist but for the airport. I'm much less concerned with that question, I guess, than others above—it seems easy. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 07:00, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::For people joining in, [http://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=O%27Hare_International_Airport&oldid=2339997#Sleep this was what the list looked like]. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 07:02, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::::I would demur on the idea that not allowing listings of the same hotel in more than one article is not an issue of [[tout]]ing. Many times, publicists have attempted to list the same hotel (restaurant, shop, etc.) in numerous articles. However, I get your main point, which is that airport articles are outside the geographic hierarchy. I'll be interested to see what others think, because I have doubts about that idea. Airports occupy discrete pieces of land. That said, the idea of listing "airport hotels" in Airport guides is reasonable - if we can agree on what an airport hotel is and is not. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:17, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::::I definitely prefer the idea of having airport hotels included in the airport articles. Really huge airports (the kind that would be worthy of an article) are their own little worlds, and the many hotels that surround them are part of that system feeding into that airport. I understand Ikan's concern about deciding what is and is not an airport hotel (we probably don't want any hotel that happens to have a shuttle to the airport listing themselves in the airport article), but I think Peter has hit on the best definition. I don't think we need anything more specific than that; airport hotels generally have little to advertise on ''except'' their proximity to the airport. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 08:05, 22 July 2013 (UTC) I don't have any guidance on distinguishing airport hotels from non-airport hotels either, but if we are going to put those hotels in the airport article, I would prefer to continue avoiding duplication, which we can do by putting a note (perhaps templated) in the suburb article, saying "''Additional airport hotels can be found in the article for XXX Airport.''". [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 11:28, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :On the face of it, I strongly agree with Texugo. If "airport hotels" outside of airports will be listed in articles about airports (and I have no objection to this, providing that we can come to a workable agreement on what hotels are and are not "airport hotels"), they shouldn't be listed in any other article. I think it's unnecessary to create an exemption from the "one listing, site-wide" policy, and policing duplications by touters and well-meaning non-touters could become another time-waster if we open the door to duplicate listings in some cases (especially if the criteria are not extremely clearly defined). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:12, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::I think it's great to have clearly defined and easily accessible policies, but they should never be absolute or applied without prioritising the traveller's interests, as Gorilla Jones points out. Earlier in this topic Peter suggested that our current policy is no "...duplicate listings ''within articles'' to prevent touting..." (which seems sensible) whereas you seem to be suggesting "one listing, site-wide" is our current policy. Where can I actually read our current policy, please? Obviously if and when the database for listings arrives, the update problem will cease, but in the meantime I would prefer to clarify that Peter's version of policy actually applies.--[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 12:33, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::Have a look at [[don't tout]], W. Frank: :::"Also note that businesses should be listed '''in only one article''' [emphasis supplied] for the town or district in which the business operates; if an article about the town has not yet been created, create it." <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User_talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ikan Kekek|contribs]]) </small> ::::I think Ikan Kekek's assertion is correct. It follows logically from the combination of our no gaps/no overlaps geographical breakdown and the fact that we don't allow city listings to be duplicated in region articles ([[:Template:Movetocity]]) and we don't allow district listings to be duplicated in main city articles ([[:Template:Movetodistrict]]. Given these other policies, there are no cases left where duplication between articles would be allowed. [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 12:44, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::If that's the case, then we need to create an exception '''clearly enunciated in the relevant policies''' for the clearly defined category of ''Airports that have their own articles'' (they have their own templates, eg: {{tl|guideairport}}). --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 12:55, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::That is precisely the notion Ikan and I are objecting to. It would be better not to create a loophole for hotel touts to get their hotel listed twice, and simply point the suburb article reader to the airport article for additional airport hotel listings. [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 13:06, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::<s>Better for whom?</s> ::::::::<s>The jetlagged and weary traveller with a small screen and a bad connection (and, unavoidably, the airport hotel that might unavoidably get listed in two different pages) or</s> ::::::::<s>editors that might not be able to explain quickly/adequately/convincingly that the double listing being removed is not an "Airport hotel"?</s> Sorry! I didn't read your argument carefully enough. I now see that your proposition is to '''list''' "Airport hotels" in the large and well written (almost by definition) Airport article and have the (probably already sparse and sad) suburban article's "Sleep" section (probably) just contain a pointer to the Airport article for hotel listings. That seems reasonable and I would support that. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 13:15, 22 July 2013 (UTC) I also think the no gap/no overlap policy has served the guides well, but listing airport hotels in suburbian semi-non-articles doesn't make any sense. These hotels exist only because of passengers transferring flights, so readers will expect them in the airport articles. I do agree that a hotel listing should then only be listed in the airport article to avoid duplication. [[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 13:32, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :Does anyone disagree that it's most helpful for the traveler to have airport hotels collected in one place (the airport article)? While my janitorial bent also makes me sensitive to anything that may benefit hotel chain owners, concerns for the traveler should come before concerns about marketers. It's not helpful for travelers to have hotels listed in destination guides other than the ones in which the listing is located, but that's not true in the case of airports. So ideally I think we have a listings database (so an update anywhere is an update everywhere), and we list them in the airport and the suburban semi-non-articles. :In any rate, the solution of keeping the listings in the airport article, and noting this in empty sleep sections of the semi-non-articles works for me as a second best option. Travelers really are just looking to scan one list for their preferred chain, not to crawl through articles like [[Elk Grove Village]] and [[Schiller Park]]—or even worse to print those all out? --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 18:05, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::Thinking about it, that solution is identical to how we've handled embassy/consulate listings. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 18:07, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::: I really think it makes sense to stick to the "listing in one article only" guideline. If a hotel exists primarily to serve the airport then list it in the airport article and not in the city article. If a city is adjacent to an airport with lots of hotels, than a note in the city article's "Sleep" section to check the airport article avoids the need for duplication. We've all seen dozens (if not hundreds) of hotel listings for properties that are "conveniently located near XYZ airport", despite often being as far as 20-30 miles away, and it doesn't make sense for editors or travelers if we open the door to having these show up in airport and city articles. Similarly, in some places the draw of the town is primarily the airport (I'm thinking of [[Keflavik]] in particular), and in such cases a "list hotels in both articles" policy would definitely lead to unnecessary duplication. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 18:21, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::I would propose to geographically divide up listings of airport hotels in airport guides, so that, for example, in the O'Hare guide, the hotel listings could be subdivided O'Hare, Elk Grove Village, Schiller Park, etc., with a note in the "Sleep" sections of Elk Grove Village, et al., directing readers to, for example "O'Hare International Airport#Elk Grove Village." I hope my suggestion is clear; do you all understand what I'm suggesting? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::I think we have a useful compromise emerging. A couple questions linger, though: 1) Should there be a separate article for an airport like Keflavík International Airport, when the destination is more or less synonymous with the airport, and the guide can/will cover everything an airport guide would? 2) I understand why Ikan Kekek's suggestion (so that hotel guests are directed to the right guide to find out about restaurants and mini-attractions by the hotel they ultimately choose), but there is a disadvantage to losing the price categories. In the address field of each listing, the town name should be listed, so couldn't we just link that to the appropriate destination guide? --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 19:27, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::Yes, that's one possibility. The other one is to have price categories within each geographical subdivision of the airport article's "Sleep" section. If the overall "Sleep" section is relatively short, it won't matter much how it's subdivided, but if it's longer, I think my proposed solution may work better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:53, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::I prefer Peter's suggestion, simply because price is more likely to be a deciding factor than which suburb surrounding the airport you stay in. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 01:48, 23 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::You're probably right about that, and if the list gets too long, secondary subdivisions by location can be made, but I realize that it probably does make more sense to subdivide by price. There is a procedural issue, though: This will be one case in which the name of the town would have to be included in every listing, which is a deviation from usual procedure. If we group everything first of all by location, that deviation doesn't have to take place, but it's hardly a make-or-break issue. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:53, 23 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::: (responding to Peter re: [[Keflavik]]) I think an airport article is primarily about the airport itself - flights, airport amenities, etc, while the town article is about the town, its restaurants, sights, activities, etc. In the case of a town like [[Keflavik]], two articles seems to make sense - the town article lists restaurants, hotels, etc in the town, the airport article (if one was created) talks about flights and the airport property. With respect to hotels, I would think that hotels that aren't either on the Keflavik airport property or immediately outside of the airport property would stay in the town article. ::::::::: Getting back to the point about where to draw the line, there are perhaps a dozen hotels within a half mile of LAX on Century Blvd that I would describe as clearly being airport hotels, and thus belonging in the [[LAX]] article rather than the [[El Segundo]] article, but I would think that anything further out than that is not obviously an "airport" hotel and would best be handled in the appropriate city article (with pointers from the airport article to those city articles). -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 03:08, 23 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::: When I built the original O'Hare list, I think my rule of thumb was that hotels had to be within a mile of the airport. (That may not be useful at other airports, of course.) In terms of touts, they zero in on the [[Chicago]] article, not the individual suburb articles &mdash; they know those hold no value. (Look at the 'Sleep' section in the abandoned Chicago article on WT and you'll see what I mean.) I'd also suggest that the hotel listings remain sorted by price. From the perspective of a traveler who's taken a shuttle from the airport to their hotel, there's little to distinguish Schiller Park from Elk Grove Village, et al. I've stayed at O'Hare hotels 4 times, I think, without knowing which suburb I was in. [[User:Gorilla Jones|Gorilla Jones]] ([[User talk:Gorilla Jones|talk]]) 03:13, 23 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::::What was ultimately decided on this topic? It seems to me, we ended up with only hotels that are actually within airports being listed in airport guides, and yet the consensus in this thread seemed to be leaning toward some clear distance (1 km/1/2 mile?) from an airport being appropriate to list in an airport guide. I'm OK with things remaining the way they are, but I have to wonder whether the lack of change was due to inertia and loss of initiative, rather than the lack of a consensus behind this change. Can we reopen this discussion, or is it best to let this slumbering dog lie? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:08, 2 October 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::I'd certainly like to see this discussion re-opened; it looked like we had a strong consensus forming here that was never followed up on. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 14:19, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::: Initially we agreed only hotel at the airport, however I think it should be extended to hotels that offer shuttle buses to and from the airport. Also allow duplication of these hotels in the city articles if one exists. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 14:56, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::"Hotels that offer shuttle buses" is an extremely large category in many cities. Probably dozens, as many as 15 miles away, even in a case like [[Rochester (New York)]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 16:05, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Like Powers says, the presence of a shuttle bus isn't really specific enough; there are cities with downtown hotels (that no one would consider "airport hotels") that offer shuttles to the airport. I still think the most useful definition of an airport hotel is the general one: a hotel that exists primarily to serve airport travelers. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 16:29, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::: Re: [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]], if I'm reading the discussion above correctly, the consensus would have been '''not''' to allow duplication. I'd be happy with some wording like "''Hotels that exist primarily to serve airport travelers that are located within the '''immediate vicinity''' of the airport may be included in either the airport article or a city article, but '''not both'''. When a city is home to hotels that are listed in an airport article then the "Sleep" section of the city article should include a pointer to the airport article.''" "Immediate vicinity" is obviously open to interpretation, but that should give us some leeway for cases like [[Antananarivo]] where the airport is 45 minutes outside of the city, and the closest "airport hotel" is several miles from the airport, vs. an airport like LAX where there are a dozen hotels located just outside of the airport, and thus it would be a stretch to describe a hotel located several miles away as an "airport hotel". -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 17:03, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::: I like that wording; it's specific enough to give a good sense of what we're looking for, but general enough to allow for leeway when needed. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 18:04, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::: So for example how should [[Frankfurt Airport]] be handled. I have deleted a couple of times the hotels that are in [[Frankfurt]]-Niederrad a couple of times from the airport page as they are in the city suburb not the airport and used not just by people going through the airport. But on the other hand the HI on the outskirts of [[Mörfelden]] really only there to serve the airport but is just as far away as hotels in [[Langen]], [Kelsterbach] and Raunheim which also cater mainly for the airport but also serve people visiting companies in those towns.--[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:00, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::: I'm not familiar with Frankfurt, but if you'd consider those communities far from the airport, then they probably wouldn't be considered within the ''immediate vicinity'', per Ryan's wording. If there's a lot of much closer options to the airport, might as well stick to those and leave the more far-flung options to the individual town articles. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 21:02, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ===Revived discussion=== [unindent] I've unarchived the above thread for further discussion, because the topic of whether or when to list accommodations outside of airports in airport articles just came up at [[Talk:Tokyo Haneda Airport]]. Did we ever fully resolve this question? Here's what's currently in [[Wikivoyage:Airport article template#Sleep]]: ''Where can you sleep/nap/rest inside the airport, including on chairs and benches. How comfortable will you be, and will you get in trouble if you stretch out or stay too long.'' ''Hotel options on or connected to the airport, and an overview of nearby neighborhoods offering hotel accommodation. If the airport is adjacent to a well-defined neighborhood and travellers can easily find hotels from that district article, link to it. However, airports are often not close to anything, and the airport article may be the best place to list a few hotels (ones whose defining feature is "being close to the airport").'' So it sounds like that means hotels shouldn't be listed in airport articles unless they're either in the airport or the airport is so far from anyplace of note that there are hotels that are there only because they're close to the airport. To me that would mean that a hotel (or in this case, hostel) that could be listed in a Tokyo district guide probably shouldn't be in the [[Tokyo Haneda Airport]] article, if we take the language in [[Wikivoyage:Airport article template#Sleep]] literally. However, if you read through the unarchived discussion above, there seemed to be a consensus to list hotels perhaps a kilometer or two from airports in urban areas that exist solely to serve people who want to be near the airport (and maybe several km further from airports far outside of cities that have nothing much around them but do have airport articles), although I believe most of the participants in the above discussion wouldn't support also listing such hotels in any other article. So what do you think? [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]], feel free to participate if you like. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:23, 19 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the guideline is clear and should be kept. Hotels on the airport ground should be in the airport article. Hotels in a neighbourhood covered by a city or district article should be in that article and a link to that page in the airport sleep section with details how to get there. There a a few borderline ones, the hostel in [[Tokyo/Ota]] is not one of them, where there are hotels outside the airport grounds but not near anywhere else and clearly part of the airport infrastructure that can be in the airport article. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:29, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :: Take a look at [[Frankfurt Airport#Sleep]], which I just updated. Te article section starts with text mentioning town articles in the area, some of which have hotels with airport shuttles. Then shows hotels in airport's ground. There are then a group of hotels in an area not in Fraport's grounds but in the built-up area around the airport and not connected directly to the city of Frankfort. Then there is a mention of hotel in Niederrad district of Frankfurt, as most of these are there because of the airport and have shuttles to it but are in the city limits proper. There is then a Nearby section mentioning cities a little further away that may be better places to stay if do not need to be right by the airport. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:54, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::: Specifically for Haneda airport, what I have used and should be mentioned are Limousine buses that run to hotels in the city. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 08:12, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::Thanks a lot for your participation and for the link, [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]]. I still don't really find the guideline that clear, but I'm happy to defer to you on [[Frankfurt Airport#Sleep]]. There are problematic gray areas, though, in other cases. For example, my girlfriend and I once stayed overnight at an America's Best Value motel in [[El Segundo]] several years ago because we wanted to be close to LAX and avoid the likelihood of ending up in horrible traffic if we had spent another night in Santa Barbara and tried driving down from there all the way to the airport. It was close enough to the airport for us to smell the exhaust from the airplanes when we were standing outside and planes were taking off or landing, but El Segundo is also a real neighborhood, and by driving a short distance for L.A., we went to a marvelous Middle Eastern restaurant, though that was actually in [[Hawthorne (California)]]. Since LAX is in L.A. and several neighborhoods are close to it but still require some form of ground transportation to get to, I wouldn't support adding any hotel listings to [[Los Angeles International Airport#Sleep]] unless there are hotels in the airport itself. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:09, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :::::If the hotels also serve another place where people actually visit, the hotels can definitely be put in that article (but with a link from the airport article's sleep section). If a hotel on the other hand is on the airport or otherwise nearby and only there because of the airport, I'd definitely put it in the airport article itself where readers would be looking for it. I would rather not create articles for random bedroom suburbs or villages with nothing of travel interest just to have somewhere to put the hotels. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:41, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::::In other words, it's a judgment call. The link from the airport article's sleep section in cases you're discussing should be to the article for the neighborhood or town in question, not to specific hotel listings. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:48, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :::::::Yes, from the airport's Sleep section to the Sleep sections of the articles for towns, districts etc. easily accessible from the airport [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:15, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::::::Right, that's the best way to do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:27, 19 January 2020 (UTC) == [[Cancun airport]] == Should Cancun airport have its own article? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:41, 27 August 2020 (UTC) : My initial reaction is '''no'''. True, it is a hub for MAYAir and a focus city for 3 other airlines, but although I can't find stats on how many connecting passengers it has, I'm not sure it qualifies as a major hub airport compared to other hubs around the world. : Lately I've been leaning towards the "Wait/Eat/Drink" test. If an airport doesn't have much to say in those sections, that's probably because it's not a hub airport where travellers spend a lot of time connecting between flights. Cancun Airport only appears to have [https://www.cancunairport.com/restaurant.html 24 restaurants] (an average of only 6-8 per terminal, depending on how much is in T1), and most of those are fast food or grab-'n'-go stations. It does have at least 6 lounges. [https://www.prioritypass.com/en/airport-guides/cancun-international] [https://www.loungebuddy.com/CUN] : I dunno, it seems '''borderline'''. [[Cancun#By plane]] is a bit long, although if the list of airlines at each terminal could be removed (I'm not a fan of including that if it isn't necessary, since that info is usually readily available as you make your way to the airport) that would shrink it by half a screenful. The article for [[Benito Juárez International Airport|Mexico's busiest airport]], like ''many'' of our airport articles, has a verbose description of flight and transportation options, but the Wait/Eat/Drink sections are almost empty. Cancun Airport has only half as many passengers (and nearly the same number of international passengers, which suggests that connecting domestic flights are not as numerous or significant) and less than half as many flights. : I think we may have gone overboard on creating some airport articles, at least while there are so few people contributing to them. The common logic is "keep it in the main article until it becomes unwieldy", and I think that's probably what should be done with Cancun for now. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 20:58, 27 August 2020 (UTC) == Ngurah Rai International Airport == There's an awful lot of information about how to get where from this airport and for how much (which probably needs updating) in [[Bali#Get in]]. Based on the guidelines at [[WV:Region article template#Get in]], I think that's incorrect. I also tend to think this airport has enough traffic in normal times to have its own article. In fact, the idea was broached in 2014; see [[Talk:Bali#Get in: By plane: The Airport]]. I'd much rather that the [[Kuta]] article refer readers to a new airport article for more information than to irregularly refer people to the article for the whole island for more specific information. Your thoughts? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:52, 10 March 2021 (UTC) :Sure, it's one of the main entry gateways to Indonesia. I remember as a kid, only the rich could afford to pay for nonstop flights from Singapore to Australia on Singapore Airlines or Qantas, and ordinary people headed to Australia would usually fly on Garuda and connect through their hub in Bali, which the route that most package tours took. I'm not sure whether or not it still functions in that role though. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:17, 10 March 2021 (UTC) ::I'd rather that someone who's actually used that airport relatively recently start the article, but if not, I'll move most of the content from the [[Bali]] article within a few days. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:04, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::I don't think the amount of information currently in [[Bali#By plane]] is really all that excessive; it looks about normal for a popular tourist area. The whole point of airport articles is for major hubs and transit airports where a significant number of people catch connecting flights. Airport articles are not for places that holidaymakers will spend a couple of hours in waiting for their flight home. So if DPS is an example of the former, it should have its own article; but if it's an example of the latter, it probably shouldn't.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:24, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Things have probably changed since I was in primary school, when I connected through Bali to get to Australia from Singapore. These days, Singaporeans have in general become more affluent than back then, so I've always flown nonstop to travel between Singapore and Australia as an adult, since Qantas' fares are now very much within reach of the average middle class Singaporean unlike back then. But back in the 1990s, Bali was a major hub for passengers travelling between Southeast Asia and Australia. I've not been to Bali since I was in primary school, so I can't contribute more content, I'm afraid. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:45, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::::[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]], I think that if there are listings that can be added for eateries and shops, there is plenty of material for an airport article, but what I think we ought not to do is leave the largest amount of information in a region guide and refer readers of the [[Kuta]] article, for example, to the region article for more information. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:43, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::I guess my point is that just because an article can be written, doesn't mean it should be. I don't doubt that you could fill up a Ngurah Rai article with listings, but if it's not the sort of airport passengers spend much time in, then those listings don't need to be on Wikivoyage. Again, it depends on whether Bali sees much transit traffic or not. ::::::The large mass of information you're concerned about on the Bali article is the mostly the stuff about getting to and from the airport from various places, right? That could (and probably should) be moved to the relevant city articles' Get in sections. Even if it were put in an airport article, it would still be a lot of irrelevant clutter, telling readers how to get to the place they want to go, and also how to get to a dozen other places they have no intention of visiting, at least not straight from the airport.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:42, 12 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::I thought information about how to get from an airport to nearby towns was relevant for airport articles. No? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:44, 12 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Absolutely, but it comes back to whether the article needs to exist at all. If it does - because it's a transit hub - then incorporating ground transportation and as much eat, drink, and sleep info as possible is great. But if it's not a transit hub, then [[Denpasar#Get in]] can adequately handle how to get to Denpasar from DPS, [[Candidasa#Get in]] can cover how to get to Candidasa from DPS, etc...--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:26, 12 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::::How would we figure out whether there are many transit passengers or not? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:14, 12 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::Good question. I was hoping someone would know, or at least know where to look. (I've already checked the WP article, and unlike e.g. the LHR or CDG articles, the figures are not present)--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:20, 12 March 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}} You can most certainly connect in Bali to travel between Southeast Asia and Australia, and Garuda in fact used to leverage on that position to run a major hub in Bali. In fact, in the 1990s, if you booked a package tour to Australia from Singapore, it would almost always be on Garuda with a plane change in Bali unless you were willing to pay a steep premium to fly Qantas or Singapore Airlines. It does appear from the Wikipedia page that Garuda has scaled down their hub quite a bit since the 1990s; there's no longer flights to Brisbane from Bali for instance. But still, I could see someone from say, Beijing or Shanghai connecting through Bali on Garuda to get to Perth. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:39, 15 March 2021 (UTC) :Hello everyone, I recently visited Bali in 2019. Though I couldn't say much about the airport itself other than the scale of the airport getting bigger, almost entirely a hub, much like the biggest one in Tangerang, Soekarno-Hatta. There are still flights transiting in Bali for flight to/from Australia or New Zealand. There are some flights from Middle Eastern carriers but only once to twice a week. But domestic flights from Ngurah Rai are plenty, so if it's wise to create a separate page for it, I hope some Balinese wikivoyagers can add more information later. What do you think?[[User:Ibhi19|ibhi19]] ([[User talk:Ibhi19|talk]]) 11:30, 18 March 2021 (UTC) == Guidelines as to when an airport deserves an article == I was poking around to see if we had any hard numbers for when an airport should have an article, and unsurprised to see the conversation at the top of this page could be summarized as "even if we do, we shouldn't go by hard numbers". Still -- are there any reasonably solid guidelines we can use when we're trying to make a call for borderline cases? [[Adelaide#By plane]] looks...not ''imbalanced'', to me, but I can both see room to expand it and that expanding it ''would'' make the section imbalanced, and I think I could write an article passing "the Wait/Drink/Eat test" described above -- if a short one. That said, it's a smaller city (the fifth largest in the country, but a country with a very bimodal population distribution) and the aiport isn't huge. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 10:59, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :How much do you think you could add? If you're talking about a couple of listings in each section, that doesn't seem worthwhile because it'll be easy for anyone to see them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:03, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::With exceptions such as [[KEF]] (whose article was created during a period of sustained double digit growth) I think there is a de facto "line" somewhere around 20-30 million pax p.a. (pre-plague, obviously) above which airports are likely to get articles and below which they are unlikely to. But that is an emerging feature, not a deliberate one. And certainly there issues of the geographic bias of our editor-base and certain "fudge factors" that may or may not apply in each individual case. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:29, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::I think I should create an article about the Kempegowda Airport in [[Bangalore]] which had exceeded the 20-30 million pax line in 2016–2019. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]]) 05:39, 16 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Do you know about how many transit passengers it gets? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 16 March 2021 (UTC) :::::Per the infobox on WP it is "hub for" five different airlines, so I could see it seeing a lot of connecting pax. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:34, 16 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::Yeah. And of course Bangalore is a major city. So it looks like it's a go to start the article, [[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 17 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::The section on the airport in [[Bangalore#Get in]] is not very long, though. [[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]], will you be adding lots of listings for shops, restaurants, bars and lounges at the airport in your proposed article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:53, 17 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Yes. I shall use OSM for that. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974 (he)]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Soumya-8974|contribs]]) 11:59, 28 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::I have created a draft at here: [[Draft:Kempegowda International Airport]]. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974 (he)]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Soumya-8974|contribs]]) 12:53, 28 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::::{{re|Vaticidalprophet}} Sorry for coming to this discussion late, but to answer your question, I have lived in Adelaide before, and Adelaide airport is fairly straightforward to get around, and only has a small number of international flights. It is indeed a domestic hub for Qantas, but Qantas does not operate any international flights out of it; the flight to Singapore got cancelled when they shifted the refuelling stop for their Sydney-London flights from Singapore to Dubai. So as of now, I will say Adelaide airport does not merit an article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:49, 8 April 2021 (UTC) == A pattern of edits by [[User:Flightnavigator]] == {{swept}} Just look at a handful of the edits this user has made to the Get In#By plane sections of several city articles. What are we to make of those? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:32, 21 May 2021 (UTC) : I suppose they are good faith edits. The former format may have been better, but his arguments are not nonsense. Thanks for not edit warring. I suppose this is something that could be discussed at the airport expedition, with a link from here and from his user talk. : Implementing a batch of improvements in several articles is not too unusual at wikies, and it is sometimes hard to know what changes should be discussed first. These obviously should have been, when he realised he wants to change the format. Try to see what he has been doing and why, and try whether the improvements could be implemented without throwing out the child with the bathwater. Then tell why that is a better path than his version. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:22, 21 May 2021 (UTC) ::Oh just to be clear, I do not think they are bad faith... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:41, 21 May 2021 (UTC) :I like it ([https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Prague&diff=4209845&oldid=4165753&diffmode=source example]). I assume that any decent flight website would provide similar information about nearby airports, but this contributor also sometimes specifies that there are intercity bus routes, which I wouldn't expect to find at a travel booking website. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:49, 21 May 2021 (UTC) :: I don't like his standard wording. If there are few flights to the airport or other options otherwise are the main ones, describe that situation before the list of alternatives. If the local airport gets decent traffic, then tell about the alternatives afterwards. :: I also saw some cases where the Get in did not tell how to get in from those other airports, completing the vague "by rail, bus or ferry" in By plane. I think that when you suggest taking a plane to an alternative airport, you should check that the transport from there is described in some obvious place. Also, from an edit comment, I saw the list was ordered by how likely you are to find a good connection. That is not obvious for the reader, nor for other editors, who may change the order back to alphabetical. :: Then there were some other structure changes, such as removing airport subheadings, that I found less than ideal, and sometimes the text wasn't coherent after the change. :: All these things could be standardised to some degree, probably at [[Wikivoyage:Airport Expedition]]. :: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:45, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ::: I think [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] did his best, but these are things that develop by time, as editors tweak the structure and wordings, and finally end up with a good standard. Thus they should probably not be done in big scale at once, but rather in one or a few places, asking other contributors to take a look and make improvements. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:47, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ::::Yeah, we shouldn't bust Flightnavigators' chops, but up till now, the standard has been to mention the most important local airports first, then mention alternatives lower down. And that makes intuitive sense. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:59, 22 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Having all the description of the main airport(s) first and then the alternative airports? For me it makes more sense to mention the alternatives before the long descriptions of the main airport(s). Because when you want to visit a city, you first have a look in which airports you can enter. And the you inform yourself about the airport details and how to go from there to the city itself. [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] ([[User talk:Flightnavigator|talk]]) 15:28, 23 May 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see the merits of both approaches, but I agree with [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] that we should lead with the primary way of getting in, and then deal with secondary ways after. That is more intuitive to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:33, 23 May 2021 (UTC) == Lisbon Airport == I believe that [[w:Lisbon Airport]] meets the criteria for having an airport article. It served 31 million passengers in 2019. It's a European hub to South America (especially Brazil) and Africa. It's a hub for TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet. Does anybody have any opinions about creating an article for it? [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:44, 11 July 2021 (UTC) :Sounds reasonable. How much transfer traffic does it host and how complicated is it to use? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:48, 11 July 2021 (UTC) ::I can't find stats on that, but TAP Air Portugal is popular with travellers who don't mind connecting flights between North America and Europe to save a few bucks. I wouldn't call the airport "complicated", but it's not entirely straightforward. Terminal 1 is fairly large and amenity-full and susceptible to wrong turns (old gates vs newer concourse). Americans and other non-Europeans might get caught out by not expecting Schengen exit controls, whose lines are often long. Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers) is small and lacking in amenities, but requires an airport bus to reach (no parking, not walkable). [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 22:14, 11 July 2021 (UTC) :::I'd say go ahead, but let's wait a day or so to see if anyone objects. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 11 July 2021 (UTC) ::::TAP is an interesting option as they have transatlantic routes operated by narrowbody jets at often competitive prices. Unless you start/end your journey in Portugal, chances are you'll connect for those... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:45, 12 July 2021 (UTC) :::::I've gone ahead created [[Lisbon Airport]]. This is my first time building an airport (article) from scratch, so I would appreciate any help. [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 01:31, 14 July 2021 (UTC) ::::::Since it has two terminals, probably focusing more on T1 would be better here, since it serves most of the world here. (iirc). [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small> 01:39, 14 July 2021 (UTC) == Düsseldorf Airport == I'm surprised there's no article about this huge international airport which subjectively to me, at least, is about the same size as Frankfurt's. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:57, 12 September 2021 (UTC) == Future targets == How much of this list really should get their own article? Here's the list: These airports have been considered worthy of their own articles, but do not yet have an independent article. If you start an article for one of these articles, please move it to the 'works in progress' section above, merge it with any existing pages/redirects and add the infobox below to the new article's talk page. If you wish to add another article for creation through this expedition, please discuss it on this page's discussion area first. * [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]] * [[Bole International Airport]] * [[Cairo International Airport]] * [[Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]] * [[Brussels Airport]] * [[Warsaw Chopin Airport]] * [[Calgary International Airport]] * [[Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport]] * [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]] Some comments: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport seemed to have upwards of 9 million passengers in 2019, per [[w:Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]]. Should it get an article? That's not a huge number, but how complicated is the airport and would there be a lot of listings? "In 2019, YYC Calgary International Airport was again the fourth-busiest airport in Canada in terms of the total number of passengers served, which was almost 18 million. This being another record year in passenger volume, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 by 3.54%," per [[w:Calgary International Airport]], and also "serves as the headquarters for WestJet and is a hub for Air Canada," so looks like a good candidate if it's complicated enough and could have enough listings for amenities. Let's discuss the rest. Wikipedia is usually a decent, though not necessarily quite up-to-date, source of figures. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:00, 19 May 2022 (UTC) :So far we only have one airport article for all of Africa, which is [[O.R. Tambo International Airport]], which makes sense given that it is he busiest airport in all of Africa. I was just thinking of how we could expand our Africa coverage since admittedly, it is quite poor at the moment, and Cairo International Airport would probably be a good candidate for a second African airport article, given the large number of flights to Europe and the rest of North Africa. Ethiopia Airlines and Kenya Airways are Africa's two other major airlines after South African Airways, so I was just wondering if their hubs should get articles, since there's a good chance you would need to connect through Addis Ababa or Nairobi to get to other parts of Africa. :As for Calgary, I haven't been there so I can't comment on the complexity, but I find it hard to justify Calgary Airport getting its own article before Montreal. Montreal Airport is in the grey area where it could potentially get its own article, but it might also be fine to just cover it in the city article. I've only used to U.S. departures/arrivals facility at Montreal, but I will say that it's not particularly complicated to navigate, but it does get many flights from Europe, and a handful of flights from China and Japan, so it is certainly conceivable that a traveller from Asia would connect through Montreal to get to the Maritimes. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:37, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ==Metropolitan airport, train and bus station articles== For a site dedicated to the traveler, it would be beneficial to have a less restictive policy on the inclusion of major transportation infrastructure (airports, train stations, bus station) serving metropolitan areas. A commercial airport that serves a metropolitan area and is the primary arrival point of arrival by air to that metropolitan area deserves an article but won't find them here. Articles exist on the largest of airports currently. But information on mid-sized airports is just as important and maybe even more important, given that information on them is less widely available. By including these, the site's value would be expanded in accordance with its mission. I just went through this, having created an article on [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]], the primary commercial airport serving a metropolitan region of almost a million people and used by tens of thousands of travelers annually. That article appears headed for deletion, but it's a good example of an article that adds value and site visitors will seek. Transportation infrastructure--airports, train stations, bus stations, etc.--are the details travelers seek first. An airport, train station, or bus station that is the primary means for arriving in a metropolitan area warrants an article; right now, those articles exist only for the very largest of cities. A final point: In the absence of encouraging such articles, the detailed information that needs to be included on one or more city pages becomes overwhelming to the page and repetitive. I'd like to see this considered as a policy change, and I'm not proposing that it be changed excessively. Airports that are primarily used by private aircraft don't warrant articles. Airports serving areas that cannot be considered metropolitan regions don't deserve articles. But an airport, train station, or bus station serving a city of, say, more than 100,000 people warrants an article and would make this site of greater value to travelers who turn to this site for travel-related information. [[User:Keystone18|Keystone18]] ([[User talk:Keystone18|talk]]) 20:01, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :We're talking about [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Lehigh_Valley_International_Airport&type=revision&diff=4485974&oldid=4484203 this stub article]. That content wouldn't overwhelm anything. It will be contained in a listing at [[Allentown#Get in]] very easily. So the rest of your arguments fall down. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:34, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::I'd say no because we can easily cover the information for minor airports on a city page. And if there are nearby cities in the same metropolitan area, we can always link to the city article where we put the information about the airport. We have articles on major airports mainly because they can be complicated to navigate, and putting all the information about them into a city article could overwhelm the article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: I'd say the case is stronger for airports primarily used for private aircraft. The information directed at a pilot needs to be detailed while useless for other travellers, so using a separate page makes sense – given there are enough enthusiasts among us to keep those articles more or less reliably up to date. I don't think that's the case at the moment. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:58, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Agree with The dog2 and LPfi. I could see the merit if it was a small airport commonly used for connections, but such airports are rare to find. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::I tend to think that keeping all the essential information about an airport in the most logical place (the city or region the reader is visiting) is better for the traveller in most cases. A dedicated article for a smaller airport would probably attract irrelevant Wikipedia-style edits in an attempt to justify their existence as anything other than a stub. That would then clutter and hide the travel information.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:20, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::I agree with Ikan Kekek, The dog2, LPfi and TT. I think it would be better to improve the airport information in city articles, instead of splitting it out into separate articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) c22xicil4b9lw4u6a4m0rwkybqdu84j 4487784 4487763 2022-07-21T15:04:10Z The dog2 35982 /* Future targets */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|[[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition/Archive 2013-2018]]}} == Planning for huge airport articles == {{swept}} As I understand it, if there are 100 flights every day at an airport, it can have its own article. So, why doesn't Salt Lake City's airport have an article? According to the article for [[Salt Lake City]], there are more than 120 flights a day at the airport (for one airline, imagine what the total number must be). If it wasn't already clear, I propose we create an article for the airport at Salt Lake, but I would probably need help from others. I'm not sure about [[San Jose (California)|SJC]], but I expect it's pretty high, as it seems from the [[w:San Jose International Airport|wikipedia article]]. Over the years, I would think the number of airport with at least 100 flights a day has increased dramatically, and this may not show in our Wikivoyage articles. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 18:56, 3 January 2019 (UTC) : It is not about number of flight but about what there is to say about the airport. If the airport is a major hub with many services catering for passenger such as restaurants, shops, entertainment and hotels then it can have its own article. However even in those cases you should start by expanding the information about the airport on the city page. When the amount of information start to dominate and get out of hand there, then move to its own article. Do not create an article that is almost empty just because it could or should deserve its own article. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:10, 3 January 2019 (UTC) ::That's what I mean about needing help. I fear that, by myself, the articles will not have the information I think they should have. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 19:55, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :::I think Traveler100 is right: you're putting the cart before the horse. When there is enough info on an airport in a city article to warrant splitting it out, then create an airport article. Don't create an airport article just because it ''could'' qualify. I'm not discouraging you from creating new content, I'm just saying that Salt Lake City and San Jose airports don't ''need'' their own articles yet. As for me, I'd rather spend time creating content for and cleaning up ''destination'' articles, than creating new airport articles, but you're free to work on whatever you want to work on. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) :::: Ditto from me as well. :::: I was going to ask where "100 flights per day" came from, but then I found it on [[wv:wiaa|What is an article]]. In any case, that's a poor metric. 100 flights per day is a very small number. Just picking an arbitrary example, [[Indianapolis]]'s airport sees more than 300 commercial flights per day, but it's certainly not significant or complex enough to merit its own article. :::: [[WV:Airport Expedition]] has another set of criteria, and taken in conjunction I would hope that the underlying intention is clear: it's not about the number of flights or the physical size or any such measurable numbers, it's about how "difficult" is the airport for travellers. Airports by design tend to be laid out similarly and are usually easy to navigate. If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all. The airports we create articles for are the exceptions: they're so huge that their layouts require explanation rather than letting travellers just read the signs, and/or they're places where travellers are likely to spend a few hours or more and will want to know which of the ''hundreds'' of restaurants are good or where they can sleep. :::: Having done some editing on it recently, I would actually say that [[Orlando International Airport]] is an example of an airport that maybe ''doesn't'' need to be an article. It's not a hub, the layout looks fairly simple, and there's a paltry selection of restaurants, almost all of which are chains, and few that are good enough to recommend. The most useful information there is ground transportation, but that could be folded back into the city article if necessary. :::: So don't go crazy creating new airport articles just yet. Try working on one of the outline-status articles first like [[Miami International Airport]] or [[Newark Liberty International Airport]]. Having worked on a couple myself, it's hard to research anything inside an airport, and even harder to come up with good recommendations for Buy/Eat/Drink. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 20:15, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :::::I would think that text about "100 flights" is from 2004, when perhaps that was a lot. Perhaps that text in [[WV:What is an article?]] should be changed? <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 20:42, 3 January 2019 (UTC) ::::::100 flights is a simple objective minimum (defined in 2013). In some cases finding the number of flights means counting them on a list of departures, and I don't fancy counting 250 or 500 on a list when discussing an article. I think that it is useful to have articles for international transit airports, and I am not sure what limit would start to limit these (which includes isolated islands where all flights are international). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:24, 3 January 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}Okay, but still, I think [[WV:What is an article]] should be changed at least a little in some way to reflect that the number of flights is not considered a standard for what is a large airport and what is not. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 21:38, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :: London Stansted is a good example of earlier arguments. It's well over the 100 flights threshold, it's not particularly huge, but it merits detail that would unbalance a simple "get in" listing. Although it's badged "London" it's some way out, forming a little township in its own right. (The residents of historic Stansted are understandably peeved at this.) There are various little quirks and crafty wrinkles that the traveller might appreciate knowing. By contrast London Luton is almost as busy but is sufficiently described under "Luton". [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 10:19, 4 January 2019 (UTC) ::: Another good example is [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]] which is currently a redirect to a section of a city article. There's a fair bit of text in the city article, but I (who wrote much of that text) do not think it needs its own article yet mainly because there's not a lot to say. ::: It might need an article soon; they've just opened a new terminal and are adding a second runway. [[w:Mactan–Cebu International Airport]] says over 10 million passengers and over 86,000 flights (237/day on average) in 2017. My guess is it a good example of a borderline case; once someone adds text about the new terminal it might be worth moving it out. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:04, 4 January 2019 (UTC) :::: I don't know if I agree about [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]]. A lot of the length in that description comes from a laundry list of all the airlines and destinations, which I feel is something that does ''not'' belong in WV most of the time (not for a large hub airport like this). It's fine in WP where such encyclopedic knowledge is appropriate, and where there are more editors to keep such lists up to date. In WV, such a list is of minimal use to travelers. For offline reading, I can't imagine what use such information would be. Online, they can easily find the same information elsewhere if they need it, and many times they'll probably discover it themselves while searching for airfares. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:36, 4 January 2019 (UTC) :::::I was of the opinion there was a soft floor of roughly 20 million pax/p.a. or a damn good reason otherways... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:57, 4 January 2019 (UTC) == Canadian Airports == I notice that the only Canadian airport with an article is [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]]. I think at the very least, the airport in [[Vancouver]] should get its own article since it is one of the main North American gateways to East Asia, and arguably [[Montreal]]'s airport is also significant enough to warrant its own article. Unfortunately, I've never been to Vancouver, while I've only been to Montreal once, so I'll most certainly need help if we go ahead with this. What do you guys think about listing these two under "Future Targets"? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:08, 15 May 2019 (UTC) : Good question. I've always thought Vancouver's airport is a borderline case. It's a gateway to East Asia as you say and it has good passenger volumes (25 mn last year (2018)). On the other hand, it's a pretty straightforward airport to navigate, there are only two terminals (excluding the South terminal, which very few people are going to use), one hotel on site, fairly typical airport shops and an average number of restaurants (which are mostly fast food). I also live in Vancouver, so the airport is just an in and out for me. I don't think I can add more that what's already in [[Vancouver#Get in]]. If someone has experience using it to connect/stay overnight, it would be good to get that perspective. : For Montreal, I've transited through it twice on connecting flights. My impression from those brief visits is it's a larger and more complicated airport to navigate than Vancouver. I was also looking for specific (in my mind) Montreal specialties of Montreal smoked meat and French croissants. From my experience, I think Montreal's airport would need an article more than Vancouver, but as I said above, Vancouver's airport is an in and out for me so that colours my perspective. -[[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] ([[User talk:Shaundd|talk]]) 16:52, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::I can write a little when it comes to Montreal, but I've only been through the U.S. departures wing. Someone else will have to fill in for the domestic and international wings. And as far as statistics go, Vancouver is Canada's second busiest airport after Toronto, so it definitely has a higher passenger volume than Montreal even though Montreal may be a bigger city. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:12, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::: Okay, but remember: size and importance are not absolute criteria for whether an airport merits an article. If an airport is easy to navigate, and doesn't have many noteworthy restaurants or stores, then what else would there be to write about? I don't know anything about Vancouver to decide that, but want to make sure it's not forgotten after I spent some time editing [[Orlando International Airport]] and realized it possibly doesn't merit an article, either. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:39, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't know about the shops and restaurants at Vancouver since I've never been there. As for Montreal, there are several cafes and a duty free shop airside in the U.S. departures section, but no luxury brands like what you get in London Heathrow, Hong Kong or Tokyo Haneda international terminal. I guess I'm not the best person to judge but the only airport I've ever gotten lost in is Dubai (considering I've flown out of many major airports like JFK, Heathrow, Hong Kong, both of Tokyo's airports and Survarnabhumi), and that is because the signage to connecting flights in the arrival concourse is bad, and the staff were very unhelpful. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:28, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::::: {{Yo|The dog2}} Montreal has/had(?) two airports (I think there is a long convoluted political story behind it). As far as [[w:Vancouver International Airport|Vancouver International Airport]], it has a nice aquarium [[File:Aquarium at YVR.jpg|thumb]]. Just hoping to revive this interesting discussion. [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 16:49, 30 October 2020 (UTC) {{re|Ottawahitech}} That said, this is a travel guide, and given that Montreal-Mirabel Airport does not serve commercial passenger flights, an article for that airport is not appropriate. If you have enough information and want to create articles for Dorval and Vancovuer International Airport, go ahead. I've only flown out of the US departures section of Dorval, so that's the only part I can contribute to, while I've never been to Vancouver. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:44, 30 October 2020 (UTC) :How do people feel about Vancouver Airport now? There has been an edit war about whether to keep most of the details of how to get from there to Vancouver in the Vancouver article or to move them (improperly, in my opinion) to the parent region article, and moving them to an airport article would solve that problem. However, the section on the airport at [[Vancouver#Get in]] is hardly overwhelming. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:08, 10 March 2021 (UTC) ::I've never been to Vancouver so I won't be able to contribute much, but given that it's the main hub for flights from Canada to East Asia, and Canada's second busiest airport after Toronto, I don't see why we shouldn't have an article for it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:13, 10 March 2021 (UTC) :::Looks like Vancouver finally got is airport article. The only other Canadian airport that could potentially merit an article now is Montreal, though in my experience, it was quite easy to navigate, at least for the U.S. departures section. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:33, 7 April 2021 (UTC) == Duplicate maps in airport articles == {{swept}} Are duplicate maps allowed in airport articles? See: * [[San Francisco International Airport#Ground transportation|San Francisco International Airport]] * [[Frankfurt Airport#Get around|Frankfurt Airport]] * [[Los Angeles International Airport]] * [[Tokyo Narita Airport]] * [[Washington Dulles International Airport]] * [[Munich Airport]] * [[O'Hare International Airport#Ground transportation|O'Hare International Airport]] * [[Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport]] &mdash; {{done}} dynamic map removed * [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport]] * [[Newark Liberty International Airport#Ground transportation|Newark Liberty International Airport]] <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:40, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :When both are potentially useful to the traveler, then why wouldn't we? For example, the Munich article seems to have a dynamic map of the current airport and a static drawing of future expansion plans. But in the DFW article, they feel a bit more redundant. :Dulles doesn't seem to have two maps. The second one seems to just be a photo of a sign at the airport. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:30, 30 June 2019 (UTC) ::Yeah, in the DFW article the dynamic map doesn't seem to add much. I'd say evaluate it on a case-by-case basis, with the recognition that double maps are more often useful in airport articles than in most types of articles, due to the value of an airport map with clearly outlined and labeled terminals (harder to achieve with a dynamic map). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:31, 30 June 2019 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing}} Yes, you're right, that's a photo, which I count as a map; you don't have to count it that way. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:02, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ::::Granger, I think you're right about the value of a simple map. An airport map could emphasize how to get there (highways, bus stations, parking lots, etc.), which general part of the airport you want to be in (Terminal A is over there), or how to get around once you're inside (trains between terminals, location of restaurants, etc.). Two or three maps that each do just one of those things well would often be better for the harried traveler than a single map that tries to be all things to all people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:19, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ===Nominations for the removal of dynamic maps=== I have listed here the articles which have dynamic maps that serve little or no purpose and, in my opinion, could be removed. Please feel free to support or oppose below. * [[San Francisco International Airport]] {{done}} removed * [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] {{done}} removed <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:43, 1 July 2019 (UTC) :Sure, that makes sense. If they do become useful down the road (for instance to display POI markers), we can always add them back. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:46, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ::I'd plunge forward and just remove them. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 22:37, 1 July 2019 (UTC) :::{{done}} <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:26, 2 July 2019 (UTC) == Airports closed due to conflict == Looking for opinions on the best way to handle airports currently closed due to conflict? This is particularly relevant for airports in [[Syria]] and [[Libya]] but there are a few others around the world. Should listings and references be: # kept with text stating currently not operational. # deleted from city, region and country pages. # commented out from city, region and country pages so can be added back later. Although some will be closed for some time to come, airport do eventually come back in to operation, for example recently Jaffna ({{IATA|JAF}}). --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 10:10, 20 October 2019 (UTC) : I would generally prefer 1, for the nearest city page, but it can commented out elsewhere. It is useful to the traveller to know that the airport has closed, as there will be information about the airport elsewhere. Even if the airport has stopped having commercial flights it may still be used by relief agencies, or for evacuation flights. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:43, 20 October 2019 (UTC) == IATA code == Well it took a couple of years but all airports referenced using {{tl|IATA}} code now have a link to them ([[:Category:Airport listing|2279]] at time if writing this). --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 12:15, 2 November 2019 (UTC) ==Airport hotels, O'Hare, and policy== ''Discussion copied from [[Talk:O'Hare International Airport#Hotel listings]]:'' Nice list, but all listings for hotels outside of the airport must be deleted, or, better, moved to appropriate local guides. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC) :I have done so. It seems like a shame—airport hotels are probably a lot more useful all in one list than scattered through guides to boring suburbs that no one reads (I'm exaggerating a bit). Especially if reading the guide on mobile or even worse if printed out. But I think this is unavoidable, given the no gaps/no overlap part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographical hierarchy]]. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 06:50, 17 July 2013 (UTC) ::Yeah, it is less than an ideal solution, but no matter which approach we take, it will be some kind of compromise. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:04, 17 July 2013 (UTC) :::This is really disappointing to see, and though I know that everyone involved has good intentions, this is a clear case of a policy being prioritized over the traveler (who's supposed to come first, after all). As anyone with experience there knows, O'Hare is an eco-system unto itself, connected to Chicago by a long, thin strip (due to old land-grab issues). Probably half (or more) of the city's hotel room capacity is around O'Hare, in hotels with "Chicago O'Hare" in the name. Would anyone argue that a traveler is better served by having to open several unmapped, outline suburb articles to compare O'Hare hotels and rates...or by having the "O'Hare" hotels in the O'Hare article? If there's a "compromise" to be made, it's better to inconvenience a policy than a traveler. [[User:Gorilla Jones|Gorilla Jones]] ([[User talk:Gorilla Jones|talk]]) 00:56, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::I agree with that, it is not convenient to spread airport hotels over other articles. [[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 01:09, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::You guys may be right, but you need to propose a change of policy at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]], since your argument could be made just as well for several other airport articles ([[Frankfurt Airport]] comes to mind). Have a look at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition#Airport template]] for current policy and discussion. The basic difficulty, though, is whether to allow duplication of listings; if so, in what discrete situations; and at what distance from airports we would draw the line on listings, other than actually within the airport. I don't think we would do better adopting ad hoc, inconsistent policies on these questions, but if you think we would, please make the argument there. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:10, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::I think we're all in agreement that what makes most sense for travelers is to have a consolidated list on this article. The problem is in how to go about it. The reason we avoid duplicate listings (in general) is that it's too hard to keep them updated if they're in multiple articles. That would change if we had a listings database, though, and hopefully we will get that through Wikidata at some point. In the meantime, though, maybe we should just swallow our discomfort with duplicate listings in the case of airport articles? To Ikan Kekek's point about where to draw the line—in cases I'm familiar with, it's usually pretty obvious what is and what isn't an "airport hotel." I think we could leave that judgement to the discretion of our writers. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 06:42, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::I really think we really need to discuss this at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]], because when things were discussed there, it wasn't at all obvious. How many miles away from the airport do we draw the line, or should we include every hotel that has a shuttle from the airport? Also, I thought we disallowed duplicate listings in large part because double listings constitutes [[tout]]ing, much of the time. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:46, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ''Discussion above from [[Talk:O'Hare International Airport#Hotel listings]]'' ::::::::We don't allow duplicate listings ''within articles'' to prevent touting; we don't allow listings in more than one article because of no gap, no overlap. But these airport articles essentially exist outside the hierarchy, and it is not reasonable to ask readers to browse a bunch of bland suburban non-articles to find the listings. So I still think the biggest problem is keeping them updated across more than one article. As for what is an airport hotel? It's a hotel that wouldn't exist but for the airport. I'm much less concerned with that question, I guess, than others above—it seems easy. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 07:00, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::For people joining in, [http://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=O%27Hare_International_Airport&oldid=2339997#Sleep this was what the list looked like]. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 07:02, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::::I would demur on the idea that not allowing listings of the same hotel in more than one article is not an issue of [[tout]]ing. Many times, publicists have attempted to list the same hotel (restaurant, shop, etc.) in numerous articles. However, I get your main point, which is that airport articles are outside the geographic hierarchy. I'll be interested to see what others think, because I have doubts about that idea. Airports occupy discrete pieces of land. That said, the idea of listing "airport hotels" in Airport guides is reasonable - if we can agree on what an airport hotel is and is not. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:17, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::::I definitely prefer the idea of having airport hotels included in the airport articles. Really huge airports (the kind that would be worthy of an article) are their own little worlds, and the many hotels that surround them are part of that system feeding into that airport. I understand Ikan's concern about deciding what is and is not an airport hotel (we probably don't want any hotel that happens to have a shuttle to the airport listing themselves in the airport article), but I think Peter has hit on the best definition. I don't think we need anything more specific than that; airport hotels generally have little to advertise on ''except'' their proximity to the airport. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 08:05, 22 July 2013 (UTC) I don't have any guidance on distinguishing airport hotels from non-airport hotels either, but if we are going to put those hotels in the airport article, I would prefer to continue avoiding duplication, which we can do by putting a note (perhaps templated) in the suburb article, saying "''Additional airport hotels can be found in the article for XXX Airport.''". [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 11:28, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :On the face of it, I strongly agree with Texugo. If "airport hotels" outside of airports will be listed in articles about airports (and I have no objection to this, providing that we can come to a workable agreement on what hotels are and are not "airport hotels"), they shouldn't be listed in any other article. I think it's unnecessary to create an exemption from the "one listing, site-wide" policy, and policing duplications by touters and well-meaning non-touters could become another time-waster if we open the door to duplicate listings in some cases (especially if the criteria are not extremely clearly defined). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:12, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::I think it's great to have clearly defined and easily accessible policies, but they should never be absolute or applied without prioritising the traveller's interests, as Gorilla Jones points out. Earlier in this topic Peter suggested that our current policy is no "...duplicate listings ''within articles'' to prevent touting..." (which seems sensible) whereas you seem to be suggesting "one listing, site-wide" is our current policy. Where can I actually read our current policy, please? Obviously if and when the database for listings arrives, the update problem will cease, but in the meantime I would prefer to clarify that Peter's version of policy actually applies.--[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 12:33, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::Have a look at [[don't tout]], W. Frank: :::"Also note that businesses should be listed '''in only one article''' [emphasis supplied] for the town or district in which the business operates; if an article about the town has not yet been created, create it." <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User_talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ikan Kekek|contribs]]) </small> ::::I think Ikan Kekek's assertion is correct. It follows logically from the combination of our no gaps/no overlaps geographical breakdown and the fact that we don't allow city listings to be duplicated in region articles ([[:Template:Movetocity]]) and we don't allow district listings to be duplicated in main city articles ([[:Template:Movetodistrict]]. Given these other policies, there are no cases left where duplication between articles would be allowed. [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 12:44, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::If that's the case, then we need to create an exception '''clearly enunciated in the relevant policies''' for the clearly defined category of ''Airports that have their own articles'' (they have their own templates, eg: {{tl|guideairport}}). --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 12:55, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::That is precisely the notion Ikan and I are objecting to. It would be better not to create a loophole for hotel touts to get their hotel listed twice, and simply point the suburb article reader to the airport article for additional airport hotel listings. [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 13:06, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::<s>Better for whom?</s> ::::::::<s>The jetlagged and weary traveller with a small screen and a bad connection (and, unavoidably, the airport hotel that might unavoidably get listed in two different pages) or</s> ::::::::<s>editors that might not be able to explain quickly/adequately/convincingly that the double listing being removed is not an "Airport hotel"?</s> Sorry! I didn't read your argument carefully enough. I now see that your proposition is to '''list''' "Airport hotels" in the large and well written (almost by definition) Airport article and have the (probably already sparse and sad) suburban article's "Sleep" section (probably) just contain a pointer to the Airport article for hotel listings. That seems reasonable and I would support that. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 13:15, 22 July 2013 (UTC) I also think the no gap/no overlap policy has served the guides well, but listing airport hotels in suburbian semi-non-articles doesn't make any sense. These hotels exist only because of passengers transferring flights, so readers will expect them in the airport articles. I do agree that a hotel listing should then only be listed in the airport article to avoid duplication. [[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 13:32, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :Does anyone disagree that it's most helpful for the traveler to have airport hotels collected in one place (the airport article)? While my janitorial bent also makes me sensitive to anything that may benefit hotel chain owners, concerns for the traveler should come before concerns about marketers. It's not helpful for travelers to have hotels listed in destination guides other than the ones in which the listing is located, but that's not true in the case of airports. So ideally I think we have a listings database (so an update anywhere is an update everywhere), and we list them in the airport and the suburban semi-non-articles. :In any rate, the solution of keeping the listings in the airport article, and noting this in empty sleep sections of the semi-non-articles works for me as a second best option. Travelers really are just looking to scan one list for their preferred chain, not to crawl through articles like [[Elk Grove Village]] and [[Schiller Park]]—or even worse to print those all out? --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 18:05, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::Thinking about it, that solution is identical to how we've handled embassy/consulate listings. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 18:07, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::: I really think it makes sense to stick to the "listing in one article only" guideline. If a hotel exists primarily to serve the airport then list it in the airport article and not in the city article. If a city is adjacent to an airport with lots of hotels, than a note in the city article's "Sleep" section to check the airport article avoids the need for duplication. We've all seen dozens (if not hundreds) of hotel listings for properties that are "conveniently located near XYZ airport", despite often being as far as 20-30 miles away, and it doesn't make sense for editors or travelers if we open the door to having these show up in airport and city articles. Similarly, in some places the draw of the town is primarily the airport (I'm thinking of [[Keflavik]] in particular), and in such cases a "list hotels in both articles" policy would definitely lead to unnecessary duplication. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 18:21, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::I would propose to geographically divide up listings of airport hotels in airport guides, so that, for example, in the O'Hare guide, the hotel listings could be subdivided O'Hare, Elk Grove Village, Schiller Park, etc., with a note in the "Sleep" sections of Elk Grove Village, et al., directing readers to, for example "O'Hare International Airport#Elk Grove Village." I hope my suggestion is clear; do you all understand what I'm suggesting? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::I think we have a useful compromise emerging. A couple questions linger, though: 1) Should there be a separate article for an airport like Keflavík International Airport, when the destination is more or less synonymous with the airport, and the guide can/will cover everything an airport guide would? 2) I understand why Ikan Kekek's suggestion (so that hotel guests are directed to the right guide to find out about restaurants and mini-attractions by the hotel they ultimately choose), but there is a disadvantage to losing the price categories. In the address field of each listing, the town name should be listed, so couldn't we just link that to the appropriate destination guide? --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 19:27, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::Yes, that's one possibility. The other one is to have price categories within each geographical subdivision of the airport article's "Sleep" section. If the overall "Sleep" section is relatively short, it won't matter much how it's subdivided, but if it's longer, I think my proposed solution may work better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:53, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::I prefer Peter's suggestion, simply because price is more likely to be a deciding factor than which suburb surrounding the airport you stay in. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 01:48, 23 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::You're probably right about that, and if the list gets too long, secondary subdivisions by location can be made, but I realize that it probably does make more sense to subdivide by price. There is a procedural issue, though: This will be one case in which the name of the town would have to be included in every listing, which is a deviation from usual procedure. If we group everything first of all by location, that deviation doesn't have to take place, but it's hardly a make-or-break issue. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:53, 23 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::: (responding to Peter re: [[Keflavik]]) I think an airport article is primarily about the airport itself - flights, airport amenities, etc, while the town article is about the town, its restaurants, sights, activities, etc. In the case of a town like [[Keflavik]], two articles seems to make sense - the town article lists restaurants, hotels, etc in the town, the airport article (if one was created) talks about flights and the airport property. With respect to hotels, I would think that hotels that aren't either on the Keflavik airport property or immediately outside of the airport property would stay in the town article. ::::::::: Getting back to the point about where to draw the line, there are perhaps a dozen hotels within a half mile of LAX on Century Blvd that I would describe as clearly being airport hotels, and thus belonging in the [[LAX]] article rather than the [[El Segundo]] article, but I would think that anything further out than that is not obviously an "airport" hotel and would best be handled in the appropriate city article (with pointers from the airport article to those city articles). -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 03:08, 23 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::: When I built the original O'Hare list, I think my rule of thumb was that hotels had to be within a mile of the airport. (That may not be useful at other airports, of course.) In terms of touts, they zero in on the [[Chicago]] article, not the individual suburb articles &mdash; they know those hold no value. (Look at the 'Sleep' section in the abandoned Chicago article on WT and you'll see what I mean.) I'd also suggest that the hotel listings remain sorted by price. From the perspective of a traveler who's taken a shuttle from the airport to their hotel, there's little to distinguish Schiller Park from Elk Grove Village, et al. I've stayed at O'Hare hotels 4 times, I think, without knowing which suburb I was in. [[User:Gorilla Jones|Gorilla Jones]] ([[User talk:Gorilla Jones|talk]]) 03:13, 23 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::::What was ultimately decided on this topic? It seems to me, we ended up with only hotels that are actually within airports being listed in airport guides, and yet the consensus in this thread seemed to be leaning toward some clear distance (1 km/1/2 mile?) from an airport being appropriate to list in an airport guide. I'm OK with things remaining the way they are, but I have to wonder whether the lack of change was due to inertia and loss of initiative, rather than the lack of a consensus behind this change. Can we reopen this discussion, or is it best to let this slumbering dog lie? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:08, 2 October 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::I'd certainly like to see this discussion re-opened; it looked like we had a strong consensus forming here that was never followed up on. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 14:19, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::: Initially we agreed only hotel at the airport, however I think it should be extended to hotels that offer shuttle buses to and from the airport. Also allow duplication of these hotels in the city articles if one exists. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 14:56, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::"Hotels that offer shuttle buses" is an extremely large category in many cities. Probably dozens, as many as 15 miles away, even in a case like [[Rochester (New York)]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 16:05, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Like Powers says, the presence of a shuttle bus isn't really specific enough; there are cities with downtown hotels (that no one would consider "airport hotels") that offer shuttles to the airport. I still think the most useful definition of an airport hotel is the general one: a hotel that exists primarily to serve airport travelers. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 16:29, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::: Re: [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]], if I'm reading the discussion above correctly, the consensus would have been '''not''' to allow duplication. I'd be happy with some wording like "''Hotels that exist primarily to serve airport travelers that are located within the '''immediate vicinity''' of the airport may be included in either the airport article or a city article, but '''not both'''. When a city is home to hotels that are listed in an airport article then the "Sleep" section of the city article should include a pointer to the airport article.''" "Immediate vicinity" is obviously open to interpretation, but that should give us some leeway for cases like [[Antananarivo]] where the airport is 45 minutes outside of the city, and the closest "airport hotel" is several miles from the airport, vs. an airport like LAX where there are a dozen hotels located just outside of the airport, and thus it would be a stretch to describe a hotel located several miles away as an "airport hotel". -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 17:03, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::: I like that wording; it's specific enough to give a good sense of what we're looking for, but general enough to allow for leeway when needed. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 18:04, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::: So for example how should [[Frankfurt Airport]] be handled. I have deleted a couple of times the hotels that are in [[Frankfurt]]-Niederrad a couple of times from the airport page as they are in the city suburb not the airport and used not just by people going through the airport. But on the other hand the HI on the outskirts of [[Mörfelden]] really only there to serve the airport but is just as far away as hotels in [[Langen]], [Kelsterbach] and Raunheim which also cater mainly for the airport but also serve people visiting companies in those towns.--[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:00, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::: I'm not familiar with Frankfurt, but if you'd consider those communities far from the airport, then they probably wouldn't be considered within the ''immediate vicinity'', per Ryan's wording. If there's a lot of much closer options to the airport, might as well stick to those and leave the more far-flung options to the individual town articles. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 21:02, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ===Revived discussion=== [unindent] I've unarchived the above thread for further discussion, because the topic of whether or when to list accommodations outside of airports in airport articles just came up at [[Talk:Tokyo Haneda Airport]]. Did we ever fully resolve this question? Here's what's currently in [[Wikivoyage:Airport article template#Sleep]]: ''Where can you sleep/nap/rest inside the airport, including on chairs and benches. How comfortable will you be, and will you get in trouble if you stretch out or stay too long.'' ''Hotel options on or connected to the airport, and an overview of nearby neighborhoods offering hotel accommodation. If the airport is adjacent to a well-defined neighborhood and travellers can easily find hotels from that district article, link to it. However, airports are often not close to anything, and the airport article may be the best place to list a few hotels (ones whose defining feature is "being close to the airport").'' So it sounds like that means hotels shouldn't be listed in airport articles unless they're either in the airport or the airport is so far from anyplace of note that there are hotels that are there only because they're close to the airport. To me that would mean that a hotel (or in this case, hostel) that could be listed in a Tokyo district guide probably shouldn't be in the [[Tokyo Haneda Airport]] article, if we take the language in [[Wikivoyage:Airport article template#Sleep]] literally. However, if you read through the unarchived discussion above, there seemed to be a consensus to list hotels perhaps a kilometer or two from airports in urban areas that exist solely to serve people who want to be near the airport (and maybe several km further from airports far outside of cities that have nothing much around them but do have airport articles), although I believe most of the participants in the above discussion wouldn't support also listing such hotels in any other article. So what do you think? [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]], feel free to participate if you like. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:23, 19 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the guideline is clear and should be kept. Hotels on the airport ground should be in the airport article. Hotels in a neighbourhood covered by a city or district article should be in that article and a link to that page in the airport sleep section with details how to get there. There a a few borderline ones, the hostel in [[Tokyo/Ota]] is not one of them, where there are hotels outside the airport grounds but not near anywhere else and clearly part of the airport infrastructure that can be in the airport article. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:29, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :: Take a look at [[Frankfurt Airport#Sleep]], which I just updated. Te article section starts with text mentioning town articles in the area, some of which have hotels with airport shuttles. Then shows hotels in airport's ground. There are then a group of hotels in an area not in Fraport's grounds but in the built-up area around the airport and not connected directly to the city of Frankfort. Then there is a mention of hotel in Niederrad district of Frankfurt, as most of these are there because of the airport and have shuttles to it but are in the city limits proper. There is then a Nearby section mentioning cities a little further away that may be better places to stay if do not need to be right by the airport. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:54, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::: Specifically for Haneda airport, what I have used and should be mentioned are Limousine buses that run to hotels in the city. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 08:12, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::Thanks a lot for your participation and for the link, [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]]. I still don't really find the guideline that clear, but I'm happy to defer to you on [[Frankfurt Airport#Sleep]]. There are problematic gray areas, though, in other cases. For example, my girlfriend and I once stayed overnight at an America's Best Value motel in [[El Segundo]] several years ago because we wanted to be close to LAX and avoid the likelihood of ending up in horrible traffic if we had spent another night in Santa Barbara and tried driving down from there all the way to the airport. It was close enough to the airport for us to smell the exhaust from the airplanes when we were standing outside and planes were taking off or landing, but El Segundo is also a real neighborhood, and by driving a short distance for L.A., we went to a marvelous Middle Eastern restaurant, though that was actually in [[Hawthorne (California)]]. Since LAX is in L.A. and several neighborhoods are close to it but still require some form of ground transportation to get to, I wouldn't support adding any hotel listings to [[Los Angeles International Airport#Sleep]] unless there are hotels in the airport itself. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:09, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :::::If the hotels also serve another place where people actually visit, the hotels can definitely be put in that article (but with a link from the airport article's sleep section). If a hotel on the other hand is on the airport or otherwise nearby and only there because of the airport, I'd definitely put it in the airport article itself where readers would be looking for it. I would rather not create articles for random bedroom suburbs or villages with nothing of travel interest just to have somewhere to put the hotels. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:41, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::::In other words, it's a judgment call. The link from the airport article's sleep section in cases you're discussing should be to the article for the neighborhood or town in question, not to specific hotel listings. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:48, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :::::::Yes, from the airport's Sleep section to the Sleep sections of the articles for towns, districts etc. easily accessible from the airport [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:15, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::::::Right, that's the best way to do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:27, 19 January 2020 (UTC) == [[Cancun airport]] == Should Cancun airport have its own article? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:41, 27 August 2020 (UTC) : My initial reaction is '''no'''. True, it is a hub for MAYAir and a focus city for 3 other airlines, but although I can't find stats on how many connecting passengers it has, I'm not sure it qualifies as a major hub airport compared to other hubs around the world. : Lately I've been leaning towards the "Wait/Eat/Drink" test. If an airport doesn't have much to say in those sections, that's probably because it's not a hub airport where travellers spend a lot of time connecting between flights. Cancun Airport only appears to have [https://www.cancunairport.com/restaurant.html 24 restaurants] (an average of only 6-8 per terminal, depending on how much is in T1), and most of those are fast food or grab-'n'-go stations. It does have at least 6 lounges. [https://www.prioritypass.com/en/airport-guides/cancun-international] [https://www.loungebuddy.com/CUN] : I dunno, it seems '''borderline'''. [[Cancun#By plane]] is a bit long, although if the list of airlines at each terminal could be removed (I'm not a fan of including that if it isn't necessary, since that info is usually readily available as you make your way to the airport) that would shrink it by half a screenful. The article for [[Benito Juárez International Airport|Mexico's busiest airport]], like ''many'' of our airport articles, has a verbose description of flight and transportation options, but the Wait/Eat/Drink sections are almost empty. Cancun Airport has only half as many passengers (and nearly the same number of international passengers, which suggests that connecting domestic flights are not as numerous or significant) and less than half as many flights. : I think we may have gone overboard on creating some airport articles, at least while there are so few people contributing to them. The common logic is "keep it in the main article until it becomes unwieldy", and I think that's probably what should be done with Cancun for now. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 20:58, 27 August 2020 (UTC) == Ngurah Rai International Airport == There's an awful lot of information about how to get where from this airport and for how much (which probably needs updating) in [[Bali#Get in]]. Based on the guidelines at [[WV:Region article template#Get in]], I think that's incorrect. I also tend to think this airport has enough traffic in normal times to have its own article. In fact, the idea was broached in 2014; see [[Talk:Bali#Get in: By plane: The Airport]]. I'd much rather that the [[Kuta]] article refer readers to a new airport article for more information than to irregularly refer people to the article for the whole island for more specific information. Your thoughts? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:52, 10 March 2021 (UTC) :Sure, it's one of the main entry gateways to Indonesia. I remember as a kid, only the rich could afford to pay for nonstop flights from Singapore to Australia on Singapore Airlines or Qantas, and ordinary people headed to Australia would usually fly on Garuda and connect through their hub in Bali, which the route that most package tours took. I'm not sure whether or not it still functions in that role though. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:17, 10 March 2021 (UTC) ::I'd rather that someone who's actually used that airport relatively recently start the article, but if not, I'll move most of the content from the [[Bali]] article within a few days. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:04, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::I don't think the amount of information currently in [[Bali#By plane]] is really all that excessive; it looks about normal for a popular tourist area. The whole point of airport articles is for major hubs and transit airports where a significant number of people catch connecting flights. Airport articles are not for places that holidaymakers will spend a couple of hours in waiting for their flight home. So if DPS is an example of the former, it should have its own article; but if it's an example of the latter, it probably shouldn't.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:24, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Things have probably changed since I was in primary school, when I connected through Bali to get to Australia from Singapore. These days, Singaporeans have in general become more affluent than back then, so I've always flown nonstop to travel between Singapore and Australia as an adult, since Qantas' fares are now very much within reach of the average middle class Singaporean unlike back then. But back in the 1990s, Bali was a major hub for passengers travelling between Southeast Asia and Australia. I've not been to Bali since I was in primary school, so I can't contribute more content, I'm afraid. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:45, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::::[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]], I think that if there are listings that can be added for eateries and shops, there is plenty of material for an airport article, but what I think we ought not to do is leave the largest amount of information in a region guide and refer readers of the [[Kuta]] article, for example, to the region article for more information. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:43, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::I guess my point is that just because an article can be written, doesn't mean it should be. I don't doubt that you could fill up a Ngurah Rai article with listings, but if it's not the sort of airport passengers spend much time in, then those listings don't need to be on Wikivoyage. Again, it depends on whether Bali sees much transit traffic or not. ::::::The large mass of information you're concerned about on the Bali article is the mostly the stuff about getting to and from the airport from various places, right? That could (and probably should) be moved to the relevant city articles' Get in sections. Even if it were put in an airport article, it would still be a lot of irrelevant clutter, telling readers how to get to the place they want to go, and also how to get to a dozen other places they have no intention of visiting, at least not straight from the airport.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:42, 12 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::I thought information about how to get from an airport to nearby towns was relevant for airport articles. No? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:44, 12 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Absolutely, but it comes back to whether the article needs to exist at all. If it does - because it's a transit hub - then incorporating ground transportation and as much eat, drink, and sleep info as possible is great. But if it's not a transit hub, then [[Denpasar#Get in]] can adequately handle how to get to Denpasar from DPS, [[Candidasa#Get in]] can cover how to get to Candidasa from DPS, etc...--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:26, 12 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::::How would we figure out whether there are many transit passengers or not? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:14, 12 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::Good question. I was hoping someone would know, or at least know where to look. (I've already checked the WP article, and unlike e.g. the LHR or CDG articles, the figures are not present)--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:20, 12 March 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}} You can most certainly connect in Bali to travel between Southeast Asia and Australia, and Garuda in fact used to leverage on that position to run a major hub in Bali. In fact, in the 1990s, if you booked a package tour to Australia from Singapore, it would almost always be on Garuda with a plane change in Bali unless you were willing to pay a steep premium to fly Qantas or Singapore Airlines. It does appear from the Wikipedia page that Garuda has scaled down their hub quite a bit since the 1990s; there's no longer flights to Brisbane from Bali for instance. But still, I could see someone from say, Beijing or Shanghai connecting through Bali on Garuda to get to Perth. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:39, 15 March 2021 (UTC) :Hello everyone, I recently visited Bali in 2019. Though I couldn't say much about the airport itself other than the scale of the airport getting bigger, almost entirely a hub, much like the biggest one in Tangerang, Soekarno-Hatta. There are still flights transiting in Bali for flight to/from Australia or New Zealand. There are some flights from Middle Eastern carriers but only once to twice a week. But domestic flights from Ngurah Rai are plenty, so if it's wise to create a separate page for it, I hope some Balinese wikivoyagers can add more information later. What do you think?[[User:Ibhi19|ibhi19]] ([[User talk:Ibhi19|talk]]) 11:30, 18 March 2021 (UTC) == Guidelines as to when an airport deserves an article == I was poking around to see if we had any hard numbers for when an airport should have an article, and unsurprised to see the conversation at the top of this page could be summarized as "even if we do, we shouldn't go by hard numbers". Still -- are there any reasonably solid guidelines we can use when we're trying to make a call for borderline cases? [[Adelaide#By plane]] looks...not ''imbalanced'', to me, but I can both see room to expand it and that expanding it ''would'' make the section imbalanced, and I think I could write an article passing "the Wait/Drink/Eat test" described above -- if a short one. That said, it's a smaller city (the fifth largest in the country, but a country with a very bimodal population distribution) and the aiport isn't huge. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 10:59, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :How much do you think you could add? If you're talking about a couple of listings in each section, that doesn't seem worthwhile because it'll be easy for anyone to see them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:03, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::With exceptions such as [[KEF]] (whose article was created during a period of sustained double digit growth) I think there is a de facto "line" somewhere around 20-30 million pax p.a. (pre-plague, obviously) above which airports are likely to get articles and below which they are unlikely to. But that is an emerging feature, not a deliberate one. And certainly there issues of the geographic bias of our editor-base and certain "fudge factors" that may or may not apply in each individual case. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:29, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::I think I should create an article about the Kempegowda Airport in [[Bangalore]] which had exceeded the 20-30 million pax line in 2016–2019. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]]) 05:39, 16 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Do you know about how many transit passengers it gets? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 16 March 2021 (UTC) :::::Per the infobox on WP it is "hub for" five different airlines, so I could see it seeing a lot of connecting pax. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:34, 16 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::Yeah. And of course Bangalore is a major city. So it looks like it's a go to start the article, [[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 17 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::The section on the airport in [[Bangalore#Get in]] is not very long, though. [[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]], will you be adding lots of listings for shops, restaurants, bars and lounges at the airport in your proposed article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:53, 17 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Yes. I shall use OSM for that. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974 (he)]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Soumya-8974|contribs]]) 11:59, 28 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::I have created a draft at here: [[Draft:Kempegowda International Airport]]. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974 (he)]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Soumya-8974|contribs]]) 12:53, 28 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::::{{re|Vaticidalprophet}} Sorry for coming to this discussion late, but to answer your question, I have lived in Adelaide before, and Adelaide airport is fairly straightforward to get around, and only has a small number of international flights. It is indeed a domestic hub for Qantas, but Qantas does not operate any international flights out of it; the flight to Singapore got cancelled when they shifted the refuelling stop for their Sydney-London flights from Singapore to Dubai. So as of now, I will say Adelaide airport does not merit an article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:49, 8 April 2021 (UTC) == A pattern of edits by [[User:Flightnavigator]] == {{swept}} Just look at a handful of the edits this user has made to the Get In#By plane sections of several city articles. What are we to make of those? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:32, 21 May 2021 (UTC) : I suppose they are good faith edits. The former format may have been better, but his arguments are not nonsense. Thanks for not edit warring. I suppose this is something that could be discussed at the airport expedition, with a link from here and from his user talk. : Implementing a batch of improvements in several articles is not too unusual at wikies, and it is sometimes hard to know what changes should be discussed first. These obviously should have been, when he realised he wants to change the format. Try to see what he has been doing and why, and try whether the improvements could be implemented without throwing out the child with the bathwater. Then tell why that is a better path than his version. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:22, 21 May 2021 (UTC) ::Oh just to be clear, I do not think they are bad faith... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:41, 21 May 2021 (UTC) :I like it ([https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Prague&diff=4209845&oldid=4165753&diffmode=source example]). I assume that any decent flight website would provide similar information about nearby airports, but this contributor also sometimes specifies that there are intercity bus routes, which I wouldn't expect to find at a travel booking website. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:49, 21 May 2021 (UTC) :: I don't like his standard wording. If there are few flights to the airport or other options otherwise are the main ones, describe that situation before the list of alternatives. If the local airport gets decent traffic, then tell about the alternatives afterwards. :: I also saw some cases where the Get in did not tell how to get in from those other airports, completing the vague "by rail, bus or ferry" in By plane. I think that when you suggest taking a plane to an alternative airport, you should check that the transport from there is described in some obvious place. Also, from an edit comment, I saw the list was ordered by how likely you are to find a good connection. That is not obvious for the reader, nor for other editors, who may change the order back to alphabetical. :: Then there were some other structure changes, such as removing airport subheadings, that I found less than ideal, and sometimes the text wasn't coherent after the change. :: All these things could be standardised to some degree, probably at [[Wikivoyage:Airport Expedition]]. :: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:45, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ::: I think [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] did his best, but these are things that develop by time, as editors tweak the structure and wordings, and finally end up with a good standard. Thus they should probably not be done in big scale at once, but rather in one or a few places, asking other contributors to take a look and make improvements. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:47, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ::::Yeah, we shouldn't bust Flightnavigators' chops, but up till now, the standard has been to mention the most important local airports first, then mention alternatives lower down. And that makes intuitive sense. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:59, 22 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Having all the description of the main airport(s) first and then the alternative airports? For me it makes more sense to mention the alternatives before the long descriptions of the main airport(s). Because when you want to visit a city, you first have a look in which airports you can enter. And the you inform yourself about the airport details and how to go from there to the city itself. [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] ([[User talk:Flightnavigator|talk]]) 15:28, 23 May 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see the merits of both approaches, but I agree with [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] that we should lead with the primary way of getting in, and then deal with secondary ways after. That is more intuitive to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:33, 23 May 2021 (UTC) == Lisbon Airport == I believe that [[w:Lisbon Airport]] meets the criteria for having an airport article. It served 31 million passengers in 2019. It's a European hub to South America (especially Brazil) and Africa. It's a hub for TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet. Does anybody have any opinions about creating an article for it? [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:44, 11 July 2021 (UTC) :Sounds reasonable. How much transfer traffic does it host and how complicated is it to use? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:48, 11 July 2021 (UTC) ::I can't find stats on that, but TAP Air Portugal is popular with travellers who don't mind connecting flights between North America and Europe to save a few bucks. I wouldn't call the airport "complicated", but it's not entirely straightforward. Terminal 1 is fairly large and amenity-full and susceptible to wrong turns (old gates vs newer concourse). Americans and other non-Europeans might get caught out by not expecting Schengen exit controls, whose lines are often long. Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers) is small and lacking in amenities, but requires an airport bus to reach (no parking, not walkable). [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 22:14, 11 July 2021 (UTC) :::I'd say go ahead, but let's wait a day or so to see if anyone objects. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 11 July 2021 (UTC) ::::TAP is an interesting option as they have transatlantic routes operated by narrowbody jets at often competitive prices. Unless you start/end your journey in Portugal, chances are you'll connect for those... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:45, 12 July 2021 (UTC) :::::I've gone ahead created [[Lisbon Airport]]. This is my first time building an airport (article) from scratch, so I would appreciate any help. [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 01:31, 14 July 2021 (UTC) ::::::Since it has two terminals, probably focusing more on T1 would be better here, since it serves most of the world here. (iirc). [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small> 01:39, 14 July 2021 (UTC) == Düsseldorf Airport == I'm surprised there's no article about this huge international airport which subjectively to me, at least, is about the same size as Frankfurt's. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:57, 12 September 2021 (UTC) == Future targets == How much of this list really should get their own article? Here's the list: These airports have been considered worthy of their own articles, but do not yet have an independent article. If you start an article for one of these articles, please move it to the 'works in progress' section above, merge it with any existing pages/redirects and add the infobox below to the new article's talk page. If you wish to add another article for creation through this expedition, please discuss it on this page's discussion area first. * [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]] * [[Bole International Airport]] * [[Cairo International Airport]] * [[Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]] * [[Brussels Airport]] * [[Warsaw Chopin Airport]] * [[Calgary International Airport]] * [[Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport]] * [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]] Some comments: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport seemed to have upwards of 9 million passengers in 2019, per [[w:Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]]. Should it get an article? That's not a huge number, but how complicated is the airport and would there be a lot of listings? "In 2019, YYC Calgary International Airport was again the fourth-busiest airport in Canada in terms of the total number of passengers served, which was almost 18 million. This being another record year in passenger volume, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 by 3.54%," per [[w:Calgary International Airport]], and also "serves as the headquarters for WestJet and is a hub for Air Canada," so looks like a good candidate if it's complicated enough and could have enough listings for amenities. Let's discuss the rest. Wikipedia is usually a decent, though not necessarily quite up-to-date, source of figures. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:00, 19 May 2022 (UTC) :So far we only have one airport article for all of Africa, which is [[O.R. Tambo International Airport]], which makes sense given that it is he busiest airport in all of Africa. I was just thinking of how we could expand our Africa coverage since admittedly, it is quite poor at the moment, and Cairo International Airport would probably be a good candidate for a second African airport article, given the large number of flights to Europe and the rest of North Africa. Ethiopia Airlines and Kenya Airways are Africa's two other major airlines after South African Airways, so I was just wondering if their hubs should get articles, since there's a good chance you would need to connect through Addis Ababa or Nairobi to get to other parts of Africa. :As for Calgary, I haven't been there so I can't comment on the complexity, but I find it hard to justify Calgary Airport getting its own article before Montreal. Montreal Airport is in the grey area where it could potentially get its own article, but it might also be fine to just cover it in the city article. I've only used to U.S. departures/arrivals facility at Montreal, but I will say that it's not particularly complicated to navigate, but it does get many flights from Europe, and a handful of flights from China and Japan, so it is certainly conceivable that a traveller from Asia would connect through Montreal to get to the Maritimes. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:37, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Speaking of which, someone has created the airport article for [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]], but it doesn't seem to have much information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:04, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ==Metropolitan airport, train and bus station articles== For a site dedicated to the traveler, it would be beneficial to have a less restictive policy on the inclusion of major transportation infrastructure (airports, train stations, bus station) serving metropolitan areas. A commercial airport that serves a metropolitan area and is the primary arrival point of arrival by air to that metropolitan area deserves an article but won't find them here. Articles exist on the largest of airports currently. But information on mid-sized airports is just as important and maybe even more important, given that information on them is less widely available. By including these, the site's value would be expanded in accordance with its mission. I just went through this, having created an article on [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]], the primary commercial airport serving a metropolitan region of almost a million people and used by tens of thousands of travelers annually. That article appears headed for deletion, but it's a good example of an article that adds value and site visitors will seek. Transportation infrastructure--airports, train stations, bus stations, etc.--are the details travelers seek first. An airport, train station, or bus station that is the primary means for arriving in a metropolitan area warrants an article; right now, those articles exist only for the very largest of cities. A final point: In the absence of encouraging such articles, the detailed information that needs to be included on one or more city pages becomes overwhelming to the page and repetitive. I'd like to see this considered as a policy change, and I'm not proposing that it be changed excessively. Airports that are primarily used by private aircraft don't warrant articles. Airports serving areas that cannot be considered metropolitan regions don't deserve articles. But an airport, train station, or bus station serving a city of, say, more than 100,000 people warrants an article and would make this site of greater value to travelers who turn to this site for travel-related information. [[User:Keystone18|Keystone18]] ([[User talk:Keystone18|talk]]) 20:01, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :We're talking about [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Lehigh_Valley_International_Airport&type=revision&diff=4485974&oldid=4484203 this stub article]. That content wouldn't overwhelm anything. It will be contained in a listing at [[Allentown#Get in]] very easily. So the rest of your arguments fall down. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:34, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::I'd say no because we can easily cover the information for minor airports on a city page. And if there are nearby cities in the same metropolitan area, we can always link to the city article where we put the information about the airport. We have articles on major airports mainly because they can be complicated to navigate, and putting all the information about them into a city article could overwhelm the article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: I'd say the case is stronger for airports primarily used for private aircraft. The information directed at a pilot needs to be detailed while useless for other travellers, so using a separate page makes sense – given there are enough enthusiasts among us to keep those articles more or less reliably up to date. I don't think that's the case at the moment. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:58, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Agree with The dog2 and LPfi. I could see the merit if it was a small airport commonly used for connections, but such airports are rare to find. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::I tend to think that keeping all the essential information about an airport in the most logical place (the city or region the reader is visiting) is better for the traveller in most cases. A dedicated article for a smaller airport would probably attract irrelevant Wikipedia-style edits in an attempt to justify their existence as anything other than a stub. That would then clutter and hide the travel information.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:20, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::I agree with Ikan Kekek, The dog2, LPfi and TT. I think it would be better to improve the airport information in city articles, instead of splitting it out into separate articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) mcv8541t9u42fsm2r7n3khreg2qfw5n 4488161 4487784 2022-07-22T09:20:41Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Future targets */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|[[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition/Archive 2013-2018]]}} == Planning for huge airport articles == {{swept}} As I understand it, if there are 100 flights every day at an airport, it can have its own article. So, why doesn't Salt Lake City's airport have an article? According to the article for [[Salt Lake City]], there are more than 120 flights a day at the airport (for one airline, imagine what the total number must be). If it wasn't already clear, I propose we create an article for the airport at Salt Lake, but I would probably need help from others. I'm not sure about [[San Jose (California)|SJC]], but I expect it's pretty high, as it seems from the [[w:San Jose International Airport|wikipedia article]]. Over the years, I would think the number of airport with at least 100 flights a day has increased dramatically, and this may not show in our Wikivoyage articles. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 18:56, 3 January 2019 (UTC) : It is not about number of flight but about what there is to say about the airport. If the airport is a major hub with many services catering for passenger such as restaurants, shops, entertainment and hotels then it can have its own article. However even in those cases you should start by expanding the information about the airport on the city page. When the amount of information start to dominate and get out of hand there, then move to its own article. Do not create an article that is almost empty just because it could or should deserve its own article. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:10, 3 January 2019 (UTC) ::That's what I mean about needing help. I fear that, by myself, the articles will not have the information I think they should have. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 19:55, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :::I think Traveler100 is right: you're putting the cart before the horse. When there is enough info on an airport in a city article to warrant splitting it out, then create an airport article. Don't create an airport article just because it ''could'' qualify. I'm not discouraging you from creating new content, I'm just saying that Salt Lake City and San Jose airports don't ''need'' their own articles yet. As for me, I'd rather spend time creating content for and cleaning up ''destination'' articles, than creating new airport articles, but you're free to work on whatever you want to work on. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) :::: Ditto from me as well. :::: I was going to ask where "100 flights per day" came from, but then I found it on [[wv:wiaa|What is an article]]. In any case, that's a poor metric. 100 flights per day is a very small number. Just picking an arbitrary example, [[Indianapolis]]'s airport sees more than 300 commercial flights per day, but it's certainly not significant or complex enough to merit its own article. :::: [[WV:Airport Expedition]] has another set of criteria, and taken in conjunction I would hope that the underlying intention is clear: it's not about the number of flights or the physical size or any such measurable numbers, it's about how "difficult" is the airport for travellers. Airports by design tend to be laid out similarly and are usually easy to navigate. If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all. The airports we create articles for are the exceptions: they're so huge that their layouts require explanation rather than letting travellers just read the signs, and/or they're places where travellers are likely to spend a few hours or more and will want to know which of the ''hundreds'' of restaurants are good or where they can sleep. :::: Having done some editing on it recently, I would actually say that [[Orlando International Airport]] is an example of an airport that maybe ''doesn't'' need to be an article. It's not a hub, the layout looks fairly simple, and there's a paltry selection of restaurants, almost all of which are chains, and few that are good enough to recommend. The most useful information there is ground transportation, but that could be folded back into the city article if necessary. :::: So don't go crazy creating new airport articles just yet. Try working on one of the outline-status articles first like [[Miami International Airport]] or [[Newark Liberty International Airport]]. Having worked on a couple myself, it's hard to research anything inside an airport, and even harder to come up with good recommendations for Buy/Eat/Drink. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 20:15, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :::::I would think that text about "100 flights" is from 2004, when perhaps that was a lot. Perhaps that text in [[WV:What is an article?]] should be changed? <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 20:42, 3 January 2019 (UTC) ::::::100 flights is a simple objective minimum (defined in 2013). In some cases finding the number of flights means counting them on a list of departures, and I don't fancy counting 250 or 500 on a list when discussing an article. I think that it is useful to have articles for international transit airports, and I am not sure what limit would start to limit these (which includes isolated islands where all flights are international). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:24, 3 January 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}Okay, but still, I think [[WV:What is an article]] should be changed at least a little in some way to reflect that the number of flights is not considered a standard for what is a large airport and what is not. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 21:38, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :: London Stansted is a good example of earlier arguments. It's well over the 100 flights threshold, it's not particularly huge, but it merits detail that would unbalance a simple "get in" listing. Although it's badged "London" it's some way out, forming a little township in its own right. (The residents of historic Stansted are understandably peeved at this.) There are various little quirks and crafty wrinkles that the traveller might appreciate knowing. By contrast London Luton is almost as busy but is sufficiently described under "Luton". [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 10:19, 4 January 2019 (UTC) ::: Another good example is [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]] which is currently a redirect to a section of a city article. There's a fair bit of text in the city article, but I (who wrote much of that text) do not think it needs its own article yet mainly because there's not a lot to say. ::: It might need an article soon; they've just opened a new terminal and are adding a second runway. [[w:Mactan–Cebu International Airport]] says over 10 million passengers and over 86,000 flights (237/day on average) in 2017. My guess is it a good example of a borderline case; once someone adds text about the new terminal it might be worth moving it out. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:04, 4 January 2019 (UTC) :::: I don't know if I agree about [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]]. A lot of the length in that description comes from a laundry list of all the airlines and destinations, which I feel is something that does ''not'' belong in WV most of the time (not for a large hub airport like this). It's fine in WP where such encyclopedic knowledge is appropriate, and where there are more editors to keep such lists up to date. In WV, such a list is of minimal use to travelers. For offline reading, I can't imagine what use such information would be. Online, they can easily find the same information elsewhere if they need it, and many times they'll probably discover it themselves while searching for airfares. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:36, 4 January 2019 (UTC) :::::I was of the opinion there was a soft floor of roughly 20 million pax/p.a. or a damn good reason otherways... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:57, 4 January 2019 (UTC) == Canadian Airports == I notice that the only Canadian airport with an article is [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]]. I think at the very least, the airport in [[Vancouver]] should get its own article since it is one of the main North American gateways to East Asia, and arguably [[Montreal]]'s airport is also significant enough to warrant its own article. Unfortunately, I've never been to Vancouver, while I've only been to Montreal once, so I'll most certainly need help if we go ahead with this. What do you guys think about listing these two under "Future Targets"? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:08, 15 May 2019 (UTC) : Good question. I've always thought Vancouver's airport is a borderline case. It's a gateway to East Asia as you say and it has good passenger volumes (25 mn last year (2018)). On the other hand, it's a pretty straightforward airport to navigate, there are only two terminals (excluding the South terminal, which very few people are going to use), one hotel on site, fairly typical airport shops and an average number of restaurants (which are mostly fast food). I also live in Vancouver, so the airport is just an in and out for me. I don't think I can add more that what's already in [[Vancouver#Get in]]. If someone has experience using it to connect/stay overnight, it would be good to get that perspective. : For Montreal, I've transited through it twice on connecting flights. My impression from those brief visits is it's a larger and more complicated airport to navigate than Vancouver. I was also looking for specific (in my mind) Montreal specialties of Montreal smoked meat and French croissants. From my experience, I think Montreal's airport would need an article more than Vancouver, but as I said above, Vancouver's airport is an in and out for me so that colours my perspective. -[[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] ([[User talk:Shaundd|talk]]) 16:52, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::I can write a little when it comes to Montreal, but I've only been through the U.S. departures wing. Someone else will have to fill in for the domestic and international wings. And as far as statistics go, Vancouver is Canada's second busiest airport after Toronto, so it definitely has a higher passenger volume than Montreal even though Montreal may be a bigger city. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:12, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::: Okay, but remember: size and importance are not absolute criteria for whether an airport merits an article. If an airport is easy to navigate, and doesn't have many noteworthy restaurants or stores, then what else would there be to write about? I don't know anything about Vancouver to decide that, but want to make sure it's not forgotten after I spent some time editing [[Orlando International Airport]] and realized it possibly doesn't merit an article, either. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:39, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't know about the shops and restaurants at Vancouver since I've never been there. As for Montreal, there are several cafes and a duty free shop airside in the U.S. departures section, but no luxury brands like what you get in London Heathrow, Hong Kong or Tokyo Haneda international terminal. I guess I'm not the best person to judge but the only airport I've ever gotten lost in is Dubai (considering I've flown out of many major airports like JFK, Heathrow, Hong Kong, both of Tokyo's airports and Survarnabhumi), and that is because the signage to connecting flights in the arrival concourse is bad, and the staff were very unhelpful. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:28, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::::: {{Yo|The dog2}} Montreal has/had(?) two airports (I think there is a long convoluted political story behind it). As far as [[w:Vancouver International Airport|Vancouver International Airport]], it has a nice aquarium [[File:Aquarium at YVR.jpg|thumb]]. Just hoping to revive this interesting discussion. [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 16:49, 30 October 2020 (UTC) {{re|Ottawahitech}} That said, this is a travel guide, and given that Montreal-Mirabel Airport does not serve commercial passenger flights, an article for that airport is not appropriate. If you have enough information and want to create articles for Dorval and Vancovuer International Airport, go ahead. I've only flown out of the US departures section of Dorval, so that's the only part I can contribute to, while I've never been to Vancouver. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:44, 30 October 2020 (UTC) :How do people feel about Vancouver Airport now? There has been an edit war about whether to keep most of the details of how to get from there to Vancouver in the Vancouver article or to move them (improperly, in my opinion) to the parent region article, and moving them to an airport article would solve that problem. However, the section on the airport at [[Vancouver#Get in]] is hardly overwhelming. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:08, 10 March 2021 (UTC) ::I've never been to Vancouver so I won't be able to contribute much, but given that it's the main hub for flights from Canada to East Asia, and Canada's second busiest airport after Toronto, I don't see why we shouldn't have an article for it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:13, 10 March 2021 (UTC) :::Looks like Vancouver finally got is airport article. The only other Canadian airport that could potentially merit an article now is Montreal, though in my experience, it was quite easy to navigate, at least for the U.S. departures section. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:33, 7 April 2021 (UTC) == Duplicate maps in airport articles == {{swept}} Are duplicate maps allowed in airport articles? See: * [[San Francisco International Airport#Ground transportation|San Francisco International Airport]] * [[Frankfurt Airport#Get around|Frankfurt Airport]] * [[Los Angeles International Airport]] * [[Tokyo Narita Airport]] * [[Washington Dulles International Airport]] * [[Munich Airport]] * [[O'Hare International Airport#Ground transportation|O'Hare International Airport]] * [[Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport]] &mdash; {{done}} dynamic map removed * [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport]] * [[Newark Liberty International Airport#Ground transportation|Newark Liberty International Airport]] <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:40, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :When both are potentially useful to the traveler, then why wouldn't we? For example, the Munich article seems to have a dynamic map of the current airport and a static drawing of future expansion plans. But in the DFW article, they feel a bit more redundant. :Dulles doesn't seem to have two maps. The second one seems to just be a photo of a sign at the airport. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:30, 30 June 2019 (UTC) ::Yeah, in the DFW article the dynamic map doesn't seem to add much. I'd say evaluate it on a case-by-case basis, with the recognition that double maps are more often useful in airport articles than in most types of articles, due to the value of an airport map with clearly outlined and labeled terminals (harder to achieve with a dynamic map). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:31, 30 June 2019 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing}} Yes, you're right, that's a photo, which I count as a map; you don't have to count it that way. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:02, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ::::Granger, I think you're right about the value of a simple map. An airport map could emphasize how to get there (highways, bus stations, parking lots, etc.), which general part of the airport you want to be in (Terminal A is over there), or how to get around once you're inside (trains between terminals, location of restaurants, etc.). Two or three maps that each do just one of those things well would often be better for the harried traveler than a single map that tries to be all things to all people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:19, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ===Nominations for the removal of dynamic maps=== I have listed here the articles which have dynamic maps that serve little or no purpose and, in my opinion, could be removed. Please feel free to support or oppose below. * [[San Francisco International Airport]] {{done}} removed * [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] {{done}} removed <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:43, 1 July 2019 (UTC) :Sure, that makes sense. If they do become useful down the road (for instance to display POI markers), we can always add them back. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:46, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ::I'd plunge forward and just remove them. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 22:37, 1 July 2019 (UTC) :::{{done}} <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:26, 2 July 2019 (UTC) == Airports closed due to conflict == Looking for opinions on the best way to handle airports currently closed due to conflict? This is particularly relevant for airports in [[Syria]] and [[Libya]] but there are a few others around the world. Should listings and references be: # kept with text stating currently not operational. # deleted from city, region and country pages. # commented out from city, region and country pages so can be added back later. Although some will be closed for some time to come, airport do eventually come back in to operation, for example recently Jaffna ({{IATA|JAF}}). --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 10:10, 20 October 2019 (UTC) : I would generally prefer 1, for the nearest city page, but it can commented out elsewhere. It is useful to the traveller to know that the airport has closed, as there will be information about the airport elsewhere. Even if the airport has stopped having commercial flights it may still be used by relief agencies, or for evacuation flights. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:43, 20 October 2019 (UTC) == IATA code == Well it took a couple of years but all airports referenced using {{tl|IATA}} code now have a link to them ([[:Category:Airport listing|2279]] at time if writing this). --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 12:15, 2 November 2019 (UTC) ==Airport hotels, O'Hare, and policy== ''Discussion copied from [[Talk:O'Hare International Airport#Hotel listings]]:'' Nice list, but all listings for hotels outside of the airport must be deleted, or, better, moved to appropriate local guides. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC) :I have done so. It seems like a shame—airport hotels are probably a lot more useful all in one list than scattered through guides to boring suburbs that no one reads (I'm exaggerating a bit). Especially if reading the guide on mobile or even worse if printed out. But I think this is unavoidable, given the no gaps/no overlap part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographical hierarchy]]. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 06:50, 17 July 2013 (UTC) ::Yeah, it is less than an ideal solution, but no matter which approach we take, it will be some kind of compromise. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:04, 17 July 2013 (UTC) :::This is really disappointing to see, and though I know that everyone involved has good intentions, this is a clear case of a policy being prioritized over the traveler (who's supposed to come first, after all). As anyone with experience there knows, O'Hare is an eco-system unto itself, connected to Chicago by a long, thin strip (due to old land-grab issues). Probably half (or more) of the city's hotel room capacity is around O'Hare, in hotels with "Chicago O'Hare" in the name. Would anyone argue that a traveler is better served by having to open several unmapped, outline suburb articles to compare O'Hare hotels and rates...or by having the "O'Hare" hotels in the O'Hare article? If there's a "compromise" to be made, it's better to inconvenience a policy than a traveler. [[User:Gorilla Jones|Gorilla Jones]] ([[User talk:Gorilla Jones|talk]]) 00:56, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::I agree with that, it is not convenient to spread airport hotels over other articles. [[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 01:09, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::You guys may be right, but you need to propose a change of policy at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]], since your argument could be made just as well for several other airport articles ([[Frankfurt Airport]] comes to mind). Have a look at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition#Airport template]] for current policy and discussion. The basic difficulty, though, is whether to allow duplication of listings; if so, in what discrete situations; and at what distance from airports we would draw the line on listings, other than actually within the airport. I don't think we would do better adopting ad hoc, inconsistent policies on these questions, but if you think we would, please make the argument there. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:10, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::I think we're all in agreement that what makes most sense for travelers is to have a consolidated list on this article. The problem is in how to go about it. The reason we avoid duplicate listings (in general) is that it's too hard to keep them updated if they're in multiple articles. That would change if we had a listings database, though, and hopefully we will get that through Wikidata at some point. In the meantime, though, maybe we should just swallow our discomfort with duplicate listings in the case of airport articles? To Ikan Kekek's point about where to draw the line—in cases I'm familiar with, it's usually pretty obvious what is and what isn't an "airport hotel." I think we could leave that judgement to the discretion of our writers. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 06:42, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::I really think we really need to discuss this at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]], because when things were discussed there, it wasn't at all obvious. How many miles away from the airport do we draw the line, or should we include every hotel that has a shuttle from the airport? Also, I thought we disallowed duplicate listings in large part because double listings constitutes [[tout]]ing, much of the time. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:46, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ''Discussion above from [[Talk:O'Hare International Airport#Hotel listings]]'' ::::::::We don't allow duplicate listings ''within articles'' to prevent touting; we don't allow listings in more than one article because of no gap, no overlap. But these airport articles essentially exist outside the hierarchy, and it is not reasonable to ask readers to browse a bunch of bland suburban non-articles to find the listings. So I still think the biggest problem is keeping them updated across more than one article. As for what is an airport hotel? It's a hotel that wouldn't exist but for the airport. I'm much less concerned with that question, I guess, than others above—it seems easy. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 07:00, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::For people joining in, [http://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=O%27Hare_International_Airport&oldid=2339997#Sleep this was what the list looked like]. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 07:02, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::::I would demur on the idea that not allowing listings of the same hotel in more than one article is not an issue of [[tout]]ing. Many times, publicists have attempted to list the same hotel (restaurant, shop, etc.) in numerous articles. However, I get your main point, which is that airport articles are outside the geographic hierarchy. I'll be interested to see what others think, because I have doubts about that idea. Airports occupy discrete pieces of land. That said, the idea of listing "airport hotels" in Airport guides is reasonable - if we can agree on what an airport hotel is and is not. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:17, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::::I definitely prefer the idea of having airport hotels included in the airport articles. Really huge airports (the kind that would be worthy of an article) are their own little worlds, and the many hotels that surround them are part of that system feeding into that airport. I understand Ikan's concern about deciding what is and is not an airport hotel (we probably don't want any hotel that happens to have a shuttle to the airport listing themselves in the airport article), but I think Peter has hit on the best definition. I don't think we need anything more specific than that; airport hotels generally have little to advertise on ''except'' their proximity to the airport. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 08:05, 22 July 2013 (UTC) I don't have any guidance on distinguishing airport hotels from non-airport hotels either, but if we are going to put those hotels in the airport article, I would prefer to continue avoiding duplication, which we can do by putting a note (perhaps templated) in the suburb article, saying "''Additional airport hotels can be found in the article for XXX Airport.''". [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 11:28, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :On the face of it, I strongly agree with Texugo. If "airport hotels" outside of airports will be listed in articles about airports (and I have no objection to this, providing that we can come to a workable agreement on what hotels are and are not "airport hotels"), they shouldn't be listed in any other article. I think it's unnecessary to create an exemption from the "one listing, site-wide" policy, and policing duplications by touters and well-meaning non-touters could become another time-waster if we open the door to duplicate listings in some cases (especially if the criteria are not extremely clearly defined). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:12, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::I think it's great to have clearly defined and easily accessible policies, but they should never be absolute or applied without prioritising the traveller's interests, as Gorilla Jones points out. Earlier in this topic Peter suggested that our current policy is no "...duplicate listings ''within articles'' to prevent touting..." (which seems sensible) whereas you seem to be suggesting "one listing, site-wide" is our current policy. Where can I actually read our current policy, please? Obviously if and when the database for listings arrives, the update problem will cease, but in the meantime I would prefer to clarify that Peter's version of policy actually applies.--[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 12:33, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::Have a look at [[don't tout]], W. Frank: :::"Also note that businesses should be listed '''in only one article''' [emphasis supplied] for the town or district in which the business operates; if an article about the town has not yet been created, create it." <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User_talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ikan Kekek|contribs]]) </small> ::::I think Ikan Kekek's assertion is correct. It follows logically from the combination of our no gaps/no overlaps geographical breakdown and the fact that we don't allow city listings to be duplicated in region articles ([[:Template:Movetocity]]) and we don't allow district listings to be duplicated in main city articles ([[:Template:Movetodistrict]]. Given these other policies, there are no cases left where duplication between articles would be allowed. [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 12:44, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::If that's the case, then we need to create an exception '''clearly enunciated in the relevant policies''' for the clearly defined category of ''Airports that have their own articles'' (they have their own templates, eg: {{tl|guideairport}}). --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 12:55, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::That is precisely the notion Ikan and I are objecting to. It would be better not to create a loophole for hotel touts to get their hotel listed twice, and simply point the suburb article reader to the airport article for additional airport hotel listings. [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 13:06, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::<s>Better for whom?</s> ::::::::<s>The jetlagged and weary traveller with a small screen and a bad connection (and, unavoidably, the airport hotel that might unavoidably get listed in two different pages) or</s> ::::::::<s>editors that might not be able to explain quickly/adequately/convincingly that the double listing being removed is not an "Airport hotel"?</s> Sorry! I didn't read your argument carefully enough. I now see that your proposition is to '''list''' "Airport hotels" in the large and well written (almost by definition) Airport article and have the (probably already sparse and sad) suburban article's "Sleep" section (probably) just contain a pointer to the Airport article for hotel listings. That seems reasonable and I would support that. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 13:15, 22 July 2013 (UTC) I also think the no gap/no overlap policy has served the guides well, but listing airport hotels in suburbian semi-non-articles doesn't make any sense. These hotels exist only because of passengers transferring flights, so readers will expect them in the airport articles. I do agree that a hotel listing should then only be listed in the airport article to avoid duplication. [[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 13:32, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :Does anyone disagree that it's most helpful for the traveler to have airport hotels collected in one place (the airport article)? While my janitorial bent also makes me sensitive to anything that may benefit hotel chain owners, concerns for the traveler should come before concerns about marketers. It's not helpful for travelers to have hotels listed in destination guides other than the ones in which the listing is located, but that's not true in the case of airports. So ideally I think we have a listings database (so an update anywhere is an update everywhere), and we list them in the airport and the suburban semi-non-articles. :In any rate, the solution of keeping the listings in the airport article, and noting this in empty sleep sections of the semi-non-articles works for me as a second best option. Travelers really are just looking to scan one list for their preferred chain, not to crawl through articles like [[Elk Grove Village]] and [[Schiller Park]]—or even worse to print those all out? --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 18:05, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::Thinking about it, that solution is identical to how we've handled embassy/consulate listings. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 18:07, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::: I really think it makes sense to stick to the "listing in one article only" guideline. If a hotel exists primarily to serve the airport then list it in the airport article and not in the city article. If a city is adjacent to an airport with lots of hotels, than a note in the city article's "Sleep" section to check the airport article avoids the need for duplication. We've all seen dozens (if not hundreds) of hotel listings for properties that are "conveniently located near XYZ airport", despite often being as far as 20-30 miles away, and it doesn't make sense for editors or travelers if we open the door to having these show up in airport and city articles. Similarly, in some places the draw of the town is primarily the airport (I'm thinking of [[Keflavik]] in particular), and in such cases a "list hotels in both articles" policy would definitely lead to unnecessary duplication. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 18:21, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::I would propose to geographically divide up listings of airport hotels in airport guides, so that, for example, in the O'Hare guide, the hotel listings could be subdivided O'Hare, Elk Grove Village, Schiller Park, etc., with a note in the "Sleep" sections of Elk Grove Village, et al., directing readers to, for example "O'Hare International Airport#Elk Grove Village." I hope my suggestion is clear; do you all understand what I'm suggesting? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::I think we have a useful compromise emerging. A couple questions linger, though: 1) Should there be a separate article for an airport like Keflavík International Airport, when the destination is more or less synonymous with the airport, and the guide can/will cover everything an airport guide would? 2) I understand why Ikan Kekek's suggestion (so that hotel guests are directed to the right guide to find out about restaurants and mini-attractions by the hotel they ultimately choose), but there is a disadvantage to losing the price categories. In the address field of each listing, the town name should be listed, so couldn't we just link that to the appropriate destination guide? --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 19:27, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::Yes, that's one possibility. The other one is to have price categories within each geographical subdivision of the airport article's "Sleep" section. If the overall "Sleep" section is relatively short, it won't matter much how it's subdivided, but if it's longer, I think my proposed solution may work better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:53, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::I prefer Peter's suggestion, simply because price is more likely to be a deciding factor than which suburb surrounding the airport you stay in. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 01:48, 23 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::You're probably right about that, and if the list gets too long, secondary subdivisions by location can be made, but I realize that it probably does make more sense to subdivide by price. There is a procedural issue, though: This will be one case in which the name of the town would have to be included in every listing, which is a deviation from usual procedure. If we group everything first of all by location, that deviation doesn't have to take place, but it's hardly a make-or-break issue. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:53, 23 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::: (responding to Peter re: [[Keflavik]]) I think an airport article is primarily about the airport itself - flights, airport amenities, etc, while the town article is about the town, its restaurants, sights, activities, etc. In the case of a town like [[Keflavik]], two articles seems to make sense - the town article lists restaurants, hotels, etc in the town, the airport article (if one was created) talks about flights and the airport property. With respect to hotels, I would think that hotels that aren't either on the Keflavik airport property or immediately outside of the airport property would stay in the town article. ::::::::: Getting back to the point about where to draw the line, there are perhaps a dozen hotels within a half mile of LAX on Century Blvd that I would describe as clearly being airport hotels, and thus belonging in the [[LAX]] article rather than the [[El Segundo]] article, but I would think that anything further out than that is not obviously an "airport" hotel and would best be handled in the appropriate city article (with pointers from the airport article to those city articles). -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 03:08, 23 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::: When I built the original O'Hare list, I think my rule of thumb was that hotels had to be within a mile of the airport. (That may not be useful at other airports, of course.) In terms of touts, they zero in on the [[Chicago]] article, not the individual suburb articles &mdash; they know those hold no value. (Look at the 'Sleep' section in the abandoned Chicago article on WT and you'll see what I mean.) I'd also suggest that the hotel listings remain sorted by price. From the perspective of a traveler who's taken a shuttle from the airport to their hotel, there's little to distinguish Schiller Park from Elk Grove Village, et al. I've stayed at O'Hare hotels 4 times, I think, without knowing which suburb I was in. [[User:Gorilla Jones|Gorilla Jones]] ([[User talk:Gorilla Jones|talk]]) 03:13, 23 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::::What was ultimately decided on this topic? It seems to me, we ended up with only hotels that are actually within airports being listed in airport guides, and yet the consensus in this thread seemed to be leaning toward some clear distance (1 km/1/2 mile?) from an airport being appropriate to list in an airport guide. I'm OK with things remaining the way they are, but I have to wonder whether the lack of change was due to inertia and loss of initiative, rather than the lack of a consensus behind this change. Can we reopen this discussion, or is it best to let this slumbering dog lie? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:08, 2 October 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::I'd certainly like to see this discussion re-opened; it looked like we had a strong consensus forming here that was never followed up on. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 14:19, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::: Initially we agreed only hotel at the airport, however I think it should be extended to hotels that offer shuttle buses to and from the airport. Also allow duplication of these hotels in the city articles if one exists. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 14:56, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::"Hotels that offer shuttle buses" is an extremely large category in many cities. Probably dozens, as many as 15 miles away, even in a case like [[Rochester (New York)]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 16:05, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Like Powers says, the presence of a shuttle bus isn't really specific enough; there are cities with downtown hotels (that no one would consider "airport hotels") that offer shuttles to the airport. I still think the most useful definition of an airport hotel is the general one: a hotel that exists primarily to serve airport travelers. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 16:29, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::: Re: [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]], if I'm reading the discussion above correctly, the consensus would have been '''not''' to allow duplication. I'd be happy with some wording like "''Hotels that exist primarily to serve airport travelers that are located within the '''immediate vicinity''' of the airport may be included in either the airport article or a city article, but '''not both'''. When a city is home to hotels that are listed in an airport article then the "Sleep" section of the city article should include a pointer to the airport article.''" "Immediate vicinity" is obviously open to interpretation, but that should give us some leeway for cases like [[Antananarivo]] where the airport is 45 minutes outside of the city, and the closest "airport hotel" is several miles from the airport, vs. an airport like LAX where there are a dozen hotels located just outside of the airport, and thus it would be a stretch to describe a hotel located several miles away as an "airport hotel". -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 17:03, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::: I like that wording; it's specific enough to give a good sense of what we're looking for, but general enough to allow for leeway when needed. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 18:04, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::: So for example how should [[Frankfurt Airport]] be handled. I have deleted a couple of times the hotels that are in [[Frankfurt]]-Niederrad a couple of times from the airport page as they are in the city suburb not the airport and used not just by people going through the airport. But on the other hand the HI on the outskirts of [[Mörfelden]] really only there to serve the airport but is just as far away as hotels in [[Langen]], [Kelsterbach] and Raunheim which also cater mainly for the airport but also serve people visiting companies in those towns.--[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:00, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::: I'm not familiar with Frankfurt, but if you'd consider those communities far from the airport, then they probably wouldn't be considered within the ''immediate vicinity'', per Ryan's wording. If there's a lot of much closer options to the airport, might as well stick to those and leave the more far-flung options to the individual town articles. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 21:02, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ===Revived discussion=== [unindent] I've unarchived the above thread for further discussion, because the topic of whether or when to list accommodations outside of airports in airport articles just came up at [[Talk:Tokyo Haneda Airport]]. Did we ever fully resolve this question? Here's what's currently in [[Wikivoyage:Airport article template#Sleep]]: ''Where can you sleep/nap/rest inside the airport, including on chairs and benches. How comfortable will you be, and will you get in trouble if you stretch out or stay too long.'' ''Hotel options on or connected to the airport, and an overview of nearby neighborhoods offering hotel accommodation. If the airport is adjacent to a well-defined neighborhood and travellers can easily find hotels from that district article, link to it. However, airports are often not close to anything, and the airport article may be the best place to list a few hotels (ones whose defining feature is "being close to the airport").'' So it sounds like that means hotels shouldn't be listed in airport articles unless they're either in the airport or the airport is so far from anyplace of note that there are hotels that are there only because they're close to the airport. To me that would mean that a hotel (or in this case, hostel) that could be listed in a Tokyo district guide probably shouldn't be in the [[Tokyo Haneda Airport]] article, if we take the language in [[Wikivoyage:Airport article template#Sleep]] literally. However, if you read through the unarchived discussion above, there seemed to be a consensus to list hotels perhaps a kilometer or two from airports in urban areas that exist solely to serve people who want to be near the airport (and maybe several km further from airports far outside of cities that have nothing much around them but do have airport articles), although I believe most of the participants in the above discussion wouldn't support also listing such hotels in any other article. So what do you think? [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]], feel free to participate if you like. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:23, 19 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the guideline is clear and should be kept. Hotels on the airport ground should be in the airport article. Hotels in a neighbourhood covered by a city or district article should be in that article and a link to that page in the airport sleep section with details how to get there. There a a few borderline ones, the hostel in [[Tokyo/Ota]] is not one of them, where there are hotels outside the airport grounds but not near anywhere else and clearly part of the airport infrastructure that can be in the airport article. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:29, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :: Take a look at [[Frankfurt Airport#Sleep]], which I just updated. Te article section starts with text mentioning town articles in the area, some of which have hotels with airport shuttles. Then shows hotels in airport's ground. There are then a group of hotels in an area not in Fraport's grounds but in the built-up area around the airport and not connected directly to the city of Frankfort. Then there is a mention of hotel in Niederrad district of Frankfurt, as most of these are there because of the airport and have shuttles to it but are in the city limits proper. There is then a Nearby section mentioning cities a little further away that may be better places to stay if do not need to be right by the airport. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:54, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::: Specifically for Haneda airport, what I have used and should be mentioned are Limousine buses that run to hotels in the city. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 08:12, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::Thanks a lot for your participation and for the link, [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]]. I still don't really find the guideline that clear, but I'm happy to defer to you on [[Frankfurt Airport#Sleep]]. There are problematic gray areas, though, in other cases. For example, my girlfriend and I once stayed overnight at an America's Best Value motel in [[El Segundo]] several years ago because we wanted to be close to LAX and avoid the likelihood of ending up in horrible traffic if we had spent another night in Santa Barbara and tried driving down from there all the way to the airport. It was close enough to the airport for us to smell the exhaust from the airplanes when we were standing outside and planes were taking off or landing, but El Segundo is also a real neighborhood, and by driving a short distance for L.A., we went to a marvelous Middle Eastern restaurant, though that was actually in [[Hawthorne (California)]]. Since LAX is in L.A. and several neighborhoods are close to it but still require some form of ground transportation to get to, I wouldn't support adding any hotel listings to [[Los Angeles International Airport#Sleep]] unless there are hotels in the airport itself. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:09, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :::::If the hotels also serve another place where people actually visit, the hotels can definitely be put in that article (but with a link from the airport article's sleep section). If a hotel on the other hand is on the airport or otherwise nearby and only there because of the airport, I'd definitely put it in the airport article itself where readers would be looking for it. I would rather not create articles for random bedroom suburbs or villages with nothing of travel interest just to have somewhere to put the hotels. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:41, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::::In other words, it's a judgment call. The link from the airport article's sleep section in cases you're discussing should be to the article for the neighborhood or town in question, not to specific hotel listings. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:48, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :::::::Yes, from the airport's Sleep section to the Sleep sections of the articles for towns, districts etc. easily accessible from the airport [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:15, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::::::Right, that's the best way to do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:27, 19 January 2020 (UTC) == [[Cancun airport]] == Should Cancun airport have its own article? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:41, 27 August 2020 (UTC) : My initial reaction is '''no'''. True, it is a hub for MAYAir and a focus city for 3 other airlines, but although I can't find stats on how many connecting passengers it has, I'm not sure it qualifies as a major hub airport compared to other hubs around the world. : Lately I've been leaning towards the "Wait/Eat/Drink" test. If an airport doesn't have much to say in those sections, that's probably because it's not a hub airport where travellers spend a lot of time connecting between flights. Cancun Airport only appears to have [https://www.cancunairport.com/restaurant.html 24 restaurants] (an average of only 6-8 per terminal, depending on how much is in T1), and most of those are fast food or grab-'n'-go stations. It does have at least 6 lounges. [https://www.prioritypass.com/en/airport-guides/cancun-international] [https://www.loungebuddy.com/CUN] : I dunno, it seems '''borderline'''. [[Cancun#By plane]] is a bit long, although if the list of airlines at each terminal could be removed (I'm not a fan of including that if it isn't necessary, since that info is usually readily available as you make your way to the airport) that would shrink it by half a screenful. The article for [[Benito Juárez International Airport|Mexico's busiest airport]], like ''many'' of our airport articles, has a verbose description of flight and transportation options, but the Wait/Eat/Drink sections are almost empty. Cancun Airport has only half as many passengers (and nearly the same number of international passengers, which suggests that connecting domestic flights are not as numerous or significant) and less than half as many flights. : I think we may have gone overboard on creating some airport articles, at least while there are so few people contributing to them. The common logic is "keep it in the main article until it becomes unwieldy", and I think that's probably what should be done with Cancun for now. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 20:58, 27 August 2020 (UTC) == Ngurah Rai International Airport == There's an awful lot of information about how to get where from this airport and for how much (which probably needs updating) in [[Bali#Get in]]. Based on the guidelines at [[WV:Region article template#Get in]], I think that's incorrect. I also tend to think this airport has enough traffic in normal times to have its own article. In fact, the idea was broached in 2014; see [[Talk:Bali#Get in: By plane: The Airport]]. I'd much rather that the [[Kuta]] article refer readers to a new airport article for more information than to irregularly refer people to the article for the whole island for more specific information. Your thoughts? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:52, 10 March 2021 (UTC) :Sure, it's one of the main entry gateways to Indonesia. I remember as a kid, only the rich could afford to pay for nonstop flights from Singapore to Australia on Singapore Airlines or Qantas, and ordinary people headed to Australia would usually fly on Garuda and connect through their hub in Bali, which the route that most package tours took. I'm not sure whether or not it still functions in that role though. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:17, 10 March 2021 (UTC) ::I'd rather that someone who's actually used that airport relatively recently start the article, but if not, I'll move most of the content from the [[Bali]] article within a few days. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:04, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::I don't think the amount of information currently in [[Bali#By plane]] is really all that excessive; it looks about normal for a popular tourist area. The whole point of airport articles is for major hubs and transit airports where a significant number of people catch connecting flights. Airport articles are not for places that holidaymakers will spend a couple of hours in waiting for their flight home. So if DPS is an example of the former, it should have its own article; but if it's an example of the latter, it probably shouldn't.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:24, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Things have probably changed since I was in primary school, when I connected through Bali to get to Australia from Singapore. These days, Singaporeans have in general become more affluent than back then, so I've always flown nonstop to travel between Singapore and Australia as an adult, since Qantas' fares are now very much within reach of the average middle class Singaporean unlike back then. But back in the 1990s, Bali was a major hub for passengers travelling between Southeast Asia and Australia. I've not been to Bali since I was in primary school, so I can't contribute more content, I'm afraid. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:45, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::::[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]], I think that if there are listings that can be added for eateries and shops, there is plenty of material for an airport article, but what I think we ought not to do is leave the largest amount of information in a region guide and refer readers of the [[Kuta]] article, for example, to the region article for more information. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:43, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::I guess my point is that just because an article can be written, doesn't mean it should be. I don't doubt that you could fill up a Ngurah Rai article with listings, but if it's not the sort of airport passengers spend much time in, then those listings don't need to be on Wikivoyage. Again, it depends on whether Bali sees much transit traffic or not. ::::::The large mass of information you're concerned about on the Bali article is the mostly the stuff about getting to and from the airport from various places, right? That could (and probably should) be moved to the relevant city articles' Get in sections. Even if it were put in an airport article, it would still be a lot of irrelevant clutter, telling readers how to get to the place they want to go, and also how to get to a dozen other places they have no intention of visiting, at least not straight from the airport.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:42, 12 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::I thought information about how to get from an airport to nearby towns was relevant for airport articles. No? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:44, 12 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Absolutely, but it comes back to whether the article needs to exist at all. If it does - because it's a transit hub - then incorporating ground transportation and as much eat, drink, and sleep info as possible is great. But if it's not a transit hub, then [[Denpasar#Get in]] can adequately handle how to get to Denpasar from DPS, [[Candidasa#Get in]] can cover how to get to Candidasa from DPS, etc...--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:26, 12 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::::How would we figure out whether there are many transit passengers or not? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:14, 12 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::Good question. I was hoping someone would know, or at least know where to look. (I've already checked the WP article, and unlike e.g. the LHR or CDG articles, the figures are not present)--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:20, 12 March 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}} You can most certainly connect in Bali to travel between Southeast Asia and Australia, and Garuda in fact used to leverage on that position to run a major hub in Bali. In fact, in the 1990s, if you booked a package tour to Australia from Singapore, it would almost always be on Garuda with a plane change in Bali unless you were willing to pay a steep premium to fly Qantas or Singapore Airlines. It does appear from the Wikipedia page that Garuda has scaled down their hub quite a bit since the 1990s; there's no longer flights to Brisbane from Bali for instance. But still, I could see someone from say, Beijing or Shanghai connecting through Bali on Garuda to get to Perth. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:39, 15 March 2021 (UTC) :Hello everyone, I recently visited Bali in 2019. Though I couldn't say much about the airport itself other than the scale of the airport getting bigger, almost entirely a hub, much like the biggest one in Tangerang, Soekarno-Hatta. There are still flights transiting in Bali for flight to/from Australia or New Zealand. There are some flights from Middle Eastern carriers but only once to twice a week. But domestic flights from Ngurah Rai are plenty, so if it's wise to create a separate page for it, I hope some Balinese wikivoyagers can add more information later. What do you think?[[User:Ibhi19|ibhi19]] ([[User talk:Ibhi19|talk]]) 11:30, 18 March 2021 (UTC) == Guidelines as to when an airport deserves an article == I was poking around to see if we had any hard numbers for when an airport should have an article, and unsurprised to see the conversation at the top of this page could be summarized as "even if we do, we shouldn't go by hard numbers". Still -- are there any reasonably solid guidelines we can use when we're trying to make a call for borderline cases? [[Adelaide#By plane]] looks...not ''imbalanced'', to me, but I can both see room to expand it and that expanding it ''would'' make the section imbalanced, and I think I could write an article passing "the Wait/Drink/Eat test" described above -- if a short one. That said, it's a smaller city (the fifth largest in the country, but a country with a very bimodal population distribution) and the aiport isn't huge. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 10:59, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :How much do you think you could add? If you're talking about a couple of listings in each section, that doesn't seem worthwhile because it'll be easy for anyone to see them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:03, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::With exceptions such as [[KEF]] (whose article was created during a period of sustained double digit growth) I think there is a de facto "line" somewhere around 20-30 million pax p.a. (pre-plague, obviously) above which airports are likely to get articles and below which they are unlikely to. But that is an emerging feature, not a deliberate one. And certainly there issues of the geographic bias of our editor-base and certain "fudge factors" that may or may not apply in each individual case. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:29, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::I think I should create an article about the Kempegowda Airport in [[Bangalore]] which had exceeded the 20-30 million pax line in 2016–2019. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]]) 05:39, 16 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Do you know about how many transit passengers it gets? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 16 March 2021 (UTC) :::::Per the infobox on WP it is "hub for" five different airlines, so I could see it seeing a lot of connecting pax. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:34, 16 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::Yeah. And of course Bangalore is a major city. So it looks like it's a go to start the article, [[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 17 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::The section on the airport in [[Bangalore#Get in]] is not very long, though. [[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]], will you be adding lots of listings for shops, restaurants, bars and lounges at the airport in your proposed article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:53, 17 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Yes. I shall use OSM for that. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974 (he)]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Soumya-8974|contribs]]) 11:59, 28 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::I have created a draft at here: [[Draft:Kempegowda International Airport]]. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974 (he)]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Soumya-8974|contribs]]) 12:53, 28 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::::{{re|Vaticidalprophet}} Sorry for coming to this discussion late, but to answer your question, I have lived in Adelaide before, and Adelaide airport is fairly straightforward to get around, and only has a small number of international flights. It is indeed a domestic hub for Qantas, but Qantas does not operate any international flights out of it; the flight to Singapore got cancelled when they shifted the refuelling stop for their Sydney-London flights from Singapore to Dubai. So as of now, I will say Adelaide airport does not merit an article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:49, 8 April 2021 (UTC) == A pattern of edits by [[User:Flightnavigator]] == {{swept}} Just look at a handful of the edits this user has made to the Get In#By plane sections of several city articles. What are we to make of those? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:32, 21 May 2021 (UTC) : I suppose they are good faith edits. The former format may have been better, but his arguments are not nonsense. Thanks for not edit warring. I suppose this is something that could be discussed at the airport expedition, with a link from here and from his user talk. : Implementing a batch of improvements in several articles is not too unusual at wikies, and it is sometimes hard to know what changes should be discussed first. These obviously should have been, when he realised he wants to change the format. Try to see what he has been doing and why, and try whether the improvements could be implemented without throwing out the child with the bathwater. Then tell why that is a better path than his version. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:22, 21 May 2021 (UTC) ::Oh just to be clear, I do not think they are bad faith... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:41, 21 May 2021 (UTC) :I like it ([https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Prague&diff=4209845&oldid=4165753&diffmode=source example]). I assume that any decent flight website would provide similar information about nearby airports, but this contributor also sometimes specifies that there are intercity bus routes, which I wouldn't expect to find at a travel booking website. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:49, 21 May 2021 (UTC) :: I don't like his standard wording. If there are few flights to the airport or other options otherwise are the main ones, describe that situation before the list of alternatives. If the local airport gets decent traffic, then tell about the alternatives afterwards. :: I also saw some cases where the Get in did not tell how to get in from those other airports, completing the vague "by rail, bus or ferry" in By plane. I think that when you suggest taking a plane to an alternative airport, you should check that the transport from there is described in some obvious place. Also, from an edit comment, I saw the list was ordered by how likely you are to find a good connection. That is not obvious for the reader, nor for other editors, who may change the order back to alphabetical. :: Then there were some other structure changes, such as removing airport subheadings, that I found less than ideal, and sometimes the text wasn't coherent after the change. :: All these things could be standardised to some degree, probably at [[Wikivoyage:Airport Expedition]]. :: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:45, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ::: I think [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] did his best, but these are things that develop by time, as editors tweak the structure and wordings, and finally end up with a good standard. Thus they should probably not be done in big scale at once, but rather in one or a few places, asking other contributors to take a look and make improvements. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:47, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ::::Yeah, we shouldn't bust Flightnavigators' chops, but up till now, the standard has been to mention the most important local airports first, then mention alternatives lower down. And that makes intuitive sense. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:59, 22 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Having all the description of the main airport(s) first and then the alternative airports? For me it makes more sense to mention the alternatives before the long descriptions of the main airport(s). Because when you want to visit a city, you first have a look in which airports you can enter. And the you inform yourself about the airport details and how to go from there to the city itself. [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] ([[User talk:Flightnavigator|talk]]) 15:28, 23 May 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see the merits of both approaches, but I agree with [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] that we should lead with the primary way of getting in, and then deal with secondary ways after. That is more intuitive to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:33, 23 May 2021 (UTC) == Lisbon Airport == I believe that [[w:Lisbon Airport]] meets the criteria for having an airport article. It served 31 million passengers in 2019. It's a European hub to South America (especially Brazil) and Africa. It's a hub for TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet. Does anybody have any opinions about creating an article for it? [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:44, 11 July 2021 (UTC) :Sounds reasonable. How much transfer traffic does it host and how complicated is it to use? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:48, 11 July 2021 (UTC) ::I can't find stats on that, but TAP Air Portugal is popular with travellers who don't mind connecting flights between North America and Europe to save a few bucks. I wouldn't call the airport "complicated", but it's not entirely straightforward. Terminal 1 is fairly large and amenity-full and susceptible to wrong turns (old gates vs newer concourse). Americans and other non-Europeans might get caught out by not expecting Schengen exit controls, whose lines are often long. Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers) is small and lacking in amenities, but requires an airport bus to reach (no parking, not walkable). [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 22:14, 11 July 2021 (UTC) :::I'd say go ahead, but let's wait a day or so to see if anyone objects. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 11 July 2021 (UTC) ::::TAP is an interesting option as they have transatlantic routes operated by narrowbody jets at often competitive prices. Unless you start/end your journey in Portugal, chances are you'll connect for those... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:45, 12 July 2021 (UTC) :::::I've gone ahead created [[Lisbon Airport]]. This is my first time building an airport (article) from scratch, so I would appreciate any help. [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 01:31, 14 July 2021 (UTC) ::::::Since it has two terminals, probably focusing more on T1 would be better here, since it serves most of the world here. (iirc). [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small> 01:39, 14 July 2021 (UTC) == Düsseldorf Airport == I'm surprised there's no article about this huge international airport which subjectively to me, at least, is about the same size as Frankfurt's. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:57, 12 September 2021 (UTC) == Future targets == How much of this list really should get their own article? Here's the list: These airports have been considered worthy of their own articles, but do not yet have an independent article. If you start an article for one of these articles, please move it to the 'works in progress' section above, merge it with any existing pages/redirects and add the infobox below to the new article's talk page. If you wish to add another article for creation through this expedition, please discuss it on this page's discussion area first. * [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]] * [[Bole International Airport]] * [[Cairo International Airport]] * [[Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]] * [[Brussels Airport]] * [[Warsaw Chopin Airport]] * [[Calgary International Airport]] * [[Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport]] * [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]] Some comments: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport seemed to have upwards of 9 million passengers in 2019, per [[w:Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]]. Should it get an article? That's not a huge number, but how complicated is the airport and would there be a lot of listings? "In 2019, YYC Calgary International Airport was again the fourth-busiest airport in Canada in terms of the total number of passengers served, which was almost 18 million. This being another record year in passenger volume, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 by 3.54%," per [[w:Calgary International Airport]], and also "serves as the headquarters for WestJet and is a hub for Air Canada," so looks like a good candidate if it's complicated enough and could have enough listings for amenities. Let's discuss the rest. Wikipedia is usually a decent, though not necessarily quite up-to-date, source of figures. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:00, 19 May 2022 (UTC) :So far we only have one airport article for all of Africa, which is [[O.R. Tambo International Airport]], which makes sense given that it is he busiest airport in all of Africa. I was just thinking of how we could expand our Africa coverage since admittedly, it is quite poor at the moment, and Cairo International Airport would probably be a good candidate for a second African airport article, given the large number of flights to Europe and the rest of North Africa. Ethiopia Airlines and Kenya Airways are Africa's two other major airlines after South African Airways, so I was just wondering if their hubs should get articles, since there's a good chance you would need to connect through Addis Ababa or Nairobi to get to other parts of Africa. :As for Calgary, I haven't been there so I can't comment on the complexity, but I find it hard to justify Calgary Airport getting its own article before Montreal. Montreal Airport is in the grey area where it could potentially get its own article, but it might also be fine to just cover it in the city article. I've only used to U.S. departures/arrivals facility at Montreal, but I will say that it's not particularly complicated to navigate, but it does get many flights from Europe, and a handful of flights from China and Japan, so it is certainly conceivable that a traveller from Asia would connect through Montreal to get to the Maritimes. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:37, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Speaking of which, someone has created the airport article for [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]], but it doesn't seem to have much information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:04, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::It's been a while since I've had any occasion to be there, but I believe Charlotte's airport is pretty big, so there should be some scope for improvements. When I think of Africa, I think of Nigeria, the most populous country, but I think we found that their airports don't get all '''that''' much passenger traffic. I'd think about Lagos, though, in addition to Cairo. After that, I wonder whether there are big airports in other North African countries (Morocco, Algeria). But these are all thoughts off the top of my head. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:20, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ==Metropolitan airport, train and bus station articles== For a site dedicated to the traveler, it would be beneficial to have a less restictive policy on the inclusion of major transportation infrastructure (airports, train stations, bus station) serving metropolitan areas. A commercial airport that serves a metropolitan area and is the primary arrival point of arrival by air to that metropolitan area deserves an article but won't find them here. Articles exist on the largest of airports currently. But information on mid-sized airports is just as important and maybe even more important, given that information on them is less widely available. By including these, the site's value would be expanded in accordance with its mission. I just went through this, having created an article on [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]], the primary commercial airport serving a metropolitan region of almost a million people and used by tens of thousands of travelers annually. That article appears headed for deletion, but it's a good example of an article that adds value and site visitors will seek. Transportation infrastructure--airports, train stations, bus stations, etc.--are the details travelers seek first. An airport, train station, or bus station that is the primary means for arriving in a metropolitan area warrants an article; right now, those articles exist only for the very largest of cities. A final point: In the absence of encouraging such articles, the detailed information that needs to be included on one or more city pages becomes overwhelming to the page and repetitive. I'd like to see this considered as a policy change, and I'm not proposing that it be changed excessively. Airports that are primarily used by private aircraft don't warrant articles. Airports serving areas that cannot be considered metropolitan regions don't deserve articles. But an airport, train station, or bus station serving a city of, say, more than 100,000 people warrants an article and would make this site of greater value to travelers who turn to this site for travel-related information. [[User:Keystone18|Keystone18]] ([[User talk:Keystone18|talk]]) 20:01, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :We're talking about [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Lehigh_Valley_International_Airport&type=revision&diff=4485974&oldid=4484203 this stub article]. That content wouldn't overwhelm anything. It will be contained in a listing at [[Allentown#Get in]] very easily. So the rest of your arguments fall down. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:34, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::I'd say no because we can easily cover the information for minor airports on a city page. And if there are nearby cities in the same metropolitan area, we can always link to the city article where we put the information about the airport. We have articles on major airports mainly because they can be complicated to navigate, and putting all the information about them into a city article could overwhelm the article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: I'd say the case is stronger for airports primarily used for private aircraft. The information directed at a pilot needs to be detailed while useless for other travellers, so using a separate page makes sense – given there are enough enthusiasts among us to keep those articles more or less reliably up to date. I don't think that's the case at the moment. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:58, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Agree with The dog2 and LPfi. I could see the merit if it was a small airport commonly used for connections, but such airports are rare to find. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::I tend to think that keeping all the essential information about an airport in the most logical place (the city or region the reader is visiting) is better for the traveller in most cases. A dedicated article for a smaller airport would probably attract irrelevant Wikipedia-style edits in an attempt to justify their existence as anything other than a stub. That would then clutter and hide the travel information.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:20, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::I agree with Ikan Kekek, The dog2, LPfi and TT. I think it would be better to improve the airport information in city articles, instead of splitting it out into separate articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) t8kvh5tc0tkudy4vcxltfiuwm6pwp8q 4488185 4488161 2022-07-22T10:08:12Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Future targets */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki {{infobox|Archived discussions|[[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition/Archive 2013-2018]]}} == Planning for huge airport articles == {{swept}} As I understand it, if there are 100 flights every day at an airport, it can have its own article. So, why doesn't Salt Lake City's airport have an article? According to the article for [[Salt Lake City]], there are more than 120 flights a day at the airport (for one airline, imagine what the total number must be). If it wasn't already clear, I propose we create an article for the airport at Salt Lake, but I would probably need help from others. I'm not sure about [[San Jose (California)|SJC]], but I expect it's pretty high, as it seems from the [[w:San Jose International Airport|wikipedia article]]. Over the years, I would think the number of airport with at least 100 flights a day has increased dramatically, and this may not show in our Wikivoyage articles. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 18:56, 3 January 2019 (UTC) : It is not about number of flight but about what there is to say about the airport. If the airport is a major hub with many services catering for passenger such as restaurants, shops, entertainment and hotels then it can have its own article. However even in those cases you should start by expanding the information about the airport on the city page. When the amount of information start to dominate and get out of hand there, then move to its own article. Do not create an article that is almost empty just because it could or should deserve its own article. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:10, 3 January 2019 (UTC) ::That's what I mean about needing help. I fear that, by myself, the articles will not have the information I think they should have. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 19:55, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :::I think Traveler100 is right: you're putting the cart before the horse. When there is enough info on an airport in a city article to warrant splitting it out, then create an airport article. Don't create an airport article just because it ''could'' qualify. I'm not discouraging you from creating new content, I'm just saying that Salt Lake City and San Jose airports don't ''need'' their own articles yet. As for me, I'd rather spend time creating content for and cleaning up ''destination'' articles, than creating new airport articles, but you're free to work on whatever you want to work on. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) :::: Ditto from me as well. :::: I was going to ask where "100 flights per day" came from, but then I found it on [[wv:wiaa|What is an article]]. In any case, that's a poor metric. 100 flights per day is a very small number. Just picking an arbitrary example, [[Indianapolis]]'s airport sees more than 300 commercial flights per day, but it's certainly not significant or complex enough to merit its own article. :::: [[WV:Airport Expedition]] has another set of criteria, and taken in conjunction I would hope that the underlying intention is clear: it's not about the number of flights or the physical size or any such measurable numbers, it's about how "difficult" is the airport for travellers. Airports by design tend to be laid out similarly and are usually easy to navigate. If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all. The airports we create articles for are the exceptions: they're so huge that their layouts require explanation rather than letting travellers just read the signs, and/or they're places where travellers are likely to spend a few hours or more and will want to know which of the ''hundreds'' of restaurants are good or where they can sleep. :::: Having done some editing on it recently, I would actually say that [[Orlando International Airport]] is an example of an airport that maybe ''doesn't'' need to be an article. It's not a hub, the layout looks fairly simple, and there's a paltry selection of restaurants, almost all of which are chains, and few that are good enough to recommend. The most useful information there is ground transportation, but that could be folded back into the city article if necessary. :::: So don't go crazy creating new airport articles just yet. Try working on one of the outline-status articles first like [[Miami International Airport]] or [[Newark Liberty International Airport]]. Having worked on a couple myself, it's hard to research anything inside an airport, and even harder to come up with good recommendations for Buy/Eat/Drink. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 20:15, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :::::I would think that text about "100 flights" is from 2004, when perhaps that was a lot. Perhaps that text in [[WV:What is an article?]] should be changed? <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 20:42, 3 January 2019 (UTC) ::::::100 flights is a simple objective minimum (defined in 2013). In some cases finding the number of flights means counting them on a list of departures, and I don't fancy counting 250 or 500 on a list when discussing an article. I think that it is useful to have articles for international transit airports, and I am not sure what limit would start to limit these (which includes isolated islands where all flights are international). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:24, 3 January 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}}Okay, but still, I think [[WV:What is an article]] should be changed at least a little in some way to reflect that the number of flights is not considered a standard for what is a large airport and what is not. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 21:38, 3 January 2019 (UTC) :: London Stansted is a good example of earlier arguments. It's well over the 100 flights threshold, it's not particularly huge, but it merits detail that would unbalance a simple "get in" listing. Although it's badged "London" it's some way out, forming a little township in its own right. (The residents of historic Stansted are understandably peeved at this.) There are various little quirks and crafty wrinkles that the traveller might appreciate knowing. By contrast London Luton is almost as busy but is sufficiently described under "Luton". [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 10:19, 4 January 2019 (UTC) ::: Another good example is [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]] which is currently a redirect to a section of a city article. There's a fair bit of text in the city article, but I (who wrote much of that text) do not think it needs its own article yet mainly because there's not a lot to say. ::: It might need an article soon; they've just opened a new terminal and are adding a second runway. [[w:Mactan–Cebu International Airport]] says over 10 million passengers and over 86,000 flights (237/day on average) in 2017. My guess is it a good example of a borderline case; once someone adds text about the new terminal it might be worth moving it out. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:04, 4 January 2019 (UTC) :::: I don't know if I agree about [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]]. A lot of the length in that description comes from a laundry list of all the airlines and destinations, which I feel is something that does ''not'' belong in WV most of the time (not for a large hub airport like this). It's fine in WP where such encyclopedic knowledge is appropriate, and where there are more editors to keep such lists up to date. In WV, such a list is of minimal use to travelers. For offline reading, I can't imagine what use such information would be. Online, they can easily find the same information elsewhere if they need it, and many times they'll probably discover it themselves while searching for airfares. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:36, 4 January 2019 (UTC) :::::I was of the opinion there was a soft floor of roughly 20 million pax/p.a. or a damn good reason otherways... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 21:57, 4 January 2019 (UTC) == Canadian Airports == I notice that the only Canadian airport with an article is [[Toronto Pearson International Airport]]. I think at the very least, the airport in [[Vancouver]] should get its own article since it is one of the main North American gateways to East Asia, and arguably [[Montreal]]'s airport is also significant enough to warrant its own article. Unfortunately, I've never been to Vancouver, while I've only been to Montreal once, so I'll most certainly need help if we go ahead with this. What do you guys think about listing these two under "Future Targets"? [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 03:08, 15 May 2019 (UTC) : Good question. I've always thought Vancouver's airport is a borderline case. It's a gateway to East Asia as you say and it has good passenger volumes (25 mn last year (2018)). On the other hand, it's a pretty straightforward airport to navigate, there are only two terminals (excluding the South terminal, which very few people are going to use), one hotel on site, fairly typical airport shops and an average number of restaurants (which are mostly fast food). I also live in Vancouver, so the airport is just an in and out for me. I don't think I can add more that what's already in [[Vancouver#Get in]]. If someone has experience using it to connect/stay overnight, it would be good to get that perspective. : For Montreal, I've transited through it twice on connecting flights. My impression from those brief visits is it's a larger and more complicated airport to navigate than Vancouver. I was also looking for specific (in my mind) Montreal specialties of Montreal smoked meat and French croissants. From my experience, I think Montreal's airport would need an article more than Vancouver, but as I said above, Vancouver's airport is an in and out for me so that colours my perspective. -[[User:Shaundd|Shaundd]] ([[User talk:Shaundd|talk]]) 16:52, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::I can write a little when it comes to Montreal, but I've only been through the U.S. departures wing. Someone else will have to fill in for the domestic and international wings. And as far as statistics go, Vancouver is Canada's second busiest airport after Toronto, so it definitely has a higher passenger volume than Montreal even though Montreal may be a bigger city. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:12, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::: Okay, but remember: size and importance are not absolute criteria for whether an airport merits an article. If an airport is easy to navigate, and doesn't have many noteworthy restaurants or stores, then what else would there be to write about? I don't know anything about Vancouver to decide that, but want to make sure it's not forgotten after I spent some time editing [[Orlando International Airport]] and realized it possibly doesn't merit an article, either. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 17:39, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I wouldn't know about the shops and restaurants at Vancouver since I've never been there. As for Montreal, there are several cafes and a duty free shop airside in the U.S. departures section, but no luxury brands like what you get in London Heathrow, Hong Kong or Tokyo Haneda international terminal. I guess I'm not the best person to judge but the only airport I've ever gotten lost in is Dubai (considering I've flown out of many major airports like JFK, Heathrow, Hong Kong, both of Tokyo's airports and Survarnabhumi), and that is because the signage to connecting flights in the arrival concourse is bad, and the staff were very unhelpful. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:28, 15 May 2019 (UTC) ::::: {{Yo|The dog2}} Montreal has/had(?) two airports (I think there is a long convoluted political story behind it). As far as [[w:Vancouver International Airport|Vancouver International Airport]], it has a nice aquarium [[File:Aquarium at YVR.jpg|thumb]]. Just hoping to revive this interesting discussion. [[User:Ottawahitech|Ottawahitech]] ([[User talk:Ottawahitech|talk]]) 16:49, 30 October 2020 (UTC) {{re|Ottawahitech}} That said, this is a travel guide, and given that Montreal-Mirabel Airport does not serve commercial passenger flights, an article for that airport is not appropriate. If you have enough information and want to create articles for Dorval and Vancovuer International Airport, go ahead. I've only flown out of the US departures section of Dorval, so that's the only part I can contribute to, while I've never been to Vancouver. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:44, 30 October 2020 (UTC) :How do people feel about Vancouver Airport now? There has been an edit war about whether to keep most of the details of how to get from there to Vancouver in the Vancouver article or to move them (improperly, in my opinion) to the parent region article, and moving them to an airport article would solve that problem. However, the section on the airport at [[Vancouver#Get in]] is hardly overwhelming. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:08, 10 March 2021 (UTC) ::I've never been to Vancouver so I won't be able to contribute much, but given that it's the main hub for flights from Canada to East Asia, and Canada's second busiest airport after Toronto, I don't see why we shouldn't have an article for it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:13, 10 March 2021 (UTC) :::Looks like Vancouver finally got is airport article. The only other Canadian airport that could potentially merit an article now is Montreal, though in my experience, it was quite easy to navigate, at least for the U.S. departures section. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:33, 7 April 2021 (UTC) == Duplicate maps in airport articles == {{swept}} Are duplicate maps allowed in airport articles? See: * [[San Francisco International Airport#Ground transportation|San Francisco International Airport]] * [[Frankfurt Airport#Get around|Frankfurt Airport]] * [[Los Angeles International Airport]] * [[Tokyo Narita Airport]] * [[Washington Dulles International Airport]] * [[Munich Airport]] * [[O'Hare International Airport#Ground transportation|O'Hare International Airport]] * [[Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport]] &mdash; {{done}} dynamic map removed * [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport]] * [[Newark Liberty International Airport#Ground transportation|Newark Liberty International Airport]] <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:40, 29 June 2019 (UTC) :When both are potentially useful to the traveler, then why wouldn't we? For example, the Munich article seems to have a dynamic map of the current airport and a static drawing of future expansion plans. But in the DFW article, they feel a bit more redundant. :Dulles doesn't seem to have two maps. The second one seems to just be a photo of a sign at the airport. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 19:30, 30 June 2019 (UTC) ::Yeah, in the DFW article the dynamic map doesn't seem to add much. I'd say evaluate it on a case-by-case basis, with the recognition that double maps are more often useful in airport articles than in most types of articles, due to the value of an airport map with clearly outlined and labeled terminals (harder to achieve with a dynamic map). —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:31, 30 June 2019 (UTC) :::{{ping|WhatamIdoing}} Yes, you're right, that's a photo, which I count as a map; you don't have to count it that way. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:02, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ::::Granger, I think you're right about the value of a simple map. An airport map could emphasize how to get there (highways, bus stations, parking lots, etc.), which general part of the airport you want to be in (Terminal A is over there), or how to get around once you're inside (trains between terminals, location of restaurants, etc.). Two or three maps that each do just one of those things well would often be better for the harried traveler than a single map that tries to be all things to all people. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 03:19, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ===Nominations for the removal of dynamic maps=== I have listed here the articles which have dynamic maps that serve little or no purpose and, in my opinion, could be removed. Please feel free to support or oppose below. * [[San Francisco International Airport]] {{done}} removed * [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] {{done}} removed <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:43, 1 July 2019 (UTC) :Sure, that makes sense. If they do become useful down the road (for instance to display POI markers), we can always add them back. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 21:46, 1 July 2019 (UTC) ::I'd plunge forward and just remove them. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 22:37, 1 July 2019 (UTC) :::{{done}} <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:26, 2 July 2019 (UTC) == Airports closed due to conflict == Looking for opinions on the best way to handle airports currently closed due to conflict? This is particularly relevant for airports in [[Syria]] and [[Libya]] but there are a few others around the world. Should listings and references be: # kept with text stating currently not operational. # deleted from city, region and country pages. # commented out from city, region and country pages so can be added back later. Although some will be closed for some time to come, airport do eventually come back in to operation, for example recently Jaffna ({{IATA|JAF}}). --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 10:10, 20 October 2019 (UTC) : I would generally prefer 1, for the nearest city page, but it can commented out elsewhere. It is useful to the traveller to know that the airport has closed, as there will be information about the airport elsewhere. Even if the airport has stopped having commercial flights it may still be used by relief agencies, or for evacuation flights. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:43, 20 October 2019 (UTC) == IATA code == Well it took a couple of years but all airports referenced using {{tl|IATA}} code now have a link to them ([[:Category:Airport listing|2279]] at time if writing this). --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 12:15, 2 November 2019 (UTC) ==Airport hotels, O'Hare, and policy== ''Discussion copied from [[Talk:O'Hare International Airport#Hotel listings]]:'' Nice list, but all listings for hotels outside of the airport must be deleted, or, better, moved to appropriate local guides. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC) :I have done so. It seems like a shame—airport hotels are probably a lot more useful all in one list than scattered through guides to boring suburbs that no one reads (I'm exaggerating a bit). Especially if reading the guide on mobile or even worse if printed out. But I think this is unavoidable, given the no gaps/no overlap part of the [[Wikivoyage:Geographical hierarchy]]. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 06:50, 17 July 2013 (UTC) ::Yeah, it is less than an ideal solution, but no matter which approach we take, it will be some kind of compromise. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:04, 17 July 2013 (UTC) :::This is really disappointing to see, and though I know that everyone involved has good intentions, this is a clear case of a policy being prioritized over the traveler (who's supposed to come first, after all). As anyone with experience there knows, O'Hare is an eco-system unto itself, connected to Chicago by a long, thin strip (due to old land-grab issues). Probably half (or more) of the city's hotel room capacity is around O'Hare, in hotels with "Chicago O'Hare" in the name. Would anyone argue that a traveler is better served by having to open several unmapped, outline suburb articles to compare O'Hare hotels and rates...or by having the "O'Hare" hotels in the O'Hare article? If there's a "compromise" to be made, it's better to inconvenience a policy than a traveler. [[User:Gorilla Jones|Gorilla Jones]] ([[User talk:Gorilla Jones|talk]]) 00:56, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::I agree with that, it is not convenient to spread airport hotels over other articles. [[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 01:09, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::You guys may be right, but you need to propose a change of policy at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]], since your argument could be made just as well for several other airport articles ([[Frankfurt Airport]] comes to mind). Have a look at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition#Airport template]] for current policy and discussion. The basic difficulty, though, is whether to allow duplication of listings; if so, in what discrete situations; and at what distance from airports we would draw the line on listings, other than actually within the airport. I don't think we would do better adopting ad hoc, inconsistent policies on these questions, but if you think we would, please make the argument there. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:10, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::I think we're all in agreement that what makes most sense for travelers is to have a consolidated list on this article. The problem is in how to go about it. The reason we avoid duplicate listings (in general) is that it's too hard to keep them updated if they're in multiple articles. That would change if we had a listings database, though, and hopefully we will get that through Wikidata at some point. In the meantime, though, maybe we should just swallow our discomfort with duplicate listings in the case of airport articles? To Ikan Kekek's point about where to draw the line—in cases I'm familiar with, it's usually pretty obvious what is and what isn't an "airport hotel." I think we could leave that judgement to the discretion of our writers. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 06:42, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::I really think we really need to discuss this at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]], because when things were discussed there, it wasn't at all obvious. How many miles away from the airport do we draw the line, or should we include every hotel that has a shuttle from the airport? Also, I thought we disallowed duplicate listings in large part because double listings constitutes [[tout]]ing, much of the time. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:46, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ''Discussion above from [[Talk:O'Hare International Airport#Hotel listings]]'' ::::::::We don't allow duplicate listings ''within articles'' to prevent touting; we don't allow listings in more than one article because of no gap, no overlap. But these airport articles essentially exist outside the hierarchy, and it is not reasonable to ask readers to browse a bunch of bland suburban non-articles to find the listings. So I still think the biggest problem is keeping them updated across more than one article. As for what is an airport hotel? It's a hotel that wouldn't exist but for the airport. I'm much less concerned with that question, I guess, than others above—it seems easy. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 07:00, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::For people joining in, [http://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=O%27Hare_International_Airport&oldid=2339997#Sleep this was what the list looked like]. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 07:02, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::::I would demur on the idea that not allowing listings of the same hotel in more than one article is not an issue of [[tout]]ing. Many times, publicists have attempted to list the same hotel (restaurant, shop, etc.) in numerous articles. However, I get your main point, which is that airport articles are outside the geographic hierarchy. I'll be interested to see what others think, because I have doubts about that idea. Airports occupy discrete pieces of land. That said, the idea of listing "airport hotels" in Airport guides is reasonable - if we can agree on what an airport hotel is and is not. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:17, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::::I definitely prefer the idea of having airport hotels included in the airport articles. Really huge airports (the kind that would be worthy of an article) are their own little worlds, and the many hotels that surround them are part of that system feeding into that airport. I understand Ikan's concern about deciding what is and is not an airport hotel (we probably don't want any hotel that happens to have a shuttle to the airport listing themselves in the airport article), but I think Peter has hit on the best definition. I don't think we need anything more specific than that; airport hotels generally have little to advertise on ''except'' their proximity to the airport. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 08:05, 22 July 2013 (UTC) I don't have any guidance on distinguishing airport hotels from non-airport hotels either, but if we are going to put those hotels in the airport article, I would prefer to continue avoiding duplication, which we can do by putting a note (perhaps templated) in the suburb article, saying "''Additional airport hotels can be found in the article for XXX Airport.''". [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 11:28, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :On the face of it, I strongly agree with Texugo. If "airport hotels" outside of airports will be listed in articles about airports (and I have no objection to this, providing that we can come to a workable agreement on what hotels are and are not "airport hotels"), they shouldn't be listed in any other article. I think it's unnecessary to create an exemption from the "one listing, site-wide" policy, and policing duplications by touters and well-meaning non-touters could become another time-waster if we open the door to duplicate listings in some cases (especially if the criteria are not extremely clearly defined). [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:12, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::I think it's great to have clearly defined and easily accessible policies, but they should never be absolute or applied without prioritising the traveller's interests, as Gorilla Jones points out. Earlier in this topic Peter suggested that our current policy is no "...duplicate listings ''within articles'' to prevent touting..." (which seems sensible) whereas you seem to be suggesting "one listing, site-wide" is our current policy. Where can I actually read our current policy, please? Obviously if and when the database for listings arrives, the update problem will cease, but in the meantime I would prefer to clarify that Peter's version of policy actually applies.--[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 12:33, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::Have a look at [[don't tout]], W. Frank: :::"Also note that businesses should be listed '''in only one article''' [emphasis supplied] for the town or district in which the business operates; if an article about the town has not yet been created, create it." <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User_talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ikan Kekek|contribs]]) </small> ::::I think Ikan Kekek's assertion is correct. It follows logically from the combination of our no gaps/no overlaps geographical breakdown and the fact that we don't allow city listings to be duplicated in region articles ([[:Template:Movetocity]]) and we don't allow district listings to be duplicated in main city articles ([[:Template:Movetodistrict]]. Given these other policies, there are no cases left where duplication between articles would be allowed. [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 12:44, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::If that's the case, then we need to create an exception '''clearly enunciated in the relevant policies''' for the clearly defined category of ''Airports that have their own articles'' (they have their own templates, eg: {{tl|guideairport}}). --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 12:55, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::That is precisely the notion Ikan and I are objecting to. It would be better not to create a loophole for hotel touts to get their hotel listed twice, and simply point the suburb article reader to the airport article for additional airport hotel listings. [[User:Texugo|Texugo]] ([[User talk:Texugo|talk]]) 13:06, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::<s>Better for whom?</s> ::::::::<s>The jetlagged and weary traveller with a small screen and a bad connection (and, unavoidably, the airport hotel that might unavoidably get listed in two different pages) or</s> ::::::::<s>editors that might not be able to explain quickly/adequately/convincingly that the double listing being removed is not an "Airport hotel"?</s> Sorry! I didn't read your argument carefully enough. I now see that your proposition is to '''list''' "Airport hotels" in the large and well written (almost by definition) Airport article and have the (probably already sparse and sad) suburban article's "Sleep" section (probably) just contain a pointer to the Airport article for hotel listings. That seems reasonable and I would support that. --[[User:W. Frank|W.&nbsp;'''Frank''']]^{[[Special:EmailUser/W. Frank|<font color="green">e-mail</font>]]}_{[[User talk:W. Frank|<font color="red">talk</font>]]} 13:15, 22 July 2013 (UTC) I also think the no gap/no overlap policy has served the guides well, but listing airport hotels in suburbian semi-non-articles doesn't make any sense. These hotels exist only because of passengers transferring flights, so readers will expect them in the airport articles. I do agree that a hotel listing should then only be listed in the airport article to avoid duplication. [[User:Globe-trotter|Globe-trotter]] ([[User talk:Globe-trotter|talk]]) 13:32, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :Does anyone disagree that it's most helpful for the traveler to have airport hotels collected in one place (the airport article)? While my janitorial bent also makes me sensitive to anything that may benefit hotel chain owners, concerns for the traveler should come before concerns about marketers. It's not helpful for travelers to have hotels listed in destination guides other than the ones in which the listing is located, but that's not true in the case of airports. So ideally I think we have a listings database (so an update anywhere is an update everywhere), and we list them in the airport and the suburban semi-non-articles. :In any rate, the solution of keeping the listings in the airport article, and noting this in empty sleep sections of the semi-non-articles works for me as a second best option. Travelers really are just looking to scan one list for their preferred chain, not to crawl through articles like [[Elk Grove Village]] and [[Schiller Park]]—or even worse to print those all out? --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 18:05, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::Thinking about it, that solution is identical to how we've handled embassy/consulate listings. --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 18:07, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::: I really think it makes sense to stick to the "listing in one article only" guideline. If a hotel exists primarily to serve the airport then list it in the airport article and not in the city article. If a city is adjacent to an airport with lots of hotels, than a note in the city article's "Sleep" section to check the airport article avoids the need for duplication. We've all seen dozens (if not hundreds) of hotel listings for properties that are "conveniently located near XYZ airport", despite often being as far as 20-30 miles away, and it doesn't make sense for editors or travelers if we open the door to having these show up in airport and city articles. Similarly, in some places the draw of the town is primarily the airport (I'm thinking of [[Keflavik]] in particular), and in such cases a "list hotels in both articles" policy would definitely lead to unnecessary duplication. -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 18:21, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::I would propose to geographically divide up listings of airport hotels in airport guides, so that, for example, in the O'Hare guide, the hotel listings could be subdivided O'Hare, Elk Grove Village, Schiller Park, etc., with a note in the "Sleep" sections of Elk Grove Village, et al., directing readers to, for example "O'Hare International Airport#Elk Grove Village." I hope my suggestion is clear; do you all understand what I'm suggesting? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::I think we have a useful compromise emerging. A couple questions linger, though: 1) Should there be a separate article for an airport like Keflavík International Airport, when the destination is more or less synonymous with the airport, and the guide can/will cover everything an airport guide would? 2) I understand why Ikan Kekek's suggestion (so that hotel guests are directed to the right guide to find out about restaurants and mini-attractions by the hotel they ultimately choose), but there is a disadvantage to losing the price categories. In the address field of each listing, the town name should be listed, so couldn't we just link that to the appropriate destination guide? --[[User:Peterfitzgerald|Peter]] <small>^{[[User_talk:Peterfitzgerald|Talk]]}</small> 19:27, 22 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::Yes, that's one possibility. The other one is to have price categories within each geographical subdivision of the airport article's "Sleep" section. If the overall "Sleep" section is relatively short, it won't matter much how it's subdivided, but if it's longer, I think my proposed solution may work better. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:53, 22 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::I prefer Peter's suggestion, simply because price is more likely to be a deciding factor than which suburb surrounding the airport you stay in. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 01:48, 23 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::You're probably right about that, and if the list gets too long, secondary subdivisions by location can be made, but I realize that it probably does make more sense to subdivide by price. There is a procedural issue, though: This will be one case in which the name of the town would have to be included in every listing, which is a deviation from usual procedure. If we group everything first of all by location, that deviation doesn't have to take place, but it's hardly a make-or-break issue. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:53, 23 July 2013 (UTC) ::::::::: (responding to Peter re: [[Keflavik]]) I think an airport article is primarily about the airport itself - flights, airport amenities, etc, while the town article is about the town, its restaurants, sights, activities, etc. In the case of a town like [[Keflavik]], two articles seems to make sense - the town article lists restaurants, hotels, etc in the town, the airport article (if one was created) talks about flights and the airport property. With respect to hotels, I would think that hotels that aren't either on the Keflavik airport property or immediately outside of the airport property would stay in the town article. ::::::::: Getting back to the point about where to draw the line, there are perhaps a dozen hotels within a half mile of LAX on Century Blvd that I would describe as clearly being airport hotels, and thus belonging in the [[LAX]] article rather than the [[El Segundo]] article, but I would think that anything further out than that is not obviously an "airport" hotel and would best be handled in the appropriate city article (with pointers from the airport article to those city articles). -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 03:08, 23 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::: When I built the original O'Hare list, I think my rule of thumb was that hotels had to be within a mile of the airport. (That may not be useful at other airports, of course.) In terms of touts, they zero in on the [[Chicago]] article, not the individual suburb articles &mdash; they know those hold no value. (Look at the 'Sleep' section in the abandoned Chicago article on WT and you'll see what I mean.) I'd also suggest that the hotel listings remain sorted by price. From the perspective of a traveler who's taken a shuttle from the airport to their hotel, there's little to distinguish Schiller Park from Elk Grove Village, et al. I've stayed at O'Hare hotels 4 times, I think, without knowing which suburb I was in. [[User:Gorilla Jones|Gorilla Jones]] ([[User talk:Gorilla Jones|talk]]) 03:13, 23 July 2013 (UTC) :::::::::::What was ultimately decided on this topic? It seems to me, we ended up with only hotels that are actually within airports being listed in airport guides, and yet the consensus in this thread seemed to be leaning toward some clear distance (1 km/1/2 mile?) from an airport being appropriate to list in an airport guide. I'm OK with things remaining the way they are, but I have to wonder whether the lack of change was due to inertia and loss of initiative, rather than the lack of a consensus behind this change. Can we reopen this discussion, or is it best to let this slumbering dog lie? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:08, 2 October 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::I'd certainly like to see this discussion re-opened; it looked like we had a strong consensus forming here that was never followed up on. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 14:19, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::: Initially we agreed only hotel at the airport, however I think it should be extended to hotels that offer shuttle buses to and from the airport. Also allow duplication of these hotels in the city articles if one exists. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 14:56, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::"Hotels that offer shuttle buses" is an extremely large category in many cities. Probably dozens, as many as 15 miles away, even in a case like [[Rochester (New York)]]. [[User:LtPowers|Powers]] <small>^{([[User talk:LtPowers|talk]])}</small> 16:05, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::Like Powers says, the presence of a shuttle bus isn't really specific enough; there are cities with downtown hotels (that no one would consider "airport hotels") that offer shuttles to the airport. I still think the most useful definition of an airport hotel is the general one: a hotel that exists primarily to serve airport travelers. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 16:29, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::: Re: [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]], if I'm reading the discussion above correctly, the consensus would have been '''not''' to allow duplication. I'd be happy with some wording like "''Hotels that exist primarily to serve airport travelers that are located within the '''immediate vicinity''' of the airport may be included in either the airport article or a city article, but '''not both'''. When a city is home to hotels that are listed in an airport article then the "Sleep" section of the city article should include a pointer to the airport article.''" "Immediate vicinity" is obviously open to interpretation, but that should give us some leeway for cases like [[Antananarivo]] where the airport is 45 minutes outside of the city, and the closest "airport hotel" is several miles from the airport, vs. an airport like LAX where there are a dozen hotels located just outside of the airport, and thus it would be a stretch to describe a hotel located several miles away as an "airport hotel". -- [[User:Wrh2|Ryan]] &bull; ([[User talk:Wrh2|talk]]) &bull; 17:03, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::: I like that wording; it's specific enough to give a good sense of what we're looking for, but general enough to allow for leeway when needed. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 18:04, 21 December 2014 (UTC) :::::::::::::::::: So for example how should [[Frankfurt Airport]] be handled. I have deleted a couple of times the hotels that are in [[Frankfurt]]-Niederrad a couple of times from the airport page as they are in the city suburb not the airport and used not just by people going through the airport. But on the other hand the HI on the outskirts of [[Mörfelden]] really only there to serve the airport but is just as far away as hotels in [[Langen]], [Kelsterbach] and Raunheim which also cater mainly for the airport but also serve people visiting companies in those towns.--[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 19:00, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ::::::::::::::::::: I'm not familiar with Frankfurt, but if you'd consider those communities far from the airport, then they probably wouldn't be considered within the ''immediate vicinity'', per Ryan's wording. If there's a lot of much closer options to the airport, might as well stick to those and leave the more far-flung options to the individual town articles. [[User:PerryPlanet|PerryPlanet]] ([[User talk:PerryPlanet|talk]]) 21:02, 21 December 2014 (UTC) ===Revived discussion=== [unindent] I've unarchived the above thread for further discussion, because the topic of whether or when to list accommodations outside of airports in airport articles just came up at [[Talk:Tokyo Haneda Airport]]. Did we ever fully resolve this question? Here's what's currently in [[Wikivoyage:Airport article template#Sleep]]: ''Where can you sleep/nap/rest inside the airport, including on chairs and benches. How comfortable will you be, and will you get in trouble if you stretch out or stay too long.'' ''Hotel options on or connected to the airport, and an overview of nearby neighborhoods offering hotel accommodation. If the airport is adjacent to a well-defined neighborhood and travellers can easily find hotels from that district article, link to it. However, airports are often not close to anything, and the airport article may be the best place to list a few hotels (ones whose defining feature is "being close to the airport").'' So it sounds like that means hotels shouldn't be listed in airport articles unless they're either in the airport or the airport is so far from anyplace of note that there are hotels that are there only because they're close to the airport. To me that would mean that a hotel (or in this case, hostel) that could be listed in a Tokyo district guide probably shouldn't be in the [[Tokyo Haneda Airport]] article, if we take the language in [[Wikivoyage:Airport article template#Sleep]] literally. However, if you read through the unarchived discussion above, there seemed to be a consensus to list hotels perhaps a kilometer or two from airports in urban areas that exist solely to serve people who want to be near the airport (and maybe several km further from airports far outside of cities that have nothing much around them but do have airport articles), although I believe most of the participants in the above discussion wouldn't support also listing such hotels in any other article. So what do you think? [[User:JRHorse|JRHorse]], feel free to participate if you like. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:23, 19 January 2020 (UTC) : I think the guideline is clear and should be kept. Hotels on the airport ground should be in the airport article. Hotels in a neighbourhood covered by a city or district article should be in that article and a link to that page in the airport sleep section with details how to get there. There a a few borderline ones, the hostel in [[Tokyo/Ota]] is not one of them, where there are hotels outside the airport grounds but not near anywhere else and clearly part of the airport infrastructure that can be in the airport article. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:29, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :: Take a look at [[Frankfurt Airport#Sleep]], which I just updated. Te article section starts with text mentioning town articles in the area, some of which have hotels with airport shuttles. Then shows hotels in airport's ground. There are then a group of hotels in an area not in Fraport's grounds but in the built-up area around the airport and not connected directly to the city of Frankfort. Then there is a mention of hotel in Niederrad district of Frankfurt, as most of these are there because of the airport and have shuttles to it but are in the city limits proper. There is then a Nearby section mentioning cities a little further away that may be better places to stay if do not need to be right by the airport. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 07:54, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::: Specifically for Haneda airport, what I have used and should be mentioned are Limousine buses that run to hotels in the city. --[[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]] ([[User talk:Traveler100|talk]]) 08:12, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::Thanks a lot for your participation and for the link, [[User:Traveler100|Traveler100]]. I still don't really find the guideline that clear, but I'm happy to defer to you on [[Frankfurt Airport#Sleep]]. There are problematic gray areas, though, in other cases. For example, my girlfriend and I once stayed overnight at an America's Best Value motel in [[El Segundo]] several years ago because we wanted to be close to LAX and avoid the likelihood of ending up in horrible traffic if we had spent another night in Santa Barbara and tried driving down from there all the way to the airport. It was close enough to the airport for us to smell the exhaust from the airplanes when we were standing outside and planes were taking off or landing, but El Segundo is also a real neighborhood, and by driving a short distance for L.A., we went to a marvelous Middle Eastern restaurant, though that was actually in [[Hawthorne (California)]]. Since LAX is in L.A. and several neighborhoods are close to it but still require some form of ground transportation to get to, I wouldn't support adding any hotel listings to [[Los Angeles International Airport#Sleep]] unless there are hotels in the airport itself. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:09, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :::::If the hotels also serve another place where people actually visit, the hotels can definitely be put in that article (but with a link from the airport article's sleep section). If a hotel on the other hand is on the airport or otherwise nearby and only there because of the airport, I'd definitely put it in the airport article itself where readers would be looking for it. I would rather not create articles for random bedroom suburbs or villages with nothing of travel interest just to have somewhere to put the hotels. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:41, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::::In other words, it's a judgment call. The link from the airport article's sleep section in cases you're discussing should be to the article for the neighborhood or town in question, not to specific hotel listings. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:48, 19 January 2020 (UTC) :::::::Yes, from the airport's Sleep section to the Sleep sections of the articles for towns, districts etc. easily accessible from the airport [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:15, 19 January 2020 (UTC) ::::::::Right, that's the best way to do it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:27, 19 January 2020 (UTC) == [[Cancun airport]] == Should Cancun airport have its own article? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 19:41, 27 August 2020 (UTC) : My initial reaction is '''no'''. True, it is a hub for MAYAir and a focus city for 3 other airlines, but although I can't find stats on how many connecting passengers it has, I'm not sure it qualifies as a major hub airport compared to other hubs around the world. : Lately I've been leaning towards the "Wait/Eat/Drink" test. If an airport doesn't have much to say in those sections, that's probably because it's not a hub airport where travellers spend a lot of time connecting between flights. Cancun Airport only appears to have [https://www.cancunairport.com/restaurant.html 24 restaurants] (an average of only 6-8 per terminal, depending on how much is in T1), and most of those are fast food or grab-'n'-go stations. It does have at least 6 lounges. [https://www.prioritypass.com/en/airport-guides/cancun-international] [https://www.loungebuddy.com/CUN] : I dunno, it seems '''borderline'''. [[Cancun#By plane]] is a bit long, although if the list of airlines at each terminal could be removed (I'm not a fan of including that if it isn't necessary, since that info is usually readily available as you make your way to the airport) that would shrink it by half a screenful. The article for [[Benito Juárez International Airport|Mexico's busiest airport]], like ''many'' of our airport articles, has a verbose description of flight and transportation options, but the Wait/Eat/Drink sections are almost empty. Cancun Airport has only half as many passengers (and nearly the same number of international passengers, which suggests that connecting domestic flights are not as numerous or significant) and less than half as many flights. : I think we may have gone overboard on creating some airport articles, at least while there are so few people contributing to them. The common logic is "keep it in the main article until it becomes unwieldy", and I think that's probably what should be done with Cancun for now. --[[User:Bigpeteb|Bigpeteb]] ([[User talk:Bigpeteb|talk]]) 20:58, 27 August 2020 (UTC) == Ngurah Rai International Airport == There's an awful lot of information about how to get where from this airport and for how much (which probably needs updating) in [[Bali#Get in]]. Based on the guidelines at [[WV:Region article template#Get in]], I think that's incorrect. I also tend to think this airport has enough traffic in normal times to have its own article. In fact, the idea was broached in 2014; see [[Talk:Bali#Get in: By plane: The Airport]]. I'd much rather that the [[Kuta]] article refer readers to a new airport article for more information than to irregularly refer people to the article for the whole island for more specific information. Your thoughts? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:52, 10 March 2021 (UTC) :Sure, it's one of the main entry gateways to Indonesia. I remember as a kid, only the rich could afford to pay for nonstop flights from Singapore to Australia on Singapore Airlines or Qantas, and ordinary people headed to Australia would usually fly on Garuda and connect through their hub in Bali, which the route that most package tours took. I'm not sure whether or not it still functions in that role though. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 18:17, 10 March 2021 (UTC) ::I'd rather that someone who's actually used that airport relatively recently start the article, but if not, I'll move most of the content from the [[Bali]] article within a few days. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:04, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::I don't think the amount of information currently in [[Bali#By plane]] is really all that excessive; it looks about normal for a popular tourist area. The whole point of airport articles is for major hubs and transit airports where a significant number of people catch connecting flights. Airport articles are not for places that holidaymakers will spend a couple of hours in waiting for their flight home. So if DPS is an example of the former, it should have its own article; but if it's an example of the latter, it probably shouldn't.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:24, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Things have probably changed since I was in primary school, when I connected through Bali to get to Australia from Singapore. These days, Singaporeans have in general become more affluent than back then, so I've always flown nonstop to travel between Singapore and Australia as an adult, since Qantas' fares are now very much within reach of the average middle class Singaporean unlike back then. But back in the 1990s, Bali was a major hub for passengers travelling between Southeast Asia and Australia. I've not been to Bali since I was in primary school, so I can't contribute more content, I'm afraid. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:45, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::::[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]], I think that if there are listings that can be added for eateries and shops, there is plenty of material for an airport article, but what I think we ought not to do is leave the largest amount of information in a region guide and refer readers of the [[Kuta]] article, for example, to the region article for more information. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:43, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::I guess my point is that just because an article can be written, doesn't mean it should be. I don't doubt that you could fill up a Ngurah Rai article with listings, but if it's not the sort of airport passengers spend much time in, then those listings don't need to be on Wikivoyage. Again, it depends on whether Bali sees much transit traffic or not. ::::::The large mass of information you're concerned about on the Bali article is the mostly the stuff about getting to and from the airport from various places, right? That could (and probably should) be moved to the relevant city articles' Get in sections. Even if it were put in an airport article, it would still be a lot of irrelevant clutter, telling readers how to get to the place they want to go, and also how to get to a dozen other places they have no intention of visiting, at least not straight from the airport.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:42, 12 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::I thought information about how to get from an airport to nearby towns was relevant for airport articles. No? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:44, 12 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Absolutely, but it comes back to whether the article needs to exist at all. If it does - because it's a transit hub - then incorporating ground transportation and as much eat, drink, and sleep info as possible is great. But if it's not a transit hub, then [[Denpasar#Get in]] can adequately handle how to get to Denpasar from DPS, [[Candidasa#Get in]] can cover how to get to Candidasa from DPS, etc...--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:26, 12 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::::How would we figure out whether there are many transit passengers or not? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:14, 12 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::Good question. I was hoping someone would know, or at least know where to look. (I've already checked the WP article, and unlike e.g. the LHR or CDG articles, the figures are not present)--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:20, 12 March 2021 (UTC) {{outdent}} You can most certainly connect in Bali to travel between Southeast Asia and Australia, and Garuda in fact used to leverage on that position to run a major hub in Bali. In fact, in the 1990s, if you booked a package tour to Australia from Singapore, it would almost always be on Garuda with a plane change in Bali unless you were willing to pay a steep premium to fly Qantas or Singapore Airlines. It does appear from the Wikipedia page that Garuda has scaled down their hub quite a bit since the 1990s; there's no longer flights to Brisbane from Bali for instance. But still, I could see someone from say, Beijing or Shanghai connecting through Bali on Garuda to get to Perth. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:39, 15 March 2021 (UTC) :Hello everyone, I recently visited Bali in 2019. Though I couldn't say much about the airport itself other than the scale of the airport getting bigger, almost entirely a hub, much like the biggest one in Tangerang, Soekarno-Hatta. There are still flights transiting in Bali for flight to/from Australia or New Zealand. There are some flights from Middle Eastern carriers but only once to twice a week. But domestic flights from Ngurah Rai are plenty, so if it's wise to create a separate page for it, I hope some Balinese wikivoyagers can add more information later. What do you think?[[User:Ibhi19|ibhi19]] ([[User talk:Ibhi19|talk]]) 11:30, 18 March 2021 (UTC) == Guidelines as to when an airport deserves an article == I was poking around to see if we had any hard numbers for when an airport should have an article, and unsurprised to see the conversation at the top of this page could be summarized as "even if we do, we shouldn't go by hard numbers". Still -- are there any reasonably solid guidelines we can use when we're trying to make a call for borderline cases? [[Adelaide#By plane]] looks...not ''imbalanced'', to me, but I can both see room to expand it and that expanding it ''would'' make the section imbalanced, and I think I could write an article passing "the Wait/Drink/Eat test" described above -- if a short one. That said, it's a smaller city (the fifth largest in the country, but a country with a very bimodal population distribution) and the aiport isn't huge. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 10:59, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :How much do you think you could add? If you're talking about a couple of listings in each section, that doesn't seem worthwhile because it'll be easy for anyone to see them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:03, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ::With exceptions such as [[KEF]] (whose article was created during a period of sustained double digit growth) I think there is a de facto "line" somewhere around 20-30 million pax p.a. (pre-plague, obviously) above which airports are likely to get articles and below which they are unlikely to. But that is an emerging feature, not a deliberate one. And certainly there issues of the geographic bias of our editor-base and certain "fudge factors" that may or may not apply in each individual case. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:29, 11 March 2021 (UTC) :::I think I should create an article about the Kempegowda Airport in [[Bangalore]] which had exceeded the 20-30 million pax line in 2016–2019. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]]) 05:39, 16 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Do you know about how many transit passengers it gets? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 16 March 2021 (UTC) :::::Per the infobox on WP it is "hub for" five different airlines, so I could see it seeing a lot of connecting pax. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 12:34, 16 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::Yeah. And of course Bangalore is a major city. So it looks like it's a go to start the article, [[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:11, 17 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::The section on the airport in [[Bangalore#Get in]] is not very long, though. [[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974]], will you be adding lots of listings for shops, restaurants, bars and lounges at the airport in your proposed article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:53, 17 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Yes. I shall use OSM for that. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974 (he)]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Soumya-8974|contribs]]) 11:59, 28 March 2021 (UTC) ::::::::I have created a draft at here: [[Draft:Kempegowda International Airport]]. --[[User:Soumya-8974|Soumya-8974 (he)]] ([[User talk:Soumya-8974|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Soumya-8974|contribs]]) 12:53, 28 March 2021 (UTC) :::::::::{{re|Vaticidalprophet}} Sorry for coming to this discussion late, but to answer your question, I have lived in Adelaide before, and Adelaide airport is fairly straightforward to get around, and only has a small number of international flights. It is indeed a domestic hub for Qantas, but Qantas does not operate any international flights out of it; the flight to Singapore got cancelled when they shifted the refuelling stop for their Sydney-London flights from Singapore to Dubai. So as of now, I will say Adelaide airport does not merit an article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:49, 8 April 2021 (UTC) == A pattern of edits by [[User:Flightnavigator]] == {{swept}} Just look at a handful of the edits this user has made to the Get In#By plane sections of several city articles. What are we to make of those? [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 14:32, 21 May 2021 (UTC) : I suppose they are good faith edits. The former format may have been better, but his arguments are not nonsense. Thanks for not edit warring. I suppose this is something that could be discussed at the airport expedition, with a link from here and from his user talk. : Implementing a batch of improvements in several articles is not too unusual at wikies, and it is sometimes hard to know what changes should be discussed first. These obviously should have been, when he realised he wants to change the format. Try to see what he has been doing and why, and try whether the improvements could be implemented without throwing out the child with the bathwater. Then tell why that is a better path than his version. : –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:22, 21 May 2021 (UTC) ::Oh just to be clear, I do not think they are bad faith... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 15:41, 21 May 2021 (UTC) :I like it ([https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Prague&diff=4209845&oldid=4165753&diffmode=source example]). I assume that any decent flight website would provide similar information about nearby airports, but this contributor also sometimes specifies that there are intercity bus routes, which I wouldn't expect to find at a travel booking website. [[User:WhatamIdoing|WhatamIdoing]] ([[User talk:WhatamIdoing|talk]]) 17:49, 21 May 2021 (UTC) :: I don't like his standard wording. If there are few flights to the airport or other options otherwise are the main ones, describe that situation before the list of alternatives. If the local airport gets decent traffic, then tell about the alternatives afterwards. :: I also saw some cases where the Get in did not tell how to get in from those other airports, completing the vague "by rail, bus or ferry" in By plane. I think that when you suggest taking a plane to an alternative airport, you should check that the transport from there is described in some obvious place. Also, from an edit comment, I saw the list was ordered by how likely you are to find a good connection. That is not obvious for the reader, nor for other editors, who may change the order back to alphabetical. :: Then there were some other structure changes, such as removing airport subheadings, that I found less than ideal, and sometimes the text wasn't coherent after the change. :: All these things could be standardised to some degree, probably at [[Wikivoyage:Airport Expedition]]. :: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:45, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ::: I think [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] did his best, but these are things that develop by time, as editors tweak the structure and wordings, and finally end up with a good standard. Thus they should probably not be done in big scale at once, but rather in one or a few places, asking other contributors to take a look and make improvements. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 08:47, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ::::Yeah, we shouldn't bust Flightnavigators' chops, but up till now, the standard has been to mention the most important local airports first, then mention alternatives lower down. And that makes intuitive sense. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:59, 22 May 2021 (UTC) :::::Having all the description of the main airport(s) first and then the alternative airports? For me it makes more sense to mention the alternatives before the long descriptions of the main airport(s). Because when you want to visit a city, you first have a look in which airports you can enter. And the you inform yourself about the airport details and how to go from there to the city itself. [[User:Flightnavigator|Flightnavigator]] ([[User talk:Flightnavigator|talk]]) 15:28, 23 May 2021 (UTC) ::::::I see the merits of both approaches, but I agree with [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] that we should lead with the primary way of getting in, and then deal with secondary ways after. That is more intuitive to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 15:33, 23 May 2021 (UTC) == Lisbon Airport == I believe that [[w:Lisbon Airport]] meets the criteria for having an airport article. It served 31 million passengers in 2019. It's a European hub to South America (especially Brazil) and Africa. It's a hub for TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet. Does anybody have any opinions about creating an article for it? [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 20:44, 11 July 2021 (UTC) :Sounds reasonable. How much transfer traffic does it host and how complicated is it to use? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:48, 11 July 2021 (UTC) ::I can't find stats on that, but TAP Air Portugal is popular with travellers who don't mind connecting flights between North America and Europe to save a few bucks. I wouldn't call the airport "complicated", but it's not entirely straightforward. Terminal 1 is fairly large and amenity-full and susceptible to wrong turns (old gates vs newer concourse). Americans and other non-Europeans might get caught out by not expecting Schengen exit controls, whose lines are often long. Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers) is small and lacking in amenities, but requires an airport bus to reach (no parking, not walkable). [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 22:14, 11 July 2021 (UTC) :::I'd say go ahead, but let's wait a day or so to see if anyone objects. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 11 July 2021 (UTC) ::::TAP is an interesting option as they have transatlantic routes operated by narrowbody jets at often competitive prices. Unless you start/end your journey in Portugal, chances are you'll connect for those... [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 13:45, 12 July 2021 (UTC) :::::I've gone ahead created [[Lisbon Airport]]. This is my first time building an airport (article) from scratch, so I would appreciate any help. [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 01:31, 14 July 2021 (UTC) ::::::Since it has two terminals, probably focusing more on T1 would be better here, since it serves most of the world here. (iirc). [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small> 01:39, 14 July 2021 (UTC) == Düsseldorf Airport == I'm surprised there's no article about this huge international airport which subjectively to me, at least, is about the same size as Frankfurt's. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 15:57, 12 September 2021 (UTC) == Future targets == How much of this list really should get their own article? Here's the list: These airports have been considered worthy of their own articles, but do not yet have an independent article. If you start an article for one of these articles, please move it to the 'works in progress' section above, merge it with any existing pages/redirects and add the infobox below to the new article's talk page. If you wish to add another article for creation through this expedition, please discuss it on this page's discussion area first. * [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]] * [[Bole International Airport]] * [[Cairo International Airport]] * [[Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport]] * [[Brussels Airport]] * [[Warsaw Chopin Airport]] * [[Calgary International Airport]] * [[Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport]] * [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]] Some comments: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport seemed to have upwards of 9 million passengers in 2019, per [[w:Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]]. Should it get an article? That's not a huge number, but how complicated is the airport and would there be a lot of listings? "In 2019, YYC Calgary International Airport was again the fourth-busiest airport in Canada in terms of the total number of passengers served, which was almost 18 million. This being another record year in passenger volume, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 by 3.54%," per [[w:Calgary International Airport]], and also "serves as the headquarters for WestJet and is a hub for Air Canada," so looks like a good candidate if it's complicated enough and could have enough listings for amenities. Let's discuss the rest. Wikipedia is usually a decent, though not necessarily quite up-to-date, source of figures. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:00, 19 May 2022 (UTC) :So far we only have one airport article for all of Africa, which is [[O.R. Tambo International Airport]], which makes sense given that it is he busiest airport in all of Africa. I was just thinking of how we could expand our Africa coverage since admittedly, it is quite poor at the moment, and Cairo International Airport would probably be a good candidate for a second African airport article, given the large number of flights to Europe and the rest of North Africa. Ethiopia Airlines and Kenya Airways are Africa's two other major airlines after South African Airways, so I was just wondering if their hubs should get articles, since there's a good chance you would need to connect through Addis Ababa or Nairobi to get to other parts of Africa. :As for Calgary, I haven't been there so I can't comment on the complexity, but I find it hard to justify Calgary Airport getting its own article before Montreal. Montreal Airport is in the grey area where it could potentially get its own article, but it might also be fine to just cover it in the city article. I've only used to U.S. departures/arrivals facility at Montreal, but I will say that it's not particularly complicated to navigate, but it does get many flights from Europe, and a handful of flights from China and Japan, so it is certainly conceivable that a traveller from Asia would connect through Montreal to get to the Maritimes. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:37, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::Speaking of which, someone has created the airport article for [[Charlotte Douglas International Airport]], but it doesn't seem to have much information. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 15:04, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::It's been a while since I've had any occasion to be there, but I believe Charlotte's airport is pretty big, so there should be some scope for improvements. When I think of Africa, I think of Nigeria, the most populous country, but I think we found that their airports don't get all '''that''' much passenger traffic. I'd think about Lagos, though, in addition to Cairo. After that, I wonder whether there are big airports in other North African countries (Morocco, Algeria). But these are all thoughts off the top of my head. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:20, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Maybe [[Cape Town International Airport]], [[Jomo Kenyatta International Airport]] and [[Addis Ababa Bole International Airport]] could also get their own articles (they're reasonably large and are regional centres) on top of the ones already mentioned. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:08, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ==Metropolitan airport, train and bus station articles== For a site dedicated to the traveler, it would be beneficial to have a less restictive policy on the inclusion of major transportation infrastructure (airports, train stations, bus station) serving metropolitan areas. A commercial airport that serves a metropolitan area and is the primary arrival point of arrival by air to that metropolitan area deserves an article but won't find them here. Articles exist on the largest of airports currently. But information on mid-sized airports is just as important and maybe even more important, given that information on them is less widely available. By including these, the site's value would be expanded in accordance with its mission. I just went through this, having created an article on [[Lehigh Valley International Airport]], the primary commercial airport serving a metropolitan region of almost a million people and used by tens of thousands of travelers annually. That article appears headed for deletion, but it's a good example of an article that adds value and site visitors will seek. Transportation infrastructure--airports, train stations, bus stations, etc.--are the details travelers seek first. An airport, train station, or bus station that is the primary means for arriving in a metropolitan area warrants an article; right now, those articles exist only for the very largest of cities. A final point: In the absence of encouraging such articles, the detailed information that needs to be included on one or more city pages becomes overwhelming to the page and repetitive. I'd like to see this considered as a policy change, and I'm not proposing that it be changed excessively. Airports that are primarily used by private aircraft don't warrant articles. Airports serving areas that cannot be considered metropolitan regions don't deserve articles. But an airport, train station, or bus station serving a city of, say, more than 100,000 people warrants an article and would make this site of greater value to travelers who turn to this site for travel-related information. [[User:Keystone18|Keystone18]] ([[User talk:Keystone18|talk]]) 20:01, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :We're talking about [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Lehigh_Valley_International_Airport&type=revision&diff=4485974&oldid=4484203 this stub article]. That content wouldn't overwhelm anything. It will be contained in a listing at [[Allentown#Get in]] very easily. So the rest of your arguments fall down. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:34, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::I'd say no because we can easily cover the information for minor airports on a city page. And if there are nearby cities in the same metropolitan area, we can always link to the city article where we put the information about the airport. We have articles on major airports mainly because they can be complicated to navigate, and putting all the information about them into a city article could overwhelm the article. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 05:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::: I'd say the case is stronger for airports primarily used for private aircraft. The information directed at a pilot needs to be detailed while useless for other travellers, so using a separate page makes sense – given there are enough enthusiasts among us to keep those articles more or less reliably up to date. I don't think that's the case at the moment. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:58, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Agree with The dog2 and LPfi. I could see the merit if it was a small airport commonly used for connections, but such airports are rare to find. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:17, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::I tend to think that keeping all the essential information about an airport in the most logical place (the city or region the reader is visiting) is better for the traveller in most cases. A dedicated article for a smaller airport would probably attract irrelevant Wikipedia-style edits in an attempt to justify their existence as anything other than a stub. That would then clutter and hide the travel information.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:20, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::I agree with Ikan Kekek, The dog2, LPfi and TT. I think it would be better to improve the airport information in city articles, instead of splitting it out into separate articles. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 10:23, 21 July 2022 (UTC) iy7kfc7ab3he9if6su7tn0fnbzcqbx9 4 122663 4487698 4482479 2022-07-21T12:06:22Z SHB2000 2248002 /* New Golden Route */ archive wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Destination of the month candidates banner Calendar.png}} {{shortcut|[[dotm banners]]}} Please suggest banners for display on the main page for upcoming features below. Please use banner dimensions of '''1700 x 567''', and keep the blurb text to a reasonable length. The images from which you create the banners should be of high quality, and ideally of equal or greater resolution than the banner (to ensure high resolution). For inspiration, take a look in the banner [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners/Hall_of_Fame|Hall of 'Fame']]. Please upload all banner suggestions [[special:upload|locally]]—to Wikivoyage rather than Commons, and put them in [[:Category:DotM banners]]. If starting a discussion on a suggested feature that has not been discussed yet below, put the discussion at the bottom of the page underneath a new first-level header, such as <code><nowiki>= New York =</nowiki></code> When updating the Main Page banners, please update [[Main Page/Photo credits]] as well. Once in situ, suggested banners and their accompanying discussions will be [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Banners/Archive|archived]]. {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration}} <br clear="all" /> =[[Gävle]]= Our local contributors may have some pictures of the city, and if so, I'd appreciate the input, since I'm not particularly impressed with the selection I've found on Commons. There were many images available but most of them had fewer than 1700px+ across, though I can't say I've been through all of them. #2 is a crop of the same source image as the current pagebanner (unintentionally). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:19, 2 October 2021 (UTC) :As the goat is the most famous thing in Gavle I feel 4 is the best. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:15, 3 October 2021 (UTC) :: There is a vote plurality to run Plymouth. Gävle is on hold. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:22, 10 October 2021 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Gävle|alt-title=Gävle|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Gavle DOTM Banner 1.jpg|width=40%|quote=Gävle is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for its old town and its giant Yule Goat.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Gävle|alt-title=Gävle|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Gavle DOTM Banner 2.jpg|width=40%|quote=Gävle is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for its old town and its giant Yule Goat.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Gävle|alt-title=Gävle|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Gavle DOTM Banner 3.jpg|width=40%|quote=Gävle is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for its old town and its giant Yule Goat.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Gävle|alt-title=Gävle|section=Off the Beaten Path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Gävle goat 2009 DotM banner.jpg|width=40%|quote=Gävle is the gateway to northern Sweden, famous for its old town and its giant Yule Goat.}} * A banner with the infamous goat would be nice, but out of the above my ranking goes 2,3,1. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:40, 2 October 2021 (UTC) * Added a banner with a snow-covered goat. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:26, 2 October 2021 (UTC) : AWESOME! 4,2,3,1 now. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:14, 2 October 2021 (UTC) : 3, 4, 2 and 1 in that order. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 23:15, 2 October 2021 (UTC) *4, 2, 1, 3 for me. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:09, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * 4, 1, 2, 3, per the time of year and the text of the blurb. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:29, 3 October 2021 (UTC) =[[Budderoo National Park]]= These banners have been sitting for a while, but here they are. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Budderoo National Park|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Budderoo otbp banner 1.jpg|quote=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Budderoo National Park|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Budderoo otbp banner 2.jpg|quote=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Budderoo National Park|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Budderoo otbp banner 3.jpg|quote=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Budderoo National Park|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Budderoo otbp banner 4.jpg|quote=Australia isn't particularly known for its rainforests, but this small national park in the Illawarra south of Sydney may make you reconsider that.}} *4,2,3,1. I like the concept for one but could have a higher quality image [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:51, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * 2, 3, 1. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 15:03, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * My favourites are 1, 3 and then distantly 2. The only reason why I'm not a huge fan of 2 is because it's not the main attraction of the park. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:03, 18 January 2022 (UTC) * 2, 3, 1. Waterfalls > everything else. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 00:32, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * 2, 3, 1. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:19, 30 January 2022 (UTC) :{{ping|Tai123.123|SelfieCity|DaGizza|AlasdairW}} I cropped a fourth one, this one of a particularly important waterfall in the park (and ''not'' of a waterfall that's not particularly popular). Pinging you all as you might have a different opinion. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:44, 31 January 2022 (UTC) ::So as the person who cropped all of them, my favourites are now 4, 1, 3 and then distantly two. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:45, 31 January 2022 (UTC) :::Sure, I'm happy to go with 4 now. The lighting is better too. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 11:19, 31 January 2022 (UTC) ::::Sure, I’ll support banner 4 slightly above banner 2. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:46, 31 January 2022 (UTC) :::::I like 4. I think I would put it equal with 2 - 4 is a better photo, but I like the view of the pool and vegetation in 2. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:02, 31 January 2022 (UTC) *4, 3, 2, 1. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:28, 31 January 2022 (UTC) = [[Cooch Behar]] = Coming up in November 2022. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 10:50, 13 February 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Cooch Behar|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005 (cropped).jpg|quote=The Cooch Behar Palace is a must-visit attraction in the region. Its parks, gardens and interior designs are breathtaking.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Cooch Behar|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 006 (cropped).jpg|quote=Once a princely state, this city is now one of the most popular historical cities in West Bengal.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Cooch Behar|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Cooch Behar Palace - Cooch Behar - West Bengal - 005 (cropped2).jpg|quote=Cooch Behar Palace is the main attraction of the city. Every year the Cooch Behar ''Ras Mela'' is hosted which one of the biggest winter carnivals in the region.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Cooch Behar|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Madhupur Satra, Cooch Behar (cropped).jpg|quote=The Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar provides a glimpse to the Assamese culture and a peek towards the aesthetic and spiritual life of Srimanta Sankardev.}} * I was going to say 2, but then I realised the angle was slightly tilted. So therefore, I go 3, 1=2. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:52, 13 February 2022 (UTC) ::My new choice with the fourth one added is now 3, 4, 1 2. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:54, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *3, 2, 1. This is a beautiful sight, but are there other notable sights there could be banners of? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:21, 13 February 2022 (UTC) *:Commons doesn't have images about any other significant locations. I had visited one nice temple (Madhupur Dham temple) few weeks ago, I'll look out for the photos. I usually take photos of the landscape whenever I visit beautiful places. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:39, 13 February 2022 (UTC) *:Maybe it's just me, but I like that building. It looks cool and I like that Victorian/Edwardian-Indian architecture (I know it's common to encounter such in former British colonies, they just look cool). It reminds me of Flinders Street in Melbourne (see banner 3 in [[#Melbourne/CBD]]). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:37, 2 March 2022 (UTC) *::It does look good. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 07:12, 14 March 2022 (UTC) * I prefer 3. It seems more beautiful. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 17:36, 13 February 2022 (UTC) *:3, 4, 1, 2 Same as SHB2000. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:10, 14 March 2022 (UTC) * 1, 3, 2. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:45, 20 February 2022 (UTC) =[[Indira Gandhi International Airport]]= Coming up in December 2022, there are not many high quality images in Commons. I will try to get some pictures myself if I get the chance.[[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 11:33, 1 May 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Indira Gandhi International Airport|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Delhi Airport FTT Banners Wikivoyage 04.jpg|width=43%|quote=The sculptural marvels in Indira Gandhi International Airport including this, the ''Hasta Mudras'' can fill you with a sense of awe.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Indira Gandhi International Airport|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Delhi Airport FTT Banners Wikivoyage 03.jpg|width=30%|quote=<!--Some text here-->}} * Prefer banner 1. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:02, 1 May 2022 (UTC) :Yes, 1 is good. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 13:04, 1 May 2022 (UTC) *1. 2 seems very low-quality. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:39, 1 May 2022 (UTC) *:I have found another some-what high quality photo. It will put it here in a while. [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 05:15, 2 May 2022 (UTC) * 1 but I have a question. Can we increase the width of the blurb so the title doesn’t take two lines? This might be because I’m on a small screen at the moment but regardless, I think this banner would look better with a wide text area. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:06, 15 May 2022 (UTC) =Loop Art Tour= Currently on hold, due to concerns about making a banner, so here are two to fix that. To avoid potential FoP issues with most of the subjects of the tour, I have chosen images of a functional structure mentioned in the article, the BP Bridge, rather than a work of art. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:47, 15 May 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Loop Art Tour|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Loop Art Tour banner BP Bridge.jpg|quote=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago?}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Loop Art Tour|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Loop Art Tour banner BP Bridge from Buckingham.JPG|quote=Did you know that you can see some amazing modern art for free by taking a walk around downtown Chicago?}} *Thanks! 1 is better than 2. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:59, 15 May 2022 (UTC) ::+1 for banner 1. Thanks for making these :-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:19, 16 May 2022 (UTC) ::: Banner 1 is superior. Would be great to finally see this article ready to feature. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:32, 16 May 2022 (UTC) :I far prefer banner 1 to banner 2, but both are good images. Thank you for taking this approach in the creation of DOTM banners. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 13:22, 6 June 2022 (UTC) *Banner 1 easily. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 02:23, 17 June 2022 (UTC) =[[Newfoundland and Labrador]]= I had trouble selecting the banners; NL is so picturesque that made it hard to just select a few banners. For reference, 1 is taken in Mealy Mountains NPR, 2 is taken in Torngat Mountains NP, 3 is taken in Gros Morne NP and 4 is taken in The Arches PP. The photos here are mostly from national parks, but if there are other great landscapes outside national parks, please do tell me, and I'll crop a banner of that location. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 30 June 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 1.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 2.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 3.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Newfoundland and Labrador|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Newfoundland and Labrador banner 4.jpg|quote=Canada's largest Atlantic province (by area) is known for its great open vast wilderness and fishing communities.}} *This is really a pick 'em. Any of the four would be great, and I hope all 4 are used somewhere. If I end up having any preferences, I'll let you know. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:27, 1 July 2022 (UTC) * 3,1,2,4 though they're all very nice and could all be featured. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 01:35, 1 July 2022 (UTC) * 3,2,4,1, but there are all good. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:01, 1 July 2022 (UTC) * These are all great pictures, and I think my favorite is #3. However, I would note that the mountainous "fjord" regions, particularly in Labrador, are remote and close to inaccessible. Most tourists are bound to be going to the [[St. John's]] area. I might do a couple more DOTM banners of St. John's and more populated coastal areas to propose an alternative, though that's not to criticize the excellent banners you have created which I support. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 22:50, 1 July 2022 (UTC) *3, 4, 1, 2. Gros Morne is on the west coast of the island, and is a prime tourist destination for people going to N&L. This picture is probably taken at the end of the boardwalk leading from the parking lot at the site. It's where visitors will take a boat tour of the lake (which is well worth taking, BTW). N&L Tourism heavily promotes Gros Morne. The Arches is on the Great Northern Peninsula of the island, and is easily accessible (it's just off the road), but is not as important a site. I think the Labrador pictures, while beautiful, do not convey what most visitors will see of N&L due to their remoteness. I think 3 is an excellent choice -- no need to look at east coast pictures. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:42, 2 July 2022 (UTC) *:Gros Morne is also a world-heritage site so I see extra merit in featuring a banner of Gros Morne <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:48, 2 July 2022 (UTC) *After reading GZ's comment, I think I now prefer 3, 4, 1 and 2. I'm aware that Labrador is pretty inaccessible and remote (just look at how empty the Mealy Mountains [https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/mealy page] is on Parks Canada's website), but I just couldn't resist those beautiful fjords of Labrador. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:00, 2 July 2022 (UTC) =[[Deventer]]= {{banner|direction=right|title=Deventer|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Deventer MP banner Lebuïnuskerk.jpg|width=30%|quote=One of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with loads of character to show for it.}} Due to be featured in August, so here is one to start with - others welcome. Banner 1 shows IJsselkade with the Lebuïnuskerk peering over the buildings. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:07, 12 July 2022 (UTC) *Nice banner and would be fine to run. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:11, 12 July 2022 (UTC) =[[Istanbul to Izmir]]= {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir MP banner Ferry at Mudanya.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} Also due in August, so here is one to start with - others welcome. Banner 1 shows a ferry at Mudanya. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:07, 12 July 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Eceabat ferry.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} Banner 2: in keeping with the sea transportation theme, this one shows a ferry ready to depart from Eceabat in Europe to cross the Dardanelles to Çanakkale in Asia, with a prominent Turkish flag. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner 1915 Canakkale Bridge.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} Banner 3: another take on the transportation theme, this time featuring the 1915 Çanakkale - Dardanelles Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Temple of Athena in Assos 2.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} Banner 4: paying homage to the Hellenistic heritage of the area; pictured are the ruins of the Temple of Athena in Assos. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Pergamon Acropolis 1.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} Banner 5: another tribute to the ancient regional history; the Acropolis of Pergamon (Bergama). [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Pergamon Acropolis 2.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} Banner 6: another view from the Pergamon Acropolis. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik waterfront.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} Banner 7: from the waterfront of Ayvalık at sunset. The 19th century buildings of stone/brick construction as in the image are quite common in that part of the country. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Istanbul to Izmir|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Istanbul to Izmir FTT banner Ayvalik islands.jpg|width=30%|quote=Looking on how getting to and from between Turkey's largest and third largest cities? Here's a quick guide on how to.}} Banner 8: the archipelago off Ayvalık. The convoluted coastline is typical of the area. [[User:Vidimian|Vidimian]] ([[User talk:Vidimian|talk]]) 01:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC) * 7,4,2, but I would be happy with any of the others. Thanks for adding many great banners. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 19:47, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *:5, 7, 4, 2 and then 8 for me. Thank you for making these banners :-). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:38, 13 July 2022 (UTC) *Very hard choice. I'll go with 7, 6, 8, 4, 5, 3, but I might change my mind later. Thank you for the banners! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:37, 13 July 2022 (UTC) 0uzw20yhbufklcvt1tywdflvul6ymdf 0 124651 4487821 4487524 2022-07-21T16:42:25Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Illinois driftless area Pearl City street scene.jpg}} The '''Illinois Driftless Area''' is a region in [[Northern Illinois]] containing the sole portions of the [[Driftless Zone]] in Illinois. Like other portions of the Driftless Zone, the Illinois Driftless Area is noted for its high hills, deep river valleys and general scenic beauty. Like many other regions in the area, its borders are somewhat fluid but generally contain all of Jo Daviees and Stephenson Counties as well as the western portions of Carroll County near the [[Mississippi River]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Elizabeth (Illinois)|Elizabeth]]|wikidata=Q2119622}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]]|wikidata=Q202828}}: The county seat of Stephenson County, Freeport is the largest city in the region and major industrial hub. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]]|wikidata=Q577903}}: The county seat of Jo Daviess County, Galena is a major tourist area known for its historic downtown and nearby golf courses and skiing areas. It is also the hometown of former President Ulysses S. Grant. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Lena (Illinois)|Lena]]|wikidata=Q1778940}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Mount Carroll]]|wikidata=Q575470}}: The county seat of Carroll County, Mount Carroll is notable for its historic homes and charming downtown, the entirety of which is designated as a district on the National Register of Historic Places. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Orangeville (Illinois)|Orangeville]]|wikidata=Q2671866}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Scales Mound]]|wikidata=Q2672125}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Stockton (Illinois)|Stockton]]|wikidata=Q2001633}}: Gateway to Jo Daviess County and home to J.L. Kraft's first cheese plant. ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Canyon State Park]]|wikidata=Q4781225}} - camping, hiking, fishing and hunting amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois - a 15 minute drive from Stockton (2 miles/3.2 km west on US 20, then 6 miles/10 km north on Canyon Park Rd). * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple Canyon Lake]]|wikidata=Q4781141}} - boating, fishing, golfing - a planned vacation community with {{convert|400|acre}} lake. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Charles Mound]]|wikidata=Q1065571}}: the highest point in Illinois at {{ft|1235}}. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge]]|wikidata=Q7898801}} ==Understand== The Illinois Driftless area is locally renowned for its scenic beauty (especially in [[Chicagoland]]), and this helped boost its tourist industry. As more and more people visited and vacationed there, the area grew to meet the demand. [[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] is particularly tourist-driven, but even [[Mount Carroll]] has some tourist elements. It is called the Illinois Driftless Area because it is part of the [[Driftless Zone|driftless zone]]. "Driftless" refers to the geological history of the area; its ground hasn't been eroded by glaciers during Ice Ages, nor does it have rocks or other sediments transported there by moving glaciers. ==Get in== The region is most accessible from the following route: * '''US 20''': U.S. Route 20 connects the region to [[Dubuque]] and [[Chicagoland]] and is the only route to run through both of the largest cities in the region - Freeport and Galena. * '''IL 78''': Running through Mount Carroll and Stockton, Illinois Route 78 is a major north-south route in wester Illinois, running from Jacksonville to the Wisconsin state line. * '''IL 84''': Running through Galena, Illinois Route 84 is a major north-south route runs along the Mississippi River and connects the region to I-88 and I-80 to the south. In Illinois, US 20 is designated the '''General Ulysses S. Grant Highway''' (often abbreviated the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway) and is the longest route in the United States.<ref>[http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/longest.cfm Ask the Rambler: What Is The Longest Road in the United States?] Source published: 27-Jun-2017; accessed: 20-Jul-2022.</ref> In eastern Jo Daviess County US 20 is one of the few areas that remain two-lane across the entire stretch of US 20. The road between Dubuque and Stockton was once known as the most dangerous stretch of road because of the hills and curves flanked by cliffs and valleys. Travelers were greeted with signs reminding them to drive carefully as they entered this stretch of road. ==Get around== ==See== * '''The Chicago-Galena Stagecoach Trail''': A rural route running between Lena and Galena, this old stretch of road closely follows the original stagecoach trail that ran through the area and has some of the basic scenic views in the region. ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== * Within Illinois: ** East to [[Chicagoland]] and [[Chicago]]. ** South to [[Western Illinois]], for [[Quad Cities]] and [[Peoria (Illinois)|Peoria]]. * North into [[Southwest Wisconsin]], for [[Baraboo]] and the [[Wisconsin Dells]]. * West across the [[Mississippi River#Upper_Mississippi|Upper Mississippi River]] and into [[Eastern Iowa]], for [[Dubuque]]. {{IsPartOf|Northern Illinois}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|42.15322|-89.62646|zoom=9}} 35e82vo66h9l2x1d4m1ih9ctc4cecty 4488100 4487821 2022-07-22T05:44:52Z BrianM0000 2272790 Expanded <Other destinations> wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|WV banner Illinois driftless area Pearl City street scene.jpg}} The '''Illinois Driftless Area''' is a region in [[Northern Illinois]] containing the sole portions of the [[Driftless Zone]] in Illinois. Like other portions of the Driftless Zone, the Illinois Driftless Area is noted for its high hills, deep river valleys and general scenic beauty. Like many other regions in the area, its borders are somewhat fluid but generally contain all of Jo Daviees and Stephenson Counties as well as the western portions of Carroll County near the [[Mississippi River]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Elizabeth (Illinois)|Elizabeth]]|wikidata=Q2119622}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Freeport (Illinois)|Freeport]]|wikidata=Q202828}}: The county seat of Stephenson County, Freeport is the largest city in the region and major industrial hub. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]]|wikidata=Q577903}}: The county seat of Jo Daviess County, Galena is a major tourist area known for its historic downtown and nearby golf courses and skiing areas. It is also the hometown of former President Ulysses S. Grant. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Lena (Illinois)|Lena]]|wikidata=Q1778940}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Mount Carroll]]|wikidata=Q575470}}: The county seat of Carroll County, Mount Carroll is notable for its historic homes and charming downtown, the entirety of which is designated as a district on the National Register of Historic Places. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Orangeville (Illinois)|Orangeville]]|wikidata=Q2671866}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Scales Mound]]|wikidata=Q2672125}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Stockton (Illinois)|Stockton]]|wikidata=Q2001633}}: Gateway to Jo Daviess County and home to J.L. Kraft's first cheese plant. ==Other destinations== * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Canyon State Park]]|wikidata=Q4781225}} - camping, hiking, fishing and hunting amid the limestone bluffs, ravines, springs and streams that characterize northwest Illinois. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple River Fort|Apple River Fort State Historic Site]]|wikidata=Q4781224}} - fort hastily constructed by settlers at the onset of the 1832 Black Hawk War. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Apple Canyon Lake]]|wikidata=Q4781141}} - boating, fishing, golfing - a planned vacation community with {{convert|400|acre}} lake. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area]]|wikidata=Q6476592}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Charles Mound]]|wikidata=Q1065571}} - the highest point in Illinois at {{ft|1235}} - located on private property with limited accessibility. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Mississippi Palisades State Park]]|wikidata=Q3364079}} - many caves and large cliffs along the Mississippi River along the mouth of the Apple River. * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge]]|wikidata=Q7898801}} ==Understand== The Illinois Driftless area is locally renowned for its scenic beauty (especially in [[Chicagoland]]), and this helped boost its tourist industry. As more and more people visited and vacationed there, the area grew to meet the demand. [[Galena (Illinois)|Galena]] is particularly tourist-driven, but even [[Mount Carroll]] has some tourist elements. It is called the Illinois Driftless Area because it is part of the [[Driftless Zone|driftless zone]]. "Driftless" refers to the geological history of the area; its ground hasn't been eroded by glaciers during Ice Ages, nor does it have rocks or other sediments transported there by moving glaciers. ==Get in== The region is most accessible from the following route: * '''US 20''': U.S. Route 20 connects the region to [[Dubuque]] and [[Chicagoland]] and is the only route to run through both of the largest cities in the region - Freeport and Galena. * '''IL 78''': Running through Mount Carroll and Stockton, Illinois Route 78 is a major north-south route in wester Illinois, running from Jacksonville to the Wisconsin state line. * '''IL 84''': Running through Galena, Illinois Route 84 is a major north-south route runs along the Mississippi River and connects the region to I-88 and I-80 to the south. In Illinois, US 20 is designated the '''General Ulysses S. Grant Highway''' (often abbreviated the U.S. Grant Memorial Highway) and is the longest route in the United States.<ref>[http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/longest.cfm Ask the Rambler: What Is The Longest Road in the United States?] Source published: 27-Jun-2017; accessed: 20-Jul-2022.</ref> In eastern Jo Daviess County US 20 is one of the few areas that remain two-lane across the entire stretch of US 20. The road between Dubuque and Stockton was once known as the most dangerous stretch of road because of the hills and curves flanked by cliffs and valleys. Travelers were greeted with signs reminding them to drive carefully as they entered this stretch of road. ==Get around== ==See== * '''The Chicago-Galena Stagecoach Trail''': A rural route running between Lena and Galena, this old stretch of road closely follows the original stagecoach trail that ran through the area and has some of the basic scenic views in the region. ==Do== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== * Within Illinois: ** East to [[Chicagoland]] and [[Chicago]]. ** South to [[Western Illinois]], for [[Quad Cities]] and [[Peoria (Illinois)|Peoria]]. * North into [[Southwest Wisconsin]], for [[Baraboo]] and the [[Wisconsin Dells]]. * West across the [[Mississippi River#Upper_Mississippi|Upper Mississippi River]] and into [[Eastern Iowa]], for [[Dubuque]]. {{IsPartOf|Northern Illinois}} {{outlineregion}} {{geo|42.15322|-89.62646|zoom=9}} lrukp7z6r6fxuy4k2cglx4s1nv4iaub 0 126877 4487736 4480863 2022-07-21T13:07:33Z Veillg1 253590 /* By plane */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url= | email= | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Quebec City]] | minorl1=[[Les Escoumins]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre|Kegaska]] | minorr1=[[Sept-Îles]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} *''' Barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic-Cinq)'''- Hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam located near above sea level offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. It measures in height and {{m|1314}} long on its crest and it has and. It was inaugurated in 1968 and commissioned in 1970. * '''Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes'''- trails with nine different ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. * '''Station Uapishka'''- Accommodation in camps, chalets or dormitories and catering near the Groulx Mountains and the Manicouagan crater. Scientific facilities for research and studies of the northern environment. Organized outdoor activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the crater, hiking and expedition in the Groulx Mountains, abseiling, archery, snowmobiling and zodiac excursion. Vast wilderness to explore. * '''Franquelin'''- Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions , shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | email= | address=2 rue de l'École, Chute-aux-Outardes (Québec) G0H 1C0 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} 4fwnw9ymk6nutypnj715fio0xumafwu 4487737 4487736 2022-07-21T13:08:05Z Veillg1 253590 /* Get around */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url= | email= | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Quebec City]] | minorl1=[[Les Escoumins]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre|Kegaska]] | minorr1=[[Sept-Îles]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} *''' Barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic-Cinq)'''- Hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam located near above sea level offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. It measures in height and {{m|1314}} long on its crest and it has and. It was inaugurated in 1968 and commissioned in 1970. * '''Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes'''- trails with nine different ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. * '''Station Uapishka'''- Accommodation in camps, chalets or dormitories and catering near the Groulx Mountains and the Manicouagan crater. Scientific facilities for research and studies of the northern environment. Organized outdoor activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the crater, hiking and expedition in the Groulx Mountains, abseiling, archery, snowmobiling and zodiac excursion. Vast wilderness to explore. * '''Franquelin'''- Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions , shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | email= | address=2 rue de l'École, Chute-aux-Outardes (Québec) G0H 1C0 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} 75l3lr4s6c0ylvbkqfjjljfb8f8fjse 4487738 4487737 2022-07-21T13:08:31Z Veillg1 253590 /* See and do */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url= | email= | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Quebec City]] | minorl1=[[Les Escoumins]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre|Kegaska]] | minorr1=[[Sept-Îles]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} *''' Barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic-Cinq)'''- Hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam located near above sea level offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. It measures in height and {{m|1314}} long on its crest and it has and. It was inaugurated in 1968 and commissioned in 1970. * '''Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes'''- trails with nine different ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. * '''Station Uapishka'''- Accommodation in camps, chalets or dormitories and catering near the Groulx Mountains and the Manicouagan crater. Scientific facilities for research and studies of the northern environment. Organized outdoor activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the crater, hiking and expedition in the Groulx Mountains, abseiling, archery, snowmobiling and zodiac excursion. Vast wilderness to explore. * '''Franquelin'''- Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions , shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | email= | address=2 rue de l'École, Chute-aux-Outardes (Québec) G0H 1C0 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} cmqkaj4izc1qsb2i52drgpj2p3v0bb4 4487739 4487738 2022-07-21T13:08:51Z Veillg1 253590 /* Buy */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url= | email= | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Quebec City]] | minorl1=[[Les Escoumins]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre|Kegaska]] | minorr1=[[Sept-Îles]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} *''' Barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic-Cinq)'''- Hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam located near above sea level offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. It measures in height and {{m|1314}} long on its crest and it has and. It was inaugurated in 1968 and commissioned in 1970. * '''Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes'''- trails with nine different ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. * '''Station Uapishka'''- Accommodation in camps, chalets or dormitories and catering near the Groulx Mountains and the Manicouagan crater. Scientific facilities for research and studies of the northern environment. Organized outdoor activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the crater, hiking and expedition in the Groulx Mountains, abseiling, archery, snowmobiling and zodiac excursion. Vast wilderness to explore. * '''Franquelin'''- Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions , shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | email= | address=2 rue de l'École, Chute-aux-Outardes (Québec) G0H 1C0 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} 6pwbte7bfj6637vpu3k1j2zaon6v8i3 4487805 4487739 2022-07-21T15:42:50Z Veillg1 253590 /* Motels */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21618 | long=-68.17159 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat=49.22803 | long=-68.19107 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url= | email= | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21499 | long=-68.17239 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Quebec City]] | minorl1=[[Les Escoumins]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre|Kegaska]] | minorr1=[[Sept-Îles]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} *''' Barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic-Cinq)'''- Hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam located near above sea level offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. It measures in height and {{m|1314}} long on its crest and it has and. It was inaugurated in 1968 and commissioned in 1970. * '''Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes'''- trails with nine different ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. * '''Station Uapishka'''- Accommodation in camps, chalets or dormitories and catering near the Groulx Mountains and the Manicouagan crater. Scientific facilities for research and studies of the northern environment. Organized outdoor activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the crater, hiking and expedition in the Groulx Mountains, abseiling, archery, snowmobiling and zodiac excursion. Vast wilderness to explore. * '''Franquelin'''- Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions , shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | email= | address=2 rue de l'École, Chute-aux-Outardes (Québec) G0H 1C0 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} pysqghya44o4hi129zlcapuii22vvm0 4487808 4487805 2022-07-21T16:04:55Z Veillg1 253590 /* Go next */ Update of Go Next section wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21618 | long=-68.17159 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat=49.22803 | long=-68.19107 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url= | email= | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21499 | long=-68.17239 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montreal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Centrale Jean-Lesage | alt=Manic-2 | url=http://tourismecote-nord.com/membres/culture-et-decouverte/barrages-et-visites-industrielles/manic-2-centrale-jean-lesage/| email= | address= | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-8514 | tollfree= | hours= | calender=June 24 to August 31 | price=Gratuit | wikidata=Q1328614 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hydroelectric power station located on the Manicouagan River about {{convert|25|km}}, or 30 minutes by road, north of Baie-Comeau, built from 1961 to 1965 by Hydro- Quebec. It includes a gravity dam and hollow joints, the second largest in the world, with a spillway. The plant can produce enough electricity to power a city of 250,000 population. The reservoir of the dam is {{convert|124|km|2}} and contains 4 billion cubic meters of water. The Georges-Dor pavilion serves as a reception point and presents a replica of a life-size turbine, an exhibition hall and a projection room which presents the construction and operation of a power plant. It is mandatory to present an identity document to be able to access the sites. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic-Cinq)| alt=Manic-5 | url=http://tourismecote-nord.com/membres/culture-et-decouverte/barrages-et-visites-industrielles/manic-5-barrage-daniel-johnson/| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=June 24 to August 31 | price= | wikidata=Q1425918 | lat=50.647 | long=-68.7265 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam located near above sea level offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. It measures in height and {{m|1314}} long on its crest and it has and. It was inaugurated in 1968 and commissioned in 1970. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes | alt= | url=http://www.parcnature.com/| email=infoparc@parcnature.com | address=4, rue Labrie, Pointe-aux-Outardes | directions= | phone=+1 418 567-4227| tollfree= | hours=June to October | price= | wikidata= | lat=49.0429 | long=-68.458 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Trails with nine different ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Station Uapishka | alt= | url=http://stationuapishka.com/| email=info@uapishka.com | address=km 336, route 389 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-8514 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lat=51.464 | long=-68.236 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Accommodation in camps, chalets or dormitories and catering near the Groulx Mountains and the Manicouagan crater. Scientific facilities for research and studies of the northern environment. Organized outdoor activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the crater, hiking and expedition in the Groulx Mountains, abseiling, archery, snowmobiling and zodiac excursion. Vast wilderness to explore. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/franquelin/ | email= | address=14, rue des Érables, C.P. 10, Franquelin, Qc, G0H 1E0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-1406 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | email= | address=2 rue de l'École, Chute-aux-Outardes (Québec) G0H 1C0 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3433597 | lat=50.25 | long=-69 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} fso4ksfq4mynf165qvuc0peqmo945q5 4487833 4487808 2022-07-21T17:20:42Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Go next */ Go next should list articles, not individual sites. Details are in the 389 article. Uapishka moved there wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21618 | long=-68.17159 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat=49.22803 | long=-68.19107 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url= | email= | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21499 | long=-68.17239 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montreal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} * [[Quebec Route 389]] is a highway from Baie-Comeau to Labrador City that will take you to '''Centrale Jean-Lesage''' (Manic-2) a hydroelectric power station on the Manicouagan River about {{convert|25|km}}, or 30 minutes by road, north of Baie-Comeau. The reception pavilion presents a replica of a life-size turbine, an exhibition hall and a projection room which presents the construction and operation of a power plant. Further along Route 389 is the '''Barrage Daniel-Johnson''' (Manic-5) a hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. * {{mapgroup-item | name=Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes | alt= | url=http://www.parcnature.com/| email=infoparc@parcnature.com | address=4, rue Labrie, Pointe-aux-Outardes | directions= | phone=+1 418 567-4227| tollfree= | hours=June to October | price= | wikidata= | lat=49.0429 | long=-68.458 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Trails with nine different ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/franquelin/ | email= | address=14, rue des Érables, C.P. 10, Franquelin, Qc, G0H 1E0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-1406 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | email= | address=2 rue de l'École, Chute-aux-Outardes (Québec) G0H 1C0 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3433597 | lat=50.25 | long=-69 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} chiad3gzdnewq0zq5aufbw22u5b8gn4 4487839 4487833 2022-07-21T17:26:32Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Go next */ mre clean up wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21618 | long=-68.17159 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat=49.22803 | long=-68.19107 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url= | email= | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21499 | long=-68.17239 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montreal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} * [[Quebec Route 389]] is a highway from Baie-Comeau to Labrador City that will take you to '''Centrale Jean-Lesage''' (Manic-2) a hydroelectric power station on the Manicouagan River about {{convert|25|km}}, or 30 minutes by road, north of Baie-Comeau. The reception pavilion presents a replica of a life-size turbine, an exhibition hall and a projection room which presents the construction and operation of a power plant. Further along Route 389 is the '''Barrage Daniel-Johnson''' (Manic-5) a hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3433597 | lat=50.25 | long=-69 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. The [http://www.parcnature.com/ Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes],open June to October ({{phone|+1 418-567-4227}}), offers trails with nine ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} jtf8htgsygcto8sbpw9v7hn3fuw9yob 4487844 4487839 2022-07-21T17:36:36Z Veillg1 253590 Add campings and motels based on French version wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21618 | long=-68.17159 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat=49.22803 | long=-68.19107 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=https://www.choicehotels.com/fr-us/quebec/baie-comeau/comfort-inn-hotels/cn322 | email= | address=745, boulevard Laflèche | lat= 49.19849| long=-68.25714 | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=2-star establishment, non-smoking, continental breakfast, free wireless internet. Other services: laundry, dry cleaner. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Le Comte | url=http://www.lecomtehotel.com/french/ | email= | address=285, boulevard La Salle | lat=49.21455 | long=-68.18683 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 800 563-9686 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=3-star establishment, restaurant, bar, terrace, free wireless internet. Other services: hot tub, tennis court, hairdresser/beauty salon. }} [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|L'hôtel Le Manoir]] * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/ | email= | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat=49.21947 | long=-68.14137 | directions= | phone = +1 866 796-3391 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=4-star establishment, French colonial style, non-smoking, view of the bay and the river, located in the historic district, dining room open every day for dinner (room service available for dinner), lounge bar, terrace bar. Other services: laundry (on weekdays), exercise room, tennis court, bicycle rental, childcare service (on request), beauty salon. Shelter, gas, repair and rental of snowmobiles on site. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel-motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.hotelmotellacaravelle.com/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, boulevard La Salle | lat=49.21671 | long=-68.16529 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 800 463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=3-star establishment, non-smoking, restaurant (breakfast), bar, indoor swimming pool (in summer), free wireless internet. Other services: sauna (in summer), library, belvedere. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel-motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/attraitsf.html | email= | address=1145, avenue Nouvel | lat=49.19552 | long=-68.26430 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 800 463-2041 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=3-star establishment, non-smoking, continental breakfast, free internet. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Boréal motel | url=http://leborealmotel.com/ | email= | address=1060, boulevard Laflèche | lat=49.19763 | long=-68.26405 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 866 589-7835 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=3-star establishment, rooms for seniors available, free internet. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hôtel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ | email= | address=48, place La Salle | lat=49.22089 | long=-68.15301 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 888 838-8880 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=3-star establishment, located downtown, restaurant-bar, direct access to bike and snowmobile trails, rooms with kitchenette available, free wireless internet. Other services: laundry, billiards, poker, show. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url=http://www.moteldurosier.com/ | email=info@moteldurosier.com | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21499 | long=-68.17239 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. Bar, billiards. }} ===Campings=== * {{sleep | name=Camping Boréal | url=https://www.camping-boreal.com/ | email=campingboreal@hotmail.com | address=300, route 138 | lat=49.283 | long=-68.161 | directions= | phone =+1 418 296-6949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $27CAD to $43CAD | checkin=13:00 | checkout=2018-11-16 | calendar=May to September | lastedit=2018-11-16 | content=Campground located along the Rivière aux Anglais away from the city in the heart of nature. Availability of 168 pitches including 69 reserved for passenger travellers. Land for tents with or without service as well as land for trailers with services. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Manic-2 | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/manicouagan/camping-manic-2/ | email=campingmanic2@globetrotter.net | address=km 23, Route 389 | lat=49.32108 | long=-68.37143 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2810 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $25CAD to $34CAD | checkin=14:00 | checkout=14:00 | calendar=June to September | lastedit=2018-11-16 | content=Campground located near Jean-Lesage generating station. 83 pitches available, including 30 without service, 53 with 2 or 3 services. Beach, swimming, volleyball, playground, fishing nearby, mountain biking trails nearby. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montreal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} * [[Quebec Route 389]] is a highway from Baie-Comeau to Labrador City that will take you to '''Centrale Jean-Lesage''' (Manic-2) a hydroelectric power station on the Manicouagan River about {{convert|25|km}}, or 30 minutes by road, north of Baie-Comeau. The reception pavilion presents a replica of a life-size turbine, an exhibition hall and a projection room which presents the construction and operation of a power plant. Further along Route 389 is the '''Barrage Daniel-Johnson''' (Manic-5) a hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3433597 | lat=50.25 | long=-69 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. The [http://www.parcnature.com/ Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes],open June to October ({{phone|+1 418-567-4227}}), offers trails with nine ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} 5ucyuoznwcm2zjtnna1reoavz7ahp73 4487849 4487844 2022-07-21T17:46:49Z Veillg1 253590 /* Sleep */ Update wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|L'hôtel Le Manoir]] * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Le Comte | url=http://www.lecomtehotel.com/french/ | email= | address=285, boulevard La Salle | lat=49.21455 | long=-68.18683 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 800 563-9686 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=3-star establishment, restaurant, bar, terrace, free wireless internet. Other services: hot tub, tennis court, hairdresser/beauty salon. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21618 | long=-68.17159 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat=49.22803 | long=-68.19107 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Boréal motel | url=http://leborealmotel.com/ | email= | address=1060, boulevard Laflèche | lat=49.19763 | long=-68.26405 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 866 589-7835 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=3-star establishment, rooms for seniors available, free internet. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url=http://www.moteldurosier.com/ | email=info@moteldurosier.com | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21499 | long=-68.17239 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. Bar, billiards. }} ===Campings=== * {{sleep | name=Camping Boréal | url=https://www.camping-boreal.com/ | email=campingboreal@hotmail.com | address=300, route 138 | lat=49.283 | long=-68.161 | directions= | phone =+1 418 296-6949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $27CAD to $43CAD | checkin=13:00 | checkout=2018-11-16 | calendar=May to September | lastedit=2018-11-16 | content=Campground located along the Rivière aux Anglais away from the city in the heart of nature. Availability of 168 pitches including 69 reserved for passenger travellers. Land for tents with or without service as well as land for trailers with services. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Manic-2 | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/manicouagan/camping-manic-2/ | email=campingmanic2@globetrotter.net | address=km 23, Route 389 | lat=49.32108 | long=-68.37143 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2810 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $25CAD to $34CAD | checkin=14:00 | checkout=14:00 | calendar=June to September | lastedit=2018-11-16 | content=Campground located near Jean-Lesage generating station. 83 pitches available, including 30 without service, 53 with 2 or 3 services. Beach, swimming, volleyball, playground, fishing nearby, mountain biking trails nearby. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montreal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} * [[Quebec Route 389]] is a highway from Baie-Comeau to Labrador City that will take you to '''Centrale Jean-Lesage''' (Manic-2) a hydroelectric power station on the Manicouagan River about {{convert|25|km}}, or 30 minutes by road, north of Baie-Comeau. The reception pavilion presents a replica of a life-size turbine, an exhibition hall and a projection room which presents the construction and operation of a power plant. Further along Route 389 is the '''Barrage Daniel-Johnson''' (Manic-5) a hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3433597 | lat=50.25 | long=-69 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. The [http://www.parcnature.com/ Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes],open June to October ({{phone|+1 418-567-4227}}), offers trails with nine ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} 4igjwqhbqvb3xvgws18dt6dwhjbsoga 4487850 4487849 2022-07-21T17:47:13Z Veillg1 253590 /* Sleep */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Le Comte | url=http://www.lecomtehotel.com/french/ | email= | address=285, boulevard La Salle | lat=49.21455 | long=-68.18683 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 800 563-9686 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=3-star establishment, restaurant, bar, terrace, free wireless internet. Other services: hot tub, tennis court, hairdresser/beauty salon. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21618 | long=-68.17159 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat=49.22803 | long=-68.19107 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Boréal motel | url=http://leborealmotel.com/ | email= | address=1060, boulevard Laflèche | lat=49.19763 | long=-68.26405 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 866 589-7835 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=3-star establishment, rooms for seniors available, free internet. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url=http://www.moteldurosier.com/ | email=info@moteldurosier.com | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21499 | long=-68.17239 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. Bar, billiards. }} ===Campings=== * {{sleep | name=Camping Boréal | url=https://www.camping-boreal.com/ | email=campingboreal@hotmail.com | address=300, route 138 | lat=49.283 | long=-68.161 | directions= | phone =+1 418 296-6949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $27CAD to $43CAD | checkin=13:00 | checkout=2018-11-16 | calendar=May to September | lastedit=2018-11-16 | content=Campground located along the Rivière aux Anglais away from the city in the heart of nature. Availability of 168 pitches including 69 reserved for passenger travellers. Land for tents with or without service as well as land for trailers with services. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Manic-2 | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/manicouagan/camping-manic-2/ | email=campingmanic2@globetrotter.net | address=km 23, Route 389 | lat=49.32108 | long=-68.37143 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2810 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $25CAD to $34CAD | checkin=14:00 | checkout=14:00 | calendar=June to September | lastedit=2018-11-16 | content=Campground located near Jean-Lesage generating station. 83 pitches available, including 30 without service, 53 with 2 or 3 services. Beach, swimming, volleyball, playground, fishing nearby, mountain biking trails nearby. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montreal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} * [[Quebec Route 389]] is a highway from Baie-Comeau to Labrador City that will take you to '''Centrale Jean-Lesage''' (Manic-2) a hydroelectric power station on the Manicouagan River about {{convert|25|km}}, or 30 minutes by road, north of Baie-Comeau. The reception pavilion presents a replica of a life-size turbine, an exhibition hall and a projection room which presents the construction and operation of a power plant. Further along Route 389 is the '''Barrage Daniel-Johnson''' (Manic-5) a hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3433597 | lat=50.25 | long=-69 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. The [http://www.parcnature.com/ Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes],open June to October ({{phone|+1 418-567-4227}}), offers trails with nine ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} b301ioj32jytnxaz82499t795yj0td6 4487949 4487850 2022-07-21T20:33:01Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Go next */ boldface wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Baie Comeau''' is a city that is approximately 420 km (260&nbsp;mi) north-east of [[Quebec City]] in the Côte-Nord region of the province of [[Quebec]]. It is on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River near the mouth of the Manicouagan River, and is the seat of Manicouagan Regional County Municipality. ==Understand== [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|upright 1.3|St-Pancrace Bay]] The municipality had a population of 21,500 in 2016, which has declined from 25,500 in 1996. The population is roughly split between two urban area population centres within the city limits: Baie-Comeau proper and Hauterive. The city is named after the adjacent Comeau Bay, which is named in honour of Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau, a Québécois naturalist. Baie-Comeau is the birthplace of former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney. ===History=== Baie-Comeau proper (the eastern part of the current town) was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was constructed by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Experiencing remarkable growth, the Town of Baie-Comeau was incorporated the following year. The area continued to see economic development with the establishment of the hydro-electric power stations on the Manicouagan and Outardes Rivers beginning with the Chutes-aux-Outardes Station in 1952, an aluminum smelter in 1958, and grain warehouses (the largest in Canada) in 1959. ===Climate=== In July, the average daily high is near 21°C (70°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near 10°C (50°F). In January, the average daily high is about -9°C (16°F) but at night it cools down to a temperature near -20°C (-4°F). No matter when in the year you go, you should always bring a jacket. Temperatures can deviate significantly from the average, so be prepared. ==Get in== ===By car=== Baie-Comeau is five to six hours beyond Québec City on Québec Route 138. As there is no railway, the main option is to come by car. From [[Quebec City]], take Autoroute 440-E until it becomes Quebec Route 138. Drive about 400&nbsp;km until you arrive in Baie Comeau. Visitors from [[Montréal]] or points westward on the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] will arrive in Québec City on Autoroute 40 (as the last bridge on the St. Lawrence is west of the city), then follow the north shore from there. From [[Chicoutimi-Jonquière]] and [[Lac-Saint-Jean]] go to Chicoutimi Nord, where Québec Route 172 follows the north shore of the Saguenay river to [[Tadoussac]]. From there, Québec Route 138 leads 200&nbsp;km downriver to Baie-Comeau. From [[Atlantic Canada]], take the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] westward to [[Rivière-du-Loup]], then cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to reach Route 138 on the north shore. (From [[New Brunswick]]'s [[Acadian Coast]], an alternative route is to enter at [[Campbellton]]-Pointe à la Croix, take QC132 through [[Amqui]] to [[Rimouski]] or [[Matane]], then cross the St. Lawrence by ferry.) ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baie-Comeau Airport | alt={{IATA|YBC}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.1325 | long=-68.204444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2902713 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Domestic flights }} ** [http://airliaison.ca/en/ Air Liaison] flies from Mont-Joli, [[Quebec City]], [[Sept-Îles]], and [[Labrador City|Wabush]]. ** [https://www.pascan.com/en/ Pascan Aviation] flies from [[Saguenay|Bagotville]], Montreal-Saint-Hubert Airport, and Sept-Îles. ** Air Canada closed its station in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===By bus=== * {{Listing|name=Intercar|url=http://www.intercar.ca/|email=serviceclient@intercar.ca|phone=+1-418-547-2167|tollfree=+1-800-806-2167|lastedit=2022-05-01|content=Operates bus routes within [[Quebec]].}} Operates the following routes to Baie-Comeau: ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Montreal]] including stops in Forestville, [[Tadoussac]], [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]], [[Saint-Siméon]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Clermont (Quebec)|Clermont]], [[Saint-Hilarion]], [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[Saint-Tite-des-Caps]], [[Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré]], [[Boischatel]], and [[Quebec City]]. Trips toward Baie-Comeau start from Quebec City and do not include a stop in Montreal. Operates daily. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Forestville is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Siméon is 4 hours, from La Malbaie is 4.5 hours, from Baie-Saint-Paul is 6 hours, and from Quebec City is 7.25 hours. ** Between Baie-Comeau and [[Sept-Îles]] including a stop in Godbout. Travel time to Baie-Comeau from Sept-Îles is 3.75 hours hours and from Godbout is 1.25 hours. Operates several days per week. ===By boat=== * {{Listing|name=La Société des traversiers du Québec|url=https://www.traversiers.com/|tollfree=+1-877-787-7483|lastedit=2022-05-14|content=Operates ferries within [[Quebec]].}} Operates a ferry route that crosses between the St. Lawrence River's south shore and north shore. The ferry travels between [[Matane]] and Baie-Comeau (2 hours 20 minutes crossing), and between Matane and Godbout (2 hours 10 minutes crossing). The ferry operates daily throughout the year, except certain public holidays. Between mid-June and early September, the ferry makes one round trip to Baie-Comeau and one trip to Godbout. During the remainder of the year, depending on the day, the ferry makes a round trip to either Baie-Comeau, to Godbout, or to both. Advance reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to bring a vehicle. ** Other points at which one can cross the St. Lawrence by ferry include Rimouski—Forestville, Trois-Pistoles—Les Escoumins, Rivière-du-Loup—Saint-Siméon and Lévis—Québec City. ==Get around== {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q139654|type=geomask}}{{Mapframe|49.2315|-68.2289|zoom=11}} It's best to have a car to drive around since the two parts of Baie Comeau are separate. Walking may be reasonable depending on the distance and season. * {{listing | name=Budget Location De Vehicules | alt= | url= | email= | address=799, boul Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-4404 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Hire car rental. }} ==See and do== * {{see | name=Atelier Carole Caron |url= | email= | address=1181 rue de Dieppe | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9547 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Carole Caron paints on fabric with acrylic resin. Her works mostly feature colourful and lively scenes of children. }} * {{see | name=Centre Boreal du St-Laurent |url= | email= | address=3, avenue Denonville | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-0177 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This forest learning centre allows visitors to discover the effects glaciers had on the Cote Nord region and its landscapes. Other attractions and activities include a natural park, observation sites, hiking trails and more. }} * {{see | name=Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau |url=http://www.centredesartsbc.com/ | email=info@cabc.baie-comeau.ca | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= Shows and concerts. }} * {{see | name=Galerie d'art Claude Bonneau |url=http://www.claudebonneau.com/ | email= | address=13, place La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-8862 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Exhibition of art and antiques. }} * {{see | name=Maison de la Faune |url= | email= | address=3501, boulevard Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2219 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Visitors will discover and learn about the fauna or wildlife of the Cote-Nord region. Children under the age of seven get in free. Hiking trails and a boutique are also available. }} * {{see | name=Le Theatre de Baie-Comeau |url= | email= | address=1660, rue de Bretagne | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 295-2500 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Constructed in 1992, the theatre can accommodate 850 guests and showcases a variety of plays and shows during the year. Ticket packages are available. }} * {{see | name=The Whale Route |url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/plan-your-trip/road-trip-ideas/the-whale-route | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Côte-Nord – Manicouagan and Côte-Nord – Duplessis border the St. Lawrence for 1250 km (775 mi), from [[Tadoussac]] to [[Blanc-Sablon]]. The coastline of these regions has been designated the Whale Route, because 13 different species, including the blue whale, can be found in the waters of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Centre Manicouagan | url= | email= | address=600, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9651 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=There are over 50 stores and boutiques at this shopping mall in Baie-Comeau. A renovated food-fair offers a non-smoking environment. Open daily. }} * {{buy | name=Galeries Baie-Comeau inc. | url= | email= | address=300, boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6461 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Shopping mall, several shops. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=L'Aquarium Sushi Bar | url= | email= | address= (West) 861, boulevard Lafleche, (East) 38 Place LaSalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone=+1 418 589-5887 (West), +1 418 296-2887 (East) | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Casual dining and an impressive selection of fresh sushi rolls, combination platters and signature dishes are served up at this restaurant, which offers locations in the eastern and western sectors of the city. }} * {{eat | name=Brochetterie Chez Greco | url=http://chezgreco.ca/restaurants/baie-comeau/ | email= | address=1257, boul. Laflèche | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 295-3003 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=There are a variety of authentic Greek specialties at this restaurant. The menu features moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki and more Greek foods. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Bar Terrasse Les Trois Barils | url= | email= | address=200, boulevard Lasalle | lat= | long= |directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3681 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant has a varied menu consisting of Canadian, Italian and regional specialties. Steak and seafood dishes also popular. Dining accommodations for up to 175 guests including a terrace. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Dixie Lee Poulet Frit | alt= | url= | email= | address=1150, boulevard Laflèche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 589-3376 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This restaurant serves flavourful fried chicken. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant La Cache d'Amelie | url= | email= | address=37, avenue Marquette | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3722 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Guests can enjoy a fine-dining experience and sample regional dishes. The restaurant is licensed and includes a non-smoking section. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Les Pates | url= | email= | address=836, rue de Puyjalon | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-9921 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pizza and fresh stuffed pastas. Delivery is available. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Nori | url= | email= | address=905, rue Bosse | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The restaurant features an Asian menu of fine-cuisine including seafood specialties. The location is licensed and provides non-smoking sections for its patrons. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant Pizza Royale | url=https://www.facebook.com/pizzaroyale1970/ | email=emplois@pizzaroyale.ca | address=2674, boulevard Laflèche (Route 138) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-5427 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Menu includes several types of pizza as well as other dishes such as pasta, salads, sandwiches and Chinese food. The restaurant is also licensed and is open late on weekends. }} ==Sleep== [[File:Baie-Comeau.jpg|thumb|upright 1.3|Hôtel le Manoir in Baie-Comeau]] ===Hotels=== * {{sleep | name=Comfort Inn Baie-Comeau | url=http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-baiecomeau-canada-CN322 | email= | address=745 boul. Lafleche | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-8252 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= Offering continental breakfast, business services, refrigerator and valet service. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Grand Hotel | url=http://www.legrandhotel.ca/ang/contact_us.html | email=legrandhotel@globetrotter.net | address=48 Place Lasalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 297-6994 | tollfree=+1-888-838-8880 | fax=+1 418 294-2040 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Three-star complex that was completely renovated. Has forty-five rooms, some with kitchenettes. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge Baie-Comeau | alt= | url=http://www.travelodgebaiecomeau.com/en-gb | email=reception@travelodgebaiecomeau.com | address=285 boulevard La Salle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 296-9686 | tollfree=+1-800-563-9686 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=100 guest rooms, all equipped with coffee makers, cable TV, free wireless Internet access, refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also offers free hot breakfast, a restaurant and bar, a fitness room and outdoor hot tubs. This is a pet-friendly property. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Le Manoir | url=http://www.manoirbc.com/en/ | email=manoirbc@globetrotter.qc.ca | address=8, avenue Cabot | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-866-796-3391 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Hotel accommodations include 57 rooms with many amenities including free coffee, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, telephone with alarm clock and more. Services include tennis court, bicycle and snowmobile rentals, restaurant and business centre. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Le Comte | url=http://www.lecomtehotel.com/french/ | email= | address=285, boulevard La Salle | lat=49.21455 | long=-68.18683 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 800 563-9686 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=3-star establishment, restaurant, bar, terrace, free wireless internet. Other services: hot tub, tennis court, hairdresser/beauty salon. }} ===Hotel and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel Hauterive | url=http://www.hotelhauterive.com/ | email=info@hotelhauterive.com | address=1145, Avenue Nouvel | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 589-2041 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 589-2043 | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Meeting rooms are supplied with audio and visual equipment. }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel-Motel La Caravelle | url=http://www.afinit.ca/hotelcaravelle/ | email=info@hotelcaravelle.ca | address=202, blvd. LaSalle | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-4986 | tollfree=+1-800-463-4986 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Only hotel on the north shore with an indoor swimming pool (open July and August). Outdoor terrace and sauna adjacent to the pool. }} ===Motels=== * {{sleep | name=Motel Amigo | url= | email= | address=221 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21618 | long=-68.17159 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-3131 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=The motel includes 20 rooms with both smoking and non-smoking units available. All rooms include a bathroom, television and telephone. Free outdoor parking is provided. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Nord | url= | email= | address=120 boulevard Comeau | lat=49.22803 | long=-68.19107 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2511 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Accommodations include 14 air-conditioned rooms, each complete with private bathroom, telephone and television. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Boréal motel | url=http://leborealmotel.com/ | email= | address=1060, boulevard Laflèche | lat=49.19763 | long=-68.26405 | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1 866 589-7835 | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=3-star establishment, rooms for seniors available, free internet. }} * {{sleep | name=Motel du Rosier Baie Comeau | url=http://www.moteldurosier.com/ | email=info@moteldurosier.com | address=228 boulevard Lasalle | lat=49.21499 | long=-68.17239 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-6696 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=All rooms include amenities such as a hair dryer, clock radio and free coffee. Select suites provide additional features including Internet access and whirlpools. Bar, billiards. }} ===Campings=== * {{sleep | name=Camping Boréal | url=https://www.camping-boreal.com/ | email=campingboreal@hotmail.com | address=300, route 138 | lat=49.283 | long=-68.161 | directions= | phone =+1 418 296-6949 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $27CAD to $43CAD | checkin=13:00 | checkout=2018-11-16 | calendar=May to September | lastedit=2018-11-16 | content=Campground located along the Rivière aux Anglais away from the city in the heart of nature. Availability of 168 pitches including 69 reserved for passenger travellers. Land for tents with or without service as well as land for trailers with services. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Manic-2 | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/manicouagan/camping-manic-2/ | email=campingmanic2@globetrotter.net | address=km 23, Route 389 | lat=49.32108 | long=-68.37143 | directions= | phone = +1 418 296-2810 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=From $25CAD to $34CAD | checkin=14:00 | checkout=14:00 | calendar=June to September | lastedit=2018-11-16 | content=Campground located near Jean-Lesage generating station. 83 pitches available, including 30 without service, 53 with 2 or 3 services. Beach, swimming, volleyball, playground, fishing nearby, mountain biking trails nearby. }} ==Connect== There is no GSM mobile coverage in Baie-Comeau. Bell/Telus users will get 3G (UMTS) coverage in town, but no signal in highway or rural areas. ==Go next== The main road (Route 138) goes west to [[Montréal]], but heading east the road abruptly ends at Kegashka, one town east of Natashquan. [[Quebec Route 389]], which is gravel for long stretches, heads northward toward [[Fermont]] and then [[Labrador City]]; from there the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] provides a long but overland means to reach [[Blanc-Sablon]]/[[Forteau]]. Another option is to take a coastal ferry which heads eastward from Sept-Îles through the 450km of sparsely-populated fjords and no roads. [[Anticosti]] Island is reachable by ferry or aircraft from Sept-Îles and [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. * {{listing | name= Air Liaison| alt= | url=http://www.airliaison.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$502-518 one way | lastedit=2017-02-02 | content=has two 30-min flights from Baie-Comeau to [[Anticosti]] Island each M Tu Th F at 08:35 and 09:15. The 30-min return flight leaves at 11:35 and 16:40 on the same days }} [[Saguenay]] is reachable by road from Tadoussac. It is also possible to cross the St. Lawrence River by ferry to [[Matane]], a point of entry to the [[Gaspé Peninsula]]. {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montreal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] | image2=Qc389.svg | imagesize2=22 | link2 = Trans-Labrador Highway | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Labrador City]] | minorl2=[[Fermont]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=END | minorr2= }} * '''[[Quebec Route 389]]''' is a highway from Baie-Comeau to Labrador City that will take you to '''Centrale Jean-Lesage''' (Manic-2) a hydroelectric power station on the Manicouagan River about {{convert|25|km}}, or 30 minutes by road, north of Baie-Comeau. The reception pavilion presents a replica of a life-size turbine, an exhibition hall and a projection room which presents the construction and operation of a power plant. Further along Route 389 is the '''Barrage Daniel-Johnson''' (Manic-5) a hydroelectric development comprising the largest multi-arch dam in the world and two power stations located at north of Baie-Comeau. The dam offers a magnificent view of the glacial valley of the region. * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Forestier d'Antan village, hiking in the forest or on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Chute-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://www.municipalitecao.ca/ | wikidata=Q2967703 | lat=49.1234 | long=-68.3907 | lastedit=2022-07-05 | content=This coastal municipality located in the "suburb" of the industrial city of Baie-Comeau, is focused on hydroelectricity, forestry, as well as services for travelers and tourists: hiking trails, former Outardes I power station, golf, parks and playgrounds, hunting and fishing and boating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Rivière aux Outardes. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3433597 | lat=50.25 | long=-69 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. The [http://www.parcnature.com/ Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes],open June to October ({{phone|+1 418-567-4227}}), offers trails with nine ecosystems: Boreal forest, flats, beaches, bog, sand dunes, alder grove and salt marsh. Observations of migratory birds. Guided hike with free interpretation. Bird garden made from recycled items. Insect hotel and butterfly aviary. Accommodation in giant camping and nesting boxes (ready-to-camp) offered. }} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|49.216|-68.15}} {{translate|fr}} t1rwspbip0geflg8pp4yscypxgeynwu 0 127756 4487764 4484864 2022-07-21T14:37:50Z Sbb1413 2217354 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Baranagar city on the banks of Ganges River]] [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|upright|200px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By plane=== [[File:Kolkata Airport New Terminal gate waiting area.jpeg|thumb|200px|right|Waiting lounge in NSC Bose International Airport]] Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is in this area but it attracts hardly any passengers from this area. All the industry offices are in Kolkata. ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Baranagar railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Barasat railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|upright|Noapara metro station]] Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt=Change over to overground sub-urban railway at Dum Dum railway station | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content= }} ===By car=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|upright|B. T. Road in Baranagar]] The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Ferry ghat in Baranagar]] There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} ===Dum Dum=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=O2 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Kaikhali| lat=22.6327 | long=88.4343 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25250078, +91 33 25250113 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Barasat=== * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} gj8nuhhr4eoi9qrapokexhsi4jf638p 4487769 4487764 2022-07-21T14:41:55Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Get in */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Baranagar city on the banks of Ganges River]] [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|upright|200px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|width=370|height=700}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By plane=== [[File:Kolkata Airport New Terminal gate waiting area.jpeg|thumb|200px|right|Waiting lounge in NSC Bose International Airport]] Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is in this area but it attracts hardly any passengers from this area. All the industry offices are in Kolkata. ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Barasat railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} ===Dum Dum=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=O2 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Kaikhali| lat=22.6327 | long=88.4343 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25250078, +91 33 25250113 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Barasat=== * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} nyj3og43zyhm5oeik5jrmi6hqyblymy 4487771 4487769 2022-07-21T14:43:14Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Get in */ no need to add "by plane" section here, despite the airport is situated here. See the [[Queens]] article for example. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Baranagar city on the banks of Ganges River]] [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|upright|200px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|width=370|height=700}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Barasat railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} ===Dum Dum=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=O2 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Kaikhali| lat=22.6327 | long=88.4343 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25250078, +91 33 25250113 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Barasat=== * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} 9jfx9orj46cq07b8u0gja20akkjo40q 4487774 4487771 2022-07-21T14:44:34Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* By train */ Updated listing for Barasat railway station wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Baranagar city on the banks of Ganges River]] [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|upright|200px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|width=370|height=700}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Barasat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7241 | long=88.4838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} ===Dum Dum=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=O2 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Kaikhali| lat=22.6327 | long=88.4343 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25250078, +91 33 25250113 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Barasat=== * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} ip7nnobf052rdcxwyh87grjbojby2y7 4487775 4487774 2022-07-21T14:45:17Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* See */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Baranagar city on the banks of Ganges River]] [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|upright|200px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|width=370|height=700}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Barasat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7241 | long=88.4838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing|width=370|height=600}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} ===Dum Dum=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=O2 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Kaikhali| lat=22.6327 | long=88.4343 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25250078, +91 33 25250113 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Barasat=== * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} 4cp3banlmc56dlxcofe4dg13wmbiso8 4487776 4487775 2022-07-21T14:45:34Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* See */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Baranagar city on the banks of Ganges River]] [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|upright|200px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|width=370|height=700}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Barasat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7241 | long=88.4838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing|width=370|height=600}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} ===Dum Dum=== * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=O2 Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=VIP Road, Kaikhali| lat=22.6327 | long=88.4343 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25250078, +91 33 25250113 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} ===Barasat=== * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} dy1vna2uqfo0rgrofotp9r897ukhesl 4487782 4487776 2022-07-21T14:56:59Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Sleep */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Baranagar city on the banks of Ganges River]] [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|upright|200px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|width=370|height=700}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Barasat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7241 | long=88.4838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing|width=370|height=600}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{sleeppricerange|Under ₹1000|₹1000 to ₹3000|Over ₹3000}} {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} 2g5s0juf2unn06v4g4i8bwvsk5e3y9p 4487783 4487782 2022-07-21T14:57:25Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Sleep */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|upright=1|Baranagar city on the banks of Ganges River]] [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|upright|200px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|width=370|height=700}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Barasat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7241 | long=88.4838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing|width=370|height=600}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} d8rl4xjvohrtzww2goe69419sn5uvgw 4488105 4487783 2022-07-22T06:39:05Z Sbb1413 2217354 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|350px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|width=370|height=700}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Barasat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7241 | long=88.4838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing|width=370|height=600}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} ejp4p3xubzmzk9hkui00dttjlddmrwn 4488107 4488105 2022-07-22T06:42:09Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Get in */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|350px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|height=600}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Barasat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7241 | long=88.4838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing|width=370|height=600}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} bfzdcvgx7dw05b1s8pcwapaacb5khc8 4488108 4488107 2022-07-22T06:43:57Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Get in */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Belghoria Expressway - Kolkata 2011-09-09 4956 (cropped).JPG|pgname=Northern fringes}} [[File:Amarabati Crossing - Sodepur 7456.JPG|thumb|350px|Amarabati crossing, Sodepur]] The '''northern fringes''' of [[Kolkata]] are in [[Southeast Bengal]]. ==Understand== The large urbanised industrial area to the north of the city extends up to Naihati and Barasat and includes such places as Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Belghoria, Dakshineswar, Nimta, Birati, Kamarhati, Sukchar, Khardaha, Panihati, Ghola, Sodepur, Titagarh, New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, Hridaypur etc. The once-flourishing manufacturing belt, still has some units working well but the industrial area as a whole is no more in the pink of health and is often in the news for the wrong reasons. The main line of the Eastern Bengal Railway, that once served to link Kolkata with the eastern part of Bengal (now Bangladesh), ran through this area. The area has a mixed population - high percentage of Hindi-speaking people from [[Bihar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] and refugees from East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh]]), generally outnumbering the local population. It is part of the Kolkata urban agglomeration and is split into numerous municipalities spread across North 24 Parganas district. ==Get in== {{Mapframe|show=go|height=500}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> ===By train=== [[File:KolkataLocalTrain.JPG|thumb|200px|right|An EMU train at Hridaypur railway station]] The main line links Sealdah and Ranaghat. A branch line links Dum Dum to Bangaon, near the India-Bangladesh border. The Calcutta Chord line links Dum Dum to Dankuni on the Howrah-Bardhaman Chord line. The main stations in the region are: * {{Go | name=Agarpara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.6821 | long= 88.3851| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{go | name=Barasat railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7241 | long=88.4838 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bamangachhi railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7400 | long=88.5100 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Belghoria railway station| alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Birati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6646 | long=88.4274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Bisharpara-Kodalia railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6766 | long=88.4348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum Cantonment railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.637 | long=88.412 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum railway station | alt=Change over Dum Dum Metro | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6209 | long=88.3933 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Durganagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6509 | long=88.4194 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Hridaypur railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7112 | long=88.4701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Ichhapore railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Jaggadal railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= 22.8513 | long=88.3951 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Kakinara railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8663 | long=88.4051 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Khardaha railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7248 | long=88.3777 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Madhyamgram railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6948 | long=88.4528 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Naihati railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8871 | long=88.4175 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=New Barrackpore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6874 | long=88.4445 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Palta railway station | alt=It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-02-25 | content=barrackpore &palta & ultadanga railway station & road map }} * {{Go | name=Shyamnagar railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.8289 | long=88.3801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Sodepur railway station| alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name= Titagarh railway station | alt= It is marked on the map | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===By metro=== Metro railway is the fastest and the most convenient way to reach the northern fringes. However, only one route runs along this district from north to south. This means one may have to change to other modes of transport to reach one's destination. The metro runs from Dakshineswar in the northern fringes to Kavi Subhash (New Garia) in [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]]. The metro route in the northern fringes is overground. Trains run every 10-15 minutes and at ₹5-₹15. It runs from 7:02AM to 9:49PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:02AM to 9:49PM on Sunday. The metro stations in the northern fringes are: * {{Go|type= | name=Dakshineswar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dakshineswar | lat=22.653971 | long=88.363724 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dakshineswar metro station | wikidata=Q63092256 | content= }} * {{Go | name= Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{Go | name=Dum Dum metro station | alt= | url= | email=| address=Dum Dum | lat=22.6057 | long=88.3868 | directions=| phone= | hours= | price=| content=Changeover to overground suburban railway at Dum Dum railway station. }} ===By car=== The two main roads leading into the area from Kolkata are Barrackpore Trunk Road and Jessore Road (NH 34). Jessore Road is linked with the junction point of NH 2 and NH 6 at Dankuni via Belghoria Expressway across Nivedita Setu. Direct roads link Barrackpore with Barasat and Sodepur with Madhyamgram. Kalyani Expressway is another important link in the area. ===By boat=== There are a set of parallel bridges across the Hooghly River - Vivekananda Setu and Nivedita Setu - between Dakshineswar and Bally. Between Naihati and Bandel, there only is a railway bridge. There are numerous ferry points (locally known as ghats) connecting the two banks of the Hooghly River. ==See== {{Mapframe|show=see,do,listing|width=370|height=600}} [[File:Kolkatatemple.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] *{{see | name=Dakshineswar Kali Temple | alt= | url=http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1157765 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni between 1847 and 1855. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was the head and only priest of this temple from 1856 to 1886. After his death, it has been taken over by the West Bengal Government. It attracts thousands of worshipers around the year. There are several other temples in the large complex and a ghat (steps leading to the river) on the bank of the Hooghly River. Beside it, you can see the temple of "Radha Gobinda" a famous temple of Lord Krishna and Radha. You will even be able to see the twelve temples of Lord Shiva. }} * {{see | name= Khadi Pratisthan| alt= | url= | email= | address=Sodepur | lat=22.6998 | long= 88.3791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Founded in 1925 by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi. }} * {{see | name=Rishi Bankim Chandra's residence and museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Naihati | lat=22.8832 | long= 88.4164| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Barasat Stadium | alt=Watch football matches | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.7175 | long=88.4787 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capacity:22,000 }} ==Buy== {{Mapframe|show=buy,eat,drink}} * {{buy | name=Big Bazaar Supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address= College More, M.B. Road, Birati| lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Saha Textile | alt=Departmental Store | url=https://www.facebook.com/SahaTextile | email= | address=Haritala, Barasat | lat=22.7202 | long=88.4885 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Sriniketan Fashions | alt= | url= http://sriniketan.com/ | email= | address= Station Road, Sodepur| lat=22.7005 | long=88.3783 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25834436, +91 33 25834437, +91 33 25834438 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Sher-e-Punjab | alt= | url= | email= | address=Jessore Road, Sukanta Nagar | lat=22.6774 | long=88.4463 | directions= | phone= +91 33 25672848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM-midnight | price= | content=Quality Punjabi dhaba food. Chinese & Thai dishes also available. AC or open-air seating. Drinks served. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== {{Mapframe|show=sleep}} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Airways | alt= | url= | email= | address= Motilal Colony, Rajbari| lat= 22.6467| long=88.4341 | directions=Near Airport No. 2 Gate | phone=+91 33 25132106 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Gateway Continental | alt= | url= | email= | address=Crossing of VIP Road (Kazi Nazrul Islam Sarani) and Jessore Road | lat=22.6419 | long=88.4307 | directions=Near Airport No. 1 Gate | phone= +91 33 25118324 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Annapurna Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Taki Road | lat= 22.7174| long=88.4917 | directions= | phone=+91 9433275251 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Windsor | alt= | url= | email= | address=Rishi Bankim Chandra Road | lat=22.7199 | long=88.4871 | directions= | phone=+91 9831260630 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Palash Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=125 Jessore Road | lat= 22.7219 | long=88.4897 | directions=Near Barasat Hospital | phone=+91 33 25523042 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} ==Connect== ==Stay safe== For the past several years Barasat has, from time to time, been in the news for crime in general and against women in particular. The victims have generally been local people and life has gone on. However, those traveling to Barasat may keep a note of the emergency police number: 100. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] {{routebox | placename=the northern fringes of [[Kolkata]] | image1=Kolkata Metro Logo.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=END | minorl1= | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr1=[[Kolkata/North|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]] | link1= | caption1= | image2=WB_SH1-IND.png | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] | minorl2=[[Kolkata/Baranagar|Baranagar]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] | minorr2=[[Kolkata/North|North Kolkata]] | link2= | caption2= }} {{IsPartOf|Kolkata}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo|22.7253|88.4383|zoom=11}} p6th4x6cuyo97ysbup06t8vsa86xt6z 3 132590 4487914 4485228 2022-07-21T20:01:38Z Zblace 113974 /* communication channel to coordinate */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki Hello, everybody! If you'd like to discuss anything with me, '''please post new topics at the bottom of the page and sign the posts with 4 tildes (the ~ key) in a row'''. Thanks! Currently inactive discussions can be found at [[User talk:Ikan Kekek/archive]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:00, 17 June 2022 (UTC) == Malay pronunciation == I wonder if this might be a difference between the Singapore dialect and the Terengganu dialect, but at least the way I've pronounce the t, p and k in Malay has always been unaspirated. In other words, closer to the Italian pronunciation than the English pronunciation. Although of course, unlike Chinese, Malay doesn't make that distinction between aspirated and tenuis, so you'll be understood if you pronounce them the English way. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:29, 16 March 2022 (UTC) :I don't know only Terengganu dialect. Remember, I went to Sekolah Kebangsaan for 2 years, and I also spent time in K.L. The point of unaspirated consonants is that you make the shape of them at the end of a syllable without any other sound. How are you pronouncing a word like "peduli" without any aspiration? You can't, because there would be no sound. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:37, 16 March 2022 (UTC) ::OK, I guess it's a matter of relative aspiration then. But as an example from Chinese, the "b" in Beijing is not the same as the English b, because unlike in English, it is not voiced, so it will sound like a "p" to English speakers. That is how I usually pronounce the "p" in Malay. If you speak Italian, you'll probably notice how Italians say their p's without that strong puff of air that English speakers have. In the case of Malay, it's not an important distinction, but some Chinese dialects (Hokkien/Minnan and Teochew are examples) do make that 3-way distinction between voiced, tenuis and aspirated. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:05, 16 March 2022 (UTC) :::I speak Italian, too. I will stipulate that my aspiration in "sepuluh" is not as strong as it is in "pull," but it's certainly not the same as unaspirated Ps at the ends of Malay words. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:07, 16 March 2022 (UTC) == Line-ups == Re: "I don't know which dialect of English uses "line-ups" for something other than groups in which one may be a criminal." That would be us to your north. We have line-ups at Tim Hortons, for poutine, and to get beer at the curling club, but that shouldn't be in an article on Jordan. I am surprised that "line-ups" makes you think of police situations only. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 07:57, 17 March 2022 (UTC) :Interesting. Maybe there are parts of the U.S. where lines are called lineups, too, but in New York, I think those are only situations in which an alleged witness looks at a group of possible suspects through a one-way glass and is asked to identify the alleged perpetrator. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:03, 17 March 2022 (UTC) == Image density == I wonder, do you find the amount of images in [[Turku riverside walk]] suitable? For me there is one or two images per screenful (except the first), and I think the layout works well. The first screenful has the pagebanner and three images in Understand, which is plenty, but I wanted to show the character of different sections up front. As you were critical to the amount of images in [[Finnish national parks]], I'd like you to have a look, if you have the time. Do you find the amount excessive? I don't think I am going to remove any from this itinerary now, but it'd be good to know what I should aim for in other articles. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 19:14, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :Thanks for asking. [[Turku riverside walk]] looks very good; the only possible improvement I can see is maybe to add an image to "Get in." I'll have a look at the other article later. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:40, 21 March 2022 (UTC) :: Thank you, I really appreciate your feedback. I added an image. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:39, 22 March 2022 (UTC) == Image density II == Hi Ikan, just wondering as you said that the images in [[Tasmanian national parks]] violate the image policy, are there any suggestions that you have as to which images should be removed? The article is 44.2k bytes and 34 images, and so per 1 image per 1000-2000 bytes, theoretically you could have all of them if you were to follow the bare minimum at 1 per 1000 bytes, but I'd like you to have a look when you get the time to, because I am not sure which ones to remove because they each portray a meaning and removing them would mean that some meaning may be lost. At the same time, the article should not be violating the image policy, so I agree that some of them should be removed, but this is not a high priority so take your own time. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:34, 22 March 2022 (UTC) :Hi, and thanks for the question. However, part of the problem in that article is the cells given to national parks, such that there's a lot of blank space to make a photo of every one fit in the cell, so I don't see any way to discuss images as long as that setup remains. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:48, 22 March 2022 (UTC) ::Oh well. It is a similar issue with [[Canadian national parks]] too so I'll start a discussion soon on [[Talk:National parks]] regarding how they should be formatted. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:51, 23 March 2022 (UTC) == re: [[Special:Diff/4416890]] on [[Overseas Chinese cuisine]] == Feel free to :-). My insights were to create an article somewhat like [[Western food in Asia]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:05, 27 March 2022 (UTC) :Thanks. I forgot what I was going to say. I'll come back to this. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:58, 27 March 2022 (UTC) ::What I was going to say is that I doubt Singapore needs a different heading from Malaysia. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:52, 27 March 2022 (UTC) :::to be fair, I don't really have an opinion on it. I was maybe thinking on going a bit more into detail about Singapore's Chinatown but maybe I'm biased as I've spent more time in Singapore than Malaysia, particularly in [[Singapore/Chinatown|Chinatown]]. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:33, 27 March 2022 (UTC) :::Singapore now has its own section (with content), so I guess it can stay as it is. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:40, 28 March 2022 (UTC) == Happy 100000th :-) == [[File:Butter tarts on cutting board(8293490785).jpg|right|200px]] Hey Ikan, I just noticed you passed your 100000th edit :-) Thank you for all the work you've put into this site, from copyediting, to dealing with touts and your contributions to destinations and topic articles too. As you're the first to have passed 100k edits (that is not traveler100bot), this is a huge milestone for the entire Wikivoyage from its advancement since the times of what is now a museum piece IMO ;-). Have a butter tart (or several). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:56, 27 March 2022 (UTC) :Wow, that's astonishing. I don't know whether to feel good about this or not, but thanks for the calorie-free butter tart pictures! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:03, 27 March 2022 (UTC) == Reasons for Poutine change == Hi there I wanted to properly explain the reason why I did those changes. You see, it's about cultural credit and a history of the dish being plagiarized by anglo-canadians (despite opposition to cultural appropriation being prevalent in their society) and them getting all the credit and glory for its creation, resulting in it being associated internationally with the english-speaking nation that led to Canada as we know it instead of the nation of quebec, despite the former having nothing to do with its creation. It's also about a possible double-standard, as I'm certain the national dish of Scotland would be presented here as Scottish dish (and not as an english/british dish) and a national dish of the Sapmis as a Sapmi dish (and not a Norwegian or Finnish one) out of respect and simple accuracy for viewers wishing to get an idea and not getting confused between two largely different cultures. But probably the most important reason is to prevent confusion to viewers on wikivoyage, as said earlier. When you see "Canadian culture" and "Québécois culture", you rightfully expect different things, different travel experiences. So when you want a Québécois dish or an (anglo) Canadian dish (whatever that even exists), you shouldn't be confused as to what is what, that's the goal of this wiki : to make travel planning (or travel window shopping) an ease based on what you want to experience. Also, the rest of the page presented it as quebecois, so it's about consistency. If it's the "where it originated from" sentence pose a problem, let's remove it to avoid redundancy, the "Quebecois dish" in the first sentence already saying it out loud. It's simple innocent respect and accuracy, that's all. Have a wonderful day --[[Special:Contributions/166.62.226.25|166.62.226.25]] 16:14, 30 March 2022 (UTC) :It was clear what your motivation was, and I even have some sympathy with it, to a point (as I'm not sure what you really intend by emphasizing Quebec as a "nation"), but I don't agree with your conclusions. Canada is not an English-speaking country; it's a bilingual country. Anyway, I think none of this is travel-related. I suggest you make your argument on the talk page of the fast food article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:21, 30 March 2022 (UTC) On the contrary, it is quite travel-related, read again my second paragraph. Not doing these changes is misleading those who wishes a québécois experience. And not acknowledging the double-standard is just showing how all of this is unfair and not respecting the consistency in logic this wiki demand across all its pages. Since you insisted on expressing your point of view regarding non-travel stuff, I'll express mine for fairness. On paper it is bilingual, in reality, behind the shinny happy facade, it is not and those that speak french like Québécois get the short end of the stick in front of quebec-bashing and rampant anti-french language sentiments, personal experience here (really personal, that's why I'm, to be frank, a bit offended right now by what I perceive to be denial of the existence of these things). The "Canadian identity" (whatever that is, considering what Canada brags about being its distinct national identity was 90% stolen from Quebecois culture, from lumberjacks, to maple leafs as a symbol, to national anthems, to nearly all maple syrup production, to traditional clothes, to modern ice hockey, to cinema, to architectural styles...to poutine and even the term "canadian" itself ; canadiana is in reality québecaia, a big imperialist steal with an english crown on top of it) was politically and socially built and managed by english Canada, not Quebec (so much that there's a term for it, the RoC or "'''R'''est '''o'''f '''C'''anada" to design what's not Quebec as a socio-political block or "two solitudes" as it is funnily known in the RoC), so THAT's why I said it being the anglocanadian "nation" which led to modern Canada as it is perceived at home and outside : it's a simple historical fact, nothing political in it, bilingualism wasn't even official until the late 60s and the constitution itself is to this day legally valid in english only. Nation and country are two different things : there are countries with multiple recognized nations, like the UK, Ethiopia, Russia and Canada. Wikivoyage respectfully acknowledged the existence of these nations as equals to those that got their nation-state by allowing their adjectives to be used in priority, why not Quebec? What I was intending by emphazing Quebec was the due right to existence under its own name, something the whole world can't seem to do by canadawashing the identity of great Quebecois figures, sites and overall culture (Wikipédia being also one main exemple, in french or in english). Respect, is that too much to ask? Finally, yeah, good idea, I'll go make a point on the talk page. Thank you for the idea and for the sympathy. --[[Special:Contributions/166.62.226.25|166.62.226.25]] 19:26, 30 March 2022 (UTC) :Sure thing; we'll have a discussion there. I would have to think First Nations peoples would have something to say about what was stolen from whom, but besides, the idea that almost everything in Canada is stolen from the Quebecois is a little strange to a fan of Cape Breton fiddling, and I think people in British Columbia would find that kind of claim puzzling. Don't get me wrong; I speak pretty good French when in practice (though from time spent in France) and have visited Quebec City and Montreal and love them (and if I had to go into exile, I'd love the opportunity to live in Montreal if it presented itself to me, though I doubt it would), so I have no dog in this fight but have to wonder whether bending in one direction or the other is really [[Wikivoyage:Be fair|being fair]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:40, 30 March 2022 (UTC) ::As fair as undoing centuries of oppression and attempts at eradicating our very identity as a distinct people "without culture or without history" to quote someone important whose vision would become the blueprint for modern canada in that regard. Canada as we now know it was not just built under the oppression of our Indigenous historic brothers, but ourselves and anyone that speaks french too. I appreciate your appreciation of Quebec and french but that's your personal experience and, sadly, you're in the minority. Trust me, I've seen seen or heard so many crappy things, including directly at me, that it made me an advocate for Quebec independence when I was beforehand a hardcore oh Canada federalist just a few years earlier, being able to make someone turn 180 degrees like that need some serious stuff. ::I say "Stolen" because it isn't usual cultural fusion as equals, the same kind that created all national cultures in Europe and Asia (as was the case of the québécois culture that was '''born''' out of one of those willing fusions; the franco-indigenous alliance, where economy, rather positive views outside the Iroquois, war comradry and proximity of the "habitants", those non-nobles that were born or attached to Quebec rather than France during New France, to the Indigenous people influenced a lot the culture and minds of the future québécois away from France to the anger of the shocked catholic church) but plagiarism (having one culture taking credit for something they took from another culture, aka stealing, to the point people buy it and say "canadian" when talking about things Québec). Québécois culture proudly point out the indigenous origins of the elements that were integrated into it like raquettes, kayaks, mocassins or maple syrup (notice I said majority of the CURRENT PRODUCTION of maple syrup, not maple syrup by itself in my previous comment), no one here think otherwise, no plagiarism, proper credit gets where it should. It's not to say either that the european settlers didn't create original things of their own, just that no culture is born out of a vaccuum and cultural fusion and sharing should be celebrated as they create new nations, just like in Europe or Asia. And it's not like your country doesn't have potential for a great unified national culture (like with that Cape Breton fiddling, best island ever btw), you just don't try it, instead its advertised and internationally recognized as as such: Toronto (aka New York lite), Queen, mooses and beavers, less and less brands, stereotypes (the lumberjack and ''modern'' ice hockey one being stolen, correct word, from Quebecois culture), US carbon copy stuff plus indigenous stuff. Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island and Newfoundland are close to Québec in terms of having nationalistic distinct things from anyone else (just being a hub for outside cultures doesn't count as "distinct"). ::My problem is that what is québécois culture is not recognized as such internationally but under the annoying and uncalled for label "canadian" or the exonym "french-canadian", allowing the english canada that identify as such ("canadian") to take all credit and glory for itself saying it did it, aka plagiarism, it would be like Americans saying they invented pizza and everyone buying it, reffering to it as an "american" dish. Why do you have such a problem allowing '''ONE''' word to be changed to respect the existence of a people without voice? I guess its a thing only someone from a minority (Québécois are a minority) could understand. Anyway, can we move on fresh to the talk page? Each answer drain me away from actually starting it. --[[Special:Contributions/166.62.226.25|166.62.226.25]] 22:23, 30 March 2022 (UTC) :::See what other people think. I do sympathize with you, to a point (as an American, I want Canada to remain strong and a single country, because with all your imperfections, you are a good example for us in so many ways, but of course I feel you on your points about derogation and discrimination), but I really question how much of this is travel-related. I also think pizza wouldn't be a good analogy, because it comes from Italy, but we do very much talk about New York pizza, Chicago deep-dish pizza, etc., etc. I think better analogies would be all the regional foods in the U.S. that are best in their areas of origin but enjoyed throughout the country, such as barbecue. Also, think about this: how many Americans think French fries are really American, although they originate from Belgium? In effect, though, the way we eat them here, without mayonnaise but usually with ketchup, is non-Belgian. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:47, 30 March 2022 (UTC) ::::Did you notice the photo of poutine on that page, with the caption "Poutine, Quebec's contribution to the fast food scene" and the description of poutine under "typical dishes" that begins "Poutine is a Québécois regional dish (also occasionally seen elsewhere in Canada and, increasingly, in the far northern tier of the United States)"? I think we're covered, really. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:05, 30 March 2022 (UTC) :::::EXACTLY. That was one of my argument. So, in the name of consistancy, I demand at once my culture be respected, the article itself does it once, proving me right, I shall extend it in the entire page, thank you. Objection overruled. :::::Also, the pizza was just an hypothetical "what if" exemple for the sake of an exemple for you to understand, not a reality. Origins are important. :::::Don't put me ever again with that maple-leaf empire I want nothing to do with. If it doesn't stay strong after our destiny gives us the state we rightfully deserve in the name of history, society and culture, that's its problem if we do all the work. Rejecting the right of people to rule themselves, rejecting their very existence as a distinct people and keeping them submitted in the name of petty geopolitics is called imperialism and its disgusting, thank you. Didn't you USA once celebrated heroes that fought for your distinct people's independence and later the right of people around the world to rule themselves during the World Wars and the 90s? :::::We're covered indeed, I'll do the change, reappropriate the dish of my people like the article already partially did. Goodnight. [[Special:Contributions/166.62.226.25|166.62.226.25]] 00:07, 31 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::You need consensus to do so, so I again suggest you start a thread on the fast food article's talk page, and the history of this country includes a civil war. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:42, 31 March 2022 (UTC) == Palace openings for Hari Raya Aidilfitri == Just wondering if you know if this is held in all Malaysian states. I know that the Sultan of Johor hosts does host one, but I'm not sure if you ever went to any hosted by the Sultan of Terengganu. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:36, 5 April 2022 (UTC) :I didn't; I was busy celebrating with friends in my village, 25 miles away from Kuala Terengganu. I'd guess so, but I don't know. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:14, 5 April 2022 (UTC) == Delete == @[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]], please delete my subpages along with their corresponding talk pages listed here [[:Category:Speedy deletion candidates]] [[User:2006nishan178713|2006nishan178713]]^{[[User talk:2006nishan178713|t@lk]]} 08:56, 6 April 2022 (UTC) :Done. Next time, please don't create talk pages only to request their deletion; it causes more strain on the hands of whomever deletes them. :Best, :[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:01, 6 April 2022 (UTC) == Fried Vietnamese spring rolls in America == I don't know if the places I went to are Vietnamese or Vietnamese-American restaurants, but some of them are located within Vietnamese neighbourhoods. But everytime I've ordered fried spring rolls, they are always wrapped in wheat flour sheets like the type used for Chinese spring rolls, and not rice paper. The only time I've had the authentic version made with rice paper in the U.S. is at more expensive Vietnamese restaurants. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:03, 16 April 2022 (UTC) :New York isn't really strong in Vietnamese restaurants, but I remember descriptions of all these kinds of things being rice- and not wheat-based (and not in expensive restaurants), and that's certainly how they seemed to me. But it seems like a really minor point in an article about Vietnamese cuisine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:30, 16 April 2022 (UTC) ::OK, maybe it differs between different parts of the US then. I remember that Vietnamese food in New York wasn't particularly outstanding, at least compared to the ones I've had in Australia or California. Interesting that the Vietnamese deep fried spring rolls in New York are authentic then, because the ones in Chicago are as I described, using a Chinese-style wrapping instead, unless I go to a more expensive restaurant. Unfortunately, I didn't have spring rolls in California, but in the ones I had in Australia were authentic too. For the non-fried spring rolls, I've also noticed that in Australia, you have to roll them yourself, and they give you the rice paper, hot water and filling separately, while in Chicago, they're usually served to you already rolled. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:26, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :::We often have to roll them. I don't have loads and loads of experience eating Vietnamese food here, because as I said, it is not very strong here. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:47, 17 April 2022 (UTC) == Mariupol == To my knowledge, Mariupol was under the control of the Donetsk People's Republic when it declared independence in 2014, and the Azov Battalion fought a bitter war with them to reclaim it for the Ukrainian government, and made Mariupol their main base. So they had already been heavily bombed by Ukrainian forces previously before the Russian invasion. An I have in fact seen videos of ethnic Russians from Mariupol cursing the Ukrainian military for using them as human shields. So I won't be surprised if in Mariupol, the ethnic Russians are loyal to Russia and the ethnic Ukrainians are loyal to Ukraine. And there was also a massacre of ethnic Russians by the Ukrainian military in a theatre in Odessa because those ethnic Russians were opposed to the Euromaidan Revolution, so I won't be surprised if the ethnic Russians in Odessa support Putin. And as you know, the post-Euromaidan Ukrainian government removed Russian as an official language, and that really pissed off the ethnic Russians in Ukraine. I've heard that the armed forces of the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine are ethnic Russians who were in the Ukrainian military who defected after Euromaidan. As for Zelensky, isn't his first language Ukrainian? The name "Volodymyr" is a very Ukrainian name; the Russian equivalent would be "Vladimir". [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:30, 25 April 2022 (UTC) : I don't know what this refers to, but I suppose [[User talk:LPfi#Pro-Russia vs pro-NATO sentiments in Ukraine|the thread on my user page]] may be relevant. I don't know much about the feelings in the "people's republics", but I don't think being ethnically Russian and having lived in one of them means you support the Russian war and like being "liberated" by Putin bombing your home city. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 21:08, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ::Zelensky's first language was Russian. And Kharkhiv is a Russian-speaking city. It doesn't matter what you wouldn't be "surprised" if people think; Wikivoyage articles are not places to idly speculate on these things, but we certainly know there are plenty of Russian-speakers fighting against the invasion today. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:08, 25 April 2022 (UTC) :::(edit conflict) Over 12,000 ethnic Russians have been killed in the Donbass by Ukrainian military shelling over the past 8 years. And given that it is mainly the Azov Battalion has been fighting there, and those Azov guys are far-right Ukrainian ultranationalists who have a visceral hatred for ethnic Russians (not just Russian propaganda; this has actually been corroborated by Time magazine and Al Jazeera), those ethnic Russians in the Donbass might very well support Putin, but I don't have polling data to draw a conclusion. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 22:16, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Correct, you don't. And people in a city that's been razed to the ground by Russian shelling might have a "pox on both their houses" attitude but might not support the one who ordered the utter obliteration of their city. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:22, 25 April 2022 (UTC) :::::This discussion reinforces the deep concern that I have about Thedog 2's edits about politics and history. :::::First, let's start with the false assertion that Zelensky's first language is Ukrainian. Thedog 2 jumped to a conclusion based on the spelling of the man's name, instead of researching this, which is very easy to do in the age of Google. This is just the most recent example of Thedog 2 making something up in instead of looking something up. :::::Secondly, as Thedog 2 acknowledges, what they wrote in the article "might" be true, but they don't have any evidence. :::::This is not an isolated incident, but a pattern of behaviour. I think we have to consider whether Thedog 2's edits to political and historical information are so suspect that we should ask them to stop making such edits. :::::I know this is not the right place to raise this question, but I would like to hear the thoughts of Ikan Kekek and {{ping|LPfi}} before I proceed on the talk page. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:34, 26 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Source that Zelenskyy's first language is ''not'' Ukrainian: [[w:Volodymyr Zelenskyy#Personal life]] – took four seconds to get that result. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:44, 26 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::I would support that, [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]]. I think I've been very good in avoiding political speculations in articles. We all should. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:18, 26 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::: One has to be very careful when googling things up. I didn't read the sources for the Wikipedian statement, but judging from their titles they aren't about Zelenskyy's personal life (as aren't the sources in Early life), and I don't trust Wikipedia editors not to jump to conclusions. I suppose it's true, but the article could have got its current wording even if he was raised by Ukrainian speaking parents (their language isn't told), as he seemingly grew up in a Russian-speaking environment and perhaps attended school in Russian. :::::::: We cannot avoid political themes entirely in Understand and Respect sections, but I agree that The dog2 should be more careful not to jump to conclusions, and abstain from writing things based on possibly biased sources, or based on impressions rather than actual knowledge. (I don't know whether there have been problematic edits recently; asking things on talk pages should be allowed, although "no reason to get into this in the article" is a valid answer.) :::::::: –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:32, 26 April 2022 (UTC) == Existential wiki question == Hi Ikan Kekek, I wasn't sure who else to ask. I just tried to make a page for the public campground I'm staying at. It seemed like it was in line with "be bold" and helping people figure things out about places they might want to go. But then someone deleted it and all it said was something like "campground fail" but I didn't see anything in whatever pages I read about how to be a wikivoyage editor. So I tried asking on that user's talk page where I could find the relevant guideline and a bot wouldn't let me ask the question. I've bumped into this on Wikipedia as well in the past. I know media wikis are supposed to be friendly but I have experienced a really really high barrier to entry. I consider myself a good community member who, y'know, plays well with others and is an active and contibuting member of society. I really appreciated your constructive explanation when you deleted my contribution. So I have a few requests, if you're willing: 1. I was wondering if you could pass a message along to the person that deleted the Sweetwater Summit Campground page that it would be more useful to explain what's going on than to just throw away my efforts with two cryptic words? If you think it could help others in the future. 2. Any chance you know what "campground fail" means? Maybe there's a page with a guideline somewhere I could read? 3. Any thoughts on the high barrier to entry for Wikipedia and apparently Wikivoyage? All the best, off to go for an evening hike in the beautiful trails around this campground here. <small>—The [[Project:Using_talk_pages#Talk_page_formatting|preceding]] comment was added by [[User:172.58.22.179|172.58.22.179]] ([[User_talk:172.58.22.179|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/172.58.22.179|contribs]]) </small> :I'm sorry that happened to you. The relevant guideline is [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]]. Campgrounds don't get their own articles but are valuable to list in the article for the destination where they are sited, or failing that, the one for the nearest town. They would be a "sleep" listing. See [[Wikivoyage:Listings]]. Let me know if there's any other way I can help you. :All the best, :[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:44, 26 April 2022 (UTC) ::By the way, though, you misread the deletion notice, which was "campgrounds fail [[wv:wiaa]]". That's a link to [[What is an article]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:46, 26 April 2022 (UTC) :::to 172.58.22.179, I've added a listing to Sweetwater Summit Campground in [[San Diego/Mid-City]] where the campground belongs. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:04, 26 April 2022 (UTC) ::::oops. just realised that I added the listing in the wrong article. I self-reverted my edit. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:00, 27 April 2022 (UTC) :Thank you. This is all very helpful. [[Special:Contributions/172.58.19.12|172.58.19.12]] 17:23, 26 April 2022 (UTC) ::We try. We were all new users once. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:46, 26 April 2022 (UTC) == existential wiki answer == it has been a very long time since drinks, so to speak, more parched than a dead dingo in the simpson desert, I think I am back Id rather be a drinker in the vicinity of the strand bookstore, however not likely again this lifetime... [[User:JarrahTree|JarrahTree]] ([[User talk:JarrahTree|talk]]) 14:13, 29 April 2022 (UTC) :How are you doing? I am now officially a COVID survivor. I got sick 2 Sundays ago, finally tested negative yesterday and now feel like I have a bad cold. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 29 April 2022 (UTC) ::Apols for chiming in, but great to hear that you've tested negative. Hope you recover from your cold soon. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:38, 30 April 2022 (UTC) :::Thanks. I think the symptoms are aftereffects from COVID, not a new illness. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:50, 30 April 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah when I recovered from Covid, I still had coughing symptoms for about three weeks. It was more of a concern when I went to Queensland where they had just opened up their borders and "living with Covid" was a new thing for them so every time I coughed I got strange looks (which is something that doesn't happen here down south). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:01, 30 April 2022 (UTC) :::::I'll continue wearing my mask, which should make people less worried about any time I might cough. How are you doing now? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:06, 30 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::Thanks for asking. I'm doing fine as it's almost been a month since I contracted Covid, but case numbers are quite high out here that nearly everyone that I know of has had Covid in the past three months. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:24, 30 April 2022 (UTC) :::::::I'm glad you're fully recovered, but the other part sucks. People are pretending that the pandemic is over and that COVID is just the cold. It's not. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:37, 30 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I agree. When I was in Brisbane two weeks ago, there were constant news reports about a "hidden pandemic" as no-one really wanted to test just before the Easter long weekend. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:52, 30 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::: I have been used to trusting our authorities, but restrictions are away and they say "the risk of getting seriously ill [in COVID-19] has never been this low", which is true on average for those who get ill (thanks to also vaccinated people getting the omicron), but the incidence has never been higher, so the death toll hasn't decreased. Few vaccinated healthy people get seriously ill, but I am not too inclined to take my chances. Good to hear that you are well. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:23, 30 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::I'm glad he's well; I am not well yet. I feel like I have a cold now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:21, 30 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::: OK, sorry. I hope you'll be well too soon. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:34, 30 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::::Thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:36, 30 April 2022 (UTC) == Much or many == [[Special:Diff/4346057/4442035|Here]] you changed "much" to "many". I understand that you cannot say "much batteries", but I doubt the limitation is on the number. Can you find a good way to express that? "How much battery" does not sound right. Do we have to resort to something convoluted like "limit on maximum combined weight of your lithium batteries"? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:03, 4 May 2022 (UTC) :Are lithium batteries not in one standard weight? If not, then I would suggest "their big cousins, commercial aviation, usually have a pretty low weight limit for lithium ion batteries." [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:44, 4 May 2022 (UTC) :: The ones you use in your torch are different from the one in your mobile phone or those in a Tesla. I don't know what kind they use in drones, but I think they might be custom made. (I assume this is about Li-ion batteries, not "lithium-metal" ones) –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:00, 5 May 2022 (UTC) :::So let's go with weight limit. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:26, 5 May 2022 (UTC) == 153.107.26.53 == re [[Special:Diff/4454642]]: not Brendan, but it's our other Australian LTA (Basa Pulu Kokos) based on editing habits. Anyway, thanks for the revert :-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:11, 24 May 2022 (UTC) :Sure thing. Yeah, I can see that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:59, 24 May 2022 (UTC) == Cloistered communities == To my knowledge, monasteries are for monks, and convents are for nuns. So women cannot visit cloistered monks, while men cannot visit cloistered nuns unless they are priests who are there to conduct specific rites. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:43, 8 June 2022 (UTC) :But there are a lot of cloisters that can be visited. To take one example, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto in [[Chiusure]] has great art in its cloister and welcomes respectful tourism as well as visiting pilgrims of both sexes. So be careful how you phrase things. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:53, 8 June 2022 (UTC) == Regional American accents == Just wondering, where can you still hear these accents? I never heard the New York accent when I was living in New York (except when I hear Bernie Sanders speaking on TV), and now in Chicago, I never hear the Chicago accent. White people just speak with a general American accent similar to what you hear in the news. Likewise, I never heard a Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore or New Orleans accent whenever I visited those cities. And even when I went to Acadiana, I did not hear the Cajun accent in downtown Lafayette; the people there just spoke with a general American accent. The only time I heard the Cajun accent was when I went to an out-of-the-way suburban mom and pop grocery store that someone on Tripadvisor recommended for boudin and cracklin'. But otherwise, I have to go onto YouTube if I want to hear those accents. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 14:52, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :I actually ran this by my girlfriend. We both agree that there's less isolation than there used to be, but we think you're exaggerating about the demise of these accents. I've certainly heard very distinct Southern accents in trips to the Carolinas, and the Pittsburgh accent, while not drastically different from some New York accents, is definitely distinct. Likewise, it's not at all uncommon to hear people in the Boston area "pahk the cah", and I definitely noticed a Hawaiian accent when I visited. Etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:13, 16 June 2022 (UTC) ::So where in New York City would you recommend people to go to if they want to hear the New York accent, just like how Bernie Sanders speaks? And yes, it's certainly true that the Southern accents still persist among the younger generation to some degree. When I went to that grocery store in suburban Lafayatte, I certainly heard the young women working there speaking with a very strong Cajun accent. But in downtown Lafayette, all I heard was the general American accent. And there was a young woman from Alabama who joined the neuroscience PhD programme at my university, and you can hear a very thick Southern accent when she gives her talks. But that's the exception rather than the rule. I have not been to Alabama, but most Alabamans that I have met in Chicago speak with a general American accent, and completely lack the drawl. I've also met numerous Texans, and they also speak with a general American accents, and do not have the twang at all. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:29, 16 June 2022 (UTC) :::Many of the Texans I've known have a very distinct accent. In terms of the New York accent, I'd actually suggest you talk to more Long Islanders to hear strong versions of the accent. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:31, 16 June 2022 (UTC) == Driving in Malaysia == I wonder if you think you would be up to the task of creating such an article. Your Malay is probably better than mine, so I guess you could help to translate some road signs. I only know some simple expressions like "Awas" (Caution) or "berhenti" (stop). Unfortunately, I never got the chance to drive in Malaysia, but my family would make road trips to Malaysia back when I was a kid, so I guess I have some familiarity with road conditions in Malaysia. For instance, I have noticed that Malaysian drivers tend not to use their signals when changing lanes. And I also noticed that while there is a good expressway network along the West Coast if you want to drive from Singapore up to Penang, the East Coast doesn't have that. I've only made it as far up the East Coast as Mersing, but the road there is just a regular country road, so it would probably take a while to make up up to Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu or Kota Bharu if you are starting from Singapore. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:36, 22 June 2022 (UTC) :Well, there is the E8 lebuhraya, but it's inland. But I remember from 2003 that the East Coast highway itself was much improved compared to the 1-lane-each-way though nicely blacktopped road that was there in the 70s; I believe it was 2 lanes each way. I'm not a driver, though. :-) In addition to "Awas", add "Berhaya," as in "Awas! Berhaya!" Drivers in Malaysia seemed better in 2003 than they had been from 1975-77, for whatever that's worth. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:13, 22 June 2022 (UTC) ==Revert== You reverted my change to [[Valle del Cauca]]'s banner because: ''Your banner substitution for Cali was so obvious I marked it patrolled, but the normal procedure is to propose to replace a banner and see if you get a consensus behind the suggestion. Please start a thread on this article's talk page.Undo revision 4476012 by Travelwriter1000'' But this discussion [[Talk:Cali#New banner|already took place, and you supported the change]]. [[User:Travelwriter1000|Travelwriter1000]] ([[User talk:Travelwriter1000|talk]]) 15:06, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :Sorry. Only one comment isn't really a consensus, but since no-one else was interested enough to comment, the change should be made. I'll make the change. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:57, 5 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't love the skyline view, though. I think it's improvable. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:59, 5 July 2022 (UTC) :::I agree (it's not one of mine), but it's better than having the crummy one at both [[Valle del Cauca]] and [[Buga]]. [[User:Travelwriter1000|Travelwriter1000]] ([[User talk:Travelwriter1000|talk]]) 15:34, 7 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Yeah. If nothing else, we don't want the same banner used in two articles. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:48, 7 July 2022 (UTC) == communication channel to coordinate == What is the best communication channel to coordinate with other Wikivoyage editors across language editions? Is there an active telegram or facebook group, IRC or other types of chat? --[[User:Zblace|Zblace]] ([[User talk:Zblace|talk]]) 18:00, 17 July 2022 (UTC) :[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikivoyage/Lounge Wikivoyage Interlingual Lounge], but it would be a good idea to supplement that with announcements on the [[Travellers' pub]] and equivalents on other Wikivoyage language versions. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:59, 17 July 2022 (UTC) ::Thank you...Trying both. --[[User:Zblace|Zblace]] ([[User talk:Zblace|talk]]) 20:01, 21 July 2022 (UTC) 8c04k27mw9qlfu7gw8cbkwidnbg67hl 0 137294 4488158 3631725 2022-07-22T09:09:26Z 128.204.54.12 /* See */ Updated listing for Maragheh Observatory (Faː رصدخانه) wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Maragheh''' is a city in and the capital of Maragheh County, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. [[File:Maragheh_observatory.JPG|thumb|Observatory built in place of Maragheh Observatory.]] ==Understand== Most of the Maragheh residents consider themselves Iranian Azerbaijani. Maragheh was the capital of Ilkhanid Dynasty for a short time in thirteenth century. [[File:Gonbadkabod.jpg|thumb|175px|Guy-Gunbad]] ==Get in== ===By train=== Maragheh is on the railway route between Tabriz and Tehran. ===By bus=== There are buses from Tehran and Tabriz. ===By plane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Sahand airport | alt={{IATA|ACP}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.348017 | long=46.127903 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sahand Airport | wikidata=Q1151971 | content=has weekly flights from Tehran }} ==Get around== ==See== [[File:SufiÇay.jpg|thumb|Sufi River passes through the middle of the city.]][[File:Gonbadsorkh2.jpg|thumb|175px|Qirmizi-Gunbad]] * {{see | name=Maragheh Observatory (Faː رصدخانه) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.397623 | long=46.209952 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2461462 | content=An institutionalized astronomical observatory which was established in 1259 CE under the patronage of the Ilkhanid Hulagu and the directorship of Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, a Persian scientist and astronomer. In the heights west of Maragheh, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, it was once considered one of the most prestigious observatories in the world. }} * {{see | name=Qirmizi Gunbad (Faː گنبد سرخ) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.381506 | long=46.240425 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A tower belong to Sajoughi period (12th century). }} * {{see | name=Guy Gunbad (Faːگنبد کبود) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.390276 | long=46.239116 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The grave for Halgu Khan (first ruler of Ilkhanid Dynasty) built in 13th century. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== [[Tabriz]] {{outlinecity}} {{geo|37.3914|46.2397}} {{isPartOf|Iranian Azerbaijan}} e2bc2k1es2pcfzibwe5oexpi4aa53mx 0 137390 4487944 4483343 2022-07-21T20:31:42Z The dog2 35982 /* Communist Revolution */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Luding_Bridge_Banner.jpg}} '''Chinese revolutionary destinations''' are important places in [[China]]'s history from 1911 to 1949, when it cut ties with [[Imperial China|its long Imperial past]] and was founded as a republic which then evolved into today's modern communist state. For this article, we also cover the period up to Mao's death in 1976, when the Cultural Revolution ended. This journey was forged by a great deal of civil war among the Chinese people, as well as war between China and the invading Japanese Imperial army, and continues to define China's relationship with the rest of the world to this day. The official party line in China today talks of a "Century of Humiliation", beginning with the Qing Dynasty's defeat at the hands of the [[United Kingdom|British]] in the First Opium War in 1842, and ending with the rise of a "new China" under communist rule in 1949. {| style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto; text-align:center;" | [[China]] historical travel topics:<br>'''[[Imperial China]] → [[Chinese revolutions]]'''<br>[[Long March]] • [[World War II in China]] |} ==Understand== {{quote|天下为公<br/>All under Heaven belongs to the people|author=Sun Yat-sen quoting Confucius}} The two thousand-year old [[Imperial China|imperial Chinese system]] collapsed in 1911, beginning with the [[Wuhan#History|Wuchang Uprising]] in what is now [[Wuhan]]. Sun Yat-Sen (孙中山 ''Sūn Zhōngshān'') was not there at the start &mdash; he was in the US raising funds from overseas Chinese &mdash; but he quickly returned to China, led the Xinhai Revolution, and founded the '''Republic of China''' (中华民国 ''Zhōnghuá Mínguó''). The Qing had only one well-organized modern army, and the man who had built it was General Yuan Shih-kai (袁世凯 ''Yuán Shìkǎi''). He had briefly been Prime Minister but had later been exiled after being on the wrong side of one of the court's many intrigues. They recalled him, gave him command of that army, and put him in charge of suppressing the rebellion. Instead he negotiated with Sun then helped the revolution succeed. His price was that he be made president of the new Republic, and Sun relinquished the presidency to him after barely two months in office. Yuan Shih-kai would attempt to revive the empire by declaring himself emperor in December 1915. This move would however prove extremely unpopular, and resulted in the defections of many of Yuan's most trusted retainers. Yuan would abandon the empire in March 1916, and died shortly after in June 1916. Central rule collapsed following Yuan's death, and China descended into anarchy, with various self-serving warlords ruling over different regions of China, and often fighting each other in order to expand their influence. Allegiance to each warlord was often split along dialectal lines, due to the mutual unintelligibility of different Chinese dialects and the strong regional loyalties that resulted from that. There would be numerous rebellions and ''de facto'' independent states in far-flung ethnic minority regions like [[Tibet]] and [[Xinjiang]]; both areas would only be brought back under central government control after the communist victory in 1949. China participated in [[World War I]] as part of the Allies, with the Western Allies promising to return the German concessions in China once the war was won. However, the Western Allies had secretly cut a separate deal with Japan, and reneged on their promise to China, instead awarding the German concessions in [[Shandong]] and [[Shanghai]] to Japan as part of the Treaty of Versailles. This was seen by many as a national humiliation, and betrayal by the Western powers, leading to student protests in Beijing that gave birth to the '''May Fourth Movement''' (五四运动 Wǔ Sì Yùndòng) in 1919. The May Fourth Movement espoused various far-reaching reforms to Chinese society, such as the use of the vernacular in writing, as well as the development of science and democracy. In addition, it paved the way for standard Mandarin to be established as the first standardised form of spoken Chinese for the entire country (there was previously only a written standard in the form of Classical Chinese, with numerous mutually unintelligible dialects spoken in different areas). The intellectual ferment of the May Fourth Movement gave birth to the reorganized '''Kuomintang''' (KMT) in 1919 and the '''Chinese Communist Party''' (CCP), with its first meeting in the [[Shanghai/French Concession|French Concession of Shanghai]] in 1921. [[File:Long march Mao.jpg|thumbnail|Chairman Mao on the Long March]] Sun Yat-sen died in 1925, resulting in a power vacuum within the Kuomintang, and Chiang Kai-shek (蒋介石 ''Jiǎng Jièshí'') emerging victorious in the power struggle that ensued. Chiang formed a tenuous alliance with the CCP and launched the Northern Expedition 1926, which aimed to bring all of China under KMT control, and succeeded in uniting the coastal provinces under KMT rule by 1928. The CCP and the KMT then turned on each other, with the CCP fleeing to [[Yan'an]] in [[Shaanxi]] in the epic [[Long March]]. During the period from 1922 to 1937, Shanghai became a truly cosmopolitan city, as one of the world's busiest ports, and the most prosperous city in East Asia, home to millions of Chinese and 60,000 foreigners from all corners of the globe. However, underlying problems, such as civil unrest, famines, extreme poverty and warlord conflict, still afflicted the vast countryside, particularly the more inland parts of the country. ===War with Japan=== {{seealso|World War II in China}} Japan staged the Mukden Incident, and used it as a pretext to invade and occupy [[Northeast China|Manchuria]] in 1931, where it established a puppet state under the name Manchukuo. Japan then launched a full-scale invasion of China's heartland in 1937. The Japanese initiated a brutal system of rule in [[Eastern China]], culminating in the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. After fleeing west to [[Chongqing]], the KMT realized the urgency of the situation and signed a tenuous agreement with the CCP to form a second united front against the Japanese. In 1941 and 1942, Japan attacked British [[Hong Kong]] and the Western colonial possessions in Southeast Asia and Oceania (including [[Pearl Harbor]], [[Singapore]] and [[Darwin]]), starting the [[Pacific War]]. ===Communist Revolution=== With the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II in 1945, the KMT and CCP armies manoeuvred for positions in north China, setting the stage for the civil war in the years to come. The Chinese Civil War lasted from 1946 to 1949 and ended with the Kuomintang defeated and sent packing to [[Taiwan]] with the intention to re-establish themselves and recapture the mainland. A [[Yunnan]]-based Kuomintang division instead fled by land into [[Myanmar|Burma]], from where they continued to conduct cross-border raids on communist positions in China, until they were driven out by an alliance between the Burmese military and Chinese communists in a 1960-1961 campaign. Some of these soldiers fled further south into [[Thailand]], where they settled in remote mountain villages along the Burmese border such as [[Mae Salong]] and [[Ban Rak Thai]], and were later granted Thai citizenship in exchange for help in fighting communist insurgents in Thailand. These villages remain bastions of Yunnanese Chinese culture in rural Thailand, and are today known for their production of high-quality Chinese tea and Yunnanese cuisine. These Thai villages also often have memorials to fallen Nationalist soldiers and generals that you can visit. Mao Zedong (毛泽东 ''Máo Zédōng'') officially declared the establishment of the '''People's Republic of China''' (中华人民共和国 ''Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó'') on 1 Oct 1949. However, some offshore islands would remain under KMT control into the 1950s; [[Hainan]] only fell to the communists in 1950, and several offshore islands of [[Zhejiang]] did not fall to the communists until 1955. The KMT were however able to successfully defend several offshore islands of [[Fujian]], namely the [[Kinmen]] and [[Matsu]] islands, which remain under ROC control to this day. After an initial period closely hewing to the Soviet model of heavy industrialization and comprehensive central economic planning, China began to experiment with adapting Marxism to a largely agrarian society. According to the Communist Party, the Revolution had several phases, including the '''Great Leap Forward''' from 1958-1962, and the '''Cultural Revolution''' from 1966 until Mao's death in 1976. The Great Leap Forward was a disastrous failure that resulted in the deaths of millions of people from famine, and millions of people were killed in the Cultural Revolution, which also saw the destruction of countless historical sites and artifacts. Both of these cataclysmic events were extremely traumatic and dislocating for China. Mao's legacy remains controversial to this day; while he is loathed in Taiwan, Hong Kong and ethnic Chinese communities in the West, he is regarded as a national hero in China for wartime leadership, being the first leader to unite China since the fall of the Qing Dynasty, development of Communist thought and practice, and other accomplishments in office. Mao would be succeeded by Hua Guofeng (华国锋 ''Huà Guófēng'') after his death. Hua arrested the Gang of Four, who were widely regarded as the main architects behind the Cultural Revolution besides Mao himself, and proceeded to roll back some of Mao's excesses. Hua would however remain firmly committed to communist principles, setting the stage for a power struggle with the more reformist-minded Deng Xiaoping (邓小平 ''Dèng Xiǎopíng''), with Deng emerging victorious in 1978. Deng abandoned a hardline communist policy and re-introduced capitalist elements to China during his years in office, kickstarting an economic boom and the rapid rise of China to one of the world's economic powerhouses. To this date, Taiwan remains a vestige of the Republic of China. Neither of the two Chinese nations give official recognition to each other, and political relations are complicated. That said, both sides of the Taiwan Strait have developed close economic ties, with substantial Taiwanese investment in the mainland, and direct cross-strait flights having resumed in 2008. However, a desire for formal independence and a separate cultural identity from China has been growing in Taiwan since 2014, particularly among the youths. ===Learn more=== *'''Towards the Republic''' (走向共和 ''Zǒu Xiàng Gòng Hé'') — A Chinese television series chronicling the last years of the Qing Dynasty, and the transition of China from monarchy to republic. It has been heavily censored in mainland China due to its more complex portrayal of historical figures such as Empress Dowager Cixi and Yuan Shih-kai, who are traditionally regarded as villains, and the fact that it also features historically accurate but politically inconvenient pro-democracy quotes by Sun Yat-sen. However, the full uncensored version is available overseas. *'''Mao Zedong's poetry''' — Mao Zedong was an accomplished poet, and his poems provide an insight to his way of thinking. ==Locations== {{Mapframe|32.2|113.3|zoom=4|layer=M|height=400|width=400}} * {{listing | name=[[Beijing]] | alt=北京 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q956 | content=Modern-day capital of China. It was on top of Tiananmen, the southern gate into the old Imperial city, that Mao Zedong declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Today, a large portrait of Mao hangs on the gate. Visitors can purchase tickets to climb onto the top of the gate where Mao made his proclamation. }} * {{listing | name=[[Wuhan]] | alt=武汉 | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.583 | long=114.28 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Site of the 1911 Wuchang Uprising that led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China }} * {{listing | name=[[Shaoshan]] | alt=韶山 | url= | email= | address= | lat=27.91 | long=112.48 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mao Zedong's hometown. His birth house has been preserved as a museum, and is a popular pilgrimage site for many Chinese. }} * {{listing | name=[[Guangzhou]] | alt=广州 | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.133 | long=113.267 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Site of the Whampoa Military Academy where both KMT and Communist leaders (Chiang Kai Shek, Zhou Enlai, Mao Zedong) trained and led troops and political study groups before the Northern Expedition of 1926-27. Also home to Sun Yat-sen University, which was founded by Sun himself, and is today regarded as one of China's premier universities. }} * {{listing | name=[[Nanjing]] | alt=南京 | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.0603 | long=118.7969 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Capital of China during the Republic of China period, and home to the presidential palace used by Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek. Also home to the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen. }} * {{listing | name=[[Anyang]] | alt=安阳 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.099 | long=114.392 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Location of the tomb of Yuan Shih-kai, the second president of the Republic of China who briefly declared himself emperor. Although not an official imperial tomb, the layout and grandeur of the tomb matches that of a Chinese emperor, reflecting Yuan's ambitions. }} * {{listing | name=[[Nanchang]] | alt=南昌 | url= | email= | address= | lat=28.683333 | long=115.883333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Site of the Nanchang Uprising, the CCP's first armed uprising against the KMT government, which marked the beginning of the Chinese Civil War. }} * {{listing | name=[[Jinggangshan]] | alt=井冈山 | url= | email= | address= | lat=26.57184 | long=114.16527 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The first CCP rural base area after the 1927 crackdown by the KMT }} * {{listing | name=[[Ruijin]] | alt=瑞金 | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.9161 | long=115.9799 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Seat of the China Soviet Republic from 1929 to 1934 }} [[File:ZunyiMeeting.jpg|thumbnail|Site of the Zunyi Conference]] * {{listing | name=[[Zunyi]] | alt=遵义 | url= | email= | address= | lat=27.7121 | long=106.9279 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Site of the Zunyi Conference where Mao Zedong joined the Politburo Standing Committee }} [[File:Luding Bridge June 07 350D 111.jpg|thumbnail|The Luding crossing today]] * {{listing | name=[[Luding]] | alt=泸定 | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.915 | long=102.232 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Site of a famous forced crossing of a high mountain river }} * {{listing | name=[[Yan'an]] | alt=延安 | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.59618 | long=109.48596 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Primary base area for the Communist Party from 1935 to 1945 }} * {{listing | name=[[Xikou|Fenghua]] | alt=奉化 | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.65 | long=121.416667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Birthplace of Chiang Kai-shek, leader of the Republic of China from 1928-1949, following which he retreated to Taiwan following the communist victory and ruled until his death in 1975. }} * {{listing | name=[[Zhongshan|Cuiheng]] | alt=翠亨 | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.444667 | long=113.536736 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Birthplace of Sun Yat-sen, father of the Republic of China. }} * {{listing | name=[[Huai'an]] | alt=淮安 | url= | email= | address= | lat=33.551 | long=119.113 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Birthplace of Zhou Enlai, the first premier of the People's Republic of China. }} * {{listing | name=[[Guang'an]] | alt=广安 | url= | email= | address= | lat=30.524461 | long=106.643809 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Birthplace of Deng Xiaoping, Mao's eventual successor who instituted market-oriented reforms that kickstarted China's meteoric rise to major world power status. }} ==Places connected to Sun Yat-sen== As the leader of the revolution that toppled the last imperial dynasty, Sun Yat-sen is highly revered among ethnic Chinese the world over, and considered to be the father of modern China by both the PRC and ROC governments. As such there are numerous places around the world commemorating him. His hometown in China was renamed [[Zhongshan]] in his honour after his death. ===Mainland China=== * {{listing | type=red | name=Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum | alt=中山陵 | url= | email= | address=[[Nanjing]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q1338405 | hours= | price= | content=The tomb of Sun Yat-sen, built in a style reminiscent of traditional Chinese imperial tombs, but using Western building materials and incorporating various Western architectural elements. Although the Chinese character 陵 is traditionally reserved for referring to the tombs of emperors and empresses, it has also been bestowed on the tomb of Sun Yat-sen as an honorific due to how highly revered he is as the father of modern China. }} * {{listing | type=red | name=Presidential Palace, Nanjing | alt=总统府 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q1065016 | hours= | price= | content=Presidential palace of the Republic of China before its retreat to Taiwan after losing the Chinese Civil War, it was here that Sun Yat-sen was sworn in as the first president of China in 1912. }} * {{listing | type=red | name=Sun Yat-sen University | alt=中山大学 | url= | email= | address=[[Guangzhou]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q178972 | hours= | price= | content=University founded by Sun Yat-sen in 1924, and today one of China's premier universities. Many of the older campus buildings are built in a fusion of Chinese and Western architectural styles, a style characteristic of the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era, and there is also a famous statue of the founder on the campus. }} * {{listing | type=red | name=Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Guangzhou | alt=中山纪念堂 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q1051254 | hours= | price= | content=Built in honour of Sun Yat-sen in 1931, it occupies the former site of the former Kuomintang headquarters from 1917-1922, when Sun Yat-sen led the reorganized Kuomintang in opposition to the Beijing-based Beiyang Government. }} * {{listing | type=red | name=Sun Yat-sen Residence Memorial Museum | alt=孙中山故居纪念馆 | url= | email= | address=[[Zhongshan]] | lat=22.44590 | long=113.52262 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata= | hours= | price= | content=Birth house of Sun Yat-sen, now a detailed museum of his life with an extensive collection of artifacts. }} ===Taiwan=== * {{listing | type=red | name=National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall | alt=國立國父紀念館 | url= | email= | address=[[Taipei]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q697314 | hours= | price= | content=Main museum in Taiwan dedicated to the memory of Sun Yat-sen. The massive statue of Sun Yat-sen in the main memorial hall is guarded by soldiers from the Taiwanese army, and the changing of the guard ceremony on the hour is a popular spectacle for tourists. }} ===Hong Kong=== Sun Yat-sen spent much of youth in Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board has a '''[https://www.sunyatsenhistoricaltrail.hk/en/index.html Dr. Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail]''' which covers many of the sites connected to Sun. ===Macau=== * {{listing | type=red | name=Sun Yat Sen Memorial House | alt=澳門國父紀念館 | url= | email= | address=[[Macau/Peninsula|São Lázaro]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q7638630 | hours= | price= | content=Built as a residence for Sun Yat-sen's first wife Lu Muzhen in 1912, Sun stayed here briefly during a visit to Macau in 1912. Today, it is a museum commemorating the life of Sun Yat-sen, as well as the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. }} ===Overseas=== Sun Yat-sen also spent a substantial amount of time canvassing support for the revolution among the overseas Chinese, and there a numerous memorials in overseas Chinese communities dedicated to him. * {{listing | type=red | name=Sun Yat-sen Nanyang Memorial Hall | alt=孙中山南洋纪念馆 | url= | email= | address=[[Singapore]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q10123616 | hours= | price= | content=A villa that served as the Southeast Asian headquarters of the Chinese revolutionaries, as many important supporters of the revolution were overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia. Sun Yat-sen stayed at the villa during his second visit to Singapore in 1906. Today, it has been converted to a museum commemorating Sun Yat-sen. }} * {{listing | type=red | name=Sun Yat-sen Museum Penang | alt=Muzium Sun Yat-sen Pulau Pinang | url= | email= | address=[[George Town (Malaysia)|George Town]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | wikidata=Q16900890 | hours= | price= | content=A shophouse that served as the Penang base of the Chinese revolutionaries. Sun Yat-sen delivered a famous speech here during his four-month stay in Penang in 1910. Today, it has been converted to a museum commemorating Sun Yat-sen. }} == Museums == * {{see | name=Museum of the Communist Party of China | alt=中国共共产党历史展览馆 | url= | email= | address=[[Beijing/Chaoyang|Chaoyang District, Beijing]] | lat=40.002272 | long=116.393186 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of the Chinese Communist Party | wikidata=Q107292018 | lastedit=2021-07-16 | content=A comprehensive museum about the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The museum was opened in July 2021 as part of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the party's establishment. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Shanghai Propaganda Poster and Art Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Shanghai/French Concession|French Concession]], Shanghai | lat=31.213741 | long=121.43877 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-05 | content=A fascinating exhibition of Mao-era propaganda and art. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Sansui County Museum of Great Leap Forward Relics | alt=三穗县大跃进遗存博物馆 | url= | email= | address=[[Sansui|Sansui County]] | lat=26.96676304409899 | long=108.67751741909413 | directions=About 270km from [[Guiyang]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-05 | content=This little-known museum in Guizhou Province is the only museum in China dedicated to the Great Leap Forward. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution | alt=中国人民革命军事博物馆 Zhōngguó Rénmín Gémìng Jūnshì Bówùguǎn | url=http://eng.jb.mil.cn/ | email= | address=[[Beijing/Haidian|Haidian District, Beijing]] | lat=39.90766944 | long=116.31772222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution | image=Chinese Military Museum.jpg | wikidata=Q1789184 | lastedit= | content=Features what is probably the largest exhibition in China about the Chinese Civil War. The museum also has exhibitions about other conflicts that China has been involved in from ancient times to the 20th century. }} * {{see | name=Liaoshen Campaign Memorial | alt=辽沈战役纪念馆 | url=http://www.jzlszy.com/ | email= | address=[[Jinzhou]] | lat=41.127289 | long=121.142546 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-11 | content=Dedicated to the Liaoshen Campaign, the first of three major offensive operations launched by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) against Kuomintang positions in eastern China during the late stage of the Chinese Civil War (the other two being the Huaihai Campaign and the Pingjin Campaign). The Liaoshen Campaign is considered one of the most important turning points in the war as it resulted in the PLA gaining numerical superiority over the Kuomingtang army for the first time since the war began. }} * {{see | name=Huaihai Campaign Memorial Museum | alt=淮海战役纪念馆 | url=http://hhzy.xz.gov.cn/hhzy/ENGLISH/012001/ | email= | address=[[Xuzhou]] | lat=34.2347 | long=117.19316 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-12-28 | content=Commemorates the Huaihai Campaign, a major military campaign launched by the PLA against KMT forces in Xuzhou during the late stage of the Chinese Civil War. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Yangtze River Crossing Campaign Victory Memorial Hall | alt=渡江胜利纪念馆 | url=http://djg.njmuseumadmin.com/ | email= | address=[[Nanjing]] | lat=32.0758122670 | long=118.7261718517 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=A museum about the capture of Nanjing by Communist forces in 1949. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=The 1911 Revolution Museum | alt=辛亥革命博物馆, Xinhai Revolution Museum | url=http://www.1911museum.cn/ | email= | address=[[Wuhan/Wuchang|Wuchang District, Wuhan]] | lat=30.5394625500 | long=114.3003282600 | directions= | phone=| tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-02-06 | content=A comprehensive museum about the Xinhai Revolution. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Memorial Museum of the 1911 Revolution | alt=辛亥革命纪念馆 | url=https://www.xhgmjng.com/ | email= | address=[[Guangzhou/North and East|Huangpu District, Guangzhou]] | lat=23.0746778100 | long=113.4147975000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-01-27 | content=Another museum about the Xinhai Revolution. }} * {{see | name=Red Detachment of Women Memorial Park | alt=红色娘子军纪念园 | url= | email= | address=[[Qionghai]], [[Hainan]] | lat=19.211903 | long=110.426771 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-11-09 | content=Memorial dedicated to the Red Detachment of Women, an all-female detachment of soldiers who fought for the Communists against the Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War, eventually leading to the Communist victory in Hainan in 1950. There is a small museum in the middle of the park. Other sights in the park include a mural and an assortment of disused military equipment. }} ==Related topics== * [[China]] * [[Indochina Wars]] * [[Korean War]] * [[Long March]] * [[Pacific War]] * [[Soviet Union]] * [[Japanese colonial empire]] {{PartOfTopic|Historical travel|China}} {{usabletopic}} 5v5c0cmi4utiiuvij3cmna8grx1q9ce 0 141958 4488030 4479217 2022-07-22T00:12:03Z The dog2 35982 /* Connecting flights */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Toronto Pearson banner.jpg|caption=Union Pearson Express station at airport}}{{Listing|name=Toronto Pearson International Airport|alt={{IATA|YYZ}}|url=https://www.torontopearson.com/|phone=+1 416-247-7678|tollfree=+1 866-207-1690|lastedit=2022-05-29|content=The airport is in [[Mississauga]] near [[Toronto]]. As [[Canada|Canada's]] busiest airport, it handled 50.5 million passengers in 2019. Toronto is also served by the small [[Toronto#Billy Bishop Airport|Billy Bishop Airport]], near the city centre, which handles only short-haul flights in central Canada and the northeastern U.S. }} ==Understand== '''Malton Airport''', built on what were farmers' fields in the 1930s, hosted its first scheduled passenger flight (a Trans-Canada Airlines DC-3 landing) on August 29, 1939. From 1940-1942, Malton hosted a World War II British Commonwealth Air Training Plan flight school. Malton Airport became Toronto International Airport in 1960. Various terminal buildings have been constructed and demolished over the years as the airport expanded; Aeroquay One (1964) was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a new Terminal 1, while Terminal 2 (1972) was demolished in 2007. As Toronto surpassed Montreal to become Canada's largest city in the 1970s, traffic through Pearson has been steadily increasing. While flag carrier '''[https://www.aircanada.com/ Air Canada]''''s corporate headquarters remain in Montreal, Toronto Pearson is now the airline's largest hub. While Montreal traffic was split for many years with the construction of an awkward outlying airport at Mirabel, a second major Toronto-area airport proposed for [[Pickering (Ontario)|Pickering]] met with strong local opposition since the mid-1970s and was never constructed. While some short-range flights to destinations like Montreal, New York and Chicago operate from Toronto Islands airport, the bulk of Toronto's passenger volume by necessity goes through Pearson, the second-busiest airport for international traffic (behind [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]] in [[New York City]]) in [[North America]]. ==Flights== [[Image:Inuksuit (Toronto Pearson Airport).jpg|thumb|''Inuksuit'' (traditional Inuit statues) outside Terminal 1]] There are two terminals at the airport: 1 and 3 (2 was demolished due to new development). Flights are arranged in this way: {{Regionlist |region1name=Terminal 1 |region1color=#ad92ac |region1items=Star Alliance, Air North, Canadian North, Emirates and Lynx Air |region1description= Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air China, Air North, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Canadian North, Copa Airlines, Egyptair, Emirates, Ethiopian, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Lynx Air, Swiss, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United |region2name=Terminal 3 |region2color=#8f9271 |region2items=Skyteam, Oneworld and all non-alliance airlines except Air North, Canadian North, Emirates and Lynx Air |region2description=Aer Lingus, Aeroméxico, Air France, Air Transat, American Airlines, Azores Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, China Southern, Condor, Delta, El Al, Etihad, Flair, Hainan Airlines, Icelandair, KLM, Korean Air, Pakistan International, Philippines Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Sunwing Airlines, Swoop, Ukraine International Airlines (temporary suspended), WestJet }} === Departures === For flights to the USA, you go through US border preclearance for customs and immigration after check-in. This is generally a quick process and saves any queuing in the States. It also allows airlines to fly into US destinations which do not have the capacity to handle customs and immigration since passengers who went through border preclearance are treated as domestic passengers on arrival to the US. At peak times the lines at security can be very long so allow plenty of time to get through the system. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ad92ac|title=Terminal 1|wikidata=Q56240215}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8f9271|title=Terminal 3|wikidata=Q56240216}} === Arrivals === For both Terminals 1 and 3, the international arrivals are located on the eastern side of the terminals and the domestic arrivals are located on the western side. ===Connecting flights=== Just like the United States, Canada does not allow for sterile transit, so passengers connecting from one international flight to another need to pass through customs and immigration before re-checking their bags to their final destination. Ensure that you meet all the entry requirements for Canada, including having a visa if necessary, before you book your flights. The sole exception is when arriving on a non-U.S. international flight and transferring to a U.S.-bound flight in the same terminal. In that case, you don't have to clear Canadian customs and immigration, and you can proceed straight to the U.S. border preclearance facility. However, you will still need to have a visa for Canada if required for your nationality. === Destinations === Direct flights to Toronto are available from every major Canadian airport, from North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. ==== Direct flights from within [[Ontario]] ==== * From [[London (Ontario)|London]] ([[Southwestern Ontario]]) - 45-50 minutes * From [[Ottawa]] ([[Eastern Ontario]]) - 1 hour * From [[Sault Sainte Marie (Ontario)|Sault Sainte Marie]] ([[Northern Ontario]]) - 1.25 hours * From [[Sudbury (Ontario)|Sudbury]] (Northern Ontario) - 1 hour * From [[Thunder Bay]] (Northern Ontario) - 1 hour * From [[Timmins]] (Northern Ontario) - 1.5 hours * From [[Windsor (Ontario)|Windsor]] (Southwestern Ontario) - 55 minutes ==== Direct flights from elsewhere in [[Canada]] ==== * From [[Calgary]] ([[Alberta]]) - 3.75 hours * From [[Charlottetown]] ([[Prince Edward Island]]) - 2.5 hours * From [[Edmonton]] (Alberta) - 3.75 hours * From [[Fredericton]] ([[New Brunswick]]) - 2-2.5 hours * From [[Halifax]] ([[Nova Scotia]]) - 2.25-2.5 hours * From [[Montreal]] ([[Quebec]]) - 1.5 hours * From [[Moncton]] (New Brunswick) - 2.25-2.75 hours * From [[Quebec City]] (Quebec) - 1.5-1.75 hours * From [[Regina]] ([[Saskatchewan]]) - 3 hours * From [[Saskatoon]] (Saskatchewan) - 3 hours * From [[St. John's]] ([[Newfoundland and Labrador]]) - 3.5 hours * From [[Vancouver]] ([[British Columbia]]) - 4.25-4.5 hours * From [[Victoria (British Columbia)|Victoria]] (British Columbia) - 4.5 hours * From [[Winnipeg]] ([[Manitoba]]) - 2.25 hours ==== Direct flights from the [[United States of America]] ==== * From [[Atlanta]] ([[Georgia (state)|Georgia]]) - 2.25 hours * From [[Boston]] ([[Massachusetts]]) - 2 hours * From [[Chicago]] ([[Illinois]]) - 1.5-1.75 hours * From [[Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex|Dallas-Fort Worth]] ([[Texas]]) - 3 hours * From [[Denver]] ([[Colorado]]) - 3-3.25 hours * From [[Las Vegas]] ([[Nevada]]) - 4.25 hours * From [[Los Angeles]] ([[California]]) - 4.5-7.75 hours * From [[Miami]] ([[Florida]]) - 3.25 hours * From [[New York City]] ([[New York (state)|New York]]) - 1.5-1.75 hours * From [[Phoenix]] ([[Arizona]]) - 4 hours * From [[Seattle]] ([[Washington (state)|Washington]]) - 4.5 hours * From [[San Francisco]] (California) - 4.75-5 hours * From [[Washington, D.C.]] - 1.5-1.75 hours ==== Direct flights from elsewhere in [[North America]] ==== * From [[Cancún]] ([[Mexico]]) - 3.75-4 hours * From [[Montego Bay]] ([[Jamaica]]) - 4.25 hours * From [[Mexico City]] (Mexico) - 4.5-4.75 hours * From [[Panama City]] ([[Panama]]) - 5.5 hours * From [[Punta Cana]] ([[Dominican Republic]]) - 4.5-4.75 hours * From [[Varadero]] ([[Cuba]]) - 3.25-3.5 hours ==== Direct flights from [[South America]] ==== * [[Bogotá]] ([[Colombia]]) - 6.5 hours * [[São Paulo]] ([[Brazil]]) - 10.25 hours * [[Santiago de Chile]] ([[Chile]]) - 10.75 hours ==== Direct flights from [[Asia]] ==== * From [[Hong Kong]] - 15.25 hours * From [[Tel Aviv]] ([[Israel]]) - 11.75 hours * From [[Delhi/New Delhi|New Delhi]] ([[India]]) - 15.25 hours * From [[Seoul]] ([[South Korea]]) - 13 hours * From [[Tokyo]] ([[Japan]]) - 12 hours ==== Direct flights from [[Africa]] ==== * From [[Cairo]] ([[Egypt]]) - 11.5 hours ==== Direct flights from [[Europe]] ==== * From [[Amsterdam]] ([[Netherlands]]) - 8-8.5 hours * From [[Dublin]] ([[Ireland]]) - 7.5-7.75 hours * From [[Frankfurt]] ([[Germany]]) - 8.5 hours * From [[Istanbul]] ([[Turkey]]) - 10.5 hours * From [[London]] ([[United Kingdom]]) - 7.5 to 8 hours * From [[Paris]] ([[France]]) - 8 hours * From [[Reykjavík]] ([[Iceland]]) - 6 hours * From [[Rome]] ([[Italy]]) - 9.5-9.75 hours === Airlines === Canadian airlines operating to Toronto: * {{Listing|name=Air Canada|url=https://www.aircanada.com/|phone=+1-514-393-3333|tollfree=+1-888-247-2262|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's largest airline with hubs in [[Vancouver]], [[Calgary]], Toronto, and [[Montreal]]. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} * {{Listing|name=Air Transat|url=https://www.airtransat.com/|phone=+1-514-636-3630|tollfree=+1-877-872-6728|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's third largest airline with some year round destinations and specializing in seasonal flights to vacation destinations (Europe in the summer and warmer, southern international destinations in the winter).}} * {{Listing|name=Flair Airlines|url=https://flyflair.com/|tollfree=+1-833-711-2333|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A new low-cost airline with flights across much of Canada.}} * {{Listing|name=Lynx Air|url=https://www.flylynx.com/|email=CustomerSupport@LynxAir.com|tollfree=+1-877-897-5969|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=A small low-cost airline with flights to parts of Canada.}} * {{Listing|name=Sunwing Airlines|url=https://www.sunwing.ca/|phone=|tollfree=+1-877-786-9464|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Low cost Canadian airline that operates some flights within Canada throughout the year and specializes in seasonal flights to warmer, southern international vacation destinations in the winter.}} * {{Listing|name=Swoop|url=https://help.flyswoop.com/|phone=+1-587-441-1001|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=WestJet's low-cost airline with flights to less-busy airports. Swoop charges a fee for new reservations or changes to reservations made over the phone.}} * {{Listing|name=Westjet|url=https://www.westjet.com/|tollfree=+1-877-952-0100|lastedit=2022-04-25|content=Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in [[Calgary]] and Toronto. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.}} ==Ground transportation== {{mapframe|43.6820|-79.6178|zoom=15}} === {{Mapshape|title=Union Pearson Express|wikidata=Q497520|type=geoline|stroke=#948a4c|stroke-width=4|stroke-opacity=1}}By public transit === ==== By train ==== The ''Union Pearson Express'' train goes to downtown [[Toronto]]: * {{go | name=Union Pearson Express | alt=UP Express | url=http://www.upexpress.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 3 at airport | phone=+1 416-869-3600 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-869-1662 | hours=5:30AM - 1:30AM | price=Adult: $12.35 cash, or $9.25 with a Presto card, credit card, or mobile wallet app; senior: $6.20 cash or $5.80 with Presto card; free for children 12 and under | wikipedia=Union Pearson Express | wikidata=Q16901889 | lastedit=2021-03-11 | content=UP Express trains operate between the airport and Union Station providing connections to the Toronto subway at Bloor Station (near Dundas West Station on Line 2) and Union Station (Line 1). (UP Express also has an intermediate stop at Weston station on Lawrence Avenue West.) A trip takes 25 minutes and trains depart every 30 minutes. The station provides airline check-in kiosks, luggage racks, onboard Wi-Fi and up-to-the-minute flight information. UP Express station is at Terminal 1; the airport's Link train connects Terminal 3 to the UP Express station. Tickets and Presto cards can be purchased at the UP Express station. }} '''[[Presto card]]s''' can be purchased at the UP Express station for $16 each ($6 for the card plus a $10 minimum balance); higher balances can be purchased. Besides the UP Express, Presto is supported by many transit operators in the [[Greater Toronto Area]]. Seniors (65+) should have their cards set for reduced senior fares. When paying by Presto card, credit card, or mobile wallet app, UP Express passengers must tap on using a Presto reader on the platform before boarding the train, and tap off after arrival. If you use the intermediate stops at Bloor or Weston station, use only the UP Express Presto readers to tap on/off; do '''not''' use the GO train Presto readers. ==== By bus ==== Toronto Pearson provides a [https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation-and-parking/public-transit-buses webpage] indicating where to board the various bus services at Terminal 1 and 3 often indicating the column (pillar) where buses stop. Various local buses serve Pearson airport. All accept the [[Presto card]] (see also [[#By train|previous section]]) for fare payment. {{infobox|Airport Express routes|Both Brampton Transit and TTC name their express route to/from the airport as "Airport Express" even though they go to different cities (in opposite directions!) Brampton Transit buses are blue and white while TTC buses are red and white. Be sure to check the route number (route 115 for Brampton Transit; route 900 for TTC) before you board the bus.}} * {{Listing|name=Brampton Transit|url=https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/transit/Pages/Home.aspx|email=transit@brampton.ca|phone=+1-905-874-2999|lastedit=2022-05-25}} Operates the Airport Express (route 115) bus from the airport to Bramalea City Centre in [[Brampton]], a suburb directly north of Mississauga. Brampton Transit stops only at Terminal 1. Fares are payable in exact cash or by Presto card. * {{Listing|name=GO Transit|url=https://www.gotransit.com/|directions=|phone=+1-416-869-3200|tollfree=+1-888-438-6646|lastedit=2022-05-23|content=Operates bus and rail commuter/regional transit within and near the [[Greater Toronto Area]].}} It offers two [https://www.gotransit.com/en/trip-planning/going-to-the-airport/airport airport service routes] operating from Terminal 1 on the ground floor. Both GO routes run 24/7 with a frequency of every 30 minutes in rush hours, every 60 minutes at other times. Most GO buses have under-floor compartments for luggage. Fares can be paid in cash with the driver providing change for bills up to $20. The fare can also be paid by Presto card, but remember to tap both on and off at the beginning and end of trip respectively. **Route 34 – Pearson Airport/North York Express GO Bus runs by four Toronto subway stations (Yorkdale, Sheppard-Yonge, North York Centre and Finch) in [[Toronto/North York|North York]]. **Route 40 – Travels between [[Richmond Hill (Ontario)|Richmond Hill Centre Terminal]] and or Hamilton GO Centre in [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] including stops in [[Vaughan]], Terminal 1 of the airport, Square One Terminal in [[Mississauga]], [[Oakville (Ontario)|Oakville]], and [[Burlington (Ontario)|Burlington]]. * {{Listing|name=MiWay|url=https://www.mississauga.ca/miway-transit/|email=miwayhelps@mississauga.ca|phone=+1-905-615-4636|lastedit=2022-05-25}} Operates two bus routes connecting the airport with Square One (City Centre Transit Terminal) within the city of [[Mississauga]]. MiWay buses stop at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Fares are payable in exact cash or by Presto card. **Route 7 Airport runs via the airport from Square One mall (Cooksville) and Westwood Mall (Malton). **Route 100 Airport Express runs weekdays only between the airport and Winston Churchill station stopping at Square 1. {{infobox|Presto cards & Presto tickets|Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 each have a fare vending machine inside the terminal building on the ground level opposite the TTC bus stop. These machines sell '''[[Presto card]]s''' (used by most transit operators in the [[Greater Toronto Area]]) and '''[[Toronto#Paying by Presto|Presto tickets]]''' used exclusively for TTC services. The machines accept payment by cash or credit card and issue your choice of either a Presto card or Presto ticket. When boarding a bus supporting Presto, tap your Presto card or ticket on the Presto reader at the front door of the bus. Remember: Presto tickets are valid only on TTC vehicles. ([https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes/How-to-buy-fares-and-passes Source])<!--Source is included for easy reference to check for further changes (2022/01/13).-->}} * {{Listing|name=Toronto Transit Commission|alt=TTC|url=https://www.ttc.ca/|phone=+1-416-393-4636|lastedit=2022-05-25|content=Toronto's main transit system and one of the most heavily used in North America. TTC consists of buses, streetcars and subway lines.}} [http://www.ttc.ca/Riding_the_TTC/Airport_service.jsp Bus service] from the subway to the airport is same as to any other destination in Toronto. TTC stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Fare is by Presto card, Presto ticket (see sidebar) or by exact change. If paying by cash, get a transfer from the driver to make connections to other TTC vehicles. ** Route 900 Airport Express runs every 10 minutes or better to/from Kipling Station on Line 2, making the journey in 20–25 minutes. ** Route 52/52A Lawrence West is a local bus connecting to Lawrence and Lawrence West stations, both on subway Line 1. Running every 10 minutes or better, this is a slow route making frequent stops. The route number is 52 from the airport and 52A to the airport. Do '''not''' take routes 52B or 52D as these bypass the airport despite their tempting sign saying "extra fare required west of airport". ** Route 952 Lawrence West Express is a rush-hour service following the 52A route but with fewer stops. : The following are night bus routes running when the subway is shut down between 1:30AM and 5:30AM (8AM on Sundays): :* Route 300A Bloor-Danforth night bus provides service along Line 2 of the subway and goes directly to the airport. :* Route 332 Eglinton West night bus runs from the airport to Yonge Street. :* Route 352 Lawrence West night bus runs from the airport to Yonge Street. :* Route 320 Yonge does '''not''' go to the airport, but it does provide a night connection downtown for riders coming from routes 300A, 332 and 352. ====Intercity buses==== A few intercity buses serve the airport directly. * [https://ca.megabus.com/ '''Megabus'''] (''Coach Canada'') runs to [[Port Hope]], [[Trenton (Ontario)|Trenton]], [[Belleville (Ontario)|Belleville]], [[Napanee]] and [[Kingston (Ontario)|Kingston]] (including a stop at Queen's University), serving various points along [[Ontario Highway 401]]. The journey from the airport to Kingston takes 3:45. [https://ca.megabus.com/route-guides/toronto-airport-to-kingston-bus Pickups] are at Terminal 1 Post P5 and Terminal 3 Post C8. *{{go|name=TOK Coachlines|alt=|url=https://tokcoachlines.com/|email=info@tokcoachlines.com|address=|lat=|long=|directions=Toronto Union Station Bus Terminal|phone=|tollfree=+1-800-387-7097|hours=|price=|lastedit=2021-03-19|content=Operates bus routes in [[Ontario]].}} Operates a bus between Southampton and downtown [[Toronto]] including stops in [[Brockton (Ontario)|Port Elgin]], [[Kincardine (Ontario)|Kincardine]], [[Walkerton]], [[Hanover (Ontario)|Hanover]], [[Orangeville (Ontario)|Orangeville]], and Toronto Pearson International Airport. * [https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation-and-parking/long-distance-travel-options Shuttle and van services] are available to other destinations in southern Ontario (e.g. Waterloo, London, Niagara Falls) ===By taxi=== Airport taxi fares range from $19-78 (east) and $19-65 (west). Limousine fares are $21-86 (east) and $21-72 (west). Fares out of town are typically $1.55/km (taxi) and $1.45/km (limousine). * '''Taxis''' to [[Toronto/Downtown|downtown Toronto]] run a flat rate of $53 (other areas of the city vary but are also flat rate,) while airport limousines go slightly higher ($58 to downtown Toronto). Limousines are generally slightly larger (though not stretched), most are dark-blue Lincoln Town Cars and a bit more comfortable than taxis. As the airport is not in Toronto, regular Toronto city cabs do not pick up fares at the Pearson air terminals. Government approved rates can be found [http://torontopearson.com/en/toandfrom/taxilimo online]. *'''Fake taxis''' (also called "Gypsy Cabs" by the locals) are frequently found congregating around Pearson Airport. If a driver approaches you inside the arrivals hall and asks if you need a ride, and you didn't arrange a car in advance, they are definitely unlicensed (legitimate cab drivers are prohibited by law from entering the terminal building to look for passengers.) While the risk of being a victim of crime as an unlicensed taxi passenger is very low, drivers and their vehicles are not held to the same safety and maintenance standards as their licensed counterparts. If you decide to patronize a Gypsy Cab, proceed at your own risk and be sure to agree on a fare in advance! *'''Uber''' and '''Lyft''' cars provide transport to and from the airport. '''UberX''', '''Uber Black''' and '''Uber SUV''' services are available. The latter two sometimes using the same vehicles as the existing limo service but at a premium price (UberBlack for $88 to $115, UberSUV $100 to $128, of which $15 per ride goes to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority). UberX costs about $35 to $40 to downtown Toronto, and Greater Toronto Airports Authority charges $4.50 pickup fee and $4 drop-off fee. For arrivals, Uber and Lyft passengers are picked up on Ground Level at Door Q or P in Terminal 1 and Arrivals Level at Door D in Terminal 3. The locations are marked with directional signs for “Ride App Pickup”. === By rental car === The following car rental companies operate at Terminal 1: * {{Listing|name=Alamo|url=https://www.alamo.ca/|phone=+1-833-792-3291|tollfree=+1-844-307-8011|lastedit=2022-04-26}} * {{Listing|name=Avis|url=https://www.avis.com/|email=custserv@avis.com|phone=+1-905-676-1100|tollfree=+1-800-879-2847|lastedit=2022-04-26}} * {{Listing|name=Budget|url=https://www.budget.com/|email=|phone=+1-905-676-1500|tollfree=+1-800-268-8900|lastedit=2022-04-26}} * {{Listing|name=Enterprise Rent-a-car|url=https://www.enterprise.ca/|email=|phone=+1-833-619-3659|tollfree=+1-844-307-8008|lastedit=2022-04-26}} * {{Listing|name=Hertz|url=https://www.hertz.com/|phone=+1-416-674-2020|tollfree=+1-800-654-3131|lastedit=2022-04-26}} * {{Listing|name=National|url=https://www.nationalcar.ca/|phone=+1-833-792-3290|tollfree=+1-844-307-8014|lastedit=2022-04-26}} * {{Listing|name=Dollar Thifty|url=https://www.thriftycanada.ca/|phone=+1-905-676-9127|tollfree=+1-800-334-1705|lastedit=2022-04-26}} ==Get around== [[Image:Pearson T3 LINK Station.jpg|thumb|Terminal Link at Terminal 3]] * [http://torontopearson.com/en/link/ Terminal Link] train runs every 4-8 minutes between Terminal 1, Terminal 3 (including Sheraton Gateway Hotel) and Viscount Road (Value Park Garage, Value Park Lot and Alt Hotel). Free. ==Wait== There are various temporary or permanent art exhibitions scattered through Terminal 1, and eight permanent sculpture installations. The Royal Ontario Museum operates a small display of dinosaurs; other partners for temporary exhibitions include Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, the CONTACT Photography Festival, Design Exchange, Ontario Crafts Council and Open Studio. ===Lounges=== * {{see | name=American Admirals Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-05 | content= }} * {{see | name=Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-05 | content= }} * {{see | name=Plaza Premium Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-05 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== [[File:Interior of Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 wider view.jpg|thumb|right|Terminal 1]] This is a partial listing, see also [https://torontopearson.com/foodanddrink/ the full directory]. After security, there are a number of bars and cafes embedded in the departure gate area. The tables are equipped with tablets and tables. While they are mainly for the customers for the restaurant establishments, you can sit there and wait for your next flight, catch up on work or charge up your electronics as a non-paying customer. * {{eat | name=A &amp; W | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1, domestic airside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 647-479-7879 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Inexpensive fast food, hamburgers, root beer. }} * {{eat | name=Apropos | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1, US airside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-508-3558 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Brew pub. }} * {{eat | name=Caplansky's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1, Level 3, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-776-3100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Snack bar and deli. }} * {{eat | name=Corso | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 3, domestic airside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-508-3558 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Trattoria featuring traditional Italian cuisine, rustic Italian flavours, fresh-made pastas, pizzas, salads and antipasti. }} * {{eat | name=Fetta Panini Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1, international airside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-508-3558 | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Heirloom Bakery Café | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1 and 3, international airside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-508-3558 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Soups, salads, sandwiches and baked goods. }} * {{eat | name=Nobel Burger Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 3, US airside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-508-3558 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chef-inspired gourmet burgers. Open kitchen in the centre of the restaurant, build your own burger or choose from a menu. }} * {{eat | name=Starbucks | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-776-3100 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Coffee shop, multiple locations. }} * {{eat | name=Subway | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminals 1 and 3, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-672-6980 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Submarine sandwiches. }} * {{eat | name=Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1, Level 3 landside, 6301 Silver Dart Drive | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-776-9758 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chicken. Moderately-priced sit-down restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Tim Horton's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1 and 3, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Coffee, doughnuts and sandwiches. Several locations in both terminals. }} * {{eat | name=Vinifera | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminals 1 and 3, international airside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-508-3558 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Wine bar, menu features small plates, salads and paninis with fresh ingredients. }} The airport has partnered with Uber Eats to deliver foods from restaurants at the airport to the waiting area at the gates. This is offered in the international and domestic sections of Terminal 3. ==Buy== [[Image:International airport toronto pearson.jpg|thumb|Terminal 3]] * {{buy | name=7-Eleven | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-671-2875 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Convenience store, two locations. }} * {{buy | name=Best Buy Express | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminals 1 and 3, landside and airside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Consumer electronics. }} * {{buy | name=Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminals 1 and 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-672-5305 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Major domestic chartered bank with currency exchange and banking service. Located in Terminals 1 and 3 at departures level spread out in pre and post security. }} * {{buy | name=Maclean's | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminals 1 and 3, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-694-8479 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=News stand. }} * {{buy | name=Relay | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminals 1 and 3, multiple locations | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-694-9513 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=News stand. }} * {{buy | name=Samsonite | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminals 1 and 3, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-776-1313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Travel luggage. }} * {{buy | name=Toronto Marketplace | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 3, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-612-8596 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Souvenir shop on Terminal 3 departure level. }} * {{buy | name=Travel Store | alt= | url=http://www.torontopearson.com/PearsonContent.aspx?id=3317 | email= | address=Terminal 3, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 905-612-6677 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Travel accessories, luggage, travel backpacks and bags, leather goods, jewellery, watches, umbrellas and belts. Luggage storage service. }} * {{buy | name=International Currency Exchange (ICE)| alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1 and 3, landside | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 416-776-1311 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-09-04 | content=Foreign currency exchange, multiple locations in both terminals. Rates are poor compared to exchange offices in the city: in Sep 2018, the buy rate for USD was $1.15, and the sell rate was $1.50. }} ==Connect== Free Wi-Fi is available in both terminals. Select “Toronto Pearson Wi-Fi” from the network list, launch a web browser and click "connect" on the Boingo landing page. Note that the landing page asks you to enter your email but you are not obligated to enter anything. Just click on the checkbox and agree to the terms and conditions to be granted with internet access. After security, the airport has renovated many of the waiting areas near the gates to accommodate more food vendors, many of them have table service. These areas are outfitted with iPads, power outlets and restaurant-quality tables and chairs. You do not need to make a purchase from the food vendors to sit in these areas. ==Cope== Trolleys are available for free on landside in both terminals. * Luggage storage is available at any of the '''Samsonite''' stores. * {{listing | name=Aviation Interfaith Ministry | alt= | url=http://torontopearson.com/en/shopdinerelax/interfaith-ministry/ | email= | address=Interfaith centres in Terminals 1 and 3 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=One set of daily religious services in each terminal. Interdenominational Christian worship service weekdays, Toronto Airport Catholic Chaplaincy Holy Mass seven days a week. Pastoral care to guests, airport and airline employees and their families. }} * {{listing | name=Goodlife Fitness | alt= | url=http://www.goodlifefitness.com/locations/ontario/mississauga/toronto-pearson | email=torontopearson@goodlifefitness.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Terminal 1 arrivals level, Gate F | phone=+1 905-671-3721 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=4AM-11:30PM | price=$15 including towel service. $10 extra to rent work-out clothes and shoes. Free luggage storage. | content=Work out and get a show while you wait in the airport. }} ==Sleep== There is one hotel in the airport, and another nearby: * {{sleep | name=Sheraton Gateway Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.sheratongatewaytorontoairport.com | email= | address=Terminal 3 · Malton Airport (YYZ) | lat=43.6866652 | long=-79.6201944 | directions= | phone=+1 905-672-7000 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Only hotel in the airport terminal. }} * {{sleep | name=Alt Hotel | alt= | url=http://toronto.althotels.ca/en | email= | address= 6080 Viscount Road, Mississauga | lat=43.6896923 | long=-79.6169806 | directions= | phone=+1 905-362-4337 | tollfree=+1-855-855-6080 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=On airport grounds, near Link Train station and value car park lots. }} The main hotel strip serving Pearson airport is Airport Road (Mississauga), which continues into Toronto as Dixon Road (Etobicoke). The municipal boundary is Highway 427, a busy freeway. See [[Mississauga#Sleep]] and [[Toronto/Etobicoke#Sleep]] for additional options. ===Nearby=== Malton (Mississauga): * {{sleep | name=Four Points by Sheraton | alt= | url=http://www.fourpointstorontoairport.com | email= | address=6257 Airport Road | lat=43.6902885 | long=-79.6238741 | directions= | phone=+1 905-678-1400 | tollfree=+1-866-716-8133 | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=500 m from airport, shuttle bus to terminals, 24-hour business centre, fitness, on-site restaurant. }} *{{sleep | name=Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites | url=https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontario/hilton-toronto-airport-hotel-and-suites-YYZHIHH/index.html | email= | address=5875 Airport Road, L4V 1N1 | lat=43.6869466 | long=-79.6060643 | directions= | phone = +1 905-677-9900 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=from $129 | checkin= 3PM | checkout= noon | content=Complimentary airport shuttle,overnight parking, meeting and banquet facilities, outdoor heated pool, squash, sauna, suites available. }} Etobicoke (Toronto): * {{sleep | name=Courtyard by Marriott | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yyzap-courtyard-toronto-airport/ | email= | address=231 Carlingview Drive | lat=43.684982 | long=-79.596241 | directions= | phone=+1 416-675-0411 | tollfree=+1-866-675-0411 | fax=+1 416-675-0433 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=International Plaza | alt= | url=http://www.internationalplazahotel.com | email= | address=655 Dixon Road | lat=43.6890793 | long=-79.5801772 | directions= | phone=+1 416-244-1711 | tollfree=+1-800-668-3656 | fax=+1 416-244-7281 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Airport Marriott | alt= | url=https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yyzot-toronto-airport-marriott-hotel/ | email= | address=901 Dixon Rd | lat=43.685845 | long=-79.5957629 | directions= | phone=+1-416-674-9400 | tollfree=+1-800-905-2811 | fax=+1-416-674-8292 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Quality Suites Toronto Airport | alt= | url=http://www.choicehotels.ca/en/quality-suites-toronto-airport-toronto-hotel-cn309 | email= | address=262 Carlingview Dr. | lat=43.6864872 | long=-79.5965846 | directions= | phone=+1 416-674-8442 | tollfree= | fax=+1 416-674-3088 | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content=Two-room suites, separate bedroom with king bed and television and living room with sofa sleeper, coffee maker, dining room table with chairs. Some suites include refrigerators and microwaves. Meeting and banquet rooms accommodate up to 120. Graffiti's Italian Eatery & Saloon on-site with room service. News stand and souvenir shop, Stay & Fly packages. }} * {{sleep | name=Radisson Suite Hotel Toronto Airport | alt= | url=https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-toronto-airport | email= | address=640 Dixon Road | lat=43.6921799 | long=-79.5787453 | directions= | phone=+1 416-242-7400 | tollfree=+1-800-333-3333 | fax=+1 416-242-9888 | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Includes airport shuttle and Wi-Fi. Fitness centre, on-site dining. }} * {{sleep | name=Travelodge | alt= | url=http://www.travelodge.ca/property/travelodge-hotel-toronto-airport | email= | address=925 Dixon Road | lat=43.6864872 | long=-79.5965846 | directions= | phone=+1-416-674-2222 | tollfree= | fax=+1-416-674-5757 | price= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Holiday Inn | alt= | url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/toronto/yyzia/hoteldetail | email= | address=970 Dixon Road | lat=43.6874376 | long=-79.6022324 | directions= | phone=+1-416-675-7611 | tollfree= | fax= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | content= }} There are also a few restaurants on the Airport Road/Dixon Road hotel strip, either as part of various hotels or operated stand-alone. ==Nearby== The immediate area around Toronto Pearson International Airport are industrial or warehouses. You can take the UP Express to downtown Toronto in 25 mins or public transit (GO Bus, Mississauga Transit) to Square One Mall in Mississauga in 30 to 40 mins. {{IsPartOf|Greater Toronto Area}} {{usableairport}} {{geo|43.678|-79.634|zoom=13}} ixl5v1vht73ttwm2kgbmbaima4tclyb 0 142486 4488147 4475681 2022-07-22T08:47:55Z Lcmortensen 105582 /* Flights */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Auckland_airport_banner.jpg|caption=International terminal}} '''[https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/ Auckland Airport]''' ({{IATA|AKL}}) is [[New Zealand]]'s largest and busiest airport, with over 70% of international visitors to the nation landing or taking off there. Located in the country's largest city, [[Auckland]], it is also a significant hub for air travel around [[Oceania]]. ==Understand== The airport is in the [[Auckland/South Auckland|South Auckland]] suburb of Mangere, on the shores of the Manukau Harbour, around {{km|20}} south of the Auckland CBD. The site was chosen for Auckland's new international airport in 1956. Until then, the site was the Mangere Aerodrome, used by an aero club, while commercial flights used Whenuapai Airport, north-west of Auckland (now RNZAF Base Auckland). Construction of the airport began in 1960, and included reclaiming land from the Manukau Harbour for the runway. Commercial flight operations were moved here in November 1965, and the airport was officially opened on 29 January 1966. ==Flights== [[File:AKL destinations1.png|thumbnail|Worldwide destinations from Auckland]] Auckland is the main hub for New Zealand's flag carrier '''[https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/ Air New Zealand]'''. Auckland is ideally located for flights from cities in Oceania and [[South America]]. Many of the remote island nations in the Pacific Ocean are primarily connected via Auckland. There are frequent services from other New Zealand cities and [[Australia]]. There are also non-stop flights from places in [[Asia]], the Pacific Islands, the [[United States]], [[Vancouver]] ([[Canada]]) and [[Santiago de Chile|Santiago]] ([[Chile]]). Qatar Airways flies nonstop from [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]] in [[Qatar]] and Emirates flies nonstop from [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]] in the [[United Arab Emirates]]; respectively they are the third- and fourth-longest nonstop flights in the world by great circle distance as of April 2022. ===Terminals=== Auckland airport has two terminals: international and domestic. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ff2c2c|title=Domestic terminal|wikidata=Q112783756}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ff7f00|title=International terminal|wikidata=Q112783744}} ====Domestic terminal==== The airport's original terminal, today it serves all domestic and regional flights. ====International terminal==== Officially the ''Jean Batten terminal'', the separate international terminal opened in 1977. To save construction costs, the terminal was originally built with no airside separation between departing and arriving passengers. This arrangement proved unsuitable post-9/11; the enhanced security requirements saw passengers travelling to some countries have to pass through security twice: after passport control and at the gate. A new departure level was built on top of Pier A (gates 1 to 10) and opened in 2005, leaving the somewhat dismal gate lounges and arrivals on the lower level. ==Ground transportation== Transport options from the airport to central Auckland and the suburbs include buses, shuttles and taxis. You can buy or top up an AT HOP card for city buses and trains at the 24-hour Take Home convenience store in the arrivals area of the international terminal. {{infobox|Future train?|A train service to the airport has been under discussion for years. A light rail line from central Auckland (Wynyard Quarter) via Mangere and Dominion Road is proposed but some believe an extension of the heavy rail network is more sensible.}} '''[https://www.skydrive.co.nz/ SkyDrive Airport Express]'''. A bus service that runs between the domestic and international terminals and SkyCity in the CBD every half hour. There are no other stops on the way and the trip takes about 40 minutes, but can be longer at peak times. Buy a ticket from the driver by card payment or from the SkyDrive website. $16 for adults, $14 for students, $8 for children and $12 for Supergold card holders. '''Other bus''' services run to the suburbs. The AIR electric bus runs to Manukau City Centre via Papatoetoe, and the 38 bus runs to Onehunga via Mangere Town Centre; both run every 15 minutes during the day. A cheap option to get to the CBD is to take the AIR bus to Papatoetoe Train Station, from where trains connect to Britomart station in the CBD. Total time approx up to 30&nbsp;min wait for bus + 21&nbsp;min for bus + up to 10 (peak) - 20 (offpeak)&nbsp;min wait for train + 31&nbsp;min for train. Ask for the bus stop at the infocentre. It is very close to the exit from International. '''[https://www.intercity.co.nz/travel-info/timetable/lookup/AIR Intercity]''' run occasional coaches from Auckland to Hamilton via the airport, calling at both terminals for passengers with reservations. Other services require a change at Manukau. [https://skip.travel/ '''Skip Bus'''] operates bus services from Auckland Airport to major cities in North Island. '''Shuttles''' for one person (as of April 2015) cost approximately: * to central city $35; from central city $29 * to Papatoetoe $37; from Papatoetoe $31 * to Manurewa $45; from Manurewa $39 * to Howick $51; from Howick $45 * to Takapuna $48; from Takapuna $42 * to Henderson $51; from Henderson $45 '''Taxi''' fares to Britomart (at May 2014) range from $35 (CheapCabs) to $86.55 (the top price for Corporate Cabs booked through Air New Zealand's taxi.co.nz). '''Hire cars''' are very popular given the expense of using taxis in New Zealand. There are plenty of companies to choose from. There are short-term and long-term '''carparks''' within walking distance of the terminals. There is also a park and ride facility with complementary shuttles that take a few minutes to the terminals – this facility can fill up so it is advisable to book ahead. The [https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/airport-parking booking service] will give quotes for all the airport-owned parking options. [http://www.aeroparks.co.nz/ Aeroparks] is a privately owned park and ride facility – it is advisable to book this too. ==Get around== {{mapframe|-37.008056|174.791667|zoom=14}} [[File:Emirates A380s at Auckland.JPG|thumbnail|Emirates has four Airbus A380s in Auckland at the same time in the afternoon every day.]] A free bus runs between the terminals every 15 minutes between 5:00AM and 10:30PM and takes a few minutes. The walkway between the terminals is temporarily closed for construction work from 28 March 2022 until later in 2022. When open, the walk is around 800 m and takes about 10 min. It is indicated by signposts and a green line to follow. The path is level, and you are permitted to take luggage trolleys between the terminals. The walk is uncovered and exposed to the weather. If you are arriving on an international flight and through-checked to an Air New Zealand domestic flight, you can drop your bags at the Air New Zealand international check-in for transfer to your domestic flight up to 60 minutes before departure; between 30 and 60 minutes before departure, you need to drop your bags at the domestic terminal. The International Terminal after security is not too large, although the walk to the Emirates gates for the large A380s takes about 8 minutes. ==Wait== The International Terminal doesn't offer any great surprises to the experienced traveller, but the shops will keep you occupied for about half an hour. There are plenty of cafes at which to spend time and the views are pretty good. ===Lounges=== There are several airline lounges. ====International terminal==== * Air New Zealand * Emirates * Qantas ====Domestic terminal==== * Air New Zealand has two lounges. The ''domestic lounge'' is located after security between gates 31 and 32. The ''regional lounge'' is located at the eastern end of the teminal, near gates 34 to 50. ==Eat and drink== The departures area on the upper floor of the international terminal has a food court and bar before security. There are more cafés and bars after security, including New Zealand pies, Burger King, sushi, and coffee shops for a last hit of New Zealand espresso. The arrivals area on the ground floor has a McDonalds and a coffee shop. The domestic terminal has a food court and bar on the ground floor. ==Buy== [[File:New international departure atrium at Auckland Airport, 27th. Dec. 2010 - Flickr - PhillipC.jpg|thumbnail|International departure area]] The international terminal has ATMs on both sides of security. There is the usual collection of expensive shops and souvenirs on both sides of immigration. When arriving from overseas, you have to walk through a duty-free shopping area to reach baggage claim. The souvenir shops contain a good number of New Zealand items, including manuka honey, stuffed kiwi bird toys and rugby shirts. The domestic terminal has several ATMs at various spots. A Westpac one is near the Jetstar desks. * {{buy | name=Airport Shopping Centre | alt= | url= | email= | address=cnr George Bolt Memorial Drive and John Goulter Drive | lat=-36.9972 | long=174.7889 | directions=20 minutes walk from the terminals | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-12-28 | content=If you have plenty of time there is a Countdown supermarket and Warehouse department store. }} ==Connect== There is free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes a day. Paid options are available if you want more. ==Cope== Lockers are available in the terminal for $15 per day. There are good children's bathrooms, with locked doors, curtained areas for baby feeding and even some small play areas. Free showers are available for arriving international passengers, turn left when you come out of customs – bring your own towel. There are also free showers in both the international and domestic departures areas. There is a small prayer room in the international departures area. ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=ibis budget Auckland Airport | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7865/index.en.shtml | email= | address=2 Leonard Isitt Drive | lat=-36.99849 | long=174.78885 | directions=15-minute walk from terminals | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $119 | lastedit=2016-10-30 | content=Has family rooms that sleep 4. }} * {{sleep | name=Novotel Auckland Airport | alt= | url=https://all.accor.com/hotel/7485/index.en.shtml | email= | address=Ray Emery Drive | lat=-37.0039 | long=174.7831 | directions=across the road from the international terminal | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $259 | lastedit=2016-10-30 | content=263-room hotel. }} See also nearby hotels in [[Auckland/South Auckland|South Auckland]]. ==Nearby== If you have time to kill, there is [http://www.piratesisland.co.nz miniature golf] about 1&nbsp;km (15-min walk) from the terminal. It is complete with a hole on a pirate ship, which beats hanging around in the terminal for hours. * {{see | name=Butterfly Creek | alt= | url=http://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/ | email= | address=10–12 Tom Pearce Dr | lat=-36.99974 | long=174.79570 | directions=10–15 minute walk from airport terminals | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily (except 25–26 Dec) | price= | content=A tropical butterfly and moth house. Any time is good to see the butterflies but the best time is on sunny mornings. The butterfly house is warm and humid. Also has a few crocodiles and alligators, tamarin monkeys, dinosaur display, tropical aquaria, farmyard animals, a train for the kids and a cafe. }} {{IsPartOf|Auckland Region}} {{usableairport}} {{geo|-37.002|174.789}} 68kdeuiutaudxnk2hjmo43exgh8kosr 0 142575 4487957 4416917 2022-07-21T20:36:52Z The dog2 35982 /* Belarus */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Royal Naval Division banner.jpg}} {{seealso|European history}} '''World War I''', usually called the '''First World War''' in the Commonwealth and called '''The Great War''' in its time, was one of the largest armed conflicts in history. It took place between 1914 and 1918, mainly in [[Europe]] and [[Africa]], though a few naval battles occurred in Asia and the Pacific Ocean. The Western Front, running through [[Belgium]] and [[Hauts-de-France|Northeastern]] [[Grand-Est|France]], was particularly destructive. Some called it "the war to end all wars", but that did not work out; it was followed only about twenty years later by the even more destructive [[World War II]]. In the 2010s, the centennial anniversaries, and the passing away of the last veterans, have revived interest in the war. It has also gotten more attention in narrative media as the 2010s focus more on morally ambiguous characters and plots to which WWI lends itself better than WWII with its commonly accepted heroes and villains. ==Understand== {{quote|This war, like the next war, is a war to end war.|author=David Lloyd George}} In 1914, [[Austria]]n Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in [[Sarajevo]] by [[Serbia]]n nationalists. This event sparked tension between [[Austria-Hungary]] and Serbia. As the [[Russian Empire]] backed up Serbia and Germany gave a "blank check" to Austria-Hungary, other great powers joined the conflict. Though a single event started the war, many historians argue that conflict between Europe's great powers was almost inevitable and debate over which nation is most responsible for the war is still ongoing 100 years later. [[File:Mark II WW1 Tank.jpg|thumb|Tanks were another new weapon introduced on WWI battlefields; in the early designs the caterpillar treads went to the top of the vehicle]] World War I lives in infamy as the war that introduced weapons of mass destruction — poison gas — onto the battlefield. It was also the first major war in which the recently-invented airplane was used in combat, though not the first war to see aerial bombardment, which had been employed from balloons and airships decades earlier. The 1919 Treaty of [[Versailles]] held the Central Powers, especially [[Germany]], responsible for the war, and liable for what were seen as harsh reparations. Public resentment over these reparations would later be a contributing factor in the rise of Adolf Hitler and lead up to World War II. However, neither the reparations nor the territorial losses imposed on Germany were notably harsher than what Germany itself had imposed on Russia in the Treaty of Brest Litovsk a few months earlier. By contrast, Italian fascism arose over what was seen as a "vittoria mutilata" or mutilated victory by some and the territorial gains Italy made in the war were widely seen as not enough and the economic woes after the war were blamed on the Allies and numerous internal and external foes. The war brought down several empires — [[Austria-Hungary]], Imperial Germany, the [[Russian Empire]] and the [[Ottoman Empire]] — and sparked the formation of the [[Soviet Union]]. The defeated Central Powers were forced to give up their colonies to the Allied powers of France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan, Italy and the United States. The League of Nations, which was the precursor to today's United Nations, was formed in the aftermath of the war, though its effectiveness was limited by the fact that the United States never joined and League of Nations sanctions or decisions were frequently ignored, leading to the departure or expulsion of the Soviet Union and the major Axis Powers, Germany, Italy and Japan. The tensions within Europe were only briefly resolved; [[World War II in Europe|World War II]] repeated many tragedies of the first war and introduced new horrors. [[File:IM004496.JPG|thumb|Restored trenches in [[Ypres]] in western Belgium; three battles were fought in the region during the war]] The war had a severe impact on culture and literature with both significant anti-war works like ''All Quiet on the Western Front'' and glorifications of war being written by its veterans, as well as at the home front where propaganda as we know it today was produced for the first time. In Germany the budding motion picture industry was consolidated and propped up by the state into the juggernaut that would give the world German expressionism and movies like ''Metropolis'' in the interwar years. Other countries took notice, and Soviet propaganda after the war and WWII propaganda heavily relied on movies. In Italy, Benito Mussolini departed from the Socialist Party over his views on the war while an Austrian wannabe artist of the name of Adolf Hitler found his first purpose in life (and a political ideology) during his service for the Bavarian army. The war has been called "the original catastrophe of the 20th century" and many of the horrors or World War II and the Cold War would not have been possible without the catalyst of this war. [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] would participate in the war as part of the British forces, most notably in the Gallipoli Campaign. While the battle resulted in a heavy defeat for the Allies against the Ottoman Empire, it galvanised the national identities of both Australia and New Zealand, and the day that their troops landed is celebrated as ANZAC Day in both countries. [[Canada]] also participated as part of the British forces, with perhaps the most famous battle being the Battle of Vimy Ridge, in which the Canadians were victorious against the Germans, which in turn galvanised the Canadian national identity. France and Britain also used troops from their vast colonial empires, but both their contributions to the war effort, and the demands of their veterans for more of a political say were ignored after the war. In one infamous instance, a Vietnamese delegation including a man later known as Ho Chi Minh was ignored at the Paris peace conference, sowing the seed of anti-French and anti-Western resentment that lasted all the way up to the [[Indochina Wars]]. [[China]] participated in World War I as part of the Allies from 1917-1918 by attacking the German and Austro-Hungarian concessions in [[Tianjin]] and [[Wuhan/Hankou|Hankou]], with the Western Allies promising to return the German concessions in China once the war was won. Moreover, while the Chinese military was not deployed overseas, many Chinese labourers served the French and British forces in Europe. However, the Western Allies reneged on their promise to China and instead awarded the German concessions in [[Shandong]] and [[Shanghai]] to [[Japan]]. This event would be seen as a national humiliation and spark off the student-led May Fourth Movement in China, which led to far-reaching reforms in Chinese society, and also to the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The aftermath of World War I in China is covered in [[Chinese revolutions]]. China also refused to sign the peace treaties due to this humiliation - the only nation to do so. While the popular image of the war is focused on the Western Front which remained largely static from the time the German offensive fizzled out in 1914 to the end of 1917, the war's Eastern Front remained mobile for the whole duration of the war with large territorial gains in both directions being made until Russia signed the Treaty of Brest Litovsk and left the war. The Italian front is notable for having no less than a dozen battles along the river Isonzo, all (except the last which was a successful Austrian attack) futile attempts by the Italian high command to break through the Austro-Hungarian lines which were repelled with appalling casualties on both sides. While German vessels spread throughout the world's oceans had some impressive successes early in the war, lack of secure bases and the numerical superiority of the British Royal Navy led to the capture or sinking of virtually all German vessels outside the immediate North Sea and Baltic. The bulk of the German "High Seas Fleet" meanwhile, whose construction had increased tensions between Britain and Germany in the leadup to the war, barely sailed out of their harbor and besides the inconclusive engagement near Jutland it played no role in the war other than leading to the sailors' uprising when the German High Command wanted to use their fleet for one last glorious attempt to turn the tide of a lost war and the sailors told the admiralty where they could shove that idea ultimately toppling the German Empire. ==Sites== ===Africa=== Germany held a number of colonies at the outset of the war. Given Germany's naval inferiority to the UK and the small garrisons deployed in the colonies, it was no surprise that most were in Allied hands by late 1914. However, the German force — aided by local "Askari" — in [[German_East_Africa#First_World_War_campaign|German East Africa]] (now Burundi, Rwanda and mainland Tanzania) managed to fight on, evade capture and even achieve small victories against overwhelming odds until 1918 only giving up ''after'' the armistice of Compiegne. The [[MV Liemba]] &mdash; now a ferry on [[Lake Tanganyika]] and a tourist attraction &mdash; was built as an Imperial German naval vessel. ===Asia=== Asia beyond Turkey and the Middle East was largely spared the horrors of World War I, though the Battle of [[Penang]] was a naval battle between the German Navy and the combined French and Russian navies, in which the German cruiser ''SMS Emden'' sank the Russian cruiser ''Zhemchug'' and the French destroyer ''Mousquet'', securing a victory for the Germans. SMS Emden would later be sunk by the Australian Navy during the Battle of [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands|Cocos]]. The bodies of the Russian sailors killed in the battle were buried on Penang Island and neighbouring Jerejak Island. The Zhemchug Memorial in the Western Road Cemetery at the western edge of [[George Town (Malaysia)|George Town]] commemorates the killed Russian sailors, while the Mousquet Memorial commemorating the French sailors is located on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption. Staff from the Russian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur make a trip to Penang every year on the anniversary of the Battle of Penang to hold ceremonies commemorating their fallen sailors. ====China==== * {{listing | name=[[Qingdao]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Siege_of_Tsingtao | wikidata=Q706563 | content=The German colony of Tsingtao (Qingdao) was attacked by British and Japanese forces in late 1914 in an event known as the Siege of Tsingtao. It was the only significant land battle to be fought in East Asia during the First World War. Visitors to Qingdao should visit the Qingdao Hill World War One Relics Park (青岛山一战遗址公园) where the remains of the German defense installations can still be seen. A museum at the park has exhibitions about the battle and the impact of the war on China. }} ====Middle East==== Prince Faisal, assisted by British intelligence officer T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), led an Arab revolt against the [[Ottoman Empire]]. They took [[Aqaba]] with a surprise attack, and later took [[Damascus]] before the British force coming from [[Egypt]] through [[Palestine]] could reach it. Britain had made promises to both local Arabs and Zionists while intending to keep neither and ended up sharing the area as colonial fiefdoms between Britain and France, causing many problems to this day. Today it is fairly common for residents of [[Saudi Arabia]] to go out into the desert to view places where Lawrence's lads blew up the Turks' Hejaz railway which ran from Damascus to [[Medina]]. Bedouin routinely travel this area in small two-wheel-drive Toyota trucks; anyone else needs a convoy of four-wheel drive vehicles with tow chains to rescue each other when they get stuck. ===Austria=== [[File:Karnischer-Hoehenweg Kriegsruine.jpg|thumbnail|A former Austro-Hungarian mountain fort]] The war between Austria-Hungary and Italy (1915-18) was mostly static in terms of front movement but saw brutal fighting in next to impossible conditions of a still mostly untouched high mountain range. In the latter years, mining and explosives increasingly became a means of warfare, and traces of this are still visible. ===Belarus=== * {{listing | name=[[Brest (Belarus)|Brest]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.1333 | long=23.6667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q122371| wikipedia=Treaty of Brest-Litovsk | content=The site of the treaty of Brest-Litovsk between Soviet Russia and the German Empire, signed in March 1918. The new Bolshevik government withdrew Russia from the war and made a separate peace, despite commitments previous governments had made to their allies, but were forced to give up territory to the Germans as part of the price for peace. }} ===Belgium=== {{Mapframe|50|15|zoom=4|layer=W|height=400|width=500}} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Ypres]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=50.8500 | long=2.8833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Battle of Ypres | wikidata=Q11156704 | content=There were several large battles here; the first was in the autumn of 1914 and the second in the spring of 1915, each with around 100,000 casualties. The second saw the first military use of poison gas, by the Germans. The Third Battle of Ypres in late 1917, better known as the Battle of Passchendaele, had at least 400,000 casualties. The "cloth hall" in the town centre is now a war museum. }} ===Bosnia and Herzegovina=== [[Image:Sarajevo princip bruecke.jpg| thumb|right|Latin Bridge, Sarajevo]] * {{listing | name=[[Sarajevo]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.8575 | long=18.428889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand | wikidata=Q1277685 | lastedit=2018-08-08 | content=Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on the Latin Bridge on 28 June 1914, setting in motion a series of events that led to the beginning of World War&nbsp;I a month later. A plaque commemorates the event. }} ===France=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Verdun]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.162 | long=5.3876 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Battle of Verdun | wikidata=Q130847 | content=One of the bloodiest battles of this or in fact any war, lasting for nearly all of 1916 and killing about 150,000 men on each side. Almost every French soldier who participated in the war was deployed here at some point in time. The French defense saw the first major use of trucks in logistics and turned Marshall Philippe Pétain into a national hero - a status he would use to lead the puppet Vichy regime twenty five years later }} * {{listing | name=Vimy Ridge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=50.379 | long=2.774 | directions=near [[Lens]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q393299| wikipedia=Battle of Vimy Ridge | content=A bitterly fought battle in early 1917 in which Canadians drove Germans off some high ground, with heavy casualties on both sides. There is a 100-hectare (250-acre) preserved battlefield park with the [http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseas/first-world-war/france/vimy/ Canadian National Vimy Memorial] near the center. This is the main monument for Canadians who fell anywhere in Europe during this war. }} * {{listing | name=Forest of [[Compiègne]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.427361 | long=2.906419 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Forest of Compiègne | wikidata=Q2302755 | lastedit=2017-06-21 | content=Here the armistice ending major combat operations in the West was signed on November 11, 1918. November 11 has been "Remembrance Day", "Veterans Day" or "Armistice Day" in various countries ever since. Hitler later had the exact same railway carriage in which the armistice was signed brought back to force his French counterparts to sign the 1940 French capitulation here. The original railway carriage was later lost, but a replica sits on site today. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Lochnagar mine | alt= | url=http://www.lochnagarcrater.org | email= | address= | lat=50.0156 | long=2.69736 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lochnagar mine | wikidata=Q24739 | content=A crater left behind by one of the biggest explosions in the war }} ===Germany=== * {{listing | name=[[Kiel]] | lat=54.3252 | long=10.1405 | content=The German navy was stationed here and when the high command wanted them to sail out at a point in time when defeat seemed inevitable, the sailors started what is now known as the November revolution of 1918, and ended up toppling the Kaiser and installing (short-lived) soldiers' and workers' councils. <!--Is Soviet really the best translation for the German word "Räte" in this context? http://en.bab.la/dictionary/german-english/raete suggests "council". --> }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Manfred von Richthofen's grave | alt=Grave of the "Red Baron" | url= | email= | address=Südfriedhof | lat=50.0604 | long=8.2681 | directions=[[Wiesbaden]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-15 | content=One of the predominant flying aces and a pioneer of aerial combat, Manfred von Richthofen aka the "Red Baron" has been reinterred in Wiesbaden from prior resting places, on several military graveyards in Eastern France and later in Berlin. It was relocated in the 1970s because it was too close to the border. }} ===Italy=== [[File:Lagazuoi3.JPG|thumbnail|Italian tunnel at the Lagazuoi]] The fighting between Austria-Hungary and Italy between 1915 and 1918 was particularly fierce and fought in harsh terrain. A big part of the war effort were mines and counter-mines, and sometimes this involved literally blowing up (the tops of) mountains. ===Poland=== * {{listing | type=listing | name=Battle of Tannenberg | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.740 | long=20.439 | directions=near [[Olsztyn]] | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-09-23 | content=Fought during the first month of the war this was a notable German victory against the Russians. It was named after Tannenberg (Grunwald), where the Teutonic knights were defeated by the Polish in 1410. The battle propelled General Ludendorff and Field Marshall Hindenburg to wide fame in Germany, resulting in a political career of the latter which ended with him being the Reichspräsident (1925-1934) of Germany who appointed Hitler chancellor. }} ===Turkey=== * {{listing | name=[[Gallipoli]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.367222 | long=26.455000 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The ill-fated invasion of the Ottoman mainland, a brainchild of Winston Churchill, is credited with creating the Australian and New Zealand national "ANZAC spirit" as the Australia New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) suffered relatively high casualties. }} ==Museums== * {{see | name=Historial of the Great War Péronne | alt=Historial de la Grande Guerre Péronne | url=https://www.historial.fr/en/ | email= | address=Péronne, France | lat=49.9291502 | long=2.9325964 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Museum of the Great War | wikidata=Q1620783 | lastedit=2018-08-06 | content=Near [[Arras]], which is a good base for exploring the World War I Somme battlefields, it represents the everyday life of the soldiers at the front during that harsh time as well as the life of the civilians and the huge social changes. }} * {{see | name=Historial of the Great War Thiepval | alt=Historial de la Grande Guerre Thiepval | url=https://www.historial.fr/en/ | email= | address=Thiepval, France | lat=50.0545243 | long=2.6883954 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-08-06 | content=Near [[Albert]], this museum focuses on the Battles of the Somme (1914-1918) and the Aces of Aviation. }} * {{see | name=Somme Trench Museum | alt=Musée des Abris - Somme 1916 | url=http://www.musee-somme-1916.eu/index.php?lang=en | email= | address=[[Albert]], France | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The museum is inside a tunnel that dates back to the 13th century, and was rehabilitated into an air-raid shelter in 1938. It’s 10 m below ground, and explores the life of soldiers in the trenches during the 1st of July 1916 offensive. }} * {{see | name=Museum of the Great War Pays de Meaux | alt=Musee de la grande guerre Pays de Meaux | url=https://www.museedelagrandeguerre.eu/en.html | email= | address=[[Meaux]], France | lat=48.971432 | long=2.904724 | directions= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-08-06 | content=This collection explores the conflict from a human and societal point of view. It has full uniforms from most of the warring countries, weaponry and artillery, objects from daily life on the front line and back home, many documents and a great range of artwork. }} * {{see | name=U.S. National WWI Museum and Memorial | alt= | url=http://www.theworldwar.org | email= | address=[[Kansas City]], Missouri, USA | lat=39.080278 | long=-94.586111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=National World War I Museum and Memorial | image=National World War I Museum and Memorial aerial.jpg | wikidata=Q6303624 | lastedit=2018-08-06 | content=America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. }} * {{see | name=Fort Wohlgemuth & World War I Museum | alt= | url=http://www.museowalterrama.it | email=info@museowalterrama.it | address=Rivoli Veronese, [[Italy]] | lat=45.575 | long=10.818611 | directions=near [[Verona]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=ForteDiRivoli1.jpg | wikidata=Q1438923 | lastedit=2018-08-07 | content=The fort was built between 1850 and 1851 on the Mount Castle (227 m), north-west of Rivoli. The fort hosts a museum on World War I and on vintage radios. }} * {{see | name=First World War Chinese Laborers Memorial | alt=一战华工纪念馆 | url=http://www.whmuseum.net/ | email= | address=[[Weihai]], Shandong Province, China | lat=37.52015504360189 | long=122.15134348155607 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=| price= | lastedit=2020-08-03 | content=Opened in July 2020, this new memorial is dedicated to the tens of thousands of Chinese workers who were employed as labourers on the Western Front. }} ==See also== * [[Armenian Genocide remembrance]] * [[Military museums and sites in Australia]] — The First World War (the Battle of Gallipoli in particular) is possibly the most famous war involving Australian troops. * [[World War II in Europe]] * [[Japanese colonial empire]] * [[Chinese revolutions]] {{PartOfTopic|Military tourism|Europe}} {{outlinetopic}} juarr45ag087gyfiob8wq2ajzw79ocr 0 143722 4488025 4404219 2022-07-21T23:53:40Z The dog2 35982 /* Destinations */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Great Wave banner.jpg|caption=The Great Wave off Kanagawa, by Katsushika Hokusai}} '''[[Japan]]''' is one of [[Asia]]'s oldest civilizations. While the Japanese archipelago was settled in 50,000&nbsp;BC, classical Japan was founded <!--is this a conventional, a mythological or a historical date? Also what occurred in that year that constitutes "founding"?-->in AD&nbsp;538. Being an island nation has allowed Japan to develop a unique culture but at the same time, the proximity of [[Imperial China]] and [[pre-modern Korea]] have also left lasting influences that can still be seen in modern Japanese culture today. The [[Mongolian Empire]], which conquered much of Asia, barely failed to invade Japan. For most countries, the line between pre-modern and modern history is difficult to draw. Not so for Japan; the country was virtually isolated from the outer world until the Black Ships Incident in 1853, which opened the country for commerce. With extensive social reforms, leading up to the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan became the first non-Western nation to industrialize. While Japan has become known for advanced technology and pop culture and aerial bombardment combined with iconoclastic urban planning have many cities devoid of buildings predating the 1850s, much of the traditional heritage is well preserved. ==Understand== [[File:SannaiTour.JPG|thumb|A reconstructed Jomon village.]] Japan has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the first settlers being paleolithic people. The oldest evidence of human existence in Japan is a 120,000-year-old stone tool found at the Sunahara site in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. Humans are believed to have entered Japan by taking three routes known to date which are: a southward route through [[Hokkaido]] (about 25,000 years ago), a northward route through [[Okinawa]] (about 35,000 years ago), and the [[Tsushima]] route (about 38,000 years ago). Human remains excavated from archaeological sites from the Jomon period, about 12,000 to 2,500 years ago, were hunter-hunter gatherer groups known as the Jomon people that are believed to be the ancestors of old and New Peoples of Japan<!--what are New Peoples of Japan?-->. Japan would subsequently be populated by more settlers from mainland Asia known as the '''Yayoi''' people, who are believed to have intermingled with the Jomon people to give rise to the Japanese ethnic group (about 2,800 years ago). Perhaps because Okinawa and Hokkaido were remote islands, Okinawans and Ainu have strong Jomon blood in their veins. There are other things it has been argued that humans with no connection to the Jomon, such as the Minatogawa people, may have lived before the Jomon. The first centralised Japanese state can be traced to the '''Kofun Period''', during which a kingdom known as Yamato ruled what is today the Western half of Japan. The rulers of Yamato were a hereditary line of emperors, whose lineage continues in the modern Japanese imperial family to this day. The Japanese had their first contact with China and Korea during the '''Asuka Period''', during which Japanese culture started to absorb Chinese influences, initially via the Korean kingdom of Baekje. Prince Shotoku sent envoys to Tang China to learn about Chinese culture and practices, and built a centralized system of government based on the Chinese model. The imperial family built a new capital at Heijo-kyo, known today as [[Nara]], during what is known as the '''Nara Period''', with the city designed to resemble Chang'an, the capital of Tang China. During the '''Heian Period''', the imperial capital was moved to Heian-kyo, known today as [[Kyoto]], which was also built to resemble Chang'an. However, the emperor lost much of his influence, and power fell into the hands of the Fujiwara clan of court nobles. The samurai, or warrior class, came to prominence during the '''Kamakura Period''', when Minamoto no Yoritomo gained power and was granted the hereditary title of ''shogun'' by the emperor. A shogun is a mixture of a generalissismus, prime minister and grand vizier and was often the true power center when the emperor was merely a symbolic figure. He ruled from his base in [[Kamakura]]. However, this was short-lived, and the Hojo clan usurped power from the Minamoto clan following the death of Yoritomo. Ashikaga Takauji defeated the Hojo clan to establish the Ashikaga shogunate from his base in [[Ashikaga]], ushering in the '''Muromachi Period'''. [[File:Himeji castle 0012.jpg|thumb|Himeji castle was built in 1333.]] Following the fall of the Ashikaga shogunate, Japan descended into years of warfare and anarchy, known as the '''Warring States Period''', during which many samurai fought for control over Japan. The late stage of the Warring States Period was known as the '''Azuchi-Momoyama Period''', during which Japan was gradually unified under the influence of the powerful warlords Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Following the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, unification was completed under the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who re-established a centralized Japanese state and ruled from his power base in Edo, known today as [[Tokyo]], ushering in the '''Edo Period'''. The Tokugawa shogunate shut Japan off from the rest of the world, and kept Japan peaceful for the next few centuries, but also led Japan to stagnate while the rest of the world surged forward. The Edo period was also an era of religious persecution for the small Japanese Christian community leading to the emergence of "hidden Christians" who continued practicing their idiosyncratic version of Christianity in secret until Japan was opened back up and religious toleration was established. This isolation ended with the arrival of American Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853 during the Black Ships Incident, as the Japanese navy was unable to stand up to the vastly technologically superior American ships, and was forced to open up to trade with the rest of the world. This led to the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returning power to the Emperor Meiji in 1868; an event which is known as the '''Meiji Restoration''', marking the end of pre-modern Japan as covered in this article. The [[Okinawa|Ryukyu Islands]] followed a different trajectory, becoming the independent '''Ryukyu Kingdom''' in the 16th century AD. Similar to the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, the Ryukyu Kingdom was a tributary state of Imperial China, and for centuries served as a conduit for trade between China and Japan. The Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed by Japan as Okinawa prefecture in 1879. Due to its separate history, the Ryukyu Islands have a culture that has stronger Chinese influences and is distinct from that of mainland Japan, as well as local languages that are distinct from, though related to Japanese. Although not divided into own ethnic groups, each region of Japan is divided by mountains and has its own unique culture, dialect and language. === Religion and culture=== Japan developed a unique synthesis between "national Shintoism", the descendant of the traditional polytheism and the imported Buddhism which mainly came through China. Today most Japanese practice a combination of the two even if they might answer in polls that they do not subscribe to ''any'' religion as this faith is simply seen as the default of "how things ought to be done". Christianity with its demands for exclusivity obviously couldn't fit in which is one of the reasons that led to its persecution. Japan also adapted Chinese writing to form no less than three commonly used writing systems (Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana) and achieved literacy rates above 50% in pre-industrial times. ==Destinations== {{Mapframe|37|137|zoom=6|layer=M|height=600|width=600}} * {{listing | name=[[Nara]] | lat=34.6833 | long=135.8000 | content=This city is over 1,300 years old and was capital of Japan before Kyoto. }} * {{listing | name=[[Kyoto]] | lat=35.011667 | long=135.768333 | content=The old capital and imperial residence. }} * {{listing | name=[[Yokohama]] | lat=35.444167 | long=139.638056 | content=Japan's gateway to the outer world. }} * {{listing | name=[[Kamakura]] | lat=35.315833| long=139.550277 | content=A former capital city, full of Buddhist temples. }} * {{listing | name=[[Nagasaki]] | lat=32.7833 | long=129.8667 | content=One of few foreign ports from the 17th to the latter half of the 19th century. For the most part foreigners were limited to a small island. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Hokkaido]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43 | long=142 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q35581 | content=The northernmost of the four Home Islands of Japan, home of the Ainu people. }} * {{listing | name=[[Himeji]] | lat=34.81667| long=134.6833 | content=Japan's most famous castle. }} * {{listing | name=[[Kiyosu]] | lat=35.199806| long=136.852861 | content=Seat of Oda Nobunaga, one of the most influential warlords of the Warring States period }} * {{listing | name=[[Osaka]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=34.693889 | long=135.502222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seat of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, another influential warlord of the Warring States period. It is home to the Mozu Furuichi Tombs, a World Cultural Heritage Site. }} * {{listing | name=[[Tokyo|Edo]] | lat=35.6895| long=139.6917 | content=Seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period. Has since been re-named Tokyo and been the capital of Japan since the Imperial Court relocated here during the Meiji period. }} * {{listing | name=[[Naha]] | lat=26.21222| long=127.6792 | content=It is the capital of [[Okinawa]] prefecture, and used to be the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Home to the reconstructed Shuri Castle, which was the residence of the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. }} ==See also== * [[Arts in Japan]] * [[Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots]] * [[Japan's Top 3]] * [[Japanese cuisine]] * [[World Heritage Tour in Nara]] * [[Chinese Empire]] * [[Mongol Empire]] * [[Pre-modern Korea]] * [[Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution]] * [[Japanese castles]] {{outlinetopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Historical travel|Japan}} f2ayhhfmq1otg4cmg8b9zuj9s7qtpyf 4488026 4488025 2022-07-21T23:54:00Z The dog2 35982 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Great Wave banner.jpg|caption=The Great Wave off Kanagawa, by Katsushika Hokusai}} '''[[Japan]]''' is one of [[Asia]]'s oldest civilizations. While the Japanese archipelago was settled in 50,000&nbsp;BC, classical Japan was founded <!--is this a conventional, a mythological or a historical date? Also what occurred in that year that constitutes "founding"?-->in AD&nbsp;538. Being an island nation has allowed Japan to develop a unique culture but at the same time, the proximity of [[Imperial China]] and [[pre-modern Korea]] have also left lasting influences that can still be seen in modern Japanese culture today. The [[Mongol Empire]], which conquered much of Asia, barely failed to invade Japan. For most countries, the line between pre-modern and modern history is difficult to draw. Not so for Japan; the country was virtually isolated from the outer world until the Black Ships Incident in 1853, which opened the country for commerce. With extensive social reforms, leading up to the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan became the first non-Western nation to industrialize. While Japan has become known for advanced technology and pop culture and aerial bombardment combined with iconoclastic urban planning have many cities devoid of buildings predating the 1850s, much of the traditional heritage is well preserved. ==Understand== [[File:SannaiTour.JPG|thumb|A reconstructed Jomon village.]] Japan has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the first settlers being paleolithic people. The oldest evidence of human existence in Japan is a 120,000-year-old stone tool found at the Sunahara site in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. Humans are believed to have entered Japan by taking three routes known to date which are: a southward route through [[Hokkaido]] (about 25,000 years ago), a northward route through [[Okinawa]] (about 35,000 years ago), and the [[Tsushima]] route (about 38,000 years ago). Human remains excavated from archaeological sites from the Jomon period, about 12,000 to 2,500 years ago, were hunter-hunter gatherer groups known as the Jomon people that are believed to be the ancestors of old and New Peoples of Japan<!--what are New Peoples of Japan?-->. Japan would subsequently be populated by more settlers from mainland Asia known as the '''Yayoi''' people, who are believed to have intermingled with the Jomon people to give rise to the Japanese ethnic group (about 2,800 years ago). Perhaps because Okinawa and Hokkaido were remote islands, Okinawans and Ainu have strong Jomon blood in their veins. There are other things it has been argued that humans with no connection to the Jomon, such as the Minatogawa people, may have lived before the Jomon. The first centralised Japanese state can be traced to the '''Kofun Period''', during which a kingdom known as Yamato ruled what is today the Western half of Japan. The rulers of Yamato were a hereditary line of emperors, whose lineage continues in the modern Japanese imperial family to this day. The Japanese had their first contact with China and Korea during the '''Asuka Period''', during which Japanese culture started to absorb Chinese influences, initially via the Korean kingdom of Baekje. Prince Shotoku sent envoys to Tang China to learn about Chinese culture and practices, and built a centralized system of government based on the Chinese model. The imperial family built a new capital at Heijo-kyo, known today as [[Nara]], during what is known as the '''Nara Period''', with the city designed to resemble Chang'an, the capital of Tang China. During the '''Heian Period''', the imperial capital was moved to Heian-kyo, known today as [[Kyoto]], which was also built to resemble Chang'an. However, the emperor lost much of his influence, and power fell into the hands of the Fujiwara clan of court nobles. The samurai, or warrior class, came to prominence during the '''Kamakura Period''', when Minamoto no Yoritomo gained power and was granted the hereditary title of ''shogun'' by the emperor. A shogun is a mixture of a generalissismus, prime minister and grand vizier and was often the true power center when the emperor was merely a symbolic figure. He ruled from his base in [[Kamakura]]. However, this was short-lived, and the Hojo clan usurped power from the Minamoto clan following the death of Yoritomo. Ashikaga Takauji defeated the Hojo clan to establish the Ashikaga shogunate from his base in [[Ashikaga]], ushering in the '''Muromachi Period'''. [[File:Himeji castle 0012.jpg|thumb|Himeji castle was built in 1333.]] Following the fall of the Ashikaga shogunate, Japan descended into years of warfare and anarchy, known as the '''Warring States Period''', during which many samurai fought for control over Japan. The late stage of the Warring States Period was known as the '''Azuchi-Momoyama Period''', during which Japan was gradually unified under the influence of the powerful warlords Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Following the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, unification was completed under the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu, who re-established a centralized Japanese state and ruled from his power base in Edo, known today as [[Tokyo]], ushering in the '''Edo Period'''. The Tokugawa shogunate shut Japan off from the rest of the world, and kept Japan peaceful for the next few centuries, but also led Japan to stagnate while the rest of the world surged forward. The Edo period was also an era of religious persecution for the small Japanese Christian community leading to the emergence of "hidden Christians" who continued practicing their idiosyncratic version of Christianity in secret until Japan was opened back up and religious toleration was established. This isolation ended with the arrival of American Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853 during the Black Ships Incident, as the Japanese navy was unable to stand up to the vastly technologically superior American ships, and was forced to open up to trade with the rest of the world. This led to the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returning power to the Emperor Meiji in 1868; an event which is known as the '''Meiji Restoration''', marking the end of pre-modern Japan as covered in this article. The [[Okinawa|Ryukyu Islands]] followed a different trajectory, becoming the independent '''Ryukyu Kingdom''' in the 16th century AD. Similar to the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, the Ryukyu Kingdom was a tributary state of Imperial China, and for centuries served as a conduit for trade between China and Japan. The Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed by Japan as Okinawa prefecture in 1879. Due to its separate history, the Ryukyu Islands have a culture that has stronger Chinese influences and is distinct from that of mainland Japan, as well as local languages that are distinct from, though related to Japanese. Although not divided into own ethnic groups, each region of Japan is divided by mountains and has its own unique culture, dialect and language. === Religion and culture=== Japan developed a unique synthesis between "national Shintoism", the descendant of the traditional polytheism and the imported Buddhism which mainly came through China. Today most Japanese practice a combination of the two even if they might answer in polls that they do not subscribe to ''any'' religion as this faith is simply seen as the default of "how things ought to be done". Christianity with its demands for exclusivity obviously couldn't fit in which is one of the reasons that led to its persecution. Japan also adapted Chinese writing to form no less than three commonly used writing systems (Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana) and achieved literacy rates above 50% in pre-industrial times. ==Destinations== {{Mapframe|37|137|zoom=6|layer=M|height=600|width=600}} * {{listing | name=[[Nara]] | lat=34.6833 | long=135.8000 | content=This city is over 1,300 years old and was capital of Japan before Kyoto. }} * {{listing | name=[[Kyoto]] | lat=35.011667 | long=135.768333 | content=The old capital and imperial residence. }} * {{listing | name=[[Yokohama]] | lat=35.444167 | long=139.638056 | content=Japan's gateway to the outer world. }} * {{listing | name=[[Kamakura]] | lat=35.315833| long=139.550277 | content=A former capital city, full of Buddhist temples. }} * {{listing | name=[[Nagasaki]] | lat=32.7833 | long=129.8667 | content=One of few foreign ports from the 17th to the latter half of the 19th century. For the most part foreigners were limited to a small island. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Hokkaido]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43 | long=142 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q35581 | content=The northernmost of the four Home Islands of Japan, home of the Ainu people. }} * {{listing | name=[[Himeji]] | lat=34.81667| long=134.6833 | content=Japan's most famous castle. }} * {{listing | name=[[Kiyosu]] | lat=35.199806| long=136.852861 | content=Seat of Oda Nobunaga, one of the most influential warlords of the Warring States period }} * {{listing | name=[[Osaka]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=34.693889 | long=135.502222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Seat of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, another influential warlord of the Warring States period. It is home to the Mozu Furuichi Tombs, a World Cultural Heritage Site. }} * {{listing | name=[[Tokyo|Edo]] | lat=35.6895| long=139.6917 | content=Seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period. Has since been re-named Tokyo and been the capital of Japan since the Imperial Court relocated here during the Meiji period. }} * {{listing | name=[[Naha]] | lat=26.21222| long=127.6792 | content=It is the capital of [[Okinawa]] prefecture, and used to be the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Home to the reconstructed Shuri Castle, which was the residence of the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom. }} ==See also== * [[Arts in Japan]] * [[Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots]] * [[Japan's Top 3]] * [[Japanese cuisine]] * [[World Heritage Tour in Nara]] * [[Chinese Empire]] * [[Mongol Empire]] * [[Pre-modern Korea]] * [[Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution]] * [[Japanese castles]] {{outlinetopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Historical travel|Japan}} qn075jhaav3w58hgnt1wbrc3emtpxtc 0 144782 4488019 4486586 2022-07-21T23:16:18Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''South Whitehall''' is a suburban township near [[Allentown]], [[Pennsylvania]]. ==Get in== [[File:Wehr Covered Bridge - Pennsylvania (8483515685).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Wehr Covered Bridge]] ===By car=== ===By plane=== The primary and most convenient point of airline entry to South Whitehall and Lehigh Valley is [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]]. Various airlines operate out of this airport. [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) is a major international airport that is about 70 miles away. Since it is a hub for several national airlines, it is easy to obtain non-stop flights to Philadelphia International compared to ABE and usually cheaper. ==Get around== South Whitehall is not a walking town. If you don't have a car of your own, the easiest way to get around is by [http://www.lantabus.com LANTA (Lehigh And Northampton Transportation Authority) Buses]. If you're traveling to more rural areas of [[Lehigh Valley]], a car is the only option and can be rented through [http://www.lvia.org LVIA]. ==See== [[File:Manasses Guths Covered Bridge - Pennsylvania (8482453544).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Manasses Guths Covered Bridge]] There are several covered bridges in South Whitehall Township. For other things to see in the area, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Do== * {{do | name=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | alt= | url=http://www.dorneypark.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom | wikidata=Q3037111 | content=In South Whitehall Township in Allentown is one of the premiere amusement and water parks in the nation, known especially for its elaborate rollercoasters and large waterpark. }} South Whitehall is a short distance from lots more to do in [[Lehigh Valley]]. For more things to do, check out the [[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] or [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] pages. ==Buy== *{{buy | name=Lehigh Valley Mall | alt= | url=http://www.lehighvalleymall.com | email= | address=Rts. 22 & 145 N | lat= | long= | directions=Route 145 N./MacArthur Road exit off Route 22 | phone=+1 610-264-5511 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lehigh Valley Mall | wikidata=Q6518848 | content=Anchored by JCPenney, Macy's and Boscov's and includes over 140 stores. Indoor and outdoor shopping. New outdoor stores include '''Coach''', '''Barnes & Noble''', and '''Apple'''. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Go next== ===Other Lehigh Valley locations=== *[[Allentown]] - home of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom - 2 miles *[[Bangor (Pennsylvania)|Bangor]] - 32 miles *[[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]] - home of the Sands Casino Resort - 10 miles *[[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]] - home of The Crayola FACTORY - 18 miles *[[Emmaus]] - 9 miles *[[Fogelsville]] - 11 miles *[[Hellertown]] - 14 miles *[[Nazareth (Pennsylvania)|Nazareth]] - 16 miles *[[Slatington]] - 12 miles *[[Whitehall]] - 6 miles ===Regional cities and locations=== *[[Atlantic City]] - 125 miles *[[New York City]] - 92 miles *[[Philadelphia]] - 64 miles *[[Harrisburg]] - 83 miles {{outlinecity}} {{IsPartOf|Lehigh Valley}} {{geo|40.6156|-75.5503}} 3zhgqbklv2y7673wak3at0frqqxb9n6 0 147100 4487835 4481866 2022-07-21T17:25:11Z Andree.sk 2166688 /* Germany */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mining tourism banner Mønsted Kalkgruber.jpg}} : ''For the danger posed by landmines, see [[War_zone_safety#Land_mines_and_unexploded_ordnance|War zone safety]].'' This is a travel topic that deals with all man-made structures under and above ground whose primary purpose is or was the extraction of natural resources as well as their remains, associated culture and small scale resource gathering such as gold panning from rivers and creeks. ==Understand== [[File:Falun Copper Mine 14.jpg|thumb|Inside Falun copper mine]] {{quote|I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine<br>I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine<br>I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal<br>And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"<br>|author=Merle Travis}} Humans have dug more or less elaborate holes in the ground in order to extract resources since time immemorial. The oldest things archaeologists interpret as mines were found in modern day [[Egypt]] and were used to extract flint-stone some 30,000 years ago. Since then both the need for resources and the technology with which to extract them have experienced tremendous development. Modern-day open pit mines have transformed whole landscapes and once they are done removing all the desirable resources, they often leave man made lakes and ponds that can become a source of economic activity and tourism in themselves. While some active mines can be visited, most mines are closed to the general public with only a small visitor center if anything. However, some former mines have been converted into tourist attractions and you can learn a lot about the history of the region or of mining in general by taking a guided tour. Some towns owe their existence or at least their current size to mining, be it [[Kiruna]] and [[Falun]] in Sweden, [[Norilsk]], [[Nikel]] and [[Kostomuksha]] in Russia or continued human presence on [[Svalbard]]. On the other hand, many former mining communities have been deserted once resources run out, and bustling cities can become [[ghost towns]] overnight. In some cases a mine itself is the reason for the abandonment of settlements, either to make room for open-pit mining or due to environmental damage through mining. Mining has also added its own rich character to the cultural heritage of many regions, from the vocal imagery of the powerful folk ballad to the literary works recording old miners' myths. Mining and the associated culture – especially in the context of coal and steel – have also influenced things as seemingly unrelated or trivial as the names or nicknames of sports teams. Many areas that used to depend on mining have since entered a decline, and despite efforts to diversify the economy, many of those areas have become "rust belts". That said, people are often immensely proud of the mining heritage of their region and some even continue to live those traditions after having moved elsewhere for a job. ===Open pit versus shafts and tunnels=== Modern mining often involves open pits created by huge machines. Older mines dug by hand often involve deep shafts and ''adits'' (long narrow corridors) underground. For instance the silver mines at [[Kongsberg]] have their deepest point 1,000 m below the surface (several hundred meters below sea level). The intensive 1600s mining at Falun eventually resulted in a collapse of the underground sections, leaving a 100 m deep and 1 km wide crater. A major problem in (almost) all mining operations is water. In open pit mines groundwater has to be lowered, sometimes hundreds of meters, leading to ground movements that are still not entirely understood and that have in the past damaged houses and other structures several kilometers away from the mine. Once the mining is concluded, the rising groundwater also results in ground movements, which may further endanger property. In underground mines, water has to be pumped out and of course this water has to go somewhere. In some cases it is simply pumped into abandoned shafts, but elsewhere ponds have been created just from surplus mine water. ===Salt mining=== Salt was a valuable commodity for most of history and scarce in almost all inland regions. The very word "salary" is derived from the Latin word for salt. While sea salt played a role in some areas, it was then as it is now vastly overshadowed by mined salt. While the people in the [[North Frisian Islands]] burned the ground beneath their feet to access the salt contained in the peat, other regions had access to vast underground salt domes, which gave rise to fabulous wealth and to names often relating to former or current salt production, such as [[Bad Reichenhall]] with "hall" being a frequent component in city names in Central Europe related to salt mining. Mothballed rock salt mines are considered among the safest options to get rid of radioactive waste through deep geological disposal of such materials. The crystalline salt is an excellent thermal conductor to keep the waste cool, and naturally seals cavities to prevent leakage of active materials into ground water. It is expected that at least some mines that are open to the public will be converted for such waste disposal purposes in the near future, making them inaccessible to mankind for the next 50,000 years. If you have an interest in visiting decommissioned salt mines, do it as soon as you can. ===Quarries=== Quarrying is open-pit extraction of bulk minerals such as granite, limestone and gravel. While toxic pollution is less of a concern, they can be enormous in size (even the pre-industrial ones) and cause landslides. As their products are expensive to transport, they tend to be near population centers. Historically stones were only transported long distances in exceptional circumstances or when a convenient water route was available. As such, the stones used in pre-industrial buildings often serve as a rough "geological map" of the area. ==See== {{Mapframe|33|-10|zoom=1|height=340|width=520}} ===Australia=== Every state of Australia has a mining history, and in most states there are former mining sites that are considered vital heritage locations, and current active locations that have facilities for visitors and tourists to visit and view. ====Queensland==== * {{see | name=Chillagoe | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-17.155 | long=144.5244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small zinc-mining rural town in the [[Far North Queensland|far north of Queensland]] and retains a heritage-registered smelter. }} ====South Australia==== * {{see | name=[[Coober Pedy]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-29.011111 | long=134.755556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-10 | content=An opal-mining town in the [[South Australia]]n [[Outback]] that is almost fully underground, as this is the only way to ensure human habitation in the harsh climate. }} ====Victoria==== * {{see | name=Central Deborah Mine | alt= | url=http://www.central-deborah.com/ | email= | address=76 Violet St | lat=-36.764866 | long=144.269667 | directions=2 minutes drive or a short walk towards Melbourne from the town centre | phone=+61 3 5443 8322 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=There are three variations on the mine tour. There is the surface tour where you can look around the mine workings, which have been reconfigured a little for tourism. There is gold panning available, and you can climb the poppet head and follow the overhead link to the battery crusher. The standard underground tour goes underground into the old minue workings. There are various types of drilling rigs, and other demonstrations making for a very interesting tour. This tour also includes the self-guided surface tour. The third adventure tour does all that the first two tours do, but also includes about 30 minutes on level 3 of the mine. This involves going down ladders, and seeing a section of the mine that hasn't been extensively modified for tourism use. It also includes a lunch or cornish pasties back in a function room that has been built back on the main level of the mine. }} ====Western Australia==== * {{see | name=Kalgoorlie Super Pit | alt= |url= | email= | address = Fimiston, West Australia | phone= | hours= | lat=-30.7774 | long=121.5055 | lastedit=2015-12-08 | content=The [[Kalgoorlie]] Super Pit in [[Western Australia]] is a vast open pit that is visitable by guided tours. }} ===Bolivia=== * {{see | name=[[Potosí]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-19.5833 | long=-65.7500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The big attraction in this high-altitude [[Bolivia]]n city is its silver mines, which are still in operation and open for tours. }} ===Chile=== * {{see | name=Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q572895 | lastedit= | content=Out in the [[Atacama Desert]] near [[Iquique]], much of the world's production of saltpeter, a naturally-occuring, nitrate-containing mineral used to be extracted in these [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-listed]] sites and the surrounding region. Prior to the early 20th century, when the synthetic production of nitrogen compounds became available, saltpeter was such a valuable agricultural resource that a long and bitter war over the area was staged between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. Now the production is miniscule compared to its heyday and pertains mostly to the organic growing enthusiasts in North America. }} ===Canada=== [[Image:Springhill Mine 1.jpg|thumb|Museum entrance, Springhill]] *{{see | name=[[Springhill#See|Springhill Miners' Museum]] | address=145 Black River Rd | phone=+1 902-597-3449 | lat=45.634 | long=-64.074 | content=Springhill, [[Nova Scotia]], was the site of a large coal mine active from the 19th century until 1958. It was shut down after an explosion in 1956 killed 39 and a 'bump' (underground earthquake) in 1958 killed 75. Today the museum offers underground tours. There is a song ''The Ballad of Springhill'', about the 1958 disaster, which has been recorded or performed by many artists including Peter, Paul & Mary, U2, and husband/wife duo Ewen MacColl and Peggy Seeger. }} *{{see | name=Cape Breton Miners Museum | alt= | url=http://www.minersmuseum.com | email= | address=17 Museum St, [[Glace Bay#See|Glace Bay]], [[Cape Breton Island|Cape Breton]] | lat=46.193 | long=-59.942 | directions= | phone=+1 902-849-4522 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-6PM (end-May to Thanksgiving) | price=C$15/person | lastedit=2016-04-04 | content=Underground mine tour, mining history museum (C$6/person) with modern exhibits. Miners Village Restaurant. Stroll through a historic village. "Men of the Deeps" miners' choir offers performances ($13/person) several times per season. }} *{{see | name=Frank Slide Interpretive Centre | url=http://history.alberta.ca/frankslide/ | address=Hwy 3 Crowsnest Pass, Blairmore | phone=+1 403-562-7388 | lat=49.600 | long=-114.394 | content=The small coal-mining town of Frank in the [[Crowsnest Pass]] region of what is now [[Alberta]] had 82 million metric tons of rock come crashing down on it in 1903. Turtle Mountain, above the town, had unstable geology to begin with and had been made more unstable by extensive mining. This was Canada's deadliest rockslide ever, killing 90, but fortunately it missed much of the town. }} ===Estonia=== * {{See|name=[[East Estonia]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=59.31077|long=27.41089|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2017-12-18|content=The region lies at the heart of Estonia's century-old oil shale mining, which is commemorated by a number of local museums. Some of the highest hills in the otherwise flat region are man-made "ash mountains"—huge piles of oil shale industry waste—that have been forested and put to recreational use.}} ===Finland=== * {{see | name=Tytyri Mining Museum | alt= | url=https://www.tytyrielamyskaivos.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.2637 | long=24.0696| directions=Southern Finland | phone=+358 44 369 1309 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=adults €14, children €8 | lastedit=2015-12-08 | content=The calcite mine in Tytyri near [[Lohja]] is open to visitors by guided tour (other languages than Finnish must be pre-booked). Minibuses take visitors 100 m underground where also a museum exhibiting the history of the mine is located. }} * {{see | name=Lampivaara amethyst mine | alt= | url=https://www.amethystmine.fi | email=kaivos@ametistikaivos.fi | address=Luostontie 4 | lat=67.119 | long=26.939 | directions=[[Luosto#Q12368276|Luosto]], Lapland | lastedit= | wikidata=Q12368276 | content=The only amethyst mine in Europe. It is worked with little machinery, not to exhaust it too soon. The entrance fee includes a guided tour to the quarry and every visitor may dig his/hers own amethyst and keep it – one of them if you pick several. }} * {{see | name=Gold digging grounds | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=68.5 | long=25.5 | directions=[[Lemmenjoki National Park]] and [http://www.nationalparks.fi/en/hammastunturi/historyandsights#Sights Hammastunturi Wilderness Area], Lapland | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=There was a gold rush in the 1870s to Ivalonjoki in the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area, and a new one to Lemmenjoki in the 1940s. There are still people digging and panning gold in both areas, although digging by machine ended in the national park in 2020. This is the largest national park in Finland and the area is generally wilderness – and was at the time of the gold rushes – but the gold areas by Lemmenjoki are easily reached by car and a boat tour, and some of the locals arrange gold related tours. Many different techniques, old and new, have left their marks and can be studied. The "crown station" in the Hammastunturi area can be visited by a trek, a former village and some of the gold grounds (by Sotajoki) can be approached with a sturdy car. }} * {{see | name=[[Tankavaara]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=68.181 | long=27.100 | directions=90 km north from [[Sodankylä]] centre, Lapland | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Touristic gold village, with heritage from a 1930s gold rush. Exhibition with large mineral collection, possibility to try gold panning, yearly gold panning championship. }} === France === * {{see | name=Centre Minier de Faymoreau | alt= | url=http://www.centreminier-vendee.fr/ | email= | address=Faymoreau, Rue la Cour | lat=46.5562 | long=-0.629711 | directions= | phone=+33 2 51 00 48 48 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q20669745 | content= }} === Germany === [[File:Zeche Zollverein Förderturm.jpg|thumb|Winding tower of UNESCO World Heritage site Zeche Zollverein, Essen, Ruhr]] * {{see | name=Precious Stone Mine Steinkaulenberg | alt=Edelsteinminen Steinkaulenberg | url=http://www.edelsteinminen-idar-oberstein.de/precious-stone-mine.html | email= | address=[[Idar-Oberstein]], Tiefensteiner Str. 87 | lat=49.729225 | long=7.287254 | directions= | phone=+49 6781 901918 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Himmelfahrt show mine | alt=Himmelfahrt Fundgrube, Besucherbergwerk Freiberg | url=http://www.besucherbergwerk-freiberg.de/welcome-2/ | email= | address=[[Freiberg]], Fuchsmühlenweg 9 | lat=50.928333 | long=13.358056 | directions= | phone=+49 3731 394571 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Tours €13–40 (reduced €6–35) | lastedit=2016-08-27 | content=300-year old silver mine, used to demonstrate the history of mining during different eras. There are different tours, from 45 minutes to 5 hours, illustrating geology, history and technology of eight centuries. The entire town of Freiberg has a long and storied history of mining (though since the fall of the GDR no active mining anywhere in the vicinity) and is also home to the second oldest technical university in the world, mostly dedicated to geology, mining and related sciences }} * {{see|name=Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden|wikidata=Q2215893|content=The oldest active salt mine in Germany - since 13th century. The tour takes the visitors on a mini-rail and boat ride, as well as showcasing various techniques used for the mining.}} * The whole '''[[Ruhr]]''' area was associated with coal mining and heavy industry for over a century. While most pits and cokeries are closed by now, you can still see impressive remains like the UNESCO world heritage ''Zeche Zollverein'' in [[Essen]], as well as creatively re-used former mining and industrial sites that were transformed into parks, exhibition halls event locations or an amphitheatre. See also '''[[Industrial Heritage Trail]]'''. * [[Lüneburg]] owes much of its former wealth (still seen in old buildings) to its long history of salt mining; giving one of the resources needed for the [[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic cities]] to become major exporters of preserved fish. * The [[Central German Lake District]] is the result of open pit lignite mining and there are still a few operational mines in the area. Similar things can be said of the [[Lusatian Lake District]] ===Luxembourg=== * {{See|name=[[Land of the Red Rocks]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=49.510|long=5.993|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=A region filled to the brim with mining and industrial heritage. It is named after its soil rich in iron ore, which gives it a red tint.}} ===Nauru=== * {{See|name=[[Nauru]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=-0.527288|long=166.936724|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2017-11-10|content=Known as the "Topside" by the locals, the interior of the world's smallest republic is literally a dead wasteland left over from the decades-long extensive phosphate mining. Conveyor belts and other rusting mining equipment are dispersed throughout the rest of the South Pacific island.}} ===Norway=== [[File:Røros (9216497998) (2).jpg|thumb|[[Røros]] with the landmark church is a small mining town developed around 1645. The ''Pippi Longstocking'' TV-series was shot there in 1960s.]] * {{see | name=White Caves | alt=Kvite grotter| url= | email= | address=[[Gudvangen]] | lat=60.8572 | long=6.7632 | directions=Road E6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Fee | lastedit= | content=Abandoned mines open to public during summer. The white stone is anorthosite and exists in greater quantity at Gudvangen than anywhere else. }} * {{see | name=Silvermines at [[Kongsberg]] | alt=Sølvgruvene på Kongsberg | url=http://www.bvm.museum.no {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=[[Kongsberg]] | lat=59.632778 | long=9.599444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Fee | wikipedia=Kongsberg Silver Mines | image=Chr7 skraaplan.jpg | wikidata=Q59046 | content=A train brings the visitors 2300 m in. More than 300 years of silver mining has left a web of some 1000 km of tunnels, and 300 shafts of which the deepest is 1000 m. The mines cover an area of 30 km². More than 1 million kilograms of pure silver were extracted. }} * {{see | name=Røros mining town | alt=Røros by og kopperverk | url= | email= | address=[[Røros]], [[Trøndelag]] | lat=62.566667 | long=11.366667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Røros Copper Works | image=RorosViewFromSlagHeaps.jpg | wikidata=Q889399 | lastedit= | content=The Røros copper mines were in operation for 333 years. Røros was one of two privileged mining towns (Kongsberg the other). Røros retain the style from the time when it was developed. The unusual church dominates the skyline. The town and mines are a UNESCO world heritage site. [[File:Sweden road sign I4.svg|frameless|20px]]. }} * {{see | name=Limestone mines at Eide | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eide near [[Molde]] | lat=62.893246 | long=7.365004 | directions=Road 64 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Abandoned limestone/marble mines can be visited by groups. A wide hall with stage and seating. Access by boat across a small pond. The temperature is a constant 6°C. }} *{{see | name=Cobalt color mines | alt=Blaafarveverket i Modum | url= | email= | address=[[Drammen]], [[Buskerud]] county | lat=59.912778 | long=9.8875 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Fee: Yes | wikipedia=Blaafarveværket | image=Fyrsettingsstoll.JPEG | wikidata=Q882820 | lastedit= | content=Blaafarveværke began operations in the 1770s. The works mined cobalt ore and manufactured blue cobalt glass (smalt) and cobalt blue (cobalt aluminate) pigment. In its heyday, it supplied 80 percent of the world market for cobalt pigments. Open for visitors. Buildings are also used for art exhibitions. }} ===Pakistan=== * {{see | name=[[Khewra Salt Mine]] | alt= | url=http://pmdc.gov.pk | email= | address=Khewra | lat=32.648 | long=73.008 | directions= | phone=+92 544 231137 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-04 | content=The discovery of the world's second largest salt mine dates back to the time of Alexander the Great's Indian Campaign of the 4th century BC, although the current tunnel was started in 1872 during the [[British Raj|British rule]] of the subcontinent. The mine is a large tourist attraction, with several constructions made of colourfully illuminated salt bricks inside, and is the only source of the pinkish "Himalayan salt", which is almost fetishistically sought after by whole food enthusiasts. }} ===Poland=== * {{see | name=Wieliczka Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://kopalnia.pl | email= | address=Daniłowicza 10, [[Wieliczka]] | lat=49.9835 | long=20.0538 | directions= | phone=+48 12 278-73-02 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-09 | wikidata=Q454019 | content=Continuously in production between the 13th century and 2007, which made it one of the oldest enterprises in the world at the time it closed. This mine is famous for its many statues and chapels carved out of rock salt by the miners. }} ===South Africa=== * {{see | name=Kimberley Mine | alt= | url=http://www.thebighole.co.za | email= | address=S Circular Rd, Kimberley | lat= -28.739 | long=24.755 | directions= | phone=+27 53 839 4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-13 | content=A former open-pit and underground diamond mine, operating from 1871-1914. The open pit, also known as the Big Hole, is the largest hole in the ground excavated without machinery. There's a museum on site as well. }} ===Spain=== * {{see | name=Las Médulas | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Castile and Leon]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q696803 | lastedit= | content=A [[UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage site]], Las Médulas was the largest open-pit gold mine in the entire [[Roman Empire]]. The former pit floor, covered in dense vegetation after the mine was abandoned, now looks almost like a naturally formed canyon, with the sides dotted by eroded hills shaped by the extensive use of a Roman hydraulic mining technique known as ''ruina montium'' ("ruining the mountain"), whereby water was injected into man-made bores so it could pressure the rock walls surrounding it to crack open. }} ===Sweden=== [[File:Copper Mine Museum in Falun.JPG|thumb|Mining museum in Falun]] * {{see | name=[[Bergslagen]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=northern Svealand, Sweden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-03 | content=This region north of Lake Mälaren is the historical heartland of Swedish mining, metallurgy and industry. It was once one of the most productive mining areas in Europe, but has now declined into a single mine. However, a lot of mining heritage remains open for visitors. }} ** {{see | name=Falu Gruva | alt=Falun Mine | url=http://www.falugruva.se/en/ | email= | address=[[Falun]], [[Dalarna]] | lat=60.603824 | long=15.628738 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Falu gruva (by Pudelek) 2.JPG | lastedit=2017-07-21 | content=The Falun copper mine operated for around 1000 years until 1992. It was for centuries the largest copper mine in Europe and supplied about 70% of all copper need in Europe. Several thousand shafts were dug. The mining company is possibly the oldest business enterprise in the world. Now museum open to the public. The mines and the town are a UNESCO world heritage site. [[File:Sweden road sign I4.svg|frameless|20px]] }} * {{see | name=[[Norrbotten megasystem]] | directions=[[Norrbotten County]], Sweden | content=An industrial cluster around the 500 kilometre Iron Ore Line through Arctic Scandinavia. }} ** {{see | name=Kiruna mine | alt= | url=http://www.kirunalapland.se/en/see-do/guided-tours-to-lkabs-visitor-centre/ | email= | address=[[Kiruna]] | lat=67.850854 | long=20.196432 | directions=The tours starts at the main square at the tourist information centre. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=360 SEK (adult), 260 SEK (student/senior), 60 SEK (child; 1 child, 6-15 years, for free per paying adult). | image= | lastedit=2017-07-21 | content=Almost 3 hour guided tour to the iron mine takes you to the mininge company's (LKAB) visitor centre located at 540 metres underground. The history, as well as ongoing mining operations and Kiruna town moving due to the mine subsidence, effecting large parts of the city, is discussed. The tour can be booked in the information centre or online. The mine is part of the [[Norrbotten Megasystem]], a 500-kilometre long industrial cluster. }} * {{see | name=Ytterby | lat=59.42571 | long=18.32528 | directions=Resarö, [[Stockholm Archipelago#Q631733|Stockholm Archipelago]] | wikidata=Q631733 | content=A mine on Resarö, with one unusual distinction: nine chemical elements of the periodic table were discovered here, four of them named by the settlement: ''yttrium'', ''ytterbium'', ''terbium'' and ''erbium''. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Science and Technology | alt=Tekniska Museet | url=http://www.tekniskamuseet.se | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=[[Stockholm/Östermalm#Q177550|Stockholm]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q177550 | content=The museum's basement floor is furnished as a Swedish mine, with historical dioramas and exhibitions for the whole family. }} * {{see | name=Sala Silver Mine | alt=Sala silvergruva | url=https://www.salasilvergruva.se/ | email= | address=Drottning Christinas väg | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3314828 | lastedit=2021-04-19 | content= }} === Turkey === * {{see | name=Marble Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Saraylar, [[Marmara (island)|Marmara Island]] | lat=40.65305 | long=27.65286 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A marble quarry abandoned during the Roman period, scattered by unfinished sculptures and monuments never made to their intended sites. }} * {{see | name=[[Zonguldak]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187895 | lastedit= | content=Turkey's main coal mining area is slowly degenerating into a brownfield landscape as its coalfield, worked since the 1820s, runs out. Nevertheless, it has various sites and attractions associated with its mining history. }} === United Kingdom === {{seealso|Industrial Britain}} * {{see | name=Grime's Graves | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/grimes-graves-prehistoric-flint-mine/ | email= | address=Lynford, Weeting, [[Thetford]] IP26 5DE | lat= 52.4773 | long=0.6727 | directions=near [[Barton]], [[Suffolk]] | phone=+44 370 333-1181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-11-21 | content=Prehistoric flint mine, extensive neolithic flint extraction. }} * {{see | name=National Mining Museum for England | alt= | url= | email= | address=New Road, [[Wakefield (England)]] WF4 4RH | lat=53.6433 | long=-1.6211 | directions= | phone=+44 1924 848806 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM–5PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q12062380| wikipedia=National Coal Mining Museum for England | image=NationalCoalminingMuseum(IanM)Aug2005.jpg | lastedit=2018-02-07 | content=Few of us nowadays will ever go underground in a working coal mine, so this museum (the former Caphouse Colliery) is an essential experience of this great but departed industry. }} * {{see | name=Poldark Mine | alt= | url=http://www.poldarkmine.org.uk | email=info@poldarkmine.org.uk | address=Trenear, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0ES | lat=50.138 | long=-5.244 | directions=two miles north of Helston on the B3297 Helston to Redruth road | phone=+44 1326 573 173 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£18.50/adult | wikipedia=Poldark Mine | image=Poldark.JPG | wikidata=Q7209224 | lastedit=2017-12-09 | content=Guided tour through ancient tin mine workings, museum of mining equipment and craft workshops. Located within the Wendron Mining District of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. }} * {{see | name=Wheal Martyn Museum | alt= | url=https://www.wheal-martyn.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7838962| wikipedia=Treverbyn | image=Visitor Centre and Gallery at Wheal Martyn - geograph.org.uk - 965930.jpg | lastedit=2017-12-09 | content= }} *[[Castleton]] is home to the only Blue John mines in the world as well as four major caves/caverns which tourists can visit. * {{see | name=LLechwed Slate Caverns | alt= | url=http://llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk | email= | address=A470, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB | lat=53.005 | long=-3.940 | directions= | phone=+44 1766 830306 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ancient rock quarry, a museum and underground tour gives a view of the North Wales slate industry. Workshops, history exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Dolaucothi Gold Mines | alt= | url= | email=dolaucothi@nationaltrust.org.uk | address= Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8US | lat=52.04455 | long=-3.94992 | directions= on A482 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-11 | content=A wooded hillside, leading to the entrance of gold mines that were in use from the Roman period, up until the early 20th century. Guided tours. Phone before arrival to confirm opening times. }} * {{see | name=Big Pit National Coal Museum | alt= | url=http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/bigpit/visit/ | email=bigpit@museumwales.ac.uk | address=[[Blaenafon]], Torfaen NP4 9XP | lat=51.772777 | long=-3.105164 | directions= | phone=+44 29 2057-3650 | tollfree= | fax=+44 29 2057-3668 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-12 | content=A former colliery site with extensive surface buildings; a 90-min guided tour goes underground to what was a literal 'coalface' of an entire energy industry, Stout footwear recommended. 0300 111 2 333 (local-rate within UK) }} * {{see | name=Silver Mountain Experience | alt= | url=http://www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/ | email= | address=Llywernog, [[Ponterwyd]], Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3AB | lat=52.412001 | long=-3.865821 | directions= | phone=+44 1970 890-620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mining museum in restored Victorian-era silver mine buildings, 45-minute guided tours of the mine and trail. Café and souvenir shop; special events seasonally. }} ===United States=== * {{see | name=Butte, Montana | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.0038 | long=-112.5348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=[[Butte]] owes its existence to mining. Its most notable feature is the '''Berkeley Pit''', a former copper-mining operation, now a water-filled chasm laden with so many heavy metals that it can kill birds who land in it. The exhibits and gift shop present its history with an odd mix of defensiveness about the past and pride in current remediation efforts. Butte also contains the '''World Museum of Mining''' with a reconstructed mining town and underground mine tours, as well as the '''Mineral Museum''' on the Montana Tech campus. }} * The [[Industrialization of the United States]] was built on coal and steel. Most of what is now the "rust belt" was active in mining coal and the various ores needed to transform an agrarian backwater into the leading industrial power of the world. Some mines and related industries are on the [[American Industry Tour]]. * Similarly, many of the [[ghost towns]] of the American West were boomtowns that sprung up around gold and silver strikes, only to dwindle away once the mines were worked out. One of the best-preserved is near [[Yosemite National Park]]: {{see | name=Bodie, California | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.2122 | long=-119.0156 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=}} * {{see | name=West Virginia Mine Wars Museum | alt= | url=https://wvminewars.org/ | email= | address=401 Mate St, Matewan | lat=37.6258 | long=-82.1743 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until late 2021 due to COVID-19 | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=Tucked in the remote mountains along the West Virginia/Kentucky border, this museum tells the little-known story of the huge wars fought between striking coal miners and law enforcement trying to break their strike. The Battle of Blair Mountain was the largest insurrection in the USA since the American Civil War, and the US Army was brought in to crush it. }} ==Do== One of the more obvious things often offered to tourists is gold panning, especially in areas where it has a tradition, like those invoking the [[Old West]] of the U.S. The gold is by no means gone from the rivers and creeks of this world. While people believe it is possible to make a living by gold panning, chances are that the gold you find (if any) while panning in any river is not enough to pay for a first world lifestyle. However, gold panning is still practised in low income countries as an additional or only source of income. At some destinations, a private company will maintain an active claim on a river where there's a little gold left so that visitors may try their hand at gold panning. * {{do | name=[[Chicken]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=Alaska, USA | lat=64.07 | long=-141.94 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This tiny village mined 55,000 ounces (1710 kg) of gold from 1959-1971; it is now an off-the-grid partial ghost town with three operating businesses, a small post office and an airstrip. There is a seasonal gravel road. The old Pedro Gold Dredge #4 is open for daily tours and a couple of vendors offer recreational gold panning. }} ==Talk== In many areas that have a long mining tradition a whole range of mining related terms have been coined and in some cases entered the general vocabulary. They can be confusing even to native speakers of the respective languages. ==Stay safe== Before modern times, miners commonly died in accidents, if not from unhealthy conditions. Even today, mining is a hazardous industry. If you are on a guided tour at a mining site, stay with the tour. Don't drift away or get diverted. If the tour is accredited and official, miners have specific guidelines of what not to do. Take careful note, and follow the rules. Old, abandoned and unmaintained mine workings inherently pose more risk than those that are in active use. Exploring these as a lone traveller is advised against in very strong terms, consider joining an appropriate specialist group instead. The small number of enthusiast and research groups that exist have built up appropriate procedures, expertise and trust with site owners over many years. Even when precautions are taken, those expeditions inherently pose some danger and thus people get stuck or injured in far reaches of underground structures, making it all the more imperative to have others know about your precise plans and whereabouts. Bad air is also a serious hazard in many abandoned mine workings, as exposed strata continue to oxidise. This creates lethal pockets of carbon dioxide or monoxide, amongst other toxic gases. It is not without reason that mining folklore talks about various forms of ''damp'' (such as ''blackdamp''), or about the proverbial 'canary in a coal mine'. Weather and sub surface conditions may shift various damps into pools at the surface, which you'll notice when your dog (the modern canary) drops dead. Cave canem! ==Respect== As mining can be both a vital part of a local economy, and a hazard for the environment and traditional lifestyle, it tends to be a sensitive political topic. Be aware that locals can have strong opinions on the issue. ==See also== * [[Ghost towns#Gold rush towns]] and [[Ghost towns#Abandoned mining communities|abandoned mining communities]]. Many ghost towns used to be mining communities; a few were abandoned due to environmental disaster or after losing a road or rail line; many more were deserted after too little ore remained to be profitable. * [[Industrial tourism]] — many mining regions are also places to see former or modern day industrial plants processing the extracted resources. {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Industrial tourism}} czqs7zbyky0fqudp3lse9u89tm0uzko 4487840 4487835 2022-07-21T17:27:09Z Andree.sk 2166688 /* Germany */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mining tourism banner Mønsted Kalkgruber.jpg}} : ''For the danger posed by landmines, see [[War_zone_safety#Land_mines_and_unexploded_ordnance|War zone safety]].'' This is a travel topic that deals with all man-made structures under and above ground whose primary purpose is or was the extraction of natural resources as well as their remains, associated culture and small scale resource gathering such as gold panning from rivers and creeks. ==Understand== [[File:Falun Copper Mine 14.jpg|thumb|Inside Falun copper mine]] {{quote|I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine<br>I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine<br>I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal<br>And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"<br>|author=Merle Travis}} Humans have dug more or less elaborate holes in the ground in order to extract resources since time immemorial. The oldest things archaeologists interpret as mines were found in modern day [[Egypt]] and were used to extract flint-stone some 30,000 years ago. Since then both the need for resources and the technology with which to extract them have experienced tremendous development. Modern-day open pit mines have transformed whole landscapes and once they are done removing all the desirable resources, they often leave man made lakes and ponds that can become a source of economic activity and tourism in themselves. While some active mines can be visited, most mines are closed to the general public with only a small visitor center if anything. However, some former mines have been converted into tourist attractions and you can learn a lot about the history of the region or of mining in general by taking a guided tour. Some towns owe their existence or at least their current size to mining, be it [[Kiruna]] and [[Falun]] in Sweden, [[Norilsk]], [[Nikel]] and [[Kostomuksha]] in Russia or continued human presence on [[Svalbard]]. On the other hand, many former mining communities have been deserted once resources run out, and bustling cities can become [[ghost towns]] overnight. In some cases a mine itself is the reason for the abandonment of settlements, either to make room for open-pit mining or due to environmental damage through mining. Mining has also added its own rich character to the cultural heritage of many regions, from the vocal imagery of the powerful folk ballad to the literary works recording old miners' myths. Mining and the associated culture – especially in the context of coal and steel – have also influenced things as seemingly unrelated or trivial as the names or nicknames of sports teams. Many areas that used to depend on mining have since entered a decline, and despite efforts to diversify the economy, many of those areas have become "rust belts". That said, people are often immensely proud of the mining heritage of their region and some even continue to live those traditions after having moved elsewhere for a job. ===Open pit versus shafts and tunnels=== Modern mining often involves open pits created by huge machines. Older mines dug by hand often involve deep shafts and ''adits'' (long narrow corridors) underground. For instance the silver mines at [[Kongsberg]] have their deepest point 1,000 m below the surface (several hundred meters below sea level). The intensive 1600s mining at Falun eventually resulted in a collapse of the underground sections, leaving a 100 m deep and 1 km wide crater. A major problem in (almost) all mining operations is water. In open pit mines groundwater has to be lowered, sometimes hundreds of meters, leading to ground movements that are still not entirely understood and that have in the past damaged houses and other structures several kilometers away from the mine. Once the mining is concluded, the rising groundwater also results in ground movements, which may further endanger property. In underground mines, water has to be pumped out and of course this water has to go somewhere. In some cases it is simply pumped into abandoned shafts, but elsewhere ponds have been created just from surplus mine water. ===Salt mining=== Salt was a valuable commodity for most of history and scarce in almost all inland regions. The very word "salary" is derived from the Latin word for salt. While sea salt played a role in some areas, it was then as it is now vastly overshadowed by mined salt. While the people in the [[North Frisian Islands]] burned the ground beneath their feet to access the salt contained in the peat, other regions had access to vast underground salt domes, which gave rise to fabulous wealth and to names often relating to former or current salt production, such as [[Bad Reichenhall]] with "hall" being a frequent component in city names in Central Europe related to salt mining. Mothballed rock salt mines are considered among the safest options to get rid of radioactive waste through deep geological disposal of such materials. The crystalline salt is an excellent thermal conductor to keep the waste cool, and naturally seals cavities to prevent leakage of active materials into ground water. It is expected that at least some mines that are open to the public will be converted for such waste disposal purposes in the near future, making them inaccessible to mankind for the next 50,000 years. If you have an interest in visiting decommissioned salt mines, do it as soon as you can. ===Quarries=== Quarrying is open-pit extraction of bulk minerals such as granite, limestone and gravel. While toxic pollution is less of a concern, they can be enormous in size (even the pre-industrial ones) and cause landslides. As their products are expensive to transport, they tend to be near population centers. Historically stones were only transported long distances in exceptional circumstances or when a convenient water route was available. As such, the stones used in pre-industrial buildings often serve as a rough "geological map" of the area. ==See== {{Mapframe|33|-10|zoom=1|height=340|width=520}} ===Australia=== Every state of Australia has a mining history, and in most states there are former mining sites that are considered vital heritage locations, and current active locations that have facilities for visitors and tourists to visit and view. ====Queensland==== * {{see | name=Chillagoe | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-17.155 | long=144.5244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small zinc-mining rural town in the [[Far North Queensland|far north of Queensland]] and retains a heritage-registered smelter. }} ====South Australia==== * {{see | name=[[Coober Pedy]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-29.011111 | long=134.755556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-10 | content=An opal-mining town in the [[South Australia]]n [[Outback]] that is almost fully underground, as this is the only way to ensure human habitation in the harsh climate. }} ====Victoria==== * {{see | name=Central Deborah Mine | alt= | url=http://www.central-deborah.com/ | email= | address=76 Violet St | lat=-36.764866 | long=144.269667 | directions=2 minutes drive or a short walk towards Melbourne from the town centre | phone=+61 3 5443 8322 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=There are three variations on the mine tour. There is the surface tour where you can look around the mine workings, which have been reconfigured a little for tourism. There is gold panning available, and you can climb the poppet head and follow the overhead link to the battery crusher. The standard underground tour goes underground into the old minue workings. There are various types of drilling rigs, and other demonstrations making for a very interesting tour. This tour also includes the self-guided surface tour. The third adventure tour does all that the first two tours do, but also includes about 30 minutes on level 3 of the mine. This involves going down ladders, and seeing a section of the mine that hasn't been extensively modified for tourism use. It also includes a lunch or cornish pasties back in a function room that has been built back on the main level of the mine. }} ====Western Australia==== * {{see | name=Kalgoorlie Super Pit | alt= |url= | email= | address = Fimiston, West Australia | phone= | hours= | lat=-30.7774 | long=121.5055 | lastedit=2015-12-08 | content=The [[Kalgoorlie]] Super Pit in [[Western Australia]] is a vast open pit that is visitable by guided tours. }} ===Bolivia=== * {{see | name=[[Potosí]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-19.5833 | long=-65.7500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The big attraction in this high-altitude [[Bolivia]]n city is its silver mines, which are still in operation and open for tours. }} ===Chile=== * {{see | name=Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q572895 | lastedit= | content=Out in the [[Atacama Desert]] near [[Iquique]], much of the world's production of saltpeter, a naturally-occuring, nitrate-containing mineral used to be extracted in these [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-listed]] sites and the surrounding region. Prior to the early 20th century, when the synthetic production of nitrogen compounds became available, saltpeter was such a valuable agricultural resource that a long and bitter war over the area was staged between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. Now the production is miniscule compared to its heyday and pertains mostly to the organic growing enthusiasts in North America. }} ===Canada=== [[Image:Springhill Mine 1.jpg|thumb|Museum entrance, Springhill]] *{{see | name=[[Springhill#See|Springhill Miners' Museum]] | address=145 Black River Rd | phone=+1 902-597-3449 | lat=45.634 | long=-64.074 | content=Springhill, [[Nova Scotia]], was the site of a large coal mine active from the 19th century until 1958. It was shut down after an explosion in 1956 killed 39 and a 'bump' (underground earthquake) in 1958 killed 75. Today the museum offers underground tours. There is a song ''The Ballad of Springhill'', about the 1958 disaster, which has been recorded or performed by many artists including Peter, Paul & Mary, U2, and husband/wife duo Ewen MacColl and Peggy Seeger. }} *{{see | name=Cape Breton Miners Museum | alt= | url=http://www.minersmuseum.com | email= | address=17 Museum St, [[Glace Bay#See|Glace Bay]], [[Cape Breton Island|Cape Breton]] | lat=46.193 | long=-59.942 | directions= | phone=+1 902-849-4522 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-6PM (end-May to Thanksgiving) | price=C$15/person | lastedit=2016-04-04 | content=Underground mine tour, mining history museum (C$6/person) with modern exhibits. Miners Village Restaurant. Stroll through a historic village. "Men of the Deeps" miners' choir offers performances ($13/person) several times per season. }} *{{see | name=Frank Slide Interpretive Centre | url=http://history.alberta.ca/frankslide/ | address=Hwy 3 Crowsnest Pass, Blairmore | phone=+1 403-562-7388 | lat=49.600 | long=-114.394 | content=The small coal-mining town of Frank in the [[Crowsnest Pass]] region of what is now [[Alberta]] had 82 million metric tons of rock come crashing down on it in 1903. Turtle Mountain, above the town, had unstable geology to begin with and had been made more unstable by extensive mining. This was Canada's deadliest rockslide ever, killing 90, but fortunately it missed much of the town. }} ===Estonia=== * {{See|name=[[East Estonia]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=59.31077|long=27.41089|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2017-12-18|content=The region lies at the heart of Estonia's century-old oil shale mining, which is commemorated by a number of local museums. Some of the highest hills in the otherwise flat region are man-made "ash mountains"—huge piles of oil shale industry waste—that have been forested and put to recreational use.}} ===Finland=== * {{see | name=Tytyri Mining Museum | alt= | url=https://www.tytyrielamyskaivos.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.2637 | long=24.0696| directions=Southern Finland | phone=+358 44 369 1309 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=adults €14, children €8 | lastedit=2015-12-08 | content=The calcite mine in Tytyri near [[Lohja]] is open to visitors by guided tour (other languages than Finnish must be pre-booked). Minibuses take visitors 100 m underground where also a museum exhibiting the history of the mine is located. }} * {{see | name=Lampivaara amethyst mine | alt= | url=https://www.amethystmine.fi | email=kaivos@ametistikaivos.fi | address=Luostontie 4 | lat=67.119 | long=26.939 | directions=[[Luosto#Q12368276|Luosto]], Lapland | lastedit= | wikidata=Q12368276 | content=The only amethyst mine in Europe. It is worked with little machinery, not to exhaust it too soon. The entrance fee includes a guided tour to the quarry and every visitor may dig his/hers own amethyst and keep it – one of them if you pick several. }} * {{see | name=Gold digging grounds | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=68.5 | long=25.5 | directions=[[Lemmenjoki National Park]] and [http://www.nationalparks.fi/en/hammastunturi/historyandsights#Sights Hammastunturi Wilderness Area], Lapland | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=There was a gold rush in the 1870s to Ivalonjoki in the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area, and a new one to Lemmenjoki in the 1940s. There are still people digging and panning gold in both areas, although digging by machine ended in the national park in 2020. This is the largest national park in Finland and the area is generally wilderness – and was at the time of the gold rushes – but the gold areas by Lemmenjoki are easily reached by car and a boat tour, and some of the locals arrange gold related tours. Many different techniques, old and new, have left their marks and can be studied. The "crown station" in the Hammastunturi area can be visited by a trek, a former village and some of the gold grounds (by Sotajoki) can be approached with a sturdy car. }} * {{see | name=[[Tankavaara]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=68.181 | long=27.100 | directions=90 km north from [[Sodankylä]] centre, Lapland | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Touristic gold village, with heritage from a 1930s gold rush. Exhibition with large mineral collection, possibility to try gold panning, yearly gold panning championship. }} === France === * {{see | name=Centre Minier de Faymoreau | alt= | url=http://www.centreminier-vendee.fr/ | email= | address=Faymoreau, Rue la Cour | lat=46.5562 | long=-0.629711 | directions= | phone=+33 2 51 00 48 48 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q20669745 | content= }} === Germany === [[File:Zeche Zollverein Förderturm.jpg|thumb|Winding tower of UNESCO World Heritage site Zeche Zollverein, Essen, Ruhr]] * {{see | name=Precious Stone Mine Steinkaulenberg | alt=Edelsteinminen Steinkaulenberg | url=http://www.edelsteinminen-idar-oberstein.de/precious-stone-mine.html | email= | address=[[Idar-Oberstein]], Tiefensteiner Str. 87 | lat=49.729225 | long=7.287254 | directions= | phone=+49 6781 901918 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Himmelfahrt show mine | alt=Himmelfahrt Fundgrube, Besucherbergwerk Freiberg | url=http://www.besucherbergwerk-freiberg.de/welcome-2/ | email= | address=[[Freiberg]], Fuchsmühlenweg 9 | lat=50.928333 | long=13.358056 | directions= | phone=+49 3731 394571 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Tours €13–40 (reduced €6–35) | lastedit=2016-08-27 | content=300-year old silver mine, used to demonstrate the history of mining during different eras. There are different tours, from 45 minutes to 5 hours, illustrating geology, history and technology of eight centuries. The entire town of Freiberg has a long and storied history of mining (though since the fall of the GDR no active mining anywhere in the vicinity) and is also home to the second oldest technical university in the world, mostly dedicated to geology, mining and related sciences }} * {{see|name=[[Berchtesgaden#Q2215893|Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden]]|wikidata=Q2215893|content=The oldest active salt mine in Germany - since 13th century. The tour takes the visitors on a mini-rail and boat ride, as well as showcasing various techniques used for the mining.}} * The whole '''[[Ruhr]]''' area was associated with coal mining and heavy industry for over a century. While most pits and cokeries are closed by now, you can still see impressive remains like the UNESCO world heritage ''Zeche Zollverein'' in [[Essen]], as well as creatively re-used former mining and industrial sites that were transformed into parks, exhibition halls event locations or an amphitheatre. See also '''[[Industrial Heritage Trail]]'''. * [[Lüneburg]] owes much of its former wealth (still seen in old buildings) to its long history of salt mining; giving one of the resources needed for the [[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic cities]] to become major exporters of preserved fish. * The [[Central German Lake District]] is the result of open pit lignite mining and there are still a few operational mines in the area. Similar things can be said of the [[Lusatian Lake District]] ===Luxembourg=== * {{See|name=[[Land of the Red Rocks]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=49.510|long=5.993|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=A region filled to the brim with mining and industrial heritage. It is named after its soil rich in iron ore, which gives it a red tint.}} ===Nauru=== * {{See|name=[[Nauru]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=-0.527288|long=166.936724|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2017-11-10|content=Known as the "Topside" by the locals, the interior of the world's smallest republic is literally a dead wasteland left over from the decades-long extensive phosphate mining. Conveyor belts and other rusting mining equipment are dispersed throughout the rest of the South Pacific island.}} ===Norway=== [[File:Røros (9216497998) (2).jpg|thumb|[[Røros]] with the landmark church is a small mining town developed around 1645. The ''Pippi Longstocking'' TV-series was shot there in 1960s.]] * {{see | name=White Caves | alt=Kvite grotter| url= | email= | address=[[Gudvangen]] | lat=60.8572 | long=6.7632 | directions=Road E6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Fee | lastedit= | content=Abandoned mines open to public during summer. The white stone is anorthosite and exists in greater quantity at Gudvangen than anywhere else. }} * {{see | name=Silvermines at [[Kongsberg]] | alt=Sølvgruvene på Kongsberg | url=http://www.bvm.museum.no {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=[[Kongsberg]] | lat=59.632778 | long=9.599444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Fee | wikipedia=Kongsberg Silver Mines | image=Chr7 skraaplan.jpg | wikidata=Q59046 | content=A train brings the visitors 2300 m in. More than 300 years of silver mining has left a web of some 1000 km of tunnels, and 300 shafts of which the deepest is 1000 m. The mines cover an area of 30 km². More than 1 million kilograms of pure silver were extracted. }} * {{see | name=Røros mining town | alt=Røros by og kopperverk | url= | email= | address=[[Røros]], [[Trøndelag]] | lat=62.566667 | long=11.366667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Røros Copper Works | image=RorosViewFromSlagHeaps.jpg | wikidata=Q889399 | lastedit= | content=The Røros copper mines were in operation for 333 years. Røros was one of two privileged mining towns (Kongsberg the other). Røros retain the style from the time when it was developed. The unusual church dominates the skyline. The town and mines are a UNESCO world heritage site. [[File:Sweden road sign I4.svg|frameless|20px]]. }} * {{see | name=Limestone mines at Eide | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eide near [[Molde]] | lat=62.893246 | long=7.365004 | directions=Road 64 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Abandoned limestone/marble mines can be visited by groups. A wide hall with stage and seating. Access by boat across a small pond. The temperature is a constant 6°C. }} *{{see | name=Cobalt color mines | alt=Blaafarveverket i Modum | url= | email= | address=[[Drammen]], [[Buskerud]] county | lat=59.912778 | long=9.8875 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Fee: Yes | wikipedia=Blaafarveværket | image=Fyrsettingsstoll.JPEG | wikidata=Q882820 | lastedit= | content=Blaafarveværke began operations in the 1770s. The works mined cobalt ore and manufactured blue cobalt glass (smalt) and cobalt blue (cobalt aluminate) pigment. In its heyday, it supplied 80 percent of the world market for cobalt pigments. Open for visitors. Buildings are also used for art exhibitions. }} ===Pakistan=== * {{see | name=[[Khewra Salt Mine]] | alt= | url=http://pmdc.gov.pk | email= | address=Khewra | lat=32.648 | long=73.008 | directions= | phone=+92 544 231137 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-04 | content=The discovery of the world's second largest salt mine dates back to the time of Alexander the Great's Indian Campaign of the 4th century BC, although the current tunnel was started in 1872 during the [[British Raj|British rule]] of the subcontinent. The mine is a large tourist attraction, with several constructions made of colourfully illuminated salt bricks inside, and is the only source of the pinkish "Himalayan salt", which is almost fetishistically sought after by whole food enthusiasts. }} ===Poland=== * {{see | name=Wieliczka Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://kopalnia.pl | email= | address=Daniłowicza 10, [[Wieliczka]] | lat=49.9835 | long=20.0538 | directions= | phone=+48 12 278-73-02 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-09 | wikidata=Q454019 | content=Continuously in production between the 13th century and 2007, which made it one of the oldest enterprises in the world at the time it closed. This mine is famous for its many statues and chapels carved out of rock salt by the miners. }} ===South Africa=== * {{see | name=Kimberley Mine | alt= | url=http://www.thebighole.co.za | email= | address=S Circular Rd, Kimberley | lat= -28.739 | long=24.755 | directions= | phone=+27 53 839 4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-13 | content=A former open-pit and underground diamond mine, operating from 1871-1914. The open pit, also known as the Big Hole, is the largest hole in the ground excavated without machinery. There's a museum on site as well. }} ===Spain=== * {{see | name=Las Médulas | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Castile and Leon]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q696803 | lastedit= | content=A [[UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage site]], Las Médulas was the largest open-pit gold mine in the entire [[Roman Empire]]. The former pit floor, covered in dense vegetation after the mine was abandoned, now looks almost like a naturally formed canyon, with the sides dotted by eroded hills shaped by the extensive use of a Roman hydraulic mining technique known as ''ruina montium'' ("ruining the mountain"), whereby water was injected into man-made bores so it could pressure the rock walls surrounding it to crack open. }} ===Sweden=== [[File:Copper Mine Museum in Falun.JPG|thumb|Mining museum in Falun]] * {{see | name=[[Bergslagen]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=northern Svealand, Sweden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-03 | content=This region north of Lake Mälaren is the historical heartland of Swedish mining, metallurgy and industry. It was once one of the most productive mining areas in Europe, but has now declined into a single mine. However, a lot of mining heritage remains open for visitors. }} ** {{see | name=Falu Gruva | alt=Falun Mine | url=http://www.falugruva.se/en/ | email= | address=[[Falun]], [[Dalarna]] | lat=60.603824 | long=15.628738 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Falu gruva (by Pudelek) 2.JPG | lastedit=2017-07-21 | content=The Falun copper mine operated for around 1000 years until 1992. It was for centuries the largest copper mine in Europe and supplied about 70% of all copper need in Europe. Several thousand shafts were dug. The mining company is possibly the oldest business enterprise in the world. Now museum open to the public. The mines and the town are a UNESCO world heritage site. [[File:Sweden road sign I4.svg|frameless|20px]] }} * {{see | name=[[Norrbotten megasystem]] | directions=[[Norrbotten County]], Sweden | content=An industrial cluster around the 500 kilometre Iron Ore Line through Arctic Scandinavia. }} ** {{see | name=Kiruna mine | alt= | url=http://www.kirunalapland.se/en/see-do/guided-tours-to-lkabs-visitor-centre/ | email= | address=[[Kiruna]] | lat=67.850854 | long=20.196432 | directions=The tours starts at the main square at the tourist information centre. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=360 SEK (adult), 260 SEK (student/senior), 60 SEK (child; 1 child, 6-15 years, for free per paying adult). | image= | lastedit=2017-07-21 | content=Almost 3 hour guided tour to the iron mine takes you to the mininge company's (LKAB) visitor centre located at 540 metres underground. The history, as well as ongoing mining operations and Kiruna town moving due to the mine subsidence, effecting large parts of the city, is discussed. The tour can be booked in the information centre or online. The mine is part of the [[Norrbotten Megasystem]], a 500-kilometre long industrial cluster. }} * {{see | name=Ytterby | lat=59.42571 | long=18.32528 | directions=Resarö, [[Stockholm Archipelago#Q631733|Stockholm Archipelago]] | wikidata=Q631733 | content=A mine on Resarö, with one unusual distinction: nine chemical elements of the periodic table were discovered here, four of them named by the settlement: ''yttrium'', ''ytterbium'', ''terbium'' and ''erbium''. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Science and Technology | alt=Tekniska Museet | url=http://www.tekniskamuseet.se | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=[[Stockholm/Östermalm#Q177550|Stockholm]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q177550 | content=The museum's basement floor is furnished as a Swedish mine, with historical dioramas and exhibitions for the whole family. }} * {{see | name=Sala Silver Mine | alt=Sala silvergruva | url=https://www.salasilvergruva.se/ | email= | address=Drottning Christinas väg | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3314828 | lastedit=2021-04-19 | content= }} === Turkey === * {{see | name=Marble Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Saraylar, [[Marmara (island)|Marmara Island]] | lat=40.65305 | long=27.65286 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A marble quarry abandoned during the Roman period, scattered by unfinished sculptures and monuments never made to their intended sites. }} * {{see | name=[[Zonguldak]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187895 | lastedit= | content=Turkey's main coal mining area is slowly degenerating into a brownfield landscape as its coalfield, worked since the 1820s, runs out. Nevertheless, it has various sites and attractions associated with its mining history. }} === United Kingdom === {{seealso|Industrial Britain}} * {{see | name=Grime's Graves | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/grimes-graves-prehistoric-flint-mine/ | email= | address=Lynford, Weeting, [[Thetford]] IP26 5DE | lat= 52.4773 | long=0.6727 | directions=near [[Barton]], [[Suffolk]] | phone=+44 370 333-1181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-11-21 | content=Prehistoric flint mine, extensive neolithic flint extraction. }} * {{see | name=National Mining Museum for England | alt= | url= | email= | address=New Road, [[Wakefield (England)]] WF4 4RH | lat=53.6433 | long=-1.6211 | directions= | phone=+44 1924 848806 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM–5PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q12062380| wikipedia=National Coal Mining Museum for England | image=NationalCoalminingMuseum(IanM)Aug2005.jpg | lastedit=2018-02-07 | content=Few of us nowadays will ever go underground in a working coal mine, so this museum (the former Caphouse Colliery) is an essential experience of this great but departed industry. }} * {{see | name=Poldark Mine | alt= | url=http://www.poldarkmine.org.uk | email=info@poldarkmine.org.uk | address=Trenear, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0ES | lat=50.138 | long=-5.244 | directions=two miles north of Helston on the B3297 Helston to Redruth road | phone=+44 1326 573 173 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£18.50/adult | wikipedia=Poldark Mine | image=Poldark.JPG | wikidata=Q7209224 | lastedit=2017-12-09 | content=Guided tour through ancient tin mine workings, museum of mining equipment and craft workshops. Located within the Wendron Mining District of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. }} * {{see | name=Wheal Martyn Museum | alt= | url=https://www.wheal-martyn.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7838962| wikipedia=Treverbyn | image=Visitor Centre and Gallery at Wheal Martyn - geograph.org.uk - 965930.jpg | lastedit=2017-12-09 | content= }} *[[Castleton]] is home to the only Blue John mines in the world as well as four major caves/caverns which tourists can visit. * {{see | name=LLechwed Slate Caverns | alt= | url=http://llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk | email= | address=A470, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB | lat=53.005 | long=-3.940 | directions= | phone=+44 1766 830306 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ancient rock quarry, a museum and underground tour gives a view of the North Wales slate industry. Workshops, history exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Dolaucothi Gold Mines | alt= | url= | email=dolaucothi@nationaltrust.org.uk | address= Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8US | lat=52.04455 | long=-3.94992 | directions= on A482 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-11 | content=A wooded hillside, leading to the entrance of gold mines that were in use from the Roman period, up until the early 20th century. Guided tours. Phone before arrival to confirm opening times. }} * {{see | name=Big Pit National Coal Museum | alt= | url=http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/bigpit/visit/ | email=bigpit@museumwales.ac.uk | address=[[Blaenafon]], Torfaen NP4 9XP | lat=51.772777 | long=-3.105164 | directions= | phone=+44 29 2057-3650 | tollfree= | fax=+44 29 2057-3668 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-12 | content=A former colliery site with extensive surface buildings; a 90-min guided tour goes underground to what was a literal 'coalface' of an entire energy industry, Stout footwear recommended. 0300 111 2 333 (local-rate within UK) }} * {{see | name=Silver Mountain Experience | alt= | url=http://www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/ | email= | address=Llywernog, [[Ponterwyd]], Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3AB | lat=52.412001 | long=-3.865821 | directions= | phone=+44 1970 890-620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mining museum in restored Victorian-era silver mine buildings, 45-minute guided tours of the mine and trail. Café and souvenir shop; special events seasonally. }} ===United States=== * {{see | name=Butte, Montana | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.0038 | long=-112.5348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=[[Butte]] owes its existence to mining. Its most notable feature is the '''Berkeley Pit''', a former copper-mining operation, now a water-filled chasm laden with so many heavy metals that it can kill birds who land in it. The exhibits and gift shop present its history with an odd mix of defensiveness about the past and pride in current remediation efforts. Butte also contains the '''World Museum of Mining''' with a reconstructed mining town and underground mine tours, as well as the '''Mineral Museum''' on the Montana Tech campus. }} * The [[Industrialization of the United States]] was built on coal and steel. Most of what is now the "rust belt" was active in mining coal and the various ores needed to transform an agrarian backwater into the leading industrial power of the world. Some mines and related industries are on the [[American Industry Tour]]. * Similarly, many of the [[ghost towns]] of the American West were boomtowns that sprung up around gold and silver strikes, only to dwindle away once the mines were worked out. One of the best-preserved is near [[Yosemite National Park]]: {{see | name=Bodie, California | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.2122 | long=-119.0156 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=}} * {{see | name=West Virginia Mine Wars Museum | alt= | url=https://wvminewars.org/ | email= | address=401 Mate St, Matewan | lat=37.6258 | long=-82.1743 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until late 2021 due to COVID-19 | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=Tucked in the remote mountains along the West Virginia/Kentucky border, this museum tells the little-known story of the huge wars fought between striking coal miners and law enforcement trying to break their strike. The Battle of Blair Mountain was the largest insurrection in the USA since the American Civil War, and the US Army was brought in to crush it. }} ==Do== One of the more obvious things often offered to tourists is gold panning, especially in areas where it has a tradition, like those invoking the [[Old West]] of the U.S. The gold is by no means gone from the rivers and creeks of this world. While people believe it is possible to make a living by gold panning, chances are that the gold you find (if any) while panning in any river is not enough to pay for a first world lifestyle. However, gold panning is still practised in low income countries as an additional or only source of income. At some destinations, a private company will maintain an active claim on a river where there's a little gold left so that visitors may try their hand at gold panning. * {{do | name=[[Chicken]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=Alaska, USA | lat=64.07 | long=-141.94 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This tiny village mined 55,000 ounces (1710 kg) of gold from 1959-1971; it is now an off-the-grid partial ghost town with three operating businesses, a small post office and an airstrip. There is a seasonal gravel road. The old Pedro Gold Dredge #4 is open for daily tours and a couple of vendors offer recreational gold panning. }} ==Talk== In many areas that have a long mining tradition a whole range of mining related terms have been coined and in some cases entered the general vocabulary. They can be confusing even to native speakers of the respective languages. ==Stay safe== Before modern times, miners commonly died in accidents, if not from unhealthy conditions. Even today, mining is a hazardous industry. If you are on a guided tour at a mining site, stay with the tour. Don't drift away or get diverted. If the tour is accredited and official, miners have specific guidelines of what not to do. Take careful note, and follow the rules. Old, abandoned and unmaintained mine workings inherently pose more risk than those that are in active use. Exploring these as a lone traveller is advised against in very strong terms, consider joining an appropriate specialist group instead. The small number of enthusiast and research groups that exist have built up appropriate procedures, expertise and trust with site owners over many years. Even when precautions are taken, those expeditions inherently pose some danger and thus people get stuck or injured in far reaches of underground structures, making it all the more imperative to have others know about your precise plans and whereabouts. Bad air is also a serious hazard in many abandoned mine workings, as exposed strata continue to oxidise. This creates lethal pockets of carbon dioxide or monoxide, amongst other toxic gases. It is not without reason that mining folklore talks about various forms of ''damp'' (such as ''blackdamp''), or about the proverbial 'canary in a coal mine'. Weather and sub surface conditions may shift various damps into pools at the surface, which you'll notice when your dog (the modern canary) drops dead. Cave canem! ==Respect== As mining can be both a vital part of a local economy, and a hazard for the environment and traditional lifestyle, it tends to be a sensitive political topic. Be aware that locals can have strong opinions on the issue. ==See also== * [[Ghost towns#Gold rush towns]] and [[Ghost towns#Abandoned mining communities|abandoned mining communities]]. Many ghost towns used to be mining communities; a few were abandoned due to environmental disaster or after losing a road or rail line; many more were deserted after too little ore remained to be profitable. * [[Industrial tourism]] — many mining regions are also places to see former or modern day industrial plants processing the extracted resources. {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Industrial tourism}} 8atn86ctmxelg3g7v5w4he6tvv7h0w8 4487851 4487840 2022-07-21T17:51:37Z Andree.sk 2166688 +Romania wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Mining tourism banner Mønsted Kalkgruber.jpg}} : ''For the danger posed by landmines, see [[War_zone_safety#Land_mines_and_unexploded_ordnance|War zone safety]].'' This is a travel topic that deals with all man-made structures under and above ground whose primary purpose is or was the extraction of natural resources as well as their remains, associated culture and small scale resource gathering such as gold panning from rivers and creeks. ==Understand== [[File:Falun Copper Mine 14.jpg|thumb|Inside Falun copper mine]] {{quote|I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine<br>I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine<br>I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal<br>And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"<br>|author=Merle Travis}} Humans have dug more or less elaborate holes in the ground in order to extract resources since time immemorial. The oldest things archaeologists interpret as mines were found in modern day [[Egypt]] and were used to extract flint-stone some 30,000 years ago. Since then both the need for resources and the technology with which to extract them have experienced tremendous development. Modern-day open pit mines have transformed whole landscapes and once they are done removing all the desirable resources, they often leave man made lakes and ponds that can become a source of economic activity and tourism in themselves. While some active mines can be visited, most mines are closed to the general public with only a small visitor center if anything. However, some former mines have been converted into tourist attractions and you can learn a lot about the history of the region or of mining in general by taking a guided tour. Some towns owe their existence or at least their current size to mining, be it [[Kiruna]] and [[Falun]] in Sweden, [[Norilsk]], [[Nikel]] and [[Kostomuksha]] in Russia or continued human presence on [[Svalbard]]. On the other hand, many former mining communities have been deserted once resources run out, and bustling cities can become [[ghost towns]] overnight. In some cases a mine itself is the reason for the abandonment of settlements, either to make room for open-pit mining or due to environmental damage through mining. Mining has also added its own rich character to the cultural heritage of many regions, from the vocal imagery of the powerful folk ballad to the literary works recording old miners' myths. Mining and the associated culture – especially in the context of coal and steel – have also influenced things as seemingly unrelated or trivial as the names or nicknames of sports teams. Many areas that used to depend on mining have since entered a decline, and despite efforts to diversify the economy, many of those areas have become "rust belts". That said, people are often immensely proud of the mining heritage of their region and some even continue to live those traditions after having moved elsewhere for a job. ===Open pit versus shafts and tunnels=== Modern mining often involves open pits created by huge machines. Older mines dug by hand often involve deep shafts and ''adits'' (long narrow corridors) underground. For instance the silver mines at [[Kongsberg]] have their deepest point 1,000 m below the surface (several hundred meters below sea level). The intensive 1600s mining at Falun eventually resulted in a collapse of the underground sections, leaving a 100 m deep and 1 km wide crater. A major problem in (almost) all mining operations is water. In open pit mines groundwater has to be lowered, sometimes hundreds of meters, leading to ground movements that are still not entirely understood and that have in the past damaged houses and other structures several kilometers away from the mine. Once the mining is concluded, the rising groundwater also results in ground movements, which may further endanger property. In underground mines, water has to be pumped out and of course this water has to go somewhere. In some cases it is simply pumped into abandoned shafts, but elsewhere ponds have been created just from surplus mine water. ===Salt mining=== Salt was a valuable commodity for most of history and scarce in almost all inland regions. The very word "salary" is derived from the Latin word for salt. While sea salt played a role in some areas, it was then as it is now vastly overshadowed by mined salt. While the people in the [[North Frisian Islands]] burned the ground beneath their feet to access the salt contained in the peat, other regions had access to vast underground salt domes, which gave rise to fabulous wealth and to names often relating to former or current salt production, such as [[Bad Reichenhall]] with "hall" being a frequent component in city names in Central Europe related to salt mining. Mothballed rock salt mines are considered among the safest options to get rid of radioactive waste through deep geological disposal of such materials. The crystalline salt is an excellent thermal conductor to keep the waste cool, and naturally seals cavities to prevent leakage of active materials into ground water. It is expected that at least some mines that are open to the public will be converted for such waste disposal purposes in the near future, making them inaccessible to mankind for the next 50,000 years. If you have an interest in visiting decommissioned salt mines, do it as soon as you can. ===Quarries=== Quarrying is open-pit extraction of bulk minerals such as granite, limestone and gravel. While toxic pollution is less of a concern, they can be enormous in size (even the pre-industrial ones) and cause landslides. As their products are expensive to transport, they tend to be near population centers. Historically stones were only transported long distances in exceptional circumstances or when a convenient water route was available. As such, the stones used in pre-industrial buildings often serve as a rough "geological map" of the area. ==See== {{Mapframe|33|-10|zoom=1|height=340|width=520}} ===Australia=== Every state of Australia has a mining history, and in most states there are former mining sites that are considered vital heritage locations, and current active locations that have facilities for visitors and tourists to visit and view. ====Queensland==== * {{see | name=Chillagoe | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-17.155 | long=144.5244 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A small zinc-mining rural town in the [[Far North Queensland|far north of Queensland]] and retains a heritage-registered smelter. }} ====South Australia==== * {{see | name=[[Coober Pedy]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-29.011111 | long=134.755556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-10 | content=An opal-mining town in the [[South Australia]]n [[Outback]] that is almost fully underground, as this is the only way to ensure human habitation in the harsh climate. }} ====Victoria==== * {{see | name=Central Deborah Mine | alt= | url=http://www.central-deborah.com/ | email= | address=76 Violet St | lat=-36.764866 | long=144.269667 | directions=2 minutes drive or a short walk towards Melbourne from the town centre | phone=+61 3 5443 8322 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=There are three variations on the mine tour. There is the surface tour where you can look around the mine workings, which have been reconfigured a little for tourism. There is gold panning available, and you can climb the poppet head and follow the overhead link to the battery crusher. The standard underground tour goes underground into the old minue workings. There are various types of drilling rigs, and other demonstrations making for a very interesting tour. This tour also includes the self-guided surface tour. The third adventure tour does all that the first two tours do, but also includes about 30 minutes on level 3 of the mine. This involves going down ladders, and seeing a section of the mine that hasn't been extensively modified for tourism use. It also includes a lunch or cornish pasties back in a function room that has been built back on the main level of the mine. }} ====Western Australia==== * {{see | name=Kalgoorlie Super Pit | alt= |url= | email= | address = Fimiston, West Australia | phone= | hours= | lat=-30.7774 | long=121.5055 | lastedit=2015-12-08 | content=The [[Kalgoorlie]] Super Pit in [[Western Australia]] is a vast open pit that is visitable by guided tours. }} ===Bolivia=== * {{see | name=[[Potosí]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-19.5833 | long=-65.7500 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=The big attraction in this high-altitude [[Bolivia]]n city is its silver mines, which are still in operation and open for tours. }} ===Chile=== * {{see | name=Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q572895 | lastedit= | content=Out in the [[Atacama Desert]] near [[Iquique]], much of the world's production of saltpeter, a naturally-occuring, nitrate-containing mineral used to be extracted in these [[UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO-listed]] sites and the surrounding region. Prior to the early 20th century, when the synthetic production of nitrogen compounds became available, saltpeter was such a valuable agricultural resource that a long and bitter war over the area was staged between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. Now the production is miniscule compared to its heyday and pertains mostly to the organic growing enthusiasts in North America. }} ===Canada=== [[Image:Springhill Mine 1.jpg|thumb|Museum entrance, Springhill]] *{{see | name=[[Springhill#See|Springhill Miners' Museum]] | address=145 Black River Rd | phone=+1 902-597-3449 | lat=45.634 | long=-64.074 | content=Springhill, [[Nova Scotia]], was the site of a large coal mine active from the 19th century until 1958. It was shut down after an explosion in 1956 killed 39 and a 'bump' (underground earthquake) in 1958 killed 75. Today the museum offers underground tours. There is a song ''The Ballad of Springhill'', about the 1958 disaster, which has been recorded or performed by many artists including Peter, Paul & Mary, U2, and husband/wife duo Ewen MacColl and Peggy Seeger. }} *{{see | name=Cape Breton Miners Museum | alt= | url=http://www.minersmuseum.com | email= | address=17 Museum St, [[Glace Bay#See|Glace Bay]], [[Cape Breton Island|Cape Breton]] | lat=46.193 | long=-59.942 | directions= | phone=+1 902-849-4522 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-6PM (end-May to Thanksgiving) | price=C$15/person | lastedit=2016-04-04 | content=Underground mine tour, mining history museum (C$6/person) with modern exhibits. Miners Village Restaurant. Stroll through a historic village. "Men of the Deeps" miners' choir offers performances ($13/person) several times per season. }} *{{see | name=Frank Slide Interpretive Centre | url=http://history.alberta.ca/frankslide/ | address=Hwy 3 Crowsnest Pass, Blairmore | phone=+1 403-562-7388 | lat=49.600 | long=-114.394 | content=The small coal-mining town of Frank in the [[Crowsnest Pass]] region of what is now [[Alberta]] had 82 million metric tons of rock come crashing down on it in 1903. Turtle Mountain, above the town, had unstable geology to begin with and had been made more unstable by extensive mining. This was Canada's deadliest rockslide ever, killing 90, but fortunately it missed much of the town. }} ===Estonia=== * {{See|name=[[East Estonia]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=59.31077|long=27.41089|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2017-12-18|content=The region lies at the heart of Estonia's century-old oil shale mining, which is commemorated by a number of local museums. Some of the highest hills in the otherwise flat region are man-made "ash mountains"—huge piles of oil shale industry waste—that have been forested and put to recreational use.}} ===Finland=== * {{see | name=Tytyri Mining Museum | alt= | url=https://www.tytyrielamyskaivos.fi/en/ | email= | address= | lat=60.2637 | long=24.0696| directions=Southern Finland | phone=+358 44 369 1309 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=adults €14, children €8 | lastedit=2015-12-08 | content=The calcite mine in Tytyri near [[Lohja]] is open to visitors by guided tour (other languages than Finnish must be pre-booked). Minibuses take visitors 100 m underground where also a museum exhibiting the history of the mine is located. }} * {{see | name=Lampivaara amethyst mine | alt= | url=https://www.amethystmine.fi | email=kaivos@ametistikaivos.fi | address=Luostontie 4 | lat=67.119 | long=26.939 | directions=[[Luosto#Q12368276|Luosto]], Lapland | lastedit= | wikidata=Q12368276 | content=The only amethyst mine in Europe. It is worked with little machinery, not to exhaust it too soon. The entrance fee includes a guided tour to the quarry and every visitor may dig his/hers own amethyst and keep it – one of them if you pick several. }} * {{see | name=Gold digging grounds | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=68.5 | long=25.5 | directions=[[Lemmenjoki National Park]] and [http://www.nationalparks.fi/en/hammastunturi/historyandsights#Sights Hammastunturi Wilderness Area], Lapland | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=There was a gold rush in the 1870s to Ivalonjoki in the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area, and a new one to Lemmenjoki in the 1940s. There are still people digging and panning gold in both areas, although digging by machine ended in the national park in 2020. This is the largest national park in Finland and the area is generally wilderness – and was at the time of the gold rushes – but the gold areas by Lemmenjoki are easily reached by car and a boat tour, and some of the locals arrange gold related tours. Many different techniques, old and new, have left their marks and can be studied. The "crown station" in the Hammastunturi area can be visited by a trek, a former village and some of the gold grounds (by Sotajoki) can be approached with a sturdy car. }} * {{see | name=[[Tankavaara]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=68.181 | long=27.100 | directions=90 km north from [[Sodankylä]] centre, Lapland | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Touristic gold village, with heritage from a 1930s gold rush. Exhibition with large mineral collection, possibility to try gold panning, yearly gold panning championship. }} === France === * {{see | name=Centre Minier de Faymoreau | alt= | url=http://www.centreminier-vendee.fr/ | email= | address=Faymoreau, Rue la Cour | lat=46.5562 | long=-0.629711 | directions= | phone=+33 2 51 00 48 48 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q20669745 | content= }} === Germany === [[File:Zeche Zollverein Förderturm.jpg|thumb|Winding tower of UNESCO World Heritage site Zeche Zollverein, Essen, Ruhr]] * {{see | name=Precious Stone Mine Steinkaulenberg | alt=Edelsteinminen Steinkaulenberg | url=http://www.edelsteinminen-idar-oberstein.de/precious-stone-mine.html | email= | address=[[Idar-Oberstein]], Tiefensteiner Str. 87 | lat=49.729225 | long=7.287254 | directions= | phone=+49 6781 901918 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{see | name=Himmelfahrt show mine | alt=Himmelfahrt Fundgrube, Besucherbergwerk Freiberg | url=http://www.besucherbergwerk-freiberg.de/welcome-2/ | email= | address=[[Freiberg]], Fuchsmühlenweg 9 | lat=50.928333 | long=13.358056 | directions= | phone=+49 3731 394571 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Tours €13–40 (reduced €6–35) | lastedit=2016-08-27 | content=300-year old silver mine, used to demonstrate the history of mining during different eras. There are different tours, from 45 minutes to 5 hours, illustrating geology, history and technology of eight centuries. The entire town of Freiberg has a long and storied history of mining (though since the fall of the GDR no active mining anywhere in the vicinity) and is also home to the second oldest technical university in the world, mostly dedicated to geology, mining and related sciences }} * {{see|name=[[Berchtesgaden#Q2215893|Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden]]|wikidata=Q2215893|content=The oldest active salt mine in Germany - since 13th century. The tour takes the visitors on a mini-rail and boat ride, as well as showcasing various techniques used for the mining.}} * The whole '''[[Ruhr]]''' area was associated with coal mining and heavy industry for over a century. While most pits and cokeries are closed by now, you can still see impressive remains like the UNESCO world heritage ''Zeche Zollverein'' in [[Essen]], as well as creatively re-used former mining and industrial sites that were transformed into parks, exhibition halls event locations or an amphitheatre. See also '''[[Industrial Heritage Trail]]'''. * [[Lüneburg]] owes much of its former wealth (still seen in old buildings) to its long history of salt mining; giving one of the resources needed for the [[Hanseatic League|Hanseatic cities]] to become major exporters of preserved fish. * The [[Central German Lake District]] is the result of open pit lignite mining and there are still a few operational mines in the area. Similar things can be said of the [[Lusatian Lake District]] ===Luxembourg=== * {{See|name=[[Land of the Red Rocks]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=49.510|long=5.993|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=|content=A region filled to the brim with mining and industrial heritage. It is named after its soil rich in iron ore, which gives it a red tint.}} ===Nauru=== * {{See|name=[[Nauru]]|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=-0.527288|long=166.936724|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|fax=|hours=|price=|lastedit=2017-11-10|content=Known as the "Topside" by the locals, the interior of the world's smallest republic is literally a dead wasteland left over from the decades-long extensive phosphate mining. Conveyor belts and other rusting mining equipment are dispersed throughout the rest of the South Pacific island.}} ===Norway=== [[File:Røros (9216497998) (2).jpg|thumb|[[Røros]] with the landmark church is a small mining town developed around 1645. The ''Pippi Longstocking'' TV-series was shot there in 1960s.]] * {{see | name=White Caves | alt=Kvite grotter| url= | email= | address=[[Gudvangen]] | lat=60.8572 | long=6.7632 | directions=Road E6 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Fee | lastedit= | content=Abandoned mines open to public during summer. The white stone is anorthosite and exists in greater quantity at Gudvangen than anywhere else. }} * {{see | name=Silvermines at [[Kongsberg]] | alt=Sølvgruvene på Kongsberg | url=http://www.bvm.museum.no {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address=[[Kongsberg]] | lat=59.632778 | long=9.599444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Fee | wikipedia=Kongsberg Silver Mines | image=Chr7 skraaplan.jpg | wikidata=Q59046 | content=A train brings the visitors 2300 m in. More than 300 years of silver mining has left a web of some 1000 km of tunnels, and 300 shafts of which the deepest is 1000 m. The mines cover an area of 30 km². More than 1 million kilograms of pure silver were extracted. }} * {{see | name=Røros mining town | alt=Røros by og kopperverk | url= | email= | address=[[Røros]], [[Trøndelag]] | lat=62.566667 | long=11.366667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Røros Copper Works | image=RorosViewFromSlagHeaps.jpg | wikidata=Q889399 | lastedit= | content=The Røros copper mines were in operation for 333 years. Røros was one of two privileged mining towns (Kongsberg the other). Røros retain the style from the time when it was developed. The unusual church dominates the skyline. The town and mines are a UNESCO world heritage site. [[File:Sweden road sign I4.svg|frameless|20px]]. }} * {{see | name=Limestone mines at Eide | alt= | url= | email= | address=Eide near [[Molde]] | lat=62.893246 | long=7.365004 | directions=Road 64 | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Abandoned limestone/marble mines can be visited by groups. A wide hall with stage and seating. Access by boat across a small pond. The temperature is a constant 6°C. }} *{{see | name=Cobalt color mines | alt=Blaafarveverket i Modum | url= | email= | address=[[Drammen]], [[Buskerud]] county | lat=59.912778 | long=9.8875 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Fee: Yes | wikipedia=Blaafarveværket | image=Fyrsettingsstoll.JPEG | wikidata=Q882820 | lastedit= | content=Blaafarveværke began operations in the 1770s. The works mined cobalt ore and manufactured blue cobalt glass (smalt) and cobalt blue (cobalt aluminate) pigment. In its heyday, it supplied 80 percent of the world market for cobalt pigments. Open for visitors. Buildings are also used for art exhibitions. }} ===Pakistan=== * {{see | name=[[Khewra Salt Mine]] | alt= | url=http://pmdc.gov.pk | email= | address=Khewra | lat=32.648 | long=73.008 | directions= | phone=+92 544 231137 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-04 | content=The discovery of the world's second largest salt mine dates back to the time of Alexander the Great's Indian Campaign of the 4th century BC, although the current tunnel was started in 1872 during the [[British Raj|British rule]] of the subcontinent. The mine is a large tourist attraction, with several constructions made of colourfully illuminated salt bricks inside, and is the only source of the pinkish "Himalayan salt", which is almost fetishistically sought after by whole food enthusiasts. }} ===Poland=== * {{see | name=Wieliczka Salt Mine | alt= | url=http://kopalnia.pl | email= | address=Daniłowicza 10, [[Wieliczka]] | lat=49.9835 | long=20.0538 | directions= | phone=+48 12 278-73-02 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-09 | wikidata=Q454019 | content=Continuously in production between the 13th century and 2007, which made it one of the oldest enterprises in the world at the time it closed. This mine is famous for its many statues and chapels carved out of rock salt by the miners. }} ===Romania=== * {{see|name=[[Turda#Q1855800|Salina Turda]]|content=Terminated mine, nowadays used as amusement park|wikidata=Q1855800}} * {{see|name=[[Slănic#Q7404638|Salina Vech]]|content=Impressively large galleries of the old salt mines with a museum|wikidata=Q7404638}} ===South Africa=== * {{see | name=Kimberley Mine | alt= | url=http://www.thebighole.co.za | email= | address=S Circular Rd, Kimberley | lat= -28.739 | long=24.755 | directions= | phone=+27 53 839 4600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-13 | content=A former open-pit and underground diamond mine, operating from 1871-1914. The open pit, also known as the Big Hole, is the largest hole in the ground excavated without machinery. There's a museum on site as well. }} ===Spain=== * {{see | name=Las Médulas | alt= | url= | email= | address=[[Castile and Leon]] | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q696803 | lastedit= | content=A [[UNESCO World Heritage List|World Heritage site]], Las Médulas was the largest open-pit gold mine in the entire [[Roman Empire]]. The former pit floor, covered in dense vegetation after the mine was abandoned, now looks almost like a naturally formed canyon, with the sides dotted by eroded hills shaped by the extensive use of a Roman hydraulic mining technique known as ''ruina montium'' ("ruining the mountain"), whereby water was injected into man-made bores so it could pressure the rock walls surrounding it to crack open. }} ===Sweden=== [[File:Copper Mine Museum in Falun.JPG|thumb|Mining museum in Falun]] * {{see | name=[[Bergslagen]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=northern Svealand, Sweden | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-10-03 | content=This region north of Lake Mälaren is the historical heartland of Swedish mining, metallurgy and industry. It was once one of the most productive mining areas in Europe, but has now declined into a single mine. However, a lot of mining heritage remains open for visitors. }} ** {{see | name=Falu Gruva | alt=Falun Mine | url=http://www.falugruva.se/en/ | email= | address=[[Falun]], [[Dalarna]] | lat=60.603824 | long=15.628738 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Falu gruva (by Pudelek) 2.JPG | lastedit=2017-07-21 | content=The Falun copper mine operated for around 1000 years until 1992. It was for centuries the largest copper mine in Europe and supplied about 70% of all copper need in Europe. Several thousand shafts were dug. The mining company is possibly the oldest business enterprise in the world. Now museum open to the public. The mines and the town are a UNESCO world heritage site. [[File:Sweden road sign I4.svg|frameless|20px]] }} * {{see | name=[[Norrbotten megasystem]] | directions=[[Norrbotten County]], Sweden | content=An industrial cluster around the 500 kilometre Iron Ore Line through Arctic Scandinavia. }} ** {{see | name=Kiruna mine | alt= | url=http://www.kirunalapland.se/en/see-do/guided-tours-to-lkabs-visitor-centre/ | email= | address=[[Kiruna]] | lat=67.850854 | long=20.196432 | directions=The tours starts at the main square at the tourist information centre. | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=360 SEK (adult), 260 SEK (student/senior), 60 SEK (child; 1 child, 6-15 years, for free per paying adult). | image= | lastedit=2017-07-21 | content=Almost 3 hour guided tour to the iron mine takes you to the mininge company's (LKAB) visitor centre located at 540 metres underground. The history, as well as ongoing mining operations and Kiruna town moving due to the mine subsidence, effecting large parts of the city, is discussed. The tour can be booked in the information centre or online. The mine is part of the [[Norrbotten Megasystem]], a 500-kilometre long industrial cluster. }} * {{see | name=Ytterby | lat=59.42571 | long=18.32528 | directions=Resarö, [[Stockholm Archipelago#Q631733|Stockholm Archipelago]] | wikidata=Q631733 | content=A mine on Resarö, with one unusual distinction: nine chemical elements of the periodic table were discovered here, four of them named by the settlement: ''yttrium'', ''ytterbium'', ''terbium'' and ''erbium''. }} * {{see | name=Museum of Science and Technology | alt=Tekniska Museet | url=http://www.tekniskamuseet.se | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=[[Stockholm/Östermalm#Q177550|Stockholm]] | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q177550 | content=The museum's basement floor is furnished as a Swedish mine, with historical dioramas and exhibitions for the whole family. }} * {{see | name=Sala Silver Mine | alt=Sala silvergruva | url=https://www.salasilvergruva.se/ | email= | address=Drottning Christinas väg | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3314828 | lastedit=2021-04-19 | content= }} === Turkey === * {{see | name=Marble Museum | alt= | url= | email= | address=Saraylar, [[Marmara (island)|Marmara Island]] | lat=40.65305 | long=27.65286 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A marble quarry abandoned during the Roman period, scattered by unfinished sculptures and monuments never made to their intended sites. }} * {{see | name=[[Zonguldak]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q187895 | lastedit= | content=Turkey's main coal mining area is slowly degenerating into a brownfield landscape as its coalfield, worked since the 1820s, runs out. Nevertheless, it has various sites and attractions associated with its mining history. }} === United Kingdom === {{seealso|Industrial Britain}} * {{see | name=Grime's Graves | alt= | url=https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/grimes-graves-prehistoric-flint-mine/ | email= | address=Lynford, Weeting, [[Thetford]] IP26 5DE | lat= 52.4773 | long=0.6727 | directions=near [[Barton]], [[Suffolk]] | phone=+44 370 333-1181 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-11-21 | content=Prehistoric flint mine, extensive neolithic flint extraction. }} * {{see | name=National Mining Museum for England | alt= | url= | email= | address=New Road, [[Wakefield (England)]] WF4 4RH | lat=53.6433 | long=-1.6211 | directions= | phone=+44 1924 848806 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 10AM–5PM | price=Free | wikidata=Q12062380| wikipedia=National Coal Mining Museum for England | image=NationalCoalminingMuseum(IanM)Aug2005.jpg | lastedit=2018-02-07 | content=Few of us nowadays will ever go underground in a working coal mine, so this museum (the former Caphouse Colliery) is an essential experience of this great but departed industry. }} * {{see | name=Poldark Mine | alt= | url=http://www.poldarkmine.org.uk | email=info@poldarkmine.org.uk | address=Trenear, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0ES | lat=50.138 | long=-5.244 | directions=two miles north of Helston on the B3297 Helston to Redruth road | phone=+44 1326 573 173 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=£18.50/adult | wikipedia=Poldark Mine | image=Poldark.JPG | wikidata=Q7209224 | lastedit=2017-12-09 | content=Guided tour through ancient tin mine workings, museum of mining equipment and craft workshops. Located within the Wendron Mining District of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. }} * {{see | name=Wheal Martyn Museum | alt= | url=https://www.wheal-martyn.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7838962| wikipedia=Treverbyn | image=Visitor Centre and Gallery at Wheal Martyn - geograph.org.uk - 965930.jpg | lastedit=2017-12-09 | content= }} *[[Castleton]] is home to the only Blue John mines in the world as well as four major caves/caverns which tourists can visit. * {{see | name=LLechwed Slate Caverns | alt= | url=http://llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk | email= | address=A470, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB | lat=53.005 | long=-3.940 | directions= | phone=+44 1766 830306 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Ancient rock quarry, a museum and underground tour gives a view of the North Wales slate industry. Workshops, history exhibits. }} * {{see | name=Dolaucothi Gold Mines | alt= | url= | email=dolaucothi@nationaltrust.org.uk | address= Pumsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8US | lat=52.04455 | long=-3.94992 | directions= on A482 | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-11 | content=A wooded hillside, leading to the entrance of gold mines that were in use from the Roman period, up until the early 20th century. Guided tours. Phone before arrival to confirm opening times. }} * {{see | name=Big Pit National Coal Museum | alt= | url=http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/bigpit/visit/ | email=bigpit@museumwales.ac.uk | address=[[Blaenafon]], Torfaen NP4 9XP | lat=51.772777 | long=-3.105164 | directions= | phone=+44 29 2057-3650 | tollfree= | fax=+44 29 2057-3668 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2015-12-12 | content=A former colliery site with extensive surface buildings; a 90-min guided tour goes underground to what was a literal 'coalface' of an entire energy industry, Stout footwear recommended. 0300 111 2 333 (local-rate within UK) }} * {{see | name=Silver Mountain Experience | alt= | url=http://www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/ | email= | address=Llywernog, [[Ponterwyd]], Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3AB | lat=52.412001 | long=-3.865821 | directions= | phone=+44 1970 890-620 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Mining museum in restored Victorian-era silver mine buildings, 45-minute guided tours of the mine and trail. Café and souvenir shop; special events seasonally. }} ===United States=== * {{see | name=Butte, Montana | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.0038 | long=-112.5348 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=[[Butte]] owes its existence to mining. Its most notable feature is the '''Berkeley Pit''', a former copper-mining operation, now a water-filled chasm laden with so many heavy metals that it can kill birds who land in it. The exhibits and gift shop present its history with an odd mix of defensiveness about the past and pride in current remediation efforts. Butte also contains the '''World Museum of Mining''' with a reconstructed mining town and underground mine tours, as well as the '''Mineral Museum''' on the Montana Tech campus. }} * The [[Industrialization of the United States]] was built on coal and steel. Most of what is now the "rust belt" was active in mining coal and the various ores needed to transform an agrarian backwater into the leading industrial power of the world. Some mines and related industries are on the [[American Industry Tour]]. * Similarly, many of the [[ghost towns]] of the American West were boomtowns that sprung up around gold and silver strikes, only to dwindle away once the mines were worked out. One of the best-preserved is near [[Yosemite National Park]]: {{see | name=Bodie, California | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.2122 | long=-119.0156 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=}} * {{see | name=West Virginia Mine Wars Museum | alt= | url=https://wvminewars.org/ | email= | address=401 Mate St, Matewan | lat=37.6258 | long=-82.1743 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Closed until late 2021 due to COVID-19 | price= | lastedit=2021-01-15 | content=Tucked in the remote mountains along the West Virginia/Kentucky border, this museum tells the little-known story of the huge wars fought between striking coal miners and law enforcement trying to break their strike. The Battle of Blair Mountain was the largest insurrection in the USA since the American Civil War, and the US Army was brought in to crush it. }} ==Do== One of the more obvious things often offered to tourists is gold panning, especially in areas where it has a tradition, like those invoking the [[Old West]] of the U.S. The gold is by no means gone from the rivers and creeks of this world. While people believe it is possible to make a living by gold panning, chances are that the gold you find (if any) while panning in any river is not enough to pay for a first world lifestyle. However, gold panning is still practised in low income countries as an additional or only source of income. At some destinations, a private company will maintain an active claim on a river where there's a little gold left so that visitors may try their hand at gold panning. * {{do | name=[[Chicken]] | alt= | url= | email= | address=Alaska, USA | lat=64.07 | long=-141.94 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=This tiny village mined 55,000 ounces (1710 kg) of gold from 1959-1971; it is now an off-the-grid partial ghost town with three operating businesses, a small post office and an airstrip. There is a seasonal gravel road. The old Pedro Gold Dredge #4 is open for daily tours and a couple of vendors offer recreational gold panning. }} ==Talk== In many areas that have a long mining tradition a whole range of mining related terms have been coined and in some cases entered the general vocabulary. They can be confusing even to native speakers of the respective languages. ==Stay safe== Before modern times, miners commonly died in accidents, if not from unhealthy conditions. Even today, mining is a hazardous industry. If you are on a guided tour at a mining site, stay with the tour. Don't drift away or get diverted. If the tour is accredited and official, miners have specific guidelines of what not to do. Take careful note, and follow the rules. Old, abandoned and unmaintained mine workings inherently pose more risk than those that are in active use. Exploring these as a lone traveller is advised against in very strong terms, consider joining an appropriate specialist group instead. The small number of enthusiast and research groups that exist have built up appropriate procedures, expertise and trust with site owners over many years. Even when precautions are taken, those expeditions inherently pose some danger and thus people get stuck or injured in far reaches of underground structures, making it all the more imperative to have others know about your precise plans and whereabouts. Bad air is also a serious hazard in many abandoned mine workings, as exposed strata continue to oxidise. This creates lethal pockets of carbon dioxide or monoxide, amongst other toxic gases. It is not without reason that mining folklore talks about various forms of ''damp'' (such as ''blackdamp''), or about the proverbial 'canary in a coal mine'. Weather and sub surface conditions may shift various damps into pools at the surface, which you'll notice when your dog (the modern canary) drops dead. Cave canem! ==Respect== As mining can be both a vital part of a local economy, and a hazard for the environment and traditional lifestyle, it tends to be a sensitive political topic. Be aware that locals can have strong opinions on the issue. ==See also== * [[Ghost towns#Gold rush towns]] and [[Ghost towns#Abandoned mining communities|abandoned mining communities]]. Many ghost towns used to be mining communities; a few were abandoned due to environmental disaster or after losing a road or rail line; many more were deserted after too little ore remained to be profitable. * [[Industrial tourism]] — many mining regions are also places to see former or modern day industrial plants processing the extracted resources. {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Industrial tourism}} 39iiurp31frj15o4vy3kpupe1lb95lo 0 148002 4488040 4487522 2022-07-22T01:05:51Z Anyone150 1516949 /* California */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Interstate 5 banner Kern County, CA.jpg|caption=Kern County, California}} [[File:I-5.svg|200px|frameless|right]] '''Interstate 5''' (I-5) is a [[United States]] interstate highway that starts at the border with [[Mexico]] in [[San Ysidro]], California and runs 1381 miles (2223 km) north through the states of [[California]], [[Oregon]] and [[Washington (state)|Washington]] to the border with [[Canada]] in [[Blaine]], Washington. It serves as an important north-south transportation corridor along the U.S west coast connecting the major cities of [[San Diego]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Portland_(Oregon)|Portland]], [[Tacoma]] and [[Seattle]]; the three state capitals of California ([[Sacramento]]), Oregon ([[Salem_(Oregon)|Salem]]) and Washington ([[Olympia_(Washington)|Olympia]]); and two additional major cities in neighboring countries ([[Tijuana]] & [[Vancouver]]) just over the international borders. ==Understand== Interstate 5 (I-5) replaces the former US Route 99 (Pacific Hwy Auto Trail from before 1926) from Blaine, WA to Los Angeles and the old US Route 101 from Los Angeles to San Diego, a north-south route along the west coast. The old U.S. Highway 99 then continued along the present Interstate 10 from Los Angeles to [[Indio]], CA. From Indio U.S. Highway 99 goes south towards the Mexican border, in [[Calexico]], on the present day SR-86 and 111, along the eastern shores of the [[Salton Sea]]. Segments of the old Hwy 99 have been re-numbered as State Route 99 (SR-99) in Washington, Oregon and California. Other segments in Washington state have also have been renumbered as SR-11, SR-529 and SR-530 and as SR-273 & SR-66 between Ashland and the California border in Oregon. Other parts of the old Hwy 99 have been decommissioned altogether as a federal and state highway (not numbered) but are still represented by being named "Old Hwy 99", "Pacific Highway" or by another name. There are no toll segments on the "Freeway". ==Prepare== {{see also|Driving in the United States}} You'll obviously need to bring a vehicle, but there is nothing really necessary for the route unless you want to eat your own food or you're coming from another country, in which case you might need passports, for example, to [[Interstate 5#Get in|get in]]. ==Get in== Interstate 5 continues north as BC-Hwy 99 to [[Cache Creek]] through [[Vancouver]], the [[Sunshine Coast_(British Columbia)|Sunshine Coast]] and [[Whistler]] from the Canadian/U.S. border in [[Blaine]], Washington, and south to [[Cabo San Lucas]] through [[Tijuana]] and [[Ensenada]] in the Baja California Peninsula as Mexico Federal Hwy 1 from the U.S./Mexican border in [[San Ysidro]], California. I-5 intersects other major US interstate highways diverging to/from different directions such as I-15 and I-8 in [[San Diego]]; I-10 in [[Los Angeles]]; I-80 in [[Sacramento]]; I-84 in [[Portland (Oregon)|Portland]]; I-90 in [[Seattle]] and various three digit interstates (serving as local auxiliary highways), state and U.S highways in the three states it passes through. ===By plane=== {{see also|Air travel in the United States}} The Interstate 5 corridor can be accessed by plane through [[San Diego#By plane|San Diego]], [[Santa Ana (California)#By plane|Santa Ana]], [[Burbank#Get in|Burbank]], [[Sacramento#By plane|Sacramento]], [[Medford_(Oregon)#By plane|Medford]], [[Portland (Oregon)#By plane|Portland]], [[Seattle-Tacoma International Airport|Seattle]], [[Everett_(Washington)#By plane|Everett]] and [[Bellingham (Washington)#By plane|Bellingham]] with airports next to or near the freeway. In other cities, such as [[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles]] and [[Long Beach#By plane|Long Beach]] the airport can be further away (20-40 mi/32-64 km) from the I-5 corridor on another highway. From outside the U.S. the I-5 corridor is also accessed from [[Vancouver#By plane|Vancouver International Airport]] and [[Tijuana#By plane|Tijuana's General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport]]. ==Go== ===By train=== {{see also|Rail travel in the United States}} [http://www.amtrak.com Amtrak] operates trains "more or less" along the Interstate 5 corridor serving the major west coast cities. Some segments are further away such as the segment from Emeryville to Oxnard in California while other parts of the route are practically next to the freeway such as the segment between Longview and Centralia in Washington state. The following routes operate along the I-5 corridor: :* '''[http://www.amtrak.com/coast-starlight-train Amtrak Coast Starlight]''' runs once daily between [[Los Angeles#By_train|Los Angeles]] and [[Seattle#By_train|Seattle]] via [[Portland (Oregon)#By_train|Portland]], Klamath Falls, Redding, [[Sacramento#By_train|Sacramento]], [[Oakland#By_train|San Francisco Bay Area]], Salinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley and Van Nuys. It runs parallel with the ''Cascades'' between Seattle and Eugene with the same stops (except Tukwila, [[Vancouver_(Washington)|Vancouver, Washington]], and Oregon City) and between San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles with the ''Pacific Surfliner'' only with fewer stops. (see below) :* '''[[Amtrak Cascades]]''' runs between Seattle and Portland four times daily serving Tukwila, Tacoma, Lacey (Olympia), Centralia and Kelso in Washington state. They run from Seattle to [[Vancouver]] via Everett, Stanwood, Mt Vernon & Bellingham twice daily and from Portland to Eugene via Oregon City, Salem & Albany twice daily. Additional service from Seattle to Vancouver and from Portland to Eugene are provided on the Amtrak Thruway Bus. :* '''[http://www.pacificsurfliner.com/ Pacific Surfliner]''' [[San Luis Obispo]], [[Santa Barbara]], [[Oxnard]], [[Los Angeles#By train|Los Angeles]] & [[San Diego#By_train|San Diego]]. The segment of this route closest or parallel to the I-5 corridor is between Simi Valley and San Diego. Passengers continue south towards the Mexican border in San Ysidro on the [https://www.sdmts.com/schedules-real-time-maps-and-routes/trolley SDMTS 'UC San Diego Blue Line' Trolley] from the American Plaza Station, across the street the Santa Fe Station. :* '''[https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/ San Joaquins]''' Sacramento, Merced, [[Stockton]], [[Fresno]] and [[Bakersfield]]. Some trains on this route will go west towards Emeryville and Oakland from Stockton instead of continuing north to Sacramento. This route is then connected to Los Angeles from Bakersfield and from Stockton & Sacramento to Redding by Thruway buses via I-5. ===By bus=== {{see also|Long-distance bus travel in the United States}} There are several bus companies operating buses along the I-5/CA-Hwy 99 corridor with Greyhound, Flixbus and Fronteras del Norte serving the entire length while other companies operate buses along certain sections of the I-5 corridor in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon or Washington) or California to make the trip possible without a car: * {{listing | type=listing | name=Greyhound Lines, Bolt Bus, Cruceros USA | alt= | url=http://www.greyhound.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-231-2222 | hours= | price= | content=Travels along the entire I-5/CA-Hwy 99 corridor between [[Tijuana#By bus|Tijuana]], [[San Diego#By bus|San Diego]], [[Los Angeles#By bus|Los Angeles]], [[Sacramento#By bus|Sacramento]], [[Portland (Oregon)#By bus|Portland]], [[Seattle#By bus|Seattle]],[[Vancouver#By bus|Vancouver BC]] and several smaller cities/towns in between each of the above cities. Some of their schedules run contiguously between Seattle and Los Angeles while others break up the trip in Sacramento and/or Portland, requiring a layover or transfer. '''Cruceros USA''' is their cross-border shuttle connecting Los Angeles to Tijuana via Santa Ana. }} * {{listing | counter= | type=go | name=BellAir Airporter | alt= | url=http://www.airporter.com/shuttle | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-235-5247 | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Goes up from SeaTac & downtown Seattle to Stanwood, Burlington/Mt Vernon, Bellingham & Blaine on one route and a separate route to Anacortes and the [[San Juan Islands|San Juan]] ferry terminal from Burlington. }} * {{listing | counter= | name=Cantrail & Amtrak Cascades Thruway Bus | alt= | url=http://www.cantrail.com | email= | address=(bus stops) Seattle's King Street Station & Vancouver's Pacific Station. Additional stops at Sandmans Signature Hotel and Pacific Inn in Surrey. No additional stops in the U.S. | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-877-940-5561 | fax= | hours= | price=$40 for one-way, $75 round trip; discounts for students, military, seniors & children ages 4-11. | content=Operates direct express buses between Seattle and Vancouver, BC }} * {{listing | name=Flixbus | alt= | url=http://www.flixbus.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 855 626-8585 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-02 | content=Travels along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Eugene on one segment and from San Francisco to Los Angeles on another. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Fronteras del Norte | alt= | url=https://travelfronteras.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 323 587-5233 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-05-29 | content=Connects Pasco, Sunnyside & Yakima WA in eastern Washington (state) to Los Angeles and the Mexican border in San Ysidro via Portland, OR. They travel along I-5 between Portland, Los Angeles and the Mexican border in San Ysidro. }} * {{listing | counter= | type=go | name=Hoang Express | alt= | url=http://www.xedohoang.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 714 839-3500 | tollfree=+1-888-834-9336 | fax= | hours= | price=$60-65 to Bay Area; $80 to Sacramento | content=Travels between SoCal (San Diego, El Monte, Los Angeles, Westminster) and Sacramento along the I-5 corridor. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=International Bus Lines | alt=formerly Intercalifornias | url=https://www.ibuslines.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-888-834-9336 | fax= | hours= | price=Prices vary depending on your destination | content=Buses goes up from Tijuana to San Ysidro, Santa Ana, Los Angeles San Fernando, Bakersfield, Fresno, and San Jose/Stockton (route splits/joins in Madero) along the I-5/CA-99 corridor. }} * {{listing | name=Lower Columbia CAP | alt= | url=http://www.lowercolumbiacap.org/get-help/transportation | email= | address=Longview Transit Center | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 360 200-4911 or +1 360 200-4910 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$2 Each Way | content=Rural public bus system connecting [[Longview (Washington)|Longview]] to [[Vancouver_(Washington)|Vancouver, WA]] through Kalama, and [[Woodland (Washington)|Woodland]]. Connections to Greyhound in [[Kelso_(Washington)|Kelso]] if using this option. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Oregon Point-Cascade Point Line & Amtrak Cascades Thruway Bus | alt=Operated by MTR Western | url=http://oregon-point.com/cascades-point/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541 484-4100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-16 | content=Bus between Portland, Woodburn, Salem, Albany & Eugene. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Oregon Point-Southwest Point | alt=Operated by Klamath Shuttle | url=http://www.southwest-point.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 541 883-2609 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-12-22 | content=Connects [[Brookings-Harbor|Brookings]] to [[Klamath Falls]] via [[Crescent City#By bus|Crescent City]], [[Grants Pass#By_bus|Grants Pass]], Gold Hill, [[Medford_(Oregon)#By bus|Medford]] and [[Ashland_(Oregon)|Ashland]], etc. }} * {{listing | counter= | name=Quick Shuttle | url=http://www.quickcoach.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone = | tollfree=+1-800-665-2122 | fax= | hours= | price=Fares from Vancouver to Downtown Seattle are round-trip; $36 one-way, $65. From Vancouver to SeaTac, fares are $49 one-way, $87 round-trip. | content= Runs between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Stops in Downtown Seattle (outside the Best Western at 200 Taylor Ave N) and SeaTac Airport (at the main terminal near south end of baggage claim, outside door 00, bays 11-16. Provides affordable and reliable transportation from Seatac Airport, Downtown Seattle, Bellingham Airport to Vancouver Airport, Downtown Vancouver and Cruise Ship Terminals. }} * {{listing | name=Rapid Connections LLC | alt= | url=http://rapidconnectionllc.com/ | email= | address=| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 559 442-3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-10-07 | content=Buses goes up to Sacramento via San Fernando, Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, [[Stockton (California)|Stockton]] and several other places along SR-99; and down to Tijuana via Santa Ana and [[San Ysidro]]. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Tufesa | alt= | url=http://www.tufesa.com.mx | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 213 489-8079 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Prices vary depending on your destination | content=Connects Los Angles to Sacramento (via Bakersfield, Fresno, etc); to Salt Lake City (via Barstow, Las Vegas, St George, etc); to Hermosillo (via Phoenix, Tucson, Nogales); San Francisco Bay Area; and to Tijuana (via Santa Ana, San Diego/San Ysidro). }} There are additional express and local buses operating as local public transportation along the I-5 corridor at varying distances in different places. These options are generally cheaper than Greyhound or other intercity carriers for the same distances. See "By bus" under "Get in" and "Get around" in the article of a particular city or locale and under "Get around" in a state article for an additional list of other bus companies serving the west coast. ==Drive== {{Mapframe|41|-120|zoom=6|height=1100|type=geoline}}<!--Interstate 5.map--> Mile markers are statewide mileposts, starting with "0" at the south border of each state which increases as you go north and then starts over at "0" when crossing the state line into the next state. So going south the numbers on the mileposts will decrease and then start over at the highest number (276 in Washington, 308 in Oregon & 796 in California) when crossing a state line. The exit numbers correspond with the mileposts so some numbers may be skipped if the exits are further apart from one to the next. Other exits that are one next to the other or "2 in 1" may have the same exit number followed by an "A", "B" or even a "C" such as "Exit #100A" to get on A St, "Exit #100B" to get on B St and so forth. === [[California]] === The maximum speed limit is 70 mph (112 km/h) for cars & 55 mph (88 km/h) for large trucks on rural stretches and 65 mph (104 km/h) in urban areas or lower if posted otherwise. [[File:California 99.svg|38px|frameless|left]] From its southern end near Wheeler Ridge (Exit 221 of I-5) to its northern end at SR 36 in Red Bluff, State Route (SR) 99 goes through the densely populated eastern parts of the valley. Cities served include [[Bakersfield]], [[Delano]], [[Tulare]], [[Visalia]], [[Kingsburg]], [[Selma_(California)|Selma]], [[Fresno]], [[Madera]], [[Yosemite National Park]], [[Merced]], [[Turlock]], [[Modesto]], [[Manteca]], [[Stockton]], [[Sacramento]], [[Yuba City]], and [[Chico]]. SR 99 replaces US Route 99 between Wheeler Ridge and Sacramento and US Route 99E from Sacramento to Red Bluff while Interstate 5 replaces US Route 99W between Sacramento and Red Bluff. The old US Route 99W goes west from Sacramento to Davis, from Davis to Woodland and alongside I-5 from Woodland to Red Bluff. The remaining segments in northern California have been decommissioned as a US or state highway except SR 273 through Anderson and Redding, and SR 263 and a section of SR 96 between Holbrook and Yreka. In everywhere else, in northern California the Old Hwy 99 exists as local roads named "Old Highway 99", "State Highway 99w" or by a different name or concurrently on Interstate 5 (Cascade Wonderland Hwy) which are described throughout this article in the below: ==== [[San Diego County|San Diego area]] ==== * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[San Diego/San Ysidro|San Ysidro]] | alt=Mile 0 | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.54419 | long=-117.03218 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=San_Ysidro,_San_Diego | image=CBP_San_Diego_Operations_-_San_Ysidro_(28601995876).jpg | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=Border crossing }} * {{listing | name=[[Chula Vista]] | alt=Exits 7A-9 | lat=32.6278 | long=-117.0481 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are five exits for Chula Vista. }} * {{listing | name=[[National City]] | alt=Exits 10-12 | lat=32.6781 | long=-117.0992 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are four exits for National City. }} * {{listing | name=[[San Diego]] | alt=Exits 13A-36 | lat=32.7157 | long=-117.1611 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are over thirty exits for San Diego. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:California 15.svg|25px]] Riverside (Interstate 15) | alt=Exit 13A | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.6883 | long=-117.1151 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content=Interstate 15 runs {{mi|1433}} north parallel with I-5 from southern California to the Canadian border in [[Sweet Grass]], Montana through Nevada, NW corner of Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Montana. The same highway continues another 108 km to [[Lethbridge]] AB as Hwy 4. It is the most convenient route for travelers going to the [[Inland Empire]] and [[Las Vegas]] and another way to reach the [[San Diego/North|local communities]] of Miramar, Mira Mesa and [[Poway]] and to [[Escondido]] in [[North_County_(San_Diego_County)|North San Diego County]] from San Diego (proper). From here the exit is marked as state highway 15 which becomes I-15 north of its junction with I-8. }} * {{listing | name=[[Encinitas]] | alt=Exits 39-41B | lat=33.0370 | long=-117.2920 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are four exits for Encinitas. }} * {{listing | name=[[Carlsbad (California)|Carlsbad]] | alt=Exits 43-51A | lat=33.1581 | long=-117.3506 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are eight exits for Carlsbad. }} * {{listing | name=[[Oceanside]] | alt=Exits 51B-54C | lat=33.1959 | long=-117.3795 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are seven exits for Oceanside. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra02.htm Aliso Creek Rest Area] | alt=Exit 59 (northbound), Exit 60 (southbound) / Mile 59.87 | lat=33.26577 | long=-117.43297 | lastedit=2016-03-22 | content='''Closed for maintenance''' Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=Basilone Road | alt=Exit 71 / Mile 71.3 | lat=33.3854 | long=-117.5831 | lastedit=2016-03-19 | content=There are a handful of fast food restaurants, a commissary, and a single gas station on the east side of the interstate, but these lie behind a gate to Camp Pendleton Marine Base and are thus off-limits to non-military travelers. Less than a mile south of this exit, San Onofre State Beach is publicly accessible and is a popular surfing spot that also offers camping. A short distance further south, the now-decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station is visible just west of the interstate; the station's twin spherical containment buildings famously inspired Frank Drebin in ''The Naked Gun'' to lament that "''everywhere I look something reminds me of her''". }} ==== [[Orange County (California)|Orange County]] and [[Los Angeles]]==== Past the Camp Pendleton Marine Base the interstate enters the large conurbation of cities in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. This section is multi-lane (3 to 8) in both directions and is busy with traffic at nearly all times of the day. If at all possible avoid driving at peak commuter times. Some drivers may be tempted to take Interstate 405 as an alternate route, but check traffic conditions before doing so as it is often even worse for traffic congestion. * {{listing | name=[[San Clemente]] | alt=Exits 73-77 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-16 | content=There are five exits for San Clemente. [[El Camino Real]] runs almost parallel to the highway and has a number of restaurants, many of which are Mexican. {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Dana Point]] | alt=Exits 78-79 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are two exits for Dana Point. }} * {{listing | name=[[San Juan Capistrano]] | alt=Exits 81-83 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are three exits for San Juan Capistrano. }} * {{listing | name=[[Mission Viejo]] | alt=Exits 85A-88 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are four exits for Mission Viejo. }} * {{listing | name=[[Laguna Hills]] | alt=Exits 89-92 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are four exits for Laguna Hills. }} * {{listing | name=[[Irvine]] | alt=Exits 94-100 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are eight exits for Irvine. }} ** {{listing | name=Sand Canyon, Old Town, East Irvine | alt=Exit 96 / Mile 96.22 | url= | email= | address= | lat=33.677684 | long=-117.758272 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-16 | content=In addition to the chance to have a Knowlwood Burger in a building built in 1900, check out the 19th-century Irvine Bean and Growers Association Building.{{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Tustin]] | alt=Exits 101-103 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are four exits for Tustin. }} * {{listing | name=[[Santa Ana (California)|Santa Ana]] | alt=Exits 103-105 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are five exits for Santa Ana. }} <!-- * [[Orange]] --> * {{listing | name=[[Anaheim]] | alt=Exits 109-113 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-22 | content=There are seven exits for Anaheim. }} <!-- *[[Fullerton]] *[[Buena Park]] --> * {{listing | name=[[File:California 39.svg|25px]] [[Buena Park]] | alt=Exit 116 / Mile 115.71 | url= | email= | address= | lat=33.858949 | long=-117.998036 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=On Beach Blvd there are a number of chain hotels and restaurants such as Fuddruckers. {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} <!-- *[[La Mirada]] *[[Norwalk]] *[[Santa Fe Springs]] *[[Downey]] *[[City of Commerce]] *[[Los Angeles/Eastside]] *[[Los Angeles/Downtown]] *[[Los Angeles/Northwest]] *[[Glendale (California)]] *[[Burbank]] *[[North Valley]] --> * {{listing | name=[[Santa Clarita]] | alt=Exits 163-172 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are eight exits for Santa Clarita. }} ** {{listing | name=[[Magic Mountain]] Parkway | alt=Exit 170 / Mile 170.23 | url= | email= | address= | lat=34.4232 | long=-118.5833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-19 | content=The famous Magic Mountain amusement park is along the western side of the freeway and is home to roller coasters that have held world records for height and speed; freeway travelers will have an excellent view of thrill seekers taking the plunge over one of the many terrifying hills on the park's iconic rides. There are gas stations, chain restaurants and hotels at the exit that cater to park visitors, but expect heavier than normal traffic in the area during the summer when the park is busiest. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} ==== Tehachapi Mountains ==== The road climbs out of the San Fernando Valley, which although multi-lane will have slow-moving traffic before entering the Santa Clarita Valley. Oddly, at one point the north and south bound carriageways cross and run for a number of miles separate from one another. * {{listing | name=[[Castaic]] | alt=Exit 176 / Mile 176.15 | url= | email= | address= | lat=34.495923 | long=-118.623901 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content={{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra04.htm Tejon Pass Rest Area] | alt=Exit 206 / Mile 205.97 | address= | lat=34.82699 | long=-118.87220 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=Lebec Road | alt=Exit 207 / Mile 206.88 | lat=34.8395 | long=-118.8632 | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=The highway descends at a sharp six percent grade through a curving path within Grapevine Canyon from Lebec down to the Central Valley. The original route was infamous for its accidents until being straightened and widened between 1933-34. This stretch of road is known as [[The Grapevine]] and is often closed during storms when driving conditions become treacherous. }} ==== [[San Joaquin Valley|Central Valley]] ==== Most of this section is two-lane carriageway in both directions, running straight with only small rises though sparsely populated areas. Most of the route here is uninteresting, though in some places small detours reveal points of interest. * {{listing | name=Laval Road | alt=Exit 219A & B / Mile 218.79 | lat=34.9863 | long=-118.9453 | lastedit=2016-01-14 | content=The Laval Road exit has undergone dramatic development by the Tejon Ranch Corporation and now offers significant amenities for travelers. The Outlets at Tejon have over 70 outlet stores. Food options include Chipotle, Subway, Starbucks, In-N-Out, Panda Express, Black Bear Diner, and Carl's Jr. Gas options include Shell, Travel America, Chevron, Mobil, and Petro. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:California 99.svg|25px]] [[Bakersfield]]-[[Fresno]] | alt=Exit 221 | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.0064 | long=-118.9518 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-04-11 | content=The Golden State Freeway continues north as SR-99 towaards Sacramento. It passes through [[Bakersfield]], [[Madera]], [[Merced]], [[Fresno]], [[Turlock]], [[Stockton_(California)|Stockton]] and other cities towns of the [[San_Joaquin_Valley#Cities|Central Valley]]. I-5 exits off to the right and forms the Westside Freeway which goes through Los Banos, Tracy, Jct I-580, Lodi and Stockton. The cities along the Golden State Freeway (SR-99) can still be accessed from the Westside Freeway (I-5) on different east-west roads crossing over I-5. This exit is accessed only by northbound traffic while southbound traffic on I-5 merges into the Golden State Freeway (SR-99) which continues south as I-5. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:California 223.svg|25px]] Bear Mountain Rd | alt=Exit 239 | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.20913 | long=-119.16290 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-04-11 | content=Goes east {{mi|30}} to its other end at SR-58, east of Bakersfield and another {{mi|107}} east to Exit #179 of I-15 in [[Barstow]] on SR-58. This a ''shortcut'' to ''bypass'' the Los Angeles area from Bakersfield or anywhere north along the I-5/SR-99 corridor to Las Vegas (I-15); Phoenix (I-40/US Hwy 93); the Grand Canyon (I-40), etc through [[Barstow#Get in|Barstow]] and to San Bernardino & Riverside (US Hwy 395, I-15, 215) through Kramer Jct and [[Victorville]]. There are no (fuel, restaurant, supermarket, lodging, etc) services off the freeway but the next set of services are in the town of Arvin {{mi|25}} east along SR-223. }} * {{listing | name=[[File:California 58.svg|25px]] [[Buttonwillow]] & [[McKittrick]] | alt=Exit 257 / Mile 257.42 | address= | lat=35.4005 | long=-119.3995 | directions= | lastedit=2016-01-14 | content=The town of Buttonwillow is actually five miles west of the interstate, but more than enough gas stations, fast food restaurants and even a couple of motels are clustered just off of the east side of the highway. For those heading north, services start to become sparse, so this is a stop worth considering if your gas tank is heading towards empty. Chevron, Mobil, Arco, Shell, and Travel Centers of America are all fuel options, while food options include Starbucks, Denny's, Carl's Jr, McDonald's, Taste of India, and Tita's Pupuseria. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra06.htm Buttonwillow Rest Area] | alt=Exit 259 / Mile 259.38 | lat=35.41764 | long=-119.42295 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Lost Hills]] | alt=Exit 278 / Mile 278.29 | address= | lat=35.616829 | long=-119.654217 | directions= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=Just off the highway are a number of gas stations and fast food establishments. The town further down the road only really caters for local agricultural workers. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=Twisselman Road | alt=Exit 288 / Mile 287.62 | address= | lat=35.7319 | long=-119.7394 | directions= | lastedit=2016-01-16 | content=This exit lacks services, but may be worth a stop between October and March to visit the Kern National Wildlife refuge. The refuge is about seven miles east of the interstate. It is a winter home to herons, cranes, hawks, ducks, and many, many other species of birds. }} * {{listing | name=[[File:California 41.svg|25px]] [[Kettleman City]] | alt=Exit 309 / Mile 308.90 | address= | lat=35.981490 | long=-119.960272 | directions= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content= }} * {{listing | type=go | name= [http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra08.htm Coalinga/Avenal Rest Area] | alt=Exit 320 / Mile 320.45 | lat=36.08857 | long=-120.11406 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[File:California 198.svg|25px]] [[Lemoore]] & [[Hanford]] | alt=Exit 334 / Mile 333.89 | lat=36.2543 | long=-120.2440 | lastedit=2016-01-14 | content=It is in the midst of a long stretch of empty highway; this exit has the Harris Ranch Complex, which sells fuel and food, and has a farm stand, a Tesla Supercharger, and lodging. The main ranch building offers a pretty good bakery, and those seeking out a steak won't be disappointed by the restaurant. If long drives aren't your thing, the location is approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and thus offers a good place to stop and spend the night. The town of [[Coalinga]] is 13 miles southwest of this exit and has additional amenities. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra10.htm John "Chuck" Erreca Rest Area] | alt=Exit 386 / Mile 385.83 | lat=36.86421 | long=-120.78334 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[File:California 133.svg|25px]] [[File:California 152.svg|25px]] [[Los Banos]] | alt=Exit 403 / Mile 402.76 | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.056773 | long=-120.969633 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=CA-152 west is the main route through the hills to [[Gilroy]] and onward to either [[San Jose (California)|San Jose]] (via 101-N) or [[Monterey Bay]] (via CA-156). Los Banos, 6 miles east on CA-152, offers amenities for travelers. One exit west (at CA-33) is a Petro station with reasonable restaurant. }} * {{listing | name=[[File:California 33.svg|25px]] [[Santa Nella]] | alt=Exit 407 / Mile 407.02 | lat=37.1069 | long=-121.0163 | lastedit=2016-01-14 | content=This exit has several gas stations and a handful of motels. Food options are plentiful and include a Starbucks and an In-N-Out, and for those who have been seeing the many billboards during hours of travel, this is the northern half of the Pea Soup Andersen's chain and its namesake soup. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Gustine]] | alt=Exit 418 / Mile 417.57 | address= | lat=37.246210 | long=-121.089009 | directions= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content= }} * {{listing | name=[[Patterson]] | alt=Eit 434 / Mile 433.52 | address= | lat=37.463738 | long=-121.180286 | directions= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content= }} * {{listing | name=[[Westley]] | alt=Exit 441 / Mile 440.73 | address= | lat=37.540111 | long=-121.267520 | directions= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content={{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra12.htm Westley Rest Area] | alt=Exit 445 / Mile 444.86 | lat=37.58263 | long=-121.32284 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone, vending machines and RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[File:I-580.svg|25px]] Tracy San Francisco (northbound only) | alt=Exit 446 / Mile 446.35 | lat=37.5934 | long=-121.3366 | lastedit=2016-01-14 | content=The two right lanes exit from the freeway to continue towards Stockton and Sacramento as the West Side Freeway (I-5) while the two left lanes continue north/northwest as the William Elton Brown Freeway (I-580) towards Tracy and San Francisco through the [[East Bay]]. From the northbound lanes only. Southbound traffic merges into the William Elton Brown Freeway from the right and continue south as the West Side Freeway (I-5). }} * {{listing | name=To [[File:I-205.svg|25px]] [[File:I-580.svg|25px]] San Francisco (southbound only) | alt=Exit 458B / Mile 458.34 | lat=37.7697 | long=-121.3287 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=I-205 takes southbound drivers to [[San Francisco]] via the [[East Bay]]. }} <!-- *[[Lathrop]] --> * {{listing | name=[[Stockton (California)|Stockton]] | alt=Exits 469-481 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are eleven exits for Stockton. }} <!-- *[[Elk Grove]] --> ==== [[Sacramento Valley]] ==== * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Sacramento]] | alt=Exits 512-525 | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.5685 | long=-121.5109 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sacramento, California | image=Sacramento,-California---State-Capitol_(cropped).jpg | wikidata=Q18013 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=There are fifteen exits for Sacramento. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:US 50.svg|25px]] to [[File:California 99.svg|25px]] [[South Lake Tahoe]] [[San Francisco]] | alt=Exit 518 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-04-12 | content=US Hwy 50 connects Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe via Jct Hwy 99, Rancho Cordova, Folsom and Placerville in the east. Going west US Hwy 50 goes across West Sacramento and ends at I-80 at Exit #81, {{mi|4.5}} west of the I-5 corridor. Hwy 99 through the [[San Joaquin Valley]] begins {{mi|2}} east of the I-5 corridor from US-Hwy 50 and runs parallel to I-5 through Elk Grove, [[Lodi]], [[Stockton_(California)|Stockton]], [[Turlock]], [[Merced]], [[Madera]], [[Fresno]] and [[Bakersfield]] in the [[San Joaquin Valley#Cities|San Joaquin Valley]] as the Golden State Freeway before rejoining I-5 at MM 221 south of Bakersfield. Going north the old US Hwy 99 follows the Golden State Hwy (CA-Hwy 99) and splits at its present junction with US Hwy 50 to become Hwy 99E & 99W. The old Hwy 99W follows US Hwy 50/I-80 west to Davis and then north toward the present day I-5 corridor along Road 99 The old Hwy 99E follows I-80 Bus/I-80 to Roseville, CA-Hwy 65 from Roseville to Olivehurst; CA-70 from Olivehurst to Yuba City and the Golden State Hwy (present CA-99) from Yuba City to Red Bluff. The "old US Highway 99E/W" are not signed in this area. }} :* {{listing | name=Q St at Exit 519A & J St at Exit 519B | alt=Exits 519A & 519B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-16 | content=Access into downtown Sacramento from I-5. Additional downtown exits are on US Hwy 50. Access to [[Sacramento#By train|Sacramento Valley (Amtrak) Station]] via J St at Exit 519B to 401 i St. }} :* {{listing | name=Richards Blvd | alt=Exits 520 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-16 | content=Local access to the industrial areas north of Sacramento. There are a series of restaurants and hotels clustered around this exit and the Greyhound bus station down the street at 420 Richards Blvd. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-80.svg|25px]] East [[Reno]] West [[San Francisco]] | alt=Exit 522 / Mile 522.26 | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.6250 | long=-121.5171 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Interstate 80 is the second longest interstate in the country, traveling approximately 2900 miles from San Francisco in the west to [[New York City]] in the east. It is the most convenient route to San Francisco for southbound travelers, or for travelers going east to [[Lake Tahoe]]. Additional local access to Davis, North Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Roseville and Auburn through I-80. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=Del Paso Road | alt=Exit 525A | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-04-12 | content=Local access to the northern suburbs surrounding North Natomas Regional Park in Sacramento County. {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} Majority of the services are east of the freeway at Del Paso Rd & E Commerce Way. There are some on the opposite of the freeway at Del Paso and E Centro Rd too. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:California 99.svg|25px]] Yuba City Marysville | alt=Exit 525B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long=| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-04-12 | content=From here SR-99 and I-5 runs parallel to each other to Red Bluff at Exit 649 SR-99 passes through [[Yuba City]]/[[Marysville_(California)|Marysville]] and [[Chico_(California)|Chico]] while I-5 goes through Williams to reach Red Bluff. These cities can still be accessed from I-5 via different east-west roads crossing over I-5. But, it's going to be another 10-35 miles drive east to reach a particular city or town along the SR-99 corridor. The old 'Hwy 99E' follows present day CA-Hwy 99 from Yuba City to Red Bluff. }} :* {{go | name=[[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] [[Sacramento#By plane|Sacramento International Airport]] | alt=Exit 528 / Mile 528 | url=http://sacramento.aero/smf | email= | address= | lat=38.6715 | long=-121.5914 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sacramento International Airport | wikidata=Q1432668 | lastedit=2020-02-26 | content=Direct access to Sacramento International Airport from I-5 via Airport Blvd, {{mi|10.5}} NW of downtown Sacramento. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra14.htm Elkhorn Rest Area] (southbound only) | alt=Exit 529 / Mile 529.26 | lat=38.67305 | long=-121.60629 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} <!-- *[[Woodland (California)]] --> * {{listing | name=[[File:I-505.svg|25px]] Winters San Francisco | alt=Exit 553 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-08-27 | content=Connects I-5 to [[Vacaville]] along the I-80 corridor. I-505 ends at Exit #56 of I-80 in Vacaville. If coming from Dunnigan or anywhere north and going west towards the San Francisco Bay Area on I-80 this would be the route to take without going through Woodland or Sacramento. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra15.htm Dunnigan Rest Area] | alt=Exit 557 / Mile 556.52 | lat=38.88744 | long=-121.97649 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:California 20.svg|25px]] Colusa & Clear Lake | alt=Exit 578 / Mile 578 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-14 | content=SR-20 connects [[Fort Bragg]] in the west to Exit #161 of I-80 in Yuba pass, {{mi|58}} west of Reno, in the east. SR-20 passes through [[Willits]], [[Clearlake|Clear Lake]], Jct I-5 north of Williams, [[Yuba City]] and [[Nevada City]]. Travelers coming from Williams or anywhere north and going towards Lake Tahoe or Reno would take this route without going through Sacramento and to avoid heavier local traffic in/around Sacramento. This is also one of two exits for local access into [[Williams_(California)|Williams]] {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Williams_(California)|Williams]] | alt=Exit 577 / Mile 577 | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.1569 | long=-122.1440 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | image=Entrance_arch_to_Williams,_California.jpg | wikipedia=Williams, California | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-02-26 | content=Go west on 'E' Street into town from the freeway off ramps. The town of Williams, CA is just west of the freeway. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra17.htm Maxwell Rest Area] | alt=Exit 583 / Mile 583.41 | lat=39.24122 | long=-122.18212 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra19.htm Willows Rest Area] | alt=Exit 608 / Mile 608.00 | lat=39.59255 | long=-122.20917 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and RV sanitation station. No vending machines. {{toilet-icon}} }} ==== [[Shasta Cascades|Shasta Cascades Region]] ==== <!-- *[[Corning (California)]] --> * {{listing | name=[[File:California 32.svg|25px]] [[w:Chico, California|Chico]] & Orland | alt=Exit 619 / Mile 619 | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.7508 | long=-122.2060 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-14 | content=The town of [[Chico_(California)|Chico]] is actually {{mi|20}} east of the interstate at Orland. There are several gas stations, fast food restaurants, a couple of motels, and a RV campground accessible from highway in the town of Orland. For those coming from north of Red Bluff you can exit off at "SR-36 Antelope Blvd" at Exit #649 to reach Chico via Hwy 99. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra21.htm Lt. John C. Helmick Rest Area] | alt=Exit 633 / Mile 632.73 | lat=39.95023 | long=-122.20043 | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content='''Closed for maintenance''' Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra23.htm Herbert S. Miles Rest Area] | alt=Exit 656 / Mile 655.66 | lat=40.27020 | long=-122.26912 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Red Bluff]] | alt=Exits 647-652 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-22 | content=There are six exits for Red Bluff. }} :* {{listing | name=Main St | alt=Exit 647, 647A & 651 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-16 | content=The old US Hwy 99 runs through town as Main St which runs parallel with I-5. Coming from the north, Main St is accessed at Exit 651 and 647A. Coming from the south Main St is accessed only through Exits 647A and 649. Hwy 36 westbound towards [[Fortuna]] at US Hwy 101 can be accessed through Exit 651, north of town, can only be accessed from the southbound lanes only. Northbound traffic could access via Antelope Blvd at Exit #649. Southeast of town Main St becomes Old US Hwy 99W which runs along side the present day I-5 corridor as a separate road to Woodland through the towns of Corning, Willows, Artois, Williams, and Maxwell. It is signed as "Hwy 99W", "Old Hwy 99W", "Road 99W", "County Road 99W", "Frontage Rd" or by another local street name through a town. It is not designated as a state or U.S. highway. The old US Hwy 99E follows the present day CA-Hwy 99 from Red Bluff to Olivehurst. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:California 36.svg|25px]] Antelope Blvd | alt=Exit 649 accessed from both directions | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-16 | content=The intersection with the Golden State Hwy [[File:California 99.svg|25px]] Is {{mile|2.1}} east along Antelope Blvd from I-5. The Golden State Hwy (Hwy 99) runs parallel with I-5 to Exit 525B in Sacramento through [[Chico]] and [[Yuba City]]. This exit is also the location of the Greyhound stop (at Sunshine Food & Gas/Chevron) (bus stop symbol not signposted) east of the freeway. Going west on Antelope Blvd the road ends at Main St in downtown Red Bluff. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} * {{listing | name=[[Anderson_(California)|Anderson]] | alt=Exits 667-670 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-17 | content=is named after Elias Anderson, who granted the Oregon and California Railroad trackage rights and land for a station. Today, the city has a population of 9,000, and is about {{mile|10}} south of Redding. There are five exits for Anderson. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:California 273.svg|25px]] North | alt=Exit 667B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-11-17 | content=Old US Hwy 99 follows CA-Hwy 273 through Anderson (un-named locally) and becomes Market St north of town. It continues through Redding as Market St and connects back to the I-5 corridor at Exit 681B. It is only accessible from the northbound lanes only, no return to freeway going north. Southbound traffic can only merge into I-5 going south from CA-Hwy 273. }} :* {{listing | name=Deschutes Rd Factory Outlets Dr | alt=Exit 667A | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-11-17 | content=Accessible from both directions. {{lodging-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Redding]] | alt=Exits 675-682 | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.5733 | long=-122.3818 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Redding,_California | wikidata=Q495361 | lastedit=2016-03-22 | content= For anyone visiting, Redding and the surrounding has numerous outdoor and indoor activities. Including two lakes and an inactive volcano within close driving distance. Plus many parks, hiking trails, and adequate shopping. There are seven exits for Redding. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:California 44.svg|25px]] [[Lassen_Volcanic_National_Park|Lassen National Park]], West | alt=Exit 678 (NB) & 678B (SB) | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-13 | content=SR 44 goes east towards Lassen National Park and west into downtown Redding. Connects to SR 299 at Pine & Eureka in downtown. From the northbound lanes the exit is labeled "To Eureka Susanville". Going east SR-44 goes towards [[Susanville]] through Lassen National Park. From Susnaville travelers can continue south into Reno on US Hwy 395 or follow CA-Hwy 70 & 89 towards I-80 in [[Truckee]]. This negates the need to go all the way down through Sacramento to get to Lake Tahoe and/or Reno from Redding or anywhere north or west. The mountainous roads through Lassen National Park/Forest may be closed during winter. Check weather reports and traffic reports before going this way during winter. Chains may be required. Locally Mt Shasta Mall is off this exit and is surrounded by various other retail stores, restaurants, hotels and gas station for supplies, food, fuel and or a night's stay off the freeway or go west for direct access to downtown Redding. {{lodging-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} [[File:MUTCD_I-6.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-7.svg|25px]]. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:California 299.svg|25px]] Lake Blvd | alt=Exit 680 | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6123 | long=-122.3633 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Modoc National Forest | wikidata=Q6889555 | lastedit=2019-07-13 | content=Going east SR-299 goes up through [https://www.fs.usda.gov/modoc/ Modoc National Forest] in [[Modoc County]], towards the Nevada state line near [[Cedarville]]. Going west SR-299 goes into downtown Redding and then go west towards [[Arcata]] in the coast. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:California 273.svg|25px]] Market St | alt=Exit 681B is only accessible from southbound lanes | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-17 | content=The old US Hwy 99 follows CA-Hwy 273 through the northern suburbs of Redding to reach downtown Redding. Accessible from the southbound lanes only, no return to freeway going south. Northbound traffic can only merge into I-5 going north from CA-Hwy 273. The old Hwy 99 follows CA-Hwy 273 through Redding, to Anderson where it rejoins I-5 at Exit 667A. }} :* {{listing | name=Twin Views Blvd | alt=Exit 681 (NB) & 681A (SB) | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-11-17 | content=Local access into the northern neighborhoods of Redding from both directions of I-5. This exit is numbered 681 from the northbound lanes and 681A from the southbound lanes. {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} <!-- *[[Shasta Lake]] --> * {{listing | name=Bridge Bay Road | alt=Exit 690 / Mile 690.48 | lat=| long= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=The interstate crosses Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, just north of Bridge Bay - the lake level at the crossing provides a quick way to judge the health of the state's water supply. The Bridge Bay Resort is just off of the exit at the marina and offers a restaurant and lodging, but the beautiful scenery will be of more interest to most travelers. Houseboats are a popular rental option on the lake, and over one hundred of them can sometimes be seen docked in Bridge Bay. {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra25.htm O'Brien Rest Area] (northbound only) | alt=Exit 694 / Mile 693.88 | lat=40.79424 | long=-122.31876 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra26.htm Lakehead Rest Area] (southbound only) | alt=Exit 705 / Mile 704.50 | lat=40.91890 | long=-122.39823 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, phone and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Dunsmuir]] | alt=Exits 730-734 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-22 | content=There are three exits for Dunsmuir. }} * {{listing | name=[[Mount Shasta]] | alt=Exits 738-741 | lat= | long= | lastedit=2016-03-22 | content=There are three exits for Mount Shasta City. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:California 89.svg|25px]] McCloud Reno | alt=Exit 739 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-16 | content=Hwy 89 goes through the town of McCloud in the Shasta Trinity National Forest and through Lassen National Forest to Exit 188B of I-80 in [[Truckee]], near [[Lake Tahoe]], {{mile|32}} southwest of Reno. If coming from Mt Shasta or anywhere north and going towards Reno or Lake Tahoe on I-80 this would be the route to take without going all the way down through Sacramento. This route (or parts of) may be closed during the winter due to high standing snow. Therefore, check weather and traffic reports during the winter before using this route in the winter. Chains may be required if the road is open during the winter. This exit is named "McCloud" from the northbound lanes. }} * {{listing | name=[[Weed]] | alt=Exits 745-748 | lat=41.3962 | long=-122.3804 | lastedit=2016-03-22 | content=There are three exits for Weed. }} :* {{listing | name=[[Weed#Sleep|Vista Dr]] | alt=Exit 745 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-11 | content=Multiple restaurants and hotels clustered off of this exit. See 'Eat' and 'Sleep' in the Weed Article. Also the location of the Greyhound stop (at Dos Amigos Restaurant) (bus stop symbol not signposted). {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} [[File:MUTCD_I-6.svg|25px]]. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:US 97.svg|25px]] S Weed Blvd [[Klamath Falls]] | alt=Exit 747 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-11 | content='Downtown' Weed and the south end of US Hwy 97 along Volcanic Legacy Byway. US Hwy 97 runs parallel with the I-5 corridor to the Canadian border in [[Oroville_(Washington)|Oroville WA]] through [[Klamath Falls]], [[Crater Lake National Park]], [[Bend]], [[Redmond_(Oregon)|Redmond]], [[The Dalles]] in [[Central Oregon]]; and [[Yakima]], [[Ellensburg]], [[Wenatchee]] and [[North Cascades National Park]] in [[Columbia_River_Plateau|Eastern Washington]]. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra28.htm Weed Airport Rest Area] | alt=Exit 753 / Mile 753.43 | lat=41.49205 | long=-122.46298 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Yreka]] | alt=Exits 773 & 776 | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.73091 | long=-122.63295 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Yreka,_California | image=Yreka_statue.jpg | wikidata=Q2565455 | lastedit=2019-07-13 | content=There are two exits to Yreka. Pin is at the W Center St at Exit 773 which is the most direct access to downtown Yreka from the freeway. Exit #773 is labeled as "SR 3 Yreka" from the northbound side and "SR 3 Ft Jones Etna" from the southbound side. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:California 3.svg|25px]] Montague | alt=Exit 776 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Montague,_California | wikidata=Q175682 | lastedit=2019-07-13 | content=Goes east to the town of Montague and south through Yreka as Main St. Road continues south from Yreka through Coffee Creek & Trinity Center to SR-299 in [[Weaverville]]. So if going towards Eureka, Arcata or anywhere that direction from Yreka this another route to take. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/ra29.htm Randolph C. Collier Rest Area] | alt=Exit 786 / Mile 785.81 | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.8535 | long=-122.5725 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-22 | content='''Closed for maintenance''' Restrooms, water, picnic tables and phone. No vending machines or RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[File:California 96.svg|25px]] Willow Creek | alt=Exit 786 | url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/klamath/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Klamath National Forest | image=Klamath_National_Forest_Map.png | wikidata=Q6419646 | lastedit=2019-07-13 | content=SR 96 cuts through the Klamath National Forest to SR-299 in Willow Creek. If going towards [[Arcata]], [[Eureka]] or anywhere in that direction this would be the short cut without going all the way down to SR-299 at Exit 680 in Redding (over 100 miles away). The old Hwy 99 follows [[File:California 96.svg|25px]] and [[File:California 263.svg|25px]] from this exit to Yreka. This exit is only accessible from the southbound lanes and only merges into the northbound lanes. No return to the southbound lanes. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Hornbrook]] | alt=Exits 789 &790 | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.901089 | long=-122.565982 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hornbrook,_California | wikidata=Q2340899 | lastedit=2016-01-16 | content={{fuel-icon}}. Hornbrook can be accessed from Exits 789 (Henley Hornbrook) and 790 (Hornbrook Hwy-Ditch Creek) }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Hornbook Inspection Station | alt=Mile 791, 7 miles south of the state line | url=https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/PE/ExteriorExclusion/borders.html | email= | address=14601 I-5 | lat=41.9288 | long=-122.5816 | directions= | phone=+1 530 475-3100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Southbound traffic must stop for agricultural inspection. They're looking for fruits, vegetables, firewood, hay, nursery stocks and anything invasive that may be in violation of state and federal quarantine laws. }} * {{listing | name=Hilt Rd | alt=Exit 796 | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.9929 | long=-122.6029 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hilt,_California | wikidata=Q65043813 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Local access road to the nearby communities of Hilt, Cole and the surrounding areas. {{fuel-icon}}. }} === [[Oregon]] === The maximum rural speed limit is 70 mph (112 km/h) & 60 mph for large trucks which is more relevant along I-84 corridor between The Dalles & the Snake River (Idaho border). The I-5 corridor remains at 65 mph (104km/h) in rural areas and 55-60 mph in urban areas. The stretch of I-5 between Portland & Eugene is also at 55-60mph (88-100km/h) too. Interstate travelers in Oregon should be aware that it is illegal to pump your own gas in the counties through which I-5 passes (although Oregon law changed in 2018 to allow stations in certain counties to offer self-service, I-5 doesn't pass through any of them). When you arrive at a filling station wait for an attendant to come to your car rather than attempting to get out and fill up your car on your own. [[File:OR 99.svg|38px|frameless|left]] The present State Routes (SR) 99, 99E and 99W and Interstate 5 follow the former US Highway 99 very closely through the entire state. SR 99 runs concurrently with the present I-5 between Eugene and Grants Pass except the short local business spurs to serve as local roads/streets through Cottage Grove, Goshen, Sutherlin, Roseburg and Winston. From Grants Pass (exit 58) to Ashland (exit 14) SR 99 runs continuously as a separate highway through Grants Pass, Gold Hill, Central Point, Medford, Phoenix, Talent and Ashland. From Ashland to the border with California the Old Hwy 99 follows SR 66 to the south of Emigrant Lake and as SR 273 from Emigrant Lake to the California border. Going north from Cottage Grove, SR 99 goes through Eugene as a series of local streets and north to Junction City where it splits between OR 99E & OR 99W (formerly US Hwy 99E & 99W), through the Willamette Valley, to Portland where they rejoin before crossing the Columbia River into Washington.<br> [[File:OR 99E.svg|25px|frameless|left]] Junction City, Halsey, [[Albany_(Oregon)|Albany]], [[Salem_(Oregon)|Salem]], [[Woodburn]], Canby, [[Oregon City]], [[Gladstone]], [[Milwaukie]], [[Portland_(Oregon)|Portland]]. [[File:OR 99W.svg|25px|frameless|left]] Junction City, [[Corvallis]], Amity, [[Monmouth_(Oregon)|Monmouth]], [[McMinnville_(Oregon)|McMinnville]], [[Newberg]], [[Tigard]], [[Portland_(Oregon)|Portland]]. which are described throughout the article in the below: ====[[Southern Oregon]]==== * {{listing | name=Siskiyou Summit | alt=Exit 1 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Old Hwy 99 S winds alongside of I-5 as a two lane highway in the mountains from Exit #1 to OR-Hwy 66 in Ashland. It crosses I-5 at Exits #6 and 14 (as SR 66). Accessible from the northbound lanes only, no return to freeway going north. Southbound traffic can only merge into I-5 from here. Access from the southbound lanes of I-5 (and northbound return to I-5) from Exit 6 only. }} * {{listing | name=Mount Ashland | alt=Exit 6 | url= | email= | address= | lat=| long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Old Hwy 99 S runs parallel to the I-5 corridor between Exit #1 and OR-Hwy 66 in Ashland at Exit #14. This exit is accessible from both directions of I-5. {{Lodging-icon}}. }} * {{listing | name=[[Ashland_(Oregon)|Ashland]] | alt=Exits 11-19 | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.1855 | long=-122.6659 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ashland, Oregon | wikidata=Q450100 | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=A small town that is home to the Tony award winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival that has productions from February to October. There are three exits to Ashland. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99.svg|25px]] Siskiyou Blvd Ashland | alt=Exit 11 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=OR Hwy 99 diverges from I-5 and runs parallel through Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford and Grants Pass. Hwy 99 intersects I-5 at Exits 35, 43, 45 and 58. }} :*{{marker|type=go|name=Welcome Center & Rest Area|url=|lat=42.1676 | long=-122.6526}} Accessible from the northbound lanes only. :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 66.svg|25px]] Ashland Klamath Falls | alt=Exit 14 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=SR 66 goes west into town as Ashland St towards Southern Oregon State University and east and then south, parallel, along I-5 as Green Springs Hwy (Old Hwy 99) to [[File:OR 273.svg|25px]] (Old Hwy 99 S) south of Emigrant Lake. From Emigrant Lake SR 66 continues east towards [[Klamath Falls]] while Old Hwy 99 S continues south towards the state line at Exit 1. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Talent]] | alt=Exit 21 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Talent,_Oregon | wikidata=Q2106770 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content= }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=Phoenix (Oregon) | alt=Exit 24 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Phoenix,_Oregon | image=Fern_Valley_Interchange_(14067137767).jpg | wikidata=Q1922043 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content= }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Medford_(Oregon)|Medford]] | alt=Exits 27 & 30 | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.326515 | long=-122.875595 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Medford, Oregon | image=Medford_Viaduct.jpg | wikidata=Q836663 | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=Southern Oregon's largest and most diverse city, brimming with historical and cultural attractions while offering regional tax-free shopping. Medford is the county seat of Jackson County, and is the commercial and medical hub of southern Oregon. Its autumns tend to be very mild, and dry when compared to the rest of the state. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 62.svg|25px]] [[File:OR 238.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] North Medford, [[Crater Lake]] | alt=Exit 30 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Access to {{marker|type=go|name=Medford Rogue Valley International Airport |url=http://jacksoncountyor.org/airport |lat=42.3684 | long=-122.8740}}, [https://www.roguevalleymall.com/ Rogue Valley Mall] and the surrounding retail stores, restaurants and hotels for supplies, food and/or a night's stay. SR-62 continues north and east towards [[Crater Lake]]. Immediate left (north) on Biddle Rd from SR-62, follow signs to Airport Rd to reach the airport. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=Central Point Eagle Point | alt=Exit 33 | url= | email= | address= | lat=| long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Central_Point,_Oregon | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Also another way to access the airport. Go east on E Pine which become Biddle Rd. Follow signs to the terminal {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99.svg|25px]] to [[File:OR 234.svg|25px]] Scenic Byway & Gold Hill | alt=Exit 40 | url= | email= | address= | lat=|long=|directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gold_Hill,_Oregon | wikidata=Q3109513 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Exit into the town of Gold Hill. }} * {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99.svg|25px]] Rogue River Route | alt=Exits 43 & 45A | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rogue Valley | wikidata=Q10825386 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Additional access to Hwy 99 in Rogue River Valley between Grants Pass and Medford. Both exits are named as "Rogue Valley Route" and are accessible from both directions. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Grants Pass]] | alt=Exits 55 & 58 | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.439007 | long=-123.328393 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Grants_Pass,_Oregon | image="It's_the_Climate"_sign_in_Grants_Pass,_Oregon.jpg | wikidata=Q143405 | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=Grants Pass is the county seat of Josephine County and is famous for its white river rafting in the Rogue River. It is also the gateway to the nearby Oregon Caves National Monument 30 miles (48 km) south of the city. I-5 goes east-west from Central Point (Exit #33), through Grants Pass, to Merlin Rd (Exit #61). There are two exits to Grants Pass. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:US 199.svg|25px]] S Grants Pass Crescent City | alt=Exit 55 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Connects the I-5 corridor to [[Crescent City]] in the [[North Coast_(California)|northern California coast]]. From Crescent City one can go north on US Hwy 101 to reach the [[Southern Oregon Coast]]. Locally US Hwy 199 accesses the local neighborhoods in south Grants Pass as Grants Pass Pkwy and Redwood Hwy. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99.svg|25px]] to [[File:US 199.svg|25px]] Grants Pass City Center | alt=Exit 58 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Access into downtown Grants Pass via NE Scoville which becomes NE 6th St. From downtown go north on NE 7th St to return to the freeway. SR-99 passes through downtown Grants Pass as NE 6/7th St and east towards Medford as Rogue River Hwy. }} :* {{listing | name=Merlin Rd | alt=Exit 61 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Local road to the town of Merlin. }} * {{listing | name=Wolf Creek | alt=Exit 76 | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.6951 | long=-123.3947 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | image=Wolf_Creek_Tavern.jpg | wikipedia=Wolf_Creek,_Oregon | wikidata=Q3710338 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=unincorporated town. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Canyonville]] | alt=Exit 98 | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.9262 | long=-123.2804 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Canyonville,_Oregon | wikidata=Q2622557 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content= }} * {{listing | name=Myrtle Creek | alt=Exit 108 | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.0247 | long=-123.2979 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Myrtle Creek,_Oregon | wikidata=Q981114 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content= }} * {{listing | name=[[Roseburg]] | alt=Exits 120-129 | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.2135 | long=-123.3552 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Roseburg,_Oregon | wikidata=Q846170 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=There are 5 exits to Roseburg }} ====[[Willamette Valley]]==== The Willamette Valley is centered around the Willamette River, and home to the state's three largest cities and much of the state's agriculture industry and the Oregon Wine Country: * {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99.svg|25px]] Cottage Grove | alt=Exit 170 | url=| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-10-17 | content=OR-Hwy 99 goes alongside of I-5 as a two lane highway from Exit #170 to Exit 188 in Goshen. It passes through Cottage Grove and Creswell. This exit is accessible from the northbound lanes only, no return to freeway going north. Southbound traffic can only merge into I-5 going south. Hwy 99 goes along I-5 to Oakland (Oregon) at Exit #140 where it splits as a separate highway, alongside I-5 to Exit #120 south of Roseburg. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Eugene]]-[[w:Springfield,_Oregon|Springfield]]| alt=Exits 189-195B | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.052069 | long=-123.086754 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | image=Photocollageofeugene.png | price= | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=The second-largest city in Oregon, home to the University of Oregon Ducks. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 58.svg|25px]] Oakridge Klamath Falls | alt=Exit 188 | url=| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-10-17 | content=From the southbound lanes there's only one exit leaving the freeway towards SR-58 and it splits again towards towards Goshen (SR-99) and "Oakridge Klamath Falls" (SR-58). From the northbound lanes Exit #188A forms SR-58 going towards Oakridge while Exit 188B (a separate exit) ends into Franklin Blvd which goes south into Goshen as SR-99. }} :* {{listing | name=30th Ave South Eugene | alt=Exit 189 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-10-17 | content=From here one can approach Eugene from the south via 30th Ave or continue north on Franklin Blvd into Springfield. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99.svg|25px]] [[File:OR 126.svg|25px]] University of Oregon Eugene Downtown | alt=Exit 192 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-10-17 | content=From the south, downtown can be reached via Franklin Blvd (Hwy 99) which also passes by the U of Oregon campus. This exit is only accessible from the northbound lanes and only goes west into Eugene. Going south SR-99 merges onto I-5 from mile marker 192 and runs concurrent with I-5 to Exit #188 where it forms a separate parallel route through Cottage Grove and Goshen. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-105.svg|25px]] [[File:OR 126.svg|25px]] [[Eugene]]-[[w:Springfield,_Oregon|Springfield]] | alt=Exits 194A & B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Photocollageofeugene.png | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=This highway connects into downtown Eugene as I-105 and continues east into Springfield as SR-126. Follow Exit/off ramp 194A to Sprinfield and Exit/off ramp 194B towards Eugene. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:OR 569.svg|25px]] Randy Pape Beltline [[Eugene]]-[[w:Springfield,_Oregon|Springfield]]| alt=Exits 195 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | image=Photocollageofeugene.png | price= | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=The Randy Pape Beltine serves as a circular freeway to circle around the Eugene-Springfield area as a way to connect the outer suburbs to each other without going into downtown. }} * {{listing | name=[[File:OR 228.svg|25px]] [[w:Halsey, Oregon|Halsey]] - [[w:Brownsville, Oregon|Brownsville]] | alt=Exit 216 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-09-24 | content=Holly Sweet Home Rd goes east/west, connecting Halsey (west, Jct 99E) to Brownsville (east). }}{{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} * {{listing | name=[[File:OR 34.svg|25px]] [[Corvallis_(Oregon)|Corvallis]] - [[w:Lebanon,_Oregon|Lebanon]] | alt=Exit 228 | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.5559 | long=-123.0616 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-09-24 | content=Corvallis (and Jct 99W) is {{mi|11}} west from the I-5/SR-34 junction while Least is {{mi|8}} east. }}{{fuel-icon}} * {{listing | name=[[Albany_(Oregon)|Albany]] | alt=Exits 233 - 235 | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.63538 | long=-123.1069 | directions=west of I-5. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-09-24 | content=The town is known as the "hub of the valley" as it sits at the confluence of the Willamette River and Calapooia Rivers. Albany's streets are lined with historic homes and a carousel museum. Its location in the Willamette Valley, known for its wine, allows the town to offer locally made wine, as well as cider and beer. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:US 20.svg|25px]] Santiam Hwy Albany-[[w:Lebanon, Oregon|Lebanon]] | alt=Exit 233| | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Signed as "Lebanon Sweet home"' from the 'southbound lanes. Travelers coming from the north and going towards Lebanon (SE) or Corvallis (SW) can use this exit and go on US Hwy 20 instead of going to Hwy 34 at exit 228. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=Fair/Expo Center Knox Butte Rd | alt=Exit 234/234A| | url=https://www.lcfairexpo.com | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Access to local Albany Municipal Airport (general aviation only) and Linn County fairgrounds. Exits 234 & 234A are two separate exits but are signed the same from both directions. Exit 234 is accessible from the ''northbound'' lanes only to Knox Butte Rd E while Exit 234A, just south of 234B, is accessible from the ''southbound'' lanes only. Exit 234A goes into Albany Ave SE/Airport Rd Se, west of the freeway, which intersects Pacific Blvd SE (Hwy 99E). {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} ::* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99E.svg|25px]] Albany | alt=Exit 234B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Accessible from ''southbound'' lanes only. Hwy 99E goes south into town as Pacific Blvd SE and follows I-5 north to Salem. From Albany Hwy 99E continues south towards Junction City (where it merges with Hwy 99W into Hwy 99) through Tangent, Halsey and Harrisburg. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing|name=Millersburg |alt=Exit 235|url=|lat=|long=|content=Accessible from ''southbound'' lanes into Old Salem Rd NE. Exit #235 are two separate exits which are accessible from one side of the freeway only.}} ::* {{listing | name=Viewcrest | alt=Exit 235 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Accessible from ''northbound'' lanes into Century Dr NE, parallel along the east side of the freeway. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Salem_(Oregon)|Salem]] | alt=Exits 248-260B | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.942898 | long=-123.035096 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Salem, Oregon | image=Oregon_State_Capitol_1.jpg | wikidata=Q43919 | lastedit=2017-06-02 | content=The capital city of Oregon, traditionally known for being low-key, the downtown area is showing the early signs of rejuvenation. }} :* {{listing|name=Sunnyside Turner|alt=Exit 248|url=|lat=|long=|comment=go east on Delany Rd SE to get to the town of Turner go west to Sunnyside Rd SE and then go north on Sunnyside to get into town}} :* {{listing|name=Commercial St SE|alt=Exit 249|url=|lat=|long=|content=Major thoroughfare into town (Salem) from the south}} :* {{listing|name=Keubler Blvd|alt=Exit 252|url=|lat=|long=}} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 22.svg|25px]] [[File:OR 99E.svg|25px]] [[Detroit_Lake_State_Recreation_Area|Detroit Lake]] [[Bend]] | alt=Exit 253 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-10 | content=OR Hwy 22 & Bus 99E goes northwesterly into town as Mission St SE. OR-Hwy 22 then goes across the Willamette River into West Salem and another {{mile|25}} west to OR-Hwy 18 in Willamina via OR-Hwy 99W in Rickreall which is the gateway towards the Yamhill Valley Wine Country (north on 99W towards McMinnville). Going east OR-Hwy 22 passes by Detroit Lake and Mt Jefferson towards US Hwy 20. It continues into Bend as US Hwy 20. Going south OR Hwy 99E follows I-5 to Exit 234B in Albany. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 213.svg|25px]] Market St Silverton | alt=Exit 256 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Closest exit to downtown and the state capitol. }} There are multiple roads/bridges crossing over I-5 between Hwy 22 at mm 253 and Hwy 99E at mm 258 that are not accessible. This is the only exit to take between Hwy 22 and 99E. :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99E.svg|25px]] Portland Rd NE | alt=Exit 258 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-10 | content=OR-Hwy 99E goes N/NE towards Portland through Woodburn, Canby and Oregon City and towards Albany along I-5 in the other direction. Going into town Portland Rd NE (Hwy Bus-99E) passes the by state fairgrounds where it becomes Fairgrounds Rd the rest of the way into downtown Salem. }} :* {{listing | name=Chemawa Road - Keizer | alt=Exit 260 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ====[[Portland Metropolitan Area]]==== The Portland Metropolitan area is a large conurbation of cities (municipalities) surrounding Portland, Oregon in the northern end of the Willamette Valley and Southwest Washington (primarily in/around Vancouver & Camas, WA). * {{listing | name=[[Wilsonville]] | alt= | url=Exits 283 & 286 | email= | address= | lat=45.3030 | long=-122.7693 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Located within the Portland metropolitan area, the city also includes the planned communities of Charbonneau on the south side of the river, and Villebois on the western edge. The city is bisected by Interstate 5 and includes I-5's Boone Bridge over the Willamette. }} :* {{listing|name=Wilsonville Rd|alt=283|lat=|long=|content=}} :* {{listing|name=Ellingson Rd, Boones Ferry Rd |alt=Exit 286|lat=|long=}} * {{listing | name=[[File:I-205.svg|25px]] [[Oregon City]] | alt=Exit 288 | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.368654 | long=-122.758060 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=I-205 goes north to [[Oregon City]], [[Gladstone (Oregon)|Gladstone]], and the [[Portland_(Oregon)|Portland International Airport]]; reconnects with I-5 north of [[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver, WA]] at Exit 7 (Washington). }} * {{listing | name=Nyberg Rd Tualatin Sherwood Rd | alt=Exit 289 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-10 | content=Tualatin Sherwood Rd goes {{mile|5}} across towards OR Hwy 99W in Sherwood through Tualatin. From Sherwood travelers can continue into Newberg, Dundee and McMinnville in the '''Yamhill Valley Wine Country''', a world-renowned wine tasting destination. }} * {{listing | name=[[Tigard]] and [[Lake Oswego]] | alt=Exits 291-293 | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.4210 | long=-122.7442 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content= }} :* {{listing|name=SW Carman Dr|alt=Exit 291|lat=|long=|content=}} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 217.svg|25px]] | alt=Exit 292 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=Connects to [[Tigard]] (SR-99W); [[Beaverton]] and ends at US-26 west. Serves as a partial western bypass for northbound drivers to connect with [[Hillsboro (Oregon)|Hillsboro]] (via US Hwy 26 & SR-8) and the [[Northern Oregon Coast]] (US Hwy 26). SR-217 ends east of I-5 where the same road becomes SW Kruse Way leading into [[Lake Oswego]] a wealthy suburban enclave. }} :* {{listing|name=SW Haines St|alt=Exit 293|lat=|long=|content=}} * {{listing | name=[[Portland (Oregon)|Portland]] | alt=Exits 294-308. There are 18 exits into Portland | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.51261 | long=-122.68163 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Portland, Oregon | wikidata=Q6106 | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=The largest city in Oregon, and a cultural center for the region. Known for its food and music scenes, and counter-cultural attitudes. Thousands of acres of gardens, parks, and trails to explore, as well as a multitude of shops and restaurants spread across several neighborhoods. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99W.svg|25px]] [[Tigard]] & [[Portland (Oregon)/Southwest| Southwest Portland]] | alt=Exit 294 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=SR-99W officially begins/ends here. It goes west through [[Tigard]], King City, Sherwood, [[Newberg]] and [[McMinnville_(Oregon)|McMinnville]] in the '''Yamhill Valley Wine Country''', Going into Portland the road becomes SW Barbur Blvd through Southwest Portland and into downtown Portland as SW Naito Pkwy (Front Ave). The old 99W continues along Naito Pkwy through downtown to the Steele Bridge where crosses over the Willamette River and continues north along N Interstate Ave. It rejoins into I-5 at Exit 306. }} :* {{listing|name=SW Taylors Ferry Rd|alt=Exit 295|lat=|long=|content=Access from northbound lanes only. Exit 295 are two separate exits to different local surface street at opposite sides of the freeway.}} ::* {{listing|name=SW Capitol Hwy|alt=Exit 295|lat=|long=|content=Access from southbound lanes only.}} :* {{listing|name=SW Barbur Blvd|alt=Exit 296A|lat=|long=|content=Barbur Blvd is the old Hwy 99W. Access from southbound lanes only.}} :* {{listing|name=SW Terwilliger Blvd|alt=Exit 297|lat=|long=|content=}} :* {{listing|name=SW Corbett Ave|alt=Exit 298|lat=|long=|content=Access to a local street from northbound side only}} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 43.svg|25px]] [[File:US 26.svg|25px]] Macadam / Ross Island Bridge | alt=Exit 299A | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=US Hwy 26 crosses over the Willamette River on the Ross Island bridge. US 26 goes through SE Portland as SE Powell and continues east towards [[Bend]] in Central Oregon through [[Gresham]], [[Sandy]], [[Mount Hood|Mount Hood/Government Camp]] and [[Madras_(Oregon)|Madras]]. SR-43 goes south along the west side of the Willamette River as SW Macadam towards Oregon City through [[Lake Oswego]] and West Linn. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-405.svg|25px]] North to City Center [[File:US 26.svg|25px]] West; [[File:I-5.svg|25px]] North to Seattle [[File:I-84.svg|25px]] | alt=Exit 299B (from left lanes of the northbound side) into I-405 | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.50769 | long=-122.6696 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Marquam Bridge | image=MarquamBridgeHill.jpg | wikidata=Q6772478 | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=Interstate 5 crosses the Willamette River on the Marquam Bridge and continues north towards Seattle from the other side of the river. Interstate 405 is a local auxiliary highway that continues {{mile|4.5}} around downtown Portland (westside of the Willamette River) to the Fremont Bridge where it rejoins I-5 in the other side of the Willamette River. I-405 connects the I-5 corridor to downtown and to US Hwy 26 west (Exit 1D of I-405) towards [[Beaverton]],[[Hillsboro_(Oregon)|Hillsboro]] and [[Seaside]]. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-84.svg|25px]] [[File:US 30.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] [[The Dalles]] | alt=Exit 300 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=After exiting from I-5 the off-ramp splits with one lane going right into SE Water Ave & Yamhill for local access to the warehouses and to Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in southeast Portland while the other lane continues into I-84. Access from the ''northbound'' lanes only. }} ::* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99E.svg|25px]] [[Oregon City]] OMSI [[File:US 26.svg|25px]] East | alt=Exit 300B | url=https://omsi.edu | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-10 | content=Off ramp splits again after exiting from I-5. Left lane goes into Morrison Bridge east which leads towards another off ramp to MLK south (99E to Oregon City and OMSI) or continue east on SE Belmont. Right lane goes into Morrison Bridge west going into downtown Portland. Road becomes SW Washington St in downtown. Access from the ''southbound'' lanes only. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-84.svg|25px]] [[File:US 30.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] East [[The Dalles]] | alt=Exit 301 (southbound) / 300 (northbound) | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.524897 | long=-122.665353 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=I-84 passes through Portland's [[Portland (Oregon)/Eastside|Eastside]] and through the [[Mt. Hood and Columbia Gorge|Columbia Gorge]] to [[Hood River]], [[The Dalles]], [[Pendleton]] and [[Boise|Boise, ID]]. Travelers going to {{marker|type=go|name=Portland International Airport|url=https://www.flypdx.com|lat=45.5894 | long=-122.5937}} can follow I-84 to I-205 North towards Seattle at Exit #8 of I-84 and then to Airport Way W from Exit #24A of I-205. Likewise travelers can also go north towards the airport on NE 82nd (OR Hwy-213) from Exit #5 of I-84. }} :* {{listing | name=NE Broadway-Weidler Moda Center | alt=Exit 302A | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Access to NE Broadway (WB) from the southbound lanes and NE Weidler (EB) from the northbound lanes. Nearest access to the [http://veterans.coliseumportland.org/ Portland Memorial Coliseum], [https://www.oregoncc.org/en Oregon Convention Center] and the [http://www.modaportland.com/ Moda Center (Rose Quarter)] all hosting different sporting events, concerts/performances and conventions throughout the year. {{fuel-icon}} {{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-405.svg|25px]] [[File:US 30.svg|25px]] West Beaverton St Helens (Fremont Bridge) | alt=Exit 302B | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.5379 | long=-122.6831 | directions=Fremont Bridge | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fremont_Bridge_(Portland,_Oregon) | image=FremontBridgePano.jpg | wikidata=Q3396538 | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=I-405 connects [[Portland (Oregon)/Northwest|Northwest Portland]] and downtown Portland from the I-5 corridor, while US 30 branches off from the west end of the Fremont Bridge and continues along the Willamette River through the northwest industrial areas to Sauvie Island, Scappoose, Saint Helens and [[Astoria]]. I-405 then joins I-5 at the west end of the Marquem Bridge south of downtown Portland. }} :* {{listing | name=Swan Island, N Killingsworth | alt=Exit 303 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Exit accesses N Going St (to Swan Island) and Killingsworth. Both are connected by local paralell roads at both sides, without re-entering the freeway. }} :* {{listing|name=N Caesar Chavez Blvd |alt=Exit 304|lat=|long=}} :* {{listing|name=[[File:US 30.svg|25px]] N Lombard St|alt=Exit 305A|lat=|long=|content=Accessible from the northbound lanes only}} :* {{listing|name=Columbia Blvd|alt=Exit 306A|lat=|long=|content=Accessible from the northbound lanes only}} :* {{listing | name=Interstate Ave Portland International Raceway | alt=Exit 306 | url=https://www.portlandraceway.com/ | email= | address= | lat=45.5968 | long=-122.6875 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Portland International Raceway | wikidata=Q2662150 | lastedit=2020-11-10 | content=Interstate Ave served as the "Old Hwy 99W" (not signed) through North Portland. The Old Hwy 99W crosses into downtown from N Interstate via the (black) Steele Bridge and continued along the downtown waterfront as Naito Pkwy. It goes through Southwest Portland as SW Barbur Blvd to it junction with I-5 at Exit 294 where OR-Hwy 99W officially begins. On some maps OR-Hwy 99W begins at SW Naito Pkwy and Clay St in downtown Portland. This exit (#306) is only accessible from the southbound lanes. From the northbound lanes take Exit 306B towards "Victory Lane/Expo Center" and take a left on N Victory Ln to reach Interstate Ave & the Portland International Raceway. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:OR 99E.svg|25px]] MLK Jr Blvd & Marine Dr | alt=Exit 307 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-11-10 | content=OR-Hwy 99E begins here and goes parallel I-5 along the east side towards Salem. It goes through northeast and southeast Portland as Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Hwy 99E branches between NE Weidler and SE Mill St. Southbound traffic continue on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd while northbound traffic travel along Grand Ave. It continues south from SE Mill St to [[Oregon City]] as SE McCloughlin Blvd. This is where the old US Hwy 99 split between US Hwy 99E & 99W. }} :* {{listing | name=Hayden Island ODOTS Permits | alt=Exit 308 | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.6115 | long=-122.6791 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hayden Island, Portland, Oregon | wikidata=Q5686334 | lastedit=2019-07-13 | content=Access to [http://jantzenbeachpdx.com/ Jantzen Beach Shopping Center] on Hayden Island. There are other restaurants, hotels and retails stores surrounding the Jantzen Beach mall for food, fuel, supplies and/or a night's stay. Exit is signposted "Hayden Island ODOTS Permits" from both directions. ODOTS permits are for commercial truck drivers to travel through the state. }} === [[Washington (state)|Washington]] === The maximum speed limit is 70 MPH (112 km/h) for cars & 60 MPH (100 km/h) for large trucks on rural stretches and 60 MPH (100 km/h) in urban areas or lower if posted otherwise. Some of the highway rest stops in Washington are also staffed by volunteers from different local religious and fraternal organizations such as the Lions Club or Elk's Club to offer free coffee, tea, water and cookies to travelers. Some even offer home baked goods such as brownies too. A donation of any amount is appreciated in the can provided on the counter. Rest stops in Washington state do not have exit numbers but rather marked with a blue sign rather than the green sign.<br> [[File:WA-99.svg|38px|frameless|left]] Unlike California and Oregon only a short segment of the Old Hwy 99 (({{mile|47}} long) between [[Interstate 5#Fife|Fife]] and [[Interstate 5#Everett|Everett]] have been commissioned as State Route (SR) 99. The remaining segments have been decommissioned as a US or state highway except SR 11 (Chuckanaut Dr) between Burlington and Bellingham, a section of SR-529 between Everett and Marysville and SR 505 concurrent with Jackson Hwy through Toledo. In everywhere else the Old Hwy 99 exists as local roads named "Old Highway 99", "Pacific Ave" or by a different name or concurrently on Interstate 5 which are described throughout this article in the below. There have been different alignments and re-alignments throughout its existence before 1940 which are included in some parts of this article but not all. Most of the segments described in this article are what is/was there as (old) US Highway 99 when Interstate 5 was built in 1964-69:<br> ====[[Southwest Washington]]==== * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Vancouver (Washington)|Vancouver]] | alt=Exits 1A-7 | url= | lat=45.626 | long=-122.675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Vancouver, Washington | image=Vancouver WA Collage.jpg | wikidata=Q234053 | lastedit=2019-06-04 | content=Fourth largest city in Washington and oldest permanent settlement in the Pacific Northwest; not to be confused with [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia|BC]], [[Canada]]. }} :* {{listing | type=listing| name=[[File:WA-14.svg|25px]] East Camas | alt=Exit 1A | url= | email=| lat= | long= | directions=| | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Goes through the [[Columbia River Gorge]] along the Washington side of the Columbia River to Exit 131 of I-82 in [[Columbia_River_Plateau|Eastern Washington]], north of Hermiston. In town the highway ends at Washington & W 5th St in downtown Vancouver. Exit 1B goes from the northbound lanes to E 6th St & C St. This is also another way to reach the airport. Go east on SR 14 to I-205 and then south on I-205 to NE Airport Way (Exit 24) on the other side of the Columbia River. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-501.svg|25px]] E Mill Plain Blvd | alt=Exit 1C | url= | lat= | long= | directions=| | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2019-07-12 | content=Major east-west road through town. Access to the Historic Ft Vancouver and the adjacent old military base of the same name just east of the freeway. Going the other direction Mill Plain goes into downtown Vancouver. Exit 1D continues north to 4th Plain, another local east-west road. }} :* {{listing | name=Old Hwy 99 | alt=Exit 3 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-12 | content=Going north, Old Hwy 99 becomes NE 20th Ave (north of the I-205 jct), NE Union Rd and NE 15th Ave and ends at NE 179th at Exit 9. Going south, the Old Hwy 99 becomes Main St ending at E 5th & Main in downtown. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=NE 78th St (Hazel Dell) | alt=Exit 4 | url= | lat= | long= | directions=| | lastedit=2019-06-25 | content=Local east-west street with multiple places for Lodging, fuel, restaurants, supplies/groceries (Costco, Fred Meyer, O'Reillys Auto Parts, etc) surrounding the I-5/Trosper Rd Jct. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-205.svg|25px]][[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] NE 134th St Salem | alt=Exit 7 | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.7285 | long=-122.656 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-04 | content=I-205 goes south to the [[Portland_(Oregon)|Portland International Airport]] (via NE Airport Way at Exit #24 from southbound lanes & 24A of the northbound lanes of I-205), East Portland, [[Gladstone (Oregon)|Gladstone]], and [[Oregon City]]; and reconnects with I-5 at Exit 288 (Oregon) south of Portland. This exit is only accessible from the southbound lanes only. From the Northbound lanes Exit off at ''NE 134th St/ E WSU Vancouver'' (Exit 7A) and go east on NE 134th St to I-205. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=NE 179th St | alt=Exit 9 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | lastedit=2019-06-25 | content=Location of [https://www.clarkcoeventcenter.com/events Clark County Fairgrounds] at west side of freeway. The Old Hwy 99 is NE 15th Ave running along the eastside of the freeway from NE 179th St. The same road becomes NE Union, NE 20th, NE Hwy 99, crosses I-5 at Exit 3 and becomes Main St. }} * {{listing | name=[[File:WA-502.svg|25px]] Battleground | alt=Exit 11 | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.7811 | long=-122.673 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Battleground,_Washington | wikidata=Q810999 | lastedit=2019-07-12 | content=The town of Battleground is 6 miles (10km) east of the freeway along NE 219th. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Gee Creek I-5 NB | alt=Exit 11 / Mile 11 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/gee-creek-i-5-northbound | email= | address= | lat=45.7776 | long=-122.6691 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-03 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, visitors info, vending machines, RV sanitation station, and electrical vehicle charging station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Gee Creek I-5 SB| alt=Mile 12 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/gee-creek-i-5-southbound | lat=45.7996 | long=-122.6808 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, visitors info, vending machines and RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=La Center Cowlitz Reservation | alt=Exit 16 | url= | directions= | wikipedia=La_Center,_Washington | wikidata=Q1506592 | lastedit=2019-07-13 | content= }} * {{listing | name=[[File:WA-503.svg|25px]] [[Woodland_(Washington)|Woodland]] Cougar | alt=Exit 21 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Woodland, Washington | image=CedarCreekGristMill2007.jpg | wikidata=Q1191430 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=SR-503 goes east through Woodland and connects to FR-90 in Cougar along the southside of Mt St Helens. It is also another way to access [[Mount_St._Helens|Mt St Helens]] from Portland and Southwest Washington. There are a series of gas stations, restaurants, motels and a couple of groceries stores to stock up. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} * {{listing | name=Kalama | alt=Exits 27 & 30 | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.0075 | long=-122.8454 | directions= | image=Kalama,_WA_-_N_First_St_02.jpg | wikipedia=Kalama,_Washington | wikidata=Q1516195 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Exit 30 goes into downtown Kalama while Exit 27 access the industrial areas south of Kalama (Port of Kalama). Pin is at Exit #30. }} * {{listing | name=[[Kelso (Washington)|Kelso]] & [[Longview_(Washington)|Longview]] | alt=Exits 36-40 | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.141944 | long=-122.906111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kelso,_Washington | image=Longviewwa1.jpg | wikidata=Q868654 | lastedit=2019-06-04 | content=Five exits to Kelso; SR-432 (Exit 36) and Pleasant Hil Rd & Headquarters Rd (Exit 39). SR-432 provide access to neighboring [[Longview (Washington)|Longview]] west of the Cowlitz River. SR-4 continues west along the Washington side of the Colombia River to US Hwy 101 north of [[Astoria]], Oregon. Likewise travelers can also cross the Columbia River from Longview into Rainier, OR and continue towards Astoria on US Hwy 30. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-432.svg|25px]] Talley Way | alt=Exit 36B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-10-21 | content= Goes from Exit 36B of I-5 to 3rd Ave and aound town as Industrial Ave to SR-4 west of town. To go into town go past 3rd Ave and continue onto Tennant Way (follow signs) which ends at 15th Ave/Oregon Way, just south of town. Exit 36A diverge into Kelso Dr which is local road that runs parallel (at 35 mph) along I-5 at the east side of the freeway from Talley Way (Exit 36) to Allen St (Exit 39). }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-4.svg|25px]] Allen St to [[Kelso_(Washington)|Kelso]] | alt=Exit 39 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-10-21 | content=Allen St is the main road into [[Kelso]] from the I-5 corridor and is the beginning of SR-4 which goes out through and past Kelso and Lonview towards [[Ilwaco]] & [[Long Beach_(Washington)|Longbeach]] out in the coast. There are multiple places for Lodging, fuel, restaurants, supplies/groceries (Safeway, Red Lion Inn, Three Rivers Mall, Target, etc) accessible from this exit. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=N Kelso Ave | alt=Exit 40 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-10-21 | content=Local access to local residential neighborhoods north of Kelso. }} :* {{listing | name=Lexington Bridge Dr | alt=Exit 42 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-10-21 | content=Local access to residential neighborhoods north Kelso. }} :* {{listing | name=Headquarter Rd/Pleasant Hill Rd | alt=Exit 46 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-10-21 | content= }} * {{listing | name=[[File:WA-504.svg|25px]] Castle Rock | alt=Exit 49 | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.284549 | long=-122.902701 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Castle_Rock,_Washington | wikidata=Q1023555 | lastedit=2021-05-15 | content=SR-504 goes {{mi|52}} east to the [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31562 Johnston Ridge Observatory] in [[Mount St. Helens]]. There is a [https://parks.state.wa.us/245/Mount-St-Helens Visitors' Center] closer to the freeway, only {{mi|5}} east. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Toutle River I-5 NB | alt=Mile 54 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/toutle-river-i-5-northbound | email= | address= | lat=46.3509 | long=-122.9043 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables and visitors info. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{go | name=Toutle River I-5 SB | alt=Mile 54 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/toutle-river-i-5-southbound | email= | address= | lat=46.3523 | long=-122.9079 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-05-15 | content=Restrooms, water and picnic tables. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}}. }} * {{listing | name=Jackson Hwy | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.3905 | long=-122.9021 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Jackson Hwy is the segment of old hwy 99 through Toledo, Chehalis and Centralia in Lewis County. Exit is signposted as "Jackson Hwy Barnes Dr" from the southbound lanes. In downtown Chehalis Jackson Hwy becomes Market St.The Old Hwy 99 intersects with I-5 at Exits 82 and 88. }} * {{listing | name=[[File:WA-506.svg|25px]] Toledo Vader Rd | alt=Exit 60 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | image=Toledo,_WA_-_shops_on_Cowlitz_St_03.jpg | wikipedia=Toledo,_Washington | wikidata=Q1515635 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Local road to access the town of Toledo. The other exit for going towards Vader is at Exit 59. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:WA-505.svg|25px]] Winlock Toledo | alt=Exit 63 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | wikipedia=Winlock,_Washington | image=WinlockEgg.jpg | wikidata=Q1502266 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=SR 505 goes across I-5 connecting Toledo to Winlock. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:US 12.svg|25px]] East to Morton Yakima | alt=Exit 68 | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.548 | long=-122.877 | directions= | lastedit=2019-06-20 | content=US Hwy 12 goes east through the Cascade Mountains between [[Mount Rainier]] and [[Mount St Helens]] to Exit 31 on I-82 north of [[Yakima]]. Travelers can get to Mt Rainier from US Hwy 12 via SR 7 at Morton or SR 123 in Packwood and to Mt St Helens on SR 131/FR 25 in Randle. Going westbound, US Hwy 12 goes north along I-5 from Exit 68 to Exit 88. }} * {{listing | name=[[File:WA-508.svg|25px]] Napavine Onalaska | alt=Exit 71 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | wikipedia=Napavine,_Washington | wikidata=Q1510290 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=W Forest Napavine Rd/Main Ave connects Napavine in the west and Onalaska in the east }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Chehalis]] | alt=Exits 72-79 | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.6604 | long=-122.9784 | directions= | wikipedia=Chehalis,_Washington | image=Lewis_County_Historic_Courthouse.jpg | wikidata=Q249441 | lastedit=2019-06-20 | content=Chehalis is a small town and the county seat of Lewis County. There are three exits to Chehalis. The pin is at SR-6 / W Main St at Exit #76 which connects I-5 to downtown Chehalis. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-6.svg|25px]] West Pe Ell & [[Raymond]] | alt=Exit 77 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-10-21 | content=Connects Chehalis to [[Raymond]] and [[South_Bend (Washington)|South Bend]] by Willapa Bay at the coast. The road also passes through the town of Pe Ell. Going east it goes into downtown Chehalis as Main St. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=NW Chamber of Commerce Way | alt=Exit 79 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-20 | content=A local NW/SE street in Chehalis where there are multiple places for fuel, restaurants, a strip mall (Grocery Outlet, O'Reilly's Auto Parts, Dollar Tree, Taco del Mar, Starbucks, Wendy's, etc); Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc for supplies. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Centralia_(Washington)|Centralia]] | alt=Exits 81-82 | url= | email= | address= | lat=46.7191 | long=-122.9542 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | image=Centralia_Downtown_Historic_District.jpg | wikipedia=Centralia,_Washington | wikidata=Q868700 | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Founded as a railroad town, Centralia's economy was originally dependent on such extractive industries as coal, lumber and agriculture. It was named in reference to the midway point between Tacoma and Kalama (which were originally the NP's Washington termini), but proved to have longevity when it became the midpoint between Seattle and Portland after I-5 was built. There are two exits to Centralia {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-507.svg|25px]] Mellen St City Center | alt=Exit 81 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-11 | content=Accessible only from the northbound lanes only. From the southbound lanes exit at Harrison Ave (Exit #82) and follow the parallel side road past Harrison, past the merging lane (do not re-enter freeway) to Mellen St. Follow signs. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} [[File:MUTCD_I-6.svg|25px]] (at Chevron Gas Station). }} :* {{listing | name=Harrison Ave Factory Outlet Way | alt=Exit 82 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=Accessible from both directions. Harrison Ave is the segment of the Old Hwy 99 going into downtown Centralia where Old Hwy 99 goes north-south, through downtown, as Pearl St (SB) and Tower Ave (NB). Going towards Chehalis the old Hwy 99 becomes Kesky Ave (SB)/National Ave (NB) between Centralia and Chehalis. Going west from this junction, Harrison Ave curves northwards, alongside I-5, as 'Old Highway 99' towards US Hwy 12 in Grand Mound by Exit #88. There are multiple places for Lodging, fuel, restaurants, supplies/groceries (Bugerville USA, Dennys', Safeway, [http://centraliafactoryoutlet.com/store-directory/ Centralia Outlets], Goodwill, etc) in the immediate areas. Click [[Centralia_(Washington)#Sleep|here]] for a list of hotel/motels in the area. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:US 12.svg|25px]] [[Aberdeen_(Washington)|Aberdeen]] -Tenino | alt=Exit 88 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-07-10 | content=US Hwy 12 goes west towards Aberdeen through Rochester and Elma. US Hwy 12 ends at SR 8 in Elma. If coming from Centralia or anywhere south and going west towards Aberdeen this would be the route take without going through Olympia. If Going eastbound, US Hwy 12 goes south along I-5 from Exit 88 to Exit 68. Old Hwy 99 SW goes northeast from here to Tenino. From Tenino the Old Hwy 99 goes into Tumwater where it becomes Capitol Blvd. Going south Old Hwy 99 parallels along the west side of I-5 to Harrison Ave in Centralia at Exit #82 from its intersection of US Hwy 12 and Old Hwy 99 SW /Elderberry SW. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}}. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Scatter Creek I-5 NB| alt=Mile 90 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/scatter-creek-i-5-northbound | lat=46.8353 | long=-122.9852 | lastedit=2016-03-20 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, visitors info, vending machines and RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Maytown I-5 SB | alt=Mile 93 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/maytown-i-5-southbound | email= | address= | lat=46.87109 | long=-122.9703 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-06-02 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables and visitors info. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} ====[[Seattle|Seattle Metropolitan Area]] in [[Puget Sound|The Puget Sound Region]]==== North of Olympia the interstate enters the large conurbation of cities in Thurston, Pierce, King and Snohomish counties. This section is multi-lane (3 to 5) in both directions and is busy with traffic at nearly all times of the day. If at all possible avoid driving at peak commuter times. Some drivers may be tempted to take Interstate 405 through Bellevue as an alternate route, but check traffic conditions before doing so as it is often even worse for traffic congestion than Interstate 5. * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Tumwater]] | alt=Exits 99-103 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.0072 | long=-122.9096 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Tumwater,_Washington | image=Tumwater_pano_01.jpg | wikidata=Q1507493 | lastedit=2019-06-25 | content=Southernmost city of the Puget Sound Region and the Olympia conurbation. There are four exits to Tumwater from I-5. }} :* {{listing | name=Trosper Rd SW | alt=Exit #102 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-25 | content=There are multiple places for [[Tumwater#Sleep|Lodging]], fuel, restaurants, supplies/groceries (Costco, Fred Meyer, Albertsons, etc) surrounding the I-5/Trosper Rd Jct. Trosper ends at Capitol Blvd (Old Hwy 99), which parallels I-5 along the east. Capitol Blvd goes north through Tumwater into downtown Olympia at 4th Ave. The Old Hwy 99 then follows 4th Ave (WB )/ State (EB) through downtown and along E Martin Way through the eastside of Olympia and Lacey towards the Nisqually Tideflats at Exit 116. Going south/southeast on Capitol Blvd it becomes Old Hwy 99 SE towards Tenino. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing|name=Desuchutes Way |alt=Exit 103|lat=|long=|content=Access from northbound lanes only}} * {{listing | name=[[Olympia (Washington)|Olympia]] | alt=Exits 104-108 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.0357 | long=-122.9048 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Olympia,_Washington | image=2009-0606-WashingtonStateCapitol.jpg | wikidata=Q42735 | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=The capital of Washington offers an unusually large and active arts and music scene for a city of its size, and its identity as a city remains distinct despite strong influences from Seattle, Tacoma and Everett to the north and from Portland/Vancouver to the south. Olympia is somewhat of a breeding ground for Pacific Northwest alternative culture having spawned or influenced many of the region's better-known personalities. North of Exit #104 (US-101) I-5 curves eastward and become an east-west highway through Olympia, Lacey and Joint Base Lewis McChord where it curves northwards again. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:US 101.svg|25px]] North [[Aberdeen_(Washington)|Aberdeen]] [[Port Angeles]] | alt=Exit 104 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.020982 | long=-122.906404 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=U.S. Route 101 in Washington | wikidata=Q410892 | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=US 101 begins/ends here. It goes west from I-5 to the third exit where US 101 exit off to the right and goes north towards [[Shelton_(Washington)|Shelton]] and around the [[Olympic Peninsula]] via [[Port Angeles]]. The highway itself continues west as [[File:WA-8.svg|25px]] towards [[Aberdeen (Washington)|Aberdeen]] from the US Hwy 101 turnoff. There are two additional local exits to Olympia along US Hwy 101 between I-5 and where US Hwy 101 goes north towards Shelton. }} :* {{listing | name=City Center, State Capitol, Port of Olympia | alt=Exit 105 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Closet exit to downtown, the state capitol and the Port of Olympia (via downtown) from both directions. }} :* {{listing | name=Pacific Ave Se | alt=Exit 107 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Prior to 1936 (before Martin Way was built) the old Highway 99 follows Pacific Ave SE from Lacey into downtown Olympia. Once in downtown Olympia the old Hwy 99 goes along State Ave (WB) / 4th Ave (EB) to Capitol Way S. It goes south through town as Capitol Way S and become Capital Blvd in Tumwater.. Going east from here, Pacific Ave SE goes through Lacey and around St Claire as Old Pacific Hwy SE & Nisqually Rd SE to Exit 116 of I-5 in the Nisqually tideflats. After E Martin Way was built in 1936 the old Hwy 99 was re-routed to E Martin Way from between its intersection with Pacific Ave and 4th Ave /State Ave, across town, to the Nisqually tide flats (Exit 116 at I-5). }} :* {{listing|name=Sleater Kinney Rd/College St|alt=Exit 108|lat=|long=|content=access to St Martins College}} * {{listing | name=[[Lacey]] | alt=Exits 109-116 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.0487 | long=-122.819 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lacey,_Washington | wikidata=Q970086 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Suburban city northeast of Olympia. I-5 goes east-west through Lacey, from Olympia to the Nisqually River at the Pierce/Thurston County line. }} * {{listing | name=Dupont | alt=Exits 116 & 119 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.0879 | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=DuPont, Washington | image=Dupont, WA 06.jpg | wikidata=Q128112 | lastedit=2022-07-13 | content= }} Due to long term construction activities along the freeway, through Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), from Center Dr (Exit #118) to Gravelly Lake #134 the speed limit is reduced to 50 mph. Exits into local side streets may of changed so follow signs closely and prepare for heavy traffic of less than 50 mph going through this area. There are limited or no access through JBLM to reach other surface roads in adjacent civilian areas. * {{listing | name=Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) | alt=Ft Lewis & McChord AFB, Exits 120-125 | url=https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/ | email= | address= | lat=47.1087 | long=-122.5549 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Joint_Base_Lewis–McChord | image=62nd_AW_C-17_loading_Army_personnel_from_Fort_Lewis.jpg | wikidata=Q999280 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=a U.S. military installation home to I Corps and 62d Airlift Wing 9.1 miles (14.6 km) south-southwest of Tacoma under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Joint Base Headquarters, Joint Base Lewis–McChord. Joint Base Lewis–McChord is a training and mobilization center for all services and is the only Army power projection base west of the Rocky Mountains in the Continental United States. Its geographic location provides rapid access to the deep water ports of Tacoma, Olympia, and Seattle for deploying equipment. There is a '''visitors center''' off Exit #120, and another one at Exit #125. A valid DoD ID card or visitor pass is required to enter the installation and is checked for by military police on the roads going into the military base. ID is also checked for those going into the military base by public transportation. There is a gas station and a series of restaurants lined up along Berkeley Ave in Tilicum, outside the military base, and are accessible from Exit #122 {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=Lakewood | alt=Exits 122-127 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.1471 | long=-122.5046 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lakewood, Washington | image=Lakewood, WA - BNSF bridge over Interstate 5.jpg | wikidata=Q983791 | content=Suburban city southwest of Tacoma with a high number of US military personnel and their families living there due to its proximity to JBLM. I-5 goes east-west between Olympia and SR-512. }} :* {{listing | name=Berkely St Madigan | alt=Exit 122A | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-13 | content=Exit 122A & B are connected to each other by Union Ave SW (local street) along the west of I-5. This access the local Lakewood neighborhood north/east of I-5 by American Lake and the front gate of Camp Murray National Guard Base. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=Thorne Lake JBLM Logistics | alt=Exit 122B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-13 | content= }} :* {{listing | name=Gravelly Lake Dr Sw | alt=Exit #124 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-20 | content=The old Hwy 99 follows Pacific Hwy Sw from its intersection with Gravelly Lake Dr (Exit 124) into Tacoma. After crossing the SR-512 intersection the same road becomes S Tacoma Way the rest of the way north. After passing S 38th St, S Tacoma Way curves to the right (east) and becomes E 26th after crossing Pacific Ave. E 26th goes by the Tacoma Dome and ends at its intersection with E Puyallup Ave. The old Hwy 99 follows Puyallup Ave as Pacific Hwy into Fife where it becomes SR-99 the rest of the way to Seattle. {{fuel-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=Bridgeport Way | alt=Exit 125 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-13 | content=Bridgeport is the most direct route into Lakewood Town Center (closest thing to a 'downtown Lakewood'). Bridgeport continues north through University Place, from Lakewood, and becomes S Jackson St in Tacoma where one can access Hwy 16 going into [[Gig Harbor]] without going into the I-5/SR-16 in in Tacoma if coming from the south. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-512.svg|25px]] South Tacoma Way | alt=Exit 127 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=SR 512 goes east towards [[Puyallup]] home of the Western Washington State Fair. It goes around Puyallup and continues northwards as SR-167 towards Renton. Second exit from I-5 going east is SR 7 which is the road leading down towards [[Mount Rainier]]. Going west, SR-512 ends at Pacific Hwy/South Tacoma Way (Old Hwy 99). {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}}. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Tacoma]] | alt=Exits 127-135 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.2554 | long=-122.4418 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Tacoma, Washington | image=Tacoma skyline behind East 21st Street Bridge.jpg | wikidata=Q199797 | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=Washington's second largest city and formerly all industrial. The city center has been beautified, and the city now offers attractions such as the famous [https://www.americascarmuseum.org/ America's Car Museum], [https://www.museumofglass.org/ Museum of Glass], [https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/point-defiance-park/ Point Defiance Park], and the [http://www.washingtonhistory.org/ Washington State History Museum]. There are seven exits to Tacoma from I-5. }} :* {{listing | name=S 84th St | alt=Exit 128 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-13 | content=The exit is only accessible from the ''northbound'' lanes which goes into S Hosmer/S Steele St (a north-south road). Go left (north) on Hosmer to get to S 84th or right (south) on Steele to get to SR-512. There are a series of [[Tacoma#South Tacoma| hotels/motels]] (of 'South Tacoma') along this road from the 7200-9000 block which are also accessible from S 72nd/74th (next north) via S Hosmer. Entry into the freeway is only onto the southbound lanes from here. (see 'South Tacoma' under 'Sleep' in the Tacoma article for a list of hotels). {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[Tacoma#Sleep|S 72nd St / S 74th St]] | alt=Exit 129 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=A local east/west street in South Tacoma where there are multiple places for [[Tacoma#South Tacoma|Lodging]] (in 'South Tacoma'), single Valero Gas Station for fuel and Tacoma Place for [[Tacoma#Buy|food]] (Apple Bee's, Dairy Queen, Famous Dave's BBQ, Olive Garden, Pho Ever, Popeye's, Shari's, Starbucks, Subway, WinCo, etc). {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=S 56th St University Place | alt=Exit 130 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content={{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}}. }} Due to long term construction activities along the freeway from S 38th through Fife the I-5/SR-16 interchange, the adjacent exit configurations and the freeway lane alignments between Exits 137A-B through 132 are subject to change. Speed limit through this segment is 50 mph. Follow signs closely and prepare for heavy traffic of less than 50 mph through this area. :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-16.svg|25px]] West [[Gig Harbor]] [[Bremerton]]; S 38th St west Tacoma Mall | alt=Exit 132 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Tolling/TNBTolling/tnbtollrates.htm | email= | address= | lat=47.229673 | long=-122.460114 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington State Route 16 | image=I-5_southbound_from_McKinley_Way_in_Tacoma_(20248941025).jpg | wikidata=Q835385 | lastedit=2019-06-05 | content=SR 16 provides additional access to Tacoma before crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to [[Gig Harbor]] in the [[Kitsap Peninsula]] and continues north to [[Bremerton]]. There is a toll to cross the Narrows Bridge coming to Tacoma from Gig Harbor (south-east direction) but NOT for going into the Kitsap Peninsula. Access to S 38th St, the location of [[Tacoma#Buy|Tacoma Mall]] and the surrounding retail venues, is also the same as SR-16 from both directions. Follow signs closely. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-705.svg|25px]] North to City Center & E 26th to Tacoma Dome, [[File:WA-7.svg|25px]] South (to East Tacoma via Pacific Hwy) | alt=Exit 133 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.2334 | long=-122.432 | directions=Signed as "City Center" | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Interstate 705 | image=I-705_approaching_WA-509.jpg | wikidata=Q743669 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=I-705 connects I-5 at Exit 132/133 to downtown Tacoma and the Tacoma Dome (first exit to E 26th). Going north of downtown Tacoma the road becomes Schuster Pkwy (40 mph) which goes into Old Town Tacoma (N 30th St & Schuster Pkwy) where it becomes N Ruston Way along the waterfront at much slower speeds (20 mph), towards Point Defiance Park and Point Defiance Ferry Terminal to Vashon Island. Going south SR-7 ends at S 38th St to access the south and east neighborhoods. SR-7 continues south along Pacific Hwy towards Mt Rainier. Old Hwy 99 crosses under I-705 as E 26th St and becomes S Tacoma Way west of its intersection with Pacific Hwy. The Old Hwy 99 follows S Tacoma Way/Pacific SW to its intersection with Gravelly Lake at Exit 124 of I-5. Going the other way (east) E 26th goes by the Tacoma Dome and end its intersection with E Puyallup Ave. Old Hwy 99 follows E Puyallup Ave (Pacific Hwy after crossing Puyallup River) into Fife where it becomes SR-99 (Pacific Hwy). ({{food-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} in downtown Tacoma, around the Tacoma Dome and along Ruston Way, The [[File:MUTCD_I-6.svg|25px]], [[File:MUTCD_I-7.svg|25px]] are [[Tacoma#By bus|along E Puyallup Ave]], are accessed from E 26th St from I-705 or Portland Ave at Exit 134 of I-5). }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Fife_(Washington)|Fife]] | alt=Exits 136 (Port of Tacoma Rd) & 137 (54th St E) | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.2410 | long=-122.3570 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Fife,_Washington | wikidata=Q1510211 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Suburban and industrial city northeast of Tacoma. I-5 goes east-west from SR 16 in Tacoma, through Fife, to the Pierce/King County line at the "Fife Curves". There are two exits to Fife. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-99.svg|25px]] North 54th Ave E Fife | alt=Exit #137 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington State Route 99#Fife_to_SeaTac | wikidata=Q837100 | lastedit=2019-06-25 | content=SR-99 officially begins from 54th Ave E & Pacific Hwy which runs parallel north/west of I-5 from Fife through Federal Way, Des Moines, SeaTac (and airport) and breaks at its junction with SR-518 in Tukwila/SeaTac. The road continues north through Tukwila as International Blvd to its junction with SR-599 where become Hwy 99 once again. There are numerous stores, strip malls, restaurants and hotels/motels along the SR-99 corridor which can be accessed from multiple exits along the I-5 corridor. Going towards Tacoma the Old Hwy 99 continues west on Pacific Hwy which becomes Puyallup Ave after crossing the Puyallup River in Tacoma. ({{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing|name=Port of Tacoma Rd/20th Ave E|alt=Exit 136|lat=|long=|content=Access from the southbound lanes only}} ::* {{listing|name=20th Ave E|alt=Exit 136A |lat=|long=|content=Access from northbound lanes only.}} ::* {{listing|name=Port of Taomca E|alt=Exit 136B |lat=|long=|content=Access from northbound lanes only.}} * {{listing | type=go | name=SeaTac Rest Stop I-5 NB | alt=Mile 140 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/seatac-i-5-northbound | | lat=47.2711 | long=-122.3145 | directions= | lastedit=2019-07-13 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, visitors info, vending machines and RV sanitation station {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Federal Way]] | alt=Exits 142B-147 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.3152 | long=-122.2976 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Federal_Way,_Washington | image=Federal Way Transit Center Clock Skyline.png | wikidata=Q821112 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Federal Way is a suburban city of 90,000 inhabitants and is home to World Vision and Weyerhaeuser. There are three exits to Federal Way. The marker for Federal Way is at S 320th which is the location of the Federal Way commons and the surrounding retail venues, restaurants and hotels (core area of Federal Way and the closest thing to a 'downtown') {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-18.svg|25px]] East [[Auburn_(Washington)|Auburn]]; West S 348th St | alt=Exit 142A & 142B | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.2897 | long=-122.3065 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington State Route 18 | image=I-5_south_at_WA-18,_Federal_Way.jpg | wikidata=Q835776 | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Connects I-5 to [[Auburn_(Washington)|Auburn]], Maple Valley and Covington in the southeast part of [[King County]]. SR 18 ends at Exit #25 of I-90 in [[North Bend_(Washington)|North Bend]]. If coming from Federal Way or anywhere south and going east towards Spokane on I-90 this would be the route take without going through Seattle and Bellevue. SR-18 continues west to Pacific Hwy (SR 99) in Federal Way (accessed from 142B from both directions towards S 348th St). The same road continues west of Pacific Hwy as S 348th St at slower speeds. If merging in from SR-18 to I-5 southbound the road spits between I-5 southbound and Enchanted Pkwy (SR-161). }} :* {{listing|name=S 320th St|alt=Exit 143|lat=|long=}} Serves as the major east-west arterial route through Federal Way. :* {{listing|name=S 317th St|alt= |lat=|long=}} Accessible only to carpools (of 2 or more); buses and mopeds. Exit and merging ramps are on left side in both directions. Yes they do check for violators of the carpool only rule. :* {{listing|name=S 272nd St|alt=Exit 147|lat=|long=}} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:WA-516.svg|25px]] Kent-Des Moines Hwy | alt=Exits 149 (SB side); 149A & 149B (NB side) | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-30 | content=Local east-west highway, crossing under I-5, connecting Des Moines in the west to [[Kent_(Washington)|Kent]] in the east. }} * {{listing | name=[[Tukwila]] and [[SeaTac|Sea-Tac]] | alt=Exits 151-156 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} :* {{listing | name=S 200th St, Military Rd | alt=Exit 151 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] S 188th St - Orilla Rd S | alt=Exit 152 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-09 | content=Another way to access the airport in [[SeaTac]]. There's a gas station to fill up the tank before returning a rental car and a Motel 6 S 188th St. Going the other direction the road winds down into Kent Valley as Orilla Rd S. Additional hotels are further in along International Blvd. {{lodging-icon}} {{fuel-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[Tukwila#Buy|Southcenter]] | alt=Exit 153 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-10-17 | content=Access into Southcenter Mall from the northbound lanes. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-405.svg|25px]] North [[Bellevue]]; [[File:WA-518.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] West [[SeaTac]] | alt=Exit 154 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.4623 | long=-122.2644 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=Interstate 405 serves a local auxillary/by-pass highway that continues {{mile|32}} around Lake Washington through the eastside cities of [[Renton]], Newcastle, [[Bellevue]], [[Kirkland]], [[Bothell]], [[Woodinville]] and [[Redmond_(Washington)|Redmond]] (via SR-520 at Exit 14 in Bellevue). It rejoins I-5 at Exit 182 in [[Lynnwood]]. Additional connections to Seattle from I-405, across Lake Washington, can be made through I-90 and SR-520 and around the north shores of Lake Washington, on Lake City Way (SR 522) through Bothell, Lake City and Northgate. Going west, I-405 becomes SR-518 towards [[Burien]] and {{marker|type=go|name=[[Seattle-Tacoma International Airport]]|url=|lat=47.4435 | long=-122.3023}}. The airport can also be accessed from S 188th St from Exit #152. This off-ramp from the northbound lanes of I-5 splits between I-405 north and SR-518 west. Access from the northbound lanes only. After exiting the off-ramp splits again with one lane going west into SR-518 and the other lane going east onto I-405. }} ::* {{listing | name=[[File:I-405.svg|25px]] [[Renton]] | alt=Exit 154A | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Access to I-405 from the southbound lanes only. Access from the left side. }} ::* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-518.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] SeaTac Airport Southcenter | alt=Exit 154B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Access from the southbound lanes only on the right side. After exiting I-5 the offramp splits again with one lane going towards Southcenter Blvd and the other lane getting on SR-518 towards the airport and [[Burien]]. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-599.svg|25px]] [[Tukwila]] (NB); Interurban Ave (SB) | alt=Exit 156 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.4842 | long=-122.2733 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington State Route 99#Seattle_and_Aurora_Avenue | image=Duwamish_River_at_South_Park.jpg | wikidata=Q837100 | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=Access to SR-599 is only accessible from the northbound (NB) lanes. From the southbound (SB) lanes Exit 156 only goes into Interurban Ave, a local street through [[Tukwila]]. SR-599 becomes [[File:WA-99.svg|25px]] at its junction with Tukwila International Blvd. It continues north through [[Seattle/Sodo-Georgetown|Sodo/Georgetown]] along the Duwamish River and under downtown Seattle through the Viaduct Tunnel. From north of downtown Seattle, WA-Hwy 99 goes up through [[Seattle/Ballard|Ballard]] and [[Seattle/North|North Seattle]] as N Aurora Ave. It's also another way to reach West Seattle and Whitecenter from the south at the SR 99/509 junction via Highland Park Way SW. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Seattle]] | alt=Exits 157-175 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=By far the largest city in the region and in the state. It is the heart of a vibrant metropolitan area and a major tourist destination. There are 18 exits to Seattle proper from the I-5 corridor. }} :* {{listing | type=listing | name=Airport Way / E Marginal Way | alt=Exit 158 | url= | address= | lat=47.5078 | long=-122.2815 | directions=| wikipedia=Boeing_Field | image=King_County_International_Airport.jpg | lastedit=2019-06-27 | content=Access to Boeing Field/King County Airport and The [https://www.museumofflight.org/ Museum of Flight] and to Rainier Valley in South Seattle on Ryan Ave. }} :* {{listing | name=[[Seattle/West Seattle|West Seattle Bridge]] & [[Seattle/South|Beacon Hill]] | alt=Exits 163 & 163A | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.57164 | long=-122.32031 | directions=Just south of downtown Seattle | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=West_Seattle_Bridge_from_12th_Ave_S_Viewpoint_01_-_cropped.jpg | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=West Seattle Bridge closed for repairs. Go on SR-599 from Exit 156 to get to West Seattle. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:I-90.svg|25px]] East; James St & Deerborne St in Downtown Seattle | alt=Exits 164 & 164A | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.59415 | long=-122.32064 | directions=Just south of downtown Seattle | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Safeco_Field_and_CenturyLink_Field_in_Seattle,_WA.jpg | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content=Interstate 90 is the longest interstate in the country, traveling approximately {{mi|3020}} from Seattle in the west to [[Boston]] in the east. It is the most convenient route for travelers going to [[Palouse (Washington)|Eastern Washington]] and [[Northern Idaho]] and another way to cross Lake Washington (without toll) from Seattle to [[Bellevue]] and [[Mercer Island]] locally. The off ramp from the northbound lanes is at Exit #164A. From the southbound lanes the freeway splits with the two left lanes (Exit #164) going towards "Bellevue & Spokane" via I-90 while the two right lanes continue south towards "Tacoma & Portland". }} :* {{listing | name=E Martinez Dr | alt=164B | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-10-21 | content=Goes onto I-90 West towards its west end at T-Mobile Field. The road forks to the right towards 4th Ave at Century Link Field at Royal Brougham and to S third, south of T-Mobile Field ([[File:MUTCD_I-9.svg|25px]]). }} :* {{listing | name=[[Seattle/Downtown|Downtown Seattle]] & [[Seattle/Capitol_Hill-Central_District|Capitol Hill]] | alt=Exits 165 - 168A | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=Just south of downtown Seattle | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Seattle_Skyline_WSB.jpg | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=The Seneca St exit is at the left (#165) while the Olive St exit is to the right (#166). Exit 168A also goes into the Capital Neighborhood via Lakeview Blvd E. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-520.svg|25px]] Toll Bridge to [[Bellevue]] [[Kirkland]] | alt=Exit 168B | url=http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Tolling/520/520tollrates.htm | email= | address= | lat=47.64203 | long=-122.32395 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | image=Aerial_520_Bridge_August_2009.JPG | price=Toll varies from $0 (Midnight to 5AM) to $5.55 (peak weekday travel times) | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=SR-520 crosses Lake Washington into [[Kirkland]] & [[Redmond (Washington)|Redmond]] (Home of Microsoft). There's a toll to go across the bridge in both directions. Rather than setting up toll booths to collect toll cameras are installed to read the "Good to Go" tags on the windshields and the license plates of passing vehicles and deduct the toll from the pre-paid account behind the "Good to Go" tag. If there's no money on deposit or no tags installed a bill (for the toll) is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. }} :* {{listing | name=NE 45th St | alt=Exit 169 | url= | lat=47.6613 | long=-122.3220 | directions=| image=Udistrict1.jpg | price= | lastedit=2019-06-08 | content=Access to [[Seattle/University_District|University District]] (to the east) the home of University of Washington and [[Seattle/Fremont|Fremont-Wallingford]] (to the west) }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Edmonds]]/SR-104 | alt=Exit 177 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.7778 | long=-122.3179 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Edmonds, Washington | image=Washington_State_Ferry_6428.JPG | wikidata=Q1055845 | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=SR-104 goes west into the Edmonds Ferry Terminal with ferries going to Kingston }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Lynnwood]] | alt=Exits 178-181 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lynnwood, Washington | image=Interstate_5_northbound_in_Lynnwood,_WA.jpg | wikidata=Q852607 | lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=There are three exits through Lynnwood }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=I-405/SR-525 | alt=Exit 182 | url= | lat=47.8318 | long=-122.2627 | directions=| lastedit=2016-03-30 | content=Jct I-405 from Exit 182 to get to [[Woodinville]], [[Bothell]], [[Kirkland]], [[Bellevue]] and [[Renton]] east of Lake Washington. Rejoins I-5, 30 mi south at Exit #154. I-405 becomes SR-525 west of I-5 going towards the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal via Paine Field . }} * {{go | name=Silver Lake Rest Stop I-5 SB | alt=Mile 188 | url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/silver-lake-i-5-southbound | email= | address= | lat=47.9024 | long=-122.2155 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-09-21 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, visitors info, vending machines and RV sanitation station {{toilet-icon}}. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Everett_(Washington)|Everett]] | alt=Exits 186-198 | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.9781 | long=-122.2090 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Everett, Washington | image=Everett Station and Everett skyline, April 2020.jpg | wikidata=Q392599 | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=Everett is home to the largest public marina on the west coast of the United States and the assembly plant for the large Boeing 747, 767, 777 and the Dreamliner (787) jumbo jets which is open for public tours. Everett is accessed from exits #186 (128th St SW) through #198 (WA-529 West Broadway) along I-5, there are 6 exits to Everett. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-526.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-5.svg|25px]] West Mukilteo-Whidbey Island Ferry / [[File:WA-527.svg|25px]] to [[File:WA-99.svg|25px]] Everett Mall Way | alt=Exit 189 | url=https://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=muk-cl | email= | address= | lat=47.918 | long=-122.207 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington_State_Route_99#Shoreline_and_Snohomish_County | image=Everett_Mall_Way_(SR_99)_northbound_at_4th_Avenue,_Everett.jpg | lastedit=2019-06-30 | content=SR-526 goes west towards [[Mukilteo]] and the [[Everett_(Washington)#By plane|Paine Field Airport]]. SR-99 begins from its intersection with SR-526 and Broadway, going southwest through Everett Mall, south Everett, Lynnwood, Aurora Village, Shoreline and into North Seattle as SE Everett Mall Way, Evergreen Way, Pacific Hwy and Aurora. There are numerous stores, strip malls, restaurants and hotels/motels along the SR-99 corridor which can be accessed from multiple exits along the I-5 corridor. Going north from the SR-526 interchange, SE Everett Mall Way becomes Broadway (old Hwy 99) which is a major north south corridor through Everett. }} :* {{listing | name=Broadway & 41st Ave | alt=Exit 192 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=US_2_eastbound_near_Everett.jpg | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content=Local access to south of Everett via 41st Ave which crosses over the freeway. Go west to get to Broadway. Accessible from both directions and goes by Evergreen Cemetery. }} :* {{listing | name=To [[File:WA-529.svg|25px]] Pacific Ave City Center | alt=Exit 193 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=US_2_eastbound_near_Everett.jpg | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content=Direct and closest access into downtown Everett and the downtown [[Everett_(Washington)#By bus|Everett Station]] [[File:MUTCD_I-6.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-7.svg|25px]] . }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:US 2.svg|25px]] [[Snohomish]] & [[Wenatchee]] | alt=Exit 194 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long=| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=US_2_eastbound_near_Everett.jpg | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content=US-2 goes east to [[Leavenworth (Washington)|Leavenworth]] and [[Wenatchee]] in the [[North Central Cascades]] or go west into downtown Everett on Pacific Ave. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-529.svg|25px]] South Broadway & Port of Everett | alt=Exit 198 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long=| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington_State_Route_529 | image=Snohomish_River_Bridge_on_SR_529_in_2009.jpg | lastedit=2019-06-30 | content=The 'Old Hwy 99' continues from State St in Marysville into Everett where it continues south as Broadway which is the main north-south corridor through Everett. It continues south towards Seattle as SR-99 from its intersection with SR-526 (Exit 189) at Everett Mall as SE Everett Mall Way and Evergreen Way. This exit is only accessible from the southbound lanes. SR-529 goes around town as W Marine View Dr and east towards Jct US Hwy 2 as Everett Ave (Exit 194). }} * {{listing | name=[[File:WA-528.svg|25px]] [[Marysville_(Washington)|Marysville]] Tulalip | alt=Exit 199 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington_State_Route_529 | image=Snohomish_River_Bridge_on_SR_529_in_2009.jpg | lastedit=2019-06-30 | content=SR 528 goes east-west connecting the Tulalip Indian Reservation to Marysville. It goes west from I-5 as Marine Dr and east into downtown Marysville as 4th Ave. 'Old Hwy 99' goes north-south through downtown Marysville as State St and becomes Smokey Point Blvd north of town along I-5 to SR-530 at Exit 212 where it rejoins I-5. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Smokey Point Rest Stop I-5 NB | alt=Mile 207 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/smokey-point-i-5-northbound | email= | address= | lat=48.1688 | long=-122.1888 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-03 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, visitors info, vending machines and RV sanitation station {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Smokey Point Rest Stop I-5 SB | alt=Mile 207 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/smokey-point-i-5-southbound | email= | address= | lat=48.1691 | long=-122.1943 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-03 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, visitors info, vending machines and RV sanitation station {{toilet-icon}} }} ====[[Northwest Cascades]]==== * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:WA-530.svg|25px]] Arlington Darrington | alt=Exit 208 | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.2387 | long=-122.2408 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content=Old Hwy 99 follows along Smokey Point Blvd, parallel along the east side of I-5, into Marysville where it becomes State St. The old Hwy 99 crosses over I-5 into Everett from Marysville as SR-529 at Exit 198 (southbound access only).{{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[File:WA-532.svg|25px]] West Stanwood [[Camano Island]] | alt=Exit 212 | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.2387 | long=-122.2408 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content= }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Mount Vernon_(Washington)|Mt Vernon]] | alt=Exits 224-227 | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.42 | long=-122.326111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mount_Vernon,_Washington | image=Tulips_-_Mount_Vernon,_Washington_State.jpg | wikidata=Q866311 | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content=County seat and primary city of Skagit County, Washington that was voted "#1 Best Small City in America" in 1998 by the New Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities. It is known for its annual ''Tulip Festival'' in April. }} :* {{listing | name=Old Hwy 99 South Rd | alt=Exit 224 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-10-31 | content=The Old Hwy 99 follows along "Old Hwy 99 South Rd", parallel along the west side of I-5, enters into downtown Mount Vernon where it splits into S 2nd St (northbound)/3rd St (southbound). The old Hwy 99 crosses over I-5 north of downtown Mt Vernon and become N 4th St & Riverside along the east side of I-5. It crosses over the Skagit River and goes through Burlington as Burlington Blvd to the SR 11 junction with I-5 at Exit 231. But the road continues another {{mile|11}} north to Null Rd at Exit #242 as "Old Hwy 99 North Rd". This exit is only accessible from the northbound lanes only. }} :* {{listing | name=Anderson Rd | alt=Exit 225 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-10-31 | content= }} :* {{listing | name=Broad Rd | alt=Exit 226 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-10-31 | content=Direct access into downtown Mount Vernon and the [[Mount Vernon_(Washington)#By bus|Mt Vernon Transportation Center]] for Amtrak, Greyhound and Skagit Transit 105 E Kincaid. [[File:MUTCD_I-6.svg|25px]] [[File:MUTCD_I-7.svg|25px]]. }} * {{listing | type=listing | name=[[Burlington_(Washington)|Burlington]] | alt=Exits 229-231 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Burlington,_Washington | image=Burlington_WV_banner.jpg | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=There are three exits in Burlington. }} :* {{listing | name=George Hopper Rd | alt=Exit 229 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-02 | content=Local & "big box" shopping outlets such as Best Buy, Home Depot, Walmart Supercenter, etc are located off this exit. Old Hwy 99 is Burlington Blvd, a local throughfare through Burlington and is accessible from this exit. {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-20.svg|25px]] [[Burlington_(Washington)|Burlington]] [[Anacortes]] | alt=Exit 230 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-02 | content=SR-20 goes west to Anacortes, the [[San Juan Islands|San Juan Ferry Terminal]] and [[Whidbey Island]] through Deception Pass and east to [[Okanogan]] through the [[North Cascades National Park]] (also be sure to see more on [[The North Cascade Loop]] itinerary article as to what else is there to do and see there). {{food-icon}} {{fuel-icon}} {{lodging-icon}}. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-11.svg|25px]] Chuckanut Dr & Bow-Edison | alt=Exit 231 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-02 | content=Going north the Old Hwy 99 follows Chuckanut Dr (SR-11) along the shores of Bellingham Bay into Bellingham. Going South the Old Hwy 99 goes back into Burlington as Burlington Blvd, crosses the Skagit River and becomes N Riverside Dr to go into Mt Vernon. }} * {{listing | name=[[Bellingham_(Washington)|Bellingham]] | alt=Exits 250-258 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | wikipedia=Bellingham,_Washington|wikidata=Q430267 | image=Bellingham_Banner.jpg | price= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=The home of Western Washington University, the departure point for the Alaska Ferry going up to SE Alaska, and the largest city in this part of the state. It was an industrial town based on coal mining and timber and is now more environmentally conscious culture with environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and the gateway to outdoor activities. Activities range from skiing on nearby Mt. Baker to whale watching near the San Juan Islands. The [[Bellingham (Washington)#By plane|Bellingham International Airport]] is next to the freeway and can be accessed from Airport Rd at Exit #258 while the Alaska Ferry Terminal at the Fairhaven Transportation Center can be accessed from Old Fairhaven Pwky at Exit #250. There are 9 exits in Bellingham. }} :* {{listing | name=[[File:WA-539.svg|25px]] | alt=Exit 256 | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.782819 | long=-122.486205 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2019-06-07 | content=Connects directly to the [[Lynden]]-[[Langley (British Columbia)|Aldergrove]] border crossing, where it becomes BC-13 in Canada. Also provides access to SR-546 near Lynden, which gives access to the [[Sumas]]-[[Abbotsford|Huntingdon]] border crossing. See ''[[Northwest Cascades#By car]]'' for more Canada-United States border crossing information. }} * {{listing | name=[[Ferndale_(Washington)|Ferndale]] | alt=Exits 262 & 263 | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-04-02 | content=Two exits to access Ferndale from both directions. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Custer Rest Area I-5 NB | alt=Mile 267 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/custer-i-5-northbound | email= | address= | lat=48.9091279 | long=-122.622030442 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-03 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, visitor info, and vending machines. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | type=go | name=Custer Rest Area I-5 SB | alt=Mile 269 | url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/safety/rest-areas/custer-i-5-southbound | email= | address= | lat=48.9266689 | long=-122.646182122 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-05-03 | content=Restrooms, water, picnic tables, vending machines and electrical vehicle charging station. No RV sanitation station. {{toilet-icon}} }} * {{listing | name=[[Blaine]] | alt=Exits 270-276 | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.997859 | long=-122.752640 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2016-01-15 | content=Trucks & buses exit off at SR-543 (Second to the last at Exit #275) and cross through a separate checkpoint, 5 mi (8 km) east of the I-5/BC-99 crossing at Peace Arch Park for going in both directions. SR-543 becomes BC-15 after crossing into Canada. There are 4 exits in Blaine. }} ==Stay safe== When on the road, most of the journey is straightforward freeway driving. If it is winter, it is wise to check the weather conditions at the [https://www.tripcheck.com/TextPages/RCreport.asp?curRegion=7 Siskiyou pass] before crossing the border from California into Oregon. Snowy conditions are not uncommon, and officials usually close the road if things become too dangerous. A closure can be waited out in the Shasta or Redding area on the California side, or Ashland and Medford on the Oregon side. It is also possible to detour along the coast. == Alternative routes == Alternatives for traveling north/south through California include US-Hwy 101, [[El Camino Real]] and the [[Pacific Coast Highway]] in the west, or US-Hwy 395 along the [[Eastern Sierra]] and east of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington. All of these are more scenic and interesting routes but are much longer and slower and are more of a journey to experience than just for getting from A to B. SR-99, US-395, US-Hwy 101 and Old Hwy 99/Pacific Hwy are also local streets/roads at slower speeds through some of the cities and towns they pass through. In some places the de-commissioned "Old Hwy 99" can have a different local street name rather than "Pacific Hwy" or "Old Highway 99". ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=I-5.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=N | majorl1=[[Whistler]] | minorl1=[[Vancouver]] ← becomes [[File:BC-99.svg|16px|link=]] ← [[File:Aiga immigration.svg|18px]] (Peace Arch Park) | directionr1=S | majorr1=[[Seattle]] | minorr1=[[Ferndale_(Washington)|Ferndale]] → [[Bellingham (Washington)|Bellingham]] | image2=I-5.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=N | majorl2=[[Los Angeles]] | minorl2=[[San Diego]] ← [[Chula Vista]] | directionr2=S | majorr2=[[Ensenada]] | minorr2=([[San Ysidro]]) [[File:Aiga immigration.svg|18px]] → Becomes [[File:Carretera federal 1D.svg|18px]] → [[Tijuana]] }} * [[Vancouver|Vancouver, BC]] is the next stop along I-5 for northbound travelers * [[Tijuana]] and the rest of [[Baja California]] border the I-5 corridor to the south. {{usableitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|North America itineraries}} <maplink 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With the Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali and Sri Lankan diaspora, not least within the former [[British Empire]], the cuisines of South Asia have spread around the world. ==Understand== [[File:Egg Masala Biryani by Dr. Raju Kasambe DSCN7382 (10).jpg|thumb|Egg masala biryani; biryani is popular in Pakistan and amongst Indian Muslims]] With 1.75 billion inhabitants, a land area larger than the [[European Union]], a countless number of languages and dialects, and millennia of written history, South Asia is difficult to conceptualize. However, the region has had some unifying cultural factors. While the Dharmic religions (mainly [[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]) are rooted in the region, [[Islam]], [[Christianity]] and a small [[Judaism|Jewish]] community also have long histories, along with a [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] community (called the Parsees for their origins in ancient Persia). All these religions have contributed to the kaleidoscope of flavours now generically called "Indian cuisine". For example, Hindus avoid beef but tend to make great use of dairy products such as yogurt and cheese (''paneer''); among Muslims in Northern India and adjoining areas of Pakistan, goat curries and tandoori meat dishes are popular; Jews avoided mixing meat and dairy due to kashrut rules and developed dishes using eggs with meat instead; and the Parsees in [[Gujarat]] contributed the rich dumpakht dishes, which are made by sealing the top of a cooking vessel with bread. Throughout periods of its history, the subcontinent often had a dominant government, such as the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mughal Empire, [[British Raj]], and today's [[India]]. All the various empires, including the British, have also contributed to Indian cuisine as we know it today. Neighboring lands have also made their influence felt. For example, there is an entire repertoire of Indian Chinese dishes that constitutes the cuisine colonial-era Chinese immigrants brought with them and adapted to Indian tastes. South Asian diaspora communities often have dishes that are locally adapted or invented, and thus cannot be found within the subcontinent. When travelling to such areas, it is often worth trying out some of these dishes; you may be pleasantly surprised by what you get. Famous examples of such dishes include chicken tikka masala from the United Kingdom, roti prata / roti canai from Singapore and Malaysia, and bunny chow from South Africa. Food in South Asia is traditionally eaten by hand, though a fork and spoon may be used in more upmarket establishments. If eating by hand, it is important to '''use only your right hand''' to handle food, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for dirty things like cleaning yourself after using the toilet. ==Countries and regions== * In [[Pakistan]] and [[northern India]], wheat is the predominant crop, and [[bread]] (generally flatbread), existing in many varieties including ''naan'', ''roti'', ''paratha'', ''kulcha'', ''puri'' and ''pappadam'', is a common staple food. Breads may be plain or filled with various forms of usually savoury filling. Breads in the western regions of the Subcontinent have similarities with those in [[Iran]], [[Central Asia]] and the [[Middle Eastern cuisine|Middle East]]. * The cuisines of [[southern India]], [[eastern India]] and [[Bangladesh]] are based on rice and legumes, with occasional [[seafood]]. * [[Udupi]] is especially famous for its vegetarian cuisine. ==Ingredients== [[File:Peshawari Roti, Pakistan.jpg|thumb|Naan bread is a delicious staple.]] ===Rice=== Rice is the basic staple food in southern and eastern regions of South Asia. Rice flour is used to make the savoury pancakes called dosas and utthapams that are so characteristic of South Indian food. A number of varieties are eaten. Long-grained and aromatic ''basmati'' rice is typically used in North Indian and Pakistani curry dishes. Red rice, which has a nutty flavour and chewy texture, is the only type that can be grown at very high altitudes and as such, is the main variety eaten in Himalayan [[Bhutan]] and parts of [[Nepal]]. ===Bread=== Flatbreads are the staple food in the northwestern parts of South Asia. The variety in flatbreads is huge, varying by the flour used and method of cooking. ''Roti'' is the generic term for bread in many South Asian and Southeast Asian languages, but in much of India and Pakistan, it is also colloquially used as a synonym for chapati. *''Naan'': A thick and chewy, leavened flatbread that is baked in an oven or ''tandoor'' (traditional clay oven), mostly associated with the cuisines of North India and Pakistan. The most common types are plain naan, garlic naan, butter naan, cheese naan (stuffed with either paneer or nowadays melting cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella) and [[Peshawar]]i naan, which contains nuts and raisins. *''Chapati'': A thin and coarse, unleavened flatbread cooked atop a ''tava'' (shallow pan). Chapatis are typically made from whole wheat flour unlike naans, giving them an earthier taste and are considered to be the healthier option. *''Paratha'': A layered flatbrad from North India and Pakistan, made by kneading and folding the dough multiple times, using ghee to separate the layers of dough, then shallow frying it in ghee on a tava. Paratha can also be stuffed, in which case it is usually not layered. *''Parotta'' is the South Indian counterpart of paratha, though with a slightly different preparation method. In parotta, the dough used to make parotta is spread thinly by flipping it onto a smooth and flat surface several times, before folding the dough onto itself, then frying it in ghee on a tava. A variant of the parotta, known as ''roti prata'' in [[Singapore]], and ''roti canai'' in [[Malaysia]], is a popular breakfast dish made by the Tamil Muslim diaspora in those countries. Roti can also be made from other grains. Notably, in the [[Punjab]] region, ''makki di roti'' made from whole corn flour is a local delicacy and is paired with either ''sarson da saag'' (mustard greens curry) or ''shalgam'' (turnips). Other flatbreads include deep-fried ''pudis'' and ''bhatooras'', ''poodas'' (savoury chickpea pancakes) and sweet pikelet-like ''malpuas''. Leavened, European-style breads were introduced to the region during the colonial era. Small soft bread rolls called ''pav'' (from the [[Portuguese cuisine|Portuguese pão]]) are common throughout Western India and are an essential component of dishes such as ''pav bhaji'', ''vada pav'' and ''misal pav''. Sliced bread can be found and is usually fried rather than toasted. Popular dishes made from bread include bread pakora, where triangles of bread slices are coated in spicy gram flour and deep fried, and a savoury version of French toast, both of which are eaten with sauce or chutney. ===Legumes and lentils=== Legumes and lentils are as essential to South Asian cuisine as grains. Curries made from ground pulses, called ''dal'', are ubiquitous throughout the subcontinent and are eaten with rice or roti along with sides. Lentil flour is also quite often used in baking both savoury and sweet items. ===Dairy products=== The primary source of milk in South Asia is the water buffalo, followed by cattle which is a close second. Less common sources of milk include goats/sheep, yaks and camels. India has more bovines than any other country in the world. Milk and its derivative products are used in a range of savoury dishes, drinks and desserts. *Cultured milk (yogurt) is commonly used as a condiment and as an ingredient in Northern Indian curries. *A fresh [[cheese]] called ''paneer'' is also often used in Northern Indian cuisine. *''Chhena'' is a soft, watery cheese from [[Eastern India]] and [[Bangladesh]] used to make sweets like ''rasgolla'' and ''sandesh''. *''Chhurpi'' is a very hard, chewy and smoky cheese eaten in Himalayan India, [[Nepal]], [[Tibet]] and [[Bhutan]] which is made from yak and/or cow's milk * Reduced milk called ''khoya'' is extremely common in sweets such as ''barfi''. * ''Malai'' is a type of clotted cream used predominantly in sweets but also in some savoury snacks and dishes. * Ghee (clarified butter) is very widely used as a cooking fat and can also be drizzled or coated on certain foods to add flavour. * Butter itself is used as a topping on ''parathas'' (stuffed flatbreads) and is added to some curries in Northern India and Pakistan. A sign that butter is a prominent ingredient in a dish is when its name contains the word ''makhan'' or ''makhani'' (deriving from the [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]] word for butter). ===Herbs and spices=== South Asian food might be more famous for its spices than anything else. Some dishes are extremely hot (not least in [[Andhra Pradesh]]), and Indian restaurants in the Western world sometimes have a grading system for hotness. But spiciness does not always mean lots of red or black pepper, and it is more the variety of different types of aromatic spices that typifies Indian cuisines. A mixture or combination of spices is called ''masala''. ''Garam masala'' (literally "hot spice mix") is probably the most well known though are others such as ''chaat masala'', which is tangier, and ''tandoori masala'', which is coated on meats like chicken. ===Fruits, vegetables and nuts=== The various climates of South Asia allow for a vast range of [[fruits and vegetables]], tropical as well as temperate. Fruits are garnished with salt or masala in order to enhance flavour and improve digestion. Alphonso mangoes are particularly well-known and prized among Indian fruits. The high levels of vegetarianism on the Subcontinent make nuts a valuable source of protein. Nuts on their own or as ingredients are more commonly eaten than in Western cultures. Almonds are particularly common in the north while coconuts are indispensable to South Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisine. Pistachios are also much appreciated and pistachio kulfi is one of the most common flavours of what is often called Indian ice cream. ===Meat and seafood=== As pork is taboo in [[Islam]], and cattle are inviolable in [[Hinduism]], goat, lamb and chicken are the most popular kinds of meat in South Asia. Note that whenever you see a dish containing "mutton" in South Asia, it primarily refers to goat meat, not older sheep meat like in native English-speaking countries. In Indian and South Asian restaurants abroad, it will more likely be referred to as goat meat to avoid any misunderstanding. Since many religious movements promote [[animal ethics]], many dishes are vegetarian or vegan. A notable exception to the usual avoidance of pork in Indian food is in [[Goa]], where vindaloo was introduced by the long-time occupier, [[Portugal]], as a dish of pork and garlic in wine or vinegar and was subsequently fused with local tastes to become the spicy dish that is known around the world today. [[Seafood]] and fish are staples of coastal regions, including [[Kerala]] and [[Bengal]]. ==Beverages== [[File:Afza_Syrup_(Lal_sharbat).JPG|thumb|Roof Afza when mixed with water is bright red in colour. It turns pink when mixed with milk.]] *In South India, the iconic and most common drink is '''filter coffee''', a sweet and milky coffee with earthier flavours than the typical Western coffee due to a different extraction process and the addition of chicory. * A yogurt drink called '''lassi''', in salty, sweet or fruity flavours, is widely available in Northern India and Pakistan. * The warm climate makes fruit juices, sugarcane juice and coconut water popular. *'''Roof Afza''' is a branded herbal squash concentrate that contains the essences of various fruits, herbs and flowers like rose petals and ''kewra'' (screw pine). Formulated in 1906, it is very popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is drunk either mixed with water and ice, where it becomes a sherbet, or with milk and ice which looks like strawberry milk but has a more fragrant flavour profile. It can also be used as a syrup which is poured on ice cream and other desserts. The ingredients in Roof Afza are believed in Unani medicine (the traditional South Asian Islamic medicinal system) to have cooling properties, which is why it is drunk in higher frequencies during the peak summer months. ===Tea=== [[File:Kashmiri_Chai.JPG|thumb|Noon chai is a unique Kashmiri drink.]] '''[[Tea]]''' is drunk throughout South Asia and is the everyday drink in many regions. In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and parts of Nepal, the most common tea is '''masala chai''', sweetened black tea mixed with a blend of spices and milk. While the exact blend varies wherever you are, the most prominent spices in masala chai are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. The traditional drink of Kashmir is '''noon chai''', a pink tea made from green tea leaves, milk, salt and baking soda, which gives it its characteristic colour. In Bhutan, the Himalayan region of Nepal and the Indian states of [[Sikkim]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and the union territory of [[Ladakh]] where there is [[Tibet]]an cultural influence, '''butter tea''' is the drink of choice. Pu-erh tea leaves, yak or cow's butter and salt are blended together to create butter tea, which has a stew-like consistency. ===Alcoholic beverages=== [[File:കള്ള്ഷാപ്പ്ഭക്ഷണം.jpg|thumb|Toddy is an iconic alcoholic drink in [[Kerala]] and is usually drunk as part of a meal. Here with tapioca, fish and rice.]] Customs for [[alcoholic beverages]] vary a lot between countries and regions. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in the Muslim-majority countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh, although in theory the ban is for Muslims only. Among similar lines, the only place where it is legal to drink alcohol in the Maldives is at resorts. The Indian states of [[Bihar]], [[Gujarat]] (although liquor permits are available), and [[Nagaland]], [[Mizoram]], 4 districts in [[Manipur]] and 2 districts in [[Maharashtra]] and the union territory of [[Lakshadweep]] (with the exception of [[Bangaram]]) do not permit the consumption of alcohol. The parts of India which do allow the sale and consumption may have laws and regulations not typically seen in Western countries such as dry days where the open sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain public holidays and during elections (resorts and 5-star hotels usually exempted). Most Indian states have a legal drinking age of 21, though it is 18 in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim and 25 in Punjab and Haryana. Sri Lanka doesn't allow women to buy alcohol. However, everyone aged 21 and above is legally allowed to consume alcohol. The sale of alcohol (but not private consumption) is prohibited on every full moon day, which are referred to as Poya Days in Sri Lanka. Nepal's legal drinking age is also 21 (pregnant women are not allowed to buy alcohol) while it is 18 in Bhutan, where alcohol is quite freely available. *'''Toddy''' is a moderately alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the coconut palm tree. Also known as palm wine, it has an ABV of about 8.1%. It is cloudy white in colour and has a touch of sweetness in its taste. Toddy is commonly drunk among the rural folk in South India, parts of Western India and Sri Lanka. You may offered home brewed or moonshine versions of toddy when you visit the beaches on the southwestern coast of India. *'''Feni''' is a double or triple-distilled spirit from [[Goa]], most often made from the juice of ripe cashew apples. With an alcoholic content of 40-45%, it is potent with subtle fruity notes. Feni can be served neat in a shot glass, with ice or as part of a lemony cocktail. *'''Arrack''' is in its most common form a coconut spirit, essentially double-distilled toddy, and is popular in [[Sri Lanka]] and parts of India. It is aged in barrels made from the wood of the Halmilla (''Berrya cordifolia'') tree. Its taste is said to be a blend of whisky, rum and tequila. It is either drunk by itself or with ginger beer. ==Dishes== South Asia has a plethora of dishes, many of which have become well known and eaten across the region and abroad, while others continue to be local delicacies. This section will focus on '''savoury''' dishes. For sweet dishes, see the "Sweets and desserts" section below. ===Curries=== [[File:Indiandishes.jpg|thumb|Curry comes in many varieties]] A curry is a dish based on herbs and spices, together with either meat or vegetables. A curry can be either "dry" or "wet" depending on the amount of liquid. In inland regions of Northern India and Pakistan, yogurt is commonly used in curries; in Southern India and some other coastal regions of the subcontinent, coconut milk is commonly used. Famous meat-based curries include: *'''Butter chicken''' – a relatively modern invention created in the 1950s by the Moti Mahal restaurant in [[Delhi]], this dish consisting of chicken cooked in a mildly spiced tomato and butter sauce is arguably the most well known Indian curry worldwide. Pairs well with naan and/or basmati rice. *'''Rogan josh''' – a fragrant [[Kashmir]]i curry where braised lamb/mutton or goat meat is flavoured and coloured with the alkanet flower, Kashmiri chillies, and spices which emphasise aroma rather than heat, such as cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. *'''Vindaloo''' – a fiery curry from [[Goa]] where meat (traditionally pork) is marinated and cooked in vinegar, chilli peppers and a stack of other spices. Sometimes cubed potatoes are added. *'''Laal Maas''' – literally meaning "Red Meat", the meat is cooked using yogurt, garlic and liberal amounts of Mathania chilli, from which it derives its name and deep red hue. Originally, the meat was wild game such as boar or deer and the dish was made for the royalty in the Mewar Kingdom in Southern [[Rajasthan]]. Nowadays, goat or lamb is used. *'''Nihari''' – a flour-thickened stew of beef, goat or lamb shanks and bone marrow, immersed with spices and slow cooked for six to eight hours. Originating from the royal Mughal kitchens of Delhi and [[Lucknow]], it has become strongly associated with the cuisine of [[Pakistan]], though it is also available across Northern India. *'''Jalfrezi''' – a fusion Indian-Chinese dish originating from Bengal where the meat (most commonly chicken), green chillis, capsicum (bell peppers) and onions are stir-fried and incorporated into the curry. Legumes play an important role in satisfying the protein requirements of the vegetarian and semi-vegetarian communities in South Asia. Some of the most well known legume-based curries are: *'''Rajma''' – red kidney beans mixed with tomatoes, onions and a myriad of spices. A specialty of [[Punjab]], ''rajma'' is commonly paired with basmati rice though it is still delicious when eaten with any kind of flatbread. *'''Channa masala''' – a chickpea (garbanzo bean) curry with a balance of spicy and tang, the latter of which comes dried pomegranate powder or dried mango powder. Can be made with white chickpeas, the kind that is found worldwide, or with black chickpeas, a smaller, darker and firmer type of chickpea unique to the subcontinent and which has a nuttier flavour. In the street food stalls of Northern India and Pakistan, channa masala is usually served with ''bhatoora'' or ''kulcha'' flatbreads. *'''Lobia''' – a black-eyed pea dish which uses liberal amounts of ginger, onions and lemon juice. ===Rice dishes=== [[File:Chitranna and Payasa.jpg|thumb|Lemon rice and pudding.]] *'''Biryani''' – a savoury dish of meat (traditionally goat, though chicken, lamb and beef are used as alternatives), rice and spices that is popular throughout most of the Subcontinent and beyond. It is associated with the Muslim community, and exists in many different styles throughout South Asia and among overseas Indian communities, but the most famous style is the version served in [[Hyderabad]]. It is similar to several Middle Eastern rice dishes such as kabsa, mandi and mansaf. A related but distinct dish is '''pulao'''. The key differences between the two are that the rice in biryani is parboiled and then drained of its water while in pulao the rice absorbs the water or stock, and that the components of biryani (meat, rice and vegetables) and cooked separately and later brought together in layers whereas in they are sauteed together in pulao with no layering involved. *'''Lemon rice''' or '''Chitranna''' – a South Indian dish, especially popular in [[Karnataka]], made by seasoning rice with split chickpeas, black gram, peanuts, mustard seeds, turmeric and generous amounts of lemon juice, which gives it its characteristic tang. Other ingredients like cashews, green beans, chillies and onions are optional. It is eaten at any time of the day though breakfast is most common. It can be eaten by itself or be accompanied with a chutney or raita (yogurt condiment). *'''Bhuga chawal''' – a [[Sindh]]i specialty where roasted and browned rice is immersed in spices and browned onions. Often eaten with Sai Bhaji (a curry containing comprised on lentils, spinach, and other greens like dill, fenugreek and sorrel). ===Savoury cakes and crepes=== [[File:Table_Dosa.jpg|thumb|Some restaurants make a name for themselves by serving very long dosas. Here the dosa is almost half the length of the table.]] *'''Appam''' (also called ''Appa'' or Anglicised to hoppers) – a bowl-shaped crepe made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It is a popular breakfast dish in South India, especially [[Kerala]], as well as Sri Lanka. A common variation is ''muttai appam'' where an egg is cracked into the centre of the appam as it cooks. * '''Dosa''' (called ''thosai'' in Singapore) – a savoury rice and lentil crepe that is a staple of South Indian cuisine, such as in [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Karnataka]]. They are often stuffed, such as with a mixture of potatoes, onions and spices (this type of dosa is called '''masala dosa'''), but many types of stuffing are possible. The "rava" (semolina) masala dosas from [[Mysore]] are particularly famous. *'''Dhokla''' – a steamed, leavened savoury snack originating from [[Gujarat]], having a cake-like texture and made from rice, chickpea and/or lentil batter. The most popular type is '''khaman dhokla''' made from chickpea flour, garnished with mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillis, and typically served with a red or green chutney. It is eaten as a breakfast item, entree to a meal or as a snack with tea. *'''Handvo''' – sometimes said to be a complex cousin of the dhokla, handvo is a savoury Gujarati cake made with a rice, lentil and yogurt batter and with a bottle gourd filling, though other vegetables can also used in the filling. *'''Idli''' – a steamed savoury cake shaped as a patty which originates from South India and is made from fermented black gram and rice batter. Popular as a breakfast item and bland on its own, idlis are served with coconut chutney, ''sambar'' (lentil and vegetable stew) or ''rasam'' (tamarind soup). Variations include idlis made from ''rava'' (semolina) or ''ragi'' (finger millet). * '''Utthapam''' – a savoury pancake. Like masala dosas, they are a staple of South Indian cuisine and exist in many varieties. Unlike masala dosas, they are not rolled around stuffing but include the ingredients in the batter. ===Kebabs=== [[File:Mutton_Seekh_Kabab.JPG|thumb|Mutton seekh kebab with slices of tomatoes, onions and chutney.]] In the South Asian context, kebabs refer to a range of char-grilled meat dishes, which are often but are not necessarily cooked on skewers. Kebabs were introduced to the region during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate and evolved and became more gastronomically refined during the Mughal era. In India, vegetarian versions of kebabs have also been created. They are ubiquitous in the street food scene and are also served as starters in restaurants. *'''Seekh kebab''' – ground or minced meat is blended with spices, moulded on skewers into a sausage-like shape and cooked over a flame grill. Seekh kebabs are the most common kebab dish you would find within a restaurant. *'''Reshmi kebab''' – boneless chicken pieces are coated in a silky marinade of yogurt, cream and cashew nut paste and then grilled. They are crusty on the outside and soft and succulent inside. *'''Chapli kebab''' – originates from [[Peshawar]] and is a specialty of Pashto-speaking areas, namely the [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] province in Pakistan and Eastern Afghanistan but found elsewhere too. Minced meat, most commonly beef, is mixed with flour and a spice blend, and then pound in a flat patty, which looks like someone stepped on it with their slippers or flip-flops (called ''chappals'' in many South Asian languages) from which it derives its name. Typically consumed with naan, pulao rice or in a wrap or bun, where it becomes a small burger. *'''Shami kebab''' – patties made by mixing minced meat with ''channa dal'' (yellow split pea), eggs and spices. It is one of the few kebabs which is pan or shallow fried because the patties are too delicate to be grilled. *'''Hariyali kebab''' – chicken kebab pieces coated in an aromatic green paste, deriving its vibrant colour from spinach, mint and coriander leaves. ===Salads=== [[File:Afghan-Salad.JPG|thumb|Traditional Afghan salad.]] Salads are rarely, if ever, the main meal. However, they can be a side dish accompanying the rest of the meal. The light, zesty and refreshing feeling from salads provide balance when eaten with a rich curry. *'''Kachumber''' – this classic, everyday salad from Northern India contains the essential trio of chopped up cucumber, onions and tomatoes seasoned with salt, black pepper, cumin powder, red chilli powder. Green chillis and herbs like coriander and mint may be added. The dressing is either lemon or lime juice with no sugar or oil added. A similar salad from [[Afghanistan]] called Salata or '''Afghan salad''' usually has the same triad of vegetables with the addition of carrots and may contain other herbs such as parsley and dill. *'''Mooli lachha''' – a salad from [[Uttar Pradesh]] with grated radish as its base, seasoned with lemon, salt and chaat masala (a tart spice mix) and garnished with green chilli, coriander, ginger and sometimes carrots. *'''Kosambari''' – a South Indian salad consisting of split mung beans, grated coconut and carrots, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. *'''Singju''' – a spicy Meitei [[Manipur]]i salad with countless variations. Popular versions include ''yangchok'' (stinky bean), pea leaves, cabbage, ''ngari'' (fermented punti fish), lotus root, chilli and perilla seeds. *'''Wahan Mosdeng''' – a [[Tripura]]-style zesty salad prepared with shredded or thinly sliced pork, roasted green chillis, onions, ginger and coriander leaves. ===Other dishes=== * Tandoori dishes, baked in a tandoor (clay oven), are a [[Punjab|Punjabi]] tradition and are popular in Northern India and adjoining areas of Pakistan. ==Snacks== There are a wide array of traditional and modern snacks across the subcontinent. The line between "snack" and "meal" can be blurry. Many of the snacks described below are indisputably snacks while others if eaten in sufficient quantity or combined with other foods are often eaten as a small meal, especially for breakfast or lunch. On the flip side, some dishes described in the section above can become snack food when eaten in smaller portions. ''Chaat'' refers to a group of snacks that feature an element of fried dough which is combined with other ingredients to create spicy, tangy, savoury and sometimes sweet flavours. They are served as street food by roadside vendors and as starters or appetisers in restaurants, occupying a similar space to tapas in [[Spanish cuisine]]. Another category of snacks is ''namkeen'', which refer to salty snack mixes akin to convenience foods like potato chips, popcorn and cheese puffs. Namkeen is typically eaten with tea, coffee or alcohol. ===Fried snacks=== [[File:Extruding a chakli.jpg|thumb|Chakli being extruded out of the dough moulder and into the fryer.]] *'''Samosa''' – a savoury, tetrahedral or triangular pastry filled with potatoes, peas and onions. Minced meat samosas are also popular, especially outside India. Coming in a variety of sizes, samosas are generally served in a chaat form form immersed in chickpea curry, or with tamarind and mint chutney. *'''Pakora''' – also referred to as ''Bhaji'' in some regions, pakoras are fritters that are coated in a spicy gram flour (ground chickpea) batter. The types of pakoda range from sliced and chopped vegetables like potato, cauliflower, eggplant and onion, to paneer and even bread slices. Other flours which may be used in the batter include buckwheat and water chestnut. Pakoras pair well with almost every chutney and sauce. *'''Murukku''' – a hard and crunchy coil-shaped snack originating from [[South India]]. Standard murukku is made with rice flour, black gram flour and seasoning which includes chilli powder, asafoetida, carom seeds and sesame seeds. A related snack is '''chakli''', which is popular in [[Maharashtra]] and sees the addition of chickpea flour into the batter mix. *'''Kachori''' – a round, flaky pastry stuffed with a split mung bean filling which is popular in the Hindi belt, from [[Jodhpur]] to [[Varanasi]]. A special version from Rajasthan called ''pyaz ki kachori'' uses onions as the stuffing instead of mung beans. ===Biscuits and crackers=== *'''Nankhatai''' – a traditional Indian shortbread biscuit or cookie made with flour, ghee and sugar and flavoured with cardamom. Believed to have originated from [[Surat]] in the 16th century, nankhatai are nowadays popular all over Northern India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The texture of nankhatai is crisp on the outside but crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. *'''Osmania biscuits''' – tea biscuits with a simple round shape that combines sweet, salty and buttery flavours. They were baked for and named after [[Hyderabad]]'s last princely state ruler Mir Osman Ali Khan, and have since become the most popular item in virtually every bakery in Hyderabad. *'''Papadum''' – a large and thin, disc-shaped cracker which is made with black gram. It can be fried or dry roasted. Papadums are the quintessential starter in restaurants serving Northern Indian and Pakistani cuisine. *'''Khakra''' – a thin cracker from [[Gujarat]] with wheat flour and moth beans as its main ingredients. It is usually flavoured with fenugreek leaves and is eaten during breakfast. ==Condiments== [[File:Samosa_with_tamarind_chutney_and_tomato_sauce.jpg|thumb|Samosas with tamarind chutney (bottom left) and tomato sauce (top left).]] [[File:Raita_with_cucumber_and_mint.jpg|thumb|Cucumber and mint raita garnished with coriander leaves.]] Broadly, the two major types of condiments found in South Asian cuisine are ''chutneys'', which are equivalent to sauces, dips and spreads in European cuisines, and pickles, called ''achar'' in many languages of the subcontinent. ===Chutneys=== Chutneys can be savoury, sweet, sour or spicy and served as an accompaniment to snacks such as samosas, pakoras and dhokla, and some types of meals, including dosas and utthapams. *'''Coconut chutney''' – a thick, creamy and nutty chutney which centres on coconut, roasted lentils, ginger and chilli. With a hint of sweetness and spice, it is an essential accompaniment to South Indian dishes, such as the dosa, idli and vada. *'''Tamarind chutney''' – a reddish-brown sweet and sour chutney which may resemble barbecue sauce. It primarily consists of tamarind, ginger and pink salt and is sweetened with jaggery, sugar, dates or a combination thereof. Sesame or fennel seeds are sometimes added. It is used a dressing over chaat dishes and as a dipping sauce with samosas, kachoris and other Northern Indian snacks. ===Pickles=== South Asian pickles tend to be spicy and salty and are often oil-based. They accompany meals and pair with foods which are somewhat bland. Pickles are very strong in flavour and salt and are meant to be eaten in very small portions per bite with the bread, rice and/or curry. They are supposed to provide a kick to the meal but eating them in large quantities will overwhelm your taste buds. When oil is used in the pickling process, the type of oil used varies by region. Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh favour mustard oil, which is aromatic and pungent, while sesame oil, which has a delicately nutty flavour, is preferred in Southern India. ===Other condiments=== Another condiment, or perhaps more accurately side dish, eaten throughout Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is '''raita'''. Raita comes in many varieties, each one made from yogurt mixed principally with an herb, vegetable, pulse or fruit. A bit of salt and pepper can be added as well as water to thin the blend. From a gastronomical perspective, raita cools you down from the heat of the curry and the rest of the meal. Raitas are diverse with many states having their own style though the most common ones are ''boondi raita'' (containing small, cereal-like fried batter balls of ''besan'' or chickpea flour), cucumber (similar to tzatziki in [[Greek cuisine]]) and mint (popular during the summer). '''Lunu miris''' is a [[Sri Lanka]]n sambal, or chilli paste, a blend of red onions, red chilli peppers, chilli powder, lime juice and Maldive fish. It is commonly served with roti, kiribath (rice and coconut milk mounds) or hoppers. ==Sweets and desserts== [[File:Awadhi_jalebi.jpg|thumb|A stack of jalebi as is commonly seen in Northern India.]] [[File:Enticing_Kulfi.PNG|thumb|Kulfi in a range of colourful flavours.]] It's fair to say that nearly everyone has a sweet tooth in South Asia. Sweets can be baked, fried, roasted, frozen, or produced in a myriad of other ways. Increasingly, sweets which were specific to one region are spreading in popularity and are available across the entire region. Sweets are given as gifts to family and friends and consumed at higher rates during festivals, whether religious or secular. They are eaten typically after a main course meal or as in-between snacks. '''Gulab jamun''' is a dairy-based dessert consisting of fried and caramelised milky balls dipped in a rose- and cardamom-scented syrup and garnished with an assortment of nuts. The traditional recipe uses ''khoya'' (freshly dried milk) which provides a melt-in-your mouth feel to the dish. These days you might come across gulab jamun made from milk powder, which is easier to make but not as tasty. Gulab jamun spread in popularity during the Mughal Empire and is therefore available across much of South Asia and among the diaspora communities all over the world. '''Halwa''' refers to a variety of dense confections whose texture can vary from moist and creamy like a pudding to dry and hard like candy. It usually consists of a base ingredients cooked in ghee and sugar, sometimes milk is added for consistency and is garnished with nuts, raisins and shredded coconut. The most common halwa is made from ''sooji'' (semolina). Other popular varieties include ''gajar'' (carrot) and ''atta'' (whole wheat). '''Jalebi''' is made by deep frying white flour batter in coil or pretzel-like shapes and soaking it in syrup, usually flavoured with saffron. It's eaten as a snack, a dessert, or a breakfast item. Jalebi is often served with milk or ''rabri'' (a kind of fragrant condensed milk). With its origins in the Middle East, jalebi enjoys pan-South Asian popularity though the name of the treat varies by region. The central Indian state of [[Madhya Pradesh]] has put a unique twist on the standard recipe and is known for its '''mawa jalebi''' which uses milk solids in place of flour and is dark brown and soft instead of the usual orange and crispy. '''Kheer''', also called '''Payasam''' or '''Payesh''', is South Asian rice pudding. The default version contains rice, sugar and thickened milk as a minimum and is usually flavoured and garnished with cardamom, saffron, raisins, nuts, petals and/or floral essences. It can be eaten cold at the end of a meal or hot at the start or end of a meal like porridge. Variants of the dish substitute the rice with other grains or pseudo-grains such as bulgur, sago and tapioca. '''Kulfi''' is a frozen dairy dessert eaten across all South Asian countries with its popularity stretching as far as [[Myanmar]]. Often dubbed "Indian ice cream", its taste for the most part will remind you of ice cream though there are a few key differences. Kulfi is made from evaporated milk and sugar, does not contain eggs and is not whipped or aerated. As a result, kulfi is denser, creamier and slower to melt than ice cream and can have a slightly chewy texture. The most common shape of kulfi is a long, thin cone. When you buy it from stalls or trucks on the street it is usually served on a stick, while in restaurants it is given in a cup or plate. The traditional flavours include ''malai'' (cream), cardamom, rose, pistachio, mango and saffron. For those with allergies, keep in mind that even non-nut flavours often contain nuts (almonds, pistachios and cashews being most common). Nowadays, much like ice cream, you will find hundreds of flavours as you shop around and go to different vendors. '''Rasgulla''' is an Eastern Indian sweet consisting of balls of chhena (a moist, softer cheese than paneer) cooked and permeated in a light rose-scented syrup. The origin of rasgulla is disputed between [[Odisha]] and [[Bengal]] with people on either side of the border claiming that it was invented in their state. What is more clearly known is that the first canned rasgullas were sold in Kolkata in 1930, after which they took off in popularity across the subcontinent. A variant of the dish is '''ras malai''' where the chhena balls are immersed in sweet thickened milk instead of syrup, providing a creamier feel to the sweet. ==Restaurants== When travelling across South Asia, you will come across restaurant types that are found all over the world from fast food to fine dining and everything in between. In addition, there are types of restaurants which are unique to the subcontinent. *'''Dhaba''': The dhaba is a roadside restaurant usually on highways that caters to truck drivers and others stopping over between towns. Far from being fancy, dhabas have a rustic ambience. Originally built as mud shacks, there is typically no air-conditioning or heating. The food you get is of a simple, homemade style specific to the area and served on big brass or steel plates called ''thalis''. The original purpose of dhabas was to provide truck drivers with an affordable, freshly cooked meal. Nowadays, you will find eateries in the middle of the city and suburbs offering "dhaba-style" food. *'''Irani cafe''': These cafes were opened by Zoroastrian Irani immigrants who came to the subcontinent in the 19th century. There are many Irani cafes in [[Mumbai]] and [[Hyderabad]] in India, and a few in [[Karachi]], [[Pakistan]] though over time their numbers have been diminishing. The internal decor of Irani cafes tends to have a classic colonial touch. The word "cafe" is bit of a misnomer as they don't serve coffee but rather are noted for their ''Irani chai'' (a strong, sweet and very creamy tea) and bakery and breakfast items including ''khari'' biscuits, ''bun maska'' (soft bread and butter), ''brun maska'' (hard buttered croissants), ''keema pav'' (minced meat buns) and ''akuri'' (spicy scrambled eggs). ===Plating=== [[File:Chettinad_Cuisine.jpg|thumb|A Chettinad feast reflecting the cuisine of Tamil Nadu's [[Tamil Nadu South Coast|south coast]] served on a banana leaf.]] In South India, Sri Lanka and other parts of India, meals are traditionally served on banana leaves or the leaves of other plants such as kenda (''Macaranga peltata''), lotus and the areca palm. Banana leaves are larger than standard plates, allowing for more dishes and condiments to be served in one go. The leaves are biodegradable and disposable, making them eco-friendly compared to plastic plates. The waxy surface of the banana leaves melts when hot food is served on it, which imparts a subtle sweetness to the food and is believed to provide health benefits. According to South Indian eating etiquette, you should fold the leaf inwards, i.e. towards yourself, once you finish your meal. Folding it outwards is only done during funerals and is otherwise considered rude. ==See also== *[[Cambodian cuisine]] *[[Chinese cuisine]] *[[Malaysian cuisine]] *[[Middle Eastern cuisine]] *[[Travelling during Ramadan]] *[[Western food in Asia]] {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink|South Asia}} 3goii7zfao0gdhmiiozzsd8pu57bo36 4488031 4488029 2022-07-22T00:15:06Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Rephrased because Sri Lanka is not part of India and a reader could have been confused. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Tambda Pandhara banner.jpg}} {{Asian cuisines}} While [[South Asia]] is a vast subcontinent with diverse climate and culture, some culinary traditions can be found across the region. With the Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali and Sri Lankan diaspora, not least within the former [[British Empire]], the cuisines of South Asia have spread around the world. ==Understand== [[File:Egg Masala Biryani by Dr. Raju Kasambe DSCN7382 (10).jpg|thumb|Egg masala biryani; biryani is popular in Pakistan and amongst Indian Muslims]] With 1.75 billion inhabitants, a land area larger than the [[European Union]], a countless number of languages and dialects, and millennia of written history, South Asia is difficult to conceptualize. However, the region has had some unifying cultural factors. While the Dharmic religions (mainly [[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]) are rooted in the region, [[Islam]], [[Christianity]] and a small [[Judaism|Jewish]] community also have long histories, along with a [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] community (called the Parsees for their origins in ancient Persia). All these religions have contributed to the kaleidoscope of flavours now generically called "Indian cuisine". For example, Hindus avoid beef but tend to make great use of dairy products such as yogurt and cheese (''paneer''); among Muslims in Northern India and adjoining areas of Pakistan, goat curries and tandoori meat dishes are popular; Jews avoided mixing meat and dairy due to kashrut rules and developed dishes using eggs with meat instead; and the Parsees in [[Gujarat]] contributed the rich dumpakht dishes, which are made by sealing the top of a cooking vessel with bread. Throughout periods of its history, the subcontinent often had a dominant government, such as the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mughal Empire, [[British Raj]], and today's [[India]]. All the various empires, including the British, have also contributed to Indian cuisine as we know it today. Neighboring lands have also made their influence felt. For example, there is an entire repertoire of Indian Chinese dishes that constitutes the cuisine colonial-era Chinese immigrants brought with them and adapted to Indian tastes. South Asian diaspora communities often have dishes that are locally adapted or invented, and thus cannot be found within the subcontinent. When travelling to such areas, it is often worth trying out some of these dishes; you may be pleasantly surprised by what you get. Famous examples of such dishes include chicken tikka masala from the United Kingdom, roti prata / roti canai from Singapore and Malaysia, and bunny chow from South Africa. Food in South Asia is traditionally eaten by hand, though a fork and spoon may be used in more upmarket establishments. If eating by hand, it is important to '''use only your right hand''' to handle food, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for dirty things like cleaning yourself after using the toilet. ==Countries and regions== * In [[Pakistan]] and [[northern India]], wheat is the predominant crop, and [[bread]] (generally flatbread), existing in many varieties including ''naan'', ''roti'', ''paratha'', ''kulcha'', ''puri'' and ''pappadam'', is a common staple food. Breads may be plain or filled with various forms of usually savoury filling. Breads in the western regions of the Subcontinent have similarities with those in [[Iran]], [[Central Asia]] and the [[Middle Eastern cuisine|Middle East]]. * The cuisines of [[southern India]], [[eastern India]] and [[Bangladesh]] are based on rice and legumes, with occasional [[seafood]]. * [[Udupi]] is especially famous for its vegetarian cuisine. ==Ingredients== [[File:Peshawari Roti, Pakistan.jpg|thumb|Naan bread is a delicious staple.]] ===Rice=== Rice is the basic staple food in southern and eastern regions of South Asia. Rice flour is used to make the savoury pancakes called dosas and utthapams that are so characteristic of South Indian food. A number of varieties are eaten. Long-grained and aromatic ''basmati'' rice is typically used in North Indian and Pakistani curry dishes. Red rice, which has a nutty flavour and chewy texture, is the only type that can be grown at very high altitudes and as such, is the main variety eaten in Himalayan [[Bhutan]] and parts of [[Nepal]]. ===Bread=== Flatbreads are the staple food in the northwestern parts of South Asia. The variety in flatbreads is huge, varying by the flour used and method of cooking. ''Roti'' is the generic term for bread in many South Asian and Southeast Asian languages, but in much of India and Pakistan, it is also colloquially used as a synonym for chapati. *''Naan'': A thick and chewy, leavened flatbread that is baked in an oven or ''tandoor'' (traditional clay oven), mostly associated with the cuisines of North India and Pakistan. The most common types are plain naan, garlic naan, butter naan, cheese naan (stuffed with either paneer or nowadays melting cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella) and [[Peshawar]]i naan, which contains nuts and raisins. *''Chapati'': A thin and coarse, unleavened flatbread cooked atop a ''tava'' (shallow pan). Chapatis are typically made from whole wheat flour unlike naans, giving them an earthier taste and are considered to be the healthier option. *''Paratha'': A layered flatbrad from North India and Pakistan, made by kneading and folding the dough multiple times, using ghee to separate the layers of dough, then shallow frying it in ghee on a tava. Paratha can also be stuffed, in which case it is usually not layered. *''Parotta'' is the South Indian counterpart of paratha, though with a slightly different preparation method. In parotta, the dough used to make parotta is spread thinly by flipping it onto a smooth and flat surface several times, before folding the dough onto itself, then frying it in ghee on a tava. A variant of the parotta, known as ''roti prata'' in [[Singapore]], and ''roti canai'' in [[Malaysia]], is a popular breakfast dish made by the Tamil Muslim diaspora in those countries. Roti can also be made from other grains. Notably, in the [[Punjab]] region, ''makki di roti'' made from whole corn flour is a local delicacy and is paired with either ''sarson da saag'' (mustard greens curry) or ''shalgam'' (turnips). Other flatbreads include deep-fried ''pudis'' and ''bhatooras'', ''poodas'' (savoury chickpea pancakes) and sweet pikelet-like ''malpuas''. Leavened, European-style breads were introduced to the region during the colonial era. Small soft bread rolls called ''pav'' (from the [[Portuguese cuisine|Portuguese pão]]) are common throughout Western India and are an essential component of dishes such as ''pav bhaji'', ''vada pav'' and ''misal pav''. Sliced bread can be found and is usually fried rather than toasted. Popular dishes made from bread include bread pakora, where triangles of bread slices are coated in spicy gram flour and deep fried, and a savoury version of French toast, both of which are eaten with sauce or chutney. ===Legumes and lentils=== Legumes and lentils are as essential to South Asian cuisine as grains. Curries made from ground pulses, called ''dal'', are ubiquitous throughout the subcontinent and are eaten with rice or roti along with sides. Lentil flour is also quite often used in baking both savoury and sweet items. ===Dairy products=== The primary source of milk in South Asia is the water buffalo, followed by cattle which is a close second. Less common sources of milk include goats/sheep, yaks and camels. India has more bovines than any other country in the world. Milk and its derivative products are used in a range of savoury dishes, drinks and desserts. *Cultured milk (yogurt) is commonly used as a condiment and as an ingredient in Northern Indian curries. *A fresh [[cheese]] called ''paneer'' is also often used in Northern Indian cuisine. *''Chhena'' is a soft, watery cheese from [[Eastern India]] and [[Bangladesh]] used to make sweets like ''rasgolla'' and ''sandesh''. *''Chhurpi'' is a very hard, chewy and smoky cheese eaten in Himalayan India, [[Nepal]], [[Tibet]] and [[Bhutan]] which is made from yak and/or cow's milk * Reduced milk called ''khoya'' is extremely common in sweets such as ''barfi''. * ''Malai'' is a type of clotted cream used predominantly in sweets but also in some savoury snacks and dishes. * Ghee (clarified butter) is very widely used as a cooking fat and can also be drizzled or coated on certain foods to add flavour. * Butter itself is used as a topping on ''parathas'' (stuffed flatbreads) and is added to some curries in Northern India and Pakistan. A sign that butter is a prominent ingredient in a dish is when its name contains the word ''makhan'' or ''makhani'' (deriving from the [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]] word for butter). ===Herbs and spices=== South Asian food might be more famous for its spices than anything else. Some dishes are extremely hot (not least in [[Andhra Pradesh]]), and Indian restaurants in the Western world sometimes have a grading system for hotness. But spiciness does not always mean lots of red or black pepper, and it is more the variety of different types of aromatic spices that typifies Indian cuisines. A mixture or combination of spices is called ''masala''. ''Garam masala'' (literally "hot spice mix") is probably the most well known though are others such as ''chaat masala'', which is tangier, and ''tandoori masala'', which is coated on meats like chicken. ===Fruits, vegetables and nuts=== The various climates of South Asia allow for a vast range of [[fruits and vegetables]], tropical as well as temperate. Fruits are garnished with salt or masala in order to enhance flavour and improve digestion. Alphonso mangoes are particularly well-known and prized among Indian fruits. The high levels of vegetarianism on the Subcontinent make nuts a valuable source of protein. Nuts on their own or as ingredients are more commonly eaten than in Western cultures. Almonds are particularly common in the north while coconuts are indispensable to South Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisine. Pistachios are also much appreciated and pistachio kulfi is one of the most common flavours of what is often called Indian ice cream. ===Meat and seafood=== As pork is taboo in [[Islam]], and cattle are inviolable in [[Hinduism]], goat, lamb and chicken are the most popular kinds of meat in South Asia. Note that whenever you see a dish containing "mutton" in South Asia, it primarily refers to goat meat, not older sheep meat like in native English-speaking countries. In Indian and South Asian restaurants abroad, it will more likely be referred to as goat meat to avoid any misunderstanding. Since many religious movements promote [[animal ethics]], many dishes are vegetarian or vegan. A notable exception to the usual avoidance of pork in Indian food is in [[Goa]], where vindaloo was introduced by the long-time occupier, [[Portugal]], as a dish of pork and garlic in wine or vinegar and was subsequently fused with local tastes to become the spicy dish that is known around the world today. [[Seafood]] and fish are staples of coastal regions, including [[Kerala]] and [[Bengal]]. ==Beverages== [[File:Afza_Syrup_(Lal_sharbat).JPG|thumb|Roof Afza when mixed with water is bright red in colour. It turns pink when mixed with milk.]] *In South India, the iconic and most common drink is '''filter coffee''', a sweet and milky coffee with earthier flavours than the typical Western coffee due to a different extraction process and the addition of chicory. * A yogurt drink called '''lassi''', in salty, sweet or fruity flavours, is widely available in Northern India and Pakistan. * The warm climate makes fruit juices, sugarcane juice and coconut water popular. *'''Roof Afza''' is a branded herbal squash concentrate that contains the essences of various fruits, herbs and flowers like rose petals and ''kewra'' (screw pine). Formulated in 1906, it is very popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is drunk either mixed with water and ice, where it becomes a sherbet, or with milk and ice which looks like strawberry milk but has a more fragrant flavour profile. It can also be used as a syrup which is poured on ice cream and other desserts. The ingredients in Roof Afza are believed in Unani medicine (the traditional South Asian Islamic medicinal system) to have cooling properties, which is why it is drunk in higher frequencies during the peak summer months. ===Tea=== [[File:Kashmiri_Chai.JPG|thumb|Noon chai is a unique Kashmiri drink.]] '''[[Tea]]''' is drunk throughout South Asia and is the everyday drink in many regions. In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and parts of Nepal, the most common tea is '''masala chai''', sweetened black tea mixed with a blend of spices and milk. While the exact blend varies wherever you are, the most prominent spices in masala chai are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. The traditional drink of Kashmir is '''noon chai''', a pink tea made from green tea leaves, milk, salt and baking soda, which gives it its characteristic colour. In Bhutan, the Himalayan region of Nepal and the Indian states of [[Sikkim]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and the union territory of [[Ladakh]] where there is [[Tibet]]an cultural influence, '''butter tea''' is the drink of choice. Pu-erh tea leaves, yak or cow's butter and salt are blended together to create butter tea, which has a stew-like consistency. ===Alcoholic beverages=== [[File:കള്ള്ഷാപ്പ്ഭക്ഷണം.jpg|thumb|Toddy is an iconic alcoholic drink in [[Kerala]] and is usually drunk as part of a meal. Here with tapioca, fish and rice.]] Customs for [[alcoholic beverages]] vary a lot between countries and regions. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in the Muslim-majority countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh, although in theory the ban is for Muslims only. Among similar lines, the only place where it is legal to drink alcohol in the Maldives is at resorts. The Indian states of [[Bihar]], [[Gujarat]] (although liquor permits are available), and [[Nagaland]], [[Mizoram]], 4 districts in [[Manipur]] and 2 districts in [[Maharashtra]] and the union territory of [[Lakshadweep]] (with the exception of [[Bangaram]]) do not permit the consumption of alcohol. The parts of India which do allow the sale and consumption may have laws and regulations not typically seen in Western countries such as dry days where the open sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain public holidays and during elections (resorts and 5-star hotels usually exempted). Most Indian states have a legal drinking age of 21, though it is 18 in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim and 25 in Punjab and Haryana. Sri Lanka doesn't allow women to buy alcohol. However, everyone aged 21 and above is legally allowed to consume alcohol. The sale of alcohol (but not private consumption) is prohibited on every full moon day, which are referred to as Poya Days in Sri Lanka. Nepal's legal drinking age is also 21 (pregnant women are not allowed to buy alcohol) while it is 18 in Bhutan, where alcohol is quite freely available. *'''Toddy''' is a moderately alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the coconut palm tree. Also known as palm wine, it has an ABV of about 8.1%. It is cloudy white in colour and has a touch of sweetness in its taste. Toddy is commonly drunk among the rural folk in South India, parts of Western India and Sri Lanka. You may offered home brewed or moonshine versions of toddy when you visit the beaches on the southwestern coast of India. *'''Feni''' is a double or triple-distilled spirit from [[Goa]], most often made from the juice of ripe cashew apples. With an alcoholic content of 40-45%, it is potent with subtle fruity notes. Feni can be served neat in a shot glass, with ice or as part of a lemony cocktail. *'''Arrack''' is in its most common form a coconut spirit, essentially double-distilled toddy, and is popular in [[Sri Lanka]] and parts of India. It is aged in barrels made from the wood of the Halmilla (''Berrya cordifolia'') tree. Its taste is said to be a blend of whisky, rum and tequila. It is either drunk by itself or with ginger beer. ==Dishes== South Asia has a plethora of dishes, many of which have become well known and eaten across the region and abroad, while others continue to be local delicacies. This section will focus on '''savoury''' dishes. For sweet dishes, see the "Sweets and desserts" section below. ===Curries=== [[File:Indiandishes.jpg|thumb|Curry comes in many varieties]] A curry is a dish based on herbs and spices, together with either meat or vegetables. A curry can be either "dry" or "wet" depending on the amount of liquid. In inland regions of Northern India and Pakistan, yogurt is commonly used in curries; in Southern India and some other coastal regions of the subcontinent, coconut milk is commonly used. Famous meat-based curries include: *'''Butter chicken''' – a relatively modern invention created in the 1950s by the Moti Mahal restaurant in [[Delhi]], this dish consisting of chicken cooked in a mildly spiced tomato and butter sauce is arguably the most well known Indian curry worldwide. Pairs well with naan and/or basmati rice. *'''Rogan josh''' – a fragrant [[Kashmir]]i curry where braised lamb/mutton or goat meat is flavoured and coloured with the alkanet flower, Kashmiri chillies, and spices which emphasise aroma rather than heat, such as cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. *'''Vindaloo''' – a fiery curry from [[Goa]] where meat (traditionally pork) is marinated and cooked in vinegar, chilli peppers and a stack of other spices. Sometimes cubed potatoes are added. *'''Laal Maas''' – literally meaning "Red Meat", the meat is cooked using yogurt, garlic and liberal amounts of Mathania chilli, from which it derives its name and deep red hue. Originally, the meat was wild game such as boar or deer and the dish was made for the royalty in the Mewar Kingdom in Southern [[Rajasthan]]. Nowadays, goat or lamb is used. *'''Nihari''' – a flour-thickened stew of beef, goat or lamb shanks and bone marrow, immersed with spices and slow cooked for six to eight hours. Originating from the royal Mughal kitchens of Delhi and [[Lucknow]], it has become strongly associated with the cuisine of [[Pakistan]], though it is also available across Northern India. *'''Jalfrezi''' – a fusion Indian-Chinese dish originating from Bengal where the meat (most commonly chicken), green chillis, capsicum (bell peppers) and onions are stir-fried and incorporated into the curry. Legumes play an important role in satisfying the protein requirements of the vegetarian and semi-vegetarian communities in South Asia. Some of the most well known legume-based curries are: *'''Rajma''' – red kidney beans mixed with tomatoes, onions and a myriad of spices. A specialty of [[Punjab]], ''rajma'' is commonly paired with basmati rice though it is still delicious when eaten with any kind of flatbread. *'''Channa masala''' – a chickpea (garbanzo bean) curry with a balance of spicy and tang, the latter of which comes dried pomegranate powder or dried mango powder. Can be made with white chickpeas, the kind that is found worldwide, or with black chickpeas, a smaller, darker and firmer type of chickpea unique to the subcontinent and which has a nuttier flavour. In the street food stalls of Northern India and Pakistan, channa masala is usually served with ''bhatoora'' or ''kulcha'' flatbreads. *'''Lobia''' – a black-eyed pea dish which uses liberal amounts of ginger, onions and lemon juice. ===Rice dishes=== [[File:Chitranna and Payasa.jpg|thumb|Lemon rice and pudding.]] *'''Biryani''' – a savoury dish of meat (traditionally goat, though chicken, lamb and beef are used as alternatives), rice and spices that is popular throughout most of the Subcontinent and beyond. It is associated with the Muslim community, and exists in many different styles throughout South Asia and among overseas Indian communities, but the most famous style is the version served in [[Hyderabad]]. It is similar to several Middle Eastern rice dishes such as kabsa, mandi and mansaf. A related but distinct dish is '''pulao'''. The key differences between the two are that the rice in biryani is parboiled and then drained of its water while in pulao the rice absorbs the water or stock, and that the components of biryani (meat, rice and vegetables) and cooked separately and later brought together in layers whereas in they are sauteed together in pulao with no layering involved. *'''Lemon rice''' or '''Chitranna''' – a South Indian dish, especially popular in [[Karnataka]], made by seasoning rice with split chickpeas, black gram, peanuts, mustard seeds, turmeric and generous amounts of lemon juice, which gives it its characteristic tang. Other ingredients like cashews, green beans, chillies and onions are optional. It is eaten at any time of the day though breakfast is most common. It can be eaten by itself or be accompanied with a chutney or raita (yogurt condiment). *'''Bhuga chawal''' – a [[Sindh]]i specialty where roasted and browned rice is immersed in spices and browned onions. Often eaten with Sai Bhaji (a curry containing comprised on lentils, spinach, and other greens like dill, fenugreek and sorrel). ===Savoury cakes and crepes=== [[File:Table_Dosa.jpg|thumb|Some restaurants make a name for themselves by serving very long dosas. Here the dosa is almost half the length of the table.]] *'''Appam''' (also called ''Appa'' or Anglicised to hoppers) – a bowl-shaped crepe made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It is a popular breakfast dish in South India, especially [[Kerala]], as well as Sri Lanka. A common variation is ''muttai appam'' where an egg is cracked into the centre of the appam as it cooks. * '''Dosa''' (called ''thosai'' in Singapore) – a savoury rice and lentil crepe that is a staple of South Indian cuisine, such as in [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Karnataka]]. They are often stuffed, such as with a mixture of potatoes, onions and spices (this type of dosa is called '''masala dosa'''), but many types of stuffing are possible. The "rava" (semolina) masala dosas from [[Mysore]] are particularly famous. *'''Dhokla''' – a steamed, leavened savoury snack originating from [[Gujarat]], having a cake-like texture and made from rice, chickpea and/or lentil batter. The most popular type is '''khaman dhokla''' made from chickpea flour, garnished with mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillis, and typically served with a red or green chutney. It is eaten as a breakfast item, entree to a meal or as a snack with tea. *'''Handvo''' – sometimes said to be a complex cousin of the dhokla, handvo is a savoury Gujarati cake made with a rice, lentil and yogurt batter and with a bottle gourd filling, though other vegetables can also used in the filling. *'''Idli''' – a steamed savoury cake shaped as a patty which originates from South India and is made from fermented black gram and rice batter. Popular as a breakfast item and bland on its own, idlis are served with coconut chutney, ''sambar'' (lentil and vegetable stew) or ''rasam'' (tamarind soup). Variations include idlis made from ''rava'' (semolina) or ''ragi'' (finger millet). * '''Utthapam''' – a savoury pancake. Like masala dosas, they are a staple of South Indian cuisine and exist in many varieties. Unlike masala dosas, they are not rolled around stuffing but include the ingredients in the batter. ===Kebabs=== [[File:Mutton_Seekh_Kabab.JPG|thumb|Mutton seekh kebab with slices of tomatoes, onions and chutney.]] In the South Asian context, kebabs refer to a range of char-grilled meat dishes, which are often but are not necessarily cooked on skewers. Kebabs were introduced to the region during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate and evolved and became more gastronomically refined during the Mughal era. In India, vegetarian versions of kebabs have also been created. They are ubiquitous in the street food scene and are also served as starters in restaurants. *'''Seekh kebab''' – ground or minced meat is blended with spices, moulded on skewers into a sausage-like shape and cooked over a flame grill. Seekh kebabs are the most common kebab dish you would find within a restaurant. *'''Reshmi kebab''' – boneless chicken pieces are coated in a silky marinade of yogurt, cream and cashew nut paste and then grilled. They are crusty on the outside and soft and succulent inside. *'''Chapli kebab''' – originates from [[Peshawar]] and is a specialty of Pashto-speaking areas, namely the [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] province in Pakistan and Eastern Afghanistan but found elsewhere too. Minced meat, most commonly beef, is mixed with flour and a spice blend, and then pound in a flat patty, which looks like someone stepped on it with their slippers or flip-flops (called ''chappals'' in many South Asian languages) from which it derives its name. Typically consumed with naan, pulao rice or in a wrap or bun, where it becomes a small burger. *'''Shami kebab''' – patties made by mixing minced meat with ''channa dal'' (yellow split pea), eggs and spices. It is one of the few kebabs which is pan or shallow fried because the patties are too delicate to be grilled. *'''Hariyali kebab''' – chicken kebab pieces coated in an aromatic green paste, deriving its vibrant colour from spinach, mint and coriander leaves. ===Salads=== [[File:Afghan-Salad.JPG|thumb|Traditional Afghan salad.]] Salads are rarely, if ever, the main meal. However, they can be a side dish accompanying the rest of the meal. The light, zesty and refreshing feeling from salads provide balance when eaten with a rich curry. *'''Kachumber''' – this classic, everyday salad from Northern India contains the essential trio of chopped up cucumber, onions and tomatoes seasoned with salt, black pepper, cumin powder, red chilli powder. Green chillis and herbs like coriander and mint may be added. The dressing is either lemon or lime juice with no sugar or oil added. A similar salad from [[Afghanistan]] called Salata or '''Afghan salad''' usually has the same triad of vegetables with the addition of carrots and may contain other herbs such as parsley and dill. *'''Mooli lachha''' – a salad from [[Uttar Pradesh]] with grated radish as its base, seasoned with lemon, salt and chaat masala (a tart spice mix) and garnished with green chilli, coriander, ginger and sometimes carrots. *'''Kosambari''' – a South Indian salad consisting of split mung beans, grated coconut and carrots, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. *'''Singju''' – a spicy Meitei [[Manipur]]i salad with countless variations. Popular versions include ''yangchok'' (stinky bean), pea leaves, cabbage, ''ngari'' (fermented punti fish), lotus root, chilli and perilla seeds. *'''Wahan Mosdeng''' – a [[Tripura]]-style zesty salad prepared with shredded or thinly sliced pork, roasted green chillis, onions, ginger and coriander leaves. ===Other dishes=== * Tandoori dishes, baked in a tandoor (clay oven), are a [[Punjab|Punjabi]] tradition and are popular in Northern India and adjoining areas of Pakistan. ==Snacks== There are a wide array of traditional and modern snacks across the subcontinent. The line between "snack" and "meal" can be blurry. Many of the snacks described below are indisputably snacks while others if eaten in sufficient quantity or combined with other foods are often eaten as a small meal, especially for breakfast or lunch. On the flip side, some dishes described in the section above can become snack food when eaten in smaller portions. ''Chaat'' refers to a group of snacks that feature an element of fried dough which is combined with other ingredients to create spicy, tangy, savoury and sometimes sweet flavours. They are served as street food by roadside vendors and as starters or appetisers in restaurants, occupying a similar space to tapas in [[Spanish cuisine]]. Another category of snacks is ''namkeen'', which refer to salty snack mixes akin to convenience foods like potato chips, popcorn and cheese puffs. Namkeen is typically eaten with tea, coffee or alcohol. ===Fried snacks=== [[File:Extruding a chakli.jpg|thumb|Chakli being extruded out of the dough moulder and into the fryer.]] *'''Samosa''' – a savoury, tetrahedral or triangular pastry filled with potatoes, peas and onions. Minced meat samosas are also popular, especially outside India. Coming in a variety of sizes, samosas are generally served in a chaat form form immersed in chickpea curry, or with tamarind and mint chutney. *'''Pakora''' – also referred to as ''Bhaji'' in some regions, pakoras are fritters that are coated in a spicy gram flour (ground chickpea) batter. The types of pakoda range from sliced and chopped vegetables like potato, cauliflower, eggplant and onion, to paneer and even bread slices. Other flours which may be used in the batter include buckwheat and water chestnut. Pakoras pair well with almost every chutney and sauce. *'''Murukku''' – a hard and crunchy coil-shaped snack originating from [[South India]]. Standard murukku is made with rice flour, black gram flour and seasoning which includes chilli powder, asafoetida, carom seeds and sesame seeds. A related snack is '''chakli''', which is popular in [[Maharashtra]] and sees the addition of chickpea flour into the batter mix. *'''Kachori''' – a round, flaky pastry stuffed with a split mung bean filling which is popular in the Hindi belt, from [[Jodhpur]] to [[Varanasi]]. A special version from Rajasthan called ''pyaz ki kachori'' uses onions as the stuffing instead of mung beans. ===Biscuits and crackers=== *'''Nankhatai''' – a traditional Indian shortbread biscuit or cookie made with flour, ghee and sugar and flavoured with cardamom. Believed to have originated from [[Surat]] in the 16th century, nankhatai are nowadays popular all over Northern India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The texture of nankhatai is crisp on the outside but crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. *'''Osmania biscuits''' – tea biscuits with a simple round shape that combines sweet, salty and buttery flavours. They were baked for and named after [[Hyderabad]]'s last princely state ruler Mir Osman Ali Khan, and have since become the most popular item in virtually every bakery in Hyderabad. *'''Papadum''' – a large and thin, disc-shaped cracker which is made with black gram. It can be fried or dry roasted. Papadums are the quintessential starter in restaurants serving Northern Indian and Pakistani cuisine. *'''Khakra''' – a thin cracker from [[Gujarat]] with wheat flour and moth beans as its main ingredients. It is usually flavoured with fenugreek leaves and is eaten during breakfast. ==Condiments== [[File:Samosa_with_tamarind_chutney_and_tomato_sauce.jpg|thumb|Samosas with tamarind chutney (bottom left) and tomato sauce (top left).]] [[File:Raita_with_cucumber_and_mint.jpg|thumb|Cucumber and mint raita garnished with coriander leaves.]] Broadly, the two major types of condiments found in South Asian cuisine are ''chutneys'', which are equivalent to sauces, dips and spreads in European cuisines, and pickles, called ''achar'' in many languages of the subcontinent. ===Chutneys=== Chutneys can be savoury, sweet, sour or spicy and served as an accompaniment to snacks such as samosas, pakoras and dhokla, and some types of meals, including dosas and utthapams. *'''Coconut chutney''' – a thick, creamy and nutty chutney which centres on coconut, roasted lentils, ginger and chilli. With a hint of sweetness and spice, it is an essential accompaniment to South Indian dishes, such as the dosa, idli and vada. *'''Tamarind chutney''' – a reddish-brown sweet and sour chutney which may resemble barbecue sauce. It primarily consists of tamarind, ginger and pink salt and is sweetened with jaggery, sugar, dates or a combination thereof. Sesame or fennel seeds are sometimes added. It is used a dressing over chaat dishes and as a dipping sauce with samosas, kachoris and other Northern Indian snacks. ===Pickles=== South Asian pickles tend to be spicy and salty and are often oil-based. They accompany meals and pair with foods which are somewhat bland. Pickles are very strong in flavour and salt and are meant to be eaten in very small portions per bite with the bread, rice and/or curry. They are supposed to provide a kick to the meal but eating them in large quantities will overwhelm your taste buds. When oil is used in the pickling process, the type of oil used varies by region. Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh favour mustard oil, which is aromatic and pungent, while sesame oil, which has a delicately nutty flavour, is preferred in Southern India. ===Other condiments=== Another condiment, or perhaps more accurately side dish, eaten throughout Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is '''raita'''. Raita comes in many varieties, each one made from yogurt mixed principally with an herb, vegetable, pulse or fruit. A bit of salt and pepper can be added as well as water to thin the blend. From a gastronomical perspective, raita cools you down from the heat of the curry and the rest of the meal. Raitas are diverse with many states having their own style though the most common ones are ''boondi raita'' (containing small, cereal-like fried batter balls of ''besan'' or chickpea flour), cucumber (similar to tzatziki in [[Greek cuisine]]) and mint (popular during the summer). '''Lunu miris''' is a [[Sri Lanka]]n sambal, or chilli paste, a blend of red onions, red chilli peppers, chilli powder, lime juice and Maldive fish. It is commonly served with roti, kiribath (rice and coconut milk mounds) or hoppers. ==Sweets and desserts== [[File:Awadhi_jalebi.jpg|thumb|A stack of jalebi as is commonly seen in Northern India.]] [[File:Enticing_Kulfi.PNG|thumb|Kulfi in a range of colourful flavours.]] It's fair to say that nearly everyone has a sweet tooth in South Asia. Sweets can be baked, fried, roasted, frozen, or produced in a myriad of other ways. Increasingly, sweets which were specific to one region are spreading in popularity and are available across the entire region. Sweets are given as gifts to family and friends and consumed at higher rates during festivals, whether religious or secular. They are eaten typically after a main course meal or as in-between snacks. '''Gulab jamun''' is a dairy-based dessert consisting of fried and caramelised milky balls dipped in a rose- and cardamom-scented syrup and garnished with an assortment of nuts. The traditional recipe uses ''khoya'' (freshly dried milk) which provides a melt-in-your mouth feel to the dish. These days you might come across gulab jamun made from milk powder, which is easier to make but not as tasty. Gulab jamun spread in popularity during the Mughal Empire and is therefore available across much of South Asia and among the diaspora communities all over the world. '''Halwa''' refers to a variety of dense confections whose texture can vary from moist and creamy like a pudding to dry and hard like candy. It usually consists of a base ingredients cooked in ghee and sugar, sometimes milk is added for consistency and is garnished with nuts, raisins and shredded coconut. The most common halwa is made from ''sooji'' (semolina). Other popular varieties include ''gajar'' (carrot) and ''atta'' (whole wheat). '''Jalebi''' is made by deep frying white flour batter in coil or pretzel-like shapes and soaking it in syrup, usually flavoured with saffron. It's eaten as a snack, a dessert, or a breakfast item. Jalebi is often served with milk or ''rabri'' (a kind of fragrant condensed milk). With its origins in the Middle East, jalebi enjoys pan-South Asian popularity though the name of the treat varies by region. The central Indian state of [[Madhya Pradesh]] has put a unique twist on the standard recipe and is known for its '''mawa jalebi''' which uses milk solids in place of flour and is dark brown and soft instead of the usual orange and crispy. '''Kheer''', also called '''Payasam''' or '''Payesh''', is South Asian rice pudding. The default version contains rice, sugar and thickened milk as a minimum and is usually flavoured and garnished with cardamom, saffron, raisins, nuts, petals and/or floral essences. It can be eaten cold at the end of a meal or hot at the start or end of a meal like porridge. Variants of the dish substitute the rice with other grains or pseudo-grains such as bulgur, sago and tapioca. '''Kulfi''' is a frozen dairy dessert eaten across all South Asian countries with its popularity stretching as far as [[Myanmar]]. Often dubbed "Indian ice cream", its taste for the most part will remind you of ice cream though there are a few key differences. Kulfi is made from evaporated milk and sugar, does not contain eggs and is not whipped or aerated. As a result, kulfi is denser, creamier and slower to melt than ice cream and can have a slightly chewy texture. The most common shape of kulfi is a long, thin cone. When you buy it from stalls or trucks on the street it is usually served on a stick, while in restaurants it is given in a cup or plate. The traditional flavours include ''malai'' (cream), cardamom, rose, pistachio, mango and saffron. For those with allergies, keep in mind that even non-nut flavours often contain nuts (almonds, pistachios and cashews being most common). Nowadays, much like ice cream, you will find hundreds of flavours as you shop around and go to different vendors. '''Rasgulla''' is an Eastern Indian sweet consisting of balls of chhena (a moist, softer cheese than paneer) cooked and permeated in a light rose-scented syrup. The origin of rasgulla is disputed between [[Odisha]] and [[Bengal]] with people on either side of the border claiming that it was invented in their state. What is more clearly known is that the first canned rasgullas were sold in Kolkata in 1930, after which they took off in popularity across the subcontinent. A variant of the dish is '''ras malai''' where the chhena balls are immersed in sweet thickened milk instead of syrup, providing a creamier feel to the sweet. ==Restaurants== When travelling across South Asia, you will come across restaurant types that are found all over the world from fast food to fine dining and everything in between. In addition, there are types of restaurants which are unique to the subcontinent. *'''Dhaba''': The dhaba is a roadside restaurant usually on highways that caters to truck drivers and others stopping over between towns. Far from being fancy, dhabas have a rustic ambience. Originally built as mud shacks, there is typically no air-conditioning or heating. The food you get is of a simple, homemade style specific to the area and served on big brass or steel plates called ''thalis''. The original purpose of dhabas was to provide truck drivers with an affordable, freshly cooked meal. Nowadays, you will find eateries in the middle of the city and suburbs offering "dhaba-style" food. *'''Irani cafe''': These cafes were opened by Zoroastrian Irani immigrants who came to the subcontinent in the 19th century. There are many Irani cafes in [[Mumbai]] and [[Hyderabad]] in India, and a few in [[Karachi]], [[Pakistan]] though over time their numbers have been diminishing. The internal decor of Irani cafes tends to have a classic colonial touch. The word "cafe" is bit of a misnomer as they don't serve coffee but rather are noted for their ''Irani chai'' (a strong, sweet and very creamy tea) and bakery and breakfast items including ''khari'' biscuits, ''bun maska'' (soft bread and butter), ''brun maska'' (hard buttered croissants), ''keema pav'' (minced meat buns) and ''akuri'' (spicy scrambled eggs). ===Plating=== [[File:Chettinad_Cuisine.jpg|thumb|A Chettinad feast reflecting the cuisine of Tamil Nadu's [[Tamil Nadu South Coast|south coast]] served on a banana leaf.]] In Sri Lanka, South India, and some other parts of India, meals are traditionally served on banana leaves or the leaves of other plants such as kenda (''Macaranga peltata''), lotus and the areca palm. Banana leaves are larger than standard plates, allowing for more dishes and condiments to be served in one go. The leaves are biodegradable and disposable, making them eco-friendly compared to plastic plates. The waxy surface of the banana leaves melts when hot food is served on it, which imparts a subtle sweetness to the food and is believed to provide health benefits. According to South Indian eating etiquette, you should fold the leaf inwards, i.e. towards yourself, once you finish your meal. Folding it outwards is only done during funerals and is otherwise considered rude. ==See also== *[[Cambodian cuisine]] *[[Chinese cuisine]] *[[Malaysian cuisine]] *[[Middle Eastern cuisine]] *[[Travelling during Ramadan]] *[[Western food in Asia]] {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink|South Asia}} cgqa8bj2hxdfvjowlen5bmpzp2v8pwz 4488035 4488031 2022-07-22T00:42:50Z DaGizza 162256 /* Condiments */ +1 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Tambda Pandhara banner.jpg}} {{Asian cuisines}} While [[South Asia]] is a vast subcontinent with diverse climate and culture, some culinary traditions can be found across the region. With the Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali and Sri Lankan diaspora, not least within the former [[British Empire]], the cuisines of South Asia have spread around the world. ==Understand== [[File:Egg Masala Biryani by Dr. Raju Kasambe DSCN7382 (10).jpg|thumb|Egg masala biryani; biryani is popular in Pakistan and amongst Indian Muslims]] With 1.75 billion inhabitants, a land area larger than the [[European Union]], a countless number of languages and dialects, and millennia of written history, South Asia is difficult to conceptualize. However, the region has had some unifying cultural factors. While the Dharmic religions (mainly [[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]) are rooted in the region, [[Islam]], [[Christianity]] and a small [[Judaism|Jewish]] community also have long histories, along with a [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] community (called the Parsees for their origins in ancient Persia). All these religions have contributed to the kaleidoscope of flavours now generically called "Indian cuisine". For example, Hindus avoid beef but tend to make great use of dairy products such as yogurt and cheese (''paneer''); among Muslims in Northern India and adjoining areas of Pakistan, goat curries and tandoori meat dishes are popular; Jews avoided mixing meat and dairy due to kashrut rules and developed dishes using eggs with meat instead; and the Parsees in [[Gujarat]] contributed the rich dumpakht dishes, which are made by sealing the top of a cooking vessel with bread. Throughout periods of its history, the subcontinent often had a dominant government, such as the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mughal Empire, [[British Raj]], and today's [[India]]. All the various empires, including the British, have also contributed to Indian cuisine as we know it today. Neighboring lands have also made their influence felt. For example, there is an entire repertoire of Indian Chinese dishes that constitutes the cuisine colonial-era Chinese immigrants brought with them and adapted to Indian tastes. South Asian diaspora communities often have dishes that are locally adapted or invented, and thus cannot be found within the subcontinent. When travelling to such areas, it is often worth trying out some of these dishes; you may be pleasantly surprised by what you get. Famous examples of such dishes include chicken tikka masala from the United Kingdom, roti prata / roti canai from Singapore and Malaysia, and bunny chow from South Africa. Food in South Asia is traditionally eaten by hand, though a fork and spoon may be used in more upmarket establishments. If eating by hand, it is important to '''use only your right hand''' to handle food, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for dirty things like cleaning yourself after using the toilet. ==Countries and regions== * In [[Pakistan]] and [[northern India]], wheat is the predominant crop, and [[bread]] (generally flatbread), existing in many varieties including ''naan'', ''roti'', ''paratha'', ''kulcha'', ''puri'' and ''pappadam'', is a common staple food. Breads may be plain or filled with various forms of usually savoury filling. Breads in the western regions of the Subcontinent have similarities with those in [[Iran]], [[Central Asia]] and the [[Middle Eastern cuisine|Middle East]]. * The cuisines of [[southern India]], [[eastern India]] and [[Bangladesh]] are based on rice and legumes, with occasional [[seafood]]. * [[Udupi]] is especially famous for its vegetarian cuisine. ==Ingredients== [[File:Peshawari Roti, Pakistan.jpg|thumb|Naan bread is a delicious staple.]] ===Rice=== Rice is the basic staple food in southern and eastern regions of South Asia. Rice flour is used to make the savoury pancakes called dosas and utthapams that are so characteristic of South Indian food. A number of varieties are eaten. Long-grained and aromatic ''basmati'' rice is typically used in North Indian and Pakistani curry dishes. Red rice, which has a nutty flavour and chewy texture, is the only type that can be grown at very high altitudes and as such, is the main variety eaten in Himalayan [[Bhutan]] and parts of [[Nepal]]. ===Bread=== Flatbreads are the staple food in the northwestern parts of South Asia. The variety in flatbreads is huge, varying by the flour used and method of cooking. ''Roti'' is the generic term for bread in many South Asian and Southeast Asian languages, but in much of India and Pakistan, it is also colloquially used as a synonym for chapati. *''Naan'': A thick and chewy, leavened flatbread that is baked in an oven or ''tandoor'' (traditional clay oven), mostly associated with the cuisines of North India and Pakistan. The most common types are plain naan, garlic naan, butter naan, cheese naan (stuffed with either paneer or nowadays melting cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella) and [[Peshawar]]i naan, which contains nuts and raisins. *''Chapati'': A thin and coarse, unleavened flatbread cooked atop a ''tava'' (shallow pan). Chapatis are typically made from whole wheat flour unlike naans, giving them an earthier taste and are considered to be the healthier option. *''Paratha'': A layered flatbrad from North India and Pakistan, made by kneading and folding the dough multiple times, using ghee to separate the layers of dough, then shallow frying it in ghee on a tava. Paratha can also be stuffed, in which case it is usually not layered. *''Parotta'' is the South Indian counterpart of paratha, though with a slightly different preparation method. In parotta, the dough used to make parotta is spread thinly by flipping it onto a smooth and flat surface several times, before folding the dough onto itself, then frying it in ghee on a tava. A variant of the parotta, known as ''roti prata'' in [[Singapore]], and ''roti canai'' in [[Malaysia]], is a popular breakfast dish made by the Tamil Muslim diaspora in those countries. Roti can also be made from other grains. Notably, in the [[Punjab]] region, ''makki di roti'' made from whole corn flour is a local delicacy and is paired with either ''sarson da saag'' (mustard greens curry) or ''shalgam'' (turnips). Other flatbreads include deep-fried ''pudis'' and ''bhatooras'', ''poodas'' (savoury chickpea pancakes) and sweet pikelet-like ''malpuas''. Leavened, European-style breads were introduced to the region during the colonial era. Small soft bread rolls called ''pav'' (from the [[Portuguese cuisine|Portuguese pão]]) are common throughout Western India and are an essential component of dishes such as ''pav bhaji'', ''vada pav'' and ''misal pav''. Sliced bread can be found and is usually fried rather than toasted. Popular dishes made from bread include bread pakora, where triangles of bread slices are coated in spicy gram flour and deep fried, and a savoury version of French toast, both of which are eaten with sauce or chutney. ===Legumes and lentils=== Legumes and lentils are as essential to South Asian cuisine as grains. Curries made from ground pulses, called ''dal'', are ubiquitous throughout the subcontinent and are eaten with rice or roti along with sides. Lentil flour is also quite often used in baking both savoury and sweet items. ===Dairy products=== The primary source of milk in South Asia is the water buffalo, followed by cattle which is a close second. Less common sources of milk include goats/sheep, yaks and camels. India has more bovines than any other country in the world. Milk and its derivative products are used in a range of savoury dishes, drinks and desserts. *Cultured milk (yogurt) is commonly used as a condiment and as an ingredient in Northern Indian curries. *A fresh [[cheese]] called ''paneer'' is also often used in Northern Indian cuisine. *''Chhena'' is a soft, watery cheese from [[Eastern India]] and [[Bangladesh]] used to make sweets like ''rasgolla'' and ''sandesh''. *''Chhurpi'' is a very hard, chewy and smoky cheese eaten in Himalayan India, [[Nepal]], [[Tibet]] and [[Bhutan]] which is made from yak and/or cow's milk * Reduced milk called ''khoya'' is extremely common in sweets such as ''barfi''. * ''Malai'' is a type of clotted cream used predominantly in sweets but also in some savoury snacks and dishes. * Ghee (clarified butter) is very widely used as a cooking fat and can also be drizzled or coated on certain foods to add flavour. * Butter itself is used as a topping on ''parathas'' (stuffed flatbreads) and is added to some curries in Northern India and Pakistan. A sign that butter is a prominent ingredient in a dish is when its name contains the word ''makhan'' or ''makhani'' (deriving from the [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]] word for butter). ===Herbs and spices=== South Asian food might be more famous for its spices than anything else. Some dishes are extremely hot (not least in [[Andhra Pradesh]]), and Indian restaurants in the Western world sometimes have a grading system for hotness. But spiciness does not always mean lots of red or black pepper, and it is more the variety of different types of aromatic spices that typifies Indian cuisines. A mixture or combination of spices is called ''masala''. ''Garam masala'' (literally "hot spice mix") is probably the most well known though are others such as ''chaat masala'', which is tangier, and ''tandoori masala'', which is coated on meats like chicken. ===Fruits, vegetables and nuts=== The various climates of South Asia allow for a vast range of [[fruits and vegetables]], tropical as well as temperate. Fruits are garnished with salt or masala in order to enhance flavour and improve digestion. Alphonso mangoes are particularly well-known and prized among Indian fruits. The high levels of vegetarianism on the Subcontinent make nuts a valuable source of protein. Nuts on their own or as ingredients are more commonly eaten than in Western cultures. Almonds are particularly common in the north while coconuts are indispensable to South Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisine. Pistachios are also much appreciated and pistachio kulfi is one of the most common flavours of what is often called Indian ice cream. ===Meat and seafood=== As pork is taboo in [[Islam]], and cattle are inviolable in [[Hinduism]], goat, lamb and chicken are the most popular kinds of meat in South Asia. Note that whenever you see a dish containing "mutton" in South Asia, it primarily refers to goat meat, not older sheep meat like in native English-speaking countries. In Indian and South Asian restaurants abroad, it will more likely be referred to as goat meat to avoid any misunderstanding. Since many religious movements promote [[animal ethics]], many dishes are vegetarian or vegan. A notable exception to the usual avoidance of pork in Indian food is in [[Goa]], where vindaloo was introduced by the long-time occupier, [[Portugal]], as a dish of pork and garlic in wine or vinegar and was subsequently fused with local tastes to become the spicy dish that is known around the world today. [[Seafood]] and fish are staples of coastal regions, including [[Kerala]] and [[Bengal]]. ==Beverages== [[File:Afza_Syrup_(Lal_sharbat).JPG|thumb|Roof Afza when mixed with water is bright red in colour. It turns pink when mixed with milk.]] *In South India, the iconic and most common drink is '''filter coffee''', a sweet and milky coffee with earthier flavours than the typical Western coffee due to a different extraction process and the addition of chicory. * A yogurt drink called '''lassi''', in salty, sweet or fruity flavours, is widely available in Northern India and Pakistan. * The warm climate makes fruit juices, sugarcane juice and coconut water popular. *'''Roof Afza''' is a branded herbal squash concentrate that contains the essences of various fruits, herbs and flowers like rose petals and ''kewra'' (screw pine). Formulated in 1906, it is very popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is drunk either mixed with water and ice, where it becomes a sherbet, or with milk and ice which looks like strawberry milk but has a more fragrant flavour profile. It can also be used as a syrup which is poured on ice cream and other desserts. The ingredients in Roof Afza are believed in Unani medicine (the traditional South Asian Islamic medicinal system) to have cooling properties, which is why it is drunk in higher frequencies during the peak summer months. ===Tea=== [[File:Kashmiri_Chai.JPG|thumb|Noon chai is a unique Kashmiri drink.]] '''[[Tea]]''' is drunk throughout South Asia and is the everyday drink in many regions. In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and parts of Nepal, the most common tea is '''masala chai''', sweetened black tea mixed with a blend of spices and milk. While the exact blend varies wherever you are, the most prominent spices in masala chai are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. The traditional drink of Kashmir is '''noon chai''', a pink tea made from green tea leaves, milk, salt and baking soda, which gives it its characteristic colour. In Bhutan, the Himalayan region of Nepal and the Indian states of [[Sikkim]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and the union territory of [[Ladakh]] where there is [[Tibet]]an cultural influence, '''butter tea''' is the drink of choice. Pu-erh tea leaves, yak or cow's butter and salt are blended together to create butter tea, which has a stew-like consistency. ===Alcoholic beverages=== [[File:കള്ള്ഷാപ്പ്ഭക്ഷണം.jpg|thumb|Toddy is an iconic alcoholic drink in [[Kerala]] and is usually drunk as part of a meal. Here with tapioca, fish and rice.]] Customs for [[alcoholic beverages]] vary a lot between countries and regions. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in the Muslim-majority countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh, although in theory the ban is for Muslims only. Among similar lines, the only place where it is legal to drink alcohol in the Maldives is at resorts. The Indian states of [[Bihar]], [[Gujarat]] (although liquor permits are available), and [[Nagaland]], [[Mizoram]], 4 districts in [[Manipur]] and 2 districts in [[Maharashtra]] and the union territory of [[Lakshadweep]] (with the exception of [[Bangaram]]) do not permit the consumption of alcohol. The parts of India which do allow the sale and consumption may have laws and regulations not typically seen in Western countries such as dry days where the open sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain public holidays and during elections (resorts and 5-star hotels usually exempted). Most Indian states have a legal drinking age of 21, though it is 18 in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim and 25 in Punjab and Haryana. Sri Lanka doesn't allow women to buy alcohol. However, everyone aged 21 and above is legally allowed to consume alcohol. The sale of alcohol (but not private consumption) is prohibited on every full moon day, which are referred to as Poya Days in Sri Lanka. Nepal's legal drinking age is also 21 (pregnant women are not allowed to buy alcohol) while it is 18 in Bhutan, where alcohol is quite freely available. *'''Toddy''' is a moderately alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the coconut palm tree. Also known as palm wine, it has an ABV of about 8.1%. It is cloudy white in colour and has a touch of sweetness in its taste. Toddy is commonly drunk among the rural folk in South India, parts of Western India and Sri Lanka. You may offered home brewed or moonshine versions of toddy when you visit the beaches on the southwestern coast of India. *'''Feni''' is a double or triple-distilled spirit from [[Goa]], most often made from the juice of ripe cashew apples. With an alcoholic content of 40-45%, it is potent with subtle fruity notes. Feni can be served neat in a shot glass, with ice or as part of a lemony cocktail. *'''Arrack''' is in its most common form a coconut spirit, essentially double-distilled toddy, and is popular in [[Sri Lanka]] and parts of India. It is aged in barrels made from the wood of the Halmilla (''Berrya cordifolia'') tree. Its taste is said to be a blend of whisky, rum and tequila. It is either drunk by itself or with ginger beer. ==Dishes== South Asia has a plethora of dishes, many of which have become well known and eaten across the region and abroad, while others continue to be local delicacies. This section will focus on '''savoury''' dishes. For sweet dishes, see the "Sweets and desserts" section below. ===Curries=== [[File:Indiandishes.jpg|thumb|Curry comes in many varieties]] A curry is a dish based on herbs and spices, together with either meat or vegetables. A curry can be either "dry" or "wet" depending on the amount of liquid. In inland regions of Northern India and Pakistan, yogurt is commonly used in curries; in Southern India and some other coastal regions of the subcontinent, coconut milk is commonly used. Famous meat-based curries include: *'''Butter chicken''' – a relatively modern invention created in the 1950s by the Moti Mahal restaurant in [[Delhi]], this dish consisting of chicken cooked in a mildly spiced tomato and butter sauce is arguably the most well known Indian curry worldwide. Pairs well with naan and/or basmati rice. *'''Rogan josh''' – a fragrant [[Kashmir]]i curry where braised lamb/mutton or goat meat is flavoured and coloured with the alkanet flower, Kashmiri chillies, and spices which emphasise aroma rather than heat, such as cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. *'''Vindaloo''' – a fiery curry from [[Goa]] where meat (traditionally pork) is marinated and cooked in vinegar, chilli peppers and a stack of other spices. Sometimes cubed potatoes are added. *'''Laal Maas''' – literally meaning "Red Meat", the meat is cooked using yogurt, garlic and liberal amounts of Mathania chilli, from which it derives its name and deep red hue. Originally, the meat was wild game such as boar or deer and the dish was made for the royalty in the Mewar Kingdom in Southern [[Rajasthan]]. Nowadays, goat or lamb is used. *'''Nihari''' – a flour-thickened stew of beef, goat or lamb shanks and bone marrow, immersed with spices and slow cooked for six to eight hours. Originating from the royal Mughal kitchens of Delhi and [[Lucknow]], it has become strongly associated with the cuisine of [[Pakistan]], though it is also available across Northern India. *'''Jalfrezi''' – a fusion Indian-Chinese dish originating from Bengal where the meat (most commonly chicken), green chillis, capsicum (bell peppers) and onions are stir-fried and incorporated into the curry. Legumes play an important role in satisfying the protein requirements of the vegetarian and semi-vegetarian communities in South Asia. Some of the most well known legume-based curries are: *'''Rajma''' – red kidney beans mixed with tomatoes, onions and a myriad of spices. A specialty of [[Punjab]], ''rajma'' is commonly paired with basmati rice though it is still delicious when eaten with any kind of flatbread. *'''Channa masala''' – a chickpea (garbanzo bean) curry with a balance of spicy and tang, the latter of which comes dried pomegranate powder or dried mango powder. Can be made with white chickpeas, the kind that is found worldwide, or with black chickpeas, a smaller, darker and firmer type of chickpea unique to the subcontinent and which has a nuttier flavour. In the street food stalls of Northern India and Pakistan, channa masala is usually served with ''bhatoora'' or ''kulcha'' flatbreads. *'''Lobia''' – a black-eyed pea dish which uses liberal amounts of ginger, onions and lemon juice. ===Rice dishes=== [[File:Chitranna and Payasa.jpg|thumb|Lemon rice and pudding.]] *'''Biryani''' – a savoury dish of meat (traditionally goat, though chicken, lamb and beef are used as alternatives), rice and spices that is popular throughout most of the Subcontinent and beyond. It is associated with the Muslim community, and exists in many different styles throughout South Asia and among overseas Indian communities, but the most famous style is the version served in [[Hyderabad]]. It is similar to several Middle Eastern rice dishes such as kabsa, mandi and mansaf. A related but distinct dish is '''pulao'''. The key differences between the two are that the rice in biryani is parboiled and then drained of its water while in pulao the rice absorbs the water or stock, and that the components of biryani (meat, rice and vegetables) and cooked separately and later brought together in layers whereas in they are sauteed together in pulao with no layering involved. *'''Lemon rice''' or '''Chitranna''' – a South Indian dish, especially popular in [[Karnataka]], made by seasoning rice with split chickpeas, black gram, peanuts, mustard seeds, turmeric and generous amounts of lemon juice, which gives it its characteristic tang. Other ingredients like cashews, green beans, chillies and onions are optional. It is eaten at any time of the day though breakfast is most common. It can be eaten by itself or be accompanied with a chutney or raita (yogurt condiment). *'''Bhuga chawal''' – a [[Sindh]]i specialty where roasted and browned rice is immersed in spices and browned onions. Often eaten with Sai Bhaji (a curry containing comprised on lentils, spinach, and other greens like dill, fenugreek and sorrel). ===Savoury cakes and crepes=== [[File:Table_Dosa.jpg|thumb|Some restaurants make a name for themselves by serving very long dosas. Here the dosa is almost half the length of the table.]] *'''Appam''' (also called ''Appa'' or Anglicised to hoppers) – a bowl-shaped crepe made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It is a popular breakfast dish in South India, especially [[Kerala]], as well as Sri Lanka. A common variation is ''muttai appam'' where an egg is cracked into the centre of the appam as it cooks. * '''Dosa''' (called ''thosai'' in Singapore) – a savoury rice and lentil crepe that is a staple of South Indian cuisine, such as in [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Karnataka]]. They are often stuffed, such as with a mixture of potatoes, onions and spices (this type of dosa is called '''masala dosa'''), but many types of stuffing are possible. The "rava" (semolina) masala dosas from [[Mysore]] are particularly famous. *'''Dhokla''' – a steamed, leavened savoury snack originating from [[Gujarat]], having a cake-like texture and made from rice, chickpea and/or lentil batter. The most popular type is '''khaman dhokla''' made from chickpea flour, garnished with mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillis, and typically served with a red or green chutney. It is eaten as a breakfast item, entree to a meal or as a snack with tea. *'''Handvo''' – sometimes said to be a complex cousin of the dhokla, handvo is a savoury Gujarati cake made with a rice, lentil and yogurt batter and with a bottle gourd filling, though other vegetables can also used in the filling. *'''Idli''' – a steamed savoury cake shaped as a patty which originates from South India and is made from fermented black gram and rice batter. Popular as a breakfast item and bland on its own, idlis are served with coconut chutney, ''sambar'' (lentil and vegetable stew) or ''rasam'' (tamarind soup). Variations include idlis made from ''rava'' (semolina) or ''ragi'' (finger millet). * '''Utthapam''' – a savoury pancake. Like masala dosas, they are a staple of South Indian cuisine and exist in many varieties. Unlike masala dosas, they are not rolled around stuffing but include the ingredients in the batter. ===Kebabs=== [[File:Mutton_Seekh_Kabab.JPG|thumb|Mutton seekh kebab with slices of tomatoes, onions and chutney.]] In the South Asian context, kebabs refer to a range of char-grilled meat dishes, which are often but are not necessarily cooked on skewers. Kebabs were introduced to the region during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate and evolved and became more gastronomically refined during the Mughal era. In India, vegetarian versions of kebabs have also been created. They are ubiquitous in the street food scene and are also served as starters in restaurants. *'''Seekh kebab''' – ground or minced meat is blended with spices, moulded on skewers into a sausage-like shape and cooked over a flame grill. Seekh kebabs are the most common kebab dish you would find within a restaurant. *'''Reshmi kebab''' – boneless chicken pieces are coated in a silky marinade of yogurt, cream and cashew nut paste and then grilled. They are crusty on the outside and soft and succulent inside. *'''Chapli kebab''' – originates from [[Peshawar]] and is a specialty of Pashto-speaking areas, namely the [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] province in Pakistan and Eastern Afghanistan but found elsewhere too. Minced meat, most commonly beef, is mixed with flour and a spice blend, and then pound in a flat patty, which looks like someone stepped on it with their slippers or flip-flops (called ''chappals'' in many South Asian languages) from which it derives its name. Typically consumed with naan, pulao rice or in a wrap or bun, where it becomes a small burger. *'''Shami kebab''' – patties made by mixing minced meat with ''channa dal'' (yellow split pea), eggs and spices. It is one of the few kebabs which is pan or shallow fried because the patties are too delicate to be grilled. *'''Hariyali kebab''' – chicken kebab pieces coated in an aromatic green paste, deriving its vibrant colour from spinach, mint and coriander leaves. ===Salads=== [[File:Afghan-Salad.JPG|thumb|Traditional Afghan salad.]] Salads are rarely, if ever, the main meal. However, they can be a side dish accompanying the rest of the meal. The light, zesty and refreshing feeling from salads provide balance when eaten with a rich curry. *'''Kachumber''' – this classic, everyday salad from Northern India contains the essential trio of chopped up cucumber, onions and tomatoes seasoned with salt, black pepper, cumin powder, red chilli powder. Green chillis and herbs like coriander and mint may be added. The dressing is either lemon or lime juice with no sugar or oil added. A similar salad from [[Afghanistan]] called Salata or '''Afghan salad''' usually has the same triad of vegetables with the addition of carrots and may contain other herbs such as parsley and dill. *'''Mooli lachha''' – a salad from [[Uttar Pradesh]] with grated radish as its base, seasoned with lemon, salt and chaat masala (a tart spice mix) and garnished with green chilli, coriander, ginger and sometimes carrots. *'''Kosambari''' – a South Indian salad consisting of split mung beans, grated coconut and carrots, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. *'''Singju''' – a spicy Meitei [[Manipur]]i salad with countless variations. Popular versions include ''yangchok'' (stinky bean), pea leaves, cabbage, ''ngari'' (fermented punti fish), lotus root, chilli and perilla seeds. *'''Wahan Mosdeng''' – a [[Tripura]]-style zesty salad prepared with shredded or thinly sliced pork, roasted green chillis, onions, ginger and coriander leaves. ===Other dishes=== * Tandoori dishes, baked in a tandoor (clay oven), are a [[Punjab|Punjabi]] tradition and are popular in Northern India and adjoining areas of Pakistan. ==Snacks== There are a wide array of traditional and modern snacks across the subcontinent. The line between "snack" and "meal" can be blurry. Many of the snacks described below are indisputably snacks while others if eaten in sufficient quantity or combined with other foods are often eaten as a small meal, especially for breakfast or lunch. On the flip side, some dishes described in the section above can become snack food when eaten in smaller portions. ''Chaat'' refers to a group of snacks that feature an element of fried dough which is combined with other ingredients to create spicy, tangy, savoury and sometimes sweet flavours. They are served as street food by roadside vendors and as starters or appetisers in restaurants, occupying a similar space to tapas in [[Spanish cuisine]]. Another category of snacks is ''namkeen'', which refer to salty snack mixes akin to convenience foods like potato chips, popcorn and cheese puffs. Namkeen is typically eaten with tea, coffee or alcohol. ===Fried snacks=== [[File:Extruding a chakli.jpg|thumb|Chakli being extruded out of the dough moulder and into the fryer.]] *'''Samosa''' – a savoury, tetrahedral or triangular pastry filled with potatoes, peas and onions. Minced meat samosas are also popular, especially outside India. Coming in a variety of sizes, samosas are generally served in a chaat form form immersed in chickpea curry, or with tamarind and mint chutney. *'''Pakora''' – also referred to as ''Bhaji'' in some regions, pakoras are fritters that are coated in a spicy gram flour (ground chickpea) batter. The types of pakoda range from sliced and chopped vegetables like potato, cauliflower, eggplant and onion, to paneer and even bread slices. Other flours which may be used in the batter include buckwheat and water chestnut. Pakoras pair well with almost every chutney and sauce. *'''Murukku''' – a hard and crunchy coil-shaped snack originating from [[South India]]. Standard murukku is made with rice flour, black gram flour and seasoning which includes chilli powder, asafoetida, carom seeds and sesame seeds. A related snack is '''chakli''', which is popular in [[Maharashtra]] and sees the addition of chickpea flour into the batter mix. *'''Kachori''' – a round, flaky pastry stuffed with a split mung bean filling which is popular in the Hindi belt, from [[Jodhpur]] to [[Varanasi]]. A special version from Rajasthan called ''pyaz ki kachori'' uses onions as the stuffing instead of mung beans. ===Biscuits and crackers=== *'''Nankhatai''' – a traditional Indian shortbread biscuit or cookie made with flour, ghee and sugar and flavoured with cardamom. Believed to have originated from [[Surat]] in the 16th century, nankhatai are nowadays popular all over Northern India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The texture of nankhatai is crisp on the outside but crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. *'''Osmania biscuits''' – tea biscuits with a simple round shape that combines sweet, salty and buttery flavours. They were baked for and named after [[Hyderabad]]'s last princely state ruler Mir Osman Ali Khan, and have since become the most popular item in virtually every bakery in Hyderabad. *'''Papadum''' – a large and thin, disc-shaped cracker which is made with black gram. It can be fried or dry roasted. Papadums are the quintessential starter in restaurants serving Northern Indian and Pakistani cuisine. *'''Khakra''' – a thin cracker from [[Gujarat]] with wheat flour and moth beans as its main ingredients. It is usually flavoured with fenugreek leaves and is eaten during breakfast. ==Condiments== [[File:Samosa_with_tamarind_chutney_and_tomato_sauce.jpg|thumb|Samosas with tamarind chutney (bottom left) and tomato sauce (top left).]] [[File:Raita_with_cucumber_and_mint.jpg|thumb|Cucumber and mint raita garnished with coriander leaves.]] Broadly, the two major types of condiments found in South Asian cuisine are ''chutneys'', which are equivalent to sauces, dips and spreads in European cuisines, and pickles, called ''achar'' in many languages of the subcontinent. ===Chutneys=== Chutneys can be savoury, sweet, sour or spicy and served as an accompaniment to snacks such as samosas, pakoras and dhokla, and some types of meals, including dosas and utthapams. *'''Coconut chutney''' – a thick, creamy and nutty chutney which centres on coconut, roasted lentils, ginger and chilli. With a hint of sweetness and spice, it is an essential accompaniment to South Indian dishes, such as the dosa, idli and vada. *'''Tamarind chutney''' – a reddish-brown sweet and sour chutney which may resemble barbecue sauce. It primarily consists of tamarind, ginger and pink salt and is sweetened with jaggery, sugar, dates or a combination thereof. Sesame or fennel seeds are sometimes added. It is used a dressing over chaat dishes and as a dipping sauce with samosas, kachoris and other Northern Indian snacks. ===Pickles=== South Asian pickles tend to be spicy and salty and are often oil-based. They accompany meals and pair with foods which are somewhat bland. Pickles are very strong in flavour and salt and are meant to be eaten in very small portions per bite with the bread, rice and/or curry. They are supposed to provide a kick to the meal but eating them in large quantities will overwhelm your taste buds. When oil is used in the pickling process, the type of oil used varies by region. Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh favour mustard oil, which is aromatic and pungent, while sesame oil, which has a delicately nutty flavour, is preferred in Southern India. *'''Mango pickle''' – popular in nearly every part of South Asia with countless varieties existing throughout the region. Unripe, green, baby mangoes are used for pickling, which are sour, less sweet and have a firmer texture. ===Other condiments=== Another condiment, or perhaps more accurately side dish, eaten throughout Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is '''raita'''. Raita comes in many varieties, each one made from yogurt mixed principally with an herb, vegetable, pulse or fruit. A bit of salt and pepper can be added as well as water to thin the blend. From a gastronomical perspective, raita cools you down from the heat of the curry and the rest of the meal. Raitas are diverse with many states having their own style though the most common ones are ''boondi raita'' (containing small, cereal-like fried batter balls of ''besan'' or chickpea flour), cucumber (similar to tzatziki in [[Greek cuisine]]) and mint (popular during the summer). '''Lunu miris''' is a [[Sri Lanka]]n sambal, or chilli paste, a blend of red onions, red chilli peppers, chilli powder, lime juice and Maldive fish. It is commonly served with roti, kiribath (rice and coconut milk mounds) or hoppers. ==Sweets and desserts== [[File:Awadhi_jalebi.jpg|thumb|A stack of jalebi as is commonly seen in Northern India.]] [[File:Enticing_Kulfi.PNG|thumb|Kulfi in a range of colourful flavours.]] It's fair to say that nearly everyone has a sweet tooth in South Asia. Sweets can be baked, fried, roasted, frozen, or produced in a myriad of other ways. Increasingly, sweets which were specific to one region are spreading in popularity and are available across the entire region. Sweets are given as gifts to family and friends and consumed at higher rates during festivals, whether religious or secular. They are eaten typically after a main course meal or as in-between snacks. '''Gulab jamun''' is a dairy-based dessert consisting of fried and caramelised milky balls dipped in a rose- and cardamom-scented syrup and garnished with an assortment of nuts. The traditional recipe uses ''khoya'' (freshly dried milk) which provides a melt-in-your mouth feel to the dish. These days you might come across gulab jamun made from milk powder, which is easier to make but not as tasty. Gulab jamun spread in popularity during the Mughal Empire and is therefore available across much of South Asia and among the diaspora communities all over the world. '''Halwa''' refers to a variety of dense confections whose texture can vary from moist and creamy like a pudding to dry and hard like candy. It usually consists of a base ingredients cooked in ghee and sugar, sometimes milk is added for consistency and is garnished with nuts, raisins and shredded coconut. The most common halwa is made from ''sooji'' (semolina). Other popular varieties include ''gajar'' (carrot) and ''atta'' (whole wheat). '''Jalebi''' is made by deep frying white flour batter in coil or pretzel-like shapes and soaking it in syrup, usually flavoured with saffron. It's eaten as a snack, a dessert, or a breakfast item. Jalebi is often served with milk or ''rabri'' (a kind of fragrant condensed milk). With its origins in the Middle East, jalebi enjoys pan-South Asian popularity though the name of the treat varies by region. The central Indian state of [[Madhya Pradesh]] has put a unique twist on the standard recipe and is known for its '''mawa jalebi''' which uses milk solids in place of flour and is dark brown and soft instead of the usual orange and crispy. '''Kheer''', also called '''Payasam''' or '''Payesh''', is South Asian rice pudding. The default version contains rice, sugar and thickened milk as a minimum and is usually flavoured and garnished with cardamom, saffron, raisins, nuts, petals and/or floral essences. It can be eaten cold at the end of a meal or hot at the start or end of a meal like porridge. Variants of the dish substitute the rice with other grains or pseudo-grains such as bulgur, sago and tapioca. '''Kulfi''' is a frozen dairy dessert eaten across all South Asian countries with its popularity stretching as far as [[Myanmar]]. Often dubbed "Indian ice cream", its taste for the most part will remind you of ice cream though there are a few key differences. Kulfi is made from evaporated milk and sugar, does not contain eggs and is not whipped or aerated. As a result, kulfi is denser, creamier and slower to melt than ice cream and can have a slightly chewy texture. The most common shape of kulfi is a long, thin cone. When you buy it from stalls or trucks on the street it is usually served on a stick, while in restaurants it is given in a cup or plate. The traditional flavours include ''malai'' (cream), cardamom, rose, pistachio, mango and saffron. For those with allergies, keep in mind that even non-nut flavours often contain nuts (almonds, pistachios and cashews being most common). Nowadays, much like ice cream, you will find hundreds of flavours as you shop around and go to different vendors. '''Rasgulla''' is an Eastern Indian sweet consisting of balls of chhena (a moist, softer cheese than paneer) cooked and permeated in a light rose-scented syrup. The origin of rasgulla is disputed between [[Odisha]] and [[Bengal]] with people on either side of the border claiming that it was invented in their state. What is more clearly known is that the first canned rasgullas were sold in Kolkata in 1930, after which they took off in popularity across the subcontinent. A variant of the dish is '''ras malai''' where the chhena balls are immersed in sweet thickened milk instead of syrup, providing a creamier feel to the sweet. ==Restaurants== When travelling across South Asia, you will come across restaurant types that are found all over the world from fast food to fine dining and everything in between. In addition, there are types of restaurants which are unique to the subcontinent. *'''Dhaba''': The dhaba is a roadside restaurant usually on highways that caters to truck drivers and others stopping over between towns. Far from being fancy, dhabas have a rustic ambience. Originally built as mud shacks, there is typically no air-conditioning or heating. The food you get is of a simple, homemade style specific to the area and served on big brass or steel plates called ''thalis''. The original purpose of dhabas was to provide truck drivers with an affordable, freshly cooked meal. Nowadays, you will find eateries in the middle of the city and suburbs offering "dhaba-style" food. *'''Irani cafe''': These cafes were opened by Zoroastrian Irani immigrants who came to the subcontinent in the 19th century. There are many Irani cafes in [[Mumbai]] and [[Hyderabad]] in India, and a few in [[Karachi]], [[Pakistan]] though over time their numbers have been diminishing. The internal decor of Irani cafes tends to have a classic colonial touch. The word "cafe" is bit of a misnomer as they don't serve coffee but rather are noted for their ''Irani chai'' (a strong, sweet and very creamy tea) and bakery and breakfast items including ''khari'' biscuits, ''bun maska'' (soft bread and butter), ''brun maska'' (hard buttered croissants), ''keema pav'' (minced meat buns) and ''akuri'' (spicy scrambled eggs). ===Plating=== [[File:Chettinad_Cuisine.jpg|thumb|A Chettinad feast reflecting the cuisine of Tamil Nadu's [[Tamil Nadu South Coast|south coast]] served on a banana leaf.]] In Sri Lanka, South India, and some other parts of India, meals are traditionally served on banana leaves or the leaves of other plants such as kenda (''Macaranga peltata''), lotus and the areca palm. Banana leaves are larger than standard plates, allowing for more dishes and condiments to be served in one go. The leaves are biodegradable and disposable, making them eco-friendly compared to plastic plates. The waxy surface of the banana leaves melts when hot food is served on it, which imparts a subtle sweetness to the food and is believed to provide health benefits. According to South Indian eating etiquette, you should fold the leaf inwards, i.e. towards yourself, once you finish your meal. Folding it outwards is only done during funerals and is otherwise considered rude. ==See also== *[[Cambodian cuisine]] *[[Chinese cuisine]] *[[Malaysian cuisine]] *[[Middle Eastern cuisine]] *[[Travelling during Ramadan]] *[[Western food in Asia]] {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink|South Asia}} r9umrkgsl7e3pf3l9j899c4ffnav26l 4488060 4488035 2022-07-22T02:14:13Z DaGizza 162256 /* Other dishes */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Tambda Pandhara banner.jpg}} {{Asian cuisines}} While [[South Asia]] is a vast subcontinent with diverse climate and culture, some culinary traditions can be found across the region. With the Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali and Sri Lankan diaspora, not least within the former [[British Empire]], the cuisines of South Asia have spread around the world. ==Understand== [[File:Egg Masala Biryani by Dr. Raju Kasambe DSCN7382 (10).jpg|thumb|Egg masala biryani; biryani is popular in Pakistan and amongst Indian Muslims]] With 1.75 billion inhabitants, a land area larger than the [[European Union]], a countless number of languages and dialects, and millennia of written history, South Asia is difficult to conceptualize. However, the region has had some unifying cultural factors. While the Dharmic religions (mainly [[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]) are rooted in the region, [[Islam]], [[Christianity]] and a small [[Judaism|Jewish]] community also have long histories, along with a [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] community (called the Parsees for their origins in ancient Persia). All these religions have contributed to the kaleidoscope of flavours now generically called "Indian cuisine". For example, Hindus avoid beef but tend to make great use of dairy products such as yogurt and cheese (''paneer''); among Muslims in Northern India and adjoining areas of Pakistan, goat curries and tandoori meat dishes are popular; Jews avoided mixing meat and dairy due to kashrut rules and developed dishes using eggs with meat instead; and the Parsees in [[Gujarat]] contributed the rich dumpakht dishes, which are made by sealing the top of a cooking vessel with bread. Throughout periods of its history, the subcontinent often had a dominant government, such as the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Mughal Empire, [[British Raj]], and today's [[India]]. All the various empires, including the British, have also contributed to Indian cuisine as we know it today. Neighboring lands have also made their influence felt. For example, there is an entire repertoire of Indian Chinese dishes that constitutes the cuisine colonial-era Chinese immigrants brought with them and adapted to Indian tastes. South Asian diaspora communities often have dishes that are locally adapted or invented, and thus cannot be found within the subcontinent. When travelling to such areas, it is often worth trying out some of these dishes; you may be pleasantly surprised by what you get. Famous examples of such dishes include chicken tikka masala from the United Kingdom, roti prata / roti canai from Singapore and Malaysia, and bunny chow from South Africa. Food in South Asia is traditionally eaten by hand, though a fork and spoon may be used in more upmarket establishments. If eating by hand, it is important to '''use only your right hand''' to handle food, as the left hand is traditionally reserved for dirty things like cleaning yourself after using the toilet. ==Countries and regions== * In [[Pakistan]] and [[northern India]], wheat is the predominant crop, and [[bread]] (generally flatbread), existing in many varieties including ''naan'', ''roti'', ''paratha'', ''kulcha'', ''puri'' and ''pappadam'', is a common staple food. Breads may be plain or filled with various forms of usually savoury filling. Breads in the western regions of the Subcontinent have similarities with those in [[Iran]], [[Central Asia]] and the [[Middle Eastern cuisine|Middle East]]. * The cuisines of [[southern India]], [[eastern India]] and [[Bangladesh]] are based on rice and legumes, with occasional [[seafood]]. * [[Udupi]] is especially famous for its vegetarian cuisine. ==Ingredients== [[File:Peshawari Roti, Pakistan.jpg|thumb|Naan bread is a delicious staple.]] ===Rice=== Rice is the basic staple food in southern and eastern regions of South Asia. Rice flour is used to make the savoury pancakes called dosas and utthapams that are so characteristic of South Indian food. A number of varieties are eaten. Long-grained and aromatic ''basmati'' rice is typically used in North Indian and Pakistani curry dishes. Red rice, which has a nutty flavour and chewy texture, is the only type that can be grown at very high altitudes and as such, is the main variety eaten in Himalayan [[Bhutan]] and parts of [[Nepal]]. ===Bread=== Flatbreads are the staple food in the northwestern parts of South Asia. The variety in flatbreads is huge, varying by the flour used and method of cooking. ''Roti'' is the generic term for bread in many South Asian and Southeast Asian languages, but in much of India and Pakistan, it is also colloquially used as a synonym for chapati. *''Naan'': A thick and chewy, leavened flatbread that is baked in an oven or ''tandoor'' (traditional clay oven), mostly associated with the cuisines of North India and Pakistan. The most common types are plain naan, garlic naan, butter naan, cheese naan (stuffed with either paneer or nowadays melting cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella) and [[Peshawar]]i naan, which contains nuts and raisins. *''Chapati'': A thin and coarse, unleavened flatbread cooked atop a ''tava'' (shallow pan). Chapatis are typically made from whole wheat flour unlike naans, giving them an earthier taste and are considered to be the healthier option. *''Paratha'': A layered flatbrad from North India and Pakistan, made by kneading and folding the dough multiple times, using ghee to separate the layers of dough, then shallow frying it in ghee on a tava. Paratha can also be stuffed, in which case it is usually not layered. *''Parotta'' is the South Indian counterpart of paratha, though with a slightly different preparation method. In parotta, the dough used to make parotta is spread thinly by flipping it onto a smooth and flat surface several times, before folding the dough onto itself, then frying it in ghee on a tava. A variant of the parotta, known as ''roti prata'' in [[Singapore]], and ''roti canai'' in [[Malaysia]], is a popular breakfast dish made by the Tamil Muslim diaspora in those countries. Roti can also be made from other grains. Notably, in the [[Punjab]] region, ''makki di roti'' made from whole corn flour is a local delicacy and is paired with either ''sarson da saag'' (mustard greens curry) or ''shalgam'' (turnips). Other flatbreads include deep-fried ''pudis'' and ''bhatooras'', ''poodas'' (savoury chickpea pancakes) and sweet pikelet-like ''malpuas''. Leavened, European-style breads were introduced to the region during the colonial era. Small soft bread rolls called ''pav'' (from the [[Portuguese cuisine|Portuguese pão]]) are common throughout Western India and are an essential component of dishes such as ''pav bhaji'', ''vada pav'' and ''misal pav''. Sliced bread can be found and is usually fried rather than toasted. Popular dishes made from bread include bread pakora, where triangles of bread slices are coated in spicy gram flour and deep fried, and a savoury version of French toast, both of which are eaten with sauce or chutney. ===Legumes and lentils=== Legumes and lentils are as essential to South Asian cuisine as grains. Curries made from ground pulses, called ''dal'', are ubiquitous throughout the subcontinent and are eaten with rice or roti along with sides. Lentil flour is also quite often used in baking both savoury and sweet items. ===Dairy products=== The primary source of milk in South Asia is the water buffalo, followed by cattle which is a close second. Less common sources of milk include goats/sheep, yaks and camels. India has more bovines than any other country in the world. Milk and its derivative products are used in a range of savoury dishes, drinks and desserts. *Cultured milk (yogurt) is commonly used as a condiment and as an ingredient in Northern Indian curries. *A fresh [[cheese]] called ''paneer'' is also often used in Northern Indian cuisine. *''Chhena'' is a soft, watery cheese from [[Eastern India]] and [[Bangladesh]] used to make sweets like ''rasgolla'' and ''sandesh''. *''Chhurpi'' is a very hard, chewy and smoky cheese eaten in Himalayan India, [[Nepal]], [[Tibet]] and [[Bhutan]] which is made from yak and/or cow's milk * Reduced milk called ''khoya'' is extremely common in sweets such as ''barfi''. * ''Malai'' is a type of clotted cream used predominantly in sweets but also in some savoury snacks and dishes. * Ghee (clarified butter) is very widely used as a cooking fat and can also be drizzled or coated on certain foods to add flavour. * Butter itself is used as a topping on ''parathas'' (stuffed flatbreads) and is added to some curries in Northern India and Pakistan. A sign that butter is a prominent ingredient in a dish is when its name contains the word ''makhan'' or ''makhani'' (deriving from the [[Hindi phrasebook|Hindi]] word for butter). ===Herbs and spices=== South Asian food might be more famous for its spices than anything else. Some dishes are extremely hot (not least in [[Andhra Pradesh]]), and Indian restaurants in the Western world sometimes have a grading system for hotness. But spiciness does not always mean lots of red or black pepper, and it is more the variety of different types of aromatic spices that typifies Indian cuisines. A mixture or combination of spices is called ''masala''. ''Garam masala'' (literally "hot spice mix") is probably the most well known though are others such as ''chaat masala'', which is tangier, and ''tandoori masala'', which is coated on meats like chicken. ===Fruits, vegetables and nuts=== The various climates of South Asia allow for a vast range of [[fruits and vegetables]], tropical as well as temperate. Fruits are garnished with salt or masala in order to enhance flavour and improve digestion. Alphonso mangoes are particularly well-known and prized among Indian fruits. The high levels of vegetarianism on the Subcontinent make nuts a valuable source of protein. Nuts on their own or as ingredients are more commonly eaten than in Western cultures. Almonds are particularly common in the north while coconuts are indispensable to South Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian cuisine. Pistachios are also much appreciated and pistachio kulfi is one of the most common flavours of what is often called Indian ice cream. ===Meat and seafood=== As pork is taboo in [[Islam]], and cattle are inviolable in [[Hinduism]], goat, lamb and chicken are the most popular kinds of meat in South Asia. Note that whenever you see a dish containing "mutton" in South Asia, it primarily refers to goat meat, not older sheep meat like in native English-speaking countries. In Indian and South Asian restaurants abroad, it will more likely be referred to as goat meat to avoid any misunderstanding. Since many religious movements promote [[animal ethics]], many dishes are vegetarian or vegan. A notable exception to the usual avoidance of pork in Indian food is in [[Goa]], where vindaloo was introduced by the long-time occupier, [[Portugal]], as a dish of pork and garlic in wine or vinegar and was subsequently fused with local tastes to become the spicy dish that is known around the world today. [[Seafood]] and fish are staples of coastal regions, including [[Kerala]] and [[Bengal]]. ==Beverages== [[File:Afza_Syrup_(Lal_sharbat).JPG|thumb|Roof Afza when mixed with water is bright red in colour. It turns pink when mixed with milk.]] *In South India, the iconic and most common drink is '''filter coffee''', a sweet and milky coffee with earthier flavours than the typical Western coffee due to a different extraction process and the addition of chicory. * A yogurt drink called '''lassi''', in salty, sweet or fruity flavours, is widely available in Northern India and Pakistan. * The warm climate makes fruit juices, sugarcane juice and coconut water popular. *'''Roof Afza''' is a branded herbal squash concentrate that contains the essences of various fruits, herbs and flowers like rose petals and ''kewra'' (screw pine). Formulated in 1906, it is very popular in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is drunk either mixed with water and ice, where it becomes a sherbet, or with milk and ice which looks like strawberry milk but has a more fragrant flavour profile. It can also be used as a syrup which is poured on ice cream and other desserts. The ingredients in Roof Afza are believed in Unani medicine (the traditional South Asian Islamic medicinal system) to have cooling properties, which is why it is drunk in higher frequencies during the peak summer months. ===Tea=== [[File:Kashmiri_Chai.JPG|thumb|Noon chai is a unique Kashmiri drink.]] '''[[Tea]]''' is drunk throughout South Asia and is the everyday drink in many regions. In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and parts of Nepal, the most common tea is '''masala chai''', sweetened black tea mixed with a blend of spices and milk. While the exact blend varies wherever you are, the most prominent spices in masala chai are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. The traditional drink of Kashmir is '''noon chai''', a pink tea made from green tea leaves, milk, salt and baking soda, which gives it its characteristic colour. In Bhutan, the Himalayan region of Nepal and the Indian states of [[Sikkim]], [[Arunachal Pradesh]], [[Himachal Pradesh]] and the union territory of [[Ladakh]] where there is [[Tibet]]an cultural influence, '''butter tea''' is the drink of choice. Pu-erh tea leaves, yak or cow's butter and salt are blended together to create butter tea, which has a stew-like consistency. ===Alcoholic beverages=== [[File:കള്ള്ഷാപ്പ്ഭക്ഷണം.jpg|thumb|Toddy is an iconic alcoholic drink in [[Kerala]] and is usually drunk as part of a meal. Here with tapioca, fish and rice.]] Customs for [[alcoholic beverages]] vary a lot between countries and regions. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in the Muslim-majority countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh, although in theory the ban is for Muslims only. Among similar lines, the only place where it is legal to drink alcohol in the Maldives is at resorts. The Indian states of [[Bihar]], [[Gujarat]] (although liquor permits are available), and [[Nagaland]], [[Mizoram]], 4 districts in [[Manipur]] and 2 districts in [[Maharashtra]] and the union territory of [[Lakshadweep]] (with the exception of [[Bangaram]]) do not permit the consumption of alcohol. The parts of India which do allow the sale and consumption may have laws and regulations not typically seen in Western countries such as dry days where the open sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain public holidays and during elections (resorts and 5-star hotels usually exempted). Most Indian states have a legal drinking age of 21, though it is 18 in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim and 25 in Punjab and Haryana. Sri Lanka doesn't allow women to buy alcohol. However, everyone aged 21 and above is legally allowed to consume alcohol. The sale of alcohol (but not private consumption) is prohibited on every full moon day, which are referred to as Poya Days in Sri Lanka. Nepal's legal drinking age is also 21 (pregnant women are not allowed to buy alcohol) while it is 18 in Bhutan, where alcohol is quite freely available. *'''Toddy''' is a moderately alcoholic drink made from the fermented sap of the coconut palm tree. Also known as palm wine, it has an ABV of about 8.1%. It is cloudy white in colour and has a touch of sweetness in its taste. Toddy is commonly drunk among the rural folk in South India, parts of Western India and Sri Lanka. You may offered home brewed or moonshine versions of toddy when you visit the beaches on the southwestern coast of India. *'''Feni''' is a double or triple-distilled spirit from [[Goa]], most often made from the juice of ripe cashew apples. With an alcoholic content of 40-45%, it is potent with subtle fruity notes. Feni can be served neat in a shot glass, with ice or as part of a lemony cocktail. *'''Arrack''' is in its most common form a coconut spirit, essentially double-distilled toddy, and is popular in [[Sri Lanka]] and parts of India. It is aged in barrels made from the wood of the Halmilla (''Berrya cordifolia'') tree. Its taste is said to be a blend of whisky, rum and tequila. It is either drunk by itself or with ginger beer. ==Dishes== South Asia has a plethora of dishes, many of which have become well known and eaten across the region and abroad, while others continue to be local delicacies. This section will focus on '''savoury''' dishes. For sweet dishes, see the "Sweets and desserts" section below. ===Curries=== [[File:Indiandishes.jpg|thumb|Curry comes in many varieties]] A curry is a dish based on herbs and spices, together with either meat or vegetables. A curry can be either "dry" or "wet" depending on the amount of liquid. In inland regions of Northern India and Pakistan, yogurt is commonly used in curries; in Southern India and some other coastal regions of the subcontinent, coconut milk is commonly used. Famous meat-based curries include: *'''Butter chicken''' – a relatively modern invention created in the 1950s by the Moti Mahal restaurant in [[Delhi]], this dish consisting of chicken cooked in a mildly spiced tomato and butter sauce is arguably the most well known Indian curry worldwide. Pairs well with naan and/or basmati rice. *'''Rogan josh''' – a fragrant [[Kashmir]]i curry where braised lamb/mutton or goat meat is flavoured and coloured with the alkanet flower, Kashmiri chillies, and spices which emphasise aroma rather than heat, such as cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. *'''Vindaloo''' – a fiery curry from [[Goa]] where meat (traditionally pork) is marinated and cooked in vinegar, chilli peppers and a stack of other spices. Sometimes cubed potatoes are added. *'''Laal Maas''' – literally meaning "Red Meat", the meat is cooked using yogurt, garlic and liberal amounts of Mathania chilli, from which it derives its name and deep red hue. Originally, the meat was wild game such as boar or deer and the dish was made for the royalty in the Mewar Kingdom in Southern [[Rajasthan]]. Nowadays, goat or lamb is used. *'''Nihari''' – a flour-thickened stew of beef, goat or lamb shanks and bone marrow, immersed with spices and slow cooked for six to eight hours. Originating from the royal Mughal kitchens of Delhi and [[Lucknow]], it has become strongly associated with the cuisine of [[Pakistan]], though it is also available across Northern India. *'''Jalfrezi''' – a fusion Indian-Chinese dish originating from Bengal where the meat (most commonly chicken), green chillis, capsicum (bell peppers) and onions are stir-fried and incorporated into the curry. Legumes play an important role in satisfying the protein requirements of the vegetarian and semi-vegetarian communities in South Asia. Some of the most well known legume-based curries are: *'''Rajma''' – red kidney beans mixed with tomatoes, onions and a myriad of spices. A specialty of [[Punjab]], ''rajma'' is commonly paired with basmati rice though it is still delicious when eaten with any kind of flatbread. *'''Channa masala''' – a chickpea (garbanzo bean) curry with a balance of spicy and tang, the latter of which comes dried pomegranate powder or dried mango powder. Can be made with white chickpeas, the kind that is found worldwide, or with black chickpeas, a smaller, darker and firmer type of chickpea unique to the subcontinent and which has a nuttier flavour. In the street food stalls of Northern India and Pakistan, channa masala is usually served with ''bhatoora'' or ''kulcha'' flatbreads. *'''Lobia''' – a black-eyed pea dish which uses liberal amounts of ginger, onions and lemon juice. ===Rice dishes=== [[File:Chitranna and Payasa.jpg|thumb|Lemon rice and pudding.]] *'''Biryani''' – a savoury dish of meat (traditionally goat, though chicken, lamb and beef are used as alternatives), rice and spices that is popular throughout most of the Subcontinent and beyond. It is associated with the Muslim community, and exists in many different styles throughout South Asia and among overseas Indian communities, but the most famous style is the version served in [[Hyderabad]]. It is similar to several Middle Eastern rice dishes such as kabsa, mandi and mansaf. A related but distinct dish is '''pulao'''. The key differences between the two are that the rice in biryani is parboiled and then drained of its water while in pulao the rice absorbs the water or stock, and that the components of biryani (meat, rice and vegetables) and cooked separately and later brought together in layers whereas in they are sauteed together in pulao with no layering involved. *'''Lemon rice''' or '''Chitranna''' – a South Indian dish, especially popular in [[Karnataka]], made by seasoning rice with split chickpeas, black gram, peanuts, mustard seeds, turmeric and generous amounts of lemon juice, which gives it its characteristic tang. Other ingredients like cashews, green beans, chillies and onions are optional. It is eaten at any time of the day though breakfast is most common. It can be eaten by itself or be accompanied with a chutney or raita (yogurt condiment). *'''Bhuga chawal''' – a [[Sindh]]i specialty where roasted and browned rice is immersed in spices and browned onions. Often eaten with Sai Bhaji (a curry containing comprised on lentils, spinach, and other greens like dill, fenugreek and sorrel). ===Savoury cakes and crepes=== [[File:Table_Dosa.jpg|thumb|Some restaurants make a name for themselves by serving very long dosas. Here the dosa is almost half the length of the table.]] *'''Appam''' (also called ''Appa'' or Anglicised to hoppers) – a bowl-shaped crepe made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It is a popular breakfast dish in South India, especially [[Kerala]], as well as Sri Lanka. A common variation is ''muttai appam'' where an egg is cracked into the centre of the appam as it cooks. * '''Dosa''' (called ''thosai'' in Singapore) – a savoury rice and lentil crepe that is a staple of South Indian cuisine, such as in [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Karnataka]]. They are often stuffed, such as with a mixture of potatoes, onions and spices (this type of dosa is called '''masala dosa'''), but many types of stuffing are possible. The "rava" (semolina) masala dosas from [[Mysore]] are particularly famous. *'''Dhokla''' – a steamed, leavened savoury snack originating from [[Gujarat]], having a cake-like texture and made from rice, chickpea and/or lentil batter. The most popular type is '''khaman dhokla''' made from chickpea flour, garnished with mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillis, and typically served with a red or green chutney. It is eaten as a breakfast item, entree to a meal or as a snack with tea. *'''Handvo''' – sometimes said to be a complex cousin of the dhokla, handvo is a savoury Gujarati cake made with a rice, lentil and yogurt batter and with a bottle gourd filling, though other vegetables can also used in the filling. *'''Idli''' – a steamed savoury cake shaped as a patty which originates from South India and is made from fermented black gram and rice batter. Popular as a breakfast item and bland on its own, idlis are served with coconut chutney, ''sambar'' (lentil and vegetable stew) or ''rasam'' (tamarind soup). Variations include idlis made from ''rava'' (semolina) or ''ragi'' (finger millet). * '''Utthapam''' – a savoury pancake. Like masala dosas, they are a staple of South Indian cuisine and exist in many varieties. Unlike masala dosas, they are not rolled around stuffing but include the ingredients in the batter. ===Kebabs=== [[File:Mutton_Seekh_Kabab.JPG|thumb|Mutton seekh kebab with slices of tomatoes, onions and chutney.]] In the South Asian context, kebabs refer to a range of char-grilled meat dishes, which are often but are not necessarily cooked on skewers. Kebabs were introduced to the region during the reign of the Delhi Sultanate and evolved and became more gastronomically refined during the Mughal era. In India, vegetarian versions of kebabs have also been created. They are ubiquitous in the street food scene and are also served as starters in restaurants. *'''Seekh kebab''' – ground or minced meat is blended with spices, moulded on skewers into a sausage-like shape and cooked over a flame grill. Seekh kebabs are the most common kebab dish you would find within a restaurant. *'''Reshmi kebab''' – boneless chicken pieces are coated in a silky marinade of yogurt, cream and cashew nut paste and then grilled. They are crusty on the outside and soft and succulent inside. *'''Chapli kebab''' – originates from [[Peshawar]] and is a specialty of Pashto-speaking areas, namely the [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] province in Pakistan and Eastern Afghanistan but found elsewhere too. Minced meat, most commonly beef, is mixed with flour and a spice blend, and then pound in a flat patty, which looks like someone stepped on it with their slippers or flip-flops (called ''chappals'' in many South Asian languages) from which it derives its name. Typically consumed with naan, pulao rice or in a wrap or bun, where it becomes a small burger. *'''Shami kebab''' – patties made by mixing minced meat with ''channa dal'' (yellow split pea), eggs and spices. It is one of the few kebabs which is pan or shallow fried because the patties are too delicate to be grilled. *'''Hariyali kebab''' – chicken kebab pieces coated in an aromatic green paste, deriving its vibrant colour from spinach, mint and coriander leaves. ===Salads=== [[File:Afghan-Salad.JPG|thumb|Traditional Afghan salad.]] Salads are rarely, if ever, the main meal. However, they can be a side dish accompanying the rest of the meal. The light, zesty and refreshing feeling from salads provide balance when eaten with a rich curry. *'''Kachumber''' – this classic, everyday salad from Northern India contains the essential trio of chopped up cucumber, onions and tomatoes seasoned with salt, black pepper, cumin powder, red chilli powder. Green chillis and herbs like coriander and mint may be added. The dressing is either lemon or lime juice with no sugar or oil added. A similar salad from [[Afghanistan]] called Salata or '''Afghan salad''' usually has the same triad of vegetables with the addition of carrots and may contain other herbs such as parsley and dill. *'''Mooli lachha''' – a salad from [[Uttar Pradesh]] with grated radish as its base, seasoned with lemon, salt and chaat masala (a tart spice mix) and garnished with green chilli, coriander, ginger and sometimes carrots. *'''Kosambari''' – a South Indian salad consisting of split mung beans, grated coconut and carrots, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. *'''Singju''' – a spicy Meitei [[Manipur]]i salad with countless variations. Popular versions include ''yangchok'' (stinky bean), pea leaves, cabbage, ''ngari'' (fermented punti fish), lotus root, chilli and perilla seeds. *'''Wahan Mosdeng''' – a [[Tripura]]-style zesty salad prepared with shredded or thinly sliced pork, roasted green chillis, onions, ginger and coriander leaves. ===Other dishes=== * Tandoori dishes, baked in a tandoor (clay oven), are a [[Punjab|Punjabi]] and [[Pashtun]] tradition and are popular in Northern India and adjoining areas of Pakistan. ==Snacks== There are a wide array of traditional and modern snacks across the subcontinent. The line between "snack" and "meal" can be blurry. Many of the snacks described below are indisputably snacks while others if eaten in sufficient quantity or combined with other foods are often eaten as a small meal, especially for breakfast or lunch. On the flip side, some dishes described in the section above can become snack food when eaten in smaller portions. ''Chaat'' refers to a group of snacks that feature an element of fried dough which is combined with other ingredients to create spicy, tangy, savoury and sometimes sweet flavours. They are served as street food by roadside vendors and as starters or appetisers in restaurants, occupying a similar space to tapas in [[Spanish cuisine]]. Another category of snacks is ''namkeen'', which refer to salty snack mixes akin to convenience foods like potato chips, popcorn and cheese puffs. Namkeen is typically eaten with tea, coffee or alcohol. ===Fried snacks=== [[File:Extruding a chakli.jpg|thumb|Chakli being extruded out of the dough moulder and into the fryer.]] *'''Samosa''' – a savoury, tetrahedral or triangular pastry filled with potatoes, peas and onions. Minced meat samosas are also popular, especially outside India. Coming in a variety of sizes, samosas are generally served in a chaat form form immersed in chickpea curry, or with tamarind and mint chutney. *'''Pakora''' – also referred to as ''Bhaji'' in some regions, pakoras are fritters that are coated in a spicy gram flour (ground chickpea) batter. The types of pakoda range from sliced and chopped vegetables like potato, cauliflower, eggplant and onion, to paneer and even bread slices. Other flours which may be used in the batter include buckwheat and water chestnut. Pakoras pair well with almost every chutney and sauce. *'''Murukku''' – a hard and crunchy coil-shaped snack originating from [[South India]]. Standard murukku is made with rice flour, black gram flour and seasoning which includes chilli powder, asafoetida, carom seeds and sesame seeds. A related snack is '''chakli''', which is popular in [[Maharashtra]] and sees the addition of chickpea flour into the batter mix. *'''Kachori''' – a round, flaky pastry stuffed with a split mung bean filling which is popular in the Hindi belt, from [[Jodhpur]] to [[Varanasi]]. A special version from Rajasthan called ''pyaz ki kachori'' uses onions as the stuffing instead of mung beans. ===Biscuits and crackers=== *'''Nankhatai''' – a traditional Indian shortbread biscuit or cookie made with flour, ghee and sugar and flavoured with cardamom. Believed to have originated from [[Surat]] in the 16th century, nankhatai are nowadays popular all over Northern India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The texture of nankhatai is crisp on the outside but crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. *'''Osmania biscuits''' – tea biscuits with a simple round shape that combines sweet, salty and buttery flavours. They were baked for and named after [[Hyderabad]]'s last princely state ruler Mir Osman Ali Khan, and have since become the most popular item in virtually every bakery in Hyderabad. *'''Papadum''' – a large and thin, disc-shaped cracker which is made with black gram. It can be fried or dry roasted. Papadums are the quintessential starter in restaurants serving Northern Indian and Pakistani cuisine. *'''Khakra''' – a thin cracker from [[Gujarat]] with wheat flour and moth beans as its main ingredients. It is usually flavoured with fenugreek leaves and is eaten during breakfast. ==Condiments== [[File:Samosa_with_tamarind_chutney_and_tomato_sauce.jpg|thumb|Samosas with tamarind chutney (bottom left) and tomato sauce (top left).]] [[File:Raita_with_cucumber_and_mint.jpg|thumb|Cucumber and mint raita garnished with coriander leaves.]] Broadly, the two major types of condiments found in South Asian cuisine are ''chutneys'', which are equivalent to sauces, dips and spreads in European cuisines, and pickles, called ''achar'' in many languages of the subcontinent. ===Chutneys=== Chutneys can be savoury, sweet, sour or spicy and served as an accompaniment to snacks such as samosas, pakoras and dhokla, and some types of meals, including dosas and utthapams. *'''Coconut chutney''' – a thick, creamy and nutty chutney which centres on coconut, roasted lentils, ginger and chilli. With a hint of sweetness and spice, it is an essential accompaniment to South Indian dishes, such as the dosa, idli and vada. *'''Tamarind chutney''' – a reddish-brown sweet and sour chutney which may resemble barbecue sauce. It primarily consists of tamarind, ginger and pink salt and is sweetened with jaggery, sugar, dates or a combination thereof. Sesame or fennel seeds are sometimes added. It is used a dressing over chaat dishes and as a dipping sauce with samosas, kachoris and other Northern Indian snacks. ===Pickles=== South Asian pickles tend to be spicy and salty and are often oil-based. They accompany meals and pair with foods which are somewhat bland. Pickles are very strong in flavour and salt and are meant to be eaten in very small portions per bite with the bread, rice and/or curry. They are supposed to provide a kick to the meal but eating them in large quantities will overwhelm your taste buds. When oil is used in the pickling process, the type of oil used varies by region. Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh favour mustard oil, which is aromatic and pungent, while sesame oil, which has a delicately nutty flavour, is preferred in Southern India. *'''Mango pickle''' – popular in nearly every part of South Asia with countless varieties existing throughout the region. Unripe, green, baby mangoes are used for pickling, which are sour, less sweet and have a firmer texture. ===Other condiments=== Another condiment, or perhaps more accurately side dish, eaten throughout Northern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is '''raita'''. Raita comes in many varieties, each one made from yogurt mixed principally with an herb, vegetable, pulse or fruit. A bit of salt and pepper can be added as well as water to thin the blend. From a gastronomical perspective, raita cools you down from the heat of the curry and the rest of the meal. Raitas are diverse with many states having their own style though the most common ones are ''boondi raita'' (containing small, cereal-like fried batter balls of ''besan'' or chickpea flour), cucumber (similar to tzatziki in [[Greek cuisine]]) and mint (popular during the summer). '''Lunu miris''' is a [[Sri Lanka]]n sambal, or chilli paste, a blend of red onions, red chilli peppers, chilli powder, lime juice and Maldive fish. It is commonly served with roti, kiribath (rice and coconut milk mounds) or hoppers. ==Sweets and desserts== [[File:Awadhi_jalebi.jpg|thumb|A stack of jalebi as is commonly seen in Northern India.]] [[File:Enticing_Kulfi.PNG|thumb|Kulfi in a range of colourful flavours.]] It's fair to say that nearly everyone has a sweet tooth in South Asia. Sweets can be baked, fried, roasted, frozen, or produced in a myriad of other ways. Increasingly, sweets which were specific to one region are spreading in popularity and are available across the entire region. Sweets are given as gifts to family and friends and consumed at higher rates during festivals, whether religious or secular. They are eaten typically after a main course meal or as in-between snacks. '''Gulab jamun''' is a dairy-based dessert consisting of fried and caramelised milky balls dipped in a rose- and cardamom-scented syrup and garnished with an assortment of nuts. The traditional recipe uses ''khoya'' (freshly dried milk) which provides a melt-in-your mouth feel to the dish. These days you might come across gulab jamun made from milk powder, which is easier to make but not as tasty. Gulab jamun spread in popularity during the Mughal Empire and is therefore available across much of South Asia and among the diaspora communities all over the world. '''Halwa''' refers to a variety of dense confections whose texture can vary from moist and creamy like a pudding to dry and hard like candy. It usually consists of a base ingredients cooked in ghee and sugar, sometimes milk is added for consistency and is garnished with nuts, raisins and shredded coconut. The most common halwa is made from ''sooji'' (semolina). Other popular varieties include ''gajar'' (carrot) and ''atta'' (whole wheat). '''Jalebi''' is made by deep frying white flour batter in coil or pretzel-like shapes and soaking it in syrup, usually flavoured with saffron. It's eaten as a snack, a dessert, or a breakfast item. Jalebi is often served with milk or ''rabri'' (a kind of fragrant condensed milk). With its origins in the Middle East, jalebi enjoys pan-South Asian popularity though the name of the treat varies by region. The central Indian state of [[Madhya Pradesh]] has put a unique twist on the standard recipe and is known for its '''mawa jalebi''' which uses milk solids in place of flour and is dark brown and soft instead of the usual orange and crispy. '''Kheer''', also called '''Payasam''' or '''Payesh''', is South Asian rice pudding. The default version contains rice, sugar and thickened milk as a minimum and is usually flavoured and garnished with cardamom, saffron, raisins, nuts, petals and/or floral essences. It can be eaten cold at the end of a meal or hot at the start or end of a meal like porridge. Variants of the dish substitute the rice with other grains or pseudo-grains such as bulgur, sago and tapioca. '''Kulfi''' is a frozen dairy dessert eaten across all South Asian countries with its popularity stretching as far as [[Myanmar]]. Often dubbed "Indian ice cream", its taste for the most part will remind you of ice cream though there are a few key differences. Kulfi is made from evaporated milk and sugar, does not contain eggs and is not whipped or aerated. As a result, kulfi is denser, creamier and slower to melt than ice cream and can have a slightly chewy texture. The most common shape of kulfi is a long, thin cone. When you buy it from stalls or trucks on the street it is usually served on a stick, while in restaurants it is given in a cup or plate. The traditional flavours include ''malai'' (cream), cardamom, rose, pistachio, mango and saffron. For those with allergies, keep in mind that even non-nut flavours often contain nuts (almonds, pistachios and cashews being most common). Nowadays, much like ice cream, you will find hundreds of flavours as you shop around and go to different vendors. '''Rasgulla''' is an Eastern Indian sweet consisting of balls of chhena (a moist, softer cheese than paneer) cooked and permeated in a light rose-scented syrup. The origin of rasgulla is disputed between [[Odisha]] and [[Bengal]] with people on either side of the border claiming that it was invented in their state. What is more clearly known is that the first canned rasgullas were sold in Kolkata in 1930, after which they took off in popularity across the subcontinent. A variant of the dish is '''ras malai''' where the chhena balls are immersed in sweet thickened milk instead of syrup, providing a creamier feel to the sweet. ==Restaurants== When travelling across South Asia, you will come across restaurant types that are found all over the world from fast food to fine dining and everything in between. In addition, there are types of restaurants which are unique to the subcontinent. *'''Dhaba''': The dhaba is a roadside restaurant usually on highways that caters to truck drivers and others stopping over between towns. Far from being fancy, dhabas have a rustic ambience. Originally built as mud shacks, there is typically no air-conditioning or heating. The food you get is of a simple, homemade style specific to the area and served on big brass or steel plates called ''thalis''. The original purpose of dhabas was to provide truck drivers with an affordable, freshly cooked meal. Nowadays, you will find eateries in the middle of the city and suburbs offering "dhaba-style" food. *'''Irani cafe''': These cafes were opened by Zoroastrian Irani immigrants who came to the subcontinent in the 19th century. There are many Irani cafes in [[Mumbai]] and [[Hyderabad]] in India, and a few in [[Karachi]], [[Pakistan]] though over time their numbers have been diminishing. The internal decor of Irani cafes tends to have a classic colonial touch. The word "cafe" is bit of a misnomer as they don't serve coffee but rather are noted for their ''Irani chai'' (a strong, sweet and very creamy tea) and bakery and breakfast items including ''khari'' biscuits, ''bun maska'' (soft bread and butter), ''brun maska'' (hard buttered croissants), ''keema pav'' (minced meat buns) and ''akuri'' (spicy scrambled eggs). ===Plating=== [[File:Chettinad_Cuisine.jpg|thumb|A Chettinad feast reflecting the cuisine of Tamil Nadu's [[Tamil Nadu South Coast|south coast]] served on a banana leaf.]] In Sri Lanka, South India, and some other parts of India, meals are traditionally served on banana leaves or the leaves of other plants such as kenda (''Macaranga peltata''), lotus and the areca palm. Banana leaves are larger than standard plates, allowing for more dishes and condiments to be served in one go. The leaves are biodegradable and disposable, making them eco-friendly compared to plastic plates. The waxy surface of the banana leaves melts when hot food is served on it, which imparts a subtle sweetness to the food and is believed to provide health benefits. According to South Indian eating etiquette, you should fold the leaf inwards, i.e. towards yourself, once you finish your meal. Folding it outwards is only done during funerals and is otherwise considered rude. ==See also== *[[Cambodian cuisine]] *[[Chinese cuisine]] *[[Malaysian cuisine]] *[[Middle Eastern cuisine]] *[[Travelling during Ramadan]] *[[Western food in Asia]] {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink|South Asia}} bguqh7xnpd87x19ffi01iq1tn9vxc5w 0 151061 4487785 4447298 2022-07-21T15:06:51Z ThunderingTyphoons! 106394 /* Regional dishes */Moules-frites is a dish wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|French cuisine banner.jpg}} Many people of [[France]] regard their [[food|cuisine]] to be the best in the world. France is the origin of the ''Guide Michelin'' rating system, and ties [[Japan]] (which has twice the population) for the highest number of stars in the guidebook. French cuisine has set a standard for [[fine dining]] around the world, and chefs and gastronomes across the Western world make extensive use of French culinary terms. {{EuropeanCuisines}} ==Understand== {{seealso|Kingdom of France}} French cuisine has roots back to the [[Roman Empire]]. Influenced by [[Italian cuisine]] as well as local traditions, ''haute cuisine'' was created in [[Paris]] during the Early Modern times. The French Revolution put an end to guilds and the privileged noble class, expanding fine cooking and dining to common people. While foreign cuisines such as [[Mexican food]], [[American fast food]] and [[Chinese food]] have been less successful in France than in other parts of Europe, they can be found in Paris and the other more cosmopolitan cities. [[North African cuisine|North African]], Vietnamese and [[Middle Eastern cuisine]]s, and even occasionally sub-Saharan African cuisines (especially from Senegal) in areas with large African communities, are among those that have been imported from former French colonies and taken root in the former mother country. At least some North African food has been fully assimilated, as a survey in the 1990s found that couscous was the most popular French food (so described by the respondents) in France. Conversely, French cuisine has also influenced the cuisines of its former colonial possessions, with the cuisines of [[Quebec]] and [[Louisiana]] having a strong French influence, albeit with the incorporation of many local North American flavours and ingredients, and a modified version of the French baguette has been widely adopted in [[Vietnam]] for use in the ubiquitous ''bánh mì'' sandwiches. ==Meals== '''Breakfast''' (''petit déjeuner'') in France isn't the most important meal of the day, and is usually very light. The most typical breakfast consists of a coffee and a croissant or some other "viennoiserie", but since it implies going to the boulangerie early in the morning to buy fresh croissants, it's typically reserved for somewhat special occasions. On normal days most people have a beverage (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice) and either toast ("tartines" made of baguette or toast bread with butter and jam/honey/Nutella) that can be dipped in the hot beverage, or cereals with milk. People who eat healthy may go for fruit and yoghurt. As a general rule, the French breakfast is mostly sweet, but anything can change and you can have savoury breakfasts everywhere today. Both '''lunch''' (''déjeuner'') and '''dinner''' (''dîner'') are traditionally full meals. They often consist of an appetiser (''entrée'' or ''hors d'œuvre''), a main dish (''plat''), and a dessert (''dessert'') or cheese. Restaurants usually serve dinner between 19:30 and 21:30; eating dinner before around 19:00 is considered very odd and chances are that anyone you see eating at a restaurant before this time is a tourist. ==Ingredients== * '''[[Bread]]''' (''pain'') is the classical side order in France. The ''baguette'', a plain wheat roll, is the archetypal bread. * '''[[Cheese]]''' (''fromage'') comes in hundreds of varieties, and can be included in most dishes. It often makes up a dessert. Here is a far from exhaustive list of what one can find: ** Bleu des Causses ** Livarot ** Roquefort **Bleu du Vercors ** Morbier ** Saint Nectaire ** Boulette d'Avesnes ** Maroilles ** Salers ** Brie de Meaux [[File:Wikicheese - Brie de Meaux - 20150515 - 023.jpg|thumb|Brie de Meaux]] ** Munster ** Sainte Maure de Touraine ** Brie de Melun ** Murol ** Selles-sur-Cher ** Broccio ** Neufchâtel ** Saint Marcellin ** Camembert [[File:Camembert (Cheese).jpg|thumb|Camembert]] ** Ossau-Iraty ** Sainte Maure de Touraine ** Cantal ** Pelardon ** Tomme de chèvre ** Chaource ** Pérail ** Tomme des Cévennes ** Comté ** Picodon ** Valençay ==Regional dishes== Every French region has dishes all its own. These dishes follow the resources (game, fish, agriculture, etc.) of the region, the vegetables (cabbage, turnip, endives, etc.) which they grow there. Here is a small list of regional dishes which you can find easily in France. Generally each region has a unique and widespread dish (usually because it was food for the masses), while in [[Alsace]], the local cuisine shares many similarities with [[German cuisine]], with a focus on simple and hearty meat-based dishes. *'''Cassoulet''' ([[Southwest France]]) : beans, duck, pork & sausages *'''Choucroutes''', or sauerkraut ([[Alsace]]) : stripped fermented cabbage + pork *'''Fondue Savoyarde''' (central Alps) : melted/hot cheese with white wine *'''Fondue Bourguignonne''' ([[Burgundy]]) : pieces of beef (in boiled oil), usually served with a selection of various sauces. *'''Raclette''' (central Alps) : melted cheese & potatoes/meat *'''Pot-au-feu''' (found all over France) : boiled beef with vegetables *'''Bœuf Bourguignon''' (Burgundy) : slow cooked beef with red wine gravy *'''Gratin dauphinois''' ([[Rhône-Alpes]]) : oven-roasted slices of potatoes with sour cream and cheese *'''Aligot''' (Aveyron) : melted cheese mixed with a purée of potatoes *'''Bouillabaisse''' (fish + saffron) ([[Marseille]] and the [[French Riviera]]). Don't be fooled! A real bouillabaisse is a really expensive dish due to the amount of fresh fish it requires. Be prepared to pay at least €30 per person. If you find restaurants claiming to serve bouillabaisse for something like €15 per person, you'll find it to be of a very poor quality. *'''Tartiflette''' ([[Savoie]]) : Melted Reblochon cheese, potatoes and pork or bacon. *'''Confit de Canard''' (south west) : Duck Confit, consists of legs and wings bathing in grease. That grease is actually very healthy and, with red wine, is one of the identified sources of the so-called "French Paradox" (eat richly, live long). *'''Foie Gras''' (south west) : The liver of a duck or goose. Although usually quite expensive, foie gras can be found in supermarkets for a lower price (because of their purchasing power) around the Christmas season. It is the time of year when most foie gras is consumed in France. It goes very well with Champagne. *'''Moules marinières''' (found anywhere there's a coast) : Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and shallots, normally served with crusty bread and French fries (''moules-frites'', which is Belgian in origin). There are numerous regional varieties. Add cream and sometimes lardons, then you've got ''moules [[Normandy|normandes]]''. Ditch the wine and cook in cider, and enjoy ''moules [[Brittany|bretonnes]]''. Or throw in tomatoes and ''herbes de Provence'' (savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano) for ''moules à la [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur|provençale]]''. ==Fast food== [[File:Kebab menu France.jpg|thumb|A Kebab shop menu in [[Lyon]]]] Believe it or not fast food exists in France, and is often favoured by young French people on a budget. While you can certainly find examples of the major American chains, especially McDonald's (pronounced ''Mac Do'' informally) or the French chain ''Quick'', the vast majority of fast-food establishments are in the form of the local kebab shop, not unlike those found in England. Almost all the dishes are roughly what you would expect, however a fast food shop is the ''least likely restaurant'' in which you'll find someone conversant in English. {{Anchor|tacos}} * '''Tacos à la française''' - this particular food item demands a bit of explanation. While [[Mexican cuisine]] (or at least the international Tex-Mex variant) has become popular around Europe, it is a rare sight in France. So be aware the "tacos" that you see advertised at kebab shops in France is something else entirely, which in ''almost no way'' resembles Mexican or even Tex-Mex food, with the sole exception of the Durum wrapper, which resembles a large flour tortilla. To this is added kebab meat, fries, and one of a selection of cold mayonnaise-based sauces, and if you insist, some harissa. The whole thing is wrapped tight, like a burrito, and then flattened and seared in a hot panini press. The concoction has become hugely popular in the decade following its invention in the mid-2000s, and has expanded from its native Lyon region to the whole Francophonie, so it's probably incorrect to disparage ''le tacos à la française'' in and of itself. Linguists might be interested to know that ''tacos'' is the singular form. However you need to be aware of it if what you are looking for are real Mexican tacos, which also exist in France, but are not as widely available. Always be sure to check the sign, or ask. ==Vegetarianism== [[Vegetarianism]] is not as uncommon as it used to be, especially in larger cities, and vegetarians have become far better catered for than they used to be before the 2010s. While restaurants with at least one veggie option used to be the exception, they are starting to become the rule. Meanwhile more and more ''cartes'' feature at least one vegan (''végétalien'') item. Nonetheless, France still remains one of the more difficult and least inspiring places to be a vegetarian, and very few restaurants offer vegetarian menus, full vegetarian restaurants are rare (they are often found at place famous for alternative culture). Thus if you ask for something vegetarian, or if you ask for the undetailed "vegetarian option" in the menu, you will certainly have the vegetable side dishes that goes with the main course(s) being put together without any particular refinement (they often come at the same price as with meat). The only things most menus have available are salads. Your life will be made especially challenging if you don't eat cheese, which is absolutely ubiquitous in French cooking and will even often be added in foreign dishes where it shouldn't be (the most appalling and egregious example being supermarket hummus which, for reasons best known to French hummus manufacturers, usually has cottage cheese [''fromage blanc''] added to it). Attitudes towards vegetarianism are also not always very progressive; a temporary Covid-related decision by the local council in the city of Lyon to make school meals entirely pescetarian was met with huge backlash from farmers' unions and the French right in 2021. In Paris, especially within the confines of the ''périphérique'' ring road that separates the centre from its suburbs, you will have no trouble at all. The [[Paris/10th arrondissement|10th arrondissement]] in particular has a large array of speciality vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Outside Paris, the range of vegetarian food available does vary from region to region. Most regional capitals have vegetarian restaurants, but thez most touristic a place is, the less options you will get. In Brittany, '''galettes''' (buckwheat pancakes) are a must - even if you think you don't like them from experience going to your local crêperie, you will once you've had a real one in Brittany which tends to be a much more substantial meal than any galette you've had elsewhere - and your average galette/crepe place will usually have several vegetarian options available. Although they will traditionally contain an egg, most crêperies allow you to select what you'd like to include in your galette. In Alsace, a number of regional specialities can be made vegetarian: the most common ones being '''Flammekueche'''/'''tarte flambée''' (Alsatian-style thin crust pizza) and '''tarte à l'oignon''' (onion tart), but you might also occasionally come across vegetarian '''Spaetzle''' (baked egg pasta) or '''Roesti''' (potato pancakes). In alpine regions. Elsewhere, look out for '''ravioles''' (French-style ravioli, usually baked in a cheese gratin) which are usually (but not always, check with the waiter!) vegetarian, or '''gratin dauphinois''' (baked potatoes in cream sauce). In the South-East, '''ratatouille''' can also be a safe option. Elsewhere however, local vegetarian specialities become more scarce and less interesting. Nonetheless, even in relatively small towns you have a number of options available to you if you're willing to forgo the local cuisine. A safe option is usually the local pizzeria, where you can obviously order a margherita if all else fails, but most pizza places will also offer a peculiarly French set of toppings called ''chèvre-miel'' (honey and goat's cheese pizza). Kebab and tacos shops will very often offer either vegetarian tacos (of the French kind, not of the Tex-Mex kind you may be used to elsewhere!) or some sort of falafel wrap, although they aren't always the cleanest and most salubrious places and you shouldn't feel shy asking them to rinse or change their tongs (''pinces'' in French) before serving you. ==Beverages== France is one of the world's most prominent countries for '''[[wine]]''' (''vin''), and a comprehensive description of French wine would require an entire article in itself. Much '''beer''' is also drunk in France, especially the Flemish-influenced Nord region (eg. Pelforth, from Mons-en-Barœul near [[Lille]]) and German-influenced Alsace (eg. Kronenbourg, from [[Strasbourg]]). Corsican chestnut beer (Pietra) can also be found in a lot of supermarkets around France. However, a lot of beers sold in French supermarkets tend to be very strong Belgian-style beers where the alcohol content is much higher than what Anglophone beer-drinkers are generally used to, usually around 6-8%. While '''cider''' is not a staple alcoholic drink as it is in the UK, it is considered a regional delicacy in Brittany and Normandy and is often served either hot or cold in a bowl alongside crepes or galettes. In supermarkets it is usually sold in corked bottles as wine would be. It does however taste quite different to British ciders - usually you have the choice between ''cidre brut'' (hard cider), which has a somewhat unfamiliar smell and aftertaste, or ''cidre doux'' (sweet cider) which is indeed comparably sweet to apple juice from concentrate. France is also known for '''brandy''', a type of spirit distilled from wine. The French don't have a specific word for brandy, but famous drinks referred to as brandy by English-speakers include '''cognac''' and '''armagnac'''. France is also famed for its production of other distilled spirits such as '''calvados''' from apples and '''poire williams''' from pears, and for its almost limitless varieties of liqueurs. These drinks are collectively known in French as ''eaux-de-vie'', literally "waters of life", but more commonly translated as ''spirits'' or ''liquors''. The most well-known might be '''pastis''', an aniseed-based spirit closely associated with the region around [[Marseille]], or '''Chartreuse''', a very strong herbal liqueur (usually around 60% ABV) from the mountains near [[Grenoble]]. In ski resorts you will commonly find Chartreuse served in hot chocolate to make a cocktail called ''green chaud''. [[Coffee]] (''café'') is drunk at the end of a meal, occasionally with liquor. Excellent hot cocoa is also available, made from dark chocolate, and tea and herbal teas (called tisanes) are also often drunk. Linden (''tilleul''), verbena (''vervain'') and mint (''menthe'') are among the more popular herbal teas. In supermarkets you may also find chicory coffee (''chicorée'') being sold, a result of WW2-era rationing that permanently caught on and is commonly associated with the (post-)industrial Nord region. ==Sweets== France is perhaps best known for the ''nougat'', a type of confectionary made of eggs, sugar, and nuts, similar to Spanish ''turrón'' or Italian ''torrone''. The city of [[Montélimar]] in the southeast of France is a well-known place for this. ==See also== * [[Italian cuisine]] {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} hczzzsix20orp5qgjjvcyz5dsb0wp1z 4487791 4487785 2022-07-21T15:10:35Z ThunderingTyphoons! 106394 /* Regional dishes */Make clearer wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|French cuisine banner.jpg}} Many people of [[France]] regard their [[food|cuisine]] to be the best in the world. France is the origin of the ''Guide Michelin'' rating system, and ties [[Japan]] (which has twice the population) for the highest number of stars in the guidebook. French cuisine has set a standard for [[fine dining]] around the world, and chefs and gastronomes across the Western world make extensive use of French culinary terms. {{EuropeanCuisines}} ==Understand== {{seealso|Kingdom of France}} French cuisine has roots back to the [[Roman Empire]]. Influenced by [[Italian cuisine]] as well as local traditions, ''haute cuisine'' was created in [[Paris]] during the Early Modern times. The French Revolution put an end to guilds and the privileged noble class, expanding fine cooking and dining to common people. While foreign cuisines such as [[Mexican food]], [[American fast food]] and [[Chinese food]] have been less successful in France than in other parts of Europe, they can be found in Paris and the other more cosmopolitan cities. [[North African cuisine|North African]], Vietnamese and [[Middle Eastern cuisine]]s, and even occasionally sub-Saharan African cuisines (especially from Senegal) in areas with large African communities, are among those that have been imported from former French colonies and taken root in the former mother country. At least some North African food has been fully assimilated, as a survey in the 1990s found that couscous was the most popular French food (so described by the respondents) in France. Conversely, French cuisine has also influenced the cuisines of its former colonial possessions, with the cuisines of [[Quebec]] and [[Louisiana]] having a strong French influence, albeit with the incorporation of many local North American flavours and ingredients, and a modified version of the French baguette has been widely adopted in [[Vietnam]] for use in the ubiquitous ''bánh mì'' sandwiches. ==Meals== '''Breakfast''' (''petit déjeuner'') in France isn't the most important meal of the day, and is usually very light. The most typical breakfast consists of a coffee and a croissant or some other "viennoiserie", but since it implies going to the boulangerie early in the morning to buy fresh croissants, it's typically reserved for somewhat special occasions. On normal days most people have a beverage (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice) and either toast ("tartines" made of baguette or toast bread with butter and jam/honey/Nutella) that can be dipped in the hot beverage, or cereals with milk. People who eat healthy may go for fruit and yoghurt. As a general rule, the French breakfast is mostly sweet, but anything can change and you can have savoury breakfasts everywhere today. Both '''lunch''' (''déjeuner'') and '''dinner''' (''dîner'') are traditionally full meals. They often consist of an appetiser (''entrée'' or ''hors d'œuvre''), a main dish (''plat''), and a dessert (''dessert'') or cheese. Restaurants usually serve dinner between 19:30 and 21:30; eating dinner before around 19:00 is considered very odd and chances are that anyone you see eating at a restaurant before this time is a tourist. ==Ingredients== * '''[[Bread]]''' (''pain'') is the classical side order in France. The ''baguette'', a plain wheat roll, is the archetypal bread. * '''[[Cheese]]''' (''fromage'') comes in hundreds of varieties, and can be included in most dishes. It often makes up a dessert. Here is a far from exhaustive list of what one can find: ** Bleu des Causses ** Livarot ** Roquefort **Bleu du Vercors ** Morbier ** Saint Nectaire ** Boulette d'Avesnes ** Maroilles ** Salers ** Brie de Meaux [[File:Wikicheese - Brie de Meaux - 20150515 - 023.jpg|thumb|Brie de Meaux]] ** Munster ** Sainte Maure de Touraine ** Brie de Melun ** Murol ** Selles-sur-Cher ** Broccio ** Neufchâtel ** Saint Marcellin ** Camembert [[File:Camembert (Cheese).jpg|thumb|Camembert]] ** Ossau-Iraty ** Sainte Maure de Touraine ** Cantal ** Pelardon ** Tomme de chèvre ** Chaource ** Pérail ** Tomme des Cévennes ** Comté ** Picodon ** Valençay ==Regional dishes== Every French region has dishes all its own. These dishes follow the resources (game, fish, agriculture, etc.) of the region, the vegetables (cabbage, turnip, endives, etc.) which they grow there. Here is a small list of regional dishes which you can find easily in France. Generally each region has a unique and widespread dish (usually because it was food for the masses), while in [[Alsace]], the local cuisine shares many similarities with [[German cuisine]], with a focus on simple and hearty meat-based dishes. *'''Cassoulet''' ([[Southwest France]]) : beans, duck, pork & sausages *'''Choucroutes''', or sauerkraut ([[Alsace]]) : stripped fermented cabbage + pork *'''Fondue Savoyarde''' (central Alps) : melted/hot cheese with white wine *'''Fondue Bourguignonne''' ([[Burgundy]]) : pieces of beef (in boiled oil), usually served with a selection of various sauces. *'''Raclette''' (central Alps) : melted cheese & potatoes/meat *'''Pot-au-feu''' (found all over France) : boiled beef with vegetables *'''Bœuf Bourguignon''' (Burgundy) : slow cooked beef with red wine gravy *'''Gratin dauphinois''' ([[Rhône-Alpes]]) : oven-roasted slices of potatoes with sour cream and cheese *'''Aligot''' (Aveyron) : melted cheese mixed with a purée of potatoes *'''Bouillabaisse''' (fish + saffron) ([[Marseille]] and the [[French Riviera]]). Don't be fooled! A real bouillabaisse is a really expensive dish due to the amount of fresh fish it requires. Be prepared to pay at least €30 per person. If you find restaurants claiming to serve bouillabaisse for something like €15 per person, you'll find it to be of a very poor quality. *'''Tartiflette''' ([[Savoie]]) : Melted Reblochon cheese, potatoes and pork or bacon. *'''Confit de Canard''' (south west) : Duck Confit, consists of legs and wings bathing in grease. That grease is actually very healthy and, with red wine, is one of the identified sources of the so-called "French Paradox" (eat richly, live long). *'''Foie Gras''' (south west) : The liver of a duck or goose. Although usually quite expensive, foie gras can be found in supermarkets for a lower price (because of their purchasing power) around the Christmas season. It is the time of year when most foie gras is consumed in France. It goes very well with Champagne. *'''Moules marinières''' (found anywhere there's a coast): Mussels steamed in white wine, garlic and shallots, normally served with crusty bread and French fries. This combo, Belgian in origin, is also called ''moules-frites''. There are numerous regional varieties. Add cream and sometimes lardons, then you've got ''moules [[Normandy|normandes]]''. Ditch the wine and cook in cider, and enjoy ''moules [[Brittany|bretonnes]]''. Or throw in tomatoes and ''herbes de Provence'' (savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano) for ''moules à la [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur|provençale]]''. ==Fast food== [[File:Kebab menu France.jpg|thumb|A Kebab shop menu in [[Lyon]]]] Believe it or not fast food exists in France, and is often favoured by young French people on a budget. While you can certainly find examples of the major American chains, especially McDonald's (pronounced ''Mac Do'' informally) or the French chain ''Quick'', the vast majority of fast-food establishments are in the form of the local kebab shop, not unlike those found in England. Almost all the dishes are roughly what you would expect, however a fast food shop is the ''least likely restaurant'' in which you'll find someone conversant in English. {{Anchor|tacos}} * '''Tacos à la française''' - this particular food item demands a bit of explanation. While [[Mexican cuisine]] (or at least the international Tex-Mex variant) has become popular around Europe, it is a rare sight in France. So be aware the "tacos" that you see advertised at kebab shops in France is something else entirely, which in ''almost no way'' resembles Mexican or even Tex-Mex food, with the sole exception of the Durum wrapper, which resembles a large flour tortilla. To this is added kebab meat, fries, and one of a selection of cold mayonnaise-based sauces, and if you insist, some harissa. The whole thing is wrapped tight, like a burrito, and then flattened and seared in a hot panini press. The concoction has become hugely popular in the decade following its invention in the mid-2000s, and has expanded from its native Lyon region to the whole Francophonie, so it's probably incorrect to disparage ''le tacos à la française'' in and of itself. Linguists might be interested to know that ''tacos'' is the singular form. However you need to be aware of it if what you are looking for are real Mexican tacos, which also exist in France, but are not as widely available. Always be sure to check the sign, or ask. ==Vegetarianism== [[Vegetarianism]] is not as uncommon as it used to be, especially in larger cities, and vegetarians have become far better catered for than they used to be before the 2010s. While restaurants with at least one veggie option used to be the exception, they are starting to become the rule. Meanwhile more and more ''cartes'' feature at least one vegan (''végétalien'') item. Nonetheless, France still remains one of the more difficult and least inspiring places to be a vegetarian, and very few restaurants offer vegetarian menus, full vegetarian restaurants are rare (they are often found at place famous for alternative culture). Thus if you ask for something vegetarian, or if you ask for the undetailed "vegetarian option" in the menu, you will certainly have the vegetable side dishes that goes with the main course(s) being put together without any particular refinement (they often come at the same price as with meat). The only things most menus have available are salads. Your life will be made especially challenging if you don't eat cheese, which is absolutely ubiquitous in French cooking and will even often be added in foreign dishes where it shouldn't be (the most appalling and egregious example being supermarket hummus which, for reasons best known to French hummus manufacturers, usually has cottage cheese [''fromage blanc''] added to it). Attitudes towards vegetarianism are also not always very progressive; a temporary Covid-related decision by the local council in the city of Lyon to make school meals entirely pescetarian was met with huge backlash from farmers' unions and the French right in 2021. In Paris, especially within the confines of the ''périphérique'' ring road that separates the centre from its suburbs, you will have no trouble at all. The [[Paris/10th arrondissement|10th arrondissement]] in particular has a large array of speciality vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Outside Paris, the range of vegetarian food available does vary from region to region. Most regional capitals have vegetarian restaurants, but thez most touristic a place is, the less options you will get. In Brittany, '''galettes''' (buckwheat pancakes) are a must - even if you think you don't like them from experience going to your local crêperie, you will once you've had a real one in Brittany which tends to be a much more substantial meal than any galette you've had elsewhere - and your average galette/crepe place will usually have several vegetarian options available. Although they will traditionally contain an egg, most crêperies allow you to select what you'd like to include in your galette. In Alsace, a number of regional specialities can be made vegetarian: the most common ones being '''Flammekueche'''/'''tarte flambée''' (Alsatian-style thin crust pizza) and '''tarte à l'oignon''' (onion tart), but you might also occasionally come across vegetarian '''Spaetzle''' (baked egg pasta) or '''Roesti''' (potato pancakes). In alpine regions. Elsewhere, look out for '''ravioles''' (French-style ravioli, usually baked in a cheese gratin) which are usually (but not always, check with the waiter!) vegetarian, or '''gratin dauphinois''' (baked potatoes in cream sauce). In the South-East, '''ratatouille''' can also be a safe option. Elsewhere however, local vegetarian specialities become more scarce and less interesting. Nonetheless, even in relatively small towns you have a number of options available to you if you're willing to forgo the local cuisine. A safe option is usually the local pizzeria, where you can obviously order a margherita if all else fails, but most pizza places will also offer a peculiarly French set of toppings called ''chèvre-miel'' (honey and goat's cheese pizza). Kebab and tacos shops will very often offer either vegetarian tacos (of the French kind, not of the Tex-Mex kind you may be used to elsewhere!) or some sort of falafel wrap, although they aren't always the cleanest and most salubrious places and you shouldn't feel shy asking them to rinse or change their tongs (''pinces'' in French) before serving you. ==Beverages== France is one of the world's most prominent countries for '''[[wine]]''' (''vin''), and a comprehensive description of French wine would require an entire article in itself. Much '''beer''' is also drunk in France, especially the Flemish-influenced Nord region (eg. Pelforth, from Mons-en-Barœul near [[Lille]]) and German-influenced Alsace (eg. Kronenbourg, from [[Strasbourg]]). Corsican chestnut beer (Pietra) can also be found in a lot of supermarkets around France. However, a lot of beers sold in French supermarkets tend to be very strong Belgian-style beers where the alcohol content is much higher than what Anglophone beer-drinkers are generally used to, usually around 6-8%. While '''cider''' is not a staple alcoholic drink as it is in the UK, it is considered a regional delicacy in Brittany and Normandy and is often served either hot or cold in a bowl alongside crepes or galettes. In supermarkets it is usually sold in corked bottles as wine would be. It does however taste quite different to British ciders - usually you have the choice between ''cidre brut'' (hard cider), which has a somewhat unfamiliar smell and aftertaste, or ''cidre doux'' (sweet cider) which is indeed comparably sweet to apple juice from concentrate. France is also known for '''brandy''', a type of spirit distilled from wine. The French don't have a specific word for brandy, but famous drinks referred to as brandy by English-speakers include '''cognac''' and '''armagnac'''. France is also famed for its production of other distilled spirits such as '''calvados''' from apples and '''poire williams''' from pears, and for its almost limitless varieties of liqueurs. These drinks are collectively known in French as ''eaux-de-vie'', literally "waters of life", but more commonly translated as ''spirits'' or ''liquors''. The most well-known might be '''pastis''', an aniseed-based spirit closely associated with the region around [[Marseille]], or '''Chartreuse''', a very strong herbal liqueur (usually around 60% ABV) from the mountains near [[Grenoble]]. In ski resorts you will commonly find Chartreuse served in hot chocolate to make a cocktail called ''green chaud''. [[Coffee]] (''café'') is drunk at the end of a meal, occasionally with liquor. Excellent hot cocoa is also available, made from dark chocolate, and tea and herbal teas (called tisanes) are also often drunk. Linden (''tilleul''), verbena (''vervain'') and mint (''menthe'') are among the more popular herbal teas. In supermarkets you may also find chicory coffee (''chicorée'') being sold, a result of WW2-era rationing that permanently caught on and is commonly associated with the (post-)industrial Nord region. ==Sweets== France is perhaps best known for the ''nougat'', a type of confectionary made of eggs, sugar, and nuts, similar to Spanish ''turrón'' or Italian ''torrone''. The city of [[Montélimar]] in the southeast of France is a well-known place for this. ==See also== * [[Italian cuisine]] {{usabletopic}} {{PartOfTopic|Food and drink}} dqgvli57843brl7sahfetpt8njeu5tw 0 154369 4487831 4473885 2022-07-21T17:20:13Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Section 4: Gagnon to Fire Lake (101 km) */ move from Baie-Comeau wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|QC 389 - Wikivoyage Pagebanner.jpg}} {{featurenomination|ftt}} '''Quebec Route 389''' is in [[North Shore (Quebec)|eastern]] [[Quebec]],. It runs north from [[Baie-Comeau]] to [[Caniapiscau|Fermont]], Quebec, continuing as the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] through [[Labrador City]]. ==Understand== [[File:Qc389.svg|thumb|200px|The highway's route marker]] Route 389 (R-389) is a challenging road to drive. The road alternates between sections of asphalt and gravel. In places it is narrow and twisty. There are few services. You often have to share the road with lumber trucks that can go really fast when they are heading north empty. The longest secondary road in Quebec, it passes the Manicouagan Reservoir and large hydro-electric dams along its way to some very remote mining communities. It begins at Route 138 in [[Baie-Comeau]], which is connected to the rest of the Canadian highway network through Quebec City. It travels {{km|567}} north to [[Caniapiscau|Fermont]], and then another {{km|28}} to the border between Quebec and Labrador, where it becomes the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] (#500). The Trans-Labrador continues through [[Labrador City]], [[Goose Bay]] and Forteau, returning to Québec 1125 km later at [[Forteau|Blanc-Sablon]], the easternmost point in the province. It is a very challenging and demanding drive, even for an experienced driver, and even when weather is good and roads are dry. Close attention is constantly required, and in places the scenery is distractingly beautiful. Including stops for fuel, a brief stop at MANIC-5, and supper at La Pourvoirie Relais Gabriel, it will take 9 hours in good conditions. ==Prepare== The road is unpaved in parts, and there are few gas stations en route. Make sure that your vehicle is in good working order, and that you have a spare tire and the necessary tools. Gravel highways can be hard on vehicles and tires. There's no mobile telephone signal on most of the route (a [[satellite telephone]] may work) and roadside assistance is expensive in such a remote location if it can be had at all. Bring food and water: the water you will find along the way may not be potable. Be sure to keep your gas tank filled. Motorists continuing to the Trans-Labrador (where there's a 410-km gap between stations at one point) often carry a spare can of fuel. Prepare yourself with music or other media to keep you focussed for the long hours of isolation along this route. If you're travelling in winter, check the [http://www.quebec511.info/en/Diffusion/EtatReseau/Route.aspx?id=389 road condition updates] provided by the Quebec Ministry of Transportation. Make sure that you have winter tires on your vehicle (not so-called all-season/all-year tires: it is illegal to drive a Quebec-plated car in Quebec in the winter if it does not have winter tires), and have a winter emergency kit with you. ==Get in== The starting point, [[Baie-Comeau]], is 420 km from [[Quebec City]] on Autoroutes 440-E and Route 138. There are flights to Baie-Comeau Airport from Montreal and Quebec City. Hire car firms may refuse to allow their vehicles on gravel highways. ==Go== {{Mapframe|zoom=6|height=|width=|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=Quebec Route 389}} === Section 1: Baie-Comeau to Manic 5 (213 km)=== [[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|Route 389 between Baie-Comeau and Manic 5]] '''Paved road, but narrow and twisted.''' Approximate driving time of '''2&nbsp;hr&nbsp;30&nbsp;min'''; speed limits of 70-90&nbsp;km/h. The route begins in {{marker|type=city|name=[[Baie-Comeau]]|lat=49.216|long=-68.15|wikidata=Q139654}}. * This road serves a string of massive hydroelectric generating stations (Manic 2, Manic 3, Manic 5) operated by Hydro-Québec. "Manic" is an abbreviation of "Manicouagan", not a reference to the level of activity.<!-- It's bipolar electricity... it's manic for half the cycle, then it goes extremely negative? --> Hydro-Québec is owned by the provincial government. From June 24-Aug 31, Manic 2 and 5 offer a few free scheduled public tours daily (''en français'', tours in English may be requested in advance for groups of 10 or more). Allow 1½ to 2 hours. Reservations required. * There are a lot of logging trucks along this stretch. Travelling north empty, they can and do go really fast. For your safety, you should pull over where you can to let them pass. * As of Sep 2020, the road was in good shape. It is twisty and with a lot of climbs and descents. Long sections are easily driveable at 110 km/h. There are many corners posted at 65 - 70 km/h, but those warnings seem to be randomly distributed. They are usually OK at warning speed + 10 km/h. * If the warning is '''25 km/h''', usually accompanied by red directional arrows, '''brake and obey'''. Those corners are tight. ''Public or emergency phones'': at km 23, 52, 95, 165 and 203 ====km 21 - Manic-2==== {{marker|type=listing|name=Manic-2|lat=49.322|long=-68.347|wikidata=Q1328614}} * {{see | name=Jean-Lesage Dam and Manic 2 Generating Station | alt= | url=http://www.hydroquebec.com/visit/cote_nord/jean-lesage.html | email= | address= | lat=49.321667 | long=-68.346667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-526-2642 | hours=June 24–August 31: Daily tours in French: 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30. Reservations required | price= | wikipedia=Jean-Lesage generating station | wikidata=Q1328614 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=1.5-hour tour of the hydro-electric plant. Jean Lesage was premier of Quebec from 1960-1966. }} * {{eat | name=Le repos du passant | alt= | url=http://www.quebecvacances.com/le-repos-du-passant | email= | address=Route 389 km 23 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-3951 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Motel. Restaurant open M-F 09:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-17:00. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Manic-2 | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/manicouagan/camping-manic-2/ | email= | address=Route 389 km 23 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-2810 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418-294-6180 | checkin= | checkout= | price=$26-40/night | content=Seasonal camping, June-Sep. }} ====km 94 - Manic-3==== {{marker|type=listing|name=Manic-3|lat=49.74|long=-68.592|wikidata=Q1302322}}: There is a '''gas station, motel, restaurant''' (open 05:00-20:00), '''convenience store, and camping''' at Relais Manic-Outardes. * {{sleep | name=Relais Manic-Outardes | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RELAISMANICOUTARDES/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-2294 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=Restaurant, convenience store, beer, fuel station, rooms, trailers and caravan park with RV hookups. }} ====km 211 - Manic-5==== {{marker|type=listing|name=Manic-5|lat=50.647|long=-68.724|wikidata=Q27975180}}: There is a '''gas station, motel, restaurant''' (open 04:30-20:00), and '''convenience store''' at Motel de l'Énergie. The fuel station is the last for 104 km. * {{see | name=Daniel-Johnson Dam and Manic 5 Generating Station| alt= | url=http://www.hydroquebec.com/visit/cote_nord/manic-5.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-LA-MANIC | fax= | hours=June 24–August 31: Daily tours in French: 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30. Reservations required | price= | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=Two-hour tour of the hydro-electric plant. Daniel Johnson Sr. was premier of Quebec from 1966-68. }} * {{sleep | name= Motel de l'Énergie| alt= | url=http://www.motelenergie.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-584-2301 | tollfree= +1-800-760-2301 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Motel rooms with private bath: $94 single, $106 double. Youth hostel with shared bath: $40 single, $60 double. | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=80-seat restaurant (04:30-20:00) with four daily specials and wine list, or order à la carte. Wi-fi, satellite TV in motel. Refrigerators in 24 of the 48 motel rooms (at higher cost: $119/single, $129/double). Souvenir store with hats, sweaters, clothing, coffee mugs and placemats. Various packages add a full day of guided hiking or kayak for $70/person. Fuel is much more expensive than in Baie-Comeau. }} === Section 2: Manic-5 to Relais Gabriel (104 km)=== [[File:Route 389 Manic 5 - Relais Gabriel.jpg|thumb|Route 389 between Manic 5 and Relais Gabriel]] '''Gravel road in poor condition, narrow and twisted.''' Approximate driving time of '''1&nbsp;hr&nbsp;30&nbsp;min'''; speed limit: 70&nbsp;km/h. In Sep 2020, it was hard-packed, well-graded gravel in very good condition. Depending on your vehicle, you can push the speed to 85-90 km/h with constant vigilance. The washboard surface will start pickup trucks dancing towards the ditch. There is a '''restaurant''', '''motel, convenience store''' (05:00-21:00) and '''gas station''' (24 hr) at La pourvoirie Relais Gabriel. * {{listing | name=La pourvoirie Relais Gabriel | alt= | url=http://pourvoirierelaisgabriel.com/en/home | email=g-morneau@hotmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-948-1304| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$65/person, no meals, $105/person with three meals | facebook=https://fr-ca.facebook.com/PourvoirieRelaisGabriel | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=Fishing supplies and services, boat rentals available. Seven-room lodge (two beds per room, with a TV); shared bath. Chalets, unserviced campsite, mobile homes for workers. }} * Great little restaurant, rough and bare-bones, but congenial and cheerful. Good food. ''Public or emergency phones'': at km 272 === Section 3: Relais-Gabriel to Gagnon (77 km)=== '''Paved road in good condition''', easy to drive up to 110 km/h. Approximate driving time of '''1&nbsp;hr'''; speed limit: 90&nbsp;km/h. *There is no gas station until Fermont. *At km 391, make a left turn and drive 2 km to the [[ghost town]] of {{marker|type=listing|name=Gagnon|lat=51.871|long=-68.111|wikidata=Q3094346}}. It was closed and largely dismantled in 1985 by the mining company that owned it. There are no services here. === Section 4: Gagnon to Fire Lake (101 km)=== '''Paved road. Poor condition.''' Approximate driving time of '''1&nbsp;hr&nbsp;15&nbsp;min'''; speed limit: 90&nbsp;km/h. * The road is tricky: long smooth stretches will suddenly turn to washboard. * There are some horrible swoops and bounces. * The iron ore mine was closed in 1984, as was the hamlet of Fire Lake a year later. Everything has been dismantled except for two massive silos. ArcelorMittal continues to mine the seam further north at Mount Wright. * {{listing=sleep | name=Station Uapishka | alt= | url=http://stationuapishka.com/| email=info@uapishka.com | address=km 336, route 389 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-8514 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lat=51.464 | long=-68.236 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Accommodation in camps, chalets or dormitories and catering near the Groulx Mountains and the Manicouagan crater. Scientific facilities for research and studies of the northern environment. Organized outdoor activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the crater, hiking and expedition in the Groulx Mountains, abseiling, archery, snowmobiling and zodiac excursion. Vast wilderness to explore. }} === Section 5: Fire Lake to Mount Wright (52 km) === '''Gravel road, very poor condition, very narrow and twisted.''' Approximate driving time of '''1&nbsp;hr'''; speed limit: 70&nbsp;km/h. * There is no gas station until Fermont. * The road crosses the railway nine times in this section. This is an active railway, and there are no crossing signals - you are responsible for ensuring that you can cross safely. Slow to a crawl and carefully assess each crossing. They are all rough: pick the best way for your vehicle. * In Sep 2020, the condition could be described as '''appalling and abysmal'''. Speed will be 20-30 km/h. Trucks move very slowly and cautiously. === Section 6: Mount Wright to Fermont (17 km) === [[File:Route 389 Mont Wright - Fermont.jpg|thumb|Route 389 between Mount Wright and Fermont]] '''Paved road in good condition.''' Approximate driving time of '''10&nbsp;min'''; speed limit: 90&nbsp;km/h. * There is no fuel station until {{marker|type=city|name=[[Fermont]]|lat=52.783|long=-67.083|wikidata=Q141605}} (population 2874), a small community established near the Labrador border to house workers for the Mont Wright Mine. *See the [[Caniapiscau|Fermont]] article for listings of accommodation, and restaurants. Fermont has a Métro grocery store. === Section 7: Fermont to Labrador City (18 km)=== [[File:Route 389 Frontiere.jpg|thumb|Route 389 on the border between Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador]] '''Paved road, in good condition.''' Approximate driving time of '''20&nbsp;min'''; speed limit: 90&nbsp;km/h. *There are no gas stations between Fermont and Labrador City. ====km 575/km 5==== *'''Duley Lake Family Park''' - inexpensive camping sites near Long Lake or along Walsh River with washrooms, showers, dumping station, but few other services. Its 79 sites can fill up with seasonal residents. {{Phone|+1 709-282-3660}}. ====km 585/km 15==== You've made it to {{marker|type=city|name=[[Labrador City]]|lat=52.95|long=-66.917|wikidata=Q767147}}! Now it's only 540 km along the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] until you reach the big city delights of [[Happy Valley-Goose Bay]]! ==Stay safe== The northbound route is used by logging trucks returning empty. They can and do travel very fast. For your safety, pull to the side where it is safe to do so, to let them pass. If you're travelling in winter, check the [http://www.quebec511.info/en/Diffusion/EtatReseau/Route.aspx?id=389 road condition updates] provided by the Quebec Ministry of Transportation. Make sure that you have winter tires on your vehicle (not so-called all-season tires), and have a winter emergency kit with you. [[Mobile telephones]] will only work close to Baie-Comeau and Fermont; elsewhere, there is no signal. ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Télécommunications de l’Est | alt=TdE | url= | email= | address=Centre Manicouagan, 600 Laflèche Blvd., Baie-Comeau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 418-295-1294| tollfree= +1-877-295-1294| fax= | hours=M-W 09:30-17:30; Th F 09:30-21:00; Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-05-19 | content=Offers satellite services through Iridium (telephone and text messaging), and Globalstar (telephone, text, Internet access) and sells their handsets. }} ==Go next== * [[Labrador City]] and the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] {{geo|51.1|-67.8|zoom=7}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|North America itineraries}} <maplink text="" latitude="51.4788353" longitude="-69.4323935" zoom="5" group="route1" class="no-icon"> { "type": "FeatureCollection", "features": [ { "type": "Feature", "properties": {}, "geometry": { "type": "LineString", "coordinates": 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1423298 /* Section 4: Gagnon to Fire Lake (101 km) */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|QC 389 - Wikivoyage Pagebanner.jpg}} {{featurenomination|ftt}} '''Quebec Route 389''' is in [[North Shore (Quebec)|eastern]] [[Quebec]],. It runs north from [[Baie-Comeau]] to [[Caniapiscau|Fermont]], Quebec, continuing as the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] through [[Labrador City]]. ==Understand== [[File:Qc389.svg|thumb|200px|The highway's route marker]] Route 389 (R-389) is a challenging road to drive. The road alternates between sections of asphalt and gravel. In places it is narrow and twisty. There are few services. You often have to share the road with lumber trucks that can go really fast when they are heading north empty. The longest secondary road in Quebec, it passes the Manicouagan Reservoir and large hydro-electric dams along its way to some very remote mining communities. It begins at Route 138 in [[Baie-Comeau]], which is connected to the rest of the Canadian highway network through Quebec City. It travels {{km|567}} north to [[Caniapiscau|Fermont]], and then another {{km|28}} to the border between Quebec and Labrador, where it becomes the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] (#500). The Trans-Labrador continues through [[Labrador City]], [[Goose Bay]] and Forteau, returning to Québec 1125 km later at [[Forteau|Blanc-Sablon]], the easternmost point in the province. It is a very challenging and demanding drive, even for an experienced driver, and even when weather is good and roads are dry. Close attention is constantly required, and in places the scenery is distractingly beautiful. Including stops for fuel, a brief stop at MANIC-5, and supper at La Pourvoirie Relais Gabriel, it will take 9 hours in good conditions. ==Prepare== The road is unpaved in parts, and there are few gas stations en route. Make sure that your vehicle is in good working order, and that you have a spare tire and the necessary tools. Gravel highways can be hard on vehicles and tires. There's no mobile telephone signal on most of the route (a [[satellite telephone]] may work) and roadside assistance is expensive in such a remote location if it can be had at all. Bring food and water: the water you will find along the way may not be potable. Be sure to keep your gas tank filled. Motorists continuing to the Trans-Labrador (where there's a 410-km gap between stations at one point) often carry a spare can of fuel. Prepare yourself with music or other media to keep you focussed for the long hours of isolation along this route. If you're travelling in winter, check the [http://www.quebec511.info/en/Diffusion/EtatReseau/Route.aspx?id=389 road condition updates] provided by the Quebec Ministry of Transportation. Make sure that you have winter tires on your vehicle (not so-called all-season/all-year tires: it is illegal to drive a Quebec-plated car in Quebec in the winter if it does not have winter tires), and have a winter emergency kit with you. ==Get in== The starting point, [[Baie-Comeau]], is 420 km from [[Quebec City]] on Autoroutes 440-E and Route 138. There are flights to Baie-Comeau Airport from Montreal and Quebec City. Hire car firms may refuse to allow their vehicles on gravel highways. ==Go== {{Mapframe|zoom=6|height=|width=|layer=|staticmap=|align=|name=Quebec Route 389}} === Section 1: Baie-Comeau to Manic 5 (213 km)=== [[File:Route 389 Baie-Comeau - Manic 5.jpg|thumb|Route 389 between Baie-Comeau and Manic 5]] '''Paved road, but narrow and twisted.''' Approximate driving time of '''2&nbsp;hr&nbsp;30&nbsp;min'''; speed limits of 70-90&nbsp;km/h. The route begins in {{marker|type=city|name=[[Baie-Comeau]]|lat=49.216|long=-68.15|wikidata=Q139654}}. * This road serves a string of massive hydroelectric generating stations (Manic 2, Manic 3, Manic 5) operated by Hydro-Québec. "Manic" is an abbreviation of "Manicouagan", not a reference to the level of activity.<!-- It's bipolar electricity... it's manic for half the cycle, then it goes extremely negative? --> Hydro-Québec is owned by the provincial government. From June 24-Aug 31, Manic 2 and 5 offer a few free scheduled public tours daily (''en français'', tours in English may be requested in advance for groups of 10 or more). Allow 1½ to 2 hours. Reservations required. * There are a lot of logging trucks along this stretch. Travelling north empty, they can and do go really fast. For your safety, you should pull over where you can to let them pass. * As of Sep 2020, the road was in good shape. It is twisty and with a lot of climbs and descents. Long sections are easily driveable at 110 km/h. There are many corners posted at 65 - 70 km/h, but those warnings seem to be randomly distributed. They are usually OK at warning speed + 10 km/h. * If the warning is '''25 km/h''', usually accompanied by red directional arrows, '''brake and obey'''. Those corners are tight. ''Public or emergency phones'': at km 23, 52, 95, 165 and 203 ====km 21 - Manic-2==== {{marker|type=listing|name=Manic-2|lat=49.322|long=-68.347|wikidata=Q1328614}} * {{see | name=Jean-Lesage Dam and Manic 2 Generating Station | alt= | url=http://www.hydroquebec.com/visit/cote_nord/jean-lesage.html | email= | address= | lat=49.321667 | long=-68.346667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-526-2642 | hours=June 24–August 31: Daily tours in French: 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30. Reservations required | price= | wikipedia=Jean-Lesage generating station | wikidata=Q1328614 | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=1.5-hour tour of the hydro-electric plant. Jean Lesage was premier of Quebec from 1960-1966. }} * {{eat | name=Le repos du passant | alt= | url=http://www.quebecvacances.com/le-repos-du-passant | email= | address=Route 389 km 23 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-3951 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Motel. Restaurant open M-F 09:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-17:00. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Manic-2 | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/manicouagan/camping-manic-2/ | email= | address=Route 389 km 23 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-2810 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418-294-6180 | checkin= | checkout= | price=$26-40/night | content=Seasonal camping, June-Sep. }} ====km 94 - Manic-3==== {{marker|type=listing|name=Manic-3|lat=49.74|long=-68.592|wikidata=Q1302322}}: There is a '''gas station, motel, restaurant''' (open 05:00-20:00), '''convenience store, and camping''' at Relais Manic-Outardes. * {{sleep | name=Relais Manic-Outardes | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RELAISMANICOUTARDES/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-294-2294 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=Restaurant, convenience store, beer, fuel station, rooms, trailers and caravan park with RV hookups. }} ====km 211 - Manic-5==== {{marker|type=listing|name=Manic-5|lat=50.647|long=-68.724|wikidata=Q27975180}}: There is a '''gas station, motel, restaurant''' (open 04:30-20:00), and '''convenience store''' at Motel de l'Énergie. The fuel station is the last for 104 km. * {{see | name=Daniel-Johnson Dam and Manic 5 Generating Station| alt= | url=http://www.hydroquebec.com/visit/cote_nord/manic-5.html | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-866-LA-MANIC | fax= | hours=June 24–August 31: Daily tours in French: 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30. Reservations required | price= | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=Two-hour tour of the hydro-electric plant. Daniel Johnson Sr. was premier of Quebec from 1966-68. }} * {{sleep | name= Motel de l'Énergie| alt= | url=http://www.motelenergie.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-584-2301 | tollfree= +1-800-760-2301 | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Motel rooms with private bath: $94 single, $106 double. Youth hostel with shared bath: $40 single, $60 double. | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=80-seat restaurant (04:30-20:00) with four daily specials and wine list, or order à la carte. Wi-fi, satellite TV in motel. Refrigerators in 24 of the 48 motel rooms (at higher cost: $119/single, $129/double). Souvenir store with hats, sweaters, clothing, coffee mugs and placemats. Various packages add a full day of guided hiking or kayak for $70/person. Fuel is much more expensive than in Baie-Comeau. }} === Section 2: Manic-5 to Relais Gabriel (104 km)=== [[File:Route 389 Manic 5 - Relais Gabriel.jpg|thumb|Route 389 between Manic 5 and Relais Gabriel]] '''Gravel road in poor condition, narrow and twisted.''' Approximate driving time of '''1&nbsp;hr&nbsp;30&nbsp;min'''; speed limit: 70&nbsp;km/h. In Sep 2020, it was hard-packed, well-graded gravel in very good condition. Depending on your vehicle, you can push the speed to 85-90 km/h with constant vigilance. The washboard surface will start pickup trucks dancing towards the ditch. There is a '''restaurant''', '''motel, convenience store''' (05:00-21:00) and '''gas station''' (24 hr) at La pourvoirie Relais Gabriel. * {{listing | name=La pourvoirie Relais Gabriel | alt= | url=http://pourvoirierelaisgabriel.com/en/home | email=g-morneau@hotmail.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-948-1304| tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=$65/person, no meals, $105/person with three meals | facebook=https://fr-ca.facebook.com/PourvoirieRelaisGabriel | lastedit=2017-02-01 | content=Fishing supplies and services, boat rentals available. Seven-room lodge (two beds per room, with a TV); shared bath. Chalets, unserviced campsite, mobile homes for workers. }} * Great little restaurant, rough and bare-bones, but congenial and cheerful. Good food. ''Public or emergency phones'': at km 272 === Section 3: Relais-Gabriel to Gagnon (77 km)=== '''Paved road in good condition''', easy to drive up to 110 km/h. Approximate driving time of '''1&nbsp;hr'''; speed limit: 90&nbsp;km/h. *There is no gas station until Fermont. *At km 391, make a left turn and drive 2 km to the [[ghost town]] of {{marker|type=listing|name=Gagnon|lat=51.871|long=-68.111|wikidata=Q3094346}}. It was closed and largely dismantled in 1985 by the mining company that owned it. There are no services here. === Section 4: Gagnon to Fire Lake (101 km)=== '''Paved road. Poor condition.''' Approximate driving time of '''1&nbsp;hr&nbsp;15&nbsp;min'''; speed limit: 90&nbsp;km/h. * The road is tricky: long smooth stretches will suddenly turn to washboard. * There are some horrible swoops and bounces. * The iron ore mine was closed in 1984, as was the hamlet of Fire Lake a year later. Everything has been dismantled except for two massive silos. ArcelorMittal continues to mine the seam further north at Mount Wright. * {{sleep | name=Station Uapishka | alt= | url=http://stationuapishka.com/| email=info@uapishka.com | address=km 336, route 389 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-8514 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lat=51.464 | long=-68.236 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Accommodation in camps, chalets or dormitories and catering near the Groulx Mountains and the Manicouagan crater. Scientific facilities for research and studies of the northern environment. Organized outdoor activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the crater, hiking and expedition in the Groulx Mountains, abseiling, archery, snowmobiling and zodiac excursion. Vast wilderness to explore. }} === Section 5: Fire Lake to Mount Wright (52 km) === '''Gravel road, very poor condition, very narrow and twisted.''' Approximate driving time of '''1&nbsp;hr'''; speed limit: 70&nbsp;km/h. * There is no gas station until Fermont. * The road crosses the railway nine times in this section. This is an active railway, and there are no crossing signals - you are responsible for ensuring that you can cross safely. Slow to a crawl and carefully assess each crossing. They are all rough: pick the best way for your vehicle. * In Sep 2020, the condition could be described as '''appalling and abysmal'''. Speed will be 20-30 km/h. Trucks move very slowly and cautiously. === Section 6: Mount Wright to Fermont (17 km) === [[File:Route 389 Mont Wright - Fermont.jpg|thumb|Route 389 between Mount Wright and Fermont]] '''Paved road in good condition.''' Approximate driving time of '''10&nbsp;min'''; speed limit: 90&nbsp;km/h. * There is no fuel station until {{marker|type=city|name=[[Fermont]]|lat=52.783|long=-67.083|wikidata=Q141605}} (population 2874), a small community established near the Labrador border to house workers for the Mont Wright Mine. *See the [[Caniapiscau|Fermont]] article for listings of accommodation, and restaurants. Fermont has a Métro grocery store. === Section 7: Fermont to Labrador City (18 km)=== [[File:Route 389 Frontiere.jpg|thumb|Route 389 on the border between Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador]] '''Paved road, in good condition.''' Approximate driving time of '''20&nbsp;min'''; speed limit: 90&nbsp;km/h. *There are no gas stations between Fermont and Labrador City. ====km 575/km 5==== *'''Duley Lake Family Park''' - inexpensive camping sites near Long Lake or along Walsh River with washrooms, showers, dumping station, but few other services. Its 79 sites can fill up with seasonal residents. {{Phone|+1 709-282-3660}}. ====km 585/km 15==== You've made it to {{marker|type=city|name=[[Labrador City]]|lat=52.95|long=-66.917|wikidata=Q767147}}! Now it's only 540 km along the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] until you reach the big city delights of [[Happy Valley-Goose Bay]]! ==Stay safe== The northbound route is used by logging trucks returning empty. They can and do travel very fast. For your safety, pull to the side where it is safe to do so, to let them pass. If you're travelling in winter, check the [http://www.quebec511.info/en/Diffusion/EtatReseau/Route.aspx?id=389 road condition updates] provided by the Quebec Ministry of Transportation. Make sure that you have winter tires on your vehicle (not so-called all-season tires), and have a winter emergency kit with you. [[Mobile telephones]] will only work close to Baie-Comeau and Fermont; elsewhere, there is no signal. ==Connect== * {{listing | name=Télécommunications de l’Est | alt=TdE | url= | email= | address=Centre Manicouagan, 600 Laflèche Blvd., Baie-Comeau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +1 418-295-1294| tollfree= +1-877-295-1294| fax= | hours=M-W 09:30-17:30; Th F 09:30-21:00; Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00 | price= | lastedit=2017-05-19 | content=Offers satellite services through Iridium (telephone and text messaging), and Globalstar (telephone, text, Internet access) and sells their handsets. }} ==Go next== * [[Labrador City]] and the [[Trans-Labrador Highway]] {{geo|51.1|-67.8|zoom=7}} {{guideitinerary}} {{PartOfItinerary|North America itineraries}} <maplink text="" latitude="51.4788353" longitude="-69.4323935" zoom="5" group="route1" class="no-icon"> { "type": "FeatureCollection", "features": [ { "type": "Feature", "properties": {}, "geometry": { "type": "LineString", "coordinates": 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Ikan Kekek 36420 Fixed link wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Kutztown_Banner.jpg|pgname=Kutztown}} [[File:Kutztownpamainstreetfromwhiteoak.jpg|thumb|right|Main Street in Kutztown]] '''Kutztown''' is a small town the northeastern part of [[Berks County]], in [[Pennsylvania Dutch Country]] between [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]] and [[Allentown]]. It is home to about 5,100 year-round residents (2018), and to the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, a public university whose 8,300 students make the town a busy place from late August to early May. In the summer months and during school breaks, the town is much quieter and dominated by locals. ==Understand== Kutztown is 17 miles northeast of Reading and 18 miles southwest of Allentown in the agricultural East Penn Valley. Kutztown was largely settled by German immigrants. Today, over 90% of its residents have German heritage, including 160 Old Order Mennonite families. The Old Order Mennonites in the area use the horse and buggy as transportation. ==Get in== [[Image:Kutztownpawelcomesignonmain.jpg|thumb|right|"Welcome to Kutztown" sign on East Main Street]] ===By car=== Kutztown is on U.S. Route 222, which heads to Reading to the southwest and Allentown to the northeast. Pennsylvania Route 737 heads north from Kutztown to Exit 40 of Interstate 78/U.S. Route 22 in Krumsville. I-78 connects to Harrisburg to the west and Allentown to the east. From [[Philadelphia]], Kutztown can be reached by following I-76 west to I-476 north onto the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Motorists should exit at Lehigh Valley (Exit 56) and follow US 22 west to I-78, exiting at Exit 40 and following PA 737 south into Kutztown. Kutztown is about 1 hour and 25 minutes from Philadelphia. From [[New York City]], follow I-78 west into Pennsylvania and get off at Exit 54A, following US 222 south to Kutztown. Kutztown is about 1 hour and 50 minutes from New York City. From the [[Baltimore]]/[[Washington D.C.]] area, follow I-83 north into Pennsylvania and get off at Exit 21A onto US 30 east. Follow US 30 east to Lancaster to the exit for US 222 north. Follow US 222 northeast through Reading to Kutztown. Kutztown is about 2 hours 15 minutes from Baltimore and about 3 hours from Washington D.C. ===By plane=== The closest airport with commercial air service to Kutztown is the [[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]] ({{IATA|ABE}}) in [[Allentown]], which is about 30 minutes away by car. A larger selection of air service is available at the [[Philadelphia International Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) in Philadelphia, which is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away by car, and the [[Newark Liberty International Airport]] ({{IATA|EWR}}) in Newark, New Jersey near New York City, which is about 1 hour and 40 minutes away by car. Rental car service is offered at all three of these airports. ===By train=== There is no train station close to Kutztown. Rail travelers along Amtrak can use 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, which serves a variety of routes along the Northeast Corridor along with some long-distance routes. From here, travelers can either rent a car or take an Uber. ===By bus=== Bus riders from New York City can take Klein Transportation's run into Kutztown. This service also stops in the Lehigh Valley and Reading. Clydesdale Lines occasionally operates service to and from Philadelphia and other locations. However, their service is often unreliable and customers have expressed complaints on Google Maps and the Better Business Bureau website. ==Get around== {{mapframe|zoom=13}} {{mapshape}} The best way to get around the Kutztown area is by car. Many sites within town are within walking distance of each other; parking is available on-street along Main Street and in parking lots located a short distance off Main Street. Many side streets have permit parking that is reserved for residents, so make sure not to park in these spots. A car is needed to access the sites that are outside the central area of town. There is no scheduled public transportation serving Kutztown. Kutztown University operates a shuttle service serving the campus and the downtown area, but it is only accessible to university students. ==See== [[File:Crystalcaveformations01.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Crystal Cave]] * {{see | name=Crystal Cave | alt= | url=http://www.crystalcavepa.com/ | email= | address=963 Crystal Cave Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-6765 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mar 1-Nov 30: 9AM-5PM daily. Extended summer hours | price=$14.50 adult, $10.50 children 4-11, Free for children under 4 | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=Crystal Cave is an underground cave that was discovered in 1871. Tours of the cave are available, showcasing various rock formations. There are "ghost" lantern tours that are offered around Halloween. Other activities available include gemstone panning, miniature golf, and a museum. Crystal Cave also has a gift shop, picnic area, ice cream shop, and a restaurant. }} * {{see | name=Kutztown Area Historical Society | alt= | url=http://www.kutztownhistory.org/ {{dead link|August 2018}} | email= | address=Normal Ave and Whiteoak St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-7697 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tours by appointment | price= | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=Located in a former Victorian schoolhouse that was built in 1892, the historical society is home to many artifacts pertaining to the history of Kutztown, including a 1799 newspaper with a story about the death of George Washington, Keith Haring drawings, a Pennsylvania long rifle manufactured by gunsmith Jacob George dating to 1817, and several antique items including toys, books, quilts, farm equipment, and fire equipment. There is also a replica of a school room from the 1930s. }} * {{see | name=Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center | alt= | url=https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/pennsylvania-german-cultural-heritage-center.htm | email= | address=22 Luckenbill Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-1589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-F 10AM-noon, 1-4PM, by appointment only | price= | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=Located on the grounds of Kutztown University in the 19th-century Sharadin farmstead, the heritage center serves as an outdoor museum and research center for the Pennsylvania Dutch folk culture, language, and traditions. The center features a one-room schoolhouse, stone farmhouse, barn, and two log houses. The heritage center's library allows for genological and cultural research and also offers folklife demonstrations and tradtional art. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Allentown & Auburn Railroad | alt= | url=http://allentownandauburnrr.com/ | email= | address=232-298 Railroad St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 570-778-7531 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=Railroad that offers excursions on 4 miles of track between Kutztown and Topton, passing through farmland. Excursions are diesel-powered and operate with a passenger car, multiple cabooses, and an open-air flatcar. Trains run on a seasonal basis and for special events. Some of the occasions that the railroad operates trains for include a Valentine's Day train, an Easter Bunny train, Halloween trick-or-treating, a Santa Claus train, and wine tasting trains. The railroad occasionally operates steam-powered excursions. }} * {{do | name=Kutztown Folk Festival | alt= | url=http://www.kutztownfestival.com/ | email= | address=225 N Whiteoak St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-1537 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=The Kutztown Folk Festival is a nine-day festival held in July that celebrates Pennsylvania German folklife. It is the oldest folklife festival in the United States. The festival offers Pennsylvania Dutch food, a quilt auction, antiques, collectibles, and working hand crafters and folk artists. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Renninger’s Antique & Farmer’s Market | alt= | url=http://renningers.net/index.php/main-locations/kutztown/kutztown-home | email= | address=740 Noble St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-6848 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Farmers Market: F 10AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-4PM, Antique Market: Sa 8AM-4PM, Flea Market: Sa 7:30AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=Renninger's consists of a farmers market, an antique market, and a flea market and has been around since 1955. Local merchants and farmers sell a variety of produce, meat, dairy products and other food. The market offers a variety of products including antiques, collectibles, flowers, and furniture. }} ==Eat== * {{listing | type=eat | name=Airport Diner | alt= | url= | email= | address=15110 Kutztown Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-5450 | tollfree= | hours=6AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2019-10-07 | content=Diner serving breakfast all day. Popular among locals and college students. }} * {{eat | name=Camillo's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria | alt= | url=http://www.camillosrestaurant.com/ | email= | address=264 Greenwich St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-5637 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-W 11AM-1AM, Th 11AM-2AM, F Sa 11AM-2:30AM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-25 | content=Italian restaurant serving pizza, calzones, strombolis, appetizers, salad, soup, seafood, chicken, pasta, sandwiches, cheesesteaks, burgers, and dessert. Also has a bar. Specials Monday-Thursday and Happy Hour Specials Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. }} * {{eat | name=Kutztown Tavern | alt= | url=http://www.kutztowntavern.com/ | email= | address=272 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-9600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th Su 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-22 | content=Restaurant and bar offering appetizers, wings, salad, soup, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, paninis, pizza, dessert, and other items. The Kutztown Tavern is home to the Golden Avalanche Brewing Company, where Golden Avalanche beer is brewed on premises. This beer follows German brewing tradition and American innovation with five signature brews and seven additional seasonal brews. }} * {{eat | name=Mamma's Delight Pizza & Restaurant | alt= | url=http://www.mammasdelight.com/ | email= | address=300 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-9120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Su-W 11AM-12:30AM, Th-Sa 11AM-3AM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-25 | content=Italian restaurant that offers pizza, calzones, stromboli, sandwiches, cheesesteaks, burgers, chicken, wings, soup, salad, and dessert. Has daily specials, lunch specials, and student specials. Delivery available. }} * {{eat | name=Mark's Sandwich Shop | alt= | url=http://www.markskutztown.com | email= | address=123 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-3626 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM-10PM daily | price= | lastedit=2017-02-25 | content=Sandwiches, cheesesteaks, burgers, hot dogs, and pizza. Delivery available. }} * {{eat | name=New China King | alt= | url= | email= | address=168 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-9224 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=noon-11PM daily | price= | lastedit=2017-02-25 | content=Chinese dishes. }} * {{eat | name=Pretzel Revolution | url=http://pretzelrevolution.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Pretzel place that features the "stuffed pretzel", which consists of various food such as cheesesteak, buffalo chicken, and pizza stuffed into the pretzel dough. Offers student specials and party trays. Has a location in downtown Kutztown on Main Street and a location at Renninger's Farmer's Market }} :* {{eat | name= | url= | email= | address=269 W Main St| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 484-575-8363 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Tu W 4PM-10PM, Th F 4PM-3AM, Sa 11AM-3AM | price= | content= }} :* {{eat | name= | url= | email= | address=740 Noble St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=F 10AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-4PM| price= | content= }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=K'town Pub | alt= | url=http://ktownpub.com/ | email= | address=257 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-9275 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=4PM-2AM daily | price= | lastedit=2017-02-22 | content=Bar serving 20 drafts and over 100 craft beers, with a variety of beer from local breweries. Has outdoor patio seating. Also serves southern style BBQ cooked from scratch on a wood-fired smoker. Karaoke on Wednesday nights, DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. }} * {{drink | name=Shorty's Bar | alt= | url=http://www.kutztowntavern.com/shortys | email= | address=272 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-9600 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th Sa 9PM-2AM, F 5PM-2AM, closed in summer | price= | lastedit=2017-02-22 | content=Located beneath the Kutztown Tavern in the alley behind Main Street, this bar/nightclub offers drinks, a bar menu, music with live DJs, pool tables, a jukebox, Megatouch and arcade games, and seven TVs. Bar features various drink specials throughout the week and drinks are relatively inexpensive. Free bingo on Tuesday, beer pong league on Wednesday, Happy Hour specials at 5PM on Friday. Shorty's Bar is a popular place among the college crowd on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and often gets packed after 11PM. }} * {{drink | name=Uptown Espresso Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=466 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-4601 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=M-Th 8AM-7PM, F 8AM-5PM, Sa 8AM-4PM | price= | lastedit=2017-02-25 | content=Espresso, coffee, tea, soup, salad, sandwiches, and bagels. }} ==Sleep== There are a few lodging options in the Kutztown area. Additional hotels can be found in [[Allentown]], [[Fogelsville]], and [[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]], all of which are within a 30 minute drive. * {{sleep | name=Hampton Inn & Suites Kutztown | alt= | url=https://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hampton-inn-and-suites-kutztown-ABEKZHX/index.html | email= | address=15080 Kutztown Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 484-641-8800 | tollfree= | fax=+1 484-641-8700 | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=$99 | lastedit=2019-10-07 | content=Hotel offering both standard rooms and suites. Amenities include HDTV, coffeemaker, work desk, free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, and meeting space. Suites also include a sofa bed, microwave, and mini-fridge. }} * {{sleep | name=Lincoln Motel | alt= | url= | email= | address=12 Lincoln Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-3456 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=One-story motel with exterior room entrances. }} * {{sleep | name=Main Street Inn Boutique Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.kutztownmainstreetinn.com/ | email= | address=401 W Main St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 610-683-0401 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=M-Sa 3PM-7PM, Su 3PM-6PM | checkout=11AM | price=$115-135 | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=Bed and breakfast that offers the comforts of a hotel. Facility has eight rooms which each have their own bathroom and a queen or king bed. Rooms include cable television, Keurig machine, mini-refridgerator, luxury bath, central air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Non-smoking. No pets or children under 12. Breakfast is included in the room rate, offering both continental breakfast items and made to order food. }} * {{sleep | name=Super 8 Kutztown/Allentown Area | alt= | url=https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/kutztown-pennsylvania/super-8-kutztown-allentown-area/overview?WID=LC:SE:20150901:Rio:Local | email= | address=2160 Golden Key Rd | lat= | long= | directions=I-78 exit 45 | phone=+1 610-285-4880 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=3PM | checkout=11AM | price=$60 | lastedit=2017-02-21 | content=Budget hotel offering free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and cribs. Parking is available for cars, buses, trucks, and RVs. }} ==Stay safe== As a small rural town, Kutztown is generally safe and has a low crime rate. However, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights during the fall and spring semesters at Kutztown University, there can be drunk college students, particularly on Main Street and near the university campus. ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=US 222.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=S | majorl1=[[Lancaster (Pennsylvania)|Lancaster]] | minorl1='''[[Reading (Pennsylvania)|Reading]]''' | directionr1=N | majorr1=END | minorr1='''[[Allentown]]''' }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Philadelphia Region}} {{geo|40.519722|-75.775278}} 7gnqf66gqy8hw5914vu1yxb5oufdwpk 1 156821 4487818 4487667 2022-07-21T16:35:33Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* In scope? */ wikitext text/x-wiki ==To do== * The Holocaust in [[North Africa]] /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:49, 20 June 2017 (UTC) == In scope? == On the island of Jersey, the [https://www.jerseywartunnels.com/what-to-see/the-tunnels/ Jersey War Tunnels] (or ''Hohlgangsanlage 8'') were dug in part by slave labour. As far as I can tell, the slaves were mostly POWs from Russia and Poland, some from the Spanish Civil War. Is that in scope for "the Holocaust", or is it a different kind of atrocity? [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :It's part of the Holocaust. The Holocaust was the entire Nazi machinery of murder and slave labor; we need to recall that the Nazis didn't try to preserve the lives of the people they enslaved but intended for the slavery to kill them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::From looking at the website, this seems like it should be added to [[WWII in Europe]] but not here. I think most people would consider "The Holocaust" to be specifically about the Nazi's treatment of and policies surrounding Jews and the attempted genocide of European Jews. "6 million Jews" is the most commonly reported Holocaust death toll. I strongly disagree with the notion that "the Holocaust" is about all Nazi murders and slave labor. That to me waters down the term to be synonymous with "war deaths" which doesn't sound so atrocious given that we expect death in war. As far as I can tell, the website itself does not mention the tunnels as being part of "The Holocaust" either. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 11:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::I say this as a Jew: The Holocaust, while directed above all toward the annihilation of Jews and secondarily Romani/Sinti people, was emphatically not only about the murders of Jews. The Nazis and their collaborators also murdered Soviet POWs, Romani/Sinti people, non-Jewish Poles, Serbs, disabled people and gay people in large numbers, and there were loads of people from other occupied countries, as well as Jews and members of the aforementioned groups, who were deliberately worked to death. It's fair to say that since the entire Nazi state was directed toward genocide, it can be difficult to separate their genocidal actions from any others, but it is quite reasonable to cover the war in terms of military actions against military targets - recognizing that precision bombs and missiles did not exist and no power tried hard to avoid killing civilians in a targeted city - while reserving Holocaust remembrance for actions by the Nazis and their collaborators that were taken against people they seized as prisoners or actions they took without any pretense of hitting any military targets, such as by utterly annihilating the population of a town and burning it to the ground as a reprisal against partisan activity. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:35, 21 July 2022 (UTC) g6l7wygbes3j236k2vqnb1qn6iyxs0b 4487820 4487818 2022-07-21T16:38:34Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* In scope? */ wikitext text/x-wiki ==To do== * The Holocaust in [[North Africa]] /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 00:49, 20 June 2017 (UTC) == In scope? == On the island of Jersey, the [https://www.jerseywartunnels.com/what-to-see/the-tunnels/ Jersey War Tunnels] (or ''Hohlgangsanlage 8'') were dug in part by slave labour. As far as I can tell, the slaves were mostly POWs from Russia and Poland, some from the Spanish Civil War. Is that in scope for "the Holocaust", or is it a different kind of atrocity? [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:44, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :It's part of the Holocaust. The Holocaust was the entire Nazi machinery of murder and slave labor; we need to recall that the Nazis didn't try to preserve the lives of the people they enslaved but intended for the slavery to kill them. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:38, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::From looking at the website, this seems like it should be added to [[WWII in Europe]] but not here. I think most people would consider "The Holocaust" to be specifically about the Nazi's treatment of and policies surrounding Jews and the attempted genocide of European Jews. "6 million Jews" is the most commonly reported Holocaust death toll. I strongly disagree with the notion that "the Holocaust" is about all Nazi murders and slave labor. That to me waters down the term to be synonymous with "war deaths" which doesn't sound so atrocious given that we expect death in war. As far as I can tell, the website itself does not mention the tunnels as being part of "The Holocaust" either. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 11:31, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::I say this as a Jew: The Holocaust, while directed above all toward the annihilation of Jews and secondarily Romani/Sinti people, was emphatically not only about the murders of Jews. The Nazis and their collaborators also murdered Soviet POWs, Romani/Sinti people, non-Jewish Poles, Serbs, disabled people and gay people in large numbers, and there were loads of people from other occupied countries, as well as Jews and members of the aforementioned groups, who were deliberately worked to death. It's fair to say that since the entire Nazi state was directed toward genocide, it can be difficult to separate their genocidal actions from any others, but it is quite reasonable to cover the war in terms of military actions against military targets - recognizing that precision bombs and missiles did not exist and no power tried hard to avoid killing civilians in a targeted city - while reserving Holocaust remembrance for actions by the Nazis and their collaborators that were taken against people they seized as prisoners or actions they took without any pretense of hitting any military targets, such as by utterly annihilating the population of a town and burning it to the ground as a reprisal against partisan activity. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:35, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::Note that this is how the article begins: ::::"The Holocaust was a campaign of deportation, forced labour and mass murder during World War II, carried out by Germany's Nazi regime and some other Axis states. Among the victims were Jews; Roma people; Slavs, especially Poles, Serbs and Soviet prisoners of war; homosexuals; political opponents; and people with disabilities. About 6 million Jews were killed, along with at least 5 million people of other ethnic origins." ::::If you believe we should briefly address any controversy about the scope of Nazi and Nazi collaborator actions that are considered to be part of the Holocaust, that's something we can discuss, but I wholeheartedly support the definition of the Holocaust already in the article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:38, 21 July 2022 (UTC) 5u099pkajo6mc1qcdy41phkc6jito9e 0 158961 4487829 4487242 2022-07-21T17:09:07Z WallyTheWalrus 112464 /* Passenger rail companies */ NS also has regional services (sprinter) wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rail travel in the Netherlands Wikivoyage Banner.jpg|ftt=yes}} [[File:Amsterdam Central Station 2132.jpg|thumb|Amsterdam Centraal Station, one of, if not the most recognisable railway stations in the Netherlands.]] [[File:Stationsschild Den Haag HS.jpg|thumb|Every Dutch railway station is clearly labelled with one, if not multiple station name signs.]] Prioritising the traveller, the Dutch railway network is a great way to cross the country. Practically everywhere is reachable by train, having a network of {{convert|3223|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track. The Dutch network is a well-maintained and well-travelled network. A free travel pass is available to students in the country. Beyond that, the Dutch have eradicated paper tickets fully, using the ''[[OV-chipkaart]]'', often shortened to ''OV-chip'' or ''chipkaart'', instead. The card either holds data of the route you're travelling (disposable card) or it holds credit or a travel product (personal and anonymous card). The OV-chipkaart (which also works in buses, trolleybuses, trams and metros) is what sets Dutch public transit apart from that of other countries. This distinction is a recent development, with network maintainer ProRail improving the network, adding and revamping stations during the first quarter of the 21st century. Historically though, the Dutch were late in starting a rail network, having horse-drawn barges on their extensive inland waterways as a perfectly fine alternative for both cargo and people. After the first line proved successful, the 19th century saw a jump to the 'new' mode of transport, only to be too enthusiastic about railways and see many lines fall into disuse or be completely demolished in the 20th century. ''Nederlandse Spoorwegen'' (NS, Dutch Railways) lost its monopoly on rail travel in the 1990s, allowing more domestic and foreign railway operators to join the fun. The network can be crowded, but trains are still a great way to see the country. ==Structure== The Dutch rail network connects virtually all notable destinations from [[Amsterdam]] to [[Zoetermeer]] and [[Zevenaar]] to [[Assen]]. There are roughly as many stations as there are municipalities in the country (about 400). The entire network consists of {{convert|6830|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track, three quarters of which is electrified. The largest city without any means of rail-bound public transport is [[Oosterhout]] (North-Brabant), with some 44,000 citizens. The biggest region that cannot be reached by rail is [[Zeeland|Zeeuws-Vlaanderen]] (Zeeland), which borders [[Belgium]], but would be fully detached from the rest of the Netherlands were it not for a single road tunnel crossing underneath the Western Scheldt estuary. ===Passenger rail companies=== * '''[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)]''' operates nearly all intercity trains and many regional and commuter services (''sprinter'' trains). * '''[https://www.arriva.nl/consumers.htm Arriva]''' operates trains on the ''Noordelijke Nevelijnen'' (Northern lines, [[Groningen (province)|Groningen]] and [[Friesland]]), ''Drechtsteden, Alblasserwaard, Vijfherenlanden-region'' ([[Zuid-Holland]]), ''Vechtdallijnen'' (Vechtdal lines, [[Overijssel]]), [[Achterhoek]]-Rivierenland region ([[Gelderland]]) and [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]]. * '''[http://www.breng.nl/ Breng]''' most notably focused on bus and trolleybus connections in Arnhem and Nijmegen, Breng only runs a single train service in the Achterhoek: [[Arnhem]] — [[Doetinchem]], creating a quarter-hourly service to Doetinchem in cooperation with Arriva, which has its trains turn around at [[Winterswijk]] instead of Doetinchem. * '''[https://www.connexxion.nl/ Connexxion]''' operates trains on the ''Valleilijnen'' (Valley lines, [[Barneveld]] — [[Amersfoort]] — [[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]). * '''[https://www.keolis.nl/ Keolis]''' though its name is hardly seen. Keolis, formerly known as Syntus, runs trains as ''Twents'' in [[Twente]] on the [[Zutphen]] — [[Hengelo]] — [[Oldenzaal]] line. * '''[https://www.rnet.nl/ R-Net]''' operated by '''NS''' runs the concession for the [[Gouda]] — [[Alphen aan den Rijn]] line. R-Net is a sort of quality label for frequent public transport within the Randstad area. *'''R-Net''' operated by '''[https://qbuzz.nl/ Qbuzz]''' started running trains on the MerwedeLingeLijn ([[Dordrecht]] — [[Geldermalsen]]) in early December 2018. This is the first rail service operated by Qbuzz, which, as the name implies, has thus far only serviced buses and trams, the latter in a joint venture with bus operator HTM. * '''[https://blauwnet.nl/ Blauwnet]''' is not so much an operator as it is a joint venture. Arriva and Keolis share lines in Overijssel and Drenthe and have agreed to run these trains in a somewhat more neutral livery, namely the blue livery of Blauwnet (Blue-net). The lines included are four services from [[Zwolle]] to [[Emmen]] (Arriva), [[Enschede]], [[Kampen]] and [[Oldenzaal]] (Keolis), [[Almelo]] — [[Hardenberg]] (Arriva) and [[Zutphen]] — [[Oldenzaal]]. Between Almelo, Hengelo and Enschede, Blauwnet runs alongside NS. On those journeys, Blauwnet charges up to €0.06 more than NS, so with frequent journeys between these cities, perhaps opt for NS instead. ==Historical background== {{seealso|w:History of rail transport in the Netherlands}} ===Starting out=== [[File:Station 'De Eenhonderd Roe'; juli 1939.jpg|thumb|Replica of ''De Arend'' at a rebuilt Station d'Eenhonderd Roe, one hundred ''roeden'' or 400 m from Amsterdam.]] Rail transport did not catch on in the Netherlands until 1839. There were many plans to connect the country by rail, but unlike most European countries, the Netherlands didn't need a rail network. A perfectly workable system of horse-drawn barges (''trekschuiten'') was already in place, using the country's famous canal network. Shipping companies also lobbied against railways, causing attempts to raise funds for railways to fail dramatically. The most viable line was one proposed by W.A. Blake, who wanted to connect Amsterdam to [[Cologne]] (Germany) via [[Arnhem]]. His fundraising efforts failed, but one of his employees, W.C. Brade, continued the plans, changing the route to connect the capital to [[Rotterdam]], with a test stretch running to [[Haarlem]] to test economic viability. Wealthy investors began to favour a connection between the ports of the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. King William supported the plans because he was reluctant to let his country fall behind its neighbours which were all working on their first railways. With the King's support, construction of the railway started. However, the Netherlands lacked engineers and had to import them, mainly from [[England]]. Even with these engineers, some odd choices were made. The railway that had to connect to foreign railways was built on a {{mm|1945}} broad gauge instead of the standard gauge that the neighbours used, making the tracks incompatible until they were converted. On September 20, 1839, a train pulled by ''De Arend'' ('The Eagle')<!--Germany's first railway had also used a locomotive called "eagle" just a few years prior--> with ''De Snelheid'' ('The Speed') as backup, left [[Amsterdam]] for [[Haarlem]] and arrived without any major problems 30 minutes later, covering a distance of 16 km (10 miles). Commercial transport on the line commenced four days later. ===Expansion and boom=== [[File:Laantje van Van der Gaag.jpg|thumb|A common sight in the early days of Dutch railways: landowners wouldn't let the rail companies use or buy their land for the railway, leading to conflict, after which the company would lay temporary tracks around the property they couldn't cross. Pictured is an artist's impression of ''Het Laantje van Van der Gaag'' near [[Delft]], which was in use from July 3 until July 7, 1847.]] Most railways were built on popular demand, and building only commenced once individuals had raised the funds. Nothing was centralised. By 1850 several main railways were constructed, yet the Netherlands was significantly behind its neighbours. Moreover, the major rivers of the country hadn't yet been bridged, creating a major divide between the Netherlands above the Rhine and the Netherlands below the Rhine. The networks that had come to exist were badly linked if they were linked at all. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the main railway hubs at the time, competing companies had different stations, both on opposite edges of the towns. In 1860 the ''Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg-Maatschappij'' (NCS) constructed a line connecting [[Utrecht]] to [[Kampen]] via [[Amersfoort]] and [[Zwolle]]. In 1869 Utrecht became connected to [[Eindhoven]] via [['s Hertogenbosch]] and two years later ''Lage Zwaluwe'' was connected to [[Dordrecht]], finally spanning across the rivers Meuse and Waal (Rhine delta). The ''Oosterspoorweg'' (Eastern railway) was constructed partly in 1874 and partly in 1876, connecting Amsterdam to [[Zutphen]]. By 1860 the government of the Netherlands finally realised that railways might be of national importance, creating the ''Spoorwegwet'' (Railway law), meaning that the government finally started funding and exploiting railways. The law proposed ten railways, labelled A through K, that would connect the Netherlands. These railways would not yet be used by a government-owned company, but instead by the National Railways (''Staatsspoorwegen'' or SS). These lines were: <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * [[Arnhem]] - [[Leeuwarden]] * [[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen]] - [[Bad Nieuweschans|Nieuwe Schans]] * [[Meppel]] - [[Groningen]] * [[Zutphen]] - [[Enschede|Glanerbeek]] * [[Breda]] - [[Maastricht]] * [[Roosendaal]] - [[Vlissingen]] * [[Venlo]] - Kaldenkirchen (Germany) * [[Utrecht]] - [[Boxtel]] * [[Breda]] - [[Rotterdam]] * [[Den Helder|Nieuwediep]] - [[Amsterdam]]</div> The SS had a rivalry with the HSM (''Hollandsche IJzeren Spoorweg-Maatschappij''), both of which tried their best to take as many passengers away from the other by siding with third parties, taking over their railways or using their shipping services to get passengers across a river that couldn't be crossed by using their railway. The ''Staatslijnen'' weren't enough to cover the entire country, with the east being particularly left out. Many local railways (''lokaalspoorwegen'') and tramways were built by non-governmental organisations started by individuals, often traders or investors. The tramways didn't have to install signals, whereas the railways were required to. The downside of the tramways was that they had to deal with speed limits as they often used pre-existing roads. Connections to neighbouring countries were also started by individuals. Staatslijn B already connected to Germany near [[Enschede]]. Additionally, the line between [[Turnhout]] (Belgium) and [[Tilburg]] was built by ''Grand Central Belge'' in 1867 and [[Boxtel]] was connected to [[Lower Rhine|Wesel]] (Germany) in 1878 by the ''Noord-Brabantsch-Duitsche Spoorweg-Maatschappij'' (North-Brabantic-German Railway Company). ===The 1900s=== [[File:NL-HaNA 2.24.01.03 0 900-9366.jpg|thumb|The 1940s were a turning point for the Dutch railways. The destruction the war wrought and the lines destroyed by the Nazis during their withdrawal made the Dutch rethink what lines were and weren't necessary.]] The rivalry on the railways led to many mergers. A single state-owned railway company, however, never came into being. The SS and HSM were the main winners of the rivalry. They joined forces in August of 1937, forming the ''Nederlandsche Spoorwegen'' (Dutch Railways), of which the state became the owner. Most railways were then operated by the NS, excluding several border-crossing and local railways. This remained the case for some sixty years, until 1995. During the 1900s many lines were electrified, the first of which was the 1908 ''Hofpleinlijn'' ([[Rotterdam]] - [[Scheveningen]]). The line was electrified with 10,000 volts of alternating current. In the 1920s the ZHESM, which owned the line, developed 1500 V direct voltage, which was used first on the ''Oude Lijn'' (Old Line; Amsterdam - Rotterdam) in 1924. The 1500 DC voltage became the standard electrification for the Netherlands and is used to this day on almost all electrified lines. With road traffic on the rise, many local railways were no longer profitable. Most of them were abandoned in the 1930s and after the second world war. By 1934 the first diesel train, the Mat '34, had been put into service. The Mat '34 was also the first streamlined train design, which would be used on all newly-built electric trains a year later. Steam locomotives were used less and less after the second world war. The last steam train in regular service ran on January 7, 1958. In 1956 the class system in trains was changed across Europe. Third class became second class, second class became first class and the (rarely used) first class was abolished. ===Reorganisation and rivals=== [[File:NS loc 2207 - Lovers Rail, IJmuiden.jpg|thumb|An NS Class 2200 locomotive leased to Lovers Rail servicing the area around the [[Keukenhof]].]] The 1990s brought reorganisations to the ''Nederlandse Spoorwegen'', which meant a divide in maintaining and using the railways. The running of the railways stayed with NS, and the maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure was shifted over to the newly formed ''ProRail''. NS was divided into ''NS Reizigers'' for passenger service and ''NS Cargo'' for transport of goods. Local concessions were put in place to open up the market to other private companies, and end the monopoly of NS. The first competition came in 1996, when ''Lovers Rail'' started running trains from Haarlem to Amsterdam, which turned out to be impractical for people in [[IJmuiden]] and [[Lisse]], as well as visitors to [[Keukenhof]]. Lovers Rail ceased operations in 1999. More successful were the regional lines outside of the [[Randstad]]. The first of these was [[Mariënberg]] - [[Almelo]] in 1998, followed by the Northern Lines in [[Friesland]] and [[Groningen]] in 1999 and 2000. As of 2017, local lines are run by Arriva, Breng, Connexxion and Keolis. Several lines in the Randstad are planned to be converted into metro lines around 2020 in order to improve public transit there. While many of the "private" railways bidding on rail franchises in the Netherlands are actually daughter companies of the state railways of other countries, NS itself has started bidding on (and winning) contracts for rail service abroad under the brand of their daughter company ''Abellio''. ==Services== ===Classes of travel=== [[File:Station Haarlem 16.JPG|thumb|A ''Derde Klas'' (third class) waiting room indication sign at the historical Haarlem Station never got updated to modern European standards. The tile motif is there forever locked in time.]] The Dutch classes of travel follow the European standard, which is divided into two classes: * '''Tweede Klas''' (second class), indicated on carriages with a simple ''2'', offers seating of a decent quality which outside of rush hour is perfectly fine. As soon as rush hour starts, expect little space, especially when travelling with loads of luggage. There are almost always overhead storage racks for luggage, but even a simple backpack may prove too big in some situations. Seating is the main problem in second class, aside from overcrowding during rush hour. Intercity trains, most notably the double-deck VIRM and DD-IRM, have silent areas or coaches, which are often quieter and are a de-facto midway solution between first and second class, as overcrowding is not as big of an issue. * '''Eerste Klas''' (first class), indicated by a ''1'' on the side of carriages offers more space between seats, electrical outlets in most trains, and higher quality seating (though higher quality often refers to leather instead of fabric seats). The first class, however, does have a notable price difference that might very well not be worth it for frequent travel according to most Dutch train travellers. As a result, first class is rarely overcrowded. Booking a seat in advance is only possible on international intercity journeys with, for example, the ICE or Thalys trains. Sleeper carriages are not found on regular intercity trains, as travel time is rarely more than 2½ hours, even though the longest travel time within the Netherlands directly from station to station takes around 5½ hours ([[Delfzijl]] to [[Vlissingen]] (5 hr 38 min in the 2018 schedule)). Sleeping on the train is fine if you have a ticket for where you sit. The classes share toilets, which are not all wheelchair-accessible. If the train doors have no steps, then there is a high chance that it will have wheelchair-accessible toilets. Regional services rarely have toilets. Larger stations, however, do. The number of toilets, and their accessibility, is due to be improved with the Intercity and Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie. Both classes have freely accessible Wi-Fi. Almost all trains have a conductor. Most trains have no catering, but on some lines drinks and snacks are available for purchase. ===Traveller's rights=== The Dutch railway is often mocked for its lack of punctuality and its inefficiency; however that may simply be because Dutch people have a high standard and treat five minutes of delay as a calamity, while the average customer of some other railways would laugh at such an event. Most of that can be explained in cultural difference: the Dutch are very punctual people. Aside from that, trains often seem full if you're not willing to sit beside someone you don't know, which is something the Dutch don't exactly prefer. Should your train be cancelled, or should your journey be limited in any other way, such as by one of the rare railway strikes, then you are entitled to financial compensation as long as you have obliged to the railway operator's [https://www.ns.nl/en/terms-conditions.html terms and conditions]. [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/refunds Refunds] and [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/lost-or-stolen Lost and found objects] can be reported and requested via NS's website. Should the problem occur when travelling with another railway operator, then contact them via their website if possible, or give them a call. If neither of these are possible, then head for the nearest info desk (often found at the larger stations with the ''Centraal'' suffix). ===Regional, local and commuter lines=== [[File:Railroads Netherlands 2013.svg|thumb|Railway map of the Netherlands. This map also includes cargo only (in pink) and heritage lines (in grey)]] Railways in the Netherlands have been divided into a larger main concession for the core network, which until 2025 is granted to Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), and into a couple of local concessions, which railway companies bid to operate. These lines are most often non-electrified, running diesel stock, whereas all lines operated by NS are electrified. Of the railway operators active in the Netherlands besides NS, Arriva is by far the biggest. Arriva alone services the following lines: * '''Noordelijke Nevelijnen''' (''Northern branch-lines''), consisting of ''Staatslijn B'' ([[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen Haven]] — [[Bad Nieuweschans]]), [[Leeuwarden]] — [[Stavoren]], [[Groningen]] — [[Roodeschool]], Groningen — [[Delfzijl]] and Groningen — [[Veendam]]. The lines are all serviced using the ''Spurt'' train type, better known as the Stadler GTW. Arriva holds the right to service these lines until the year 2035. * '''Vechtdallijnen''' (''Vecht-valley lines''), consisting of [[Zwolle]] — [[Emmen]] (served hourly by a fast and stopping train) and [[Almelo]] — [[Mariënberg]] — [[Hardenberg]]. * '''Achterhoek-Rivierenland''', made up of the [[Zutphen]] — [[Apeldoorn]], Zutphen — [[Winterswijk]], [[Arnhem]] — [[Doetinchem]] — Winterswijk and Arnhem — [[Tiel]] lines. Out of these, the Arnhem — Doetinchem concession is shared with Breng, making it the local line with the highest frequency with four trains per hour in either direction. * '''Limburg''' has five lines, all of which are operated by Arriva. These are S1 ([[Nijmegen]] — [[Roermond]]), S2 ([[Maastricht]] — Roermond), S3 ([[Sittard]] — [[Kerkrade]]) and S4 and S5 (Maastricht — [[Heerlen]]). Arriva runs FLIRT3 trains on the S2 and S4 lines, LINT 41/H on the S1 and Valleilijn line, Stadler GTW 2/6 and 2/8 electric and diesel units on about all other lines. Almost all trains bear a name of a significant person, location or event related to the region the trains service, where the Stadler GTWs are named after people, the FLIRT3s after locations and events, while the LINT 41/H trains rarely are named. The names are always marked on the heads of the trains, only visible on the outside. Names vary from artists like [[w:Mondriaan|Piet Mondriaan]] and [[w:M.C. Escher|M.C. Escher]] to assumed spy [[w:Mata Hari|Mata Hari]] and from naval explorer [[w:Willem Barentsz|Willem Barentsz]] to garden designer [[w:Piet Oudolf|Piet Oudolf]]. Breng services the aforementioned line between Arnhem and Doetinchem creating a quarter-hourly service between both stations in cooperation with Arriva. Keolis has definitely seen better days, once having lines all over the Eastern Netherlands as Syntus, it now only services only the Zutphen — [[Hengelo]] — [[Oldenzaal]] line as ''Twents''. All of these trains are LINT 41/H models refurbished in 2013 to have toilets on-board. These trains, constructed between 2001 and 2004, are the oldest trains on the local networks. As of December 2017, Keolis services the ''Kamperlijn'' ([[Kampen]] — [[Zwolle]]) in its own livery and all other trains in neutral Blauwnet livery. In December 2018, bus company Qbuzz entered the railway market by taking over the MerwedeLingeLine from Arriva. Nederlandse Spoorwegen runs ''Sprinter'' trains on the core network, which is a NS brand for a ''stoptrein'' (stopping train), calling at every stop along the line. Sprinters are nearly always servicing lines that also have Intercity connections, so depending on your departure and/or destination station, you probably are faster by taking an intercity train instead of a sprinter. ===Intercity lines=== [[File:Intercitynet NL 2015.png|thumb|Intercity lines of the Netherlands.]] All Intercity lines are served by NS, and all of these lines are electrified, with the trains served by NS running on energy generated by wind turbines. NS has two categories of Intercity connections (aside from international connections): ====Intercity Direct==== The closest thing that the Netherlands has when it comes to high speed rail. As of 2021, there are four services: * '''IC 35 / 9200''': Amsterdam - [[Antwerp]] - [[Brussels]]-Zuid/Midi * '''IC 35 / 9600''': [[The Hague]] - Antwerp - Brussels-Zuid/Midi * '''900''': Amsterdam - Breda * '''1000''': Amsterdam - Rotterdam All these services run on the HSL-Zuid infrastructure, calling at Schiphol Airport (aside from 9600), The Hague and Rotterdam. There is a supplement required if you travel between Schiphol and Rotterdam with IC-Direct. There have long been plans to expand the Dutch high speed rail network by two lines, but so far nothing has come of them. HSL-Oost (Amsterdam — [[Ruhr Area]]) has been in discussion since the 1990s, with tracks between Amsterdam and Utrecht already being doubled from two to four lines, allowing two of them to be used for higher speeds, connections to Arnhem have been modified, with most modifications to the stations, but east of Arnhem, little has changed. The alternative, the Deltaline, was presented in March 2006, but it never got off the ground either. For now, trains to the Ruhrgebiet are limited to {{kmh|160}}. The Zuiderzeelijn never got beyond the planning phase: whether the line is to operate a Maglev, HSL or ''Superbus'' has not been decided. The line has been permanently set aside for ten years now, and will not be dug up for some time yet. ====Regular Intercity lines==== The regular intercity connections are most likely the ones you would use the most. They connect the major cities with one another, skipping the smaller towns along the route. [[Utrecht]] is what comes closest to the central hub, due to its location in the center of the country. Only routes served by NS dedicated to domestic rail travel are counted as Intercity lines here, even though Arriva does offer connections that can be defined as Intercity, they refer to them as ''Sneltrein'' (fast train). Routes below are listed by their serial number. '''Do not''' bother remembering the serial numbers, as these cannot be found at the station or in trains. * '''500''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Groningen]] via Utrecht and Zwolle using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''600''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Leeuwarden]] via Utrecht and Zwolle using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''700''': [[Den Haag]] (The Hague) — [[Groningen]] via Schiphol ✈, Lelystad and Zwolle using VIRM stock. * '''800''': ([[Den Helder]]) — [[Alkmaar]] — [[Maastricht]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven using VIRM stock. Travelling from Amsterdam, the line becomes a Sprinter (stopping train) service after Alkmaar. Not all trains headed for Alkmaar go further than Alkmaar. * '''900''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Breda]] via the HSL connection. Additional fee required between [[Schiphol]] and Rotterdam. * '''1000''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Rotterdam]] via the HSL connection. Additional fee required between [[Schiphol]] and Rotterdam. * '''1100''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Eindhoven]] via [[Delft]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Breda]] and [[Tilburg]]. * '''1400''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Utrecht]] via Den Haag and Amsterdam using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''1500''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Amersfoort]] (— [[Deventer]]) via Amsterdam using ICM, DDZ and VIRM stock. Trains headed for Deventer from Amersfoort are less frequent. * '''1600''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Enschede]] via Amersfoort and Deventer using ICMm stock. * '''1700''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Enschede]] via Utrecht, Amersfoort and Deventer using VIRM stock. * '''1800''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Leeuwarden]] via Schiphol, Almere and Zwolle. * '''1900''': [[Dordrecht]] — [[Eindhoven]]. * '''2000''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Utrecht]] using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''2100''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Den Haag]] via Haarlem and Leiden using VIRM stock. * '''2200''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Vlissingen]] via Leiden and Den Haag HS using VIRM stock. * '''2400''': [[Lelystad]] — [[Dordrecht]] via Amsterdam, Schiphol ✈, Leiden, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Roosendaal and Vlissingen using VIRM stock. * '''2600''': [[Almere]] — [[Amsterdam]] * '''2800''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Utrecht]] using VIRM stock. * '''2900''': [[Enkhuizen]] — [[Maastricht]] via [[Hoorn]], Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. * '''3000''': [[Den Helder]] — [[Nijmegen]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem using VIRM stock. * '''3100''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Nijmegen]] via Utrecht and Arnhem using VIRM stock. * '''3200''': [[Arnhem]] — [[Rotterdam]] via Utrecht, Amsterdam and Schiphol ✈. Forms a 10-minute service with other trains between Arnhem and Amsterdam, and Leiden and Schiphol. * '''3300''': [[Leiden]] — [[Hoorn]] via Schiphol ✈ and [[Purmerend]] * '''3400''': [[Haarlem]] — [[Alkmaar]] using VIRM stock. * '''3500''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Venlo]] via Utrecht and Eindhoven using ICM stock. * '''3600''': [[Zwolle]] — [[Roosendaal]] via Deventer, Arnhem, Nijmegen, 's Hertogenbosch and Breda using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''3700''': [[Dordrecht]] — [[Venlo]] via Den Haag, Schiphol ✈, Utrecht and Eindhoven, only during nights and Sundays, forming a 15-minute service between Dordrecht and Leiden. * '''3900''': [[Enkhuizen]] — [[Heerlen]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. * '''4500''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Enkhuizen]]. * '''8800''': [[Utrecht]] — [[Leiden]] via Woerden and Alphen aan de Rijn using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''11400''': [[Gouda]] — [[Rotterdam]]. * '''11600''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Amersfoort]]. * '''11700''': [[Amersfoort]] — [[Den Haag]]. * '''12200''': [[Vlissingen]] — [[Roosendaal]]. * '''12600''': [[Groningen]] — [[Amsterdam]] via [[Lelystad]]. * '''13500''': [[Eindhoven]] — [[Venlo]] via Helmond, only in service at the beginning and end of the day instead of series 3500. ===International lines=== [[File:Fyra-v250-towed-away-2014-05-18.jpg|thumb|A V250 being towed back to depot after the train's introduction proved to be a massive failure.]] The most infamous intercity line of the Netherlands has to be the HSL-Zuid, running between Amsterdam and [[Brussels]], which were to be served by newly built V250 'Fyra' trains, nicknamed the ''Kruimeldief'' (named after a type of small handheld vacuum cleaner with no proper English name, as the train's nose resembled one). The trains turned out to be poorly constructed, making the news several times too many as train after train failed to show up to platforms, and other technical difficulties caused many delays on other parts of the Dutch and Belgian networks. These problems were labelled as a consequence of new materials, but after the trains had been in service for over a month, no improvements were to be seen. On January 13, 2013, half of the scheduled trains were cancelled, and the other half suffered average delays of an hour. Four days later, 85% of the 'Fyra' trains weren't running. One of the trains that ''did'' work that day had a plate on its underside come off after it was damaged by frost while the train was at high speed. This incident was the final nail in the V250's coffin; Belgium banned the Fyra from running on its HSL network. The Fyra has since been 'temporarily' replaced by regular intercity trains, which up to this day still run. [[File:Thalys train driver cleaning his windscreen.JPG|thumb|A good view is always appreciated during long travels.]] Regardless of the ''Fyra-debacle'', as the situation around the Fyra is known as in the Netherlands, the Netherlands still have international intercity lines, all of which are operated by NS International, a subdivision of Nederlandse Spoorwegen. These are: * '''ICE 43''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Basel]] calling at [[Utrecht]], [[Arnhem]], [[Oberhausen]], [[Duisburg]], [[Düsseldorf]], [[Hanover]], [[Bielefeld]], [[Gütersloh]], [[Hamm]], [[Hagen]], [[Wuppertal]], [[Cologne]], [[Bonn]], [[Frankfurt am Main]], [[Mannheim]], [[Karlsruhe]], [[Offenburg]] and [[Freiburg im Breisgau]]. Trains run only once per day. * '''ICE 77''': Amsterdam — [[Berlin]] calling at [[Amersfoort]], [[Deventer]], [[Hengelo]], [[Bad Bentheim]], [[Rheine]], [[Osnabrück]] and [[Hanover]], running every two hours. * '''ICE 78''': Amsterdam — Frankfurt am Main calling at all stops listed for the ICE 43 up to and including Frankfurt. * '''IC 35''': Amsterdam — [[Brussels]] calling at [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]], [[The Hague]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Breda]], [[Antwerp]] and [[Mechelen]]. * '''Eurostar 9100''': Amsterdam — [[London]] [[London/Bloomsbury|St. Pancras International]] calling at Rotterdam, Brussels and Lille. (It is one-way only from London due to issues with immigration control in Amsterdam; however, Amsterdam to Brussels Eurostar journeys are bookable.) * '''Thalys 9300''': Amsterdam — [[Brussels]] calling at Schiphol ✈, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels, multiple times per day. This service is extended to [[Paris]] once per day. * '''Thalys 9900''': Amsterdam — [[Lille]] calling at Schiphol ✈, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels. Leaving once or twice per day. * '''ÖBB NightJet''' [[sleeper train]] services connect to Amsterdam since December 2020. As of December 2021, two services are in place: Amsterdam — [[Vienna]]/[[Innsbruck]] via [[München]] and Amsterdam — [[Zürich]] via [[Basel]]. * '''Night trains''' are making a comeback to the Netherlands. Aside from some national NS trains that serve the country in the dark of night, new initiatives have sprung up to connect Amsterdam and other cities with destinations such as [[Prague]], [[Brussels]] and [[Warsaw]]. Additionally, SNCF (France) is exploring the possibility of connecting Amsterdam and [[Bordeaux]] by night train, and other operators are toying with destinations such as [[Stockholm]]. These tickets can be purchased through [https://www.nsinternational.nl/en NS International]. After purchase, you get the option to export the tickets into the NS International App, available on Android and iOS, or download them as a PDF file, which you can then print out. Note that the NS International app is not the same as the NS Reisplanner. One is an app owned and maintained by NS Reizigers and the other by NS International, two divisions of the same company, Nederlandse Spoorwegen. Tickets for IC(E) can also be bought through [http://www.bahn.de Deutsche Bahn], tickets for Eurostar can be booked with [http://www.eurostar.com that company], while tickets for Thalys can also be bought through [http://www.thalys.com Thalys]. All four have early bird offers that can be considerably cheaper than regular fares, which gets you from Amsterdam to Brussels or Antwerp for €29, Paris and Berlin for under €40 and London for €59. OV-chipkaarts and other NS passes can be used on domestic ICE and IC Brussels segments but an additional €2.40 supplement is required for journeys on the former; such fares are not valid on Eurostar and Thalys which both require reservations/advance booking. <!--Prices from August 2019--> Other lines to neighbouring countries are stopping trains, connecting to Germany (GER) and Belgium (B): * '''S-32''': [[Roosendaal]] — [[Puurs]]/[[Lokeren]] (B) via Antwerp. Connects to Lokeren only on weekends. * '''S-43''': [[Maastricht]] — [[Hasselt]] (B) via [[Liège|Liège-Guillemins]]. Terminates at Liège-Guillemins during weekends. * '''RE 13''': [[Venlo]] — [[Hamm]] (GER) calling at [[Mönchengladbach]], [[Neuss]], Düsseldorf, Wuppertal and Hagen. * '''RE 18''': [[Maastricht]] — [[Aachen|Aachen Hbf]] (GER) via [[Landgraaf]], with a separate service going no further than [[Heerlen]]. * '''RE 19''': [[Arnhem]] — [[Düsseldorf]] (GER) via [[Emmerich am Rhein]], [[Oberhausen]] and Duisburg. * '''RB 51''': [[Enschede]] — [[Dortmund]] (GER). * '''RB 57''': [[Groningen]] — [[Leer]] (GER) via [[Bad Nieuweschans]] (connects from [[Weener]] to Leer via a bus connection until 2024 or later). * '''RB 61''': [[Hengelo]] — [[Bielefeld]] (GER) via [[Enschede]], [[Bad Bentheim]], [[Rheine]] and [[Osnabrück]] * '''RB 64''': [[Enschede]] — [[Münster]] (GER). * A tri-country service from [[Aachen]] (GER) to Liège via Maastricht was planned to start per December 9, 2018, but due to several bureaucratic issues in Belgium and Germany, the start of this service has been delayed by another nine years as of 2021. Trains in the Netherlands are limited to no more than {{kmh|160}} with the exception of the HSL-Zuid line which is capable of supporting trains travelling at {{kmh|300}}. Thalys and Eurostar services are the only services capable of reaching that speed now. ==Planning your trip== The most reliable way of planning your journey is by using the '''[https://www.ns.nl/en NS Reisplanner]''', on the homepage of the NS website, or using the ''NS'' app on Android or iOS. The app displays everything you need to know about a station and a journey, whether it be the type of train you will be on, how busy said train is, or simply whether there are any shops open at a nearby station where you can have a quick lunch. The app begins in Dutch, but can be changed to English via the ''Instellingen'' menu, found under the ''Meer'' tab. The NS Reisplanner and app include trains operated by other companies and can also plan door to door journeys including other modes of public transit, such as bus, tram or metro. Alternatively you can use '''[https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]''' or the associated app of the same name. The best way to get your tickets is by simply using your OV-chipkaart (''see '[[#Buying tickets|Buying tickets]]' below''), though various sites, such as [https://www.discoverholland.com/DayTrips DiscoverHolland.com] may offer a trip to an attraction you wish to visit, with transport included. These often turn out to be cheaper and more relaxing as you already have the journey planned out and since you have your ticket to the attraction in advance, making the journey just that little bit more care-free. Additionally, you will avoid the crowds. It is not uncommon to have to spend an hour and a half queuing up to get a ticket on the more popular days. ==Buying tickets== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" align=right |+ One-way prices to and from Amsterdam Centraal. !Station !One-way Second Class Price (in €) !Number of Tariff Units |- |Schiphol Airport |4.70 |19 |- |Haarlem |4.70 |19 |- |Utrecht Centraal* |8.40 |39 |- |Lelystad Centrum |11.20 |54 |- |Gouda |12.70 |62 |- |Den Haag Centraal |12.80 |63 |- |Rotterdam Centraal* |16.90 |86 |- |Zwolle |20.30 |110 |- |Eindhoven |21.50 |119 |- |Leeuwarden |27.90 |208 |- |Maastricht |27.90 |216 |- |Groningen |27.90 |219 |} === Pricing === In general, railway tickets on NS and regional railway operators are priced on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) distance basis. There are no peak or off-peak hours for the purpose of computing the standard PAYG price but some subscriptions and unlimited day-tickets are valid only during off-peak hours (i.e. outside 06:30-09:00 and in some cases outside 16:00-18:30 on weekdays). Although NS Reisplanner Xtra or the 9292 app can provide you with the actual railway fare for the journey you want quickly, if you are curious about how these fares are computed, you first need to understand that it depends on the number of tariff units (''tariefeenheden'') between your origin and destination. NS train fares start at €2.40 for journeys up to eight tariff units. The fare for each additional tariff unit varies between €0.10 to €0.20 and there is no clear pattern as to when to charge which. But the maximum possible one-way second class fare one could ever pay for domestic NS rail travel is €26.50 (worth 200 tariff units). To compute for the fare between stations, first refer to the [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1607588395551/content/assets/ns-nl/tarieven/tariefeenhedenkaart-van-nederland-2021.pdf tariff unit map] to determine the number of tariff units. If there are intermediate stations between your origin and destination stations, just add the number of tariff units you see along the route. Then on p. 4 of the [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1611132176639/content/assets/ns-nl/tarieven/ns-tarieven-2021.pdf price list], locate the number of tariff units you just derived (first column) and its corresponding fare (second column). In case there are two or more possible routes to get to your destination using NS, the price will always be based on the route with fewer tariff units regardless of the route you have taken. One-way second class ticket prices between Amsterdam Centraal and selected stations are listed in the table to the right (*not including supplements for travel with certain trains). With the exception of travel involving international railway stations, Thalys or Eurostar, you are free to travel on any train to get to the points listed on your ticket at any time of the day and reservations are not necessary (the downside of this is you may be forced to stand when trains are crowded). If you decide to travel on an IC-Direct train between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport station or an ICE train within the country, you will need to purchase a supplement worth €2.70 in addition to the standard PAYG rates. International services are however priced differently - based less on distance and more on market conditions. Unlike purely domestic rail travel, travelling on international services offers incentives for those who book in advance. Travelling on Thalys and Eurostar will always require reservations. To purchase tickets involving international travel, proceed to the NS International service point at major railway stations, the NS International website, or the website of the train operator. ===OV-chipkaart=== {{main|OV-chipkaart}} [[File:OV-chipkaart.jpg|thumb|An anonymous (top) and personal card (bottom).]] All public transport in the Netherlands (buses, trams, metros and trains) use contactless smart cards called [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/?taal=en '''OV-chipkaart'''] (OV stands for ''Openbaar Vervoer'' meaning "Public Transport"), sometimes also called the ''Public transport chipcard''. Single-use swipe cards are available for NS trains and some local operators, but come at a surcharge. Unless you plan to use the public transport system only incidentally, your best option is to obtain an anonymous OV-chipkaart upon arrival as it's convenient and ultimately cheaper. However, the card must have a minimum stored value, which for NS trains is €20 (unofficially €16) and generally €4 for local public transit operators. The upfront cost (€7.50) of the anonymous OV-chipkaart is non refundable. The OV-chipkaart comes in three versions: *'''Disposable''' OV-chipkaart is a single-use ticket. It can not be reloaded. Some public transport companies in cities offer 1-, 2- or 3-day tickets offering unlimited use in certain regions. *'''Anonymous''' OV-chipkaart is more the most commonly used smart card. The purchase price is €7.50 (as of 2020) and is non-refundable. These cards are available at ticket offices and vending machines valid up to 5 years. This card is reusable and reloadable. *'''Personal''' OV-chipkaart is useful for anyone entitled to travel with a discount or monthly or annual season ticket. However, because this card requires a Benelux or German residential address or bank account not usable for most tourists. This card features the holder's photograph and date of birth. See the main article for more information on buying and using an OV-chipkaart. When travelling by train on the Dutch network on a disposable card, the card needs to have been bought at the station of departure ''before'' boarding the train at either a service counter or a ticket machine. After purchase, you must check in by tapping the card against a OV-chipkaart card reader before boarding the train and check out by tapping another reader when leaving the station at your destination. The anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can be used on all modes of transport except Thalys and Eurostar. As reservations are not necessary to ride on most trains operating within the country and there are no special discounts offered on such trains (excluding Thalys, Eurostar, and the international segments of the ICE, IC-Berlijn, and IC-Brussels train), passengers with an adequately-loaded OV-chipkaart can proceed directly to the platform (but check in and check out using the fare gates or ''chippaal''). Using the ticket machines or going to the ticket desks before a train journey is only necessary to top up credit or change the class of travel. The fare that will be deducted will be the same fare that is offered when trying to book a ticket for that route on NS.nl and NS Reisplanner Xtra app. The international tickets issued at Dutch stations come in the form of a disposable OV-chipkaart. These are, naturally, perfectly fine for travel abroad. International tickets, which when obtained abroad will most likely be traditional paper tickets. At the gate line use the barcode at the optical reader integrated in the gate. ===Online tickets=== NS tickets are also available in the form of an [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/buying-your-ticket-online.html e-ticket], which is cheaper than a regular disposable ticket obtained from a ticket machine (€1 difference). These tickets can either be downloaded as a PDF file and printed onto an A4 sheet of paper, or [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/ns-on-your-mobile/mobile-tickets.html loaded onto your smartphone] using the Reisplanner Xtra app. Either of these has a QR-barcode on the ticket, which should be scanned at designated ticket barriers to access the platforms. Naturally, you should have a sufficiently charged phone should you use the mobile ticket. If your phone runs out of battery during your journey (far from every train has on-board electrical outlets), you may be fined for illegal ridership. A printed or mobile ticket works as a personal OV-chipkaart and will have some of your identity on it. You should, therefore, have a valid ID on you while using the ticket. If you are having trouble booking an e-ticket on NS.nl or the Reisplanner Xtra app (e.g. foreign debit cards are not accepted), try booking at B-europe.com, the website of Belgium's national railway company SNCB or the SNCB International app. '''Online tickets''' are available in the [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen online webshop] of NS in which it is possible to order several products. Most of these can either be obtained through loading them onto your OV-chipkaart, or by ordering an [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/producten/p/e-ticket E-Ticket] which can be used on your mobile phone, provided it has the NS Reisplanner app installed and the phone runs either on Android 4.0 or up or iOS 8 or up. Holders of foreign Visa or MasterCard debit cards may experience some trouble using such cards on the app and may use websites like B-europe.com. ===Overview of tickets=== The following list provides an overview of tickets being sold online, at a ticket machine or at the counter. Prices are for online purchase or as loaded on an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart. For purchase at a ticket machine as a disposable ticket, add €1.00 per ticket. For purchase of tickets at the counter which are otherwise also available at the ticket machine, there is an additional surcharge. Prices updated as of October 2021. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/enkele-reis Single ticket]''' - A ticket valid in the same timeframe as the Day return, but allows you to travel between A and B (in either direction but not both). The cost depends on where you will be travelling. Passengers are permitted to break their trips at stations along the way but must check in and check out at every point. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/retour Day return]''' - A simple day return pass, valid from station A to B and back to A. The ticket is day-bound, being usable from 00:00 until 04:00 the next morning on a specified date. The price depends on where you will be travelling to and from. It is basically the cost of two single tickets plus the €1 printing fee (for disposable tickets only), therefore it saves money to get a day return if one is indeed returning to the point of origin on a disposable card. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/railrunner Railrunner]''' - A child's ticket for ages 4-11. Kids under the age of four can travel the network free of charge, provided you can prove their age and they do not occupy a seat themselves. In first class, Railrunners are only valid with an adult over the age of 18 with them, with at most three railrunners per adult. The railrunner is valid on all modes of train transport within The Netherlands excluding only the Thalys. The cost of a railrunner is fixed at €2.50 per child. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/meest-gekocht/p/groepsticket-daluren Groepsticket]''' - A single ticket for groups of 2-7 people. €32.00 for 2-3 people, add €3 for each additional person, with up to seven people being able to use a group ticket. The main ticket holder (the person ordering the ticket) should be present with the group at all times. The ticket may ''not'' be used during peak times (weekdays 6:30-9:00 and 16:00-18:30), or on the King’s Day (27 April). *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/dagkaart Day-pass]''' - Grants a whole day on the network, no matter what train you use (except Thalys and Eurostar). The ticket is valid for a day at the fixed cost of €53.00 (2nd class). *'''Day-pass bicycle''' - A day pass allowing you to bring your bike on the train ''except'' during rush hour, for €7.50. Only valid with a valid ticket for yourself. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/dagkaart-hond Day-pass dog]''' - A day pass allowing you to bring a (larger) dog on the train. Small pets may be taken free of charge in a bag or basket or on your lap. €3.30. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/toeslagen/p/toeslag-2-1 2-1 Supplement]''' - Allows you to upgrade your ticket to a first class ticket. Available via the ticket machine. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/abonnementen/overig/intercity-direct-toeslag.html Intercity Direct Supplement]''' - For €2.60, this supplement allows you to use the Intercity Direct between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport. Also available via the card reader pole on the platform (red colour). *'''ICE Supplement''' - For €2.60, this supplement allows you to use the German ICE train between Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, and Arnhem. This can be purchased and loaded on the OV-chipkaart through the ticket machines or purchased online in an e-ticket format. It is not valid for travel on German segments of the route. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/overige-kaartjes/p/trein-tram-bus-enkel Train + tram/bus]''' - Made for tourists, the Train + tram/bus ticket allows for a connection to attractions in [[Bloemendaal]], [[Arnhem]], the [[Efteling]], [[Eindhoven Airport]], [[Scheveningen]] and more. Price depends on the connection you want. A full overview of which can be found in the webshop. ==== Regional and special tickets ==== * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/amsterdam-travel-ticket Amsterdam Travel Ticket]''' - A one, two or three-day ticket allowing you to use Amsterdam's public transit, including a train ticket for unlimited 2nd travel to and from Schiphol Airport by NS train to any station in Amsterdam (not in Thalys and Eurostar) and the Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397). Price €17.00, €22,50 or €28.00. * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/amsterdam-region-travel-ticket Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket]''' - Comparable to the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, but also valid in all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region. Available as a one-, two- or three-day ticket (€19.50, €28 or €36.50). * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/overige-kaartjes/p/euregio Euregio-ticket]''' - Valid on weekends and public holidays for a day in the Meuse-Rhine area for €19.00 for up to two adults and three children under the age of 12. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/holland-travel-ticket Holland Travel Ticket]''' - A ticket valid on weekends and on weekdays outside morning peak hours (06:30-09:00) for €43, or at anytime on a given day (€63). Valid for train, bus, tram and metro. The ticket is valid on all railway services except Thalys and Eurostar. This is not loadable on a personal/anonymous OV-chipkaart and must instead be purchased at NS service desks at major railway stations or picked up at AKO bookshops at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal station. Travelling on Intercity Direct or ICE will require you to purchase the supplement as usual. ===Tips for saving credit=== A minimum fare of €2.40 may seem high. There is talk to make rail travel more affordable, but until some plans are actually put in motion, the only way of saving money on your journey while not breaking the law are by taking a subscription to a travel product or buying a day pass that covers a certain region. Check the NS Reisplanner Xtra or the 9292 app to find out the fare between your origin and destination. If a standard one-way fare between your origin and destination costs more than €20 and you plan to return on the same day, it may be worth purchasing a Holland Travel Ticket, which also includes access to local public transport. ====Subscriptions==== Subscriptions are perhaps the most straightforward way of saving money. Nederlandse Spoorwegen offers eight season tickets for saving money, which are usable in all of the Netherlands: * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/dal-voordeel.html Dal Voordeel]''''' (Off-peak discount) offers a 40% discount on weekends and during off-peak hours (€5 per month). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/altijd-voordeel.html Altijd Voordeel]''''' (Always discount) is the same as Dal Voordeel, but offers an additional 20% off during peak hours starting at €23 per month (€276 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/weekend-vrij.html Weekend Vrij]''''' (Weekend-free) at the cost of €31 per month (€372 per year) offers unlimited travel on weekends and a 40% discount during off-peak hours. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/dal-vrij.html Dal Vrij]''''' (Off-peak-free) offers unlimited travel on weekends and during off-peak hours for a €106 fee per month (€1,272 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/traject-vrij.html Traject Vrij]''''' (Route-free) gives you unlimited travel on a specific route, as well as a 40% discount on all other routes, though the cost is route-specific. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/altijd-vrij.html Altijd Vrij]''''' (Always free) is the all-in-one subscription, offering unlimited travel during the weekends, off-peak and peak hours for €356 per month (€4,272 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/grensabonnement.html Grensabonnement]''''' (Border subscription) gives unlimited travel along specific routes starting at the national border and 40% discount for up to three travel companions. Again, the fee is route-specific. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/kids-vrij.html Kids Vrij]''''' (Kids-free) requires you to bring your kids aged 4-11 with you, allowing them to travel for free at any time. This is the only subscription that is fully free of costs. Students in the Netherlands, domestic and foreign, can request a '''''[http://www.studentenreisproduct.nl/detail/english/ Studentenreisproduct]''''' (Student travel product), which can only be used if you're a student, but also once you're in the Dutch student financing system, ''DUO''. You require a personal OV-chipkaart, to which you then link your ''studentenreisproduct''. More options for students can be found [https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/students here]. Should you need to use the train a lot when working in the Netherlands, have a look at '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/business/subscriptions Business Travellers' subscriptions] '''''. Requesting these will often require a validation from the company that employs you. The discounts stated above are based on the fares of regular (Sprinter and Intercity) train journeys. This means that unless stated otherwise, passengers with subscriptions are liable to pay for supplements if travelling on Intercity Direct and ICE trains. These subscriptions do not extend to Thalys and Eurostar journeys. ==Using the train== The '''[https://www.ns.nl/en/stations Nederlandse Spoorwegen]''' website has information about services at every station on the Dutch network, including accessibility, bike rental, lockers, waiting rooms, service desks, shops and restaurants, toilets and taxi / park and ride facilities. Departures per station can only be found on the '''[https://www.ns.nl/actuele-vertrektijden/avt Dutch version]''' of the website, but the page does not need much translation. Simply type in the name of your station, click ''Zoeken'' (search), and an overview of departure times pops up. The four tabs are named ''Tijd'' (time), ''Naar'' (to/destination), ''Vervoerder'' (railway operator) and ''Spoor'' (platform). The content of the table is rather universal and needs no translation. At the bottom of that page you will also find current disruptions on the network, be it planned maintenance or unexpected interruptions. Again, the names of the stations need no translation. Terms often used are ''tot en met'' (up to and including) and ''tussen'' (between). ===At the station=== [[File:TB7 Baarn.JPG|thumb|A TB7-display at Baarn Station. These displays are the most commonly used displays on stations, showing the departure times, destinations, platform and service.]] [[File:Den Haag Hollands spoor.JPG|thumb|Double LCD screen at Den Haag Hollands Spoor (HS).]] If you have already obtained an e-ticket or have a sufficiently topped-up OV-chipkaart, you can just proceed directly to the platform of your next train but may need to pass through the barrier gates (see third paragraph for more details). If you aren't familiar with the journey you wish to take, arrive at the station with time to spare. Entering the station is simple. Smaller stations can be entered without any hassle, but before boarding the train you will have to check in with your OV-chipkaart at one of the posts available on the station. In addition, most passengers who wish to take the Intercity Direct or ICE trains within the country have to tap their OV-chipkaart using the designated red pole as it will deduct the €2.40 supplement required for travel on such services. Tapping on the red supplement pole won't be necessary if the supplement was purchased in advance or through the ticket machines, or if a passenger's subscription already includes it. These red poles are found on the platforms of participating IC-direct stations. Larger stations have barrier gates, requiring you to check in to access the platforms. These gates have the same function as an OV-chipkaart pole. Checking out at the same barrier-equipped station without travelling anywhere, within 35 minutes from check-in, won't charge your card's balance. The barriers are merely there to prevent fare evasion. Stations served by more than one train operator have different coloured fare gates; each colour indicating a different operator - make sure you check in with the operator whose train you will use immediately and check out of the operator whose train you just finished your journey with. Being 'checked in' with NS whilst on an Arriva train or vice versa will result in a fine or warning. If you are travelling internationally but are using an OV-chipkaart for the domestic section of the trip, please check out at the last domestic station not covered by your international ticket. Likewise, if you are returning to the Netherlands from an international journey, be sure to check in at the first domestic station not covered by your international ticket. If your entire journey is covered by a pre-purchased international ticket (including Thalys, ICE, and Eurostar trains), you will still need to scan your ticket's barcode at the designated barrier to access the platforms and/or exit them. All stations have LCD-displays showing the upcoming departures, with the first departing train always on top. These show the time of departure, platform, destination and service. Numbers in red written right after the scheduled departure time (e.g. +5) mean that a train is delayed with the numbers in red showing the number of minutes the service is expected to be delayed by (e.g. +5 written after 15:20 means the service will be delayed by approximately five minutes, which means a departure at approximately 15:25). These signs are found at the entrances of smaller stations, or in the main lobbies of the larger stations, often labelled ''Vertrekkende treinen'' (departing trains). In the main corridor of the station, should it have one, there are always double LCD-screens per track, showing the direction to the stairs up or down to platform level, the two tracks you will find at the other side of the stairs, the two displays showing the time of departure, service, destination and the train after it. The same display also has an analogue clock embedded in it. At platform level the same display can be found, though only with a single screen. It will show the platform you are on, the time of departure, destination, service, stations visited on that specific journey, as well as further details and the train departing after it. These displays too have an analogue clock embedded. The largest stations in the Netherlands either already have or will soon have gigantic LCD displays in their main lobbies showing roughly the next half hour of departures. Again, these displays show the time of departure, destination, platform, train type and further information, most often some of the calling points of each train. Should anything unscheduled occur, then the displays will update with that information and an automatic announcement in Dutch can be heard. If the train is international, this will often be repeated in German, French and English. Trains in the Netherlands are not identified by numbers or IDs, instead, they are identified by their destination and time of departure (e.g. "The 16:08 Sprinter to Leiden Centraal via Lammenschans") (Dutch: "''De sprinter van 16:08 naar Leiden Centraal via Lammenschans''"). On the platform, stand back from the edge, behind the white dashed line if possible. Trains don't always stop at platforms, and the vortex caused by trains speeding past might pull you onto the track or under a train if you're standing on the edge of a platform. Do not use flash photography as it may distract the train drivers. ====Station services==== If you fancy a snack or think you'll need something to eat before arrival, now is the time to get one. Aside from the PROTOS trains on the Valleilijn, no trains have either a restaurant car or vending machine. The PROTOS only has the latter. Larger stations, often the ones where you have to switch trains to get somewhere, have shops in their main lobbies. These can include: * Starbucks: the well-known coffee chain from the United States. * AH ToGo: An on-the-go version of Albert Heijn, one of the largest supermarket chains of the Netherlands. * Smullers: A snackbar, often featuring the Dutch concept of ''Eten uit de muur'' (Eating from the wall). No, they won't throw your hamburger onto the wall expecting you to use the wall as a table. Instead, you throw a euro or two into a vending machine or tap a credit/debit card into the reader and you get a hamburger, ''Broodje kroket'', ''Frikandel'' or any other available food item in return. If the concept scares you, don't worry. They also have a regular counter where you can order a snack, a drink or Belgian fries. * De broodzaak: A sandwich shop * Burger King * Kiosk: Usually on the platform, where you can quickly pop out of the train to get a coffee, tea or other while your train awaits departure on another platform. Many of the larger stations also have ticket counters, where you can get your ticket if you'd rather talk to station staff. The ticket you get is a disposable chipkaart, which can only be used once, and will have an additional cost for printing. Aside from Intercity trains and the Sprinter LightTrain, trains do not have toilets, and smaller stations might not have a toilet. Be sure to time your visit wisely, and always take your luggage with you when leaving a train, even if you intend getting back on again in a minute or two. Trains never wait long at a station. Besides, most services run every 15 or 20 minutes or even 10 minutes on several lines. ====Finding your way about==== [[File:Bestand-500 en 200 euro accepteren wij niet symbool (NS).jpg|thumb|140px|Signage can get pretty specific. For example: paper money larger than €200 isn't accepted here.]] If you can read Dutch or German, then interpreting the signage everywhere will not cause many problems. Otherwise, the language barrier can make your journey stressful. However, the signage is not too hard to understand if you know what you're looking for. Some words in Dutch resemble those in English. During your journey, you might run into the following signs or labels frequently: * Bewaakt - ''Guarded'', often accompanied with the symbol of a guard or policeman and a bike, meaning that this is a guarded bike shed or garage. * Camera-toezicht - ''Camera surveillance'', found on every station. * (Fietsen)stalling - ''Bike storage area'', either a bike shed or garage. * Fietsverhuur - ''Bike rental'', where you rent a bike with OV-Fiets. * Geen toegang - ''No access'' * Gehandicapt - ''Handicapped'', most often referring to accessible toilets. * Halen en brengen - ''Collect and drop-off'', for use by private cars. * Heren/Dames - ''Men/Women'', toilets. * Lift - ''Elevator'' * (Niet) roken - ''(No) smoking''. Smoking is strictly prohibited in indoor public spaces; therefore, smoke outside if these signs cannot be found. Since October 1, 2020, smoking is also prohibited on NS station platforms even those outdoors. * Parkeren - ''Parking'' * Spoor - ''Track''. The symbol accompanied with this text is the number of the platform you're on. Platforms are always labelled per track instead of individually. * Taxi - ''Taxis'' * Uitgang - ''Exit'', should you have enough of travelling by train for a moment. * Wachtruimte - ''Waiting room'' All signs except for the exit sign have a white background and a blue pictogram. The exit sign is green with a white pictogram. ====Finding a train on the go==== [[File:GeelbordophetstationvanAmerfoort.jpg|thumb|''Geel bord'' at Amersfoort station describing the service to Schiphol ✈ and Enkhuizen.]] Aside from the NS Reisplanner and other tools to help you plan your journey, it is of course possible that you're refraining from those tools for whatever reason. Luckily for you, the connections are all still written down on posters found throughout the stations, most often at the entrances of smaller stations or the throughway to the platforms at larger stations. They work as follows: At the top of the page you will find the direction of the trains. On the image to the right this is ''Weesp, Duivendrecht and Schiphol ✈ OR Amsterdam and Enkhuizen''. The pictured line has two termini, Schiphol ✈ and Enkhuizen. Often looking at the schematic below the directions is more insightful. Stations listed with [[File:Intercity logo.svg|17px]] have Intercity trains stopping there. Sprinters stop at all stations unless mentioned otherwise (which is rarely the case). Below that you will find a massive table listing (from left to right) the departure time, days on which the train is in service, the platform it departs from, the line operator and lastly the destinations and type of train. On the bottom of the page you will find some small information, such as footnotes explaining irregularities, as well as some other information. Often found terms here are: <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * '''Ma'''andag - Monday * '''Di'''nsdag - Tuesday * '''Wo'''ensdag - Wednesday * '''Do'''nderdag - Thursday * '''Vr'''ijdag - Friday * '''Za'''terdag - Saturday * '''Zo'''ndag - Sunday * '''Jan'''uari - January * '''Feb'''ruari - February * '''M'''aa'''rt''' - March * '''Apr'''il * '''Mei''' - May * '''Jun'''i - June * '''Jul'''i - July * '''Aug'''ustus - August * '''Sep'''tember * '''Okt'''ober - October * '''Nov'''ember * '''Dec'''ember * '''Van''' - starting, start date * '''T/M''' - Up to and including, end date * '''Stopt vanaf [x] op alle stations''' - Stops at all stations after [x] * '''Stopt ook in [x]''' - Also stops at [x] * '''Stopt niet in [x]''' - Does not stop at [x] * '''Vertrekstaat [x]''' - Time schedule for station [x] </div> The yellow signs however are bilingual nowadays, all the footnotes are printed in Dutch and English. ===Boarding the train=== [[File:VIRM Nieuw balkon.jpg|thumb|Train balconies are always divided from the main parts of the train, albeit not always with physical walls or doors. Should there be no seat in sight, then it is perfectly fine to stand here.]] You must have a valid ticket or validated OV-chipkaart before boarding the train. If you were not able to purchase a ticket and/or validate an OV-chipkaart due to a defective machine please report this immediately to the conductor. If you have a seat reservation for an international train, then watch the display at platform level for your coach number. All trains have automatic doors, having a single button to open them per entrance. On the inside these may be on either side of the doors. These are almost always labelled with two arrows pointing away from each other. In older NS stock these labels also have the doors pictured, as well as an additional button for closing the doors. The doors are always locked when the train is moving. In newer stock, pressing the button to open the doors while the train is slowing down for the next station will light up the LEDs around the button, and will open the door once the train has stopped. Generally, it is best to press the button to open the doors as soon as the train has stopped, as in some stock pressing the button may open the doors regardless of the train having stopped. This button may occasionally not work properly, in which case, it should open after being pressed a second time. When the doors open, people leaving the train get priority over people boarding the train, therefore, always stand out of the way for people leaving the train. On the door of each carriage are icons that tell you what facilities the carriage is equipped with (e.g. WiFi, toilets, bicycle-friendly). ===Finding your seat=== '''Having a ticket never guarantees a seat'''. Be prepared to give up your seating if someone having trouble standing upright approaches (e.g. elderly people or pregnant women). If someone requests you to give up your seat, you do not have to oblige, though it is much appreciated if you do, should the person have a valid reason to need the seat. Always keep your ticket, reservation or OV-chipkaart with you. Do not tuck it away somewhere deep in a rucksack, as you might be checked at any time for having paid for the journey, albeit by OV-chipkaart or E-Ticket, a subscription or seat reservation. Should you lose your OV-chipkaart, you can [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/terminate-or-replace/report-my-card-lost-or-stolen.htm report the card as stolen or lost]. Should the card break, then you can [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/terminate-or-replace/report-my-card-defective.htm request a replacement]. ==== Onboard announcements ==== Depending on the operator and rolling stock, onboard announcements are either automated or manually done by the conductor, or the driver. Station stops are normally announced twice over the train intercom. At larger stations the possible transfer to other trains will be announced. Announcements are in Dutch, and also in English on international trains and on domestic trains for the major stations relevant for tourists or international travelers. Sometimes the manual announcements are difficult to hear or understand, so be sure to check the carriage display at the front or rear of the carriage, showing the next few stops as well as a time of arrival. Some railway operators may put advertisements on these signs as well, so wait a bit until the display switches to the right screen. On automated systems, you may hear a reminder: "''Reist u met de OV-chipkaart? Vergeet dan niet om uit te checken.''" (Travelling with an OV-chipkaart? Do not forget to 'check-out'). ===Travelling with luggage=== Most Dutch trains are designed for travelling rather short distances, as the Netherlands is not a big country. Therefore, many travellers will not carry much luggage. This of course is different on international trains. As a general rule of thumb, there is more space on single level than on ''dubbeldekker'' trains, though the amount of space in the latter might surprise you. Luggage can also be put under the seats; a space that remains unused surprisingly often. Be kind to your fellow travellers and never put your luggage in the walkway of the train; this is a safety hazard as well as a nuisance. Passengers leaving the train often stand up ahead of the arrival time as many trains tend to leave as soon as everyone has got off and on the train. When the train driver applies the brake, people might fall or stumble, and your luggage might break their fall if they do, but it is way more common that they get their foot tangled in one of the straps on your rucksack, duffel bag, etc. Only when it doesn't fit in the luggage racks or your seat is it acceptable to use the walkway as storage space. At that point, however, be prepared to answer "''Waarom neem je niet gewoon een taxi?''" (Why don't you just take a cab?). Have you left an item on the train or lost track of it during your journey? No fear, help is always near. Nederlandse Spoorwegen stores an awful lot of lost items in their warehouse. If you've lost anything on their trains or in any station, then [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/lost-or-stolen/lost-and-found-items.html get in touch with them via their website] or by calling them ({{phone|+31 307 515 155}}). Arriva also stores your items for some time, though their contact form is [https://www.arriva.nl/consumenten/service-contact/verloren-voorwerp-melden.htm only available in Dutch]. Get help from Dutch passersby or station staff, who will most likely be willing to help you out. Breng, again has [https://www.breng.nl/en/customer-service/lost-and-found the same issue] with their online form, though they do offer a quick and handy overview of recently found items along with a photo, making it more accessible to non-Dutch speakers. The same goes for [https://klantenservice.keolis.nl/hc/nl/articles/207052245-Ik-ben-iets-verloren Keolis]. [https://www.connexxion.nl/en/customer-service/lost-and-found Connexxion's online form] is somewhat more easy to translate, and you can most likely figure out what to write and select with a dictionary or translation service at hand. ===Travelling with a bicycle=== [[File:Merwedelingelijn Fietsvervoer.JPG|thumb|Travelers require a reservation to carry a bicycle onto a train. Carriages carrying bicycles have a large bike symbol on the side of the side of the carriage.]] Effective Saturday, July 10, 2021, travelers with a bicycle must make a reservation for carrying a bicycle on a train. This is to prevent trains from being overcrowded with bicycles. Reservations can be made via ns.nl or via the NS-app, and will entitle the traveler to a 25 percent discount for a bicycle ticket (''fietskaartje''). Bike reservations can be made up to 14 days prior to the date of travel and up to one minute before departure. If the desired train has no available space for additional bicycles, the traveler may make a reservation on a following train. This procedure was introduced on a trial basis, and may be modified after a future evaluation. ===Combining modes of transport=== [[File:Jackdaw on bicycle handle bars Bustation Amsterdam Sloterdijk 2016-09-12-6540.jpg|thumb|Cycling might be the mode of transport most combined with the train network.]] The Netherlands being one of the most bike-friendly and cycling enthusiast countries on Earth, there is usually some bike parking at stations, sometimes even a whole dedicated garage just for bikes. Utrecht Centraal has the largest bike garage, which can store up to 12,500 bicycles. Bikes often have a dedicated lane if not road to themselves. Cycling in the Netherlands is the cheapest and perhaps the safest way to get about from station to destination. Above that, they are often not much slower, if not faster than taking a bus or car through a city. Dutch law does not require you to use any form of safety measures (i.e. a helmet or knee-pads), so don't waste time looking for a place to find some. Stations are usually well connected if not the hub of the local bus or [[urban rail]] system. The OV-chipkaart can be used on buses, trams and metros, with an alternative to the Chipkaart lacking more than OV-chipkaart support. To find a connecting mode of transport on the fly, look for the signs with the white background and blue pictograms. They will guide you to a bus, tram or metro (which are all spelled the same way in Dutch), a ''stalling'' ((bike) shelter), ''bewaakt'' (guarded (bike shelter)) or ''fietsverhuur'' (bike rental). The OV-chipkaart is fully integrated into the Dutch public transit system, so prepare to use the card for not only access to vehicles, but also for luggage lockers and private bike lockers. Big stations often have special departure boards dedicated to buses and trams, making it easier for you to see where your bus or tram leaves, and giving you the pleasure of having to not getting soaked during heavy rainfall while waiting for a bus. When continuing your travel by bus, be sure to ''check-out'' your OV-chipkaart when getting off the train, and checking in as soon as you enter the bus, as rail travel costs are based on distance travelled, while busses' costs depend on time travelled. Should you prefer to pay for a bus ride by credit or debit card, then you can do so. Cash payments for bus tickets have since been stopped on paper, but many busses still accept cash for a ticket. [[File:Stalling_OV-Fiets.jpg|thumb|left|OV-Fiets locker at Rotterdam Alexander station.]] [[File:BikeDispenser.JPG|thumb|OV-Fiets dispenser at Lent station.]] ====OV-Fiets==== The Dutch bicycle-share system "OV-fiets" is only accessible for residents of the Netherlands. Users of the service require a personal [[OV-chipkaart]] and a Dutch bank account. ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets-oud/how-the-ov-fiets-works.html OV-Fietsen]'', bikes available for usage through the OV-chipkaart, can be found in the bike garage or shelter of the station. Which of the two the station you're using has, depends on the station. The OV-Fiets is a bike that can be rented using the ''OV-chipkaart''. You will find them in the shelters or garages of the station either in a locker or a dispenser. You simply scan your OV-chipkaart, after which the locker opens, or in the case of a dispenser, a bike rolls out. It's strongly recommended that you check the tyre pressure and fix the bike seat at the height that's most comfortable for you. Should your tyres have too little pressure, then look around: every station in the Netherlands is equipped with at least one bike pump (''fietsenpomp''). Should the seat be too high or to low, then undo the lock on the seat pin via the small lever, place yourself next to the bike and bring the seat up to your hip. This should be roughly the ideal height for you. Then simply lock the seat in place by turning the lock in the opposite direction and go on your way. Should the bike have punctured tyres, then take it to the mechanic found at the station. If there is none, return your OV-Fiets and get another one. This can be done free of charge within 15 minutes. The OV-Fiets is a subscription based service, though. The service is as good as free. The only cost charged per year is €0.01 to check and confirm your bank details. Feel free to unsubscribe from the service as soon as your journey to the Netherlands is over. The subscription can be ordered and [https://www.ns.nl/webshop/nieuwproduct?1&product=OFI&reisklasse=U&contractduur=DRLP&returnurl=http://www2.ns.nl/deur-tot-deur/ov-fiets/online-abonnee-worden.html here]. Additional costs will be charged when you return your OV-Fiets to a different station than the one you got it from (€10). Other than that, costs are €3.85 per 24-hour timeslot. A single bike can be used for up to 72 hours, after which the price changes to €5 per day. You receive an invoice for use of the OV-fiets every month via email and payment is made via direct debit. ====Ferries==== [[File:Stena Hollandica at Hoek van Holland Haven aerial photo.jpg|thumb|Hoek van Holland Haven with a ferry bound for the United Kingdom in front and the railway tracks behind it. Hoek van Holland Haven train services were replaced by metro services in April 2017.]] Domestic ferries in the Netherlands are only found as a link to the [[West Frisian Islands|Waddeneilanden]], which can all be reached with relative ease. Your OV-chipkaart is '''not''' usable on ferries. * [https://www.teso.nl/en/ The ferry] to '''[[Texel]]''' leaves from the harbour of [[Den Helder]], the train station of which is serviced by NS, connecting the city to cities as far as Utrecht via Intercity and Sprinter. The 25-minute walk can be substituted by taking bus line 33 to ''Den Helder, Steiger TESO''. * '''[[Vlieland]] and [[Terschelling]]''' are both connected by [https://www.rederij-doeksen.nl/en ferry] to [[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen]]. ''Harlingen Haven'' train station is a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal, but you could instead take bus 71 from [[Leeuwarden]] to get to the terminal as well. * '''[[Ameland]]''' can only be reached by bus from [[Groningen]] and Leeuwarden via lines 163 and 66 respectively. You will have to get off the bus at ''Holwerd, Veerdam''. Both of these bus lines stop at their destination's train stations. * '''[[Schiermonnikoog]]''' can also only be reached via bus, connecting to ''[https://www.wpd.nl/en/ Lauwersoog, Haven]'', which links to Leeuwarden (line 155) and Holwerd (line 163). * '''[[Borkum]]''' is the only German island that can be reached directly from the Netherlands. The Eemshaven train station can only be reached from [[Groningen (city)|Groningen]]. The trains are synced with the ferry departures, connecting to Eemshaven five times per day. The train leaves at the time it is scheduled to, no matter if the ferry is late, as the line from Groningen is a single track with an half-hourly service. Waiting for the ferry would result in a delay for all of the line. The Netherlands also has international ferries, all of which connect to the [[United Kingdom]]. * '''[[IJmuiden]] — [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] (UK)''': The IJmuiden harbour can be reached from two ways: Travel to [[Beverwijk]] Station, from which you take bus 74, heading for ''IJmuiden Zeewijk''. You leave the bus at the ''IJmuiden Stationsstraat'' stop, which means ''Station street'', reminding of the station here that was used up into the 1980s, after which services were cancelled and the stations of IJmuiden fell into disuse. From the Stationsstraat, walk uphill, taking the first road left (Neptunusstraat), followed by another left onto the Duinstraat. From this point you should be able to see the harbour and getting there is as simple as following the road you're on. :The quicker route, however, is to travel to Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station found on many of the lines from Amsterdam Centraal station, namely the lines to [[The Hague]], [[Schagen]], [[Vlissingen]], [[Den Helder]], [[Enkhuizen]], [[Enkhuizen]] and [[Haarlem]], all of which are Intercity connections, as well as Sprinters to [[Uitgeest]], [[Hoorn]], [[Zandvoort aan Zee]], The Hague, [[Hoofddorp]], as well as a Sprinter from [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] to [[Hoorn|Hoorn Kersenboogerd]]. From ''Ass'', which is how Sloterdijk is abbreviated, bus 82 connects directly to the ''IJmuiden Sluisplein DFDS'' bus stop, which is way closer to the ferry terminal than the aforementioned ''IJmuiden Stationsstraat''.'Ferries to Newcastle are serviced by [https://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferry-to-holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam?src=promo4 DFDS Seaways]. * '''[[Hook of Holland]] — [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] (UK)''': The Hook of Holland is directly serviced via a metro service by RET, which services ''Station Hoek van Holland Haven'', which had trains running there up until 2017. Metrolijn B, which the station is on, connects to the train stations of ''Rotterdam Alexander'', ''Rotterdam Blaak'' and ''Schiedam Centrum''. These in turn are the easiest to get to via ''Rotterdam Centraal'', whether that would be by train or metro is up to you. ===Unforeseen disruptions=== [[File:DRIS NS vertrekkende treinen.jpg|thumb|Though rare, there may be moments when all the trains get cancelled due to circumstances such as heavy storms.]] Most trains don't, but there will always be a chance that your train gets stranded or can't continue for a different reason. The most common of which are signal or switch malfunctions (''Sein-/wisselstoring''), track maintenance (''werkzaamheden''), or the occasional collision with a vehicle, animal or person (''Aanrijding met voertuig/persoon'') or stranded train (''gestrande trein''). When in a hotel or anywhere else, you can check known disruptions on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks NS' website] or the [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/ns-on-your-mobile/travel-planner-xtra.html NS Reisplanner Xtra app] on your phone. Their overview covers all of the Dutch network, including routes serviced by other operators. Here you can also find planned maintenance to the railways, so you won't be caught in surprise when you arrive at the station and the track is missing at your platform. You will be able to see the changes to your journey as well. When at a station, you can see disruptions on the main LCD screen in the station's lobby or entry way, as well as the displays by the tracks. In case of a delay, times on the station displays get rounded off to the nearest five minutes, while the NS Reisplanner does not round off times. Should your train and the following few trains be unable to arrive or depart, then rail replacement busses will be dispatched. These are most often provided by the operator themselves. The operator may outsource this task, and will likely ask one or multiple touring bus companies to fulfil this task. Generally speaking, there can be either a ''snelbus'' (the faster or more direct connection) or ''stopbus'' (will stop at every station along the route). For these, you need to stay checked in. If the station where you're switching onto rail replacement buses is equipped with Chipkaart barriers, you need to check out to leave the station. In this situation, there will be a mobile unit near the buses where you can check in again. There are almost always staff members around in these situations. You can find them by following the signs labelled "Naar de NS-bus" (To the NS-bus), or something similar when travelling with other operators. Not every rail replacement bus is the same, so it's best to ask for information with staff (often either in uniform or in high-visibility clothing) when this happens. The more temporary disruptions, which cannot be planned for, can be found in the "Disruptions" tab in the NS app, or on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks/ this page] on NS' website. Track maintenance is a planned disruption that is often announced well in advance, and you can find planned disruptions on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ NS' website]. This page, however, is not fully translated into English. Some basic phrases you might see are: * '''Dit kan gevolgen hebben voor uw reis. Plan uw reis in de (internationale) app.''' - This might affect your journey. Plan your journey using the NS/NS International app. ::This phrase will often be used on ICE or other international journeys, where the maintenance is not carried out by a Dutch company. It might be worthwhile to check the website of the operator. * '''Reizigers van [x] naar [y] reizen via [z].''' - Travellers from [x] to [y] should travel via [z]. ::This implies that despite the maintenance, this part of the track will still see train traffic across it. This does often come with additional travel time, which rarely exceeds half an hour. * '''Het is niet mogelijk om fietsen mee te nemen in de bus.''' - It is not possible to bring bikes on the bus (though folding bikes will often still be accepted). ::A rail replacement bus service will be issued. This generally only applies when you can find this sentence in the "advice" column. This isn't a frequent practise during maintenance, as there is a preference for keeping services running during maintenance if possible. In the case of an unplanned disruption that requires rail replacement buses, it might be a lot quicker to check for conventional buses that will take you there faster, as rail replacement buses take some time to be organised and fully operational. ===Security=== In August 2021, NS introduced the telephone number +316 1318 1318 that passengers may call if they feel insecure in trains or stations. The number is also available via SMS and WhatsApp. ==Stations== {{mapframe|name=Map of notable Dutch railway stations}} The Netherlands has 397 train stations in service, divided over 388 municipalities. This excludes former railway stations that haven't been demolished, but includes stations with limited service, such as ''Utrecht Maliebaan'', which is only used when the [[Utrecht#Museums|Spoorwegmuseum]] is open. These stations are all maintained by ProRail and serviced by NS, Arriva, Breng, Connexxion or Keolis. In the Netherlands, only the major stations are staffed. ===Major stations of the Randstad=== <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Almere|Almere Centrum]]|lat=52.3752|long=5.2191|wikipedia=Almere Centrum railway station|wikidata=Q594100}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Amsterdam|Amsterdam Centraal]]|lat=52.3791|long=4.9006|wikipedia=Amsterdam Centraal station|wikidata=Q50719}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Delft]]|lat=52.0074|long=4.3568|wikipedia=Delft railway station|wikidata=Q800653}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Den Haag|Den Haag Centraal]]|lat=52.0810|long=4.3241|wikipedia=Den Haag Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q200704}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Gouda]]|lat=52.0174|long=4.7057|wikipedia=Gouda railway station|wikidata=Q800833}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Hilversum]]|lat=52.2265|long=5.1817|wikipedia=Hilversum railway station|wikidata=Q49868}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Leiden|Leiden Centraal]]|lat=52.1664|long=4.4823|wikipedia=Leiden Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q801075}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Centraal]]|lat=51.9250|long=4.4689|wikipedia=|wikidata=Q801075}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Schiphol|Schiphol Airport]]|lat=52.3095|long=4.7622|wikipedia=Schiphol Airport railway station|wikidata=Q801410}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]]|lat=52.0895|long=5.1098|wikipedia=Utrecht Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q575655}} </div> ===Major regional stations=== <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Amersfoort|Amersfoort Centraal]]|lat=52.1539|long=5.3740|wikidata=Q49854}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Alkmaar]]|lat=52.6381|long=4.7407|wikidata=Q800367}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Arnhem|Arnhem Centraal]]|lat=51.9849|long=5.9010|wikidata=Q800399}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Almelo]]|lat=52.3577|long=6.6548|wikidata=Q800372}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Breda]]|lat=51.5954|long=4.7800|wikidata=Q800561}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Deventer]]|lat=52.2573|long=6.1609|wikidata=Q17461651}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]|lat=52.0279|long=5.6720|wikidata=Q388365}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Eindhoven|Eindhoven Centraal]]|lat=51.4430|long=5.4812|wikidata=Q689942}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Enschede]]|lat=52.2223|long=6.8898|wikidata=Q743359}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Groningen]]|lat=53.2109|long=6.5641|wikidata=Q17937}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Heerlen]]|lat=50.8907|long=5.9754|wikidata=Q800901}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Hengelo]]|lat=52.2617|long=6.7949|wikidata=Q800910}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Den Bosch|'s-Hertogenbosch]]|lat=51.6906|long=5.2936|wikidata=Q801698}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Hoorn]]|lat=52.6452|long=5.0544|wikidata=Q800935}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Leeuwarden]]|lat=53.1965|long=5.7929|wikidata=Q17944}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Maastricht]]|lat=50.8503|long=5.7055|wikidata=Q689931}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Roosendaal]]|lat=51.5403|long=4.4582|wikidata=Q801378}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Venlo]]|lat=51.3648|long=6.1711|wikidata=Q632470}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Zutphen]]|lat=52.1447|long=6.1942|wikidata=Q801671}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Zwolle]]|lat=52.5050|long=6.0913|wikidata=Q47350}} </div> ===Notable stations=== [[File:Station Groenlo.jpg|thumb|[[Groenlo]]'s railway station (now in use as a house) is one of many ''Standaardstations'', being one out of thirteen ''GOLS-Groot'' stations, built in the 1880s, all of which are as good as identical to one another.]] [[File:Arnhem centraal station.JPG|thumb|Arnhem Centraal, one of the stations rebuilt in modern times.]] The first train stations built in the Netherlands were temporary, as the railways needed to prove their use before being accepted into the country. Most 19th-century stations were built in neoclassical styles, some with German influences. The art-nouveau, known best from the Parisian metro, has only been used in a single station, [[Haarlem]], which stands to this day. Foreign railway companies got involved with train lines onto Dutch soil, building their own stations. [[Valkenburg aan de Geul|Valkenburg]]'s station, for example, is a misfit when it comes to Dutch station buildings. Stations alongside international borders were seen as a way of introducing the country, these therefore, even though they saw little in passenger numbers, were rather decorated. The later 19th century and the start of the 20th century saw the rise of ''Standaardstations'' (Basic stations), which weren't basic per se, but rather a base of which several variations were made: a general blueprint. Take for example the GOLS Groot ''standaardstation'', used for stations of the ''Geldersch-Overijsselsche Lokaalspoorweg-Maatschappij'', active in the [[Achterhoek]] and [[Overijssel]]. Of the GOLS Groot type, thirteen stations were created. Of these four remain, being [[Groenlo]]'s station, which has no line connecting it anymore, [[Haaksbergen]]'s station, in use for a heritage railway, Terborg and Aalten, which are still in service on the line connecting [[Arnhem]] with [[Winterswijk]]. In the 1930s, the style switched towards somewhat more modern designs while not abandoning the classic look of stations. Examples are Amsterdam Amstel and Amsterdam Muiderpoort, both built by H.G.J. Schelling. In the [[World War II in Europe|Second World War]], a lot of the Dutch railway infrastructure was destroyed, including many stations. This allowed for rebuilding using pre-fabricated elements out of concrete, as is the case for [[Zutphen]] and [[Enschede]]'s stations, as well as [[Nijmegen]] and [[Vlissingen]]'s stations. The classic look was fully abandoned in the late 1950s, with [[Tilburg]] station being the first to make the radical switch, featuring a large floating roof covering the tracks and station building. Abandoned and rarely used station buildings which were still in service had their building replaced with smaller stations, often not being much more than a ticket desk. Starting around 1980, the look of stations gained more importance where the functionality of the building first was of utmost importance. More money went into the buildings, allowing for much prettier stations, such as [[Almere|Almere Centrum]], which has a shopping street running through the core of the building, [[Leiden|Leiden Centraal]], which main walkway form a major connection between multiple parts of town. [[Schiphol|Schiphol ✈]], [[Rijswijk]] and [[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Blaak]] were built over an underground railway. In the 21st century, more modern materials have been used. [[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]] and [[Arnhem|Arnhem Centraal]] have gone through major redesigns, leading to them winning many awards for their design. ===Former stations=== [[File:Voormalig station Hulshorst.jpg|thumb|Hulshorst railway station may be one of the better-looking abandoned railway stations.]] Where the aforementioned [[Groenlo]] railway station is no longer in use, with the line it was once connected to gone as well, it is not the only station with this fate. Stations in the Netherlands had their services cancelled en masse after [[World War II in Europe|the Blitz]], with cancellations of service happening to this day. Former stations occasionally get a new purpose as a house, as is the case with Groenlo's station, but also as office, restaurant - you name it. Cancellations of service are not as frequent anymore, but stations whose service ended after ''Spoorslag '70'' (the 1970 service overview of the Dutch railways, part of a bigger plan to make the railways better by 1975) that have not been demolished yet, are: * The '''IJmondlijn''' is the line that Lovers' Rail, the first railway operator of the Netherlands serviced for several years. After they quit, the line was closed, leaving the stations of Driehuis-Westerveld, Velsen Zeeweg, Velsen-IJmuiden Oost, IJmuiden Casembrootstraat, IJmuiden Julianakade and IJmuiden to be abandoned in 1999. The stations are rather overgrown, but are able to be put back in service. The start of the line at [[Santpoort]] is still serviced by the [[Haarlem]] — [[Uitgeest]] railway, serviced with Sprinters. * '''[[Nunspeet|Hulshorst]]''''s services were cancelled at the end of May 1987, the day [[Amersfoort]] Schothorst was opened, as the newly opened station made serving the small station close to impossible. The stations was to be closed after the Second World War, but was not, as a servitude laid on the station, a document made during the purchase of the land on which the station stood, which roughly stated that the station ought to be served at least four times per day, twice in both directions, had to stop at Hulshorst. The then mayor of Nunspeet, the municipality the station is in, remembered reading the document and the station was kept in service. When service was cancelled in 1987, there was no trace of the document, nor of anyone having seen or read it, which allowed for cancellation of service. * '''[[Kerkrade|Kerkrade West]]''' and '''Wijlre-Gulpen''' had their services cancelled once the railway they were on was discontinued in 1988. The railway since has become the [[#Heritage railways|Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij]] [[heritage railway]], which services both stations, though not regularly. Also on this railway is '''[[Simpelveld]]''', closed in 1992 with the closure of the [[Maastricht]] — [[Aachen]] railway. * '''[[Soest (Netherlands)|Soestduinen]]''''s services were cancelled in 1998, and was not destroyed as it received the status of municipal monument. The station was closed as not enough travellers used the station. * '''[[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Hofplein]]''' was used as the terminus of the ''Hofpleinlijn'' until this line was converted to light rail operation by the Rotterdam metro, now connecting at Rotterdam Centraal. The station still stands, housing mostly creative start-ups and the like underneath the former tracks. Many other stations have quirks or simply notable things about them. For example, [[Arnhem|Arnhem Velperpoort]], still in service, has the same entrance it had in the 1960s, though it is no longer an entrance. The station building has been converted into a workspace instead. Going east on the same line, you will find other quirks such as a post remembering the Stillewald Halt near [[Doetinchem|Wehl]], as well as the West and Stadion stations in [[Doetinchem]], the first of which is now an office space, and the latter is an abandoned platform. The main station of Doetinchem up to 2017 used to have no tracks 1 and 2, as these were the cargo platforms removed in the 1980s. Every line has notable features, and looking out for them can be entertaining on an otherwise bland journey. ==Trains and rolling stock== While accessibility is a bit of a problem with NS (requiring separate staff at the station to operate mobile ramps to enable step-free access older rolling stock), this issue will be improved with the two ''Nieuwe Generatie'' trains being built as we speak. Domestic trains that are wheelchair-accessible are marked with an icon ({{handicap-icon}}). These trains generally have their balconies at platform height, removing the need for a wheelchair ramp or lift. When using an NS train, or an ''inaccessible'' train, it is required to ring up the service provider, giving them time to get a lift or ramp out. Due to the ineffective nature of this process, it is recommended to not use a train so long as you aren't using only local networks. ===Mainlines=== ====Sprinters/Stopping trains==== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = NS Stadler FLIRT3 resting at Dordrecht CS (25087730738).jpg | caption1 = Snow-covered NS FLIRT in Dordrecht. | width1 = 240 | image2 = Fast train (4712207733).jpg | caption2 = Sprinter Lighttrain (SLT). | width2 = 225 | image3 = SGN 2710 -- Assel 20180919 (6).jpg | caption3 = The Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie between [[Amersfoort]] and [[Apeldoorn]]. | width3 = 225 }} If you know [[rail travel in Germany|the terms Deutsche Bahn uses]] don't be confused - while the ICE Sprinter is the fastest train with the fewest stops DB has, the Dutch Sprinter is essentially a stopping service - a bit like S-Bahn or RER, which calls at mostly every station along a given route. All Sprinter stock can be found in a white-blue-yellow livery. Since December of 2021, all of these trains are wheelchair-accessible and have toilets on-board. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Sprinter Lighttrain''' or ''SLT'' for short, is the replacement for the ''Mat '64'', introduced to passengers in 2009, 45 years after its predecessor was put in service. The SLT is intended for Sprinter-lines with short distances in between stops, which makes them most common in the [[Randstad]]. Its light weight makes for a fast acceleration, which results in shorter journeys, allowing for better usage of the routes. The Sprinter Lighttrain is, like other Sprinter trains, wheelchair-accessible, but only through doors indicated with a wheelchair icon. These doors feature a proper tray that slides out to connect to the platform, as opposed to other doors which have a fold-out tray, which only reduces the distance between the train and the platform a bit. {{handicap-icon}} NS employs Stadler '''FLIRT''' trains for sprinter services as well. These were taken into service following a shortage of rolling stock that formed between the completion of the order for SLT trains, and the start of production of the SNG. This train features charging outlets in first and second class, and is decorated throughout with [[De Stijl]] and Mondrian-inspired elements. NS FLIRTs are mostly found in service in Noord-Brabant and Gelderland. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie''', or ''SNG'', are being put into regular service on a few services. The SNG, which has fully replaced the older SGMm stock (that pioneered the 'sprinter' as a product) which ran between 1975 and 2021, is equipped with toilets on board and is entirely wheelchair-accessible by having the entire floor of the train be at the same height as the platforms at stations. ====Intercity/Fast trains==== {{multiple image | align = center | image3 = Koplopers 4091+4057 Haren.JPG | caption3 = Two connected ''Koploper'' units near Haren. | width3 = 232 | image4 = Sneeuwoverlast n.s sneeuw spoorproblemen sneeuw val.jpg | caption4 = A double decker intercity train plowing through the snow. | width4 = 200 | image5 = NS DDZ-4 passeert voormalig Station Soestduinen.jpg | caption5 = A DDZ/NID at the former [[Soestduinen]] railway station. | width5 = 225 | image6 = HDR 1741 Threth Bridge Ravenstein (14799819973).jpg | caption6 = An ICR train crossing the Meuse near Ravestein, not far from [[Wijchen]]. | width6 = 308 }} Intercity trains are essentially fast trains: They skip many smaller train stations and only call at interchanges and major cities. Occasionally, you may find Sprinter trains on these lines (most often SNGs), but this is only as an exception. Intercities can be identified by their yellow-blue liveries. Until the introduction of the ICNG in 2022, all Intercity trains do not have a floor at platform-level, meaning that, if you are bound to a wheelchair, you need to inform station staff in advance of your travels, so they may [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/traveling-with-a-disability/ns-travel-assistance.html help you board the train] using a wheelchair lift. The '''Intercitymaterieel''' or ''ICM'' for short, is an intercity train used by NS. The trains are nicknamed ''Koploper'', as passengers can walk the entire length of several coupled units through the head of a unit. Its name translates literally to ''head walker'', but the proper translation is ''leader''. Like the Stadsgewestelijk materieel, the ICMs too have been modernised, changing their names to ICMm. The ability to walk the entire length of coupled units was removed at this time, as the function was likely to fail and cause delays. The ICM has a reclining chair, power outlet, footrest, reading light and ''lectuurnet'', a little net in which you can find some newspapers or store your own books available in first class. [[File:America NSR VIRMm 9516 (51386343928).jpg|thumb|A four-unit DD-IRM or VIRM in the future livery of more NS trains, the so-called 'Flow'-livery.]] The '''Dubbeldeksinterregiomaterieel''' (''DD-IRM'') or '''Verlengd Interregio Materieel''' (''VIRM'') is possibly the most iconic train used on the Dutch rail network. Its name translates roughly to ''Double-decked inter-region unit'' and is most often referred to as ''Dubbeldekker'' by passengers. The VIRMs have wireless network and displays showing information about your journey in the modernised trains. The regular ones have a toilet for everyone to use, with reclining chairs and a footrest in first class. These trains are in various stages of being modernised, and feature different liveries. Modernised trains can be recognised by either a blue band around the doors (on 6-car units) or by blue doors and large white NS logos on the sides (the so-called flow-livery on 4-car units). The modernisation project gives these trains new chairs and layouts, as well as some other quality of life upgrades, such as a more reliable air-con unit. The '''Nieuwe Intercity Dubbeldekker''', abbreviated as ''NID'' or ''DDZ'', are modified DD-AR and mDDM sprinter trains dating to the 1990s. The DDZ is known to have run both as an Intercity and Sprinter service, making it the only Sprinter stock to not feature the white-blue-yellow colour scheme. The DDZ is outfitted with wireless internet and a toilet, with first class extras being a reclining chair, power outlet, reading light, footrest and a ''lectuurnet''. These trains have been out of service because of rapid wear to the wheels and brakes, but are slowly being reintroduced onto the network in December 2021, starting with the Intercity service between Roosendaal and Zwolle. The '''Intercity Rijtuig''' (''ICRm'') is an outcast to some extent, not being an EMU. The wagon is mostly used on the HSL-Zuid service as Intercity Direct. The wagon features the standard reclining chair, footrest and ''lectuurnet'' in first class. Silence areas are spread through the carriages. The DDZ as well as the modernised VIRM feature double deck seating, having a somewhat disliked coupé-system. This should become the standard for all bi-level trains in the country. Throughout the train, you will find ''stiltezones'' (quiet zones), ''werken- en rustzones'' (work and relaxation zones), ''meet-and-greet zones'' and regular ''praatcoupés''. The latter are found on the lower floors. The upper floors have the three ''stiltecoupé''-variants: * '''Werken- en rustzones''': These zones are dedicated for travellers to travel in quiet. The traveller is invited to read a book, work, sleep or talk silently. Seating is most often in rows, as you would have seating in a bus. The ''Werken- en rustzones'' can be identified with an emblem of a sitting person, surrounded with headphones, a book and a laptop surrounding him. ** To make the system more complicated for everyone, this variation has a variation too. Should you be able to read the word 'Silence' or 'Stilte' on the windows, then you are in a ''stiltezone''. You are very much discouraged to make any notable sound. Though you are allowed to have a snack or simply eat something, your fellow travellers may not be as much of a fan or you unpacking your lunch in a ''stiltezone''. * '''Meet-and-Greet zones''': Meant for meeting people. Seating is most often in groups, with seats facing each other. There are even lounge areas for groups. The traveller is welcome to talk, use their phone to call someone and have extensive conversations at a regular volume. This zone can be identified with an emblem of two people facing each other, with a speech-bubble above their heads. ===International and high speed trains=== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = Twee Thalys-treinen op Amsterdam Centraal.jpg | caption1 = A Thalys PBA (left) and PBKA (right) at Amsterdam Centraal. | width1 = 212 | image2 = Arnhem Station ICE 4652.jpg | caption2 = An ICE 3M at Arnhem Centraal. | width2 = 200 | image3 = Bad Bentheim NSI 1739 IC 144 Amsterdam (51327337832).jpg | caption3 = NS/Deutsche Bahn Intercity to Berlin, pulled by a 1700 series locomotive, at Bad Bentheim. | width3 = 267 | image4 = Intercity Direct resting at Rotterdam Central station (33366323401).jpg | caption4 = Bombardier TRAXX (NS HighSpeed 186) with Intercityrijtuigen (ICR) in NS livery. | width4 = 267 | image5 = Eurostar 4031 4032 just arrived at Amsterdam CS after a 4 hour journey from London St. Pancras (28227044569).jpg | caption5 = Eurostar e320 (British Rail Class 374s) at Amsterdam Centraal. | width5 = 240 | image6 = Nightjet NJ40490 DSCF1939 (51204227026).jpg | caption6 = A Siemens Vectron in NS-livery, operating the ÖBB Nightjet to Düsseldorf and Vienna. | width6 = 225 }} The '''Thalys PBA''' and '''PBKA''' units have little difference amongst them. The PBAs are used on the Thalys network between [[Paris|'''P'''aris]], [[Brussels|'''B'''russels]] and [[Amsterdam|'''A'''msterdam]], and PBKAs also go to [[Cologne]] (or '''K'''öln in German). Both units can and occasionally are coupled. Both trains are part of the French ''TGV''-family. These trains can mostly be seen in the Dutch stations of Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol ✈ and Rotterdam Centraal. '''ICE 3M''' trains are used by Deutsche Bahn on international intercity journeys. Of the 17 ICE 3M trains that use the Dutch network, 14 are owned by DB, and 3 by NS. The "M" stands for "Mehrsystem", i.e. the ability of the trains to run under multiple voltages and in multiple rail systems, in this case the Dutch and the German one. The only line that these trains ride on is the [[Amsterdam]] – [[Cologne]] – [[Frankfurt]] – [[Mannheim]] – [[Freiburg]] – [[Basel]]-line, stopping on the Dutch stations of [[Utrecht]] and [[Arnhem]]. DB promises free Wi-Fi even on the Dutch stretch of its ICE journeys. DB also runs its own InterCity (IC) trains to and from the Netherlands for example on the Berlin - Amsterdam route. As of 2017 they use a hodgepodge of rolling stock most of it refurbished since 2012 and capable of top speeds up to {{kmh|200}}. Starting in 2025, these trains are planned to be replaced with the all new ICE L^{([[w:ECx|wikipedia]])} trainsets. These should omit the need for locomotives to be changed at the Dutch-German border, and these trainsets will have their entry at platform height, as well as a top speed of {{kmh|230}}. Since the V250 Fyra trains were only good for 40 days of service, NS owns and borrows '''Bombardier TRAXX''' or '''NS HighSpeed 186''' electric locomotives. The locomotives are being used in combination with the ''Intercityrijtuig'' (Intercity carriage) or ''ICRm'' for short. The trains run on the HSL-Zuid line (Amsterdam — Breda), as well as the Amsterdam — Brussels line. The newest international multiple-unit train in the Netherlands is the '''Eurostar e320''', known in the [[Rail travel in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] as ''British Rail Class 374''. The train has arrived the Netherlands since 2017 on the Eurostar Amsterdam — London service. The train is capable of speeds up to {{kmh|320}} and has some 900 seats divided over 16 carriages. As for the newest international train in the Netherlands, that honour goes to the '''Siemens Vectron''' locomotives. These are in service on the night trains to Vienna and Zurich, but can also be spotted pulling the Intercity to Berlin. These locomotives, capable of speeds up to {{kmh|200}}, aren't owned by NS, but are instead leased by the Dutch Railways and their Austrian counterpart. ===Local trains=== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = Connexxion 5033.jpg | caption1 = Protos in the ''Valleilijn''-livery. | width1 = 224 | image2 = Arriva 10254 SimonTahamata Klarenbeek trein17833 20150405.JPG | caption2 = An Arriva ''Spurt'', better known as the Stadler GTW Diesel unit between [[Apeldoorn]] and [[Zutphen]]. | width2 = 225 | image3 = Rnet2010Zevenhuizen.JPG | caption3 = A R-Net FLIRT-3 near [[Zevenhuizen]] during one of its test rides before being put into proper service. | width3 = 225 | image4 = Syntus lint twents.JPG | caption4 = A LINT 41-H in ''Twents'' livery. These trains can be found on several local lines in the province of [[Overijssel]]. | width4 = 200 | image5 = Arriva 616-III.jpg | caption5 = Two coupled Arriva WINK DMUs at [[Westerkwartier|Zuidhoorn]]. | width5 = 209 }} {{handicap-icon}} The '''Protos''' is an electric unit, of which 5 are in service in the Netherlands. All of which are used by Connexxion on the ''Valleilijn'' ([[Amersfoort]] – [[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]). The units aren't popular, only 6 have been sold after some 10 years on the market, Connexxion being the only buyer. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Stadler GTW''' is by far the most popular train on the local railways. Arriva, Breng, Connexxion and Veolia used the train, with the latter two no longer servicing in the Netherlands. Breng only uses the diesel model, Arriva uses both diesel and electric models and Connexxion uses only the electric model. Veolia's trains have been taken over by Arriva, which got the concession for [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]] in 2016. Stadler being a Swiss-German company, the name stands for "Gelenktriebwagen" or articulated railcar. {{handicap-icon}} '''Stadler FLIRT'''s are used by Arriva in [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]], R-Net in (mostly) [[Zuid-Holland]], Abellio rail on border-hopping services into Germany as well as NS itself in mostly the southeast of the country to help support the Sprinter services. Arriva has ordered 8 additional FLIRTS to service Limburg starting in 2020, as well as 18 ''Flirtino's'', which are diesel-electric hybrid trains, which too will start service on the northern lines by 2020. Keolis and Connexxion also have a small collection of FLIRTs riding on the ''Hanzelijn'' (Kampen – Zwolle – Enschede) and the ''Valleilijn'' respectively. Despite the name being a German abbreviation for "flinker leichter innovativer Regionaltriebzug" (fast light innovative regional train/railcar) it is virtually always pronounced as an English word. {{handicap-icon}} The '''LINT 41/H''' trains are the oldest trains on local networks at this time. Most of the Dutch models have come from Syntus (now Keolis), which took 25 of them in service in 2001. By 2012 this number was down to 9, as Keolis had lost a large number of local concessions. Some of these were transferred abroad, and some were bought by Arriva and Veolia. Arriva bought seven additional LINT 41's in 2016. {{handicap-icon}} The '''WINK''' is the most recent train to be put into service on local lines. They are two-part multiple units that run on either on a combination between biodiesel and on-board batteries or electricity via overhead wires. The pantograph will initially only be used when the train is parked in order to recharge its batteries, though the ambition exists to upgrade the northern lines that the WINK runs on to be electrified by 2025, at which point the train will those for its power. The WINK trains have been named for local attractions, such as the [[Waddeneilanden|Wadden]], Oerol, the hanging kitchens of [[Appingedam]], Elfstedentocht and the STAR heritage railway. ===Future trains=== [[File:ICNG - Rotterdam Centraal.jpg|thumb|The Intercity Nieuwe Generatie 3103 at Rotterdam Centraal. While the series is not yet in regular service, the train can be seen throughout the country on occasional test drives.]] In 2017, NS expected to get two newly built trains onto the rail network by December 2021. These are the '''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie''' (2018) and '''Intercity Nieuwe Generatie''' (2021 - since delayed for service until 2023) - "nieuwe generatie" meaning "new generation". Both trains aim to be more modern than the current ICMm and SGMm models that they will or have replaced. A whopping 206 SNG and 99 ICNG trains have been ordered. They will feature toilets (which until the arrival of the NS FLIRT weren't available in Sprinter trains) and power sockets, as well as loads of variable seating options. The trains will both be way more accessible for the disabled, having their floor at platform level, as the preceding SGMm was not at all fit for people bound to wheelchairs, as entering the train required using two high steps from platform level, a hinder of some {{convert|30|cm|inch}}. The ''Nieuwe Generatie'' trains are also NS' response to the ever increasing number of travellers on the rail network. Twenty orders of the Intercity Nieuwe Generatie with necessary modifications so that it can run the international service to [[Brussels]] are supposed to be put in service by 2025. Arriva has announced that it has placed an order for several new trains by Stadler to service some of the northern lines around Groningen. The service will be run using [https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/products/detail-all/wink/198/ Stadler WINKs]. The WINKs have been put into service in 2020. ==Heritage and steam railways== [[File:Stoomlocomotief BR 011 075-9 van de SSN - Moordrecht (22060228292).jpg|thumb|Steam train on the track between [[Rotterdam]] and [[Gouda]] during the Annual Steam Train Days (''Jaarlijkse Stoomtreindagen'') of October 2015.]] {{see also|Heritage railways}} When many lines were being closed between 1930 and 1960, some initiatives popped up to save several of these railways, making them heritage railways. All of these run steam trains. Listed below are the museums that have their own railways and running stock: * '''[[Utrecht#Q847166|Nationaal Spoorwegmuseum]]''' (''NSM'') in Utrecht is the biggest and best-known museum with one of most every train that has ever been in Dutch service. The museum is located in the old Utrecht Maliebaan station, and can therefore be accessed by rail. A sprinter service is in place between Utrecht Centraal and Maliebaan during the days that the Spoorwegmuseum is opened. * '''[[Haaksbergen#Q1954418|Museum Buurtspoorweg]]''' (''MBS'') between Haaksbergen and Boekelo runs on the remains of the [[Doetinchem]] − [[Enschede]] railway. * '''[[Hoorn#Q3205907|Museumstoomtram Hoorn – Medemblik]]''' (''SHM'') between Hoorn and Medemblik, which uses tram running stock, yet uses a former local railway. * '''[[Veenkoloniën#Q2608463|Stichting Stadskanaal Rail]]''' (''STAR'') runs a part of the line between Zwolle and Stadskanaal that has been partially broken up. The section between Zwolle and [[Emmen]] still exists, as does the part between Musselkanaal and Veendam in Groningen. The line might be reused by Arriva in coming times, as the province too supports this. STAR supports this aim to improve public transport between Groningen and Stadskanaal, though it wishes to continue its own services. * '''[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|Stoom Stichting Nederland]]''' (''SSN'') is a museum on steam-powered machinery. Within its collection there are several steam locomotives taken over from the East-German Railways following the reunification of Germany, but also an old NS 8800 class engine, previously used in the mines of Limburg. The museum is located in the north of Rotterdam, and the rolling stock can also be seen at events such as the ''[[Rotterdam]]se havendagen'' or ''[[Dordrecht|Dordt]] in Stoom''. * '''[[Apeldoorn#Q2001163|Veluwsche Stoomtram Maatschappij]]''' (''VSM'') uses the railway between Apeldoorn and Dieren, starting its services back in 1975. * '''[[Simpelveld#Q2382332|Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij]]''' (''ZLSM'') rides trains between Valkenburg aan de Geul, Schin op Geul, Simpelveld and Kerkrade. * '''[[Goes#Q942892|Stichting Stoomtrein Goes – Borsele]]''' (''SGB''), is a reverse SHM, riding a former tramway of {{km|14}} between Goes and Borsele with steam trains. [[File:NS ICM4 4016, Madurodam (15606712401).jpg|thumb|ICM scale model running on the Madurodam model railway.]] The Netherlands has a lot of narrow-gauge railways, most of which aren't noteworthy, having little when it comes to rolling stock and a scarce amount of track. The two most notable narrow-gauge railways, however, as well as heritage tramways are listed below: * '''Stoomtrein Katwijk-Leiden''' (''SKL'') runs around the Valkenburgse Meer, not far from [[Katwijk]] and services half of the year from Ascension Day until the last weekend of September. * '''Efteling Stoomtram Maatschappij''' (''ESM'') can be found at the [[Efteling]] in Kaatsheuvel, connecting many of the attractions throughout the park with one another. * '''Electrische Museumtram Amsterdam''' (''EMA'') or ''Tramlijn 30'' (Tram 30) is a heritage tramway running in Amsterdam alongside the 16 other regular tram services of the nation's capital. The line is historically speaking not a tramway but instead a railway. The railway is the last remaining piece of the ''Haarlemmermeerspoorlijnen'', a series of railways located around the [[Haarlemmermeer]]. * '''Tramlijn Nederlands Openluchtmuseum''' (''NOM'') services the ''Openluchtmuseum'' (open air museum) in [[Arnhem]], connecting the vast park via tramway. The park is dedicated to showing the everyday aspect of the Dutch history, making the trams a lovely touch to the whole. * '''Rotterdams Openbaar Vervoer museum en Exploitatie van Oldtimers''' (''ROMEO'') is a foundation dedicated to running the heritage tramway of [[Rotterdam]], ''lijn 10''. The foundation features a vast collection of trams and tramway and Rotterdam-related vehicles. Line 10, however, only runs in summers. * '''Rijdend Tram-Museum''' (''RTM'') in found in [[Goerree Overflakkee|Ouddorp]], [[Zeeland]] and runs trams across the Brouwersdam, one of the dams of the [[Delta Works|Delta Works]], connecting the islands of [[Goeree-Overflakkee]] and [[Schouwen-Duiveland]]. [[File:Wolfheze treinstel 766Stichting Mat'54 (49982005857).jpg|thumb|Old Dutch rolling stock is unlike rolling stock anywhere else in the world, since NS designed their own trains for almost all its rolling stock between the 1940s and 1990s. Shown is 766, a privately restored Mat '54 train, though another train of this type can be found in the Spoorwegmuseum.]] Lastly, if you'd rather watch trains instead of travelling with them, then visit Madurodam in [[The Hague]]. Madurodam is a well-known miniature city featuring many landmarks of the Netherlands, and 4 km of model railway at a 1:25 scale. On and along this track you will find many locomotives that have been and are used by NS Reizigers and NS Cargo, models of the iconic Wadloper and [[w:NS Mat '64|Mat '64]], as well as VIRM and Thalys models, running between scale models of the stations found in Utrecht, Groningen, Enkhuizen and Valkenburg. The Utrecht model is, funnily enough, older than the station it is based on. The scale model was revealed in 2007 to demonstrate the look of the station design. ==Stay safe== [[File:Noodrem trein.jpg|thumb|"''Emergency brake: Pull this lever in case of an emergency. Misuse will be punished.''"]] The Dutch railway system is very safe, similar to its European peers. Accidents at grade crossings do happen, but generally they end worse for whatever is on the tracks than the train or the people inside it. The last accident with on board fatalities happened May 22nd 2020 near Hooghalen, between [[Assen]] and [[Hoogeveen]], where the train collided with a tractor crossing an unprotected crossing. The only life claimed was that of the train driver. In the 21st century, only seven fatal railway accidents have happened, accounting for eleven deaths in total. Inclement weather that may endanger trains or passengers often leads to service being interrupted as a precaution, which understandably enrages travelers but enhances safety. ProRail, which is in charge of maintenance of the railways, wants to have all barrier-less crossings to have barriers by the end of 2023, which will make accidents even less frequent. Crime on trains - aside from occasional pickpocketing and "misplaced" luggage - is rare but should you feel threatened or harassed, talk to a conductor if you can find one - not all trains are staffed with more than just one conductor. Sadly enough, the conductor is more often the target of harassment than a traveller, often for simply doing his job. Treat railway staff with the same respect you'd have for a policeman. If no conductor is to be found, look around. Often you will either find an ''0800-'' phone number on stickers in your wagon or find a ''noodtelefoon'' (emergency phone), labelled with ''SOS'' either at a central location of your wagon, or at the wagon's balcony. Call this number or press the button to talk to the operator's staff that will help you out as well as inform the appropriate emergency services. Do not use the emergency brake unless you've been told to by staff, which, even in the case that it is necessary, is very unlikely. Using the emergency brake locks the train for some time, stopping it from continuing on the tracks. By engaging the brake you're not only making life-threatening situations worse by making it more difficult for emergency service to reach the train, you're also making many people very mad by causing a delay on their daily route. Also, misuse of the emergency brake (''Noodrem'') is often severely punished, most often in the form of a large fine. No matter the severity of the situation, the ''Noodrem'' may '''never''' be used in a tunnel. ==Go next== * [[Rail travel in Germany]] * [[Rail travel in France]] * There are combined offers for boats and trains in and to the British mainland, see [[Ferries to the British mainland]] and [[Rail travel in Great Britain]] * {{slink|Belgium#By train}} {{guidetopic}} {{HasDocent|Wauteurz}} {{PartOfTopic|Rail travel in Europe|Benelux}} {{related|European rail passes}} {{related|Rail travel in Germany}} {{related|Rail travel in Great Britain}} 1xwm69ppi34crxfvsita5f47cauzyv5 4487830 4487829 2022-07-21T17:11:33Z WallyTheWalrus 112464 /* Pricing */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rail travel in the Netherlands Wikivoyage Banner.jpg|ftt=yes}} [[File:Amsterdam Central Station 2132.jpg|thumb|Amsterdam Centraal Station, one of, if not the most recognisable railway stations in the Netherlands.]] [[File:Stationsschild Den Haag HS.jpg|thumb|Every Dutch railway station is clearly labelled with one, if not multiple station name signs.]] Prioritising the traveller, the Dutch railway network is a great way to cross the country. Practically everywhere is reachable by train, having a network of {{convert|3223|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track. The Dutch network is a well-maintained and well-travelled network. A free travel pass is available to students in the country. Beyond that, the Dutch have eradicated paper tickets fully, using the ''[[OV-chipkaart]]'', often shortened to ''OV-chip'' or ''chipkaart'', instead. The card either holds data of the route you're travelling (disposable card) or it holds credit or a travel product (personal and anonymous card). The OV-chipkaart (which also works in buses, trolleybuses, trams and metros) is what sets Dutch public transit apart from that of other countries. This distinction is a recent development, with network maintainer ProRail improving the network, adding and revamping stations during the first quarter of the 21st century. Historically though, the Dutch were late in starting a rail network, having horse-drawn barges on their extensive inland waterways as a perfectly fine alternative for both cargo and people. After the first line proved successful, the 19th century saw a jump to the 'new' mode of transport, only to be too enthusiastic about railways and see many lines fall into disuse or be completely demolished in the 20th century. ''Nederlandse Spoorwegen'' (NS, Dutch Railways) lost its monopoly on rail travel in the 1990s, allowing more domestic and foreign railway operators to join the fun. The network can be crowded, but trains are still a great way to see the country. ==Structure== The Dutch rail network connects virtually all notable destinations from [[Amsterdam]] to [[Zoetermeer]] and [[Zevenaar]] to [[Assen]]. There are roughly as many stations as there are municipalities in the country (about 400). The entire network consists of {{convert|6830|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track, three quarters of which is electrified. The largest city without any means of rail-bound public transport is [[Oosterhout]] (North-Brabant), with some 44,000 citizens. The biggest region that cannot be reached by rail is [[Zeeland|Zeeuws-Vlaanderen]] (Zeeland), which borders [[Belgium]], but would be fully detached from the rest of the Netherlands were it not for a single road tunnel crossing underneath the Western Scheldt estuary. ===Passenger rail companies=== * '''[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)]''' operates nearly all intercity trains and many regional and commuter services (''sprinter'' trains). * '''[https://www.arriva.nl/consumers.htm Arriva]''' operates trains on the ''Noordelijke Nevelijnen'' (Northern lines, [[Groningen (province)|Groningen]] and [[Friesland]]), ''Drechtsteden, Alblasserwaard, Vijfherenlanden-region'' ([[Zuid-Holland]]), ''Vechtdallijnen'' (Vechtdal lines, [[Overijssel]]), [[Achterhoek]]-Rivierenland region ([[Gelderland]]) and [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]]. * '''[http://www.breng.nl/ Breng]''' most notably focused on bus and trolleybus connections in Arnhem and Nijmegen, Breng only runs a single train service in the Achterhoek: [[Arnhem]] — [[Doetinchem]], creating a quarter-hourly service to Doetinchem in cooperation with Arriva, which has its trains turn around at [[Winterswijk]] instead of Doetinchem. * '''[https://www.connexxion.nl/ Connexxion]''' operates trains on the ''Valleilijnen'' (Valley lines, [[Barneveld]] — [[Amersfoort]] — [[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]). * '''[https://www.keolis.nl/ Keolis]''' though its name is hardly seen. Keolis, formerly known as Syntus, runs trains as ''Twents'' in [[Twente]] on the [[Zutphen]] — [[Hengelo]] — [[Oldenzaal]] line. * '''[https://www.rnet.nl/ R-Net]''' operated by '''NS''' runs the concession for the [[Gouda]] — [[Alphen aan den Rijn]] line. R-Net is a sort of quality label for frequent public transport within the Randstad area. *'''R-Net''' operated by '''[https://qbuzz.nl/ Qbuzz]''' started running trains on the MerwedeLingeLijn ([[Dordrecht]] — [[Geldermalsen]]) in early December 2018. This is the first rail service operated by Qbuzz, which, as the name implies, has thus far only serviced buses and trams, the latter in a joint venture with bus operator HTM. * '''[https://blauwnet.nl/ Blauwnet]''' is not so much an operator as it is a joint venture. Arriva and Keolis share lines in Overijssel and Drenthe and have agreed to run these trains in a somewhat more neutral livery, namely the blue livery of Blauwnet (Blue-net). The lines included are four services from [[Zwolle]] to [[Emmen]] (Arriva), [[Enschede]], [[Kampen]] and [[Oldenzaal]] (Keolis), [[Almelo]] — [[Hardenberg]] (Arriva) and [[Zutphen]] — [[Oldenzaal]]. Between Almelo, Hengelo and Enschede, Blauwnet runs alongside NS. On those journeys, Blauwnet charges up to €0.06 more than NS, so with frequent journeys between these cities, perhaps opt for NS instead. ==Historical background== {{seealso|w:History of rail transport in the Netherlands}} ===Starting out=== [[File:Station 'De Eenhonderd Roe'; juli 1939.jpg|thumb|Replica of ''De Arend'' at a rebuilt Station d'Eenhonderd Roe, one hundred ''roeden'' or 400 m from Amsterdam.]] Rail transport did not catch on in the Netherlands until 1839. There were many plans to connect the country by rail, but unlike most European countries, the Netherlands didn't need a rail network. A perfectly workable system of horse-drawn barges (''trekschuiten'') was already in place, using the country's famous canal network. Shipping companies also lobbied against railways, causing attempts to raise funds for railways to fail dramatically. The most viable line was one proposed by W.A. Blake, who wanted to connect Amsterdam to [[Cologne]] (Germany) via [[Arnhem]]. His fundraising efforts failed, but one of his employees, W.C. Brade, continued the plans, changing the route to connect the capital to [[Rotterdam]], with a test stretch running to [[Haarlem]] to test economic viability. Wealthy investors began to favour a connection between the ports of the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. King William supported the plans because he was reluctant to let his country fall behind its neighbours which were all working on their first railways. With the King's support, construction of the railway started. However, the Netherlands lacked engineers and had to import them, mainly from [[England]]. Even with these engineers, some odd choices were made. The railway that had to connect to foreign railways was built on a {{mm|1945}} broad gauge instead of the standard gauge that the neighbours used, making the tracks incompatible until they were converted. On September 20, 1839, a train pulled by ''De Arend'' ('The Eagle')<!--Germany's first railway had also used a locomotive called "eagle" just a few years prior--> with ''De Snelheid'' ('The Speed') as backup, left [[Amsterdam]] for [[Haarlem]] and arrived without any major problems 30 minutes later, covering a distance of 16 km (10 miles). Commercial transport on the line commenced four days later. ===Expansion and boom=== [[File:Laantje van Van der Gaag.jpg|thumb|A common sight in the early days of Dutch railways: landowners wouldn't let the rail companies use or buy their land for the railway, leading to conflict, after which the company would lay temporary tracks around the property they couldn't cross. Pictured is an artist's impression of ''Het Laantje van Van der Gaag'' near [[Delft]], which was in use from July 3 until July 7, 1847.]] Most railways were built on popular demand, and building only commenced once individuals had raised the funds. Nothing was centralised. By 1850 several main railways were constructed, yet the Netherlands was significantly behind its neighbours. Moreover, the major rivers of the country hadn't yet been bridged, creating a major divide between the Netherlands above the Rhine and the Netherlands below the Rhine. The networks that had come to exist were badly linked if they were linked at all. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the main railway hubs at the time, competing companies had different stations, both on opposite edges of the towns. In 1860 the ''Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg-Maatschappij'' (NCS) constructed a line connecting [[Utrecht]] to [[Kampen]] via [[Amersfoort]] and [[Zwolle]]. In 1869 Utrecht became connected to [[Eindhoven]] via [['s Hertogenbosch]] and two years later ''Lage Zwaluwe'' was connected to [[Dordrecht]], finally spanning across the rivers Meuse and Waal (Rhine delta). The ''Oosterspoorweg'' (Eastern railway) was constructed partly in 1874 and partly in 1876, connecting Amsterdam to [[Zutphen]]. By 1860 the government of the Netherlands finally realised that railways might be of national importance, creating the ''Spoorwegwet'' (Railway law), meaning that the government finally started funding and exploiting railways. The law proposed ten railways, labelled A through K, that would connect the Netherlands. These railways would not yet be used by a government-owned company, but instead by the National Railways (''Staatsspoorwegen'' or SS). These lines were: <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * [[Arnhem]] - [[Leeuwarden]] * [[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen]] - [[Bad Nieuweschans|Nieuwe Schans]] * [[Meppel]] - [[Groningen]] * [[Zutphen]] - [[Enschede|Glanerbeek]] * [[Breda]] - [[Maastricht]] * [[Roosendaal]] - [[Vlissingen]] * [[Venlo]] - Kaldenkirchen (Germany) * [[Utrecht]] - [[Boxtel]] * [[Breda]] - [[Rotterdam]] * [[Den Helder|Nieuwediep]] - [[Amsterdam]]</div> The SS had a rivalry with the HSM (''Hollandsche IJzeren Spoorweg-Maatschappij''), both of which tried their best to take as many passengers away from the other by siding with third parties, taking over their railways or using their shipping services to get passengers across a river that couldn't be crossed by using their railway. The ''Staatslijnen'' weren't enough to cover the entire country, with the east being particularly left out. Many local railways (''lokaalspoorwegen'') and tramways were built by non-governmental organisations started by individuals, often traders or investors. The tramways didn't have to install signals, whereas the railways were required to. The downside of the tramways was that they had to deal with speed limits as they often used pre-existing roads. Connections to neighbouring countries were also started by individuals. Staatslijn B already connected to Germany near [[Enschede]]. Additionally, the line between [[Turnhout]] (Belgium) and [[Tilburg]] was built by ''Grand Central Belge'' in 1867 and [[Boxtel]] was connected to [[Lower Rhine|Wesel]] (Germany) in 1878 by the ''Noord-Brabantsch-Duitsche Spoorweg-Maatschappij'' (North-Brabantic-German Railway Company). ===The 1900s=== [[File:NL-HaNA 2.24.01.03 0 900-9366.jpg|thumb|The 1940s were a turning point for the Dutch railways. The destruction the war wrought and the lines destroyed by the Nazis during their withdrawal made the Dutch rethink what lines were and weren't necessary.]] The rivalry on the railways led to many mergers. A single state-owned railway company, however, never came into being. The SS and HSM were the main winners of the rivalry. They joined forces in August of 1937, forming the ''Nederlandsche Spoorwegen'' (Dutch Railways), of which the state became the owner. Most railways were then operated by the NS, excluding several border-crossing and local railways. This remained the case for some sixty years, until 1995. During the 1900s many lines were electrified, the first of which was the 1908 ''Hofpleinlijn'' ([[Rotterdam]] - [[Scheveningen]]). The line was electrified with 10,000 volts of alternating current. In the 1920s the ZHESM, which owned the line, developed 1500 V direct voltage, which was used first on the ''Oude Lijn'' (Old Line; Amsterdam - Rotterdam) in 1924. The 1500 DC voltage became the standard electrification for the Netherlands and is used to this day on almost all electrified lines. With road traffic on the rise, many local railways were no longer profitable. Most of them were abandoned in the 1930s and after the second world war. By 1934 the first diesel train, the Mat '34, had been put into service. The Mat '34 was also the first streamlined train design, which would be used on all newly-built electric trains a year later. Steam locomotives were used less and less after the second world war. The last steam train in regular service ran on January 7, 1958. In 1956 the class system in trains was changed across Europe. Third class became second class, second class became first class and the (rarely used) first class was abolished. ===Reorganisation and rivals=== [[File:NS loc 2207 - Lovers Rail, IJmuiden.jpg|thumb|An NS Class 2200 locomotive leased to Lovers Rail servicing the area around the [[Keukenhof]].]] The 1990s brought reorganisations to the ''Nederlandse Spoorwegen'', which meant a divide in maintaining and using the railways. The running of the railways stayed with NS, and the maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure was shifted over to the newly formed ''ProRail''. NS was divided into ''NS Reizigers'' for passenger service and ''NS Cargo'' for transport of goods. Local concessions were put in place to open up the market to other private companies, and end the monopoly of NS. The first competition came in 1996, when ''Lovers Rail'' started running trains from Haarlem to Amsterdam, which turned out to be impractical for people in [[IJmuiden]] and [[Lisse]], as well as visitors to [[Keukenhof]]. Lovers Rail ceased operations in 1999. More successful were the regional lines outside of the [[Randstad]]. The first of these was [[Mariënberg]] - [[Almelo]] in 1998, followed by the Northern Lines in [[Friesland]] and [[Groningen]] in 1999 and 2000. As of 2017, local lines are run by Arriva, Breng, Connexxion and Keolis. Several lines in the Randstad are planned to be converted into metro lines around 2020 in order to improve public transit there. While many of the "private" railways bidding on rail franchises in the Netherlands are actually daughter companies of the state railways of other countries, NS itself has started bidding on (and winning) contracts for rail service abroad under the brand of their daughter company ''Abellio''. ==Services== ===Classes of travel=== [[File:Station Haarlem 16.JPG|thumb|A ''Derde Klas'' (third class) waiting room indication sign at the historical Haarlem Station never got updated to modern European standards. The tile motif is there forever locked in time.]] The Dutch classes of travel follow the European standard, which is divided into two classes: * '''Tweede Klas''' (second class), indicated on carriages with a simple ''2'', offers seating of a decent quality which outside of rush hour is perfectly fine. As soon as rush hour starts, expect little space, especially when travelling with loads of luggage. There are almost always overhead storage racks for luggage, but even a simple backpack may prove too big in some situations. Seating is the main problem in second class, aside from overcrowding during rush hour. Intercity trains, most notably the double-deck VIRM and DD-IRM, have silent areas or coaches, which are often quieter and are a de-facto midway solution between first and second class, as overcrowding is not as big of an issue. * '''Eerste Klas''' (first class), indicated by a ''1'' on the side of carriages offers more space between seats, electrical outlets in most trains, and higher quality seating (though higher quality often refers to leather instead of fabric seats). The first class, however, does have a notable price difference that might very well not be worth it for frequent travel according to most Dutch train travellers. As a result, first class is rarely overcrowded. Booking a seat in advance is only possible on international intercity journeys with, for example, the ICE or Thalys trains. Sleeper carriages are not found on regular intercity trains, as travel time is rarely more than 2½ hours, even though the longest travel time within the Netherlands directly from station to station takes around 5½ hours ([[Delfzijl]] to [[Vlissingen]] (5 hr 38 min in the 2018 schedule)). Sleeping on the train is fine if you have a ticket for where you sit. The classes share toilets, which are not all wheelchair-accessible. If the train doors have no steps, then there is a high chance that it will have wheelchair-accessible toilets. Regional services rarely have toilets. Larger stations, however, do. The number of toilets, and their accessibility, is due to be improved with the Intercity and Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie. Both classes have freely accessible Wi-Fi. Almost all trains have a conductor. Most trains have no catering, but on some lines drinks and snacks are available for purchase. ===Traveller's rights=== The Dutch railway is often mocked for its lack of punctuality and its inefficiency; however that may simply be because Dutch people have a high standard and treat five minutes of delay as a calamity, while the average customer of some other railways would laugh at such an event. Most of that can be explained in cultural difference: the Dutch are very punctual people. Aside from that, trains often seem full if you're not willing to sit beside someone you don't know, which is something the Dutch don't exactly prefer. Should your train be cancelled, or should your journey be limited in any other way, such as by one of the rare railway strikes, then you are entitled to financial compensation as long as you have obliged to the railway operator's [https://www.ns.nl/en/terms-conditions.html terms and conditions]. [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/refunds Refunds] and [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/lost-or-stolen Lost and found objects] can be reported and requested via NS's website. Should the problem occur when travelling with another railway operator, then contact them via their website if possible, or give them a call. If neither of these are possible, then head for the nearest info desk (often found at the larger stations with the ''Centraal'' suffix). ===Regional, local and commuter lines=== [[File:Railroads Netherlands 2013.svg|thumb|Railway map of the Netherlands. This map also includes cargo only (in pink) and heritage lines (in grey)]] Railways in the Netherlands have been divided into a larger main concession for the core network, which until 2025 is granted to Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), and into a couple of local concessions, which railway companies bid to operate. These lines are most often non-electrified, running diesel stock, whereas all lines operated by NS are electrified. Of the railway operators active in the Netherlands besides NS, Arriva is by far the biggest. Arriva alone services the following lines: * '''Noordelijke Nevelijnen''' (''Northern branch-lines''), consisting of ''Staatslijn B'' ([[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen Haven]] — [[Bad Nieuweschans]]), [[Leeuwarden]] — [[Stavoren]], [[Groningen]] — [[Roodeschool]], Groningen — [[Delfzijl]] and Groningen — [[Veendam]]. The lines are all serviced using the ''Spurt'' train type, better known as the Stadler GTW. Arriva holds the right to service these lines until the year 2035. * '''Vechtdallijnen''' (''Vecht-valley lines''), consisting of [[Zwolle]] — [[Emmen]] (served hourly by a fast and stopping train) and [[Almelo]] — [[Mariënberg]] — [[Hardenberg]]. * '''Achterhoek-Rivierenland''', made up of the [[Zutphen]] — [[Apeldoorn]], Zutphen — [[Winterswijk]], [[Arnhem]] — [[Doetinchem]] — Winterswijk and Arnhem — [[Tiel]] lines. Out of these, the Arnhem — Doetinchem concession is shared with Breng, making it the local line with the highest frequency with four trains per hour in either direction. * '''Limburg''' has five lines, all of which are operated by Arriva. These are S1 ([[Nijmegen]] — [[Roermond]]), S2 ([[Maastricht]] — Roermond), S3 ([[Sittard]] — [[Kerkrade]]) and S4 and S5 (Maastricht — [[Heerlen]]). Arriva runs FLIRT3 trains on the S2 and S4 lines, LINT 41/H on the S1 and Valleilijn line, Stadler GTW 2/6 and 2/8 electric and diesel units on about all other lines. Almost all trains bear a name of a significant person, location or event related to the region the trains service, where the Stadler GTWs are named after people, the FLIRT3s after locations and events, while the LINT 41/H trains rarely are named. The names are always marked on the heads of the trains, only visible on the outside. Names vary from artists like [[w:Mondriaan|Piet Mondriaan]] and [[w:M.C. Escher|M.C. Escher]] to assumed spy [[w:Mata Hari|Mata Hari]] and from naval explorer [[w:Willem Barentsz|Willem Barentsz]] to garden designer [[w:Piet Oudolf|Piet Oudolf]]. Breng services the aforementioned line between Arnhem and Doetinchem creating a quarter-hourly service between both stations in cooperation with Arriva. Keolis has definitely seen better days, once having lines all over the Eastern Netherlands as Syntus, it now only services only the Zutphen — [[Hengelo]] — [[Oldenzaal]] line as ''Twents''. All of these trains are LINT 41/H models refurbished in 2013 to have toilets on-board. These trains, constructed between 2001 and 2004, are the oldest trains on the local networks. As of December 2017, Keolis services the ''Kamperlijn'' ([[Kampen]] — [[Zwolle]]) in its own livery and all other trains in neutral Blauwnet livery. In December 2018, bus company Qbuzz entered the railway market by taking over the MerwedeLingeLine from Arriva. Nederlandse Spoorwegen runs ''Sprinter'' trains on the core network, which is a NS brand for a ''stoptrein'' (stopping train), calling at every stop along the line. Sprinters are nearly always servicing lines that also have Intercity connections, so depending on your departure and/or destination station, you probably are faster by taking an intercity train instead of a sprinter. ===Intercity lines=== [[File:Intercitynet NL 2015.png|thumb|Intercity lines of the Netherlands.]] All Intercity lines are served by NS, and all of these lines are electrified, with the trains served by NS running on energy generated by wind turbines. NS has two categories of Intercity connections (aside from international connections): ====Intercity Direct==== The closest thing that the Netherlands has when it comes to high speed rail. As of 2021, there are four services: * '''IC 35 / 9200''': Amsterdam - [[Antwerp]] - [[Brussels]]-Zuid/Midi * '''IC 35 / 9600''': [[The Hague]] - Antwerp - Brussels-Zuid/Midi * '''900''': Amsterdam - Breda * '''1000''': Amsterdam - Rotterdam All these services run on the HSL-Zuid infrastructure, calling at Schiphol Airport (aside from 9600), The Hague and Rotterdam. There is a supplement required if you travel between Schiphol and Rotterdam with IC-Direct. There have long been plans to expand the Dutch high speed rail network by two lines, but so far nothing has come of them. HSL-Oost (Amsterdam — [[Ruhr Area]]) has been in discussion since the 1990s, with tracks between Amsterdam and Utrecht already being doubled from two to four lines, allowing two of them to be used for higher speeds, connections to Arnhem have been modified, with most modifications to the stations, but east of Arnhem, little has changed. The alternative, the Deltaline, was presented in March 2006, but it never got off the ground either. For now, trains to the Ruhrgebiet are limited to {{kmh|160}}. The Zuiderzeelijn never got beyond the planning phase: whether the line is to operate a Maglev, HSL or ''Superbus'' has not been decided. The line has been permanently set aside for ten years now, and will not be dug up for some time yet. ====Regular Intercity lines==== The regular intercity connections are most likely the ones you would use the most. They connect the major cities with one another, skipping the smaller towns along the route. [[Utrecht]] is what comes closest to the central hub, due to its location in the center of the country. Only routes served by NS dedicated to domestic rail travel are counted as Intercity lines here, even though Arriva does offer connections that can be defined as Intercity, they refer to them as ''Sneltrein'' (fast train). Routes below are listed by their serial number. '''Do not''' bother remembering the serial numbers, as these cannot be found at the station or in trains. * '''500''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Groningen]] via Utrecht and Zwolle using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''600''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Leeuwarden]] via Utrecht and Zwolle using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''700''': [[Den Haag]] (The Hague) — [[Groningen]] via Schiphol ✈, Lelystad and Zwolle using VIRM stock. * '''800''': ([[Den Helder]]) — [[Alkmaar]] — [[Maastricht]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven using VIRM stock. Travelling from Amsterdam, the line becomes a Sprinter (stopping train) service after Alkmaar. Not all trains headed for Alkmaar go further than Alkmaar. * '''900''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Breda]] via the HSL connection. Additional fee required between [[Schiphol]] and Rotterdam. * '''1000''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Rotterdam]] via the HSL connection. Additional fee required between [[Schiphol]] and Rotterdam. * '''1100''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Eindhoven]] via [[Delft]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Breda]] and [[Tilburg]]. * '''1400''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Utrecht]] via Den Haag and Amsterdam using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''1500''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Amersfoort]] (— [[Deventer]]) via Amsterdam using ICM, DDZ and VIRM stock. Trains headed for Deventer from Amersfoort are less frequent. * '''1600''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Enschede]] via Amersfoort and Deventer using ICMm stock. * '''1700''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Enschede]] via Utrecht, Amersfoort and Deventer using VIRM stock. * '''1800''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Leeuwarden]] via Schiphol, Almere and Zwolle. * '''1900''': [[Dordrecht]] — [[Eindhoven]]. * '''2000''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Utrecht]] using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''2100''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Den Haag]] via Haarlem and Leiden using VIRM stock. * '''2200''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Vlissingen]] via Leiden and Den Haag HS using VIRM stock. * '''2400''': [[Lelystad]] — [[Dordrecht]] via Amsterdam, Schiphol ✈, Leiden, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Roosendaal and Vlissingen using VIRM stock. * '''2600''': [[Almere]] — [[Amsterdam]] * '''2800''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Utrecht]] using VIRM stock. * '''2900''': [[Enkhuizen]] — [[Maastricht]] via [[Hoorn]], Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. * '''3000''': [[Den Helder]] — [[Nijmegen]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem using VIRM stock. * '''3100''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Nijmegen]] via Utrecht and Arnhem using VIRM stock. * '''3200''': [[Arnhem]] — [[Rotterdam]] via Utrecht, Amsterdam and Schiphol ✈. Forms a 10-minute service with other trains between Arnhem and Amsterdam, and Leiden and Schiphol. * '''3300''': [[Leiden]] — [[Hoorn]] via Schiphol ✈ and [[Purmerend]] * '''3400''': [[Haarlem]] — [[Alkmaar]] using VIRM stock. * '''3500''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Venlo]] via Utrecht and Eindhoven using ICM stock. * '''3600''': [[Zwolle]] — [[Roosendaal]] via Deventer, Arnhem, Nijmegen, 's Hertogenbosch and Breda using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''3700''': [[Dordrecht]] — [[Venlo]] via Den Haag, Schiphol ✈, Utrecht and Eindhoven, only during nights and Sundays, forming a 15-minute service between Dordrecht and Leiden. * '''3900''': [[Enkhuizen]] — [[Heerlen]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. * '''4500''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Enkhuizen]]. * '''8800''': [[Utrecht]] — [[Leiden]] via Woerden and Alphen aan de Rijn using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''11400''': [[Gouda]] — [[Rotterdam]]. * '''11600''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Amersfoort]]. * '''11700''': [[Amersfoort]] — [[Den Haag]]. * '''12200''': [[Vlissingen]] — [[Roosendaal]]. * '''12600''': [[Groningen]] — [[Amsterdam]] via [[Lelystad]]. * '''13500''': [[Eindhoven]] — [[Venlo]] via Helmond, only in service at the beginning and end of the day instead of series 3500. ===International lines=== [[File:Fyra-v250-towed-away-2014-05-18.jpg|thumb|A V250 being towed back to depot after the train's introduction proved to be a massive failure.]] The most infamous intercity line of the Netherlands has to be the HSL-Zuid, running between Amsterdam and [[Brussels]], which were to be served by newly built V250 'Fyra' trains, nicknamed the ''Kruimeldief'' (named after a type of small handheld vacuum cleaner with no proper English name, as the train's nose resembled one). The trains turned out to be poorly constructed, making the news several times too many as train after train failed to show up to platforms, and other technical difficulties caused many delays on other parts of the Dutch and Belgian networks. These problems were labelled as a consequence of new materials, but after the trains had been in service for over a month, no improvements were to be seen. On January 13, 2013, half of the scheduled trains were cancelled, and the other half suffered average delays of an hour. Four days later, 85% of the 'Fyra' trains weren't running. One of the trains that ''did'' work that day had a plate on its underside come off after it was damaged by frost while the train was at high speed. This incident was the final nail in the V250's coffin; Belgium banned the Fyra from running on its HSL network. The Fyra has since been 'temporarily' replaced by regular intercity trains, which up to this day still run. [[File:Thalys train driver cleaning his windscreen.JPG|thumb|A good view is always appreciated during long travels.]] Regardless of the ''Fyra-debacle'', as the situation around the Fyra is known as in the Netherlands, the Netherlands still have international intercity lines, all of which are operated by NS International, a subdivision of Nederlandse Spoorwegen. These are: * '''ICE 43''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Basel]] calling at [[Utrecht]], [[Arnhem]], [[Oberhausen]], [[Duisburg]], [[Düsseldorf]], [[Hanover]], [[Bielefeld]], [[Gütersloh]], [[Hamm]], [[Hagen]], [[Wuppertal]], [[Cologne]], [[Bonn]], [[Frankfurt am Main]], [[Mannheim]], [[Karlsruhe]], [[Offenburg]] and [[Freiburg im Breisgau]]. Trains run only once per day. * '''ICE 77''': Amsterdam — [[Berlin]] calling at [[Amersfoort]], [[Deventer]], [[Hengelo]], [[Bad Bentheim]], [[Rheine]], [[Osnabrück]] and [[Hanover]], running every two hours. * '''ICE 78''': Amsterdam — Frankfurt am Main calling at all stops listed for the ICE 43 up to and including Frankfurt. * '''IC 35''': Amsterdam — [[Brussels]] calling at [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]], [[The Hague]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Breda]], [[Antwerp]] and [[Mechelen]]. * '''Eurostar 9100''': Amsterdam — [[London]] [[London/Bloomsbury|St. Pancras International]] calling at Rotterdam, Brussels and Lille. (It is one-way only from London due to issues with immigration control in Amsterdam; however, Amsterdam to Brussels Eurostar journeys are bookable.) * '''Thalys 9300''': Amsterdam — [[Brussels]] calling at Schiphol ✈, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels, multiple times per day. This service is extended to [[Paris]] once per day. * '''Thalys 9900''': Amsterdam — [[Lille]] calling at Schiphol ✈, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels. Leaving once or twice per day. * '''ÖBB NightJet''' [[sleeper train]] services connect to Amsterdam since December 2020. As of December 2021, two services are in place: Amsterdam — [[Vienna]]/[[Innsbruck]] via [[München]] and Amsterdam — [[Zürich]] via [[Basel]]. * '''Night trains''' are making a comeback to the Netherlands. Aside from some national NS trains that serve the country in the dark of night, new initiatives have sprung up to connect Amsterdam and other cities with destinations such as [[Prague]], [[Brussels]] and [[Warsaw]]. Additionally, SNCF (France) is exploring the possibility of connecting Amsterdam and [[Bordeaux]] by night train, and other operators are toying with destinations such as [[Stockholm]]. These tickets can be purchased through [https://www.nsinternational.nl/en NS International]. After purchase, you get the option to export the tickets into the NS International App, available on Android and iOS, or download them as a PDF file, which you can then print out. Note that the NS International app is not the same as the NS Reisplanner. One is an app owned and maintained by NS Reizigers and the other by NS International, two divisions of the same company, Nederlandse Spoorwegen. Tickets for IC(E) can also be bought through [http://www.bahn.de Deutsche Bahn], tickets for Eurostar can be booked with [http://www.eurostar.com that company], while tickets for Thalys can also be bought through [http://www.thalys.com Thalys]. All four have early bird offers that can be considerably cheaper than regular fares, which gets you from Amsterdam to Brussels or Antwerp for €29, Paris and Berlin for under €40 and London for €59. OV-chipkaarts and other NS passes can be used on domestic ICE and IC Brussels segments but an additional €2.40 supplement is required for journeys on the former; such fares are not valid on Eurostar and Thalys which both require reservations/advance booking. <!--Prices from August 2019--> Other lines to neighbouring countries are stopping trains, connecting to Germany (GER) and Belgium (B): * '''S-32''': [[Roosendaal]] — [[Puurs]]/[[Lokeren]] (B) via Antwerp. Connects to Lokeren only on weekends. * '''S-43''': [[Maastricht]] — [[Hasselt]] (B) via [[Liège|Liège-Guillemins]]. Terminates at Liège-Guillemins during weekends. * '''RE 13''': [[Venlo]] — [[Hamm]] (GER) calling at [[Mönchengladbach]], [[Neuss]], Düsseldorf, Wuppertal and Hagen. * '''RE 18''': [[Maastricht]] — [[Aachen|Aachen Hbf]] (GER) via [[Landgraaf]], with a separate service going no further than [[Heerlen]]. * '''RE 19''': [[Arnhem]] — [[Düsseldorf]] (GER) via [[Emmerich am Rhein]], [[Oberhausen]] and Duisburg. * '''RB 51''': [[Enschede]] — [[Dortmund]] (GER). * '''RB 57''': [[Groningen]] — [[Leer]] (GER) via [[Bad Nieuweschans]] (connects from [[Weener]] to Leer via a bus connection until 2024 or later). * '''RB 61''': [[Hengelo]] — [[Bielefeld]] (GER) via [[Enschede]], [[Bad Bentheim]], [[Rheine]] and [[Osnabrück]] * '''RB 64''': [[Enschede]] — [[Münster]] (GER). * A tri-country service from [[Aachen]] (GER) to Liège via Maastricht was planned to start per December 9, 2018, but due to several bureaucratic issues in Belgium and Germany, the start of this service has been delayed by another nine years as of 2021. Trains in the Netherlands are limited to no more than {{kmh|160}} with the exception of the HSL-Zuid line which is capable of supporting trains travelling at {{kmh|300}}. Thalys and Eurostar services are the only services capable of reaching that speed now. ==Planning your trip== The most reliable way of planning your journey is by using the '''[https://www.ns.nl/en NS Reisplanner]''', on the homepage of the NS website, or using the ''NS'' app on Android or iOS. The app displays everything you need to know about a station and a journey, whether it be the type of train you will be on, how busy said train is, or simply whether there are any shops open at a nearby station where you can have a quick lunch. The app begins in Dutch, but can be changed to English via the ''Instellingen'' menu, found under the ''Meer'' tab. The NS Reisplanner and app include trains operated by other companies and can also plan door to door journeys including other modes of public transit, such as bus, tram or metro. Alternatively you can use '''[https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]''' or the associated app of the same name. The best way to get your tickets is by simply using your OV-chipkaart (''see '[[#Buying tickets|Buying tickets]]' below''), though various sites, such as [https://www.discoverholland.com/DayTrips DiscoverHolland.com] may offer a trip to an attraction you wish to visit, with transport included. These often turn out to be cheaper and more relaxing as you already have the journey planned out and since you have your ticket to the attraction in advance, making the journey just that little bit more care-free. Additionally, you will avoid the crowds. It is not uncommon to have to spend an hour and a half queuing up to get a ticket on the more popular days. ==Buying tickets== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" align=right |+ One-way prices to and from Amsterdam Centraal. !Station !One-way Second Class Price (in €) !Number of Tariff Units |- |Schiphol Airport |4.70 |19 |- |Haarlem |4.70 |19 |- |Utrecht Centraal* |8.40 |39 |- |Lelystad Centrum |11.20 |54 |- |Gouda |12.70 |62 |- |Den Haag Centraal |12.80 |63 |- |Rotterdam Centraal* |16.90 |86 |- |Zwolle |20.30 |110 |- |Eindhoven |21.50 |119 |- |Leeuwarden |27.90 |208 |- |Maastricht |27.90 |216 |- |Groningen |27.90 |219 |} === Pricing === In general, railway tickets on NS and regional railway operators are priced on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) distance basis. There are no peak or off-peak hours for the purpose of computing the standard PAYG price but some subscriptions and unlimited day-tickets are valid only during off-peak hours (i.e. outside 06:30-09:00 and in some cases outside 16:00-18:30 on weekdays). Although the NS app or the 9292 app can provide you with the actual railway fare for the journey you want quickly, if you are curious about how these fares are computed, you first need to understand that it depends on the number of tariff units (''tariefeenheden'') between your origin and destination. NS train fares start at €2.40 for journeys up to eight tariff units. The fare for each additional tariff unit varies between €0.10 to €0.20 and there is no clear pattern as to when to charge which. But the maximum possible one-way second class fare one could ever pay for domestic NS rail travel is €26.50 (worth 200 tariff units). To compute for the fare between stations, first refer to the [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1607588395551/content/assets/ns-nl/tarieven/tariefeenhedenkaart-van-nederland-2021.pdf tariff unit map] to determine the number of tariff units. If there are intermediate stations between your origin and destination stations, just add the number of tariff units you see along the route. Then on p. 4 of the [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1611132176639/content/assets/ns-nl/tarieven/ns-tarieven-2021.pdf price list], locate the number of tariff units you just derived (first column) and its corresponding fare (second column). In case there are two or more possible routes to get to your destination using NS, the price will always be based on the route with fewer tariff units regardless of the route you have taken. One-way second class ticket prices between Amsterdam Centraal and selected stations are listed in the table to the right (*not including supplements for travel with certain trains). With the exception of travel involving international railway stations, Thalys or Eurostar, you are free to travel on any train to get to the points listed on your ticket at any time of the day and reservations are not necessary (the downside of this is you may be forced to stand when trains are crowded). If you decide to travel on an IC-Direct train between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport station or an ICE train within the country, you will need to purchase a supplement worth €2.70 in addition to the standard PAYG rates. International services are however priced differently - based less on distance and more on market conditions. Unlike purely domestic rail travel, travelling on international services offers incentives for those who book in advance. Travelling on Thalys and Eurostar will always require reservations. To purchase tickets involving international travel, proceed to the NS International service point at major railway stations, the NS International website, or the website of the train operator. ===OV-chipkaart=== {{main|OV-chipkaart}} [[File:OV-chipkaart.jpg|thumb|An anonymous (top) and personal card (bottom).]] All public transport in the Netherlands (buses, trams, metros and trains) use contactless smart cards called [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/?taal=en '''OV-chipkaart'''] (OV stands for ''Openbaar Vervoer'' meaning "Public Transport"), sometimes also called the ''Public transport chipcard''. Single-use swipe cards are available for NS trains and some local operators, but come at a surcharge. Unless you plan to use the public transport system only incidentally, your best option is to obtain an anonymous OV-chipkaart upon arrival as it's convenient and ultimately cheaper. However, the card must have a minimum stored value, which for NS trains is €20 (unofficially €16) and generally €4 for local public transit operators. The upfront cost (€7.50) of the anonymous OV-chipkaart is non refundable. The OV-chipkaart comes in three versions: *'''Disposable''' OV-chipkaart is a single-use ticket. It can not be reloaded. Some public transport companies in cities offer 1-, 2- or 3-day tickets offering unlimited use in certain regions. *'''Anonymous''' OV-chipkaart is more the most commonly used smart card. The purchase price is €7.50 (as of 2020) and is non-refundable. These cards are available at ticket offices and vending machines valid up to 5 years. This card is reusable and reloadable. *'''Personal''' OV-chipkaart is useful for anyone entitled to travel with a discount or monthly or annual season ticket. However, because this card requires a Benelux or German residential address or bank account not usable for most tourists. This card features the holder's photograph and date of birth. See the main article for more information on buying and using an OV-chipkaart. When travelling by train on the Dutch network on a disposable card, the card needs to have been bought at the station of departure ''before'' boarding the train at either a service counter or a ticket machine. After purchase, you must check in by tapping the card against a OV-chipkaart card reader before boarding the train and check out by tapping another reader when leaving the station at your destination. The anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can be used on all modes of transport except Thalys and Eurostar. As reservations are not necessary to ride on most trains operating within the country and there are no special discounts offered on such trains (excluding Thalys, Eurostar, and the international segments of the ICE, IC-Berlijn, and IC-Brussels train), passengers with an adequately-loaded OV-chipkaart can proceed directly to the platform (but check in and check out using the fare gates or ''chippaal''). Using the ticket machines or going to the ticket desks before a train journey is only necessary to top up credit or change the class of travel. The fare that will be deducted will be the same fare that is offered when trying to book a ticket for that route on NS.nl and NS Reisplanner Xtra app. The international tickets issued at Dutch stations come in the form of a disposable OV-chipkaart. These are, naturally, perfectly fine for travel abroad. International tickets, which when obtained abroad will most likely be traditional paper tickets. At the gate line use the barcode at the optical reader integrated in the gate. ===Online tickets=== NS tickets are also available in the form of an [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/buying-your-ticket-online.html e-ticket], which is cheaper than a regular disposable ticket obtained from a ticket machine (€1 difference). These tickets can either be downloaded as a PDF file and printed onto an A4 sheet of paper, or [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/ns-on-your-mobile/mobile-tickets.html loaded onto your smartphone] using the Reisplanner Xtra app. Either of these has a QR-barcode on the ticket, which should be scanned at designated ticket barriers to access the platforms. Naturally, you should have a sufficiently charged phone should you use the mobile ticket. If your phone runs out of battery during your journey (far from every train has on-board electrical outlets), you may be fined for illegal ridership. A printed or mobile ticket works as a personal OV-chipkaart and will have some of your identity on it. You should, therefore, have a valid ID on you while using the ticket. If you are having trouble booking an e-ticket on NS.nl or the Reisplanner Xtra app (e.g. foreign debit cards are not accepted), try booking at B-europe.com, the website of Belgium's national railway company SNCB or the SNCB International app. '''Online tickets''' are available in the [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes-toeslagen online webshop] of NS in which it is possible to order several products. Most of these can either be obtained through loading them onto your OV-chipkaart, or by ordering an [https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/producten/p/e-ticket E-Ticket] which can be used on your mobile phone, provided it has the NS Reisplanner app installed and the phone runs either on Android 4.0 or up or iOS 8 or up. Holders of foreign Visa or MasterCard debit cards may experience some trouble using such cards on the app and may use websites like B-europe.com. ===Overview of tickets=== The following list provides an overview of tickets being sold online, at a ticket machine or at the counter. Prices are for online purchase or as loaded on an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart. For purchase at a ticket machine as a disposable ticket, add €1.00 per ticket. For purchase of tickets at the counter which are otherwise also available at the ticket machine, there is an additional surcharge. Prices updated as of October 2021. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/enkele-reis Single ticket]''' - A ticket valid in the same timeframe as the Day return, but allows you to travel between A and B (in either direction but not both). The cost depends on where you will be travelling. Passengers are permitted to break their trips at stations along the way but must check in and check out at every point. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/retour Day return]''' - A simple day return pass, valid from station A to B and back to A. The ticket is day-bound, being usable from 00:00 until 04:00 the next morning on a specified date. The price depends on where you will be travelling to and from. It is basically the cost of two single tickets plus the €1 printing fee (for disposable tickets only), therefore it saves money to get a day return if one is indeed returning to the point of origin on a disposable card. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/railrunner Railrunner]''' - A child's ticket for ages 4-11. Kids under the age of four can travel the network free of charge, provided you can prove their age and they do not occupy a seat themselves. In first class, Railrunners are only valid with an adult over the age of 18 with them, with at most three railrunners per adult. The railrunner is valid on all modes of train transport within The Netherlands excluding only the Thalys. The cost of a railrunner is fixed at €2.50 per child. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/meest-gekocht/p/groepsticket-daluren Groepsticket]''' - A single ticket for groups of 2-7 people. €32.00 for 2-3 people, add €3 for each additional person, with up to seven people being able to use a group ticket. The main ticket holder (the person ordering the ticket) should be present with the group at all times. The ticket may ''not'' be used during peak times (weekdays 6:30-9:00 and 16:00-18:30), or on the King’s Day (27 April). *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/dagkaart Day-pass]''' - Grants a whole day on the network, no matter what train you use (except Thalys and Eurostar). The ticket is valid for a day at the fixed cost of €53.00 (2nd class). *'''Day-pass bicycle''' - A day pass allowing you to bring your bike on the train ''except'' during rush hour, for €7.50. Only valid with a valid ticket for yourself. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/dagkaart-hond Day-pass dog]''' - A day pass allowing you to bring a (larger) dog on the train. Small pets may be taken free of charge in a bag or basket or on your lap. €3.30. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/toeslagen/p/toeslag-2-1 2-1 Supplement]''' - Allows you to upgrade your ticket to a first class ticket. Available via the ticket machine. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/abonnementen/overig/intercity-direct-toeslag.html Intercity Direct Supplement]''' - For €2.60, this supplement allows you to use the Intercity Direct between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport. Also available via the card reader pole on the platform (red colour). *'''ICE Supplement''' - For €2.60, this supplement allows you to use the German ICE train between Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, and Arnhem. This can be purchased and loaded on the OV-chipkaart through the ticket machines or purchased online in an e-ticket format. It is not valid for travel on German segments of the route. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/overige-kaartjes/p/trein-tram-bus-enkel Train + tram/bus]''' - Made for tourists, the Train + tram/bus ticket allows for a connection to attractions in [[Bloemendaal]], [[Arnhem]], the [[Efteling]], [[Eindhoven Airport]], [[Scheveningen]] and more. Price depends on the connection you want. A full overview of which can be found in the webshop. ==== Regional and special tickets ==== * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/amsterdam-travel-ticket Amsterdam Travel Ticket]''' - A one, two or three-day ticket allowing you to use Amsterdam's public transit, including a train ticket for unlimited 2nd travel to and from Schiphol Airport by NS train to any station in Amsterdam (not in Thalys and Eurostar) and the Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397). Price €17.00, €22,50 or €28.00. * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/amsterdam-region-travel-ticket Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket]''' - Comparable to the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, but also valid in all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region. Available as a one-, two- or three-day ticket (€19.50, €28 or €36.50). * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/overige-kaartjes/p/euregio Euregio-ticket]''' - Valid on weekends and public holidays for a day in the Meuse-Rhine area for €19.00 for up to two adults and three children under the age of 12. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/holland-travel-ticket Holland Travel Ticket]''' - A ticket valid on weekends and on weekdays outside morning peak hours (06:30-09:00) for €43, or at anytime on a given day (€63). Valid for train, bus, tram and metro. The ticket is valid on all railway services except Thalys and Eurostar. This is not loadable on a personal/anonymous OV-chipkaart and must instead be purchased at NS service desks at major railway stations or picked up at AKO bookshops at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal station. Travelling on Intercity Direct or ICE will require you to purchase the supplement as usual. ===Tips for saving credit=== A minimum fare of €2.40 may seem high. There is talk to make rail travel more affordable, but until some plans are actually put in motion, the only way of saving money on your journey while not breaking the law are by taking a subscription to a travel product or buying a day pass that covers a certain region. Check the NS Reisplanner Xtra or the 9292 app to find out the fare between your origin and destination. If a standard one-way fare between your origin and destination costs more than €20 and you plan to return on the same day, it may be worth purchasing a Holland Travel Ticket, which also includes access to local public transport. ====Subscriptions==== Subscriptions are perhaps the most straightforward way of saving money. Nederlandse Spoorwegen offers eight season tickets for saving money, which are usable in all of the Netherlands: * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/dal-voordeel.html Dal Voordeel]''''' (Off-peak discount) offers a 40% discount on weekends and during off-peak hours (€5 per month). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/altijd-voordeel.html Altijd Voordeel]''''' (Always discount) is the same as Dal Voordeel, but offers an additional 20% off during peak hours starting at €23 per month (€276 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/weekend-vrij.html Weekend Vrij]''''' (Weekend-free) at the cost of €31 per month (€372 per year) offers unlimited travel on weekends and a 40% discount during off-peak hours. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/dal-vrij.html Dal Vrij]''''' (Off-peak-free) offers unlimited travel on weekends and during off-peak hours for a €106 fee per month (€1,272 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/traject-vrij.html Traject Vrij]''''' (Route-free) gives you unlimited travel on a specific route, as well as a 40% discount on all other routes, though the cost is route-specific. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/altijd-vrij.html Altijd Vrij]''''' (Always free) is the all-in-one subscription, offering unlimited travel during the weekends, off-peak and peak hours for €356 per month (€4,272 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/grensabonnement.html Grensabonnement]''''' (Border subscription) gives unlimited travel along specific routes starting at the national border and 40% discount for up to three travel companions. Again, the fee is route-specific. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/kids-vrij.html Kids Vrij]''''' (Kids-free) requires you to bring your kids aged 4-11 with you, allowing them to travel for free at any time. This is the only subscription that is fully free of costs. Students in the Netherlands, domestic and foreign, can request a '''''[http://www.studentenreisproduct.nl/detail/english/ Studentenreisproduct]''''' (Student travel product), which can only be used if you're a student, but also once you're in the Dutch student financing system, ''DUO''. You require a personal OV-chipkaart, to which you then link your ''studentenreisproduct''. More options for students can be found [https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/students here]. Should you need to use the train a lot when working in the Netherlands, have a look at '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/business/subscriptions Business Travellers' subscriptions] '''''. Requesting these will often require a validation from the company that employs you. The discounts stated above are based on the fares of regular (Sprinter and Intercity) train journeys. This means that unless stated otherwise, passengers with subscriptions are liable to pay for supplements if travelling on Intercity Direct and ICE trains. These subscriptions do not extend to Thalys and Eurostar journeys. ==Using the train== The '''[https://www.ns.nl/en/stations Nederlandse Spoorwegen]''' website has information about services at every station on the Dutch network, including accessibility, bike rental, lockers, waiting rooms, service desks, shops and restaurants, toilets and taxi / park and ride facilities. Departures per station can only be found on the '''[https://www.ns.nl/actuele-vertrektijden/avt Dutch version]''' of the website, but the page does not need much translation. Simply type in the name of your station, click ''Zoeken'' (search), and an overview of departure times pops up. The four tabs are named ''Tijd'' (time), ''Naar'' (to/destination), ''Vervoerder'' (railway operator) and ''Spoor'' (platform). The content of the table is rather universal and needs no translation. At the bottom of that page you will also find current disruptions on the network, be it planned maintenance or unexpected interruptions. Again, the names of the stations need no translation. Terms often used are ''tot en met'' (up to and including) and ''tussen'' (between). ===At the station=== [[File:TB7 Baarn.JPG|thumb|A TB7-display at Baarn Station. These displays are the most commonly used displays on stations, showing the departure times, destinations, platform and service.]] [[File:Den Haag Hollands spoor.JPG|thumb|Double LCD screen at Den Haag Hollands Spoor (HS).]] If you have already obtained an e-ticket or have a sufficiently topped-up OV-chipkaart, you can just proceed directly to the platform of your next train but may need to pass through the barrier gates (see third paragraph for more details). If you aren't familiar with the journey you wish to take, arrive at the station with time to spare. Entering the station is simple. Smaller stations can be entered without any hassle, but before boarding the train you will have to check in with your OV-chipkaart at one of the posts available on the station. In addition, most passengers who wish to take the Intercity Direct or ICE trains within the country have to tap their OV-chipkaart using the designated red pole as it will deduct the €2.40 supplement required for travel on such services. Tapping on the red supplement pole won't be necessary if the supplement was purchased in advance or through the ticket machines, or if a passenger's subscription already includes it. These red poles are found on the platforms of participating IC-direct stations. Larger stations have barrier gates, requiring you to check in to access the platforms. These gates have the same function as an OV-chipkaart pole. Checking out at the same barrier-equipped station without travelling anywhere, within 35 minutes from check-in, won't charge your card's balance. The barriers are merely there to prevent fare evasion. Stations served by more than one train operator have different coloured fare gates; each colour indicating a different operator - make sure you check in with the operator whose train you will use immediately and check out of the operator whose train you just finished your journey with. Being 'checked in' with NS whilst on an Arriva train or vice versa will result in a fine or warning. If you are travelling internationally but are using an OV-chipkaart for the domestic section of the trip, please check out at the last domestic station not covered by your international ticket. Likewise, if you are returning to the Netherlands from an international journey, be sure to check in at the first domestic station not covered by your international ticket. If your entire journey is covered by a pre-purchased international ticket (including Thalys, ICE, and Eurostar trains), you will still need to scan your ticket's barcode at the designated barrier to access the platforms and/or exit them. All stations have LCD-displays showing the upcoming departures, with the first departing train always on top. These show the time of departure, platform, destination and service. Numbers in red written right after the scheduled departure time (e.g. +5) mean that a train is delayed with the numbers in red showing the number of minutes the service is expected to be delayed by (e.g. +5 written after 15:20 means the service will be delayed by approximately five minutes, which means a departure at approximately 15:25). These signs are found at the entrances of smaller stations, or in the main lobbies of the larger stations, often labelled ''Vertrekkende treinen'' (departing trains). In the main corridor of the station, should it have one, there are always double LCD-screens per track, showing the direction to the stairs up or down to platform level, the two tracks you will find at the other side of the stairs, the two displays showing the time of departure, service, destination and the train after it. The same display also has an analogue clock embedded in it. At platform level the same display can be found, though only with a single screen. It will show the platform you are on, the time of departure, destination, service, stations visited on that specific journey, as well as further details and the train departing after it. These displays too have an analogue clock embedded. The largest stations in the Netherlands either already have or will soon have gigantic LCD displays in their main lobbies showing roughly the next half hour of departures. Again, these displays show the time of departure, destination, platform, train type and further information, most often some of the calling points of each train. Should anything unscheduled occur, then the displays will update with that information and an automatic announcement in Dutch can be heard. If the train is international, this will often be repeated in German, French and English. Trains in the Netherlands are not identified by numbers or IDs, instead, they are identified by their destination and time of departure (e.g. "The 16:08 Sprinter to Leiden Centraal via Lammenschans") (Dutch: "''De sprinter van 16:08 naar Leiden Centraal via Lammenschans''"). On the platform, stand back from the edge, behind the white dashed line if possible. Trains don't always stop at platforms, and the vortex caused by trains speeding past might pull you onto the track or under a train if you're standing on the edge of a platform. Do not use flash photography as it may distract the train drivers. ====Station services==== If you fancy a snack or think you'll need something to eat before arrival, now is the time to get one. Aside from the PROTOS trains on the Valleilijn, no trains have either a restaurant car or vending machine. The PROTOS only has the latter. Larger stations, often the ones where you have to switch trains to get somewhere, have shops in their main lobbies. These can include: * Starbucks: the well-known coffee chain from the United States. * AH ToGo: An on-the-go version of Albert Heijn, one of the largest supermarket chains of the Netherlands. * Smullers: A snackbar, often featuring the Dutch concept of ''Eten uit de muur'' (Eating from the wall). No, they won't throw your hamburger onto the wall expecting you to use the wall as a table. Instead, you throw a euro or two into a vending machine or tap a credit/debit card into the reader and you get a hamburger, ''Broodje kroket'', ''Frikandel'' or any other available food item in return. If the concept scares you, don't worry. They also have a regular counter where you can order a snack, a drink or Belgian fries. * De broodzaak: A sandwich shop * Burger King * Kiosk: Usually on the platform, where you can quickly pop out of the train to get a coffee, tea or other while your train awaits departure on another platform. Many of the larger stations also have ticket counters, where you can get your ticket if you'd rather talk to station staff. The ticket you get is a disposable chipkaart, which can only be used once, and will have an additional cost for printing. Aside from Intercity trains and the Sprinter LightTrain, trains do not have toilets, and smaller stations might not have a toilet. Be sure to time your visit wisely, and always take your luggage with you when leaving a train, even if you intend getting back on again in a minute or two. Trains never wait long at a station. Besides, most services run every 15 or 20 minutes or even 10 minutes on several lines. ====Finding your way about==== [[File:Bestand-500 en 200 euro accepteren wij niet symbool (NS).jpg|thumb|140px|Signage can get pretty specific. For example: paper money larger than €200 isn't accepted here.]] If you can read Dutch or German, then interpreting the signage everywhere will not cause many problems. Otherwise, the language barrier can make your journey stressful. However, the signage is not too hard to understand if you know what you're looking for. Some words in Dutch resemble those in English. During your journey, you might run into the following signs or labels frequently: * Bewaakt - ''Guarded'', often accompanied with the symbol of a guard or policeman and a bike, meaning that this is a guarded bike shed or garage. * Camera-toezicht - ''Camera surveillance'', found on every station. * (Fietsen)stalling - ''Bike storage area'', either a bike shed or garage. * Fietsverhuur - ''Bike rental'', where you rent a bike with OV-Fiets. * Geen toegang - ''No access'' * Gehandicapt - ''Handicapped'', most often referring to accessible toilets. * Halen en brengen - ''Collect and drop-off'', for use by private cars. * Heren/Dames - ''Men/Women'', toilets. * Lift - ''Elevator'' * (Niet) roken - ''(No) smoking''. Smoking is strictly prohibited in indoor public spaces; therefore, smoke outside if these signs cannot be found. Since October 1, 2020, smoking is also prohibited on NS station platforms even those outdoors. * Parkeren - ''Parking'' * Spoor - ''Track''. The symbol accompanied with this text is the number of the platform you're on. Platforms are always labelled per track instead of individually. * Taxi - ''Taxis'' * Uitgang - ''Exit'', should you have enough of travelling by train for a moment. * Wachtruimte - ''Waiting room'' All signs except for the exit sign have a white background and a blue pictogram. The exit sign is green with a white pictogram. ====Finding a train on the go==== [[File:GeelbordophetstationvanAmerfoort.jpg|thumb|''Geel bord'' at Amersfoort station describing the service to Schiphol ✈ and Enkhuizen.]] Aside from the NS Reisplanner and other tools to help you plan your journey, it is of course possible that you're refraining from those tools for whatever reason. Luckily for you, the connections are all still written down on posters found throughout the stations, most often at the entrances of smaller stations or the throughway to the platforms at larger stations. They work as follows: At the top of the page you will find the direction of the trains. On the image to the right this is ''Weesp, Duivendrecht and Schiphol ✈ OR Amsterdam and Enkhuizen''. The pictured line has two termini, Schiphol ✈ and Enkhuizen. Often looking at the schematic below the directions is more insightful. Stations listed with [[File:Intercity logo.svg|17px]] have Intercity trains stopping there. Sprinters stop at all stations unless mentioned otherwise (which is rarely the case). Below that you will find a massive table listing (from left to right) the departure time, days on which the train is in service, the platform it departs from, the line operator and lastly the destinations and type of train. On the bottom of the page you will find some small information, such as footnotes explaining irregularities, as well as some other information. Often found terms here are: <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * '''Ma'''andag - Monday * '''Di'''nsdag - Tuesday * '''Wo'''ensdag - Wednesday * '''Do'''nderdag - Thursday * '''Vr'''ijdag - Friday * '''Za'''terdag - Saturday * '''Zo'''ndag - Sunday * '''Jan'''uari - January * '''Feb'''ruari - February * '''M'''aa'''rt''' - March * '''Apr'''il * '''Mei''' - May * '''Jun'''i - June * '''Jul'''i - July * '''Aug'''ustus - August * '''Sep'''tember * '''Okt'''ober - October * '''Nov'''ember * '''Dec'''ember * '''Van''' - starting, start date * '''T/M''' - Up to and including, end date * '''Stopt vanaf [x] op alle stations''' - Stops at all stations after [x] * '''Stopt ook in [x]''' - Also stops at [x] * '''Stopt niet in [x]''' - Does not stop at [x] * '''Vertrekstaat [x]''' - Time schedule for station [x] </div> The yellow signs however are bilingual nowadays, all the footnotes are printed in Dutch and English. ===Boarding the train=== [[File:VIRM Nieuw balkon.jpg|thumb|Train balconies are always divided from the main parts of the train, albeit not always with physical walls or doors. Should there be no seat in sight, then it is perfectly fine to stand here.]] You must have a valid ticket or validated OV-chipkaart before boarding the train. If you were not able to purchase a ticket and/or validate an OV-chipkaart due to a defective machine please report this immediately to the conductor. If you have a seat reservation for an international train, then watch the display at platform level for your coach number. All trains have automatic doors, having a single button to open them per entrance. On the inside these may be on either side of the doors. These are almost always labelled with two arrows pointing away from each other. In older NS stock these labels also have the doors pictured, as well as an additional button for closing the doors. The doors are always locked when the train is moving. In newer stock, pressing the button to open the doors while the train is slowing down for the next station will light up the LEDs around the button, and will open the door once the train has stopped. Generally, it is best to press the button to open the doors as soon as the train has stopped, as in some stock pressing the button may open the doors regardless of the train having stopped. This button may occasionally not work properly, in which case, it should open after being pressed a second time. When the doors open, people leaving the train get priority over people boarding the train, therefore, always stand out of the way for people leaving the train. On the door of each carriage are icons that tell you what facilities the carriage is equipped with (e.g. WiFi, toilets, bicycle-friendly). ===Finding your seat=== '''Having a ticket never guarantees a seat'''. Be prepared to give up your seating if someone having trouble standing upright approaches (e.g. elderly people or pregnant women). If someone requests you to give up your seat, you do not have to oblige, though it is much appreciated if you do, should the person have a valid reason to need the seat. Always keep your ticket, reservation or OV-chipkaart with you. Do not tuck it away somewhere deep in a rucksack, as you might be checked at any time for having paid for the journey, albeit by OV-chipkaart or E-Ticket, a subscription or seat reservation. Should you lose your OV-chipkaart, you can [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/terminate-or-replace/report-my-card-lost-or-stolen.htm report the card as stolen or lost]. Should the card break, then you can [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/terminate-or-replace/report-my-card-defective.htm request a replacement]. ==== Onboard announcements ==== Depending on the operator and rolling stock, onboard announcements are either automated or manually done by the conductor, or the driver. Station stops are normally announced twice over the train intercom. At larger stations the possible transfer to other trains will be announced. Announcements are in Dutch, and also in English on international trains and on domestic trains for the major stations relevant for tourists or international travelers. Sometimes the manual announcements are difficult to hear or understand, so be sure to check the carriage display at the front or rear of the carriage, showing the next few stops as well as a time of arrival. Some railway operators may put advertisements on these signs as well, so wait a bit until the display switches to the right screen. On automated systems, you may hear a reminder: "''Reist u met de OV-chipkaart? Vergeet dan niet om uit te checken.''" (Travelling with an OV-chipkaart? Do not forget to 'check-out'). ===Travelling with luggage=== Most Dutch trains are designed for travelling rather short distances, as the Netherlands is not a big country. Therefore, many travellers will not carry much luggage. This of course is different on international trains. As a general rule of thumb, there is more space on single level than on ''dubbeldekker'' trains, though the amount of space in the latter might surprise you. Luggage can also be put under the seats; a space that remains unused surprisingly often. Be kind to your fellow travellers and never put your luggage in the walkway of the train; this is a safety hazard as well as a nuisance. Passengers leaving the train often stand up ahead of the arrival time as many trains tend to leave as soon as everyone has got off and on the train. When the train driver applies the brake, people might fall or stumble, and your luggage might break their fall if they do, but it is way more common that they get their foot tangled in one of the straps on your rucksack, duffel bag, etc. Only when it doesn't fit in the luggage racks or your seat is it acceptable to use the walkway as storage space. At that point, however, be prepared to answer "''Waarom neem je niet gewoon een taxi?''" (Why don't you just take a cab?). Have you left an item on the train or lost track of it during your journey? No fear, help is always near. Nederlandse Spoorwegen stores an awful lot of lost items in their warehouse. If you've lost anything on their trains or in any station, then [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/lost-or-stolen/lost-and-found-items.html get in touch with them via their website] or by calling them ({{phone|+31 307 515 155}}). Arriva also stores your items for some time, though their contact form is [https://www.arriva.nl/consumenten/service-contact/verloren-voorwerp-melden.htm only available in Dutch]. Get help from Dutch passersby or station staff, who will most likely be willing to help you out. Breng, again has [https://www.breng.nl/en/customer-service/lost-and-found the same issue] with their online form, though they do offer a quick and handy overview of recently found items along with a photo, making it more accessible to non-Dutch speakers. The same goes for [https://klantenservice.keolis.nl/hc/nl/articles/207052245-Ik-ben-iets-verloren Keolis]. [https://www.connexxion.nl/en/customer-service/lost-and-found Connexxion's online form] is somewhat more easy to translate, and you can most likely figure out what to write and select with a dictionary or translation service at hand. ===Travelling with a bicycle=== [[File:Merwedelingelijn Fietsvervoer.JPG|thumb|Travelers require a reservation to carry a bicycle onto a train. Carriages carrying bicycles have a large bike symbol on the side of the side of the carriage.]] Effective Saturday, July 10, 2021, travelers with a bicycle must make a reservation for carrying a bicycle on a train. This is to prevent trains from being overcrowded with bicycles. Reservations can be made via ns.nl or via the NS-app, and will entitle the traveler to a 25 percent discount for a bicycle ticket (''fietskaartje''). Bike reservations can be made up to 14 days prior to the date of travel and up to one minute before departure. If the desired train has no available space for additional bicycles, the traveler may make a reservation on a following train. This procedure was introduced on a trial basis, and may be modified after a future evaluation. ===Combining modes of transport=== [[File:Jackdaw on bicycle handle bars Bustation Amsterdam Sloterdijk 2016-09-12-6540.jpg|thumb|Cycling might be the mode of transport most combined with the train network.]] The Netherlands being one of the most bike-friendly and cycling enthusiast countries on Earth, there is usually some bike parking at stations, sometimes even a whole dedicated garage just for bikes. Utrecht Centraal has the largest bike garage, which can store up to 12,500 bicycles. Bikes often have a dedicated lane if not road to themselves. Cycling in the Netherlands is the cheapest and perhaps the safest way to get about from station to destination. Above that, they are often not much slower, if not faster than taking a bus or car through a city. Dutch law does not require you to use any form of safety measures (i.e. a helmet or knee-pads), so don't waste time looking for a place to find some. Stations are usually well connected if not the hub of the local bus or [[urban rail]] system. The OV-chipkaart can be used on buses, trams and metros, with an alternative to the Chipkaart lacking more than OV-chipkaart support. To find a connecting mode of transport on the fly, look for the signs with the white background and blue pictograms. They will guide you to a bus, tram or metro (which are all spelled the same way in Dutch), a ''stalling'' ((bike) shelter), ''bewaakt'' (guarded (bike shelter)) or ''fietsverhuur'' (bike rental). The OV-chipkaart is fully integrated into the Dutch public transit system, so prepare to use the card for not only access to vehicles, but also for luggage lockers and private bike lockers. Big stations often have special departure boards dedicated to buses and trams, making it easier for you to see where your bus or tram leaves, and giving you the pleasure of having to not getting soaked during heavy rainfall while waiting for a bus. When continuing your travel by bus, be sure to ''check-out'' your OV-chipkaart when getting off the train, and checking in as soon as you enter the bus, as rail travel costs are based on distance travelled, while busses' costs depend on time travelled. Should you prefer to pay for a bus ride by credit or debit card, then you can do so. Cash payments for bus tickets have since been stopped on paper, but many busses still accept cash for a ticket. [[File:Stalling_OV-Fiets.jpg|thumb|left|OV-Fiets locker at Rotterdam Alexander station.]] [[File:BikeDispenser.JPG|thumb|OV-Fiets dispenser at Lent station.]] ====OV-Fiets==== The Dutch bicycle-share system "OV-fiets" is only accessible for residents of the Netherlands. Users of the service require a personal [[OV-chipkaart]] and a Dutch bank account. ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets-oud/how-the-ov-fiets-works.html OV-Fietsen]'', bikes available for usage through the OV-chipkaart, can be found in the bike garage or shelter of the station. Which of the two the station you're using has, depends on the station. The OV-Fiets is a bike that can be rented using the ''OV-chipkaart''. You will find them in the shelters or garages of the station either in a locker or a dispenser. You simply scan your OV-chipkaart, after which the locker opens, or in the case of a dispenser, a bike rolls out. It's strongly recommended that you check the tyre pressure and fix the bike seat at the height that's most comfortable for you. Should your tyres have too little pressure, then look around: every station in the Netherlands is equipped with at least one bike pump (''fietsenpomp''). Should the seat be too high or to low, then undo the lock on the seat pin via the small lever, place yourself next to the bike and bring the seat up to your hip. This should be roughly the ideal height for you. Then simply lock the seat in place by turning the lock in the opposite direction and go on your way. Should the bike have punctured tyres, then take it to the mechanic found at the station. If there is none, return your OV-Fiets and get another one. This can be done free of charge within 15 minutes. The OV-Fiets is a subscription based service, though. The service is as good as free. The only cost charged per year is €0.01 to check and confirm your bank details. Feel free to unsubscribe from the service as soon as your journey to the Netherlands is over. The subscription can be ordered and [https://www.ns.nl/webshop/nieuwproduct?1&product=OFI&reisklasse=U&contractduur=DRLP&returnurl=http://www2.ns.nl/deur-tot-deur/ov-fiets/online-abonnee-worden.html here]. Additional costs will be charged when you return your OV-Fiets to a different station than the one you got it from (€10). Other than that, costs are €3.85 per 24-hour timeslot. A single bike can be used for up to 72 hours, after which the price changes to €5 per day. You receive an invoice for use of the OV-fiets every month via email and payment is made via direct debit. ====Ferries==== [[File:Stena Hollandica at Hoek van Holland Haven aerial photo.jpg|thumb|Hoek van Holland Haven with a ferry bound for the United Kingdom in front and the railway tracks behind it. Hoek van Holland Haven train services were replaced by metro services in April 2017.]] Domestic ferries in the Netherlands are only found as a link to the [[West Frisian Islands|Waddeneilanden]], which can all be reached with relative ease. Your OV-chipkaart is '''not''' usable on ferries. * [https://www.teso.nl/en/ The ferry] to '''[[Texel]]''' leaves from the harbour of [[Den Helder]], the train station of which is serviced by NS, connecting the city to cities as far as Utrecht via Intercity and Sprinter. The 25-minute walk can be substituted by taking bus line 33 to ''Den Helder, Steiger TESO''. * '''[[Vlieland]] and [[Terschelling]]''' are both connected by [https://www.rederij-doeksen.nl/en ferry] to [[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen]]. ''Harlingen Haven'' train station is a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal, but you could instead take bus 71 from [[Leeuwarden]] to get to the terminal as well. * '''[[Ameland]]''' can only be reached by bus from [[Groningen]] and Leeuwarden via lines 163 and 66 respectively. You will have to get off the bus at ''Holwerd, Veerdam''. Both of these bus lines stop at their destination's train stations. * '''[[Schiermonnikoog]]''' can also only be reached via bus, connecting to ''[https://www.wpd.nl/en/ Lauwersoog, Haven]'', which links to Leeuwarden (line 155) and Holwerd (line 163). * '''[[Borkum]]''' is the only German island that can be reached directly from the Netherlands. The Eemshaven train station can only be reached from [[Groningen (city)|Groningen]]. The trains are synced with the ferry departures, connecting to Eemshaven five times per day. The train leaves at the time it is scheduled to, no matter if the ferry is late, as the line from Groningen is a single track with an half-hourly service. Waiting for the ferry would result in a delay for all of the line. The Netherlands also has international ferries, all of which connect to the [[United Kingdom]]. * '''[[IJmuiden]] — [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] (UK)''': The IJmuiden harbour can be reached from two ways: Travel to [[Beverwijk]] Station, from which you take bus 74, heading for ''IJmuiden Zeewijk''. You leave the bus at the ''IJmuiden Stationsstraat'' stop, which means ''Station street'', reminding of the station here that was used up into the 1980s, after which services were cancelled and the stations of IJmuiden fell into disuse. From the Stationsstraat, walk uphill, taking the first road left (Neptunusstraat), followed by another left onto the Duinstraat. From this point you should be able to see the harbour and getting there is as simple as following the road you're on. :The quicker route, however, is to travel to Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station found on many of the lines from Amsterdam Centraal station, namely the lines to [[The Hague]], [[Schagen]], [[Vlissingen]], [[Den Helder]], [[Enkhuizen]], [[Enkhuizen]] and [[Haarlem]], all of which are Intercity connections, as well as Sprinters to [[Uitgeest]], [[Hoorn]], [[Zandvoort aan Zee]], The Hague, [[Hoofddorp]], as well as a Sprinter from [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] to [[Hoorn|Hoorn Kersenboogerd]]. From ''Ass'', which is how Sloterdijk is abbreviated, bus 82 connects directly to the ''IJmuiden Sluisplein DFDS'' bus stop, which is way closer to the ferry terminal than the aforementioned ''IJmuiden Stationsstraat''.'Ferries to Newcastle are serviced by [https://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferry-to-holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam?src=promo4 DFDS Seaways]. * '''[[Hook of Holland]] — [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] (UK)''': The Hook of Holland is directly serviced via a metro service by RET, which services ''Station Hoek van Holland Haven'', which had trains running there up until 2017. Metrolijn B, which the station is on, connects to the train stations of ''Rotterdam Alexander'', ''Rotterdam Blaak'' and ''Schiedam Centrum''. These in turn are the easiest to get to via ''Rotterdam Centraal'', whether that would be by train or metro is up to you. ===Unforeseen disruptions=== [[File:DRIS NS vertrekkende treinen.jpg|thumb|Though rare, there may be moments when all the trains get cancelled due to circumstances such as heavy storms.]] Most trains don't, but there will always be a chance that your train gets stranded or can't continue for a different reason. The most common of which are signal or switch malfunctions (''Sein-/wisselstoring''), track maintenance (''werkzaamheden''), or the occasional collision with a vehicle, animal or person (''Aanrijding met voertuig/persoon'') or stranded train (''gestrande trein''). When in a hotel or anywhere else, you can check known disruptions on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks NS' website] or the [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/ns-on-your-mobile/travel-planner-xtra.html NS Reisplanner Xtra app] on your phone. Their overview covers all of the Dutch network, including routes serviced by other operators. Here you can also find planned maintenance to the railways, so you won't be caught in surprise when you arrive at the station and the track is missing at your platform. You will be able to see the changes to your journey as well. When at a station, you can see disruptions on the main LCD screen in the station's lobby or entry way, as well as the displays by the tracks. In case of a delay, times on the station displays get rounded off to the nearest five minutes, while the NS Reisplanner does not round off times. Should your train and the following few trains be unable to arrive or depart, then rail replacement busses will be dispatched. These are most often provided by the operator themselves. The operator may outsource this task, and will likely ask one or multiple touring bus companies to fulfil this task. Generally speaking, there can be either a ''snelbus'' (the faster or more direct connection) or ''stopbus'' (will stop at every station along the route). For these, you need to stay checked in. If the station where you're switching onto rail replacement buses is equipped with Chipkaart barriers, you need to check out to leave the station. In this situation, there will be a mobile unit near the buses where you can check in again. There are almost always staff members around in these situations. You can find them by following the signs labelled "Naar de NS-bus" (To the NS-bus), or something similar when travelling with other operators. Not every rail replacement bus is the same, so it's best to ask for information with staff (often either in uniform or in high-visibility clothing) when this happens. The more temporary disruptions, which cannot be planned for, can be found in the "Disruptions" tab in the NS app, or on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks/ this page] on NS' website. Track maintenance is a planned disruption that is often announced well in advance, and you can find planned disruptions on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ NS' website]. This page, however, is not fully translated into English. Some basic phrases you might see are: * '''Dit kan gevolgen hebben voor uw reis. Plan uw reis in de (internationale) app.''' - This might affect your journey. Plan your journey using the NS/NS International app. ::This phrase will often be used on ICE or other international journeys, where the maintenance is not carried out by a Dutch company. It might be worthwhile to check the website of the operator. * '''Reizigers van [x] naar [y] reizen via [z].''' - Travellers from [x] to [y] should travel via [z]. ::This implies that despite the maintenance, this part of the track will still see train traffic across it. This does often come with additional travel time, which rarely exceeds half an hour. * '''Het is niet mogelijk om fietsen mee te nemen in de bus.''' - It is not possible to bring bikes on the bus (though folding bikes will often still be accepted). ::A rail replacement bus service will be issued. This generally only applies when you can find this sentence in the "advice" column. This isn't a frequent practise during maintenance, as there is a preference for keeping services running during maintenance if possible. In the case of an unplanned disruption that requires rail replacement buses, it might be a lot quicker to check for conventional buses that will take you there faster, as rail replacement buses take some time to be organised and fully operational. ===Security=== In August 2021, NS introduced the telephone number +316 1318 1318 that passengers may call if they feel insecure in trains or stations. The number is also available via SMS and WhatsApp. ==Stations== {{mapframe|name=Map of notable Dutch railway stations}} The Netherlands has 397 train stations in service, divided over 388 municipalities. This excludes former railway stations that haven't been demolished, but includes stations with limited service, such as ''Utrecht Maliebaan'', which is only used when the [[Utrecht#Museums|Spoorwegmuseum]] is open. These stations are all maintained by ProRail and serviced by NS, Arriva, Breng, Connexxion or Keolis. In the Netherlands, only the major stations are staffed. ===Major stations of the Randstad=== <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Almere|Almere Centrum]]|lat=52.3752|long=5.2191|wikipedia=Almere Centrum railway station|wikidata=Q594100}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Amsterdam|Amsterdam Centraal]]|lat=52.3791|long=4.9006|wikipedia=Amsterdam Centraal station|wikidata=Q50719}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Delft]]|lat=52.0074|long=4.3568|wikipedia=Delft railway station|wikidata=Q800653}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Den Haag|Den Haag Centraal]]|lat=52.0810|long=4.3241|wikipedia=Den Haag Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q200704}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Gouda]]|lat=52.0174|long=4.7057|wikipedia=Gouda railway station|wikidata=Q800833}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Hilversum]]|lat=52.2265|long=5.1817|wikipedia=Hilversum railway station|wikidata=Q49868}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Leiden|Leiden Centraal]]|lat=52.1664|long=4.4823|wikipedia=Leiden Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q801075}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Centraal]]|lat=51.9250|long=4.4689|wikipedia=|wikidata=Q801075}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Schiphol|Schiphol Airport]]|lat=52.3095|long=4.7622|wikipedia=Schiphol Airport railway station|wikidata=Q801410}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]]|lat=52.0895|long=5.1098|wikipedia=Utrecht Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q575655}} </div> ===Major regional stations=== <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Amersfoort|Amersfoort Centraal]]|lat=52.1539|long=5.3740|wikidata=Q49854}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Alkmaar]]|lat=52.6381|long=4.7407|wikidata=Q800367}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Arnhem|Arnhem Centraal]]|lat=51.9849|long=5.9010|wikidata=Q800399}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Almelo]]|lat=52.3577|long=6.6548|wikidata=Q800372}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Breda]]|lat=51.5954|long=4.7800|wikidata=Q800561}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Deventer]]|lat=52.2573|long=6.1609|wikidata=Q17461651}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]|lat=52.0279|long=5.6720|wikidata=Q388365}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Eindhoven|Eindhoven Centraal]]|lat=51.4430|long=5.4812|wikidata=Q689942}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Enschede]]|lat=52.2223|long=6.8898|wikidata=Q743359}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Groningen]]|lat=53.2109|long=6.5641|wikidata=Q17937}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Heerlen]]|lat=50.8907|long=5.9754|wikidata=Q800901}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Hengelo]]|lat=52.2617|long=6.7949|wikidata=Q800910}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Den Bosch|'s-Hertogenbosch]]|lat=51.6906|long=5.2936|wikidata=Q801698}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Hoorn]]|lat=52.6452|long=5.0544|wikidata=Q800935}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Leeuwarden]]|lat=53.1965|long=5.7929|wikidata=Q17944}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Maastricht]]|lat=50.8503|long=5.7055|wikidata=Q689931}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Roosendaal]]|lat=51.5403|long=4.4582|wikidata=Q801378}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Venlo]]|lat=51.3648|long=6.1711|wikidata=Q632470}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Zutphen]]|lat=52.1447|long=6.1942|wikidata=Q801671}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Zwolle]]|lat=52.5050|long=6.0913|wikidata=Q47350}} </div> ===Notable stations=== [[File:Station Groenlo.jpg|thumb|[[Groenlo]]'s railway station (now in use as a house) is one of many ''Standaardstations'', being one out of thirteen ''GOLS-Groot'' stations, built in the 1880s, all of which are as good as identical to one another.]] [[File:Arnhem centraal station.JPG|thumb|Arnhem Centraal, one of the stations rebuilt in modern times.]] The first train stations built in the Netherlands were temporary, as the railways needed to prove their use before being accepted into the country. Most 19th-century stations were built in neoclassical styles, some with German influences. The art-nouveau, known best from the Parisian metro, has only been used in a single station, [[Haarlem]], which stands to this day. Foreign railway companies got involved with train lines onto Dutch soil, building their own stations. [[Valkenburg aan de Geul|Valkenburg]]'s station, for example, is a misfit when it comes to Dutch station buildings. Stations alongside international borders were seen as a way of introducing the country, these therefore, even though they saw little in passenger numbers, were rather decorated. The later 19th century and the start of the 20th century saw the rise of ''Standaardstations'' (Basic stations), which weren't basic per se, but rather a base of which several variations were made: a general blueprint. Take for example the GOLS Groot ''standaardstation'', used for stations of the ''Geldersch-Overijsselsche Lokaalspoorweg-Maatschappij'', active in the [[Achterhoek]] and [[Overijssel]]. Of the GOLS Groot type, thirteen stations were created. Of these four remain, being [[Groenlo]]'s station, which has no line connecting it anymore, [[Haaksbergen]]'s station, in use for a heritage railway, Terborg and Aalten, which are still in service on the line connecting [[Arnhem]] with [[Winterswijk]]. In the 1930s, the style switched towards somewhat more modern designs while not abandoning the classic look of stations. Examples are Amsterdam Amstel and Amsterdam Muiderpoort, both built by H.G.J. Schelling. In the [[World War II in Europe|Second World War]], a lot of the Dutch railway infrastructure was destroyed, including many stations. This allowed for rebuilding using pre-fabricated elements out of concrete, as is the case for [[Zutphen]] and [[Enschede]]'s stations, as well as [[Nijmegen]] and [[Vlissingen]]'s stations. The classic look was fully abandoned in the late 1950s, with [[Tilburg]] station being the first to make the radical switch, featuring a large floating roof covering the tracks and station building. Abandoned and rarely used station buildings which were still in service had their building replaced with smaller stations, often not being much more than a ticket desk. Starting around 1980, the look of stations gained more importance where the functionality of the building first was of utmost importance. More money went into the buildings, allowing for much prettier stations, such as [[Almere|Almere Centrum]], which has a shopping street running through the core of the building, [[Leiden|Leiden Centraal]], which main walkway form a major connection between multiple parts of town. [[Schiphol|Schiphol ✈]], [[Rijswijk]] and [[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Blaak]] were built over an underground railway. In the 21st century, more modern materials have been used. [[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]] and [[Arnhem|Arnhem Centraal]] have gone through major redesigns, leading to them winning many awards for their design. ===Former stations=== [[File:Voormalig station Hulshorst.jpg|thumb|Hulshorst railway station may be one of the better-looking abandoned railway stations.]] Where the aforementioned [[Groenlo]] railway station is no longer in use, with the line it was once connected to gone as well, it is not the only station with this fate. Stations in the Netherlands had their services cancelled en masse after [[World War II in Europe|the Blitz]], with cancellations of service happening to this day. Former stations occasionally get a new purpose as a house, as is the case with Groenlo's station, but also as office, restaurant - you name it. Cancellations of service are not as frequent anymore, but stations whose service ended after ''Spoorslag '70'' (the 1970 service overview of the Dutch railways, part of a bigger plan to make the railways better by 1975) that have not been demolished yet, are: * The '''IJmondlijn''' is the line that Lovers' Rail, the first railway operator of the Netherlands serviced for several years. After they quit, the line was closed, leaving the stations of Driehuis-Westerveld, Velsen Zeeweg, Velsen-IJmuiden Oost, IJmuiden Casembrootstraat, IJmuiden Julianakade and IJmuiden to be abandoned in 1999. The stations are rather overgrown, but are able to be put back in service. The start of the line at [[Santpoort]] is still serviced by the [[Haarlem]] — [[Uitgeest]] railway, serviced with Sprinters. * '''[[Nunspeet|Hulshorst]]''''s services were cancelled at the end of May 1987, the day [[Amersfoort]] Schothorst was opened, as the newly opened station made serving the small station close to impossible. The stations was to be closed after the Second World War, but was not, as a servitude laid on the station, a document made during the purchase of the land on which the station stood, which roughly stated that the station ought to be served at least four times per day, twice in both directions, had to stop at Hulshorst. The then mayor of Nunspeet, the municipality the station is in, remembered reading the document and the station was kept in service. When service was cancelled in 1987, there was no trace of the document, nor of anyone having seen or read it, which allowed for cancellation of service. * '''[[Kerkrade|Kerkrade West]]''' and '''Wijlre-Gulpen''' had their services cancelled once the railway they were on was discontinued in 1988. The railway since has become the [[#Heritage railways|Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij]] [[heritage railway]], which services both stations, though not regularly. Also on this railway is '''[[Simpelveld]]''', closed in 1992 with the closure of the [[Maastricht]] — [[Aachen]] railway. * '''[[Soest (Netherlands)|Soestduinen]]''''s services were cancelled in 1998, and was not destroyed as it received the status of municipal monument. The station was closed as not enough travellers used the station. * '''[[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Hofplein]]''' was used as the terminus of the ''Hofpleinlijn'' until this line was converted to light rail operation by the Rotterdam metro, now connecting at Rotterdam Centraal. The station still stands, housing mostly creative start-ups and the like underneath the former tracks. Many other stations have quirks or simply notable things about them. For example, [[Arnhem|Arnhem Velperpoort]], still in service, has the same entrance it had in the 1960s, though it is no longer an entrance. The station building has been converted into a workspace instead. Going east on the same line, you will find other quirks such as a post remembering the Stillewald Halt near [[Doetinchem|Wehl]], as well as the West and Stadion stations in [[Doetinchem]], the first of which is now an office space, and the latter is an abandoned platform. The main station of Doetinchem up to 2017 used to have no tracks 1 and 2, as these were the cargo platforms removed in the 1980s. Every line has notable features, and looking out for them can be entertaining on an otherwise bland journey. ==Trains and rolling stock== While accessibility is a bit of a problem with NS (requiring separate staff at the station to operate mobile ramps to enable step-free access older rolling stock), this issue will be improved with the two ''Nieuwe Generatie'' trains being built as we speak. Domestic trains that are wheelchair-accessible are marked with an icon ({{handicap-icon}}). These trains generally have their balconies at platform height, removing the need for a wheelchair ramp or lift. When using an NS train, or an ''inaccessible'' train, it is required to ring up the service provider, giving them time to get a lift or ramp out. Due to the ineffective nature of this process, it is recommended to not use a train so long as you aren't using only local networks. ===Mainlines=== ====Sprinters/Stopping trains==== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = NS Stadler FLIRT3 resting at Dordrecht CS (25087730738).jpg | caption1 = Snow-covered NS FLIRT in Dordrecht. | width1 = 240 | image2 = Fast train (4712207733).jpg | caption2 = Sprinter Lighttrain (SLT). | width2 = 225 | image3 = SGN 2710 -- Assel 20180919 (6).jpg | caption3 = The Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie between [[Amersfoort]] and [[Apeldoorn]]. | width3 = 225 }} If you know [[rail travel in Germany|the terms Deutsche Bahn uses]] don't be confused - while the ICE Sprinter is the fastest train with the fewest stops DB has, the Dutch Sprinter is essentially a stopping service - a bit like S-Bahn or RER, which calls at mostly every station along a given route. All Sprinter stock can be found in a white-blue-yellow livery. Since December of 2021, all of these trains are wheelchair-accessible and have toilets on-board. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Sprinter Lighttrain''' or ''SLT'' for short, is the replacement for the ''Mat '64'', introduced to passengers in 2009, 45 years after its predecessor was put in service. The SLT is intended for Sprinter-lines with short distances in between stops, which makes them most common in the [[Randstad]]. Its light weight makes for a fast acceleration, which results in shorter journeys, allowing for better usage of the routes. The Sprinter Lighttrain is, like other Sprinter trains, wheelchair-accessible, but only through doors indicated with a wheelchair icon. These doors feature a proper tray that slides out to connect to the platform, as opposed to other doors which have a fold-out tray, which only reduces the distance between the train and the platform a bit. {{handicap-icon}} NS employs Stadler '''FLIRT''' trains for sprinter services as well. These were taken into service following a shortage of rolling stock that formed between the completion of the order for SLT trains, and the start of production of the SNG. This train features charging outlets in first and second class, and is decorated throughout with [[De Stijl]] and Mondrian-inspired elements. NS FLIRTs are mostly found in service in Noord-Brabant and Gelderland. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie''', or ''SNG'', are being put into regular service on a few services. The SNG, which has fully replaced the older SGMm stock (that pioneered the 'sprinter' as a product) which ran between 1975 and 2021, is equipped with toilets on board and is entirely wheelchair-accessible by having the entire floor of the train be at the same height as the platforms at stations. ====Intercity/Fast trains==== {{multiple image | align = center | image3 = Koplopers 4091+4057 Haren.JPG | caption3 = Two connected ''Koploper'' units near Haren. | width3 = 232 | image4 = Sneeuwoverlast n.s sneeuw spoorproblemen sneeuw val.jpg | caption4 = A double decker intercity train plowing through the snow. | width4 = 200 | image5 = NS DDZ-4 passeert voormalig Station Soestduinen.jpg | caption5 = A DDZ/NID at the former [[Soestduinen]] railway station. | width5 = 225 | image6 = HDR 1741 Threth Bridge Ravenstein (14799819973).jpg | caption6 = An ICR train crossing the Meuse near Ravestein, not far from [[Wijchen]]. | width6 = 308 }} Intercity trains are essentially fast trains: They skip many smaller train stations and only call at interchanges and major cities. Occasionally, you may find Sprinter trains on these lines (most often SNGs), but this is only as an exception. Intercities can be identified by their yellow-blue liveries. Until the introduction of the ICNG in 2022, all Intercity trains do not have a floor at platform-level, meaning that, if you are bound to a wheelchair, you need to inform station staff in advance of your travels, so they may [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/traveling-with-a-disability/ns-travel-assistance.html help you board the train] using a wheelchair lift. The '''Intercitymaterieel''' or ''ICM'' for short, is an intercity train used by NS. The trains are nicknamed ''Koploper'', as passengers can walk the entire length of several coupled units through the head of a unit. Its name translates literally to ''head walker'', but the proper translation is ''leader''. Like the Stadsgewestelijk materieel, the ICMs too have been modernised, changing their names to ICMm. The ability to walk the entire length of coupled units was removed at this time, as the function was likely to fail and cause delays. The ICM has a reclining chair, power outlet, footrest, reading light and ''lectuurnet'', a little net in which you can find some newspapers or store your own books available in first class. [[File:America NSR VIRMm 9516 (51386343928).jpg|thumb|A four-unit DD-IRM or VIRM in the future livery of more NS trains, the so-called 'Flow'-livery.]] The '''Dubbeldeksinterregiomaterieel''' (''DD-IRM'') or '''Verlengd Interregio Materieel''' (''VIRM'') is possibly the most iconic train used on the Dutch rail network. Its name translates roughly to ''Double-decked inter-region unit'' and is most often referred to as ''Dubbeldekker'' by passengers. The VIRMs have wireless network and displays showing information about your journey in the modernised trains. The regular ones have a toilet for everyone to use, with reclining chairs and a footrest in first class. These trains are in various stages of being modernised, and feature different liveries. Modernised trains can be recognised by either a blue band around the doors (on 6-car units) or by blue doors and large white NS logos on the sides (the so-called flow-livery on 4-car units). The modernisation project gives these trains new chairs and layouts, as well as some other quality of life upgrades, such as a more reliable air-con unit. The '''Nieuwe Intercity Dubbeldekker''', abbreviated as ''NID'' or ''DDZ'', are modified DD-AR and mDDM sprinter trains dating to the 1990s. The DDZ is known to have run both as an Intercity and Sprinter service, making it the only Sprinter stock to not feature the white-blue-yellow colour scheme. The DDZ is outfitted with wireless internet and a toilet, with first class extras being a reclining chair, power outlet, reading light, footrest and a ''lectuurnet''. These trains have been out of service because of rapid wear to the wheels and brakes, but are slowly being reintroduced onto the network in December 2021, starting with the Intercity service between Roosendaal and Zwolle. The '''Intercity Rijtuig''' (''ICRm'') is an outcast to some extent, not being an EMU. The wagon is mostly used on the HSL-Zuid service as Intercity Direct. The wagon features the standard reclining chair, footrest and ''lectuurnet'' in first class. Silence areas are spread through the carriages. The DDZ as well as the modernised VIRM feature double deck seating, having a somewhat disliked coupé-system. This should become the standard for all bi-level trains in the country. Throughout the train, you will find ''stiltezones'' (quiet zones), ''werken- en rustzones'' (work and relaxation zones), ''meet-and-greet zones'' and regular ''praatcoupés''. The latter are found on the lower floors. The upper floors have the three ''stiltecoupé''-variants: * '''Werken- en rustzones''': These zones are dedicated for travellers to travel in quiet. The traveller is invited to read a book, work, sleep or talk silently. Seating is most often in rows, as you would have seating in a bus. The ''Werken- en rustzones'' can be identified with an emblem of a sitting person, surrounded with headphones, a book and a laptop surrounding him. ** To make the system more complicated for everyone, this variation has a variation too. Should you be able to read the word 'Silence' or 'Stilte' on the windows, then you are in a ''stiltezone''. You are very much discouraged to make any notable sound. Though you are allowed to have a snack or simply eat something, your fellow travellers may not be as much of a fan or you unpacking your lunch in a ''stiltezone''. * '''Meet-and-Greet zones''': Meant for meeting people. Seating is most often in groups, with seats facing each other. There are even lounge areas for groups. The traveller is welcome to talk, use their phone to call someone and have extensive conversations at a regular volume. This zone can be identified with an emblem of two people facing each other, with a speech-bubble above their heads. ===International and high speed trains=== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = Twee Thalys-treinen op Amsterdam Centraal.jpg | caption1 = A Thalys PBA (left) and PBKA (right) at Amsterdam Centraal. | width1 = 212 | image2 = Arnhem Station ICE 4652.jpg | caption2 = An ICE 3M at Arnhem Centraal. | width2 = 200 | image3 = Bad Bentheim NSI 1739 IC 144 Amsterdam (51327337832).jpg | caption3 = NS/Deutsche Bahn Intercity to Berlin, pulled by a 1700 series locomotive, at Bad Bentheim. | width3 = 267 | image4 = Intercity Direct resting at Rotterdam Central station (33366323401).jpg | caption4 = Bombardier TRAXX (NS HighSpeed 186) with Intercityrijtuigen (ICR) in NS livery. | width4 = 267 | image5 = Eurostar 4031 4032 just arrived at Amsterdam CS after a 4 hour journey from London St. Pancras (28227044569).jpg | caption5 = Eurostar e320 (British Rail Class 374s) at Amsterdam Centraal. | width5 = 240 | image6 = Nightjet NJ40490 DSCF1939 (51204227026).jpg | caption6 = A Siemens Vectron in NS-livery, operating the ÖBB Nightjet to Düsseldorf and Vienna. | width6 = 225 }} The '''Thalys PBA''' and '''PBKA''' units have little difference amongst them. The PBAs are used on the Thalys network between [[Paris|'''P'''aris]], [[Brussels|'''B'''russels]] and [[Amsterdam|'''A'''msterdam]], and PBKAs also go to [[Cologne]] (or '''K'''öln in German). Both units can and occasionally are coupled. Both trains are part of the French ''TGV''-family. These trains can mostly be seen in the Dutch stations of Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol ✈ and Rotterdam Centraal. '''ICE 3M''' trains are used by Deutsche Bahn on international intercity journeys. Of the 17 ICE 3M trains that use the Dutch network, 14 are owned by DB, and 3 by NS. The "M" stands for "Mehrsystem", i.e. the ability of the trains to run under multiple voltages and in multiple rail systems, in this case the Dutch and the German one. The only line that these trains ride on is the [[Amsterdam]] – [[Cologne]] – [[Frankfurt]] – [[Mannheim]] – [[Freiburg]] – [[Basel]]-line, stopping on the Dutch stations of [[Utrecht]] and [[Arnhem]]. DB promises free Wi-Fi even on the Dutch stretch of its ICE journeys. DB also runs its own InterCity (IC) trains to and from the Netherlands for example on the Berlin - Amsterdam route. As of 2017 they use a hodgepodge of rolling stock most of it refurbished since 2012 and capable of top speeds up to {{kmh|200}}. Starting in 2025, these trains are planned to be replaced with the all new ICE L^{([[w:ECx|wikipedia]])} trainsets. These should omit the need for locomotives to be changed at the Dutch-German border, and these trainsets will have their entry at platform height, as well as a top speed of {{kmh|230}}. Since the V250 Fyra trains were only good for 40 days of service, NS owns and borrows '''Bombardier TRAXX''' or '''NS HighSpeed 186''' electric locomotives. The locomotives are being used in combination with the ''Intercityrijtuig'' (Intercity carriage) or ''ICRm'' for short. The trains run on the HSL-Zuid line (Amsterdam — Breda), as well as the Amsterdam — Brussels line. The newest international multiple-unit train in the Netherlands is the '''Eurostar e320''', known in the [[Rail travel in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] as ''British Rail Class 374''. The train has arrived the Netherlands since 2017 on the Eurostar Amsterdam — London service. The train is capable of speeds up to {{kmh|320}} and has some 900 seats divided over 16 carriages. As for the newest international train in the Netherlands, that honour goes to the '''Siemens Vectron''' locomotives. These are in service on the night trains to Vienna and Zurich, but can also be spotted pulling the Intercity to Berlin. These locomotives, capable of speeds up to {{kmh|200}}, aren't owned by NS, but are instead leased by the Dutch Railways and their Austrian counterpart. ===Local trains=== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = Connexxion 5033.jpg | caption1 = Protos in the ''Valleilijn''-livery. | width1 = 224 | image2 = Arriva 10254 SimonTahamata Klarenbeek trein17833 20150405.JPG | caption2 = An Arriva ''Spurt'', better known as the Stadler GTW Diesel unit between [[Apeldoorn]] and [[Zutphen]]. | width2 = 225 | image3 = Rnet2010Zevenhuizen.JPG | caption3 = A R-Net FLIRT-3 near [[Zevenhuizen]] during one of its test rides before being put into proper service. | width3 = 225 | image4 = Syntus lint twents.JPG | caption4 = A LINT 41-H in ''Twents'' livery. These trains can be found on several local lines in the province of [[Overijssel]]. | width4 = 200 | image5 = Arriva 616-III.jpg | caption5 = Two coupled Arriva WINK DMUs at [[Westerkwartier|Zuidhoorn]]. | width5 = 209 }} {{handicap-icon}} The '''Protos''' is an electric unit, of which 5 are in service in the Netherlands. All of which are used by Connexxion on the ''Valleilijn'' ([[Amersfoort]] – [[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]). The units aren't popular, only 6 have been sold after some 10 years on the market, Connexxion being the only buyer. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Stadler GTW''' is by far the most popular train on the local railways. Arriva, Breng, Connexxion and Veolia used the train, with the latter two no longer servicing in the Netherlands. Breng only uses the diesel model, Arriva uses both diesel and electric models and Connexxion uses only the electric model. Veolia's trains have been taken over by Arriva, which got the concession for [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]] in 2016. Stadler being a Swiss-German company, the name stands for "Gelenktriebwagen" or articulated railcar. {{handicap-icon}} '''Stadler FLIRT'''s are used by Arriva in [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]], R-Net in (mostly) [[Zuid-Holland]], Abellio rail on border-hopping services into Germany as well as NS itself in mostly the southeast of the country to help support the Sprinter services. Arriva has ordered 8 additional FLIRTS to service Limburg starting in 2020, as well as 18 ''Flirtino's'', which are diesel-electric hybrid trains, which too will start service on the northern lines by 2020. Keolis and Connexxion also have a small collection of FLIRTs riding on the ''Hanzelijn'' (Kampen – Zwolle – Enschede) and the ''Valleilijn'' respectively. Despite the name being a German abbreviation for "flinker leichter innovativer Regionaltriebzug" (fast light innovative regional train/railcar) it is virtually always pronounced as an English word. {{handicap-icon}} The '''LINT 41/H''' trains are the oldest trains on local networks at this time. Most of the Dutch models have come from Syntus (now Keolis), which took 25 of them in service in 2001. By 2012 this number was down to 9, as Keolis had lost a large number of local concessions. Some of these were transferred abroad, and some were bought by Arriva and Veolia. Arriva bought seven additional LINT 41's in 2016. {{handicap-icon}} The '''WINK''' is the most recent train to be put into service on local lines. They are two-part multiple units that run on either on a combination between biodiesel and on-board batteries or electricity via overhead wires. The pantograph will initially only be used when the train is parked in order to recharge its batteries, though the ambition exists to upgrade the northern lines that the WINK runs on to be electrified by 2025, at which point the train will those for its power. The WINK trains have been named for local attractions, such as the [[Waddeneilanden|Wadden]], Oerol, the hanging kitchens of [[Appingedam]], Elfstedentocht and the STAR heritage railway. ===Future trains=== [[File:ICNG - Rotterdam Centraal.jpg|thumb|The Intercity Nieuwe Generatie 3103 at Rotterdam Centraal. While the series is not yet in regular service, the train can be seen throughout the country on occasional test drives.]] In 2017, NS expected to get two newly built trains onto the rail network by December 2021. These are the '''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie''' (2018) and '''Intercity Nieuwe Generatie''' (2021 - since delayed for service until 2023) - "nieuwe generatie" meaning "new generation". Both trains aim to be more modern than the current ICMm and SGMm models that they will or have replaced. A whopping 206 SNG and 99 ICNG trains have been ordered. They will feature toilets (which until the arrival of the NS FLIRT weren't available in Sprinter trains) and power sockets, as well as loads of variable seating options. The trains will both be way more accessible for the disabled, having their floor at platform level, as the preceding SGMm was not at all fit for people bound to wheelchairs, as entering the train required using two high steps from platform level, a hinder of some {{convert|30|cm|inch}}. The ''Nieuwe Generatie'' trains are also NS' response to the ever increasing number of travellers on the rail network. Twenty orders of the Intercity Nieuwe Generatie with necessary modifications so that it can run the international service to [[Brussels]] are supposed to be put in service by 2025. Arriva has announced that it has placed an order for several new trains by Stadler to service some of the northern lines around Groningen. The service will be run using [https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/products/detail-all/wink/198/ Stadler WINKs]. The WINKs have been put into service in 2020. ==Heritage and steam railways== [[File:Stoomlocomotief BR 011 075-9 van de SSN - Moordrecht (22060228292).jpg|thumb|Steam train on the track between [[Rotterdam]] and [[Gouda]] during the Annual Steam Train Days (''Jaarlijkse Stoomtreindagen'') of October 2015.]] {{see also|Heritage railways}} When many lines were being closed between 1930 and 1960, some initiatives popped up to save several of these railways, making them heritage railways. All of these run steam trains. Listed below are the museums that have their own railways and running stock: * '''[[Utrecht#Q847166|Nationaal Spoorwegmuseum]]''' (''NSM'') in Utrecht is the biggest and best-known museum with one of most every train that has ever been in Dutch service. The museum is located in the old Utrecht Maliebaan station, and can therefore be accessed by rail. A sprinter service is in place between Utrecht Centraal and Maliebaan during the days that the Spoorwegmuseum is opened. * '''[[Haaksbergen#Q1954418|Museum Buurtspoorweg]]''' (''MBS'') between Haaksbergen and Boekelo runs on the remains of the [[Doetinchem]] − [[Enschede]] railway. * '''[[Hoorn#Q3205907|Museumstoomtram Hoorn – Medemblik]]''' (''SHM'') between Hoorn and Medemblik, which uses tram running stock, yet uses a former local railway. * '''[[Veenkoloniën#Q2608463|Stichting Stadskanaal Rail]]''' (''STAR'') runs a part of the line between Zwolle and Stadskanaal that has been partially broken up. The section between Zwolle and [[Emmen]] still exists, as does the part between Musselkanaal and Veendam in Groningen. The line might be reused by Arriva in coming times, as the province too supports this. STAR supports this aim to improve public transport between Groningen and Stadskanaal, though it wishes to continue its own services. * '''[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|Stoom Stichting Nederland]]''' (''SSN'') is a museum on steam-powered machinery. Within its collection there are several steam locomotives taken over from the East-German Railways following the reunification of Germany, but also an old NS 8800 class engine, previously used in the mines of Limburg. The museum is located in the north of Rotterdam, and the rolling stock can also be seen at events such as the ''[[Rotterdam]]se havendagen'' or ''[[Dordrecht|Dordt]] in Stoom''. * '''[[Apeldoorn#Q2001163|Veluwsche Stoomtram Maatschappij]]''' (''VSM'') uses the railway between Apeldoorn and Dieren, starting its services back in 1975. * '''[[Simpelveld#Q2382332|Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij]]''' (''ZLSM'') rides trains between Valkenburg aan de Geul, Schin op Geul, Simpelveld and Kerkrade. * '''[[Goes#Q942892|Stichting Stoomtrein Goes – Borsele]]''' (''SGB''), is a reverse SHM, riding a former tramway of {{km|14}} between Goes and Borsele with steam trains. [[File:NS ICM4 4016, Madurodam (15606712401).jpg|thumb|ICM scale model running on the Madurodam model railway.]] The Netherlands has a lot of narrow-gauge railways, most of which aren't noteworthy, having little when it comes to rolling stock and a scarce amount of track. The two most notable narrow-gauge railways, however, as well as heritage tramways are listed below: * '''Stoomtrein Katwijk-Leiden''' (''SKL'') runs around the Valkenburgse Meer, not far from [[Katwijk]] and services half of the year from Ascension Day until the last weekend of September. * '''Efteling Stoomtram Maatschappij''' (''ESM'') can be found at the [[Efteling]] in Kaatsheuvel, connecting many of the attractions throughout the park with one another. * '''Electrische Museumtram Amsterdam''' (''EMA'') or ''Tramlijn 30'' (Tram 30) is a heritage tramway running in Amsterdam alongside the 16 other regular tram services of the nation's capital. The line is historically speaking not a tramway but instead a railway. The railway is the last remaining piece of the ''Haarlemmermeerspoorlijnen'', a series of railways located around the [[Haarlemmermeer]]. * '''Tramlijn Nederlands Openluchtmuseum''' (''NOM'') services the ''Openluchtmuseum'' (open air museum) in [[Arnhem]], connecting the vast park via tramway. The park is dedicated to showing the everyday aspect of the Dutch history, making the trams a lovely touch to the whole. * '''Rotterdams Openbaar Vervoer museum en Exploitatie van Oldtimers''' (''ROMEO'') is a foundation dedicated to running the heritage tramway of [[Rotterdam]], ''lijn 10''. The foundation features a vast collection of trams and tramway and Rotterdam-related vehicles. Line 10, however, only runs in summers. * '''Rijdend Tram-Museum''' (''RTM'') in found in [[Goerree Overflakkee|Ouddorp]], [[Zeeland]] and runs trams across the Brouwersdam, one of the dams of the [[Delta Works|Delta Works]], connecting the islands of [[Goeree-Overflakkee]] and [[Schouwen-Duiveland]]. [[File:Wolfheze treinstel 766Stichting Mat'54 (49982005857).jpg|thumb|Old Dutch rolling stock is unlike rolling stock anywhere else in the world, since NS designed their own trains for almost all its rolling stock between the 1940s and 1990s. Shown is 766, a privately restored Mat '54 train, though another train of this type can be found in the Spoorwegmuseum.]] Lastly, if you'd rather watch trains instead of travelling with them, then visit Madurodam in [[The Hague]]. Madurodam is a well-known miniature city featuring many landmarks of the Netherlands, and 4 km of model railway at a 1:25 scale. On and along this track you will find many locomotives that have been and are used by NS Reizigers and NS Cargo, models of the iconic Wadloper and [[w:NS Mat '64|Mat '64]], as well as VIRM and Thalys models, running between scale models of the stations found in Utrecht, Groningen, Enkhuizen and Valkenburg. The Utrecht model is, funnily enough, older than the station it is based on. The scale model was revealed in 2007 to demonstrate the look of the station design. ==Stay safe== [[File:Noodrem trein.jpg|thumb|"''Emergency brake: Pull this lever in case of an emergency. Misuse will be punished.''"]] The Dutch railway system is very safe, similar to its European peers. Accidents at grade crossings do happen, but generally they end worse for whatever is on the tracks than the train or the people inside it. The last accident with on board fatalities happened May 22nd 2020 near Hooghalen, between [[Assen]] and [[Hoogeveen]], where the train collided with a tractor crossing an unprotected crossing. The only life claimed was that of the train driver. In the 21st century, only seven fatal railway accidents have happened, accounting for eleven deaths in total. Inclement weather that may endanger trains or passengers often leads to service being interrupted as a precaution, which understandably enrages travelers but enhances safety. ProRail, which is in charge of maintenance of the railways, wants to have all barrier-less crossings to have barriers by the end of 2023, which will make accidents even less frequent. Crime on trains - aside from occasional pickpocketing and "misplaced" luggage - is rare but should you feel threatened or harassed, talk to a conductor if you can find one - not all trains are staffed with more than just one conductor. Sadly enough, the conductor is more often the target of harassment than a traveller, often for simply doing his job. Treat railway staff with the same respect you'd have for a policeman. If no conductor is to be found, look around. Often you will either find an ''0800-'' phone number on stickers in your wagon or find a ''noodtelefoon'' (emergency phone), labelled with ''SOS'' either at a central location of your wagon, or at the wagon's balcony. Call this number or press the button to talk to the operator's staff that will help you out as well as inform the appropriate emergency services. Do not use the emergency brake unless you've been told to by staff, which, even in the case that it is necessary, is very unlikely. Using the emergency brake locks the train for some time, stopping it from continuing on the tracks. By engaging the brake you're not only making life-threatening situations worse by making it more difficult for emergency service to reach the train, you're also making many people very mad by causing a delay on their daily route. Also, misuse of the emergency brake (''Noodrem'') is often severely punished, most often in the form of a large fine. No matter the severity of the situation, the ''Noodrem'' may '''never''' be used in a tunnel. ==Go next== * [[Rail travel in Germany]] * [[Rail travel in France]] * There are combined offers for boats and trains in and to the British mainland, see [[Ferries to the British mainland]] and [[Rail travel in Great Britain]] * {{slink|Belgium#By train}} {{guidetopic}} {{HasDocent|Wauteurz}} {{PartOfTopic|Rail travel in Europe|Benelux}} {{related|European rail passes}} {{related|Rail travel in Germany}} {{related|Rail travel in Great Britain}} ggx2c5u2b9tw7ckehh2lj8c21rkg42d 4487834 4487830 2022-07-21T17:21:19Z WallyTheWalrus 112464 /* Online tickets */ Removed redundant text. Added info on payment methods. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rail travel in the Netherlands Wikivoyage Banner.jpg|ftt=yes}} [[File:Amsterdam Central Station 2132.jpg|thumb|Amsterdam Centraal Station, one of, if not the most recognisable railway stations in the Netherlands.]] [[File:Stationsschild Den Haag HS.jpg|thumb|Every Dutch railway station is clearly labelled with one, if not multiple station name signs.]] Prioritising the traveller, the Dutch railway network is a great way to cross the country. Practically everywhere is reachable by train, having a network of {{convert|3223|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track. The Dutch network is a well-maintained and well-travelled network. A free travel pass is available to students in the country. Beyond that, the Dutch have eradicated paper tickets fully, using the ''[[OV-chipkaart]]'', often shortened to ''OV-chip'' or ''chipkaart'', instead. The card either holds data of the route you're travelling (disposable card) or it holds credit or a travel product (personal and anonymous card). The OV-chipkaart (which also works in buses, trolleybuses, trams and metros) is what sets Dutch public transit apart from that of other countries. This distinction is a recent development, with network maintainer ProRail improving the network, adding and revamping stations during the first quarter of the 21st century. Historically though, the Dutch were late in starting a rail network, having horse-drawn barges on their extensive inland waterways as a perfectly fine alternative for both cargo and people. After the first line proved successful, the 19th century saw a jump to the 'new' mode of transport, only to be too enthusiastic about railways and see many lines fall into disuse or be completely demolished in the 20th century. ''Nederlandse Spoorwegen'' (NS, Dutch Railways) lost its monopoly on rail travel in the 1990s, allowing more domestic and foreign railway operators to join the fun. The network can be crowded, but trains are still a great way to see the country. ==Structure== The Dutch rail network connects virtually all notable destinations from [[Amsterdam]] to [[Zoetermeer]] and [[Zevenaar]] to [[Assen]]. There are roughly as many stations as there are municipalities in the country (about 400). The entire network consists of {{convert|6830|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track, three quarters of which is electrified. The largest city without any means of rail-bound public transport is [[Oosterhout]] (North-Brabant), with some 44,000 citizens. The biggest region that cannot be reached by rail is [[Zeeland|Zeeuws-Vlaanderen]] (Zeeland), which borders [[Belgium]], but would be fully detached from the rest of the Netherlands were it not for a single road tunnel crossing underneath the Western Scheldt estuary. ===Passenger rail companies=== * '''[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)]''' operates nearly all intercity trains and many regional and commuter services (''sprinter'' trains). * '''[https://www.arriva.nl/consumers.htm Arriva]''' operates trains on the ''Noordelijke Nevelijnen'' (Northern lines, [[Groningen (province)|Groningen]] and [[Friesland]]), ''Drechtsteden, Alblasserwaard, Vijfherenlanden-region'' ([[Zuid-Holland]]), ''Vechtdallijnen'' (Vechtdal lines, [[Overijssel]]), [[Achterhoek]]-Rivierenland region ([[Gelderland]]) and [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]]. * '''[http://www.breng.nl/ Breng]''' most notably focused on bus and trolleybus connections in Arnhem and Nijmegen, Breng only runs a single train service in the Achterhoek: [[Arnhem]] — [[Doetinchem]], creating a quarter-hourly service to Doetinchem in cooperation with Arriva, which has its trains turn around at [[Winterswijk]] instead of Doetinchem. * '''[https://www.connexxion.nl/ Connexxion]''' operates trains on the ''Valleilijnen'' (Valley lines, [[Barneveld]] — [[Amersfoort]] — [[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]). * '''[https://www.keolis.nl/ Keolis]''' though its name is hardly seen. Keolis, formerly known as Syntus, runs trains as ''Twents'' in [[Twente]] on the [[Zutphen]] — [[Hengelo]] — [[Oldenzaal]] line. * '''[https://www.rnet.nl/ R-Net]''' operated by '''NS''' runs the concession for the [[Gouda]] — [[Alphen aan den Rijn]] line. R-Net is a sort of quality label for frequent public transport within the Randstad area. *'''R-Net''' operated by '''[https://qbuzz.nl/ Qbuzz]''' started running trains on the MerwedeLingeLijn ([[Dordrecht]] — [[Geldermalsen]]) in early December 2018. This is the first rail service operated by Qbuzz, which, as the name implies, has thus far only serviced buses and trams, the latter in a joint venture with bus operator HTM. * '''[https://blauwnet.nl/ Blauwnet]''' is not so much an operator as it is a joint venture. Arriva and Keolis share lines in Overijssel and Drenthe and have agreed to run these trains in a somewhat more neutral livery, namely the blue livery of Blauwnet (Blue-net). The lines included are four services from [[Zwolle]] to [[Emmen]] (Arriva), [[Enschede]], [[Kampen]] and [[Oldenzaal]] (Keolis), [[Almelo]] — [[Hardenberg]] (Arriva) and [[Zutphen]] — [[Oldenzaal]]. Between Almelo, Hengelo and Enschede, Blauwnet runs alongside NS. On those journeys, Blauwnet charges up to €0.06 more than NS, so with frequent journeys between these cities, perhaps opt for NS instead. ==Historical background== {{seealso|w:History of rail transport in the Netherlands}} ===Starting out=== [[File:Station 'De Eenhonderd Roe'; juli 1939.jpg|thumb|Replica of ''De Arend'' at a rebuilt Station d'Eenhonderd Roe, one hundred ''roeden'' or 400 m from Amsterdam.]] Rail transport did not catch on in the Netherlands until 1839. There were many plans to connect the country by rail, but unlike most European countries, the Netherlands didn't need a rail network. A perfectly workable system of horse-drawn barges (''trekschuiten'') was already in place, using the country's famous canal network. Shipping companies also lobbied against railways, causing attempts to raise funds for railways to fail dramatically. The most viable line was one proposed by W.A. Blake, who wanted to connect Amsterdam to [[Cologne]] (Germany) via [[Arnhem]]. His fundraising efforts failed, but one of his employees, W.C. Brade, continued the plans, changing the route to connect the capital to [[Rotterdam]], with a test stretch running to [[Haarlem]] to test economic viability. Wealthy investors began to favour a connection between the ports of the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. King William supported the plans because he was reluctant to let his country fall behind its neighbours which were all working on their first railways. With the King's support, construction of the railway started. However, the Netherlands lacked engineers and had to import them, mainly from [[England]]. Even with these engineers, some odd choices were made. The railway that had to connect to foreign railways was built on a {{mm|1945}} broad gauge instead of the standard gauge that the neighbours used, making the tracks incompatible until they were converted. On September 20, 1839, a train pulled by ''De Arend'' ('The Eagle')<!--Germany's first railway had also used a locomotive called "eagle" just a few years prior--> with ''De Snelheid'' ('The Speed') as backup, left [[Amsterdam]] for [[Haarlem]] and arrived without any major problems 30 minutes later, covering a distance of 16 km (10 miles). Commercial transport on the line commenced four days later. ===Expansion and boom=== [[File:Laantje van Van der Gaag.jpg|thumb|A common sight in the early days of Dutch railways: landowners wouldn't let the rail companies use or buy their land for the railway, leading to conflict, after which the company would lay temporary tracks around the property they couldn't cross. Pictured is an artist's impression of ''Het Laantje van Van der Gaag'' near [[Delft]], which was in use from July 3 until July 7, 1847.]] Most railways were built on popular demand, and building only commenced once individuals had raised the funds. Nothing was centralised. By 1850 several main railways were constructed, yet the Netherlands was significantly behind its neighbours. Moreover, the major rivers of the country hadn't yet been bridged, creating a major divide between the Netherlands above the Rhine and the Netherlands below the Rhine. The networks that had come to exist were badly linked if they were linked at all. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the main railway hubs at the time, competing companies had different stations, both on opposite edges of the towns. In 1860 the ''Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg-Maatschappij'' (NCS) constructed a line connecting [[Utrecht]] to [[Kampen]] via [[Amersfoort]] and [[Zwolle]]. In 1869 Utrecht became connected to [[Eindhoven]] via [['s Hertogenbosch]] and two years later ''Lage Zwaluwe'' was connected to [[Dordrecht]], finally spanning across the rivers Meuse and Waal (Rhine delta). The ''Oosterspoorweg'' (Eastern railway) was constructed partly in 1874 and partly in 1876, connecting Amsterdam to [[Zutphen]]. By 1860 the government of the Netherlands finally realised that railways might be of national importance, creating the ''Spoorwegwet'' (Railway law), meaning that the government finally started funding and exploiting railways. The law proposed ten railways, labelled A through K, that would connect the Netherlands. These railways would not yet be used by a government-owned company, but instead by the National Railways (''Staatsspoorwegen'' or SS). These lines were: <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * [[Arnhem]] - [[Leeuwarden]] * [[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen]] - [[Bad Nieuweschans|Nieuwe Schans]] * [[Meppel]] - [[Groningen]] * [[Zutphen]] - [[Enschede|Glanerbeek]] * [[Breda]] - [[Maastricht]] * [[Roosendaal]] - [[Vlissingen]] * [[Venlo]] - Kaldenkirchen (Germany) * [[Utrecht]] - [[Boxtel]] * [[Breda]] - [[Rotterdam]] * [[Den Helder|Nieuwediep]] - [[Amsterdam]]</div> The SS had a rivalry with the HSM (''Hollandsche IJzeren Spoorweg-Maatschappij''), both of which tried their best to take as many passengers away from the other by siding with third parties, taking over their railways or using their shipping services to get passengers across a river that couldn't be crossed by using their railway. The ''Staatslijnen'' weren't enough to cover the entire country, with the east being particularly left out. Many local railways (''lokaalspoorwegen'') and tramways were built by non-governmental organisations started by individuals, often traders or investors. The tramways didn't have to install signals, whereas the railways were required to. The downside of the tramways was that they had to deal with speed limits as they often used pre-existing roads. Connections to neighbouring countries were also started by individuals. Staatslijn B already connected to Germany near [[Enschede]]. Additionally, the line between [[Turnhout]] (Belgium) and [[Tilburg]] was built by ''Grand Central Belge'' in 1867 and [[Boxtel]] was connected to [[Lower Rhine|Wesel]] (Germany) in 1878 by the ''Noord-Brabantsch-Duitsche Spoorweg-Maatschappij'' (North-Brabantic-German Railway Company). ===The 1900s=== [[File:NL-HaNA 2.24.01.03 0 900-9366.jpg|thumb|The 1940s were a turning point for the Dutch railways. The destruction the war wrought and the lines destroyed by the Nazis during their withdrawal made the Dutch rethink what lines were and weren't necessary.]] The rivalry on the railways led to many mergers. A single state-owned railway company, however, never came into being. The SS and HSM were the main winners of the rivalry. They joined forces in August of 1937, forming the ''Nederlandsche Spoorwegen'' (Dutch Railways), of which the state became the owner. Most railways were then operated by the NS, excluding several border-crossing and local railways. This remained the case for some sixty years, until 1995. During the 1900s many lines were electrified, the first of which was the 1908 ''Hofpleinlijn'' ([[Rotterdam]] - [[Scheveningen]]). The line was electrified with 10,000 volts of alternating current. In the 1920s the ZHESM, which owned the line, developed 1500 V direct voltage, which was used first on the ''Oude Lijn'' (Old Line; Amsterdam - Rotterdam) in 1924. The 1500 DC voltage became the standard electrification for the Netherlands and is used to this day on almost all electrified lines. With road traffic on the rise, many local railways were no longer profitable. Most of them were abandoned in the 1930s and after the second world war. By 1934 the first diesel train, the Mat '34, had been put into service. The Mat '34 was also the first streamlined train design, which would be used on all newly-built electric trains a year later. Steam locomotives were used less and less after the second world war. The last steam train in regular service ran on January 7, 1958. In 1956 the class system in trains was changed across Europe. Third class became second class, second class became first class and the (rarely used) first class was abolished. ===Reorganisation and rivals=== [[File:NS loc 2207 - Lovers Rail, IJmuiden.jpg|thumb|An NS Class 2200 locomotive leased to Lovers Rail servicing the area around the [[Keukenhof]].]] The 1990s brought reorganisations to the ''Nederlandse Spoorwegen'', which meant a divide in maintaining and using the railways. The running of the railways stayed with NS, and the maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure was shifted over to the newly formed ''ProRail''. NS was divided into ''NS Reizigers'' for passenger service and ''NS Cargo'' for transport of goods. Local concessions were put in place to open up the market to other private companies, and end the monopoly of NS. The first competition came in 1996, when ''Lovers Rail'' started running trains from Haarlem to Amsterdam, which turned out to be impractical for people in [[IJmuiden]] and [[Lisse]], as well as visitors to [[Keukenhof]]. Lovers Rail ceased operations in 1999. More successful were the regional lines outside of the [[Randstad]]. The first of these was [[Mariënberg]] - [[Almelo]] in 1998, followed by the Northern Lines in [[Friesland]] and [[Groningen]] in 1999 and 2000. As of 2017, local lines are run by Arriva, Breng, Connexxion and Keolis. Several lines in the Randstad are planned to be converted into metro lines around 2020 in order to improve public transit there. While many of the "private" railways bidding on rail franchises in the Netherlands are actually daughter companies of the state railways of other countries, NS itself has started bidding on (and winning) contracts for rail service abroad under the brand of their daughter company ''Abellio''. ==Services== ===Classes of travel=== [[File:Station Haarlem 16.JPG|thumb|A ''Derde Klas'' (third class) waiting room indication sign at the historical Haarlem Station never got updated to modern European standards. The tile motif is there forever locked in time.]] The Dutch classes of travel follow the European standard, which is divided into two classes: * '''Tweede Klas''' (second class), indicated on carriages with a simple ''2'', offers seating of a decent quality which outside of rush hour is perfectly fine. As soon as rush hour starts, expect little space, especially when travelling with loads of luggage. There are almost always overhead storage racks for luggage, but even a simple backpack may prove too big in some situations. Seating is the main problem in second class, aside from overcrowding during rush hour. Intercity trains, most notably the double-deck VIRM and DD-IRM, have silent areas or coaches, which are often quieter and are a de-facto midway solution between first and second class, as overcrowding is not as big of an issue. * '''Eerste Klas''' (first class), indicated by a ''1'' on the side of carriages offers more space between seats, electrical outlets in most trains, and higher quality seating (though higher quality often refers to leather instead of fabric seats). The first class, however, does have a notable price difference that might very well not be worth it for frequent travel according to most Dutch train travellers. As a result, first class is rarely overcrowded. Booking a seat in advance is only possible on international intercity journeys with, for example, the ICE or Thalys trains. Sleeper carriages are not found on regular intercity trains, as travel time is rarely more than 2½ hours, even though the longest travel time within the Netherlands directly from station to station takes around 5½ hours ([[Delfzijl]] to [[Vlissingen]] (5 hr 38 min in the 2018 schedule)). Sleeping on the train is fine if you have a ticket for where you sit. The classes share toilets, which are not all wheelchair-accessible. If the train doors have no steps, then there is a high chance that it will have wheelchair-accessible toilets. Regional services rarely have toilets. Larger stations, however, do. The number of toilets, and their accessibility, is due to be improved with the Intercity and Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie. Both classes have freely accessible Wi-Fi. Almost all trains have a conductor. Most trains have no catering, but on some lines drinks and snacks are available for purchase. ===Traveller's rights=== The Dutch railway is often mocked for its lack of punctuality and its inefficiency; however that may simply be because Dutch people have a high standard and treat five minutes of delay as a calamity, while the average customer of some other railways would laugh at such an event. Most of that can be explained in cultural difference: the Dutch are very punctual people. Aside from that, trains often seem full if you're not willing to sit beside someone you don't know, which is something the Dutch don't exactly prefer. Should your train be cancelled, or should your journey be limited in any other way, such as by one of the rare railway strikes, then you are entitled to financial compensation as long as you have obliged to the railway operator's [https://www.ns.nl/en/terms-conditions.html terms and conditions]. [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/refunds Refunds] and [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/lost-or-stolen Lost and found objects] can be reported and requested via NS's website. Should the problem occur when travelling with another railway operator, then contact them via their website if possible, or give them a call. If neither of these are possible, then head for the nearest info desk (often found at the larger stations with the ''Centraal'' suffix). ===Regional, local and commuter lines=== [[File:Railroads Netherlands 2013.svg|thumb|Railway map of the Netherlands. This map also includes cargo only (in pink) and heritage lines (in grey)]] Railways in the Netherlands have been divided into a larger main concession for the core network, which until 2025 is granted to Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), and into a couple of local concessions, which railway companies bid to operate. These lines are most often non-electrified, running diesel stock, whereas all lines operated by NS are electrified. Of the railway operators active in the Netherlands besides NS, Arriva is by far the biggest. Arriva alone services the following lines: * '''Noordelijke Nevelijnen''' (''Northern branch-lines''), consisting of ''Staatslijn B'' ([[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen Haven]] — [[Bad Nieuweschans]]), [[Leeuwarden]] — [[Stavoren]], [[Groningen]] — [[Roodeschool]], Groningen — [[Delfzijl]] and Groningen — [[Veendam]]. The lines are all serviced using the ''Spurt'' train type, better known as the Stadler GTW. Arriva holds the right to service these lines until the year 2035. * '''Vechtdallijnen''' (''Vecht-valley lines''), consisting of [[Zwolle]] — [[Emmen]] (served hourly by a fast and stopping train) and [[Almelo]] — [[Mariënberg]] — [[Hardenberg]]. * '''Achterhoek-Rivierenland''', made up of the [[Zutphen]] — [[Apeldoorn]], Zutphen — [[Winterswijk]], [[Arnhem]] — [[Doetinchem]] — Winterswijk and Arnhem — [[Tiel]] lines. Out of these, the Arnhem — Doetinchem concession is shared with Breng, making it the local line with the highest frequency with four trains per hour in either direction. * '''Limburg''' has five lines, all of which are operated by Arriva. These are S1 ([[Nijmegen]] — [[Roermond]]), S2 ([[Maastricht]] — Roermond), S3 ([[Sittard]] — [[Kerkrade]]) and S4 and S5 (Maastricht — [[Heerlen]]). Arriva runs FLIRT3 trains on the S2 and S4 lines, LINT 41/H on the S1 and Valleilijn line, Stadler GTW 2/6 and 2/8 electric and diesel units on about all other lines. Almost all trains bear a name of a significant person, location or event related to the region the trains service, where the Stadler GTWs are named after people, the FLIRT3s after locations and events, while the LINT 41/H trains rarely are named. The names are always marked on the heads of the trains, only visible on the outside. Names vary from artists like [[w:Mondriaan|Piet Mondriaan]] and [[w:M.C. Escher|M.C. Escher]] to assumed spy [[w:Mata Hari|Mata Hari]] and from naval explorer [[w:Willem Barentsz|Willem Barentsz]] to garden designer [[w:Piet Oudolf|Piet Oudolf]]. Breng services the aforementioned line between Arnhem and Doetinchem creating a quarter-hourly service between both stations in cooperation with Arriva. Keolis has definitely seen better days, once having lines all over the Eastern Netherlands as Syntus, it now only services only the Zutphen — [[Hengelo]] — [[Oldenzaal]] line as ''Twents''. All of these trains are LINT 41/H models refurbished in 2013 to have toilets on-board. These trains, constructed between 2001 and 2004, are the oldest trains on the local networks. As of December 2017, Keolis services the ''Kamperlijn'' ([[Kampen]] — [[Zwolle]]) in its own livery and all other trains in neutral Blauwnet livery. In December 2018, bus company Qbuzz entered the railway market by taking over the MerwedeLingeLine from Arriva. Nederlandse Spoorwegen runs ''Sprinter'' trains on the core network, which is a NS brand for a ''stoptrein'' (stopping train), calling at every stop along the line. Sprinters are nearly always servicing lines that also have Intercity connections, so depending on your departure and/or destination station, you probably are faster by taking an intercity train instead of a sprinter. ===Intercity lines=== [[File:Intercitynet NL 2015.png|thumb|Intercity lines of the Netherlands.]] All Intercity lines are served by NS, and all of these lines are electrified, with the trains served by NS running on energy generated by wind turbines. NS has two categories of Intercity connections (aside from international connections): ====Intercity Direct==== The closest thing that the Netherlands has when it comes to high speed rail. As of 2021, there are four services: * '''IC 35 / 9200''': Amsterdam - [[Antwerp]] - [[Brussels]]-Zuid/Midi * '''IC 35 / 9600''': [[The Hague]] - Antwerp - Brussels-Zuid/Midi * '''900''': Amsterdam - Breda * '''1000''': Amsterdam - Rotterdam All these services run on the HSL-Zuid infrastructure, calling at Schiphol Airport (aside from 9600), The Hague and Rotterdam. There is a supplement required if you travel between Schiphol and Rotterdam with IC-Direct. There have long been plans to expand the Dutch high speed rail network by two lines, but so far nothing has come of them. HSL-Oost (Amsterdam — [[Ruhr Area]]) has been in discussion since the 1990s, with tracks between Amsterdam and Utrecht already being doubled from two to four lines, allowing two of them to be used for higher speeds, connections to Arnhem have been modified, with most modifications to the stations, but east of Arnhem, little has changed. The alternative, the Deltaline, was presented in March 2006, but it never got off the ground either. For now, trains to the Ruhrgebiet are limited to {{kmh|160}}. The Zuiderzeelijn never got beyond the planning phase: whether the line is to operate a Maglev, HSL or ''Superbus'' has not been decided. The line has been permanently set aside for ten years now, and will not be dug up for some time yet. ====Regular Intercity lines==== The regular intercity connections are most likely the ones you would use the most. They connect the major cities with one another, skipping the smaller towns along the route. [[Utrecht]] is what comes closest to the central hub, due to its location in the center of the country. Only routes served by NS dedicated to domestic rail travel are counted as Intercity lines here, even though Arriva does offer connections that can be defined as Intercity, they refer to them as ''Sneltrein'' (fast train). Routes below are listed by their serial number. '''Do not''' bother remembering the serial numbers, as these cannot be found at the station or in trains. * '''500''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Groningen]] via Utrecht and Zwolle using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''600''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Leeuwarden]] via Utrecht and Zwolle using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''700''': [[Den Haag]] (The Hague) — [[Groningen]] via Schiphol ✈, Lelystad and Zwolle using VIRM stock. * '''800''': ([[Den Helder]]) — [[Alkmaar]] — [[Maastricht]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven using VIRM stock. Travelling from Amsterdam, the line becomes a Sprinter (stopping train) service after Alkmaar. Not all trains headed for Alkmaar go further than Alkmaar. * '''900''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Breda]] via the HSL connection. Additional fee required between [[Schiphol]] and Rotterdam. * '''1000''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Rotterdam]] via the HSL connection. Additional fee required between [[Schiphol]] and Rotterdam. * '''1100''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Eindhoven]] via [[Delft]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Breda]] and [[Tilburg]]. * '''1400''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Utrecht]] via Den Haag and Amsterdam using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''1500''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Amersfoort]] (— [[Deventer]]) via Amsterdam using ICM, DDZ and VIRM stock. Trains headed for Deventer from Amersfoort are less frequent. * '''1600''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Enschede]] via Amersfoort and Deventer using ICMm stock. * '''1700''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Enschede]] via Utrecht, Amersfoort and Deventer using VIRM stock. * '''1800''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Leeuwarden]] via Schiphol, Almere and Zwolle. * '''1900''': [[Dordrecht]] — [[Eindhoven]]. * '''2000''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Utrecht]] using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''2100''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Den Haag]] via Haarlem and Leiden using VIRM stock. * '''2200''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Vlissingen]] via Leiden and Den Haag HS using VIRM stock. * '''2400''': [[Lelystad]] — [[Dordrecht]] via Amsterdam, Schiphol ✈, Leiden, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Roosendaal and Vlissingen using VIRM stock. * '''2600''': [[Almere]] — [[Amsterdam]] * '''2800''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Utrecht]] using VIRM stock. * '''2900''': [[Enkhuizen]] — [[Maastricht]] via [[Hoorn]], Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. * '''3000''': [[Den Helder]] — [[Nijmegen]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem using VIRM stock. * '''3100''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Nijmegen]] via Utrecht and Arnhem using VIRM stock. * '''3200''': [[Arnhem]] — [[Rotterdam]] via Utrecht, Amsterdam and Schiphol ✈. Forms a 10-minute service with other trains between Arnhem and Amsterdam, and Leiden and Schiphol. * '''3300''': [[Leiden]] — [[Hoorn]] via Schiphol ✈ and [[Purmerend]] * '''3400''': [[Haarlem]] — [[Alkmaar]] using VIRM stock. * '''3500''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Venlo]] via Utrecht and Eindhoven using ICM stock. * '''3600''': [[Zwolle]] — [[Roosendaal]] via Deventer, Arnhem, Nijmegen, 's Hertogenbosch and Breda using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''3700''': [[Dordrecht]] — [[Venlo]] via Den Haag, Schiphol ✈, Utrecht and Eindhoven, only during nights and Sundays, forming a 15-minute service between Dordrecht and Leiden. * '''3900''': [[Enkhuizen]] — [[Heerlen]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. * '''4500''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Enkhuizen]]. * '''8800''': [[Utrecht]] — [[Leiden]] via Woerden and Alphen aan de Rijn using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''11400''': [[Gouda]] — [[Rotterdam]]. * '''11600''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Amersfoort]]. * '''11700''': [[Amersfoort]] — [[Den Haag]]. * '''12200''': [[Vlissingen]] — [[Roosendaal]]. * '''12600''': [[Groningen]] — [[Amsterdam]] via [[Lelystad]]. * '''13500''': [[Eindhoven]] — [[Venlo]] via Helmond, only in service at the beginning and end of the day instead of series 3500. ===International lines=== [[File:Fyra-v250-towed-away-2014-05-18.jpg|thumb|A V250 being towed back to depot after the train's introduction proved to be a massive failure.]] The most infamous intercity line of the Netherlands has to be the HSL-Zuid, running between Amsterdam and [[Brussels]], which were to be served by newly built V250 'Fyra' trains, nicknamed the ''Kruimeldief'' (named after a type of small handheld vacuum cleaner with no proper English name, as the train's nose resembled one). The trains turned out to be poorly constructed, making the news several times too many as train after train failed to show up to platforms, and other technical difficulties caused many delays on other parts of the Dutch and Belgian networks. These problems were labelled as a consequence of new materials, but after the trains had been in service for over a month, no improvements were to be seen. On January 13, 2013, half of the scheduled trains were cancelled, and the other half suffered average delays of an hour. Four days later, 85% of the 'Fyra' trains weren't running. One of the trains that ''did'' work that day had a plate on its underside come off after it was damaged by frost while the train was at high speed. This incident was the final nail in the V250's coffin; Belgium banned the Fyra from running on its HSL network. The Fyra has since been 'temporarily' replaced by regular intercity trains, which up to this day still run. [[File:Thalys train driver cleaning his windscreen.JPG|thumb|A good view is always appreciated during long travels.]] Regardless of the ''Fyra-debacle'', as the situation around the Fyra is known as in the Netherlands, the Netherlands still have international intercity lines, all of which are operated by NS International, a subdivision of Nederlandse Spoorwegen. These are: * '''ICE 43''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Basel]] calling at [[Utrecht]], [[Arnhem]], [[Oberhausen]], [[Duisburg]], [[Düsseldorf]], [[Hanover]], [[Bielefeld]], [[Gütersloh]], [[Hamm]], [[Hagen]], [[Wuppertal]], [[Cologne]], [[Bonn]], [[Frankfurt am Main]], [[Mannheim]], [[Karlsruhe]], [[Offenburg]] and [[Freiburg im Breisgau]]. Trains run only once per day. * '''ICE 77''': Amsterdam — [[Berlin]] calling at [[Amersfoort]], [[Deventer]], [[Hengelo]], [[Bad Bentheim]], [[Rheine]], [[Osnabrück]] and [[Hanover]], running every two hours. * '''ICE 78''': Amsterdam — Frankfurt am Main calling at all stops listed for the ICE 43 up to and including Frankfurt. * '''IC 35''': Amsterdam — [[Brussels]] calling at [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]], [[The Hague]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Breda]], [[Antwerp]] and [[Mechelen]]. * '''Eurostar 9100''': Amsterdam — [[London]] [[London/Bloomsbury|St. Pancras International]] calling at Rotterdam, Brussels and Lille. (It is one-way only from London due to issues with immigration control in Amsterdam; however, Amsterdam to Brussels Eurostar journeys are bookable.) * '''Thalys 9300''': Amsterdam — [[Brussels]] calling at Schiphol ✈, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels, multiple times per day. This service is extended to [[Paris]] once per day. * '''Thalys 9900''': Amsterdam — [[Lille]] calling at Schiphol ✈, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels. Leaving once or twice per day. * '''ÖBB NightJet''' [[sleeper train]] services connect to Amsterdam since December 2020. As of December 2021, two services are in place: Amsterdam — [[Vienna]]/[[Innsbruck]] via [[München]] and Amsterdam — [[Zürich]] via [[Basel]]. * '''Night trains''' are making a comeback to the Netherlands. Aside from some national NS trains that serve the country in the dark of night, new initiatives have sprung up to connect Amsterdam and other cities with destinations such as [[Prague]], [[Brussels]] and [[Warsaw]]. Additionally, SNCF (France) is exploring the possibility of connecting Amsterdam and [[Bordeaux]] by night train, and other operators are toying with destinations such as [[Stockholm]]. These tickets can be purchased through [https://www.nsinternational.nl/en NS International]. After purchase, you get the option to export the tickets into the NS International App, available on Android and iOS, or download them as a PDF file, which you can then print out. Note that the NS International app is not the same as the NS Reisplanner. One is an app owned and maintained by NS Reizigers and the other by NS International, two divisions of the same company, Nederlandse Spoorwegen. Tickets for IC(E) can also be bought through [http://www.bahn.de Deutsche Bahn], tickets for Eurostar can be booked with [http://www.eurostar.com that company], while tickets for Thalys can also be bought through [http://www.thalys.com Thalys]. All four have early bird offers that can be considerably cheaper than regular fares, which gets you from Amsterdam to Brussels or Antwerp for €29, Paris and Berlin for under €40 and London for €59. OV-chipkaarts and other NS passes can be used on domestic ICE and IC Brussels segments but an additional €2.40 supplement is required for journeys on the former; such fares are not valid on Eurostar and Thalys which both require reservations/advance booking. <!--Prices from August 2019--> Other lines to neighbouring countries are stopping trains, connecting to Germany (GER) and Belgium (B): * '''S-32''': [[Roosendaal]] — [[Puurs]]/[[Lokeren]] (B) via Antwerp. Connects to Lokeren only on weekends. * '''S-43''': [[Maastricht]] — [[Hasselt]] (B) via [[Liège|Liège-Guillemins]]. Terminates at Liège-Guillemins during weekends. * '''RE 13''': [[Venlo]] — [[Hamm]] (GER) calling at [[Mönchengladbach]], [[Neuss]], Düsseldorf, Wuppertal and Hagen. * '''RE 18''': [[Maastricht]] — [[Aachen|Aachen Hbf]] (GER) via [[Landgraaf]], with a separate service going no further than [[Heerlen]]. * '''RE 19''': [[Arnhem]] — [[Düsseldorf]] (GER) via [[Emmerich am Rhein]], [[Oberhausen]] and Duisburg. * '''RB 51''': [[Enschede]] — [[Dortmund]] (GER). * '''RB 57''': [[Groningen]] — [[Leer]] (GER) via [[Bad Nieuweschans]] (connects from [[Weener]] to Leer via a bus connection until 2024 or later). * '''RB 61''': [[Hengelo]] — [[Bielefeld]] (GER) via [[Enschede]], [[Bad Bentheim]], [[Rheine]] and [[Osnabrück]] * '''RB 64''': [[Enschede]] — [[Münster]] (GER). * A tri-country service from [[Aachen]] (GER) to Liège via Maastricht was planned to start per December 9, 2018, but due to several bureaucratic issues in Belgium and Germany, the start of this service has been delayed by another nine years as of 2021. Trains in the Netherlands are limited to no more than {{kmh|160}} with the exception of the HSL-Zuid line which is capable of supporting trains travelling at {{kmh|300}}. Thalys and Eurostar services are the only services capable of reaching that speed now. ==Planning your trip== The most reliable way of planning your journey is by using the '''[https://www.ns.nl/en NS Reisplanner]''', on the homepage of the NS website, or using the ''NS'' app on Android or iOS. The app displays everything you need to know about a station and a journey, whether it be the type of train you will be on, how busy said train is, or simply whether there are any shops open at a nearby station where you can have a quick lunch. The app begins in Dutch, but can be changed to English via the ''Instellingen'' menu, found under the ''Meer'' tab. The NS Reisplanner and app include trains operated by other companies and can also plan door to door journeys including other modes of public transit, such as bus, tram or metro. Alternatively you can use '''[https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]''' or the associated app of the same name. The best way to get your tickets is by simply using your OV-chipkaart (''see '[[#Buying tickets|Buying tickets]]' below''), though various sites, such as [https://www.discoverholland.com/DayTrips DiscoverHolland.com] may offer a trip to an attraction you wish to visit, with transport included. These often turn out to be cheaper and more relaxing as you already have the journey planned out and since you have your ticket to the attraction in advance, making the journey just that little bit more care-free. Additionally, you will avoid the crowds. It is not uncommon to have to spend an hour and a half queuing up to get a ticket on the more popular days. ==Buying tickets== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" align=right |+ One-way prices to and from Amsterdam Centraal. !Station !One-way Second Class Price (in €) !Number of Tariff Units |- |Schiphol Airport |4.70 |19 |- |Haarlem |4.70 |19 |- |Utrecht Centraal* |8.40 |39 |- |Lelystad Centrum |11.20 |54 |- |Gouda |12.70 |62 |- |Den Haag Centraal |12.80 |63 |- |Rotterdam Centraal* |16.90 |86 |- |Zwolle |20.30 |110 |- |Eindhoven |21.50 |119 |- |Leeuwarden |27.90 |208 |- |Maastricht |27.90 |216 |- |Groningen |27.90 |219 |} === Pricing === In general, railway tickets on NS and regional railway operators are priced on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) distance basis. There are no peak or off-peak hours for the purpose of computing the standard PAYG price but some subscriptions and unlimited day-tickets are valid only during off-peak hours (i.e. outside 06:30-09:00 and in some cases outside 16:00-18:30 on weekdays). Although the NS app or the 9292 app can provide you with the actual railway fare for the journey you want quickly, if you are curious about how these fares are computed, you first need to understand that it depends on the number of tariff units (''tariefeenheden'') between your origin and destination. NS train fares start at €2.40 for journeys up to eight tariff units. The fare for each additional tariff unit varies between €0.10 to €0.20 and there is no clear pattern as to when to charge which. But the maximum possible one-way second class fare one could ever pay for domestic NS rail travel is €26.50 (worth 200 tariff units). To compute for the fare between stations, first refer to the [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1607588395551/content/assets/ns-nl/tarieven/tariefeenhedenkaart-van-nederland-2021.pdf tariff unit map] to determine the number of tariff units. If there are intermediate stations between your origin and destination stations, just add the number of tariff units you see along the route. Then on p. 4 of the [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1611132176639/content/assets/ns-nl/tarieven/ns-tarieven-2021.pdf price list], locate the number of tariff units you just derived (first column) and its corresponding fare (second column). In case there are two or more possible routes to get to your destination using NS, the price will always be based on the route with fewer tariff units regardless of the route you have taken. One-way second class ticket prices between Amsterdam Centraal and selected stations are listed in the table to the right (*not including supplements for travel with certain trains). With the exception of travel involving international railway stations, Thalys or Eurostar, you are free to travel on any train to get to the points listed on your ticket at any time of the day and reservations are not necessary (the downside of this is you may be forced to stand when trains are crowded). If you decide to travel on an IC-Direct train between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport station or an ICE train within the country, you will need to purchase a supplement worth €2.70 in addition to the standard PAYG rates. International services are however priced differently - based less on distance and more on market conditions. Unlike purely domestic rail travel, travelling on international services offers incentives for those who book in advance. Travelling on Thalys and Eurostar will always require reservations. To purchase tickets involving international travel, proceed to the NS International service point at major railway stations, the NS International website, or the website of the train operator. ===OV-chipkaart=== {{main|OV-chipkaart}} [[File:OV-chipkaart.jpg|thumb|An anonymous (top) and personal card (bottom).]] All public transport in the Netherlands (buses, trams, metros and trains) use contactless smart cards called [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/?taal=en '''OV-chipkaart'''] (OV stands for ''Openbaar Vervoer'' meaning "Public Transport"), sometimes also called the ''Public transport chipcard''. Single-use swipe cards are available for NS trains and some local operators, but come at a surcharge. Unless you plan to use the public transport system only incidentally, your best option is to obtain an anonymous OV-chipkaart upon arrival as it's convenient and ultimately cheaper. However, the card must have a minimum stored value, which for NS trains is €20 (unofficially €16) and generally €4 for local public transit operators. The upfront cost (€7.50) of the anonymous OV-chipkaart is non refundable. The OV-chipkaart comes in three versions: *'''Disposable''' OV-chipkaart is a single-use ticket. It can not be reloaded. Some public transport companies in cities offer 1-, 2- or 3-day tickets offering unlimited use in certain regions. *'''Anonymous''' OV-chipkaart is more the most commonly used smart card. The purchase price is €7.50 (as of 2020) and is non-refundable. These cards are available at ticket offices and vending machines valid up to 5 years. This card is reusable and reloadable. *'''Personal''' OV-chipkaart is useful for anyone entitled to travel with a discount or monthly or annual season ticket. However, because this card requires a Benelux or German residential address or bank account not usable for most tourists. This card features the holder's photograph and date of birth. See the main article for more information on buying and using an OV-chipkaart. When travelling by train on the Dutch network on a disposable card, the card needs to have been bought at the station of departure ''before'' boarding the train at either a service counter or a ticket machine. After purchase, you must check in by tapping the card against a OV-chipkaart card reader before boarding the train and check out by tapping another reader when leaving the station at your destination. The anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can be used on all modes of transport except Thalys and Eurostar. As reservations are not necessary to ride on most trains operating within the country and there are no special discounts offered on such trains (excluding Thalys, Eurostar, and the international segments of the ICE, IC-Berlijn, and IC-Brussels train), passengers with an adequately-loaded OV-chipkaart can proceed directly to the platform (but check in and check out using the fare gates or ''chippaal''). Using the ticket machines or going to the ticket desks before a train journey is only necessary to top up credit or change the class of travel. The fare that will be deducted will be the same fare that is offered when trying to book a ticket for that route on NS.nl and NS Reisplanner Xtra app. The international tickets issued at Dutch stations come in the form of a disposable OV-chipkaart. These are, naturally, perfectly fine for travel abroad. International tickets, which when obtained abroad will most likely be traditional paper tickets. At the gate line use the barcode at the optical reader integrated in the gate. ===Online tickets=== NS tickets are also available in the form of an [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/buying-your-ticket-online.html e-ticket], which is cheaper than a regular disposable ticket obtained from a ticket machine (€1 difference). You can pay with iDeal, Mastercard, VISA or American Express. These tickets can either be downloaded as a PDF file and printed onto an A4 sheet of paper, or [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/ns-on-your-mobile/mobile-tickets.html loaded onto your smartphone] using the NS app. Either of these has a QR-barcode on the ticket, which should be scanned at designated ticket barriers to access the platforms. Naturally, you should have a sufficiently charged phone should you use the mobile ticket. If your phone runs out of battery during your journey (far from every train has on-board electrical outlets), you may be fined for illegal ridership. A printed or mobile ticket works as a personal OV-chipkaart and will have some of your identity on it. You should, therefore, have a valid ID on you while using the ticket. If you are having trouble booking an e-ticket on NS.nl or in the NS app, try booking at B-europe.com, the website of Belgium's national railway company SNCB or the SNCB International app. ===Overview of tickets=== The following list provides an overview of tickets being sold online, at a ticket machine or at the counter. Prices are for online purchase or as loaded on an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart. For purchase at a ticket machine as a disposable ticket, add €1.00 per ticket. For purchase of tickets at the counter which are otherwise also available at the ticket machine, there is an additional surcharge. Prices updated as of October 2021. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/enkele-reis Single ticket]''' - A ticket valid in the same timeframe as the Day return, but allows you to travel between A and B (in either direction but not both). The cost depends on where you will be travelling. Passengers are permitted to break their trips at stations along the way but must check in and check out at every point. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/retour Day return]''' - A simple day return pass, valid from station A to B and back to A. The ticket is day-bound, being usable from 00:00 until 04:00 the next morning on a specified date. The price depends on where you will be travelling to and from. It is basically the cost of two single tickets plus the €1 printing fee (for disposable tickets only), therefore it saves money to get a day return if one is indeed returning to the point of origin on a disposable card. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/railrunner Railrunner]''' - A child's ticket for ages 4-11. Kids under the age of four can travel the network free of charge, provided you can prove their age and they do not occupy a seat themselves. In first class, Railrunners are only valid with an adult over the age of 18 with them, with at most three railrunners per adult. The railrunner is valid on all modes of train transport within The Netherlands excluding only the Thalys. The cost of a railrunner is fixed at €2.50 per child. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/meest-gekocht/p/groepsticket-daluren Groepsticket]''' - A single ticket for groups of 2-7 people. €32.00 for 2-3 people, add €3 for each additional person, with up to seven people being able to use a group ticket. The main ticket holder (the person ordering the ticket) should be present with the group at all times. The ticket may ''not'' be used during peak times (weekdays 6:30-9:00 and 16:00-18:30), or on the King’s Day (27 April). *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/dagkaart Day-pass]''' - Grants a whole day on the network, no matter what train you use (except Thalys and Eurostar). The ticket is valid for a day at the fixed cost of €53.00 (2nd class). *'''Day-pass bicycle''' - A day pass allowing you to bring your bike on the train ''except'' during rush hour, for €7.50. Only valid with a valid ticket for yourself. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/dagkaart-hond Day-pass dog]''' - A day pass allowing you to bring a (larger) dog on the train. Small pets may be taken free of charge in a bag or basket or on your lap. €3.30. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/toeslagen/p/toeslag-2-1 2-1 Supplement]''' - Allows you to upgrade your ticket to a first class ticket. Available via the ticket machine. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/abonnementen/overig/intercity-direct-toeslag.html Intercity Direct Supplement]''' - For €2.60, this supplement allows you to use the Intercity Direct between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport. Also available via the card reader pole on the platform (red colour). *'''ICE Supplement''' - For €2.60, this supplement allows you to use the German ICE train between Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, and Arnhem. This can be purchased and loaded on the OV-chipkaart through the ticket machines or purchased online in an e-ticket format. It is not valid for travel on German segments of the route. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/overige-kaartjes/p/trein-tram-bus-enkel Train + tram/bus]''' - Made for tourists, the Train + tram/bus ticket allows for a connection to attractions in [[Bloemendaal]], [[Arnhem]], the [[Efteling]], [[Eindhoven Airport]], [[Scheveningen]] and more. Price depends on the connection you want. A full overview of which can be found in the webshop. ==== Regional and special tickets ==== * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/amsterdam-travel-ticket Amsterdam Travel Ticket]''' - A one, two or three-day ticket allowing you to use Amsterdam's public transit, including a train ticket for unlimited 2nd travel to and from Schiphol Airport by NS train to any station in Amsterdam (not in Thalys and Eurostar) and the Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397). Price €17.00, €22,50 or €28.00. * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/amsterdam-region-travel-ticket Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket]''' - Comparable to the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, but also valid in all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region. Available as a one-, two- or three-day ticket (€19.50, €28 or €36.50). * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/overige-kaartjes/p/euregio Euregio-ticket]''' - Valid on weekends and public holidays for a day in the Meuse-Rhine area for €19.00 for up to two adults and three children under the age of 12. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/holland-travel-ticket Holland Travel Ticket]''' - A ticket valid on weekends and on weekdays outside morning peak hours (06:30-09:00) for €43, or at anytime on a given day (€63). Valid for train, bus, tram and metro. The ticket is valid on all railway services except Thalys and Eurostar. This is not loadable on a personal/anonymous OV-chipkaart and must instead be purchased at NS service desks at major railway stations or picked up at AKO bookshops at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal station. Travelling on Intercity Direct or ICE will require you to purchase the supplement as usual. ===Tips for saving credit=== A minimum fare of €2.40 may seem high. There is talk to make rail travel more affordable, but until some plans are actually put in motion, the only way of saving money on your journey while not breaking the law are by taking a subscription to a travel product or buying a day pass that covers a certain region. Check the NS Reisplanner Xtra or the 9292 app to find out the fare between your origin and destination. If a standard one-way fare between your origin and destination costs more than €20 and you plan to return on the same day, it may be worth purchasing a Holland Travel Ticket, which also includes access to local public transport. ====Subscriptions==== Subscriptions are perhaps the most straightforward way of saving money. Nederlandse Spoorwegen offers eight season tickets for saving money, which are usable in all of the Netherlands: * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/dal-voordeel.html Dal Voordeel]''''' (Off-peak discount) offers a 40% discount on weekends and during off-peak hours (€5 per month). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/altijd-voordeel.html Altijd Voordeel]''''' (Always discount) is the same as Dal Voordeel, but offers an additional 20% off during peak hours starting at €23 per month (€276 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/weekend-vrij.html Weekend Vrij]''''' (Weekend-free) at the cost of €31 per month (€372 per year) offers unlimited travel on weekends and a 40% discount during off-peak hours. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/dal-vrij.html Dal Vrij]''''' (Off-peak-free) offers unlimited travel on weekends and during off-peak hours for a €106 fee per month (€1,272 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/traject-vrij.html Traject Vrij]''''' (Route-free) gives you unlimited travel on a specific route, as well as a 40% discount on all other routes, though the cost is route-specific. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/altijd-vrij.html Altijd Vrij]''''' (Always free) is the all-in-one subscription, offering unlimited travel during the weekends, off-peak and peak hours for €356 per month (€4,272 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/grensabonnement.html Grensabonnement]''''' (Border subscription) gives unlimited travel along specific routes starting at the national border and 40% discount for up to three travel companions. Again, the fee is route-specific. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/kids-vrij.html Kids Vrij]''''' (Kids-free) requires you to bring your kids aged 4-11 with you, allowing them to travel for free at any time. This is the only subscription that is fully free of costs. Students in the Netherlands, domestic and foreign, can request a '''''[http://www.studentenreisproduct.nl/detail/english/ Studentenreisproduct]''''' (Student travel product), which can only be used if you're a student, but also once you're in the Dutch student financing system, ''DUO''. You require a personal OV-chipkaart, to which you then link your ''studentenreisproduct''. More options for students can be found [https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/students here]. Should you need to use the train a lot when working in the Netherlands, have a look at '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/business/subscriptions Business Travellers' subscriptions] '''''. Requesting these will often require a validation from the company that employs you. The discounts stated above are based on the fares of regular (Sprinter and Intercity) train journeys. This means that unless stated otherwise, passengers with subscriptions are liable to pay for supplements if travelling on Intercity Direct and ICE trains. These subscriptions do not extend to Thalys and Eurostar journeys. ==Using the train== The '''[https://www.ns.nl/en/stations Nederlandse Spoorwegen]''' website has information about services at every station on the Dutch network, including accessibility, bike rental, lockers, waiting rooms, service desks, shops and restaurants, toilets and taxi / park and ride facilities. Departures per station can only be found on the '''[https://www.ns.nl/actuele-vertrektijden/avt Dutch version]''' of the website, but the page does not need much translation. Simply type in the name of your station, click ''Zoeken'' (search), and an overview of departure times pops up. The four tabs are named ''Tijd'' (time), ''Naar'' (to/destination), ''Vervoerder'' (railway operator) and ''Spoor'' (platform). The content of the table is rather universal and needs no translation. At the bottom of that page you will also find current disruptions on the network, be it planned maintenance or unexpected interruptions. Again, the names of the stations need no translation. Terms often used are ''tot en met'' (up to and including) and ''tussen'' (between). ===At the station=== [[File:TB7 Baarn.JPG|thumb|A TB7-display at Baarn Station. These displays are the most commonly used displays on stations, showing the departure times, destinations, platform and service.]] [[File:Den Haag Hollands spoor.JPG|thumb|Double LCD screen at Den Haag Hollands Spoor (HS).]] If you have already obtained an e-ticket or have a sufficiently topped-up OV-chipkaart, you can just proceed directly to the platform of your next train but may need to pass through the barrier gates (see third paragraph for more details). If you aren't familiar with the journey you wish to take, arrive at the station with time to spare. Entering the station is simple. Smaller stations can be entered without any hassle, but before boarding the train you will have to check in with your OV-chipkaart at one of the posts available on the station. In addition, most passengers who wish to take the Intercity Direct or ICE trains within the country have to tap their OV-chipkaart using the designated red pole as it will deduct the €2.40 supplement required for travel on such services. Tapping on the red supplement pole won't be necessary if the supplement was purchased in advance or through the ticket machines, or if a passenger's subscription already includes it. These red poles are found on the platforms of participating IC-direct stations. Larger stations have barrier gates, requiring you to check in to access the platforms. These gates have the same function as an OV-chipkaart pole. Checking out at the same barrier-equipped station without travelling anywhere, within 35 minutes from check-in, won't charge your card's balance. The barriers are merely there to prevent fare evasion. Stations served by more than one train operator have different coloured fare gates; each colour indicating a different operator - make sure you check in with the operator whose train you will use immediately and check out of the operator whose train you just finished your journey with. Being 'checked in' with NS whilst on an Arriva train or vice versa will result in a fine or warning. If you are travelling internationally but are using an OV-chipkaart for the domestic section of the trip, please check out at the last domestic station not covered by your international ticket. Likewise, if you are returning to the Netherlands from an international journey, be sure to check in at the first domestic station not covered by your international ticket. If your entire journey is covered by a pre-purchased international ticket (including Thalys, ICE, and Eurostar trains), you will still need to scan your ticket's barcode at the designated barrier to access the platforms and/or exit them. All stations have LCD-displays showing the upcoming departures, with the first departing train always on top. These show the time of departure, platform, destination and service. Numbers in red written right after the scheduled departure time (e.g. +5) mean that a train is delayed with the numbers in red showing the number of minutes the service is expected to be delayed by (e.g. +5 written after 15:20 means the service will be delayed by approximately five minutes, which means a departure at approximately 15:25). These signs are found at the entrances of smaller stations, or in the main lobbies of the larger stations, often labelled ''Vertrekkende treinen'' (departing trains). In the main corridor of the station, should it have one, there are always double LCD-screens per track, showing the direction to the stairs up or down to platform level, the two tracks you will find at the other side of the stairs, the two displays showing the time of departure, service, destination and the train after it. The same display also has an analogue clock embedded in it. At platform level the same display can be found, though only with a single screen. It will show the platform you are on, the time of departure, destination, service, stations visited on that specific journey, as well as further details and the train departing after it. These displays too have an analogue clock embedded. The largest stations in the Netherlands either already have or will soon have gigantic LCD displays in their main lobbies showing roughly the next half hour of departures. Again, these displays show the time of departure, destination, platform, train type and further information, most often some of the calling points of each train. Should anything unscheduled occur, then the displays will update with that information and an automatic announcement in Dutch can be heard. If the train is international, this will often be repeated in German, French and English. Trains in the Netherlands are not identified by numbers or IDs, instead, they are identified by their destination and time of departure (e.g. "The 16:08 Sprinter to Leiden Centraal via Lammenschans") (Dutch: "''De sprinter van 16:08 naar Leiden Centraal via Lammenschans''"). On the platform, stand back from the edge, behind the white dashed line if possible. Trains don't always stop at platforms, and the vortex caused by trains speeding past might pull you onto the track or under a train if you're standing on the edge of a platform. Do not use flash photography as it may distract the train drivers. ====Station services==== If you fancy a snack or think you'll need something to eat before arrival, now is the time to get one. Aside from the PROTOS trains on the Valleilijn, no trains have either a restaurant car or vending machine. The PROTOS only has the latter. Larger stations, often the ones where you have to switch trains to get somewhere, have shops in their main lobbies. These can include: * Starbucks: the well-known coffee chain from the United States. * AH ToGo: An on-the-go version of Albert Heijn, one of the largest supermarket chains of the Netherlands. * Smullers: A snackbar, often featuring the Dutch concept of ''Eten uit de muur'' (Eating from the wall). No, they won't throw your hamburger onto the wall expecting you to use the wall as a table. Instead, you throw a euro or two into a vending machine or tap a credit/debit card into the reader and you get a hamburger, ''Broodje kroket'', ''Frikandel'' or any other available food item in return. If the concept scares you, don't worry. They also have a regular counter where you can order a snack, a drink or Belgian fries. * De broodzaak: A sandwich shop * Burger King * Kiosk: Usually on the platform, where you can quickly pop out of the train to get a coffee, tea or other while your train awaits departure on another platform. Many of the larger stations also have ticket counters, where you can get your ticket if you'd rather talk to station staff. The ticket you get is a disposable chipkaart, which can only be used once, and will have an additional cost for printing. Aside from Intercity trains and the Sprinter LightTrain, trains do not have toilets, and smaller stations might not have a toilet. Be sure to time your visit wisely, and always take your luggage with you when leaving a train, even if you intend getting back on again in a minute or two. Trains never wait long at a station. Besides, most services run every 15 or 20 minutes or even 10 minutes on several lines. ====Finding your way about==== [[File:Bestand-500 en 200 euro accepteren wij niet symbool (NS).jpg|thumb|140px|Signage can get pretty specific. For example: paper money larger than €200 isn't accepted here.]] If you can read Dutch or German, then interpreting the signage everywhere will not cause many problems. Otherwise, the language barrier can make your journey stressful. However, the signage is not too hard to understand if you know what you're looking for. Some words in Dutch resemble those in English. During your journey, you might run into the following signs or labels frequently: * Bewaakt - ''Guarded'', often accompanied with the symbol of a guard or policeman and a bike, meaning that this is a guarded bike shed or garage. * Camera-toezicht - ''Camera surveillance'', found on every station. * (Fietsen)stalling - ''Bike storage area'', either a bike shed or garage. * Fietsverhuur - ''Bike rental'', where you rent a bike with OV-Fiets. * Geen toegang - ''No access'' * Gehandicapt - ''Handicapped'', most often referring to accessible toilets. * Halen en brengen - ''Collect and drop-off'', for use by private cars. * Heren/Dames - ''Men/Women'', toilets. * Lift - ''Elevator'' * (Niet) roken - ''(No) smoking''. Smoking is strictly prohibited in indoor public spaces; therefore, smoke outside if these signs cannot be found. Since October 1, 2020, smoking is also prohibited on NS station platforms even those outdoors. * Parkeren - ''Parking'' * Spoor - ''Track''. The symbol accompanied with this text is the number of the platform you're on. Platforms are always labelled per track instead of individually. * Taxi - ''Taxis'' * Uitgang - ''Exit'', should you have enough of travelling by train for a moment. * Wachtruimte - ''Waiting room'' All signs except for the exit sign have a white background and a blue pictogram. The exit sign is green with a white pictogram. ====Finding a train on the go==== [[File:GeelbordophetstationvanAmerfoort.jpg|thumb|''Geel bord'' at Amersfoort station describing the service to Schiphol ✈ and Enkhuizen.]] Aside from the NS Reisplanner and other tools to help you plan your journey, it is of course possible that you're refraining from those tools for whatever reason. Luckily for you, the connections are all still written down on posters found throughout the stations, most often at the entrances of smaller stations or the throughway to the platforms at larger stations. They work as follows: At the top of the page you will find the direction of the trains. On the image to the right this is ''Weesp, Duivendrecht and Schiphol ✈ OR Amsterdam and Enkhuizen''. The pictured line has two termini, Schiphol ✈ and Enkhuizen. Often looking at the schematic below the directions is more insightful. Stations listed with [[File:Intercity logo.svg|17px]] have Intercity trains stopping there. Sprinters stop at all stations unless mentioned otherwise (which is rarely the case). Below that you will find a massive table listing (from left to right) the departure time, days on which the train is in service, the platform it departs from, the line operator and lastly the destinations and type of train. On the bottom of the page you will find some small information, such as footnotes explaining irregularities, as well as some other information. Often found terms here are: <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * '''Ma'''andag - Monday * '''Di'''nsdag - Tuesday * '''Wo'''ensdag - Wednesday * '''Do'''nderdag - Thursday * '''Vr'''ijdag - Friday * '''Za'''terdag - Saturday * '''Zo'''ndag - Sunday * '''Jan'''uari - January * '''Feb'''ruari - February * '''M'''aa'''rt''' - March * '''Apr'''il * '''Mei''' - May * '''Jun'''i - June * '''Jul'''i - July * '''Aug'''ustus - August * '''Sep'''tember * '''Okt'''ober - October * '''Nov'''ember * '''Dec'''ember * '''Van''' - starting, start date * '''T/M''' - Up to and including, end date * '''Stopt vanaf [x] op alle stations''' - Stops at all stations after [x] * '''Stopt ook in [x]''' - Also stops at [x] * '''Stopt niet in [x]''' - Does not stop at [x] * '''Vertrekstaat [x]''' - Time schedule for station [x] </div> The yellow signs however are bilingual nowadays, all the footnotes are printed in Dutch and English. ===Boarding the train=== [[File:VIRM Nieuw balkon.jpg|thumb|Train balconies are always divided from the main parts of the train, albeit not always with physical walls or doors. Should there be no seat in sight, then it is perfectly fine to stand here.]] You must have a valid ticket or validated OV-chipkaart before boarding the train. If you were not able to purchase a ticket and/or validate an OV-chipkaart due to a defective machine please report this immediately to the conductor. If you have a seat reservation for an international train, then watch the display at platform level for your coach number. All trains have automatic doors, having a single button to open them per entrance. On the inside these may be on either side of the doors. These are almost always labelled with two arrows pointing away from each other. In older NS stock these labels also have the doors pictured, as well as an additional button for closing the doors. The doors are always locked when the train is moving. In newer stock, pressing the button to open the doors while the train is slowing down for the next station will light up the LEDs around the button, and will open the door once the train has stopped. Generally, it is best to press the button to open the doors as soon as the train has stopped, as in some stock pressing the button may open the doors regardless of the train having stopped. This button may occasionally not work properly, in which case, it should open after being pressed a second time. When the doors open, people leaving the train get priority over people boarding the train, therefore, always stand out of the way for people leaving the train. On the door of each carriage are icons that tell you what facilities the carriage is equipped with (e.g. WiFi, toilets, bicycle-friendly). ===Finding your seat=== '''Having a ticket never guarantees a seat'''. Be prepared to give up your seating if someone having trouble standing upright approaches (e.g. elderly people or pregnant women). If someone requests you to give up your seat, you do not have to oblige, though it is much appreciated if you do, should the person have a valid reason to need the seat. Always keep your ticket, reservation or OV-chipkaart with you. Do not tuck it away somewhere deep in a rucksack, as you might be checked at any time for having paid for the journey, albeit by OV-chipkaart or E-Ticket, a subscription or seat reservation. Should you lose your OV-chipkaart, you can [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/terminate-or-replace/report-my-card-lost-or-stolen.htm report the card as stolen or lost]. Should the card break, then you can [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/terminate-or-replace/report-my-card-defective.htm request a replacement]. ==== Onboard announcements ==== Depending on the operator and rolling stock, onboard announcements are either automated or manually done by the conductor, or the driver. Station stops are normally announced twice over the train intercom. At larger stations the possible transfer to other trains will be announced. Announcements are in Dutch, and also in English on international trains and on domestic trains for the major stations relevant for tourists or international travelers. Sometimes the manual announcements are difficult to hear or understand, so be sure to check the carriage display at the front or rear of the carriage, showing the next few stops as well as a time of arrival. Some railway operators may put advertisements on these signs as well, so wait a bit until the display switches to the right screen. On automated systems, you may hear a reminder: "''Reist u met de OV-chipkaart? Vergeet dan niet om uit te checken.''" (Travelling with an OV-chipkaart? Do not forget to 'check-out'). ===Travelling with luggage=== Most Dutch trains are designed for travelling rather short distances, as the Netherlands is not a big country. Therefore, many travellers will not carry much luggage. This of course is different on international trains. As a general rule of thumb, there is more space on single level than on ''dubbeldekker'' trains, though the amount of space in the latter might surprise you. Luggage can also be put under the seats; a space that remains unused surprisingly often. Be kind to your fellow travellers and never put your luggage in the walkway of the train; this is a safety hazard as well as a nuisance. Passengers leaving the train often stand up ahead of the arrival time as many trains tend to leave as soon as everyone has got off and on the train. When the train driver applies the brake, people might fall or stumble, and your luggage might break their fall if they do, but it is way more common that they get their foot tangled in one of the straps on your rucksack, duffel bag, etc. Only when it doesn't fit in the luggage racks or your seat is it acceptable to use the walkway as storage space. At that point, however, be prepared to answer "''Waarom neem je niet gewoon een taxi?''" (Why don't you just take a cab?). Have you left an item on the train or lost track of it during your journey? No fear, help is always near. Nederlandse Spoorwegen stores an awful lot of lost items in their warehouse. If you've lost anything on their trains or in any station, then [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/lost-or-stolen/lost-and-found-items.html get in touch with them via their website] or by calling them ({{phone|+31 307 515 155}}). Arriva also stores your items for some time, though their contact form is [https://www.arriva.nl/consumenten/service-contact/verloren-voorwerp-melden.htm only available in Dutch]. Get help from Dutch passersby or station staff, who will most likely be willing to help you out. Breng, again has [https://www.breng.nl/en/customer-service/lost-and-found the same issue] with their online form, though they do offer a quick and handy overview of recently found items along with a photo, making it more accessible to non-Dutch speakers. The same goes for [https://klantenservice.keolis.nl/hc/nl/articles/207052245-Ik-ben-iets-verloren Keolis]. [https://www.connexxion.nl/en/customer-service/lost-and-found Connexxion's online form] is somewhat more easy to translate, and you can most likely figure out what to write and select with a dictionary or translation service at hand. ===Travelling with a bicycle=== [[File:Merwedelingelijn Fietsvervoer.JPG|thumb|Travelers require a reservation to carry a bicycle onto a train. Carriages carrying bicycles have a large bike symbol on the side of the side of the carriage.]] Effective Saturday, July 10, 2021, travelers with a bicycle must make a reservation for carrying a bicycle on a train. This is to prevent trains from being overcrowded with bicycles. Reservations can be made via ns.nl or via the NS-app, and will entitle the traveler to a 25 percent discount for a bicycle ticket (''fietskaartje''). Bike reservations can be made up to 14 days prior to the date of travel and up to one minute before departure. If the desired train has no available space for additional bicycles, the traveler may make a reservation on a following train. This procedure was introduced on a trial basis, and may be modified after a future evaluation. ===Combining modes of transport=== [[File:Jackdaw on bicycle handle bars Bustation Amsterdam Sloterdijk 2016-09-12-6540.jpg|thumb|Cycling might be the mode of transport most combined with the train network.]] The Netherlands being one of the most bike-friendly and cycling enthusiast countries on Earth, there is usually some bike parking at stations, sometimes even a whole dedicated garage just for bikes. Utrecht Centraal has the largest bike garage, which can store up to 12,500 bicycles. Bikes often have a dedicated lane if not road to themselves. Cycling in the Netherlands is the cheapest and perhaps the safest way to get about from station to destination. Above that, they are often not much slower, if not faster than taking a bus or car through a city. Dutch law does not require you to use any form of safety measures (i.e. a helmet or knee-pads), so don't waste time looking for a place to find some. Stations are usually well connected if not the hub of the local bus or [[urban rail]] system. The OV-chipkaart can be used on buses, trams and metros, with an alternative to the Chipkaart lacking more than OV-chipkaart support. To find a connecting mode of transport on the fly, look for the signs with the white background and blue pictograms. They will guide you to a bus, tram or metro (which are all spelled the same way in Dutch), a ''stalling'' ((bike) shelter), ''bewaakt'' (guarded (bike shelter)) or ''fietsverhuur'' (bike rental). The OV-chipkaart is fully integrated into the Dutch public transit system, so prepare to use the card for not only access to vehicles, but also for luggage lockers and private bike lockers. Big stations often have special departure boards dedicated to buses and trams, making it easier for you to see where your bus or tram leaves, and giving you the pleasure of having to not getting soaked during heavy rainfall while waiting for a bus. When continuing your travel by bus, be sure to ''check-out'' your OV-chipkaart when getting off the train, and checking in as soon as you enter the bus, as rail travel costs are based on distance travelled, while busses' costs depend on time travelled. Should you prefer to pay for a bus ride by credit or debit card, then you can do so. Cash payments for bus tickets have since been stopped on paper, but many busses still accept cash for a ticket. [[File:Stalling_OV-Fiets.jpg|thumb|left|OV-Fiets locker at Rotterdam Alexander station.]] [[File:BikeDispenser.JPG|thumb|OV-Fiets dispenser at Lent station.]] ====OV-Fiets==== The Dutch bicycle-share system "OV-fiets" is only accessible for residents of the Netherlands. Users of the service require a personal [[OV-chipkaart]] and a Dutch bank account. ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets-oud/how-the-ov-fiets-works.html OV-Fietsen]'', bikes available for usage through the OV-chipkaart, can be found in the bike garage or shelter of the station. Which of the two the station you're using has, depends on the station. The OV-Fiets is a bike that can be rented using the ''OV-chipkaart''. You will find them in the shelters or garages of the station either in a locker or a dispenser. You simply scan your OV-chipkaart, after which the locker opens, or in the case of a dispenser, a bike rolls out. It's strongly recommended that you check the tyre pressure and fix the bike seat at the height that's most comfortable for you. Should your tyres have too little pressure, then look around: every station in the Netherlands is equipped with at least one bike pump (''fietsenpomp''). Should the seat be too high or to low, then undo the lock on the seat pin via the small lever, place yourself next to the bike and bring the seat up to your hip. This should be roughly the ideal height for you. Then simply lock the seat in place by turning the lock in the opposite direction and go on your way. Should the bike have punctured tyres, then take it to the mechanic found at the station. If there is none, return your OV-Fiets and get another one. This can be done free of charge within 15 minutes. The OV-Fiets is a subscription based service, though. The service is as good as free. The only cost charged per year is €0.01 to check and confirm your bank details. Feel free to unsubscribe from the service as soon as your journey to the Netherlands is over. The subscription can be ordered and [https://www.ns.nl/webshop/nieuwproduct?1&product=OFI&reisklasse=U&contractduur=DRLP&returnurl=http://www2.ns.nl/deur-tot-deur/ov-fiets/online-abonnee-worden.html here]. Additional costs will be charged when you return your OV-Fiets to a different station than the one you got it from (€10). Other than that, costs are €3.85 per 24-hour timeslot. A single bike can be used for up to 72 hours, after which the price changes to €5 per day. You receive an invoice for use of the OV-fiets every month via email and payment is made via direct debit. ====Ferries==== [[File:Stena Hollandica at Hoek van Holland Haven aerial photo.jpg|thumb|Hoek van Holland Haven with a ferry bound for the United Kingdom in front and the railway tracks behind it. Hoek van Holland Haven train services were replaced by metro services in April 2017.]] Domestic ferries in the Netherlands are only found as a link to the [[West Frisian Islands|Waddeneilanden]], which can all be reached with relative ease. Your OV-chipkaart is '''not''' usable on ferries. * [https://www.teso.nl/en/ The ferry] to '''[[Texel]]''' leaves from the harbour of [[Den Helder]], the train station of which is serviced by NS, connecting the city to cities as far as Utrecht via Intercity and Sprinter. The 25-minute walk can be substituted by taking bus line 33 to ''Den Helder, Steiger TESO''. * '''[[Vlieland]] and [[Terschelling]]''' are both connected by [https://www.rederij-doeksen.nl/en ferry] to [[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen]]. ''Harlingen Haven'' train station is a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal, but you could instead take bus 71 from [[Leeuwarden]] to get to the terminal as well. * '''[[Ameland]]''' can only be reached by bus from [[Groningen]] and Leeuwarden via lines 163 and 66 respectively. You will have to get off the bus at ''Holwerd, Veerdam''. Both of these bus lines stop at their destination's train stations. * '''[[Schiermonnikoog]]''' can also only be reached via bus, connecting to ''[https://www.wpd.nl/en/ Lauwersoog, Haven]'', which links to Leeuwarden (line 155) and Holwerd (line 163). * '''[[Borkum]]''' is the only German island that can be reached directly from the Netherlands. The Eemshaven train station can only be reached from [[Groningen (city)|Groningen]]. The trains are synced with the ferry departures, connecting to Eemshaven five times per day. The train leaves at the time it is scheduled to, no matter if the ferry is late, as the line from Groningen is a single track with an half-hourly service. Waiting for the ferry would result in a delay for all of the line. The Netherlands also has international ferries, all of which connect to the [[United Kingdom]]. * '''[[IJmuiden]] — [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] (UK)''': The IJmuiden harbour can be reached from two ways: Travel to [[Beverwijk]] Station, from which you take bus 74, heading for ''IJmuiden Zeewijk''. You leave the bus at the ''IJmuiden Stationsstraat'' stop, which means ''Station street'', reminding of the station here that was used up into the 1980s, after which services were cancelled and the stations of IJmuiden fell into disuse. From the Stationsstraat, walk uphill, taking the first road left (Neptunusstraat), followed by another left onto the Duinstraat. From this point you should be able to see the harbour and getting there is as simple as following the road you're on. :The quicker route, however, is to travel to Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station found on many of the lines from Amsterdam Centraal station, namely the lines to [[The Hague]], [[Schagen]], [[Vlissingen]], [[Den Helder]], [[Enkhuizen]], [[Enkhuizen]] and [[Haarlem]], all of which are Intercity connections, as well as Sprinters to [[Uitgeest]], [[Hoorn]], [[Zandvoort aan Zee]], The Hague, [[Hoofddorp]], as well as a Sprinter from [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] to [[Hoorn|Hoorn Kersenboogerd]]. From ''Ass'', which is how Sloterdijk is abbreviated, bus 82 connects directly to the ''IJmuiden Sluisplein DFDS'' bus stop, which is way closer to the ferry terminal than the aforementioned ''IJmuiden Stationsstraat''.'Ferries to Newcastle are serviced by [https://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferry-to-holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam?src=promo4 DFDS Seaways]. * '''[[Hook of Holland]] — [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] (UK)''': The Hook of Holland is directly serviced via a metro service by RET, which services ''Station Hoek van Holland Haven'', which had trains running there up until 2017. Metrolijn B, which the station is on, connects to the train stations of ''Rotterdam Alexander'', ''Rotterdam Blaak'' and ''Schiedam Centrum''. These in turn are the easiest to get to via ''Rotterdam Centraal'', whether that would be by train or metro is up to you. ===Unforeseen disruptions=== [[File:DRIS NS vertrekkende treinen.jpg|thumb|Though rare, there may be moments when all the trains get cancelled due to circumstances such as heavy storms.]] Most trains don't, but there will always be a chance that your train gets stranded or can't continue for a different reason. The most common of which are signal or switch malfunctions (''Sein-/wisselstoring''), track maintenance (''werkzaamheden''), or the occasional collision with a vehicle, animal or person (''Aanrijding met voertuig/persoon'') or stranded train (''gestrande trein''). When in a hotel or anywhere else, you can check known disruptions on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks NS' website] or the [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/ns-on-your-mobile/travel-planner-xtra.html NS Reisplanner Xtra app] on your phone. Their overview covers all of the Dutch network, including routes serviced by other operators. Here you can also find planned maintenance to the railways, so you won't be caught in surprise when you arrive at the station and the track is missing at your platform. You will be able to see the changes to your journey as well. When at a station, you can see disruptions on the main LCD screen in the station's lobby or entry way, as well as the displays by the tracks. In case of a delay, times on the station displays get rounded off to the nearest five minutes, while the NS Reisplanner does not round off times. Should your train and the following few trains be unable to arrive or depart, then rail replacement busses will be dispatched. These are most often provided by the operator themselves. The operator may outsource this task, and will likely ask one or multiple touring bus companies to fulfil this task. Generally speaking, there can be either a ''snelbus'' (the faster or more direct connection) or ''stopbus'' (will stop at every station along the route). For these, you need to stay checked in. If the station where you're switching onto rail replacement buses is equipped with Chipkaart barriers, you need to check out to leave the station. In this situation, there will be a mobile unit near the buses where you can check in again. There are almost always staff members around in these situations. You can find them by following the signs labelled "Naar de NS-bus" (To the NS-bus), or something similar when travelling with other operators. Not every rail replacement bus is the same, so it's best to ask for information with staff (often either in uniform or in high-visibility clothing) when this happens. The more temporary disruptions, which cannot be planned for, can be found in the "Disruptions" tab in the NS app, or on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks/ this page] on NS' website. Track maintenance is a planned disruption that is often announced well in advance, and you can find planned disruptions on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ NS' website]. This page, however, is not fully translated into English. Some basic phrases you might see are: * '''Dit kan gevolgen hebben voor uw reis. Plan uw reis in de (internationale) app.''' - This might affect your journey. Plan your journey using the NS/NS International app. ::This phrase will often be used on ICE or other international journeys, where the maintenance is not carried out by a Dutch company. It might be worthwhile to check the website of the operator. * '''Reizigers van [x] naar [y] reizen via [z].''' - Travellers from [x] to [y] should travel via [z]. ::This implies that despite the maintenance, this part of the track will still see train traffic across it. This does often come with additional travel time, which rarely exceeds half an hour. * '''Het is niet mogelijk om fietsen mee te nemen in de bus.''' - It is not possible to bring bikes on the bus (though folding bikes will often still be accepted). ::A rail replacement bus service will be issued. This generally only applies when you can find this sentence in the "advice" column. This isn't a frequent practise during maintenance, as there is a preference for keeping services running during maintenance if possible. In the case of an unplanned disruption that requires rail replacement buses, it might be a lot quicker to check for conventional buses that will take you there faster, as rail replacement buses take some time to be organised and fully operational. ===Security=== In August 2021, NS introduced the telephone number +316 1318 1318 that passengers may call if they feel insecure in trains or stations. The number is also available via SMS and WhatsApp. ==Stations== {{mapframe|name=Map of notable Dutch railway stations}} The Netherlands has 397 train stations in service, divided over 388 municipalities. This excludes former railway stations that haven't been demolished, but includes stations with limited service, such as ''Utrecht Maliebaan'', which is only used when the [[Utrecht#Museums|Spoorwegmuseum]] is open. These stations are all maintained by ProRail and serviced by NS, Arriva, Breng, Connexxion or Keolis. In the Netherlands, only the major stations are staffed. ===Major stations of the Randstad=== <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Almere|Almere Centrum]]|lat=52.3752|long=5.2191|wikipedia=Almere Centrum railway station|wikidata=Q594100}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Amsterdam|Amsterdam Centraal]]|lat=52.3791|long=4.9006|wikipedia=Amsterdam Centraal station|wikidata=Q50719}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Delft]]|lat=52.0074|long=4.3568|wikipedia=Delft railway station|wikidata=Q800653}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Den Haag|Den Haag Centraal]]|lat=52.0810|long=4.3241|wikipedia=Den Haag Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q200704}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Gouda]]|lat=52.0174|long=4.7057|wikipedia=Gouda railway station|wikidata=Q800833}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Hilversum]]|lat=52.2265|long=5.1817|wikipedia=Hilversum railway station|wikidata=Q49868}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Leiden|Leiden Centraal]]|lat=52.1664|long=4.4823|wikipedia=Leiden Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q801075}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Centraal]]|lat=51.9250|long=4.4689|wikipedia=|wikidata=Q801075}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Schiphol|Schiphol Airport]]|lat=52.3095|long=4.7622|wikipedia=Schiphol Airport railway station|wikidata=Q801410}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]]|lat=52.0895|long=5.1098|wikipedia=Utrecht Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q575655}} </div> ===Major regional stations=== <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Amersfoort|Amersfoort Centraal]]|lat=52.1539|long=5.3740|wikidata=Q49854}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Alkmaar]]|lat=52.6381|long=4.7407|wikidata=Q800367}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Arnhem|Arnhem Centraal]]|lat=51.9849|long=5.9010|wikidata=Q800399}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Almelo]]|lat=52.3577|long=6.6548|wikidata=Q800372}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Breda]]|lat=51.5954|long=4.7800|wikidata=Q800561}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Deventer]]|lat=52.2573|long=6.1609|wikidata=Q17461651}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]|lat=52.0279|long=5.6720|wikidata=Q388365}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Eindhoven|Eindhoven Centraal]]|lat=51.4430|long=5.4812|wikidata=Q689942}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Enschede]]|lat=52.2223|long=6.8898|wikidata=Q743359}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Groningen]]|lat=53.2109|long=6.5641|wikidata=Q17937}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Heerlen]]|lat=50.8907|long=5.9754|wikidata=Q800901}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Hengelo]]|lat=52.2617|long=6.7949|wikidata=Q800910}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Den Bosch|'s-Hertogenbosch]]|lat=51.6906|long=5.2936|wikidata=Q801698}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Hoorn]]|lat=52.6452|long=5.0544|wikidata=Q800935}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Leeuwarden]]|lat=53.1965|long=5.7929|wikidata=Q17944}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Maastricht]]|lat=50.8503|long=5.7055|wikidata=Q689931}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Roosendaal]]|lat=51.5403|long=4.4582|wikidata=Q801378}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Venlo]]|lat=51.3648|long=6.1711|wikidata=Q632470}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Zutphen]]|lat=52.1447|long=6.1942|wikidata=Q801671}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Zwolle]]|lat=52.5050|long=6.0913|wikidata=Q47350}} </div> ===Notable stations=== [[File:Station Groenlo.jpg|thumb|[[Groenlo]]'s railway station (now in use as a house) is one of many ''Standaardstations'', being one out of thirteen ''GOLS-Groot'' stations, built in the 1880s, all of which are as good as identical to one another.]] [[File:Arnhem centraal station.JPG|thumb|Arnhem Centraal, one of the stations rebuilt in modern times.]] The first train stations built in the Netherlands were temporary, as the railways needed to prove their use before being accepted into the country. Most 19th-century stations were built in neoclassical styles, some with German influences. The art-nouveau, known best from the Parisian metro, has only been used in a single station, [[Haarlem]], which stands to this day. Foreign railway companies got involved with train lines onto Dutch soil, building their own stations. [[Valkenburg aan de Geul|Valkenburg]]'s station, for example, is a misfit when it comes to Dutch station buildings. Stations alongside international borders were seen as a way of introducing the country, these therefore, even though they saw little in passenger numbers, were rather decorated. The later 19th century and the start of the 20th century saw the rise of ''Standaardstations'' (Basic stations), which weren't basic per se, but rather a base of which several variations were made: a general blueprint. Take for example the GOLS Groot ''standaardstation'', used for stations of the ''Geldersch-Overijsselsche Lokaalspoorweg-Maatschappij'', active in the [[Achterhoek]] and [[Overijssel]]. Of the GOLS Groot type, thirteen stations were created. Of these four remain, being [[Groenlo]]'s station, which has no line connecting it anymore, [[Haaksbergen]]'s station, in use for a heritage railway, Terborg and Aalten, which are still in service on the line connecting [[Arnhem]] with [[Winterswijk]]. In the 1930s, the style switched towards somewhat more modern designs while not abandoning the classic look of stations. Examples are Amsterdam Amstel and Amsterdam Muiderpoort, both built by H.G.J. Schelling. In the [[World War II in Europe|Second World War]], a lot of the Dutch railway infrastructure was destroyed, including many stations. This allowed for rebuilding using pre-fabricated elements out of concrete, as is the case for [[Zutphen]] and [[Enschede]]'s stations, as well as [[Nijmegen]] and [[Vlissingen]]'s stations. The classic look was fully abandoned in the late 1950s, with [[Tilburg]] station being the first to make the radical switch, featuring a large floating roof covering the tracks and station building. Abandoned and rarely used station buildings which were still in service had their building replaced with smaller stations, often not being much more than a ticket desk. Starting around 1980, the look of stations gained more importance where the functionality of the building first was of utmost importance. More money went into the buildings, allowing for much prettier stations, such as [[Almere|Almere Centrum]], which has a shopping street running through the core of the building, [[Leiden|Leiden Centraal]], which main walkway form a major connection between multiple parts of town. [[Schiphol|Schiphol ✈]], [[Rijswijk]] and [[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Blaak]] were built over an underground railway. In the 21st century, more modern materials have been used. [[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]] and [[Arnhem|Arnhem Centraal]] have gone through major redesigns, leading to them winning many awards for their design. ===Former stations=== [[File:Voormalig station Hulshorst.jpg|thumb|Hulshorst railway station may be one of the better-looking abandoned railway stations.]] Where the aforementioned [[Groenlo]] railway station is no longer in use, with the line it was once connected to gone as well, it is not the only station with this fate. Stations in the Netherlands had their services cancelled en masse after [[World War II in Europe|the Blitz]], with cancellations of service happening to this day. Former stations occasionally get a new purpose as a house, as is the case with Groenlo's station, but also as office, restaurant - you name it. Cancellations of service are not as frequent anymore, but stations whose service ended after ''Spoorslag '70'' (the 1970 service overview of the Dutch railways, part of a bigger plan to make the railways better by 1975) that have not been demolished yet, are: * The '''IJmondlijn''' is the line that Lovers' Rail, the first railway operator of the Netherlands serviced for several years. After they quit, the line was closed, leaving the stations of Driehuis-Westerveld, Velsen Zeeweg, Velsen-IJmuiden Oost, IJmuiden Casembrootstraat, IJmuiden Julianakade and IJmuiden to be abandoned in 1999. The stations are rather overgrown, but are able to be put back in service. The start of the line at [[Santpoort]] is still serviced by the [[Haarlem]] — [[Uitgeest]] railway, serviced with Sprinters. * '''[[Nunspeet|Hulshorst]]''''s services were cancelled at the end of May 1987, the day [[Amersfoort]] Schothorst was opened, as the newly opened station made serving the small station close to impossible. The stations was to be closed after the Second World War, but was not, as a servitude laid on the station, a document made during the purchase of the land on which the station stood, which roughly stated that the station ought to be served at least four times per day, twice in both directions, had to stop at Hulshorst. The then mayor of Nunspeet, the municipality the station is in, remembered reading the document and the station was kept in service. When service was cancelled in 1987, there was no trace of the document, nor of anyone having seen or read it, which allowed for cancellation of service. * '''[[Kerkrade|Kerkrade West]]''' and '''Wijlre-Gulpen''' had their services cancelled once the railway they were on was discontinued in 1988. The railway since has become the [[#Heritage railways|Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij]] [[heritage railway]], which services both stations, though not regularly. Also on this railway is '''[[Simpelveld]]''', closed in 1992 with the closure of the [[Maastricht]] — [[Aachen]] railway. * '''[[Soest (Netherlands)|Soestduinen]]''''s services were cancelled in 1998, and was not destroyed as it received the status of municipal monument. The station was closed as not enough travellers used the station. * '''[[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Hofplein]]''' was used as the terminus of the ''Hofpleinlijn'' until this line was converted to light rail operation by the Rotterdam metro, now connecting at Rotterdam Centraal. The station still stands, housing mostly creative start-ups and the like underneath the former tracks. Many other stations have quirks or simply notable things about them. For example, [[Arnhem|Arnhem Velperpoort]], still in service, has the same entrance it had in the 1960s, though it is no longer an entrance. The station building has been converted into a workspace instead. Going east on the same line, you will find other quirks such as a post remembering the Stillewald Halt near [[Doetinchem|Wehl]], as well as the West and Stadion stations in [[Doetinchem]], the first of which is now an office space, and the latter is an abandoned platform. The main station of Doetinchem up to 2017 used to have no tracks 1 and 2, as these were the cargo platforms removed in the 1980s. Every line has notable features, and looking out for them can be entertaining on an otherwise bland journey. ==Trains and rolling stock== While accessibility is a bit of a problem with NS (requiring separate staff at the station to operate mobile ramps to enable step-free access older rolling stock), this issue will be improved with the two ''Nieuwe Generatie'' trains being built as we speak. Domestic trains that are wheelchair-accessible are marked with an icon ({{handicap-icon}}). These trains generally have their balconies at platform height, removing the need for a wheelchair ramp or lift. When using an NS train, or an ''inaccessible'' train, it is required to ring up the service provider, giving them time to get a lift or ramp out. Due to the ineffective nature of this process, it is recommended to not use a train so long as you aren't using only local networks. ===Mainlines=== ====Sprinters/Stopping trains==== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = NS Stadler FLIRT3 resting at Dordrecht CS (25087730738).jpg | caption1 = Snow-covered NS FLIRT in Dordrecht. | width1 = 240 | image2 = Fast train (4712207733).jpg | caption2 = Sprinter Lighttrain (SLT). | width2 = 225 | image3 = SGN 2710 -- Assel 20180919 (6).jpg | caption3 = The Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie between [[Amersfoort]] and [[Apeldoorn]]. | width3 = 225 }} If you know [[rail travel in Germany|the terms Deutsche Bahn uses]] don't be confused - while the ICE Sprinter is the fastest train with the fewest stops DB has, the Dutch Sprinter is essentially a stopping service - a bit like S-Bahn or RER, which calls at mostly every station along a given route. All Sprinter stock can be found in a white-blue-yellow livery. Since December of 2021, all of these trains are wheelchair-accessible and have toilets on-board. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Sprinter Lighttrain''' or ''SLT'' for short, is the replacement for the ''Mat '64'', introduced to passengers in 2009, 45 years after its predecessor was put in service. The SLT is intended for Sprinter-lines with short distances in between stops, which makes them most common in the [[Randstad]]. Its light weight makes for a fast acceleration, which results in shorter journeys, allowing for better usage of the routes. The Sprinter Lighttrain is, like other Sprinter trains, wheelchair-accessible, but only through doors indicated with a wheelchair icon. These doors feature a proper tray that slides out to connect to the platform, as opposed to other doors which have a fold-out tray, which only reduces the distance between the train and the platform a bit. {{handicap-icon}} NS employs Stadler '''FLIRT''' trains for sprinter services as well. These were taken into service following a shortage of rolling stock that formed between the completion of the order for SLT trains, and the start of production of the SNG. This train features charging outlets in first and second class, and is decorated throughout with [[De Stijl]] and Mondrian-inspired elements. NS FLIRTs are mostly found in service in Noord-Brabant and Gelderland. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie''', or ''SNG'', are being put into regular service on a few services. The SNG, which has fully replaced the older SGMm stock (that pioneered the 'sprinter' as a product) which ran between 1975 and 2021, is equipped with toilets on board and is entirely wheelchair-accessible by having the entire floor of the train be at the same height as the platforms at stations. ====Intercity/Fast trains==== {{multiple image | align = center | image3 = Koplopers 4091+4057 Haren.JPG | caption3 = Two connected ''Koploper'' units near Haren. | width3 = 232 | image4 = Sneeuwoverlast n.s sneeuw spoorproblemen sneeuw val.jpg | caption4 = A double decker intercity train plowing through the snow. | width4 = 200 | image5 = NS DDZ-4 passeert voormalig Station Soestduinen.jpg | caption5 = A DDZ/NID at the former [[Soestduinen]] railway station. | width5 = 225 | image6 = HDR 1741 Threth Bridge Ravenstein (14799819973).jpg | caption6 = An ICR train crossing the Meuse near Ravestein, not far from [[Wijchen]]. | width6 = 308 }} Intercity trains are essentially fast trains: They skip many smaller train stations and only call at interchanges and major cities. Occasionally, you may find Sprinter trains on these lines (most often SNGs), but this is only as an exception. Intercities can be identified by their yellow-blue liveries. Until the introduction of the ICNG in 2022, all Intercity trains do not have a floor at platform-level, meaning that, if you are bound to a wheelchair, you need to inform station staff in advance of your travels, so they may [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/traveling-with-a-disability/ns-travel-assistance.html help you board the train] using a wheelchair lift. The '''Intercitymaterieel''' or ''ICM'' for short, is an intercity train used by NS. The trains are nicknamed ''Koploper'', as passengers can walk the entire length of several coupled units through the head of a unit. Its name translates literally to ''head walker'', but the proper translation is ''leader''. Like the Stadsgewestelijk materieel, the ICMs too have been modernised, changing their names to ICMm. The ability to walk the entire length of coupled units was removed at this time, as the function was likely to fail and cause delays. The ICM has a reclining chair, power outlet, footrest, reading light and ''lectuurnet'', a little net in which you can find some newspapers or store your own books available in first class. [[File:America NSR VIRMm 9516 (51386343928).jpg|thumb|A four-unit DD-IRM or VIRM in the future livery of more NS trains, the so-called 'Flow'-livery.]] The '''Dubbeldeksinterregiomaterieel''' (''DD-IRM'') or '''Verlengd Interregio Materieel''' (''VIRM'') is possibly the most iconic train used on the Dutch rail network. Its name translates roughly to ''Double-decked inter-region unit'' and is most often referred to as ''Dubbeldekker'' by passengers. The VIRMs have wireless network and displays showing information about your journey in the modernised trains. The regular ones have a toilet for everyone to use, with reclining chairs and a footrest in first class. These trains are in various stages of being modernised, and feature different liveries. Modernised trains can be recognised by either a blue band around the doors (on 6-car units) or by blue doors and large white NS logos on the sides (the so-called flow-livery on 4-car units). The modernisation project gives these trains new chairs and layouts, as well as some other quality of life upgrades, such as a more reliable air-con unit. The '''Nieuwe Intercity Dubbeldekker''', abbreviated as ''NID'' or ''DDZ'', are modified DD-AR and mDDM sprinter trains dating to the 1990s. The DDZ is known to have run both as an Intercity and Sprinter service, making it the only Sprinter stock to not feature the white-blue-yellow colour scheme. The DDZ is outfitted with wireless internet and a toilet, with first class extras being a reclining chair, power outlet, reading light, footrest and a ''lectuurnet''. These trains have been out of service because of rapid wear to the wheels and brakes, but are slowly being reintroduced onto the network in December 2021, starting with the Intercity service between Roosendaal and Zwolle. The '''Intercity Rijtuig''' (''ICRm'') is an outcast to some extent, not being an EMU. The wagon is mostly used on the HSL-Zuid service as Intercity Direct. The wagon features the standard reclining chair, footrest and ''lectuurnet'' in first class. Silence areas are spread through the carriages. The DDZ as well as the modernised VIRM feature double deck seating, having a somewhat disliked coupé-system. This should become the standard for all bi-level trains in the country. Throughout the train, you will find ''stiltezones'' (quiet zones), ''werken- en rustzones'' (work and relaxation zones), ''meet-and-greet zones'' and regular ''praatcoupés''. The latter are found on the lower floors. The upper floors have the three ''stiltecoupé''-variants: * '''Werken- en rustzones''': These zones are dedicated for travellers to travel in quiet. The traveller is invited to read a book, work, sleep or talk silently. Seating is most often in rows, as you would have seating in a bus. The ''Werken- en rustzones'' can be identified with an emblem of a sitting person, surrounded with headphones, a book and a laptop surrounding him. ** To make the system more complicated for everyone, this variation has a variation too. Should you be able to read the word 'Silence' or 'Stilte' on the windows, then you are in a ''stiltezone''. You are very much discouraged to make any notable sound. Though you are allowed to have a snack or simply eat something, your fellow travellers may not be as much of a fan or you unpacking your lunch in a ''stiltezone''. * '''Meet-and-Greet zones''': Meant for meeting people. Seating is most often in groups, with seats facing each other. There are even lounge areas for groups. The traveller is welcome to talk, use their phone to call someone and have extensive conversations at a regular volume. This zone can be identified with an emblem of two people facing each other, with a speech-bubble above their heads. ===International and high speed trains=== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = Twee Thalys-treinen op Amsterdam Centraal.jpg | caption1 = A Thalys PBA (left) and PBKA (right) at Amsterdam Centraal. | width1 = 212 | image2 = Arnhem Station ICE 4652.jpg | caption2 = An ICE 3M at Arnhem Centraal. | width2 = 200 | image3 = Bad Bentheim NSI 1739 IC 144 Amsterdam (51327337832).jpg | caption3 = NS/Deutsche Bahn Intercity to Berlin, pulled by a 1700 series locomotive, at Bad Bentheim. | width3 = 267 | image4 = Intercity Direct resting at Rotterdam Central station (33366323401).jpg | caption4 = Bombardier TRAXX (NS HighSpeed 186) with Intercityrijtuigen (ICR) in NS livery. | width4 = 267 | image5 = Eurostar 4031 4032 just arrived at Amsterdam CS after a 4 hour journey from London St. Pancras (28227044569).jpg | caption5 = Eurostar e320 (British Rail Class 374s) at Amsterdam Centraal. | width5 = 240 | image6 = Nightjet NJ40490 DSCF1939 (51204227026).jpg | caption6 = A Siemens Vectron in NS-livery, operating the ÖBB Nightjet to Düsseldorf and Vienna. | width6 = 225 }} The '''Thalys PBA''' and '''PBKA''' units have little difference amongst them. The PBAs are used on the Thalys network between [[Paris|'''P'''aris]], [[Brussels|'''B'''russels]] and [[Amsterdam|'''A'''msterdam]], and PBKAs also go to [[Cologne]] (or '''K'''öln in German). Both units can and occasionally are coupled. Both trains are part of the French ''TGV''-family. These trains can mostly be seen in the Dutch stations of Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol ✈ and Rotterdam Centraal. '''ICE 3M''' trains are used by Deutsche Bahn on international intercity journeys. Of the 17 ICE 3M trains that use the Dutch network, 14 are owned by DB, and 3 by NS. The "M" stands for "Mehrsystem", i.e. the ability of the trains to run under multiple voltages and in multiple rail systems, in this case the Dutch and the German one. The only line that these trains ride on is the [[Amsterdam]] – [[Cologne]] – [[Frankfurt]] – [[Mannheim]] – [[Freiburg]] – [[Basel]]-line, stopping on the Dutch stations of [[Utrecht]] and [[Arnhem]]. DB promises free Wi-Fi even on the Dutch stretch of its ICE journeys. DB also runs its own InterCity (IC) trains to and from the Netherlands for example on the Berlin - Amsterdam route. As of 2017 they use a hodgepodge of rolling stock most of it refurbished since 2012 and capable of top speeds up to {{kmh|200}}. Starting in 2025, these trains are planned to be replaced with the all new ICE L^{([[w:ECx|wikipedia]])} trainsets. These should omit the need for locomotives to be changed at the Dutch-German border, and these trainsets will have their entry at platform height, as well as a top speed of {{kmh|230}}. Since the V250 Fyra trains were only good for 40 days of service, NS owns and borrows '''Bombardier TRAXX''' or '''NS HighSpeed 186''' electric locomotives. The locomotives are being used in combination with the ''Intercityrijtuig'' (Intercity carriage) or ''ICRm'' for short. The trains run on the HSL-Zuid line (Amsterdam — Breda), as well as the Amsterdam — Brussels line. The newest international multiple-unit train in the Netherlands is the '''Eurostar e320''', known in the [[Rail travel in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] as ''British Rail Class 374''. The train has arrived the Netherlands since 2017 on the Eurostar Amsterdam — London service. The train is capable of speeds up to {{kmh|320}} and has some 900 seats divided over 16 carriages. As for the newest international train in the Netherlands, that honour goes to the '''Siemens Vectron''' locomotives. These are in service on the night trains to Vienna and Zurich, but can also be spotted pulling the Intercity to Berlin. These locomotives, capable of speeds up to {{kmh|200}}, aren't owned by NS, but are instead leased by the Dutch Railways and their Austrian counterpart. ===Local trains=== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = Connexxion 5033.jpg | caption1 = Protos in the ''Valleilijn''-livery. | width1 = 224 | image2 = Arriva 10254 SimonTahamata Klarenbeek trein17833 20150405.JPG | caption2 = An Arriva ''Spurt'', better known as the Stadler GTW Diesel unit between [[Apeldoorn]] and [[Zutphen]]. | width2 = 225 | image3 = Rnet2010Zevenhuizen.JPG | caption3 = A R-Net FLIRT-3 near [[Zevenhuizen]] during one of its test rides before being put into proper service. | width3 = 225 | image4 = Syntus lint twents.JPG | caption4 = A LINT 41-H in ''Twents'' livery. These trains can be found on several local lines in the province of [[Overijssel]]. | width4 = 200 | image5 = Arriva 616-III.jpg | caption5 = Two coupled Arriva WINK DMUs at [[Westerkwartier|Zuidhoorn]]. | width5 = 209 }} {{handicap-icon}} The '''Protos''' is an electric unit, of which 5 are in service in the Netherlands. All of which are used by Connexxion on the ''Valleilijn'' ([[Amersfoort]] – [[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]). The units aren't popular, only 6 have been sold after some 10 years on the market, Connexxion being the only buyer. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Stadler GTW''' is by far the most popular train on the local railways. Arriva, Breng, Connexxion and Veolia used the train, with the latter two no longer servicing in the Netherlands. Breng only uses the diesel model, Arriva uses both diesel and electric models and Connexxion uses only the electric model. Veolia's trains have been taken over by Arriva, which got the concession for [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]] in 2016. Stadler being a Swiss-German company, the name stands for "Gelenktriebwagen" or articulated railcar. {{handicap-icon}} '''Stadler FLIRT'''s are used by Arriva in [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]], R-Net in (mostly) [[Zuid-Holland]], Abellio rail on border-hopping services into Germany as well as NS itself in mostly the southeast of the country to help support the Sprinter services. Arriva has ordered 8 additional FLIRTS to service Limburg starting in 2020, as well as 18 ''Flirtino's'', which are diesel-electric hybrid trains, which too will start service on the northern lines by 2020. Keolis and Connexxion also have a small collection of FLIRTs riding on the ''Hanzelijn'' (Kampen – Zwolle – Enschede) and the ''Valleilijn'' respectively. Despite the name being a German abbreviation for "flinker leichter innovativer Regionaltriebzug" (fast light innovative regional train/railcar) it is virtually always pronounced as an English word. {{handicap-icon}} The '''LINT 41/H''' trains are the oldest trains on local networks at this time. Most of the Dutch models have come from Syntus (now Keolis), which took 25 of them in service in 2001. By 2012 this number was down to 9, as Keolis had lost a large number of local concessions. Some of these were transferred abroad, and some were bought by Arriva and Veolia. Arriva bought seven additional LINT 41's in 2016. {{handicap-icon}} The '''WINK''' is the most recent train to be put into service on local lines. They are two-part multiple units that run on either on a combination between biodiesel and on-board batteries or electricity via overhead wires. The pantograph will initially only be used when the train is parked in order to recharge its batteries, though the ambition exists to upgrade the northern lines that the WINK runs on to be electrified by 2025, at which point the train will those for its power. The WINK trains have been named for local attractions, such as the [[Waddeneilanden|Wadden]], Oerol, the hanging kitchens of [[Appingedam]], Elfstedentocht and the STAR heritage railway. ===Future trains=== [[File:ICNG - Rotterdam Centraal.jpg|thumb|The Intercity Nieuwe Generatie 3103 at Rotterdam Centraal. While the series is not yet in regular service, the train can be seen throughout the country on occasional test drives.]] In 2017, NS expected to get two newly built trains onto the rail network by December 2021. These are the '''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie''' (2018) and '''Intercity Nieuwe Generatie''' (2021 - since delayed for service until 2023) - "nieuwe generatie" meaning "new generation". Both trains aim to be more modern than the current ICMm and SGMm models that they will or have replaced. A whopping 206 SNG and 99 ICNG trains have been ordered. They will feature toilets (which until the arrival of the NS FLIRT weren't available in Sprinter trains) and power sockets, as well as loads of variable seating options. The trains will both be way more accessible for the disabled, having their floor at platform level, as the preceding SGMm was not at all fit for people bound to wheelchairs, as entering the train required using two high steps from platform level, a hinder of some {{convert|30|cm|inch}}. The ''Nieuwe Generatie'' trains are also NS' response to the ever increasing number of travellers on the rail network. Twenty orders of the Intercity Nieuwe Generatie with necessary modifications so that it can run the international service to [[Brussels]] are supposed to be put in service by 2025. Arriva has announced that it has placed an order for several new trains by Stadler to service some of the northern lines around Groningen. The service will be run using [https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/products/detail-all/wink/198/ Stadler WINKs]. The WINKs have been put into service in 2020. ==Heritage and steam railways== [[File:Stoomlocomotief BR 011 075-9 van de SSN - Moordrecht (22060228292).jpg|thumb|Steam train on the track between [[Rotterdam]] and [[Gouda]] during the Annual Steam Train Days (''Jaarlijkse Stoomtreindagen'') of October 2015.]] {{see also|Heritage railways}} When many lines were being closed between 1930 and 1960, some initiatives popped up to save several of these railways, making them heritage railways. All of these run steam trains. Listed below are the museums that have their own railways and running stock: * '''[[Utrecht#Q847166|Nationaal Spoorwegmuseum]]''' (''NSM'') in Utrecht is the biggest and best-known museum with one of most every train that has ever been in Dutch service. The museum is located in the old Utrecht Maliebaan station, and can therefore be accessed by rail. A sprinter service is in place between Utrecht Centraal and Maliebaan during the days that the Spoorwegmuseum is opened. * '''[[Haaksbergen#Q1954418|Museum Buurtspoorweg]]''' (''MBS'') between Haaksbergen and Boekelo runs on the remains of the [[Doetinchem]] − [[Enschede]] railway. * '''[[Hoorn#Q3205907|Museumstoomtram Hoorn – Medemblik]]''' (''SHM'') between Hoorn and Medemblik, which uses tram running stock, yet uses a former local railway. * '''[[Veenkoloniën#Q2608463|Stichting Stadskanaal Rail]]''' (''STAR'') runs a part of the line between Zwolle and Stadskanaal that has been partially broken up. The section between Zwolle and [[Emmen]] still exists, as does the part between Musselkanaal and Veendam in Groningen. The line might be reused by Arriva in coming times, as the province too supports this. STAR supports this aim to improve public transport between Groningen and Stadskanaal, though it wishes to continue its own services. * '''[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|Stoom Stichting Nederland]]''' (''SSN'') is a museum on steam-powered machinery. Within its collection there are several steam locomotives taken over from the East-German Railways following the reunification of Germany, but also an old NS 8800 class engine, previously used in the mines of Limburg. The museum is located in the north of Rotterdam, and the rolling stock can also be seen at events such as the ''[[Rotterdam]]se havendagen'' or ''[[Dordrecht|Dordt]] in Stoom''. * '''[[Apeldoorn#Q2001163|Veluwsche Stoomtram Maatschappij]]''' (''VSM'') uses the railway between Apeldoorn and Dieren, starting its services back in 1975. * '''[[Simpelveld#Q2382332|Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij]]''' (''ZLSM'') rides trains between Valkenburg aan de Geul, Schin op Geul, Simpelveld and Kerkrade. * '''[[Goes#Q942892|Stichting Stoomtrein Goes – Borsele]]''' (''SGB''), is a reverse SHM, riding a former tramway of {{km|14}} between Goes and Borsele with steam trains. [[File:NS ICM4 4016, Madurodam (15606712401).jpg|thumb|ICM scale model running on the Madurodam model railway.]] The Netherlands has a lot of narrow-gauge railways, most of which aren't noteworthy, having little when it comes to rolling stock and a scarce amount of track. The two most notable narrow-gauge railways, however, as well as heritage tramways are listed below: * '''Stoomtrein Katwijk-Leiden''' (''SKL'') runs around the Valkenburgse Meer, not far from [[Katwijk]] and services half of the year from Ascension Day until the last weekend of September. * '''Efteling Stoomtram Maatschappij''' (''ESM'') can be found at the [[Efteling]] in Kaatsheuvel, connecting many of the attractions throughout the park with one another. * '''Electrische Museumtram Amsterdam''' (''EMA'') or ''Tramlijn 30'' (Tram 30) is a heritage tramway running in Amsterdam alongside the 16 other regular tram services of the nation's capital. The line is historically speaking not a tramway but instead a railway. The railway is the last remaining piece of the ''Haarlemmermeerspoorlijnen'', a series of railways located around the [[Haarlemmermeer]]. * '''Tramlijn Nederlands Openluchtmuseum''' (''NOM'') services the ''Openluchtmuseum'' (open air museum) in [[Arnhem]], connecting the vast park via tramway. The park is dedicated to showing the everyday aspect of the Dutch history, making the trams a lovely touch to the whole. * '''Rotterdams Openbaar Vervoer museum en Exploitatie van Oldtimers''' (''ROMEO'') is a foundation dedicated to running the heritage tramway of [[Rotterdam]], ''lijn 10''. The foundation features a vast collection of trams and tramway and Rotterdam-related vehicles. Line 10, however, only runs in summers. * '''Rijdend Tram-Museum''' (''RTM'') in found in [[Goerree Overflakkee|Ouddorp]], [[Zeeland]] and runs trams across the Brouwersdam, one of the dams of the [[Delta Works|Delta Works]], connecting the islands of [[Goeree-Overflakkee]] and [[Schouwen-Duiveland]]. [[File:Wolfheze treinstel 766Stichting Mat'54 (49982005857).jpg|thumb|Old Dutch rolling stock is unlike rolling stock anywhere else in the world, since NS designed their own trains for almost all its rolling stock between the 1940s and 1990s. Shown is 766, a privately restored Mat '54 train, though another train of this type can be found in the Spoorwegmuseum.]] Lastly, if you'd rather watch trains instead of travelling with them, then visit Madurodam in [[The Hague]]. Madurodam is a well-known miniature city featuring many landmarks of the Netherlands, and 4 km of model railway at a 1:25 scale. On and along this track you will find many locomotives that have been and are used by NS Reizigers and NS Cargo, models of the iconic Wadloper and [[w:NS Mat '64|Mat '64]], as well as VIRM and Thalys models, running between scale models of the stations found in Utrecht, Groningen, Enkhuizen and Valkenburg. The Utrecht model is, funnily enough, older than the station it is based on. The scale model was revealed in 2007 to demonstrate the look of the station design. ==Stay safe== [[File:Noodrem trein.jpg|thumb|"''Emergency brake: Pull this lever in case of an emergency. Misuse will be punished.''"]] The Dutch railway system is very safe, similar to its European peers. Accidents at grade crossings do happen, but generally they end worse for whatever is on the tracks than the train or the people inside it. The last accident with on board fatalities happened May 22nd 2020 near Hooghalen, between [[Assen]] and [[Hoogeveen]], where the train collided with a tractor crossing an unprotected crossing. The only life claimed was that of the train driver. In the 21st century, only seven fatal railway accidents have happened, accounting for eleven deaths in total. Inclement weather that may endanger trains or passengers often leads to service being interrupted as a precaution, which understandably enrages travelers but enhances safety. ProRail, which is in charge of maintenance of the railways, wants to have all barrier-less crossings to have barriers by the end of 2023, which will make accidents even less frequent. Crime on trains - aside from occasional pickpocketing and "misplaced" luggage - is rare but should you feel threatened or harassed, talk to a conductor if you can find one - not all trains are staffed with more than just one conductor. Sadly enough, the conductor is more often the target of harassment than a traveller, often for simply doing his job. Treat railway staff with the same respect you'd have for a policeman. If no conductor is to be found, look around. Often you will either find an ''0800-'' phone number on stickers in your wagon or find a ''noodtelefoon'' (emergency phone), labelled with ''SOS'' either at a central location of your wagon, or at the wagon's balcony. Call this number or press the button to talk to the operator's staff that will help you out as well as inform the appropriate emergency services. Do not use the emergency brake unless you've been told to by staff, which, even in the case that it is necessary, is very unlikely. Using the emergency brake locks the train for some time, stopping it from continuing on the tracks. By engaging the brake you're not only making life-threatening situations worse by making it more difficult for emergency service to reach the train, you're also making many people very mad by causing a delay on their daily route. Also, misuse of the emergency brake (''Noodrem'') is often severely punished, most often in the form of a large fine. No matter the severity of the situation, the ''Noodrem'' may '''never''' be used in a tunnel. ==Go next== * [[Rail travel in Germany]] * [[Rail travel in France]] * There are combined offers for boats and trains in and to the British mainland, see [[Ferries to the British mainland]] and [[Rail travel in Great Britain]] * {{slink|Belgium#By train}} {{guidetopic}} {{HasDocent|Wauteurz}} {{PartOfTopic|Rail travel in Europe|Benelux}} {{related|European rail passes}} {{related|Rail travel in Germany}} {{related|Rail travel in Great Britain}} qqucoivbk4j5nqp0qmyikg78en0yd6m 4487846 4487834 2022-07-21T17:44:42Z WallyTheWalrus 112464 /* Overview of tickets */ updated prices for tickets, some urls, copyediting wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Rail travel in the Netherlands Wikivoyage Banner.jpg|ftt=yes}} [[File:Amsterdam Central Station 2132.jpg|thumb|Amsterdam Centraal Station, one of, if not the most recognisable railway stations in the Netherlands.]] [[File:Stationsschild Den Haag HS.jpg|thumb|Every Dutch railway station is clearly labelled with one, if not multiple station name signs.]] Prioritising the traveller, the Dutch railway network is a great way to cross the country. Practically everywhere is reachable by train, having a network of {{convert|3223|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track. The Dutch network is a well-maintained and well-travelled network. A free travel pass is available to students in the country. Beyond that, the Dutch have eradicated paper tickets fully, using the ''[[OV-chipkaart]]'', often shortened to ''OV-chip'' or ''chipkaart'', instead. The card either holds data of the route you're travelling (disposable card) or it holds credit or a travel product (personal and anonymous card). The OV-chipkaart (which also works in buses, trolleybuses, trams and metros) is what sets Dutch public transit apart from that of other countries. This distinction is a recent development, with network maintainer ProRail improving the network, adding and revamping stations during the first quarter of the 21st century. Historically though, the Dutch were late in starting a rail network, having horse-drawn barges on their extensive inland waterways as a perfectly fine alternative for both cargo and people. After the first line proved successful, the 19th century saw a jump to the 'new' mode of transport, only to be too enthusiastic about railways and see many lines fall into disuse or be completely demolished in the 20th century. ''Nederlandse Spoorwegen'' (NS, Dutch Railways) lost its monopoly on rail travel in the 1990s, allowing more domestic and foreign railway operators to join the fun. The network can be crowded, but trains are still a great way to see the country. ==Structure== The Dutch rail network connects virtually all notable destinations from [[Amsterdam]] to [[Zoetermeer]] and [[Zevenaar]] to [[Assen]]. There are roughly as many stations as there are municipalities in the country (about 400). The entire network consists of {{convert|6830|km|mi|abbr=off}} of track, three quarters of which is electrified. The largest city without any means of rail-bound public transport is [[Oosterhout]] (North-Brabant), with some 44,000 citizens. The biggest region that cannot be reached by rail is [[Zeeland|Zeeuws-Vlaanderen]] (Zeeland), which borders [[Belgium]], but would be fully detached from the rest of the Netherlands were it not for a single road tunnel crossing underneath the Western Scheldt estuary. ===Passenger rail companies=== * '''[https://www.ns.nl/en Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)]''' operates nearly all intercity trains and many regional and commuter services (''sprinter'' trains). * '''[https://www.arriva.nl/consumers.htm Arriva]''' operates trains on the ''Noordelijke Nevelijnen'' (Northern lines, [[Groningen (province)|Groningen]] and [[Friesland]]), ''Drechtsteden, Alblasserwaard, Vijfherenlanden-region'' ([[Zuid-Holland]]), ''Vechtdallijnen'' (Vechtdal lines, [[Overijssel]]), [[Achterhoek]]-Rivierenland region ([[Gelderland]]) and [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]]. * '''[http://www.breng.nl/ Breng]''' most notably focused on bus and trolleybus connections in Arnhem and Nijmegen, Breng only runs a single train service in the Achterhoek: [[Arnhem]] — [[Doetinchem]], creating a quarter-hourly service to Doetinchem in cooperation with Arriva, which has its trains turn around at [[Winterswijk]] instead of Doetinchem. * '''[https://www.connexxion.nl/ Connexxion]''' operates trains on the ''Valleilijnen'' (Valley lines, [[Barneveld]] — [[Amersfoort]] — [[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]). * '''[https://www.keolis.nl/ Keolis]''' though its name is hardly seen. Keolis, formerly known as Syntus, runs trains as ''Twents'' in [[Twente]] on the [[Zutphen]] — [[Hengelo]] — [[Oldenzaal]] line. * '''[https://www.rnet.nl/ R-Net]''' operated by '''NS''' runs the concession for the [[Gouda]] — [[Alphen aan den Rijn]] line. R-Net is a sort of quality label for frequent public transport within the Randstad area. *'''R-Net''' operated by '''[https://qbuzz.nl/ Qbuzz]''' started running trains on the MerwedeLingeLijn ([[Dordrecht]] — [[Geldermalsen]]) in early December 2018. This is the first rail service operated by Qbuzz, which, as the name implies, has thus far only serviced buses and trams, the latter in a joint venture with bus operator HTM. * '''[https://blauwnet.nl/ Blauwnet]''' is not so much an operator as it is a joint venture. Arriva and Keolis share lines in Overijssel and Drenthe and have agreed to run these trains in a somewhat more neutral livery, namely the blue livery of Blauwnet (Blue-net). The lines included are four services from [[Zwolle]] to [[Emmen]] (Arriva), [[Enschede]], [[Kampen]] and [[Oldenzaal]] (Keolis), [[Almelo]] — [[Hardenberg]] (Arriva) and [[Zutphen]] — [[Oldenzaal]]. Between Almelo, Hengelo and Enschede, Blauwnet runs alongside NS. On those journeys, Blauwnet charges up to €0.06 more than NS, so with frequent journeys between these cities, perhaps opt for NS instead. ==Historical background== {{seealso|w:History of rail transport in the Netherlands}} ===Starting out=== [[File:Station 'De Eenhonderd Roe'; juli 1939.jpg|thumb|Replica of ''De Arend'' at a rebuilt Station d'Eenhonderd Roe, one hundred ''roeden'' or 400 m from Amsterdam.]] Rail transport did not catch on in the Netherlands until 1839. There were many plans to connect the country by rail, but unlike most European countries, the Netherlands didn't need a rail network. A perfectly workable system of horse-drawn barges (''trekschuiten'') was already in place, using the country's famous canal network. Shipping companies also lobbied against railways, causing attempts to raise funds for railways to fail dramatically. The most viable line was one proposed by W.A. Blake, who wanted to connect Amsterdam to [[Cologne]] (Germany) via [[Arnhem]]. His fundraising efforts failed, but one of his employees, W.C. Brade, continued the plans, changing the route to connect the capital to [[Rotterdam]], with a test stretch running to [[Haarlem]] to test economic viability. Wealthy investors began to favour a connection between the ports of the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. King William supported the plans because he was reluctant to let his country fall behind its neighbours which were all working on their first railways. With the King's support, construction of the railway started. However, the Netherlands lacked engineers and had to import them, mainly from [[England]]. Even with these engineers, some odd choices were made. The railway that had to connect to foreign railways was built on a {{mm|1945}} broad gauge instead of the standard gauge that the neighbours used, making the tracks incompatible until they were converted. On September 20, 1839, a train pulled by ''De Arend'' ('The Eagle')<!--Germany's first railway had also used a locomotive called "eagle" just a few years prior--> with ''De Snelheid'' ('The Speed') as backup, left [[Amsterdam]] for [[Haarlem]] and arrived without any major problems 30 minutes later, covering a distance of 16 km (10 miles). Commercial transport on the line commenced four days later. ===Expansion and boom=== [[File:Laantje van Van der Gaag.jpg|thumb|A common sight in the early days of Dutch railways: landowners wouldn't let the rail companies use or buy their land for the railway, leading to conflict, after which the company would lay temporary tracks around the property they couldn't cross. Pictured is an artist's impression of ''Het Laantje van Van der Gaag'' near [[Delft]], which was in use from July 3 until July 7, 1847.]] Most railways were built on popular demand, and building only commenced once individuals had raised the funds. Nothing was centralised. By 1850 several main railways were constructed, yet the Netherlands was significantly behind its neighbours. Moreover, the major rivers of the country hadn't yet been bridged, creating a major divide between the Netherlands above the Rhine and the Netherlands below the Rhine. The networks that had come to exist were badly linked if they were linked at all. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the main railway hubs at the time, competing companies had different stations, both on opposite edges of the towns. In 1860 the ''Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg-Maatschappij'' (NCS) constructed a line connecting [[Utrecht]] to [[Kampen]] via [[Amersfoort]] and [[Zwolle]]. In 1869 Utrecht became connected to [[Eindhoven]] via [['s Hertogenbosch]] and two years later ''Lage Zwaluwe'' was connected to [[Dordrecht]], finally spanning across the rivers Meuse and Waal (Rhine delta). The ''Oosterspoorweg'' (Eastern railway) was constructed partly in 1874 and partly in 1876, connecting Amsterdam to [[Zutphen]]. By 1860 the government of the Netherlands finally realised that railways might be of national importance, creating the ''Spoorwegwet'' (Railway law), meaning that the government finally started funding and exploiting railways. The law proposed ten railways, labelled A through K, that would connect the Netherlands. These railways would not yet be used by a government-owned company, but instead by the National Railways (''Staatsspoorwegen'' or SS). These lines were: <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * [[Arnhem]] - [[Leeuwarden]] * [[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen]] - [[Bad Nieuweschans|Nieuwe Schans]] * [[Meppel]] - [[Groningen]] * [[Zutphen]] - [[Enschede|Glanerbeek]] * [[Breda]] - [[Maastricht]] * [[Roosendaal]] - [[Vlissingen]] * [[Venlo]] - Kaldenkirchen (Germany) * [[Utrecht]] - [[Boxtel]] * [[Breda]] - [[Rotterdam]] * [[Den Helder|Nieuwediep]] - [[Amsterdam]]</div> The SS had a rivalry with the HSM (''Hollandsche IJzeren Spoorweg-Maatschappij''), both of which tried their best to take as many passengers away from the other by siding with third parties, taking over their railways or using their shipping services to get passengers across a river that couldn't be crossed by using their railway. The ''Staatslijnen'' weren't enough to cover the entire country, with the east being particularly left out. Many local railways (''lokaalspoorwegen'') and tramways were built by non-governmental organisations started by individuals, often traders or investors. The tramways didn't have to install signals, whereas the railways were required to. The downside of the tramways was that they had to deal with speed limits as they often used pre-existing roads. Connections to neighbouring countries were also started by individuals. Staatslijn B already connected to Germany near [[Enschede]]. Additionally, the line between [[Turnhout]] (Belgium) and [[Tilburg]] was built by ''Grand Central Belge'' in 1867 and [[Boxtel]] was connected to [[Lower Rhine|Wesel]] (Germany) in 1878 by the ''Noord-Brabantsch-Duitsche Spoorweg-Maatschappij'' (North-Brabantic-German Railway Company). ===The 1900s=== [[File:NL-HaNA 2.24.01.03 0 900-9366.jpg|thumb|The 1940s were a turning point for the Dutch railways. The destruction the war wrought and the lines destroyed by the Nazis during their withdrawal made the Dutch rethink what lines were and weren't necessary.]] The rivalry on the railways led to many mergers. A single state-owned railway company, however, never came into being. The SS and HSM were the main winners of the rivalry. They joined forces in August of 1937, forming the ''Nederlandsche Spoorwegen'' (Dutch Railways), of which the state became the owner. Most railways were then operated by the NS, excluding several border-crossing and local railways. This remained the case for some sixty years, until 1995. During the 1900s many lines were electrified, the first of which was the 1908 ''Hofpleinlijn'' ([[Rotterdam]] - [[Scheveningen]]). The line was electrified with 10,000 volts of alternating current. In the 1920s the ZHESM, which owned the line, developed 1500 V direct voltage, which was used first on the ''Oude Lijn'' (Old Line; Amsterdam - Rotterdam) in 1924. The 1500 DC voltage became the standard electrification for the Netherlands and is used to this day on almost all electrified lines. With road traffic on the rise, many local railways were no longer profitable. Most of them were abandoned in the 1930s and after the second world war. By 1934 the first diesel train, the Mat '34, had been put into service. The Mat '34 was also the first streamlined train design, which would be used on all newly-built electric trains a year later. Steam locomotives were used less and less after the second world war. The last steam train in regular service ran on January 7, 1958. In 1956 the class system in trains was changed across Europe. Third class became second class, second class became first class and the (rarely used) first class was abolished. ===Reorganisation and rivals=== [[File:NS loc 2207 - Lovers Rail, IJmuiden.jpg|thumb|An NS Class 2200 locomotive leased to Lovers Rail servicing the area around the [[Keukenhof]].]] The 1990s brought reorganisations to the ''Nederlandse Spoorwegen'', which meant a divide in maintaining and using the railways. The running of the railways stayed with NS, and the maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure was shifted over to the newly formed ''ProRail''. NS was divided into ''NS Reizigers'' for passenger service and ''NS Cargo'' for transport of goods. Local concessions were put in place to open up the market to other private companies, and end the monopoly of NS. The first competition came in 1996, when ''Lovers Rail'' started running trains from Haarlem to Amsterdam, which turned out to be impractical for people in [[IJmuiden]] and [[Lisse]], as well as visitors to [[Keukenhof]]. Lovers Rail ceased operations in 1999. More successful were the regional lines outside of the [[Randstad]]. The first of these was [[Mariënberg]] - [[Almelo]] in 1998, followed by the Northern Lines in [[Friesland]] and [[Groningen]] in 1999 and 2000. As of 2017, local lines are run by Arriva, Breng, Connexxion and Keolis. Several lines in the Randstad are planned to be converted into metro lines around 2020 in order to improve public transit there. While many of the "private" railways bidding on rail franchises in the Netherlands are actually daughter companies of the state railways of other countries, NS itself has started bidding on (and winning) contracts for rail service abroad under the brand of their daughter company ''Abellio''. ==Services== ===Classes of travel=== [[File:Station Haarlem 16.JPG|thumb|A ''Derde Klas'' (third class) waiting room indication sign at the historical Haarlem Station never got updated to modern European standards. The tile motif is there forever locked in time.]] The Dutch classes of travel follow the European standard, which is divided into two classes: * '''Tweede Klas''' (second class), indicated on carriages with a simple ''2'', offers seating of a decent quality which outside of rush hour is perfectly fine. As soon as rush hour starts, expect little space, especially when travelling with loads of luggage. There are almost always overhead storage racks for luggage, but even a simple backpack may prove too big in some situations. Seating is the main problem in second class, aside from overcrowding during rush hour. Intercity trains, most notably the double-deck VIRM and DD-IRM, have silent areas or coaches, which are often quieter and are a de-facto midway solution between first and second class, as overcrowding is not as big of an issue. * '''Eerste Klas''' (first class), indicated by a ''1'' on the side of carriages offers more space between seats, electrical outlets in most trains, and higher quality seating (though higher quality often refers to leather instead of fabric seats). The first class, however, does have a notable price difference that might very well not be worth it for frequent travel according to most Dutch train travellers. As a result, first class is rarely overcrowded. Booking a seat in advance is only possible on international intercity journeys with, for example, the ICE or Thalys trains. Sleeper carriages are not found on regular intercity trains, as travel time is rarely more than 2½ hours, even though the longest travel time within the Netherlands directly from station to station takes around 5½ hours ([[Delfzijl]] to [[Vlissingen]] (5 hr 38 min in the 2018 schedule)). Sleeping on the train is fine if you have a ticket for where you sit. The classes share toilets, which are not all wheelchair-accessible. If the train doors have no steps, then there is a high chance that it will have wheelchair-accessible toilets. Regional services rarely have toilets. Larger stations, however, do. The number of toilets, and their accessibility, is due to be improved with the Intercity and Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie. Both classes have freely accessible Wi-Fi. Almost all trains have a conductor. Most trains have no catering, but on some lines drinks and snacks are available for purchase. ===Traveller's rights=== The Dutch railway is often mocked for its lack of punctuality and its inefficiency; however that may simply be because Dutch people have a high standard and treat five minutes of delay as a calamity, while the average customer of some other railways would laugh at such an event. Most of that can be explained in cultural difference: the Dutch are very punctual people. Aside from that, trains often seem full if you're not willing to sit beside someone you don't know, which is something the Dutch don't exactly prefer. Should your train be cancelled, or should your journey be limited in any other way, such as by one of the rare railway strikes, then you are entitled to financial compensation as long as you have obliged to the railway operator's [https://www.ns.nl/en/terms-conditions.html terms and conditions]. [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/refunds Refunds] and [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/lost-or-stolen Lost and found objects] can be reported and requested via NS's website. Should the problem occur when travelling with another railway operator, then contact them via their website if possible, or give them a call. If neither of these are possible, then head for the nearest info desk (often found at the larger stations with the ''Centraal'' suffix). ===Regional, local and commuter lines=== [[File:Railroads Netherlands 2013.svg|thumb|Railway map of the Netherlands. This map also includes cargo only (in pink) and heritage lines (in grey)]] Railways in the Netherlands have been divided into a larger main concession for the core network, which until 2025 is granted to Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), and into a couple of local concessions, which railway companies bid to operate. These lines are most often non-electrified, running diesel stock, whereas all lines operated by NS are electrified. Of the railway operators active in the Netherlands besides NS, Arriva is by far the biggest. Arriva alone services the following lines: * '''Noordelijke Nevelijnen''' (''Northern branch-lines''), consisting of ''Staatslijn B'' ([[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen Haven]] — [[Bad Nieuweschans]]), [[Leeuwarden]] — [[Stavoren]], [[Groningen]] — [[Roodeschool]], Groningen — [[Delfzijl]] and Groningen — [[Veendam]]. The lines are all serviced using the ''Spurt'' train type, better known as the Stadler GTW. Arriva holds the right to service these lines until the year 2035. * '''Vechtdallijnen''' (''Vecht-valley lines''), consisting of [[Zwolle]] — [[Emmen]] (served hourly by a fast and stopping train) and [[Almelo]] — [[Mariënberg]] — [[Hardenberg]]. * '''Achterhoek-Rivierenland''', made up of the [[Zutphen]] — [[Apeldoorn]], Zutphen — [[Winterswijk]], [[Arnhem]] — [[Doetinchem]] — Winterswijk and Arnhem — [[Tiel]] lines. Out of these, the Arnhem — Doetinchem concession is shared with Breng, making it the local line with the highest frequency with four trains per hour in either direction. * '''Limburg''' has five lines, all of which are operated by Arriva. These are S1 ([[Nijmegen]] — [[Roermond]]), S2 ([[Maastricht]] — Roermond), S3 ([[Sittard]] — [[Kerkrade]]) and S4 and S5 (Maastricht — [[Heerlen]]). Arriva runs FLIRT3 trains on the S2 and S4 lines, LINT 41/H on the S1 and Valleilijn line, Stadler GTW 2/6 and 2/8 electric and diesel units on about all other lines. Almost all trains bear a name of a significant person, location or event related to the region the trains service, where the Stadler GTWs are named after people, the FLIRT3s after locations and events, while the LINT 41/H trains rarely are named. The names are always marked on the heads of the trains, only visible on the outside. Names vary from artists like [[w:Mondriaan|Piet Mondriaan]] and [[w:M.C. Escher|M.C. Escher]] to assumed spy [[w:Mata Hari|Mata Hari]] and from naval explorer [[w:Willem Barentsz|Willem Barentsz]] to garden designer [[w:Piet Oudolf|Piet Oudolf]]. Breng services the aforementioned line between Arnhem and Doetinchem creating a quarter-hourly service between both stations in cooperation with Arriva. Keolis has definitely seen better days, once having lines all over the Eastern Netherlands as Syntus, it now only services only the Zutphen — [[Hengelo]] — [[Oldenzaal]] line as ''Twents''. All of these trains are LINT 41/H models refurbished in 2013 to have toilets on-board. These trains, constructed between 2001 and 2004, are the oldest trains on the local networks. As of December 2017, Keolis services the ''Kamperlijn'' ([[Kampen]] — [[Zwolle]]) in its own livery and all other trains in neutral Blauwnet livery. In December 2018, bus company Qbuzz entered the railway market by taking over the MerwedeLingeLine from Arriva. Nederlandse Spoorwegen runs ''Sprinter'' trains on the core network, which is a NS brand for a ''stoptrein'' (stopping train), calling at every stop along the line. Sprinters are nearly always servicing lines that also have Intercity connections, so depending on your departure and/or destination station, you probably are faster by taking an intercity train instead of a sprinter. ===Intercity lines=== [[File:Intercitynet NL 2015.png|thumb|Intercity lines of the Netherlands.]] All Intercity lines are served by NS, and all of these lines are electrified, with the trains served by NS running on energy generated by wind turbines. NS has two categories of Intercity connections (aside from international connections): ====Intercity Direct==== The closest thing that the Netherlands has when it comes to high speed rail. As of 2021, there are four services: * '''IC 35 / 9200''': Amsterdam - [[Antwerp]] - [[Brussels]]-Zuid/Midi * '''IC 35 / 9600''': [[The Hague]] - Antwerp - Brussels-Zuid/Midi * '''900''': Amsterdam - Breda * '''1000''': Amsterdam - Rotterdam All these services run on the HSL-Zuid infrastructure, calling at Schiphol Airport (aside from 9600), The Hague and Rotterdam. There is a supplement required if you travel between Schiphol and Rotterdam with IC-Direct. There have long been plans to expand the Dutch high speed rail network by two lines, but so far nothing has come of them. HSL-Oost (Amsterdam — [[Ruhr Area]]) has been in discussion since the 1990s, with tracks between Amsterdam and Utrecht already being doubled from two to four lines, allowing two of them to be used for higher speeds, connections to Arnhem have been modified, with most modifications to the stations, but east of Arnhem, little has changed. The alternative, the Deltaline, was presented in March 2006, but it never got off the ground either. For now, trains to the Ruhrgebiet are limited to {{kmh|160}}. The Zuiderzeelijn never got beyond the planning phase: whether the line is to operate a Maglev, HSL or ''Superbus'' has not been decided. The line has been permanently set aside for ten years now, and will not be dug up for some time yet. ====Regular Intercity lines==== The regular intercity connections are most likely the ones you would use the most. They connect the major cities with one another, skipping the smaller towns along the route. [[Utrecht]] is what comes closest to the central hub, due to its location in the center of the country. Only routes served by NS dedicated to domestic rail travel are counted as Intercity lines here, even though Arriva does offer connections that can be defined as Intercity, they refer to them as ''Sneltrein'' (fast train). Routes below are listed by their serial number. '''Do not''' bother remembering the serial numbers, as these cannot be found at the station or in trains. * '''500''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Groningen]] via Utrecht and Zwolle using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''600''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Leeuwarden]] via Utrecht and Zwolle using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''700''': [[Den Haag]] (The Hague) — [[Groningen]] via Schiphol ✈, Lelystad and Zwolle using VIRM stock. * '''800''': ([[Den Helder]]) — [[Alkmaar]] — [[Maastricht]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven using VIRM stock. Travelling from Amsterdam, the line becomes a Sprinter (stopping train) service after Alkmaar. Not all trains headed for Alkmaar go further than Alkmaar. * '''900''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Breda]] via the HSL connection. Additional fee required between [[Schiphol]] and Rotterdam. * '''1000''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Rotterdam]] via the HSL connection. Additional fee required between [[Schiphol]] and Rotterdam. * '''1100''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Eindhoven]] via [[Delft]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Breda]] and [[Tilburg]]. * '''1400''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Utrecht]] via Den Haag and Amsterdam using ICM and VIRM stock. * '''1500''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Amersfoort]] (— [[Deventer]]) via Amsterdam using ICM, DDZ and VIRM stock. Trains headed for Deventer from Amersfoort are less frequent. * '''1600''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Enschede]] via Amersfoort and Deventer using ICMm stock. * '''1700''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Enschede]] via Utrecht, Amersfoort and Deventer using VIRM stock. * '''1800''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Leeuwarden]] via Schiphol, Almere and Zwolle. * '''1900''': [[Dordrecht]] — [[Eindhoven]]. * '''2000''': [[Den Haag]] — [[Utrecht]] using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''2100''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Den Haag]] via Haarlem and Leiden using VIRM stock. * '''2200''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Vlissingen]] via Leiden and Den Haag HS using VIRM stock. * '''2400''': [[Lelystad]] — [[Dordrecht]] via Amsterdam, Schiphol ✈, Leiden, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Roosendaal and Vlissingen using VIRM stock. * '''2600''': [[Almere]] — [[Amsterdam]] * '''2800''': [[Rotterdam]] — [[Utrecht]] using VIRM stock. * '''2900''': [[Enkhuizen]] — [[Maastricht]] via [[Hoorn]], Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. * '''3000''': [[Den Helder]] — [[Nijmegen]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem using VIRM stock. * '''3100''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Nijmegen]] via Utrecht and Arnhem using VIRM stock. * '''3200''': [[Arnhem]] — [[Rotterdam]] via Utrecht, Amsterdam and Schiphol ✈. Forms a 10-minute service with other trains between Arnhem and Amsterdam, and Leiden and Schiphol. * '''3300''': [[Leiden]] — [[Hoorn]] via Schiphol ✈ and [[Purmerend]] * '''3400''': [[Haarlem]] — [[Alkmaar]] using VIRM stock. * '''3500''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Venlo]] via Utrecht and Eindhoven using ICM stock. * '''3600''': [[Zwolle]] — [[Roosendaal]] via Deventer, Arnhem, Nijmegen, 's Hertogenbosch and Breda using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''3700''': [[Dordrecht]] — [[Venlo]] via Den Haag, Schiphol ✈, Utrecht and Eindhoven, only during nights and Sundays, forming a 15-minute service between Dordrecht and Leiden. * '''3900''': [[Enkhuizen]] — [[Heerlen]] via Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. * '''4500''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Enkhuizen]]. * '''8800''': [[Utrecht]] — [[Leiden]] via Woerden and Alphen aan de Rijn using DDZ and VIRM stock. * '''11400''': [[Gouda]] — [[Rotterdam]]. * '''11600''': [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] — [[Amersfoort]]. * '''11700''': [[Amersfoort]] — [[Den Haag]]. * '''12200''': [[Vlissingen]] — [[Roosendaal]]. * '''12600''': [[Groningen]] — [[Amsterdam]] via [[Lelystad]]. * '''13500''': [[Eindhoven]] — [[Venlo]] via Helmond, only in service at the beginning and end of the day instead of series 3500. ===International lines=== [[File:Fyra-v250-towed-away-2014-05-18.jpg|thumb|A V250 being towed back to depot after the train's introduction proved to be a massive failure.]] The most infamous intercity line of the Netherlands has to be the HSL-Zuid, running between Amsterdam and [[Brussels]], which were to be served by newly built V250 'Fyra' trains, nicknamed the ''Kruimeldief'' (named after a type of small handheld vacuum cleaner with no proper English name, as the train's nose resembled one). The trains turned out to be poorly constructed, making the news several times too many as train after train failed to show up to platforms, and other technical difficulties caused many delays on other parts of the Dutch and Belgian networks. These problems were labelled as a consequence of new materials, but after the trains had been in service for over a month, no improvements were to be seen. On January 13, 2013, half of the scheduled trains were cancelled, and the other half suffered average delays of an hour. Four days later, 85% of the 'Fyra' trains weren't running. One of the trains that ''did'' work that day had a plate on its underside come off after it was damaged by frost while the train was at high speed. This incident was the final nail in the V250's coffin; Belgium banned the Fyra from running on its HSL network. The Fyra has since been 'temporarily' replaced by regular intercity trains, which up to this day still run. [[File:Thalys train driver cleaning his windscreen.JPG|thumb|A good view is always appreciated during long travels.]] Regardless of the ''Fyra-debacle'', as the situation around the Fyra is known as in the Netherlands, the Netherlands still have international intercity lines, all of which are operated by NS International, a subdivision of Nederlandse Spoorwegen. These are: * '''ICE 43''': [[Amsterdam]] — [[Basel]] calling at [[Utrecht]], [[Arnhem]], [[Oberhausen]], [[Duisburg]], [[Düsseldorf]], [[Hanover]], [[Bielefeld]], [[Gütersloh]], [[Hamm]], [[Hagen]], [[Wuppertal]], [[Cologne]], [[Bonn]], [[Frankfurt am Main]], [[Mannheim]], [[Karlsruhe]], [[Offenburg]] and [[Freiburg im Breisgau]]. Trains run only once per day. * '''ICE 77''': Amsterdam — [[Berlin]] calling at [[Amersfoort]], [[Deventer]], [[Hengelo]], [[Bad Bentheim]], [[Rheine]], [[Osnabrück]] and [[Hanover]], running every two hours. * '''ICE 78''': Amsterdam — Frankfurt am Main calling at all stops listed for the ICE 43 up to and including Frankfurt. * '''IC 35''': Amsterdam — [[Brussels]] calling at [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]], [[The Hague]], [[Rotterdam]], [[Breda]], [[Antwerp]] and [[Mechelen]]. * '''Eurostar 9100''': Amsterdam — [[London]] [[London/Bloomsbury|St. Pancras International]] calling at Rotterdam, Brussels and Lille. (It is one-way only from London due to issues with immigration control in Amsterdam; however, Amsterdam to Brussels Eurostar journeys are bookable.) * '''Thalys 9300''': Amsterdam — [[Brussels]] calling at Schiphol ✈, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels, multiple times per day. This service is extended to [[Paris]] once per day. * '''Thalys 9900''': Amsterdam — [[Lille]] calling at Schiphol ✈, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels. Leaving once or twice per day. * '''ÖBB NightJet''' [[sleeper train]] services connect to Amsterdam since December 2020. As of December 2021, two services are in place: Amsterdam — [[Vienna]]/[[Innsbruck]] via [[München]] and Amsterdam — [[Zürich]] via [[Basel]]. * '''Night trains''' are making a comeback to the Netherlands. Aside from some national NS trains that serve the country in the dark of night, new initiatives have sprung up to connect Amsterdam and other cities with destinations such as [[Prague]], [[Brussels]] and [[Warsaw]]. Additionally, SNCF (France) is exploring the possibility of connecting Amsterdam and [[Bordeaux]] by night train, and other operators are toying with destinations such as [[Stockholm]]. These tickets can be purchased through [https://www.nsinternational.nl/en NS International]. After purchase, you get the option to export the tickets into the NS International App, available on Android and iOS, or download them as a PDF file, which you can then print out. Note that the NS International app is not the same as the NS Reisplanner. One is an app owned and maintained by NS Reizigers and the other by NS International, two divisions of the same company, Nederlandse Spoorwegen. Tickets for IC(E) can also be bought through [http://www.bahn.de Deutsche Bahn], tickets for Eurostar can be booked with [http://www.eurostar.com that company], while tickets for Thalys can also be bought through [http://www.thalys.com Thalys]. All four have early bird offers that can be considerably cheaper than regular fares, which gets you from Amsterdam to Brussels or Antwerp for €29, Paris and Berlin for under €40 and London for €59. OV-chipkaarts and other NS passes can be used on domestic ICE and IC Brussels segments but an additional €2.40 supplement is required for journeys on the former; such fares are not valid on Eurostar and Thalys which both require reservations/advance booking. <!--Prices from August 2019--> Other lines to neighbouring countries are stopping trains, connecting to Germany (GER) and Belgium (B): * '''S-32''': [[Roosendaal]] — [[Puurs]]/[[Lokeren]] (B) via Antwerp. Connects to Lokeren only on weekends. * '''S-43''': [[Maastricht]] — [[Hasselt]] (B) via [[Liège|Liège-Guillemins]]. Terminates at Liège-Guillemins during weekends. * '''RE 13''': [[Venlo]] — [[Hamm]] (GER) calling at [[Mönchengladbach]], [[Neuss]], Düsseldorf, Wuppertal and Hagen. * '''RE 18''': [[Maastricht]] — [[Aachen|Aachen Hbf]] (GER) via [[Landgraaf]], with a separate service going no further than [[Heerlen]]. * '''RE 19''': [[Arnhem]] — [[Düsseldorf]] (GER) via [[Emmerich am Rhein]], [[Oberhausen]] and Duisburg. * '''RB 51''': [[Enschede]] — [[Dortmund]] (GER). * '''RB 57''': [[Groningen]] — [[Leer]] (GER) via [[Bad Nieuweschans]] (connects from [[Weener]] to Leer via a bus connection until 2024 or later). * '''RB 61''': [[Hengelo]] — [[Bielefeld]] (GER) via [[Enschede]], [[Bad Bentheim]], [[Rheine]] and [[Osnabrück]] * '''RB 64''': [[Enschede]] — [[Münster]] (GER). * A tri-country service from [[Aachen]] (GER) to Liège via Maastricht was planned to start per December 9, 2018, but due to several bureaucratic issues in Belgium and Germany, the start of this service has been delayed by another nine years as of 2021. Trains in the Netherlands are limited to no more than {{kmh|160}} with the exception of the HSL-Zuid line which is capable of supporting trains travelling at {{kmh|300}}. Thalys and Eurostar services are the only services capable of reaching that speed now. ==Planning your trip== The most reliable way of planning your journey is by using the '''[https://www.ns.nl/en NS Reisplanner]''', on the homepage of the NS website, or using the ''NS'' app on Android or iOS. The app displays everything you need to know about a station and a journey, whether it be the type of train you will be on, how busy said train is, or simply whether there are any shops open at a nearby station where you can have a quick lunch. The app begins in Dutch, but can be changed to English via the ''Instellingen'' menu, found under the ''Meer'' tab. The NS Reisplanner and app include trains operated by other companies and can also plan door to door journeys including other modes of public transit, such as bus, tram or metro. Alternatively you can use '''[https://9292.nl/en 9292.nl]''' or the associated app of the same name. The best way to get your tickets is by simply using your OV-chipkaart (''see '[[#Buying tickets|Buying tickets]]' below''), though various sites, such as [https://www.discoverholland.com/DayTrips DiscoverHolland.com] may offer a trip to an attraction you wish to visit, with transport included. These often turn out to be cheaper and more relaxing as you already have the journey planned out and since you have your ticket to the attraction in advance, making the journey just that little bit more care-free. Additionally, you will avoid the crowds. It is not uncommon to have to spend an hour and a half queuing up to get a ticket on the more popular days. ==Buying tickets== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" align=right |+ One-way prices to and from Amsterdam Centraal. !Station !One-way Second Class Price (in €) !Number of Tariff Units |- |Schiphol Airport |4.70 |19 |- |Haarlem |4.70 |19 |- |Utrecht Centraal* |8.40 |39 |- |Lelystad Centrum |11.20 |54 |- |Gouda |12.70 |62 |- |Den Haag Centraal |12.80 |63 |- |Rotterdam Centraal* |16.90 |86 |- |Zwolle |20.30 |110 |- |Eindhoven |21.50 |119 |- |Leeuwarden |27.90 |208 |- |Maastricht |27.90 |216 |- |Groningen |27.90 |219 |} === Pricing === In general, railway tickets on NS and regional railway operators are priced on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) distance basis. There are no peak or off-peak hours for the purpose of computing the standard PAYG price but some subscriptions and unlimited day-tickets are valid only during off-peak hours (i.e. outside 06:30-09:00 and in some cases outside 16:00-18:30 on weekdays). Although the NS app or the 9292 app can provide you with the actual railway fare for the journey you want quickly, if you are curious about how these fares are computed, you first need to understand that it depends on the number of tariff units (''tariefeenheden'') between your origin and destination. NS train fares start at €2.40 for journeys up to eight tariff units. The fare for each additional tariff unit varies between €0.10 to €0.20 and there is no clear pattern as to when to charge which. But the maximum possible one-way second class fare one could ever pay for domestic NS rail travel is €26.50 (worth 200 tariff units). To compute for the fare between stations, first refer to the [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1607588395551/content/assets/ns-nl/tarieven/tariefeenhedenkaart-van-nederland-2021.pdf tariff unit map] to determine the number of tariff units. If there are intermediate stations between your origin and destination stations, just add the number of tariff units you see along the route. Then on p. 4 of the [https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1611132176639/content/assets/ns-nl/tarieven/ns-tarieven-2021.pdf price list], locate the number of tariff units you just derived (first column) and its corresponding fare (second column). In case there are two or more possible routes to get to your destination using NS, the price will always be based on the route with fewer tariff units regardless of the route you have taken. One-way second class ticket prices between Amsterdam Centraal and selected stations are listed in the table to the right (*not including supplements for travel with certain trains). With the exception of travel involving international railway stations, Thalys or Eurostar, you are free to travel on any train to get to the points listed on your ticket at any time of the day and reservations are not necessary (the downside of this is you may be forced to stand when trains are crowded). If you decide to travel on an IC-Direct train between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport station or an ICE train within the country, you will need to purchase a supplement worth €2.70 in addition to the standard PAYG rates. International services are however priced differently - based less on distance and more on market conditions. Unlike purely domestic rail travel, travelling on international services offers incentives for those who book in advance. Travelling on Thalys and Eurostar will always require reservations. To purchase tickets involving international travel, proceed to the NS International service point at major railway stations, the NS International website, or the website of the train operator. ===OV-chipkaart=== {{main|OV-chipkaart}} [[File:OV-chipkaart.jpg|thumb|An anonymous (top) and personal card (bottom).]] All public transport in the Netherlands (buses, trams, metros and trains) use contactless smart cards called [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/?taal=en '''OV-chipkaart'''] (OV stands for ''Openbaar Vervoer'' meaning "Public Transport"), sometimes also called the ''Public transport chipcard''. Single-use swipe cards are available for NS trains and some local operators, but come at a surcharge. Unless you plan to use the public transport system only incidentally, your best option is to obtain an anonymous OV-chipkaart upon arrival as it's convenient and ultimately cheaper. However, the card must have a minimum stored value, which for NS trains is €20 (unofficially €16) and generally €4 for local public transit operators. The upfront cost (€7.50) of the anonymous OV-chipkaart is non refundable. The OV-chipkaart comes in three versions: *'''Disposable''' OV-chipkaart is a single-use ticket. It can not be reloaded. Some public transport companies in cities offer 1-, 2- or 3-day tickets offering unlimited use in certain regions. *'''Anonymous''' OV-chipkaart is more the most commonly used smart card. The purchase price is €7.50 (as of 2020) and is non-refundable. These cards are available at ticket offices and vending machines valid up to 5 years. This card is reusable and reloadable. *'''Personal''' OV-chipkaart is useful for anyone entitled to travel with a discount or monthly or annual season ticket. However, because this card requires a Benelux or German residential address or bank account not usable for most tourists. This card features the holder's photograph and date of birth. See the main article for more information on buying and using an OV-chipkaart. When travelling by train on the Dutch network on a disposable card, the card needs to have been bought at the station of departure ''before'' boarding the train at either a service counter or a ticket machine. After purchase, you must check in by tapping the card against a OV-chipkaart card reader before boarding the train and check out by tapping another reader when leaving the station at your destination. The anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can be used on all modes of transport except Thalys and Eurostar. As reservations are not necessary to ride on most trains operating within the country and there are no special discounts offered on such trains (excluding Thalys, Eurostar, and the international segments of the ICE, IC-Berlijn, and IC-Brussels train), passengers with an adequately-loaded OV-chipkaart can proceed directly to the platform (but check in and check out using the fare gates or ''chippaal''). Using the ticket machines or going to the ticket desks before a train journey is only necessary to top up credit or change the class of travel. The fare that will be deducted will be the same fare that is offered when trying to book a ticket for that route on NS.nl and NS Reisplanner Xtra app. The international tickets issued at Dutch stations come in the form of a disposable OV-chipkaart. These are, naturally, perfectly fine for travel abroad. International tickets, which when obtained abroad will most likely be traditional paper tickets. At the gate line use the barcode at the optical reader integrated in the gate. ===Online tickets=== NS tickets are also available in the form of an [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/buying-your-ticket-online.html e-ticket], which is cheaper than a regular disposable ticket obtained from a ticket machine (€1 difference). You can pay with iDeal, Mastercard, VISA or American Express. These tickets can either be downloaded as a PDF file and printed onto an A4 sheet of paper, or [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/ns-on-your-mobile/mobile-tickets.html loaded onto your smartphone] using the NS app. Either of these has a QR-barcode on the ticket, which should be scanned at designated ticket barriers to access the platforms. Naturally, you should have a sufficiently charged phone should you use the mobile ticket. If your phone runs out of battery during your journey (far from every train has on-board electrical outlets), you may be fined for illegal ridership. A printed or mobile ticket works as a personal OV-chipkaart and will have some of your identity on it. You should, therefore, have a valid ID on you while using the ticket. If you are having trouble booking an e-ticket on NS.nl or in the NS app, try booking at B-europe.com, the website of Belgium's national railway company SNCB or the SNCB International app. ===Overview of tickets=== The following list provides an overview of tickets being sold online, at a ticket machine or at the counter. Prices are for online purchase or as loaded on an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart. For purchase at a ticket machine as a disposable ticket, add €1.00 per ticket. For purchase of tickets at the counter which are otherwise also available at the ticket machine, there is an additional surcharge. Prices updated as of July 2022. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/enkele-reis Single ticket]''' - Valid on a specific date for 28 hours, from 0:00 until 04:00 the next morning. The cost depends on where you will be travelling. Passengers are permitted to break their trips at stations along the way but must check in and check out at every point and the whole journey is done the same day. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/retour Day return]''' - A simple day return, valid from station A to B and back to A. The ticket is day-bound, being usable from 00:00 until 04:00 the next morning on a specified date. The price depends on where you will be travelling to and from. It is basically the cost of two single tickets plus the €1 printing fee (for disposable tickets only), therefore it saves money to get a day return if one is indeed returning to the point of origin on a disposable card. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/losse-kaartjes/p/railrunner Railrunner]''' - A child's ticket for ages 4-11. Kids under the age of four can travel the network free of charge, provided you can prove their age and they do not occupy a seat themselves. In first class, Railrunners are only valid with an adult over the age of 18 with them, with at most three railrunners per adult. The railrunner is valid on all modes of train transport within The Netherlands excluding only the Thalys and Eurostar. The cost of a railrunner is fixed at €2.50 per child. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/meest-gekocht/p/groepsticket-daluren Off-peak Groupticket]''' - A single ticket for groups of 2-7 people. €32.00 for 2-3 people, add €3 for each additional person, with up to seven people being able to use a group ticket. The main ticket holder (the person ordering the ticket) should be present with the group at all times. The ticket may ''not'' be used during peak times (weekdays 6:30-9:00 and 16:00-18:30) even if the trip started before peak hour, or on the King’s Day (27 April). *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/onbeperkt-reizen/p/dagkaart Day-pass]''' - Grants a whole day on the network, no matter what train you use (except Thalys and Eurostar). The ticket is valid for a day at the fixed cost of €55.80 (2nd class). *'''[https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/bikes-on-the-train.html Off-peak Day-pass bicycle]''' - A day pass allowing you to bring your bike on the train ''except'' during rush hour, for €7.50. Only valid with a valid ticket for yourself. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/alleen-te-koop-via-station-of-kaartautomaat/p/dagkaart-hond Day-pass dog]''' - A day pass allowing you to bring a (larger) dog on the train. €3.30. Small pets may be taken free of charge in a bag or basket or on your lap. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/abonnementen/overig/intercity-direct-toeslag.html Intercity Direct Supplement]''' - For €2.70, this supplement allows you to use the Intercity Direct between Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport. Also available via the card reader pole on the platform (red colour). *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/toeslagen/p/toeslag-ice ICE Supplement]''' - For €2.70, this supplement allows you to use the German ICE train between Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, and Arnhem. This can be purchased and loaded on the OV-chipkaart through the ticket machines or purchased online in an e-ticket format. It is not valid for travel on German segments of the route. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/overige-kaartjes/p/trein-tram-bus-enkel Train + tram/bus]''' - Made for tourists, the Train + tram/bus ticket allows for a connection to attractions in [[Bloemendaal]], [[Arnhem]], the [[Efteling]], [[Eindhoven Airport]], [[Scheveningen]] and more. Price depends on the connection you want. A full overview of which can be found in the webshop. ==== Regional and special tickets ==== * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/onbeperkt-reizen/p/amsterdam-travel-ticket Amsterdam Travel Ticket]''' - A one, two or three-day ticket allowing you to use Amsterdam's public transit, including a train ticket for unlimited 2nd travel to and from Schiphol Airport by NS train to any station in Amsterdam (not in Thalys and Eurostar) and the Amsterdam Airport Express (bus 397). Price €17.00, €22,50 or €28.00. * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/onbeperkt-reizen/p/amsterdam-region-travel-ticket Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket]''' - Comparable to the Amsterdam Travel Ticket, but also valid in all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region. Available as a one-, two- or three-day ticket (€19.50, €28 or €36.50). * '''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/overige-kaartjes/p/euregio Euregio-ticket]''' - Valid on weekends and public holidays for a day in the Meuse-Rhine area for €19.00 for up to two adults and three children under the age of 12. *'''[https://www.ns.nl/producten/en/onbeperkt-reizen/p/holland-travel-ticket Holland Travel Ticket]''' - A ticket valid on weekends and on weekdays outside morning peak hours (06:30-09:00) for €44, or at anytime on a given day (€64). Valid for train, bus, tram and metro. The ticket is valid on all railway services except Thalys and Eurostar. This is not loadable on a personal/anonymous OV-chipkaart and must instead be purchased at NS service desks at major railway stations or picked up at AKO bookshops at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal station. Travelling on Intercity Direct or ICE will require you to purchase the supplement as usual. ===Tips for saving credit=== A minimum fare of €2.40 may seem high. There is talk to make rail travel more affordable, but until some plans are actually put in motion, the only way of saving money on your journey while not breaking the law are by taking a subscription to a travel product or buying a day pass that covers a certain region. Check the NS Reisplanner Xtra or the 9292 app to find out the fare between your origin and destination. If a standard one-way fare between your origin and destination costs more than €20 and you plan to return on the same day, it may be worth purchasing a Holland Travel Ticket, which also includes access to local public transport. ====Subscriptions==== Subscriptions are perhaps the most straightforward way of saving money. Nederlandse Spoorwegen offers eight season tickets for saving money, which are usable in all of the Netherlands: * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/dal-voordeel.html Dal Voordeel]''''' (Off-peak discount) offers a 40% discount on weekends and during off-peak hours (€5 per month). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/altijd-voordeel.html Altijd Voordeel]''''' (Always discount) is the same as Dal Voordeel, but offers an additional 20% off during peak hours starting at €23 per month (€276 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/weekend-vrij.html Weekend Vrij]''''' (Weekend-free) at the cost of €31 per month (€372 per year) offers unlimited travel on weekends and a 40% discount during off-peak hours. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/dal-vrij.html Dal Vrij]''''' (Off-peak-free) offers unlimited travel on weekends and during off-peak hours for a €106 fee per month (€1,272 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/traject-vrij.html Traject Vrij]''''' (Route-free) gives you unlimited travel on a specific route, as well as a 40% discount on all other routes, though the cost is route-specific. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/altijd-vrij.html Altijd Vrij]''''' (Always free) is the all-in-one subscription, offering unlimited travel during the weekends, off-peak and peak hours for €356 per month (€4,272 per year). * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/grensabonnement.html Grensabonnement]''''' (Border subscription) gives unlimited travel along specific routes starting at the national border and 40% discount for up to three travel companions. Again, the fee is route-specific. * '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/kids-vrij.html Kids Vrij]''''' (Kids-free) requires you to bring your kids aged 4-11 with you, allowing them to travel for free at any time. This is the only subscription that is fully free of costs. Students in the Netherlands, domestic and foreign, can request a '''''[http://www.studentenreisproduct.nl/detail/english/ Studentenreisproduct]''''' (Student travel product), which can only be used if you're a student, but also once you're in the Dutch student financing system, ''DUO''. You require a personal OV-chipkaart, to which you then link your ''studentenreisproduct''. More options for students can be found [https://www.ns.nl/en/season-tickets/students here]. Should you need to use the train a lot when working in the Netherlands, have a look at '''''[https://www.ns.nl/en/business/subscriptions Business Travellers' subscriptions] '''''. Requesting these will often require a validation from the company that employs you. The discounts stated above are based on the fares of regular (Sprinter and Intercity) train journeys. This means that unless stated otherwise, passengers with subscriptions are liable to pay for supplements if travelling on Intercity Direct and ICE trains. These subscriptions do not extend to Thalys and Eurostar journeys. ==Using the train== The '''[https://www.ns.nl/en/stations Nederlandse Spoorwegen]''' website has information about services at every station on the Dutch network, including accessibility, bike rental, lockers, waiting rooms, service desks, shops and restaurants, toilets and taxi / park and ride facilities. Departures per station can only be found on the '''[https://www.ns.nl/actuele-vertrektijden/avt Dutch version]''' of the website, but the page does not need much translation. Simply type in the name of your station, click ''Zoeken'' (search), and an overview of departure times pops up. The four tabs are named ''Tijd'' (time), ''Naar'' (to/destination), ''Vervoerder'' (railway operator) and ''Spoor'' (platform). The content of the table is rather universal and needs no translation. At the bottom of that page you will also find current disruptions on the network, be it planned maintenance or unexpected interruptions. Again, the names of the stations need no translation. Terms often used are ''tot en met'' (up to and including) and ''tussen'' (between). ===At the station=== [[File:TB7 Baarn.JPG|thumb|A TB7-display at Baarn Station. These displays are the most commonly used displays on stations, showing the departure times, destinations, platform and service.]] [[File:Den Haag Hollands spoor.JPG|thumb|Double LCD screen at Den Haag Hollands Spoor (HS).]] If you have already obtained an e-ticket or have a sufficiently topped-up OV-chipkaart, you can just proceed directly to the platform of your next train but may need to pass through the barrier gates (see third paragraph for more details). If you aren't familiar with the journey you wish to take, arrive at the station with time to spare. Entering the station is simple. Smaller stations can be entered without any hassle, but before boarding the train you will have to check in with your OV-chipkaart at one of the posts available on the station. In addition, most passengers who wish to take the Intercity Direct or ICE trains within the country have to tap their OV-chipkaart using the designated red pole as it will deduct the €2.40 supplement required for travel on such services. Tapping on the red supplement pole won't be necessary if the supplement was purchased in advance or through the ticket machines, or if a passenger's subscription already includes it. These red poles are found on the platforms of participating IC-direct stations. Larger stations have barrier gates, requiring you to check in to access the platforms. These gates have the same function as an OV-chipkaart pole. Checking out at the same barrier-equipped station without travelling anywhere, within 35 minutes from check-in, won't charge your card's balance. The barriers are merely there to prevent fare evasion. Stations served by more than one train operator have different coloured fare gates; each colour indicating a different operator - make sure you check in with the operator whose train you will use immediately and check out of the operator whose train you just finished your journey with. Being 'checked in' with NS whilst on an Arriva train or vice versa will result in a fine or warning. If you are travelling internationally but are using an OV-chipkaart for the domestic section of the trip, please check out at the last domestic station not covered by your international ticket. Likewise, if you are returning to the Netherlands from an international journey, be sure to check in at the first domestic station not covered by your international ticket. If your entire journey is covered by a pre-purchased international ticket (including Thalys, ICE, and Eurostar trains), you will still need to scan your ticket's barcode at the designated barrier to access the platforms and/or exit them. All stations have LCD-displays showing the upcoming departures, with the first departing train always on top. These show the time of departure, platform, destination and service. Numbers in red written right after the scheduled departure time (e.g. +5) mean that a train is delayed with the numbers in red showing the number of minutes the service is expected to be delayed by (e.g. +5 written after 15:20 means the service will be delayed by approximately five minutes, which means a departure at approximately 15:25). These signs are found at the entrances of smaller stations, or in the main lobbies of the larger stations, often labelled ''Vertrekkende treinen'' (departing trains). In the main corridor of the station, should it have one, there are always double LCD-screens per track, showing the direction to the stairs up or down to platform level, the two tracks you will find at the other side of the stairs, the two displays showing the time of departure, service, destination and the train after it. The same display also has an analogue clock embedded in it. At platform level the same display can be found, though only with a single screen. It will show the platform you are on, the time of departure, destination, service, stations visited on that specific journey, as well as further details and the train departing after it. These displays too have an analogue clock embedded. The largest stations in the Netherlands either already have or will soon have gigantic LCD displays in their main lobbies showing roughly the next half hour of departures. Again, these displays show the time of departure, destination, platform, train type and further information, most often some of the calling points of each train. Should anything unscheduled occur, then the displays will update with that information and an automatic announcement in Dutch can be heard. If the train is international, this will often be repeated in German, French and English. Trains in the Netherlands are not identified by numbers or IDs, instead, they are identified by their destination and time of departure (e.g. "The 16:08 Sprinter to Leiden Centraal via Lammenschans") (Dutch: "''De sprinter van 16:08 naar Leiden Centraal via Lammenschans''"). On the platform, stand back from the edge, behind the white dashed line if possible. Trains don't always stop at platforms, and the vortex caused by trains speeding past might pull you onto the track or under a train if you're standing on the edge of a platform. Do not use flash photography as it may distract the train drivers. ====Station services==== If you fancy a snack or think you'll need something to eat before arrival, now is the time to get one. Aside from the PROTOS trains on the Valleilijn, no trains have either a restaurant car or vending machine. The PROTOS only has the latter. Larger stations, often the ones where you have to switch trains to get somewhere, have shops in their main lobbies. These can include: * Starbucks: the well-known coffee chain from the United States. * AH ToGo: An on-the-go version of Albert Heijn, one of the largest supermarket chains of the Netherlands. * Smullers: A snackbar, often featuring the Dutch concept of ''Eten uit de muur'' (Eating from the wall). No, they won't throw your hamburger onto the wall expecting you to use the wall as a table. Instead, you throw a euro or two into a vending machine or tap a credit/debit card into the reader and you get a hamburger, ''Broodje kroket'', ''Frikandel'' or any other available food item in return. If the concept scares you, don't worry. They also have a regular counter where you can order a snack, a drink or Belgian fries. * De broodzaak: A sandwich shop * Burger King * Kiosk: Usually on the platform, where you can quickly pop out of the train to get a coffee, tea or other while your train awaits departure on another platform. Many of the larger stations also have ticket counters, where you can get your ticket if you'd rather talk to station staff. The ticket you get is a disposable chipkaart, which can only be used once, and will have an additional cost for printing. Aside from Intercity trains and the Sprinter LightTrain, trains do not have toilets, and smaller stations might not have a toilet. Be sure to time your visit wisely, and always take your luggage with you when leaving a train, even if you intend getting back on again in a minute or two. Trains never wait long at a station. Besides, most services run every 15 or 20 minutes or even 10 minutes on several lines. ====Finding your way about==== [[File:Bestand-500 en 200 euro accepteren wij niet symbool (NS).jpg|thumb|140px|Signage can get pretty specific. For example: paper money larger than €200 isn't accepted here.]] If you can read Dutch or German, then interpreting the signage everywhere will not cause many problems. Otherwise, the language barrier can make your journey stressful. However, the signage is not too hard to understand if you know what you're looking for. Some words in Dutch resemble those in English. During your journey, you might run into the following signs or labels frequently: * Bewaakt - ''Guarded'', often accompanied with the symbol of a guard or policeman and a bike, meaning that this is a guarded bike shed or garage. * Camera-toezicht - ''Camera surveillance'', found on every station. * (Fietsen)stalling - ''Bike storage area'', either a bike shed or garage. * Fietsverhuur - ''Bike rental'', where you rent a bike with OV-Fiets. * Geen toegang - ''No access'' * Gehandicapt - ''Handicapped'', most often referring to accessible toilets. * Halen en brengen - ''Collect and drop-off'', for use by private cars. * Heren/Dames - ''Men/Women'', toilets. * Lift - ''Elevator'' * (Niet) roken - ''(No) smoking''. Smoking is strictly prohibited in indoor public spaces; therefore, smoke outside if these signs cannot be found. Since October 1, 2020, smoking is also prohibited on NS station platforms even those outdoors. * Parkeren - ''Parking'' * Spoor - ''Track''. The symbol accompanied with this text is the number of the platform you're on. Platforms are always labelled per track instead of individually. * Taxi - ''Taxis'' * Uitgang - ''Exit'', should you have enough of travelling by train for a moment. * Wachtruimte - ''Waiting room'' All signs except for the exit sign have a white background and a blue pictogram. The exit sign is green with a white pictogram. ====Finding a train on the go==== [[File:GeelbordophetstationvanAmerfoort.jpg|thumb|''Geel bord'' at Amersfoort station describing the service to Schiphol ✈ and Enkhuizen.]] Aside from the NS Reisplanner and other tools to help you plan your journey, it is of course possible that you're refraining from those tools for whatever reason. Luckily for you, the connections are all still written down on posters found throughout the stations, most often at the entrances of smaller stations or the throughway to the platforms at larger stations. They work as follows: At the top of the page you will find the direction of the trains. On the image to the right this is ''Weesp, Duivendrecht and Schiphol ✈ OR Amsterdam and Enkhuizen''. The pictured line has two termini, Schiphol ✈ and Enkhuizen. Often looking at the schematic below the directions is more insightful. Stations listed with [[File:Intercity logo.svg|17px]] have Intercity trains stopping there. Sprinters stop at all stations unless mentioned otherwise (which is rarely the case). Below that you will find a massive table listing (from left to right) the departure time, days on which the train is in service, the platform it departs from, the line operator and lastly the destinations and type of train. On the bottom of the page you will find some small information, such as footnotes explaining irregularities, as well as some other information. Often found terms here are: <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * '''Ma'''andag - Monday * '''Di'''nsdag - Tuesday * '''Wo'''ensdag - Wednesday * '''Do'''nderdag - Thursday * '''Vr'''ijdag - Friday * '''Za'''terdag - Saturday * '''Zo'''ndag - Sunday * '''Jan'''uari - January * '''Feb'''ruari - February * '''M'''aa'''rt''' - March * '''Apr'''il * '''Mei''' - May * '''Jun'''i - June * '''Jul'''i - July * '''Aug'''ustus - August * '''Sep'''tember * '''Okt'''ober - October * '''Nov'''ember * '''Dec'''ember * '''Van''' - starting, start date * '''T/M''' - Up to and including, end date * '''Stopt vanaf [x] op alle stations''' - Stops at all stations after [x] * '''Stopt ook in [x]''' - Also stops at [x] * '''Stopt niet in [x]''' - Does not stop at [x] * '''Vertrekstaat [x]''' - Time schedule for station [x] </div> The yellow signs however are bilingual nowadays, all the footnotes are printed in Dutch and English. ===Boarding the train=== [[File:VIRM Nieuw balkon.jpg|thumb|Train balconies are always divided from the main parts of the train, albeit not always with physical walls or doors. Should there be no seat in sight, then it is perfectly fine to stand here.]] You must have a valid ticket or validated OV-chipkaart before boarding the train. If you were not able to purchase a ticket and/or validate an OV-chipkaart due to a defective machine please report this immediately to the conductor. If you have a seat reservation for an international train, then watch the display at platform level for your coach number. All trains have automatic doors, having a single button to open them per entrance. On the inside these may be on either side of the doors. These are almost always labelled with two arrows pointing away from each other. In older NS stock these labels also have the doors pictured, as well as an additional button for closing the doors. The doors are always locked when the train is moving. In newer stock, pressing the button to open the doors while the train is slowing down for the next station will light up the LEDs around the button, and will open the door once the train has stopped. Generally, it is best to press the button to open the doors as soon as the train has stopped, as in some stock pressing the button may open the doors regardless of the train having stopped. This button may occasionally not work properly, in which case, it should open after being pressed a second time. When the doors open, people leaving the train get priority over people boarding the train, therefore, always stand out of the way for people leaving the train. On the door of each carriage are icons that tell you what facilities the carriage is equipped with (e.g. WiFi, toilets, bicycle-friendly). ===Finding your seat=== '''Having a ticket never guarantees a seat'''. Be prepared to give up your seating if someone having trouble standing upright approaches (e.g. elderly people or pregnant women). If someone requests you to give up your seat, you do not have to oblige, though it is much appreciated if you do, should the person have a valid reason to need the seat. Always keep your ticket, reservation or OV-chipkaart with you. Do not tuck it away somewhere deep in a rucksack, as you might be checked at any time for having paid for the journey, albeit by OV-chipkaart or E-Ticket, a subscription or seat reservation. Should you lose your OV-chipkaart, you can [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/terminate-or-replace/report-my-card-lost-or-stolen.htm report the card as stolen or lost]. Should the card break, then you can [https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/terminate-or-replace/report-my-card-defective.htm request a replacement]. ==== Onboard announcements ==== Depending on the operator and rolling stock, onboard announcements are either automated or manually done by the conductor, or the driver. Station stops are normally announced twice over the train intercom. At larger stations the possible transfer to other trains will be announced. Announcements are in Dutch, and also in English on international trains and on domestic trains for the major stations relevant for tourists or international travelers. Sometimes the manual announcements are difficult to hear or understand, so be sure to check the carriage display at the front or rear of the carriage, showing the next few stops as well as a time of arrival. Some railway operators may put advertisements on these signs as well, so wait a bit until the display switches to the right screen. On automated systems, you may hear a reminder: "''Reist u met de OV-chipkaart? Vergeet dan niet om uit te checken.''" (Travelling with an OV-chipkaart? Do not forget to 'check-out'). ===Travelling with luggage=== Most Dutch trains are designed for travelling rather short distances, as the Netherlands is not a big country. Therefore, many travellers will not carry much luggage. This of course is different on international trains. As a general rule of thumb, there is more space on single level than on ''dubbeldekker'' trains, though the amount of space in the latter might surprise you. Luggage can also be put under the seats; a space that remains unused surprisingly often. Be kind to your fellow travellers and never put your luggage in the walkway of the train; this is a safety hazard as well as a nuisance. Passengers leaving the train often stand up ahead of the arrival time as many trains tend to leave as soon as everyone has got off and on the train. When the train driver applies the brake, people might fall or stumble, and your luggage might break their fall if they do, but it is way more common that they get their foot tangled in one of the straps on your rucksack, duffel bag, etc. Only when it doesn't fit in the luggage racks or your seat is it acceptable to use the walkway as storage space. At that point, however, be prepared to answer "''Waarom neem je niet gewoon een taxi?''" (Why don't you just take a cab?). Have you left an item on the train or lost track of it during your journey? No fear, help is always near. Nederlandse Spoorwegen stores an awful lot of lost items in their warehouse. If you've lost anything on their trains or in any station, then [https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/lost-or-stolen/lost-and-found-items.html get in touch with them via their website] or by calling them ({{phone|+31 307 515 155}}). Arriva also stores your items for some time, though their contact form is [https://www.arriva.nl/consumenten/service-contact/verloren-voorwerp-melden.htm only available in Dutch]. Get help from Dutch passersby or station staff, who will most likely be willing to help you out. Breng, again has [https://www.breng.nl/en/customer-service/lost-and-found the same issue] with their online form, though they do offer a quick and handy overview of recently found items along with a photo, making it more accessible to non-Dutch speakers. The same goes for [https://klantenservice.keolis.nl/hc/nl/articles/207052245-Ik-ben-iets-verloren Keolis]. [https://www.connexxion.nl/en/customer-service/lost-and-found Connexxion's online form] is somewhat more easy to translate, and you can most likely figure out what to write and select with a dictionary or translation service at hand. ===Travelling with a bicycle=== [[File:Merwedelingelijn Fietsvervoer.JPG|thumb|Travelers require a reservation to carry a bicycle onto a train. Carriages carrying bicycles have a large bike symbol on the side of the side of the carriage.]] Effective Saturday, July 10, 2021, travelers with a bicycle must make a reservation for carrying a bicycle on a train. This is to prevent trains from being overcrowded with bicycles. Reservations can be made via ns.nl or via the NS-app, and will entitle the traveler to a 25 percent discount for a bicycle ticket (''fietskaartje''). Bike reservations can be made up to 14 days prior to the date of travel and up to one minute before departure. If the desired train has no available space for additional bicycles, the traveler may make a reservation on a following train. This procedure was introduced on a trial basis, and may be modified after a future evaluation. ===Combining modes of transport=== [[File:Jackdaw on bicycle handle bars Bustation Amsterdam Sloterdijk 2016-09-12-6540.jpg|thumb|Cycling might be the mode of transport most combined with the train network.]] The Netherlands being one of the most bike-friendly and cycling enthusiast countries on Earth, there is usually some bike parking at stations, sometimes even a whole dedicated garage just for bikes. Utrecht Centraal has the largest bike garage, which can store up to 12,500 bicycles. Bikes often have a dedicated lane if not road to themselves. Cycling in the Netherlands is the cheapest and perhaps the safest way to get about from station to destination. Above that, they are often not much slower, if not faster than taking a bus or car through a city. Dutch law does not require you to use any form of safety measures (i.e. a helmet or knee-pads), so don't waste time looking for a place to find some. Stations are usually well connected if not the hub of the local bus or [[urban rail]] system. The OV-chipkaart can be used on buses, trams and metros, with an alternative to the Chipkaart lacking more than OV-chipkaart support. To find a connecting mode of transport on the fly, look for the signs with the white background and blue pictograms. They will guide you to a bus, tram or metro (which are all spelled the same way in Dutch), a ''stalling'' ((bike) shelter), ''bewaakt'' (guarded (bike shelter)) or ''fietsverhuur'' (bike rental). The OV-chipkaart is fully integrated into the Dutch public transit system, so prepare to use the card for not only access to vehicles, but also for luggage lockers and private bike lockers. Big stations often have special departure boards dedicated to buses and trams, making it easier for you to see where your bus or tram leaves, and giving you the pleasure of having to not getting soaked during heavy rainfall while waiting for a bus. When continuing your travel by bus, be sure to ''check-out'' your OV-chipkaart when getting off the train, and checking in as soon as you enter the bus, as rail travel costs are based on distance travelled, while busses' costs depend on time travelled. Should you prefer to pay for a bus ride by credit or debit card, then you can do so. Cash payments for bus tickets have since been stopped on paper, but many busses still accept cash for a ticket. [[File:Stalling_OV-Fiets.jpg|thumb|left|OV-Fiets locker at Rotterdam Alexander station.]] [[File:BikeDispenser.JPG|thumb|OV-Fiets dispenser at Lent station.]] ====OV-Fiets==== The Dutch bicycle-share system "OV-fiets" is only accessible for residents of the Netherlands. Users of the service require a personal [[OV-chipkaart]] and a Dutch bank account. ''[https://www.ns.nl/en/door-to-door/ov-fiets-oud/how-the-ov-fiets-works.html OV-Fietsen]'', bikes available for usage through the OV-chipkaart, can be found in the bike garage or shelter of the station. Which of the two the station you're using has, depends on the station. The OV-Fiets is a bike that can be rented using the ''OV-chipkaart''. You will find them in the shelters or garages of the station either in a locker or a dispenser. You simply scan your OV-chipkaart, after which the locker opens, or in the case of a dispenser, a bike rolls out. It's strongly recommended that you check the tyre pressure and fix the bike seat at the height that's most comfortable for you. Should your tyres have too little pressure, then look around: every station in the Netherlands is equipped with at least one bike pump (''fietsenpomp''). Should the seat be too high or to low, then undo the lock on the seat pin via the small lever, place yourself next to the bike and bring the seat up to your hip. This should be roughly the ideal height for you. Then simply lock the seat in place by turning the lock in the opposite direction and go on your way. Should the bike have punctured tyres, then take it to the mechanic found at the station. If there is none, return your OV-Fiets and get another one. This can be done free of charge within 15 minutes. The OV-Fiets is a subscription based service, though. The service is as good as free. The only cost charged per year is €0.01 to check and confirm your bank details. Feel free to unsubscribe from the service as soon as your journey to the Netherlands is over. The subscription can be ordered and [https://www.ns.nl/webshop/nieuwproduct?1&product=OFI&reisklasse=U&contractduur=DRLP&returnurl=http://www2.ns.nl/deur-tot-deur/ov-fiets/online-abonnee-worden.html here]. Additional costs will be charged when you return your OV-Fiets to a different station than the one you got it from (€10). Other than that, costs are €3.85 per 24-hour timeslot. A single bike can be used for up to 72 hours, after which the price changes to €5 per day. You receive an invoice for use of the OV-fiets every month via email and payment is made via direct debit. ====Ferries==== [[File:Stena Hollandica at Hoek van Holland Haven aerial photo.jpg|thumb|Hoek van Holland Haven with a ferry bound for the United Kingdom in front and the railway tracks behind it. Hoek van Holland Haven train services were replaced by metro services in April 2017.]] Domestic ferries in the Netherlands are only found as a link to the [[West Frisian Islands|Waddeneilanden]], which can all be reached with relative ease. Your OV-chipkaart is '''not''' usable on ferries. * [https://www.teso.nl/en/ The ferry] to '''[[Texel]]''' leaves from the harbour of [[Den Helder]], the train station of which is serviced by NS, connecting the city to cities as far as Utrecht via Intercity and Sprinter. The 25-minute walk can be substituted by taking bus line 33 to ''Den Helder, Steiger TESO''. * '''[[Vlieland]] and [[Terschelling]]''' are both connected by [https://www.rederij-doeksen.nl/en ferry] to [[Harlingen (Netherlands)|Harlingen]]. ''Harlingen Haven'' train station is a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal, but you could instead take bus 71 from [[Leeuwarden]] to get to the terminal as well. * '''[[Ameland]]''' can only be reached by bus from [[Groningen]] and Leeuwarden via lines 163 and 66 respectively. You will have to get off the bus at ''Holwerd, Veerdam''. Both of these bus lines stop at their destination's train stations. * '''[[Schiermonnikoog]]''' can also only be reached via bus, connecting to ''[https://www.wpd.nl/en/ Lauwersoog, Haven]'', which links to Leeuwarden (line 155) and Holwerd (line 163). * '''[[Borkum]]''' is the only German island that can be reached directly from the Netherlands. The Eemshaven train station can only be reached from [[Groningen (city)|Groningen]]. The trains are synced with the ferry departures, connecting to Eemshaven five times per day. The train leaves at the time it is scheduled to, no matter if the ferry is late, as the line from Groningen is a single track with an half-hourly service. Waiting for the ferry would result in a delay for all of the line. The Netherlands also has international ferries, all of which connect to the [[United Kingdom]]. * '''[[IJmuiden]] — [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] (UK)''': The IJmuiden harbour can be reached from two ways: Travel to [[Beverwijk]] Station, from which you take bus 74, heading for ''IJmuiden Zeewijk''. You leave the bus at the ''IJmuiden Stationsstraat'' stop, which means ''Station street'', reminding of the station here that was used up into the 1980s, after which services were cancelled and the stations of IJmuiden fell into disuse. From the Stationsstraat, walk uphill, taking the first road left (Neptunusstraat), followed by another left onto the Duinstraat. From this point you should be able to see the harbour and getting there is as simple as following the road you're on. :The quicker route, however, is to travel to Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station found on many of the lines from Amsterdam Centraal station, namely the lines to [[The Hague]], [[Schagen]], [[Vlissingen]], [[Den Helder]], [[Enkhuizen]], [[Enkhuizen]] and [[Haarlem]], all of which are Intercity connections, as well as Sprinters to [[Uitgeest]], [[Hoorn]], [[Zandvoort aan Zee]], The Hague, [[Hoofddorp]], as well as a Sprinter from [[Schiphol Airport|Schiphol ✈]] to [[Hoorn|Hoorn Kersenboogerd]]. From ''Ass'', which is how Sloterdijk is abbreviated, bus 82 connects directly to the ''IJmuiden Sluisplein DFDS'' bus stop, which is way closer to the ferry terminal than the aforementioned ''IJmuiden Stationsstraat''.'Ferries to Newcastle are serviced by [https://www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-routes/ferry-to-holland/newcastle-to-amsterdam?src=promo4 DFDS Seaways]. * '''[[Hook of Holland]] — [[Harwich (England)|Harwich]] (UK)''': The Hook of Holland is directly serviced via a metro service by RET, which services ''Station Hoek van Holland Haven'', which had trains running there up until 2017. Metrolijn B, which the station is on, connects to the train stations of ''Rotterdam Alexander'', ''Rotterdam Blaak'' and ''Schiedam Centrum''. These in turn are the easiest to get to via ''Rotterdam Centraal'', whether that would be by train or metro is up to you. ===Unforeseen disruptions=== [[File:DRIS NS vertrekkende treinen.jpg|thumb|Though rare, there may be moments when all the trains get cancelled due to circumstances such as heavy storms.]] Most trains don't, but there will always be a chance that your train gets stranded or can't continue for a different reason. The most common of which are signal or switch malfunctions (''Sein-/wisselstoring''), track maintenance (''werkzaamheden''), or the occasional collision with a vehicle, animal or person (''Aanrijding met voertuig/persoon'') or stranded train (''gestrande trein''). When in a hotel or anywhere else, you can check known disruptions on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks NS' website] or the [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/ns-on-your-mobile/travel-planner-xtra.html NS Reisplanner Xtra app] on your phone. Their overview covers all of the Dutch network, including routes serviced by other operators. Here you can also find planned maintenance to the railways, so you won't be caught in surprise when you arrive at the station and the track is missing at your platform. You will be able to see the changes to your journey as well. When at a station, you can see disruptions on the main LCD screen in the station's lobby or entry way, as well as the displays by the tracks. In case of a delay, times on the station displays get rounded off to the nearest five minutes, while the NS Reisplanner does not round off times. Should your train and the following few trains be unable to arrive or depart, then rail replacement busses will be dispatched. These are most often provided by the operator themselves. The operator may outsource this task, and will likely ask one or multiple touring bus companies to fulfil this task. Generally speaking, there can be either a ''snelbus'' (the faster or more direct connection) or ''stopbus'' (will stop at every station along the route). For these, you need to stay checked in. If the station where you're switching onto rail replacement buses is equipped with Chipkaart barriers, you need to check out to leave the station. In this situation, there will be a mobile unit near the buses where you can check in again. There are almost always staff members around in these situations. You can find them by following the signs labelled "Naar de NS-bus" (To the NS-bus), or something similar when travelling with other operators. Not every rail replacement bus is the same, so it's best to ask for information with staff (often either in uniform or in high-visibility clothing) when this happens. The more temporary disruptions, which cannot be planned for, can be found in the "Disruptions" tab in the NS app, or on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/current-situation-on-the-tracks/ this page] on NS' website. Track maintenance is a planned disruption that is often announced well in advance, and you can find planned disruptions on [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/maintenance-on-the-tracks/ NS' website]. This page, however, is not fully translated into English. Some basic phrases you might see are: * '''Dit kan gevolgen hebben voor uw reis. Plan uw reis in de (internationale) app.''' - This might affect your journey. Plan your journey using the NS/NS International app. ::This phrase will often be used on ICE or other international journeys, where the maintenance is not carried out by a Dutch company. It might be worthwhile to check the website of the operator. * '''Reizigers van [x] naar [y] reizen via [z].''' - Travellers from [x] to [y] should travel via [z]. ::This implies that despite the maintenance, this part of the track will still see train traffic across it. This does often come with additional travel time, which rarely exceeds half an hour. * '''Het is niet mogelijk om fietsen mee te nemen in de bus.''' - It is not possible to bring bikes on the bus (though folding bikes will often still be accepted). ::A rail replacement bus service will be issued. This generally only applies when you can find this sentence in the "advice" column. This isn't a frequent practise during maintenance, as there is a preference for keeping services running during maintenance if possible. In the case of an unplanned disruption that requires rail replacement buses, it might be a lot quicker to check for conventional buses that will take you there faster, as rail replacement buses take some time to be organised and fully operational. ===Security=== In August 2021, NS introduced the telephone number +316 1318 1318 that passengers may call if they feel insecure in trains or stations. The number is also available via SMS and WhatsApp. ==Stations== {{mapframe|name=Map of notable Dutch railway stations}} The Netherlands has 397 train stations in service, divided over 388 municipalities. This excludes former railway stations that haven't been demolished, but includes stations with limited service, such as ''Utrecht Maliebaan'', which is only used when the [[Utrecht#Museums|Spoorwegmuseum]] is open. These stations are all maintained by ProRail and serviced by NS, Arriva, Breng, Connexxion or Keolis. In the Netherlands, only the major stations are staffed. ===Major stations of the Randstad=== <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Almere|Almere Centrum]]|lat=52.3752|long=5.2191|wikipedia=Almere Centrum railway station|wikidata=Q594100}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Amsterdam|Amsterdam Centraal]]|lat=52.3791|long=4.9006|wikipedia=Amsterdam Centraal station|wikidata=Q50719}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Delft]]|lat=52.0074|long=4.3568|wikipedia=Delft railway station|wikidata=Q800653}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Den Haag|Den Haag Centraal]]|lat=52.0810|long=4.3241|wikipedia=Den Haag Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q200704}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Gouda]]|lat=52.0174|long=4.7057|wikipedia=Gouda railway station|wikidata=Q800833}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Hilversum]]|lat=52.2265|long=5.1817|wikipedia=Hilversum railway station|wikidata=Q49868}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Leiden|Leiden Centraal]]|lat=52.1664|long=4.4823|wikipedia=Leiden Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q801075}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Centraal]]|lat=51.9250|long=4.4689|wikipedia=|wikidata=Q801075}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Schiphol|Schiphol Airport]]|lat=52.3095|long=4.7622|wikipedia=Schiphol Airport railway station|wikidata=Q801410}} * {{listing|type=go|name=[[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]]|lat=52.0895|long=5.1098|wikipedia=Utrecht Centraal railway station|wikidata=Q575655}} </div> ===Major regional stations=== <div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3"> * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Amersfoort|Amersfoort Centraal]]|lat=52.1539|long=5.3740|wikidata=Q49854}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Alkmaar]]|lat=52.6381|long=4.7407|wikidata=Q800367}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Arnhem|Arnhem Centraal]]|lat=51.9849|long=5.9010|wikidata=Q800399}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Almelo]]|lat=52.3577|long=6.6548|wikidata=Q800372}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Breda]]|lat=51.5954|long=4.7800|wikidata=Q800561}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Deventer]]|lat=52.2573|long=6.1609|wikidata=Q17461651}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]|lat=52.0279|long=5.6720|wikidata=Q388365}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Eindhoven|Eindhoven Centraal]]|lat=51.4430|long=5.4812|wikidata=Q689942}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Enschede]]|lat=52.2223|long=6.8898|wikidata=Q743359}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Groningen]]|lat=53.2109|long=6.5641|wikidata=Q17937}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Heerlen]]|lat=50.8907|long=5.9754|wikidata=Q800901}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Hengelo]]|lat=52.2617|long=6.7949|wikidata=Q800910}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Den Bosch|'s-Hertogenbosch]]|lat=51.6906|long=5.2936|wikidata=Q801698}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Hoorn]]|lat=52.6452|long=5.0544|wikidata=Q800935}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Leeuwarden]]|lat=53.1965|long=5.7929|wikidata=Q17944}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Maastricht]]|lat=50.8503|long=5.7055|wikidata=Q689931}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Roosendaal]]|lat=51.5403|long=4.4582|wikidata=Q801378}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Venlo]]|lat=51.3648|long=6.1711|wikidata=Q632470}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Zutphen]]|lat=52.1447|long=6.1942|wikidata=Q801671}} * {{listing|type=city|name=[[Zwolle]]|lat=52.5050|long=6.0913|wikidata=Q47350}} </div> ===Notable stations=== [[File:Station Groenlo.jpg|thumb|[[Groenlo]]'s railway station (now in use as a house) is one of many ''Standaardstations'', being one out of thirteen ''GOLS-Groot'' stations, built in the 1880s, all of which are as good as identical to one another.]] [[File:Arnhem centraal station.JPG|thumb|Arnhem Centraal, one of the stations rebuilt in modern times.]] The first train stations built in the Netherlands were temporary, as the railways needed to prove their use before being accepted into the country. Most 19th-century stations were built in neoclassical styles, some with German influences. The art-nouveau, known best from the Parisian metro, has only been used in a single station, [[Haarlem]], which stands to this day. Foreign railway companies got involved with train lines onto Dutch soil, building their own stations. [[Valkenburg aan de Geul|Valkenburg]]'s station, for example, is a misfit when it comes to Dutch station buildings. Stations alongside international borders were seen as a way of introducing the country, these therefore, even though they saw little in passenger numbers, were rather decorated. The later 19th century and the start of the 20th century saw the rise of ''Standaardstations'' (Basic stations), which weren't basic per se, but rather a base of which several variations were made: a general blueprint. Take for example the GOLS Groot ''standaardstation'', used for stations of the ''Geldersch-Overijsselsche Lokaalspoorweg-Maatschappij'', active in the [[Achterhoek]] and [[Overijssel]]. Of the GOLS Groot type, thirteen stations were created. Of these four remain, being [[Groenlo]]'s station, which has no line connecting it anymore, [[Haaksbergen]]'s station, in use for a heritage railway, Terborg and Aalten, which are still in service on the line connecting [[Arnhem]] with [[Winterswijk]]. In the 1930s, the style switched towards somewhat more modern designs while not abandoning the classic look of stations. Examples are Amsterdam Amstel and Amsterdam Muiderpoort, both built by H.G.J. Schelling. In the [[World War II in Europe|Second World War]], a lot of the Dutch railway infrastructure was destroyed, including many stations. This allowed for rebuilding using pre-fabricated elements out of concrete, as is the case for [[Zutphen]] and [[Enschede]]'s stations, as well as [[Nijmegen]] and [[Vlissingen]]'s stations. The classic look was fully abandoned in the late 1950s, with [[Tilburg]] station being the first to make the radical switch, featuring a large floating roof covering the tracks and station building. Abandoned and rarely used station buildings which were still in service had their building replaced with smaller stations, often not being much more than a ticket desk. Starting around 1980, the look of stations gained more importance where the functionality of the building first was of utmost importance. More money went into the buildings, allowing for much prettier stations, such as [[Almere|Almere Centrum]], which has a shopping street running through the core of the building, [[Leiden|Leiden Centraal]], which main walkway form a major connection between multiple parts of town. [[Schiphol|Schiphol ✈]], [[Rijswijk]] and [[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Blaak]] were built over an underground railway. In the 21st century, more modern materials have been used. [[Utrecht|Utrecht Centraal]] and [[Arnhem|Arnhem Centraal]] have gone through major redesigns, leading to them winning many awards for their design. ===Former stations=== [[File:Voormalig station Hulshorst.jpg|thumb|Hulshorst railway station may be one of the better-looking abandoned railway stations.]] Where the aforementioned [[Groenlo]] railway station is no longer in use, with the line it was once connected to gone as well, it is not the only station with this fate. Stations in the Netherlands had their services cancelled en masse after [[World War II in Europe|the Blitz]], with cancellations of service happening to this day. Former stations occasionally get a new purpose as a house, as is the case with Groenlo's station, but also as office, restaurant - you name it. Cancellations of service are not as frequent anymore, but stations whose service ended after ''Spoorslag '70'' (the 1970 service overview of the Dutch railways, part of a bigger plan to make the railways better by 1975) that have not been demolished yet, are: * The '''IJmondlijn''' is the line that Lovers' Rail, the first railway operator of the Netherlands serviced for several years. After they quit, the line was closed, leaving the stations of Driehuis-Westerveld, Velsen Zeeweg, Velsen-IJmuiden Oost, IJmuiden Casembrootstraat, IJmuiden Julianakade and IJmuiden to be abandoned in 1999. The stations are rather overgrown, but are able to be put back in service. The start of the line at [[Santpoort]] is still serviced by the [[Haarlem]] — [[Uitgeest]] railway, serviced with Sprinters. * '''[[Nunspeet|Hulshorst]]''''s services were cancelled at the end of May 1987, the day [[Amersfoort]] Schothorst was opened, as the newly opened station made serving the small station close to impossible. The stations was to be closed after the Second World War, but was not, as a servitude laid on the station, a document made during the purchase of the land on which the station stood, which roughly stated that the station ought to be served at least four times per day, twice in both directions, had to stop at Hulshorst. The then mayor of Nunspeet, the municipality the station is in, remembered reading the document and the station was kept in service. When service was cancelled in 1987, there was no trace of the document, nor of anyone having seen or read it, which allowed for cancellation of service. * '''[[Kerkrade|Kerkrade West]]''' and '''Wijlre-Gulpen''' had their services cancelled once the railway they were on was discontinued in 1988. The railway since has become the [[#Heritage railways|Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij]] [[heritage railway]], which services both stations, though not regularly. Also on this railway is '''[[Simpelveld]]''', closed in 1992 with the closure of the [[Maastricht]] — [[Aachen]] railway. * '''[[Soest (Netherlands)|Soestduinen]]''''s services were cancelled in 1998, and was not destroyed as it received the status of municipal monument. The station was closed as not enough travellers used the station. * '''[[Rotterdam|Rotterdam Hofplein]]''' was used as the terminus of the ''Hofpleinlijn'' until this line was converted to light rail operation by the Rotterdam metro, now connecting at Rotterdam Centraal. The station still stands, housing mostly creative start-ups and the like underneath the former tracks. Many other stations have quirks or simply notable things about them. For example, [[Arnhem|Arnhem Velperpoort]], still in service, has the same entrance it had in the 1960s, though it is no longer an entrance. The station building has been converted into a workspace instead. Going east on the same line, you will find other quirks such as a post remembering the Stillewald Halt near [[Doetinchem|Wehl]], as well as the West and Stadion stations in [[Doetinchem]], the first of which is now an office space, and the latter is an abandoned platform. The main station of Doetinchem up to 2017 used to have no tracks 1 and 2, as these were the cargo platforms removed in the 1980s. Every line has notable features, and looking out for them can be entertaining on an otherwise bland journey. ==Trains and rolling stock== While accessibility is a bit of a problem with NS (requiring separate staff at the station to operate mobile ramps to enable step-free access older rolling stock), this issue will be improved with the two ''Nieuwe Generatie'' trains being built as we speak. Domestic trains that are wheelchair-accessible are marked with an icon ({{handicap-icon}}). These trains generally have their balconies at platform height, removing the need for a wheelchair ramp or lift. When using an NS train, or an ''inaccessible'' train, it is required to ring up the service provider, giving them time to get a lift or ramp out. Due to the ineffective nature of this process, it is recommended to not use a train so long as you aren't using only local networks. ===Mainlines=== ====Sprinters/Stopping trains==== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = NS Stadler FLIRT3 resting at Dordrecht CS (25087730738).jpg | caption1 = Snow-covered NS FLIRT in Dordrecht. | width1 = 240 | image2 = Fast train (4712207733).jpg | caption2 = Sprinter Lighttrain (SLT). | width2 = 225 | image3 = SGN 2710 -- Assel 20180919 (6).jpg | caption3 = The Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie between [[Amersfoort]] and [[Apeldoorn]]. | width3 = 225 }} If you know [[rail travel in Germany|the terms Deutsche Bahn uses]] don't be confused - while the ICE Sprinter is the fastest train with the fewest stops DB has, the Dutch Sprinter is essentially a stopping service - a bit like S-Bahn or RER, which calls at mostly every station along a given route. All Sprinter stock can be found in a white-blue-yellow livery. Since December of 2021, all of these trains are wheelchair-accessible and have toilets on-board. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Sprinter Lighttrain''' or ''SLT'' for short, is the replacement for the ''Mat '64'', introduced to passengers in 2009, 45 years after its predecessor was put in service. The SLT is intended for Sprinter-lines with short distances in between stops, which makes them most common in the [[Randstad]]. Its light weight makes for a fast acceleration, which results in shorter journeys, allowing for better usage of the routes. The Sprinter Lighttrain is, like other Sprinter trains, wheelchair-accessible, but only through doors indicated with a wheelchair icon. These doors feature a proper tray that slides out to connect to the platform, as opposed to other doors which have a fold-out tray, which only reduces the distance between the train and the platform a bit. {{handicap-icon}} NS employs Stadler '''FLIRT''' trains for sprinter services as well. These were taken into service following a shortage of rolling stock that formed between the completion of the order for SLT trains, and the start of production of the SNG. This train features charging outlets in first and second class, and is decorated throughout with [[De Stijl]] and Mondrian-inspired elements. NS FLIRTs are mostly found in service in Noord-Brabant and Gelderland. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie''', or ''SNG'', are being put into regular service on a few services. The SNG, which has fully replaced the older SGMm stock (that pioneered the 'sprinter' as a product) which ran between 1975 and 2021, is equipped with toilets on board and is entirely wheelchair-accessible by having the entire floor of the train be at the same height as the platforms at stations. ====Intercity/Fast trains==== {{multiple image | align = center | image3 = Koplopers 4091+4057 Haren.JPG | caption3 = Two connected ''Koploper'' units near Haren. | width3 = 232 | image4 = Sneeuwoverlast n.s sneeuw spoorproblemen sneeuw val.jpg | caption4 = A double decker intercity train plowing through the snow. | width4 = 200 | image5 = NS DDZ-4 passeert voormalig Station Soestduinen.jpg | caption5 = A DDZ/NID at the former [[Soestduinen]] railway station. | width5 = 225 | image6 = HDR 1741 Threth Bridge Ravenstein (14799819973).jpg | caption6 = An ICR train crossing the Meuse near Ravestein, not far from [[Wijchen]]. | width6 = 308 }} Intercity trains are essentially fast trains: They skip many smaller train stations and only call at interchanges and major cities. Occasionally, you may find Sprinter trains on these lines (most often SNGs), but this is only as an exception. Intercities can be identified by their yellow-blue liveries. Until the introduction of the ICNG in 2022, all Intercity trains do not have a floor at platform-level, meaning that, if you are bound to a wheelchair, you need to inform station staff in advance of your travels, so they may [https://www.ns.nl/en/travel-information/traveling-with-a-disability/ns-travel-assistance.html help you board the train] using a wheelchair lift. The '''Intercitymaterieel''' or ''ICM'' for short, is an intercity train used by NS. The trains are nicknamed ''Koploper'', as passengers can walk the entire length of several coupled units through the head of a unit. Its name translates literally to ''head walker'', but the proper translation is ''leader''. Like the Stadsgewestelijk materieel, the ICMs too have been modernised, changing their names to ICMm. The ability to walk the entire length of coupled units was removed at this time, as the function was likely to fail and cause delays. The ICM has a reclining chair, power outlet, footrest, reading light and ''lectuurnet'', a little net in which you can find some newspapers or store your own books available in first class. [[File:America NSR VIRMm 9516 (51386343928).jpg|thumb|A four-unit DD-IRM or VIRM in the future livery of more NS trains, the so-called 'Flow'-livery.]] The '''Dubbeldeksinterregiomaterieel''' (''DD-IRM'') or '''Verlengd Interregio Materieel''' (''VIRM'') is possibly the most iconic train used on the Dutch rail network. Its name translates roughly to ''Double-decked inter-region unit'' and is most often referred to as ''Dubbeldekker'' by passengers. The VIRMs have wireless network and displays showing information about your journey in the modernised trains. The regular ones have a toilet for everyone to use, with reclining chairs and a footrest in first class. These trains are in various stages of being modernised, and feature different liveries. Modernised trains can be recognised by either a blue band around the doors (on 6-car units) or by blue doors and large white NS logos on the sides (the so-called flow-livery on 4-car units). The modernisation project gives these trains new chairs and layouts, as well as some other quality of life upgrades, such as a more reliable air-con unit. The '''Nieuwe Intercity Dubbeldekker''', abbreviated as ''NID'' or ''DDZ'', are modified DD-AR and mDDM sprinter trains dating to the 1990s. The DDZ is known to have run both as an Intercity and Sprinter service, making it the only Sprinter stock to not feature the white-blue-yellow colour scheme. The DDZ is outfitted with wireless internet and a toilet, with first class extras being a reclining chair, power outlet, reading light, footrest and a ''lectuurnet''. These trains have been out of service because of rapid wear to the wheels and brakes, but are slowly being reintroduced onto the network in December 2021, starting with the Intercity service between Roosendaal and Zwolle. The '''Intercity Rijtuig''' (''ICRm'') is an outcast to some extent, not being an EMU. The wagon is mostly used on the HSL-Zuid service as Intercity Direct. The wagon features the standard reclining chair, footrest and ''lectuurnet'' in first class. Silence areas are spread through the carriages. The DDZ as well as the modernised VIRM feature double deck seating, having a somewhat disliked coupé-system. This should become the standard for all bi-level trains in the country. Throughout the train, you will find ''stiltezones'' (quiet zones), ''werken- en rustzones'' (work and relaxation zones), ''meet-and-greet zones'' and regular ''praatcoupés''. The latter are found on the lower floors. The upper floors have the three ''stiltecoupé''-variants: * '''Werken- en rustzones''': These zones are dedicated for travellers to travel in quiet. The traveller is invited to read a book, work, sleep or talk silently. Seating is most often in rows, as you would have seating in a bus. The ''Werken- en rustzones'' can be identified with an emblem of a sitting person, surrounded with headphones, a book and a laptop surrounding him. ** To make the system more complicated for everyone, this variation has a variation too. Should you be able to read the word 'Silence' or 'Stilte' on the windows, then you are in a ''stiltezone''. You are very much discouraged to make any notable sound. Though you are allowed to have a snack or simply eat something, your fellow travellers may not be as much of a fan or you unpacking your lunch in a ''stiltezone''. * '''Meet-and-Greet zones''': Meant for meeting people. Seating is most often in groups, with seats facing each other. There are even lounge areas for groups. The traveller is welcome to talk, use their phone to call someone and have extensive conversations at a regular volume. This zone can be identified with an emblem of two people facing each other, with a speech-bubble above their heads. ===International and high speed trains=== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = Twee Thalys-treinen op Amsterdam Centraal.jpg | caption1 = A Thalys PBA (left) and PBKA (right) at Amsterdam Centraal. | width1 = 212 | image2 = Arnhem Station ICE 4652.jpg | caption2 = An ICE 3M at Arnhem Centraal. | width2 = 200 | image3 = Bad Bentheim NSI 1739 IC 144 Amsterdam (51327337832).jpg | caption3 = NS/Deutsche Bahn Intercity to Berlin, pulled by a 1700 series locomotive, at Bad Bentheim. | width3 = 267 | image4 = Intercity Direct resting at Rotterdam Central station (33366323401).jpg | caption4 = Bombardier TRAXX (NS HighSpeed 186) with Intercityrijtuigen (ICR) in NS livery. | width4 = 267 | image5 = Eurostar 4031 4032 just arrived at Amsterdam CS after a 4 hour journey from London St. Pancras (28227044569).jpg | caption5 = Eurostar e320 (British Rail Class 374s) at Amsterdam Centraal. | width5 = 240 | image6 = Nightjet NJ40490 DSCF1939 (51204227026).jpg | caption6 = A Siemens Vectron in NS-livery, operating the ÖBB Nightjet to Düsseldorf and Vienna. | width6 = 225 }} The '''Thalys PBA''' and '''PBKA''' units have little difference amongst them. The PBAs are used on the Thalys network between [[Paris|'''P'''aris]], [[Brussels|'''B'''russels]] and [[Amsterdam|'''A'''msterdam]], and PBKAs also go to [[Cologne]] (or '''K'''öln in German). Both units can and occasionally are coupled. Both trains are part of the French ''TGV''-family. These trains can mostly be seen in the Dutch stations of Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol ✈ and Rotterdam Centraal. '''ICE 3M''' trains are used by Deutsche Bahn on international intercity journeys. Of the 17 ICE 3M trains that use the Dutch network, 14 are owned by DB, and 3 by NS. The "M" stands for "Mehrsystem", i.e. the ability of the trains to run under multiple voltages and in multiple rail systems, in this case the Dutch and the German one. The only line that these trains ride on is the [[Amsterdam]] – [[Cologne]] – [[Frankfurt]] – [[Mannheim]] – [[Freiburg]] – [[Basel]]-line, stopping on the Dutch stations of [[Utrecht]] and [[Arnhem]]. DB promises free Wi-Fi even on the Dutch stretch of its ICE journeys. DB also runs its own InterCity (IC) trains to and from the Netherlands for example on the Berlin - Amsterdam route. As of 2017 they use a hodgepodge of rolling stock most of it refurbished since 2012 and capable of top speeds up to {{kmh|200}}. Starting in 2025, these trains are planned to be replaced with the all new ICE L^{([[w:ECx|wikipedia]])} trainsets. These should omit the need for locomotives to be changed at the Dutch-German border, and these trainsets will have their entry at platform height, as well as a top speed of {{kmh|230}}. Since the V250 Fyra trains were only good for 40 days of service, NS owns and borrows '''Bombardier TRAXX''' or '''NS HighSpeed 186''' electric locomotives. The locomotives are being used in combination with the ''Intercityrijtuig'' (Intercity carriage) or ''ICRm'' for short. The trains run on the HSL-Zuid line (Amsterdam — Breda), as well as the Amsterdam — Brussels line. The newest international multiple-unit train in the Netherlands is the '''Eurostar e320''', known in the [[Rail travel in the United Kingdom|United Kingdom]] as ''British Rail Class 374''. The train has arrived the Netherlands since 2017 on the Eurostar Amsterdam — London service. The train is capable of speeds up to {{kmh|320}} and has some 900 seats divided over 16 carriages. As for the newest international train in the Netherlands, that honour goes to the '''Siemens Vectron''' locomotives. These are in service on the night trains to Vienna and Zurich, but can also be spotted pulling the Intercity to Berlin. These locomotives, capable of speeds up to {{kmh|200}}, aren't owned by NS, but are instead leased by the Dutch Railways and their Austrian counterpart. ===Local trains=== {{multiple image | align = center | image1 = Connexxion 5033.jpg | caption1 = Protos in the ''Valleilijn''-livery. | width1 = 224 | image2 = Arriva 10254 SimonTahamata Klarenbeek trein17833 20150405.JPG | caption2 = An Arriva ''Spurt'', better known as the Stadler GTW Diesel unit between [[Apeldoorn]] and [[Zutphen]]. | width2 = 225 | image3 = Rnet2010Zevenhuizen.JPG | caption3 = A R-Net FLIRT-3 near [[Zevenhuizen]] during one of its test rides before being put into proper service. | width3 = 225 | image4 = Syntus lint twents.JPG | caption4 = A LINT 41-H in ''Twents'' livery. These trains can be found on several local lines in the province of [[Overijssel]]. | width4 = 200 | image5 = Arriva 616-III.jpg | caption5 = Two coupled Arriva WINK DMUs at [[Westerkwartier|Zuidhoorn]]. | width5 = 209 }} {{handicap-icon}} The '''Protos''' is an electric unit, of which 5 are in service in the Netherlands. All of which are used by Connexxion on the ''Valleilijn'' ([[Amersfoort]] – [[Ede]]-[[Wageningen]]). The units aren't popular, only 6 have been sold after some 10 years on the market, Connexxion being the only buyer. {{handicap-icon}} The '''Stadler GTW''' is by far the most popular train on the local railways. Arriva, Breng, Connexxion and Veolia used the train, with the latter two no longer servicing in the Netherlands. Breng only uses the diesel model, Arriva uses both diesel and electric models and Connexxion uses only the electric model. Veolia's trains have been taken over by Arriva, which got the concession for [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]] in 2016. Stadler being a Swiss-German company, the name stands for "Gelenktriebwagen" or articulated railcar. {{handicap-icon}} '''Stadler FLIRT'''s are used by Arriva in [[Limburg (Netherlands)|Limburg]], R-Net in (mostly) [[Zuid-Holland]], Abellio rail on border-hopping services into Germany as well as NS itself in mostly the southeast of the country to help support the Sprinter services. Arriva has ordered 8 additional FLIRTS to service Limburg starting in 2020, as well as 18 ''Flirtino's'', which are diesel-electric hybrid trains, which too will start service on the northern lines by 2020. Keolis and Connexxion also have a small collection of FLIRTs riding on the ''Hanzelijn'' (Kampen – Zwolle – Enschede) and the ''Valleilijn'' respectively. Despite the name being a German abbreviation for "flinker leichter innovativer Regionaltriebzug" (fast light innovative regional train/railcar) it is virtually always pronounced as an English word. {{handicap-icon}} The '''LINT 41/H''' trains are the oldest trains on local networks at this time. Most of the Dutch models have come from Syntus (now Keolis), which took 25 of them in service in 2001. By 2012 this number was down to 9, as Keolis had lost a large number of local concessions. Some of these were transferred abroad, and some were bought by Arriva and Veolia. Arriva bought seven additional LINT 41's in 2016. {{handicap-icon}} The '''WINK''' is the most recent train to be put into service on local lines. They are two-part multiple units that run on either on a combination between biodiesel and on-board batteries or electricity via overhead wires. The pantograph will initially only be used when the train is parked in order to recharge its batteries, though the ambition exists to upgrade the northern lines that the WINK runs on to be electrified by 2025, at which point the train will those for its power. The WINK trains have been named for local attractions, such as the [[Waddeneilanden|Wadden]], Oerol, the hanging kitchens of [[Appingedam]], Elfstedentocht and the STAR heritage railway. ===Future trains=== [[File:ICNG - Rotterdam Centraal.jpg|thumb|The Intercity Nieuwe Generatie 3103 at Rotterdam Centraal. While the series is not yet in regular service, the train can be seen throughout the country on occasional test drives.]] In 2017, NS expected to get two newly built trains onto the rail network by December 2021. These are the '''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie''' (2018) and '''Intercity Nieuwe Generatie''' (2021 - since delayed for service until 2023) - "nieuwe generatie" meaning "new generation". Both trains aim to be more modern than the current ICMm and SGMm models that they will or have replaced. A whopping 206 SNG and 99 ICNG trains have been ordered. They will feature toilets (which until the arrival of the NS FLIRT weren't available in Sprinter trains) and power sockets, as well as loads of variable seating options. The trains will both be way more accessible for the disabled, having their floor at platform level, as the preceding SGMm was not at all fit for people bound to wheelchairs, as entering the train required using two high steps from platform level, a hinder of some {{convert|30|cm|inch}}. The ''Nieuwe Generatie'' trains are also NS' response to the ever increasing number of travellers on the rail network. Twenty orders of the Intercity Nieuwe Generatie with necessary modifications so that it can run the international service to [[Brussels]] are supposed to be put in service by 2025. Arriva has announced that it has placed an order for several new trains by Stadler to service some of the northern lines around Groningen. The service will be run using [https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/products/detail-all/wink/198/ Stadler WINKs]. The WINKs have been put into service in 2020. ==Heritage and steam railways== [[File:Stoomlocomotief BR 011 075-9 van de SSN - Moordrecht (22060228292).jpg|thumb|Steam train on the track between [[Rotterdam]] and [[Gouda]] during the Annual Steam Train Days (''Jaarlijkse Stoomtreindagen'') of October 2015.]] {{see also|Heritage railways}} When many lines were being closed between 1930 and 1960, some initiatives popped up to save several of these railways, making them heritage railways. All of these run steam trains. Listed below are the museums that have their own railways and running stock: * '''[[Utrecht#Q847166|Nationaal Spoorwegmuseum]]''' (''NSM'') in Utrecht is the biggest and best-known museum with one of most every train that has ever been in Dutch service. The museum is located in the old Utrecht Maliebaan station, and can therefore be accessed by rail. A sprinter service is in place between Utrecht Centraal and Maliebaan during the days that the Spoorwegmuseum is opened. * '''[[Haaksbergen#Q1954418|Museum Buurtspoorweg]]''' (''MBS'') between Haaksbergen and Boekelo runs on the remains of the [[Doetinchem]] − [[Enschede]] railway. * '''[[Hoorn#Q3205907|Museumstoomtram Hoorn – Medemblik]]''' (''SHM'') between Hoorn and Medemblik, which uses tram running stock, yet uses a former local railway. * '''[[Veenkoloniën#Q2608463|Stichting Stadskanaal Rail]]''' (''STAR'') runs a part of the line between Zwolle and Stadskanaal that has been partially broken up. The section between Zwolle and [[Emmen]] still exists, as does the part between Musselkanaal and Veendam in Groningen. The line might be reused by Arriva in coming times, as the province too supports this. STAR supports this aim to improve public transport between Groningen and Stadskanaal, though it wishes to continue its own services. * '''[[Rotterdam/Kralingen-Crooswijk#Q2351733|Stoom Stichting Nederland]]''' (''SSN'') is a museum on steam-powered machinery. Within its collection there are several steam locomotives taken over from the East-German Railways following the reunification of Germany, but also an old NS 8800 class engine, previously used in the mines of Limburg. The museum is located in the north of Rotterdam, and the rolling stock can also be seen at events such as the ''[[Rotterdam]]se havendagen'' or ''[[Dordrecht|Dordt]] in Stoom''. * '''[[Apeldoorn#Q2001163|Veluwsche Stoomtram Maatschappij]]''' (''VSM'') uses the railway between Apeldoorn and Dieren, starting its services back in 1975. * '''[[Simpelveld#Q2382332|Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij]]''' (''ZLSM'') rides trains between Valkenburg aan de Geul, Schin op Geul, Simpelveld and Kerkrade. * '''[[Goes#Q942892|Stichting Stoomtrein Goes – Borsele]]''' (''SGB''), is a reverse SHM, riding a former tramway of {{km|14}} between Goes and Borsele with steam trains. [[File:NS ICM4 4016, Madurodam (15606712401).jpg|thumb|ICM scale model running on the Madurodam model railway.]] The Netherlands has a lot of narrow-gauge railways, most of which aren't noteworthy, having little when it comes to rolling stock and a scarce amount of track. The two most notable narrow-gauge railways, however, as well as heritage tramways are listed below: * '''Stoomtrein Katwijk-Leiden''' (''SKL'') runs around the Valkenburgse Meer, not far from [[Katwijk]] and services half of the year from Ascension Day until the last weekend of September. * '''Efteling Stoomtram Maatschappij''' (''ESM'') can be found at the [[Efteling]] in Kaatsheuvel, connecting many of the attractions throughout the park with one another. * '''Electrische Museumtram Amsterdam''' (''EMA'') or ''Tramlijn 30'' (Tram 30) is a heritage tramway running in Amsterdam alongside the 16 other regular tram services of the nation's capital. The line is historically speaking not a tramway but instead a railway. The railway is the last remaining piece of the ''Haarlemmermeerspoorlijnen'', a series of railways located around the [[Haarlemmermeer]]. * '''Tramlijn Nederlands Openluchtmuseum''' (''NOM'') services the ''Openluchtmuseum'' (open air museum) in [[Arnhem]], connecting the vast park via tramway. The park is dedicated to showing the everyday aspect of the Dutch history, making the trams a lovely touch to the whole. * '''Rotterdams Openbaar Vervoer museum en Exploitatie van Oldtimers''' (''ROMEO'') is a foundation dedicated to running the heritage tramway of [[Rotterdam]], ''lijn 10''. The foundation features a vast collection of trams and tramway and Rotterdam-related vehicles. Line 10, however, only runs in summers. * '''Rijdend Tram-Museum''' (''RTM'') in found in [[Goerree Overflakkee|Ouddorp]], [[Zeeland]] and runs trams across the Brouwersdam, one of the dams of the [[Delta Works|Delta Works]], connecting the islands of [[Goeree-Overflakkee]] and [[Schouwen-Duiveland]]. [[File:Wolfheze treinstel 766Stichting Mat'54 (49982005857).jpg|thumb|Old Dutch rolling stock is unlike rolling stock anywhere else in the world, since NS designed their own trains for almost all its rolling stock between the 1940s and 1990s. Shown is 766, a privately restored Mat '54 train, though another train of this type can be found in the Spoorwegmuseum.]] Lastly, if you'd rather watch trains instead of travelling with them, then visit Madurodam in [[The Hague]]. Madurodam is a well-known miniature city featuring many landmarks of the Netherlands, and 4 km of model railway at a 1:25 scale. On and along this track you will find many locomotives that have been and are used by NS Reizigers and NS Cargo, models of the iconic Wadloper and [[w:NS Mat '64|Mat '64]], as well as VIRM and Thalys models, running between scale models of the stations found in Utrecht, Groningen, Enkhuizen and Valkenburg. The Utrecht model is, funnily enough, older than the station it is based on. The scale model was revealed in 2007 to demonstrate the look of the station design. ==Stay safe== [[File:Noodrem trein.jpg|thumb|"''Emergency brake: Pull this lever in case of an emergency. Misuse will be punished.''"]] The Dutch railway system is very safe, similar to its European peers. Accidents at grade crossings do happen, but generally they end worse for whatever is on the tracks than the train or the people inside it. The last accident with on board fatalities happened May 22nd 2020 near Hooghalen, between [[Assen]] and [[Hoogeveen]], where the train collided with a tractor crossing an unprotected crossing. The only life claimed was that of the train driver. In the 21st century, only seven fatal railway accidents have happened, accounting for eleven deaths in total. Inclement weather that may endanger trains or passengers often leads to service being interrupted as a precaution, which understandably enrages travelers but enhances safety. ProRail, which is in charge of maintenance of the railways, wants to have all barrier-less crossings to have barriers by the end of 2023, which will make accidents even less frequent. Crime on trains - aside from occasional pickpocketing and "misplaced" luggage - is rare but should you feel threatened or harassed, talk to a conductor if you can find one - not all trains are staffed with more than just one conductor. Sadly enough, the conductor is more often the target of harassment than a traveller, often for simply doing his job. Treat railway staff with the same respect you'd have for a policeman. If no conductor is to be found, look around. Often you will either find an ''0800-'' phone number on stickers in your wagon or find a ''noodtelefoon'' (emergency phone), labelled with ''SOS'' either at a central location of your wagon, or at the wagon's balcony. Call this number or press the button to talk to the operator's staff that will help you out as well as inform the appropriate emergency services. Do not use the emergency brake unless you've been told to by staff, which, even in the case that it is necessary, is very unlikely. Using the emergency brake locks the train for some time, stopping it from continuing on the tracks. By engaging the brake you're not only making life-threatening situations worse by making it more difficult for emergency service to reach the train, you're also making many people very mad by causing a delay on their daily route. Also, misuse of the emergency brake (''Noodrem'') is often severely punished, most often in the form of a large fine. No matter the severity of the situation, the ''Noodrem'' may '''never''' be used in a tunnel. ==Go next== * [[Rail travel in Germany]] * [[Rail travel in France]] * There are combined offers for boats and trains in and to the British mainland, see [[Ferries to the British mainland]] and [[Rail travel in Great Britain]] * {{slink|Belgium#By train}} {{guidetopic}} {{HasDocent|Wauteurz}} {{PartOfTopic|Rail travel in Europe|Benelux}} {{related|European rail passes}} {{related|Rail travel in Germany}} {{related|Rail travel in Great Britain}} 226zjiovvksuo5sw5wj9k27m0uxog03 0 159277 4487966 4484021 2022-07-21T20:42:02Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Now a redirect wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Runway markings.svg}} Wikivoyage has articles for several dozen of the '''world's largest and most-complicated international airports'''. They are designed to help you navigate safely and comfortably around them, and provide essential knowledge such as information on eating and sleeping options in the airport, and onward travel advice. This article lists our current airport articles by continent and city. If you know of a '''major international airport''' not listed here that deserves its own article, first take a look at our [[Airport expedition]], then [[plunge forward]]! ==Africa== {{Mapframe|30|87|zoom=2|height=400|width=600|name=Airport articles in Africa and Asia}} [[Image:Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis.jpg|thumb|300px|Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International is Africa's busiest airport]] ===Johannesburg=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[O.R. Tambo International Airport|O.R. Tambo Airport]] ({{IATA|JNB}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-26.139167 | long=28.246111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=O. R. Tambo International Airport | image=JohannesburgIntlAirport.jpg | wikidata=Q821750 | content=The major hub for southern Africa, and the continent's busiest airport. }} ==Asia== ===Abu Dhabi=== * {{go | name=[[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi Airport]] ({{IATA|AUH}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q643562 | lastedit=2021-03-28 | content= }} ===Bali=== * {{go | name=[[Ngurah Rai International Airport|Ngurah Rai Airport]] ({{IATA|DPS}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1061846 | lastedit=2021-03-28 | content= }} ===Bangalore=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Kempegowda International Airport|Kempegowda Airport]] ({{IATA|BLR}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kempegowda International Airport | image=Bengaluru-airport.jpg | wikidata=Q503364 | content= }} ===Bangkok=== [[File:Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand - panoramio (12).jpg|thumb|300px|Concourse E of Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport]] *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Suvarnabhumi Airport]] ({{IATA|BKK}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=13.681111 | long=100.747222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Suvarnabhumi Airport | image=Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand 2.jpg | wikidata=Q194316 | content= }} ===Beijing=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Beijing Capital Airport|Capital Airport]] ({{IATA|PEK}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.08 | long=116.584444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Beijing Capital International Airport | wikidata=Q32190 | content=The second busiest airport in the world by passenger count - at least before the new Daxing airport opened which will take over much of its traffic. }} *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Beijing Daxing International Airport|Daxing Airport]] ({{IATA|PKX}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.509167 | long=116.410556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Beijing Daxing International Airport | wikidata=Q1139574 | content=The newer international airport, opened in 2019. }} ===Busan=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Gimhae International Airport|Gimhae Airport]] ({{IATA|PUS}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.180556 | long=128.938056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gimhae International Airport | image=Gimhae International Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q483223 | content=Overtaken as the biggest South Korean airport outside greater Seoul by the one serving [[Jeju]]. }} ===Delhi=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Indira Gandhi Airport]] ({{IATA|DEL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=28.554444 | long=77.099444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indira Gandhi International Airport | image=Delhi Airport India.jpg | wikidata=Q821275 | content=The busiest airport in India. }} ===Doha=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Hamad International Airport|Hamad Airport]] ({{IATA|DOH}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.273056 | long=51.608056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hamad International Airport | image=Hamad International Airport Doha Qatar 1.jpg | wikidata=Q1198791 | content= }} ===Dubai=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Dubai International Airport|Dubai Airport]] ({{IATA|DXB}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.252778 | long=55.364444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dubai International Airport | image=Dubai Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q193439 | content=The world's busiest airport for international traffic, due to its strategic location between east and west. Much of its traffic is made up of flight connections on the Middle East carrier Emirates rather than passengers using Dubai as origin or destination. }} ===Guangzhou=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Baiyun Airport]] ({{IATA|CAN}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=23.392436 | long=113.298786 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | image=Guangzhou Baiyun Airport 2.JPG | wikidata=Q44868 | content= }} ===Hong Kong=== *{{go | name=[[Hong Kong International Airport|Hong Kong Airport]] ({{IATA|HKG}}) | alt=Chek Lap Kok | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.308889 | long=113.914444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hong Kong International Airport | image=A bird's eye view of Hong Kong International Airport.JPG | wikidata=Q17704 | content= }} ===Jakarta=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Soekarno-Hatta International Airport|Soekarno-Hatta Airport]] ({{IATA|CGK}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-6.127361 | long=106.653833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Soekarno–Hatta International Airport | image=Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal 3 apron.jpg | wikidata=Q749497 | content= }} ===Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto & Kobe)=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Kansai International Airport|Kansai Airport]] ({{IATA|KIX}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=34.434167 | long=135.232778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kansai International Airport | image=Finnair MD-11 (OH-LGF) taxiing at Kansai International Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q193682 | content= }} ===Kuala Lumpur=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur Airport]] ({{IATA|KUL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=2.745556 | long=101.709722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kuala Lumpur International Airport | image=KLIA MTB&Tower.jpg | wikidata=Q500253 | content= }} ===Manila=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Ninoy Aquino International Airport|Ninoy Aquino Airport]] ({{IATA|MNL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=14.508611 | long=121.019444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ninoy Aquino International Airport | image=| wikidata=Q86446 | content= }} ===Medan=== * {{go | name=[[Kualanamu International Airport|Kualanamu Airport]] ({{IATA|KNO}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=3.631038 | long=98.867558 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q4273083 | lastedit=2020-09-03 | content=Transit airport linking domestic flights from all over Sumatra to international flights across Asia. }} ===Mumbai=== [[File:Mumbai 03-2016 114 Airport international terminal interior.jpg|thumb|300px|Check-in counters of Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport]] *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport]] ({{IATA|BOM}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=19.088611 | long=72.868056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport | image=Bombay Airport Terminal 1B.jpg | wikidata=Q504368 | content= }} ===Nagoya=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Chubu Centrair International Airport|Chubu Centrair Airport]] ({{IATA|NGO}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=34.858333 | long=136.805278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Chubu Centrair International Airport | image=Chubu Central Airport aerial view.jpg | wikidata=Q679345 | content= }} ===Seoul=== *{{go | name=[[Incheon International Airport|Incheon Airport]] ({{IATA|ICN}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.4625 | long=126.439167 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Incheon International Airport | image=Incheon International Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q20932 | content=South Korea's primary international and intercontinental hub. }} ===Shanghai=== *{{go | name=[[Shanghai Pudong International Airport|Pudong Airport]] ({{IATA|PVG}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.143333 | long=121.805278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Shanghai Pudong International Airport | image=Shanghai Pudong International Airport Interior.jpg | wikidata=Q36420 | content=China's second busiest airport and the international and intercontinental hub of China Eastern Airlines (their other hub in Shanghai is the older Hongqiao Airport, which is mostly for domestic flights). }} ===Singapore=== [[Image:Changi_airport_terminal_3zz.JPG|300px|thumb|Greenery in Terminal 3 of Singapore Changi Airport]] *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Singapore Changi Airport|Changi Airport]] ({{IATA|SIN}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=1.359167 | long=103.989444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Singapore Changi Airport | image=Aerial view of Singapore Changi Airport and Changi Air Base - 20110523.jpg | wikidata=Q32159 | content= }} ===Taipei=== *{{go | name=[[Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport|Taoyuan Airport]] ({{IATA|TPE}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.076389 | long=121.223889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Taoyuan International Airport | image=CKS airport-oliv.jpg | wikidata=Q44856 | content=Taiwan's primary international and intercontinental air hub. }} ===Tel Aviv=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Ben Gurion Airport]] ({{IATA|TLV}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.009444 | long=34.882778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ben Gurion Airport | image=Ben gurion international airport terminal 3.jpg | wikidata=Q181479 | content=Despite lying in a very tense region and Israel (as well as its national symbols and aviation) frequently being the target of terrorism, the airport enjoys a stellar reputation for safety and security. }} ===Tokyo=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Tokyo Haneda Airport|Haneda Airport]] ({{IATA|HND}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.553333 | long=139.781111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Haneda Airport | image=HND Airport Office Building 1.jpg | wikidata=Q204853 | content=Primarily domestic flights, but increasingly offers international flights since the opening of its international terminal in 2010. }} *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Tokyo Narita Airport|Narita Airport]] ({{IATA|NRT}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=35.7649 | long=140.38845 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Narita International Airport | image=3rd floor of Narita Terminal 2 200507.jpg | wikidata=Q36454 | content=Serves primarily international flights. }} ==Europe== {{Mapframe|52.25|14|zoom=3|height=400|width=600|name=Airport articles in Europe}} [[Image:14-08-04-barcelona-RalfR-03.jpg|thumb|300px|Barcelona-El Prat, exterior of Terminal 2]] [[Image:Oslcheckin.JPG|thumb|300px|Fine woodwork in the check-in at Oslo]] ===Amsterdam=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Schiphol Airport]] ({{IATA|AMS}})| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.3081 | long=4.764169 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | image=Ams-above-2007.jpg | wikidata=Q9694 | content=Hub for flag carrier KLM, one of the oldest airlines in the world and one of the top contenders for "most countries served from one airport". Curiously lies below sea level, which is interesting because its name means "ship grave". }} ===Barcelona=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Barcelona El Prat Airport|El Prat Airport]] ({{IATA|BCN}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.296944 | long=2.078333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Barcelona–El Prat Airport | image=T1 Prat Aitor Agirregabiria.jpg | wikidata=Q56973 | content=Spain's amusingly-named second hub has some architectural features of the ''modernisme'' movement that helped make Barcelona's name. The route MAD-BCN was the busiest in the world until competition with [[high speed rail]] made flights increasingly unattractive. }} ===Berlin=== *{{go | name=[[Berlin Brandenburg International Airport|Berlin Brandenburg Airport]] ({{IATA|BER}}) | alt=Willy Brandt Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=52.366 | long=13.503 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Berlin Brandenburg Airport | wikidata=Q160556 | content=The long-awaited new international airport serving Germany's capital opened 31st October 2020. }} ===Copenhagen=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Copenhagen Airport]] ({{IATA|CPH}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=55.618056 | long=12.656111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Copenhagen Airport | image=KastrupAirport Panorama.jpg | wikidata=Q206277 | content=The busiest airport in the Nordic countries according to 2017 numbers, this airport also offers flights to [[Greenland]] and the [[Faroes]] }} ===Dublin=== *{{go | name=[[Dublin Airport]] | alt={{IATA|DUB}} | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.421389 | long=-6.27 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q178021 | content= }} ===Frankfurt=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Frankfurt Airport]] ({{IATA|FRA}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=50.033333 | long=8.570556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Frankfurt Airport | image=AirportFrankfurt fromair 2010-09-19.jpg | wikidata=Q46033 | content=Germany's biggest airport and the hub of flag carrier Lufthansa }} ===Helsinki=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Helsinki Airport]] ({{IATA|HEL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.317222 | long=24.963333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Helsinki Airport | image=Helsinki-vantaa aerial.jpg | wikidata=Q215327 | content= Historically one of Europe's airports with the most connections to east Asia, as it is close enough to the north pole for air routes avoiding Soviet (now Russian) airspace }} ===Istanbul=== *{{go | name=[[Istanbul New Airport|Istanbul Airport]] ({{IATA|IST}}) | alt=Istanbul New Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.260833 | long=28.742222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Istanbul Airport | image=2017 1030 Istanboel int 3JPG.jpg | wikidata=Q3661908 | content=Opened gradually from autumn 2018, it replaces Atatürk Airport which has now closed. }} ===Lisbon=== *{{go | name=[[Lisbon Airport]] ({{IATA|LIS}}) | url= | email= | address= | lat=38.774 | long=-9.1342 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Lisbon Airport | image= | wikidata=Q403671 | content=A major hub connecting Europe with former Portuguese colonies in Africa and South America, particularly Brazil. }} ===London=== [[File:TerminalFiveAirportHeathrowAugust2012.JPG|thumb|300px|Terminal 5 of Heathrow Airport]] *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Heathrow Airport]] ({{IATA|LHR}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.4775 | long=-0.461389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Heathrow Airport | image=Heathrow T5.jpg | wikidata=Q8691 | content=Europe's busiest airport by international traffic, and the world's second. }} *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Gatwick Airport]] ({{IATA|LGW}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.147222 | long=-0.190278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Gatwick Airport | image=London Gatwick, 19 April 2011 - Flickr - PhillipC.jpg | wikidata=Q8703 | content=London's second hub is as drab and functional as they come. }} *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Stansted Airport]] ({{IATA|STN}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=51.885 | long=0.235 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=London Stansted Airport | image=London Stansted Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q8709 | content=Busy low cost and business aviation hub. }} ===Madrid=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport|Adolfo Suárez Airport]] ({{IATA|MAD}}) | alt=Barajas Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.472222 | long=-3.560833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport | image=Barajas overview1.jpg | wikidata=Q166276 | content=Spain's main hub has Europe's best air links to Latin America. }} ===Manchester=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Manchester Airport]] ({{IATA|MAN}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=53.353889 | long=-2.275 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Manchester Airport | image=Manchester Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q8694 | content=Serves more destinations than Heathrow }} ===Milan=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Malpensa Airport]] ({{IATA|MXP}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=45.63 | long=8.723056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Milan–Malpensa Airport | image=Malpensa Airport aerial view.jpg | wikidata=Q60910 | content= }} ===Moscow=== * {{listing | type=go | name=[[Sheremetyevo International Airport|Sheremetyevo Airport]] ({{IATA|SVO}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=55.972642 | long=37.414589 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sheremetyevo International Airport | image=Sheremetyevo view.JPG | wikidata=Q192733 | content=Moscow and Russia's busiest airport, the hub of Aeroflot. }} * {{listing | type=go | name=[[Domodedovo International Airport|Domodedovo Airport]] ({{IATA|DME}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=55.408611 | long=37.906111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Moscow Domodedovo Airport | image=Domodedovo Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q186614 | content=Moscow's secondary airport. }} ===Munich=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Munich Airport]] ({{IATA|MUC}}) | alt=Franz Josef Strauß Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.353889 | long=11.786111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Munich Airport | image=Vorfeld Terminal 1 I.JPG | wikidata=Q131402 | content=Officially named after a conservative politician from Bavaria (died 1988) and Germany's second airport. The airport replaced Riem Airport in 1992. }} ===Oslo=== *{{go | name=[[Oslo Airport, Gardermoen|Gardermoen Airport]] ({{IATA|OSL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.202778 | long=11.083889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Oslo Airport, Gardermoen | image=Oslo Airport3.jpg | wikidata=Q210559 | content=Opened in 1998 to replace the old Fornebu Airport. }} ===Paris=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Charles de Gaulle Airport]] ({{IATA|CDG}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.009722 | long=2.547778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Charles de Gaulle Airport | image=Aeroport de Roissy.JPG | wikidata=Q46280 | content=Built to replace Orly, it's France's biggest international hub and the main base of flag carrier Air France, and a major hub to flights to Francophone Africa }} *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Orly Airport]] ({{IATA|ORY}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.723333 | long=2.379444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Orly Airport | image=OrlyVal Orly.JPG | wikidata=Q223416 | content=Besides its role as a domestic hub, it also sees several intercontinental flights to French overseas territories and departments and a wide selection of (mainly short-haul) international flights. }} ===Reykjavík=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Keflavík International Airport|Keflavík Airport]] ({{IATA|KEF}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=63.985 | long=-22.605556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Keflavík International Airport | wikidata=Q139921 | content=Not to be confused with Reykjavik's domestic airport, this airport is Iceland's principal door to the world and sees flights from both sides of the Atlantic. }} ===Rome=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport]] ({{IATA|FCO}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.800278 | long=12.238889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport | image=Aeroporto Fiumicino - Torre ENAV ristrutturata 2015.jpeg | wikidata=Q19101 | content= }} ===Stockholm=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Stockholm Arlanda Airport|Arlanda Airport]] ({{IATA|ARN}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=59.651944 | long=17.918611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Stockholm Arlanda Airport | image=Arlanda 1 Publish.jpg | wikidata=Q223499 | content= }} ===Vienna=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Vienna Airport]] ({{IATA|VIE}}) | alt=Often referred to as Wien-Schwechat in German | url= | email= | address= | lat=48.110278 | long=16.569722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Vienna International Airport | image=2011-06-14 10-23-53 Austria Niederösterreich Fischamend Markt.jpg | wikidata=Q32999 | content= }} ===Zurich=== *{{go | name=[[Zurich Airport]] ({{IATA|ZRH}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.464722 | long=8.549167 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Zurich Airport | image=Zurich airport img 3324.jpg | wikidata=Q15114 | content=Switzerland's international air hub. }} ==North America== {{Mapframe|40|-90|zoom=3|height=400|width=600|name=Airport articles in North America}} [[Image:SFOmuseumDC3model (4399085863).jpg|thumb|300px|A model DC3 hangs in San Francisco Airport]] [[File:YVR International arrivals Hall 2018.jpg|thumb|300px|International arrival hall of Vancouver International Airport]] [[File:Concourse B, Chicago O'Hare airport.jpg|thumb|300px|Concourse B, Chicago O'Hare airport]] ===Atlanta=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Hartsfield–Jackson Airport]] ({{IATA|ATL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=33.636667 | long=-84.428056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport | image=Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson.jpg | wikidata=Q214861 | content=The busiest airport in the world by passenger count for several years in a row, mostly on the strength of Delta's hub. }} ===Boston=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[BOS|Logan Airport]] ({{IATA|BOS}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.363056 | long=-71.006389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Boston Logan International Airport | wikidata=Q671475 | content= }} ===Chicago=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[O'Hare International Airport|O'Hare Airport]] ({{IATA|ORD}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=41.978611 | long=-87.904722 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=O'Hare International Airport | image=O'Hare International Airport (USGS).png | wikidata=Q213717 | content=The world's busiest airport until overtaken by Atlanta }} ===Dallas and Fort Worth=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Dallas/Fort Worth Airport]] ({{IATA|DFW}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=32.896944 | long=-97.038056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | image=DFWAirportOverview.jpg | wikidata=Q459096 | content= }} ===Denver=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Denver Airport]] ({{IATA|DEN}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.861667 | long=-104.673056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Denver International Airport | image=DIA Airport Roof.jpg | wikidata=Q330015 | content=Moved to its current site "overnight" in 1995 after old Stapleton Airport had grown too small and too close to downtown for modern needs. Famously contains a bunch of "weird" artwork that has given rise to absurd conspiracy theories. }} ===Detroit=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport|Metropolitan Wayne County Airport]] ({{IATA|DTW}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=42.2125 | long=-83.353333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Detroit Metropolitan Airport | image=Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport DTW.jpg | wikidata=Q652505 | content= }} ===Houston=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[George Bush Intercontinental Airport|George Bush Airport]] ({{IATA|IAH}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=29.984444 | long=-95.341389 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=George Bush Intercontinental Airport | image= | wikidata=Q744748 | content= }} ===Las Vegas=== *{{go | name=[[Harry Reid International Airport|Harry Reid Airport]] ({{IATA|LAS}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=36.08 | long=-115.152222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=McCarran International Airport | image=Las Vegas McCarran.jpg | wikidata=Q853886 | content=Formerly known as McCarran until 2021. }} ===Los Angeles=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles Airport]] ({{IATA|LAX}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=33.9425 | long=-118.408056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Los Angeles International Airport | image=LAX LA.jpg | wikidata=Q8731 | content=Often called the airport with the highest "destination traffic", i.e. travelers that intend to visit the area the airport serves instead of boarding a connecting flight. }} ===Mexico City=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Benito Juárez Airport]] ({{IATA|MEX}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=19.436111 | long=-99.071944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Mexico City International Airport | image=Benitojuarezarptaerial.jpg | wikidata=Q860559 | content=Named for Mexico's first president of indigenous descent. }} ===Miami=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Miami International Airport|Miami Airport]] ({{IATA|MIA}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=25.793333 | long=-80.290556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Miami International Airport | image=1 - Aéroport de Miami - Août 2008.jpg | wikidata=Q127530 | content= }} ===Minneapolis and Saint Paul=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport|Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport]] ({{IATA|MSP}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=44.8847554 | long=-93.22228459999997 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport | image= | wikidata=Q875749 | content= }} ===New York City=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[John F. Kennedy International Airport|John F. Kennedy Airport]] ({{IATA|JFK}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.639722 | long=-73.778889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=John F. Kennedy International Airport | image=JFKNewYorkTerm4 1.jpg | wikidata=Q8685 | content=While only the fifth busiest airport in the U.S. by total passenger count, JFK is the busiest by international passenger count and the only American airport to make the top 20 in that list. }} * {{go | name=[[LaGuardia Airport]] ({{IATA|LGA}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.7724 | long=-73.8673 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=LaGuardia Airport | image=LaGuardia Airport and environs aerial from the south 01 (9456932084).jpg | wikidata=Q319654 | lastedit=2021-01-22 | content= }} *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Newark Liberty International Airport|Newark Liberty Airport]] ({{IATA|EWR}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.6925 | long=-74.1686 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Newark Liberty International Airport | image=Newark Liberty International Airport from the Air.jpg | wikidata=Q466786 | content= }} ===Orlando=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Orlando International Airport|Orlando Airport]] ({{IATA|MCO}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=28.429444 | long=-81.308889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Orlando International Airport | image=Mco-6jan1999.jpg | wikidata=Q929859 | content=A useful international gateway to the Caribbean, both through connecting flights and through cruises departing from [[Cape Canaveral|Port Canaveral]]. }} ===Panama City=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Tocumen International Airport|Tocumen Airport]] ({{IATA|PTY}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=9.071389| long=-79.383611 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | image= | wikidata= | content=Central America's main international air hub. }} ===Philadelphia=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Philadelphia International Airport|Philadelphia Airport]] ({{IATA|PHL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=39.871944 | long=-75.241111 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Philadelphia International Airport | image=Philadelphia International Airport.jpg | wikidata=Q512128 | content= }} ===Phoenix=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[PHX|Sky Harbor Airport]] ({{IATA|PHX}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=33.434167 | long=-112.011667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | image=Sky Harbor - 2008-08-29 - Control Tower.jpg | wikidata=Q912916 | content= }} === Salt Lake City === *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Salt Lake City International Airport|Salt Lake City Airport]] ({{IATA|SLC}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=40.785806 | long=-111.981203 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | image= | wikidata= |lastedit=2022-05-19| content= }} === San Francisco === *{{listing | type=go | name=[[San Francisco International Airport|San Francisco Airport]] ({{IATA|SFO}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.618889 | long=-122.375 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=San Francisco International Airport | image=Aerial view of San Francisco International Airport 2010.jpg | wikidata=Q8688 | content= }} ===Seattle=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Seattle-Tacoma International Airport|Seattle&ndash;Tacoma Airport]] ({{IATA|SEA}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=47.448889 | long=-122.309444 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Seattle–Tacoma International Airport | image=Aerial KSEA May 2012.JPG | wikidata=Q14295 | content= }} ===Toronto=== *{{go | name=[[Toronto Pearson International Airport|Pearson Airport]] ({{IATA|YYZ}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=43.6767 | long=-79.6306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Toronto Pearson International Airport | image=YYZ Aerial 2.jpg | wikidata=Q242066 | content=The busiest airport in Canada and the main hub for flag carrier Air Canada. }} ===Vancouver=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Vancouver International Airport|Vancouver Airport]] ({{IATA|YVR}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Vancouver International Airport | image=YVR International arrivals Hall 2018.jpg | wikidata=Q321224 | content= }} ===Washington, D.C.=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Washington Dulles International Airport|Dulles Airport]] ({{IATA|IAD}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Washington Dulles International Airport | image=Washington Dulles International Airport at Dusk.jpg | wikidata=Q466835 | content= }} ==Oceania== {{Mapframe|-40|140|zoom=2|height=200|width=300|name=Airport articles in Oceania}} ===Auckland=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Auckland Airport]] ({{IATA|AKL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-37.008056 | long=174.791667 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Auckland Airport | image=Auckland Int Airport aerial photo.jpg | wikidata=Q45938 | content= }} ===Brisbane=== * {{listing | type=go | name=[[Brisbane Airport]] ({{IATA|BNE}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-27.3933 | long=153.1129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Brisbane Airport | image=Brisbane airport. Domestic terminal - panoramio (1).jpg | wikidata=Q45523 | lastedit= | content= }} ===Melbourne=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Melbourne Airport]] ({{IATA|MEL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-37.673333 | long=144.843333 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Melbourne Airport | image=Melbourne airport control tower and united B747.jpg | wikidata=Q733738 | content= }} ===Perth=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Perth Airport]] ({{IATA|PER}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-31.940278 | long=115.966944 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Perth Airport | image= | wikidata=Q45935 | content= }} ===Sydney=== *{{go | name=[[Sydney Airport]] ({{IATA|SYD}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.946111 | long=151.177222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Sydney Airport | image=Sydneygates.JPG | wikidata=Q17581 | content=The busiest airport in Australia and a major hub for flag carrier Qantas. }} ==South America== {{Mapframe|-26|-48|zoom=3|height=200|width=300|name=Airport articles in South America}} ===Buenos Aires=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[EZE|Ministro Pistarini Airport]] ({{IATA|EZE}}) | alt=Ezeiza Airport | url= | email= | address= | lat=-34.822222 | long=-58.535833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Ministro Pistarini International Airport | image=Aeropuerto Ministro Pistarini, Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina.jpg | wikidata=Q384788 | content= }} ===Rio de Janeiro=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport|Galeão Airport]] ({{IATA|GIG}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-22.81 | long=-43.25056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport | image=Torre de controle Rio de Janeiro (Galeao).jpg | wikidata=Q733998 | content= }} ===São Paulo=== *{{listing | type=go | name=[[São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport|Guarulhos Airport]] ({{IATA|GRU}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-23.435556 | long=-46.473056 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport | image=ViewfromAir-SaoPaulo.jpg | wikidata=Q385406 | content= }} ===Santiago de Chile=== *{{go | name=[[Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport|Arturo Merino Benítez Airport]] ({{IATA|SCL}}) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=-33.392778 | long=-70.785556 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q127671 | content= }} ==See also== *[[Flying]] *[[Arriving by plane]] *[[At the airport]] *[[Airport codes]] and [[metropolitan area airport codes]] * City and Region articles with [[:Category:Airport listing|IATA airport listing]] for an airport. {{PartOfTopic|Flying}} {{usabletopic}} jgqqde6xis533z51rayjkrkzt8i798l 0 162716 4487786 4429734 2022-07-21T15:07:12Z The dog2 35982 /* Flights */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|PER Banner.jpg}} '''[http://www.perthairport.com.au/ Perth Airport]''' ({{IATA|PER}}) is the main airport of [[Perth]], and the Southern Part of WA in general, and the fourth busiest airport in [[Australia]]. It is a hub for Australian flag carrier '''[https://www.qantas.com Qantas]''', whose flight from Perth to [[London]]-[[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] is the first nonstop commercial flight between Europe and Australia. ==Understand== [[File:Perth airport 01 gnangarra.JPG|thumb|Perth airport with city centre behind]] [[File:Western part of the International Terminal at Perth Airport.jpg|thumb|Terminal 1 international check-in]] The airport has four terminals, which for ground transport purposes can be regarded as two precincts. T1 and T2 are side-by-side to the east of the runway, while T3 and T4 are side-by-side to the west. The airport is a hub for all of the state of Western Australia, and is also well-connected to Australia's mainland capital cities. There are also numerous direct international services into Perth, mostly from Asian destinations. ===={{marker|type=go|name=International Terminal - T1|lat=-31.94151 | long=115.97407}} ==== Terminal 1 serves all international flights into Perth ''except'' Qantas' flights to Singapore and London. There is also a domestic section of T1, which serves all of Virgin Australia's interstate and some regional services. International arrivals into T1 are usually well spread out, so you have the luxury of walking into an empty passport control and baggage area. Many visitors will be eligible to use the automatic entry gates (so you flew all that way and didn't get a stamp in your passport.) For tourists they don't need to check your visa because all Australian visas are recorded electronically in their computer system. If several flights arrive together, usually mid-afternoon and around midnight, there can be tedious waits for passport control, baggage reclaim and quarantine checks. It's still likely to be quicker than what passes for normal at a congested European or American airport. Most international visitors will be experiencing a big time switch. Arriving in the late afternoon or early evening gives you the best chance of adjusting: get to town, shower change and eat, and catch up on sleep. Next morning, get your face into that bright Australian sunshine. ===={{marker|type=go|name=Domestic Terminal - T2|lat=-31.94477 | long=115.97215}} ==== Terminal 2 serves most of Virgin's Australia's regional flights, as well as all flights on Regional Express Airlines (REX) and Alliance Airlines. ===={{marker|type=go|name=Domestic Terminals - T3 and T4|lat=-31.93388 | long=115.96027}} ==== T3 and T4 are connected on both sides of security, and the gates are numbered consecutively through both terminals. So for all intents and purposes, they're a single terminal. All Qantas and Jetstar flights arrive and depart from these terminals. ==Flights== {{mapframe}} The services that operate from each terminal are: * '''Terminal 1 (T1)''' - ''All international airlines except Qantas'' use this terminal ** The carriers include: Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, Air Asia, AirAsiaX, All Nippon Airways, Batik Air, Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Citilink, Emirates, Garuda Indonesia, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Phillipine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Thai Airways, and Virgin Australia. : Virgin Australia ''domestic flights'' with the VA flight codes also operate from T1. * '''Terminal 2 (T2)''', domestic ** Alliance Airlines, Regional Express Airlines, and Virgin Australia (with XR codes because it was former Skywest routes). *'''Terminal 3 (T3) and Terminal 4 (T4) ''', Jetstar and Qantas terminal ** Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar domestic flights operate from both terminals. Qantas international flights to Singapore and London operate from T3, and passengers transferring to/from other airlines pass through Australian immigration, as there are no airside transfers to T1. Major ''domestic'' airlines serving Perth Airport are Qantas (full-service), Virgin Australia (full-service) and its regional affiliate, Jetstar (low-cost, owned by Qantas, only flies to a few cities from Perth), and QantasLink (a regional subsidiary of Qantas). ==Ground transportation== The cheapest option, and for most downtown destinations the simplest, is the '''public city bus''', which charges the standard 3-zone ticket price of $4.70. Route 380 runs from T1/T2 to downtown Perth every 15 mins daytime, taking 40 mins. Route 40 runs downtown from T3/T4 every 30 mins, taking 40 mins. These buses are limited stop on the airport approaches and suburbs, but downtown you can board or drop off at any regular stop. They terminate at Elizabeth Quay; you can also transfer onto the free city centre buses (see "Get around"). See [http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/timetables/results?bus= timetables]. The city and major hotels can also be accessed by '''taxi and commercial shuttle buses'''. Courtesy phones are located inside the terminals (for the domestic terminal, the courtesy phone is surrounded by a large board advertising accommodation past the baggage conveyor belt as you leave the arrivals area). For groups of more than two people, it may be cheapest and fastest to take a taxi into the city (waiting time and drop off of other passengers can make a shuttle bus service to the city very long). A taxi by meter to the city will cost about $40 from either precinct. For large groups of ten passengers or more, local pre-booked shuttle buses may be a more cost effective option. The shuttle costs about $16 per person. There are many local airport shuttle companies providing new model transit vans and small buses that will transport passengers to their preferred destination rather than dedicated city locations. [https://mylimoperth.com.au/airport-transfers-perth-limo/ Airport limousines] (stretched limousines) are also available for groups of 10 passengers or more, and can chauffeur clients from the airport to as far as Yanchep in the north or Mandurah in the south. '''Car hire''' is available from all the main companies at T1/T2, at T3/T4, and downtown. There's usually little or no extra charge to pick up at one and drop-off at another Perth location. Many international arrivals will have had a very long flight, a major time switch, and a drink on the way - the drivers' alcohol limit in Australia is near-zero so you'd be illegal. So consider taking the bus into town, acclimatising for a few days and seeing the central sights; then pick up the car downtown, go touring, then return the car to the airport to fly home. A '''rail link''' to the airport is under construction and expected to open in late 2022. New freeways are also under construction to the north of the airport and once open these will change the access options from the north. ==Get around== A free bus plies between the two precincts, taking 15 min. It leaves T1/T2 at 10, 30 and 50 min past the hour from 6AM to midnight, and at 25 and 55 min past the hour from midnight to 6AN. It leaves T3/4 on the hour, 20 past and 40 past from 6AM to midnight, and 15 past and 45 past from midnight to 6AM. It doesn't serve the car parks; other shuttles do that. This bus uses the internal road connection along Dunreath Drive. Using the public highway it's a 10-km drive between precincts, and a taxi would be at least $20. There is no airside passenger interconnection between the two precincts. Connecting international passengers will have to pass through Australian immigration and customs before taking the bus, and all connecting passengers will go through security in the departure terminal. ==Wait== [[File:Gnangarra albany 090817-12.jpg|thumb|Terminal 2 departures]] * {{see | name=Public Viewing Area | alt= | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1 before security | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=A viewing area to see planes take off and land. }} ===Lounges=== '''Qantas''' has a variety of lounges at the airport: * {{see | name=Qantas International Business Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-04 | content= }} * {{see | name=Qantas International Transit Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-04 | content= }} * {{see | name=Qantas Domestic Business Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-04 | content= }} * {{see | name=Qantas Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-04 | content= }} Other airlines also have lounges for their passengers: * {{see | name=Air New Zealand International Lounge | alt= | url=https://www.airnewzealand.com.au/international-lounge-information#perth | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-04 | content= }} * {{see | name=Alliance Airlines | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-04 | content= }} * {{see | name=Emirates Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-31 | content= }} * {{see | name=Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-04 | content= }} * {{see | name=Virgin Australia Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-04-04 | content= }} ==Eat and drink== There are a couple of coffee shops and food outlets both before and after security, basic shopping, books and souvenirs. T3 has a few fast-food chains post-security with high-street prices if you're looking for the best value option. There are a couple of bars with a reasonable selection of local beers and wines on offer, together with a bit of space to spread out. ==Buy== [[File:Perh AP T1 dom gnangarra 18022016-100.JPG|thumb|Terminal 1 domestic]] ===T1 International=== * '''JR Duty Free''' shops for both arriving and departing passengers. * '''Australian Way''' souvenir shops for departing passengers. * '''Link''' Newsagents for departing passengers. ==Connect== * Connect to [http://www.perthairport.com.au/at-the-airport/facilities-and-services Perth Airport Free WiFi] in terminals 1, 2 and 3. * Connect to Qantas free WiFi in terminal 4. * If you don't have a device, then T3 has free Internet terminals, and T4 does not. ==Cope== * {{listing | name=Prayer Room | alt=Quiet Room | url= | email= | address=Terminal 1 International Ground Floor Arrivals Hall public area | lat=-31.9413016 | long=115.97548099999995 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content=a well hidden non-denominational room for prayer or quiet contemplation. }} * {{listing | name=Observation Decks | alt=Plane Spotting Area | url=http://www.perthairport.com.au/AboutUs/PublicViewingArea.aspx Public viewing area | email= | address=Terminal 1 International Ground Floor Arrivals Hall public area | lat=-31.941302 | long=115.975481 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-07-17 | content=There are two dedicated spotting areas at Perth Airport. The T1 International Terminal houses an Observation Deck on Level 3 to view departing and arriving aircraft. It has vending machines, toilets and flight information displays. The second spotting area is to the west side opposing the threshold of Runway 03 located along Dunreath Drive. The public viewing area has a shelter in the shape of the body section of a Boeing 747, and displays of information about the history of aviation. }} ==Sleep== There are plans for an onsite airport hotel. The following are nearby: * {{sleep | name=Sanno Marracoonda Perth Airport Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.sannohotel.com.au | email= | address=46 Kanowna Avenue East, Redcliffe, | lat=-31.9334 | long=115.9433 | directions=1 km from T3/4, 2 km from T1/2, transfer shuttle from the airport | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=from $119 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2018-03-17 | content= }} ==Nearby== Wikivoyage has guides to the following nearby districts of [[Perth]]: * [[Perth/The Hills]] covers an area to the east of the airport. * [[Perth/The Suburbs]] covers an area to the west of the airport. * [[Perth/Swan Valley]] covers an area to the north of the airport. {{IsPartOf|Perth}} {{usableairport}} {{geo|-31.940278|115.966944}} jbsrfjtvj6de75bhojpet8ig42bcd57 0 170062 4487765 4478266 2022-07-21T14:39:23Z Sbb1413 2217354 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== ===By train=== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Baranagar railway station]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|upright|Noapara metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content=The northern terminus and largest station of Kolkata Metro. }} [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (State Highway 2) and Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, Howrah, Hoogly and other districts can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North Bengal, Digha, Medinipore, Bankura etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|People about to cross the Ganges at Kuthi Ghat]] Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|22.64|88.37|zoom=13|layer=M}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. Buses, cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, toto rickshaws are available for journey. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi ghat, Noapara. You also could travel by yellow taxi(s), "Ola", "Uber". ==See== [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] * {{see | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar RKM School]] * {{see | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} * {{see | name=Dunlop Gurudwara | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dunlop Flyover | lat=22.6519 | long=88.3789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=St. James' Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, Kashi Nath Dutta Road | lat=22.6322 | long=88.3746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great religious leader, set his foot on his way to Puri in the early 16th century. }} [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Dutch Kuthi.jpg|thumb|upright|Dutch kuthi near Kuthi ghat]] * {{see | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Ganges, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of North Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} 6hzf2oez0uzyd4ei7910c9430iz30lj 4487768 4487765 2022-07-21T14:41:22Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* By bus */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== ===By train=== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Baranagar railway station]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|upright|Noapara metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content=The northern terminus and largest station of Kolkata Metro. }} [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|upright|B. T. Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (State Highway 2) and Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, Howrah, Hoogly and other districts can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North Bengal, Digha, Medinipore, Bankura etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|People about to cross the Ganges at Kuthi Ghat]] Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|22.64|88.37|zoom=13|layer=M}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. Buses, cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, toto rickshaws are available for journey. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi ghat, Noapara. You also could travel by yellow taxi(s), "Ola", "Uber". ==See== [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] * {{see | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar RKM School]] * {{see | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} * {{see | name=Dunlop Gurudwara | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dunlop Flyover | lat=22.6519 | long=88.3789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=St. James' Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, Kashi Nath Dutta Road | lat=22.6322 | long=88.3746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great religious leader, set his foot on his way to Puri in the early 16th century. }} [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Dutch Kuthi.jpg|thumb|upright|Dutch kuthi near Kuthi ghat]] * {{see | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Ganges, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of North Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} i7d0om22cbujtqeimc9jlraoiq5dntk 4487853 4487768 2022-07-21T17:59:14Z Sbb1413 2217354 Much better place for ISI and BRKM. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== ===By train=== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Baranagar railway station]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|upright|Noapara metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content=The northern terminus and largest station of Kolkata Metro. }} [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|upright|B. T. Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (State Highway 2) and Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, Howrah, Hoogly and other districts can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North Bengal, Digha, Medinipore, Bankura etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|People about to cross the Ganges at Kuthi Ghat]] Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|22.64|88.37|zoom=13|layer=M}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. Buses, cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, toto rickshaws are available for journey. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi ghat, Noapara. You also could travel by yellow taxi(s), "Ola", "Uber". ==See== [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Dunlop Gurudwara | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dunlop Flyover | lat=22.6519 | long=88.3789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=St. James' Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, Kashi Nath Dutta Road | lat=22.6322 | long=88.3746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great religious leader, set his foot on his way to Puri in the early 16th century. }} [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Dutch Kuthi.jpg|thumb|upright|Dutch kuthi near Kuthi ghat]] * {{see | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Ganges, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of North Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} aaux2rcnerkk9hyrhg0eb9le1xjx7fm 4487854 4487853 2022-07-21T17:59:38Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* By metro */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== ===By train=== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Baranagar railway station]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|upright|Noapara metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|upright|B. T. Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (State Highway 2) and Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, Howrah, Hoogly and other districts can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North Bengal, Digha, Medinipore, Bankura etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|People about to cross the Ganges at Kuthi Ghat]] Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|22.64|88.37|zoom=13|layer=M}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. Buses, cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, toto rickshaws are available for journey. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi ghat, Noapara. You also could travel by yellow taxi(s), "Ola", "Uber". ==See== [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Dunlop Gurudwara | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dunlop Flyover | lat=22.6519 | long=88.3789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=St. James' Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, Kashi Nath Dutta Road | lat=22.6322 | long=88.3746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great religious leader, set his foot on his way to Puri in the early 16th century. }} [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Dutch Kuthi.jpg|thumb|upright|Dutch kuthi near Kuthi ghat]] * {{see | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Ganges, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of North Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} 132uy2qoxu6mfvfpci17mq4dsllnoxb 4487855 4487854 2022-07-21T18:01:25Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Get around */ removing the stuff that are already mentioned in the huge city article. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== ===By train=== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Baranagar railway station]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|upright|Noapara metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|upright|B. T. Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (State Highway 2) and Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, Howrah, Hoogly and other districts can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North Bengal, Digha, Medinipore, Bankura etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|People about to cross the Ganges at Kuthi Ghat]] Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. ==Get around== {{Mapframe|22.64|88.37|zoom=13|layer=M}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi ghat, Noapara. ==See== [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Dunlop Gurudwara | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dunlop Flyover | lat=22.6519 | long=88.3789 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=St. James' Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=13, Kashi Nath Dutta Road | lat=22.6322 | long=88.3746 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great religious leader, set his foot on his way to Puri in the early 16th century. }} [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Dutch Kuthi.jpg|thumb|upright|Dutch kuthi near Kuthi ghat]] * {{see | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Ganges, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of North Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} jjvl85d9jjwx1u2xnqwficrqtm21mby 4487859 4487855 2022-07-21T18:04:51Z Sbb1413 2217354 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Baranagar railway station]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|upright|Noapara metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|upright|B. T. Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (State Highway 2) and Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, Howrah, Hoogly and other districts can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North Bengal, Digha, Medinipore, Bankura etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. * {{see | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} 40gz1pj4k2n10gnxdz3zntg36lqapnk 4487861 4487859 2022-07-21T18:05:22Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* By ferry */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Baranagar railway station]] * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|upright|Noapara metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar metro station]] * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|upright|B. T. Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (State Highway 2) and Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, Howrah, Hoogly and other districts can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North Bengal, Digha, Medinipore, Bankura etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} gy7hqwgraczf5vgt7ixt6f0bt26g9bl 4487863 4487861 2022-07-21T18:06:39Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Get in */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|upright|B. T. Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (State Highway 2) and Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, Howrah, Hoogly and other districts can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North Bengal, Digha, Medinipore, Bankura etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} px8zn851c3l09zkbc0zx9qg6xnz214v 4487866 4487863 2022-07-21T18:09:07Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* By bus */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address= 266, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22. | long=88. | directions=Near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} qbpltduuj8srmb05evshw9p11dwvr09 4487867 4487866 2022-07-21T18:11:04Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Buy */ Updated listing for Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Domino's Pizza | alt= | url= | email= | address=177, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3769 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+911206237401 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Pizza, chicken oriented foods. }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} grp58s96hi3mnv42ug05l1os83a22nk 4487868 4487867 2022-07-21T18:11:28Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Eat */ Deleted listing for Domino's Pizza - [[WV:Boring]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=KFC | alt= | url= | email= | address=145, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6527 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 8042754444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 11PM | price= | content=Restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} 7xmscnmy1cv5nevxkkzh5etwoe9mxkh 4487869 4487868 2022-07-21T18:11:51Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Eat */ Deleted listing for KFC - [[WV:Boring wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town at the [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|northern fringes]] of [[Kolkata]], [[Southeast Bengal]], [[India]]. It is a part of North 24 Parganas district of [[West Bengal]]. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the holy river Ganges. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants made a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== There are some lodges and hotels throughout Baranagar city for the tourists to stay for a fortnight or so. ==Connect== Public call booths can be found easily throughout the city from where local, national, and international calls can be made. Otherwise local sim cards can be used for connectivity. Cell phone coverage is excellent with all major mobile service providers offering their services in the city. ===Emergency=== * {{listing| name=Police | phone=100 }} * {{listing| name=Fire | phone=101 }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospital=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay safe== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted cities. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. Baranagar is safe for tourists. ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} q1f71ticrhffsfcxzajx890ktbz96ad 4487870 4487869 2022-07-21T18:16:23Z Sbb1413 2217354 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Disha Eye Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=277/4, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6342 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25460261 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 6PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} phmkb3lynm4lbqjq1d698gw9mkz04o5 4487871 4487870 2022-07-21T18:17:26Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Hospitals */ Deleted listing for Disha Eye Hospital wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address= 243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} ogilbwwtpn6yvg6fghsotdy0a7ciyrw 4487872 4487871 2022-07-21T18:17:57Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Buy */ Updated listing for Pantaloons - [[WV:Boring]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=More supermarket | alt= | url= | email= | address=W-block, Binayak Enclave, Sadhan Pally | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 07890004287 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Grocery store }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address=243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} 3lidviacfmqfn32y0sfuop8qub92jpf 4487873 4487872 2022-07-21T18:18:16Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Buy */ Deleted listing for More supermarket - [[WV:Boring]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=Pantaloons | alt= | url= | email= | address=243/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6394 | long=88.3775 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2510 4589 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} s75ahjtwqh8rhsxx4uu8mi7qm24o630 4487874 4487873 2022-07-21T18:18:34Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Buy */ Deleted listing for Pantaloons - [[WV:Boring]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali - "dahi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} lqqz4kg9te2ffuduzqk4jz3ti4vje2s 4487875 4487874 2022-07-21T18:19:08Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Eat */ Updated listing for Anandamayee Sweets - "dahi" is Hindi, not Bengali. wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali "doi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} 6blw8oa1l97ipvuc9lfep3copggm9r8 4488104 4487875 2022-07-22T06:38:44Z Sbb1413 2217354 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|200px|Baranagar on the banks of the Hooghly River]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== [[File:Kuthi Ghat - Barahanagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuthi Ghat]] * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali "doi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} 88nnhz821dx6zkwjxszd1j9leagoz34 4488106 4488104 2022-07-22T06:40:34Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* By ferry */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|200px|Baranagar on the banks of the Hooghly River]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|upright|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|upright|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address=Baranagar Jute Mill Area banarjee para more | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|upright|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Besides these, there are many old temples and mosques here. Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja, and Kali Puja, are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in north Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali "doi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} gymkrygwco4m897yg6a71na5kru01yj 4488110 4488106 2022-07-22T06:45:45Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* See */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|200px|Baranagar on the banks of the Hooghly River]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|200px|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|200px|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{See | name=Nivedita Setu | alt=Second Vivekananda Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.652286 | long=88.353258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Nivedita Setu is a cable-stayed bridge over the Hooghly River. It runs parallel to and around {{m|50}} downstream of Vivekananda Setu. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{See | name=Vivekananda Setu | alt=Bally Bridge | url= | email= | address=Bally | lat=22.65319 | long=88.35326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The {{m|880}} long rail-cum-road bridge was built in 1932 as Willingdon Bridge and later renamed Vivekananda Setu. }} ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali "doi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} t3aaxhvnqi1ephzbaunnwhshnulx4oc 4488111 4488110 2022-07-22T06:46:00Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* See */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|200px|Baranagar on the banks of the Hooghly River]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|200px|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|200px|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{See | name=Nivedita Setu | alt=Second Vivekananda Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.652286 | long=88.353258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Nivedita Setu is a cable-stayed bridge over the Hooghly River. It runs parallel to and around {{m|50}} downstream of Vivekananda Setu. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{See | name=Vivekananda Setu | alt=Bally Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.65319 | long=88.35326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The {{m|880}} long rail-cum-road bridge was built in 1932 as Willingdon Bridge and later renamed Vivekananda Setu. }} ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood (Bengali films), Bollywood, Hollywood films are shown here. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Road | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Latest Tollywood, Bollywood, Bhojpuri films are shown here. }} ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali "doi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} fw6xqie8w9nm7co4ue2i87p5v46jc1a 4488112 4488111 2022-07-22T06:47:11Z Sbb1413 2217354 /* Do */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Baranagar banner.jpg|pgname=Baranagar}} [[File:Kuthi ghat baranagar.jpg|thumb|300px|Kuthi Ghat in Baranagar]] [[File:Baranagar Hoogly.JPG|thumb|200px|Baranagar on the banks of the Hooghly River]] '''Baranagar''' (Bengali: বরানগর or বরাহনগর) (formerly '''Barahanagore''') is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Baranagar is on the banks of the Hooghly River. In the 17th century, Dutch merchants set up a residence here and made it a large business hub at that time, and the center of the jute industry. It has become a major industrial centre for the manufacture of agricultural and industrial machinery, chemicals, castor oil, several jute products, matches, and numerous cotton-processing companies. Baranagar is very rich culturally, a good tourist attraction of Kolkata. ==Talk== Many people of neighbouring states such as [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Odisha]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]] and also [[Punjab]]is live here. Most speak Bengali. Punjabi Sikh people at Dunlop and Bonhoogly speak mainly in Gurumukhi to each other and in Hindi with other religious people. Biharis and Jharkhandis people speak mainly in Bhojpuri to each other and in Hindi with others. Most locals also understand English. ==Get in== [[File:Baranagar Road railway station.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Road railway station]] [[File:INSIDENOAPARACAL.jpg|thumb|200px|Noapara metro station]] [[File: BaranagarMetro.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar metro station]] Baranagar has a well transport chain for travelling the tourist spots and going different sides of the city. You can find auto stands at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Ananya, Tobin Road, Sinthi, Banerjee para, Kuthi Ghat, Noapara. ===By train=== * {{listing | type=go | name=Baranagar Road railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653486 | long=88.378858 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | image=Baranagar Road railway station.jpg | wikidata=Q25549176 | content=One of the oldest stations of Kolkata suburban railway, on the Sealdah-Dankuni line. }} ===By metro=== * {{listing|type=go | name=Noapara metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.639722 | long=88.393889 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Noapara metro station | wikidata=Q14942939 | content= }} * {{listing|type=go | name=Baranagar metro station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.653529 | long=88.378873 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar metro station | wikidata=Q63092244 | content= }} ===By bus=== [[File:Barrackpore Trunk Road - Dunlop - Kolkata 2012-04-11 9450.JPG|thumb|200px|BT Road in Baranagar]] There are several state highways and other bus roads, like Barrackpore Trunk Road (SH 1) and the Belghoria Expressway. They intersect at Dunlop Flyover, a large viaduct. People from Kolkata, [[Howrah]], [[Hooghly]] et cetra can easily come here by these routes. Besides these, many buses are available here to go North [[Bengal]], [[Digha]], [[Midnapore]], [[Bankura]] etc. ===By ferry=== * {{Go | name=Kuthi Ghat | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6317 | long=88.3670 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=A place on the banks of river Hooghly, established by Dutch merchants in 17th century, as '''Dutch Kuthi''', one of the heritage sites of Kolkata. After that this the place was named "Kuthi Ghat". Ferry services are available at Kuthi Ghat. }} ==See== {{Mapframe}} <!-- {{mapshapes|Q1048849}} due to the major issue discussed at [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub]] --> [[File:Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar.jpg|thumb|200px|Baranagar Math]] [[File:Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg|thumb|200px|Kripamayee Kali Temple]] [[File:Kanch mandir-the Glass made Temple.jpg|thumb|200px|Glass Temple]] * {{see | name=Baranagar Math | alt= | url=http://www.rkmbaranagar.org | email= | address= | lat=22.631861 | long=88.3675 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagar Math | wikidata=Q14947352 | content=First monastery of Ramakrishna Order. After death of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and some of his other disciples permanently started to live here. In here, first they decided to establish Belur Math. }} * {{see | name=Alambazar Math | alt= | url=http://alambazarmath.azurewebsites.net/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6473 | long=88.3646 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Alambazar Math | wikidata=Q17001290 | content=Second monastery of Ramakrishna Order. Swami Vivekananda first put up at here after coming back from abroad. }} * {{see | name=Glass Temple | alt=Kacher Mandir | url= | email= | address=1, Pran Krishna Saha Lane | lat=22.6390 | long=88.3623 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{see | name=Kripamayee Kali Temple | alt=Jay Mitra Kali Bari | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.655 | long=88.357778 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Kripamayee Kali Temple | image=Joy Mitra Kripamoyee Kali Temple 04.jpg | wikidata=Q6437106 | content= }} * {{see | name=Mahamilan Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=7/7, PWD Road | lat=22.6518 | long=88.3717 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The Annapurna Temple and the Omkarnath Temple are two attractions of here. }} * {{See | name=Nivedita Setu | alt=Second Vivekananda Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.652286 | long=88.353258 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Nivedita Setu is a cable-stayed bridge over the Hooghly River. It runs parallel to and around {{m|50}} downstream of Vivekananda Setu. }} * {{listing | type=see | name=Pathbari Temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.6415 | long=88.3636 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A place where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu set his foot on his way to [[Puri]] in the early 16th century. }} * {{See | name=Vivekananda Setu | alt=Bally Bridge | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.65319 | long=88.35326 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=The {{m|880}} long rail-cum-road bridge was built in 1932 as Willingdon Bridge and later renamed Vivekananda Setu. }} ==Do== In Baranagar, several entertainment facilities are available. * {{listing | type=do | name=Sonali Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, BT d | lat=22.6532 | long=88.3782 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Narayani Cinema Hall | alt= | url= | email= | address=15, Surya Sen Rd | lat=22.6491 | long=88.3635 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} ===Events=== [[File:Bandhudal Sporting Club, Baranagar, pandel 2018.jpg|thumb|200px|A Durga Puja pandel in Baranagar]] Throughout the year many cultural festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja are well celebrated here. Baranagar is famous for Durga Puja in Kolkata suburban area. Every winter "Ajanta Circus" is held at Sinthi Circus Maidan. ==Learn== [[File:ISI University campus, Kolkata, India (2791363201).jpg|thumb|upright|ISI University]] [[File:BRKM Entrance 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Baranagore RKM School]] * {{Listing | name=Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | alt= | url=http://www.isical.ac.in/ | email= | address= | lat=22.6482 | long=88.3768 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Indian Statistical Institute | wikidata=Q3105568 | content=Founded by Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in 1932, the institute is now considered one of the foremost centres in the world for training and research in statistics. It is also an educational tourist spot. }} * {{Listing | name=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | alt=BRKMAHS | url=http://www.rkmbaranagore.org/ | email=brkmreunion@gmail.com | address=37, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6345 | long=88.370436 | directions= | phone=+91-33-2556-3817 | tollfree= | fax=+91-33-2556-3817 | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School | wikidata=Q19882251 | content=Founded by Yogindranath Tagore (the disciple of Swami Brahmananda) in 1912. This institution celebrates many cultural programmes throughout the year. It is also an educational tourist spot. Many people come to watch those cultural events every year. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chandrani Pearls | alt= | url= | email= | address=153/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6532 | long=88.3779 | directions=Near Baranagar Road Railway Station | phone=+91 033 25789025 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10:30AM - 9PM | price= | content=Ornaments of pearls. }} * {{buy | name=Prestige Smart Kitchen Swastik | alt= | url= | email= | address=266, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.63591 | long=88.37792 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 033 2546 0250 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 9PM | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{buy | name=World of Titan | alt= | url= | email= | address= 269/1, Barrackpore Trunk Road| lat=22.6414 | long=88.3772 | directions= | phone=+91 033 2546 0321 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 8:30PM | price= | content=watches, belts, wallets, perfume, spectacles, sunglasses. }} Besides these, at Dunlop, Bonhooghly, Alambazar, Tobin Road, Netaji Colony, Baranagar Bazzar, Sinthi locality, you can find big markets for several kinds of shops for daily life's useful things. ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Anandamayee Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=209, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3778 | directions= | phone=+91 2577 0120 | tollfree= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content=Traditional Bengal sweets, curd (in Bengali "doi"), ice cream, dhokla, lassi. }} * {{eat | name=Cafe Coffee Day | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6412 | long=88.3780 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=10AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Dhaka Birayani House | alt= | url= | email= | address=144, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6515 | long=88.3777 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903968610 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11AM - 10:30PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Food Village | alt= | url= | email= | address=144r, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 09903943648 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Ganguram Sweets | alt= | url= | email= | address=269/2, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6525 | long=88.3775 | directions=near Baranagar Police Station | phone=+91 09831736332 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=7AM - 10PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Haldiram's Confectioners | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions=near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25780815 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=9AM-2PM & 5-9PM| price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=New sher-e-Punjab hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=131, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6524 | long=88.3774 | directions=near Indian Statistical Institute | phone=+91 07890101313 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=11:30AM - 10:45PM | price= | content= }} * {{eat | name=The Cric World | alt= | url= | email= | address=44/51, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6339 | long=88.3785 | directions= | phone=+91 09830415213 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Noon - 11PM | price= | content=Multicuisine restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Wow Momo | alt= | url= | email= | address=140, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 7596086691 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Chinese restaurant. }} ==Drink== Several bars are available for drinks throughout Baranagar. You also can get lassi in several sweets shops, in '''Anandamayee Sweets''' many kinds of lassi like mango, dahi etc. are available. In the Alambazar area, you could get lassi in a sweet shop. In the Dunlop area, near Baranagar railway station and Sonali cinema hall, several fruit juice shops are available. You can also visit "Dunlop Coffee House" for coffee. ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Stay safe== ===Emergency=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar Police Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=47, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6362 | long=88.3784 | directions= | phone=+91 33 253193000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Fire Station | alt= | url= | email= | address=282, Deshpran Sasmal Ave | lat=22.6522 | long=88.3725 | directions= | phone=+91 33 25102102 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Stay healthy== Baranagar is one of the most air polluted areas. Many cars pass through Dunlop crossing, so this area is very much air polluted. Use a mask and handkerchief for this area. ===Ambulance=== * {{listing | name=Young Corner | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09331821441 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Medicine World | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gopal Lal Tagore Road| lat= | long= | directions=Near ISI | phone=+91 09674617538, +91 09339395012 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy Seva Samity | alt= | url= | email= | address=156, Maraja Nanda Kumar Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 09088948931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ===Hospitals=== * {{listing | name=Baranagar State General Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=108, Akshay Kumar Mukherjee Road | lat=22.6386 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 28730916 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata=Q61454804 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baine Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=123/1, Gopal Lal Tagore Road | lat=22.6452 | long=88.3749 | directions= | phone=+91 09674873262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Baranagar Matri Sadan | alt= | url= | email= | address=10/2/F, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat=22.6460 | long=88.3709 | directions=Near Baranagar Municipality | phone=+91 033 25776595 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute of Psychometry (ISSP) | alt= | url= | email= | address=117, Barrackpore Trunk Road | lat=22.6502 | long=88.3777 | directions=Near Baranagar Road railway station | phone=+91 033 25772696 | tollfree= | hours=11AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Psychiatric hospital. }} * {{listing | name=Indian Institute for the Orthopedically Handicapd (NIOH) | alt= | url= | email= | address=Barrackpore Trunk Road, Bonhooghly | lat=22.6427 | long=88.3804 | directions= | phone=+91 033 25310729 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Orthopedic hospital. }} * {{listing | name=ESKAG Sanjeevani Hospital | alt= | url= | email= | address=87, Deshbandhu Road (East) | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+91 8335045888 | tollfree= | hours=9AM - 5PM | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Kolkata/Barrackpore|Barrackpore]] * [[Kolkata/Northern fringes|Northern fringes of Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/North Kolkata|North Kolkata]] * [[Kolkata/Esplanade|Esplanade]] * [[Kolkata/East|East Kolkata]] {{outlinedistrict}} {{isPartOf|Kolkata}} {{geo|22.64|88.37}} jr30gu3iaf0vo0cy5di115u24vuzad1 0 174663 4487892 4487560 2022-07-21T19:00:29Z LPfi 79572 /* Stay safe */ the water healthy again, taste may still be less good wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Archipelago Trail banner Boathouses in Hyppeis, Houtskär.JPG|caption=Boathouses in Hyppeis}} '''[http://www.parainen.fi/web/kommunerna/en_GB/houtskar/ Houtskär]''' (Finnish: ''Houtskari'') is a former municipality in the [[Archipelago Sea]] in [[Finland Proper]]. It consists of about 700 islands with 19 villages. Houtskär has about 520 permanent residents but many more are residing there in the summer. Some of the islands in the south belong to the [[Archipelago Sea#Archipelago National Park]], notably Jungfruskär. ==Understand== [[File:Saaristo_Houtskari.png|thumb|Houtskär archipelago]] Houtskär is a relatively remote group of islands, located in the middle of the [[Archipelago Sea]]. Most of the villages were already mentioned in a manuscript from 1540. In the early 1900s a notable part of young men moved to USA. People have traditionally lived mostly from fishery and exporting the fish to mainland Finland. The municipality was also famous for its skilful boatmakers. Because of the temperate climate and calcareous soil there are some rare plants growing on these islands. Nowadays growing potatoes and vegetables is an important source of income. There are just a few professional fishermen left. The main island is quite large and most of the people live there. Other permanently inhabited islands are connected either by a cable ferry, a road ferry or a smaller vessel. Houtskär is mostly [[Swedish phrasebook|Swedish]] speaking. According to local legend the first permanent residents came from [[Dalarna]] in [[Sweden]] explaining why the local dialect is different from the rest of the Swedish speaking archipelago. The Swedish word ''skär'' actually means a skerry but the name Houtskär is, probably, based on Finnish ''Hautasaari'' or ''Hautasalo'', both meaning a grave island. This represents a phenomenon where very old Finnish place names have slowly turned into Swedish similar sounding forms. The name appears first time in 1554 as a chapel under [[Korpo]] parish. Already in 1636 an order was given to build a new church in Houtskär to replace the old, decaying one. The former municipality merged with [[Iniö]], [[Nagu]], [[Korpo]] and [[Pargas]] in 2009. The new municipality was later renamed Pargas, causing quite some confusion. Service is usually available in both Swedish and Finnish, as well as in English. ==Get in== [[File:LA Stella 1.jpg|thumb|View from the road ferry M/S ''Stella'']] {{see also|Archipelago Trail}} The main route to the Houtskär islands is along ''Skärgårdsvägen'' ("the Archipelago Road", regional road 180). Take highway 1 (E18) or regional road 110 between [[Helsinki]] and [[Turku]] and turn to Skärgårdsvägen in [[Kaarina]]. Continue via [[Pargas]] and [[Nagu]] to Korpo. There are free road ferries between Pargas and Nagu (Lillmälö–Prostvik, 20 min), Nagu and Korpo (Pärnäs–Retais, 5 min) and Korpo and Houtskär (Galtby–Kittuis, 30 min). Road ferries ''M/S Stella'' and ''M/S Mergus'' operate year-round between {{marker|type=go| name=Galtby ferry harbour |lat=60.1847|long=21.5870}} and {{marker|type=go| name=Kittuis ferry harbour |lat=60.1868|long=21.4384}}. Look at the road signs to get on the right ferry ([https://www.finferries.fi/en/ferry-traffic/ferries-and-schedules/korppoo-houtskari.html timetables]; services start 5:30–8:00 in the morning and continue to 23:00–24:00, the first service and the ones after 21:05 must usually be booked). These last ferries have a café, at least ''Stella'' usually with breakfast and lunch. The Skärgårdsbuss coaches drive from Turku along Skärgårdsvägen to Korpo, usually via Galtby, allowing a transfer to the ferry and to a coach waiting in Kittuis. Sometimes the other coach may wait already in Galtby (don't take the one going back to Turku). It pays to step out of your car or the coach on the longer ferry passages, to breath the fresh air and enjoy the wind and the seascapes. Galtby has a ferry connection from [[Åland]] (''[[Åland#Archipelago ferries|Norra linjen]]'', "the Southern Line"). Ålandstrafiken fees apply, car slots may have to be reserved. The ferry ''M/S Antonia'' operates between Dalen in [[Iniö]] and {{marker|type=go| name=Mossala ferry harbour |lat=60.2885|long=21.4392}} during the summer season (mid May–early September in 2022) four to five times daily ([https://www.finferries.fi/en/ferry-traffic/ferries-and-schedules/the-archipelago-houtskari-inio.html timetables]). Transport fees: adult €10, children €5, bicycles €12, MC/moped €25, car €40, and caravan €75. The fees for vehicles include all passengers. The ferry has a small café. A one-way trip takes about an hour. There are no services in Dalen but a restaurant in Mossala. Iniö has ferry connection from [[Kustavi]] in the north. The smaller ferries serving remote islands (see Get around) year round sometimes call also in Iniö and in Torsholma of [[Brändö]], Åland, and can thus be used for getting in, although the timetables are, and the connections may be, convoluted. They are free but may not take cars. In hard winters they may be replaced by hydrocopters or the like. See [[#Get around|Get around]] below and [[Archipelago Trail#Houtskär]]. The ferry ''M/S Antonia'' operates between Mossala and Dalen in [[Iniö]] during the summer season (mid May–early September in 2022) four to five times daily ([https://www.finferries.fi/en/ferry-traffic/ferries-and-schedules/the-archipelago-houtskari-inio.html timetables]). Transport fees: adult €10, children €5, bicycles €12, MC/moped €25, car €40, and caravan €75. The fees for vehicles include all passengers. The ferry has a small café. A one-way trip takes about an hour. There are no services in Dalen but a restaurant in Mossala. The ''Skärgårdsbuss'' '''coaches''' offer daily connections from Turku to Näsby in Houtskär (lines 901–904; about €23, children 4–11 half price; timetables [https://tlo.fi/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/901_talvi_9.8_print.pdf autumn 2021–spring 2022]/[https://tlo.fi/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/901-kesa-2022-print.pdf 6 June–14 August 2022])). You need to change coaches, either in Galtby harbour in Korpo or by taking the ferry and boarding the other coach in Kittuis harbour. Some coaches continue all the way to Mossala, either via Näsby or passing by, leaving 2 km of walking for those going to Näsby. The coaches are operated by TLO, usually using Skärgårdsbuss's white-green livery. Also the [https://reittiopas.foli.fi/?locale=en Föli] route planner has the timetables for coaches from Turku, but it seems to believe these are express services – use "Kittuis", "Näsby" or "Mossala" to search and just get off at your stop (and don't use "bus station" for the Turku end, Föli thinks that's the one in the Port of Turku). There is a good '''bike''' route from Turku to Pargas. Some kilometres after the Pargas centre it gets narrow but continues to the first ferry quay in Lillmälö. In Nagu, Korpo, and Houtskär you mostly have to cope with the road traffic. It is a good strategy to get off the bike when the batch of cars from a ferry is approaching. Otherwise there is usually little traffic on these roads. Stay on right as the local drivers really don't expect a bicyclist after the next turn... If you're coming by a '''yacht''' there are full service guest marinas in Näsby and Mossala, and a guest harbour also by the Björkö village. The one in Näsby is reached by long sounds, Mossala is in the north and Björkö is in the west. There are guest harbours also at some islands not reachable by road. ==Get around== [[File:Houtskär, Archipelago round.jpg|thumb|View from an outcrop hill]] The main road leads from Kittuis to Mossala across two short ferry passages (Roslax–Kivimo and Björkö–Nordanlands/Mossala). The main village, Näsby, is on the east coast of the main island 2 km from this road, before Roslax, 11 km from Kittuis and 16 km from Mossala. These roads are paved, but otherwise there are just gravel roads. The main road is not only narrow but also crooked and hilly. In general, you won't see too far what's ahead (but legends has that when it was built, locals thought it looked like an airstrip – and locals ''know'' what's ahead unless you are there). In Näsby everything is within '''walking''' distance. For longer trips '''biking''' is an easy way to get around. Ask for renting a bike from your accommodation. Houtskär has an internal bus route but during the tourist season it serves mostly between Kittuis ferry jetty and Näsby. Mossala is mostly served twice a day by the Skärgårdsbuss coaches (lines 903–904). The '''cable ferries''' to Kivimo (Roslax–Kivimo), Mossala (Björkö–Mossala), and Saverkeit (Näsby–Saverkeit) run when needed. Smaller islands are served by '''ship-like ferries'''. These mostly don't carry your car. [https://www.finferries.fi/en/ferry-traffic/ferries-and-schedules/houtskari-route-finno.html#timetables M/S ''Finnö''] operates [https://www.finferries.fi/media/kuvat/yksityiskohtaiset-karttakuvat/houtskarin_reittialue.png Houtskär northern route] reaching [[Brändö]] and [[Iniö]] ([https://www.finferries.fi/media/aikataulut-2022/houtskarin-reitti-1.5.-31.12.2022.pdf timetable May–December 2022]) and M/S ''Kivimo'' the overlapping [https://www.finferries.fi/media/kuvat/yksityiskohtaiset-karttakuvat/inion_lisareitti.png Iniö route] ([https://www.finferries.fi/en/koodiviidakko/timetable/inio-additional-route-kivimo.html timetables]). They operate out of Näsby and (more frequently) Roslax, 5 km towards Mossala (and harbours of Iniö). The timetables are fairly complex, and the service must usually be requested by phone at latest the previous day. [https://www.ely-keskus.fi/documents/10191/255554/Korppoon_reittialue.pdf Houtskär southern archipelago] is served by M/S ''Fiskö'' ({{phone|+358 44-761-8000}}) from Korpo and Kittuis, on the Korpo route. The timetable ([https://saaristolinjat.fi/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Kopio-Fisko-kesaaikataulu-2022.pdf summer 2022]) is surprisingly straightforward. Also this vessel is free of charge. There is no public transportation to [[Jungfruskär]]. Ask for water taxi (Swedish: ''taxibåt'', Finnish: ''taksivene'') service or look for arranged tours. With a '''yacht''' or '''kayak''' all small islands are in reach. Don't land on islets with nesting birds. There are kayaks for rent at some lodging businesses. ===By taxi=== * '''Taxi Peter Juslin''': {{phone|+358 400-228-112}} * '''Taxi Roger Tengström''': {{phone|+358 2 4633-438}} * Valopilkku (taxi app) ==See== [[File:Houtskarin_kirkko.jpg|thumb|Houtskär church]] Näsby is perhaps one of the most idyllic villages in Finland. * {{see | name=The Houtskär church | alt=Houtskär kyrka | url= | email= | address=Näsby | lat=60.2246| long=21.3721| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit= | content= Wooden cross church build in 1703 on a small hill in the middle of Näsby village. }} * {{see | name=The Archipelago Museum | alt=Houtskärs Skärgårdsmuseum | url= https://pargashembygdsmuseum.fi/en/museums_in_the_archipelago/| email= | address= Sankt Andreas väg 11 | lat=60.2238| long=21.3708| directions= | phone=+358 400-723-375 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= June 24th–August 11th: M–F 12:00–19:00, Sa–Su 12:00–16:00 | price=€4, children under 12 free | lastedit= | content= Exhibition on traditional handicrafts, boats and scale models, and fishing equipments. }} * The scenic view of '''boat houses''' in {{marker|type=see|name=Björkö|lat=60.2655|long=21.4051}} and {{marker|type=see|name=Hyppeis |lat=60.2112|long=21.2748}}. * {{see | name=Borgberget observation tower | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.2168| long=21.3046| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit= | content= Observation tower on a hill in the Järvis village. }} * {{see | name=Mossala observation tower | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=60.2887| long=21.4445| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit= | content= Observation tower in Mossala Island Resort. A view to '''Mossala fjärden''', a circular structure that never turned into a volcano. }} * {{see | name=Jungfruskär | alt= | url= https://www.nationalparks.fi/archipelagonp/services/jungfruskar| email= | address= | lat= 60.1408| long= 21.0725| directions= access only by boat | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content= This small group of islands is considered as one of the most valuable nature spots in south-western Finland. The elder-flowered orchid, ''Adam och Eve'', is flowering on its wooded meadows in June. This centuries old fishing village later became a navy fortress but was opened to public in early 2000s and now most of the islands belong to the Archipelago National Park. The [[right to access]] is restricted, leave no trace! Excursion harbour with toilets. Camping site. Nature trail. }} ==Do== Boating, fishing, enjoy the nature. * {{do | name=Sankt Andreas kulturstig | url= http://www.prohoutskar.fi/prohoutskar/svenska/kultur/kulturstigen/kartan.html| email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= in Näsby | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit= | content= A culture trail with info boards around Näsby village. }} * {{sleep <!-- seems to require this to chow check in/check out --> | name=Houtskärs fårfarm | alt=Houtskarin lammastila | url=https://www.houtskarinlammastila.fi/en | email=houtskarinlammastila@gmail.com | address=Ankokvägen 30 | lat=60.259 | long=21.400 | directions=ask for directions, don't trust the navigator | phone=+358 40-740-9052 (Katja), +358 400-526-703 (Roy) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin=M/Tu 16:00, for weekends off season F 12:00 | checkout=Su/M 16:00 | price=€450–600/week + €18/person; off season €450/week + €18/person, €250/weekend + €9/person; children under 14 half price; linen €15/person; cleaning €80 | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Finnsheep sheep farm. Sheep products for sale. Stay a week as shepherd. Three different houses/cottages with beds for 2–6 persons each, pets welcome in two of them. Solar power, gas stove, sauna, outhouse privy, no running water (the house might have modern facilities). }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name= M-Market Houtskär| alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/mhoutskar/ | email=market@m-houtskar.fi | address= Näsbyvägen 178| lat=60.2231| long=21.3661| directions= | phone=+358 2 463-3255| tollfree= | fax= | hours= Summertime: M–F 09:00–20:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 10:00–16:00 | price= | content= Groceries, mail service, self-care drugs, fuel, Alko pick-up point }} A gracery shop in Björkö village has been closed since 2016 but is still shown on most maps. Sheep products can be bought at Houtskärs fårfarm in Björkö by – or just stop to caress the sheep. ==Eat and drink== [[File:Café i Houtskär somaren 2009.jpg|thumb|Café in Näsby, by the main road]] * {{eat | name= Grill café Skagen | alt= | url=https://skagen.fi/sv/restaurang/| email= | address= Näsby | lat= 60.224| long= 21.3677 | directions=Näsby Guest Marina | phone=+358 2 463-3407| tollfree= | fax= | hours=May–September, in shoulder season weekends only | price=€13–17 | lastedit= | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotel Hyppeis Värdshus | alt= | url= https://www.hotelhyppeis.fi | email=info@hotelhyppeis.fi | address=Hyppeisvägen 540 | lat= 60.2132| long= 21.2768| directions= | phone=+358 40-175-9880 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=lunch 11:00–14:30, dinner 15:00–21:00 | price=Lunch from €12, dinner €28–60 | lastedit= | content=June–August }} * {{eat | name=Mossala Restaurant | alt= | url=https://mossala-island-resort.com/en/restaurant/ | email=info@mossala-island-resort.com | address=Mossala | lat= 60.288| long= 21.439 | directions= | phone=+358 50-347-7658| tollfree= | fax= | hours=13 May–23 July 2022: breakfast M–Sa 08:00–10:00 Su 09:00–11:00, à la carte M–Th 11:00–21:00 F 11:00–22:00, Su 12:00–21:00; 24 July–14 August breakfast 08:00–10:00, snacks M–Sa 11:00–16:00 Su 12:00–16:00, à la carte M–Th 16:00–22:00 F–Sa 16:00–23:00 Su 16:00–22:00 | price=€20–25, children €9, snacks €11–16 | lastedit=2022-05-17 | content=À la carte and breakfast. Café. Small bar. }} * {{eat | name= Pub Pelago| alt= | url= | email= | address=Björkö | lat=60.2644| long=21.4047| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=A pub that seems to be open during the summer months every now and then. }} * {{eat | name=Sybarit | alt=former Houtskärs Gästgifveri | url=https://sybarit.fi | email=jennisrestaurang@hotmail.com | address=Näsbyvägen 189 | lat=60.2227 | long=21.3684 | directions=Näsby | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Restaurant with home-like food. Breakfast, lunch and à la carte. Also rooms. }} ==Sleep== <!-- check Lömsö, Nåtö and Björkä --> * {{sleep | name= Hotel Hyppeis Värdshus| alt= | url= https://www.hotelhyppeis.fi/en/ | email=info@hotelhyppeis.fi | address=Hyppeisvägen 540 | lat=60.213| long=21.276| directions= | phone=+358 40-175-7538 | tollfree= | fax= | price=€130 | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit= | content=<!-- Hotel is open year-round, restaurant from June to August --> In 2021 open 1 May–24 August, restaurant 14 June–22 August. Also family rooms. Pets welcome in some of the rooms. Breakfast included. }} * {{sleep | name=Sybarit | alt=former Houtskärs Gästgifveri | url=https://sybarit.fi | email=jennisrestaurang@hotmail.com | address=Näsbyvägen 189 | lat=60.2227 | long=21.3684 | directions=Näsby, near end | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=Rooms. Restaurant with home-like food. Breakfast, lunch and à la carte. }} * {{sleep | name=Tuulenlatva | alt= Windy Hill's Inn| url= http://www.tuulenlatva.fi | email=info@windyhillsinn.com | address=Houtskärsvägen 109 | lat=60.1961| long=21.4321| directions= | phone=+358 50-572-6242| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= €110–130/night | lastedit= | content= B&B with unique rooms }} * {{sleep | name=Skärgårdsskolan | alt= | url=https://www.skargardsskolan.fi/bedbreakfast/ | email=info@skargardsskolan.fi | address=Näsbyvägen 259 | lat=60.2261 | long=21.3777 | directions=Näsby, on the hill before the ferry quay | phone=+358 40-561-8278| tollfree= | fax= | checkin=17:00–20:00 or by agreement | checkout=10:00 or by agreement| price=double €85, extra bed €25, baby bed €10; single €65; cottage €60+€15/person | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-05-31 | content=B&B in boarding school, in summer or on agreement. Originally a ''folkhögskola'' providing post-school education primarily for youth living in the archipelago, in the 1980s mostly [[Gap year travel|gap year]] students from elsewhere. Nowadays mostly short courses for adults and school camps for youth. Most rooms double, a few larger ones (for 3–8+) available. Also cottages (4 persons). Linen and breakfast included. Shared toilets and showers. Silence requested 21:00–08:00. No smoking, no alcohol. Pets allowed in some rooms. Lunch and dinner may be available. }} === Camping and cabins === * {{sleep | name=Mossala Island Resort | alt= | url= http://mossala-island-resort.com | email=info@mossala-island-resort.com | address= Mossala | lat= 60.2885| long= 21.4399 | directions= | phone=+358 50-347-7658| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Tent €20 (WC and shower included), caravans €30 | lastedit= | content= Cabins, camping site, caravans. Guest marina. Restaurant. Nature trail and observing tower. Activities include fishing, SUP boarding, kite boarding and disc golf. }} * {{sleep | name=Kittuis Camping & Caravan | alt= | url= https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kittuis-camping-caravan/332322270683148 | email= kittuis.camping@gmail.com | address=Houtskärsvägen 6 | lat=60.1872 | long=21.4375 | directions=by Kittuis ferry quay | phone=+358 440-534-100, +358 500-534-100 (either number may be obsolete) | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content=Camping site }} * {{sleep | name=Skärgårdsskolan | alt= | url=https://www.skargardsskolan.fi/bedbreakfast/| email=info@skargardsskolan.fi | address=Näsbyvägen 259 | lat=60.2255| long=21.3783 | directions= | phone=+358 40 561 8278| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= Cabins with B&B for meetings, courses and camp schools. Smoking and alcohol consumption are forbidden. }} === Guest marinas === [[File:Näsby gästhamn 2009.jpg|thumb|The marina in Näsby]] * {{sleep | name=Näsby gästhamn | alt= | url= https://skagen.fi/sv/gasthamn/| email=therese@skagen.fi | address= | lat= 60.224| long= 21.367 | directions=Näsby | phone=+358 40-738-6465 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content=Guest marina. Fuel, sewage pump, laundrettes, water, electricity, showers, sauna, Wi-Fi, restaurant, bikes for hire. }} * {{sleep | name=Mossala Island Resort | alt= | url= http://mossala-island-resort.com/marina-yacht-harbour/| email=info@mossala-island-resort.com | address= Mossala | lat=60.2882| long=21.4375 | directions= | phone=+358 50-347-7658| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= Cabins, camping site, caravans. Guest marina. Restaurant. Nature trail and observing tower. Activities from fishing to disc golf. }} * {{sleep | name=Nåtö | alt= | url= http://www.sammels.fi/index.html {{dead link|December 2020}}| email=sammels@sammels.fi | address= Nåtö | lat= 60.3469| long= 21.1604 | directions=on Nåtö island | phone=+358 40-565-6084| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= B&B and a small guest marina (not for sailing boats!) far in the archipelago. Fishing. Nature trail. Accessible by M/S Karolina. }} * {{sleep | name=Själö Guest Harbour | alt= | url= https://saaristo.finday.fi/en/services/4145| email= | address= | lat= 60.3764| long= 21.1534 | directions=on the Själö island by Skiftet – not to be confused with Själö in Nagu | phone=+358 400-617-630| tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit= | content= Guest marina for 1–2 boats. Sheep farm. }} ==Connect== Postal code: 21760 Houtskär (all islands) ==Stay safe== The [[Pests#Ticks|ticks]] are extremely common. If you are driving, beware of elks and deer at dusk. There is a health care station in Näsby (restricted hours). ==Go next== * [[Iniö]] to the north or [[Korpo]] to the south-east. You could also complete the [[Archipelago Trail]]. * A tour to one of the more distant islands of the [[Archipelago Sea]]. * The [[Åland]] islands, reachable by M/S Karoliina and M/S Satava. Check the timetables carefully. A more straight-forward ferry from Galtby also takes cars. {{IsPartOf|Archipelago Sea}} {{geo|60.23|21.35}} {{usablecity}} b82f16x0a754ojploxns45ohse7po14 4 176595 4487695 4480885 2022-07-21T12:05:43Z SHB2000 2248002 /* 2022 */ archive wikitext text/x-wiki {{ombox | text = '''DotM archives:''' [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive/2004-2007|2004-2007]] &bull; [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive/2008-2011|2008-2011]] &bull; [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive/2012-2015|2012-2015]] &bull; [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive/2016-2019|2016-2019]] &bull; [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Archive/2020-2023|2020-2023]] |}} ==2022== ===[[New Golden Route]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=New Golden Route | blurb=Connecting Tokyo and Kyoto via Northern Chubu, explore one of Japan's popular tourist trails. | status=Guide | time=Not sure. Will defer to {{ping|Tai123.123}} | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:13, 19 December 2021 (UTC) | comment=We haven't had much itineraries from Asia being featured before. Here's one good recently created one. | DotMImage=[[File:Shiraito Falls Karuizawa.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Comment ''' As this was the first article I worked on I'm unsure if everything fits the Manual of Style though I think the content should be fine, the [[Magome-Tsumago Trail]] is another Japanese itinerary I wrote but Magome is already going to be featured soon. Also [[Karuizawa]] which is on the route is only an outline. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 04:18, 19 December 2021 (UTC) :@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] I've just upgraded [[Karuizawa]] to usable now. Although Magome is going to be featured soon, this is probably only going to be featured sometime late next year or so. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:26, 19 December 2021 (UTC) ::As others are fine with it '''Support!''' [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:25, 7 February 2022 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It looks good to me. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:14, 21 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' For most destinations along the route, May-June and Sept-Oct seem to have the most comfortable temperature, and not too much rain. Not sure whether [[Golden Week in Japan]] is more of an attraction or an obstacle. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:20, 21 December 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. This article continues to develop into one of our best itineraries. It is concise, which is convenient for the traveler, and all included information is useful for travel. Although in my past I objected to this article's promotion to guide status, now I support it and its FTT nomination due to how it has been written and developed. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:24, 2 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for July/August 2022, as we have few other Asian features, and northern summer gets filled up by European, US and Canadian destinations. If weather is too hot, we can consider another month. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:06, 16 January 2022 (UTC) ::That's fine, Thanks! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:26, 7 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Farnborough]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Farnborough | blurb=Famous for its air show, there are many more aviation attractions in the English town where the French imperial family rests in peace | status=Star | time=Preferably July 2022 for the next air show | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:21, 20 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=What can I say, it's a star article so it definitely deserves a month on the Main Page. | DotMImage=[[File:Airship Hangar.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:21, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''; this was successfully approved to star status and accordingly has been subject to a high level of scrutiny and criticism. An active contributor is able to update the article whenever necessary. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:02, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. This is a Star article, so I doubt that there are any issues that would prevent its being featured as an OTBP article. ----[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 18:24, 20 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Strong support''' star article so why not? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:47, 20 September 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' The air show takes place on 18 to 22 July. Not sure whether to schedule during 11 June to 10 July well before the show, or 11 July to 10 July, during which the air show takes place. We should consider to loosen up the time slots to line them up for special events; featuring this article from 21 June to 20 July would be perfect. See talk page. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:57, 30 October 2021 (UTC) ===[[Queensland]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Queensland | blurb=Australia's second largest state is home to world famous natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, the Whitsunday Islands along with many of its pristine white beaches. | status=Guide | time=Sometime in the southern winter (around April/May to October) | nominatedBy=<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:41, 15 January 2022 (UTC) | comment=Just like Canada, Australia also probably deserves more features being of a size of the contiguous 48. As we have had zero state features from Australia, this one is in a somewhat good shape to be featured. Some of the #Other destinations need some work, and it needs a better history section, but I'm willing to do that in the next couple of days. | DotMImage=[[File:Turtle06.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *<s>'''Close'''</s> per my comment. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:41, 15 January 2022 (UTC) ::I expanded the understand section although. Although Queensland is larger than both [[Quebec]] and [[Alaska]], one of them have a longer history section. So I'm changing my vote to <s>'''very close'''</s>. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:13, 16 January 2022 (UTC) :::I think I've finished what I've wanted to do for this article, so I now '''support''' as nominator. Willing to do changes as necessary. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:37, 24 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Close''' Understand is to short for such a large state [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:51, 15 January 2022 (UTC) *:I've just added a history and a politics section, mostly translated from de and fr wikipedia. Now just the #Other destinations that need some work. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:54, 15 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - the article looks good, but I'm not sure we've ever featured somewhere so vast on Wikivoyage before. This raises an interesting point about featured articles more generally now and in future, so I'm going to make a separate post on the talk page.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:49, 25 January 2022 (UTC) :: We have featured [[Wales]], but we have yet to settle on formal criteria for featuring state-level regions. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:01, 25 January 2022 (UTC) ::Banners nominated at [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners#Queensland|/Banners#Queensland]]. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:20, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *<s>'''Very close.'''</s> We have few regional articles like this. Among the few things to wish for would be more on intra-state aviation, crime, and suggestions for souvenir shopping. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:58, 19 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' due to recent additions. Very little left to add. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:49, 22 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Wine regions of Ontario]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Wine regions of Ontario | blurb=Ontario is often assumed that it's too cold to produce wine, but it does produce a wide range of cool climate wines, and the internationally-recognized ice wine. | status=Guide | time=<s>Sept-Oct</s>May-Oct | nominatedBy=<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:00, 19 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=Stumbled across this in [[Special:RandomPage]], and I thought why not? | DotMImage=[[File:Vineyard-Waupoos-Ontario.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *<s>'''Very very close'''</s> – as the nominator, all I think could be better is two or three more images. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:00, 19 October 2021 (UTC) ::Given that {{u|Ground Zero}} has added more images, I'm well and ready to fully '''support'''. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 13:06, 20 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. And willing to make more improvements if needed. I think this could be featured any time from May to October. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 14:06, 20 October 2021 (UTC) *:Scheduled this for July. Hope it won't be too hot then. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:43, 30 October 2021 (UTC) ::July is hot in Ontario by Canadian standards (30-35 °C), which would not phase an Australian. It wouldn't prevent wine touring. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:26, 11 November 2021 (UTC) :::Probably just where I live, but it's usually around 25 ish where I live, but that's because I live by a river that flows into Sydney Harbor. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:20, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * <s>'''Almost'''</s>. All the wineries need to be in the marker or listing format. At the moment some of them appear to not be in this format. When that's corrected, I'll support this article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 20:25, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::All wineries are now markered. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:12, 21 December 2021 (UTC) :::'''Support''' per previous comment. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:22, 2 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Homer]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Homer | blurb=The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World is the western end of the American highway system, and has an astounding view of Alaska's southern coast. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer has the most comfortable climate. But we hardly have any winter resorts scheduled, so maybe winter 2022/2023? | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:56, 11 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=We have yet to feature an article from Alaska. | DotMImage=[[File:Bald Eagles Homer Alaska USA.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' pending dead link fixes and small corrections. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:33, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' per SC. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:22, 11 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for May, replacing [[Ștefănești]]. A good time to escape the rainy springs of the lower 48. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:15, 11 November 2021 (UTC) * There are some listings that are out of date, or at least 6 years old. Support if those are checked and updated. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 22:24, 11 November 2021 (UTC) *:Local here, I'll double check them. [[User:Beeblebrox|Beeblebrox]] ([[User talk:Beeblebrox|talk]]) 17:16, 9 December 2021 (UTC) *::I found a couple missing entries, and also a misplaced listing from Homer, Louisiana. Otherwise looks up to date. [[User:Beeblebrox|Beeblebrox]] ([[User talk:Beeblebrox|talk]]) 18:00, 9 December 2021 (UTC) *I've identified a number of mapping errors and omissions on the talk page. [[User:Beeblebrox|Beeblebrox]] ([[User talk:Beeblebrox|talk]]) 02:36, 19 January 2022 (UTC) ---- '''Outcome:''' otbp for June 2022. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 01:44, 11 June 2022 (UTC) ===[[Dublin]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Dublin | blurb=Ireland's capital is a friendly, cosmopolitan city with the best of the country's music and nightlife, with Bloomsday celebrated on 16 June. | status=Guide | time=Northern summer for weather, or March for St. Patrick's Day | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:25, 5 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Might need districts and a climate graph. We have no scheduled articles for Ireland. | DotMImage=[[File:CustomHouseDublin.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *<s>'''Support'''</s>, but if {{u|Grahamsands}} has any concerns with this article, I might change my vote. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:45, 5 November 2021 (UTC) *::I had previously looked at the article, but only up to the "Drink" section. But I'm changing to '''close''' as the sleep listings need coordinates. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:04, 17 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally in June for Bloomsday. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 02:49, 6 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', the page is well-developed, and of all the Irish destinations this must be lead contender. Also as a big city it's more covid-resilient, with chain businesses that can ride out the slump - small places in the countryside have been much worse blighted. It's a year-round destination but Bloomsday is a good hook. Yvwv, the climate graph is there as an xref to the County, and districtification IMO would not be beneficial. One problem remains the sub-page for [[University_College_Dublin | University College Dublin (UCD) ]] Bellfield campus. The issues raised on that Talk page haven't been resolved. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 11:36, 12 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' It could be improved by adding more lat/longs to sleep listings, and the see listings should be checked nearer the time to update with any temporary measures, like advance bookings being required. The University College Dublin issue has been fixed - the page is now [[Booterstown]]. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:43, 20 November 2021 (UTC) ===[[Archipelago Trail]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Archipelago Trail | blurb=Finland's Archipelago Sea is one of the world's largest, by count of islands and islets. While boat is a natural way to get around, many pretty villages and scenic views can be visited by bike or car. | status=Guide | time=[[Talk:Archipelago_Trail#Guide|"ideally May-Jun"]] | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:13, 12 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=The trail has become popular over the last years, as many people have traveled domestically instead of going abroad due to the pandemic. But [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] has worked on the article and ones for the islands and towns it goes through for much longer than that, and it's really about time to feature it on the Main Page to show that great work. | DotMImage=[[File:Nagu2 2009.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:13, 12 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': There are still some things that need fixing ([[Vakka-Suomi countryside]] is weak, as is the corresponding part of the itinerary), but I think they can be fixed during the autumn. Ferry timetables etc. need to be checked, although I think the big changes are covered already, so it should just be updating, not rewriting. Quite some copy editing by native speakers is probably needed, as is some checking for style issues. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 18:56, 12 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Another impressive Finnish topic. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:55, 21 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' LPfi has put a lot of work into this article, and it's well developed. The only thing I'd be concerned about is as LPfi mentioned, [[Vakka-Suomi countryside]] but there's plenty of time to fix that. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 00:37, 22 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as a good itinerary/travel topic. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:30, 2 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I made a native speaker copyediting pass through it, made some of the English more idiomatic (minor things, mostly preposition usage) & added some links. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 04:06, 3 October 2021 (UTC) *: Thank you. I found a lodging in Rymättylä, so now I think all the places the itinerary passes through have usable articles, except Vakka-Suomi countryside (which I will work on later), and Velkua (of which you just pass a corner on which there is information). Statuses of side trip destination articles vary and some even don't have articles, but I don't think that is a problem. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:39, 3 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' with a nit: the blurb really should mention where this is, plenty of archipelagos out there! [[User:Jpatokal|Jpatokal]] ([[User talk:Jpatokal|talk]]) 05:55, 20 April 2022 (UTC) * There have been some problems with renewing the ferry contracts, so timetables for the summer are late. I will check the situation soon. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 16:33, 2 May 2022 (UTC) ===[[Percé]]=== {{FeatureNom | place= Percé | blurb=This touristy town at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula features a truly awesome arch-shaped offshore rock formation, among other attractions. | status=Guide | time=June-September | nominatedBy= [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 21:48, 10 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=I was looking through the slush pile and found this great article when it was nominated in 2015 it was slushed as the now-inactive Andre Carrotflower planned to nominate the entire [[Gaspé Peninsula]] instead, as the peninsula is still only usable status and can't be featured should this be featured instead, in the 2015 discussion Carrotflower stated he would support the feature if things didn't pan out with the peninsula, should I @ Carrotflower to double check he's fine with it. | DotMImage=[[File:Percé vu du mont Sainte-Anne.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *<s>'''Close'''</s> Dead links should be fixed, but apart from that LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:06, 10 October 2021 (UTC) ::I now '''support''' as GZ has fixed the clock issue. I tried to do that, but I gave up. Looks good to go on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:54, 18 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Close.''' Needs climate and safety information. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:46, 10 October 2021 (UTC) :There are also formatting issues as well, since the 24 hour clock should be used for Quebec articles, but I'll fix that. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 11:25, 12 October 2021 (UTC) ::Times adjusted for 24-hour clock. Climate info added. Dead links fixed. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 03:28, 6 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Support'''. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:55, 6 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally for September 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:30, 21 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Turin]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Turin | blurb='''[[Turin]]''', with its fine, aristocratic atmosphere, old world sophisticated shops, grand boulevards and palaces, is hosting Eurovision 2022. | status=Guide | time=February or May 2022 | nominatedBy=[[User:SelfieCity|SelfieCity]] on 10 October 2021 at 22:52 UTC | comment=Nominated as a possible winter destination alternative to [[Venice]]. | DotMImage=[[File:Borgo Medievale 02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * Can be considered for May 2022 as well, with the Eurovision and warm weather. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:01, 10 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', but I'd prefer May for the Eurovision. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 23:06, 10 October 2021 (UTC) *:Definitely agree, the whole reason I thought of Turin was the recent ESC announcement also Eurovision is a event that it can have its own article I’m a massive Eurovision fan and would be more than willing to make the article (also Ukraine was robbed this year) [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 23:19, 10 October 2021 (UTC) *::I think San Antonio can take Feb and Turin can have May. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 23:20, 10 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as nominator, with minor fixes such as external link fixes needed before featuring. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:15, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled.''' We should run either Turin or the Vatican in spring 2022. Turin hosts Eurovision just once, the Vatican will get more chances. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:04, 1 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Has the essentials. The history section could be expanded, and more can be said about walking. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:19, 22 December 2021 (UTC) *'''Question''': How did the above blurb turn into "Turin, the host city of Eurovision 2022, is home to a fine, aristocratic atmosphere, sophisticated shops, grand boulevards and palaces"? Is home to an atmosphere? First of all "is home" is greatly overused in blurbs, but the blurb in this nomination is a much tighter sentence. Can we please use it in the banner? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:09, 2 April 2022 (UTC) ::I changed it (back?) above. Does that automatically change the wordings in the pagebanners? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:00, 2 April 2022 (UTC) ===[[Public transit in Israel]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Public transit in Israel | blurb=What's Rav-Kav and how do you use it? Find the answer to this and other things useful to know to explore Israel by bus and train in this article. | status=Guide | time=Any, but we've usually featured articles from Israel during the colder half of the year in the Northern Hemisphere | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 11:46, 2 April 2021 (UTC) | comment=The article has grown over the years thanks to the contribution of many Wikivoyagers including טבעת-זרם, Danbus43Maalit72, Ar2332, Arseny1992, Hobbit, GZ and many others. So let's feature it! If something important is still missing, I'm sure someone will be able to fill in the missing info. | DotMImage=[[File:Buses02.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 11:46, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' as one of the contributors. Although as noted on talk and in a couple of edit summaries, zone maps (fares for mobile app ticketing first distance level, area zoning for Rav-Kav 90-minute transfers, area zoning for Rav-Kav periodic passes) could be embedded on-wiki, but I haven't figured how to properly use map tools. --[[User:Arseny1992|Arseny1992]] ([[User talk:Arseny1992|talk]]) 12:43, 2 April 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost''' It is a very good article, but as somebody who hasn't been to Israel, I think there are slight gaps. The ticketing system is very usefully covered in great detail, but there less on the actual buses and trains. I am likely to go on a clean 5 year old bus, or a 25 year old grubby one with fraying seat covers? Can buses and trains be reserved, and if so how long in advance? - elsewhere I have found long distance buses fully booked two weeks in advance. How much of the country is served by buses - are there rural areas which are poorly served - maybe a map of the bus network would show this. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:26, 2 April 2021 (UTC) :: I thought it would be on par of [[WV:OBVIOUS]] that a modern developed country to have a modern transit fleet, and the guide images have some of these: so you will be on a relatively clean few years old bus (such as the Tel Aviv bus image). The Eilat section has the information on seat reservations and it is pretty much almost the only route where reservations are possible. Trains can not be reserved: if compared to Europe, it works more as a suburban short-distance network rather than long-distance railways, although due to the pandemic they temporarily added "station entry reservations" (pandemic infobox on [[Israel]]) which are not compulsory to obtain online with identification and can be "obtained" anonymously at station entrances by saying your destination to the entrance guards - you will be allowed into a station if your train departs in the next 15 minutes. So it is not actually a train reservation but means to prevent crowding and enforce social distancing on stations, and these temporary means aren't going to stay after the pandemic. A map of the bus network is irrelevant because routes can change and such a map would become outdated and face the issues of a "route list" that the guide had a few years ago, therefore it is best to use the information provided in the [[Public transit in Israel#Understand|Understand]] section. --[[User:Arseny1992|Arseny1992]] ([[User talk:Arseny1992|talk]]) 23:12, 2 April 2021 (UTC) :::The U.S. does not have a modern and clean public transit fleet. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 17:42, 25 April 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:24, 20 June 2021 (UTC) : '''Put on hold?''' As per talk page, Israel has imposed travel restrictions due to the pandemic. We could consider to put this article on hold. Some other options for the Dec/Jan slot are [[Sinhala phrasebook]] and [[European classical music]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:02, 29 November 2021 (UTC) : '''On hold''' due to travel ban. We can run the article as soon as Israel receives visitors again. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:00, 4 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' again Nov/Dec 2022, just before Hanukkah and Christmas. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:46, 18 January 2022 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for April/May to replace [[Loop Art Tour]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:50, 20 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Alishan]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Alishan | blurb=Ride the Forest Railway up to Alishan for some beautiful views, local tea and handicrafts of the local red cypress wood. | status=Guide | time=I guess Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov. (Northern Hemisphere) winter seems a little cool, and summer extremely wet | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:47, 5 July 2021 (UTC) | comment=Another suggestion for a slot next spring. Alishan was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Alishan&diff=25136&oldid=25135 promoted to guide status] in 2007, by [[User:Jpatokal|Jani]], one of the project's main contributors back then so I guess the article should be extensive enough - even if it's a short one. I've recently added some coordinates and checked that the typhoon-damaged train line is up and running again (at least to some extent). Probably a few details still need to be updated (not sure if we should have timetables in our articles as these can get outdated quickly). | DotMImage=[[File:Alishan Forest Staircase2.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support'''? --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:47, 5 July 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''? ---<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 23:21, 12 August 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost'''. The lack of directions (are there any addresses or phone numbers listed in this article?) is a little concerning, as is the time period since updates (14 years). It seems a little short on information, beyond harsh criticism but a little off for a feature nomination. I think some time needs to be spent overhauling this article for featured status, and it needs to be considered whether this is possible or worth the effort. I would like to see it on the main page, if possible. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:22, 21 August 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Has the essentials, but deserves a more inspiring intro text. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:52, 19 December 2021 (UTC) ===[[Melbourne/CBD]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Melbourne/CBD | blurb=The urban core of Melbourne, Australia's "cultural capital", is the bustling heart of the city and jam-packed with entertainment, history, hotels, and eateries. | status=Guide | time=Good question, honestly -- Melbourne's "four seasons in one day" climate make it difficult to pick a season. Can be worked out in discussion? | nominatedBy=[[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 09:27, 1 March 2021 (UTC) | comment=Recently upgraded to guide, an article I've done a decent bit of work clearing out and expanding listings on lately, and one of relatively few places currently open to tourism. Plus I can't let you only nominate Sydney ;) | DotMImage=[[File:Southbank night.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 09:27, 1 March 2021 (UTC) *<s>'''Oppose''' Melbourne is not Australia's cultural capital. Sydney and Brissie have more entertainment. [[User:TravelAroundOz|TravelAroundOz]] ([[User talk:TravelAroundOz|talk]]) 10:41, 3 March 2021 (UTC)</s> ::That's perhaps a valid reason to edit the blurb, but certainly not a valid reason to oppose the nomination. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 13:47, 3 March 2021 (UTC) :::Sydneysiders have some sort of rivalry with Melbournians. [[User:TravelAroundOz|TravelAroundOz]] ([[User talk:TravelAroundOz|talk]]) 20:30, 3 March 2021 (UTC) ::::Be mature. This is seeming worse than the rivalry between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. You all should stop fighting about this stuff, or at least take it outside Wikivoyage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:03, 6 March 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' - needs some more photos and geocoordinates. Secondly, as Andre said, this is indeed not a reason to oppose a nomination (see above), moreover this will sit around for quite a while as we won't be running two DotM articles from the same country too close to each other. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:38, 3 March 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' A spot check of listings shows that some updating is required. Some See listings are just titles with no description, hours etc. It needs more photos. The banner photo is a skyline from 2005 - have there been major changes? : [[Melbourne]] says "Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia". Leaving aside Sydney / Melbourne rivalry is this far fetched - my view from afar sees Melbourne as a major cultural city? There will have to be a gap of a year or more between featuring Sydney and Melbourne. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:20, 3 March 2021 (UTC) ::I'd also love to feature Brisbane, but featuring Sydney and Brisbane in the same year seems more logical than Syd and Mel. [[User:TravelAroundOz|TravelAroundOz]] ([[User talk:TravelAroundOz|talk]]) 06:01, 4 March 2021 (UTC) ::The second paragraph for the Wikipedia article [[w:Culture of Melbourne|Culture of Melbourne]] begins "Traditionally acclaimed as Australia's "cultural capital"", and the 'cultural capital' line is frequently also quoted in international tourism, e.g. [https://www.scenic.co.uk/news/melbourne-australias-cultural-capital here], [https://www.fostertravel.com/melbourne-australias-cultural-capital/ here], [https://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/trip-tips-melbourne-australia-s-vibrant-cultural-capital/story-W63vsW41sJRdrZLjpcQ2OM.html here]. I'm surprised it's a controversial claim even to a Sydneysider -- the usual ribbing I hear is closer to "you guys are the ''cultural'' capital because you don't have the beaches or the landmarks". No major skyline changes I can think of off the top of my head, though I moved here (well after 2005) rather than growing up in the city. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 06:07, 4 March 2021 (UTC) ::But times are changing. Like I don't even have to go to China to experience the culture. All here in Chinatown; does Melbourne have that? The answer is no. And Yplipson, Sydney and Melbourne aren't close. [[User:TravelAroundOz|TravelAroundOz]] ([[User talk:TravelAroundOz|talk]]) 11:36, 5 March 2021 (UTC) :::"Like I don't even have to go to China to experience the culture. All here in Chinatown; does Melbourne have that? The answer is no." ??? [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 03:47, 6 March 2021 (UTC) ::::As a Sydneysider, it is fair to call Melbourne the cultural (arts and events) capital. It is definitely the sporting capital. "Entertainment capital" is somewhat broader and may be challenged by other Australian cities. It can be fun to have rivalries but it shouldn't bias your thinking. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 09:50, 6 March 2021 (UTC) *{{replyto|Ypsilon}}, {{replyto|AlasdairW}} Every listing now has geocoordinates, ''except'' this ''one random coffee shop'' where for some reason any attempt to google the coordinates spits out something insane in the middle of the ocean -- hopefully that one won't hold it back. I'll see what I can do about photos next time I swing out that way, but I can't guarantee anything usable. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 12:41, 8 March 2021 (UTC) :::{{ping|Vaticidalprophet}} I've fixed that lat and long.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:10, 8 March 2021 (UTC) ::Also, I've cleared out a lot of closed listings, but I haven't checked ''everything in the article'' (it's a big article!). My checks were also disproportionately the stuff without coordinates (so I could get them), so some closed businesses with them may have slipped under the radar, though I cleared out a few of those too. [[User:Vaticidalprophet|Vaticidalprophet]] ([[User talk:Vaticidalprophet|talk]]) 12:44, 8 March 2021 (UTC) '''Support''' [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] | [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] | [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 02:29, 24 April 2021 (UTC) * '''Close:''' An inner-city district should have safety information. Are there any supermarkets? Are there any nightlife or entertainment venues? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:44, 11 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent article with detailed listing descriptions. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 02:19, 22 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost'''. Should Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre and Captain Cook's Cottage and Fitzroy Gardens be listed in [[Melbourne/CBD]]? The map shows that it is located in [[Melbourne/Inner east]], and it is indeed also listed there (as Fitzroy Gardens and Conservatory). [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 13:20, 20 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[RMS Titanic]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=RMS Titanic | blurb=One of the most notorious shipwrecks ever took place on 15 April 1912. Places that tell the story of the ''Titanic'' can be found on both sides of the Atlantic. | status=Guide | time=FTT slot of March 2022 to have it on the main page in early April for the 110th anniversaries of the maiden voyage and sinking of the ship | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:46, 22 May 2021 (UTC) | comment=One more travel topic of the historical kind. I made some small fixes to the article and promoted it to guide a <strike>few months</strike> year ago with the intention to nominate it for FTT | DotMImage=[[File:White Star Line.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:46, 22 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:00, 18 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 23:38, 20 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Missed to schedule the article for March 2022. It is properly scheduled now. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:56, 23 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Should tell more about the cultural depictions of the ship (in particular Cameron's 1997 film). /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:36, 8 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' and views please on what sort of page this should be, as that guides the further work. It's shaping into History Travel and looks less like an itinerary. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 16:12, 8 November 2021 (UTC) : --> done, rewritten as Industrial History, though the fascination is equally in its social history. It's not an itinerary, but the voyage is a logical sequence for the sites. Now '''support'''. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 17:13, 24 November 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''', but it looks like it could use some more copy editing; I just did some. Also, not all of the survivors were elite. A book has just come out about the 8 (IIRC) Chinese survivors of the wreck, who were not allowed to disembark in New York because of the Chinese Exclusion Act and were vilified in the U.S. and Britain as if they should have died so some white woman could have lived. Information about them should be added. There was a recent interview with the author of the book (I think it was a book; maybe it was a documentary film?) on "All of it" on WNYC. Sorry I can't be more definitive about this; my attention was divided, as I was getting ready to leave for the day. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:37, 24 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' No copyvio detected by Ear wig [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:53, 23 January 2022 (UTC) ---- '''Outcome:''' FTT for March 2022 --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:03, 24 March 2022 (UTC) ===[[Magome]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Magome | blurb= As a post-town between Tokyo and Kyoto, '''Magome''' flourished as a rest point for travellers, now it's been restored to maintain its old charm. | status=Guide | time=It's beautiful at all times but I feel spring or winter is probably best, should we wait till Japan opens up to foreign visitors? | nominatedBy=[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:13, 26 September 2021 (UTC) | comment=Out of all the articles I've worked on I feel this is the best page I've made. I know I'm still new here and it may not adhere to the Manual of Style perfectly and I'd really like you guys to point out its flaws | DotMImage=[[File:Magome 2009 5.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Close''' a couple of brushups needed, but I'll do that soon. Otherwise LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 03:34, 26 September 2021 (UTC) :@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] Could you make those changes soon as it's now one the schedule for March [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 01:05, 22 October 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Tai123.123}} {{done}} On another note, if possible, could you do the phone numbers since I'm not sure how its meant to be formatted for Japan. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 05:43, 30 October 2021 (UTC) :::Thank you so much! What’s wrong with the phone numbers, they have all have country code attached [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:20, 30 October 2021 (UTC) ::::{{re|Tai123.123}} Nothing wrong with the country code, it's just that some of them have +81 57369XXXX while others have the +81 573-69-XXXX format. I'm not sure which one is more commonly seen, so that's why I haven't touched that. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:46, 30 October 2021 (UTC) :::::@[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] I standardized them with hyphens, is the article fine to run now? [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:04, 31 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::Yeah looks good to run now. It seems we don't have a fixed style guide on how phone numbers should be formatted on [[WV:Phone]] (all that page has for Japan is five different formats without telling which to use for which), so if possible, could you somewhat fix up those (to something similarly seen on [[Talk:Thailand]].) <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 05:41, 31 October 2021 (UTC) Also, if it's next winter or spring, would <s>July-October</s> be a good time to feature this article? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:07, 26 September 2021 (UTC) :Yeah, Japan gets hot during summer so fall is also good [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 04:12, 26 September 2021 (UTC) ::Oops. I was thinking of a southern hemisphere winter. So maybe November to May? <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 04:15, 26 September 2021 (UTC) :::March and april is cherry blossom seaason, though they're aren't that many blossom sites in Magome it self but they do draw tourists to japan. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 04:28, 26 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' - the photos could be a little more spread out but otherwise it seems OK to run as it is. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:55, 1 October 2021 (UTC) *:@[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] I added a photo to sleep, should I remove one from the cramped see section? [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 17:59, 3 October 2021 (UTC) ::I spread around them a little more and am now happy with the article's layout. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:33, 3 October 2021 (UTC) :::@[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] Thank you! [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 18:35, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 08:47, 3 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Nice little article, though more descriptive detail would be good. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:34, 3 October 2021 (UTC) *:@[[User:SelfieCity|SelfieCity]] Which listings do you feel lack detail. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 16:34, 3 October 2021 (UTC) :::More detail in [[Magome#See]] and some detailed descriptions of one or two restaurants would be preferable, not all the same length. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:31, 3 October 2021 (UTC) ::::@[[User:SelfieCity|SelfieCity]], Thank you for your advice, also in the alternative name section for every listing would it be better if it said ([[Japanese]]: 丸治屋) or just (丸治屋), I noticed @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] added a listing to Tsumago with the first variation but I just assumed that most visitors who don't speak Japanese could infer it's in Japanese as the articles about Japanese. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:08, 7 October 2021 (UTC) :::::I'm not too sure about that though, but I'm only assuming that's the format because that's the format used on most of our articles about Morocco. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 06:55, 7 October 2021 (UTC) :::::: Stating the name is in Japanese is redundant. People seeing text in a non-Latin script should assume it is in the local language, and most readers should recognise the script as probably being kanji. This is especially true when there are several listings with similar scripts in their alternative names (if it were just for one Korean restaurant, some could misinterpret it, but now I think it is obvious). –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:45, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::: (Looking at a few articles about Morocco, I find no names written in Arabic or Berber. Could [[User:SHB2000|you]] give a pointer to one of the articles showing typical usage? –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 09:54, 7 October 2021 (UTC)) ::::::::oops. Didn't look deep enough (I just looked at the country and some of the region articles) <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:04, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: But perhaps we should use the format "'''Tsukiji Outer Market''' (築地場外市場 ''Tsukiji jōgai shijō'')" – many locals probably won't recognise the name we give in English and few of our readers are able to pronounce the name given in kanji (which would require knowing Japanese, as they aren't phonetic). You can of course show the name, but sometimes you'd like to use it in speech. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 10:49, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::That works, and actually helps with pronouncing the name if you don't know Japanese. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 11:00, 7 October 2021 (UTC) :::::::::::@[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]], made those changes for listings with english words like museum or guesthouse. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 01:41, 16 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::::Thanks :-) <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:07, 22 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' No copy Vio detected by ear worm [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:51, 23 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[San Antonio]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=San Antonio | blurb=Texas's second largest city is famous for its River Walk and The Alamo. The Fiesta San Antonio begins on 31 March. | status=Guide | time=winter | nominatedBy=[[User:SelfieCity|SelfieCity]] on October 10, 2021 | comment=<s>Nominated as a possible winter destination alternative to [[Venice]].</s> | DotMImage=[[File:SanAntonio_RiverwalkTour.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' it's been a while since I've been here, but some minor brush ups needed. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:45, 10 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as nominator, as long as a review takes place before featuring. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:16, 10 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' in March to line up with spring break and the San Antonio Fiesta. Contends Orlando, Hollywood and Las Vegas for the slot. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:32, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' No copy Vio detected from Ear wig [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:50, 23 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay/Percy's Hole]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay/Percy's Hole | blurb=Percy's Hole is suitable for novice divers too and there's a plentitude of colourful nudibranches under water. | status=Star | time=[[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Diving_the_Cape_Peninsula_and_False_Bay/SS_Lusitania|Oct-May, like the previous Cape peninsula diving guide]] | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:03, 13 March 2021 (UTC) | comment=Time to dive into South African waters again (last such feature was January 2019). Here's another of Peter's Star-rated dive guides and I trust that everything important is included. | DotMImage=[[File:Koester at Percy's Hole DSC06939.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:03, 13 March 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' - but I'd wait till 2023. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 23:28, 20 June 2021 (UTC) : Sorry, but I disagree. Traditionally we've had three years between the featuring of these dive guides, whereas we normally allow articles from the same city/region to be featured two years apart. I'd rather see the Cape dive guides more often on the Main Page rather than even less frequently. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:50, 3 July 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as a star-status article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:42, 21 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Put on hold?''' Due to travel restrictions for South Africa, we should consider putting this article on hold. We can run [[Sinhala phrasebook]] for the Jan-Feb slot. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 09:26, 11 December 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' for Feb/March. If travel ban persists we might have to put it on hold until late 2022. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:38, 13 December 2021 (UTC) ::I think South Africa is back to relative normal, so we can feature this at the rescheduled date, but I am not 100% sure of the situation there. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 15:00, 17 January 2022 (UTC) * Copy Vio free [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:48, 23 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[San Ignacio (Belize)]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=San Ignacio (Belize) | blurb=This town at the crossing of Belize's main road and rivers is surrounded by plenty of Mayan sites and neotropical jungle to explore! | status=Guide | time=[[:w:Belmopan#Climate|Feb-May are the driest months]] | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:58, 4 June 2021 (UTC) | comment=Another one for early 2022; it's been a while since we ran something from Central America so here's an article from that part of the world. The article was in a decent shape but a bit messy, so over the last week I've deleted listings of things that seem to be closed, brought over content from German and Italian WV (the German article has guide status) and generally cleaned up the article so it should be good to go. | DotMImage=[[File:Cahal Pech 1 EL.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:58, 4 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. The main problem with this article currently is that there are some dead links and formatting issues. But assuming you continue to work on the article, it should be OK. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:50, 18 June 2021 (UTC) * {{s}} LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:46, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support:''' Looks good in general, but could use climate data and more safety information. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:49, 28 September 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' The grammar in the tour section needs some work [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 14:52, 8 November 2021 (UTC) *Earwig picks up some Copy Vio though that's because due to mirror sites, can someone double check that its fine. Assessment can be found here: [https://copyvios.toolforge.org/?lang=en&project=wikivoyage&title=San+Ignacio+%28Belize%29&oldid=&action=search&use_engine=1&use_links=1&turnitin=0] ---- '''Outcome:''' OtBP for Feb 2022. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:06, 10 February 2022 (UTC) ===[[Lisbon]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Lisbon | blurb=Portugal's capital has an ancient heritage, and has been a cosmopolitan port city since the Age of Discovery. The Lisbon Carnival is celebrated on 1 March. | status=Guide | time=Any, except storm season in Nov-Dec. Weather is perfect in April-May and Sept-Oct. In contrast to many other cities in southern Europe, Lisbon is rarely too hot or too cold. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:49, 2 November 2021 (UTC) | comment=Slushed in 2009. Has improved a lot since then. Recently districtified. Portuguese destinations have so far only been OtBP. | DotMImage=[[File:Pedro IV square Lisbon.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *{{s}} [[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson]] has finished districtifying it so unlike Venice, we don't have this issue. Article looks good though. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 20:41, 2 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' provisionally, as Helsinki/West has zero support votes. Can be featured at other times. Maybe September for the quintecentennial of the [[Magellan-Elcano Circumnavigation]]? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:09, 2 November 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', as a recent contributor. I'm starting a new job soon, but can make some time if anybody identifies areas for improvement. ----[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 02:36, 3 November 2021 (UTC) :: Magellan is not widely celebrated in Portugal; he sailed for Spain and died before completing his journey. Lisbon traditionally has Carnival in later February, but due to the pandemic, it is uncertain. In any case, most European destinations are lined up for northern summer, so scheduling Portugal in February increases geographic diversity. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:18, 16 November 2021 (UTC) * Understand and lede paragraph appears to be a copy vio, '''<s>Oppose till fixed</s>''' source:https://copyvios.toolforge.org/?lang=en&project=wikivoyage&title=Lisbon&oldid=&action=search&use_engine=1&use_links=1&turnitin=0 [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:41, 23 January 2022 (UTC) *:If the copyvio is supposedly from https://teleport.org/cities/lisbon/, it appears that ''they'' are copying ''us''. Their "On Living In Lisbon" section's "Read More" link even goes to ''our'' article. Hmmm... --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 13:03, 23 January 2022 (UTC) *::@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] As per Nelson's comment, I think it's unlikely to be a copyvio. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:41, 24 January 2022 (UTC) *:::Ré looking at them it should be fine [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 15:27, 24 January 2022 (UTC) * '''Banner vote ongoing''' on [[/Banners]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:35, 4 January 2022 (UTC) ===January 2022=== ====[[Mui Ne]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Mui Ne | blurb=This Vietnamese fishing town famous for its white sand dunes is a great place to celebrate the Lunar New Year on 1 February. | status=Guide | time=[[:w:Mũi Né|Dec-Apr]] | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 11:06, 2 April 2021 (UTC) | comment=Another article from Vietnam which was already at guide status, and I've deleted outdated listings and arranged content to make it more compliant with the MoS (of course I added more photos too!). Mui Ne could probably be featured as either DotM or OtBP, but as this apparently is a part of a "dense resort area" of "over two hundred beach resorts and hotels" and other wikivoyagers in case of doubt usually prefer to run articles as DotM, I picked the former. | DotMImage=[[File:Mui Ne2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 11:06, 2 April 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 05:23, 11 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:41, 20 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' Should have a climate graph. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:04, 21 September 2021 (UTC) ====[[Koror]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Koror | blurb=Palau's main city is a stepping stone to good diving and a place to learn about the archipelago's history and culture | status=Guide | time=It's rainy around the year, but Feb-Apr seem slightly drier | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:12, 8 March 2021 (UTC) | comment=Yet another article I've been polishing little by little. Small tropical destinations always warm up the OtBP section in the Northern Hemisphere winter, and as you may guess Palau is another country that's not been seen on the Main Page before. | DotMImage=[[File:Koror downtown 1.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:12, 8 March 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Looks ready for featuring. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:48, 1 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' we rarely feature articles from the Pacific, and this LGTM. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:35, 13 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close.''' The language is a bit too casual, and should be proof-read by somene native in English. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:23, 2 November 2021 (UTC) : I have proof read and also detouted, though there are some issues I've spotted: :# The prices outside of listings (e.g. in 'Get around' and 'Buy') are undated, and possibly out of date. Similarly, one of the dated nuggets of info is really old (2012). :# Some of the dive listings contain language that I, as a non-diver, can't understand. {{ping|Pbsouthwood}} would you mind looking over and 'translating' these? :# It would be nice to have some explanation of what a storyboard is; what they are/were for, how big and heavy they are, what they're made from... :# There are restaurants mentioned by name at the bottom of 'Eat'; they need proper listings. :I also added some more consular information for the major English-speaking countries.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:16, 28 December 2021 (UTC) ::Ok, will do. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 17:13, 28 December 2021 (UTC) :::Done, All looks fine. Terminology is quite ordinary for the context and should be understood by most divers as it stands. Cheers, &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 17:26, 28 December 2021 (UTC) ::::Thank you, but what about novices or people who have decided to dive for the first time in Palau? The context is not a dive article, but a destination article for general audience, who can't be expected to have specialist knowledge.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:26, 1 January 2022 (UTC) *'''Comment''': Here's an issue: The lede says that Koror's population is 10,000, but then, "Understand" says: ::''Home to half of the country's population (estimated between 10,000 and 14,000)'' :Does that estimate refer to the whole country or Koror? Either way, it's quite ambiguous and should be checked and updated as necessary. I'll look at more of the article some other time. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:49, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ::That was me. The last census data I could find was from 2006; there are more recent population estimates, but they vary between 10 and 14 k, with some confusion between the city and state. I have removed the lede figure and made the sentence in 'Understand' clearer.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:03, 3 January 2022 (UTC) :::Much clearer, thank you. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:47, 3 January 2022 (UTC) ===[[Sinhala phrasebook]]=== {{FeatureNom | place=Sinhala phrasebook | blurb=Whether you plan to visit Sri Lanka someday or want to enjoy a little piece of the country's culture - a few phrases in Sinhala - today; check out this phrasebook! | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:12, 28 June 2021 (UTC) | comment=Sometime in the first months of every year we've traditionally featured a phrasebook as FTT - how about a language with a different script this time? I just added photos to the article and the only issue I can see with the article is that it has a pretty extensive grammar section for a travel phrasebook which we can keep or trim down. | DotMImage=[[File:Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka - panoramio (101).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:12, 28 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' this amazing phrasebook. Whoever wrote it deserves several hearty slaps on the back.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:11, 28 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I immediately see an issue: I don't think there's an "a" as in the way I pronounce "bad". I'll broach these questions on the phrasebook's talk page. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:45, 29 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I'm confident that the issue I brought up will be resolved satisfactorily. I unfortunately had to remove a New Year's image because it has a watermark on it. In terms of the grammar section, I think some parts of it are too detailed, but I'd rather leave it alone than delete too much of it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:04, 29 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:12, 29 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per others. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:15, 1 July 2021 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' Due to travel restrictions for Israel and South Africa, we might have to run this article early. We should find a good banner soon. Any suggestions? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:18, 29 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Banners nominated''' at [[/Banners#Sinhala phrasebook]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 07:33, 30 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Rescheduled''' in the Jan/Feb slot due to the travel ban for South Africa. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:37, 13 December 2021 (UTC) ==2021== ===December 2021=== ====[[Sydney]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Sydney | blurb=Australia's largest city, famous for its beaches and iconic harbour view, is the first world city to head into 2022 at New Year's Eve. | status=Guide | time=October-April or June | nominatedBy=[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]]) 05:58, 11 February 2021 (UTC) | comment=Great article and it's a great way to engage travellers from all over the country and New Zealand to come and visit the city. (or even the entire world if the borders open) | DotMImage=[[File:Sydney Harbour Banner.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as the nominator and resident. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 05:59, 11 February 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost support''' Extensive article, though there are a couple of things. Some districts in the district list are redlinks, and they need to be turned into articles if there are a few things that are of interest to visitors there, otherwise redirected or delinked. See and Do have "move to district" tags, this seems to have been (mostly) done but some parts – for example the beginning if See – is...rather bare-bones. Then, further down the article there are a few places where bullet points perhaps could be turned into normal text. Finally, and this is maybe more of a personal preference, some places in the article could use one or several more photos. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:10, 19 February 2021 (UTC) :::I will fix that. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 23:28, 19 February 2021 (UTC) *'''Nearly''' per Ypsilon. A minor issue I've [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Sydney&diff=4201154&oldid=4201153 noticed] is that the district list and map show somewhere called "Penrith Valley" but this redirects to [[Sydney/Outer West]], which is not on the list or map.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:21, 8 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' &mdash; once "move to district" issue is resolved, I will support this article's featuring. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:26, 20 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Not yet:''' As Australia still has a very harsh pandemic lockdown, what could we expect for December? Even if restrictions are to be lifted, how many venues will operate? With just one support vote following 7 months of nomination and many good nominations, Sydney could wait for a while. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 17:09, 7 September 2021 (UTC) ::Yes, maybe time to slush? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:31, 7 September 2021 (UTC) ::: [[Recife]] has zero support votes, and the pandemic has been bad in Brazil, so we might need a new article both for December and January. [[Mui Ne]] is good to go for December. We can hopefully do Orlando in January and [[Venice]] in February (with the Carnival, and the absence of European destinations during northern winter). /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:56, 7 September 2021 (UTC) ::{{re|Yvwv}} restrictions are expected to ease in November. But I don't think we should slush articles just because of the pandemic. Lots of places have been affected by lockdowns, but although they haven't been as harsh as Australia's, Sydney's lockdown, at least is a lot more looser than Victoria's one. Given that regardless of lockdown or not, NYE celebrations would still go on ahead as usual (virtually). <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 22:31, 7 September 2021 (UTC) :::I think we should postpone featuring Sydney for a few months. Many readers will either have planned to visit Australia for the holiday season, or be visited by Australians, so it would be better to delay featuring such an iconic destination especially if even Australians can't visit Sydney. I don't know that we can be sure that NYE celebrations will take place. It would be different featuring a small place as OTBP. Also "move to district" has not been resolved yet. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:55, 7 September 2021 (UTC) ::::But given that almost the whole world is basically out of reach these days, there's no good reason to postpone these (including Recife). And by the time comes, everything would be open. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 23:17, 7 September 2021 (UTC) :::::I think there was consensus not to slush destinations due to the pandemic (to let readers read about interesting destinations where they may be interested in visiting after the pandemic), has that changed? Also, while people can't travel to Australia, we have a wide reader and editor base there. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 04:11, 8 September 2021 (UTC) :::::: One reason to feature Sydney in December 2021 would be the new ''Matrix'' film. [[Matrix tourism]] has many destinations in Sydney. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 10:39, 8 September 2021 (UTC) :::::::Though, if we have to postpone some article to 2022-23 otherwise scheduled for next Northern winter to make space for Venice in February I would suggest that to be either of the two Australian big city articles. I was thinking about running Sydney in December and Melbourne City Centre in March. We could 1. postpone Melbourne, and move Mui Ne forward one month forward to March, 2. postpone Sydney and move Recife and Mui Ne one step backwards freeing February's slot or 3. postpone Melbourne, move Sydney to March, and Recife and Mui Ne one step backwards. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:19, 11 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::::Given that Matrix is getting released in December, it'll be nice to feature Sydney during December (instead of postponing). --<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:03, 13 September 2021 (UTC) ::::::::: Seemingly, the upcoming film is mainly shot in San Francisco, not in Sydney. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:35, 24 September 2021 (UTC) ::::Re Alasdair's concern, there was some news that Sydney ''may'' open up internationally this December, but it's confirmed that everything will open up fully on December 1. Of course, I still think that [[Western Australia]] will keep their borders shut though. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 11:16, 28 September 2021 (UTC) ::::: From early 2020 until early 2021, more or less the whole world had harsh restrictions (except Sweden), and our featured articles were mainly intended for domestic travellers or future planning. The game has changed now, as infection rates, immigration rules and domestic regulations are very different between countries. As we now have many good articles nominated, we should avoid to feature a destination with severe infection rate or heavy restrictions. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 01:22, 27 October 2021 (UTC) ::::::(if you didn't know, lockdown in Sydney ended nearly a month ago, and case numbers are much lower than the rest of the world w approx. 200 a day, and it's only getting lower) <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 05:24, 27 October 2021 (UTC) ====[[Montserrat]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Montserrat | blurb=A 1995 volcanic eruption desolated much of this Caribbean island, but it is again a pleasant destination for northern winter, with the Montserrat Carnival from 18 December to 3 January. | status=Guide | time=maybe Dec-May to avoid the hurricane season | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:24, 19 February 2021 (UTC) | comment=Something from the Caribbean towards the end of the year? This is one of the informative but a bit messy articles I cleaned up and updated a year ago, maybe listings need a new update closer to when its featured but the article shouldn't have any other deficiencies. | DotMImage=[[File:Montserrat volcano.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:24, 19 February 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', of course. ''Do'' seems a little sparse, with no listings; it may be that there's nothing else worth saying, given that only half the island is accessible and much of the traditional tourist interest is inside the exclusion zone, but it could be worth checking.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:20, 19 February 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. A couple listings could do with more detail and some dead links need to be fixed/removed. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:53, 18 June 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' looks very good. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:07, 22 October 2021 (UTC) : '''Comment:''' As of 1 October, Montserrat is open to travellers with Covid19 vaccine. Unclear whether they will host the Carnival in December. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:20, 29 October 2021 (UTC) :: Just got a reply on Messenger (!) that the festival lasts from Dec 18 to Jan 3. Would make Montserrat a great destination for December. By coincidence, we feature Plymouth (Massachusetts, and Montserrat's deserted capital) back-to-back as OTBP. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:26, 29 October 2021 (UTC) ====[[European classical music]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=European classical music | blurb=Europe has a centuries-long tradition of classical music, today performed around the world by orchestras and smaller ensembles. | status=Guide | time=Northern spring 2022. Hopefully most pandemic restrictions in Europe are lifted by then. Many venues are closed at summer. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 21:38, 23 August 2021 (UTC) | comment=[[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Slush_pile#2020|Slushed in early 2020]] but has improved a lot since then. | DotMImage=[[File:Orchestra of the 18th Century.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *Good idea about when to feature it. It still needs more destinations. For example, [[Atlanta]] has had one of the best orchestras in the U.S. for some years now. I wish someone who knew the city would add the listing, but it should be doable by consulting online sources. [[Houston]] has the Houston Grand Opera and also a reputable symphony orchestra. [[Pittsburgh]] should be listed. And the list goes on. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:52, 23 August 2021 (UTC) ::{{ping|Ikan Kekek}} No need to wait for someone who knows those cities, particularly as you've brought all of those places up before and no-one has stepped forward. If you know about the orchestras, please [[plunge forward]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:30, 24 August 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:30, 24 August 2021 (UTC) * <s>'''Supporto'''.</s> --<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 09:42, 25 August 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' the article was [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Slush_pile#2020|slushed a little over a year ago]]. Back then I said the following: '' if, as many have said, the article doesn't by far cover all the listings it should cover, then there's no point in having the article collecting dust here on the nominations page. But in that case the article shouldn't for sure be at guide status either. Plus, the article does now have 70 listings, and if it will be expanded by many more I think it eventually needs to be split up in a couple of regions.'' There have been many edits to the article since April 2020 but the question remains if it's good enough for the main page already? --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 10:14, 25 August 2021 (UTC) ::As a classical musician, I may be biased, but I think it needs more entries. I'll do some work on it, but I'm not sure at what point it'll be comprehensive enough to be really helpful for the world traveler who loves to hear classical music all over. Some of you may need to take on the role of producers, telling me when to put down the instrument (at least for a while) and go with the take we've already recorded. :-) [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:37, 25 August 2021 (UTC) * Generally '''Support''', but I am surprised that there are no destinations in Africa, Central Asia or the Middle East. There are [[w:List of symphony orchestras|several orchestras]] in South Africa, and a couple in the Middle East. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:27, 26 August 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''': :::Also there is an opera house in [[Haiphong]], [[Vietnam]], which was built by the French during the colonial era. One reason why I haven't added a listing is because I have no idea if you can still attend any operas or other types of classical music performances there. On that note, if we want to start looking at Africa, I won't be surprised if the French built any opera houses in their African colonies just like they did in Vietnam. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:49, 26 August 2021 (UTC) *The Israel Philharmonic could be listed. I'm not too familiar with Turkish orchestras; I think those in Istanbul and Ankara are respected, but I'd prefer for someone more knowledgeable to pass judgment on that. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:10, 27 August 2021 (UTC) ::: We should try to make March/April 2022. That is in the middle of the concert season, well after the expected rush on tickets following the pandemic. We also cover the Easter holidays with liturgical performances. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:08, 7 September 2021 (UTC) :::: With feature from 21 April we'll miss Easter (10–18 April), and there is not much left of the season. March would be ideal, but there's the clash with Titanic. Would February be too early? In practice, for a FTT that's March. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 12:05, 23 October 2021 (UTC) ::::: We have scheduled the Vatican for April. It is one of few relevant articles for [[Easter travel]]. There is nothing wrong about scheduling classical music for late April to May. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:22, 23 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:43, 10 October 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment'''. Every one of the 11 events listed has passed, some took place more than 3 years ago. Would we really feature an article whose event listed haven't been updated in 3 years? [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 07:24, 14 November 2021 (UTC) *:If that's the case, I'm changing my vote from supporto to '''needs work'''. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:15, 14 November 2021 (UTC) ::*Clearly, the events would have to be updated, but there are still a lot more cities worth listing, too, and I haven't worked on this article for a while. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:16, 14 November 2021 (UTC) :::*I added several listings for U.S. cities, but more should be added, especially if there are people more familiar with classical performances other than by symphony orchestras and major opera companies. Is there lots of chamber music performed, is there a contemporary music scene, are there historical performance groups playing on original instruments, are there churches with great choirs that perform composed masses or cantatas, etc.? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:25, 15 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Banners nominated''' at [[/Banners#European classical music]]. Due to restricted travel to South Africa and Israel, we might have to run this article already in December or January. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 08:08, 29 November 2021 (UTC) : '''Scheduled''' for December 2021-January 2022 to replace [[public transit in Israel]]. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:21, 3 December 2021 (UTC) ===November 2021=== ====[[Alexandria]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Alexandria | blurb=Egypt's window to the Mediterranean is truly a city with a history, and also famous for its seafood and long beach promenade - the Corniche. | status=Guide | time=Sep-Dec or Mar-May per the climate chart | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:16, 14 January 2021 (UTC) | comment=And it's time to start thinking about articles to run towards the end of the year. A while ago (OK, almost a year ago when now looking at the article history) I cleaned up and updated some articles by adding coordinates and deleting closed listings, and Alexandria was one of them. | DotMImage=[[File:Alexandria - 20080720e.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as the nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:16, 14 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', looks great. The lede is poor, but that just needs the attention of someone who knows the city.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:41, 19 February 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', with some fixing of dead external links needed. Not far off star status and no doubt, a quality article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:38, 20 June 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' dead links need to be fixed. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:23, 4 August 2021 (UTC) *'''Support''' looks great. <font face= "Arial'> [[User:DhrGabriel|DhrGabriel]] [special:contributions/DhrGabriel|contribs] ====[[Plymouth (Massachusetts)]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Plymouth, Massachusetts | blurb=New England's first colony saw the foundation of the Thanksgiving holiday, and keeps four centuries of heritage alive. | status=Guide | time=June-Aug for comfortable weather, or November for Thanksgiving. 2021 is the 400th anniversary. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 14:33, 1 October 2021 (UTC) | comment=While the town has just around 60,000 permanent citizens, it has great historical importance, and draws great crowds at summer. Is it big enough for DoTM? | DotMImage=[[File:Plymouth Mayflower II.jpg|thumb|250px]] }} *'''Support''' Although dead links need to be fixed, as well as the alignment of the map but that can be fixed soon. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 14:39, 1 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Very very close''' - in addition to what SHB said, there are zero photos below See. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:46, 1 October 2021 (UTC) : Plymouth contends [[Gävle]] (famous for the fiery straw goat) for the November spot. My Swedish point of view is that I would love to see Gävle featured, but not necessarily this year, as many travellers would probably stay domestic. I would appreciate to get the American point of view. Would people visit Plymouth for Thanksgiving? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 16:38, 1 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', due to the anniversary I'd rather see this featured for November than Gavle. <small> Vote cast by [[User:Tai123.123]]</small> * '''Support''' as nominator. The minor issues can be fixed within the coming month. Gävle can wait. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:05, 10 October 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:48, 10 October 2021 (UTC) :On another note {{u|Yvwv}}, wouldn't 60k residents = a city ;-) <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 01:15, 22 October 2021 (UTC) ====[[Pacific War]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Pacific War | blurb=World War II came to the Pacific Ocean on 7 December 1941, and was fought across seas and jungles with devastating weapons. | status=<strike>Usable (deserves a higher grade)</strike> Guide | time=Preferrably northern winter, as Southeast Asia is rainy during northern summer. We could aim for Nov-Dec 2021; the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:49, 11 May 2021 (UTC) | comment=A lengthy article with a wide geographic scope. | DotMImage=[[File:Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, larger - edit1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - needs a lot more photos, and a more international Respect section, but the important stuff is already there.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 07:58, 12 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' - except map needs to have Pacific in the middle and more photos please. --<font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:48, 12 May 2021 (UTC) ::Have just tried that, and it doesn't work. You can centre it on the Pacific, but then all the markers are to the right.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:57, 12 May 2021 (UTC) :::the osm layouts aren't great <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 11:00, 12 May 2021 (UTC) *'''Very close''' more photos! And if an article looks so good that you would like to nominate it for the Main Page (which I do think this one is), consider updating its status to guide first. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:19, 12 May 2021 (UTC) ::'''Support''' - pics added and guide status. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:23, 29 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', although [[Pacific War#Respect]] ought to contain more information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:42, 20 June 2021 (UTC) :: How do we settle for a blurb? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 15:29, 8 November 2021 (UTC) ===October 2021=== ====[[Beijing/Central Dongcheng]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Beijing/Central Dongcheng | blurb=From Tiananmen Square to Wangfujing street, much that draws visitors to Beijing can be found in Dongcheng. | status=Guide | time=[[Beijing#Climate|The best time to visit is in September and October, during the "Golden Autumn"]] | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:37, 24 November 2020 (UTC) | comment=And as we've got started, why not think about something to place into October's DotM slot as well. This is a nice-looking article but a few coordinates are still missing, if there are closed businesses they should be deleted, and the Connect section needs some content. | DotMImage=[[File:Great Hall of the People and Monument to the People's Heros, Tiananmen Square.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:37, 24 November 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 01:19, 28 February 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' (with minor fixes). I love the amount of detail in every listing of this article! <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:48, 21 July 2021 (UTC) * '''Needs work''' quickly if it's to be done by Oct. The main issue is lack of date-stamps, so it's not obvious how current is the info. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 14:17, 24 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Both the Mid range and splurge eat sections have subsections saying Chinese food but no other sub sections, should they be deleted? Also should connect be deleted as it's empty [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 06:00, 28 September 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' The article looks basically okay to me. Obviously it still has a few minor flaws but it seems unlikely we're going to be able to make it perfect before the deadline. [[User:STW932|STW932]] ([[User talk:STW932|talk]]) 15:29, 30 September 2021 (UTC) ====[[Chavín de Huántar]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Chavín de Huántar | blurb=Explore the ancient Chavín culture and the Andean cuisine and admire great views in this little town that millenia ago was an important ceremonial site. | status=Guide | time=Apr-Nov is the dry season | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:31, 26 April 2021 (UTC) | comment=We didn't have any nominee that would fit into October's OtBP slot, so I translated this guide-status one from [[:es:Chavín de Huántar|Spanish WV]]. Seems to be quite an interesting little town. Listings were last edited in February, at which point the Spanish article [https://es.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Chav%C3%ADn_de_Huántar&offset=&limit=500&action=history was written from scratch] so everything should be up to date. There are a couple of prices from 2014 that were originally in the English article but those can be deleted if we don't want to keep them. | DotMImage=[[File:Chavín de Huántar.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:33, 26 April 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:51, 18 June 2021 (UTC) * {{s}} <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 10:56, 4 August 2021 (UTC) * '''Support.''' Could use some minor copyediting before the launch. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 12:49, 7 October 2021 (UTC) ====[[Arriving in a new city]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Arriving in a new city | blurb=Do you often find it intimidating to arrive at a new, strange place? Here are some useful tips for you. | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 09:12, 12 September 2020 (UTC) | comment=As you can see on the article talk page, I've been thinking about what to add to the article "for a little while". As there've been no more ideas, I assume the article should be ready to feature, even in its short form. | DotMImage=[[File:Central hall of Beijing Railway Station (20150630110953).JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 09:12, 12 September 2020 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - I edited through the end of "Get around". So far, it's needed fairly small edits, but I'll be more comfortable with passing judgment after I've read through the entire article and edited as appropriate. So far, it seems good. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:43, 12 September 2020 (UTC) * The fact that I've just added a whole new section that was an obvious omission ('Eat') tells me this one probably '''needs some work'''. It seems very short, though the advice that's already there is good.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:26, 23 September 2020 (UTC) * '''Close''' pending more article content, but a good start. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:45, 20 June 2021 (UTC) *'''Close''' - per SC. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 23:26, 20 June 2021 (UTC) *'''Comment''' I'm really trying to come up with something more to add to the article, but can't come to think of anything. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:19, 21 August 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment:''' We have only one support vote with one month left to go. Has the article improved enough? Or should we run the [[Loop Art Tour]], which is as good as it could get, in October, and put this topic on hold? /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 20:00, 21 September 2021 (UTC) ::Well, if someone - anyone - comes to think of anything to add to the article, please do. If nobody can come to think of anything, then the article can be considered complete and featureable, regardless of its length. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:32, 28 September 2021 (UTC) ===September 2021=== ====[[Ljubljana]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Ljubljana | blurb=It's a pleasure to just stroll around in Slovenia's little capital with a lot of greenery and smaller attractions. | status=Guide | time=September 2021? Otherwise May-Sep | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:37, 24 November 2020 (UTC) | comment=Time to add something to the DotM section again, why not something from another European country from which no article has been featured before. Ljubljana has guide status and has plenty of content but still needs some polishing. Hardly any listings below Do have coordinates, closed places should be deleted and some photos need to be moved around, right-aligned and enlarged. | DotMImage=[[File:Ljubljanica 01.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Needs some work'''. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:37, 24 November 2020 (UTC) * '''Needs more work''' It's not so clear to me. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 01:18, 28 February 2021 (UTC) * '''Not yet''' - I don't know Ljubljana at all, but have noticed that there isn't any mention (other than a photo) of the city's cathedral. What else might be missing? Photo alignment issue is fixed.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:34, 8 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost''' I visited Ljubljana in 1997, and the sights I saw then are covered! I have added the cathedral and several other churches with have WP articles, and generally coss-checked with English WP articles. Eat, sleep and drink need to be checked - almost none of the listings have dates and so aren't recent. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:43, 8 May 2021 (UTC) :'''Comment''' why was this nominated by Ypsilon when he knew this needs more work? [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 23:27, 8 May 2021 (UTC) ::Because I wasn't sure exactly how the schedule for 2021 would look like (articles nominated for late Northern Hemisphere summer months sometimes will sit around until next summer) and it's better to update an article closer to the time it's featured - if you do this for example two years before, there's a greater risk that things have changed, businesses closed etc. Will have a look at Ljubljana later on when I'm done with Winnipeg and a few other articles. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 05:12, 9 May 2021 (UTC) :::I see. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 05:14, 9 May 2021 (UTC) *'''Not yet'''. Listings with missing coordinates are a hinderance to gaining my support. Not for nothing we have categories to identify articles that have See/Buy/Eat/Drink/Sleep listings with no coordinates. --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 02:19, 11 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support but needs work:''' for me the main problem is lack of date stamps, so there's no knowing how current are the entries. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 13:31, 19 June 2021 (UTC) * <s>'''Not yet''' per others. The "Drink" section needs a lot of work.</s> <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:34, 20 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' I and [[User:Grahamsands]] have improved the article as of lately. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 11:44, 13 July 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' following upgrade of the article to main page standards. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:33, 13 July 2021 (UTC) ====[[Diablo Range]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Diablo Range | blurb=California's [[Diablo Range]], with Mount Diablo, reservoirs, and rugged terrain, but also oak trees on rolling hills, is an enjoyable destination for both serious hikers and casual tourists. | status=Guide-level extraregion | time=in preparation for early summer and autumn (perhaps a month's feature in March or September would work); however, there is no need to plan ahead long-term as there are plenty of hotels available in the region | nominatedBy=<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]]) 23:39, 25 November 2019 (UTC) | comment=I understand this has to wait, but that's fine as long as the wildfires don't destroy it! This is a park article; however, it is not one particular park; I used that category because I did not want to make it an extraregion | DotMImage=[[File:MAR 28 2010x4 (34268321680).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' because I nominated the article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:39, 25 November 2019 (UTC) *I haven't looked closely enough to support or oppose yet, but it looks like it should be otbp rather than dotm. Not a famous destination, and the lead says "it rarely gets deserved attention from either tourists or locals". —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:24, 26 November 2019 (UTC) * The article itself looks good, maybe a photo or two could be added to some sections. As Granger just said, if the park doesn't see many visitors, we should run the article OtBP. : Another thing: in the Do section there's [[Henry W. Coe State Park]] linked, but that article is just at outline status. On the other hand, this isn't a region article and the State Park isn't categorized below this article so I'm not sure if the rule that everything below has to be at least at usable status applies here. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 09:43, 26 November 2019 (UTC) * What about the Get in section? Is there any other way of getting into the park without a car? If no public transport, then are there no bus excursions from nearby towns? Local taxi firms that can offer trips? Cycle paths or hiking trails? If it really is impossible to get there without driving yourself, then you need to be more emphatic than just "You'll want to enter the range by car." --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 12:10, 26 November 2019 (UTC) *Really interesting article—kudos to [[User:SelfieCity]] for all the hard work putting it together. I have to say '''not yet''' because of some significant issues that need to be addressed. :I agree with [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!]] about the "Get in" section. [[Wikivoyage:Guide articles]] says "Not only would you not need to consult another guide, you'd really have no reason to want to: it's all here." But if I was considering a trip to the Diablo Range, my immediate thought on reading the "Get in" and "Get around" sections would be "Huh, I'd better do some more research." :I'm also not really clear on what kind of article this is. The markers on the map cover a huge area that includes several cities and parks that we have separate articles for. Should this really be a park, or would it be better as an extraregion? SelfieCity, you said "I did not want to make it an extraregion", but I don't really understand why. If it's a park article, then we need to clarify what area it covers and how it relates to the other cities and parks nearby, and it needs listings in the "Eat", "Sleep", and perhaps some other sections. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:35, 26 November 2019 (UTC) ::Thanks for all the thoughts! Well, I guess I have some things to explain &mdash; here we go: :::{{ping|Mx. Granger}} Why I didn't make it an extraregion &mdash; extraregions are extremely limiting; see [[Tri-Valley]]. As this mountain range could be treated as one destination, but can't (?) be a region of its own, it felt that the "park" rating was suitable. Quite a few of the parks in the Diablo Range (Dublin Hills, Brushy Peak, Del Valle, Ohlone, Mission Peak, Sunol, and Vargas) are all managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. There are a few important destinations in the Diablo Range that aren't within the EBRPD, including Mount Diablo and the Pinnacles. However, these ought to be mentioned as they are two of the most, if not ''the most'', important destinations in the range. As I see it, the Diablo Range can be treated as one. :::{{ping|ThunderingTyphoons!}} "Get in" &mdash; no public transport as far as I know. I know that's hard to understand, especially if you're from a country or region where public transport is the way to get around. Yes, taxis would work, but isn't that [[WV:Obvious]]. I can give taxis a mention, however. :::{{ping|Ypsilon}} One thing I can definitely do is add more photos. Thanks for askinga bout that. :::I understand the categorization is unusual, and I'm not sure how I can explain it, but I thought that by treating this whole region as one large park, it could work. I think it does &mdash; I'm sure, however, I can work on some details in the meantime! <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 13:15, 26 November 2019 (UTC) ::::Just re one of the points you made, the existence of taxi companies may be obvious, but echoing Granger's comments, we shouldn't be leaving it to travellers to find out for themselves the names of those companies, how to contact them, and a ballpark cost (even if just the meter rate, or however it works). ::::I have a personal dislike of extraregions, except when there's no other way, so I hope you can manage to define this park's boundaries a bit clearer.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:19, 26 November 2019 (UTC) :::::If the article is turned into an extraregion, that could mean some problems as we don't seem to have any article status policies for them and I can't remember if we've ever featured one... --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:39, 26 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::Exactly, [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]]. That's a major reason why I chose to make it a park article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:41, 26 November 2019 (UTC) :::::::Extraregions can be extensive—see [[Lake Baikal]] or [[Dead Sea (Israel and the West Bank)]]. To me this article looks like it might be a very well developed, detailed extraregion. :::::::Or maybe it should be a travel topic? This article doesn't cover everything about the area in question, but rather focuses on hiking and other outdoor recreation. "You can throw public transport right out" isn't true for all travellers to cities in this area, but maybe it is true for getting to the hiking trails. {{ping|SelfieCity}} am I on the right track here? Or is this a park article that's very unclear about the location of the park? Or is it supposed to be some kind of superpark that includes lots of other parks and cities which have their own articles? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:48, 18 December 2019 (UTC) :::::::::I'm fine with any category except extraregion, as an extraregion cannot have a status. Generally, due to concerns of scope, and therefore, deletion, I'm not into travel topics, but I don't take an issue with this article being made one, and I'll continue to work on it when time allows. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:57, 18 December 2019 (UTC) ::::::::::I don't think there's any good argument why extraregions should not have article statuses or otherwise be treated differently from any other destination article. You can break down countries or states or cities in any number of different ways for Wikivoyage purposes - that's the whole reason why we discuss regionalization/districtification on article talk pages, rather than just doing it unilaterally - and just because a particular region doesn't fit into the hierarchy we've arbitrarily chosen doesn't mean it's not still a perfectly cohesive entity that's useful for travellers. I think what we ought to do is not force [[Diablo Range]] into a category where it doesn't belong just so we can say it's allowed to be OtBP, but rather to change our policy regarding extraregions to allow them to have article status and to be featured on the Main Page. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 03:54, 18 December 2019 (UTC) :::::::::::I disagree somewhat with the idea that all extraregions should have statuses. Some extraregion articles are really just disambig pages with a bit of explanation and should never be expanded. So what status do we give those? See [[Persian Gulf]] and [[Mediterranean Sea]] for such examples, and then consider how much more the [[Empty Quarter]] article could be expanded. I think what we might want to do with extraregion articles is informally agree on a status that's noted on their talk pages. Clearly, we wouldn't want to feature [[Persian Gulf]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 04:02, 18 December 2019 (UTC) ::::::::::::I agree with Ikan Kekek (assuming I'm understanding you correctly). We don't need to give extraregions official statuses, but we can feature them on the main page when we have consensus that they're at an appropriate level of completeness. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:38, 23 December 2019 (UTC) :::::::::::::That's a good idea. However, the text of the extraregion template may need to be adjusted. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:12, 23 December 2019 (UTC) * For now, I've made it an extraregion. We can change that, of course, in the long term, but as that's where we are the closest to consensus, I've adjusted the template at the bottom of page to the extraregion template. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:52, 2 January 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' as otbp. Thanks for clarifying the type of article. The transportation information has been improved—still has room for improvement, but I think it's good enough for featuring. Given how car-centric most of the U.S. is, I'm not surprised that public transport isn't an option. Another photo or two towards the beginning of the article wouldn't hurt. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:16, 3 January 2020 (UTC) ::Agreed, and I have no issue with this being OTBP. I've been busy lately, though less so over Christmas, so I haven't been doing doing so much work on the Diablo Range article. (I've actually been spending quite a lot of time on WP.) I hope to keep developing this Diablo Range article, however. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:11, 3 January 2020 (UTC) * In these [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Diablo_Range&type=revision&diff=3906197&oldid=3905333 edits], I've added information about the boundaries of the mountain range. Feel free to tell me if you think it should be expanded or clarified in some way. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:57, 4 January 2020 (UTC) ::I've also moved the discussion to OTBP per above. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 02:30, 5 January 2020 (UTC) * Perhaps it could be turned into a rural area if we decide to use that status? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:49, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ::I’m not sure about keeping this one on the schedule. The recent fires have burned so much of the mountain range that the information in it could be largely wrong. Fortunately most of the parks have escaped the fires, but that will quite possibly change as the fires spread. (Sycamore Grove fell victim to a fire and should perhaps be removed from the article.) <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:31, 22 August 2020 (UTC) :::It hasn't been scheduled yet, so I'd say let's give it a month or two and see how things look. Hopefully the fires get under control soon! —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 16:35, 22 August 2020 (UTC) ::::FWIW, if the articles are going on the schedule in the order they're nominated, with appropriate distance between articles from the same country (USA) and during an appropriate month, I believe there's going to be a little over a year before Diablo Range will be featured. So there's a lot of time to see what damage the fires have done. If one is pessimistic, it also means that there's a chance for new fires (isn't there a forest fire risk around the year in much of California?). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:17, 22 August 2020 (UTC) ====[[Game of Thrones tourism]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Game of Thrones tourism | blurb=An exceedingly popular TV series with more Emmy awards than any other. Much of it was shot on location in places that are interesting in their own right as well as to fans. | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 11:53, 20 October 2020 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:Jon_Snow_and_Ghost.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Comment''' - I'm ready to support when voyagers familiar with the series are. Some of the bullet points in [[Game_of_Thrones_tourism#Fictional_locations]] do look a bit short, but again fans are more knowledgeable to judge. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:07, 20 October 2020 (UTC) ::Any Game of Thrones fans who'd like to comment on this one? --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:40, 27 May 2021 (UTC) * As a casual fan, I think the article looks good overall, but there should probably be some more information about the studio tour in Belfast, ie what sets are there, what the tour involves, and practical information like timings, price, etc.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:46, 27 May 2021 (UTC) * Another casual fan here, and have nothing more to add. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small> 11:15, 16 July 2021 (UTC) * I'm definitely a fan & wrote parts of the article. I cannot find anything about a studio tour, but lots about tours to outdoor locations around Belfast. I just added [https://visitbelfast.com/article/game-of-thrones-tours-belfast-northern-ireland/ this link]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:18, 16 July 2021 (UTC) ::There was supposed to be one opening at the Titanic Studios, but I guess it's been postponed due to the usual reasons.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:34, 16 July 2021 (UTC) * Per the above comments and what I wrote ten months ago I'd say '''support'''. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:20, 21 August 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:23, 21 August 2021 (UTC) :: Northern autumn seems to be a good time to visit most destinations, before winter is coming. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:12, 7 September 2021 (UTC) ===August 2021=== ====[[Portland (Oregon)]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Portland (Oregon) | blurb=Once a down-at-the-heels seaport town, now one of America's trendiest cities of the moment; in the "City of Roses" the accent is on sustainability and a certain self-conscious quirkiness. | status=Guide | time=northern summer | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:11, 1 October 2018 (UTC) | comment=Slushed in 2010, but has grown a lot since then. Has all the essentials of a city article. | DotMImage=[[File:MAX and bus side-by-side on Portland Mall, 5th & Yamhill.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Not yet''' — at a first glance it looks like a solid article, but some listings lack description (most notably in the Sleep section). The article has a ''huge'' number of Eat listings (83!). Yes, some of them are local chains with several restaurants but still... [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:49, 5 October 2018 (UTC) *If being complete means adding even more length and listings to an already overlong and over-listy article, as [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] said (and I agree with him), then the answer is that Portland '''needs to be districtified first'''. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 15:52, 5 October 2018 (UTC) ::Interestingly, districtification has already been discussed three times on [[Talk:Portland (Oregon)]]. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:39, 6 October 2018 (UTC) =====Slush?===== Between this nomination and [[Talk:Portland (Oregon)]] (and just look at the article itself!), there's a strong indication that this article ought to be districtified before it's put on the Main Page. That's a formidable task that, in the nearly five months since it's been nominated, no one has bothered to get started on. Also, the nominee doesn't currently have any Support votes to go on the Main Page as is. Are we going to get moving on this or should Portland be slushed? -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 05:23, 25 February 2019 (UTC) :Agree, let's slush for now.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:56, 25 February 2019 (UTC) ::As discussed, Portland needs to be districtified. It shouldn't be to difficult to divide the city into a couple of districts, for example per the suggestion in [[Talk:Portland_(Oregon)#Districtification]]. ::But as the schedule is full for the warm months of 2019, Portland is either going to sit around for 1+ year or something from the schedule will have to give up its place. -- [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 11:54, 25 February 2019 (UTC) :::[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsi]] - Now that you mention it, I do remember the districtification of [[Riga]] ahead of its term of DotM took much less time than I'd expected. But the question is: given all the other work that needs to be done, on other DotM candidates and elsewhere on the site, is anyone actually going to take on this project? We have enough DotM candidates, and enough Guide-level articles especially among U.S. destinations, that it would be no big deal if we slushed Portland, not to mention that it was nominated too late to make the summer 2019 schedule anyway. I'd say let's revisit this issue in three months and see if any progress has been made in the interim. What do you (and others) think about that? -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 16:06, 25 February 2019 (UTC) ::::I've never used more than a few days to districtify a city. Usually it does just take a couple of hours to move the listings, once the district division and borders have been decided. Then the main article needs some more content in sections that formerly had listings, district articles need some info in Understand and Get in (a look at the city's map and public transport network map is often enough), and then a district map needs to be created. ::::I could help out with districtifying Portland, but it will have to wait a while; other WV projects (yup, also DotM related :)) have priority. -- [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 18:49, 25 February 2019 (UTC) :::::Portland is now districtified. -- [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 19:44, 12 March 2019 (UTC) * '''Borderline between support and not yet'''. I find it hard to make up my mind here. The eat section, for example, is much to long, and therefore is like a yellow pages guide and not a travel guide. Otherwise, however, it looks like a reasonably good article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:26, 25 February 2019 (UTC) =====Districts===== Regarding the fact that, as [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] says, it's now districtified, I have a couple thoughts: # I think it would make sense for Portland to be moved to [[Portland]] and for the disambiguation page to moved to [[Portland (disambiguation)]]. # Good news about the districtification! The district articles look good, although perhaps they could do with some more general information. (For example, none of them have an "understand" section.) # In the "districts" section of the main article, there definitely ought to be a description of each of the districts, so travelers can know a little about each district before visiting their respective pages. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 00:56, 13 March 2019 (UTC) : Better to have that discussion in [[Talk:Portland_(Oregon)#Districtification_for_DotM]], there indeed are still some things both the main Portland article and the district articles need. [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 05:10, 13 March 2019 (UTC) * I think the "See" section needs some links to the districts. The "Do" section should mention/list the major city festivals/events. The districts should only give a listing to ONE of the chain restaurants. [[Portland (Oregon)/Eastside]]'s Eat section looks sloppy with half of the listings being the same restaurants. The "Connect" section in the districts should have content or be deleted. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 03:04, 28 July 2019 (UTC) =====May 2020===== The city ensemble (the main article and three districts) still '''need work''', but it's largely down to the districts that this is the case. If someone is willing to step up and do the following before the projected August slot, I'll support: * The district list should have a couple of lines of description for each of the three districts, including mentioning where to find Downtown. * There's a disconnect between the districts we've decided to use and the 'Neighborhoods' list in [[Portland#See|'See']]; can the gap be bridged? * The district articles themselves are little more than repositories for listings. In particular: :* no 'Understand' section, indeed no information about the districts as places at all; :* very poor 'Get in' that are only slightly useful if you are arriving from out of town by one particular mode of transport, but not if you want to get from say the Southwest to the East. :* no 'Get around', even though the East in itself is as big as a large city. On the positive side, the main article is very well-written and the vast majority of the district listings are of the expected high standard.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:37, 9 May 2020 (UTC) : I for one plan to put down some effort into the article(s) in the coming months. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:50, 9 May 2020 (UTC) ::If you think you can take care of everything listed above, then I can '''support''' the nomination.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 22:50, 9 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' - per [[Talk:Portland_(Oregon)#Needed_improvments_for_DotM]] I think I've taken care of all of the things people have seen as obstructions for featuring Portland. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:08, 22 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' per [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:51, 25 May 2020 (UTC) =====Riots===== Riots and violence has been ongoing in Portland for over a month. Insurrectionists are trying to burn down the federal courthouse. Are we okay with featuring the city in the midst of such turmoil? [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 11:01, 21 July 2020 (UTC) :As long as the article gets updated to reflect this, I don't see why not. Very few people will be visiting in the month it's featured anyway.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:51, 21 July 2020 (UTC) ::I have a friend in Portland who's been posting about this on Facebook. She says the protestors are largely peaceful, the federal government crackdown has been brutal, but the whole thing is happening in a small area of the city. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 11:53, 21 July 2020 (UTC) :::Let's leave aside the question of when people will be visiting, what geographical percentage of the city is affected, and what the danger is to visitors and look at it from the point of view of how tone-deaf it looks for Wikivoyage to be foregrounding an article about traveling to Portland during 1) a global pandemic, specifically one in which the U.S. is one of the few countries that doesn't have the outbreak under any semblance of control and 2) a time in history when federal agents are snatching people from the streets with impunity. It's not as if our readers don't read the news. Frankly, I think it's hard enough to argue against slushing any and all U.S. nominees (we ought to be thanking our lucky stars there are only two besides Portland on the docket between now and January 20, 2021); I'm amazed anyone is even trying to defend this particular one. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2020 (UTC) ::::If its month to be featured was September, I'd say let's wait and see. But frankly, right now, in addition to what you all are posting about, anyone from a foreign country who chooses to visit the U.S. is crazy. So yeah, let's put this feature on ice and return to it in more normal times. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:56, 21 July 2020 (UTC) :::::Speaking of U.S. destinations, perhaps NSB should be postponed to January and Torres del Paine moved to December? There will likely still be concerns in December, but hopefully if we have a vaccine (?) and declining cases by mid-January, there will at least be a chance of it going on the main page during a time when tourists are considering visiting. (As a note, tourism is high in NSB right now, but that's travel within the U.S., not foreign countries. I don't know why people are traveling long-distance across the country right now.) We can always postpone NSB until next summer if the coronavirus is still widespread in January. Portland could be postponed at least a few months and instead choose locations without large numbers of coronavirus cases, not only due to the risks of the virus itself but also due to the concerns associated with visiting a country/state in lockdown right now. :::::The cases won't go down quickly, and I don't see them dropping to "safe" levels until next year, if not later, and until then we ought to focus on foreign destinations. Even Europe probably had best be avoided this summer IMO. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:03, 21 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::(edit conflict) We can always wait and watch, but I would definitely recommend to anyone to stay away from the U.S. until at least January, and that's even without considering the extent to which the U.S. is the center of the COVID plague now. Florida is a total disaster at the moment, but we can't be sure what it'll be like in December. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:11, 21 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::Cases in the northeast of the state are relatively low currently, and we'll soon see how much difference the new mask mandates make; probably not enough. The situation is most of control in the [[Miami]] area, and some other cities to a lesser extent, and minorities seem to have suffered the highest number of cases. Parts of the state probably won't be back to normal until next summer, unless cases drop suddenly like they did in [[New York City]]. But as you've said, we can't know for sure, but judging from other countries such those in [[Europe]] it takes months for the virus to reduce to low levels, and in those countries there were strict lockdowns. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:18, 21 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::::Before we go too far down this road, let me be clear about what I do and do not actually support. I do support slushing Portland. I ''do not'' support slushing any other U.S. featured article nominees at this time, and am unlikely to change my mind in that regard unless, like Portland, there emerge safety concerns over and above COVID. What I meant by my comments about "it's hard enough to argue against slushing any and all U.S. nominees" was that I think at this point it's possible to construct a valid argument in opposition to mine. If we had been having this conversation a few months ago, I would have dismissed any such concerns out of hand. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:50, 22 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::::To [[User:SelfieCity|SelfieCity]]'s point, I would note that cases in Europe, Australia, and some other countries are on the rise again. Personally, I think countries that have convinced themselves that they've somehow "beaten the virus" just because they've brought cases within their jurisdictions down to zero are only fooling themselves; unless they plan on hermetically sealing their borders for years on end and/or unless science develops a COVID test with a 100% accuracy rate that can be given to people at customs, it's only a matter of time before the virus seeps back in again. Realistically, nowhere is safe for travel until there is a vaccine (actually, if you want to get technical about it, it could be argued that nowhere ever was or ever will be "safe for travel") and engaging in travel for the foreseeable future will inherently involve acceptance of a certain risk, which makes the question of what should and shouldn't be on the Main Page a bit more complicated and nuanced than "no U.S." -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::::::No featured article should be interpreted as us saying this place is safe to travel in the middle of a pandemic. As Andre says, no place is really safe unless the few countries where it has been eliminated in the first wave create a bubble among themselves. For example, New Zealand, Taiwan and a few Pacific Islands could open up with each other and shut out everyone else but it won't quite happen in practice. Citizens from other countries are allowed to return home and if one of them breaks quarantine, the fire is reignited. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 01:15, 22 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::::::: The theory is that when somebody breaks the quarantine or comes in without, the contacts will have been few enough that they can be traced and the affected persons quarantined. If this happens seldom enough it is not an unreasonable burden. The same works with domestic cases. But this works only if contacts are few, and few random passersby infected (I hope nightclubs will have few customers). It can work, but did not in the countries were cases are getting out of hand again. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:16, 22 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::::::::It definitely did not work in Melbourne and now Australia's two most populous states. Went from single digit numbers of cases per week (no community transmission) to 400-500 a day (nearly all of it community transmission). I agree that the DotM should be a place to dream about or plan for in the future, not a suggestion to travel there now, which may not even be possible based on the rules of your home and destination country. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 08:19, 22 July 2020 (UTC) : I'd say obviously not soon. The title "destination of the month" seems to suggest visiting now & we should not suggest that. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 06:16, 22 July 2020 (UTC) :: Hasn't it always meant "the destination featured this month", "the destination to dream about this month" etc., not the destination to (start planning to) visit this month? --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:19, 22 July 2020 (UTC) :::Yes to what [[User:LPfi|LPfi]] said. Plus, as our [[Wikivoyage:COVID-19 message|special message]] says: "Importantly, our intention is NOT to promote the idea of actually visiting any of these places now or in the near-term future. The primary purpose of our Featured Articles is, and always has been, to highlight the hard work of our dedicated team of travel writers by presenting our readers with the best-quality articles Wikivoyage has to offer." Well what's changed, eh? If we're suddenly saying that this feature sends the wrong message, then we should at least be consistent and cancel all features for the foreseeable. :::Pulling Portland at this stage doesn't seem fair to those (particularly [[user:Ypsilon]], but also [[user:Anyone150]] and [[user:Jake Oregon]]) who responded to feedback above and quickly implemented the needed improvements to the city and its districts. Thanks to their efforts, it's ready to be featured ''now'', but that readiness will decay over time, necessitating further updates.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:30, 22 July 2020 (UTC) :::Right now commerce/life seems to be coming to normal in many places. So despite what you may of wrote to tell readers to refrain from traveling people can still travel around to take advantage of the low airfares being offered. So like traveling to more disturbed areas I would think you would put up that that pink or yellow banner on top of the article to warn travelers of what's going on there. I defer that to the main editors/moderators to do so. [[User:Anyone150|Anyone150]] ([[User:Anyone150|Anyone150]]) 08:42, 22 July 2020 (UTC) ::::You could make that same argument against ever postponing any feature, but is this the first time we would have done so? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:42, 22 July 2020 (UTC) :::::Quite right, I could and probably would, because it's important we don't take people's contributions for granted. I ask again what's so special about Portland that makes us suddenly change practice? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:49, 22 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::Because it's tone-deaf to feature the city while it's under attack by irregular Federal agents. Regardless of how it's rationalized, it would give the site a black eye. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:56, 22 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::I don't think it's taking the contributions for granted. I have no affinity towards or against Portland, and I can only speak for myself on this, but if I worked hard on an article (or even if I didn't but it was a city I really loved/cared about), I would not want its SINGULAR feature to be during a time when the city has fallen into civil unrest. The question of "how bad is it really?" is secondary to what its image is and how it is presented in the news. Left wing sources tend to focus on the federal agents' bad behaviors and right wing sources tend to focus on the bad behaviors of the rioters (the politicization is unfortunate, since both deserve focus), but no sources are making the city look like a nice place to be or visit. It's "scary" to many people, and that was not the case when the article was built up. :::::::This is not the first time we've talked about this. We've had such discussions before. Whenever it was, I believe I made the analogy of featuring [[Fukushima]] a month after the 2011 disaster. It would have looked like a bad joke. Portland is obviously not comparable to the Fukushima disaster, but to me it still has a "bad joke" feel right now. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 11:38, 22 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::::If it's more about the optics of Wikivoyage promoting Portland on its front page than the safety of travellers, would that mean the article could just be (provisionally) shunted back in the schedule a couple of months? Run York in August and, while Tel Aviv is up in September, review the situation for a Portland feature in October? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:52, 22 July 2020 (UTC) {{outdent}} Why not post a link the [[Wikivoyage:COVID-19 message]] at the beginning of each featured article (we could postpone featured articles as well)? That would at least partially clarify the concerns mentioned above. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 13:53, 22 July 2020 (UTC) :I agree with delaying the featuring until the political situation is more stable. Regardless of whether the police or protesters are at fault, our advice to potential tourists remains the same; stay away protests or any other types of civil unrest if you're not a local. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 19:21, 22 July 2020 (UTC) ::We already discussed discontinuing our features due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many people acknowledged that we can continue running them to present readers with interesting places that they may want to travel to someday (also, someone pointed out that even under normal conditions few people could just travel there right away). But obviously it would look bad to run articles articles about places when they have a particularly high infection rate, e.g. [[Bergamo]] in March or [[Delhi]] [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53485039 now] or certain parts of the U.S. just as we wouldn't feature articles right after a major natural disaster or a terrorist attack for instance. Or during riots that have gone on for days and weeks. ::For foreigners (if we'd be let in for tourism) now isn't a good time to travel to anywhere in the States excluding perhaps remote parts of Alaska. But as a third or even more of en-WV's regular editors hail from the U.S., probably the same goes for our readership. Secondly, the U.S. is geographically almost as as big as Europe so I don't think we should look at the country as one single unit that we wouldn't recommend entering or moving around anywhere in - many of our editors and readers are already there! And according to [[:c:File:COVID-19 outbreak USA per capita cases map counties.svg|this map]] (presumably still reasonably up to date) the number of infections in Oregon isn't as bad as in many other parts of the country, so from a ''corona'' point of view Portland is a relatively safe place to visit, for domestic travel. ::But the problem are the ''riots''. Looking at the news Portland seems like a minor war zone right now, and one would rather put a caution or warningbox in the article rather than featuring it. So it would not be appropriate to run it today and very probably not on 1 August, in a little more than a week. Not so sure if the article would have to be slushed right away; couldn't it first be moved forward in the schedule (still OK to visit in October?), and if the rioting or other problems persists then we could slush it. It can always be renominated and brought up to date later, say, in 2021 or 2022. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:22, 22 July 2020 (UTC) :::I think that's reasonable. We can move it to a later month and if the situation persists or worsens, we can discuss slushing it at that time. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 01:45, 23 July 2020 (UTC) ::::I think that's OK, too. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:58, 23 July 2020 (UTC) :::::So... should we move Portland a month or two forward in the schedule and feature York in August instead? [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:19, 25 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::{{done}} --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:05, 25 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::Thanks, I just changed the banner in the upcoming section. One more thing, if we don't want two American articles on the Main Page at the same time (maybe doesn't matter too much in this situation?), [[Scuba diving]] and [[Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway]] could switch places in the schedule. What do you think, [[User:AndreCarrotflower|Andre]]? --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 09:38, 26 July 2020 (UTC) ::::::::We need to remember the reason why we've decided not to feature [[Portland (Oregon)|Portland]] next month in the first place: not because we feel the protests pose any grave danger to travellers (at least those with any common sense) but because of the perception among our readers. Given that, I think it's obvious that Portland should be delayed until next year at the earliest. The riots may be over by October, but they'll still be fresh in the public's mind. The awkwardness needs more than three months to dissipate. [[Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway]] was intentionally scheduled to take advantage of peak autumn foliage in the northeastern U.S. and needs to stay in the slot it currently occupies. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 13:02, 26 July 2020 (UTC) :::::::::Noted, but let's see whether you're right about public perceptions nearer the time.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:08, 26 July 2020 (UTC) ====[[Bergen (Germany)]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Bergen (Germany) | blurb=Best known for the nearby Nazi-era concentration camp, Bergen also has attractions related to other eras all the way back to prehistory | status=Guide | time=May-Sep (aiming for Aug 2021) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:28, 18 June 2021 (UTC) | comment=I recently updated the listings to make this a replacement for [[Clausthal-Zellerfeld]] as August's OtBP. | DotMImage=[[File:Bergen Rathaus 2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:28, 18 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''', looks great. Slightly strange formatting in 'Do', but otherwise seems ready to go. Good choice for substitute, by the way.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:52, 18 June 2021 (UTC) * <s>'''Close'''</s> &mdash; some listings, such as those in [[Bergen (Germany)#Do]], need more information, and just "Irish pub" isn't enough in my opinion (I'm guilty of the same in articles I've written myself). <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:49, 18 June 2021 (UTC) : The "listings" in Do are the stopping points of a walking itinerary, half of them listed in See, and the rest perhaps aren't important enough for a listing on their own. There's not more information available on the particular pub, but it seems to be the only one left in town. A few others were listed in the article, and also visible in Openstreetmap and Google Maps but according to GM they have apparently closed down recently, almost certainly due to the pandemic. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 11:15, 19 June 2021 (UTC) ::Fair enough. '''Support'''. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:46, 20 June 2021 (UTC) ====[[Functionalist architecture in Finland]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Functionalist architecture in Finland | blurb=Functionalism became a popular style among Finnish architects a century ago and the country is one of the best destinations to admire these simple, streamlined and often white buildings. | status=Guide | time=Any, really. May-Sep would be weather-wise the best time to visit, suggesting for Aug 2021 | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:01, 9 June 2021 (UTC) | comment=Maybe we could showcase our readers some architecture in August instead? | DotMImage=[[File:Lasipalatsi 2018.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator and biased main author of the article. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:02, 9 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' once dead links are fixed. This is an excellent article with the ideal amount of content for a [[main page]] feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:59, 18 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Very close'''; As this article would be the third Nordic FTT this year (and there have been concerns about the high ratio of Nordic articles) it should be top notch. Fix dead links, expand the ''understand'' section (historical context, physical features, representative construction elements, etc) and brief descriptions of representative cities such as Tampere. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:16, 20 June 2021 (UTC) ::Yes, it's the third Nordic FTT, but also the third overall Nordic feature this year and over the last couple of years we've actually had slightly fever Nordic features than average (4 in 2015, 2 each in 2016-17, 3 in 2018, 1 in 2019 and 2 in 2020). The Understand section could perhaps be expanded but we need to make sure the content doesn't stray too far from the topic. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:14, 23 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''': I just copy edited through the end of the first paragraph of "Background". This article will need to be completely proofread and copy edited before it's run. I think it probably has a lot of directly translated Finnish or Swedish syntax and usage. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:23, 3 July 2021 (UTC) ===July 2021=== ====[[Cork]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Cork | blurb=Pubs, Irish sports and a fort are things awaiting you in Ireland's second city. | status=Guide | time=Jun-Sep | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 30 August 2020 (UTC) | comment=Something more for next summer. Europe's second most populous country with English as an official language has been featured in the English Wikivoyage just twice, the last time in 2009 (Kilkenny) and never as DotM (nor FTT), so let's fix that. Speaking of fixing, the article has the content and length for a guide, but it obviously needs to be checked for up-to-datedness and tidied up (the missing geocoordinates need to be added in the process). | DotMImage=[[File:Cork1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Needs some work''' per comment. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 30 August 2020 (UTC) * <s> '''Almost'''</s>. It needs some updating. It also would be improved with another picture or two, and maybe a new page banner, as the present one is dull and looks too similar to [[Cobh]]. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:05, 1 September 2020 (UTC) ::I now '''support''', as it has been updated. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 18:16, 24 April 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' as the listings have all been updated, and it's a substantial destination. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 15:46, 1 March 2021 (UTC) * '''Not yet'''. I see a lot of great work has gone into the article, but as mentioned in Ypsilon's nom comment, too many See, Eat, and Drink listings are missing coordinates. [[Wikivoyage:City article status]] says for Usable articles, "If possible, listings have geo-coordinates." If it can't even meet that bar, how did it become Guide status? --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 02:09, 11 May 2021 (UTC) ::Was almost certainly promoted to guide status before we had dynamic maps. Will have a look at the issues later (& thanks to Graham and Alasdair for the improvements so far). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:44, 13 May 2021 (UTC) :::Thank you for adding them! :) --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:04, 21 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Not perfect, but good enough to feature as long as maintenance work continues until it is featured (soon). "Do" and "Buy" could do with more information, but I'm assuming in this case there is not much else to add. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:32, 20 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Outcome''' - DotM for July 2021. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:48, 1 July 2021 (UTC) ====[[Neuland]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Neuland | blurb=One of Chaco's Mennonite colonies, there are also some interesting forts nearby to explore. | status=Guide | time=Apr-Oct from [[Filadelfia]]'s nomination a few years back (Austral summer is a bit too hot?) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 22:01, 30 October 2020 (UTC) | comment=During the (Northern Hemisphere) summer months we usually run one article which is neither from Europe nor North America, so maybe this could be the 2021 candidate for that for the OtBP section. Kudos to [[User:Cmasi]] for pretty much creating the article in its current shape back in 2017, though closer to the time it's featured it could benefit from a checkthrough to make sure everything is still in business. | DotMImage=[[File:Neuland museum 672017.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 22:01, 30 October 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Interesting choice that looks like a well developed guide status article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:26, 8 November 2020 (UTC) * '''Outcome''' - OtBP for July 2021. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 04:08, 12 July 2021 (UTC) ====[[Trans-Labrador Highway]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Trans-Labrador Highway | blurb=Come with us on a sub-Arctic road adventure past remote coastal fishing communities and endless forests. | status=Guide | time=Jun-Aug or -Sep probably | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:11, 17 November 2020 (UTC) | comment=Well, the article is a guide so it should cover the itinerary pretty well, in fact I just had a look at the article history and a lot has been added to the article since it was promoted to guide status in 2017. The article isn't very long, but I guess there isn't so much to write about this long and lonely road. Speaking of long distances, Canada is so big that if [[Winnipeg]] goes on the Main Page as DotM on 1 June, we shouldn't have any problems featuring this as FTT on 21 August. | DotMImage=[[File:Route 510 Port Hope Simpson.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:11, 17 November 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' but more review is needed; I found some {{diff|Trans-Labrador Highway|diff=revision|oldid=4223095}} quite substantially incorrect coordinates for [[Churchill Falls]]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:17, 9 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Almost Support''' just some brushups needed. [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 23:26, 20 June 2021 (UTC) ::Could you identify these issues? It is scheduled to go on the main page in a week. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:13, 12 July 2021 (UTC) ===June 2021=== ====[[Winnipeg]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Winnipeg | blurb=Once a fur trading outpost, Canada's Gateway to the west boasts a surprising number of cultural institutions. | status=Guide | time="June, late August and September tend to provide the most pleasant environment for summer visitors." | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:30, 8 August 2020 (UTC) | comment=When nominating [[Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton]] as [[Quebec City]]'s replacement for July 2020's slot, I had one more Canadian candidate in mind – this one. So why not run it next summer? Winnipeg has the same small issues as Hamilton, up-to-dateness need to be checked, some coordinates need to be added and a couple of more sleeping options would be welcome. And some more photos. | DotMImage=[[File:Winnipeg skyline.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Very close''' - And there's plenty of time to fix the small issues. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:30, 8 August 2020 (UTC) ::Just added the rest of the missing coordinates (events taking place all over the city can't really have coordinates) and some photos (unusually dull selection on Commons I must say). I'd possibly try to go through some review sites for a few more places to sleep worthy of adding to the Sleep section but in general I think I can '''support''' Winnipeg for DotM in its current state. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:37, 22 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' - I visited in 2015 and have literally hundreds of photos that can be added to the article, used as DotM banner source images, etc. Winnipeg is a fascinating place, and as a tourist destination deserves far more attention than it gets. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 22:54, 8 August 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. It was fun contributing. The current Understand#History section is almost verbatim what I wrote; it's *very* simplified, for brevity, and might benefit some beefing-up, though. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 00:12, 1 October 2020 (UTC) * <s>'''Almost'''. I do dislike listings with missing coordinates. Even more, the yellow sea of dead links greatly irks me. (If you can't see them go to [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-gadgets]] and check "ErrorHighlighter" under "Experimental".) --[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 02:31, 11 May 2021 (UTC)</s> *:I fixed the dead links and ''may'' return at a later time to address missing coordinates. [[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 03:29, 11 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Having added missing coordinates, I can now throw my support behind the Winnipeg article.--[[User:Nricardo|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nricardo|talk]]) 22:52, 12 May 2021 (UTC) *I have taken a run-through for spelling and formatting, and have done some updating. Some more updating would be a good idea. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 02:50, 11 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support''' per others. There's plenty of information, and no section of the article appears to be lacking, plus some very useful travel information such as the parts of the city in between. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 22:39, 19 May 2021 (UTC) *'''Outcome''': DotM for June 2021. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 17:21, 1 June 2021 (UTC) ====[[Visp]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Visp | blurb=This town is known as a rail hub and for its chemical plant, but if you step off the train there are still some things to see in Visp. | status=Guide | time=Any? Switzerland is both a summer and winter destination, though I figured there may still be one summer (May-Sep) OtBP slot to fill. | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:10, 20 December 2020 (UTC) | comment=The article has been a guide since 2016 when a Swiss user thought there's not much more to say about Visp. German WV's article isn't that impressive but there may be some details worth bringing over. | DotMImage=[[File:Visp-Altstadt.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:10, 20 December 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' The article is fine as it is, but there is some scope for expanding eat, drink and sleep based on the German article. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:10, 2 April 2021 (UTC) * <s>'''Oppose'''</s>- 1. Why feature somewhere on the main page that's so boring (virtually nothing to 'See' or 'Do')? 2. If it's a hub of Switzerland's rail network, it's not off the beaten track.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 23:32, 2 April 2021 (UTC) :*'''Comment''' It looks to me like the Visp Railway Station is on the beaten path but that actually visiting the town may not be, and it's certainly not a big enough draw to merit a DotM feature, so OtBP it is. That said, if there's anything to add from the German-language article, I'd like to see it. It's a very usable article but indeed not that interesting, though if all that's of interest is covered, so be it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:02, 3 April 2021 (UTC) :::Yes, to my understanding most remain on the train or change trains (so going beyond the station would be an OtBP thing). De-WV lists some activites that could be added. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 07:50, 3 April 2021 (UTC) ::::My point wasn't that it should be DOTM; it was why would we feature somewhere that isn't worth visiting? That should be a consideration when posting any nomination, and the article as it stands does not portray somewhere that anyone would want to visit. ::::It does look like, from de.wikivoyage, there's considerably more to do there than our article covers, though a lot of it is vaguely "around Visp" without using proper listings or featuring contact details. I'll change my vote to a '''not yet''', pending the addition of more listings, especially See and Do. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:57, 3 April 2021 (UTC) :::::Some more listings added from German Wikivoyage and German Wikipedia. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:31, 26 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I think there are enough things to see and do to justify OTBP; the article itself seems to contain enough information for a traveler to spend a day or two there. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:53, 1 June 2021 (UTC) * '''Outcome''' - OtBP for June 2021. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:48, 1 July 2021 (UTC) ====[[American cuisine]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=American cuisine | blurb=Savor the delights of one of the world's most diverse yet underrated culinary traditions. | time=Any | status=<strike>Usable (as of 13 June 2020)</strike>Guide | nominatedBy=[[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:25, 26 May 2020 (UTC) | comment=I know it has not been upgraded to guide yet, but I think it's pretty close to getting there with a few minor fixes (I'd be OK with promoting it as it is now, but there's still some opposition from the community). It's about time we showcase to the world that contrary to media stereotypes, the United States is in fact a worthy culinary tourism destination | DotMImage=[[File:Crawfish etouffee.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:25, 26 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Close'''. Not nearly enough information about Native American cuisine and African American cuisine, but otherwise good. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:35, 26 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Comment''' - Since [[Chinese cuisine]] is due for July-Aug, I imagine this article won't be featured before summer 2021, so plenty of time to expand and make sure it's eligible for featuring by being a Guide.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:20, 26 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Needs a considerable amount of work'''. I went into the exact nature of that work in [[Talk:American cuisine#Upgrade to guide]], but there hasn't been much progress since then. I would like to see this article on the Main Page, though - I agree with what the blurb says about its tendency to be underrated among world cuisines (though, side note, the U.S. spelling is "savor", without the U; I fixed it) - and maybe this nomination will be the kick in the pants I need to take matters into my own hands. I anticipate my activity level at Wikivoyage to increase after the end of the month, so we'll see if others get to it before I do. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:41, 26 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Comment''' - It's definitely an extensive article, and I'm ready to support it when users who are more familiar with the details of the American cuisine will. And the article needs more photos. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 07:36, 28 May 2020 (UTC) ::One year later and the article is scheduled to be featured in 1 month and 10 days but still at usable status. The article is still quite listy, but again, probably a cuisine article can't be comprehensive without lists of dishes. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:36, 10 May 2021 (UTC) :::I suggest we put it on ice until someone American (maybe André when he comes back) can expand and improve.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:54, 10 May 2021 (UTC) ::::It may be the right decision, given that we have many wikivoyagers from America who know what needs to be done and perhaps can make those edits at some point. ::::[[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]], [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] and [[User:Mx. Granger|Mx. Granger]], what do you think? --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:00, 11 May 2021 (UTC) :::::I think it's probably okay to feature in more or less its current state, though parts of do feel "list-y" and like they're trying to exhaustively catalogue ingredients rather than give travel advice. Certainly there's room for improvement, I guess it's just a question of what standard we want to hold it to. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:42, 11 May 2021 (UTC) ::::::I would certainly like to see this featured some day given that American food is way more diverse than what international stereotypes make it out to be. I know [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] stated his interest in working on this once, but he hasn't got to it yet. I think it's fine to be featured given it's quite extensive, but I'd also be OK slushing it for now until one of our American editors decides to work on it. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:04, 11 May 2021 (UTC) :::::::It's still only usable, so unless either of you above think that's wrong, then it's currently ineligible to be featured. The standard we hold it to is that of a guide article!--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:07, 11 May 2021 (UTC) ::::::::I think it meets the criteria for guide status – I don't see any major omissions. The room for improvement I see is more a question of whether parts of it are too detailed or should be organized or framed differently. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 19:37, 11 May 2021 (UTC) :::::::::I think it's ready for guide status too, but I respect the views of the community as a whole. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 20:16, 11 May 2021 (UTC) ::::::::::Haven't looked at it in a while; it's very long, but I've bumped up to guide. Also, reading it has made me realise I shouldn't have been shocked by the cocktail menu of an Irish bar in upstate NY.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:14, 11 May 2021 (UTC) *'''Almost Support''' - Not enough info about African American [[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] <nowiki>|</nowiki> [[w:User:SHB2000|en.wikipedia]])</small> 21:08, 10 May 2021 (UTC) ::Anyone familiar with the African American cuisine who feel something important is missing, if yes, please add that. Other than that I think we will be running it in June (as of lately I added back the banner to [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates#Next_changes]]). --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:09, 26 May 2021 (UTC) * '''Outcome''' - FTT for June 2021. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:48, 1 July 2021 (UTC) ===May 2021=== ====[[Nicosia]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Nicosia | blurb=There are plenty of cultural treasures in the divided capital of Cyprus. | status=Guide | time=Spring or fall | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:54, 6 June 2020 (UTC) | comment=Cyprus is another country we haven't featured anything from, and it's after all a notable travel destination (though most visitors head for the beaches). I found this article in a decent shape and I've updated, expanded and otherwise improved it as of lately. | DotMImage=[[File:Nicosia 01-2017 img28 Cyprus Museum.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:54, 6 June 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for May 2021. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:06, 1 May 2021 (UTC) ====[[Crawford (Nebraska)]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Crawford (Nebraska) | blurb=Once a wild and rowdy frontier town, the nearby Fort Robinson is today a museum and there are many natural attractions nearby. | status=Guide | time=The place really has continental climate, per [https://en.climate-data.org/north-america/united-states-of-america/nebraska/crawford-131331/ climate-data.org], so summer but maybe not mid-summer. I'd say May-Jun or Sep-Oct. | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 21:00, 23 November 2019 (UTC) | comment=Here's a nice article from a lesser-traveled corner of the U.S. for the early fall 2020. I guess there's nothing in this small town that's not already in the article (I added some coords a while ago and checked that everything was still in business). | DotMImage=[[File:Adams Block (Crawford, NE).JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 21:00, 23 November 2019 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - nothing wrong with the article, but the place seems a bit dull. Maybe this is because the article is quite short, with few details in the listings, or maybe it's because there isn't much to see or do.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:50, 24 November 2019 (UTC) :: One cannot expect too much of a town of 1000 inhabitants, I guess, though the fort has an article in WP, perhaps there's something interesting we could bring over. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:21, 14 December 2019 (UTC) * '''Not yet'''. I would support it but there really should be more prose about the places to see. While listings are helpful and needed in our travel articles, most of our guide-status articles include prose in each section that describes the overall quality and style of the points of interest in the city. Without that information, this may well be a guide article, but not a DotM-worthy article. The fact that climate data &mdash; which ought to be in an article that's a destination of the month/off the beaten path &mdash; has be retrieved from ''outside the website'' itself shows that this article hasn't yet reached [[main page]]-worthy status. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:02, 9 June 2020 (UTC) :: Added some climate info and a little more about the fort, which is apparently ''the'' attraction. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:15, 10 May 2021 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for May 2021. ====[[Stockholm history tour]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Stockholm history tour | blurb=A 1000 year stroll from the Viking Age through the Nobel Prize and the rise of a world-leading scene for technology and pop music. | status=Guide | time=May to August | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:02, 24 July 2020 (UTC) | comment=Slussen and Norrmalm became more walkable by the end of 2020. As we just had some Nordic destinations, this article might as well wait for 2021. | DotMImage=[[File:Fotografen på Stortorget.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Basically support'''. If I may nitpick a little bit, [[Obvious|I'm not so sure]] the very first geocoordinate for "Stockholm" is needed. For get around, an hour is enough if we're writing for [[:w:The Amazing Race]], but especially if you venture into museums I guess you should budget a full day. The timeline section could maybe be placed as a subsection of Understand. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:58, 30 July 2020 (UTC) ** As the author, I would enjoy comments on which material to expand, and which to delete for being to peripheral. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 19:30, 6 September 2020 (UTC) :::I don't think there's anything we'd need delete. There are some listings whose descriptions are just one line long so those could be expanded if possible. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 10:09, 12 September 2020 (UTC) :::: During spring 2021, [https://vaxer.stockholm/nyheter/2020/09/trafikomlaggning-vid-slussen/ an archaeological excavation] will take place at Södermalmstorg, at the beginning of the journey. It is likely to reveal ruins and artifacts from the Middle Ages in plain sight, until the new city square is built on top. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 11:50, 5 October 2020 (UTC) *'''Needs a bit of work''' - this fantastic article is not really an itinerary, because it doesn't have directions from one POI to the next. With just those, I'd be ready to support, but a couple of minor things to improve: 'Prepare' seems a bit short; perhaps it could talk about weather and season (or at least direct you to the right part of the city article), what you should wear (including footwear), whether you should expect to cross lots of roads, whether there are any access issues for people with mobility problems, whether there are alternatives to walking (cycling, public transport?).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:49, 29 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Outcome''' - FTT for May 2021. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:55, 22 May 2021 (UTC) ===April 2021=== ====[[Prambanan]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Prambanan | blurb=Although far from intact, Prambanan is one of Java's great template complexes showcasing the building skills of the Mataram Kingdom. | status=Guide | time=from the climate table in WP for Yogyakarta Apr-Oct seem to make up the dry season | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 30 August 2020 (UTC) | comment=Sections below See are quite short. But this is an archaeological park so Eat, Drink and Sleep aren't that important I guess. But the few listings should be googled to check that they still exist. Nearby Yogyakarta was DotM in October 2006, Borobudur in May 2012. | DotMImage=[[File:Prambanan LaraJonggrang.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Needs some work''' per comment. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 30 August 2020 (UTC) : {{done}} --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:22, 29 March 2021 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for April 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:52, 1 April 2021 (UTC) ====[[Simpelveld]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Simpelveld | blurb=Would you believe you can find two monasteries, a sarcophagus, and a steam railway in this little Dutch town? | status=Guide | time=May-Sep | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:24, 25 September 2020 (UTC) | comment=Time to start thinking about next summer's OtBPs too, don't you think? We have a great coverage of the [[South_Limburg#Small_towns|small towns villages in the southeasternmost corner of the Netherlands]], many of the articles are guides. I picked Simpelveld because it lacked coordinates, and by adding them using Google Maps I automatically could update the article (the monastery not open to visitors as of 2015 had been turned into a museum, a pizzeria had moved and a café closed) - two useful task in the same time. Should be good to go now. | DotMImage=[[File:Simpelveld-Kerk (4).JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:24, 25 September 2020 (UTC) * '''Comment'''. I do like seeing places that are ''definitely'' off the beaten path come by, though for Simpelveld's case, I feel like some things are lacking. I am anything but familiar with the town or its surroundings, but I know for a fact that there is quite a rich Roman history around the town, at least containing two or three villae. I'm not sure how accessible these are to the public, but they might be worth including, especially since Southern Limburg around [[Heerlen]] is rather dense with Roman activity. I'll see what I can find and add over the coming few weeks. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 12:33, 31 October 2020 (UTC) ::As amazing as it would have been to add on something about this, the five confirmed villae around Simpelveld (two around the town itself, three more around Bocholtz), as well as the two villae around Ubachsberg are not visible and are preserved in situ, meaning the remnants (if they still exist) are preserved underground where they were found. Moreover, I believe all of them are only partially excavated to begin with, so the likelihood of them being incorporated into the public space as a monument or something the likes is very small at this time. To be fair, there's [https://vici.org/?lang=en#9/51.51284400413721,5.524628194122025 plenty of visible remnants] (Click "adjust view settings" in the lower right and select "Visible sites") of Roman activity around the (former) Rhine and in Limburg, but for this article, none of them are worth including. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 13:05, 31 October 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''', though not of the strongest kind. I feel like the article is a bit short and doesn't list that much. That's not wrong per se though. Simpelveld definitely has more interesting things to offer than some Dutch cities, so it definitely has potential if you'd ask me. It could do with some more text and somewhat more appealing images though. -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 13:05, 31 October 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. A good introductory two paragraphs in the "understand" section followed by a number of choices for places to go along with restaurants. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:21, 8 November 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for April 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:31, 11 April 2021 (UTC) ====[[The Wire Tour]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=The Wire Tour | blurb=Are you a fan of the TV-series ''The Wire''? Then this grand tour of filming locations all over Baltimore is definitely something for you. | status=Guide | time=according to [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Baltimore|Baltimore's DotM nomination]] Mar-May or Sep-Nov (midsummer is very hot and muggy) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:13, 13 January 2020 (UTC) | comment=I'm not familiar with these tv series either, but the article is at guide status, looks pretty extensive and has many static maps. If you're familiar with the series and notice the article needs improvement, by all means go ahead and do so. It was mostly written back in the Wikitravel days ten years ago, but itineraries doesn't get old in the same way that destination articles do. | DotMImage=[[File:Cast of the Wire - Sohn Hector Williams.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:13, 13 January 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''': Looks outstanding. I'm not sure why (as it seems) no-one has nominated this for Star. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 14:38, 13 January 2020 (UTC) * '''Comment''': I haven't seen the series, as it only had very limited airing in the UK, but it looks a good article. However, the itinerary is not likely to mean much to readers who haven't seen most of the series. The Wire was first on air over ten years ago. It is regularly repeated on major TV channels? Has it been shown much outside North America? Otherwise I think that we may be nearly 10 years too late in featuring this. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:08, 18 January 2020 (UTC) ::Half a year ago we ran [[Seinfeld Tour]], whose last episode aired in 1998, so I don't think it'd be a problem. Also, the series are very likely available online. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 23:17, 18 January 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' per [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:21, 28 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Support'''. It's a Star article, so there jolly well better not be anything keeping it from being featured (and indeed there's not). -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 04:04, 26 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for April 2021. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 11:38, 25 April 2021 (UTC) ===March 2021=== ====[[Oaxaca (city)]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Oaxaca (city) | blurb=A colorful colonial city, Oaxaca also retains some of its pre-Columbian heritage. | status=Guide | time=Nov-Apr is the dry season | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:18, 2 May 2020 (UTC) | comment=Time for another of StellarD's Mexican articles. A while back I added a couple of coordinates, photos from Commons and some other stuff. Should be good to go sometime next winter. | DotMImage=[[File:Colonial Oaxaca.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:18, 2 May 2020 (UTC) *In case anyone hasn't heard, there was a 7.7-magnitude earthquake today centered in Oaxaca state and an associated tsunami warning. Reports are sketchy at the moment but indicate widespread structural damage and at least one death (and probably many more than that). I had this article tentatively scheduled for a March 2021 DotM feature; let's stay tuned as we may have to scuttle that. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 19:01, 23 June 2020 (UTC) ::Unfortunately, I think rescheduling may be necessary, and tragically, in a city with historical architecture that wasn’t built to resist earthquakes, many important points of interest may be damaged or destroyed. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:06, 23 June 2020 (UTC) :::Let's wait for a day or two, by then there are more news reports available about the impact. If many sights have been damaged, then I agree we shouldn't run the article. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:35, 23 June 2020 (UTC) ::::[https://www.municipiodeoaxaca.gob.mx/prensa/1472/deja-sismo-41-inmuebles-con-danos-en-oaxaca-de-juarez-edil-oswaldo-garcia/ Here] is a report from the city government of Oaxaca City. 41 buildings are reported to be "damaged" in some way, including five historical buildings (are the four religious buildings mentioned later part of these five?). Luckily the epicenter was a bit away from Oaxaca City, at the coast, and as the city government hasn't written anything more about the quake on their [https://www.municipiodeoaxaca.gob.mx/prensa/ websites' press release section] I assume it didn't affect the city so badly after all. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:05, 29 June 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for March 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:35, 1 March 2021 (UTC) ====[[Porto da Cruz]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Porto da Cruz | blurb=Particularly great for surfers and hikers, this village on Madeira's backside surprisingly also boasts some industrial heritage. | status=Guide | time=Any, but Northern winter and early spring is the high season | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:54, 25 May 2020 (UTC) | comment=Given how many (European) visitors travel to the Canary Islands and Madeira to escape the winter, how is it possible that we've never featured anything from this corner of the world!? This is another article that was in a decent shape when I found it and have been improving and updating it little by little, adding things like geo coordinates and a couple of places that wasn't listed. I'd say everything about this village is mentioned in the article now. | DotMImage=[[File:Porto da Cruz ( Portugal )2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:54, 25 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Support''' - I've added some more details to listings, and it's probably now as good as it can be without one of us visiting. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:45, 25 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' per [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] and [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:47, 25 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for March 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:45, 11 March 2021 (UTC) ====[[Czech phrasebook]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Czech phrasebook | blurb=Planning a visit to Prague's old town, Plzen's breweries or maybe the Ore mountains? Czech out this phrasebook and learn some useful phrases for your trip! | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:09, 17 May 2020 (UTC) | comment=Early in the year we traditionally run a phrasebook as FTT. Here's one of our complete phrasebooks (with everything translated and transcribed). I just added some photos to give it a bit life. | DotMImage=[[File:Anděl, Nádražní, přemístěné taxistanoviště.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:09, 17 May 2020 (UTC) * It seems to be the night of the terrible puns; a friend has just handed in his dissertation "H.C. Sprache: How the FPÖ used language during H.C. Strache's leadership to achieve their political aims" :D --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:38, 17 May 2020 (UTC) ::Hardcore Sprache? --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 04:37, 18 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' It looks good. I know some Czech, so I am reasonably confident that it doesn't have major errors. The question asking if the hotel room comes with bedsheets reminds me of some unmodernised Czech hotels in the nineties! [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:32, 17 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I don't speak Czech, but the article looks good to me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:22, 18 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for March 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:54, 20 March 2021 (UTC) ===February 2021=== ====[[Colombo]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Colombo | blurb=Sri Lanka's largest city is a lively place and a stepping stone to the rest of the island. | status=Guide | time=per the climate chart Dec-Mar, Jun-Aug | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:30, 25 April 2020 (UTC) | comment=Sri Lanka is the last South Asian country from where we've never featured anything. The article for Colombo was, like many articles from that corner of the world, informative but a bit disorganized and lacking coordinates, so I took care of that a while ago. Would make a nice (Northern Hemisphere) winter feature. | DotMImage=[[File:20160122 Sri Lanka 3598 Colombo sRGB (25649972102).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:30, 25 April 2020 (UTC) * Looks like it might need some minor copyedits, but that's not enough to preclude me voting '''support''' now. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 04:05, 26 April 2020 (UTC) * '''Not just yet''', though I agree it contains a lot of good material & could make a fine feature. However, unlike Andre, I'm not sure the work required is "minor". See my comments starting at [[Talk:Colombo#District_numbers]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 15:53, 26 April 2020 (UTC) * '''Not yet''' - I think the Understand section can be a little longer. Also, is there any flight to [[Hambantota]] airport? It has been referred to as the world's emptiest international airport. [[User:Hanif Al Husaini|Hanif Al Husaini]] ([[User talk:Hanif Al Husaini|talk]]) 06:06, 27 May 2020 (UTC) =====To do list===== From the [[Talk:Colombo|article's talk page]] and this discussion: * <s>District numbers</s> * <s>Slave Island </s> * <s>Rail transport</s> * Gem shopping - ? * <s>Understand</s> * <s>Hambantota Airport </s> --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:43, 14 January 2021 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for February 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:32, 1 February 2021 (UTC) ====[[Belgrave]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=[[Belgrave]] | blurb=This lively, little town in the middle of a beautiful forest has such a sense of community you'll feel it's your home. | status=Guide | time=November - February months are warm and nice, although the Lantern Festival is in Winter | comment=It has many different places and activities listed and things to do. There haven't been many featured articles from Australia recently, this one would be great. Belgrave hasn't been featured before and only has recently been upgraded to a guide, so has never had the chance to be featured despite how much information there is out there about the place. It has some history in understand but there could be more. | nominatedBy=[[User:CupcakePerson13|CupcakePerson13]] | DotMImage=[[File:Puffing Billy (3708462529).jpg|none|300px]] | DotMBlurb=This lively, little town in the middle of a beautiful forest has such a sense of community you'll feel it's your home. }} * '''Close''' - I'm impressed by how quickly [[User:CupcakePerson13|CupcakePerson13]] has filled out this article. There may seem like a lot of items on the following list of things to improve, but they're all small jobs and as Selfie City stated on [[Talk:Belgrave]], realistically this won't be featured for several months to a year, so there's plenty of time for fixes: :* 'Eat' section doesn't make it clear whether there is a range of 'Budget', 'Mid-range' and 'Splurge' options, so those headings would be helpful. :* I agree the 'Understand' section could do with more info, and not just history, but stuff about the current town's character, its people, climate etc. :* 'Get in' and 'Get around' seem a bit bare on details; train prices and distances from central Melbourne would be good for 'Get in', while 'Get around' could have more info on the buses (routes, tickets, map) and cycling (bike rental available?). :*Lastly, the article needs at least three more high quality photos of things which aren't Puffing Billy. Cute though he may be, it'd be nice to see other parts of the town, different landmarks etc. All in all, a pleasant read. If I ever went to Australia, it would certainly be Melbourne, and I'd be sure to do a trip out to Belgrave while I was there.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:23, 5 June 2020 (UTC) * '''Close''' per [[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]]. I can add a climate chart if climate data is available. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:04, 5 June 2020 (UTC) ::{{done}} [[User:CupcakePerson13|CupcakePerson13]], as the climate statistics are not in Belgrave itself, let me know if they are substantially different from Belgrave's climate. Probably a description of the climate would also be helpful. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:16, 5 June 2020 (UTC) * '''Very close''' I had an Australian article in mind to nominate for OtBP for a month in the first half of 2021, but having a freshly written article is much better. For such a small town, I don't think the Understand section ''needs'' to be longer but you're of course free to expand it if you like. The article looks quite OK; for its size there seem to be surprisingly many places to eat and drink in Belgrave. And I too think it could be nice with some more photos of something else than trains and rail infrastructure (the only type of photos on [[:c:Category:Belgrave, Victoria|Commons]]). In the case [[User:CupcakePerson13|CupcakePerson13]] happens to be a local and have a camera on hand it would be very nice if they could help out. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:07, 5 June 2020 (UTC) * '''Not yet, but getting close'''. A lot of good work has been done in the last few days. It needs some other pictures - if no others are available [[:File:1000 Steps, Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, Dandenong Ranges National Park.jpg]] might do. By train needs some more info on the station and trains, it could link to [[w:Belgrave railway station]], which suggests that By bus is also a way of getting in. I would like to see details of some of the forest walks that appear to be possible from here - would I be better on the Hillclimb Track or Coles Ridge Track?. Earthly Pleasures is listed in both drink and connect with identical listings. There should be links to [[Dandenong Ranges]] and the nearby suburb of [[Lysterfield]], which might be merged in, and it would be good for Go next to have some links to other articles - tempt a main page reader to explore the rest of the [[Yarra Valley]] or southeast Victoria. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:53, 5 June 2020 (UTC) *'''Close but not quite''' echoing others' reasoning. Excellent work so far, though, [[User:CupcakePerson13|CupcakePerson13]]. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 22:00, 5 June 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for February 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:06, 11 February 2021 (UTC) ====[[Travel photography/Full systems]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Travel photography/Full systems | blurb=Are you planning to become more serious about your photographing with lens sets, tripods and all, but are wondering where to start? Check out this guide for some useful advice! | status=Guide | time=Anytime | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:39, 9 July 2020 (UTC) | comment=A comprehensive article that I promoted to guide recently. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] has improved the article even more since. | DotMImage=[[File:Kenko Mirror Lens 800mm f-8 DX - New Gear Acquired! (8738738718).jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 12:39, 9 July 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:59, 10 July 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' It could be improved with a better introduction and a couple of photos of basic full system cameras at the start. When this is featured on the main page, it will be read by people who have only taken a photo with a phone. It is unfortunate that WP and Commons structure their articles differently so this article has its own Wikidata page, and hence no links to get more info. For an article about photography it is surprisingly short of photos. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:04, 23 January 2021 (UTC) * '''Comment''' Why isn't it linked to Q209871, "System camera"? Because there is no such article on en-wp? [[:Commons:Category:System cameras]] is still linked to that item (and its parent item "camera" is the main item), while our Q15077465 "Full travel photography systems" is orphan. Why have a separate "travel" specification? All our articles are about travel. Should those two simply be merged? We could also create a gallery page on Commons, with any pictures we want. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 00:32, 24 January 2021 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for February 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:05, 21 February 2021 (UTC) ===January 2021=== ====[[Johor Bahru]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Johor Bahru | blurb=Many a fun adventure awaits in the fast-growing, multicultural metropolis across the causeway from Singapore! | status=Guide | time=It's about equally wet and warm around the year, but Jan-Feb and Jun-Sep are a bit dryer | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:28, 28 March 2020 (UTC) | comment=Speaking of articles to run in the winter, this is a very informative article that a contributor [[User:Chongkian]] has worked actively on for the last years, so it definitely should be showcased on the Main Page. I just added coordinates to listings that lacked them. Speaking of listings, there are quite many of them so the article perhaps needs to be districtified, perhaps not. | DotMImage=[[File:Johor Bahru city in 2015.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - as said, very informative article (perhaps even too much?) --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:28, 28 March 2020 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - I'm moving house, so my presence on Wikivoyage will be reduced for the next few days to a week, so I likely won't have time to examine this article and register a support/oppose vote until things settle down in my life. However, it's worth noting that Johor Bahru was [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Slush pile#Johor Bahru|slushed]] back in 2013. Though I too have been following Chongkian's diligent work and I imagine most of the article's previous shortcomings have been addressed, it might be worthwhile to review the feedback from its earlier nomination to see where further improvements might be warranted. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 04:10, 29 March 2020 (UTC) :*What a time to move! Stay safe, and good luck with the new place! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:26, 29 March 2020 (UTC) ::*Indeed. We signed the lease, put the security deposit down, sent 30 days' notice to our current landlord, and only then did all hell break loose. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 06:19, 29 March 2020 (UTC) :::Wow... moving is stressful and time-consuming even under normal circumstances without having to worry about yourself or someone close to you getting sick or authorities suddenly shutting down places and restricting movement. Take your time and I hope everything goes well. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:11, 30 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Support''' - This article have details of the place. Personally, after reading this article, I've made up my mind to visit this place once I'm in Johor.[[User:CyberTroopers|CyberTroopers]] ([[User talk:CyberTroopers|talk]]) 14:56, 1 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Support''' - I once visited this place with [[User:Chongkian]], and I will say that this place is out of ordinary place to visit. So, it is worth it to be placed as Destination of the Month. [[User:SNN95|SNN95]] ([[User talk:SNN95|talk]]) 22:35, 1 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Johor Bahru is a very underrated city which no one knows much about it. In reality, the city has been undergoing extreme transformation over the past 10 years with many construction, modernization, clean up efforts are taking place each day. It has now been equally developed throughout its whole area (with many dining, shopping, recreation, night life, sports, culture, history, nature etc), not just at the old city center area along Wong Ah Fook street, that's just probably only 5% of what the city is about today. [[User:Chongkian|Chongkian]] ([[User talk:Chongkian|talk]]) 09:39, 4 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Very nearly''' - I have gone through this article with a fine-tooth comb, and most of the issues that were described last time Johor Bahru was nominated have been fixed. I haven't been tracking the changes, but judging by the comments made back in 2013, this has come on leaps and bounds. :The one major thing that remains from before is the article is still quite long. I believe our standards have shifted somewhat since 2013 such that the article would no longer qualify as "too long" (as they said), but having said that, it may be worth considering whether it wouldn't be better to split it into four districts, per the 'Areas' listed near the top. The spread of listings seems fairly even across the city, so there should be enough content for each new article. But I'd love to know what others think about this, particularly [[User:Chongkian|Chongkian]]. :Another thing which needs some attention is that not all of the listings have basic details like opening hours and a brief description; the vast majority do, which is great, but this needs to be consistent, even if a listing has to say "no official opening hours, but generally open at these times..." Some listings which just say "science center" or "Chinese restaurant" either need more detail, or if there's nothing more to say, we should delete them for being too boring. :In an article this good, there are also some nitpicks, which would be nice to fix, but not necessary for featuring: :*The spelling is all over the place; whether British or American spelling is used seems random, rather than a conscious choice (one particularly jarring listing has "Convention Centre" in its name, but "convention center" a few words later. Just pick one spelling system and use it consistently. :*I would personally like an introduction to typical local foods at the top of the 'Eat' section, and recommended things to buy at the top of the 'Buy' section. :*The 'Drink' section mentions a tax-free area (The ZON), which also says you have to pay a customs fee when leaving the area. How much is this fee? Does it offset any saving you make on the drinks, or is the "duty free' schtick basically just a con to get you to spend more? :*There are a lot of listings without an official website linked. Where a venue has a site or a social media account, this should be listed. :All in all, an excellent article, well-written, and the fact the main author is a local is obvious (in a very good way). If I ever visit the region again, I'll be sure to check out Johor Bahru! Hope my feedback is constructive.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:49, 4 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Support''' - It's a well-written article, with a lot of local knowledge going to it. I'll be sure to try to squeeze in a trip across the border the next time I go back to Singapore, and I'd certainly recommend visitors to Singapore to hop across the border too if they have the time. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 02:09, 26 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for January 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:45, 1 January 2021 (UTC) ====[[Torres del Paine National Park]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Torres del Paine National Park | blurb=Iconic mountain formations, glaciers, lakes and grasslands await you in this national park at the southern end of the Americas. | status=Guide | time=Austral summer (Northern winter) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:28, 2 May 2020 (UTC) | comment=Dropping another (Northern Hemisphere) winter article here. It was in a pretty good shape (and has been regularly updated by new users) so I took the liberty of promoting it to guide status a while ago after adding some coords. | DotMImage=[[File:Cuernos del Paine from Lake Pehoé.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:28, 2 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Close'''. The lodges contain no description or other information whatsoever. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:48, 25 May 2020 (UTC) ::{{done}} --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:20, 4 January 2021 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for January 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 04:45, 11 January 2021 (UTC) ====[[Driving in Norway]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in Norway | blurb=With many remote attractions and scenic roads, driving in Norway is not necessarily only a way to get off the beaten path in Norway but can be an experience in itself. | status=Guide | time=Summer probably, though Norway is also popular for winter sports so winter isn't entirely unthinkable | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:39, 28 May 2020 (UTC) | comment=One of the best, if not the best driving article we haven't featured yet. It's probably not going to be featured before this time next year at earliest, but it's one of the articles I've really wanted to nominate for a long time (and before someone else nominates a "driving in" article in which case this would have to wait yet another year). It's definitely a comprehensive article, but the layout with tables and photos looks a bit weird here and there. Maybe we can also turn some of the many bullet points into normal paragraphs of text. | DotMImage=[[File:A view from Riksveg 55 at Sognefjellet.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Very close''' per comment. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:39, 28 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Close'''. I agree with [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]]. However, I see something else that could be improved: the sections "itineraries" and "see also" could do with [[Wikivoyage:One-liner listings|one-liner listings]] that give tourists an interest in those topics. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:04, 5 June 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for January 2021. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:45, 21 January 2021 (UTC) ==2020== ===December 2020=== ====[[Dunedin]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Dunedin | blurb=Late 19th-century architecture, student life, and a scenic coastline await you in this New Zealand city with a proud Scots heritage and the world's steepest street! | status=Guide | time=maybe Nov-Mar, according to table in [[:w:Dunedin#Climate]] | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:48, 3 February 2020 (UTC) | comment=I'm starting to think about next Northern Hemisphere winter's featured articles and here's a nice one from New Zealand. The article was very comprehensive but many listings lacked coordinates, and as I added them, other voyagers (especially [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] but others also) noticed work was being done on the article and helped out expanding the article making it even better. | DotMImage=[[File:Dunedin Railway Station2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - I'd say the article is complete and up to date. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:48, 3 February 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' - I was last in Dunedin in late 2018, so I am confident it is reasonably up to date and accurate. I have a slight doubt about the intoduction to Eat-Budget as it looks too cheap, but Dunedin may be cheaper than average NZ prices. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:59, 25 February 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. The [[Dunedin#Understand|the "Understand" section]] could do with a little work (sub-headings/organization), but per [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]'s comment I support this nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:28, 20 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for December 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:32, 1 December 2020 (UTC) ====[[New Smyrna Beach]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=New Smyrna Beach | status=Guide | time=winter per [[Wikivoyage talk:Destination of the month candidates#Discussion from Quebec City's nomination]] | comment=This has already been discussed at the link above, but I feel it's now about the appropriate time to nominate for OTBP. The reasoning provided there is that this is a good opportunity to feature a U.S. destination during the winter, rather than summer, which is when most Northern Hemisphere destinations are featured. I plan to continue improving this article, but I think it is either in or is close to a state in which it can be nominated for OTBP. | nominatedBy=<small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:30, 9 April 2020 (UTC) | DotMImage=[[File:New Smyrna Beach Subtropical Rainforest.jpg|thumb|275px]] | blurb=It's best known as a haven for surfers, but this beachside city on Florida's "Fun Coast" also boasts first-rate wildlife spotting and a thriving if under-the-radar arts community. }} * '''Support''' as nominator. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:34, 9 April 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:52, 9 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Very close''' - otherwise a good article, but a few listings (especially in Sleep) have no descriptions. If possible they should have a line or two, other than that I'd be ready to support the article. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:04, 9 April 2020 (UTC) * '''Very close'''. Like Ypsilon said, ideally the Sleep listings should have descriptions. Other than that, looks ready to go. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 03:46, 26 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Very close''' per Ypsi and Granger. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 04:01, 26 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for December 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 04:03, 11 December 2020 (UTC) ====[[On the trail of Kipling's Kim]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=On the trail of Kipling's Kim | blurb=Come crisscross the northern British Raj with the scrappy little orphan boy from Rudyard Kipling's famous adventure novel. | status=Guide | time=Northern Hemisphere winter maybe? | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:09, 17 May 2020 (UTC) | comment=It's been a while since we featured something from India. An interesting itinerary, mostly written by [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] that until recently lacked instructions for voyaging the route today. But I took care of that some time ago with the help of Indian Railways' website, so I think the article is ready for the Main Page. | DotMImage=[[File:JLKipling Kim Zam Zamah.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:09, 17 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 03:29, 18 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Actually this article made me want to read the book. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 00:12, 1 October 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I can't see that anything crucial is lacking in this article to prevent it from being featured as a destination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 17:28, 8 November 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for December 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 03:53, 21 December 2020 (UTC) ===November 2020=== ====[[Arequipa]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Arequipa | blurb=Peru's second city (and the world's alpaca capital) is not only ''surrounded'' by volcanoes – the lovely Spanish colonial architecture in the old town is largely built of volcanic rock! | status=Guide | time=Any (almost the same weather around the year), but schedule-wise optimal during Northern Hemisphere winter | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:18, 1 February 2020 (UTC) | comment=Let's feature an article from Peru on the Main Page again! I cleaned up the article and ran listings through Google Maps a while back with the intention of nominating it for DotM. | DotMImage=[[File:Plaza de Arequipa.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:18, 1 February 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''', though does need some work of course. Having only looked at the first sections, it strikes me that the 'Get in - By bus' section is beautifully detailed (though will need checking to verify prices / companies' continued existence), but the other subsections could do with filling out a bit. In 'Understand', it says "In the winter it is warmer than in the summer", which strikes me as unusual, and could do with elaboration. I have added a couple of hidden comments about ambiguous prices too: a few stray $ signs where it's not clear whether we're talking soles or U.S. dollars; the price of Excluciva buses.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:26, 3 February 2020 (UTC) ::Sol is one of the few currencies in the Americas not using the "dollar sign", but the rather weird "S/.". And as in developing countries in general, and the Americas in particular, I've understood USD is widely used for expensive purchases and goods and services used by tourists. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:10, 4 February 2020 (UTC) ::: Okay, so it probably means dollars then. But I don't think mixing and matching is especially helpful. Perhaps all prices could be given in soles, with approximate dollar conversion in brackets? Or would people paying in dollars actually be paying more, either due to the exchange rate burden on locals or because foreigners are assumed to be able to afford it? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:04, 4 February 2020 (UTC) ::::No idea, but in developing countries it's not uncommon that tourists are expected to pay in hard currency (and often also a higher price even if in the same currency, I've run into this in many Indian articles for example) and places mostly catering to foreign tourists often have their prices listed in USD (for instance Holiday Inn in [[Montevideo]] had this policy in 2014, and if you wanted to pay in pesos, the price was calculated according to the exchange rate of the day). <small>Uruguay is certainly not a developing country, though, but a bit poorer than Western European countries (GDP per capita on par with Hungary and Latvia), but they do seem have a high inflation so...</small> [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:48, 4 February 2020 (UTC) ::::: Indeed. Still, we have some ridiculously well-travelled individuals here who may shed some light on the specific situation in Peru.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:54, 4 February 2020 (UTC) ::::::[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]? --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:12, 4 February 2020 (UTC) :::::::I have a vague feeling that some hotel rates might have been in dollars in Peru, but I don't think I paid for anything in dollars. I remember being warned specifically not to use dollars to pay tips on the Inca Trail. Overall I have the feeling dollars were less used in Peru than in Uruguay, but I didn't spend that much time in Peru and it was a while ago so I'm not sure. I have a friend who spent a few months in Peru (mostly [[Lima]] and the [[Sacred Valley]]) - I'll ask what he thinks. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:13, 5 February 2020 (UTC) ::::::::My friend said at least in [[Lima]] and [[Cusco]] you can get dollars from ATMs (like in Uruguay). But he thinks not as many prices are listed in dollars as in Uruguay, and it's not that common to pay in dollars in Peru – touristy places in Cusco accept dollars, but at a bad exchange rate. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:18, 6 February 2020 (UTC) * '''Close'''. Listings in [[Arequipa#See]] need better contact information, and listings in [[Arequipa#Do|#Do]] should be properly formatted. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:27, 26 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for November 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:16, 31 October 2020 (UTC) ====[[Iriomote]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Iriomote | blurb=One of the few remaining great wildernesses of Japan, whose jungles are famous for their native wild cats. | status=Guide | time=Oct-Apr, perhaps. [[Yaeyama Islands#Climate]] says the archipelago is a "popular winter getaway" | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:40, 26 March 2020 (UTC) | comment=One of our many guide articles from Japan, and updated by [[User:Douglaspperkins|Douglaspperkins]] some months ago. Was already a guide so I guess the article is good to go. | DotMImage=[[File:Iriomote Cat Statue mangrove.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:40, 26 March 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Although it's not long, I doubt length is necessary in this case. The article seems to be entirely appropriate for the (small, it sounds like) destination, with a limited number of listings that provide good details rather than an overwhelming number of listings without detail. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:04, 26 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Question''' - Is it a good idea for us to feature two of the [[Yaeyama Islands]]? Please note that [[Taketomi]] was OtBP in November, 2014. That's almost 6 years ago, and it might not matter, anyway, but it pays for us to at least be aware of this and consider it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:49, 27 March 2020 (UTC) ::We've been featuring [[Chicago]] districts two years apart uncontroversially, and dive sites in [[South Africa]] at the same interval. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 20:56, 27 March 2020 (UTC) ::: (edit conflict) I don't think it's a problem, as there have been so many years between them ([[Yonaguni]] was DotM in March 2006 so this would be our third feature from there) and we've been featuring articles (districts and itineraries) from the same city within with two years between them. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 21:00, 27 March 2020 (UTC) ::::OK, considered and resolved. Thanks, guys. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:40, 27 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for November 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:34, 11 November 2020 (UTC) ====[[Aviation history]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Aviation history | blurb=The past, present and future of flying are ready to explore at a multiplicity of museums and events the world over. | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 10:30, 2 May 2020 (UTC) | comment=Here's a flying article from a little different perspective. The article is quite extensive, and at the talk page there was even a suggestion to split it up by region. I do think the article could be featured in its current form, but I wouldn't be protesting if others would want to split it up. The event list was a little short, so I added some more of them, but as there are [https://www.milavia.net/airshows/calendar/showdates-2020.html so many airshows around the world] (though many scheduled for 2020 have been canceled or postponed for a certain reason...) I think we should include just the very biggest ones. | DotMImage=[[File:Wright flyer - full.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 10:30, 2 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' featuring this well-written, detailed article. There are a handful of listings which are short on information and/or lack co-ordinates. I think the article is the right length, but it would probably make sense to order by continent, rather than an alphabetical list of all the countries in the world.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:49, 2 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Excellent article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:32, 2 May 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Gladly as my contributions here were not small. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 00:12, 1 October 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for November 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:17, 21 November 2020 (UTC) ===October 2020=== ====[[Tel Aviv]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Tel Aviv | blurb=More than just a haven for beach bums and party animals, Israel's pulsating and liberal seaside metropolis boasts cultural attractions aplenty and a UNESCO-listed cornucopia of Midcentury Modern architecture. | status=Guide | time=Oct-May (summer would be too hot, I think) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:33, 4 January 2020 (UTC) | comment=Just upgraded this one to guide. The article looks comprehensive, the districts are all usable and many listings have been updated recently by [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]]. The See section in the main article is a bit unusual with bulleted lists and coordinates for the top attractions. If needed, it shouldn't take very long to turn it into normal text. | DotMImage=[[File:Tel Aviv Port Lowshot.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:33, 4 January 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' per [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:07, 28 March 2020 (UTC) * "Pending fixes..." so we should turn the See section to normal text? --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:46, 21 September 2020 (UTC) ::{{done}} --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:55, 24 September 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for October 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:00, 1 October 2020 (UTC) ====[[Nkhata Bay]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Nkhata Bay | blurb=Lake Malawi is what this little village is all about: laying on the beach, diving, feeding fish eagles, tucking into a meal of fish, watching the sunset. | status=Guide | time=May-Nov | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:21, 14 December 2019 (UTC) | comment=Wow, there's soon been 5 full years since I translated and cleaned up this little article. So while it probably covers most of what the village has to offer (or did in January 2015) it's possibly to outdated and could use some updates closer to the time we run it. Also some POIs have been added afterwards that need coordinates. | DotMImage=[[File:Flickr - ggallice - Lake Malawi sunset.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Conditional support''' - needs those updates, probably best a few months or weeks before it will be featured. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:21, 14 December 2019 (UTC) * I had the same concern as [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] has had when I looked at the article history. However, may I ask: who is going to do the updates? Unless someone is planning to visit the town, I'm unaware of any regular editors from that region who could make the necessary updates at the right time. (I'm not sure it's as simple as checking each business for a two reasons: 1) there are other parts of the article that may need updating and 2) some businesses might not have an online presence. I understand that this is a problem everywhere, but without local editors, this could be a problem. My current vote would be '''not yet''', although I would love to see this article featured if it were possible. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:34, 26 April 2020 (UTC) ::Online checking of content can take articles surprisingly far. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:44, 26 April 2020 (UTC) :::Online checkup {{done}}. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:32, 21 September 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for October 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:14, 10 October 2020 (UTC) ====[[Budget travel]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Budget travel | blurb=Want to go on a trip but without breaking the bank? Check out this guide for some tips to cut your travel expenses! | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:48, 24 February 2020 (UTC) | comment=Quite extensive article, some time ago I added some photos and upgraded it to guide. Can't come to think of anything important missing. | DotMImage=[[File:Towards KL.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:48, 24 February 2020 (UTC) * '''Not yet''' On a quick read, I did think that it was lacking in some areas. There is no mention of volunteering activities, which can sometimes be arranged with free accommodation or travel in exchange for a few hours helping. "Earn" doesn't say anything about the legal side of working away from home, maybe in a foreign country. Choosing a slightly different destination can have a major impact on costs - visit [[Manchester]] not [[London]], [[Buffalo]] not [[New York]] etc. If you have a medical condition, the savings in health insurance can balance higher travel costs if you visit a country where you can use state hospitals. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 00:28, 28 February 2020 (UTC) * '''Not yet''' per Alasdair. Quality-wise, it's perfect, as any article that Ypsilon has "upgraded" would be, but the subject hasn't been fully covered. Also, following the same logic which only lets us have one phrasebook or cuisine every so often, there should be a fair gap between the current FTT, [[Flying on a budget]], and this.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 21:26, 29 February 2020 (UTC) * <s>'''Not yet''' per [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]'s accurate description of a major problem in the "earn" section, which should, considering the topic, be much more detailed assuming we keep this section (and I think we should).</s> '''Close''' following [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]]'s edits. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:20, 11 April 2020 (UTC) ::I have added a couple of sentences on the paperwork for working, but this could be expanded. I have also added a short "Volunteer" paragraph. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:22, 11 April 2020 (UTC) :::Thanks! I've upgraded my vote from "not yet" to "close." <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:20, 11 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for October 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:31, 21 October 2020 (UTC) ===September 2020=== ====[[Bruges]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Bruges | blurb=...whose charming cobblestone streets and centuries-old Gothic buildings both attest to a glorious past and serve as fodder for a modern-day cultural renaissance. | status=Guide | time=May-Sep | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:12, 1 July 2020 (UTC) | comment=If I counted correctly, in the DotM section I think we have articles up to April 2021, so next it's time to start to think about next summer's articles. Every summer we've traditionally featured at least one article from "Central Western Europe", so it's interesting that when it comes to Belgium we've only ever featured [[Ad's Path]] but no destination, so let's fix that. Bruges was at guide status and otherwise in a quite good shape (it's always a good sign that practically all listings have coordinates), and a few weeks ago I expanded Understand with some history from other language versions, and now restaurants are grouped into price categories; those could still use some checkup (for example one of the more expensive restaurants with is described as having "very reasonable prices") though nothing big... As usual it can be useful to run everything through Google maps to see if everything is still in business a month before we run it. | DotMImage=[[File:Bruegge View from Rozenhoedkaai.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:12, 1 July 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:40, 31 July 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:36, 31 July 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' It looks good. I was last in Bruges when there was a direct ferry from Scotland, about 15 years ago. It could perhaps have some info on the current [https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/faq/ Covid-19 status] here. There were [https://datastudio.google.com/embed/reporting/c14a5cfc-cab7-4812-848c-0369173148ab/page/giyUB 11 new cases] in Bruges in the last 7 days so at the moment things look under control. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:46, 31 July 2020 (UTC) ::{{ping|AlasdairW}} Thanks for the website! That one looks really helpful, along with [https://www.visitbruges.be/en/coronavirus-covid-19-update this one specifically regarding coronavirus information in the city]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:53, 8 August 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for September 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:19, 1 September 2020 (UTC) ====[[Alcamo]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Alcamo | blurb=Set among vineyards and beaches and with a jam-packed festival calendar built with the pious Catholic visitor in mind, this Sicilian town's long history has been influenced by Greek, Roman and (above all) Arab culture. | status=Guide | time=The Understand section basically says "anytime". Climate-wise I think fall or spring are optimal for locations in southernmost Europe. | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:21, 14 December 2019 (UTC) | comment=This amazing work by [[User:Pugliesig|Pugliesig]] should've been on the Main Page long ago. | DotMImage=[[File:Chiesa del Collegio dei Gesuiti (Alcamo) - Facciata.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Very close''' - some See listings have short descriptions. Also many the listings seem to have been added in 2015, so this article too could have its listings run through e.g. Google Maps a few months or weeks before we put it on the Main Page. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:21, 14 December 2019 (UTC) * '''Almost'''. Some more coordinates would be useful on some listings, especially in [[Alcamo#Get around|#Get around]]. I'm also not sure that it's standard practice to have listings for emergency services, etc. in [[Alcamo#Stay safe|#Stay safe]]. Otherwise, though, let's see if we can get this one to feature quality. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:02, 26 March 2020 (UTC) * '''Almost''' - aside from the issues mentioned by Ypsilon (I've dealt with the list of emergency services, keeping those which a visitor could conceivably need and removing the rest), the written English needs a bit of attention. If it was translated from Italian, I can see the translator's workings, so to speak.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 15:08, 5 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for September 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:31, 11 September 2020 (UTC) ====[[Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway | blurb=Come along on a road trip through Rust Belt history on the 1920s-era auto trail dubbed "America's Great Industrial Broadway". | status=Guide | time=Northern Hemisphere summer or autumn, preferably the latter | nominatedBy=[[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:17, 11 March 2020 (UTC) | comment=So I realize nominating an article in advance of reaching Guide status, rather than after the fact, isn't how we normally go about things with DotM. But we have a bit of an unusual situation here with regards to timing. Finally - ''finally'' - I'm only a few days away from being completely finished updating our Buffalo content, after which I plan to [[User:AndreCarrotflower/Buffalo Districts Reorganization|reorganize the districts breakdown]] and we can finally have a Buffalo district article as DotM or OtBP, likely in summer 2021, by which time it will have been over four years since Buffalo had last appeared on the Main Page ([[Historic Churches of Buffalo's East Side]] was our March 2017 FTT). However, if we're to feature the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway in the autumn to take advantage of peak foliage (as I [[pub#I'm back in action, and I need your feedback on my newest project!|suggested we ought to]]), that leaves us with a rather narrow window in which to do that: we can either rush the nomination in time to make the schedule grid for September or October 2020, or else wait all the way until 2022. (Using as precedent [[Turku]] and [[King's Road]], the latter a multi-city itinerary on which Turku was one of the stops, I'm okay with the idea of violating the "two years between featuring the same city" rule in that case, but would still prefer not to feature both in the ''same'' year.) I hope that any concerns can be assuaged with the knowledge that this article has, in only a month's time, gone from being a bare-bones outline to nearly 137KB in length and by my estimation roughly two-thirds to three-quarters complete, and I expect to finish it before the beginning of summer 2020, let alone autumn. If you'd prefer to hold off on voting yea or nay until after that happens, that would be fine, but in advancing this nominee now I wanted to at least make sure Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway got on the schedule grid in 2020 before we ran out of available slots. | DotMImage=[[File:29 - 20180728 - Young Twp, PA.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:17, 11 March 2020 (UTC) *Comment: it's a great step-by-step itinerary, but it does need more to be a great article. The blurb you've provided above explains why we'd want to go there, but the article doesn't. I think History is needed. If the fall colours are a good reason, the article should say so, and tell readers the best spots for viewing them. Good work overall. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 00:49, 11 March 2020 (UTC) ::[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] - The History section, along with all the other empty sections, are for the most part already extant, albeit in outline form and <nowiki><!-- hidden from view --></nowiki>. What I've been doing over the past month and am almost finished with is the real hard work of the article, researching tourist POIs and rehashing historical information about each town along the line. Once that's done, it's just a simple matter of converting bullet points to ordinary prose. I nominated the article now because I intend to place it on the September 2020 row of the schedule grid, which will be added when the next FTT goes on the Main Page on the 21st. As I said, I project the article will be complete in short order, though 10 days is pushing the envelope, I think. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:57, 11 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Conditional support''' - except for some redlinks here and there, the description of the route itself looks good, and when the rest of the article is developed to the same level (or close to it) I'm happy to support the article. : Side note: there was actually more than two years between Turku (OtBP June 2015) and King's Road (FTT July 2017) - even if the two year limit starts from the last day Turku was on the Main Page before being replaced by July 2015's OtBP. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:46, 26 March 2020 (UTC) * <s>'''Conditional support''' along with [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]], per removal of red links and a complete article with all sections filled with useful content. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:17, 28 March 2020 (UTC)</s> *It seems like there's some confusion regarding the presence of redlinks in an article ''vis-à-vis'' its fitness to be featured as DotM/OtBP/FTT. The only instance where this is true is in the case of Country, Region, or Huge City articles, for whom every article below it in the breadcrumb hierarchy (subregions, city districts) as well as all places listed in the "Cities" and "Other destinations" section must be Usable or better in order for the article to attain Guide status. But an itinerary article by definition has nothing below it in the breadcrumb hierarchy, and there's never been any proscription against redlinks that merely appear in inline text. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 19:49, 28 March 2020 (UTC) ::Yeah, it's not a big deal. I thought that a guide article was not allowed to have redlinks, or at least for sure that featured articles wasn't allowed to have redlinks. It also raises the question, "Why do those not have articles?" but then, they may be small villages. If they're just villages, IMHO, they don't need links at all. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:53, 28 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Progress report''' - [[Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway]] now has fully developed "Understand" and "Get in" secions as well as a "Go" section that both "describes each stop [on the itinerary] and how to get there" and "suggests sights or side-trips along the way", and therefore it's now officially a Guide-level article ''per'' [[Wikivoyage:Itinerary status]]. There's still much work left to be done, notably a "Go next" section which I project will be quite detailed, so I would suggest that anyone who voted "conditional support" on this nomination hold off on reevaluating the article for the time being. However, I promised myself that once the article attained Guide status I could make up DotM banners for it, so please see [[Wikivoyage:Destination of the month candidates/Banners#Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway]] and let's hear what you have to say. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 20:04, 22 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Progress report, Part 2''' - The article is now complete. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]], [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]], and [[User:SelfieCity|SelfieCity]], when you guys get the chance, if you could look over the guide and either upgrade your votes from conditional to full support, or else let me know what you feel the article is still missing. (Anyone else who wants to chime in with their thoughts, by all means.) -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:38, 25 April 2020 (UTC) :*I looked at it two days ago, before the 'Prepare' and 'Stay safe' sections had any content. Now that they've also been filled out, I can '''support''' this nomination. Considering most of it has been written since February, that's really good work.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:21, 25 April 2020 (UTC) :*'''Support''' as this is now a good, detailed, well-developed article. Every destination along the road includes information that keeps the reader interested, wanting more, and while the red links I mentioned are still present, that's not the fault of this article, but the fact that no-one has created those articles yet. In fact, in some cases, if articles are started for those destinations, they could use content from this one with no harm done! <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:32, 25 April 2020 (UTC) * Has the rest of the article developed to the same level as the route? Yes, definitely. So, as I promised, I'm happy to support the article. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:37, 25 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I won't be able to read the whole article today, but I feel like that's not the point. It seems like an article to read in sections before each segment you drive, and since what I've already read is impressive and comprehensive like other articles mostly written by [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]], I have full confidence in the rest of it, though I'll skip through it a little now. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:54, 26 April 2020 (UTC) *I have made some minor changes to the article, and raised some questions on the talk page. The only concern that I think really should be addressed before this can go ahead as a featured article is [[Talk:Buffalo-Pittsburgh_Highway#Use_of_red_text|the use of red text]]. I think we should find a better way of achieving what Andre is trying to do here. But this is just a formatting issue that I'm sure we can work out. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 12:45, 28 April 2020 (UTC) *'''Support''' as the issue raised above has been addressed. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 14:16, 11 July 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for September 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:43, 20 September 2020 (UTC) ===August 2020=== ====[[York]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=York | blurb=Whether marveling at the world's foremost example of Gothic cathedral architecture or just walking the ancient streets where the Romans, Angles and Vikings once trod, the old Northern English capital is a medievalist's delight. | status=Star | time=Any, but recommend back half of year: 1 Aug is Yorkshire day, Sept has the highest concentration of major events, and there are also lots of pre-Christmas festivities. The weather may be poor in Nov/Dec, but the atmosphere is magical and nobody visits northern England for the weather anyway. | nominatedBy=[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:37, 10 February 2019 (UTC) | comment=One of England's most-visited cities, so deserves a crack at the main page - this would be the first time a British city had been DOTM since [[Manchester]] in 2015. I have been working on this one pretty solidly since September, so hope you all like it. Work is 95% complete, with the only issues which still need to be resolved being: a lot more images are needed, the lede needs a rewrite, plus anything which comes up in comments here. My blurb (''above'') probably needs work as well. | DotMImage=[[File:York Minster from M&S.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Support''' as nominator.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 18:42, 10 February 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:14, 10 February 2019 (UTC) * '''Support'''. A really nice article, I looked at it until I could find something to complain about... and the airports in Get in need coordinates and the Drink section perhaps could use one more photo towards the end. [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 15:47, 12 February 2019 (UTC) :Thank you for your support and for trying so hard to find faults ;-) I definitely haven't finished adding photos, it's just that finding good quality ones which are suitable takes time. :About the airports, generally I don't put co-ordinates for locations not in or near the place covered in the article. Plus the IATA code links to the article which covers the airport in detail. Do you still think I should put in the co-ords? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:37, 12 February 2019 (UTC) ::I have a habit of adding geo locations of important airports and other stations so that the traveller can visualize on the map where they will end up (relative to points of interest, hotels etc.) when they step off the vehicle. Do as you like. [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 17:06, 12 February 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 14:13, 26 November 2019 (UTC) *'''Support''' It will need to be checked shortly before featuring to update which events are still running, but it is a good article, and the main See listings are less likely to need major changes. The article makes we want to visit York again. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:11, 5 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for August 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:30, 1 August 2020 (UTC) ====[[Apia]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Apia | blurb=Samoa's sleepy capital was home to Robert Louis Stevenson in the last years of his life, and today is home to colorful markets and a deep marine reserve. | status=Guide | time=Apr-Oct is the drier part of the year | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:47, 6 October 2019 (UTC) | comment=Another one of the articles that have been on my nomination bucket list for a long time. It was already guide and as you can see in the article history I've updated some stuff as of lately. | DotMImage=[[File:Apia clock tower, Samoa - August 2016.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:47, 6 October 2019 (UTC) * I haven't cross-examined it, but it looks okay. I give it the rating of <s>'''needs work'''</s>: I think it violates [[Wikivoyage:Avoid negative reviews]] by painting a somewhat negative picture of the city, and it could do with more detailed information about various aspects of life there. What does exist is a decent start. The quality of writing could be upgraded a bit in places, and I think general improvements would be necessary before this gets featured on the main page. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:04, 20 October 2019 (UTC) :*If the somewhat negative picture is justified, it doesn't violate those guidelines because it's about a destination, not a hotel or restaurant we could choose to simply not list. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:59, 20 October 2019 (UTC) :::That makes sense. It would be useful, if possible, to get the opinion of someone who's been to the city, but I can understand that that might not be possible. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 16:18, 4 April 2020 (UTC) * Following a second review of the article, I now vote '''support''' as it seems good enough to be nominated in a short time, while also featuring a destination from one of the regions that is underrepresented in the DotM schedule. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:55, 9 June 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for August 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:13, 10 August 2020 (UTC) ====[[Scuba diving]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Scuba diving | blurb=As Disney's ''The Little Mermaid'' taught us: "Darling, it's better down where it's wetter: under the sea." | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:44, 12 September 2019 (UTC) | comment=Extensive article, at least to someone not familiar with diving. [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter]] and [[User:Grahamsands|Graham]] worked extensively on the article a few months ago, and could probably help if there's something important missing. | DotMImage=[[File:Zenobia FloatingAlong.JPG|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:44, 12 September 2019 (UTC) * '''Why not?''' Pretty extensive even to divers, but the non-diver's eye could spot things we would miss. I will give it another read and keep a lookout for any recommendations, queries, errors and omissions. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 18:16, 12 September 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''', largely per [[User:Pbsouthwood]]. I think his support vote largely confirms that this should be used as a featured travel topic in the future. The article's formatting style is a little overwhleming, but that should not affect an FTT choice that is good otherwise. Some country sections are a little thin, but I think there's probably not too much to say for some countries, so the article is good and appropriate for the nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:47, 12 September 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''', but there is room for improvement. I have never dived, so I don't know how accurate the article is, but it looks good. The table of contents is non-standard - a FTT may be the first article that a reader sees on the site, so I would prefer the standard banner TOC. The article is lacking in cost information, "you can expect to pay upwards of US$100 for two dives" in Japan, but how much is it elsewhere? Somebody new to the sport should be able to get an idea of how the costs of a diving trip would compare to skiing. The country information is a little thin, and doesn't really give enough to choose a shortlist of countries to investigate, maybe the Continent introductory paragraphs could have some comparisons in terms of facilities, popularity, price and safety. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:36, 12 September 2019 (UTC) **The article is realistic on the actual topic, without going into a lot of detail as it is not a training manual or an encyclopedia.( I have written those too) Graham pruned a lot of the excess details and we summarised the country listings. Prices should be in the country listings, and even there are highly variable and depend to a large degree on how much gear you rent. **Country information is as you say a bit thin, but it is what we have. I have not dived in many countries, and much of the diving I did was not mainstream tourist stuff anyway, so I hesitate to go into much detail where I have no personal experience. It is possible to scrape the net for information and try so sift out the reality from the fluff, but almost everything written on the topic of dive tourism is promotional or written by people who have been there once and have little experience diving at other places to compare. I don't know how much of a problem this should be. **If you can make the standard banner TOC work for this, go ahead. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 05:54, 13 September 2019 (UTC) ::I should have mentioned myself that I have never dived, either, and thank you for the information. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:46, 12 September 2019 (UTC) :::If there are things missing you think would be helpful to you as a non-diver, ask on the talk page, they maybe worth including. &bull; &bull; &bull; [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter (Southwood)]] [[User talk:Pbsouthwood|^(talk)]]: 05:54, 13 September 2019 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for August 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:45, 20 August 2020 (UTC) ===July 2020=== ====[[Hamilton (Ontario)]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamilton (Ontario) | blurb=Long known for its steel works, "The Hammer" has shed its Rust Belt image in favor of cultural attractions, specialty shopping, and natural beauty, with more than 100 waterfalls tumbling over the Niagara Escarpment inside the city limits. | status=Guide | time=May-Oct | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 21:37, 27 March 2020 (UTC) | comment=As discussed in Quebec City's soon to be slushed nomination, this could be a good replacement. | DotMImage=[[File:HamiltonOntarioSkylineC.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Still needs a little work''', I just added some photos, but listings that are out of business need to be deleted, as usual. Also Sleep could use some more listings. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 21:37, 27 March 2020 (UTC) * <s>'''Almost''' &mdash; some more coordinates are needed, but otherwise, I support this nomination. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:09, 28 March 2020 (UTC)</s> * '''Support'''. There seem to be coordinates for listings as needed now, so I can support the nomination, although it's more than a little concerning that I'm the first to support this nomination despite the fact it's scheduled to be a DotM feature next month. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:51, 9 June 2020 (UTC) *I '''support''' it too, as does [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]], presumably, since everything he mentioned as needing to be fixed has been taken care of (presumably by him himself). -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 14:55, 9 June 2020 (UTC) ::Oops, I completely forgot about this one. Will try to remember to run all listings through google maps and look for some more places to sleep before the article is featured. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 15:09, 9 June 2020 (UTC) :::And now I fixed the things I complained about, still needs some coordinates (not sure if all listings need them, for example the shopping streets and districts) but overall I '''support''' the article now. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:19, 15 June 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for July 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:03, 1 July 2020 (UTC) ====[[Faaborg]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Faaborg | blurb=With its iconic medieval clock tower and cobblestone streets, this small Danish village bursts into life in the summer. | status=Guide | time=Jun-Sep | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 11 August 2019 (UTC) | comment=A summer destination for the OtBP section, almost entirely written by [[User:Ydrassil|Ydrassil]] whom I welcomed to Wikivoyage a little less than a year ago. So the article should be up to date and it looks like it covers this little town quite well. And there are no ''major'' formatting issues. | DotMImage=[[File:Udsigt over Faaborg.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 11 August 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' because the article includes plenty of options for tourists, from airports in [[Faaborg#Get in]] to restaurant listings later in the article. Many listings have quite detailed descriptions. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 13:28, 1 September 2019 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I have cleaned up the bewildering array of currency notations, and fixed the date and time formatting. More importantly, a featured article should have a good introductory paragraph to draw the reader in. This article had just one sentence. I have expanded it, but not knowing the town, I doubt that I have really captured what makes it place readers should want to visit. Also, there are several deadlinks in the art that should be fixed before it is featured. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 20:05, 4 July 2020 (UTC) ::Thanks GZ, did you also fix the dead links? I'm down to Do now and have found one so far. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:59, 5 July 2020 (UTC) :::I think I caught all of them... and this is an example of how fast articles go out of date – best to fix it before it's featured rather than almost a year before, because even in small destinations (with short articles) there are things that may change. For the lead section, I think it's good as it is now. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:16, 5 July 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for July 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:07, 10 July 2020 (UTC) ====[[Chinese cuisine]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Chinese cuisine | blurb=Sample a culinary tradition that's rich, ancient, and diverse enough to match the country where it originated. | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=—[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:30, 5 October 2019 (UTC) | comment=Just promoted to Guide, and nominating as suggested on [[Talk:Chinese cuisine|the talk page]]. I think this would be our first "cuisine" feature. | DotMImage=[[File:Billyfoodmabodofu3.jpg|thumb|200px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. On a topic like this, there's always more that could be added, but this article gives a solid introduction to the topic and a good survey of well-known dishes. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:30, 5 October 2019 (UTC) *'''Support'''. I agree. Granger and TheDog2 in particular have done great work on this article. Various other people including me have chipped in where we could. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:22, 5 October 2019 (UTC) * '''Support'''. On a glance it looks good, presenting different regional cuisines, notable ingredients and dishes and etiquette. Maybe one thing that could be added would be meals and meal times in China — is breakfast in general heavy or light, at what time is dinner usually eaten and such. Or are there big differences between different parts of the country also in this aspect? : I'm not too familiar with Chinese cuisine, but luckily many fellow Wikivoyagers are, and if you'd say the article covers all important parts of Chinese cuisine, then we should definitely present it on the Main Page. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 5 October 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' per [[User:Ypsilon]]. It looks like an excellent article. Those who are writing the article could consider, however, writing a "stay healthy" section and then moving the infobox there (to me, the infobox seemed misplaced). I thought the infobox was very entertaining. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:31, 26 October 2019 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Generally a good article, but a few points could be looked at: "Dietary restrictions" has nothing about sugar in savoury dishes (common when Chinese dishes are served in the UK, but I don't know what the situation is in China) - [[Travelling on a low-carbohydrate diet]] has some advice which could maybe adapted. There is nothing about tipping. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:26, 26 October 2019 (UTC) *:I've added two sentences about tipping. In my experience, sweet main courses aren't as common in China as they are in American Chinese restaurants, though they do exist in Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Cantonese cuisine. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:32, 27 October 2019 (UTC) *::Add [[Jiangsu]] to that too. Suzhou and Wuxi have some signature dishes that are sweet, which includes the Wuxi version of xiaolongbao. [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 17:54, 27 October 2019 (UTC) ::::Wuxi spareribs also include sugar. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:10, 27 October 2019 (UTC) *'''Support'''. Admittedly, a little more work could perhaps be done to expand on it, and I've tried to add a little more detail myself, but I think it's more or less ready to be featured. And this would also be a good educational article that can showcase the sheer diversity of Chinese cuisine that many Westerners are not aware of (though to be fair, we Asians also tend to make the same types of overgeneralisations about American cuisine). [[User:The dog2|The dog2]] ([[User talk:The dog2|talk]]) 00:48, 29 October 2019 (UTC) *'''Enthusiastic support'''. A well-developed article about a cuisine that's way more artful, nuanced, etc. than it's portrayed in Western culture. Thank you to everyone who made this article what it is. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 16:19, 6 November 2019 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for July 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:20, 20 July 2020 (UTC) ===June 2020=== ====[[Oslo]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Oslo | blurb=With a history that stretches back to the Viking Age, Norway's compact capital is best known today for winter sports and sustainable architecture. | status=Guide | time=Late winter for snow, May for National Day, summer for city-life | nominatedBy=[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 23:18, 2 September 2018 (UTC) | comment=The only Nordic capital yet to be featured. Lots of buildings finished during recent years. While still one of the world's most expensive cities, the krone has fallen since its record level around 2013 (from 0.18 US$ to 0.12). | DotMImage=[[File:Slott noreg bak 1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Could do with some work''', but otherwise looks like a quite a good nomination. As the previous sentence suggests, I have some fairly minor concerns with nominating this article. But before I get to them, I think we ought to go with summer if possible for this nomination. I can imagine that Oslo is too cold to be enjoyable for tourists during much of the year. Even if it isn't too cold, if we post up Oslo in February on the main page, most people will think that it's cold and they won't want to go there. :Now to the nitty-gritty. When you nominate a huge city article (that is, one with districts underneath it), you are nominating the districts as well as the city article itself. The Oslo Center District article is only at usable status, and while most of the article sections in that district article look fine, the "Do" section has only one listing &mdash; ''one'' listing. And while "see" makes up for this with a total of 17 listings, the lack of "Do" listings makes it obvious that there are things you can do in downtown Oslo not mentioned in this article. If there are any "see" listings that are actually things to do, then this is not a concern, since we can just move those "see" listings down to the correct section. I also noticed a marker for "Do" that was in the "Get around" section. :The Western Oslo district article has no "Understand" section and is rated at usable; the Inner North, North, Inner East, and South district articles are all rated at usable status. So can we consider the huge city article to be at guide status if all the district articles underneath it are rated at usable status? While I think a lot of these district articles could be promoted to guide status, not all of them could. :On the other hand, however, none of these district articles are terrible, and the huge city article has quite a lot of information. So I think some work should go into the lower-level articles, but the huge city article looks good. Next summer it would be nice to see this on the front page if we can get the above-listed work done by then. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">talk</font>]] about my [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">contributions</font>]]) 23:38, 2 September 2018 (UTC) **For cities it is not always clear how to sort items into Do, Drink and See. For instance Rockefeller (a major concert venue) I would list under Do, now it is listed as Drink. [[User:Erik den yngre|Erik den yngre]] ([[User talk:Erik den yngre|talk]]) 11:31, 3 September 2018 (UTC) * '''Comment''' — Oslo is a fairly important center for winter sports (especially as a spectator sport), so we can very well run it during the winter too (and then of course the cold weather is part of the experience). I'm afraid this is going to sit around until summer 2020, though, as the summer of 2019 is fully booked; matter of fact if Kaunas is moved up to the DotM page, I think or some other DotM from Europe is likewise going to be left sitting around until 2020 :/ . : When it comes to city districts, they only need to be usable (but all of them do have to be usable) for the main city article to be guide. Think of it this way, city articles are divided into districts when/because they are so stuffed with listings that they become unwieldy. This by definition means that the city article has enough listings for guide status and the Main Page, the listings have only been distributed around several district articles for easier reading and usage. : All in all, I remember the Oslo article was in a pretty good shape when districtifying it almost exactly two years ago, though the article and the listings in the districts could benefit from an update closer to the time when we run it on the Main Page. --[[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:21, 3 September 2018 (UTC) ::Thanks, [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]], this is very helpful. I have a couple questions, though: :# What about May? Is that open? :# Why does it have to wait 2 years? We don’t have 24 DOTM nominations. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">talk</font>]] about my [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">contributions</font>]]) 14:53, 3 September 2018 (UTC) :: We can only fit so many articles in the summer slots and most places in Europe, USA and Canada are best featured from May-Sep. These are the parts of the world we cover best by far (probably because most of the en-WV community comes from these parts of the world) and therefore the summer tends to be "sold out" more or less one year ahead. Right now we have quite many European DotM candidates (somewhat comparable to the situation of American OtBP candidates) and to keep the Main Page varied, we really don't want to have European DotMs for, say, four months straight in the schedule. Then comes the autumn and except for nominees from the Mediterranean (or for the US, from places like Florida, Hawaii or California) or places that are suitable for a winter visit, the next time European, US and Canadian articles can be featured weather-wise is late next spring. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:51, 3 September 2018 (UTC) :::Well I plan to nominate [[York]] for a November or a December slot. It's not ready yet, though. :::I see no problem with a winter slot for Oslo, but haven't looked at the article yet.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:41, 3 September 2018 (UTC) *'''Support, but wait until 2020'''. Between [[Berlin]], [[Kaunas]], [[Vikings and the Old Norse]], and [[Rail travel in the Netherlands]], Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea area is already overrepresented on next year's schedule. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:26, 11 September 2018 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for June 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 03:25, 1 June 2020 (UTC) ====[[Karakol]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Karakol | blurb=At the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan is the unexpected setting where you'll find this relic of Imperial Russia — onion-domed churches, brightly-painted wooden houses and all. | status=Guide | time=Jun-Aug per [[:w:Karakol#Climate]] | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:47, 6 October 2019 (UTC) | comment=Here's something unusual, a fairly comprehensive Central Asian article, thanks to the work of [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] and others. Some sections might look a bit short, but as this is a smaller city in a low-income country I would imagine most places to Eat, Drink and Buy are rather basic and similar to each other. | DotMImage=[[File:2015-09-07-144730 - Karakol - Dunganen-Moschee.JPG|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:47, 6 October 2019 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Actually Karakol is the most touristy destination in Kyrgyzstan after Bishkek. So, I don't know whether "off-the-beaten-track" really fits. But if you tell me, where additional work could help, I can plunge forward. Cheers [[User:Ceever|Ceever]] ([[User talk:Ceever|talk]]) 15:56, 20 October 2019 (UTC) ::How much tourism is there to that region, though? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:58, 20 October 2019 (UTC) :::Quite. The whole of Kyrgyzstan is off-the-beaten-track for most tourists.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:34, 20 October 2019 (UTC) * '''Weak support'''. The article is good overall and contains plenty of detail in some sections. However, this detail needs to be more evenly spread across the article. As it is, it's not. Therefore, work would be appreciated, but I think it's just about good enough to feature. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:53, 26 March 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:44, 10 June 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for June 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:44, 10 June 2020 (UTC) ====[[Rail travel in the Netherlands]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Rail travel in the Netherlands | blurb=The efficient Dutch rail network sets the standard for the future of rail travel, with (among other innovations) a completely paperless ticketing system — and it's a superlative choice for getting around the country. | status=Guide | time=Any time but December, preferably around September 20th, 2019 (180th anniversary).<br/>Edit: I understand that September 2019 may cause problems. Other dates of importance in the upcoming five years are: *December 2018; ''Sprinter Nieuwe Generatie'' put in service (same issue; too soon). *Early 2021; ''Intercity Nieuwe Generatie'' put in service. *In general, September is my preferred month for featuring since the anniversary of the Dutch railway network is in that month. March of 2022 is also fine by me (182½ year anniversary). *August 2021; 25 years since the first concession of the Dutch railways. I am well aware that the feature date doesn't need to have a reason behind it, but I recon it might as well. Don't limit yourself to the dates above, but rather consider them. | nominatedBy=[[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 14:22, 21 January 2018 (UTC) | comment=The article may need some touching up here and there as most information in the article has come from me, but content-wise I believe that nothing is missing and the article is therefore a good candidate for FTT. | DotMImage=[[File:NS 4000 Bovenkarspel.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' - brilliant article. My only question is whether we would want both this and [[Rail travel in Germany]] featured in the same year? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 14:55, 21 January 2018 (UTC) * Precisely what I was going to say. [[Rail travel in Germany]] already needs to be put off until towards the end of 2018 to avoid being featured too close to [[Erlangen]], so this article would have to wait until late 2019 if not 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 15:16, 21 January 2018 (UTC) ::I should say, though, this is an exceptionally good article and I '''support''' its eventually being run as a feature. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 15:18, 21 January 2018 (UTC) :::I don't think there is a problem to run Rail travel in Germany perhaps already in August 2018, especially as RtiG is a topic and not a place. In that way this could be featured in September 2019 as desired, "only" 20 months from now. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:12, 22 January 2018 (UTC) * '''Support''' — I've noticed you working on this one over the last several months and it's looking very informative. At least at a quick glance I can't really find anything wrong with it. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:17, 22 January 2018 (UTC) * Minor language and possible "nerding out" issues (for which I am the wrong person to judge them) aside, there is nothing to preclude my '''support''' for this feature and thanks to Wauteurz for some amazing work. As the user who nominated rail travel in Germany, I would have no qualms moving it around if this article could then be featured on a date that fits better. Just please don't feature either in December, as that is the European schedule change. [[User:Hobbitschuster|Hobbitschuster]] ([[User talk:Hobbitschuster|talk]]) 22:52, 25 January 2018 (UTC) * '''Weak Support''', some essential details need finetuning - the article is thoroughly written but some of the more practical information is not entirely spot on, i.e. information about gates is too general, there is no information present about the surcharge for tickets purchased at the counter, no correct information present about the cost if you check in and check out after a certain time at the same station, information about opening train doors and onboard announcements is very specific to some of the rolling stock but wrong for others. In general, quite a large part of the article is written towards railway enthousiasts with a lot of technical details, but less towards the average tourist who travels on the train for the first time in the Netherlands. --[[User:WallyTheWalrus|WallyTheWalrus]] ([[User talk:WallyTheWalrus|talk]]) 23:42, 1 February 2018 (UTC) * '''Support''', although there are some issues with red links. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 04:26, 25 May 2018 (UTC) ::Can you elaborate on 'issues with redlinks' so that I can fix it? I am aware that I've left a few (somewhere around ten) redlinks in the article, and I would assume the issue is them being linked to in the first place? <br/> -- [[User:Wauteurz|Wauteurz]] ([[User talk:Wauteurz|talk]]) 15:29, 25 May 2018 (UTC) :::[[Rail_travel_in_the_Netherlands#Expansion_and_boom]] is one example, but there are several parts of the article that seem to abound in red links. Also, I'm not crazy about red-colored listings. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 22:44, 25 May 2018 (UTC) * Soon 1.5 years since the article was nominated and it will not appear on the Main Page before at the very earliest spring 2020. Now when there are enough nominees to take us through the next winter, I've been starting thinking about suitable spring and summer articles and one good candidate would be [[E11 hiking trail]], of which a part goes through the Netherlands. If the rail article is going to wait until September 2020 (the nominator said September would be the "preferred month"), let alone until 2021 or 2022 (in which case we should probably store it away like [[London/Hampstead]] or [[Along the Magnificent Mile]]) I think I'll nominate E11, otherwise not. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 05:46, 11 June 2019 (UTC) ::On the draft schedule I keep on my thumb drive at home, I have this article in the August 2020 slot. I'm uncomfortable holding it off longer than that without any good reason. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]], I don't see any reason why you shouldn't nominate E11 for a 2020 feature, especially if only part of it is in the Netherlands. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 13:31, 11 June 2019 (UTC) * E11 has been slushed, so where will this article stand now? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 13:24, 1 September 2019 (UTC) * [[File:Nuvola apps 2 cookie.png|30px]] '''Happy Birthday, nomination!''' It's not very often an article gets to spend two years on the nominations page and still having several months until its featured – I think this might even be a new record! Congrats! : Seriously, though, the article should be checked through a month or so before it goes on the Main Page, because there's a good chance that parts of it aren't up to date any longer. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:37, 24 January 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for June 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 21:21, 19 June 2020 (UTC) ===May 2020=== ====[[Hamburg]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Hamburg | blurb=With a long and rich history as a Medieval port of trade, Germany's second city is truly "The Gateway to the World" — and it's also your gateway to world-class architecture, lively nightlife, and high culture. | status=Guide | time=May-Sep probably, though Apr or Nov for the [[Hamburg#Events|Hamburger Dom fair]] could also be an option | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:30, 12 October 2019 (UTC) | comment=I think we still have an open DotM slot for the five warmest months in the temperate Northern Hemisphere of 2020. Me and [[User:PrinceGloria]] districtified and worked extensively on the article four and a half years ago, though since then there has always been something from Germany already waiting on the nominations page. As of lately I've brought over and translated listings from the German version and otherwise fine-tuned the article, and I'd say it's in a pretty good shape (as are the districts). | DotMImage=[[File:Hamburg-Rathaus-Rathausmarkt.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:30, 12 October 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''', it's a great year-round destination. I agree the pages are in good shape, tho quite a lot of listings are dated March 2015: these need an update, as five years is a long time in a city like this. [[User:Grahamsands|Grahamsands]] ([[User talk:Grahamsands|talk]]) 20:08, 4 December 2019 (UTC) * '''Support'''. This is an excellent, detailed article of DOTM quality. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 11:24, 20 March 2020 (UTC) * '''Support''' - looks great, want to go.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 00:09, 21 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for May 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:19, 1 May 2020 (UTC) ====[[Nagykanizsa]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Nagykanizsa | blurb=An important regional crossroads, this Hungarian town near Lake Balaton was once the domain of a Medieval prince — but the lovely architecture in the town center is of newer vintage. | status=Guide | time=May-Sep | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 11 August 2019 (UTC) | comment=[[User:City-busz|City-busz]] has over the last year or so improved many articles in Hungary, and as we still haven't featured that many articles from Central Europe outside Germany and Switzerland, it really is good to have some Hungarian ones to choose from. Here's one of the articles that has not only reached guide status but also has a balanced number of listings in all sections. The only thing that has to be done before the article goes on the Main Page is some copyediting. Listings in the Drink section don't seem to have much of descriptions, though perhaps there are not much differences between individual cafés and on the other hand pubs in a small town like this? | DotMImage=[[File:Nagykanizsa trinity.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Almost''' – as said, copyediting is needed, but otherwise this is a good article. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:53, 11 August 2019 (UTC) * '''Support'''. There is room for some small improvements and maybe some better photos. A couple of small points: what is "semimonthly" in get around by bus - 14 days or whatever would be better, connect says that the area code is 93 but many listings have other codes. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:09, 11 August 2019 (UTC) * '''Close'''. It's not there yet, but it's still a good article. [[User:City-busz]] is one of our best contributors and his work has been greatly helpful in western [[Hungary]]. This article, with a few fairly minor improvements and reviews by a couple other contributors, should be appropriate for a feature. It definitely shouldn't be slushed at this time. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 13:32, 1 September 2019 (UTC) *'''Comment''': I just finished making up the OtBP banners for this article (don't forget to vote for your favorites!) and I couldn't help but notice there are still a few POIs without any descriptions, or whose descriptions only mention the year it was built. This needs to be rectified before Nagykanizsa goes on the Main Page. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 03:53, 30 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for May 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:02, 10 May 2020 (UTC) ====[[Tour cycling]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Tour cycling | blurb=Getting around by bike allows you to experience your surroundings from a completely different perspective. | status=Guide | time=Any, but maybe best during Northern Hemisphere spring or early summer when folks (in temperate areas, where I think most readers are from) take their bikes out of winter storage | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:20, 7 September 2019 (UTC) | comment=The article looked good as a usable, others didn't find much to complain about at the article's talk page, so here's our first bicycle-themed featured article candidate! | DotMImage=[[File:Brompton remorque furkapass.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:20, 7 September 2019 (UTC) * '''Comment''': There is quite a lot of jargon in the article. I think we should not try to compete with cyclists' forums, but direct this also at folks who are used to cycling on the bike they happened to buy or got from a friend, with no thoughts about what parts it contains, people who might go for a biking vacation of a week or a few in their home region. Somebody wanting to go for the [[Karakoram Highway]] or America tip-to-tip should get advice mainly from elsewhere. Sure, we should mention those, but the more technical sections should have short intros about the essential, and terms should be explained. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 07:27, 28 March 2020 (UTC) * '''Not yet''' I don't have much experience of this, but I think that some more work is required. I agree with the points raised by LPfi. <s>The page banner shows the wrong type of cycling - it is showing a club day out or race.</s> Sleep needs to be expanded, and we should say something about trips with children - I often meet families doing week long trips with teenagers. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 15:05, 28 March 2020 (UTC) ::After having a quick look on Commons for alternative banner images, I am beginning to wonder if "Tour Cycling" is the best title for the article. There are several major cycling races which have "Tour" in the title, the best known being the "Tour de France", and a search for "tour cycling" on commons turned up photos of this kind of event. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:23, 30 March 2020 (UTC) :::I must say I can't see what harm that extra information does in the article. Somebody just planning to go on a few days' trip in their home region can disregard those parts. And we'd like to really just concentrate on people making short bike trips, I'm afraid it'd be a very short article or we'd mostly have to fill it with advice from Captain Obvious. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 13:48, 9 May 2020 (UTC) ::::I think '''timing is running out''' to improve this article before it is due to be featured. Since it was nominated, the only edit has been replacing the page banner. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:03, 9 May 2020 (UTC) :::::: Rereading the article I think it is quite fine as is. --[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 22:29, 9 May 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for May 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:04, 21 May 2020 (UTC) ===April 2020=== ====[[Tangier]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Tangier | blurb=With a long and colorful history and a strategic location where the Mediterranean meets the open ocean, this unequivocally Maghrebi city has long served as an introduction to Africa for travellers. | status=Guide | time=Almost anytime, but spring or fall would be optimal | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:02, 27 July 2019 (UTC) | comment=A few years ago a visit to the city inspired me to write up the article to guide status. For some reason I didn't quite finish the See section, but that's been taken care of now. Everything necessary should be in the article, but it might need an update closer to the time it's featured. | DotMImage=[[File:Grand Socco Tangier.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:02, 27 July 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''', looks good. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 19:07, 18 August 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''', looks good to me. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:32, 10 March 2020 (UTC) * '''Support'''. The wording in [[Tangier#Stay safe|#Stay safe]] could be a little clearer, but otherwise, this is a good article that per others should be featured. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 15:50, 26 March 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for April 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:26, 1 April 2020 (UTC) ====[[Thimphu]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Thimphu | blurb=Bhutan's pint-sized capital is a good introduction and gateway to the "World's Last Shangri-La". | status=Guide | time=[[Thimphu#Climate]] says Mar-May, Sep-Oct | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:30, 16 June 2019 (UTC) | comment=Another corner of the world that isn't featured on the Main Page that often. The capital of one of Asia's more OtBP countries was [https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Thimphu&diff=3540538&oldid=3540537 promoted to guide status] last year and almost all listings did get coordinates back then (I just added the missing ones) so the article should be up to date. It's a quite small city, so I think the article already covers most of what a visitor needs to know, of course at it's a guide article, it should. | DotMImage=[[File:National Library-Thimphu-Bhutan-2008 01 23.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:30, 16 June 2019 (UTC) * '''Support as DotM'''. Bhutan is a small country, but IMO not small enough to justify its capital being OtBP. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:12, 21 June 2019 (UTC) :: I think Bhutan is one of those countries that are entirely off the beaten path. The number of visitors to the country is low, and the Bhutanese government deliberately keeps it that way (they even used to have a maximum quota for foreign visitors). Except for Indians, Bangladeshis and Maledivians, tourists [[Bhutan#Get in|can't travel to Bhutan just like that]]. Like (probably) only in North Korea, independent travel isn't allowed and visitors need to book a tour with a Bhutanese tour company for their whole stay in the country. The [http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=93784 number of visitors in 2018] was 270,000 but only 70,000 were not "regional" (from nearby parts of India?) — compare that to [[:w:Tourism in Nepal#Arrivals by country|Nepal's]] ~1 million visitors where almost 3 out of 4 came from further away than India and China. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:32, 21 June 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''', looks good to me. I'd say go with OtBP. Bhutan is very much an off-the-beaten-path country, and the capital is not very big. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 15:56, 21 June 2019 (UTC) * '''Comment''' This is in no way to oppose the nomination, but I did not add the coordinates based upon local knowledge, so I cannot always be 100% sure coordinates are in the right place. Just keep that in mind when you consider the article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 20:48, 21 June 2019 (UTC) * '''Support as DotM''' It's a good article, but I don't think regulated tourism means it must be otbp. If Pyongyang mentioned above were good enough to nominate, it would certainly be DotM. There is no indication that tourists are not interested in visiting Bhutan, and having to instate limits suggests that the interest exceeds the number allowed to enter. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 06:25, 21 December 2019 (UTC) *:I would say Pyongyang should certainly be otbp, if it were nominated. It gets few international tourists and is an adventurous, unusual destination, not a major tourist spot. For international travelers, it is "off the beaten path" by any reasonable standard, more clearly than Thimphu I'd say. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 12:56, 21 December 2019 (UTC) ::It has more people than Madrid, Nairobi, and Buenos Aires and is well-known worldwide as a national capital (and of course makes the news fairly often for political reasons). It's also a dream destination for many people, even if they don't actually visit. I don't think travel stats alone should determine DotM/OtBP and indeed we've have some low-travel DotMs. With a few exceptions though, I think capital cities are usually deserving of DotM. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 11:20, 22 December 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' I think that it could be either DOTM or OTBP - if we need to decide, it should be based on English speaking non-local visitor numbers. A measure of this is English language guide books to the city - are there many books on just Thimphu? I did not understand "Some clubs allow stag entry as well." in Drink - Alchohol - is this stag parties? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:00, 22 December 2019 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for April 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:57, 11 April 2020 (UTC) ====[[Along the Magnificent Mile]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Along the Magnificent Mile | blurb=Let us take you on a tour through the heart of Chicago! | status=Star | time=Apr-Oct (from [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#Chicago/Bronzeville|Bronzeville's nomination]]) | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:32, 1 October 2017 (UTC) and renominated by [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 02:52, 12 May 2019 (UTC) | comment=In 2020 it will be time again for our biannual visit to Chicago. I figured it would be good to dust off this Star-level itinerary that [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] had nominated a couple years ago, but was slushed to avoid being featured too close to [[Chicago/Bronzeville]], then an OtBP candidate. Since the article hasn't been substantially edited in the intervening period, I also don't see any need to disregard the votes in the earlier nomination, though if Ypsi or [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan]] would like to change their minds about the worthiness of the feature, they're of course welcome to do so. | DotMImage=[[File:John Hancock Building 2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' --[[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:32, 1 October 2017 (UTC) * '''Support'''. One question: With the exception of illumination and perhaps drinks at night, couldn't the itinerary be done in reverse? Should that be noted in the article? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:15, 1 October 2017 (UTC) * '''Support''', though if we're going to take a candidate that by next summer will have waited over a year to be featured and make it wait two ''more'' years in favor of a different nominee from the same city that's not of significantly higher quality, I'd prefer it to be for more compelling reasons than the above. Especially since we do still have an open OtBP slot next summer for the likes of [[Apia]]. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 22:46, 2 October 2017 (UTC) ::OK, so then it's probably best to impound this one in the Slush pile like we did with [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#London.2FHampstead|London Hampstead]] once. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 10:16, 3 October 2017 (UTC) * '''Comment''' - a little before we run this, we should check that everything is still open. Also there are some prices in the article so they too need to be updated. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 07:29, 12 May 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' because it is a [[WV:Star articles|star article]]. Will put the page on my watchlist in case star status is removed. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:36, 12 May 2019 (UTC) * '''Almost''' I was in Chicago 2 years ago and visited most of the sights, but I didn't follow the route turn by turn, as I had other commitments. I think that the route would work fine in reverse, with the exception of splashing in the fountains in Millennium Park, which is more something for the end of a walk. The article hasn't had any major updates for 10 years, and might be starting to show it's age - telling the reader to print out the district articles, and the sights are not markers or listings. The map is also 10 years old, and without any markers or geo there is no opportunity to see a dynamic map instead. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:03, 12 May 2019 (UTC) ::If this article is not good enough for FTT, its star status needs to be reconsidered. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 23:08, 12 May 2019 (UTC) :::I think the map is great and definitely wouldn't be improved by using a dynamic map! I also think the bolding makes it easy to read the itinerary, so that listings aren't really necessary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 00:13, 13 May 2019 (UTC) * '''Comment''': for some reason, it wasn't on my watchlist. I've added it now. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:05, 25 August 2019 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for April 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 03:13, 21 April 2020 (UTC) ===March 2020=== ====[[Ouro Preto]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Ouro Preto | blurb=Seemingly frozen in time with its meticulously preserved colonial-era buildings, this historic old mining town is little known outside Brazil's borders, yet figures among its most popular getaway destinations. | status=Guide | time=Mar-Oct | nominatedBy=[[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 19:05, 18 August 2019 (UTC) | comment=Here's a nice counterweight to the heavy presence of Asian destinations on the schedule for the upcoming autumn and winter. | DotMImage=[[File:Ouro Preto 4369.jpeg|thumb|300px]] }} *'''Close'''. The article has a nice long "Understand" section and is replete with informative listings with explanatory blurbs, so the vast majority of what needs to be here is here. What's left is relatively simple: geo coordinates, some tinkering with addresses in blurbs (you see lots of ones like "Rua Brigadeiro Musqueira, no number", in which case there's no need to note the lack of a number; just giving the street name is sufficient), "Get in" and "Get around" should be padded out and/or reformatted a little bit (especially in the former section; bullet-point lists are not the way to go about it); brief section ledes should be added to tie the information together a bit. *'''Question'''. Given the blurb ("little known outside Brazil's borders"), why did you choose to nominate this for Dotm, rather than Otbp? This is the English Wikivoyage after all, and so Ouro Preto is outside most of of our target readership's radar.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:54, 19 August 2019 (UTC) ::I was just about to ask the same. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:56, 19 August 2019 (UTC) :::Several reasons. One, I don't know that we ought to be circumscribing our "target audience" to native English speakers only. Many of the other language versions of Wikivoyage, including Portuguese, are very poorly developed, so it stands to reason that many speakers of other languages default to en: regardless because of the superiority of our coverage. The makeup of our roster of regular editors, among whom non-native English speakers are a large minority if not a majority, bears that out. :::Two: even if we ''do'' assume a target audience of native English speakers, the fact remains that just because a place is off the path that's been beaten by said target audience doesn't mean it's off ''all'' beaten paths. Ouro Preto is one of the most popular domestic destinations among Brazilians themselves, and readers who are in search of the type of travel experience that would lead them to click on a feature titled "Off the Beaten Path" likely don't want to deal with the crowds and hassle of a major tourist town, regardless of whether those crowds are comprised of domestic or overseas tourists. :::The third reason is a purely practical one: we're fully stocked with OtBPs through May 2020, but we still have a winter 2019-20 DotM slot open. (Before anyone says anything about [[York]], let me say that despite ThunderingTyphoons' comments on its nomination, I'm a firm believer that November through March should be reserved fairly strictly for tropical and antipodean locales along with the odd ski resort or other winter destination. A large majority of our feature-ready articles are in the temperate latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, and I think restricting those destinations to within the parameters of April through October is an important way to ensure geographic diversity among our Main Page features.) :::-- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 18:41, 19 August 2019 (UTC) ::::The reasons you give for Dotm are sound enough. ::::York can be featured any time of the year, so I'm not worried about that, but I have always been a bit puzzled by the rationale for the timing of features. Most people, upon reading about a featured destination, are not going to be immediately travelling there later the same month or a few weeks after it being featured, because most people don't have the money or time flexibility to do so. In most cases, where a featured destination causes someone to want to organise a trip to that place, there is going to be at least a three-month delay, and often that delay is going to be considerably longer: six months to a year. With that in mind, wouldn't it make more sense to feature northern destinations in northern winter in time for trips to be prepared for the following spring and summer? Equally, featuring southern/tropical destinations in northern summer would allow time for trips to be made in the southern summer. ::::The only rationale I can see for the current set-up is that featuring a bunch of warm-weather destinations during the northern winter makes people dream of planning their escape to somewhere sunny.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 20:03, 19 August 2019 (UTC) (Addendum) But since we're not in the business of selling holidays, that rationale is shaky.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:33, 22 August 2019 (UTC) :::::An interesting idea. Though a fashion week-like setup, where the destination would be showed, say, 6-10 months before commonly going there would actually sound more like "next summer's holidays on early bird sale now", than our current practice. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:47, 22 August 2019 (UTC) * '''Needs some work''' – in addition to what Andre pointed out, I'd say at least Eat and Drink could use some more listings, luckily there seem to be some places in the Portuguese article that aren't listed here. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 14:57, 22 August 2019 (UTC) :: I've now fixed much of it, and actually IMO the bus services could be presented in bullet form. '''Support'''. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 21:54, 18 January 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for March 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:27, 29 February 2020 (UTC) ====[[Great Basin National Park]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Great Basin National Park | blurb=Belying its name, this mountainous national park includes juniper forests, caves, a gorge, and the great Wheeler Peak, one of Nevada's highest. | status=Guide | time=Apr-Oct; particularly Apr-Jun or September | nominatedBy=[[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) | comment=I think it could do with a little work that I can mostly likely do in expanding some sections, but at the same time not a lot more can be said. What's existing in the article is what is there, so I think in general this article is pretty complete and would definitely be appropriate for OtBP. I was originally going to do somewhere else but I think this one will work well, actually. | DotMImage=[[File:Stella_Lake_Great_Basin.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 02:03, 20 June 2018 (UTC) *'''Comment''': Due to how many OtBP candidates are already waiting in the wings (and how many of those are U.S. destinations), there'll be no room for this one on the Main Page till 2020 at the earliest. Let's hold off on any additional OtBP nominees for awhile. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 02:35, 20 June 2018 (UTC) ::Yes, sure. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 14:02, 20 June 2018 (UTC) * '''Very close''' – some listings need coordinates and some of Understand's subsections could perhaps be expanded. --[[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 09:29, 5 August 2018 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for March 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:14, 11 March 2020 (UTC) ====[[French phrasebook]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=French phrasebook | blurb=''Parlez-vous français?'' Nearly 300 million people do, on every inhabited continent on the globe, making it one of the most useful languages for the international traveller to know. | status=Guide | time=Any, but no earlier than January 2020 (1 year after [[Indonesian phrasebook]]'s Main Page stint) | nominatedBy=[[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 21:37, 21 April 2019 (UTC) | comment=It's been a while since we've featured a phrasebook article for a language with an extensive international reach. Let's remedy that. | DotMImage=[[File:Institut de France - Académie française et pont des Arts.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Not yet but very close''', and I can easily take care of the needed work myself if there are no other takers. Namely, a few pseudo-pronunciations are missing, and after looking over the ones that do exist, I don't know about their accuracy overall. A few more pictures would be nice too. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 21:37, 21 April 2019 (UTC) * '''Almost''', some phrases in [[French_phrasebook#Bars]] (perhaps elsewhere in the article too) still need pronunciation. And much more photos, as our featured phrasebooks usually have a photo for at least every second screen to make them look less black and white, but these should be easy to add. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 10:20, 1 May 2019 (UTC) * I concur with you two that '''not quite''' is the current outlook. It might help if someone who doesn't speak French would volunteer to read through and make sure that it all makes sense, particularly the early parts before the phrases.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 16:57, 14 July 2019 (UTC) *:As someone who doesn't speak French but is familiar with the Romance languages and knows some linguistics, I went though the beginning of the article (up to the beginning of the phrase list). I made a few corrections but otherwise it looks good. However, the phrase list has no "Lodging" section. Shouldn't it have one, looking something like [[Russian phrasebook#Lodging|this]]? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 02:34, 22 July 2019 (UTC) ::Yes, although I have to wonder why we don't use 'Sleep' there, rather than 'Lodging'.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 06:30, 22 July 2019 (UTC) * To add my vote: <s>not yet, and maybe not at all</s>. As I noted above, the article doesn't cover phrases for lodging, which is a major omission. Do we have anyone fluent enough in French to write a section about that? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 00:43, 21 September 2019 (UTC) ::[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons]] and myself both are, and [[User:Nicolas1981|Nicolas1981]] is a native speaker, though he doesn't come by nearly as often as he used to. Between the two (three?) of us, I'm sure we can handle it. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 03:28, 21 September 2019 (UTC) :::Lodging is part of the [[Wikivoyage:Phrasebook article template]] so it definitely needs to be added, otherwise the article can't even have guide status. French is understood by many here (even myself, a little bit) so it shouldn't be a problem, though. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 06:29, 21 September 2019 (UTC) ::::Just to confirm that I'm willing to help out, and have already been improving the article since its nomination (as has Ypsilon).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:07, 21 September 2019 (UTC) :::::I have now added a Lodging section, copied from the Russian phrasebook. The pseudo-phonetic pronunciations are not my forté, but I did my best.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:22, 22 September 2019 (UTC) ::::::Okay, I'm satisfied. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 23:54, 23 October 2019 (UTC) :::::::I'm not quite yet. I'm willing to concede that some of the pseudo-translations may have no choice but to suck (oon really != un at all, but the real sound is very difficult to transcribe), but we have to do better than "grond" for "grande" and "OM-boo-lo(n)ss" for "ambulance". But at least I just replaced ''like "wa" in "walk"'' with ''like "wa" in "want"'' to represent the sound of "oi" in French. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 03:54, 24 October 2019 (UTC) ::::::::These pseudo prounuciations are difficult to get right; case in point, "want" doesn't adequately represent the sound of ''oi'' to British ears at all, since "want" has an O sound (homophonous with "wont") and ''oi'' is a "wah" (with a short A) sound. I agree that walk was also wrong. ::::::::The nasals (as in "grand") are also difficult to represent, because they are peculiar to French. I don't think we do a bad job of them, though concede there may be a better way (there ''is'' a much better way of course - audio files! - but we have to work with the technology we've got).--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 06:57, 24 October 2019 (UTC) :::::::::So to represent French "oi" adequately for both Britons and Americans, do we need to analogize it as ''like "wah"''? -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:49, 24 October 2019 (UTC) :::::::::: Hopefully not. I was trying to think of an actual word, rather than a noise, on the train just now. "Wag" could maybe work? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:27, 24 October 2019 (UTC) :::::::::::No way in American English. Wag has no "wah" sound. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:20, 25 October 2019 (UTC) ::::::::::::If you don't like ''like "wah"'', then what about ''like the "wa" in "watt"''? Does that work in British English as a "wah" sound? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:32, 25 October 2019 (UTC) ::::::::::::"Watt" is a homophone with "what", so no. I don't dislike "wah", it's just that all the other examples use actual words. If we can't find an alternative, it will have to do.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 06:38, 25 October 2019 (UTC) :::::::::::::Watt is "waht", generally, in American English, not "wut" (though some areas pronounce "what" "waht", also). We are truly divided by a common language in terms of pronunciation! But what about representing "un" as "eh(n)"? "oon" is Italian, definitely not French! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:26, 25 October 2019 (UTC) {{outdent}} (Outdent because I can't count that many colons) Yes, and that's before Straya, Saffa, Nuzillund and the rest have their say... Where is the E sound in ''un'' to make "eh(n)"? That just looks like the interjection "Eh?' with an N on the end. It's not just we Anglophones who are confused, however: it is worth listening to the audiofiles on the Wiktionary entry for ''un'' - five different files, five different vowels! If "oon" is in there, it's certainly a typo, unless it's standing in for ''une'' (although elsewhere in the phrasebook we use "uun" for that, which gets the reader closer to the right U sound. "ün" was also used, which while accurate used a non-English diacritic so was suboptimal). --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 08:52, 25 October 2019 (UTC) :Try saying an "eh" vowel (of course with no "h" consonant) with a nasal n(g) at the end. It's pretty close to "un". The problem is that we can't really distinguish the sounds of "in", "un" and "hein" in pseudo-transliterations for English-speakers, but they're close to each other and much closer than any of them is to "oon". [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:33, 25 October 2019 (UTC) ::Yes, I just tried, and while you're not wrong, "eh(n)" seems like it would be confusing to the average English speaker. As you possibly know, I have a bachelor's degree in French, yet I was still initially confused by the relevance of "eh(n)", so I imagine the average person who doesn't speak any French would also struggle. ::What is wrong with ""u(n)" as in "underground", though with a nasal N"? It wouldn't work "[[England#Northern England|oop North]]", or in Ireland, but I think it does work for the standard English, Welsh, Scottish, American, Australian and Kiwi accents. And even if the vowel isn't absolutely spot on, it is (a) simple enough for most English speakers to reproduce, (b) similar enough that a French interlocutor will not struggle to understand. ::I don't think anyone is defending "oon".--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 10:42, 25 October 2019 (UTC) :::If you want to do that, do it as "uh(n)". That makes the vowel clearer. But if you do that, how would you represent the French "-in" sound? -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:58, 25 October 2019 (UTC) ::::Yeah "uh(n)" is fine too. Personally, I would represent ''-in'' as "ah(n)", so ''brin'' would be "brah(n)", "Cointrin" as "KWAH(N)-trah(N)", ''linge'' as "lah(n)zh", ''Inde'' as "ah(n)d". Brilliant examples, I know. ::::But then I worry what we do with ''-en'' and ''-an''. Are we back to needing "oh(n)", as in "OH(M)-buu-lonss"? Or maybe "aa(n)" for ''-an'' / ''-en'', and "ahn" for ''-in''? This is a right ole can o' worms, without easy answers.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:08, 25 October 2019 (UTC) :::::No "oh(n)". -en and -an are the true "ah(n)" sounds. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 19:06, 25 October 2019 (UTC) ::::::And I have to say "uu" looks like just a longer "oo" sound. A better way to transcribe French "u" would be to have "ee" on top and "oo" on the bottom and bracket them together. But since we're not doing that, anything else sucks. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 01:06, 26 October 2019 (UTC) :::::::I'd go with "ü". Some English speakers will correctly identify that as representing IPA [y], and I imagine most of the rest will pronounce it as IPA [u], which is the closest most native English speakers can get without practice anyway. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 01:14, 26 October 2019 (UTC) ::::::::: I understand your (Granger's) argument about the umlaut, but I am still doubtful about using a 'foreign' character to try to explain to native English speakers (the majority of whom are monolingual) how the French U sounds. :::::::::On the other hand, I don't really understand Ikan's point about bracketing letters together. What would that look like? Or is it impossible to show in wikicode? I hope we can find a solution that doesn't "suck", too :) In fact, I am convinced there must be a solution to explain these vowels in a simple way to people who otherwise "don't do" foreign languages. Over the weekend, I'll take a look at the phrasebook pages in some of the France travel guidebooks in my house.[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:05, 1 November 2019 (UTC) ::::::::::I'm not really suggesting that as a solution, but the point is, French "u" is produced by shaping one's lips to say "oo" and instead say "ee". There doesn't seem to be any good way to represent that sound in English, because English doesn't have that sound. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:46, 1 November 2019 (UTC) So, about a month before this is due to be featured, and the above concerns haven't really been overcome. Do we want to switch around the schedule for now, or can we solve the pseudopronunciation conundrum inside a month? --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:58, 11 February 2020 (UTC) :I think I've come around to advocating [[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]'s solution of "ü" for the French "u" sound as in "une". It's a foreign character, but it shows clearly that the sound is distinct from the "u" in "un" or any English sound for that letter, and there is just no remotely acceptable way to represent it in quasi-English. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:50, 11 February 2020 (UTC) ::Also, under "Nasals", we have this: "in, ain: nasal è". I'm not sure I'm clear on what pseudopronunciation we're using for those. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:55, 11 February 2020 (UTC) :::You know what, I think I now agree with ''ü'' too (or should that be ''tü''?) Will come back tomorrow for nasal-gazing. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 22:25, 11 February 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for March 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:21, 20 March 2020 (UTC) ===February 2020=== ====[[Nha Trang]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Nha Trang | blurb=The marquee attractions at Vietnam's most famous seaside resort are sunny beaches, scuba diving, and raucous nightlife in a refreshingly non-Westernized environment — but history buffs and foodies are well cared for too. | status=Guide | time=Per [[:w:Nha_Trang#Climate]] Jan-Aug is the dry season, though Northern Hemisphere summer is pretty hot. | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:06, 25 May 2019 (UTC) | comment=When nominating [[Da Nang]] (DotM March 2017) I noted that we have quite a few high-quality Vietnamese articles, so it's really about time to have another one on the Main Page. Just a few coordinates and pics was needed, and they're now added. | DotMImage=[[File:Nhatrang la plage.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 18:06, 25 May 2019 (UTC) ::{{ping|Ypsilon}} Thanks for adding all these suggestions! It'll take me time to review some of them and give my opinion. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 19:00, 25 May 2019 (UTC) * '''Support'''. Nothing jumps out at me as needing fixing. If I may, though: we have one winter 2019-20 DotM slot left, and let's avoid having to fill it with another Asian destination. We already have a lot of them on the schedule around that time for DotM and OtBP, and it's getting tough to schedule them away from each other. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 19:25, 25 May 2019 (UTC) ::We have three Asian candidates now in the DotM section; Zhuhai (which at the moment has quite weak support), Metro Cebu and Nha Trang, and in the OtBP section there's just Pakse, so I think there's about the usual amount of Asian articles for a winter. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:07, 25 May 2019 (UTC) :::Presently in my draft schedule I have [[Zhuhai]] on tap for DotM in November, [[Adelaide]] in December, [[Metro Cebu]] in January, nothing for February as yet, and [[Nha Trang]] in March. Even if we shuffled those around, another Asian DotM candidate would inevitably mean running three of them in a row. In theory, we ''could'' run another Asian OtBP next winter, but we also don't have any open OtBP spots until April 2020, so doing so would require rescheduling a preexisting candidate. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 21:10, 25 May 2019 (UTC) ::::I thought about a setup like this, because TT recommended York for the Christmas season: Zhuhai in Nov, York in Dec, Metro Cebu in Jan, Adelaide in Feb (for the Mad March festival season beginning in middle of February which seems to be a huge thing down there), Nha Trang in March or April. Oslo could be run already in late winter for winter sports, but May for the Constitution Day festivities is probably best. ::::On the OtBP side there'd be Norfolk Island in Nov (a few months between the Aussie articles), Pakse in Dec, Jost van Dyke in Jan, Jeffreys Bay in Feb, then maybe Thimphu in March, and Great Basin National Park can apparently be featured at earliest in April. ::::All in all we now have (or almost have) the necessary articles for the next winter. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 09:47, 26 May 2019 (UTC) * '''Support'''. I've just discovered that I promised to vote on this nomination. I have made two edits, neither of which should be controversial, although I can see that one of them, in particular, may be, so I think that [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] should probably review those edits. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 12:03, 4 January 2020 (UTC) : No problems, we should warn the readers for crimes and other problems they may encounter. [[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 17:55, 4 January 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for February 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:22, 1 February 2020 (UTC) ====[[Jeffreys Bay]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Jeffreys Bay | blurb=Ever dreamed of shooting the curl at the spot where the '60s movie ''Endless Summer'' was filmed? Head for this South African surfer's paradise. | status=Guide | time=Any per nearby [[:w:Port_Elizabeth#Climate]], but my intention was to find something to fill a Northern Hemisphere winter OtBP slot with... | nominatedBy= [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 13:11, 11 April 2019 (UTC) | comment=This guide article was a bit of a mess and much information was from years ago. A complete checkup later it looks good for the Main Page, I think. Also, while we've run many of Peter's diving articles as FTT, we haven't featured any ''destination'' articles from South Africa since 2007 (and this will be our 3rd destination feature from there). | DotMImage=[[File:Jeffreys Bay-Super Tubes01.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 13:11, 11 April 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' as it seems fairly complete. --[[User:Joshlama1|Joshlama1]] ([[User talk:Joshlama1|talk]]) 02:59, 6 December 2019 (UTC) *'''Support'''. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:04, 11 February 2020 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for February 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:04, 11 February 2020 (UTC) ====[[Flying on a budget]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Flying on a budget | blurb=Sure, air travel is a lot cheaper than it was 30 or 40 years ago — but that doesn't mean there aren't still ways to bring your costs down even further. | status=Guide | time=Any | nominatedBy=[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:12, 12 August 2019 (UTC) | comment=Probably Driving in Brazil will go in next February's FTT slot and March might still be a little too cold for the European and North American FTT candidates nominated above, so we need something else. This article has been frequently edited during the summer, and looks comprehensive, so why show it on the Main Page for a month? A few days ago I added some more photos and promoted it to guide status. | DotMImage=[[File:Handbagage bakken.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. --[[User:Ypsilon|Ypsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:12, 12 August 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''', and I'd like to move this into the January 2020 slot. [[Flying on a budget]] is ready to go as is whereas [[French phrasebook]] needs some additional work, and also it seems somehow like cheating to run a phrasebook article ''exactly'' a year after the previous one, in its first slot of eligibility. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 16:42, 12 August 2019 (UTC) *'''Support''' - Looks complete and well-written. One thing which should maybe be changed is the use of prices in a particular currency when speaking in general terms about a service that many airlines offer. Perhaps just use adjectives ("reasonably priced", "bargain", "extortionate", "hefty surcharge") in place of figures such as $60 or €200, except where quoting real-life prices.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 17:51, 12 August 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' per TT. I'm not sure about his second sentence, however; examples can make something easier to understand. In the section "Alternatives to flying," automobiles really ought to be mentioned. Otherwise, good work! <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 21:37, 12 August 2019 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for February 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:20, 20 February 2020 (UTC) ===January 2020=== ====[[Metro Cebu]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Metro Cebu | blurb=The Philippines' "second city" is more than just a concrete jungle: the beaches just outside of town are a haven for divers and sun seekers, and nearby Olango Island is the country's most important site for birdwatching. | status=Guide | time=Any, but probably best in northern hemisphere winter | nominatedBy=[[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:29, 30 June 2018 (UTC) | comment=This article was [[Wikivoyage:Previous_collaborations#Metro_Cebu|Collaboration of the month for June 2018]] & is therefore now rated Guide. It is the main transport hub for the southern Philippines. Many visitors choose to enter the country via [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]] ({{IATA|CEB}}) rather than via Manila, both because this airport is easier on travellers & because it is more centrally located in the country. | DotMImage= }} * '''Support''' as nominator. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:29, 30 June 2018 (UTC) * Of course, this is being mentioned now the article finished its period as COTM. I think it's good to have a region article, and while this one could do with some more information still in some sections, I think it's quite a good idea. It's all up-to-date information due to the CotM and all the places underneath it are decent, as we know, so I'm '''supporting''' this nomination. [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) 23:07, 30 June 2018 (UTC) * '''Unsure''', looks like all the subarticles listed in the Cities section are usable and most of the article looks OK. But Eat and Drink seem a little bit short. --[[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:38, 13 July 2018 (UTC) :: Most travellers will visit only [[Cebu City]] and perhaps [[Lapu-Lapu]], so the fact that most of the other articles on towns within the area are barely usable does not bother me much. Clearly improving them would be good, but it is not essential. The exception would be [[Talisay (Cebu)]] which is fairly large & important. :: On the other hand, it would be nice to get the main cities up to Guide. I think Cebu is close, but it could use copy edits & more under Eat & Drink. L-L has problems; Drink is empty and there are only two Eat listings, far from ideal when you consider it is a tourist town & population is over 400,000. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 15:44, 19 July 2018 (UTC) :::I was a little unclear. Subarticles need only to be at usable status, and all of them are, which is good. It would certainly do no harm to have some of them at guide status, but they do not need to be. Secondly, I see no big problems with the article, though Eat and Drink looked a bit short. So there's no ''need'' to replace this one with Cebu City or Olango Island or some other article. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 16:24, 19 July 2018 (UTC) * Instead of making this region article DotM, there are two places within it that might be nominated instead, [[Cebu City]] (the area's main tourist destination) for DotM and [[Olango Island]] for OtBP (a strange one, about an hour's travel from an international airport but off the main tourist path). Neither is currently rated Guide, but I think both are close. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 16:01, 19 July 2018 (UTC) : A possible advantage of this as DotM is that it was created here rather than on WT before the split, as were [[Olango Island]] & I think some of its other subordinate articles. This might be good for SEO. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 17:31, 24 July 2018 (UTC) ::Another option on the cards is [[Alona Beach]]. It’s only at usable status at the moment, but with some more work it could be at guide status. The problem is coordinates there, though &mdash; the place is so crowded in that it’s hard to be sure about them. <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">talk</font>]] about my [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="#14866d">contributions</font>]]) 14:42, 3 September 2018 (UTC) : The [[Cebu City]] article has now been promoted to Guide. The article for the region's other main destination, [[Lapu-Lapu]], still does not have good Eat or Drink sections. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 12:37, 12 September 2018 (UTC) * The [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] reached the Philippines in March 1521. In April they went on to [[Cebu City]], their most important destination in the country, and Magellan was killed in a battle in what is now the city of [[Lapu-Lapu]], named for the opposing chief. Both those cities are now part of Metro Cebu, so the 500th anniversary in April 2021 might be a good time to feature this article. Around then might also be a good time for the Magellan article. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 22:52, 25 September 2018 (UTC) ::The Magellan article should definitely be run next summer when they started the journey. Even if there'd be some really good excuse to postpone the Magellan article until then, if the reason to run Metro Cebu in April 2021 would be Magellan's visit there, we should not run the articles simultaneously, as we traditionally don't want to feature several articles with the same theme too close to each other. ::If Metro Cebu needs to wait until 2021, it should (like [[Wikivoyage:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive/2016-2019#London/Hampstead|London/Hampstead]]) be parked in the slush pile until when it's time to move it to the schedule. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 19:08, 21 October 2018 (UTC) ::: It does not ''need'' to wait until then, but it ''could''. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 00:34, 3 November 2018 (UTC) ::::Featuring articles in tandem with timely events is well and good, but I really wish that people would stop suggesting we hold nominees off for years and years for the sole purpose of making them coincide with some far-in-the-future event (see also: [[#Birmingham (Alabama)|Birmingham, Alabama]]). A long period of time spent languishing on this page means that an article that was ready to go when it was nominated might well be full of outdated information by the time it actually goes on the Main Page. [[Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation]] is slotted for a summer FTT next year, but there's no reason we couldn't run a destination in the Philippines within the same general timeframe: by definition, a round-the-world voyage is not attributable to any geographical region in particular. Metro Cebu's "Time to feature" indicates a preference for the Northern Hemisphere winter, anyway, so it was a moot point from the getgo. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:44, 3 November 2018 (UTC) :::::Indeed. Sorry for sounding harsh, but after my [[Wikivoyage_talk:Destination_of_the_month_candidates/Archive#Just_a_little_question|comment in January]] where I was concerned about how long articles nowadays sit around on the Main Page there have been quite a few nominations that will have to wait for quite some time, and there have been many suggestions that this or that article should wait until 2020 or even 2021. [[User:Ypsilon|ϒpsilon]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|talk]]) 20:54, 3 November 2018 (UTC) : [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]] was expanded in 2018 making this destination busier & more attractive. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 13:34, 9 June 2019 (UTC) ::Sure. However, we need to make sure the article includes information about the expanded airport, rather than the older one, so that all information is accurate. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 04:19, 10 June 2019 (UTC) ::: Yes. I have done what I can, but I have not been there since the expansion & it could probably use more work. In particular, what are the food options in Terminal 2? And what transport is available between terminals? ::: The info is in the Lapu-Lapu article with redirects from [[CEB]] & [[Mactan-Cebu International Airport]]. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 23:25, 21 June 2019 (UTC) *The article mostly looks good to me. The short "Eat" and "Drink" sections don't bother me—in articles about smaller regions, it's often hard to find much to put in those sections. But shouldn't there be a "Do" section, to talk about diving if nothing else? —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 13:24, 26 November 2019 (UTC) :: I added [[Metro_Cebu#Do]]. It might need improvement. [[User:Pashley|Pashley]] ([[User talk:Pashley|talk]]) 10:33, 1 December 2019 (UTC) :::Thanks! Now I'll '''support'''. —[[User:Mx. Granger|Granger]]&nbsp;([[User talk:Mx. Granger|talk]] '''·''' [[Special:Contributions/Mx. Granger|contribs]]) 03:15, 3 December 2019 (UTC) *Looks like we're still shy one '''support''' vote and I haven't weighed in yet. Looks good to me! -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 04:56, 3 December 2019 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - DotM for January 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 00:34, 1 January 2020 (UTC) ====[[Norfolk Island]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Norfolk Island | blurb=Whether you're a history buff, a snorkeling enthuisiast, or just looking to get away from it all, this former South Sea penal colony has you covered. | status=Guide | time=Per [[:w:Norfolk_Island#Climate]], Sep-Feb has less than 15 rain days/month on average | nominatedBy= [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 17:27, 26 December 2018 (UTC) | comment=An OtBP for late 2019, maybe? The article has been thoroughly edited this year, so it shouldn't be too outdated. Many listings needed coordinates, but I just took care of that. | DotMImage=[[File:Norfolk Island jail1.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' -- [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 17:27, 26 December 2018 (UTC) * '''Support''' <small>--Comment by </small> '''[[User:SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">Selfie City</font>]]''' ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="olive">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="Olive">contributions</font>]]) 17:40, 26 December 2018 (UTC) * '''Support'''. --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 19:06, 29 December 2018 (UTC) * '''Support''' Work has been done to keep the page up to date. --[[User:Joshlama1|Joshlama1]] ([[User talk:Joshlama1|talk]]) 02:57, 6 December 2019 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - OtBP for January 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 01:01, 11 January 2020 (UTC) ====[[Driving in Brazil]]==== {{FeatureNom | place=Driving in Brazil | blurb=From road signs to fuel and safety issues, here's your source for all the information you need to know before hitting the road in South America's largest country. | status=Guide | time=Any (for each month there are some parts of Brazil where it's dry season and other parts where it rains) | nominatedBy= [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 18:46, 6 April 2019 (UTC) | comment=I've been thinking about nominating this one for some time. We haven't had "Driving in..." articles on the Main Page that often, moreover it would only be the second South American FTT. Per my comment at the [[Talk:Driving in Brazil|talk page]], I think the article describes all the issues a driving guide article should, otherwise I think [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] is happy to help filling in missing info. | DotMImage=[[File:Brazilian Federal Highway Police 2.jpg|thumb|300px]] }} * '''Support''' as nominator. -- [[User:Ypsilon|<font color="#0000ff"><b>ϒ</b>ψιλον</font>]] ([[User talk:Ypsilon|<font color="#333333">talk</font>]]) 18:46, 6 April 2019 (UTC) * Looks fine to me, but I'd like to know [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman's]] opinion on the article. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 18:59, 6 April 2019 (UTC) * I've done my share of copyediting in this article, and am happy to '''support''' it. Nice teamwork, guys. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 13:07, 8 April 2019 (UTC) * '''Support''' per above. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">Selfie City</font>]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|<font color="blue">talk</font>]] | [[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|<font color="blue">contributions</font>]]) 14:05, 8 April 2019 (UTC) *'''Support'''. Looks pretty complete. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 21:37, 21 April 2019 (UTC) *'''Outcome''' - FTT for January 2020. -- [[User:AndreCarrotflower|AndreCarrotflower]] ([[User talk:AndreCarrotflower|talk]]) 23:14, 20 January 2020 (UTC) extt4ptpxnpunvab9pctlaziinrm012 0 179389 4487693 4481843 2022-07-21T12:03:57Z SHB2000 2248002 |ftt=yes wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Wine Regions of Ontario Banner.jpg|ftt=yes}} [[File:Vineyard-Waupoos-Ontario.jpg|thumb|right|Vineyards in Prince Edward County.]] While many people would assume that [[Ontario]] is too cold to produce [[wine]], in fact the '''wine regions of Ontario''' are at the same latitude as Bordeaux, northern Italy and Oregon, and its grape-growing season is comparable to those of other wine-growing regions, at about 110 days. The province's 138 wineries (as of 2020) produce a wide range of cool climate wines, and the internationally-recognized ice wine. As a "cool climate region", at harvest time grapes are blessed with more concentrated flavours and balanced acidity, which makes them wonderfully food friendly. ==Understand == [[File:Wine grapes nearing harvest in Ontario-also example of trellis wire.jpg|thumb|right|Wine grapes at the Niagara Peninsula, Canada's largest wine growing region]] Wine is produced in many regions of Ontario, but the three principal regions are: * '''The Niagara Peninsula''', comprising **Niagara-on-the-Lake **Niagara Escarpment & Twenty Valley * '''Prince Edward County''' * '''The Lake Erie North Shore''' There are also wineries scattered across other regions. Many wineries are well set-up for ecotourism, offering tours, tastings, excellent restaurants, and sometimes bed-and-breakfast accommodations. ===Grapes=== Ontario vineyards grow an extensive variety of grapes for wines, but their signature grapes are: * Riesling — for white wines ranging from dry to off-dry to sweet * Chardonnay — for fresh unoaked white wines, or richer-flavoured wines cellared in oak casks, or for classic sparkling wine * Gamay Noir — for bright, easy-drinking, flavourful red wine * Pinot Noir — for a light-bodied, elegant red wine ===Climate and soil=== Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron play a huge role in moderating the climate, and creating the cool conditions that result in elegant, well-structured wines with good aging potential. The soil varies from clay to rock, with a high concentration of limestone, similar to the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France. ===Appellation=== [[File:Close up of VQA label on Canadian wine.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The VQA label on a bottle of Canadian icewine.]] Vintners Quality Alliance, or VQA, is a regulatory and appellation system which guarantees the high quality and authenticity of origin for Canadian wines made under that system in Ontario and British Columbia. It is similar to regulatory systems in France (AOC), Spain (DO), Italy (DOC), and Germany (QmP). Ontario VQA wines may be made from Vitis vinifera grape variety and approved hybrid varieties grown in Ontario. Ontario uses a range of vinifera varieties and notably permits the use of Vidal, particularly in the production of some icewines. To receive the VQA designation, wine must undergo testing by the regulating bodies. The VQA logo may appear anywhere on the bottle, or not at all. Wines that are "cellared in Ontario" or "international Canadian blends" are made from imported grapes or musts, or a blend of Canadian and imported grapes or musts. These wines are often of lower price and poor quality. ===Icewine=== [[File:Ice wine grapes.jpg|thumb|upright|A Niagara-based winery's grapes freezing over. Ontario is the world's largest producer of ice wine.]] Ontario and British Columbia are known worldwide for their icewines. Icewine is a very sweet, very complex, very flavourful, expensive "experience wine". Icewine grapes are left on the vines until the very end of the season, meaning that they have had the longest possible exposure to the sun. The grapes are only harvested when the temperature drops to {{C|-8}}, which is typically at 4AM one day in December, January or February. At that temperature, the remaining water in the grapes is frozen. The grapes are squeezed immediately, so that the sweet juice is not diluted by water, leading to an exceptionally intense taste. The most common grapes used for icewine in Ontario are Vidal, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay are less frequently used. Expect to pay between $20 for a 200 ml bottle up to $80 for a 375 ml bottle (2020). ===Late harvest wines=== Late harvest wines are cousins of icewines: the grapes are left on the vines late into the season, soaking up lots of sunshine, but they are harvested before the freezing temperatures. They are complex and sweet, but not as intense as icewines, and are less expensive. Vidal or riesling grapes are commonly used. Expect to pay around $16 for a 750 ml bottle (2020). ==Regions== The wineries of the Niagara Peninsula are a 70- to 90-minute drive from Toronto, and several companies do wine-tasting tours by bus from Toronto. See the [[Toronto#Go_next|Toronto]] article. === The Niagara Peninsula=== ====Niagara-on-the-Lake==== :''For information on getting in and where to stay, see [[Niagara-on-the-Lake]].'' {{Mapframe|43.2 |-79.1 |zoom=11|show=drink}} The deep waters of Lake Ontario and the fast-flowing Niagara River moderate temperatures throughout the region, reducing the risk of late spring and early fall frosts. Most of this region is lakeshore plains land, characterized by long, gentle slopes. The gentle topography provides generous sunlight exposure and heat accumulation during the day. Clear, calm conditions often result in high daily temperature ranges and excellent growing conditions. The terrain ranges sandy loam soils to soils primarily consisting of red shale with a high silt and clay content. The region hosts 37 wineries (as of 2020). There and several bus tours available from Niagara-on-the-Lake. Here are some wineries that provide tours, and welcome walk-in visitors: * {{listing | type=drink | name=Marynissen Estates | alt= | url=https://marynissen.com | email= | address=1208 Concession 1, Niagara-on-the-Lake | lat=43.2060711 | long=-79.0709550 || directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=It is known for its complex, well-balanced reds. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Niagara College Teaching Winery| alt= | url=https://niagaracollegewine.ca | email= | address=135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake | | lat=43.1522428 | long= -79.1639985 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=A teaching winery housed in the Wine Visitor and Education Centre, also has ciders and spirits. Restaurant on site. }} [[File:Peller Estates 1.jpg|thumb|400px|Peller Estates Winery]] * {{listing | type=drink | name=Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant| alt= | url=https://www.peller.com | email= | address=290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake | lat=43.2386689 | long=-79.0672426 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=One of Canada's largest wine producers. Restaurant on site. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ravine Vineyard | alt= | url=https://www.ravinevineyard.com | email= | address=1366 York Road, St. Davids | lat=43.1585535 | long= -79.1051153 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=A fifth generation family farm with organic vineyards. Restaurant on site. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Strewn Winery | alt= | url=http://strewnwinery.com | email= | address=1339 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake | lat=43.2523922 | long=-79.1255115 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=In a renovated 1940s fruit cannery. Restaurant on site. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Trius Winery & Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.triuswines.com | email= | address=1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake | lat=43.2428159 | long=-79.0957931 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Trius sparkling wines are made in the traditional method, aged in Canada’s largest underground sparkling cellar. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Wayne Gretzky Estates | alt= | url=http://www.gretzkyestateswines.com | email= | address=1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake | lat=43.2113839 | long=-79.1343914 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Yes, a winery owned by the hockey player. Restaurant on site. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Iniskillin | alt= | url=https://www.inniskillin.com/ | email= | address=1499 Line #3, Niagara-on-the-Lake | lat=43.21057246004157 | long=-79.06396079287916 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=The world's most famous ice wine brand. }} ====Niagara Escarpment & Twenty Valley==== :''For information on getting in and where to stay, see [[St. Catharines]].'' {{Mapframe|43.15|-79.4|zoom=11|show=drink}} The Niagara Escarpment shelters the region from the prevailing southwesterly winds, and the escarpment ridge reflects the lake breezes providing a well-moderated climate throughout the year. The benchlands begin below the ridge of the Niagara Escarpment. The soil ranges from water-stratified clay and silt to rich calcareous clay loam. Combined with groundwater flowing from the base of the escarpment during the dry summers, these soils provide steady moisture to vines throughout the growing season. The region hosts 53 wineries (as of 2020). Here are some that provide tours, welcome walk-in visitors, and have a restaurant: * {{listing | type=drink | name=Creekside Estate Winery | alt= | url=https://www.creeksidewine.com | email= | address= 2170 Fourth Avenue, Jordan Station | lat=43.1446793 | long=-79.3687114 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah are the signature wines. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Di Profio Estate Wines | alt= | url=https://www.diprofiowines.ca | email= | address=4055 Nineteenth Street, Jordan | lat=43.1566365 | long= -79.3688278 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Small batch wines, mostly from grapes hand-picked in their own vineyards. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Harbour Estates Winery | alt= | url=http://hewwine.com | email= | address=4362 Jordan Road, Jordan Station | lat=43.1432857 | long=-79.3588653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=A focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. }} * {{drink | name=Henry of Pelham Estate Winery | alt= | url=http://henryofpelham.com/ | email= | address=1469 Pelham Rd, St. Catharines | lat=43.108819 | long=-79.295801 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=The Pelham family has been growing grapes here for six generations. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Honsberger Estate | alt= | url=https://honsbergerestate.com | email= | address=4060 Jordan Road, Jordan | lat=43.1432857 | long=-79.3588653 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Focused on Cabernet Franc and Riesling. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Ridgepoint Wines | alt= | url=http://ridgepointwines.com | email= | address=3900 Cherry Avenue, Vineland | lat=43.1116223 | long=-79.4113817 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=A focus on red wines made according to Italian traditions. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Vineland Estates Winery | alt= | url=https://vineland.com | email= | address=3620 Moyer Road, Vineland | lat=43.1425185 | long=-79.4057894 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content= }} === Prince Edward County=== :''For information on getting in and where to stay, see [[Prince Edward County]].'' {{Mapframe|43.95|-77.4|zoom=10|show=drink}} Prevailing breezes come from the west across Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte to moderate temperatures. During the summer, they keep average temperatures around 22°C. "The County" has many hills and valleys creating different exposures for vines. Its topsoils range from reddish-brown clay loam to sandy loam and overlay limestone bedrock embedded with shale fragments. The county hosts 20 wineries (as of 2020). Here are some that provide tours and welcome walk-in visitors: * {{listing | type=drink | name=Broken Stone Winery | alt= | url=https://www.brokenstonewinery.com | email= | address=524 Closson Road, Hillier | lat=43.9916797 | long= -77.4106637 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=By Chadsey's Cairns Winery and Vineyard | alt= | url=http://bychadseyscairns.com | email= | address =17432 Loyalist Parkway, Wellington | lat=43.9440849 | long=-77.3777745 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Gamay Noir, and rarer wines, using only County grapes. }} [[File:Casa Dea Winery, Prince Edward County, Ontario 6628 (7171031767).jpg|thumb|Casa-Dea Estates]] * {{listing | type=drink | name=Casa-Dea Estates | alt= | url=https://casadeaestates.com | email= | address=1186 Greer Road, Wellington | lat=43.9618088 | long=-77.4080224 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=One of the very few Prince Edward County wineries that use only grapes from the County. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Closson Chase | alt= | url=https://www.clossonchase.com | email= | address=629 Closson Road, Hillier | lat=43.9850463 | long= -77.4213834 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Specializing in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris grapes. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Karlo Estates | alt= | url=https://www.karloestates.com | email= | address=561 Danforth Road, Wellington | lat=43.9671363 | long=-77.3719966 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Fruit-driven wines that have balance and great complexity. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Sandbanks Estate Winery| alt= | url=https://www.sandbankswinery.com | email= | address= 17598 Loyalist Parkway, Wellington | lat=43.9440849 | long=-77.3777745 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot noir, Vidal, Geisenheim and Marechal Foch. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Trail Estate Winery| alt= | url=https://trailestate.com | email= | address=416 Benway Road, Hillier | lat=43.9706512 | long=-77.4147363 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content= }} === The Lake Erie North Shore === :''For information on getting in and where to stay, see [[Essex County (Ontario)|Essex County]].'' {{Mapframe|42.15|-82.8|zoom=10|show=drink}} Lake Erie North Shore has a long growing season because of the quick summer warming of the shallow waters of Lake Erie and because it gets lots of sunshine during the growing season. The region's terrain is made up of long, gentle slopes that face in all directions. It enjoys prevailing southwesterly winds, and a lake breeze that moderates the entire area during the long growing season. Its light-textured, well-drained soils contain mostly sandy loam and gravel deposits which overlie shale limestone bedrock. The region hosts 12 wineries (as of 2020). Here are some that provide tours and welcome walk-in visitors: * {{listing | type=drink | name=Mastronardi Estate Winery | alt= | url=http://mastronardiwines.com | email= | address=1193 Road 3 East, Kingsville | lat=42.0625000 | long=-82.6935052 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content= }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Muscedere Vineyards | alt= | url=https://muscederevineyards.com | email= | address=7457 County Road #18, Harrow | lat=42.0875427 | long=-82.8951300 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Grapes hand-harvested from its vineyard to produce small hand-crafted lots. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=North 42 Degrees Estate | alt= | url=https://north42degrees.com | email= | address=130 County Road 50 East, Harrow | lat=41.9852165 | long= -82.9205956 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Pelee Island Winery & Pavilion | alt= | url=https://www.peleeisland.com/ | email= | address=455 Seacliff Drive, Kingsville | lat=42.0368790 | long=-82.7215362 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content=Canada’s warmest and southernmost appellation. }} * {{listing | type=drink | name=Viewpointe Estate Winery | alt= | url=http://www.viewpointewinery.com | email= | address=151, County Road 50 East, Harrow | lat=41.9852158 | long=-82.9176317 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-07-03 | content= }} ===Other regions=== {{mapframe|show=forestgreen}} <!--map error. see [[Wikivoyage:Traveller's pub]] about this--> There are 16 wineries outside of the three principal regions. These wineries are not permitted to participate in the VQA program, but nonetheless make some interesting wines that are worth trying. ====North of Toronto==== * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=Adamo Estate Winery | alt= | url=http://adamoestate.com | email= | address=93366 3rd Line EHS, Mono, near [[Orangeville (Ontario)|Orangeville]] | lat=43.9655 | long=-80.0418 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=Holland Marsh Wineries | alt= | url=http://hmwineries.ca | email= | address=18270 Keele St, [[Newmarket (Ontario)|Newmarket]] | lat=44.0565 | long= -79.5605| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} ====Norfolk County==== * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=Burning Kiln Winery | alt= | url=http://www.burningkilnwinery.ca | email= | address=1709 Front Road, St Williams, 27 km W of [[Port Dover]] | lat= 42.6886 | long=-80.3522 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} ====Georgian Bay==== * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=Coffin Ridge | alt= | url=https://www.coffinridge.ca | email= | address=599448 2nd Concession North, Annan, Grey County, 10 km NE of [[Owen Sound]] | lat=44.6635 | long=-80.7756 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=The Roost Wine Company | alt= | url=https://www.roostwinery.ca | email= | address=415763 10th Line, The Blue Mountains, 22 km west of [[Collingwood (Ontario)|Collingwood]] | lat=44.4431 | long=-80.4461 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} ====Huron Shores==== * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=2nd Streetlight | alt= | url=https://www.2ndstreetlightwines.ca | email= | address=36594 Huron Road, [[Clinton (Ontario)|Clinton]] | lat=43.6856 | long= -81.6305 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=Cornerfield Wine | alt= | url=https://www.cornerfieldwineco.com/site/home | email= | address=74444 Bluewater Highway, Bayfield, south of [[Goderich]] | lat=43.4951 | long=-81.6951| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=Dark Horse Estate Winery | alt= | url=http://darkhorseestatewinery.com | email= | address=70665 B Line, [[Grand Bend]] | lat=43.3112 | long=-81.7308 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} * {{listing |type=forestgreen | name=Alton Farms Estate Winery | alt= | url=http://altonfarmsestatewinery.com | email= | address=5547 Aberarder Line, Plympton-Wyoming, 26 km east of [[Sarnia]] | lat=43.0511 | long=-82.0405 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-21 | content= }} ==Buy== Ontario wines are available at the wineries, in LCBO stores, in small chains of retail shops owned by the wineries, and in some grocery stores. Prices will be approximately the same in each type of store, and high in comparison to many other countries because of high taxation. You may get some inexpensive VQA wines for as little as $12, but something more refined will cost $15-20, and you can easily spend a lot more for the better bottles. The '''stores at the wineries''' have the widest selection by far, but are only useful if you are touring the wineries. [[File:LCBO5995Yonge.JPG|thumb|LCBO store in Toronto]] The 660 government-owned '''LCBO stores''' are the biggest wine retailer in the province, and one of the largest in the world. The former monopoly generally carries a good range of Ontario and other wines, but stores range from limited-selection boutiques up to sprawling wine-and-spirits emporia. The larger stores have "product consultants" who are very knowledgeable about wines and will be happy to help you choose. The "Vintages" section in each stores carries wines that are on limited release or are of better quality. While "LCBO" stands for "Liquor Control Board of Ontario", the stores are no longer Soviet-style distribution points that dole out the demon drink as they were in the 1970s. In Toronto, the LCBO store at 49 Spadina Ave. near King Street West specializes in VQA wines (and Ontario craft beers), and has a tasting bar. The '''wineries' retail chains''' have small shops scattered around the province, selling only their own products. But as many wineries are owned by large companies, these chains have a good range of wines in various price ranges. The 160 or so [https://www.winerack.com Wine Rack] stores carry the products of Arterra Wines, and the 100 [https://www.thewineshops.com Wine Shop] stores carry the products of Peller Family Vineyards. They will carry wines you won't find at the LCBO. '''Grocery stores''' began selling wine in 2016. A few hundred grocery stores sell wine, and they typically have limited selections. {{PartOfTopic|Wine|Canada}} {{Guidetopic}} cqs6pl8y5bhfbhrwqr4fpf0bvdrmx82 0 179730 4487862 4464584 2022-07-21T18:06:27Z Kattimattinen 2244977 NOPA service wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} {{mapframe}} '''[https://orivesi.fi/ Orivesi]''' is a town in [[Pirkanmaa]], Finland. ==Understand== ==Get in== ''See [[Tampere#Get around]] for information about fares and tickets'' ===By train=== [[File:Oriveden rautatieasema.JPG|thumb|Orivesi railway station]] Regional trains between [[Tampere]] and Keuruu stop at '''Orivesi keskusta''' station near the center, intercity trains between Tampere and [[Jyväskylä]] stop at {{marker|type=go |name=Orivesi railway station |lat=61.650255|long=24.367737}} which is located about 4 km from the center, '''Nyssykkä''' connection minibuses between Orivesi railway station and Orivesi center operated by Tampere local transport authority are available. * {{listing | type=go | name=Nyssykkä | alt= | url=https://joukkoliikenne.tampere.fi/aikataulut-ja-reitit/palvelu-ja-kaukoliikenne/nyssykka.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50 544 8655| tollfree= | hours= | price=€3,50 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-08-10 | content=Order Nyssykkä by calling at least 60 minutes before your train's scheduled departure or arrival time in Orivesi. }} ===By bus=== Tampere route planner can be used to find connections to Orivesi. [https://reittiopas.matkahuolto.fi/ Matkahuolto route planner] finds some long distance bus connections to Orivesi which are not included in Tampere regional route planner. Long-distance buses are available from Tampere, [[Turku]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Kokkola]]. ==Get around== [https://orivesi.fi/asukkaalle/asuminen-rakentaminen-ja-ymparisto/kadut-ja-liikenne/joukkoliikenne/ NOPA] is an public transport service for passengers of all ages. You can board the NOPA from any safe stop along the route (it doesn't have to be a bus stop) by waving your hand. NOPA also operates on dial-a-ride basis. You can call the driver of a NOPA car directly and order a ride in the call area of the car. ===By taxi=== * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi ==See== *{{see | name=Eläin- ja elämyspiha Ponimaa| url=http://www.ponimaa.fi/ | email=palomaa@kotiposti.net | address=Kallioniemi 14, Orivesi | lat=61.5853967 | long=24.5947391 | directions= | phone=+358 440 77 3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€10/person | content=A domestic animal farm. For example, horses and ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and cats, chickens and ducks. }} *{{see | name=Pukala Recreational Forest| url=https://www.luontoon.fi/pukala | email= | address=Valkealahdentie 322, Orivesi | lat=61.6737375 | long=24.1493191 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Good opportunities for hiking and berry picking and mushroom picking. The rocky islands, straits and bay coves of the northern part of Lake Pukalajärvi offer a sheltered environment e.g. kayaking and fishing. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Ravintola Vallesmanni | url=https://vallesmanni.fi/ | email=juhlapalvelut@vallesmanni.fi | address=Keskustie 26 | lat=61.6757678 | long=24.3548812 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mo-Fr 11:00-13:30 | price= | content= }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Pirkanmaa}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|61.6774395|24.3574084|zoom=13}} 78vcdxutmgnfk1o8w2nznw2c138dlen 4487864 4487862 2022-07-21T18:06:42Z Kattimattinen 2244977 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} {{mapframe}} '''[https://orivesi.fi/ Orivesi]''' is a town in [[Pirkanmaa]], Finland. ==Understand== ==Get in== ''See [[Tampere#Get around]] for information about fares and tickets'' ===By train=== [[File:Oriveden rautatieasema.JPG|thumb|Orivesi railway station]] Regional trains between [[Tampere]] and Keuruu stop at '''Orivesi keskusta''' station near the center, intercity trains between Tampere and [[Jyväskylä]] stop at {{marker|type=go |name=Orivesi railway station |lat=61.650255|long=24.367737}} which is located about 4 km from the center, '''Nyssykkä''' connection minibuses between Orivesi railway station and Orivesi center operated by Tampere local transport authority are available. * {{listing | type=go | name=Nyssykkä | alt= | url=https://joukkoliikenne.tampere.fi/aikataulut-ja-reitit/palvelu-ja-kaukoliikenne/nyssykka.html {{dead link|December 2020}} | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+358 50 544 8655| tollfree= | hours= | price=€3,50 | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2020-08-10 | content=Order Nyssykkä by calling at least 60 minutes before your train's scheduled departure or arrival time in Orivesi. }} ===By bus=== Tampere route planner can be used to find connections to Orivesi. [https://reittiopas.matkahuolto.fi/ Matkahuolto route planner] finds some long distance bus connections to Orivesi which are not included in Tampere regional route planner. Long-distance buses are available from Tampere, [[Turku]], [[Jyväskylä]] and [[Kokkola]]. ==Get around== [https://orivesi.fi/asukkaalle/asuminen-rakentaminen-ja-ymparisto/kadut-ja-liikenne/joukkoliikenne/ NOPA] is a public transport service for passengers of all ages. You can board the NOPA from any safe stop along the route (it doesn't have to be a bus stop) by waving your hand. NOPA also operates on dial-a-ride basis. You can call the driver of a NOPA car directly and order a ride in the call area of the car. ===By taxi=== * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi ==See== *{{see | name=Eläin- ja elämyspiha Ponimaa| url=http://www.ponimaa.fi/ | email=palomaa@kotiposti.net | address=Kallioniemi 14, Orivesi | lat=61.5853967 | long=24.5947391 | directions= | phone=+358 440 77 3000 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price=€10/person | content=A domestic animal farm. For example, horses and ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and cats, chickens and ducks. }} *{{see | name=Pukala Recreational Forest| url=https://www.luontoon.fi/pukala | email= | address=Valkealahdentie 322, Orivesi | lat=61.6737375 | long=24.1493191 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Good opportunities for hiking and berry picking and mushroom picking. The rocky islands, straits and bay coves of the northern part of Lake Pukalajärvi offer a sheltered environment e.g. kayaking and fishing. }} ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== *{{eat | name=Ravintola Vallesmanni | url=https://vallesmanni.fi/ | email=juhlapalvelut@vallesmanni.fi | address=Keskustie 26 | lat=61.6757678 | long=24.3548812 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Mo-Fr 11:00-13:30 | price= | content= }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Pirkanmaa}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|61.6774395|24.3574084|zoom=13}} owb1mh5taify7jvltu039hhm0k3wb8p 0 180107 4488219 4482841 2022-07-22T11:49:13Z Talefiko 602172 /* Loutra */ Added listing for Boccata Kythnos wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''[https://www.kithnosisland.gr/ Kythnos]''' is one of the [[Cyclades]] islands in the Aegean Sea. The island is of volcanic origin, very dry, and thinly populated. ==Understand== [[Greek phrasebook|Greek]] is the native language of the people of Kythnos. Most people also speak passable English and some of them speak other European languages. ==Get in== ===By ferry=== The port of Merichas is connected to [[Piraeus]] and [[Lavrio]] by ferry boat, and the ride takes one to four hours, depending on the speed of the ship and the weather. Construction of a new mole began in 2005 to accommodate larger ferryboats and it was completed in 2008. === By helicopter === Transportation to Kythnos is also possible by helicopter (for those how can afford the cost). Flights are organized by private companies mainly from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport and the old Airport of Elliniko in Athens. * {{Listing|name=Kythnos Heliport|alt=Kythnos Helipad|url=https://avinfo.greekhelicopters.gr/?p=1234|email=dkithnou@otenet.gr|lat=37.428182387764956|long=24.43109184350082|directions=2 km NE of Chora|phone=+30 2281361100, +30 2281361105|lastedit=2022-06-28}} ==Get around== {{mapframe|37.3905|24.4247|zoom=12|width=400|height=700}} === By car === You can bring your own car to the island but you can also rent a car. Car rental companies operate in Merichas (island's main port), Chora (island's capital & main village), and Loutra. Driving at high speed should be avoided because of island's narrow and problematic roads. === By taxi === There are taxis operating in Kythnos, covering the whole road network of the island. Merihas Port serves as their main stand. === By sea === In Kythnos moving by sea is also an option. Hiring boats or use them as water-taxis for cruises, and visiting remote and/or inaccessible by road beaches. Companies of that kind operate in Merichas and Loutra. ==See== * {{see | name=Maroulas | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Mesolithic site Maroulas, Kythnos, 190204x.jpg | wikidata=Q1902387 | lastedit=2020-08-16 | content=The archaeological remains of the oldest settlement on any of the [[Cyclades]], about 10,000 years old. The 1500-m² site has been excavated for over a decade since 1996 and was revealed to the public in 2010. Countless artifacts, many of them from obsidian (volcanic glass) have been unearthed by archaeologists. }} * {{see | name= Fykiada beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56248847 |image=Fykiada beach near Kolona, Kythnos.jpg | lastedit=2020-08-16 | content= }} * {{see | name=Oros Atheras-Cape Kefalos and coastal zone | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Σιλιβούτι στη περιοχή Natura Κύθνου.jpg | wikidata=Q53673064 | lastedit=2020-08-16 | content=Natural reserve. NATURA 2000, GR4220010. }} * {{see | name=Merichas | alt= | url=https://www.kythnos.net/merichas.php | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Μέριχας, Κύθνος.jpg | wikidata=Q25166569 | lastedit=2020-08-16 | content=The main port of the island. }} * {{see | name=Kolona Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.414868 | long=24.377013 | directions=north of Merichas Port | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Kolona beach, Kythnos 2018 n2.jpg | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=A famous beach on the homonymous bay. }} * {{see | name=Castle of Oria | alt=Katakefalo | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.4636 | long=24.4096 | directions=on the NW part of Kythnos | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Το κάστρο της Ωριάς ή Κατακεφάλου στην Κύθνο.jpg | wikidata=Q65273148 | lastedit=2022-05-24 | content=A ruined fortified settlement. Used to be the medieval capital of the island. }} * {{see | name=Panagia Eleousa | alt=Panagia Kareleousa | url= | email= | address=Oria or Katakefalo Castle | lat=37.463067 | long=24.410659 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Αγία Ελεούσα Καστρο Ωριας 2.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=An old church inside Oria or Katakefalo Castle. It was built probably in the early 13th century but renovated later. }} * {{see | name=Katafyki Cave | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dryopida | lat=37.38199 | long=24.42964 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Katafyki cave | image=Katafiki.jpg | lastedit=2022-05-24 | content=Entrance is allowed only with a guide. }} * {{see | name=Panagia Kanala | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.3448 | long=24.43619 | directions= | phone=+302281032379 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Panagia Kanala, 190401.jpg | wikidata=Q56248819 | lastedit=2022-05-24 | content=Greek Orthodox church and shrine dedicated to Virgin Mary. }} * {{see | name=Panagia of Nikous | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chora | lat=37.4112 | long=24.43949 | directions=Close to Chora | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Παναγιά Νίκους Χώρα Kythnos.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=The catholicon of a dissolved monastery, W of Chora. }} * {{see | name=Taxiarchis in Velidi | alt=Taxiarchis sto Velidi | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.39645 | long=24.43356 | directions=On the road between Chora and Dryopida | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Ταξιάρχης Kythnos.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=The catholicon of a dissolved monastery. }} * {{see | name=Apokrousi Beach | alt=Apokrisi | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.4133 | long=24.3976 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Apokrousi beach, Kythnos, 190228.jpg | wikidata=Q21693234 | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content= }} * {{see | name=Episkopi Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.39974 | long=24.39941 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Episkopi beach, Kythnos 2018.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=A beach bar operates during the summer months. }} * {{see | name=Flampouria Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.3639 | long=24.3996 | directions=on the west side of the island | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=ΦΛΑΜΠΟΥΡΙΑ.jpg | wikidata=Q21693272 | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=Split in two by a huge rock, it combines sand and pebbles. The local church of Panagia Flampouriani celebrates annually on August 23 and a traditional feast ("panigiri") takes place. }} * {{see | name=Skylou Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.33265 | long=24.41617 | directions=SW of Kanala | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Παραλία Σκύλου Κύθνος.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=In the small settlement of Skylos. A beach you can reach through a dirt road. }} * {{see | name=Simousi Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.32602 | long=24.41145 | directions=Between the beaches of Skylou and Gaidouromandra on the SE side of Kythnos | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Σιμουσί.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=A sandy beach. The sea here is usually calm. }} * {{see | name=Gaidouromantra Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Gantromantra | lat=37.3186 | long=24.40178 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=ΓΑΙΔΟΥΡΟΜΑΝΤΡΑ Kythnos.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=A long sandy beach in the small seasonal settlement of Gantromantra on the SE coast of Kythnos. Visitors are advised to bring some supplies with them (like food & water) since the stores don't exist there. }} * {{see | name=Antonides Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kanala | lat=37.34686 | long=24.43809 | directions=W of Cape Kanala | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=A small beach in Kanala known for its turquoise waters. According to the local myths it's named after two first cousins named Antonis (Greek term for Anthony) who were killed by a shark or saved by a dolphin while swimming in the area. }} * {{see | name=Megali Ammos | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kanala | lat=37.34648 | long=24.43204 | directions=On the E side of Kythnos | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Κanala Kythnos, Megali ammos beach201808.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=The main beach of Kanala. A sandy beach. Popular among families. }} * {{see | name=Naousa Beach | alt=Aosa | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.38887 | long=24.45307 | directions=on the E side of Kythnos | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Naoussa Kythnos 201808 beach and settlement.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=A sandy beach connected with the nerby beaches of Kouri & Zogaki. It can be reached by vehicle until 200 m before the destination. For the distance remaining visitors have to walk. }} * {{see | name=Agios Dimitrios Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Agios Dimitrios | lat=37.31133 | long=24.37382 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=ΑΗ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=A wide & sandy beach on the SW part of Kythnos. }} * {{see | name=Kalo Livadi Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kalo Livadi | lat=37.35608 | long=24.44256 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=Good swimming but without facilities. }} * [[File:Katafiki.jpg|thumb|Inside Katafyki cave]]{{see | name=Church of Agios Savvas | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chora of Kythnos | lat=37.412404 | long=24.429129 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Αγ. Σάββας Χώρα Κύθνου.jpg | wikidata=Q112262064 | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=A 17th-century Orthodox church and monument. }} * {{see | name=Agios Stefanos Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Agios Stefanos | lat=37.397022 | long=24.457508 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Παραλία Αγ. Στεφάνου Kythnos.jpg | wikidata=Q21693233 | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=It has both sand and pebbles and is popular with families. }} * {{see | name=Lefkes Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Lefkes | lat=37.374154 | long=24.45163 | directions=west of Dryopida | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Λεύκες 2.jpg | wikidata=Q21693268 | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A quiet beach about 6 km from Dryopida. }} * {{see | name=Liotrivi Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Liotrivi | lat=37.368792 | long=24.449098 | directions=between Kalo Livadi & Lefkes on the E side of Kythnos | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q21693269 | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A remote beach next to a seasonal settlement under the same name. }} * {{see | name=Potamia Beach | alt= | url=https://www.kythnos.net/beaches/potamia-beach.php | email= | address= | lat=37.459903 | long=24.42898 | directions=north of Loutra, accessible by boat and/or by a dirt road | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A remote beach with deep waters on the NW part of Kythnos. }} * {{see | name=Kavourocheri Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.452929 | long=24.428827 | directions=north of Loutra | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A small & remote beach close to Loutra of the north part of the island. }} * {{see | name=Martinakia Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.393212 | long=24.398159 | directions=Merichas | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Martinakia beach, Kythnos island, Greece.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A small beach very close to the port of Merichas. It has a beach bar, taverns, hotels, and apartments. }} * {{see | name=Arkoudi Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Loutra Bay | lat=37.438108 | long=24.430601 | directions=on the north part of Kythnos, between Loutra and Agia Irini | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A quiet beach in Loutra Bay. It's close to the road but not easily accessible. }} * {{see | name=Agia Irini Beach | alt=Saint Irene | url= | email= | address=Agia Irini | lat=37.43857 | long=24.43439 | directions=on the north part of Kythnos | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Αγ. Ειρήνη Κύθνου.jpg | wikidata=Q15989369 | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A small and sandy beach. }} * {{see | name=Agios Sostis Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.461779 | long=24.433552 | directions=north of Loutra | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Αγιος Σώστης Κύθνος.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A remote beach, accessible by a dirt road. }} * {{see | name=Schinari Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address=Schinari | lat=37.445208 | long=24.426706 | directions=north of Loutra | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=A sandy beach close to Loutra. }} * {{see | name=Agios Minas Church | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dryopida | lat=37.384519 | long=24.43185 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q112299539 | lastedit=2022-06-17 | content=Orthodox church and monument. Notable for its wooden iconostasis. }} * {{see | name=Zogaki Beach | alt=Zogkaki | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.382475 | long=24.453556 | directions=east of Dryopida | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Ζογκάκι.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=A quiet and sandy beach, very close to other beaches of the east part of Kythnos (Aosa, Kouri, Lefkes, Liotrivi). }} * {{See|name=Kouri Beach|lat=37.385334|long=24.453836|directions=east of Dryopida|lastedit=2022-06-20|content=A sandy beach between Zogaki and Naousa.}} * {{see | name=Mavrianos Beach | alt=Mavrianou Beach | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.350259 | long=24.386118 | directions=south of Merichas | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=A remote beach on the west side of Kythnos. Visitors are advised to bring some supplies with them (like food & water) since the stores don't exist there. }} * [[File:Κολώνα Kythnos.jpg|thumb|Kolona Beach]]{{See|name=Mathias' laundry basins|lat=37.375647|long=24.439821|directions=southeast of Dryopida & close to Lefkes|lastedit=2022-06-20|content=Old laundry basins in the region of Mathias|image=Πλυσταριό στο δρόμο Δρυοπίδα Λεύκες.jpg}} * {{see | name=Alyki Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.318328 | long=24.373919 | directions=on the southwest part of Kythnos | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=A remote and sandy beach, accessible by a dirt road. It is close to Agios Dimitrios. Visitors are advised to bring some supplies with them since stores don't exist there nor shade. }} * {{see | name=Theatraki Dryopidas | alt=Small theater of Dryopida | url= | email= | address=Dryopida | lat=37.381983 | long=24.431661 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Theatraki, Dryopida Kythnos 2018.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=An open-air theater in Dryopida where various festivals, concert & activities are held especially during the summer months. }} * {{see | name=Ecclesiastical & Byzantine Museum | alt=Agios Geogios | url= | email= | address=Dryopida | lat=37.383182 | long=24.431306 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 09:00-14:00, 17:00-20:00 | price= | image=Agios Georgios church, Dryopda, Kyythnos, 190424.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=A small ecclesiastical museum inside the church of Agios Georgios. It is an initiative of a local priest. }} * {{see | name=Evangelistria | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dryopida | lat=37.384083 | long=24.431821 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Evangelistria Church in Dryopides, Kythnos, 190351.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-27 | content=Church in Dryopida. Listed monument. }} * {{see | name=The Folklore Museum of Chora | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chora | lat=37.412384 | long=24.431687 | directions=in Piazza neighborhood | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 07:00-12:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=Founded in 2014 it's a folklore collection of objects exhibited in a traditional house. }} * {{see | name=Katholiko Park | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chora | lat=37.412523 | long=24.429828 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Catolico in Chora of Kythnos, 190161.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=Park in Chora where sculptures and architectural finds have been exhibited since 1973. }} * {{see | name=Agios Ioannis Theologos | alt=Theologos | url= | email= | address=Chora | lat=37.412364 | long=24.431483 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Άγιος Ιωάννης Θεολόγος στη Χώρα Κύθνου.jpg | wikidata=Q112167215 | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=A small church renovated in 1845 and declared in 1987 as a listed monument. }} * {{see | name=Agios Panteleimon | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chora | lat=37.412346 | long=24.430027 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Agios Panteleimon Church.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=A small church declared as a listed monument by the Greek State. }} * {{see | name=Sklavos Beach | alt=Sklavou | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.466998 | long=24.41052 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Παραλία Σκλαβου από το Καστρο Ωριάς.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=A remote beach near Oria or Katakefalo Castle only accessible by boat. }} * {{see | name=Panagia Stratilatissa | alt=Panagia Stratolatissa | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.348102 | long=24.4079 | directions=3 km south of Dryopida | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Η Παναγία η Στρατολάτησα , Kythnos.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=The catholicon of a dissolved monastery. }} * {{see | name=Panagia Flabouriani | alt=Flabouriani | url= | email= | address=Flabouria | lat=37.363399 | long=24.398496 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Παναγία Φλαμπουριανή Κύθνος.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=An old church dedicated to Virgin Mary mentioned in many of Kythnos' local myths and traditions. }} * {{see | name=Kanala pine forest | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kanala | lat=37.345691 | long=24.436328 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Κανάλα πευκοδάσος.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=Inside Panagia Kanala area, it's the only pine forest of the island. }} * {{see | name=Vryokastro | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.407678 | long=24.395274 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Βρυόκαστρο.jpg |wikipedia=Vryokastro| lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=Archaeological site. }} * {{see | name=Agia Anna | alt= | url= | email= | address=Panagia Stratilatissa | lat=37.347901 | long=24.407866 | directions=next to Panagia Stratilatissa | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Αγία Άννα εξωτερική όψη.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-22 | content=A 19th-century chapel inside the area of Stratilatissa. }} * {{see | name=Lagousi Beach | alt=Ragousi | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.395512 | long=24.463100 | directions=close to Agios Stefanos. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-23 | content=No vehicle access. }} * {{see | name=Agios Loukas | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.412639 | long=24.377676 | directions=over Kolona Beach | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Άγιος Λουκάς.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-23 | content=A chapel of the late 18th century on the rocky islet/peninsula which is known under the same name. }} * {{see | name=Loutra Natural Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.441216 | long=24.426192 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Η γούρνα των ιαματικών στα Λουτρά Κύθνου.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-24 | content=A free natural spa in the spot where the waters from the two hot springs of Loutra (Kakavos and Agioi Anargyroi) unite. }} * {{see | name=Sifnios Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.377490 | long=24.454572 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Σιφνιός.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-27 | content= }} * {{See|name=Petrousa Beach|lat=37.304207847040324|long=24.38029122977208|directions=S of Agios Dimitrios on the E side of Kythnos|lastedit=2022-06-27|content=A sandy beach, not easily accessible}} * {{see | name=Divlaka Beach | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.340468 | long=24.379263 | directions=on the W part of Kythnos, S of Merichas and Flabouria | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-28 | content=Accessible by vehicles through a dirt road until one point. A brief walk is also needed. }} * {{see | name=Kastellas Beach | alt=Kastella | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.358076 | long=24.389027 | directions=on the west side of the island, close to Flabouria | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-28 | content=A remote beach near the homonymous archaeological site. Visitors are advised to bring some supplies with them. }} * {{see | name=Loutra Spa | alt= | url= | email= | address=Loutra | lat=37.441066 | long=24.424557 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Healing Water Source.jpg | wikidata=Q112670959 | lastedit=2022-06-28 | content=19th-century facilities of an old hydrotherapy spa, nowadays a listed monument. }} * {{see | name=Mazarakis Tower | alt= | url= | email= | address=Loutra | lat=37.441361 | long=24.426952 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Λουτρά Kythnos Κυκλάδες.jpg | lastedit=2022-06-28 | content=House of the notable local family Mazarakis. It was built in the early 20th century based on Western architecture. }} ==Do== ==Eat== In Kythnos you will find many restaurants, eateries and taverns. You should try the local spoon sweets and pastels, a variety of pies, “sfouggata” and “kolopia”. The local cuisine is also known for its dishes based on cheese and meat. The area is also well-known for its honey and capers. ===Chora=== * {{eat | name=To Steki Tou Ntetzi | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.41255 | long=24.431009 | directions= | phone=+30 2281 031204 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-07 | content=One of the most famous tavernas in Kythnos. Offers a variety of Greek dishes. }} * {{eat | name=To Kentro tis Margias | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.412546 | long=24.430008 | directions= | phone=+30 2281 031203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-07 | content=Greek taverna. }} * {{eat | name=Psipsina | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.412487 | long=24.428915 | directions= | phone=+30 2281031228 | tollfree= | hours=14:00-00:00 (Wednesday 16:00-00:00) | price= | lastedit=2022-06-15 | content=A fish taverna offering international cuisine. }} * {{eat | name=O Baroutis | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.4128 | long=24.430147 | directions= | phone=+30 2281031541 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=Grill house. }} * {{eat | name=Tratamento | alt= | url= | email=tratamento.paganeli@yahoo.gr | address= | lat=37.412347 | long=24.430803 | directions= | phone=+30 2281031638 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-27 | content=Traditional pastry shop. }} ===Dryopida=== *{{Eat|name=I Pelegra|lat=37.382787|long=24.430672|phone=+30 2281032322|hours=Daily 12:00-00:00 |lastedit=2022-06-20|content=Taverna. Greek and Mediterranean cuisine}} * {{eat | name=Chartino Karavi | alt= | url= | email= | address=Dryopida | lat=37.382832 | long=24.430895 | directions=close to the church of Agia Anna | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-24 | content=Dishes from the Mediterranean, European and Greek cuisine. It is considered as vegetarian friendly, and it also offers options for vegans. }} ===Merichas=== *{{Eat|name=Arapis|url=http://www.arapis-kythnos.gr/en/restaurant-in-kythnos|email=info@arapis-kythnos.gr|lat=37.389231|long=24.398210|phone=+30 2281032190|hours=Daily 11:00-00:45 |lastedit=2022-06-17|content=Traditional Greek taverna. Also known for its pizza and pasta dishes}} * {{eat | name=Ostria Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=Merichas | lat=37.390359 | long=24.39723 | directions= | phone=+30 2281033017 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=A vegetarian friendly restaurant near the port. }} * {{eat | name=Yalos-Byzantio Restaurant | alt=Byzantio Restaurant | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.388872 | long=24.397608 | directions= | phone=+30 2281033000 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=A family taverna-restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Molos Grill House | alt= | url= | email=steliosko@yahoo.gr | address= | lat=37.390719 | long=24.396743 | directions= | phone=+30 2281032455 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-28 | content= }} ===Kanala=== *{{eat | name=Archipelagos | alt= | url=https://archipelagos-kythnos.gr/ | email=archipelagoskythnos@gmail.com | address= | lat=37.347715 | long=24.434789 | directions= | phone=+30 2281032380 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-20 | content=Restaurant offering traditional dishes. }} === Loutra === * {{Eat|name=Sofrano - The Yachting Club Restaurant|url=https://www.sofrano-yachtingclub.com/|email=info@sofrano-yachtingclub.com|lat=37.442670|long=24.425135|phone=+30 2281031436|lastedit=2022-06-21|content=Fish & Mediterranean restaurant. Offers vegan options.}} * {{eat | name=Boccata Kythnos | alt= | url=https://boccata.gr/ | email=boccatakythnos@gmail.com | address= | lat=37.442975 | long=24.425246 | directions= | phone=+30 2281031010 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Restaurant. Offers classic and modern Mediterranean cuisine and a variety of wines. }} === Agios Stefanos === * {{Eat|name=O Kadris|alt=Kadris|lat=37.397740|long=24.455877|phone=+30 2281032943|lastedit=2022-06-21|content=A traditional taverna with Mediterranean& Greek cuisine. It is considered as vegetarian friendly}} * {{eat | name=Arodou | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.39683 | long=24.459379 | directions= | phone=+30 2281032647 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=Greek & Mediterranean taverna. }} ==Drink== === Chora === * {{Drink|name=The Kraken|url=https://www.thekraken.gr/|email=info@thekraken.gr|lat=37.41239107412281|long=24.429063423887314|directions=next to the church of Agios Savvas|phone=+30 6981350719|hours=Daily 12:00-02:00 |lastedit=2022-06-27|content=Cocktail bar that turns into a club during the weekend.}} * {{drink | name=Margiora | alt= | url=https://margiora.gr/ | email= | address= | lat=37.412940 | long=24.430073 | directions= | phone=+30 2281031809 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-27 | content=A wine and cocktail bar. Also a restaurant. }} * {{drink | name=Panochori | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.412440 | long=24.431484 | directions= | phone=+30 6949566961 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-27 | content=A café and bar. }} * {{drink | name=Marrakesh | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=37.412358 | long=24.430819 | directions= | phone=+30 2281031617 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-27 | content=Night club. }} === Dryopida === * {{Drink|name=Kythnon Anthoessan|lat=37.38175412058707|long=24.43087941440189|directions=Close to Katafyki Cave|phone=+30 2281032145|lastedit=2022-06-27|content=Traditional café and confectionery.}} === Kanala === * {{Drink|name=Molo all day cafe|lat=37.34513292902812|long=24.436062528564282|phone=+30 2281033145|lastedit=2022-06-28|content=A seasonal snack bar where you can order coffee, drinks, and something to eat.}} === Apokrousi === * {{Drink|name=Baiocco|address=Apokrousi|lat=37.410658639588725|long=24.39672630800975|phone=+30 6988590610|lastedit=2022-06-27|content=Beach bar and restaurant.}} === Episkopi === * {{Drink|name=Pountaki Beach Bar|url=https://www.pountaki.gr/|email=kmartinou@yahoo.gr|lat=37.39891175708286|long=24.398735467180206|phone=+30 2281032278, +30 2281032800|lastedit=2022-06-27|content=Beach bar.}} === Martinakia Beach === * {{Drink|name=Hamsa|url=https://www.hamsa.gr/|email=rsrv@hamsa.gr|address=Martinakia, Kythnos 840 06|lat=37.39316388863973|long=24.398246935578502|phone=+30 2281032951|lastedit=2022-06-27|content=Gourmet beach bar and restaurant.}} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Porto Klaras suites & studios | alt= | url=https://www.porto-klaras.gr/ | email=info@porto-klaras.gr | address=Loutra | lat=37.443437 | long=24.425073 | directions= | phone=+30 22810 31276 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Kythnos Bay Hotel | alt= | url=https://hotelkythnosbay.gr/en/kythnos-bay-hotel/ | email=info@kythnosbay.gr | address=Loutra | lat=37.442998 | long=24.424757 | directions= | phone=+30 2152154785 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hotel Messaria | alt= | url=https://www.messaria.gr/en/ | email= | address=Chora | lat=37.412875 | long=24.428937 | directions= | phone=+30 22810 31672 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Chora Kythnos Suites | alt= | url=https://www.chorakythnossuites.gr/ | email= | address=Chora | lat=37.411324 | long=24.426748 | directions= | phone=+30 22810 31780 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Filoxenia Studios | alt= | url=https://filoxenia-kythnos.gr/ | email=filoxeniakythnos@gmail.com | address=Chora | lat=37.412928 | long=24.429579 | directions=next to the town hall | phone=+302281031644 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=Studios & apartments. }} * {{sleep | name=EmGard Suites Kythnos | alt= | url=https://emgardsuites.gr/en/emgard-suites-kythnos-room/ | email=emgardsuites@gmail.com | address=Merichas | lat=37.386037 | long=24.394389 | directions= | phone=+30 215 215 9689 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=Suites. }} * {{sleep | name=Mantellina | alt= | url=http://www.mantellinasuites.gr/index_en.html | email=mantellinasuites@gmail.com | address=Kanala | lat=37.347751 | long=24.434277 | directions= | phone=+30 2281 033141 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=Studios. }} * {{sleep | name=Panorama Kanalas | alt= | url= | email= | address=Kanala | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+30 2281 032653 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=Rooms to let. }} * {{sleep | name=Irene Apartments | alt= | url=https://www.irene-kythnos.gr/ | email=irinekanala@gmail.com | address=Megali Ammos, Kanala | lat=37.346322 | long=24.430482 | directions= | phone=+30 22810 32052 - 32564 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Studio Foinikas | alt= | url=https://foinikas-studios.gr/ | email= | address=Merichas | lat=37.388672 | long=24.397753 | directions= | phone=+30 22810 32203 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=Rooms to let. }} * {{sleep | name=Canal Suites Kythnos | alt= | url=https://canalsuites.gr/ | email=canalsuites@gmail.com | address=Kanala | lat=37.347174 | long=24.434825 | directions= | phone=+302152159919 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Akrogialia | alt= | url=http://www.akrogialia-kythnos.gr/en/ | email= | address=Kanala | lat=37.346244 | long=24.431157 | directions= | phone=+30 2281 032366, +30 2281 032146 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-05-18 | content=Complex of apartments next to the sea. }} * {{sleep | name=Martinos Studios | alt= | url=https://www.martinos-kythnos.gr/ | email=martinos.studios4@gmail.com | address=Merihas 84006 | lat=37.387579 | long=24.395305 | directions= | phone=+302281032469 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-07 | content=Rooms and studios. }} * {{sleep | name=Simousi Villas | alt= | url=https://simousivillas.com/ | email=info@simousivillas.com | address=Simousi | lat=37.321171 | long=24.409344 | directions=close to the sea in the area of Simousi | phone=+30 6972678502 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-16 | content=A complex of villas. }} * {{sleep | name=Syllac Elegant Stay | alt= | url=https://syllac.gr/en/syllac-elegant-stay-kythnos/ | email=syllacelegantstay@gmail.com | address=Dryopida | lat=37.383364 | long=24.430212 | directions=in the center of the village | phone=+30 2152151970 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-21 | content=Luxury apartment. }} * {{sleep | name=Kythnoikies | alt= | url=https://www.kythnoikies.gr/home/ | email=griel79@otenet.gr | address=Chora | lat=37.413080 | long=24.429439 | directions=close to the town hall | phone=+30 2281031489 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-06-27 | content=Rooms (can host up to 4 visitors). }} ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Cyclades}} {{outlineruralarea}} {{geo|37.3950|24.4247}} 8cymph85tszh5q327zbvp2t32laips7 1 181381 4488027 4298560 2022-07-21T23:57:14Z John Broughton 70028 /* Possible additions */ one more wikitext text/x-wiki == Possible additions == * https://www.militaryantiquesmuseum.com/ -- <span style="font-family:Brush Script MT; font-size:15px;">[[User:John Broughton|John Broughton]] </span> 06:08, 12 November 2020 (UTC) * https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/entertainment/petaluma-dive-bars-live-on-in-entertaining-memoir/ -- <span style="font-family:Brush Script MT; font-size:15px;">[[User:John Broughton|John Broughton]] </span> 14:31, 3 April 2021 (UTC) * https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Metro-Hotel-Sonoma-Petaluma-quirky-French-crepes-16253009.php -- <span style="font-family:Brush Script MT; font-size:15px;">[[User:John Broughton|John Broughton]] </span> 22:17, 21 June 2021 (UTC) * https://www.sonomamag.com/10-favorite-restaurants-in-petaluma/ -- <span style="font-family:Brush Script MT; font-size:15px;">[[User:John Broughton|John Broughton]] </span> 21:29, 24 September 2021 (UTC)\ * https://www.sonomamag.com/executive-chef-at-sonomas-edge-restaurant-serves-up-flavors-from-around-the-world/ -- <span style="font-family:Brush Script MT; font-size:15px;">[[User:John Broughton|John Broughton]] </span> 23:57, 21 July 2022 (UTC) rzcgzpnrfrk28wbseq286i725e5vmo9 0 186353 4488198 4474701 2022-07-22T11:08:19Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Other parks */ rm per [[Talk:NSW]] wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|NSW National Parks Banner 8.jpg|caption=A boardwalk in Kamay-Botany Bay National Park in Sydney's southeast}} {{NRS}} There are more than '''225 national parks''' in [[New South Wales]], each and every single park containing a hidden gem and each with its own unique beauty in its own right. This is about 4 times more national parks and reserves in the whole [[United States national parks|US]] combined. NSW has the second highest number of national parks in Australia as well, just after Queensland and also making a third of all national parks in Australia to be in NSW. [[File:NPWS NSW logo.svg|thumb|right|200px|The NSW Parks and Wildlife Services (NSW PWS) logo, seen from about every national park in New South Wales.]] ==Understand== National parks in New South Wales include some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the state, and they're often good places to go for different purposes, with hiking being the most common. Different parks are home to something unique in their own right, each hiding a hidden beauty within itself. The geographic variety between the places pose different landscapes, giving some parks different features to others hence why some parks might be considered a plain beauty by some, and "boring" by others, but in all fact, it depends on perspective.. Historic sites are also run by the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife services, and all have something to showcase. Some of these might not have much, but these are historically significant to the state in some way or another. There are also four "Karst Reserves" as well, designed to protect the karst landscape. These are not national parks, but are still managed by the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service. On top of all this, there are some "state conservation reserves" as well, and these may be more known or even more visited than some of their national cousins, such as [[Cape Byron State Conservation Area]], a highlight for anyone coming to [[Byron Bay]], is much more visited than most other national parks. A brown colour on the map means it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while a darker maroon colour means it's a historic site. Other colours on the map is sorted out by its region. ==Fees and permits== [[File:Sign at entrance to Kosciuszko National Park.jpg|thumb|200px|A typical sign before a park's fee collecting point]] Of the many parks in New South Wales, only 45 parks collect fees. A full list of which parks do so can be found on the [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees/fee-collecting-parks NSW Parks website]. There are also NSW Parks passes, which provide unlimited access to certain parks for a year, or two if you choose to get a 24 month pass. The passes also provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months (or 24 if you purchase a two year pass) from date of purchase. The [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees/annual-passes fees per vehicle] (as at 2021) as follows: * All Parks Pass – includes all parks in New South Wales, including Kosciuszko National Park ($195 for one year, $335 for two years) * Multi Park Pass – includes all parks in New South Wales, excluding Kosciuszko National Park ($65 for one year, $115 for two years) * Country Parks Pass – includes all parks in Country New South Wales, excluding Kosciuszko National Park ($45 for one year, $75 for two years) There is also a fourth pass; the Single Park Pass, worth $22 for one year and $40 for two, main for for if you're wanting to visit the same park again and again. This is not valid in Kosciuszko National Park. ==National parks== <!-- Key:brown = UNESCO world heritage. other colors by region--> {{mapframe|-32|147|zoom=5}} <!-- * {{marker|type=[color name]|lat=|long=|name=|image=|wikidata=}} AN EMPTY TEMPLATE TO QUICKLY COPY AND PASTE THE CONTENT IN--> <!-- {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=|title=|wikidata=}} Quick copy paste geoshape--> ===Sydney and surrounds=== * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Berowra Valley National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q39080126}} – a national park just next to very-crowded-full-of-traffic Hornsby, with a drastic change, which takes a while to realise whether you're in Sydney or not. The answer to that is, yes. You are still in Sydney. * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Blue Mountains National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q885558}} – {{unesco}} home to the Three Sisters, the most visited indigenous site in Australia, which also holds a deeper story behind it. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Bouddi National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q894991}} – A small but yet scenic national park showcasing some of the best beaches the Central Coast has to offer, as well as the high amount of greenery here as well, right next to crowded Woy Woy. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Brisbane Water National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q917653}} – has pleasant and interesting walks that can vary from mild to rugged with varying environments * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Cattai National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1051319}} – while not particularly a large nor famous national park, it has stunning views of the Hawkesbury River with lookouts, and like every other national park; walking trails. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Dharawal National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1207569}} – a national park on the border of Sydney, the Illawarra and the Southern Highlands, with stunning waterfalls and rockpools * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Dharug National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1207619}} – a park with nice and creative rock formations which also are home to a lot of Mangroves. Unusually though, parts of the park were actually disputed between the Dharug and Darkinjung countries before the British had arrived. * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Gardens of Stone National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1494110}} – {{unesco}} with some stunning picturesque lookouts and hiking trails. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Garigal National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q944803}} – popular with bushwalkers and mountain bike riders, there are over 35 trails in the park covering 120&nbsp;km. 100% of the park is in Metropolitan Sydney and there have been over 100 Aboriginal sites recorded, including shelters, cave art, rock engravings, middens, grinding grooves and a possible stone arrangement. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Georges River National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165056}} – national park which has recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, barbecues, boating, fishing, and water/jet skiing, segmented into 15 sectors along the riverbanks of the Georges River. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Heathcote National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q948585}} – deeply dissected Hawkesbury sandstone plateau which formed about 200 million years ago, Heathcote National Park is home to a large amount of Aboriginal rock engravings, a lot more than some other neighbouring parks in Sydney. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Kamay Botany Bay National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q894672}} – home of Captain Cook's landing spot as well as Bare Island Fort, the location of where Mission Impossible 2 was part filmed. Moreover, Kamay Botany Bay National Park is home to the French town of La Perouse, where French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse came. Much of his items have been recovered and are at the La Perouse museum at this park. [[File:Pittwater from Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park]] * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Kanangra-Boyd National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1571138}} – {{unesco}} adjacent to Jenolan Caves, with expansive mountain gorges, magnificent lookouts and a series of wild and scenic rivers give a special edge to Kanagra-Boyd's wilderness.<!-- -->[[File:Australia sydney shark island.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shark Island, Sydney Harbour National Park]] * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1322496}} – A big large national park right inside Sydney rich in Aboriginal culture, with one side alongside tributaries of the Hawkesbury river, and the other being beside the Hawkesbury, along with some WWII fortifications. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Lane Cove National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q835267}} – a big national park right in the middle of the Macquarie Park/Ryde region surrounded by buildings on all four corners, but with a big blob of greenery and a river in the park, with walking trails and picnic spots. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Malabar Headland National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q21971995}} – The smallest national park in New South Wales at only 1.77km², but yet with very scenic with nice cliffs and a popular whale watching spot during the months of May to November. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Marramarra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1164875}} – offers bushwalkers a wide range of environments, from the mangrove communities along Marramarra Creek to the drier, sclerophyll scrub along the ridges. * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Nattai National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1571056}} – {{unesco}} which mostly offers bushwalking, but also the views from this UNESCO world heritage park is quite unimaginable, particularly from Wollondilly lookout. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Popran National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1164793}} – takes its name from Popran Creek, mainly to protect the Popran Creek area but is home to a ton of mangroves * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Royal National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q113523}} – oldest national park in the southern hemisphere and '''the second oldest in the entire world''' just after Yellowstone * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Scheyville National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1742613}} – in the northwestern suburbs of Sydney, it is mostly famous for the Longneck Lagoon, which before European settlers, this was used by the people of Dharug Country for food supplies. * {{marker|type=red|lat=-33.848333|long=151.234444|name=[[Sydney Harbour National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q746452}} – a national park rich in Aboriginal, military, WWII and colonial history, where history meets the harbour. It is also the only national park where the harbour bridge can be seen, as well as the opera house, but there's parts of this park where you could be lost in nature<!-- -->[[File:Mount Yengo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Mt. Yengo seen from Yengo National Park]] * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Thirlmere Lakes National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1134729}} – {{unesco}} mostly known for its lakes which are just plain natural beauty * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Werakata National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165053}} – in the 1800s when European settlers came, most of this park was destroyed. Forestry commenced and sawmills were established in and near area the area of the park (most of the timber going to local mines for pit props). The park now remains as a measure to protect what is left. * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Wollemi National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1811861}} – {{unesco}} sadly home to the largest continuous bushfire affected area in the 2019-20 bushfire season, it is home to some of the world's oldest trees, which have still been up there since the Jurassic period. * {{marker|type=red|lat=|long=|name=[[Wyrrabalong National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1164806}} – a national park mostly surrounded by water except for a small section on the north where it's connected to the mainland from Lake Tuggerah and the Tasman Sea, it is home to some woodland and water birds that are hard to find in other areas. * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Yengo National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2535657}} – {{unesco}} rich in Aboriginal culture, flora and fauna, natural beauty and wildlife, with some sacred sites visitors can visit. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=ba3cb0|title=[[Berowra Valley National Park]]|wikidata=Q39080126}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=bf9c4e|title=[[Blue Mountains National Park]]|wikidata=Q885558}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#1d7f85|title=[[Bouddi National Park]]|wikidata=Q894991}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#306652|title=[[Brisbane Water National Park]]|wikidata=Q917653}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#866ef0|title=[[Cattai National Park]]|wikidata=Q1051319}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=ffcd9c|title=[[Dharawal National Park]]|wikidata=Q1207569}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9831b5|title=[[Dharug National Park]]|wikidata=Q1207619}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#f7d128|title=[[Gardens of Stone National Park]]|wikidata=Q1494110}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9c228d|title=[[Garigal National Park]]|wikidata=Q944803}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#e3847d|title=[[Georges River National Park]]|wikidata=Q1165056}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#242c42|title=[[Heathcote National Park]]|wikidata=Q948585}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#26adad|title=[[Kamay Botany Bay National Park]]|wikidata=Q894672}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#4d2c29|title=[[Kanangra-Boyd National Park]]|wikidata=Q1571138}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8debbc|title=[[Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park]]|wikidata=Q1322496}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#316391|title=[[Lane Cove National Park]]|wikidata=Q835267}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#707353|title=[[Malabar Headland National Park]]|wikidata=Q21971995}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#de64a9|title=[[Marramarra National Park]]|wikidata=Q1164875}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#6bf2d9|title=[[Popran National Park]]|wikidata=Q1164793}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9be665|title=[[Royal National Park]]|wikidata=Q113523}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#46db9b|title=[[Sydney Harbour National Park]]|wikidata=Q746452}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#824b14|title=[[Thirlmere Lakes National Park]]|wikidata=Q1134729}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#b08b4f|title=[[Werakata National Park]]|wikidata=Q1165053}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#bfedb9|title=[[Wollemi National Park]]|wikidata=Q1811861}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#5c4fb0|title=[[Wyrrabalong National Park]]|wikidata=Q1164806}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#9db04f|title=[[Yengo National Park]]|wikidata=Q2535657}} ===Central NSW=== [[File:Looking along the length of the Park - panoramio.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A view from Coolah Tops National Park]] * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Abercrombie River National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q319327}} – protects an important area of remnant bushland within the southwestern Central Tablelands, and contains a diversity of vegetation communities characteristic of montane and tableland species as well as of the western slopes of the state. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#e0a39d|title=[[Abercrombie River National Park]]|wikidata=Q319327}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=Belford National Park|image=|wikidata=Q815431}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#f21600|title=Belford National Park|wikidata=Q815431}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=Cataract National Park|image=|wikidata=Q1050363}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Cocoparra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1105456}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Conimbla National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1126072}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Coolah Tops National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1129687}} – known for its wildlife, waterfalls and, not to forget, the stunning mountain ranges and lookouts seen here. <!-- -->[[File:Sawn Rocks.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Sean Rocks in Mount Kaputar National Park]] {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#1cd9ad|title=[[Coolah Tops National Park]]|wikidata=Q1129687}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Garrawilla National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1494430}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Goobang National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1537463}} – the few places where you can see both coastal and inland vegetation * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Goulburn River National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1540144}} – a sanctuary for kangaroos, wombats, emus, goannas, platypus, and a wide variety of birds. It lies within the Mudgee-Wollar Important Bird Area, so identified by BirdLife International because of its importance for the endangered regent honeyeater. * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Kalyarr National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q21930913}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Mount Kaputar National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1950327}} – mostly known for its iconic Sawn Rocks. * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Murray Valley National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q539925}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Nangar National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1885989}}<!-- -->[[File:Weddin Mountains From Eualdrie Rd.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Weddin Mountains National Park]] * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Oolambeyan National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1164823}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Timbarra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1257080}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Turon National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165080}} * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Warrumbungle National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q847071}} – known for its breadknife shaped rock * {{marker|type=blue|lat=|long=|name=[[Weddin Mountains National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q953920}} – despite the mountains being the main thing, it certainly is something that many find intriguing, and looking much nicer than the territory's [[Yulara|Mount Conner]]. ===Hunter and Mid-North Coast=== * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Bago Bluff National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q799956}} – has shell fossils and a rich diversity of birdlife which include magpies, whistlers, kookaburras, among others. * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=Barakee National Park|image=|wikidata=Q807235|wikipedia=}} – another one of those parks with the usuals. * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Barrington Tops National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q808934}} – most of Barrington Tops National Park is declared wilderness; large, natural areas of land that, together with their native plants and animal communities, remain essentially unchanged by modern human activity. Not to forget the rich diversity of flora and fauna here, with hiking trails. Also the southernmost of all [[Gondwana Rainforests of Australia]] * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Bellinger River National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q815977}} – park by the Bellinger River with unspoiled forests and ecosystems, and one of the oldest in the world. * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Ben Halls Gap National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q280143}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Bindarri National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q863555}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Biriwal Bulga National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q865438}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Bongil Bongil National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q892405}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Booti Booti National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q893143}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Cascade National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1046851}}<!-- -->[[File:Dorigo National Park Water Fall - panoramio.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo National Park]] * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Coorabakh National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1117259}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Crowdy Bay National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1141720}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Dooragan National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165064}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Dorrigo National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q524956}} – UNESCO world heritage site and is the most visited Gondwana Rainforest of Australia, and has a lot to offer if one is interested in rainforests. Not to forget, it is right within 2 km proximity of the waterfall capital of Australia; [[Dorrigo]] * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Dunggir National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q385269}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q980397}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Hat Head National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q541149}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Hunter Wetlands National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1638093}} – hidden gem in the northern suburbs of [[Newcastle]], Hunter Wetlands National Park is a wildlife sanctuary, and one of the few parks suited for all kinds of ages. * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Junuy Juluum National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165190}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Kumbatine National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165416}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Limeburners Creek National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q85776674}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Maria National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1627074}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Middle Brother National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1931841}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Mount Royal National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1583435}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Myall Lakes National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1581582}} – mostly notable for fishing, camping, and kayaking, but that is not the only thing that Myall Lakes National Park is known for, but also for the sand dunes right nearby. * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Nymboi-Binderay National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1583713}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Saltwater National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1443963}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Sea Acres National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q7439837}}<!-- -->[[File:Milky way panorama at fishermans bay.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Milky Way seen from Tomaree National Park]] * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Tapin Tops National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1976764}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Tomaree National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165291}} – while not like Stockton Beach, the sand dunes here are still huge, and has some sandy bush walks, and just one minute from Nelson Bay * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Towarri National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2446868}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Ulidarra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1727012}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Wallarah National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2426755}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Wallingat National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1678943}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Watagans National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q932535}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Willi Willi National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2095735}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Woko National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1718891}} * {{marker|type=gold|lat=|long=|name=[[Yarriabini National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q608315}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#d7f0b4|title=[[Barrington Tops National Park]]|wikidata=Q808934}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#a7a8c9|title=[[Dorrigo National Park]]|wikidata=Q524956}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#fae20c|title=[[Myall Lakes National Park]]|wikidata=Q1581582}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#eb4d4d|title=[[Tomaree National Park]]|wikidata=Q1165291}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#0d590d|title=[[Willi Willi National Park]]|wikidata=Q2095735}} ===Northern Rivers=== * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Arakwal National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q625511}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Border Ranges National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q893407}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Broadwater National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q922823}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Bundjalung National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1009360}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Bungawalbin National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1009440}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Fortis Creek National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165146}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Goonengerry National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165185}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Koreelah National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165387}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Mallanganee National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165123}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Maryland National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1608651}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Mebbin National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q368670}} – part of the Shield Volcano Group of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, and is home to numerous endangered species of birds. The park also forms the western edge of the Mount Warning volcano * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Mooball National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165452}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Mount Clunie National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165139}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Mount Jerusalem National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165321}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Mount Nothofagus National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165327}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Mount Pikapene National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1888246}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Nightcap National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1573530}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Ramornie National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165460}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Richmond Range National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1655345}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Tooloom National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1886230}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Toonumbar National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q974898}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Mount Warning National Park|Wollumbin National Park]] (Mount Warning National Park)|image=|wikidata=Q2347510}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Yabbra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2576611}} * {{marker|type=royalblue|lat=|long=|name=[[Yuraygir National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1122053}} ===Northern Tablelands=== * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Bald Rock National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q804731}} – right next to the boerder with Queensland, this park has a very bald rock as the name says * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Barool National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q808720}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Basket Swamp National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q810277}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Boonoo Boonoo National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q893073}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Butterleaf National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1018112}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Capoompeta National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1034802}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Carrai National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1044858}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Cataract National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1050363}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Cathedral Rock National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1050857}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Chaelundi National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q541934}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Cottan-Bimbang National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1136689}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Cunnawarra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q155266}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Gibraltar Range National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1522939}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Guy Fawkes River National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q643478}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Indwarra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165039}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Kings Plains National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165427}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Kwiambal National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165318}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Mummel Gulf National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q581883}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[New England National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1982368|wikipedia=}} – much known for its lush green Gondwana Rainforests and the breathtaking lookouts. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#42a8c9|title=[[New England National Park]]|wikidata=Q1982368}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Nowendoc National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165129}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Nymboida National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1584430}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Oxley Wild Rivers National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2042871}} – popular spot for camping that not to forget the huge, Wollomombi Falls. * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Single National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2289215}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Timbarra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1257080}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Warra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1724651}} * {{marker|type=silver|lat=|long=|name=[[Warrabah National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1583699}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Washpool National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2096005}} * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Werrikimbe National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1584958}} ===Outback NSW=== [[File:Aboriginal rock art.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Aboriginal rock art in Gundabooka National Park]] * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Culgoa National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q924315}} – impressive river red gums and expansive floodplains, is the landscape that is thought to be representative of the Australian outback. Additionally, the park's name comes from the river that flows through this park. Also home to two iconic mammals of the outback, the common brushtail possum and Little pied bat * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Gundabooka National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165288}} – has some petroglyph rock art and ancestral ceremonial grounds are located inside the park which also has many exotic plants, right next to the Darling River * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Kinchega National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1511987}} – a quiet lesser known national park along the Darling River that allows visitors to understand the historical significance and the importance of both Outback life in the 19th century, and birdlife in the Outback. Also has some impressive river red gums and floodplains, but for a comparison on whether Culgoa or Kinchega differs on opinion, but both are unique in their own right. * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=Mallee Cliffs National Park|image=|wikidata=Q1886016}} – Mallee Cliffs National Park preserves the original clay red plains of south west New South Wales, protecting extensive areas of flat to undulating sandy red plains and linear sand dunes formed during arid periods from 350,000-500,000 years ago. Unusually though, this is one of the few places where the Malleefowl can be found, which is only found in arid areas only where the mallee grows. However, do note that this park is restricted in access, and can only be used for educational purposes. [[File:Wall of China .jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Walls of China in Lake Mungo, Mungo National Park, just a natural beauty. Oh, and if you're wondering where's the lake, most of it dries up during dry season similar to how Lake Eyre works.]] * {{marker|type=brown|lat=|long=|name=[[Mungo National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1670728}} – UNESCO world heritage park with some of the world's oldest human bodies outside Africa dating back to about 42,000 years ago, with part of the reason why it's still well preserved today is because of the sheer isolation, getting here without a 4WD is almost impossible. Mungo N.P. is also popular for the Walls of China as well, mostly for how its shaped. * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Mutawintji National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1164871}} – filled with some gorges, canyons and a historic site in the centre * {{marker|type=around|name=[[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]]|image=|lat=-29.227249|long=142.537612}} – this large reasonably new outback national park is often forgotten a lot. The park protects one of the most incredible wildlife havens in the Outback * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Paroo-Darling National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1765473}} * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Sturt National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q972962}} – the northwestern most park in New South Wales, it is also home to Cameron Corner, a marker encompassing three states. But apart from that, this park also gives a real feel for how life was like, living in the Outback in the 19th and early 20th century. It's also one of the few places in New South Wales where the dingo fence can be seen * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Toorale National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q18353304}} * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Willandra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1572483}} – Aboriginal occupation in the park dates back to more than 15,000 years ago, it is mostly known for its habitat for native species like the emu, the threatened Plains-wanderer, red and grey kangaroos, echidnas and a variety of reptiles, such as Gould's Sand Goanna and the Mulga Brown Snake. * {{marker|type=around|lat=|long=|name=[[Yanga National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2576838}} – A rather new national park, having only formed in 2007, both well significant to both the indigenous people, as well as a significant site to local birdlife {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#8c8801|title=[[Kinchega National Park]]|wikidata=Q1511987}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#e6ebb7|title=[[Mungo National Park]]|wikidata=Q1670728}} {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#c3ff00|title=[[Sturt National Park]]|wikidata=Q972962}} ===South Coast, The Highlands and Snowy Mountains=== [[File:Coloured Pinnacles, Ben Boyd National Park (6754383743).jpg|thumb|200px|The Pinnacles in Ben Boyd National Park]] * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Bangadilly National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q806454}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Ben Boyd National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q816395}} – southern most national park in New South Wales, Ben Boyd National Park is home to all sorts of things, but most notably its coastline and inlets.{{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#e8a72e|title=[[Ben Boyd National Park]]|wikidata=Q816395}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Benambra National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q816671}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Biamanga National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q855311}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Bimberamala National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q863415}} <!--* {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Booderee National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q892951}} moved below to special cases--> * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Bournda National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q895243}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Brindabella National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q527914}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Budawang National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1000715}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Budderoo National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q956929}} – known for its rainforest, waterfalls, and is one of the most visited national parks on the south coast {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#ff1100|title=[[Budderoo National Park]]|wikidata=Q956929}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Bugong National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1002547}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Bungonia National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1009486}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Clyde River National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1103590}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Conjola National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1126101}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Deua National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1164803}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Eurobodalla National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1374779}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Gourock National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1540216}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Gulaga National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1489775}}<!-- -->[[File:Morning views from the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Kosciuszko National Park 21.jpg|thumb|200px|Kosciuszko National Park in winter from the summit of Mount Kosciuszko]] * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Jerrawangala National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1687776}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Jervis Bay National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1582404}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Kooraban National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1783816}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Kosciuszko National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1755161}} – New South Wales's largest national park and home to the roof of mainland Australia. It's the only national park in NSW that gets a consistent level of snow, also home to one several ski resorts and villages. * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Livingstone National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1657650}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Mares Forest National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1476533}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Macquarie Pass National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1030926}} – Just 90km southwest from Sydney, although the name "Macquarie Pass" is often related to the pass on the Illawarra Highway (A48) for its windy bends, the road goes through this national park. Macquarie Pass National Park is home to a range of eucalyptus trees, and wildlife including unique birdlife and wallabies. There are hiking trails as well that allows visitors to experience this. {{mapshape|type=geoshape|fill=#29495c|title=[[Macquarie Pass National Park]]|wikidata=Q1030926}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Meroo National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165175}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Mimosa Rocks National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1583757}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Minjary National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1937231}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Monga National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q944542}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Morton National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1582579}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Mount Imlay National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165060}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Murramarang National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q906973}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Seven Mile Beach National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1165069}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[South East Forest National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1164884}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Tallaganda National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1875999}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Tarlo River National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2394398}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Wadbilliga National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q572064}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Woomargama National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q123161}} * {{marker|type=mediumaquamarine|lat=|long=|name=[[Yanununbeyan National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q2217910}} ===Other parks=== [[File:Caves Beach, Jervis Bay.jpg|thumb|200px|Cave Beach, Booderee National Park]] * {{marker|type=forestgreen|lat=|long=|name=[[Booderee National Park]]|alt=Jervis Bay National Park|image=|wikidata=Q892951}} – While treated like in NSW, zero percent of this park is in NSW, but actually in the federal territory of Jervis Bay Territory, and was formerly part of the ACT. NSW Parks passes aren't valid in Jervis Bay Territory. The area was planned as a grand "Pacific City" and the port of the nation's capital, but this vision was never realised, but instead, it is rather just a national park with only a population of 393 (2020), with 100% of the territory being protected. There is also an indigenous village that interests travellers called "Wreck Bay Village", which is some fishermans' secret fishing spot. * {{marker|type=forestgreen|lat=|long=|name=[[Namadgi National Park]]|image=|wikidata=Q1635824}} – The only national park in the ACT, apart from Booderee (although JBT isn't part of the ACT anymore), home to many unique bird species. ==Historical sites== [[File:Hartley Shamrock Inn 001.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Shamrock Inn at Hartley Historic Site]] * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Cadmans Cottage Historic Site|wikidata=Q1025284}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Clybucca Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-30.918184|long=152.988372}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Davidson Whaling Station Historic Site]]|wikidata=Q55609168}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hartley Historic Site]]|wikidata=Q58204374|url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/hartley-historic-site}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=[[Hill End Historic Site]]|wikidata=Q55613743|url=https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/hill-end-historic-site}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Innes Ruins Historic Site|wikidata=Q17009372}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Koonadan Historic Site|wikidata=Q55887053}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Maroota Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-33.418241|long=150.991511}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Maynggu Ganai Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-32.574896|long=148.951411}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Mount Grenfell Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-31.303780|long=145.312795}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Mutawintji Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-31.242803|long=142.298542}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Roto House Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-31.442484|long=152.919629}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=South Solitary Island Historic Site|wikidata=Q21903172}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Tweed Heads Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-28.197156|long=153.549507}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Wisemans Ferry Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-33.390677|long=150.983874}} * {{marker|type=vicinity|name=Yuranigh's Aboriginal Grave Historic Site|wikidata=|lat=-33.122015|long=148.882641}} ==Karst conservation reserves== * {{marker|type=steelblue|name=[[Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve]]|wikidata=Q96195482}} * {{marker|type=steelblue|name=[[Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve]]|wikidata=Q96195307}} * {{marker|type=steelblue|name=[[Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve]]|wikidata=Q23936105}} * {{marker|type=steelblue|name=[[Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve]]|wikidata=Q96195618}} ==See also== * [[National parks]] * [[National parks in Australia]] ** [[South Australian national parks]] ** [[Tasmanian national parks]] {{PartOfTopic|National parks in Australia|Australia}} {{usabletopic}} rynbm4zep5legli6a0ip6e3gakfm0zy 0 186375 4487692 4348009 2022-07-21T12:03:36Z SHB2000 2248002 rm featurenom template wikitext text/x-wiki {{Pagebanner|131109 Kenrokuen Kanazawa Ishikawa pref Japan01s3 (cropped).jpg}} [[File:Hokuriku Shinkansen(English).jpg|thumb|Hokuriku Shinkansen]] The '''New Golden Route''' connects [[Tokyo]] and [[Kyoto]] via Northern [[Chubu]], mostly along the path of the [https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/train/shinkansen/hokuriku-shinkansen/ Hokuriku Shinkansen]. The route has become popular because of the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2015, and because of the availability of the [https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/hokuriku-arch-pass/ Hokuriku Arch Pass], which allows a round-trip journey to be done for ¥24,500-25,500 (as of Aug 2021). {{Mapframe|36.046282|137.996748|zoom=7|name=Map of the New Golden Route Blue = Major Stop Red = Day-Trip or other destination Green = Alternate Path}} == Understand == Although lying off [[Japan]]'s main tourist trail, the 2016 extension to the [https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/train/shinkansen/hokuriku-shinkansen/ Hokuriku Shinkansen] has led to increased number of tourists in many of the route's major stops. Although it is not one of the main 5 routes that historically connected [[Tokyo]] and [[Kyoto]], this route has much to offer to most visitors, such as [[Japan Alps|mountainous scenery]], [[Shirakawa-go|world heritage listed farm houses]] and many of Japan's best preserved cities. The areas that the route passes through are much sparser than most other Japanese regions. As the new golden is not a list of set destinations one can cut destinations that they perceive as uninteresting. == Prepare == The weather on the route can fluctuate, with [[Kanazawa]] being one of Japan's rainiest cities while [[Takayama]] and [[Shirakawa-go]] receive regular snow in the winter. The areas of Northern [[Chubu]] are much busier with domestic tourists trying to escape the heat in the [[Japan Alps]] during summer and the climate is much more pleasant than that of major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. One thing one may want to pick up before travelling this route is one of the many regional rail passes that cover parts of the route, the most popular of these is the [https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/hokuriku-arch-pass/ Hokuriku Arch Pass] allowing a round trip to be done for ¥24,500 though this is not economical for most one way trips and does not provide access to Takayama and Shirakawa-go. If one wants to return to Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen one could also purchase the [https://japanrailpass.net/en/ Japan Rail Pass] which allows for nation-wide transport for only ¥5,000 more, it additionally lasts one more day but also does not pay for the bus ride to and from Shirakawa-go. Two smaller passes that are also useful are the [https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/hokuriku/ JR Hokuriku Area Pass] and the [https://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/ Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass]. The JR Hokuriku Pass allows for cheap transport around Kanazawa and the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass provides transport between Kyoto and Takayama, this is also the only pass that includes the bus route to Shirakawa-Go in its covered area. All of these passes are cheaper if purchased outside of Japan and should be purchased in advance. When travelling on the Hokuriku Shinkansen on should be aware that the fastest train category, the Kagayaki requires reseverations while the slower Hakutaka has seats that do not. == Get in == Most visitors will begin in {{marker|type=city|lat=|long=|name=[[Tokyo]]|image=|wikidata=Q1490}} where the Hokuriku Shinkansen begins. The two stations in Tokyo where the Shinkansen departs from are [[Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno]] and [[Tokyo Station]]. [[File:Tokyo Station Outside view 201804.jpg|thumb|339x339px|Tokyo Station]] Those who plan to start in Kyoto will have to start by taking the Thunderbird, a limited express train between [[Kyoto]] and [[Kanazawa]] (one of the itinerary's major stops) before continuing the route on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. == Go == {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q1037409|type=geoline}} There are many different ways one can do this route and due to short travel times on the Shinkansen, a quicker traveller could combine multiple stops in one day. This only covers major spots but there are other small cities worth exploring along the route. Many people also choose to do the route in reverse starting in Kyoto after taking the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto === Stop 1: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Saitama]]|wikidata=Q134635}} === [[File:OmiyaBonsai 芙蓉園 Fuyo-en Hiroshi Takeyama 001.jpg|thumb|253x253px|Saitama, Bonsai Museum]] The first stop on the New golden route is Saitama, a suburb 25 minutes north of Tokyo. It is home to one of best Japan's top railway museum and a bonsai village. Nearby {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Kawagoe]]|wikidata=Q319740}} is nicknamed "Little Edo" due to its well preserved warehouse district, If you are travelling without a rail pass, don't take the Shinkansen due to the much higher cost compared the minimal time saved. === Stop 2: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Takasaki]]|wikidata=Q336438}} === The Shinkansen second stop Takasaki is famous for its Daruma Dolls and has many nearby attractions such as {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Tomioka]] Silk Mill|wikidata=Q873835}}, a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|Unesco World Heritage site]]. Takasaki also provides an opportunity to unwind in a nearby onsen such as {{Marker|type=red|name=Ikaho|wikidata=Q11381013}} or {{Marker|type=red|name=Shima|wikidata=|lat=36.685733|long=138.774132}}. === Stop 3: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Karuizawa]]|wikidata=Q1012064}} === [[File:Shiraito Falls Karuizawa.jpg|thumb|280x280px|Shiraito Falls, Karuizawa]] Karuizawa, a mountain resort on the base of an active volcano in [[Nagano (prefecture)|Nagano Prefecture]] is a place to escape the heat and a second home to many wealthy buissnessmen. Many outdoor activities can be done in the area and nearby by Shiraito waterfalls provides a good one or two day stop. One should be aware that the fastest train on the Hokuriku shinkansen, the Kagayaki does not stop here and one must take the slightly Hakutaka to access Karuizawa. Despite this the journey from Takasaki only takes 15 minutes and it could be done as a day-trip from Taksaki. === Stop 4: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Nagano]]|wikidata=Q128849}} === Nagano is the largest city in [[Nagano (prefecture)|Nagano prefecture]] and second largest city on the route, it is common for one to base themselves in the city for multiple days while doing day-trips. It was the host of the 1998 Olympics and its Olympic past can be seen in many museums and former stadiums. Its main tourist attraction is Zenkoji, home to Japan's first [[Buddhism|Buddha]] statue. Nagano developed around the temple and it serves as a pilgrimage destination. Due to Karuizawa not being served by the faster Kagayaki one most take the slower Shinkansen to Nagano, the journey takes 45 minnutes ==== Day-trip to {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Matsumoto]]|wikidata=Q213324}} ==== An hour south of Nagano by limited express train, Matsumoto is home to one of [[Japanese castles|Japan's top castle]], Matsumoto-jo, and is a pleasant day-trip from Nagano. The city also has many museums and is known for it's locally grown wasabi. [[File:Jigokudani hotspring in Nagano Japan 001.jpg|thumb|219x219px|Yamanouchi's Snow Monkeys]] ==== Day-trip to {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Yamanouchi]]|wikidata=Q1204468}} ==== Yamanouchi, an hour north of Nagano is most famous for its monkey park where one can see monkeys bathing in onsens. Along with that {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Shiga Kogen]]|wikidata=Q11491193}} ski resort and Shibu Onsen are also in the area. You can choose to stay at a ryokan in the area for a night if you want to have more time to explore the area or just want to experience one. === Stop 5: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Toyama]]|wikidata=Q204266}} === Toyama is a coastal city famous for its medicine. It's also known for its unique black ramen and beautiful bay. Many side trips can be down from Toyama like the {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Kurobe]] Gorge|wikidata=|url=}}, a gorge famous for its forested ravine and {{Marker|type=red|name=Takaoka|wikidata=Q502988}}, a centre for metal-working and home to one of [[Japan's Top 3#Three Famous Big Buddhas|Japan's biggest buddhas]]. {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Gokayama]]|wikidata=Q66087933}}, the lesser-known cousin of [[Shirakawa-go]] can be visited on day-trip. When travelling from Nagano to Toyama, you could choose to take the [[Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route]], a scenic route through [[Mount Tate]] providing stunning views of the Northern [[Japan Alps]]; however, it is much less efficient taking 200 minutes with maximum efficiency though most travel much slower than this due to the many stops on the way. Along with that the Alpine Route costs twice as much as the Shinkansen which does the journey in 45 minutes. [[File:Street in the old section of Takayama October 2008.JPG|thumb|282x282px|Takayama's Old Town]] === Stop 6: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Takayama]]|wikidata=Q622594}} === Takayama is a small town near the Japan Alps with well preserved Edo era streets in its old town causing it to be nicknamed "the little [[Kyoto]] of Hida". Takayama is famous for its timber production and also for its festival one of [[Japan's Top 3#Three Great Festivals|Japan's top 3 festival.]] Nearby is the [[Oku-Hida Onsen Villages|Okuhida]] Region with great onsens. Other well preserved towns are nearby like {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Hida Furukawa]]|wikidata=Q847319}} [[Gujo|.]] From Takayama one could divert from the standard path and take the train to {{Marker|type=other|name=[[Gero Onsen]]|wikidata=Q819639}} or {{Marker|type=other|name=[[Gujo]]|wikidata=Q857243}} further along the Takayama Main Line before transferring in {{Marker|type=other|name=[[Nagoya]]|wikidata=Q11751}} before heading to [[Kyoto]] by way of [[Lake Biwa]] usually with stops in {{Marker|type=other|name=[[Hikone]]|wikidata=Q386635}} for its castle or {{Marker|type=other|name=[[Omihachiman]]|wikidata=Q385461}} for merchant district and canal. The Shinkansen does not head to Takayama meaning one must take a limited express train on the Takayama Main Line. [[File:Shirakawa village - 白川郷 009.jpg|thumb|246x246px|Gassho-Zukuri houses in Shirakawa-Go]] === Stop 7: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Shirakawa-go]]|wikidata=Q1002193}} === Shirakawa-Go, a [[UNESCO World Heritage List|unesco world heritage site]] is a region famed for its thatch roof farmhouses. The farmhouses are famous for being preserved for more than 250 years and for being constructed in the Gassho-Zukuri style architecture where the houses are built to look like hands in prayer. Shirakawa-Go's main village is Ogimachi which has over 250 of the structures with many of the structures functioning as museums or restaurants. Shirakawa-go is the only major destination on the route not served by train however buses depart hourly from Takayama. === Stop 8: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Kanazawa]]|wikidata=Q191130}} === [[File:Stone lantern Kenrokuen.jpg|thumb|297x297px|Kenroku-en, Kanazawa]] Kanazawa is the largest city and capital of [[Ishikawa|Ishikawa Prefecture]]. The Ishikawa area was the birthplace of Noh and Japanese tea ceremonies. Kanazawa is famous for its laquerware and [http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/kenrokuen/e/ Kenroku-en] one of [[Japan's Top 3#Three Famous Gardens|Japan's]] top gardens .The city also houses a samurai district and a reconstructed castle along with Japan's busiest art gallery. Various [[Kanazawa#Temples and shrines|Shrines and Temples]] dot the city like the Ninja Temple and Oyama Shrine among others. Nearby the {{Marker|type=red|name=[[Noto Peninsula]]|wikidata=Q691151}} has rugged coastline and remote onsens. Buses depart from Shirakawa-go [https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/11900040002?afcd=MDI=&RosenNm=shirakawago-kanazawa 4 times a day] to Kanazawa. === End point: {{Marker|type=city|name=[[Kyoto]]|wikidata=Q34600}} === The final city on the New Golden Route is Kyoto, a city filled with numerous temples, shrines and other attractions. As the Shinkansen doesn't connect Kanazawa with Kyoto one must take the thunderbird limited express train between the two cities, the train departs hourly and takes about 2 hours making it the longest leg of the itinerary, the shinkansen plans to be extended to Tsuruga in 2022 cutting down travel time. While travelling between Kanazawa and Kyoto one may choose to visit Fukui however as it is the least visited Japanese prefecture many travellers leave it off their itinerary. The nearest airport to Kyoto is Osaka Itami but the nearest international airport is [[Kansai International Airport|Osaka Kansai]]. If flying out of Tokyo the quickest overland route would be via the Tokaido Shinkansen however if you have still have the [https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/hokurikuarch.html?src=gnavi Hokuriku Arch Pass] active you can return to Tokyo for free with the Hokuriku shinkansen however it would be slower. == Go next == === If starting in Tokyo and ending in [[Kyoto]] === * '''[[Nara]]''', Popular day-trip from Kyoto home to Horyu-ji and Todai-ji, both grand temples. 40 km south of Kyoto, many travel options * '''[[Uji]],''' Famous for its tea and the Byodo-in temple. 15km south of Kyoto, many travel options * '''[[Osaka]],''' bustling city with a reconstructed [[Osaka/Osaka castle|castle.]] 30 km west of Kyoto, many travel options * '''[[Amanohashidate]],''' sandbar known as the Bridge in Heaven and one of [[Japan's Top 3#Three Views|Japan's Top three]] views. 2 hours north of Kyoto by limited express train * '''[[Himeji]],''' home of Himeji Castle, Japan's most popular castle. 45 minutes west of Kyoto by Shinkansen * '''[[Kobe]],''' city famed for its steak. 30 minutes west of Kyoto by Shinkansen * '''[[Hiroshima]],''' a main stop on the Golden Route, famed for its atomic bomb history and usually combined with [[Miyajima|Miyajima.]] 90 minutes west of Kyoto by Shinkansen * '''[[Hikone]],''' City on Lake Biwa with well-preserved castle. 30 minutes east of Kyoto by Shinkansen but requires transfer in [[Maibara]], 1 hour on cheaper local trains * '''[[Nagoya|Nagoya,]]''' Japan's third largest metro area and major industrial centre. 30 minutes east of Kyoto on Shinkansen === If starting in Kyoto and ending in [[Tokyo]] === * '''[[Kamakura|Kamakura,]]''' historical capital with many temples * '''[[Hakone|Hakone,]]''' hotspring resort with views of [[Mount Fuji]] * '''[[Nikko|Nikko,]]''' Unesco World Heritage site north of Tokyo * '''[[Yokohama]],''' Japan's second largest city just south of Tokyo * '''[[Fuji Five Lakes]],''' Iconic views of Mount Fuji from these lakes * '''[[Izu Islands|Izu Islands,]]''' Chain of volcanic islands south of Tokyo {{PartOfItinerary|Asia itineraries}}{{Guideitinerary}} dwe2ou3iyuawgaahqq7eqn6puxigf5j 1 186387 4488054 4400784 2022-07-22T01:52:55Z Ground Zero 1423298 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Wikipedia|de:Malabar-Headland-Nationalpark}} == Merge to [[Sydney/Eastern suburbs]] == I know I created this article, but this park is only {{km2|1.77}} and is no more than your ordinary municipal park. I could see the merit in keeping it given the fact that it's a popular whale watching spot and the fact that it has closures, but it's not a overly significant place like [[La Perouse]] or [[Kamay Botany Bay National Park]] and [[Sydney/Eastern suburbs]] isn't very long. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:39, 26 February 2022 (UTC) :Go ahead and do what you think best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 27 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'll do it in the next few days. tbh I was initially going to do it without discussion, but I wanted to get another opinion after [[Talk:Parque Florestal de Monsanto]] in which @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] opposed deleting it while I was neutral since this pretty much fails [[wv:wiaa]], had the NSW government not slapped a "national park" in its name. But this is not a deletion, but a merge, so it is why I initiated a discussion, to merge. I can see the possibility that a traveller wanting to go looking for information about this park (instead they will have to spend some time looking for it), but barely anyone knows this park exists, even Sydneysiders and I had no idea this park even existed until my initial solo expedition to create NSW park articles. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:26, 2 March 2022 (UTC) :::Well, I want to defer to your local knowledge, but this is not a short article. The Eastern Suburbs article is becoming fairly long. It does not look like this article could be merged in without either (a) making the ES article unwieldy, or (b) leaving out a bunch of the text from this article. If you think there is a lot of overlap, I guess it could work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:03, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ::::@[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] As an alternate, this ''could'' be merged to [[Sydney/Maroubra]], which is the closest suburb to this park. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:14, 3 March 2022 (UTC) :::::That's also a long article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:52, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 5umj4llx4n1zyjdnflwmkhnz0lj8bsk 4488165 4488054 2022-07-22T09:24:26Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Merge to Sydney/Eastern suburbs */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki {{Wikipedia|de:Malabar-Headland-Nationalpark}} == Merge to [[Sydney/Eastern suburbs]] == I know I created this article, but this park is only {{km2|1.77}} and is no more than your ordinary municipal park. I could see the merit in keeping it given the fact that it's a popular whale watching spot and the fact that it has closures, but it's not a overly significant place like [[La Perouse]] or [[Kamay Botany Bay National Park]] and [[Sydney/Eastern suburbs]] isn't very long. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:39, 26 February 2022 (UTC) :Go ahead and do what you think best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 27 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'll do it in the next few days. tbh I was initially going to do it without discussion, but I wanted to get another opinion after [[Talk:Parque Florestal de Monsanto]] in which @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] opposed deleting it while I was neutral since this pretty much fails [[wv:wiaa]], had the NSW government not slapped a "national park" in its name. But this is not a deletion, but a merge, so it is why I initiated a discussion, to merge. I can see the possibility that a traveller wanting to go looking for information about this park (instead they will have to spend some time looking for it), but barely anyone knows this park exists, even Sydneysiders and I had no idea this park even existed until my initial solo expedition to create NSW park articles. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:26, 2 March 2022 (UTC) :::Well, I want to defer to your local knowledge, but this is not a short article. The Eastern Suburbs article is becoming fairly long. It does not look like this article could be merged in without either (a) making the ES article unwieldy, or (b) leaving out a bunch of the text from this article. If you think there is a lot of overlap, I guess it could work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:03, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ::::@[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] As an alternate, this ''could'' be merged to [[Sydney/Maroubra]], which is the closest suburb to this park. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:14, 3 March 2022 (UTC) :::::That's also a long article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:52, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Not ''that'' long though. Maroubra's see and do sections are rather short and this "national park" (it's really misleading though, and it's nowhere near your usual national park) is one of the most important this to see/do in Maroubra/Malabar outside beaches. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:24, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 7vshdw1d5839iqfzdwghxlbbmxztxdf 4488197 4488165 2022-07-22T11:04:36Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Merge to Sydney/Eastern suburbs */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{Wikipedia|de:Malabar-Headland-Nationalpark}} == Merge to [[Sydney/Eastern suburbs]] == I know I created this article, but this park is only {{km2|1.77}} and is no more than your ordinary municipal park. I could see the merit in keeping it given the fact that it's a popular whale watching spot and the fact that it has closures, but it's not a overly significant place like [[La Perouse]] or [[Kamay Botany Bay National Park]] and [[Sydney/Eastern suburbs]] isn't very long. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:39, 26 February 2022 (UTC) :Go ahead and do what you think best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 27 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'll do it in the next few days. tbh I was initially going to do it without discussion, but I wanted to get another opinion after [[Talk:Parque Florestal de Monsanto]] in which @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] opposed deleting it while I was neutral since this pretty much fails [[wv:wiaa]], had the NSW government not slapped a "national park" in its name. But this is not a deletion, but a merge, so it is why I initiated a discussion, to merge. I can see the possibility that a traveller wanting to go looking for information about this park (instead they will have to spend some time looking for it), but barely anyone knows this park exists, even Sydneysiders and I had no idea this park even existed until my initial solo expedition to create NSW park articles. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:26, 2 March 2022 (UTC) :::Well, I want to defer to your local knowledge, but this is not a short article. The Eastern Suburbs article is becoming fairly long. It does not look like this article could be merged in without either (a) making the ES article unwieldy, or (b) leaving out a bunch of the text from this article. If you think there is a lot of overlap, I guess it could work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:03, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ::::@[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] As an alternate, this ''could'' be merged to [[Sydney/Maroubra]], which is the closest suburb to this park. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:14, 3 March 2022 (UTC) :::::That's also a long article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:52, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Not ''that'' long though. Maroubra's see and do sections are rather short and this "national park" (it's really misleading though, and it's nowhere near your usual national park) is one of the most important this to see/do in Maroubra/Malabar outside beaches. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:24, 22 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::I guess if you leave out the Get in section, and apply the Climate section to the destination article, there's not that much in this article. Merge as you see fit. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:04, 22 July 2022 (UTC) eino4h9dez8se15grnbqekzfmvsspjy 4488203 4488197 2022-07-22T11:09:37Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Merge to Sydney/Eastern suburbs */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki {{Wikipedia|de:Malabar-Headland-Nationalpark}} == Merge to [[Sydney/Eastern suburbs]] == I know I created this article, but this park is only {{km2|1.77}} and is no more than your ordinary municipal park. I could see the merit in keeping it given the fact that it's a popular whale watching spot and the fact that it has closures, but it's not a overly significant place like [[La Perouse]] or [[Kamay Botany Bay National Park]] and [[Sydney/Eastern suburbs]] isn't very long. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:39, 26 February 2022 (UTC) :Go ahead and do what you think best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:47, 27 February 2022 (UTC) ::I'll do it in the next few days. tbh I was initially going to do it without discussion, but I wanted to get another opinion after [[Talk:Parque Florestal de Monsanto]] in which @[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] opposed deleting it while I was neutral since this pretty much fails [[wv:wiaa]], had the NSW government not slapped a "national park" in its name. But this is not a deletion, but a merge, so it is why I initiated a discussion, to merge. I can see the possibility that a traveller wanting to go looking for information about this park (instead they will have to spend some time looking for it), but barely anyone knows this park exists, even Sydneysiders and I had no idea this park even existed until my initial solo expedition to create NSW park articles. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:26, 2 March 2022 (UTC) :::Well, I want to defer to your local knowledge, but this is not a short article. The Eastern Suburbs article is becoming fairly long. It does not look like this article could be merged in without either (a) making the ES article unwieldy, or (b) leaving out a bunch of the text from this article. If you think there is a lot of overlap, I guess it could work. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:03, 2 March 2022 (UTC) ::::@[[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] As an alternate, this ''could'' be merged to [[Sydney/Maroubra]], which is the closest suburb to this park. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:14, 3 March 2022 (UTC) :::::That's also a long article. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:52, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Not ''that'' long though. Maroubra's see and do sections are rather short and this "national park" (it's really misleading though, and it's nowhere near your usual national park) is one of the most important this to see/do in Maroubra/Malabar outside beaches. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:24, 22 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::I guess if you leave out the Get in section, and apply the Climate section to the destination article, there's not that much in this article. Merge as you see fit. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 11:04, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Looking at [[New South Wales national parks]], there are a few other "national parks" in a similar boat but they're not in the continent's metropolis. This is indeed no different to those, but it does get more visitors. I don't know whether the rifle range information is useful enough to not merge this though. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:09, 22 July 2022 (UTC) r6iff5cu45fi9w0s7z33dky3evnyd8h 0 188074 4487703 4359714 2022-07-21T12:11:07Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 /* See */ Updated listing for Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Kushima''' (串間市) is a city of 17,000 people (2017) in [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Japan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Toi cape.jpg|thumb|Cape Toi Lighthouse]] ===Climate=== Summers are hot and winters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current. From summer to autumn, it is often affected by typhoon paths. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The nearest airport is Miyazaki Airport. You can also use Kagoshima Airport by connecting trains and airport buses. ===By train=== The city is served by the Nichinan Line of the JR Kyūshū railway system, which links it to the west to [[Shibushi]] in neighbouring Kagoshima Prefecture and to the north to the prefectural capital, [[Miyazaki]]. ===By bus=== Miyazaki Kotsu: Only one line connecting Nichinan City and Ichiki District/Kojima operates. ===By car=== The nearest interchange as of 2021 is the Shibushi interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. ==Get around== {{Mapframe |zoom=auto}} Kushima City Community Bus "Yoka Bus" operates all over the city from Kushima station. ==See== * {{see | name=Cape Toi | alt=都井岬 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367013 | long=131.341767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: 08:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=The cape is famous for its wild Misaki horses, one of just 7 breeds of Japanese horses. The horses live here, so they can be seen year-round. The birthing season goes from March to August with the most births in April and May for those who want to see foals. }} * {{see | name=Cape Toi Lighthouse | alt=都井岬灯台 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367396 | long=131.345841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends from Mar-Oct) | price=¥300 | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=It was built in 1929 at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. The lighthouse was originally lit by an oil lamp, but in 1945 it was lit with electricity. At 3 million candelas, it had the highest luminescence of anywhere in Asia at the time. It was rebuilt in concrete after being hit by World War II air raids and by a typhoon later the same year. It's the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be entered, and along with enjoying the view, visitors can learn about maritime navigation symbols and signs. }} * {{see | name=Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land | alt=志布志湾大黒イルカランド | url=https://www.irukaland.com | email= | address= | lat=31.46064 | long=131.160842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=An aquarium famous for its multitude of dolphin experiences. They have dolphin shows and a dolphin tank where you can watch the dolphins, but also have opportunities to be kissed by a dolphin, touch dolphins, and even swim with the dolphins. Aside from the dolphins, they also have penguins, turtles, and fish, as well as ponies. }} * {{see | name=Yoshimatsu Residence | alt=旧吉松家住宅 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.464021 | long=131.229087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-20 | content=This is the former residence of a local politician built in the Taisho era (early 20th century). It has a hina doll display in February. }} [[File:Kouｊima,幸島 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Kojima Island]] * {{see | name=Kojima Island | alt=幸島猿生息地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.45173 | long=131.373482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Kojima is an uninhabited island famous for its Japanese macaque monkeys. it was designated a natural national monument in 1934 as a monkey habitat. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Horse-Spotting Guides | alt= | url=https://toimisaki.wixsite.com/website | email=kusi-kan-guide@gaea.ocn.ne.jp | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 90-4588-1133 | tollfree= | hours=The 90-minute option offers set starting times (09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30). Reservations of at least 2 people are required. The walking tour requires a reservation at least 3 days in advance of 2-10 people. You can arrange your tour to start anytime between 09:30-13:30. Specific times and other information will be determined when you reserve. | price=90-minute tour ¥1500/person, 60-min tour ¥1100, 30-min tour ¥600, 3-hr walking tour ¥2500/person | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=For those wanting to ensure that they get to see wild horses during their visit and learn about the horses and the area, there are guides that can take you to places where the horses are known to be during your visit. There are 2 options. The first option is the 90-minute guide (which also offers shorter 60- and 30-minute tours) and the other is a 3-hour walking guide of the cape. }} * {{do | name=Koigaura | alt=恋ヶ浦 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.41211 | long=131.343355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A popular beach for year-round surfing. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maeda Shoten | alt=前田商店 | url= | email= | address=34-4 Ono | lat=31.367256 | long=131.344998 | directions= | phone=+81 987-76-1067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A small shop near the parking lot of the Cape Toi Lighthouse where visitors can buy local souvenirs and snacks. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Nango]] * [[Nichinan]] * [[Kitago]] * [[Mimata (Miyazaki)]] * [[Miyakonojo]] * [[Shibushi]] * [[Osaki (Kagoshima)]] * [[Higashikushira]] * [[Kanoya]] {{IsPartOf|Miyazaki (prefecture)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|31.4645|131.228389|zoom=13}} pe4rk6cyewjgu2c9ky252tur7dj6b5q 4487706 4487703 2022-07-21T12:12:33Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 /* Do */ Updated listing for Horse-Spotting Guides wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Kushima''' (串間市) is a city of 17,000 people (2017) in [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Japan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Toi cape.jpg|thumb|Cape Toi Lighthouse]] ===Climate=== Summers are hot and winters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current. From summer to autumn, it is often affected by typhoon paths. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The nearest airport is Miyazaki Airport. You can also use Kagoshima Airport by connecting trains and airport buses. ===By train=== The city is served by the Nichinan Line of the JR Kyūshū railway system, which links it to the west to [[Shibushi]] in neighbouring Kagoshima Prefecture and to the north to the prefectural capital, [[Miyazaki]]. ===By bus=== Miyazaki Kotsu: Only one line connecting Nichinan City and Ichiki District/Kojima operates. ===By car=== The nearest interchange as of 2021 is the Shibushi interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. ==Get around== {{Mapframe |zoom=auto}} Kushima City Community Bus "Yoka Bus" operates all over the city from Kushima station. ==See== * {{see | name=Cape Toi | alt=都井岬 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367013 | long=131.341767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: 08:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=The cape is famous for its wild Misaki horses, one of just 7 breeds of Japanese horses. The horses live here, so they can be seen year-round. The birthing season goes from March to August with the most births in April and May for those who want to see foals. }} * {{see | name=Cape Toi Lighthouse | alt=都井岬灯台 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367396 | long=131.345841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends from Mar-Oct) | price=¥300 | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=It was built in 1929 at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. The lighthouse was originally lit by an oil lamp, but in 1945 it was lit with electricity. At 3 million candelas, it had the highest luminescence of anywhere in Asia at the time. It was rebuilt in concrete after being hit by World War II air raids and by a typhoon later the same year. It's the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be entered, and along with enjoying the view, visitors can learn about maritime navigation symbols and signs. }} * {{see | name=Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land | alt=志布志湾大黒イルカランド | url=https://www.irukaland.com | email= | address= | lat=31.46064 | long=131.160842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=An aquarium famous for its multitude of dolphin experiences. They have dolphin shows and a dolphin tank where you can watch the dolphins, but also have opportunities to be kissed by a dolphin, touch dolphins, and even swim with the dolphins. Aside from the dolphins, they also have penguins, turtles, and fish, as well as ponies. }} * {{see | name=Yoshimatsu Residence | alt=旧吉松家住宅 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.464021 | long=131.229087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-20 | content=This is the former residence of a local politician built in the Taisho era (early 20th century). It has a hina doll display in February. }} [[File:Kouｊima,幸島 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Kojima Island]] * {{see | name=Kojima Island | alt=幸島猿生息地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.45173 | long=131.373482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Kojima is an uninhabited island famous for its Japanese macaque monkeys. it was designated a natural national monument in 1934 as a monkey habitat. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Horse-Spotting Guides | alt= | url=https://toimisaki.wixsite.com/website | email=kusi-kan-guide@gaea.ocn.ne.jp | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 90-4588-1133 | tollfree= | hours=The 90-minute option offers set starting times (09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30). Reservations of at least 2 people are required. The walking tour requires a reservation at least 3 days in advance of 2-10 people. You can arrange your tour to start anytime between 09:30-13:30. Specific times and other information will be determined when you reserve | price=90-minute tour ¥1500/person, 60-min tour ¥1100, 30-min tour ¥600, 3-hr walking tour ¥2500/person | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=For those wanting to ensure that they get to see wild horses during their visit and learn about the horses and the area, there are guides that can take you to places where the horses are known to be during your visit. There are 2 options. The first option is the 90-minute guide (which also offers shorter 60- and 30-minute tours) and the other is a 3-hour walking guide of the cape. }} * {{do | name=Koigaura | alt=恋ヶ浦 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.41211 | long=131.343355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A popular beach for year-round surfing. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maeda Shoten | alt=前田商店 | url= | email= | address=34-4 Ono | lat=31.367256 | long=131.344998 | directions= | phone=+81 987-76-1067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A small shop near the parking lot of the Cape Toi Lighthouse where visitors can buy local souvenirs and snacks. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Nango]] * [[Nichinan]] * [[Kitago]] * [[Mimata (Miyazaki)]] * [[Miyakonojo]] * [[Shibushi]] * [[Osaki (Kagoshima)]] * [[Higashikushira]] * [[Kanoya]] {{IsPartOf|Miyazaki (prefecture)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|31.4645|131.228389|zoom=13}} tn9rczzgd2luhsy53s3r0omad4v8evs 4487719 4487706 2022-07-21T12:29:49Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 Added listing for Kurikura Hotel Kushima wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Kushima''' (串間市) is a city of 17,000 people (2017) in [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Japan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Toi cape.jpg|thumb|Cape Toi Lighthouse]] ===Climate=== Summers are hot and winters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current. From summer to autumn, it is often affected by typhoon paths. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The nearest airport is Miyazaki Airport. You can also use Kagoshima Airport by connecting trains and airport buses. ===By train=== The city is served by the Nichinan Line of the JR Kyūshū railway system, which links it to the west to [[Shibushi]] in neighbouring Kagoshima Prefecture and to the north to the prefectural capital, [[Miyazaki]]. ===By bus=== Miyazaki Kotsu: Only one line connecting Nichinan City and Ichiki District/Kojima operates. ===By car=== The nearest interchange as of 2021 is the Shibushi interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. ==Get around== {{Mapframe |zoom=auto}} Kushima City Community Bus "Yoka Bus" operates all over the city from Kushima station. ==See== * {{see | name=Cape Toi | alt=都井岬 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367013 | long=131.341767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: 08:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=The cape is famous for its wild Misaki horses, one of just 7 breeds of Japanese horses. The horses live here, so they can be seen year-round. The birthing season goes from March to August with the most births in April and May for those who want to see foals. }} * {{see | name=Cape Toi Lighthouse | alt=都井岬灯台 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367396 | long=131.345841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends from Mar-Oct) | price=¥300 | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=It was built in 1929 at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. The lighthouse was originally lit by an oil lamp, but in 1945 it was lit with electricity. At 3 million candelas, it had the highest luminescence of anywhere in Asia at the time. It was rebuilt in concrete after being hit by World War II air raids and by a typhoon later the same year. It's the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be entered, and along with enjoying the view, visitors can learn about maritime navigation symbols and signs. }} * {{see | name=Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land | alt=志布志湾大黒イルカランド | url=https://www.irukaland.com | email= | address= | lat=31.46064 | long=131.160842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=An aquarium famous for its multitude of dolphin experiences. They have dolphin shows and a dolphin tank where you can watch the dolphins, but also have opportunities to be kissed by a dolphin, touch dolphins, and even swim with the dolphins. Aside from the dolphins, they also have penguins, turtles, and fish, as well as ponies. }} * {{see | name=Yoshimatsu Residence | alt=旧吉松家住宅 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.464021 | long=131.229087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-20 | content=This is the former residence of a local politician built in the Taisho era (early 20th century). It has a hina doll display in February. }} [[File:Kouｊima,幸島 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Kojima Island]] * {{see | name=Kojima Island | alt=幸島猿生息地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.45173 | long=131.373482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Kojima is an uninhabited island famous for its Japanese macaque monkeys. it was designated a natural national monument in 1934 as a monkey habitat. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Horse-Spotting Guides | alt= | url=https://toimisaki.wixsite.com/website | email=kusi-kan-guide@gaea.ocn.ne.jp | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 90-4588-1133 | tollfree= | hours=The 90-minute option offers set starting times (09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30). Reservations of at least 2 people are required. The walking tour requires a reservation at least 3 days in advance of 2-10 people. You can arrange your tour to start anytime between 09:30-13:30. Specific times and other information will be determined when you reserve | price=90-minute tour ¥1500/person, 60-min tour ¥1100, 30-min tour ¥600, 3-hr walking tour ¥2500/person | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=For those wanting to ensure that they get to see wild horses during their visit and learn about the horses and the area, there are guides that can take you to places where the horses are known to be during your visit. There are 2 options. The first option is the 90-minute guide (which also offers shorter 60- and 30-minute tours) and the other is a 3-hour walking guide of the cape. }} * {{do | name=Koigaura | alt=恋ヶ浦 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.41211 | long=131.343355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A popular beach for year-round surfing. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maeda Shoten | alt=前田商店 | url= | email= | address=34-4 Ono | lat=31.367256 | long=131.344998 | directions= | phone=+81 987-76-1067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A small shop near the parking lot of the Cape Toi Lighthouse where visitors can buy local souvenirs and snacks. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Kurikura Hotel Kushima | alt=クリクラホテルくしま | url= | email= | address=Higashi-machi 16-8 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Nango]] * [[Nichinan]] * [[Kitago]] * [[Mimata (Miyazaki)]] * [[Miyakonojo]] * [[Shibushi]] * [[Osaki (Kagoshima)]] * [[Higashikushira]] * [[Kanoya]] {{IsPartOf|Miyazaki (prefecture)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|31.4645|131.228389|zoom=13}} lv0wq21tdo5ro5059dtlwf9sxc8m5km 4487721 4487719 2022-07-21T12:34:37Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 /* Sleep */ Added listing for Hanaoka wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Kushima''' (串間市) is a city of 17,000 people (2017) in [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Japan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Toi cape.jpg|thumb|Cape Toi Lighthouse]] ===Climate=== Summers are hot and winters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current. From summer to autumn, it is often affected by typhoon paths. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The nearest airport is Miyazaki Airport. You can also use Kagoshima Airport by connecting trains and airport buses. ===By train=== The city is served by the Nichinan Line of the JR Kyūshū railway system, which links it to the west to [[Shibushi]] in neighbouring Kagoshima Prefecture and to the north to the prefectural capital, [[Miyazaki]]. ===By bus=== Miyazaki Kotsu: Only one line connecting Nichinan City and Ichiki District/Kojima operates. ===By car=== The nearest interchange as of 2021 is the Shibushi interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. ==Get around== {{Mapframe |zoom=auto}} Kushima City Community Bus "Yoka Bus" operates all over the city from Kushima station. ==See== * {{see | name=Cape Toi | alt=都井岬 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367013 | long=131.341767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: 08:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=The cape is famous for its wild Misaki horses, one of just 7 breeds of Japanese horses. The horses live here, so they can be seen year-round. The birthing season goes from March to August with the most births in April and May for those who want to see foals. }} * {{see | name=Cape Toi Lighthouse | alt=都井岬灯台 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367396 | long=131.345841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends from Mar-Oct) | price=¥300 | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=It was built in 1929 at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. The lighthouse was originally lit by an oil lamp, but in 1945 it was lit with electricity. At 3 million candelas, it had the highest luminescence of anywhere in Asia at the time. It was rebuilt in concrete after being hit by World War II air raids and by a typhoon later the same year. It's the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be entered, and along with enjoying the view, visitors can learn about maritime navigation symbols and signs. }} * {{see | name=Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land | alt=志布志湾大黒イルカランド | url=https://www.irukaland.com | email= | address= | lat=31.46064 | long=131.160842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=An aquarium famous for its multitude of dolphin experiences. They have dolphin shows and a dolphin tank where you can watch the dolphins, but also have opportunities to be kissed by a dolphin, touch dolphins, and even swim with the dolphins. Aside from the dolphins, they also have penguins, turtles, and fish, as well as ponies. }} * {{see | name=Yoshimatsu Residence | alt=旧吉松家住宅 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.464021 | long=131.229087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-20 | content=This is the former residence of a local politician built in the Taisho era (early 20th century). It has a hina doll display in February. }} [[File:Kouｊima,幸島 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Kojima Island]] * {{see | name=Kojima Island | alt=幸島猿生息地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.45173 | long=131.373482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Kojima is an uninhabited island famous for its Japanese macaque monkeys. it was designated a natural national monument in 1934 as a monkey habitat. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Horse-Spotting Guides | alt= | url=https://toimisaki.wixsite.com/website | email=kusi-kan-guide@gaea.ocn.ne.jp | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 90-4588-1133 | tollfree= | hours=The 90-minute option offers set starting times (09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30). Reservations of at least 2 people are required. The walking tour requires a reservation at least 3 days in advance of 2-10 people. You can arrange your tour to start anytime between 09:30-13:30. Specific times and other information will be determined when you reserve | price=90-minute tour ¥1500/person, 60-min tour ¥1100, 30-min tour ¥600, 3-hr walking tour ¥2500/person | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=For those wanting to ensure that they get to see wild horses during their visit and learn about the horses and the area, there are guides that can take you to places where the horses are known to be during your visit. There are 2 options. The first option is the 90-minute guide (which also offers shorter 60- and 30-minute tours) and the other is a 3-hour walking guide of the cape. }} * {{do | name=Koigaura | alt=恋ヶ浦 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.41211 | long=131.343355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A popular beach for year-round surfing. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maeda Shoten | alt=前田商店 | url= | email= | address=34-4 Ono | lat=31.367256 | long=131.344998 | directions= | phone=+81 987-76-1067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A small shop near the parking lot of the Cape Toi Lighthouse where visitors can buy local souvenirs and snacks. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Kurikura Hotel Kushima | alt=クリクラホテルくしま | url= | email= | address=Higashi-machi 16-8 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hanaoka | alt=花おか | url=https://www.minpakuhanaoka.com/jpn/ | email= | address=Nishihama 2-8-4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=¥4000 per person | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Nango]] * [[Nichinan]] * [[Kitago]] * [[Mimata (Miyazaki)]] * [[Miyakonojo]] * [[Shibushi]] * [[Osaki (Kagoshima)]] * [[Higashikushira]] * [[Kanoya]] {{IsPartOf|Miyazaki (prefecture)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|31.4645|131.228389|zoom=13}} k1nm9qdo0wlqgzhvtajb1z5o52x9693 4487727 4487721 2022-07-21T12:47:27Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 /* Sleep */ Updated listing for Kurikura Hotel Kushima wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Kushima''' (串間市) is a city of 17,000 people (2017) in [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Japan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Toi cape.jpg|thumb|Cape Toi Lighthouse]] ===Climate=== Summers are hot and winters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current. From summer to autumn, it is often affected by typhoon paths. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The nearest airport is Miyazaki Airport. You can also use Kagoshima Airport by connecting trains and airport buses. ===By train=== The city is served by the Nichinan Line of the JR Kyūshū railway system, which links it to the west to [[Shibushi]] in neighbouring Kagoshima Prefecture and to the north to the prefectural capital, [[Miyazaki]]. ===By bus=== Miyazaki Kotsu: Only one line connecting Nichinan City and Ichiki District/Kojima operates. ===By car=== The nearest interchange as of 2021 is the Shibushi interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. ==Get around== {{Mapframe |zoom=auto}} Kushima City Community Bus "Yoka Bus" operates all over the city from Kushima station. ==See== * {{see | name=Cape Toi | alt=都井岬 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367013 | long=131.341767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: 08:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=The cape is famous for its wild Misaki horses, one of just 7 breeds of Japanese horses. The horses live here, so they can be seen year-round. The birthing season goes from March to August with the most births in April and May for those who want to see foals. }} * {{see | name=Cape Toi Lighthouse | alt=都井岬灯台 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367396 | long=131.345841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends from Mar-Oct) | price=¥300 | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=It was built in 1929 at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. The lighthouse was originally lit by an oil lamp, but in 1945 it was lit with electricity. At 3 million candelas, it had the highest luminescence of anywhere in Asia at the time. It was rebuilt in concrete after being hit by World War II air raids and by a typhoon later the same year. It's the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be entered, and along with enjoying the view, visitors can learn about maritime navigation symbols and signs. }} * {{see | name=Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land | alt=志布志湾大黒イルカランド | url=https://www.irukaland.com | email= | address= | lat=31.46064 | long=131.160842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=An aquarium famous for its multitude of dolphin experiences. They have dolphin shows and a dolphin tank where you can watch the dolphins, but also have opportunities to be kissed by a dolphin, touch dolphins, and even swim with the dolphins. Aside from the dolphins, they also have penguins, turtles, and fish, as well as ponies. }} * {{see | name=Yoshimatsu Residence | alt=旧吉松家住宅 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.464021 | long=131.229087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-20 | content=This is the former residence of a local politician built in the Taisho era (early 20th century). It has a hina doll display in February. }} [[File:Kouｊima,幸島 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Kojima Island]] * {{see | name=Kojima Island | alt=幸島猿生息地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.45173 | long=131.373482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Kojima is an uninhabited island famous for its Japanese macaque monkeys. it was designated a natural national monument in 1934 as a monkey habitat. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Horse-Spotting Guides | alt= | url=https://toimisaki.wixsite.com/website | email=kusi-kan-guide@gaea.ocn.ne.jp | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 90-4588-1133 | tollfree= | hours=The 90-minute option offers set starting times (09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30). Reservations of at least 2 people are required. The walking tour requires a reservation at least 3 days in advance of 2-10 people. You can arrange your tour to start anytime between 09:30-13:30. Specific times and other information will be determined when you reserve | price=90-minute tour ¥1500/person, 60-min tour ¥1100, 30-min tour ¥600, 3-hr walking tour ¥2500/person | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=For those wanting to ensure that they get to see wild horses during their visit and learn about the horses and the area, there are guides that can take you to places where the horses are known to be during your visit. There are 2 options. The first option is the 90-minute guide (which also offers shorter 60- and 30-minute tours) and the other is a 3-hour walking guide of the cape. }} * {{do | name=Koigaura | alt=恋ヶ浦 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.41211 | long=131.343355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A popular beach for year-round surfing. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maeda Shoten | alt=前田商店 | url= | email= | address=34-4 Ono | lat=31.367256 | long=131.344998 | directions= | phone=+81 987-76-1067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A small shop near the parking lot of the Cape Toi Lighthouse where visitors can buy local souvenirs and snacks. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Kurikura Hotel Kushima | alt=クリクラホテルくしま | url= | email= | address=Higashi-machi 16-8 | lat=31.461825 | long=131.230659 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hanaoka | alt=花おか | url=https://www.minpakuhanaoka.com/jpn/ | email= | address=Nishihama 2-8-4 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=¥4000 per person | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Nango]] * [[Nichinan]] * [[Kitago]] * [[Mimata (Miyazaki)]] * [[Miyakonojo]] * [[Shibushi]] * [[Osaki (Kagoshima)]] * [[Higashikushira]] * [[Kanoya]] {{IsPartOf|Miyazaki (prefecture)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|31.4645|131.228389|zoom=13}} 1lgaaptyo0olp468o7q1lbfddbwnjul 4487729 4487727 2022-07-21T12:50:59Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 /* Sleep */ Updated listing for Hanaoka wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Kushima''' (串間市) is a city of 17,000 people (2017) in [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Japan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Toi cape.jpg|thumb|Cape Toi Lighthouse]] ===Climate=== Summers are hot and winters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current. From summer to autumn, it is often affected by typhoon paths. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The nearest airport is Miyazaki Airport. You can also use Kagoshima Airport by connecting trains and airport buses. ===By train=== The city is served by the Nichinan Line of the JR Kyūshū railway system, which links it to the west to [[Shibushi]] in neighbouring Kagoshima Prefecture and to the north to the prefectural capital, [[Miyazaki]]. ===By bus=== Miyazaki Kotsu: Only one line connecting Nichinan City and Ichiki District/Kojima operates. ===By car=== The nearest interchange as of 2021 is the Shibushi interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. ==Get around== {{Mapframe |zoom=auto}} Kushima City Community Bus "Yoka Bus" operates all over the city from Kushima station. ==See== * {{see | name=Cape Toi | alt=都井岬 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367013 | long=131.341767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: 08:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=The cape is famous for its wild Misaki horses, one of just 7 breeds of Japanese horses. The horses live here, so they can be seen year-round. The birthing season goes from March to August with the most births in April and May for those who want to see foals. }} * {{see | name=Cape Toi Lighthouse | alt=都井岬灯台 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367396 | long=131.345841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends from Mar-Oct) | price=¥300 | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=It was built in 1929 at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. The lighthouse was originally lit by an oil lamp, but in 1945 it was lit with electricity. At 3 million candelas, it had the highest luminescence of anywhere in Asia at the time. It was rebuilt in concrete after being hit by World War II air raids and by a typhoon later the same year. It's the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be entered, and along with enjoying the view, visitors can learn about maritime navigation symbols and signs. }} * {{see | name=Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land | alt=志布志湾大黒イルカランド | url=https://www.irukaland.com | email= | address= | lat=31.46064 | long=131.160842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=An aquarium famous for its multitude of dolphin experiences. They have dolphin shows and a dolphin tank where you can watch the dolphins, but also have opportunities to be kissed by a dolphin, touch dolphins, and even swim with the dolphins. Aside from the dolphins, they also have penguins, turtles, and fish, as well as ponies. }} * {{see | name=Yoshimatsu Residence | alt=旧吉松家住宅 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.464021 | long=131.229087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-20 | content=This is the former residence of a local politician built in the Taisho era (early 20th century). It has a hina doll display in February. }} [[File:Kouｊima,幸島 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Kojima Island]] * {{see | name=Kojima Island | alt=幸島猿生息地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.45173 | long=131.373482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Kojima is an uninhabited island famous for its Japanese macaque monkeys. it was designated a natural national monument in 1934 as a monkey habitat. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Horse-Spotting Guides | alt= | url=https://toimisaki.wixsite.com/website | email=kusi-kan-guide@gaea.ocn.ne.jp | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 90-4588-1133 | tollfree= | hours=The 90-minute option offers set starting times (09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30). Reservations of at least 2 people are required. The walking tour requires a reservation at least 3 days in advance of 2-10 people. You can arrange your tour to start anytime between 09:30-13:30. Specific times and other information will be determined when you reserve | price=90-minute tour ¥1500/person, 60-min tour ¥1100, 30-min tour ¥600, 3-hr walking tour ¥2500/person | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=For those wanting to ensure that they get to see wild horses during their visit and learn about the horses and the area, there are guides that can take you to places where the horses are known to be during your visit. There are 2 options. The first option is the 90-minute guide (which also offers shorter 60- and 30-minute tours) and the other is a 3-hour walking guide of the cape. }} * {{do | name=Koigaura | alt=恋ヶ浦 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.41211 | long=131.343355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A popular beach for year-round surfing. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maeda Shoten | alt=前田商店 | url= | email= | address=34-4 Ono | lat=31.367256 | long=131.344998 | directions= | phone=+81 987-76-1067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A small shop near the parking lot of the Cape Toi Lighthouse where visitors can buy local souvenirs and snacks. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Kurikura Hotel Kushima | alt=クリクラホテルくしま | url= | email= | address=Higashi-machi 16-8 | lat=31.461825 | long=131.230659 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hanaoka | alt=花おか | url=https://www.minpakuhanaoka.com/jpn/ | email= | address=Nishihama 2-8-4 | lat=31.454028 | long=131.217077 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=¥4000 per person | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Nango]] * [[Nichinan]] * [[Kitago]] * [[Mimata (Miyazaki)]] * [[Miyakonojo]] * [[Shibushi]] * [[Osaki (Kagoshima)]] * [[Higashikushira]] * [[Kanoya]] {{IsPartOf|Miyazaki (prefecture)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|31.4645|131.228389|zoom=13}} eb7tq08ezr8wp4m8nutwt9aub0lv99b 4487740 4487729 2022-07-21T13:16:36Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 Added listing for SPICE CACTUS wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Kushima''' (串間市) is a city of 17,000 people (2017) in [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Japan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Toi cape.jpg|thumb|Cape Toi Lighthouse]] ===Climate=== Summers are hot and winters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current. From summer to autumn, it is often affected by typhoon paths. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The nearest airport is Miyazaki Airport. You can also use Kagoshima Airport by connecting trains and airport buses. ===By train=== The city is served by the Nichinan Line of the JR Kyūshū railway system, which links it to the west to [[Shibushi]] in neighbouring Kagoshima Prefecture and to the north to the prefectural capital, [[Miyazaki]]. ===By bus=== Miyazaki Kotsu: Only one line connecting Nichinan City and Ichiki District/Kojima operates. ===By car=== The nearest interchange as of 2021 is the Shibushi interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. ==Get around== {{Mapframe |zoom=auto}} Kushima City Community Bus "Yoka Bus" operates all over the city from Kushima station. ==See== * {{see | name=Cape Toi | alt=都井岬 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367013 | long=131.341767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: 08:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=The cape is famous for its wild Misaki horses, one of just 7 breeds of Japanese horses. The horses live here, so they can be seen year-round. The birthing season goes from March to August with the most births in April and May for those who want to see foals. }} * {{see | name=Cape Toi Lighthouse | alt=都井岬灯台 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367396 | long=131.345841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends from Mar-Oct) | price=¥300 | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=It was built in 1929 at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. The lighthouse was originally lit by an oil lamp, but in 1945 it was lit with electricity. At 3 million candelas, it had the highest luminescence of anywhere in Asia at the time. It was rebuilt in concrete after being hit by World War II air raids and by a typhoon later the same year. It's the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be entered, and along with enjoying the view, visitors can learn about maritime navigation symbols and signs. }} * {{see | name=Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land | alt=志布志湾大黒イルカランド | url=https://www.irukaland.com | email= | address= | lat=31.46064 | long=131.160842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=An aquarium famous for its multitude of dolphin experiences. They have dolphin shows and a dolphin tank where you can watch the dolphins, but also have opportunities to be kissed by a dolphin, touch dolphins, and even swim with the dolphins. Aside from the dolphins, they also have penguins, turtles, and fish, as well as ponies. }} * {{see | name=Yoshimatsu Residence | alt=旧吉松家住宅 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.464021 | long=131.229087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-20 | content=This is the former residence of a local politician built in the Taisho era (early 20th century). It has a hina doll display in February. }} [[File:Kouｊima,幸島 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Kojima Island]] * {{see | name=Kojima Island | alt=幸島猿生息地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.45173 | long=131.373482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Kojima is an uninhabited island famous for its Japanese macaque monkeys. it was designated a natural national monument in 1934 as a monkey habitat. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Horse-Spotting Guides | alt= | url=https://toimisaki.wixsite.com/website | email=kusi-kan-guide@gaea.ocn.ne.jp | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 90-4588-1133 | tollfree= | hours=The 90-minute option offers set starting times (09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30). Reservations of at least 2 people are required. The walking tour requires a reservation at least 3 days in advance of 2-10 people. You can arrange your tour to start anytime between 09:30-13:30. Specific times and other information will be determined when you reserve | price=90-minute tour ¥1500/person, 60-min tour ¥1100, 30-min tour ¥600, 3-hr walking tour ¥2500/person | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=For those wanting to ensure that they get to see wild horses during their visit and learn about the horses and the area, there are guides that can take you to places where the horses are known to be during your visit. There are 2 options. The first option is the 90-minute guide (which also offers shorter 60- and 30-minute tours) and the other is a 3-hour walking guide of the cape. }} * {{do | name=Koigaura | alt=恋ヶ浦 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.41211 | long=131.343355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A popular beach for year-round surfing. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maeda Shoten | alt=前田商店 | url= | email= | address=34-4 Ono | lat=31.367256 | long=131.344998 | directions= | phone=+81 987-76-1067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A small shop near the parking lot of the Cape Toi Lighthouse where visitors can buy local souvenirs and snacks. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=SPICE CACTUS | alt= | url= | email= | address=6575 Nishikata | lat=31.4621 | long=131.228433 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=11:30-14:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A curry restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Kurikura Hotel Kushima | alt=クリクラホテルくしま | url= | email= | address=Higashi-machi 16-8 | lat=31.461825 | long=131.230659 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hanaoka | alt=花おか | url=https://www.minpakuhanaoka.com/jpn/ | email= | address=Nishihama 2-8-4 | lat=31.454028 | long=131.217077 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=¥4000 per person | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Nango]] * [[Nichinan]] * [[Kitago]] * [[Mimata (Miyazaki)]] * [[Miyakonojo]] * [[Shibushi]] * [[Osaki (Kagoshima)]] * [[Higashikushira]] * [[Kanoya]] {{IsPartOf|Miyazaki (prefecture)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|31.4645|131.228389|zoom=13}} 3i0b5hjmh6eldffc0d5d4vcuzvjjur5 4487741 4487740 2022-07-21T13:18:30Z ChubbyWimbus 109402 /* Go next */ Usable wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Kushima''' (串間市) is a city of 17,000 people (2017) in [[Miyazaki (prefecture)|Miyazaki]], [[Japan]]. ==Understand== [[File:Toi cape.jpg|thumb|Cape Toi Lighthouse]] ===Climate=== Summers are hot and winters are relatively warm due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current. From summer to autumn, it is often affected by typhoon paths. ==Get in== ===By plane=== The nearest airport is Miyazaki Airport. You can also use Kagoshima Airport by connecting trains and airport buses. ===By train=== The city is served by the Nichinan Line of the JR Kyūshū railway system, which links it to the west to [[Shibushi]] in neighbouring Kagoshima Prefecture and to the north to the prefectural capital, [[Miyazaki]]. ===By bus=== Miyazaki Kotsu: Only one line connecting Nichinan City and Ichiki District/Kojima operates. ===By car=== The nearest interchange as of 2021 is the Shibushi interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway. ==Get around== {{Mapframe |zoom=auto}} Kushima City Community Bus "Yoka Bus" operates all over the city from Kushima station. ==See== * {{see | name=Cape Toi | alt=都井岬 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367013 | long=131.341767 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Apr-Sep: 08:30-18:00, Oct-Mar: 08:00-17:30 | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=The cape is famous for its wild Misaki horses, one of just 7 breeds of Japanese horses. The horses live here, so they can be seen year-round. The birthing season goes from March to August with the most births in April and May for those who want to see foals. }} * {{see | name=Cape Toi Lighthouse | alt=都井岬灯台 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.367396 | long=131.345841 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=09:00-16:30 (until 17:00 on weekends from Mar-Oct) | price=¥300 | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=It was built in 1929 at the southernmost tip of Miyazaki Prefecture. The lighthouse was originally lit by an oil lamp, but in 1945 it was lit with electricity. At 3 million candelas, it had the highest luminescence of anywhere in Asia at the time. It was rebuilt in concrete after being hit by World War II air raids and by a typhoon later the same year. It's the only lighthouse in Kyushu that can be entered, and along with enjoying the view, visitors can learn about maritime navigation symbols and signs. }} * {{see | name=Shibushiwan Daikoku Dolphin Land | alt=志布志湾大黒イルカランド | url=https://www.irukaland.com | email= | address= | lat=31.46064 | long=131.160842 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=An aquarium famous for its multitude of dolphin experiences. They have dolphin shows and a dolphin tank where you can watch the dolphins, but also have opportunities to be kissed by a dolphin, touch dolphins, and even swim with the dolphins. Aside from the dolphins, they also have penguins, turtles, and fish, as well as ponies. }} * {{see | name=Yoshimatsu Residence | alt=旧吉松家住宅 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.464021 | long=131.229087 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-20 | content=This is the former residence of a local politician built in the Taisho era (early 20th century). It has a hina doll display in February. }} [[File:Kouｊima,幸島 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Kojima Island]] * {{see | name=Kojima Island | alt=幸島猿生息地 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.45173 | long=131.373482 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-21 | content=Kojima is an uninhabited island famous for its Japanese macaque monkeys. it was designated a natural national monument in 1934 as a monkey habitat. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Horse-Spotting Guides | alt= | url=https://toimisaki.wixsite.com/website | email=kusi-kan-guide@gaea.ocn.ne.jp | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+81 90-4588-1133 | tollfree= | hours=The 90-minute option offers set starting times (09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 15:30). Reservations of at least 2 people are required. The walking tour requires a reservation at least 3 days in advance of 2-10 people. You can arrange your tour to start anytime between 09:30-13:30. Specific times and other information will be determined when you reserve | price=90-minute tour ¥1500/person, 60-min tour ¥1100, 30-min tour ¥600, 3-hr walking tour ¥2500/person | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=For those wanting to ensure that they get to see wild horses during their visit and learn about the horses and the area, there are guides that can take you to places where the horses are known to be during your visit. There are 2 options. The first option is the 90-minute guide (which also offers shorter 60- and 30-minute tours) and the other is a 3-hour walking guide of the cape. }} * {{do | name=Koigaura | alt=恋ヶ浦 | url= | email= | address= | lat=31.41211 | long=131.343355 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A popular beach for year-round surfing. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Maeda Shoten | alt=前田商店 | url= | email= | address=34-4 Ono | lat=31.367256 | long=131.344998 | directions= | phone=+81 987-76-1067 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-10-19 | content=A small shop near the parking lot of the Cape Toi Lighthouse where visitors can buy local souvenirs and snacks. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=SPICE CACTUS | alt= | url= | email= | address=6575 Nishikata | lat=31.4621 | long=131.228433 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=11:30-14:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A curry restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Kurikura Hotel Kushima | alt=クリクラホテルくしま | url= | email= | address=Higashi-machi 16-8 | lat=31.461825 | long=131.230659 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Hanaoka | alt=花おか | url=https://www.minpakuhanaoka.com/jpn/ | email= | address=Nishihama 2-8-4 | lat=31.454028 | long=131.217077 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin=15:00 | checkout=11:00 | price=¥4000 per person | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Connect== ==Go next== * [[Nango]] * [[Nichinan]] * [[Kitago]] * [[Mimata (Miyazaki)]] * [[Miyakonojo]] * [[Shibushi]] * [[Osaki (Kagoshima)]] * [[Higashikushira]] * [[Kanoya]] {{IsPartOf|Miyazaki (prefecture)}} {{usablecity}} {{geo|31.4645|131.228389|zoom=13}} 423ia6rnc6mr85jgwukq8kyic2lr4bb 3 188837 4488166 4487557 2022-07-22T09:28:42Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Nothing personal */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki {{DISPLAYTITLE:<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">User talk:SHB2000</span>}} {{/header}} <!--{{Archive basics |archive = User talk:SHB2000/Archive 2022 |counter = 1 }}--> {{Auto archiving |archive = User talk:SHB2000/Archive 2022 |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |archiveheader = {{talk archive}} }} == ''This Month in GLAM'': June 2022 == {| style="width:100%;" | valign="top" align="center" style="border:1px gray solid; padding:1em;" | {| align="center" |- | style="text-align: center;" | [[File:This Month in GLAM logo 2018.png|350px|center|link=outreach:GLAM/Newsletter]]<br /> <hr /> <div style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;">[[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022|<span style="color:darkslategray;">This Month in GLAM – Volume XII, Issue VI, June 2022</span>]]</div> <hr /><br /> |- style="text-align: center;" | <span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman;"> '''<u>Headlines</u>'''</span> |- style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center;" | <div style="text-align:left; column-count:2; column-width:28em; -moz-column-count:2; -moz-column-width:28em; -webkit-column-count:2; -webkit-column-width:28em; vertical-align:top;"> * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Albania report|Albania report]]: CEE Spring 2022 in Albania and Kosovo * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Argentina report|Argentina report]]: In the middle of new projects * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Australia report|Australia report]]: A celebration, a commitment, an edit-a-thon: Know My Name returns for 2022 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Belgium report|Belgium report]]: Heritage and Wikimedian in Residence * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Brazil report|Brazil report]]: FIRST WikiCon Brazil & Three States of GLAM * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Croatia report|Croatia report]]: Network(ing) effect(s) * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/France report|France report]]: French open content report promotion * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Italy report|Italy report]]: Opening and closing projects in June * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Kosovo report|Kosovo report]]: Edit-a-thon with Kino Lumbardhi; DokuTech; CEE Spring 2022 in Albania and Kosovo * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/New Zealand report|New Zealand report]]: West Coast Wikipedian at Large and Auckland Museum updates * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Poland report|Poland report]]: Wikipedian in residence in the National Museum in Cracow; The next online meeting within the cycle of monthly editing GLAM meetings; Steps to communicate GLAM partnerships better and involve the Wikimedian community * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Sweden report|Sweden report]]: 100 000 memories from the Nordic Museum; Report from the Swedish National Archives * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Switzerland report|Switzerland report]]: Diversity in GLAM Program * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/UK report|UK report]]: Featured images and cultural diversity * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/USA report|USA report]]: Fifty Women Sculptors; Juneteenth Edit-a-thon; Juneteenth Photobooths 2022; Wiknic June 2022; New York Botanical Garden June 2022; LGBT Pride Month * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Structured Data on Wikimedia Commons report|Structured Data on Wikimedia Commons report]]: Structured data on Commons editing now possible with OpenRefine 3.6; file uploading with 3.7 * [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Contents/Events|Calendar]]: July's GLAM events </div> |- | style="font-family:Times New Roman; text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter|Read this edition in full]] &bull; [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/June 2022/Single|Single-page]] |- | valign="top" colspan="2" style="padding:0.5em; font-family:Times New Roman;text-align:center; font-size:85%;" | To assist with preparing the newsletter, please visit the [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Newsroom|newsroom]]. Past editions may be viewed [[outreach:GLAM/Newsletter/Archives|here]]. |- |} |} <div style="margin-top:10px; font-size:90%; padding-left:5px; font-family:Georgia, Palatino, Palatino Linotype, Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[[m:GLAM/Newsletter/About|About ''This Month in GLAM'']] · [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/GLAM|Subscribe/Unsubscribe]] · [[m:MassMessage|Global message delivery]] · [[:m:User:Romaine|Romaine]] 03:46, 11 July 2022 (UTC)</div> <!-- Message sent by User:Romaine@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/GLAM&oldid=23471794 --> == Tech News: 2022-28 == <section begin="technews-2022-W28"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2022/28|Translations]] are available. '''Recent changes''' * In the [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements|Vector 2022 skin]], the page title is now displayed above the tabs such as Discussion, Read, Edit, View history, or More. [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Reading/Web/Desktop Improvements/Updates#Page title/tabs switch|Learn more]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T303549] * [[File:Octicons-tools.svg|15px|link=|alt=|Advanced item]] It is now possible to easily view most of the configuration settings that apply to just one wiki, and to compare settings between two wikis if those settings are different. For example: [https://noc.wikimedia.org/wiki.php?wiki=jawiktionary Japanese Wiktionary settings], or [https://noc.wikimedia.org/wiki.php?wiki=eswiki&compare=eowiki settings that are different between the Spanish and Esperanto Wikipedias]. Local communities may want to [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Requesting_wiki_configuration_changes|discuss and propose changes]] to their local settings. Details about each of the named settings can be found by [[mw:Special:Search|searching MediaWiki.org]]. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T308932] *The Anti-Harassment Tools team [[m:Special:MyLanguage/IP Editing: Privacy Enhancement and Abuse Mitigation/IP Info feature#May|recently deployed]] the IP Info Feature as a [[Special:Preferences#mw-prefsection-betafeatures|Beta Feature at all wikis]]. This feature allows abuse fighters to access information about IP addresses. Please check our update on [[m:Special:MyLanguage/IP Editing: Privacy Enhancement and Abuse Mitigation/IP Info feature#April|how to find and use the tool]]. Please share your feedback using a link you will be given within the tool itself. '''Changes later this week''' * There is no new MediaWiki version this week. * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|alt=|Recurrent item]] Some wikis will be in read-only for a few minutes because of a switch of their main database. It will be performed on {{#time:j xg|2022-07-12|en}} at 07:00 UTC ([https://noc.wikimedia.org/conf/highlight.php?file=dblists/s3.dblist targeted wikis]). '''Future changes''' * The Beta Feature for [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Help:DiscussionTools|DiscussionTools]] will be updated throughout July. Discussions will look different. You can see [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Talk pages project/Usability/Prototype|some of the proposed changes]]. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2022/28|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2022-W28"/> 19:25, 11 July 2022 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=23502519 --> == RevDel request == #[[Special:Diff/4484257]] #[[Special:Diff/4484260]] #this very edit Ty in advance! [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 12:28, 16 July 2022 (UTC) :Done. Did you want me to only revdel the IP? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:38, 16 July 2022 (UTC) ::Thank you, yes. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 12:39, 16 July 2022 (UTC) == Movement Strategy and Governance News – Issue 7 == <section begin="msg-newsletter"/> <div style = "line-height: 1.2"> <span style="font-size:200%;">'''Movement Strategy and Governance News'''</span><br> <span style="font-size:120%; color:#404040;">'''Issue 7, July-September 2022'''</span><span style="font-size:120%; float:right;">[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7|'''Read the full newsletter''']]</span> ---- Welcome to the 7th issue of Movement Strategy and Governance News! The newsletter distributes relevant news and events about the implementation of Wikimedia's [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Initiatives|Movement Strategy recommendations]], other relevant topics regarding Movement governance, as well as different projects and activities supported by the Movement Strategy and Governance (MSG) team of the Wikimedia Foundation. The MSG Newsletter is delivered quarterly, while the more frequent [[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy/Updates|Movement Strategy Weekly]] will be delivered weekly. Please remember to subscribe [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Global message delivery/Targets/MSG Newsletter Subscription|here]] if you would like to receive future issues of this newsletter. </div><div style="margin-top:3px; padding:10px 10px 10px 20px; background:#fffff; border:2px solid #808080; border-radius:4px; font-size:100%;"> * '''Movement sustainability''': Wikimedia Foundation's annual sustainability report has been published. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A1|continue reading]]) * '''Improving user experience''': recent improvements on the desktop interface for Wikimedia projects. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A2|continue reading]]) * '''Safety and inclusion''': updates on the revision process of the Universal Code of Conduct Enforcement Guidelines. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A3|continue reading]]) * '''Equity in decisionmaking''': reports from Hubs pilots conversations, recent progress from the Movement Charter Drafting Committee, and a new white paper for futures of participation in the Wikimedia movement. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A4|continue reading]]) * '''Stakeholders coordination''': launch of a helpdesk for Affiliates and volunteer communities working on content partnership. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A5|continue reading]]) * '''Leadership development''': updates on leadership projects by Wikimedia movement organizers in Brazil and Cape Verde. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A6|continue reading]]) * '''Internal knowledge management''': launch of a new portal for technical documentation and community resources. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A7|continue reading]]) * '''Innovate in free knowledge''': high-quality audiovisual resources for scientific experiments and a new toolkit to record oral transcripts. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A8|continue reading]]) * '''Evaluate, iterate, and adapt''': results from the Equity Landscape project pilot ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A9|continue reading]]) * '''Other news and updates''': a new forum to discuss Movement Strategy implementation, upcoming Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees election, a new podcast to discuss Movement Strategy, and change of personnel for the Foundation's Movement Strategy and Governance team. ([[:m:Special:MyLanguage/Movement Strategy and Governance/Newsletter/7#A10|continue reading]]) </div><section end="msg-newsletter"/> [[User:RamzyM (WMF)|RamzyM (WMF)]] 01:39, 18 July 2022 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:RamzyM (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Movement_Strategy_and_Governance/Newsletter/Subscribe&oldid=23527297 --> == Tech News: 2022-29 == <section begin="technews-2022-W29"/><div class="plainlinks"> Latest '''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|tech news]]''' from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2022/29|Translations]] are available. '''Problems''' * The feature on mobile web for [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Extension:NearbyPages|Nearby Pages]] was missing last week. It will be fixed this week. [https://phabricator.wikimedia.org/T312864] '''Changes later this week''' * [[File:Octicons-sync.svg|12px|link=|alt=|Recurrent item]] The [[mw:MediaWiki 1.39/wmf.21|new version]] of MediaWiki will be on test wikis and MediaWiki.org from {{#time:j xg|2022-07-19|en}}. It will be on non-Wikipedia wikis and some Wikipedias from {{#time:j xg|2022-07-20|en}}. It will be on all wikis from {{#time:j xg|2022-07-21|en}} ([[mw:MediaWiki 1.39/Roadmap|calendar]]). '''Future changes''' * The [[mw:Technical_decision_making/Forum|Technical Decision Forum]] is seeking [[mw:Technical_decision_making/Community_representation|community representatives]]. You can apply on wiki or by emailing <span class="mw-content-ltr" lang="en" dir="ltr">TDFSupport@wikimedia.org</span> before 12 August. '''''[[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News|Tech news]]''' prepared by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/Writers|Tech News writers]] and posted by [[m:Special:MyLanguage/User:MediaWiki message delivery|bot]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News#contribute|Contribute]]&nbsp;• [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Tech/News/2022/29|Translate]]&nbsp;• [[m:Tech|Get help]]&nbsp;• [[m:Talk:Tech/News|Give feedback]]&nbsp;• [[m:Global message delivery/Targets/Tech ambassadors|Subscribe or unsubscribe]].'' </div><section end="technews-2022-W29"/> 23:00, 18 July 2022 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Quiddity (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_message_delivery/Targets/Tech_ambassadors&oldid=23517957 --> == Nothing personal == I had a rough night and I'm still having a rough time, so I'm probably more irritable than usual. Nothing personal; I just don't like that redirect and would like for you to understand that I've been on this site and its predecessor since probably 2004 (I'd have to look at my pre-registered history of IPs), and trying to hold me to some protocol you think is set in stone and arguing on the basis of rules you take to be inflexible is not a good way to go. Asking whether you'd agree to a deletion is not a violation of protocol and posting to the pub about most anything you'd like to call attention to are not violations of protocol. Those are both common things that have been done for as long as I can remember. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:35, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :{{re|Ikan Kekek}} I do apologize if I went overly hasty with nitpicking policy and also apologies for the late response – don't know how I missed this (I think it conflicted with Ibaman's). I guess we have different opinions but that's why votes for deletion (aka Articles for deletion / Requests for deletion / Deletion requests etc.) exists. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:28, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ==Your email== I would say "per the choice of articles to edit, it seems very likely", oh yes. Hope you're doing well, too. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 12:40, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :Okay good to have some conformation. Shall we block then? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:41, 20 July 2022 (UTC) == Green text == Do with this what you wish, but I just want to tell you: the non-standard green text you use for quotes is more or less unreadable for me, with my normal settings. I can read it by highlighting it (getting the colours in reverse) or doing some other tricks, but I might not bother to every time, and when I encounter it in a few posts after each other at Commons (where it seems to have gotten common), I often leave that thread unread. I don't know from where it comes, it seems to be marked just as "<nowiki><font face="Georgia" color="green"></nowiki>", which I doubt you are typing in each time. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:05, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :{{re|LPfi}} I'm typing that each time. If there was something that I could substitute, I'd have used <nowiki><span style="color:#006400; font-family:Georgia">text</span></nowiki>, but there is no template for that so I use the slightly simpler code soon to be depreciated. But if it's a bit unreadable, I'll try and not to use it. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:08, 21 July 2022 (UTC) jvk6umjdql0akgdhdymke4gohugtwec 0 188977 4488225 4432315 2022-07-22T11:55:38Z 74.74.128.248 Added listing for Powder Mills Patk wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Bushnell&#39;s Basin''' is an Erie Canal village within the Town of Perinton. It is part of the [[Rochester and Suburbs]] region == Understand == The historic village of Bushnell's Basin is on Route 96 in the southwestern part of the town. The primary postal district covering much of the area is ZIP code 14534 for Pittsford. == Get in == == Get around == == See == == Do == You can enjoy a nice walk along the Erie Canal while at Bushnell's Basin. == Buy == The Hitching Post Plaza, 639 Pittsford Victor Rd, is home to shops and restaurants. == Eat == * {{eat | name=Richardson's Canal House | alt= | url=http://richardsonscanalhouse.com/ | email= | address=1474 Marsh Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 5-9PM | price= | wikipedia=Richardson's Canal House | wikidata=Q7330305 | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content=An historic fine dining restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Agave Express | alt= | url=http://agaveexpress.com/ | email= | address= 725 Pittsford Victor Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= Daily 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content=A Mexican restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Tom Wahl's | alt=Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin | url=https://www.tomwahls.com | email= | address=643 Pittsford-Victor Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Tom Wahl's | wikidata=Q7817965 | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=A local chain of hamburger restaurants. }} == Drink == == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/Pittsford | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rocptgi-hilton-garden-inn-rochester-pittsford/ | email= | address= 800 Pittsford-Victor Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $115 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content= }} == Connect == * {{listing | name=Powder Mills Patk | alt= | url=https://www.powdermillspark.com | email= | address=154 Park Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=A Monroe County park. }} == Go next == {{IsPartOf|Rochester and Suburbs}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0607|-77.4760}} 6ouf58aep1gxusszkfw75b1cxy0181t 4488226 4488225 2022-07-22T11:55:52Z 74.74.128.248 /* Connect */ Updated listing for Powder Mills Park wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Bushnell&#39;s Basin''' is an Erie Canal village within the Town of Perinton. It is part of the [[Rochester and Suburbs]] region == Understand == The historic village of Bushnell's Basin is on Route 96 in the southwestern part of the town. The primary postal district covering much of the area is ZIP code 14534 for Pittsford. == Get in == == Get around == == See == == Do == You can enjoy a nice walk along the Erie Canal while at Bushnell's Basin. == Buy == The Hitching Post Plaza, 639 Pittsford Victor Rd, is home to shops and restaurants. == Eat == * {{eat | name=Richardson's Canal House | alt= | url=http://richardsonscanalhouse.com/ | email= | address=1474 Marsh Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 5-9PM | price= | wikipedia=Richardson's Canal House | wikidata=Q7330305 | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content=An historic fine dining restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Agave Express | alt= | url=http://agaveexpress.com/ | email= | address= 725 Pittsford Victor Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= Daily 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content=A Mexican restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Tom Wahl's | alt=Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin | url=https://www.tomwahls.com | email= | address=643 Pittsford-Victor Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Tom Wahl's | wikidata=Q7817965 | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=A local chain of hamburger restaurants. }} == Drink == == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/Pittsford | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rocptgi-hilton-garden-inn-rochester-pittsford/ | email= | address= 800 Pittsford-Victor Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $115 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content= }} == Connect == * {{listing | name=Powder Mills Park | alt= | url=https://www.powdermillspark.com | email= | address=154 Park Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=A Monroe County park. }} == Go next == {{IsPartOf|Rochester and Suburbs}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0607|-77.4760}} o1w6odxv9d353iqcm7u9swerl6c3hk3 4488227 4488226 2022-07-22T11:56:24Z 74.74.128.248 /* Connect */ Updated listing for Powder Mills Park wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Bushnell&#39;s Basin''' is an Erie Canal village within the Town of Perinton. It is part of the [[Rochester and Suburbs]] region == Understand == The historic village of Bushnell's Basin is on Route 96 in the southwestern part of the town. The primary postal district covering much of the area is ZIP code 14534 for Pittsford. == Get in == == Get around == == See == == Do == You can enjoy a nice walk along the Erie Canal while at Bushnell's Basin. == Buy == The Hitching Post Plaza, 639 Pittsford Victor Rd, is home to shops and restaurants. == Eat == * {{eat | name=Richardson's Canal House | alt= | url=http://richardsonscanalhouse.com/ | email= | address=1474 Marsh Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 5-9PM | price= | wikipedia=Richardson's Canal House | wikidata=Q7330305 | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content=An historic fine dining restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Agave Express | alt= | url=http://agaveexpress.com/ | email= | address= 725 Pittsford Victor Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= Daily 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content=A Mexican restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Tom Wahl's | alt=Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin | url=https://www.tomwahls.com | email= | address=643 Pittsford-Victor Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Tom Wahl's | wikidata=Q7817965 | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=A local chain of hamburger restaurants. }} == Drink == == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/Pittsford | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rocptgi-hilton-garden-inn-rochester-pittsford/ | email= | address= 800 Pittsford-Victor Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $115 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content= }} == Connect == * {{listing | name=Powder Mills Park | alt= | url=https://www.powdermillspark.com | email= | address=154 Park Road, Pittsford, NY 14534 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=A Monroe County park. }} == Go next == {{IsPartOf|Rochester and Suburbs}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0607|-77.4760}} hj223k6yzz0k0k5i4jb6ylpiy48kwtz 4488228 4488227 2022-07-22T11:56:55Z 74.74.128.248 /* Connect */ Updated listing for Powder Mills Park wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Bushnell&#39;s Basin''' is an Erie Canal village within the Town of Perinton. It is part of the [[Rochester and Suburbs]] region == Understand == The historic village of Bushnell's Basin is on Route 96 in the southwestern part of the town. The primary postal district covering much of the area is ZIP code 14534 for Pittsford. == Get in == == Get around == == See == == Do == You can enjoy a nice walk along the Erie Canal while at Bushnell's Basin. == Buy == The Hitching Post Plaza, 639 Pittsford Victor Rd, is home to shops and restaurants. == Eat == * {{eat | name=Richardson's Canal House | alt= | url=http://richardsonscanalhouse.com/ | email= | address=1474 Marsh Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Tu-Sa 5-9PM | price= | wikipedia=Richardson's Canal House | wikidata=Q7330305 | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content=An historic fine dining restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Agave Express | alt= | url=http://agaveexpress.com/ | email= | address= 725 Pittsford Victor Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= Daily 11AM-8PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content=A Mexican restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Tom Wahl's | alt=Tom Wahl's Bushnell's Basin | url=https://www.tomwahls.com | email= | address=643 Pittsford-Victor Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia=Tom Wahl's | wikidata=Q7817965 | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=A local chain of hamburger restaurants. }} == Drink == == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/Pittsford | alt= | url=https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rocptgi-hilton-garden-inn-rochester-pittsford/ | email= | address= 800 Pittsford-Victor Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=From $115 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-02-20 | content= }} == Connect == * {{listing | name=Powder Mills Park | alt= | url=http://www.powdermillspark.com | email= | address=154 Park Road, Pittsford, NY 14534 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=A Monroe County park. }} == Go next == {{IsPartOf|Rochester and Suburbs}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|43.0607|-77.4760}} 45pqki0n37hocrlxqkwkvbomqyj9ack 1 189695 4488051 4348901 2022-07-22T01:49:32Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Merge proposal */ wikitext text/x-wiki ==Merge proposal== {{ping|OTim75}} Thank you for starting this article! However, this is only a small area. Could we move this content into an article covering a larger part of the city? Unfortunately the number of articles of Lagos suburbs is becoming overwhelming. Thanks. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:45, 19 December 2021 (UTC) :Thank you for your proposal. However,this article should stand alone as it is meant to direct tourist and new visitors in the area. The purpose may not be meet if it is moved [[User:OTim75|OTim75]] ([[User talk:OTim75|talk]]) 22:21, 19 December 2021 (UTC) ::Okay. So we need to find a way to organize all these suburbs. This is part of the Alimosho area, correct? <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 23:09, 19 December 2021 (UTC) There is nothing to see or do here, aside from a cinema. '''Support''' merger. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:49, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ghedvkosbzkm1i13ybjs90goml41jaq 0 189697 4488050 4432560 2022-07-22T01:48:10Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Go next */ done a while ago wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Africa}} '''Amuwo-Odofin''' is a community of 1.5 million people (2006) in [[Lagos City/Mainland]]. It includes '''Festac Town''' a federal housing estate named after the Second World African Festival of Arts and Culture that was held there in 1977, and '''Satellite Town''', a suburb and state housing estate that was set up by the Lagos state government in 1960 to support and help government workers become land and house owners. == Understand == Amuwo-Odofin is a local government area (LGA). Oriade LCDA is made up of Abule-osun, Agboju, Ibeshe, Ijegun, Irede, Kirikir, and Kuje wards, while Amuwo LCDA is made up of Ado-soba, Ekoakete, Ifelodun, Ilado Tamaro, Irepodun, Odofin, and Orire wards. Amuwo Odofin LGA is divided into There are 67 settlements spread among the 14 wards, 12 of which are urban, 8 semi-urban, and 47 rural. The population density in Amuwo Odofin LGA is roughly 300,000 persons/km². The Aworis are the majority of the inhabitants of Amuwo-Odofin. Elegba, Oro, Sangbeto, and Igunuko are some of the festivities that the people participate in. Traditional rulers of the area are the caretakers of culture and custom. Obas, Chiefs, and Baales of repute abound throughout the Local Government. Oba Mobadenle Obalade Oyekan, Onilado of the Ilado/Inagbe Islands, and Oba Lateef Olayinka Ado, Fabuwa 1, Alado of Ado Land are among them. Because of its proximity to the border, international trade has taken root in the area, with people of all ethnicities engaging in a variety of trading enterprises. The people's hospitality has drawn people from other ethnic communities in Nigeria, particularly the Igbos, who make up more over half of the population. [[File:A Lagoon front in Festac, Lagos state, Nigeria.jpg|thumb|A Lagoon in Festac]] The history of Festac can be traced back to 1977, when the Second World Black and African Festival Arts and Culture was held here. Festac is an housing estate owned by the federal government that was built to accomodate the participants of the festival. It was intended to evoke modern age, state of the art, backed by promise of state sponsored economic development from accumulated oil revenues.though the festival was planned to be held in 1975 under general yakubu Gowon regime, it was later held in 1977 under general olusegun Obasanjo's regime. Festac was known as Festival town until the name Festac emerged. The town is very big, as it is composed of over 5,000 dwelling units with 7 major avenues. The town was designed to accommodate well over 45,000 visitors as well as officials of the contest. == Get in == {{Mapframe|zoom=12}} * {{listing | name=GIGM Buses | alt= | url=https://gigm.com | email= | address=1st Ave, Festac Town| lat=6.4703 | long=3.2818| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit= | content=Longer distance air-conditioned bus services, super comfortable. }} You can also get into Festac Town by either boarding a bus (danfo), Lagos popular yellow bus plying the route. which the price ranges from destination to destination depending on where you are coming from, However, the price is ₦100-1000. Another way to get in is by using the popular car-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, In-driver, and others, book a ride online, select your destination as Festac Town, and just from the comfort of your home, a car comes to pick you up to your location and the driver takes you to Festac straightaway. You can access Festac via Apapa Oworonshoki Expressway, 19.5 km (29 min) or Bayo shodipo/AI (35 min). == Get around == If you are not on a tight budget, you should hire a tricycle which usually comes with a driver, usually available from most of the major hotels. The price varies from driver to driver, but it should be around ₦500-1,000 per hour, and you will be expected to haggle. Talk to the drivers and find one you think you will be able to communicate best with, as they will be able to tell you things about the places you pass. Motorcycle riders offer more of a drop-off service, and are not the best option for someone touring the town with the expectation for the rider to talk about various locations' history. The service charge is around ₦150-300 per trip (drop-off). == See == * {{see | name=Lagos Trade Fair Complex | alt= | url= | email= | address=Satellite Town | lat=6.464 | long=3.247 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q65062895 | lastedit=2021-12-22 | content=Complex constructed in the 1970s to host trade fairs and now home to market traders. }} == Do == Some of the festivals embraced by the people are Elegba, Oro, Sangbeto and Igunuko festivals. [[File:Wood carvings in Lagos, Nigeria.jpg|thumb|Wood carvings/handicraft in Festac Town during the festival of arts and culture]] Festac Town is a really nice place to be, so the tourist should ensure they move around Festac Town, appreciate the buildings, appreciate the serene environment and all. A tourist should ensure they do this and visit these places: * {{do | name=SUNFIT Fitness, Spa, Accommodation | alt= | url=https://sunfitltd.com/ | email= | address=329 Rabiu Babatunde Tinubu Rd, Festac Town | lat=6.4676 | long=3.3121 | directions= | phone=+234 809 632 0300 | tollfree= | hours= | price=₦15,700 | lastedit=2022-01-02 | content=When you get to Festac, ensure you visit this resort center. It gives a wonderful experience of privacy, lush greenery, pools and relaxation. }} * {{do | name=Silverbird Cinemas, Festival Mall, FESTAC | alt= | url= | email= | address=Golden Tulip Festac Lagos, Amuwo Odofin Festival Mall, Festac Town, Lagos | lat=6.465822 | long=3.304288 | directions= | phone=+234 802 976 7669 | tollfree= | hours=10AM-10PM | price=₦800-₦2500 | lastedit=2022-01-31 | content=Silverbird cinema as a very good customer service and a very good serene atmosphere to watch your movie. }} == Buy == * {{buy | name=Payless mall | alt= | url= | email= | address= 5th Avenue, A Cl, Festac | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Shoprite Festival Mall | alt= | url= | email= | address= Festival Mall, Janet Fajemigbesin St, Festac Town | lat=6.46594 | long=3.30427 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Do not leave Festac Town without seeing the popular Shoprite festival mall, which is a very big shopping mall with cinemas and other fun stuff to enjoy yourself with. It also offers In-store shopping, In-store pick-up, Delivery. }} * {{buy | name=Shop TopUp - Festac Depot | alt= | url= | email= | address=Shop 8, Gacoun Plaza, 23 Rd, Festac Town 102102, Lagos | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 700 555 0555 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=One of the largest markets in Festac Town. }} Except you are in a store or eatery/bar with fixed costs, you will be relied upon to negotiate or bargain the value you pay for a thing down to the least the seller would sell. Festac vendors normally camp at a spot selling anything from new food things like tomatoes, fish, vegetables, potatoes to drinks. Expect any top-of-the-line attire and embellishments brand names (Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton, and so on) in these casual business sectors to be phony, and should you wish to buy them focus on an exceptionally low cost. Shopping at the neighborhood market is typically done with cash as they don't have POS machines for credit-only exchanges, grocery stores, eatery/bar acknowledges credit-only exchange, for example, POS and cash move. Assuming you hold a Visa, MasterCard credit/check card you can pull out cash in Naira from different ATMs around Festac. Most banks' ATMs acknowledge both Visa and Mastercards. There are various markets in Festac Town where you can have access to varieties of products, ranging from food stuffs to equipments,materials. * Ahonsi market is popularly known as 23rd market, it is the biggest market in Festac town. * Agboju market, 2nd avenue, opp 22road, Festac town * Oyinlola Ifelodun market, 23rd, Festac Town *{{buy | name=Akinjoe Small Market, Satellite Town | alt= | url= | email= | address=Babatunde Street, Satellite Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content= }} == Eat == * {{eat | name=Mama Ada Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= Maza Maza, 29 Fashinro St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 803 856 7444 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Paradise Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Shawarma spot | alt= | url= | email= | address=41 Road, H Cl, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 810 931 4331 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Paula Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address=311 Rd, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +234 903 816 0585| tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Three Brothers Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= 72 Rd, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=God Is Good Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= Alahun Osunba St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Good Mama's Kitchen | alt= | url= | email= | address= Maza Maza 22 Fashinro St | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Madam BigBen Restaurants | alt= | url= | email= | address= Plot 777 Festac Access Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 803 772 8292 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Musbau Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= 87 Old Ojo Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Hotspot foodie | alt= | url= | email= | address=I Close 7, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 803 831 7569 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Paradise Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= No 53 Old Ojo Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 01 288 2521 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Faith Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= 87 Old Ojo Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 806 352 1436 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Mama Do Good Canteen | alt= | url=| email= | address=21 Road Junction, Fesatc, 2nd Ave | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours=Daily 9AM-9PM | price= | lastedit= | content=Dealer in all kinds of local dish }} * {{eat | name=De Tastee Fried Chicken | alt= | url=https://tfc.com.ng/ | email= | address=22 Road 2nd Ave, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 807 549 1222 | tollfree= | hours=Daily 9AM-9PM | price= | content=Perfect Location to enjoy a nice meal. }} == Drink == * {{drink | name=Chillers Bar And Restaurant | alt= | url= | email= | address= 6 Ausbeth Ajagu St,| lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 818 491 5981 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Adanma Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= Beside A Close, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 802 541 2571 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=La-Vida Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address= 2021 Ago Palace Way, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Golden Grove Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=13 Ijegun Egba Rd, Satellite Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Zizi’s Sports Bar & Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=18A PLOT 2018 Lagos, Festac Access Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 809 382 8359 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Dynasty Sports Bar & Lounge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Festival mall | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 818 655 2193 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=apex bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=511 Rd 'A' Cl, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Ibiza Outdoor Bar And Night Club | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= +234 811 823 4298| tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Barbados Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= 322 Road, I Cl, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=FADA Restaurant and Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address=401road, block 5, flat 4 Amuwo local government, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 908 298 1364 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Exclusive classic bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= 22 Road, A Cl, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{drink | name=Full House Club and Bar | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=6.481024 | long=3.289037 | directions= | phone=+234 806 927 0015 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-28 | content= }} *{{drink | name=Corporate Garden | alt= | url= | email= | address=Along Apapa Oworonshoki Expressway and Lagos - Badagry Expressway, Satellite Town| lat=6.445430 | long=3.204766 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-06-21 | content= }} == Sleep == * {{sleep | name=Dionzec Hotel & Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=Plot 993,13th Road, Cavera Estate, 6th Avenue Festac Town | lat=6.4805 | long=3.2844 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double from ₦16,800 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-31 | content=Free parking. Restaurant. Breakfast. Air conditioning. }} * {{sleep | name=Paris Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=6th Avenue, 421 Road B close, Cavera Estate Festac Town | lat=6.4788 | long=3.2826 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=Double from ₦10,000 | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-31 | content=Fitness centre, swimming pool, WiFi, breakfast, parking. }} * {{sleep | name=Opera Classic Suite | alt= | url= | email= | address= 102, Festac Link Road, by Raji Rasaki Junction | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 806 751 6500 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=#8,000 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Oak Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=#4,500 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=De Santiago Milan Hotels And Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address= Plot 3088, Block 24b, 26b Festac Access Rd | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 908 293 2697 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Dublina Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address= 4th Avenue, G Cl, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 814 296 5961 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=#12,000 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Newton Hotels | alt= | url= | email= | address= Plot 628A, First Avenue, By 4th Avenue Junction, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 706 248 6887 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Flamingo Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address= 4th Avenue , House 1 Close, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=#9,000 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Rownez Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address= Plot 907, 14 Cavera Rd, 1st Ave, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 802 832 3405 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Tatiana Hotel and Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address= 205 Road, House 1 2nd Ave, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 906 000 9106 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Sada Cruz Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=56 4th Ave, Festac Tow | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=#7,500 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Vicmike Villa | alt= | url= | email= | address=65 B 21 Road,G1 Cl, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 816 159 3829 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price=#10,000 | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Brighams Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address= 1st Avenue, A1 close Plot 854, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 909 876 1330 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-01-12 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Festival Hotel, Festal | alt=formerly Golden Tulip | url= | email= | address=Amuwo Odofin, Mile 2, Festac | lat=6.46528 | long=3.3031 | directions=. | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | content=has a very nice architectural view and nice facilities for its customers. It has over 470 well-furnished rooms, and offers a wide range of services to its customers including : Dry cleaning and housekeeping services, round-the-clock room service, ATM, Lawn tennis facilities, airport shuttle, business center, and concierge services. }} * {{sleep | name=Rockview Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=33, 23 Rd, Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+234 808 326 1985 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=N22,295 | content=When you get to Festac, ensure you visit this Hotel. It has everything you need to have a great time. }} * {{sleep | name=Cavera Estate | alt= | url= | email= | address=Festac Town | lat= | long= | directions=13th road, 6th avenue | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-19 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Destiny Hotel and Suites | alt= | url= | email= | address=3, Dili Ituludiegwu Rd, Satellite Town | lat=6.447235 | long=3.271197 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=₦6,000 | lastedit=2021-12-29 | content=Free parking and a bar/lounge. }} *{{sleep | name=Golden Tree Hotel and Suites | address=18 Western Ave, Satellite Town | url=https://goldentreehotels.com/ | phone=+234 803 3053 302 | lat=6.4498 | long=3.2528 | checkin= | lastedit= | content= }} == Connect == == Go next == {{IsPartOf|Lagos City/Mainland}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|6.45|3.266667}} m3xjht7az161c674kpdjpc6dw2wcvfy 0 189889 4487709 4483470 2022-07-21T12:16:11Z Veillg1 253590 /* Go next */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Les Bergeronnes banner.jpg}} '''Les Bergeronnes''' is a a picturesque and dynamic municipality of La Haute-Côte-Nord Regional County Municipality, in administrative region of [[North Shore (Quebec)|Côte-Nord]], in the province of [[Quebec]], [[Canada]]. This locality is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]], on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). This locality has many ancestral and well restored houses; the architectural past blends well with the modern. In the summer season, many boaters enjoy boating on the St. Lawrence and many visitors come to visit the locality for its recreational tourism and social events. ==Understand== The villages of Les Petites Bergeronnes and Les Bergeronnes are crossed by Route 138, which runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. This route serves the administrative regions of Quebec of [[Montérégie]], [[Montreal]], [[Lanaudière]], [[Mauricie]], [[Quebec Region|Capitale-Nationale]] and [[North Coast]]. === History === The locality has 22 archaeological sites. === Geography === The village of Grandes Bergeronnes is located on Route 138 east of [[Tadoussac]] and west of [[Baie-Comeau]]. This road passes for approximately {{km|4.7}} in the valley of the Petites Bergeronnes river. It spans this river at the Petites Bergeronnes bridge. West of the municipal territory, Route 138 runs along the southeast shore of Lac Gobeil, which straddles the municipalities of Sacré-Coeur and Les Bergeronnes; this lake is a resort and recreational tourism. The main bodies of water in the Bergeronnes area are: Lac des Sables (source of the Petites Bergeronnes river), Paradise lake, La Peltrie lake, Gobeil lake (northern part along route 138) and many small lakes . The territory of Les Bergeronnes is mainly forest and mountainous. The territory stretches along the north shore of the St. Lawrence, between the municipality of Tadoussac and Sacré-Coeur, on the west side, and the municipality of Les Escoumins, on the east side. The main coves or bays on the coast of the St. Lawrence River are (from west to east): Anse aux Pilotes, Baie des Petites Bergeronnes, Baie des Grandes Bergeronnes, Baie de Bon-Désir, Anse à la Capé and handle to Otis. The batture à Théophile appears at low tide between the Cap de Bon-Désir (to the east) and the bay of Grandes-Bergeronnes. The marine coastline is magnificent to see, both at sea and on land. === Economy === The main economic activities of Les Bergeronnes are recreotourism (vacation, catering, accommodation, outdoor recreation, excursions for the observation of marine mammals, social events, hunting, fishing, hiking trails), forestry and several public services (schools, municipalities). In addition, the locality is a service stop for travellers on Route 138. ==Get in== The village of Les Escoumins is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Baie-Comeau]] ({{km|177}}. Time: 1 hr 56 min.) From Baie-Comeau, take route 138 (north shore) west, to the village of Les Grandes-Bergeronnes. * From [[Quebec City]] ({{km|236}}. Time: 3 hr 14 min.) From Quebec City, take route 138 (north shore) eastbound, via the Tadoussac ferry, to the village of Grandes-Bergeronnes. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138, with a stop at Épicerie Axep (Axep grocery store), 121, rue Principale, Grandes-Bergeronnes, QC, G0T 1G0 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Les Bergeronnes. }} ===Airport=== * {{go | name=Aéroport des Grandes-Bergeronnes | alt=Grandes-Bergeronnes Airport | url=http://www.escoumins.ca | facebook=| email= | address=Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.23270 | long=-69.54279 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | direction= | content= }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|layer=W}}{{mapshape}} * {{go | name=Harnois gas station | alt= | url=https://harnoisenergies.com/fr/ | facebook=| email= | address=121, rue Principale | lat=48.25007| long=-69.53410 | direction=south-west of the village. | phone=+1 418-232-6262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Service station for motor vehicles. }} * {{go | name=Terminal for electric vehicle | alt= | url=https://lecircuitelectrique.com/fr/ | email= | address=517, du Boisé | lat=48.24666 | long=-69.54234 | directions=In the parking lot of the Caisse Desjardins | phone=+1 800-686-9243 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | direction= | content=Charging station for electric vehicles }} ==See== * {{see | name=Archéo Topo | alt=Archaeologist Topo | url= | facebook=| wikipédia=| email= | address=498, rue de la Mer, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.22914 | long=-69.55324 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6286 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Interpretation center describing the native settlement of the North Shore. Main activities: exhibitions, interpretation activities, bookstore, shop and restaurant. }} * {{see | name=Centre d'interprétation et d'observation de Cap-de-Bon-Désir | alt=Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Center | url= | facebook=| wikipédia=| email= | address=13, chemin du Cap de Bon Désir, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.27668 | long=-69.47617 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6751 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Observation des mannifères marins à partir de la rive. }} * {{see | name=Cap de Bon-Désir (centre d'observation) | alt=Cap de Bon-Désir (observation center)| url= | facebook=| wikipédia=| email= | address=Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.27073 | long=-69.46684 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Observation center of the St. Lawrence River and marine mannifers. }} * {{see | name=Point de vue Blue River | alt=Blue River Viewpoint | url= | facebook=| wikipédia=| email= | address=route 138, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24244 | long=-69.55155 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Privileged point of view near route 138, with a panorama of the river, the bay of Grandes Bergeronnes, the village and the river. }} * {{see | name=Presbytère et église Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Désir | alt=Presbytery and Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Désir church | url= | email= | address=300, rue de la Rivière, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24559 | long=-69.54623 | directions= | phone=+1 418-233-2838 | tollfree= | hours= | price=free | image= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Church erected from 1914 to 1916. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Réseau de sentiers | alt=Trail network | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=In Les Bergeronnes, the network of trails (hiking, cross-country skis and snowshoes) includes:{{ili|the biodiversity trails ({{km|2.7}}): two loops along the Grande-Bergeronnes River and the St. Lawrence River;}}{{ili|the cliff path: path near the Archéo Topo or near the beach path, allowing you to discover a classified archaeological site;}}{{ili|the beach path: magnificent beach at the foot of rocks for a picnic or to appreciate the wild nature of the shore and the daily entertainment on the river;}}{{ili|the multipurpose path of Club Le Morillon ({{km|16}}): route on the route of the old route 138, also called "chemin des Squatteurs" because people settled there without owning land. In winter, the track becomes a cross-country ski trail;}}{{ili|the trails of Camping Bon-Désir: this is a network of trails in nature.}}}} * {{do | name=Marina de la Baie des Grandes Bergeronnes | alt=Observation of marine mammals tours | url= | email= | address=498, rue de la Mer, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.22908 | long=-69.55324 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-1115 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Marina built in 2013 and able to accommodate 20 boats for the needs of boaters. Maximum boat length: 50 feet. The marina offers certain services and the launching. }} * {{do | name=Tournée d'observation des mammifères marins | alt=Marine mammal observation tour | url= | email=info@lesecumeurs.com | address= | lat= | long= | directions=| phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=From land or by boat. From Les Escoumins, cruises aboard light boats allow you to approach the marine mammals that frequent the Saint Lawrence estuary, in particular: fin whales, humpback whales, beluga and seals. Given the steep underwater relief near the coast, marine mammals (mainly beluga whales and minke whales) venture near the shore of Les Escoumins. }} ** {{do | name=Mer et Monde écotours | alt=Sea and World ecotours | url=https://www.meretmonde.ca// | email= | address=20, chemin Jalbert, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.28989 | long=-69.44815 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6779 (Mer et Monde Écotours), +1 418-232-6237 (Le Paradis Marin) | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Whale watching excursions in ecological Zodiac mode with retractable windows. Cruise between Tadoussac and Les Escoumins. }} ** {{do | name=Croisières Essipit d'observation des baleines | alt=Essipit whale watching cruises | url=https://vacancesessipit.com/croisieres-aux-baleines/ | email= | address=498, rue de la Mer, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.22945 | long=-69.55327 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6778 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Zodiac whale watching cruises (inflatable boat) on the St. Lawrence River. }} ** {{do | name=Croisières Neptune | alt=Neptune Cruise | url= | email= | address=507, rue du Boisée, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24439 | long=-69.54063 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6716 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{do | name=Chasse | alt=Hunting | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Big or small game hunting. }} * {{do | name=Pêche sportive | alt=Sport fishing | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Atlantic salmon fishing, lake fishing and ice fishing. }} * {{do | name=Kayak de mer | alt=sea kayak | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=The coastline of the Haute-Côte-Nord is an ideal place for sea kayaking. Kayakers enjoy exploring the surrounding bays because of the scenery and the safety. }} * {{do | name=Trail 4X4 | alt= | url= | email= | address=rue de la Savane, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24442 | long=-69.52904 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Network of forest tracks for 4X4. }} * {{do | name=Motoneige | alt=Snowmobile | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=The vast forest area and the many small bodies of water are ideal wilderness areas for snowmobiling. }} ===Outfitters=== * {{do | name=Pourvoirie Club Lac des Sables et Paradis | alt=Club Lac des Sables et Paradis outfitter | url= | email= | address=14, chemin du Lac-des-Sables, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.26249 | long=-69.63139 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-2020 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} ===Events=== * {{listing | type=do | name=Festival de la Baleine Bleue | alt=Blue Whale Festival | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418 365-7524 | tollfree= | hours=Annual festival held the first weekend of August | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=One of the oldest festivals in Quebec, since the early 1980s. The main activities of the festival are, in particular: parade, music, shows, and sports tournaments. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Festival intime de musique classique | alt=Intimate classical music festival | url=https://vimeo.com/208876663 | email= | address=Église Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Désir | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Festival held annually over five days in July | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Festi-livres Desjardins | alt=Desjardins Book Fest | url= | email= | address=À la Polyvalente des Berges | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Festi-books held annually in May | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Possibility of meeting several authors and discussing with them. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Traversée du Lac Gobeil | alt=Crossing of Lac Gobeil | url= | email= | address=Lac Gobeil | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Annually in early August | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=1000m or 500m swimming crossing in open water at Lake Gobeil, between Les Bergeronnes and Tadoussac. Activities for everyone: canoeing, sand castles, door prizes, music and catering. }} * {{listing | type=do | name=Derby Démolition | alt=Demolition Derby | url= | email= | address=rang St-Joseph | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Annual derby taking place the last weekend of July | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} ==Buy== ;Food/alcohol * {{buy | name=Marché Richelieu Les Bergeronnes (GLR) | alt= | url=https://www.marcherichelieu.ca/nous-trouver | facebook=| email= | address=121, rue Principale, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.25010 | long=-69.53405 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6262 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Boulangerie artisanale la P'tite Cochonne | alt=Artisanal bakery la P'tite Cochonne | url= | email= | address=482, rue de la Mer | lat=48.23195 | long=-69.54858 | directions=Follow the directions for the cruises. | phone=+1 418-617-0384 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Meals on site. Take-out order. }} * {{eat | name=Restaurant du Boisé | alt= | url=https://www.facebook.com/RestaurantduBoise | email= | address=4140, route 138, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.23195 | long=-69.54858 | directions=follow the directions for the cruises | phone=+1 418-232-1375 | tollfree= | hours=Seasonal during the summer season. | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Seafood restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Chalet, gîte, inn=== ===Gîte=== * {{sleep | name=Gîte au Pignon vert sur mer | alt=Cottage in the green gable on the sea | url=https://www.aubergelagrande.com/ | email= | address=215, route 138, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.27636 | long=-69.49503 | directions= | phone=+1 418-930-3622 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Auberge La Rosepierre | alt= | url=https://rosepierre.com/ | email=rosepierre@rosepierre.com | address=66, rue Principales, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24537 | long=-69.54272 | directions= | phone=+1 418-930-6543 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Restaurant within the hostel. Nearby activities: hiking, historic village of Tadoussac, whale watching, village, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, scuba diving. }} ===Gîte=== * {{sleep | name=Gîte Tante Janine | alt=Aunt Janine Cottage | url= | email= | address=117, rue Principales, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.25 | long=-69.53508 | directions= | phone=+1 418- | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte du café bleu | alt=Blue coffee house | url= | email= | address=127, route 138, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.25203 | long=-69.52986 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-2221 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte Chez Blaise | alt=Lodging at Blaise's | url= | email= | address=52A, rue Principale, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24617 | long=-69.54512 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-1139 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte Chez Viateur | alt=Lodging at Viateur | url= | email= | address=400, rue de la Mer, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.224549 | long=-69.54607 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6606 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=À la maison des prés | alt=At the house of the meadows | url= | email= | address=1910, rue St-Joseph, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.25314 | long=-69.53677 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-1312 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Studio Motel La Croisière | alt=Studio Motel La Croisière | url= | email= | address=1087, route 138, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24618 | long=-69.53894 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6247 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Bergeronnette | alt= | url= | email= | address=65, rue Principales, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24626 | long=-69.54401 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6642 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La Chouette Virée | alt= | url=https://www.lachouetteviree.com/ | email= | address=81, route 138, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24369 | long=-69.60186 | directions= | phone=+1 581-324-0535 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=La P'tite Baleine | alt= | url= | email= | address=50, rue Principales, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24613 | long=-69.54584 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6756 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Maison Charles Edmond | alt= | url= | email= | address=54, rue Principales, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24607 | long=-69.54511 | directions= | phone=+1 418- | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte Petit Bed and Breakfast | alt= | url= | email= | address=564, rue Principales, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.24606 | long=-69.54432 | directions= | phone=+1 418-514-8606 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} ===Camping=== * {{sleep | name=Camping Bon Désir | alt= | url=https://campingbondesir.com/ | email= | address=198, route 138, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.26929 | long=-69.50123 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6297 (in season), +1 418-232-6244, ext 1245 (off season) | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Community hall, picnic area, sanitary blocks and laundry room, rental of pedal boats and binoculars, rental of campgrounds (with or without panoramic view, with or without services), rental of cabins, rental of PODS with or without toilet. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Paradis marin | alt=Essipit Campground | url=http://www.campingparadismarin.com/ | email= | address=4 chemin Émile Boulianne, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.27830 | long=-69.46066 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6237 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | content=The campsite offers 148 pitches, 33 of which have water and electricity services. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. }} * {{sleep | name=Explos-Nature | alt= | url= | email= | address=302, rue de la Rivière, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.27830 | long=-69.46066 | directions= | phone=+1 877-637-1877 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-16 | content= Holiday camp with an education component, a research component and a diving school. The campus is called the Maison de la Mer. }} ==Cope== * {{do | name=Base de Plein air | alt=Outdoor Base | url= | email= | address=accessible from rue de la Mer, Grandes-Bergeronnes | lat=48.2309 | long=-69.5411 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Outdoor base set up at the mouth of Grandes-Bergeronnes bay. This park has various facilities for playing and practicing sports, including golf and volleyball. An airstrip is made available to Cessna 150-172 type planes. }} * {{do | name=Bibliothèque municipale des Bergeronnes | alt=Public library | url=http://www.reseaubibliocn.qc.ca/ | email= | address=514, rue du Boisé | lat=48.2430 | long=-69.5441 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-1165 | tollfree= | hours= | price=free | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Library affiliated with the BIBLIO Côte-Nord Network. }} * {{do | name=Salle de quilles, billard, danse, Karaoké, bar | alt=Bowling alley, billiards, dancing, Karaoke, bar | url= | email= | address=517, rue du Boisé, Les Bergeronnes | lat=48.24165 | long=-69.54348 | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6244 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Bar service, pool table, terrace, bowling alleys, dance floor and karaoke. }} * {{do | name=Patinoire extérieure | alt=Outdoor ice rink | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Outdoor municipal skating rink with a heated shelter. }} * {{do | name=Champ de pratique de golf | alt=Golf practice range | url= | email= | address=Base de plein air | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content= }} * {{do | name=Terrain de tennis | alt=Tennis Court | url= | email= | address=Base de plein air | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price=Free | lastedit=2021-12-23 | content=Tennis court accessible free of charge (reservation required). }} == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Montréal]] | minorl1=[[Tadoussac]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Sept-Îles]] | minorr1=[[Baie-Comeau]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Tadoussac]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3230999 | lastedit=2021-12-23 | lat=48.0937 | long=-69.7165 | content=Municipality bordering the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and the mouth of the Saguenay River. This locality has a good infrastructure for recreational and tourism activities (resorts, restaurants, accommodation, hiking trails, cycling, museums, interpretation centres, excursions on the river, providers of activities in nature) and for various passenger services. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Sacré-Coeur-sur-le-Fjord-du-Saguenay]] | alt= | url=https://www.sacre-coeur.ca/ | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3461040 | lastedit=2021-12-23 | lat=48.1752 | long=-69.8003 | content=Forest community offering various services to travellers and numerous recreational and tourist attractions thanks to its shore on the Saguenay Fjord, in particular the Anse-de-Roche wharf and its tourist infrastructures (superb views of the Saguenay, nautical activities, observation and interpretation of nature). }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Les Escoumins]] | alt= | url=https://www.escoumins.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3232468 | lastedit=2021-12-23 | lat=48.2932 | long=-69.4006 | content=Municipality bordering the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Locality where the offer of recreational tourism activities (resorts, restaurants, lodges, inns and hotel, whale-watching expeditions, controlled exploitation zone (ZEC), interpretation centers, etc.) is developed. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Lac-au-Brochet]] | alt= | url= | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3214668 | lastedit=2021-12-23 | lat=49.6107 | long=-69.5998 | content=Unorganized territory of the MRC de La Haute-Côte-Nord. Magnificent territory for hunting and fishing. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park]] | alt= | url=https://parcmarin.qc.ca/ | facebook=| email=info.parcmarin@pc.gc.ca | address= | directions= | phone=+1 418-231-2344 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q862222 | lastedit=2021-12-26 | lat=48.13333 | long=-69.73333 | content=A marine protected area of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers, covering {{km2|1245}}. Its mission is to protect all species including the beluga and the blue whale. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, ROMM and GREMM teach boaters to navigate in whale habitat. Whale watching tours or cruises are offered to tourists. }} {{usableruralarea}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|48.1926|-69.549|zoom=13}} c62mya073wr8bb3fhpi2h4gp2v36psn 0 189967 4487710 4485299 2022-07-21T12:16:48Z Veillg1 253590 /* Go next */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|}} '''Sacré-Coeur''' (locally designated "Sacré-Coeur-sur-le-Fjord-du-Saguenay") is a municipality endowed with magnificent natural attractions, and located in the regional county municipality of [[La Haute-Côte-Nord]], in the administrative region of [[North Shore (Quebec)|Côte-Nord]] region of [[Quebec]]. This locality is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]], on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). In the summer season, many boaters travel the Saguenay River and many visitors come to visit the locality for its recreational and tourism activities (vacation, accommodation, camping, nautical activities, hunting, fishing, etc.). Sacré-Coeur is a favorite spot for distinctive vacations, as well as a paradise for observing nature, flora and fauna. The main resort areas are L'Anse-au-Sable and L'Anse-à-Pierrot. The main hamlets are Rivière-Sainte-Marguerite and L'Anse-de-Roche. ==Understand== === Geography === The municipality of Sacré-Coeur comprises the township of Albert which covers the forest territory along the north shore of the Saguenay River. The village of Sacré-Coeur sits in a valley between the mountains. The municipality is crossed by route 172 which joins to the southeast route 138 in the territory of Tadoussac. More or less parallel to the course of the Saguenay River, the southern part of Route 172 runs through the upper valley of the Moulin à Baude river which drains the village of Sacré-Coeur and empties onto the sandstone on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River. From the village of Sacré-Coeur, Route 172 heads north-west, first crossing an agricultural and forest plain, surrounded by mountains. Then, this road takes the lower valley of the Sainte-Marguerite Northeast river, then the valley of the Sainte-Marguerite river; then this road branches off towards Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and Saint-Fulgence, in the direction of the Chicoutimi Nord sector. The route of Route 172 offers bucolic panoramas of high mountains and valleys shaped by glaciers. Route 138 crosses the eastern part of the municipality. This road runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. From the limit of the municipality of Tadoussac, the north shore of the Saguenay River has high, very steep cliffs and high mountains. This mountain panorama attracts many boaters who go up the course of the river by boat. Others admire this very rugged relief from the air. The main bays on the north coast of the Saguenay River in the Sacré-Coeur territory are: cove à la Barque, cove à Richard, cove à la Boule, cove à la Passe-Pierre, cove Creuse, cove à la Grosse Roche, cove in Pierrot, cove aux Mouches, Baie Sainte-Marguerite (where the Sainte-Marguerite river flows), Îlets Rouge cove, Gagnon cove (opposite Île St-Barthélemy). Each cove or bay has its history or its meaning. The main secondary access roads to the north coast are that of the Sainte-Marguerite river valley and that leading to Anse-à-Pierrot; this last road leads via the top of the cliff to Anse Creuse and to the top of a promontory facing Anse à la Passe-Pierre. Another secondary road leads to Cap de la Boule which delimits the western part of Anse à la Boule. The Ronde mountain (summit at 183 m) and the Montagne Blanche (summit at 208 m) are the highest peaks in the municipal territory. === Economy === The main economic activities of the Sacré-Coeur territory are forestry and recreational tourism (vacation, boating, hunting, fishing, observation of flora, fauna and nature). Agriculture is practised in a limited way on plateaus around the village of Sacré-Coeur. ==Get in== The Sacré-Coeur territory is accessible by road, boat (via the Saguenay River), snowmobile and all-terrain vehicles. ===By car=== [[Image:Qc138.svg|18px]] Quebec Route 138 crosses the Saguenay River from Baie Sainte-Catherine by ferry. This is the usual means of entry into the area from [[Quebec City]] and points westward. From Tadoussac, Route 138 passes through the south-east part of Sacré-Coeur and continues downriver beyond [[Sept-Iles]]. * From [[Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean|Saguenay City]] ({{km|110}}, 1 hr 15 min), take route 175 (northbound) and cross the bridge over the Saguenay River; take road 172 (eastbound) to the village of Sacré-Coeur. * From [[Baie-Comeau]] ({{km|204}}, 2 hr 17 min), take route 138 (north shore) heading west, to Tadoussac; take road 172 (westbound) to the village of Sacré-Coeur. * From [[Quebec City]] ({{km|230}}, 3 hr 14 min), take route 138 (north shore) eastbound, via the Tadoussac ferry; take road 172 (westbound) to the village of Sacré-Coeur. ===By boat=== Sacré-Coeur is near the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers and accessible seasonally by boat. * {{listing | name=Marina de l'Anse de Roche | alt=Club de yacht de Sacré-Coeur | url=https://www.info-marina.ca/fr/explore/lacs-et-rivieres-43/riviere-saguenay-46/association-recreo-touristique-de-lanse-de-roche-228 | email= | address=346, ch. de l'anse de Roche | lat=48.137401 | long=-69.715076 | directions= | phone=+1 418-235-4585 | tollfree= | fax=+1 418 236-4514 | hours=End of May to Mid-October | price= | content=Marina with launching ramp, petrol and diesel, shop, restaurant and bar. Wi-fi, laundry room, shower. }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe}} === Gas stations === * {{go | name = ERCO service station | alt = | url = | facebook = | email = | address = 103, route 172 | lat = 48.223693 | long = -69.80310 | direction = | phone =+1 418-236-4402 | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit = 2021-12-24 | content = }} * {{go | name = AXCO service station | alt = | url = | facebook = | email = | address = 398, route 172 Nord | lat = 48.25453 | long = -69.84722 | direction = | phone = | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit = 2021-12-24 | content = }} * {{go | name = Crevier-Dépanneur service station | alt = | url = | facebook = | email = | address = 401, route 172 Nord | lat = 48.25636 | long = -69.85683 | direction = | phone = +1 418-236-9444 | fax = | hours = | price = | lastedit = 2021-12-24 | content = With convenience store. }} === Electric charging stations === * {{go | name = Electric charging station | alt = | url = https://lecircuitelectrique.com/fr/ | facebook = | email = | address = 88, rue Principale | lat = 48.24386 | long = -69.80315 | direction = | phone = +1 800-686-9243 | tollfree= | hours = | price = | lastedit= 2021-12-24 | content= }} ==See== *{{see | name=Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay | alt= | url=https://www.sepaq.com/pq/sag/index.dot?language_id=2 | email= | address=chemin Traverse de Ligne Anse St-Jean | lat=48.26854 | long=-69.94569 | directions= | phone=+1 800-665-6527 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=National park administered by SÉPAQ. The Le Fjord trail is located on the edge of the bay at the mouth of the Sainte-Marguerite river. A pedestrian bridge spans the Sainte-Marguerite river. Camping in the wilderness. }} *{{see | name=Quai de L'Anse-de-Roche Natural Park | alt= | url= | email= | address= <!-- | lat=48.22914 | long=-69.55324--> | directions= along the Saguenay River | phone=+1 418-232-6286 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Anse enclosed by mountain cliffs. Microclimate favouring outdoor activities and relaxation. The infrastructures of the Anse-de-Roche tourist park provide superb views of the Saguenay fjord. Visitors have access to a marina, boating, nature observation and interpretation activities. }} *{{see | name=Église de Sacré-Coeur | alt= | url= | email= | address=84, rue Principale | lat=48.23326 | long=-69.80061 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-4323 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Exhibitions on the treasures of the religious heritage of Sacré-Coeur, as well as ancestral houses and objects. Exhibition organized by the heritage committee. }} *{{see | name=Pont couvert Louis-Gravel | alt= | url= | email= | address=route 172 | lat=48.26802 | long=-69.90883 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | content=Covered wooden bridge spanning the Sainte-Marguerite Northeast River, connecting route 172 and the west bank of the river. }} ==Do== * {{do | name=Réseau de sentiers de l'Anse-Creuse | alt=Anse-Creuse trail network| url= | email= | address= <!--| lat=48.20330 | long=48.20330 -->| directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Hiking circuit along the Saguenay River. }} * {{do | name=Cycle path | alt=| url= | email= | address= | lat=48.25682 | long=-69.87222 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=7-km cycle path for bicycles, inline skates and hiking. Journey starting near the 5 Star Farm-Holiday Centre and ending in the village of Sacré-Coeur. }} * {{do | name=Fjord Aventure | alt=| url=https://fjordaventure.ca/ | email= | address=334, chemin de l'Anse-de-Roche | lat=48.25645 | long=-69.87234 | directions= | phone=+1 877 236-4551 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Offer a multitude of outdoor activities in all seasons. The surrounding nature allows you to admire the Saguenay Fjord. Summer activities: sea kayaking on the Saguenay fjord, quad excursion, cani-kart, horseback riding. Winter activities: dog sledding, snowmobile excursion, guided snowshoe hike with dinner on the fire in the forest. Specialized and professional guides. Fjord Aventure is affiliated with the 5 Star Group. }} * {{do | name=Domaine de l'Ours Noir (jadis désigné "Domaine de nos Ancêtres") | alt=| url=https://ours-noir.net/ | email=info@ours-noir.net | address=1895, route 172 Sud | lat=48.22031 | long=-69.75428 | directions= near the village of Tadoussac | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Area offering black bear observation activities in its natural habitat. Maison de l'Ours Noir for rent, with 3 to 6 fully-equipped bedrooms. Domaine de l'Ours Noir is affiliated with the 5 Star Group. }} * {{do | name=Ranch le soleil le vent | alt=| url=https://ranchlesoleillevent.com/fr/ | email=info@ranchlesoleillevent.com | address=243, route 172 Nord | lat=48.24469 | long=-69.82139 | directions= | phone=+1 877 236-4551 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Introductory walk and hike to the belvedere. }} * {{do | name=Hunting | alt=| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Big or small game hunting. }} * {{do | name=Pêche sportive | alt=Sport fishing| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Various types of fishing. }} * {{do | name=Kayak de mer | alt=Sea kayak| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The Saguenay coastline is an ideal place to practice sea kayaking. Kayakers enjoy exploring the surrounding bays because of the scenery and the safety. }} * {{do | name=Snowmobile | alt=| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The vast forest area and the many small bodies of water are ideal wilderness areas for snowmobiling. The provincial snowmobile trail crosses the Zec Chauvin and passes on the north side of the village of Sacré-Coeur. }} ===Outfitters=== * {{do | name=Association de la rivière Ste-Marguerite | alt=| url= | email= | address=160, rue Principale Nord | lat=48.23878 | long=-69.80597 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-4604 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Club de pêche Ste-Marguerite | alt=| url= | email= | address=1057, route 172 Nord | lat=48.28131 | long=-69.87326 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-4233 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Club du Lac des Baies | alt=| url= | email= | address=137, rue Simard | lat=48.223713 | long=-69.80379 | directions= | phone=+1 855-665-6610 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content= }} * {{do | name=Club Tadoussac - Auberge la Tanière | alt=| url=https://www.clubtadoussac.com/fr/ | email= | address=45, route 138 | lat=48.21871 | long=-69.68317 | directions=near Route 138 and Tadoussac | phone=+1 418-235-4723 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Outfitter with exclusive rights for hunting and fishing. Vacationing in a chalet allows for wildlife observation activities. }} * {{do | name=Pourvoirie Baie-Sainte-Catherine | alt=| url=https://www.pourvoiriebaiesaintecatherine.ca/ | email=pourvoiriebsc@hotmail.com | address=48, rue de la Rivière (sales and administrative office) | lat=48.23372 | long=-69.80309 | directions=accessible by a 6-km forest road | phone=+1 418-633-0100 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=The outfitter offers fishing (native and stocked speckled trout, moulac trout), hunting (moose and bear) and vacation stays. Each of the cabins has a private dock with boats. Five fishing lakes. }} * {{do | name=Pourvoirie des Grands Ducs Enr | alt=| url=https://www.pourvoiriedesgrandsducs.com/fr/ | email= | address=149, rue Principale Nord (bureau administratif et de vente) | lat=48.23845 | long=-69.80559 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-4432 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This outfitter has an exclusive territory for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Accommodation in cabins. }} * {{do | name=ZEC Chauvin | alt=| url=https://zecchauvin.reseauzec.com/ | email=zecchauvin@yahoo.ca | address=900, chemin du Moulin | lat=48.23845 | long=-69.80559 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-9305 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This controlled exploitation zone (ZEC) covers the area north of the course of the Sainte-Marguerite river. The ZEC offers various services for hunting, fishing, and life in nature. }} ===Events=== * {{do | name=Fête du Québec | alt=| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=Annually, the locality organizes Quebec Day festivities which is celebrated on June 24. The activities take place mainly at the Sacré-Coeur recreational park. }} * {{do | name=Fête de la famille | alt=Family day| url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=This annual activities take place mainly at the Sacré-Coeur recreational park. }} ===Whales and wildlife=== The area is well known for its [[whale watching]] opportunities on the St. Lawrence River; multiple companies offer excursions on small boats. One of the best sites south of the Arctic to see beluga whales; fin whales, minke whales and harbour porpoises are particularly common, with humpback whales and blue whales also sometimes visible. Most boat tours are seasonal, running from May to September. Excursions up the Saguenay River provide the opportunity to see belugas, as well as at least three species of seal (grey seal, harbour seal, harp seal) which give birth on the rocky shores. *{{do | name=Otis Excursions | url=http://www.otisexcursions.com/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-235-4197 or +1 418-235-4537 | tollfree=+1-877-235-4197 | fax= | hours= | price=Adults from $58 | content=Run excursions in small boats of up to 12 passengers (2 or 3 hour duration). }} * {{do | name=Tadoussac Autrement | alt= | url=https://www.tadoussacautrement.com | email= | address=departs from marina, 100 rue du Bord de l'Eau | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 418-235-3333 | tollfree= | hours= | price=$75/adult (whale watching) | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit= | content=Whale watching aboard a 12-passenger zodiac boat, fjord excursions, sea kayaking. Restrictive cancellation policy, no toilets on board. }} ==Buy== ;Food/alcohol * {{buy | name=SAQ Agence - Épicerie Hovington inc | alt= | url= | facebook=| email= | address=156, rue Principale Nord | lat=48.224967 | long=-69.80508 | directions= | phone=+1 833-587-2727 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content= }} * {{buy | name=Herbamiel | alt= | url=http://www.herbamiel.ca | facebook=| email= | address=228, chemin de l'Anse-de-Roche | lat=48.24920 | long=-69.84757 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-8226 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Small-scale beekeeping company specializing in the processing of bee products. Guided tour. Main products offered: raw honey, propolis extract, healing balm with propolis, honey and beeswax soap, bee pollen, royal jelly. }} ==Eat== ===Restaurants=== * {{Eat | name=Coronet Resto | alt=| url= | email= | address=401, route 172 | lat=48.26508 | long=-69.85701 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Meals on site. Take-out order. }} * {{Eat | name=Halte Gourmande "La Friterie" | alt=Gourmet Stopover "La Friterie" | url=http://halte-friterie.edan.io/| email= | address=448, route 172 | lat=48.26691 | long=-69.86800 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-9473 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Meals on site. Take-out order. }} * {{Eat | name=Casta Fjord | alt=| url=https://m.facebook.com/pages/Casta-Fjord-%C3%80-Lanse-De-Roche/550261078364489 | email= | address=340, chemin de l'Anse-de-Roche | lat=48.26691 | long=-69.86800 | directions= | phone=+1 418-514-8580 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Café-style restaurant. Terrace overlooking the fjord. Meals on site. Take-out order. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Inns, hotels and motels=== * {{sleep | name=Club Tadoussac - Auberge la Tanière | alt=| url=https://www.clubtadoussac.com/fr/| email= | address=45, route 138 | lat=48.21871 | long=-69.68317 | directions= near Route 138 and Tadoussac | phone=+1 418-235-4723 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Outfitter with exclusive rights for hunting and fishing. Vacationing in a chalet allows for wildlife observation activities. }} * {{sleep | name=Hôtel Motel Restaurant Coronet | alt=| url=| email= | address=401, route 172 Nord | lat=48.25941 | long=-69.85690 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-9444 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=A service centre for accommodation, catering and a car service station. }} * {{sleep | name=Auberge Mon Coin de Pays | alt=| url=| email= | address= <!--| lat=48.21871 | long=48.21871 --> | directions= | phone=+1 418- | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Inn in a style typical of the region, with nine rooms which are named after the most beautiful attractions of the village of Sacré-Coeur and its surroundings: Le Fjord, La Baie-Sainte-Marguerite, Le Fleuve Saint-Laurent, Anse-de-Roche, La Rivière Sainte-Marguerite, L'Anse-Creuse, Le Cap-de-la-Boule, "Le Pont Couvert Louis Gravel" and "La Forêt boréale". Hostel affiliated to the 5 Star Group. }} * {{sleep | name=Auberge chez Caro | alt=| url=https://www.aubergechezcaro.com| email=caro@aubergechezcaro.com | address=166, rue Principale Nord | lat=48.223866 | long=-69.80486 | directions= at the north exit of the village | phone= | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Domaine de l'Ours Noir | alt=Domaine de nos Ancêtres | url=https://ours-noir.net/| email=info@ours-noir.net | address=1895, route 172 Sud | lat=48.22031 | long=-69.75428 | directions= near the village of Tadoussac | phone=+1 877 236-4551, +1 418-236-4886 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Area offering black bear observation activities in its natural habitat. Maison de l'Ours Noir for rent, with 3 to 6 fully-equipped bedrooms. Domaine de l'Ours Noir is affiliated with the 5 Star Group. }} ===Gîtes=== * {{sleep | name=Centre de vacances Ferme 5 étoiles | alt=5-star farm holiday centre| url=https://ferme5etoiles.com/ | email= | address=465, rue Principales | lat=48.26192 | long=-69.87303 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-4551 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Multiple accommodations in the countryside (in cabins, family apartments, ancestral home, trapper's camp, ready-to-camp, micro-cabins, group cabin, camping (with or without service)) and farm stay (moose, wolves, bison, deer, lyns, sled dogs, chickens, rabbits). Inn in the heart of the village. Unique location on the edge of the Saguenay Fjord. Outdoor activities over 4 seasons:{{ili|Summer: trout fishing in the pond and hiking with a view of the Saguenay Fjord;}}{{ili|Winter: snowshoeing or cross-country skiing (18 kilometres with panoramas of the Saguenay Fjord) and ice fishing in the pond;}}{{ili|Spring: sugar shack with traditional meals and thematic activities;}}{{ili|Four-season activities: visit to the Quebec animal refuge and the farm, animal care workshops and relaxation centre (spa, sauna, massages, etc.).}}The 5 Star Group is a group of four companies from the village of Sacré-Coeur, with the aim of centralizing reservations for the various services offered. }} * {{sleep | name=Canopée Lit, Hébergements insolites, Cabane et bulles | alt=Canopy Bed, Unusual accommodations, Cabin and bubbles| url=https://www.canopee-lit.com/index.php?lang=fr | email=canopeelit@gmail.com | address=303, chemin de l'Anse-de-Roche | lat=48.22709 | long=-69.87083 | directions=on the edge of the Saguenay Fjord | phone=+1 418-236-9544 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Ecotourism accommodation made up of cabins and bubbles perched on stilts, among the trees, as well as ready-to-camp. Trails in the boreal nature. }} * {{sleep | name=Alfred le voisin d'Oscar | alt=Alfred the neighbor of Oscar| url=http://www.alfredoscar.com/ | email=info@alfredoscar.com | address=306, rang St-Joseph | lat=48.19586 | long=-69.85235 | directions=on the edge of the Saguenay Fjord | phone=+1 418-571-0533 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Unique glamping site in the heart of the majestic Fjord-du-Saguenay. }} * {{sleep | name=Maison La Canardière | url=https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca/fiche/hebergement/gites-touristiques/maison-la-canardiere-44898348 | email=gitemaisonlacanardiere@hotmail.com | address=814, chemin du Moulin | lat=48.27577 | long=-69.88561 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-9358 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Bed and breakfast on the edge of the provincial snowmobile trail in Nord-du-Québec. }} * {{sleep | name=Auberge de jeunesse et camping Le Sommet du Fjord | alt=Le Sommet du Fjord youth hostel and campsite| url= | email=sommetdufjord@hotmail.com | address=450, chemin de l'Anse-à-Pierrot | lat=48.22837 | long=-69.87367 | directions= | phone=+1 418- | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content= }} ===Camping=== *{{sleep | name=Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay | alt= | url=https://www.sepaq.com/pq/sag/index.dot?language_id=2 | email= | address=chemin Traverse de Ligne Anse St-Jean | lat=48.26854 | long=-69.94569 | directions=on the banks of the Saguenay River | phone=+1 800-665-6527 | tollfree= | fax= | hours=May 1st to October 31st | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=National park administered by SÉPAQ. The "Le Fjord trail" is located on the edge of the bay at the mouth of the Sainte-Marguerite river. A pedestrian bridge spans the Sainte-Marguerite river. Camping in the wilderness. }} *{{sleep | name=Camping national du Fjord-du-Saguenay "Le Bleuvet" | alt=National campsite | url=www.sepaq.com/pq/sag/ | email= | address=1121, route 172 Nord | lat=48.18793 | long=-69.969797 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-1132 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | checkin= | checkout= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=National park administered by SÉPAQ. }} ==Connect== ==Cope== * {{do | name=Piscine municipale de Sacré-Coeur | alt=Sacré-Coeur municipal swimming pool | url= | email= | address=89, rue Principale Nord | lat=48.23262 | long=-69.80191 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-9194 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Public swimming pool. }} * {{do | name=Bibliothèque municipale de Sacré-Coeur | alt=Sacré-Coeur municipal library | url= | email= | address=89, rue Principale Nord | lat=48.23259 | long=-69.80190 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Library affiliated with the BIBLIO Côte-Nord Network.}} * {{do | name=Parc récréatif de Sacré-Coeur | alt=Sacré-Coeur Recreational Park | url= | email= | address=51, rue Mayrand | lat=48.23189 | long=-69.80336 | directions= | phone=+1 418-236-4315 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Main leisure facilities: games module, slides, swings, skateboard module, baseball field, beach volleyball court, pétanque court and iron. }} ==Go next== {{routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[Quebec City]] | minorl1=[[Baie-Saint-Paul]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Sept-Îles]] | minorr1=[[Baie-Comeau]] | image2=Qc172.svg | imagesize2=22 | directionl2=W | majorl2=[[Alma]] | minorl2=[[Saguenay City|Chicoutimi-Nord]] | directionr2=E | majorr2=[[Tadoussac]] | minorr2= }} {{mapgroup|target=Q3461040}} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Tadoussac | alt= | url=https://tadoussac.com/ | wikipédia=Tadoussac | wikidata=Q3230999 | adress=197, rue des Pionniers, Tadoussac, Québec, G0T 2A0 | lat=48.0937 | long=-69.7165 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | lastedit=2021-12-25 | content=Municipality bordering the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and the mouth of the Saguenay River. This locality has a good infrastructure for recreational and tourism activities (resorts, restaurants, accommodation, hiking trails, cycling, museums, interpretation centres, excursions on the river, providers of activities in nature ...) and for various passenger services. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Les Bergeronnes]] | alt= | url= | facebook=| email= | address=424 Rue De La Mer, Les Bergeronnes | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6244 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3230999 | lastedit=2021-12-23 | lat=48.2384 | long=-69.5483 | content=Locality where recreational tourism activities are developed thanks to the magnificent landscapes of the coast and the bay of Petites Bergeronnes and bay of Grandes Bergeronnes. It offers a rest stop and an attractive relay on the road to the North Shore. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Mont-Valin]] | alt= | url= | facebook=| email=| wikipédia=Mont-Valin | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3321630 | lastedit=2021-12-25 | lat=48.5612 | long=-70.7986 | content=Unorganized territory of the RCM Fjord-du-Saguenay, located between the Mistassibi River and the Côte-Nord administrative region. Magnificent territory for recreational tourism activities, such as camping, hunting and fishing. Territory covering {{convert|38032.3|km|2}}. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Lac-au-Brochet]] | alt= | url= | facebook=| email=| wikipédia=Lac-au-Brochet | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3214668 | lastedit=2021-12-25 | lat=49.6107 | long=-69.5998 | content=Unorganized territory of the MRC de La Haute-Côte-Nord. Magnificent territory for hunting and fishing. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park]] | alt= | url= | facebook=| email= | address=412, boul. Saguenay Est, bureau 100, Arr. Chicoutimi | directions= | phone=+1 418-543-3536 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3364513 | lastedit=2021-12-23 | lat=48.333333 | long=-70.3 | content=National park established in 1983 and covering 326.7 km2 on each side of the Saguenay River. This national park is the terrestrial extension of the Saguenay – Saint-Laurent marine park. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park]] | alt= | url=https://parcmarin.qc.ca/ | facebook=| email=info.parcmarin@pc.gc.ca | address= | directions= | phone=+1 418-231-2344 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q862222 | lastedit=2021-12-26 | lat=48.13333 | long=-69.73333 | content=A marine protected area of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers, covering {{km2|1245}}. Its mission is to protect all species including the beluga and the blue whale. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, ROMM and GREMM teach boaters to navigate in whale habitat. Whale watching tours or cruises are offered to tourists. }} {{geo|48.1762|-69.3594}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{usablecity}} c60gat1by54es1659tjgjo6x9g8nsks 4 190154 4487697 4480890 2022-07-21T12:06:18Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Farnborough */ archive wikitext text/x-wiki {{DOTM Banner Archive}} Archived banners for destinations featured on the Main Page in 2022. =[[Mui Ne]]= Here's some for Mui Ne. Two months away. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 06:13, 6 November 2021 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Mui Ne|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the month|image=Mui Ne dotm banner 1.jpg|quote=This Vietnamese fishing town famous for its white sand dunes is a great place to celebrate the Lunar New Year on 1 February.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Mui Ne|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the month|image=Harbor of Mui Ne Wikivoyage banner.jpg|quote=This Vietnamese fishing town famous for its white sand dunes is a great place to celebrate the Lunar New Year on 1 February.}} :A little gray but otherwise quite nice and way more than acceptable! [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:25, 6 November 2021 (UTC) :I now prefer banner 2. Thanks for making this {{u|Yvwv}}. Pining {{ping|Ikan Kekek}} as you may want to change your mind. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:29, 4 December 2021 (UTC) ::I still prefer #1. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 13:40, 9 December 2021 (UTC) {{WikivoyageDoc|collaboration/archive}} =[[Koror]]= And here's one for Koror. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 06:20, 6 November 2021 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Koror|section=Off the Beaten Path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Koror otbp banner 1.jpg|quote=Palau's main city is a stepping stone to good diving and a place to learn about the archipelago's history and culture.}} *Quite a beautiful banner. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:25, 6 November 2021 (UTC) * Agreed. I really like this banner. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 21:09, 12 November 2021 (UTC) =[[Sinhala phrasebook]]= We might have to run this article early, as [[Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay/Percy's Hole]] and [[Public transit in Israel]] could be put on hold for travel restrictions. Finding good licensed photos for the banner is not easy, but here are some candidates. {{banner|direction=left|title=Sinhala phrasebook|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Church of the Visitation Wikivoyage banner.JPG|quote=Whether you plan to visit Sri Lanka someday or want to enjoy a little piece of the country's culture - a few phrases in Sinhala - today; check out this phrasebook!}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Sinhala phrasebook|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Sri Lanka Colombo street Wikivoyage banner.jpg|quote=Whether you plan to visit Sri Lanka someday or want to enjoy a little piece of the country's culture - a few phrases in Sinhala - today; check out this phrasebook!}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Sinhala phrasebook|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Wikivoyage banner.JPG|quote=Whether you plan to visit Sri Lanka someday or want to enjoy a little piece of the country's culture - a few phrases in Sinhala - today; check out this phrasebook!}} * Neutral between 2 and 3 with one being a no for me as it doesn't give a feel of the language. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:38, 30 November 2021 (UTC) :On second thought, I think I prefer three as it gives a translation. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:02, 30 November 2021 (UTC) *I love the idea of an elephant bathing place, so 3, then 2, but you're right, they're both excellent banners for a Sinhala phrasebook. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 08:04, 30 November 2021 (UTC) *:Ditto as well. I also like the idea of an elephant bathing place and having been to the [[w:Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre]] (or [[Kuala Gandah]] although our page needs work) in Malaysia before, can recommend going to an elephant bathing place to anyone. (the one I went to in Malaysia isn't specifically a bathing place, there were elephants bathing) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:18, 30 November 2021 (UTC) * 2, 1, 3. #3 isn't a great picture for me, whereas the other two are high quality and well-framed.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:34, 10 January 2022 (UTC) =[[Lisbon]]= Lisbon is up in less than a month. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:31, 4 January 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Lisbon|section=Destination of the Month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Lisbon tram Dotm banner.jpg|quote=Portugal's capital has an ancient heritage, and became a world city with the Age of Discovery. Today it remains a cosmopolitan port city, famous for street art and nightlife.}} :I like the view looking down on a tram, but if you want an alternative, here is a view of Ascensor da Bica, looking down the street with the sea in the distance. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 20:57, 4 January 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Lisbon|section=Destination of the Month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Lisbon banner Ascensor da Bica.jpg|width=20%|quote=Portugal's capital has an ancient heritage, and became a world city with the Age of Discovery. Today it remains a cosmopolitan port city, famous for street art and nightlife.}} *I like both but prefer #2. -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:03, 4 January 2022 (UTC) * #2 is best.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:29, 10 January 2022 (UTC) * favour #2. {{ping|Nelson Ricardo 2500}}? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:06, 12 January 2022 (UTC) *:I'm not excited about either one, but I won't oppose them. I do believe a tram would be better than a funicular, but a monument would be best. No promises, but I'll see if I can find a good image to my liking to present for community feedback. --[[User:Nelson Ricardo 2500|Nelson Ricardo]] ([[User talk:Nelson Ricardo 2500|talk]]) 17:46, 12 January 2022 (UTC) *::I like your new one. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 20:02, 12 January 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Lisbon|section=Destination of the Month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Ponte_25_aprile_(cropped)_local.jpeg|quote=Portugal's capital has an ancient heritage, and became a world city with the Age of Discovery. Today it remains a cosmopolitan port city, famous for street art and nightlife.}} :2,1,3 three doesn't seem distinct enough in my opinion [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 05:52, 13 January 2022 (UTC) * 2, 1, 3, though I'd like to see the blurb narrowed in #2, if possible, so the view down the street is clear. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 15:01, 17 January 2022 (UTC) =[[San Ignacio (Belize)]]= Three to choose from for this small Central American city: {{banner|direction=right|title=San Ignacio (Belize)|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=San Ignacio (Belize) banner small park by the police station.jpg|width=25%|quote=This town at the crossing of Belize's main road and rivers is surrounded by plenty of Mayan sites and tropical jungle to explore!}} {{banner|direction=left|title=San Ignacio (Belize)|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=San Ignacio (Belize) banner Burns Avenue.jpg|quote=This town at the crossing of Belize's main road and rivers is surrounded by plenty of Mayan sites and tropical jungle to explore!}} {{banner|direction=left|title=San Ignacio (Belize)|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=San Ignacio (Belize) banner Hawkesworth Bridge.jpg|width=30%|quote=This town at the crossing of Belize's main road and rivers is surrounded by plenty of Mayan sites and tropical jungle to explore!}} The first shows a small park on a roundabout (traffic circle), the second is Burns Avenue and the third is the Hawkesworth Bridge, a suspension bridge imported from Middlesbrough, England in 1949. Which do you prefer? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:28, 7 January 2022 (UTC) *I don't have really strong feelings about this, but I prefer #2. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:50, 9 January 2022 (UTC) :*Question: Can we substitute "tropical" for "neotropical"? I'd never heard of that word before, and it apparently means "tropical in the New World", which seems like an unnecessary conflation, especially in context. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:52, 9 January 2022 (UTC) :*:Agree [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 23:00, 9 January 2022 (UTC) * #2. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:47, 10 January 2022 (UTC) * 1, 2, 3.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:36, 10 January 2022 (UTC) * 1=2, 3. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:09, 12 January 2022 (UTC) * 1 or 2. 3 is very dull. [[User:DaGizza|<font color="teal">Gizza</font>]]^{(<i>[[User_talk:DaGizza|<font color="teal">roam</font>]]</i>)} 00:15, 28 January 2022 (UTC) * 1, 2, 3. I like the way that 1 shows a roundabout that is also an area for sitting on - this is unusual and says something about the place. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:23, 30 January 2022 (UTC) =[[Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay/Percy's Hole]]= Two photos by [[User:Pbsouthwood|Peter Southwood]] to choose from. There are other possibilities on Commons including surface views so alternatives would be welcome. Both were taken in False Bay, but only the first was actually taken in Percy's Hole, but I think that would be likely to swim a few miles to another part of the bay. Which do you prefer? [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:53, 9 January 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Diving Percy's Hole|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay Percy's Hole Fiery nudibranch.JPG|quote=Percy's Hole is suitable for novice divers too and there's a plentitude of colourful nudibranches under water.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Diving Percy's Hole|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay Percy's Hole banner Two-tone fingerfin and Hottentot seabream.JPG|width=28%|quote=Percy's Hole is suitable for novice divers too and there's a plentitude of colourful nudibranches under water.}} * I prefer banner #2. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 00:47, 10 January 2022 (UTC) * 2, 1.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:37, 10 January 2022 (UTC) * I prefer one because it was actually taken in Percy's Hole. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 05:10, 12 January 2022 (UTC) =[[San Antonio]]= Coming up in a month. {{banner|direction=right|title=San Antonio|section=Destination of the Month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Alamo Wikivoyage DoTM banner.jpg|quote=The second largest city in the second largest state of the U.S., famous for its River Walk and The Alamo. The San Antonio Fiesta begins on 31 March.}} *Nice banner. Support, and while it might be nice to see a banner of the Riverwalk, I doubt we could really do better than this. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:26, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *My thoughts are the same as Ikan's. The riverwalk would be nice, but this is nice too. {{s}}. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:35, 30 January 2022 (UTC) * Support as the obvious choice, being the best-known destination in San Antonio. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:44, 20 February 2022 (UTC) =[[Magome]]= We're three months early, but have cropped some banners for Magome. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 06:23, 30 October 2021 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Magome|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Magome otbp banner 1.jpg|quote=As a post-town between Tokyo and Kyoto Magome flourished as a rest point for travellers, now it's been restored to maintain it's old charm.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Magome|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Magome otbp banner 2.jpg|quote=As a post-town between Tokyo and Kyoto Magome flourished as a rest point for travellers, now it's been restored to maintain it's old charm.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Magome|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Magome otbp banner 3.jpg|quote=As a post-town between Tokyo and Kyoto Magome flourished as a rest point for travellers, now it's been restored to maintain it's old charm.}} * My personal pick is one, because that's the second type of scene that comes to me when I think of Japan. <font face="BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></font> 06:23, 30 October 2021 (UTC) *1, 3, 2, and its old charm. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:23, 30 October 2021 (UTC) *1,3,2 I think 1 best showcases the charm of the post town (also thank you so much for making these) [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 18:26, 1 November 2021 (UTC) * 1,2,3. 1 reminds me of other small Japanese villages that I have walked around. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:29, 30 January 2022 (UTC) * 1. 2 and 3 are even in my opinion. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:42, 20 February 2022 (UTC) =RMS Titanic= Coming up in March. {{banner|direction=left|title=RMS Titanic|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Titanic Wikivoyage FTT.jpg|quote= One of the most notorious shipwrecks ever took place on 15 April 1912. Places that tell the story of the ''Titanic'' can be found on both sides of the Atlantic.}} *Fine. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:22, 13 February 2022 (UTC) *Ditto. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:26, 13 February 2022 (UTC) =[[Melbourne/CBD]]= {{banner|direction=right|title=Melbourne/CBD|section=Destination of the Month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Melb CBD dotm banner 1.jpg|quote=The urban core of Melbourne, Australia's "cultural capital", is the bustling heart of the city and jam-packed with entertainment, history, hotels, and eateries.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Melbourne/CBD|section=Destination of the Month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Melb CBD dotm banner 2.jpg|quote=The urban core of Melbourne, Australia's "cultural capital", is the bustling heart of the city and jam-packed with entertainment, history, hotels, and eateries.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Melbourne/CBD|section=Destination of the Month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Melb CBD dotm banner 3.jpg|quote=The urban core of Melbourne, Australia's "cultural capital", is the bustling heart of the city and jam-packed with entertainment, history, hotels, and eateries.}} Banners for Melb CBD. My favourite is 3 since Flinders Street is an iconic street of the city. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:31, 28 February 2022 (UTC) * 1, 2, 3. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 17:36, 5 March 2022 (UTC) *I haven't been to Australia yet, but my preferences are 3, 1, 2. All are good. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:00, 10 March 2022 (UTC) *I also like 3, 1, 2. Flinders St Station (3) is the iconic Melbourne sight and a good photo, although I am surprised at a view looking down on it but Federation Square was a building site when I was in Melbourne. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:36, 10 March 2022 (UTC) * 3 is the best. Can the blurb be edited to define CBD as I've never heard of the acronym before this feature. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 03:07, 26 March 2022 (UTC) *:@[[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]]: CBD is just short for Central Business District. It's a term used by economists, city planners pretty much everywhere, but in Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand, it is used as the equivalent of "downtown" (US, parts of Canada) or "city centre" (rest of the English speaking world). <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:38, 26 March 2022 (UTC) *::Can I change "urban core" to "city centre". They're synonyms and city centre is a more common term along with bring the equivalent term you used earlier. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 04:28, 26 March 2022 (UTC) *:::I still prefer "urban core" though. We're meant to be using the local variety of English, and CBD is what's used in Australia. City centre is sometimes used, and that's only in Adelaide and Darwin, but elsewhere, it's rare (when referring to downtown), and if it were Sydney or Canberra, it would be misleading. City centre also makes the blurb less interesting. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 04:36, 26 March 2022 (UTC) *::::ok, I trust you know more about Australian English than I do. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 15:26, 26 March 2022 (UTC) *:::::As an alternate, "city" is also used as a colloquial term for the CBD and that is what you will usually see on highway signs (e.g. [https://goo.gl/maps/nQ8ohbr4b2yvF6NS7] [https://goo.gl/maps/JkFnds1BCogYEC7r6] in Sydney, [https://goo.gl/maps/iZdxDNaiZTaxqHvx5] [https://goo.gl/maps/QyNe9AWXfo9hLHye9] in Melbourne, [https://goo.gl/maps/NH8TNQj7kVoe7HBY8] [https://goo.gl/maps/4axvxDbkZPChLWs18] in Adelaide, [https://goo.gl/maps/mTbyd51Jxyi6JPZt5] [https://goo.gl/maps/LsVJowT4HPwfSP4B8] in Brisbane, [https://goo.gl/maps/Cks3Em1KCtFTCtWT8] [https://goo.gl/maps/9yG9di2NcdRfxaF88] in Perth) <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 23:25, 26 March 2022 (UTC) =[[Alishan]]= Here's one for Alishan. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:43, 7 March 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Alishan|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Alishan otbp banner.jpg|quote=Ride the Forest Railway up to Alishan for some beautiful views, local tea and handicrafts of the local red cypress wood.}} :That's quite nice. I'd be happy for us to run it. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 06:59, 10 March 2022 (UTC) * Support. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 01:55, 14 March 2022 (UTC) =[[Public transit in Israel]]= Choose whether you want a bus, a train or both to feature. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:29, 21 November 2021 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Public transit in Israel|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Public transit in Israel banner 1.jpg|quote=What's Rav-Kav and how do you use it? Find the answer to this and other things useful to know to explore Israel by bus and train in this article.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Public transit in Israel|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Public transit in Israel banner 2.jpg|width=30%|quote=What's Rav-Kav and how do you use it? Find the answer to this and other things useful to know to explore Israel by bus and train in this article.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Public transit in Israel|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Public transit in Israel banner 3.jpg|quote=What's Rav-Kav and how do you use it? Find the answer to this and other things useful to know to explore Israel by bus and train in this article.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Public transit in Israel|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Public transit in Israel banner 4.jpg|width=30%|quote=What's Rav-Kav and how do you use it? Find the answer to this and other things useful to know to explore Israel by bus and train in this article.}} * I prefer '''banner 3''' as the Hebrew stands out to me, signalling it's Israel. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:48, 22 November 2021 (UTC) * I slightly prefer banner 1 to banner 3. Although it's good that banner 3 shows both a train and buses, it feels as though the picture should be rotated. I didn't see the Hebrew when I first looked at the picture, so I'm not sure someone will see it on the [[Main page]]. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 17:30, 22 November 2021 (UTC) * #3 is perfect. The others in order of preference, are 1, 2, 4.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 13:32, 10 January 2022 (UTC) =[[Turin]]= Coming up in May. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:47, 12 March 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Turin|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Turin dotm banner.jpg|quote=Turin, with its fine, aristocratic atmosphere, sophisticated shops, grand boulevards and palaces, is hosting Eurovision 2022.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Turin|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Turin banner 1.jpg|quote=Turin, with its fine, aristocratic atmosphere, sophisticated shops, grand boulevards and palaces, is hosting Eurovision 2022.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Turin|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destinations of the Month|image=Turin banner 2.jpg|quote=Turin, with its fine, aristocratic atmosphere, sophisticated shops, grand boulevards and palaces, is hosting Eurovision 2022.}} *1, and then 2 slightly above 3 (I may change my mind about the order of 2 and 3 later). I'd eliminate "Old World" from the blurb, because duh, Europe is part of the Old World, but if we keep that phrase, it has to be capitalized. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 10:33, 12 March 2022 (UTC) ::tbh I don't really have an opinion on the blurb but I've capitalized it per your comment – the blurb is just the same one used in the original nomination. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:42, 12 March 2022 (UTC) :::But why is it a good idea to include "Old World" at all? All of Europe, Asia and I think Africa is "Old World." It's kind of a dumb designation, anyway, because what is so "new" about the Americas, the land of the Olmecs, Aztecs, Mayans, Incas, etc., etc. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:04, 13 March 2022 (UTC) ::::After reading your comment, I agree with removing it. The only part of the New World that's actually pretty "new" is NZ, which was only discovered between 1200 and 1300 CE. Any suggestions on what the new blurb should be about? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:18, 13 March 2022 (UTC) :::::I think the blurb is fine with just that phrase removed, but I've never visited that part of Italy. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 11:03, 13 March 2022 (UTC) ::::::Removed. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:15, 14 March 2022 (UTC) * 2, 1, 3. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 01:55, 14 March 2022 (UTC) *(cropper vote) I vote 1, 2=3 but I don't know Italy outside of Rome well enough to know what's representative. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:17, 14 March 2022 (UTC) =[[Percé]]= Coming up in a month. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 18:44, 11 April 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Percé|section=Off the Beaten Path|section-link=Previous Off the Beaten Path|image=Percé Wikivoyage feature banner.jpg|width=30%|quote=This touristy town at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula features a truly awesome arch-shaped offshore rock formation, among other attractions.}} *That's an impressive scene and very good for a banner. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:25, 12 April 2022 (UTC) * '''Support''' banner. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 01:22, 13 April 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} – quite an impressive banner. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:55, 16 April 2022 (UTC) =[[Archipelago Trail]]= Probably not the best banners out there, but if our local contributors have better photos, then that'd be nice :-) --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 00:23, 30 March 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Archipelago Trail|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Archipelago trail ftt banner.jpg|width=30%|quote=Finland's Archipelago Sea is one of the world's largest, by count of islands and islets. While boat is a natural way to get around, many pretty villages and scenic views can be visited by bike or car.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Archipelago Trail|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Archipelago trail ftt banner 2.jpg|width=30%|quote=Finland's Archipelago Sea is one of the world's largest, by count of islands and islets. While boat is a natural way to get around, many pretty villages and scenic views can be visited by bike or car.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Archipelago Trail|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Archipelago Trail banner 3.jpg|width=30%|quote=Finland's Archipelago Sea is one of the world's largest, by count of islands and islets. While boat is a natural way to get around, many pretty villages and scenic views can be visited by bike or car.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Archipelago Trail|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Archipelago trail ftt banner 4.jpg|width=30%|quote=Finland's Archipelago Sea is one of the world's largest, by count of islands and islets. While boat is a natural way to get around, many pretty villages and scenic views can be visited by bike or car.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Archipelago Trail|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Archipelago trail ftt banner 5.jpg|width=30%|quote=Finland's Archipelago Sea is one of the world's largest, by count of islands and islets. While boat is a natural way to get around, many pretty villages and scenic views can be visited by bike or car.}} * #1 is preferrable. It connects to the Swedish heritage of the Archipelago Sea. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 22:36, 12 April 2022 (UTC) :I added another banner, though I also prefer 1 to the others. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 03:48, 17 April 2022 (UTC) ::3 is not as interesting as the others. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:46, 17 April 2022 (UTC) :::Agree and it's why 1 is still my favourite. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:04, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * 1=2, 3. I don’t have a preference between 1 and 2. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:40, 25 April 2022 (UTC) * I added one, a (short) ferry passage. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 14:26, 25 April 2022 (UTC) *:I now prefer Banner 4, but I'm not sure which represents the region better. Unfortunately, there are few images that show archipelagoes on Commons. Then comes 1, as it connects to the Swedish heritage of the region as what Yvwv mentioned, and then 2, because it shows an archipelago. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 14:30, 25 April 2022 (UTC) *:: It is a pity that we don't have better coverage. Sofia Ek was on a photographing tour, but mostly for Wikipedia, not for our purposes. The nicest photos are from islands farther out, not representing what you are going to see on the main itinerary (also the Hyppeis boathouses, 1, are on a sidetrip, but one that doesn't require an additional ferry ride). Added one more, from the first ferry passage. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:13, 25 April 2022 (UTC) *:::Now my favourite is 5, 4, 1 and then 2. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 15:17, 25 April 2022 (UTC) *:::: But oops, number 5 is already used as [[:File:Archipelago Sea banner Örfjärden.jpg|banner]] for <s>[[Archipelago Sea]]</s> [[Hanko to Uusikaupunki by boat]]. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:21, 25 April 2022 (UTC) *:::::I don't think it matters too much – for that matter, we used a similar image for the dotm banner of Melb CBD and the standard banner for Melbourne itself since Flinders Street is so iconic. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 15:24, 25 April 2022 (UTC) *:::::: OK, otherwise there is [[:File:Archipelago Sea banner Helsingholmen.jpg]], which could be used for that other itinerary. –[[User:LPfi|LPfi]] ([[User talk:LPfi|talk]]) 15:53, 25 April 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Out of the selection here, 5 looks best to me. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:29, 25 April 2022 (UTC) =Dublin= Coming up soon and needs a banner. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 14 May 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Dublin|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=River Liffey Wikivoyage DOTM banner.jpg|quote=Ireland's capital is a friendly, cosmopolitan city with the best of the country's music, literature and nightlife.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Dublin|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Dublin Wikivoyage DOTM banner 002.jpg|quote=Ireland's capital is a friendly, cosmopolitan city with the best of the country's music, literature and nightlife.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Dublin|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Dublin Banner Custom House.jpg|quote=Ireland's capital is a friendly, cosmopolitan city with the best of the country's music, literature and nightlife.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Dublin|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Dublin Banner Trinity College.jpg|quote=Ireland's capital is a friendly, cosmopolitan city with the best of the country's music, literature and nightlife.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Dublin|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Dublin Banner Trinity College Library.jpg|quote=Ireland's capital is a friendly, cosmopolitan city with the best of the country's music, literature and nightlife.}} File:Dublin Wikivoyage DOTM banner 002.jpg [[File:Screen Shot 2022-05-14 at 22.26.17.png|thumb|500px|A view of banner on SHB2000's screen on 2022-05-14 at 22.26.17]] * The dimensions are a bit short and the caption is going off my screen (will upload a photo soon). Do you have any alternatives? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:26, 14 May 2022 (UTC) ::Photo on the right for reference. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:31, 14 May 2022 (UTC) ::: Many Commons photos of Dublin look great, but they have too low resolution to work properly as a banner (1024 or so). Made a new banner with higher resolution. Maybe the blurb should mention Bloomsday. /[[User:Yvwv|Yvwv]] ([[User talk:Yvwv|talk]]) 13:18, 14 May 2022 (UTC) ::::The second one looks great. {{s}} using that banner. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:45, 14 May 2022 (UTC) :::::Agreed. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 18:40, 14 May 2022 (UTC) * 2, 1, per above discussion. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:02, 15 May 2022 (UTC) *Although the present two are good, I don't feel that they really show Dublin at its best, and also they don't sit that well with the other banners coming up next. Three more to choose from: **3 is The Custom House, on the banks of the river (also appears is 2). **4 is Trinity College (the university) **5 is the library in Trinity College My preference is 3,4,2,5,1 [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 21:42, 15 May 2022 (UTC) *3, 5, 4, 2, 1 for me. -- [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:18, 15 May 2022 (UTC) *:3, 2, 5 and 4 for me. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:27, 16 May 2022 (UTC) =[[Homer]]= Coming up in June. Wasn't too pleased with the selection in [[c:Category:Homer, Alaska]] so other banners appreciated. Out of these two, my favourite is 2, because it shows the town better. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:12, 17 April 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Homer|section=Off the Beaten Path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Homer otbp banner 1.jpg|width=30%|quote=The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World is the western end of the American highway system, and has an astounding view of Alaska's southern coast.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Homer|section=Off the Beaten Path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Homer otbp banner 2.jpg|width=30%|quote=The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World is the western end of the American highway system, and has an astounding view of Alaska's southern coast.}} *I like both, but 1 is more beautiful. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 07:07, 17 April 2022 (UTC) * 1, 2. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:40, 25 April 2022 (UTC) * 1, 2. 2 is a good picture, but it was taken in February, and probably shows the wrong conditions for June, when we are planning to feature it. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:07, 25 April 2022 (UTC) =[[Wine regions of Ontario]]= These are three banners cropped by {{u|Ground Zero}} which I've moved from [[Talk:Wine regions of Ontario]]. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:26, 13 May 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Wine regions of Ontario|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Wikivoyage banner wines of ontario 1.jpg|width=30%|quote=Discover Canada's largest wine region, and its wide variety of cool climate wines.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Wine regions of Ontario|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Wikivoyage banner wines of ontario 2.jpg|width=30%|quote=Discover Canada's largest wine region, and its wide variety of cool climate wines.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Wine regions of Ontario|section=Featured Travel Topic|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=Wikivoyage banner wines of ontario 3.jpg|width=30%|quote=Discover Canada's largest wine region, and its wide variety of cool climate wines.}} :In regards to the selection, I'm really having trouble deciding. They all look very good, but I think I prefer 2 or 3 for image depth but I'm happy with any. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:28, 13 May 2022 (UTC) ::Banner 1 ties into Canada through the plaid shirt. Banner 2 focuses on the "cool climate" aspect, and ice wine particular. Banner 3 could be anywhere, but it has great depth. My choices would get 2, 1, 3. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 13:36, 13 May 2022 (UTC) *I suppose I like 3 the best purely as a composition, but for this topic, I really would rather go with 2. As Ground Zero says, this area is known for its ice wine, which is an uncommon, expensive and delicious kind that you might really save money on by buying it at the source. So my choices are 2, 3 and then the much less interesting 1. And GZ, there is absolutely nothing uniquely Canadian about a plaid shirt. Hordes of managerial and professional types wear these kinds of uninteresting shirts throughout the U.S.A. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 17:52, 13 May 2022 (UTC) *I'd say 1,2,3. The idea of number 2 seems good but the picture quality is poor. The use of flash makes the snow too bright, the rest of the photo a bit dark, and the focus is not very good. Number 1 is very clear and the shirt is very Canadian. [[User:ChubbyWimbus|ChubbyWimbus]] ([[User talk:ChubbyWimbus|talk]]) 03:05, 14 May 2022 (UTC) * 2, 3, 1, as I think #1 is too generic. 3 has excellent composition but #2 is best for the topic. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 11:03, 15 May 2022 (UTC) =[[Queensland]]= I stumbled across these images on Commons so I decided to crop them and to prevent them getting lost in my [[c:Category:Wikivoyage banners by SHB2000|banner collection]], here they are. Have yet to locally upload them which I'll do closer to when it's on the main page. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 02:14, 29 January 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=right|title=Queensland|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Q dotm banner 1.jpg|quote=The "Sunshine State" is home to thousands of kilometres of pristine beaches, countless rainforests and numerous internationally-recognised natural wonders.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Queensland|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Q dotm banner 2.jpg|quote=The "Sunshine State" is home to thousands of kilometres of pristine beaches, countless rainforests and numerous internationally-recognised natural wonders.}} {{banner|direction=left|title=Queensland|section=Destination of the month|section-link=Previous Destination of the month|image=Q dotm banner 3.jpg|quote=The "Sunshine State" is home to thousands of kilometres of pristine beaches, countless rainforests and numerous internationally-recognised natural wonders.}} *Gotta go for the Barrier Reef. 3, 2, 1. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 22:22, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *(nominator vote) mine are the same as Ikan's. Maybe the third ''could'' be saved if ever the [[Great Barrier Reef]] were to be nominated for Dotm. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:56, 30 January 2022 (UTC) * 2,1,3 They are all good, and any would be suitable. 3 looks a little too like the banners we have used for diving articles. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:18, 30 January 2022 (UTC) *:So should we save three when the [[Great Barrier Reef]] gets nominated for dotm? <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 06:17, 3 February 2022 (UTC) * 3, 2, 1. You might want to trim the blurb, as its current length will be too long to read on the carousel.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:24, 1 February 2022 (UTC) ::Done. Hopefully it's more readable. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:30, 1 February 2022 (UTC) :::I think it needs to say "southern states of Australia," though. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:38, 1 February 2022 (UTC) ::::Agree [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 15:48, 1 February 2022 (UTC) :::::I removed "southern states" entirely because the state gets a lot of international tourists (particularly from Japan and China) on top of the large domestic tourism it gets. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 12:37, 2 February 2022 (UTC) ::::::That makes sense. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 12:41, 2 February 2022 (UTC) * 3, 2, 1. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 18:43, 20 February 2022 (UTC) =[[Farnborough]]= Time for a banner for Farnborough. Who doesn't like to see military planes? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:57, 6 June 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Farnborough|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Farnborough otbp banner.jpg|width=30%|quote=Famous for its air show, there are many more aviation attractions in the English town where the French imperial family rests in peace.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Farnborough|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Farnborough otbp banner.jpg|width=30%|quote=Famous for its air show, there are many more aviation attractions in the English town where the French imperial family rests in peace.}} :Looks good to me, though I think right alignment looks better. Thanks for creating this! --[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:51, 6 June 2022 (UTC) ::Actually, I'm less sure about right alignment now; they look different in the preview to the saved version.--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 09:52, 6 June 2022 (UTC) :::Yeah unfortunately one of the planes get will covered by the caption :-(. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 13:23, 6 June 2022 (UTC) * I prefer left alignment in this case. <small>--Comment by </small> [[User:SelfieCity|Selfie City]] ([[User_talk:SelfieCity|talk]]) ([[Special:Contributions/SelfieCity|contributions]]) 13:20, 6 June 2022 (UTC) *I like the banner, but it is a pity that the caption hides one of the planes. Here are a couple of alternatives, the first (#3) showing Red Arrows and an A400M military transport aircraft, and the second (#4) showing Blades Aerobatics (a UK civilian team). [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 23:03, 6 June 2022 (UTC) *:I think I now like #3 better. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 10:14, 7 June 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=Farnborough|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Farnborough otbp banner Red Arrows and A400M.jpg|width=30%|quote=Famous for its air show, there are many more aviation attractions in the English town where the French imperial family rests in peace.}} {{banner|direction=right|title=Farnborough|section=Off the beaten path|section-link=Previously Off the beaten path|image=Farnborough otbp banner Blades Aerobatics.jpg|width=30%|quote=Famous for its air show, there are many more aviation attractions in the English town where the French imperial family rests in peace.}} =[[New Golden Route]]= {{banner|direction=left|title=New Golden Route|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=New Golden Route banner Thunderbird Train.jpg|width=30%|quote=Connecting Tokyo and Kyoto via Northern Chubu, explore one of Japan's popular tourist trails.}} This is due to be featured very soon, so here is one banner to get started. If I have time I may look for something better later in the week, and other entries are welcome. Banner 1 shows the Thunderbird Limited train which is used on the last leg of the route from Kanazawa to Kyoto. [[User:AlasdairW|AlasdairW]] ([[User talk:AlasdairW|talk]]) 22:46, 11 July 2022 (UTC) *{{s}} Looks good to me. Thank you for making it :-). --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 22:46, 12 July 2022 (UTC) * If you are going to make more banners try photos from the Wide View Hida, though I couldn't find anything with high enough quality. This one is fine though, so support. [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 22:54, 12 July 2022 (UTC) {{banner|direction=left|title=New Golden Route|section=Featured travel topics|section-link=Previous Featured travel topics|image=New Golden Route Ftt 2.jpg|width=30%|quote=Connecting Tokyo and Kyoto via Northern Chubu, explore one of Japan's popular tourist trails.}} I added a second banner, I think the scenery is nicer but the crop of the train could be improved [[User:Tai123.123|Tai123.123]] ([[User talk:Tai123.123|talk]]) 23:05, 12 July 2022 (UTC) plr2ochdi7wt02g4qstapvzlt6rggpk 0 191742 4488134 4482251 2022-07-22T07:48:33Z SHB2000 2248002 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ningaloo Reef banner.jpg|unesco=yes}} '''Ningaloo Reef''' or '''Ningaloo Coast''' is a marine park and [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] lying off the [[Gascoyne]] region of [[Western Australia]]. The reef extends 260 km from Exmouth to Red Bluff near Carnarvon. It's renowned for its corals and associated marine life, easily reached by snorkelling from shore or a short boat ride. == Understand == [[File:Whale Shark photo taken at Ningaloo Reef on the 27th March 2016.png | thumb | 300px | Whale Shark at Ningaloo ]] Much of what you stand upon along the Gascoyne Coast was once coral reef, formed 3 to 5 million years ago in a shallow tropical sea by the accretion of billions of polyps and shellfish. Then it uplifted, forming the Cape Range of limestone hills, but reef formation continued offshore, and does to this day. It has to, because there are natural cycles of destruction followed by regeneration. Corals need a "goldilocks" zone: not too deep or shallow, in water not too hot or cold, and not too saline or fresh. The present Ningaloo reef is about 8000 years old, replacing older structures as sea levels rose, and these "fossil" reefs can still be traced. Ningaloo in the Aboriginal Wajarri language denotes a cape or promontory. It's a barrier reef, a narrow strip 260 km long, with very few "cuts" or navigable channels through it. It was a significant block to European exploration and colonisation of this region, which lacks harbours. Its northern reaches around Exmouth and the Northwest Cape lie only a few hundred metres offshore, enclosing a tranquil lagoon. This dry region has little in the way of river drainage, agricultural run-off or industry, so the reef has suffered little from human activity, including tourism - far fewer visit here than Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. Ningaloo occasionally suffers bleaching, when high water temperature renders the algae poisonous to their host coral so they're expelled. However the bleaching event of 2021 / 22, which badly afflicted the GBR, had little effect here. The reef's biodiversity is fuelled by the meeting of two currents. The Leeuwin current is warm, flowing south several km offshore. The Ningaloo current is cold, flowing north close to shore and carrying more food supply, so big marine life migrating towards the tropics April-May will hug the coast. Ningaloo Marine Park was designated in 1987 and includes the reef and surrounding seas; in 2011 it was inscribed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. It comes under a series of jurisdictions and managements: * Deep waters, from about 10 km offshore, are regulated by the Commonwealth of Australia - this mainly affects fishing. * Inshore waters are regulated by the State of Western Australia. * Landside activity is regulated by the State in Cape Range National Park and other Protected Zones (such as turtle nesting beaches), while the town councils govern other areas. For the visitor the main relevance is what activities are permitted. Each area has a mosaic of zones, segregating general use, various recreational activities, and specially protected areas, so you need to look these up locally. == Cities == {{mapframe | name=Ningaloo Reef | -23.000 | 113.800 | height=600 | width=450 | zoom=8 }} * {{marker | type=city | name=[[Exmouth (Western Australia) | Exmouth]] | wikidata=Q1383990}} is the largest town with access to the reef. * {{marker | type=city | name=[[Coral Bay]] | lat=-23.145 | long=113.776 }} is a tiny resort by a tranquil lagoon. == Other destinations == * {{marker | type=vicinity | name=[[Cape Range National Park]] | wikidata=Q586786}} has camping and easy access to the reef. * {{marker | type=vicinity | name=[[Red Bluff (Western Australia) | Red Bluff]] | lat=-24.031 | long=113.448 }}, Quobba and Gnarlaroo are at the southern limit of the marine park. * {{marker | type=vicinity | name=Muiron Islands | lat=-21.688 | long=114.320 }} at the north limit of the park are reached by boat from Exmouth. == See == * '''Whale sharks''' (''Rhincodon typus'') are sharks, true fish, not whales. They're filter-feeders, some 9-14 m long, and April-May they migrate close to shore. They may be spotted from shore but boat trips go out, and you can get in the water as they cruise by. * '''Humpback whales''' (''Megaptera novaeangliae'') are baleen whales, feeding on krill which they gulp rather than filter. They're seen from June to November as they migrate south with their calves to feed off Kerguelen and Antarctica. It may be possible to swim with them, but their distinctive behaviours can be enjoyed from the boat: breaching, fluke-slapping and singing. * '''Dugongs''' (''Dugong dugon'') are mammals, Sirenia. They graze on shallow sea-grass meadows right round the Australian coast from Shark Bay through Gascoyne, Pilbara, Kimberley and Northern Territory to Queensland. * '''Turtle''' species include loggerheads, green turtles and hawksbills. The females haul ashore every couple of years to lay eggs. == Do == * '''Snorkelling''' is the main attraction from Exmouth through the National Park to Coral Bay. The reef is close to shore so you just walk in off the beach. * '''Scuba diving''' in greater depths is possible at Exmouth and Coral Bay. * '''Boat trips''' go out for wild-life spotting and to admire the corals. * '''Wind-surfing''' needs more exposed conditions: lots of sites along the coast. * '''Surfing''' gets interesting around Gnarlaroo and Red Bluff. The south end of the reef is a long way offshore, so ocean breakers roar in unchecked, and the only tranquil lagoon is behind you in the salt lake. == Go next == * '''[[Mid West (Western Australia) | Mid West]] Region''' to the south has the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, a coral archipelago 60 km off [[Geraldton]]. * '''[[Pilbara]] Region''' east has the Mackerel Islands reached from [[Onslow]] and the Dampier Islands just off [[Karratha]]. * '''[[Diving in Australia]]''' describes some other sea areas to explore - best known is the Great Barrier Reef but there are plenty more. {{extraregion}} {{IsPartOf|Gascoyne}} rrhsgq4ci4m82jyijlpmx4xin8f9xhm 4488135 4488134 2022-07-22T07:48:50Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Understand */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Ningaloo Reef banner.jpg|unesco=yes}} '''Ningaloo Reef''' or '''Ningaloo Coast''' is a marine park and [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] lying off the [[Gascoyne]] region of [[Western Australia]]. The reef extends 260 km from Exmouth to Red Bluff near Carnarvon. It's renowned for its corals and associated marine life, easily reached by snorkelling from shore or a short boat ride. == Understand == [[File:Whale Shark photo taken at Ningaloo Reef on the 27th March 2016.png | thumb | 300px | Whale Shark at Ningaloo ]] Much of what you stand upon along the Gascoyne Coast was once coral reef, formed 3 to 5 million years ago in a shallow tropical sea by the accretion of billions of polyps and shellfish. Then it uplifted, forming the Cape Range of limestone hills, but reef formation continued offshore, and does to this day. It has to, because there are natural cycles of destruction followed by regeneration. Corals need a "goldilocks" zone: not too deep or shallow, in water not too hot or cold, and not too saline or fresh. The present Ningaloo reef is about 8000 years old, replacing older structures as sea levels rose, and these "fossil" reefs can still be traced. Ningaloo in the Aboriginal Wajarri language denotes a cape or promontory. It's a barrier reef, a narrow strip 260 km long, with very few "cuts" or navigable channels through it. It was a significant block to European exploration and colonisation of this region, which lacks harbours. Its northern reaches around Exmouth and the Northwest Cape lie only a few hundred metres offshore, enclosing a tranquil lagoon. This dry region has little in the way of river drainage, agricultural run-off or industry, so the reef has suffered little from human activity, including tourism - far fewer visit here than Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. Ningaloo occasionally suffers bleaching, when high water temperature renders the algae poisonous to their host coral so they're expelled. However the bleaching event of 2021 / 22, which badly afflicted the GBR, had little effect here. The reef's biodiversity is fuelled by the meeting of two currents. The Leeuwin current is warm, flowing south several kilometres offshore. The Ningaloo current is cold, flowing north close to shore and carrying more food supply, so big marine life migrating towards the tropics April-May will hug the coast. Ningaloo Marine Park was designated in 1987 and includes the reef and surrounding seas; in 2011 it was inscribed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]. It comes under a series of jurisdictions and managements: * Deep waters, from about 10 km offshore, are regulated by the Commonwealth of Australia - this mainly affects fishing. * Inshore waters are regulated by the State of Western Australia. * Landside activity is regulated by the State in Cape Range National Park and other Protected Zones (such as turtle nesting beaches), while the town councils govern other areas. For the visitor the main relevance is what activities are permitted. Each area has a mosaic of zones, segregating general use, various recreational activities, and specially protected areas, so you need to look these up locally. == Cities == {{mapframe | name=Ningaloo Reef | -23.000 | 113.800 | height=600 | width=450 | zoom=8 }} * {{marker | type=city | name=[[Exmouth (Western Australia) | Exmouth]] | wikidata=Q1383990}} is the largest town with access to the reef. * {{marker | type=city | name=[[Coral Bay]] | lat=-23.145 | long=113.776 }} is a tiny resort by a tranquil lagoon. == Other destinations == * {{marker | type=vicinity | name=[[Cape Range National Park]] | wikidata=Q586786}} has camping and easy access to the reef. * {{marker | type=vicinity | name=[[Red Bluff (Western Australia) | Red Bluff]] | lat=-24.031 | long=113.448 }}, Quobba and Gnarlaroo are at the southern limit of the marine park. * {{marker | type=vicinity | name=Muiron Islands | lat=-21.688 | long=114.320 }} at the north limit of the park are reached by boat from Exmouth. == See == * '''Whale sharks''' (''Rhincodon typus'') are sharks, true fish, not whales. They're filter-feeders, some 9-14 m long, and April-May they migrate close to shore. They may be spotted from shore but boat trips go out, and you can get in the water as they cruise by. * '''Humpback whales''' (''Megaptera novaeangliae'') are baleen whales, feeding on krill which they gulp rather than filter. They're seen from June to November as they migrate south with their calves to feed off Kerguelen and Antarctica. It may be possible to swim with them, but their distinctive behaviours can be enjoyed from the boat: breaching, fluke-slapping and singing. * '''Dugongs''' (''Dugong dugon'') are mammals, Sirenia. They graze on shallow sea-grass meadows right round the Australian coast from Shark Bay through Gascoyne, Pilbara, Kimberley and Northern Territory to Queensland. * '''Turtle''' species include loggerheads, green turtles and hawksbills. The females haul ashore every couple of years to lay eggs. == Do == * '''Snorkelling''' is the main attraction from Exmouth through the National Park to Coral Bay. The reef is close to shore so you just walk in off the beach. * '''Scuba diving''' in greater depths is possible at Exmouth and Coral Bay. * '''Boat trips''' go out for wild-life spotting and to admire the corals. * '''Wind-surfing''' needs more exposed conditions: lots of sites along the coast. * '''Surfing''' gets interesting around Gnarlaroo and Red Bluff. The south end of the reef is a long way offshore, so ocean breakers roar in unchecked, and the only tranquil lagoon is behind you in the salt lake. == Go next == * '''[[Mid West (Western Australia) | Mid West]] Region''' to the south has the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, a coral archipelago 60 km off [[Geraldton]]. * '''[[Pilbara]] Region''' east has the Mackerel Islands reached from [[Onslow]] and the Dampier Islands just off [[Karratha]]. * '''[[Diving in Australia]]''' describes some other sea areas to explore - best known is the Great Barrier Reef but there are plenty more. {{extraregion}} {{IsPartOf|Gascoyne}} dpgvp3n3khfaaj6pnocu1q6sw6yalu4 1 192984 4488052 4455895 2022-07-22T01:51:49Z Ground Zero 1423298 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Merge to Victor Harbor?== Goolwa is a part of Greater [[Victor Harbor]], and this page does not have much – should this page be merged? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 26 May 2022 (UTC) * If you think that's best, I would support that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 22 July 2022 (UTC) pjnmow1vnosz1p6hkpaua9qda5q7st0 4488195 4488052 2022-07-22T11:03:50Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Merge to Victor Harbor? */ not sure. closest I've ever been to is Victor Harbor wikitext text/x-wiki ==Merge to Victor Harbor?== Goolwa is a part of Greater [[Victor Harbor]], and this page does not have much – should this page be merged? --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 09:52, 26 May 2022 (UTC) * If you think that's best, I would support that. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:51, 22 July 2022 (UTC) *:I really don't know. I've never visited the town, and the closest I've ever been to this town was a short side-trip to [[Victor Harbor]] when returning from [[Kangaroo Island]]. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 11:03, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ey96cz1cvwiqzxua0fulqcoucpgr7n8 1 193554 4488046 4474349 2022-07-22T01:43:42Z Ground Zero 1423298 wikitext text/x-wiki == Merge with [[Benin City]]? == Ovia North-East seems to be an exburb surrounding Benin City. A quick look at Google Maps, OpenStreetMap and [http://mountaininterval.org/wikivoyage/nearby-attractions.html our nearby attractions generator] seems to show that all the main POIs of Ovia North-East are in Benin City. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:44, 29 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nomination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:43, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 9kbhqgen4z7kelbjtuzd6m8vn2h2eyv 4488128 4488046 2022-07-22T07:34:37Z SHB2000 2248002 wikitext text/x-wiki == Merge with [[Benin City]]? == Ovia North-East seems to be an exburb surrounding Benin City. A quick look at Google Maps, OpenStreetMap and [http://mountaininterval.org/wikivoyage/nearby-attractions.html our nearby attractions generator] seem to show that all the main POIs of Ovia North-East are in Benin City. --<span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 08:44, 29 June 2022 (UTC) *'''Support''' per nomination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:43, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 3pb8xh0ctyk7t4z50on106p6zz6y4ft 2 193752 4487726 4483760 2022-07-21T12:45:42Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Sleep */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Airport and East banner.jpg|pgname=Canberra Airport and eastern ACT}} '''Canberra Airport''' is Australia's only inland international airport, just to the east of [[Canberra]]. East of the airport is home to the large Kowen Forest as well as bits of [[Queanbeyan]] in New South Wales that peek into the Australian Capital Territory. This area is as boring as it could get. If you had to ask a Canberran for one specific region or district to visit, none of them will ever recommend this region. There is only one suburb: Pialligo (excluding Beard and Oaks Estate which although residential, is not officially a suburb), and Pialligo only has a population of 120 (2016). Nevertheless, if you're the kind of person who likes exploring new places and into nature and local history, this area will certainly impress you. While there are a few homesteads scattered here and there, there are several, long-distance bushwalking trails that pass some pretty impressive forests. While Canberra's history is relatively short, here, you can find Walter Burley Griffin's longest-living legacy; the Pialligo Redwood Forest, albeit small was planted by Burley Griffin in 1918 along with arborist and horticulturalist Charles Weston. This article covers the districts of Majura and Kowen and a little bit of the district of Jerrabomberra. Although the primary way to access [[Queanbeyan]] is through the ACT, since it is in [[New South Wales]], it is not covered in this article. ==Get in and around== {{mapframe}} If you're arriving in [[Canberra]] by plane, you'd probably have guessed already that {{marker|type=go|name=[[Canberra#By plane|Canberra Airport]]|wikidata=Q14300}} is in this district. The good news is that you don't need to travel to visit this district, the bad news is that unless you're going to rent a car, you're going nowhere but west towards [[Canberra/North Canberra|North Canberra]] as most of this region is rural. The R3 line connects the district to [[Canberra/Civic|Civic]] via Russell in North Canberra, but the line only goes as far east to the airport and Majura, but elsewhere, there is no public transport. Since airports generally need to be well-connected (and it'd be strange for an airport to have limited road access), there is good road access from, well, most of Canberra with freeway access (M23 Majura Parkway) from [[Canberra/Gungahlin|Gungahlin]], parts of [[Canberra/South Canberra|South Canberra]] and [[Canberra/Tuggeranong and Country ACT|Tuggeranong]] and whilst, not served a freeway, [[Canberra/North Canberra|North Canberra]] and [[Canberra/Civic|Civic]] are within 5-10 minutes from the airport via Parkes Way and Morshead Drive. ==See and do== * {{see | name=Historic Glenburn Homestead | alt= | url=https://australianhiker.com.au/trails/glenburn-heritage-trail-act-10-4km/ | email= | address=325 Charcoal Kiln Rd, Kowen | lat=-35.307609 | long=149.313541 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-03-25 | content=It's one of those places where you can still get a next-to-realistic feel of what the land area which makes up Canberra during the times when Canberra was just farmland. There are also short bushwalking trails nearby. }} * {{do | name=Kowen Forest | alt= | url=https://www.parks.act.gov.au/find-a-park/plantations/kowen-forest | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q779596 | lastedit=2022-05-30 | content=It takes up the entirely of the District of Kowen in Canberra's northeast, and is Canberra's largest commercial pine plantation. The park has a network of mountain bike trails, but also a good place for bushwalking, horse riding, and orienteering. There's also a campground too, but it requires you to go on 10 km of unsealed dirt roads, and you must have a 4WD to enter the park. }} * {{do | name=Molonglo Gorge Recreation Reserve | alt=Molonglo Gorge | url=https://www.parks.act.gov.au/find-a-park/molonglo-river-reserve | email= | address=Sutton Road, Queenbeyan East | lat=-35.328171 | long=149.258252 | directions= | phone=+61 13 22 81 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | content=A small reserve that has a couple of scenic walks, picnics, camping, swimming. It's best known for its gorge (that's why the park was named as such), stretching over 15 km. }} * {{see | name=Pialligo Redwood Forest | alt= | url=https://visitcanberra.com.au/attractions/56b23b61b042386245d42f21/pialligo-redwood-forest? | email=anthony.mccormack1@defence.gov.au | address=Pialligo Ave, Pialligo | lat=-35.319516 | long=149.201716 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-10 | content=Walter Burley Griffin's longest legacy lies here; the site where Burley Griffin and arborist and horticulturalist Charles Weston planted a redwood forest. Whilst Weston wasn't in favour, they still went ahead but only 3,000 trees survived – around 2.4 per cent of the original 122,000. Whilst it may be a failed project, the forest is now a national heritage site and you can explore the forest on a short 3-km walking trail. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Majura Park Shopping Centre | alt= | url=http://www.majuraparkshopping.com.au/ | email= | address=Majura Road, Majura | lat=-35.299315 | long=149.188736 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17011820 | lastedit=2022-05-15 | content=Just to the west of Canberra Airport and is Canberra's only retail centre, that is reasonably sized. The centre includes 30 specialty stores and a large 256-seat food court. }} * {{buy | name=Majura Valley Farm Gate | alt= | url=https://www.mveggs.com/ | email=sales@mveggs.com | address=728 Majura Rd, Majura | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 433 738 307 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-10 | content=[https://visitcanberra.com.au/attractions/624e3937d862121a48283083/majura-valley-farm-gate?]. }} ==Eat== There are few places to eat here outside the airport. Of the few places to eat, most, or nearly all, are within [[#Majura Park Shopping Centre|Majura Park Shopping Centre]]. The few eateries outside do have a special feel; often, these pride themselves by marketing themselves as "organic" or deliberately set up to resemble a rural feel. That said, there are a few restaurants in Oaks Estate, the bits of Queanbeyan that've crept north of the border that generally look like any typical restaurant you'd find in a rural town in New South Wales. * {{eat | name=Pialligo Farm Shop Cafe | alt= | url=https://www.thefarmshopcafe.com.au/ | email= | address=12 Beltana Rd, Pialligo | lat=-35.307154 | long=149.1803 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6185 1926 | tollfree= | hours=W–F {{time|8:30AM|2PM}}, Sa Su {{time|8:30AM|2:30PM}} | price= | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=One of the few organic cafes of Canberra, what you get from this cafe is mostly homegrown from its backyard. }} * '''[[#Majura Park Shopping Centre|Majura Park Shopping Centre]]''' has several eateries, but almost all of them are chains. <!--* {{eat | name=Caffe Cherry Beans | alt= | url=https://www.cherrybeans.com.au/locator/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=in | phone=+61 2 6247 8247 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-14 | content= }}--> ===In the airport=== As Canberra Airport is quite small, options are fairly limited, but this list should give you an idea of what it's like. * {{eat | name=Baker's Cut | alt= | url=https://www.canberraairport.com.au/facilities/bakers-cut/ | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5AM–7PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=Has an extensive range of specialty sandwiches from as little as $9. There is also a coffee menu too, but Baker’s Cut isn't really known for its coffee. }} * {{eat | name=cityhill coffee | alt= | url=https://www.canberraairport.com.au/facilities/city-hill-cafe/ | email= | address=Level 2, Departures | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Daily 5:30AM–7PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=Has delectable coffee and lots of good pastries and breakfast items. There's a strong emphasis on locally supplied products too, making it a real Canberran cafe. }} * {{drink | name=Capital Brewing Bar | alt= | url=http://www.capitalbrewing.co/ | email= | address=Departures in Level 2 | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours=Su–W noon–7PM, Th F 9:30AM–7PM (closed Saturdays) | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-05-29 | content=A great brewery with all sorts of beers consumed in NSW/ACT including some of Canberra's favourites such as Coast Ale, Trail Pale Ale and XPA. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Mount Majura Vineyard | alt= | url=http://www.mountmajura.com.au/ | email=info@mountmajura.com.au | address=88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | lat=-35.230942 | long=149.194238 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6262 3070 | tollfree= | hours={{time|10AM|5PM}} | price= | lastedit=2022-03-27 | content=Located in the northeast of Canberra in Majura is perhaps one of the few places where you could go wine-tasting and still be in a capital city and surprisingly, what you'd get is not expensive, but rather on the mid-range side. }} ==Sleep== There is only one place to rest your head in the vicinity of the airport, but it shouldn't be a surprise given Canberra Airport isn't even that large in the first place. * {{sleep | name=Vibe Hotel Canberra | alt= | url=https://vibehotels.com/book-accommodation/canberra/hotel-canberra/ | email=canberraairport@vibehotels.com.au | address=1 Rogan St | lat=-35.309039 | long=149.1875 | directions= | phone=+61 2 6201 1500 | tollfree= | checkin={{time|3PM}} | checkout={{time|11PM}} | price=From $249 | lastedit=2022-03-25 | content=A mid-range hotel that is perhaps the most prominent hotel as soon as you leave the airport terminal. The rooms are said to be spacious, however the bathrooms may not be the best. Includes private parking and breakfast. }} There are no campgrounds within the few parks and forests in the east. ==Connect== {{routebox2 |name=Canberra Airport and eastern ACT |temp1={{AUR|M23}} |directionl1=N |minorl1=[[Canberra/Gungahlin|Gungahlin]] |majorl1=[[Goulburn]] |directionr1=S |minorr1=[[Canberra/South Canberra|Fyshwick]] |majorr1=[[Canberra/Tuggeranong and Country ACT|Tuggeranong]] }} {{IsPartOf|Canberra}} {{usabledistrict}} {{geo||}} 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ps34n6ee7d0srp04n06m5se87xj7w11 0 193850 4488094 4485436 2022-07-22T04:38:38Z Matroc 248572 /* Go next */ make geo -- Wikidata Hooghly District -- (please verify) wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Rural Hooghly''' is a rural area in the region of [[Southeast Bengal]] in [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Rural Hooghly is the western part of Hooghly district in West Bengal, surrounded by [[Rarh]] at the north, [[Greater Kolkata]] at the east, rural Howrah at the south and [[Southwest Bengal]] at the west. It was also an epicentre of the farmers' movement in 2006 as part of the Tata Nano controversy in Singur, Hooghly. ==Get in== ===By car=== The Durgapur Expressway (NH 19) crosses this region to the east and connects the area with important cities like [[Kolkata]], [[Durgapur]], [[Asansol]], [[Varanasi]], [[Kanpur]], [[Delhi]] etc. The Arambagh Road (SH 7) crosses this region to the west and connects Arambagh with [[Bardhaman]]. ==Get around== {{Mapframe}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q548518}} ===By car=== ===By boat=== ===By public transit=== ==See and do== * {{see | name=Brindaban Chandra's Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=Guptipara | lat=23.19713 | long=88.440948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56172450 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=A monastery. }} * {{see | name=Kamarpukur | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.90675 | long=87.65009 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6356067 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna. }} * {{see | name=Taraknath Temple | alt=Tarakeswar Temple | url= | email= | address=Tarakeswar | lat=22.87854 | long=88.01435 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7685343 | lastedit=2022-07-14 | content= }} * {{see | name=Tomb of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique | alt= | url= | email= | address=Furfura Sharif | lat=22.75018 | long=88.13197 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Furfura Sharif.jpg | lastedit=2019-08-12 | content= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Tarakeswar Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tarakeswar | lat=22.888783 | long=88.014325 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-14 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gharana Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Singur | lat=22.788404 | long=88.251003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-14 | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Chandannagar]] * [[Hooghly]] * [[Howrah]] {{Routebox | placename=rural Hooghly | image1=NH19-IN.svg | imagesize1=24px | directionl1=NW | majorl1=[[Durgapur]] | minorl1=[[Bardhaman]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1=[[Howrah]] | link1= | caption1= }} {{IsPartOf|Southeast Bengal}} {{outlineruralarea}} {{geo|22.91|88.39|zoom=13}} omlntf9kq54qm69gvfsnrku0onobz2x 4488095 4488094 2022-07-22T04:39:17Z Matroc 248572 /* Go next */ geo zoom to 8 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Rural Hooghly''' is a rural area in the region of [[Southeast Bengal]] in [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== Rural Hooghly is the western part of Hooghly district in West Bengal, surrounded by [[Rarh]] at the north, [[Greater Kolkata]] at the east, rural Howrah at the south and [[Southwest Bengal]] at the west. It was also an epicentre of the farmers' movement in 2006 as part of the Tata Nano controversy in Singur, Hooghly. ==Get in== ===By car=== The Durgapur Expressway (NH 19) crosses this region to the east and connects the area with important cities like [[Kolkata]], [[Durgapur]], [[Asansol]], [[Varanasi]], [[Kanpur]], [[Delhi]] etc. The Arambagh Road (SH 7) crosses this region to the west and connects Arambagh with [[Bardhaman]]. ==Get around== {{Mapframe}} {{Mapshape|wikidata=Q548518}} ===By car=== ===By boat=== ===By public transit=== ==See and do== * {{see | name=Brindaban Chandra's Math | alt= | url= | email= | address=Guptipara | lat=23.19713 | long=88.440948 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q56172450 | lastedit=2022-07-18 | content=A monastery. }} * {{see | name=Kamarpukur | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.90675 | long=87.65009 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q6356067 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=birthplace of Sri Ramakrishna. }} * {{see | name=Taraknath Temple | alt=Tarakeswar Temple | url= | email= | address=Tarakeswar | lat=22.87854 | long=88.01435 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7685343 | lastedit=2022-07-14 | content= }} * {{see | name=Tomb of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique | alt= | url= | email= | address=Furfura Sharif | lat=22.75018 | long=88.13197 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | image=Furfura Sharif.jpg | lastedit=2019-08-12 | content= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Tarakeswar Guest House | alt= | url= | email= | address=Tarakeswar | lat=22.888783 | long=88.014325 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-14 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Gharana Resort | alt= | url= | email= | address=Singur | lat=22.788404 | long=88.251003 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-14 | content= }} ==Go next== * [[Chandannagar]] * [[Hooghly]] * [[Howrah]] {{Routebox | placename=rural Hooghly | image1=NH19-IN.svg | imagesize1=24px | directionl1=NW | majorl1=[[Durgapur]] | minorl1=[[Bardhaman]] | directionr1=S | majorr1=END | minorr1=[[Howrah]] | link1= | caption1= }} {{IsPartOf|Southeast Bengal}} {{outlineruralarea}} {{geo|22.91|88.39|zoom=8}} 38uat0oygilz4ry55eeu4urso8vupxo 0 193871 4487722 4487319 2022-07-21T12:35:21Z Veillg1 253590 /* Steps */ Description of Sept-Îles wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|}} The '''Route des Baleines''' (''English: "Whale Route"'') follows the northern coast of the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in the region of the [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]], in [[Canada]], over {{convert|1250|km}}, between [[Tadoussac]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. == Understand == [[File:Tadoussac - Whale road sign.jpg|thumb|120px|Road sign in Tadoussac indicating the Whale tourist route]] The Whale Route runs along the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on their north shore in the touristic regions of [[Manicouagan]] and [[Duplessis]] on the [[Côte-Nord]]. It begins at [[Tadoussac]] in the south-west and heads northeast to [[Blanc-Sablon]], a journey of {{convert|1250|km}}. This tourist route corresponds more or less to the national road closest to the shore, usually route 138. Thirteen different species of whales live in the waters of the St. Lawrence, including the blue whale. Observation excursions at sea are organized all along the route, whether by boat, dinghy or kayak. It is also possible to watch the whales from the shore. On land, the region along the Whale Route offers large natural spaces dotted with lakes and rivers where it is possible to observe wild fauna and flora. Ferries make the connection to the south shore of the St. Lawrence to reach the regions of [[Gaspésie]] and [[Bas-Saint-Laurent]]. == Steps == * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Tadoussac]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1857392 | lat=48.15 | long=-69.7167 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Tadoussac Bay is part of the club of the most beautiful bays in the world and Tadoussac is recognized by the association of the most beautiful villages of Quebec, it includes in particular the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center as well as other interpretation centers and Several excursions are organized in the region, which includes the [[Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park]] and the [[Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park]]. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Longue-Rive]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lat=48.55 | long=-69.25 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Picturesque and modern riverside municipality of the Côte-Nord, renowned for its fine sand beaches on the Gulf coast, the remains of the 19th century sawmill, its waterfall on the Sault au Mouton River and its hiking trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Comeau]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions=Riverside and industrial city | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q139654 | lat=49.216667 | long=-68.15 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=This Village-relais is renowned for its land observation sites for marine mammals, its route 389 which joins Fermont and Labrador to the north, its heavenly landscapes, its majestic hydroelectric infrastructures, and its varied offer of recreational and tourist activities. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Pointe-des-Monts]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3393520 | lat=49.319444 | long=-67.382778 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=includes one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Quebec. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Sept-Îles]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q141699 | lat=50.2167 | long=-66.3833 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Largest city in the tourist region of Duplessis. Sept-Îles is quite a paradise for nature lovers. The surroundings include many forests, many sandy beaches, world famous lakes and rivers (especially for salmon fishing). Sept-Îles is a major center for commercial, government (eg health), airport, maritime and road services. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1008777 | lat=50.233333 | long=-63.6 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The [[Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve]] (''French: "Réserve de parc national de l'Archipel-de-Mingan"'') located off the coast of Havre-Saint-Pierre has several islands with a magnificent setting ideal for observing sea birds, moreover, the archipelago of Mingan is the best place in Quebec to observe the Atlantic puffin. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Natashquan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1006049 | lat=50.183333 | long=-61.816667 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Route 138 stopped at Natashquan from 1996 to 2013, the famous village where the poet Gilles Vigneault was born. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Blanc-Sablon]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2905888 | lat=51.413388 | long=-57.201805 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Beyond [[Kegaska]] (village of the municipality of [[Côte-Nord-du-Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent]]), you have to take the ''Relais Nordik'', a supply ship, to continue east in [[Basse-Côte-Nord]]. }} == See == [[File:Beluga Whale Tadoussac Quebec Canada Luca Galuzzi 2005.jpg|thumb|A beluga off Tadoussac]] * '''Birdwatching'''. It's not just marine mammals along the Whale Route. Indeed, a stop at [[Pointe-aux-Outardes]] (between [[Longue-Rive]] and [[Baie-Comeau]]) allows you to discover an ideal place for bird watchers which includes more than 200 bird species. ;Terrestrial observation sites {| class="prettytable" |- ! locality !! viewing site |- | [[Tadoussac]] || La pointe de l'Islet |- | [[Sacré-Coeur (Quebec)]] || La baie Sainte-Marguerite |- | [[Les Bergeronnes]] || Le Centre d'interprétation et d'observation de Cap-de-Bon-Désir |- | [[Les Escoumins]] || Le Centre de découverte du milieu marin |- | [[Portneuf-sur-Mer]] || La pointe des Fortin |- | [[Colombier]] || Le cap Colombier |- | [[Ragueneau]] || L'archipel de Ragueneau |- | [[Baie-Comeau]] || Carrefour maritime |- | [[Baie-Comeau]] || L'anse Saint-Pancrace |- | [[Franquelin]] ||La pointe à la Croix |- | [[Godbout]] || La baie de Godbout |- | [[Baie-Trinité]] ||La pointe des Monts |- | [[Baie-Trinité]] || Le sentier des naufragés |- | [[Port-Cartier]] || Côte Jambon |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Côte de l'Aéroport |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Embouchure de la rivière Brochu |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Parc du Vieux-Quai |- | [[Rivière-au-Tonnerre]] ||Belvédère CoSte |- | [[Magpie]] || Belvédère de Magpie |- | [[Mingan]] || Quai |- | [[Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan]] || Promenade près de la plage |- | [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]] || Long de la plage |- | [[Île d'Anticosti]] || Pointe-Carleton |- | [[Île d'Anticosti]] || Pointe-Nord |- | [[Bonne-Espérance]] || Secteur du Vieux-Fort |- | [[Blanc-Sablon]] || Blanc-Sablon |} == Do == == Buy == == Eat == == Accommodation == == Go Next == * '''[[Route Blanche]]''' (''English: "White Road"''), a snowmobile trail on the Lower North Shore (MRC Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent), in the tourist region of [[Duplessis]], stretching over 525 km between [[Natashquan]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. In winter, this road becomes the main mode of transportation between the villages of the Lower North Shore. * '''[[Route Nature aux mille délices]]''' (''English: "Nature route with a thousand delights"''), a tourist route in Quebec, designated "gourmet route", aimed at highlighting the agrotourism products of the North Shore. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]], between [[Tadoussac]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. {{IsPartOf|Côte-Nord}} {{geo|48.139635|-69.726491}} {{Usablecity}} 0wvf84rzs967cgpfdablb63rmembbul 4487723 4487722 2022-07-21T12:37:18Z SHB2000 2248002 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|}} The '''Route des Baleines''' (English: ''"Whale Route"'') follows the northern coast of the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in the region of the [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]], in [[Canada]], over {{convert|1250|km}}, between [[Tadoussac]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. == Understand == [[File:Tadoussac - Whale road sign.jpg|thumb|120px|Road sign in Tadoussac indicating the Whale tourist route]] The Whale Route runs along the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on their north shore in the touristic regions of [[Manicouagan]] and [[Duplessis]] on the [[Côte-Nord]]. It begins at [[Tadoussac]] in the south-west and heads northeast to [[Blanc-Sablon]], a journey of {{convert|1250|km}}. This tourist route corresponds more or less to the national road closest to the shore, usually route 138. Thirteen different species of whales live in the waters of the St. Lawrence, including the blue whale. Observation excursions at sea are organized all along the route, whether by boat, dinghy or kayak. It is also possible to watch the whales from the shore. On land, the region along the Whale Route offers large natural spaces dotted with lakes and rivers where it is possible to observe wild fauna and flora. Ferries make the connection to the south shore of the St. Lawrence to reach the regions of [[Gaspésie]] and [[Bas-Saint-Laurent]]. == Steps == * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Tadoussac]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1857392 | lat=48.15 | long=-69.7167 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Tadoussac Bay is part of the club of the most beautiful bays in the world and Tadoussac is recognized by the association of the most beautiful villages of Quebec, it includes in particular the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center as well as other interpretation centers and Several excursions are organized in the region, which includes the [[Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park]] and the [[Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park]]. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Longue-Rive]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lat=48.55 | long=-69.25 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Picturesque and modern riverside municipality of the Côte-Nord, renowned for its fine sand beaches on the Gulf coast, the remains of the 19th century sawmill, its waterfall on the Sault au Mouton River and its hiking trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Comeau]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions=Riverside and industrial city | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q139654 | lat=49.216667 | long=-68.15 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=This Village-relais is renowned for its land observation sites for marine mammals, its route 389 which joins Fermont and Labrador to the north, its heavenly landscapes, its majestic hydroelectric infrastructures, and its varied offer of recreational and tourist activities. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Pointe-des-Monts]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3393520 | lat=49.319444 | long=-67.382778 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=includes one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Quebec. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Sept-Îles]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q141699 | lat=50.2167 | long=-66.3833 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Largest city in the tourist region of Duplessis. Sept-Îles is quite a paradise for nature lovers. The surroundings include many forests, many sandy beaches, world famous lakes and rivers (especially for salmon fishing). Sept-Îles is a major center for commercial, government (eg health), airport, maritime and road services. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1008777 | lat=50.233333 | long=-63.6 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The [[Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve]] (''French: "Réserve de parc national de l'Archipel-de-Mingan"'') located off the coast of Havre-Saint-Pierre has several islands with a magnificent setting ideal for observing sea birds, moreover, the archipelago of Mingan is the best place in Quebec to observe the Atlantic puffin. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Natashquan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1006049 | lat=50.183333 | long=-61.816667 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Route 138 stopped at Natashquan from 1996 to 2013, the famous village where the poet Gilles Vigneault was born. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Blanc-Sablon]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2905888 | lat=51.413388 | long=-57.201805 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Beyond [[Kegaska]] (village of the municipality of [[Côte-Nord-du-Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent]]), you have to take the ''Relais Nordik'', a supply ship, to continue east in [[Basse-Côte-Nord]]. }} == See == [[File:Beluga Whale Tadoussac Quebec Canada Luca Galuzzi 2005.jpg|thumb|A beluga off Tadoussac]] * '''Birdwatching'''. It's not just marine mammals along the Whale Route. Indeed, a stop at [[Pointe-aux-Outardes]] (between [[Longue-Rive]] and [[Baie-Comeau]]) allows you to discover an ideal place for bird watchers which includes more than 200 bird species. ;Terrestrial observation sites {| class="prettytable" |- ! locality !! viewing site |- | [[Tadoussac]] || La pointe de l'Islet |- | [[Sacré-Coeur (Quebec)]] || La baie Sainte-Marguerite |- | [[Les Bergeronnes]] || Le Centre d'interprétation et d'observation de Cap-de-Bon-Désir |- | [[Les Escoumins]] || Le Centre de découverte du milieu marin |- | [[Portneuf-sur-Mer]] || La pointe des Fortin |- | [[Colombier]] || Le cap Colombier |- | [[Ragueneau]] || L'archipel de Ragueneau |- | [[Baie-Comeau]] || Carrefour maritime |- | [[Baie-Comeau]] || L'anse Saint-Pancrace |- | [[Franquelin]] ||La pointe à la Croix |- | [[Godbout]] || La baie de Godbout |- | [[Baie-Trinité]] ||La pointe des Monts |- | [[Baie-Trinité]] || Le sentier des naufragés |- | [[Port-Cartier]] || Côte Jambon |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Côte de l'Aéroport |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Embouchure de la rivière Brochu |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Parc du Vieux-Quai |- | [[Rivière-au-Tonnerre]] ||Belvédère CoSte |- | [[Magpie]] || Belvédère de Magpie |- | [[Mingan]] || Quai |- | [[Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan]] || Promenade près de la plage |- | [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]] || Long de la plage |- | [[Île d'Anticosti]] || Pointe-Carleton |- | [[Île d'Anticosti]] || Pointe-Nord |- | [[Bonne-Espérance]] || Secteur du Vieux-Fort |- | [[Blanc-Sablon]] || Blanc-Sablon |} == Do == == Buy == == Eat == == Accommodation == == Go Next == * '''[[Route Blanche]]''' (''English: "White Road"''), a snowmobile trail on the Lower North Shore (MRC Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent), in the tourist region of [[Duplessis]], stretching over 525 km between [[Natashquan]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. In winter, this road becomes the main mode of transportation between the villages of the Lower North Shore. * '''[[Route Nature aux mille délices]]''' (''English: "Nature route with a thousand delights"''), a tourist route in Quebec, designated "gourmet route", aimed at highlighting the agrotourism products of the North Shore. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]], between [[Tadoussac]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. {{IsPartOf|Côte-Nord}} {{geo|48.139635|-69.726491}} {{Usablecity}} 47t6io8er9fs6m8q8j39mdduqbayolp 4487724 4487723 2022-07-21T12:39:18Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Go Next */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|}} The '''Route des Baleines''' (English: ''"Whale Route"'') follows the northern coast of the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in the region of the [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]], in [[Canada]], over {{convert|1250|km}}, between [[Tadoussac]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. == Understand == [[File:Tadoussac - Whale road sign.jpg|thumb|120px|Road sign in Tadoussac indicating the Whale tourist route]] The Whale Route runs along the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on their north shore in the touristic regions of [[Manicouagan]] and [[Duplessis]] on the [[Côte-Nord]]. It begins at [[Tadoussac]] in the south-west and heads northeast to [[Blanc-Sablon]], a journey of {{convert|1250|km}}. This tourist route corresponds more or less to the national road closest to the shore, usually route 138. Thirteen different species of whales live in the waters of the St. Lawrence, including the blue whale. Observation excursions at sea are organized all along the route, whether by boat, dinghy or kayak. It is also possible to watch the whales from the shore. On land, the region along the Whale Route offers large natural spaces dotted with lakes and rivers where it is possible to observe wild fauna and flora. Ferries make the connection to the south shore of the St. Lawrence to reach the regions of [[Gaspésie]] and [[Bas-Saint-Laurent]]. == Steps == * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Tadoussac]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1857392 | lat=48.15 | long=-69.7167 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Tadoussac Bay is part of the club of the most beautiful bays in the world and Tadoussac is recognized by the association of the most beautiful villages of Quebec, it includes in particular the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center as well as other interpretation centers and Several excursions are organized in the region, which includes the [[Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park]] and the [[Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park]]. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Longue-Rive]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lat=48.55 | long=-69.25 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Picturesque and modern riverside municipality of the Côte-Nord, renowned for its fine sand beaches on the Gulf coast, the remains of the 19th century sawmill, its waterfall on the Sault au Mouton River and its hiking trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Comeau]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions=Riverside and industrial city | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q139654 | lat=49.216667 | long=-68.15 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=This Village-relais is renowned for its land observation sites for marine mammals, its route 389 which joins Fermont and Labrador to the north, its heavenly landscapes, its majestic hydroelectric infrastructures, and its varied offer of recreational and tourist activities. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Pointe-des-Monts]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3393520 | lat=49.319444 | long=-67.382778 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=includes one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Quebec. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Sept-Îles]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q141699 | lat=50.2167 | long=-66.3833 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Largest city in the tourist region of Duplessis. Sept-Îles is quite a paradise for nature lovers. The surroundings include many forests, many sandy beaches, world famous lakes and rivers (especially for salmon fishing). Sept-Îles is a major center for commercial, government (eg health), airport, maritime and road services. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1008777 | lat=50.233333 | long=-63.6 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The [[Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve]] (''French: "Réserve de parc national de l'Archipel-de-Mingan"'') located off the coast of Havre-Saint-Pierre has several islands with a magnificent setting ideal for observing sea birds, moreover, the archipelago of Mingan is the best place in Quebec to observe the Atlantic puffin. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Natashquan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1006049 | lat=50.183333 | long=-61.816667 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Route 138 stopped at Natashquan from 1996 to 2013, the famous village where the poet Gilles Vigneault was born. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Blanc-Sablon]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2905888 | lat=51.413388 | long=-57.201805 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Beyond [[Kegaska]] (village of the municipality of [[Côte-Nord-du-Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent]]), you have to take the ''Relais Nordik'', a supply ship, to continue east in [[Basse-Côte-Nord]]. }} == See == [[File:Beluga Whale Tadoussac Quebec Canada Luca Galuzzi 2005.jpg|thumb|A beluga off Tadoussac]] * '''Birdwatching'''. It's not just marine mammals along the Whale Route. Indeed, a stop at [[Pointe-aux-Outardes]] (between [[Longue-Rive]] and [[Baie-Comeau]]) allows you to discover an ideal place for bird watchers which includes more than 200 bird species. ;Terrestrial observation sites {| class="prettytable" |- ! locality !! viewing site |- | [[Tadoussac]] || La pointe de l'Islet |- | [[Sacré-Coeur (Quebec)]] || La baie Sainte-Marguerite |- | [[Les Bergeronnes]] || Le Centre d'interprétation et d'observation de Cap-de-Bon-Désir |- | [[Les Escoumins]] || Le Centre de découverte du milieu marin |- | [[Portneuf-sur-Mer]] || La pointe des Fortin |- | [[Colombier]] || Le cap Colombier |- | [[Ragueneau]] || L'archipel de Ragueneau |- | [[Baie-Comeau]] || Carrefour maritime |- | [[Baie-Comeau]] || L'anse Saint-Pancrace |- | [[Franquelin]] ||La pointe à la Croix |- | [[Godbout]] || La baie de Godbout |- | [[Baie-Trinité]] ||La pointe des Monts |- | [[Baie-Trinité]] || Le sentier des naufragés |- | [[Port-Cartier]] || Côte Jambon |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Côte de l'Aéroport |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Embouchure de la rivière Brochu |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Parc du Vieux-Quai |- | [[Rivière-au-Tonnerre]] ||Belvédère CoSte |- | [[Magpie]] || Belvédère de Magpie |- | [[Mingan]] || Quai |- | [[Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan]] || Promenade près de la plage |- | [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]] || Long de la plage |- | [[Île d'Anticosti]] || Pointe-Carleton |- | [[Île d'Anticosti]] || Pointe-Nord |- | [[Bonne-Espérance]] || Secteur du Vieux-Fort |- | [[Blanc-Sablon]] || Blanc-Sablon |} == Do == == Buy == == Eat == == Accommodation == == Go Next == * '''[[Route Blanche]]''' (''English: "White Road"''), a snowmobile trail on the Lower North Shore (MRC Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent), in the tourist region of [[Duplessis]], stretching over 525 km between [[Natashquan]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. In winter, this road becomes the main mode of transportation between the villages of the Lower North Shore. * '''[[Route Nature aux mille délices]]''' (''English: "Nature route with a thousand delights"''), a tourist route in Quebec, designated "gourmet route", aimed at highlighting the agrotourism products of the North Shore. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]], between [[Tadoussac]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. {{PartOfItinerary|North America itineraries}} {{geo|48.139635|-69.726491}} {{outlineitinerary}} 362mg98wvuy9zed1mwevc6h3372oe3a 4487725 4487724 2022-07-21T12:39:27Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Go Next */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|}} The '''Route des Baleines''' (English: ''"Whale Route"'') follows the northern coast of the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in the region of the [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]], in [[Canada]], over {{convert|1250|km}}, between [[Tadoussac]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. == Understand == [[File:Tadoussac - Whale road sign.jpg|thumb|120px|Road sign in Tadoussac indicating the Whale tourist route]] The Whale Route runs along the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on their north shore in the touristic regions of [[Manicouagan]] and [[Duplessis]] on the [[Côte-Nord]]. It begins at [[Tadoussac]] in the south-west and heads northeast to [[Blanc-Sablon]], a journey of {{convert|1250|km}}. This tourist route corresponds more or less to the national road closest to the shore, usually route 138. Thirteen different species of whales live in the waters of the St. Lawrence, including the blue whale. Observation excursions at sea are organized all along the route, whether by boat, dinghy or kayak. It is also possible to watch the whales from the shore. On land, the region along the Whale Route offers large natural spaces dotted with lakes and rivers where it is possible to observe wild fauna and flora. Ferries make the connection to the south shore of the St. Lawrence to reach the regions of [[Gaspésie]] and [[Bas-Saint-Laurent]]. == Steps == * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Tadoussac]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1857392 | lat=48.15 | long=-69.7167 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Tadoussac Bay is part of the club of the most beautiful bays in the world and Tadoussac is recognized by the association of the most beautiful villages of Quebec, it includes in particular the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center as well as other interpretation centers and Several excursions are organized in the region, which includes the [[Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park]] and the [[Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park]]. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Longue-Rive]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lat=48.55 | long=-69.25 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Picturesque and modern riverside municipality of the Côte-Nord, renowned for its fine sand beaches on the Gulf coast, the remains of the 19th century sawmill, its waterfall on the Sault au Mouton River and its hiking trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Comeau]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions=Riverside and industrial city | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q139654 | lat=49.216667 | long=-68.15 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=This Village-relais is renowned for its land observation sites for marine mammals, its route 389 which joins Fermont and Labrador to the north, its heavenly landscapes, its majestic hydroelectric infrastructures, and its varied offer of recreational and tourist activities. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Pointe-des-Monts]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3393520 | lat=49.319444 | long=-67.382778 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=includes one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Quebec. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Sept-Îles]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q141699 | lat=50.2167 | long=-66.3833 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Largest city in the tourist region of Duplessis. Sept-Îles is quite a paradise for nature lovers. The surroundings include many forests, many sandy beaches, world famous lakes and rivers (especially for salmon fishing). Sept-Îles is a major center for commercial, government (eg health), airport, maritime and road services. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Havre-Saint-Pierre]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1008777 | lat=50.233333 | long=-63.6 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=The [[Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve]] (''French: "Réserve de parc national de l'Archipel-de-Mingan"'') located off the coast of Havre-Saint-Pierre has several islands with a magnificent setting ideal for observing sea birds, moreover, the archipelago of Mingan is the best place in Quebec to observe the Atlantic puffin. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Natashquan]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q1006049 | lat=50.183333 | long=-61.816667 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Route 138 stopped at Natashquan from 1996 to 2013, the famous village where the poet Gilles Vigneault was born. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Blanc-Sablon]] | alt= | url= | email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2905888 | lat=51.413388 | long=-57.201805 | lastedit=2022-07-15 | content=Beyond [[Kegaska]] (village of the municipality of [[Côte-Nord-du-Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent]]), you have to take the ''Relais Nordik'', a supply ship, to continue east in [[Basse-Côte-Nord]]. }} == See == [[File:Beluga Whale Tadoussac Quebec Canada Luca Galuzzi 2005.jpg|thumb|A beluga off Tadoussac]] * '''Birdwatching'''. It's not just marine mammals along the Whale Route. Indeed, a stop at [[Pointe-aux-Outardes]] (between [[Longue-Rive]] and [[Baie-Comeau]]) allows you to discover an ideal place for bird watchers which includes more than 200 bird species. ;Terrestrial observation sites {| class="prettytable" |- ! locality !! viewing site |- | [[Tadoussac]] || La pointe de l'Islet |- | [[Sacré-Coeur (Quebec)]] || La baie Sainte-Marguerite |- | [[Les Bergeronnes]] || Le Centre d'interprétation et d'observation de Cap-de-Bon-Désir |- | [[Les Escoumins]] || Le Centre de découverte du milieu marin |- | [[Portneuf-sur-Mer]] || La pointe des Fortin |- | [[Colombier]] || Le cap Colombier |- | [[Ragueneau]] || L'archipel de Ragueneau |- | [[Baie-Comeau]] || Carrefour maritime |- | [[Baie-Comeau]] || L'anse Saint-Pancrace |- | [[Franquelin]] ||La pointe à la Croix |- | [[Godbout]] || La baie de Godbout |- | [[Baie-Trinité]] ||La pointe des Monts |- | [[Baie-Trinité]] || Le sentier des naufragés |- | [[Port-Cartier]] || Côte Jambon |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Côte de l'Aéroport |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Embouchure de la rivière Brochu |- | [[Sept-Îles]] || Parc du Vieux-Quai |- | [[Rivière-au-Tonnerre]] ||Belvédère CoSte |- | [[Magpie]] || Belvédère de Magpie |- | [[Mingan]] || Quai |- | [[Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan]] || Promenade près de la plage |- | [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]] || Long de la plage |- | [[Île d'Anticosti]] || Pointe-Carleton |- | [[Île d'Anticosti]] || Pointe-Nord |- | [[Bonne-Espérance]] || Secteur du Vieux-Fort |- | [[Blanc-Sablon]] || Blanc-Sablon |} == Do == == Buy == == Eat == == Accommodation == == Go next == * '''[[Route Blanche]]''' (''English: "White Road"''), a snowmobile trail on the Lower North Shore (MRC Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent), in the tourist region of [[Duplessis]], stretching over 525 km between [[Natashquan]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. In winter, this road becomes the main mode of transportation between the villages of the Lower North Shore. * '''[[Route Nature aux mille délices]]''' (''English: "Nature route with a thousand delights"''), a tourist route in Quebec, designated "gourmet route", aimed at highlighting the agrotourism products of the North Shore. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]], between [[Tadoussac]] and [[Blanc-Sablon]]. {{PartOfItinerary|North America itineraries}} {{geo|48.139635|-69.726491}} {{outlineitinerary}} jmdjvq6jzcq454vb6gt9rs5tbhqv2ns 0 193888 4487942 4485974 2022-07-21T20:30:48Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Understand */ Moved to [[Allentown#Get in]]. wikitext text/x-wiki {{merge|Allentown|This is not a huge airport. Only huge airports get their own articles on this site; all others get full coverage in "Go" listing templates in the article for the city most served by the airport.}} [[File:ABE terminal (2).JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|The main terminal at Lehigh Valley International Airport in [[Allentown]]]] '''[https://www.flyabe.com/ Lehigh Valley International Airport]''' ({{IATA|ABE}}) {{phone|+1-800-FLY-LVIA}} is a commercial airport located in [[Allentown]] and the primary airport serving the [[Lehigh Valley]] region of eastern [[Pennsylvania]] and northwestern [[New Jersey]], including the three Lehigh Valley cities of Allentown, [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)|Bethlehem]], and [[Easton (Pennsylvania)|Easton]]. ==Location== Lehigh Valley International Airport is located at 3311 Airport Road in Allentown. ==Ground transportation== Car rental services and commercial and public bus services are available for ground transportation from the airport. Commercial buses provide transport to [[New York City]], [[Philadelphia]], and most major urban centers of the Northeast United States. {{stub}} 9yiu77endmwus3lhggrvv3t3jvx73y9 4487951 4487942 2022-07-21T20:33:13Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Redirected. wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT[[Allentown#Get in]] pvwi7g4urmgj9l3vbbcu7d6w5o48gzb 1 193926 4487952 4487260 2022-07-21T20:33:35Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki == Merge with Allentown == The airport is not located in Allentown, it is physically located in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The article could be deleted. Thanks, [[User:Zeete|Zeete]] ([[User talk:Zeete|talk]]) 10:39, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :[[Hanover Township]] doesn't have an article on Wikivoyage (there is an article called [[Hanover (Pennsylvania)]], but that's about another place!). The content can be merged to one of three neighbouring city articles ([[Allentown]], [[Bethlehem (Pennsylvania)]], or [[Whitehall]]), or to the [[Lehigh Valley]] region article. What do you think? :But I agree that this airport certainly doesn't warrant its own article, per [[Wikivoyage:Airport Expedition]] and [[Wikivoyage:What_is_an_article%3F#Exceptions]].--[[User:ThunderingTyphoons!|ThunderingTyphoons!]] ([[User talk:ThunderingTyphoons!|talk]]) 11:23, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::I don't think it would add value to any other article on Wikivoyage. I would recommend simple deletion. Thanks, [[User:Zeete|Zeete]] ([[User talk:Zeete|talk]]) 14:59, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::No, it won't be deleted, because information about an airport is useful and this is a reasonable search term; it will be merged and redirected, and the obvious place is [[Allentown#By plane]]. It doesn't matter that the airport is in a town that has no article; the largest city in the area is Allentown, so that's the place to put the relevant information. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 16:53, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::I created the stub for this commercial airport, which serves a metropolitan region of about a million people, after seeing it cited on more than a dozen pages but not having a page. It is the airport any traveler would use to enter this metropolitan region and might, arguably, be the singular most important topic a traveler seeks when seeking information about this region and its cities. The fact that it may be smaller than, say, [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]], actually makes the case for this article stronger, not weaker, since details about the airport are no less important to a traveler to this region but may be less available. When I created this stub, it seemed a very routine and valuable addition. Only when I went to add it to the list of airport articles did I realize that airport articles seem restricted to mostly the largest and best recognized in countries. This is a mid-sized airport used daily by passengers (tens of thousands of passengers annually) but obviously not of the size of most on that list, so I acknowledge this becomes a bit precedent setting and will possibly inspire articles on airports of comparable size. That raises the question: What sort of policy standard would make sense so that transportation articles worthy of inclusion get created while also ensuring that trivial or unnecessary do not. My policy suggestion: When a Wikipedia article exists on a component of transportation infrastructure (an airport, train station, bus station, etc.), that means it has been deemed to literally hold encyclopedic value to the world, not just a traveler. In these cases it would seem absurd to have a transportation topic whose global encyclopedic value has been established then be deemed undeserving of an article on this site, which is literally created for travelers much more inclined to be seeking pages like this. The standard for the creation of a WikiVoyage article on a transportation article should not be higher than that of Wikipedia, and possibly should even be a slightly lower standard as long as it the article is of legitimate value to a traveler. In the case of this particular article, this airport has a long-standing Wikipidia article that was created in 2004: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lehigh_Valley_International_Airport]. An online encyclopedia like WikiVoyage, which represents that it carries articles of value to travelers, should find that sufficiently persuasive for there to be an article about it here. One final point: While I developed this article as a stub, should an airport article like this be deleted, all the associated details associated with a commerical airport like this--airlines that serve it, gates, destinations, direct flights, ground transportation, etc. will overwhelm the city or region page (and be very repetitious if included, as they would need to be, on all the cities that might use that airport). If we include the airport basics on the city or regional page and then offer the more detailed information on the linked airport page, it ensures the city or regional page is not overwhelmed with multiple paragraphs while also ensuring this important information to travelers is still available on this travel-focused site. This article should remain, and the standard for the creation of future articles on transportation infractructure topics should be: 1.) Is this article something a typical traveler to the respective region or city would find necessary or of great value? 2.) Does a Wikipedia page on this topic exist? If the answer to both questions is "yes", as is the case with this article, the case for an article here exists. [[User:Keystone18|Keystone18]] ([[User talk:Keystone18|talk]]) 19:24, 18 July 2022 (UTC) :::::(1) This is a stub and won't overwhelm [[Allentown#Get in]] at all. (2) Wikivoyage is '''not''' an encyclopedia; see [[Wikivoyage:Goals and non-goals]]. (3) Wikipedia has articles about almost anything you can think of, including individual streets. The argument that Wikivoyage's standards of [[what is an article]] shouldn't be different from Wikipedia's is a very weak argument that will fail every time. (4) The briefest statement of the criteria for an airport to have its own article is at [[Wikivoyage:Airport Expedition#Article criteria]]: :::::The main criteria for determining if an airport article is appropriate: :::::* Does the airport service connecting flights? Only airports large enough to service connecting flights should be considered for articles since travelers are unlikely to be spending significant time at airports that serve only as departure and final destination points. :::::* Does the airport have enough food and shopping options to fill out an entire "Buy" and "Eat and Drink" section? :::::In conclusion, it is no problem to cover this airport in [[Allentown#Get in]], and it's no problem to link to [[Allentown#Get in]] in the "Get in" sections of other articles, like this: <nowiki>[[Allentown#Get in|Lehigh Valley International Airport]]</nowiki>. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:06, 18 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::Any more comments? If not, the merge/redirect may take place tomorrow. By the way, [[User:Keystone18|Keystone18]], if you want to argue for a policy change to allow for there to be articles about secondary airports, you are welcome to start a thread or add to a relevant thread in [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]] and try to assemble a consensus behind your opinion, but this stub article will not serve as a strong argument for your position. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 05:16, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::When I first created the stub for this airport, it seemed a reasonable and valued addition since it is the primary commercial airport for a metropolitan region of almost a million people. But when I went to add it to the [[airport articles|list of airports]], I quickly saw that it stood out as smaller than the airports on that list, so I understand the case for its deletion. I just proposed a slight expansion in the criteria for the policy on articles on commercial airports, train and bus stations serving metropolitan areas, which I hope will be adopted and would encourage articles like this one and those that are the primary means of air, train, or bus arrival in metropolitan regions. Thanks to those who have offered their thoughts and input. If you agree with me, I hope you'll add some support for the policy change at [[Wikivoyage talk:Airport Expedition]]. [[User:Keystone18|Keystone18]] ([[User talk:Keystone18|talk]]) 20:10, 20 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::Please understand: This article is not being nominated for deletion and will not be deleted. Its contents will be merged to [[Allentown]] and it will be turned into a redirect. I'll take care of that within 24 hours or so (possibly later tonight) if no-one else does. The policy discussion can continue, regardless, and if there's ever a decision to restore this stub, that's simple to do because the redirect will retain the entire history of this article. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:31, 20 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::Merged and redirected accordingly. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:33, 21 July 2022 (UTC) idw8labgsryw7sq7tcprbyeewxrtt1j 0 193940 4488092 4486510 2022-07-22T04:30:49Z Matroc 248572 /* Go next */ make geo wikitext text/x-wiki Tanza, Cavitie {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Tanza''' is in [[Region name]]. ==Understand== ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|14.394444|120.853056|zoom=13}} lc783j8bz7vtndc6bp14nlim0t7sunx 4488093 4488092 2022-07-22T04:33:53Z Matroc 248572 /* Go next */ is Part Of Cavite wikitext text/x-wiki Tanza, Cavitie {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Tanza''' is in [[Region name]]. ==Understand== ==Get in== ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Cavite}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|14.394444|120.853056|zoom=13}} bhtv2uteh7viz6s42cn5vlsvq4vjon3 0 193960 4488087 4487666 2022-07-22T04:21:25Z Matroc 248572 /* Go next */ make geo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Challakere''' is a town in [[Chitradurga (district)]] of [[Karnataka]] province, in [[India]]. Challakere is a city municipality (taluk). ==Understand== Challakere is called Oil City with numerous edible oil mills around the city and Science City. Several sciences and research organizations such as IISc, DRDO, BARC, and ISRO have set up their establishments here. Challakere is the largest taluk in Chitradurga District. In 2011, Challakere had a population of about 55,000. Challakere is also known as the 'oil city' or "second Mumbai" of India because it is the second largest producer/supplier of edible oil after Mumbai. There are about 60 oil industries in Challakere. Besides oil, several other sectors like dal, fried gram, rice, etc. are also present. The commercial activity in the town is comparable to that of a standard district and the district enjoys a huge business turnover out of town. Challkere is known for the kambali (woven blankets) made by the local Kuruba people. Challakere kambali are sent to various markets across India. Challakere weekly market Sunday market has the good turnover in the state. ==Get in== ===By bus=== Challakere is 200 km from Bangalore. Challakere is also connected to Bellary, Pavagada, and Chitradurga by road. NH 150.A which connects Chamarajanagara and Jevargi passes through the city. Chitradurga, which is the district headquarters, is 30 km from this city. ===By train=== There are two trains to Bangalore at 3:20pm and at 12:45PM daily. There is a train to Shimoga at 3AM to Shimoga. ==Get around== Auto-rickshaws charge ₹40 for short trips. ==See== * {{see | name=Datta Mandira | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Located in Tyagaraja Nagar, and traditional practices of Datta Sampradaya, can be seen at this temple. }} * {{see | name=Jagalurajja temple (Ajjana Gudi) | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Located beside the Ajjana Kere, which is the main water source for surrounding wells and drinking water for challakere. }} * {{see | name=Challekeramma temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Challakeramma Jathre is conducted once every five years in this temple. }} * {{see | name=Bhavani Shankara temple | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Situated at Lakshmipura, this idol was bought from Varanasi more than 200 years back without being kept on the floor to maintain its sanctity. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Aramana Salkara Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=KSRTC Bus Station Building | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Good quality vegetarian items like idlis, vadas, dosai and rice preparations are available here. }} * {{eat | name=Gandharva Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bangalore Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{eat | name=Karavalli Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Chitradurga Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Mutton Biriyani. Rs.220. }} ==Drink== * {{drink | name=Aramana Cafe | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bus Station Building | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name= Aramana Lodge | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bus Stand | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=800 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Ashraya Residency. Opp.Bus Stand<br />Gandharva Hotel, Bangalore Road 77604 72569, 09845839077. }} * {{sleep | name= Ashraya Residency | alt= | url= | email= | address=Behind Bus Station | lat= | long= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price=600 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Gandharva Hotel | alt= | url= | email= | address=Bangalore Road | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=77604 72569, 09845839077 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Chitradurga (district)}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|14.32|76.65|zoom=13}} qw0qvzq8tha6spshwzkglj21qbb9kzb 0 193971 4488088 4487074 2022-07-22T04:22:39Z Matroc 248572 /* Go next */ make geo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Indre Wijdefjorden National Park''' is a national park protecting the inner part of Wijdefjorden, [[Svalbard]]'s longest fjord. ==Understand== ===History=== ===Landscape=== ===Flora and fauna=== ===Climate=== ==Get in== ==Fees and permits== {{mapframe}}<!--if mapmask fails {{mapshape|wikidata=Q1661839}}--> Apart from the 150-kr<!--hyphenated compound adjective. do not change--> fee you'll need to pay when entering Svalbard, you will need to report to the governor, including signing a special insurance policy to cover any search and rescue costs were you to get lost. ==Get around== Motorised vehicles are banned within Indre Wijdefjorden National Park as with any other Norwegian national park, but cycling is also banned. However, snowmobiles are permitted, but temporary bans can be imposed. Otherwise, hiking is a good way to get around the park, especially to the nearby Perriertoppen and Åsgårdsfonna. Like in the rest of Svalbard, outside settlements, you will need to carry a rifle with you for self-defence, but remember that polar bears are protected here and should '''only''' be used as a last resort. ==See== * {{see | name=Einsteinvatnet | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=79.0487 | long=16.3212 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16890899 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Named after Albert Einstein, it is perhaps the only main point of interest within the park apart from the fjord itself containing Arctic char, a cold-water fish. }} ==Do== There's not much to do in Indre Wijdefjorden National Park – after all, the park was established mainly for conservation in a place so desolate without tourism in mind. Hunting is only permitted with permission from the governor whilst fishing is prohibited. There are no well established hiking trails within the park. The only good suitable place for hiking is on a few beaches by the fjord, but that's about it. Otherwise, it's all backcountry hiking. ==Buy, eat and drink== There are no restaurants, shops, bars or anything alike in this desolate, remote park. As hunting is only permitted with permission from the governor, you'll likely need to bring all your supplies with you. ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== ===Camping=== ===Backcountry=== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Svalbard}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo|79.083333|16.1|zoom=13}} {{Mapmask|79.3706,15.2038|79.0548,15.3980|78.9991,15.8072|78.9110,16.1831|78.8580,16.2663|78.8743,16.6800|79.3346,16.3247|79.3828,16.0224|79.3706,15.2038}} a8lk7ptznqisftcusssbrexy0klkqy9 4488089 4488088 2022-07-22T04:23:00Z Matroc 248572 /* Go next */ geo zom to 8 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Indre Wijdefjorden National Park''' is a national park protecting the inner part of Wijdefjorden, [[Svalbard]]'s longest fjord. ==Understand== ===History=== ===Landscape=== ===Flora and fauna=== ===Climate=== ==Get in== ==Fees and permits== {{mapframe}}<!--if mapmask fails {{mapshape|wikidata=Q1661839}}--> Apart from the 150-kr<!--hyphenated compound adjective. do not change--> fee you'll need to pay when entering Svalbard, you will need to report to the governor, including signing a special insurance policy to cover any search and rescue costs were you to get lost. ==Get around== Motorised vehicles are banned within Indre Wijdefjorden National Park as with any other Norwegian national park, but cycling is also banned. However, snowmobiles are permitted, but temporary bans can be imposed. Otherwise, hiking is a good way to get around the park, especially to the nearby Perriertoppen and Åsgårdsfonna. Like in the rest of Svalbard, outside settlements, you will need to carry a rifle with you for self-defence, but remember that polar bears are protected here and should '''only''' be used as a last resort. ==See== * {{see | name=Einsteinvatnet | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=79.0487 | long=16.3212 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q16890899 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Named after Albert Einstein, it is perhaps the only main point of interest within the park apart from the fjord itself containing Arctic char, a cold-water fish. }} ==Do== There's not much to do in Indre Wijdefjorden National Park – after all, the park was established mainly for conservation in a place so desolate without tourism in mind. Hunting is only permitted with permission from the governor whilst fishing is prohibited. There are no well established hiking trails within the park. The only good suitable place for hiking is on a few beaches by the fjord, but that's about it. Otherwise, it's all backcountry hiking. ==Buy, eat and drink== There are no restaurants, shops, bars or anything alike in this desolate, remote park. As hunting is only permitted with permission from the governor, you'll likely need to bring all your supplies with you. ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== ===Camping=== ===Backcountry=== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Svalbard}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo|79.083333|16.1|zoom=8}} {{Mapmask|79.3706,15.2038|79.0548,15.3980|78.9991,15.8072|78.9110,16.1831|78.8580,16.2663|78.8743,16.6800|79.3346,16.3247|79.3828,16.0224|79.3706,15.2038}} ofrdvj7ajqpxcl5yw2cdz8mouas3n1c 0 193972 4487705 4487394 2022-07-21T12:11:29Z Veillg1 253590 Mention of the "Route des Baleines" and the "Route Nature aux mille délices" (gourmet route). wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Godbout}} [[File:Église de Godbout.jpg|thumb|Church of Godbout]] '''Godbout''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the township of De Monts and the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Godbout are: * vacationing: especially around lakes: Lac Rond (north part), Lac de Monts (a bay near Route 138), as well as in the village; * salmon fishing: the Zec des rivières Godbout & Mistassini manages the exploitation of these two rivers; * the campsite: in the village of Godbout, two campsites serve travellers; * pedestrian paths: the path leading to Mont Caburon, where the cross of Godbout is located, overlooks the bay of Godbout; distance 6.6 km (estimated time: 2:08 min.); * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk in the village of Godbout, to appreciate the riverside panorama and to walk in the streets; * the beaches of the bay of Godbout which give a beautiful view towards the East on the Cran Fer à Cheval, located in the western part of the Mornes de Godbout; and a beautiful view to the west, on Cap Rouge; * boating on Godbout Bay which is an appendage of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; visitors can admire the coast between Godbout and Baie-Trinité from pleasure craft; * picking wild berries in the summer season; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Godbout offers a paradise of relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the joys of nature. ==Understand== Godbout is a village located on the [[Côte-Nord]] in [[Quebec]] in the regional county municipality of [[Manicouagan]]. The ferry linking the village to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence is the village's main employer. Moreover, this has created an offer of accommodation and catering in the village. In the village of Godbout, sea or river fishing, especially salmon, is the major economic activity. Nestled between the mountains and at the bottom of a deep bay, the village benefits from protection against the heavy seas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. === History === In the 17th century, a first fur trading post was opened at the bottom of Godbout Bay; it remained in operation there for nearly two centuries. The toponymic designation "Godbout" appears in the Relations of the Jesuits of 1670. This locality turns out to be the parish of birth of Mgr Napoléon Alexandre Labrie, bishop of the diocese of the North Shore; he was a great visionary, having contributed to promoting education and developing the socio-political context of the region. A second legendary character and resident of Godbout, Napoléon Alexandre Comeau, had many talents: trapper, geologist, naturalist, doctor and an adventurer who loved exploits. The village of Godbout includes an Innu minority. * {{Listing | nom=Bureau d'information touristique | alt= | url= | email= | wikipédia= | wikidata= | facebook= | adresse=144, rue Pascal-Comeau | latitude=49.32456 | longitude=-67.59201| direction=located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Matane-Godbout ferry dock | image = | téléphone=+1 418 568-7462 | fax= | prix= | horaire= | mise à jour=2022-07-20 | description=Tourist information center offering information to travelers on the Côte-Nord. }} ==Get in== The village of Godbout is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|724}}. Time: 8 hr 49 min. From downtown Montreal, take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Godbout. Route 138 passes 2 km east of the village via rue Mgr Labrie. In Godbout (after crossing the Godbout River), Route 138 makes a large loop to the north to bypass Lac Jean-Marie, Lac de Monts and Lac Éden, as well as Morne de Godbout (high riverside cliff); further east, Route 138 returns near the river to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} === By boat === [[File:Cmarcoux2.JPG|thumb|The ship ''Camille-Marcoux'' arriving at Godbout]] * {{listing|name=Traverse Godbout-Matane via the boat "Camille-Marcoux"|alt=|url=https://www.traversiers.com/fr/nos-traverses/traverse-matane-baie-comeau-godbout/accueil/|email=|address=gare fluviale de Godbout: 117, rue Pascal-Comeau|lat=49.32294|long=-67.59329|directions=at the wharf in the village of Godbout|phone=+1 877-787-7483|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-30|content=Ferry linking Godbout to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Passengers who are lucky, will see whales and dolphins from the ferry.|type=go}} ===Tourist information=== * {{go | name= Centre d'information touristique | alt=Tourist information centre | url=http://www.escoumins.ca | facebook=| email= | address=154, route 138 | lat=48.33354 | long=-69.40976 | directions= | phone=+1 418-233-2663 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | direction= | content=Tourist information centre providing information to the public about the region: activities, attractions, activities, events, accommodation, and restaurants. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13|layer=}} ==See== ==Do== * {{do | name=Zec des rivières Godbout et Mistassini | alt= | url=https://www.rivieregodbout.com/ | email= | address=(Administrative office) 117, route des Baleines | lat=49.33198 | long=-67.62342 | directions=administrative office of the zec located along route 138. Access to the salmon pits is via the route du bois which runs along the east bank of the Godbout River. | phone=+1 418-568-7305 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17651512 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=With a length of 112 km, the Godbout River crosses the territory of the MRC of Manicouagan. Salmon caught in the Godbout River are known to be fierce fighters. The zec offers fishing packages for the 13 pools in the “Cap Nord” quota sector and the 22 pools in the non- quota sector. }} [[file:Musée amérindien et inuit de Godbout (7).jpg|thumb|Native American and Inuit Museum]] * {{do | name=Musée amérindien et inuit | alt= | url=https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca/fiche/quoi-faire/visites-et-patrimoine/musees-et-sites-historiques/musee-amerindien-et-inuit-1173272 | email= | address=134, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32530 | long=-67.59106 | directions=located in the village, facing the bay of Godbout | phone=+1 418-568-7306 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=History Museum. The collection of this museum includes many works of Amerindian and Inuit art. This museum has a pottery workshop and a small art shop. On occasion, bread baked in the traditional bread oven can be tasted by visitors. }} * {{do | name=Godbout Cross | alt=Croix de Godbout | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.32531 | long=-67.58041 | directions=Located near Petit Belvédère and close to Lac du Pouvoir. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Panoramic view of Godbout Bay. It is necessary to climb about 390 steps to reach this cross which overlooks a relatively steep cliff. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Marché du Capitaine | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/March%C3%A9-du-Capitaine-108393201630667/?_rdr | email=marcheducapitaine@hotmail.com | address=100, rue mgr Labrie | lat=49.32258 | long=-67.59496 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Take-out ready meals: seafood, pizza, lasagna, spagetti sauce... Indoor dining area. Convenience store section: lottery, fishing worms, Sinto oils. }} * {{eat | name=Cantine H.P. | alt= | url= | email= | address=119, rue St-Régis | lat=49.32222 | long=-67.59486 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Aux Mille Pêcher | alt= | url=http://aubergemillepecher.com/ | email= | address=156, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32392 | long=-67.59318 | directions=Inn located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7535 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Inn offering seven rooms, in a distinctive decor. }} * {{sleep | name= Thépi Bec Sucré| alt= | url= http://thepibecsucre.com/| email=lartisaneduvillage@hotmail.com | address=166, rue Pascal-Comeau| lat=49.32327 | long=-67.59389 | directions=Accommodation located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7879 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Gite & unusual accommodation with sandwich bar, in a rustic and friendly decor. Authentic native art shop. Local products. }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte La Richardière | alt= | url=http://gite-la-richardiere-bed-breakfast.quebechotels.info/fr/ | email= | address= 109, rue St-Régis| lat=49.32543 | long= -67.59378| directions=Accommodation located near Godbout Bay and the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7446 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Petit-Mousse | alt= | url= https://www.quebecvacances.com/le-petit-mousse| email= | address=100, rue Monseigneur-Labrie | lat=49.32263 | long=-67.59500 | directions=located in the village, near the Godbout river station | phone=+1 418-568-7785 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Hotel and hostel. }} * {{sleep | name=Ô Victoire d’Angéline | alt= | url= | email= | address=121, rue Mgr Labrie | lat=49.32429 | long=67.60056 | directions= | phone=+1 418-378-7638 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=B & B. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping l'Estuaire | alt= | url= http://FB CAMPING L'ESTUAIRE 2022| email=campinglestuaire@hotmail.com | address=101, rue Conrad | lat=49.31620 | long=-67.61119 | directions=campsite located on the north shore near the Godbout River, near an airfield | phone=+1 418 378-8578 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Camping municipal de Godbout| alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/godbout/camping.php | email=camping@municipalitedegodbout.ca | address=256, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.31234 | long=-67.60053 | directions= | phone=+1 418-297-0911 | tollfree= | checkin=between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. | checkout=10:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Campsite with a sanitary block with hot water, shower, toilet. Offer of lots with two services (water, electricity) or three services (water, electricity and sewer). }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/franquelin/ | facebook=| email= | address=424 Rue De La Mer, Les Bergeronnes | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6244 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Village Forestier d'Antan, hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish harvesting, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Trinité]] | alt= | url=https://baie-trinite.quebec/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2879389 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.4167 | long=-67.3 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. This TNO is a paradise for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13}} o8bbotfhjmdlnvoyn5bpei8ywfb669g 4487707 4487705 2022-07-21T12:13:41Z Veillg1 253590 /* History */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Godbout}} [[File:Église de Godbout.jpg|thumb|Church of Godbout]] '''Godbout''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the township of De Monts and the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Godbout are: * vacationing: especially around lakes: Lac Rond (north part), Lac de Monts (a bay near Route 138), as well as in the village; * salmon fishing: the Zec des rivières Godbout & Mistassini manages the exploitation of these two rivers; * the campsite: in the village of Godbout, two campsites serve travellers; * pedestrian paths: the path leading to Mont Caburon, where the cross of Godbout is located, overlooks the bay of Godbout; distance 6.6 km (estimated time: 2:08 min.); * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk in the village of Godbout, to appreciate the riverside panorama and to walk in the streets; * the beaches of the bay of Godbout which give a beautiful view towards the East on the Cran Fer à Cheval, located in the western part of the Mornes de Godbout; and a beautiful view to the west, on Cap Rouge; * boating on Godbout Bay which is an appendage of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; visitors can admire the coast between Godbout and Baie-Trinité from pleasure craft; * picking wild berries in the summer season; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Godbout offers a paradise of relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the joys of nature. ==Understand== Godbout is a village located on the [[Côte-Nord]] in [[Quebec]] in the regional county municipality of [[Manicouagan]]. The ferry linking the village to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence is the village's main employer. Moreover, this has created an offer of accommodation and catering in the village. In the village of Godbout, sea or river fishing, especially salmon, is the major economic activity. Nestled between the mountains and at the bottom of a deep bay, the village benefits from protection against the heavy seas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. === History === In the 17th century, a first fur trading post was opened at the bottom of Godbout Bay; it remained in operation there for nearly two centuries. The toponymic designation "Godbout" appears in the Relations of the Jesuits of 1670. This locality turns out to be the parish of birth of Mgr Napoléon Alexandre Labrie, bishop of the diocese of the North Shore; he was a great visionary, having contributed to promoting education and developing the socio-political context of the region. A second legendary character and resident of Godbout, Napoléon Alexandre Comeau, had many talents: trapper, geologist, naturalist, doctor and an adventurer who loved exploits. The village of Godbout includes an Innu minority. * {{Listing | name=Tourist information office | alt=Bureau d'information touristique | url= | email= | wikipédia= | wikidata= | facebook= | adress=144, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32456 | long=-67.59201| directions=located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Matane-Godbout ferry dock | image = | phone=+1 418 568-7462 | fax= | price= | calendar= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Tourist information center offering information to travelers on the Côte-Nord. }} ==Get in== The village of Godbout is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|724}}. Time: 8 hr 49 min. From downtown Montreal, take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Godbout. Route 138 passes 2 km east of the village via rue Mgr Labrie. In Godbout (after crossing the Godbout River), Route 138 makes a large loop to the north to bypass Lac Jean-Marie, Lac de Monts and Lac Éden, as well as Morne de Godbout (high riverside cliff); further east, Route 138 returns near the river to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} === By boat === [[File:Cmarcoux2.JPG|thumb|The ship ''Camille-Marcoux'' arriving at Godbout]] * {{listing|name=Traverse Godbout-Matane via the boat "Camille-Marcoux"|alt=|url=https://www.traversiers.com/fr/nos-traverses/traverse-matane-baie-comeau-godbout/accueil/|email=|address=gare fluviale de Godbout: 117, rue Pascal-Comeau|lat=49.32294|long=-67.59329|directions=at the wharf in the village of Godbout|phone=+1 877-787-7483|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-30|content=Ferry linking Godbout to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Passengers who are lucky, will see whales and dolphins from the ferry.|type=go}} ===Tourist information=== * {{go | name= Centre d'information touristique | alt=Tourist information centre | url=http://www.escoumins.ca | facebook=| email= | address=154, route 138 | lat=48.33354 | long=-69.40976 | directions= | phone=+1 418-233-2663 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | direction= | content=Tourist information centre providing information to the public about the region: activities, attractions, activities, events, accommodation, and restaurants. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13|layer=}} ==See== ==Do== * {{do | name=Zec des rivières Godbout et Mistassini | alt= | url=https://www.rivieregodbout.com/ | email= | address=(Administrative office) 117, route des Baleines | lat=49.33198 | long=-67.62342 | directions=administrative office of the zec located along route 138. Access to the salmon pits is via the route du bois which runs along the east bank of the Godbout River. | phone=+1 418-568-7305 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17651512 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=With a length of 112 km, the Godbout River crosses the territory of the MRC of Manicouagan. Salmon caught in the Godbout River are known to be fierce fighters. The zec offers fishing packages for the 13 pools in the “Cap Nord” quota sector and the 22 pools in the non- quota sector. }} [[file:Musée amérindien et inuit de Godbout (7).jpg|thumb|Native American and Inuit Museum]] * {{do | name=Musée amérindien et inuit | alt= | url=https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca/fiche/quoi-faire/visites-et-patrimoine/musees-et-sites-historiques/musee-amerindien-et-inuit-1173272 | email= | address=134, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32530 | long=-67.59106 | directions=located in the village, facing the bay of Godbout | phone=+1 418-568-7306 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=History Museum. The collection of this museum includes many works of Amerindian and Inuit art. This museum has a pottery workshop and a small art shop. On occasion, bread baked in the traditional bread oven can be tasted by visitors. }} * {{do | name=Godbout Cross | alt=Croix de Godbout | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.32531 | long=-67.58041 | directions=Located near Petit Belvédère and close to Lac du Pouvoir. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Panoramic view of Godbout Bay. It is necessary to climb about 390 steps to reach this cross which overlooks a relatively steep cliff. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Marché du Capitaine | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/March%C3%A9-du-Capitaine-108393201630667/?_rdr | email=marcheducapitaine@hotmail.com | address=100, rue mgr Labrie | lat=49.32258 | long=-67.59496 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Take-out ready meals: seafood, pizza, lasagna, spagetti sauce... Indoor dining area. Convenience store section: lottery, fishing worms, Sinto oils. }} * {{eat | name=Cantine H.P. | alt= | url= | email= | address=119, rue St-Régis | lat=49.32222 | long=-67.59486 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Aux Mille Pêcher | alt= | url=http://aubergemillepecher.com/ | email= | address=156, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32392 | long=-67.59318 | directions=Inn located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7535 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Inn offering seven rooms, in a distinctive decor. }} * {{sleep | name= Thépi Bec Sucré| alt= | url= http://thepibecsucre.com/| email=lartisaneduvillage@hotmail.com | address=166, rue Pascal-Comeau| lat=49.32327 | long=-67.59389 | directions=Accommodation located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7879 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Gite & unusual accommodation with sandwich bar, in a rustic and friendly decor. Authentic native art shop. Local products. }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte La Richardière | alt= | url=http://gite-la-richardiere-bed-breakfast.quebechotels.info/fr/ | email= | address= 109, rue St-Régis| lat=49.32543 | long= -67.59378| directions=Accommodation located near Godbout Bay and the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7446 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Petit-Mousse | alt= | url= https://www.quebecvacances.com/le-petit-mousse| email= | address=100, rue Monseigneur-Labrie | lat=49.32263 | long=-67.59500 | directions=located in the village, near the Godbout river station | phone=+1 418-568-7785 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Hotel and hostel. }} * {{sleep | name=Ô Victoire d’Angéline | alt= | url= | email= | address=121, rue Mgr Labrie | lat=49.32429 | long=67.60056 | directions= | phone=+1 418-378-7638 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=B & B. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping l'Estuaire | alt= | url= http://FB CAMPING L'ESTUAIRE 2022| email=campinglestuaire@hotmail.com | address=101, rue Conrad | lat=49.31620 | long=-67.61119 | directions=campsite located on the north shore near the Godbout River, near an airfield | phone=+1 418 378-8578 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Camping municipal de Godbout| alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/godbout/camping.php | email=camping@municipalitedegodbout.ca | address=256, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.31234 | long=-67.60053 | directions= | phone=+1 418-297-0911 | tollfree= | checkin=between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. | checkout=10:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Campsite with a sanitary block with hot water, shower, toilet. Offer of lots with two services (water, electricity) or three services (water, electricity and sewer). }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/franquelin/ | facebook=| email= | address=424 Rue De La Mer, Les Bergeronnes | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6244 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Village Forestier d'Antan, hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish harvesting, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Trinité]] | alt= | url=https://baie-trinite.quebec/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2879389 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.4167 | long=-67.3 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. This TNO is a paradise for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13}} s3hxav66g9zv4q1xts8n9ta7vhoazm9 4487713 4487707 2022-07-21T12:20:15Z Veillg1 253590 /* Understand */ add a photo of the bay and the quay wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Godbout}} [[File:Église de Godbout.jpg|thumb|Church of Godbout]] '''Godbout''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the township of De Monts and the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Godbout are: * vacationing: especially around lakes: Lac Rond (north part), Lac de Monts (a bay near Route 138), as well as in the village; * salmon fishing: the Zec des rivières Godbout & Mistassini manages the exploitation of these two rivers; * the campsite: in the village of Godbout, two campsites serve travellers; * pedestrian paths: the path leading to Mont Caburon, where the cross of Godbout is located, overlooks the bay of Godbout; distance 6.6 km (estimated time: 2:08 min.); * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk in the village of Godbout, to appreciate the riverside panorama and to walk in the streets; * the beaches of the bay of Godbout which give a beautiful view towards the East on the Cran Fer à Cheval, located in the western part of the Mornes de Godbout; and a beautiful view to the west, on Cap Rouge; * boating on Godbout Bay which is an appendage of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; visitors can admire the coast between Godbout and Baie-Trinité from pleasure craft; * picking wild berries in the summer season; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Godbout offers a paradise of relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the joys of nature. ==Understand== [[File:Godbout, Quebec.jpg|thumb|Godbout bay and the quay on the sea]] Godbout is a village located on the [[Côte-Nord]] in [[Quebec]] in the regional county municipality of [[Manicouagan]]. The ferry linking the village to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence is the village's main employer. Moreover, this has created an offer of accommodation and catering in the village. In the village of Godbout, sea or river fishing, especially salmon, is the major economic activity. Nestled between the mountains and at the bottom of a deep bay, the village benefits from protection against the heavy seas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. === History === In the 17th century, a first fur trading post was opened at the bottom of Godbout Bay; it remained in operation there for nearly two centuries. The toponymic designation "Godbout" appears in the Relations of the Jesuits of 1670. This locality turns out to be the parish of birth of Mgr Napoléon Alexandre Labrie, bishop of the diocese of the North Shore; he was a great visionary, having contributed to promoting education and developing the socio-political context of the region. A second legendary character and resident of Godbout, Napoléon Alexandre Comeau, had many talents: trapper, geologist, naturalist, doctor and an adventurer who loved exploits. The village of Godbout includes an Innu minority. * {{Listing | name=Tourist information office | alt=Bureau d'information touristique | url= | email= | wikipédia= | wikidata= | facebook= | adress=144, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32456 | long=-67.59201| directions=located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Matane-Godbout ferry dock | image = | phone=+1 418 568-7462 | fax= | price= | calendar= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Tourist information center offering information to travelers on the Côte-Nord. }} ==Get in== The village of Godbout is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|724}}. Time: 8 hr 49 min. From downtown Montreal, take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Godbout. Route 138 passes 2 km east of the village via rue Mgr Labrie. In Godbout (after crossing the Godbout River), Route 138 makes a large loop to the north to bypass Lac Jean-Marie, Lac de Monts and Lac Éden, as well as Morne de Godbout (high riverside cliff); further east, Route 138 returns near the river to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} === By boat === [[File:Cmarcoux2.JPG|thumb|The ship ''Camille-Marcoux'' arriving at Godbout]] * {{listing|name=Traverse Godbout-Matane via the boat "Camille-Marcoux"|alt=|url=https://www.traversiers.com/fr/nos-traverses/traverse-matane-baie-comeau-godbout/accueil/|email=|address=gare fluviale de Godbout: 117, rue Pascal-Comeau|lat=49.32294|long=-67.59329|directions=at the wharf in the village of Godbout|phone=+1 877-787-7483|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-30|content=Ferry linking Godbout to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Passengers who are lucky, will see whales and dolphins from the ferry.|type=go}} ===Tourist information=== * {{go | name= Centre d'information touristique | alt=Tourist information centre | url=http://www.escoumins.ca | facebook=| email= | address=154, route 138 | lat=48.33354 | long=-69.40976 | directions= | phone=+1 418-233-2663 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | direction= | content=Tourist information centre providing information to the public about the region: activities, attractions, activities, events, accommodation, and restaurants. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13|layer=}} ==See== ==Do== * {{do | name=Zec des rivières Godbout et Mistassini | alt= | url=https://www.rivieregodbout.com/ | email= | address=(Administrative office) 117, route des Baleines | lat=49.33198 | long=-67.62342 | directions=administrative office of the zec located along route 138. Access to the salmon pits is via the route du bois which runs along the east bank of the Godbout River. | phone=+1 418-568-7305 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17651512 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=With a length of 112 km, the Godbout River crosses the territory of the MRC of Manicouagan. Salmon caught in the Godbout River are known to be fierce fighters. The zec offers fishing packages for the 13 pools in the “Cap Nord” quota sector and the 22 pools in the non- quota sector. }} [[file:Musée amérindien et inuit de Godbout (7).jpg|thumb|Native American and Inuit Museum]] * {{do | name=Musée amérindien et inuit | alt= | url=https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca/fiche/quoi-faire/visites-et-patrimoine/musees-et-sites-historiques/musee-amerindien-et-inuit-1173272 | email= | address=134, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32530 | long=-67.59106 | directions=located in the village, facing the bay of Godbout | phone=+1 418-568-7306 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=History Museum. The collection of this museum includes many works of Amerindian and Inuit art. This museum has a pottery workshop and a small art shop. On occasion, bread baked in the traditional bread oven can be tasted by visitors. }} * {{do | name=Godbout Cross | alt=Croix de Godbout | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.32531 | long=-67.58041 | directions=Located near Petit Belvédère and close to Lac du Pouvoir. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Panoramic view of Godbout Bay. It is necessary to climb about 390 steps to reach this cross which overlooks a relatively steep cliff. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Marché du Capitaine | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/March%C3%A9-du-Capitaine-108393201630667/?_rdr | email=marcheducapitaine@hotmail.com | address=100, rue mgr Labrie | lat=49.32258 | long=-67.59496 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Take-out ready meals: seafood, pizza, lasagna, spagetti sauce... Indoor dining area. Convenience store section: lottery, fishing worms, Sinto oils. }} * {{eat | name=Cantine H.P. | alt= | url= | email= | address=119, rue St-Régis | lat=49.32222 | long=-67.59486 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Aux Mille Pêcher | alt= | url=http://aubergemillepecher.com/ | email= | address=156, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32392 | long=-67.59318 | directions=Inn located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7535 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Inn offering seven rooms, in a distinctive decor. }} * {{sleep | name= Thépi Bec Sucré| alt= | url= http://thepibecsucre.com/| email=lartisaneduvillage@hotmail.com | address=166, rue Pascal-Comeau| lat=49.32327 | long=-67.59389 | directions=Accommodation located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7879 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Gite & unusual accommodation with sandwich bar, in a rustic and friendly decor. Authentic native art shop. Local products. }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte La Richardière | alt= | url=http://gite-la-richardiere-bed-breakfast.quebechotels.info/fr/ | email= | address= 109, rue St-Régis| lat=49.32543 | long= -67.59378| directions=Accommodation located near Godbout Bay and the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7446 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Petit-Mousse | alt= | url= https://www.quebecvacances.com/le-petit-mousse| email= | address=100, rue Monseigneur-Labrie | lat=49.32263 | long=-67.59500 | directions=located in the village, near the Godbout river station | phone=+1 418-568-7785 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Hotel and hostel. }} * {{sleep | name=Ô Victoire d’Angéline | alt= | url= | email= | address=121, rue Mgr Labrie | lat=49.32429 | long=67.60056 | directions= | phone=+1 418-378-7638 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=B & B. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping l'Estuaire | alt= | url= http://FB CAMPING L'ESTUAIRE 2022| email=campinglestuaire@hotmail.com | address=101, rue Conrad | lat=49.31620 | long=-67.61119 | directions=campsite located on the north shore near the Godbout River, near an airfield | phone=+1 418 378-8578 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Camping municipal de Godbout| alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/godbout/camping.php | email=camping@municipalitedegodbout.ca | address=256, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.31234 | long=-67.60053 | directions= | phone=+1 418-297-0911 | tollfree= | checkin=between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. | checkout=10:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Campsite with a sanitary block with hot water, shower, toilet. Offer of lots with two services (water, electricity) or three services (water, electricity and sewer). }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/franquelin/ | facebook=| email= | address=424 Rue De La Mer, Les Bergeronnes | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6244 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Village Forestier d'Antan, hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish harvesting, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Trinité]] | alt= | url=https://baie-trinite.quebec/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2879389 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.4167 | long=-67.3 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. This TNO is a paradise for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13}} resdv0zvtnxb72e5qrhug1hra9cjw2i 4487734 4487713 2022-07-21T13:05:33Z Veillg1 253590 /* By bus */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Godbout}} [[File:Église de Godbout.jpg|thumb|Church of Godbout]] '''Godbout''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the township of De Monts and the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Godbout are: * vacationing: especially around lakes: Lac Rond (north part), Lac de Monts (a bay near Route 138), as well as in the village; * salmon fishing: the Zec des rivières Godbout & Mistassini manages the exploitation of these two rivers; * the campsite: in the village of Godbout, two campsites serve travellers; * pedestrian paths: the path leading to Mont Caburon, where the cross of Godbout is located, overlooks the bay of Godbout; distance 6.6 km (estimated time: 2:08 min.); * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk in the village of Godbout, to appreciate the riverside panorama and to walk in the streets; * the beaches of the bay of Godbout which give a beautiful view towards the East on the Cran Fer à Cheval, located in the western part of the Mornes de Godbout; and a beautiful view to the west, on Cap Rouge; * boating on Godbout Bay which is an appendage of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; visitors can admire the coast between Godbout and Baie-Trinité from pleasure craft; * picking wild berries in the summer season; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Godbout offers a paradise of relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the joys of nature. ==Understand== [[File:Godbout, Quebec.jpg|thumb|Godbout bay and the quay on the sea]] Godbout is a village located on the [[Côte-Nord]] in [[Quebec]] in the regional county municipality of [[Manicouagan]]. The ferry linking the village to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence is the village's main employer. Moreover, this has created an offer of accommodation and catering in the village. In the village of Godbout, sea or river fishing, especially salmon, is the major economic activity. Nestled between the mountains and at the bottom of a deep bay, the village benefits from protection against the heavy seas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. === History === In the 17th century, a first fur trading post was opened at the bottom of Godbout Bay; it remained in operation there for nearly two centuries. The toponymic designation "Godbout" appears in the Relations of the Jesuits of 1670. This locality turns out to be the parish of birth of Mgr Napoléon Alexandre Labrie, bishop of the diocese of the North Shore; he was a great visionary, having contributed to promoting education and developing the socio-political context of the region. A second legendary character and resident of Godbout, Napoléon Alexandre Comeau, had many talents: trapper, geologist, naturalist, doctor and an adventurer who loved exploits. The village of Godbout includes an Innu minority. * {{Listing | name=Tourist information office | alt=Bureau d'information touristique | url= | email= | wikipédia= | wikidata= | facebook= | adress=144, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32456 | long=-67.59201| directions=located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Matane-Godbout ferry dock | image = | phone=+1 418 568-7462 | fax= | price= | calendar= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Tourist information center offering information to travelers on the Côte-Nord. }} ==Get in== The village of Godbout is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|724}}. Time: 8 hr 49 min. From downtown Montreal, take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Godbout. Route 138 passes 2 km east of the village via rue Mgr Labrie. In Godbout (after crossing the Godbout River), Route 138 makes a large loop to the north to bypass Lac Jean-Marie, Lac de Monts and Lac Éden, as well as Morne de Godbout (high riverside cliff); further east, Route 138 returns near the river to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} === By boat === [[File:Cmarcoux2.JPG|thumb|The ship ''Camille-Marcoux'' arriving at Godbout]] * {{listing|name=Traverse Godbout-Matane via the boat "Camille-Marcoux"|alt=|url=https://www.traversiers.com/fr/nos-traverses/traverse-matane-baie-comeau-godbout/accueil/|email=|address=gare fluviale de Godbout: 117, rue Pascal-Comeau|lat=49.32294|long=-67.59329|directions=at the wharf in the village of Godbout|phone=+1 877-787-7483|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-30|content=Ferry linking Godbout to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Passengers who are lucky, will see whales and dolphins from the ferry.|type=go}} ===Tourist information=== * {{go | name= Centre d'information touristique | alt=Tourist information centre | url=http://www.escoumins.ca | facebook=| email= | address=154, route 138 | lat=48.33354 | long=-69.40976 | directions= | phone=+1 418-233-2663 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | direction= | content=Tourist information centre providing information to the public about the region: activities, attractions, activities, events, accommodation, and restaurants. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13|layer=}} ==See== ==Do== * {{do | name=Zec des rivières Godbout et Mistassini | alt= | url=https://www.rivieregodbout.com/ | email= | address=(Administrative office) 117, route des Baleines | lat=49.33198 | long=-67.62342 | directions=administrative office of the zec located along route 138. Access to the salmon pits is via the route du bois which runs along the east bank of the Godbout River. | phone=+1 418-568-7305 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17651512 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=With a length of 112 km, the Godbout River crosses the territory of the MRC of Manicouagan. Salmon caught in the Godbout River are known to be fierce fighters. The zec offers fishing packages for the 13 pools in the “Cap Nord” quota sector and the 22 pools in the non- quota sector. }} [[file:Musée amérindien et inuit de Godbout (7).jpg|thumb|Native American and Inuit Museum]] * {{do | name=Musée amérindien et inuit | alt= | url=https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca/fiche/quoi-faire/visites-et-patrimoine/musees-et-sites-historiques/musee-amerindien-et-inuit-1173272 | email= | address=134, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32530 | long=-67.59106 | directions=located in the village, facing the bay of Godbout | phone=+1 418-568-7306 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=History Museum. The collection of this museum includes many works of Amerindian and Inuit art. This museum has a pottery workshop and a small art shop. On occasion, bread baked in the traditional bread oven can be tasted by visitors. }} * {{do | name=Godbout Cross | alt=Croix de Godbout | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.32531 | long=-67.58041 | directions=Located near Petit Belvédère and close to Lac du Pouvoir. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Panoramic view of Godbout Bay. It is necessary to climb about 390 steps to reach this cross which overlooks a relatively steep cliff. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Marché du Capitaine | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/March%C3%A9-du-Capitaine-108393201630667/?_rdr | email=marcheducapitaine@hotmail.com | address=100, rue mgr Labrie | lat=49.32258 | long=-67.59496 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Take-out ready meals: seafood, pizza, lasagna, spagetti sauce... Indoor dining area. Convenience store section: lottery, fishing worms, Sinto oils. }} * {{eat | name=Cantine H.P. | alt= | url= | email= | address=119, rue St-Régis | lat=49.32222 | long=-67.59486 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Aux Mille Pêcher | alt= | url=http://aubergemillepecher.com/ | email= | address=156, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32392 | long=-67.59318 | directions=Inn located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7535 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Inn offering seven rooms, in a distinctive decor. }} * {{sleep | name= Thépi Bec Sucré| alt= | url= http://thepibecsucre.com/| email=lartisaneduvillage@hotmail.com | address=166, rue Pascal-Comeau| lat=49.32327 | long=-67.59389 | directions=Accommodation located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7879 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Gite & unusual accommodation with sandwich bar, in a rustic and friendly decor. Authentic native art shop. Local products. }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte La Richardière | alt= | url=http://gite-la-richardiere-bed-breakfast.quebechotels.info/fr/ | email= | address= 109, rue St-Régis| lat=49.32543 | long= -67.59378| directions=Accommodation located near Godbout Bay and the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7446 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Petit-Mousse | alt= | url= https://www.quebecvacances.com/le-petit-mousse| email= | address=100, rue Monseigneur-Labrie | lat=49.32263 | long=-67.59500 | directions=located in the village, near the Godbout river station | phone=+1 418-568-7785 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Hotel and hostel. }} * {{sleep | name=Ô Victoire d’Angéline | alt= | url= | email= | address=121, rue Mgr Labrie | lat=49.32429 | long=67.60056 | directions= | phone=+1 418-378-7638 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=B & B. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping l'Estuaire | alt= | url= http://FB CAMPING L'ESTUAIRE 2022| email=campinglestuaire@hotmail.com | address=101, rue Conrad | lat=49.31620 | long=-67.61119 | directions=campsite located on the north shore near the Godbout River, near an airfield | phone=+1 418 378-8578 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Camping municipal de Godbout| alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/godbout/camping.php | email=camping@municipalitedegodbout.ca | address=256, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.31234 | long=-67.60053 | directions= | phone=+1 418-297-0911 | tollfree= | checkin=between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. | checkout=10:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Campsite with a sanitary block with hot water, shower, toilet. Offer of lots with two services (water, electricity) or three services (water, electricity and sewer). }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/franquelin/ | facebook=| email= | address=424 Rue De La Mer, Les Bergeronnes | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6244 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Village Forestier d'Antan, hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish harvesting, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Trinité]] | alt= | url=https://baie-trinite.quebec/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2879389 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.4167 | long=-67.3 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. This TNO is a paradise for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13}} 6v7ynqw4g6f8so75kdpbrnbo9v0uz73 4487735 4487734 2022-07-21T13:06:03Z Veillg1 253590 /* By boat */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Godbout}} [[File:Église de Godbout.jpg|thumb|Church of Godbout]] '''Godbout''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the township of De Monts and the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Godbout are: * vacationing: especially around lakes: Lac Rond (north part), Lac de Monts (a bay near Route 138), as well as in the village; * salmon fishing: the Zec des rivières Godbout & Mistassini manages the exploitation of these two rivers; * the campsite: in the village of Godbout, two campsites serve travellers; * pedestrian paths: the path leading to Mont Caburon, where the cross of Godbout is located, overlooks the bay of Godbout; distance 6.6 km (estimated time: 2:08 min.); * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk in the village of Godbout, to appreciate the riverside panorama and to walk in the streets; * the beaches of the bay of Godbout which give a beautiful view towards the East on the Cran Fer à Cheval, located in the western part of the Mornes de Godbout; and a beautiful view to the west, on Cap Rouge; * boating on Godbout Bay which is an appendage of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; visitors can admire the coast between Godbout and Baie-Trinité from pleasure craft; * picking wild berries in the summer season; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Godbout offers a paradise of relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the joys of nature. ==Understand== [[File:Godbout, Quebec.jpg|thumb|Godbout bay and the quay on the sea]] Godbout is a village located on the [[Côte-Nord]] in [[Quebec]] in the regional county municipality of [[Manicouagan]]. The ferry linking the village to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence is the village's main employer. Moreover, this has created an offer of accommodation and catering in the village. In the village of Godbout, sea or river fishing, especially salmon, is the major economic activity. Nestled between the mountains and at the bottom of a deep bay, the village benefits from protection against the heavy seas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. === History === In the 17th century, a first fur trading post was opened at the bottom of Godbout Bay; it remained in operation there for nearly two centuries. The toponymic designation "Godbout" appears in the Relations of the Jesuits of 1670. This locality turns out to be the parish of birth of Mgr Napoléon Alexandre Labrie, bishop of the diocese of the North Shore; he was a great visionary, having contributed to promoting education and developing the socio-political context of the region. A second legendary character and resident of Godbout, Napoléon Alexandre Comeau, had many talents: trapper, geologist, naturalist, doctor and an adventurer who loved exploits. The village of Godbout includes an Innu minority. * {{Listing | name=Tourist information office | alt=Bureau d'information touristique | url= | email= | wikipédia= | wikidata= | facebook= | adress=144, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32456 | long=-67.59201| directions=located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Matane-Godbout ferry dock | image = | phone=+1 418 568-7462 | fax= | price= | calendar= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Tourist information center offering information to travelers on the Côte-Nord. }} ==Get in== The village of Godbout is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|724}}. Time: 8 hr 49 min. From downtown Montreal, take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Godbout. Route 138 passes 2 km east of the village via rue Mgr Labrie. In Godbout (after crossing the Godbout River), Route 138 makes a large loop to the north to bypass Lac Jean-Marie, Lac de Monts and Lac Éden, as well as Morne de Godbout (high riverside cliff); further east, Route 138 returns near the river to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} === By boat === [[File:Cmarcoux2.JPG|thumb|The ship ''Camille-Marcoux'' arriving at Godbout]] * {{listing|name=Traverse Godbout-Matane via the boat "Camille-Marcoux"|alt=|url=https://www.traversiers.com/fr/nos-traverses/traverse-matane-baie-comeau-godbout/accueil/|email=|address=gare fluviale de Godbout: 117, rue Pascal-Comeau|lat=49.32294|long=-67.59329|directions=at the wharf in the village of Godbout|phone=+1 877-787-7483|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-20|content=Ferry linking Godbout to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Passengers who are lucky, will see whales and dolphins from the ferry.|type=go}} ===Tourist information=== * {{go | name= Centre d'information touristique | alt=Tourist information centre | url=http://www.escoumins.ca | facebook=| email= | address=154, route 138 | lat=48.33354 | long=-69.40976 | directions= | phone=+1 418-233-2663 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | direction= | content=Tourist information centre providing information to the public about the region: activities, attractions, activities, events, accommodation, and restaurants. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13|layer=}} ==See== ==Do== * {{do | name=Zec des rivières Godbout et Mistassini | alt= | url=https://www.rivieregodbout.com/ | email= | address=(Administrative office) 117, route des Baleines | lat=49.33198 | long=-67.62342 | directions=administrative office of the zec located along route 138. Access to the salmon pits is via the route du bois which runs along the east bank of the Godbout River. | phone=+1 418-568-7305 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17651512 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=With a length of 112 km, the Godbout River crosses the territory of the MRC of Manicouagan. Salmon caught in the Godbout River are known to be fierce fighters. The zec offers fishing packages for the 13 pools in the “Cap Nord” quota sector and the 22 pools in the non- quota sector. }} [[file:Musée amérindien et inuit de Godbout (7).jpg|thumb|Native American and Inuit Museum]] * {{do | name=Musée amérindien et inuit | alt= | url=https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca/fiche/quoi-faire/visites-et-patrimoine/musees-et-sites-historiques/musee-amerindien-et-inuit-1173272 | email= | address=134, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32530 | long=-67.59106 | directions=located in the village, facing the bay of Godbout | phone=+1 418-568-7306 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=History Museum. The collection of this museum includes many works of Amerindian and Inuit art. This museum has a pottery workshop and a small art shop. On occasion, bread baked in the traditional bread oven can be tasted by visitors. }} * {{do | name=Godbout Cross | alt=Croix de Godbout | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.32531 | long=-67.58041 | directions=Located near Petit Belvédère and close to Lac du Pouvoir. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Panoramic view of Godbout Bay. It is necessary to climb about 390 steps to reach this cross which overlooks a relatively steep cliff. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Marché du Capitaine | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/March%C3%A9-du-Capitaine-108393201630667/?_rdr | email=marcheducapitaine@hotmail.com | address=100, rue mgr Labrie | lat=49.32258 | long=-67.59496 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Take-out ready meals: seafood, pizza, lasagna, spagetti sauce... Indoor dining area. Convenience store section: lottery, fishing worms, Sinto oils. }} * {{eat | name=Cantine H.P. | alt= | url= | email= | address=119, rue St-Régis | lat=49.32222 | long=-67.59486 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Aux Mille Pêcher | alt= | url=http://aubergemillepecher.com/ | email= | address=156, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32392 | long=-67.59318 | directions=Inn located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7535 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Inn offering seven rooms, in a distinctive decor. }} * {{sleep | name= Thépi Bec Sucré| alt= | url= http://thepibecsucre.com/| email=lartisaneduvillage@hotmail.com | address=166, rue Pascal-Comeau| lat=49.32327 | long=-67.59389 | directions=Accommodation located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7879 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Gite & unusual accommodation with sandwich bar, in a rustic and friendly decor. Authentic native art shop. Local products. }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte La Richardière | alt= | url=http://gite-la-richardiere-bed-breakfast.quebechotels.info/fr/ | email= | address= 109, rue St-Régis| lat=49.32543 | long= -67.59378| directions=Accommodation located near Godbout Bay and the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7446 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Petit-Mousse | alt= | url= https://www.quebecvacances.com/le-petit-mousse| email= | address=100, rue Monseigneur-Labrie | lat=49.32263 | long=-67.59500 | directions=located in the village, near the Godbout river station | phone=+1 418-568-7785 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Hotel and hostel. }} * {{sleep | name=Ô Victoire d’Angéline | alt= | url= | email= | address=121, rue Mgr Labrie | lat=49.32429 | long=67.60056 | directions= | phone=+1 418-378-7638 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=B & B. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping l'Estuaire | alt= | url= http://FB CAMPING L'ESTUAIRE 2022| email=campinglestuaire@hotmail.com | address=101, rue Conrad | lat=49.31620 | long=-67.61119 | directions=campsite located on the north shore near the Godbout River, near an airfield | phone=+1 418 378-8578 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Camping municipal de Godbout| alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/godbout/camping.php | email=camping@municipalitedegodbout.ca | address=256, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.31234 | long=-67.60053 | directions= | phone=+1 418-297-0911 | tollfree= | checkin=between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. | checkout=10:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Campsite with a sanitary block with hot water, shower, toilet. Offer of lots with two services (water, electricity) or three services (water, electricity and sewer). }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/franquelin/ | facebook=| email= | address=424 Rue De La Mer, Les Bergeronnes | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6244 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Village Forestier d'Antan, hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish harvesting, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Trinité]] | alt= | url=https://baie-trinite.quebec/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2879389 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.4167 | long=-67.3 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. This TNO is a paradise for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13}} 1jtoywgrsav3lfdp3pw3k6les1ivxmb 4487748 4487735 2022-07-21T13:59:48Z Ibaman 195012 [[Words to avoid]]: located wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Godbout}} [[File:Église de Godbout.jpg|thumb|Church of Godbout]] '''Godbout''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]], on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the township of De Monts and the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Godbout are: * vacationing: especially around lakes: Lac Rond (north part), Lac de Monts (a bay near Route 138), as well as in the village; * salmon fishing: the Zec des rivières Godbout & Mistassini manages the exploitation of these two rivers; * the campsite: in the village of Godbout, two campsites serve travellers; * pedestrian paths: the path leading to Mont Caburon, where the cross of Godbout is located, overlooks the bay of Godbout; distance 6.6 km (estimated time: 2:08 min.); * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk in the village of Godbout, to appreciate the riverside panorama and to walk in the streets; * the beaches of the bay of Godbout which give a beautiful view towards the East on the Cran Fer à Cheval, located in the western part of the Mornes de Godbout; and a beautiful view to the west, on Cap Rouge; * boating on Godbout Bay which is an appendage of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; visitors can admire the coast between Godbout and Baie-Trinité from pleasure craft; * picking wild berries in the summer season; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. ==Understand== [[File:Godbout, Quebec.jpg|thumb|Godbout bay and the quay on the sea]] Godbout is a village on the [[Côte-Nord]] in [[Quebec]] in the regional county municipality of [[Manicouagan]]. The ferry linking the village to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence is the village's main employer. Moreover, this has created an offer of accommodation and catering in the village. In the village of Godbout, sea or river fishing, especially salmon, is the major economic activity. Nestled between the mountains and at the bottom of a deep bay, the village benefits from protection against the heavy seas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. === History === In the 17th century, a first fur trading post was opened at the bottom of Godbout Bay; it remained in operation there for nearly two centuries. The toponymic designation "Godbout" appears in the Relations of the Jesuits of 1670. This locality turns out to be the parish of birth of Mgr Napoléon Alexandre Labrie, bishop of the diocese of the North Shore; he was a great visionary, having contributed to promoting education and developing the socio-political context of the region. A second legendary character and resident of Godbout, Napoléon Alexandre Comeau, had many talents: trapper, geologist, naturalist, doctor and an adventurer who loved exploits. The village of Godbout includes an Innu minority. * {{Listing | name=Tourist information office | alt=Bureau d'information touristique | url= | email= | wikipédia= | wikidata= | facebook= | adress=144, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32456 | long=-67.59201| directions=located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Matane-Godbout ferry dock | image = | phone=+1 418 568-7462 | fax= | price= | calendar= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Tourist information center offering information to travelers on the Côte-Nord. }} ==Get in== The village of Godbout is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|724}}. Time: 8 hr 49 min. From downtown Montreal, take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Godbout. Route 138 passes 2 km east of the village via rue Mgr Labrie. In Godbout (after crossing the Godbout River), Route 138 makes a large loop to the north to bypass Lac Jean-Marie, Lac de Monts and Lac Éden, as well as Morne de Godbout (high riverside cliff); further east, Route 138 returns near the river to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} === By boat === [[File:Cmarcoux2.JPG|thumb|The ship ''Camille-Marcoux'' arriving at Godbout]] * {{listing|name=Traverse Godbout-Matane via the boat "Camille-Marcoux"|alt=|url=https://www.traversiers.com/fr/nos-traverses/traverse-matane-baie-comeau-godbout/accueil/|email=|address=gare fluviale de Godbout: 117, rue Pascal-Comeau|lat=49.32294|long=-67.59329|directions=at the wharf in the village of Godbout|phone=+1 877-787-7483|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-20|content=Ferry linking Godbout to [[Matane]] on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. Passengers who are lucky, will see whales and dolphins from the ferry.|type=go}} ===Tourist information=== * {{go | name= Centre d'information touristique | alt=Tourist information centre | url=http://www.escoumins.ca | facebook=| email= | address=154, route 138 | lat=48.33354 | long=-69.40976 | directions= | phone=+1 418-233-2663 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2021-12-15 | direction= | content=Tourist information centre providing information to the public about the region: activities, attractions, activities, events, accommodation, and restaurants. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13|layer=}} ==See== ==Do== * {{do | name=Zec des rivières Godbout et Mistassini | alt= | url=https://www.rivieregodbout.com/ | email= | address=(Administrative office) 117, route des Baleines | lat=49.33198 | long=-67.62342 | directions=administrative office of the zec located along route 138. Access to the salmon pits is via the route du bois which runs along the east bank of the Godbout River. | phone=+1 418-568-7305 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q17651512 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=With a length of 112 km, the Godbout River crosses the territory of the MRC of Manicouagan. Salmon caught in the Godbout River are known to be fierce fighters. The zec offers fishing packages for the 13 pools in the “Cap Nord” quota sector and the 22 pools in the non- quota sector. }} [[file:Musée amérindien et inuit de Godbout (7).jpg|thumb|Native American and Inuit Museum]] * {{do | name=Musée amérindien et inuit | alt= | url=https://www.bonjourquebec.com/fr-ca/fiche/quoi-faire/visites-et-patrimoine/musees-et-sites-historiques/musee-amerindien-et-inuit-1173272 | email= | address=134, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32530 | long=-67.59106 | directions=located in the village, facing the bay of Godbout | phone=+1 418-568-7306 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=History Museum. The collection of this museum includes many works of Amerindian and Inuit art. This museum has a pottery workshop and a small art shop. On occasion, bread baked in the traditional bread oven can be tasted by visitors. }} * {{do | name=Godbout Cross | alt=Croix de Godbout | url= | email= | address= | lat=49.32531 | long=-67.58041 | directions=Located near Petit Belvédère and close to Lac du Pouvoir. | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Panoramic view of Godbout Bay. It is necessary to climb about 390 steps to reach this cross which overlooks a relatively steep cliff. }} ==Buy== ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Marché du Capitaine | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/March%C3%A9-du-Capitaine-108393201630667/?_rdr | email=marcheducapitaine@hotmail.com | address=100, rue mgr Labrie | lat=49.32258 | long=-67.59496 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Take-out ready meals: seafood, pizza, lasagna, spagetti sauce... Indoor dining area. Convenience store section: lottery, fishing worms, Sinto oils. }} * {{eat | name=Cantine H.P. | alt= | url= | email= | address=119, rue St-Régis | lat=49.32222 | long=-67.59486 | directions=Located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418 568-7340 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Aux Mille Pêcher | alt= | url=http://aubergemillepecher.com/ | email= | address=156, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.32392 | long=-67.59318 | directions=Inn located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7535 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Inn offering seven rooms, in a distinctive decor. }} * {{sleep | name= Thépi Bec Sucré| alt= | url= http://thepibecsucre.com/| email=lartisaneduvillage@hotmail.com | address=166, rue Pascal-Comeau| lat=49.32327 | long=-67.59389 | directions=Accommodation located opposite Godbout Bay and near the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7879 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Gite & unusual accommodation with sandwich bar, in a rustic and friendly decor. Authentic native art shop. Local products. }} * {{sleep | name=Gîte La Richardière | alt= | url=http://gite-la-richardiere-bed-breakfast.quebechotels.info/fr/ | email= | address= 109, rue St-Régis| lat=49.32543 | long= -67.59378| directions=Accommodation located near Godbout Bay and the Godbout-Matane ferry wharf | phone=+1 418-568-7446 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Le Petit-Mousse | alt= | url= https://www.quebecvacances.com/le-petit-mousse| email= | address=100, rue Monseigneur-Labrie | lat=49.32263 | long=-67.59500 | directions=located in the village, near the Godbout river station | phone=+1 418-568-7785 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Hotel and hostel. }} * {{sleep | name=Ô Victoire d’Angéline | alt= | url= | email= | address=121, rue Mgr Labrie | lat=49.32429 | long=67.60056 | directions= | phone=+1 418-378-7638 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=B & B. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping l'Estuaire | alt= | url= http://FB CAMPING L'ESTUAIRE 2022| email=campinglestuaire@hotmail.com | address=101, rue Conrad | lat=49.31620 | long=-67.61119 | directions=campsite located on the north shore near the Godbout River, near an airfield | phone=+1 418 378-8578 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} * {{sleep | name= Camping municipal de Godbout| alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/godbout/camping.php | email=camping@municipalitedegodbout.ca | address=256, rue Pascal-Comeau | lat=49.31234 | long=-67.60053 | directions= | phone=+1 418-297-0911 | tollfree= | checkin=between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. | checkout=10:00 | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Campsite with a sanitary block with hot water, shower, toilet. Offer of lots with two services (water, electricity) or three services (water, electricity and sewer). }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]]→[[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]]→[[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]]→(discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Franquelin]] | alt= | url=https://municipalites-du-quebec.ca/franquelin/ | facebook=| email= | address=424 Rue De La Mer, Les Bergeronnes | directions= | phone=+1 418-232-6244 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3082976 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.321542 | long=-68.347664 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: Village Forestier d'Antan, hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, swimming, land-based whale watching sites, golf on the beach, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish harvesting, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Trinité]] | alt= | url=https://baie-trinite.quebec/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q2879389 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.4167 | long=-67.3 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory of the MRC de Manicouagan, on the North Shore. This TNO is a paradise for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.37|-67.577|zoom=13}} h4he1rfluja8simelzedqxk3nift6zi 0 193976 4488091 4487577 2022-07-22T04:28:03Z Matroc 248572 /* Go next */ make geo wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Pagebanner default.jpg}} '''Serampore''' (also spelled Serampur, Srirampur, Shreerampur, Shrirampur; Bengali: শ্রীরামপুর) is a town in the [[Greater Kolkata]] region of [[West Bengal]], India. ==Understand== ==Get in== ===By train=== * {{go | name=Serampore railway station | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.754097 | long=88.338624 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q24636477 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Get around== {{Mapframe}} ==See== * {{see | name=Serampore Raj Bari | alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat=22.75957 | long=88.33862 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Do== ==Learn== * {{listing | name=Serampore College | alt= | url=http://www.seramporecollege.org/ | email= | address= | lat=22.7519 | long=88.351833 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q7452674 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ==Connect== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Greater Kolkata}} {{outlinecity}} {{geo|22.75|88.34|zoom=13}} p7lawm6yby01kwt22o5pr74wm8piu9h 0 193980 4487684 4487682 2022-07-21T11:59:52Z Veillg1 253590 /* History */ Add photo of Baie-Trinité Cemetery wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[fichier:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|vignette|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} eeqptu3hfprv67o9z8a6kv5f9zf4srn 4487686 4487684 2022-07-21T12:00:04Z Veillg1 253590 /* History */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|vignette|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} pc46kyofh6kwwzthvp0p3suspequoko 4487687 4487686 2022-07-21T12:00:22Z Veillg1 253590 /* History */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} seg2due2sxmfbmdrfpj3ywxollnj0cj 4487691 4487687 2022-07-21T12:03:32Z Veillg1 253590 /* Geography */ Add the photo of the Trinité River dam wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} so2l9yps2o9jkfnysyc5n86av7i1f74 4487699 4487691 2022-07-21T12:06:23Z Veillg1 253590 /* Geography */ Add a photo of the sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] [[file:Baie-Trinité, Québec.jpg|thumb|Sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} 4adbl8d8hkeq2d12v8tda5tu8qr8nm9 4487702 4487699 2022-07-21T12:10:07Z Veillg1 253590 Mention the "Route des Baleines" and the "Route Nature aux mille délices" (gourmet route). wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] [[file:Baie-Trinité, Québec.jpg|thumb|Sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|North Shore (Quebec)}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} 9knxjhd730k1w0x2fsxk4u8k4rrycdv 4487708 4487702 2022-07-21T12:15:18Z Veillg1 253590 /* Go next */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] [[file:Baie-Trinité, Québec.jpg|thumb|Sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} bly81vemm4jtbhyc0bszrq4u14j4wd7 4487732 4487708 2022-07-21T13:04:06Z Veillg1 253590 /* By bus */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] [[file:Baie-Trinité, Québec.jpg|thumb|Sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} t7lzvo152st6fm759q92xw0c9hekif4 4487733 4487732 2022-07-21T13:05:10Z Veillg1 253590 /* Go next */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] [[file:Baie-Trinité, Québec.jpg|thumb|Sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} a8oscdgcxqv9d3q87535xz913svos20 4487742 4487733 2022-07-21T13:20:41Z Veillg1 253590 /* Buy */ Add a convenient store and a grocery wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] [[file:Baie-Trinité, Québec.jpg|thumb|Sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chiasson Convenient Store | alt=Dépanneur Chiasson | url=https://www.facebook.com/depanneurchiasson/about/?ref=page_internal | email=steevewinner@gmail.com | address=46, route 138 | lat=49.42477| long=-67.29102| directions=Baie-Trinité-East sector | phone=+1 418-939-2286 | tollfree= | hours=7:00-20:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Convenience store, gas station, SAQ agent, ready-to-eat, smoked fish... }} * {{buy | name=Épicerie J-B Dubé | alt= | url= | email= | address=18, rue Monique | lat=49.42754| long=-67.28531| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2291 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Grocery. }} * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=| long=| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} 4mza4d22mh8b3p9tmdz26sb0q1cw3np 4487743 4487742 2022-07-21T13:21:56Z Veillg1 253590 /* Buy */ Updated listing for Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] [[file:Baie-Trinité, Québec.jpg|thumb|Sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chiasson Convenient Store | alt=Dépanneur Chiasson | url=https://www.facebook.com/depanneurchiasson/about/?ref=page_internal | email=steevewinner@gmail.com | address=46, route 138 | lat=49.42477| long=-67.29102| directions=Baie-Trinité-East sector | phone=+1 418-939-2286 | tollfree= | hours=7:00-20:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Convenience store, gas station, SAQ agent, ready-to-eat, smoked fish... }} * {{buy | name=Épicerie J-B Dubé | alt= | url= | email= | address=18, rue Monique | lat=49.42754| long=-67.28531| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2291 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Grocery. }} * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=49.42698 | long=-67.28044 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} 6yk35q8zphsp1alcvgink0plals46lm 4487744 4487743 2022-07-21T13:26:59Z Veillg1 253590 /* Do */ Add the municipal rest area in the village wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Baie-Trinité}} [[File:Église de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Catholic Church]] '''Baie-Trinité''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). Its territory extends over part of the township of De Monts and the township of Royer. Baie-Trinité offers various services to travellers on Route 138. It is the gateway (coming from the east) to the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. The main attractions of the municipality of Baie-Trinité are: * vacationing: especially in Pointe-des-Monts (and in this area of the coast), in the village of Baie-Trinité, in the hamlet of Petit-Mai and in the hamlet of Islets-Caribou; * sport fishing: deep-sea fish can be caught directly from the shore at Pointe-des-Monts because 300 metres from the shore, southwest of Pointe-des-Monts, the water depth already reaches 300 metres; * camping: three campgrounds are open offering various services and outdoor activities; * hiking trails: the coastal path, between Pointe-à-Poulin and Anse à la Morue (near Pointe-des-Monts) is a must in a vacation schedule; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountain and forest; * the accommodation offer in bed and breakfasts and inns, allowing you to walk either in the village of Baie-Trinité or in the Pointe-des-Monts area, to appreciate the riverside panorama; * the beaches: especially on the coast between Pointe-des-Monts and Pointe-aux-Anglais in Port-Cartier; depending on the location, the sandstone can stretch up to 750 metres at low tide; * pleasure cruising; visitors can admire the promontories and bays of the coast, between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, with pleasure craft; the riverside panorama thrills the adventurers of these wild spaces and accessible only by sea (except Pointe-des-Monts); * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites or on sea excursions. In short, Baie-Trinité offers a paradise of picturesque old fishing hamlets, a bucolic coastline, legendary sandstones at low tide and opportunities for outdoor adventures. ==Understand== Baie-Trinité is made up of the following villages: Baie-Trinité-Ouest, Baie-Trinité and Baie-Trinité-Est. In addition, this municipality has small hamlets distributed along the coast (in order from the north): Ruisseau de l'Ours, Islets-Caribou, Petit-Mai, Pointe-à-Poulin and Pointe des Monts. === Geography === [[file:Barrage de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Dam on the Trinité River in Baie-Trinité]] [[file:Baie-Trinité, Québec.jpg|thumb|Sandstone at low tide in Baie-Trinité]] Pointe-des-Monts is an important narrowing point of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern coast. Pointe-des-Monts faces the municipality [[Les Méchins]] which is located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River; at this height, the distance between the two shores is 45 km. Unlike the rest of the North Shore, the route of Route 138 deviates from the coast for 35 km between the village of Baie-Trinité and Godbout (at the Godbout River bridge); this distance from the shore goes up to 9.3 km, in the Lac des Monts area. Between the villages of Godbout and Baie-Trinité, the coast of the St. Lawrence River has many steep promontories and wild coves that are accessible only by sea. Grande anse St-Augustin is the largest of these handles; it is embedded between cliffs and a small island in the middle; it presents a sandstone at low tide. This cove is a bucolic place to visit by sea kayak or pleasure craft. This coastal area, between the mouth of the Petite Rivière Godbout (to the west) and the Pointe des Monts, has remained intact for millennia: no logging, farming or mining. Thus, this area has remained natural since the passage of native sailors and explorers, the Basques, Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and the Acadians. The waters along the northern shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are pure, crystal clear, salty and cold. Coming from the Atlantic, the Labrador current enters through the Strait of Belle-Isle against the current towards the west in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, going up along the North Shore. The waters of the Côte-Nord rivers mix with the highly saline and oxygenated waters of the Labrador Current. This mixing of waters generates a marine ecological environment that is reputed to be one of the richest on the planet. This environment is inhabited by a variety of crustaceans, molluscs, marine fish, seals and dolphins, as well as plankton and large cetaceans. === History === [[file:Cimetière de Baie-Trinité.jpg|thumb|Baie-Trinité Cemetery]] Pointe-des-Monts is an old hamlet near (south side) the old lighthouse which was erected in 1829-30. Since then, this post proved to be a chief town on the coast of the North Shore, then almost uninhabited. The local community was then made up of Native American fishermen, seal hunters and trappers. Pointe-des-Monts reached its peak around 1880; then this hamlet gradually declined before disappearing. After the Second World War (1939-45), only the family of the lighthouse keeper lived in this place. Following the commissioning of a new automated lighthouse, Pointe-des-Monts is uninhabited during the winter season. In 1964, thanks to the efforts of the last lighthouse keepers, the Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse narrowly escaped demolition; it is then acquired by the Quebec government. In 1965, Pointe-des-Monts was classified as a historic monument by the Government of Quebec. The site then became a major element of Quebec's maritime heritage. Subsequently, a rich exhibition on the history of the place is presented in the lighthouse museum. ==Get in== The village of Baie-Trinité is accessible by road, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|756}}. Time: 8 hr 51 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Baie-Trinité. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13|layer=}} The main traffic route is the 138. The chemin du Vieux Phare stretches over 11 km to reach Petite anse St-Augustin, at Pointe des Monts; then stretches another 2 km to the northeast along the coastline. The panoramic view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its coastline is worth the detour. ==See== ==Do== * {{do | name=Municipal rest area | alt=Halte routière municipale | url= | email= | address=route 138 | lat=49.42248 | long=-67.29882 | directions=located in the village, facing Trinity Bay | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A rest area is nearby, on the edge of Trinity Bay. }} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Chiasson Convenient Store | alt=Dépanneur Chiasson | url=https://www.facebook.com/depanneurchiasson/about/?ref=page_internal | email=steevewinner@gmail.com | address=46, route 138 | lat=49.42477| long=-67.29102| directions=Baie-Trinité-East sector | phone=+1 418-939-2286 | tollfree= | hours=7:00-20:00 | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Convenience store, gas station, SAQ agent, ready-to-eat, smoked fish... }} * {{buy | name=Épicerie J-B Dubé | alt= | url= | email= | address=18, rue Monique | lat=49.42754| long=-67.28531| directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2291 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Grocery. }} * {{buy | name=Crustacés Baie-Trinité inc | alt= | url=https://aqip.com/fr/membres/crustaces-baie-trinite-inc/ | email=cbtinc@globetrotter.net | address=75, route 138 | lat=49.42698 | long=-67.28044 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2510 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Specialties include snow crabs and lobster. }} ==Eat== * {{eat | name=Cantine Black Pearl | alt= | url=https://m.facebook.com/Cantine-Black-Pearl-109098984811885/ | email= | address=4, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.41634 | long=-67.30762 | directions= | phone=+1 418-444-6373 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Quebec restaurant. }} * {{eat | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=https://domaineensoleille.com/ | email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.48546 | long=-67.23327 | directions=located 9.8 km north of the centre of the village of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content=Restaurant services for the general public and campground vacationers. }} ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pharedepointedesmonts.com/ | email= | address=1830, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32876 | long=-67.36683 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2400 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This hostelry centre is an attraction of the North Shore that is worth the detour. Accommodation is in one of the rooms of the former lighthouse keeper's house. This centre has an exhibition inside the lighthouse (spread over the seven floors) which traces the history of this station. This lighthouse has long served as a landmark for sailors and ships. At the top of the lighthouse (21 metres) the panoramic view is breathtaking. }} * {{sleep | name=Le Gîte de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux Phare | lat=49.32130 | long=-67.37931 | directions= | phone=+1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Country cottages facing the gulf. }} === Campings === * {{sleep | name=Camping de la Baie | alt= | url=https://www.campingquebec.com/fr/campings/cote-nord/camping-de-la-baie| email= | address=2, rue St-Laurent | lat=49.42079 | long=-67.30713 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2010 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=This campground offers 40 campsites equipped with all three services, with sanitary blocks. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping du Gîte du Phare de Pointe-des-Monts | alt= | url=http://pointe-des-monts.ca/ | email= | address=1937, chemin du Vieux-Phare | lat=49.32563 | long=-67.38022 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2332, +1 866-369-4083 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar=June 18-September 15 | content=This campground offers six campsites, six semi-serviced sites and sites for travellers. Accommodation possible in a chalet. Main activities include fishing and cycling with a beach. }} * {{sleep | name=Camping Restaurant Domaine Ensoleillé 2000 | alt= | url=| email= | address=15, route 138 | lat=49.49026 | long=-67.23336 | directions=9.8 km north of the centre of Baie-Trinité | phone=+1 866-939-2002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Campsite offering 85 sites (including 44 with services for recreational vehicles) and a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. With restaurant service. This campground won the Regional Accommodation-Camping Prize at the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois 2005. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Port-Cartier]] | wikidata=Q141783 | lat=50.0333 | long=-66.8667 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=A town that developed thanks to its forest industry and the exploitation of iron deposits in the mining towns of Gagnon and Mont-Right. Today, the economy is oriented towards services for travellers and recreational tourism activities: resorts, hunting and fishing, museums and historic sites, parks, heritage circuits, fine sandy beach stretching over 11 km in Pointe-aux-Anglais. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.4167|-67.3|zoom=13}} ml0zml5fiow4xeua96aabvnpej30ctt 3 193981 4487728 2022-07-21T12:47:44Z Ibaman 195012 Created page with "== == {{subst:tout}} ~~~~" wikitext text/x-wiki == == Hello, Rwatata Safaris! Thank you for contributing to Wikivoyage, but please note that one or more of your recent edits has been reverted as it appeared to be an attempt to use this site to advertise or promote a business or service. Wikivoyage is created by travellers ''for'' travellers, and while [[WV:Welcome, business owners|business owners and employees]] are welcome to contribute, use of this site for promotional purposes is not allowed. If you feel that your edits were incorrectly identified as promotional, '''please read Wikivoyage's [[WV:Don't tout|guidelines on identifying promotional edits]]'''. If, after reading that guideline, you ''still'' feel your edits were incorrectly removed, please use this [[WV:Using talk pages|talk page]] or the talk page of the article where your edit was removed to explain why your change was not promotional. Note that it is very important that you discuss your proposed change '''before''' re-adding it since repeated promotional edits can lead to a temporary block of your account's ability to edit Wikivoyage, and in serious cases the business in question may be blacklisted from Wikivoyage. [[User:Ibaman|Ibaman]] ([[User talk:Ibaman|talk]]) 12:47, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ac1r4au8lv82cu8xvidtnpz94bduio3 0 193984 4487801 2022-07-21T15:30:40Z Veillg1 253590 Creation of article "Franquelin" wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Franquelin} [[File:Église de Franquelin.jpg|thumb|Franquelin Catholic Church]] '''Franquelin''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory corresponds to that of the township of Franquelin. The main attractions of the municipality of Franquelin are: * resorts: especially along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, particularly in the main village and the hamlet of Pointe-Mistassini; * the "Village Forestier d'Antan" museum reconstructing life in the forest in lumber camps; this museum is educational and offers various activities for visitors; * sport fishing: its bodies of water, streams and rivers are suitable for sport fishing; * hiking trails: the nine hiking trails each have their own character. The path leading to the Croix de Franquelin is bucolic; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountains and forests; * boating: the coast offers intoxicating panoramas, especially seen from the sea (with pleasure boats), with its promontories, rocky capes and bays; * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Franquelin is a kingdom of lakes, mountains, immense forests and with a rugged coastline, allowing you to admire the riverside panorama and indulge in a variety of recreational and tourist activities in the heart of nature. ==Understand== The small, quaint and modern main village is located on the west bank of the Thompson River. It is embedded between the mountains. The municipality also has hamlets: hamlet of Pointe Mistassini and hamlet of Pointe St-Nicolas. The sandstone is present mainly between Pointe Mistassini and the mouth of the Thompson River (in the main village). Apart from the riparian strip, the rest of the territory is generally uninhabited; it is accessible by mountain bike (in summer) or by snowmobile (in winter). ==Get in== The village of Franquelin is accessible by road, bus, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|697}}. Time: 8 hr 21 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Franquelin. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.3667|-67.8333|zoom=13|layer=}} Route 138, which runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf, is the main road serving the municipality of Franquelin. ==See== * {{see | name=Franquelin Forest Village of Yesteryear | alt=Village Forestier d'Antan de Franquelin | url=https://villageforestierdantanfranquelin.com/ | email= | address=16, rue des Érables | lat=49.29355 | long=-67.89162 | directions=Historic village located along the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-296-3203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Heritage museum interpreting and commemorating a crucial period in the development of the North Shore: the establishment of the forest industry at the beginning of the 20th century. This museum notably reconstructs a lumber camp built of logs. The museum offers guided tours and various activities bringing the lumberjack experience to life, introduction to fishing, identification and conservation of plants, panoramic guided hikes and special events. The site offers Ready-to-Camp accommodation. }} * {{see | name=St. Nicholas Tunnel | alt=Tunnel St-Nicolas | url= | email= | address=route Jacques-Cartier (route 138) | lat=49.32729 | long=-67.80041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=500 m long tunnel, built in 1960 in Franquelin. It passes under a mountain whose summit is 147 m., on the west side of the St-Nicolas River. }} ==Do== Franquelin is a hiking kingdom with nine trails of different calibers. These trails offer a variety of panoramas: bay, stream, river, mountain... and the magnificent view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These trails allow, depending on the location, the observation of nature, flora, terrestrial and winged fauna. {| class="prettytable" |- ! Trek !! Distance !! Time (estimated)!! Ratings |- | Pointe-à-la-Croix and via the Pointe à la Croix Trail || 10.1km || 2:25 am || Type: moderate. Famous for running. |- | Anse du Loup Marin || 3.5km || 1:10 a.m. || Type: moderate. |- | Sentier de la Croix Franquelin || 2.4km || 1:03 a.m. || Type: easy. |- | Anse au Loup Marin trail || 2.7km || 1:05 p.m. || Type: easy. |- | Franquelin River Waterfall || 7.1km || 1:39 p.m. || Type: moderate. |- | Saint-Pancrace Stream Waterfall || 1.3km || 40 mins. || Type: moderate. |- | Franquelin River via the Forest Village || 4.0km || 49 mins. || Type: easy. Starting from the village and going up the Franquelin river. |- | Anse Saint-Pancrace || 5.5km || 1:7 p.m. || Type: Easy. Loop in the Boreal Regional Park. |- | Bay of Anse Saint-Pancrace || 4.0km || 1:21 p.m. || Type: easy. Loop in the Boreal Regional Park. |} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Bakery of Anton Franquelin | alt=Boulangerie d'Anton Franquelin | url= | email= | address=7, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.29401 | long=-67.90186 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-6575 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Bakery. Other food products: pizza, pies, buns, molasses biscuits, chicken pot pie, creton, coleslaw, various types of bread... }} * {{buy | name=Dépanneur Légaré & Lévesque inc | alt= | url=https://www.irvingoil.com/location/irving-oil-25276 | email= | address=11, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.292203 | long=-67.897975 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-1464 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Convenient store. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Franquelin et Motel | alt= | url=https://www.aubergefranquelin.com/ | email= | address=27, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.29252 | long=-67.89535 | directions=located facing the St. Lawrence River, in the village of Franquelin, near the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-298-0002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Village Forestier d'Antan de Franquelin | alt= | url=https://villageforestierdantanfranquelin.com/| email= | address=16, rue des Érables | lat=49.29355 | long=-67.89162 | directions=Historic village located along the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-296-3203 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Heritage museum interpreting and commemorating a crucial period in the development of the North Shore: the establishment of the forest industry at the beginning of the 20th century. The site offers Ready-to-Camp accommodation with three Prospector-style camps. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Comeau]] | alt= | url= http://www.ville.baie-comeau.qc.ca/| facebook=| email=vbc@ville.baie-comeau.qc.ca | address= | phone=+1 418 296-4931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q139654 | lat=49.216667 | long=-68.15 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Industrial city offering various services to travellers, many events (e.g.: musical and epicurean events, the Côte-Nord Beer Festival...) and recreational tourism services: guided heritage tour, hiking trails, sea kayaking, Via Ferrata, paddle board, observations of marine mammals and aquatic birds, sea excursions, visits to local port facilities, campsites... }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.3667|-67.8333|zoom=13}} e46b0xxe5jehse75uo4cd6a134vj45j 4487803 4487801 2022-07-21T15:31:57Z Veillg1 253590 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Franquelin}} [[File:Église de Franquelin.jpg|thumb|Franquelin Catholic Church]] '''Franquelin''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory corresponds to that of the township of Franquelin. The main attractions of the municipality of Franquelin are: * resorts: especially along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, particularly in the main village and the hamlet of Pointe-Mistassini; * the "Village Forestier d'Antan" museum reconstructing life in the forest in lumber camps; this museum is educational and offers various activities for visitors; * sport fishing: its bodies of water, streams and rivers are suitable for sport fishing; * hiking trails: the nine hiking trails each have their own character. The path leading to the Croix de Franquelin is bucolic; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountains and forests; * boating: the coast offers intoxicating panoramas, especially seen from the sea (with pleasure boats), with its promontories, rocky capes and bays; * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Franquelin is a kingdom of lakes, mountains, immense forests and with a rugged coastline, allowing you to admire the riverside panorama and indulge in a variety of recreational and tourist activities in the heart of nature. ==Understand== The small, quaint and modern main village is located on the west bank of the Thompson River. It is embedded between the mountains. The municipality also has hamlets: hamlet of Pointe Mistassini and hamlet of Pointe St-Nicolas. The sandstone is present mainly between Pointe Mistassini and the mouth of the Thompson River (in the main village). Apart from the riparian strip, the rest of the territory is generally uninhabited; it is accessible by mountain bike (in summer) or by snowmobile (in winter). ==Get in== The village of Franquelin is accessible by road, bus, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|697}}. Time: 8 hr 21 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Franquelin. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.3667|-67.8333|zoom=13|layer=}} Route 138, which runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf, is the main road serving the municipality of Franquelin. ==See== * {{see | name=Franquelin Forest Village of Yesteryear | alt=Village Forestier d'Antan de Franquelin | url=https://villageforestierdantanfranquelin.com/ | email= | address=16, rue des Érables | lat=49.29355 | long=-67.89162 | directions=Historic village located along the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-296-3203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Heritage museum interpreting and commemorating a crucial period in the development of the North Shore: the establishment of the forest industry at the beginning of the 20th century. This museum notably reconstructs a lumber camp built of logs. The museum offers guided tours and various activities bringing the lumberjack experience to life, introduction to fishing, identification and conservation of plants, panoramic guided hikes and special events. The site offers Ready-to-Camp accommodation. }} * {{see | name=St. Nicholas Tunnel | alt=Tunnel St-Nicolas | url= | email= | address=route Jacques-Cartier (route 138) | lat=49.32729 | long=-67.80041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=500 m long tunnel, built in 1960 in Franquelin. It passes under a mountain whose summit is 147 m., on the west side of the St-Nicolas River. }} ==Do== Franquelin is a hiking kingdom with nine trails of different calibers. These trails offer a variety of panoramas: bay, stream, river, mountain... and the magnificent view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These trails allow, depending on the location, the observation of nature, flora, terrestrial and winged fauna. {| class="prettytable" |- ! Trek !! Distance !! Time (estimated)!! Ratings |- | Pointe-à-la-Croix and via the Pointe à la Croix Trail || 10.1km || 2:25 am || Type: moderate. Famous for running. |- | Anse du Loup Marin || 3.5km || 1:10 a.m. || Type: moderate. |- | Sentier de la Croix Franquelin || 2.4km || 1:03 a.m. || Type: easy. |- | Anse au Loup Marin trail || 2.7km || 1:05 p.m. || Type: easy. |- | Franquelin River Waterfall || 7.1km || 1:39 p.m. || Type: moderate. |- | Saint-Pancrace Stream Waterfall || 1.3km || 40 mins. || Type: moderate. |- | Franquelin River via the Forest Village || 4.0km || 49 mins. || Type: easy. Starting from the village and going up the Franquelin river. |- | Anse Saint-Pancrace || 5.5km || 1:7 p.m. || Type: Easy. Loop in the Boreal Regional Park. |- | Bay of Anse Saint-Pancrace || 4.0km || 1:21 p.m. || Type: easy. Loop in the Boreal Regional Park. |} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Bakery of Anton Franquelin | alt=Boulangerie d'Anton Franquelin | url= | email= | address=7, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.29401 | long=-67.90186 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-6575 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Bakery. Other food products: pizza, pies, buns, molasses biscuits, chicken pot pie, creton, coleslaw, various types of bread... }} * {{buy | name=Dépanneur Légaré & Lévesque inc | alt= | url=https://www.irvingoil.com/location/irving-oil-25276 | email= | address=11, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.292203 | long=-67.897975 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-1464 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Convenient store. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Franquelin et Motel | alt= | url=https://www.aubergefranquelin.com/ | email= | address=27, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.29252 | long=-67.89535 | directions=located facing the St. Lawrence River, in the village of Franquelin, near the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-298-0002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Village Forestier d'Antan de Franquelin | alt= | url=https://villageforestierdantanfranquelin.com/| email= | address=16, rue des Érables | lat=49.29355 | long=-67.89162 | directions=Historic village located along the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-296-3203 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Heritage museum interpreting and commemorating a crucial period in the development of the North Shore: the establishment of the forest industry at the beginning of the 20th century. The site offers Ready-to-Camp accommodation with three Prospector-style camps. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Comeau]] | alt= | url= http://www.ville.baie-comeau.qc.ca/| facebook=| email=vbc@ville.baie-comeau.qc.ca | address= | phone=+1 418 296-4931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q139654 | lat=49.216667 | long=-68.15 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Industrial city offering various services to travellers, many events (e.g.: musical and epicurean events, the Côte-Nord Beer Festival...) and recreational tourism services: guided heritage tour, hiking trails, sea kayaking, Via Ferrata, paddle board, observations of marine mammals and aquatic birds, sea excursions, visits to local port facilities, campsites... }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.3667|-67.8333|zoom=13}} 0feem66olzt8tlthsjc7to6121et23q 4487804 4487803 2022-07-21T15:39:15Z Veillg1 253590 /* Do */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Franquelin}} [[File:Église de Franquelin.jpg|thumb|Franquelin Catholic Church]] '''Franquelin''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory corresponds to that of the township of Franquelin. The main attractions of the municipality of Franquelin are: * resorts: especially along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, particularly in the main village and the hamlet of Pointe-Mistassini; * the "Village Forestier d'Antan" museum reconstructing life in the forest in lumber camps; this museum is educational and offers various activities for visitors; * sport fishing: its bodies of water, streams and rivers are suitable for sport fishing; * hiking trails: the nine hiking trails each have their own character. The path leading to the Croix de Franquelin is bucolic; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountains and forests; * boating: the coast offers intoxicating panoramas, especially seen from the sea (with pleasure boats), with its promontories, rocky capes and bays; * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Franquelin is a kingdom of lakes, mountains, immense forests and with a rugged coastline, allowing you to admire the riverside panorama and indulge in a variety of recreational and tourist activities in the heart of nature. ==Understand== The small, quaint and modern main village is located on the west bank of the Thompson River. It is embedded between the mountains. The municipality also has hamlets: hamlet of Pointe Mistassini and hamlet of Pointe St-Nicolas. The sandstone is present mainly between Pointe Mistassini and the mouth of the Thompson River (in the main village). Apart from the riparian strip, the rest of the territory is generally uninhabited; it is accessible by mountain bike (in summer) or by snowmobile (in winter). ==Get in== The village of Franquelin is accessible by road, bus, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|697}}. Time: 8 hr 21 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Franquelin. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.3667|-67.8333|zoom=13|layer=}} Route 138, which runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf, is the main road serving the municipality of Franquelin. ==See== * {{see | name=Franquelin Forest Village of Yesteryear | alt=Village Forestier d'Antan de Franquelin | url=https://villageforestierdantanfranquelin.com/ | email= | address=16, rue des Érables | lat=49.29355 | long=-67.89162 | directions=Historic village located along the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-296-3203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Heritage museum interpreting and commemorating a crucial period in the development of the North Shore: the establishment of the forest industry at the beginning of the 20th century. This museum notably reconstructs a lumber camp built of logs. The museum offers guided tours and various activities bringing the lumberjack experience to life, introduction to fishing, identification and conservation of plants, panoramic guided hikes and special events. The site offers Ready-to-Camp accommodation. }} * {{see | name=St. Nicholas Tunnel | alt=Tunnel St-Nicolas | url= | email= | address=route Jacques-Cartier (route 138) | lat=49.32729 | long=-67.80041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=500 m long tunnel, built in 1960 in Franquelin. It passes under a mountain whose summit is 147 m., on the west side of the St-Nicolas River. }} ==Do== Franquelin is a hiking kingdom with nine trails of different calibers. These trails offer a variety of panoramas: bay, stream, river, mountain... and the magnificent view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These trails allow, depending on the location, the observation of nature, flora, terrestrial and winged fauna. {| class="prettytable" |- ! Trail !! Distance !! Time (estimated)!! Ratings |- | Pointe-à-la-Croix and via the Pointe à la Croix Trail || 10.1km || 2:25 am || Type: moderate. Famous for running. |- | Anse du Loup Marin || 3.5km || 1:10 a.m. || Type: moderate. |- | Sentier de la Croix Franquelin || 2.4km || 1:03 a.m. || Type: easy. |- | Anse au Loup Marin trail || 2.7km || 1:05 p.m. || Type: easy. |- | Franquelin River Waterfall || 7.1km || 1:39 p.m. || Type: moderate. |- | Saint-Pancrace Stream Waterfall || 1.3km || 40 mins. || Type: moderate. |- | Franquelin River via the Forest Village || 4.0km || 49 mins. || Type: easy. Starting from the village and going up the Franquelin river. |- | Anse Saint-Pancrace || 5.5km || 1:7 p.m. || Type: Easy. Loop in the Boreal Regional Park. |- | Bay of Anse Saint-Pancrace || 4.0km || 1:21 p.m. || Type: easy. Loop in the Boreal Regional Park. |} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Bakery of Anton Franquelin | alt=Boulangerie d'Anton Franquelin | url= | email= | address=7, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.29401 | long=-67.90186 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-6575 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Bakery. Other food products: pizza, pies, buns, molasses biscuits, chicken pot pie, creton, coleslaw, various types of bread... }} * {{buy | name=Dépanneur Légaré & Lévesque inc | alt= | url=https://www.irvingoil.com/location/irving-oil-25276 | email= | address=11, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.292203 | long=-67.897975 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-1464 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Convenient store. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Franquelin et Motel | alt= | url=https://www.aubergefranquelin.com/ | email= | address=27, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.29252 | long=-67.89535 | directions=located facing the St. Lawrence River, in the village of Franquelin, near the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-298-0002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Village Forestier d'Antan de Franquelin | alt= | url=https://villageforestierdantanfranquelin.com/| email= | address=16, rue des Érables | lat=49.29355 | long=-67.89162 | directions=Historic village located along the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-296-3203 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Heritage museum interpreting and commemorating a crucial period in the development of the North Shore: the establishment of the forest industry at the beginning of the 20th century. The site offers Ready-to-Camp accommodation with three Prospector-style camps. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Comeau]] | alt= | url= http://www.ville.baie-comeau.qc.ca/| facebook=| email=vbc@ville.baie-comeau.qc.ca | address= | phone=+1 418 296-4931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q139654 | lat=49.216667 | long=-68.15 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Industrial city offering various services to travellers, many events (e.g.: musical and epicurean events, the Côte-Nord Beer Festival...) and recreational tourism services: guided heritage tour, hiking trails, sea kayaking, Via Ferrata, paddle board, observations of marine mammals and aquatic birds, sea excursions, visits to local port facilities, campsites... }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.3667|-67.8333|zoom=13}} ghrb68ommbegzcs5rds3swz8ivl8xtj 4487806 4487804 2022-07-21T15:53:40Z Ibaman 195012 tweaking map wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|pgname=Franquelin}} [[File:Église de Franquelin.jpg|thumb|Franquelin Catholic Church]] '''Franquelin''' is a municipality of the MRC of [[Manicouagan]], in the administrative region of [[Côte-Nord]], in [[Quebec]] in [[Canada]]. It is located on the [[Route des Baleines]] and the [[Route Nature aux mille délices]] (gourmet route). It is part of the tourist region of [[Manicouagan]]. Its territory corresponds to that of the township of Franquelin. The main attractions of the municipality of Franquelin are: * resorts: especially along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, particularly in the main village and the hamlet of Pointe-Mistassini; * the "Village Forestier d'Antan" museum reconstructing life in the forest in lumber camps; this museum is educational and offers various activities for visitors; * sport fishing: its bodies of water, streams and rivers are suitable for sport fishing; * hiking trails: the nine hiking trails each have their own character. The path leading to the Croix de Franquelin is bucolic; * excursions on the trails by ATV or snowmobile; these excursions allow to appreciate the hinterland of mountains and forests; * boating: the coast offers intoxicating panoramas, especially seen from the sea (with pleasure boats), with its promontories, rocky capes and bays; * picking wild berries in the summer season: cranberry, black crowberry (called "black berry" on the North Shore), partridge bread (called cranberry or red berry), blueberry and raspberry; * observation of marine mammals and avian species from land sites. In short, Franquelin is a kingdom of lakes, mountains, immense forests and with a rugged coastline, allowing you to admire the riverside panorama and indulge in a variety of recreational and tourist activities in the heart of nature. ==Understand== The small, quaint and modern main village is located on the west bank of the Thompson River. It is embedded between the mountains. The municipality also has hamlets: hamlet of Pointe Mistassini and hamlet of Pointe St-Nicolas. The sandstone is present mainly between Pointe Mistassini and the mouth of the Thompson River (in the main village). Apart from the riparian strip, the rest of the territory is generally uninhabited; it is accessible by mountain bike (in summer) or by snowmobile (in winter). ==Get in== The village of Franquelin is accessible by road, bus, boat (via Saint Lawrence River), airplane, snowmobile and all terrain vehicles. === By car === * From [[Montréal]] ({{km|697}}. Time: 8 hr 21 min. From [[Montreal/Downtown|downtown Montreal]], take the Jacques-Cartier bridge (east); take route 132 (east), highway 20 (east); then successively Highway 73 (north), Highway 40 (east) and Route 138 to Franquelin. ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus from [[Quebec City]] to [[Baie-Comeau]], via [[Baie-Saint-Paul]], [[La Malbaie]], [[Tadoussac]] and Godbout. }} ==Get around== {{mapframe|49.294|-67.901|zoom=14|layer=W}} Route 138, which runs along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf, is the main road serving the municipality of Franquelin. ==See== * {{see | name=Franquelin Forest Village of Yesteryear | alt=Village Forestier d'Antan de Franquelin | url=https://villageforestierdantanfranquelin.com/ | email= | address=16, rue des Érables | lat=49.29355 | long=-67.89162 | directions=Historic village located along the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-296-3203 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Heritage museum interpreting and commemorating a crucial period in the development of the North Shore: the establishment of the forest industry at the beginning of the 20th century. This museum notably reconstructs a lumber camp built of logs. The museum offers guided tours and various activities bringing the lumberjack experience to life, introduction to fishing, identification and conservation of plants, panoramic guided hikes and special events. The site offers Ready-to-Camp accommodation. }} * {{see | name=St. Nicholas Tunnel | alt=Tunnel St-Nicolas | url= | email= | address=route Jacques-Cartier (route 138) | lat=49.32729 | long=-67.80041 | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikipedia= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=500 m long tunnel, built in 1960 in Franquelin. It passes under a mountain whose summit is 147 m., on the west side of the St-Nicolas River. }} ==Do== Franquelin is a hiking kingdom with nine trails of different calibers. These trails offer a variety of panoramas: bay, stream, river, mountain... and the magnificent view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These trails allow, depending on the location, the observation of nature, flora, terrestrial and winged fauna. {| class="prettytable" |- ! Trail !! Distance !! Time (estimated)!! Ratings |- | Pointe-à-la-Croix and via the Pointe à la Croix Trail || 10.1km || 2:25 am || Type: moderate. Famous for running. |- | Anse du Loup Marin || 3.5km || 1:10 a.m. || Type: moderate. |- | Sentier de la Croix Franquelin || 2.4km || 1:03 a.m. || Type: easy. |- | Anse au Loup Marin trail || 2.7km || 1:05 p.m. || Type: easy. |- | Franquelin River Waterfall || 7.1km || 1:39 p.m. || Type: moderate. |- | Saint-Pancrace Stream Waterfall || 1.3km || 40 mins. || Type: moderate. |- | Franquelin River via the Forest Village || 4.0km || 49 mins. || Type: easy. Starting from the village and going up the Franquelin river. |- | Anse Saint-Pancrace || 5.5km || 1:7 p.m. || Type: Easy. Loop in the Boreal Regional Park. |- | Bay of Anse Saint-Pancrace || 4.0km || 1:21 p.m. || Type: easy. Loop in the Boreal Regional Park. |} ==Buy== * {{buy | name=Bakery of Anton Franquelin | alt=Boulangerie d'Anton Franquelin | url= | email= | address=7, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.29401 | long=-67.90186 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-6575 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Bakery. Other food products: pizza, pies, buns, molasses biscuits, chicken pot pie, creton, coleslaw, various types of bread... }} * {{buy | name=Dépanneur Légaré & Lévesque inc | alt= | url=https://www.irvingoil.com/location/irving-oil-25276 | email= | address=11, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.292203 | long=-67.897975 | directions= | phone=+1 418-296-1464 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Convenient store. }} ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== * {{sleep | name=Auberge Franquelin et Motel | alt= | url=https://www.aubergefranquelin.com/ | email= | address=27, rue des Cèdres | lat=49.29252 | long=-67.89535 | directions=located facing the St. Lawrence River, in the village of Franquelin, near the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-298-0002 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | calendar= | content= }} * {{sleep | name=Village Forestier d'Antan de Franquelin | alt= | url=https://villageforestierdantanfranquelin.com/| email= | address=16, rue des Érables | lat=49.29355 | long=-67.89162 | directions=Historic village located along the Thompson River | phone=+1 418-296-3203 | tollfree= | checkin= | checkout= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Heritage museum interpreting and commemorating a crucial period in the development of the North Shore: the establishment of the forest industry at the beginning of the 20th century. The site offers Ready-to-Camp accommodation with three Prospector-style camps. }} ==Cope== == Go next == {{mapgroup|target=}} {{Routebox | image1=Qc138.svg | imagesize1=22 | directionl1=W | majorl1=[[New York State]] ← [[Elgin (Quebec)|Elgin]] | minorl1=[[Montréal]] | directionr1=E | majorr1=[[Blanc-Sablon]] → [[Labrador]] | minorr1=[[Kegaska]] → (discontinued between Kegaska and Bonne-Espérance)→[[Bonne-Espérance (Quebec)|Bonne-Espérance]] }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Baie-Comeau]] | alt= | url= http://www.ville.baie-comeau.qc.ca/| facebook=| email=vbc@ville.baie-comeau.qc.ca | address= | phone=+1 418 296-4931 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q139654 | lat=49.216667 | long=-68.15 | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Industrial city offering various services to travellers, many events (e.g.: musical and epicurean events, the Côte-Nord Beer Festival...) and recreational tourism services: guided heritage tour, hiking trails, sea kayaking, Via Ferrata, paddle board, observations of marine mammals and aquatic birds, sea excursions, visits to local port facilities, campsites... }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Godbout]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address=3, rue de l'Église, Longue-Rive, Québec, G0T 1Z0 | directions= | phone=+1 418-939-2231 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.3245 | long=-67.5921 | content=Coastal municipality on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The main attractions and recreational tourism activities are: hiking in the forest or near the St. Lawrence River, land-based whale watching sites, sea kayaking expeditions, shellfish gathering, hunting, fishing, snowmobile and ATV trails. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=[[Rivière-aux-Outardes]] | alt= | url=http://municipalitegodbout.ca/ | facebook=| email= | address= | directions= | phone= | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata=Q3109682 | lastedit=2022-07-20 | lat=49.472 | long=-67.646 | content=An unorganized territory that's a great place for hunting & fishing, ATV and snowmobile excursions, picking wild berries, as well as observing the fauna, flora and land relief. }} {{usablecity}} {{IsPartOf|Manicouagan}} {{geo|49.3667|-67.8333|zoom=13}} io62yzokuwsysj8sx7g6xhogxgdq4or 0 193985 4487926 2022-07-21T20:10:49Z Veillg1 253590 Creation of article "Manicouagan (tourist region)" wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Manicouagan banner.jpg|pgname=Manicouagan (tourist region)}} [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|400px|Saint-Pancrace Bay in Franquelin]] The '''Manicouagan''' is a tourist region of maritime [[Quebec]] located on the [[North Shore]] of the St. Lawrence River. The region presents its visitors with faces as varied as they are fabulous. It is known for its large expanses and its proximity to the St. Lawrence River. == Understand == The tourist region of Manicouagan forms the western part of the administrative region of the [[Côte-Nord]], the tourist region of [[Duplessis]] forming the second part to the east. It includes the regional county municipalities (RCM) of Manicouagan and La Haute-Côte-Nord, whose main cities are respectively [[Baie-Comeau]] and [[Forestville]]. The region is located on the north side of the St. Lawrence River and the inhabited part is mainly located along the coast. It has a population of approximately 45,500 inhabitants. The main economic activity of La Haute-Côte-Nord is tourism, while the MRC of Manicouagan is known for its hydroelectric production. The name "Manicouagan" is borrowed from the river of the same name located in the region. With the coast that overlooks the magnificent St. Lawrence River, the cliffs that frame the imposing Saguenay Fjord, the salt marshes where you can observe 175 species of birds, the migratory passes where salmon leap, the whales that swim in the river and without forgetting the boreal forest, the tundra, the bubbling rivers and the deep lakes of its hinterland, the Manicouagan region is definitely pampered by nature! This grandiose setting gave birth to a hydroelectric empire where the largest multiple-arch dam in the world, the Daniel-Johnson dam (Manic-5), reigns supreme. Suitable for hiking, camping, scuba diving, sea kayaking, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling, this region covers a vast territory of wilderness that will charm outdoor enthusiasts with clean air, wide open spaces and authenticity. There is a permanent tourist information office in [[Baie-Comeau]] and seasonal offices in [[Tadoussac]], [[Les Bergeronnes|Bergeronnes]], [[Les Escoumins|Escoumins]], [[Longue-Rive]], at [[Portneuf-sur-Mer]], at [[Forestville]], at [[Ragueneau]] on the [[Manicouagan Peninsula]], at [[Baie-Comeau]], in [[Godbout]] and in [[Port-Cartier]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe}}{{mapshape}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Baie-Comeau]]|wikidata=Q139654|lat=49.231985|long=-68.212321}} — Main city of the MRC of Manicouagan, at the crossroads of the road to the north for [[Fermont]] and connected with the south coast of the St. Lawrence River by a ferry. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Forestville (Quebec)|Forestville]]|wikidata=Q142345|lat=48.733338|long=-69.083338}} — Main city of the RCM of La Haute-Côte-Nord, member of the Fédération des villages-relais du Québec. A popular spot for hunting and fishing. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pointe-aux-Outardes]]|wikidata=Q3393511|lat=49.052391|long=-68.394218}} — Small village located between Tadoussac and Baie-Comeau known for bird watching. Ornithology enthusiasts will find more than 200 species of birds there. Boardwalks have been constructed along the shoreline for bird watching. The Longue-Rive Salt Marsh Interpretation Center is also a good destination since Canada geese (known locally as bustards) and greater snow geese stop there during their migrations. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tadoussac]]|wikidata=Q1857392|lat=48.150005|long=-69.716672}} — Gateway to the region by car, is part of the Association of the most beautiful villages of Quebec. In addition, Tadoussac Bay is part of the club of the most beautiful bays in the world. It is therefore an essential destination when visiting the region. Located on the edge of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Tadoussac is an ideal starting point for marine mammal observation excursions. ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=[[Île René-Levasseur]]|wikidata=Q1263027|lat=51.383333|long=-68.7}} — Second largest island in [[Quebec]], located in the Manicouagan reservoir, created by the rising waters following the construction of the Daniel Johnson dam, includes two protected areas. * {{marker|name=[[Louis-Babel Ecological Reserve]]|wikidata=Q575033|lat=51.45|long=-68.683333}} — The largest ecological reserve in [[Quebec]], includes the northern part of [[Rene-Levasseur Island]] as well as the summit of Mount Babel. ==Get in== [[File:2016-08 Tadoussac 02.jpg|thumb|The road leading to the ferry that crosses the Saguenay River]] ===By car=== [[File:Qc138.svg|left|18px]] It is possible to reach the region by car from the southwest by taking the '''route 138'''. It begins at the [[United States|US]] border with [[New York State]] (where it becomes ''New York State Highway 30'') to the south-west of [[Montreal]] and runs along the St. Lawrence River to [[Natashquan]]. However, it is possible to use different routes up to [[Quebec (city)|Quebec]] (Highway 20 or Highway 40 for example). From Quebec, the region is located at a distance of approximately {{convert|220|km}} by road, or a trip of 3:30 hours by car. It is also possible to reach route 138 from [[Rivière-du-Loup]] in [[Bas-Saint-Laurent]] (accessible by route 132) by taking the ferry ''Trans-Saint-Laurent'' linking [[Saint-Siméon (Charlevoix)|Saint-Siméon]] in [[Charlevoix]] (capacity of 399 people and 100 cars and crossing lasting 65 minutes). By taking route 138, you will enter the region at [[Tadoussac]]. Note that Route 138 has a maritime section between [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]] in Charlevoix and Tadoussac to cross the Saguenay Fjord. The crossing is free for passengers and vehicles and takes approximately 10 minutes. It is not necessary to reserve and the service is offered year-round. [[File:Qc172.svg|left|18px]] It is also possible to reach Manicouagan from [[Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean]] by taking Route 172 which leads to Tadoussac. Please note that the Route 172 route is mostly in a park, so there are no gas stations along the route, in addition to cell signal which is mostly non-existent. Note that it is also possible to reach the region by car by taking the ''Camille-Marcoux'' ferry from [[Matane]] on the [[Gaspésie|Gaspé peninsula]] (see the section [[Manicouagan# By Boat|By Boat]] below). ===By bus === ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus between [[Quebec City]], [[Baie-Comeau]], [[Sept-Îles]] et [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. }} ===By boat=== [[File:F.-A. Gauthier.jpg|alt=|thumb|Ferryboat ''F.-A. Gauthier'']] [[File:CNMevolutiontraversier.jpg|thumb|right|Ferryboat ''CNM Évolution'']] * {{listing|name=Ferryboat Godbout-Matane via the boat "Camille-Marcoux"|alt=|url=https://www.traversiers.com/fr/nos-traverses/traverse-matane-baie-comeau-godbout/accueil/|email=|address=gare fluviale de Godbout: 117, rue Pascal-Comeau, Godbout|lat=49.32294|long=-67.59329|directions=at the wharf in the village of Godbout|phone=+1 418-562-2500|tollfree=+1 877-562-6560|hours=throughout the year|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-20|content=Since the summer of 2015, the crossing has been carried out by the ship N.M. F.-A. Gauthier replacing the old ship named the Camille-Marcoux. It is the largest vessel of the Société des traversiers du Québec with a capacity of 800 people and 180 cars. It offers one to two round trips per day depending on the time of year. The crossing takes more than two hours. The ship offers a catering service, a bar and an exhibition room in addition, of course, to allowing you to observe the sea. It is recommended to make your reservation in advance. This is mandatory for vehicles.|type=go}} * {{listing|name=Compagnie de navigation des Basques|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-20|content=Crossing with the Bas-Saint-Laurent, ''L'Héritage'' makes the crossing between Trois-Pistoles and Les Escoumins. The journey time is 1:30 hours. This service is only offered from May to October.|type=go}} * {{listing|name=''CNM Évolution'' |alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-20|content=Crossing between Rimouski and Forestville. This is the fastest ferry in Quebec, it makes the crossing in one Hour.|type=go}} A few marinas located along the river, including that of Tadoussac, allow nautical travelers to dock to visit the region. ===By plane=== The [[Baie-Comeau]] airport (located 10 minutes from the city) is served by a few airlines including Air Liaison, Air Canada Jazz and Pascan Aviation. It can be quite expensive to fly between small airports in [[Quebec]], so it is advisable to compare with other means of transport before booking a flight. ==Get around== === By car === [[File:Qc138.svg|18px]] Route 138 is the main highway in the region. It follows the coast of the St. Lawrence River throughout the region between [[Tadoussac]] to the west and [[Baie-Trinité]] to the east. === By quad or snowmobile === Networks of quad and snowmobile trails also allow you to travel in the region in off-road vehicles while allowing you to discover the backcountry and its impressive landscapes. The trails go to gas stations as well as restaurants and accommodation establishments, so it is possible to visit the region by snowmobile! * {{go | name=Manicouagan snowmobile trail map 2012-2013 | alt=Carte des sentiers de motoneige de la Manicouagan 2012-2013 | url=http://cotenord-manicouagan.com/fileadmin/image_pdf/ATR---carte-motoneige-finale-low-res-1_01.jpg | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} === Routes === ==== By car ==== * {{go | name= [[Route des Baleines]]| alt= | url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/fr/planifiez-votre-voyage/circuits-touristiques/la-route-des-baleines?gclid=CNDWutL7xbYCFY1DMgodDG0AHw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Circuit that crosses the region over {{convert|300|km}} on the coast of the St. Lawrence between Tadoussac and Baie-Trinité. Cruises are organized for the observation of marine mammals including blue whales, but also belugas and rorquals. In fact, there are 13 different species of whales in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is also possible to observe them by sea kayak or even from observation sites on the shore. In addition, there are seals all along the coast. Marine mammals mainly frequent the region from May to October. }} ==== By snowmobile ==== * {{go | name= [[Raid nordique]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name= [[Raid du Saint-Laurent]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} == Talk == The language spoken in Manicouagan is French. It will be possible to make yourself understood in English language in most tourist places. Manicouagan also includes a little more than {{formatnum:4000}} aboriginals, of whom approximately {{formatnum:2500}} still speak their aboriginal language, mainly Innu-aimun, in addition to French or English. ==See== ==Do== [[File:Baie de la Trinité.jpg|thumb|right|Trinité Bay]] [[File:2016-08 Kayak Grandes Bergeronnes Saint Lawrence River 03.jpg|thumb|Kayaking on the St. Lawrence River near Les Bergeronnes]] The region is known for outdoor activities and [[ecotourism]]. Sea excursions, cruises or kayaks, are obviously a must in order to fully enjoy the region and observe the whales. Scuba diving enthusiasts will also be well served with the aquatic fauna and flora of the St. Lawrence River as well as some wrecks. Thanks to its strong winds, the area is very popular for kitesurfing. During the winter season, packages for dog sledding, ice climbing and Nordic skiing are offered. Outfitters also offer ice fishing packages (ice fishing) including stays in cabins. Several cross-country ski trails run through the region. Moreover, the Boréal Loppet Hydro-Québec is a cross-country ski competition organized each year at the beginning of March for both athletes and families. There is also a very well signposted network of snowmobile trails that includes some pretty impressive walkways. In [[Baie-Comeau]], a ski center offers 14 slopes of different levels for downhill skiing and other sliding sports. The Manicouagan is a fishing paradise for both Atlantic salmon and brook trout (known locally as speckled trout). In addition to many outfitters offering hunting and fishing packages including accommodation, the region has four controlled harvesting zones (zec) that will meet the needs of hunting and fishing enthusiasts. At this height, the St. Lawrence River forms a real sea and several fine sandy beaches are present to enjoy and swim. It is recommended to find out about the tides before venturing along the river to avoid unpleasant surprises. [[File:Réservoir Manicouagan du mont Harfang.jpg|thumb|View of the Manicouagan reservoir from Mont Harfang in the Monts Groulx]] The Manicouagan includes several hiking trails such as the Pointe Saint-Gilles trail in Baie-Comeau, which has sculptures and interpretive panels along its route. It is also possible to go horse riding or cycling. The Monts Groulx are a good destination for lovers of trekking and wilderness. Quad biking (called VTT, or all-terrain vehicle, in Quebec) is a popular activity in the region. A well-signposted network of trails allows you to discover the region and observe the landscapes of its hinterland. For golf enthusiasts, there are four 9 or 18 hole golf courses in Manicouagan. The [[Tadoussac]] golf club has a magnificent view of the Saguenay Fjord while the [[Forestville]] golf club overlooks the St. Lawrence River. The other two clubs are located in Baie-Comeau and [[Pointe-aux-Outardes]]. == Eat == Several small markets and grocery stores offer a unique chance to taste local products. Fish and seafood are the culinary specialty of the region, including some that are more unusual such as sea urchin. The period from March to October is ideal for taking advantage of the daily fresh produce from the fishmongers that dot the entire region. It is also possible to find local game served in the many restaurants in Manicouagan. == Accommodation == The area has a variety of accommodation types. Several campsites are available for camping in caravans or tents. Some, including those in Tadoussac and Cap-Bon-Désir, are located directly on the shore of the St. Lawrence, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of whales! The area also includes lodges, hotels and inns. Some outfitters also offer cabin accommodation in their packages. ==Buy== ==Stay safe== ==Cope== * {{Listing | name=Emergency number | alt=Numéro d'appel d'urgence | url= | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone=911 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Others numbers: Maritime distress (French: Détresse maritime) +1-800-463-4393; Poaching: +1-800-463-2191 }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=CAA-Québec | alt= | url= | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone=+1-514-861-1313 | tollfree=+1-800-222-4537 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Automotive repair. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Road conditions | alt=État des routes | url=http://www.quebec511.info/fr/default.aspx | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone=511 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Information service on the state of roads and road works }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Canadian Coast Guard | alt=Garde côtière canadienne | url= | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-267-6687 | hours=24 hours | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Nautical information service. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Info-Santé | alt= | url= | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone=811 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Health and social services centers (French: Centres de santé et de services sociaux). }} ==Go next== From Manicouagan, you can visit the rest of the [[Côte-Nord]], which is part of the tourist region of [[Duplessis]] to the east. To the west, we find the [[Charlevoix]], which is an important tourist destination. It is also possible to go to [[Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean]]. In addition, by crossing the St. Lawrence River, one can reach the regions of [[Bas-Saint-Laurent]] and [[Gaspésie]]. {{usableregion}} {{IsPartOf|Quebec}} {{geo|50.867|-65.817|zoom=6}} o6g2kscpgtdm774p7n4sx6kmljo5wkv 4487990 4487926 2022-07-21T21:31:08Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Talk */ ce wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Manicouagan banner.jpg|pgname=Manicouagan (tourist region)}} [[File:Baie St-Pancrace pres de Baie-Comeau.JPG|thumb|400px|Saint-Pancrace Bay in Franquelin]] The '''Manicouagan''' is a tourist region of maritime [[Quebec]] located on the [[North Shore]] of the St. Lawrence River. The region presents its visitors with faces as varied as they are fabulous. It is known for its large expanses and its proximity to the St. Lawrence River. == Understand == The tourist region of Manicouagan forms the western part of the administrative region of the [[Côte-Nord]], the tourist region of [[Duplessis]] forming the second part to the east. It includes the regional county municipalities (RCM) of Manicouagan and La Haute-Côte-Nord, whose main cities are respectively [[Baie-Comeau]] and [[Forestville]]. The region is located on the north side of the St. Lawrence River and the inhabited part is mainly located along the coast. It has a population of approximately 45,500 inhabitants. The main economic activity of La Haute-Côte-Nord is tourism, while the MRC of Manicouagan is known for its hydroelectric production. The name "Manicouagan" is borrowed from the river of the same name located in the region. With the coast that overlooks the magnificent St. Lawrence River, the cliffs that frame the imposing Saguenay Fjord, the salt marshes where you can observe 175 species of birds, the migratory passes where salmon leap, the whales that swim in the river and without forgetting the boreal forest, the tundra, the bubbling rivers and the deep lakes of its hinterland, the Manicouagan region is definitely pampered by nature! This grandiose setting gave birth to a hydroelectric empire where the largest multiple-arch dam in the world, the Daniel-Johnson dam (Manic-5), reigns supreme. Suitable for hiking, camping, scuba diving, sea kayaking, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling, this region covers a vast territory of wilderness that will charm outdoor enthusiasts with clean air, wide open spaces and authenticity. There is a permanent tourist information office in [[Baie-Comeau]] and seasonal offices in [[Tadoussac]], [[Les Bergeronnes|Bergeronnes]], [[Les Escoumins|Escoumins]], [[Longue-Rive]], at [[Portneuf-sur-Mer]], at [[Forestville]], at [[Ragueneau]] on the [[Manicouagan Peninsula]], at [[Baie-Comeau]], in [[Godbout]] and in [[Port-Cartier]]. ==Cities== {{mapframe}}{{mapshape}} * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Baie-Comeau]]|wikidata=Q139654|lat=49.231985|long=-68.212321}} — Main city of the MRC of Manicouagan, at the crossroads of the road to the north for [[Fermont]] and connected with the south coast of the St. Lawrence River by a ferry. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Forestville (Quebec)|Forestville]]|wikidata=Q142345|lat=48.733338|long=-69.083338}} — Main city of the RCM of La Haute-Côte-Nord, member of the Fédération des villages-relais du Québec. A popular spot for hunting and fishing. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Pointe-aux-Outardes]]|wikidata=Q3393511|lat=49.052391|long=-68.394218}} — Small village located between Tadoussac and Baie-Comeau known for bird watching. Ornithology enthusiasts will find more than 200 species of birds there. Boardwalks have been constructed along the shoreline for bird watching. The Longue-Rive Salt Marsh Interpretation Center is also a good destination since Canada geese (known locally as bustards) and greater snow geese stop there during their migrations. * {{marker|type=city|name=[[Tadoussac]]|wikidata=Q1857392|lat=48.150005|long=-69.716672}} — Gateway to the region by car, is part of the Association of the most beautiful villages of Quebec. In addition, Tadoussac Bay is part of the club of the most beautiful bays in the world. It is therefore an essential destination when visiting the region. Located on the edge of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Tadoussac is an ideal starting point for marine mammal observation excursions. ==Other destinations== * {{marker|name=[[Île René-Levasseur]]|wikidata=Q1263027|lat=51.383333|long=-68.7}} — Second largest island in [[Quebec]], located in the Manicouagan reservoir, created by the rising waters following the construction of the Daniel Johnson dam, includes two protected areas. * {{marker|name=[[Louis-Babel Ecological Reserve]]|wikidata=Q575033|lat=51.45|long=-68.683333}} — The largest ecological reserve in [[Quebec]], includes the northern part of [[Rene-Levasseur Island]] as well as the summit of Mount Babel. ==Get in== [[File:2016-08 Tadoussac 02.jpg|thumb|The road leading to the ferry that crosses the Saguenay River]] ===By car=== [[File:Qc138.svg|left|18px]] It is possible to reach the region by car from the southwest by taking the '''route 138'''. It begins at the [[United States|US]] border with [[New York State]] (where it becomes ''New York State Highway 30'') to the south-west of [[Montreal]] and runs along the St. Lawrence River to [[Natashquan]]. However, it is possible to use different routes up to [[Quebec (city)|Quebec]] (Highway 20 or Highway 40 for example). From Quebec, the region is located at a distance of approximately {{convert|220|km}} by road, or a trip of 3:30 hours by car. It is also possible to reach route 138 from [[Rivière-du-Loup]] in [[Bas-Saint-Laurent]] (accessible by route 132) by taking the ferry ''Trans-Saint-Laurent'' linking [[Saint-Siméon (Charlevoix)|Saint-Siméon]] in [[Charlevoix]] (capacity of 399 people and 100 cars and crossing lasting 65 minutes). By taking route 138, you will enter the region at [[Tadoussac]]. Note that Route 138 has a maritime section between [[Baie-Sainte-Catherine]] in Charlevoix and Tadoussac to cross the Saguenay Fjord. The crossing is free for passengers and vehicles and takes approximately 10 minutes. It is not necessary to reserve and the service is offered year-round. [[File:Qc172.svg|left|18px]] It is also possible to reach Manicouagan from [[Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean]] by taking Route 172 which leads to Tadoussac. Please note that the Route 172 route is mostly in a park, so there are no gas stations along the route, in addition to cell signal which is mostly non-existent. Note that it is also possible to reach the region by car by taking the ''Camille-Marcoux'' ferry from [[Matane]] on the [[Gaspésie|Gaspé peninsula]] (see the section [[Manicouagan# By Boat|By Boat]] below). ===By bus === ===By bus=== * {{listing | name=Intercar | alt= | url=https://intercar.ca | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions=on Rte 138 | phone=+1 418-665-3443 | tollfree=+1-800-806-2167 | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Intercity bus between [[Quebec City]], [[Baie-Comeau]], [[Sept-Îles]] et [[Havre-Saint-Pierre]]. }} ===By boat=== [[File:F.-A. Gauthier.jpg|alt=|thumb|Ferryboat ''F.-A. Gauthier'']] [[File:CNMevolutiontraversier.jpg|thumb|right|Ferryboat ''CNM Évolution'']] * {{listing|name=Ferryboat Godbout-Matane via the boat "Camille-Marcoux"|alt=|url=https://www.traversiers.com/fr/nos-traverses/traverse-matane-baie-comeau-godbout/accueil/|email=|address=gare fluviale de Godbout: 117, rue Pascal-Comeau, Godbout|lat=49.32294|long=-67.59329|directions=at the wharf in the village of Godbout|phone=+1 418-562-2500|tollfree=+1 877-562-6560|hours=throughout the year|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-20|content=Since the summer of 2015, the crossing has been carried out by the ship N.M. F.-A. Gauthier replacing the old ship named the Camille-Marcoux. It is the largest vessel of the Société des traversiers du Québec with a capacity of 800 people and 180 cars. It offers one to two round trips per day depending on the time of year. The crossing takes more than two hours. The ship offers a catering service, a bar and an exhibition room in addition, of course, to allowing you to observe the sea. It is recommended to make your reservation in advance. This is mandatory for vehicles.|type=go}} * {{listing|name=Compagnie de navigation des Basques|alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-20|content=Crossing with the Bas-Saint-Laurent, ''L'Héritage'' makes the crossing between Trois-Pistoles and Les Escoumins. The journey time is 1:30 hours. This service is only offered from May to October.|type=go}} * {{listing|name=''CNM Évolution'' |alt=|url=|email=|address=|lat=|long=|directions=|phone=|tollfree=|hours=|price=|image=|lastedit=2022-07-20|content=Crossing between Rimouski and Forestville. This is the fastest ferry in Quebec, it makes the crossing in one Hour.|type=go}} A few marinas located along the river, including that of Tadoussac, allow nautical travelers to dock to visit the region. ===By plane=== The [[Baie-Comeau]] airport (located 10 minutes from the city) is served by a few airlines including Air Liaison, Air Canada Jazz and Pascan Aviation. It can be quite expensive to fly between small airports in [[Quebec]], so it is advisable to compare with other means of transport before booking a flight. ==Get around== === By car === [[File:Qc138.svg|18px]] Route 138 is the main highway in the region. It follows the coast of the St. Lawrence River throughout the region between [[Tadoussac]] to the west and [[Baie-Trinité]] to the east. === By quad or snowmobile === Networks of quad and snowmobile trails also allow you to travel in the region in off-road vehicles while allowing you to discover the backcountry and its impressive landscapes. The trails go to gas stations as well as restaurants and accommodation establishments, so it is possible to visit the region by snowmobile! * {{go | name=Manicouagan snowmobile trail map 2012-2013 | alt=Carte des sentiers de motoneige de la Manicouagan 2012-2013 | url=http://cotenord-manicouagan.com/fileadmin/image_pdf/ATR---carte-motoneige-finale-low-res-1_01.jpg | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-20 | content= }} === Routes === ==== By car ==== * {{go | name= [[Route des Baleines]]| alt= | url=http://www.quebecmaritime.ca/fr/planifiez-votre-voyage/circuits-touristiques/la-route-des-baleines?gclid=CNDWutL7xbYCFY1DMgodDG0AHw | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content=Circuit that crosses the region over {{convert|300|km}} on the coast of the St. Lawrence between Tadoussac and Baie-Trinité. Cruises are organized for the observation of marine mammals including blue whales, but also belugas and rorquals. In fact, there are 13 different species of whales in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is also possible to observe them by sea kayak or even from observation sites on the shore. In addition, there are seals all along the coast. Marine mammals mainly frequent the region from May to October. }} ==== By snowmobile ==== * {{go | name= [[Raid nordique]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} * {{go | name= [[Raid du Saint-Laurent]]| alt= | url= | email= | address= | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+1 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | content= }} == Talk == The language spoken in Manicouagan is French. It will be possible to make yourself understood in English language in most tourist places. Manicouagan also includes a little more than {{formatnum:4000}} Indigenous people, of whom approximately {{formatnum:2500}} still speak their Indigenous language, mainly Innu-aimun, in addition to French or English. ==See== ==Do== [[File:Baie de la Trinité.jpg|thumb|right|Trinité Bay]] [[File:2016-08 Kayak Grandes Bergeronnes Saint Lawrence River 03.jpg|thumb|Kayaking on the St. Lawrence River near Les Bergeronnes]] The region is known for outdoor activities and [[ecotourism]]. Sea excursions, cruises or kayaks, are obviously a must in order to fully enjoy the region and observe the whales. Scuba diving enthusiasts will also be well served with the aquatic fauna and flora of the St. Lawrence River as well as some wrecks. Thanks to its strong winds, the area is very popular for kitesurfing. During the winter season, packages for dog sledding, ice climbing and Nordic skiing are offered. Outfitters also offer ice fishing packages (ice fishing) including stays in cabins. Several cross-country ski trails run through the region. Moreover, the Boréal Loppet Hydro-Québec is a cross-country ski competition organized each year at the beginning of March for both athletes and families. There is also a very well signposted network of snowmobile trails that includes some pretty impressive walkways. In [[Baie-Comeau]], a ski center offers 14 slopes of different levels for downhill skiing and other sliding sports. The Manicouagan is a fishing paradise for both Atlantic salmon and brook trout (known locally as speckled trout). In addition to many outfitters offering hunting and fishing packages including accommodation, the region has four controlled harvesting zones (zec) that will meet the needs of hunting and fishing enthusiasts. At this height, the St. Lawrence River forms a real sea and several fine sandy beaches are present to enjoy and swim. It is recommended to find out about the tides before venturing along the river to avoid unpleasant surprises. [[File:Réservoir Manicouagan du mont Harfang.jpg|thumb|View of the Manicouagan reservoir from Mont Harfang in the Monts Groulx]] The Manicouagan includes several hiking trails such as the Pointe Saint-Gilles trail in Baie-Comeau, which has sculptures and interpretive panels along its route. It is also possible to go horse riding or cycling. The Monts Groulx are a good destination for lovers of trekking and wilderness. Quad biking (called VTT, or all-terrain vehicle, in Quebec) is a popular activity in the region. A well-signposted network of trails allows you to discover the region and observe the landscapes of its hinterland. For golf enthusiasts, there are four 9 or 18 hole golf courses in Manicouagan. The [[Tadoussac]] golf club has a magnificent view of the Saguenay Fjord while the [[Forestville]] golf club overlooks the St. Lawrence River. The other two clubs are located in Baie-Comeau and [[Pointe-aux-Outardes]]. == Eat == Several small markets and grocery stores offer a unique chance to taste local products. Fish and seafood are the culinary specialty of the region, including some that are more unusual such as sea urchin. The period from March to October is ideal for taking advantage of the daily fresh produce from the fishmongers that dot the entire region. It is also possible to find local game served in the many restaurants in Manicouagan. == Accommodation == The area has a variety of accommodation types. Several campsites are available for camping in caravans or tents. Some, including those in Tadoussac and Cap-Bon-Désir, are located directly on the shore of the St. Lawrence, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of whales! The area also includes lodges, hotels and inns. Some outfitters also offer cabin accommodation in their packages. ==Buy== ==Stay safe== ==Cope== * {{Listing | name=Emergency number | alt=Numéro d'appel d'urgence | url= | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone=911 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Others numbers: Maritime distress (French: Détresse maritime) +1-800-463-4393; Poaching: +1-800-463-2191 }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=CAA-Québec | alt= | url= | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone=+1-514-861-1313 | tollfree=+1-800-222-4537 | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Automotive repair. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Road conditions | alt=État des routes | url=http://www.quebec511.info/fr/default.aspx | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone=511 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Information service on the state of roads and road works }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Canadian Coast Guard | alt=Garde côtière canadienne | url= | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone= | tollfree=+1-800-267-6687 | hours=24 hours | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Nautical information service. }} * {{mapgroup-item | name=Info-Santé | alt= | url= | facebook=| email= | address=| directions= | phone=811 | tollfree= | hours= | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-21 | lat= | long= | content=Health and social services centers (French: Centres de santé et de services sociaux). }} ==Go next== From Manicouagan, you can visit the rest of the [[Côte-Nord]], which is part of the tourist region of [[Duplessis]] to the east. To the west, we find the [[Charlevoix]], which is an important tourist destination. It is also possible to go to [[Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean]]. In addition, by crossing the St. Lawrence River, one can reach the regions of [[Bas-Saint-Laurent]] and [[Gaspésie]]. {{usableregion}} {{IsPartOf|Quebec}} {{geo|50.867|-65.817|zoom=6}} mueiyzwlmmrskd8dmvowqfldsv0fork 5 193986 4487928 2022-07-21T20:13:07Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Remove a sentence? */ new section wikitext text/x-wiki == Remove a sentence? == Per discussion at [[meta:Wikivoyage/Lounge#Travel topic skeleton (en)]]: Is there any good reason to include "'''Travel topic''' is a travel topic." in this template, or could we please remove it? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:13, 21 July 2022 (UTC) kj7sy2xdoormosdkr14mir0auai2vcm 1 193987 4487938 2022-07-21T20:22:45Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Name, place in Quebec, need for article */ new section wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) 4u98145al1yvszg7n1cndob1i0t9arh 4487962 4487938 2022-07-21T20:39:31Z Twsabin 2272730 support merger wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) 1q8jym8g1zk2c4f7nttdcvi0lemgohh 4487968 4487962 2022-07-21T20:45:41Z Twsabin 2272730 to preempt an argument regarding area: yes Côte-Nord has an area greater than a very large number of countries, but... total population: 92,518 (2016) wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) pj4x4ygoe04egzp3al95avtlqkoblh0 4487974 4487968 2022-07-21T20:51:46Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) k26713s3wvzwld4s7yevztlhx4o7ivy 4487987 4487974 2022-07-21T21:27:33Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Name, place in Quebec, need for article */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality article. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) rckgawgmsguw5nzph7aaunsgveyd5sk 4487988 4487987 2022-07-21T21:27:48Z SHB2000 2248002 wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) scl3vbyxl4yds5ot3hrdm4j0c9kg3sw 4487993 4487988 2022-07-21T21:35:00Z Twsabin 2272730 re wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) oke87u46httjgp5m6nqmmdzdkd4641g 4487994 4487993 2022-07-21T21:36:28Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) jiuaj21jsoqsdkwra2z28xnvunrsy7p 4487995 4487994 2022-07-21T21:40:08Z Twsabin 2272730 re wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving it there. Were the move to result with a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) g7nd5lzfievjnn9dk3e6w82w2ctgtux 4487996 4487995 2022-07-21T21:40:27Z Twsabin 2272730 wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result with a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) d0dltk23dzf50rwng0sq04euv6rak0f 4487997 4487996 2022-07-21T21:40:55Z Twsabin 2272730 cmt fix grammar wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) cod132tcr6g1sg9xhyorf1r8uy9xf0j 4487998 4487997 2022-07-21T21:42:37Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Name, place in Quebec, need for article */ wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) g8bbjlk0mp8duestst5ssv2la2mh4y9 4487999 4487998 2022-07-21T21:45:34Z Twsabin 2272730 wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ekrrrxn9wtqokoiyk0ycbm0oljonriz 4488000 4487999 2022-07-21T21:46:14Z Twsabin 2272730 clarify wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article (after it had been turned into a brief summary) how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) sw91sha14ugxqzysl0nzcyu8gp79nyy 4488001 4488000 2022-07-21T21:48:23Z Twsabin 2272730 cmt+ wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article (after it had been turned into a brief summary) how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::Should we tell them somewhere: "Okay, you're here... but actually, you know, go and read the North Shore article for real information". It isn't intuitive; it's more intuitive that most detailed content should be under this title, if it already exists [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) aci1sbrve2eey8hnegk6wc3ehxulwuc 4488022 4488001 2022-07-21T23:29:37Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article (after it had been turned into a brief summary) how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::Should we tell them somewhere: "Okay, you're here... but actually, you know, go and read the North Shore article for real information". It isn't intuitive; it's more intuitive that most detailed content should be under this title, if it already exists [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I understand the problem, because it would usually be the reverse - that an article about a smaller area would have the details and the article about the larger area it's part of would have the summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:29, 21 July 2022 (UTC) soe7ea1osultnzai9q37z68gaw39m4d 4488024 4488022 2022-07-21T23:30:01Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Name, place in Quebec, need for article */ wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article (after it had been turned into a brief summary) how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::Should we tell them somewhere: "Okay, you're here... but actually, you know, go and read the North Shore article for real information". It isn't intuitive; it's more intuitive that most detailed content should be under this title, if it already exists [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I understand the problem, because it would usually be the reverse - that an article about a smaller area would have the details and the article about the larger area it's part of would have the summary. So yeah, maybe a merge and redirect would be best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:29, 21 July 2022 (UTC) 7yu1k47y78qi8sx5pv8g08ifm1x9pcx 4488048 4488024 2022-07-22T01:45:09Z Veillg1 253590 /* Name, place in Quebec, need for article */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article (after it had been turned into a brief summary) how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::Should we tell them somewhere: "Okay, you're here... but actually, you know, go and read the North Shore article for real information". It isn't intuitive; it's more intuitive that most detailed content should be under this title, if it already exists [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I understand the problem, because it would usually be the reverse - that an article about a smaller area would have the details and the article about the larger area it's part of would have the summary. So yeah, maybe a merge and redirect would be best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:29, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::With the hindsight that this discussion allows, here are some observations, according to what is published on the Côte-Nord region of Quebec. :::::::::The French project currently focuses on the tourist content of the Duplessis and Manicouagan tourist sub-regions; and little on the article "Côte-Nord". Only two RCMs (Minganie and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent) have an article; therefore 4 RCM have no articles. :::::::::The English project instead displays content in the Côte-Nord article, and the Manicouagan and Duplessis sub-regions; as well as on the RCM Caniapiscau, Minganie and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent. So 3 RCM have no articles. :::::::::A few observations: :::::::::* content on remote regions (Minganie, Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent and Caniapiscau) are handled better by the RCMs, because of their specific characteristics of remoteness; :::::::::* The RCM La Haute-Côte-Nord, Manicouagan and Sept-Rivières have more common characteristics in terms of recreational tourism, because of road access and less distance from major urban centres. :::::::::Possible options as editorial policy: :::::::::A. Focus on RCMs (regional county municipality); this would involve decreasing the contents of the subregions (or perhaps erasing them). :::::::::B. Emphasize the content of articles from the two sub-regions and that of the North Shore; this would imply that the RCMs would have little content (or would be erased). :::::::::Notes: :::::::::*Four levels of information is confusing for readers and editors. The extra level seems to me to be the two tourist sub-regions (Manicouagan and Duplessis). :::::::::*It would be desirable for the French and English versions to be harmonized. :::::::::For my part, I am very open to discussion. [[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]] ([[User talk:Veillg1|talk]]) 01:45, 22 July 2022 (UTC) dg9jacgo2xae7184eg3gvr2fohidzyx 4488062 4488048 2022-07-22T02:19:22Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Name, place in Quebec, need for article */ wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article (after it had been turned into a brief summary) how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::Should we tell them somewhere: "Okay, you're here... but actually, you know, go and read the North Shore article for real information". It isn't intuitive; it's more intuitive that most detailed content should be under this title, if it already exists [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I understand the problem, because it would usually be the reverse - that an article about a smaller area would have the details and the article about the larger area it's part of would have the summary. So yeah, maybe a merge and redirect would be best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:29, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::With the hindsight that this discussion allows, here are some observations, according to what is published on the Côte-Nord region of Quebec. :::::::::The French project currently focuses on the tourist content of the Duplessis and Manicouagan tourist sub-regions; and little on the article "Côte-Nord". Only two RCMs (Minganie and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent) have an article; therefore 4 RCM have no articles. :::::::::The English project instead displays content in the Côte-Nord article, and the Manicouagan and Duplessis sub-regions; as well as on the RCM Caniapiscau, Minganie and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent. So 3 RCM have no articles. :::::::::A few observations: :::::::::* content on remote regions (Minganie, Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent and Caniapiscau) are handled better by the RCMs, because of their specific characteristics of remoteness; :::::::::* The RCM La Haute-Côte-Nord, Manicouagan and Sept-Rivières have more common characteristics in terms of recreational tourism, because of road access and less distance from major urban centres. :::::::::Possible options as editorial policy: :::::::::A. Focus on RCMs (regional county municipality); this would involve decreasing the contents of the subregions (or perhaps erasing them). :::::::::B. Emphasize the content of articles from the two sub-regions and that of the North Shore; this would imply that the RCMs would have little content (or would be erased). :::::::::Notes: :::::::::*Four levels of information is confusing for readers and editors. The extra level seems to me to be the two tourist sub-regions (Manicouagan and Duplessis). :::::::::*It would be desirable for the French and English versions to be harmonized. :::::::::For my part, I am very open to discussion. [[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]] ([[User talk:Veillg1|talk]]) 01:45, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Thanks for addressing this. (1) It's not important for different language versions to be anything close to identical. It's natural, for example, that there are more articles about neighborhoods in Rome in Italian-Language Wikivoyage. (2) Content on remote regions could be covered separately as bottom-level rural area articles, but this tourist region includes cities that already have their own articles. (3) I doubt that any content on places that don't merit their own articles per [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]] couldn't be covered in the article for the North Coast. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 4tjiy4k36o0y5gn0p7rqaspay9l0lx0 4488063 4488062 2022-07-22T02:19:42Z Ikan Kekek 36420 wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article (after it had been turned into a brief summary) how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::Should we tell them somewhere: "Okay, you're here... but actually, you know, go and read the North Shore article for real information". It isn't intuitive; it's more intuitive that most detailed content should be under this title, if it already exists [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I understand the problem, because it would usually be the reverse - that an article about a smaller area would have the details and the article about the larger area it's part of would have the summary. So yeah, maybe a merge and redirect would be best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:29, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::With the hindsight that this discussion allows, here are some observations, according to what is published on the Côte-Nord region of Quebec. :::::::::The French project currently focuses on the tourist content of the Duplessis and Manicouagan tourist sub-regions; and little on the article "Côte-Nord". Only two RCMs (Minganie and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent) have an article; therefore 4 RCM have no articles. :::::::::The English project instead displays content in the Côte-Nord article, and the Manicouagan and Duplessis sub-regions; as well as on the RCM Caniapiscau, Minganie and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent. So 3 RCM have no articles. :::::::::A few observations: :::::::::* content on remote regions (Minganie, Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent and Caniapiscau) are handled better by the RCMs, because of their specific characteristics of remoteness; :::::::::* The RCM La Haute-Côte-Nord, Manicouagan and Sept-Rivières have more common characteristics in terms of recreational tourism, because of road access and less distance from major urban centres. :::::::::Possible options as editorial policy: :::::::::A. Focus on RCMs (regional county municipality); this would involve decreasing the contents of the subregions (or perhaps erasing them). :::::::::B. Emphasize the content of articles from the two sub-regions and that of the North Shore; this would imply that the RCMs would have little content (or would be erased). :::::::::Notes: :::::::::*Four levels of information is confusing for readers and editors. The extra level seems to me to be the two tourist sub-regions (Manicouagan and Duplessis). :::::::::*It would be desirable for the French and English versions to be harmonized. :::::::::For my part, I am very open to discussion. [[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]] ([[User talk:Veillg1|talk]]) 01:45, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Thanks for addressing this. Some replies: (1) It's not important for different language versions to be anything close to identical. It's natural, for example, that there are more articles about neighborhoods in Rome in Italian-Language Wikivoyage. (2) Content on remote regions could be covered separately as bottom-level rural area articles, but this tourist region includes cities that already have their own articles. (3) I doubt that any content on places that don't merit their own articles per [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]] couldn't be covered in the article for the North Coast. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 22 July 2022 (UTC) phoxntbjntkwn3e9snt0v9i2m3fxedo 4488127 4488063 2022-07-22T07:33:52Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Name, place in Quebec, need for article */ Reply wikitext text/x-wiki == Name, place in [[Quebec]], need for article == First, this doesn't need parentheses. Second, it is not included among the regions in the [[Quebec]] article and seems to be part of the [[North Shore]] region, which has no "Regions" section at all. So should this be a [[WV:Rural area article template|rural area article]]? Apparently not, since it contains cities with Wikivoyage articles. Why is this article needed at all? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:22, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Merge''' with [[North Shore]], as all of the new content should have been added there. North Shore has more than 9 cities, but not many more than that, and it should be a "bottom level region" (in the language of [[wv:7+2]]); total population of North Shore: 92,518 (2016). There's no need to split North Shore into the so-called "Manicouagan travel region" (no mention of "Manicuagan region" in general) and the "Duplessis travel region" (same). I also support removing all mention of the aforementioned unnecessarily constructed subregions. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 20:39, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::[[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]], your input? [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 20:51, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :'''Keep as an extraregion'''. Contrary to the regional county municipality articles, this one does have some content in it, and if it is a commonly used name, then it should be kept. [[Manicouagan]] is a disambiguation page though, but I'm really not sure whether we need an article for both the tourist region and the regional county municipality. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 21:27, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::It doesn't meet the definition of an extraregion as something "parallel to the accepted hierarchy" -- this is an implicit proposal to deepen the accepted hierarchy with an additional level by subdiving North Coast into two subregions. The proposal should not be accepted because North Coast should be the bottom level region for this area. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:34, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::[Edit conflict:] That seems sensible; just as long as it doesn't mess up the [[WV:Breadcrumb navigation|breadcrumb navigation]]. As long as it's an extraregion, it doesn't really imply anything. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:36, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::North Shore is a usable article but it's on the short side. It could be much longer. If the content of Manicouagan (tourist region) would be a good addition to North Shore, then we would do a disservice to the North Shore article by not improving it by moving said content there. Were the move to result in a lot of duplication, there'd be no point in keeping the partial duplicate article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:40, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::This could be turned into a brief summary. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 21:42, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::It could but if a reader is to stumble upon this article (after it had been turned into a brief summary) how would they know that there is actually more in-depth content about everything that's in the "Manucouagan region" in the effectively (in real world terms) higher-level North Shore article. [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:45, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::Should we tell them somewhere: "Okay, you're here... but actually, you know, go and read the North Shore article for real information". It isn't intuitive; it's more intuitive that most detailed content should be under this title, if it already exists [[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] ([[User talk:Twsabin|talk]]) 21:48, 21 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::I understand the problem, because it would usually be the reverse - that an article about a smaller area would have the details and the article about the larger area it's part of would have the summary. So yeah, maybe a merge and redirect would be best. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 23:29, 21 July 2022 (UTC) :::::::::With the hindsight that this discussion allows, here are some observations, according to what is published on the Côte-Nord region of Quebec. :::::::::The French project currently focuses on the tourist content of the Duplessis and Manicouagan tourist sub-regions; and little on the article "Côte-Nord". Only two RCMs (Minganie and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent) have an article; therefore 4 RCM have no articles. :::::::::The English project instead displays content in the Côte-Nord article, and the Manicouagan and Duplessis sub-regions; as well as on the RCM Caniapiscau, Minganie and Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent. So 3 RCM have no articles. :::::::::A few observations: :::::::::* content on remote regions (Minganie, Le Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent and Caniapiscau) are handled better by the RCMs, because of their specific characteristics of remoteness; :::::::::* The RCM La Haute-Côte-Nord, Manicouagan and Sept-Rivières have more common characteristics in terms of recreational tourism, because of road access and less distance from major urban centres. :::::::::Possible options as editorial policy: :::::::::A. Focus on RCMs (regional county municipality); this would involve decreasing the contents of the subregions (or perhaps erasing them). :::::::::B. Emphasize the content of articles from the two sub-regions and that of the North Shore; this would imply that the RCMs would have little content (or would be erased). :::::::::Notes: :::::::::*Four levels of information is confusing for readers and editors. The extra level seems to me to be the two tourist sub-regions (Manicouagan and Duplessis). :::::::::*It would be desirable for the French and English versions to be harmonized. :::::::::For my part, I am very open to discussion. [[User:Veillg1|Veillg1]] ([[User talk:Veillg1|talk]]) 01:45, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ::::::::::Thanks for addressing this. Some replies: (1) It's not important for different language versions to be anything close to identical. It's natural, for example, that there are more articles about neighborhoods in Rome in Italian-Language Wikivoyage. (2) Content on remote regions could be covered separately as bottom-level rural area articles, but this tourist region includes cities that already have their own articles. (3) I doubt that any content on places that don't merit their own articles per [[Wikivoyage:What is an article]] couldn't be covered in the article for the North Coast. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 02:19, 22 July 2022 (UTC) :::@[[User:Twsabin|Twsabin]] Nope, extraregions can be any region-like article that doesn't fit into our hierarchy. Perhaps see [[Ningaloo Coast]] which is in a similar boat to this. It's entirely within [[Gascoyne]], just like how this is a part of Quebec's North Shore but yet we've never had a problem with that extraregion. <span style="font-family:BlinkMacSystemFont">[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] <small>([[User talk:SHB2000|talk]] &#124; [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]] &#124; [[m:User:SHB2000|meta.wikimedia]])</small></span> 07:33, 22 July 2022 (UTC) ln6mbbevu81v72vzsyvxwfsjwx8iawn 1 193988 4488049 2022-07-22T01:46:23Z Ground Zero 1423298 /* Merger */ new section wikitext text/x-wiki == Merger == Merger proposed by [[User:ButteBag]] * '''Support''' per nomination. [[User:Ground Zero|Ground Zero]] ([[User talk:Ground Zero|talk]]) 01:46, 22 July 2022 (UTC) qe8bn7zpvvskd752tn1q8t83gckaw53 3 193989 4488156 2022-07-22T09:06:49Z Ikan Kekek 36420 Created page with "== == {{subst:tout}} Also, read [[tour]]. ~~~~" wikitext text/x-wiki == == Hello, 103.119.66.70! Thank you for contributing to Wikivoyage, but please note that one or more of your recent edits has been reverted as it appeared to be an attempt to use this site to advertise or promote a business or service. Wikivoyage is created by travellers ''for'' travellers, and while [[WV:Welcome, business owners|business owners and employees]] are welcome to contribute, use of this site for promotional purposes is not allowed. If you feel that your edits were incorrectly identified as promotional, '''please read Wikivoyage's [[WV:Don't tout|guidelines on identifying promotional edits]]'''. If, after reading that guideline, you ''still'' feel your edits were incorrectly removed, please use this [[WV:Using talk pages|talk page]] or the talk page of the article where your edit was removed to explain why your change was not promotional. Note that it is very important that you discuss your proposed change '''before''' re-adding it since repeated promotional edits can lead to a temporary block of your account's ability to edit Wikivoyage, and in serious cases the business in question may be blacklisted from Wikivoyage. Also, read [[tour]]. [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:06, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 9dbi3fv3nm4n4kif28hko6pe1a2in83 3 193990 4488160 2022-07-22T09:16:59Z Ikan Kekek 36420 /* Welcome and thanks! */ new section wikitext text/x-wiki == Welcome and thanks! == Hello, English Sean! [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, newcomers|Welcome]] to [[Wikivoyage:About|Wikivoyage]]. To help get you started contributing, we've created a [[Wikivoyage:Tips for new contributors|tips for new contributors]] page, full of helpful links about [[Wikivoyage:Directory of policies and guidelines|policies and guidelines]] and [[Wikivoyage:Manual of style|style]], as well as some important information on [[Wikivoyage:Copyleft|copyleft]] and basic stuff like [[Wikivoyage:How to edit a page|how to edit a page]]. If you need help, check out [[Wikivoyage:Help|Help]], or post a message in the [[Wikivoyage:Travellers' pub|travellers' pub]]. New users are also welcome to post any questions or concerns to the [[Wikivoyage:Arrivals lounge|arrivals lounge]]. If you want some practice editing, please do so on our [[Project:graffiti wall|graffiti wall]]. If you are familiar with Wikipedia, take a look over some of the [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, Wikipedians|differences]] here. If you want to contribute with information about the place where you live, see [[Wikivoyage:Welcome, locals]]. Thanks for helping out in the [[Vietnam]] article and for editing your information to fit this site's house [[style]]. Please stick around and add any other information that might help a traveller. All the best, [[User:Ikan Kekek|Ikan Kekek]] ([[User talk:Ikan Kekek|talk]]) 09:16, 22 July 2022 (UTC) 2aoijgr8unf7obb3pgd9oi2o0ko4ona 0 193991 4488175 2022-07-22T09:58:27Z SHB2000 2248002 Redirected page to [[Outback Queensland]] wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Outback Queensland]] tcplas2vn8yyjewips6qp4qaaae0c9i 0 193992 4488176 2022-07-22T09:58:50Z SHB2000 2248002 Redirected page to [[Outback Queensland]] wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Outback Queensland]] tcplas2vn8yyjewips6qp4qaaae0c9i 0 193993 4488177 2022-07-22T09:59:11Z SHB2000 2248002 Redirected page to [[Outback Queensland]] wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Outback Queensland]] tcplas2vn8yyjewips6qp4qaaae0c9i 0 193994 4488178 2022-07-22T09:59:27Z SHB2000 2248002 Redirected page to [[Outback Queensland]] wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Outback Queensland]] tcplas2vn8yyjewips6qp4qaaae0c9i 0 193995 4488179 2022-07-22T09:59:45Z SHB2000 2248002 Redirected page to [[Outback Queensland]] wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Outback Queensland]] tcplas2vn8yyjewips6qp4qaaae0c9i 0 193996 4488180 2022-07-22T10:00:06Z SHB2000 2248002 Redirected page to [[Outback Queensland]] wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Outback Queensland]] tcplas2vn8yyjewips6qp4qaaae0c9i 0 193998 4488216 2022-07-22T11:45:18Z SHB2000 2248002 Created page with "{{pagebanner|Gundabooka National Park banner.jpg}} '''{{subst:PAGENAME}}''' is a 639.02-km² park in the northwest of the [[Outback New South Wales|Outback]] in [[New South Wales]] about 52 km south of [[Bourke]]. Along with [[Sturt National Park]] and the newly-established [[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]], it's another one of the "real outback" parks. It's an important site to the Indigenous Ngemba people and there are many artifacts and rock art..." wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Gundabooka National Park banner.jpg}} '''Gundabooka National Park''' is a 639.02-km² park in the northwest of the [[Outback New South Wales|Outback]] in [[New South Wales]] about 52 km south of [[Bourke]]. Along with [[Sturt National Park]] and the newly-established [[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]], it's another one of the "real outback" parks. It's an important site to the Indigenous Ngemba people and there are many artifacts and rock art that can be found within the park, though only one of them is accessible to travelers. For practical purposes, this article also covers parts of the '''Gundabooka State Conservation Area''' that's contiguous with the national park, and the narrow strip of land that surrounds Ben Lomond Road that is technically not part of the park (as it's not owned by the NSW NPWS). ==Understand== ===History=== ===Landscape=== ===Flora and fauna=== ===Climate=== ==Get in== ==Fees and permits== {{mapframe}} ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== ===Camping=== ===Backcountry=== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Outback New South Wales}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo||}} {{Mapmask|-30.2743,145.6847|-30.2898,145.6524|-30.3164,145.6326|-30.3410,145.6143|-30.3796,145.5882|-30.3889,145.5735|-30.3909,145.5703|-30.4721,145.6239|-30.4944,145.5920|-30.4998,145.5844|-30.5097,145.5586|-30.5115,145.5541|-30.5947,145.6102|-30.6072,145.6186|-30.6208,145.6278|-30.6313,145.6106|-30.6386,145.6150|-30.6419,145.6170|-30.6433,145.6178|-30.6521,145.6239|-30.6577,145.6278|-30.6629,145.6313|-30.6637,145.6319|-30.6682,145.6350|-30.6231,145.7239|-30.6623,145.7496|-30.5951,145.8860|-30.5454,145.9018|-30.5144,145.8784|-30.5168,145.8736|-30.4989,145.8660|-30.4830,145.8860|-30.4432,145.8581|-30.4260,145.8913|-30.3933,145.8684|-30.4401,145.7936|-30.3905,145.7611|-30.2743,145.6847}} ppdwkoj1bs1htd6iize2k130ydbjry7 4488217 4488216 2022-07-22T11:46:20Z SHB2000 2248002 wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Gundabooka National Park banner.jpg}} '''Gundabooka National Park''' is a 639.02-km² [[New South Wales national parks|national park]] in the northwest of the [[Outback New South Wales|Outback]] in [[New South Wales]] about 52 km south of [[Bourke]]. Along with [[Sturt National Park]] and the newly-established [[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]], it's another one of the "real outback" parks. It's an important site to the Indigenous Ngemba people and there are many artifacts and rock art that can be found within the park, though only one of them is accessible to travelers. For practical purposes, this article also covers parts of the '''Gundabooka State Conservation Area''' that's contiguous with the national park, and the narrow strip of land that surrounds Ben Lomond Road that is technically not part of the park (as it's not owned by the NSW NPWS). ==Understand== ===History=== ===Landscape=== ===Flora and fauna=== ===Climate=== ==Get in== ==Fees and permits== {{mapframe}} ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== ===Camping=== ===Backcountry=== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Outback New South Wales}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo||}} {{Mapmask|-30.2743,145.6847|-30.2898,145.6524|-30.3164,145.6326|-30.3410,145.6143|-30.3796,145.5882|-30.3889,145.5735|-30.3909,145.5703|-30.4721,145.6239|-30.4944,145.5920|-30.4998,145.5844|-30.5097,145.5586|-30.5115,145.5541|-30.5947,145.6102|-30.6072,145.6186|-30.6208,145.6278|-30.6313,145.6106|-30.6386,145.6150|-30.6419,145.6170|-30.6433,145.6178|-30.6521,145.6239|-30.6577,145.6278|-30.6629,145.6313|-30.6637,145.6319|-30.6682,145.6350|-30.6231,145.7239|-30.6623,145.7496|-30.5951,145.8860|-30.5454,145.9018|-30.5144,145.8784|-30.5168,145.8736|-30.4989,145.8660|-30.4830,145.8860|-30.4432,145.8581|-30.4260,145.8913|-30.3933,145.8684|-30.4401,145.7936|-30.3905,145.7611|-30.2743,145.6847}} jf9r0drlgiu76in71b1vmvegt1rsfzg 4488222 4488217 2022-07-22T11:51:11Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Understand */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Gundabooka National Park banner.jpg}} '''Gundabooka National Park''' is a 639.02-km² [[New South Wales national parks|national park]] in the northwest of the [[Outback New South Wales|Outback]] in [[New South Wales]] about 52 km south of [[Bourke]]. Along with [[Sturt National Park]] and the newly-established [[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]], it's another one of the "real outback" parks. It's an important site to the Indigenous Ngemba people and there are many artifacts and rock art that can be found within the park, though only one of them is accessible to travelers. For practical purposes, this article also covers parts of the '''Gundabooka State Conservation Area''' that's contiguous with the national park, and the narrow strip of land that surrounds Ben Lomond Road that is technically not part of the park (as it's not owned by the NSW NPWS). ==Understand== ===History=== ===Landscape=== ===Flora and fauna=== ===Climate=== ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/gundabooka-national-park NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website] ==Get in== ==Fees and permits== {{mapframe}} ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== ===Camping=== ===Backcountry=== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Outback New South Wales}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo||}} {{Mapmask|-30.2743,145.6847|-30.2898,145.6524|-30.3164,145.6326|-30.3410,145.6143|-30.3796,145.5882|-30.3889,145.5735|-30.3909,145.5703|-30.4721,145.6239|-30.4944,145.5920|-30.4998,145.5844|-30.5097,145.5586|-30.5115,145.5541|-30.5947,145.6102|-30.6072,145.6186|-30.6208,145.6278|-30.6313,145.6106|-30.6386,145.6150|-30.6419,145.6170|-30.6433,145.6178|-30.6521,145.6239|-30.6577,145.6278|-30.6629,145.6313|-30.6637,145.6319|-30.6682,145.6350|-30.6231,145.7239|-30.6623,145.7496|-30.5951,145.8860|-30.5454,145.9018|-30.5144,145.8784|-30.5168,145.8736|-30.4989,145.8660|-30.4830,145.8860|-30.4432,145.8581|-30.4260,145.8913|-30.3933,145.8684|-30.4401,145.7936|-30.3905,145.7611|-30.2743,145.6847}} eg19382rwblxb2dx010owqb5kk4oxwc 4488224 4488222 2022-07-22T11:55:03Z SHB2000 2248002 /* Visitor information */ wikitext text/x-wiki {{pagebanner|Gundabooka National Park banner.jpg}} '''Gundabooka National Park''' is a 639.02-km² [[New South Wales national parks|national park]] in the northwest of the [[Outback New South Wales|Outback]] in [[New South Wales]] about 52 km south of [[Bourke]]. Along with [[Sturt National Park]] and the newly-established [[Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park]], it's another one of the "real outback" parks. It's an important site to the Indigenous Ngemba people and there are many artifacts and rock art that can be found within the park, though only one of them is accessible to travelers. For practical purposes, this article also covers parts of the '''Gundabooka State Conservation Area''' that's contiguous with the national park, and the narrow strip of land that surrounds Ben Lomond Road that is technically not part of the park (as it's not owned by the NSW NPWS). ==Understand== ===History=== ===Landscape=== ===Flora and fauna=== ===Climate=== ===Visitor information=== * [https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/gundabooka-national-park NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website] * {{listing | name=Bourke office | alt= | url= | email=npws.bourke@environment.nsw.gov.au | address=51-53 Oxley St, Bourke | lat= | long= | directions= | phone=+61 2 6830 0200 | tollfree= | hours=M–F 8:30AM–4PM | price= | wikidata= | lastedit=2022-07-22 | content=Park office. }} ==Get in== ==Fees and permits== {{mapframe}} ==Get around== ==See== ==Do== ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== ==Sleep== ===Lodging=== ===Camping=== ===Backcountry=== ==Stay safe== ==Go next== {{IsPartOf|Outback New South Wales}} {{outlinepark}} {{geo||}} {{Mapmask|-30.2743,145.6847|-30.2898,145.6524|-30.3164,145.6326|-30.3410,145.6143|-30.3796,145.5882|-30.3889,145.5735|-30.3909,145.5703|-30.4721,145.6239|-30.4944,145.5920|-30.4998,145.5844|-30.5097,145.5586|-30.5115,145.5541|-30.5947,145.6102|-30.6072,145.6186|-30.6208,145.6278|-30.6313,145.6106|-30.6386,145.6150|-30.6419,145.6170|-30.6433,145.6178|-30.6521,145.6239|-30.6577,145.6278|-30.6629,145.6313|-30.6637,145.6319|-30.6682,145.6350|-30.6231,145.7239|-30.6623,145.7496|-30.5951,145.8860|-30.5454,145.9018|-30.5144,145.8784|-30.5168,145.8736|-30.4989,145.8660|-30.4830,145.8860|-30.4432,145.8581|-30.4260,145.8913|-30.3933,145.8684|-30.4401,145.7936|-30.3905,145.7611|-30.2743,145.6847}} 2gai8mthqbgna75bwzjzi9mpuarge3c